Give me drink, rest, and solitude —
these are all the things I long for;
give me as well your finest food
and I’ll ask of you, lass, no more!
My lovely lass, what’s the matter —
why are you all sad and alone?
Don’t be vexed because you’re sadder
than most, dear, for God loves His own.
Sweet girl, I’ll tell you a secret:
if I were a young lad again,
I’d chase you for your sweet asset.
But as I am two-score and ten
years old (oh yes, indeed!) — never
can I be the prince you now need:
but your pain won’t be for ever
if you search where your crushed heart leads.