A white doe on the green grass

A white doe on the green grass 
appeared to me, with two golden horns, 
between two rivers, 

in the shade of a laurel, 
when the sun was rising in an unripe season.

Her look was so sweet and proud 

that to follow her I left every task, 

like the miser who as he seeks treasure 

sweetens his trouble with delight.

"Let no one touch me," she bore 

written with diamonds and topazes 

around her lovely neck. 

"It has pleased my Caesar to make me free."

And the sun had already turned at midday; 
my eyes were tired

by looking but not sated, 

when I fell into the water, and she

disappeared.