Classic Poem

(Translation of Heine's " Bergstimme. " )

Through the mountain valley a knight doth ride,
Pensive and slow his pace.
" Oh, go I now to the arms of my bride,
Or into the grave's embrace? "
The mountain echoes replied:
" The grave's embrace. "

Then spoke the knight, with a heavy sigh:
" In life can my woe never cease?
Ah, well, if so early my death draws nigh,
Perhaps in the grave is peace. "
The echoes made reply:
" The grave is peace. "

With tears on his cheek he gazed around
In longing and unrest:
" If only in death can peace be found,
For me the grave is best. "
The hollow echoes resound:
" The grave is best. "