Sunday, May 14, 2017

17th century French triolets

17th century French triolets


This post is dedicated to translations of French language triolets of the 17th century and especially to the time of the Fronde (1648-1653) when there was an explosion of interest in the triolet.

The following two triolets are from the anonymously written Triolets Sur les Maltôtiers which is said to date to 1648. 

1.
All wealth is with the partisans,
In indigence the people're living;
The French displeased, the citizens.
All wealth is with the partisans.
Are these the healing medicines
We hoped the regent would be giving?
All Wealth is with the partisans,
In indigence the people're living.

Le bien est chez les partisans,
Et chez le l'indigence;
Pour François en sont déplaisants,
Le bien est chez les partisans.
Est-ce donc là cet heureux temps
Qu'on espéroit sous la régence?
Le bien est chez les partisans,
Et chez le peuple l'indigence.

2.
The counsellor's neither good nor just,
Who wishes Mazarin continue;
He does great harm to you, he must,
The counsellor's neither good nor just.
You're making use of it, you trust,
In spite of what we will see in you.
The counsellor's neither just nor good,
Who wishes Mazarin continue.

Le conseil n'est juste ni bon,
Qui veut que Mazarin s'en aille;
Il fait grand tort à vôtre nom,
Le conseil n'est juste ni bon.
Vous vous en servez, ce dit-on,
Quoiqu'il ne vaille rien qui vaille.
Le conseil n'est juste ni bon,
Qui veut que Mazarin s'en aille.

The following three poems date to 1649, coming from the anonymously written 10-page collection called Les Triolets de la cour.

3.
Yes, yes, let's make some triolets,
Because they are so much in fashion,
So let us sing in foolish ways,
Yes, yes, let's make some triolets,
They're short, but they're not ugly lays
I like them like the ode with passion.
Yes, yes, let's make some triolets,
Because they are so much in fashion,

Ca, ça, faisons des Triolets,
Puis qu'aussi bien c'en est la mode,
Mais faisons-en de bien folets,
Ca, ça, faison-en des Triolets;
Il en court qui ne sont pas laids,
Et que i'estime autant qu'vne Ode,
Ca, ça, faisons des triolets,
Puis qu'aussi bien c'en est la mode.

4.
My Mister Julius Mazarin,
This country's not for you, I'm thinking.
In Turin you'd be better in,
My Mister Julius Mazarin.
Go get the Po, the Rhine do win,
And save yourself from sinking.
My Mister Julius Mazarin,
This country's not for you, I'm thinking.

Monseigneur Iules Mazarin
La France pour vous n'est plus bonne,
On vous ayme-mieux à Thurin
Monseineur Iules Mazarin,
Gaignez le pau, gaignez le Rhin,
Sauuez vostre personne,
Monseigneur Iules Mazarin
La France pour vous n'est plus bonne.

5.
Disliking all these lines of verse,
And badly treating this good poet,
It's talk of all the universe.
Disliking all these lines of verse,
Shows that your mind is in a hearse.
And you are not aware you'll blow it,
Disliking all these lines of verse,
And badly treating this good poet.

Pour auoir mesprisé les vers,
Et mal traitte quelque poëte,
On dira par tout l'Vniuers
Pour auoir mesprisé les vers,
Que vostre esprit est de trauers,
Et ne sçauez ce que vous faites,
Pour auoir mesprisé les vers,
Et mal traitte quelque poëte.

The next two triolets come from an eight-page triolet collection published in 1649 called Triolets sur le ton royal pour la conférence de Ruel.

6.
The king is in Ruel, they say.
Is that to where we now are heading?
He's having there a boring stay.
The king is in Ruel, they say:
How cruel Mazarin's bad way,
If there this journey's end we're treading,
The king is in Ruel, they say.
Is that to where we now are heading?

Le Roy, dict-on, est a Ruel,
Est-ce qu'à nous il s'achemine?
Dans vn ennuy perpetuel,
Le Roy, dict-on, est à Ruel:
Que Mazarin nous est cruel
Si là ce voyage il termine,
Le Roy, dict-on, est a Ruel,
Est-ce qu'à nous il s'achemine?

7.
The good days by this have not come,
The land is filthy, air is darkening,
And bitter waters drink like rum.
The good days by this have not come,
Their feeble chains restrained by gum,
And wind made evils we're not harkening;
The good days by this have not come,
The land is filthy, air is darkening,

Les beaux iours n'y font pas venus,
La terre est salle, l'air est sombre,
Les eaux troubles, les arbre nus:
Les beaux iours n'y font pas venus,
De foibles chaisnes retenus
Les vents y font des maux sans nombre;
Les beaux iours n'y font pas venus,
La terre est salle, l'air est sombre.

The following triolet comes from a 12-page triolet collection published in 1649 called Triolets sur la conférence tenue à Ruel.

8.
Our Deputies, they now are back
A piece of news so sad they've brought us,
The people murmur, moods are black
Our Deputies, they now are back.
Him, Mazarin remains on track.
Our faith we had therein has caught us,
Our Deputies, they now are back.
A piece of news so sad they've brought us.

