11 Quotes & Sayings By Marie De France

Marie de France, also known as Marie de France of Troyes (c. 1165 – c. 1210), was a medieval French poet and one of the earliest women writers of any form in the French language. Her work is famous for its great beauty, and for its influence on many later poets, including Villon, Ronsard, and Spenser Read more

She was also highly influential on the concept of courtly love.

1
Whoever has received knowledgeand eloquence in speech from Godshould not be silent or secretivebut demonstrate it willingly. When a great good is widely heard of, then, and only then, does it bloom, and when that good is praised by man, it has spread its blossoms. Marie De France
Love is not honourable, unless it is based on equality.
2
Love is not honourable, unless it is based on equality. Marie De France
3
Be sure that you speak with unfeigned lips. Marie De France
4
The fool shouts loudly thinking to impress the world. Marie De France
5
I love no woman, for love is a serious business, not a jest. Marie De France
6
For above all things Love means sweetness, and truth, and measure; yea, loyalty to the loved one and to your word. And because of this I dare not meddle with so high a matter. Marie De France
7
Now will I rehearse before you a very ancient Breton Lay. As the tale was told to me, so, in turn, will I tell it over again, to the best of my art and knowledge. Hearken now to my story, its why and its reason. Marie De France
8
There are divers men who make a great show of loyalty, and pretend to such discretion in the hidden things they hear, that at the end folk come to put faith in them. Marie De France
9
If one of two lovers is loyal, and the other jealous and false, how may their friendship last, for Love is slain! Marie De France
10
Fairest and dearest, your wrath and anger are more heavy than I can bear; but learn that I cannot tell what you wish me to say without sinning against my honour too grievously. Marie De France