Der Wald: II. Transformation – Scene I

Kind friends are come to say goodbye to Röschen, fair Röschen, the joy and pride of all our hearts, o cruel maid to leave us! In vain had many a galant youth besought her to cast aside her maiden pride and join the ranks of matrons. One day young Heinrich passed her door ah me! and long he looked and long he lingered, she smiled on him so sweetly! ah me! two hearts were lost that day! The merriest heart, the lightest foot! Alas! Her dancing days are o'er. What youth were bold enough to ask a matron staid to join the dance? Ah me!

Ah! You laugh and scoff, but know that cruel Fate will o'er-take you!
Some cunning maid will steal your heart, in loving fetters bind you and then to freedom bid good bye to freedom!

Oh Röschen you are going to wed!
Freedom is sweet and men can wait, let them wait!
No, no, we cannot wait, so come kiss me quickly if you can.