Blondel

Within my heart I long have kept A little chamber cleanly swept, Embroidered with a fleur-de-lis, And lintel boughs of redwood-tree; A bed, a book, a crucifix, Two little copper candlesticks With tapers ready for the match The moment I his football catch, That when in thought he comes to me He straightway at his ease may be. This guest I love so to allure— Blondel, King Richard’s Troubadour! He often comes, but sings no more (He says his singing days are o’er!); Still, sweet of tongue and filled with tales Of knights and ladies, bowers and vales, He caps our frugal meal with talk Of langue d’oïl and langue d’oc, Of Picardy and Aquitaine, Blanche of Castile and Charlemagne, Of ménestrel, trouvère, conteur, Mime, histrion, and old harpeur— Small wonder that I love him well, King Richard’s troubadour, Blondel! Still, as he comes at candle-light And goes before the east is bright, I have no heart to beg him keep Late hour with me when wooed by sleep; But one request I ever make, And ever no for answer take: He will not make the secret mine, What song he sang at Dürrenstein! Sleep, troubadour! Enough that thou With that sweet lay didst keep thy vow And link thy name by deathless art With Richard of the Lion Heart!