436 Readings in European History 178. The trouba- dours' creed. (By Sordel.) As treasures buried in the earth Possess no longer any worth, I likewise count good sense quite vain If one conceal it in his brain. . . . Whoe'er considers life with care Will always find, so I declare, One thing enjoined by wisdom's rod: To please at once the world and God. 179. A song by Vldal. One is not wise, as wise I deem, Unless he oft can make it seem That he is pleased with what annoys And bored by what he most enjoys; And who this maxim e'er applies, I' faith I count him truly wise. ... A life of baseness and ill-fame Destroys the body, soils the name, And sends the rebel soul to dwell Forever in the fires of hell. . . . No man of worth, it seems to me, Should wish to live except it be For joy and fame, since only these Give life a flavor that can please. . . Oh, 'tis good and fair When the trees all wear Fresh green leaves, the air Sweet with flowers new, Song birds, here and there, Chanting full in view, While gay lovers sue, Amorous and true ; Loved and lover I would be, Yet such answers to my plea It hath been my lot to find That I 've nearly lost my mind.
