DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.3825#0040
CATALONIA. 33
Jayrrie Roig and Ausias March, two Catalan poets
of the 15 th century, close the brief list of these Trou-
badours. Of them more is known. Ausias March's
works have been more than once printed. He is the
favourite of the Spanish Troubadours ; and his cha-
racter is thus traced by one who is fully capable of
estimating his worth:—" His verses are harmonious,
natural and pleasing, pregnant with interesting truths
and moral reflections; they are generally pervaded
by that soft spirit of melancholy which is so often the
favourite companion of the lyre:
' Qui no es trist de mos dictate no cur'
is the opening line of the first poem; and this feeling
runs through all. His poetry is the poetry of truth
and wisdom: it has the condensation of proverbs,
and the force of philosophy. His subjects are few—
love, death, and duty; and they are treated with a
sort of didactic solemnity. One listens to him as to
an inspired teacher : his sanctions are brought alike
from old mythology, from the Jewish and Christian
codes, and from the books of legends; and all are
introduced in the tone of one having authority, though
for himself he constantly claims the title of a 'Chrestio
molt devot.'"
It may be permitted to us to anachronize so far as
to borrow one short extract of this poet's writings
(which has been also quoted by Sismondi), in order
Jayrrie Roig and Ausias March, two Catalan poets
of the 15 th century, close the brief list of these Trou-
badours. Of them more is known. Ausias March's
works have been more than once printed. He is the
favourite of the Spanish Troubadours ; and his cha-
racter is thus traced by one who is fully capable of
estimating his worth:—" His verses are harmonious,
natural and pleasing, pregnant with interesting truths
and moral reflections; they are generally pervaded
by that soft spirit of melancholy which is so often the
favourite companion of the lyre:
' Qui no es trist de mos dictate no cur'
is the opening line of the first poem; and this feeling
runs through all. His poetry is the poetry of truth
and wisdom: it has the condensation of proverbs,
and the force of philosophy. His subjects are few—
love, death, and duty; and they are treated with a
sort of didactic solemnity. One listens to him as to
an inspired teacher : his sanctions are brought alike
from old mythology, from the Jewish and Christian
codes, and from the books of legends; and all are
introduced in the tone of one having authority, though
for himself he constantly claims the title of a 'Chrestio
molt devot.'"
It may be permitted to us to anachronize so far as
to borrow one short extract of this poet's writings
(which has been also quoted by Sismondi), in order