Bertran to the Lady Maent

Lady, who dost lightly prize
This true heart, that thou hast rent
By thy doom of banishment,
Whither shall I wander now?
Plunged in sadness,
Ne'er again shall I know gladness;
And, if I no lady find
Of a face that's to my mind,
Fair as she that does forsake me,
Ne'er to Love will I betake me.

Since, where'er I cast my eyes,
None I see so full of grace,
None so wise nor fair of face,
'Fore whose worth all men must bow,
Whose excelling
Graciousness is past all telling.
Then will I go borrowing
Of each lady some fair thing.
Borrowed mistress thus creating,
While her pardon I am waiting.

White and red, that nature dyes,
Gives me Sembeline perchance,
And her gentle loving glance;
Boldness great I then avow,
Naught omitting.
So there lack no grace befitting,
Lady Elis I beseech
For her frank and witty speech,
If in this Dame Elis fail me,
Little would all gifts avail me.

Chalais' Viscountess so wise
I would ask the favour rare
Of her neck and hands most fair;
This allowed me onward go,
Ever speeding,
And at Rochecouard make pleading,
Crave from Agnes locks of gold,
Brighter ones e'en fair Isold,
She of loveliness so vaunted,
Had not — this I say undaunted.

From Dame Faidid likewise,
Would I have her teeth pearl-white
Gracious mien and welcome bright,
Which she does on all bestow;
Further wending,
My "Fair Mirror" condescending
I do ask for joyous mind,
For her courteous ways and kind,
Which have never any waning
Love and honour for her gaining.

"Belz-Senher," full free of sighs
Were I, if my love could be
E'en as great for her as thee;
But within me there does grow
Longing, tender,
And to thee I'd liefer render
Service, though thou ne'er requite me
Than in others' charms delight me.
Lady, why no love bestowest,
Since my faith full long thou knowest?