1. If I were granted control to banish my love for you
From my soul and from my body

2. I would try my utmost, so I could pretend
To visit you while able to abandon you

3. And if I abandoned you, still you are my heart's desire
And if I shunned you, still you make me ache

4. Yet you have wronged me in every way
Making your abandonment of me a favor

5. Cursed by God is the brotherhood of injustice between us
I watch over you yet you watch not over me

6. Alas, my soul has sworn to me
That I will not sell my dignity for disgrace

7. And if I did, after your leading me to ruin
Helping me when you are of my helpers

8. Then go your way, for I do not seek
Aid against the woes of fate

9. And I will wisely avoid passion
And wisely still my tongue from railing