Troilus and Criseyde : Quotations

Quotations

The double sorwe of Troilus to tellen,

That was the king Priamus sone of Troye,

Explanation: The narrator, Geoffrey Chaucer, at the very beginning of Troilus and Criseyde, in Book I. The narrator introduces the story by forecasting the “double sorrow” of Troilus, the son of King Priam of Troy. The “double sorrow” refers to the twofold suffering Troilus will endure: first, his passionate love for Criseyde, and second, the heartbreak and betrayal he experiences when she is sent to the Greek camp and later betrays him.

For bothe a widowe was she, and allone.

Explanation: Pandarus speaks the line in Book II of Troilus and Criseyde. Pandarus says this line while speaking with Troilus after learning about his love for Criseyde. This is part of Pandarus’s strategy to encourage Troilus and begin the process of bringing the two lovers closer.

For sodeynly he hit him at the fulle;

Explanation: The narrator says this line in Book I. It describes how Cupid suddenly struck Troilus. This happens when Troilus falls in love with Criseyde at first sight.

So goodly was, and gat him so in grace,

That ech him lovede that loked on his face.

Explanation: The narrator says this line in Book I. It describes Troilus’s handsome appearance. Everyone who looked at him admired and loved him for his charm.

And eek a broche (and that was litel nede)

That Troilus was, she yaf this Diomedes.

Explanation: The narrator says this line in Book V. It describes Criseyde’s betrayal of Troilus. She gives Troilus’s brooch to Diomedes, marking her unfaithfulness.

O lady myn Criseyde,

Wher is your feyth, and wher is your biheste?

Wher is your love, wher is your trouthe,

Explanation: Troilus says this line in Book V. He is expressing his sorrow and betrayal. He feels heartbroken after Criseyde breaks her promise to him.

So aungellyk was hir natyf beautee,

That lyk a thing immortal semed she,

As doth an hevenish parfit creature,

Explanation: The narrator says this line in Book I. He is describing Criseyde’s beauty. He compares her appearance to an angel or heavenly being, emphasizing her perfection.

… Achilles through the mayle

And through the body gan him for to ryve; 

And thus this worthy knight was brought of lyve.

Explanation: The narrator says this line in Book V. He is describing how Achilles killed Troilus in battle. It shows Troilus’s tragic end at the hands of Achilles.

Allas! what is this wonder maladye?

For hete of cold, for cold of hete, I deye.

Explanation: Troilus says this line in Book I. He expresses his deep emotional confusion and suffering. He speaks these words because of his overwhelming love for Criseyde, which brings him both joy and pain.

How hastow thus unkindely and longe

Hid this fro me, thou fool?

Explanation: Pandarus says this line in Book I. He speaks these words to Troilus. Pandarus is frustrated that Troilus hid his love for Criseyde for so long.

That Love is he that alle thing may binde;

For may no man for-do the lawe of kinde.

Explanation: The narrator says this line in Book I. He expresses this during a reflection on the power of love. It highlights how love controls everything and cannot be escaped.