ABSTRACT
The troubadour lyric, which flourished in the twelfth and thirteenth century in southern France, celebrated in song and in verse the beauty and perfections of the lady, and the primacy of love. Medieval views on the creation of the universe and the role of the goddess Natura are contained in treatises on natural science and philosophy, many of which were commentaries or adaptations of the Timaeus of Plato. In De planctu the goddess Natura has a prominent role in encouraging human regeneration and the physical union of man and woman. The lady is clearly presented in terms of the goddess Natura, the powerful earth goddess, source of renewal and vigor, of growth and abundance. Man is part of nature and follows the lore of the goddess as poet and as lover; in his own way he flowers and rejoices by composing a new song and by celebrating his lady in the service of love.
