This French song was widely popular in Europe during the fifteenth century and was used as the "cantus firmus"
for a number of settings of the mass. This is a polyphonic setting of the basic melody, though the way it has been
used makes it difficult to fit the words in, suggesting it was possibly intended as an instrumental piece. The
words are given below. |
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Here is a MIDI file of the basic melody to fit the words Translation: |
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L'homme, L'homme, L'homme armé, L'homme armé, L'homme armé doibt on douter. On a fait partout crier, Que chascun se veigne armer d'un haubregon de fer. |
The man, the man, the armed man The armed man is to be feared. Everywhere it has been proclaimed That everyone should arm himself with an iron coat of mail. |