A Digital Repository of Medieval Texts
Der Stricker. "The Wino." Global Medieval Sourcebook.Translation by Kathryn StarkeyBjörn K. BuschbeckRobert ForkeMae Velloso-LyonsMareike E. ReischKathleen Smith .
Der Weinschwelg | The Wino
Source Information
Der Weinschwelg | The Wino
by Der Stricker
Text Source:
Der Stricker. Fünfzehn kleine Verserzählungen mit einem Anhang: Der Weinschwelg. Edited by Hanns Fischer. Tübingen: Max Niemeyer, 1960.
Responsibility Statement:
- Translation by Kathryn Starkey, Björn K. Buschbeck, Robert Forke, Mae Velloso-Lyons, Mareike E. Reisch, and Kathleen Smith
- Text based on the edition in Based on the edition in Der Stricker. Fünfzehn kleine Verserzählungen mit einem Anhang: Der Weinschwelg. Edited by Hanns Fischer. Tübingen: Max Niemeyer, 1960.
- Encoded in TEI P5 XML by Jordan Rosen-Kaplan
Editorial Principles:
Transcriptions and translations are encoded in XML conforming to TEI (P5) guidelines. The original-language text is contained within <lem> tags and translations within <rdg> tags.
Texts are translated into modern American English with maximum fidelity to the original text, except where it would impair comprehension or good style. Archaisms are preserved where they do not conflict with the aesthetic of the original text. Scribal errors and creative translation choices are marked and discussed in the critical notes.
Publication Details:
Published by Global Medieval Sourcebook.
The Global Medieval Sourcebook is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Swaz ich trinkens hân gesehen, Any drinking I have seen
daz ist gar von kinden geschehen: Is child’s play indeed:
ich hân einen swelch gesehen, I’ve seen a drunkard
dem wil ich meisterschefte jehen. Whose mastery I want to proclaim.
5
den dûhten becher gar enwiht, He considered cups inadequate, er wolde näpfe noch kopfe niht, He wanted neither bowls nor pots,
er tranc ûz grôzen kannen. But drank from large pitchers.
er ist vor allen mannen Of all men he is the
ein vorlouf aller swelhen. Forerunner of all drunkards.
10
von ûren und von elhen Neither aurochs nor elks wart solher slünde nie niht getân. Ever swallowed so much.
ez muose alle zît vor im stân There always had to be a
ein grôziu kanel wînes vol. Large pitcher full of wine in front of him.
er sprach: "wîn, ich erkenne dich wol! He said, “Wine, I know you well!
15
ich weiz wol, daz du guot bist. I know that you are good. die wîle dîn in dem vazze iht ist, As long as there is any of you left in this vessel,
sô wil ich bûwen dise banc." I will sit here."
c
Critical note:
"Dise banc buwen" translates to to farm, to plow, to settle
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank:
Einen trunc von zweinzec slünden. A drink of twenty swallows
20
er sprach: "nu wil ich künden, He said: "Now I want to proclaim waz tugent du hâst, vil lieber wîn. your virtue, oh dear wine
wie möhtestu tugenthafter sîn? How could you be more virtuous?
du hâst schœne und grôze güete, You’ve got beauty and great goodness,
du gîst uns hôchgemüete, You lend us high spirits,
25
du machest küene den zagen. You make the coward brave. swer dîn wâfen wil tragen, Whoever wants to bear your arms
der wirt wîse unde karc, Becomes wise and cunning,
er wirt snel unde starc, He becomes fast and strong,
er fürhtet niemens drô. He fears no threat.
30
du machest die trûrigen frô, You make the sad happy, du gîst dem alten jungen muot, You give young spirit to the old,
du rîchest den armen âne guot, You make the poor rich without any goods,
du machest die liute wolgevar. And you make people attractive.
du bist ouch selbe schœne gar, You are quite attractive yourself,
35
du bist lûter unde blanc." You are pure and clear." dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank:
Einen trunc, der für die andern gie. A drink that was larger than the others before.
er sprach: "war umbe oder wie He said: "why and how
solde ich den wîn vermîden? Should I avoid the wine?
40
ich mac in wol erlîden, I can handle it well, sît er allen mînen willen tuot. Because it does whatever I want.
er dunket mich bezzer denne guot; I consider it better than good;
ich geniete mich sîn nimmer. I never do without it.
ich will in loben immer I always want to praise it
45
für bûhurdieren und für tanz. Above jousting and dancing krône, tschapel unde kranz, Crown, circlet, and wreath,
pfelle, samît und scharlât, Silk, samite, and scarlet,
swaz gezierde disiu werlt hât, Whatever adornment this world has,
die næme ich niht für den wîn. I would not take it over wine.
50
in hât in dem herzen mîn My love has given a home to it mîn minne alsô behûset, In my heart,
versigelt und verklûset: Sealed it and enclosed it:
wir mugen uns niht gescheiden. We can’t part from each other.
swer mir in wolde leiden, I would hate anyone forever
55
der müese immer haben mînen haz. Who wanted to make me dislike it. er kürzet mir die wîle baz It entertains me better
denne sagen, singen, seitenklanc." Than storytelling, singing, or the sound of strings."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank:
Einen trunc noch grœzer denne ê. A drink even greater than before.
60
er sprach: "gras, bluomen unde klê He said, "grass, flowers and clover und aller krûte meisterschaft, And the potency of all plants,
die würze und aller steine kraft, The herbs and the power of all stones,
der walt und elliu vogelîn The forest and all birds
diu möhten dîn, vil lieber wîn, They can’t delight anybody
65
die liute niht ergetzen. Better than you, dear wine. si möhten dich niht ersetzen They cannot replace you
mit allem dem, daz si kunnen. With everything that they are able to do.
ich wil dir gerne gunnen, I will gladly allow you
daz du mir kürzest die zît. To entertain
c
me. Critical note:
note about the concept of kurzwile
70
swaz fröuden mir diu werlt gît, Whatever joys the world gives me, diu kumt vil gar von dîner tugent; They come from your virtues;
dîn lop hât immer jugent, Your praise will prevail,
dîn werdekeit wirt nimmer kranc." Your value will never fade."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank:
75
Einen trunc alsô starc, A drink so mighty und solde er eine halbe marc That if he had been rewarded
ze lône dâ mit verdienet hân, Half a mark for this
ern dörfte niht bezzers hân getân. He couldn’t have done better.
er sprach: "beidiu ich und der wîn He said, "both me and the wine
80
müezen immer ensamt sîn. Always have to be together. mir ist an im gelungen; I desire it,
er hât mich des betwungen, And it has convinced me
daz ich ie tet, swaz er mir gebôt. That I always do what it bids me.
der wîn ist guot für manige nôt. The wine is good for many a problem.
