^

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I

CLARIODUS;

METRICAL ROMANCE :

PRINTED FROM A MANUSCRIPT OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY.

EDINBURGH:

M.DCCC.XXX.

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2007 with funding from

IVIicrosoft Corporation

http://www.archive.org/details/clariodusmetricaOOedinuoft

PRESENTED

TO THE MEMBERS OF

THE MAITLAND CLUB

BY

EDWARD PIPER.

THE MAITLAND CLUR

JULY M.DCCC.XXX.

^ THE EARL OF GLASGOW,

[PRESIDENT.]

ROBERT ADAM, ESQ.

ROBERT AIRD, ESQ.

JOHN BAIN, ESQ. [TREASURER.] 5 JOSEPH BAIN, ESQ.

ROBERT BELL, ESQ.

THE MARQUIS OF BUTE.

LORD JOHN CAMPBELL.

JOHN D. CARRICK, ESQ. 10 HENRY COCKBURN, ESQ.

JAMES DENNI8T0UN, ESQ.

JOHN DILLON, ESQ.

JAMES DOBIE, ESQ.

RICHARD DUNCAN, ESQ. 15 JAMES EWING, ESQ. [VICE-PRESIDENT.]

THE MAITLAND CLUB.

KIRKMAN FINLAY, ESQ. JOHN FULLARTON, ESQ. JAMES HILL, ESQ. LAURENCE HILL, ESQ. 20 JOHN KERR, ESQ. R. A. KIDSTON, ESQ. G. R. KINLOCH, ESQ. DAVID LAING, ESQ. JOHN GIBSON LOCKHART, ESQ. 25 ALEXANDER MACDONALD, ESQ. WILLIAM MACDOWALL, ESQ. ANDREW MACGEORGE, ESQ. DONALD MACINTYRE, ESQ. JOHN W. MACKENZIE, ESQ. 30 ALEXANDER MACNEILL, ESQ. JAMES MAIDMENT, ESQ. JAMES H. MAXWELL, ESQ. WILLIAM MEIKLEHAM, ESQ. WILLIAM H. MILLER, ESQ. 35 WILLIAM MOTHERWELL, ESQ. EDWARD PIPER, ESQ. ROBERT PITCAIRN, ESQ. J. C. PORTERFIELD, ESQ. HAMILTON PYPER, ESQ. 40 PHILIP A. RAMSAY, ESQ. WILLIAM ROBERTSON, ESQ.

THE MAITLAND CLUB.

SIR WALTER SCOTT, BARONET.

JAMES SMITH, ESQ.

JOHN SMITH, ESQ. 45 JOHN SMITH, ESQ.

WILLIAM SMITH, ESQ.

GEORGE SMYTHE, ESQ.

JOHN STRANG, ESQ.

SIR PATRICK WALKER, KNIGHT. 30 JOHN WYLIE, ESQ. [SECRETARY.]

PREFACE.

The romances of chivalry, either in verse or prose, constituted so large a portion of the literature of the middle ages, that, after innumer- able revolutions in taste and fashion, they must still be regarded as ob- jects of a liberal and well-directed curiosity. Of the literary recreations of our ancestors, they supply various and ample specimens ; and they abound with illustrations of the manners, customs, and habits of think- ing, which prevailed during the respective periods to which they be- long. The early poets of romance confounded the manners of every preceding age with those of their own ; Hector of Troy they represent in all respects as such a knight as Amadis of Gaul ; and their want of skill in history and chronology thus becomes conducive to their fidelity in delineating the costumes and usages of their own times. *

In the ancient dialect of this part of the island, there were many metrical romances which the negligence of our ancestors has suffered

• See a Memoire ooncernant la Lecture des Anciens Romans de Chevalerie, in M. de la CurnedeSte. Palaye'a BUmoires sur rAncienne Clievalerie, torn. it. p. 107. edit. Paris, 1781, 3 torn. limo.

u PREFACE.

to perish, and some curious specimens have fortunately been rescued from the common wreck. Several of these are generally known to the readers of Scotish poetry, and a few others are speedily to be recom- mended to the attention of those who love and preserve antiquities. The romance of Alexander, of which only a single copy, and that in some degree mutilated, is ascertained to exist, is now reprinting for the members of the Bannatyne Club ; and the romance of Clariodus, which is likewise of great extent, is at length presented to the members of the Maitland Club. It is printed from a folio manuscript which be- longed to the late Lord Hailes, and which after his death was transferred to the Advocates Library. Nor is this manuscript without some muti- lations ; it commences with the eighth folio, and appears to want one or two pages at the conclusion. It seems to have been written about the year 1550, or somewhat later ; but the composition is evidently of a much earlier date than the transcript, and may at least be referred to the close of the preceding century. The author's phraseology is more antiquated than that of Sir David Lindsay, and makes a nearer approach to the phraseology of Henry the Minstrel. Of a poet who has thus furnished us with so extensive a specimen of the Scotish language and versification, we can scarcely hope to retrieve the name : it was not to be expected in a manuscript curtailed of its title and colophon ; nor am I aware that the author of the romance is mentioned in any existing record of our literary history. To the work itself we find an apparent allusion in Stewart's abridgement of the Orlando Furioso ; which so far preserves the character of an original production, that the writer has

PREFACE. ill

not rigidly confined himself to the text of Ariosto, but has occasionally introduced new thoughts or illustrations.

And Medor lyk the knycht Clariudns gois, Qiihan ho did meik Meliades conwoy From fontan quhair thay haid conweind rith joy. **

Clariodus, like many of the English romances, is derived from a French original. Mr Tyrwhitt is " inclined to believe that we have no English romance, prior to the age of Chaucer, which is not a translation or imitation of some earlier French romance ;" " but this opinion has not been adopted by other writers equally conversant with poetical antiqui- ties. The romance of Horn Child, or, as it is otherwise called, the Geste of Kyng Horn, is regarded by Bishop Percy as of genuine En- glish origin ; and he infers its antiquity from the circumstance of its abounding with Anglo-Saxon idioms. It is manifestly the production of a very remote age, and, according to his estimate, it cannot be re-

0 Ane Abbregement of Roland Frriovs, tranilait on of Aiion: togither vith tvm Rapsodies of the Avthon lOTthfvU braine, and last ana Schening ort of trew Felicitie ; composit in Scotis meitir be J. Stewart of Baldjrnnds. MS. 4to. — This volume, stamped with the royal arms and initials, is transcribed with a coniiderable degree of elegance, and is dedicated to James the Sixth, who is frequently lauded with all the abject flattery which characterized the courtiers of that period. It came into the possession of the late Duke of Rozburghe, and is now deposited in the Advocates Library. Stewart's original poems HtflMj Tery little fancy or feeling, and bis versification has no peculiar merit. His diction is geoarmlly fseble, and is often very pedantic : be is particularly fond of French words ; instead of timid damsel, he ventures to adopt such a phrase as erainlive piiceOe. The author has sufficient reason to apologixa for his " inept orthograpbie." Of orthography there was indeed no standard at that period ; bnt Stewart's general mode of spelling is uncouth and unsettled beyond the common example.

• Tyrwhitt 's Kssay on the Language and Versification of Chaucer, p. 68.

iv PREFACE.

ferred to a later period than within a century after the conquest. * Mr Ritson assigns it a more recent date, the close of the twelfth century, and contends that it does not exhibit a single vestige of a more intimate connexion with the Saxon, than is common to every English composi- tion of that period ; ' but the bishop's opinion respecting its English origin has been maintained by a more recent writer, intimately acquaint- ed with the history of northern poetry. ' Certain however it is that a very large proportion of the earliest English romances are either trans- lations or imitations of French originals ; though it has been conjectur- ed, and with great probability, that those which are founded on En- glish history and tradition may have been composed in French by natives of England.

The story of Clariodus is in a great measure English. The hero himself is son to the earl of Esture, or the Asturias ; but his lovely lady Meliades is the daughter and heiress of Philipon king of England, and the most material incidents and adventures are connected with this court. In the French language there is a prose romance of Cleriadus and Meliadice, which was printed, apparently before the close of the fifteenth century. * In a letter addressed to Mr Laing, the meritorious

'' Percy's Easay on the Ancient Minatrels in England, p. Izxzi.

° Ritson's Dissertation on Rotnance and Minstrelsy, p. xcix.

r " Bishop Percy's assertion, indeed, that it appears of genuine English growth, though denied with equal confidence and ignorance by Ritson, is supported by internal evidence which no one capable of un- derstanding it can reject." (Conybeare's Illustrations of Anglo-Saxon Poetry, p. 237, note by the editor. Lond. 1826, 8vo.) See likewise Mr Madden's Introduction to the Ancient English Romance of Havelok the Dane, p. xlvi. Lond. 1828, 4to.

s Cy commence le Liure de messire Cleriadus filz au conte Desture £t de Meliadice fille au roy

PREFACE. T

secretary of the Bannatyne Club, Mr Douce has stated that the manu- scripts which he has examined are not older than the middle of the same century, and that the printed romance is only an abridgement. The same story is not now to be found in French verse. The Scotish author has regularly detailed the incidents of the prose romance, but has added some portion of poetical embellishment. He makes no claim to the character of an original writer, but on various occasions professes to follow the footsteps of his author.

For certanlie ray author tellis me thus . **

He not only refers to the French original, but likewise to a transla- tion, probably into the English language :

Nocbt can luy pen discryve nor git advance His raliant deidis nor his cberalrie, So far as might be reasoun satisfie Him that in French hes red this historic ; To sik ane rethorik nather be laud and glorie, As unto him that did this buik compyle In French, illumining with his goldin style; And he that did it out of French translait, Hes it depaiut of langwage full ornate,

dengleurre. On le« rend a Paris en la me neufue nostre dame a lenseigne uinrt Nicolas.— This volume, which is in quarto and without date, contains the following colophon : " Cy finist le romant et cronique de Cleriadus et Meliadice fille au roy dangleterre. Nonuellement Imprime a Paris pour Pierre sergent demonr&t en la Rue neufue nostre dame a lenseigne sainct Nicolas." A further abridgement of this romance may be found in the Bibliolhegue universelle des Romam, Janv. 177T, torn. i. p. 26.

» P. ^ See likewise pages 1 12. 199. 214 304. 314. 345. 350. 352.

^ PREFACE.

And lustie tennis richt poeticall : Bot I, the third and secundest of all, Can not so meitter as tliay pnt in prose ; Full oft I put tlie nettill for the rose, And oft the bindweid for the lillle qubyte.'

From this passage we learn that he followed, not a metrical, but a prose original and a prose version. The translator's name he has not sought an opportunity of mentioning ; hut the subsequent verse supplies us with some information respecting his quality :

Eik my Lord sayis in his translatiouu. ''

As the manuscript of Clariodus leaves the tale somewhat imperfect, it may not here be improper to supply the most material deficiencies. The French romance begins with stating that after the days of King Arthur and his companions of the Round Table, ' how long after we

■ p. 351. ' P. 855.

' It has been truly remarked by Dr. Soutbey that the histories of Arthur and Charlemagne were to the poets and romancers of the middle ages, what the histories of the Trojan and Theban wars were to the poets of antiquity. One of these personag&s, who is represented as the powerful monarch of Britain, has made so conspicuous a figure in the regions of romance, that several modern writers have expressed a strong doubt whether his name belongs to the records of authentic history. Milton, whose imagina- tion was so deeply impressed with the romantic tales of the Round Table, has remarked that " who Arthur was, and whether ever any such reign'd in Britain, hath bin doubted heretofore, and may again with good reason." (Hist, of England, p. 132. Lond. 1G70, 4to.) That the extent of his power and the glory of his exploits have been grossly exaggerated, can indeed admit of no controversy ; but, if we may rely on the authority of Welsh antiquaries, there are in that language sufficient documents to ascertain that such a person existed, and that he was a character of considerable importance. (Roberts's Sketch of the early History of the Cymry, or Ancient Britons, p. 142. Lond. 1803, 8vo.) Geoffrey of Monmouth, who has exhibited him in so glaring a light, professes to have derived his materials from an ancient British manuscript, which Walter Calenius, archdeacon of Oxford, ha& brought from Anno-

PREFACE. vii

are not informed, there reigned in England a worthy king named I'hilippon. He had espoused a lady belonging to a very high family of Gascony, and the only issue of their marriage tras a daughter named Meliadice. This was the most beautiful damsel of her time, and she was instructed in every thing that the daughter of a king ought to know : she waa withal so well conditioned, and was so entirely in- clined to love God and the church, that it was a great pleasure to hear of her good works. The king was now far advanced in years ; and although he had a brother, Thomas de Langarde, who was much younger than himself, yet as he could not intrust any share of the go- vernment to a person of so wicked a disposition, he was obliged to solicit the aid of his friend the count of Esture, who speedily obeyed his summons, and repaired to England accompanied by his valiant son Cleriadus. On their arrival, they were treated with all due honour : at the very first banquet, Cleriadus appeared to great advantage ; he well knew how to mingle in the dance, and he sung so sweetly, that Philippon could not help saying to the count, " En verite, beau cousin, ie ne ouys oncques si bien chanter, ne si bien a mon gre, que

rica ; but tbb account has been received with the utmost distrust, and he has frequently been suspect- ed of inventing what he professes to translate. It has however been shewn by an ingenious and pleasing writer, the late Mr Ellis, that there is no sufficient reason to infer that either the historian or his friend the archdeacon waa guilty of imposture ; and that there is in reality much more improbability in sup- posing a series of fables, intended to convey an exaggerated opinion of the national grandeur, to have been rather devised in the twelfth century, than during the ignorance and credulity of an earlier period. (Specimens of Early English Metrical Romances, vol. i. p. 89.) See likewise Turner's Hist, of the Anglo-Saxons, vol. i. p. 101. and Ritson's Life of King Arthur, from ancient Historians and authentic Docomantt. Lond. 1825, Svo.

viii PREFACE.

vostre filz faict." The count of Esture was without delay appointed the king's lieutenant, and administered his aflfairs with wisdom and justice. There were four gentlemen in his train, whose names fre- quently recur in the course of the narrative : two of them, Amadour de Bruslant and Palixes, were his sister's sons ; the third was of Scotland, and was named Richard de Mataint ; the fourth was of Wales, and was named Guillaume de Forest. In the mean time, Cleriadus, who was deeply smitten with the charms of Meliadice, im- proved every opportunity of cultivating her good graces : sometimes they played at chess, sometimes he danced or sung, or played on his harp. But in the midst of this solace, he found a brilliant opportunity of distinguishing himself by his first deed of arms. One day, while the king was holding " court grande et plaine," a knight in complete armour, and attended by six squires, entered the palace, and delivered a message from his master the Due de Jennes; setting forth that during the said duke's minority, Philippon had without cause and without rea- son seized the port of Claire-Fontaine, and declaring that unless he sig- nified his willingness to make restitution, he then defied him with fire and blood. He however added that he was authorized to leave the decision of their claims to the issue of a single combat, and was ready to meet any knight who might appear on the king's behalf. All the knights of his court, to whom he explained the justice of his quarrel, having declined to do battle with the Lombard champion, Cleriadus, who was then twenty-two years of age, tendered his services ; and, after being knighted by the king, he entered the lists with his redoubt-

PREFACE. ix

able adversary. And with this incident commences the manuf^rript of the Scotish romance.

The mutilation at the end of the poem appears to have been less considerable, and probably did not amount to two pages. The grand tournament is the last incident mentioned in the prose romance, which then hastens to a conclusion. " Et eurent le roy Cleriadus et la royne Meliadice de beaulx enfans, lesquelz furent tous roys et roynes. Et faisoit souuent le roy Cleriadus armes pour lamour de sa bonne amye Meliadice. Et vesquirent long temps ensemble en toute ioye et pros- perity, comme vous auez ouy par cy deuant. Et a tant se taist le compte a parler deulx et de leur faictz. Et icy finist le Romant et Cronique du Roy Cleriadus et de Meliadice sa femme ; que plus nen parle pour le present, sinon que le benoist roy de gloire vueille auoir mercy deulx et de nous quant il luy plaira. Amen."

The tale seems to be protracted beyond its proper limits : the mar- riage of Clariodus offers the natural termination, and all that follows may be considered as misplaced and superfluous. In the previous part of the work, we are abundantly regaled with tournaments and feasts ; nor was it expedient to repeat the same entertainments, after our curio- sity respecting the fate of the principal characters must have been so completely abated. But the merit or demerit of the story itself belongs to the author of the French romance, and the Scotish writer can only aspire to the praise of a skilfiil versifier. With the exception of Henry the Minstrel, he has exhibited a more lengthened specimen of the heroic couplet, than any other of our early poets ; and his versification,

c

X PREFACE.

though occasionally feeble, and perhaps deficient in variety of phrase and cadence, is not destitute of spirit or character, and it sometimes attains to smoothness and elegance. The following couplet is easy and flowing :

Thay hade the winde so richt and eike so faire, Thay go alse swift as aigill in the aire."

In another passage, he elegantly describes the song of the minstrels, Svreit as the marmaid in the orient sea. "

The subsequent verse will gratify the admirers of alliteration : And fuire ower fluide as falcon fair on flicht. <>

The poet's phraseology is not without its peculiarities. He occasion- ally introduces Latin and French words which retain a very extraneous appearance. In the following couplet, squires are termed annigers, and to shew is to ostend :

With that lie gart his annigers ostend The creddill of gold, gudlie to commend, i*

Clariodus may upon the whole be considered as a very readable poem. It affords a valuable specimen of the language and literature of our ancestors, and it abounds with characteristic illustrations of the man- ners and customs peculiar to the ages of chivalry. The pomp and

■» P. 199. ■ p. 340. • p. 368. » P. 80».

PREFACE. xi

circtimstance of the tournament, the mode of conducting the gorgeous han(|uet of the feudal court, where a lady and a knight were placed alternately at the dyse, '' together with the minstrelsy and pastimes with which they were regaled during their festivities, are all presented in due order, and are rendered intelligible and interesting to the inquisi- tive reader. In the fourth book, for example, we find a copious detail of the ceremonies attending the vow oi Xke poune, or peacock; an usage so remote from modem manners, that its first aspect is not a little singular. '

From some occasional expressions, it may be inferred that the author intended his poem for recitation as well as reading ; and tat a period when many knights and barons had not learned the letters of the al- phabet, the aid of the professed reciter or minstrel was indispensable. " The word minstrel," as Warton has remarked, " is of an extensive signification, and is applied as a general term to every character of that species of men whose business it was to entertain, either with oral re- citation, music, gesticulation, and singing, or with a mixture of all these arts united." ' It very frequently denotes an ordinary musician, and in this sense it is repeatedly used in the common version of the Bible,'

^ Ay at the dyie ane knight and ladie met.

Clariodus, p. 216. ' See M. de la Curne de Ste. Palaye, Slemoires sur I'Andenne Cheralerie, torn. i. p. 184. • Warum's HUt. of Englith Poetry, voL iv. p. 1J7. Price's edit.

' " Bat now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of the Lord came upon him." (2 Kings, iii. 15.) " Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the min. strels and the people making a noise." (Matthew, ix. 23.)

Xll

PREFACE.

which is an excellent standard for the contemporary meaning of an English word j but on other occasions the term bears a more elevated signification, and a minstrel is then synonymous with a poet. An an- cient Scotish poet, if I rightly apprehend his meaning, represents harp- ing and reciting as an inferior accomplishment, and a talent for poetry as the chief qualification of a minstrel : "

To harpe or carpe, wliarc so thu gose,

Tbomaii, thu sail hafe the chose sothely. And he said, harpynge kepe I none,

Ffor tonge es chefe of mynstralsye."

The recitation of metrical romances long continued to afford one of the chief literary recreations among the higher ranks ; and to be able to read such compositions, was no vulgar attainment. This was one of the accomplishments of the fair Ysoude, the heroine of the ancient romance ascribed to Thomas of Erceldoune :

* The same order of men is (till to be found in certain parts of the world, where cirilization has made but little progress. Among the Mandingo tribes of Africa, as Major Laing informs us, the j>U«, or min- strels, earn their subsistence " by singing the mighty deeds and qualifications of rich men, who, in their oiiinion, have no faults. Like the minstrels of old, they are always at hand to laud with hj-perbolical praise the landlord of a feast, and headman of a town." (Laing's Travels in Western Africa, p. 132. Lond. 1825, Svo.) In Bondoo, Major Gray met with abundance of " gouialu, or singing people, who in Africa always flock around those who have any thing to give. — Dozens of them," he adds, " would, at the same moment, set up a sort of roaring extempore song in our praise, accompanied by drums and a sort of guitar ; and we found it impossible to get rid of them by any other means than giving some- thing." (Gray's Travels in Western Africa, p. 112. l.ond. 1825, 8vo.)

' Thomas off Ersseldoune, fytt ii. v. 6. printed in Laing'a Select Remains of the Ancient popular Poetry of Scotland. Edinb. 1822, tto.

PREFACE. xiii

The king had a doubter dere,

That maiden Y«oude* bight, That gle was lef to here,

And romaunce tu rede aright.*

Barbour, the venerable archdeacon of Aberdeen, has recorded a cu- rious anecdote illustrative of this department of literary history. The good King Robert, having occasion to convey himself and his small band of faithful adherents across Lochlomond, could only procure a boat capable of admitting three people. Bruce and Douglas were first ferried over : a day and a night were consumed in conveying the rest of the party ; and while they were gradually mustering on the banks of the lake, the hero endeavoured to solace his followers by reading to them the romance of Ferambrace.

The king the quhilis nieryly Red to thaim that war him by, Romanys off wortht Ferambrace, That worthily our cummyn was,

Throw the rycht donchty Olywer. •

The gud king apon this maner Comfort thaim that war him ner. And maid thaim gamyn & solace. Till that bis folk all passyt was. T

• Sir Walter Scott has uniformly adopted the reading of V'sonde ; but, with respect to the orthography of this name, consult " Gottfrieds von Strasaburg Werke, aus den bessten Handschriften, mit Einleit- ung und Worterbuch, herausgegeben darch Friedr. Heinr. ron der Hagen," Band ii. S. 237. Breslau. I833,2Bde. 8ro.

' Sir Tristrem, p. 83. edit. Edinb. 1811, 8ro.

' Barbour's Bruce, p. 54. Jamieson's ediu

xiv PREFACE.

The romances of chivalry appear to have maintained their popularity in Scotland till the close of the sixteenth century. The following ani- madversions occur in Alexander Hume's epistle to the reader, prefixed to the collection of his sacred poems : " In princes courts, in the houses of greate men, and at the assemblies of yong gentilmen and yong dame- sels, the cheife pastime is to sing prophane sonnets, and vaine ballats of loue, or to rehearse some fabulos faits of Palmerine, Amadis, or other such like raueries j and such as ather haue the art or vaine poetike, of force they must shew themselues cunning followers of the dissolute ethnike poets, both in phrase and substance, or else they shall be had in no reputation." '

It must be satisfactory for the reader to be informed, that this relique of ancient poetry was conducted through the press by Mr Kilgour of the Register House, whose well-tried skill and fidelity afford a sufficient pledge of the minute and scrupulous accuracy with which the edition has been executed. The most wary copyist, in the progress of a tedious task, is liable to occasional fits of negligence or inadvertence ; but the manuscript of Clariodus appears to have been transcribed with less than ordinary care and attention. Many palpable errors, consisting of omis- sions or transpositions, or of the insertion of one word instead of an- other, have been rectified by the aid of conjectural criticism, where the

* Hyinnes, or sacred Songs, wherein the right vse of Poesie may be espied. Be Alexander Hume. Wheremto are added, the Experience of the Authors youth, and certaine Precepts seniing to the prac- tise o f Sanctifioation. Edinb. 1599, 4to.

PREFACE. XV

rhyme, or the measure of the verse, or the obvious sense of the passage, presented a clear indication of the genuine reading. Such emendations have not however been silently introduced : the words supplied are distinguished by being placed within brackets ; and at the end of the volume is inserted a list of other alterations admitted into the text, together with the corresponding readings in the manu- script.

V

THE FIRST BUIK OF

CLARIODUS.

Bright as ane angell fchyning in his weid, With force of fpeir, upon his mightie fteid ; Rycht large of flatour, ftrong and corpolent, Lyke God of armis Mars armipotent, Wode, burning, full of courage and defyre ; For to behald he was ane awfull fyre. Everie man meinit Sir Clariodus ; Bot main of all, the mone was pitious Of his four fellow is, his daith dreiding fore. 10 Ane of them buir his bricht helme him before, Ane uther his fpeir buir unto the feild, The thrid his ax, the fourt his nobill fcheild. Into the clofe in midis of the palice. In quhilk devyfit was the fighting place. Beholding on the ilairis by and by The King, the Queine, with mony fair lady.

3 CLARIODUS.

When he was armit, fair, dole and juint, Upon his fteid afcendit at all poynt ; His lance he faikit manlie lyke ane knicht, 20 As lucent lamp fo leimit he of licht ;

Manheid at Mars he neidit naine to borrow ;

He fchynit as dois the bricht day-ftar at morrow,

With cirkill of gold about his helmit cleir,

All birnand full of bricht llonis deir,

Circumferit with roobies radious,

Betwixt ilk firkill bricht and glorious,

With goldin fchaikeris abone his plumes greine ;

His ladyis abone all mycht be feine

Ane courtche of plefance, of gold all browderit bricht, 30 Quhilk waifit lyke ane ftreimer calline licht :

The michtie bardis of his nobill fteid

Of bricht gold gleimit as ane gleid :

Of redolent ftonis fchynit his weid royall :

It was maid lyke ane thing feleftiall

Him to behold, fo angillyke of hew.

Toward the Lumbard knicht he did perfew,

Full of afluirit manheid and defyre,

In thrift of knichtheid birnand lyke a fyre.

As furious lyounis eiger to the field, 40 Anone quhen ather uther can behald,

Thair is no mair, hot loud gois up the Ibundis

Of filver trumpits and of clariounis ;

Togidder gois the knichtis in thair weidis,

In gois thair fpurris in fydis of thair fteidis ;

Furth gois the fpeiris ftraicht as ony lyne.

Forward they preike with heartis leonjTie j

As dreidfuU dragonis thay togidder drave,

Quhyll baith thair fcheildis in peices clave,

BUIK FIRST.

And baith thair f peiris in peices brake,

oo The palice reirdit lyke ane thunder crake : Abake from uther they ftakirit with fie forfe, Quhill at the grund baith lay man and horfe. Clariodus was delyver and ging. And up he ftart without abafing, And puUit out his fword delyverly. The Lumbard knicht ftill efter him could ly i His fute fadly throw the llirrip geid, And throw the feild traillit him his fteid ; Quhom foUowit Sir Clariodus fo fall,

60 That he the fteid reingeit at the laft. And him refcourfit wounder manfulie, Sapng, Sir Knicht, defend 50W hardily. With fwordis fcharp thay can at uther dryve, Whill baith thair helmis bludy war belyve. Thus war thair ftraikes baith fad and keine Betwix thir knichtis wounderfuU to feine ; As rugend lyounis ramping ferce and wode, Withoutin mercie fcheding utheris blude So furiouflie, that ferlie was to lee

70 Undantounit beine thair nobill heartis hee ; As foaming boares, in thair melancholie, Thay bet on utheris birnies cruellie, So long induiring without difconfitour. That ferlie was to everie creatour That them beheld and ftud them about. How thay micht ftand under fie ftraikes ftout. Clariodus lb knichtlie he him baire, That everie wicht him praifit that was thair ; Sore movit was the Lumbard campioun,

80 That he, quhilk praifit was of fie renoun,

4 CLARIODUS.

So long alTailseit was with great fighting With ane that was of age fo wonder goung. He raifit up his forcie arme on height, And at Clariodus with all his meikle might Ane ftraike he ettillit right as he wald him llo ; And he anone weill neirer him can go And on the fyd him hit the richt arme under, Quhill of his ribis thrie did breke in funder ; Whairof the wound fo lairg was and wyde,

90 His bouellis micht be feine out throw his fyd.

The Lumbard knicht did with the ftraik doun fall. And ly in foune alfe paill as ony wall. To confort him he fchoup or he wald flint, Clariodus, did of his hewmind hint, And held his heid up foftlie and it fchoke. And quhen that he out of his fwoun awoke. He faid thir wordis wounder petioufly. Ha, flour of knichtheid I I the mercie cr}'. The uther faid, If thow will mercie crave,

100 Make heir ane aith never to clame nor have The Clare Fontane, as we our cunan maid. Thow faifing lyfe Clariodus ! he faid. My lord, he faid, fall never challinge thairtill ; Rycht as thow pleifis thy mynd I fall fulfill. Clariodus is pall unto the King, Declairing the cace in everie thing. Him praying for the knichtis lyfe alfo. The King in armis refavit him tho. Saying, Deir freind, quhat je delyre of me

110 I thinke of richt that it fould grantit be ; For faifit is the honour of this land, Rycht be the noble deidis of gour hand.

BUIK FIRST.

This woundit knicht rycht foftlie up thay take,

And in his chalmer gart his bed be make ;

And gat him leiches his woundis for to fie,

The truftieft that was in that cuntrie.

Clariodus is to his chalmer gone,

Quhair his body unermit was anone,

Ane leich to him beine fetchit haililie, 120 Quhilk did his woundis ryp attentivelie,

Him conforting, and bade him take gud hart,

For he belyve wald be helit of everie fmart.

The King ane furrit mantill hes him fend.

And bad alwayes thay fulde him till attend.

Albeit in heart noble he was and wicht.

Out of his chalmer go he no might

For jaiking of his woundis newe and greine;

Bot ane fight of Meliades the fcheine

Micht more him confort, I dar take on hand, ISO Nor all the leiches into Lumbard land.

Quhen endit was the battell on this ways.

All the lordis bounit hame with haill advyfe. Oft vifit hes the King Clariodus,

And eik the Lumbard knycht that fore woundit was.

Quhen awcht dayis paft war and gone by,

Meliades hes called privily

On hir maiflres, faying on this maneir,

ge know how Clariodus fiill deir

Firft fould be haldin with my father the King, 140 Syne with his barrounis, abone all uther thing,

lliat for our faikis in hand tuike fie battell.

And of his woundis he is not git haill ;

Sen the firft day that he his chalmer tuike,

I geid him not to vifie nor to looke.

6 CLARIODUS.

Hir maiftres faid, It war gour grit honour To vifit him quhilk is of knichtheid flour ; And now the tyme is maift convenient, The King is furth with all his houihald went, And he rycht long thinkis him alone,

150 Of gour cuming he wald be glaid anone. Meliades, richt frefcli and weill befeine. With hir hes taine twa ladyis frefch and fcheine. With hir awin maiftres, digne and verteous, [And] paft to vifie Sir Clariodus ; AVTiair fcho him fand with few in companie. On his bed-lyd' fitting hot quyetlie ; Ane goune of claith of gold his larke abone, Furrit with mertrix. His coUour changit lone At hir incuming, and he on fute up ftart,

160 Within his breift for joye danfit his heart ; Quhen that he faw his ladie moft bening. For joyfulnes a word micht not out bring. With humbill, fober and womanlie efiFeire, Adoun fcho fat befyd him in ane chyre. And quhen fcho did behald this luflie knicht So fair, fo goung, fo valiand and fo wicht, Cupid, that lord, with his fcharp grindine dairt Full fuddanlie hes ftrukine hir to the heart, So that fcho fat hot with changing hew ;

170 The fyre of heit it kindlit is of new

Of luif within hir breift, birning fo fore, That fcho defyris of this warld no more Bot him onlie to have in companie, That under Mars beine flour of chivalrie. This war they wyndit baith in lyk maneir. As micht be fein be thair face and cheir ;

BUIK FIRST.

With luif lo fore thair ipreitis was bereft, That not to fpeike ane word was left. Meliades, rycht luilie and bening,

180 Said to the fquyeris and to the raadinis jing, Thay jonder moir in chalmer fould dilport, Whill fcho few wordis of counfall fould report Of inediceine unto the woundit knicht. On this maneir than fpake this goodlie wicht, O ge my tender freind Clariodus, Weill auchtin I of gow to be joyous, That to this regioun brocht hes fie honour ; And fpecialie, abone all creatour, My father aucht to chereis 30W, and love

190 Nlxt God and fantis into the hevin above ; For quhen his knichtis the battell all rcfuifit, ^e that ar joung and not in armis ufit On 30W it tuik with munlie countinance, And Weill mentinet to the uterance. Clariodus faid, Madame, fo Chryft me fave, It is not I that all the thanke fould have Of this battell nor" of the vidlorie, The thanke ane uther fervit mor nor I, That caus was haill of the difcomfitour.

200 Na, faid this fair and luflie creatour,

Nane uther was bot je, the treuth to tell, Quhilk did the fchame out of the court expell ; For had not beine jour honour and bewtie, gon knicht, but faill, had riddin on this contrie, Quhilk had beine to this realme ane lake ; The laud is gouris, I dar that undertake. Hir anfwereit on this wayis Clariodus, Madam, I mervell not that ^e iky thus,

8 CLARIODUS.

gour noble nurtur and womanheid bening 210 gow fufferis not to fay no uther thing, Thais wordis came of gritt nobilnes ; Nor was my deidis of praife or worthines : Bot for to tell the trewth unfengitlie, Ane uther was the cans aluterlie, That vincuift was the Lumbard knicht in feild. Meliades then reddilie him beheld, Saying, That perfoun I wald know I wife. Madame, he faid, gif ge will graunt me this. That ge will me commend unto that wicht,

220 And fuUie do gour bifllnes and micht. That my fervice thay hald exceptabill, And of thair hienes digne and honorabill That thay will not my fymplenes conteme, Than fall I gladlie that perfoun to gou name. At fchort, fcho fayis, thair is no thing at all Efter my micht bot for gow do I I'all, Saiving my honour and my womanheid. Madame, he faid, Pleis it gour guidlieheid, ge mane it fecreit keip and not difcure.

2S0 Thairto I grant, faid icho, I gow aflure. Madame, he faid, ge ar Kings dochter deir, Reveill me not, as ge have height me heir ; And gif ge doe gour pouer, as ge lay, Anents that perfoun, helpe me mair ge may Nor ony that be levand now on lyve. Now, Lady myne, I will me to gow Icryve, It was gour felf, if I the truith declaire. That only was the caus of my weilfair ; ge war my ftrong protedlour, and only

240 The caus dreidles of all my vidlorie :

BUIK FIRST. 9

Treft Weill, Lady, that now I feinge nocht ; For, be the Lord that all the warld hes wrocht. Only your bewtie and your womanheid Put fra my heart all couardice and dreid : I do mein gour mercie and gour grace. For fen the tyme that I faw firft gour face, I have 30W luifit ouer all eardlie thing ; Into my mynd full oft afldng. That it had {land upon fie ane cace, 250 Nane upon lyf was abill to gour grace, Bot be hard fighting in Gk degree Sum deids of armis ordeinit war on hee That everie man for dreid fould it forfaike, Than will I weill I fuld it wndertake. The feild, alfwith to win worfchipe or die ; For ather had beine worfchipe unto me To wine my lady quhom I luifit fo, Or to be donne or to be out of woe. Then weill lang Hill held hir Meliades, 260 Syne unto him fcho fayis on this wayis. How may I trow gour lawis, faying thus ? 3e have beine lang into the court with ws. And never befor fik thing to me ge movit. Sum tyme I wald perlavit, hade ge me luifit. Madam, quhen I begane 30W for to luif. My mynd I durft not fchaw [gow] for repruife ; For I to 30W was no comparifoune, Sa monie prinfis nobill of renoune 3e had in proffer, quhom ge lift to take, 270 And I, unworthie was, I wndertake. Into fo heigh ane mater to proceid. And se, Madame, the rofe of luftieheid.

10 CLARIODUS.

Now at the leift is bund to keip fecreit ; Quhairfor I traift. My Hartis Lady fweit, Gif 50W no lift rew on my painis fore, ge will keip fecreit if ge will do no more ; And as I dar, for my wnworthines I cry 30W mercie, flour of gentilnes, As I that fall unto my lyvis end

280 Lawlie 30W ferve and never 30W offend. Advyfit was this lady quhat to fay, For fcho was wyfe and honorabill ay ; Jit nevertheles luif did hir fo owercum, That lang fcho fat all fpeachles and dumbe j And at the laft fcho {aid, Clariodus, Gif it be fo that luif I grant 30W thus, ge falbe to me trew and diligent, Rycht faithful], fecreit and obedient. And ower all wemen that 3e me love and ferve

29'o Bot feinseing ay till the day 3e fterve. And ever about to fave my honour, And not for luft perfew me as ane lichour ; Fynd I 30W fet to hurt my honeftie, Dreidles at 30W I will more greifit be, And have 30W in moir haitret and reproufe Nor of befor I had 30 w into luife ; Gif we guid luif and trewth to uther meine. It fall the longer left ws two betweine, Bot gif we fchap to crabe our creatour,

300 It fall no longer profper nor indure : Thairfor fie thingis if 36 lift to fulfill. Say on to me, and I fall fay thairtill. Madame, quod he, till all that 3e have laid I me conforme, be God that me hes maid.

BUIK FIRST. 11

5ow never to diflbbey, nor jit to grieve For all the dayis that I have heir to leive ; Bot ever moir to folow jowr intent, Richt as ^e now give me commandiment. Than tenderlie the fair Meliades 310 Kiflit hir knicht into maift gudlie wayis. And freindlie in hir armis him refavit Alfe far as f'cho micht gudlie unperlavit. When all agreit, than bunden war thir two With aithis great, ay to love uthar fo That it fould left withouttin departing. Betwixt thir loveris, in ane taikineing, Two litill channels interchangit they. In rememberance of thair trouth for ay. Of uthars diverfe maters fpak they fyne, 320 Whyll bricht Apollo weftwart did declyne ; Than raile hir maiflres fra hir companie. And laid that it was fupper tyme neir by. Meliades than tuik hir [leave with wo ;] Bot git hir heart micht not depart him [fro,] With eafie fichis and inward behalding. As for that tyme they maid [thair] depairting. Gritlie rejofit was Clariodus, That with his lady was comfortit thus j He heallit of his woundis day be day, 330 Quhill all his painis worne war cleine away ; Than paffit he to fee the Lumbard knicht, Him doing comfort oft at all his micht. Clariodus in court I let dwell ftill. And of ane uthar mater fpeik I will.

It is cumin to the King of Spainis eare. The wonderful! beawtie and the frefch effeir

12 CLARIODUS.

Of Mandonet, the luftie creatoure, Quhilk dochter was unto the Earle Eftour. He thocht he wald have hir in mariage j 340 And, with advyle of his haill ba^ro^vnage, Ane fair ambaiTat fchortlie hes he fend. To bring this mater fchortlie unto end. The meflage buire four knichts, mikle to pryle. Sir Leonet de Beaulieu wicht and wyfe, Sir Leonet de Mortemer, Sir Ame de Beaufort, Sir Arthur de la Roye, with luftie forte. To Eftur cuntrie fought with diligence ; Schawing anone thair letters and credence Unto the Countes wyfe and fapient, 350 For than the Earle was not at hame prefent. Scho thame refavit with great feift and cheir. With corapanie of ladyis frefch and cleir j And maid them byd, with mirrines and cherifching, Wpon hir Lord the Earlis hame cuming ; Quhilk at his cuming fairlie can them treit. And [did] bring furth his dochter Mandonet, Quhilk [pryfit was for wit and rare beautie.J Now fchort into this mater for to be. Sir Leonet hir weddet with ane ring 360 In the name only of his prince and king. And gave to hir ane full rich diainand. This beand donne, Earle Eftour, avenand, Feiftit them gudlie dayis two or three ; Syne them rewairdit eftir thair degree. Returnit ar thir knichtis hame againe Unto their mightie king and foverane. Whom in the toune of Walburgh thay fande, Bot three days jurnay from Earle Eftours land j

BUIK FIRST. 13

Rehearfing' all [to him] both more and les,

370 How them entreitit Earle Eftours nobilnes. And how within a monthis Ipace but more Sould be his wadding day ; quhairfore He hes gart warne throw all his regioun Baith duikis, earlis and knichtis of renoune, For to be thair againe the julling day On horfe armit redie for tomay.

Clariodus, ryding at his diiport. He met his fatheris meffage, with reporte Of all thir foirfaid thingis to be donne,

SW Commanding him that he fould fpeid him Ibune Hame to his cuntrie. And quhen Clariodus Had hard thaife tithingis thay have ordanit thus, QHe] maid the meffinger pas to his In But wordis mo, and bald him clois thairin, Quhill he anon Ibuld fchaw him his intent. Clariodus is to his lady went, Meliades, and tauld hir all the cace. Saying, Madame, for all my dayis Ipace Sen that I am becum gour fervitour and thrall,

390 Ather gour leave heir hartlie have I fall. Or in this land at fchort I fall abyde For Weill or wo, betyde quhat may betyde ; For 30W, Madam, I never think to difpleis. Meliades in hart had litill eis When fcho had hard Clariodus intent ; Saying, My Knicht, richt weill I am content That waddit beine jour lifter with the King Of Spainjie land, quhilk is ane mightie rigne : Bot loath I war, if otherways micht be,

400 That ge fould now depairt fo far fra me ;

14 CLARIODUS.

To reafoun git obey will I ever mo, Suppofe my will is ge not went me fro ; Bot fen it reynes to worfchip knichtheid, Confent I will, thairfor great God gow Ipeid ; 5e fall firft leave alk at my father the King, Syne Ipeike with me at gour depairting.

Clariodus unto the King is went. And of this mater tauld him the intent ; Whairof the King was glaid, and faid, Truely 410 I am content, it is ane fair allay ;

The King of Spainge is ane michtie King,

And eik we fall tham have be that wedding ;

Have we tham our freindis that be in that countrie.

And this always cums Weill, as thinkis me.

His Thefawrer he gart be efter fent.

And chargit him to give incontinent

Two thoufand floringis to Clariodus,

To fupport him pafling hameward thus.

He did the King rycht fpeciallie befeike, 420 That his four fellows pas micht with him eike ;

To quhilke he grantit upon heartlie wyfe ;

His leave he tuike fchortlie to devyfe.

Clariodus, rycht as the day up cleiris,

Adreflis him and his four nobill feiris.

And hes gart graith thair hames at all poynt,

That in thair armour thair was no difjoynt.

Clariodus unto his lady went.

The uterance to have of hir intent ;

Speiring at hir quhat coUour he fould taike, 430 Or in quhat hew he juft fould for hir faike,

Or weir in tournay quhile his hame cuming.

Meliades micht not ane word out bring

BUIK FIRST. 15

Ane Weill long (pace, for inward paine and wo,

That he fbuld pairt fo fuddenlie hir fro ;

And quhen that fcho owercam, than laid fcho thus.

My beft belovit knicht Clariodus,

Uneis my wofull I'preit may fufleine

The hevie pains now that in my breift beine

For gour depairting ; bot, as I faid before, 440 My will I fall conftraine with fighis fore,

Sene with honour may it not remeid,

And [sow] to weir I gif the cuUour Reid,

Jour name and honour wald [I] not impair ;

Fair weill my knicht, and raught him thair

Ane heart of gold with ilainis calling licht :

This lall ge have in rememberance of richt

That ge my heart have and no mo,

Quhilk in na maner may be pairtit gow fro.

This heart he tuike, and thankis to hir gold ; 450 And gave to hir ane braclet wroucht with gold.

About hir arme praying hir it to weir.

Scho kiflit him with woraanlie effeir.

They tuike thair leave at utheris pitiouflie.

With tirie faces, imbracing tenderlie ;

And to hir ladyes all gude nicht he laid,

Bot naine he kill for aith that he had maid

To kifle no lady efter his lady bricht

Whill that he hade againe of hir ane light.

That nicht he and his fellows tuk^ them rell, 460 And on the morrow them to the way hes draft. Clariodus in palling to his countrie

With his foure fellows, luftie for to fie,

Thay hapinit in ane bliffuU morrow fcheine

To ryde out throw ane gudlie forreft greine.

16 CLARIODUS.

Quhilke callit was the Wode of Eventouris, In quLilk oftymes walkit knichts of King Arthouris Eventouris feikand, as the wfe was than. Clariodus faid, that we will everie man Eventuris feike be fyndrie wayis ryde.

470 Anone thay have depairtit and can devyde. Clariodus, within a litill fpace, Ane pitious voice he hard crying Aleace I Lamentablie, as it ane woman ware. His fteid he reingeit and raid nar, And as he followit on the cry. He faw foure knichtis enarmit richly, Having [with] them ane lady wo begone ; Ane litill dwerflF fall efter them can gone. Quhen fcho had of Clariodus ane fight,

480 Scho faid, Have mercie on me, jentill knicht. Help, for thy manheid and for thy ladyis faike. Me, that am falllie from my hufband taike Be the handis of thir knights fellounlie, Quhilk hes him left woundit cruellie In poynt of death. Than laid Clariodus, Fair Lordis, be in heart piteous. And be alTchamit fair ladyes to offend ; Weill glaidliet thair cans ge aught defend. Sir Knicht, thay faid, Pas quhair gour erand lyis,

490 Jour appetite we will ferve in no wayis. Clariodus laid. Heir I make God judge, I fall be deid or fcho fall have refuge. And he anone, inermit all in reid, [IThe quhilk his lady choifit for his weid,] With fpeir in hand, he fpurit fail his Held, . And to the formift knicht hes went gud Q)eid,

BUIK FIRST. 17

And to the erd him drave fo fafl but ho,

Whill that his nek on force it birft in two j

And he was hurt a litill throw his geir 500 Be his fellow, hot haill that baid his fpeir,

Whairwith he ran upon the other thrie,

Betwix in quhom beg-ane ane hard mellie :

Ane uther to the erd he drave adoun,

His lymh to frufchit, and he fell in fwoun j

The lady and the dwerflf fell him abone.

And wald have cuttit his throte rycht fonne.

Clariodus, thocht that he had mikle adoe,

Efpyit hes, and thir wordis faid them to.

To be lb cruell and to flay ane knicht, 510 Madam, it fettis to na lady bricht.

The uther twa knichts aflemblit on him fad.

Hard was the feild and fell, quhile at the laft

Clariodus thocht on his ladie bright,

And at the thrid knight ilraik with all his micht,

Whill that his helme quyte from his held he ftraike,

Mercie he afldt then for Chrj'ftis {kike.

And jeildit him his fword incontinent.

The fourt knicht than maid na impediment,

Bot laid. Sir Knicht, we cum gour prifibneiris, 520 And heir I obleils me and all my feiris

At 30ur command to (land and at goiir will,

So that ge lift heir mercie grant ws till.

Clariodus was woundit in the fyde,

Jit never geildis quhile they to mercy cryed.

For rewth hes reftrainit his nobill heart

From cnieltie, and fonne he did advert

Wnto thir knichtis, and faid. For your trelpas,

At gone lady ge fall ga mercie afe

c

18 CLARIODUS.

And forgivenes ; and fyne ge fall me fweir, 3S0 On fik maneir never woman [to 3 deir ;

Syn to Great Britane pals ge fall all fweith, And for the King the maner all ge kyth j Syn to the faireil lady in the land je fpeir Dwalland in the regioun far or neir, And geild gow to that lady benigne, Schawing to hir but [ony] fengeing. Say that the Reid Knicht hes gow to hir fend, Quhilk hartfuUie to hir dois he commend. Thay fweare all be the ordour of knichtheid,

540 That in all haift this fould be donne but dreid. The lady thankit oft Clariodus, Saying, Moft nobill knicht and chyvalrus, Wyld is the land, and ludging heir is none ; Bot if ge wald difdaine with me to gone. My duelling place is at the forreftis end, 3e gar thir knichtis alfo with gow wend My hufbands frindfchip with them for to make. And I gour woundis dar weill undertake, For I in leichcraft have fum ikeill and tuning.

550 Clariodus hes grantit to this thing,

And gart thir forfaid knichtis with him ryd ; He gart the dweriF with the flaine knicht abyd, Whill they lent for him efterwart ; and lb Togidder with the lady can thay go, Whill they com to the mikiil forreft end ; Then from hors thay did thair difcend. And with the lady they enterit in the place, Quhair thay refavit war with grit folace. The knichtis to ajie chaimer than thay geid,

560 And laid foft falves to thair wowndis reid.

BUIK FIRST.

Scho brocht hir Lord unto Cloriodus, Gyl^eam de la Weille, worthie and famous , Quhilk thankit him of his great nobilnes, That did his wyfe againe to him redres, Putting his bodie into fie eventure. And fyne had maid the haill diicomfitour ; Whairfor he geild him I'elf and all his guide. To him quhilk frindlie in his quarrell ilude. So, be the knichts war to the fupper fet,

570 Clariodus fellowis knokit at the ^et.

For thair nane uthar harberie was about,

And of thair cuming blyth was all the rowt ;

Bot fonne thay fpeirit of Clariodus,

Gif any will of fik ane knicht antnis,

Quhilk from thame twinit in the morrow tyde.

Walking alleane out throw the woodis wyde.

In reid arrayit, baith in fcheild and Ipeir.

The Lord anfuerit, Fair knichts have ge no feir ;

I dar Weill fay and eike thairat abyde,

580 War all the knichtis in this warld lb wyde, Boune unto battell under birneis bricht, He micht amongs thame countit be ane knicht ; Heir he is ludgit in this ilk place. As it befell, he tauld them all the cace. Be everie knicht hade tauld his eventur. What him betydit as he throw forreft ftire, Alreadie was the fupper to tham dicht. Gill^iam de la Weill fpake with voice on height, My Lordis, je ar all welcum to this place,

590 Amongis ws tak in patience Godis grace. Fair Sir, fweitlie laid Clariodus, Methinka it bell, according war it thus.

20 CLARIODUS.

Togidder all to foupe, micht it 30W pleafe,

With gone hurt knicht, micht it theiu eafe ;

And this I pray 30W doe for the luife of me,

In hope that we fall all the glaider be.

The Lord him thankit lawlie at his micht,

Saying, Thais wordis come of ane nobill knicht.

As he devylit, fo was it donne all fwyth ; 600 To fupper went thir lordis glaid and blyth,

And everie man was mirrie and joyous,

For gud accordance maid Clariodus

Amongis the knichts with all his diligence.

And everilke feide forgiven is and oflFence.

The Lady tuike upon hir great travell,

Whyll that fcho maid him of his woundis haill ;

Then courtellie he tuike his leave and wend.

To lord and lady oft doing him commend.

To tham and to the woundit knightis thre j 610 Syn toward Efture land the way tuike he.

When that the knichtis thrie war haill and found,

And haillit fyne of everie grevous wound,

Thay tuike thair leave at lord and lady eike,

Them thankit fyne with myndis myld and meike ;

And paffit fyne in Ingland to the King,

Declairing him the cace in everie thing.

How it befell as ge have hard beforne ;

And how they all oblift war and fworne, J

To geild thair bodies to the faireft wight, 620 That was in Ingland into manis fight ;

And be the way how all men did thame wife,

Wnto the guidlie fair Meliades.

The King faid, Freindis have ge no knowleging

Of him that lent gow with fie tyding.

I

BUIK FIRST. 21

The knightis faid, No more of him we know, Bot the Reid Knight he nam it was our aw. The King did fend to chalmer for the Queine, As alfo for Meliades the icheine, And gart the knichts rehearle thair taill all new.

630 Meliades a litill changit hew.

The knichtis laid, Full weill it may be kend, Jon is the Lady quhome to we ar lend. Anone upon thair kneis in humbill wyfe, Thay fat all thre befor Meliades, And laid, Madam, heir we ar all, only Be the Reid Knicht fent, flour of chevalrie, To jour bewtie our bodies for to jeild, As we that vincuift beine with him in feild ; Je doe with ws Lady as lykis gow beft,

640 gouris we ar, demaine us as ge lift.

Sumthing abaillt was this g^idlie wicht. Sirs, fcho fayis, I thanke that gentill knicht. And ge alfo are welcum for his faike, Jour priiTon falbe foft I wndertaike ; Go and diiport with my father the King, And dwell alfe long as beine to jour lyking ; Syne as ge came alfe frelie fall je wend. For love of him that hes gow hither fend. The king relavit tham on fair maneir, And laid to them. My tender frindis deir,

650 Heir ar je welcum with me to remain, Quhen that ge lift ge may return again ; We will not hald gow heir as priflbneiris, Bot chereis jow as to jour ftait effeiris. He gart rewaird tham wonder royallie. Meliades them treitit gentillie.

2^ CLARIODUS.

And gave them giftis ; and thay anone

On lawlie wayis hes taine thair leave to gone.

And to thair cuntrie paflit, quhair that thay

660 Full vertuouflie leivit thair for ay.

Clariodus hes Iped him day and nicht, Whill of his fatheris caileU he gat a fyght. Of his cuming his frindis was full blyth ; Thay dreft them to the mariage belyth. For on the morne thair tryil was for to ryde. The king of Spaine did on thair cuming byde. On morrow as the day it waxit licht. The court was on horfe alreadie dicht j Fair Mandonet was lullilie befeine,

670 In clothing as effeirit to ane queine,

With croune of gold abune hir hairis bricht

Of leming flainis calling plealant licht ;

The Earle wes cloathit in full rich array.

With him his Lady frefch as is the May :

Bot all exceidit them Clariodus,

In cloath of gold and llainis pretious.

With nobill court, this royall rout furth raid,

Whill thay com quhair this mightie King abaid.

The nobill King gart two Duikes relave

680 The goung Lady, and hir to chappell have, Quhair fcho was maryit with great Iblemnitie, And feaftit with triumph and royaltie ; Syn all the day did ling, dance and dilport, The circumllance war long for to report. The king of Spaine he had ane lifter fair, Quhilk Donas height of coUouris rycht preclaire j This lady oft behald Clariodus With frindlie cheir, and luikis amorus,

BUIK FIRST. 23

Of manlie having and knichtlie governance 690 Heiring the courte grcatlie him advance, Quhilk it fa far into hir hart can Onke, Whyll at the lail of luif fcho tuike a drinke ; So biming was hir heart with inwart fyre, For thrift of love, heat biming defyre, That fcho wes vexit with the feveris quyte, Quhairof as now me lift not to indyte. The day paillt, the nicht fonne efter went. On morne the King gart cry ane tornament ;

Ane hundreth knichts of Span^ie war ordand, 700 Aganis ane hundreth knichts of Eftour land ;

On Spain^ie fyd was Leonet the knight.

And Oliphere de Beaulieu bauld and wigbt.

Sir Leyon Dormal, Sir Ame de Beaufort,

Thair namis all it neids not to reporte :

On Efturis half was Sir Clariodus,

Sir Palexis baith wicht and chivalrus.

Sir Amador de Brufland rycht duchtie.

Sir Gilgam de la Forreft rycht worthie.

Sir Richard Maianis of Scottis natioun, 710 With mony uther knichts of great reaoun.

Quhen they diljunit had was no delaj.

In knichtlie weidis thay doe thame fel& aray,

And baith the fydis aflemblit in the feild.

With fpeir in hand, and coverit ower with fcheild ;

Againis the face of Phebus cafting licht.

In windois lay the luftie ladyis bricht,

DuchefLs, counteCs and madanis to have light,

And eagit lordis that was mikle of might ;

The King of Spaine, and the Earle Efture, 720 And thame felfe ilk ane on ane courlbur.

24 CLARIODUS.

With trumpit found the tornament begane, Out throw the feild the knichtis feircely ran ; The rafchis of Ipeiris did as the thunder rare, Lyke as the darding rumbling in the aire, The horfe feit dinnit with noyis full loud, Then all abune thame raife into ane cloud For land and duft that thair up raife on loft. Of armit men the melting was unlbft ; The fpeiris brake, the horfe togidder drave,

730 The fcheildis frufchit and helmes all to clave ; The foirfaids knichts togidder did redound, Quhilk magrie thame thay fink unto the ground. To manis eare full terribill was the raird Of horfe and hameis rufching to the eard. The bairdit ileidis plunging on the greine, The awfuU flraiks of knichtis in thair teine. The clariounis found, the heraldis voice and cry. The cairfuU echo galmering to the iky, Thefoming fleidis with fweit alfe quhyt as fnaw,

740 With bludie fydis alle foft as fouU in fchaw ;

Gois throw the preife, quhile that braith them ferve Thair is no mairbut do or fchame deferve. Clariodus with this git held him ftill, Whill Eftures folkis abak mauger thair will Conflrainit war ; and than he belyve With all his force amongs [them] he could dryve ; All gois to grund befor his mightie Ipeir, With birning mynd fiirth braiding as ane beir. As furious lyoun raiging ferce and fell,

730 So fairis he of knichtheid floure and well ;

He drave doune hors and knichts upon the greine, Was nane of Spaingie his ftraik that micht fuiline.

BUIK FIRST. 25

They went abake richt faft befor his face,

Whair ever he come thej lift him rune a ipeace ;

Throw quhom his fellowis curage tuike anone,

And ay of Spainje fchope abake to gone.

So come thair wnwarlie on Clariodus

Ane Count of Spainje, bauld and chevalrus,

Quhilk flraike the bucles of his fcheild in funder 760 Richt frelie, and raif the hauberk wnder.

His foure fellowis him drefllt in his fcheild,

And fyne the Earle he fought out throw the feild.

And fbak him to the erd, baith horfe and man ;

Syne throw the feild efter his horfe he ran,

And reingeit him, and to the Earle him brocht,

Saying to him. My Lord, I know 50W nocht.

Then leuch the Earle and faid, Forfuith, Sir Knicht,

^e have me laid to fleip or it be nicht.

Gude Sir, he faid, or I to luging went 770 ^e me wnarmit, contraire my intent.

Among thamfelfis [thus] they can difporte ;

The tomament war long for to report.

Or all thair nobill deidis for to declair,

Induiring quhile the fune waftwart did repaire

[And] in his no6lurne mantill did cheroude.

The trumpits blew to the retreit fiiU loud.

And with their voice the heraldis cryit Ho ;

And everie knicht did to his luging go.

And thame wnarmit in chalmeris haiftilie, 780 Araying thame againe fiill richlie

In uther clothings, as did thame effeir ;

Syne to the palice went to thair fuppeir.

Foure aigit knichts the King gart efter fend,

And foure heraldis that beft armis kend,

o

26 CLARIODUS.

And bade that on thair trewth it Ibuld be fchawd, Of tomament quha wan [[maift] praife and laud. Thay anlweir maid, and laid, with voice on height, Thay have weill previt everie nobill knicht As men of deidis wondour chevalrus ; 7S0 Bot all the praile we gif Clariodus.

Rycht have ge jugit, fayis the nobill King, He hes the fairefl knichtis begining That ever I few, and maift chyvalrus curage. Hie God preferve him quhill he be in age. The heralds and the knights he gart pas Unto his lifter, the luftie fair Donas ; And bad that fcho fum taikin fair fould fend, As he that hade the laude and the commend And [the]] heigh praife of the tomament.

800 And fo thay did, and to the Lady went. Scho him hes fend, wroght full curiouflie, Ane plefent wompill, with ftonis fet mightelie, Circulit and let with fubtile work of gold, That it ane guidlie fight was to behold. Thir Lordis, at commandement of the King, Ar paflit to Clariodus the ging, Saying, The King hes underftanding richt. That jouris beinc the praile of everie knycht, That hes this day beine in the tornament j

810 Wherefore the Kingis lifter reverent.

With uther ladyes, hes fent gow ane plelance. Off thair bewtie to have rememberance. Clariodus than changit hew alyte. And faid, I thank my ladyes fair and quhyte ; Bot worthier knjxhtis thair wer the praife to have. And eik moir dingne this plefence to reflave.

BUIK FIRST. «7

Throw the requeiil of lordia that wer thair,

Keifavit he hes the wompill ferlie fair ;

And right onone about his arme it band, a20 Thanking the King, right lowlie inclynand :

He gart reward the heraldis richlie,

With hie voicis they all did Larges cry.

When fuppit hade the frefche Clariodus,

The four auld knichtis, worthy and famous.

With him to chalmer he tuik in companie,

And gave to thame four clothingis of gold mightie.

And to the Kingis chalmer went ifeir,

Baith erle, lord, knycht and bacbeleir,

Difporting thame with ladyes of plelance, aso And with joung virginis meik of countenance.

The Kingis filler fat with Clariodus,

With humbill cheir, to whome fcho ipeikis thus ;

Clariodus, It dois jow Weill perteine,

To marie with fome guidlie ladie fcheine ;

For whill ge are in this eilait, perfay

Sir, ge be feikand aventuris ay.

I am (quoth he) of littill availl or might.

To have in mariage ony guidlie wight.

Clariodus, fcho laid, full fuith they tell 840 That layes ane man that praifis not him fell ■

The moir he beine to praife with uther men ;

Sir, be experience this of gow I ken :

Thus fpeikand they of materis to and fro,

Quhill it wes tyme to beddis for to go. Indurit long this feiil with joy and play,

Whill at the laft Earle Elhire on a day.

With all his court of lordis and ladyis fair,

Thair leave hes taine, hameward to repaire :

28 CLARIODUS.

Fair Mandonet remenit with the King. 850 [One geir did fcarce compleit its revolving]

Whill fcho buir him ane fonne height Clariodus Efter his eime the gud Clariodus. Thay luifit ather uther tenderlie. Whom of moir not Ipeike will I.

Erie Efture at his Lady leave hes taine, And toward Ingland paflit is againe. The way furth ryding with his companie. He met ane Squyer mufing hevilie. The Earle demandit quhy he forie was. 860 My Lord, he faid, this is the verie cans ; In the land of Galice, my native contrie, Thair enterit is, that hidious is to fie, Ane lyoun llrong and hidious to behauld ; Thair is no living creature fa bald. That dar his will irapunge or jit refill ; He hes all [liaill] devorit as he lift, And waftit all the cuntrie up and doune ; Is nane fo bardie dar make obje6lioun ; And I am feikand, that evill beine to get, 870 Ane knicht that dar his face againis him fet And him diftroy and vincuis with his brand, The quhilk, I traift, no man dare take on hand. Than faid the Earle fwiftlie, I am woe That fie ane nobill prince is vexit fo. The Squyer tuike his leave, and hyne is went. Clariodus unto his taill tuik gud tent, And at his Father fonne he alkit leave The ftrong lyoun in batell him to greive. His father is dilpleafit, and infchew 880 Dangeris thairin quhilk he micht nocht el'chew.

BUIK FIRST. 29

The uthar with fie inflance him befought,

That he him levit with ane dreidfuU thocht.

Clariodus was glaid in his intent,

And with his fatheris bliffing furth is went,

Taking his leave at all the companie.

He callit on Palexis fecreitlie,

And laid, Deir Coufing, in Ingland quhen ge wend,

In humbill wayis ge fall doe me commend

Unto my Lady, fair Meliades ; 890 Unto hir fyne prefent, in fecreit wayis.

This courche of plefance, faying to hir plaine,

Scho wan it at the tornamcnt in Spaine.

Depairtit they than from uthar anone ;

The Earle of Efture is to Ingland gone,

^\Tiair he was weill reflavit with the King

And all the court ; hot quhen they hard telling

The perrellous paflbge of Clariodus,

Then they war wofull, fad and dolorus.

When Palexis faw tyme convenient, 900 Unto the fair Meliades he went.

Saying, Madame, Clariodus the knicht

Oft him commendis unto gour beawtie bricht,

And hes jow fent this courtch of hie plefance,

Of his fervice to be in rememberance ;

And bad me [plane] thir wordis to jow faine,

Je wan it at the tornament in Spaine.

He tauld the laif furth into lang fermoune.

How he was gaine to fight with the lyoun.

And quhen his lady underihide and knew 910 The dreidfuU paflage that he did perfew,

Scho fell on groufe upon hir bed adoun

With vifage wan, and in a deidlie fwoune.

so CLARIODUS.

And quhen that fcho owercam, fcho gave a cry.

Saying, O [wofull] Death I the defy.

What may thy cruell dairt doe me moir paine

Nor have him with a cruell lyoun llaine.

Whom I luif better nor I do my lyfe I

Wha lall the help, Clariodus, in ftryfe,

Or th6 defend againis that felloun beaft ?

920 Is this of luif the joy, is this the feaft

That I fall have for trewth and meinit no mile ? Ah 1 fall I now forgoe my warld blife. That fo we fould depairt, aleace, my knicht 1 The trewthfuUeft in love, and gentillefl wight. Thou was ane that in warld ever I knew ; The companie of man for ever adew, Efter the fight of the, Clariodus, That was fo gentill and fo gratious. Palexis was abaiilt grittumlie,

930 And mikill rewth had of this fair lady ;

He comfortit hir at all his power and micht, Saying, Madam, doe not jour felf undicht, For, verelie I live in eiperance Of his returne with joy and efperance ; And gif men fee 50W taking lie pennance, Thay will ilke deime that is not trew perchance. Thus comfortit he this Lady in lum wayis, By fweitteft wordis that he could devyi'e. Clariodus and his fellow all fweith

940 In land of Galice enterit is belyth.

And tuike thair ludging in ane fair village Neir quhair this beift did the maifl outrage j And as Phebus declynit in the weft, Thay foupit them, and bounit fyn to reft.

BUIK FIRST. 31

The heavinis torch upryling reid as fire.

The birdis fang with courage and defyre.

Up raife the mirrie lark with ftevin joyous,

Up raife anone the frefch Clariodus,

And him full giidlie dreffit in his weid ; 950 He hard ane mels, and glaidlie could him fpeid

Whill he com neir quhair this beaft repairit ;

Then to his feir his mynd [he] thus declairit.

My frind, feine battell is bot aventure.

And feine that none may be of fortoune fure,

Gif heir I fterve be feat or deftinie.

To frindis me commend for cheritie.

Difcendit is this Knicht, and left his fteid

With his fquyer, quha oft bad God him fpeid.

He maid ane drofe upon him devotlie, 960 Towardis this beift then pafDt hardilie,

Whilk was the llrongell lyoun and maifl horibill

That ever to manis fight was vifible ;

His awfull cluikis was lang and fquare,

Rycht fyd and felterit hang his lyart haire ;

Scharp was his wapounis, and terribill to behald.

His terribilnes cannot weil be tauld ;

Reid was his eine, birnand as ane fyre.

He raxit him, and, ramping in his ire,

Quhen Clariodus did neir him aproch 970 He rumbifchit whill rared everie roch.

And lape upone him in ane rage, all woode.

For he that day had gottine no bluide.

Clariodus him kepit on his fpeir,

The quhilke to him micht do bot litill deire.

The Knicht, that of his lyfe was in great doubt.

Full michtilie ftrak at the lyoun ftout ;

32 CLARIODUS.

Bot this ftrong lyoun ftraike at Clariodus So feircelie, and fo woundoiir furious. That he uneis micht defend him ftill ;

980 For with his cluikis, perling wounder fell. He reft from him difpitiouilie his fcheild. And Ikatterit mail^es wyd into the feild. And fair him woundit with his tuikis keine Whill that his bluid ran flreimand in the greine. The peple Iluide on hillis and on height. Beholding on the lyoun and the knight ; Sore war thair heartis quhan thay law him bleid. Oft praying God him to luckour in neid. Hard was the batell, afper, woode and fell,

990 So long induring that wounder was to tell.

Thus faught they ftill whill it was neir the nicht j

Clariodus, him failgeing was the licht.

And that his Ipeir micht him no thing availl.

He drew his fword, and iharplie did alFaill

This dreidfuU beift. And quhen the lyoun law

Him with his fchort fword, he fluid the weill les aw.

And lape at him lyke as he wald him ryfe.

Clariodus than ftraike at him bel}-ve

Under the lymbe and upward in the thie,

1000 "Whair with his fword ane awfuU wound maid he. Quhen that this beift faw furth ftreiming his bluid. He felt him hurt, and ran as he war wod. And to the forreft fwiftlie could he found. The fword with him ftill ftikand in his wound. Then wonder wofuU was Clariodus, Quhen with his fword [he] was depairtit thus ; And as he fluid and fadlie him bethocht. Whither [that] he fould follow him or nocht,

I

BUIK FIRST. SS

So come ane Knicht richt lullie to behold,

1010 And him in armis tenderlie did fold ; And Sir, he faid, [ay] blifit be that day That ge war borne, fa may I [ever] fay ; 5e have delyverit me for ever more Of wofull torment, and evill woundis fore. Clariodus, quhen this ferlie can fee. He was abaifit, and faid, Quhat may this be ? The Knicht fayis, I full gow tell or I gone ; Bot firft gour woundis I will ftanch anone. Alfweith wnarmit was Clariodus j

1020 And he with diverfe herbis vertewus

Stemit his woundis, and ftintit the bleiding ; Syne faid he thus, Sir knicht, but failgeing, My father was of Portingall ane knicht. And eke my mother was ane lady bricht : To Wairdis then was givin grite credence, Thairfor my mother gart with diligence The Waird Sifteris wait quhen I was borne, To heir quhat waird thay fould lay me beforne ; Agreit thay war, and in melancholie

1030 Thay wairdit me, gif ane knave chyld war I, That efter I was fevin jeiris old To be tranfformit in ane lyoun bold. And fo to be ay quhile the nobilleft knicht Into this warld under the funis licht Sould draw my blood in battell or in Hour : I have, alleace, done evill abone meafoure, Bot now my fault moll wickit and proterve All finilhit is ; quhairfor whill that I fterve, I falbe jouris, evin fo Chryft me fave.

1040 The faireft caflell in Portugall I have,

£

34 CLARIODUS.

And greateft lordl'chip eik in that cuntrie,

As it is myne, I geive it 50W alfe frie ;

Sir Porrus, in Portingal thay me call.

I geive 30W heir ane ring of gold royall ;

I wald convoy 30W throw the land glaidlie,

Bot I will not cum upon horfe quhile I,

For my trefpas, go pairt of pilgramage.

Ather from uther paflit his voyage. The Squyer that was with Clariodus 1050 Said unto him, My lord, it ftandis thus ;

I wald anone be knichtit of gour hand,

I am ane nobill, je fall underlland.

And Guy de la Riviere thay me call,

Lord of that ilk my father is at all.

Clariodus alfweith then maid him knicht ;

Syn on thair horfis muntit baith on height.

And to the feitie went, quhair baith them met

Full monie ane man of micht thair at the get,

Halfand him with triumph, laud and glorie, 1060 Quhilk great joy he fand of his vidlorie.

Unto his Innis dois him convoy ;

Quhair that his hoft relavit him with joy,

And had him unto ane chalmer him to reft,

^ And] of his arming doing him deveft.

As he that werie was with hard fighting.

With grivous woundis that war fore gaiking.

For his hurting his hoft was fore adreid,

He caufit him to fup and go to bed.

On morrow the new maid knicht. Sir Gwy, gart wryte 1070 Letters at lenth, in quhilk he gart indyte

The maner of the battell, all at right.

Betwixt the awfuU lyoun and the knicht.

