sonnet of contrition

Vinicius de Moraes (1913-1980) is one of Brazil's most refined poets. The supreme elegance of his verses is not easy to translate. This is an attempt to render the first quatrain of his Sonnet of Contrition (1938). I love you, Maria, so much My chest, it does hurt as though sick No matter the pain they inflict Your spells all my soul fully touch.