1. Do you see me cease my vigil, though love rends my soul,
And shoot hearts with arrows of yearning glance?

2. How can I reach my people's blood that calls for vengeance,
When the enemy finds refuge in mountain fastness?

3. The wounds of battle attest to thrust of lance and sword -
Resolve goes where no cables the champions' zeal could curb;

4. Ho friend, look back: reproach mars not our ancient fame,
Though now your sight accuses my watching eyes of blame.

5. Our spears were quick to challenge, watching well the plain,
While my eyes for the mountain passes all in vain would search.

6. Their smiles reveal the pearls their lips cannot conceal,
As breasts heave sighs like red bubbles in wine that surge.

7. Chide not the passion of lovers - little you know
Of my heart's remorseless judge who no plea forgives.

8. Can you not see that these are forms the Maker wrought,
Who of their beauty framed my passion's Likeness?

9. And wine - like fire unquenched till the fuel expires -
I cast it forth but to strike the fuel it cries for!

10. Pearls slip smooth in her glass, but are pearls thereby demeaned?
Nay, pearls are cheapened if not strung brightly in order.

11. Her hand with the cup - like life - glows till you understand
The palm's red heat comes not from the wine it proffers.

12. Think: planet and star glow bright when paired in the sky -
Then blame not my joy in her presence if song rises higher!

13. Reproach me not, friend, though passion sets me singing,
For silence to her tyranny I could never aspire!