Ballade of Prayer to Our Lady, François Villon

Born in Paris in 1431, François Villon (1431-1463) earned a Master of Arts degree at the University of Paris in 1452. During a tumultuous life, he composed for his mother the prayer to the Lady of the Heavens, to whom the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is dedicated.

Virgin high-born and worthy, you gave birth
In piety to the King of Heaven and earth.
Lord Jesus, who took on our paltry worth.
Leaving His place, He came down from on high
Offering up His life to death’s cruel mirth.
Now I confess Him Lord, in wealth or dearth.
In this faith I resolve to live and die.

From French by Joseph S. Salemi

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