85
künde er niht wan fröude geben, If it couldn’t do anything but give joy, diu werlt solde immer gein im streben. The world should constantly strive for it.
sîn fröude ist vor allen dingen. Its joy is bigger than everything else.
ich wil nâch fröuden ringen. I want to go after joy.
sît mir der wîn fröude gît, Since the wine gives me such a joy
90
nu wil ich trinken unz an die zît, I now want to drink to the moment daz er mir sô vil fröuden gebe, that it gives me so much joy
daz ich mit fröuden immer lebe. so that I can live joyfully forever.
wie kan ich denne verderben? How can I ever become depraved?
ich wil nâch fröuden werben. I want to seek out joy.
95
des habe mîn lîp immer danc!" My life c
shall forever benefit from it!" Critical note:
lîp can mean either life or body
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank:
Daz man nie solhes niht vernam. Such has never been heard.
er sprach: "der herzoge Iram He said: "Count Iram,
der was gar âne wîsheit, He had no wisdom at all (devoid)
100
daz er einem wisent nâchreit, because he rode in pursuit of a bison er und sîn jäger Nordiân, He and his huntsman Nordian;
si solden den wîn gejaget hân, They should have hunted wine
sô wæren si wîse, als ich bin. Then they would have been as wise as I am.
mir ist vil samfter denne in. My life is more comfortable than his.
105
ich kan jagen unde vâhen, I can hunt and capture, mich ermüedet niht mîn gâhen. My pursuit does not wear me out.
ich jage den vil lieben wîn; I hunt the beloved wine
des jäger wil ich immer sîn. And forever want to be its huntsman.
er hât mir ie sô wol getân. It always did so well by me.
110
swaz ich sîn her getrunken hân All I have drunk of it so far, und swaz ich sîn naht unde tac all that I may swill (guzzle) down
in mînen lîp geswelhen mac, into my belly day and night,
daz ist wan ein anevanc." That is but a beginning.
alrêst huob er unde tranc: First, he raised his glass and drank:
115
Vil manigen ungefüegen slunt. Many enormous gulps. er sprach: "wîn, mir ist dîn tugent kunt. He spoke: “Wine, your virtues are known to me
ich erkenne wol dîne kraft, I well perceive your power
dîn kunst und dîne meisterschaft. Your skill and your mastery.
du bist meister der sinne, You are master of the senses,
120
du liebest mir für die minne, You love me beyond love, du machest stæte manigen kouf, You firm up many deals,
du machest manegen wettelouf, You create a lot of competition,
du machest maniger hande spil, You make work for many hands,
mit fröuden kurzewîle vil. With much merriment and joy.
125
diu werlt ist gar mit dir erhaben. The world is elevated by you du kanst die durstigen laben, You can revive the thirsty
du machest die siechen gesunt. And cure the sick.
sît du mir êrste würde kunt, Since I first discovered you
sô bin ich dir gewesen bî: I have always been with you
130
swie vil dîner diener sî, However many servants you have daz mich doch niemen von dir dranc." None has come between the two of us."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank.
Daz die slünde lûte erklungen So that the gulps rang out loudly
und an ein ander drungen. And chased each other down the throat
135
dâ wart von starken slünden Of strong swallows there was ein sturm, daz von den ünden a storm, because of the waves
diu drozze wart ze enge, his throat grew too narrow
daz sich von dem wâcgedrenge So that from the pressure
diu güsse begunde werren, The currents started to swirl,
140
blôdern unde kerren To roar and moan als ein windesprût ûf dem mere. Like a tempest at sea.
dâ wart mit hurteclicher were The strength of many a gulp
versuochet maniges slundes kraft. Was thus tested by a fierce resistance.
er sprach: "daz ist ein meisterschaft, He said: "I have never drunk
145
daz ich noch niht getrunken hân. with such mastery before. mîn kunst ist alsô getân, My artistry is such
daz ich mich niht vergâhe That I do not rush,
und ez müezeclîche anevâhe, But I practice with leisure,
durch daz ich ez lange trîben wil. So that I can carry on for a long time.
150
ich lebe wênic ode vil, No matter whether I live for a long or a short time mir wirt trinkens nimmer buoz. I never regret drinking.
habe iemen einen ringen fuoz, If someone is quick on his feet
der bringe mir guoten aneganc." he could start me off well."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
155
Als er nimmer wolde erwinden. As if he would never want to stop. er sprach: "wâ sol man vinden, He spoke: "Where could one find,
swenne ich erstirbe, einen man Were I to die, a man
der trinke, als ich trinken kan? who drinks as I can drink?
mîn habent alle trinker êre. All drinkers gain honor through me.
160
man sol mir danken sêre, I should be greatly thanked daz ich ir leben sô ziere. for enriching their lives this way.
der besten trinker viere, Four of the best drinkers
die volgent mir wan ein tac. Can’t keep up with me for even a day.
ich kan wol trinken unde mac; I can certainly drink and I will;
165
ich hân künste unde kraft. I have skills and stamina. mîn herze ist sô tugenthaft, My heart is so virtuous
daz ez an trinken nie gehanc." That it was never unsteadied by drinking.
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he lifted his glass and drank.
Einen trunc, der die andern übersteic. A drink that surpassed all others.
170
dô stuont er ûf unde neic. Then he stood up and bowed. er sprach: "wîn, dir sî genigen! He spoke: “Wine, I bow to you.
ich trûwe mit dir wol gesigen. I am sure of winning with you.
die wîle du bist mîn nâchgebûr, As long as you are my companion
mir enschadet der schîme noch der schûr; I am harmed by neither bright weather nor storm,
175
ich kan deheiner sorgen pflegen: I can’t nurse any worries, mir enschadet diu sunne noch der regen; I am harmed by neither sun nor rain,
diu fröude bûwet mînen muot. Joy raises my spirits.
ich ensorge umbe êre noch umbe guot, I worry about neither honor nor wealth
umbe friunde noch umbe mâge. nor friends nor family.
180
ichn urliuge noch enbâge I neither do battle nor do I quarrel und enruoche, wie blôz der walt stê. Or concern myself with how bare the forest is.
mir enschadet der wint noch der snê, I am harmed by neither wind or snow,
der rîfe noch der anehanc." Frost nor icicles."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank.
