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y^x

LYDGATE'S

FALL OF PRINCES

EDITED BY

HENRY BERGEN

PART in.

(Books VL-IX.)

The Carnegie Institution of Washington Washington, 1923

I' I

LYDGATE'S FALL OF PRINCES

PART in.

BOOKS VI.-IX. THE DAUNCE OF MACHABREE

CONTENTS OF PART III.

Book VI ^7S-7Ti

Book VII 775-821

Book VIII 823-918

Book IX 918-1022

Greneacre's Envoy on Bochas 1023

The Daunce of Machabree 1025-1044

ERRATA

p. 733, line 2172: read thassaut.

P. 889, line 2363: for epsecial read especial.

>«,

THE FALL OF PRINCES

BOOK VI

-/t)

[|Here Bochas sittyng in his studie allone writeth a grete processe, how Fortune like a monstruous ymage hauyng an hundred handys appered vn to him and spak / and Bochas vn to hir makyng betwixt hem bothe many grete argumentys & resouns of Fortunys chaunces.]] ^

IN his studie allone as Boch^j stood, [p. 298]

His penne on honde, of sodeyw auenture To remewbre he thouhte it ded hym good, How \)at no man may hymsilfF assure 4

In worldli thynges fulli to recure Grace of Fortune, to make hir to be stable, Hir dayli chauwgis been so variable.

She braideth euer on the chauwteplure: 8

Now song, now wepywg, now wo, now gladnesse.

Now in merthe, now peynis to eendure,

Now liht, now heuy, now bittir, now suetnesse.

Now in trouble, now free, now in distresse, 12

Shewyng to vs a maner resemblauwce,

How* worldli welthe hath heer non assurauwce.

Whil Bochas pensifF stood sool in his librarie

With cheer oppressid, pale in his visage,

Sumdeel abasshed, alone & solitarie.

To hym appered a monstruous ymage,

Partid on tweyne of coloMr & corage,

Hir riht[e] side ful of somer floors.

The tothir oppressid with wyntris stormy showrs.

Bochas astonid, feerful for to abraide Wha« he beheeld the wonderful figure Of Fortune, thus to hymsilfF he saide: "What may this meene? is this a creature Or a monstre transffoormyd ageyws nature, Whos brenwyng eyen sparklyng of ther liht As doon sterris the frosti wyntres niht ?"

As Bochas stood alone in his study, pen in hand, musing on the vicissi- tudes of Fortune,

who turns ever from woe to gladness, and from mirth to trouble, shewing that there is no assurance in worldly wealth,

a marvelous woman

jg appeared to him, her right side decked with summer flowers, her left side beaten by winter storms.

20

Bochas was dumbfounded and afraid to speak. He 24 said to himself, "What is this creature or monster, whose eyes burn like the stars on a frosty

28 "'8^^-"

2. on] in H. 6. ist to] om. H.

9. song now wepyng] syng now wepe H. 14. How] No B, J, H, R 3, H 5, P. 17. 22. abraide] brayde R.

^ MS. J. leaf 121 recto. 675

12. 1st in] om. H. abaisshed R.

676

Bochas and the Goddess Fortuna [bk. vi

Her r*« «.i. \^^^\ of hir checr[ol ful godd heed lie took,

cruel »nJ tern- ■* I >; » ' I 1 »

We. hef ha.r Hip face seeiuviij^ cruel o: teiiiDic,

C^"«>''""«Aiul bi clisdev;ilel nianacyng of look,

:« til',:'' I lir her vntrcssid, hard, sharp & horrible, 33

Froward of shapiv, lothsuin & odible.

An hundred handis she hadde on ech part

In sondri wise hir piftes to depart.

which lift .,en Sunime ofl" hir handis lefl't up men aloffte 36

up to hllTn - 1 11* 1*

«me inJ c««t 'Yq hih fstat of worldli ilignite,

IdvTJr;" "'*°Anothir hand priped ful vnsoffte,

Which cast another in pret aduersite:

Ciaff oon richesse, anothir pouerte, 4©

C^.aff summe also bi report a good name,

Noised anothir of sclaundre &* difFame.

Her gtrraent j^jj. j^a^it was of manyfold colours:

S^rt:"he Wachct bleuh of fcyned stedfastnesse, 44

Fe"gn^"~n'- Hir gold aliuied like son«e in wattri shours,

m&'^uh Meynt with liht greene for chaung & doubilnesse.

ch^nir" "* A pretens red: dreed meynt with hardynesse;

moumtg. Whiht for clennesse, lik soone for to faille; 48

forTabou^""" Feynt blak for moornyng, russet for trauaille.

all in harmony Hir colowts mcynt of wolHs mo than oon; Ibie ntture!"^*" Sumwhile ccHpsed, sumwhile she shon briht.

Dulle as an asse whan men hadde haste to gon, 52

And as a swalwe gerissh of hir fliht,

Tween slouh & swifFt; now crokid & now vpriht.

Now as a crepil lowe coorbid doun,

Now a duery and now a champioun. 56

Sometimes she |i^ow a cowatd, durst nat come in pres,

18 a coward, * ' i -i i i- i

Kjmetimes as And* sumwhue hardi as leoun; sometimes ' Now lik Ectot, now drccdful Thersites,

Croesus, some- - ^ i /-^ A

limes Agamem- Now was she Ctcsus, now Agamettoun, 60

m°a"n'. to-morrow Sardanapallus off condicioun; a woman. Now was shc mannyssh, now was she femynyne. Now coude she reyne, now koude she falsli shyne.

34. hundrith H. 42. &] & off B, R.

44. stedfastnesse] stablenesse H, stabilnesse R 3.

45. Sonne] golde H. 48. Whiht] which R.

49. 2nd for] off R. 50. meynt] ment H. 53. Swalouh H.

56. and] an R.

58. And] Now B, R, J — as] as a P.

60. 2nd now] now was she H.

BK.

VI]

Fortunas Words to Bochas

677

76

Now a mermaide angelik off face, 64

A tail behynde verray serpentyne,

Now debonaire, now froward to do grace,

Now as a lamb tretable & benigne,

Now lik a wolff of nature to maligne, 68

Now Sirenes to synge folk a-slepe

Til Karibdis drowne hem in the deepe.

Thus lohn Bochas consideryng hir figure, Al hir fetures in ordre he gan beholde, Hir breede, hir heihte, hir shap & hir stature, An hundrid handis & armys ther he tolde: Wheroff astonid, his herte gan to colde; And among alle hir membris euerichon, He sempte she hadde no feet upon to gon.

And whil that he considered al this thyng,

Atween[e] tweyne, as it wer in a trauwce,

She sodenli toward hym lookyng.

He conceyued be hir contenauwce, —

Wer it for ire, wer it for plesauwce,

Outher for fauour, outher for disdeyn, —

Bi the maner she wolde suwwhat seyn. 84

Lookyng a-scoign as she had had disdeyn, [p. 299]

"Bochas," quod she, "I knowe al thyn entent.

How thou trauailest, besiest the in veyn,

In thi studie euer dilligent, 88

Now in the west, now in the orient

To serche stories, north & meredien.

Of worthi princis that heer-toforn ha been.

Sumwe duellid vndir the pool Artyk,

Be my fauour vpreised to the sterris;

Othir vndir the pool Antartik,

Which in contrarye from vs so ferr is.

Sumwe encresid & set up bi the werris,

Lik as me list ther tryuwphes to auauwce;*

Frownyng on othir, I brouht hem to myschauwce.

I see the besi remembryng be scriptures Stories of pryncis in eueri mzner age. As my fauour folwed ther auentures.

Now a mer- maid with an- gelic face and the tail of a serpent; now a Iamb and again a wolf.

John Bochas looked at her y2 well, and after observing her features one after another, his heart grew cold.

It seemed to him that she had no feet to walk upon;

and while he stood as in a trance, she turned to 3o him and said,

"Bochas, I know what you are about, searching out stories of worthy princes,

upon whom I 92 have smiled or frowned.

96

"I have seen you describing 100 ^^^''' deeds in plain unadorned language,

73. heihte] length R.

77. He] Hym H.

97. to auaunce] tauaunce B.

678 Fortunas Words to Bochas []bk. vi I

Be luinihle stile set in plcy;; langage, —

Nat niaad coiious be non auaiu/tage

Of rethoriques, with niusis for to stryue, 104

But in plcyn foornie ther deedis to descryue. j

fi'iem"prais^c'^or^^" wliicli processc thou dost gfct dilHgencc, Wamc. as they ^g xht'i disseruc to yiuc hem thank or blame:

deserve. ^ • • ii n

"Some were Scttcst up oon \n roKuI excellence 108 '

Jupiter with a Withy n«e myn hous callid the Hous of Fame, — trumpet o go .yj^^ goldcnc trujupct wix.h blastis off good name Enhau7fceth oon to ful hih[e] parties, Wher lubiter sit among the heuenli skies. 112

with' the' blast Anothir trumpet, of sownis ful vengable,

of a sable Which blovveth up at feestis funerall, -

trumpet, were -irii r ^ ii

plunged down Notliyng bnht[e|, but or coloz^r sable, ,

from their i- r r i ii- o ii "

royal estate. T er tro my lauoMr, dedli & mortail, 116 •

To plonge pryncis from ther estat roiall, \

Whan I am wroth, to make hem loute lowe, j

Than of malis I do that trumpet blowe. *

co'^nceaM noth- Thou hast wotyn & set togidre in gros, 120 \

ins spared Lik ther dcscrt worldli mennys deedis,

neither their t-^ , , , , r i ,

crowns nor Pslothyng concelcd nor vnar[ej couert cloos,

robes, but given Spared [not] ther crownys nor ther purpil weedis, 123

des^s. ^" Ther goldene sceptris; but youe to them ther meedis:

Crownid oon with laureer hih on his hed vpset, |

Other with peruynke maad for the gibet. \

trluw my' Thus dyuersH my gifftes I* departe,

gifts, sometimes Qqj-j acceptid, a-nothir is refusid; 128 j

to one, some- ^ ., , *^, j T rj i • '

times to an- Lik hasardours my dees 1 [doj mparte, j

other, asina^^ iri-i !•• -j \

game of chance. Oon wccl loorthrid, anothir is accusid. I

My play is double, my trust is euer abusid, i

Thouh oon to-day hath my fauour wonwe, 132 |

To-morwe ageyn I can eclipse his sonwe. '

hil^e'^cor to Cause of my comywg, pleynli to declare j

shew you what gj good auis, vnto thi presence, '

my disposition ° ' I

is like: to-day Is to shcwe my mancres & nat spare, 136 ;

I may flatter, « i t • i m • • I

and frown to- And my condiciouws, breemi in sentence, |

Preued of old & newe experience, ij

Pleynli to shewe, me list nat for to rowne, |

To-day I flatre, to-morwe I can weel frowne. 140 I

106. gret] \n H. {

113. sownis] sown H. 120. &] an R. 123. not] om. R. ^

127. 13 I gan B. 131. euer] ay H. i

132. my fauour^ hath I-wonne J. 138. newe] nex H. \

morrow.

BK.

VI]

Fortuna defends her Ways zvith Men

679

156

This hour I can shewe me merciable,

And sodenH I can be despitous:

Now weelwlllid, hastili vengable,

Now sobre of cheer, now wood &* furious. 144

My play vnkouth, my maners merueilous

Braid on the wynd; now glad & now I mo^^rne;

Lik a wedircok* my face ech day I towrne.

Wheryn Bochas, I telle the yit ageyn, Thou dost folie thi wittis for to plie; All* thi labour thou spillest in veyn, Geyn my maneres so felli to replie, — Bi thi writyng to fynde a remedie, To interupte in thi laste dawes My statutis [and] my custumable lawes,

Al the labour off philisophres olde, Trauaile off poetis my maner to depraue, Hath* been of yore to seyn lik as thei wolde Ouer my fredam the souereynte to haue. But of my lawes the libertes to saue, Vpon my wheel thei shal hem nat difFende, But whan me list[e] that thei shal dessende.

Whi sholde men putte me in blame,

To folwe the nature of my double play ?

With newe buddis doth nat ver the same.

Whan premeroles appeere fressh & gay? —

To-day thei shewe, to-morwe thei gon away;

Somer afFtir of flouris hath foisouw.

Til lun with 3ithes aftir mowe hem doun. 168

Now is the se calm and blandisshyng; [p, 300]

Now ar the wyndis confortable & still;

Now is Boreas sturdi in blowyng.

Which yong[e] sheep & blosmys greueth ille. 172

Whi also shold I nat haue my wille,

To shewe my-silf now smothe and aftir trouble,

Sith to my kynde it longeth to be double ?

144. &] now B.

147. wedircok] woodcok B (wedircok R, wedirkok H, wetliircok

J, wedircoke R 3, wedyrcok H 5, wedrecok P).

ISO. All] And B.

155. labours H, R 3, laboures P.

157. Hath] Haue B.

165. primerolis R, primrollis H, pr(?merollis R 3, Prymerolis J.

170. comfortable H.

"I am as fickle as the wind or a weathercock, and ray ways are marvelous.

Q "It is foolish of ■■•40 you, Bochas, to try to change my habits and nature.

152

"All the labour of old philoso- phers was of no avail against me: when I desire it they must descend.

160

"Why should men blame me? Is it not the same with 164 the changing

and the sea, now calm, now stormy? Why should I not have my will?

68o // is Fortune s Nature to he double [bk. vi

rnii^rrf." bu t*** No man so fcirc is fallc in wrechidnesse 176

he hoi>ci that I3^t ti^-it \^^. stant in trust to rise aceyn;

•omc Jay ' ,. ,. ...

m«y relieve Not non SO dccpc pluiicid in distressc, i\or with dispcir nor wanhopc ouerleyn, But that thcr is sum hope Icttt ccrteyn 180

To yiuc hym cou;/ forte, seruyng his entente, To be releued whan me hst assente.

Ind^gr^n'o' The erthe is clad in motles whiht & rede;

.prinn diMrp««r\V}i3„ Ejtas enttith with violettis soote, 184

1 he greuis greene, & m euery meede The bawme fleteth, which doth to hertis boote. August passid, ageyn into* the roote Be cours of nature the vertu doth resorte 188

Be reuolucioun to Kynde, I me reporte.

bume°me'^r' ^ho sholde thanne debarre me to be double, my incon.iancy.sif}^ doubilnessc longcth to me of riht?

