1. In white robes, amidst a sea of red, he seemed
A tulip flowering amid anemones—

2. He gave me to drink from his hand sweet wine,
Alluring me with his eyes. I’m no debauchee!

3. By God, but for fear of Him alone,
And one unnamed, I'd be first lover he’d see.

4. My passion for him is forgivable—though
A hoary lock now mar the part in my hair.

5. No love is mine, nor has time hatched a plot
To bring back habits of my youth now rare.

6. If I still had the mien of hot-blooded youth
I would pursue him—but my age wouldn’t pair.