Vaggvisa [English translation]

Now trembles the lullaby rocking1

like a thick forest under a winged wind,

now sleep and in dreams smile,

now rest, rosy-cheeked!

Now rocks the lullaby friendly and kind,

it is both deep and serene,

and when you smile into a fairy-tale dream,

then it subsides again.

It is like the trees heavy buzz,

like the wash2 to shore in a summer lake,

and mildly, like a wave against grass-grown gravel,

it lies down to die.

It shall buzz strongly at one time,

high and cheerful, like paradise,

it shall become play and euphoric song,

and then subside again.

It will be cheerful like paradise,

love-red, roses-pretty,

and you shall drink deep to it

your destiny’s heavy wine.

But when you’ve stiffened motionless into peace,

and are carried away by black men,

and are bedded deeply in your earthly den,

then it subsides again.

Now trembles the lullaby rocking

like a thick forest under a winged wind,

now sleep and in dreams smile,

now rest, rosy-cheeked!

1. as in 'to rock a baby to sleep'2. the 'wash' of waves splashing against the shore