Quotes from Gargantua and Pantagruel
14 notable lines from François Rabelais · 1532
Do what you will.
Quotations follow the M.A. Screech translation (Penguin Classics, 2006) — our recommended edition.
In all their rule and strictest tie of their order there was but this one clause to be observed, Do what thou wilt.
The rule of the Abbey of Theleme, Gargantua (Book I), ch. 57 · trans. Urquhart Science without conscience is but the ruin of the soul.
François Rabelais, Gargantua and Pantagruel Wisdom entereth not into a malicious mind, and that knowledge without conscience is but the ruin of the soul.
Gargantua's letter to Pantagruel, Pantagruel (Book II), ch. 8 · trans. Urquhart Appetite comes with eating, says Angeston; but the thirst goes away with drinking.
The Discourse of the Drinkers, Gargantua (Book I), ch. 5 · trans. Urquhart The one half of the world knoweth not how the other half liveth.
Alcofribas, Pantagruel (Book II), ch. 32 · trans. Urquhart Trinc.
The oracle of the Holy Bottle, The Fifth Book, ch. 44 · trans. Motteux I drink for the thirst to come.
François Rabelais, Gargantua and Pantagruel Trinc is a panomphean word, that is, a word understood, used and celebrated by all nations, and signifies drink.
Bacbuc explaining the Bottle's oracle, The Fifth Book, ch. 45 · trans. Motteux He cried not as other babes use to do, Miez, miez, miez, but with a high, sturdy, and big voice shouted about, Some drink, some drink, some drink, as inviting all the world to drink with him.
Gargantua at his birth, Gargantua (Book I), ch. 6 · trans. Urquhart Most noble and illustrious drinkers, and you thrice precious pockified blades (for to you, and none else, do I dedicate my writings).
The Author's Prologue to the First Book · trans. Urquhart The Lord forbid that I should be out of debt, as if, indeed, I could not be trusted.
Panurge in praise of debtors and borrowers, The Third Book, ch. 3 · trans. Urquhart I never drink but at my own hours, like the Pope's mule.
The Discourse of the Drinkers, Gargantua (Book I), ch. 5 · trans. Urquhart Who leaves not some leaven over night, will hardly have paste the next morning.
Panurge in praise of debtors and borrowers, The Third Book, ch. 3 · trans. Urquhart