13 Medieval Love Quotes (2024)

I came across some of these medieval love quotes

when I was doing research for my forthcoming novel Her Knight at the Museum, which references both medieval songs and the story of Sir Gawain and Dame Ragnelle. I always love romantic quotes, and I figured that Valentine’s Day week was a great time to share them! I should say, though, that not all of them are specific to romantic love. These are translations into modern English.

1

Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing higher, nothing stronger, nothing larger, nothing more joyful, nothing fuller, and nothing better in heaven or on earth. — Thomas à Kempis

2

We become what we love, and who we love shapes what we become. — Clare of Assisi

3

What is better than wisdom? Woman. And what is better than a good woman? Nothing. — Geoffrey Chaucer

4

Love is no destruction, but rather instruction, nourishment and sustenance for those who trust in it, for Love is repletion and the abyss and the fullness of the sea. — Marguerite Porete

5

Though I be long out of your sight, I am your man both day and night. — anonymous poet

6

Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of its trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse for impossibility, for it thinks all things are lawful for itself and all things are possible. — Thomas à Kempis

7

In merriment I suddenly despair,

burning in fire I am made new again in joy

because of you, whom I long to return to, gentlest one. — Giacomo Da Lentino

8

The very purpose of a knight is to fight on behalf of a lady. — Thomas Malory

9

The very purpose of a knight is to fight on behalf of a lady. — Thomas Malory

10

Love will not be constrained by mastery… Love is a thing as free as any spirit; women naturally desire liberty, and not to be constrained like slaves; and so do men, if I shall tell the truth. — Geoffrey Chaucer

11

For I love you so much, truly,

that one could sooner dry up

the deep sea

and hold back its waves

than I could constrain myself

from loving you. — Guillaume de Machaut

12

We were two and had but one heart between us. — François Villon

13

Whatever you wish, I put it in your hand. My body and goods, heart and every part of me is all your own to buy and sell, I vow before God. — Anonymous (this is from the story about Sir Gawain that my hero, Griffin, tells my heroine, Emily, in my book!)