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

Sonette XXIX

olivier's picture
olivier
Poem (Canso): 

I travel on a road made all of bone,
From sinful men and those who would grow proud
Against the order that would not be cowed,
And sent thus to the pit where no light shone.
My lady rides behind me, from Hell wone,
Though must I believe a liar avowed
That he her freedom had truly allowed,
Provided I our reunion postpone
Until from Hades realm we both depart.
Yet yearn I still to look upon her face
As far-off cock croweth to note day’s start,
But keep I close to road ahead apace.
Though frozen Hell from God is set most back,
To deny her doth make my heart more black.

Documentation / Explanation (Razo): 

2. “those who would grow proud:” A reference in part to Satan and the rebelling angels who refused to bow before Christ or man, declaring their own superiority, and as a result were cast into Hell.
5. wone: won.
11. “far-off cock”: Parodically reminiscent of Peter’s three-time denial of Christ before the cock crowed, here Orphos must “deny” his love as the cock crows for the first of three times.
13. “frozen Hell”: As mentioned in a previous note, Hell is frozen in the Inferno (Satan is trapped in ice) as it is the place furthest away from the warmth of God.