Raimon de Miraval(h) (c. 1135/1160 – c. 1220) was a troubadour (fl. 1180–1220) and, according to his vida, "a poor knight from Carcassonne who owned less than a quarter of the castle of Miraval."Favoured by Raymond VI of Toulouse, he was also later associated with Peter II of Aragon and Alfonso VIII of Castile. His senhal for Raymond VI was Audiart.Raimon has been identified with a person of the same name who undersigned a charter of 1151, which led some to place his birth date as early as c. 1135, while others reject the identification with the Raimon de Miraval of the charter and estimate his birth date at 1160 based on the height of his career c. 1200. That Raimon owned only a quarter of his family's ancestral castle is an indication either of partible inheritance or clan structure. Miraval was captured by Simon de Montfort during the Albigensian Crusade. After the Battle of Muret in 1213 Raimon probably fled to Spain, after swearing never to sing again until he had regained his castle. At some point he separated from his wife, Gaudairença (or Caudairenga), herself the author of the (now lost) song Coblas e dansas, for uncourtly behaviour.
Of Raimon's works 45 remain, of which 22 have melodies: one of the highest survival rates among troubadours. Most of these works are of the trobar leu style. Raimon addressed many works to one named "Pastoret", but the identification of this person has been problematic, though he is usually identified as Raymond Roger Trencavel. Raimon was admired by contemporaries and by most poets of later generations and he is famous for his handling of the subject of courtly love.Raimon represents a move away from the traditional cansos celebrating the jois d'amor ("joys of love") or amor de lonh ("love from afar"), but rather emphasizing courtliness, honor, and reputation. The highest virtue is faithfulness, but this hinges on courtliness (pretz e valor).
References
Graham-Leigh, Elaine. The Southern French Nobility and the Albigensian Crusade. Woodbridge: The Boydell Press, 2005. ISBN 1-84383-129-5Topsfield, L. T. "Raimon de Miraval and the Art of Courtly Love." The Modern Language Review, Vol. 51, No. 1. (Jan., 1956), pp 33–41.
Topsfield, L. T. (ed). Les Poésies du troubadour Raimon de Miraval. Paris: Les Classiques d'Oc IV, 1971.
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| Miraval village |
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| Ruins of the Castle |
406,1? or XXXIX A Dieu me coman, Bajona
| A Dieu me coman, Bajona, Cal diable t'an tengut Cant est sirventesc no-t sona, Ben t'en deus clamar perdut, Qu'ieu t'agra dat caval maucut Ab sela de Carcassona Et entressenh et escut De la cort de Narbona. A Dieu me coman, Bajona, Tan paupre-t vey a sobrier, Mas vestit ab avol gona! Mas ie-t trairai de pauprier Ab un sirventesc que-t profier, Tal que cent don hom sermona, Que-t valra mais que denier, Ni que rauba fort bona. Ins el Carcasses te planta, Mas er no-t nomni-ls baros, C'obs n'i aurian caranta Sirventes a dir los pros! Car greu triar fay un ni dos Mest corteza gent aitanta! E tu pren los guizardos E pueis d'aqui t'avanta. Passaras a Carcassona, Iras a'n Peire Rotgier, E s'il be e gent no-t dona, Ye-t doblarai ton loguier: E pueis iras a n'Olivier Que-t dara rauba gordona De saun vairet leugier, O dels draps de Narbona. Bajona, pauc te sojorna E vai t'en a'n Gent Esquieu, Qu'el no-t fara cara morna C'om pus alegre no vieu! Ans te dara caval braidieu, Tal que ben cor e biorna, E vestimenta d'estieu Ben estan et adorna. A'n Bertran de Saissac chanta Sirventes e mais chansos, E di-l que no-s tenh'az anta, Car premier non l'ai somos! Et ja de luy no-t partras blos, C'un caval c'a col de ganta No-t don per amor de nos Si dars non l'atalanta. A n'Aymeric vay t'en cochos Que ta nessieira t'escanta Per caval que't sia bos | God keep me,Bajona |
406,2 or XXXV Aissi cum es genser pascors
| Aissi cum es genser pascors De nuill autre temps chaut ni frei, Degr'esser meiller vas domnei Per alegrar fis amadors! Mas mal aion ogan sas flors Qe m'an tan de dan tengut Q'en un sol jorn m'an tolgut Tot qant avi'en dos ans Conques ab mainz durs affans. Ma domna et eu et Amors Eram pro d'un voler tuich trei, Tro c'aras ab lo dols aurei, La ros'e-l chanz e la verdors Ll'an remenbrat que sa valors Avia trop desendut Car volc so q'eu ai volgut. Pero no-i ac plasers tanz, Q'anc res fos mas sol demanz. Aquel m'era gaugz et honors, Mas no-ill plaz que plus lo m'autrei, E puois midonz vol q'eu sordei, Be-m pot baissar car il m'a sors, Las, per qe no-ill dol ma dolors Puois aissi-m troba vencut Q'eu ai tant son prez cregut, Q'enanzat ai sos enans E destarzat toz sos danz. Un plait fan domnas q'es follors! Qant trobon amic qe-s mercei, Per assai li movon esfrei E-l destreingnon tro-s vir'aillors! E, qant an loingnat los meillors, Fals entendedor menut Son per cabal receubut, Don se chala-l cortes chanz E-n sorz crims e fols mazanz. Eu non faz de totas clamors Ni m'es gen c'ab domnas gerrei, Ni ges lo mal qu'eu dir en dei No lor es enois ni temors! Mais s'ieu disia dels pejors, Tost seria conogut Qals deu tornar en refut, Que torz e pechaz es granz Qan domn'a prez per enianz. C'ab leis q'es de toz bes sabors Ai cor c'a sa merce plaidei, E ges per lo primer desrei, Don faz mainz sospirz e mainz plors, No-m desesper del ric socors C'ai lonjament atendut. E si-ll plaz q'ella m'ajut, Sobre toz leials amanz Serai de joi benananz. Domna, per cui me venz amors, Cals que m'ai' enanz agut, A vostr'ops ai retengut Toz faiz de druz benestanz, E Miraval e mos chanz. Al rei d'Aragon vai de cors Cansos, dire qe-l salut, E sai tant sobr'altre drut Qe-ls paucs prez faz semblar granz E-ls rics faz valer dos tanz. E car lai no m'a vegut, Mos Audiarz m'a tengut, Qe-m tira plus q'adimanz | Just as the spring is more beautiful than any other season hot or cold, so it should be more favorable toward courting, to delight true lovers. But this year, woe unto its flowers, which have done me so much harm that in a single day they have taken from me all that I had conquered in two years by many painful efforts. My Lady and I and Love were all three rather of one mind until now when, with the mild air, the rose and the song and the verdure have reminded her that her merit had sunk too low, because she wanted what I wanted; however, there were not so many pleasures, for never was there anything but wooing. That, for me, was joy and honor, but it no longer pleases her to grant it to me, and if my lady wants me to diminish in worth, she can certainly debase me, for she has elevated me. Alas, why is my suffering not painful to her, since she thus finds me vanquished? For I have increased her prestige so much that I have improved her advantages and deferred all harm. Ladies adopt one procedure that is foolishness: when they find a lover who implores mercy, for a test they inspire fear in him and oppress him until he turns elsewhere; and when they have estranged the best, false and insignificant suitors are surprisingly well received, for which reason courtly song falls silent, and gossip and foolish noise arise. I do not complain of all ladies, nor does it please me to fight with ladies, nor ever is the evil I must say of them a cause of annoyance or fear to them. But if I spoke of the worst ones, soon it would be known which should be scorned. For fault and sin are great when a lady gains merit through trickery. For I wish to seek mercy from the one who is the essence of all virtues. And not on account of the first difficulty that causes me many sighs and tears do I despair of the noble succor that I have long awaited. And if it pleases her to aid me, above all loyal lovers I shall be blessed with joy. Lady, for whom love conquers me, whoever may have possessed me previously, for you I have reserved all deeds befitting worthy lovers and Miraval and my songs. Go quickly, song, to tell the king of Aragon that I salute him, and that I am so superior in knowledge to another lover that I make insignificant merits seem important and important ones twice as valuable. And if he has not seen me there, (it is because) my Audiart has held me back, for he (my Audiart) attracts me more than a magnet by his distinguished words and actions. |
406,6 or XXXI Anc trobars clus ni braus
| Anc trobars clus ni braus Non dec aver pretz ni laus, Pus fon faitz per vendre Contra-ls sonetz suaus Conhdetz, aissi com ieu-ls paus, E leus ad aprendre, Ab bels ditz clars e gen claus, Que per far entendre Non cal trop contendre. Car tan prenon cabaus Donas entrels fis los faus, Fan amor dissendre! Mas non tanh qu'ieu las caus, Ni de tot en tot no m'aus Vas lur dan estendre, Quar silh que-m ten en repaus Me fa-ls tortz defendre Qu'a mains drutz vei prendre. Tot quan vol midons vuelh, E tot quan li platz acuelh En patz ses rancura. Et s'ieu anc dis orguelh Vas donas, aras m'en tuelh E-m torn a mezura: E drutz qu'es d'aital escuelh Conquier joy qe-l dura Si-n bon luec s'atura. Qar l'am mais que non suelh, En trac piegz, e pus m'en duelh Quar silh no-n pren cura. Pus alhors no-m destuelh, E josta lieys me despuelh Nutz ses vestidura, Aitan tenc de ric capduelh Que bon'aventura No-m pot far fraitura. No sai per quals mestiers Amon donas cavaliers, S'amors me soana. No-m vuelh gabar estiers, Quar menhs en par vertadiers Qui totz sos bes vana! Per qu'eu vuelh plus voluntiers Dir cortez'ufana Que vertat velana. Los pejors lauzengiers Tenc per midons plazentiers, E cel que-ls apana: E si-l menres portiers Fos tan guays ni prezentiers Qu'auzes vestir grana, Tan fora rics sos loguiers Qu'en tela renzana |
TOPSFIELD 236
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406,7 or VI A penas sai don m'aprenh
Gerard Zuchetto; Les Troubadour XII et XIII siecles volume 2; track 3 (long version 10 min) *****
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 4 track 2 (singing Gerard Zuchetto/Sandra Hurtado Ros) *****
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| 406,7R |
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| 406,7G |
| Apenas sai don m'apreing So q'en chantan m'auzetz dir! Cum pieitz trac e plus m'azir Mieils e mon chan esdeveing Gardatz, qand er qi-m n'enseing, S'i sabrai esdevenir Ni ma bona dompna m deing Que ies de saber no-m feing, Ni nuills hom no-i pot faillir Que de lieis aia soveing Lo plus necis hom del reing Que lieis veia ni remir, Deuri'esser al partir Savis e de bel capteing E doncs ieu que l'am ses geing, So sai be, m'en dei jauzir Pois tant grans valors la seing Que nuill autr'amor non deing, Ni ses lieis non puosc garir De la dolor que-m destreing. Anc a nuill fin amador Non cuig mais esdevengues, Que de dompnas no-m ven bes, Ni blasmar no-m puosc de lor! Una-m tol lo joi d'aillor E del sieu no-m dona ies, Ni d'autra no m'a sabor! Pero per la so'amor Sui plus gais e plus cortes, E-n port a totas honor. Ben sai que per sa ricor Mi tol so c'anc no-m promes, Et ieu non sui tant apres Qe miei prec m'aiont valor! Mas aisso fraing ma dolor, Que lai si para merces On faillon tuich valedor, Mas ill a tant de lauzor Que ben l'er grazitz e pres Lo mals en luoc de doussor. Tuich cist trobador egal, Segon qu'ill ant de saber, Lauzon dompnas a plazer, E non gardon cui ni cal! E qui trop plus que non val Lauza sidons, fai parer Qu'escarn ditz e non ren al! Mas ieu n'ai chausida tal C'om no-n pot ren dir mas ver, Si doncs no-n dizia mal. Dompna, ben cortes jornal Fai lo jorn qi-us vai vezer, Que puois no-is pot estener Sue no-us port amor coral! Mas non ies tuich per engal, Qe-il fals non podon voler So que volem nos leial, Per so viura-n de cabal Cals c'ab engan vos esper, S'ailor non pren son ostal. Q'ieu non cossir de ren al Mas de servir a plazer Lieis de cui teing Miraval. Deus benediga-l Leial! Eu en cors volgra vezer | I scarcely know where I learn what you hear me say in singing: the worse my sorrow, the better I succeed in my song. Look how I will be able to succeed if it happens that someone teaches me and if my lady finds me worthy (of her love)! For I do not at all feign knowledge, and no man can fail therein (in song) who remembers her The greatest simpleton in the kingdom who may see or look at her ought to be, upon leaving (her) wise and mannered. And thus I who love her without trickery should, I well know, rejoice at the fact that such great merit surrounds her, that I find no other love pleasing, nor can I recover without her from the suffering that oppresses me. I do not think that such a thing ever happened to any true lover, for no reward comes from ladies, and I cannot complain of them. One (lady) takes away from me the joy (I could have) from elsewhere and of her own gives me none at all, and no other lady pleases me. However, on account of her love I am gayer and more courtly and on account of it do honor to all ladies. Well do I know that on account of her nobility she takes away from me what she never promised me, and I am not so learned that my prayers may be of help to me. But what softens my grief is the idea that mercy will appear, when all other helpers fail. But she has so much praise that certainly a critical attitude will be received and accepted by her in the place of sweetness. All these troubadours equally, according to the knowledge they have, praise ladies at will and don't care whom or which. And he who praises his lady more than she is worth, makes it appear that his words are mockery and nothing else. But I have chosen such a lady of whom one can say naught but the truth unless one speaks badly of her. Lady, a courtly day's work is indeed accomplished the day someone goes to see you, for then one cannot resist giving you true love. But by no means everyone equally: for the false ones cannot desire what we loyal ones desire. For this reason, whoever may hope for you deceitfully will sustain himself by his own means, unless he takes up his dwelling elsewhere For I think of nothing else but to serve her willingly, the one from whom I hold Miraval. May God bless Leial. I should like to see him in person, the one to whom I give sincere love. Translation M. Switten |
