Just by chance on my journey br I met my beloved’s kin, br Sister and father and mother br Knew me, and welcomed me in. br They asked me how I was faring, br And said, as I entered the place, br That I wasn’t changed a bit, just br A little thin in the face. br I asked after aunts and cousins, br After many a tiresome one, br And asked how their little dog, br With its soft little bark had done. br And I asked about my darling, br Married now, by and by: br They kindly gave me an answer: br In childbed she did lie. br And I offered congratulations, br And murmured lovingly, br To give her a thousand greetings br With all their heart, from me. br Little sister interrupted: br Their dog so sweet and fine, br Had grown quite large and fierce, br And been drowned in the Rhine. br That little one’s like my darling, br Especially when she smiles: br The look that made me miserable: br She has the selfsame eyes.