Sainte des Prez

Sainte des Prez was a trouvère probably from Le Prés in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre and active in the 13th century.

Nothing is known about her beyond what can be deduced from her name. In 1581, Claude Fauchet included Sainte des Prez in his catalogue of French poets from before 1300.

Sainte probably belonged to the school of trouvères centred on Arras. In her response, the lady (dame) addresses Sainte as damoisele (maiden), meaning unmarried. The subject of their debate is how a woman ought to behave when a man declares his love for her. The older and more experienced married lady recommends letting the man have his say, but Sainte is afraid of being seduced by flattery.