Inscription on a Ring

I’ve written small, you’ll read th’ inscription toilsomely,
Put it on your finger, take it off evenly.

Whenever out of reach for kisses, your goldsmith
Smiles in the gold verse I’ve written as your wordsmith.

I wish fault wouldn’t rest with me in my doing,
For having such a tiny root in my wooing,

Though small, still enough for a pomegrate to yield,
When world-weary, read its promise as a charmed shield.

Whenever you take off the ring or contemplate,

Kiss my engraved ring sliding on your finger’s fate.

English version by Gabriela PACHIA