Marie de France
Marie de France
Marie de Francewas a medieval poet who was probably born in France and lived in England during the late 12th century. She lived and wrote at an unknown court, but she and her work was almost certainly known about at the royal court of King Henry II of England. Virtually nothing is known of her life; both her given name and its geographical specification come from her manuscripts. However, one written description of her work and popularity from her own...
NationalityFrench
ProfessionPoet
CountryFrance
cry great mourning
Great were the lamentation and the cry when the news of this mischance was noised about the city. Such a tumult of mourning was never before heard, for the whole city was moved.
lays
Whosoever counts these Lays as fable, may be assured that I am not of his mind.
ancient art best rehearse tale
Now will I rehearse before you a very ancient Breton Lay. As the tale was told to me, so, in turn, will I tell it over again, to the best of my art and knowledge. Hearken now to my story, its why and its reason.
wheels never-forget fortune
But Fortune, who never forgets her duty, turns her wheel suddenly.