Estat ai en greu cossirier
I have been in heavy thought
over a cavalier I'd had.
I want it clear to everyone
that I've loved him to excess,
and now I see he's left me: pre-
text, I refused him my love.
I seem to be mistaken, then,
as to what was going on,
dressed or in bed.
I'd love to hold my cavalier
naked one evening in my arms,
he would think he were on fire
if I'd be his pillow then.
For I burn more for him than
Floris did for Blancheflor,
deliver him my love, my heart, my
sensuality, my eyes, my life.
My dear and lovely friend, if ever
I come to have you in my power
and get into bed with you one night
and give you love-kiss, know it:
I'd have such a great desire
to hold you in my husband's place,
if you'd promise to do
everything I'd want you to.
-Beatritz de Dia
(tr. Paul Blackburn)
Beatritz de Dia was a troubadour poet of the second half of the 12th century. The following vida dates from a couple of centuries later:
The countess of Dia was the wife of William of Poitou and a good and beautiful lady. She was in love with Raimbault d'Aurenga and made him many good songs.
The notes suggest even that even that brief bit of biographical information can't really be trusted. There are a half-dozen surviving poems.
Jennifer at Holds Upon Happiness is featuring Emily Dickinson this week.
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