The Fowler
The fowler, following an eastern frost
or snowdrift (fair snow shower),
on a pathway sets traps, God knows,
4 on a hillside, [when there's] a fine and merry winter moon.
If he brings coltsfoot [together with] honeydew
with him, and binds them easily,
glued twigs will shelter
8 the bright banks of the clean springs.
When a birds comes (tenure of pain)
to Anglesey nearby across a shore,
it will recognize (a very easy journey)
12 the pleasantness of the wetlands there.
It will land if it is excited,
its feathers will fold in liquid glue
until there comes (memory of war of anger)
16 the hand of the [trap-]setter who successfully hunted it.
Likewise has God, the father of divinity,
(well does he strike me) done with my love.
Like the snow of the hillside (a beautiful colour)
20 is the girl's face; I know who she is.
Deep springs of blue tears
are the sparkling eyes of [the girl who's like] Eigr.
Fair berries, they deserve praise:
24 the goldsmithery of Mary's Son above.
A hundred sighs to me (because they afflict me),
God's brooches, that they are not closed!
Love and bright passion has stuck
28 (the bird-lime's bond) between us as a wound.
A bold thought (ill-fated grasp)
will not go from the noble brow
(bright herbs of [her] head with a playful mind,
32 the drunkenness of the deceiving eyes)
more than a bird (she is noble)
from the hanging glue; her colour is greatly praised.
Long-lasting love, disfigurer of the mind,
36 (secret mind) far is [the reach of] your strike.
Her two narrow black eyebrows
are the glued twigs, capturing wealth.
More [clear] on the girl is the blackbird-feather brow
40 than the builder's plumb-line on a whitewashed hall.
The likeness of a noble-featured cloud
(quickly wearied mind) upto the brow of the girl:
the memory has been fettered, chained
44 (sun of talent) and nailed into me.