From
Orchesographie, 1589, a collection
of songs and dances
by Thoinot Arbeau,
an alias for Jehan Tabourot (1520-1595).
Translated by Arnold vander Nat, © 2004.
Belle qui tiens ma vie
Captive dans tes yeulx,
Qui m'as l'ame ravie
D'un soubz-ris gracieux,
Viens tost me secourir
Ou me fauldra mourir.
Pourquoy fuis tu mignarde
Si je suis pres de toy,
Quand tes yeulx je regarde
Je me perds dedans moy
Car tes perfections
Changent mes actions.
Approche donc ma belle
Approche toy mon bien,
Ne me sois plus rebelle
Puis que mon coeur est tien,
Pour mon mal appaiser,
Donne moy un baiser.
Fair one, who holds my being
A captive in thine eyes,
Who ravishes my spirit
With kindness from thy smile,
Come soon for my relief
Ere I must die of grief.
Why dost thou flee, my pretty,
When I am near to thee,
When I behold thine eyes,
I am lost inside of me,
For thy perfections true
They change my life anew.
Come nearer then, my fair one,
Come closer then, dear mine,
Do not resist me longer,
For now my heart is thine.
To make my pain at ease,
Give thou to me a kiss.