#256 - The Little Fishermaiden

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Composer:
- Ludolf Waldmann (1840-1919), 1888
- from the operetta Incognito
Also known as:
- Das Kleine Fischermädchen
- The Little Fisher Maiden
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Incipit: 51713562515363636176345
Condensed Incipit: 51713562515363636176345
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Lyrics:
There was a little Fisher-maiden,
So lovely and so bright,
A joy unto the sight!
A joy unto the sight!
The fairest maid in all the village.
She braved the stormy sea,
With heart so light and free,
With heart so light and free!
The Mermaids came with voices clear,
To warn the maid of dangers near!
To warn the maid of dangers, dangers near!

chorus:
The mermaids' song, the mermaids' song rang long;
“Little Fisher-maiden,
Skies with storm are laden!
Tempt no more, alone, the sea!
Danger's waiting there for thee!
Little Fisher-maiden,
Skies with storm are laden!
Tempt no more, alone, the sea!
Danger waits for thee!

She cried “All danger I am scorning!”
And laughing, on sail'd she,
Tho' wilder grew the sea,
Tho' wilder grew the sea,
Came Tritons who had heard that warning.
When these the maiden spied,
For help, for help she cried!
For help, for help she cried!
Her fragile boat they toss' it o'er,
She sails the sea, alone, no more!
She threw it on the cruel rocky shore!

The Fisher-maiden swift was dying;
She sank beneath the wave!
But Neptune came to save!
But Neptune came to save!
Amid the tempest round them flying,
With strong and willing hand,
He drew her safe to land!
He drew her safe to land!
But since that hour her joy is o'er,
She sails the sea, alone, no more!
She sails the sea alone, alone no more!
- trans. George Cooper
  (1840-1927), 1889