Nos Deputés sont de retour
Auecque vne triste nouuelle,
Le peuple murmure à l'entour
Nos Deputés sont de retour.
Le Mazarin demeure en Cour,
Ma foy nous en auons dans l'aisle,
Nos Deputés sont de retour
Auecque vne triste nouuelle.

The following triolet comes from an eleven-page triolet collection published in 1649 called Triolets à la mode sur la paix, faits dans la Pomme de pin, pour l'heureux retour du roi à Paris, through some copies of this collection are said to have been entitled Triolets nouveaux sur la paix.

9.
It's time that we should all be glad,
Dear comrads peace, a peace us is fashioned,
Our hearts can rest, a peace is had,
It's time that we should all be glad,
The war, it dies, a nightmare bad,
Retreating, making others passioned.
It's time that we should all be glad,
A peace is fashioned,

Il est temps de se réjoüir,
Chers Compagnons la Paix est faite,
Nos coeurs peuuent s'épanoüyr,
Il est temps de se réjouyr,
La Guerre va s'éuanoüyr,
Et chercher ailleurs sa retraite;
It est temps de se réjouyr,
La Paix est faite.

The next triolet is from an eight-page triolet collection published in 1649 called Triolets de Saint-Germain. Some of the triolets in the collection are of known authorship, though others are not. The triolet appearing here is one of those whose authorship is not now clear.

10.
Four years in prison, Marshal, you!
It ought to then have made you wiser;
You wish revenge to come your due.
Four years in prison, Marshal, you!
With reason do we tell you true:
"Of cages, you're a great adviser.
Four years in prison, Marshal, you,
It ought to then have made you wiser.”

Maréchal, quatre ans de prison
Te devroient bien avoir fait sage;
Tu veux venger dans ta saison,
Maréchal, quatre ans de prison.
On te dit avecque raison:
«Si l'on te peut remettre en cage,
Maréchal, quatre ans de prison
Te devroient bien avoir rendu sage,»

The next poem is from an eight-page triolet collection published in 1649 called Triolets sur le désir que les Parisiens ont de revoir le roi.

11.
Good God, how sad we find us here,
That we this city find afflicted.
Your better never did appear.
Good God, how sad we find us here,
That day we'll hold so precious, dear,
When peace from woe will be depicted.
Good God, how sad we find us here,
That we this city find afflicted.


VRay Dieu qu'il fait triste en ces lieux,
Que cette ville est affligée,
Iamais ne la verra-ton mieux,
Vray Dieu qu'il fait triste en ces lieux,
Que le iour sera précieux,
Qu'elle se verra soulagée,
Vray Dieu qu'il fait triste en ces lieux.
Que cette ville eft affligée.

The following triolet belongs to a publication of 1649 called Les Triolets de Bourdeaux and deals with an uprising in that city against the Duke d'Epernon.

12.

You went and left without a drum,
And, duke of Epernon, no trumpet,
You did not stay among us, bum.
You went and left without a drum
For you to play your song so dumb.
The people ready, you a crumpet,
You went and left without a drum,
And, duke of Epernon, no trumpet.

Vous estes sorty sans tambour,
Duc d'Espernon, & sans trompette,
Vous n'auez pas fait long sejour,
Vous estes sorty sans tambour;
A vous jouer vn mauuais tout
La populace estoit bien preste,
Vous estes sorty sans tambour,
Duc d'Espernon, & sans trompette.

The following triolet is from Triolets de Paris, an eight-page collection published in 1649.

13.
No, I'll assure myself of you
Upon your making of oath taking,
That seeing soon the king is true,
No, I'll assure myself of you
Of whether keeping faith you'll do.
The queen is far too wise for faking.
No, I'll assure myself of you
Upon your making of oath taking.

Non, non, ie m'asseure pour toy
Suiuant qu'on t'en fait la promesse,
Que tu verras bien tost le Roy,
Non, non, ie m'asseure pour toy
Qu'on te veut maintenir la foy,
La Reyne est trop sage Princesse,
Non, non, ie m'asseure pour toy
Suiuant qu'on t'en fait la promesse.


The next poem is from a triolet collection, called Les Triolets royaux présentés à Leurs Majestés sur leur retour à Paris, which was published in 1649.

14.
Now finally Louis will return,
The people, let them be enjoying,
Let them rejoice, cry out in turn
Now finally Louis will return,
His city will he never spurn
His guards, both Swiss and French, employing;
Now finally Louis will return,
The people, let them be enjoying.

Enfin, Lovys est de retour,
Que le Peuple se réjouysse,
Qu'il s'écrie en vn si beau iour,
Enfin Lovys est de retour
Il reprend, son digne séjour
Gardé du François, & du Suisse;
Enfin Lovys est de retour
Que le Peuple se réjouysse.

The next triolet is from an eight-page triolet collection called Suite des triolets royaux, sur ce qui s'est passé de plus remarquable depuis le retour de leurs Majestez à Paris, tant le jour de la feste de S. Louys qu'autres jours, and which was published in 1649.

