A Poem about Books, Daisies, and the Month of May: Feat. Chaucer

Geoffrey Chaucer is often called the "Father of English literature," and his work still speaks to readers today. His poems, written in Middle English, give us a window into the past, sharing thoughts, emotions, and life from centuries ago. One such poem is "And as for me, though that I konne but lyte," an excerpt from "The Legend of Good Women."

This blog is to explain each line of this beautiful poem 

Chaucer’s language can be tricky at first, but once you understand it, his words shine. This poem shows Chaucer’s love for both books and nature, especially the daisy flower. Here’s a breakdown of the poem, line by line.

Text and Explanation 

And as for me, though that I konne but lyte, On bokes for to rede I me delyte, 

"And as for me, although I know but little, I take great delight in reading books." The speaker humbly admits that they have only a little knowledge, but they take great pleasure in reading.

And to hem give I feyth and ful credence, And in myn herte have hem in reverence

"And I give them (the books) faith and full credence, and hold them in reverence in my heart." The speaker deeply trusts and respects the books they read, holding them in high regard.

So hertely, that ther is game noon That fro my bokes maketh me to goon, But yt be seldom on the holy day,

"So heartily, that there is no game or activity that can take me away from my books, except perhaps on rare holy days." The speaker loves reading so much that nothing can pull them away from their books, except on special occasions.

Save, certeynly, whan that the monethe of May Is comen, and that I here the foules synge, And that the floures gynnen for to sprynge,--

"Except, certainly, when the month of May comes, and I hear the birds sing, and the flowers begin to bloom—" The only time the speaker is drawn away from books is in May, when nature comes alive with singing birds and blooming flowers.

Fairewel my boke, and my devocioun! Now have I thanne suche a condicioun,

"Farewell my book and my devotion to it! Now I find myself in such a condition," When May arrives, the speaker temporarily sets aside their books and devotion to them.

That of alle the floures in the mede, Thanne love I most thise floures white and rede,

"That of all the flowers in the meadow, I love the white and red flowers the most," The speaker reveals their love for flowers, particularly the white and red ones.

Suche as men callen daysyes in her toune. To hem have I so grete affeccioun,

"Such as people call daisies in their town. I have such great affection for them," The specific flowers the speaker loves are daisies, and they have a deep affection for them.

As I seyde erst, whanne comen is the May, That in my bed ther daweth me no day,

"As I said before, when May comes, no day dawns for me in bed," The speaker cannot stay in bed once May arrives, due to their excitement to see the daisies.

That I nam uppe and walkyng in the mede, To seen this floure agein the sonne sprede,

"That I am not up and walking in the meadow, to see this flower spread against the sun," The speaker eagerly rises early to see the daisies in the meadow, spreading in the sunlight.

Whan it up rysith erly by the morwe; That blisful sight softneth al my sorwe;

"When it rises early in the morning; that blissful sight softens all my sorrow;" Seeing the daisies early in the morning brings the speaker great joy and eases their sorrows.

So glad am I, whan that I have presence Of it, to doon it alle reverence,

"So glad am I, when I am in its presence, to give it all reverence," The speaker feels immense joy and reverence when they are in the presence of the daisy.

As she that is of alle floures flour, Fulfilled of al vertue and honour,

"As she who is the flower of all flowers, filled with all virtue and honor," The speaker personifies the daisy as the queen of all flowers, embodying virtue and honor.

And evere ilike faire, and fresshe of hewe. And I love it, and evere ylike newe,

"And ever equally fair, and fresh in hue. And I love it, and it is always like new," The daisy is consistently beautiful and fresh, and the speaker’s love for it is always renewed.

And ever shal, til that myn herte dye; Al swere I nat--of this I wol nat lye--

"And ever shall be, until my heart dies; I swear I will not lie about this—" The speaker vows to love the daisy until they die, emphasizing their sincerity.

Ther lovede no wight hotter in his lyve. And, whan that hit ys eve, I renne blyve,

"There was no one who ever loved more passionately in his life. And, when it is evening, I run quickly," The speaker claims their love for the daisy is unparalleled and eagerly rushes to see it in the evening.

As sone as evere the sonne gynneth weste, To seen this flour, how it wol go to reste,

"As soon as the sun begins to set, to see this flower, how it will go to rest," The speaker watches the daisy as the sun sets, observing how it closes up for the night.

For fere of nyght, so hateth she derkenesse! Hire chere is pleynly sprad in the brightnesse

"For fear of night, for she so hates darkness! Her cheer is fully spread in the brightness" The daisy is depicted as fearing the night and loving the brightness of the day.

Of the sonne, for ther yt wol unclose. Allas, that I ne had Englyssh, ryme or prose,

"Of the sun, for there it will unclose. Alas, that I do not have sufficient English, rhyme or prose," The speaker laments that they do not have the proper English words, either in rhyme or prose, to fully praise the daisy.

Suffisant this flour to preyse aryght!

"Sufficient to praise this flower rightly!" The speaker wishes they had the right words to give the daisy the praise it deserves.

The Heart of Chaucer’s Words

This poem beautifully shows how Chaucer balances his love for reading with his appreciation for nature. The daisy, in particular, symbolizes purity and renewal. Chaucer’s words remind us that while books are important, there’s also great value in connecting with the natural world around us.

Though written long ago, the feelings Chaucer expresses are still relatable. They remind us to find joy in simple things, like a flower blooming in the morning sun.

This poem is a great example of why Chaucer’s work remains beloved by readers across generations.