BUIK FIRST. 35

And to the King of Galice hes thame fend. And quhen this thing was to his Hienes kend, Grit glaid he was, and all his court alfo ; He gart four knichtis furth them dres, and go Clariodus to bring to his prelence. The knichtis pafllt with great diligence Unto the feitie, quhair they met Sir Guy

1080 The new maid knicht, and thay full worthilie At him Ipeirit quhair was Clariodus. And he againe to them did aniweir thus. He is in his bed, he is git werilie, Dreidlie thairof je awcht have none ferlie ; For had ge feine hira in the flour as I, Je wald have littell wounderit thocht he ly : Bot I iiiU fee if he awakis git, And lyn anone 30W anfweir bring of it. He went belyve and tauld to him the cace,

1000 How that four knichtis cumin for him was. Unto the Galice King him for to bring. Fra tyme that he had knowledge of this thing Anon he him drellit in his weid. Sir Guy full glaidlie for the knichtis jeid. And tham allfwyth brings into his prefence. Thay helfit him all four with reverence. And fchew to him, as ge have hard report. How that the nobill King did him exort To cum to him withoutin tarying.

1 100 He thaim refavit with great cherifching, Saying, I fall obey the King his will, And wounder glaidlie his bidding fall fulfill. Syn at his hoft he tuike his leave to wend, And fudanlie did on his horfe aflend.

36 CLARIODUS.

And raid furth to the Kingis palace richt, And from his horfe anone can licht. The knichtis him convoyit to the King. The King wpraife and come to his meiting. Clariodus upon his kneis fat doune, 1110 And courteflie did helfe his Hie Renoune. The King in armis hes him taine aloft, He thankit him baith heartfuUie and oft For flauchter of the lyoun wode and fell j Saying to him, Welcum of knichtheid well. That hfts refcourfit my realme with hard fighting, And maid hes of my pepill ranfoming ; Therefor the third pairt of my realme heir I To 30W and gouris do give perpetually. Clariodus inclynit to the King, 1120 Thanking his Heenes into mikill thing ; Thus laying, Sir, ge do me honor more Nor I defervit ever or could ; quhairfore. To doe 30W plefance God gif me grace. In this cuntrie or in liirn uther place. The King went to his denner into hall, And on the forfaid foure knichtis gart call. And to ane chalmer Clariodus gart leid. For git his woundis war both greine and reid ; He gart for leiches all the cuntrie fearch, 1 130 And brocht the bell [that J men did of reherfe, Quhilk fchortlie hes taine him into their cuire j He haillit him of his woundis haill and fure. And quhen the King was fet to his denneir, Sir Gwy all haill declairit the manneir Betwix the lyoun and Clariodus Of the ftrong batell wod and furious.

BUIK FIRST. 3ff.

The King rycht greatlie wounderit at his taill, Sa did the lords all at the tabill haill. I leave the King thus fitting at his tabill.

1140 Clariodus with knichtis honorable

Was fervit in his chalmer with alkin thing

That unto his ellait was pertining.

So'come to him ane great chirurgiane.

Be the Kings ordinance his hurts for to fane.

This man in fapience was ane maifter great ;

It neidis not all things for to repeit,

Hot finallie his woundis beine all feine,

The herbe he fand that was laid on tham greine,

Quhairof he efpyit fonne the vertew,

1)50 Sayand, the herbis kynd he weill knew ; He laid it on the wounds againe, but fabill, And faid, it hes beine to gow profeitable ; I pray jow be of comfort gud and blyth. With Godis grace ge fall recover fweith, That je may ryde, and on horfe armis heir, And for jour lady breke alfe great a fpeir As 56 have donne in tornament befor j Have nobill curage and be glaid thairfor : Thair ftill into his bede he gart him ly,

1160 And dynit thair with knichtis Handing by : When he his woundis had anoyntit all With pretious falves and balmes maift royal I, Into his Innis into the toune he went. Richt glaid [then] was the King in his intent, [That] he remainit in his companie, Clariodus, [the] flour of chevalrie. Quhen he had djTiit, fra the buird he raife, And glaidlie to Clariodus he gais,

38 CLARIODUS.

Comfortit him with wordis tenderlie ;

1170 And he againe him thankit courteflie.

The King gart fend to chalmer for the Queine, And for hir dochter, and uther ladyis fcheine ; And thay ar cuming at his ordainance, Whome for to fe it was ane great plefance. Clariodus hes maid great reverence Unto the Queine, fo great of excellence, And wald have ryfline, hot the King wald nocht, So deir he had his bed with bargain bocht : Scho cheriiit him, and did him great plefance,

1180 His deidis doing greattumlie advance. And doune Icho fat upon his bed fyde. And with him fpeiking thair did long abyde. Then faid the King unto Clariodus, If it micht make gow mirrie and joyous. My dochter fall rj'cht glaidlie to gow ling : Quhairon he laid, I pray gow ower all thing To fing ane fong : the King did hir command ; And fcho begane anon without demand. And with ane voice that plefant was to heir ;

1 190 Of quhois fong Clariodus had gud cheir, So Weill fcho fong it eallt him of his noy. Clariodus faid to the King, Ma foy, git hard I never fie finging to this day. Into na cuntrie, of fa goung ane may ; For fcho was git bot fevin geiris of age, Thocht nature had put hir in fie curage. Lang tyme remainit thay with Clariodus, To hold him out of thochtis langorus. On this ways daylie, fchortlie to indyte,

1200 Him vifit King, Queine, and ladyis quhyte ;

BUIK FIRST.

And llill with him remainit leichis gud, WhylJ he was haill of woundis. To conclude. Now leave will I Clariodus heir Hill, And of ane uther mater ipeike I will.

The four trew fellows of Schir Clariodus In heartis war all fad and dollorus For langour [that] thay could get na tyding Of him thay luifit atoure all eardlie thing. Palexis and his brother Aniadoure,

1210 Baith day and nicht oppreffit with langour, Unto thair uther two brether hes thame dreft, Richard de Maiance, Gilgeam de la Forreft, Saying to them. We are accordit thus. We go to pas and feike Clariodus, And ge two here to remaine with the King, Ay of the court to fend us fum tydeing. On this ways beine agreit finallie, Thir two ar palHt to the King in hy, And afldt leave to pas the laid voyage.

1220 Thay war grantit with ane blythe vilage.

Thay tuike thair leave anone at King and Queine,

And at Meliades the luftie lady fcheine,

Quha callit on Palexis fecreitlie.

Saying, Commend me oft and hertfullie

Unto Clariodus, gif ge him find,

And lay, like langour deidlie dois me bind,

That gif I hear no tydingis haiililie.

Than daith fall me devoure but remedie ;

And in taikin je lall bide him take

1230 This heart of gold, quhilk is of cuUoure blake ; Bide him it cuUour alfe quhyt with plefance. As it is blake with ibrrow and pennance.

40 CLARIODUS.

Thay tuike thair leave and to thair horfe they went, And fpeid them fail with travell diligent Whill thay had paflit the boundis of Ingland, And then ftrange cuntries and wyde thay fand, And ever efter Clariodus thay fpeir, Bot na wit gat thay of him far nor neir ; Then war thay wounder wobegone and lad,

1240 Deiming fum mifchance him happinnit had.

When thay had fought him in mony far cuntrie, Thay happinit in ane wode with tries hie, Quhilk for to pas was ftrange and perrilus, \^1iair whyllume walkit feir knichtis antrus. Thay two enterit in at the forreft fyde, Whair fonne thay harde ane litill thame befyd Ane petious cry lamentabill to heir ; Then can Palexis at his fellow ipeir. Heir ge gone voice that beine rycht lamentable ?

1260 Quhat ever it be, to ws it war meritabill To fuccour at our mycht gone creature. Then fpurrit they with diligence and cure ; Then at the laft thre knichtis they can fie, The quhilks, with hartis full of crueltie, Ane naikit man hade bunde rycht fellounlie, Wha ceiffit never mercie for to cry. Palexis faid, Fair Sirs, be gour leave, That man ge do murther and mifcheve ; It is agains the ordour of knichtheid

1260 To do fa cruell and fa foule a deid.

Thay faid anone. The thing that we doe heir ge can it not remeid on na maneir. Quoth Amadour, ^e fall him leave with us. Or him defend with deidis chevalrus.

BUIK FIRST. 41

Thir knichtis thre withouttin wordis mo Rycht cruellie fet on the brether two. Palexis lies the formill knicht borne doune, For he was Avicht and mekill of renoune, And with the fall his kne baine brake in two.

1270 Then the foure knichtis can togider go.

And two for two thay fought full fellounlie, And ftraike at uthar wonder cruellie : Bot lang the battell might not thus induire, For Sir Palexis and worthie Amadure War bardie knichts, and wounder ftrong in feild As ony micht be helmed wnder fcheild ; Thir knichtis two behuifit for to die Incontinent, or for to goldin be ; And quhen they vincuft beine aluterlie,

1280 Thay afldt mercie wonder petiouilie.

Palexis laid, Than or we g^ant gow grace, ^e mon all thre make aith into this place. That our command je trewlie fall fulfill Qln] what lb ever we ordane gow till. Thay grantit this, and fwore as thay than laid ; And than anon thir [twa] brether them bade In Ingland pas to Philipon the King, And unto him jeild but tarying ; And fay that Amadur and Palexis

1290 ^ow fent unto his excellent nobilnes, Declairing him without diilimulance Of this mater all haill the circumflance. Thay grantit to this ordinance all thrie. The bundine knicht then gart thay louiit be. And gart them alfo alls, him forgivenes. For he was knicht of full great worthienes :

F

4(i CLARIODUS.

And bad ilk knicht thay fould thair namis fchaur j Ane of them faid, If it lykis 30W for to knaw. Sir Gault de le Spyne I am but circumftance,

1300 My fellow eike height Ame de Plelans,

Cardrois de la RelTe they call 5011 woundit knicht j In Provence cuntrie beine my dwelling rycht. My fellow is of Flanders natioun. The hurt knicht is of PoULs regioun ; Ilk ane of ws come honour to conqueir. And preflbners all caucht as je lall heir : Within ane myle fra hyne, in ane caflell, Dwellis ane knicht wounderfuUie cruell, Quhilke is The felloun callit but petie ;

1310 Ane wyfe he had of wounderfuU beawtie ; So com ane knicht by rydand upon cace, And reveft hes the Lady fair of face ; Synlyne all knichtis cumand throw his land He dois them vinquife with his [[michtyj hand, And garris them fweir to do ficlyke as he To uther knichts cuming in his cuntrie, His lady traifting for to have againe ; We thre hapinnit with bim to be taine, Quhairfor this knicht we tuike in this maneir

1320 To fave our aithes, traift weill this is no weir j Men callis him The felloune but petie, For fen his Ledie revifcht was, never he Did grace nor petie to no creatoure ; And he is wicht and hardie over mealour ; He laikis no thing langing to knichtheid, Saif he is only crwell of his deid.

Ather from uther can depairt anone ; Syn thir thrie knichtis ar to Ingland gone.

BUIK FIRST. 43

When they war weill recoverit of thair fore, 13S0 To Philipone the King they went but more ;

f AndJ, as they height, they did them to him geild,

Schawing how they owercumin war in feild

Be Palexis and Amadour in feir :

So furth to him declairing the maneir,

The King hes them receivit tenderlie,

Saying thir wordis to thame Handing by.

More am I holding to Sir Clariodus

And to his coufings bauld and chevalrus

In conqueis of my honour and renoune 1340 Nor aU the knichtis of my regioun.

He thame feiilit and treitit nobillie.

And thame rewairdit wounder michtilie.

Thay tuike thair leave, and paflit to thair land,

Quhen fo they hade compleitit thair command. Palexis now and Amadur alfo

War fcant two mylis the Kingis caftell fro

Of Galice, quhair Clariodus beine git.

For fo the cuntrie maid thame for to wite.

Thay ludgit in ane toune that heich was wallit, 1350 And Joyous to name it was callit.

Thair hoft them tauld how that Clariodus

Was interteinit in that cuntrie famous.

And how he vinquill had the lyoun ftrong.

With all the proces and circumftancis long ;

Whairof thay war rycht glaid in thair intent.

Airlie in morrow thay in palice went,

Whair they met with Sir Guy the new maid knicht.

He did them glaidlie welcum at his micht.

From them he paflit to Clariodus 1360 That was in chalmer, faying to him thus,

44 - CLARIODUS.

Two knichtis at the get ar lichtit doune. Rich woundour fair and gudlie of fafchoune ; To Ipeike with 30W ar thair defyris maifl. Clariodus than Iped him furth in haift, Rycht woundour glaid and joyous of his cheir. For Weill he trowit thay war his cuffings deir. When he tham faw, he did tham imbrace, And tenderlie tham kiffit in that place. Thair cuming than went to the Kingis eare,

1370 Whairof he had ane joy, commixt with feare That thay from him Ibuld fetch Clariodus, Whilk in his eyes femit fo gratious That he him lovit evin as his awin lyfe. For the two knichtis he lent belyve j And quhen thay war brocht to his prefence, Thay falull him with kinglie reverence. And he refavit tham in fair maneir, Saying, Welcum ge ar my frindis deir ; Sumthing I am adread into my heart,

1380 That ge from me Clariodus depairt ; And if it be the cans of gour cuming, 5e fall my heart wnglaid in mikill thing ; 3it glaidlie for his faik I fould gow love. That this regioun hes brocht from fik unrove ; His frinds fall ever welcum be to me So long as I am King of this cuntrie. The lordis them receavit all about, Knichts, Ladyis and all the luilie rout. Clariodus them tuike in fecreit wayis,

1390 And fpeirit all the maner and the gyle Of all the court of Ingland how it ihide. And of Meliades baith fair and gude j

BUIK FIRST. 45

And ihay at fchort hes tauld him [^all] the cace, Bot I no thing rehearfe will in this place Of hir luif taikin, quhilk I let owergone. The King unto his denner went anone ; And afler denner to the feildis went All throw ane meid of flouris redolent ; Enlange ane river maid thay thair walking,

1400 \Vhair I'um did play and uther fum did ling. Sum rowit furth on galayis on the fluide, Sum beholding on the feildis llude, Sum with his fellow raillit and maid Iport, In joy and blifle was all the luilie fort. The King hes gart Clariodus with him go. Sir Palexis and Amadour alfo, And with his knichtis caulit them to gone To paftyme, and to putting of the ilone : Bot thay all uthar knichtis did exceid,

1410 To quhilke the King foberlie tuike heid ; He all confident and held him Ml, Whais great wifdome dantit ay his will. Thir brether greatlie commendit of the King, As he them thocht lyke in everie thing Unto thair Earn, Clariodus the gud ; It fchew full Weill that thay war of a blude. Quhen thay had lang difportit in the meid. The King tuike Sir Clariodus and jeid Unto the palice, laying to him thus,

1420 Is it gour will, my freind Clariodus,

That jour two cufings go and ie the Queine, And my dochter, that joung of jeiris beine ? Sir, faid the Knicht, as lykis to jour Grace. Then enterit they anon wnto the place,

46 CLARIODUS.

And to the Queinis prefence fonne thay jeid, And fcho, of ladyes, full of woraanheid, Adrefit hir and came in thair prefence, Whilke mirrour was of bewtie and clemence ; With hir was Cader hir goung dochter fcheine, 1430 In geuth uprjrfing wounder fair to feine.

Unto the nobill princes faid the King,

Take thir two knichtis into commoning.

That new beine cuming, and fchort them with plefance.

And fcho obeyit with humbill reverence.

With uther knichts goung ladyis did difport ;

To tell the fafchioun it war lang to report.

Still at thair pleafance they remainit fo

Whill tyme was cum fupper to go to.

When they had fouppit and maid rycht merrie cheir 1440 They them dilportit on this fame maneir.

When tyme was cum to beddis for to gone,

Then everie man went to his bed anone.

Four knichtis did Clariodus convoy

Unto his chalmer, quhair maid was mekill joy,

And courlis came of meitis dalicat.

Of michtie wyne, and Ipycis aureat.

Lang quhan they feiftit had in this maneir,

To bed they went, baith knicht and baicheleir.

Devoydit was the chalmer fuddenly, 1450 Clariodus and his coufings him by ;

To bed is went all fecreit hot them thre j

Of diverfe thingis fpeirit at them he.

And thay him anfwerit as he did inquire.

Then faid Clariodus, My freindis deir,

I have beine thinkand on gour mariagis,

ge fall that be with great lynagis ;

J

BUIK FIRST. +7

Amadur, ge lall have in wadding The luftie lifter of the Spanifch King Of Spainjie land with 30W to go to bed ;

1460 And Palexis, my couling, ge lall wed

The King of Galice dochter to jour wyfe; Be now content or never in jour lyfe, It is not lang fen ge hir law, trow I. Weill, Sir, quoth they, je fport 30W merrily, What now fay ge of jour awin wadding. Quod he. That fall I efterwart inbring When ge beine waddit and to honour brocht ; ^ow to difpleafe this mater fpeik I nocht. And if thairto jour felf be nocht content,

1470 Na mair thairof to fpeike I me alTent. Be this Amador fell found on fleip. The quhilk Palexis perfavit and tuike keipe. And this unto Clariodus he faid, Meliades, that frefch luftie goung maid. As ge me bad, I gave the (^hiej pleiance, Declairing hir, with everie circumftance, The maner haill and cans of jour byding ; Bot quhen fcho wift that it was luthfaft thing, That to the lyoun je fould geive battell,

1480 Hir bricht cuUour fonne waxit wan and paill ; Scho founit deidlie, that peitie was to fee. In warld micht no ladie more dolour drie : It war ower lang to tell jow all the cace. How fcho with teiris hir beawtie did de&ce ; Receave this harte of gold inamellit blake, Scho bad jow in rememberance it take, And it to make alfe quhyt with conforting As it is blake with forrow and weiping.

48 CLARIODUS.

The heart recevit has Clariodus, 1490 And kiffit it weill oft, laying thus, Maift fair of wichtis, faireft to praife, Naught may my wits all inewgh I'uifais Jour Ladyfchipe to thanke with humbilnes According to gour trewth and gentilnes ; When fall I doe to gow la great plei'ance. As ge for me have fufiFerit oft pennance ? Meliades, wald God now [that] ge will That ardant heat, langour and birning thrift On me fo fore for langing for gour prefence, 1500 Quhilke beine my warldis joy and fufficence. He thus regrating, Palexis fleipit found ■ When Phebus bricht had rune his courfe around, And fchew his face into the orient. Clariodus he raife, and furth he went Unto the King, laying on this maneir. My coulingnis as ge fe ar cum heir For me, that heir hes maid lang fojorning ; Now grant me leave to pas unto the King, Whilk Ipeciallie thir knichts hes for me lend. 1510 Woe was the King quhen verilie he kend. That he no longer with him wald abyde ; Then faid he thus, Seing it man fo betyd That ge from us neidis mone depairt, I gow befeike and pray with all my hart That ge wald grant at my defjTe ane thing. Clariodus faid anon to the King, ge fall me no tyme pray, hot ay command. And I thairto obey fall but demand. The King faid thus, Clariodus, 1520 Advyfe quhat is beft and moft pretious

BUIK FIRST. 49

In my realem, and takit I gow pray ;

For unto jowit iaibe readie ay.

Then, Sir, faid he, feing it be jour pleaiance.

That I fall aflce efter jour ordinance.

Heir is Palexis, my freind and my coufing,

Whom as myfelf I luif but fainjeing,

I aflte jour doughter to him in manage,

If that ge wald difdaine with our linage

For to allay of gour great gentilnes ; 1530 And I ane thing fall height 50W heir dreidles.

That he falbe, within ane geiris fpace,

Ane crounit king, throw help of Godis grace.

Blj'th was the King of thir wordis, and faid,

Clariodus, I hald me weill apayed.

This Knicht anone fat doune upon his kne,

And thankit him with great humilitie.

The King anone has gart be brocht the Queine,

And fair Cadar, his lullie dochter I'cheine.

Clariodus hes fent for Palexis. 1540 When Amadur and he cummand was,

The King faid to his dochter on this ways,

Heir ar thrie knichtis mikill for to praife.

With ane of them if je fould waddit be.

Whom wald je chofe, fay on, dochter, let fee.

Thus unto hir he faid in his bourding.

And fcho to him hes fo maid aniweiring ;

Of thir knichtis my chofe if I fould have,

Clariodus I chufe above the leave,

[Of knichtis bell, fie maik wold I like well.] 1550 Then luich the King, and faid, Its na mervell

Suppofe ane elder woman had it faid.

When 36, dochter, that beine fo goung ane maid,

o

50 CLARIODUS.

Hes chofen him to be jour paramour. Clariodus than changit his cuUour. Now in this mater to be fchort, Seing lang it war the proces to report, The King with all his lordis beine advyfit, [It was a thing quhilk gretumly they pryfit] That Palexis the frefch and nobill knicht

1560 Sould wad anon the Kingis dochter bricht ; And efter this ane bifchop gar thay bring, And handfafl them but langer tarying. Clariodus gave hir ane rich coUer With gold all fet and michtie ftonis deir, Togidder with ane diamond bricht, At his depairting, as ane gentill knicht ; The officeris and fervants in the hall He gave rewardis, and monie giftis royal I. The new maid Knicht forget he nocht,

1570 Ane cloath of gold full curiouflie wrocht He gave to him, and uther giftis mo. At King and Queine they tuike thair leave to go. And of the court at everie lord and knicht ; Syn towards Ingland tuike thair gaitis rycbt With great triumph, honour and commend. So of this firfl Buike I make ane end.

THE SECUND BUIK OF

CLARIODUS.

Thir Knights ryding towardis their contrie. Out of Ingland quhen thay war jomayis thrie Thay enterit in ane vaill luftie and greine, Throw quhilk thair ran ane feimlie river fcheine j On it was maid ane brig with pilleris wight, Whair that on bread ane man micht pas forth right, By quhilk to thame was no readie way ; And on the brig alfe fonne as enterit thay, Ane armit Knicht thay met, with fpeir in hand, 10 Sayand to them. Fair Siris ge mone iiand. Or se ower pas je fall have mair adoe. Soberlie faid Clariodus him to. What beine the cans that ge wald Hop our way ? Then faid the Knicht, I fall it to gow fey ; Ane of 30W thre rycht heir man gif me feild. And if that I him vinquife under fcheild. Incontinent ane uthar I fell fey. Or ower the brig je fel pas on na way.

52 CLARIODUS.

If that it may na uthar wayis be, 20 Then, faid Clariodus, cum on thy way to me. Togidder joynis thir knightis of renowne, Thair melting was baith hard and felloun, And on thair fteidis them togidder bair j Thair fpeiris flew in peiflis in the air ; Thair bodies met with fik ane michtie force, Quhilk to the eard this Knicht lent man and horie. Clariodus git held his fadill ftill. The uther rail'e with force and eiger will. Clariodus difcendit from his fteid, so And to this Knicht hardilie he geid.

They met with awfiill Iwordis fcharpe of fteill, Full cruellie as can thair heidis feill ; They fmote at uther as bairis wode and keine. Or as twa rampand lyounis in thair teine. That in thair breifts furious was and wode ; Endlang thair lydis ftreimit doune the blude ; The rivar dymit with thair dints in ire ;

Heich from thair helmis the fparkis flew of fyre.

Full awfull war thir knichtis to behold, 40 With irefuU ftraikis quhilk micht not be told ;

Ather from uther feirclie dang the fcheild.

As alfe the mailgeis fcatterit in the feild ;

They hew throw helme, throw habergeone and plait,

Whill that thair Iwordis with bluid war wat.

Falexis than and Amadur alfo

Was for thair Eame in heartis wounder woe,

Beholding on the michtie campioun,

Whilk was in fight alfe feirce as ane lyoun,

Full mikill of bodie and alfe of height, 50 With gyen corpis wounder ftrong and wicht.

BUIK SECUND. t»

So cruell battell had they never feine.

They feamit aa two dragounis wode and keine ;

Thay wint thair had not beine fie fighting fell

Bot gif it had beine betwix twa feinds of hell.

This afper batell wode and wehement

Wox tham betwine fo fcharpe and violent.

That long it might not indure nor lefl;.

On ather fyd behuifit them to reft ;

Baith akit was thair armis and thair handis, 60 Thay ftand abake and leanit them on thair brandis,

And up thay put thair vifouris from thair face

The air to take, and braith for to purchas.

When they had lang tyrae them repofit thus.

We ar weill reftit, faid Clariodus,

Now let us enter new to our combat.

The uther laid. Be him that me creat,

Thow may weill thinke it is aneuch to the,

It is ane fill and fum pairt mair to me ;

Jit had I never half fa mikill adoe ; 70 I the befeike that firft thow Ichaw me to

Thy name, that I afke for thy knichtheid,

Againe or we to new battell proceid ;

This aflte I only for thy nobilnes.

The uther faid. That dar I doe doubtles,

Clariodus to name men dois me call.

The Knicht then inclynit law withall,

And fra his head his hewmund did unplace.

And be the point his fword, with humbill face. He tuike, and to Clariodus he jeid, 80 Sayand, O flour of armis and of knichtheid.

To th6 I 3eild me as to the worthieft Knicht Of all this warld, and to the gentileft wicht ;

54 CLARIODUS.

And unto him anone his fword he gave. And faid, My lord Clariodus, relave My manreid for now and ever mair ; I knew 50W not, quhiik me repentis lair. Clariodus him receaves fweitlie Into his armis, quha thankis him heartfullie. This Knicht him afldt forgiveines 90 That he of folie was fa rackles,

To fight with him quha rather he fould ferve ;

Sayand, My lord, greate blame I do deferve ;

I have this long tyme levit wickitlie.

Of my trelpas I aik God mercie ;

For throw my cruell lyfe and tyrranie,

Men callis me The Felloun but peitie.

For Joyfa Ramofe they war wount me to call.

The caus of this I fall 50W tell at all.

He fchew him furth the maner les and more

100 Of his lady as ge have hard before,

Fra him how fcho was revifchit be ane knicht.

Clariodus all wnderftud at ryght,

Palexis had tauld him ever ilke deale.

He laid. Sir Knicht, the caus I know full weiU,

It was me tauld or this quhair that I raid ;

Thairfor forget it, fen thair is no remeid

For to make cair for it or jit regrate,

Alte fair ane lady ge may have I wnite.

He faid, Sir, full fuith it is that ge fay ;

110 Bot of gour gentilnes I 30W pray

To go with me tliis nicht to my ludging, For it is now rycht lait in the evining, And far alfe to ane uthar harberie place. Clariodus him glaidlie grauntit hes.

BUIK SECUND. dB

Now togidder thir Knichtis went in feir Unto this Lordis calleli rchyning cleir, With courious kirnellis and goldin chainis bricht. [When the varlotis faw The Felloun knicht] Then doune they let the draw brig fall anone ;

120 And thay glaidlie ar to the caftell gone, Whair that with mikle myrrines and joy The Knichtis to ane chalmer thay convoy, Whilk was arayit wounder pretiouflie With gold, and filk and arais full michtie. When that the fupper was alredie dicht, '

And all to hall went, this faid Knicht Unto Clariodus faid in this maneir, T«n prilToneris I have with me heir, Whilk for gour laik full glaidlie lalbe fred ;

ISO And fyn he gart them to the hall be led, And bad them fay, Clariodus that he Them loulit out of priflbun ranfoune fre j And fyne anone, difpuilgeit of his hate, Befor thir priflbneris on kneis late, And aflsit thame forgivennes everie knicht, Saying, he fould amend at all his raicht. Thir wordis he laid fo lamentabill, The knichtis wox in heartis merciabill. And him forgave with tender imbracing.

140 Clariodus, with rewth to fe this thing, The teiris ower his cheikis haillit doun. So pitious was thair meitting and iermoune. When this was done, they all to fupper went Of nobill cheir, quhair nought was indigent j Full royallie thay fure with aboundance Of everie thing that might do them plelance.

56 CLARIODUS.

In mides of this fupper raife this Knicht, Whilke lord was of this place, and palllt rycht Unto ane clofit, and with him brocht againe

150 Rofe water cleir, doing thir wordis faine, I am callit The Felloun but pitie, For all men fpeikis of my crueltie ; Now think I to leive fo vertouflie, That my gud word fall go alle opinlie : Thairfor if it micht pleafe jour Lordfchipis all, From thence Le Fortoun de Amure ge me call, And I forever renunce all fellonie. Clariodus weill wnderftud the quhy That he the water brocht in coup of gold,

160 With ane new name that he be baptifit wold ; Whairfor the coup he held with hand on heigbt, And let the water fall upon the Knicht, Sayand, Le Fortoun de Amouris I the call ; Fra laughter then ilk ane could neer devall ; Ane noyis up raife that mirrie was to heir. When he was baptiilt on this maneir. When they had foupit with mirrines and joy, Clariodus to chalmer thay did convoy And his two coufingis, quhilk to bed ar gone

170 Whill bricht Phebus on morrow com anone. Rycht as Clariodus anone up rofe, Le Fortoun de Amouris to his chalmer gois. And with him brocht baith harneis, fcheild and fpeir. And all that ganit to ane knicht to weir. And tham prefentit to Clariodus, Firft helfing him, than faying to him thus. Sir, brokin ar jour harnes in fum part,

• Quhairfor I 30W befeike with all my heart

I

BUIK SECUND. 57

That ge wald weir this hames for my laike.

180 He thankit him, and did the hames taike, And him inarmit in it luililie. And eike this Fortoun de Amouris nobillie The ten Knichtis rewairdit on this wyfe With ten fair hameillls gudlie to devyfe, And ten ileidis the befl in that cuntrie. When thay rewairdit war on this degrie, Thay thankit him, and tuike thair leave to wend. Clariodus did on his horfe afcend Whill it was neir awcht houris in the day,

190 Fortoun de Amouris convoyit him away. The way depairtit of thir Knichtis than, Thay tuike thair leave at uther everiike man. Ane reale rob gave Sir Clariodus To Fortoun de Amouris quhen they pairtit thus. Ather to uther did heartlie them commend, Imbraicing uther, then fra uther wend. And the ten Knichtis on this lame maneir, Thair leave hes talne, [and] hamwart went ifeir. Clariodus, thus furth the way ryding,

200 Ane meffinger come in his [gait] meitting From fair Meliades his lady dcir, Whilk was hir awin varlat Bonvaleir. He was rejofit thairof greatumlie. And him relavit wounder tenderlie. When he had fpeirit all things as he lill. He tuike hir letteris and for joy tham kill ; And bad his couilngis ryd befor fumthing, Whill he advyfit war with hir wryting. " My bell belovit Knicht, and joy onlie,

210 To 30W I me commend rycht heartfullie

H

SS CLARIODUS.

Abone all utlier eardlie creature.

As I that lang thinkis abone meafure,

I have fent gow this fecreit meffinger

And varlot of my chalmer Bonvaleir

In proper perfoun with gow to fpeik, [and] fe

If ge be blyth, that he may fay to me

That he gow faw, and with gour felf infpak,

In mikill thing quhilk will me glaider make.

Send wird with him, my Knicht, I 30W befeike,

220 Of gour eflait, and of gour weilfair eike. I bad Palexis me to gow commend, And eike with him ane writting wald have fend War not that alle awtentike beine his faw As ony dyt in letter, as ge knaw. And for to fchaw to gow of my eftait, Se have my hart all haill gouris, God wait, ge left me with no weilfair nor plefance, Bot cruell fiching, forrow and pennance: Quhairfor ane thoufand tymes I gow pray,

230 To vifit me in all the heaft ge may; For I may never be in joy perfite Whill I gow fe, the grund of my delyt. Whairfor, my Knicht and only paramour, I have gow lent ane ballat of amour, Befeiking gow that frefchlie for my iaike ge hald it, feing I did it make. No more as now, bot God that is above Keip gow, my Knicht, quhom ower all I love." When this ballet was red be Sir Clariodus,

240 He was in heart richt bliffuU and joyous ; He cloflit it, and laid it nixt his heart Under his arrae, rejoyfing lum inwart j

BUIK SECUND. fS9

Syne haiililie efter his fellowis raid.

Calling to him Bonvaleir, and thus faid,

[Of England Court the tydingis tell. And than]

Bonvaleir firft at the King began,

Syne at the Queine, and tauld that thay war glaid.

And fyne at fair Meliades the maide ;

Syne of the Court he tauld of everie flait. S50 Be they had fpeirit all it waxit lait ;

And fall thay raid quhile they com to the plane

Quhair they faw Hand ane fair horfe it alleane

Neir by ane wode, quhair, throw the way richt,

Thay raid full faft, for cumand was the nicht ;

Whair foune thay hard into the wode tham by

Ane cairfull voice, lyke to ane manis cry :

Unto the voice they fped them haillily,

Whair that they law ane man bundin ly ;

Twa litill duerfHs was fitting him neir, 260 Upon his breift thair lat ane lady cleir

With cruell feir, and in hir hand ane knyfe,

Saying, Falfe trator, thow Tall lofe thy lyfe ;

Heir fall thou fterve all only of my hand.

Me may thou not remeid nor [jit] gainftand ;

Fals theif, I fall me wraike on the full weill.

This knyfis poynt thy dowbill heart fall feill.

And eike I fall thy heart heir carve in two.

Never me thow fall- begyle nor git no mo.

Clariodus difcendit from his horfe rycht thair, 270 Seing this cruell Lady, fa merciles fair ;

He laid, Madame, do never that felloun deid,

Have rewth and pitie for gour womanheid ;

With that he tuike hir in his armis two.

And to hir Ipake fare monie wirdis mo.

60 CLARIODUS.

This Lady, birning in hir crueltie. With tygir mynd, and attrie face to fe, Full tyrranlie as feindlie coccatrice. Unto the Knicht fcho anfweirit on this wyfe. Pas on, and intromet gow not with me, 280 For at gour counlall think I never to be, This trator falbe dead, or ellis I. He faid. Have patience, O my fair Ladie, And that ge ar ane woman have in mynd. And never to ane man be fo unkynde As him to flay, doing gour felf defame. Bring everlafting reproch to gour name. Scho faid, I winit ge had beine ane Knicht, And ge ane preacher ar becumin richt ; So fiirth and in fum paroch church go teache, 290 For heir it helpis gow no thing to fleich. He falbe deid, or I myfelf fall flay. And quhen Clariodus hard hir fo fay. For lawghter uneis micht Qhimfelf] conteine, For fcho was as ane lyoun alfe keine ; And laid. Madam, this tyme for my faike ge falbe gratious ; I undertaike, Gif he hes faillit, he lall to gow amend. And his offence war to me maid kend. Sir, fcho faid, I am this Knichtis wyfe, 300 Whom to I have beine trew in all my lyfe. And him I have taine in adulterie As falfe tratour with ane far worfe nor I ; For Icho is nothing in comparifoun To me, nether in beawtie nor renoune ; Think ge not this ane thing impertinat. That this faUe tratour, theif and renegat.

BUIK SECUND. 61

Defaice fould [thus] ane lady as am I,

Quhilk am mair nobill of genealogie

Nor he, or ony of his parentille ? 310 Think je not deid he hes delervit weill ?

Clariodus began to finyll a litt.

And laid. Lady, in him lyis all the wyt ;

Bot jit for worfchip of jour womanheid,

ge fall have mercie heir of his mifdeid ;

And in tyme cuming, if he to 30 w offend,

Menteine I fall gour quarrel and defend.

So with fair wordis and with hurabilnes,

Relaxit he this Knicht that bundin wes,

And tham agreit, fchortlie for to lay, 320 Syne wald his leave have taine and went his way;

Bot thay him prayit that nicht to remaine

With tham, quhiike he grantit, the futh to faine.

This Knicht lape on behind Clariodus,

Him gyding hamwart, myrrie and joyous

That fo had Ikaipit betuix the bow and ftring.

Clariodus laid, How befell this thing,

That ge war with this Lady bundin fo ?

The trewth, he faid, I lall not hyd 50W fro ;

Scho fand me with ane woman in quyet, 330 And fecreit in hir heart it buire full great,

And never fchew me ane luike of difplifance

Whill in the wood it happinit thus perchance

Me to unarme me, and ly doune to lleipe ;

To quhilk fcho and gon dwerfis tuike [gudej keip,

And on me femblit lleiping as I lay,

And band me thus, the luith if I gow fay ;

And had not beine ge come in this cace,

I had bein deid, but mercie or but grace :

62 CLARIODUS.

Whairfor not fufficis my wittis all,

S40 ^ow for to thanke ; bot heir heicht I fall, gouris to be for terme of all my lyfe, That hes me fuccurit from my crueU wyfe. So raid thay furth unto the Knichts palace, Wher they recevit war with great folace ; Anone they foupit and maid rycht myrrie cheir. And fyne to bedis went they all in feir. ClarioduB lay in bed him alone. And quhen his coufingis fleiping war, anone He callit Bonvaleir, and did him fay,

350 Go fetch ge me ane inftrument to play

Fra gone ladie ; furth went this Bonvaleir, Whilk hes him brocht ane herp with ftringis feir ; ■ Inke and paper he gart him bring alfo, And fyne commandit him to bed to go. Saying, he had to do fum biiUnes. He paflit furth quhen all men fleiping was, And enterit in ane lullie garth of flouris. And tuike his Ladyis ballet of amouris. And fet it on ane note plefant and richt fweit ;

360 And quhen it was all finifchit and compleit, He fang it with the harpe rycht myrrillie, To heir whilk was ane joyous melodie : Wlien this was doune he begane to wryte. Unto his ladie as followis the indyt.

" LoDSTAR of love, and lampe of lullieheid, Bloflbme of beautie, and rofe of gudliheid, lUuflar lillie, and leime of my delyt. To gow, the faireft flour of collour quhyt, I me commend ane hundreth thowland fyis,

370 Whom in my daith my lyfe and comfort lyis ;

BUIK SECUND. 69

iow thanking ofter nor I can heir report, Of 3our frefch ballat of plefance and comfort, Of jour tender wryting lb winder fweit, Whilke for to heir rejofis all my fpreit. Amadure and Palexis baith ifeir Into the court I lend with Bonvaleir, And with no wicht I will difcoverit be, My heartis Lady, whill that I gow I'e : And fpeciallie. Madam, I gow requyre, 380 If ge will doe ocht for my defyre,

The poftrum of your garth ge gar unclole ; To be thair this nicht is my purpofe. The tent hour withouttin ony dread. To fpeike at lafour with gour Ladyheid, Whom God in gud profperitie conferve, And in honour quhidder I leif or fterve."

When endit hade Clariodus this thing. To bed he geid withoutin tarying. At morne he hard ane mefe with gud intent ; 390 Syn to the lord that awcht the paleice he went. And quyetlie thir wirdis faid him to. For fecreit materis that I have adoe, I wald ane chalmer of gow borrow heir, Whill that my biflines compleitit ware. The Lord anfweirit and faid, Not ane only, Bot all my chalmers, houfe and harberie, Or then I war wyld, wode, or out of mynd, Confiddering ge have beine to me ia kynd. He thankit him ; fyne to his chalmer went, 400 Saying to thame, Loe this is my intent. To pas to Denmark I have maid ane vow. The caus quhairof I will not Ichaw as now.

64 CLARIODUS.

Perchance heirefter ge may have witting, ge two fall pas in Ingland to the King, And fchaw to him that I am haill and feir, And of my jurnay on this maneir ; Me recommending on moft humbill wyfe, [And that full oft, to fair Meliades,] To hir, and eik unto the court ower all ; 410 And quhen I may have lafour cum I fall. Heiring this taill, thir knichtis war full wo ; Bot, for his great difplealbur dread they fo, No thing they faid, bot rycht at his command They wald obey withouttin mair demand. Then efter callit he on Bonvaleir, Saying, Commend me to my Lady deir. And unto hir ge fay that in fchort fpace, I thinke to fe hir fair and giidlie face ; Geive hir this letter in ane taikining 420 That I fair weill : and fo, at thair depairting, Fyifte florings of gold he gave him thair ; And then Bonvaleir tuike [his] leave to fair. His coufignis tuik thair leave with imbracing ; And in Palexis hand he did inthring Ane rich flour of lullie diamand. The quhilke bricht was and illuminand ; And him commandit in fecreit wayes, That he fould geive it to Meliades.

Bonvaleir and thir nobill Knichtis two 430 Thair leave hes taine hamwart for to go j Thir Knichtis two did on thair horfe afcend, And Bonvaleir hamwart with them wend. Thir Knichtis, with this varlot Bonvaleir, In thair voyage fo foftlie can them fleir

BUIK SECUND. 6)9,

Whill they com neir the cuntrie of Ingland.

Bonvaleir, to thir Knightis inclynand,

Said, I wald ryd before war it gour will.

Thir Knichtis baith confentit him till.

Bonvalier haiflit him on like wyfe 440 That in fchort tyme into the toune he hyis.

As for that tyme quhair lugit was the King ;

Anone alfo he changit his clothing,

As he had not beine fra hame nor abfent.

Rycht foune unto Meliades he went.

And fand hir in hir wairdrope quyetlie,

Playand on ane hearpe rycht mirrilie.

And quhen fcho of Bonvaleir had ane ficht,

Greatlie rejofit was this Lady bricht,

And haitilie I'cho {peirit of his tyding. 450 And then Bonvaleir, on his kneis fitting.

Said, Gud tyding I have to jow, Madame ;

Clariodus the Knicht of mekle fame

Commending him unto ^our Ladieheid,

And bad me lay unto jow but dread

That in fchort tyme he fould gour beawtie fee ;

And heir ar letteris that he dere6lit me.

And bad me to gour Hienes them prefent.

Scho them refavit than incontinent,

And rede ; bot quhen fcho had witting 460 Of all his tryiling and of his cuming,

Thairfor fcho tuike fie comfort and plefiince,

Scho thocht hir heart for joy begouth to dance ;

Then faid to Bonvalier, I have feine

^OTir letteris, quhilk fimi centenfis dois conteine. Within few dayis that Clariodus Salbe in this cuntrie heir with ws.

I

66 CLARIODUS.

Bonvalier faid, Madame, fa traiil ge me, That he fall cum quhen he may readie he ; He me rewairdit fa michtilie,

470 And alfe hes gevin me of gold fa larglie That I fall rich man be for ever moir, I 30W requyre that ge him thank thairfore. I fall him thanke, fcho faid, at his cuming. For ge have donne gour pairt in everie thing j Go furth and fetch me Romaryn alfwith. At hir command fcho com with vifage blyth, And faid. Madam, with me quhat war gour will ? Tydings, fcho faid, I have to tell 30W till ; The nobill and worthie Clariodus, my Knicht,

480 Salbe heir, God willing, with ws this nicht. Romaryn anfweirit and laid, God me lave, Thofe beine the tydandis faineft I wald have. This nicht he cumis, faid Meliades, At ten houris but dread on this wayis, In at the gardine poilrum thinkis he All privilie to have his entrie ; Thairfoir I pray that ge the poftrum keip, So that the tyme [appoynted] we not fleip. Romaryn faid, Madame, not this onlie,

490 To keip the poflrum, bot I readilie Wald go for 30W to the warldis end. To bring to purpofe quhilk je two pretend : Coniidering that, bot villanie or blame, gour love to the increfling of gour fame. My part I fall fa weill doe to 30W baith. That it fall never retume to 30W no ikaith. Thir two as now thay fpike no more Fur perfaving ; Meliades thairfore

BUIK SECUND. 9f

Unto hir Ladies went hir to diiport, 500 Fulfillit with all glaidnes and comfort.

To court then cuming was [Sir] Palexis

And Amadour, quhilk with all biilines

Went to the King, quha full tenderlie

Speirit for Clariodus, and quhy

That he not cam. And they have anfweir maid,

Saying, This is the cans of his abaid.

He man in Denmark pals for caufis feir ;

Bot he will fpeid him hame foune to be heir :

He bad ws that we fould him recommend 510 Unto jour Grace, on quhome he will depend

Abone all princes aneth the firmament.

The nobill King in heart was not content

That cuming was not git Clariodus,

And baith his coufings com him fra thus.

He Ipeirit at them uther ty dings new ;

And they him plainlie all the maner fchew

Of all the jufting and the tornament

Of Spaine, and how the prail'e and loving went

All onlie with Clariodus and no mo. 520 And word be word they tauld him alio.

How that he manfullie vinquift the lyoun.

And all the cace they tauld with lang fermoune ;

And how that with The Felloun but petie

He faught, and gart him leave his crueltie.

And quhen the King this hard ia great ferlie,

He bliflit him and faid, I trew fuithlie.

That fie ane Knicht be not in all the warld as he.

Of ftrenth, and nurtur, and magnanimitie.

Thir wordis did the King, and bad them go 530 Unto the Queine, and to hir tell alio

68 CLARIODUS.

The ferlie thing, quhilk unto him they fchew ; To quhom they went anone, and did falew Hir nobilnes ; and fcho maid them to go With hir into ane garding to and fro Whill they had tauld hir all the circumftance, And word be word without diflimulance ; Quhilk was to hir ane thing maid mervellous, How that he micht acheive fie adls perrellous. Sir Amadour went walking with the Queine ;

540 And Sir Palexis with the Ladie fcheine, And laid, Madame, Clariodus the Knicht, Oft him commendis unto jour bewtie bricht. And fendis to gow this flour of diament ; Saying, Within few dayis in verament He fall gow fe. Then laid Meliades, Sa lang from ws he bydis on fik wyfe, I trow the plelance of his awin cuntrie Sail gar this land with him forgottin be. Palexis for to blind fcho faid this thing,

650 For he nocht will of Bonvaleiris wryting. Palexis laid. For fuith Madam I trow. He had rather die than forgottin gow ; Uneis fcho micht from lawghter then contine. And thocht that he knew litill them betwine ; Bot Weill fcho did confider his lawtie. For to his Fame ane gud parte keipit he. Be this was faid, the night aprochit neir ; The King then dreffit him to his fuppeir ; For joy that cuming war thir knichtis, he

560 Sent for the Queine and Ladies of beawtie, To foup with them that night into the hall. The courfis com with trumpits found royall ;

BUIK SECUND. (»

Rycht nobill cheir they had, with aboundance Of dilicat meits and wynis of plefance. When they had foupit and chirit nobillie,

And eftir I'upper danilt mirrilie

With joyous play anone and gxid difport.

The Queine unto hir chalmer went at fchort,

And with hir went Meliades the bricht, 570 Wha ay thocht on the cuming of hir Knicht.

And quhen it did aproch neir the hour,

Scho faid unto the Ladyis of hir boure

That Icho was evill dilpolit, and wald ly

Into hir wairdrop that nicht quyetlie.

Hir Ladyis hir convoyit to the doure,

Quhilk Romaryn clofit eftir hir lure.

This Lady langer thocht this nicht perfay

Nor fcho befor had thocht ane moneth day ;

Whairfor fcho gart Romareine go full oft 580 To hir poftrum and fet hir paiffis foft;.

That naine fould hir heir. So, oft fcho paft

Whill that fcho fand him (landing at the lall ;

Then fcho undid the port full biflilie, ,

And fyn kneillit to him full humbillie,

Sayand, My Lord, ge ar full welcum heir.

He laid. Grand mercie I with ane knichtlie cheir ;

Bot he wald not hir kifs quhill he had feine

His awin Lady, quhilk he avowit beine.

When fcho the get had clofit fikerlie 590 They com togidder befor this joung Ladie.

When he hir faw he fat doun on his kne,

Bot ane long tyme ane word not [fay] micht he,

Nor jit this Lady, for ower great comforting ;

Full war thair hearts of blilFull rejollng ;

•;0 • CLARIODUS.

Ouercum thay was with love in everie fyd, Whilk in thair breiftis was fo multiplied That they abaillt lang war in this wyle. And unto him firft Ipake Meliades, Welcum my Knicht, welcum my fufficence,

600 Welcum my warldis joy and haill plefance, Welcum my heartis love, Clariodus, Whais lang abfence hes beine to me noyous. Then anfweirit he and laid full courteilie. My heartis Ladie and my joy onlie, How have ge faime fen our laft depairting ? Now fair I weill, quod fcho, in everie thing, Sen ge ar cum, the cans of my weilfair. With that fcho ftrenthit him in hir armis thair. And he alfo did hir foftlie imbrace,

610 And kiiHt uther oft into that place.

This Knycht then befyd hir doun fcho fat Upon ane cufchoun of rich velvat. Speikand fyne of divers materis of plefance Belonging unto loves obfervance. My paramour, faid fair Meliades, To me it is reveaUit in fecreit wyie. That ge fould have beine wadit into Spaine ; This jeluiie did bote in me remaine ; For ever, great love as it dois oft befall,

620 Hot jelufie ower love does dwell at all. Clariodus faid. Madam, be not adred, Quhen that the King of Bethingham fall gow wed. The King of Spainis filler fall me have. And that falbe rycht fuith, fa God me fave. And fuith it was, of Bethingam the King And hir freindis had fpokin of hir wadding ,

BUIK SECOND.

Quhairfor fcho leuch, and faid, ge know gour fell. All is not trew that eyerie man dois tell. Amongis them thus mirrilie they Iporte,

630 They thocht the night to tham was all to fchort. Clariodus faid, I have ane interpryfe To do in armis, quhairfor ge mon devyfe What cullour I fall weir ; for if that I Be into reid, then fall I verily Be knowin to all the court in everie fteid. For wait ge weill that long I wore the reid. Then faid Meliades in this maneir. Now it is Mayis moneth fair and cleir ; Wharfor, according to the feafoun fcheine,

640 Convenient war that je fould weir the greine. Clariodus hir thankit courteflie Of hir cullour, and faid, Madame, glaidlie At gour command that cullour I fall ufe For faike of 30W, and no man to refufe In tournament, in peace, nor git in weir, Alfe long as I jour gudlie cullour beir. Ane chaine of gold fcho gave him lang and fmall. With love knotis that caffin war ower all ; And bad that he fould weir it for hir faike 650 Abone his geir ; quhilk he did wndertake. And he hir gave ane lullie braflet. All wrocht with gold and pretious ftonis fet j And for his faike he prayit hir to weir it. The day aprocht, quhairof they war eflFeirit. Romaryn laid. It wilbe day alfweith, And thairof war thir lovers nothing Myth ; They tuike thair leave at uthers imbracing, With pitious wirdis, and with kifling.

71

72 CLARIODUS.

With forrowfuU %liing, and with tirie face ;

660 Into thair myndis thinking oft, AUeace, That ever thay fould depairt fo fuddantlie ; AlTuring uthers with aithes fikerlie Trewth and gude love for ever more to left. Depairting fyne with heartis fore oppreft, To the poftrum went Clariodus, With fichis fad and heart dolorus ; Whom convoyit the Lady Romaryn, And at the poftrum did to him inclyne ; Whom at he tuike his leave richt courteflie,

670 And thankit hir baith oft and heartfuUie Of all hir fecreit fervice donne before, Sayand, He fould think on it evermore. Then flickit fcho the poftrum privilie. And to hir Ladie com up haiftilie, Whair fcho hir fand makand ane pitious mone, Hir gudlie face with tearis all wobegone For forrow of the fuddane depairting Of him quhom that fcho lovit ower all thing. Bot Romaryn did comfort hir fo faft

680 Whill to hir bed fcho bounit at the laft,

Whair fcho lay waiking, and thinking on her knicht Whill Phebus fchynit in her chalmer bricht ; And then fcho raife and hir arrayit anone. And with hir Ladies to the Queine is gone.

Clariodus, or that [the] fun up fchyne. Was at the forfaid knichtis place againe. The portar trowit, for he was ane valiand knicht, He had beine feikand eventures all nicht. To bed he went, and fleipit quhile it was day ;

690 And fyne he raife and foune did him aray.

BUIK SECUND. 78

When he to God had prayit derotlie, And dynit eik, he faid full courtellie Unto the Lord, Len me ane fervitour That can ane erand doe with biflie cure. The Lord him grantit hes rycht heartfiilly, And callit on ane fervand neir him by. And him betaucht, faying, ^e fall refave This gour man quhilk I in dewtie have } For he is fecreit, wyfe and trew in all,

700 Whairfoir to name we Diligence him call ; He fall gour varlot be withoutin dreid, If ge him lift, for tearme of lyfe pofeid. Clariodus him thankit reverentlie ; This Diligence he hes fent haiftilie For diverfe things that was convenient For him to weir into [the'] tomament ; And bad him alfe ane browderer him bring. And eike ane armurar that was cuning, And diverfe fllkis baith greine and uther hew.

710 This Diligence fiill weill the waris knew ; He tuike the money, and went on his erand ; And everilk thing, rycht as he did command. He fumifchit hes, and bocht into fchort fjpace ; And brocht with him the workmen to the place Whair that he bade. And then Clariodus Went to the Lord againe, and faid him thus, Sir, ane maifter of work mon ge be ; Heirefterwart as ge wald. Sir, charge me ; Gar put gon workmen in fum quyet hous,

720 And fe that they be verie laborus

Whill thay have maid ane harnes fair and fure ; And bid that they with greine fatine it cure,

K

74 CLARIODUS.

Of Tutabone weill all broderit with the floure, For jonder cumin is ane good broderour ; My uther hames they may as patroun taike, And thay thairby the meitter fall it make. The Knight all undertuike with diligence ; Bot he himfelf wald not cum in prefence Of tham that maid his hames, dread that thay 730 Sould him reveale againe in the tornay.

He gart them alfe make gounis of fatine greine, For men and wemen, gudlie for to feine ; The varlots of the place he gart aray Of fatine greine all of ane leveray, Imbrowderit with the flour of Tutabon ; So that he left not unrewalrdit one. Clariodus fex virginis fair to feine Gart all be clothit into fatine greine ; The joungeft he gart aray hir luflilie 740 With gold and ftonis winder plefandlie ; Abone hir treffit hair of delyte Was fet ane chaplet all of pearlis quhyt. And fex fquyeris he hes gart death alfo In greine fatine, with this Madin to go Unto the King. He teichit hir parqueir What fcho fould fay, as efter ge fall heir. This Madine richt to Windil'chore is went, Wher that the King as than was refident. And lichtit at the palice get adoune, 750 Whair monie men rycht gudlie of renoune. Four awfuU bearis was to the King prefent, [With quhilk his Knichts fould fight incontinent.] Great preafe of pepill com them to behold. This damifell, bot of fyftine geiris old,

BUIK SECUND. 75

Went throw the preile whill fcho com to the King,

Whair kneillit doune this gudlie Madine benign ;

And firft fcho helfit him and fyne the Queine,

And then Meliades the luflie ladie fcheine ;

Syne with he voice fcho faid before them all 760 Thir wordis, that rehearfe to gow I fall :

King Philipon, unto jour Excellence

The Grein Knicht hes me fent with reverence ; The quhilk plainlie commandis me to fay,

Ane tornay fet is for ane moneth day

Be him, bot heir ane litill gow befyde j Gif ony Knicht, that dois with gow abyde,

Will him allay, he lall refavit be

In juiling, for thole dayes thinkis he Them to allay, if thay will cum him till ; 770 And he that is win fall be at the will Of him that ilraike him doun but let. To quhat priflbun he will him in fet. The Grein Knicht beiris the flour of Tutabon, Wha will aflay let him cum on anone To joyous Mafon not far gow fro. Four myllis of ipace it is and no mo, The Lord of it Sir Pennent hecht dreidles Of La Carere, ane knicht of worthines. When fcho had laid thir wordis oppinlie, 780 The King and all the court had great ferlie Of hir language, that fcho, la goung of age. So nobillie compleitit had hir meflage. Among the rout great preafe was hir to fe, So Weill arayit, and of fo great bewtie. The King faid. Lady, I have great joy to heir gour fpeache pronuncit with womanlie maneir ;

76 CLARIODUS.

And for to fe gour bewtie maift bening, gour port, gour cheir, gour Ipeach and gud having ; gow and jour gyding greatlie I commend, 790 And eike the Greine Knicht that gow heir fend.

We ar to him beholdin in great maneir.

That hes ws fend fo g^atious ane meffinger j

If that je pleis, ane quhill ge lall abyd,

Whill I Ipeik with thir Knichtis me befyd j

Syn ge fall anfweir have and that anone.

He with his Knichtis ar to counfall gone.

Thay war content and blyth everie Knicht,

Confenting at thair power and thair micht

To mak them redie to the turnament, 800 Whairon accordit thay with ane confent.

Befor the King fat doune ane Knicht,

Sir Broun de la Mere hardie and wicht.

And aikit thair that he the formoll day.

To juft micht enter in the faid tornay.

The King him grantit ; and fyne returnit I'weith

Unto this Virgine fo bening and blyth,'

Saying to the fair Madine, To the Greine Knicht lay,

He falbe fervit all out ane moneth day

At his defy re, and thanke him hartfullie 810 That hes ws chargit fo honorabillie

Unto fo nobill ane a6l and fair difport.

Then he delyverit hes this Madine at fchort ;

At quhais pafUng into rememberance,

Ane diamond he gave hir of plelance ;

The quhilke fcho did refave with humbill cheir,

And thankit him upon ane fair maneir.

This luftie Madine returning haiAilie,

Hir fquyeris ryding lullilie hir by.

BUIK SECUND. 77

Syn to Clariodus did hir dres, 820 And tauld him the maner mair and les,

How all the court had joy of hir cuming,

And how fcho was delyverit with the King,

And how that hir beheld Meliades,

Quhilk was the rofe of everie luilines ;

Abone melbur commending the bewtie

Of hir that was fo angill lyke to fee ;

And fuith it was that ilk Meliades

Beheld hir with all cure and biilnes,

For Weill fcho wift quhairfra fcho was fend, 830 The mair fcho did unto the Madine attend.

Quhen fcho had tauld him all the remanent,

Clariodus unto Sir Pennent went,

And faid, ^e mon ane chalmer gar provide.

That is of herberie mekill roume and wyde.

And gar aray it lullilie and fair.

Perchance in it fum ftrangers fall repair.

When this was faid, Clariodus furth went.

And twa paviliouns luftilie gart upftent

Of greine fdk wrocht, and in ane large plaine, 840 Ane flicht fchot fyndrie, the fuith if I fould faine,

With lilkin roppis alfo of the lamine hew ;

Ane for him felf, quhair, of the bricht gold new

Inbrowderit was the flour of Tutabone ;

For his companioun the uther was anone.

Within thir twa was ordanit everie thing

That langit unto tornay or jufting.

Be all was put to poynt and dune at rycht

The day was gone, and cuming was the nicht ;

Clariodus his bodie did deveft, 850 Syne to his bed he jeid, him for to reft.

78 CLARIODUS.

The mirrie day difplaying in the morrow. The glaid foullis, devoid of nichtis forrow. With fugarit nots making ane mirrie found Aganis bricht Phebus biyth afcentioun, Whilk with his afour beamis of delyt Oppinit on bread the tender blomea quhyt. Doing the bloITumes breke in the fpray. And everilk bank in grein dois he aray. Clariodus, the flour of Mars, his knichts

860 Full luflilie into his weidis him dichts. With knichtlie cheir and curage leoneine. Thinking or Phebus in the waft declyne, That he Ibuld for his foverane Ladyis laike, With Ipeir in hand, ane manlie counter make. When he ane mels had hard, and tane diljune. He gart four gudlie fquyeris enter foune Into the Knichtis pailgeon, and that anone Sould with him juft ; to ferve him thay ar gone ; Syne ordanit he two virginis that war cleir,

870 By the reinjeis to leid his awin courfeir ; The Ladie of the place his helme did heir, Hir following foure frefche virginis of eflfeir ; The Lord himfelf to ferve him of his lance ; And all in greine arrayit for plelance ; His four fquyers upon the famine wyle War all in greine, maift gudlie to devyfe. Then to his pailgeoun went he fpedilie, Inearmit at all poyntis full richlie. On his companioun thair abyding ftill.

880 He had with him baith trumpit and clarioun chill, Garring await if they faw ony Knicht Cum from the Kingis corut enarmit bricht.

BUIK SECUND. ?»

And be it was of the day houris ten, Againis the fune ane Knicht cumand thai ken, Lucent as lampe and leming in his weid. Withe lance in hand, upon ane Ihaw quhyt fteid j Two knichtis him convoyit nobilly, And gud Sir Amadur raid him by, And uther fyve him for to ferve at all j 890 He feimit feirce and ftrong as ony wall. When he aprochit neir the pailgeoun, The four Iquyera with rycht bening fermoun Recevit him, and offerit him entrie, And prayit him to licht thair ; bot he Wald not licht doune, bot thankis to them gold. Anone quhen thus Clariodus can behold, Alfe fuift as falcoun he Iprang upon his fteid, As glorious angill fchyning in his weid ; Fret full of ftonis radious and licht, 900 All browderit with gold depaintit full bricht. Out throw the greine gudlie to decerne, Whair ilk gilt mailge glemit as ane fterne ; And for the Lady had his helme to beir, Ane falfe vifar for kening he did weir ; Hir ladies all, as je have hard me fay, Convoyit him furth all into greine aray. When that Sir Broun and his fellowis beheld The Greine Knicht cum fo nobillie to the feild. Unto his feiris he faid that ftude him by, 910 Jone is the knichtlieft licht aluterly.

And the moft gudlie that ever I faw with ey ; And lb faid all the reft of his meinge. Clariodus threw on his helme anone. Sir Pennent with his fpeir is to him gone.

80 CLARIODUS.

The trumpits blew and heraldis ciyit all. The menftrellis playit with gle angellicall. Thir Knichts as two lampis leiming licht Of aureat fplendor fchjmit as ftonis bricht ; They fmot thair ileidis with Ipuris hardelie, 920 And ran togidder wonder feircelie,

Whill that thair fchaftis fcharp and fquaire Flew all in peices abone them in the aire ; They tuike new fpeirris and ran togidder in feir. Full knichtlie com thir men of armis cleir, Girdand fo fall as ane fireflochtis glance, Sir Broun on Clariodus brake his lance. And he him hit againe with fie force That he ane ipeir lenth ftrake him fra his hors. The Greine Knicht thene returnit to his tent. 930 Four gudlie fquyeris to Sir Broun ar went,

Sayand, Sir Knicht, the cunand weill je knaw, ge mon to prilToun with on ane law. Sir Broun anfweirit and laid, Richt weill gour willis I fall obey everilk deill. They led him to ane priflbn of plefance, Be the Greine Knichtis nobill ordinance ; Quhilk chalmer was arrayit nobillie. With clothes of gold and arais full michtie. The fquyeris faid, ge moft heir abyd, 940 Whill we unto our lord the Greine Knicht ryd. The fquyeris com unto Clariodus, Quhilk was hame rydand mirrie and joyous Toward the place of Sir Pennent the Knicht ; And at the gettis quhen he did alicht. They tauld to him all the maner cleir, How they demainit had the priflbneir.

BUIK SECUND. 81

Clariodus unto his chalmer went.

And him unearmit thair incontinent ;

Then hes he for Sir Pennent lent belyve, 950 Sayand, Sir Knicht, ge pas and eike gour wyfe,

And take with 30W the fex virginis in hy,

With other Iquyeris in jour companie,

And with Sir Broun je foupe and make 50W biyth.

Sir Pennent faid, It falbe donne alfueith.

The Knicht furth went as he commandit was,

With all the forlaidis ladyes more and les,

And gart bring furth with them ches and tabill.

And inflrumentis that war dele6tabill,

With herp, and lute, and inilruments for to play ; 960 And in this chalmer, put in gud aray.

They enterit foune, and faid on this maneir.

Sir, the Greine Knicht hes fent us to 50W heir.

To do 30W plefance and hold 30W companie.

Sir Broun anfweirit and {aid, I traift gif I

Have no worie priflbun nor this I fall not pleine ;

And fo to tell the trewth and not to feine.

The faireft man of armis and the beft

Is the Greine Knicht, and the I'eimlieft

That leives now, I trow, under the fone, 970 He feimis nocht lichtlie to be wone.

Sir Pennant laid, And he is thair withall.

The gentilell and the moll liberall

That ever I knew in the dayis of my lyfe.

None lawlier in the world is borne of wyfe.

When they had foupit and fairne rycht reallie,

Sir Pennent tuike his leive rycht humbillie.

And left with him four fquyeris that war wyfe,

In all his deidis to doe him fervice.

8« CLARIODUS.

When cumin was to court Sir Amadoure,

980 To heir his tydingis the King had great langour, And bad him fchaw as he had hard and feine ; And he him tauld the veritie all cleine, Richt as it was, diilimuling in no thing; Of quhilk rehearfe great mervell had the King, To Amadur laying, halfe as it war in play. Be of gude curage, the morne 5e mon allay. Amadur laid, Availl quhat may availl. However it be, the game I fall aflaill. The nicht palllt, the morrow com alfuith.

990 Sir Amadur, fa fone as day could kyth, Inarmit him and in the clofe difcendit, And fand awcht fquyeris that on him dependit, With Sir Palexis and uther knichtis two. Sueith at the King he tuike his leave to go. And raid furth to the place of jufting. When the Greine Knicht had of him perfaving, He come furth cleir enarmit under fcheild, Convoyit with his Ladyis in the feild ; Whom on Palexis had great joy to behold,

1000 And faid, My brother Amadur, be bold, For 50W befor ge have alfe fair ane Knicht As ever was cled in helme or birnie bricht.

When thay war redie on ather fyd. Full manlie can thai to uther ryd ; They finot thair lleidis with Ipurris haiililie. And ran togidder wounder ferfelie. That baith thair lj)eiris abone tnem flew afiinder, And baith thair fleidis did bakward founder ; Thair fquyeris did them ferve with fpeiris new,

1010 And thay anone raid utheris to perfew,

BUIK SECUND. 88

Whill all to frufchit thair lanfis in the feild,

That all men mervellit that about beheld.

Palexis laid, Gif that Clariodus

War in the land, quhilk is unkend to us,

I wald fay fiirlie the Greine Knicht war he,

He is fo lyke to him in all degree.

They ran at uther fa withoutin ho,

Whill levin Ipeiris brokine war in two.

Weill knew Clariodus, be his valoure, 1080 He was his coufing, nobill Amadure,

And blyth [he] was that he into him fand

Sic flrenth, and micht, and deidis valiand.

[Clariodus then tuike the auchten Ipeir]

Both great and ftrong, and, in ane knichtlie feir.

He drave at him with fik ane feirfiill micht,

All to the eard he drave baith horfe and Knicht

With like ane force, that all that was about

Wint that he had beine dead withoutin doubt.

The Greine Knicht raid richt unto his tent. 1030 The fquyeris to Sir Amadur ar went.

And fpeirit if he was hurt, and he laid. Nay,

Bot he ane littil frufchit was perfay.

Thus Amadur [eik] was to priiToune led,

AVhairof Sir Broun was wounder blyth and glaid,

And faid, Welcum, [maiftj gentill Amadur,

That fik compaflioun hes on gour nichbour,

That je vouchfafe to cum and vifit me.

Then, finyling, faid Sir Amadur, Pardie

5e neid me not to thanke fo greatumly, 1040 For 50W to vifit aganis my will com I ;

I ryd heir that we tak no grevance.

For of this julling cum the uterance ;

84 CLARIODUS.

I traiil that we fall get mo companie. Or then I am diflavit verilie.

Clariodus [did] pais to his ludging, And him unarmit but tarying, And bad Sir Pennent tak his Ladie bricht, With all hir madinis, and go unto the Knicht, And make him cheir and companie weill more 1060 Nor to the uther Knicht was donne before. And they fo did with all thair cure and micht, He wantit nocht perteinit to ane knicht. Palexis pad and fchew unto the King As ge have hard, and feinget in no thing. The King ftudiit, and had great ferlie Of the Greine Knicht, and of his chevalrie. Thus quhen that Amadour was flrikin doun, That was ay praifTit of fie renoune, Abaifit was this nobill King, and faid 1060 Unto Palexis, 3<>ii grein Knicht fall degraid Our Knichtis all, hot je remeid us fynd ; Whairfor ge fall no langer duell behind. For ay the mair [that we thus] vinquift be. The mair degraidis it our honeflie ; Je ar our comfort nixt Clariodus, Whilk abfent is in this great neid from us. Sir, faid the nobill and worthie Palexis, I fall againis the Grein Knicht me adres. Although he war ane infernall creatour 1070 I dar my bodie againis him aventour

Whidder that fortoun be my freind or fa, Thair fall no dreidour bandis me him fra ; Although he ftraik me doun I have no fchame, For Knichtis that ar alfe worthie of name

BUIK SECUND. 85

Befor his fpeir poynt hes lyine full law.

What fault war it thocht with my feiris I faw. At mome as Phebus luarkit up his face,

Palexis did his harneis on him brace,

And him enarmit lurelie clofe and joynt. 1080 When that he was all readie and at poynt.

With him Sir Giljeam de la Forrefl; raid.

Unto the feild he dreflit but abaid ;

Richard de Maianis, with uther fquyeris mo;

Thus all on front unto the feild thay go.

And quhen he com unto the firft pailgeoun.

The foure fquyers to meit him maid tham boune.

And him refavit wonder thankfullie.

And treitit him richt fair honorabillie.

He tbankit them, and wald not with them licht, 1090 Bot hovit (till abyding the Greine Knicht.

Sonne this was tauld unto Clariodus,

Quhilk [glad] was of his coufing cumand thus j

For Weill he knew that he was Palexis,

Ane Knicht full great of fame and worthines.

Brother unto his coufing Amadur,

That valiant was for to manteine ane flour.

And was in armis his awin fellow deir,

Whom he ever lovit weill in all maneir ;

And he againe him lovit over all thing, 1100 Thocht then he had of him no knowledging.

The Greine Knicht aflendit on his fteid,

Bricht as Apollo, fchyning in his weid.

His Lady him convoyit on ane Ipace,

Upon his heid he did his bricht helme lace.

The Knicht, Sir Pennent, raucht to him a Ipeir,

He fleirit his courfour with ane knichtlie feir.

86 CLARIODUS.

Gyljeam de la Forreft, and Richard de Maianis, When they beheld his knichtlie governance, Thay faid anone to nobill Palexis,

1110 To doe thy devore with courage the adrefe, For of this wyde warld aluterlie, gonder rydis the flour of chevalrie ; And whofo lift to fe ane gudlie ficht. Let him cum furth and luike upon son Knicfat. Sir Palexis, that ever was gud at neid, Delyverlie he lanfit furth his fteid ; Nocht better forge could Deame Natur, For he was f'eimlie of corpis and ftatur, Lyk to his eame the gud Clariodus.

1 120 Thir two aprochit to uther thus.

Up gois the weirlyke found of clariouns,

Togidder gois thir michtie champiouns

With fpeir fet all fadlie into the reift ;

With manlie heartis baith fordward they preill.

And large alfe faft as Ipuris could them fpeid.

And they have met withouttin aw or dreid.

Thair ipeiris flew in peices in the aire,

Whill throw the reard the cludis can all to rare.

