Watchman Near the Tower
(Gaite de la Tor)

Translated by W. D. Snodgrass

Original words—Watchman Near the Tower: Anonymous, Provençal, eleventh century.
Music—W. D. Snodgrass’s transcription of original melody.

Score graphics created by Assistant Professor of Music Ted Buehrer, Kenyon College.

Friend, I’d let this tongue
Pour forth a song
    In praise of my White Flower
But that I must fear
That traitor near
    Who wields such dreadful power.
            Hu and hu and hu and hu,
            I’ve watched him, too,
                 Beneath the hazels, spying;
            Hu and hu and hu and hu,
                 Seeking a swift death, prying.

Gentle love, so dear,
Who’s lying near
    Within our chamber, waking,
May you feel no fright
But take delight
    Until the daylight’s breaking.
            Hu and hu and hu and hu,
            What here we do—
                 Good friend, keep still and loyal;
            Hu and hu and hu and hu,
            I always knew
                 This love would make us joyful.

Watchman near the tower,
To love’s sweet bower
    I now return; you’ll hear, there,
If you should come nigh,
My lover’s sigh;
    I have all I hold dear, there.
            Hu and hu and hu and hu,
            Although I rue
                 How soon I must be leaving;
            Hu and hu and hu and hu,
            The daylight’s hue
                 Draws on to set me grieving.

Were it heaven’s will
To linger still
    I’d wish for no tomorrow.
Day could turn to night;
I’d banish light
    And never feel such sorrow.
            Hu and hu and hu and hu
            How well I knew
                 Her beauty’d prove delightful;
            Hu and hu and hu and hu;
            In blisses true
                 May God give men what’s rightful.