Es War Ein Alter König

There was a king, now ageing,

With heart of lead, and head so grey.

He took a wife, the old king,

A young wife too, men say.

There was a handsome pageboy

With hair of gold, and thoughts so free:

He bore the silks with joy

That trailed behind the queen.

Do you know the ancient singing?

It rings so true: it rings so sweet!

Both had to die, of loving,

Of love that was too deep.