perils of translation

Mein Flügel ist zum Schwung bereit,
ich kerte gern zurück,
denn blieb ich auch lebendige Zeit,
ich hätte wenig Glück.

(Gerherd Scholem, 'Gruss vom Angelus')

variously translated:

I. Angel Greetings
My wing is ready to fly.
I would rather turn back,
For had I stayed mortal time,
I would have had little luck.

II. Angelic Greetings
My wing is ready for flight.
I would like to turn back.
If I stayed timeless time,
I would have little luck.

III. Greetings from the Angels
My wing is ready for flight.
I would like to turn back.
If I stayed everliving time,
I'd still have little luck.

wo ist Wahrheit?!?

the main problem seems to be with "lebendige Zeit" & the tense of the last line. is the angel actually turning back or merely wishing wistfully? is he staying mortal & therefore having little luck? will he have little luck whether he stays mortal or not? or is he rather grieving his immortality -- that since he'd have little luck either way, he'd rather be mortal? is this ambiguity in the German or in my poor uncomprehending mind?

apropos Rilke, ein jeder Engel ist schrecklich -- every angel is terrifying, awesome or terrible. depending on translation.

the perilous pilgrimage of the translator, who transports his precious cargo of meaning from one word-universe into another. perhaps there is -- should be -- an angel who treads quietly behind him, gathering the tiny coruscations of meaning that scatter in his wake. whether this angel weeps, rejoices or prays may be a matter for consideration.