Brewer's: Trouillogan's Advice

Do and do not; yes and no. When Pantagruel asked the philosopher Trouillogan whether Panurge should marry or not, the philosopher replied “Yes.” “What say you?” asked the prince.

“What you have heard,” answered Trouillogan. “What have I heard,” said Pantagruel. “What I have spoken,” rejoined the sage. “Good,” said the prince; “but tell me plainly, shall Panurge marry or let it alone?”

“Neither,” answered the oracle. “How?” said the prince; “that cannot be.” “Then both,” said Trouillogan.

(Rabelais: Gargantua and Pantagruel, iii. 35.)

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
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