The Bowge of Courte
"The Bowge of Courte" is a medieval poem attributed to John Lydgate, a 15th-century English monk and poet. The work is a satirical commentary on the courtly life of the time, exploring themes of ambition, flattery, and the complexities of social hierarchy. It uses allegory to depict the struggles and moral dilemmas faced by individuals seeking favor in the royal court.
The poem is structured as a dream vision, where the narrator encounters various characters representing different virtues and vices. Through these interactions, Lydgate critiques the corruption and superficiality often found in courtly society, highlighting the challenges of maintaining integrity amidst the pursuit of power and status.