I. I have exchanged the care that was once mine —an exchange that I made when I changed my lady, whereof I now have true and sincere joy more than I was wont to have. She is not of the highest rank; why should I lie about it? For I have heard it said in the proverb: ‘He who finds not, seeks not and he who takes strives not in vain.’
II. Love made me turn my mind to foolish aspirations, to the heights of arrogance, wherefore I was wont to suffer against my will tribulation and hurt and grief so that every day I died. Behold if it was not great foolishness that the more I was brought to despair the more did I strive.
III. Now are my aspirations modifted and I pursue my course unswervingly. However excessive my desire may have been, I must indeed be blamed for the hurt that came upon me; for it is double foolishness on the part of the man who does not correct himself when once he recognises his folly.
IV. For I know that it were fitting and an act of courtesy that a man should always set his love only where it would be returned. Supplication is fitting and seemly if one is moderate; but know that if one persists too much therein it bespeaks pride and vulgarity.
V. Now I know and understand that there is good companionship when two people love each other truly with loyal love and when each one without deceit humbles himself before his mate. For never does Love seek out sorrow and deception but mercy always.
VI. There where I fix my fair hopes does love incline me and bind me; thence dare I not, and cannot, turn my desire by night or day. Well can my lady know how thus I love her without deceit, for never would my heart think or my mouth utter aught contrary to her wish.
VII. In good estate am I but hope for better; go, O song, forthwith to the fair lady wherever she may be.
VIII. And tell her that you inform her that I do not desire any other to be the witness to my joy.
