That Emelye, that fairer was to sene
Than is the lylie upon his stalke grene,
And fressher than the May with floures newe –
For with the rose colour stroof hire hewe.
– Geoffrey Chaucer
The Canterbury Tales, The Knight’s Tale. Emily is portrayed here as delicate and fragile creature, being compared to a gentle lily or the fresh flowers of May or the rose. Throughout most of the Knight’s Tale, Emily is really no more than an object of beauty and desire.