406,8 or XXVII Ar ab la forsa dels freys
Gerard Zuchetto; Les Troubadour XII et XIII siecles volume 2; track 2 *****Troubadours Art Ensemble; Troubadour Songs track 1 *****
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 4 track 3 (singing Gerard Zuchetto) *****
| Ar ab la forsa dels freys, Quan totz le muns trembl'e bruj, Val mais solaz e domneys, E chans ab tot belh desduj, Qu'el temps quan fuelh'e flors nays! A seluy, qu'es pros e guays Contra l'us del temps e del mon, Bem par que bos cors l'en aon. En amors a manhtas leys, E de manhtas partz aduj Tortz e guerras e plaideys: Leu reven e leu defuy, Leu s'apaya, leu s'irays, E quj d'aisso l'es verays, Soven sospira de prion E manhs enuegz blan e rescon. Anc mais ni tan no-m destreys, Mas er m'a trobat ab cuj Mi mou paors et esfreys, E-m greug'e-m pren e-m destrui! Et eu ges per tan no-m lays Que lai, don mi mou l'esglays, Non tenha mon cor deziron, On plus lo dezirs me cofon. La grans beutatz que pareys En la belha cui homs suj, E-l rics pretz q'a totz jorns creys, M'a tout domneyar d'autruj! Mas us dous esgartz m'atrays Vas la belha, don jamais Non temsera fam, freg ni son, S'agues cor del dig que-m respon. Pero, si tot s'es gabeys, Mos bos respieitz me conduy, E si-m dizia sordeys, No vuelh tornar lai don fuy. Pus vengut es als assays, Poder a que-m derc'o-m bays, Qu'ieu no-l fug, si-m ra o si-m ton, Ni ja no vuelh saber vas on. S'a Lombers corteja-l reys, Tostemps mais er joys ab luy! E, si tot s'es sobradreys, Per un pretz li-n venran duy: Que la cortezi'e-l guays De la belha n'Alazais, E-l fresca colors ab pel blon Fan tot lo segle jauzion. Dona, tan vos suy verays Que de totz cortes assays Vuel qe Miravalh vos aon, Mas non aus dir qals etz ni don. Per mon Audiart suy guays, Que tota gens ad eslays Prezon mais lo comte Raimon | Now with the force of the cold when the whole world trembles and crackles, pleasant conversation and courting and all agreeable distractions are worth more than in the seasons of budding leaf and flower. It certainly appears that he who is valiant and merry, despite the character of the season and of the world, derives from these activities noble sentiment in abundance. In love, there are many laws, and from many directions it brings wrongs and disputes and reconciliations. Easily it remains and easily it flees, easily it is calmed and easily angered, and he who is completely true to it often sighs deeply and receives and hides many a vexation. Never did it distress me as much or more, but now it has found me with someone who causes me fear and uneasiness, and it pursues me and catches me and destroys me. And yet I do not at all cease to turn my desire(my desiring heart) to the source of my anguish, although the desire confounds me The great beauty which appears in the beautiful lady, whose vassal I am and the noble worth which increases each day have prevented me from courting others. For a fine, sweet glance attracted me to her service, where never more would I feel hunger, cold, or sleepiness if I were pleased with the reply she gives to me. However, although it is vain, my good hope leads me, and even if she (my Lady) should speak to me in worse fashion, I do not wish to return whence I flee. Since the time of my testing has come, she has the power to elevate me or to lower me, for I do not flee form her even if she clips or shaves me, nor do I ever wish to know where else I might go If the king holds court at Lombers, joy will evermore be with him on account of this, and although he surprisingly skilled, for each merrit (he now has),two will come to him: for the courtesy and the noble joy of the beautiful Lady Azalais and her fresh coloring and blond hair makes the whole world joyful. Lady, I am so true to you that I want Miraval to aid you in all courtly enterprises, but I do not say who you are or from where (you come) For my Audiart I am happy because everyone enthusiastically values the Count Raimon more than any other count in the world |
406,9 or XII Era m'agr'ops que m'aizis
| Ara m'agr'ops que m'aizis De tal chanson qe-m grazis La bella per cui soi gais! Car no-n cuig ja nuills hom mais Sia d'adreich' entendenssa! Tant los vei totz enveios C'a penas en conosc dos Vas Joi ses cal que faillenssa. Neis cels q'ieu tengra per fis Trop lausengiers e devis E poignon c'amors abais, Don dompnas an tals esglais Qe de veraia temenssa Laisson mains faitz bels e bos, Que lor for' honors e pros, Si Jois trobes mantenenssa. E-n vauc enbroncs et enclis, C'ades tem de mos vezis Qe-m digan so don m'irais! C'aissi-m venon tuich d'eslais Dire ma greu malsabenssa E so m'en tant enojos C'a pauc m'agron fait jelos, Si no-m sobres conoissensa. Puois membra-m cum s'afortis Dompna, cui bos pretz noiris, Lai on plus li sortz esmais. Ab sol q'ella no-is biais De sa bona chaptenenssa, No-ill pot dampnar fals ressos! C'apres ve-il bona razos Et es dreitz que-l vers o venssa. Dompnas an lor dan enquis! Qe l'una l'autr'escarnis, Que de mains janglars savais Rizon e fan col e cais. Mas pauc val, a ma parvenssa, Solatz q'es d'avols sermos, Si de plazers amoros Non fenis e non comenssa. Amiga, per vos languis, Per vos muor, e si-m gueris, Totz temps vos serai verais Qe-l bes e l'onors e-l jais E-l sabers e la sciensa Q'ieu ai, m'aven tot per vos, E s'enqueras mielhs i fos, Vostra fora-l mais valenssa Mais d'amic, ma conoissenssa Toilla-m Dieus, si-m part de vos Miraval ni mas chansos! Qe-l vostre tortz vuoill qe-m venssa. Mantels, vostra beutatz genssa E vostra pretz es tant bos Que dels malvatz e dels pros N'avetz laus e benvolenssa. Pastoretz, gran malvolenssa Avetz de mainz rics baros, Car los faitz totz estar jos | Now I would need to make use of a song such that the fair one on account of whom I am joyous might receive me favorably, for I don't think any man is of more honest intention. I see the all so envious that I scarcely know two without fault against joy. Even those I might consider faithful, I find deceitful and spying, and they exert every effort to lower love, for which reason ladies have such fear that in real fright they desist from many fine and good actions; but it would be honor and credit to them if joy were upheld. And I go about depressed and downcast, for I am always afraid that my neighbors may say something to irritate me. For they come rushing up to me to speak of my grievous discontent, and as a result they are so annoying to me that they would almost have made me jealous if good judgment had not controlled me. Then I remember how a lady grows stronger, nourished by noble worth, there where dismay most increases for her. Provided that she not deviate from her good conduct, false rumor cannot harm her; for afterwards comes good sense, and it is right that the truth be victorious. Ladies have sought their own harm in that they make fun of each other and laugh and smirk about much wicked gossip. But it seems to me that conversation is worth little which turns about unsuitable topics and which does not begin and end with love's pleasures. Amiga, for you I languish, for you I die, and if I get well, forever shall I be true to you. For the good and the honor and the joy and the wisdom and the knowledge that I have come to me on account of you, and if there were anything better in me, the increased value would be attributable to you. Mais d'amic, may God deprive me of my knowledge if I take away from you (from your service) Miraval or my songs, for I want your wrong (erroneous behavior) to vanquish me. Mantel, your beauty excels, for your merit is so fine that from the villainous and from the valiant you receive praise and good will. Pastoret, you suffer great ill will from many a noble baron, because you make them diminish (in worth) and (make) your merit increase. Translation M. Switten |
406,? XXXVIII Aras no m'en puosc plus tardar
| Aras no m'en puosc plus tardar D'un novel sirventes faire, E qecs s'enprenda al cantar, Si tot l'aur'es fresca ni-s plou! Car sai en nostre repaire Son drut e marit envazit, Mas de lor hi a plus ferit. Q'a Graignolet auzi comtar Aisso, q'es greu a retraire, C'us cavalliers venc dompnejar Ab la moiller d'En Castelnou: Mas lui non abellic gaire, E, car lai intret ses convet, Li a-l cap faillat e partit. Aqel colp degran esqivar Totz drutz e totz dompnejaire: Que no-is taing ges qe per parlar, Si-l drutz autra gerra no-il mou, Qe-n leu-l maritz fust ni caire, Mas privat en menatz e-n crit, C'aissi-s devon vengar marit. Mas eu no-m vuoill far entestar, Q'ieu sui tant fis dompnejaire E sai ma dompna tant honrar, Que si mos seigner ditz que plou Eu dic q'aital temps deu faire, C'a midonz auria faillit Si-n ren desdizia-l marit |
TOPSFIELD 234
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406, 12 or XXXVII Bel m'es q'ieu chant e coindei
Gerard Zuchetto; Les Troubadour XII et XIII siecles volume 1; track 7 *****Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 4 track 5 (Singing Maurice Moncozet)***
| Bel m'es q'ieu chant e coindei Pois l'aur'es dous'e-l temps gais, E per vergiers e per plais Aug lo retint e-l gabei Que fant l'auzeillet menut Entrel vert e-l blanc e-l vaire! Adoncs se deuri'atraire Cel qe vol c'amors l'ajut Vas chaptenenssa de drut. Eu non sui drutz mas dompnei, Ni non tem pena ni fais Ni-m rancur leu ni m'irais, Ni per orguoill no m'esfrei! Pero temenssa-m fai mut, C'a la bella de bon aire Non aus mostrar ni retraire Mon cor qu-ill tenc rescondut, Pois aic son pretz conogut. Ses preiar e ses autrei Sui intratz en greu pantais Cum pogues semblar verai Si sa gran valor desplei, Q'enqer non a pretz agut Dompna c'anc nasqes de maire Qe contra-l sieu valgues gaire! E si-n sai maint car tengut Que-l sieus a-l meillor vencut. Ben vol q'om gen la cotrei, E platz li solatz e jais, E no-ill agrad'om savais Que s'en desgui ni fadei. Mas li pro son ben vengut, Cui mostra tant bel vejaire, Si qe chascus n'es lauzaire Qan son d'enan lieis mogut, Plus qe s'eron siei vendut. Ja non cre c'ab lieis parei Beutatz d'autra dompna mais, Que flors de rosier qan nais Non es plus fresca de lei, Cors ben fait e gen cregut Boch'et oills del mon esclaire! C'anc Beutatz plus no-i saup faire, Se-i mes tota sa vertut Qe res no-il n'es remasut. Ja ma dompna no-is malei S'ieu a sa merce m'eslais, Q'ieu non ai cor qe-m abais Ni vas bass'amor desrei, C'ades ai del mieills volgut Defors e dins mon repaire! E de lieis non sui gabaire, Que plus no-i ai entendut Mas gen m'acuoill'e-m salut. Chanssos, vai me dir al rei Cui jois guid'e vest e pais, Q'en lui non a ren biais, C'aital cum ieu vuoill lo vei! Ab que cobre Montagut E Carcasson'el repaire, Pois er de pretz emperaire, E doptaran son escut Sai Frances e lai Masmut. Dompn'ades m'avetz valgut Tant que per vos sui chantaire! E no-n cuiei chanson faire Tro-l fieu vos agues rendut De Miraval q'ai perdut. Mas lo reis m'a covengut Que-l cobrarai anz de gaire, E mos Audiartz Belcaire: Puois poiran dompnas e drut | It pleases me to sing and be agreeable, since the air is warm and the weather delightful, and in the orchards and hedges I hear the chirping and warbling of the little birds, among the green and white and the multicoloured (foliage and flowers). Then the one who wants Love to help him should strive to adopt the behaviour of a lover I am not accepted as a lover, but I pay court (to my lady), and I do not fear suffering or burden, nor do I complain easily or become angered, nor do I lose courage on account of arrogance. However, fear makes me silent, for to