As it had beine ane crake of thunder fell,

1130 The caftell wall redoundit with the gell ;

Baith hurlit bakward thair fteidis with a grane, Whill that the noyfe dinlit baith aird and ftaine. The rumour raife throw all the feild about. Of the two Knichtis haveing mikill doubt That thay fould have frufchit throw the fteill With the ilke dafch ; bot thay recoverit weill : Alfo of new two fpeiris have they hint. And ran togidder as ferce fyre and flynt

BUIK SECUND. 9J

Whill that the trinlchouns ower thair heidia jeid, 1140 And fyr out foUowit alfe reid as onj gleid ;

They reftit never quhile they awcht fpeiris brake,

So them betwine thair was ay rap for rap :

As fearce as dragouns wood and violent

Thair courfe had fetchit from the firmament.

And breift for breift had met with all thair mane.

Why II with thair fetheris coverit was the plaine ;

So ftrawit was the feild thir Knichtis under

Of fettering fchafts, and trinfchouns broke in iiinder.

That folkis all winderit that about them hovit, 1150 That theynocht go from thair fleidis behovit.

With the laft counter thay maid that day.

Than to himfelf can Palexis fey,

Thow art no man, for be thy force I feill,

Thou art ana feind forgit into fteill ;

For never more, fen I could fit on horfe,

Was I fo machit with no manis force.

The famine thing thocht Clariodus,

And with ane mynd ferce and curagious

Ane fpeir he gripit winder great and wicht, 1 160 And with fie force he ran upon the Knicht,

He drave him and his hors doun togidder,

If they wer dead or not, no man could tell quhidder.

To grund thay rufchit with fie ane vehemence,

All throw his michtie flraike and violence ;

Bot he, throw Godis grace, full weill efchewit ;

His nobill fquyeris him haifiilie relevit.

Upon the hand he hurt was a lyt.

Of quhilk but dread he rekit not ane myt.

Clariodus returnit to his tent. 1170 Foure of his fquyeris unto Palexis went.

88 CLARIODUS.

And did with him as with the uther two,

Quhilk full glaidlie fchup with them to go.

Sir Amadur had joy and great blythnes,

Quhen that he faw his brother Palexis ;

Sir Broun was glaid alfo of his cuming,

And then alliiith they fell in commoning

Of the Greine Knicht, and of his [greatj valour.

His praife, bewtie, his face, and his figoure.

Sir Pennent com as thay war Ipeiking thus,

1 180 Be the cunning of Sir Clariodus ;

With him he brocht his Lady bricht and fcheine. With all the virginis frelchlie cled in greine, Harping, finging, and making melodie. With joyous found of hevinlie menftrellie. Unto Palexis he maid feift far more Nor he did to the uther twa before. This Ladie, quhilke was ane leich wonder gud, Hes ftemit of Palexis hand the blude. And maid it to be haill in litill fpace,

1190 As be the Greine Knicht fcho commandit was ; The quhilke [fain] wald have feine [Sir] Palexis, And his fellowis, to doe them glaidnes, Bot for difcovering he wald not wend Whill that his enterpryfe was at ane end. The priffoneris remainis into firmance. They feill no thing of forrow nor penance. Of Palexis went hame the companie. And did the maneir plainlie fertifie Of all the jufting word be word j

1200 Whairof the guid King thocht bot litill bourd, That priffoneris his Knichts war fo caucht Be lie ane ilranger to quhom he nothing awcht.

BUIK SECUND. 89

When he had hard that Falexis and his how

War baith to gnind [thus] ilrikin with his force.

He ferliet greatlie, fo did the court all haill,

Of the Greine Knicht and of his [great] availl,

Saying, Gif that Clariodus in feild

And he alfe [came] enarmit under fcheild,

The two beft Knichtis in the warld war met. 1210 The King faid. Sir Gilgeara, do jour debt,

With him the morne jour flrenth ge mone aiTay.

Then can Gyljeam de la Forreft fay.

Full littil or nocht my ftrenth it may availl

Againis his micht, quhen Knichtis did alTaill

Stronger nor I, and nobiller [of] renoune.

And faillit not for to be Ilrikin doune ;

Bot as my fellowis git I fall aifay,

And fall not faill to do the bell I may.

Be he had anfweirit thus it waxit lait, 1220 And unto bedis went he and law eflait.

Giljeam de la Forreft raife up with the day,

And at the King tuike leave and went away,

And with his fquyeris raid to Maibn le Joyous ;

Whom foune perfavit Sir Clariodus,

Quhilke finartlie hes donne af his falfe vifage,

And threw on him Tiis helmet with curage.

And with his michtie Ipeir into his band

He met Sir Gilgeam fairlie on the land.

And ftraike him from [his] horfe without delay ; 1230 And lyne unto his pailgeoun went his way :

To priflbun was he taine, and that anone j

His fellowis hamwart to the King ar gone.

And tauld how Gilgeam ioune was ftrikin doune,

Richt as ane bairne full febill of perfoun.

M

90 CLARIODUS.

The court greatlie mervellit of this thing. Of the Greine Knicht was all thair comoning ; So to and fro thay fpake quhile it was nicht. And then anone to bed went everilk knicht. Richard de Maianis nixt did him perfew,

1240 And nixt him Sir Theman de la Hew,

Syn ftraike he doune Sir Triflrame de Beaufort, And efter him Sir Clarius de la Port, Syne vinquift he Sir Cardron de la Conge, And efter him Sir Leoport de la Gonge ; So furth induring quhile did ane moneth left, He counterit with ane Knicht ay of the beft Whill threttie Knichtis he had ftrikin doun Of tham that war in court of beft renoune. On this ilk moneth in the letter day,

1250 The King inquirit of ane fquyer or tway, How the laft Knight did him impartie. The Knight of Eftur lichtit fuddanlie. And did affend into the hall anone ; Unto the King full glaidlie is he gone. The King refavit him with great blythnes, And fo did all the lordis baith mair and les ; The Queine and all the ladies did him kis, And him refavit [alle] with mikill blife, , As he quho for the commoun profile haill

1260 Exerceifand juftice had taine great travell.

The King him tauld, with everie circumftance. Of the Greine Knight the rule and governance ; And all the maner, as ge heard before, How (»n the morne he Ibuld juft and no more. And quhan the Earle hard of this tyding. How on the morne that it ibuld taike ending,

BUIK SECUND. 91

So lawlie he inclynit to the King,

And belbught him atoure all uther thing

That he wald releive him of his regall micht, 1270 Upon the morne to fight with the Greine Knight.

The King was laith to grant him his afking.

For he the realme had huill in his governing.

And thocht, if [that he] had beine Ilrikia doune

That nixt himfelf was greatell of renowne.

It had to his realme diihonour more

Nor all the reft that vinquill war before :

Bot this he him befoiight fo earniillie.

That be na maner he could him it deny ;

Bot g^antit him, and faid, If ge will ib, 1280 My felf with gow in companie fall go,

[The Quein, and alfe the fair Meliades,]

With all my houfe ; fa help us Godis grace

That we may vinquife upon the letter day.

His houlhald all commandit he that thay

Sould redie make the morne with him to [go]

To Joyous Mafon a litill fpace them fro.

Now reft I will to fpeike more of the King

Whill I fay of Clariodus fum thing. Clariodus hes gart ane varlot go 1290 To Windiefchor, to fetch him Ipeiris mo.

This varlot hard reheariing in the toun.

How that the King at morne fould make him boune

To fe the jufting upon the letter day;

Whairfor he iped him hame but mair delay.

And quhen he com before Clariodus,

He preientit him the fpeiris, faying thus,

My Lord, I hard reheariing in the toune.

The nobill King, with monie bauld harroun.

92 CLARIODUS.

Sail cum the morne the jufting for to fie,

1300 In all his hee triumph and royaltie ;

The luftie Queine, and eike hir dochter fair, With monie ane feamlie ladie wilbe thair ; Ane Lord is cum unto the court this night, He feimes baith to be Teyfe and wicht, The morne quhilk hes taine the jufting on hand. The governour they call him of Ingland ; The King himfelf he fchaipis him to convoy With great triumph of plefance and of joy. I faw the Queine fiirth at ane windo ly,

1310 With monie ane lady and damofell hir by. And thair I faw the fair Meliades, The tender blome of gouth and luftines, Difteingeand the reft about with hir bewtie ; As the day ilar full of benignitie Surmuntis everie ftar lituat In the illuminus hevinis ftellat Scho is the lodftar full of luftines. Of womanheid baith ladie and maiftres : My Lord, I trow in trewth had ge hir I'eine,

1320 That fcho fchould greatlie [by gow] praifit beine. When of this tyding hard Clariodus, In breift he was wonder glaid and joyous, That uneis for glaidnes he micht conteine. Remembering on Meliades the fcheine, Quhilk was of bewtie the verie flour and rofe ; Hir cuming lb greatlie did him rejofe, Within his breift his heart dancit aloft. Of his fair fortoun thanking God full oft. Unto the varlot for his gud tydings,

1330 He gart be gevin fortie French florings ;

BUIK SECUND. tji)

Srn^ gart he fetch the gud Lord of that place, And of this thing he tauld him all the cace ; Commanding him anone to cans be maid. For fight of Lordis, ikaffnldis heich and braid On ather hulf, quhen the j lifting fould be, Hech er and lower efter thair degree Of nobillis and barrouns on tham fould ftond ; And efter that to cover them, lb ordand, With leves greine, and flouris reid and quheit,

1340 And bricht main bloflbmis bluming with delyt, That na tre falbe feine for leif and floure ; Ouerlpred with Mayis carpits of verdoure. He ordanit eike two fkaffaldis to be moid [In reall ftoit, and all with purpour claid,] And fyne orayit with filkis thair abone And claith of gold, as michtie Mars his throne ; The ane he ordanit for the Kings Majeftie, Ane uther for the Queinis royaltie And for hir dochter Meliades the bricht.

1350 He ordanit eike ane fair hall fould be dicht Of tumour warke, owercled with leves greine. And brighteft bloflbmis that on bewes beine ; And bad tham thair all necelTaris intake. Heir ane triumphand banquet for to make. Sir Pennent laid, My Lord, goe gow repofe, And I anone fall follow gour purpofe. This forfaid Knicht gart fearch all the cuntrie, And fetchit thair all workmen that war ilee, Wrichtis, and maiilers of georaetrie,

1S60 And maift pradtitioneris of theotrie,

Carvors, painters, and fubtilleft devyfers. To make the liilis to the interprifers,

94 CLARIODUS.

Quha in that land of cunning was or pryle.

Or had ane curious mynd or devyfe.

Name hot it was in fortrefe or in touris,

Or in the hall was depaintit lullie flouris.

Or in the hinging of the tapeftrie,

Or in the liftis buildit royallie.

Was never hard, of fo fchort provifioun,

1370 So curious wark in no regioun.

ClarioduB went to [his] bed to fleipe,

Bot of his Ladie ever in mynd tuke keipe.

Now braiding in his dreime for joy,

And now elcarting for langour and for noy ;

Now numbering foft, now braid awaiking.

Now fiching deip, [and] now for joy linging.

How oft in breiftis flitis joy and blis.

As Weill ge know that lovers beine I wile.

Of thame that loves fervandis beine alway.

1380 Into his bed now mufing as he lay,

He thocht if that his Father come in field Againeil him in armes under fcheild, Then that he wald aluterlie forbeir. And not tuich his bodie with ane ^eir ; Bot onlie that he wald his helme unlace. And geild him to his Father with bair faice : For certanlie my Author tellis me thus. That wounder wyfe was this Clariodus, Richt juil and [gfude and] mercifull in heart,

1390 Having all tyme the dreid of God inwart ; Devote he was, and full of humbilnes, Rycht gentill, and repleit with nobilnes ; Quhilke maid him forwart ay in all maneir, And lovit with the peple far and neir.

BUIK SECUND. M

Richt SB the luilie candill matutine Begouth with criflall vifage for to fchyne, Befor Aurora, I meine the Morrow ftar, For bewtie that clippit is Lucifer, Throw perfmg licht of quhais beimia Icheine,

1400 Walknit for love the rewthfull Philomen, With angillis voice fing^d befor the day ; Clariodus, quhilk langer ileipe no may, Furth walkit into his mantill and his farke For biilines, to gar men head his warke, Quhilk all that nicht had not ileipit with ey, Bot bilfie war in labour eydentlie ; Craflis men haiftit thair wark perfay, The Knicht Sir Pennent {landing thame by. Deviling thingis maifl expedient

1410 For honour of his Lord armipotent.

Quhen that the worthie, wicht Clariodus About the lifts ane quhyle had palllt thus, Seing that everie thing was donne aricht, Becaus he litill ileipit had that nicht. He went unto his chalmer and tuike reil Quhill that the prince of planits him up dreft ; The goldin glemes of gleiting Ikyis cleir. Did hevinlie in the orient appeir ; Up raife bricht Phebus with the morrow foft,

1420 Up raife the noife of birdis upon loft.

Up raife the nobill King and eike the Queine,

Up raile alfo Meliades the Icheine,

Up raife the court, and did them all adreiis

In pretious weidis of great luftines.

The Queine did hir aray full richlie.

And hir atyrit full pretioullie ;

96 CLARIODUS.

And eike the luftie madin Meliades Into hir heart could na mair joy devile Nor fcho had for to go fe the jufting,

U30 To fe him that fcho did love abone all thing, Quhen of this paflage fcho was full alTurit, With pretious ftonis, and rich pearle and purit, Scho did hir frefche and luftilie atyre ; Hir fchyning hair as [the] bricht gold vryer Hang fchyning into gyltine traces cleir, With croun upon hir heid baith rich and deir Set full of roobies and fapheiris blew ;•. Ane fiiirer princes in all the warld nane knew. The Count of Eftur enarmit him rycht anone

1440 At all pairtis, iiive of his helme alone.

Quhen they hard mefe and fyne diijunit. The filver trumpit fyne uptunit. For hors they cryit : the King lape on rycht thair. All coverit with his armis gud and fair : The Queine raid in ane chariot on height. All coverit with ane claith of gold full bricht Browderit with pretious ilonis and pearlis quhyt, Quhilk to behold it was [ane] great delyte : like in ane chariot raid this goung Princes ;

1450 Of gold and ftonis great was the riches About hir fchynit frefchlie as the day ; Two fnaw quhyt palfrayes led hir ftirth the way. With harnifching more nor I can fchaw ; For gold and ftonis micht no man hir knaw ; Threttie ladies followit hir weill befeine, Alfe bricht of bewtie as thebloflume fcheine: The Count of Eftur afcendit on his ft«id. With mony ane knicht [attyrit] in frefch weid.

BUIK SECUND. 9^.

Quhilk buire his fpeiris and with him abaid ; I -MO With his bricht helme ane Lord before him raid.

I let them pafe rycht glad and Ibberly,

And of the Greine Knicht [lum thing] fpeik will I. The Greine Knicht redie was into his tent.

The Knicht Sir Pennent ay full biflle went,

Putting all things in rule and governance,

Great policie he maid at all plefance.

When he thocht everie thing was at poynt,

That from perfectioun thair was no diljoynt.

For Lordis that war dwelling neir thame by 1470 He fent for twelf, abuilgeit reallie.

For to refave the King with great honour,

Quhilk neir aprochit with court of great valour.

And or the King com neir the jufting place.

They micht his minflrellis heir ane long ipace;

Heich was the noyfe, and curious was the found

Of talbert, trumpit, and of clarioun.

Quhen that the King was cuming neir the feild.

He hovit flill, and attentivlie beheld

The gudlie entres raifit upon heicht, I4«0 All browderit and depaintit with leves bricht.

With gudlie flouris wounder frefche to be leine,

The blumes quhyt, and the leves greine.

The variant hewis without of purpour thine.

With cloath of gold arayit all within,

The curious kirnellis ryfeing upon heicht

Glittering and fchyning lb winder fair and bricht.

Great was the joy thay had on everie fyd.

For to behold the Greine Knicht as he did ryd.

The King faid that it was the gudlieft ficht, 1490 That ever he law in eard of ony wicht ;

N

9g CLARIODUS.

So faid the lordis and knichtis all in feir. The nobill Queine and all the ladies cleir Great joy had him to fe on fik ane wyfe ; And maill of all, the fair Meliades Rejoiit was that Knicht for to behold, Whom to hir heart withoutin ftraike was gold ; To fe him ryd fo knichtlie in his weid. That love hir fa ftreingeit withoutin dreid. That it ane feikness grew about hir heart, 1500 That fuddant ftart fcho micht it not efcart Of Cupidis bow fo big againis hir bent, From quhilk ane hundreth awfiiU dartis went Ilk efter uther, with woundis greine and new, Throw quhais ftoundis fcho oft changit hew, Almaiil hir paflioun infufiFerabill, Amongs them alfo fcho is to fune abill ; And efter that fcho wald recover a ftound, And with fic comfort and great joy abound, That uneis for glaidnes [fcho] micht conteine ; 1510 And thus for love this lufty] Lady beine.

Quhen redie war thir nobill Knichtis two. The Kingis herald cryit. Let them go. Full haiftilie than rowmit was the feild. And to thair meiting everie man beheld. The Count of Eftur com redie in his geir : And the Greine Knicht anone hes taine his fpeir ; Bot he his helme no way wald let lace, Whairof his felow grit mervell hes ; The cans quhairof ,\e fall wit efter foune. 1520 Anone the trumpits blew a mirrie toune ; The Knichtis baith com to fo wonder fair, That all men them commendit that war thair.

BUIK SECUND. 99

The Grein Knicht Ibftlie did his courfer rteir ; Bot quhen he did aproch his Father neir, Alfweith his lance fourth of his reill he threw, And from his heid his helme he af drew, And to his Father he hes oflFerit his Ipeir, Saying, with glaidfume viiage and with faire. My Lord, I geild me to 30W but ilraike,

1330 So as ge lift of me gour conquife make. The Count of Eftur him beholding thus. And law it was his fonne Clariodus, Alfo his fpeir to grund he caift him fro. And af hes hivit his helme or he wald ho, And in his armis heir he did him brace, And tenderlie him kiiTit in that place. Great wounder had the peple all about. Upon this thing had ferlie all the rout j Bot quhen they wift it was Clariodus,

1540 The clamour raii'e and noyfe mervellous Amongis them, over all baith auld and ging, For, certes, they him lovit over all thing. And with ane clamour ryfing to the Iky, Vive, Vive Clariodus, they cry. The Lordis lape from fkaffald heir and thair. And maid him for to licht with freindlie fair ; Bot they uneis in armes micht him fang For preife of peple that about him thrang. The nobill King fo glaid was this to feine,

1550 For joy the teiris ran doune from his eine ; Glaid was the Queine, and all hir Ladies eik : Bot maift of all Meliades the meike, Litill hir eyis full plefand was the ficht Of him that was hir fervand and hir Knicht,

100 CLARIODUS.

Quhilk conqueift had hir honour and renoune Over all uther Knichts but comparifoun. \^Tiat fall I of hir joyes to 30 w wryt ? I can not have hir gladnes put in dyte. ' The King difcendit from his ikaflfald thair ; 1560 So <iid the Queine, and eik hir dochter fair. Clariodus tham met full courtellie, And on his kneis fat doun full reverentlie, Helfing the King, quhom he tuike up alfweith Up in his armes, and with his vifage blyth Him kiffit i'weitlie, and eik fo did the Queine, And fyne Meliades that Lady fcheine. Lordis and ladies did fo about him thrill. Him welcuming, that redlie he no will Whom to anfweir or to thank in thair ; 1570 Bot ay inclynand with ane vifage fair.

Quhen knicht and lord, lady and baitcheleir Had him refavit with ane frindlie cheir, Richt courtellie the King he did befeike. And fyne the Queine, and the goung Ladie eik. To pas and tham repole into the place ; Thay grantit him, and went furth with folace ; They enterit in the place, and fyne anone In ane fair chalmer he maid them for to gone ; The Lord lyne of the place he gart him bring, 1580 And his aquentance thair maid with the King, And with the Queine, and with Meliades. When this was donne, he faid upon this wyfe Unto the King, Sir, moll it 30W eflfeiris. To go and loufe gon werie prilToneris ; To quhilk the King hes grantit with gud will. The Count of Eftur he gart remaine thair ftill,

BUIK SECUND. 101

And eik with him his fone Clariodus,

To make the Ladies niirrie and joyous.

He euterit in the chalmer of plefance, la'JO Whair that the priiToners fould dre thair pennance.

Thir nobill Knichtis quhen they faw the King,

They war rejofit into mikle thing ;

Thay did inclyne and did him reverence,

Richt as effeirit to his excellence.

He fpeirit of thair falBoun and thair cheir

Sen the firft tym thay enterit priflbneir ;

And thay have tauld him all the circumflance

Of all thair feifting, and thair great plefance.

The King beheld the chalmer then wiflie ; 1600 And feing it arayit lb richlie,

Efpying all thair playing inftruments,

Thair feifting, and thair plelant abaitments,

Thair dancing, fmging, with found of minftrellie,

The King faid, ^e ar beholdin grittumlie

To the Greine Knicht hes gow priflbned fo,

ge have felt mair of glaidnes nor of wo ;

Syne them befor Clariodus he brocht.

Saying to them. Know ge the Greine Knicht ocht ?

How lykis it gow jour taiker, fchaw to us ? 1610 And quhen they faw it was Clariodus,

Mirrier Knights war never under the fone ;

Thair men micht fe ane game new begune,

Thay did inclyne to him full courteflie.

And he imbracit tham full tenderlie ;

He kiffit Amadur and alfo Pallexis,

Quhilk was his coulings of fik nobilnes.

The Knichts then deliverit war anone.

The King then to the triumph hall is gone.

102 • CLARIODUS.

Quhilk browderit was [with] leives and with flours, 1620 Richt luftie fair and plefant ower miiTours.

The King'commendit it rjcht greattumlie.

So did the Queine, and eik the soung Ladie ;

The Count of Eftur prailit it alfo.

They wofche and to the denner fyne did go.

To the tabill anone was fet the King-,

The Queine, and eik Meliades the ging ;

.At the fame burd fat the Earle of Eftur.

The Merchellis of difcretion and nurture

Full bilfilie went ben and but the hall ; 1630 At uther buirdis that war collaterall

They fet the Lordis efler thair degrees.

With potent barouns, knichtis, and ladies.

And as the firft cours com in randound,

The mirrie trumpits maid ane mirrie found ;

Of clariouns fchill, and uther minftrellie,

I wift thair was ane hevinlie melodie ;

The found out throw the lilver mettel thrang,

Whill all the grit hall throw the noyife rang.

Thair monie diverfe courfe for to declair 1640 Ane houris lenth fould occupie and mair,

Quhilk neidis not for to be tauld all heire ;

Great was the feill with hie triumph and cheir.

When filence beine of windand minftrellie.

And buird beine fervit, by and by

The luits beine fayit and the ftrings.

The fquyeris danfing alway in the tprings.

The harpis beine fayit at the full

To make hearts mirrie that war dull ;

The guthtrone with triumph did record, 1650 The cleare lymball with the mirriecord.

BUIK SECUND. iO«

The dulcat playit alfb with portative Sad hevie myndis to make exultative ; The dulfe, bafe fiddell, with the recordour Affayit war and fet at ane milToure ; Out of Irland ther was ane clerfcheo. [The King begouth to lauch, the Quein alfo,3 And then luich all, and maid grit game. He could not mirrie be that thair was drame ; For thair nocht wantit of all warldlie joy 16«0 That ever had fair Priamus of Troy. The mekill hall was fervit far and neir Of rich wynis in goldin coupis cleir. And betwix courfis was ane padgeane playit. Into play coats they curiouflie war arajrit. By great inchanters and fubtill magicianis. Sweit finging was of craftieft muficianis. And mirrie danfing of tender Virginia quhyt. With plefant ftories all of Homer's indyte ; And mirrie fabillis of Guido de Colune, 1670 Eik was thair fynis of padgeanis playit dumbe. If I fould tell 30W all the long proces, I Ibuld 30W irk be furfat of exces ; For bell is ane dilcretioun moderat. For everie thing aucht to be temperat. The Kingis heralds larglie cryit aloud. Of gold and filver, and of feimlie fchroud, Gevin to them be Sir Clariodus, That was both wicht, wittie, and famous ; Quhilk all this quhyle was on his feit Handing, 1680 For he was maiiler carver to the King. Bot foune anone he paflit af the hall. And tuike with him his priiToneris all ;

104 CLARIODUS.

Saying to them, My frindis treft and deire, ge do me now the plefour I require, That je wald gounis weir in fuit with me. Thairto fiiU glaidlie can [they] all agre. He gart furth bring to everie man a goune, That at the liflis he had ftrikin doun. Of claith of gold, hevinlie hewit greine, 1690 Furrit with mertrix gudlie for to feine.

Quhilk gouns he gart make for thame onlie. Of his great wifdome, and his courtafie. To Sir Pennent ane goun gave he alfo, [And he] himfelf that day wore ane of tho. With him thay dynit in the chalmer thair. Syne to the hall [thay] all togider fair, Quhair that the King fat [at] his denner ftill. This luftie fort of Knichtis went him till, And thankit him of his great gentilnes,

1700 To thame donne be his palling nobilnes. Of Sir Clariodus of great renoune Then faid the King with richt bening fermoune Unto the Count of Eftur ; Fair coulingne, I weinit our Knichts fould thair ranfoum bring. For to have gevin Clariodus jour Tone ; Bot to gif them he hes firft begune. The Count of Efture [anfuerit] Per mon fay. The nobill Knichtis fpeikis more largly Anents my fone I wait, nor he hes del'ervit ;

1710 Ane greater guerdoun for to have thay fervit.

Quhen this was donne, thay woich and laid grace, Syne to the floftre they went them to folace. On inftruments menftrelles playit curiouflie. Lords, knichts, and ladies danlit mirrilie.

BUIK SECUND. 105

Be this tbair enterit into the hall The lex fair Virgins, luftie, quhite and fmall, That led the Greine Knight to the jufting place ; As rofe and lillie cuUour was thair face ; All cled in cloath of filver new and greine 1720 Of plelant bewtie, angellyk to feine ; With hairis bundin in traces of gold, Schyning full bricht and pleafant to behold ; All with greine hatis on thair heidis fet, With flainis and pearle michtilie ouerfret ; With fex fair Squyers cled in the fame cullour Them leading, for to fe was great plefoure. Firft thrie com in, of quhilk the formift had Upon hir hand ane fair fparhalk weill maid ; And to the King fcho kneillit courtellie, 1730 f And him prefentit the halk delyverlie.

Saying, The Greine Knicht hes this halke 30W fend.

Doing him hartlie to gour Grace commend.

The King this halk refavit fra the maid,

I thanke richt heartlie the Greine Knicht, he laid.

The uther thre them foUowit foberlie,

Quhilk gave thre leich of hundis beninglie

Unto the King, and all war cullourit quhyt.

Thus faid the formift madine of delyt.

The Greine Knicht him commendis to gour Grace. 1740 Then cryit all the court with mirrie face

Upon this wayis, Vive Clariodus,

Baith wyl'e and worthie, nobill and gratious I

Then begouth menftrellis mirrilie to play,

And for to dance joung knichtis did aflay ;

Clariodus anone begouth to dance.

And frelch Meliades of moft plefance.

106 CLARIODUS.

Quhilk tham becam fo weill and luftily, Them for to fe great joy had flanding by ; The lordis, ladies, and knichtis in the hall

1750 Danfit anone. Thus mirrie maid thay all.

When that the dance was ceiilt, then the King Clariodus befoght that he wald ling. The quhilk begouth to fing on gudlie wyfe The fong that he had maid of Meliades ; Ane fquyer of his him helpit courteflie, Whilk fang the tennour wonder plelandlie. When he had fung it, [[then] he tuike delyt. And it into ane role cloffit perfite, And put Qit] in the hand of his Ladie

1760 Without perfaving, wonder quyetlie. Meliades glaidlie tuike the lang. And previlie fcho in hir flive it thrang ; Syne [fecreitliej his hand fcho ftreinjit, thus. Half finyling, faying. Sir, ge ar perrellous Amongs ladies in companie to fland. That fo can thring thir billis in thair hand.

All eardlie joy for ane quhile dois hot left ; When his luftie triumph was mirrieft The King gart call for horfe, and that anone

1770 But more delay, for he wald hameuard gone j Sir Pennent he rewairdit moniefold, And held him ftill as knicht of his houlhold ; His Ladie fair, and hir fex Virgins Icheine, He gart becum in houfliold to the Queine.

To Windiefchoir the King I let furth ryd. Clariodus behind him did abyd For to rewaird the fervants of the place,

BUIK SECUND. 107

And lb he did lycht larglie with Iblace ;

Syno followit on the Court quhilk him abaid, 1780 And rycht humblie to the King he raid.

And thankit him of his magnificence.

And eik the Queine of hir great excellence,

Quhilk gave thair nobill prelence in the hall ;

Meliades he thankit eik withall.

With court royall, thus raid the King fiirth rycht

To Windifchore, and thair he did alycht,

Wliair [thatj the fupper redie was at all.

The King and Queine ar enterit in the hall.

And to the tabill [^war] fet michtilie ; l"90 And everilk lord of honour, and ladie.

War fet at fupper efler thair degrie.

And fervit fyne with great folemnitie.

The King commandit Sir Pennent the Knicht

Sould feiilit be, and eik his Ladie bricht.

And the fex Virgins ; quhilk was donne at all.

Then menilrallis playit lullilie in the hall. Rycht as thay fouppit had and faid the grace.

So com the Kingis brother Sir Thomas ;

Him welcumit the King on fair maneir, 1800 As ge fell efler in this proces heir.

ge micht have feine ane richt triumphant thing.

Of gudlie knichtis had beine at jufting ;

Bot fra he faw the honnour and the feifl.

That thair was maid baith more and leiil

Unto the Count of Eftur and Clariodus,

He grew in breift haitfull and invyous ;

And in his mynd with felloune rancour fyrit

He hes ane falfe and feindlie fact confpyrit

108 CLARIODUS.

Agains Clariodus the wicht and wyfe, 1810 And eike agains his neice Meliades ;

Quhilk tham engreifit oft in grit maneir, As ge fall efter in this Treatefe heir. The King gart have him to ane chalmer fair. And royallie gart him be feiilit thair.

When this was donne, the King to chalmer went, With mony earlis, knichtis, and lordis potent. With mekill glaidnes and with folacing, With minftrellis fyne, quhair thay did dance and iing Ane Weill lang fpace j fyne everie lord anone 1820 Hes taine his leiye, fyne to his Inis is gone. Meliades bir leave hes taine at the Queine, And went to chalmer with hir ladies fcheine ; And quhen fcho was in chalmer quyetlie. With hir awin fecrite fervants gone onlie. With the advyfe and leive of hir maiftres, Scho cauiit dame Romaryn hir adrefe To fetch the Lady of Joyous Mafon, To make to hir ane mirrie collation. Scho bad the varlot Bonvaleir alfo 1830 That he for Sir Clariodus fould go.

Now Romaryn hes donne this Ladie bring. And the fex Virgins plefant and bening j The varlot eik hes brocht Clariodus. Meliades was then in heart joyous, And tham refavit with ane plefant cheir, And with ane fweit and womanlie maneir, Sayand to j^Sir] Clariodus hir Knight, Supple me at gour pouer and jour micht. This Ladie for to feift, and make gud cheir.

BUIK SECUND. 109

1840 He ikid, Madame, forfuith my commoun wer. For fcho hes oft me feiflit [weill] for this. Ane banquit than begane with joy and blife. Meliades then tuike hir be the hand With womanlie eflFeir, doing hir command For to begine the tabill mirrilie ; Bot this gud Ladie ftiU of courtefie Excuiiit hir to fit £0 he at tabill With hir that was a princes honorabill ; Bot that micht be no bute fcho fat [hir] doune, 1850 With Amadour ane Knicht of grit renoune. And eik fcho baid, with wordis amiabill, Clariodus to Hand befyd the tabill And be ane carvour. To quhilk he did confent. Lower fat uther ladies confequent. Dame Romaryn with twa ladies hir by Servit the tabill winder reverently. Great was the banquit and plefant was the cheir. With mirrie wordis rycht joyous for to heir. With fair eflfeir and rycht glaid countinance, I860 With eafie fichis grundit on plefance. With law demandis of ladies by and by, With fweit love fongs and cumlie minftrelly. With fecreit blenkis and inwart beholding, With finylling loukis full of cherifing. With birning breift of thrift and bote defyre With quhilk ilk wicht ftomakit beine in fyre ; With all thair pleiant drinkis at the tabill. With thrift of love fo wode and inlatiabill Within thir lovers breiftis did abound, 1870 Whair Cupids darts had maid monie ane wounde.

110 CLARIODUS.

Thair courfis heir I will not all indyte, I man on neid reftraine my pen alite Or be ouer prolixt in my fermoning.

When they had long with joy and conforting. So nobillie feillit that lang it war to tell. All up thay raife, ladie and damofell, And rycht demurlie ane dance thay begane, Ane gudlier law never leiveand man. Efter the dance, begouth they for to ling ;

1880 Meliades with countenance bening

The tribill fang, full angill lyke and cleir. So that it was ane paradice to heir ; Ane nobill tennor held Clariodus, The fame to heir was hevinlie and joyous.

Whill long upon this wayis thay did difporte, The circumftance war long for to reporte. When it was lait, than leave tuike everie wicht, The Ladie kneillit and faid, Madam, Gud nicht. Meliades gart bring of rich coUour

1890 Ane goune of claith of gold of grit valour, And to the Ladie of Joyous Mafone It prefentit, faying with bening fermone, ge fall refavein this, gentUl Coufingne, And for my laik weir it with glaidening. This Lady kneillit, thanking hir hartfully. Syne gart fcho bring the fex Virgins hir by Sex fair gounis of velvot cramofie. With rich arming reverfit nobillie. Clariodus rycht glaid was for to fe,

1900 Of this Ladie the great nobilitie }

Hir pafling fredome quhen he did efpy,

BUIK SECUND. HI

He was rejofit wounder grittumly.

Thay tuike thair leaves, tbair is no inair to lay,

Sir Clariodus convoyit all the way

'lliis Lady to hir chalmer, and anone

He tuike his leave and unto bed is gone. At morrow raife all the lordis in feir,

And at the Kingis palice did compeire.

The feift indurit furth ane monethes fpace, 1910 With finging, danfing, and joy with folace ;

Syne lordis tuike thair leave and hamewart went

In court quhilk war not daylie refident.

Sir Pennent tuike his leave with his Ladie,

Rewairdit be the King rycht honorabillie.

Whom convoyit Clariodus the Knicht,

Oft thanking thame with all his wit and micht

Of the grit kindnes that he into thame fand ;

And gart delyver them, but mair demand,

Aucht hiindereth florings : hot Sir Pennent I wife 1920 Was wounder laith for to refavein this ;

Bot he moll neidis refave it with inftance

Of Sir Clariodus, that nobill Knicht moll to advance.

Than ather uther imbracit tenderlie.

And tuik thair leave rycht fair and courteflie.

Kiflit the Ladie hes Clariodus,

Returning hamwart mirrie and joyous

Unto the court, quhair he remainit ftill,

And thair had daylie plefance at his will

Of his Ladie, and commoning alio. 1930 Whairfor thair heartis brocht war out of woe. The Count of Eftur tuike his leave to ryd

To his cuntrie, ane quhill thair to abyd

112 CLARIODUS.

With his Ladie, to put in governance His landis haill be gud rewle and ordinance. The King I let dwell ftill at Windiefchore, Whill I 30W tell of new tydingis more. In hiftorie as my Awthor dois aiTend, And on this wayis the Secund Buike I end.

THE THRID BUIK OF

CLARIODUS.

The King of Cyprus with his court ryding Endlang the ftrandis, in ane fair morning, Beheld ane fchipe with wind and waves dryve, Quhilk on the coll be tempeft did aryve, Whairin war marchandis out of Sarilinis land. The King delcendit to heir of thair tydand. They fchew him that the Caine of Tartarie With fortie thowland Turkis was redie To enter in his land incontinent, 10 And him perlew with weiris vehement ; And faid, that thay his ordinance had feine, Quhilk on the fea war cumand all bedeine. The King abaifllt was [^richt] grittumlie, And for his counlall lent he haillilie ; And quhan that with his lordis he beine advyfit, For his vaflelis to fend thay have devilit, That thay within fyve dayis fould compeir On thair bell wyfe, on hors and armour cleir ;

p

114 CLARIODUS.

And to gar provide tounis with victual!, 20 For to withftand his foes that fould alTaill.

This beand donne, the King and eike the Queine To Bruland went, ane toun with wallis fcheine, And thair within providit for ane geir. His letters he deredlit far and neir In his cuntrie, and wairnit all his leigis In ilk toun to provide for the feigis. Thair com to Bruland be the fyvetine day Awcht thoufand fpeiris in full giid aray ; Of quhilkis the King held four thouland ftill,

30 The uther half they fent the Marches till. To keip the cuntrie endlang the coafl. The Kingis will fiilfillit ather hoft.

Within Ichort tyme the Turkis did arjrve, And to Bruland aprochit thay belyve, And thair the feige full flxonglie thay confirme ; The Sowdane with his lordis did determe To have the toune or ever they fra it raid, And thairon grit avoues have thay maid. The King to counlall with his lordis went,

40 And ordanit folkis in guid abuilgement For to aJTay the Turkis day by day. The Cyprianis rycht manfuUie did affay The Sarafinis full oft with fword and Ipeir, And ifchit out on them with awfull feir ; On quhais melting was grit occifioun. On baith the fydis was ilauchter rycht felloun.

The wird of quhilk com to the reallem of France, Of quhilk the King had [fo] grit dilplefance, Twa thowland fpeiris he fent them to llipport,

50 With his Conflabill ; quhilk redie maid at fchort.

BUIK THRID. 115

And paflit [ftrait] to CTprus the cuntrie,

To Carados ane walled toune by lea,

Whilk was ane myle from Bruland and no more,

Whair thay on Sarafinis aiTailgit fore.

From France to Ingland com this ilk tyding.

When it confavit Philipon the King,

He was difpleaiit [eik] in great maneir,

The King of Cyprus was his coufing neir.

Firft with his counfall he did him advyfe, «o Syne to Clariodus upon this wyfe

He faid, ge ar ane Knicht of nobill fame,

Throuchout the warld fpargit is jour name ;

My brother of Cyprus and eame I mone fupport,

Quhairfoir je take with gow ane luftie forte

Of men of armis, aucht hundreth that ar wicht,

And ipeid 30W to the thrift with all gour micht ;

For ge fall capitane be and govemour

Unto that rout as Knicht of great valoure.

Then laid Clariodus, I thank 30W grittumlie, 70 Sour Heines Sir, that me fo nobillie

Lift to advance into fo heich renoune :

Bot I ungainand am ; be this refoune.

He fould ane lord be of gritter knowlege

And wit of weirlie experience and age

Nor am I : git to take fie thing on hand,

Nocht this I fay, jour Heichnes to gainftand ;

For I no tyme jour command will refiife.

My unfuflBcience I fpeke this to excufe.

Thair is no bute heirin to fpeik no more, 80 Clariodus moft neidis make thore.

The King gart foune bis Letters furth adres

For knichtis of grit fame and worthines.

116 CLARIODUS.

When that the armie cuming was all cleir, Clariodus, he faid, on this maneir, Thir folkis I beteach in gour keiping, More trufling in gour wit and governing Nor ony uther Knicht in all my ringne ; This companie thairfor I 50W refigne, Beleikand gow tham wyflie to demane, 90 Whill ge in Ingland vifie us againe. With that he did imbrace Clariodus, Taking his leave with wordis pitious ; Wha faid unto the King, Wald God that I All gour command fall doe fo diligently, Efter my wit and my knowleging, That to gour Heichnes falbe grit pleafing. With wordis of pitie and of tendernes He tuike his leave this nicht ; and did adres Unto the Queine, and tuike his leave humblie ; 100 And at Meliades, quhilk fecreitlie

Bad him, that he fould quyetlie at eve. Unto hir wairdrope cum and take his leave.

Meliades unto hir chalmer went. And all hir ladies unto thair bedis fent. Saying, Icho was dilpolit hevilie, Whairfor fcho wald that nicht [all] quyetlie Repofe hir in hir wardrop at hir eafe. This Ladie, quhom na joyes micht appeaie For the departing of Clariodus, no With ane regrating wondour dolorus Adoune fcho fet hir at hir bed feit. Full IbrrowfuU, and brifting out of greit. Bedewing all hir gudlie vifage faire With teiris bricht, out letting liches fair.

BUIK THRID. 117

As fcho that mundane joy [wald ay] denud. Romaryn bad hir be in comfort gud. And preichit hir with wirdis of plefance ; Saying, Madame, in heart take no pennance, For ge fould rather glaid and mirrie be,

120 Confiddering that he pailis in fuplie Of Criftine men, the Sarafinis to refill. All this micht not hir from weiping defiil, Bathit in teiris wox hir bricht vifage ; Scho faid, Let be, how fould my wo aifwage. When he that is the flour of chivalrie. So luifing me, and I him lb tenderlie. Sail pairt from me into fo far cuntrie, Nocht witing efter if I fall him I'e ; Now quhat fall wird of me fra he be gone?

130 My heart is deid and cauld lyke ony Hone ; Ha Romareine, aleace, quhat lall I fay, How fould I leive, my heart is all away I Thus weipit fcho and waillit pitiouflie. That ony wicht micht rewth have and mercie Hir to behold, or ^it in chalmer be ; Thair is no wicht fo crewell but pitie, That micht from teiris hold, or git conteine Of weiping, fra this Lady he had feine. Softly fcho faid, Romaryn go eljpy,

140 Furth at the garding poftrum quyetly.

If that my Knicht be cumit thair or nocht. This Romaryn hes hir commandement wrocht. And fand him at the get, and him refavit ; Syne up to wardrope pafllt unperfavit, [Where that his Ladie lay on couch alone] Deadlie of cheir as in her lyfe war none.

118 CLARIODUS.

Adoune he fat belyd hir on his kne,

For love of God, he faid, Madame, let be

gour cair and woe, and take to gove glaidnes ;

150 For out of dread, I have more hevines

For forrow of gow nor dowbill of my fmert Albeit that daith fould take me be the heart ; 5e aucht be glaid, Madame, of this voyage, For all my freindis of this ilk paiTage, This wait I weill, thay fould it mirrie maik. And forie be if it I fould forfaike ; Quhilk if I had for ony dreid refuifit, Of couardice men wald me have acculit. Than had I beine degradit and unabill

160 To love ane Kingis dochter aniiabill.

Madam, have mercie on gour awin woe ;

Gif je no lift, aleace, for to do fo,

For love of God then mercie have on me,

That may for pitie not fufteine to fe

The forowful ficht of 30W my Ladie fweit.

With that the Knicht anone brift out to greit,

That he no wirdis mo as then micht fpeke

For inwart wo ; it feamit his heart fould breke.

So did the fwird of forrow throw it glyd.

170 Thir loveris weiping [fo] on everie fyd, Ouercum with painis innumerabill, With lighis and fobis uncoverabill Within thair breifts, that long they fpake na thing, For nather of them could ane word out bring j With hir was nocht, hot ay, Aleace, my Knicht ! And he againe, Aleace, my Ladie bricht ! And thus thay fure quhile it was neir the day. Than [wakeful!] Romaryn did often fay.

BUIK THRID. 119

The nicht was fiillie gone, [the] day aprochit ; 180 Quhilk wird outhrow [baith] thair heartis brochit

Scharp as ane lance, quhilk neidit not I weine.

For forrow aneuch was ellis thame betwine.

Then faid Clariodus, My Lady bricht,

Thair is no mair, Fairweill, and have gud nicht ;

I recommend me to jour ladyheid.

Oft prayand God preferve jour g^dlieheid ;

Think on my faith, think on my trew I'ervice,

Think on gour Knicht. And quhen Meliades •

Saw no refuge, hot he wald pairt hir fro, 190 In fwoune fcho fell for inward paine and woe.

In armis foftlie tuike Clariodus,

And with ane cheir full fed and doUorus,

On bed hir laid full tenderlie and foft.

And with his hands he held hir heid on loft.

Beholding on hir gudlie vifege cleir,

Whairon the rolling teiris did appeare.

As bricht dew dropis upon the lillie quhyte ;

Quhairof the deadlie woe can no man indyt.

Nor half the cair of Sir Clariodus ; 200 His hard regrat to heir was pitious.

With cauld rofe water com Romaryn fail.

And on hir face and handis did it caft ;

Bot lang fcho lay with deadlie vifege greine.

That it was rewth and pitie for to leine.

And quhen that fcho ouircom, fcho did up braid,

Whair beine my Knicht Clariodus ? fcho feid.

Quoth he. My heartis Ladie I am heir.

For love of God make now fum better cheir.

And think that we fell meit git efter this, 210 Quhen we fell have ineuch of joy and blis ;

120 CLARIODUS.

My only Ladie traift withoutin dreid, That for gour faike againe I fall me fpeid Into all haift ; and eik ge fal beleive. That I fo laith am gow [thus] for to greive, That lang I fall not byd from gour prelence. For unto me ane death is jour abfence. Forfuith fcho faid, Clariodus, I trow- That of this warld depairts from uther now The treweft lovers, and the maift faithfuU eike ;

220 And of ane thing my Knight I gow befeike, Thocht ge be far fra me in ane llrange ringne. That ge be neir to me in fweit thinking ; And all of fabill falbe myne aray Whill ge returne, thairfor make no delay ; ge lall have heir of gold ane diamant, When ge it fe of me be memorant. And he gave hir ane rubbie bricht of hew j With that imbracing can thir lovers trew, And kiffit utheris with tearis diftelling,

230 And fo Weill long thay ilud without fpeiking. Depairtit thus the Knicht Clariodus, And his Ladie, with fighis doUorus. It fould me vex and eik my auditouris. For to indyte the half of thair dolouris j Furth of the chalmer went this wofuU wicht. With forrowfuU teiris blindit was his fight j To the poftrum Romaryn him convoyit. And he, that with melancholie was anoyit, Streingit hir hand and micht na wirds out bring,

240 And to his chalmer went with fair fighing, And upon groufe fell on his bed adoune. Making ane forrowfuU lamentatioun ;

BUIK THRID. 121

Quhilk war ouer tedious heir for to rehearfe, Quhairfor I will not put it into verfe. He tuike na claithis off, he lift not to fleip, Bot quhile the day he did compleine and weipe.

Romaryn unto hir Ladie went, and faid. Madam, take comfort and anon be glaid, Jour Knicht is trew, and will belyve returne 250 Ajs he hes heicht, and will not long fojorne ; And furth fcho preichit hir ane fair fermoune : Syne in hir bed fcho hes hir laid adoune, Whair fcho maid ane regrat lamentabill, Whilk to ane biflie mynd is importabill To beir, to aprehend, or to indyte ; And eik hir wo me irkis for to wryte. For never quhill fcho faw hir Knicht againe Scho danlit, fang, or wore ane hew bot ane.

And that was fabill, figne of fteidfaftnes ; 260 For fo hir heart was cled with hevines.

That fcho no lift to cum in companie,

Bot folitar to walke all quyetlie.

As goldin Phebus the bricht illuminar,

Afcendit in the orient preclair.

And his diurnall courfe had new begune,

Full luftillie up raife this Mars his fone.

The flour of armis nixt God armipotent ;

Clariodus, I meane, full diligent

Addreffit him at morne to his jumay, 270 With all the haft and labour that he may.

When he had fervit God and taine difjime.

The trumpits blew to hors ane mirrie tune ;

He lape on hors, and all his companie ;

The Court did him convoy rycht honorabillie,

4

122 CLARIODUS.

With all the nobill folkis of the toun :

Thus raid they furth with trumpit and clarioun

Whill thay fex myle had him convoyit,

Thay tuike thair leave, baith burges and barrnet.

And hame returnit to Windifchore againe.

280 Clariodus anone the flude hes taine, He fchippit in and all the reall forte. And foune they did arive at Bniland porte ; So Weill to tham did Eolus his part, Keiping the wind from everie contrair airt. That be the help of him and Neptunus, Withouttin ftorme or raine tempefleous, Into the port of Carados thay aryve, And from the fchipe went unto land belyve ; Whom foune perfavit hes the garitouris,

290 That in the toune and wallis lay and bouris, And tauld the King of lie ane companie Had in thair port aryvit haillilie. Blyth was the King and glaid, for weill he will That they war freindis, his foes to refill.

When the grit Conftabill of France hard tyding Of Sir Clariodus fuddant aryveing, Rycht glaid he was, for divers to him fchew Of his valiant deidis and his vertew ; Whairfor on hors alcendit he anone,

300 And diverfe lordis maid with him to gone. And with grit honour met Clariodus, With knichtis valiant and verteous, Saying, That he was welcum in that land : And ather hes taine uther be the hand. And tenderlie maid thair aquentance ; Syne to the toune returnit with pleiance,

BUIK THRID. 128

And royallie in at the portis raid.

The Frenfch Conftabill hes grit inftance maid

Unto Clariodus, with him to go

310 To fupper, and his tender coufingis two ; He grantit him, and baid his companie, The fairefl luging and the maill gudlie Of all the toun, and thair harberie take ; Foure louetennents thairefter gart he make. To put his folkis in rewle and governance ; To iiipper fyne thay pafllt with plefance. And fo among all uther commoning. He Ipeirit of the tounis befeiging ; And fyne of thame within and thair defence,

320 And of the Cainis h6 magnificence, Of everilke Ikirmage and new debait Of Cyprianis and of Sarafeinis of lait. The Conftabill utart everie thing at richt, 'Wha wan the feild, and quha was put to flicht. Whilk commoning was plefant and joyous Unto the heiring of Sir Clariodus, Wha tuike his leave when the fupper was done, And to his folkis haiftit him full foune, And bad them all be readie be the day,

330 Inarmit weill, and into gud aray.

For he wald let them wit of his cuming. Thay grantit glaidlie all to his biding.

Clariodus repollt him that nicht, And on the morne, be the day waxit licht. He ilchit furth with all his companie, Enarmit at all peices nobillie, And on the Heathine hoft full hardilie He maid ane haiftie onl'et, with ane cry,

124 CLARIODUS.

The mightie God namand upon height ;

340 With that they rufchit on them with fie micht Throuchout the hoft alfweith raife the aflFray, For thay war taine all out of [gud^ aray. Our Criftine men fo fearcelie them alTaillit, That baith in ftrenth and hardiment thay faillit. Bot throw the bugills and the clariouns foundis, Returnit all this falfe heard of Mahoundis, And cruellie let on Clariodus : Bot he, that was both wyfe and chevalrus, Loude his anfeinge he did among them cry,

350 And with his h6 renownit companie.

With ipeiris fcharp fo manlie with them delt, Wliill monie of thame anone the deid hes felt ; Of quhilk up raife the clamour and the found, That all the wall is rang of Bruland toun. And all the toun of Carrados alfo ; The King himfelf unto the wallis did go. The Conftabill of France with monie knicht.

Be this the day upcleirit and wox licht, Whair thay micht weill behold the battell,

360 Wha did defend, and wha did bell aflaill. Ferce was the fight, and awful for to le. On ather fyd thair was bot Do or die. Clariodus with michtie Ipeir in hand Aifailgeit fo, no man micht him gainftand, Bot ather man or hors geid to the eard. Among the Heathen fo manlie he him fleird. When monie ane fjieir he brokin had afunder. He drew his fword, and thocht that it was wonder Him to behold, quhilk as ane lyoun wod

370 Never feicit to fched his foes bluid.

BUIK THRID. 125

fiefor his face, loe, heir ane knicht goes doun.

And thair ane uther Ij-is into fwoune,

The thrid on arlbun gapis as he war deid,

Fra liim he carves the arme, and fum the heid.

That of his deidis grite plefour had the King,

And fo had all the peple auld and ging.

The French Conftabill perfavit everilk deill,

How no helme raicht gainftand his brand of fteill,

And how the Heathin he huntit to and fro, 380 Howbeit thay war fighteris monie mo.

Saying, He wenit into threttie knichts

Had never beine the curage nor the michts.

That he law into that Knicht that day.

His he honour on all fydis prailit thay.

Ane Heathin Knicht that was of maifl renoune On SarafeinLs 1yd, pryfit ane champioun, That to the Caine was verie neir coufigne. Quick throw the thikeft of the preife did thring, And fet upon Clariodus the gud ; 390 He, as [anej lyoun, alper, feirce and wod, Ane Ipeir recoverit pyand] neir him by. And met the Knicht fo wonder feircelie. And fo him raife all throuch the bodie out. That to the eard he dufchit doun but doubt. With that on height he cryit on his anfinge, And he, quhom that no Turkis micht dereinge. Set on them new with all his companie With fo grit curage and fo hardilie, And cryit upon the Heathine with ane fchout, 400 And with thair fteillit brandis that war flout, Thay faid thair fydis for till fow fiill faire. And dang thame doune in draves heir and thair,

126 CLARIODUS.

Whill all the feilds with deid bodies war fpred, And all the Heathinis gave thair bake and fled.

Be that the nicht aprochit was and neir, That ikantlie men as than micht know thair feir ; Quhairfor he left the chafe as [for] that nicht, And enterit in the toune with wallis wicht Of Carados againe to his luging.

410 The Conftabill with folkis auld and ging, Of all the toune him met triumphantlie, [Who had that day behavd fo valiantlie,] Him welcuming with nobill feift and cheir. Being to the toun convoyit on blyth maneir. The fair begining maid Clariodus Upon the Heathene, that was utragius ; Whome I leave in the weiris on this wajis, And {peike I will of fair Meliades.

Quhen it was manifeft to this trator Knight,

420 The Kingis brother, full of fraud and llicht. How that Clariodus with ane armie In Cyprus land was [thus] in chevalrie, The Count of Eftur home to his cuntrie Was went alfo, his barnage for to fee, He feinjit letteris of his awin indyte. Throw his [fouU] invy, malice and dilpyte. As they had cumit from Clariodus Unto the Kingis dochter, beiring thus, That fcho the King fould poyfoun prefentlie,

430 That thay the cuntrie micht poifeid thairby. Quhilk letteris in a bag they had bein clofit. And with ane mynd wonder evill dilpofit. Unto the King he went in fecreit wayis ; The Queine intill ane uther chalmer lyis

BUIK THRID. 127

Richt Weill at eafe, and will nocht of this thing. This tratour Knicht hes fchawin to the King, That Sir Clariodus had letters fent Unto his dochter Meliades the gent, To poyfoune him, that thay micht be his airis ; 440 And fo the trefl'oun furth to him declairis, And fchew him furth thir letteris oppinlie, That he himfelf had dyttit traitourouilie. And faid, that in ane taverne quhair he lay, Ane meflinger thair ludgit in the way. And in his drukinnes, as did befall. Out of his bulgit ichuik his letters all j Ane varlot of the taverne thame up tuike. And brocht them me upon the mome to luike, And of this mater of me he was ib red 450 [AVhen of the letters I him queilioned] He him ablentit and hes fled away ; Quhairfor in haft, without ony mair delay, I com to warne gow of this falle treafoun. The King him trowit, and without realbun. For haftilie credit he wald g^f all tyme, An war it anents never fo grit ane cryme, Quhilk is ane fault full grit into ane King ; He braid unto his fword, rycht haiftining. And wald have went his dochter for to fla. 460 This tratour wift if he went out fa.

That redderis fould have maid impediment. For all hir lovit that upon hir blent. Na, Sir, he faid, my couniall ge fall doe, Siun burriouris je fall g^r cum gow to. And tham command to worke at my bidding, And I lall caus but ony perfaving.

1«8 CLARIODUS.

That fcho be taine and flaine without the toun, And thus fall endit be hir falle treafoun ; I taike on me to taike him efterwart,

470 And of fik juflice gif to him his part.

The King neir wode in his melancholie, Hes gart be brocht thir murtherers in hy, And them commandit under all heifl paine, That his ane dochter fould with thame be flaine, That litill will, aleace, of this mater. For paine inewch was at hir heart full neir For the lang abfence of Clariodus.

This traitour Knicht hes furth delyverit thus, And went to the chalmer of Meliades,

480 And cryit furth on hir this haftie wayis

Unto the King. And fcho but mair abaid Obayit him, and on hir kne abraid, Sum deill affrayit, furth fcho did hir marke In treafes with hir kirtill and hir larke, For fcho was ay obedient, meike and wyfe. And beningne alle, as heart could [eer] devyfe, Trufling hir father had beine at fum malice ; My deireft on, fcho faid, quhat may 30W pleis ? The King, he faid, wald fpeike with 30W allone.

490 He wald not let Romaryn with hir gone. And quhen, aleace, this tender innocent. Thus with hir £ame throw the hall is went. He hir delyverit hes or he wald Hint To the murderer, quhilk haiflilie hir hint On felloun wayis, rycht rudlie with rufching, Nocht handillit as the dochter of a Ring, Bot as trelpaflfour with awfull cheir and fchore j Hir tender bonis thay ftronglit all fo fore

BUIK THRID. 129

Scho wald have cryit ; hot fcho micht not, alleace, 500 So with hir courtche they wompillit all hir face,

Stopping hir mouth lb hard and cruellie

[That] fcho micht uneis draw hir breath gudlie :

So fiirth at ane privie poftrum hir led

Suiillie to ane forrell as the traitour bad.

To murther hir quhar na man micht tham I'e. Ah I be this warldis inllabilitie

Wha Ibuld in riches or hie eftate beleive,

Sen nane the chance of fortoune []can3 echeve !

Hir variance and unilabillitie 510 Alyke is redie to heich and law degre ;

For febilnes oft cumis efter micht,

And efter dayis cumis the dewlie nicht,

And oft tymis joy cumis efter forrow and caire.

And efter winter cumis the fumer fair ;

Throw wyldnes of [the] froftis and of haill,

Murnis full oft the merie nichtingall,

And blythlie lingis on the ilk branch againe

Quhair fcho befor had weipit hard for paine :

So men full oft throw walth and grite riches 520 Fallis in povertie and in febilnes.

Whom efter fortoune glaidlie dois reftore

To mair honour nor ever thay war before ;

And git thairefter flydis doune fra hir quheill,

From Weill to woe, and fyne from wo to weill.

This tranlitorie joy it micht not left.

Heir is no eafe hot trubill and unreft;

For alfe unfiker is heir gour dwelling.

All changing is our joy fra abyding. Schir Thomas is returnit to the King, 530 And faid. Be glaid, Sir, take gud conforting.

130 CLARIODUS.

ge ar delyverit weill and haftilie

Of gone wickit and deidlie enemie,

I thinke to delyver gow eik alfo

Of him that is the worker of this wo ;

ge fall the morne gar call to gow the Queine,

And all gonr maiil familiaris bedeine,

And fchaw to them the cace how it is went ;

And gif that thay be not thairwith content,

5e fall them punifch as it weill effeiris,

540 Sen that ge know the danger that appeiris. When this was donne he paillt to his bed, Thinkand that he his purpofe weill had iped.

The King, in his melancolike paflioun. The nicht all ower turnit up and doune, And in his breift ay wirking to and fro This fuddane vengance and [alfe] haiilie wo Upon his dochter and himfelf in eike. For lake of hir that feamit wyfe and meike, And fyne fo fweit and fair ane creature,

550 And fo Weill taught and lovit abone meafoure. And was his only baime withoutin mo ; Unfufferabill was his paine and wo For his awin chyld of fatherlie pitie, That fcho the cans of fie ane treafoune be.

Romarein trowit, that fcho fo long abaid. The King in tender commoning hir had Of plefand materis, fo that fcho thocht not lang ; And this fcho thocht, aleace, fcho thocht all wrang, It was not fo, it was the more pitie,

560 Scho being of fo wounderfuU bewtie.

Upon the morne the King fent for the Queine, And tauld hir of Meliades the fcheine,

BUIK THRID. ISI

And quhat was wrocht ; tbair is no mair to tell,

With pitious cry fcho to the eard doun fell

In IWouuing cauld, and with ana deidlic face,

And of hir ladies oft was the Aleace 1

Then nobill knichts with wofuU heartia ran.

And held hir up with vifage paill and wan. When this is knowin in caftell and in toun, 570 The clamour raife with lamentatioun

Amongis the pepill, with hiddious noyis and heir

[]For fake of her, that was their Princels deir,3

Them felfs demainand that pitie was to fee,

Wringand thair handis, and cryand for pitie,

Beitting thair breiftis and face forowfullie.

And tormenting them felfs without mercie.

No wofuUer in Troy raife up the foun,

For He^oris daith, thair mightie champioun ;

Nor quhen the Greikis enterit in thair ire 580 In ower thair wallis, and fet thair toun on iyre.

And flew Priam, and brint Paladeon,

Nor was into the court of Philipon,

With lamentatioun, and with forrowfuU cry,

For hir that was the richt lodilar and gy

Of vertew, bewtie, and of gentilnes,

Fredome, renoune, honour, and nobilnes.

Wo worth the King, thay cry, and his counfell,

Doing this deid fo wickit and cruell,

Qubilk (all this realme turne to diftru6lioun 690 By the vengence that fall from hevine flryke doun

Upon [thir] wretchis for the blood faikles

Of hir that in all vertew ftude maikles

Into this wyde warld without comparifoun ;

Fy on the murtherers I fy on the falfe trafoun !

132 CLARIODUS.

Fy on the cruell daith for ever more 1 The ikaith is done that no man may reilore. Bot had it beine kend to the pepill thair, How that Sir Thomas kindlit had thair cair. He hade beine rent thair with ane thowfand handis, 600 That git the mater na thing underflandis. Romaryn rave hir hair out with hir neives. And with hir cairfuU voice the court fcho deives, Smyting hir face that forow was to fe. Now of this lamentatioun let I be, And fpeik I will of fair Meliades, How that fcho was demainit, and quhat wayis.

When that thir four murthereris anone War with the Ladie to the forreft gone, And had hir brocht unto the famine ileide,

610 Whair [that] they thought to put hir to [the] deid, Thay faid, Ladie, richt heir mone ge die ; Hir countinance than pitie was to fe ; Trembling for dreid, abaifit of hir cheir, With quaiking voice fcho laid. My frindis deir, Why fould I die ? Have ge that in command ? AVliat have I donne ? Thay laid, without demand We wait no caus, but we commandit ar To flay 30W heir, dreidles we want no mair. Then fell fcho on growfe richt pitiouflie

620 Befor thir murthereris, alking ay mercie Full rewthfuUie, with lamentabill voice, For love of Jelus that diet on the crole. With gour waponis have pitie me to ding, Thinke that I am the dochter of a King, Let manlie pitie enter in gour hearts. To doe to me, ane lillie woman, fmarts.

BUIK THRID. I3S

And thinke that of ane woman ge war borne ;

Mercie, for him that wore the croune of thorne,

Of me, alleace, that may 30W not gainftand, 630 That now jour fcharpe fwordis hes in [gour] hand.

Thay laid, No buite is for to carpin lb.

We mone our felfs be flaine or ellis gow flo.

Then to wart hir they went with awful 1 fair.

Now grant me this, fcho faid, I afke no mair,

Let me heir to God do my oratioun.

Syne this mone be my laft devotioun.

Go fpeid 50W foune, quoth thay, and tarie nocht.

Alleace, hir ipirit than was all on flaucht.

Doune on hir kneis fcho fat full humbillie, 640 Quaiking as afpe, and fchaiking pitiouflie.

For dreid of daith afrayit out of meafure

Fra that fcho law [that] thair was no favour.

Scho laid, O Lord, that Uttis in hevinis he.

Of mercie King, thow mercie have on me ;

As thow difdainit for me thy creature

To licht into the glorious virgine pure.

And fuflferit for me deidlie woundis fyve,

And raife upon the third day [fyne] to lyve,

And fyne aflcendit to the hevinis with glore, 650 Thow grant me this that meikle I implore ;

As I am innocent of this mateir.

Have mercie on me. Lord, I the require.

And fave me from thir tormentouris fell,

Quhilk in this wood with waponis wald me quell. When fcho had prayit lang upon this wyfe.

To God fcho hir betaught, and fyne did ryfe ;

Syn to hir tormentouris fcho did retume :

And thay that hard hir praying thus and mume.

134 CLARIODUS.

And hard hir pitious lamentatioun,

660 Hir bening wordis and hir orifoun,

Weill knew of gylt that fcho was all faikles ; Whairfor they rewit on hir hevines j They went altogither, and was advyfit To banifch hir, quhilk foune they have devifit, And thocht thay wald hir nocht faikleflie flo; And, thus according, [unto] hir they goe : And fcho, that weinit to have bein deid anone. Fell into Iwound alle cauld as ony ftone ; And quhen fcho overcome, fcho cryit Mercie :

070 Thay faid, Lady, for rewth we will apply To fave gour lyfe, bot ge fall banifchit be ; For verilie we think it grit pitie. To flay ane Ladie of fo grit bewtie. Scho thankit them on kneis heartfullie, And with hir arniis fmall thair logs imbract. And height to take the fea in all heafl. Saying, Fair firis, I may gow never aquite, That me to leive hes grantit fik reipite ; Rewardis I have none to give jow heir,

680 Sic as I have fik fall je have but weir ; Scho hir denudit of hir veftur thair. And left no thing upon hir bodie faire Except hir lark bot fcho to them it gave ; Thay neidit nothing at hir Qfor] to crave. For fcho them frelie offerit but difdaine All that fcho turfit, but hir litill chaine.

When this was donne thay to toun tham adrefl't ; And fcho in middes of the wyld forreft Full waine of wemen was left hir alone ; 690 Hir vifage was all [weit and] wobegone.

BUIK TIIRID. 19S

In farke allone, withoutin cloathes moe,

At midnicht mirke, and will not quhair to go. To Shir Thomas thuy turuit humc againe, •

And tauld him that the Ladie thaj had llaine.

With wordis fair fo flatterit he the King,

He was content quhen he hard this tyding ;

The auld fervandis haill he gart remove,

That to the King [leill] favour had or love ;

Whom he fufpe6lit gart banil'ch furth totell, 700 And quhom he lovit thay ftiil in Court did dwell :

So be his wickit wayis of trafoune,

He brocht this realme neir to confuiloun.

He dreid the Count of Elluris ham cuming ;

Quhairfor he fent to him but tarying

Coiinterfute letters upon the Kingis name.

That he fould dwell in his cuntrie at hame

Ay quhill he fend to him ane wryting [cleir,]

Or ellis that he fould cum on no maneir. This Lady naikit in the wood allone 710 Full pitiouflie did weipe and make hir mone,

Befeikand God to fend hir help and grace

To fchape out of that dreidfuU wildemea.

Scho paflit furth and will not quhair to go.

Into the wood ay tumand to and fro

Forward and bakward amongs the thomis keine

Whill all to rent on breeris hir farke beine ;

And quhen fcho hard ocht Ileiring hir befyde

Into ane bufch full dame fcho wald hir hyde,

Quaiking for dreid that folk fould hir efpy 720 And murther hir, alleace, fcho wift not quhy ;

Whyllis fcho wald ly llill and tak [gude] keip.

And uther quhyllis out throw the hedgis creipe.

136 CLARIODUS.

Whill that hir hyd as luftie lillie quhyt, Whairon to luike was fumtyme grite delyte, Was all to rent and carvin heir and thair With thornie pikis wounding hir full fair ; Hir tender hyd and [luftie] fnow quhyt fkine, As Mayis bloflbme, finoth, [and] quhyt and thine. Was all depaint, allace, of reid cuUour, 730 As mixteoun of role and lillie flour,

Throw blood that was [from] hir bodie bereft, As fcho with fcurgis had beine all to beft.

That nicht fcho pallit with fo grit pennence, Praying to God with bening fufFerence. And be the morrow cleirit up alyte, Out of the forreft fcho was paflit quite ; Then went fcho fiirth in warld fcho wift no quhair, Whill that for fault of meit fcho hungerit fair. Syne of ane litill hous fcho gat ane fight, 740 To quhilk fcho did hir fpeid with all hir might,

Whair fcho ane woman fand, to quhome fcho faid,

Fair dame, for love of that ilk bliffit maid,

That bure the birth that fufi'erit for us deid,

Refrefch me with ane litill peice of breid,

And gif me of gour almous for to eit,

That am in poynt to fwone for want of meit.

This woman was bot rud of conditioun, And hir beheld fo maiglit up and doune, Scho laid, Evill woman fra my dore ge go, 750 And alk them meit that the demainit fo. Then weipit fcho that was full will of reid. And furth fcho pall, alking of God remeid. Richt far fcho went and faw na kynd of toune, For fault of foude fcho was in poynt to fwone ;

BUIK THRID. 197

Febill fcho wox, and full of hevinea. That had beine in reft with all tendernes ; Be furfute of travell and hir grit rebute, Quhilk was not wonit to gang upon hir fute, Hir tyrrit lymis no farther micht hir beir j

760 Whairfor in heart Icho had full mikle feare. Bot, as God wald, ane uther hous Icho law. And as fcho micht Icho towardis it could draw, And fand the gudwyfe {landing in the dore j Scho faid. Have mercie on me ane woman pure. That far hes gaine without cloathis or fude j For love of him that ftervit on the rude, ge me refrefch with Ilxm pairt of gour meit, As I that hungrie am and faine wald eit. This woman was in heart raerciabill ;

770 When Icho had hard hir wordis lamentabill, Scho hir beheld that fair was for to fe, Replenifchit with wonderful! bewtie, Hir plefant port, hir fweit and louefum face, Hir bricht hairis wyde wavelling out of lace, Hir Ihow quhyt face with bloud all reid depaint, Hir felf fo made, ib weirie and fo faint, Hir luftie vilage all with teiris weite. As bricht dew dropis on the lillie fweit ; So fore with mercie hir heart was owercum

780 Hir to behold weiping fo allone,

Scho grat for rewth, and tuike hir in hir hous, Saj-ing, My doghter how hes it happinit thus ? I trow fum folk that hes beine evill advifit. For gour grit bewtie hes 30W thus fuppryfit. Nay, laid this Ladie, traift 30W verilie. That I am undeflorit of my bodie

8

138 CLARIODUS.

Of all filthines or fie corruptioun j

Fair dame, have mercie on my infortoun,

And fchaw me how my leving I fall wine,

790 And quhat labour firft I fall [to] begyne ; I wald doe fervice faine for my living. And lall be leill, doubt ge na uther thing. Ane peice of gray breid the wyfe hes to hir brocht. The quhilke to eate [fcho] wounder gud it thocht. That breid of maine to hir was never fo fweit, Quhilk plelantlie fcho tuike and [foon did] eate : Ane drinke of water than to hir fcho gave. Saying, My dochter, fo mote God me fave, I wald wifch gow unto fum gud maiftres,

800 Bot ane poure woman is myfelf doubtles,

I may gow not fufteine [long] heir with me ; I have ane cummer dwelling by the fea. That deallis with marchandice and hes riches. And miller hes of fervantes as I ges, I traift fcho fall relave gow in fervice ; Scho is alfe fiiU of vertew and gentrice : Bot ge ar naikit, and thairfor, Alleace I And I have no gud claithes in this place gow for to geive ; bot for my faullis heill,

810 For love of God fumthing fall I [gow] deiU.

Ane old fakcloath [belyve] fcho brocht hir thair, And hes it put upon the Lady faire, And with ane corde it feflbnit hir about. On hurabill wayis fcho thankit hir but doubt. Saying, Fair dame, God gow forwaird and quyte, And gif to gow the kinrike of delyte. For it that ge have gevine me richt heir. Of meit, and cloathes, and meritabill cheir.

