Lecturae Tropatorum (Jun 2013)

Peire del Vilar, “Sendatz vermelhs, endis e ros” (BdT 365.1)

  • Linda Paterson

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6
pp. 1 – 18

Abstract

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This ‘sirventes’ presents a number of hermeneutic difficulties, both detailed and global. The issue of dating is also problematic, with some strong arguments in favour of either 1242 (Jeanroy) or 1285 (Kendrick). Jeanroy understands the ‘sirventes’ to be announcing the imminent arrival of King Henry III of England to join forces with the southern uprising against France in 1242; Kendrick, as an attempt to persuade the audience, and specifically the count of Rodez, to oppose the attack on Aragon by Philip the Bold of France during the so-called Aragonese crusade. Fresh examination of a number of linguistic details suggests that stanzas I-IV are ironic in tone, and the historical references, including some not considered by previous scholars, vitiate Kendrick’s arguments and support Jeanroy’s dating.

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