1. My soul did me good, yet tormented me,
Oh, if only they and if only I!

2. Delights descended upon fertile souls,
They watered them, yet left me thirsty.

3. They grew accustomed to my noble resolve,
My patience, my bewildered affluence.

4. I accustomed them to enduring tribulations,
So they would not bend, nor would I bend.

5. When I toyed in the night of youth,
They checked my resolve and awoke me.

6. I kept frolicking with them,
And they frolicked with me in a blooming meadow,

7. Until the time of youth turned away
And my return was about to bend.

8. So my soul, if you are not certain
Of your purpose, be certain!

9. For this is the prison of souls
And you deserve to be imprisoned.

10. Do not ask me when will end
The nights of captivity, and do not grieve me.