This song was taught to students back when everybody had to learn Latin in school.

Notes

This piece is said to date back to 12th century Germany.

Here's a longer version from Germany from 1575:
(Each verse is followed by the chorus)

Flevit lepus parvulus clamans altis vocibus:
(The little hare wept, crying aloud.)

(Chorus)
Quid feci hominibus, quod me sequuntur canibus? (x2)
(What have I done to men, that they chase me with dogs?)

Neque in horto fui neque holus comedi.
(I wasn't in the garden nor did I eat the vegetables)

Longas aures habeo, brevem caudam teneo.
(I have long ears, I have a short tail)

Leves pedes habeo, magnum saltum faceo.
(I have light feet, I make big jumps)

Caro mea dulcis est, pellis mea mollis est.
(My meat is sweet, my skin is soft)

Quando servi vident me, Hase! Hase!* vocant me.
(When the servants see me, they call me "Hare! Hare!")

Domus mea silva est, lectus meus durus est.
(My home is the forest, my bed is hard)

Dum montes ascendero, canes nihil timeo.
(While I climb up the mountains, I fear no dog)

Dum in aulam vineo, gaudet rex et non ego.
(When I go to the court, the king enjoys himself and I don't)

Quando reges comedunt me, vinum bibunt super me.
(When kings eat me, they drink wine after)

Quando comerunt me, ad latrinam portant me.
(When they've eaten me, they bring me to the latrine.)

*"Hase" is German for "hare".

Listen

Download MIDI Tune

Sheet Music

Sheet Music - Flevit lepus parvulus

Thanks and Acknowledgements

Translated by Lisa. Version in the notes translated by Monique.