Je vivroie liement [English translation]

I should lead a happy life,

sweet creature,

if only you truly realized

that you where the cause of all

my concern.

Lady of cheerful bearing,

pleasing, bright and pure,

often the woe I suffer

to serve you loyally

makes me say 'alas!'

And you may be sure

that I can in no wise

go on living like this, if it lasts

any longer

For you are merciless to me

and pitilessly obdurate,

and have put such longing

into my heart

that it will certainly die

a most dismal death,

unless for its relief

your mercy is soon

ready.

• Artist:Guillaume de Machaut