Eustache Deschamps

Eustache Deschamps was one of the finest Poets of Medieval France. In this excerpt from a poem of his, he makes fun of the courtship rituals of his day. It was the Medieval custom for girls to act modestly and for boys to initiate a courtship.

Am I, am I, am I fair?

I would say it seems to me
I have good looks, a sweet face
And a mouth like a red rose.
Tell me if I am fair

I've got bright eyes, a good brow,
Blonde hair, a lovely nose,
A nice chin, a shapely throat.
Am I, am I, am I fair?

He who wants to marry me
Really will need to be brave-
To have such a maid to love.
Tell me if I am fair.

And, by God, I'll vow to him
To be loyal all my life,
(Or as long as he is, too).
Am I, am I, am I fair?

He who's courteous and kind,
Strong and bold and handsome, too-
Only he will win the prize.
Tell me if I am fair.

It would be heaven on earth
To have a maiden so true--
A maiden so fresh and new.
Am I, am I, am I fair?

Discuss it among yourselves
And think of what I have said.
So ends my little song.
Am I, am I, am I fair?

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