1. I gained my wish from your gracious affection
As you are pure, free from all blemish and defection

2. Since you allowed my letters, I was certain
That you would fulfill, being always faithful and compliant

3. Couriers brought them with fidelity and awe
And a devotion to love free of any flaw

4. O honored companion, crown of faith
Lord of joy and succor, your helps I await

5. Think not my letters ceased, that I grew cold
No, never indifferent or from fondness withheld

6. Thoughts of you fill my hearing and discourse
Your face my vision's goal, you my passion's source

7. In verse your neglectful servant was profuse
So verse made him need no wine's carouse

8. In rhyme and meaning inlaid with artful phrases
And meanings adorned by well-turned, charming mazes

9. I picked my words and turned my ode
Toward those virtues and favors I owe

10. Yet I patched together this answer's vow
Hoping to heal, though it may still chafe now

11. Excuse my faults, your grace can survey
Such things fine spirits will gently allay

12. I have explained the cause of my terse apology
Consider it with your piercing, brilliant acuity