[Adam Elgar]

Here's a mischievous bagatelle, kindly provided by one of our number to inspire the wit and wisdom of the Sphere in celebration of International Translation Day. All are welcome to have a go, whether linguists or not. If you're feeling inclined to join in, then PM or email me your version, which I will then post on your behalf, to preserve anonymity, over at Translation. No deadlines.....

Since Heine has become something of an in-house poet at Translation recently, here he is again. And what a wicked little rhyme scheme, which you're welcome to try and imitate... or not....


A Woman/A Wife

They both had such heartfelt love for each other,
she was a swindler, he was a thief.
Whenever he misbehaved (made roguish tricks)
she threw herself on the bed and laughed.

The day went by in joy and pleasure,
at night she lay by his breast.
As he was brought to prison
she stood in the window and laughed.

He sent her word, “Oh, come to me,
I long so much for you,
I call after you, I languish.”
She shook her head and laughed.

At six in the morning he was hanged,
At seven he was lowered into the grave,
She, however, already at eight,
Drank red wine and laughed.



[Original]

Ein Weib - Heinrich Heine

Sie hatten sich beide so herzlich lieb,
Spitzbübin war sie, er war ein Dieb.
Wenn er Schelmenstreiche machte,
Sie warf sich aufs Bett und lachte.

Der Tag verging in Freud und Lust,
Des Nachts lag sie an seiner Brust.
Als man ins Gefängnis ihn brachte,
Sie stand am Fenster und lachte.

Er ließ ihr sagen: O komm zu mir,
Ich sehne mich so sehr nach dir,
Ich rufe nach dir, ich schmachte -
Sie schüttelt’ das Haupt und lachte.

Um sechse des Morgens ward er gehenkt
Um sieben ward er ins Grab gesenkt
Sie aber schon um achte
Trank roten Wein und lachte.