Particularly famous is its interrogative refrain, Mais où sont les neiges d’antan?
This was translated into English by Rossetti as “Where are the snows of yesteryear?”, for which he coined the new word yesteryear to translate Villon’s antan.
The French word was used in its original sense of “last year”, although both antan and the English yesteryear have now taken on a wider meaning of “years gone by”.
Yes, I know, that’s why I thought it was so enjoyable! Ou son les Maries...
I’m still tickled by your post.