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Babe Quote by Geoffrey Chaucer

“There was the murdered corpse, in covert laid, And violent death in thousand shapes displayed; The city to the soldier's rage resigned; Successless wars, and poverty behind; Ships burnt in fight, or forced on rocky shores, And the rash hunter strangled by the boars; The newborn babe by nurses…” quote by Geoffrey Chaucer
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“There was the murdered corpse, in covert laid, And violent death in thousand shapes displayed; The city to the soldier's rage resigned; Successless wars, and poverty behind; Ships burnt in fight, or forced on rocky shores, And the rash hunter strangled by the boars; The newborn babe by nurses overlaid; And the cook caught within the raging fire he made.”

Geoffrey Chaucer

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Canterbury Tales, The Miller's Tale, 14th century

A vivid tableau of human suffering and chaos across various roles and settings.

In simple terms: Human life is full of tragedy and misfortune.

Key Takeaway

Recognize life's fragility and act with compassion.

Themes

suffering war humanity

Mood

somber reflective

Type

literary poetic

When to use this quote

  • battlefields
  • ships
  • hunting
  • childbirth
  • kitchen

Key Concepts

mortality chaos fate

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do we find hope amid widespread tragedy?
  • What role does compassion play in such scenes?
A Different Perspective

Even in chaos, individuals can find meaning or resilience.

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