The First Day of the Month of May

Poem by Charles D'Orléans Collection BalladsPeriod 15th century

The first day of the month of May \r\nI found myself in company \r\nThat was, to tell the truth, \r\nAdorned with graciousness; \r\nAnd to banish melancholy \r\nIt was ordained that one should choose, \r\nAs Fortune would provide, \r\nThe leaf full of verdure \r\nOr the flower for the whole year. \r\nSo I took the leaf as my badge, \r\nAs then was my adventure.\r\n\r\nSoon after I bethought myself \r\nThat by good right I had chosen it, \r\nFor since by death I have lost \r\nThe flower enriched with all goods, \r\nWho was my lady, my love, \r\nAnd who of her grace loved me \r\nAnd held me as her friend, \r\nMy heart cares no more for any other flower. \r\nThen I knew that my thought \r\nAgreed with my destiny, \r\nAs then was my adventure.\r\n\r\nTherefore I shall wear the leaf \r\nThis year, without ever forgetting it, \r\nAnd to my power I shall hold \r\nEntirely to its party. \r\nI have no envy of any flower \r\n— Let him wear it who should wear it! — \r\nFor the flower that my heart loved \r\nMore than any other creature \r\nHas passed out of this world, \r\nWho had given me her love, \r\nAs then was my adventure.\r\n\r\nENVOI\r\n\r\nThere is no leaf nor flower that endures \r\nBut for a time, for I have tested \r\nThe thing that I have told, \r\nAs then was my adventure.

Charles D’Orléans

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