BUIK THRID. 199

This Gudwyfe raife, and faid, My dochter fair, 8«0 Now goe with me. Togidder then thay fair

Unto the fea llrandis whill thay [be] come ;

Scho fand hir cummer at hir hous at home,

Scho helfit hir, and on this wayis fcho faid,

Commer, I have brocht [heir] to gow ane maid

That wald have fervice, and ge have mikill to do,

I dare be bought that vertewoufe is fcho ;

Scho is Weill taught, and full of gude maneir,

Scho gainis weill to be gour chalmerer.

Ha, gude cummer, that is weill faid of 30W I 830 Ane chalmerer ! and waits not quhair nor how

That fcho is cumit, or gif that fcho be leill,

I have no will with ftrangeris to dealle.

This Lady faid, Fair lady, have ge no dreid,

I fall keipe lawtie baith in word and deid. The Gudwyfe, both for rewth and for pitie. And for the prayer of hir commer, fche Hes hir refavit into hir fervice, And hir affignit to ane [mein] office. The woman paffit to hir hous againe. 840 Meliades in fervice did remaine

With hir maiflres ; the quhilk unto hir faid. Now, at this tyme ge mane be biffie, maid. For unto Eftur cuntrie mone we faill ; If it lykis 50W with me for to travell. Go beare ane fardill of gon wole anone Unto the fchipe, quhilk readie is to gone. And quhen the Lady hard of this tiding, Scho was full glad, and faid. At gour lyking, To faill or go ather be land or fea. 850 Speid hand, the gudwyfe faid, for cheritie.

140 CLARIODUS.

The wole to beir fcho helpit hir maiflres,

Whill it unto the fchipe all caried was.

The marineris be then all redie wer

Out of the hevin to pas ; the day was cleir,

The winde was gud, and up the laills thay drew.

Full faft thay glyd, out throw the floodis they flew,

Whill thay com to the cuntrie of Efture.

When thay aryvit into ane port full fure,

Swyth landit this Gudwyfe with hir new maid,

860 Wliair thay fand cairtis, and theron hes laid Thair merchandeice, and unto Ellur toune Thir twa ar pall or that thay maid fojorne, Whilk was the faireft toune in that cuntrie, Thair dwellis the Earle and eike the Ladie frie. Meliades full nait and bilTie was To beir at the command of hir maiftres The woU unto hir coufigne [I'aif ] j and fyne Hir maiftres gave hir quyet difcipleine, Saying, My dochter, be biffie in fervice,

770 My awnt the better [then] will gow chereice, For I perchance will leave gow with hir heir, Quhair ge may vertew and gude maners leir j What is gour name anone ge to me fchaw ? Scho faid, My name is Ladar, ge fall knaw. Ladar, fcho faid, gour cloathes doe away. And I fall fumthing better gow aray. Scho gave hir fark, kirtill, [and] hole and fchoune. The Lady kneillit quhen that this was doune. And thankit hir with fober humbill cheir,

880 And was alfe weill content withouttin weir

As fcho was quhyllume of cloath of gold pretious ; Of haill cloathing hir heart was full joyous.

BUIK THRID. 141

This Gudwyfe paflit to hir coufingis, And ather uther grate with tendemes. Quhen thay had fpokin togidder at lafer. They gart belyve make redie the fupper, And to it went with rairrie cheir and glaid. This Ladie ilude, and to thame fervice maid, And that fcho did fo Weill and perfytlie,

890 With fair efFeir and countinance gudlie.

That mervellit was the Maiftres of this hous, Quhilk in her heart was mirrie and joyous. And fpeirit at hir awnt quhat [maid] fcho was ; And I'cho hir told the maneir mair and les. And how fcho was fo trew and diligent In hir fervice, and humbill of intent ; And counfallit hir to taike hir in fervice, For fcho was vertewus ay at all dievyle. Scho hir relavit with ane glaidfum cheir,

300 And lyne did efter ryfe from the fuppeir.

Hir cummer departit, and hir leave taine hes, And went to bed ; and Ladar biffie was. And then to bed fcho went hirfelf to reft. As fcho that was with labour fore opreft ; Bot mikill of the nicht fcho did bewaill. That fortoun did fo fcharplie hir aflaill ; Jit ay fcho thankit God and gave him gloire, Of all hir trubillis and hir chanfis ioire : Bot never fcho micht forget Clariodus,

910 Of quhais love fcho brint fo mervellus, And langit fo, that winder was to tell Hir fad thochtis, hir tormentis all haill. Unto hirfelfe with mone full pitious, Alleace, fcho laid, wift ge, Clariodus,

142 CLARIODUS.

What travell I have endureit for gour faike. Full wofull waldge be, I undertake ; And how that I arayit am and clede, And how fo purelie that I ly in bed, 5e wald not at the leift all be content :

920 Bot all is welcum to me that God hes lent. Whom I befeik of his magnificence, Clariodus, to fend 30W patience. That for my faike ge do not fie vengence. That efter may turne to gour difplifance. When fcho was fo weirrie, formumit, and forweipit, With trubillit fpreit and frayitlie, fcho fleipit ; And gat up airlie be the nicht was gone. And maid the fyre, fyne fct the pote thairon ; The houfe fcho fwoupit and did all that eflFeirit.

930 Hir Maiftres raife richt as the day upcleirit. And to the marcat [early] wald fcho went With Ladar as ane fervant diligent. Then [up] fcho tuike ane fardell on hir heid. And with hir went withoutin ony pleid. The woU thay fauld for pryce that mycht fuffice. And hame for it tuike uther merchandyce j Syne to the denner went and maid gud cheir.

The Gudwyfe raife up efter the denneir. And at hir aunt fcho tuik hir leave to wend

940 Hame to hir cuntrie, doing hir commend To freindis all, and to this Ladar eike ; And fcho, with countinance bening and meike, Hir thankit of hir gentrice, inclynand. And wald hir have convoyit to fea ftrand : Bot fcho wald not, bot gart hir hame returne ; The uther into Ingland, but fojorne.

BUIK THRID. 146

Is went to f'chipe, and foune arivit thair ; Full oft this Ladar bad hir weill to faire. Thus fcho remainit with hir new inaiflres, 950 And did hir ferve with fo g^it biflines That fcho hir lovit as hir dochter deire. Upon ane day, fcho faid on this maneir Unto hir maiftres. Had I lilk and gold, I fould make workis fair for to behold ; Purfis, beltis, with coUourit quaife and kell, Whilkis wald full weill into the mercat fell, A

And quite the coll that I unto gow make. 3e fall it have, fcho faid, I undertake.

Scho bought hir pirnis baith of gold and Hike. 960 And fcho hes maid hir fair workis of that ilke.

Hir maiftres hes them prefentit in the faire.

And mikiU mony fcho tuike for thame thair.

So at the laft amongs hir workis all.

Full curious workis fcho maid, and moft royall

War ower the lave in curiofitie,

The quhilk hir maiftres grit ferlie had to fee ;

Whairfoir fcho gart hir fold them in ane cloath.

And follow hir, thocht fcho flimthing was loath.

Unto the Earleis palice of Eftur. 970 This Ladar, that was ane ladie of nurtur,

Obeyit hir maiftres, and on with hir is went.

Unto the Countes both thay war prefent,

Whilk callit on this Ladar for to fe

Hir marchandice ; and with benignitie

Scho com and kneillit to this Ladie doun.

And fchew hir workis craftie of fafchoun.

The Countes them commendit g^ttumlie.

And laid, they war the fairreft works alluterlie,

144 CLARIODUS.

That icho had feine into hir lyves Ipace : 980 So com the Earle in at the dore in cace, Thay raile to him and maid him reverence. Meliades of angellyk clemence Be then recoverit had hir bewtie, And was againe alle luftie for to fe As of before, and haillit haill and found, Whair breer and thorne had maid hir mony wound ; Thairfoir grit mervell was amongs them all %■^, Of hir bewtie that ftude imperiall

Abouth all uther ladies that was thair, 990 Over uther flouris as dois the lilie faire. For as ane thing celeftiall to fe The Earle did behold hir plefand bewtie, He thocht fcho femit, and eike he thocht hir lyke To the Princes of all Brittane kinrike. The Kingis dochter, Mcliados the bricht, Baith of hir vil'age and of hir havingis richt ; Bot Weill he trouit that Meliades Sould never beine arayit on like wyfe. Hir fteidfaiUie luik to [full] oft he wald. 1000 [And when fcho faw that he did hir behald,] Abaifit fcho was, and fumthing hir declynit Hir bricht vifage that fo of bewtie fchynit. As fcho that never furthie was nor peart, Nather in prefence nor git into defert ; Bot as ane innocent ever under dreid. Full of alTurit [modeft] womanheid ; Far from Dormigill in crueltie. Or PanthaffiUa in magnanimitie, Bot neirer Griflhald with hir tender breift 1010 Of foverane vertew, quhilk is God aneift.

BUIK THRID. 145

When that thay had thair marchandice all fynit,

And mirrilic collationat and dynit,

The nobill Countes tuike at thaim hir leave,

Gart twentie goldin baflants to tham give.

Grit talking was amongs them all that nicht,

Of Ladar and of hir brave bewtie bricht.

When thay come hame hir maiflres laid hir to,

We are rewairdit michtilie, quoth fcho.

All for jour verie craft ; Have filver heir, 1020 Be je butlar and make us mirrie cheir.

This Ladar hes refavit the mony,

And maid hir maiftres weill to fair perdie.

Of mychtie wyns and plefant meitis deir ; Syne fervit hirwith womanlie efiFeir.

Scho bought hir fhife of gold and filkis than,

And with hir warkis mikill thing fcho wan.

Now of this Ladar leave I will ane throw.

And of Clariodus fiimthing to 50W Ichow. Clariodus in armes day by day, 1030 So mikell he wrocht at everie hard aflay.

That wonder was to tell or jit to heir.

The knightlie deidis of him that hes no peir ;

His nobill bodie was never out of ftoure,

His bloodie Iword reftit never ane houre

Fra day being whill that the nicht apeir.

He fo rememberis on his Ladie cleir,

To bring the Turkis to dillru6lioun.

That he may hame more glaidlie mak him boun.

Thair fell on him lb hard rememberance 1040 Of his Ladie, with lie continuance.

That nather micht he lleip nor git take reft,

Langourus abfence fo lairlie him oppreft ;

146 CLARIODUS.

Ather he thocht the weiris to make fchort. Or elUs to die among- the Heathin forte.

He had ane quarter of the toune to gyde, And ane port readie for to call up wyde, When that him lift, to ifche upon his fone. On of his conftabillis gurt he call anone. And bad make redie be the day was licht

1050 His companie, and in thair geir theradicht, That be the morrow all his luftie forte Sould redie be abyding at the port.

Thay foupit with the Conftabill that nicht, Difporting thame with heartis glaid and licht ; Syne tuike thair leave, and to thair bed ar gone. He on the mome could glaidlie him dilpoae Out at the porte to ifch with all his meinge. And at all peices enarmit weill was he. And ifchit furth Avith all his companie

1060 Upon the awfiiU Turkis quhair thay ly.

The trumpit blew ane weirlyk found on heicht ; He gave his courfour with liis Ipurris bricht, And fchot upon the Heathin with ane ichout, And Avith his Ipeir he enterit in the route Amongis his foes ; hot or hia big lance brake Full monie ane Sarafine lay deid on his bake. He pullit out his fword delyverlie. And dang the Heathin doun diipitfuUie ; He maid alfe monie peices of thair theis,

1070;^ As dois the wricht fmall fjpaillis of the treis, All rougently he rufchit throw [the] rout Of woundit men ; befoir him g-ois the Icfaout. The Caine himfelf hes hard the I'uddan cry Among his folk riling fo hidioully,

BUIK THRID. 147

On hors he lape and forward com in haill;

The michtie Sowdane him followed fall.

Clariodus was war, and weill he knew

That the grit Caine com him to perfew ;

He rufchit upon him with ane felloun feir, 1080 And with his fword him tothe fadill Icheire ;

His corps devidit into pairtis two ;

And lyne unto the King he did rycht fo.

The Heathin wounderit upon that felloun deid.

And him the way thay roumit than gud fpeid.

The Criftein men feing his deidis mervellous,

Thay cryit, Vive, Vive, Clariodus 1

Long lyfe, renoune, heich glorie and honoure

Be unto the that is of warldis flour.

He namit Jefus, that bliflit Saviour cleir, 1090 And forwart preiffit with ane knichtlie feir ;

His folks did manfiillie thair foes airaill,

Thair fwordis went alfe thik as fchour of haill. When the Conllabill hard tyding of this thing.

To feild he cam withoutin tarying.

With knichtis that war valiand in feild.

On hors enarmit cleir under fcheild ;

At quhais cuming monie ane Turke can die. The King of Cyprus, on the turret he.

Beheld the battell furious and woode, 1 100 The crewell fcheding of the Heathine bloode

Be Crilline knichtis bauld and chevalrus.

And Ipeciallie be gud Clariodus,

Wha reftit never, bot ever dang all doune,

He was in fight furious as ane lyoun.

The King did him commend, and ferliet of his deidis.

He gart his men aiTend upon thair fteidis,

148 CLARIODUS.

And iich out of the toun to thair fupport ; Full manie thowfand thrang out at the port, As fwift lyouns defyrous of thair pray ;

1110 The Criftine men preifit to the hard alFay.

Fail heir and thair the Heathine ar dung doun

With mortall Uraikis of occifioun ;

Bot maid of all the gud Clariodus,

Alfe fearce in fight as lyoun furious.

His brand ay hatband in the Heathine bloode.

So fairis he as ane tyger woode ;

Before his forcie arme of great renoune.

Unto the ground both hors and man gois doun ;

His countinance baith wyld and terribill,

1120 His michtie corpis baith wicht and invincibill. Strong as ane toure againis the fpeiris poynt, Micht naine againe abake him put a joynt. When he thus throw the feild fo forcilie With fword in hand did ryd, richt ernulllie The Heathine fort for him war fo adreid. That richt as fcheip befor him [faft] they fled. Of cruell flaughter feifis never the ftryfe, Whill not ane Heathin man was left on lyfe. For thay war vinquill all and dungin doune,

1130 And finallie put to confufioun ;

And of the Criftine diet few or none. So gratiouflie did God for thame dilpone.

Efter the feildis great difcomfitour, Clariodus, that mikill was of valoure, Is to the michtie Caineis pailgeoun went, Whair infinit of thelaure importent 'Was keipit in full great quantitie, Tlie number of it could no man eftimie ;

BUIK THIIID. 149

Thair was of gold, and pretious ilainis deir, 1140 And rich juellis to by ane reallem weill neir,

Quhilk he gart be turfit to the fea

Unto his Ichip ; and luith it is that he

Amongis men gave mckill of this riches.

For he all tyme was full of nobilnes.

Among all uther thefaure fand he thair

Ane tabiller of chafe richt wounder fair.

Of gold all WTOcht with pretioul'e llonis bricht,

Diamants, fapheiris and roobies calling licht ;

Whilk llonis war io grit and ferlie deir, 1 150 As radious lampe fchyning alio cleir.

The knightis did it pryfe that war thair

To be worth ane kingis ranlbune and maire.

He gart ane fquyer tak it and with him go Unto the Conftabillis tent withoutin ho, Dilarmit of his helme ; and quhen that he Come in the tent he faid. Sir, God gow fe. The Conllabill anlweirit and laid, Ha, gentill Knight, In ^our arming thair is no fault of light ; How ar ge now unarmit now fa foune, 1 160 I traiil, quoth he, the danger is all donne. Then lewgh thay both with joy and mirrines. Clariodus faid, Will je play at the ches. ^ea, laid the Lord, have ge ane tabilleir ? That lall ge fe, I have it with me heir. He fchew it furth in prefence of thame all. And quhen the Conllabill faw the ches royall, <

Whairof the men war all of maifie gold And llonis bricht, gudlie to behold ; So faire of forme, and great of quantitie, 1170 He liud it was ane royall light to fe.

150 CLARIODUS.

And faid, lie never law fb rich ane thing, The maike of it pofl'eft no Criftien king. Clariodus faid, Of jour nobilitie, Sir, will ge doe ane plefance unto me. As for to give this tabiller of ches Unto the Queine of France hir nobilnes. Me humblie commending unto the King, And to the Queine maifl luilie and bening. As I that am thair fervitor at all

1180 Whill that I leive ; hot ge forgive me fall. That I 30W charge fik melfage for to doe. The quhilk perteinis not gour honour to, I meane fik travell to undertaike for me. War it not to the Queinis Majeftie j I fould this have prefentit myfelf trewlie. War not that I in Ingland fuddantlie Man pas, quhairfor as now ge me excufe. The Conftabill faid, I will no way refufe. So mikill fervice do to 30W as this ;

1190 And quhen ge lift to France to cum, I wile ge lalbe welcum, dreidles, to the King, For he hes hard of gow gud comoning ; Diverfe reports hes cumin to his eare Of gour great heighnes both in peace and weir; And fo hes [he^ reiavit the tabilleir.

Togidder as they fpake on this maneir. The Sarafinis tents fpuilgeit thair meinge, Whair thay fand thefawre [in] great quantitie, Whilk maid thame rich for terme of all thair lyfe.

1200 Thir Lordis hes them readie maid belyve. The French Conftabill and Sir Clariodus Upon thair hors alTendit full joyous ;

BUIK THRID. 151

Unto the King of 0)^)1013 thay raid ifeir. The quhilk did meit them in his bed nianeir Without the ports, with royall companie. The joyous trumpits Ibunding mirrilie. The King hes donne the Conftabill imbrace. And hira relavit with ane mirrie face, Oft thanking him of his nobill fupport.

1210 To quhora the Conftabill thir wordis did report, The laud heirof perteinis not to me, Bot only to this Knicht that je heir fe, Clariodus, the rofe and flour of armis. From his fword edge micht helpe no harnis ; He was the haill cans of the difcomfitoure, Nixt God our forcie campioun in the ftoure. Give him the laud, give him the thanks always, Of vidlorie and Turkis haill I'uppryle ; His nobill deidis giving great commend,

1220 Saying, But dreid, unto the warldis end, Thair is no Knicht onlie with his hand That hes donne half the deidis valiand In all his tyme that ge have donne this day, Thairfor ane honour je have conquift for ay ; I wonder nocht thocht je be valgeand. For je ar cum, as I [do] underftand. On baith the fydis of rycht nobill bluid. And thairfor. Sir, on neid ge mon be gud. Clariodus faid. Sir, withouttin dreid,

1230 ^e gif to me more name than thair is deid ; Bot onlie half alfe far as ge report, Richt Weill belet I wald think [me] at Ichorte. The King put him betwixt thir Knichtis two, And altogidder to Bruland can thay go,

" 152 CLARIODUS.

And enterit in the Kingis palice fair.

Full great triumph and feafting [alle] was thar.

The Queine and eike hir dochter com to hall.

With monie luftie ladie gent and fmall.

It war ane want thair courfis for to tell.

1240 Clariodus, that is of knightheid well. Was cherifit fo and feaflit on lik wyfe. Long war to fchaw the maner and the gyle. When thay had dynit, thay all to chalmer wente. The King, the Queine, with luftie ladies jent, Thair all the day did dance and make gud Iport, The feafoun war ower prolix to report. When even aproachit, to fupper then they go, Thair royall fair as now I will pas fro. Efter the fupper, on the iamine wyfe,

1250 I can 30W nocht the maner all devife As thay difport, car r ell, dance and fing, Lordis, ladies, and luftie knichtis ging. Clariodus requyerit was to dance ; He him exculit with fair countinance, Bot all for nocht, excufe availl micht none ; With uther lordis he to the dance is gone. So verie weill and manerlie withall, Pryfit he was with ladies grit and fmall. And with the companie everilk wicht.

1260 Thay thus difport quhile mides of the nicht ; Syne everilk lord and ladie leave hes taine Full courteflie, and to thair Innis are gaine. The King had fonnes that war richt fair and jing. That loved Clariodus abone all uther thing ; With him they ar to Innis gane infeir. And all to make him companie and cheir ;

BUIK THRID. 153

The Conftabill eik him chereft tender! ie, As he that was baith vailjeand and worthie. Thus, day by day, thair is no more to tell,

1270 In nobill joy and mirrines thay dwell

Whill that awcht dayis war all gone outrycht ; Syne tuike thair leave to pas everilk wicht, Firft at the King, fyne at his Lordis eike, Syne at the Queine and at hir Ladies meike. At thair departing wofuU was the King, For he thocht that his Inilie dochter ging Sould have beine waddit with Clariodus, Thocht fortoun wald not thoU it to be thus. The King maid to the Conllabill inllance

1280 For to commend him to the King of France, And thanke him of his help and gude fupplie j Syne thelawre gart in full grit quantitib Deliver unto him before he went, Imbracing [him] rycht hartlie in intent. Ather from uther tuike thair leave anone. Syne the King tuike Clariodus allone, And laid, Fair Sir, commend me to the King, And thanke him of his nobill fupporting Againis my foes ftrong in battell ;

1290 And eik I thank gow of gour g^it travell That ge have maid, cuming in this cuntrie ; Syne of gour nobill helpe and gud fupplie, Bot quhais vailgeand deidis and chevalrie We hade not lichtlie gottin vi6lorie. Grite giftis proflFerit to him the King, Bot he thairof as thane wald [tak] no thing. And quhen the King hes feine [that] it is fo. He gart ane Iquyer for ane palfray go,

u

154 CLARIODUS.

Quhilk as the fnow in coUour was all quhyt, 1300 And of faffioun wounder donne perfyte,

Both meane and taill did of [the] bricht gold fchyne, In warld men deimit thair was none fo fyne. Then faid he to Clariodus, Sen ge Naine uther giftis will refave of me, This horfe I give gow of a gentill kynd, That 56 may [ever] have me in gour mynd. Full courteflie then thankit he the King, And faid. Sir, I am gouris in all thing Whill that I leive, fo wyfelie God me Ipeid, 1310 As I that trew falbe in word and deid

To 50W and gouris for now and ever more ; gour Henes keip the michtie King of glore. So thay depairtit with tender imbracing, For verie pitie weipit than the King, And rycht fo [forelie] did Clariodus, For to depart thay war fo dolorus. At all the Court thair leave hais taine thir two. With thair meinge and to thair hors they go ; And then aicendit all with ane purpofe, 1320 Thay raid unto the port of Carrados,

Whair that thay fand [thair] fchippis all redie. The marineris thay wrocht full biffilie.

The Conftabill now at Clariodus Hes taine his leave with wordis gratious, To cum in France requyring him fa fall, So that this Lord hes grantit at the laft. His aquentance to make with the [gude] King, To him anone promifit he this thing. When the Conftabill his leave hes taine thus, 1830 He bad adew to Sir Clariodus,

BUIK THRID. \S6

And enterit into his barke, and that anone.

And all his folkis ar to thair Ichipis gone.

The air was cleir, the wind was verie g^d.

They drew up faillis, and fped them oner the flude. Clariodus gart furth ane barke hir drefe

All full of nobill trelbur and riches

That he had won into the Caines tent ;

Unto his Father in Eilur he it fent,

And bad commend him to his Father thair, 1S40 Schawing to them at lenth of his weilfair ;

Syne enterit into his fchip richt haiililie,

And to thair Ichipis went all his companie ;

Thay drew up faillis fweith, and furth thay glyd

Atowre the floodis that ar baith rourae and wyd.

Now ceife I of Clariodus ane throw.

And of the Conilabill fumthing will fchew. The Conilabill of France aryvit Iweith

Unto the port of Rowan, glaid and blyth.

And went to Parice with all his folks in feir, 1350 And to the King is gone with mirrie cheir.

The King richt glaid was of his hame cuming.

And maid to him richt heartlie welcuming.

And Ipeirit of his tydingis and his fair.

Be richt report he told him les and malre

Of all the weiris fchortlie for to faine.

And how the Caine of Tartarie was flaine.

And of his hoft the haill diilru6lioun ;

And of the valiantnes and grite renoune

Of the maift worthie and wicht Clariodus, 1360 And of his deidis worthie and chevellrus.

And how his only manheid and his micht

Monie ane tyme pat the Turkis to flicht, ^

156 CLARIODUS.

And how he flew the Caine and put him doun, And pat his folkis to thair diIlru6lioun, Whairthrow the mortall weiris tuike ane end. And how he bad him to his Grace commend ; And how the King of Cyprus worthines Bad him commend him to his Nobilnes, Him thankit of his folkis and fupplie, 1S70 And how that he promifit for to be

His in all thing, and fland in his quarrell, Richt as he did to him in flrong batell.

Blyth was the King quhen he hard this tyding ; Hot of this Knicht he ferliet ouer all thing. Throw quhais deidis the Turkis war diftroyit, Of him to hear his heart was fo joyit, That he never irkit of him to fpeir. His face, his faflToun, his flatur and maneir. He tuike him in ane chalmer him allone,

1380 And Ipeirit at him uther ty dings anone. And he tauld furth as he requyrit ay ; git, Sir, he faid, I have lum thing to fay. This nobill Knicht of quhilk I [do] gow tell, The verie flour of chevelrie and well, Hes fent ane gudlie prefent to the Queine, I wald anone that it war with hir feine. Firft I will fe it, faid the King ; and thane To fech this tabeller he fent ane man. Sone it was brocht, prelentit to the King,

1390 Quha it beheld, conlidering in all thing

Of it the valour and the [wondrous] micht ; He faid, Forfuith it is the faireft fight. And the maift pretious of the quantitie, That in my lyfe I ever faw with ey.

BUIK THRID. 157

He fent anone to chalmer for the Queine,

Wha com with all hir ladies fair and fcheine,

Whom the ConAabill faluft hes, and I'yne

Hes tauld hir all the cace or he wald fyne ;

Scho luikit on the royall ches of gold, 1400 That pretious was and luflie to behold.

And it commendit wonder grittumlie,

And fo did all the ladyes that ftude by.

Then faid the Queine, I thanke the gentill Knicht,

That hes me fend this thefaure of fie micht,

Foriuith he was no wratch I dar [it] tell.

That hes pairtit with fo rich ane Jewell.

And iyne confidering, faid the nobill King,

That he [gow] never iaw in his leving.

And git to me his name [it] is unknawin. UIO The Conftabill faid, With honour it falbe fchamn.

He is to name callit Clariodus,

Knicht of this warld maifl worthie and famous,

Sone to the nobill Earle of Efturland.

Then faid the King, He man be vailgeand.

For he is cumit of nobill parentell.

His Father the Count know I verie well ;

I have him feine into this Court repaire,

Under the fone I know non gudlier

In all maner and wyfer nor is he, U20 The better alwayis his Sone neidis moft be ;

And eik of Sir Clariodus himfell

Out of Ingland full oft have I hard tell.

And of his manlie bewtie and vertew,

Now find I Weill that thay faid of him trew,

Whairfor, certes, attoure all [uther] thing,

I long to have him in my Court dwelling.

158 CLARIODUS.

The Conftabill faid, He hes promifit me. Within fchort tyme in this land for to be. That wald I, quoth the King, fa God me fave,

1430 Then his aquentance dreidles I Tall have.

When they had long tyme commonit in that place, The Queine gart put the chaker in that cace. And gart ane ladie take it up anone, And lyne unto hir chalmer is fcho gone. Thame now in France in joy we let remaine. And fpeike we of Clariodus againe.

Clariodus did all his billlnes To gar the mariners them Ipeid and dres To land alfweith with all thair faillis bent,

1440 Of his Ladie fie thochts can him torment ; The more that he aproacliit to the land, In heat defyre he was ay [more] birnand His Ladie for to fe : and then belyve On Ingland coaft he did laiflie aryve, Neir by the toun that reallie is wallit, Belvilladoun quhilk to name was callit ; Thair landit he and all his chevalrie, And to the toun thay raid richt royallie. Clariodus, as he raid throw the ftreit,

1450 None of his auld aquantance could he meit ; In all the toun no kynd of man he law That he was aquantit with or did knaw ; He faw fo monie faces that war ftrange. He dread full fair that thair had beine fiun change Into the Court ; quhairfor he mervell hade ; Thay fled him ay and war for him adred. For thay war of Sir Thomas inputing. The toun to rewle and put in governing.

BUIK THRID. 159

At his Innis this Lord [then] lichtit doun, 1460 And hes gart herberie his folkis in the toun, All hot his fellowis quhilkis ever abaid With him ftill quhidder he geid or raid. His holl him hellit fum deiil hevilie. J*erfeving hes Clariodus thairby, Tuik in his mynd ane fuddant trew confait That fum tratour had wrocht a fore debait Againis him, bot moft was in his thocht Meliades, if hir had aillit ocht. Full fuddantlie to changing can his hew, 1470 The bluide alfweith intill his face it fchew ; Of mifbeleife the flound ftruike to his heart.

That in his breiil it trublit him fore inuart ;

Unto his chalmer fadlie he is gone.

And to his hoil then cumin is anone

Ane merchand of the toun, fpeiring thus.

If he had fpokin with Clariodus.

Na, laid the hoft, I dar not with him fpeike.

For wo my heart was abill for to breke

When I him faw ; bot he hes per&ving, 1480 Throw my fad cheir he tuik evill conforting.

The merchand faid, Methinke that gud it war.

That to my Lord we paflit both in feir.

The hoil confentit, that Bartane heicht to name.

This Allane was ane man mikill of fame,

And monie ane day was mair of the toun ;

Bot from his heicht Sir Thomas pat him doun. When unto chalmer cuming war thir two,

This Allane was in heart full hevie and wo,

Who hellit him with teiris dillelling, 1490 Clariodus perlavit this in all thing,

160 CLARIODUS.

AUane, ge ar full welcum unto me ;

What new tydingis, my frind, []fra CourtJ bring ge ?

Now tell how fairis the Kingis nobilnes,

The Queine and hir goung dochter the Princes ?

I cam not in Court, faid Allane, thir monie day,

Whairfor the maner I can not tell perfay ;

All that sour Father pat in the Kingis cervice,

Sir Thomas hes put out on felloun wayis,

And me he hes exonerit among the leave

1500 Of the office that I had wount to have ; The King he rewellis and gydis as he lift, Whairthrow the realme is hereit and opreft ; No man may cum into the Kings prelence, Bot throw his gyding and his gnd plefance ; And ane thing, Sir, and worft of all the leave That he hes donne, thairfor the Feind him have, Be faUe report and divillifch treafoun eike He hes gart take Meliades the meike. The Kingis dochter and his heare alfo,

1510 Withoutin cans and cruellie hir flo, And, fy ! alleace ! murderit hir fouUie, Into ane nicht without onie mercie. With cruell churllis murdreift cruellie. The trewth I may not tell [gow] for pitie.

When that Clariodus hard this tyding. The crampe of death did [faft] to his heart thring ; He gave ane %h, and laid, but wordis mo. Ha, Ladie myne, and ar ge endit fo ! The fword of forrow gave him fie a wound

1520 Unto the heart with fik ane deidlie ftound He micht not fufiFer it, bot doune he fell So pitioullie that Ibrrow war to tell j

BUIK THRID. 161

Unto the pavement as dcid dufchit he, Hispaill vifuge was gaiftlie for to {e. Pallexis up Hart foune, [and] cryit Hal For ower grit wo he wift not quhat to fa. The Knichtis foure and burgis twa [than] ran, And liilit up the paill and deidlie man, And on ane bed him laid or thay wald ho,

1530 And with thair handis fchuike him to and fro. And foune his teith oppinit with ane knyfe ; Bot ftill he lay [thair] deid as out of lyfe, And nothing lyke from daith [for] to revert ; Whairof his fellowis fie forrow tuik in heart, Thay maid fik duill that never hard was maire. Never ficht thay faw grevit them [fa] lair. Sik forrow maid Pallexis and his brother. That naine of them micht counfall gif to other. In this eflait lang lay this jentill Knicht ;

1540 Bot the grit King of glorie and of micht.

That ever is wicht quhaever be waike or feik.

He wald not fuffer of his mercie meike

Him that was gentill ay and merciabill

In fik ane wyfe to end fo miferabill.

So at the lall he out of found abraid

Alfe wode of cheir, and luikit rycht affrayd ;

He faw ane window and wald have lappin out ;

His fellowis them affemblit him about.

Withholding him among them tenderlie,

1550 Him comforting with wordis mofl heartlie. He paifit then the chalmer up and doun, Melancolike, alfe fiirious as ane lyoun ; His eine thay brint and flamit as ane gleid, Defyring to revenge the traitorheid

162 CLARIODUS.

Of the maiil iaikles murder and felloune, Done to this innocent Ladie be trefoun. Alleace ! he iaid, quhat fall I do or fay, My warldis joy is [from me] reft for ay ; O now quhair fall I go or quhair fall I ryd, 1360 Quhair fall I walke at evin or morrow tyd I Whairto for fleip fould I to bedis go, Or quhairto ryfe, I waits of nocht bot wo, Or quhairto leive I, [now] thus myne allone, When all my cumpanie is fra me gone ; , O Death, cum flay me cative in diftres. That never fall have ane day of mirrines I Why lefts my bodie, feing my heart is llaine, Fairweill for ever all eardlie joy againe ! And this he laid with fik ane pitious cheir, 1570 It was ane paine him for to fe or heir ; And forrow him tormentit fo fellounlie, Monie ane tyme he cryit God mercie, Have mercie, Lord, that [wifelie] hes me wrocht, Syne with thy daith fo deir thow hes me bocht, That I fall not in defperatioun ; Thy woundis fyve be my falvatioun That I do nocht that may my foul [eer] tyne j I alk th6 mercie, fweit Redemer myne. Now of my greif and my impatience, 1680 Who am bereft of all intelligence.

And can no relbun have nor fufferance Whill daith upon me do his uterance j And eike have mercie on gon fair Ladie, Sen I hir lovit for no villanie. As for the cryme fcho ftervit ane innocent. And pitiouflie with churlis all to rent,

BUIK THRID. 16.5

And raurtherit as ane theif without a judge.

Be thow hir reflait, fuccur and refuge ;

And let thy woundis be for hir remeid, 1590 That for hir finnis oppinit war lb reid ;

Among thy angellis relave hir in thy joy,

As thow that ar of mercie Prince and Roy. With that the teiris jeid out of his eine.

With fichis deip, and fobbis ay betweine.

That none on lyfe micht fe him nor behold,

Bot he anone fould weipe thoch he not wold,

Suppofe his heart war harder nor the flone.

His fellowis foure maid ane pitioufe mone

For him in fecreit [wyfe] ; bot not the les, 1600 With fuggerit wordis of great humbilnes,

Thay comfortit him, and oft bad him eit :

Bot he ib fillit was with dolour grite,

No meit he wald ilay ; bot bad that thay

Sould to thair fupper go without delay.

When they had Ibupit all, thame gart he call.

And laid. Go fend fiirth to our frindis all

In this kinrick, both Prince, Earle, Lord and Knicht

That lovis me, or in my quarrell richt

Will make defence, and pray thame tenderlie, 1610 Into all hail that thay will make redie

To cum with all their nobill chevalrie

In my fupplie ; for now [that] verilie,

I never thinke flefch to eit nor wyne to drinke,

Whill that I make gon Tratour to forthinke

That ever he trefoun wrocht on fike wayis,

And quhill the daith of fair Meliades

Revengit be, that all the warld fall heir. Then Allan laid to him on this maneir.

164 CLARIODUS.

My Lord, gour charge I fall fulfill alway ; 1620 Bot if ge wairne thofe Prinfis, as ge fay. Sir Thomas will get wit, and will evaid : Bot will 3e [now] my counfall doe, he faid, 3e fall cum to him [richt] without wairning, In that fame place quhair he is with the King. In the toun of Clarans quhairin he remains, Ouklie we carie hay in carts and wains. And I my felf fall hay have to the toun ; Whairfbr I wald [that] threttie men war boun. In cairtis clofit [all] weill privilie, 1630 All ower with hay coverit quyetlie,

And [fo] no man will flope [thame] quhill that thay Be went within the gettis, quhair ge may Ane bufchment have a litill 50W befyde, That haiflilie may efter them in ryd.

When he hes hard him on this wayis conclude, He thankit him, and faid the way was gud ; And bad all fould be donne as he [had] faid Againe the morne, and all thus reddie maid. He callit on his luiftennantis than, 1640 And bad thay fould be redie everie man Neir by the toun of Clarans by the day In the wode 1yd, and hold them quyetlie Whill that thay hard thame cry within the carts, And then to fpeid them [out] with mirrie hearts.

When this was laid, they went all to [their] bed, Clariodus him leinit doune all cled. All nicht bewailling hir death pitiouflie. That was fo fair, fo gud and womanlie : Bot up he raife full long before the day 1650 With his foure fellowis, doing thame aray

BUIK THRID. 100

In weirlyk weidifl ; and lyne went haiflilie

To Allonis Innis, quhair all war maid redie.

Clariodus and his fellowis anone,

But longer tarie ar to ane cart all gone.

With utheris whom thay lykit bell to have,

Ane cartar come and furth [the gaitj thame drave ;

The uther cairt [then] fiUit was alfo

With men of armis, and thus furth thay go

To the toun of Clarains be the licht of day, 1660 Whair the draw brig fbune drawin have thay ;

The port was oppin, they enterit liiddently.

With ane grit noyis raifit up the cry j

With that the bufclunent brake with [richt] gud fpeid ;

Clariodus aflendit on his field.

And to the palice raid or he wald ho ;

Pairt of his folkis commandit he to go

The toun to fearch, and ay quhair thay finde

Sir Thomas* men, in prillbun them to binde.

Clariodus then [maift] unfrayitlie 1670 In palice enterit with all his chevalrie.

And in that chalmer quhair that was the King,

With him Sir Thomas, not witting of this thing ;

For had he wittin that Sir Clariodus

Had landlt beine and com fo neir as thus,

He wald have fled away if that he micht.

Amongs them enterit hes this nobill Knicht

And lawlie on his knie (alull the King

With honour dew, and with gud bliffing ;

Syne went and hynt Sir Thomas be the hand, 1680 Saying, O trator falfe and diflaveand,

Thankis to God that now is cumit the day

That with thy traibun thow no [way] chape may,

166 CLARIODUS.

That thow hes faid, ather iall thow preive. Or it fall turne the to thy grit milcheive. Syne to his fellowis four gave him in cure. Commanding them that thay fould keip him fure. Syne to the King he faid on this maneir. Sir, for this caus I [nowj am cumit heir. This curfit tratour with his fellounie,

1690 Of verie malice movet and invie,

Hes wrocht of his awin imaginatioun. Be falfe and feindlie confpiratioun, [Sic] wayis 30W and gour bloode to dillroy, That he micht of this regioun ring as Roy j gour Dochter innocent he hes put to deid Full faikleilie but mercie or remeid j Wha falllie leit on me, as prove I lall On onie He this day that is mortall That will or dar abyde at his opinioun ;

1700 Thair is not thrie into this regioun

That will mantine his quarrell or defend Bot I fall give him battell to the end Againis them all at onis myne allone. Or with them fyndrie feight [fall] on be on ; Whairfor gar call him heir befor 30W now, And fpeir if he the treafoun will avow. The King him callit ; and then Clariodus, In prefence of them all, faid to him thus. Sir Thomas, take 30W choife of thingis two,

1710 Ather gourfelf in battell with me to go

And twa with gow the bell [that] je can waili, [And curft be he that in the fight fhall faill,] Or prove that ge have laid befor the King, Than, if ge doe, I merite punifching.

BUIK THRID. l^

Then this Tratur trimblit [baith] fute and hand, And laid, I will not into batell Hand, I me confes of all this falfe treafoune, I have defervit daith at fchort fermoun ; My Lady I gart faikleilie be fchent,

1720 For trewth to daith fcho is gone innocent j Thir letteris with my handis all I wraite.

Then all the Court at onis maid regrate For the goung Princes, fair Meliades, All cauiles put to daith on this wayis ; Thay gart the letteris thair all [be] prefent, Caulling Sir Thomas wryte incontinent. To fe if that the writtis lyke war : thane This ilk Sir Thomas [for] to wryte begane ; Quhilk wryting fo lyke was to the uther,

1730 That nane of theme micht be knowen quhidder : Then with ane voice thay cryit all at onis. Ha, birne the cruell Tratur, fell and bonis !

Clariodus upon his kne fat doune. And aikit juilice of the deid felloun. The King maid mone, that forrow was to lie, For hir that was fo full of grite bewtie. So full of vertew and of gentilnes. He wold have flaine himfelf in his madnes War nocht the Lordis was him befyde ;

1740 He raif his hair and pitiouilie he cryed. To wryte 30W all his forrow and his cair, It fould me occupy ane long day and mair ; He fell on kneis before Clariodus, Saying to him thir wordis pitious. Let not son Tratur firft to his deid go, Bot begine at me and with gour fword me flo,

168 CLARIODUS.

That moll have delervit for to die ; All princes may exampill take of me, Thus unadvj'fit to diftroy thair blood,

1750 Or than advyfit, counfall thalrto conclude ; Why let je me in wo thus liveing heir, On me doe furth gour deid, fchrinke for no feir. With that he raif his awin hair pitioullie. And llrake him felf wounder fellounlie. Clariodus aUweith tuike up the King Into his armis, thus to him faying. Sir, ge Ibuld nocht fit on kneis to me, Bot unto God, to him failgeit [have] ge And to the leigis of jour reg^oun,

1760 For 5e diftroyit gour fucceflloun,

Thair onelie Princes, and gour richteous aire, That quhyllum was countit [la] wyfe and fair.

The King commandit that his feigis royall Sould be renewit, wher the pepill all Micht fe the mortall calligatioun Of this Sir Thomas, for his faUe treafoun j At his command quhilk foune removit was And in the grit court fat of his palice : And fyne commandit he the burgilis two,

1770 Clariodus* hoft and Allan alfo. To make ane oppin proclamatioun Of all things [to be done] with trumpit found. That all the peipill micht of Clarains toun Cum and fe jullice donne of his trealbun ; And bad them bring the burriours alio.

Thir two, as than commandit, furth thay go, As he bad doe, anone the lamine ways. And maid aue fcaffald upon heicht to ryfe.

BUIK THRID. 169

Sir Thomas callit was in judgement, 1780 And with ane fife fyllit incontinent ;

Syne damnit to be drawin ilke lith from uther. In prefence of King Philipon his brother ; Of quhilk was maid ane executioun Upon the fcaflFold, the peipill environ : The peipill micht not lichtlie numberit be, Whilk thrang fo thike the maner for to fie. The King in judgment fat [exaltit] thair Whill jullifit Sir Thomas' fulkis war And all that gave him counfall or fupplie 1790 To doe that felloun deid of crueltie.

[This done,] unto Belvelladoun thay raid, Into the Court grit hevines was maid. Clariodus raid fpeikihg with the Queine, Betwix quhom [ay] grit fbrrow micht be feine ; When they fpake of Meliades the bricht With weiping all to blindit was thair fight. The King alfweith is enterit in the toun, Whair he repofit, and quhyllum maid fojome For to take ordour with everilk officer 1800 That Sir Thomas had put from office thair. Then all was wrocht and endit on this wyle, And enterit all agane to thair fervice.

Clariodus his leive tuike at the King, As he had long thocht of his tarying ; The cuntrie that fum tyme [lyne] he thocht fair. And had in it fie plefour to repair, Than thocht he all was bair and barren wildernes^ So far his heart was bund in hevines That in that land he micht not eit nor fleip, 1810 Bot weipand ay with fadeft fichis deip.

170 CLARIODUS.

The King faid. Sir Clariodus, I fe That ge na longer lift to byd with me ; Jit pitie this realme, gentill Knicht, That in like perrell ftandis day and nicht. For fault of ane the peipill to convoy ; And ge depairt, fairweill fra me all joy ; gour Father eik, efter jour [hame^ cuming, I wait will enter no more in this rigne, Then it is put cleine to dillrudlioun :

1820 Thairfor I make 50W fupplicatioun,

That ge dil'daine not for to byde with me, Whill that jour Father cum into this cuntrie. Clariodus wald not him grant, for quhy, He trouit never to cum againe fuithly. And for to heicht ane thing and keip it nocht Was never in his mynd, deid nor thocht ; Whairfor he wald not grant for to abyde. The peipill cryit all on everie lyd, Ha, gentill Knicht, and flour of nobilnes,

1830 Leave never the King into his heich diftres ; Bot rew on him, for his faike hes gow bocht, For he to leive langer fall he nocht, For forrow and langour efter ge be gone. Wlien that this Knicht hard thair pitious mone, Confort gow, Sir, he faid, for Godis faike. And I fall doe fo, heir I undertake, That pleafit ge falbe, [^as] I weill wait ; Now heir my brother that Palexis heicht. And eik my couiing Amandur his brother,

1840 I fall them two leave with gow and no uther, Albeit I war full laith them to forgo ; Bot git with gow thay iall byd baith the two.

BUIK THRID. 171

As thay that manheid and dilcrctioun

Hes for to rewle the cuntrie up and doun. This being finit, fchortlie for to tell,

Clariodus, that is of knichtheid well,

His leave hes takine baith at King and Queine,

With wofuU teares birfting out of his eine ;

He tuike his leave at the merchand alio, 1850 And at his gud hoft, thanking oft thay two

Of thair gud I'ervice and thair biilines ;

And lyne at all his freindis more and les :

Bot quhen anone the peipill faw him ryde

Out throw the toun, full pitifullie thay cryed.

Fair weill, our confort now and all our joy f

Fair weill, our cheif protedlor out of noy I

Fair weill, the gentilleft Knicht and maiil worthie

In all the warld that beine aluterlie 1 Out of the toun he haiililie did ryd, 1860 For clamour of the pepill him befyd ;

And quhen he was ane myle out of the toun.

He and his fellous thair lichtit [tham] doun ;

To tham he laid. My frindis traift and deir,

I 30W reverence, and oft thankis 30W heir

Of gour fervice and nobill cumpanie,

I me commend to jow maift hartfullie.

Now mon I pafe from 30W, and nothing wote

If I to 50W will cum againe or not :

Bot je fall not be difpurvayit at all, 1870 My Father in this cuntrie Ibune cum he fall,

And traift richt weill [that] not forget fall I

To gar my Father compleit finaly

Jour mariagis, be 56 not adred ;

My frind Palexis, ge fall Cadar wed,

172 CLARIODUS.

Whom ge have handfail; and Amandur fall get

The King of Spainges fifter Mandonet ;

And ge that ar my uther fellowis two

Sail have Barronis dochteris alio

Into our land, quhilk neir ar of our blude ;

1880 And feing that kyndnes ever amongis us Ilude, Now let us keip it till our latter day, And fe that ge luife uther rycht weill ay : And ge, my cuiings two, over all thing, Exerce gour office and pleate weill gour King j Amongs the peipill conqueis je fik name. That gour frindis have no reproch nor blame. With this, into his armis he did tham fange, And then begouth fik weiping them amang, That pitie it had beine for to behold.

1890 Ane efter uther he in his armes fold,

And kiflit them, hot micht no wirdis lay ; Syne lap upon his hors and raid his way. Still thay remainit efter he was gone. Sore weiping and bewailling thame allone ; Thay will he wald go walke in wildernes. And never thairefter ane joyous day polTes ; Whairfor thair painfull forrow and thair cheir War all to long for to byd on to heir. Thir four full fadlie to the toun thay went,

1900 And he as woode man Ipurrit ower the bent. As he that will not quhair to ryd or go. His breill was fo opreft with inwart greif and wo.

Clariodus raid furth on this maneir, Ane grit forrell quhill he aproachit neir j Then Iped he him with all the haill he may. For doubt they fould have ftoppit him the way.

BUIK THRID. 17s

So in the forreil happinit him to meit

Ane Palmer cumand, quhilk did on him greit.

And of his almes aiked him, and faid, 1910 That felloun briggandis him difpuili^eit had.

Clariodus faid, Father, for certaine,

The halie gaitis that je wount to gang

Will not alway let 30W difpurvayit be ;

ge fall have all my cloathes, and gif me

gour clothes againe, and tak myne betwine.

Glaid was the Pilgrime this ilk change to feine.

Clariodus put on the Palmers weid,

And he gave him his cloathes and his ileid.

The Palmer faid. My Lord, I weill perlave, 1920 That feiknes or melancholie je have ;

Have patience in dillres for ony thing,

For naturallie the warld is ay changing.

And glad joy cumis nixt adverfitie

Be cours of fortounis mutabilitie.

Clariodus than thankis to him maid.

Saying, God grant it be as ge have faid.

Thus went he furth in palmer weid allone.

Out throw the forreft quhill the day was gone ;

The nicht aproachit and he abydis thair, 1930 Baith wind and raine [then] dang on him richt fair,

That he in hafart was to lofe his lyfe.

As day begouth and nicht away did drive.

He paicet furth, and fand ane Imall paifage,

Quhilk had him throw the wood to ane village ;

He -Miterit, afldng almous for Godis faike;

Sum gave him pairt, and fum did him forfaike.

And bad him go and wirke, for he was wicht,

And fair of perfoune thocht he war ane Knicht ;

174 CLARIODUS.

Weill tailgeit of his bodie up and doun, 1940 They bade him go [and] thryl'che in everie toun. Clariodus then Iped liim biffilie Whill he come to the fea, and tuik harbrie Into ane hevining place where ichipes were, And redie for to faill in cuntries feir. Ane was to go in Eftur land ; whairfore He haillilie hes pafiit to the Ichore, And Ipeirit at the marineris in hy, Gif thay wald tak him in thair cumpanie. Thay laid. If that he could make gud fervice, 1950 Thay wald relave him into giidlie wayis. Then hes he faid, no worke he wald refufe, That onie uther fervitor did ule. The Skipper laid. Go let him in anone. For he is manfull big of brane and bone j He feames to be na balleill in the how. He fall Weill hald ane anker or ane tow. To mak our windis [for] to go on force. And he will draw about lyke ony hers ; To dicht our meit, full weill gainis gon feir, 1960 To lift ane mekill caldroun on the fyre.

Up gois the laillis, the fchip gois to the flude. And cuike thay maid Clariodus the gud ; He dicht thair meit, and maid tham g^d fervice In humbill maner, and in gudlie wyfe. The wind was fair, the fchip was gud be faill, The marineris wicht and biflie in travell ; To Eftur land aprochit thay belyve^ And in ane port faiflie did aryve. The merchands unto land paft everie one.

BUIK THRID. 175

1970 Clariodus to land is with thome gone,

And nt the mariners his leave he tuike,

Quhilk wald have feit him to have beine thair cuike.

He faid, Frindis, I raon to Andromage,

Quhilk till compleit it is a fair voyage ;

Whairfor have me excufit for to gone.

Thay bad him cloathes, bot he refavit none.

He tuike his leave ; and thay bad God him gyde.

Unto the toun of Eihir neir beiyd

He dreffit him to go with biilines, 1980 Whair that his Father and his Mother was. Clariodus furth holdeth but fojorne,

Whill he com neir the fuburbs of the toune ;

Beholding [all] the toun and the caftell.

He laid him doun agroufe belyde ane well.

And thair he maid the laireil regrating,

That micht be hard of ony creatour leving.

Saying, Alleace, O toun I O caftell and citie I

Baith may ge ban that ilk nativitie

Of that divellifch Sir Thomas the tratour, 1990 Throw quhom to 50W lall cum fie [fad] dollour.

O Count of Eftur, ge and gour Ladie,

What wofuU painis and melancholie

Sail to 30W cum, quhen that ge know all cleir

[How that for greif your Son is dying heir !]

How it is falline, and the curfit chance 1

Thairwith he tuike fik ane [grit] difplifance, 1 •

He brift all out of teiris pitioullie.

Of his unfortoun pleinand woftiUie,

And maid the hardeft lamentatioun 2000 That ever was hard in ony regioun.

176 CLARIODUS.

Bot loe, as fortoun turnis fo quyetly. Unto this well thair come [all] fuddenly Meliades, hame water for to bring, And faw this wofuU man on grouffe lying, Bewailling in dillrefe fo pitiouflie. That to behold this Ladie thocht ferlie ; So him to heir with monie fob and grone, It wald have thirllit ony heart of ftone ; And quhill fcho him can [thus] behald and fe,

2010 Scho for him tuike in heart fo great pitie, For verie rewth fcho weipit and was wo. Saying, My frind, why do je gour felf flo? Or quhat ar ^e, that thus fo pitiouflie ^our felf demainis thus with melancolie ? For Godis faike take gow fum patience. And to gour felf do never like oflFence. Full faine fcho wald have comfortit him fum wayis. For fcho was haly, cheritabill and wyfe. His heid then hes he raifit upon loft,

2020 To fe quha gave to him thir wordis foft, That confort him upon fo meike maneir ; Bot all to blindit was his eine fo cleir. That he not redilie micht efpie hir face. Saying, I thank gow Sifter, bot alleace ! How that it ftandis with me if that ge knew, I traift ge wald upon my painis rew. Or ony in warld that is now on lyve ; Or if thay wift how that with daith I ftryve. Or knew the cans quhairfor I thus compleine,

2030 For to have mercie rewth wald thame conftraine On me that is the forrowfuUeft wicht

BUIK THRID. 177

In warld that leives under Phebus bricht. This Ladie laid. My freind, treft je [me] weill, To ony wicht if that ge lift reveale Jour infortoun, and gour mifaventur, It ibuld 30W I'wage fumthing of jour dollour. He laid, My IWeit Sifter, [the] fuith 30 lay. If that remeid micht be in onie way Then gud it war for to reveill my paine ;

2040 Bot ay, alleace 1 thir words ar all in vaine, Remeid is none, the ender of my wo Is death, alleace ! thairfor fra me ge go. And me to confort 30W no mair difpone. And let me ft«rve for uther bute is none. With that he gave ane figh full cairfullie. And teiris did out rine fo wofuUie, That wounder was that he fould leive ane hour. Sweit Sir, fcho faid, the caufe of gour dolour Pleafe ge reveale ; ibuld it 30W not difpleal'e

2050 I fould 30W fchaw how that ane woman was In alfe grit trubill and adverfitie As ony creatour in earth micht be. And git throw grace of God fcho did evaid The great miflaventur befor hir laide. And houpe hes 3it confortit for to be Alway reftorit to hir awin degrie : Thairefter may 3e pryfe if 3e or fche. More panis liiflFerit or adverfitie.

When that he hard hir [thus^ fo beninglie

2060 Him anl'weir make, and [ekej lb foberlie. To confort him fo gritlie defyring, And that fcho was fo wo for his weiping,

z

178 CLARIODUS.

Then hebegane •with ane pitious cheire The cace to tell, laying on this maneir, Nocht long gone fyne, I lovit paramour, Ane Ladie quhilk was of all this warld flour, Ane Kingis onlie dochter and his air. Under bricht Phebus was thair naine fa fair. So humbill, gentill, Ibber and bening,

2070 In quhom at fchort did everie vertew ring. That was perteining unto womanheid. This eike day ftar and rofe of gudlieheid Was be hir fatheris charge full haillilie Taine to ane wood and murtherit cruelHe By the reporting of ane tratour knicht, AUeace, that ever that wofuU day was licht I Scho was my eardlie joy and conforting. Whom that I lovit atoure all eardlie thing, My only plefour of all this warld lb wyde.

2080 He told hir furth, and did no wordis hyde. Scho him beheld with looke full fludious ; And quhen fcho will it was Clariodus, But mair abaid anone fcho to him paft. And him beclipit in hir armis fall ; For ower grit bliffe no wird fcho micht outbring. The fuddant joy and haiilie conforting Unto hir heart it Araike fo haiflilie, Scho micht not fuffier it fo abundantlie, Bot reveift of hir Ipreit fcho fell in fwoun.

2090 And than Clariodus of grit renoune.

Beholding on hir in [maift] grathlie wayis,

And faw it was his fair Meliades,

He micht for joy na words bring furth or fay.

BUIK THRID. 179

Nor wiil weill long quhnir he was perfay. And quhen that he of himfclfe ocht will, Tliis Madine into his armis then he thruft. And held hir up quhilk was to him full deir, And tuike cold water of the fontaine cleir And fprinkllit on hir lullie fnow quhyt face.

8100 So fcho recoverit hes within a fpace, Saying thir wordis, Ha, my Clariodus, I trowit never againe to feine gow thus. And with ane figh, fra that [was] faid, anone Ane ruich of blude furth at hir nofe is gone, Or ellis I traift Icho fould have deid beine. For fcho micht not for ower grit joy fuAeine Withoutin death or pallioun corporal! : For joy of nature beine celeftiall. And with angellis inparticipat ;

2110 Quhairfor the fpirit mon be feparat From the bodie, or it grit joy pofleid, Or forrow eik if it gritlie exceid. The blude efiuiit fa abundantlie. That he could not it ftanch nor remidie. Then of the ringe alfeweith rememberit he, That was him gevin efter the mellie Be him that was tranfformit in the lyoun, Whais vertew beine for bludis efFulioun ; He tuichit hir with it, and fcho anone

2120 Ceifit of bleiding ; and quhan this was gone, Thay uthir in armis did tenderlie imbrace, And oft hes killit uther in that place. Bot git all this micht not him fatiffie. He dred that it had beine ane fantafie

180 CLARIODUS.

Fallin on him, throw hevie thochtis fade, Quhairthrow that he had witles beine and mad ; Whairfor to hir he laid. My Ladie deir. And is it trewth that ge beine with me heir ? Treft Weill, quod fcho, Clariodus ray Knicht,

2130 That I am heir full glad to fe this fight, Whilk long gone fyne to fe I trowit never, Sumtyme I weinit we partit beine for ever ; And that was quhen the burriouris me led Unto the forreft, and thair me uncled At mid nicht hour, quhen ge war far me fro. And with that word thay fighit both [the] two. ^our wofuU daith, quod he, and gan to weipe. Into my heart enterit is fo deipe. That git jour lyfe nocht [all] fo perfytlie

2140 May in my breift git fmk fo fuddantlie. What wald I longer of thair joyis wryte ? I can not half report nor put in dyte Thair bliffull cheir and joyous continance, Conforting uther with wordis of plefance. Adoun thay fat and fell in comoning, And them pleafit of monie diverfe thing. Doing to uther all the cace reveill. As to thame hapinit, fchawing everie deill Thair grit infortoun and adverfitie.

2150 Ather of uther then had grit pitie.

And quhen Meliades on humbill wayis. Had told him all the maner and the gyfe, How fcho demainit was fo pitiouflie, Then he for rewth did weipe full tenderiie. To Ipeik in this, fik plefour tuike tliir two,

BUIK THRID. 181

That Ladar had forgettin hame to go ;

Whairfor hir maiftres Ipeirit for hir fo fall,

Whill fcho went furth to feik hir at the laft,

And fand her fitting onlie with ane man, 2160 [Scho thocht hir mad, and thus in wrath began,]

Saying, Evill woman, quhy hes thow me betraifit,

Jour vertew ay I commendit and prailit.

And now I ie full weill how that it llandis,

^e fall have fair punitioun of my handis :

And ge evill man, quha hes maid jow la pert.

To tryft my fervand furth in this defert ;

Wald je hir fteill fra me in this maneir ?

Treft weill that fall not ly in jour power.

With awfuU luik to Ladar than fcho laid, 2170 Je fall forthinke that ever this trj-il was maid ;

In ane ftrange hour was gour [iad^ begining

To cum to me, that neid hes of keiping.

When Ladar law hir maillres was [fo] movit,

Scho was not all content, for fcho hir lovit,

And eik fcho confidderit difcreitlie.

That for hir gud fcho {pake it veralie ;

Whairfor fcho faid, with fweit and humbill cheir.

With bening luike and womanlie effeir.

My fair Maiftres, dilpleafe gow not I pray, 2180 For heir am I that is and ialbe ay

^ouris at all, and redie gow to pleis :

Bot now sour heart in fumthing to appeafe.

The trewth of this mater je fall know of us, Heir is gour Lordis fone Clariodus But ony dreid, and I am with 30W heir.

The King of Inglandis only dochter deir.

182 CLARIODUS.

This woman was abaifit than fumthing, And Ipeirit how it micht be fo falling. And fcho hir tauld the cace then oppinlie.

2190 Than lat fcho doun on kneis fudantlie. Saying, My Lord, I alk 30W forgivenes, And ge my Lady full of gentilnes, Forgif me of my fault and negligens, That have fa far milgone in gour prefens. And have me nothing in difdaine nor heat, That now [am] heir ane puire woman, God wait ; ge may me weill diftroy at gour awin will. That hes fo far by reafoun faid 30W till. Clariodus [hir]] up in armis tuike j

2200 Then laid Meliades with frelndlie luike,

Maiftres, be glaid, and do [sow] merrie make, 5e are forg^vine, and that I undertake ; Have je no dreid, hot traift richt verilie We fall 30W bring to honour fuddantlie. Then faid fcho to Clariodus, My love. Sen God hes fet our heartis thus above, That war fo deip drounit in hevines, I reid with humbill continence we dres Us to the kirk, and thank God heartfuUie ;

2210 Nane fall 50W ken in all the toune trewlie. Into this royall habite that je weir. With that fcho fmylit with womanlie efFeir ; He Imylit eike, and laid, I me confent. And fwa all thrie unto the kirk they went. And leifl that folkis fould unto them take heid, Meliades gart hir maiftres firft proceid. Swa in the kirke thay enterit devotlie,

BUIK THRID. 183

And offerit thair, with heartis meiklie, Loving to God, with thanks a thowland fyfe,

•2280 Whilk gave tham grace to ineit on fik ane wyl'e. When this was donne, than laid Clariodus, Madame, I think that beft it war for us, Unto my fatheris palice for to go. Kicht as je will, fcho laid, I will do lb. Then to the palice paflit thay anone. And this gudewyfe they maid with them to gone. And to the getts quhen they cumin war, Clariodus then faid to the portar, My freind, we thre hes erand with the Lord,

2830 Of quhilk he wald be glaid to heir record ; Whairfor I wald jow pray gif us entrie Within jour get, to remaine quhile ge Our erand did, praying him ipeciallie, To cum and Ipeik with us all privilie. The portar let them enter in anone, Richt as thay bad he to the Earle is gone. And faid as they him ordanit in all thing ; And he alfweith withouttin tarying, Tuike with him bot ane varlot and no mo,

2240 Syne to the porteris ludge culd to them go. And quhen Clariodus [thair]] can him fe, Adoun he fat alfweith upon liis kne. Meliades and hir maillres alio Sat ftill and held them quyet jond them fro. He heliit hes his Father reverentlie. This Lord beheld his Sone, and haiftilie Him knew, and was amervellit for to fe Him diffigurat in fo low degrie.

184 CLARIODUS.

He laid to him, My fone, Clariodus, 2250 How and quhat faflloun ar ge rewlit thus ? Whair beine gour valiant actis and renoune, 3our fame proclamit in ilk regioun, That flandis now in fik ane puire eflait. But companie thus walking diflblat ? He laid, My Lord, the litill valiant deid That in me was, withoutin ony dreid As git I have not tint it in no wayis. And then anone his Father gart him ryle, And fet him doun to rell thair him bel'yde, 2260 Efter his ganging, quhilk was wount to ryde. Then told he him, with ever ilk circumllance. All haill the maner to the uterance. Of all Meliades adverlitie and wo. And rycht as he was telling how that fcho Was led into the forreft to be ilaine, This Lord micht not conteine for wo and paine ; Bot as ane wode man raif his hair for teine, With forrowfuU teiris rining from his eine. For than he traiAit that fcho had beine dead, 2270 And murtherit in the forreft but remeid. Then faid Clariodus, My Lord, finally, My taill not to end [fullie] brocht have I, Heir quhat I fell git of hir farther lay ; This Ladie that fo verteous beine ay, God wald not fuflfer of his grit mercie, Hir to be Ilaine that tyme fo cruellie : The burriouris of hir had fik pitie. That thay micht not do fik ane crueltie. As with thair handis fik ane virgine llo j

BUIK THRID. 185

2280 Bot aff the land thay gart promit to go,

That fcho Ibuld never be I'eine in that cuntrie. And fo furth all the maner told hes he, Of all the eventours that hir befell, And how fo long in Eftur fcho did dwell. And quhat of travell hir betyde alfo, And how that he in exyle thocht to go. And quhair is my Ladie, quoth Earle Eilur, That hes betyde fa mony aventure ? If that ge lift with hir to fpeik, quoth he, 2290 Befyd 30W fitting heir je may hir fe.

And quhen this Lord hes hard of this tyding. To hir he pafllt, lowlie inclyning, And in his armis imbracit hir tenderlie. And kiffit hir rycht oft and freindfullie, Having more joy and glaidnes hir to fe. Nor ony fight that ever he faw with ey. He faid, Madam, I thanke the Trinitie, That 3e have chapit this infirm itie ; That it was ge, quhy told ge not, alleace ! 2300 This uther day quhen je war in my place. That I faid je refemblit in bewtie To fik ane Ladie, if ge rememberit be ? He did hir welcum with grit reverence. As he that was full glaid of hir prefence. And of the cuming of his Sone alfo ; Then all to chalmer togidder thay did go. The Earle himfelf is for the Countes went, And told hir all the maner and event. Scho is unto them cumit haiftilie, 2310 And thair fcho faluft this Ladie courteilie,

A a

186 CLARIODUS.

And thocht Icho was in full iimpill aray, Scho did hir honour grit, the fuith to (ay, And welcumit hir fair on lawlie wayis, And fcho againe hes thankit [^hir^ oft fayis. Clariodus fcho tuike in armis lyne. I can not all the maner to gow defyne. Nor tell 30W half the joy was thame amang. Knichtis and Ladies thair about thame thrang. Them welcuming with freindlie countinance. 2320 This was ane day of feifling and plefance, The nicht owerpaft with joy and mirrines ; And on the morrow with full grite biilines, The Earle gart ordane claithes rich and fair Of gold and filke, [maift^ plelant and preclair, With rich fiirringis coafllie and pretious. Both for this Ladie and for Clariodus, In all the haift and fpeid that ^weillj tfaay may.

Meliades, that wyle and honorabill was ay, Requyrit hes the Earle richt humbillie, 2330 That his Ladie in bed micht with hir ly. Into ane chalmer onlie be them fellis, Whair none war hot Ladies and damofellis. The Earle hir grantit hes with cheir bening, And thairof hir commendit in mekill thing.

Syne on the morne quhen tyme was [for] to ryle, Rich cloathes of gold moft richlie to devyfe, Thay brocht unto Meliades the bricht ; And to hir Maiilres eik as it was rycht, Thay brocht ane goune of ikarlot gud and fyne, 2340 That was weill furrit with potent rich armyne. Then blyth was this gudwyfe of hir livaray,

BUIK THRID. 187

The quhilk unto Meliades can lliy.

Madam, I thanke jour Ladyfchip heartlie.

That me hes gart reuaird [thus] lb richlie ;

So afldt leave to pas hame to hir houfe,

Quhilk fcho hir grantit with countinance joyous,

Saying, ^e mone cum oft and villie rae ;

Or we depairt ge fall rewairdit be

Far better be fik fevin ; and then heartlie 2350 Scho hir imbracit, and killit tenderlie.

Clariodus upon the lame maneir.

With cloathes that was pretious and deir,

Servit was in his chalmer royallie ;

To quhom ane harbour com [full] biflilie,

And off he Ihouife his lang hairis [all] cleine,

That Weill long fpace upon his beard had beine.

Syne luflillie he did his geir on dres.

As flour of Knichtheid and of gentilnes. The Earle unto Meliades is went, 2360 And laid, Madame, it war convenient

Unto the kirk to go all in effeir.

And to gif thankis in all devot maneir

To God, that did fo mekill for 50W provide.

This Ladie faid, we awcht baith tyme and tyde

To prail'e the Lord, that ws lb happie maid.

This being faid, no longer thay abaid. Then be the arme he tuike Meliades,

The Court all foUowit upon gudlie wayie. The pepill gatherit in grit plentie, 2370 This ftrange Ladie and Princes for to fe ;

Thay hir [bricht] bewtie gritlie did commend. And laid, And feike unto the worldis end.

188 CLARIODUS.

Thair micht no man fe fik ane [giidelie] ficht, As for ane luflie Ladie and ane Knicht, Nor for to luike upon that fair Princes, And on this Knicht, quhilk wicht and worthie was. Scho enteris in the kirk, and [eke] anone The Countes meiklie efter hir is gone, With hir ane Lady fair and weil befeine. •2380 This Princes was honourit as ane Queine, The quhilk hir held fo [wife and] demurlie At hir devotioun, and fo woraanlie, With fo grit conftancie and devote cheir, Bening of luike, and womanlie of maneir, That to the pepill weill it micht be feine. That fcho ane michtie Kingis dochter beine. And was difcendit of ane nobill hous.

When they had endit thair devotioun thus. The nobill Earle hir be the armis tuike, 2390 And with ane humbill countinance and luike To Palice ar returnit demurlie. And hame them followit all the companie. Be than was all the denner redie dicht. And to the hall aflendit everie Knicht, And went to meit and fuire rycht nobillie. Thair was ane mirrie found of menflrellie, With interludis and fongis of Ladies bricht. Syne efter denner paffit everie wicht To chalmer quhair thay plilantlie dilport ; 2400 Full glaid and joyous was this luflie fort. The Earle unto Meliades is went, And faid, Madame, it war expedient That I furth fend to gour Father the King

BUIK THRID. 181)

Ane purlevant, to tell him this tything.

The Ladie faid. It war my will doutles,

The founer the better as I [do] ges.

Ane Purlevant belyve gart he [there] call.

And his intent to him declairit all ;

And at Meliades fyne Ipeirit he, •2410 What fcho wald bide him fay to that cuntrie.

Than faid fcho, Freind, [I bid,] with bening face,

5© me commend unto my Fatheris Grace,

And to my Ladie eike my Mother the Queine,

And unto everie Lord and Ladie fcheine

That hes me kend ; and me commend alio

To Romaryn and Bonvaleir they two j

And ge fall fey unto my Father the King,

And to my Mother eike, that, God willing,

I fall returne to them with more blythnes 2420 Nor I did from them pairt. Quhen this feid was.

