The Canterbury Fails Quatrefoil of Love
Feb 12, 2022
David and Matt delve into the intricacies of a medieval poem, exploring its origins, manuscript history, and unique structure. They concoct a medicinal cocktail inspired by the work and summarize its poignant plot involving a maiden's longing. A fascinating discussion follows on the turtle-dove's sermon recounting biblical tales and the quaternity of faith represented in the poem. The hosts debate its tone—whether it serves as meditation or moral guidance—and contrast it with modern devotional practices. They cap off their insights with ratings for both the poem and cocktail.
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Alliterative Form With A Bob And Wheel
- The poem uses Middle English alliterative verse with a 13-line stanza plus a bob and wheel, blending Old English stress-based form with rhyme.
- This formal hybridity links the Quatrefoil of Love to major 14th-century works while remaining distinct in craft.
Cocktail Match: Path Of The Righteous
- Matt describes finding a cocktail called The Path of the Righteous at The Apothecary to match the poem's medicinal theme.
- David and Matt taste it and note smoky scotch plus herbal Chartreuse that evokes the poem's medicinal conceit.
Voyeur Frame Leads To Sermon
- The poem frames a common medieval genre: a voyeur overhearing a weeping woman who seeks her true love in a garden.
- Instead of erotic reward, the narrative delivers a doctrinal sermon via a talking dove.