It is nought good a slepyng hound to wake

It is nought good a slepyng hound to wake

Geoffrey Chaucer, often referred to as the father of English literature, was a masterful poet and storyteller whose works continue to captivate readers centuries after his death. One of his most famous works, "The Canterbury Tales," is a collection of stories told by a diverse group of pilgrims on their journey to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral. Chaucer's writing is known for its wit, humor, and keen observations of human nature, making him a timeless and influential figure in the world of literature.

One of Chaucer's lesser-known quotes, "It is nought good a slepyng hound to wake," speaks to the idea that sometimes it is best to leave things as they are rather than disrupt the natural order of things. In the context of Chaucer's work, this quote can be interpreted as a warning against meddling in affairs that are best left untouched. Just as it is unwise to disturb a sleeping hound, it is often unwise to interfere in situations that are better left alone.

Chaucer was a keen observer of human behavior, and his works are filled with characters who make foolish decisions and suffer the consequences. In "The Canterbury Tales," for example, the Pardoner is a deceitful and greedy character who ultimately meets a tragic end due to his own actions. Chaucer uses these characters to illustrate the consequences of meddling in affairs that are best left untouched, reinforcing the idea that it is often best to let sleeping dogs lie.