Prohibition

Girl, you walk
in the country of solitude—
don't take anyone's hand
at this age!

Whoever you choose as companion,
binding with love's thread,
everything will seem right to him…
victory's light-laughter will spread!

Know this: all such love is false;
they hunger for much,
swallow all your gold!

In your pilgrim's inn, girl,
give no shelter to the lost traveler
even if your heart rises singing!

This is the path of walking alone,
yet if you stop your chariot,
see—the vina of sorrow will play;
the journey becomes just so meaningless!