1. My beloved, is there some trick you know
To soothe my longing, or to staunch my tears?

2. Can anything console the lover's woe
And leave of ardor's field no trace but drears?

3. "Yes," said they; "let the loved one's traces fade
If passion's cord you truly would untwine."

4. But nothing can outmatch despair's pure blade
To parry sorrow's thrust as well as mine;

5. Nor any so repel the separation's sting
As my staunch heart that chases hope's mirage.

6. When hope is gone and far the dear one's home,
My heart finds balm in sighs from its own cage.

7. I tried their cures - no comfort would they lend;
I knew my only healing was to mend

8. The breach between us. Yet they claimed love's pain
Love kills, though here they clearly lied. For plain

9. It is, my only cure is the beloved,
Whether we meet, or dwell in lands removed.