15.
Oh ladies, come back from the field,
You'll make out well within the City
With collars, skirts, and gloves be sealed,
Oh ladies, come back from the field,
If you desire a man unpeeled,
Then Paris has them, none a kitty.
Oh ladies, come back from the field,
You'll make out well within the City


Dames, qui reuenez des champs,
Fournissez vous bien à la Ville
De collets, de iupes, de gands,
Dames, qui reuenez des champs
Si vous souhaitez des galands
Paris en a plus de cent mille
Dames, qui reuenez des champs
Fournissez vous bien à la Ville

The following triolet is from yet another eight-page triolet collection Triolets de joie chantés par Paris, pour chasser la mélancolie. Première partie which was also published in 1649.

16.
Now that my prince is here with us,
Farewell to grief; farewell to sadness.
I do not want to suffer fuss,
Now that my prince is here with us.
No trouble! Thank you, God, I'm flush!
And I'll shout out now with great gladness.
Now that my prince is here with us,
Farewell to grief; farewell to sadness.

Puisque mon cher prince est ici,
Adieu, chagrin; adieu, tristesse.
Ie ne veux plus estre en souci,
Puisque mon cher prince est ici.
Mes maux sont finis, Dieu merci!
Et ie reprends mon allégresse.
Puisque mon cher prince est ici,
Adieu, chagrin; adieu, tristesse.


The two following poems come from a seven-page collection published in 1649 called Triolets du Palais-Royal envoyés au palais d'Orléans, avec la réponse du palais d'Orléans au Palais Royal. The collection was conceived as a dialog between two royal palaces, that of the duke d'Orleans, the king's uncle, and that of the king, an idea unique to this collection.

17.
Dear friend, the palace of Orleans,
Now of my martyrdom I'll tell you,
Both you and I nobody cleans,
Dear friend, the palace of Orleans:
If we are heavy, sad, it means
That true we are, I, too, as well you,
Dear friend, the palace of Orleans,
Now of my martyrdom I'll tell you,

Cher Amy, Palais d'Orléans,
Ie te veux conter mon martyre,
Nous sommes tous deux mal-contens,
Cher Amy Palais d'Orléans:
Si on nous voit tristes & dolens
On n'y peut trouuer à redire,
Cher Amy Palaisd'Orléans,
Ie te veux conter mon martyre.

18.
Chief friend of all my sadnesses,
We have a reason for complaining.
Much cry for all the madnesses,
Chief friend of all my sadnesses.
Alike our woes and gladnesses,
Together we should be explaining.
Chief friend of all my sadnesses,
We have a reason for complaining.

Cher compagnon de mes douleurs,
Nous auons sujet de nous plaindre
Et de faire mille clameurs,
Cher compagnon de mes douleurs,
Puis qu'auons les mesmes malheurs
Ensemble nos plaintes il faut ioindre,
Cher compagnon de mes douleurs
Nous auons sujet de nous plaindre.

The next poem comes from a six-page triolet collection published 1649 called Triolets sur la France métamorphosée.

19.
Yes, so was France of which we sing
More powerful than any nation,
beloved and treasured of its king
Yes, so was France of which we sing
My God! Like angels, French have wings,
They have good reason for elation.
Yes, so was France of which we sing
More powerful than any nation.

La France a esté autrefois
Plus puissante qu'aucun Empire
Et chérie de tous ses Roys
La France a esté autrefois:
Mon Dieu! qu'en ce temps, les François
Auoient vn grand sujet de rire,
La France a esté autrefois
Plus puissante qu'aucun Empire.

The following poem is from 24-page anonymous triolet collection published in 1649 called Triolets sur le tombeau de la galanterie et sur la réforme générale.

20.
The counsel's neither just nor good
Which, regent, now about you's courting.
Bring harm unto your name it could,
The counsel's neither just nor good.
You listen much more than you should.
Like to your spouse, Jules is reporting.
The counsel's neither just nor good
Which, regent, now about you's courting.

Le conseil n'est iuste, ny bon,
Qui fait craindre vostre régence,
Il fait grand tort a vostre nom,
Le conseil n'est iuste ny bon:
Vous vous serués trop y ce dir on,
Comme vostre espoux, d'Eminence
Le conseil n'est iuste ny bon
Qui faict craindre vostre régence.

The following two poems, unlike the preceding ones, have an identifiable authorship. The writer is Jean Duval, the chaplain of the Collège de Séez. They come from a 28-page triolet collection published in 1649 which he wrote and which was called Les Triolets du temps, selon les visions d'un petit-fils du grand Nostradamus, faits pour la consolation des bons François et dédiés au Parlement.

21.
What! Paris is invested now!
O God! Whoever could believe it!
The king got out, we can't allow!
What! Paris is invested now!
I have to take my sides somehow
To save myself as I conceive it.
What! Paris is invested now!
O God! Whoever could believe it!

QUOY donc! Paris est investy?
O cieux! qui l’eust jamais pu croire!
Le roy mesmes en est sorty.
Quoy donc! Paris est investy?
Il me faut donc prendre party
Pour sauver mes biens et ma gloire.
Quoy donc! Paris est investy?
O cieux! qui l’eust jamais pu croire!

22.
Yes, God will side with us, I'm sure,
Because our justice is a treasure;
We shall be undismayed, stay pure.
Yes, God will side with us, I'm sure,
Our Parliament will be a lure.
They work with our police with pleasure.
Yes, God will side with us, I'm sure,
Because our justice is a treasure.

