For Argument’s Sake

After 800 years, a playful medieval poem still offers lessons in how not to debate. 

Not so wise: an owl is mobbed by smaller birds, from an English bestiary, 1230-40.

The coming of spring, for medieval poets, usually means the chance of something exciting happening. Once flowers, birdsong and sunshine tempt a poet to roam outdoors, spring may be the time for encounters with fairies, lovers and all kinds of marvellous adventures.

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