Illustration from a Latin bestiary produced in France ca. 1450.
(Museum Meermanno, Hague, Netherlands, MMW, 10 B 25, folio 32r.)
| The pellican is borne to bleed, Beholding in calamitie Her younglings death, by fate decreed, And greeuing for her familie. She weepes for her poſterity, Cries to heauen, and rues the day, Tearing her breſt in miſerie; Yet ſtill the pellican will ſlay. For ſhe alone haſt cull’d her breed, She who contriues the tragedie; And of their wayling takes no heed But falls to their throats angerly. Then, failing of her treacherie, Suruays the ſhambles with diſmay And mournes her babes most pittiouſly Yet ſtill the pellican will ſlay. Repenting ſorely of her deed, The bird prouides the remedie; On her hearts blood her children feed, Denying death the victorie. What maruaile of maternitie! Not once, but twice will life conuey Vnto her cheriſh’d progenie; Yet ſtill the pellican will ſlay. L’enuoy: Prince, in your seruice I will bee Stedſaſt, and labour where I may To succour and sow harmonie; Yet ſtill the pellican will ſlay. |
The pelican is born to bleed, Beholding in calamity Her younglings’ death, by fate decreed, And grieving for her family. She weeps for her posterity, Cries to Heaven, and rues the day, Tearing her breast in misery; Yet still the pelican will slay. For she alone has culled her breed, She who contrives the tragedy; And of their wailing takes no heed But falls to their throats angerly. Then, failing of her treachery, Surveys the shambles with dismay And mourns her babes most piteously Yet still the pelican will slay. Repenting sorely of her deed, The bird provides the remedy; On her heart’s blood her children feed, Denying death the victory. What marvel of maternity! Not once, but twice will life convey Unto her cherished progeny; Yet still the pelican will slay. Envoi: Prince, in your service I will be Steadfast, and labor where I may To succor and sow harmony; Yet still the pelican will slay. |
Adelaide de Beaumont,
Mistress of the Pelican
October, 2007