Vivre ne puis content

General information

Quatrain used as the text for several chansons. Other chansons, with the same incipit but longer and dissimilar texts are not listed here.

Settings by composers

• Jacob Buus SATTBB
• Thomas Crecquillon SSA or AAT
• Antonio Gardano ST or TB
• Claudin de Sermisy STTB or SATB or ATTB
• Tielman Susato STT

Original text and translations

French text Vivre ne puis content sans sa presence mourir mest doulx si ie navois lespoir de pront racueil et que loyal debvoir de mon amour luy en fist cognoyssance.

French text  modernised Vivre ne puis content sans sa présence, Mourir m'est doux si je n'avais l'espoir, De prompt raceuil et que loyal devoir De mon amour lui en fit connaissance.

English translation I can't exist happily without her here; Death is sweet, if I have no hope Of a speedy reunion, or that She might recognise loyal service in my love. (trans Timmi O'Danaos & Donna Ferrentes)