1 MS: E (154-155) Marcabru

Analysis of the manuscript

There are a number of copying errors, mainly involving one letter misread, added or omitted. Some, such as 39 and 69, probably arose because of an illegible exemplar, with 39 probably giving rise to the addition of V in 38 (see the notes). Lines 41–42 and 43 appear to have been transposed. The considerable difficulties of this poem mean it is hard to be sure whether all errors have been identified; if our interpretations are correct, however, E seems to represent an attempt to copy faithfully.

Versification

See under XXV.

Previous scholarship

See under XXV.

Dating

See under XXV.

Previous editions

See under XXV.

I

The starling did not dally for a moment when it had heard what was said, for it was already on its way; it did not dawdle on its path, so fast did it make its way and fly on; and it followed its orders: warbled, composed its song, and began to sing.

II

Upon a flowery branch the noble bird squawked and cried. It raised its voice until she heard its meaning. She opened the door, made her way right over to where it was. ‘Bird, be off with you!’, she said. ‘For whose benefit are you making such a racket or such a din?’

III

The starling said, ‘On the far side of Lerida there is a valiant man renouncing swordsmanship, for he never knew the practice of tricky parrying: he is sick of false faith, h, thousand lovers think themselves fortunate on his account (also: enrich themselves at his expense); because of the protection with which he served you, he w l surely receive the cartage fee (a tenth of a tithe)!’

IV

’Bird, he has accused me wrongly; but, since he awakens no love in me (pays no court to me) - what is more I am not engaged to him - does he imagine he has my affection? The other suitors are watchful and on the look-out all of a sudden; so it is fitting I avoid harm, and he should try continence.

V

My pledged true friendship has gone off somewhere else. I’ll revive his game (accept a return match) if he challenges me. Bird, in your discerning way, tel him this: by mutual consent the longed-for lusted-after one will be the abbot, before we have enough leisure for it.