the fair and high-born lady I dare not show or expose my heart, which I keep secret from her since I have known her great merit. Without entreaty (on my part) and without concession (on her part), I have experienced grievous torment trying to discover how I might seem truthful if I set forth her great merit. For until now no lady born of woman has had merit that might be worth anything compared to hers. And I know many a merit highly valued, yet hers has vanquished the best. She is willing to be nobly courted, and fine conversation pleases her as does joy, and she is displeased by the boor (boar?) who turns away from these and acts like a fool; but worthy (suitors) are welcome, to whom she is so charming that upon going out from her presence, all praise her more than if they were her slaves. I do not believe that the beauty of any other lady can ever be compared to hers, for the newborn flower of a rosebush is not fresher than she (is): well-made and gracefully formed body, mouth and eyes the light of the world, such that Beauty could never have done more for her even if she used therein all of her power, so that none remained (for any other ladies). May my Lady not get angry if I throw myself upon her mercy, for it is not my intention to become unfaithful or turn towards an inferior love, for I have always wanted the best outside and inside my dwelling place; and I am not boastful about her, for I have desired no more than that she receive and greet me graciously. Chansos, go for me and tell the king whom joy guides and clothes and nourishes, that in him there is nothing improper, for I see him just as I want him to be. Provided that he recovers Montagut and returns to Carcassonne, then he will be emperor of merit, and here the French, there the Muslims will fear his shield. Lady, you have always helped me so much I sing on account of you, yet I did not think I would compose any songs until I had given back to you the fief of Miraval, which I have lost. But the king has promised me that I will recover it before long, and my Audiart, Beaucaire. Then will ladies and lovers be able to return to the joy they have lost. Translation M. Switten |
406,13 or XI Be m'agrada-l bels tems d'estiu
Gerard Zuchetto; Trobart concept 1 track 8
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 4 track 8 Sung by Gerard Zuchetto ****
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| 406,13R |
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| 406,13G |
| Be m'agrada-l bels tems d'estiu E dels ausels m'agrada-l chanz! E-l fueilla m'agrad'e-l verians E-ill prat vert mi son agradiu! E vos, domna, m'agradatz mil aitans, Et agrada-m qan fas vostres comans: Mas vos non platz que re-m deingnes grazir, Mas agrada-us car me muor de desir. Per un desir, domna, reviu, Que m'es de totz desirs plus grans, Qar desir que-l rics benestas Vostre cors desiran m'aiziu, Qe mos desirs si dobles en baisans: E puois tan be-us desir ses totz engans, Ja no-m laises al deserier aussir, Qe desiran deu om d'amor jausir. Tot jausir d'autr'amor esquiu, Mas de vos a jausir m'enanz, Qu'ieu jau los bes e sel los dans De vos que-m faitz jausen pensiu! Tan soi jausenz de vos que nuills afans No-m tol jauzir, que-l vostres bels semblans M'esjausis tan que-l jorn que vos remir Non puosc estar ses gaug vas on que-m vir. Mas alques an virat mon briu Lausengier que viro-ls amans, E viron las domnas presanz E manz jais viron en chaitiu. E si-us viras, domna, per malparlans, Vostre rics pretz tem que s'en vir truans, Per que-s viron plazer en escarnir E gran lausors s'en vir'en gran maldir. Mas eu dic que, si tostems viu, Tostemps dirai vostres comans! E se-m dises vai o non ans, Als vostres bels ditz m'omeliu, Sol no-m digatz que remaingna-l demans, Qe totz mos ditz enpassari'enans Que per nuill dig, domna, pogues partir Lo cor ni-ls ditz, ni-ls faitz de vos servir. Per servir en ric seingnoriu Es bons servire benanans! Per qu'eu-s voill servir totz mos ans, Et anc servidor menz antiu Non ac la bell'a cui servi Tristans, Anz vos farai de bels servisis tans, Tro mos servirs me fass'en grat venir O vos digatz, mon servidor azir. De grat desir, domna, qu'ie-us jausis, ans Qe-s vir per ditz mos servirs en soans, Que servire, ditz on, qu'a dreic se vir Qui son desir ab gaug no-i vol grazir. Leial, be-m platz de mon Estiu l'enans, Mas de midons es sa valors tan grans Q'ieu e totz om li devem obezir Per qu'ieu no-i voill ges Miraval mentir. Mon Audiart am e pretz e dezir, | The fine summertime is indeed pleasing to me, and the song of the birds pleases me, and the leaf pleases me and the bough, and the green meadows are pleasing to me; but you, Lady, please me a thousand times as much, and it pleases me when I follow your commands. But it does not suit you to deign to show me gratitude for anything; on the contrary, it pleases you that I am dying of desire. On account of a desire, Lady, which is greater than all desires to me, I come to life again, for I desire that the noble charm of your person receive me, the one who desires (you), so that my desire might double through kissing. And since I desire you so fittingly, without deceit, do not let me be killed by the desire, for one who desires should enjoy love. All enjoyment of other love I refuse, but to enjoy you I put myself forward, because I enjoy the favors and hide the injuries from you, who make me pensive rejoicing. So much am I rejoicing on account of you that no affliction takes enjoyment from me, for your beautiful appearance causes me to rejoice so much that the day I look upon you, I cannot be without joy,wherever I may turn. But slanderers who change the lovers and change the distinguished ladies and change many a joyous man into a miserable creature have somewhat changed my enthusiasm. And if you change, Lady, on account of the slanderers, I fear that your noble merit may become debased, for which reason pleasures change into mockery and great praise changes into great blame. But I say that if I live forever, I shall forever say your commands, and if you say to me, "Go," or "Do not go," I shall obey your fair words, provided that you do not say to me that the wooing should cease; for in that event I would break all my promises before I could, on account of a command, Lady, separate my heart, words, and actions from your service. Through serving in the noble seigneury is a good servant happy; that is why I wish to serve you all my life, and never a less dishonorable servant had the fair one whom Tristan served. Rather (than being dishonorable), I shall perform many fine services for you until my serving makes me come into favor or you say,"I hate my servant." Wholeheartedly I desire, Lady, that I might find joy with you before my service, on account of promises, changes into a thing of scorn; for they say that a servant rightly changes if with joy one does not wish to acknowledge his desires. Leial, the advancement of my Estriu is indeed pleasing to me, but the merit of my lady is so great that she (my Estriu) and all ladies must defer to her. That is why I do not at all wish to deny Miraval to her (to my lady). I love and esteem and desire my Audiart, and I will always be faithful to him, whoever may hate me for it. Translation M. Switten |
406,14 or VII Ben aia-l cortes essiens
Gerard Zuchetto; Trobar et Tarab; track 6 (it is wrongly labelled) *****
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 4 track 6 (singing Gerard Zuchetto) *****
| Ben aia-l cortes essiens, Que tostemps m'aond'enaissi Qu'iratz chan e-m deport e-m ri Et atressi quan sui jauzens! Mas ara-m torn en balansa Quan perc sa gran benanansa, Adoncs say ieu mostrar de mon solatz Qu'ab semblan d'agradatge Sai de perda gen cobrir mon dampnatge. Adoncs muri totz jauzimens E tornet Amors en decli, Pus domna pres pels ni rossi! Qu'assatz pot far d'autres prezens Drutz, e sera-l mais d'onransa Totz avers d'autra semblansa. Falhimens es e vas domnas peccatz, Quan domna met uzatge Que per aver trameta son messatge. Aras m'es cregutz marrimens-- E moc per un avol desti-- Qu'ieu fui a las fons Sant-Marti, On troban cosselh totas gens, Qu'atretan vey que s'enansa Colps de cayrelh cum de lansa! Mas ieu conosc alcus paupres mercatz Que pro vetz d'agradatge Prenc de l'autrui e lais lo mieu estatge. Hueimais remanha-l falhimens Ab selha que falh e-n s'aussi, Qu'ieu sai de tal lo dreg trai On res no pot valer argens! Mas pero non ai fiansa Ges d'aver sa benanansa, Qu'el gen parlar e-l avinen solatz E-l amoros visatge Cug que me son del cor verai messatge. Bona domna, tot m'es niens Quan fas ni farai ni anc fi, Si del ric thesaur no m'aizi, Don anc nulhs hom non fon jauzens! E no-us cal aver duptansa De mi, qu'ap leu d'apagansa, M'auretz del tot, tostemps al vostre latz, E sera-m d'agradatge | Blessed be courtly knowledge, which always helps me in such a way that, distressed, I sing and amuse myself and laugh just as when I am joyous. But now I become uneasy in circumstances when I lose great happiness; yet I know how to show in my conversation that by feigning pleasure I can graciously dissimulate the harm occasioned by the loss. Then all joy died and love fell into decline, since a lady accepted furs or a horse; for a lover can make other gifts, and wealth of any other kind will honor him more. It is a failing and a sin against women when a lady adopts the practice of sending her message (of love) in return for money. Now my affliction, born of an unfavorable destiny, has increased so that I went to the fountains of Saint Martin, where everyone finds counsel, for I see that the thrust of a bolt is as effective as that of a lance. But I know some poor bargains, for often enough I willingly take from others and leave my fortune. From now on may the fault lie with the one who is at fault and destroys herself on this account, because I know for such a one the correct way of life, in which money can have no value. However, I have no confidence that I will ever have happiness from her, for I believe that the true messengers of the heart are for me sweet conversation, charming diversion, and loving expression. Noble lady, everything that I do, will do, or have ever done is nothing to me if I cannot come near the rich treasure that no man has ever enjoyed. And you must not doubt me, for with a little reward, you will have me always and completely at your side, and it will be a pleasure to me if you act kindly toward me, and the harm (coming from you) will not be painful to me. Translation M. Switten |
406,15 Ben aia-l messagiers
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 4 track 7 (singing Louis Soret)**
| Ben aia-l messagiers E cill que lo-m trames, A cui ren mil merces, Si ja-m torn'alegriers: Pero de mos mals cossiriers C'ai aguz, sui tan sobrepres C'a penas crei qe domna per amor M'aia bon cor ni-m voilla fas honor. C'ab mainz adreiz mestiers Avia joi conques Tal q'eu cre qe-m taisses Si de lai fos entiers, Qe massa ricx ni trop sobriers Ni cugera que m'i nogues, Q'eu esgardei domna de tal valor Qu de beutat fos bass'e de picor. Tal qe ja lausengiers No s'en entremezes, Qe mainz enois n'ai pres Mentr'era druz leugiers! C'adoncs cuiava c'us empiers No-m tengues sa domn'en defes, Qe maintas ves m'es tornat a follor E maintas vez en joi et en dousor. Per so m'era deriers De toz los autres mes, Qe mon loc no-m tolgues Rolanz ni Oliviers, Ni ges Orestains ni Ogiers No cuiera qe s'i mezes! Mas mi ten om per tan bon chausidor Qe so q'eu voill ten chascus per meillor. Ben cuidei fos estiers Ma domna qe non es, Qe toztemps li tengues S'esbaudimenz premiers! Sos fols cuiars es mensongiers E consec la sa mala fes! De son pauc prez li faza Deus menor, Qe mon ferm cor m'a tornat en error. Qe-ill fui al prim destriers Et apres palafres, Mas er creis tant l'arnes Qe trop peza-l dobliers! E puois ades baissa-l logiers E-m sembla que l'afanz cregues, No m'aura mais ab si per servidor E lais me Deus mon meills trobar aillor. Domna qe torn'en blasme sa lausor No pot aver de Miraval la tor. Mon Audiart sal Deus e sa honor, | Blessed be the messenger and she who sent him to me, to whom I give a thousand thanks if ever joy returns to me. However, because of the terrible worries I have had, I am so overwhelmed I can scarcely believe that on account of love a lady could be well disposed toward me or wish to do me honor. For with many clever actions I had conquered enough joy to believe that it might be fitting for me to belong entirely to her (to my lady); and I would not have thought that great wealth or arrogant distinction might do me harm with respect to her, for I looked upon a lady of such merit that she might lack beauty and wealth, Such that a slanderer might never interfere, for many a vexation have I suffered from them while I was a lighthearted lover. For then I thought that an empire could not keep me from my lady. That is why many times I have come to folly and many times to joy and sweetness. For this reason I had put myself last, beneath all the others, so that neither Roland nor Olivier might take my place away from me, nor would I think that Orestain or Augier might put themselves there. But people find me to be such an expert that what I want, each one considers best. At first I served her as a battle horse and afterwards as a palfrey, but then the harness increased so much that the load becomes too heavy; and since I see that the reward diminishes and I fear that the suffering might increase, she will no longer have me with her as her servant, and may God let me find something better elsewhere. I certainly thought my lady was different than she is and that the first joy might always remain with her; her foolish thoughts are deceitful and her bad faith catches up with her. May God make smaller her slight merit, for she has brought my true heart to anguish. A lady who turns her praise to blame should not have the tower of Miraval. May God preserve my Audiart and his domain, because the whole world is the better for his valor. Translation M. Switten |
