To high love I have utterly

Surrendered what I am.

Whether I lose or win, be it all

Due to her, neither more nor less.

What has befallen me?

I am not my own.

She has swallowed up all my sense.

Her fair being

Gives the certainty

That pain of love is all gain.

Hadewijch of Antwerp, Poem 16:71-80

Translasted by Marieke J.E.H.T van Baest