Love
Nil amplius Oro
Translated by Frank C. Nicholson (1907) · From Old German Love Songs (1907)
A lady surely ought to let
Me look on her in loving wise.
At her I wish (and none could yet
Forbid that wish) to fly mine eyes.
Am I not like an owl for sight?
My heart sees her in blackest night.
Her greeting, strong to aid, doth fill
My breast with joy and perfect cheer;
For that I needs must serve her still.
Perchance the day will yet appear
When all the world shall see my bliss.
There have been stranger things than this!
What harm a stork will do the corn!
Ladies by me are harmed still less.
Fain would I 'scape their wrath and scorn.
For her who with unworthiness
Doth treat me now,—I let it be!
Fair courtesy shall be shown by me.
Cite this poem
MLA
Eschenbach, Wolfram von. “Nil amplius Oro.” Translated by Frank C. Nicholson. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/wolfram/1/.
Chicago
Eschenbach, Wolfram von. “Nil amplius Oro.” Translated by Frank C. Nicholson. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/wolfram/1/.
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