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I |
1 |
When the nightingale in the leaves |
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Gives, seeks, and takes love, |
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And happily begins his song, |
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And gazes often at his mate, |
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5 |
And the streams are clear and the meadows fair, |
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Because of the new pleasure which prevails, |
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A great joy settles in my heart. |
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II |
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I am eager for a love affair— |
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10 |
For I know no more worthy enjoyment— |
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Which I pray for and desire, and it would be good |
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If she made me a gift of love; |
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For she has a full body, delicate and fair, |
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With nothing that could be unbecoming, |
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And her good, pleasurable love. |
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III |
15 |
I am preoccupied with this love |
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Awake and then asleep in dreams, |
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For there I have amazing joy, |
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Because I enjoy her and am joyously happy; |
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But her beauty is worth nothing to me, |
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20 |
Because no friend will inform me |
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How I might obtain this pleasure. |
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IV |
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I am so anxious about this love |
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That when I go running towards her |
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It seems to me I’m turning |
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25 |
Backwards and that she’s fleeing; |
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And my horse runs so slowly . . . |
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I do not think I shall ever get there, |
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Unless love makes her hold back. |
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V |
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Love, I leave you cheerfully, |
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30 |
For I seek what is best for me; |
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And I am so fortunate in this |
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That I am still rejoicing, |
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Thanks to my Good Protector |
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Who wants, calls, and approves me, |
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35 |
And has made me very hopeful. |
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VI |
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And whoever stays here enjoying himself, |
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And does not follow God to Bethlehem, |
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I do not know how he will ever be worthy, |
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Or how he will ever reach salvation; |
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40 |
For I know and indeed believe |
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That whoever teaches of Jesus |
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Holds a good school. |
