Meaning: This quote comes from the poem "The House of Sleep" by Joachim du Bellay, a French poet of the Renaissance period. In this particular line, Bellay reflects on the role of butlers, suggesting that they should maintain a sense of propriety and not overstep their bounds by attempting to emulate the traditional role of the "Old Retainer" constantly.

The context of this quote suggests a commentary on social hierarchy and the appropriate behavior within different roles. The term "Old Retainer" refers to a long-serving and loyal servant, typically associated with a noble or wealthy household. By emphasizing that butlers should "know their place" and not constantly embody the persona of the "Old Retainer," Bellay implies that there should be a clear distinction between the roles and behaviors of different servants within a household.

This distinction reflects the social dynamics of the time, where there was a clear hierarchy within households, and each servant had a specific role and set of responsibilities. The butler, often considered the head of the servant staff, would have had a different set of duties and expectations compared to other household staff members. Bellay's line suggests a desire for butlers to maintain a sense of decorum and professionalism, rather than blurring the lines between their role and that of other household servants.

Furthermore, the mention of "playing The Old Retainer night and day" can be interpreted as a warning against butlers becoming too familiar or overly involved in the personal affairs of the household. This could be seen as an admonition to maintain a professional distance and not overstep boundaries, particularly in interactions with the family members or other staff.

Bellay's commentary on the role of butlers can also be viewed within the broader context of the Renaissance period, where there was a growing emphasis on social order, etiquette, and the distinctions between different classes and roles within society. The idea of "knowing one's place" would have been a prevalent concept during this time, with individuals expected to adhere to the social norms and expectations associated with their station in life.

In a more contemporary context, this quote could be interpreted as a reflection on the importance of maintaining professionalism and boundaries within the workplace. The idea of "knowing one's place" could be seen as a reminder to individuals to understand and respect their role within a professional setting, avoiding the temptation to overstep boundaries or take on responsibilities that are not within their purview.

Overall, Joachim du Bellay's quote from "The House of Sleep" offers a thought-provoking reflection on the role of butlers and the importance of maintaining a sense of decorum and professionalism within the context of social hierarchy and interpersonal boundaries. It serves as a reminder of the significance of understanding and respecting one's role and responsibilities in both historical and contemporary contexts.