'La Priere de Nostre Dame' by Geoffrey Chaucer
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A.
Almighty and all-merciable Queen,
To whom all this world fleeth for succour,
To have release of sin, of sorrow, of teen!
Glorious Virgin! of all flowers flow'r,
To thee I flee, confounded in errour!
Help and relieve, almighty debonair,
Have mercy of my perilous languour!
Vanquish'd me hath my cruel adversair.
B.
Bounty so fix'd hath in thy heart his tent,
That well I wot thou wilt my succour be;
Thou canst not warne that with good intent
Asketh thy help, thy heart is ay so free!
Thou art largess of plein felicity,
Haven and refuge of quiet and rest!
Lo! how that thieves seven chase me!
Help, Lady bright, ere that my ship to-brest!
C.
Comfort is none, but in you, Lady dear!
For lo! my sin and my confusion,
Which ought not in thy presence to appear,
Have ta'en on me a grievous action,
Of very right and desperation!
And, as by right, they mighte well sustene
That I were worthy my damnation,
Ne were it mercy of you, blissful Queen!
D.
Doubt is there none, Queen of misericorde,
That thou art cause of grace and mercy here;
God vouchesaf'd, through thee, with us t'accord;
For, certes, Christe's blissful mother dear!
Were now the bow y-bent, in such mannere
As it was first, of justice and of ire,
The rightful God would of no mercy hear;
But through thee have we grace as we desire.
E.
Ever hath my hope of refuge in thee be';
For herebefore full oft in many a wise
Unto mercy hast thou received me.
But mercy, Lady! at the great assize,
When we shall come before the high Justice!
So little fruit shall then in me be found,
That, thou ere that day correcte me,
Of very right my work will me confound.
F.
Flying, I flee for succour to thy tent,
Me for to hide from tempest full of dread;
Beseeching you, that ye you not absent,
Though I be wick'. O help yet at this need!
All have I been a beast in wit and deed,
Yet, Lady! thou me close in with thy grace;
Thine enemy and mine, -- Lady, take heed! --
Unto my death in point is me to chase.
G.
Gracious Maid and Mother! which that never
Wert bitter nor in earthe nor in sea,
But full of sweetness and of mercy ever,
Help, that my Father be not wroth with me!
Speak thou, for I ne dare Him not see;
So have I done in earth, alas the while!
That, certes, but if thou my succour be,
To sink etern He will my ghost exile.
H.
He vouchesaf'd, tell Him, as was His will,
Become a man, as for our alliance,
And with His blood He wrote that blissful bill
Upon the cross, as general acquittance
To ev'ry penitent in full creance;
And therefore, Lady bright! thou for us pray;
Then shalt thou stenten alle His grievance,
And make our foe to failen of his prey.
I.
I wote well thou wilt be our succour,
Thou art so full of bounty in certain;
For, when a soule falleth in errour,
Thy pity go'th, and haleth him again;
Then makest thou his peace with his Sov'reign,
And bringest him out of the crooked street:
Whoso thee loveth shall not love in vain,
That shall he find as he the life shall lete.
K.
Kalendares illumined be they
That in this world be lighted with thy name;
And whoso goeth with thee the right way,
Him shall not dread in soule to be lame;
Now, Queen of comfort! since thou art the same
To whom I seeke for my medicine,
Let not my foe no more my wound entame;
My heal into thy hand all I resign.
L.
Lady, thy sorrow can I not portray
Under that cross, nor his grievous penance;
But, for your bothe's pain, I you do pray,
Let not our aller foe make his boastance,
That he hath in his listes, with mischance,
Convicte that ye both have bought so dear;
As I said erst, thou ground of all substance!
Continue on us thy piteous eyen clear.
M.
Moses, that saw the bush of flames red
Burning, of which then never a stick brenn'd,
Was sign of thine unwemmed maidenhead.
Thou art the bush, on which there gan descend
The Holy Ghost, the which that Moses wend
Had been on fire; and this was in figure.
Now, Lady! from the fire us do defend,
Which that in hell eternally shall dure.
N.
Noble Princess! that never haddest peer;
Certes if any comfort in us be,
That cometh of thee, Christe's mother dear!
We have none other melody nor glee,
Us to rejoice in our adversity;
Nor advocate, that will and dare so pray
For us, and for as little hire as ye,
That helpe for an Ave-Mary or tway.
O.
O very light of eyen that be blind!
O very lust of labour and distress!
