I thought to live without true love <br />All my life through to be at peace, <br />But this heart, once again, would prove <br />Its folly from which I had won free. <br />Greater the folly is in me <br />Than child crying foolishly <br />To possess the lovely star <br />He sees shining clear and far. <br /> <br />However much I may despair <br />Love has well rewarded me <br />For serving him with all the care <br />I possess, without treachery, <br />Making Folly’s King of me. <br />Let all beware his deceit <br />Who grants such a gift, we see, <br />To those who serve loyally. <br /> <br />If I show anger it’s no wonder <br />To one who wounds me so sore <br />God! If I had him in my power <br />For just one day and no more: <br />Then he’d pay for his folly <br />As God my witness be! <br />He’d pay with his death, unless <br />He vanquished my lady blessed. <br /> <br />Ay! Noble heart, that is so wise, <br />Don’t scorn all my foolishness. <br />I know I’ve not the slightest right <br />To love you, just a lover’s right: <br />But folly drives us recklessly <br />Like a storm-tossed ship at sea, <br />That’s blown where the wind will blow, <br />Until all’s wrecked and brought low. <br /> <br /> <br />My lady who lacks never a grace, <br />Generous, kind, show me mercy: <br />Since there’s no evil in that face <br />But all good shines there clearly, <br />You know from whence this folly <br />That takes my life comes to me. <br />To whom can I cry again, <br />Except to you, in pain? <br /> <br />Song, pay her your respects, she <br />Is my sweet folly, and please <br />Beg her for God and honour <br />Never to prove a traitor.<br /><br />Le Châtelain de Coucy<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/chanson-d-amour-3/
