mem (10/26/82)
c
I have these three verses tacked up on the wall over my desk. They are
English translations of some old (13th century) monkish manuscripts
in German, Latin, and French (at least, I trust the translators)
which were set to music by Carl Orff and called "Carmina Burana".
This section goes well with a cynical outlook, which I sometimes
maintain.
Oh Fortune!
Like the Moon
Everchanging
Rising first
Then declining;
Hateful life
Treats us badly
Then with kindness
Making sport with our desires,
Causing power
And poverty alike
To melt like ice.
Dread Destiny
And empty fate,
An ever turning wheel,
Who make adversity
And fickle health
Alike turn to nothing.
In the dark
And secretly
You work against me;
How through your trickery
My naked back
Is turned to you unarmed.
Good fortune
And strength
Now are turned from me.
Affection
And defeat
Are always on duty,
Come now
Pluck the strings
Without delay;
And since by fate
The strong are overthrown
Weep ye all with me.
Yours,
Mark Mallett