This website serves as an unofficial chansonnier—that is, a book or collection of songs and poems—of several troubadours (who may style themselves singers, musicians, poets, bards, minstrels, and sundry other names) throughout the Society for Creative Anachronism. In addition to songs and poems, this site also presents prose fiction and research essays from the society's talented participants. There should be a little bit of something for everyone: entertainment, education, distraction. Hopefully you will find at least one of these to bring you some enjoyment. Check back often, as well, to see what further troubadours (and various works) have been added to the virtual leaves of this folio.
Recent Additions
Surrounded and alone, of both I plaine,
Nor wanting either, yet here bayde remaine,
To humoure semblaunce when sholde truth prevele;
But honesty and grace to few appele,
Nor faithfulnesse when fleeting bond might faine....
Doves of light are sleeping ‘round the moon
The tree of heaven casts its shadow on the dune
But there is no rival for the way your hair is strewn
The clouds below the stars make a veil of the light
I pray you think of...
V1
Boughes grown lanky
My neglect frees the maple
Umber banners trail
Would you take down your jet hair
If I turned my eyes away
V2
Boughes grown lanky
My neglect frees the maple
...
Worthy sons and daughters of Anuket,
Do not store all your incense and oils
your necklaces and net dresses up
Solely for use in the necropolis.
Burn the oil now, drape yourself in lapis
and eat a pharoah’s fine...
Bryn Madoc's children, purple and gold
Covered in glory when stories are told
We'll take the black road, we'll take the white road
We'll take the south road that leads us to war
Son of Bryn Madoc, doughty and strong...
From the Collection
Returning to my home
To rest from my roaming
Sun sinking steadily
I seek only solace.
Something awaits within;
Wondering and watching
Death or worse awaits me
Where demon dares to dwell.
Fearsome fiend before me
Flailing fists of fury
The beast I must battle
Braying like a banshee
Scowling; squirming; screaming
Snot and spit is streaming
I brace now for battle
With rattle and...
Who's Who
Iselda de Narbonne of Atlantia
Iselda de Narbonne is a trobaritz who has traveled the known world, sometimes going by the name "Isolde de Lengadoc." She has called many places home, including Ansteorra, Northshield, Ealdormere, and the distant lands of the Slavs north of the Black Sea, beyond the reaches of any kingdom. She currently resides in Atlantia, in the Shire of Roxbury Mill. In A.S. 54, she was chosen to serve for one year as Poeta Atlantiae, charged with filling the hearts and halls of Atlantia with poetry.
Iselda's interests include the music and poetry of the middle ages. She is a singer who also plays the harp and lyre.