Love
Love-Longing
Translated by Jessie L. Weston (1914) · From The Chief Middle English Poets (1914)
When I see the blossoms spring,
Hear the birds' sweet song,
Yearning thought, and love-longing
Thro' my heart they throng.
All set on a love so new —
Love so sweet, and love so true
Gladdens all my song.
For in very truth, I wis,
All my joy, and all my bliss,
Go with Him along!
Jesu, Lord, so mild and sweet,
Here I sing to Thee,
Yea, full oft I would Thee greet,
Pray Thee piteouslie,
Grant that I may sin forsake,
In this world atonement make,
And from wrong be free, —
And when this, our life, shall end,
And from hence we needs must wend,
Take us unto Thee!
Codex Note
Weston translates from Boddeker’s edition of the Harleian lyrics (MS. Harleian 2253, British Museum).
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous (Middle English). “Love-Longing.” Translated by Jessie L. Weston. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-middle-english/103/.
Chicago
Anonymous (Middle English). “Love-Longing.” Translated by Jessie L. Weston. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-middle-english/103/.
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