Dawn

	I am groaning loudly,

	the night before last was a long night,

	and a fair maid makes any night short

4	there's no denying it, says the man of judgement.

	The night before last a single night was a week long,

	gentle bright pretty girl, my darling.

	Last night I was in a marvellous state

8	with the one who's like heaven's candle, lovely Nyf,

	demanding reward for sleeplessness,

	getting great respect by a girl's side.

	When my grasp was at its firmest

12	and my condition at its best (she had dark eyebrows),

	at the top of the curtain (?), pulsating desire,

	by the true God, there came the break of day.

	'Get up', said she of the bright mantle,

16	'conceal this; see the clear sign.

	Your love is a cause of grievous tears,

	go to the devil; that's daylight down there.'

	'Good tall maid, slender, tender and faultless,

20	that is not true; this is better,

	it is the moon which the Lord God gave,

	with stars all around it.

	If I give this its true name,

24	that it was you take to be day.'

	'Evident dawn, if that were true,

	why is the crow singing on high?'

	'Insects are disturbing her sleep

28	trying to kill her.'

	'The dog of the farm yonder is barking

	as it squabbles with other dogs.'

	'Believe a statement near to hand,

32	it's the dogs of the night bickering.'

	'Stop your excuses minstrel,

	shallow sense utters long pain.

	Venture out on a journey like plundering

36	into battle, it is morning.

	Get up quietly, for Christ's sake,

	and open the heavy door yonder.

	The strides of your feet are very long,

40	the dogs are very fierce, run to the woods.'

	'Alas! The grove is not far off,

	and I am swifter than any dog.

	The vigilant man will not see me, I will not be caught,

44	if God is willing, on this land.'

	'Tell me this, for God's sake,

	good faithful poet, whether you will come here again.'

	'I will come, I am your nightingale,

48	indeed, my love, if night comes.'