I
In the summer heat,
when everything was in bloom,
I was all afire.
I was passing the time
under a beautiful olive tree,
worn out by the heat and the hard work.

II
This tree was in a meadow
embroidered with every kind of flower.
and made attractive by grass, a spring and the setting;
shade and a breeze were also provided.
Plato's pen could not have depicted
a more agreeable scene.

III
A lively spring flowed past below
and there was the singing of a nightingale
and the songs of the Naiads.
It was a virtual paradise here;
there are no places, I know full well,
more pleasant than this.

IV
While I was enjoying my delight at the scene,
and taking delight in my pleasure
and in my escape from the heat,
I saw a shepherdess
of striking beauty gathering mulberries,
unaccompanied.

V
I gave way to love at the sight of her;
Venus did this, I believe.
"Come to me," I said, "I'm not a bandit.
I won't take anything from you or hurt you in anyway.
I offer you myself and what is mine,
you who are fairer than Flora!"

VI
She replied in a few words:
"I am not accustomed to a man's games.
My parents are harsh;
my mother, who is quite old,
will get angry over even a trifling matter.
Stop this now in time!"

(Traill, Carmina Burana)