1. Long have the nights been since you went away,
And narrow the world to me after you.

2. My own garden I see turned desolate, when
Once your beauty made it an Eden.

3. Death's hand has torn you from me while I cried,
Alas! though wisdom urges resignation.

4. My back is burdened; my heart on fire;
Its store a heap of ashes.

5. His charm still lives in his father's mansion,
His greeting, his speech, his glance.

6. Time has oppressed me, yet divine justice
I cannot accuse.

7. I conquered you; I feared God; between us
Was no rancour.

8. I thirsted when the stream was cut from my hope
By the vicissitudes of a life full of danger.

9. Death's night-raiders galloped apace
To despoil a herd which the shepherds forsake.

10. Like a wild goat set upon by lions
On every side, how can prudence save it?

11. Gloom settled on my affairs because my people
Would not be warned against violence.

12. But for the glances towards you that drew my eyes
No arrows could have pierced so deep.

13. I thought I could bear it and hide my secret;
They spoke; and my pent-up passion overflowed.

14. See them happy wherever they are,
While I weep until my watchers wake.

15. I suffered, my son, till my heart melted,
And harshness itself might relent.