1. And were it not for fear it would be said, "He is love smitten in youth,"
I would have said to myself when still a child:

2. "Oh, would that I had gambled it away from her!
If only gambling were lawful for people!"

3. So it would have belonged to me and I would have kept my fortune,
a profit - if only merchants knew! -

4. From holding myself back and hesitating about her.
For if you make a promise, fulfilling it leads only to regret.

5. I swear by my life, every debased coward who desire her,
if he subdues her, has no power to defend himself.

6. When slippery paths double the cowards,
it is enough for her that a flimsy lower garment clothes her!

7. If a moth saw her, it would fly away with the spirits -
a startled soul!