Heidenröslein

It was written in 1771 during Goethe's stay in Strasbourg when he was in love with Friederike Brion, to whom the poem is addressed.

The text could be interpreted as the boy overcoming a girl (the rose) by force; she does not consent to this violation but he does not heed her protests.

Sah ein Knab' ein Röslein stehn, Röslein auf der Heiden, War so jung und morgenschön, Lief er schnell es nah zu sehn, Sah's mit vielen Freuden.

Bowring translation Once a boy a Rosebud spied, Heathrose fair and tender, All array'd in youthful pride,– Quickly to the spot he hied, Ravished by her splendour.

Now the cruel boy must pick Heathrose fair and tender; Rosebud did her best to prick,– Vain 'twas 'gainst her fate to kick– She must needs surrender.

Schubert's setting is partially based on Pamina's and Papageno's duet "Könnte jeder brave Mann" from the end of act 1 of Mozart's The Magic Flute.