Jacques Tahureau (1527–1555)

Translated by Andrew Lang

THE HIGH Midnight was garlanding her head,

With many a shining star in shining skies,

And, of her grace, a slumber on mine eyes,

And, after sorrow, quietness was shed.

Far in dim fields cicalas jargonéd

A thin shrill clamour of complaints and cries;

And all the woods were pallid, in strange wise,

With pallor of the sad moon overspread.

Then came my lady to that lonely place,

And, from her palfrey stooping, did embrace

And hang upon my neck, and kissed me over;

Wherefore the day is far less dear than night,

And sweeter is the shadow than the light,

Since night has made me such a happy lover.