The Roman de la Rose of François I

Vulcan Catching Mars and Venus in Bed, f. 135r


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The painting portrays Venus and Mars caught in the act by Vulcan, who holds them with a net and pins. Vieille (The Old Woman) comments on human nature and the impossibility of absolute fidelity in love. The painter also depicts goddesses as spectators laughing at the situation. Vulcan's forge is represented in a decor that could correspond to the region of Normandy, although the clothing and historical setting do not entirely adhere to historical accuracy.

 

Nor could, marriage being their lot,
Not though an Absalom was there,
As spouse, he of the long blonde hair,
Or Paris, son of the King of Troy,
Even then she'd have felt no joy.
For she knew, lovely and debonair,
What all women know of that affair.?
'BESIDES, all women are born free,
Tis the law acts conditionally,
Taking away the freedom Nature?
Gave to them in equal measure.

 

Nature is not so foolish she
Gives birth to some girl, Marie,
Solely to mate with Robichon,
If wisdom's cap we now don,
Nor Robichon with Mariette,
Or Agnes or, perchance, Perette.
She made all women, forever,
For all men, and vice versa,
Each man is for every woman,
And each woman for every man.
So when a woman's engaged, you see,


Vulcain surprend Mars et Vénus au lit, f. 135r

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Vulcan Catching Mars and Venus in Bed, f. 135r

The painting portrays Venus and Mars caught in the act by Vulcan, who holds them with a net and pins. Vieille (The Old Woman) comments on human nature and the impossibility of absolute fidelity in love. The painter also depicts goddesses as spectators laughing at the situation. Vulcan's forge is represented in a decor that could correspond to the region of Normandy, although the clothing and historical setting do not entirely adhere to historical accuracy.

 

Nor could, marriage being their lot,
Not though an Absalom was there,
As spouse, he of the long blonde hair,
Or Paris, son of the King of Troy,
Even then she'd have felt no joy.
For she knew, lovely and debonair,
What all women know of that affair.?
'BESIDES, all women are born free,
Tis the law acts conditionally,
Taking away the freedom Nature?
Gave to them in equal measure.

 

Nature is not so foolish she
Gives birth to some girl, Marie,
Solely to mate with Robichon,
If wisdom's cap we now don,
Nor Robichon with Mariette,
Or Agnes or, perchance, Perette.
She made all women, forever,
For all men, and vice versa,
Each man is for every woman,
And each woman for every man.
So when a woman's engaged, you see,


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