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STORY OF APOLLON1US OF TYRE.

mortue in qua-<iam cista, plumbo et ferroobtiis-
una cum qua-darn littera sub ems capita scripta recludi et in mare proici fecit.
Copia httere Appollmi capm uxoris uc supposite.

With pilous hert and thus to say: It is all reson that ye pray. I am, quod he, but one alone. So wolde I nought for my persone, There felle such adversite. But whan it may no better be, Doth thanne thus upon my worde, Let make a coffre stronge of borde, That it be firm with led and piche. Anone was made a coffre suche All redy brought unto his honde. And whan he sighe and redy fonde This coffre made and well englued, The dede body was besewed In cloth of gold and laid therinne. And for he wolde unto her winne Upon some coste a sepulture, Under her heved in adventure Of gold he laide sommes great And of juels a strong beyete Forth with a letter, and said thus:
I, king of Tire, Appollinus Doth alle maner men for to wite, That here and se this letter write, That helpeles withoute rede Here lith a kinges doughter dede, And who that hapneth her to finde For charite take in his minde And do so, that she be begrave With this tresor, which he shal have.
Thus whan the letter was full spoke, They have anone the coffre stoke And bounden it with iron faste, That it may with the wawes laste, And stoppen it by such a wey, That it shall be withinne drey, So that no water might it greve.