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Dum ludis floribus: translation
London, British Library, Harley MS 2253, f. 76r

While you play with wreaths of flowers,
The God of Love binds me in such anguish,
The pain of grief and misery binds me,
If I do not have the one that I love above all.

5   Her love makes me burn so much
That I do not know what I can do about it;
I will be forced to leave this world behind me
If I cannot pursue her love.

She is such a beautiful, refined, and excellent lady,

10 As if she were an emperor's daughter,
With a charming manner and admirable chastity,
She is the flower in every king's court.

When I see her I am in such glory
As is the moon among the stars of heaven;

15 May God grant her to me by his mercy,
To kiss and do the other things which follow.

I wrote these verses in my notebook;
My lodgings are in the middle of the city of Paris.
I cannot say any more, I feel such joy;

20 If I die for her love, it is a pity.



Set up by Bella Millett, enm@soton.ac.uk. Last updated 24 July 2003 .