What is a lond wher men ben none? What ben the men whiche are alone Withoute a kinges governance? What is a king in his ligance, Wher that ther is no lawe in londe? What is to take lawe on honde, Bot if the jugges weren trewe?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A land needs people, a king needs law, and judges must be truthful for governance to work.
- In plain terms
- Governance fails without people, law, or honest judges.
- What can you take from it?
- Justice requires honest judges and consistent laws.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What happens when judges are corrupt?
- Can law exist without enforcement?
Another view
It assumes judges are the only gatekeepers of justice.
More from John Gower
Nevere yit Was non, which half so loste his wit Of drinke, as thei of such thing do Which cleped is the jolif wo.
Permalink to quote #9 The beaute faye upon her face Non erthly thing it may desface.
Permalink to quote #8 O fol of alle foles, Thou farst as he betwen tuo stoles That wolde sitte and goth to grounde.
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