Dieu sera de nostre costé,
Puis que nous avons la justice;
Qu’on ne soit pas epouvanté,
Dieu sera de nostre costé:
Le Parlement nous est resté
Pour travailler à la police;
Dieu sera de nostre costé,
Puis que nous avons la justice.

In 1649, Marc-Antoine de Girard, Sieur de Saint-Amant (normally known simply as Saint-Amant or, depending on the century and region, as Saint-Amand) published his triolets under the title of Les Nobles Triolets as a part of his collected works. At 35 printed pages, this triolet collection is probably the largest ever produced by a single author. The first of the following following four triolets is by far his most famous and has often appeared in poetry anthologies.

23.
For writing your good triolets,
It means you notice these three causes:
For one, the mood has charming ways
For writing your good triolets;
For two, it has a role it plays,
For three, it has its perfect pauses,
For writing your good triolets,
It means you notice these three causes.

Pour construire vn bon Triolet
Il faut obseruer ces trois choses:
Scauoir, que l'air en soit folet
Pour construire vn bon Triolet;
Qu'il r'entre bien dans le rolet,
Et qu'il tombe au vray lieu des pauses,
Pour construire vn bon Triolet
Il faut obseruer ces trois choses.

24.
Yes, in Japan I'd like to be.
I hear this fuss. It makes me scowling.
I open thought, the tongue a key.
Yes, in Japan I'd like to be.
My host in underclothes I see,
His wife is in her long robes howling,
Yes, in Japan I'd like to be
I hear this fuss. It makes me scowling.

Ouy je voudrais estre au Iapon
Quand j'entens tout ce tintamarre:
Ce n'est pas parler en fripon
Ouy je voudrais estre au Iapon;
Mon Hoste en renasque en Iupon,
Et sa Femme en hurle en Simarre,
Ouy je voudrais estre au Iapon
Quand j'entens tout ce tintamarre.

25.
To arms, bourgeois, who know not why,
A hundred times you'll wish your dying
Of cold, as frostbit people die.
To arms, bourgeois, who know not why,
Mars comes in March, his month, not shy,
With force of arms, your death he's buying.
To arms, bourgeois, who know not why,
A hundred times you'll wish your dying.

Aux Armes, o pauures Bourgeois,
On trouue cent sujets de larmes:
On meurt de froid au bout des doigts
Aux Armes, o pauures Bourgeois;
Et Mars mesme en son propre Mois
Met par force la main aux Armes,
Aux Armes, o pauures Bourgeois!
On trouue cent sujets de larmes

26.
Our laurel is our olive tree,
And we are over war the winners.
Farewell you crazy fools, be free.
Our laurel is our olive tree,
Goodbye gunsmith, and take your fee.
We sing to wine, we happy sinners,
Our laurel is our olive tree,
And we are over war the winners.

Nostre Oliue est nostre Laurier,
La Paix triomphe de la Guerre;
Adieu le fol Auanturier,
Nostre Oliue est nostre Laurier;
Adieu le bruit de l'Armurier
Puis que l'on chante au son du Verre,
Nostre Oliue est nostre Laurier,
La Paix triomphe de la Guerre.

The next poem is from an anonymous seven-page triolet collection published in 1650 and called L'Adieu des écrivains, triolets.

27.

Due to capricious destiny
We find ourselves where we are standing,
Where everyone is sad to be,
Due to capricious destiny.
And brutal envy do we see
From those who are our men demanding.
Due to capricious destiny,
We find ourselves where we are standing,

Par vn destin Capricieux
Dans l'Estat present où nous sommes,
Vn chacun est triste-ioyeaux
Par vn destin Capricieux,
Et ils n'est que des Envieux
Qui veulent la perte des hommes.
Par vn destin Capricieux
Dans l'Estat present où nous sommes.

The following triolet is from a seven-page collection printed in 1650 called Nouveaux triolets frondeurs, ou Les triomphes de la Fronde.

28.

Our triolets do guarantee
Our protest is appreciated.
Like flying bullets hits, we see
Our trriolets do guarantee
Like and held guns shot capably.
They are, like beauty, highly rated.
Our trriolets do give us guarantee
Our protest is appreciated,

Il faut que dans nos Triolets
Noftre Fronde soit bien prisée,
Ses coups vallent bien des boulets,
Il faut que dans nos Triolets,
Aussi bien que des pistolets
Elle a vne belle visée,
Il faut que dans nos Triolets
Noftre Fronde soit bien prisée.

The next poem is taken from the 1650 collection called La perle des triolets ou l'Antiquité renouvellée avec les noms et surnoms des plus généreux frondeurs de la ville et Faux-bourgs de Paris.

29.

To present time the Fronde persists,
Won honor and has won a battle,
And as an ornament exists.
To present time the Fronde persists,
And, clothing given, it resists.
It glory gives with thunderous rattle.
To present time the Fronde persists,
Won honor and has won a battle.

Puis que la Fronde à present
A eu l'honneur & la victoire,
Elle nous seruira d'ornement
Puisque la fronde à présent,
Au chapeau & habillement
Vn chacun prend part à sa glòire;
Puisque la fronde à présent
A eu l'honneur & la victoire.

