ment, such as The King who does not lie, The Castle of love, Sales of love, Games for sale. In one of them, for instance, the lady mentions a flower; the young man has to answer by a rhymed compliment.
“Je vous vens la paasserose.
—Belle, dire ne vous ose
Comment Amours vers vous me tire,
Si l’apercevez tout sans dire.”[1]
The game of Castle of love consisted of a series of allegorical riddles.
“Du chastel d’Amours vous demant:
Dites le premier fondement!
—Amer loyaument.
“Or me nommez le mestre mur
Qui joli le font, fort et seur!
—Celer sagement.
“Dites moy qui sont li crenel,
Les fenestres et li carrel!
—Regart atraiant.
“Amis, nommez moy le portier!
—Dangier mauparlant.
“Qui est la clef qui le puet deffermer?
—Prier courtoisement.”[2]
Since the times of the troubadours the casuistry of love had occupied a large place in courtly conversation. It was, so to say, curiosity and backbiting raised to the level of a literary form. At the court of Louis of Orleans people amuse themselves at meals by “tales, ballads” and “graceful questions.” Poets are especially laid under contribution. Machaut is requested by a company of ladies and noblemen to reply to a series of “partures of love and of its adventures.” Every love-affair is discussed according to rigorous rules. “Beau
- ↑ I sell you the hollyhock.—Belle, I dare not tell How Love draws me towards you, But you perceive it, without saying a word.
- ↑ Of the castle of Love I ask you: Tell me the first foundation!—To love loyally. Now mention the principal wall Which makes it fine, strong and sure!—To conceal wisely. Tell me what are the loopholes, The windows and the stones!—Alluring looks. Friend, mention the porter!—Ill-speaking danger. Which is the key that can unlock it!—Courteous request.
