The Complaint of Venus
I
When I am in such a heavy state, there is in my mind no solace that allows me the leisure to remember the manhood and worth, the fidelity and steadfastness, of him whose I am entirely as long as I live. No creature should blame me, for every creature praises his nobility.
In him is goodly kindness, wisdom, self-control, far more than any wit can devise; for good fortune has willed to advance him so far that he is the perfect treasure of knighthood. Honor itself honors him for his nobility, and Nature has also formed him so well that I assure him I am his forever; for every creature praises his nobility.
And notwithstanding his excellency, his noble heart is so humble toward me in word, deed, and expression, and he is so diligent in his service to me that I am entirely secure. Thus I ought indeed to bless my fair fortune, since it pleases him to serve and honor me; for every creature praises his nobility.
II
Now surely, Love, it is very fitting that a creature should buy your noble gift so dearly with lying awake at nights, fasting at the table, weeping in laughter, lamenting in song, casting face and glances down, often changing color and look, lamenting in sleep, and daydreaming in the dance – all the reverse of heart’s content.
Jealousy be hanged by a rope! She would gladly know all things by spying! A creature may do nothing, no matter how reasonable, without her imagining it all to be evil. Thus we pay dearly for love and his gifts, which often he gives inordinately, as enough of sorrow and little delight – all the reverse of heart’s content.
A little time is his gift joyous, but very burdensome is the use of it; for crafty Jealousy, the deceitful one, brings oftentimes disquietude. Thus we are ever in dread and pain, in uncertainty we languish and suffer, and very often have many hard misfortune – all the reverse of heart’s content.
III
But surely, Love, I speak not in this way because I intend to escape from your net; for I have served you so long that I am glad never to cease. No matter if Jealousy should torment me; it suffices to see him when I can, and therefore, surely, to my ending-day I shall never repent of loving him best.
And surely, Love, when I consider all the estates of people, I feel that through your noble generosity you have made me choose the best that ever walked on earth. Now, heart, love well; see that you never leave it. Let the jealous learn by trial that for no pains will I ever say no; I shall never repent of loving him best.
Heart, it ought to satisfy you that Love has sent you so high a grace, to choose the worthiest of all, the closest to my own soul. Seek no further, on road or path, since I have found my heart’s satisfaction. Thus I end this my complaint or lay;* I shall never repent of loving him best.
The Envoy*
Princess, receive in good part this complaint, addressed unto your excellent benignity according to my little wit. For age has dulled my spirit, and very nearly bereft my mind of all its craft in composing; and it is also a great penance to me, since rhymes are so scarce in English, to follow word by word the curious art of Grandson,* the flower of poets in France.
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1 Lay. A lyrical poem, often narrative.
2 Envoy. An envoy is a post-script which is directly addressed to the audience or patron.
3 Grandson. The works of Chaucer’s contemporary Oton de Grandson (or Granson; 1340-97) are the models for this poem. Granson, a knight in service to John of Gaunt, also wrote seven Valentine poems.
Translated and Edited by Gerard NeCastro
© Copyright, 2007, All Rights Reserved
Citation. Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Complaint of Venus. NeCastro, Gerard, ed. and trans. eChaucer: https://www.echaucer.com. [Site Visit Date.]
