To Queen Elizabeth

One thought alone that gladdens and tortures me

Holds my spirit captive in eternal fluctuation

So that the voices of both dread and hope rang out

While restlessly I counted the hours.

And when my heart chooses this leaf of paper as its messenger,

And tells of my longing to see you,

Then, valued sister, I am gripped by new anxiety,

Because this leaf of paper lacks the power to give evidence thereof.

I saw the barque, almost safe in harbour,

Held fast by the storm in the battle of the waves,

The bright visage of the heavens shrouded by night.

Thus, I too, am beset by anxious cares,

Not fear of you, sister! But the machinations of fate

Often tear the sail that we trusted.