8v La Complainte d'outremeir

This is the Lament of Outremer
Emperors, kings, counts,
dukes and princes, for your entertainment
varied tales are told of those who
in days past engaged in combat
on behalf of the Holy Church.
Tell me then, by what service do
you believe you will attain paradise?
Those about whom you hear tales read
have already gained it
by the pain and the martyrdom
that their bodies suffered on earth.
The moment has arrived when God is coming to seek you,
arms outstretched, stained in his blood
by which the fires of hell and purgatory
were extinguished for you.
It is time for you to begin a new chapter.
Serve God with your whole heart,
for God is showing you the path
towards his land and its frontiers that are
being trampled in ignorance.
You must try, therefore,
to avenge and to defend
the promised land
which is in turmoil
and will be lost if God does not attend to it
and if it is not defended soon.
Remember God the Father
who sent his Son to earth to
suffer a cruel death.