Luís de Camões (c. 1524–1580)

Translated by J. J. Aubertin
Given Him in Jest, from Her Hair, by a Lady with Whom He Was in Love

SWEET, delicate fillet, who art left behind,

In pledge the joy I merit to redeem,

If, only seeing thee, half lost I seem,

What with the locks round which thou erst didst wind?

Those golden tresses where thou wast entwined,

That hold the sunbeam’s glow in light esteem,

I know not if to mock my prayerful dream,

Or if to bind me thou didst them unbind.

Sweet fillet, in my hands I see thee lie,

And that my grief some solace I may show,

As one who hath no other, thee I take:

And if my wish thou dost not satisfy,

Still, in the rule of love, I’ll bid her know,

Sometimes we keep the part for the whole’s sake.