Because today is Easter Day, the world is making merry,
all strangers, kith and kin, and friends embrace, kiss one another.
If only every day were like this day that’s Easter Sunday,
when girls dress in their finery, as pretty viola flowers.
I greet you: ‘Christ is Risen!’ lass, you lovely dark-eyed beauty,
give me a kiss that speaks of love and don’t be coy about it.
As Christ was raised up from the dead, you’ll surely resurrect me,
when, my dear love, my darling love, you kiss me, oh so sweetly.
I greet you: ‘Christ is Risen!’ lass, come then, let’s kiss each other,
come now, let us embrace this once, and talk about our heartache.
Give me a kiss that speaks of love and heal me of my anguish,
because today is Easter day, no one will dare to scold you.
You are my fragrant Easter rose, my sweetly scented viola,
give me a kiss that speaks of love and take what’s mine to give you.
Red roses I shall pick for you, some bright red springtime roses,
and on the day that Easter falls I’ll send them over to you.
Translated by John Leatham
