I. Lord Conon, joy and merit and love enjoin you to pronounce judgment on a dispute of theirs. A lady has two suitors, who for her sake do all that her honour demands, and they are of equal distinction and rank. One tells her of his love and of his desire, the other is so fearful that he does not dare speak of it to her. Consider which one is more worthy to obtain her grace.
II. Assuredly, Raimbaut, silence is folly: if I do not ask for pity, why should I have it? Since my lady will possess all the virtues, I shall never despair of pity. Seeking pity does not expose one to an accusation of insolence, for Judas was destroyed by his folly, when he did not dare to be bold and pray. Despair has brought death to many a sinner.
III. Lord Canon, that man suffers hurt and dishonour who requests the gift, since he (as good as) extorts it from her, and of all lovers he is most afraid lest he be told: “Speak to me no more of this!” And the other lover fears to tell of his suffering, for he who is afraid knows the ways of love: if I do not entreat her, yet my sighs entreat her. I make my lady reward me with the favour I seek.
IV. Assuredly, Raimbaut, howsoever I may act at other times, I shall never conceal my sickness from my lady, for one may seek succour too late, and how may I be succoured after I am dead? He is foolish who conceals his illness from the physician, for it is thereby more painful to him and harder to ease. Rather must one uncover it in such good time that, should his lady be so disposed, she may cure it immediately.
V. Lord Canon, you may, I admit, teach me about sparrow-hawks and goshawks, but where love is concerned I am well instructed; for he who entreats has no faith in praiseworthy deeds or in his lady or in the service he gives her, and entreaty makes one who is close to joy a stranger to it.
