Les deux vieillards (Simon Leurart)

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• (Posted 2025-08-06)  CPDL #86229: 

Editor: Christopher Shaw (submitted 2025-08-06).   Score information: A4, 3 pages, 65 kB   Copyright: CC BY SA

Edition notes: Please click on the link for preview/playback/PDF download. This edition is offered at original pitch for SAT or transposed down a seventh for ATB. French text modernized.

General Information

Title: Les deux vieillards
Composer: Simon Leurart
Lyricist:
Number of voices: 3vv   Voicings: SAT or TTB
Genre: Secular, Chanson

Language: French
Instruments: A cappella

First published: 1560 in Premier livre du recueil des fleurs (Pierre Phalèse), no. 23a
Description: A setting published as a riposte to the text of a number of chansons; it is not known whether the text is by the author of the original, Guillaume Guéroult, or by a parodist.

Original text and translations

French text Original text Les deux veillardz frustrez de leur pensée De la rebell' ont la mort intenté Laquell' estant de grand ennuy pressée Tout son espoir, en Dieu seul a iecté Prest à mourir, mais la grande bonté Du souverain luy à faict assistance Par Daniel, quy de iuste sentence A faict tomber les veillardz en malheur Mais Susanna pour guerdon d'innocence A retenu sa vie & son honneur.

French text (modernized) Les deux vieillards, frustrés de leur pensée, De la rebell' ont la mort intenté, Laquell', étant de grand ennui pressée, Tout son espoir en Dieu seul a jeté; Prêt à mourir; mais la grande bonté Du Souverain lui a fait assistance: Par Daniel, qui de juste sentence A fait tomber les vieillards en malheur. Mais Susanna, pour guerdon d'innocence, A retenu sa vie et son honneur.

English translation The two old men, frustrated in their thoughts, intended to kill the insubordinate girl, Who, being pressed by great melancholy, had cast all her hope in God alone; Ready to die; but God's great kindness came to her aid, through Daniel, who, with an equitable ruling, caused the old men to fall on hard times. But Susanna, as a reward for her virtue, retained her life and her honour. (trans Timmi O'Danaos & Donna Ferrentes)