1. My people thought misery would leave
The illness of my heart, and treatment avail

2. So they brought the doctor, who is indeed
Skilled in his art, excellent and wise

3. When he saw my sickness, and the signs of death
Were clear to him, with witnesses beside

4. He felt my pulse, and asked, "Are you not doubtful?"
I said, "A fire that cooling cannot subdue."

5. Next day he mixed the draught, but found
The fire of my heart the stronger for his drug

6. He said, "What was this malady of yours?"
I said, "My eyelid - and that is something dire."

7. He said, "Love has brought you dangerous pain."
I said, "The imprisoned, not the outstretched."

8. Baffled, he turned away, and told my friends,
"The cure of lovers is very far away."