406,15a or XX Ben sai que per aventura
| Ben sai que per aventura M'es venguda-il razos q'ieu ai! Que chans d'auzel ni verdura Ni flors d'abril ni ros'en mai No m'agr'ogan tornat en jai, Si d'Amor, que tot'ira vens, No-m vengues alcus gauzimens, Per qe-il dei tot mon joi grazir. Tot lo maltraich e l'endura E-l lonc desirier e l'esmai Conosc qu'eras m'adrechura Cill que m'a donat maint esglai. Que val amors, s'om mal no-n trai Que la jelosi'e-l turmens, Q'ieu n'aic, e-l angoiss'e-l talens Mi fant doblamen esgauzir. Drutz, qui soven se rancura E tot enquer cant sidonz fai, Si conquier amor, no-il dura! Car non sap co-is ve ni co-is vai! Que dompna promet et estrai E ditz mainz plazers avenens Per tal q'entre las bonas gens Vuoill'om totz sos pretz enantir. S'autr'entendeire s'atura, Preian midonz que l'am ni-l bai, Tort i fai e desmesura, Mentre que de m'amor s'apai, Qu'il ne fai lo, so que s'eschai, Don ieu li rend merces cinc cens, E pois mieus es totz l'onramens, Cui cal, si-l fols s'i vol aunir A totz iorns cries e meillura E si val tant que non pot mai La bella que m'asegura De s'amor, on non faillirai. Lonc temps m'a tengut en assai E s'ie-n crezes sos malvolens Per so qu'eras sai q'es niens, Be-m pogr'a tort de liei partir. Dompn'ieu sui d'aital natura Q'en la sazon, qe mieills m'estai, Sui ves tota creatura Plus francs, e-n ves vos o serai! C'on plus mi tenretz coind'e gai, Vos puosc far mil vers sagramens Q'ie-us serai plus obediens E-us en volrai mil tans servir. Mais d'amic, pretz vos es e sens, Si voletz mos enantimens! C'anc Miravals no-us volc faillir. Mantel, qui partis engalmens Vostres adreitz chaptenemens, Cent dompnas en pogra garnir. Pastoret, vostres malvolens, On que sion, vuoill far sabens Q'ieu non am ren qe vos azir. |
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406,18 or XXVIII Cel, cui joys tanh ni chantar sap
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 4 track 9; (singing Maurice Moncozet) **
| Selh, cui joys tanh ni chantar sap E sos belhs ditz vos despendre, A tal dona-ls fass'entendre Qu'onratz li sia-l dons e-l pros! Qu'assatz deu valer cortes nos Dezavinen drudairia, E s'ieu domnei a fadia, Sivals ades enquier en luec gentil. Leial domna, franch'ez umil, Vuelh mais servir et atendre, Que d'autra guizardon prendre, Cui soven agues ops perdos. Aital, ses bruig e ses tensos, Guaya, de belha paria, Corteza, ses vilania, L'ai chauzida, ses fencha e ses gap. E si tot ab lieys non acap Lo joy que-m fa-l cor ensendre, Per so no n'es mos gauchz mendre, Pos de mi no mou l'ochaizos, Qu'ieu no-m n'azir ni-n sui clamos! Mas qui-ls dreitz d'Amor seguia, Ben sai que razos seria, S'ieu la tenh car, qu'elha no-m tengues vil. Plazer li deu, quar entre mil Donas vuelc a sa cort tendre, E si-m laissa mais dessendre, No-n parra sos captenhs tan bos! Que ja van dizen a rescos Qu'ieu non sec la dreita via! Mas per dig d'autra que sia Non puesc creire qu'en lieys m'amor mescap. S'ieu de midons aic ren d'arrap, No-ilh vuelh tort ni dreg contendre, C'adobatz li sui del rendre, Mas juntas e de genolhos, Pero, s'ilh plagues que fos dos, Molt feira gran cortezia, E s'a lieys non platz, estia, Qu'eu-n sui batutz plus fort c'ab un vergil Menar me pot ab un prim fil E-l sieu mezeis tort car vendre, Qu'ieu no-m vuelh a lieys defendre, Si tot m'en era poderos: Que tant sui sieus per qu'es razos Que s'elha en ren falhia, Que-il colpa deu esser mia, Et es ben dreg qe-m torne sus el cap. Dona, Bezers ni Aragos Ad ops d'amar no-us valria Tan cum Miravals faria, Si franchamen tenetz guarnit lo cap. Si-m vol mal neguns dels baros Per mon Audiart, lur sia Que tan val sa senhoria Ja per negu no-m partrai de son trap. Quar es tan sos pretz cars e bos, Ab n'Alazais vuelh paria, E serai sieus tota via | Let the one to whom joy is fitting and who knows how to sing and wishes to spread about his fine words pronounce them before such a lady from whom both harm and profit may be honorable. For a courtly "no" must render more valuable a displeasing courtship, and if I pay court with vain hope, at least I always serve in a noble place. I prefer to serve and wait upon a loyal lady who is sincere and indulgent than to accept a reward from another who might often have need of pardon. Such a one, free of haggling and disputes, joyous and affable, courteous, without rudeness, falseness, or mockery, have I chosen. And although I may not obtain with her the joy that makes my heart catch fire, my joy is not on that account diminished, for I am not the cause (of not obtaining joy), since I am not angered nor do I complain about her. But if one followed the laws of love, I well know it would be right that she not disdain me if I value her highly. She can lead me by a thin string and sell dearly her own wrong, because I do not wish to defend myself against her, although I could. For I am so much hers it is right that the blame should be mine, if she is wanting in some respect, and it is entirely just that it come down upon my head. If I had anything from my lady by force, I do not want to argue the wrong or the right with her; for I am disposed to give it back to her, hands joined and on my knees. However, if it should please her to regard it as a gift, she would be acting with great courtliness, and if it does not please her, so be it, for I am struck more forcefully by her than by a switch. It should please her that among a thousand ladies, I wanted to establish myself at her court, and if she brings me down further, her conduct will not seem so good; for already they are saying secretly that I am not following the correct path, but I cannot believe that on account of what any other lady may say, my love can fail with her. Lady, neither Beziers nor Aragon would profit you in the service of love as much as Miraval would, if you openly held the tower under your protection. If any one of the barons wishes me ill on account of my Audiart, so be it! For his suzerainty has such value that for no one would I leave his court (dwelling). Since her merit is so valuable and good, I desire the friendship of lady Azalais, and I will be completely hers, after the one who does not wish that one make fun of her. Translation M. Switten topsfiel 220y |
406, 19 or XVI Cel qui de chantar s'entremet
| Cel qui de chantar s'entremet, Si d'avinen o sap faire, No s'en deu ies puois estraire Per amor ni per nuills afars! C'aitals usanss'es besestars. Qe pieitz o fai totz om, que s'en estraia, Pois o comens, qe cel que no-is n'assaia. E car ma dompna no-m tramet Salutz ni ren don m'esclaire Ni vol q'ieu ves liei repaire, No-m pot gair'abellir chantars, Qe, s'ieu fos alegres ni clars, A chascun jorn saubra far chansson gaia Del ben qe-il vuoill e de lauzor veraia. Si m'a tengut en essaiet Per saber si-l sui trichaire, Ies per tant ves liei no-m vaire, Anz conosc q'ieu li sui plus cars! C'aissi-s taing a dompna gardars, Q'essaiar deu celui on mieills s'apaia! Aqels destrics l'esmend puois qand s'eschaia Per so non vuoill que ja m'abet Lausengiers ni malsparlaire Qe nuills autre dompnejaire De s'amor me puosc'esser pars. E pois esseigna-m dompnejars Qe prend'en patz tot cant a midonz plaia! Qe fols es frutz qe per totz dans s'esmaia. Dieus confonda l'anel el det Ab que la-m cujet forstraire Cel q'en remas galiaire! E vos, dompna, cui es l'esgars, Voillatz qe-l mieus humils preiars Me fass'ab vos venir en luoc qe jaia, Si cum fai drutz qe ten sidonz e baia. Car, fe q'ieu dei mon Pastoret, No-m seri'estiers vejaire Que so pogues soffrir gaire! Qe-l fuocs d'amor s'es tant espars En mi c'ab pauc no-n sui totz ars, E si per vos, amia, nom balaia, Non es dompna qe ja del cor lo-m traia. Mantels, non etz de presset ni de saia, Mas de valor et de beutat veraia. Mon Audiart sal Dieus e sa cort gaia, Q'el manten pretz totztemps, qui que-l dechaia. No translation yet |
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406,20 or XXXII Cel que no vol auzir chanssos
Gerard Zuchetto; Les Troubadour XII et XIII siecles volume 1; track 8 *****
Gerard Zuchetto; Les Troubadour XII et XIII siecles volume 2; track 1 *****
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 4 track 10; (singing Etienne Gaucher) ****
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| 406,20R |
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| 406,20G |
| Cel que no vol auzir chanssos De nostra compaignia-is gar, Q'eu chan per mon cors alegrar E per solatz dels compaignos, E plus, per so q'esdevengues En chansson c'a midonz plagues! C'autra voluntatz no-m destreing De solatz ni de bel capteing. De la bella, don sui cochos, Desir lo tener e-l baisar, E-l jazer e-l plus conquistar, Et apres, mangas e cordos, E del plus qe-il clames merces! Que jamais no serai conques Per joia ni per entresseing, Si so q'ieu plus vuoill non ateing. Pauc val qui non es enveios, E qui non desira-l plus car E qui no s'entremet d'amar, Greu pot esser gaillartz ni pros! Que d'amor ven gaugz e ven bes, E per amor es hom cortes, Et amors dona l'art e-l geing Per que bos pretz troba manteing. Ben es savis a lei de tos Qui drut blasma de follejar! C'om, des qe-is vol amesurar, Non es puois adreich amoros, Mas cel q'en sap far necies, Aquel sap d'amor tot qant n'es: Eu no-n sai trop ni no m'en feing, Ni ja no vuoill c'om m'en esseing. Ben aia qui prim fetz jelos, Qe tant cortes mestier saup far! Qe jelosia-m fai gardar De mals parliers e d'enojos, E de jelosi'ai apres So don mi eis tenc en defes Ad ops d'una, c'autra non deing, Neis de cortejar m'en esteing. E val mais bella tracios Don ja hom non perda son par, C'autrui benananss'envejar. Qan Dieus en vol ajostar dos, De dompna vuoill qe-il aon fes E que ja no-il en sobre ies, Per que m'enquier'on vau don veing, Pus del tot al sieu plazer teing. N'Audiartz, de vos ai apres So don a totas sui cortes: Mas d'una chan e d'una-m feing, E d'aqella Miraval teing. E trobaretz greu qi-us n'esseing | He who does not want to hear songs, for him avoid our company, for I sing for my own delight and for the distraction of my companions, and even more so that it may occur, that in singing I might please my lady, for no other desire, of pleasure or of fine conduct, compels me I wish to hold and kiss and sleep with and obtain lo plus from the beautiful lady I desire, and afterward (I wish) sleeves and silk cords, and mercy to obtain the most that I might ask of her, for I shall never be conquered by gift or sign if I do not attain what I most want. He who is not ardent and who does not desire what is most precious is worth little, and he who does not engage in loving can scarcely be courageous or valiant: for joy and virtue come from love, and through love is a man courtly, and love gives the art and the skill through which fine merit is upheld He is certainly wise in the manner of a child who blames a lover for acting foolishly, for from the moment he wishes to be prudent, a man is no longer a proper lover; but the one who knows how to be foolish in love, that one knows about love all there is to know. I don't know too much about it, nor do I pretend to, and I don't ever want to be taught. Blessed be he who first acted jealous, since he accomplished such a courtly task; for jealousy makes me avoid evil and troublesome chatterers, and from jealousy I have learned to keep myself in reserve for the needs of one lady, so that I do not consider another worthy, and I even refrain from courting them (the others). And a fine betrayal, whose equal one may never experience, is worth more than to envy the happiness of others. When God wishes to join two together, I wish that the lady abound in faith and that there never be an excess of it. But whoever inquires into my going and coming wishes my death, for she informs the others. Audiart, from you I have learned to be courtly to all; but my song and my concerns are of one lady and from that one I hold Miraval And you will find with difficulty someone who can teach you of love's art, since I learn it from you. Translation M. Switten |
