He who would tell divers tales must know how to vary the tune.

The dead and past stories that I have told again in divers fashions, are not set down without authority.

There are divers men who make a great show of loyalty, and pretend to such discretion in the hidden things they hear, that at the end folk come to put faith in them.

He who wishes to be obeyed must know how to command.

Now will I rehearse before you a very ancient Breton Lay. As the tale was told to me, so, in turn, will I tell it over again, to the best of my art and knowledge. Hearken now to my story, its why and its reason.

If one of two lovers is loyal, and the other jealous and false, how may their friendship last, for Love is slain!