“Þe sauor of þe swete sesoun & song of þe briddes.”
- William of Palerne (1867) l. 29 [Composed c1350]
“William of Palerne” is a Middle English romance poem, composed around c. 1350. The story follows William, a noble child separated from his royal family, who is later reunited with his identity after various adventures.
The work is notable for including elements like disguises, exile, and even a werewolf character who helps the hero.
In modern English, the line means: "The savour of the sweet season and the song of the birds."
Þe (thorn) = The
sauor = savour, fragrance, pleasant quality (often implies scent as well as general delight)
swete sesoun = sweet season (spring or a pleasant time of year)
briddes = birds