Now fressh with somer, now with wyntir trouble, 192

Now blynd of look, dirk as the cloudi niht;

Now glad of cheer, of herte murie & liht:

Thei ar but foolis ageyn my myht that muse

Or me atwite, thouh I my poweer vse. 196

takl'mf af Scelde or neuer I bide nat in o poynt: Ind they "ave ^^" "^"^^ ^^ ^^P^^ ^^^^ "^^ ^^ ^^^^ fynde; comf"-^ ^°f "^"^ whan I stonde ferthest out of ioynt my doubieness, To sctte folk[es] bakwatd ferre behynde, 200

Than worldli men with ther eyen blynde Sore compleyne upon my doubilnesse, Calle me than^ie the froward fals goddesse.

mTnalu'rVto Thus bi yowr writyng & m^rueilous langage 204

"it'^i°s"no' ^ ^"^ disclaurzdrid of mutabilite,

slander to me, Whetoff be riht I cach gret* auauwtage,

for I am the & . b '

lady and prm- bith duDilnesse no sclauwdte is to me,

cess of change, ttti • i • , r i-i

Which is a parcel ot my Iiberte, 208

To be callid, be title off rihtwisnesse. Off chaungis newe ladi & pryncesse."

&^,^th"a Thus whan Fortune hadde said hir will,

Iiuw'fo!*" ^^'"cel declared of hir gouernaunce, 212

tune said, and Made a stynt & sobirli stood still.

then rephed t l T) i

meekly: lohn Bochas sat & herd al hir daliaunce,

181. comforte H. 187. into] vnto B.

194. of herte] sadde H.

198. lepis] lopis R, loopis H, J, lopis R 3, lepvs H 5, loupes P.

203. the] a H. 206. gret] a gret B, H, R, J, P, R 3, H 5.

BK. vi] Bochas tells why he wrote his Book

68 1

Feerful of cheer[e], pale of contenaunce,

In ordre enpreentid ech thyng that she saide,

Ful demurli thus he dede abraide.

He took onto hym vertu & corage

Vpon a poynt for to abide* stable:

"Certis," quod he, "lik to thi visage,

Al worldli thyngis be double & chaungable;

Yit for my part bi remewbrauwce notable*

I shal parfourme, sothli yif I conwe,

This litil book that I ha[ue] begonne.

And lest my labour deie nat nor [a]palle. Of this book the title for to saue. Among myn othir litil werkis alle, With lettres large aboue vpon my graue This bookis name shal in ston be graue, How I, lohn Bochas, in especiall Of worldli princis writyn haue the fall.

OfF which emprise the cause to descryue, — This was first ground, I wil it nat denye, Teschewe slouhthe & vices al my lyue. And specialli the vice of glotenye. Which is notice vnto lecherie: This was cheefF cause whi I vndirtook The compilaciouw off this litil book.

Yit bi thi talkyng, as I vndirstonde,

Ech thyng heer of nature is chauwgable,

AfFtir thi sentence, bothe on se & londe;

Yit koude I rekne thynges that be stable:

As vertuous [lyf] abidyng vnmutable.

Set hool to Godward of herte, will & thouht,

Maugre thi poweer, & ne chauwgith nouht.

Thou maist eek callyn [vn]to remewbrauwce Thynges maad stable bi grace which is dyuyne, Hastow nat herd[e] the perseuerauwce Of hooli martirs, which list nat to declyne Fro Cristis feith til thei dide fyne? Thi wheel in hem hadde non interesse. To make hem varie fro ther stabilnesse.

216

"Certainly all worldly things are changeable, nevertheless I 220 3^° going to finish my little book if I can.

224

"And lest the memory of my labour die, there shall be engraved in large letters 228 above my

tomb, how I, John Bochas, have written the Fall of Princes.

232

2.^6

"I undertook to write it, that I might avoid idleness and vice, and especially gluttony, the nurse of lust.

"You say that everything here 24.0 '^ changeable of ^ nature: yet cer- tain things, such as virtuous life, are stable in spite of your power.

244

"Have you not

heard of the _ holy martyrs? "The turning 248 °^ your wheel had no power over them.

252

219. to abide] tabide B, H, R. 222. ful notable B.

228. large] long H. 239. thi] the R. 250. thei] he R, J.

682 Only Worldly Fools call Fortiina a Goddess [hk. vi

[p. 301]

••A m.n .rmeJ ^ ^^.j,^ j|^.,( js enariiicd in vcrtu

»ith virtue. . .

*iu. «ruin in Aci'Vii till tiulit to inakc rcsistcncc,

fhriit Jc»u. 11 ^ prool ax«init your v*ri«ncet

arc callcvl theologic virtue*

Ami Sit his trust lu- grace in Crist \esw. Anil liath al hool his hi-itli ailucrtence 256

On rihtwisnesse, force i\; on pruilcnce, With thcr suster callid attcmpcrau»ce, Hath a saufcontluit ap;eyn thi variaunce! "Such men r«>Tlic[il scttc no stoor he thi ilouhlc whcele,* 260

DO attentKin to | ' r i i i • 1

your wheel. \\ ^x\\ supoortaciou « ot Other ladies tlire;

their tmit , ' • ir l I ^ ^1

•iand> on Uith. 1 ju'r triist staiit nat in inaillej, plate or stcl, charity? which But in thes vertues: feith, hope & charite,

Callid vertues theologice, 264

Wiiich with fourc afforn heer specefied, Thi wheel & the han vttirli defied. "If I h.d Yiff I ^yjfi^ wvngis myhte fleen to heuene,

wings to Uy to ■• i i i i

he*ven.i .houid yjicj- sholde I scc thou hast nothyng to doone 268

tee that you tt- i t i • i i

had nothing to W ith lubitcr noF the planetis seuene, s«°ve*nViancts: With Phebus, Mars, Mercuric nor the moone. wor'id?y'foois But woorldli fooHs, erly, late and soone, r g°od"«s!'°" Such as be blent & dirkid with leudnesse, 272

Bi fals oppynyoun calle the a goddesse.

I'Pfar'Temoved Giftcs of gtacc not gifftcs of natute, from your Almesscdefde] doon with humylite,

domain. ■■ ■* . -^ - , .

Loue and compassiouw, been ferr out or thi cure, — 276 Semlynesse, strengthe, bouwte nor beute Vertuousli vsid in ther degre, — Geyn non of these thi poweer may nat strechche; For who is vertuous lite of the doth rechche. 280

blame ^:^i' in Off* thi condiciouns to sette a-nother preefF, their adversity Which foolis vseu in ther aduersite

only to excuse . • i i rr

themselves. pot excusacioun, as su7?ztyme seith a theeit,

W^han he is hangid: 'it w^as his destyne' — 284

Atwitith Fortune his iniquite, As thouh she hadde domynacioun To reule man bi w^ill ageyn resoun.

For which I, Bochas, in parti desolat 288

the prob- Xq detctmyne such heuenli hid secrees,

of exist- f-T" 1 1 1 1

To them that been dyujmes of estat

I remitte such vnkouth pryuites;

And with poetis that been off low degrees 292

"But I. who am unable to solve lems

ence, leave them to those who are scholars by profession.

253-3268 are omitted in R. 260. wheele] variauwce B. 262. or] nor H. 277. nor] or H. 281. Oftl AflF B — condiciown H.

BK. \f\ Bochas asks Fortuna to aid him in his Labour 683

I eschewe to clymbe to hih aloffte,

List for presuwpcioun I shold nat fall[e] softe.

But yif I had hid in my corage

Such mysteries of dyuyn prouidence, 296

Withoute envie I wolde in pleyn langage

Vttre hem be writyng with humble reuerence, —

Predestynaciouw nouther prescience

Nat apperteene, Fortune, vnto the;

And for my part I wil excuse me,

And proceede lik as I vndirtook,

Aftir that I haue told my mateer,

Of Fall of Princis for to write a book.

But yit afforn[e], yif thou woldest heere,

I desire of hool hert & enteer

To haue a copee of princis namys all,

Which fro thi wheel [e] thou hast maad to fall.

Thi secre bosum is ful of stories

Of sondry princis, how thei ther lifF haue lad,

Of ther triumphes & ther victories,

Which olde poetis & philisophres sad

In meetre & prose compiled han & rad,

Sunge ther laudis, ther fatis eek reserued

Bi remembrance, as thei haue disserued.

Of which I haue put sumwe in memorie, Theron sette my studie & my labour, So as I coude, to ther encres of glorie, Thouh of langage I hadde but smal fauowr, Cause Caliope dede me no socour. For which thou hast duryng al this while Rebuked me of my rud[e] stile.

Men wolde acouwte it wer a gret dulnesse.

But yifF langage conveied be bi prudence,

Out declared bi sobre auysynesse,

Vndir support fauoured be diffence

Of Tullius, cheef prince of elloquence, —

Sholde mor proffite, shortli to conclude, 328

Than my stile, spoke in termys rude.

"At any rate, I am sure that neither predestination nor prescience appertain to you, Fortune.

300

"And so I will go on with my book; yet I should be OQA very grateful -^ ^ for a list of the names of all the princes who have fallen from your wheel.

308

"Your secret bosom is full of the stories of princes whose praises have been sung by 312 the old poets.

316

"Some of them I have myself put in remem- brance, although I am a poor hand at writing, and Calliope has given me 320 no help.

" Language favoured by ■?2A ^^^ eloquence "^ ^ of TuUy is very superior to my rude style.

294. for] of H. 308. fro] frome H.

684

rex it often hippcni that couj Kriin ii lounil KrowinR under hutkt, anJ ROuJ counicl ipokcn in blunt tcrmt •omrtintri MiccccJt where rheloric failt.

"It wai

thrvMiith muiic and pliiloiophy that the com- mon t tint be- came civilized;

for muiic it harmony, and philotophy aprang from prudence, and upon concord and wise policy were built the walls of Thebes.

" Discord goes hand in hand with diversity, peace with prudent policy, and quarrels were first brought in by you. Lady of Contest and Strife —

slaughter, de- bate, froward dissensions and the desolation of towns and countries.

"It is you who first got men into trouble with your un- couth snares, and made them hate one another;

I'ou, Fortuna, first got Men into Trouble" [bk. vi

Wx. oftc tynie it hath he felt & scyn,

\ lulcr hiiskcs j;ro\vynp on loiul* arahle,

Hath he tou«dc &: tried out good greyn; 332

Vndir rude Icuys, shakyng & vnstable,

PuUid fair fnit, holsuni & delectahle.

And senihhddy, wher rethorik hath failed,

In blunt tcrniys good cou;jseil hath auailed. 336

Philisophres of the goldenc ages [p. 302]

And pt)etes that fond out fressh ditees,

As kyng Amphiou/i with his fair langages

And with his harpyng made folk of louh degrees, 340

As laborers, tenhabite first cites; —

And so hi niusik and philosophic

Gan first of comouns noble policie.

The cheeff of musik is mellodie & accord; 344

Welle of philosophie sprang out of prudence,

Bi which too menys gan vnite & concord

With politik vertu to haue ther assistence:

Wise men to regne, subiectis do reuerence. 348

And bi this grDu»d, in stories men may see,

Wer bilt the wallis of Thebes the cite.

Accord in musik causith the mellodie;

W'^her is discord, ther is dyuersite, 352

And wher is pes is prudent policie

In ech kyngdam and euery gret centre.

St rifF first inducid bi thi duplicite;

For which thou maist, as clerkis the descryues, 356

Be callid ladi of contekis & of stryues.

First wer founde out hatful dyuysiouns

Be thi contreued fals mutabilites, —

Slauhtre, debat, froward discenciouns 360

In regiouns, prouynces and cites,

Desolacioun off townis & contrees,

WherofF men hadde first experience

Bi thi chaungable geri violence. 364

Thus bi thoppynyoun of thi wheel most double. As ferr be nature as it was possible, Ouerthwertli thou brouhtest men in trouble, Madest ech to other froward & odible 368

Bi thi treynys vnkouth & terrible,

331. Iand3 ground B. 334. delitable H.

339. kyng^owi.H. 346. concord] accordeH. 349. story H.

BK. vi] Fair Speech reconciles Men to Unity

Lik a corsour makth coltis that be wilde With spore & whippe to be tame & mylde,

Thus bi the tempest off thyn aduersJtes, To make men mor tame of ther corage. In [ther] discordes tween kyngdames & cites, Afftir the sharp<f[nesse] of thi cruel rage* Onli bi mene of speche & fair langage, Folk be thi fraude fro grace ferr exilid, Wer be fair speche to vnite reconcilid.

Peeplis of Grece, of Roome & off Cartage,

Next in Itaille, with many a regeouw,

Wer inducid bi swetnesse* of langage

To haue togidre ther conuersacioun,

To beelde castellis & many roial toun.

What caused this ? — to telle in breeff the foorme, 384

But eloquence rud peeplis to reffoorme.

Affor tyme thei wer but bestiall,

Till thei to resouM be lawes wer constreyned,

Vndir discreciouw bi statutis naturall

Fro wilful lustis be prudence wer restreyned.

Bassent maad oon, & togidre [en]cheynyd

In goldene cheynys of pes and vnite;

Thus gan the beeldyng of eueri gret cite.

But whan thou medlist to haue an interesse,

Thei that wer oon to brynge hem at discord,

To interupte with thi doubilnesse

Cites, regiouns, that wer of oon accord, —

Lik as this book can ber [me] weel record,

Fro the tyme that thou first began

Thi mutabilite hath stroied many a man.

Thou causest men to been obstynat In ther corages & incorrigible, Wilful, froward, causeles at debat, Ech to other contrarious & odible, Them to refourme almost impossible, — Til fair[e] speche, voidyng dyuisioun, Pes reconcilid tween many a regeoun.*

68s

-_. and then you 372 would tame

them with ad- versity, and afterwards it was fair speech that reconciled , them to unity.

"Sweetness of

language in- ,gQ duced them to ^ consort together

and build castles

and cities.

388

"At first they were ignorant, until laws con- strained them to reason, and prudence checked their wilfulness.

"But you inter- fere to bring them into discord, and many a man has been de- 3q6 stroyed by

your mutability.

"You make ^ men obstinate and wilful, froward and hateful to one another; but fair speech has reconciled many 404 a region.

