"I am Francis"

A great poem by that scoundrel poet, François Villon, of the 15th century.

The context this poem was written under is pretty remarkable. He was convicted of murdering a priest in a street brawl. He would eventually receive a royal pardon; however, he was three times in jail under a death sentence. This poem was written in 1462 in a Paris jail cell while Villon awaited execution. Literally, gallows humor.

Je Suis Françoys Je suis Françoys dont il me poise Né de Paris emprè Pontoise Et de la corde d'une toise Sçaura mon col que mon cul poise

I am Francis Francis by name, France's by birth (I've never had much luck on earth), At Paris first I op'd my eyes (It is a hamlet near Pointoise); And soon my neck, to end the farce, Must learn how heavy is my arse.

Translation by Norman Cameron.