This charming rondeau's rather swaggering melody seems to be at odds with its plaintive text, so much so that one wonders if Dufay was perhaps poking some fun at troubador traditions. Troubadors often seemed to be in love with the notion of love, and sometimes seemed to boast of their languishing in the same way that other men might boast about their conquests. There are also long runs (that give the song almost a baroque air) that add to the impression that the singer is showing off, rather than expressing genuine sorrow. Certainly Dufay was capable of expressing deep emotions in his music, La belle se siet, for example, is one of the most moving songs in the repertoire. In the text, "I am pierced by a sharp arrow, " the singer declares that his lady's glance has pierced him to the heart, and if he does not find comfort from the lady who has wounded him, he will have no more joy in life. Again, the rather swaggering melody gives the strong impression that the singer is showing off his love for his lady, and enjoying himself thoroughly, and Dufay was enjoying himself as he pokes gentle fun at the troubadors.

© All Music Guide