#arcite

(Source: The Knight's Tale, by Geoffrey Chaucer)

The effects of Lovesickness described in Canterbury Tales.

In the medieval period, "Lovesickness" was treated as a genuine physical and mental illness that arose from an imbalance of bodily humors and the sight of a great beauty. In particular, it was associated with the nobility and it affected men, hence why Geoffrey refers to it as a "Malady of Heroes" in the image above.

It's this medical treatment of Passionate Love/Eros/Amor that informs many of the strange-to-modern-ears actions and habits of literary characters, such as Sir Lancelot, Galehaut and even Uther Pendragon:

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Palamon: *sees Emilia*

Arcite: *sees Emilia*

“Of course I don’t condone such behavior!”

“Yes, I supervise all active matches in the Crucible! It’s my JOB!”

“I am aware of the more recent occurrences; those found doing so will be dealt with accordingly!”

“No, I said that I would be dealing with it! It happened in my Crucible, and it’ll stay that way!”

“UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS YOUR ORDER TO INTERFERE!”

“No, that is not a threat. That is a promise! If I find any of your Order getting involved except participating in regular Crucible activity, they will be prohibited from participating, PERIOD!”

“Trust me, I can make sure they never play another Crucible match again! DO WE UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER?!”

“Good. Report to me if you find any more occurrences. Remember: ONLY regular Crucible activity from your people.”

“…”

“More complaints, Lord Shaxx?”