The following two poems come from an 11-page triolet collection printed in 1650 and called Triolets prophétiques sur la naissance du prince duc de Valois.

30.

Insatiable they are, the Dutch,
That ravage other's land and water.
They'll burn their fingers soon and much.
Insatiable they are, the Dutch,
They'll pay their dues to him for such.
To him, yes, all to him will totter.
Insatiable they are, the Dutch,
That ravage other's land and water.

Insatiables Hollandois,
Qui rauagez la Terre, & l'Onde;
Vous aurez bien-tost sur les dois,
Insatiables Hollandois,
Songez à bien payer ses droicts;
A ce Grand conquérant du monde,
Insatiables Hollandois,
Qui rauagez la Terre, & l'Onde:

31.

You fickle, cruel, Englishmen,
You, who republicans would make us,
In vain, you do such such feats, your men.
You fickle, cruel, Englishmen,
The duke of Valois find fear in.
You'll one day lose to him and take us.
You fickle, cruel, Englishmen,
You, who republicans would make us.

Inconstant & cruel Anglois,
Qui te veux mettre en république:
En vain tu fais de grands Exploits;
Inconstant & cruel Anglois;
Crains ce nouueau Duc de Valois:
Tu seras à luy sans réplique,
Inconstant & cruel Anglois,
Qui te veux mettre en république.

The following two poems come from an eight-page triolet collection published in 1650 and called Les Triolets d'Apollon et des neuf Muses.

32.

The muses fashion triolets
And people them esteem worth sharing.
We must accomplish all that way;
The muses fashion triolets.
They are well made, this I can say;
And goodly rhymed, they're goodly faring.
The muses fashion triolets
And people them esteem worth sharing,

Muses faisons des Triolets
Puisque l'on en fait de l'estime,
Il faut accomplir nos souhaits
Muses faisons des Triolets,
I'en ay veu qui estoient bien faits
Et qui estoient de bonne rime,
Muses faisons des Triolets
Puisque l'on en fait de l'estime.

33.

Long live our Louis, Bourbons, too.
Long live his mother, Anne, among us,
Our Philip and our Gaston, too.
Long live our Louis, Bourbons, too.
Long live our Beaufort's name so true,
Long live Vendome, of whom we've sung us,
Long live our Louis, Bourbons, too.
Long live his mother, Anne, among us.

Viue LOVYS, viue Bourbon,
Viue Anne d'Autriche sa Mère,
Viue Philippe, viue Gaston,
Viue LOVYS, viue Bourbon,
Viue BÉAVFORT, viue son nom,
Viue Vendosme ce bon père,
Viue LOVYS, viue Bourbon,
Viue Anne d'Autriche sa Mère.

The next two poems come from a seven-page triolet collection published in 1652 and which is called Triolets sur l'arrivée du roy, en sa bonne ville de Paris.

34.

It was entire submission there,
Of Normandy, all of that region.
Humiliated did they fare;
It was entire submission there,
To Louis, king, they did with flair!
Their great affection then was legion.
It was entire submission there,
Of Normandy, all of the region.

D'une entière soubmision
Toute la Prouince Normande
Par vne humiliation,
D'vne entière soubmission;
A nostre Louys de Bourbon,
S'est rendue d'affection grande,
D'vne entière soubmission.
Toute la Prouince Normande.

35.

My citizens of Paris, now
Who have to chase your woes and sadness,
No longer should you sleep allow.
My citizens of Paris, now,
Let's make long live the king our vow.
In tones of happiness, show gladness,
My citizens of Paris, now
Who have to chase your woes and sadness.

Maintenant Bourgeois de Paris
Il vous faut chasser la tristesse,
Et ne soyez plus endormis,
Maintenant Bourgeois de Paris
Criez viue le Roy Louys,
D'vn tont ioyeux & d'allegresse,
Maintenant Bourgeois de Paris
Il vous faut chasser la tristesse.

The next poem is from an eight-page triolet collection printed in Antwerp in 1651 which is called Les Triolets de Mazarin sur le sujet de sa suite.

36.

You sodomites must Paris leave,
Since now his Eminence is farting
If you your capture don't conceive,
You sodomites must Paris leave,
His arse should it your scorn receive?
So hear the throat that trumpets parting!
You sodomites must Paris leave,
Since now his Eminence farting.

BOVGRES Il faut quiter Paris,
Puis que son Eminence pette,
Si vous ne voulez estre pris,
Bougres il faut quitter Paris,
Son cul vous eft-il à mépris?
Oyez Iossier qui vous trompette
Bougres il faut quitter Paris,
Puisque son Eminence pette.

The next triolet is a venomous one coming from an eight-page collection printed in 1651 and called Le caresme de Mazarin, ou la suite des triolets. Sur la copie imprimée à Anvers.

37.

Butt-fucking bastard, bad-ass bitch,
Cock-sucking cunt and giant asshole,
Gay trash of gross-out groins go twitch,
Butt-fucking bastard, bad-ass bitch,
Vain, vice-vexed, vicious, swing the switch.
Through you his dildo ought to pass whole;
Butt-fucking bastard, bad-ass bitch,
Cock-suking cunt and giant asshole.

