by Shreya Ganesh Kumar

Translation of Le Printemps by Charles D’Orléans

By Shreya Ganesh Kumar I have translated a modern version of this rondel by Charles D’Orléans and, through this, come to appreciate the innate beauty and delicacy present in the French language despite the rigidity of this poetic form. In creating the final translation, I have considered both the literal meaning of this poem alongside the diversity of the English language to try and convey th words of D’Orléans in a way that might retain their original beauty.

Le temps a laissé son manteau. The season has cast off his coat. De vent, de froidure et de pluie, Of wind, of cold and of rain, Et s’est vêtu de broderie, And has wrapped himself in embroidery, De soleil luisant, clair et beau. Of gleaming sun, brilliant and beautiful.

Il n’y a bête, ni oiseau There is neither animal, nor bird Qu’en son jargon ne chante ou crie: Which in its own tongue fails to sing or shout: Le temps a laissé son manteau. The season has cast off his coat.

Rivière, fontaine et ruisseau

River, fountain and stream Portent en livrée jolie, Wear as pretty livery, Gouttes d’argent d’orfèvrerie, Droplets of silver jewellery, Chacun s’habille de nouveau: Everyone gets dressed anew: Le temps a laissé son manteau. The season has cast off his coat.