Text: Barbara, Celarent

Jacob Handl (1550–1591)

Apparently, the first part of this madrigal is a mnemonic device for remembering some now-unknown system of logic or science. The second part goes on to assert the rules of the system.

Barbara, Celarent, Darii, Ferio.
Baralipton, Celantes, Dabitis, Fapesmo.
Frisesomorum.
Cesare, Camestres, Festino, Baroco.
Darapti, Felapton, Disamis, Datisi, Bocardo, Ferison.
Barbara, Celarent, Darii, Ferio.

Asserit A, negat E,
stant universaliter ambae.
Asserit I, negat O,
stant particulariter ambae.
Ecce tibi Sim armigeros ac: arma bono con:
servat maiorem variatque secunda minorem,
tertia maiorem variat servatque minorem.