185
Einen trunc, der grôze güsse truoc. A torrential drink. er sprach: "diu houwe und der pfluoc He spoke: "The how and the plough,
diu müesen immer ledic sîn, They would forever be abandoned
wessen die gebûren, daz der wîn If the farmers knew
sô maniger êren wielte that the wine wielded such great honor
190
und sô manic lob behielte. And held such praise. erkanden si rehte sîn tugent, If they recognized his true virtue
si vertriben ir alter und ir jugent They would spend
bî dem wîne al gemeine. both their old age and youth on wine.
nu erkennent si in vil kleine. Now they barely recognize it.
195
daz hân ich ze einem heile. That’s fortunate for me dâ von ist er wolveile. because it’s cheaply available.
daz machet mir mîn leben lanc." That prolongs my life."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Einen hundertslündigen trunc. A drink of a hundred gulps.
200
er sprach: "daz machet mich junc, He says: "it keeps me young daz ich mîne trünke lenge that I lengthen my drinks
und den slünden des verhenge, and command my gulps
daz si swellent unde grôzent to swell and grow
und sô hurticlîchen stôzent, and collide so rapidly
205
daz die slege von den ünden that the crashing waves stürme hebent in den slünden. creates storms in my gullet.
swer mir êrste gab den wîn, He who first gave me wine
des lop müeze immer sælic sîn. should always be blessed with praise.
er hât mich wol gelêret. He taught me well.
210
er ist sîn immer geêret, May he always be honored for this, wan mir ie wol an ime gelanc." because I always did well by him."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Einen trunc langen und sô grôz, a drink so long and deep,
daz sîn alle die liute bedrôz, that all the people
215
die ez hôrten unde sâhen. who saw and heard it became annoyed. er sprach: "ez wil im nâhen, He said: "The time is approaching
daz ich trinkens wil beginnen. when I can start drinking.
ich bin wol worden innen, I’ve come to understood
daz mir der wîn süezet that wine refreshes me
220
und mîn herze grüezet. and cheers my heart. dâ wider bute ich mînen gruoz. Again, I offer my greetings.
wîn, ich valle dir ze fuoz. Wine, I fall at your feet.
ich enphienge dich gerne, kunde ich, baz. I receive you well, and better if I could.
ich enphâhe dich immer âne haz, I always welcome you eagerly,
225
du enphâhest mich, als tuon ich dich; and you welcome me as I do you; der anepfanc ist minneclich. Our encounter is full of love;
daz sô unser beider antfanc!" May that be our beginning!"
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: He raised his glass and drank:
Einen trunc, der begunde blôdern, A drink that began to rush
230
als daz wazzer ûf den flôdern Like water on the wheels ûf allen kumpfmüln tuot. Of every watermill there is.
er sprach: "daz ist ein süeziu fluot, He said: "That is a sweet flood
diu wäschet mir von dem herzen That washes both sorrow and pain
unfröude unde smerzen. from my heart.
235
er kan mich leides wol erjeten." It can weed out my misery." dô begunde er springen unde treten Then he began to jump and dance
manigen sprunc seltsænen. Many a strange leap.
er sprach: "niemen sol des wænen, He said: "No one shall claim
daz er sich mir gelîche. that he is my equal.
240
mîn herze ist sô vröuden rîche. My heart is so rich with joy. der wîn, der mich dâ machet junc, I want to dance for
dem wil ich springen einen sprunc." the wine that makes me young again.
vrôlîchen er drîstunt ûfspranc. For three hours he joyfully danced.
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he lifted his glass and drank.
245
Der trunc wart maniges trunkes wert. The drink was worth many drinks er sprach: "ich bin der trinkens gert, He spoke: "I desire to drink
ich bin ein trinkender man, I am a drinking man
der alsô sêre trinken kan, Who can drink so much that
daz ich allen trinkern angesige I can defeat all drinkers
250
und allen trinkern obgelige. And surpass them all. ich wart nie trinkens sat. I was never sated by drinking.
ich kom noch nie an die stat, I never reached a point
dâ ich getrünke mir genuoc. where I had had enough.
wol der muoter, diu mich truoc! Bless the mother who bore me!
255
sælic sî si küniginne! May she, the queen, be blessed! sælic sî diu süeze minne Blessed be the sweet love
und diu wîle, dô si mich erranc!" And the moment of my conception!
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Einen trunc, der wart swære. A heavy drink.
260
swie grôz diu kanel wære However large the vessel might have been si was zeinem trunke niht volgrôz, It was not big enough for his drink,
wan man ze einer nôt ingôz. unless one continually refilled it.
er hiez et vaste inegiezen He ordered it to be refilled quickly
und lie daz in sich vliezen, and let it pour down into him,
265
daz dâ noch solhes niht geschach. As has never happened before. dô saz er nider unde sprach: Then he sat down and said:
"der wîn ist rehte ein gimme. "Wine is a true gem
ich hœre eine süeze stimme I hear a sweet voice
in mînem huobet singen; sing in my head.
270
die hœre ich gerne klingen. I enjoy hearing it chime. er ist rehte, daz ich in krœne: It is right that I anoint it
er singet mêre süezer dœne It sings tones more sweetly
denne aller slahte klingen Than all kinds of sounds
und aller vogele singen. And the singing of all birds.
275
mir wart solhes nie niht bekant. I never heard such a thing. er singet sô wol, daz Hôrant It sings so well that Horant
daz dritte teil nie sô wol gesanc." Never sang a third as well."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: He raised his glass and drank
Daz die banc begunde krachen. So that the bench began to crack
280
er sprach: "dez muoz ich lachen, He said: "I have to laugh about this des ist ze lachen harte guot; And it’s well worth a laugh
daz krachen fröuwet mir den muot. The cracking raises my spirits.
ez machet des wînes güete. It is done by virtue of the wine
ich hân allez mîn gemüete I have completely drenched all my spirits
285
in den fröuden wol getrenket; In joy. dar in hân ich mich gesenket. I have plunged myself into it
ich sanc ie sît der stunde, And have been sinking since the hour
daz ich êrste trinken kunde That I was first able to drink
und mir der wîn sô wol geviel. And wine first appealed to me.
