Der Hund mir vor dem Licht umbgaht,
früh und auch spat
hab ich kein Ruh,
wie ich ihm tu.
Das richtet alls der Klaffer zu.
Tu, was ich wöll, so hat er mich,
viel härter Stich
gibt er mir gschwind
als Judaskind.
Ich wollt, daß er im Jahr erblind!
So denk ich doch, doch einr guten Zeit,
die mich erfreut,
hab keinen Graus,
Unfall sei aus.
Ich hoff, mein Katz fach auch ein Maus.
English translation
Transl.: Harald S. Poelchau
The cur avoids me in the twilight,
day and night
I have no rest,
to fend him off.
That’s what the bastard does to me.
Whatever I do, he’ll beat me,
much worse insult
he gives me fast,
that child of Judas.
Would, he go blind in a year.
So I’ll just think of the good times,
that I enjoyed,
have no regret,
and no mishap.
I hope my cat will catch a mouse.
English translation
Alternative English translation by Mick Swithinbank
A villainous knave, no better than a dog,
lurks outside my window.
Day and night he plagues me:
all’s in vain, there’s no escape.
He has an evil tongue, for sure.
Whatever I do, he bothers me:
he gives me a much harder time
than any child of Judas would.
Damn his eyes:
I wish he’d lose the use of them!
But I’ll just think of the good times:
that will cheer me up.
I’ve nothing to complain about:
let’s hope for the best –
and perhaps my cat will catch a mouse.