Seigneurs, Sachiez Qui Or Ne S'en Ira
René Zosso
A Call to Arms: Faith and Duty in 'Seigneurs, Sachiez Qui Or Ne S'en Ira'
René Zosso's song 'Seigneurs, Sachiez Qui Or Ne S'en Ira' is a poignant medieval piece that calls upon the listeners to take up the cross and join the Crusades. The lyrics are a direct appeal to the nobility, urging them to remember their duty to God and to seek vengeance for the Holy Land. The song is steeped in religious fervor and reflects the medieval mindset where faith and duty were intertwined.
The opening lines set the tone by stating that those who do not take up the cross will struggle to enter Paradise. This is a powerful statement that leverages the fear of eternal damnation to motivate action. The song emphasizes the importance of piety and remembrance, suggesting that true nobility lies in seeking God's vengeance and liberating the Holy Land. This reflects the medieval belief that earthly actions had direct consequences on one's afterlife.
The song also criticizes those who choose to stay behind, labeling them as 'mauvais' or bad. It suggests that those who prioritize earthly relationships over their duty to God are misguided. The lyrics argue that true friendship and loyalty can only be found in God, who sacrificed Himself on the cross for humanity. This is a clear call to prioritize spiritual obligations over worldly attachments.
In the final stanza, the song appeals to the Virgin Mary, asking her to pray for those who take up the cross. This adds a layer of divine intercession, suggesting that those who heed the call will have the support of the heavenly realm. The song ends on a hopeful note, implying that with divine support, failure is not an option. This reflects the medieval belief in the power of prayer and divine intervention in human affairs.