| LE JOUR SAINT VALENTIN | ST, VALENTINE'S DAY |
| Charles, Duc d'Orléans | tr. Barton Palmer |
|
Le beau souleil, le jour saint Valentin, Qui apportoit sa chandelle alumee, N'a pas longtemps entra un bien matin Priveement en ma chambre fermee. Celle clarté qu'il avoit apportee, Si m'esveilla du somme de soussy Ou j'avoye toute la nuit dormy Sur le dur lit d'ennuieuse pensee. Ce jour aussi, pour partir leur butin Les biens d'Amours, faisoient assemblee Tous les oyseaulx qui, parlans leur latin, Crioyent fort, demandans la livree Que Nature leur avoit ordonnee C'estoit d'un per comme chascun choisy. Si ne me peu rendormir, pour leur cry, Sur le dur lit d'ennuieuse pensee. Lors en moillant de larmes mon coessin Je regrettay ma dure destinee, Disant: "Oyseaulx, je vous voy en chemin De tout plaisir et joye desiree. Chascun de vous a per qui lui agree, Et point n'en ay, car Mort, qui m'a trahy, A prins mon per dont en dueil je languy Sur le dur lit d'ennuieuse pensee." ENVOI Saint Valentin choisissent ceste annee Ceulx et celles de l'amoureux party. Seul me tendray, de confort desgarny, Sur le dur lit d'ennuieuse pensee. |
On St. Valentine's day, the lovely sun, Carrying along its lighted candle, Made its way that fine dawn, not long ago, Into my locked chamber, all in secret. The gleaming brightness that it brought therein Awakened me then from the sleep of Care, In which I had been drowsing all night long While lying on the bed of Painful Thought. That day as well, to share out their booty Of the benefits of Love, all the birds Did assemble, who, speaking their language, Cried out loud, demanding the provision That Nature had ordained to serve them all: This was a mate, as each had made their choice. With their noise I could not fall back asleep While lying on the bed of Painful Thought. Then, with hot tears moistening the pillow, I bemoaned all my bitter destiny, Saying: "Birds, I see you on the pathway Of all things that please, with joy expectant. You each have a companion who suits you, And I have none, for Death, betraying me, Took my mate, so I languish all in pain While lying on the bed of Painful Thought." ENVOY May the men and women of love's party Be granted their St. Valentine this year! Alone I remain, bereft of comfort While lying on the bed of Painful Thought. |