Perhaps you might like a taste of the works of Christine de Pisan, a 15th century French poet. This remarkable lady was the first woman that is known of who actually earned a living from her writing. Left a widow with 3 young children after her husband of 10 years passed away, she supported herself and her children by writing. And by the way, her father was the official ASTROLOGER to king Charles the V of France.
Pretty nifty, huh?

I'll give you her original in Middle French
first, and then my translation.

Dure Chose Est a Soustenir

Dure chose est a soustenir
Quant cuer pleure et la bouche chante.
Et de faire deuil se tenir,
Dure chose est a soustenir.

Faire le fault qui soustenir
Veult honneur qui mesdisans hante,
Dure chose est a soustenir.

It Is a Hard Thing to Sustain

It is a hard thing to sustain
When your heart weeps but your mouth sings.
From showing mourning to refrain,
It is a hard thing to sustain.

This must one do who would retain
Honor against rife slander's slings,
It is a hard thing to sustain.

OR

It is a hard thing to sustain
When heart would weep but mouth must sing.
To keep from showing grief and pain,
It is a hard thing to sustain.

This must one do who would maintain
Honor against cruel gossip's sting,
It is a hard thing to sustain.

What think ye Knowflakes? Hath she not said a mouthful?

Robert Chancellor