The Honest Poet
I walked faster than lightning
for eighteen miles, long hunt.
The tip of my foot did not touch
4 the ground last night,
I'm like a rush of thunder, sign of youth,
my painful passion, I'm completely exhausted.
My intent in the fair land
8 is like that of mighty Tristan for all to see.
A dry twig does not break under my foot,
perfect trick, foolish madman.
I did not turn back my face
12 for anyone, marvellous manner.
I went faster than a wild wind
to the court of the girl who is like a second Isolde.
Without greeting her by name I gave her
16 advice, lustful giver.
'Don't do yourself down,
girl dressed in silk, colour of untrodden snow,
after abiding so long
20 in virgin's state, tender beauty.
Don't take a knave, instead of desiring May,
he would not suit you at all.
Noble maiden of high birth,
24 love him who loves you, fine wise girl.'
'My foster-mother says that I'll be worse off
now for my luxuries.
I've seen many, son of Gwilym,
28 take a husband who would deceive me.'
'The man who loves is no deceiver,
he is no fickle flatterer.
I would not seek to trick you,
32 even if I could do, your dark brow is black.
I am not a man who would entice you by trickery
from your house, fine bright tower.
No living man will deceive you (vain slander)
36 in my company, protective lord.
Your face is faultless,
a jewel to me, may no one ever deceive you.'