Balade
(from the French of Wenceslas, Duke of Brabant and Luxembourg, who died in 1384.)
I cannot tell, of twain beneath this bond,
Which one in grief the other goes beyond,—
Narcissus, who to end the pain he bore
Died of the love that could not help him more;
Or I, that pine because I cannot see
The lady who is queen and love to me.
Nay—for Narcissus, in the forest pond
Seeing his image, made entreaty fond,
‘Beloved, comfort on my longing pour’:
So for a while he soothed his passion sore;
So cannot I, for all too far is she—
The lady who is queen and love to me.
But since that I have Love’s true colours donned,
I in his service will not now despond,
For in extremes Love yet can all restore:
So till her beauty walks the world no more
All day remembered in my hope shall be
The lady who is queen and love to me.