375. sharp(?nesse] sharp J, R3,H5, R2, H3,H4 — rage]

outrage B, H, H 5, rages J, P. 381. bi] wjtfe H — swetnesse] Record B, swifFtnesse H — of]

of fair J. 383. roial tou«] regiouw H. 387. to] bi H — be] to H. 401. corage H.

686 Bochas repeats bis Request to Fortuna (^bk. vi

»^j«Tib"** " ^^^ ^^^'^^ '•"' "*'" ^" furious outrapc,

Sr'*"'*^'" it ^"' "'' niatfcr so fcrr out of tlic weie, 408

m«y l>c re- But tliat bc mcne of cracious lanQua^c

(onncxJ by ait- i *^ . *'

jtwciou. Ami taire spcche may a man conveie

I o al resou« meckli tor to obcic, — Hi an cxauwplc which I rc-licrsc shall 412

\\ ccl to purpos ami is historiall.

wriVn^u*"'"" ^ T'lc hardi kniht, [the] cruel Achilles, wrath nothiim Wjiaii liatful iie assaiU'cl his coiace,

•cncvl to (lill , • 1 1

the tcmptit of Thcr was no menc with hym to trete of pes, 416

the iwcft •oundTo stlllc thc tcmpcst of his doolful rage, •* *^" SaufFonli this, which dede his ire asswage

I^i a'ttemprau?;ce tobeien to resou;z,

\\ hen of an harpe he herde the sueete soun. 420

"Ana in iiv.c Which instrument hi his cret suetfelnesse fp. '^oi\

minncr gentle „ , r i • i IK J JJ

Ungu«ge can i'ut al raucour out ot his rcme???braunce,

peace who were ^^'restid hyiii agcyu to al gladnesse,

d*i^»ioo/ From hym auoidyng al rancoi/r & greuauwce. 424 Semblabli, faire speche and daliaunce Set men in reste in rewmys heer & yonder Bi good langage that wer ferr assonder."

wo'Jds^B^has ^^'Jth these woordes Bochas wex debonaire, 428

became more Toward Fortunc as he cast his look,

anable and tit- .

•poke pleasantly \\ it hdrouh his rancour & gan speke faire

A bout (lis work - _ _ *

and besought ' Touchyng his labouT which he upon hym took, help him on Bcsechyng hir for to forthre his book, 432

IS 00 , 'Yh^t his name, which was litil knowe. Be good report myhte be ferther blowe,

f^m^."as*'yet That his fame myhte ferther spreede,

daXiS might Which stood as yit shroudid in dirknesse, 436

^ine forth to Bi hir fauour his name forth to leede,

His book to foorthre doon hir bysynesse

Bi good report to yiue it a brihtnesse.

With laureat stremys shad foorth to peeplis all, 440

Bi foryetilnesse that it neuer appall.

5ue«TtVa''t'he This was the bille which that lohn Bochas ^nl! who^after Made vnto Fortune with ful humble stile. be''in'to^smiie ^^^^ Fortune hadde conceyuyd al his* caas, 444 and answered: Sobitli stood and gan [to] stynte a while,

421. sootnesse H. 430. to speke H. 444. his] this B, 445. to] om. J.

456

460

BK. vi] Fortuna says that Bochas slandered her

And glad of cheer[e] aftir she gan smyle On myn auctot^r, & with a fressh visage In sentence spak to hym this language:

[Hie loquitur Fortuna.] ^

^ " Soothli," quod she, " I see thi besynesse,

Of mortal men, how corious that thei bee,

How thei studie bi gret auisynesse

Off my secretes for to been preue,

To knowe the conceitis hid withynne me

And my couwsailles, ye men doon al yo^r peyne,

Al-be nat lihtly* ye may therto atteyne.

In this mateer your witt doth neuer feynte, Ymagynyng liknessis in yoMr mynde, Lik your conceitis ye forge me & peynte, Sumtyme a woman with wenges set behynde, And portreye me with eien that be blynde. Cause off al this, breeffli to expresse, Is your owne coueitous blyndnesse!

Your appetitis most strauwge & most dyuers.

And euir ful of chauwg & doubilnesse,

Froward also, malicious & peruers,

Be hasti clymbyng to worshepis & richesse,

Alway void of trouthe & stabilnesse.

Most presumptuous, serche out in al degrees,

Falsli tatteyne to worldli dignites.

Bochas, Bochas, I parceyue eueri thyng And knowe ful weel the grete difference Hid in thi-silff of woordes & thynkyng, Atween hem bothe the disconvenience. Hastow nat write many gret sentence In thi book to sclauwdre with my name, Off hool entent my maneres to diffame ?

Thou callest me stepmooder most vnkynde,

And sumtyme a fals enchauwteresse,

A mermaide with a tail behynde.

Off scorn sumwhile me namywg a goddesse,

Sumtyme a wich, sumtyme a sorceresse,

Fyndere off moordre & of deceitis alle;

Thus of malis mortel men me calle!

455. lihtly] likli B — nat] that J, P — may] maynat J, P. 481. wich] wrechch H.

^ MS. J. leaf 124 verso.

687

448

"Truly, I see how curious you men are to learn my secrets, although you 452 do not come by them easily.

464

"You imagine me in all forms: some- times a woman with wings, sometimes blind; but the cause of all this is your own covetousness.

"You have strange desires, and you are always full of deceit, malicious and perverse, and ever seek- ing worldly dignity.

468

472

476

480

"Bochas, I understand and know very well the great difference be- tween your words and thought. "Have you not written many a slanderous sentence about me,

calling me an unkind step- mother, a false enchantress, a mermaid with a tail behind, an instigator of murder?

688 Shf finally decides to help Bochas [bk. vi

•coiunjf my gj accusacioiui ill many soiiun wise

mutibility 1, rr i i -f

when I refute Yc OFTte appeclic my mutabilite,

•All thi. in Al this is doon in dcspiht of mee; 484

■ccuunx my

mutability

when I refute

your covctoui -kt •• i t • i i •

requeit.. Namli wlian 1 your rcquestis do despise,

For taconiplisshe yowr gredi couetise: 488

Whan ye faille ye leyn on me the wite, OfFyo/<r aduersites me falsli tatwite.

•ia^Idlr^mc "" ^^^ thou of purpos for tesclaundre me

you wrote an Hast writt vncoodH a contrarious fable, 402

unpleaunt story i i • i z^i i r)

of how I How 1 wrastled with (jiad rouerte,

wrestled with _^ , . , . , ,

Glad Poverty, 1 o whos parti thou wer rauourable,

/IvolTrtd!" and Settcst me abak, geyn me thou wer vengable, —

meio°hJp^ Now of newe requerist my fauour 496

*'°"' The for to helpe & foorthre thi labour!

chanReabin7a-^s-scauns I am ofF maneres most chaungable,

m°nd""vet\'hat^^ '-^"^^^'^'^^^ vetray femynyne;

la your doctrine. Now hecr, HOW thcr, as the wynd vnstable, 500

Be thi descripcioun and be thi doctryne. To eueri chaung[e] reedi to enclyne. As women be & maidnes tendre of age. Which of nature be dyuers of corage. 504

Imping tl But for to forthre in parti thyn entent, [p. 304]

help you, That of thi book the processe may proceede, Be my fauour to the accomplishment I am weelwillid to helpe the in thi neede. 508

Lik thi desir the bettir thou shalt* speede. Whan I am toward with a benigne face To speede thy iourne bi support of my grace,

5^ur''n\me'and That thi name and also thi surname, 512

your .urnarae With poctis & notable old auctours,

may nourish. ■» ,r • • •

"I wilt have May be registrid in the Hous off Fame

you begin with t,. "^ ° . ^ , -

Satuminus. Bi supportacioun or my sodeyn rauours,

Bi assistence also of my socours 516

Thi werk texpleite the laurer for to wynne, At Saturninus I will that thou begynne.

484. is3 om. J.

491. tesclaundre] to sclauwdre H.

495. ageyn H.

509. the bettir thou shalt] thou shalt the bettir B.

BK. vi3 Fortuna tells about the Downfall of Saturninus 689

,20

532

[Here reherceth Fortune hir condiciouns vnto Bochas shewyng how many oon she enhaunced for a tyme/ and anoon after hem sodenly ouerthroweth.] ^

^ Among Romeyws this said[e] Saturnyne

Was outraious oflP condiciouns,

Caused in Roome whan he gaw mahgne

Gret debatis and gret sediciouws.

And hi his froward conspiraciouns

He was sharp enmy ageyn the prudent iuge

CalUd Metellus,* deuoid of al refuge.

Fro the Capitoille fette with myhti hond. Fond no socour Metellus in the touw, — The same tyme, thou shalt vndirstond, How be myn helpe and supportacioun Oon that was smal of reputaciouw Callid Glaueya, in pouert brouht up lowe, Maad consuleer, the stori is weel knowe.

A seruauwt first & almost set at nouht; And afFtirward I made hym fortunat, Lefte neuere til I hadde hym brouht Bi a prerogatifF chose of the senat To been a pretour, an offise of estat. Which also wrouhte be conspiraciouw To brynge Metellus to destruccioun.

Off whos assent ther was also another

Callid Marius, beyng the same yeer,

Texpleite this*tresounbeyngther [own]sworn brother.

Which was also that tyme a consuleer.

I, Fortune, made hem ful good cheer, 544

Lik ther desirs gafF hem liberte

To banshe Metellus out of ther cite.

Of the[s] [thre] Romeyns, the first[e] Saturnyne, And Glaueya was callid the secounde, And Marius, leid out hook & lyne. As I haue told, Metellus to confouwde.

525, 27, 39. Metellius B.

531. Glaueya] Glabeya H, Glabela J, Glaucia P.

532. the] this H. 542. this] ther B. 548. Glaueya] Glabeya H, Glaucia J, P.

1 MS. J. leaf 124 verso.

"This said Saturnine was an outrageous person, who caused great trouble in Rome.

524

"He was an enemy of Metellus at the time r28 Glaucia became consul.

"I made, Glaucia for- tunate; he was at first nothing but servant.

536

"He, Marius, 540 and Saturnine conspired to banish Metellus,

and I shewed them my favour, - . Q that they might "'^ later on them- selves come to mischief.

690 Those who ascend highest shall soonest fall [bk. vi

To ther purpos I was also fouwde

Fauourable to brynge hem to myschccff, 552

As ther stori sheweth an open pieefF.

MctcUull^nj''' ^ '^^* ban[y]shid hym out of Roome toun;

Saturninu. pre- y\p(j Satumynus hi his subtil werkyng

called lorJ «nJ L lamb up tastc, ot liili pi csumpciou??, 556

To be callitl of Roonie lord & kynp;.

I gatF hym fauour bamaner fals smylyng,

Til at the laste, pleynli to declare,

Off his destrucciouM I brouht hym in the snare. 560

whne*"i was The senatours knowyng the malis deceiving hira. Qf Satumyn, which made a gret gadrywg

Of sondry folk, castyng in his auys

Bi ther fauour he myhte be callid kyng. 564

Al this while off his vpclymbyng

I shewed hym duryng a long[e] space

Hym to deceyue a benigne face.

" Finally Marius jjj Matius, 3 myhti consuleer, 568

arose and , ' -; . ' ''

drove him into "Pq witlistoude liis prcsumpcioun

refuge. Ros with sttoug hand, & with a knihtli cheer

Besette his paleis abouten envirouw,

Brak his gatis amyddis of the touw; 572

And Saturnynus, void of al fauour.

To the Capitoille fledde for socour.

besieged' the" He was forbarrid be Marrius of vitaille,

Capitol, and Yhg CapitoiUc bcseged round aboute; 576

Saturnmus, « i i -ii

brought to At the entryng was a strong bataille,

great distress, -^ , *=".,.-

lost all his On outher parti siay[ejn a gret route.

Thus of my fauour he gan stonde in doute,

This Saturnynus brouht in gret distresse, 580

His good achetid, lost al his richesse.

tlfches'that Experience ful openli men lereth, those who Such as hiest therupon ascende,

ascend highest , ., , r i i l

on my whcd Lik as the toum or my wheel requeretn, 584

when they least Whaw thci Icst wecne douw thei shal descende. then" 'laugh at Thei haue no poweer thewsiluen to difFende ^^'°' Ageyn my myht, whan thei been ouerthrowe:

What do I than, but lauhe & make a mowe! 588

556. hih] om. H, J, R 3, H 5, P. 575. forbarrid] so barrid H.

BK. Vl3

The unhappy Character of Drusus

691

596

^ Drusus also born of gret lynage [p. 305]

And descendid of ful hih noblfesse,

Vnto vertu contraire of his corage,

Froward fouwde to al gentilesse; 592

Yit chose he was, the stori doth expresse,

Questour of Asia, an offis of degree,

For his berthe to gouerne that contra.

But ofte tyme vertu nor gentilesse

Come nat to heires bi successiouw, —

Exaumple in Drusus, the stori berth witnesse.

Which bothe of corage and disposicioun

Was euere froward off condiciouw.

For which lat men deeme as thei mut needis,

Nat afFtir berthe but afFtir the deedis.

Vertues alle in hym wer set aside:

Slouh to been armyd, hatid cheualrie, 604

Most coueitous, deyncus, ful of pride,

His deedis froward, ful of trecherie.

To hih estat I dede hym magnefie,

Yit al my gifFtes in hym ne myhte strechche, 608

For heer tofor the, he komcch lik a wrechche.

He dar for shame nat shewen his visage. So ferr disclauwdrid is his wrechidnesse, Whos couetise and vicious outrage Falsli causid bi his doubilnesse, Maguldusa, a prince of gret noblesse, Betrasshed was for meede to the kyng Callid Boccus bi Drusus fals werkyng.

What maner torment or what greuous peyne

Wer compotent, couenable or condigne

To hym that can outward flatre &* feyne,

And in his herte couertli maligne.

As Drusus dede, which shewed many a signe

To Maguldusa of loue and freendliheede;

Vndirnethe fals tresouw hid in deede.

But Maguldusa, lik a manli kniht,

Geyn kyng Boccus hath hymsilff socourid,

Whan he bi doom was iugid ageyn riht

Of an olifauwt for to be deuourid.

Scapid freeli, & aftir that labourid 628

"Drusus, born of high lineage and contrary to all virtue was chosen quaestor of Asia.

"But it often happens that neither virtue nor gentility are inherited by heirs: we must judge men by their actions 600 rather than their birth.

