English
On the Joy of Union
Such a lovely, heart-stealing beauty,
a living legend of grace and charm.
So tender toward the one who loved her,
as if she loved my very life and world.
She showed me nothing but kindness,
and I saw from her only sweet words.
Happiness was my constant companion,
and the eye of my soul stayed fixed on her face.
I told my heart: you dazed and lovesick thing,
guard her sorrow deep within your soul.
For no one will find a sweeter beloved than this,
nor find in beauty anyone better.
For a while we were happy together,
and in her embrace my life went well.
Good fortune was my friend and luck my companion,
time bent to my command, prosperity walked beside me.
My stars made me cheerful and glad,
and I was free from the chains of every grief.
The world obeyed me, fortune stood by me,
the heavens served me and the stars were my slaves.
Now nothing is left of that pleasure but blood in my heart;
of that joy, nothing remains for me but grief.
I have a broken body and a sorrowful heart,
one hand holding wind, the other holding dust.