The Purfevant delyverlie furth went.

And left the Court in joyis permanent. The Earle was joyous, and his Ladie eike,

Of the recovering of this Princes meike.

And of the cuming of thair Sone alfo :

Clariodus was bliffull out of wo.

That fo had fundin fair Meliades :

[And no lefi bliffull this goung Ladie wes,]

That fcho had gottine Clariodus hir Knicht } 2430 Hir wofuU heart was raifit upon height.

That flude before fo deipe into diftres ;

Bot git for all hir joy and grit glaidnes

In conilant leving fo weill fcho did conteine.

That be hir cheir it micht not knowin beine.

190 CLARIODUS.

As Icho that was difcendit of royall bluid ; For both of vertew and of pulcritude In warld fcho ftuid without comparifoune, Of all Princes, Bewtie from the ilarris doune, Whom with grit joy in Eftur I let dwell, Z'iio And now of uther thingis Ipeik I will, Of Philippone, and of his Court alio, And thus out of the Third Bulk [will] I go.

THE FOURT BUIK OF

CLARIODUS.

Erle Esturis Purfevant felt no raige Into the lea, bot had ane fair voyage, And at Belvilladoun [he] did aryve. And enterit in the oftlarie belyve, Whair that Clariodus was wount to be ; And alfe foune as the oftlar can him fie, He Ipeirit in quhat cuntrie he did dwell, And of his tydingis prayit him to tell. I am cumit, quoth he, from Eftur land, 10 And if ge lift for to heir [my] tydand. My Lord I left in gude profperitie. My Ladie eike, and all thair fair mein^e ; Whair that I left my Lord Clariodus, Wha never was glaider nor [mair] joyous ; Whair I left eike Meliades the fcheine, Wha Air and Princes of this regioun beine j Thair fcho is treittit nobillie at all. As ony Queine in hir eftait royall.

192 CLARIODUS.

Wha heartlie greting unto gow me fendis ; 20 And eik Clariodus him recommendis To 30W and to [his freind] Allan alfo.

And quhen the [worthie] hoft hard him lay io. That fair Meliades was jit on lyve. He than was in joy fa exultive, That of him felf almaiil he wift no thing ; The Lord, he faid, the Celeftiall King Mote gow conferve [for] ever more I pray, For gour gud tydings in this houfe this day ; If it [may] pleafe gow go unto the King,

30 ^e fall convoyit be but tarying.

He maid him for to dyne, and than anone

To the Palice togidder ar thay gone.

Whan that the King in chalmer thair thay fand.

The Hoft faid. Sir, heir is an Purfephand,

That unto 30W can fchaw the heft tyding.

That ever I hard of in my leving.

He faid, that he was welcum ; and than allWeith

Commandit him his creddence for to kyth.

The Purfephant fat doun upon his knie,

40 And faid. Sir, the etemall God 30W fe, From Eftur cuntrie I am cumit heir. Sent from Meliades jour onlie dochter deir, Whilk heartlie gretis 30W in humbill wayis, And recommendis hir ane thowfand fay is Unto gour Grace and to my Lady the Queine, And alfe to everilk Lord and Lady fcheine Of all gour Court, both unto more and les. With all hir mynde and heartis humblenes ; And that fcho fairis weill I 50W aflure,

50 And lovit is of everie creatoure.

BUIK FOURT. 193

When that the King had hard this blyth tyding,

For ouer grit joy and heailie conforting,

His Ipreit was [all to] reft ane quhyle him fro ;

Syne to the hevin he held his handis two,

Louing to God giveing ane weill lang fpace ;

In armis fyne ho did with joy imbrace

The Purfevant, and faid, My freind lb deire,

Rycht happie tydings have ge brocht us heir.

The foure fellowis of Sir Clariodus 60 Full glaid was of this tyding and joyous.

In chalmer evill dilpofit was the Queine,

For forrow and cair ay I'eike [fcho] had beine

Sen efter the murther of Meliades,

Whilk was hir told in ib cruell wayis.

When fcho thir tydings hard, fcho rofe anone.

And to the Kingis chalmer is fcho gone.

Led be two Knichts, for icho was wonder waike ;

The Purfevant in armis Icho did take ;

And fcho, that micht not Ipeike ane weill lang fpace, 70 Full oft fcho thankit God of his gude grace.

Romaryn was full blyth of this to heir.

And eik fo was hir varlot Bonvaleir.

The word of this fame thing [did] fpred fo faft,

Whill fillit was the Palice at the laft.

Of pepill thringing [tydings] for to heir.

With heartis blyth in bliffull found and cheir.

Both King and Queine, with lord and ladie faire.

And all the pepill that beine gatherit thair.

Unto the Kirk thay geid with ane confent, 80 Devote of mynd and humbil of intent. And God thay thankit wonder heartfiallie,

That of his grace and of his grit mercie

Bb

194 CLARIODUS.

From daith prefervit had Meliades.

The word is gone upon [full] haillie wayis

Out throw the toun, that Icho was git on lyve ;

Then all the bellis ringin war belyve

Of everie kirke that beine within the toune,

With monie ane Prelat in proceffioun.

This being donne, the King to Paleice went, 90 With monie ane lord and ladie reverent ; The Purfevant thay feillit royallie, And cherift him richt fair and tenderlie. This day thay did bot play, [and] feift, and dance. With joyous hearts fulfillit of plelance.

Thir tydings fpred full foune throw the cuntrie. And everie wight of hie and low degre Was blyth thairof, and faid. No ferlie beine. That fcho that was of everilk vertew Queine, Devoid of vice and everilk villanie, 100 Was fo efcaipit from the tyrannic

Of crewell folkis, and evill devyfit mynd ; God wald not luffer hir of fik ane kynd Diftroyit be, quhilke beine of bewtie rofe. And of all womanheid the only choie. The King had git ane litill jelouffie, This taill could nocht his mynd all fatiffie ; He gart be callit the foure murthereris, And all the cace at lenth he at thame fpeiris, How with his onlie bairne that thay hade wrocht, 110 Commanding that thay fould diflimuU nocht. Thay fat all foure upon thair kneis doune. And anone begane to fchaw the faflioun. Saying, Our gratious Prince and Ibverane Lord, To sour Hienes the trewth we lall record.

BUIK FOURT. 195

We went with hir as [thatj Sir Thomas bade,

Hira to dlfpleis forltiith we war full rade ;

And quhen within the forreft we hir led,

Scho of hir lyfe full mekill was adred.

And on hir kneis beninglie afldt grace, 120 With pitious teiris rolling on hir face.

We faid that fcho behuifit to be deid.

Or than our I'elfs to die without remeid.

Scho afls.it licence than for Godis I'aike,

To fuflfer hir ane quhile hir prayeris make ;

Ane litill fpace I'cho pafllt from us than.

And unto God hir orifoun begane.

We drew behind hir privily to heir

What fcho wald fay, and hard the haill maneir ;

And lyne we knew be hir confeffioun, ISO That innocent fcho was of all trafoun.

To God fcho did fo pitiouflie compleine.

Then verie rewth our heartis did conilraine

For to doe mercie to that Ladie fweit.

That afldng mercie wofullie did greit :

We gart hir fweir out of this realme to go.

As we that not for pitie micht hir flo ;

As naine on lyve in all this world, I wait,

That had hir feine as we in fike eftait,

Albeit he fould have tint his awin lyfe, 140 Than micht have drawin hir bluid with ane knyfe.

And quhen fcho faw we did fik grace hir till,

Scho hir difpuilgeit of hir awin fre will,

And to us gave hir kirtell of velvot blake,

And eik hir chaine, and bade in patience take ;

To hold hir farke on hir fcho afliit leave.

As fcho that had no thing mair us to geive.

196 CLARIODUS.

Rycht fa to go fra us fcho was content, We dreid that fcho with thorne and breer be fchent. The King this heirand weipit pitiouilie,

150 For everie word that he hard fpecifie

Out throw his heart did as ane arow gleid. He callit on ane fervant him befyd, And gart ane thowfand merkis [to] them give, Becaus thay fufferit his only doghter leive. He thankit them, and [eike] tuik from them thair The vyle unhoneft office that thay baire ; Syne gave them offices of maire honoure. And maid them men of fubftance and valour. When this was donne, he was content at all ;

160 His foure maifleris of houihald gart he call, And bad thay fould gar ordane haillilie Two chariots, arayit [full] richlie With gold, and filke, and pretious workis feir, With nobill palfrays thairto, as did eflFeire, For to bring hame his dochter from Eftur ; And bad thay Ibuld gar wryt with biffie cure Unto his vaflbuUis ouer all the regioun, And to his Knichtis gritteft of renowne. That war of moll nobilitie and fame,

170 For to compeir at Bellvilladoun be name. The letteris being directit, richt anone The forfaids Earls can them all difpone To cum upon thair moft gudlie wyle Unto this toune, as ge have hard devyfe. Within ten dayis thay war all redie dight. Be fea and land they fped them at thair might. At Bellvilladoun they did anone aryve ; Nobiller Knichtis was thair none on lyve

BUIK FOURT. 197

Nor was into that nobill conipanie ;

180 Sir Panfe de Lapre, [ane knight] full worthie, Sir Ronar de Gait, ane knight of nobill fame, Sir Lion de la Mont [as] height his name, Sir Brule de la Woy thair was alfo. Sir Broune de la Moris, and nionie mo, Sir Pennent de la Carare thair was eike. With his Ladie and hir fex virgins meik. With monie uther ladie fair of face. That day arj-vit [all] in that ilke place, Quhilk cumin war in thair moft gudlie wyle,

190 To ryde in court for fair Meliades.

The Knightis hamis heir now all to tell At this [ilk] tyme it war rycht lang to dwell. Unto the Kingis Palice ar thay went. And fyne unto his Hienes are prefent. Whom thay have heliit with grit reverence ; And fyne unto the Queinis excellence Inclynit thay with bening face and cheire. The King them welcumit on fair maneire. And with them hes advyfit to and fro, 200 And at the laft he faid, It ftandis fo, Meliades my doghter, as ge knaw. Full lore beine trublit for ane traitors law ; I wint aluterlie fcho had beine dead, Bot God for hir has ichappin fik remeid. That fcho in Eftur cuntrie is on lyve : Thairfor I have fent for gow [all] belyre. To pafe for hir, and bring hir to this land. '' Full glaidlie this the Knichtis tuike on hand. For thay hir lovit ouer all uther thing, 210 For hir meiknes and womanlie having.

198 CLARIODUS*

This being donne, to fupper went the King; With monie luftie lords and ladies ging ; They feiftit long, and maid full inirrie cheir. And efter that thay raife from [the] fuppeir, The King ordanit thir luftie Knightis two, [Sir] Palex'is and Amandour alfo, And two eik of his maifieris of houfliold, This companie in governance to hold, And bad that thay fould rewle and gyd the leave,

220 That in all way thay fould his honour iave. He then delyverit with full meike fermoune. And gBve to them of gold ane millioune. Sir Pennents Ladie luftilie befeine. And eik hir fex virginis bricht and fcbeine. Then Bonvaleir tuike leave with them to go ; So did this luftie ladie Romaryn alio. And to Meliades fcho paft, for fuith Scho was the Ladie hir nureift had of jotith, With monie uther ladie frelch of hew :

230 Bonvaleir eik, that ay was [leil and] trew. Did with them go, with everie kynd fervand That of befor hir fervit in Inglandt

When everie Lord and Ladie leave hes taine, Anone unto thair ludging are thay gaine ; And on the morne as the day up cleirit. Then everie wicht him dreflit as effeirit. And on thair horfe afcendit but abaid, And royallie out throw the touu thai raid,: j With found of trumpit and of clarioun.

240 Bl)i;h was the pepill that baid in the toun,-: For Weill thay knew thair erand : aae and all Then prayit God that fair thay fould befall.

BUIK FOURT. 199

And gif them grace to Ipeid on lik ane wyfe,

That thay hame bring the fair Meliades,

Whais palfray with the goldin taill and mene

Was with them led, quhite as the Ihow and fchene.

In Turkic land I heir it was the gyfe,

Thair palfrayis to depaint on fik ane wyfe,

That from them thay will cut [baith] taill and maine, 850 And goldin traces hing on thair againe.

I wald the Reidar tuikc not ilk confait.

That nature had wrocht them i'o diligate,

Leall that he leuch thairat, and maid ane jape.

Lath ware myne Awthore to be maid thair Aip. Thus rydis forth this royall cumpanie,

Thay dreffit to thair fliippis haiftilie.

Thay hade the winde fo richt and eike fo faire.

They go alfe Iwift as aigill in the aire.

That thay within twelf dayis did aryve 260 To Eftur cuntre ; and then to land belyve

They went in feir, and on thair horfes afcendit.

And to the toun of Belladoun intendit ;

And on the Tuifday be the hour of noune

They com to it, quhair thay dil'cendit ibune.

And everilke wicht gois from his horle doune,

And in the faireft Innis in the toun

They tuike thair ludging. Bot fo befell anone,

Ane fquyer of the Palice their was one Into the toun, and faw this luflie fort, 270 Whilke home is went, and of it maid reporte Unto Clariodus, and he alfe weill Unto Meliades this thing did reveill. Saying, Madame, is it gour will to go. And take gour leave this land of Eftur fro ?

200 CLARIODUS.

Scho faid, My luftie Knight Clariodus, What garis gow Ipeir this thing at me thus ? Rather I wald, if that my fortoun •were, Of Eftur cuntrie for to be Ladie heire. Nor to be Queine of the gritteft regioun 280 That now is under the hevins dominioune.

I will 30W tell, quoth he, gour Father the King Hes fent for 30W ane companie tending Of Lordis, Knightis and of Ladies faire ; Remaine ge heir quhill I againe repaire ; Now will I to my Lord my Father go. And tell him this. Then pairtit he her fro : Bot firft unto his awin chalmer paft he, Whair lay his riches in grit quantitie, That he had wone from Sarafoins in fyght ;

290 And ane bulget he tuike of ane hudge weight,. And oppinit it, and tuike of it anonc Ane rich pedlrell as onie ftar that fchone j And fyne unto Meliades it brocht, And to refave it fairlie hir befought. And at the entrie of the Lords it weir. And then fmylling with womanlie efFeire, Scho faid, Clariodus my Knight full deir. May it not weiU I'ufiFeice the nobill giftis feire. All that gour Father my Couling gave me,

300 And eik gour Mother in that fame degrie ; Bot ge in all gait [ay] will them exceid ? Now of like thing ge know thair is no neid» He caufit eik his Mother the Countes, To treat tiiis Lady with all biffines To take this pedlrell rich for to behold. And fcho in baith hir handis did it fold.

BUIK FOURT. 201

And laid, My Ladie, do me this plefance This pedlrell to relave at my inftance ; With that about hir fchoulders [fcho] it laid ;

SIO As onie lamp with bliffuU beams [^it] glaid. Then fcho, the wall of womanlie maneir, Hes thankit them [full] oft with bening cheir.

[Then] Clariodus is to the Earle went. And fchew to him the maner incontinent Of all thir folkis, as je have hard me tell. The Countes did ftill in the chalmer dwell Meliades to dres into hir geir Of thingis fik as gainit for hir to weir. Scho cled hir in ane royall cloath of gold,

320 That was richt fair and plefant to behold, And did hir held attyre full richlie ; And fyne the pedlrell wonder plefantlie, Scho pat about hir halfe as lillie quhyte. As fcho that beine the patroune of delyte Of all the warld, withoutin comparifoune. Of everilk vertew and [of hie] renoune.

The Countes to hir in Iporting did lay, [I will me attyre all in frefch array J Againe gone ftrangeris cum me for to fe ;

SSO Whairfor I wald be prailit in bewtie ;

And alfe I wald [that] thay [weill] underftude, That Efture Ladyis ar both faire and gude. Meliades leuch at hir that raillit fo. For fcho ane plefant Ladie was alfo. Scho did hir bodie cloath full richlie. In ane fair goun of velvote cramoGe, Furrit with arnieine that was nobill and fyne. And luilillie hir held atyrrit fyne.

c c

202 CLARIODUS.

When thay had put them in ane frefch aray, 340 Into ane plelant chalmer paffit thay,

And thair abaid with all the luftie forte, Making full merrie gamis and difporte, "Wliill tyme beine to fetch them to the hall ; Of the ambaflate was thair fpeiches all. Cl»riodu8 at his Fatheris commande Two maifteris of his houlhald hes ordand To go and fetch the luftie companie. And thay anone are paffit full glaidlie, With fquyeris and with knightis frefch and ging ; 350 And he to thame command gave and biding. The Count of Efture that was gentill and wyfe Then be the arme hes taine Meliades, And led hir to the hall rycht honorablie, And fcho [unto] him told all quyetlie Of the riche gift Clariodus hir gave. Then faid the Count, Madam, fo God me fave, My fone I lovit tenderlie before ; Bot for that now I love him far the more, To doe fervice to Ladies honorabill, 360 Sen that I underfland he is [richt] abill. They had not talkit long on this wayis. When the ambaffat, gudlie to devyfe. In fair maneir aflendit in the hall. And than in pretence thair com firft of all Sir Amandur and [eik] Sir Palexis ; And lyne two Lordis of grite worthines, That maifteris of houfliald war unto the Kinge. Hellit thay have the soung Princes condinge ; And fcho refavit them with plefant cheire, 370 With faire effeir and womanlie maneir,

BUIK FOURT. ao«

Soberlio faying, ^e all welcum beine.

Scho kiflit them, with teiris from hir eine.

The Knichtis two then weipit tenderlie

For joy and pitie of the fair Ladie,

That faikleflie had liifferit fik diftres.

Syne halfit they the Count and the Countes.

The Kings two maifleris of houfhold fyne

Full lowlie to the Ladie did inclyne.

Scho tham relavit with joy and grit plifance, 380 And kiflit them with gudlie countinance.

Syne halfit they the Earle, and he thame eike ;

And fyne with everie Lord and Ladie meike

They fpake at lenth, and maid thair aquentanoe,

With heartis full of joy and all plifance.

Meliades fyne they tuike to ane pairt,

And told how that the King with all his heart

And eike the Queine did heartlie them commend

To hir quhom fpeciallie they war [to] fend

For to convoy hir hame in hir cuntrie. Sgo Than how thay fair fcho Ipeirit full glaidlie ;

And how fure all the Court [anon] Icho fpeirit.

Then they have tauld hir all fcho them requyrit.

And quhen Meliades, of grit bewtie,

Receavit had ilke Knight in his degrie,

Then com the Ladyes full of lawlieheid.

And law inclynit to hir giidlieheid ;

And fcho relavit them with imbracing,

And kiflit them with countinance bening,

Gyding hirfelf fo wyfe and difcreitlie, 400 With having and effeir fo womanlie.

That everilk wicht did boldlie hir commend.

And pairt thair was with quhom fbho was unkend.

204 CLARIODUS.

Long tyme before defyring hir to fee, Wha than affirmit that all was veritie That was reportit of hir womanheid, Of hir great bewtie and hir lullieheid. Romaryn was with joy reveft in ipreit, Hir breift with blifle was fo full and compleit, [With] whom dreidles Meliades the cleir , 410 Wald fpeik allone full faine at thaire lafeire. The two maiileris of houihold of Ingland Stude with the Earle of Eflur, comonand On materis langand to Meliades. Clariodus that worthie beine and wyfe, Caufit goung Lordis [for] to go and dance With goung Ladies of bewtie and plefance. So they put of the day with mirrines, With glaidliim fportis and with grit blythnes. The Earle ftude with thir Lordis advj'fing ; 420 And fo, among all uther commoning. Of this Princes began thay to devyfe How fcho fould be at poynt anone, quhat wayis, And how that all thingis fould be ordainit Of hir abuilgement for hir eflait. And then the Count of Eilur laid them till, 3e fell ie, Lordings, if it war gour will. What ordinit is for hir we fall go luike ; And he them both into ane wairdrope tuike. And gart difcover the littar that was bricht, 430 And chariot eike that [plefantlie] call licht, Of gold and ftonis that war pretious ; Unto thair fights that it was mervellous ; And of hir horfe the coftlie harnifching Thay have conimendit into mikill thing :

* BUIK FOURT. '205

For all that hir pertinit for to weir,

Both for hir felf and for hir palfray-g'eir,

Was wrocht with ilone and pearle rycht potent,

Bricht twinkling as the ftarrie firmament.

Syne with the Earlc agane returnit thay, 440 Beholding on the danilng and the play

Whill tyme [it] beine to liipper for to gone :

And then the hall devoydit was anone

Whill buird beine all coverit and arayit ;

And then thay went to fupper and not delayit.

I will not tell of [all] thair courflis heir.

When they had foupit and maid mirrie cheir,

Thay danllt, fang, and playit, and difporte.

That long it war the maner to reporte. When tyme [it] was to bedis for to gone, 450 Lordis and Ladies tuike thair leave anone.

And to thair chalmeris went to take them reft.

Meliades to bed hes hir adreft,

The Ladies of hir chalmer with hir went.

Full glaid fcho was and blyth in hir intent

With Romaryn to commoune at lafeire ;

Full long they fpake of diverfe matters feire ;

Whylome they fpake of leth, quhylome of loth,

Whylome they lewch and quhylome weippit both.

[And] when they had long tyme commonit lb, 460 Bonvaleir fcho commandit for to go

At morrow to the fuburbs of the toun

To the Gudwyfe with quhom fcho did fojorne,

Commanding hir to be at hir ryfing ;

And that fcho fould the wyfis with hir bring.

That enterit war with hir in houfe to dwell.

He tuike his leave and ran [fulll foune to tell.

206 CLARIODUS.

He with fik diligence thir wyfes foght, That he hes them all thre unto liir brocht Be houris ten ; and then, without tarying,

470 Hir Fathers maifters of houlhald gart fcho bring, And laid. My frindis, lo I it ilandis thus, When I was in my maifl dillres noyous, Thir wyfes me refavit and weill relevit. Or ellis I had in povertie beine mifchevit ; They war nixt God my comfort and refuge, Fra hunger and cauld thay maid me weill to luge Whairfor I will ge geive unto thir thrie Pairt of the fynance [that] is fent to me. Blyth war thir Lordis to doc as I'cho them bade,

480 Thay faid they Ibuld obey with hcartis glaid. To gif or to difpone at hir bidding. The wyfes was abaidt then fumthing. When they faw hir arayit on like wayis. Then meiklie to them went Mcliadcs, And tuike them in hir armis all about, Saying, My fweit freindis, have ge no doubt Bot I fall be to 30W ane doghter trew. And cum quhen that ge lift me to peri'ew, ge falbe fupportit [all thrie] richlie.

490 All kneilling, they hir thankit courtellie. Scho gart delyverit be unto thir thrie. Of gold, and lilver, and [of] gud monie Alfe mikill as wald by of heritage Thrie hundereth merkis worth to thair: waige j And gart be gevine unto them alfo Ane thowfand pund or fcho wald pairt them fro, To by ihair mifteris. And thir wyfis. thrie Ofit thankit hir with voices upon hie*,.

BUIK FOURT. 207

Saying, Scho was to them anc thankfull gaiil, 500 That them unto fik riches had poflell ;

Praying to God and to his Sono io fweit,

Ever to keipo hir in bodic and in ipreit.

Thay tuike thair leave and hamwart [than] could go.

Rycht fyne I'cho hes commandit thir maiileris two,

That of that Palice everie fervitoure

Sould be rewairdit with gold and grit trafoure.

And ib was donne with like [ane] abundance,

That thay thairefter had ay in remembrance :

Whairfor the Count and the Countes alfo 510 Full humbillie hir thankit baith thir two.

Scho laid, ^e iould no thankis gif to me ;

Bot ge of me fould mekill thankit be.

That am to jow beholdin in like wayis.

With this the gudlie frefche Meliades,

Out of ane coflfer tuike, riche to behold.

Two gudlie coUors of the fineft gold.

Saying, ge two in my rememberance

Sail weir thir coUoris, if it be gour plefance.

Thay thankit hir, and faid thay fould glaidlie 520 Relave them for hir laike, that was worthie.

And all thair lyfe keip them in [hie] daintie.

In the rememberance of hir blj-th bewtie.

And fyne fcho gart draw furth ane courfour faire.

In all the warld was not ane gudlier.

And gart Bonvaleir hir fervant him refave,

And to Clariodus anone him gave ;

Whairof he thankit [hir] rycht courteflie.

And hir varlot rewairdit michtilie.

When this was donne, thay paffit for to dyne ; 530 And maid them reddie for thair jornay fyne.

208 CLARIODUS.

Meliades is paffit af the toun. With all hir companie of grite renoune j Full monie ane Lord and Lady hir convoyit. In cloth of gold full richlie arayit. Scho wore ane hate full riche upon hir heade, Whilk fliynit of fapheiris and of roobies reide, Ane rich pedlrell about hir fchoulderis hang, Hir coftlie brydell all of gold it rang ; And heich upon the litter was fcho let, 540 Whilk was with ftonis and pearles all owerfret,

With cuffiounis wrocht with cloath of gold full fyne ;

Scho fchynit as dois the faireft liar matutyne.

All voyde befor hir com ane chariot bricht

Of michtie ftonis, cafting plefant licht,

Hir palfray with the goldin maine and taill,

Hir varlot cled in royall apparrell.

Syne ten Ladies on ten palfrayis quhyte

Com efter hir, quhom to fie was delyte.

The Ladie Eftur, and Ladie de la Grance, 650 And Ladie de la Cariar of plefance.

Upon ane chariot fat in gudlie wayis.

The quhilk the King fent to Meliades.

The leave com efter fyne weill ordinat,

In chariots frechlie efter thair eftaite.

The filver trumpits blew with merie found.

In joy and blifle this companie furth bound.

The peiple bad God be in thair companie,

[And weipit for the love of this Ladie.] Clariodus ane quhile behind thame baid, 560 Garring be turfit the thefawre that he hade

Intill Syprus win from the Turkis ftrong ;

Bot he owertuike them or it was ocht long.

BUIK FOURT. 209

And to the Count his father thus he laid, My Lord, I think it ipeidfull that we raid Throw France, for it is the moll plclant way ; And heinipon accordit all beine they.

Thus towardis France they raid all in feir, And lb they have them Iped in lik maneire That in fchort tyme thay com to Sant Dynice. 570 Thay lichtit thair and tuike ane gudlie Innis, Whair thay ane day and eike ane nicht repofit. Whom for to fe the peipill all rejofit ; Whair thair was of the Kingis Court ane Knight, Quhilke them elpyit evin as they did licht. And fpeirit them ; and quhen he underftude The Ladies name of plelant pulchritude. And quhat the lordis and ladies with hir beine, Ane fairer fight he thoght he had never feine. Unto the King he raid or he wald bline, 580 And told him all the maner and the meine, WLat that thay war, and how thay war arayit. The nobill King no longer than delayit; Bot haiftilie fent for the Conftabill, And with Court of Knichtis honorabill, He fent them for to meit, and he anone Towardis Sant Denis with his Court is gone.

Be this the Court of fair Meliades On horfe afcendit was on gudlie wayis. On gatwart cuming unto Parice toun, 590 Of joyous trumpits with ane mirrie found. The Conftabill hes met and helfit them all. Syne to Meliades in fpeciall He paffit, and hes maid his aquentance. Saying, Madame, but onie variance,

sd

210 CLARIODUS.

Thay faid the trewth that prailit jour bewtie ; For verilie, as it apeiris to me, That none gour bewtie did fo fare compryfe, Bot ge defervit more ane thowfand fyfe To beine commendit, and that I dar weill fay. 600 With that fcho changit hew, as fcho that ay Abandonit beine with [all] fchame and dreid. As bloflbme [fueit] of bening womanheid ; For fcho was never manlie nor git pert [In ocht,] nather in j)laine nor in defert.

So raid thay furth with mirrie collatioun. And as thay war ane myle from Parice toun, Sex armit Knightis met they in the way, And to Clariodus foune dreflit thay j Syne hellit him, and then they faid him till, 610 Sir Knight, ge tell us, if it be gour will. If fike ane Knight ge know as we do leike. He anfweirit them with wordis wyfe and meike. What Knight is he ? unto me tell his name. Clariodus, thay laid, of mikill fame, The Count of Efturs fone, and eik his heare ; If he be in this companie declair ? We have him fought in monie feire cuntrie. For out through all the world praifit is he, . Both flour of knightheid and of nobilness ; 620 And for he is of fik ane worthines,

Rycht faine we wald in armis him aflaill,

If ony of us micht gif to him batell ;

And if that on micht not, [why,] then fould two ;

And if that two micht not, [why,] then fould mo ;

And if he war fo abill under fcheild.

As to us all fex fight to gif in feild,

BUIK FOURT. Sll

On efter on, or with us all at onis :

And thus we are him leikaud for the nonis.

For to allay our llrength and chevalrie 630 On him that of this warld is moft worthie ;

And if he happin for to ftryke us doune,

We are content he have us to prefoune ;

And if we fuilge, or dois him luppryfe,

To take him with us in the lamine wyfe.

To them full meiklie he aniweirit thus,

I am the Knight ge call Clariodus,

Bot not as ge me call the warldis floure ;

For monie ane Knight thair is of mair valour :

Jit nevertheles, if that it be jour will, 640 Anone I fall gif battell heir 30W till.

And quhen they harde, he Ipake fa courteflie,

The mair thay him commendit verilie. When that Meliades hard this tyding,

Scho was afFrayit into mikill thing,

And prayit God devotlie him to lave.

And give him grace the victorie to have. Clariodus pat on his helme anone.

And with his fpeire is to the formoft gone,

And to the card him ilraike withoutin ho ; 650 Syne to ane uther drelfit him to go.

And fo him hit quhill on the ground he lyis ;

Syne fyve he fervit on the lamen wayis.

The fext againft him dreffit fellounlie ;

Thir Knightis ran togidder forcilie.

And brake thair fpeiris, and maid ane courfe faire.

And fo thir two fo oft hes counterit thair,

Whill [that] awght fpeiris [all] in funder brake ;

To gif them roume the Court raid all abake.

212 CLARIODUS.

Them to behold thay had [full] grite plefance. 660 At the fevint courfe, with knightlie countenance, Clariodus him hit with fik [ane] force, Whill to the card geid both man and horfe. Then all the Court, that was beholding by. Heigh praifit hes his nobill chevalrie.

Then com the [faid] fex Knightis all in feire Unto him, faying, that all the Court might heire, Sir, unto 30W we us prelbneiris geild. As to the nobilleft Knight that ever buire fcheild. To priflbun right, evin as ge will, [leid us. 670 Then noblie Ipake to them Clariodus,] Saying, ^e lall go to gone faire prifoune. Unto gon Ladies, and pay gour ranfoun. He tuike them be the hands on courtefe wyfe, And hes them led to fair Mcliades. He faid, Madame, relave thir prefoneris, Demaine thame as to gour eilait efifeiris. Then faid fcho meiklie to the Conilabill, Call ge it not beft that I be merciabill ? I wald tham freith unto thair libertie,

680 If that it war gour counfall, quhat iay ge ? Madame, be laid, I fweir 30W be my trewth. It war gour honour upon them to have rewth, And for to freith them [out] of gour priifoun. Now at gour entrie into Parice toun. Then faid fcho thus. Fair Siris, for his faik That unto me gow prefoners did make, I gif 50W fredome heir of my prefoun. They thankit hir with [richt] bening fermoune. And fyne unto Clariodus they went,

690 And ane of them thus ipake with meike intent ;

BUIK FOURT. ttS

O floure of knightheid and of chevalrie.

We have 30 w Ibught full long and bifliljr,

And now we have fund jow of grit valouris,

All to gour worlchip and nothing unto ouris ;

Heir we us offer to gour fervice and thrall,

Full hie we fall exalt jour name ower all ;

We wer borne in the cuntrie of Polyne,

Cadnox de Halt my name is for certaine.

He namit all his fellowis namis fyne, 700 And wald have taine thair leave and could inclyne.

Then he requyrit them with all his heart

For to abyde ; and tuike them in ane pairt,

And of his purle furth hes [he] taine anone

Sex diamonts as onie lampe that fchone ;

And faid, My freindis, heartlie I requyre

This litill mater to have of me heire ;

Thir diamonds than fall ge of me taike,

And have them to gour Ladies for my faike :

Quhilk thay refavit, thanking him oft fyfe, 710 Saying, The honouris and the grit impryle

That him was gevin, it was not all for nought.

Tliay tuike thair leave and hamwart ar they fought.

The French Knightis, quhen this thing thay had feine,

His maners with them gritlie prailit beine. Then royallie to the toun furth thay raide.

And to the Kingis Palice but abaid

They have them fped, [and] then doun all thay licht.

The Conllabill hes taine this Ladie bright.

And hes with hir afcendit to the hall, 720 Whair the King was with monie lord royall,

And eike the Queine with monie ladie fair.

All ftill abyding on thair cuming thair :

214 CLARIODUS.

For the King was never into houfliold, Within four hundereth [of] Knightis bold ; The Queine alfo, as fay is myne Authore eike. Was never within ane hundereth Ladies meike. Scho faluft hes the King full courteflie, And he did hir refave richt gentillie. And kiffit hir, faying, Madame, bat dreid 730 Full welcum beine to us gour nobilheid ; For we have longit all in this cuntrie, gour bright imperiall bewtie for to fe. Whom we of fikane vertew hard reporte ; ge beine fiJl welcum heir and all gour forte : Whairof fcho thankit him full reverentlie. And fyne the Queine hir halCt womanlie. The quhilk full honorabillie did hir relave. The King hartilie relavit all the leave. And did them welcume with countinance joyous,

740 And fpecialie the gud Clariodus ;

He maid to him grit cheir and welcuming. Whom he defyrit to fe abone all thing. The King hes taine the Count of Ellur land. And Weill long fpace ftude with him commonand. The Queine hir felf and Dame Meliades, Held commoning on [the] moll gudlie wayis ; In whom the Queine Hk wit and nurture fand, Sik prudence and fik vertew aboundand, Scho trowit, in warld nether be north nor fouth,

750 Might not be fund in fik ane tender goutb Sik wit, not git fik womanlie maneir ; Scho held hir thairfor abone all woman deire. Amongs all uther thingis, Earle Eilur Schew to the King the pitious aventur.

BUIK FOURT. 215

And eike diftreflls of this Ladio frie ; Whairat tUo King [foir] weipit for pitie. Thairefter faid he to Clariodus, Fair Sir, ge beine full welcutn unto lis ; For grit report I have hard of gow maid,

760 How in this world, that is baith long and braid, Leifis no Knight nobiller of renoune As 36 that beine without comparifoun. Right la I have hard now of new reports, How that 36, at the entrie of our ports, Aprovit hes lb Weill and nobillie, And donne fo fair ane deid of chevalrie. That it war mervell fik ane to be feine. We thinke be 30W our court all honorit beine. When that the King had of his talke all fynit,

770 Clariodus him thankit and low incljnit, Saying, War I of fik [hie] praife and fame, Lyke as 3our Henes gives to my name, I war all souris without ony dreid Alfe long as I might ryde or fit on field. The King imbracit him with tendernes. Saying, Alfo I thank 30W of 30ur ches. That out of Cyprus to the Queine 36 lend ; ^our fredome beine full gritlie to commend. For it ane royall prefent was and gift,

780 To geive to ony Queine under the lift. Thus cherifit he Clariodus full fair. With wordis that war fweit and debonair. The King hes him aquentit haifiilie With all the knightis of thair companie ; And thay have with the Kingis court alfi> Aquentit them, and femblit two and two.

216 CLARIODUS.

They can difport and fpeike of diverfe things. So that the mekill hall with joy all rings Of minftrallie and uther mirthes eike j 790 Na folace beine amongis them for to feike.

To chalmer [fyne thay] went, and thair ane ipace Abaid thay quhile the fupper redie was, The grit triumph is and burdes coverit beine. Then to the hall is went baith King and Queine, And eike this princes digne and honorabUl. The nobill King anone began e the tabill, Befor him fet Meliades the fcheine ; Into ane chyre abone him fat the Queine ; At the buird heid they fet the Earle Efture ; 800 Syne everilk lord and ladie in ordour, Efter thair awin degreis war thay fet. Ay at the dyfe ane knight and ladie met.

The Conftabill hes taine Clariodus, And his foure fellowis that war chevelrus. And all the knightis of his companie, And led them to ane chalmer full glaidlie. And feillit them on mervellous maneir, All haill with diligats and courfis feire. Then maid thay joy and fuire ryght mirrilie, 810 And menftrellis fang and playit curiouilie. Alfe of the letter courle they fervit ware. All be fex plelant ladyis of bewtie cleire. And with aucht knightis convoyit royallie And awght fquyeris [that were] geing and luflie. Come to the King, and thair ane Poune prefent. Saying to him thir words in verament. Sir, to this Poune ge do as it effeiris. This nobill King quhen he thir wordis heiris.

BUIK FOURT. ■ 217

Upon this wayis, quoth he, heir I avow, 820 Unto the Poune and Ladyis unto gow,

The faireft jufting the morne I fall devyle

In honour of Madame Meliades

That ever was into my tyme in France,

Thairin fall be no let nor variance.

When this was laid, the Ladyis reverent,

Unto the Queine the Poune thay did prelent.

And I avow, unto the Poune, quoth fche.

When Sir Clariodus lall mareit be.

That I and all my Court ane feift fall make, 830 For him and for his foverane Ladies faike.

The Poune was fet befor Meliades,

The quhilke demurelie Ipak on this wayis ;

Heir I avow unto the Poune but dreid.

When everilk Knight is armit upon fteid,

Efter my cuming I fall them elpy,

And quha with lance [than] provis moft worthy,

I fall gif him this hat upon my heid.

And with that word fcho wox a litill reid.

The Poune was borne before the Earle Eftur. 840 I fall avow, quoth he, [and that] moft fuire,

For to behold and fe on biflie wayis

Of everilk jufting and haill interpryfe.

And quhaia pafils other in bountie,

I fall declair if it be ipeirit at me.

And fyne unto the Countea of Eftur

The Poune was borne ; and fcho with fpeach demure

Said to the Poune, I vow and heightis thus,

At manage of my fonne Clariodus,

In my bett cloathing I fall me aray, 850 And never mair againe efter that day ;

s e

218 CLARIODUS.

I fiilbe furrit then with grice allone.

For now the be of my gouthheid is gone.

Syne efter this the Poune went throw the hall,

And thay richt honorabillie avowit all.

Syne to the Conftabillis chalmer [they] it baire,

And faid to him, My Lord, aquyte 30W thair.

I [fall] avow, quoth he, quhen everie Knight

On the julling day falbe arayit richt, * That lax Knightis I fall put from thair fleidis, 860 Or them unhelme, thoght thay be cleir in weidis.

The Powne they buire befor Clariodus,

And he with gudlie maner fpeikis thus ;

Heir I avow, upon the julling day

That I fall juft, if weild ane Ipeire I may.

Then hes the Ladyis to Sir Amandour

The Powne prefentit, and fet it him before.

And I avow, quoth he, upon the greine

When everie Knight on horfe inarmit beine,

From audit Knightis I fall ftryke [doun] awcht fcheilds, 870 And Ikatter them full wyde into the feilds.

And to Palexis they the Poune [did] bring.

I avow, quoth he, to Cupide lovis king.

When everilk Knight enarmit beine in weids,

That nyne Knightis I fall ftryke from thair fteids.

Unto ane French Knight [then] the Powne brocht thay,

That was full fearce and hardie at aflay.

The quhilk Sir Charles height De les Carere.

And I avow, quoth he, on this maner,

When all fellowis beiris plait and maill, 880 Than [ten] Knightis in preife I fall aflaill,

And ten ipeiris eik I fall breke ailunder.

Or fum of us fall ly our fteidis under.

BUIK FOURT. 219

Then to Sir Broune [hecht] de la Amouris

The Poune they brought, for he was amourus ;

The quhilk avowit ane gantellit to weir

Upon the hand quhairwith he ran his Ipeir.

Sir Pennent de Carare, [ay] bold and wicht,

Nixt him avowit as anc luiiie Knight,

That he fould be enarmit all in greine, «90 For the love only of his Ladle fcheine.

All thair avows war long for to declaire.

How everilk Knight avowit that was thaire.

When that the Knightis had avowit all,

The Ladyis buire the Poune unto the hall,

VVhair that they lewch with heartis glaid and licht,

Rehearfing the avows of everilk Knight.

When all was rifline and gone from fupper, ,

Unto Clariodus on this maneir

The Conftabill faid, Be gour avow it feimis 900 ge fall not juft the mome, for fo men deimis.

Then faid Clariodus, Not juft I may.

For I am hurt upon the band perfey

With [the] fex Knightis at our laft jufting.

And quhen it was rehearfit to the King,

He was forfuith thairof nothing joyous ;

For he had rather feine Clariodus

Ane fpeir have run all right and under fcheild.

Nor all the Knightis that wald cum to feild. With this thay all unto thair chalmer went, 910 Up gois the found of hevinlie inftrument.

Lordis and Ladies anon gois to the dance ;

The nobill King with gudlie countinance

Meliades hes taikine by the hande ;

Clariodus the Quein at his command ;

220 CLARIODUS.

And lyne the nobill Lord [the] Conftabill Led the Countes of Eftur honorabill ; And uther Lordis goung and rycht luHie Gois to the dance with Ladies by and by. In joy and pleafour was the luftie forte.

920 Thus quhill bed tyme fiill glaidlie thay difporte. The Lordis then caufit fetche Ipyce and wyne. Meliades tuik leave, to bed dreffit fyne ; The Lordis eike at the King and [the] Queine, And went to chalmer with thir Ladyis fcheine ; Whom to the Queine did £ay, I pray that ge Be airlie up, the jufting for to fe. Madame, qwoth fcho, I lalbe, and bad gud night. And then anone to bed went everie Knight. At morrow as the larke begowth to fmg,

®3o Awalks the luftie Lords and Knichtis geing. That ^es avowis maid on this maneir. And all anone thay beine enarmit cleir : Alfweith thay fervit God and tuike diljune. And maid them redie for the counter foune. The King alfo was redie thame to fe. The Queine with great triumph and royaltie Arayit hir the jufting for to feine. With all hir luftie Ladies [faire and] fcheine. Hir goun was of the cloath of gold potent,

940 And circulat with ftonis redolent. Full michtUie arayit was hir heid, Hir collour fchew as rofis quhyt and reid. Scho wore ane croune of gold mekill of pryce, In quhilke thair fchynit monie flour de lyce. Hir Ladyis war abulgeit richlie. And put to poynt richt Weill and royallie.

BUIK FOURT. 281

They fervit God and difjunit lyne.

Meliades, the lullie goung Rolyne,

As Mayis bloflbme newlie brokin quhyte, 950 Adrefnt hir as goddes of delyte,

Arrayit hir as of Ingland the gyfJs,

Becuming hir upon moll gudlie wayis.

Alfe quhyt as Ciow of fatine was hir goune,

Raifit with gold richt curious of faflioune,

With giltine traifis hang doun leming licht ;

Hir hat was of the gold all birneift bricht ;

Hir belt was all of michtie ftonnis plantit.

No poynt of bewtie nature on hir fcantit ;

For fcho hir paintit as Goddes devine, 960 AUe bright as Diane, or as ApoUeine.

In cloath of gold hir Ladies war beieine,

Hir damofellis in quhyt fatine fcheine

Arrayit war, in fuit all fair to fe.

This flour of jowth and Princes of bewtie,

Unto the Queine fcho went debonarlie,

Hir foUowit all hir Ladyis by and by.

The Queine commendit the gyfe of thair clothing.

And fo did all the Court of Ladies ging.

Syne furth they went all into ane greine meid, 970 Whair hovit monie nobill Knight on fteid.

With Ipeir in hand, [and] cumniing for to range

To the aflay, that feimit nothing ftrange ;

Whair that the King him felf [alfe] thair abaid,

With cloath of gold all ftintit and overlaid.

The Queinis fcaffold neir befyd it Aude,

Whilk fchynit all of plealant pulcritude,

With goldin torris and goldin chainis cleir,

Whilk leimit licht as Fi^ebus in his fpeire ;

222 CLARIODUS.

Thairin aflendit hes the luftie Queine, 980 Meliades and all hir Ladies fcheine.

The King gart in ane fcaffold by him neir Earle Eftur fit, and auncient Lordis feir, For to be judge quha provit knightlieft, And tell quha thair avowis keipit beft. Unto the preile the pepill them adrell, Thair heartis all in curage than increft ; Thair bright enarming, cleir as [the] criflall, Againft Phebus bright birned as bereall ; As glorious angellis thay gleimit on thair ileidis, 990 Whill all the land leimit of thair weidis. Among them was Clariodus the Knight Inarmit on fteid, unwitting of ony wight ; The caufe thairof befor ge hard me lay. For thay all trowit he fould not juft that day. Of all the rout was no man thair him knew. For, the more ftrange, of quhyt was all his hew. His fcheild, his I'peir, himlelf, and eike his fteid. His fervitouris was in the farain weid. This Knight he held him quyet at ane lyde, 1000 Beholding them quhilk ftiU did ay abyde. The Conilabill com firft to the affay, Full Weill at poynt and in knightlie aray. He was all ower inarmit into blew ; His fervitouris war in the famine hew. He had into his thimber, fair be fight, Ane luftie madine with giltine traces bright, Hir gellow hairis keaming as the wyre» As pecoke fetherum was hir bulke all'e faire ; Pouderit with ftonis as the hevinis ftellat 1010 About his helme ane cirkill deaureat.

BUIK FOURT.

His mightie fpeir he gripis in his hand, And as ane boare abraiding out of band, He fpurrit forward his avow to hold. Sir Dovans de Lapri that was [full] bold. Sir Ronar, [and] Sir Lyon de Lamount, Sir Bruce de la Voy, thir foure in frunt, To hold thair avowis forward ar thay gone. . Sir Amandur and Sir Palexis anone, Sir Broun de Lamours, and Sir Pennent alfo, 1020 Richt wounder knightlie to the preife they go. Sir Charles de Lefterer luftie under i'cheild. Com with his fellowis luilie in the feild. Ower long it war thair namis for to note, Thay war ane royall companie God wote. All that [did] com of jufteris to the meid. Full. Weill at poynt inarmit [wer] on fteid. Knightlie and fair the jufting they begane ; Full monie fair and royall courfe thay ran. They met fo fearcelie that it was wonder ; 1080 Both heir and thair the IJDeiris gois in funder ; Up gois the trenfchers in the air on height, Doune gois the horfe and the inarmit knight j Out gois the fyre from fcheilds as reid as gleid, Off gois the helmis falling in the meid ; Syne gois the i'cheildis to brift in two ; The found of trumpits never could to ho, With weirlyk foundis could thay blow on height ; The knichtis met with monie ane hit unlicht, Whairof the rearde raife with like ane found, 1040 Whill all at onis dynit Parice toun.

Monie knightis was thair of full grit ftrenth; I can not fchaw jow on ane dayis lenth

224 CLARIODUS.

Thair nobill deidis richt nobill to praife. Nor as I aucht thair nobill fame up raile. Clariodus that faw the manlie faire, Within his breift his courag^e waxit maire ; Then he him put with them that war thairin. For he them waiker thought and waxand thin ; Doune gois the Ipeir [that was] both grit and wicht, 1060 In gois the Ipuris that of gold was bright In the fydis of his lleid, quhilk fwiftlie rane, Thair he to juft full royallie begane. Before his fpeir the knightis gois to grund, ^Vhill from the meid the helmes did redound ; Or he wald reft he ruffellit thair atyre, Out of the fteill befor him ftart the fyre ; The knightis lay befor him on the greine j Might no man fit on fadell and fufteine His mightie ilraike, hot him behuifit fall, 1060 And he in fadell fat as ony wall.

Thay thoght he fat on fteid invifibill. As campion in armis invinfibill. Full corpolent he was with breift iirl)Tie, With mafculine heart and fperit leonine ; Fullfillit of vigoure and of fortitude, And he in formeheid full of pulchritude. Of his knightheid quhat beine thair maire to faine, His potent lanfe might no man fit againe, Sa fra thair fteidis he maid them to declyne ; 1070 As beiftis fmall befor the wolfe rampine,

Alfe faine they war his ftroaks for to evaid ; Full roume wayis thay maid him quhair he raid. He all to frufchit ft«idis on the greine. He tumit ladills to the number of fyftine

BUIK FOURT. €25

Right at his entrio within ane litill thraw,

That thay about had ferlie that him faw.

^Vllen that the King had feine his g^dlie fair,

And how fo wonder knightlie he him baire,

He ferliet grittumlie quha it Ibuld be ; 1080 For never in all his lyftyrae feine had he

Ane knight in armis prove fo worthilie.

Rycht fo thoght all that plefand companie.

Full royall jufting amongs them might be feine ;

For monie ane knight enarmit fair and fcheine

Myght men behold [then] into the greine meid.

That duchtie war and valiant of thair deid.

The Lord Conllabill he provit weill that day,

For monie ane faire courfe he maid perfay.

His vow he keipit as ane nobill knight ; 1090 For he devoidit of thair helmis bright.

Sax armit knightis fall] of grit valoure.

Sir Amandur fiill weill did his devoir ;

Sevin fcheildis from fevin knights he flrake.

And Sir Palexis flrong as ony aike,

To grund he put nyne knightis from thair ileidis ;

For he fiiU worthie was in all his deidis.

And fchortlie for to tell gow [all] the trewth.

Than everie knight aquyt [him] weill of flewth,

And his avow weill keipit that he maid ; 1100 And all that war about the famen faid.

And that befor that day thay never faw

Sa monie lullie knights rining on raw.

And moft of all the Quhyt Knyght is praifit,

Thay have his name to the ftaris raifit ;

For on that day, his knightlie governance

Will never with them forgottine be in France :

Ff

226 CLARIODUS.

For he, that was without comparifoun Than leveing under Mars his regioun, So wonder knightlie all the day continuit, 1110 And elk fb mekill travell he fufteinit, Unfatigat, unweirie, and unfaint, That I can not gow wryte nor git depaint His worthie deidis and nobilnes at all, That beine of knightheid floure imperiall : For as the awfuU lyoun heirs the croune, I meane of beifts, as tcrreftriall campioun ; So is he alfe ftronge of all etheriall rayndis, Beine lord and king, thnir pryde fo he declynis. As prince of knightheid and floure of chevalrie

1120 Of all this wyde warld alluterlie.

Grite ferlie had the King qiihat he fould be, That was of fike ane wonderfuU bewtie. He confidderit that the llrong Clariodus, Whilk holdin was of knightheid chevalrus. That day hade he not juftit nor borne fcheild ; For gif that he that day hade beine in feild, He wald but dreid have faid it had beine he ; The King hade full grit plefance him to fe. The Queine alfo full gritlie did him praife,

1130 And unto faire Meliades fcho fays,

What thinke ge of the Quhyt Knight of renowne. That now he is of gon flrong faffioun ? I traift firmlie that he fall have gour hat. Thus raillit hes the Queine, and lewch thairat. Meliades then faid, frayling alyte. If he it wyn, he fall it have alfe tyte. Rycht full glaid fcho was and rycht joyous. For Weill fcho will it was Clariodus,

BUIK FOURT. «e7

Scho knew him be hir varlot Bonvaleir. 1 MO Scho was diipleafit eike in fum maneire,

That he nothing before unto hir fchew.

Thai; he uato the jufting wald perfew.

His Father eik him knew be his faffioun,

And had grit plefance of his hie renoune

That he haid gevin him in everie lyde.

What fould I longer in this thing abjde ;

The jufting ftill induret quhill the nicht.

That to his Innis bounit everie wight.

The King difcendit thair incontinent ; 1150 Grite number of torches hes before him went

Fast to the Palice, for gone was dayis light.

The Quene, and alfe Meliades the bright,

Difcendit Ibune with all thair ladyis faire.

And to the palice did with joy repaire.

Clariodus is to his chalmer gone.

And thair he hes unarmit him full foune ;

And thair he did on him full luftillie

Ane plefant goune of velvote cramofie,

And on ane hearpe begouth he for to play, 1160 As at the jufting he hade not beine that day.

And then the King, quhilk no tyme forget myght

The nobill deidis of the ilke Quhyt Knight,

He gart foure privie Iquyeris to him call,

And bade them doe thair biffines at all

Full knowledge for to get of his ludging.

And great him heartilie with all cherifing.

Him praying to cum unto the Palace,

And him difport with joy and Iblace

With knightis and with ladies of bewtie, 1170 Saying, That welcum in the courte is he.

2-28 CLARIODUS.

The four Iquyeris pafllt at command

To the oftlaris but farder demand,

As he them bade this Knight to feike ower all.

The King is enterit in the mekill hall, With monie ane lord full mekill of renoune, And richt glaidlie to fupper [they] can boune. The Queine in chalmer veftit hir all new Into ane luftie goune of velvote blew. And coverit all with orpharie faire ;

1 180 Eike all hir ladies changit gounis thair. Meliades hir veftit in ane goune Of greine velvote, full gudlie of faflbune, Circumferat with ftonis cafting licht ; About hir neke ane chaine of gold [full] bright. Hir hairis bright that nature I'pan to cleire. In aureat trelis hang doun circuleir. Full angell lyke, that Ichynit fcho with gleimis In orient bright with Phebus goldin beaniis, Doun fchading from hir face, that was alie quhyte

1190 As the illuftar lillie of delyte.

Ane rich cornall about hir hair was fet. With radious ftonnis mightilie overfret. What fould I tell of her feminitie ; Scho ftrave with Venus in hir bright bewtie. Away thou Lucres with thy plefant eine, And with thy bright hairis thou Palexine, And thou faire Heline with thy hairis quhyte, And Candas with thy cuUoure of delyte. And with thy rewth thou [chaift] Penelope ;

1200 For all this, [ftill] fcho might gour princes be. In vertew, bewtie, and of womanheid, gour cleir lodftar in everie luftieheid.

UUIK FOURT. M9

Hir ladies chongit weidis thair alio,

And to the Queinis chalnicr two and two

Hir followit all hir damofellis be pairis,

In g^eine fatine and gold traced hearis,

With pearle Icheaplet thair hearis fet above.

Meliades with hir [fair] court of love

Com to the Queine, quha did hir weill behold, 1210 Commending thair hir bewtie monifold.

And thus thay pad the tyme as was the g^fe.

With that the jufteris upon gudlie wayis

Enterit within the Palice of renowne.

With weirlyke noyis and vidlorious founde

Of clariouns, trumpits, and loud minftrelly.

The heraldis with ane loude voyce thay cry

The namis of thir lords with grit clamouris.

Under thair grit and mightie coat armouris. The King was fet to flipper at his tabill, 1220 With plefand lordis and ladies amiabill.

The jufteris in thair chalmeris Ibupit all,

Ilk ane with other maid difporte royall.

Of minftrallie and uther grit plefance.

And eike the Lord Conflabill of France

Into his chalmer foupit hes alfo ',

And of his companie was none him fro

That with him foupit had the night before,

Bot Sir Clariodus j and he thairfore

Difpleafit was fumthing in his intent. 1230 And as the Prince moft [hie and] reverent

With all his lordis in hall had foupit neire,

In com the foure fquyeris all in feire,

Quhom that the King unto the Quhyte Knight fend.

Sir, faid thay, We mak it to be kende.

2S0 CLARIODUS.

That of the Quhyte Knight je fall have tyding ;

Of him we have fum knowlege and witing ;

And if ge will that fchawin be his name,

Clariodus he height of mikill fame.

And quhen the King this harde he was full blyth ; 1240 Syne to the Count of Eftur turnit fweith,

And laid, Fair Coufing, have ge knowleging,

Quha was the Knight in quhjiie at [the] jufting.

No Sir, he faid. Then I fall tell, faid he.

It was Clariodus gour fonne perdie.

Glaid was the King, and he commandit than,

That the foure fquyeris in all the head thay can

Sould go anone and fetch the Quhyte Knight.

They but more, with torches birnand bricht,

Soune in the chalmer of Clariodus 1250 They enterit ar, and faid unto him thus.

My Lord, gour fecreits no longer may be coverit,

gour counfall is [all] to the King difcoverit ;

Heir ar we cumit at his Hienes command

For gour Lordlchipe. Quoth he. Without demand

I fall obey him quhill I am on lyve.

Togidder are thay paffit on belyve. Clariodus nocht enterit in the hall

Whill foupit had this [gude] Prince royall ;

Bot in the chalmer of the Lord Conllabill 1260 He enterit with thir Lordis honorabill.

The Conftabill, quhen he did him efpy.

Up lap he from the table demurely.

And met him, faying, Quhyte Knight ! Quhyt Knight I

Of all the world the mirrour fchyning bright,

In fame of knightheid and of chevalrie

The reft exceiding fo excellentlie ;

BUIK FOURT. 231

It leimit nocht jour hand was hurt to-day, Whilk jour companiouns teftifies perfay ; It had beine gud for all the companie, 1270 That jour hand had not hellit fo fuddanlie. He let him at the begyning of the tabill, And feaftit him with cheir [richt] aminbill.

The King caufit awcht awntient Knightis go, And taike with them cuning heraldis two, And bad them be advyiit on the Knights deidis, Quha war maid valiant [that day] on thair fleidis. And quha maift worthie war of [hie] renoune. Thir auntient Knightis of difcretioun, At pallit furth at command of the King, 1280 With the heraulds to advyfe on this thing. The King was fervit with meitis amiabill, Almaift his courfis was innumerabill. The hall owerfchynit [all] with torches bright, That tharae among it feamit dayis licht. The intermeiles long war for to tell. On quhilks as now I mynde not for to dwell. The King, quhen he hade fouppit, went anone

To his chalmer, quhilk Qall] of torches fchone.

The antient Knights and the heraldis eike 1230 Com to the King, and laid with wordis meike.

We wald have gour advice. Then faid the King,

Sirs, We have beine advyfit of this thing ;

Sen jour defyre is my advyfe to have,

Je fell it heir anone, fa God me feve :

Of them without, me thocht the Conftabill

The louing haill me thocht was moft abill ; *^ _ Of them within, it is ane mater plaine,

Clariodus, of knightheid foverane.

«« CLARIODUS.

Hes all the laude, quhilk knowis everie wiclit,

1300 As flour of armis and chevalrie full richt.

They anfweirit, Sir, as ge have laid, fuithlie So it is jugit amongs us veralie.

The King gart fchaw this [jugement] to the Queine, Wha did gif ane hinger of gold moll fcheine To them, and hade them as thay lift dilpone, And gart twa Ladies of hiris with them gone. Unto Meliades have thay pafllt fyne, And hir prefentit ane hat of leves greine, Luflie, and faid, Madame, ge knaw

1310 gour awin avow. This Ladie, without aw, Hir hat of gold [fcho gave,] and bade that thay Sould it full richtlie it difpone perfey. This luftie hat [all] of greine levis plet, Infteid of it upon hir heid fcho fet ; And with thir Knightis fcho fent ladies two. And firft unto the Conflabill thay go. Saying, The Queine weill gretis 30W, Sir Knight, And dois prefent this gudlie hinger bright To 30W, my Lord, with greatings monie fold ;

1320 For to hir Grace fuithlie it is told,

That of the Knightis all that war without, ^ouris beine the prail'e and louing haill but dout. Then the Lord Conflabill full reverentlie Thankit the Queine, and laid full humbillie, Thair was full monie Knightis of renowne. To quhom I may be na comparifoun : Bot fen the Queine [out] of hir nobilnes Rewards me fo, I with all humbilnes Will it refave, for faike of hir Henes,

1330 Whom God preferve in joy and luflines.

BUIK FOURT. 233

Two diamonts he gave the Ladies two, And kiilit them or he wald pairt them fro. The Heralds ho rewairdit with monie, And gave them gold that was [rycht] fair to fe.

Syne ar thay pafllt to Clariodus, Him greating [eik] with countinance joyous. Thay him prefentit [thenj the hat full cleire, And laid, Meliades with glaidfum cheire Sent it to him, laying, The Ladies all

1340 Him jugit to be moll vi6loriall

Of them within, and moll of hie renoune Of all the jufteris but comparifoune ; And told that fo him jugit King and Queine, Lordis, Ladies and Knightis all bedeine. Clariodus with wordis richt bening, Joy everlafling, he faid, be to the King, And to the Queine, and faire Meliades, And all the Lordis that on like wayis That gave me name fike as I did not ferve ;

1350 God give me grace thair thankes for to deferve. I dar not tak on me this to refave, Nor for like caufe like ane rewaird to have ; For thair war monie and better knights nor I, Quhilk to refave this gift beine more worthy. Schortlie to tell, no thing might him excufe, Bot to relave thair prefent he behuiie. He gave them thankis oft and courtefly; Syne kiflit he the Ladies by and by, And gave ilk ane of them ane chaine of gold ;

1360 Syne to the awcht ancient Knightis bold He gave awcht courlburis luftie for to fe ; And to the Heralds in grit quantitie

234 CLARIODUS.

He gave of gold and filver full largelie. And two gounis of cloath of gold mightie. Thay cryit Larges I [Larges 1] he on height Of Sir Clariodus the gentill Knight.

Then begouth minftrellis luftilie to play. And luflie wichts the dance begouth to fey. The King commandit Clariodus to take 1S70 Meliades, ane beafe dance to make,

And bad the Conftabill go leade the Queine, And he him felf did lead ane madine fcheine. And quhen Clariodus had be the hand Meliades, he foune did underflande That fcho at him difplealit was alyte ; Whairfor his heart beine full of wo and fyte, And wox fo fadlie that mynd he hade of nocht, Bot how into hir favour cum he mocht. When thay had danfit fo ane litill fpace,

1880 They fuflferit utheris to go into the beace Whill thay repofit beine. And fuith to tell, Clariodus abake went be him fell Behinde the danfers, and in ane windo fete ; Grite was the dollour that his heart was at, He durft not fpeir at hir quhairfor or quhy That fcho was wroth, love fo vi6boriouflie Him vinquift in his breift ; and at the laft, Quhan that ane Hound or twa had him owerpaft. He tuike him hardiment, and thus faid he,

1390 Madame, I thanke jow, fo mot God me fe, Of the gudlie prefent ge to me fend, The quhilke I fell unto my lyves end Remember with my fervice at my might. With foft fpeech then anfweirit icho hir Knight,

BUIK FOURT. 235

Clariodus, no thankis gif me to,

Sen that I was avowit fo to doe.

Be hir wordis hir grivance weill he knew,

Whilk did his woe quadruple [now] of new.

Madame, faid he, to me difllmuU nocht,

1400 If that at me dilpleaflt ge be ocht ;

Weill knew I be jour wordis in this place. That liim pairt now I Hand out of gour grace. Quoth Icho, Bot at myfelf I am diipleiit. Clariodus in heart the worfe was eafit, And faid, Madame, if that it war gour will, Jour dilplealbur I wald je Ichew me till ; And if that ge not pleafe for to do fo. Into lum ftrange cuntrie [then] will I go ; I will not heire remaine and gow dilpleife,

1410 To do gow grevance and myfelf uneile ; [And] beft it war me think, for to doe fb. Nor 30W dilpleife and [alfe] my felfin flo ; One Ikaith is les nor two je taaay beleive. My paine I reput not tmto jour greive. Bot qiihen fcho hard tell of his depairting, Hir heart wox cold, and furth ane figh did bring. Full red fcho was that he fould pas hir fro. For weill fcho trowit that it fould have beine fo Bot gif he gat hir peace ; quhairfore, quoth fcho,

U20 Clariodus, fen that it man be fo.

That 36 will wit now quhat I have in mynde. No thing I meane bot that ge ar unkynde. Fair Sir, or now [oft] I have feine the day, [That, having come, thocht ge war far away,] Je wald me bid gour cullour chofe and waill, Seing in tomament it might prevaill.

236 CLARIODUS.

And comforte 30W my livary for to weire ; And now I fe like ufes ge forbeire. At this j lifting ge lift not to dil'daine, 1430 Unto my %ht and prefence to atteine, Nor let me wit if ge wald juft or nocht; The quhy I have conlidderit in my thocht ; Heir beine Ladies [that ar] fairer nor I, 50W to direct in way of chevalrie, Whom with ever ge [now] advyfit be, Sumtyme ge war advyfit hot with me. And quhan fcho had faid all, Clariodus Upon his kneis late doun all dolorus, To fchaw hir his intent in humbill wayis ; 1440 And fcho anone hes maid him for to ryle, And ftand befyde hir as he did before. Quoth he, My Lady, to quhom I ever more Have beine ane trewthfuU lervitor and man, Sen firft to love or ferve 30W I begane, Treft Weill in me thair is no variance ; Never could I deale with diilimulance ; I liet never in earneft to na wicht. Than unto 30W, my heart and Ladie bricht. Why fould I do fo curfit ane treafoun ? 1450 Fy on fike feingit falfe perditioun I

git fchope I never no wicht for to deceave,

Sike longis to ane harlot or ane knaive,

And to no wicht that lovis his honoure ;

For fo mot God gif to my faule fuccoure,

As ever I lovit uther Ladie jit

Bot only gow, fen firft I did promit

To be gour fervant and gour [ain] trew Knight,

The quhilk I fidbe ever efter my might

BUIK FOURT. «97

But flight or ony dUBmulatioun,

1460 As God alfe trewlie be my lalvatioun : And in lb far as I nocht to 50W fchew. That I this tyme to jutting wald perfew, Treft not that I of male ingyne it wrocht, Quhilke enterit never nor fall into my thocht, And never geilds ; git I 30W mercie cry. Now of fleuth and ignorance that I So me mifgydit in my raklefnes, Forgive me, Ladie, for gour gentilnes. And of gour rewth and womanlie pitie,

1470 That ge no longer have no hait at me

In this mater j and thoght my wite was dull. It lalbe efter amendit at the full. With that he fate upon his kneis adoune, AJking hir mercie [pitie]] and pardoune. Scho is content quhen [he] hir mercie cryitj And eike fcho be his countinance efpyit That he difpleafit was and wo begone, And uther thing fave trewth he meinit none. Then was hir breift affwagit of all thing ;

1480 Bot fcho hir heart fa fare had donne reiing Unto hir Knight, that [it] atoure meafoure Maid at hir heart of jelofie ane Ichoure, Whairof the ttraikeand unliiflferabill [ftound] The breift allaillis quhair love dois fo abound. In heart then was fcho glaid and rycht joyous. And faid. My only Knight, Clariodus, Sen it is fo, I heir forgeive gow lall, And af his knie thair raifit him at all. And this was donne and that fo privily,

1490 That naine of them periavit ttanding by ;

238 CLARIODUS.

For with two loveris, being of ane confent. Full fecreitlie monie ane gait is went.

Then turnit he againe unto the dance, And tuike be hand this Ladie of plefance. And with [new] curage daniit then thir two. As thay that war relaxit out of wo ; That then before with painis war opreft. And now againe with joyis new poflfeft ; Upon fo fair and gudlie wayis they dance. 1500 Then faid the King, he never faw in France So plefant danferis, and more for to commend. And quhen thair danfing all was at ane end, Clariodus faid to Meliades, Madam, I gart grath on [maiil] gudlie wayis Twentie fair robis all of latine quhyte, And wrocht all with orpband arte of delyte, To give unto the Kingis Knights and gouris.

That frelcheft beine all fiirrit with amouris ;

And if ge think the tyme war oportune, 1510 I wold gar fetch them or the danfe war donne.

And diftribute them efter gour pleiance.

Scho anfweirit him with gudlie countinance,

Rycht honorabill is gour devyfe perfey, • I wald glaidlie have ane of gour aray

Intill ane hat of cullour quhyte as flours.

Glaidlie, Madame, he faid, with grit honoure.

Unto the Conftabill eik he this told.

Saying, My Lord, I pray gow that ge wold

Helpe me to diftribute my livaray, 1520 And to befeike the fellowlchipe that thay

Wald not difdaine like gifts for to refave,

Thocht they be lymple to like lyke men to have.

BUIK FOURT. 9flB

t)*

Quoth he. My brother, Sir Clariodus, Sen ge diipone to gif ane livaray thus. Me of 3our livaray quhy will ge refufe, Sen I gow love as other Knightis dois. With that he lewch on him full joyouflie, For he him lovit ay full tenderlie. I pleale Weill, laid Clariodus, that je

1530 Formiil of all into my livaray be,

Seing that 30 defyre it. Then ar thay gone Unto the Conllabillis chalmer, and thar anone Devyfit they on this thing. Then Clariodus Sent for the robis that war pretious. To Bonvaleir he gave command anone. That he fould to the merchandis buithes gone. And bade that he fould by ane hat alfe quhyte As is the Mayis bloflbme of delyte; And fyne it geive to Romaryn in keiping,

1540 And bad hir with it to hir Ladie ging. Then to the Conilabill faid Clariodus, Sen that ge beine lb gentill and gratious To be ane of our fuite, chofe je anone Into this lovarray quha fall with 30W gone. Then ten Knightis choCt the Conflabill Out of the Court of France, [the] moft abill ; Clariodus ten Knightis aveinand, The pik of Ingland and of Eftur land ; Thair naimis heir neids not for to reporte,

1550 The gudlieft thay war of all the forte.

When that the Knightis war rewardit thus, Glaidlie thay thankit Sir Clariodus. Thir valiant Lordis veftit all in quhyte, Them to behold it was [ane] grite delyte.

240 CLARIODUS.

The Conftabill tuike ane torch bricht binumd,

Clariodus ane uther in his hand,

And all the leave hes torches taine alio,

And fwa went furth thir Knightis two and two.

With hand in hand, all cled into ane fiiite,

1560 Befor them geid ane harpe and eike ane lute. Thay fand the King in joy and grite plelance. With Ladies enterit in ane carroU dance, Meliades full frelche leiding the ringe, With ane cleire torche, into hir hand, [birning,3 With hir whyte hat on heid of rofe cuUoure, And fcho als frefch as is the lillie floure. Thair was the Queine into the danfe alfo, And monie uther luftie ladies mo. And danfing, that to fe it was delyte.

1670 The Knightis entering fo in cuUoure quhyte The King beheld, and had ane grit pleafance To fe the gudlie gyfe and countinance. Unto the Conftabill and Clariodus He faid, Fair Siris, frefch and amorus, ge have confeillit fra me this noveltie, ge beine all luftie danfers as thinkis me : Bot [ Weill] he knew that Sir Clariodus Thir quhyte livoras hes ordanit thus, Becaus that he the Quhyte Knight was before,

1580 Him prailing in his mynde ay more and more : And all the maner eike perfavit he. How to Meliades of grite bewtie He fould be waddit ; bot he was wyfe at all. And rewlit him as fould ane Prince royall.