290
ich weiz wol, daz dehein kiel I know well that no keel in daz mere sô tiefe nie gesanc." Ever sank so deep into the sea
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Einen vierschrœtigen trunc. A massive drink.
er sprach: "ich bin worden junc He said: "I have been rejuvenated
295
an lîbe und an muote. In body and spirit. wol mich", sô sprach der guote, Good for me," the good man said,
"daz ich sô gar ein meister bin "That I am such a masterful
an trinken! seht, daz heize ich sin! Drinker! I pronounce it to be so!
ich weiz wol: dâ ze Parîs, I know well: in Paris
300
ze Padouwe und ze Tervîs, In Padua, in Treviso ze Rôme und ze Tuscân In Rome, and in Tuscany
vindet man deheinen man, You can’t find anyone
ich ensî sîn meister gewesen, Whom I haven’t surpassed
daz mir nie gein einer vesen None of them can be compared
305
ir deheiner möhte gelîchen. To me, not even a little bit. hal in allen diutschen rîchen Frankly, in no German lands
kom mir nie deheiner zuo, Can anyone come close to being
der beidiu spâte unde fruo As steadfast a drinker
sô wol an trinken dûre. Both mornings and evenings.
310
wînes nâchgebûre I want to be wine’s companion wil ich hiute und immer wesen. Today and always.
mîn sêle muoz mit ime genesen. My soul will always thrive with it.
im ist mîn sêle immer holt, My soul is always beholden to it
swenne er schœne als ein golt When it flows from the tap
315
von dem zaphen schiuzet. As beautiful as gold. vil wênic mich des verdriuzet, It doesn’t bother me at all
swaz man sîn in mich giuzet; Which wine is poured into me.
vil wol mîn lîp des geniuzet. I enjoy it very much.
man saget von turnieren. People talk of tournaments.
320
vaste swelhen under vieren, I can easily be the daz kan ich wol, des habe ich danc." Best of four. I’m grateful for that."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank.
Einen trunc, der vil grôz was. A drink that was very large.
er sprach: "swaz man ie gelas He spoke: "Whatever anyone read ever
325
von den, die minne pflâgen About those who practiced love und tôt von minne lâgen, And died of love
die wâren mir niht gelîche wîs. They were never equal to me.
wie starp der künic Pârîs, How king Paris died
der durch Helenam wart erslagen! Because of Helen!
330
des tumpheit sol man immer klagen. His idiocy should ever be lamented er solde den wîn geminnet hân, He should have courted wine,
sô het im niemen niht getân. Then no one would have done anything to him
vrou Dîdô lac von minne tôt, Lady Dido lay dead from love,
Grâlanden sluoc man unde sôt Graland was killed and cooked
335
und gab in den frouwen ze ezzen, And given to the women to eat want si sîn niht wolden vergezzen. Because they didn’t want to forget him.
Piramus und Tispê, Piramus and Thisbe,
den wart von minne sô wê They suffered so much from love
daz si sich rigen an ein swert. That they threw themselves on a sword.
340
mîn minne ist bezzers lônes wert, My love is worthy of a better reward denne ir aller minne wære. Than all their love.
mîn minne ist fröudebære. My love is joyous
ich bûwe der minne strâze, I pave the way for love
mir ist baz denn Turâze, I am doing better than Turaze
345
der von minne in dem sê ertranc." Who, because of love, drowned in the lake." dô huob er ûf unde tranc: He raised his glass and drank.
Einen trunc mit grôzer île; A drink with great haste
der werte unz and die wîle, Which continued until his
daz im diu gürtel zebrast. Belt burst.
350
er sprach: "daz bant ist niht ein bast, He said: "The rope with dâ mit ich zallen stunden Which I am tied to the wine
ze dem wîne bin gebunden. at all hours is not a mere ribbon
daz ist mîn sælde und mîn heil, It is my blessing and my salvation
und sint ouch driu vil starkiu seil: And is comprised of three strong strands:
355
daz eine ist des wînes güete, The first is wine’s virtue daz ander mîn stæte gemüete, The second is my steadfast spirit
daz dritte is diu gewonheit. The third is my habit.
er mac mir nimmer werden leit, I’ll never get tired of it,
ich muoz in immer minnen. I shall always love it.
360
ich mac im niht entrinnen. I can’t escape it. wie zebræche ich einen sô starken stranc?" How could I tear apart such a strong rope?"
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Sô sêre, daz si alle jâhen, He drank so much that all who saw him drink
die sîn trinken rehte ersâhen, agreed that
365
swaz er getrunken het unz dar, One should completely forget des solde man vergezzen gar: What he had drunk until now.
der trunc behielte gar den prîs. This drink clearly won the prize.
er sprach:"diu werlt ist unwîs, He said, "The world is foolish,
daz si niht ze wîne gât, Because it doesn’t turn to wine,
370
sô si deheinen gebresten hât, If it suffers any sorrow und trünke dâ für allez leit, And drank away all suffering
für angest und für arbeit, Fear and toil
für alter unde für den tôt, Old age and death
für siechtuom und für alle nôt, Illness and all perils.
375
für schaden und für schanden slac, All damage and shameful blows, und für swaz der werlt gewerren mac, And whatever troubles the world
für nebel und für bœsen stanc." Fog and bad smells."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Sô sêre, daz sich diu kanel bouc. So much that the pitcher bent.
380
er sprach: "swaz ie flôz ode flouc, He said: "All things that swim or fly daz sol billîche erkennen mich. Should rightfully pay respect to me.
die liute solten alle sich People should all
ze mînem gebote neigen. Bow to my command.
diu werlt ist gar mîn eigen. I own the world.
385
ich hân gewaltes sô vil, I have so much power daz ich tuon, daz ich wil. That I can do what I want.
swaz ich wil, daz ist getân. Whatever I want is as good as done.
daz ich allen mînen willen hân, Since I can do anything I want
dâ von heize ich Ungenôz. I am called Peerless.
390
mîne tugende sind sô grôz: My virtues are so great wære der werlde sô vil mê, That if the world were larger
daz das merr und ieslich sê So that the ocean and lakes
als guot wære als daz beste lant, Were as fruit-bearing as the best land,
daz müese stên ze mîner hant Then it would have to be under my control
395
und müese mir dienen âne wanc." And serve me without hesitation. dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Sô lange und sô sêre, For so long and so deeply,
sô vil und dannoch mêre, So much and even more,
sô vaste und sô harte, So fast and so forcefully,
400
daz sich daz hemde zarte. That his shirt split. er sprach:"des wirt guot rât. He said, "I have a good idea
ich weiz wol, waz dar wider stât; I know what the solution is;
ich kan wol wâfenen mich." I can easily equip myself.
er zôch einen hitzhals an sich He pulled on a leather doublet
405
(den hiez er vaste brîsen), (He ordered it to be tightly laced) dar zuo von guotem îsen As well as a hard and tight
ein vestez banzier enge. Breastplate of good iron.
er sprach: "des wînes gedrenge He said, "the pressure of the
lât mich nu ungezerret. Wine will now not tear me apart.
