Douce Dame Jolie [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,

[My heart] 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.

• Artist:Guillaume de Machaut