I have placed my heart in God’s service
So that I might ascend to Heaven,
To the holy place where I have heard,
There’s always laughter, joy and fun:
I’d not want to go without my Lady,
Of the clear brow, and golden hair,
Without her I could never be happy,
Separated from my Lady fair.

But I do not speak with real intent
Of committing any sin if I should say,
I’ll not see her lovely movement,
Her gentle look and lovely face:
For I would be utterly content,
To find her there, glorious to my gaze.

Translated by A. S. Kline

Io m’aggio posto in core a Dio servire,
Com’io potesse gire in paradiso,
Al santo loco ch’aggio audito dire
U’si mantien sollazzo, gioco e riso.

Sanza mia donna non li voria gire,
Quella c’ha blonda testa e claro viso,
Chè sanza lei non poteria gaudire,
Estando da la mia donna diviso.

Ma non lo dico a tale intendimento,
Perch’io peccato ci volesse fare,
Se non veder lo suo bel portamento,

E lo bel viso e ‘l morbido a sguardare:
Chè lo mi teria in gran consolamento,
Veggendo la mia donna in ghioria stare.