PDA

View Full Version : When did this woman write?


marcus
Oct9-05, 02:26 AM
Of late I've been in great distress
about a knight I thought was mine.
I want it known for all of time
that though I loved him to excess,
his pleasure with me I delayed,
and was on that account betrayed!
It makes me wild: my mind can't rest
whether I'm in bed or dressed.
I'd like it well if I caressed
him with my naked arms. He'd get
excited if I merely let
him feel the softness of my breast;
and he'd delight me even more
than Floris once did Blanchaflor!
I'd offer him my every part,
my mind, my senses, and my heart.
When, my gallant handsome friend -
when shall I have you in my power?
I'll lie beside you and my tender
kiss will bring your love to flower.
I would be greatly comforted
to have you in my husband's stead,
but only if you swear to do
everything I wish you to!

*
the original:
ESTAT AI EN GREU COSSIRIER ...

Estat ai en greu cossirier
per un cavallier qu'ai agut,
e vuoil sia totz temps saubut
cum ieu l'ai amat a sobrier;
ara vei qu'ieu sui trahida
car ieu non li donei m'amor
don ai estat en gran error
en lieig e quand sui vestida.
Ben volria mon cavallier
tener un ser en mos bratz nut,
qu'el s'en tengra per ereubut
sol qu'a lui fezes cosseillier;
car plus m'en sui abellida
no fetz Floris de Blanchaflor:
ieu l'autrei mon cor e m'amor
mon sen, mos huoillis e ma vida.
Bels amics avinens e bos,
cora·us tenrai en mon poder?
e que jagues ab vos un ser
e qu'ie·us des un bais amoros;
sapchatz, gran talen n'auria
qu'ie·us tengues en luoc del marit,
ab so que m'aguessetz plevit
de far tot so qu qu'ieu volria.

loseyourname
Oct9-05, 05:00 AM
I'll have to hold off on this one, because I'm actually familiar with the poem, so it wouldn't really be a guess.

Evo
Oct9-05, 12:02 PM
I remember bits and pieces of this but can't remember if it is 12th century or the 1200's. I'll go with 1200's.

arildno
Oct9-05, 12:07 PM
I'm with Evo on this.

Not exactly your run-of-the-mill "virtuous love" poem, is it?

syzygy
Oct10-05, 07:15 PM
I'll say before the 1200s. Countess Dia or Diaz...I forgot...:uhh:

Syzygy~