"Drusus was lazy, covetous, disdainful and full of treachery. "I could not help him. "Here he comes before you like a wretch,

and

dares not shew his face for shame. He 612 betrayed

Magulsa to Bocchus.

616

"And what torment were appropriate to him who can outwardly flatter and in- 620 wardly hate, as Drusus did?

f- "But Magulsa, ^^4 sentenced to be devoured by an elephant, es- caped and afterwards slew Drusus in Rome.

595. that] \,e H. 596.

614. Magulsa P.

618. competent H, J, R 3, H 5, P.

gentilnesse H. 619.

597. Come] cam H. &] or B.

692 Sctpio a Victim of Roman Malice [|bk. vi

Taquite hymsilftfe] tlirouli his Iiih rcnoun, Slouli fals Driisus niyd of Roonie toiin.

bi^mi'm'fZr" ^ Boclias, also, mcii put the lak in mee,

Mnji ihf ciuic That I was cause of the dcstruccioun 632

ol the dcittllC- ...

tioo of Scij'io. Be niy contrarious inutahihre

Otl the notahlc famous Siipiou/;,

Which \\\ the 1)1110 of Scnsoiyn Catoun

Gat the tryuwphe for many gret victorie 636

To putte his name perpetuel[ly] in memorie.

SiofVomcFor his meritis chose a consuleer

the**»r.'"i^°' ^^^ chccff bisshop to gouerne ther cite,

tween Cjtwr Xo al thc sciKit patFOun most enteer, 640

and Pompry. » , r n- i r •

Ivlost tamous orr name and dignite,

Saued Romeyns from al aduersite,

Tyme whan the wtrve dreedful & despitous

Gan atween Pompeie & Cesar luHus, 644

hi\eM {"n mT^ Thus wha?i the said[e] famous Scipioun ludJcniy'^cTs" ^^^ thoruh my fauour acouwtid most notable, down from my He fro my whccl was sodenli cast doun,

wheel; but it , . , -' . , '

was by thc Whicn ncucr in woord nor deede was coupable. 648

malice of the dit> !•• o ii

Romans. £>ut the Komcyns malicious & vnstable, —

Bi ther hangman first cheynid in prisoun, AfFtir rakked, ther geyned no raunsoun.

hiT'Sdy"high Thus he that hadde auailed hem so ofte, 652

6pccude.*ai- To saue hymsilfF fond socour on no side; though he had His dede bodi the! heeng it hih alofFte

saved them i i •

froni all ad- T or a spcctacle longe ther tabide.

Thus gerisshli my giftes I deuide, 656

Stour?d[e]meel, now freend, now aduersarle, Rewarde goode with guerdouws ful contrarie.

WM weu^'shewn This was expert ful weel in Scipioun:

Sripb. '"' °' G^" '^■'^h ioie, endid in wrechidnesse. 660

rLatku^'b^rn ^o^^^^, remembre, mak heeroff mencioun,

■ churi, ascend And ofF Fanaticus, how I off gentilesse

to high degree, •» «■ j i , i i i -i

for ray amuse- Made hym asccnde to notable hih prowesse;

Yit bookis sey[e]n touchyng his kynreede, 664

Manli of persone, born a cherl* in deede.

royal '^.ute by ^or my disport[e] with a glad visage sleight. I gg^^-g j^y^ yp f^j j^ji^ ypQj^ j^y wheel,

GafF hym lordship, out of louh seruage; 668

631. in] on H. 662. gentilnesse H, R 3, H 5. 665. born a cherl] a cherl born B, J, P.

BK. Vl]

The Fate of Fanaticus, the Charlatan

693

To doon hym fauour it liked rrte ful weel. Wherfor Bochas, his stori euerideel, Note it weel, & in especiall How he be sleihte cam to estat roiall.

Be sleihti feynyng to dyuers folk he tolde, How that he spak with Cirra the goddesse At eueri hour pleynli whan he wolde, Of presumpciouw descryued hir liknesse, Seide also how that she of hir goodnesse Hadde grauwtid hym, his staat to magnefie, Duryng his lyfF a sperit off prophecie.

And ferthermore the peeple for to blynde He fantasied hi a crafft vnkouth, Withynwe a scale, the stori maketh mywde, Of a note to haue fyr in his mouth, Blewe it out sparklyng north & south, AfFermede, wherwith folk wer blent, It was a sperit to hym fro heuene sent.

Bi which he wrouhte many gret vertu, Gadred peeple til he hadde in deede Two thousand cherlis at his retenu, Which aftirward, his purpos for to speede, To sixti thousand encreced, as I reede. I sufFrid al; seruid hym at the tide Til al the centre gruchchede at his pride.

Thouh of berthe he was but a vileyn, Roos up of nouht bi sodeyn auenture, My geri fauour made hym to be seyn Roial of port, dede his besi cure To reise his baner, wered a cote-armure, And be my gracious supportaciouw Brouht gret peeple to his subieccioun.

At the laste my lust gan to appall,* Towardis hym nat beyng fauourable; Donn fro my wheel anon I made hym fall. For bi Romeyns was sent a gret constable Callid Porpenwa, a prynce ful notable, Which fill on hym, venquisshid hym anon, Slouh and outraied his cherlis euerichon.

[p-

672 306]

676

680

telling people how he could converse at will with a goddess, and how she had given him a spirit of prophecy.

"He blew fire from a nutshell in his mouth, and said it was a spirit sent to him from heaven.

684

"Finally he had 60,000 followers; ACQ and I permitted all, until the country grum- bled at his pride.

692

Born a serf, he rose from nothing;

696

700

but at last I wearied of him and made him fall from my wheel.

"He was de- 704 feated by Per- penna and hanged, and his churls were scattered and slain.

682. scale] shale J, P. 691. encreced] om. H. 701. to] om. J, P, H 5 — tappall B, H, R 3.

694 The Career of Athenion the Robber []bk. vi

no' maT'iU*yI'. My"isilfF was haiigld on an hih gibet; 708

Summe of his meyne wer cast in prisouw. riiiis to his pride I gaft' a gret tripet And fro my wheel I caste hym lowe doun In his most hust domynacioii;?, — 712

1 ook non heed wlier he dedc lauhe or niowrne, For with no man I do alvvay soiowrne.

bo^'flnhcr"" ^ Bochas," quod Fortune, " tak good heed also

ho» A'theni,^ How I can bothe foorthre & disauaile: 716

once a shcrhcrd.Kor cxauwple sec houh Athenyo,

became a rob- ,^, i -i i i • xr -n

ber. 1 hat whilom was a shepperde m Ytaille,

A brigauMt aftir, marchau?itis to assaille, Lay in a-wait beside a gret mounteyn, 720

Off fugityues he was made a capteyn.

i'o"d a'LTb^oke Slouh first his lord, a riche senatour,

pri\o*jfs Tn"/ ^' violence brak many strong prisoun;

hd ^''him' ^^^ ^^^ ^ tyme I gaff hym gret fauour 724

gather churls To gadre robbours aboute hyw enviroun, —

make war on Alle the chetlis of that regeoun

He assemblede thoruh his iniquite,

To holde a werre with Roome the cite. 728

ca^des^nT*^ Bcscged castclHs, brak doun myhti towrs, robbed"through- ^^^^}^ & tobljede aboute in ech contre, out the country Spoiled palcis of worthi senat07<rs, —

ftpQ wore Dijr~

pje like a Title haddc he non sauff title of volunte, — 732

Took upon hym of pride & cruelte For to be clad in purpre lik a kyng, Bar a sceptre among his men ridyng.

embroidered Vpon his hed ordeyned for the nonys 736

on'bi3'hUd°°"His gold her tressid lik an emperowr, ",l ^t"^^^^- *° A coiffe enbroudid al of riche* stonis —

tninlc 01 nim,

■ l"'f1 [°''^"' Me list to lauhhe, that a fals robbour

upheld by my „ . '

favour. tSe supportacioun or my gen rauour, 740

Which last nat longe, — for aftir in short while As is my custum I dede hym begile.

su^'came do~°' I suffred hym, made hym feyned cheer, ha°n"ete."'' As I haue do to othir mo ful ofte, 744

Till doun fro Roome was sent a consuleer, Which took hym proudli & heeng hym hih alofte,

709. is replaced by 702 in H.

734. purple H. 737. goldher B.

738. coiffe] corff H, coive R 3 — of riche] riche off B.

7S6 [P- 307]

760

BK. vi] The Story of Spariacus and his Churls

His cherlis slayn; & sumwe of hem nat softe

In cheynys bouwde, for short conclusiouw, 748

Wer dempt be lawe to deien in prisoun.

^ Bi whichfe] stori[es], Bochas, thou maist lere

A gret parti of my condiciouw.

But now in haste a stori thou shalt heere, 752

How in the yeer fro the fundaciouw

Mor than sixe hundred — I meene of Roome toun —

Was a gadryng & a gret cumpanye

Togidre sworn bi fals conspiracye,

Them to withdrawe fro the obeisaunce* Of a tribun calhd Lodonee, Which for knihthod hadde gouernaunce. And was sent dou?z fro Roome [the] cite With myhti hand to reule a gret contre CalHd Chaumpayne; & pleynH for to seie. The peeple ther list hym nat obeie.

Thre score & foure wer of hem in noumbre 764

That named wer[e] cheefF conspirato^rs,

Which that caste hem ther capteyw to encouwbre

With multitude of theuis & robbours,

Which ches among hem to been ther supportowrs 768

Thre myhti capteyns, off which ther was oon

Callid Spartharchus, cheuest of echon.

Gadred cherlis, made hemsiluen strong, On an hih hill took ther duellyng place, Hauyng no reward, wer it riht or wrong, To spoille the contre, bestis to enchace. I cherisshed hem with a benigne face • For a stsonn, & gaff hem liberte Bi fals rauyne to robbe the contre.

What thyng mor cruel in comparisoun

Or mor vengable of will & nat off riht,

Than whan a cherl hath domynaciouw! 780

Lak of discrecioun bleendith so the siht

Of comouneres, for diffaute of liht,

695

"From these stories, Bochas, you may learn to know me. "Now I will tell you how there was a conspiracy about the year 600 of Rome,

when the people of Campania would not obey the tribune.

"There were three score and four chief con- spirators, and Spartacus was their captain.

772

"They gathered churls together, and, sallying forth from a hill stronghold, ravaged the country.

776

"For a time I helped them; but what is more cruel than a knave who has power to rule!

750. stones3 stori J, P.

7SS. &] om. J, P — gret] om. H.

757. obeisauTice] presence B, J. 759. hadde] & H.

760. the] om. J, H.

770. Spartharchus] Spartachus R 3, Spartacus P {throughout) — cheuest] chefF H.

771. hymsilfH. 781. siht] liht H. 782. liht] siht H.

696 The Story of Spartacus and his Churls [^bk. vi

Whan the! haiie povveer contrees to gouerne

Fare lik a bceste [that] can nothyng disserne. 784

'ci!wVidi7tor.,^''i^'i'''fo'"<^s folkcs dede hem calle; whofouRht wild Pqj. (J^pj. suerdis wcr with steel niaad fvn

animals; and i-. -i •

tiiev encamped ^ or to fihte Kcvn wvldc becstls alle,

on Mt. . , II 11

Veauviui. As lcoii?is, Dcres, bores, Wilde swyn. 788

And the nioii/;teyn wher thei dede lyn CaUid Yen use, and thoruh ther cruelte Slouh & robbede aboute in ech contre.

oto\?r!h"" Spartharchus was ther cheefF capteyn, 792

and came of Bfouht up of nouht & bom of louh dcgre;

nothmg: and »-> 'ii • i • t« o '

Claudius, who But Claudius, a niyhti, strong Roniayn,

was sent down ... . , ■' r t^ i •

from Rome to VVas scnt With powcet iro Koome the cite country, ^ For to difFcude & saue that contre, 796

away."*^" Tbc hill bcscgyng afForn hem as he lay: He was rebukid, bete & dryue away.

mi^n°y o^f Spar- Many of them that kepte the mounteyn

"ab* '"*'" ''"'Wer hurt that day, the stori tellith thus, 800

Amongis which was slayn a gret capteyn

That was felawe vnto Spartharchus.

As I fynde, he hihte Ynomaus;

For whos deth was take so gret vengaunce, 804

That al the contre felte therof greuaunce.

«Ir7then'6int Thei of the mounteyn, alle off oon assent, "''^'l" u'"' Withoute merci or remyssioun,

and both were iii it

put to flight, to Most vengable, haue robbed & Ibrent 808

the shame and . . . . i

fear of the Al the contte aboute hem envirouw,

Til too consuleris cam fro Roome douw:

The firste off hem callid Lentulus,

Bothe put to fliht be said[e] Spartarchus. ' 813

'su^s'^me down Whcrof the Romeyns gretli wer dismaied. "''i* f '^,'2" The senatours off indignacioun,

and slew 36,000 ,0 _ '

°f Spartacus' Bothe ashamed and in hemsilfF affraied,

Sente oon Crassus, a gret lord of the toun, 8i6

With the nou7?zbre off a legiouw. And whan that he on Spartarchus first sette, Slouh of his men six* thousand whan thei mette.

792. Spartacus H, Spartachus R 3. 798. dryue] dreven H.

802. Spartachus H, R 3, Spargachus H 5.

803. Oenomaus P. 808. vengeably H — brent P, H 5. 812. be] the J — Spartachus H, R 3.

818, 22, 34. Spartachus H, R 3. 819. six] vj B.

BK. Vl]

Viriathus, the Spanish Robber

697

820

824

"6ocx5 were put in prison and g23 4000 taken to mercy.

832

836

"Spartacus fled; and I cast him from my wheel, for he was but a churl.

And aftirward beside a gret ryueer Callid Salaire thei hadde a gret bataile, Wher Spartarchus stood in gret dauwgeer; For his cheer and contenauwce gan faille. Thretti thousand clad in plate & maille Wer slayn that day, ther geyned no rauwsoun, Al ther capteyns assigned to prisouw.

Withoute al this, as maad is mencioun, Sixti thousand in the feeld lay ded. And six thousand wer sent to pnsouw, The feeld with blood[e] steyned & maad red. And foure thousand, quakyng in ther dreed, Wer thilke day, aftir the Romeyn gise. Take to merci, resceyued to franchise.

