Quote by Chaucer

Certes, they been lye to hounds, for an hound when he cometh by the roses, or by other bushes, though he may nat pisse, yet wole he heve up his leg and make a countenance to pisse.

Certes, they been lye to hounds, for an hound when he cometh

Summary

This quote, attributed to Geoffrey Chaucer, means that people often pretend to do something they are unable or unwilling to do. Just as a hound may lift its leg while passing by roses or bushes without actually urinating, individuals may put on a false appearance or make empty gestures that suggest they are engaged in certain behaviors or actions, when in reality they are not. It serves as a metaphor highlighting the tendency of some people to engage in superficial behavior or false pretenses.

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