You would probably not recognize a Medieval-age Valentine. Until about 1400 AD, lovers either sang or spoke Valentine poems and verses to the object of their affection. Some of these verses were likely written down, but if any have survived they are probably in private family collections. But there is one collection of written "Valentine" verses that are generally considered to be the first modern day valentines.
Charles, Duke of Orleans was captured following the Battle of Agincourt, and imprisoned in the Tower of London leaving his beloved wife in France. Lonely and far from home, the Duke began composing romantic verses to his second wife, Bonne of Armagnac.
The English King Henry V had left instructions that Charles was not to be ransomed, so the Duke remained in prison for 24 years. While he was not free to return to his home in France, nevertheless he was allowed to live in some luxury. He was moved from one English castle to another, and spent much of his time writing poetry.
Charles was finally released and returned to France in 1440. Unfortunately, Bonne had passed away before his release. Charles married Marie of Cleves soon after his return and the couple had three children, one of whom became King Louis XII of France.
Charles was perhaps best known for his own poetry and for his support of other poets and writers. He wrote literally hundreds of pieces, many of which survive in libraries and museums throughout Europe. His poems appear in a number of collections, and many are available on-line. About sixty of Charles’ "Valentine" poems remain. They are currently housed among the royal papers in London’s British Museum.
Did Charles become a great poet because of his imprisonment or in spite of it? Many of his themes are directly connected to the conditions of his imprisonment, but others, like his Valentines, are filled with expressions of love and hope. In any case, he left a legacy of beauty despite the tragedy of his own life.
No comments:
Post a Comment