410
ich hân mich sô versperret, I’ve encased myself in such a way er enmac mich niht entsliezen. That it cannot split me open.
des sol ich wol geniezen, I shall benefit from,
daz ich ze fröuden mînen lîp Having constrained my body
getwungen hân, daz man noch wîp as no man or woman has ever done before,
415
sînen lîp sô sêre nie getwanc." for the sake joy. dô huob er ûf unde tranc. Then he raised his glass and drank.
Swaz ich trinkens hân gesehen, Any drinking I have seen
daz ist gar von kinden geschehen: Is child’s play indeed:
ich hân einen swelch gesehen, I’ve seen a drunkard
dem wil ich meisterschefte jehen. Whose mastery I want to proclaim.
5
den dûhten becher gar enwiht, He considered cups inadequate, er wolde näpfe noch kopfe niht, He wanted neither bowls nor pots,
er tranc ûz grôzen kannen. But drank from large pitchers.
er ist vor allen mannen Of all men he is the
ein vorlouf aller swelhen. Forerunner of all drunkards.
10
von ûren und von elhen Neither aurochs nor elks wart solher slünde nie niht getân. Ever swallowed so much.
ez muose alle zît vor im stân There always had to be a
ein grôziu kanel wînes vol. Large pitcher full of wine in front of him.
er sprach: "wîn, ich erkenne dich wol! He said, “Wine, I know you well!
15
ich weiz wol, daz du guot bist. I know that you are good. die wîle dîn in dem vazze iht ist, As long as there is any of you left in this vessel,
sô wil ich bûwen dise banc." I will sit here."
c
Critical note:
"Dise banc buwen" translates to to farm, to plow, to settle
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank:
Einen trunc von zweinzec slünden. A drink of twenty swallows
20
er sprach: "nu wil ich künden, He said: "Now I want to proclaim waz tugent du hâst, vil lieber wîn. your virtue, oh dear wine
wie möhtestu tugenthafter sîn? How could you be more virtuous?
du hâst schœne und grôze güete, You’ve got beauty and great goodness,
du gîst uns hôchgemüete, You lend us high spirits,
25
du machest küene den zagen. You make the coward brave. swer dîn wâfen wil tragen, Whoever wants to bear your arms
der wirt wîse unde karc, Becomes wise and cunning,
er wirt snel unde starc, He becomes fast and strong,
er fürhtet niemens drô. He fears no threat.
30
du machest die trûrigen frô, You make the sad happy, du gîst dem alten jungen muot, You give young spirit to the old,
du rîchest den armen âne guot, You make the poor rich without any goods,
du machest die liute wolgevar. And you make people attractive.
du bist ouch selbe schœne gar, You are quite attractive yourself,
35
du bist lûter unde blanc." You are pure and clear." dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank:
Einen trunc, der für die andern gie. A drink that was larger than the others before.
er sprach: "war umbe oder wie He said: "why and how
solde ich den wîn vermîden? Should I avoid the wine?
40
ich mac in wol erlîden, I can handle it well, sît er allen mînen willen tuot. Because it does whatever I want.
er dunket mich bezzer denne guot; I consider it better than good;
ich geniete mich sîn nimmer. I never do without it.
ich will in loben immer I always want to praise it
45
für bûhurdieren und für tanz. Above jousting and dancing krône, tschapel unde kranz, Crown, circlet, and wreath,
pfelle, samît und scharlât, Silk, samite, and scarlet,
swaz gezierde disiu werlt hât, Whatever adornment this world has,
die næme ich niht für den wîn. I would not take it over wine.
50
in hât in dem herzen mîn My love has given a home to it mîn minne alsô behûset, In my heart,
versigelt und verklûset: Sealed it and enclosed it:
wir mugen uns niht gescheiden. We can’t part from each other.
swer mir in wolde leiden, I would hate anyone forever
55
der müese immer haben mînen haz. Who wanted to make me dislike it. er kürzet mir die wîle baz It entertains me better
denne sagen, singen, seitenklanc." Than storytelling, singing, or the sound of strings."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank:
Einen trunc noch grœzer denne ê. A drink even greater than before.
60
er sprach: "gras, bluomen unde klê He said, "grass, flowers and clover und aller krûte meisterschaft, And the potency of all plants,
die würze und aller steine kraft, The herbs and the power of all stones,
der walt und elliu vogelîn The forest and all birds
diu möhten dîn, vil lieber wîn, They can’t delight anybody
65
die liute niht ergetzen. Better than you, dear wine. si möhten dich niht ersetzen They cannot replace you
mit allem dem, daz si kunnen. With everything that they are able to do.
ich wil dir gerne gunnen, I will gladly allow you
daz du mir kürzest die zît. To entertain
c
me. Critical note:
note about the concept of kurzwile
70
swaz fröuden mir diu werlt gît, Whatever joys the world gives me, diu kumt vil gar von dîner tugent; They come from your virtues;
dîn lop hât immer jugent, Your praise will prevail,
dîn werdekeit wirt nimmer kranc." Your value will never fade."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank:
75
Einen trunc alsô starc, A drink so mighty und solde er eine halbe marc That if he had been rewarded
ze lône dâ mit verdienet hân, Half a mark for this
ern dörfte niht bezzers hân getân. He couldn’t have done better.
er sprach: "beidiu ich und der wîn He said, "both me and the wine
80
müezen immer ensamt sîn. Always have to be together. mir ist an im gelungen; I desire it,
er hât mich des betwungen, And it has convinced me
daz ich ie tet, swaz er mir gebôt. That I always do what it bids me.
der wîn ist guot für manige nôt. The wine is good for many a problem.
85
künde er niht wan fröude geben, If it couldn’t do anything but give joy, diu werlt solde immer gein im streben. The world should constantly strive for it.
sîn fröude ist vor allen dingen. Its joy is bigger than everything else.
ich wil nâch fröuden ringen. I want to go after joy.
sît mir der wîn fröude gît, Since the wine gives me such a joy
90
nu wil ich trinken unz an die zît, I now want to drink to the moment daz er mir sô vil fröuden gebe, that it gives me so much joy
daz ich mit fröuden immer lebe. so that I can live joyfully forever.
wie kan ich denne verderben? How can I ever become depraved?
ich wil nâch fröuden werben. I want to seek out joy.
