1. I say to a flock of doves that alighted near me,
Cooing atop the highest branches, calling out,

2. And nestling in the soft, verdant garden,
Graceful, pleasing place of growing plants,

3. With limbs that fear no scheming or malice,
Serene, knowing neither anxiety nor sorrow.

4. I said: fortunate are the doves in their safety,
Though days have not given me any safety.

5. If the doves were to meet some of what I meet,
They would be the first to moan in distress.

6. If they knew what I know,
None among them would moan or sing.

7. Whoever has experienced time as I have,
Knows its ways do not last in one tenor.

8. Enough, O Fate! You have kindled in us a fire—
Had you been poison, your burning were mercy.

9. And most of all I blame you, my time, for
Never thinking well of you.

10. We blamed you, O fickle fate, so defend yourself!
And we maligned you, O course of time, so take from us!

11. For we are people who bow to no misfortune,
Our nature knows neither fear nor cowardice.