A Cyclopaedia of Female Biography/Mary of France
MARY OF FRANCE,
Is one of the first of her sex who wrote French verses, and she holds a distinguished rank among the Anglo-Norman poets. Her learning, her enlightened opinions, and the courage she shewed in speaking the truth to ears little accustomed to hear it, place her far in advance of her age. It is to be regretted that the writings of this celebrated woman have thrown no light on her private life, or the name and rank of her family. She was born in France, and probably in Normandy, in 1200. She came to England, where she composed all her works, and died about 1268. Her first productions are lays in French, relating the adventures of valiant knights. There are fourteen of them; she also wrote a hundred and three fables, which shew great penetration into character, deep reflection, and are written in an easy and unaffected style.