1. His affection was feigned in my love for him,
How wretched is feigned affection and craft!

2. My heart contested his love until
I wrested his love completely from my heart.

3. So do not expect me to return to him,
The arrow once unleashed cannot be returned.

4. I have had enough of a love that wounds my ribs,
Even if love would cleave my ribs in two for me.

5. If the soul inclines toward him though distressed,
I have a soul that, though distressed, restrains its inclinations.

6. So while it inclines gently toward intimacy,
When it turns away, I make it pliant with firmness.

7. For I have said to the nights, "Farewell!"
And if they return, with glance or vanguard,

8. Nights in the sky that a vigilant spy
Deceives me into receiving from him.

9. Perhaps you are heading out on a journey
And the heavens will quickly bring you to me.

10. When the black branches of night spread out,
They folded over my shoulders and branches.

11. Or it gathered in its garment and continued
Advancing gently, trailing its train.

12. The Pleiades wrestle with it, glowing,
And it moans, leaning its lights.

13. It reaches the pure bosoms until I
Reluctantly returned the trust to him.