Fancy Quote by John Lyly
““Most high and happy princess, we must tell you a tale of the Man in the Moon, which if it seem ridiculous for the method, or superfluous for the matter, or for the means incredible, for three faults we can make but one excuse: it is a tale of the Man in the Moon. It was forbidden in old time to dispute of chimaera, because it was a fiction. We hope in our times none will apply pastimes, because they are fancies; for there liveth none under the sun that knows what to make of the Man in the Moon. We present neither comedy, nor tragedy, nor story, nor anything, but . . . that whosoever heareth may say this: 'Why, here is a tale of the Man in the Moon'.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Gallathea by John Lyly, 1585
A whimsical tale about the Man in the Moon, highlighting the absurdity of over‑analysis and the value of simple storytelling.
In simple terms: Stories can be simple and still meaningful.
Key Takeaway
Embrace simple narratives.
Themes
imagination
folklore
absurdity
storytelling
Mood
playful
thoughtful
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- children’s storytelling
- creative writing
- public speaking
- entertainment
Key Concepts
mythic symbolism
literary playfulness
skepticism
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we complicate simple tales?
- How does simplicity affect imagination?
A Different Perspective
Over‑explaining can strip wonder from myth.