95
des habe mîn lîp immer danc!" My life c
shall forever benefit from it!" Critical note:
lîp can mean either life or body
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank:
Daz man nie solhes niht vernam. Such has never been heard.
er sprach: "der herzoge Iram He said: "Count Iram,
der was gar âne wîsheit, He had no wisdom at all (devoid)
100
daz er einem wisent nâchreit, because he rode in pursuit of a bison er und sîn jäger Nordiân, He and his huntsman Nordian;
si solden den wîn gejaget hân, They should have hunted wine
sô wæren si wîse, als ich bin. Then they would have been as wise as I am.
mir ist vil samfter denne in. My life is more comfortable than his.
105
ich kan jagen unde vâhen, I can hunt and capture, mich ermüedet niht mîn gâhen. My pursuit does not wear me out.
ich jage den vil lieben wîn; I hunt the beloved wine
des jäger wil ich immer sîn. And forever want to be its huntsman.
er hât mir ie sô wol getân. It always did so well by me.
110
swaz ich sîn her getrunken hân All I have drunk of it so far, und swaz ich sîn naht unde tac all that I may swill (guzzle) down
in mînen lîp geswelhen mac, into my belly day and night,
daz ist wan ein anevanc." That is but a beginning.
alrêst huob er unde tranc: First, he raised his glass and drank:
115
Vil manigen ungefüegen slunt. Many enormous gulps. er sprach: "wîn, mir ist dîn tugent kunt. He spoke: “Wine, your virtues are known to me
ich erkenne wol dîne kraft, I well perceive your power
dîn kunst und dîne meisterschaft. Your skill and your mastery.
du bist meister der sinne, You are master of the senses,
120
du liebest mir für die minne, You love me beyond love, du machest stæte manigen kouf, You firm up many deals,
du machest manegen wettelouf, You create a lot of competition,
du machest maniger hande spil, You make work for many hands,
mit fröuden kurzewîle vil. With much merriment and joy.
125
diu werlt ist gar mit dir erhaben. The world is elevated by you du kanst die durstigen laben, You can revive the thirsty
du machest die siechen gesunt. And cure the sick.
sît du mir êrste würde kunt, Since I first discovered you
sô bin ich dir gewesen bî: I have always been with you
130
swie vil dîner diener sî, However many servants you have daz mich doch niemen von dir dranc." None has come between the two of us."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank.
Daz die slünde lûte erklungen So that the gulps rang out loudly
und an ein ander drungen. And chased each other down the throat
135
dâ wart von starken slünden Of strong swallows there was ein sturm, daz von den ünden a storm, because of the waves
diu drozze wart ze enge, his throat grew too narrow
daz sich von dem wâcgedrenge So that from the pressure
diu güsse begunde werren, The currents started to swirl,
140
blôdern unde kerren To roar and moan als ein windesprût ûf dem mere. Like a tempest at sea.
dâ wart mit hurteclicher were The strength of many a gulp
versuochet maniges slundes kraft. Was thus tested by a fierce resistance.
er sprach: "daz ist ein meisterschaft, He said: "I have never drunk
145
daz ich noch niht getrunken hân. with such mastery before. mîn kunst ist alsô getân, My artistry is such
daz ich mich niht vergâhe That I do not rush,
und ez müezeclîche anevâhe, But I practice with leisure,
durch daz ich ez lange trîben wil. So that I can carry on for a long time.
150
ich lebe wênic ode vil, No matter whether I live for a long or a short time mir wirt trinkens nimmer buoz. I never regret drinking.
habe iemen einen ringen fuoz, If someone is quick on his feet
der bringe mir guoten aneganc." he could start me off well."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
155
Als er nimmer wolde erwinden. As if he would never want to stop. er sprach: "wâ sol man vinden, He spoke: "Where could one find,
swenne ich erstirbe, einen man Were I to die, a man
der trinke, als ich trinken kan? who drinks as I can drink?
mîn habent alle trinker êre. All drinkers gain honor through me.
160
man sol mir danken sêre, I should be greatly thanked daz ich ir leben sô ziere. for enriching their lives this way.
der besten trinker viere, Four of the best drinkers
die volgent mir wan ein tac. Can’t keep up with me for even a day.
ich kan wol trinken unde mac; I can certainly drink and I will;
165
ich hân künste unde kraft. I have skills and stamina. mîn herze ist sô tugenthaft, My heart is so virtuous
daz ez an trinken nie gehanc." That it was never unsteadied by drinking.
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he lifted his glass and drank.
Einen trunc, der die andern übersteic. A drink that surpassed all others.
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dô stuont er ûf unde neic. Then he stood up and bowed. er sprach: "wîn, dir sî genigen! He spoke: “Wine, I bow to you.
ich trûwe mit dir wol gesigen. I am sure of winning with you.
die wîle du bist mîn nâchgebûr, As long as you are my companion
mir enschadet der schîme noch der schûr; I am harmed by neither bright weather nor storm,
175
ich kan deheiner sorgen pflegen: I can’t nurse any worries, mir enschadet diu sunne noch der regen; I am harmed by neither sun nor rain,
diu fröude bûwet mînen muot. Joy raises my spirits.
ich ensorge umbe êre noch umbe guot, I worry about neither honor nor wealth
umbe friunde noch umbe mâge. nor friends nor family.
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ichn urliuge noch enbâge I neither do battle nor do I quarrel und enruoche, wie blôz der walt stê. Or concern myself with how bare the forest is.
mir enschadet der wint noch der snê, I am harmed by neither wind or snow,
der rîfe noch der anehanc." Frost nor icicles."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank.
185
Einen trunc, der grôze güsse truoc. A torrential drink. er sprach: "diu houwe und der pfluoc He spoke: "The how and the plough,
diu müesen immer ledic sîn, They would forever be abandoned
wessen die gebûren, daz der wîn If the farmers knew
sô maniger êren wielte that the wine wielded such great honor
190
und sô manic lob behielte. And held such praise. erkanden si rehte sîn tugent, If they recognized his true virtue
si vertriben ir alter und ir jugent They would spend
bî dem wîne al gemeine. both their old age and youth on wine.
nu erkennent si in vil kleine. Now they barely recognize it.
195
daz hân ich ze einem heile. That’s fortunate for me dâ von ist er wolveile. because it’s cheaply available.
daz machet mir mîn leben lanc." That prolongs my life."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Einen hundertslündigen trunc. A drink of a hundred gulps.
