Isola

by Allegra Goodman

If you want to be considered wise, behave wisely and chastely. Be humble to all. Be truthful, courteous, and amiable…

Vanity, vanity, taught Madame D’Artois. Everything we treasure has a price. And everything we have will slip away. She told us we were dust and our lives brief as grass. We might understand this if we were truly wise—but I lacked wisdom.

And so, my daughter, devote yourself entirely to acquiring virtue and behave so that your reputation endures and that, in all things, you are truly honest, humble, courteous, and loyal. Understand that if even a small fault or untruth were to be found in you, it would be a great disgrace. (Anne of France, Lessons for My Daughter, V)

“Those who know their faults are truly wise,” the Queen said. “And those who have endured the worst have most to teach. Do not say, then, that your story does not deserve retelling. Tell me, rather, how I might reward you for offering what you have learned.”