  We're studying King Arthur in English, and try as I might, I seem to be fascinated with the culture of his times. There were sets of rules written for everything, clearly defined social moves for any situation. My favorites are those rules of 'courtly love'. From what I gather, Courtly Love was a big deal amongst the horny noblemen and women of the 6th century. Men were to follow certain formalities in order to maintain in the good graces of their lovers. Oh, how I (perhaps patheticly) admire the beauty of these wonderfully politically-incorrect generalizations! "Being obedient in all things to the command of ladies, thou shalt ever strive to ally thyself to the service of Love. " "Thou shalt keep thyself chaste for the sake of her whom thou lovest. " The strangest, and loveliest ones: "Every lover regularly turns pale in the presence of his beloved. " "When a lover suddenly catches sight of his beloved his heart palpitates. " "A man in love is always apprehensive. " "He whom the thought of love vexes eats and sleeps very little. " Yet some are very true. Indeed, here is my favorite: "When made public love rarely endures. " Affectionately... Anna 
