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TRANSLATIONS FROM THE

TRANSLATIONS FROM THE FRENCH OF VILLON.

THE COMPLAINT OF THE FAIR ARMOURESS.

i.

Meseemeth I heard cry and groan

That sweet who was the armourer's maid;
For her young years she made sore moan,
And right upon this wise she said;
'Ah fierce old age with foul bald head,
To spoil fair things thou art over fain;
Who holdeth me? who? would God I were dead!
Would God I were well dead and slain!

ii.

'Lo, thou hast broken the sweet yoke

That my high beauty held above
All priests and clerks and merchant‑folk;
There was not one but for my love