April 5, 2012
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Marguerite of Navarre
Privileged and educated, this 16th century lady in the portrait on the right was involved in religious reform through her dialogue with prominent French figures of Evangelism and the publication of her writings and poetry.A few years ago my preacher featured her in a sermon.
Now I am participating in an online book club and we’re reading Russell Kirk’s The Roots of American Order.
So, in addition to my weekly chapter synopsis, I think I will highlight of poem (or portion of a poem) from each chapter/time period.
This week we’re reading about the Renaissance and the Reformation. Kirk references lots of men, and rightly so.
But there were a few influential women, like Marguerite d’Angouleme.
The following verse is from her religious poem, Mirror of the Sinful Soul, which was significant enough at the time to draw the attention of the future queen of England (Elizabeth I) who had it translated from French into English.
Since my desire is now to celebrate
Thy triumphs, Word divine, impart to me
Such sweet accords and lofty harmonies
That no defect shall marr my song to Thee.
To sing Thy praises, Lord, is my intent
If by Thy Spirit Thou inspire my pen….
Thus, trusting, Lord, in Thy abundant grace
And knowing Thou wilt guide and lead me on,
I will begin to show the reason why
Thou first didst have compassion on mankind.Marguerite’s legacy deserves more than a nod.
The Dutch humanist Desiderius Erasmus wrote to her ~
“For a long time I have cherished all the many excellent gifts that God bestowed upon you; prudence worthy of a philosopher; chastity; moderation; piety; an invincible strength of soul, and a marvelous contempt for all the vanities of this world. Who could keep from admiring, in a great king’s sister, such qualities as these, so rare even among the priests and monks?”
Here’s what I had to say about her in 2009.
I’m adding a biography about her to my reading list, although the ones about her daughter, Jeanne d’Albrecht might be more affordable.
