When the nightingale in the leaves
Gives, seeks, and takes love,
And happily begins his song,
And gazes often at his mate,
And the streams are clear and the meadows fair,
Because of the new pleasure which prevails,
A great joy settles in my heart.

I am eager for a love affair—
For I know no more worthy enjoyment—
Which I pray for and desire, and it would be good
If she made me a gift of love;
For she has a full body, delicate and fair,
With nothing that could be unbecoming,
And her good, pleasurable love.

I am preoccupied with this love
Awake and then asleep in dreams,
For there I have amazing joy,
Because I enjoy her and am joyously happy;
But her beauty is worth nothing to me,
Because no friend will inform me
How I might obtain this pleasure.

I am so anxious about this love
That when I go running towards her
It seems to me I'm turning
Backwards and that she's fleeing;
And my horse runs so slowly…
I do not think I shall ever get there,
Unless love makes her hold back.

Love, I leave you cheerfully,
For I seek what is best for me;
And I am so fortunate in this
That I am still rejoicing,
Thanks to my Good Protector
Who wants, calls, and approves me,
And has made me very hopeful.

And whoever stays here enjoying himself,
And does not follow God to Bethlehem,
I do not know how he will ever be worthy,
Or how he will ever reach salvation;
For I know and indeed believe
That whoever teaches of Jesus
Holds a good school.