For he owre englishe gilte with his sawes, Rude and boistous firste be olde dawes, That was ful fer from al perfeccioun And but of litel reputacioun Til that he cam, and thorugh his poetrie, Gan oure tonge firste to magnifie And adourne it with his eloquence: To whom honour, laude and reuerence.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Chaucer elevated English poetry from rude beginnings to a respected language through his eloquence.
- In plain terms
- Chaucer made English poetry great.
- What can you take from it?
- Great writers can elevate a language.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who shaped your language?
- How does art elevate culture?
Another view
Other writers also contributed to English.
More from John Lydgate
For love is mor than gold or gret richesse; Gold faileth ofte; love wol abyde.
Permalink to quote #5 Odyous of olde been comparisonis.
Permalink to quote #7 Woord is but wynd; leff woord and tak the dede.
Permalink to quote #4
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