[Thomas:]
When Theseus, Hercules, and Jason
Traversed the whole earth and the ocean deep
To enlarge their valour and renown
And see the whole compass of the world,
They were quite worthy of honour.
But when I see beauty’s humble flower,
I’m so satisfied that by my soul
Enough I see, seeing my lady.
For by looking upon her beauty, her charms,
And her manner, overflowing with sweetness,
I take goodness enough to become good myself.
For this great virtue moves from her to me
By the grace of pure love,
Which constrains me to hate dishonour
And all vice. So by my soul I can say
Enough I see, seeing my lady.
I don’t want the golden fleece,
Or the Indies, or the Red Sea’s waves,
Or carry battle, fight to the infernal regions
And thus distance the look of the fair-haired woman
Who gives me joy and boldness,
Sweet thoughts too—instead I think it better
To consider and count all else a trifle.
Enough I see, seeing my lady.
[The Response of Guillaume de Machaut:]
I’m not eager to look upon Absalom’s beauty
Or the cunning and swagger of Ulysses,
Or to test the might of Samson,
Or to watch Delilah cut his hair.
I give no thought at all
To the eyes of Argus or greater joy,
Since for pleasure and with no one’s help,
Enough I see, seeing my lady.
The statue Pygmalion crafted
Had no equal, nothing like it;
But that beauty who holds me prisoner
Is one hundred times more beautiful and pure.
She’s a true fountain of sweetness
Who can and is able to heal all pain.
So that man’s wrong who blames my saying so.
Enough I see, seeing my lady.
So I care nothing for Solomon’s wisdom,
Nor that Phoebus makes an end or responds,
Nor that Venus interferes, or Menon,
Whom Jupiter changed into a swallow.
Rather this I say: since I adore,
Love, and desire her, serve, and respect, and honour her
Above all others, and she inflames me with love,
Enough I see, seeing my lady.
English: R Barton Palmer � 2013