The Middle English Lyrics are a collection of short verse from the middle ages. I chose to discuss the pieces "Westron Wind" and "My Lief Is Faren in Londe". Because of their brevity, I will include the entire texts here.
Westron Wind
"Westron wind, when will though blow?
The small rain down can rain.
Christ, that my love were in my arms,
and I in my bed again."
I believe that this particular piece of literature was one that was not normally written, but was sung by sailors out to sea,. It was said almost as a prayer. The Vikings had invaded Middle Ages England and are well remembered for their proficiency on the sea. I think that this song was sung by the viking sailors and soldiers who traveled from England to their home. It was a song that was sung out of a longing to be home in their motherland and with their wives.
My Lief Is Faren in Londe
"My lief is faren in londe -
Allas, why is she so?
And I am so sore bonde
I may nat come her to.
She hath myn herte in holde
Wherever she ride or go -
With trewe love a thousand folde."
This poem is somewhat the opposite. Here, the fair maiden is again the beloved, but it is she that has traveled far from home. This verse speaks of longing to be near her but he is unable to due so due to the distance now between them. This doesn't alter his love for her, but rather, it seems to strengthen it as expressed in the last two lines.
No comments:
Post a Comment