406,21 or VIII Chansoneta farai, Vencut
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 4 track 11 (singing Gerard Zuchetto) *****
| Chansoneta farai, Vencut, Pus vos m'a rendut Rossilhos, E sapchatz que nos em cregut, Pus no vim vostres companhos, D'un drut novelh, don tota gens ressona Que midons es a semblan de leona! Ar sai que-s tocan las peiras d'Alzona, Pus premiers pot intrar selh que mais dona. E, si tot m'en ai joy avut, Er en vuel esser mons e blos, Quar no vuelh ab nom de cornut Aver l'emperi dels grifos! Autra n'am ieu que mais mi guazardona Sos gens parlars, que s'autra m'abandona, Qu'enjanatz es qui fals'amor razona, E domna falh que-s recre per anona. Mas, s'ieu saupes qu'ilh fos leos, Ieu l'agr'avut caval ferran, Pus de lieys non es poderos Homs, si non es d'aital semblan! Avol soudad'a midons resseubuda, Quar per aver s'es de bon pretz moguda, Que, s'ieu saupes per aver fos venguda, Ma soudada ne pogr'aver avuda. E fera-l d'autres guiardos Que-l pogran valer atrestan, Mas no s'azauta de chansos, Ans se va de mi rancuran, Que ditz que trop la vuelh levar en bruda, E no vol esser tan luenh mentauguda! E valgra-l mais en perdos fos ma druda, Que sa falsa beutat agues venduda. A-n Baut deforas la coman Que jamais no-i vuelh aver part, E non hi conosc autre dan Mas quar en fis mon audiart: Ai fals escutz, tan leu vos laissatz fendre Qu'om de part vos non auza colp atendre, Et ai vos o ben en cor a carvendre! S'ie-us pugei aut, bas vos farai dissendre. Ai las e co muer deziran Per la bella que ses mal art Es, e tan fina ses enjan Qu'anc non amet volpil bastart! E, si-l sieu cors volgues el mieu entendre, Totz autres joys fora-n contra-l mieu mendre, E ja d'un bais, si-l me volgues estendre, No m'en feira tirar ni escoyssendre. Chanso, vai t'en a mon Plus Lial rendre, | I shall make a little song, Vencut, since Rousillon has given you back to me. And be it known that we have added to our number, since we saw your companions, a new suitor, concerning whom there is much talk that my lady is like a lioness. Now I know the stones of Alzona are touching, since the one who gives most enters first. And although I have had joy from her, now I want to be rid and purified of her, for I do not wish to acquire the empire of the Greeks if it means being called cuckold. Now I love another lady whose sweet conversation rewards me more than being left in the lurch by the other; for he who defends false love is deceived, and a lady fails (in her duty) who betrays herself for pay. But if I had known that she was like a lion, I would have had for her a gray horse, since no one has her in his power without such a gift. My lady has received a base reward, since for money she has turned from true merit, and if I had known that she might come for money, she could have received pay from me. And I could make her other gifts that could be worth as much to her, but she does not take pleasure in songs; on the contrary, she is complaining about me, for she says that I want to make people talk about her too much, and she doesn't want to be celebratedso far and wide. It would be better for her had she been my beloved without reward, than to have sold her false beauty. I send her to Sire Baut de Foras, for I want no more part of her, and I recognize therein no other harm except what I have caused to my Audiart. Ah, false shield, you allow yourself to be split so easily that one dares not wait for a blow behind you. And I certainly have the intention of making you pay dearly for that: if I raised you high, I shall bring you down low. Alas! How I die longing for the beautiful one who is without evil artifice and so true without deceit that never did she love a cowardly bastard; and if she wished to turn her thoughts to me, all other joy would be less compared to mine, and if she wishes to offer me a kiss, I would never be reluctant about taking it. Song, go find my Plus Lial and tell him that I know a lady for sale. Translation M. Switten |
406,22 or XXII Chans, quan non es qui l'entenda
Gerard Zuchetto; Les Troubadour XII et XIII siecles volume 1; track 5 ***
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 5 track 1; (Singing Rene Zosso) ***
| Chans, quan non es qui l'entenda, No pot ren valer, E pus luec ai e lezer Que mon bel solatz despenda, Ses gap si'un pauc auzitz! Quar totz ditz es mielhs grazitz, Quant a la fi pauz'om ben las razos, Per qu'ieu vuel far entendre mas chansos. Vas fin'amor fatz esmenda Tot al sieu plazer, E s'anc passiei son voler, Chantan vais autra fazenda, A lieys, que de pretz es guitz Me sui juratz e plevitz Sos homs litges, marves, de ginolhos, Ab cor leyal e de totz enjans blos. Dregz es que selui mal prenda Que trop vol saber So que plus li deu doler, E drutz, qu'ab sidons contenda, Non es lonjamen jauzitz. Quar si dona fai ni ditz, Per eys son pretz, plazer ni joy als pros, Enujos par, qui d'aquo-l mou tensos. Non tang qu'ieu midons reprenda Ni cove per ver, Ni ja Dieus no-m do poder Qu'encontra lieys mi defenda! Pero si be-m fauc chauzitz D'aitan sui agelositz Qu'el sieu solatz es tan plazens e bos Qu'a sol mos ops en volgr'aver per dos. Merce-lh clam qu'el plus m'atenda Si cum fetz parer, Don estau en bon esper! Mas tem que-lh bela-m car venda Lo marabetin marriz, Que-m det un'abetairitz, Aissi cum fetz lo Sarrazis al tos, Don pueys l'aucis autre plus ergulhos. Dona, merces vos dissenda Al cor d'un vezer Que-us mostre lo mieu temer, E vulhatz qu'a mi s'estenda Del vostre joy l'esperitz, Don mos gaugz si'acomplitz! Quar be sabetz qu'ieu no vuelh als de vos Mas que-l fis aurs sobredauratz me fos. Si-m faitz pauc, aquelh petitz Vos er de ma part grazitz, E si-m faitz trop, vostr'er atressi-l pros, | When there is no one who understands it, a song cannot be worth anything, and since I have the opportunity, and the leisure to dispense my fine diversion, may it be heard without mockery. For every song is better received, when at the end the subject is well exposed: that is why I wish to have my songs understood. Towards true love I make amends, entirely according to her pleasure, and if ever I went contrary to her will, singing for another reason, to her, the leader of repute, I have sworn and pledged myself her liege man, hands joined, on bended knee, with loyal heart exempt from all deceit. It is just that he should suffer, who is too eager to know that which must torment him the most, and a lover who argues with his lady is not long well received. For if a lady, for the sake of her own merit, does or says something pleasing or agreeable to the valiant (lovers), he appears an enemy,who because of this quarrels with her. It is neither fitting nor suitable, in truth, that I reproach my lady, and may God never give me the force to defend myself against her. However, although I show myself indulgent, in one way am I jealous: her company is so noble and good that for me alone I would like enough for two. I ask mercy of her, so that I may anticipate the highest favor, as she seemed to indicate, on which account I have good hope. But I fear that the beautiful lady may make me pay dearly the cursed penny that a false lady gave me, as did the Saracen with the boy, for which reason another more prideful killed him. Lady, may the favor of a comprehending glance descend into your heart, showing you my fear, and may you wish to extend to me the spirit of your joy, on account of which my joy may be fulfilled. For well you know that I wish naught else from you except that the pure gold be double-gilded for me. If you do little for me, that small bit will be received on my part with gratitude to you, and if you do much for me, the advantage will be yours also, for Miraval and my heart I hold from you. Translation M. Switten |
406,23 or XXXVI Contr'amor vau durs et enbroncs
Gerard Zuchetto; Trobar et Tarab track 1 ***** (with Fawzi Al-Aleida)
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 5 track 2 (singing Gerard Zuchetto) ****
| Contr'amor vau durs et enbroncs Per que mos chans es trop loindas, Q'ieu non sui tant leugiers ni vas Qe ja longamen atenda So don non posc esser segurs! Que de dompna, pois ment sos jurs, Non sap drutz en qe s'enprenda. E de qe-m dei alegrar doncs S'ab lieis, on es pretz sobeiras, Non puosc trobar ditz seguras Ni ai poder qe-l carvenda, Si-m fai tortz ni semblans escurs Q'el mon non es rocha ni murs Que contra liei mi deffenda. Ab fals digz et ab termes loncs Fant dompnas de cortes vilas, C'us non es tant francs ni humas Qe-l coratge no-ill n'ensenda Qand autre pren los sieus endurs! Mas ieu no-n fatz tant grans rancurs Ni pois mort non qier esmenda. Ara mentre q'es l'ombr'els joncs E lo temps es clars e doussas, Devon dompnas ben far certas Celz qe-il plai q'en lieis s'entenda! E s'ieu n'ai ditz mainz motz tafurs, Merces que fraing mainz fortz aturs Prec que ma dompna mi renda. Si cum la ros'entre mil troncs Es genser flors qe d'autres gras, Entre fals lausengiers trafas Estai midonz en sa tenda, C'us no-il ten dan d'aquestz perjurs! Gen comensset ab bos agurs Pretz que per lor non dissenda. Venganssa de colps ni d'estoncs Non es d'amor ni de sas mas, C'ab bels digz avinens e plas Taing que pros dompna contenda! Que, pos trop tenss'ab braus digz durs, Non es sos pretz tant cars ni purs C'om alques no la reprenda. Dompna-m don Dieus que defenda De Miraval las tors e-ls murs, Pois vostre talans es tant durs | With respect to love, I am hardened and morose; therefore my song is too labored, since I am not frivolous and lighthearted enough ever to wait longer for that of which I cannot be sure. For from a lady who repudiates her vows, a lover does not know what to expect. And what am I to be happy about, then, if with her, where superior merit resides, I cannot find valid promises, and I have no power to make her pay dearly for it if she does me wrong or presents an ill-humored expression? For in the world, there is neither rock nor wall that can protect me from her. With false promises and long delays, ladies turn courtly (lovers) into uncourtly ones, for no one is so loyal and kind that his heart does not become inflamed over it when another receives what is denied to him. But I do not complain so greatly, nor (even) if I die (as a result of her delays), do I seek redress. Now while the shade is in the rushes and the weather is clear and warm, ladies should reassure the one whose courting is found pleasing. And if I have said many a harsh word about them, I pray that my lady may give me back mercy, which overcomes many a strong obstacle. As the rose among a thousand stems (other flowers) is a finer flower than from any other seed, so, among the false and treacherous slanderers, my lady remains in her tent, for no one of these perjurers harms her. Her repute, which because of them should not be lowered, began sweetly with good augury. Vengeance by blows and sticks does not come from love nor from its hands, for with fine, agreeable, and polished words, it is fitting that a noble lady defend herself. For when she quarrels too much with fierce, harsh words, her merit is not so fine and so pure that one cannot blame her somewhat. Lady, may God permit me to defend the towers and walls of Miraval, since your inclination is so harsh it doesn't please you that I give it back to you. Translation M. Switten |
406,24 or XXIV D'Amor es totz mos cossiriers
Gerard Zuchetto; Les Troubadour XII et XIII siecles volume 1; track 9 *****
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 5 track 3; (singing Gerard Zuchetto) ***
