This is a popular Saintonge’s song. This is undoubtedly the most famous and the most harmonized of the old French songs. It is simply or complicated, according to the arranger’s style. This song has many variations. Here is the Saintonge’s version, the central tempo (6th bar) slightly differs from the one we know, but the result is more sophisticated. This song deals with the marquise de Vintimille, the second daughter of marquis de Nesle. She was luckier in love with Louis XV, but she died in childbirth shortly after. The Queen was suspected of having empoisoned her because of jealousy. Joseph Canteloube is an expert, and he thinks that this song was not from popular origins despite being famous. In fact, it is only because the song is anonymous that it is considered as a popular one. But the conclusion is moving and the song is expressive, so it is eternally engraved in French soul anyway. The harmonization is very simple, and the melody is performed by sopranos or tenors according to the verse. It is intended for every choir.