So in the midis of the jolifie, Thrie Counts are cumit that ar of grite degrie,

BUIK FOURT. «41

And in the Police enterit ar anone ;

The Counte of Deckare of the thre was one,

The Counte of Diftempis and the Counte of Champangie, I3!K) Unto the hall afcendit ar all thrie.

They helfit have the King on gudlie wayis,

And eik the Queine and fair Meliades,

The Counte and eik the Countes of Eftur.

The King, that was ane Prince of grite nurture,

Hes them relavit on ane gudlie faflbune.

And Weill them chereift efter thair renoune.

Thair purpofe was to beine at the jufting,

Bot it all endit was or thair cuming.

The danfe indurit long, and the dilporte, 1600 The circumflance war long for to reporte.

When day approachit neir, to beddis they went.

Both King and Queine, Lordis and Ladies jent.

Meliades hes taine her leave to gone,

The thrie Countis convoyit hir anone "

Unto hir chalraer ; fyne tuike leave hir fro,

And unto thair reft they all thrie can go.

Thus all to beddis went, and fleipit ftill,

AiVhill bricht Apollo fchynit ouer holte and hill. Right as the mirrie larke into the flty 1610 Afcendit with ane joyous harmonie.

When miftie vapours ryfis from the vaile,

And leavis hinging full of filver haill.

And Imall fouUis delytis them to fing

Among the tender rofie blumis geing,

Of frelch Titane all againis the lighte. From langour them comforting with [the] licht, This luftie Prince no longer might he fleipe, Fra he unto the mirrie day tuike keipe,

Hh

«4« CLARIODUS.

Bot thocht he wold in hunting for to ryde,

1620 And callit on ane varlote him beiyde,

And bade him gar his maiileris of houfehold. To Boyce de Wincente, that luftie hold. Go and provide with everie ordinance Pertaining to his kinglie governance. This being donne, up raife baith King and Queine, With all his royall Courte richt weil beleine, And fervice harde with gude devotioune, And fyne of menftrallie with merrie Ibunde. Diljunit they baith lord and ladie bright,

1630 And to thair horfe anone they can them dicht. With this unto the fair Meliades Bonvalier com to hir on humbill wayis. Saying, My Lord Clariodus me fend To 50W, Madame, and doing recommend, Quhilke hes 30W fend ane diamond full bright. Remembering that he is gour trewthfull Knight ; And he alio hes fend to 30W ane fang. The quhilke he maid rycht as the morrow Iprang ; He and his fervandis ar cled in levoray blew,

1640 In tokine that he falbe ever trew ;

If ge the cuUour pleife, he bade me Ipeire. I pleile it weill, quoch fcho, in all maneire. Scho tuike the fong and diamonde alfoj And threw ane goldin ring hir finger fro. And faid, Anone prefent this to my Knight, And thanke him of his gyftis all at ryght. Bonvaleir went and did as fcho him bad.

With this the luftie Courte, with hartis glaid, Muntit on horfe with weiddes frefch and gay.

1650 Meliades, in nobill and rich aray,

BUIK FOURT. 24S

In bewtie blumit as blolFome on the ryce.

Triumphant as terrellrial paradice.

To tell 30W of hir frefch abuiljement.

Or of hir palfrayis pretious ornament,

It war prolix, thairfor I let it go.

This nobill Courte and Prince furth ryding lb,

Up to the hevin gois the trumpits ibund.

Up gois the curious found of clarioun.

With hornis blaft they cheir the bardie houndis, 1660 Whill Parice wallis reardit with the foundis.

So furth thay raid at the ports of the toune.

On fra the royall Palice of grite renoune.

Clariodus cled in ane mantill blew,

With his four fellowis alfe in the ilke hew.

Full rich furrit with mertrix that is fyne.

Upon ane curfour, with heart leoneine.

The quhilk Madame Meliades him g^ve,

Softlie he raid quhill he owertuike the leave.

Him foUowit varlots awcht in blew all clede, 1670 On wantoun curfouris fate and full weill fede.

With filver changeis about thair halfe full bright.

Aucht gentill men, that luilie war and wight,

He hade alfo all cled in dameis blew.

With golden channels that war bright of hew.

Into the Courte he raid. His luftie entrie

It was ane fight full gudlie for to le.

The King him callit, [and,] but mair abaide,

Clariodus, tell me, anone he faid.

The maner of the tomament in Spaine ; 1680 [And] quha did beft to me do ge not faine.

Weill wift the King the haill renoune hade he.

At the ilk juiling was fo fair to fe.

244 CLARIODUS.

Ane litill reid than wox Clariodus, And to the King he hes maid anfweire thus : Sir, if that I the treuth fall gow declaire, Full monie mightie and nobill knight was thaire. That fo Weill provit, that harde was for to tell Whilk of the forte in chevalrie did excel!, Althoght the ladies, of thair courteifie, 1690 To like ane honour did me magnifie.

As for to gif the laude and praife to me ; Jit I defervit it in no degrie. For monie ane Knight thair better was nor I. Then faid the King, I traiil rycht veralie, That men full far might feike, or that they fand Ane Knight that ware of deidis fa valiand. To wine renoune in armis gow before. Of other diverfe niateris fpake they more. The King fo gentill was in commoning, 1700 [That] thair was none of honoure, old nor sing, Of all the Knightis of Meliades, Bot he with them at lealbure did advyfe.

And quhen this royall Courte of nobilnes War cumit to Boyce de Vinfentes, From horfe all doune [thay quicklie] did defcend. And in the mightie Palace as they wende The Ladies all ar unto chalmer gone. The nobill King to hall is went anone. The wallis ware arayit full luftillie, 1710 With rich arace [that] thar war full mightie ; The hall was mikill and [eik] full of licht.

And quhen the denner was all redie dicht. The King fent to [the] chalmer for the Queine, And for Meliades the luilie ladie fcheine ;

BUIK FOURT. 946

They com anone at hia commandiment, Himfelf begane the buirde incontinent, And fet abone him all the ladies faire, For he no ftait wald let be keipit thaire. The ladies at his tabill grit and finall,

1720 He gart be fete, thoght they refuifit all.

The Count of Eftur, and the Lord Conftabill,

Clariodns with uther lordis abill,

Palexis and his brother Amandur,

With thair two fellowis of grit honoure,

Sir Pennent de la Carier full famous,

Sir Charles, Sir Broun, and eike Sir Donaus,

And all that longit to Meliades,

He hes gart [thame] be fet in gudlie wayis

At his awin tabill, thocht thay refuifit thairto,

1730 His bidding git behuifit thay all to doe. He thair hes maid him fellow and no king. As myne awthour hes maid [trew] rehearfing. He was both manlie, wyfe and gratious, He could be mirrie and folatious Whair that him lift, for till make companie. The courfis com right fair and royallie.

The King wold not fit long in that degrie. So longit he the royall chafe to fe Of fellow deire within his perke royalj.

1740 Then fuddantlie up ryfis ane and all. The King twike be the hand Meliades Before them all, and laid on this wayis, Faire Siris, ge fell know, that it is fo That none [this day] fould into widdis go Without ane lady, and thairfor that I Of brighteft bewtie chofe me ane lady.

24£ CLARIODUS.

They leuch all at the King that raillit fo.

Be this was faid, anone to horfe they go. The nohill King afcendit on his fteid,

1750 And him behinde the floure qf womanheid ; Syne hes commandit Sir Clariodus To take the Queine gudlie and gratious Behinde him on his horfe : and but demand Thair hes he fulfiUit the Kings command. The Count Samphange with [alfe] biflie cure Twike behind him the Countes of Efture. The Earle of Efture twike behind him eike The Ladie De la Carier fair and meike. So everie luftie Lord and gentill Knight

1760 Hes horfit ane Ladie of beawtie bright. Out of the royall Palice have they paft With plefant found of [hunting] hornis blaft. And to the wodis raid full royallie, Whair thay hade hunting right aboundantlie. It was ane nobill fight for to behold The fair frefch forreft and the florifchit fold. The iaitis fet with hunters of knowledge, The eger hounds defyrous of courage. Furth gois the dogis throw the ryfe on raw,

1770 The deir doun cumis dunting throw the fchaw. With How and Cry they follow them behinde. The hunteris lurkis law under the lynde. The heard in ciunis. Fearllie but abaid The hundis in thair leaiches doia abraid, Thair heartis dunting in breiftis for deiyre. Thus feing, the bukis go bak then in the fwyre Be two and thrie, endlong the water fyd. The hunds fra monie ane leafch dois out glyde.

BUIK FOURT. 847

That under the bewis beine louiit monie brace. 1780 The hunters glaidlie foUowis on the chafe.

Lo 1 heir the hynde ia letherit be the hunde.

And thair anc heart gt>is gronand to the grunde.

So this day fair quhat is thair maire to faine

Whill thay of deiris ane grit number had ilaine. Clariodus, that raid befor the Queine,

Had in his hand ane dearte both fcharpe and keine,

That he was ufit ay weill for to caft ;

So com ane [deir] buke by him at the laft

Into his way [and] halfling him againe. 1790 Madam, quoth he, pleis ge for to have flaine

gone faire deir buke that cumis in our way ?

I 30W requyer, the Quene can to him fay.

He did his courfour with his fpurris broch

Whill neir the buke fwiftlie did he aproach.

And with like force the darte did in him dryre,

Befor the Queine, that he fell deid belyve.

Lordis and Ladies that this thing hes feine,

Gritlie it praifit, and mod of all the Queine

Hes him commendit into mikill thing. 1800 Ane Knight hes it reherfit to the King,

Quhilke rydand was before Meliadea.

I know, quoth he, that mekill beine to praile

The deidis all of Sir Clariodus,

Whilke is both ftrong, bardie and cheyalrus.

This being faid, the King fchuipe him to ryde j

Clariodus he gart ryde him befyde,

And bade him fing. He faid, he -wald anone.

For he of diflbbedience maide none.

Then laid he to Meliades, Madame, 1810 Sing ge " Si je fuis toul jours a Madame" ?

248 CLARIODUS.

Scho laid, Forfuith that fong I can not fing. Clariodus, let heir it, laid the King. «

On of his fervitours he callit thane. The quhilke ane tennour pleafantlie begane, And he the truble lang rycht curiouilie, That it refoundit ane dulfe melodie. The King grite plefance had it for to heire, So had the Queine and all the ladies cleire. When he had fung, the King laid, Verament 1820 This is ane luftie fong, and right plelant ; This is ane ballet frelch and amorus. Is it new maid ? 5®^ ^^^ Clariodus. Meliades then Imyllit, changing hew, When that he fpeirit if it was maid of new j For the ilk fong it was that he hir fend That day of morrow with ane recommend, The quhilk Bonvaleir did to her prefent. The King in mufike was intelligent. He lang ane tennor to Meliades,

18S0 And fcho the trubill lang on gudlie wayis. The thrie Earlis that cumit ware of laite Did ling alfo with voices dulcorate. In cumpanies ouer all the courte they fong, Grite mirrines and joy was them among.

Thus pat thay off the tyme with faire pallance, With mirthful breiftis bathit in plefance. While that they enterit at Parice portis bricht ; And throw the rj-ndis raid with heartis licht, As thay that to the royall Palice tendit,

1840 Whill fra thair horfe alfweith they have defcendit. And enterit all in thair chalmers anone, Whill tyme was unto fupper for to gone.

BUIK FOURT. 249

The King, that ever in honour did excell.

Them feiilit faire, the trewth if I fould tell,

Ane monethes fpace, with fike triumphe and cheir.

That none on lyfe under the fune lb cleire

More plelance hade, nor levit in more joj.

Nether in land of Greife, nor git in Troy.

And quhen the moneth aprochit neir to ende, 1850 The Ladie purpofit then hame to wende.

And garte hir foike make readie in all thing,

Againe the day of hir depairting. So happinit in the meine tyme to be,

Ane herald cumit out of Ingland cuntrie

Thair from the King unto Meliades,

And in hir chalmer as fcho did up ryfe

He enterit, and hir laluil courtellie.

Saying, The King jour Father rycht heartilie

Commendis him to 30 w, and eike the Queine, I860 The quhilkis for 30W grite langoure dois fuileine.

Thay have me chargit hame 30W for to fpeid ;

For thair is cuming withoutin ony dreide

Thrie faire ambaflants from thrie fundrie Kings

For gour wadding, Outower all uther things

Thay 30W defyre ; but neverthelele the King,

Into that mater worke will he nothing

Whill jour hame cuming, and quhill that he have

[Advice] of Earle Eftur ; fa God me lave.

Without his counlall he will doe nothing. 1870 And quhen this Ladie hard of the tyding,

Sum thing Icho was into her heart adreid.

Believing to fum King thay Ibuld hir wade ;

Whilke rather wald be deid, without feingeing,

Nor of the world to have the gritteft King

I i

250 CLARIODUS.

And leive Clariodus hir onlie Knight. Fair countinance Icho maid git at [hir] micht. Saying, My frind, welcum ge ar to me ; Thankit be God, of the profperitie Both of my Father, and of my Mother eik ; 1880 To fave them two, Lord Jefus I befeike. Me for to wade quhen ever that they will, I falbe reddie thair counfall to fulfill. Within thrie dayis we fall out of France Depart, God willing, but more circumllance. When this was faid, to Earle Eftur he went. And in this mater fchew all his intent. And all this thing to him maid manifeft ; Syne went unto ane Oftlarie to reft. The mariage of [the] faire Meliades 1890 Into the Court hes fpred on like ane way is, Whill it come to Clariodus audience, Whilke throw his breifl. withoutin reiiilance As grundine dairte then awfullie did glyde. With fade thochtis his mynd was occupyed. He was dilpairit and right fore adrede, Evin that the King her Father fould hir wade Upon ane of thole Princes right potent ; Befeikeing God full oft in his intent, On like ane wayis that it fould not proceid. 1900 This Ladie eike, that leives in fike ane dreid. Ever to God fcho prayis devotlie To fend hir him quhome that fo [richt] trewlie Scho lovit ay, and fould quhill fcho might left. Thus, nather of thair heartis beine at reft. To ipeike with uther defyring i'o gritly At lafoure, quhair no wight might [thame] eljpy.

BUIK FOURT. 251

Clariodus anone went to the King,

Whilke then with his thre Counts wes ad vy ling.

The King then drew aparte fra them anone, 1910 And with Clariodus at lafoure fpake allone

Of diverle things ; and fo amongs the lave

He laid, Clariodus, fa mote God me iave,

I wald have 30W ftill in my Courte dwelling,

Whilk my defyre is ower all uther thing.

I heir now that Our Brother of Ingland

Hes for his Doughter fent, [and] defyrand

To have hir waddit at hir hame cuming.

Clariodus, je doe for me this thing.

The quhilke anone I lall unto 50W fay, 1920 Be frefch and lullie on hir wadding day ;

With that he fmylit on him luilillie.

Clariodus weill underftude the why,

Whairfore, he £aid, and this he [finyling] fpake,

Sir, gour command to fill I undertake ;

For that ilk day full blyth I think to be

Of everie knight in that ilke aflemblie.

Then faid the King, God grant that it be fo,

That ware ray defyre, and lalbe ever mo.

The King he thankit in all humbill thing. 1930 Then to the Queinis chalmer went the King,

And thair he fande the faire Meliades,

To quhome fweitlie he faid on this wayis,

Madam Meliades, as I fuppofe.

Of luftie princes ge [fall] have gour chofe ; Be not haiftie, bot weill advyfit be.

And chufe ane valiant man in all degrie Of might ; for landis ge neid nocht to crave, Seing ane mightie kingdome that ge hare.

252 CLARIODUS.

Sir, ge know, fcho anfweirit, in all thing-

1940 I raone obey unto my Father the King. Thus raillit he with hir full plealantlie. And fcho him anfweir maid debonarlie.

When cumin was anone the latter day Of this moneth, withoutine mair delay Meliades unto the King is went, Saying unto him with full meike intent. Sir, I am readie to pafe in my cuntrie, Gif thair be nocht ellis ge wald with me. Madame, quoth he, gif fo be that ge will,

1950 Now hamewarte pafe, God gour purpofe fulfill. And 30W conferve in pleiance and in joy, I will my felf in gaitwarte 30W convoy. Thoght fcho faid nay, and laith was thainmto. Was none excufe, hot [that] he wold it doe.

Then faid fcho to the Queine, in humbill wayis, I thanke 30 w heire, Madame, ane thowliind layis. Of the grite jentrice ge have fchawin to me. Of gour hie honoure [and] nobilitie ; My Father hes me fend fex faire courfouris,

I960 And fex haiknayis plelant attoure mealburis ; ge fall have fex of them, and I 30W pray Them to refave ; and tho the Queine alway Excufit hir, 3it fcho maid like inflance. The Queine garte take of them dely verance. Thair fadillis war of cloth of gold full bright, Browderit with ilonis radious and light. And they alfe quhyte as onie Ihowis doune. The nobill Queine, that was of grite renoune, Hir thankit fweitlie, and gave to her aUb

1970 Ane chaine of gold j and lyne with heartis wo.

BUIK FOURT. 253

They kiflit utheris with teiris diflelling.

Scho tuike hir leave at Ladies auld and ging.

Syne came the gudlie Countes of Efture,

And tuike hir leave with countinance demure

Both at the Queine and at the Ladies all,

And at the Kingis Court univerfall.

Unto them all grite giftis gave the Queine.

Meliades to dole dilcendit beine.

Syne at the Queine [his] leave tuik Earle Efiur, 1980 And at hir Ladies plefant of portratour.

And laft of all, Clariodus the Knight

Inclynit to the Queine, and bad gude nicht,

To hir ay recommending his fervice.

And fcho againe upon full humbill wayis

Said unto him. Ha t Sir Clariodus,

Faire weill, in world the Knight moft gratious.

And moft of deidis famous and of pryfe ;

I am Weill holdine unto gow oft fyfe.

The richeft Jewell to the worldis end, 1990 Je, the moft nobill Knight, unto me fend.

With that fcho tuike thair of [the] bright gold cleire

Ane verie luftie firmaleit moft deirfe,

And laid, Clariodus, ge fall this take,

And weire it in gour cuntrie for my faike.

He thankit hir full courteflie at all ;

And then fcho hes liim kiflit anone withall.

He tuike his leave at everie Ladie faire.

The King was mountit on ane palfray thaire,

Ane of the fex the quhilke Meliades 2000 Gave to the Queine, quhilke mikill beine to pratfe ;

He laid thay war ane gyft moft honorabill,

And thankit hir with wordis amiabill ;

254 CLARIODUS.

He laid he wold with hir on g^itwart ryde.

Not one of them no longer wald abyde ;

Thay raid out throw the toune full royallie.

With trumpit found of hevenlie raelodie.

And quhen they war two mylls without the toune.

The nobill King, moft worthie of renoune,

Tuike leave at hir, and gave hir ane colleir,

2010 With curious worke that pretious was and deire ; And laid to hir, Madame Meliades, I me commend to 30W on humbill wayis, Befeiking 30W, the pearle of plefance. That ge wold have on ws rememberance ; ge Ipair ws not, for we all t}'me ar gouris. This lullie Princes, with changing collouris, Inclyning then, and reverencing the King, Thay kiillt thair, and [lb] maid depairting : Syne kiflUt he hir Ladies ane and ane.

2020 The Count of Efture thair his leave hes taine, And his Countes ; and fyne Clariodus, To whom the King, with wordis gratious, Said, Faire couflng, in heart I am full wo So fuddantlie that ge depairte me fro ; Thair leivis none in all this world fo wyde. That is fo welcum with ws to abyde. This Knyght inclynit law with reverence, And humblie thankit the Kingis excellence ; Saying, ^o\it Hienes I thanke humbillie,

2030 That hes me treitit heir fo nobillie ; My fervice falbe gouris for evermore, Whilke cellitude conferve the King of glore. With that he tuike his leave with courtes faire Both at the King and at the Lordis thaire,

BUIK FOURT. 255

And eik forget he not the Conflabill. Thir Knightis two with wordis amiabill Tuike leave at uther, imbracing tenderlie. As thay that lovit uthers aj parfytlie. Depairtit fo thir Lordis of renoune, •i040 Eik my Lord fayis in his tranllatioun,

That from the King none unrewairdit went.

Of all the Court nobill and excellent.

For unto them with grite humanitie,

He ichew his regale liberalitie ;

The quhilk againe to Parice did retume,

And thay raid fiirth withoutin more fojome.

This Princes and hir lullie companie Unto thair cuntrie Iped lb billilie. That to the fea they approachit belyve, 2050 They fchipit all and fyne did [laif ] aryve

In Ingland, whair on horfe thay have afcendit, As thay that north into the cuntrie tendit.

Thus in thair voyage all was fair and well, Whill, throw ane forreft as thay did travell, They faw ane pailgeouri luflillie upftent. Of filke all reide, that fchew full redolent. The Earle laid to Meliades the bright, Behold, Madame, befyde 50W ftent on height, The faireft pailjeoun that ever I faw with ey, 2060 What is within I reid we go and fee. Within the pailjeoun luikit thay anone. And law ane Knight thair ly with monie grone Above ane bed that luilie was to leine, Full richlie coverit all with fatine greine ; Ane arrow ftake into his fchoulder deipe ; Befyde him fate ane Ladie doing weipe

256 CLARIODUS.

So wofullie, that pitie was to fee.

Meliades abaiilt than was Iche,

And bade the Earle within the pailgeoun go,

2070 And fpeir the caufe quhairfore that he lay lb. And quhy fcho was lb wobegone ane wight. The Earle enterit and hellit hes the Knight. With febill voice he helfit him againe, Lyke as he hade felt unfufferabill paine. And then unto the damofell he laid. If that ge pleife, [my] faire and luflie Maide, I wald ge did the caufe to me declaire, Whairfor je weipe fo pitiouflie and laire. Then Ipake the Ladie, Sene that ge requyre,

2080 I fidl 30W fchaw, this is my brother deir ; We beine dilcendit of ane hous royall. For of our blude we Hand imperial! In our cuntrie callit Northumberland ; And he that was ane Knight full valiand Raid feikand adventuris in ane forrell dicht And met foure Knightis that was fearfe and wichl, Whilke femblit on him hes fo cruellie. And he defendit him right nobillie, That of the foure thrie [had] he broght af lyfe,

2090 The fourt then fled and let ane arrow dryve, Whilke hurte him in the fchoulder as ge fe. The quhilk was lanht with like deftanie, That of the world the jentillift Knight but doubt Mone with his hande this arrow now draw out. Or than, alleace I he leivis never more. The nobill Earle faw hir weipe fo fore, Ladie, he faid, comfort 50W and be ftill, Peradventure God hes fend helpe 50W till.

BUIK FOURT. 257

The Earle went to Mcliades againe,

8100 And hir declairit the haill mater plaine

All worde be worde richt as the Ladie fchew. Saying, Will [now] jour Knightis all perfew Whilk will the arrow draw out of the Knight ? Thairof, I pray gow, faid this g^idlie wight. Sir Amandour then [firll] the Earle did call, And unto him the cace declairit all. And prayit him to go and to alTay For to draw out the arrow gif he may. Sir Amandour this anfweir maid him to,

2110 It noth eflfeiris fike things for to doe. And Sir Clariodus in the companie : Bot him the Earle treitit fo nobillie. That he is went the mater to aflay, Richt modeftlie withoutin grite delay, And pullit at the arrow with his hand ; Bot thair alfweith impediment he fand. For him it wald not fteire out of the wounde ; The Knight full forelie fchrinkit at the Hound. Sir Amandur was in his heart full woe,

2120 And furth out of the pailgeoun can he go.

With wordis wrath his Eame he could reprove.

That fike ane mater unto him did move.

Palexis paft thairefter to allay ;

Bot he might noth the arrow draAv away.

The 5oung Knightis [then] preifit all aboute ;

Bot for them all no way it wald come out.

Than meiklie laid Meliades, I pray

That 56 will caufe Clariodus affay.

That war, quoth he, ane grite prefumtioun,

21S0 Efter lb monie Knightis of renowne,

K k

258 CLARIODUS.

That I fould go aSky quhair they have fail^eit.

Bot his excufe [in] nothing him availlit ;

Scho him commandit for his Ladies laike.

The quhilke Icharplie unto his hearte did ftryke.

Then lichtit he and in the pailgeoun went.

The Knight he helfit and the Ladie jent,

Saying, Faire Sir, cumin I am to fie

Gif I may helpe 30W of gour neceflltie.

Neir him he went with full grite humbillnes, 2140 Haveing in God all houpe and confidence.

To helpe the Knight ; of him he hade pitie. And foftlie at the arrow pullit he. It com to him but preife or vehemence. Without obflakill or onie refiflence. The bluide with that fprang out aboundantlie Out of the wound, and bled continuallie ; Bot nevertheles the Knight on fute up Hart, And thankit him full oft with all his heart Imbracing him, laying, Of Knightheid floure, 2150 All haill ! the Eard awcht 30W [for] to honoure. I thanke our gratious God ane thouland fayis. That hes 30W fent to me upon this wayis To be my helpe, the quhilk nane uther might ; For it aflayit hes full monie ane Knight, Bot none of them micht it remeid bot ge. That is of Knightheid floure and A per fe. What is gour name, if that it war gour will ? And he anone anlweirit hes him till, Clariodus of Eftur they me call, 2160 gone was my Father vifite 50 w firft of all.

This Knight and eike the Madine humbill and wyle Unto the Earle and to Meliades

BUIK FOURT. 259

Ar palTit, and them thonkit revcrentlie,

And fo did thay to all the cuinpanie,

Onlie for laike of Sir Clariodus.

Syne to the pailgeoun mirrie and joyous

They went, quhair that Clariodus thay fand.

To ftanche his [wounde] quhilk git was abydand.

The wounde out ran with grite effuiioun, 2170 AUweith he tuike the ring of the Lyoune,

And twichit it and llemmit it anone.

Clariodus then to his horle is gone.

He tuike his leave, and efter them he raide,

Whilke them among grite avanceing hes maid

Of him and of his hie renoune and prife,

And how he gentill was at all devyfe. This woundit Knight relievit of his woe,

Commandit than lex knightis for to go

And make his litter of gudlie faflioune ; 2180 And lyne thairin hes [he] garte lay him doune.

To have him to his friendis haftillie.

This Ladie [alfo] ryding neir him by.

With all hir madinis [full] faire in feire :

Thus hame he went, rycht gladfome of his cheire.

Sir Brounar de la Haunt it was his name,

Ane Lord he was of grite renowne and fame,

Quhilk to Clariodus was efterwarte,

Ane fervitoure richt faithfuU in [his] heart. Clariodus hes fped him haiftillie, 2190 And Ibune he hes owertaine the companie,

And long with them raide fpeiking to and fro ;

And fyne unto Meliades can go.

And fpake of diverfe materia by the way.

And of the woundit Knight eike fpeak did thay ;

260 CLARIODUS.

He tauld how he him ftanchit of bleiding. To hir he faid among all iither thing, Madame, 50 Ibuld be blyth and have courage That rydis hame now to gour niariage ; Fair Princes bydis [for] gour hame cuming. 2200 Scho anfweirit him with wordis richt bening. Saying, Monie aflds the thing thay not get ; To love and ferve quho may loveris let? Quoth he, Madame, full fuith it is ge lay, Bot jit me thinke that gude it war alway That ge providit war of mariage, Confidering that the King is of grite age, And hes no baimis bot your felf allone. And that is fuith, quoth fcho, fo mote I gone ; Thairfor ane thing at 30W I will require, 2210 Whilke of gone Princes war it gour defyre That I fould marie, didlmuU not at all. Quoth he, Madame, my wite it is bot fmall [Thus] the eftaite of Princes for to judge ; Becaus as git to gouth I beine ane fudge. And can not on fo grite maters decerne, For my goung counfall wyfe men will difperne. And than, quoth fcho, to this anfweir ge can, Into this warld of everie leving man, Whom wald ge tyteft hade me to his wyfe ? 2220 Quoth he, Grite Lordis wyfer be like fyve The King your Father hes to his counfell, Whairfor in vaine it war for me to tell. For, as thay fay, is abiller for to be ; Whairfor, Madame, ge Icorne to fpeir at me. Then faid the Ladie, ge fall your felfe excufe. Of gour counfall fay on for gour behuife ;

BUIK FOURT. Ml

For thocht 36 know not quhat the lordis nient,

Je know thairof quhat is jour awin intent,

Whom with je wold [that] I ibuld maried beiae ; 2330 Know ge not eik the trew love us betweine ?

Now go I alfe neir gow as [that] I may.

To gar jow fumthing in this mater fay ;

And I remember that iike thing hes beine,

Quhen thair was nothing fpokine us betweine,

Bot ge wald anlweir, and not be dangerous.

I cry 30W mercie, faid Clariodus,

My mynde thairin rycht as my felf ge knaw,

^Vhairfore thair was no neid to 50W to fchaw ;

ge can not weill confidder as I deime ; 2240 And fen ge will the fuith that I expreime,

Gif it fould be as I wald wifch, I lay

I wald no wight in world gow had bot I,

And thocht I fpeike lik words, ge not difdaine,

For grite defyre dois [ever] me conftraine.

To fpeik thir wordis, then faid Meliades,

My Knight, I thanke gow on moll humbill wayis.

That ge wold do me like worfchipe and honoure

As me to wade, and ge of knightheid floure.

Full Weill I waite, had ge not lovit me, 2250 3e wald not alk with me to mariet be ;

Bot I la far beholdine ame trewlie

Unto gour Father the Count [maill] worthie.

And alfe unto gour Mother the Countes,

And to gour felfe in love and worthines,

I gow promit I fall no hulband have,

Bot quhom ge wald I hade, la God me lave. I height to keipe gow this promiflioune. As I am Kingis dochter of renoune ;

262 CLARIODUS.

Or I it breke ather for weill or wo, 2-260 I fell dreidles out of the countrie go,

As I have done before tjine for gour feike ; And thairfor no difpleifoure in hearte ge take, Whatever ge heir or fe, ge hold 30W ftill : In figne that I this promeis fall fulfill, Ane ring of gold I gif 30W heir, my Knight, And for my feike gour heart ge hold on height. Clariodus the gold ring did refeve, And courteflie he oft thanks to her gave* Saying, Madame, nixt God I awght to ferve 2870 And love gour Ladifchipe quhill that I fterve, That hes me gevin fik coniblatioun, Quhilke falling was in diiperatioun. For gif I fell the trewth to 30W declaire. My heart was full of dreid and [of] diipaire. Ay fen I tyding hard of soiu* wadding ; Whair I hade will to ligh, now may I fing ; And quhair I trowit langour fould me flo, ge have dely verit me of all that wo. Of this mater as then thay fpake no more ;

2280 He let hir ryde ane litill him before.

That fchoe might talke with uther companie ;

And he began to ling all fecreitlie.

For the grite joy was at his heart perfay.

This lullie courte thay raide furth j^all] the way, Whill thay com neire to Londoun the citie. Thair monie ane Lord that was of grite degrie Them met triumphantlie without the toune, Baith Bilchops, Duiks, and Earlis of renoune. And hir convoyit throw the rewis faire,

2290 With lilke and arras that arrayit war.

BUIK FOURT. 263

The bellis range in kirkis up and doune, Tlie lilver trumpits maid ane mirrie Ibund ; Among the pepill haill waa this clamours, Welcum our luftie Princefe of honoure ! Then at the Palice richt as fcho difcendit. The nobill Lordis fldll on hir dependit, And hir convoyit up into the hall ; Of hir cuming Qricht] glaid was ane and all, And of the cuming of Clariodus : 2300 Thus was the Court richt blyth and joyous. The fupper was anone [all] redie dicht. And to the tabill with monie Lord and Knight Adoune [then]] fate this Princes honorabill, And fervit waa with meitis delectabill.

The night before thair cuming to the tonne, Thre famous Bifchops of full grite renoune, And thrie grite Earlis that war full worthie,

Quhilkis war fex hundereth horfe in companie ;

Ane of them fent waa to Clariodus, 2310 The uther to Palexis richt famous.

The third to Amandour the nobill Knight,

And broght with them thrie golden crounis bright,

To croune them Kingis of thrie kynriks cleire,

As ge fall efter in this ftorie heire.

Into ane luftie Innis ludgit thay,

Whair they on windowis and on ftalris lay

And faw this Princes and this Courte ryde by.

And faid they faw never fik ane company ;

And of thair Oift they fpeirit of the thrie 2320 That fould the Princes of thair realmis be.

And he them fchew unto [the] Knightis thair,

Vailgeand of deidis and of thair bodies faire.

264 CLARIODUS.

Thir Lordis them commendit grittumlie, Sajnng, That they war nobill and worthie, Of thrie realmis to be crounit Kings, And happilie providit war thair rings To have like thrie Princes for to be, That both war cumit of ane linage hie. And fyne was faire and feimit gratious ; 2330 And moft they praifit Sir Clariodus.

This night owerdrave, day cumand was anone, And bright Apollo with his beamis I'chone Ower land and fea, and all the land abreid ; This gudlie Princes, floure of womanheid, Addreflit hir in hir frefcheft aray, As is the frefcheft bloffome into May ; And up him dreffit everie Lord and Knight ; Thir thrie AmbaiFats frefchlie hes them dicht Unto thair Lordis, prefents to attaine, 2340 Full monie ane gowne of Hike and golden chaine Was thame among, and gif [I] tell the treuth, Unto the Palice bounit they all but fleuth.

Thir tydings harde hes [Sir] Clariodus ; Them to convoy he hes lent Knights famous.

When all hade fervit God, and lyne diijunit, Talbrounis and trumpits fyne up tunit ; Meliades knights convoyit them the way. Alfweith within the Palace enterit they. Weill orderit, and on ane gudlie wayis, 2350 They come before Madame Meliades ; They helfit have this Princes of bewtie ; Syne everie Lord and Knight in his degrie.

When they hade faluft other courtellie, Then to Meliades thay faid humbillie,

BUIK FOURT. 265

Madame, with leive of ^ow we will advyfe

Heir with the Earle of Eilur in fura wayis.

And we at lenth fall commoune with jow lyne ;

With that thay doe full low to hir inclyne.

Doe as ge pleife, quoth Ichoe, I am content. 2360 Thir Lordis and the Earle togidder went

Into ane chalmer be them felves allone.

Ane of the bifchops fpeikis thus anone,

My Lord, ge know the Lady gour Countes

Beine filler to the Kingis nobilnes

Of Ireland, quhilke [now] febill is and old.

And may excerfe no juftice as he wold.

And hes no heares abill unto the croune.

That cuming are of his fucceflioune :

Whairfor unto jour Sonne ws lent hes he, 2870 To gar him cum and ringe in our countrie ;

And heir we have brought for his [hie] renoune

The regale wande of jullice and the croune.

To delyver to him, and give pofleffioun

Of all his nobill and mightie regioun ;

And bade, or we returne, to croune him King,

And in his name the realme to him refinge.

We underftand that this may not be donne

Into ane tyme that ware mair opportoune

Nor heir befor this royall companie. 2380 The Earle maid anfweir, and laid full courteflie,

Firft God I thanke, from quhilke cumis all grace.

And fyne the King, that fo weill ordanit hes

His tender bluide efter himfelf to ringe.

Clariodus he gart unto him bring.

And faid, My Sonne is heir, the quhilk I geive

Unto the King alfe long as he may leive.

l1

266 CLARIODUS.

Of Ireland two Lordis that was of mikill fame. Of quhom as now I neid not fchaw the name, Ane Bifchope and ane Earle, them betweine

2390 Hes led him furth, quhilk gudlie is to feine. Full joyfuU was the pepell auld and geing, Quhen that thay faw him led then as ane King, Betweine two Lordis nobill and potent : Bot thay fum pairt in heartis war dolent, Trowand that into Ireland he fould go, Full loath war thay he fould depairte them fro. Two famous Bifchopis and honorabill Earlis two Palexis tuike and Amandour alfo, And to them faid on this [famine] maneire.

■2400 Becaus thir brether two Uncles war but weire To thir two Princes that grite war of degrie. The King of Garnet and of Cailelgie, They war lede furth upon the lamine wayis. Full gudlie was. the maner and the gyle Of the triumph was maid at thair crouning. All to the kirke are went thir Lordis dinge. Thir Kingis thrie was fete full royallie In regale feats, coverit mightillie With cloathes of gold, befor the hie altere,

2410 And on thair heidis thrie goldin crounis deire. With awfuU wand of jufUce in thair hand, Servet with nobill Lordis inclynande. And Prelats that war dinge and honorabill, Begane the fervice in wayis conveinabill. And thair ane pfalme [full] folemelie they fang. For noyife of organis all the collage rang.

When that the royall fervice all was fynit. The Earlis, Lordis and barrounis all inclynit

BUIK FOURT. «67

Befor Clariodus with blyth vifage, 8420 Randering to him of Ireland the homage ;

Richt fo was donne unto the uther two.

And fyne unto the Pal ice can thay go,

Whair ane full royall denner ordanit was.

The Kingis thrie war lede with nobilnes

Out of the kirke, with leptour, fword, and croune,

With noyle of trumpit and of clarioun ;

They enterit in the Palice joyfullie.

With mirthful! found of hevinlie raenilrellie.

Heir to be fchorte, and leive all circumftance, 2430 Thay go to tabill with joy and all plefance.

Betwix two Kingis late Meliades,

Ane King fat hir before on gudlie wayis ;

Thrie Bifchopis, and of Eftur the Countes,

Sate at the tabill thair with all glaidnes ;

Two maiflers of houihold to King Philippon

War merchald at the tabill end anone.

With them Earle Eftur of nobilnes and fame.

And the richt honorabill Bii'chope of Durhame.

I may not tary on thair marchelling, 2440 To tell 30W all the royall triumphing,

Thair excellent and thair [maift] plel'ant cheire.

Nor of their gudlie fervice the maneire.

Nor of thair grite difport and minftrellie.

Nor of the courfis that did multiplie.

Nor among couriis the intermeilis glaid,

Nor the delectabill comoning thay hade.

Nor of the pretious meitis delicate.

Nor of thair lyndrie ftories prorogate ;

I let owergo all fik prolixitie. 2450 Foure fyndrie liquoris ran with royaltie.

268 CLARIODUS.

From foure beillis in foure nuiks of the hall, Whilke was ane fight richt fair and triumphall : Ane was ane lyoun, right awfull and terribill, At quhois gaiping mouth, full horibill, Rane myghtie wyne, right plefant, cleir, and cauld j It was ane gude fight him for to behald : The uther was ane luftie unicorne, Fyne Ipocras did ryn out at his home : The thride ane tyger was, felloun and ftout, 2460 Role water fearcelie at his nole ran out :

The fourte ane marmaide was, with traces bright, At both her papis mylke ran out on height. And at the letter courfe, in come ane gyfe Of Imall chyldreine, [full] gudlie to devyfe, To the number of fortie, all tranlfigurat As wolfes full wyld, and [ftrangelie] deformate, Quhilk fcatterit flouris faire throw the hall. With favoure fweit as ony balme royall ; And ever ilk ane on ane infl;rument, 2470 On courious wayis, with fyngeris diligent, DiverOie glaidand, all in ane accorde Railing on loft, with joy and grite conlbrde. The hearts of all the nobill audience. Of eardlie joy thair was no indigence. What fould I longer tell of thair feafting ? Thair cumis ane end of everie worldlie thing.

When thay hade feaftit long upon this wayis. Both Kingis, Lordis, and Ladies, up thay raife, And went to chalmeris fair at all pleafouris, 2480 Thair to delyver the ambafladouris.

The Ireland Bilchope, and the Earle alfo, [Hes] thair delyverance afkit hame to go.

BUIK FOURT. 269

The King Clariodus on faire maneire,

Thus faide. My Lordis and [myj friendis deire,

I thanke the King my Eaine of his [gude] grace,

That hes his croiine, his feptore, and his mace,

Donne of his nobilnesto me refinge,

Albeit thairto I am no thing condinge ;

And quhair he wold I to his ringe repairit, 2490 It may be with expedience declairit

Before gow all now at this [iame] inflante,

My companie this Princes may not wante,

VVhilk to hir Father rydis furth anone.

Go I hir fro, fcho then is left allone ;

Hot of this voyage quhen [that] I have donne.

And quhen I fe the tyme is oportune.

Sail none ambafTage neide me for to bring.

Unto my Fame and honorabill King :

ge counfall me thairfor in this mater, 2500 And to sour myndis I fall alTent right heir.

Then laid the Bilhope with all reverence,

Jour wordis beine. Sir, fructuous of fentence ;

Nothing we can jour fpeache [as now] impunge.

So fcharpe with reafounis cyllit beine our tonge,

gow in this prefent voyage we excufe ;

Sen on no way is fro hir [gow go] behuil'e,

ge may not leave the realme delblate,

Thairfor ane louetenant to us create.

Our realme to governe in [richt] regiment, 2510 Whill je gif us your prefence excellent.

The King confentit to this petitioun.

And gave right thair his [hie] commiilioun

Unto the Earle of Durhame right famous ;

And foune anone they war delyverit thus.

270 CLARIODUS.

And finallie thir other Kingis two Thair ambaflatis hes delyverit alfo. Full grite giftis thir Kingis gave all thrie Unto thir Lordis mikill of dignitie, Commending them with hearts unto their Kings,

2520 Them thanking oft [fyls] into mikill things.

Thejr tuike thair leave full fairlie on this wayiB, Both at the King^ and at Meliades. Earle Eftur them convoyit bifillie, Unto the clofe quhair they fand all redie Ane Knight ordanit be King Clariodus, With monie ane goldin jewell pretious. Both goldin coupis, chanjeis and rings. Rich cloathes of gold, and monie coafUie things. For to prefent to the ambafladouris ;

2530 And fyne they did with [verie] grite honouris. Convoy them [all] weill far out of the toune. The Bifchope and the Earle of great renoune Of Durhame hes thair leavis taine anone. With the ambaiTate grathing them to gone ; With that their gaitis they did depairt, and than Thair leave at uther hes taine everie man. Earle Efture tuike his leave and hamewart raid. And the AmbaiTadours, withoutin more abaid, In thair voyage ufit fik diligence,

2540 Whill thay all come foune into the pretence Of thair thrie Kings, and than thay all declairit How thay had donne, and hade ^in] nothing Ijpairit. Full glaid they war quhen they hard this tydii^ Of thair Uncles and of thair honoring. All thrie they feaftit the AmbalTadourisi That had fo plelantlie donne thair plealburis.

BUIK FOURT. «7l

To chalmer King Clariodua is gone, And his rob royall hes laid af anone. And eik his crown of gold i-forgit new,

2550 And pute on him ane goune of velvote blew ; Syne went unto the chalmer of Meliades, To quhome Ichoe courteflie did [thair] up ryle, And unto him maid kinglie reverence, Saying to him, with finylling countinance, la this the failloun of ane King, iaid Iche, So quyetlle to cum in this degrie Into ane chalmer quhair ladies dois abyde ? Scho fet him on ane cufcheine hir befyde. He faid to hir thir wordis lecreitlie,

2360 Nather King, Earle, nor [git ane] Duike am I, Nor uther Lord, Madame, in jour prefence, Bot jour awin Knight to doe gow reverence To gow abone all uther warldis wight, Alfe long as I have ather wite or might. Long fpake they thus of materis to and fro.

The Earle Eflur towardis them can go. And faid, that ipeidfull [now it] war that we Schoupe ws this night in Belvilladoune to be, Whilk is from ws bot awcht mylis of way.

2570 All to this thing anone confentit thay,

Thair horfe thay gart be grathed liiddenly.

When everie thing was at poynt and readie. The quhilke perteinit unto thair eilaite, At fchorte thay maid them readie for the gaite, King^s, Knightis, and Ladies of renowne, Afcendit on thair horfe with trumpit foun. The Lordis of the toune did them convoy, Rycht honorabillie with plelance and with joy,

272 CLARIODUS.

Whill thay war riddine ane great pearte of the way ;

2580 Syne to the toune againe returnit thay.

The luflie Courte them I'ped on like maneire. So at Belvell they come to the fuppeire.

When the King wift his Dochter was fo neire, He hes delyverit on ane fair maneire The thrie AmbaflTats, fo thay war content ; Syne them rewairdit with giftis richt potent, Quhilk leave hes taine and hame raid fuddanlie To their Princes, commending grittumlie The Kings honoure and [eik] his gentilnes.

2590 Meliades this luftfe goung Princes,

With [all] hir C<iurte [full] greatlie to advance, Aproached quhair the King maid refidence, Whair monie Lords maid full grite reverence, Prefentlie com before hir excellence, Fairlie hir met weiping with joy and blis. That fchoe againe in hir cuntrie cumin is. Scho enterit in the toun right royallie, Quhilke flentit was with royall tapeftrie. Into the honour of hir hame cuming ;

2600 Minftrellis did play, and bellis long did ring. Full fall the pepill praiiit hir bewtie. And io, with all hir Court of royaltie. On gudlie wayis fcho rydis throw the toun. And at the Ringis Palice lichtit doune.

And when the gudlie frefche Meliades Was from hir horle difcendit on this wayis. And enterit in the dole of the Palice, The King hir Father, with [ane] mirrie face, Upon his heid put on his nobill croune,

2610 Incontinent undid from him his goune

BUIK FOURT. «7S

And doublet, all alleane he hes difcendit

To hir quhom to he had fo far offendit.

Then all the Courte hade ferlie him to lie

Go meit his Doghter in fik [ane] degrie.

Rycht thair to hir he fate on kneis adoune.

All hair heided, faiffand he hade on his croune,

As not the father to the chyld Ibuld do :

Bot he fo gritlie failjeit hir unto ;

Whairfor he thoght he wald to hir amende. 2620 This Princes faw her Father and did attende.

And law him on his knie, and thocht ferlie ;

For fcho was then abaiiit grittumlie.

And him before fcho fell on kneis eike.

The King wirdis lamentabill and meike

Firft fpake upon this wayis, I alke God mercie

Of my dely verance curfit and haflie,

And of my wit that beiftlie was and wyld

For to believe like treafoun of my chyld :

Syne I aflce mercie at 50W, Dochter deir, 2630 In this eflait as I am fitting heir,

Befeikand 50W that ge wald me forgive ;

For I repent, and fall do quhill I leive,

The grite trelpafe that I have to 50W wroght.

With that from weiping he [refrain] might noght.

His beard begane with teares to weit for forrow

As dafie buike bedewit in the morrow.

Then all the pepill that this thing could fie,

Fidl fall they weipit for rewth and for pitie.

To fie the King regrate on fike ane wayes. I

2640 This bening Ladie, fair Meliades,

Heiring hir Father to hir compleaning fo,

Hir tender heart almaift it fell in two ;

u m

274 CLARIODUS.

For Ibrrow and pitie neir out of wit fcho braid. I cry 50W mercie, myne Father, I'cho faid, Ryfe up, my Lord, quhy fit je fo, alleace ; For it no thing perteinis to gour Grace, To me, jour Chyld, to fit upon gour knie : Bot fiiithlie it pertenis unto me To fit on kneis to 30W, my Father deir,

2630 My fijverane Lord and Prince moft inteir ; For Weill ge knaw that I full huinbillie At gour command will do aluterlie ; And, Father, I forgive 30W hertfullie. And both with [that] they weipit pitiouflie. Than raife the King but ony wordis mo. And tuik his Doghtcr in his armis two. Whom that he lovit attoure all eardlie thing. And kifllt hir with tender imbracing. Syne he refavit King Clariodus

2660 Into his armis, with countinance joyous ; And on the famyne wayis his Coufinga two With kinglie honour relavit he alfo j [Then the] Earle Eftiu* and his Countes eike He hes refavit with ane vifage meike j Syne all the Lordis and Ladies on be on He helfit hes. And quhen the Queine anone Hir Doghter faw, uneis fcho might conetine. Or in hir heart fo grit ane joy luileine, To fie hir in fo gude prolperitie,

2670 That ordanit was fo crewellie to die.

Hir bairne fchoe tuike in armis tenderlie, Ane Weill long fpace imbracing heartillie ; Schoe kiffit hir [full] oft, with ipreite joyous. Syne fcho refavit King Clariodus,

BUIK FOURT. 27tf

And fyne [the] iither Kingis both in feire,

Kifling them [all] with mirth and glaidlume cheir ;

The Earle of Eftur eik, and his Countes,

Relavit fchoe with joy and mirrinea ;

Than everie Lord and Ladie that was thair, 2680 Scho welcumit. Syne to the hall they faire,

Whair feiges royall was gudlie to behold

For foure Kingis coverit with cloath of gold,

Above thair heidis fiklyke thair was llent,

Whilke to behold was pretious and potent.

The hall was all arayit with the lamyne,

Thair was grit joy of menllrallie and gaming. So quhen thay war all enterit in the hall,

King Philipon faid this befor them all,

Lordingis, it is not unkend perdie, 2690 How the knightheid and magnanimitie

Of King Clariodus, [the] mott famous.

And alfe his Father, worthy and gratioiis,

This kingrik now exaltit hes fo he,

So that it ftandis imperiall of degrie,

Nixt under France, of lawde, honour and fame,

Whome fra nane mortall tribute may recleame,

Out of [all] thraldome and fubjectioun ;

And eik hes put our foes to afflictioun,

Onlie be thame active and chevelrus, 2700 And fpeciallie be King Clariodus,

That hes beine haill protectour and defence

Into this regne, quhilk haid [grite] indigence

Of help and comfort while he came in refuge.

And uther regnes he maid unto us fuge.

Now with rewairde I wald faine him requite.

That might doe him baith [honour] and delyte ;

276 CLARIODUS.

And gif that heir for to refave him lift, I fall him geive the thing that I love beft. That is my Doghter, heare of this reg^oun,

2730 Thairto I gif my kingdom and my croun Heir unto him with hir in marriage, All unconftrainit, of my awin curage. For joy at onis the pepill all could cry. Thanking the King that faid fo worthily. Syne he laid to Clariodus the King, Sir, if fa be that ge no promifing Hes maid unto no uther Ladie cleire, I gif to 30W my onlie Doghter deire. Meiklie him thankit King Clariodus

2740 Of his grite gift that was fo gratious,

[Thus] faying. Sir, I dar 30W weill aflure, I jit promittit to na creatoure, Nor covenant maid, nor conditioun, To earthlie wight into na regioun. And Sir, if that 30W pleife into this wayis, To gif jour Doghter, fair Meliades, In mariage to me, believe ge fall Glaidin me more, and better pleafe at all, Nor me to gif ane hundreth realrais faire,

2750 And all the riches eike under the aire. King Philipone on this moft gudlic wayis, Delyverit thair this faire Meliades To King Clariodus ; and he anone This fair Princes into his armes hes tone, Imbracing hir, and lowlie did inclyne Unto the King : but quho could all defyne The joy that did enter into his heart ! With that the King allwyth did him revert

BUIK FOURT. 277

Of Ingland to the Cardinall famous,

S760 And gart him handfall thame, and be joyous To go togidir in Godis holy band.

When this wes done with feiilis triumphand, Quhilk wer ane proces owir lang on to dwell, King Philoppon convoyit them him fell. And maid hir Queine of all his regioun ; Syne in his handis two he tuik the croun. And on the heid of King Clariodus He lies it fet with countenance joyous. And maid him King of all his regioun faire,

2770 Before the people all wer ftanding thaire.

Than did they to Clariodus of knightheid well, geild thankis more nor I can think or tell, Reverencing him with all diligence. Bot he, before that gudlie audience. Said he wold not as git the honour have Of his kingrik, nor git the croun reflave So long as he on lyf wes it to bruike. git nevirtheles, thoght he it oft forfuike. King Philippon lik inllance maid him till,

8780 That he behuifit to obey his will.

Thus he of Ingland and Ireland both was King, To the [quhilk^ git liicceidis his oflpring.

This beine donne, the dance anone begane. Grit joy and pleafoure was them araonge than. In chalmer they difport ane weill longe Ipace, Whill that the fupper almoil redie was. The foure Kingis to fupper all they went. King Philippon nobill and reverent, And King Clariodus fat at [the] tabill ;

2790 Before themfate thir Kingis honorabill :

278 CLARIODUS.

King Amandur and King Palexis fyne Sate before utber tliair as ony lyne. The Cardinall of [richt] grite nobilnes Was fet of Eftur before the Countes, Next [to] the Counte at the tabillis ende ; The difcreit Marchell thair eilaitis kende. And at the utber end, I 30W alTure, Sat the Duike of Giofefter, and the Earle Eilure : And I'yne ever ilk Lord fate in his degrie. 2800 They fowppit with triumph and mynilrallie. And efler liipper quhen ifchit was the hall, The Maiileris of HouQiald them conimandit all To go into tbair Innis for that night Bot fecreit Lordis. And than everie wight Devoydit beine that was not of Counfell. Than King, Queine, Lord, Knight and Damofeil, To chalmeris went with niii'rines and pleiance. The Kingis foure with fade rememberance, Devyfit togidder be themfelves allone 2810 Anents the wadding how [that] all Ibuld gone ; And certainlie within ane moneth day For to compleit the mariage ordanit thay ; And devyfit what Princes of honoure, What Duikis, and what Lordis of valoure, Thay wald have at the forlaid mariage. And quhen the King with utber Lordis lage Had long devyfit upon this mateire. Then went to beddis Knights and Ladies cleire. King Clariodus and his coufingis two 2820 . Tuke leave allweith, and could to chalmer go. This nobill Prince, full frelch and [full] lultie, Put on ane goune of velvote cramofie.

BUIK FOURT. 279

And to his Ladie Meliades ia gone ;

The quhilke up raife and kneillit hea anone.

Then tuike he hir in armia tenderlie.

And faid into hir eare full quyetlie.

This is ane llrange warld that dois indure.

When Ladies kneillis to thair ferviture.

Meliadea than changit hew alyte,

2830 Of fike language that had no ufe perfyte. And fyne he fchew to hir the natnis haill. That he wald have to be at the brydell ; And firft the King he namit of Spainje, And fyne the King of Galice narait he, And his fifter Madonat, of Spain^e Queine, And eik the King of Spainjes fifter fcheine, And Ladie Cadder that fould mariet be With King Palexia, as ellis hard have ge. He Ipake of this and diverfe thingis mo,

2840 Syne tuike his leave ; bot git or he wald [go,] To hir ane gudlie diamond he gave, And of the Ladies rewairdit he the leave. When this was donne, he to his chalmer went. Syne for the Count his Father hes he lent. And with his counl'all delyverit he hes anone In foure realmis foure heralds for to gone. And everie ane diredlit ane lyndrie way, Thir laid Princes and Ladies for to pray ; And gart expenfis delyver them anone ;

2850 And thay belyve hea taine thair leave to gone. King Philipone gart make ane royall croune Of gold and flainis, richt pretioua of faffioun. To this joung Prince, with uther riche aray. Of quhilk the maner war lang for to lay.

280 CLARIODUS.

The King Clariodus gart grath alfo For himlelf richlie ; fo did his Coulings two ; And ever ilk Lord, Ladie, and Damofell, Hes for them ordanit royall apparrell. Thus them I leive in mirth, joy, and bliffe ; 2860 So of this Taill the Fourt Buik endit is.

THE FYFT BUIK OF

CLARIODUS.

TH£ PBOLOOUE OF THE FTFT BUIK. ■

In Mayis feafoune [that is] fbft and Iweit, When balmie liquore dois on leavis gleit, And bewis brekes and blomis upon breid, And pleafantlie inamillit beine the meid All ower depaintit with coUouris new,

Having pafllt the fea and cum to land, I meane the foiu-e heralds out of Ingland j Firft two of them arryvit into France, And to the King with humbill reverence Thay fchew thair credence and commilfioun. He them delyverit with bening fermoune ; And fjme anone fent for the Conftabill, Saying to him thir wordis honorabill,

N n

282 CLARIODUS.

We have gude tydings of Sir Clariodus, 10 Of two realmes now is he King famous ; And heir anone he hes ane meflage lend, Beieikand me to gif gow leave to wende In Ingland cuntrie agains his wadding day^. The quhilke I grant gow, fchortlie for to fay. Hade he my felfe defyrit for to be, I wald not have denyit it perdie. §e fall take threttie knighlis of renoune, Whilke nobilleft beine of all my regioun. To go with 30W to doe to him honoure, 20 Quhilk is of knightheid verie well and floure. The Confiabill thankit him humbillie. And to the heralds did promit trewly Againe the day unto the try ft to wend. The nobill King bade oft him recommend To him, and to his Queine Meliades. And quhen thay war delyverit on this waylip. He gart gif them ane thowfand pound of gold, And two riche garmonds gudlie to behold. Thay thankit have this Prince of [hie] renoune, 80 Inclyning low upon thair kneis doune ;

Syne tuike thair leave, and tuike them to the way. Into few dayis in Ingland landit thay ; Whair thay aryvit, and fchew unto the King As ge have harde me lay in everie thing. And how thay ware rewairdit of this wayes j The fame they fchew to Queine Meliades, And how the King and the Lord Confiabill, Did them commend in wayis honorabill Unto the King and unto hir bewtie. 40 And fcho was glaide of thair proiperitie.

BUIK FYFT. 283

Within awcht dayia efler thair cuming. The uther horaldis both come to the King, Whilk war delyverit on the lame maneire. Then was the King richt glaidl'ume of his cheire. King Philipone aucht barrouns hade ordande, The moft adtive that was into Ingland, To helpe the maifters of houfhald to devyfe And rewle his Palice on moft gudlie wayis. And to refave with gudlie countinance,

30 All Lordis, Knights and Ladies of plealance. And eik all ftrangeris [baith] moft and leaft, That with thair prefence honour wald the feaft. The Lordis awcht with all [thair] diligence. With grite triumph, laude and magnificence, Apperrellit hes the Palice royallie. And all the wallis coverit luftillie, With cloathes of gold, and flainis pretious. And riche arras with workis curious. With auld ftories depaint and figurate ;

60 How Troy be flaughter was depopulate,

And how the toune was taine be falfe ingyne. And how the wallis ware broght imto ruine : Thair was the leige of Thebis toun alfo, How oder flew the Trojan brether two. King Polinices, and King Ethiocles : Thair was the deidis of flxong Hercules, And all his ftrength and courage leonyne : And thair was Jafon with his cheire vulpeine : Thair was the Conqueife of nobill Alexander :

70 Thair was of Crefleid the laikles flander : The fchort perfewing of Diomedes : The fervent love of forrowful Achilles :

284 CLARIODUS.

The craftie winning of the Goldin fleice : The revifching of Heline out of Greice : The dreame of Paris of the Goddis fupeme, The bewtie of thame how he did decerne, And how he gave the apill to Venus : Thair was the weiping of Sir Troylus, When Crefleid did depairt frome Troy toun :

80 Thair wes the forcie Trojane campioun, Moft worthie Hector in arnies invincibill, Chaiceing the Greikis with feir right teribill, With naikit fword in hand of bluid all reid : Thair was of Sampfon the murthere, and the feid Betwix him and the falfe Philifliane : And thair wes Lucreis of hir awin hand flaine : And diverfe Knights full trew and nothing faint, Bot monie ane fals woman thair wes paint : Thair wes the plaint full pitious and mone

90 Of Arfyte and his brother Palamon : The treuth of Dido and Penelope : Of Clytemneflra the great crweltie, Wha flew hir hufliand with ane knyfe in bed : Thair wes Piramus and Thilbe both forbled, For forow of other lay flaine be the well : Thair wes King Orphius, that out of hell His wife did bring with harping [wondrous] Iweit Thair wes Saturnus baneifl; out of Creit, In fik defert by Jupiter his fone,

100 For he him drink gave of the bittir cone :

Thair wes the fl;oreis of all the Nobillis nyne : The half I can not wryte, nor git defyne, Of Campiounis the craftie depicturis, Seiming full quick, and livelie of figouris.

BUIK FYFT. '285

All paithit wes the hall of marbill whyte. And cloth of gold lurmonting of delyte Above the deice wes royallie upftent Of curious champis of rolls redolent ; The buird cloth of the famin was but dreid,

1 10 The filver feimit birning as ane gleid, Of ftifF depurit gold [all] birning bright, Of ftone and perle the bordour caift ane light. For the four Kings thair of ellait withall In four places wer ordanit ieidgis royall, With ftone and perle [all] richelie relplendent, Lyk to the radious ilarrie firmament. The cufchingis of deaureat Iplendure fchone, Ane fairer %ht into the world wes none ; And all the wallis wer full royallie

120 Veftit with clothis of gold full richelie ; And all the chalmeris on the famine wayes Arrayit wer full gudlie to devyle. The galleireis about the frefch gardingis Wer ftentit all with rich apperrellingis. The Palice clofe wes fairlie paythit new With marbill ftonis reid, [and] whyte and blew. It wer prolikis, and long of circumilancis To tell all haill the royall ordinancis, The fair apperrell and luftie freich array

130 That thair wes maid for the triumphand day. The gret Conftabill of France full mightie Ordanit his Knights all, and maid readie To pafle in Ingland to the mariage. And quhen the tyme was cumit of his paifage, He tuike his leave full lowlie at the King, Whilk to him laid, Sir Conftabill, fair Couiing,

286 CLARIODUS.

Commend us to the King Clariodus,

And bid him keipe the height he maid to us ;

Quhilk was to be [richt] glaid and have curage

140 On the day of Meliades mariage.

And we fall keipe all the avowis perdie

Maid at the fupper as weill knowis he ;

And bid him Ipair ws not, bot charge us ay,

For we ar his in all that we do may.

The ConAabill iaid all ibuld be donne anone ;

He tuik his leave, and to the Queine is gone,

Quhilk bad hir recommend in humbill wayis

Both to the King and to Meliades.

He tuike his leave, and to his boric afcendit,

ISO With all bis Knightis that on liim dependit ; Lordis in France ane grite pairt of the way Convoyit him, and fyne thair leave tuike thay. The Lord Conllabill, and all his lullie Ibrte, Ar ciunit to Calice and lichtit at the porte. And thair thay went to fchippis all belyve, And into Dovar foune thay did aryve j And thair on horfe thay mountit but abaid, And to the toune of Londoune furth thay raid, Whaire diverfe Lords and marchands of renoune

160 With grite triumph him met without the toune. And thair thay feailit him full royallie. And him convoyit fyne full honorabillie Two myllis on gaitward, fyne thair leave hes tone. To Bellvilladoun come this Lord anone.

When King Clariodus hard of his cuming, He lape on horfe but ony tarying Him for to meit, and bad his two Coufing*, Of Garnat and of Caflalge the Kings,

BUIK FYFT. 987

Remoine in Police with King Philippoa ; 170 And he to meit the Conllabili anone

Furth pafTit with ane nobill coinpanie ;

And fwa without the portis royallie

This Lord he met, and (yne did him imbrace.

And him reiavit with richt merie face ;

He helfit all his companie alio ;

And fyne blythlie imto the toun they go.

He bad the Conllabili ryd richt by his fyd,

Bot he refuifit equall with him to ryde j

^it nevertheles he ftreingit him thairto, 160 And his command behuifit him to doe.

Syne fpeirit he richt heartillie of the King,

And of his Princes luftie and beninge.

He laid, they heartilie greating to him fend,

And bad that he fould oft them recommend

To him and to the Queen Meliades ;

And eik he faid to him upon this wayis,

The King prayit to keip weill gour promit.

And on no ways ge to forgettine it.

And what he meint weill underllude the King, 190 And laid he fould fulfill it in all thing ;

Thairwith he lewch, fo did [the] Lord Conllabili.

And fo thay raid with heartis amiabill,

Whill thay to Palice come, and thair they licht,

And up the gries palDt they on height ;

Syne enterit in the hall, and that anone,

Whair that the wallis [allj full brightlie fchone ;

Whilk the Lord Conllabili commendit grittumlif.

And fo did all the nobill companie.

Syne thay have pail to Philippon the King, 200 To quhome the Conllabili maid fair halOng ;

288 CLARIODUS.

Then he him thair in armis did refave, And fairlie fyne did welcum all the leave. Syne this Lord helfit hes the Kingis two, Palexis and King Amandour alfo ; And thay refavit him on faire maneir, And all his folkis, both knight and bachileir ; And then they Ipake of thingis to and fro. And to the Queinis chalmer fyne they go, And thair thay halfit both the Queinis fair ;

210 And thay him quyte with wordis debonare, And kilfit him with countinance demure. Syne fpeirit for the King, and how he fure ; And alfo of his luilie Princes eike, And how fcho fure, and all hir Ladies meike. He laid thay both war in prolperitie, And did commend him unto thair bewtie.

Meliades then faid unto the Queine, Madam, if ge of rememberance beine, ''

Full oft or now I have [unto] gow told

220 Both unto King and Queine how I was hold. And to the Conflabill heire, my faire Coiding, To quhom I am addettit in grite thing. The Lord Conflabill then faid in this wayis, Madame, ge fay that hot of gour gentrice. And of 5our fweit aflurit womanheid, And nether for my fervice nor gude deid ; Bot traift, Madame, efter my pure power, I fall be to 50W ane fervant linguler. When this faid was, the Lord [then] went anone,

230 And kiilit all the Ladies on be one.

As they abaid amongs the Ladies bright, Out of the hall alfweith thair come ane knight.

BUIK FYFT. W9

And to the King Clariodus he faid,

The nobill King from tabill him abaid ;

Thair Kingis, Queinis, Lordis, fair Ladies,

Com to the hall, all went on luftie wayis.

Full reverentlie the King Clariodus

Unto King Philipon [then] Ipeikis thus.

Sir, gif it plealls 50W, my Brother heire, 240 The Lord Conftabill and I will go in feire.

And dyne into my chalmer quyetlie.

Thairof, faid he, full Weill content am L

And then anone the King Clariodus

The Conftabill hes led furth joyous.

With diverle Knightis of his companie.

Kirig Philipon to tabill royallie

Was fet betwix the [gude] King PaJexis

And King Amandur that [richt] worthie was ;

And at the end eike of this royall tabill 250 Was fet the Earle Eftur honorabill

Before ane famous Duike of that cuntrie ; Syne everilk Lord and Duike in their degrie • Was fet, and fervit wonder nobillie

With pleafand meits and wyne aboundantlie. The King Clariodus greate feifting maid To the French Lord that he in chalmer hade, And to his Knightis frefche and weil befeine. Great mirth and feifting maid baith King and Queine. The menftrells plays with ane melodious foune 260 Before thir Princes of fo great renowne.

When thay had (Ittine long on this maneire, Kingis, Princis, Lordis, and Ladies cleire. From burdes thay did up ryfe, and faid the grace. Clariodus the King, with great folace,

00

290 CLARIODUS.

And the Lord Conftabill ar cumit to hall With ane cumpanie of Knights full royall. King Amandur and King Palexis Unto the Queinis chalmer can them drefle, Thir [faid] Princes to bring unto the hall,

270 Quhair thay in chalmer, and thair Ladies all, Dynis, as then of Ingland was the gyfe. Thay war arayit on ane gndlie wayis. Meliades, this luftie [fair] young Queine, As ony Goddes frefch was for to feine, Into ane corlit of claith of gold all quhyte, Wliilk was of faflloun wonderlie perfyte ; Rich talbart lleves, [that war] long, large and wyde. Upon the card behind hir trailling fyde. As it was the gyfe of Ingland tho ;

2W) For in thaife tymis ladyis cled war fo. Upon hir heade ane rofie chapilet Within ane rofeire all in bright gold fet, The rofeis reid war all of cuUour bricht, And carbunkle llonis calling plelant licht. Upon the rofeire lufUe to be feine, Inlleid of leives hang emeroldis greine, Full frefchlie pouderit all with leavis quhj-t, Whilk to behald ane hevin was of delyte. About hir fiiow quhyte throte, as bloflbme cleire,

290 Of curious warkis hang ane fair colleire. King Amandur to hall did hir convoy. As Icho hade beine this worldis gem and joy ; And King Palexis led hir mother the Queine ; Thair followed hir monie Ladie i'cheine. And at the entrie of Queine Meliades, They hir beheld upon ane gudlie wayes ;

BUIK FYFT. 291

For certainlie it feamit to thair eye.

That day by day increfljt hir bewtie.

The King faid to the Conftabill of France, 300 Go ge, fair Coufing, and begine the dance.

And take into gour hand Meliades.

And his command he did on humbill wayis.

He gart the King Clariodus alfo

With the fair Duches of Yorke in danfe to go.

Full luftie Knights of Ingland and of France

Anone enterit frefchlie in the danfe.

Both King and Queine are in thair feiges fet,

With ftone and pearle mightilie owerfret.

Of inftruments up raife the mightie foune. 310 Thair danilt monie Ladie of renoune ;

And uther Ladies, that lift not for to danfe,

Sate with bening and gudlie countinance

About the Queine, beholding on the feift. ^j^ Thus war thay all in joy, both moft and leift.

In midis of thair mirthful melodie,

Doune at the Palice get all royallie,

Thair lichtit Kings and Lordis of honour.

And luftie Ladies alfe frefche as Mayis floure ;

With plefant Court [all] frefche and weill befeine, 820 The mightie King of Spain ge and the Queine :

And alfe thair enterit in the Palice tho, ^. The King of Galice and his Queine alfo.

With fair Cadar, that luftie Ladie geing.

With Donas lifter to the Spanifch King,

With Duikis, Earlis, Lordis and [eik] Knights,

And monie uther frefch and luftie wights :

And fuddanlie thay ar all cxunin thus.

In witting of the King Clariodus.

29« CLARIODUS.

And when he wift, he [did] difcend anone 330 Unto the clofe with Lordis monie one,

And them reiavit [thair] full reverentlie ;

Syne led them to the hall honorablie.

King Philipon, and eike the nobill Queine,

And fair Meliades of bewtie fcheine,

Thir Princes met in middis of the hall.

And them refavit with triumph royall.

Bot thair men micht [have] learnit courtifie,

To fie thir migbtie Princes nobillie

Refle6l to uther, and reverentlie inclyne ; 340 And eike Ladies with havings femenine

To utheris kneillit with fweit debonar cheir.

With leuke bening and womanlie efFeire.

Frefch Mandonat, [that was] of Spain^ie Queine,

Hir Father of Eftur had grite pleafoure to ieine ;

Eik of hir Mother fchoe was thair joyous.

And of hir Brother King Clariodus ;

Thay war fo glaid of uther everie one.

That long thay could not out of armis gone.

The Princes all war led to hall and fet on deice, 360 And Lordis to the dance newlie did preife.

And minftrellis to play againe begane ;

Amongis them was joy and mirthis thane.

And quhen thus perlavit hes Clariodus

Sik number of folkis worthie and famous, .

The wyfe Lord Conftabill prayit he to take

On him fike office for his Ladies faike.

To have the rewle as [the] moll principall,

Abone the Lordis awcht in Ipeciall

The maiilers of houfhold, to command and corredt 360 [That thay provifion make with due relpedl]

BUIK FYFT. «98

Belonging to the feift in everie thing.

