Myrie It Is While Sumer Ylast (Translation) Poem by Michael Burch

"Myrie it is while sumer ylast"
How Long the Night
anonymous Middle English poem, circa early 13th century AD
loose translation/interpretation by Michael R. Burch

It is pleasant, indeed, while the summer lasts
with the mild pheasants' song...
but now I feel the northern wind's blast―
its severe weather strong.
Alas! Alas! This night seems so long!
And I, because of my momentous wrong,
now grieve, mourn and fast.

Originally published by Measure

Middle English text:

Myrie it is while sumer
ylast with fugheles song.
Oc nu neheth windes blast
and weder strong. Ei, ei!
what this nicht is long.And
ich with wel michel wrong
soregh and murne and
fast.

This is an early English rhyming poem, and one of the best in my opinion. Keywords/Tags: Old English, Middle English, Medieval English, Medieval love poem, translation, interpretation, England, long night, alas, seasons, summer, pleasant, winter, north wind, northern wind, severe weather, storm, bird, birds, birdsong, sin, crime, fast, fasting, repentance, dark night of the soul, sackcloth and ashes, regret, repentance, remonstrance