And Spartarchus at mischeefF put to fliht. Whan I from hym turnyd my visage, He loste his cheer; he loste also his myht Whan I appalled the fyn of his passage. And for he was a cherl off his lynage, Off his encres I likid nothyng weel, Therfor vnwarli I cast hym fro my wheel.

Off [my] maneres to make a gretter preeff, [p. 308] otie "robber^"'

Ther was another famous gret robbour.

Which thoruh Spaigne was a disclaundrid theeff.

And for he dradde of iustise the rigour, 844

Trustyng he sholde fynde in me socour,

Callid Viriatus,* he Spaigne anon forsook

And to Roome the riht[e] weie he took.

Gadred meyne of his condiciouw 848

Of eueri sect to make hymseluen strong,

Theuys, robbours of eueri regiouw.

Many a cherl was medlid hem among.

His name tencrece, wer it riht or wrong, 852

What-euer he gat in cite or village,

With his soudiours he partede the pillage.

Thus be myn helpe he cam to gret richesse. Which brouhte in pride & presumpciouw; 856

He nat prouided, of my doubilnesse, Gan to maligne ageyn[e]s Rome toun;

840

called Viriathus, who lived in Spain,

and gathering men set out to attack Rome;

for through my aid he had become rich and proud. But he was slain by Scipio, son of Lepidus.

845. fynde in m&] in me fynde H, P.

846. Viriatus] Vriatus H, R 3, J, Vrinatus B, J, Vyratus H 5. 854. the] his H. 858. ageynes] geyn H.

698 Fortuna presents Marias to Bochas {bk. vi

But hi the prudence of laste Sclpioiwi,

Sone of Lepidus, inakyng therof no host, 860

He slay[e]n was hi tlieni he trustede most.

"Thu.. Bocii... j^i ^viii^^-li cxaiimplcfs] notable of reme7;ibraunce

you may tct ■ ^ >

my power and Shewed hcer-tofom, lohn Bochas, vnto the,

my mutability. .

1 how niaist knovve in parti my pmssaunce, 864

Mi sodcyn cliaii«gis. my iiuitabihtc.

And for tauoidc al ambiguite,

To declare the somme of myn entent,

Grete Marrius to the I do presente. 868

prelifntT'you B'^'^ '"s weede & his habite also,

great Mariuj. J^js hgj vnkempt, his lokkis hor & gray,

clad in black. .,..,,, ^ ' . , ~ ^ „

with downcast His look doiiM cast m tokne or sorwe & wo, M^Wgrey On his chcckis thc salt[e] tcHs lay, 872

W'iiich bar record off his dedli affray, — Wherfor, Bochas, do thi pen^ie dresse To descryue his mortal heuynesse.

«";ned°w^ith'" His robe steyned was wnth Romeyn blood, 876

^T*ii h''^' H'^ suerd ay redi whet to do vengauwce, delight lay in Lilc 3 tiraunt most furious & wood,

In slauhtre & moordre set al his plesauwce.

Yit nat for thi I gaff hym gouernauwce 880

Ouer the peeple, ros on my wheel up faste,

But as vnwarli doun I dede hym caste.

aroI^'ber»"ee*n Tween hym & Scilla the woful dedli stryues

biu f raade"^' ^^ large heerafftir, Bochas, thou shalt write, — 884

them both end How many Romcyns lost hi them ther lyues,

m mischief. t-iii* ii i t

1 Will also in ordre that thou endite.

And yiff I shall rebuke hem & atwite,

As I fro nouht made hem in honour shyne, 888

So I ageynward made he^n in myscheef fyne.

chafgrtrwril", Forget nat also the dedli pitous fate

uuuVTbo'JA'^' ^^ '""y"^ ^"^^^ ^^^ ^^ notable in his lyff, — Mithridates, I mecne the grete famous Mitridate, 892

Whos name yit is ful kouth and ryff. To whom I gaff a gret prerogatiff, Fourti wyntir, the deede was weel scene, Ageyn Romeyns the werr*? to susteene. 896

862. which^ whos H — exaumple J. 896. werr^-^ werris H.

BK. Vl]

Orodes of Parthia and Pompey

699

For which heer-aftir I gyue it the in charge

Of Mitridate the stori set along;

Whan thou hast leiseer & a space large,

Remembre his conquest & his deedis strong, 900

And how that I medlid me among.

For al his noblesse and felicite,

To yiue hym part of gret aduersite."

^ Next in ordre, aftir hir owne chois,

Fortune, vntrusti vpon ech partie,

To lohn Bochas hath conveied fro Parthois

Strong Herodes regnyng in Parthie.

"Loo, lohn," quod she, "tak heed of this storie,

Al his kynreede, yiff it be weel out souht,

Wer be Sithiens chacid & brouht to nouht.

And yit, for al my mutabilite,

Somme of hem which stood[e] disespeired

I restored to ther dignite,

Vnto which whan thei wer repeired,

This Herodes was hyndred & appeired

Bi my chaunges for his hatful pride,

Whan he lest wende, vnwarli set aside."

^ Suyng aftir withynwe a litil while,

This gerissh ladi of condicioun

Gan an illouh falsli for to smyle,

Lookyng on Bocha/, brouhte with hir dou«

A myhti prince, which in Rome toun

Hadde in his daies notable pris & fame,

Al-be that she expressed nat his name. 924

Bochas thanne his hed gan doun declyne, [p. 309]

Seyng that prince, of face disfigured.

Of suspeciouw gan to ymagyne.

Whan he his mynde fulli hath recurid, 928

Be certeyn toknis & signes weel assured

It was Pompeie, surquedous of estat.

Which with Cesar so longe was at debat.

Disconsolat thoruh his vnhappi caas, 932

His face soiled with water of the se,

Tyme whan Fotynus & cruel Achillas

Drowned his bodi of furious enmyte.

His face disfigured at the solempnite 936

911. yit] t><2t H. 916. Bi] to H. 920. illouh] alouh R 3, yll laughyng P.

whom I helped make war against Rome for forty years."

Next in order 9 4 came Orodes of Parthia. And Fortune said, "Lo, John, all his kindred were defeated by the Scy- 90S thians, although some were re- stored to their dignity."

912

916

Soon afterwards Fortune began to smile falsely, and 020 caused a mighty Roman prince to appear.

And Bochas, looking closely at his disfigured countenance, saw that it was Pompey, who was so long at war with Cassar.

Disconsolate, his face was soiled with smoke and by the water of the sea;

yoo

Fortunas Play with Pompey

[bk. VI

corptc to be burnt.

Fortune then uiJ io tcorn;

" I raited hit glory to the heavens and enabled him to give battle to Cscaar,

With smokes blakc, dedli & mortall, Callid of clerkis the feeste funerall.

[au^'^hiV *'*'* Codrus caused that the corps was brent And consumed into asshes dcde; To Cesar'aftir his hcd was born & sent Vpon a pole, his stori who Hst reede. Afttir al this, Hochas took good heede, How Fortune bamaner mokerie, In scorn of hym gan thus to specefie:

"Vp to the heuene aftir his deuys I gan enhaunce & encrece his glorie. Bi my fauour I gaff hym many a pris, Conquest of kynges with many gret victorle; And mor to putte his noblesse in memorie, Bi my support thoruh his cheualrie, With Cesar luUus to holde chauwpartie.

"elrd'^'hln! my And whil that I my fauour did applie favour his Toward hym his victories to assure,

fame arose until -' ... _,, .

I withdrew it His fame aros, til that m Thesahe

again. _ • i j i •

1 gan withdrawe his parti to socoure, Suffryng his enmyes make disconfiture Vpon this Pompeie, hyndred in my siht, Whan he to Lesbos at myscheeff took his fliht.

taken "nd*^*^ ^** ^^ ^^^ seruauntis of yonge Tholome, slain: I gave Regnyng in Egipt, Pompeie in his dreed

him up, and heo-'o or' r

lost his head. Was take & slayn; he fond no* help in mee:

\ et no man t r i o 11 i • 1 1

takes heed of 1 gat hym vp; & so he lost his hed.

my changes, x-- r 1 1111

eicept that you I It 01 my chaunges no man taketh heed, them"in*^your^* Nor how vnseurli I cast my dreedful look, ^^^' Sauf thou art besi to sette hem in thi book."

Bochas astoned, parcel of hir presence, Bothe of cheer[e], face and contenaunce, And in this while hauyng his aduertence, Thouhte he sauh a maneer resemblaunce Of a persone, which stood in gret greuaunce; Til at the laste Fortune caste hir sihte Toward Bochas, & told[e] what he hihte:

947. I] om. H.

957. make] makyng a H, make a P, R 3, H 5.

962. no] non B.

965. vnseurli] vnseemly H, vnsemly R 3, H 5.

969. his] this H. 971. which] which t»at H, R 3.

940

944

948

952

956

960

964

968

972

BK. Vl3

The Story of Gains Marius

701

"This is," quod she, "pleynli to termyne,

The famous man, [the] prynce of elloquence

That gaf to Latynes the scole & the doctrine

Of rethorik, as welle of that science.

For which I will thou do thi dilligence

To write with othir of this Tullius

Al hool the caas, & gynne at Marrius."

^ These woordes saide. Fortune made an eende;

She beet hir wynges & took hir to the fliht:

I cannat seie what weie she dede weende,

Sauf Bochas tellith, lich an auwgel briht

At hir partyng she shewed a gret liht.

But as soone as she gan disapeere.

He took his penwe [&] wrot as ye shal heere.

976

"This is Tullius," said she, "the famous man who taught the Romans the arts of rhetoric and oratory."

980

Telling Bochas to begin with Marius, Fortune flapped her wings

and flew away 984 in a great light.

{]How Gayus Marrius, of low birthe bom/ cam to high estat whiche blent 'with couetise after many grete batailes deied att mischeef .] ^

HEER Bochaj- gynweth to tellen of {)e man 988 Callid in his tyme Gayus Marius, Born at Apnna[s], a castel of Tuscan, Sone of a carpenteer, the stori tellith thus, Pursued armys, manli & vertuous; 992

Thoruh al Rome nor in that contre Was ther no man hold so strong as he.

Disciplyne and gret subtilite

He hadde also, as bookis specefie, 996

Prudence, manhod and habilite

Bothe in armys and in cheualrie.

Most famous holde toward that partie,

Withynwe a while, rayn auctour seith certeyn, 1000

Chose a tribun & a gret capteyn.

But fro the gynyng of his tendre age,

As histories put in remembrauwce.

He was priked so sore in his corage 1004

Bagredi fret of long contynuauwce,

Neuer to staunch[e] with non habuwdaunce; —

975. 2nd the] om. J. 977. that] ^t H.

987. &] om. H, J, R 3.

988. tellen] writen H.

990. Aprina J, Arpynas H 5, Arpinas P.

1003. histories] stories H. 1005. by a gredy H.

1 MS. J. leaf 126 recto.

Gaius Marius was born at Arpinum in Tuscany. He was the son of a carpenter,

strong and well disciplined, prudent and able in arms.

Chosen first a tribune, he later became a great captain, but was always covetous.

702 The Story of Gains Marius [^BK. vi

The world nor Fortune, with al ther gr^t richesse, Surtiscd iiat tappese his grcdynesse. 1008

iliw hii^'to""" Entryng a temple he fond a dyuynour, [p. 310]

Kv> to Rome. Coinjsailed [hiinl ther hi his dyuynaille

where he ^ i i i i •

.htHiiJ not f.ii Icntre Rome &: holde ther soiour,

to ri»c to hittli ,,. , 1 I 1 1- -11

office. Ml good aiiys anil kinntli apparaille; 1012

Made hym promys that he slial'nat faille I atteync he fauour of the comounte To gret offis & staat in the cite.

"n.^«Ttho*igh Fauour of comouws brouht hyw to hih estat, 1016 the Sen.tc |^i them resceyued vnto the dignite

tcorned hi5 low , i i i i

birth. Ot consuleer, al-be that the senat

Hadde disdeyn off his felicite,

Because he was born of louh degre. 1020

Grau?itid to hym after be the toun To conquere rewmys a comwyssiouw.

mUsb^^to iMd" He gat the prouynce thoruh his hih renoun

the Roman Qf Numcdic, as he dede hem assaile, 1024

IcRions, he con- . , , , , (. ■,

quered Numidia And tooK the Kyng ot that regiouw

and captured /-, n- i x jr • l. -1

juRurtha, for Lallid lugutta ptoudli m bataile.

which he was t^ i • i • i • • i *11

given a triumph. 1" or whicli emprisc bi marcial apparaille

He gat the tryuwphe, thoruh the toun ridyng, 1028 Because onli for takywg of that kyng.

b]ifev°d"rh°a"t' -^"^ ^^^ ^^ ^^^s ^ persone so notable all their pros- Por many famous sodeyn gret victorie,

pcrity lay in -^ i rr i i

his hand; iNamli m conquest preued promtable, 1032

To al the comoun, as put is in memorie; And for thencres of his renouw & glorie, Bi thoppynyoun hool of the cite, In his hand lay al ther prosperite. 1036

mlny'n^adons' Agcyn a pccplc that calHd was Tymbrois,

into subjcctioTi Them to conqucre fro Rome he was sent dionn,

to Rome, and - » . . . '

overcame the Also agcyn the boistous Tigumois,

Cimbn and the „ , ° -^ . , . ° . '

Tigurini, who (jadrcd togidre or many naciourt. 1040

took"u^n°"' '^ Alle them he brouhte to subieccioun,

pa'r^rmoun- Lik as Romcyns hadde aflForn desired,

tains of Italy, ggcause thci hadde ageyn ther toun conspired.

1010. him]owz.J. 1012. good] goodly H. 1016. hih] gret H.

103 1, gret] om. H. 1032. Namli] manly H.

1033. comouw] comons H.

1036. ther] ^e H.

BK. Vl3

The Story of Gains Marius

703

Thei took upon hem of fals presuwpcioun To passen alle the mounteyns of Itaille, First discouwfited, as maad is menciouw, Thre Romeyn dukis felli in bataille, Four scorre thousand clad in plate & maile Slayw of Romeyns, the stori is weel knowe, Vnder Thalpies at myscheef ouerthrowe.

This Marrius of marcial auenture In Germanye hadde a gret bataille With Tewtobochus, a geauwt of stature, Put first to fliht with al his apparaille; For Marrius dide hym so sore assaille, At the chas[e] proudli born to grouwde, Maugre his miht, tak & in cheynis bouwde.