And glaidlie he hes grantit to the King,

As he that was of iik doings expert,

For him luirlie thay micht no tyme eftart,

Bot he [ay] redie was in all maneir

To make the companie merrie feift and cheire,

Of Garnat, Galice, France and Spaingie,

Ingland, Irland, Efture and Cafteljie ;

For he thir Lordis hade all on his toung, 370 All knowis he quhatever be faid or foung

Amongs them all ; and eike he knowis perfyte.

What may them greive, or quhat may them delyte :

The Conllabill of France all this he can.

At fike ane tyme he was ane neidfuU man. When thay had long difportit on this wayis,

Whilk for to leine it was ane parradice,

Then Kingis, Queinis, Princis and monie Lordis,

Earlis, Knightis, Ladies and all accordis.

To chalmeris went, at eale them to atray, 380 And put on them ane luftie new aray ;

And thay at leafour changit thair cleathing,

The quhyte lillie and tender flouris greine.

Meliades the ding and luftie Queine,

The frefch and new fpred role of bewtie fcheine,

Abuiljeit hir full fair and luftillie

Into ane goune of fatine cramofie,

With orient pearles pouderat and owerfret,

Whilk war fiill thike and grit thairupon let,

Schyning upon the cramofie lb bright, S90 Of quhyte and reid full luftie was the fight,

Whairof full weill might likinit beine the hew

Unto the hevinlie role with liquor new,

294 CLARIODUS.

Pouderit in morrow with criftall dropis lyke.

The reid in equal junxit with the quhyte j

And as the bloffum honours the bloffum in May,

So did hir bewtie in hir [frefch] aray.

Hir cleire cuUour of angel lyke clemence

Full far furmuntit into excellence

All hir attyre and riche abuilgement :

+00 And moft of all hir vertew redolent

Full cleire I wis abone hir bewtie fchone ; For in this warld git creatoure was none That ever perlavit in hir cruel tie, For fcho fulfillit was of womanlie pitie, Whilk full was of aflurit patience, Approvit be right grit experience ; Ay humbill, fymple, and fchamfull under dreid Was this illuflar floure of womanheid.

Be this the maifleris of houfliold in cum wer,

410 And waimit them to cum to the lupper. Kingis and Princes then went to the hall, Queinis and Ladies [fair] went with them all. Betwix twa Duikis, frelch at all devyfe, Unto the hall led was Meliades ; God wit if fcho was luftie for to fie, So entering them among in that degrie, Hir following in weidis frefchlie dicht, Duchefles, Countefles, and plefant Ladies bright. Fyve mightie Kingis was fet at the tabill,

420 With them thair Queinis frelch and honorabill ; Bot King Clariodus wald fit no way From the Lord Conflabill, for togidder thay Held companie without diflayerance. This Conflabill, full wyfe of governance,

BUIK FYFT. 295

Ordanit the hall Co weill in everie thing,

Alle Weill in cheire as in thair marchelling,

That he cominendit was of everie wight.

Fair was the hall and the fupper that nicht.

The King Palexis, and King Amandur, 430 Ofl fent to Donas and to faire Cadar

Them praying to be glaid and make gude cheire.

When they hade feiftit long on this maneire,

Foure maifters of houHiald, that war honorabill,

At the command of the Lord Conllabill

Servit them with the latter courles thair.

With towell and water that was cleir and faire.

When thay had wafchin and [the] grace all laid,

From tabill then thay raile but more abaid.

This being donne, the minftrells playit on height ; 440 Syne to the hall come monie ane Ladle bright.

That foupit had in chalmer royallie :

Thus pair and pair thay prefent pleafantlie.

The King Clariodus commandit thair

The Lord Conftabill to take his Sifter faire,

The Queine of Spainge, and leid hir in the danl'e ;

The quhilke he did anone without neance :

And he himielf the Queine led of Galice :

The King of Spainge led Meliades :

The King Palexis led Donas maift bening, 450 Whilk Sifter was of Spainje to the King :

King Amandur led Cadar that was cleire,

Whilk was the King of Galice dochter deire :

Sir Gilgeam de la Forreft led the Duches, The quhilke ane Ladie fair and luftie was : Ane Countes led Sir Richard de Mayance :

And utheris Lordis and Ladies of pleafiince

296 CLARIODUS.

geid in the danfe, with countinance demure. The King of Galice and the Count Eftiire Not danfit, hot abaid in companie

460 With Philipon that was King [maifl] worthie. The uther Ladies, that lift not for to dance, Sat with the Queine, to pryfe and to advanfe Them that beft danfit of that luftie forte. And on this wayis glaidlie can them difport Ane Weill long (pace. And quhen the dance was ceilit. Princes and Ladies to thair chalmers preifit. King Clariodus the Conflabill hes taine. And to the King of Spainis chalmer is gane, And unto him he faid. My Brother deire,

470 I will my Sifter borrow at jow heire.

The Ladie Donas ; thairto I jow exhorte,

That we ane quhyle may commoun and difporte

Into the chalmer with Meliades.

The King him anfweirit into humbill wayis,

Fair Brother, all belne gouris that beine myne.

With this to uther ather can inclyne.

He tuike fair Donas, that luftie was to feine.

And garte the Conflabill of France leid the Queine.

And then thay went upon the famine wayis,

480 Unto the Kingis chalmer of Galice,

And tuike with him goung Cadder that was faire. Syne to the chalmer glaidlie can repaire Of Queine Meliades ; and in the way To Donas King Clariodus can (ay, Madame, I have to your Brother the King, Anent jour mariage fent my wryting, Thairwith to be advyfit of that cace ; And I him thanke that in that mater hes

BUIK FYFT. 897

Done all according unto mj intent ; •iSH) And veralie, if that je wald conlent,

I wald ^e waddit Ainandur the King ;

And fuithlie if I trowit that this thing

Sould 30W difpleife, I wald it fchow no way ;

Now quhat ge thinke of this to me ge fay.

Scho faid, My fair Brother, [full] weill I knaw

That ge no thing into this world me fchaw

Bot it according war to my honour j

My Brotheris will and gouris at all houre

I will obey. And this full foberlie 500 Scho faid, and fmyllit fum deall quyetlie i

Quhilk he perfavit, and the cans [he] Ipelrit

Why that fcho lewch. And quhen fcho was requyrit

The caufe to tell ; then laid fcho womanlie.

Why that I lewch, if ge rememberit be

When with my Brother ge war into Spaine,

The trewth heirof I fall tell 30W [all] plaine.

When with jour Sifter weddit was the King,

Betwix us two was quyet commoning,

I fpake to 50W belonging jour mariage, 510 I lewgh quhen [that] I thoght on that language ;

For then certes thair was no man on lyfe

Whom to that I defyrit to be wyk

Bot unto 50W, quhairof none fould me blame

To have delyret the Knight of nobileft fame

In all the world, thoght I fo fymple was ;

For it perteinit to gour nobilnes

To have ane ladie of mair luftiheid,

A« ge have now withoutin ony dreid.

My faire Sifter, faid [ King] Clariodus, 520 I thanke gow of gour [love,] that gratious

Pp

298 CLARIODUS.

Stude towards me into like [ane] degrie ; For fuith it beine ane fair debait, faid he, Of two fair Ladies upon fike ane wayes. Of 30W Sifter and of Meliades. With gndlie wordis and plefant commoning Thir luftie Knightis and thir Ladies ging Enterit in the chalmer of this goung Queine, Meliades the rofe of bewtie fcheine. Scho raife upon hir feit full courteflie,

5S0 With all the Ladies of hir companie ;

And doun fcho fet the Queine, hir Sifter faire, Upon ane coufchen of claith of gold preclaire Abone hir felf, quhilk alwajis fcho refuifit ; Bot at that tyme fcho inicht not be excuifit. With fair treatie Icho gart hir take that place. And fcho late doune betwix hir and Donas. The goung Cadar fcho gart them let before, That thay might at thair eafe ipeike all the more. The King Clariodus and the Lord Conftabill

540 Commoned with uther Lordis amiabill. And them dilportit with full grite fblace. And monie ane luftie ladie fair of face Was in that blythfull chalmer of plefance, Ane with ane uther maid [thair] aquantance, Ladeis of France, Spainge, and Inglande, As thay had all beine nureift in ane lande. like King dilportit theme full plefandlie Amongs thaife ladies that war womanlie. The tyme thay Ichorte with heartis glaid and licht,

550 Whill neir the houre was cumit of midnicht ; And thay war loath git than for to diflever, Thir ladies tyre of uther could thay never.

BUIK FYFT. S99

Bot quhen the gudlie frefch Meliades

Saw that thay wald dopairt upon this wayis,

Scho callit Ilomaryn, and gart hir gone

Unto ane calfer, and gart hir fetch anone

Ane croun of gold that mallie was and wight,

All fet with llonis radious and licht,

And two riche hearts of gold all birning new,

560 Circulate with roobies and fapheiris blew.

Into hir hand fcho tuike the crounall fcheine. And faid richt thus unto the Spain^e Queine, My Siller fair, in France was maid this croun, And for that it is maid of new fafchoun 5e fall it have with gow in gour cuntrie ; The quhilk for to relave full laith was fche : Bot fcho hes hir befoght in Hk maneire, That fcho hes taine the croun of gemis cleir. Reverencing hir Sifter grittumlie.

570 The two heartis of gold that war luftie Scho gave to Donas and to Cadar faire ; And unto everie ladie that was thair Scho gave rewaird and that full largelie. Quhilke the Lord Conflabill periavit tentivelie, And ever ilk wight of he and law degrie Grittumlie praiHt hir liberalitie. Thir Princeffis hes thane thair leavis taine. Them to convoy this Ladie wald have g^ne : Bot thay wald not hir fuflfer in no way ;

580 For it the ule of Ingland was perfay, Ladies the nicht before their mariage Sould dwell in chalraeris, of auld ufage, Whill thay went to the kirke to Ijpoufit be; So ilude that Ladie in that ilk degrie.

300 CLARIODUS.

Efter the leave the King Clariodus

Baid with the Queine, for he was amorous.

They fpake ane quhyle wordis plefand and faire ;

And fyne he tuike ane diamond full cleire

And gave to hir, and kiflit hir alio ; 590 And fyne him grathit efter the leave to go.

The Queine of Spainje Ichew unto the King

The gift that was fo honorabill and ding.

Unto hir gevin be Meliades.

The King forfuith it [weill] can rufe and praiie.

Bot moir abaid ilk ane to beddis gois,

Them with the nightis reft for to repofe,

Except worke men that war laborius,

And biflie makand workis curious ;

Sum for the cleithing into frefch aray f>00 Of Lords and Knights ; and liim for the turnay ;

Sum [for] to build the liftis tuike grite cure ;

Sum biflie was for to forge new armour ;

And fum to make the barras great and wyde.

Thus everie man was biflie to provide

For thingis longing to this nobill feift,

Whill that the day up fprang into the eift ;

And when that Phebus did all the world ouerfchyne,

Craftifmen thair worke biflielie did fyne.

When that the Duike of Miland hes hard taulde 610 Of this wading, and quhan that it fould hauld,

He fent thrie fommeris chargit richlie

To King Clariodus that was worthie,

Ane chargit was with cloth of gold full deir,

Ane uther with filver chargit was moft cleire.

The third with lilk the beft in that cuntrie,

For he was full of liberalitie ;

BUIK FYFT. 301

And to ane nobill man he hcs them taught.

The Knight Lumbarde, that in the liftis faught

With King Clariodus but variance, i5«o He callit is Sir Ame de Plafance.

Sex frefch varlots he did delyver thaire,

And four ftout fquyeris with him for to fair.

The Duike of Miland bad that he fould wend

Into Ingland, and thair him recommend

To King Clariodus in forme reverent.

And thaife thrie fommeris unto him prefent.

This Knight he maid no longer refidence,

Bot hes him fped with fo grite diligence

That he hade all compleitit his voyage 630 Againe the day of the ilk mariage.

And as the King addreifit him to ryfe,

The Knight Lumbard upon ane gudlie wayis

Is enterit in at the port of the toun.

And at the Palice get is lichtit doune ;

Into the Court weill knowin was the Knight.

And then alfweith as [that] thay hade ane fight.

Of him thay told to King Clariodus,

Of his cuming whilk was full joyous.

And faid that he wald prefence have anone. 640 Then foune ane [fair] meflage is for him gone.

Thay chargit him to cum unto the King,

And faid, that he was glaid of his cuming.

His four fquyeris this Knight hes with him taine.

And bad the varlots with the horfe remaine.

And to the Kingis chalmer paflit he,

[And kneillit doun, quhen he the King did fie,]

Upon his knie richt fair and reverentlie.

The King Clariodus full tenderlie

302 CLARIODUS.

Refavit him with full glaid countinance, 650 And faid, Welcum, Si* Ame de Plilance, What tidings have ge broght in this cuntrie ? All guide unto your Hienes, Sir, faid he. The Duke of Myland dois him recommend Unto gour Hienes, quhilk with me hes fend To 30W thrie fommeris chargit richlie With cloath of gold and filver richt mightie. How dois my Brother the Duike, fayis the King, I thoght full long to heir of him tyding. At my depairting, Sir, richt weill fuire he, 660 I left him into gude prolperitie.

The fquyeris went againe to horfe glaidlie. And loullt hes the fummeris biflllie. And broght the clothis thair unto the King, The quhilk them praifit into mikill thing. Thay oppinit them on breade upon ane tabill. The quhilk to lie was fair and amiabill. The King gart deale them all but more proces. And diilribute them glaidlie more and les. The Kingis, Princes, and Queinis of honours* 670 And uther Lordis and Knightis of valoure. Thus diilribute thir cloathis in this wayis. All hot two peices to Meliades.

Then enterit in the chalmer the Conflabill, Thanking the King on wayis honorabill Of the fair cloath of gold that he him fend ; And eike he faid, that tyme it was to wend Unto the kirk. The King Clariodus Him veftit hes in cloathis full pretious. And put on Iiim anone ane rob royall. •

680 Be this the houfhold was arrayit all.

BUIK FYFT. SOB

To go to kirke into thair bell aray,

Thay war ane luftie companic perfay.

Meliades, this soung- and luftie Queine,

Was in ane kirtill of cloalh of gold befeine

Of quhyte cuUoure, with curious champe of floure

Pouderit with pearlis, as the bright dew pure j

With mantill of the fainyne, rich and deire,

With taill full long, quhilk buire ane Ladie cleire ;

Ane broach of gold, with ftonis cafting licht, 690 Tog^dder held fair glorious mantill bright.

Ane royall croun was fet upon her heid,

Owerfret with (lonis mightie blew and reid ;

And lullillie fcho fat in feige royall.

Of all bewtie as floure imperiall.

The King Clariodus of grite renoune.

With thrie Kingis triumphand under croune,

Convoyit was to kirke full royallie.

Thair was with him King Philipon worthie.

The King Palexis and King Amandur, 700 With monie ane Duke and Lord of [grit] honoure.

Two mightie Kings of Spaingie and Galeice

To kirke leidis the frefch Meliades.

Thair foUowit hir thrie Ladies weil befeine.

In frefch aray and full of bewtie fcheine.

Full monie ane Ladie [bricht] did hir convoy j

Thair was the Duches fair of Bellavoy ;

Of Beline countrie thair was the Duches fair j

Of Gloceft^er the Duches eik was thair ;

With monie ane uther Duches and Countes, 710 And feimlie Ladies of grite nobilnes ;

The Ladie Cadder, and fair Donas alio,

Whilk honorabillie the Queinis nixt did go.

304 CLARIODUS.

And efter all thir Ladies frel'ch and fcheine, Thair foUowit threttie Ladies weil bel'eine. All cled in cloath of lilver of delyte, With perlit hatis fcliyning of cuUour quhyte. Full monie iilver trumpit and clarioun Befor them paft with noyfe throw the toun. With everie maner of uther minftrallie.

720 The rewis all war flintit right richlie

With cloathes of gold, and arras wounder faire. The royaltie I cannot half declaire Was them among on this triumphall day, Thair jolitie, thair felling, and thair play. To kirke thay come. What is thair more to tell, For he onlie, that is of Knightheid well, Beine fpouilt to the floure of womanheid. Before monie ane Prince of nobilheid, And monie luftie Ladie honorabill,

730 [That marchallit war by the Lord Conttabill Efter the order of thair nobilnes.] Ane Archbifchope anone them maryit hes ; Ane mefe was lingin ryght folemnitlie. With found of organs, and with melodie.

And quhen the fervice all [thair] endit wes, Firft can the King Clariodus him dres On gudlie wayis forth of the kirke to go. The King of Spainje, and of Galice alio, Convoyit him with monie Duike and Lord.

740 And trewlie, as myne Authore can recorde. The King Palexis, and King Amandur, Alfweith convoyit this Princes of honoure Unto the Palice retis of renoune, The minftrellis [playing] with ane myrrie found.

BUIK FYFT. 305

Thay enterit in the clofe that was right faire,

Abone arrayit, aa ge harde of aire.

The gait and gries, arrayit to the hall,

Was all of marbill quhyte, and coverit all

With coftlie arras and curious workis feire ; 750 Whiik thay al'cendit have in fair maneire. This royall fort unto the hall is gone,

Quhair the hie tabill was raifit anone ;

And on the deice on [the] moft gudlie wayis

Was fet this lullie Queine Meliades ;

Hir Mother the Queine fate on hir right hande,

And nixt her fate the King of Spainge land.

And fyne the Queine of Galice fair to fe,

With Donas and Caddar baith full luilie,

And lyne of Belum cuntrie the Duches ; 760 And on hir uther hand QeikJ fet thair was

The King of Spainje, the Count of Eftur,

The King of Galice gudlie of flature.

Of Brataleme the Duches of bewtie.

The Duches of Bellavoy of Spaingie cuntrie. When royallie the deice [all] fet was thus,

Anone the nobill King Clariodus,

King Philippon and [eik] King Amandure,

The King Palexis and [the] Earle Eftur,

The Lord Conilabill and uther Lordis feire, 770 Unto the grite chalmer went all in feire.

The Maifters of houlhold and Conftabill before ;

They war all let, but ony proces more.

The King Clariodus forget hes nocht

The Lumbard [Knicht ;]] hot garrit him be broght,

And fet him in ane honorabill place.

The threttie Virginis, that war fair of face.

S06 CLARIODUS.

Into the hall war marchellit them allone. All uther Lordis and Ladies everilk one Difcreitlie fet war efter thair degrie. 780 The trumpits blawis with ane noyle fullie, Whill all the Palice wallis did redound. Ower all the hall the courfis did abound ; Grite was the feift, and royall was the cheire, And plealand was the nienftrellis for to heire In hall amongs this royall companie ; With intermeifis playit mirrilie, And Imall padgeounis that war delectabill, Amongs the pleliind courlis ineiliinabill : Whairfor the maner paffis mania ingyne, 790 To tell the meits alfo of fyndrio kynd, Or git the wynis nobill and mightie, Quhairof the buirde was fervit by and by.

The Conftabill faid to Clariodus, Now fall it Weill be knowin unto us. Be gour having and be jour countinance, If that ge keipe unto the King of France That ge promitit at gour depairting, For now it is the day of hir fpoufing ; Weill aught ge glaid and joyous for to be 800 For dike of hir the floure of all bewtie. Thus anfweirit lies the King Clariodus ; How fould ane man be glaider of his fpous • . Nor he fould of his foverane Ladie be ?

Then lewch they both and maid ane minrie glie. Then faid anone to him King Philipon, Ha, [my] fair Sone, will ge be of them one Unto thair wyfis that becumis thrall ? Thairto no thing I counfall gow at all.

BUIK FYFT. 307

Thus war thay all in joyous commoning. 810 The Conftabill, but longer tarying,

Up raife and went to feift them in the ball.

King Clariodus him callit thair withall,

And privallie he roundit in his eare,

And faid. My Brother, je beire this rubie cleire,

And at my only inflance and requeift.

It prefent to the Ladie of the feift ;

And lay. The Knight fuIfiUit of all joy,

Devoyde of everilk forrow and of noy.

In ane rememberance hes it to hir lend, 820 Unto hir bewtie doing him recommend.

The Conftabill the rubie tuike anone.

And laid, Glaidlie ^our meftage I lall gone ;

Syne throw the Palice he pailit joyouflie,

Convoyit with Knights wounder royallie.

To the hie deice [anone] but more abaid

He paft with countinance right blyth and glaid,

And all the Ladies [^thair] of frefch bewtie.

He feiftit hes, that joy was for to fie.

With mirrie wordis and [richt] pleafante cheir j 830 For he ane maifter was and no fcolleir

Into fike thing, as then it was weill feine ;

For he ane Lord of full grit nurture beine.

When he had cheirit them ane weill long fpace,

About the tabill he paffit hes apaice,

Whill he come to the Queine Meliades,

And hir the rubie gave in fecreit wayis.

Saying, The Knight fulfillit of plefance,

This ring gow fent in [ane] rememberance.

Scho tuike the ring but ony perlaving ; 840 For Icho lb fteidfaft was in hir having.

308 CLARIODUS.

That naine peiiaye might be hir countinance When that fcho felt of paine or of pliiance.

So happinit or the dinner was endit. That Sir Porrus of Portugall alTendit Into the Palice, for oppine was everie porte, Full wyde upfet, the trewth for to report ; With him was knightis ten right honorabill, And twentie fquyeris frefch and amiabill. This Knight be fortoune and be thrawart fate

850 Into ane lyoun long was deformat,

Quhill King Clariodus, be his chevalrie, Redeimit him be batell mightillie. Sonne to the Conftabill this was tauld anone. The quhilk foure fquyers hes gart for him gone. And he anone hes cum to his prefence. And helfit him with all dew reverence. The Conftabill laid, Welcum, Sir Porrus, For he him knew both worthie and chevelrus. He hes him reverencit, and faid anone,

860 My [gude] Lord, with gour leave now I wald gone To Queine Meliades with frefch eflfeire, I have ane prefent [unto] hir to beire. The Conftabill faid, So mote I have joy, I fall unto my Ladie jow convoy. He hes him led to Queine Meliades, Whom the Knight helfit hes upon this wayis. Saying, The Lord, that power hes of all, Conferve gour Hienes and eftait royall, Togidder with gour [moft] great excellence.

870 I comin am to thank gour hie clemence Of the moft bliffuU and happie delyverance Of my proterve miffortune and mifchance

BUIK FYFT. 309

Be King Clariodus ; for none bot he Nixt God micht of my fate delyver me ; Whom to was no remeid, bot if the beft Knight of this world, and eik the gentileft, Redemit me out of my paine and wo : Whairfor in [his] rememberance ever mo, That in this warld is of knightheid [the] floure,

880 His airis fall be nureift with honoure

Into this creddell of gold all forgit bright, Difcending ay to his fucceflioun right ; Thus, fall his regall ftok and his ofTpring Have of thair nobill progenitours lo^dng. With that he gart his armigers oftend The creddill of gold gudlie to commend, Of fik ane curious worke and quantitie Two men togidder might laide into it be. Then everie Prince and Princes at tabill

890 Said that it was ane gift moft honorabill.

And laid, thay had not feine fo rich ane gift. Both of fo grite ane quantitie and might. The Queine him thankit hes on fair maneir. The grite Lord Conftabill fent for Bonvaleir, And him delyverit this Jewell pretious. And bad him have it to hir thefaur hous. The Maifteris of houihold fyne he did command This nobill Knight to feift with cheir pleifand. Thay him obeyit with countinance joyous ;

900 Bot firft unto the King Clariodus

Thay him convoyit have full gentillie. He him refavit and thankit full tenderlie Of his prelent. And fyne unto the hall Thay go with him, and maid him feift royall.

310 CLARIODUS.

Thairefter at the portis can doune licht Sir Brounar de la Haunt, that gen till Knight, Of quhois fchoulder the King Clariodus Drew furth the arrow that was venomus. He broght with him fex courfouris in gud plicht,

910 And fex fair haiknayis as the fnow [all] quhyte. And them prefentit to Meliades. And he anone, upon the famine wayis, Declairit lies right [loud] before the tabill, How he of ane hurt [that was] uncurabill Lay in the tent remeidles day and night, Whill King Clariodus the gentill Knight [Had] him releivit furth of his dillres ; And fo furth fchew the maner mair and les. How in this world [thair] was no mediceine

920 That na uther wight might worke be ingyne. Thay feiilit him with glaid and mirrie cheire. The Count of Eftur and his Ladie cleire Grite joy [than] hade in heart of the honour That to thair fone was donne in that [ilk] houre.

Efter all uther intermeiiis feire, As of the latter courfe thay fervit war, Twentie goung children of fourtine geiris age On tame lyounis quhalpis, I ingage, Full gudlie into purpur iilk arrayit,

9S0 Come in before them r}'ding unafrayit,

Sadillit and brydillit and put to poynt at right ; And twentie virginis that war blyth and bright, Of the famyne age, on unicornis fair, With harnifchingis pleafant and preclaire, Abuilgeit frefchlie in the famine hew, And all in hatis greine, and fair and new ;

BUIK FYFT. 811

And everie raadine that waa into that place

Ane luftie varlot led in goldin lace,

With Ipeiris in thair handis everie one. 940 And quhen thay war all enter it in, anone

The madinis lichtit gudlie to behald ;

The varlots tuike thoir unicorns to hald ;

And thay begouth to gang in carralling,

And lb with that lb mirrillie thay ling,

That everie wight thair beine had joy to heir,

Thair voices was fo angell lyke and cleire.

And as the madinis fong upon this wayes,

The varlots juftit and maid interpryfe ;

And he, that from his horfe was ilrikine doune, 950 Gave to his fellow ane ring for his ranlbun ;

And he that ring gave to ane Ladie Icheine,

And fcho againe gave him hir hat of greine.

And did full womanlie to him inclyne.

[This done] betwix hir and hir fellow, fyne

Scho tuike him in the ring with grit plefance ;

Syne luilillie begouth thay all to dance.

And this was donne, that everie wight might fie ;

For all the clofe of [full] large quantitie

That day was ordanit to the triumphall hall, 960 With cloathes of gold it was coverit all ;

And Lord is in the chalmeris round about

At fenifteris and windowis luikit out.

All law playit this royall intermeis.

The quhilke furmuntit into luiliaes

So far, that thay bade wonder it to ie.

Saying, forluith that thay in no cuntrie

Hade feine fiklyke into no tyme before.

And quhen thofe madinis of bewtie fo decore

312 CLARIODUS.

Had lang difportit [thus] and playit glaide,

970 The varlots hes the unicornis to them hade, And fet them on thair ladillis lullillie, SjTie on thair lyounis lape delyverlie. And of the hall thay paft without tarie, And Queine Proferpina with hir Court of Fari.

The aucht Maifleris of houihald ordanit hes To draw the buirdis and to lay the grace. At the hie deice upraifit was the tabill. Kingis and Princeflis that war honorabill Dilpoil^eit them of thair robis fair,

980 And them delyverit unto heralds thair Of monie diverfe realmis of grit honouris Into thair mightie Princes coat armouris, Quhilk grjftis gat to make them rich for ever. Ane fairer fight fenlyne [thair] feine was never. Of Kingis, Queinis, Princes honorabill, Duikis, Lordis, and Ladies amiabill Within ane Palice nor was it in, I wife, Whair thair was nothing wanting of warlds blife. All minflrellis then with inftruments are gone,

990 Both lute, harp, viole, clarcheo, and guthrone, To play into the grite triumphall hall, Whair monie ane Prince in thair ellait royall Abaid, with monie ane [luftie] Princes faire, And monie ane Ladie biyth and debonare. Then faid Clariodus the nobill King To the Conftabill his Brother, I defyre the thing. That ge firft go to leid into the dance My Lady my fpous, for that war my plealance ; Quhilk for to do he did refuiCe at all,

1000 Confidering thair was Princes in the hall

BUIK FYFT. 313

Hir for to leid quhom [it] did more perteine :

Bot git this Prince he will that ib Ibuld beine,

For unto him he will doe that honoure,

For he in France was Lord of grite valoure ;

Whairfor the King, of grite confiderance.

Both for the faike of the nobill King of France,

And for his awin great wit and nobilnes.

He did grit honour unto him dreidles.

Then the Lord Conilabill into gndlie wayis 1010 The dance begane with Queine Meliades ;

The mightie King of Spain led Cadder fcheine,

And the Duike of Bellavoy led the Queine

Of Spaingie cuntrie ; ane uther Duike alfo

With the Duches of Bellavoy in the dance can go ;

Ane Duches [eik]] led Amandur the King,

And King Palexis led Donas the geing ;

Ane lullie Earle of Ingland regioun

Of Yorke did leid the Duchess of renoune ;

And eik the King Clariodus worthie 1020 Of Spainje cuntrie led ane fair Ladie.

Thair dancit monie ane uther lord and knight

With monie ane ladie and frefch virgine bright.

Forget was not Sir Ame de Valeir,

Nor git the nobill Sir Charles de le Scareir.

Sir Gilliam de la Forreft thair did go.

Sir Richard de Maianis danllt thair alfo.

For to be mirrie thay neidit no requeifl.

For none war glaider nor thay war of the feift.

Full long it war thair namis to declair, 1030 Or git to fpecifie thair daniing thair.

The Queine of Ingland fat at the hie dice.

With diverfe ladies, both Duches and Countes,

R r

314 CLARIODUS.

Beholding on the daniing with fixit eie. Grite was the joy, triumphe, and royal tie j Grite was the mirth, the pleafance, and the fporte. That was, God wote, among that luAie forte. Full monie ane Knight with Cupidis awfull deart Amongs thame thair was woundit to the heart, Whilk efterwart of langour did complaine,

1040 Excellent bewtie fo did them conllraine Thair for to love all magrie thair intent. Full monie ane fecreite luike among them went. With full defyre thair hearts war let on fyre. Throw lovis thrill, heateil of defyre. Thair the Lord Conllabill hurt was with ane light, Sum thing that day he will of lovis might Onlie throw bewtie of ane ladle fcheine. And at ane light his heart all holdin beine To ane anone, as can my Authore tell ;

1050 Upon fik thing as now I may not dwell. I will 30W tell of ane [grit] aventoure By Ladie Fortunis purvenance and ciire, Into the Court the quhilk betyde anone, Quhilk ge lall heir, or that I farther gone ; And efter that returne againe I will. And of the feift the leave will tell 50W till.

So happinit in the meane quhyle to be, Ane Herald come [thair] from Polyne cuntrie, Whilk callit was to name Bonadventur,

1060 Whom King Clariodus with blffie cure

Had lent with credence to Polyne to the King, Him heighting in his weiris fum fupporting Againis the Duike of Gravan, quhom betweine Full grit debait [thair] had [ane] long tyme beine :

BUIK FYFT. 315

Bot thay u^riet war or his ciiming ;

Thus he returnit hame unto the King. Whea it was told to King Clariodus

Of his Herald, that [he] was cumit thus.

Unto his chalmer he went the neireft way, 1070 And for the Herald fent without delay.

The Herald faluft him upon his knie.

Saying to him, the eternall God jow fie ;

The King of Polyne him to 50W commendis.

And to gour Hienes heartlie greating fendis,

30W thanking ofter nor I can heir reporte,

Of gour promit him to at neid luporte.

He and the Duik of Gravan ar at ane,

Betwix them two the weiris ar all gaine :

Bot as I come out throw the realme of France, 1080 I iaw the King make royall ordinance

For tornament, for joy, for feift, for play

At Pareis toun againe gour manage day ;

To quhilk was dreflit monie ane Lord and Knight,

And monie ane luilie Ladie blyth and bright.

In companies thik ryding throw the fieldis.

With bairdit fteidis, hameis, fpeir and icheildis;

And in the honour of gour grit renoune,

He makis all that g^eat provifioun.

And eik the Queine with all hir Ladies bright 1090 Jour wadding fchupe to worfchip at thair might

With royall feifting, danling and difport.

And fcho avowit befor that luftie forte

Unto the Powne that fet was on the tabill.

This King is fuithfaft and undouttabill.

And ane thing. Sir, I fall 30W tell for treuth,

I law ane fight quhairof I hade grite rewth.

316 CLARIODUS.

Bot heir without the toun ane litill way.

Fyftine Knightis enarmit war perfay,

Quhilk reveift fyvetine Virginis had unright, 1100 Thinking with thame to ly [on] this ilk night.

And of thair virginities them to deflore.

Full fail the Madinis mercie did implore ;

Bot thay with cruell heartis but pitie

Demanis thame, that pitie is to fie.

Then afldt King Clariodus, if thay

War paffit far. He anfweirit and faid. Nay, I ges them ^it bot at the Woll, faid he.

Without the toune that llandis by the trie, Whair Ladies ufis in thair diiport to go, 1110 It callit is the Ladies Woll alfo.

On Bonvaleir than callit he anone. And bad him fwiftlie for his harnes gone, And fadell him ane courfour that was wight. And bad the Herald go at all his might. Unto the pollrum fuddanlie him bring. And thair for to abyde on his cuming. With fpeir in hand [that was} both long and wight, Bonvaleir ibune enarmit him [at] right, And he anone unto the poftrum went, 1120 And on his horfe afcendit or he flint. Upon his held he did his helme on lace. And them commandit both into that place That they difcover him in no maneir : SjTie chargit he his varlot Bonvaleir, , AUeane into his chalmer to fojorne All quyetlie againe quhill he retume ; And if his brother the Conftabill fpeire Whair he was gaine, to tell on this maneir.

BUIK FYFT. 8X7

That he was in ane fecreit erant went, 1 130 And wald againe him i'peid incontinent.

And than he tuike his mightie fpeir in hand, And fwifllie he did gallope ouer the land. Thir Squyeris both thay fat on kneis doun, Prayand to him that wore the bludie croun Him to conferve from all mifaventure, Thay him betaught in Godis bliflit houre. And to the chalmer foune returnit thay.

Clariodus, in all the haiil he may. Upon the Knightis followit hes fo fall,

1 140 Whill that he hes ouertaine them at the laft, Saying, O Knightis, ge abyde for Ihame ! Doe not fo grit dilhonour to gour name, As for to leid the Madinis on that wayis ; The Ordour of Knightheid ye [do] dilpyle, On like ane wayis fair Ladies to offend ; For ge thair quarrell rather fould defend. Nor them to trubill fo on lik maneir. Sir Knight, thay faid, grit folie to gow it wer. As now to fchaipe our deidis to correct,

1150 For at this tyme ge may ws not object. I fall refill, quod he, if that I may. Thairwith the formeft fchupe him to allay. Thay let thair Ipeiris ladlie in the reift. And awfuUie towart uther thay preift ; And certanlie the King Clariodus He hit him Ilk ane flrake diipiteous. That horfe and man went both unto the ground, Whill that his helme did from the eard redound. The iecond and the third doun run hes he

1160 So fellounlie, that naine was of thaife thrie

318 CLARIODUS.

Bot atber his leg or arme he brift in two. And quhen the Madinis faw he provit fo, Right heartfiillie to God they for him prayit. The twelf Knightis with heartis unaffrayit. Then fet on him with fwordis all at onis, Training to brift him, fell, blood and bonis. Quhen this perfavit King Clariodus, With fword in hand as lyoun fiirious. Full earneftlie he enterit them amang ;

1170 With mortall ftraikis he among them dang, That it was wounder him to behald and lie. For he begouth into his wraith to be ; Was none fo fialwart that his ftraik gaineftuide, For as ane tyger that beine fearle and wode, He on them rufchit than with awfull faire, With bloudie fword thame chafing heir and thair, Brifting thair lleill helmis in his ire and teine, Straiking thair fteidis from them on the greine. Carving thair lymbis and armis ay in funder,

1 180 So monie of them thair fteidis lay in under. The Knightis war abaifit grittumlie, . Of him that them tormentit lb fellounlie ; Ane feind thay thocht him lyker nor ane man. For of his fighting ever mair he can. Thay ftraik at him fo thik and faft withall As dois the hammeris on the ftudie fall ; Thay woundit him upon the arme full lore, Whairthrow his courage increffit ay the more ; For quhen he faw his blood rin doune fo raid

1190 He grew in anger and in mortall feid. And on them rufchit with fik violence, With fo grit furie and g^it vehemence,

BUIK FYFT. 319

He huntit them with [fik] ane feirfull cheire,

Right as the avrfuU hundis dois the deire,

And fkaillit them full wyde before his face.

As the fearfe lyoun dois fmall beiilis chafe ;

Upon the greine he gave them tant for tant,

Whill that thay grew fo weirie and fo faint.

And put them fo far to confufioun, 1200 That thay could not hot ly in thair ranfoune,

As joldin men his dintis to refave.

And could not take the flraikis that he gave.

And quhen thay faw [that] thair was no remeid,

Bot them to jeild, or ellis for to be deid,

Thay laid to him at onis pitiouilie,

Ha ! Flour of Knightheid, grant to ws mercie.

And fave our lyfis, for thy mikill might,

As thow that beine in earth the gentilleft Knight.

Then faid the King, Gif ge will have mercie, 1210 Go to the toun ge fall (landing us by;

Unto the Kingis Palice ge fall Ipeir,

And thair je fall enter but ony feir,

Whair ge (all entrie have for fmall requeift.

And geild gow to the Ladie of the feift ;

Your prilToun fall be foft, I tak on me.

If that ge be all taine with hir bewtie ;

And eike ge fall promit, or that je wende,

In tyme cuming je fall gour lyfes amend.

And never againe doe Ladies lik unright, 1220 Bot ay defend thair quarrell with gour mighfr ;

And eik the Madinis ge fall reftore

Unto thair freindis quhair thay war before.

Thay faid anone. We fall do gour bidding

Into all poynts, lave onlie this ane thing,

320 CLARIODUS.

That is to fay, to have thir Madins againe, Quhilk if we doe doubtles we falbe flaine. This Weill confident King Clariodus. The damofellis that glaid war and joyous. On kneis fell to him full humbillie,

1230 And wald his feit have kiffit tenderlie ; Bot he wald not them lufFer to do fo.

So twentie Knightis fearllie come but ho. Upon thair ileidis fwiftlie at the fpuris, To feik the Knights that donne them fik injuris, And wald with fwordis have upon them beine ; Bot King Clariodus lape them betweine. And faid. My friendis, no worfchip war 30W to. Unto thir Knights more hermis [for] to doe ; Then thankit be God of his eternall grace,

1240 Thir Madinis beine recourfit upon cace.

• And quhen they have [weill] underftud that he Was onlie victour of fo grit meinge, Thay war fore wonderit into mikill thing. And come to him [full] lowlie inclyning ; And him thay thankit thair with all thair might, As of the world the moft nobillell Knight, And prayit him his name to them to kyth. And he anone hes anfweirit them belyve. My name 1 never denyit, nor jit fall,

1250 Clariodus of Eftur thay me call.

And quhen thay will it was Clariodus, Thay fell upon thair kneis, faying thus, O nobilleft Knight of moft excellent fame, Out throw the world Ipringin is jour name ; Jour knight) ie deid'S and heigh chevalrie, In laude and honour rings unto the fkie ;

BUIK FYI-T. 321

We ar not grit amervellit of this deid.

Sen that ge ar the flour of all knightheid,

Whom God haith fent our chyldren to perfew ; 1260 We falbe faithfull fervitours and trew

To 30 w for all the day is of our lyfe.

The nobill King ane freindfchip maid belyve

Among the Knights ; and fyne did thame requyre

That thay wald go with him to the fuppeir.

Thay have him reverencit full grittumlie.

Syne to the Palice thay [all] raid glaidlie.

The other Knightis maid varlots for to gone

Unto the wode and litteris maid anone,

Whairin thay have four woundit Knightis laid, 1270 And fend them hame withoutin mair abaid

With four varlotis in thair companie,

Quhilk ludging tuik in the nixt toun thairby ;

Syne at the King thay tuike thair leave and went,

Thair promife to fulfill incontinent.

And he hes ridin againe the privie way

Unto the poftrom, as je hard me fay.

I leive now of Clariodus ane quhyle,

And fumthing now my pen I will exyle,

Schortlie to fpeik of thir elevin Knights, 1280 Quhilk to the Palice for to go them dichts.

Thir Knightis at the Palice get lichtit doun,

And enterit at the portis of renoune,

Afcendit lyne up the gries of the hall ;

Thay that them law did wounder ane and all.

As diamonds in armour bright thay fchone.

And thay all woundit war and bluid begone.

To hall thay went and paflit throw the preis.

And or thay flint thay come to the hie deice.

322 CLARIODUS.

Anon the menftrells ceiffit for to play, 1290 And Lordis left the dance for the afray j

For as them thoght it was ane uncouth thing. In bluidie harneis to lie thair incuraing. In fylence was the hall of moft and leift. Thay fpeirit quha was Ladie of the feill. And thay tham kennit to Meliades. Then all on knies thay fat on humbill wayis, And laid, Madame, unto gour blyth bewtie We geild us heir all prefoners to be, To do with W8 ryght as gourfelfin lift ; 1300 For of this world the nobilleft Knight and beft Ws all hes conqueift with his [awin] hand, And uther foure in poynt of death lyand. Syne quhen he had ws wone with grit mellie, From twentie Knightis of grit crueltie He ws recourfit againe richt nobillie, And ws conferved from thair fellonie. They callit him the Knight of joy compleit, Whois heart of everie plefour beine repleit. Then worde by worde they [all] the maner told 1310 Of thair meiting, and of the bargane bold. And of his knightlie ftrenth and his vigoure,

And how he maid the [haill] difcomfiture.

When they had long his honour done proclame,

Thay laid, Madame, if ge wald wit his name,

Clariodus of Eftur thay him call.

Then full of blife and glaidnes was the hall,

And thay all cryit with ane cheir joyous,

Vive, vive, le Roy Clariodus !

And that with fik ane [michtie] noyfe and ibund, 1320 That to the rufe the chalmer did redound.

BUIK FYFT. ms

Meliades that blyth was this to heire,

^it chang^it nather countinance nor cheir ;

Bot with ane fledfail leuke debonarlie

Scho all beheld the mirrie corapanie,

And thankit God devotlie in hir mjTide,

That her rewairdit hade on fike ane kynd ;

And [that it] pleafit had his gratious will,

The flour of knightheid to geive hir untill :

And ^it albeit I'cho hade in mariage 1330 This nobill Knight of fo hie vaflalage,

And underftuid and right perfytlie knew

That unto hir he fleidfaft was and trew ;

git Cupid hes hir ftrikin with his dairte,

And newlie woundit hir unto the heart

Throw new reporte maid of him be thir Knights

In prelence of fo monie g^dlie wights.

What is thair mair to fay of this mater ;

Both Kingis, Queinis, Lordis and Ladies cleire

Full joyous war thir things for to heir tell 1S40 Of him that beine of knightheid flour and well,

And moil of all Earle Eilur honorabill,

And fair Countes that was demure and ftabill.

King Philipone them treitit nobillie.

And gart the Conllabill treit them royallie j

And fyne the gudlie Queine Meliades

Releivit them on fair and gxidlie wayis

Of hir prifoune, and fweitlie did them treite.

And gave them gyftis honorabill and great.

Thay tuike thair leave anone full courteflie, 1350 Reverencing thir Princis humbillie.

And mofl: of all Meliades the Queine,

Dreffing hir bewtie and hir vertew icheine.

324 CLARIODUS.

Syne foune upon thair horle afcendit thay, And to thair fellows tuike the neireft way, Quhilk thame abaid thair, hot [git neir] at hand In ane village that callit was Garrand ; To quhom they fliew the grit nobillitie Was to them donne, and the grit royaltie Of all this feaft ; and of rewairdis grite

1360 Whilk was thame gevin thair they did repeit ; And how Clariodus, of knightheid floure, Of twa realmis was famous conquerour ; And thair thay did remaine whill haill and found War thair fellows of everie grevous wound j Syne hame thay went unto thair awin cuntrie, And leivit ay in trewth and chevalrie.

King Amandur and [all'e] King Palcxis, And the Lord Conilabill that worthie was, Afcendit on thair horfe and that anone,

1370 And with all billines can them diipone To meit the King Clariodus in hy. The King of Spaine eik in thair company Wold have ridin j bot Philipon the King Did him requyer with wordis right bening, Whill thair returning to make refidence. The feill to honour with his digne prelence. And as thay went to horfe on this maneir, Thay met the Kingis varlot Bonvaleir, Whom to the Conftabill faid, My frind, perdie

1880 ge have this thing confeillit weill fra me.

To fchaw to me quhair that gour Maifter went. My Lord, faid he, it war not pertinent To me to Ichaw, bot quhat he chargis me, Quhilk to confider difcreit anewch ar ge.

BUIK FYFT. 5«5

Thairwith he lewch, and maid [full] grit guming.

Thir Lords to meit the King ar gone in lamming ;

And foune thay faw him ryde a quyet way

Unto the poftrum get without delay.

Then the Lord Conllabill unto him raid, 1390 And on this maner lawghand to him laid,

I am of 30W dilTavit out of dreid,

For I belevit ge, fa God me fpeid.

Had beine devyfing fum llrange abuilgement

Into gour chalmer for the tornament,

And 36 in uther materis biflie wer.

As be the Knightis weill it did apeire,

Whom into Court amongs ws je [did] fend ;

Thay maid gour occupation to us kend.

The Kingis two, quhilk war his coufings neir, 1400 Thay maid him mirrie corapanie and cheire.

The Lord Conflabill perfavit weill that he

Upon the arme was hurt at the mellie.

And fpeirit at him if he was hurt ought faire ;

And he laid, Nay. With that thay enterit thair

In at the gardine get of the poftrum.

To the chalmer of Clariodus thay come.

Thay paiTit foune and him unarmit then ;

And lyne ane furrit mantill have thay taine,

And laid it him about right I'oftlie, 1410 And on his bed lyne maid him [for] to ly,

And to refrefch him efter his weirines.

King Amandur and [alfe] King Palexis

Commandit he to pafe unto the hall.

And glaid the feifters at thair power all.

And gar them play and make withal 1 difport.

The quhilk to doe mirrillie thay them exhort.

326 CLARIODUS.

To hall ar went thir Princes honorabill,

And with him left no wight bot the Conilabill,

And chalmerlandis with him two or thrie.

1 420 And quhen King Philipon can behold and lie Thir Princes two againe returnit thus. He will that cum was King Clariodus ; At them he fpeirit the maner and the gyle Of all the mellie and the interpryfe. And gif that he was hurt he did require : And thay to him declairit the maneire ; That he was hurt thay wold not plainlie tell, For laik of hir that was of bewtie well. In cace thairof fcho fould take difplil'ance,

I4S0 Quhairfor thay maid ane mirrie countinance. Unto the King thay told all privilir. That he was hurt, bot jit not hevilie ; Of quhilk Meliades tuik perfaving. And was afirayit into mikiil thing ; Scho Iwounit neir for inwart painc and wo. Dame Romaryn, that hir perfavit ib. Unto hir come, and late doune on hir knie, And quhat hir aillit foftlie Ipeirit fche. Scho laid, I dreid my Lord Clariodus

1440 Be hurt, quhairof my heart is dolorus ; ge lall unto him go but tarrying. And in ane taikine beir to him this ring. And cum againe and me the maner tell. Romaryn then no longer fcho did dwell, Scho went to the chalmer of Clariodus, And on hir kneis foftlie laid Icho thus. My Ladie, Sir, hes me unto gow tend. And unto jow dois heartlie hir commend.

BUIK FYFT. M7

For lair fcho dreidis that je hurt [may] be ;

1450 Quhairfur lu full of herines is fchc.

That fcho uneis may keipe hir countinance.

So woundit is hir heart with dilperance ;

And this fcho hes 30W fent in tokening,

Thairwith anone prefenting him the ring.

Romaryn in armis he did imbrace.

And to hir (aid with glaidfum cheir and face,

^e fall my Ladie thanke richt heartfiillie,

And lay unto hir verallie that I

Do aill nothing bot that fcho may amend,

1460 The quhilk alfweith fall unto hir be kend. On this ilk night fcho falbe medicyne Unto my wounde, for fcho is leich full fyne ; And in ane tokine gif hir this roobie bright. And fay, fcho weill confortit hes hir Knight. Romaryn lewch quhen fcho hard him lay fo, And undertuike for to remeid the wo Of hir Ladie, Meliades the Queine, That did of painis the hevines luileine. Scho tuike hir leave, and to hir Ladie went,

1470 And unto hir the tokin hes prefent.

And faid as he hir bad, but variance, 1

In mikill thing quhilk lowfit hir pennance ; . And hir rewairdit with the roobie cleire, That hir fik tydings broght in this maneir.

The Conflabill, [rioht] wyfe and componabill, Raillit with mirrie wordis amiabill. And laid unto the King Clariodus ; This day I faw ane Ladie dolorous, Quhois cullour changit fumthing for jour laike,

1480 Get up, and be alfe ftrong as onie aike ;

328 CLARIODUS.

Be all in joy, and thinke not of no paine ;

Ane %ht of jow might make ane Ladie faine.

Then lewgh the King, and faid, My brother faire,

Ladies in heart beine pitious ever maire.

With that King Philipon, that was worthie.

And eike the King of Spaine, com to vifie

Him in his chalmer with ane freindlie cheire.

The King of Galice on the lame maneir

Com him to vifie, and Earl Eftur eike, 1490 Him to comfort with thair wordis [fo] meike.

Ane chirurgiane, that ware was and expert,

Him tuike in hand to heill of everie fniart

In fyvetine dayis, that he might ryde and gang.

He was ane grit maifler chirurgiane.

Thus raillit he with King Clariodus,

Sir, unto gow it lalbe nothing noyous,

Gif on the night ge juft alfe weill as day.

He fmyllit then, and faid, Maifler, perfay

The trewth ge tell ; hot I have efperance 1500 Of my pairtie, to have ane foverance

Mair in the night nor in the day had I :

For I am goldin ellis right verallie

Alreadie to my nichts pairtie traifl perdie ; ' "I

Whairfor I think fcho will more gratious be.

The cumpanie then lewgh, and maid gud fport, '

And to the hall they went agane at Ichort,

All bot the Conllabill and two chalmerlanis,

Quhilk ftill abaid with the chirurgianis,

Whill vilit all and tentit was his wound, 1510 And bundit up with fawis that war found.

Of purpur velvote he put on ane goune,

With mertrix furrit curious of faflioum

BUIK FYFT. S«9

He g^ve ane uther of the famyn forte To the Lord Conftabill, doing him cxhorte Thairin him for to cleith ; and thay anone Both in ane iuit into the hall is gone. He put the goun on him at his requeift ; Syne hand in hand thir two went to the feiil, Quhilk lovit uther ay full tenderlie. ■1520 Of Knightis followit them grit companie. Unto the hall thay went without delay, Whair all devyfit was this mirrie play. Thay halilt have the mightie Princes hie, And thay reGivit war full joyouflie. Meliades raife oiF hir mightie feate, Upliftit frefchlie with two Earlis great. And this [fair] Prince full humbillie did inclyne, And hir he did imbrace in armis fyne, And kiffit hir and fet hir in hir chyre ;

1530 Then minftrells playit with ane mirrie fayre. And thair the dance thay have begune againe. Clariodus his Sifter tuik in hande. The Conftabill the Queine of Galeice toke ; The goung Knightis for joy thair heartis quoke. And cheifit Ladies to go into the dance. Thus thay difportit with mirth and grit plifance ; Full royallie the feaft of joy began ; Meliades fcho danlit not as than. What fould I tell 50W of thair grit delyte,

1540 Quhilk to rehearie almaift war infinit. When redie was the fupper, then anone This luftie forte ar to thair chalmeris gone, And changit thair arayis plealantlie. And them abuil^eit new and luftillie

T t

330 CLARIODUS.

In licht clethings, all ordanit for the dance, That for to fie it was ane grit pleafance. Of thair robis royall difpuilr^et them the Kings, And on them put hes uther licht clethings. Then Ladies war arrayit full richlie.

1550 They enterit all togidder right feamelie Into the chalmer of Meliades ; And fcho, the flour of bcwtie moil to prais. Was cled in kirtill of claith of gold moll deire. And of the famyn hir mantill ichynit cleir. The croun of gold Icho changit on hir heid, Whilk call ane light of ftonis blew and reid. Hir madinis all war in the lamyn gyfe. In glorious mantillis gudlie to pryle, Save that thay wore of claith of filver fcheine.

1560 When Lordis and Ladies thus arayit beine. And everie wight, that pleafour was to fe. The Maifteris of houihald, grite of dignitie. Unto King Philipon thay com and laid, The I'upper readie was and on him haid. Than he commandit the Frenfche Conftabill, And the wyfe Count of Eftur honorabill, Unto the hall to fech the gudlie fpous. Then followit Knightis gudlie and famous. To hall thay broght this goung and luilie Queine,

1570 As the hie deice anone up raifit beine ;

And fcho was fet with honour triumphand, With mightie Kingis upon ather hand. And luilie Queinis frefch and amiabill. And fcho of bewtie flour incomparabill Surmuntit all the Ladies in the hall, As rubie hes renoun imperiall

Bl/IK FYFr. 8S1

Of everie ftone ; as right as Phebiw bricht Beine Lord and Prince of all etheriall light, Blinding the llarrie hevine with his bewtie,

1580 Richt fo hir bewtie, angel lyke to fe, And blyth afpedlis glaidis all the tabill, As parradyce of joy ineftiraabill. The King Clariodus and his companie Unto thair chalmer paflTit joyouflie. And fowpit thair with royall feift and cheir. The found of trumpits mirrie was to heir, The courfis come of number inellimabill, With inilrumentis glaid and dele6labill ; The wynis ran, that wight war of raealouris,

1590 From horribill monfturis and fearfuU of figouris ; And other liquoris mightie and pretious Of dyverfe wynis mightie and mervellous Ran out of virginis papis quhyte as fnow : All kynd of fleuris in the hall thay flow : By incantatioun of grit practitioneris, By aftrologis and art magicianis, Grite fortolegis with thair enchantments Of thair artis gave fik experiments, That thay appeirit lyvelie and vifibill :

1600 Strong furious lyonis and dragonis horribill, Gaiping as thay the peipill wald devoure : Thair was hunting of all griteft plelbure. The bardie hundis of full grit quantitie Chaling the heartis with thair heidis hie : Richt pleafant war the courlis of birds above, Etheriall fouUis in air might mak na rove For luftie falkonis that was gentill of kynd : All joy was, that man might have in mynd

Smt CLARIODUS.

Everilk pleibur that might revert in I'preit : 1610 Frefch nightingells thair fong with notis fweit.

With blythfull birdis in the blomit fpray,

Befor dame Natur in hir frel'ch array.

I can not tell gow in ane houris fpace

The grite excelling pleafoure in that place,

Nor of the joyous feifting infinit,

Nor of the inflruraents of grit delyte,

With dulce muficianis of princis chappellis leir,

Quhilk ibng with curious craft and [wondir] cleire.

It war ouer long heir for to declaire 1620 The intermeifis that war playit thair

Amongs the courfis moft delitious,

Quhilk war of proces liiperflitious.

The heralds and minftrellis that thair wes,

Thay all full loudlie did thair cry Lairges

Of the moft royall Prince Clariodus,

That gave them gyfts mightie and pretious.

The fupper long induirit on this wayis ;

^Clariodus then joyouflie upraife,^ And Maifters of houfliold gart raife the tabill hie. 1630 The grace was faid with grit i'olemnitie, About and ouer the Palice circuleir. The noyfe of miniftrells mirrie was to heir, ' And everie wight [grit] joy and mirthis hade. Anon began the dance but more abaid, Increflls ay of mirthis more and more. With gritter preis of peiple nor before. Long war the proces [all] now for to tell Of thair dilporte and joy that did excell, Quhilk till midnight [I wote] induirit ftill. 1640 The Maifteris of houlhold then fchew them till.

BUIK FYFT. SSa

That it was lait and tyme to go to reft ; Then everie wight thair unto bedis draft. The Kingis of Ingland and [eik] of Spaine Hes tane this rofe of bewtie foverane, Meliades, and to hir chalmer gois. Clariodus, of knightheid flour and rofe, Unto his chalmer convoyit beine with Kings ; Syne tuike thair leave with humbill inclynings. In chalmer thair with him abaid no mo,

1660 Bot the Lord Conftabill that he lovit fo. That he could not be but his companie. Four Knightis beine his chalmerleins worthie, Ane was Sir Broun de Lamour [full] wight, Ane uther Gilgeam de la Forreft height, Sir Richard de la Forreft was in feir. The ferd was Sir Penant de la Careire, Quhilk four to him fo tender was trewlie. That he to them gave treft of his bodie. And quhen anon with them he was uncled,

1660 In furrit mantill he fet hes on his bed. And him befyd he fet the Conftabill, And with him fell in ipeiking delectabill, Whill that Meliades in bed was gone, Whair Ladeis as than was with hir none Save hir awin Mother, and the Queinis two Of Spaine and Galicej thir wald not fra hir go, Whill fcho in bed was brocht, and then anone Thay tuike thair leave, and to thair bedis gone. Then Romaryn, bening and gratious,

1670 To chalmer went to King Clariodus,

And Ichew to him that the Queine was in bed. And he anone to [hir] chalmer him fped.

^884 CLARIODUS.

And the Conllabill into his companie, Quhilk then at his bed [fide] richt privalie Tuik leave and bad guid nicht on humbill wayis. Clariodus to fair Meliades Enterit in bed quhom Venus did convoy, Not in his bed bot in his hevin of joy. What is thair mair, bot that the floure of armis 1680 Ane role of bewtie lapit in his armis ;

And fo thir two thay enterit in thair blil'e, Whilk with thair meritis weill defervit is ; And thay, that lovit uther above all things, Pafllt that night with joy and thair lykings, Quhilk joy doubtles full deir was coft befor, Whairfor thair joy ay multipliet the more.

I will not tak in hand fur to indyte Thair joyis all, for them I can not wryte ; For in fik thing I am not prakticate, 1690 Quhilk never my Ladie had in fik ane Ilate. Tenuis I want fik materis to prefer, Quhairfor ge loveris to gow I it refer. That taiftit hes of the ilk famyne tune. And on fik wayis gour Ladies now hes wone ; For to confider thair joy is ouer mealbure. Of love they have now fiind the thealbure, Whilk long thay have with pane and pennance Ibght. I know the paine, the pleafijure know I nocht ; The MO I felt, thoght I the blis not bruike. 1700 O ge my Ladies that luikis on this Buike, To gow I me compleine on humbill wayis. That flie nocht bot difilaine for my I'ervice. Wald God gif [that] i'um pairt of jour pitie War mixit with my Ladies [rare] bewtie ;

BUIK FYFT. SS5

For war fcbo luercifiill as fcho is foire.

In all this world Icho had non [toj compairo ;

In everie vertew naine micht hir amend. My mater now no longer to tranl'cend,

Thir loveris two full litill felt of forrow, 1710 VVTiill bright Phebus them heliit on the morrow,

In at the windo and on the courtines fchone.

And everilk wight adreffit up to gone,

With Kingis, Princes, and Ladies of honoure,

And everie Ladie hir drefllt in hir boure.

And did thair bodies lullillie arraj,

Lyk to the Mayis bloflbme on the Ipray.

Clariodus, as on the day before,

In clothing that was pretious and decore,

Is veftit, and quhen tyme was opportune, 1720 For the Lord Conftabill he fent full Ibune ;

Syne to King Philipon [anone] he went,

Whair all the Kingis togidder war prefent.

The Queine Meliades did frefchlie hir attyre

In cloath of gold bright twinkling as [the] fyre,

In kirtill quhilk was glorious to lie.

Of purpiu-e velvot ane goun on had fche.

Ane luilie huid fcho had upon hir heid,

With pearlis quhyte and rubies luilie reid

Stemit ouer all, quhilk Earle Ellur hir fend 1730 Into the morrow with ane recommend.

Scho thus arrayit I let in chalmer dwell.

And quhat betyde in Court now I will tell. The King Clariodus, on fair maneir.

With the Lord Conftabill, his companioun deire,

Is to the King of Spainges chalmer gone.

And unto him thir wordis iaid anone.

336 CLARIODUS.

My fair Brother, [now] harkin unto me, ge have ane Sifter mariet for to be, Whilk is right fair, benigne, and gratious ;

1740 And I ane Coufing have and Prince famous, Wliilk is ane valiant Knight, as weill ge know j War it gour will, I wald that it war fo. That our alyance might togider go [By mariage of thir richt nobill two.] The King anfweirit and laid. My Brother faire, I will as ge will, fchortlie to declaire. We think that alway it war convenient. He thankit him with wordis reverent ; And fyne he paft unto King Philipon,

1730 And fchew to him all haill how it was gone ; And he was glaid. Thair is no more to tell. Arayit beine this luftie damofell On gudlie wayis, alfe frefch as fould a bryde. King Amandur, upon the uther fyde, Abuilgeit him in frefch and regall weid. As he that was ane Prince of nobilheid ; And King Palexis on the fame maneire, Whilk handfaft was with Ladie Cader cleir ; All for the mariagis dreffit them anone,

1760 And thay all four ar to the cfaappell gone. Within the mightie Palice of renoune Up gois the trumpit and the clarioun. Convoyit thay war with nobill companie Of Kingis, Princes, and Lordis royallie, And mightie Queinis upon ather fyde. I bid not on the proces to abyde ; Thay mariet war with full grit dignitie. And halie confecrat efter thair degrie.

BUIK FYFT. 3d7

The mea was fong with note full curious, 1770 With organ found and thimpband melodious.

Efter the mes was donne upon this wayis,

And finallie compleitit the fervice,

The 3oung Quenis war led from [the] chappell

With Kingis that in honour did excell ;

Then to thair chalmeris thay went them to recray,

And alle to cleith them in ane new aray ;

And fyne difcendit into the triumph hall

In the g^ite dole that fluide imperial!,

On lenth and breid, [on] height and [on] lairgnes, 1780 Of riche apparralling and luflines.

The tabill up raiiit richlie was anone.

The two goung Queines to the hie deice ar gone

With grite eilait and regall dignitie ;

On ather lyde fat Kingis frefch to fie.

And Quenis alfe [full 3 lullie to behold.

In rich apparrall and regale cloath of gold,

Whois radious rich apparrall brightlie fchone

With emerand and pearle but comparifon

In corronalds, bright jefpe, and diademes. 1790 Bot if ane wight of death war in extreames.

It fould him comfort and rejofe to lie

Thair excellent and imperiall blyth bewtie. When everie King and Prince of nobilnes.

And everie Princes, Ladie, and Duches

Heine fet at tabill efter thair degrie,

The trumpits foundit with ane noyfe full hie,

Whill that the royall Palice did refoun.

Anon the courlis come with fik fufioun,

That I wald irk for to report them heire, 1800 And 36 fould think it tedious for to heire ;

ua

338 CLARIODUS.

Or if I told 30W all the circumilance

Of them in Ingland, Ireland, and of France,

Gralice, Garnat, and [eik] of Caflalgie,

Of Spainje land, and of Ellur cuntrie,

How thay war marchellit, or quha maid them cheir.

Or of the diverfe intermifis feire.

Or of the dulce and hevinlie minftrallie.

Or of thair mullke and diverfe melodie,

Or of thair diverfe playing inftniments,

1810 Or of thair pliiant and trim abuil^ements, Or of thair mirrie cheir maid at the tabill, To tell or to report it war ineilimabill ; The fweit luikis and amorus beholding Betwix the Knightis and the Ladies ging. Or of the heralds in thair coat armouris Of fyndrie Princes of grite honouris ; Upon fik thing war long for to abyde, Whatrfor as now I will let it ower flyde. King Amandur and King Palexis

1820 Rewairdit heralds with gold and grit riches ; They cryit Larges all the hall about.

And quhan all dynit had this nobiU rout, Buirdis on loft beine raifit by and by. And graces laid be Bil'chopis devotlie ; And all the Lordis that in chalmeris dynit, Whois g^ite eflait can not be [heir] defynit. Unto the court of nobilnes difcendit, Quhilk unto nothing hot to honour tendit, Larges, jentrice, and [eik] nobilitie,

1830 Trewth, manheid, jullice, and liberalitie ; Away was falfit, away was wretchitnes, Away was nig^rdie and all Ikarfchnes.

BUIK FYFT. JJ.99

None covitice let them of thair dtfport, Thair heartis gevin to all glaidnes at Ichort ; Nor naine invy at utheriH dignitie Might them depairt from thair cheritie ; More grace amongs them wald aboundand be. [Full oft has beine fik royall companie ;] Bot not alway exampillis, for to wryte,

1840 For fo infatiabill beine thair apetite.

That all the world micht flokin not thair thrill, Whill daith of clay ing^afe them in ane kift.

Into this hall triumph and paleflriall. Up gois the joyous found inilrumentall ; With dulce, melodious hermonie and fweit, Raifing the breift with curage, and the fpreit Of them that luflie beine and amorus. Two Earlis, that beine worthie and famous, Thir two goung Queinis leidis to the dance,

1850 Whom matrimonie hes donne fo advance. The Conftabill leidis Meliades. Thir Kingis two full frefch at all devyfe. King Amandur and King Palexis, Hes taine two Queinis of grit luftines, And danlit on [maift] fair and gudlie wayis Danlis that all men [ever] could devyfe j Knightis and Ladies full gudlie for to feine. And virginis in thair dreffit hairis fcheine, The dance continuing with bening countinance.

I860 Thus they difportit them with all plelance, Whill that the fupper was redie at all ; Then unto chalmer went this court royall. And frefchlie thair thay changit thair rayments. And pat on them for playis abuilgements.

340 CLARIODUS.

And Ladies bes thair gounis laid aiyde,

And taine on mantillis that war large and wyde

Of cloath of gold, purpure, and cramofie.

The fair Meliades debonarlie

Hes fair diipuilgeit of hir goune velvate,

1870 And put on hir ane rofey of dew bewate, Ane goune of gudlie hewit cramofie ; Upon hir heid ane croune of gold mightie, Whairin was ilonis pretious and decore. That worth ane Kingis ranfoune war and more, With goldin chainge about hir halfe fo quhyte. Whom to behold ane hevine was of delyte : Her proper perfoun glorious was and gay.

When everie Ladie hade changit hir array. To the triumph hall afcendit thay anone.

1880 Kingis, Princes, and Ladies everie one, War fet at fupper efter thair degrie. The filver trumpits maid a noyfe full hie. The pleafant courfis come abundantly ; And buirdis beine [all] fervit by and by, The minflrellis fang with curiolltie, Sweit as the marmaid in the orient fea. Full long thay lat and maid right mirrie cheir. And foune anone thay raife from the fuppeir. And newlie gois to thair abaitments

1890 With joyous found of plealant inilruments. Then all the nobilleft King Clariodus For Emayne fent ane Ladie gratious. Of the chalmer of the Duches Bellavoy, Quhilk was of Spaine ane verie flour of joy. And hir delyverit to the Lord Conftabill, To go in dance; and he right honorabill

BUIK FYFT. 341

»

Thankit him lowlic and tuik her be the band. Thir two soung Queinis, luflie and pleaiand, Led with two Kingis danfit thair ane beafe.

1900 Meliades be worthie Palexis

Was led in dance as goddes ApoUeine, Quhilk to behold was lyke ane thing devine. Thus thay difportit quhiU it was neir midnight, Syne unto beddes thay pafllt everie wight. King Philipone and King Clariodus, With countinance mirrie and joyous, Convoyit unto chalmer luilillie Thir young Ipoulis ; and lyne on wayis gudlie Thair leavis tuike and fyne to chalmeris went.

1910 Thir two frefch Kingis, frefch in thair intent War of thir Ladies fair and weil beieine. Syne everie King taine hes his awin Queine, And gone to bed with thame with all plealance : Bot now it war ower long ane circumftance. To tell thair grite pleafance and all thair joy; Glaider war never Sir Troylus of Troy, When he had Crefled in his arras windin. Nor war thir Kingis quhen thay to beds cumin, [To] thair luilie Queinis quhom thay loved long. 1920 Bot now the tyme me lift not to prolong, For to declair gow all thair mirrines, Or into lovis the nights biffines. In joy and blile in armts ftill thay lay With glaidfum night, quhilk cumin was the day.

Apollo reftles and unfatigabill, Cleir in the eift devoid of habite fabill. Upon his courle was cumin in the hevin, Twentie degries large and thairto fevin,

3«9 CLARIODUS.

Quhen everie King- and Prince of nobilnes,

inso And everilk Queine, Ladie, and Duches, Adreflit them full gudlie in tbair weid. Meliades the flour of vromanheid Was cled in goune of velvote luflillie, Furrit with greice right fair and [fulQ feamlie j And of the lamyne fuite fcho gave alfo Unto the new maid Quenis gounis two, And to the Queinis of Galice and Spainje Two gounis of the famyne fort gave Iche ; And fcho that wes of bewtie crope and rute,

1940 Did them befeik to go into ane fuite

With hir that day ; and thay with cheire bening Hir thankit, and did grant to hir this thing. To mes thay went, and fyne difjunit all ; Syne to the (kaffalds in luflie apparrall Went everie Prince and Princes amiabill, And everie Lord and Ladie delectabill. King Philipone with monie ane auncient Knight War fet on fltaifold to conliive at right What Lord or Knight did beft in the alFay.

1950 The Knigbtis com all luflie in array

In cloathes of gold full fair [and] fchyning bright. Unto the rinke com monie feamlie Knight So Weill at poynt that wounder was to fie. Of trumpits found full noyis rais on hie. •The French Conftabill com firft in the aflay, On gudlie wayis in right knightlie aray, Servit be the nobill King Clariodus, Whois wound to him was git fumthing noyous. And for that caufe he juftit not as than.

I960 Tbair might be feine monie ane feamlie man.

BUIK FYFT. 848

The Conftabill was in the range with him,

Whilk than was [the] maift liklie for to wine.

Of Bellavoy the Duike was [then] without,

[And] fervit be King Amandur full floute,

Weill accompanied with knightlie companie,

For he all tyme was nobill and worthie.

The Duike of BriQand enterit in the feild.

In knightlie faflbun both with fpeire and fcheild.

In his inarming cleire as ony fonne, 1970 Quhilk as I traift fall not be lightlie wonne ;

And he was fervit be King Palexis,

Becaus he of [the] Galice natioun was.

The frefch Knightis com far to the juiling, *

Sir Charles de la Careir as ane lamp Ichyning,

The nobill and duchtie Sir Ame de Valeir,

Ane gratious Knight Sir Gorius de Grampeir,

With monie uther lullie pleafand Knight.

Knightis of Ingland fchone as angellis bright,

Sir Broun de Amouris criflalleine of hew, 1980 And nobill Sir Hewmon de la Mantigue,

Sir Richard de Maianis of grite renoune ;

Sir Giljeam de la Forreft of Scottis regioun,

Ane Knight he was of fair conditioun ;

Thair was Sir Hew de la Bas of that natioune.

