Farewell To Arras - Adam De La Halle

Arras! Arras! town full of strife,
With calumnies and hatred rife;
You were a noble town of yore;
Your fame, 'tis said, they will restore.
But unless God your manners mend,
I see not who'll effect this end;
Gambling is all that you pursue,
So, fifty thousand times adieu.

Elsewhere the gospel I shall find;
I leave your lying tongues behind.
Love, and glad life, I bid farewell,
Where do such mirth and pleasure dwell,
As save in Paradise unknown
To me you have some profit done;

In studying once you made me slack,
But now 'tis you that bring me back,
'Tis you that make me now desire
Honour to gain, renown acquire;
For rude and empty was my mind,
Discourteous, base, and unrefined.

My tender friend, much loved and dear,
I feel and show but little cheer;
Deeply on your account I grieve,
Whom I am forced behind to leave.
You will be treasurer of my heart,
Although my body must depart
Learning and science to attain,
And be more worth, so you shall gain.

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Adam De La Halle (1250 - 1306) France