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
His only true love was a sailing ship
And he never had time for her
But she had to admit he was quick on his feet
To and fro, here and there, just a blur.
[Read more]And he never had time for her
But she had to admit he was quick on his feet
To and fro, here and there, just a blur.
He shipped with his captain, a one eyed old man
Who it seemed was quite fond of the rum
And he turned that eye blind to Tom’s to-ing and fro-ing
Although Tom seemed to frequent the slums.
The old man and Tom and their crew came and went
To far shores, sailing o’er the foam...
Who's Who
Ciaran mac Breandain of Atlantia
Lord Ciaran mac Breandain is a 14th-century Irish musician who travels and researches medieval music. His journey has taken him from Atlantia to the far shores of An Tir and back again. He currently resides in the barony of Windmaster's Hill. Ciaran's musical compositions and research can be found at his website Musica Codex.