Manuscripts and Special Collections
WLC/LM/6, f. 198v: Heldris de Cornuälle, ‘Le Roman de Silence’, lines 2051-2056 (early 13th century, French)
Transcript
Et senos falons a oir Malle
Ceste ira aluent . et al halle
Ala froidure . et alabize
Moult bone garde . i aura mize
Deuant leferai estalcier
Fendre ses dras . braies calcier
Ceste ira aluent . et al halle
Ala froidure . et alabize
Moult bone garde . i aura mize
Deuant leferai estalcier
Fendre ses dras . braies calcier
Translation
But if we fail to have a male heir
This girl will go out in the wind and burning sun,
In the cold and north-east wind.
We will protect and look after her well,
We will cut her hair short at the front,
Provide splits in her clothing, (put her) in breeches, and provide her with shoes.
