This philosophical Latin motet is most peculiar in its theme: namely a bitter lamentation on the loss of morals, honor, social norms, aesthetics and other daily concerns. Since the earliest 3 part version of this rather complex polyphonic piece appears in a mid-14th Century manuscript, it was likely composed during, or shortly after, the Black Death which had decimated Europe's population and caused widespread disruption (and often complete collapse) of social institutions. Perhaps the author was despairing over the chaos that ensued during those early years after the end of the horrors of the Pestilence.

I have given an approximate translation of the text with the assistance of Wiktionary, Google translate and ChatGPT. I welcome any corrections or refinements to my interpretation. There are two contratenor lines, but the second one is untexted. Because the two parts seem to be in direct counterpoint to one another, I speculated that the si placet part might use the same text.

The soundtrack was created using the Synthesizer V software and the Kevin voice bank (combining Spanish and English phonemes). The pronunciation simulates French Latin from that period. Reverb and echo were added with Audacity.

Original text:

Cantus:
Degentis vita quid prodest arte polita nil sed invita precio manus et redimita et pro dulcore prebenda vel artis amore non fertur flore stirpis sed sanguinis ore.
Atque precatore doni fit et eris honore divitis horore terrore que laudis honore.
Vera regens et falsa tegens cunctis adamatur sed degens et iura legens non deliciatur.
O sors quam vilis vite degentis inepta ullius incepta.
Destructus undesibilis des miserere vitis mundi dignos tibi vitis feris quesitis et opes non sunt nisi.
Litis dare pauperies nunc sibi grata
Dies est nunc maneries nec valet ulla quies.
Virtus decrescit sed symonis
Ypocrisia clero vigessit perit hinc cum flore sophia hoc apte mentis non complicet arte intentis
In spiritus lentis ideo dant dicere ventis infortunatum quidquid me deserit iste mundus me gratum tibi do.
Sit gloria Christe.

Contratenor 1 & 2:
Cum vix artidici promote sint ad habere astrologi logici quid agam.
Petrus miserere nominis et modici quod scientifici miserere nescio blandici Dicantur eo miserere.
Leno scurra malus et adulans qui ioculatur
Herens et talis quails cito deliciatur
Expars istorum cum sim sed non miserorum
Te rogo flos florum michi parti regna polorum cordis tu scelera mea
Purgans virgo
Decora celi dans dulcora vera salutifera.

Tenor:
Vera pudicitia.

Translation:

Cantus:
Of what use is the life of one who lives with refined skills but unwilling hands, bound by money, and so adorned, but bringing forth nothing (of value)? And for the sake of sweetness to be offered or for the love of art, it was not borne in the flower of the stem but in the blood of the mouth.
And with the prayer of the gift, you will be honored with the richness of awe, fear, and the honor of praise.
The true leader, who hides falsehoods, is loved by all; but one who lives in poverty and reads the laws does not bring delight.
O fate, how worthless is the life of one living foolishly, without any purpose.
Unrelenting destruction, have mercy on the life of the world; grant life worthy of you, sought amid hardships, and wealth is nothing without it.
Now poverty, pleased with itself, gives rise to disputes
This is now the dwelling place, and no rest is of any value
Virtue diminishes while simony increases
Clerical hypocrisy abounds. They perish here with the flower of wisdom and do not engage the mind with useful intentions.
In the spirit of the gentle wind, they say it is unfortunate – that which abandons me; this world, I give to you gratefully
Glory be to Christ.

Contratenors:
How rarely do those who promote the arts have logical astrologers?
Peter, have mercy on the name and modesty of the scientific, whom I do not know but speak of with grace.
A pimp, a buffoon, and a flatterer who makes jokes,
Like those who are quick to be delighted,
One who is apart from these, though not one of the miserable,
I ask you, flower of flowers, to grant me the kingdoms of the heavens and cleanse the crimes of the heart.
O Virgin who purges [our sins],
Beauteous one in heaven, giving sweet and truly salutary things.

Tenor:
True chastity.

Description of the photos:

1. Full score of "Degentis vita," Chantilly Codex
2. Charivari from Roman de Fauvel, a satirical romance, Anonymous French, c1315
3. A nude priest lecturing a farting monk, Gorleston Psalter, c1310-1320
4. Indulgence (i.e. forgiveness of sins for a hefty price) sold by the Papal Church of Avignon, Morgan Library, Ms 697, 1343
5. Monkey priest rendering blessings on two other unserious monkeys, Douce Ms. 6, British Library, Flemish provenance, c1330
6. Scene of mass burials during the Black Death, Tournai, 1353

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