Ballade des pendus [English translation]

Human brothers who live while we are no more,

do not harden your hearts against us,

for if you have mercy on us

God will likewise have mercy on you.

You see us tied here by five of six,

as for the flesh we served too much

it is now eaten away and rotten

and we are but bones turning to ash and dust.

Let no one make fun of our misfortune:

rather pray God that He absolves us all!

So, brothers, we pledge you not to

despise us, even though we were brought down

by law. You know well that

all men are not of sound judgement;

forgive us, for we are in fear

that the grace of virgin Mary's son

who could spare us the infernal wrath

could be hexhausted for us.

We are dead, no one dare to harry us;

rather pray God that He absolves us all!

The rain has drenched and washed us,

the sun has parched and blackened us:

magpies and crows have pecked at our eyes

and ripped our beard and eyebrows off.

Never are we seated;

here and there, as the wind changes

at will it swings us ceaselessly,

more pockmarked than thimbles.

So please don't join our brotherhood;

rather pray God that He absolves us all!

Prince Jesus who rules on us all,

protect us from the lordship of hell:

we have no business nor debts here.

Men, this is no laughing matter;

rather pray God that He absolves us all!

• Artist:François Villon