I. It behoves me to sing since love shows me the way and enables me to compose fine words; otherwise I should not be a singer nor should I be known by so many worthy people. But now I see and know full well that Love wishes me to pay for all the blessings it has bestowed on me.
II. If I am not accepted as a lover, nothing can prevent me from being at least a loyal aspirant, candid and patient, humble and a suppliant, sparing of words and discreet. In such a way and on these terms do I surrender myself to her who does not deign to retain me in her service.
III. In the manner of a friend I wait for joy to come to me. I can speak thus but it does not seem to me that this may be! For she is so noble and of such high estate, gracious and of great worth in deeds and appearance, wherefore I know full well that, if love heeds reason, she must never stoop to me.
IV. What, then, shall I do? Shall I cease to attend her favour? Not I! I prefer to suffer misfortune in vain! For I do not wish to be a king or an emperor if, in consequence, I may not fix my thoughts on her. Am I not rich beyond compare provided that I love her truly? Great honour is mine that love of her should torment me.
V. Fair lady, at least give me some sign, false though it be, whereby I may rejoice and be cheered, for you know that I cannot do without it. Lessen the grief that I feel with a gentle glance, for thereby can you keep me long enthralled and give me back a little of the heart which is entirely yours.
VI. Sweet lady, you must indeed know that I love you so much that I do not dare to ask aught of you; but you are so gracious and fairnatured that you will, I think, have pity. Take my true heart and loyal desire into your keeping and never call to mind your high estate.
VII. Peirol composed the vers and intends no unseemly word nor aught that may offend.
VIII. Go, messenger, and take it for me to Mercoeur, to the countess in whom dwell joy and honour.
