I. When Love discovered that my thoughts no longer dwelt on him, he assailed me with a tenso and you may hear in what way; ‘Friend Peirol, wickedly do you withdraw yourself from me; and since you will no longer fix your intent on me or on song, tell me what will be your worth?’
II. ‘Love, so long have I served you —and no compassion do you have thereat— and you know how little joy I have had. I make no accusation against you, provided that you grant me peace henceforth, for naught else do I ask of you; no other reward can be so sweet to me.’
III. ‘Peirol, do you forget the fair and noble lady who received you so graciously and lovingly at my command? Too fickle are you! You were not wont to appear thus, so gay and loving were you in your songs.
IV. ‘Love, never did I fail but now I am remiss against my will; I beg the Lord Christ to guide me and to establish quickly peace between the kings, for help is too long delayed and great need is there that the noble and valiant marques should have more companions.’
V. ‘Peirol, never by your intervention will the Turk and the Arab yield up the Tower of David. Good and weighty counsel do I give you; love and sing often. Will you set forth when the kings make no move? Behold the wars they wage, and see how the nobles seek causes to avoid their obligations.’
VI. ‘Love, if the kings do not set forth, I tell you this much as far as the Dauphin is concerned; never on account of war or of you will he remain here, so worthy is he.’
VII. ‘Peirol, many lovers will depart weeping from their ladies who would remain here joyful if it were not for Saladin.’
