‘From out the forest I now appear

Theodor Storm  (1817-1888)

 

Saint Nikolaus’s best known companion is Knecht Ruprecht. ‘Knecht’ meaning ‘servant’. Historically Ruprecht was a dark sinister figure clad in a tattered robe with a big sack on his back in which, legend has it, he will place all naughty children. In Storm’s poem, Knecht Ruprecht is featured with a cane with which to chastise such children.

To proclaim that Christmastide is here!
For at the top of every tree
Are golden lights for all to see;
And there from Heaven’s gate on high
I saw our Christ-child in the sky.
And in among the darkened trees,
A loud voice it was that called to me:

‘Knecht Ruprecht, old fellow,’ it cried,

Hurry now, make haste, don’t hide!
All the candles have now been lit —
Heaven’s gate has opened wide!
Both young and old should now have rest
Away from cares and daily stress;
And when tomorrow to earth I fly
“it’s Christmas again!” will be the cry.’

And then I said: ‘O Lord so dear.

My journey’s end is now quite near;
But to this town* I’ve still to go,
Where the children are good, I know.’
‘But have you then that great sack?’
‘I have,’ I said, ‘it’s on my back.
For apples, almonds, fruit and nuts
For God-fearing children are a must.’

‘And is that cane there by your side?’
‘The cane’s there too,’ I did reply;
But only for those, those naughty ones
Who have it applied to their backsides.’

The Christ-child spoke: ‘Then that’s all right!
My loyal servant, go with God this night!’
From out the forest I now appear;
To proclaim that Christmastide is here!
Now speak, what is there here to be had?
Are there good children, are there bad?