Song

Why does my husband strike me,

             forlorn thing I am?

I did not do wrong,

I did not misspeak,

save to urge him: alone, please,

            leave my friend.

Why does my husband strike me,

            forlorn thing I am?

And if he left me lonely,

no good life to lead,

I would proclaim such cuckold,

             loud and clear indeed.

Why does my husband strike me,

             forlorn thing I am?

Better still, here’s what I’d do

and how I’d seek revenge:

starkly in the nude I’d sleep,

             cozy with my friend.

Why does my husband strike me,

             forlorn thing I am?

 

  ____

“Chanson”

Por quoi me bat mes maris,

            lassette?

Je ne li ai riens mesfait

ne riens ne li ai mesdit,

fors qu’accoler mon ami

seulette.

Por quoi me bat mes maris,

            lassette?

Et s’il ne m’y lait durer

ne bonne vie mener,

je le ferai cous clamer,

            a certes.

Por quoi me bat mes maris,

            lassette?

Or sai bien que je ferai

et coment m’en vengerai  :

avec mon ami girai

            nuette.

Por quoi me bat mes maris,

            lassette?