"Blow Northern Wind" Anonymous (c. 1300)

I know a maiden in bower bright,
Who full fair is to sight,
Glorious maiden of might
Fair and free.
In all this noble multitude,
A woman of blood and birth.
I knew not ever
A more lovely one on earth.
Blow northern wind!
Send me my sweet one,
Blow northern wind! Blow, blow, blow!

With locks lovely and long,
With body and face fair to hold,
With many mirths might she mingle
That maiden so glorious in her bower
With glorious eyes great and good,
With blissful brows under her hood.
He who was stayed on the cross
His lovely life she honours.
Blow northern wind!
Send me my sweet one,
Blow northern wind! Blow, blow, blow!

Her face beams light
As a lantern at night,
Her hue shines so bright
So fair is she and fine.
A darling neck she has to hold
With arms, shoulders, as one would desire
And fingers fair to fold -
God, would she were mine.
Blow northern wind!
Send me my sweet one,
Blow northern wind! Blow, blow, blow!

She is coral of goodness,
She is ruby of rightfulness,
She is crystal of cleanness,
And banner of beauty.
She is lily of largess,
She is periwinkle of prowess,
She is sunflower of sweetness,
And lady of loyalty.
Blow northern wind!
Send me my sweet one,
Blow northern wind! Blow, blow, blow!

For her love I cry and moan,
For her love I droop and am dismayed,
For her love my bliss is nought,
And I grow wan.
For her love my sleep I break,
For her love all night I wake,
For her love mourning I make,
More than any man.
Blow northern wind!
Send me my sweet one,
Blow northern wind! Blow, blow, blow!

Translated for Bibliomania by Kate McClune.

Read the original on Bibliomania