I. Because of the joy that makes me rejoice, I wish to compose a song, for now everything goes well with me. True love honours me to such an extent that, in my opinion, I could never be so rich even if I were an emperor. On this account I have a heart that is both joyful and gay, yet not long ago I [almost] died of distress.
II. Love is more propitious than I can relate; he who speaks ill of it is not a true lover. Such fair rewards does it offer, though it brings suffering, that if a man abandons himself to it, never does he repudiate it. Wherever I may be in this world, my thoughts are in the fair retreat where dwells my lady.
III. Hers am I to guide, and it is a courtesy that with a light chain she enthralls and binds me to her. My torment does not abate but truly would it be cured if my lady slew me with such sweet suffering. Never will I depart from her as long as I live; if I were to live for ever, for ever shall I love her.
IV. Noble courteous lady, fair sweet mistress, Love has implanted you in my heart alway; great joy comes upon me from this friendship, for yours I am, if it displeases you not, wherever I may be. Never will I ask aught of you, but, on the contrary, will serve you, and never will I speak to you against your wish.
V. If, through happiness, I wish to sing and laugh on account of a joy that exalts me and whereby I rejoice, never have any fear, lady, that in the recital I should appear to think of you. Well and truly do I know how to conceal my thoughts when I am with you; if I turn my eyes to you, quickly do I avert them.
VI. If anyone asks me concerning the sweet desire that is mine, love bids me deny the truth; fitting is it that I humour her whom I most desire, for it is great folly on my part if I wish to incur her displeasure. Behold how it befalls and how things go with me; that which was wont to slay me brings me true joy.
VII. Go yonder, O song, straight to my lady; you can tell her truly that I shall shortly behold her.
