trobaire.org

a collection of literature from poets, bards, songwriters, and skalds in the SCA

Chevalier, Mult Estes Guariz

byram's picture
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 22:59 -- byram

Give knights, your souls to heaven's work
since God has raised a great clamor.
The Amoraviz and evil Turks
have done Him great dishonor.
His fiefs they've taken by the sword, and this great pain must grieve Him sore.
'Twas there that He first was served, and recognized as God and Lord.

Chorus:
Who follows the way of King Louis,
shall never fear the fires of hell;
redeemed his soul with speed shall flee
to paradise with God's angels.

Rohais has fallen, as you know
and Christians there are greatly pained.
The sacraments they can not know,
His house has vanished into the flames.
Now knights, away to battle go
for Him who died and lived again;
and sacrifice your bodies for He
that died to save your souls from sin.

Repeat chorus

Documentation / Explanation (Razo): 

A contrafacti is a extension of the medieval practice of making a rhymed translation of a song from its original language. This anonymous piece from 1137 was a call to Louis VII's crusade. It is typical of the troubadour/trouvere tradition, highlighting their position not only as the twelfth century media, but as demagogues for their faith and lord.

Resources:
The Music of the Crusades / David Munrow, translations by Norman Clare, 1970

The Compleat Anachronist # 44: The Troubadours / Deborah Rochefort

The Compleat Anachronist #62: The Trouveres / Deborah Rochefort

Songs of Chivalry / Martin Best