1. Answer me, if you please
The poor man with a response

2. Shall I forget what your eyes
Promised with their generosity?

3. And limit the hopes
That have no limits?

4. And be content with consoling words
While others enjoy roses?

5. And settle for an illusory refuge
While your face is paradise eternal?

6. And make myself miserable
So the oath-breaker prospers?

7. Shall I waste myself away
So the ungrateful endure?

8. Oh woe is the love
That has burdened me alone!

9. I prepare my strength
To bear it, but am overwhelmed.