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| I brought this song in from the shop |
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| Guilhem de Peitieu |  |
| Leonard Cottrell | |
| I brought this song in from the shop to show you all how well it's made so note the shape, which is tiptop. My work’s the flower of the trade, and that’s the truth. These verses, all laced up for show, can serve as proof. I know foolishness from sense; honor I can tell from shame, and bravery from diffidence. Try me in some courtly game: I’m not so dense I'd bet the wrong way on the throw and miss my chance. I know who greets me honestly and which ones wish I’d go to Hell. I know real laughter—I can tell the brave who seek my company, and how I must provide the welcome they expect to earn their trust. Bless him who taught me winning ways anywhere my hand is dealt. I can play it as it lays between the sheets and on the felt; nobody else has been able to perfect the moves so well. Praise Saint Lulu and the Lord, I’ve practiced at the sweetest game till I’m an expert. I've such fame that students come to me for lore and are made wise. The novice—if there is one here— I will advise. The master craftsman is my name: a girl who's spent the night my way is sure to want me the next day. I’m such an artist with a dame that I could earn my bread in any market square with what I’ve learned. But, friends, you’ll never hear me say I wasn’t flat-out on the floor last Tuesday in some high-stakes play. I’d so enjoyed the round before, I was amazed to find my skill just disappear as we engaged. She chided me for my delay: "Duke, your dice aren't in the cup; why don’t you double and replay?" Said I: "I would not pass that up for Montpellier." With both my arms I got her rear a little way raised up, and having trued the board, I grabbed three dice and rolled the same: two of them just knocked around but the third sank plumb to ground. Then a solid hit was scored, and it was game. translation copyright 2002 Leonard Cottrell The translator's copy, with original text ,can be seen at: http://www.planck.com/Guilhem/aquitbrag.htm |
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