Stronger than the Ivy

What about an attempt of English translation of Cassandra poem ?

Here you go :

From Ode à Cassandre – Pierre de Ronsard

[intro]

[Verse 1]

Oh maiden, more tender

Than a beautiful crimson bud

That the rose tree produces

At the rising of the sun,

Green on one side

Blushing on the other!

[Chorus]

Stronger than the ivy

That clings around

The beloved oak it embraces

Entwined in many turns,

Bending its outspread arms

Over it in every way,

[Verse 2]

Encircle my neck, mistress,

With your two folded arms;

With a tie that holds and presses

Gently bind me;

Let a mutual kiss

Be perpetual for us.

[Bridge]

Neither time nor desire

For another love

Can draw my life

From your lips;

Thus embracing we shall remain,

And kissing we shall die.

[Chorus]

Stronger than the ivy

That clings around

The beloved oak it embraces

Entwined in many turns,

Bending its outspread arms

Over it in every way,

[Verse 3]

In the same year and same hour,

And in the same season,

We shall go to see

The dwelling

Of the pale house,

And the fields arranged

For fortunate lovers.

[Chorus]

Stronger than the ivy

That clings around

The beloved oak it embraces

Entwined in many turns,

Bending its outspread arms

Over it in every way,

[Verse 4]

Love through the little flowers

Of eternal spring

Will see our little loves

Under the motherly wood;

There we shall learn how much

Lovers have of good.

[outro]

[fadeout]