“ For how shall I be able, said he, to rule over others, that have not full power and command of myself? ”
François Rabelais, Gargantua and Pantagruel (1534). copy citation
| Author | François Rabelais |
|---|---|
| Source | Gargantua and Pantagruel |
| Topic | power commandment ruling |
| Date | 1534 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Translated by Sir Thomas Urquhart of Cromarty and Peter Antony Motteux |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1200/1200-h/1200-h.htm |
Context
“He would have given him the Abbey of Bourgueil, or of Sanct Florent, which was better, or both, if it pleased him; but the monk gave him a very peremptory answer, that he would never take upon him the charge nor government of monks. For how shall I be able, said he, to rule over others, that have not full power and command of myself? If you think I have done you, or may hereafter do any acceptable service, give me leave to found an abbey after my own mind and fancy. The motion pleased Gargantua very well, who thereupon offered him all the country of Theleme by the river of Loire till within two leagues of the great forest of Port-Huaulx.”
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Meaning and analysis
