High on a Rocky Ledge

High on a rocky ledge lives a Mädel, Edelweiß
Shy as a shadow, lovely as lace, and cold as ice
High on a rocky ledge, I pledged my love to her
Every time I climb up to Paradise
How many times I’ve been up to see her, goodness knows
Huffing and puffing, dressed in the warmest climbing clothes
How many chances would be taken in my
Hopeless pursuit of the Schnee-Mädel-Edelweiß
Then spoke a spirit, «If you would win your lady love»
There’s only one way, fall to your death from high above
You will begin to grow in snow beside the one
You have waited for to be mated with
You who are climbing breathless to see me and my love
Snow flowers growing fonder on lover’s ledge above
If you’ve the yen to pluck, then pluck us both, for we who have lived as one
Wish to die as one