The Greeting
Greet, don't greet, messenger,
I don't know whom-the wife of a good young lord.
Ask the girl whom I greeted
4 I don't know what, for fear of a tax of violence-
to come early tomorrow
(I am dull) but I don't know where.
I myself shall come (memory of unbending anger)
8 I don't know when in the world ever.
If she asks (pleasant sobriquet,
a suitor's pain) who greeted [her],
say as you fall silent
12 (I'm fickle), 'I don't know'.
If you see [the one of] fair face,
even though you might not see her (not a bad sight),
splendid [girl] with the glowing face of the rising sun,
16 on your oath, don't say anything!