Songs of Old France

Lay, or Rather Rondel

François Villon

1461

Death, from thy too rigorous part
I appeal, who tore from my side
My mistress and, unsatisfied,
Dost hold me here, by potent art,
To languish until strength depart.
What hurt did she thee ere she died,

Death?

Two we were, and with but one heart,
If that be dead, would I had died
Rather, sooth, than living abide
As an image is, dead at heart,

Death!