For a story which is nat pleynli told, But constreynyd undir woordes fewe For lak off trouthe, wher thei be newe or olde, Men bi report kan nat the mater shewe.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Stories constrained by few words due to lack of truth cannot convey the real matter accurately.
- In plain terms
- Stories without truth cannot tell the real story.
- What can you take from it?
- Accurate storytelling requires truthful detail.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is the story complete?
- What truth is omitted?
Another view
Brevity can sometimes aid clarity.
More from John Lydgate
Trouthe wil out maugre of fals enuye, Rihtwysnesse may nat ben hid certeyn, As for a tyme it may been ovirleyn.
Permalink to quote #9 Off oure language he was the lodesterre.
Permalink to quote #11 Harde to likke hony out of a marbil stoon, For ther is nouthir licour nor moisture.
Permalink to quote #8
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