Robins m'aime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7ncJV30610

This song began with a stringed instrument (maybe a lute) playing through the melody. Then a woman sang the song.  This is a secular love song from the 13th century. It was composed for a play entitled The Jeu de Robin et Marion, written by Adam de La Halle, a French-born trouvère. 

The words are:

Robins m’aime, Robins m’a
Robins m’a demandée, si m’ara.
Robins m’achata corroie
Et aumonniere de soie;
Pour quoi donc ne l’ameroie?
Aleuriva!
Robins m’aime, Robins m’a.
Robins m’a demandée, si m’ara.

The English translation is:

Robin loves me, Robin has me.
Robin asked for me, and he will have me.
Robin bought me a satchel
and a silk purse;
Why shouldn’t I love him?
Hurrah!
Robin loves me, Robin has me.
Robin asked for me, and he will have me.

This song was written in refrain form, known specifically as a Rondeau. The musical phrases take the form of ABAABAB, and the text takes the form of 1234512.

I loved it and found it to be simple, yet beautiful.  I love that we have a French musical from the 13th century that we can study and enjoy today.