Love and Laughter

Wherefore, wherefore should we sorrow?
Mirth is right.
Ah, from ladies let us borrow
Heart's delight!
Blest is he who wins this treasure
From them: he hath fortune fair.
They must make us fain of pleasure,
Since high honour, too, is there.

Cherish dance and song and laughter
For their sake!
Who their favour followeth after,
Let him make
Service true his heart's endeavour.
He may prove thereby his worth.
He who grudges that will never
See his mourning changed to mirth.

Water quenches every glimmer
Of the fire.
Never doth the sun grow dimmer
And: expire.
What I tell you is no fiction:
Hark and make this truth your own!
Worthy men from sore affliction
Can be freed by women alone.

Lady Love, my heart is yearning.
Woe, ah woe!
Feel how hot my breast is burning!
Chilly snow
Needs would burn with all the fervent
Fuel that on my heart is laid.
Love, if thou canst love thy servant,
Come betimes and lend me aid!