--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Why did you come? Oh, I know what you are…" description: "\"“Why did you come? Oh, I know what you are going to say. You felt that, cost what it might, you had to see me again, just once. You could not resist th..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df5/wodehouse-39942_humor_why-did-you-come-oh-i-know-what-you-are_2135241.jpg" --- # Why did you come? Oh, I know what you are going to say… ![“Why did you come? Oh, I know what you are going to say. You felt that, cost what it might, you had to see me again, just once. You could not resist the urge to take away with you one last memory, which you could cherish down the lonely years. Oh, Bertie, you remind me of Rudel.” The name was new…” quote by Wodehouse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df5/wodehouse-39942_humor_why-did-you-come-oh-i-know-what-you-are_2135241.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df5/wodehouse-39942_humor_why-did-you-come-oh-i-know-what-you-are_2135241.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/df5/wodehouse-39942_humor_why-did-you-come-oh-i-know-what-you-are_2135241.jpg) > ““Why did you come? Oh, I know what you are going to say. You felt that, cost what it might, you had to see me again, just once. You could not resist the urge to take away with you one last memory, which you could cherish down the lonely years. Oh, Bertie, you remind me of Rudel.” The name was new to me. “Rudel?” “The Seigneur Geoffrey Rudel, Prince of Blay-en-Saintonge.” I shook my head. “Never met him, I’m afraid. Pal of yours?” “He lived in the Middle ages. He was a great poet. And he fell in love with the wife of the Lord of Tripoli.” I stirred uneasily. I hoped she was going to keep it clean. “For years he loved her, and at last could resist no longer. He took ship to Tripoli, and his servants carried him ashore.” “Not feeling so good?” I said, groping. “Rough crossing?” “He was dying. Of love.” “Oh, ah.” “They bore him into the Lady Melisande’s presence on a litter, and he had just strength enough to reach out and touch her hand. Then he died.” She paused, and heaved a sigh that seemed to come straight up from the cami-knickers. A silence ensued. “Terrific”, I said, feeling that I had to say something, though personally I didn’t think the story a patch on the one about the travelling salesman and the farmer’s daughter. Different, of course, if one had known the chap.”” [Wodehouse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/wodehouse/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A character recounts a tragic medieval love story to illustrate the timeless power of love and memory, contrasting it with mundane concerns. **In simple terms:** A love story is told to show love’s lasting impact. Key Takeaway Recognize how stories shape our view of love. Themes love memory storytelling history contrast Mood reflective melancholic thoughtful Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - reading literature - discussing love - reflecting on history - comparing past and present - analyzing character motives Key Concepts medieval romance tragic love narrative contrast Questions to Reflect On - How does this story affect your view of love? - What lessons can we draw from tragic romances? 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Oh, Bertie, you remind me of Rudel.” The name was new to me. “Rudel?” “The Seigneur Geoffrey Rudel, Prince of Blay-en-Saintonge.” I shook my head. “Never met him, I’m afraid. Pal of yours?” “He lived in the Middle ages. He was a great poet. And he fell in love with the wife of the Lord of Tripoli.” I stirred uneasily. I hoped she was going to keep it clean. “For years he loved her, and at last could resist no longer. He took ship to Tripoli, and his servants carried him ashore.” “Not feeling so good?” I said, groping. “Rough crossing?” “He was dying. Of love.” “Oh, ah.” “They bore him into the Lady Melisande’s presence on a litter, and he had just strength enough to reach out and touch her hand. Then he died.” She paused, and heaved a sigh that seemed to come straight up from the cami-knickers. A silence ensued. “Terrific”, I said, feeling that I had to say something, though personally I didn’t think the story a patch on the one about the travelling salesman and the farmer’s daughter. 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