Douce Dame Jolie - English Translation

English Translation

Sweet, lovely lady
for god's sake do not think
that any has sovereignty
over my heart, but you alone.
For always, without treachery
Cherished
Have I you, and humbly
All the days of my life
Served
Without base thoughts.
Alas, I am left begging
For hope and relief;
For my joy is at its end
Without your compassion.
Sweet, lovely lady....
But your sweet mastery
Masters
My heart so harshly,
Tormenting it
And binding
In unbearable love,
desires nothing
but to be in your power.
And still, your own heart
renders it no relief.
Sweet, lovely lady....
And since my malady
Will not
Be annulled
Without you, Sweet Enemy,
Who takes
Delight of my torment
With clasped hands I beseech
Your heart, that forgets me,
That it mercifully kill me
For too long have I languished.

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