I. Now when the rosebushes are without flowers or seed, and the petty nobles have their hunts through the wet lands, the thought of composing a sirventes has seized me (so much do I enjoy discord among them), for they have brought all good worth to scorn. And because love keeps me more cheerful than it does in the fair Maytime, now I am cheerful, whomever that may vex, such joy is promised to me.
II. Many a fleet horse of the noble king who boasts that he has valor in abundance, we shall see near Tarzana, coming from Balaguer. He will surely come there into the region of Carcassonne, but the French fear him little. But I fear you here, Lady, for I am terrified by the desire that I have for your beautiful, courteous person, possessed of all good qualities.
III. An armored steed, a hauberk, a polished lance, a good steel blade, and approaching war I prize more highly than a greyhound or a proud bearing, or peace, in which one is stripped of possessions, cast down, and humbled. And since I recognize true worth in you, Lady, whom I shall possess or die, I prize more highly the fact that you are inaccessible to me, than if I had another for myself (or, than if another possessed me).
IV. I take great pleasure in the archers (standing) near the loopholes, when the stone-throwing machines shoot and the wall loses its parapet, and when the army increases in numbers and forms ordered ranks in many an orchard. I wish such activity pleased the English king there as (much as) it pleases me when I tell how you have won here, Lady, along with joy, (the freshness of) youth and the fame of beauty; for nothing of that is lacking in you.
V. And he, whom everyone scorns, would have complete worth if with this sort of (warlike) behavior he would shout “Guiana!” The honored count would immediately come to his aid, for his seal has such a short legend that I do not say it. But I will say that, with trembling (...) I love. Lady, what shall I do if mercy or my good faith do not avail me with you?
VI. Cheerful and true Lord of Toulousain and Agenois, who knows how to honor himself in every conflict, this I know, despite the French (?).
