1. Would that her cheek met the same fate from love
As my kinsmen, so that the clan be united,

2. If I were pleased, that would not make me vain,
Knowing reproach would follow it.

3. I weep if she offends, fearing her rejection,
And I plead for her favor, though she's done wrong,

4. If I had ninety hearts preoccupied,
Not one would turn from loving none but her.

5. I've seen none who don't know love but her.
Nor one so filled with love beneath his clothes as I.

6. My letter gains no gentle answer that gives joy,
Nor softness nor respect from the messenger I send.

7. Being joined to you is strictness. Loving you is misery.
Your kindness is harshness. Peace with you is war.

8. By God's grace you have therein dignity
So all who seek you find the going rough.

9. When I visit, you say, "What presumption!" If
I fail to visit but one day, you reproach.

10. So to part from you is blame, and to join you brings hurt.
No parting from you as parting, no love of you as love.

11. A man strives to reach the one he loves,
Yet man is only where his heart impels.