Quote#Science & Reason
O maister deere and Fadir reverent
Quote byThomas Hoccleve · 1369–1426
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Regement of Princes (c. 1412), O master dear and reverend father, my master Chaucer, flower of eloquence, mirror of fruitful wisdom, O universal father of knowledge! Alas, that on thy mortal bed thou mightest not bequeath thine excellent prudence! What aileth Death? Alas, why would he slay thee?.
English (original)
O maister deere and Fadir reverent, Mi maister Chaucer, flour of eloquence, Mirour of fructuous entendement, O, universel fadir in science! Allas! þat þou thyn excellent prudence In þi bed mortel mightist naght by-qwethe; What eiled deth? allas! whi wolde he sle the?
— Thomas Hoccleve
More from Thomas Hoccleve
Many a servant un-to his lord seith, "Þat al the world spekith of him honour," Whan the contrarie of þat is sooth, in feith.
And fadir Chaucer fayn wolde han me taght; But I was dul and lernèd lite or naght. Allas! my worthi maister honorable, This landës verray tresor and richesse.
For the more paart, youthe is rebel, Un-to reson & hatith her doctryne.
O yowthe allas why wilt thow nat enclyne, And un-to reuled reform bowe thee? Syn resoun is the verray streighte lyne Þat ledith folk un-to felicitee.
If that thise men that lovers hem pretende, To women weren feythfull good and trewe, And dreden hem to deceyven or offende, Women, to love hem, wolde nat eschewe; But every day hath man an herte newe: Yt, upon oon, abide can no while.
Who was hiër in philosophie To Aristotle, in our tonge, but thow?