I. Right joyfully do I frequently enter upon and engage in that pursuit from which a man subsequently reaps grief and care. For I tell you that I was misled by a glance with which she, whom I ever loved most loyally, sweetly deceived me; then was I rich in that I believed I was loved, but now is my whole affair greatly changed.
II. Love has but little sure defence (this can I no longer conceal or deny), for false lovers, who are sincere only in external appearances, destroy it by their deceit. And ladies are likewise to blame in so far as, know full well, there will be scarcely a lover who does not deceive and is deceived in his turn.
III. My lady slays me through such a shortcoming that is unbecoming to her, if I dared to speak of it. Hers is the sin and mine the penance; and yet do I in no way blame her. It grieves me because I have such a good cause and my right is well known and proved; fain would I that truth could lie.
IV. Alas! grieved shall I be if the fair hope on which I am wont to set my heart comes to nought; but in my fear I do betray too much pride in that I do ill-humouredly reproach and blame her; and yet I know the best significance of love, namely that never should any man for any cause become wrathful but that he should know how to suffer misfortune tranquilly.
V. I have no power to stand against my lady. When I behold her and see her smile at me, the love that I bear her and which so sweetly afflicts me takes from me all wrath and ill-will. And if ever she caused me ill or affliction, when her great beauty feasts my eager eyes do you think I then would wish her ill? Not I!
VI. ‘Tis folly for a man to delay in his undertaking; I cannot abstain from that which I most desire. Rather would I that my sweet mistress should wrongly conquer me than that, with justice on my side, I should weep and oft lament. Mercy will I seek of her for her own shortcoming, according to her pleasure, for no covenant with her can be displeasing to me [whether it be based on right or wrong].
VII. The vers I send to you, lady, for yours am I and there is none other who delights or pleases me; may my loyal desire avail me!
VIII. To Vienne I would go more frequently, but on account of my lady do I remain here in Auvergne near to the Dauphin, for his affairs are pleasing to me.