O treasurer of bounty to mankind!
The whom God chose to mother for humbless!
From his ancill he made thee mistress
Of heav'n and earth, our billes up to bede;
This world awaiteth ever on thy goodness;
For thou ne failedst never wight at need.
P.
Purpose I have sometime for to enquere
Wherefore and why the Holy Ghost thee sought,
When Gabrielis voice came to thine ear;
He not to war us such a wonder wrought,
But for to save us, that sithens us bought:
Then needeth us no weapon us to save,
But only, where we did not as we ought,
Do penitence, and mercy ask and have.
Q.
Queen of comfort, right when I me bethink
That I aguilt have bothe Him and thee,
And that my soul is worthy for to sink,
Alas! I, caitiff, whither shall I flee?
Who shall unto thy Son my meane be?
Who, but thyself, that art of pity well?
Thou hast more ruth on our adversity
Than in this world might any tongue tell!
R.
Redress me, Mother, and eke me chastise!
For certainly my Father's chastising
I dare not abiden in no wise,
So hideous is his full reckoning.
Mother! of whom our joy began to spring,
Be ye my judge, and eke my soule's leach;
For ay in you is pity abounding
To each that will of pity you beseech.
S.
Sooth is it that He granteth no pity
Withoute thee; for God of his goodness
Forgiveth none, but it like unto thee;
He hath thee made vicar and mistress
Of all this world, and eke governess
Of heaven; and represseth his justice
After thy will; and therefore in witness
He hath thee crowned in so royal wise.
T.
Temple devout! where God chose his wonning,
From which, these misbeliev'd deprived be,
To you my soule penitent I bring;
Receive me, for I can no farther flee.
With thornes venomous, O Heaven's Queen!
For which the earth accursed was full yore,
I am so wounded, as ye may well see,
That I am lost almost, it smart so sore!
V.
Virgin! that art so noble of apparail,
That leadest us into the highe tow'r
Of Paradise, thou me wiss and counsail
How I may have thy grace and thy succour;
All have I been in filth and in errour,
Lady! *on that country thou me adjourn,
That called is thy bench of freshe flow'r,
There as that mercy ever shall sojourn.
X.
Xpe thy Son, that in this world alight,
Upon a cross to suffer his passioun,
And suffer'd eke that Longeus his heart pight,
And made his hearte-blood to run adown;
And all this was for my salvatioun:
And I to him am false and eke unkind,
And yet he wills not my damnation;
This thank I you, succour of all mankind!
Y.
Ysaac was figure of His death certain,
That so farforth his father would obey,
That him ne raughte nothing to be slain;
Right so thy Son list as a lamb to dey:
Now, Lady full of mercy! I you pray,
Since he his mercy 'sured me so large,
Be ye not scant, for all we sing and say,
That ye be from vengeance alway our targe.
Z.
Zachary you calleth the open well
That washed sinful soul out of his guilt;
Therefore this lesson out I will to tell,
That, n'ere thy tender hearte, we were spilt.
Now, Lady brighte! since thou canst and wilt,
Be to the seed of Adam merciable;
Bring us unto that palace that is built
To penitents that be *to mercy able!
Editor 1 Interpretation
La Priere de Nostre Dame: An Ode to the Virgin Mary by Geoffrey Chaucer
As a lover of poetry, I am always eager to explore the works of great poets, and when it comes to the classics, Geoffrey Chaucer is a name that cannot be ignored. Among his many works, "La Priere de Nostre Dame" stands out as a beautiful ode to the Virgin Mary, filled with rich imagery, deep emotions, and a profound sense of faith.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the poem's meaning, its structure and language, and its significance in the context of Chaucer's work and medieval literature as a whole.
Overview of the Poem
"La Priere de Nostre Dame" is a prayer to the Virgin Mary, written in Middle English by Chaucer in the late 14th century. It consists of 23 stanzas, each containing 12 lines, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCBCDCDEE. The poem is written in the form of a ballade, a type of French poetry consisting of three stanzas and a refrain.
The poem is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of the Virgin Mary's character and role in Christian theology. The first part is a plea for Mary's intercession on behalf of sinners, the second part is a celebration of her purity and grace, and the third part is a prayer for her continued protection and guidance.
Structure and Language
The poem's structure is one of its most striking features. The use of the ballade form, with its strict rhyme scheme and refrain, gives the poem a sense of musicality and rhythm that adds to its emotional impact. The use of repetition, both in the refrain and in the repeated phrases throughout the poem, also adds to its musicality and reinforces the themes of the poem.
