Marie de France Quotes & Sayings

“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.”

“If one of two lovers is loyal, and the other jealous and false, how may their friendship last, for Love is slain!”

“The fool shouts loudly, thinking to impress the world.”

“Be sure that you speak with unfeigned lips.”

“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.”

“But sweetly and discreetly love passes from person to person, from heart to heart, or it is nothing worth.”

“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.”

“I love no woman, for love is a serious business, not a jest.”

“Whosoever counts these Lays as fable, may be assured that I am not of his mind.”

“He who would tell divers tales must know how to vary the tune.”