This is a 14th. century French virelai written by Guillaume de Machaut (1300-1377). I should lead a happy life, sweet creature, if only you truly realized that you where the cause of all my concern. Lady of cheerful bearing, pleasing, bright and pure, often the woe I suffer to serve you loyally makes me say 'alas!' And you may be sure that I can in no wise go on living like this, if it lasts any longer For you are merciless to me and pitilessly obdurate, and have put such longing into my heart that it will certainly die a most dismal death, unless for its relief your mercy is soon ready.