The History and Future of the Book

Middle English Lyrics: 15th century

I have a gentil cok

I have a gentil* cok,
Croweth me day;*
He doth* me risen erly,
My matins* for to say.

 

noble, well-bred
who crows for me in the morning
makes
early morning prayers

I have a gentil cok,
Comen he is of gret;*
His comb is of red corel,
His tail is of jet.

  


He comes from a great family

I have a gentil cok,
Comen he is of kinde;*
His comb is of red corel,
His tail is of inde*.

  

 
He is of good lineage

indigo

His legges ben of asor*,
So gentil and so smale;
His spores* arn of silver white,
Into the worte-wale*.

  

azure

spurs
root of cock's spur

His eynen* arn of cristal,
Loken* all in aumber;
And every night he percheth him
In min ladyes chaumber.

  

eyes
set

 

This lyric is from the manuscript Sloane MS 2593, a compilation of carols and songs that may have belonged to a minstrel. "I Sing of a Maiden" is one of five songs written on facing pages of the manuscript: "I sing of a maiden," "I have a gentil cok," "A minstrel's begging song," "Adam lay in bondage," and "I have a young sister." This lyric parodies love songs (traditionally directed toward a beautiful and noble lady).