I. All my skill and knowledge have I put into a joy that sustains me, when I remember and recall that so fair a lady causes me to sing. Then ought I to strive to make my song a thing of worth, although great suffering is mine because of Love, whose servant I am.
II. Love has me so much in its power and embarks me on an undertaking such that I can in no wise bring it to a conclusion any more than I can mount up to the sky. Consider whether this should happen to me on account of the most beautiful lady to be found! For I love and desire her so much that elsewhere do I not turn my heart.
III. I love her more than I reveal and speak of her more than is fitting; I prefer to slay myself forthwith if ever again you hear me speak openly of her or see me gaze directly on her, so secretly do I know how to conceal and hide my desire beneath a cloak of jest and laughter.
IV. The proverb speaks not truth which says: ‘Out of sight, out of mind.’ On the contrary, it has indeed been wrong in my case, for I cannot now forget her, the fair one whom I dare not supplicate lest I contravene her wishes, wherefore I lament and sigh. Ah Love! do not slay me!
V. At night when I have gone to rest, and in the daytime does it oft befall, that I consider how I would ask her mercy if I could speak with her. Then can I frame my thoughts and choose and find fine words and set forth my cause; afterwards, when I am there [in her presence], I know not what to say.
VI. Alas! I thought to profit by my good faith! The more I am in despair, [the more] I believe Love should aid me. Now I know not what course to take, but will await her pleasure. With difficulty will he find joy in love who is not a sincere and patient sufferer.
VII. The vers is not to be recited except by one who can declaim it well.
