Extrait du 'Discours de la servitude volontaire' d'Etienne de La Boetie (texte du 16e siecle). Chanté par Alexandre CHASSAGNAC sur une nappe spatio-temporelle servant a vehiculer ces mots jusqu'a leur extreme actualite...

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This is an extract of the little original book"Le Discours de la servitude volontaire" d' Etienne de La Boétie(1530-1563).He was Magistrat, Writter and Poet in Bordeaux. Published by Philippe VAL in his satiric french newpaper "Charlie hebdo", these words inspired Martine Brulard to compose this song (music finalised with help of J.H.Limeretz),and sung by their friend EXDY (A Chassagnac), famous singer with the group SOHCAHTOA.

Discours de la servitude volontaire
Etienne de La Boetie (1530-1563)

(...)D'ou a-t-il pris tant d'yeux dont il vous épie
Si vous ne les lui donnez ?
Comment a-t-il tant de mains pour vous frapper,
S'il ne les prend de vous ?
Les pieds dont il foule vos cités,
D'ou les a-t-il, s'ils ne sont des votres
Comment a-t-il quelque pouvoir sur vous,
Que par vous ?(...)


The discourse of voluntary servitude

(...)Where has he acquired enough eyes to spy upon you, if you do not provide them yourselves?
How can he have so many arms to beat you with, if he does not borrow them from you?
The feet that trample down your cities, where does he get them if they are not your own?
How does he have any power over you except through you?
How would he dare assail you if he had no cooperation from you? (...)