In Spain, during the Middle Ages, courts of Love were established. These
courts were composed of ladies summoned to meet together, for the
purpose of discussing, in the most formal and serious manner, "beautiful
and subtle questions of love." They decided the precise amount of
inconstancy which a lady might forgive, without lowering her own
dignity, provided her lover made certain supplications, and performed
certain penances; they took it into solemn consideration whether a lover
was justified, under any circumstances, in expressing the slightest
doubt of his lady's fidelity; they laid down definite rules, and
ceremonials of behavior, to be observed by those who wished to be
beloved; and gravely discussed the question whether sentiment, or sight,
the heart, or the eyes, contributed most powerfully to inspire
affection.