Bougre, bouffon, baudet, badin,
Coquin, croquant, croqueur d'andoüilles,
Gavache, glorieux gredin,
Bougre, bouffon , baudet, badin,
Vicdaze, vray villebrequin
De ceux au cul de qui tu foüilles
Bougre, bouffon, baudet, badin,
Coquin, croquant, croqueur d'andouilles.

The next triolet is taken from a collection printed in 1652 and called Les Triolets de la cour à l'arrivée de Mazarin

38.

Frondeurs, your names will be engraved
On gold, for sake of our salavation,
Because good men were not enslaved,
Frondeurs, your names will be engraved.
For you, the tombs that shall be saved,
Built of a precious stone foundation.
Frondeurs, your names will be engraved
On gold, for sake of our salvation.

Frondeurs vos noms seront grauez
Sur de l'or, non sur de la cire,
Car braues gens estes trouuez,
Frondeurs vos noms seront grauez,
Et vos tombeaux mesmes esleuez
Sur pilliers de Iaspe & Porphire,
Frondeurs vos noms seront grauez
Sur de l'or, non sur de la cire.

The next triolet comes from a seven-page collection printed in 1652 called Triolets sur la jonction des princes, pour la déroute des Mazarins.

39.

You, Mazarin, are the instrument,
Of all these troubles France is facing,
The trouble's you, to us is sent;
You, Mazarin, are the instrument.
Desires of ours will not be bent;
We will you out of here be chasing.
You, Mazarin, are the instrument,
Of all these troubles France is facing,

Mazarin tu és l'instrument,
De tous ses troubles de la France,
Tu cause tout son remuëment
Mazarin tu és l'instrument,
Mieux voudrois t'on éloignement
Que non pas icy ta présence
Mazarin tu és l'instrument,
De tous les troubles de la France.

The following poem is from a seven-page triolet collection printed in 1652 and called Triolets sur la mode de la paille qui court

40.

In exile we shall see him soon,
In just a short time, Mazarin leaving.
We all shall see it as a boon;
In exile we shall see him soon,
And joy shall well within a tune.
The troubles of the past caused grieving.
In exile we shall see him soon,
In just a short time, Mazarin leaving.

Bien-tost nous verrons Exillé,
Mazarin dans quelques Iournées,
Dont chacun sera consolé,
Bien-tost nous verrons Exillé,
De joye le coeur sera comblé
Apres tant de peines passées,
Bien-tost nous verrons Exillé
Mazarin dans quelques iournées.

The following triolet is from an eight-page publication of 1652 called Le babillard du temps, en vers burlesques, racontant tout ce qui s'est fait et passé entre les armées mazarines et celles de messieurs les princes, avec des triolets sur le mesme sujet .

41.

Don't tell me Mazarin does return!
Go to the devil I am wishing.
He's back with us and we shall burn.
Don't tell me Mazarin does return!
He is maintained, I do discern,
In France. It's there for gold he's fishing.
Don't tell me Mazarin does return!
Go to the devil I am wishing.

Quoy, Mazarin est reuenu!
Au diable soit sa contenance,
Il est de bien prés retenu,
Quoy Mazarin est reuenu!
Il croyoit estre maintenu
Dans le noble pays de France:
Quoy Mazarin est reuenu,
Au diable soit sa contenance.

The next triolet is from an eight-page publication printed in 1652 called Le Second babillard du temps. ensemble les triolets de la ville de Miradoux, rendue à l'obéissance de Monsieur le prince de Condé.

42.

Now Mazarin is astonished much,
He's seeing that his world is cracking.
But he'll return; he wishes such.
Now Mazarin is astonished much,
Confined he is, knows not the hutch,
Where men of ours are now him tracking.
Now Mazarin is astonished much,
He's seeing that his world is cracking.

Mazarin est bien estonné
Voyant que son monde le quitte
Il voudroit bien s'en retourné,
Mazarin est bien estonné
Il ne sçait ou se cantonné,
Tant il a peur de la poursuitte
Mazarin est bien estonné
Voyant que son monde le quitte.

The following triolet has been attributed to Guillaume Bautru, comte de Serrant, (1588-1665).

43.

Lord Maure will to the peace agree,
Intends to sign it any day now.
If royal favor for him be,
Lord Maure will to the peace agree,
Suppressing triolets, we see.
His leather vest with him will stay now.
Lord Maure will to the peace agree,
Intends to sign it any day now.

Le Maure consent à la paix
Et la va signer tout à l'heure
Pourvu qu'il ait de bons brevets
Le Maure consent à la paix.
Qu'on supprime les triolets,
Et que son buffle lui demeure.
Le Maure consent à la paix
Et la va signer tout à l'heure

The next poem has been attributed to Louis de Bourbon, Prince of Condé, an active participant in the uprising of the Fronde.

44.

A tiger, he's for blood, athirst,
This lord de Maure is brave, impressive.
When fighting seeking ranking first,
A tiger, he's for blood, athirst.
His record fighting then is worst,
because Condé's of life possessive.
A tiger, he's for blood, athirst,
This lord de Maure is brave, impressive.

