My secret love, companion of my nights,
With her beside me, I forget all cares
For in her arms I know such sweet delights,
And joy profound that she so gladly shares
Her life with mine, two hearts that beat as one,
Forever bound by ties so strong and pure,
True love more constant than the noonday sun,
That 'gainst all odds it will for aye endure.

Whate'er life holds she is my truest friend,
Through darkest storms, a beacon shining bright,
The steadfast rock on which I can depend.
For my part, I would be her shining knight,
Committed to defend her with my life,
Against the arrows of an unkind world,
Riding to her aid in the midst of strife,
My ready sword and banner bright unfurled.

And so I sing of this my lady fair,
Whose beauty shines like richest Persian silk.
With garlands, I will deck her golden hair
And gently kiss her face as pale as milk,
Content to lay my head upon her breast
In silent adoration, and fondly gaze
Into her eyes of limpid blue, caressed
By her dear love, which nought can e'er erase.

I do not know where in her thoughts I rank,
And curt dismissal I so often fear,
So when I seal this letter, I will frank
It with the tender kiss, which were she here
Upon her lips divine, I would bestow,
For which my words are but a poor substitute.
And so I pray that reading, she will know
Their truth, and thus my love will not dispute.