Now that the days grow long in May
I hear birds' gentling song afar
When from that song I turn away
My mind turns to my love afar
Bent with desire — downcast and dour
No springbird's song nor whitethorn flower
Can touch me more than winter's chill
Never will I find joy on earth
In love without my love afar
Who shines above all other worth
Above all others near and far
Her virtue reigns so true and pure
I'd die a prisoner of war
In Saracen lands to serve her will
Half grieved half joyful will I go
Once having seen my love afar
When shall we meet? I do not know
For our two lands lie far too far
So many paths by land and sea
What lies ahead I cannot see
But all things follow God's good will
What bliss for love of God will be
There in the lodge of love afar
I'll lodge with her if she wants me
Although a stranger from afar
O discourse will be dear the day
I come her love from faraway
To hear love's words and feel its thrill
I call him Lord who I believe
Shall let me see my love afar
Though for each pleasure I receive
Two ills since she remains so far.
I'd go a pilgrim to that shrine
To see my dust-dark tunic shine
Reflected in those bright eyes still
God who made all things swift and still
And fashioned me my love afar
Grant me a way — I have the will
Soon to behold my love afar
In such a truly pleasant place
That chamber wall and garden space
Will seem a palace on a hill
He speaks the truth who says I yearn
And lust for naught but love afar
What joy on earth would I not spurn
Just to enjoy my love afar?
But what I want is barred with hate
My godfather has fixed my fate
To love well and be treated ill
Oh what I want I'll never find
God damn that godfather of mine
Who doomed my love to bring me ill