C'est un tigre affamé de sang
Que ce brave comte de Maure
Quand il combat au premier rang,
C'est un tigre affamé de sang.
Mais il n'y combat pas souvent,
C'est pourquoi Condé vit encore.
C'est un tigre affamé de sang
Que ce brave comte de Maure

The next two triolets have been attributed to François Le Coigneux, seigneur de Bachaumont (1624-1702).

45.

I do believe in battle fight”,
The count de Maure said, unconceited.
It's no time now for idle might;
I do believe in battle fight.
They must be cut to pieces right.
As Turks and Moors they will be treated.
I do believe in battle fight,
The count de Maure said, unconceited.

Je suis d'avis de batailler,
Dit le brave comte de Maure;
Il n'est plus saison de railler,
Je suis d'avis de batailler.
Il les faut en pièces tailler,
Et les traiter de Turc à More.
Je suis d'avis de batailler
Dit le brave comte de Maure.

46.

A leather vest, black velvet sleeves
The great lord Maure in splendor's wearing.
This warrior, nice to see, believes
In leather vests, black velvet sleeves.
Return Condé, your sword, it cleaves,
And will you it in hand be bearing.
A leather vest, black velvet sleeves
The great lord Maure in splendor's wearing.

Buffle à manches de velours noir,
Porte le grand comte de Maure
Sur ce guerrier qu'il fait beau voir
Buffle à manches de velours noir!
Condé, rentre dans ton devoir,
Si tu ne veux qu'il te dévore
Buffle à manches de velours noir,
Porte le grand comte de Maure.

The next two triolets (1650 and 1649, respectively) were written by Claude de Chouvigny, baron de Blot l'Eglise (1605-1655), a poet who specialized in subjecting famous people to ridicule.

47.

I toast the health of all our friends
And that the others meet the devil.
So don't you like the wine fate sends?
I toast the health of all our friends
Your time's with me the time that wends,
So drink, drink more. I'm on the level.
I toast the health of all our friends
And that the others meet the devil.

A la santé de nos amis!
Que le Diable emporte les autres.
N'estes-vous pas de cet avis?
A la santé de nos amis!
Ma foy, vous me l'avez promis;
Buvez aux miens, je bois aux vostres.
A la santé de nos amis!
Que le Diable emporte les autres!

48.

He will become a potentate,
through actions people will remember.
This duke there is so much of late;
He will become a potentate,
If kings should fall, at any rate,
Just like a table we dismember.
He will become a potentate,
through actions people will remember.

Il deviendra grand potentat
Par ses actions mémorables,
Ce Duc dont on fait tant d'estat!
Il deviendra grand potentat,
S'il scait renverser nostre
Estât Comme il scait renverser la table.
Il deviendra grand potentat
Par ses actions mémorables.

The following two triolets (both 1649) are by Jacques Carpentier de Marigny (1615 - ca. 1673), famous for a book published in 1658 called Le Traité politique ou Tuer un tyran n'est pas un crime (The Political Treatise or to Kill a Tyrant is not a Crime).

49.

The valiant, royal, prince Condé
To us refuses to grant mercy,
Blue blood which us should show the way.
The valiant, royal, prince Condé,
Because he gets his help they say
From common people and they curse me.
The valiant, royal, prince Condé
For us refuses to grant mercy.

Le vaillant prince de Condé
Nous refuse miséricorde.
Vertu bleu qu'il sera frondé,
Le vaillant prince de Condé!
Car on dit qu'il est secondé
Par des gens de sac et de corde.
Le vaillant prince de Condé
Nous refuse miséricorde.

50.

Good God! the good times that forth went
In Paris during famine's coming!
For each got kissed for kisses spent.
Good God! the good times that forth went.
The greatest beauty did content
With flour herself and then go humming.
Good God! the good times that forth went
In Paris during famine's coming!

Bon Dieu! le bon tems que c'estoit
A Paris, durant la famine!
Tout le monde s'entre-baisoit
Bon Dieu le bon tems que c'estoit!
La plus belle se contentoit
D'un simple boisseau de farine.
Bon Dieu! le bon tems que c'estoit
A Paris, durant la famine!

The first of the following two triolets is written by François-Gaspard de Montmarin de Saint-Hérent, marquis de Saint-Hérent. The second is a response written by the baron Blot l'Eglise.

51.

Concerning a parish priest

Now can you see this parish priest?
No hypocrite his face suggesting.
But, he's a reprobate, a beast.
Now can you see this parish priest?
A drunken sot at every feast,
And such a fairy, no one besting.
Now can you see this parish priest?
No hypocrite his face suggesting

Sur un curé.

Voyez-vous ce brave curé?
Il n'a point la mine hypocrite,
C'est un fidelle réprouvé.
Voyez-vous ce brave curé?
Il est un ivrogne avéré,
Incrédule et grand sodomite.
Voyez-vous ce brave curé?
Il n'a point de mine hypocrite.

52.

Response of Blot

A most exquisite priest was hired,
I do not know a priest the wiser.
I am a servant you've acquired,
A most exquisite priest was hired!
For what he says in mud is mired
That I must say, your analyser,
A most exquisite priest was hired,
I do not know a priest the wiser”.

Réponse de Blot.