200
er sprach: "daz machet mich junc, He says: "it keeps me young daz ich mîne trünke lenge that I lengthen my drinks
und den slünden des verhenge, and command my gulps
daz si swellent unde grôzent to swell and grow
und sô hurticlîchen stôzent, and collide so rapidly
205
daz die slege von den ünden that the crashing waves stürme hebent in den slünden. creates storms in my gullet.
swer mir êrste gab den wîn, He who first gave me wine
des lop müeze immer sælic sîn. should always be blessed with praise.
er hât mich wol gelêret. He taught me well.
210
er ist sîn immer geêret, May he always be honored for this, wan mir ie wol an ime gelanc." because I always did well by him."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Einen trunc langen und sô grôz, a drink so long and deep,
daz sîn alle die liute bedrôz, that all the people
215
die ez hôrten unde sâhen. who saw and heard it became annoyed. er sprach: "ez wil im nâhen, He said: "The time is approaching
daz ich trinkens wil beginnen. when I can start drinking.
ich bin wol worden innen, I’ve come to understood
daz mir der wîn süezet that wine refreshes me
220
und mîn herze grüezet. and cheers my heart. dâ wider bute ich mînen gruoz. Again, I offer my greetings.
wîn, ich valle dir ze fuoz. Wine, I fall at your feet.
ich enphienge dich gerne, kunde ich, baz. I receive you well, and better if I could.
ich enphâhe dich immer âne haz, I always welcome you eagerly,
225
du enphâhest mich, als tuon ich dich; and you welcome me as I do you; der anepfanc ist minneclich. Our encounter is full of love;
daz sô unser beider antfanc!" May that be our beginning!"
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: He raised his glass and drank:
Einen trunc, der begunde blôdern, A drink that began to rush
230
als daz wazzer ûf den flôdern Like water on the wheels ûf allen kumpfmüln tuot. Of every watermill there is.
er sprach: "daz ist ein süeziu fluot, He said: "That is a sweet flood
diu wäschet mir von dem herzen That washes both sorrow and pain
unfröude unde smerzen. from my heart.
235
er kan mich leides wol erjeten." It can weed out my misery." dô begunde er springen unde treten Then he began to jump and dance
manigen sprunc seltsænen. Many a strange leap.
er sprach: "niemen sol des wænen, He said: "No one shall claim
daz er sich mir gelîche. that he is my equal.
240
mîn herze ist sô vröuden rîche. My heart is so rich with joy. der wîn, der mich dâ machet junc, I want to dance for
dem wil ich springen einen sprunc." the wine that makes me young again.
vrôlîchen er drîstunt ûfspranc. For three hours he joyfully danced.
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he lifted his glass and drank.
245
Der trunc wart maniges trunkes wert. The drink was worth many drinks er sprach: "ich bin der trinkens gert, He spoke: "I desire to drink
ich bin ein trinkender man, I am a drinking man
der alsô sêre trinken kan, Who can drink so much that
daz ich allen trinkern angesige I can defeat all drinkers
250
und allen trinkern obgelige. And surpass them all. ich wart nie trinkens sat. I was never sated by drinking.
ich kom noch nie an die stat, I never reached a point
dâ ich getrünke mir genuoc. where I had had enough.
wol der muoter, diu mich truoc! Bless the mother who bore me!
255
sælic sî si küniginne! May she, the queen, be blessed! sælic sî diu süeze minne Blessed be the sweet love
und diu wîle, dô si mich erranc!" And the moment of my conception!
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Einen trunc, der wart swære. A heavy drink.
260
swie grôz diu kanel wære However large the vessel might have been si was zeinem trunke niht volgrôz, It was not big enough for his drink,
wan man ze einer nôt ingôz. unless one continually refilled it.
er hiez et vaste inegiezen He ordered it to be refilled quickly
und lie daz in sich vliezen, and let it pour down into him,
265
daz dâ noch solhes niht geschach. As has never happened before. dô saz er nider unde sprach: Then he sat down and said:
"der wîn ist rehte ein gimme. "Wine is a true gem
ich hœre eine süeze stimme I hear a sweet voice
in mînem huobet singen; sing in my head.
270
die hœre ich gerne klingen. I enjoy hearing it chime. er ist rehte, daz ich in krœne: It is right that I anoint it
er singet mêre süezer dœne It sings tones more sweetly
denne aller slahte klingen Than all kinds of sounds
und aller vogele singen. And the singing of all birds.
275
mir wart solhes nie niht bekant. I never heard such a thing. er singet sô wol, daz Hôrant It sings so well that Horant
daz dritte teil nie sô wol gesanc." Never sang a third as well."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: He raised his glass and drank
Daz die banc begunde krachen. So that the bench began to crack
280
er sprach: "dez muoz ich lachen, He said: "I have to laugh about this des ist ze lachen harte guot; And it’s well worth a laugh
daz krachen fröuwet mir den muot. The cracking raises my spirits.
ez machet des wînes güete. It is done by virtue of the wine
ich hân allez mîn gemüete I have completely drenched all my spirits
285
in den fröuden wol getrenket; In joy. dar in hân ich mich gesenket. I have plunged myself into it
ich sanc ie sît der stunde, And have been sinking since the hour
daz ich êrste trinken kunde That I was first able to drink
und mir der wîn sô wol geviel. And wine first appealed to me.
290
ich weiz wol, daz dehein kiel I know well that no keel in daz mere sô tiefe nie gesanc." Ever sank so deep into the sea
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Einen vierschrœtigen trunc. A massive drink.
er sprach: "ich bin worden junc He said: "I have been rejuvenated
295
an lîbe und an muote. In body and spirit. wol mich", sô sprach der guote, Good for me," the good man said,
"daz ich sô gar ein meister bin "That I am such a masterful
an trinken! seht, daz heize ich sin! Drinker! I pronounce it to be so!
ich weiz wol: dâ ze Parîs, I know well: in Paris
300
ze Padouwe und ze Tervîs, In Padua, in Treviso ze Rôme und ze Tuscân In Rome, and in Tuscany
vindet man deheinen man, You can’t find anyone
ich ensî sîn meister gewesen, Whom I haven’t surpassed
daz mir nie gein einer vesen None of them can be compared
305
ir deheiner möhte gelîchen. To me, not even a little bit. hal in allen diutschen rîchen Frankly, in no German lands
kom mir nie deheiner zuo, Can anyone come close to being
der beidiu spâte unde fruo As steadfast a drinker
sô wol an trinken dûre. Both mornings and evenings.
