The dreamer

The dreamer serves as the narrator of the poem. Initially pondering on the nature of love, he succumbs to sleep and dreams of being guided to the Garden of Love, where a grand assembly of birds is taking place. Upon entering this lush park, he is greeted by the sight of verdant trees and a myriad of chirping birds. It is springtime, with trees in full foliage and flowers in bloom. Within this vibrant scene, a temple of brass shelters various gods and goddesses in repose.

Nature

Nature, an elegant and articulate goddess, presides over the bird parliament from her seat on a hill adorned with flowers. She embodies the principles of natural law, such as mating and procreation, standing in contrast to Venus, who epitomizes passion for its own sake.

Three tercel eagles

The three tercel eagles are suitors engaged in a contest to win the affection of a tercelet. The royal eagle claims his suitability as a mate, asserting that his love surpasses that of any rival. The second tercel argues that his longer-lasting affection makes him the rightful choice. Meanwhile, the third tercel vows lifelong love for the tercelet, claiming his commitment warrants the prize. The royal eagle is believed to be a representation of King Richard II of England, while the other two symbolize Frederick Meissen and Prince Charles of France, competing for Anne of Bohemia's hand.

An eagle tercelet

The eagle tercelet is the coveted prize of the tercels' competition. Though delicate in appearance and perched on Nature’s shoulder, she is intelligent and prudent. Faced with a difficult choice, she wisely requests a year from Nature to deliberate upon the suitors’ claims, thereby avoiding a hasty and potentially regrettable decision.

Falcon

The falcon speaks on behalf of the “noble” birds, articulating the traditional aristocratic views regarding the selection of a mate.

Turtledove

As a representative of the country gentry, the turtledove symbolizes peace, charity, and enduring love. She professes that a man ought to remain devoted to his lady for life, even in the event of her death or their estrangement. In doing so, she upholds a key tenet of courtly love.

Duck

The duck, characterized as either a coarse commoner or a progressive aristocrat, challenges the turtledove's idealistic claims. By questioning the practicality of the courtly love "mandate," he incites the disapproval of the "noble" birds.

Goose

The goose represents the voice of the waterfowl, which may symbolize the merchant class or the lowest commoners. She speaks candidly, suggesting the groundbreaking notion that a man should only love a woman who reciprocates his feelings. This perspective may echo the poet Geoffrey Chaucer's own views, reputed for his ability to empathize with both masculine and feminine perspectives. Through the goose, he may be advocating for the importance of mutual affection in romantic relationships, emphasizing that a successful partnership requires genuine emotional reciprocity from both parties.