The Knight Lumbard, Sir Ame de la Pleaiance,

Com to the preife with manlie countinance.

Of Portingall Sir Porus of renoune

Was thair, the Knight quhilk was the [weird] lyoun.

It war forfuith ane grit prolixitie 1990 To tell thair namis all in thair degrie ;

For thair was both within and eik without

Aucht hundreth Knightis that war [ftark and] ftout,

344 CLARIODUS.

goung, ftrong, fand] frefch, and alfo amorus, Antrus, ardent, and [alfe] richt defyrus To do thair deidis valiant at thair might, In prefens of thair Ladies and thair fight. Or onie Knight encounterit with ane lance, Thir Lordis heralds heighlie did advance In thair coat armuris of gold, ftiffe and cleire ;

2000 And with hie voice that all the feild might heire Cryit the heralds of the Lord Conllahill, PouRE LAMOUR DELE ; [and] with grite joy thairtill The Duike of Briflandis heralds cryit hie. Sans potnt faltrk ; and fo with royaltie Thair maifleris wordis thay pronuncit loud. Syne to the fcharpe aflay of knightlie Ichroud Addreflit Lordis with thair fpeiris joynit j The cleirlyke trumpits and clariounis tunit. Thus Mars his ibnnis chevalrus and bauld,

2010 In bright arming and triumph to behauld, Leiming of jeipis wounder glorious. And provit in armis fo vi6lorious. That it war mervell for to be rehearfit ; Thair hie valour with pen can not be verfit. Thay brayit on utheris lyke lyounis and bairis, The air all rumblit with the crake of fpeiris, The earth about all dynnit and it fchoke. The reike up raife [like] as ane fmodie fmoke ; The trenfcheons of thair fpeiris up gois on loft,

2020 Doune gois the Knightis with ane fall unfoft ; With fpeiris ftrong lb upon breift thay beit. The fteidis wox all quhyte with fame and fweit ; Cheildis lay fcatterit in the feild fiill wyde, The bright helmis did from thair heidis glyde,

1^

BUIK FYFT. 345

The cleir fcheildis beine all in funder brill,

Knightis bcinc out of thair ladillis thrill;

The grit lleidis togidder gois with gronis,

Whill giltin ruifis rattillit all at onis,

And bukillis brekis and birneis gois to ground, •2030 Whill with the reard thair breiftis did redound.

The grite Conilabill of France regioun

That day wan mikill honour and renoune ;

He did grit worfchip to the realme of France,

For monie ane Knight he drave doun with [his] lance ;

He fairis alfe wode as lyoun in ane rage,

Whois ardant heart defyrus might not aflwage

The thrill of knightheid, governance, and name ;

For fcho was thair that maid him to efchame

Of cowardyce and of flewthfull curage ; 20*0 He did luithlie full nobill valTallage,

His knightheid fcho enforcit with hir luike.

Full Weill then provit of Bellavoy the Duike ;

For he that was right famous of thir deidis

Stronglie buire doune both Knightis and thair lleidis.

And did full valiantlie and lyke ane Knight.

Sir Charles de la Carere, bold and wicht.

Full Weill he provit, as myne Author tellis,

In fame of knightheid and chevalrie excellis.

Rycht Weill him held Sir Richard de Mayanis. 2050 The Knight Lumbard, Sir Ame de Plifance,

Sik wounderis wroght, that wounder was to fie.

Throw his grite force and magnanimitie.

And eik Sir Porrus de la Portingall

On him that day [did take] fo grite travell.

And Weill atchevit to the letter end.

The Knights of Ingland wan full grite commend.

X X

346 CLARIODUS.

And right fwa thay of Spainjie and [of] France, Thay rewlit [thair] with knightlie gdvernance. For to behold it was ane nobill fight 2060 So monie ane valiant and fo luftie Knight Into ane feild, [and] dought fo long contine. The pepill had grit pleafance them to feine. To ryn at other did thay never fine, Whill bright AppoUo waftward did declyne, And him ifi;herowdit in his mantill reid. And quhill the goldin traces of his heid Men might behold ftraught and lyneall Abone the earth, with bearaes colaterall, With ane deaureat fupperiall light

2070 Leiming the g^und ; and whill he out of light Bening defi:endit from his hemifpheire, And Lucine of the hevine had the impyre, And luftie Venus fchew hir luilie face. And let hir goldin traces out of leace, Glaiding the hevinlie ringe imperiall. And everie blythfuU ftarne celeftiall As roobie twinklit in the firmament. And quhan that nature maid impediment. And them denyit had the light of day,

2080 Thay mod neids twine. Thair is no more to lay. The King hes gevin command out of his feit, In trumpit found to blow up the retreit ; The quhilk command thay let no tyme ouerpas. The found gois furth of filver and of brafe, With fik ane noyfe, whill all the liftis rang ; Men might of mettall heir ane hevinlie fang. When all the trumpits tonit up at onis } Then fra the preis the Knightis them dilponis.

BUIK FYFT. 347

Bot or the King wold off the fkaffald difcend,

2090 He aflcit quha the honour and commend Defervit for to have of the jufting. The antient Lordis long war advyfing, Full grit commend gave to the Knightis all, And them right hie did praife univeriall. Saying, in thair tyme thay never had feine More valiant Knightis under fcheildis fcheine. Nor better provit at jufting nor tomay ; Bot mofl the laud and the triumph they lay Upon this Lord the mightie Frenche Conllabill,

•iioo And on the Duike of Bellavoy honorabill. The King difcendit from his fcaffald doune ; Kingis, Princes, and Ladies of renoune. Unto the Palice went full royallie. With the vidlorious found of minllrallie ; And everie Knight unto his ludging went. Clariodus, the Knight armipotent The Conllabill led to chalmer royallie, Quhair he alfweith unarmit was haflillie. And put on him ane goun of velvote thair,

2U0 Furrit with mertrix pretious and fair.

King Amandur led the Duike of Bellavoy To chalmer with all melodie and joy.

Be this the fupper was alreadie dicht. The fex frelch Queinis, in attyre [full] bricht, Com to the hall arrayit nobillie. And at the tabill fet with royaltie. With monie ane Ladie, Countes, and Duches, And monie grit Maiftres and Barrounes. The Kingis in ane chalmer foupit all.

2120 And all the Knightis went unto the hall.

348 ' CLARIODUS.

That war all day vnth travell fatigat ; The Lord Conflabill gritteft of eftait. And Duike of Bellavoy ane buird begane ; Syne efter thair degrie right everie man Was fet at tabill, and fervit honorabillie. Anone the trumpits blew up mirrillie, They maid grit feift with joy and melodie. Then buirdis beine [all] fervit by and by. As thay in mid is of the fupper wer,

213U Aucht Heraldis come in coat armour cleir.

And aught Knightis [full] valiant and worthie,

And afkit at the nobill companie,

Quhilk of the Knightis fould the honour have

Of the jufling and prail'e ouer [all] the leave.

In hall they had diverfe opinioun

Amongs the Kingis and Princes of renoune

What Knight Ibuld have the lawd and the honoure,

Them all thay praifit to be of grite valour ;

Bot to the Conflabill thay g^ve grit loving,

2140 And to the Duike of Bellavoy conding.

When thb was faid, Clariodus the King Sent to Meliades the Queine bening. And bade hir fend unto thir Lordis two Rewairdis fair. The meifage ftirth can go, And fchaw right as [that] ge have hard devyle. And then the lullie Queine Meliades Baid Romaryne feche unto hir of gold Ane firmaleit and chaine fair to behold ; And with fair Emayn of Bellavoy them fend,

2150 And gart ane uther Ladie with hir wend

Unto thir Lordis two. And quhen that thay Unto thair prefence com, thus can thay fay

BUIK FYFT. 349

To the Conflabill that •worthie was and wyfe,

Our Soverane Ladie Queine Meliades

Reqnyeris 30W this chaine for to refave,

As ge that at the jufting ouer the leave

That war within hes won renoune and praife :

Bot he alway that courtes was and wyfe,

Laith was the chaine for Ilk caus to relave ; 2160 Bot nevertheles he moll neidis it have,

At the requeift of Princes him about.

He thankit them and courteflie did lout,

And gave Qo] them two diamantis faire.

The Ladies kneillit with cheiris debonair.

And to the Duike of Bellavoy the firmaleit cleir

Thay have prefentit fyne on this maneir,

Saying, The luftie Queine 30W lent this gift.

He it relavit withouttin ony Ichift ;

The Queine he thankit, and gave the Ladies gent 2170 Two royall rubies bright and redolent.

Thir Lordis two hes taine thir Ladies bricht.

And to the hall them led, whair everie wight

Had loupit and up rylin from the tabill.

And enterit in ane dance lull amiabill.

Thair thankit they the Queine Meliades,

And lyne begouth the dance in humbill wayis

With thir ilk foriaid Ladies in thair hand.

Full glorious wox the feill and triumphand

Of glaid difport : bot it did not long left, 2180 The mirrie Knightis mifter had of reft.

And went to bed anone and lleipit ftill,

Whill bright Phebus fchynit ouer holt and hill.

And be [that] it was fuUie houris nyne.

Full gudlie Knightis cleir and criftallyne

350 CLARIODUS.

Enterit againe into the luflie meid

With fcheild and lance enarmit upon fleid.

And juftit all the day continuallie ;

Whairof the hie renoun and vidlorie,

As [that] myne Authors tellis for certaine,

2190 Wes gevin to the mightie Duike of Brifland, And to the Duike of Bellavoy thir two. The feift triumphall glaidlie induirit fo The tyme compleit of monethes two all out ; Grit was the joy amongis that bliffuU rout. Clariodus, the bell and nobillefl [King] That levit then efter Mars his ring, Gart make ane generall Proclamatioun In everie province of his regioun, That every vail^eand Knight [thair] under Icheild

2200 Compeir fould on ilk ane day and feild, And for his Ladies love to rin ane lance, And for the luif, and uther circumilance. The day is cumit, and eik the Knights alio. Grit was the preis that in the field can go ; Thair might be feine monie ane luflie Knight Of countries ftrange, inarmit fchyning bright Againe the face of Titan, leiming cleire Of redolent flonis pretious and deire. All Kingis, Queinis, and the Ladies fair,

2210 War fet on icaffalds plefand and preclaire, Beholding all the maner and the gyle Of everilk Knight and of his interpryie. Thair namis dar I not difcryve at all ; For of this haill world univerlall Thair beine the chofe of all [of] hie renoun Of Knightis of all fyndrie natioun.

V

BUIK FYFT. 351

The jufting was begun with triumph found,

Whill it redoundit from the cludis doun.

Knightis of Ingiand, Galice, and of Spaine, 2220 That day did not all thair deidis in vaine,

For monie ane Knight and horfe doun thay buire,

Nobillie thay provit, and did long endure ;

So did the flrong Knightis, the fuith to lay.

For monie ane fair courfe was run that day :

Bot he that beine the patron of all Knights,

The fone of Mars of bodie and of mights,

I meine Clariodus enarmit bright,

This potent Prince, as planeit calling licht,

Schynit all of ilonis and of carbunkellis deire. 22S0 As Jupiter furmounting in his Ipheir,

Or Lucifer in pairting of the night,

So all in gleime and glorious as angell bright,

He enterit in the field and that anone ;

For then all noy of his wound was gone.

His mightie ipeir he faikit in his hand.

And on his Ileid he glydit ouer the land,

And buire the Knightis from thair horfe alloft.

And on the grund maid them to fall unfoft ;

Might none refill his fixaikis of fik force, 2240 Befor his face to grund went man and horfe.

Him to behold it was ane ferlie fight.

For he was of fik ibrenth and of [fik] might ;

Right as the agill in the air at will

Devoris the terreftriall volateill.

And dantis the etheriall birdis Imall ;

So the terreftriall fame vidloriall

Ringit in him of knightlie governance.

Nocht can my pen difcryve, nor jit advance

352 CLARIODUS.

His valiant deidis nor his chevalrie,

2250 So far as might be reafoun fatiffie

Him that in French hes red this hiflorie ; To fik ane rethorik nather be laud and glorie. As unto him that did this buik compyle In French, illumining with his goldin ftyle ; And he, that did it out of French tranilait, Hes it depaint of langwage full ornate. And luilie termis richt poeticall : Bot I, the third and fecundeil of all. Can not fo meitter as thay put in profe ;

2260 Full oft I put the nettill for the rofe.

And oft the bindweid for the lillie quhyte.

The god armipotent might have delyte

To fie his knightlie fair and governance.

His hie regall vidlorious importance.

His mightie corpis ftark and unfatigat

Maid monie ane Knight to ly on face proflrat.

From lum he ftraike the helme, and fum the fcheild.

And fum he laid on groufe upon the feild.

And fum he ran doun fearilie and eik his horfe,

2270 To leive the place behuifit them on forfe. The Conflabill, that on him foUowit ay, Sik wounder had to lie the grit deray Amongs the Knightis hurling on the feild, He did huife ftill long tyme, and him beheld, . And mervellit on his Ilrenth and hie curagis, That as ane furious Jyon on them ragis. King Amandur and King Palexis, Wha fillit war of manheid and nobilnes, So Weill them held, that wounder was to tell,

2280 Full monie ane Knight befor thair lanlis fell.

BUIK F^Fr. 35S

The royall houiliold of King Philipon

So nobillie thair lanfis did difpone,

That monie ane Knight befor them jeid to grund.

Was never hard in all this card lb round

Of fairer jufting and nobiller tornament ;

For then under the ftarrie firmament

Of knightlie fame and lawd was Britan bauld,

As ^it us tellis the Chronicles auld.

So hapinit then ane Knight in fcild to be 2290 Of grite vigoure and [eik] ilremiitie.

That he in diverfe landis was vi6loure,

Feill Knightis war conqueifl be his valoure.

Of jyant corpis was this grit campioun, ■ Out throw the feild he playit the lyoun,

With mightie fpeir as Mars he did furth ryd,

Defoylseand Knightis fouUie in his pryde.

To fie his bright enarming was delyte,

Correlpondent to his corpis perfyte,

That fair it was to leuike on fike ane Knight, 2S0O Fulfillit of fik vertew and fik might,

Quhilk radious was, and redolent of hew.

Of Leflay he height Sir Leonard Perdew.

Melancholike he brunt of pure invy.

That Sir Clariodus the King worthy

So far in valiant deidis did excell ;

Quhairfor alfe wod as ony tiger fell

He fet on him with mightie lance in hand.

The nobill King him mightillie gainiland.

Thay frufchit thair fpeiris frelchlie in funder 2310 So fellounlie, to fie that it was wounder.

And quhen he faw he could him not vinous.

Then he requierit King Clariodus

S54 CLARIODUS.

Him for to draw apairt, and to aflay,

Quhilk of them two vinqueis [the] other may.

ClarioduB him grantit hes this thing.

And then withoutin ony tarying-

They drew them to ane 1yd, and hes anone

From thair fquyeris two mightie Ipeiris tone.

And raid at uther, fchortlie to conclude,

2320 Right as two dragonis that war fearce and wed ; Thair Ipeiris brake and fprang into the air, The royall Palice reardit with the rair. And fyne with all thair courage and [thair] might Thay ftrake at other with thair fwordis bright. As two wyld boaris irouflie thay faught. From both thair helmes the low geid as fyrflaugrht Throw dintis fers on [the] hard forgit fleill, Thay did aflay if it was temperit weill, Quhilk rang full loud and gave an awfull found,

2SS0 Thair brandis cleir wantoun up and doun Againes the fonis fervent beamis bright ; Unto the pepill terribill was the (ight. Thir cruell Knightis with thair feirfull cheir Rufchit on uther ay in lik maneir, Whill helmis [and] habrigis all to brift ; Out throw the fteill full faft thay [ay did] thrill. So fad llraikis thay [did] on other let, Whill both thair brandis bloodie was and wate. Sir Leonard for ire almoll grew wode,

2340 That he lb long in feight againis him ftude, And him micht not vinqueis in no maneir. In fcheith he put his fword of mikill cleir. And trowit with his vigour and his force To draw the nobill Knight from [off] his horle.

BUIK FYFT. 355

Clariodus perfavit him anono.

His fleid he ipurrit and toward him is gone,

And in his forcie armis wight and flrang,

He did the Knight out of his I'adill fVvang,

And laid him on his hors nek him before, iSoO And to the barras magrie him full fore

Him buire, and fet him doun curagious.

They cryit on height, Vive Clariodus I

The flalwart Knight full ibune on fute he wan.

He laid. Thou art ane quike devill and no man ;

For I have beine in Spaingie and Itallie,

In Denmark, Duchland, and tjirow all Gerraanie,

Jit fand I never thy peir into no land.

To blow the retreit the King gave command ;

For than Phebus had put his courfe to end, 2360 And bright Venus did in the eift afcend.

I may not tarry all the proces on ;

Kingis, Lordis, Knightis war warnit anon.

And fchortlie cled into [full] rich array.

Syne to the hall they went the neireft way j

For thair the tabillis war richlie befpred.

Then Kingis, Quenis, Duchefes them fped

Unto the deice to thair feats honorabill,

Whair thay war fervit with courfis inefiimabill ;

For to diicus thair is no man on lyve, 2370 That can the twentie pairt thairof diicry ve

The grite triumph and feifting beine and cheir,

Whair that fa monie Knightis beine in feir.

Right as the latter courfe come in the hall.

Then Heraldis in cote armours royall.

And twelf Knightis that aigit war and wyle,

Quhilk in thair tyme [richt] mikill was to, pryle.

356 CLARIODUS.

Unto the hall they ar all went in fair.

And cleirlie the opiniouns did Ipeir

Of everie Prince and Lord of grit renoun

2380 Whois was the laude for [the] conclufioun Of all the Knights that in the jufting wer, And who moft valiantlie did perleveir, And who the helme [had] conqueift and renoune ; For it the maner was in that regioun. That who at jufting or at tornament The honour wan, thair was to him prefent Ane mightie helme circulat with gold cleir, And circumferat with ftonis that war deir. They fpake of raonie [grit] and diverfe Knight,

a390 Of worthie King Palexis that was wight. And of his brother Amandur the King, And the Lord Conftabill nobill and conding. Sir Charles, Sir Porrus, Sir Ame de Plifance ; Tliay faid they beine all worthie to advance. Grite worl'chip Ipake they of the Duikis twane Of the cuntries of Bellavoy and Brilland, And of Sir Leonard de la Pardew, Whom King Clariodus out of his ladill drew. Bot King Clariodus they moft commend,

2400 And finallie they all did condifcend

To give him all the lawd and honour hie, To quhom no uther wight was (b worthie ; For thair might Knightis be of [full] grit fame, Bot nothing all to his imperiall name ; For he in grie ftude [ay] luperlative Abone all uther Knightis [fair] in lyve. In fame of Knightheid and of fortitude : Whairfor the companie did all conclude

BUIK FYFT. 517

The helme of honour to give him onlie, X-llo That pryfit beine the flour of chevalrie.

Be this was faid, aucht Virginia fair to fie.

In tracit hairis of ferlifuU bewtie.

Four of Spain^ie, and four of Galice land,

Com in the hall with countinance pleiland.

And broght with them the helme deaureat bright,

Owerfret with mightie flonis calling light.

And fet it doun before him on the tabill.

Saying to him with wordis amiabill.

Sir, be advyfe and counfall general!, 2t20 Of Kingis, Princes, Lordis, ane and all,

This aureat helme is maid for to be ^ouris.

For the grite worfchipe and the hie honouris

That ge have won with mightie Ipeir and fcheild

This day at tornay, be jufting in the feild.

Clariodus thankit the Virginis jing.

And alio he remerfit everie King,

Saying, thairto he was not dingne nor abill,

And oflferit it unto the Lord Conllabill,

Quhilk it refuifit, and lb did all the leave j 2430 For he himfelfe moft neidis it relave,

Conftrainit be the nobill Princes all.

Then he upon ane Armiger did call,

And gart ane Maifter of houlhold come him till,

Quhilk callit was Sir Henrie Gordonill,

To quhom he rounit and ordanit lecreitlie,

To have the Heraldis with him quyetlie

To his wairdrope, and thair rewaird them all.

And give them gouns of cloath of gold royall j

And bad hira give of filver and of gold 2440 To everie ane ane thoufand raerks doun told ;

358 CLARIODUS.

And to the Knights he ga.ve twelf couriers fair, [Into this worid none might with thame compair.] Richt as he bad this Lord has donne anone. Syne he commandit two fquyeris for to gone To chalmer with his helme ; and ordanit eik. That thay Ibuld take with them thir Virginis meik, And tak aught goldin chaingeis avenant. And put to everie chaine ane diamant, s

And [fyne] put [thame] about thair throttis quhyte ;

2450 The quhilk was donne, fchortlie [for] to indyte. Thir Knightis and the Heralds all in feir Enterit againe unto thair fuppeir, [^AllJ remerfing the King Clariodus, In prefence of the companie famous. The Heralds cryit Larges upon hie Of the grit gentrice and liberalitie Of the mofl hie, excellent [and] mightie Clariodus, the flour of cheralrie. Thus foupit thay with joy and mirrines ;

2460 And fyne [thay] from the tabill can them dres. And enterit in the dance full luflillie With hevinlie found of hevinlie minflrallie. Clariodus hes caulit the ilrange Knights With Ladies dance ; and fo the lidlie wichts Weill long difportit them on this maneir ; Syne Ipyce and wyne was broght with mirrie cheir, Depairting fyne the companie with joy. Clariodus full glaidlie did convoy The ftrange Knightis unto the Palice get,

2470 And gart be given to them giftis grit, Robis of iilk gudlie [and fair] to fie, With gold and lilver in grit quantitie.

BUIK FYFr. 359

Thay tuike thair leave and to thair lu|^ng8 went. At morrow as bright Phebua did up blent, Thay raid into thair cuntriea everie one. And fchew unto thair Princes thair anone Of all the feill the falTioun and the cheire, or all the juiling, alio the maneir, And of the fredome of King Clariodus,

348U And of his knightlie deidis [and] famous. The nobill Kings of Spain^ie and Galice Bad ordane thair eftaits in gudlie wayis. To pas at morrow hamwart but delay. The night ower went, and cuming was the day, The Kings did them addres in thair array. And maid them redie with all hell thay may. And thair two Queinis ; and fyne went in feir And tuike thair leire on gudlie fair maneir At Philipon [the King] and at his Queine,

2490 And fyne [anon] at his Court all bedeine. In the meine quhyll Sir Am6 de Plefance, The Knight Lumbard but longer tariance. Sir Fortun de Amouris, and nobill Sir Porrus, They fchoupe to ryd ; to quhom Clariodus Gave grite thelawre [of] riches and monie. And cloathes of gold moft plealant for to lie. And gart convoy them with fair companie Of Knights that beine [richt] nobill and worthie. Thaireftir ibune thir Kingis excellent,

2500 And eike thair Queinis, in maner reverent Thair leave hes taine at all the Court royall. At everie Lord, Ladie and damolell, Bot at Clariodus and the Lord Conflabill, Whilk them convoyit with Court moll honorabill

300 CLARIODUS.

Unto thair fchipis quhilk did on them abyde, ^Vhair mony royall gyfts on everie lyde Was gevin and taine with monie rich jewell, With cloathes of gold, that was [ane grit] mervell To be rehearfit to gow in this place.

2510 Then to the fand difcendit thay in peace, Reddie to enter all into thair fchipis, Lordis in armis each other thair beclipis. The King Clariodus, that was worth ie, Imbracit thir two Kingis tenderlie. And eik the Queinis two he kiflit ifeire, And thay in barges enterit afe the peir. And laft of all his leave tuik pitiouflie At his Father the Earle full tenderlie. He him imbracit and eik his Mother fyne,

2520 And reverentlie to them he did inclyne.

God waite thair was ane forrowfull depairting, They weipit all with teiris diftelling. And Mandonat with forrowfull effeir Hir bright vifage bedewit all with teir, Thus with hir onlie Brother to depairt. The fword of doUour did glyd throw hir heart. For to behold the %ht was dollorus. And the depairting fore and pitious, Betwix the onlie Sifter and the Brother,

2530 And more betwix the one Sone and the Mother. I will not longer tell gow of thair forrow, Anone they twynit with Saint John to borrow. And be the fameine houre the nobill King His leave hes taine with heartlie imbracing At the two Kings, and right fo at Palexis, Syne at the Earle Eftur of worthines,

BUIK FYFT. 801

And at the Queinis, and at the fair Countes, On ather fyde kneilling with hurabillnes. The guid Lord Conftabill tuike leave alio -2540 At Kingis, Queinis, Ladies ; and fyae did go To Ichipis fweith quhair fail! is went on heicht. They go to leawart as [ane] foule on flicht. Sa Weill of winde fervit them Eolus, And lb the flude temperit Neptunus, That to the land approachit thay belyve, And !nto helthfum portis did arryve ; And everilk Prince and Lord in thair degrie Ar paiTit hame in g^d prolperitie, Whair thay refavit war with [all] blythnes, •2550 And leiveit in joy and in mirrines ;

And ofttymes heartlie gr eating lent betwine To King Clariodus and to his Queine. The King Clariodus that nobill was.

King Amandour and [eik] King Palexis, The Conftabill, and all thair companie,

Returnit hamewart ar full mirrillie,

Whair that thay fand the King with his Court all

Difporting them with triumph royall ;

With joy and pleafance pat thay afe the night. 2560 And on the mom as Phebus gave the light,

The Conftabill anone did him addreie

Unto his ichipis with all biilines.

And tuike his leave at Philipon the King,

And at the Queine and at hir Ladies ging.

And at the [luftie] frefch Meliades ;

And this he did upon moft humbill wayis,

Whair monie [ane] rich gift and jewell great

Was gevin and taine, quhilk I will not repeit :

z I

362 CLARIODUS.

Bot treft je weill that wo was everie wicht

2670 For the depairting of the gentiU Knight. On horfe he hes afcendit fuddanlie. And furth he raid with all his companie. Clariodus he fand without the port Abyding him with ane [richt] luftie forte Of Kingis, Lordis, and Knights of honour j Both King Palexis and King Amandur War in the Court with all thair companie ; And furth anone thay raid full mirrallie, AVhill [that] thay com to the lea ftrandis cleir,

2580 Whair that the fchipis all [full] redie wer. The King Clariodus and the Lord Conllabill With friendlie cheir and wordis amiabill Imbracit uther they have tenderlie, And thay that lovit uther heartfuUie Uneis might hold them from weiping then for wo When that thay will they wald fra uther go, Promitting other with humanitie For evermore treuth and fidelitie ; Syne tuik thair leave at uther pitiouilie.

2590 The nobill King, that could weill courtelie, Tuike leave [then] at Sir Charles de la Careir, And at the worthie Sir Ame de Valeir, And [fyne] at the French Knightis everie one. Full monie ane Jewell of gold and pretious Hone Amongs them gevin hes the nobill King. And fyne his Coufings two, thir Princes geing, Thair leave has taine at the Lord Conllabill, Imbracing uther with wordis confortabill ; And efter that he went into his barge,

2600 Quhilk pullit up anone hir faillis large.

BUIK FYFT. a60

And ower the fluid [then] frefchlie did he fair, AUe fwift as dois the Eagill in the air ; At Calice thay arryvit efilie, And thair aU'weith [thay] tuike thair harborie. And on the morne as cleirit up the day, They all prepairit and put them on the way, And biiTellie they fped them day and night, \Vhill [that] of Parice walls thay gat ane fight ; And lb withoutin reft this Court furth raid 2G1U Straight to the Palice quhair the King abaid, And fyne dilcendit from thair horfe anone ; And the Lord Conftabill to the King is gone, And helfit him on knies full revercntlie. And he refavit him fiiU joyoullie. This Lord apairt [fyne] went with him but mo, And fchew at lenth or he wald farther go The pleafant cheir of the triumphall feift. And all the intermeifis moft and leift.

With all the grite dilport and abaitments, 2620 And of the royall jutting and tumaments,

And of the commendatiouns ane and all

Whilke war unto him fend in ipeciali.

Glaid was the King his wordis for to heir.

And bad that he fould on the fame maneir

Go fchaw the Queine the tydings delectabill.

At his command [foun] went the Lord Conllabill,

And helfit hes the Queine and hir Ladies.

Scho him refavit in ane joyfuU wayis.

He told hir all the maner mair and les, 2630 How treitit him Clariodus of nobilnes.

With all the heartlie commendatiouns

Of Kings and Princes of full great renouns ;

364 CLARIODUS.

Of quhilk fcho was [richt] joyous for to heir, And fo was all hir luftie Ladies cleir. The King for joy gart cry ane grit jufting Into the honour of his hame cuming. In mirrines and joy I leave them thus. And fpeik I will of King Clariodus. Retumit is the King Clariodus,

2640 And his two Coullngs nobill and famous, Unto the Kingis Pal ice of renoune ; And he, that was imperiall under croun, Obeyit was with fik eflait royall, That in this warld King was none mortall Whome to was donne more worfchip and honour Nor to this Prince, of chevalrie the flour ; And this was donne ower all Britane I'o braid.

When he aught days thair Ibjornay had maid, He for his four Maiilers of houihold fend,

2650 And them he hes commandit then to wend. And ordain richlie for his hie eilate. Arraying all thing that beine pertinat For him and for his Queine Meliades, That all fould redie be on g^dlie way is Within aught dayis for to take the fea ; For he his Coulings with all royaltie Wald put in thair realmes, and them convoy And leave them thair to ring as Prince and Roy. Thir four Lordis paft [furth] without demand,

S660 And in all heafl fulfillit his command.

When all was readie as him lift devyle. He tuike his leave, and eik Meliades, At Philipon the King, and eik the Queine, And prayit God thair keiper for to heme

BUIK FYFT. aw

Into the realme whill thair againo cunning'.

And he anone hes taine in hand this thing.

Kuig Amandur and eik King Palexis

Thair leave hes taine with all grit humhilnes

At King and Queine, and all thair conipanie, 2670 And on thair horfis afcendit royallie,

With more triumph nor I can 50W defyne ;

And thay anone raid to the port marine.

And thair anone went to thair i'chips ifeir ;

Bright was the hevin and Phebus ibhyning cleir.

Thay raiiit faillis bent unto the height.

And fuire ower fluide as falcon fair on flicht ;

And in fyve dayis, as Dame Fortoun wald.

Toward the land [full] luftilie thay hald.

And faiffe arryvit into Garnet land, 2680 And into ane toun callit Varrogand.

The Thrie Ellaitis of that regioun

Full gloriouflie them met with trumpit Ibund,

Ajid with ane nobill and luilie companie

Them all [out] throw the cuntries fair thay gy,

Whill thay com into the toun of Durant.

The tounfchip thair with raaner richt plilant,

Met them with found of diverfe inftruments.

With intermeifis and blyth abaitments.

In Palice regall, with feift and grit honour, 2690 Anon refavit was King Amandur,

And thair as Lord thay maid to him homage :

Thus Fortoune hes him fet in full hie llage.

The King, quhilk had reGgnit him the croun.

Was then profeft into religioun.

Ane moneth out thay fojornit in that land

In feiftuall joy and pleaiance triumphand.

S66 CLARIODUS.

And fyne Clariodus his leave hes taine.

And eike Meliades his Ibverane,

At Araandur and Donas eik his Queine, 2700 So did Palexis and luftie Cadar fcheine :

Bot nevertheles they haive done thame convoy

Unto the fea ; bot thair was litill joy ;

At thair depairting pitie was to tell.

^Vhan thay had done full long in armis duell,

King Amandur and eik his luflie Queine Hame to thair Palice againe returnit beine,

Whair thay full long did leive in joy and blis,

Joyiing the realme in peace as thay Avald wis. The King Clariodus and his companie 2710 In Ichippis enterit hes, and fuddanlie

They drew up laillis and ouer the wavis I'chare. They glyde anone alle iwift as onie fyre, And day and night thay Ibjorne not nor reft ; Bot furth thay held ower fluid with iaillis prell, Whill towards Caftal^ie Eolus them draveit, Whtur thay ftruik laill and fuddenlie aryvit ; And IJTie on horfe full royallie afcendit. The Lordis of the land on them dependit, And throw the cuntrie them convoyit with honour. 2720 And he that was the realmes governour, He met them in the toun of Gandaleyis, And feiftit them on [the] moft gudlie wayis. On morrow furth thay raid with royaltie Unto the principall toun of Caftaljie, Quhilk callit was the toun of fair Vallance. They enterit in the Palice of pliiance, Whair that the antient King did them relave, Both Lord and Barroun, Knight, and all the leave,

BUIK FYFT. 9m

Them welcoming and feifling with great cheir,

S7S0 And to them gart be maid ane grit denneir. Thair courfis all to tell 30W it wald cumer, Thair intermeiiis ib war out of number. When thay had dynit, the King of grit renoun In both his handis he tuike his royall croun, And put it on Palexis heid richt thair Befor the companie condigne and fair, In his rob royall all'e he did him veil j Syne King of all his realme [he] him pofleft ; And he him felf of heigh devotioun

•2740 Anone did enter into religioun.

Thay Ibjomit ftill with plealant abaitments. With feifting, jufting, and with tornaments, WTiill [[that] fex oulkis war out worne ilk day ; Syne tuik thair leave withoutin more delay. Palexis them convoyit to the fea, Bot the depairting pitioufe was trewlie Betwix him and his Eame Clariodus. To twin with other thay war dolorus. The quhilk never twinit for weill nor wo,

2750 Uneis thay might depairt utheris fro.

On everie iyd they tuik Saint Johne to borrow Agane to meit, quhilk levit hes thair forrow. Ather did uther imbrace and laid Adew. This King Palexis hameward did perlew, Unto his Palice into fair Vallance, And with his Queine thair levit in plifance. The land he rewlit as ony wald devyfe, And keipit it in peace and in jullice. When that the nobill King Clariodus

2760 Now fchipit beine and all [his] Court famous,

368 CLARIODUS.

In Irland thay did fuddanlie anyve, And thair on horfe afcendit they belyve, And throw the toune of Gargaly [thay] raid, Ane fair village, with wallis heigh and braid, Whair two mightie Duikis of that regioun. With diverfe utheris Lordis of renoune, Him met, and to the toun him did convoy Full plilantlie, with honour and with joy, And him refavit in ane Palice fair,

2770 And royallie that night him feiftit thair ;

And as thair King thay made to him fewtie. And Iwore to him the aith of fidelitie. Alle fone as he the morrow did efpy To horfe he went, and all his company. And raid out throw the cuntrie at his will, Whill he com to the toun of Marmavill, Surmunting all the tounis of Irland, Whair that the auld King was [as git] livand. He enterit at the ports of the toim,

2780 Quhilk was arrayit of ane rich falToun. The ftreitis fiintit war full royallie With arras and with illkis moft mightie, The minftrells playit on diverfe inftruments; Full monie fports and monie abaitments Devyfit war before liim on the ftreit. And full of joy was all the toun repleit ; The mirrie found of trumpits did out thring. And all at onis did the bellis ring ; Tlie tounfchip met him in thair bell array,

2790 Him doing all the honour that thay may. He enterit in the kirk fiill royallie, And thair he lightit and hie fair Ladie ;

BuiK FYrr. aflg

And (luhen [that] they had maid ane orifoun, [And niels was ilngin with an hevinlic found,] Unto the kirk he liverit grit thefawre ; Syne to the Palice raid with grit honour, And thair anone from horfe they did difcend. And uj) the gries unto the hall they wend, Whair that the antient King into ane chyre

2800 Was borne with Knightis them abyding thair, Whilk grevit was with age, and febillit lb That he might not into thair meiting go ; To quhome the King Clariodus is gone. And heartillie in armis hes him tone. Thir King^s two imbraicit uther thair With plelant wordis that war fweit and fair. Now am I glaid, this aigit King can fay. My deirreft Nevoy that lie now I may Within Tny realme in fik prolperitie,

2810 I cair not now quhidder I leive or die.

Then oflF his heid he tuike his croun pretious, And with it crounit King Clariodus, And to him did refign his regioun.

When of this thing was maid concluliouu. His chyre to chalmer was borne royallie ; The fyd of it buire two Duiks honorabillie, The uther fyde Clariodus the King Up buire, and fo to chalmer did him bring. And on his bed him let [then] full foftlie.

2820 Then King Clariodus full courtellie

Tuike leave as then, and to the hall is gone, [Whair that the dinner readie was anone.] Grite was the feill, and pleafant was the cheir Within that hall of diverfe courfis ieir.

3 A

370 CLARIODUS.

When thay had dynit and ryfin from [the] tabill, Lordis begouth and Ladies dele6labill To dance anone, and minftrells gane to play. The portis oppinit war, the liiith to fay, And thairin enterit everie luftie wight,

2830 That lift to dance, to ling, or to have fight Of that glaid feill, lurmunting in pleiknce. And everie wight maid plelant countinance At the cuming of thair new Prince and King ; For long and play the long hall [all] did ring. The feift was great and leftit intcirlie Ane monethes (pace, it leftit larglie With glaid difport, jufting and tornament.

Clariodus the King moft excellent Of Lordis he had diverfe mariagis,

2840 For to inforce with Irland his linagis. He maryit thair the fex Virginis cleir, Tliat winit with the Ladie de la Careir, With potent Lordis of Irland cuntrie. That nobilleft war and griteft of degrie ; And Roniarj'n he wadit honorabillie Upon ane Count of Irland right mightie ; Sir Giljeam de la Forreft he mariet alfo. And Sir Richard de Mayanis they two With two grit Countefles of that cuntrie,

2850 With all the feiftis and grit royaltie ; And f)Tiit war the mariagis all With jufting and with tornament royall. When he fex monthis had maid fojorning. And was obeyit both with auld and ging, And conqueift all the heartis of that land. Then under him he maid ane Livetenand ;

BUIK FYFT. 371

Syne he his leave hes taine at the [auld] King, Wha was Ibrrowfull at his depairting. Diverle Lordis and Ladies of renoun, 2860 He tuike with hira to Inglands regioun.

When he his leave had taine at everie wight, Then to the fea he fchortlie hes him dight ; Heralds g^eatlie of gold and of money He left behind him into that cuntrie ; Syne with his Court he raid out throw the toun With found of trumpit and of clarioun. Convoyit him to iea his Luiftenand. And quhen thay war difcendit to the flrand, Firft at the King he tuike his regiment, 2870 And lyne he tuike his leave and hamewart went Unto the King with commendatioune From King Clariodus of grit renoune, Saying, that Ibune againe he Ibuld returne. And longer then into the land Ibjorne. Blyth was the King to heir of his rehearle. Up gois the faillis preifit in the male

Of all the fchipis of JKing Clariodus, Whilk be fupport of the god Eolus,

And be the help of him and lord Neptune, 2880 Thay war aryvit in the cuntrie foune. Thus quhen Clariodus arryvit beine.

Both he and eik Meliades his Queine,

Went to the land with all thair companie.

And on thair horfe afcendit royallie.

And throw the cuntrie raid with Court royall.

The tyding ran out throw the cuntrie haill

Of thair hame cuming, both to more and les ;

And unto Belvell firfl thay can them dreti,

372 CLARIODUS.

And thair they hard how that the King anone, 2890 And eik his Queine, war in relig-ioun gone, Nocht fra the toun two mylls in ane Abay, To quhilk they did returne but more delay ; And thair this nobill Prince [hes] lichtit doun, And eik his Queine Meliades of renoune, And enterit in the Abay in feir. This auntient King and Queine advertifl war Of thair cuming, and com in thair meiting. They helfit uther with tender irabracing, And kifllt uther on ane freindlie wayis. 2900 And quhen the King and Queine Meliades

Had commoned long with them on this maneir, He tuike his leave, fo did this Ladic cleir, And faid thay wold againe right oft returne. When thay had long tyme maid with them ibjorne. On horfe thay have alcendit, and furth raid Unto Bellvilladoun but [mair] abaid, Whair all the piple him met with trumpit found, Crying, Welcum our Prince of moft renoune, Uneis for throng he might thring in the ftreit, 2910 All circumftance I omit to repeit. Then at the Palice portis of renoune. He and his royall Court all lightit doun. And unto hall afcendit, and that anone, Whair he refiivit Lordis monie one. That wounder glaid was of his bame cuming. For thay him lovit ouer all uther thing. The Lordis of Irland, that war with the King, Seing the joy maid at his hame cuming, And how he was lovit in his cuntrie, 2920 Thay thoght in happie tyme cholen was he

BUIK FYFT. .r/a

To be thair King and alfe thair jfovernoiir,

Whilk of this world was Prince of mofl honour.

The King g^rt inak ane Proclamatioun,

And fend Heralds in everie regioun,

That thay, that wold renoun in armis win,

Sould ichaw, and thair ane tornament begine

In the realme of Ingland on fik ane day ;

And quha delyrit knightlic to aflay

His nobill deidis, thair foiild he fervit be. 2930 And foune the tyding fprang in ilk cnntrie,

Of quhilk the King of France was blyth to heir,

And all his Court both Lord and Bacheleir. So happinit quhen the Heralds com to France,

The Lord Conftabill with royall ordinance

Was makand war furth into far cuntrie ;

Whairfor the King, full valiand of buntic,

Send threttie Knightis to the tornament

In right knightlie and fair abuilgement,

Led be the Knightis thrie of nobill fame, 2940 The firft Sir Charles de la Careir to name.

The fecund was Sir Charles de la Valeir,

The third Sir John was de la Barneir. Thir threttie Knightis war fo diligent,

That two dayis befor the tornament

They com to prefence of King Clariodus,

That glaid was of thair cuming and joyous.

Then fpeirit he of the King, and how he fuire,

Thair fpeirit he of the Queine of luftie figure.

Then how the Conftabill did eik afltit he. 2950 They faid all war in gud profperitie,

And that both King and Queine did them c-oniniond,

And heartlie greating to his Hienes lend ;

374 CLARIODUS.

And laid the Conllabill in Bethingham is went.

With men of weir at the commandiment

Of the nobill King, quhilk chargit him fo.

Then was the King Clariodus full wo

That he not cumin was with them, for he

Him lovit for his wit and his buntie.

Quhen thay had fpokin long upon this wayis,

2960 He bad them pas to Queine Meliades, And {chew to hir the novelties of France. Two Knightis them convoyit with plelance Unto the Queine, quhom thay full courteflie Helilt, and everie thing did ipecifie To hir as thay did to the King before. And fcho, that was of bewtie fo decora, Glaid was to heir of the prolperitie Of the gude King of France and his meingie. And of the Queine that was lb honorabill,

2970 And of hir Ladies fair and amiabill. In chalmer war thay put for to recray. Syne efter war in joyis all the day.

Upon the mome, from monie far cuntrie Com monie ane Lord and Knight of grit buntie. King Amandur, and eik King Palexis, Hes Knightis lent of full grit nobilnes. The King of Spain;;e and [the] Earle Ellur Send luftie Knightis of [full] grit valoure. The Count of Glocefter, with fair meingie,

2980 Cumin is from the cuntrie of Spaingie, Not with Clariodus git leine is he ; For quhan he was into Spainge cuntrie. This nobil Count of manlie eflfeiris Upon the Sarafeinis lay at the weiris.

BUIK FYFT. 375

So monie Lords and Knights is gntherit thair,

That fillit was the royall Palice fair.

What is thair more to tellin of this thing,

When cumin was the day of thair jufting,

The Knightis com all armit in the feild, 2990 Whair thair devoir they did with fpeir and fcheild,

That grit plifance it was them for to fie.

The Ladies lat upon fkaffaldis hie.

Anone the trumpits blew ane mirrie tune.

And fo with lancis did the Knightis June ;

Both heir and thair to grund gois horle and man,

The earth dinnit as thay togidder ran :

Bot all the nobillefl King Clariodus,

The floure of knightheid, fearce and chevalrus,

Inarmit Ichyning as ane angell cleir, 3000 Sik wounderis wroght that ferlie was to heir ;

From fum he flraike the helme and Hun the icheild.

Sum men and hoi's he dryres doun in feild

Throw his grit vigour and ftrenuitie,

Quhilk was in deids of arms ane A per I'e,

Might none him ather gainlland nor abid ;

Whairfor in feild thay maid him roum to ryd.

Full long the jufting induirit on this wayis,

The Knightis all war nobill for to pryle,

In all the feild was naine of them that feinges ; 3010 Full loud the heralds cryit thair ancheinjeis

Of all thir Lordis worthie and famous.

Heraldis eik of King Clariodus,

With voices cryit, Elu count a la bell !

And he, that lb in knightheid did excell. In feild that day hes conqueifl fik renoune,

That it was hard in everie r^oun

376 CLARIODUS.

Of his vidlorious deidis triuinphall, Whairthrow his honour did fo far excell ; Ower all the world quhile that he was on lyve SOao His knightheid ran in grie luperlative. This tornay duirit quhile the bliffull liin His courfe diurnall had compleitlie run. And did his purpur vilage all fcheroud In the Occident under the noxiall elude. And quhill that Venus I'chew hir crilUll light ; Then from the feild they go for fait of fight. Ane moneth out did left this [grit] tornay. That the Knights did him counter day be day ; Bot King

A LIST OF CONJECTURAL EMENDATIONS ADOPTED IN THE TEXT, TOGETHER WITH THE READINGS OF THE MANUSCRIPT.

Thejirst Reading ia the Emendation, the second that of the MS.

P. 2, 1. 41, lonndis — loond

3, 53, ging — 3onng 77, baire — buire

5, 118, unermit — enermit 121, and bade — abade 124, him till attend — attend

him till

6, 158, sonc — some 161, boning -^ being 170, it -^ ia

7, 180, ging — goung 182, Whill — Will 194, uterance — uternanoe

8, 213, unfengitlie — unfegitlie 218, this — thu« 229, not — it not

10, 280, gow — to 286, thus — this 300, nor — nor I 304, conforme — confirme

12, 344, de Beaulieu ffrom the French copy) — Oeam 345, Leonet de Mortemer

(froni the French copy) — Leoiier 345, Beaafort (from the French copy) — Beamfort 346, Roye (from the French copy) — Koche

13, 383, to — into

14, 425, poynt — poyntf

15, 433, Ane — And

16, 483, fellounlie — felloun

17, 524, quhile — quhen

18, 54(', For — Bot 558, resavit war — war resarit 559, than thay geid can

thay pase

19, 581, Bonne — Bunde

20, 604, is — as 613, eike — bricht 617, befome — before

21, 626, was — ws 647, wend — gone 654, wonder — wonderlie

22, 667, it waxit — wax

23, 691, into bir hart can sinke — in hir hart sinkis 702, Beaalieo (from the French

copy) — Bealme 703, Leyon Dormal (from the French copy) — Gawin Domall 703, Beaufort (from theFrench copy) — Beamefort 707, Amador de Brusland (from Uie Fretich copy) — Amandor de Bmland

24, 725, dinnit — dimmit 726, Then all abune — The a bune 728, unioft — Bn-

fost 732, sink — seik 750, well, — weill 28, 861, Galice (from the French copy) — Calice

30, 940, Galice (from the French copy) — Calice

31, 959, upon — on

32, 987, in — in that 991, whill — will

33, 1019, was — ware 1034, Into — In

84, 1043, me call — call me 1053, Guy de la Riviere (from the French copy) — Sir delaZeipin 1057, them — the 1059, Halsand— This havand 1068, snp and — sapper and to

35) 1077, presence — presence to 1082, thus — this 1090, cnrain — cum 1095, allswyth brings into his presence — in presence of him bringis.

3b

2 EMENDATIONS.

P.36,1. 1105, palace — place 1107, knichtis — kniclit 1117, Therefor — SayU for 1126, knichtU — knicht 1131, him into their — in

37, 1 144, sane — 8e

38, 1173, ordai nance — ordaining 1 187, hir command — him commend

39, 1212, Mtt.\&nce (from the French c<pi/ J — la Main 1215, here — he

40, 1246, besyd — besynd 1258, do — so 1260, do — be

41, 1273, thus— long 1285, Thay— That 1286, thir- thair 1293, this —

his

42, 1307, hyne — thyne 1038, wounderfullie — wounderfull

43, 1333, in — on 1360, him — them

46, 1441, to beddis for to — into beddis they 1450, consings — cousing

47, 1465, say — sey 1470, assent — ascent 1481, Scho — And

48, 1500, warldis — warld 1514, pray — -'prayis

52, 26, sent — went

53, 54, feinds — feind

64, 83, gare — have 88, heartfullie — hearfnllie 91, he — I

56, 149, him — them passit 160, With — Wit 164, could neer devall — did

wther deife

57, 207, befor sumtbing — sumthing befor 208, war — war snmthing

59, 251, plane — place

60, 276, attire — ottrie

61, 319, schortlie — schortlie to 328, he— scho 332, thus — this

62, 347, alone — aleane

63, 388, withoutin — without

64, 425, diamand — diamond 426, illnminand — illuminat 433, varlot — war to

65, 445, hir — quhair 448, Greatlie — Great

67, 504, for — at 511, aneth — abone 525, sa great — for great pitie 526,

snithlie — s^eithlie

68, 536, dissimulance — dissimnlant 544, Within — With

69, 578, scho — scho did 584, humbillie — bissilie

70, 596, was — war 597, war — was 610, ofl — of 620, dwell — dwell ower love

72, 681, waiking — walking

73, 710, waris — was

74, 751, bearis — boaris

75, 755, whill — will

76, 802, de la Mere (from the French copy) — Lamoorenx

77, 849, devest — dewaist 850, bed he ^eid, him for — bodie he did him 7^ 858, he — him 860, him — he 868, thay — that

79, 885, Lucent — Intent

80, 939, squyeris — knicht 943, Pennent — Tennent

81, 948, unearmit — enearmit

82, 979, cumin — cum

83, 1017, withoutiu — without 1028, withoutin — without 1033, Thus — This

1037, vouchsafe — witchchafe

84, 1043, sail — sail sail 1060, sail — sail yon 1063, that we thus — we 1066,

is — is from

85, 1 105, Pennent — Tennent

86, 1124, they — the

87, 1145, mane — mone 1156, so — no

88, 1192, his fellowis — his his fellow 1195, firmance — prissonn

89, 1219, had — had thus 1232, gone — went 91, 1284, thay — day

93, 1340, main — man

95, 1400, rewthfull — trewthfnll 1404, to gar men — and to gnr 1408, Pen- nent— Tennent 1412, thus — this 1413, Seing — Saying 97, 1478, attentivlie — autentiklie

EMENDATIONS. 9

P. 98. 1. 1518, felow — felo 1521, Knichtit — Knicht

99, 1541, ging — ^oung 1547, him — not

101, 1617, then deli verit — them diicoverit 1618, then — them I G 1 8, hall — baill

102, 1635, roiiMtrellie — inttrumeuta

103, 1660, That ever — Than nor

104, 1 702, richt — richt great

105, 1721, in — inane 1728, hir — hi* 1733, maid — raadine

106, 1 750, Thas — This 176 1 , sang — gong

108, 1811, oft — efter 1831, bring — bricht

109, 1853, he — scho

110, 1 893, resarein — resave 1894, glaidening — glaidne*

111, 1011, hamewart — hame 1920, Wai — Was was 1920, this — thus 1927,

Unto — Into lis, 8, was — war

114, 19, And — And for

115, 52, Carados — Claradus 52, by — by the 62, spargit — spnngit 71, List

— List me

116, 85, beteach — betaucht 89, demane — demand 98, nicht — knicht 101, eve

— evine 1 1 2, sorrowfull — sorro wfuUie

117, 115, mundane — mundand 117, with wirdis of — of wirdis with 128, if —

if ever

118, 160, amiabill — and nnabill

119, 182, tharae — tharae two 186, gndlieheid — ladieheid

120, 234, dolouris — dolour

122, 278, barrnet — barrent 282, Bruland Cfrom the French copy J — heichsnm

123, 308, Frensch — fresch

124, 351, speiris — speir 356, unto the — to 369, wod — bold

125, 378, micht — bricht 379, he — thay 388, Quick — Quhilk 394, That — And

126, 407, he — thay 409, Carados — Clariodns 423, home to — at home in

127, 435, Richt — Nocht 444, thair — thair thair 456, An war it anents — All

war it never anents 458, haistining — haistillie

128, 467, That scho be taine — Be taine with thame 468, thus — this 478, This

— Thus 478, Thus — This 492, Thus — This

129, 502, breath — haudis 506, warldis — warld 508, echeve — acheve 524,

from — for

130, 551, withoutin — without

135, 691, withoutin — without 716, hir — his

136, 725, rent — rent and to rent 746, am — am I

137, 757, Be — The 757, rebute — rebnike 758, wonit — winit 765, cloathis

— cloath

138, 799, unto- to

139, 824, maid — madine 836, sche — scho 842, maid — madine

140, 859, maid — madine 860, theron hes laid — syne hes land

141, 892, heart — heart scho

142, 932, With — Then

143, 955, collourit — coUonris

144, 992, did behold — beheld

145, 1013, thaim hir — hir thair 1037, Turkii — Tnrke 140, 1044, among — upon

147, 1077, he — him 1082, And syne unto — Syne to 1096, enarmit — armit

148, 1123, thus — thus thus 1124, didryd — ryding 131, none — naine 1136,

important — impotent

149, 1 149, and ferlie deir — that ferlie 1 152, maire — more 1 163, Jea — 3e 153, 1269, Thus — This 1282, Syne thesawre gart in full ^it quantitie — Syne

thesawre gart or he went 1283, Deliver unto him before he went — Deliver he gart to him in full grit quantitie

4 EMENDATIONS.

P. 155, 1. 1346, snmthing — ramthing I 1354, maire — more

156, 1389, he — he hes

157, 1409, unknawin— unadiawin 1419, In — I 1422, fall oft — of 1423, bewtie

and vertew — vertew and bewtie 1425, certes — certs

158, 1450, aquantance — quantance

159, 1466, a sore — for 1482, passit — pas

160, 1492, bring — brocht

161, 1535, maire — more 1546, aflFrayd — affrait

162, 1564, ciimpanie — cnmpanie now

163, 1593, his — thy 1594, sichis — sich 1601, oft bad him — bad him oft 1605,

thame — and 1607, In this kinrick, both — Bot to

164, 1619, al way — alwayis 1638, thus — this

167, 1718, daith — baith 1740, cryed — cryet 1745, his — this

168, 1750, than — thair 1776, than commandit — thay command

169, 1810, sadest — sad

170, 1818, enter- enter in tbia 1832, langer — laogonr 1840, sail- sail sail

1842, baith the — with ^ow J 7 1 , 1 854, cryed — cry it

173, 1913, alway — away 1932, and nicht away did drire — the nicht away drave 175, 1992, What — With 177, 2044, sterve — stryve 2048, Sweit Sir, scho said, the cause of your dolour —

Sweit Sir, scho said, Pleise Qe reveale ^our hevines 2049, Please ge

reveale; sould it ^ow not displease— If it tould ^ow not displease

2057, Thaircfter— Thairfor

182, 2210, Nane sail — Sail nane

183, 22 1 9, thanks — hearts

186, 231 1, scho was — that scho

187, 2361, Unto — To 2362, in all — all in

188, 2393, was all the denner— all the denner was 2396, ant — ane richt 2403,

to — unto 190, 2442, thus — this

192, 31, than — that S3, Whan that — Whair thay 37, than — that 47, unto — to

193, 56, with joy — him did 65, scho rose — so ryse

195, 121, behuifit — bekuifit for 125, passit — past 140, Than — That

196, 149, The — This

1 98, 242, Then — They 242, that — thay

199, 245, Whais palfray with the goldin taill and mene — Whais gudlie palfray

with golden mone 246, Was with them led, qnhite as the snow and scbene — With them was with them led quhich scbeine 272, Meliades — Meliades and

200, 294, And to resave it — It to resare 297, Scho said — Ha 298, May it

not — I may

201, 324, As — And 327, to — onto

202, 342, disporte — sporte

203, 390, 391, transposed in the MS.

204, 433, costlie — mikill

205, 447, sang, and playit — song and play

206, 475, refuge — releifeit 495, nnto — to 495, also — anone 498, roiees —

Toice

207, 510, hnmbillie — hiimbill 516, of the finest gold — gudlie to behold.

208, 551, Upon ane chariot sat — The ane upon ane chariot

209, 580, and the — all and 593, passit — past

210, 596, apeiris — apeirit 606, And — So 611, ge — ge doe 618, unto — to

615, Esturs — Esture

211, 641, lie — thay 649, withoutin — without

EMENDATIONS. S

P. Hi, 1. 671, prinoune — p«rionne 685, that — thlt

813, 695, lervice — tervitoorit 097, wvr — or

814, 733, Tertew — vei-tew het 742, all - - all uther 747, lo whom — Whom in

750, fond — fnnd nether

815, 755, d'mtressi* — dittret 768, our — ^oiir 777, tend — lent 781 Thu

This 786, Aqueiitit — And quentit

816, 788, with —of 791, thair — thay 809, Then — All 816, wordi — word

817, 825, the — than 834, upon — on 837, upon — on

818, 863, upon the juKting — l>cfore the muiitering

819, 884, they — he 894, unto — to 902, upon — on 906, rather — rather have

9U7, Ane speir ba<re run all right and under icheild — Ane tpeir rine right ane ipeir under scheild

820, 925, did «.iy — said 942, quhyt and reid — reid and quhyt

221, 949, newlie — new 951, as — as was. 953, A Ise quhyt aa snow — of snow

alse quhyt 960, as — as bricht 969, all into — in

222, 1003, inannit — armit

223, 1020, knightlie — knight 1024, wote — wait

884, 1070, beislix small — small heists 1071, evaid — avoide

225, 1075, thraw — throw 1081, in — on 1098, Than — That 1100, samen —

same 1104, name — name raisit

886, 1125, he — he beine 1127, beine — be 1134, Thus — This

888, 1171, passit — past 1188, beamis — streamis

889, 1215, minstrelly — minstrellis 1228, Bot — Bot onlie 830, 1240, Eslur — Estur he 1248, bricht — licht

231, 1274, taike — tuike 1279, passit — past 1291, We — And 1292, Sirs — Sir 834, 1378, mocht — micht 1384, that — at

235, 1395, Clariodus — Clariodus, scho said. 1399, said be — thocht^e 1480, that

it man be so — so that it man be 1426, tornament it might — toma- menting it might gow.

236, 1448, unto — into

238, 1495, then — they 1497, painis — pane 1499, they dance — dansit

239, 1524, ane — me 1531, desyreit — itdesyre 1540, ging — go 1548, pik — sik

1549, for — heir

240, 1564, into — in 1569, 1570, tranxposed in the MS. 1571, pleasance — plea-

sonre 1578, Thir — This l.>78, ordanit — ordanitbehim

241, 1606, unto — to 1608, holte — hoipe 1615, sighte — nighte

242, 1628, with — with ane 1644, goldin— gold 1644, finger — thinger 1646,

And — Him

243, 1650, they — the 1680, do ^e — ^e do 1681, hade be — he hade

244, 1700, ging — goung

245, 1745, tbairfor — for 1746, chose — chosen

246, 1759, and gentill Knight — and Ladie eik 1760, Hes — Is 1776, then — them 847, 1787, That — Then 1789,againe — againis 1791,deir — dea 1810, Si jesnis

tousjours a Madame (from the French copy) — Serris coralionges am«- damem.

248, 1816, ane — ane mirrie 1833, they — the

249, 1864, Ontower — Ower 1865, Thay gow desyre — He gow desyris

250, 1881, qnhen ever that — erer quhen 1893, then awfullie did — did throw aw-

tullie 1894, occupyed — occupyit 1698, oft — of

251, 1908, Counts wes — Counteses 1909, then drew aparte — drew aparte then

1929, hombill — humblie 1933, as— he said, as

852, 1946, unto — to. 1953, thairnnto — thairto. 1960, measourii — meaaonre

853, 1989, worldis— world

854, 2028, humblie — humbill

255, 2053, all was fair and well — as they did trarell

856, 2085, dicbt — thike 2092, lansit — lousit 2095, leivis — loreria

857, 2113, mater — maner 2118, tor elie — sore

3c

0 EMENDATIONS.

P. 258, 1. 2144, resistence — residence. 2148, with all his heart — as I heard gay 2152, upon — on.

259, 2163, passit — past 2172, then— is 2175, prise— praise 2192, can— can

lie 2194, spcaic did — spake

260, 2221, The — That the

261, 2245, thir — this 2253, unto — to

262, 2276, Whair— Whairfor

263, 2:293, was this — this »vas the

264, 2331, day— and 2335, freschest — fresch 2336, freschest — fresch

265, 2361, Into— In 2362, thus— this 2383, himself — him

266, 2395, into — in 2403, upon — on

267, 2420, to him of— unto him of all

269, 2492, companie — companienow 2494, then is left — left is 2505, we — tow

2514, thus — this

270, 2519, their — the 2527, goldin coupis — coupis gold 2533, Of — To 2535,

their gaitis they — tiie gnitis 2536, taine — taikine 2540, into — in

271, 2555, sche — scho 2561, presence — presents 2567, said — sad 2577, did

them convoy — them convoyit

272, 2582, at — that 2588, commending — commending them 2609, his — his his

273, 2612, To — And 2618, unto — to

274, 2672, heartUlie — hir tenderlie

275, 2693, lies — heine

276, 2748, Glaidin — Glaid 2757, into — in

278, 2802, them — then 2804, than — thay 2813, derysit — devysing 2814,

Lordis — Uuikis 2SI6, uther — wyse 2817, upon — on

279, 2823, gone — gaine 2826, into — unto 2846, heralds — herald 2848, to —

to call and

281, S, up<in — on 6, passit — past

282, 1 1, send — sent 20, knightheid — knightheid the 29, Prince — Princes 30,

upon — on

283, 46, into — in 49, with — with ane 60, Troy — Troy of 65, Polinices —

Polimus

284, 86, Lucreis — Lncrew 91, Dido — Pido 96, Orphias — Orthins

285, 118, into — in 124, stentit — stintit 131, of France full mightie — fnirmightie

of France

286, 163, gait ward — gaitward, and 163, tone — taine.

287, 171, passit — past 176, unto the toun they go — to the toun they went 186,

upon — on 196, Whair that — Whairwith

28S, 202, syne — syne he 226, nor — nor for my

289, 239, pleasis — please 264, King — King, he said,

290, 278, lyde — synde 296, upon — on

29 1 , 297, eye — eyes 325, Lordis — Lord

292, 341,kneillit — kneilling 353, thus — this

293, 375, long — long hade 376, Whilk — What 381,lea8our— leasour thay 388,

thairupon — on 294), 401, wis — wist 395, 431, and — and to 446, neance — leising

296, 467, the — the Lord 468, gane- went 471, The — And 477, He— I

485, to — unto

297, 495,1 — ge 490, into — in 511, certes — certs

298, 522, he — I

299, 554, upon — on 561, scheine — schyne 562, thus unto — this to 566, sche

— scho 576, hir — hir bewtiu and 577, leavis — leave hes

300, 600, tumay— taray 604, Thus — This 607, when — whill 608, bissielie

— bissie 613, Ane — . And

301, 624, Into — in

EMENDATIONS. 7

P.S02, 1. 659, Sir, richt weill fairo he — he faire richt weill 660, I — And 666, ami- abill — nmnbill 671, vrayit — way 673, in — into 303, 686, pure — floiiro 30+. 719, With — Of 7-M, Tlie— Of

305, 752, raisit — araisit 758, baith full lustie — fair to lie 771, ConttabiU

Constabill went 774, garrit — ifart

306, 793, to — to King 801, Thu» — Thii 807, wyfi« — wyfe

307, 809, Thus — This

308, 843, was — was all 851, Quhill — Quhilk 855, cum — cuinit 856, belsit

helsit bes 865, tu — unto 866, upon — on 872, mivchance — chance

309, 873, for — for in 877, of— of all 883, Thus — This

310, 905, Thai refittr — Thayrfore 905, doune licht — licht doane 928, qnhalpis,

I ingage — as qnhalpis craigis 929, into — in

311, 939, thair handis — hand 947, upon — on 955, plesance — pleawnre 958,

For — Of 959, to — to be 965, far — fair

312, 980, heralds — herald 987, it — within 991, into — in 991, triumphall

triumphe

313, 1018, did kid — led 1032, Duches — Dnchesis

314, 1042, anoong them went — went them among 1056, the leare will tell 30W till

— retume againc I tell

315, 1072, eternall — ternall 1090, schnpe — schip

SI6, 1097, way — space 1115, suddanlie — snddanlie and

317, 1157, unto — to

318, 1175, faire — feire 1187, upon — on 1192, and — and so

319, 1200, ransoune — ransomc 1212, but ony — in but 1224, onlie thi« — this

onlie

320, 1245, might — heart 1252, upon — on 1256, skie — skyis

321, 1258, that ge — ^e that 1270, withontin — without

322, 1307, They— fie

323, 1328, untill — till 1342, And — His 1347, prisoune — persoune

324, 1370, them — them all

325, 1389, unto — to 1407, then — soune 1415, withall disport — disport withall

326, 1418,the — the Lord 1 432, 3! t — he

328, 1490, thair — thir 1491, ware — wore 1493, he — thay 1509, wound —

wound is

329, 1521, thay — thay ar 1533, toke — tuike

330, 1547, robis royafl — rob royailis 1565, Than — thair 1565, Frensche —

fresche 1574, And — As

331, 1586, was — war 1590, and — that 1597, aortolegis — sartologis 1662,

gritest — grit 1666, in — in the

332, 1609, Everilk — All ererilk 1624, loudlie — loude

333, 1642, unto — to 164«, Ciariodns — Clariod 1656, ferd — third

334, 1684, Passit — Past 1685, doubtles— befor 1690, state — place 1696, now

— new 1 702, she — he

335, 1720, he — he lies 1726, sche — scho 1727, scho had upon kir heid — upon

hir heid had scho 1728, quhyte — quhy

337, 1787, apparrall — apparrall full

338, 1818, I will— lie

339, 1840, so — to 1841, not — then 1864, for playls abail^ements — abnil^e-

ments for playis

340, 1877, persoun — persoun that

34i1, 1909, leavis — leave 1918, thay — thay war

342, 1933, Wascled in — Cled in ane 1937, and — and of 1942, grant — grantit

343, 1967, feild — land 1987, Poms — Borus

344, 2009, Thus — This 2019, behauld — behold 2017, dynnit — dymit 2017,

schoke — schuike 2020, fall unsoft — fellonn wh 2021, With — >Vit 2021, npon — on 2021, beit — beited

8 EMENDATIONS.

P. 345,1.2033, to — in 2037, governance, and name — honour, name and governance 2042, Weill then — of he 2043, thir — thair 2034, did take — tuike 846, 2063, fine — seine 2071, descendit — ascendit 2072, And — As 2086, sang — song 2087, onis — ons

347, 2096, scheildis — scheild 2111, led the Duike — the Duike led 2116, at —

to 21 18, Barrounes — Barruuns

348, 2I23> And — The 2130, Heraldis — Herald 2135, opinioun — opinionis

2143, thir — hir 2147, unto— to

349, 2177, thair — hir 2182, holt — holp 2184, and — as

350, 2190, Wes — Hes 2191, two — twa 220], and — aU

351, 2235, faikit — saikit

352, 2251, Him— He 2252, nather — ather 2253, compyle — coropleit 2260,

I — they 2265, unfatigat — unfatigabill

S5S, 2288, bauld — blaun 2309, fruschit — ruschit

354, 2318, tone— taine 2326, geid — reid 2341, not — no

355, 2374, Heraldis— Heraldis that

356, 2385, or at — ar or 2395, twane — two

357, 2428, unto — to 2430, it — it to 2433, come — call

358, 2448, everie — everie ane 2465, maneir — wayis 2469, unto — to

359, 2480, his — the 2482, ordane — ordane for

360, 2509, in — into 2524, teir — teiris 2525, Thus — That 2526, glyd — glyd

out

361, 2541, achipis — schnpis 2552, his — his lustie 2556, hamewart — haraewar

2557, his Court all — Court royall 2562, his — thair 2562, all — all his 2564, ging — fair

362, S571, snddanlie — and everie wight

363, 2609, withoutin — without

364, 2630, then — them 265 1 , ordain — ordant

365, 2665, againe — gaine 2677, wald — wold 2680, into — in 2685, into — to

2692, Thus — This 386, 2718, land — land hes

367, 273 1 , 30W — 30W now

368, 2765, Whair— War 2785, streit — streits

369, 2795, liverit — enterit 2815, royallie — honorabillie

370, 2826, Lordis— Lord 2833, new — new maid 2850, With — When 2854,

ging ... gounff

371, 2870, hamewart — name

372, 2893, Prince — Princes 2895, the — the Instie 2906, Unto — And to 2908,

onr — or 2917, that — that cuming 2919, And — And saw 2920, he — hie

373, 2921, King and alse thair governour — govemour and King 2926, Sonld

•chaw, and thair — Schawand thair sould 2935, into — in 2940, Careir — Careir hei ght 2949, he — hie

374, 2937, he — hie 2959, upon — on 2981, he — hie 2982, into — in 375 2996, The — Te 2996, dinnit — dimit 3009, feinges — feinge

PRINTED BY H. & J. FILLANS.

LIST OF ERRATA, WITH SOME ADDITIONAL EMENDATIONS.

P. 17,1. 18,

20,

21,

24,

25,

28, 37, 40, 46, 47, 48, 49,

51,

61, 66, 68,

502, Betwix in rtad Betwixin 532, for read to 533, to read for

.538, be, to in MS., but read him 593, knicbt, so m MS., but read

knicht8 625, know, to in MS., but read knaw

641, Sirs read Siris 739, Thefoming read Tlie foming

742, niairbut read mair but 756, ay, to in MS., but rtad thay 877, Sonne read Sonne 1149, Sonne read soune 1246, Sonne read soune 1425, Sonne read soune 1480, Sonne read soune 1502, When read VVhill 1521, takit read tak it 1522, ^owit

read gow it 8, Sonne read soune 316, quarrel and read qaarreland 494, gour, so in MS,, but read 30W 552, forgottin, so in MS., but read

forgettin

P. 70,1.

78, 84,

88,

93,

100,

124, 145, 147, 161, 178, 183, 221, 228, 253, 274, 277, 293,

345,

595, wai read war

882, comt read court

1063, [that we thus] read that we

thus 1191, [fain] wald readwM [fain] 1336, Hecher read Heicber 1563, quhom he, so in MS., but

read quho him 368, thocht, so inMS.,butreadfocht 1024, hirwith read hir with 1080, tothe read to the 1524, Hispail read His pail 2063, hebegane read he begane 2227, getts, so in MS., but read getis 974, overlaid read ouerlaid 1199, rewth read trewth 1973, came read come 2667, conetine read conteine 2790, tbemsate read them sate 364, estart read escart 379, atray

read tLCt&j 2054, [did take] read did take

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