Berenguer de Palou

Berengiers de palazol si fo de cataloigna, del comtat de rossillon, paubres cavallier fo. . ."Berenguier de Palazol was from Catalonia, from the county of Roussillon, a poor knight he was. . ." Berenguier de Palazol, Palol, or Palou (fl. 1160–1209) was a Catalan troubadour from Palol in the County of Roussillon. Of his total output twelve cansos survive, and a relatively high proportion—eight—with melodies. Other evidence suggests that his family was well-off. Berenguier does not seem to have had much contact with his fellow troubadours. He may have met Pons d'Ortaffa late in life, and the latter may address him in one of his songs as Senher En Berenguier.

All of Berenguier's surviving works deal with the theme of courtly love. According to Berenguier's vida, Arnaut was a son of Maria de Peiralada, but this is probably a confusion with Maria domina de Petralata, the mother of Soremonda, the lover of Guillem de Cabestany. Nonetheless, the developing of the theme corresponds to stages in the life of a lover. Aital dona cum ieu sai In this work Berenguier praises the perfection of his lady. She is proud and has many suitors. She does, however, lend him ear. Dona, si totz temps vivia Berenguier pledges to seek no other lover, even though his lady seems out of reach. Dona, la genser qu'om veya Berenguier resolves to be patient. Aissi quon hom que senhor ochaizona Berenguier is at the lady's mercy, yet she is not faithful to him as he is to her. S'eu anc per fola entendensa Berenguier wishes his lady would spare him this torment. S'ieu sabi' aver guiardo Berenguier has failed, but he expresses hope that this song may yet get her attention. Tant m'abelis joys et amors e chans Finally Berenguier is rewarded for his persistence by his lady's attention. In her absence she gives him strength and in the cold warmth; she encourages his singing. Mais ai de talan que no suelh Berenguier is joyful. He only wishes he could see his lady every moment. Bona dona, cuy ricx pretz fai valer The lady withdraws from Berenguier. He should leave her, but he could not endure it, nor find any woman better. De la gensor qu'om vey', al mieu semblan The dilemma: remain faithful or leave. Totz temoros e doptans Berenguier blames himself for his loss, yet renews his pledge to his lady. Ab la fresca clardat Summertime incites this song and Berenguier determines to seek his lady's favour again.