Marrius aftir with his host hym drouh Toward the peeple off Cymbrois for to fiht: Too hundred thousand*, I fynde, of hem he slouh, Eihte thousand take, thre thousand put to fliht; Kyng Bolerus, a ful famous kniht, Slayn in the feelde, for al his gret[e] pride, Ageyn Marrius as he dide ride.

That day of Cymbrois was al the peeple slayw. The women afFtir he list nat to reserue; Yit thei proffered & wolde haue be ful fayn Ther chastite deuoutli to obserue. In the temple of Vesta for to serue. But ther request[e] for he list nat heere. With hym thei fauht; echon slayn ifeere.

Except that sumwe, whan thei sauh non othir

Remedi, of purpds thei wer set,

Euerich of them to slen & moordren othir;

And somme thouhte also that it was bet

To hang hemsilff vpon an hih gibet.

Than tabide of Marius the outrage,

Perpetueli to lyuen in seruage.

Thus Marius of thre naciouns

Thoruh his conquest complisshed the victorie.

With prisoneres of sondri regiouns

1044

1048

He also put the Teutones to

10? 2 fl'S^*^ ^"'^ '^°°'' •^ their leader

prisoner.

1056

1060

Afterwards he slew 200,000 of the Cimbri and captured 8000.

1064

They were all slain, even the women, who would gladly have served in the Temple of 1068 Vesta.

Some slew one ^°7^ another and the rest hanged themselves.

1076

Thus Marius conquered three 1080 ""ions.

He was chosen consul six times.

1047. Thre] \)e H. 1050. Vnder] ovir H.

1060. thousand] peeple B, J.

1062. Bolerus] Borelus H 5, Beleus P.

1080. complisshed] accowplisshid H, R 3.

704 Tht Wars of Marius and Sulla [bk. VI

Entrccl Rdoine to his encrcs of glorie.

With special hiudcs notable of memoiie:

First the tryuwphe, a guerdoun synguleer, 1084

He tymes sexe chose a consulcer.

u°^ur7bieVo Thus Fortunc was to hyin fauourable, him «t fim. but Xo sette hyni up in worldli dicnites

Utcr on ihe i i- i i 11

became advcrie. for a sesoii/j; hilt for slie was ciiaiw/gable, 1088

Among hir gifttes ^' giet prosperites She gaf hyni part of gret aduersites: And specialli the tyme acoiujtid than, Tween hym & Scilla whan the werris gan. 1092

MiriuV»"gr*eat Lucyus Scilla ahidyng in Chau7npayne, [p. 311]

enemy. Matrius at Roome tho present,

Whan the diuysioun gan atween hem tweyne,

Ech to other contrarie of entent, 1096

Malencolius and inpacient,

W^hich of bothe, the stori weel co?tceyued,

To gouerne sholde sonnest be receyued.

Rome'fg^nst ^^ sodenli, wher it wer riht or wrong, iioo

him, Toward Roome takyng his passage,

Ageyn Marrius to make hymseluen strong,

Gan slen & brenne, & of gret outrage,

Wilful, hasti, furious of corage, 1104

For sodeyn komyng & vnwar violence

Ageyn[e]s hym fond[e] no resistence.

dtyTJdk'X'''' Too myhti batailles he dede with hym leede, Capitol. Entryng the cite, gan thoruh the wal[le] myne; 1108

W^ith o bataille faste gan hym speede To passe the gate callid Aquilyne (The tothir gat[e] namyd was Colyne), At whos entryng, bi record of the book, 1112

Scilla be strengthe the Capitoile took.

wUh"hVp^Si'e'^ But whan Marrius hadde knowlechyng

into a marsh, That SciUa haddc so gret poweer & myht,

tured and sent W^ithoutc arcst or Icngcr abidyng, 1116

to prison. y • /-^ •!

Into a mans (jayus anon riht

With al his peeple took sodenli his fliht.

Fet out be strengthe, koude hym nat difFende,

Scilla aftir to pnsou?t dede hym sende. 1120

1089. hir] his H. 1097. ImpacientH. 1098. stori] tothir H. 1099. sonnest shulde H, sonest shold R 3. 11 17. Marish P. 1 1 19. be] vfith H.

BK. Vl3

The Wars of Marius and Sulla

705

Thus the prowesse for a while slepte Of Marrius Hggyng in prisoun. Scilla that tyme the Capitoille kepte, Wherbi al Roome stood in subiecciouw. And of hatrede in haste he sente doun A sturdi cherl to Marius in his dreed, Whil he lay bounde to smyten of his hed.

This cherl weel compact of brauw & of bonys,

Sent of purpos Marrius for toppresse,*

For his strengthe ordeyned for the nonys, —

To the prisouM the cherl ga« faste hym dresse,

Wher Marrius was fetrid in distresse,

FuUi in purpos, withoute mor delay.

To heuedyn hym in prisoun ther he lay.

Losed hym first, Hggyng on his couche; And Marius [a]roos up lik a man. The cherl feerful to smyte or to touche. And Marius ful proudli tho began To entre a place beside of a woman, Fond an asse ther of auenture, Vpon whos bak the se he gan recure.

Toward AlFrik ther he fond passage,

Bi enprisownyng thouh he wer wex[e] feynt;

Yit ther abood, stille in his corage,

Hih worthynesse with prudence meynt,

Which in his persone wer* nat [fully] queynt,

Ageyn the malis to make a couwtirtaille,

Off proude Scilla the malis eft tassaile.

Of Itaille rood thoruh the contre. Took his viage towarde* Roome toun, With foure batailes entreth the cite, Sixe hundrid knihtis be computacioun Slayn in the feeld, as maad is menciouw. Wher men may seen, who list looke a-ferre, What damage diuysiouw doth in werre.

Sulla kept Rome under his sub- jection and sent a sturdy knave to smite off Marius's head 1 1 24 while he lay bound.

1128

II32

II36

After he had loosened his bonds the churl was afraid to strike, and Marius escaped on an ass

1 140

to the sea and thence to Africa, where he dwelt until he was 1 144 able to give ^ battle to Sulla again.

II48

Returning to Rome, he entered the city, with four battalions; and 600 knights 1 152 were slain,

1 1 23 is misplaced at end 0/ stanza and marked a, 1 1 24 is marked b, H.

1 128. 2nd of] om.. H.

1 129. to oppresse B.

1 146. wer] was B, H — fully] om. J, P. 1 150. towarde] thoruh B.

7o6

The Wars of Marius and Sulla

[bk. VI 1156

1 160

Cnisus and Catulu*.

1 164

1 168

inciudinK the pj^j.^. [^[ j.|,p nianliod oft' this Marius,

great o.'tnsul • 1 1 • 1

(x-uviu., whose Ip fiiis clyuisiou;!, tlic stoM wlio list reedc,

hc«d w«» »et II- 1 / \

on a pole. [ he gTctc consul callul (.^ctaiiyus

Lost his hcd[e] & his lyft" in deedc; —

Vpon a pole whil it dedc bleede

Was criitUi proscntid of ciitent

Tofor the iuges sittyng in iugcment. Mcruia priest Qf yr\~^Q^ dethfcl sumwc of heiii wer fayn,

01 the I emple ^ ^ _^* .

0} Jupiter, was Suniwic sofi, of louc as thei wer bounde.

alao slain, and . , . i • a /r i i

And in this werre Merula was slay;^, Freest in the temple, lik as it is founde, Of lubiter, with many mortal wounde. The Romey/i slayn that callid was Crassus; With fyr consumyd was proude Catulus. Marius held his y^jjg j^jg gnmycs Matius dede encoumbre,

own against • ^ ^ j ^ ^

hit enemies Which ageyn hym be conspiraciouw Wer assentid with a ful gret nouwbre In ther auys for to haue put hym doun, Take from hym his domynacioun. But he abood the torment & the shours, Strong to condempne alle his conspiratOMrs.

cons'uTsV''"^" ^^^^ tymes, afforn rehersed heer,

$!.'""• ^ Of condicioun thouh he wer despitous,

Finally, rortune » ,

turned away He was chosc SO otte consulcer;

from him. rw-t t->

111 fortune gan wexen envious

Ageyn this saide cruel Marius,

Which made the senat with al the cheualrie

To gruchche ageyn his hatful tiranwye.

In this tyme, the stori maketh mynde, Damasippus, a pretour of the touw, Freendli to Marius & helpyng, as I fynde, Vnder a shadwe of decepcioun Vnto ther cite for to do tresouw, Causyng foure Romeyns come I-feere ToflFor Marrius a certeyn day tappeere.

iS^.^i'tius^nd"' ■^"^ ^^^^ namys to putte in memorie,

Antistius to Sceuola, Carbo and Domycius, 1192

Marius, whom r i rr* i • i l

he slew un- The fourthe oft them, as seith the ston,

lawfully. /^ If ^ • T\ 1 • A ••

Calhd in Roome the wise Antistius.

>

1 173. ther3 ]>at H.

1179. offten H. 1186. helpyng^ helpely H, helply R 3.

I188. do] om. H. 1192. Sevola H — Carbo] Cotta P.

1172

1176 [p. 312]

1 180

At this time Damasippus sent four Romans,

1 184

1 188

BK. Vl]

The Wars of Marius and Sulla

707

Togidre assemblid tofor Marrius,

He of rancour, geyn iugement or lawe,

Made hem be slayn & thoruh the cite drawe.

Ther bodies aftir wern in Tibre cast

Bi cruelte of saide Marius.

Alle this while the cruel werre last

Tween hym & Scilla, til duk Campanyus

Cam on the parti, hard[y] & despitous,

To helpe Scilla ther baneres first displaied,

Wherof al Roome was sodenli afFraied.

At the gate that callid was Colyne Marrie & Scille hadde a gret bataille, — Foure score thousand, the nouwbre to termyne On Marrius side slayn, it is no faille; Scilla victorious, with marcial apparaille Entryng the town, ageyn his oth, parde, Thre thousand citeseyns slouh of the cite.

Of folk disarmyd & naked in the touw, Thei nouther spared old nor yong of age, The cruel moordrers walkyng up nor doun Be Scilla sent in that mortal rage. Till Catullus, a prince fall in age, Saide vnto Scilla, "we can no difference Atween rebelliouw nor atween innocence;

We moordre & slen withoute excepcioun Both hih & louh, holdyng no maneere; Ageyn al knihthod, to myn oppynyoun, We do proceede in our conquest heere, — Our title is lost the tryuwphe to requere Of hih prowesse, whan we canat obserue No difference to slen nor [to] reserue."

And in this while, of hatful cruelte Scilla contreued lettres diffamable, Wherbi fyue hundred out of that cite Wer falsli banshed, citeseyns notable, — Ageyn[e]s hem he was so vntretable, — Alle ther goodes achetid in that rage Of auarice and of fals pillage.

1 196

Their bodies were thrown into the Tiber. Duke Cam- 1200 Panus aided Sulla,

1204

1208

and Marius was defeated in a great battle, losing four score thousand of his men.

Sulla massacred the people until an old prince named Catullus

1216

1220

remonstrated with him, say- ing that if they continued thus to slaugh- ter they would have no title of triumph.

1224

Sulla also ban- ished 500 not- ables and con- fiscated their 1228 goods out of avarice.

1232

1 195. afforn H. 1202. 1204. was] wer H. 1216. Catallus H.

on] vnto J, to P, on in H 5.

7o8 Thf Death of Gains Marius [bk. vi

A brother of Aiiothcr Romcvii nanivtl Marrius,

Manut hid in » i " • -" i r t l J

a Roat-houM: Biotlicr to Maiiius, ot wliow totor 1 tolde, to Catuiuja For drccd of Scilla flcdde & took an hoiis irave, Which vnto goot was set up for a foolde; 1236

Foiuid & rent out in his dales olde, With cordcs drawe (no rcscus inyhte hym saue) Of cruel vengau?ice to Catullus graue,

commanded iiii ^^ ^i^ ^ SclUa made bi cruel* iugement, 1240

eye* to be With a shato suerd[e], forcid for to bite,

torn out, his ,'. . "^ ^ "^

hand, smitten Aftit tyme His eien wer out rent,

heid^io be' set Bothe attonys his handis of to smyte.

wn * trlvurlui. His hcd smet of, no raujzsoun myhte hym quite,^i244 Set on a pole, it wolde be non othir. And off despiht[c] sent vnto his brothir,

Mariu. himself Jq prfete Matius, of whom I spak now riht, —

was in great «^ ' , , * '

danger; ^hc gtete duk, SO iTiihti & SO hugc, 1248

Which hadde afforn[e] tak hyw to the fliht For feer of Scilla in that mortal deluge, Into a cite to fynde ther refuge,

Callid Preueste, ther stondyng in gret dreed, 1252 Namli whan he beheeld his brothris hed.

ffi T;.'" ^* For-asmoche as he no soco^r fond,

Dft»T Ills

he°deraire"'^ Discspclred, this was his purpos: and drawing To slcn hymsilff[e] with his owne bond 1256

his servant kill In thilke place wher he was kept[e] cloos. ""■ Drouh out a suerd, up anon he roos,

Constreyned his seruaunt in that sodeyn affray Smyte off his hed, the silue same day. 1260

^a? d^arh'fs^ ^ Men seen how deth is fyn of al myscheeff, [p. 313] the end of all Eende ofF aducrsite that doth wrechchis tarie.

trouble and

adversity. Fortune hcet maketh another preefF

Fortune once t n t • i i i •

more shewed in In Mamus, how^ shc hir cours can vane, 1264

Mlrfus^ow Bi an euidence hatful and contrarie her course*'^'' To shcwe hir malis and vngoodliheed

Ageyn this duk, alas, whan he was ded.

This frowarde* ladi, of malis most vengable, 1268

Whan hir list furiousli to raue

And shewe hirsilfF[e] cruel & vnstable,

1^39. Catallus H. 1240. cruel] gret B.

1268. frowarde] frowardli B.

1269. H repeats here the 2nd line of preceding stanza, but alters last word to rave.

BK. vi] No Man is gentle except by his Deeds

709

To non estat she list no reward haue.

Causede Marius be take out of his graue 1272

Bi cruel Scilla, in stori it is founde,

His ougli careyn smet on pecis rouwde.

