Pons de Capduelh

Pons de Capduelh (fl. 1160–1220 or 1190–1237) was a troubadour from the Auvergne, probably from Chapteuil. His songs were known for their great gaiety. He was a popular poet and 27 of his songs are preserved, some in as many as 15 manuscripts. Four of his cansos survive with musical notation.

Quotes

• De totz caitius sui ieu aisselh que plus
  Ai gran dolor, e suefre greu turmen,
  Per qu' ieu volgra murir, e fora m gen
  Qui m' aucizes, pois tan sui esperdutz;
  Que viures m'es marrimens et esglais,
  Pus morta es ma dona N'Azalais.
  • Of all whom grief in bonds of slavery
    Most straitly holds, the veriest wretch am I:
    Death is my heart's desire; he that should bring
    That death to me would bring a welcome thing.
    O'er life's sad remnant grief alone is spread,
    Nought, nought but grief, since Azalais is dead:
  • On the Death of Azalais, st. 1, ll. 1–6, translated by Edgar Taylor, Lays of the Minnesingers and Troubadours (1825), p. 219