For we know the deeds of the ancients by the writings that we have, and we should give them thanks and praise for what they have left. — Line 9669 (ed. Méon), tr. Dahlberg (1995) — Compare: — Than mote we to bokes that we finde, Through which that olde thinges been in minde. And to the doctrine of these olde wyse, Yeve credence, in every skilful wyse, That tellen of these olde appreved stories, Of holinesse, or regnes, of victories, Of love, of hate, of other sundry thinges, Of whiche I may not https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Roman_de_la_Rose