THE MIRROR OF NARCISSUS
By: Motetus
Lady, I am one of those who willingly endures
your wishes, so long as I can endure;
but I do not think I can endure it for long
without dying, since you are so hard on me
as if you wanted to drive me away from you,
so I should never again see the great and true beauty
of your gentle body, which has such worth
that you are of all good women the best.
Alas! thus I imagine my death.
But the pain I shall have to bear would be sweet, if I could only hope,
that before my death, you let me see you again.
Lady, if ever my heart undertakes anything
which may honor or profit my heart,
it will come from you, however far you may be,
for never without you, whom I love very loyally,
nor without Love, could I undertake it or know it.
Sweet noble heart, I am forbidden
to ever see you again
your fair sweet face
which put me on the path of love;
be truly I do not know
how I can expect
not to have to die soon.
And if I must abstain
to give you pleasure,
or else be untrue to you,
then I would rather keep my loyalty
and according to your will
die, if your heart wishes it,
than against you will
to receive complete joy
by viewing your beauty.
Sweet noble heart, pretty lady,
I am wounded by love
so that I am sad and pensive,
and have no joy or mirth,
for to you, my sweet companion,
I have thus given my heart.
