Nidwalden – Funeral Service – Death, that’s his name, and spirits tremble before him!
Prayer and Meditation
I know one, we don't love him. I call him the one who breaks the swords. Sore! his head is in the midnight, his foot in the dust. In front of him the leaves blow down to the dark earth. Without pity in his arms he carries the childishly tumbling world. Death, that's his name, and spirits tremble before him, the terrible hero. I feel my strength dwindling more and more.
This is the death that gnaws at my heart, I already know it and what you keep saying. You won't blindfold me. Tired and tired, I squirm until the veiled morning finally dawns. Then the evening falls and whoever asks about me will only find a quiet man.
That I may speak of death and dying in this way, and yet my cheeks do not discolour, you think it courageous, almost cocky. The death! - the death? The word does not frighten me, but I have not grasped him in my heart and have not yet looked him in the face.
Funeral Service - Nidwalden
The girl over! Ah, over! Go, wild Boneman! I'm still young, go dear! And don't touch me. Death give your hand, you beautiful and delicate creature! I am a friend and do not come to punish. Be of good cheer! I'm not wild, you shall sleep softly in my arms! let me, death, let me live! Even if I'm only of little use, I'll do less harm. When they sit in the lap of princes and give evil plots, and load the curse of the peoples on themselves.
When they pervert rights instead of looking after rights, when they proclaim repentance. And pile sin upon sin; than to heal the sick. Giving Harmful Means. When they command warriors, and command them cruelly. The hero's art of war is useless to protect lands wisely. Death, if these do not mend, take them out of houses and castles! And if you have taken her now, then death, then be welcome to me.