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

Sonette XVII

olivier's picture
olivier
Poem (Canso): 

My newfound aid doth tend my hurt and ill,
Returning me to life on this vile shore.
My blood hath dripped its last, I bleed no more,
While my lady doth think upon me still.
Such help she sends, so strong doth grow my will,
For to Hades her liveliness implore.
Sure am I that such souls he hath in store
One removèd no envy would him fill.
Then remember I this: he is a king,
And I but lowly mortal, full of sin.
If greatest prize to him be worth no thing,
Still right I lack to dare from him it win.
Knowing this, and knowing my poor station,
The stronger grows my humble heart anon.

Documentation / Explanation (Razo): 

In this poem, Orphos notes humility.

 

9. “Then remember … it win.”: Here is a hearty injection of medieval/Renaissance social hierarchical ideology; even though the Christian hero is on his virtuous mission, he still has doubts because he is potentially upsetting the social order – that is, he is trying to demand/take something from a figure who (though evil) has a higher rank and position in life than he himself.