| D'Amor es totz mos cossiriers Per q'ieu no cossir mas d'Amor! E diran li mal parlador Que d'als deu pessar cavaliers. Mas ieu dic que no fai mia, Que d'Amor mou, qui qu'o dia, So que val mais a foudat e a sen, E tot quant hom fai per Amor es gen. Amors a tans de bos mestiers Qu'a totz faitz benestans secor Q'ieu no vey nulh bon servidor Que no-n cug esser parsoniers, Qu'en luec bos pretz no s'abria Leu, si non ve per amia, Pueys dizon tug quant hom fai falhimen Bem par d'aquest qu'en donas non enten. Dona no pot aver estiers Si non ama, pretz e valor! Qu'atressi qom li amador An mais do totz bos aips sobriers, Selha que trop no s'en tria En val mais qui la-n castia, Adoncs fai mal si mielhs no s'i enpren Mas creire deu adreg castiamen. E s'ieu sui tengutz per parliers, Quar a dona ni a senhor Non deu cossentir dezonor Neguns sos fizels cosselliers, Non laissarai q'ieu non dia-- Q'ieu tostemps non contradia-- So que faran domnas contra joven Ni-m semblara de mal captenemen. E ja d'aquestz drutz messongiers Que cuion aver gran lauzor, Ni dona que s'aten a lor, Uns per so no-m sia guerriers! Qu'enemics ni enemia No-m notz lo pretz d'una fia, Sol que m'aja ma dona ferm talen E meinhs d'erguelh e mais de chauzimen. De gaug li fora plazentiers Mas trop mi ten en gran error! Pero per semblan del melhor N'ai ieu joguat cinc ans entiers, Mas una dona mendia Falsa, aue Dieus la maldia, Mes entre nos aquest destorbamen Don mainhtas vetz n'ai pueys plorat greumen. Mais d'amic, Dieus benezia Qui vol que-m siatz amia, E s'ie-us ai fag plazer ni onramen, Enquer si-us platz o farai per un cen. Mantelh, qui aital n'abria, Ben er cregutz quals qu'o dia, Qu'anc no-l conques per aur ni per argen, Mas per valor e per pretz e per sen. Pastoret, no-us laissetz mia Si Dieus vos don joy d'amia, Qu'a ma dona no mostretz cum l'es gen Si Miravalh sap tener franchamen. Chansoneta, ves midons vai corren, | About love is all my concern, for I am concerned only about love, and evil tongues will say that a knight should think of other things. But I say that this is not so, for from love comes, whoever says it, that is of greatest value to both folly and wisdom, and everything one does on account of love is good. Love has so many good qualities that it helps all suitable actions, such that I do not see any good servant who does not believe he shares in it; for nowhere does merit find shelter easily if it does not come on account of an amia, since everyone says, when a man falls into error, it certainly seems that he does not court ladies. A lady cannot otherwise have merit or value if she does not love, and just as lovers have more of all fine, superior qualities, so she who does not choose too carefully among them is better for it if one chastises her for this; then she behaves badly if she does not improve her conduct, for she should heed a just admonition. And I am many times a lausengier: because no faithful counselor should permit dishonor to a lady or to a lord, I shall not cease to mention, nor constantly to forbid, what ladies do against youth and what seems to me bad manners. And let not one of the lying lovers who think they receive great praise, nor a lady who pays attention to them, attack me because of this; for no enemy, male or female, harms my merit one iota provided that my lady may have towards me steadfast desire and less pride and more pity. Joyfully would I be agreeable to her, but she torments me too much; however, in hope of the best, I have dallied with her for five whole years. But a perfidious lady and false— may God curse her!— put between us this disturbance, because of which I have many times since wept bitterly. Mais d'amic, may God bless the one who wants you to be my friend, and if I have given you pleasure and honor, I shall, if it pleases you, give you still a hundred times more. Mantel, he will certainly be believed, whoever says it, that she who protects such a one (as me) never conquered him through gold or silver but through excellence and merit and wisdom. Pastoret, do not fail, and may God give you joy in love, to show my lady how fine it is for her if she knows how to hold Miraval freely. Chansoneta, run toward my lady, for she upholds merit and retains her youth. |
406 ,25 IX Dels quatre mestiers valens
406 26 V de trobar ai tot saber
406 27 XV Enquer non a guaire
406,28 or XXVI Entre dos volers sui pensius
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 5; track 4; (singing Maurice Moncozet) ***
| Entre dos volers sui pensius Qe-l cors me ditz q'ieu non chant mais Et Amors no vol que m'en lais Mentre qu'el segl'estarai vius: De laissar agr'ieu razo Qe mais non fezes chansso, Mas per so chant car amors e jovens Restaura tot qant tol mesur'e sens. E s'anc nuill jorn fui esforcius D'esser adreitz, cortes e gais, Eras coven que m'i eslais Ab ditz et ab faitz agradius, Q'en tal dompn'ai sospeisso Qe-l sieu ric, car guizerdo Non pot servir nuills hom desavinens, Si tot s'es rics e poderos e gens. Ab aitals honratz seignorius Ai eu estat totz temps verais, C'afans ni pena ni esglais Ni nuills maltraitz no m'es esqius! Per que dien a lairo C'anc d'amor non fich mon pro! Menton, q'ahutz n'ai bes e gauzimens E n'ai sofertz dans e galiamens. Per bona dompna sui antius Qand ja fai ren don sos pretz bais. E car una dompneta-m trais, Tornarai m'en vilans mesclius Non c'a lieis sabria bo Si la tornav'en resso! C'a las avols non ten dan faillimens E prezo-is mais per gabs e per contens. De cui qe-is vol baisse sos brius Puois l'honors midonz mont'e nais, C'aissi cum la rosa e-l glais Gensson qan repaira l'estius, Ma dompn'a tot l'an sazo, Qu'il sap genssar sa faisso Ab bels semblans et ab coindes parvens Don creis sos pretz e sos captenemens. Per lieis am fontanas e rius, Bos e vergiers e plans e plais, Las dompnas e-ls pros e-ls savais, E-ls savis e-ls fols e-ls badius De la francha regio Don ill es e de viro! Que tant es lai viratz mos pessamens, Qe mais non cuig sia terra ni gens. N'Alazais de Boisanso Fai son pretz meillor de bo, E perda Dieu qui l'er desavinens, Pos tant gen sec sos bels comenssamens. Novel amor mi somo Qu'ie-l serva de tal razo: C'a Miraval sia totz establimens | Between two desires I am pensive, for my heart tells me to sing no more, and Love does not wish me to give it up as long as I live. I would have cause never to make another song, but I sing because love and youth restore everything that moderation and reason take away. And if at any time I made an effort to be skilled, noble or joyful, now it is fitting that I apply myself to this task with pleasing words and actions, or I have placed my hope in such a lady that no disagreeable man can merit her fine, precious reward, even though he is rich and powerful and noble. In such honorable seigneuries I have always been faithful, so that not affliction, pain, fear, or any torment was disagreeable to me; that is why they say secretly that I never had love's reward. They lie, for I have had from it benefits and joys, and I have suffered from it harm and deceit. I am ashamed for a noble lady whenever, she does anything on account of which her merit may descend. And because an unworthy lady betrayed me, shall I become a vulgar squabbler? No! because it would please her if I made everyone talk about her, for to uncouth ladies a fault does no harm, and they think better of themselves as a result of mockery and disputes. Let anyone else's merit diminish since the honor of my lady augments and grows; for just as the rose and the gladiolus become beautiful when summer returns, so my lady has the whole year long a season to embellish her countenance with fine expressions and charming appearances, because of which her reputation (worth) and good judgment increase. On her account, I love fountains and streams, woods and orchards and plains and hedges, the ladies and the valiant (lovers) and the cowards and the wise and the fools and the dolts of the noble region from whence she comes and of the surrounding territory; for so completely are my thoughts directed there that it does not seem to me that land or people exist elsewhere. Lady Azalais of Boissezon makes her merit better than good, and may he lose God, the one who is disagreeable to her, since she fulfills so sweetly her fine beginnings. A new love invites me to serve it in such a way that to Miraval may come full establishment of the benefits of love and of all true agreements. Translation M. Switten |
406 , 30? or XLII Grans mestiers m'es razonamens
| Grans mestiers m'es razonamens Qu'ieu a Mataplana envi, Pois n'Ugetz m'a mes el cami De dire motz braus e cozens. E car m'a ses desfianssa Cantat sol per devinanssa D'aisso don eu non sui gair'encolpatz, Mas trop n'a pres gran gatge Segon q'ieu ai faich petit de follatge. Anc trobars no-m fon desplazens, Ni chan ni solatz non desfi, Ni moiller non longiei de mi Per conseill de menudas gens! Q'ieu non ai d'als esperanssa Mas d'amor et alegranssa, Et en dompnei ai mes tans bels percatz E tant cortes usatge, Qe-il drut de sai m'en porton seignoratge. Ja nuills Catalans avinens No-s taing per aisso m'atahi, Que cavalliers q'en pretz se fi Deu laissar, so-ns mostra jovens, Moiller que pren per enfanssa! Mas si sa dompna l'enanssa Tant qe-l prenda, estre deu estacatz D'un certan homenatge, Qe ja nuill temps non seg'autre viatge. |
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406,31 or XXV Lonc temps ai agutz cossiriers
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 5 track 5; (singing Luis Barban / Leo Richome) **
| Lonc temps ai agutz cossiriers De maintas guisas et afars C'anc mos solatz ni mos chantars No-n mermet ni mos alegriers, Mas ar a-i camiat usatge! Aissi m'a desviat Amors C'a penas chans ni temps ni flors Mi pot donar alegratge. Si d'Amor mi ven destorbiers No m'en taing clams ni rancurars! Qe denan era mieus l'esgars, Et ieu de totz mos desiriers Ai seguit lo plus salvatge! Que vas tal domn'ai mos precs sors Que-l joi, que marves preir'aillors, Aten de lieis ses tot gatge. E conosc que fatz que leugiers! Mas beutatz, don nais sobramars, E-l gens acuillirs e l'onrars E-l rics pretz, q'es a totz sobriers, M'ant mes en aqest viatge, Don ieu mezeis sai q'es follors! Mas foudatz vai entr'amadors Per sen, e sens per follatge. Vers es q'en autres cavalliers Pot chausir e q'ieu no-il sui pars, Tant es sos pretz valens e cars. Mas tant a d'avinens mestiers C'obs es q'el sieu seignoratge Ai'un dels adreitz trobadors, Que sapch'enanssar sas lauzors E-il serva de bon coratge. Molt li servirai voluntiers E s'a liei non platz mos preiars, Ja no-s cuide qu'il si'avars En faitz ni en digz plazentiers: Q'al sieu menoret messatge Volria far plus grans honors C'a un dels plus rics mos seignors Non fes tant per homenatge. Dompna, la doussors dels vergiers Es ara vengud'e-l temps clars, Don totz lo mons es vertz e vars E paront las flors els roziers. Oimas devon far barnatge Cellas q'ant leials pregadors, E-n contra-ls fals castiadors Demostrar lor vassalatge. Chanson, ton premier viatge Faras vas n'Alazais de cors! Car se puois vols anar aillors, Plus en seras d'agradatge. Dompn'el vostre seignoratge S'es mes Miravals e m'amors E no-us i cal plus gardadors Mas un cordon per guiatge. Mantel, s'ieu ai fag folatge, Car ai chauzit en las gensors En cela, que mais vol Valors, | For a long time I have had all sorts of worries and concerns without my diversions, my songs, and my joy being diminished. But now I have changed my habits. So much has love led me astray that scarcely can song, weather, or flowers give me joy. Though trouble comes to me from love, neither complaint nor protest on my part is fitting. For previously the decision was up to me, and of all my desires, I followed the crudest; for I raised my prayers toward such a lady that the joy which unhesitatingly I would obtain elsewhere, I hope (to obtain) from her without pledge. And I know that I behave in a reckless manner; but beauty, whence comes excessive love, and the sweet welcome and the honor, and the fine merit which is superior to all (other), have set me in this way, concerning which I know myself that it is folly; but folly passes for reason among lovers, and reason for folly. It is true that she can choose between other knights and that I am not equal to her, so noble and precious is her merit. But she has so many comely manners that she ought to have in her seigneury one of the expert troubadours who may know how to exalt her praises and serve her with loyal heart. Very willingly will I serve her, and if my prayer does not please her, never let it be thought that I am miserly toward her in pleasing actions or words; for I would like to do greater honor to her least important messenger than I might show to render homage to one of the noblest of my lords. Lady, the sweetness of the gardens has now come and the clear weather, on account of which the whole world is green and multicolored, and the flowers appear on the rose plants. Henceforth those (ladies) who have faithful lovers should behave in a noble way, and thus show their courage against the false counselors. Song, you will quickly make y our first trip to Lady Azalais, because if then you wish to go elsewhere, you will be more charming. Lady, Miraval and my love have placed themselves in your possession, and more guardians should not concern you, hut (rather) a silk cord as safe-conduct. Mantel, if I have been foolish, for I have chosen among the most beautiful the one most favored by merit, wrongly will I receive harm from it. Translation M. Switten |
406,33 or III Puois de mon chantar disetz
