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
The nights are long, the food is scarce
The foe is grim, the winter fierce
The thunder rolls, the skies are dark
Fear wraps itself around your hearts
Fear that this fight shall be your last
The foe is come, the die is cast
You struggle on, with souls untiring
But somewhere else, the sun is rising.
From far away you hear the sound
Where mighty hooves caress the ground
Look to your comrades and despair
If only those were friends out...
Who's Who
Finnech inghean Labhrainn of Atlantia
Mistress Finnech's songs are most often heard on the battlefield or late at night around a campfire, where fighters and their supporters (beloved inspirations, escudiers, and the like) are most often found rejoicing in celebration after a day of honor and glory. Her melodies are as memorable as her verses, and the cadences she uses makes it all the easier for one to pick up on the nature of a song and join in as it is being performed.
Finnech's website: https://finnech.wordpress.com/