Labé, Louise (c. 1524-c. 1566)

French poet. She was a member of the poets, led by Maurice Scève, who flourished in her native Lyons in the 16th century. Her poetic works, published in 1555, consist of three elegies and 24 love sonnets, inspired by Petrarch, that combine realism and intense feeling.

Born in Lyons, she became the wife of a wealthy rope maker (cordier), acquiring the nickname ‘La Belle Cordière’. She was an accomplished horsewoman and fencer, and as a young woman she is thought to have fought in the army, disguised as a man, and taking the name Captain Loys.

Among her works is the prose discourse on love, Débat de Folie et d'Amour/Dispute on Folly and Love.