Blow, Northerne Wynd

Text from BL MS Harley 2253, late 13th century-1st half of the 14th century (Middle English). The melody and arrangement are my own (this text survived without a melody). Text and translation: Blow, northerne wynd, Sent thou me my suetyng! Blow, northerne wynd, Blou! Blou! Blou! Ichot a burde in boure bryht That sully semly is on syht: Menskful maiden of myht, Feir ant fre to fonde. In al this wurhliche won, A burde of blod ant of bon Never yete Y nuste non Lussomore in londe! Blow, northerne wynd, Sent thou me my suetyng! Blow northerne wynd, Blou! Blou! Blou! Heo is coral of godnesse; Heo is rubie of ryhtfulnesse; Heo is cristal of clannesse; Ant baner of bealte. Heo is lilie of largesse; Heo is paruenke of prouesse; Heo is solsecle of suetnesse, Ant ledy of lealte. Blow, northerne wynd, Sent thou me my suetyng! Blow northerne wynd, Blou! Blou! Blou! For hire love Y carke ant care; For hire love Y droupne ant dare; For hire love my blisse is bare, Ant al Ich waxe won! For hire love in slep Y slake; For hire love al nyht Ich wake; For hire love mournyng Y make More then eny mon! Blow, northerne wynd, Sent thou me my suetyng! Blow northerne wynd, Blou! Blou! Blou! Blow, northern wind, Send me my sweetheart. Blow northern wind, blow, blow, blow! I know of a maiden, bright in her chamber, Very pleasing to the sight, Worshipful maiden of might, Fair and free to find. In all the wonderful world, No woman made of blood and bone Have I ever yet known Lovelier in this land. She is coral of goodness, She is ruby of rightfulness, She is crystal of purity, And banner of beauty. She is lily of largesse, She is periwinkle of prowess, She is marigold of sweetness, And lady of loyalty. For the sake of her love I worry and care, For her love I languish and remain quiet, For her love my bliss is barren, And I am growing quite pale. For her love I slack on sleep, For her love all night I wake, For her love I mourn, More than any man.