Jahrtausendalt [English translation]

I saw a lad who played,

from wood of ash was hewn his bow.

Still aiming his gaze stayed,

as long flown forth was his arrow.

I heard a kestrel screech,

it soared wild into the skylight

Freedom it could not reach,

for with it rose horrible fright

Clasped in the victim's fang,

the splittered shaft was twisted wild

And alongside it rang

the jubilant scream of the child

Mingled in one echo1,

I could not tell which was louder

Be it a wild sorrow,

let out by the gloomy robber2

Be it a wild delight,

let forth by a young throat3

Both flew into the light,

a tousand years old they were both.

1. lit. "I heard both screams"2. The only equivalent I could find for "Raubgeselle" is "bandit". There is probably another meaning I did not catch.

Here "geraubt Seele" (stolen soul) would fit nicely, but alas that's not what is written3. lit "by the lad's breast"

• Artist:Faun
• Album:Buch Der Balladen