Originally Posted by Doitsu
These lines are from chapter 7 of Busch's popular humorous story Die Fromme Helene (= Pious Helen) about an old spinster. (The story doesn't end well for her; she becomes an alcoholic and accidentally kills herself.)
Here's a literal translation of the first two verses:
Code:
Ratsam ist und bleibt es immer It is and always was advisable
Für ein junges Frauenzimmer, For a young lady
Einen Mann sich zu erwählen To choose a man for herself
Und wo möglich zu vermählen. And, if possible, get married.
Erstens: will es so der Brauch. First: Because custom dictates it.
Zweitens: will man's selber auch. Second: One wants to do it.
Drittens: man bedarf der Leitung Third: One needs guidance
Und der männlichen Begleitung; And male companionship.
Leitung could also be translated as leadership/management/direction and männlichen Begleitung could also be translated as male companion/company. |