The language of the poem is also noteworthy. Chaucer's Middle English is both complex and beautiful, with a rich vocabulary and a poetic sensibility that makes the poem come alive. The use of imagery is particularly impressive, with vivid descriptions of Mary's beauty, grace, and power, as well as depictions of sin and redemption that are both haunting and powerful.
Interpretation
At its core, "La Priere de Nostre Dame" is a prayer, and as such, its primary purpose is to express faith and devotion. However, the poem also contains a deeper message about the nature of sin and redemption, and the role of Mary in the Christian faith.
The first part of the poem is a plea for Mary's intercession on behalf of sinners. Chaucer describes sin as a disease that afflicts humanity, and asks Mary to use her power to heal the sick and save the lost. He also acknowledges his own sinfulness, and asks for forgiveness and mercy.
The second part of the poem is a celebration of Mary's purity and grace. Chaucer describes her as a shining star in the darkness, a beacon of hope and beauty in a world filled with sin and corruption. He praises her for her humility and her love, and asks her to intercede on behalf of all those who seek her help and guidance.
The third part of the poem is a prayer for Mary's continued protection and guidance. Chaucer asks her to watch over him and all those who love her, and to guide them on the path of righteousness. He also acknowledges her power over the forces of evil, and asks her to protect him from temptation and harm.
Overall, the poem is a powerful expression of faith and devotion, filled with beautiful imagery and a profound sense of emotion. It is a testament to Chaucer's skill as a poet, and to his deep understanding of the Christian faith and its teachings.
Significance
"La Priere de Nostre Dame" is significant not only as a beautiful work of poetry, but also as a reflection of the cultural and religious context in which it was written. The late 14th century was a time of great upheaval and change in Europe, with the Black Death, the Hundred Years' War, and the Great Schism all contributing to a sense of uncertainty and fear.
In this context, the poem's message of hope and faith would have been particularly resonant, offering comfort and solace to those who were struggling with the challenges of their time. It is also significant as a reflection of Chaucer's own religious beliefs, which were deeply held and informed much of his work.
In the broader context of medieval literature, "La Priere de Nostre Dame" is also significant as an example of the ballade form, which was popular in France and England during the 14th and 15th centuries. It is also noteworthy for its use of Middle English, which was a transitional period between Old English and Modern English and is notable for its complex grammar and vocabulary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "La Priere de Nostre Dame" is a beautiful and powerful ode to the Virgin Mary, filled with rich imagery, deep emotion, and a profound sense of faith. Its use of the ballade form and Middle English language give it a sense of musicality and poetry that adds to its impact, while its message of hope and redemption speaks to the challenges and struggles of its time.
As a lover of poetry, I highly recommend "La Priere de Nostre Dame" to anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of the written word, and to anyone who seeks inspiration and guidance in their own spiritual journey.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
La Priere de Nostre Dame, also known as The Prayer of Our Lady, is a classic poem written by Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century. This poem is a beautiful expression of devotion to the Virgin Mary, and it has been admired by readers and scholars alike for centuries. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this masterpiece of medieval literature.
The poem is written in Middle English, the language spoken in England during the Middle Ages. This language is quite different from modern English, and it can be challenging to read and understand. However, with a little effort, it is possible to appreciate the beauty and richness of Chaucer's language.
The poem is structured as a prayer, with each stanza beginning with the phrase "Mother of God, Virgin undefiled." This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and unity, and it emphasizes the central theme of the poem: the speaker's devotion to the Virgin Mary. The poem consists of 23 stanzas, each with six lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCC, which gives the poem a musical quality.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker addresses the Virgin Mary as the "Mother of God" and the "Virgin undefiled," emphasizing her purity and holiness. The speaker then asks Mary to intercede on his behalf, saying "pray for us sinners, thou gentle Queen." This request for intercession is a common theme in Catholic prayers and hymns, and it reflects the belief that Mary has a special relationship with her son Jesus and can intercede for us with him.
The second stanza continues this theme of intercession, as the speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son." The speaker acknowledges his own unworthiness, saying "we are unworthy to be called thy servants." This humility is another common theme in Catholic prayers, as it reflects the belief that we are all sinners in need of God's mercy.
