WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - The Poetry Fix: Guigemar, Part Five

Episode Date: November 12, 2024

This installment of Guigemar portrays the first encounter between Guigemar and the imprisoned young lady. The poet brings some interesting elements to the forefront in their encounter, including the focus on his heartbeat and his dependence on the lady's hospitality.

Welcome to the Poetry Fix on Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM. I'm your host, Erica Kaiba, bringing you your weekly fix of poetry from across time. Today we're continuing our journey through Marie de France's Gizhmer. In today's episode, Gizhmer is discovered asleep in the boat by the young lady imprisoned in the castle. The scene is highly emotionally charged, and the poet draws much attention to the moment in which the lady places her over Gishmar's heart. If you'll recall, Gishmar's heart is the only part of him that could be reproached, since from the beginning his great fault was his lack of tenderness.

The heart is the source of life and love, and this is the part of him that the lady touches, finding that it beats with vigor. Perhaps there is hope for Gishmar yet, and a chance at a cure. Upon awaking, Gishmar tells the young lady where he comes from and how he arrived the port. He despairs of finding a cure for his wound, and he wonders where he is. Gishmar is completely disoriented, not at all in control of the situation he has found himself in. This presents a sort of reversal. The fierce night is forced to depend on the guidance and benevolence of others. This is worth keeping in mind, as we consider how his relationship with the lady might develop. With all that said,

let's dive in. Gishmar by Marie de Fross. Translated by Dorothy Gilbert. We'll see to this, the lady said. We'll bury him if he is dead. Our priest will help us. If I see that he's alive, he'll speak to me. They went together, all due speed.

This time the lady took the lead. The girl held back. She mourned it, stood quite motionless before the bed, looking down at the chevalier. Deeply his beauty saddened her, his lovely body, his young life over so soon filled her with grief. Over his breast she put her hand. The warmth, the healthy heart she found. Under his ribs the beat was strong.

The night who'd been asleep so long awoke and saw her. Full of joy he greeted her delightedly. He'd come to shore, that much was clear. Pensive and tearful, she made cheer, however. and polite reply. And then she asked him how and why he'd come. He'd happened on this shore. Was he an exile from a war?

No, lady, not at all, said he. But if it pleases you, I'll say truthfully how I came here, not concealing from you any part. I am from Little Brittany. I hunted in the woods today. I found a white hind, drew my shot. The arrow bounded back and hit my thigh. Here is the wound, you see.

I think there is no remedy ever. The hind, in pain and grief, cursed me, swore I'd find no relief from my own pain, ever, till I found a damsel who could cure my wound. Who knows where such a girl might be? But when I heard my destiny, I left the forest speedily. I found the harbor. I could see the ship.

I boarded it, fool me. It took me off on the wide sea. I have no notion where I am. or by what name this town is known. For God's sake, lovely lady, say, help me, I beg of you. Which way, in what direction must I go? Sailing's a skill I do not know.

You've been listening to The Poetry Fix with Erica Kaiba. If you enjoyed this episode, consider following the Poetry Fix on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Join me next week, and we'll be continuing our journey as the young lady makes reply to Gijmar and shows him hospitality in his hour of need.