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

Think well upon the role of queen

olivier's picture
olivier
Poem (Canso): 

Think well upon the role of queen,
For none more noble hath there been:
The fairest flower Atlantia grows,
More courtesy no figure knows.

Her joy have we, and her presence
Before the pain of her absence,
Yet lives she still in heart and mind,
To teach us of love courtly-kind.

And in our songs may she remain
As queen o’er all who care retain
To honor her as best we ken,
Who showed us life as better men.

Documentation / Explanation (Razo): 

This song is based upon Thomas Campion’s “Though you are yoong and I am olde” (Song II in his Songs and Poems). It is almost opposite to the original in terms of meaning. Campion argues for love for love’s sake (since we will all die soon); this piece works to remember on days past, with the possibility of remembering those days for many more to come.