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"Douce Dame Jolie", sometimes referred to only as 'Douce Dame', is a song from the 14th century, by the French composer Guillaume de Machaut. The song is a virelai, belonging to the style ars nova, and is one of the most often heard medieval tunes today. Many modern recordings omit the lyrics, however.
Contents
One of the most famous musical pieces of the Middle Ages, 'Douce Dame' has been performed by a plethora of artists, mostly but not always in medieval style. Among others are Annwn (with lyrics), Ayragon (with lyrics), Theo Bleckmann (with lyrics), Els Berros de la Cort, Corvus Corax, Schelmish (with lyrics), Dr Cosgill, Fable of the Bees, Filia Irata, Två fisk och en fläsk (with lyrics), Wisby Vaganter, A La Via! (with lyrics), Lisa Lynne, John Renbourn Group (with English lyrics), WirrWahr, Wolfenmond, Saltatio Mortis, Angels of Venice (soprano Christina Linhardt, harpist Carol Tatum) and Legião Urbana (no lyrics, named "A Ordem dos Templários" (The Templar Order))
Full French lyrics
From: http://www.medieval.org/emfaq/composers/machaut/v4.html
English translation
Sweet, lovely lady for God's sake do not think that any has sovereignty over my heart, but you alone. For always, without treachery Cherished Have I you, and humbly All the days of my life Served Without base thoughts. Alas, I am left begging For hope and relief; For my joy is at its end Without your compassion. Sweet, lovely lady.... But your sweet mastery Masters My heart so harshly, Tormenting it And binding In unbearable love, [My heart] desires nothing but to be in your power. And still, your own heart renders it no relief. Sweet, lovely lady.... And since my malady Will not Be annulled Without you, Sweet Enemy, Who takes Delight of my torment With clasped hands I beseech Your heart, that forgets me, That it mercifully kill me For too long have I languished.Modern French translation
Douce dame jolie, Pour (l’amour de) Dieu, ne pensez pas Qu’en dehors de vous seule Une autre règne sur moi (et songez) Que toujours sans tricherie Chérie (je ) vous ai humblement Servie Tous les jours de ma vie Sans viles arrière-pensées. Hélas! Et je mendie L’espoir d’un réconfort Et ma joie va s’éteindre Si vous ne me prenez en pitié Douce dame jolie Mais votre douce domination Domine Mon cœur si durement Qu'elle le contrarie Et le lie En amour grandement Qu'il n'a d’autre envie Que d’être en votre compagnie Mais votre cœur Ne me donne aucun signe d’espoir. Douce dame jolie. Et ma maladie Guérie Jamais ne sera Sans vous, douce ennemie, Qui vous régalez de mon tourment. À mains jointes, je prie Votre cœur, puisqu'il m'oublie, Qu’il me tue, par pitié, Car il a trop langui.Douce dame jolie,