The sestina is a complex form that achieves its often spectacular effects through intricate repetition. The thirtynineline form is attributed to Arnaut Daniel, the Provencal troubadour of the twelfth century. The name troubadour likely comes from trobar, which means to invent or compose verse. The troubadours sang their verses accompanied by music and were quite competitive, each trying to top the next in wit, as well as complexity and difficulty of style.

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