Peter Anthony Motteux

Peter Anthony Motteux was an English author, playwright, and translator, originally from France. Born on February 25, 1663, he moved to England during his youth. He's best known for his translations of Miguel de Cervantes' 'Don Quixote' and for his works in the genres of comedy and satire. Motteux also delved into business, running an East India Company warehouse. He died under mysterious circumstances on February 18, 1718.

February 25, 1663

February 18, 1718

English, French

A Rondelay

Man is for woman made,
    And woman made for man:
As the spur is for the jade,
As the scabbard for the blade,
    As for liquor is the can,
So man's for woman made,
    And woman made for man.

As the sceptre to be sway'd,
As to night the serenade,
    As for pudding is the pan,
    As to cool us is the fan,
So man's for woman made,
    And woman made for man.

Be she widow, wife, or maid,
Be she wanton, be she staid,
Be she well or ill array'd,
So man's for woman made,
    And woman made for man.

            Peter A. Motteux.

Peter Anthony Motteux