"Lo, swich hit is to have a tongue loose!
. . .
Hit lyeth not in his wit nor in his wille
But sooth is sayd, 'A fol can noght be stille.'"

In "The Parliament of Fowls," Chaucer wittily explores the complexities of love and social order through the voices of birds. The sparrow hawk's retort highlights the folly of speaking without thinking, suggesting that a fool's inability to remain silent is not rooted in intelligence or desire, but rather an impulsive nature. This critique is nestled within the broader allegory of society's hierarchical structure, where different birds represent varying social classes and perspectives. The sparrow hawk's comment underscores the tension between wisdom and folly—how often senseless chatter can disrupt the natural order. The phrase "a fol can noght be stille" underscores the timeless truth that impulsive speech is often a hallmark of foolishness. By embedding this observation in a conversation among birds, Chaucer cleverly comments on human nature and the social dynamics of his time, blending humor with keen societal insight.