Assorted Praise for Myself

I'm never one to indulge in my own praise, but for those of you who enjoy poetry. Here is a compilation of assorted praise made of me by people who hadn't even looked at me, some people miles away who had heard word of my great beauty and saw fit to write.....

From the Carmina Burana, a collection of student songs:

If all the world were mine

From the seashore to the Rhine,

That price were not too high

To have England's Queen lie

Close in my arms

Anonymous German:

The sweet young Queen

Draws the thoughts of of all upon her

As sirens lure the witless mariners

Upon the reef.

Tribute to Eleanor from Roman de Troie

For my presumption, shall I be chid

By her whose kindness show no bounds?

Highborn lady, excellent and valiant,

True, understanding, noble,

Ruled by right and justice,

Queen of beauty and largesse,

By whose example many ladies

Are upheld in emulous right-doing;

In whom all learning lodges,

Whose equal in no peer is found.

Rich lady of the wealthy King,

No ill, no ire, no sadness

Mars your goodly reign.

May all your days be joy.

Philippe de Thaun:

God save Lady Eleanor, Queen, who is the arbiter

Of honour, wit and beauty,

Of largessse and loyalty.

Lady, born were you in a happy hour

And wed to Henry, King.

Unknown Troubadour

He who sees her lead the dance

Sees her body twist and twirl

Can see that in all the world

For beauty there's no equal

of the Queen of Joy!

From afar the Prince has come/come to interrupt the dance

For he fears no other man

May boldly seize the chance

to wed the April Queen

• 
  

Immense thanks to historian Alison Weir from whose novel I acquired some of this poetry!!!! Thanks to Trace Tyler who showed me the last poem of this compilation!!!

Alison Weir

Wors Cited

• Weir, Alison Eleanor of Aquitaine: a Life. New York: Ballantine, 2000. Print.