Les tendres souhaits [English translation]

Would that I be the bracken

on which, as the day closes,

rests this shepherdess of mine

under love's watchful eye!

Would that I be the Zephyr

refreshing her nice figure,

the air her mouth breathes in,

the flower born in her step.

Would that I be clear water

welcoming her in my midst!

Would that I be finery

wrapping her after her bath!

Would that I be the mirror

in which her sweet little face

reveals to our eyes a grace

that smiles to beauty itself!

Would that I could weave a dream

to hold her heart in a spell!

Would that I could cast off lies

and tell her the truth at last!

The gods that brought me into being

made me an ambitious man,

for I wish to be at last

everything that pleases her.