And aftir, mor to shewe his cruelte, —

Marrius sholde haue no burying place, — 1276

Caste his careyn, of kankrid enmyte,

Into Tibre, ther was non othir grace.

Loo, thus can Fortune for hir folk purchace!

Bi which exauwple touchyng Marrius, 1280

Off worldli chauwges Bochas writeth thus,

Maketh in this chapitle a descripsioun.

First what thyng is verray gentilesse.

To sette a preefF & a probacioun, 1284

No thyng atteyneth vnto hih noblesse

But the cleer shynyng of vertuous clennesse,

Which may nat shewe, in louh nor hih* parage,

But wher it groweth out of a peur corage. 1288

Worldli poweer, oppressiouw, tiranwye,

Erthli tresour, gold, stonis nor richesse

Be no menys vnto gent[e]rie,

But-yif vertu reule ther hih prowesse: 1292

For wher vices haue any interesse

In hih[e] berthe, mene, or louh kynreede,

Deeme no man gentil, but onli bi his deede.

In roial paleisis of ston & metal wrouht, 1296

With galleries or statli cloistres rouwde,

Gentilesse or noblesse is nat souht,

Nor in cileris nor in voutis rounde;

But onli ther wher vertu doth habouwde: 1300

Corious clothes nor gret pocessiouws

Maketh nat men gentil but cowdic[i]ouns.

Philisophres conclude* in ther entent

And alle thes worthi famous old auctowrs, 1304

No man may quethe in his testament

Gentilesse vnto his successours;

Of wikked weed[e] come non holsum flours.

Concludyng thus: of good [e] men & shrewes, 1308

Calle ech man gentil aftir his good[e] thewes.

1274. on] in H. 1282. chapiter H 5, Chapter P.

1283. gentilnesse H. 1287. hih nor louh B, P.

1292. hih] his H. 1293. haue] hath H. 1299. Sileer« H.

1303. concluden B. 1305. questh H.

After his burial, Sulla had his body dug up again, and his ugly corpse cut into round pieces and cast into the Tiber. Thus Fortune rewards her folk!

Bochas says that nothing attains to high noblesse except the clear shining of virtue, that can spring only from a pure heart.

Worldly power, tyranny, and wealth are no means to gentility unless they are ruled by virtue.

No man Is gentle except by his deeds;

and gentility cannot be de- vised by testament to our successors. Wholesome flowers do not grow on weeds.

710 The Fate of three Cleopatras [hk. vi

ixike M.riui. DjiJ. M.iiiiiis, of wliDin I soak tofoni,

born of poof . , , •

r.rcni». wn • Qf natuic, tlie stori berth witnesse,

Tk^u^ noliiiiy. As* he discent [both] poore and nedi born, 1312

hut hi» heart !•»• i- • • r i 1

«i. cjnkcreJ Hi disposicioiw? ot coraious noblesse, of .\w"" Hadde in bis piTS(M)ne wit, strongtbc [&] hardynesse; Vndir al this, thcr didc his hcrtc niyne A wcrni of auarice his worslicp to dcdyne. 1316

What avaiii What uailith plciitc, that ncuer may suffise?

plenty that can , •, i i i i 5

never suffice? ()r uhat thc flood, that staiufcne may no thrust r

The river <■>( . , i ^l •

Tantalus cannot Qf what an appctit, that cuer doth arise, fhim'^oUrecd. Alwey to ete, and euer to ete hath lust? 1320

Of ka/ikrid hunger so fretyng is the rust. That the ryueer of Tantalus in his rage Of gredi etikes the fret may nat asswage.

You have heard a Qf Martius ve han herd the eende, 1324

the end ol ^ .^ ii " i • i

Marius His woful fall & his vnhappi caas,

patras next Into fate how Hc dede weende.

HThYs! v.-^h"' Now wil I folwe myn auctonr lohn Bochas,

Wui downcast ^^^ ^^^^ j^-^^^^ ^^^^ Cleopattas, 1328

With look[e] doun cast, woful face & cheere, AUe attonys to hym dide appeere. The first of ji^g f^rste of Hcm, bi processe of writyng,

them had had , ,• t* i 11

three husbands. Hadde thtc husboudis, Dochas doth expresse: 1332 Fast^'wls An- Weddid in youthe to Alisau?zdre the kyng tiochus; ^^j^.j Zebenna, a prince* of gret noblesse;

Aftir that for hir gret fairnesse

She weddid was vnto Demetrius, 1336

And laste of all to kyng Anthiochus. and as Bochas Qf j^jj. ^\^^^ husbondis woful auentute

has already ^ .

written their And of Hir sonis gret vnkyndenesse,

{"^"and^er Bochas afFom hath doon his besi cure 1340

son's great un- y-, • i • t

kindness, it Ceriousli the maner to expresse, TeheJ^Vaii Which to reherse ageyn wer idilnesse, again. gj^.}^ ^j j.]^g processe heer-toforn is founde

Of the firste & eek of the secounde, 1344

ci~p?t?a"ta8 Which weddid was to kyng Tholome, [p. 314]

wedded to \J[\^ as toforn is maad eek mencioun

Ptolemy Euer- _^ , - , . . „ , ■.

getes, who Bothe 01 thet loie & ther aduersite.

^p7o he^a?" The firste slayn be drynkyng of poisouw, 1348

table

13 12. As] Al B, & H, And R 3 — both] om. L H 5. 13 17. availlth H. 1319. which nevir doth rise H. 1334. prince] princesse B.

BK. vi^ The History of King Mithridates

And the secouwde, to hir confusiouw, Bi Euergetes, wher she wer wo or fayn, Was with hir child[e] seruid, that was slayn.

The thridde weddid was to kyng Grispus, Slayn in a temple bi ful gret outrage, For dreed & shame gan wexe furious, To saue hirsilfF[e] knew non auauntage, Saue she enbracid of lubiter an image, In the stori as heer-tofforn is founde, Or she was ded sufFred many a wouwde.

711

The third 3^2 jjiarried King Grypus; and she was slain in a temple.

1356

1368

[How kyng Mitridate bood vij. yere in wildernesse had grete tormentys bothe in see & londe, by his blood brouht to vttraunce slouh himsilf wit/i a swerde.] '

IWIL passe ouer thes Cleopatras thre, Foorth proceede to the hasti fate Soone execut bi Parchas cruelte Vpon the duk callid Mitridate. First reherse the grete vnkyndli hate Of them that wern his tutowrs, as I reede, Hym to destroie bassent of his kynreede.

Which of purpos dide his deth prouide Bi many vnkouth straunge occasiouw: In tendre youth[e] first thei made hym ride Vpon an hors wildere than [a] leouw, Off purpos onli for his destrucciouw. But al-be-so that he was yong of age, The hors he reuled in al his moste rage.

Nat of doctryne, but onli of nature

He was disposid kon[n]yngli to ride,

Ouer hym the maistri to recure,

Maugre the hors, of wit he was his guide.

What weye he took[e], froward or a-side,

He dauwtede hym, that wher-so-euer he rood

Bridled hym & on his bak abood.

His owne kyn & his next allies

Most laboured to brynge hym to myscheefF,

With venymous drynk set on hym espies

1362. duke] king P. 1369. a] om. H.

1 MS. J. leaf 128 recto.

Duke Mithri- dates was 1^60 in his young ^ days nearly destroyed by his tutors, who, seeking his death,

1364

made him ride a wild horse.

1372

But he was so skilled a horse- man that he escaped all danger.

1376

o His own kin 13°° tried to poison him,

712 The Story of Mithridates' Youth [bk. vi

At pood leisecr, as dooth a couert theefF,

Of tlier fell poison;/ for to make a preefF, 1384

In thcr entent, the stori is weel kouth,

Hyni to moordre in his tendre youth.

pi^iftiction he ^^^'^ whan that he apparceyued ther tresoun,

LTwith «ii" "^ ° ^'^'^^ hynisiUF[c] made gret ordenaunce; 1388

m.nncr of Anon as lic Pall haiie siispeciouw

notable *nti- ^. , , , , ,,. , f .

dotes. Ut the[rj vnkyndli hattul purueyaiuice,

For remedies made chcuisauwce: Was prouided ther malis to declyne, 1392

Be many notable preeued medecyne.

To avoid tils enemies he

And ther malis prudentli teschewe, withdrew from jg remewibred, whil he was yone of ace,

his country and .... , - i • i i i i i

hunted wild \v ith certcyn freendes, which that dede hyw sue, 1396 He disposed of custum his corage To hunte & chase beestis most sauage; Vndir that colour he dede it for a wile, Ferr from his centre absente hym for a while. 1400

crvellfdMl Of o corage, of oon hert & o cheer hTh^lfis t™"^^*^^^^^ marili, took non heuynesse, the wilderness In dcsertis space of seuene yeer,

for Bcv'cn vcats*

Among hih hilles abood in wildirnesse. 1404

Set in Asia, the stori berth witnesse, Fond no loggyng, tracyng the contres, Saue in kauernys & in holwe trees.

thtbMs^ts°" The book remewbreth how that his diete 1408

littfe^nd^'^''' Wer beestis wilde enchacid wz'tZ? gret miht, \ji°''^*i Fledde idilnesse, eschewed al quiete.

And litil sleep suffised hym at niht;

Bexercise his bodi was maad liht: 1412

Ther was nouther, whan hym list pursue, Hert nor hynde that miht his hand eschewe.

twfftind !?rong Hc nouthcr dradde tigres nor leouns;

couid^escTpr** ^^ ^'^^ ^° swifFt, thouh thei dede hym assaile, — 1416

•>'"»■ Lik of strengthe to olde champiouns,

No wilde beeste of gret nor smal entaille

Tescape his hand[e] myht nat countiruaille

Yif he wer war[e], erli outher late, 1420

So gret[e] swifFtnesse hadde Mitridate.

1407. 2nd in] gret H. 141 1. at] at t)e H.

BK. Vl]

Mithridates' early Conquests

713

Among he hadde in armys excerslse, Among to tourneye & renne on hors[e]bak; Al delicat fare he dede also despise, Of gredi excesse*, in hym ther was no lak: A-nihter-tyme his slep ful ofte he brak, Stoundemeel the hour[e]s for to marke; In the dawenyng roos up or the larke.

The space accompHsshid fuUi of seuene yeer, [p.

He is repeired hom to his contre;

Shewed hymsilf of manhod and of cheer

Ful lik a kniht, his stori who list see.

Wherof his enmyes sore astoned bee;

Kauhte of his comyng in herte a maner dreed,

Supposyng afForn that he was ded.

In whos absence his wifF Leodices Conceyued a childe, as maad is mencioun. For the diffame sholde nat kome in pres, Hym for to moordre she souhte occasions, Fulli in purpos to slen hym be poisoun. Of which difFautis hir lord was nothywg fayn, Knowyng the trouthe, made hir to be slayn.

Took on hym aftir many knihtli deede:

First to conquere al Pafflagonye

Bi the helpe of worthi Nychomeede,

That tyme callid kyng of Bithynye,

Togidre assurid to been of allie

In losse or lucre, Fortune to be ther guide.

And therto swor[e]n neuer to deuyde.

To Mitridate legate/ wer doun sent From the Romeyns, hym lowli requeryng, That he wolde, lik to ther entent, Pafflagonie restore vnto ther kyng, Which he hadde wonne, the cite assailyng. But he list nat aduertise ther praieere, Nor on no parti ther requestis heere.

He dradde nat ther thretis nor manacis. Gat proudli after the lond of Galathie, In his conquest^/ wan* many othir placis, Capadoce took to his partie,

He was a good jouster and rider and despised luxury.

1424

1428 315]

1432

At the end of the seven years he went home and was feared by all his enemies.

1436

During his ab- sence his wife had a child, and to hide her shame sought to poison him, for which he caused 1440 her to be slain.

He conquered Paphlagonia

^^^ of Nicomedes,

1448

1452

and afterwards was required by the Romans to restore the kingdom. This he refused to do.

1456

He had no fear of them, and soon con- quered Galatia andCappadocia.

1460

1426, full offt his sleep H. 1435. that] trowid \>at H. 1459. wan] gat B.

714 T*/.'^ Jf'ar of Mithridates and Nicomedes [bk. VI

Slouh ther kyng, of hatrcde & envle,

Ariaractes, a fill iiianli 111. m;

Ami in this wise his conquest he began.

olu wfth Nico- Agcyn thassiuau«ce tween hym & Nichoineede, 1464 |"'*i"A*''° AUe sodenli he can falle at debat; i

tcxik the crown ^ ^ ^ .... '

of CappaJixia Thonhtc hc wolde werreie hym in deede,

without .Mithn- ,-, , ■ ," • !

d«te»' consent, Hecaiise that lie, pompous cc elat,

In Capadoce took on hym the estat 1468

To rcgne as kyng, ageyn[e]s his entent, He nouther beyng of counsail nor assent.

had°ma'Jrii^ hu ^'^^ Nichomcede, or the! ga^i debate, '

•iiter. Hadde long afForn[e] to his owne encres 1472 ;

The sustir weddid of this Mitridate,

Whan the! as brethre lived in rest and pes.* \

And she was also callid Leodices, '

Hauyng too sonys born for to succeede 1476

Afftir disses of seid[e] Nichomeede.

mwies'^^dcath he ^'^^ ^' ptocesse thes said[e] childre tweyne deprived his jp Capadoce, bi help of Mitridate,

two sons of the i • i • i • r '

kingdom Clcymed a title, lustli for tatteyne 1480 '

Vnto the crowne, ther fadir ded but late. 1

For which thei gan felli to debate, Til Mitridate falsli gaw contryue His too neuews vngoodli to depryue. 1484 \

ownwJ'''' Al Capadoce he took into his hand, \

crowned there, f^jg Qwnc sonc he hath thet crowned kyng.

X he Romans /~,i-i riiii '

sent down Capadociens, bassent of al the lond, 1

Ariobazarnes /^ i • i • r i • i

to chase him Gan disobcie or purpos his werkyng. 1488 I

ridatcs" allied Whan the Romeyns co?zsidred al thys thing, i

Tigranes^and Ariobarzancs in haste thei sente doun

was victorious, Q^y^^ Mitridate to keep that regioun.

The sone of whom fro them thei ha[n] refusid, 1492

Out of ther kyngdam gan hym to enchase;

For thei sempte ther franchise was abusid,

To seen a foreyn occupie that place.

