4
If it be thy will to gain
The safe shore of Passions main,
With a thousand brands of fire
One faint flame is thy desire.
God has taught me how to spring
Joyously upon the wing;
Thou aspirest but to rest
Cowering in thy meadows nest.
Seekest thou to win perchance
The Beloveds secret glance?
First awhile be clutching then
So the skirts of conscient men.
With no madness in thy breast
Through the town thou clamourest;
Pitcher shattered from thy grip,
Thou wouldst yet the revel keep.
Practice too the amorous art,
Learn to captivate the heart,
If thou dost desire of me
Loves immortal minstrelsy.