The villa of my sister
Hath its gates in the midst of the estate;
[So often as] its doors are opened,
[So often as] the bolt is withdrawn,
My beloved is angry.
If I were set as the gatekeeper,
I should cause her to chide me;
Then should I hear her voice [when she is] angry:
A child before her!
Love's Doubts
[My Brother] hath come forth [from mine house];
[He careth not for] my love;
My heart standeth still within me.
Behold, honeyed cakes in my mouth.
They are turned into salt;
Even must, that sweet thing,
In my mouth is as the gall of a bird!
The breath of thy nostrils alone
Is that which maketh my heart live.
I found thee! Amen grant thee unto me,
Eternally and for ever!
The Unsuccessful Bird-catcher
The voice of the wild goose crieth,
For she hath taken her bait;
[But] thy love restraineth me,
I cannot loose it.[204]
So I must gather my net together.
What then shall I say to my mother,
To whom I come daily
Laden with wild-fowl?
I have not laid my net to-day,
For thy love hath seized me.
Translation of W. Max Müller.