Clément Marot – Frerethibault

Frère Thibault

This is one of the most famous epigrams Marot ever wrote. Not only because of the bawdy text (we often label vulgar and rude, but in the 16th century was appreciated by all layers of society), but also because it was put to music almost immediately by Marotrs friend and colleague, one of the court composers Pierre Certon (Quart livre de chansons à 4 - published by Pierre Attaingnant, 1540 (Fo. II)). NB: Certon was a cleric himself. Noteworthy: Roland de Lassus also put this epigram (using Certon's melody) to music and composed a 'holy Mass' based on the musical theme of the chanson (1570, 'Missa supre Frère Thibault'). The "Kyrie" is the most recognisable part of it: Certon's chanson melody is present, almost note by note.
Epigramme XLVII

Frère Thibault, sejourné gros et gras, Tirait de nuit une garce en chemise Par le treillis de sa chambre: où le bras Elle passa, puis la tête y a mise, puis tout le sein, mais elle fut bien prise, Car son fessier y passer ne peut onc : "Par la morbieu, ce dit le moine adonc, Il ne m'en chaut de bras, tétin ne tête; Passez le cul, ou vous retirez donc,
Je ne saurois sans lui te faire fête".

One night, brother Thibald, fat and lazy,

pulled in a whore dressed only in a shirt

through the lattice of his cell: her arm

went in well; so did her head and

all of her bosom, but she got stuck,

her bottom did not pass, how hard she tried:

"For heaven's sake", the monk cried out,

I don't care about arms, tits or head;

Pass me your ass, or get out, for I don't

know how to make you merry without it."