Les Regrets/12

XI. 'The sacred mysteries of holy Roman '

Les Regrets ~ XII written by Joachim Du Bellay translated by A. S. Kline

XIII. 'If I climb to the Palace, I find only pride'

Les Regrets - XII. ‘Je n’écris point d’amour, n’étant point amoureux’.

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XII

"I write not of love, not feeling amorous"
 
I write not of love, not feeling amorous,
I write not of beauty, having no mistress,
I write nothing sweet, am wed to rudeness,
I write not of pleasure, being dolorous:
 
I write not of joy, since I’m lugubrious,
I write not of favour, lacking my princess,
I write not of wealth, devoid of riches,
I write not of health, I’m somewhat languorous:
 
I write not of court, far from my prince,
I write not of France now, in this province,
I write not of honour, here they’re beasts:
 
I write not of friendship, all is feigned,
I write not of virtue, here’s none, again,
I write not of knowledge, among priests.