Guillem of Cabestaing to His Lady

That day, my lady, when I saw thee first,
When thou didst deign to grant me such fair sight,
Anon all other longings were dispersed.
And thou wast from that hour my sole delight;
But one sweet smile and glance my heart was needing,
Such constant love upon it to impress,
That of all else I had forgetfulness.

Thy rarest beauty, and thy merry cheer,
Thy gracious discourse, and thy loving mind —
Have wholly reft me of my reason clear,
Which since that hour I vainly strive to find;
Thine be it then, so thou do hear my pleading,
Thine to advance thy fame and wondrous worth,
Thine too my life, thou fairest dame on earth.

No dread of suff'ring 'tis that makes me sigh,
But I do hope that thou mayst once bestow
Some favour sweet upon me ere I die;
And highest joy were then my bitter woe.
If once I saw thee my long sorrow heeding;
For faithful lovers must endure great pain,
Pardon all wrongs and guerdon thereby gain.

Ah, lady! would that hour were onward speeding
When in thy mercy thou wouldst not disdain
To call me lover and to ease my pain!