The page

Although I must now renounce

everything for which my heart prays,

let me kiss this spot of earth

on which your lovely foot has stepped.

Although I may no longer like a knight

ride happily at your side,

just let me always be your page

to accompany you to Mass.

I will be faithful and silent.

By day I will listen for your smallest hint;

by night I will lie on your threshhold -

may the storm and hail roar.

I will always, with polite greetings,

bring you fresh roses in the morning;

In the evenings, at your feet, I will

sing songs with the guitar.

I will bridle white stags

when you feel fresh to hunt;

in the vastness of the wood I will

hold your spear and falcon;

When you go to your tryst,

I will myself be your torchbearer,

and at the door with a naked dagger,

I will keep watch as you kiss another.

And all of this without complaint,

without pleading, neither loud nor soft,

if, at the end of the day,

you give me just one smile as my reward;

when, like a blessed star,

you turn to me with your entire nature,

even if it is just your eyes from afar,

bestowing upon me your singular radiance.