1. For a long time now,
we've had no word from you,

2. no news or letters.
How is it that no cheerful report

3. reaches us about you?
Or have you given up on us

4. as we have grown indifferent to you?
Have you forgotten an old bond,

5. or did some different view occur to you?
Has affection changed its intent,

6. or has a loved one wrapped himself up and turned away?
Did some flaw in us appear,

7. or did a fault surface among us,
with harmful consequences in the future?

8. Or has fate distracted you,
or has your heart turned from us?

9. Yet I have heard that you
have come into valuable knowledge -

10. so what harm if you
keep me informed?

11. What has passed through the heart's thoughts,
of love or ideas, about you?

12. What has come into your mind about me -
that I am a dear friend, flawless and pure?

13. So why have you turned
away from me, and worried my thoughts?

14. A visit soon from you
would be a boon, if one of you decided

15. to visit your loving friend,
so he would have worth.

16. But praise God that no power
stirs me to destiny.

17. Affection for a friend does not disappear,
whether he draws near or turns away.

18. But still I must reproach
the one who shunned me,

19. so thoughts may settle
and calm my heart.