The Sun is setting on its course
A star has awakened at the edge of the horizon
It glared up to show the way
On the outlaw's passage of the barrens.
A nocturnal fairy, the shelter of moss
wipes away his trace, hiding his footsteps.
A wayfarer of wastelands through nine counties
questioning the Moon's light in vain.
A lad running along with the scudding wind,
His darling awaits him along the road,
Not even the birds of the skies suspect
the arrival of this shadow in the depths of the night.
With tears in eyes and an embrace,
with love lasting to the grave,
this orphan girl makes a promise
to keep his secrets faithfully.
You see, I’m like trees in a storm,
I’m like the Moon’s light in a dark night,
I look after you!
You see, I hold you in my arms,
like a child embracing their mother, so you can keep resting now.
At the rooster’s alarm the Gendarmerie storm into the village,
straight into that house on its edge.
“Gendarmes, sirs, what do you want from me,
all I have is what you see here, how can I hurt the law all by myself?
Gendarmes, sirs, what do you want from me,
I am poor, I am an orphan, how can I hurt the law all by myself?"
“We’re not after you, orphan girl,
but your lover, that murderer rogue,
who comes by night,
you carry his child below your heart,
turn him in, or can join him at the gallows!
An outlaw visits this place at night,
you carry his child below your heart,
turn him in, or can join him at the gallows!”
The Sun is rising on its course,
the lad stands at the gallows,
shackled by iron from top to bottom,
his eyes are blazing with flames,
as folks gather on the main street.
“Condemn me, lords, if you must,
but spare this orphan girl!
Look at her, she’s blessed with a child,
Pity her at least.”
You see, I’m like trees in a storm,
I’m like the Moon’s light in a dark night, I look after you!
You see, I hold you in my arms,
like a child embracing their mother, so you can keep resting now.
