Berenguier de Palazol

Berenguier de Palazol, Palol, or Palou (fl. 1160–1209) was a Catalan troubadour from Palol in the County of Roussillon. Of his total output twelve cansos survive, and a relatively high proportion—eight—with melodies. Other evidence suggests that his family was well-off. Berenguier does not seem to have had much contact with his fellow troubadours. He may have met Pons d’Ortaffa late in life, and the latter may address him in one of his songs as Senher En Berenguier. All of Berenguier’s surviving works deal with the theme of courtly love. According to Berenguier’s vida, Arnaut was a son of Maria de Peiralada, but this is probably a confusion with Maria domina de Petralata, the mother of Soremonda, the lover of Guillem de Cabestany. Nonetheless, the developing of the theme corresponds to stages in the life of a lover. *Aital dona cum ieu sai ::In this work Berenguier praises the perfection of his lady. She is proud and has many suitors. She does, however, lend him ear. *Dona, si totz temps vivia ::Berenguier pledges to seek no other lover, even though his lady seems out of reach. *Dona, la genser qu’om veya ::Berenguier resolves to be patient. *Aissi quon hom que senhor ochaizona ::B