406,34 or XXI Pueis onguan no-m valc estius
| Pueis onguan no-m valc estius Ni-l dous tems vertz ni floritz, Ben cove que si'auzitz Mos chantars ar ab la neu! Quar cel que pregu'e non es escoutatz, Deu camjar luec e solatz E guardar tems et oras avinens E folejar, quan ve que no-ill val sens. Ben conosc que drutz mesclius, Fels, engres e deschausitz, Es mais amatz e grazitz Que nos leial, don m'es greu. E quar ho dic, serai-n ocaizonatz! Mas tans n'i a d'enguanatz Que, si m'en sors peleja ni contens, Be-m meravill, si-ll nostra partz no vens. Sabetz per qe-m torn esquius Contra las enguanairitz Quar de midons soi faiditz E non sai tort mas lo seu. Et en aiso tem n'esser encolpatz Que-l tortz sieus sembla vertatz, C'als sieus bels digz lo mieus dregz par niens! Tant es gaillartz sos bels razonamens Ja de vos no-m partrai vius! Quar sai que tota gens ditz Que-l vostre pretz es complitz E-ill genser es desotz Deu. Per tal qu'en fos humils vostra beutatz, Volgra-n fos meins la meitatz! Pueis fora meiller vostre mandamens Que de nuill'autr'e vostre cors plus gens. Dona, no sui tant autius Qu'encaras, totz escarnitz, Lo coven, qe-m fo mentitz, No tengues de vos a feu. Totz acordiers m'en seria onratz! Mas no vueill que pueis digatz Mieus es lo tortz, quan venra-l partimens, C'a las autras en penri'espavens. Pero leials senhorius Lai, ont es plus afortitz, Deu esser miels obezitz, C'om hi trop merce plus leu. E si ben soi d'amor apoderatz, No-n dei esser malmenatz! Quar per dreg er vostres lo faillimens Que res d'aitan no-us pot esser guirens. Pastoret, vos, qu'es del conseill privatz, A mon Audiart diguatz Que lai, on es cortezia e sens, Deu meillurar guaillardi'e jovens. Mantel, vos es lo meiller guarnimens E-l plus onratz, c'anc formes nuilla gens. Bels Mais d'amic, si be-us m'es malvolens, De Miraval es vostre-l mandamens. |
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406, 35 Qui bona chansso cossira
406,36 or IV Res contr'Amor non es guirens
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 5 track 6 (singing Maurice Moncozet ) *
| Res contr'Amor non es guirens Lai on sos poders s'atura! Que no vol autra mesura Mas c'om sega totz sos talens! C'apitals es sos seynorius E quals que s'en fass'esquius, A sa merce l'es obs venir, Si doncs no-s vol d'amor gequir. Per qu'es als malvatz espavens Seguir d'amor l'aventura, E qi de bon pretz a cura, Per domneiar es pus valens E pus francs e pus autius, E-n vol hom nomenatius Esser de dar e de servir E d'ardimen e de garnir. Qu'ieu n'aurai estat lonjamens Leyals amics, ses falsura Per tal qui-m desassegura Hon pus li so obediens! E, si tot m'en fejn braidius, Il conoix be que ja vius No-m poiria de leis partir Per dan que-m n'aveyn'a sofrir. Tant m'es lo contraditz cozens C'a pauc no muer de rancura! Mas tan n'ai fach long'endura Que mais no s'i tajn venjamens Mas ab bels ditz agradius, E ja negus mals mesclius Non dira tan que ja-m n'air Ni-n tolla-ls bes que n'ai fait dir. Bela domna, doussa, plasens, Franc'e de gentil natura, Gencer d'autra criatura, Quo no-us pren de me chausimens Qu'el cor m'art com us calius E son plus glassatz que rius, E no-m fazatz aman languir, Pus del tot no-m voletz ausir. Era, mentre que-l tems es gens E la fuelha fresca dura, Ans que repaire-l frejdura Me n'agr'ops cals que jausimens! Qe d'amor va leu sos brius, E pus hom pas'us estius | Nothing protects against love where its power is applied, for it wishes no other limit except that one follow all its desires: such is its lordship! And whoever would show himself hostile (to love) is obliged to submit to its mercy, unless he wishes to give up loving. Wherefore it is perilous for cowards to follow the adventure of love, and whoever is interested in fine repute is worthier, nobler, and superior for having courted; and therefore one wants to be renowned for giving, for serving, for courage, and for generosity. Thus I will have been for a long time a loyal friend, without deceit, to a lady who torments me all the more when I am obedient to her; and although I pretend to be impatient on account of this, she well knows that never in my life could I separate myself from her because of harm that it may fall my lot to suffer on account of her. So painful is the contradiction that I almost die of grief, but I have endured such interminable suffering on account of her that no longer is any vengeance fitting except that of fine, agreeable words. And never will any evil meddler say so much that I will ever become angry at her or take away from her the good that I have had said about her. Beautiful lady, sweet, charming, noble, and of genteel nature, fairer than any other creature, why do you not take pity on me? For my heart burns like glowing embers, and I am chilled more than a running brook; and do not make me languish in love, since you do not completely wish to kill me. Now while the weather is mild, when the fresh leaves last before the cold returns, I would need from you a bit of joyousness, for the rapture of love goes quickly, and if one passes a summer without reward and without enjoyment, the slanderer can destroy it entirely. |
406,37 or X S'a dreg fos chantars grazitz
| S'a dreg fos chantars grazitz, Ben chantera pus soven! Mas vejair'es a la gen Que totz trobars si'enguals, Per qu'ieu no-i seria sals, Qu'ie-n vuelh grat de las melhors, S'entrels desconoissedors E domnas de mals talans Sovendejava mos chans. Qu'ieu sai so que quasqus ditz Al plus celat parlamen, Quan per lur descauzimen Fan creir'a domnas manhs mals E donan los cosselhs fals Que no sofran trobadors So don gen se sierv Amors! Qu'a selhuj tanh mielhs demans Que mais a d'aips benestans. S'es larcs, cortes et arditz E sap servir d'avinen, Sos chans qual dona-l defen Vers es que trobars ses als Non es proeza cabals Ni sol us mestiers valors! Pero corteza lauzors, Bendigz et onratz bobans Es de totz bos pretz enans. D'aisso-m tenh per enrequitz Quar la belh'en cuj m'enten Conoys qui-lh ditz ver o-lh men, Per que-l sui del tot leyals! Qu'amix leugiers ni venals Non pren d'onrat luec secors. Doncs pus tan me platz l'onors, Em patz dey suffrir los dans, Que-l pros m'en semble plus grans. Si-m fas ieu qu'als pus falhitz Son de belh captenemen E-n parl'essenhadamen Ab mos enemix mortals, Qu'a penas conoisso quals De lor en tenc per pejors! E non es tan greus dolors A drut, ni pus durs afans D'onrar lauzengiers truans. Domna, vos m'etz del tot guitz, Qu'ieu non ai foldat ni sen Mas al vostre mandamen. Tan m'es lo dezirs corals Q'us ans me sembla jornals! Si-m fai loncs atens paors E si-m par mos chans forhors, Qu'en domney ses totz enguans Es greus termes de tres ans. Mais d'amic, d'autras ricors, Que-us semblarian majors, Vos val Miravalh dos tans, Quar l'avetz ses totz engans. |
406, 38 or XIV S'ieu en chantar soven
406,39 or II Si-m fos de mon chantar parven
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 5 track 7; (singing Rene Zosso) *| Si-m fos de mon chantar parven C'a ma dona-n prezes cura, Ja no-i gardera mezura Mas al pus que pogra soven! Mas, car no-m denha escotar, M'a fag de tot solatz giquir, Per qu'ieu sai qu'es vers so c'aug dir Qu'enueja-s om de bel chantar. Mielhs fora c'al comensamen M'agues gitat d'aventura, Del solas qu'era-m pejura, Que-m demostret dous e plazen. D'aitan fai semblan de joglar Que canta, tro que-s fai grazir, E cant hom plus lo vol auzir, El s'en gec e fay s'en preyar. E pus ma dona no-m cossen Aquo don sos pretz melhura, Reu soi sel que no-s n'atura Que l'am fort part son mandamen! Mas ab temor et ab selar, Ab lauzor et ab enantir, Et ab onrar et ab grazir La cugey preyan gazanhar. Aras cuiaran maldizen Qu'en loc d'autra cobertura Fassa de midons rancura, Et qu'ieu ame seladamen, Car me sabon ginhos d'amar. Mas ja d'aiso no-ls cal cobrir, Qu'ilh non a de m'amor dezir Ni ieu non l'am tant com suelh far. En loc d'enemic malvolen C'anc Dieus formes de natura, E que mielhs en bon pretz s'enten. Ies sas beutatz no-us sai comtar Ni-l solatz ni-l gent aculhir! Que-l mielhs es del mon, cui que tir! Mas trop vol s'amor tener car E pus ma dona-s ten tan car C'autre ni me no vol sofrir, Atressi-m vuelh ieu car tenir | If it were apparent to me that my lady might take some interest in my singing, I would heed no measure except (to sing) as often as I could. But since she does not deign to listen to me, she has made me abandon all diversion. For this reason, I know that what I hear about people being bored with fine singing is true. It would perhaps have been better if at the beginning she had excluded me from her company (conversation), which now becomes hostile toward me, (but) which she (previously) presented to me in a sweet and agreeable manner. She thus behaves like the jongleur who sings until he makes himself welcomed, and when one wants to hear him some more, he stops and acts reluctant. And since my lady does not allow me (to do) that which increases her merit, I am not the one to insist upon loving her against her will. But by wooing (her) with fear and secrecy, with praise and exalting and with honor and with thanks, I thought to win her. Now the slanderers will believe that in place of any other camouflage, I complain about my lady, and that I love secretly, because they know I am ingenious in love. But never for this reason must one hide from them (the fact) that she has no desire for my love, nor do I love her as much as I used to. The fairest creature that ever God formed in nature and who knows the most about fine merit will have me as a malevolent enemy. Never could I tell you her beauty or her pleasant company or her gracious reception, for she is the best in the world, whomever that may displease; but she wants too high a price for her love! And since my lady esteems herself so much that she does not want to tolerate me or anyone else, so I want to esteem myself enough to abandon her and all the others. |
406,40 or XVII Si tot s'es ma domn'esquiva
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 5 track 8 (singing Maurice Moncozet) *
| Si tot s'es ma domn'esquiva Ni-m mostr'orguoill ni soan, Ges del sieu servir no-m las! Anz, car eu vas leis no pas, Li trametrai, lai on es, Chanson faita de merces! Car per solaz e per chan Creis amors e brot'e rama. Dinz el cor me nais la flama Q'eis per la boch'en chantan, Don domnas e druz abras. E-l sonet son dolz e bas, Coind'e leugier e cortes, Per qe de grat son apres: Qe tals amera tiran Qe per mos bels diz s'abriva. Per la lengua recaliva So don eu ai pres lo dan Tan, per pou no-n veing al vas! C'als fals feingnedors escas Enseing so c'a lor es bes Qan me degr'esser promes! Si feira, s'eu saubes, tan Com fai acel que non ama. Mas fin'amors m'en liama, Q'en mi non a pont d'enjan, Ni falsitat non a mas! C'ab tal domna son remas, Q'anc no faillic ni mespres Ni non amet dos ni tres! Per q'eu autra non deman, Ni farai ja tan com viva. Mas car crezet gent badiva Qe s'anes de mi lonjan, Qe m'an levat en tal clas C'a pauc de joi no m'an ras, Ma domna no saup qe-s fes Qan sofferc qu'om li-m tolgues, Que tal perdera lauzan Que per autra no-s reclama. Mas lo dessirers m'aflama E-s vai chascun jorn doblan Tant qe-m poja sobre-l nas! Cala, fols trop en diras No farai, q'anc no fo res Ma domn,'e ma bona fes Me valgues e-l temps d'antan Qe-m siaz d'alques aissiva S'a mon Audiart plagues, Tornar volgr'e mon paes ....................................... Vas leis que tot las m'abriva. Ben l'en deu penre merces, Q'anc no-ill fi que-il desplagues Nulla re petit ni gran, | Although my lady is hostile and shows toward me pride and disdain, never do I tire of serving her; on the contrary, because I do not go to her, I will send her, where she is, a song made of thanks; for through diversion and through song love grows and increases and branches out. Within my heart is born the flame which comes from my mouth in song, by means of which I set ladies and lovers ablaze. And the melodies are sweet and low, charming and light and courtly; therefore they are learned willingly; for such a one would be slow to love who rushes in because of my fine words. By my speech is reanimated that which caused me so much harm that I almost came to the grave; for I teach to false and petty lovers that which brings them success, when it ought to be promised to me. And it would be, if I had known as much as the one who does not love. But true love enchains me, for in me there is not a bit of deceit or falsehood; I have remained with such a lady that she never failed or erred, nor did she love two or three (lovers at one time). For this reason, I do not ask for another, nor will I as long as I live. And because she believed foolish people (who advised) that she should turn away from me— who have placed me in such a state of confusion that they have almost deprived me of joy— my lady does not know what she did that ever she permitted herself to be taken away from me, since (in so doing) she would lose, by her own consent, one who is attracted by no other lady. But desire tortures me with hunger and doubles each day, to such an extent that it rises on my nose. Be silent, fool! You will say too much about it. I will not, for never was there anything to it. Would that my lady and my good faith and the time of yore might be of help to me so that she might be a little bit receptive. If it were pleasing to my Audiart, I should wish to return to my country... towards the one who drives me on though I be tired. Well she should take pity (on me), for never did I do anything to her, large or small, which might displease her and which I may not write in my heart. |
