This week: The Oldest Valentine Edited by: StephBee  
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“Working with Julie Andrews is like getting hit over the head with a Valentine!” – Christopher Plummer.
“I am already sick of love, My very Gentle Valentine.” – Charles, Duke of Orleans
Well, that was a quick month! I can’t believe January is almost over. Here are some things January is known for: National Soup Month! Makes sense. Even here in So Cal, it’s in the 30’s from time to time. My favorite soup is good old fashioned New England Clam Chowder, but Tortilla soup is a close 2nd. Heck, everyone just wants to stay warm in January. The 2nd week of January is letter writing week. The week has come and gone, but writing letters used to be very popular before the Internet.
Challenge: You are being held captive in a tower. Write a letter to your valentine. Word count: 500 words. Share with me and I’ll include it in my FEB 23 Newsletter.
While it’s a little early for Valentines Day, I thought I’d kindle the “fire” so speak and share the story of the oldest known valentine. Maybe you can find some inspiration from it.
What soup do you LOVE to eat when it’s cold? Take the poll and I’ll share the results in my next Newsletter.
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The tale of the oldest written valentine involves nobility, imprisonment, and a romantic heart. That romantic heart belonged to Charles, Duke of Orleans.
Charles's first wife was Isabella of Valois (a daughter of French King Charles VI) He loved her dearly, but she died in childbirth. In 1410, he married Bonnie d'Armagnac, Count d'Armagnac's daughter.
In 1415, Charles was taken a prisoner of war in the Battle of Agincourt. He was 21. Henry V of England took him to the Tower of London were Charles composed most of his poetry. Charles was in captivity for over 24 years (he was in the line for the French throne and England didn't want to give him up.) With nothing better to do, Charles wrote.
Most of his poetry was for his wife, Bonnie, but she died before he was released, and she was never aware of his writing. He was let out in 1440 at the age of 46 and married a third time. His son from his third marriage, became Louis XII. His poems are mostly French Rondeaus, a two line rhythm and are usually about love and the spring time.
Charles's Valentine in the original French:
Je suis desja d'amour tanné,
Ma tres doulce Valentinée
English: I am already tanned of love, my very sweet valentine.
Rondeau VI, lines 1-2.
Here's another of Charle's poem in English:
(To his Mistress, to succor his heart that is beleaguered by jealousy)
Strengthen, my Love, this castle of my heart,
And with some store of pleasure give me aid,
For Jealousy, with all them of his part,
Strong siege about the weary tower has laid.
Nay, if to break his bands thou art afraid,
Too weak to make his cruel force depart,
Strengthen at least this castle of my heart,
And with some store of pleasure give me aid.
Nay, let not Jealousy, for all his art
Be master, and the tower in ruin laid,
That still, ah Love! Thy gracious rule obeyed.
Advance, and give me succor of they part;
Strengthen, my Love, this castle of my heart.
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Romance/Love: January 25, 2023 Issue [#11774]
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