Facilis Descensus

From their height to their decline my days are swiftly speeding.
Lady, give me comfort while I stand upon the height!
If I show thee constant love, then hearken to my pleading;
Do not let my rivals' malice bring me to despite!
Sorrows thick because of thee upon my heart come thronging.
Lady, make them cease, I pray,
Ere my fond youth pass away
In grief and bitter longing!

The better and the better my fair love doth ever please me,
The less and less do I please her; in sooth, I like that ill.
If I am glad, 'tis that a darling hope doth ever seize me,
Since as for grace and favour, she withholds them from me still.
Hope and comfort, while I live, I never shall surrender;
Never yet I dreamt of that,
When my love before me sat
Like the full moon in splendour.