310
wînes nâchgebûre I want to be wine’s companion wil ich hiute und immer wesen. Today and always.
mîn sêle muoz mit ime genesen. My soul will always thrive with it.
im ist mîn sêle immer holt, My soul is always beholden to it
swenne er schœne als ein golt When it flows from the tap
315
von dem zaphen schiuzet. As beautiful as gold. vil wênic mich des verdriuzet, It doesn’t bother me at all
swaz man sîn in mich giuzet; Which wine is poured into me.
vil wol mîn lîp des geniuzet. I enjoy it very much.
man saget von turnieren. People talk of tournaments.
320
vaste swelhen under vieren, I can easily be the daz kan ich wol, des habe ich danc." Best of four. I’m grateful for that."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank.
Einen trunc, der vil grôz was. A drink that was very large.
er sprach: "swaz man ie gelas He spoke: "Whatever anyone read ever
325
von den, die minne pflâgen About those who practiced love und tôt von minne lâgen, And died of love
die wâren mir niht gelîche wîs. They were never equal to me.
wie starp der künic Pârîs, How king Paris died
der durch Helenam wart erslagen! Because of Helen!
330
des tumpheit sol man immer klagen. His idiocy should ever be lamented er solde den wîn geminnet hân, He should have courted wine,
sô het im niemen niht getân. Then no one would have done anything to him
vrou Dîdô lac von minne tôt, Lady Dido lay dead from love,
Grâlanden sluoc man unde sôt Graland was killed and cooked
335
und gab in den frouwen ze ezzen, And given to the women to eat want si sîn niht wolden vergezzen. Because they didn’t want to forget him.
Piramus und Tispê, Piramus and Thisbe,
den wart von minne sô wê They suffered so much from love
daz si sich rigen an ein swert. That they threw themselves on a sword.
340
mîn minne ist bezzers lônes wert, My love is worthy of a better reward denne ir aller minne wære. Than all their love.
mîn minne ist fröudebære. My love is joyous
ich bûwe der minne strâze, I pave the way for love
mir ist baz denn Turâze, I am doing better than Turaze
345
der von minne in dem sê ertranc." Who, because of love, drowned in the lake." dô huob er ûf unde tranc: He raised his glass and drank.
Einen trunc mit grôzer île; A drink with great haste
der werte unz and die wîle, Which continued until his
daz im diu gürtel zebrast. Belt burst.
350
er sprach: "daz bant ist niht ein bast, He said: "The rope with dâ mit ich zallen stunden Which I am tied to the wine
ze dem wîne bin gebunden. at all hours is not a mere ribbon
daz ist mîn sælde und mîn heil, It is my blessing and my salvation
und sint ouch driu vil starkiu seil: And is comprised of three strong strands:
355
daz eine ist des wînes güete, The first is wine’s virtue daz ander mîn stæte gemüete, The second is my steadfast spirit
daz dritte is diu gewonheit. The third is my habit.
er mac mir nimmer werden leit, I’ll never get tired of it,
ich muoz in immer minnen. I shall always love it.
360
ich mac im niht entrinnen. I can’t escape it. wie zebræche ich einen sô starken stranc?" How could I tear apart such a strong rope?"
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Sô sêre, daz si alle jâhen, He drank so much that all who saw him drink
die sîn trinken rehte ersâhen, agreed that
365
swaz er getrunken het unz dar, One should completely forget des solde man vergezzen gar: What he had drunk until now.
der trunc behielte gar den prîs. This drink clearly won the prize.
er sprach:"diu werlt ist unwîs, He said, "The world is foolish,
daz si niht ze wîne gât, Because it doesn’t turn to wine,
370
sô si deheinen gebresten hât, If it suffers any sorrow und trünke dâ für allez leit, And drank away all suffering
für angest und für arbeit, Fear and toil
für alter unde für den tôt, Old age and death
für siechtuom und für alle nôt, Illness and all perils.
375
für schaden und für schanden slac, All damage and shameful blows, und für swaz der werlt gewerren mac, And whatever troubles the world
für nebel und für bœsen stanc." Fog and bad smells."
dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Sô sêre, daz sich diu kanel bouc. So much that the pitcher bent.
380
er sprach: "swaz ie flôz ode flouc, He said: "All things that swim or fly daz sol billîche erkennen mich. Should rightfully pay respect to me.
die liute solten alle sich People should all
ze mînem gebote neigen. Bow to my command.
diu werlt ist gar mîn eigen. I own the world.
385
ich hân gewaltes sô vil, I have so much power daz ich tuon, daz ich wil. That I can do what I want.
swaz ich wil, daz ist getân. Whatever I want is as good as done.
daz ich allen mînen willen hân, Since I can do anything I want
dâ von heize ich Ungenôz. I am called Peerless.
390
mîne tugende sind sô grôz: My virtues are so great wære der werlde sô vil mê, That if the world were larger
daz das merr und ieslich sê So that the ocean and lakes
als guot wære als daz beste lant, Were as fruit-bearing as the best land,
daz müese stên ze mîner hant Then it would have to be under my control
395
und müese mir dienen âne wanc." And serve me without hesitation. dô huob er ûf unde tranc: Then he raised his glass and drank
Sô lange und sô sêre, For so long and so deeply,
sô vil und dannoch mêre, So much and even more,
sô vaste und sô harte, So fast and so forcefully,
400
daz sich daz hemde zarte. That his shirt split. er sprach:"des wirt guot rât. He said, "I have a good idea
ich weiz wol, waz dar wider stât; I know what the solution is;
ich kan wol wâfenen mich." I can easily equip myself.
er zôch einen hitzhals an sich He pulled on a leather doublet
405
(den hiez er vaste brîsen), (He ordered it to be tightly laced) dar zuo von guotem îsen As well as a hard and tight
ein vestez banzier enge. Breastplate of good iron.
er sprach: "des wînes gedrenge He said, "the pressure of the
lât mich nu ungezerret. Wine will now not tear me apart.
410
ich hân mich sô versperret, I’ve encased myself in such a way er enmac mich niht entsliezen. That it cannot split me open.
des sol ich wol geniezen, I shall benefit from,
daz ich ze fröuden mînen lîp Having constrained my body
getwungen hân, daz man noch wîp as no man or woman has ever done before,
415
sînen lîp sô sêre nie getwanc." for the sake joy. dô huob er ûf unde tranc. Then he raised his glass and drank.
Critical Notes
Translation
Line number 17
Critical note: "Dise banc buwen" translates to to farm, to plow, to settle
Translation
Line number 69
Critical note: note about the concept of kurzwile
Translation
Line number 95
Critical note: lîp can mean either life or body
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