The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #61152 Message #1197734
Posted By: Q (Frank Staplin)
31-May-04 - 02:11 PM
Thread Name: Lyr Req: A chanter m'er de so q'ieu no volria
Subject: RE: Lyr Req: A chanter m'er
I have discovered the Countess of Dia quite late. The Languedoc songs are an important body of old poetry-songs. Finding this thread, I am afraid, is going to put me into the greedy claws of the booksellers once again.
Sorcha gave one translation of the song "Estat ai en greu cassirier," or "I was plunged into great distress," by the Cindessa de Dia, an extract from the "Song of the Crusade." Here is a translation which, I think, expresses her fantasy more clearly:
I Was Plunged into Deep Distress
I was plunged into deep distress
by a knight who wooed me,
and I wish to confess for all time
how passionately I loved him;
Now I feel myself betrayed,
for I did not tell him of my love
therefore I suffer great distress,
in bed and when I am fully dressed.
Would that my knight might one night
lie naked in my arms
and find myself in ecstasy
with me as his pillow;
For I am more in love with him
than Floris was with Blanchfleur:
to him I give my heart and love,
my reason, my eyes and my life.
Handsome friend, tender and good,
when will you be mine?
Oh, to spend with you but one night
to impart the kiss of love!
Know that with passion I cherish
the hope of you in my husband's place,
as soon as you have sworn to me
that you will fulfill every wish.
Estat ai en greu cossirier
Cindessa de Dia
Estat ai en greu cossirier
per un cavalier q'ai agut,
e voill sia totz temps saubut
cum eu l'ai amat a sorbrier;
ara vei q'ieu sui trahida
car eu non li donei m'amor,
don ai estat en gran error
en lieig quand sui vestida.
Ben volria mon cavalier
tener un ser e mos bratz nut,
q'el s'en tengra per erubut
sol q'a lui fezes cosseiller;
car plus m'en sui abellida
no fetz Floris de Blanchaflor:
eu l'autrei mon cor e m'amor
mon sen, mos houills e ma vida.
Bels amics, avinens e bos,
Cora.us tenrai e mon poder?
e que jagues ab vos un ser
e qe.us des un bais amoros!
Sapchatz, gran talan n'auria
qe.us tengues en luoc del marit,
ab so que m'aguessetz plevit
de far tot so qu'eu voiria.
The History of the Languedoc: Occitan and Occitania: A Troubadour Song.
Languedoc