The other day, to entertain herself,
Near a wood and an orchard,
Along my way a shepherdess 
Was singing under a green apple tree:
"Ah!" she began by saying,
"Ah! Love, tender love!" 
Then I in my turn spoke to her
(Though a stranger to her)
I said without a thought:
"God keep you this fine day!" 

First that shepherdess
Returns my greeting;
Finding her winsome and graceful,
I seek to court her:
"Fair maid, would you love me?
You will have most noble finery." 
"Don't you try to seduce me,
Everything you say is a lie;
I have my sweet shepherd Perrin,
And want no other love." 

"Alas, that's a great pity, fair maid,
A lord would be far worthier.
Only the high-born have all the zeal
That makes love precious.
They are tender and gracious,
While a poor shepherd 
Is uncouth even at his labor.
Set your sights higher, then,
Love me with a joyous heart,
You will become rich in return." 

"By Jesus, generous sire,
I refuse your offer.
What is the point of seduction 
When abandonment will follow?
I'm going back home
Where I'd much rather stay
Than in your tower.
A dandy is no less a villain 
Than the traitor Ganelon.
The lamb must flee the vulture."

It was clear to me that the shepherdess 
Wanted to get away from me;
Despite my many entreaties,
I was unable to persuade her.
When I was about to embrace her,
The minx cried out loudly:
"Ah! Perrin! Come here!"
Unable to carry her off,
All I could do was to ride away 
Before a heart less cold.

Envoi:
But the fair maid, taunting:
"Safe travels, sir knight, 
Knight far too bold!"