#269: La Complainte d’Outremer, lines 1-13

Emperor and king and count,
duke and prince to whom are read aloud
for your amusement, many a lai
concerning those who, back in the day,
always went in search of war
galloping to Outremer
for the sake of Holy Church—
Now tell me based on what great work
you hope to enter Paradise?
Look, if you have eyes:
these who gained it formerly
(the ones whose tales you so enjoy)
gained it by their deaths, and torment
which they gladly underwent.

This is the time. God is looking for you,
arms extended, stained with blood.

          from the French of Rutebeuf
                            (c. 1250- c.1285)