I’m late, I’m late…for a very important meme. But despite my lateness, I will be participating (briefly) in this week’s “Week in Words”.
On love, madness, and minstrelsy
“‘Because that’s the only reason a lad like you would be stupid enough to cross the border into Faerie. The only ones who ever come here from your lands are the minstrels, and the lovers, and the mad. And you don’t look like much of a minstrel, and you’re–pardon me saying so, lad, but it’s true–ordinary as cheese-crumbs. So it’s love, if you ask me.’
‘Because,’ announced Tristran, ‘every lover is in his heart a madman, and in his head a minstrel.'”
~Neil Gaiman’s Stardust
Tristran is not usually the wisest of fellows–but this statement strikes true with me. For love (or infatuation, as it was in Tristran’s case) can certainly incite mad desires, wild longings, and foolish fantasies–and can send the lover into passionate songs of alternating rapture and despair.
Collect more quotes from throughout the week with Barbara H’s meme “The Week in Words”.
Ha! I am mad and in love but my hubby is the minstrel! (been married 33 years)
Hmm — my first comment doesn’t seem to have posted — forgive me if this comes through twice.
That quote sounds a little like a modern version of Shakespeare. :-) I had not heard of that book before. There is a kind of madness to infatuation.