A great fable teller explains how love and folly became inseparable

I won't try to explain the science of love, or interpret the oft-sited understanding that love in temporary insanity separating us from the reality of loneliness and less impassioned emotions.

But thanks to the French relator of fables old and new Jean de la Fontaine, I can at least explain why Love is never seen (at least not by my friends) without the companionship of Folly.

As La Fontaine explains:

Love and Folly are gods, and they often played together.   During one such game, a dispute arose.   Love suggested that a panel of the gods be called, but Folly, being impatient, disagreed.   Instead Folly hit Love in the head so forcefully that Love lost his sight forever.

The gods then did, in fact, meet, to determine what the punishment should be.   They were very upset.  Of course, Venus, who you might recall is Love's mother, was the most vocal and angry about the need for justice because she knew her son would never walk again without a stick.  

And so, it was ruled that Folly must always travel with Love, for ever, and stand by him every step of the way.

When I listen to my friends talk about their relationships, I know who is guiding the blind man...