I. So long as I was in hope of love, right willingly did I engage in song and upheld happiness and joy. Now in love do I see or expect no profit nor await succour any more from my lady; such inquietude and trouble come upon me that I almost abstain from all joy.
II. My first reception and the sweet glances which were but feigned caused me great hurt, for never after could I tear my heart away; now have I but one wish, so that I am not greatly desirous of aught else. And since it does not please her that any other succour be mine, I shall have to suffer the torment wherein she keeps me.
III. Never will I separate my thoughts from her; whatever hurt she inflict upon me, I can wish her no ill, for so much do her good sense and beauty enhance her that, in respect of the trouble that is mine, my behaviour is wisely foolish. But, nay, wrongly do I speak thus, on the contrary I am foolishly foolish, for never indeed was Narcissus, who loved his own reflection, more foolish than I, even though he died in consequence.
IV. Thus do I expire amid desires long unfulfilled which often make me sigh and grieve for her who now shows herself indifferent to me and who has hostilely left me without hope, since she does not allow me to have privy conversation with her. And I love her so much, by my faith, that even when I see my hurt, I believe not my own senses.
V. Well do I know my final intention. Since I have no power and know not how to depart, I will, without displeasing her, follow my own wish. I will love my lady under such an arrangement that the loving thought of her will I ever have in my heart, but my tongue will I hold in check. That at least will speak no more to her on this matter!
VI. I shall, then, be like the penitent who desires nothing of that he fain would have. Ah! slowly goes the time for me because I do not go to see her. Shall I then go knowingly to my death? Yes, for that death I will often love, for he who beholds his beloved strangely has great pleasure, though no other blessing be his.
VII. The vers do I send to my lady on such terms that, if no other benefit accrues to me therefrom, when she hears it she will at least remember me.
