I. Although I am far away among strangers, the thought of love, in which I find comfort, comes to me and I think how I may compose a vers, and arrange it suitably so that it shall be good, of great worth and perfect; and the more I am thanked for my song, the more must I take care not to error say anything for which a knowledgeable man may afterwards reproach me.
II. There is no day that a tenderness coming from my homeland does not steal over my heart: in that direction do I clasp my hands and thither do I turn my thoughts and there, know well, would I fain be, near to my lady, although she does me wrong: for with her fair countenance and her sweet companionship she graciously gilded for me that which she now turns to dross.
III. Now have I good reason to weep and lament, for my heart almost breaks when I remember and bethink myself of the laughter and joy and pleasures which she showed to me in word and deed. Alas! had I then died, I should have been saved. For when I beg her to show me some mercy, she does not even give the appearance of having heard me.
IV. Truly am I right to suffer and wait. How shall I wait since it does not please her? It would be better, I think, to depart. To depart? Nay, for I have set my hope on her too long. Fair lady, yours am I entirely, and do not think that love will remain ever with me for I fear that time may not suffice for me to love you [much longer].
V. She lacks nothing that is fitting to a noble lady, so that there is no one who, on seeing her, does not praise her. Fair and gay and excellent is she, wherefore I love her dearly. And therefore, should it please Love, to whom I am ever devoted, to allow me to taste joy just once; her do I ask of Love as a gift and as a recompense or never let Love grant me the reward of another [lady].
VI. From all other trouble I pray God to shield her, save only that one day I would that she might feel the trouble that I bear on her account both night and day; for she has left me far from the haven in dire peril. Yet I desire no other to deliver me, for if it please her ever to relent towards me, never did any man acquire so fair a reward from love.
VII. I will not fail, lady, to bring the vers to you; for since longing holds me in great sorrow, it cannot be that I should remain here any longer.