Tal chansoneta faray
406,42 or XXIII Tals vai mon chan enqueren
Troubadours Art Ensemble; La Troba Vol 3; cd no 5 track 9 (singing Cedric Crespin) ***
| Tals vai mon chan enqueren, Per so qu'en s'emble plus guays, Que d'autra part s'en irays Quan au mos digz e-ls enten! Tals n'i a per gelozia, E drut que no segon via Que a bon'amor s'atanh, Conosc que meinhs son estranh. Eu no chan per autre sen Mas per so qu'amors no bays, E que domnas valhan mais Per lo mieu essenhamen! Ieu non dic que domn'estia Que non am quoras que sia, Mas genser l'es s'ilh sofranh Que si-n fai malvays guazanh. Que ja per chastiamen Neguna son miels non lays! Pus conoys quals es savays O quals es pros issamen, Quals es fis ni quals gualia, E s'adoncs so miels non tria, Dieus li do so don se planh Dona, pus sa valor franh. Pus ma dona m'a coven Qu'autr'amic non am ni bays, Ja Dieus no-m sia verays Si ja per nulh'autra-lh men! Qu'ab lieys ai tot quan volia D'amor e de drudairia, Ni menor joy ni plus manh No vuelh, s'ab lieys mi remanh. Greu pot aver jauzimen Adrech d'amor drutz biays Qui er se det et huey s'estrays! Mas qui ben sier et aten, E sap celar sa folhia, E jau los bes e-ls embria, Ab que-ls tortz sidons aplanh, Joy pot aver si quo-s tanh. Qui vol solatz avinen, Ves na Guillelma s'eslays, On pretz e beutatz e jays S'es pauzatz sobre joven! Per que-l tramet per paria Ma chanso, que la chastia, E, s'ilha-s fier en l'aranh, Prenda l'aur e lays l'estanh. De midons tenh em bailia Miravalh, mas tota via Vuelh la comtessa gazanh, E tot son dampnatge planh. Ves n'Audiart, on qu'ieu sia, Port aitan de senhoria, Qu'ab sos amics m'acompanh | Many a one solicits my song so that he may go away happier because of it, who on the other hand becomes angry when he hears and understands my compositions. There are some (who behave that way) on account of jealousy. And I know that lovers who do not follow the path that is fitting to true love are, because of this, displeasing to me. I sing for no other reason than that love may not decline and that ladies may be of greater worth through my instruction. I do not say that it is fitting for a lady not to love at any time, but it is better for her if she lacks (love) than if she draws from it ill-gotten gain. Never because of blame should a lady abandon her best interest, since she knows which one is foolish or likewise which one is brave, which is noble and which false; and if she then does not choose the best, may God give her something for a lady to complain about since she destroys her value. Since my lady has an agreement with me that she will love or kiss no other lover, may God no longer be true to me if ever I break faith with her on account of another lady. For with her I have all I desired of love and companionship, and neither less nor greater joy do I wish for, provided I may stay with her. With difficulty can a false lover, who yesterday gave himself and today withdrew, have true enjoyment of love. But the one who serves well and is attentive and knows how to keep secret his folly and enjoys the good things and increases them, provided he soften his lady's wrongs, can have joy as it is fitting. Let the one who wishes agreeable conversation hasten toward lady Guillelma, where worth and beauty and joy have placed themselves above youth. That is why in friendship I send her my song, which teaches her, and if she throws herself into the trap, let her choose the gold and leave the tin. From my lady I hold Miraval in custody, but I always desire the profit of the countess, and I deplore all harm that comes to her. Toward Sir Audiart, wherever I may be, I show so much respect that I associate with his friends and keep away from his enemies. Translation M. Switten
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406,44 or XIII Tot quan fatz de be ni dic
Tot quan fatz de be ni dic
Cove que ma dona prenda,
Pus de me no vol plus renda
Mas qu'ieu per ley me castic
De tot aquo qu'a benestar non tanha!
E manda-m far so don pretz mi remanha
Qu'estiers no fa hom son talen
Si no-s guarda de falhimen.
Per q'ieu justa ley m'abric
Quar no falh en re qu'enprenda,
Ni a poder que dissenda
Per se ni per enemic!
Per so-m ten pres cum soudadier d'Espanha,
Que qora-s vol m'emprenh en la mesclanha,
A tot lo sieu voler ai sen
E non am nulh son malvolen.
Pus per lieys d'autras m'esdic,
Aitan li qier per esmenda
Que-l belh joven non despenda
Tro que-m restaure-l destric,
Qu'al sieu sofranh tot quant a mi sofranha!
E si-m fa mal, ja non er qui m'en planha,
Qu'ieu eys m'ai anat enqueren,
Qu'encontra lieys non truep guiren.
Quascuna vuelh n'ay'un pic,
Qu'estiers no-m platz lur carvenda
Tan qan midons las defenda,
Que per ren als no m'en gic!
E, si no fos qu'a sos ops mi guazanha,
Tan lunhera de midons ma companha
Que-ls bes grazira solamen
E dels mals preira venjamen.
Anc hom tan no lur servic
Qe tan pauc de grat n'atenda!
D'aisso tanh q'ieu la reprenda,
Qu'ie-n sai tal que s'en jauzic
Q'eras m'estai per eys son tort estranha!
Mas ja no vuelh que domneys per me-s franha,
Qu'ades no-i trob'om chauzimen
E suffert ai tan longamen.
Dreg a mon belh Mai d'amic
T'en vai, chanos, qu'ilh t'entenda,
E si tan fai que t'aprenda,
Ben tenh mon chantar per ric!
Qe re qu'ilh pretz no-s bayssa ni-s gavanha,
Que-l sieus lauzars daur'e-l blasmars estanha!
Tan sap e conoys et enten
Qu'ades val mais la part qu'ilh pren.
Mon Audiart sal Dieus e sa companha,
Mas la belha que de s'amor m'estranha
Fa mal quar Miravalh non pren,
Pus a las autras lo defen.
|
It is fitting that my lady accept
everything good I do or say,
since from me she wants no other tribute,
provided that for her I renounce everything
which is not proper to noble conduct,
and she orders me to act
so that merit remains to me;
for otherwise, if one does not keep from fault,
one does not attain one's desire.
I seek shelter close to her
because she fails in nothing she undertakes,
nor has she power that may be diminished
by herself or by an enemy.
Therefore she holds me prisoner like a Spanish mercenary,
for whenever she wishes, I rush into the combat;
I agree to her will entirely,
and I like none of her enemies.
Since for her I abandon others,
I ask her this much for compensation—
that she not expend her fine youth
until she makes good to me the harm,
for everything that may be lacking to me is
lacking to her; and if she hurts me,
never will I be the one to complain,
for I myself have been out seeking (someone else),
and against her I find no protector.
I want each (of these ladies) to receive in consequence a wound,
for otherwise their haughtiness does not please me
while my lady forbids them (to me),
for I would abstain from them for no other reason.
And if it were not that she retains me in her service,
I would take my company so far away from my lady
that I would accept only the good
and I would take vengeance for the harm.
Never did a man serve them so well
who can expect so little thanks.
For this reason it is fitting that I reproach her,
for I know one of them who rejoiced
that she is now estranged from me by her own fault.
But do not believe love service
will be transgressed by me,
for one does not always find pity in it,
and I have suffered so long.
Go, song, straight to my beautiful Mais d'amic,
that she may hear you, and if she goes so far
as to learn you,
I shall certainly consider my singing noble.
For what she wishes neither diminishes
nor deteriorates, since her praise gilds
and her blame coats with tin;
she knows and discerns and understands so much
that what she chooses is always worth more.
May God save my Audiart and his company,
but the fair one who keeps me from her love
acts wrongly in not accepting Miraval
since she forbids it to the others.
Translation M. Switten
topsfield 227
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406,46 or XIX Tuich cill que vant demandan
406,47 or XXXIV Un sonet m'es belh qu'espanda
Gerard Zuchetto; La Primavera d'Amore track 1 *****
Un sonet m'es belh qu'espanda
Per ma dona esbaudir,
Si cum selh que no demanda
So que plus volgra jauzir:
Mas d'aitan no-m puesc suffrir
Que no-lh mostr'hueimays,
Sivals temens ab chansos,
Cum suy d'enansar coitos
Selh joy don ylh m'atruanda.
Pechat fai qui m'atruanda,
Que res mas lieys non dezir!
E qui mon afar demanda,
Pot d'autras domnas auzir
Cum n'i a manhtas en azir
Quar ieu no-m biays,
E lur estauc ergulhos,
E vuel mais remaner blos
Ses amor qu'autra-m reblanda.
Lieys sola-m platz que reblanda,
Qu'a dreitz en puesc grans laus dir!
E, qui de lieys mi demanda,
No-n puesc ben dizen mentir!
Quar mielhs qu'om savis cossir
Fai totz sos assays,
E totz sos faitz belhs e bos,
Pueys a d'avinens faissos
Tan cum Beutatz en guaranda.
Soven me mostr'en guaranda
Lo cors, que-m fai abelhir
Sas grans beutatz, e-m demanda
Que fas, quan no la remir!
D'aqui movo-l gran sospir,
E-l volers m'en nays
Que-m fai languir amoros:
Per qu'ieu la prec ad estros
M'acuelha, si no-m desmanda.
Per Crist, s'aquesta-m desmanda,
No y a plus mais del murir,
Que de tot autra demanda
M'a fag s'amistat partir!
Si-s vol, lo sieu pot delir,
Cum selh que Dieu trays!
Mas pauc li val tracios,
Qu'anc sa par non cre que fos,
Ni gensor non pais vianda.
Ben sabetz ab qual vianda,
Bela domna, puesc guerir,
Qu'ieu so-l folhs qui-lh say demanda,
Si m'o voletz aculhir:
E pus mi-us plac enrequir,
No vulhatz qu'abays,
Que-l mieus mals es dans a vos,
E totz mos bes vos es pros,
Tan com sobre me s'espanda.
Et ie-us sui verays,
Quar me meteys tenc de vos,
E totz mos faitz bels e bos
E Miravalh de comanda.
Rayals senher guays,
Mos Audiartz, cars e bos,
Eu domney, fe que dei vos,
La gensor qu'el mon se randa.
E no-m desman si no-m manda
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It pleases me to circulate a song
to cheer my lady,
like the one who does not ask for
what he would wish the most to enjoy.
But I cannot henceforth restrain myself
from showing her,
at least timidly,with songs,
how desirous I am of exalting the joy
with which she attracts me.
She who attracts me commits a sin,
for no one but her do I desire;
and whoever asks about my conduct
can hear from other ladies
how many of them are offended
because I do not turn away (from my lady),
and I remain haughty toward them,
and I prefer to be deprived, without love,
rather than to court another (one of them).
It pleases me to court her alone,
for with justification I can praise her highly,
and if someone asks me about her,
I cannot lie in saying good things;
for better than a knowledgeable man may think,
she accomplishes all of her tasks
and all of her beautiful and fine actions,
and she also has as many charming features
as beauty can contain.
Often in moderation she shows me her body,
so that she makes enchanting to me her great beauty,
and she asks me what I do
when I am not looking at her.
From this, heavy sighs come,
and the desire is born
which makes me languish with love.
Therefore I pray her to receive me immediately,
if she does not refuse me.
For Christ's sake, if this lady refuses me,
there is nothing left but to die,
for her friendship has made me
withdraw from all other courting.
If she wishes, she may destroy her own,
as (did) the one who betrayed God.
But betrayal is of little advantage to her,
for I believe that her equal never existed,
nor does nourishment sustain a fairer lady.
You well know, fair lady,
with what nourishment I can be cured,
and I am the fool who asks for it here,
if you wish to grant it to me.
And since it pleased you to enrich me,
do not desire that I be humbled,
for my misfortune harms you,
and all my benefit, as much of it as spreads over me,
is to your advantage.
And I am faithful
because I hold from you my own self
and all my good and worthy actions
and Miraval in custody.
Royal and high-spirited lord,
my dear and fine Audiart, I court,
by the faith I owe you,
the fairest lady in the world who adorns herself.
And let her not refuse me (even) if she doesn't send for me.
Translation M. Switten
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