This website serves as an unofficial chansonnier—that is, a book or collection of songs and poems—of several troubadours (who may style themselves singers, musicians, poets, bards, minstrels, and sundry other names) throughout the Society for Creative Anachronism. In addition to songs and poems, this site also presents prose fiction and research essays from the society's talented participants. There should be a little bit of something for everyone: entertainment, education, distraction. Hopefully you will find at least one of these to bring you some enjoyment. Check back often, as well, to see what further troubadours (and various works) have been added to the virtual leaves of this folio.
Recent Additions
Surrounded and alone, of both I plaine,
Nor wanting either, yet here bayde remaine,
To humoure semblaunce when sholde truth prevele;
But honesty and grace to few appele,
Nor faithfulnesse when fleeting bond might faine....
Doves of light are sleeping ‘round the moon
The tree of heaven casts its shadow on the dune
But there is no rival for the way your hair is strewn
The clouds below the stars make a veil of the light
I pray you think of...
V1
Boughes grown lanky
My neglect frees the maple
Umber banners trail
Would you take down your jet hair
If I turned my eyes away
V2
Boughes grown lanky
My neglect frees the maple
...
Worthy sons and daughters of Anuket,
Do not store all your incense and oils
your necklaces and net dresses up
Solely for use in the necropolis.
Burn the oil now, drape yourself in lapis
and eat a pharoah’s fine...
Bryn Madoc's children, purple and gold
Covered in glory when stories are told
We'll take the black road, we'll take the white road
We'll take the south road that leads us to war
Son of Bryn Madoc, doughty and strong...
From the Collection
I’ll not call these the best days of my life,
Though I am young and fair for all to see.
The blush of youth still colors your new wife,
But well I know that won’t forever be.
As I adore the silver in your hair,
I’ll have my beauty deepen in your eyes.
As my love grows for you with growing care,
I’ll have you see my beauty grow more wise.
With silver hair cascading down my back,
My face a relic of a million smiles,
I think for beauty I will...
Who's Who
Olivier de Bayonne of Atlantia
Olivier de Bayonne is a trobador from southwestern Gascony during the mid-twelfth century. Falling on hard times during his youth, he sold his poetic skills to a traveling Saxon joglar and his wife (Efenwealt Wystle and Aenor d'Anjou), both of whom entertained the English court. Coming to the fair shores of Atlantia, Olivier took up the sword as well as the song in order to try and prosper far better than he did in southwestern France and Catalonia, following the fashion of young noblemen at home in Occitania. This has served him well, for he was recognized by the Atlantian monarchs as a worthy trobador and made a member of the Order of the Laurel.