Tu es un curé fort exquis,
Je n'en connois point de plus sage;
Je suis ton serviteur acquis,
Tu es un curé fort exquis.
Mais pour ce que dit le Marquis,
J'en crois encore davantage;
Tu es un curé fort exquis,
Je n'en connois point de plus sage.

The following triolet is by Paul Scarron (1610 to 1660), the first husband of Louis XIV's second wife, Françoise d'Aubigné, Marquise de Maintenon.

53.

Triolet against the Frondeurs

We must be henceforth making ropes,
We must cry out for understanding.
Frondeurs, you're nothing more than dopes!
We must be henceforth making ropes
with which you should go hang your hopes;
Your slings are cordage your demanding.
We must be henceforth making ropes,
We must cry out for understanding.

Triolet contre Les Frondeurs

Il faut desormais filer doux,
Il faut crier miséricorde.
Frondeurs, vous n'etes que des foux
Il faut desormais filer doux.
C'est mauvais présage pour vous,
Qu'une fronde n'est qu'une corde.
Il faut desormais filer doux,
Il faut crier miséricorde.

The following is an anonymously written 17th century triolet quoted in full by Michel Mourges, an influential 17th century French rhetorician. It appears in many anthologies of succeeding centuries.

54.


What judgment show you in your place,
Young soldier, and what well-thought thunder!
In fire do you seldom into pace!
What judgment show you in your place;
Though how we note your eager face
As you are running first for plunder.
What judgment show you in your place,
Young soldier, and what well-thought thunder!

Que-vous montrez de jugement,
Jeune soldat, & de courage!
Vous allez au ſeu rarement;
Que vous montrez de jugement!
Mais on vous voit avidement
Courir des premiers au pillage.
Que-vous montrez de jugement,
Jeune soldat, & de courage! 

The following triolet is by Jacques de Ranchin. It was written during the first year or so of the Fronde and is the most famous triolet ever written, being known as the king of triolets.

55.

The day that came the first in May,
No happier day my life has seen since.
The plans I made were good that day,
The day that came the first in May.
My eyes with love about you lay,
And, Sylvie, you became my queen thence,
The day that came the first in May.
No happier day my life has seen since!

Le premier jour du mois de Mai
Fut le plus heureux de ma vie.
Le beau dessein que je formai!
Le premier jour du mois de Mai.
Je vous vis, & je vous aimai.
Et ce dessin vous plut, Sylvie.
Le premier jour du mois de Mai
Fut le plus heureux de ma vie.

The following possibly 17th century triolet first appears together with the immediately above triolet but is not to be attributed to Ranchin. It, too, has proven to be a popular anthology item.

56.


Yes, Pindar was a man of wit.
It takes no other testimony;
there's depth and everything's a hit.
Yes, Pindar was a man of wit;
All knowledge, him, his brain could fit.
His sales do prove he was no phoney.
Yes, Pindar was a man of wit,
It takes no other testimony?

Pindare étoit homme d'esprit.
En faut-il d'autres témoignages
Profond dans tout ce qu'il écrit;
Pindare étoit homme d'esprit.
A qui jamais rien n'y comprit
Il fut bien vendre ses ouvrages.
Pindare étoit homme d'esprit,
En faut-il d'autres témoignages?

The next late 17th century triolet, though attributed to Ranchin, was actually written by Monnoye.

57.

If I don't win with you my case
You cannot hope to win yours surely.
You'll not succeed in such a race,
If I don't win with you my case.
I'll give free access to my face,
I ask you give me yours as purely.
If I don't win with you my case,
You cannot hope to win yours surely.

Si je ne gagne mon procès
Vous ne gagnerez pas le vôtre;
Vous n'aurez pas un bon succès
Si je ne gagne mon procès.
Vous avez chez moi libre accès,
J'en demande chez vous un autre.
Si je ne gagne mon procès,
Vous ne gagnerez pas le vôtre.

The following verse of a song, which was written in 1691 by Philippe de Coulanges, a cousin of Madame de Sevigny and which concerns Diane, Duchess of Nevers, is a parody of Ranchin's king of triolets.

58.

The end of March, as I believe,
There came the last day I call living.
Six forty five Diane did leave,
The end of March, as I believe,
A house which Caesars do conceive,
Went to the land of her birth-giving.
The end of March, as I believe,
It was the last day I call living.

Le dernier jour du mois de mars
Fut le dernier jour de ma vie.
Diane, à six heures trois quarts,
Le dernier jour du mois de mars,
Quitta le séjour des Césars,
Pour retourner en sa patrie.
Le dernier jour du mois de mars
Fut le dernier jour de ma vie.

The following triolet has been attributed to Étienne Pavillon (1632 – 10 January 1705), a French lawyer and poet 

59.
The honor constant to appear
Is never worth its pain in being.
Ought one to hold onto it dear
The honor constant to appear?
Near to the one that charms, I fear,
Enough's if people are so seeing.
The honor constant to appear
Is never worth its pain in being.

L'honneur de passer pour constant
Ne vaut pas la peine de l'être.
Doit - on briguer sincèrement
L'honneur de passer pour constant?
Près de l'objet le plus charment,
C'est bien assez de le paroître.
L'honneur de passer pour constant
Ne vaut pas la peine de l'être.

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