I have no ties, stand perfectly alone;

To you I will make over all I own;

My daughter she shall be, and you my son.

You know I have a business by the border:

There I’ll retire, you set your home in order,

And we’ll foregather when a year is gone.

Now, Falk, you know me; with the same precision

Observe yourself: the voyage down life’s stream,

Remember, is no pastime and no dream.

Now, in the name of God—make your decision!