Yet they were in no sense humorous writers, unless their satire on the foibles and follies of the times may be so construed. They were Boudoir poets and their airs and graces were romantic rather than mirthful.
Much of their production was of the languishing, sighing order, but the Fabliaux, of a ruder narrative type were also popular.
These Fabliaux, now usually given out in expurgated editions, were extremely plain spoken, and, as so often occurred, were adopted and adapted by the monks for the real or pretended furtherance of their religious teachings.
The Troubadours did much for lyric art by their conscientious attention to form, but the humor of their productions is almost a negligible quantity. Their songs were invariably sung, and usually to the accompaniment of the blue-ribboned guitar, but oftenest the burden was of sorrowful intent.
And it was, perhaps, owing to the want of a humorous sense, that the Troubadours could carry on their lackadaisical and lovesick careers.
Yet there were some of the Troubadours’ songs which showed a departure from the usual romantic wailings and a few are here given.
Doubtless the very free translation adds to their humor, but the motive is clear.
Rambaud d’Orange thus declares his policy in treatment to the fair sex.
I.
My boy, if you’d wish to make constant your Venus,