Winder wie ist nu dein kraft by Neidhart von Reuental (c.1190 – c.1236)

This Medieval song celebrates the end of winter, the coming of May and has some advice for young maidens. "Winder wie ist nu dein kraft" A very early German song by the minnesinger Neidhart von Reuental (c.1190 – c.1236) Valerie Hodnett, soprano and harp Winder wie ist nu dein kraft Worden gar unsigehaft Seyt der maye seinen schafft Auff dir hat zustrochen. Vor den walden auff der plan Sieht man volkumenlichen stan Leicht plumblein wolgetan Der han ich geprochen. Gar besunder durch ein wunder solches kunder ich vernahm, Man und frawen ir sult schawen in den awen one scham, Wie des lichten mayen schar Stet beclait in purpur far Jungen maidt das nehmet war, Bleibet unversprochen. Winter, how your strength Has been conquered, Now that May, Has struck with his spear. In the meadows And the forest glades Many flowers bloom These I have gathered. It seemed as though I heard a voice say: Man and woman, look upon the meadows And see how the shining May flowers stand, Clad in purple fair. Young maids that have been taken Do not be so quick to give your promise.