The third stanza shifts the focus to Mary's role as the mother of Jesus. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he forgive us our sins." This request for forgiveness is another common theme in Catholic prayers, as it reflects the belief that we are all in need of God's mercy and forgiveness.
The fourth stanza emphasizes Mary's compassion and mercy. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he have mercy on us." This request for mercy is another common theme in Catholic prayers, as it reflects the belief that God is merciful and compassionate.
The fifth stanza returns to the theme of intercession, as the speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he receive our souls." This request for salvation reflects the belief that we are all in need of God's grace and salvation.
The sixth stanza emphasizes Mary's role as the Queen of Heaven. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that we may come to the blissful life." This request for eternal life reflects the belief that our ultimate goal is to be with God in heaven.
The seventh stanza shifts the focus to Mary's role as the mother of all believers. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he grant us the grace of the Holy Ghost." This request for the Holy Spirit reflects the belief that the Holy Spirit is the source of all grace and spiritual power.
The eighth stanza emphasizes Mary's role as the model of Christian virtue. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that we may be steadfast in the faith." This request for faith reflects the belief that faith is the foundation of our relationship with God.
The ninth stanza returns to the theme of intercession, as the speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he keep us from the devil's power." This request for protection reflects the belief that the devil is a real and powerful enemy of our souls.
The tenth stanza emphasizes Mary's role as the Queen of Angels. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that we may be defended from all adversities." This request for protection reflects the belief that God and his angels are our protectors and defenders.
The eleventh stanza returns to the theme of intercession, as the speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he grant us the grace of perseverance." This request for perseverance reflects the belief that the Christian life is a journey that requires endurance and perseverance.
The twelfth stanza emphasizes Mary's role as the Queen of Martyrs. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that we may be worthy to have part with all the saints." This request for sanctification reflects the belief that we are all called to be holy and to share in the glory of God.
The thirteenth stanza returns to the theme of intercession, as the speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he grant us the remission of our sins." This request for forgiveness reflects the belief that God's mercy is greater than our sins.
The fourteenth stanza emphasizes Mary's role as the Queen of Virgins. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that we may be chaste and pure." This request for purity reflects the belief that sexual purity is a virtue that is pleasing to God.
The fifteenth stanza returns to the theme of intercession, as the speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he grant us the gift of charity." This request for love reflects the belief that love is the greatest of all virtues.
The sixteenth stanza emphasizes Mary's role as the Queen of Peace. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he grant us peace in this life." This request for peace reflects the belief that peace is a gift from God that we should seek and cherish.
The seventeenth stanza returns to the theme of intercession, as the speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he grant us the grace of a good death." This request for a good death reflects the belief that death is not the end of our journey, but the beginning of a new life with God.
The eighteenth stanza emphasizes Mary's role as the Queen of Heaven. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that we may be made worthy to come to the joys of heaven." This request for heaven reflects the belief that our ultimate goal is to be with God in eternal happiness.
The nineteenth stanza returns to the theme of intercession, as the speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he grant us the grace of final perseverance." This request for perseverance reflects the belief that the Christian life is a journey that requires endurance and faithfulness to the end.
The twentieth stanza emphasizes Mary's role as the Queen of Angels. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he grant us the company of his holy angels." This request for the company of angels reflects the belief that God and his angels are our protectors and defenders.
The twenty-first stanza returns to the theme of intercession, as the speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he grant us the grace to avoid sin." This request for avoidance of sin reflects the belief that sin is a real and powerful enemy of our souls.
The twenty-second stanza emphasizes Mary's role as the Queen of Heaven. The speaker asks Mary to "pray for us to thy Son, that he grant us the grace to love him above all things." This request for love reflects the belief that love is the greatest of all virtues.
The twenty-third and final stanza concludes the prayer with a beautiful expression of devotion to Mary. The speaker says, "Mother of mercy, our sweetness and our hope, we pray to thee, be thou our guide and our support in this life and in the hour of our death." This expression of trust and dependence on Mary reflects the belief that she is a loving and caring mother who will always be there for her children.
In conclusion, La Priere de Nostre Dame is a beautiful and powerful expression of devotion to the Virgin Mary. Through its themes of intercession, forgiveness, protection, sanctification, and love, the poem reflects the core beliefs of the Catholic faith. Its structure and language create a sense of rhythm and unity that emphasize the central theme of the poem. Chaucer's masterpiece of medieval literature continues to inspire and uplift readers and scholars today, and it remains a testament to the enduring power of faith and devotion.
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