WHITHER shall I, the fair maiden, flee from Sorrow? If I fly from Sorrow into the dark forest, After me runs Sorrow with an axe. "I will fell, I will fell the green oaks; I will seek, I will find the fair maiden." If I fly from Sorrow into the open field, After me runs Sorrow with a scythe. "I will mow, I will mow the open field; I will seek, I will find the fair maiden." Whither then shall I flee from Sorrow? If I rush from Sorrow into the blue sea, -- After me comes Sorrow as a huge fish. "I will drink, I will swallow the blue sea: I will seek, I will find the fair maiden." If I seek refuge from Sorrow in marriage, -- Sorrow follows me as my dowry. If I take to my bed to escape from Sorrow, -- Sorrow sits beside my pillow. And when I shall have fled from Sorrow into the damp earth, -- Sorrow will come after me with a spade. Then will Sorrow stand over me, and cry triumphantly, "I have driven, I have driven, the maiden into the damp earth." |