Who knew love in Portugal better than Luís Vaz de Camões (1524 to June 10, 1580). The true power of his command of Portuguese is unequalled, and this is considered one of his most moving love poems, Alma Minha Gentil

Soul of  mine, genteel, who has departed

Too soon from this life, discontented

Rest in heaven eternally

While I remain here, forever saddened.

If there in the ethereal place that you have gone

Memories of this life are allowed,

Do not forget that ardent love

You always saw so pure in my eyes.

And if you judge there might be worthy of you,

Some small bit of this pain that I am left with,

Of the pain with out remedy of losing you

Prey to God, who cut short your life,

To take me quickly to see you,

As quick as from my sight he took you.