sister_raphael | (This is not) a 14th century love song. (Reply)

This fantastic record, yes, record contains a bevvy of wonderful love songs from the medieval period. Troubadours sang and played songs of lost love, tormented love, love gone wrong and high, pure, courtly love, although it must be said that a lot of the songs were a bit less than they seemed on the surface.

For example, the song below is shown with it's original words and an English translation. It sings so sweetly, but then, at the very end, all is revealed to be not what it seemed.

In keeping with the fine and pleasant weather
I shall lead a gay and carefree life
out of love for my sweet lover whom I love
with all my heart without a base or foolish thought.

And I shall frolic and live for love-
indeed I shall- all for my pleasure and enjoyment
and for my part I wish neither to lie to him
nor to think ill of him.

And I may do so without dishonour
As every lover and his sweetheart knows
There is no harm in loving so, since it does no wrong
If there were, I'd have none of it!

In keeping with the fine and pleasant weather
I shall lead a gay and carefree life
out of love for my sweet lover whom I love
with all my heart without a base or foolish thought.

Husband, husband, shame on you for beating me so
on account of a little flirtation!
Anon. Late 14th century.