The young Egons Schiele, while he was in service in the first world war, used this old tale, like Schubert and other artist did. From his view the Death comes as a starved priest and takes the girl in her innocence before war will strike this place and ravage but will she come with him?
Away, oh away
pass by, savage man of bone
I'm still young - so go, devoted one
and do not dare to touch me,
oh do not touch me
Give me your hand, you fair and tender form
I'm your friend, and not here to chastise
Be of good cheer! there is no cruel in me
sleep gently in my arms
oh sleep gently in my arms
have you ever thought
that roar comes in your direction
that there's a sorrowful inhale
before the sirens scream
had you never in mind
that air can choke the breathing
that there's no mercy in cast steel
and flames will not discern
All - What once was white
will be torned from innocence
tomorrow brings the red
in the still of the night
- so stay in white
leave this barren place behind
there will be noone left
to morn you, to miss you - War!
lay you in my arms, my dear innocent
I will hold you tight, I keep you safe
oh there is just cruel from here
dream sweet my dear, with your eyes, eternally shut
with your eyes - eternally shut
Egon Schiele - Der Tod und das Mädchen