The Pleasant Song

Beauties of English Index


This is The Pleasant Song.



Pleasant the Carousal that hinders not mental exertion
Also pleasant a generous one at Candlemas time.
Pleasant : a steed with thick mane thrown in a tangle
Also pleasant : the crackling of the greeting fire
Pleasant : desire-and silver fringes
Also pleasant the holding of thine own warn woman.
Pleasant the wild eagle on the shore where the sea floweth
Also pleasant the sea gulls calling
Pleasant a horse with gold enamelled trappings
Also pleasant a draught of the generous mead.
Pleasant the open fields where cuckoo and nightingale
Live in the warm still, summer weather
Pleasant the right and happy betrothal
Also pleasant - the gift - a gift that is loved.
Pleasant to listen to the mynstrel in the hall
Pleasant to us our time of Paradise
Pleasant the moon awake in the heavens
Pleasant the quiet of a slow long day.
Pleasant the heath upon the mountains,
Also pleasant the salt marsh for cattle,
Pleasant the time the Calves draw milk
Pleasant the blossom on the top of the pear trees.
Also pleasant the solitary doe and the fawn,
Pleasant the foamy horseblock
Pleasant thy friendship with the Creator.



- Joyful Song of the Mynstrall : The Old Book : Medieval Anthology