ABSTRACT
I cry out to you in great longing, A lonely voice; I hope for your coming with heavy heart, I cannot rest, I am on fire, Unquenchable in your burning love. I pursue you with all my might. If I had the strength of a giant And if I got onto your trail, Still I would quickly lose your tracks. Please, my Love, run not so far ahead of me And tarry a while in love, So that I can catch you. [ … ] This I do indeed desire More than I yearn for heaven. Mechthild of Magdeburg, “The Lament of the Loving Soul” (1998: 92–93)
