Translated by A. Z. Foreman - Joy and Love Afar lyrics

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