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Ye sey right sooth; this Monk he clappeth lowde. He spak…

“Ye sey right sooth; this Monk he clappeth lowde. He spak how Fortune covered with a clowde I noot nevere what; and als of a tragedie Right now ye herde, and pardee, no remedie It is for to biwaille ne compleyne That that is doon, and als it is a peyne, As ye han seyd, to heere of hevynesse. Sire…” quote by Geoffrey Chaucer
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““Ye sey right sooth; this Monk he clappeth lowde. He spak how Fortune covered with a clowde I noot nevere what; and als of a tragedie Right now ye herde, and pardee, no remedie It is for to biwaille ne compleyne That that is doon, and als it is a peyne, As ye han seyd, to heere of hevynesse. Sire Monk, namoore of this, so God yow blesse! Youre tale anoyeth al this compaignye. Swich talkyng is nat worth a boterflye,””

Geoffrey Chaucer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The monk laments fate and tragedy, pleading for divine blessing while criticizing empty talk.

In simple terms: Monk complains about fate and empty talk.

Key Takeaway

Seek meaningful action over idle words.

Themes

faith fate criticism

Mood

reflective scholarly

Type

literary historical

When to use this quote

  • religious devotion
  • public speaking
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

theology medieval literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does this medieval lament relate to today’s concerns?
  • What “empty talk” do you encounter?
A Different Perspective

Religious language may be obscure to modern readers.

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