Mitridate gan newdi hem manace, 1496

And took with hym to susteene his partie

Tigranes the kyng of Armenye.

1462. Arriarattes H, Ariarectes J, Ariarathes P. 1474. lived in rest and pes^ list to leue in pes B. 1493. hym to3 them H.

BK. vi] The Wars of Mithridates with Rome

715

Ariobarzanes, that was fro Roome sent

To Capadoce to helpe hem & counsaille, 1500

Of Mitridate knowyng the entent,

How he cam doun proudli hym tassaille

With Tigranes set in the ferst bataille,

Of Capadoce that al the regioun 1504

Was brouht that day to ther subiecciouw.

Thus Mitridate hauyng his entent,

In short tyme cowtrees cowqueryng,

Was myhtiest prince of al the orient, 1508

And in tho daies oon the grettest kyng.

And as it is remembred be writywg,

He deUtid most in astronomye.

In sortilege & in sorcerye.

And with al these, he dede his besi cure [p.

For to lerne vnkouth conclusiouws

And secretes souht out hi nature,

Knew the langage of dyuers regiouws,

Of too and tuenty sondri naciouns.

And heeld[e] women many mo than oon,

Loued Hipsicrata aboue hem euerichon.

To the Romeyns this manH Mitridate,

As bookis olde recorde of hym & seyn,

Vpon a day, of verray cruel hate

Thoruh al Asie he bad that ech Romeyn

Sholde of his men merciles be slayn: 1524

Twenti thousand he slouh eek on o day

Of Romeyn marchauwt^j, ther durst no man sei nay.

To hym he drouh dyuers naciouns

To encrece* his parti bi puissaunce,

Kymbrois, Gallois, with othir regiouns,

Bastornois took to his alliaunce;

With straunge peeple made his aqueyntaunce

Wher that euer he rood nyh or ferre, 1532

With them of Roome for to holde werre.*

In Grece also he gat many an ile,

Al Ciclades to his subieccioun;

Conquered so, that withynne a while 1536

Of Athenes he gat the famous toun.

But whan Romeyns knew his entencioun,

Thei sente Scilla in a furious heete

With Mitridate in Grece for to meete. 1540

1525. o] a H. 1528. Tencrece B. 1533. a werre B.

and soon became the most powerful prince in the East.

He delighted in astronomy and divination and sorcery,

1512

-j/Tl and in abstruse J J problems, and knew 22 differ- ent languages. He had many wives, but loved 15 16 Hypsicratia best.

He hated the 1520 Romans and slew 20,000 of their merchants in one day.

and allied him- self with various

j-jQ strange peoples ^ against Rome.

In Greece he conquered the Cyclades and Athens. Sulla was sent against him,

7i6 The Wars of Mithridalcs with Rome [bk. vi

inj. defe.iing Arcliclaus. wliicli tluit was constable,

Archdau., Leedyng the host of kyng Mitridate,

Can ageyn Scilla, trustywp; he was able,

Maugre Romeynes* with hym to debate. 1544

As thci mcttc in ther furious hate,

Hcsidc Ortonia of (Irece a gret[e] toun,

Of Archclaus the parti was born dou«.

conquered Erhe-j}^ Scilla to been victorious 1548

»nJ BiUiynia. Geyn Mitridate, & be gret violence

Gat al Ephese, a kyngdam ful famous,

Rood thoruh Asie, fond no resistence;

Hi his knihthod & manli prouidence iss*

Capadoce, Bithynye eek also

To Romeyn handis he gat hem bothe too.

At this Mithn- Whan Mitridate parceyued hath this thyng,

oato hastened r n mi i - «-^

to make peace, How the conouest of Scilu took enctees, 1556

hoping to sue- , , . , 1 ^ • -"

ceed better Anott hc caste withoute long tarieng,

* "' For a tyme with hym to haue a pes.

Of hih[e] wisdam he was nat rek[e]les To dissymule til* he fond tyme & space 1560

In Fortune to fynde bettre grace.

uira^to*Ro'me Abood his tyme, kept hymsilue cloos Til he fond leiseer lik his oppynyoun. In this while of auenture aroos 1564

Withynne Roome a gret discenciouw Tween too consuleris beyng in that toun, Which tappese bi his auctorlte Scilla cam up ageyn to the cite. 1568

rouS^'an Whan Mitridate his absence dede espie,

army and laid f q \{{^ purpOS fond OpOrtUnytC,

Cyzicus, the Gadtcd peeple, & with his cheualrie

greatest city of • . i • i /->>• • i

Asia, A Siege leid to Lizite the cite, 1572

Of al Asie most off auctorite. Til LucuUus, a myhti consuleer, To breke the seege aproche gan ful neer.

tackJd"^ Mitridate hadde on fyue capteyns 1576

LucuUus, who Tofor the toun made a disconfiture.

Of hih despiht he hadde to Romeyns.

But LucuUus the damage to recure,

1544. Romeynes] with Romeyns B. 1552. &] of H. 1555. hath] om. H. 1557. long] om. H. 1560. til] whan B. 1566. that] \tt H, R 3.

BK. Vl]

The Wars of Mithridates with Rome

717

Tenclose ther enmyes dide his* besi cure: 1580

To his mynours gaf anon in charge Aboute the siege to make a dich ful large.

Thei withynwe hadde knowlechyng

Be certeyn toknys of al \ier gouernauwce;

Wherupon thei made no taryeng

To caste a weie for ther deliuerauwce.

Mitridates seyng ther ordenauwce,

Of hih prudenae scaped awey beside, 1588

And at the seege no lenger list abide.

Lucullus than, the myhti consuleer,

Pursued aftir, slouh of his meyne

Swich multitude, that Asapus the ryueer

Was maad with blood[e] lik the Rede Se.

With wynd & tempest fordryue also was he.

And whan he sauh no socowr on the lond,

To shipp he wente with strong & myhti bond. 1596

He fond Fortune cruel aduersarie [p. 317]

On lond & se, this worthi Mitridate;

And Neptunus made the se contrarie,

Ageyn[e]s hym his puissauwce to abate. 1600

What shal men calle it? — influence or fate? —

So sodenli a prince of hih renouw

From hih noblesse to be plongid doun.

For any myscheefF he kept ay o visage, 1604

This Mitridate, & loth was for to plie

Or for to bowe, so strong was his corage,

But efFt ageyn goth with his cheualrie

Toward Adrastus, an hill of Armenye, 1608

Where-as Pompeie besette hym envirouw,

Sent fro Roome to his destruccioun.

dug a ditch about the be-

i=;84 "^!'"/ ^'■'"s'

•' ^ and drove Mithridates away,

and, pursuing him, slew so many of his men that the Ii?Q2 ■'iver Asopus

became like the Red Sea.

Fortune was contrary to Mithridates and threw him down from his high estate.

Nevertheless he did not lose courage, and . once more gave battle to his enemies in Armenia.

Mitridate makyng his loggyng place

Vndir that hill, whan it drouh to niht, 1612

The troubli heuene with thundryng gaw manace;

The firy leuene dirkid hath his siht;

The cloudi moone clipsed of hir liht,

Astoned hym bi vnwar violence, 1616

That he stood confus of al prouidence.

The sky was troubled with thunder and fiery lightning, and the moon eclipsed.

1580. his] ther B. 1582. 1592. Asopus H, J, P, R 3. 1608. Armonye H.

the] his H. 1587. Mitridate H.

71 8 The Courage of Mithridates in Defeat [bk. vi

l'eafy'on'fT°" He was he tcMiipcst &: vinvar dirknesse but hi. faithful Almost luaail wcrv of liis wofiil liff;

wife never once •,..«, ^ "

left him and \ it I fvnde, of vcrrav kyndenesse, 1620

lollowco him ... . i*i i i- • rr

wherever he HipsicTata, which that was his win,

went, disguised xt i r ^ I ^ rr

as • page. INoiitlicr tor wciie nor no mortal stryrt Left hym neiicre: disgised of visage Fohved hym arraied as a page. 1624

Fonunrwa!*^" ^ ''^ •" '^'^ moste mortal heuynesse,

most menaciiiK. \Vha« cloudi Fortiuie can hym most manace,

his courage did i • i

not (ail him. (j[ his corage the nature! quiknesse

Appalled nat nor remeued from his place, 1628

So hih prowesse dide his hert enbrace. Nat disespeired for no sodeyn fall. Of condiciouns he was so marciall.

^gi/orwfak° I" tokne wherof, he stondyng at myscheefF, 1632

ncs9. although Chaiujgcd nouthcr cheer nor co7itenauwce:

there was the « • i f i rr

greatest occasionAn euidence & a fill gret preefF

for despair. ^- . - J U ^^^

Ur manli torce and hertli assuraunce,

DefFying Fortune, with al hir variaunce, 1636

Whan that he fond to his destruccioun

Of disespeir grettest occasiouw.

rbamff^anfed With hym he hadde a bailiff, as I fynde,

Castor, who CalHd Castor, which of condicioun 1640 ,

traitorously sent i-iiri 111 \

his master's Was to his lordfel fals & eek vnkynde, 1

children as . , • i i r i

hostages to And conspircd ageyn hym rals tresouw. j

°^^' In tokne wherof, up to Roome toun

His lordis childre, yong & tendre of age, 1644

Lik a fals theeff he sent hem in hostage. j

onf o7hu""^ Oon of his sones he moordred be tresouw, |

sons Another Which Mitridate took ful sore at herte. ',

son, rharnaces, . . I

was ungrateful Another sone, as maad is mencioun, 1648 '

Fals to his fader, which whaw he dide adu^frte. The vnkyndnesse made hym sore smerte; :

For of al vicis, shortli to conclude, Werst of alle is ingratitude. 1652

and, 'taking' This Same child, of whom I make mynde, ]

^nrm"* °' Callid Pharnax, which ageyw nature I

To his fadir tretour & vnkynde, —

And his purpos ageyn hym to recure 1656 j

In al hast[e] dede his besi cure; ■

For tacomplisshe his purpos in partie,

Took to hym hool his fadris cheualrie.

1622. no] for H. 1635. Of] & H. ''

BK. Vl]

The Death of Adithridates

719

Be slelhte & meede whan he was maad[e] strong,

He beseged his fadir round aboute, —

Vnto nature, me seemeth, he dide wrong

To putte his fadir in so gret a doute.

Kyndenesse was ferr shet withoute,

Whan the sone, with hate set affire,

Ageyns his fadir Hst falsU to conspire.

With multitude his fadir was constreyned,

Maugre his myht, into a tour to flee,

His sone vnkynde hath at hym disdeyned;

And yit for al his straunge aduersite.

Of his corage the magnanymyte

In his persone stood hool, list nat varie,

Thouh Fortune was to hym contrarie.

Yit myn auctowr Bochas berth record,

That Mitridate, yif it wolde haue bee,

Requered his sone to been at accord

And set aside al old contrariouste.

But he vnkynde, was indurat parde,

Euere froward, malicious of corage,

So disposed from his tendre age.

So that the kyng Mitridate, alas, [p.

Was ouercome be vnkyndenesse.

That neuer afForn[e] in no man^r caas

Stood disamaied, but of hih prowesse

Kept ay o face al passiouns to represse.

This vertu force, bi marcial doctryne.

For non aduersite suffrid* hym declyne.

Eende of his werris & his mortal stryues.

Of his debatis and discenciouns,

His concubynes, his douhtres & his wyues.

Be mene onli of certeyn pociouns,

Slouh hem alle be drynkyng of poisouns;

For he nat wolde, the cause to descryue,

Aftir his deth thei sholde abide alyue.

His owne deth, of mortal fel rigour

Compassed afForn[e], thus he gzn deuise:

Made a Frensh kniht that was a soudiowr.

With a sharp suerd in ful cruel wise

To renne hym thoruh; wherbi the fraunchise

Conserued was his purpos to fulfill.

He shold nat deie but bi his owne will.

1687. sufFrid] listnat B. 1694. on live H. 1697. Franch H.

I"0° his father (which, it seems to me, was wrong).

1664

and compelled him to seek 1668 ""^f^ee in a tower.

1672

Although he bade his son make peace with him, the

1676 ^^^ ^^^ °^' durate;

1680

^ y o] and Mithri- j'-°\ dates, who never before had lost heart, was overcome by unkindness. 1684

,AQQ He slew his 1000 wives and

daughters and concubines by giving them poison,

1692

and made a Gallic knight 1606 run him through " with a sharp sword.

1700

7-0 An Envoy on JVorldly Variance [bk. vi

Jnj'ofMitiui- Loo, heer the eende of kyng Mitridate!

dates. Let all "[^^^ priiicis allc of his dcth take heede,

lake ' '

death.

princes take ' .

^^^■^"^i' How rcklesh he passed into fate 1704

And bi assent made his herte bleede. And Bochas heer, who Hst his book to reede, Pleynh rehcrsyng but in woordes fewe, To worldli princis doth his conceit shewe. 1708

Lenvoye.

co'L'Se'ir"'' IVr^"'^^ Vr\n6^, lefft up your corages, concor'd'a'iy''^ jL»-*- Towatd hcucnc doth yowr hert^j dr^sse, gladness of Of yowF memoric * toz<rne up be visages,

heaven and the -t-n, • • • iiii

worldly changes VVher loie IS euete, concord and gladnesse, 1713

of Fortune. »-r% i ■ i

1 rewe armonye, celestial suetnesse, — Countirpeiseth in your remembrauwce WorldH chaungis, Fortunys variaunce.

Iut"aVo/ war. Aduertiseth the mortal fel outrages 1716

murft'ivision.^^ ^^°^^ wetrls impossiblc to represse, deceit, brought Whil fals chvie with his furious rages

about through a _ , , , . "

sudden change In sondry rewmys hath so gret mteresse, — variance. Slauhttc, moordre, deuisiouM, falsnesse, 1720

Which conscience haue brouht[e] to vttrauwce Thoruh sodeyn chaung of worldli variaunce.

?r1nces° whj''' Rekne up princis that sat on hih[e] stages: thrones ''l^nd What was the fyn of thet roial noblesse ? 1724

th^'bi^' ^""^ ^^ °^ tirauntis rekne up the bloodi wages: wages of Sodeyn slauhtre guerdouned ther woodnesse.

Mitridate can bern herof witnesse, Bi blood vnkynde brouht vnto vttraunce, 1728

Thoruh sodeyn chaung of w^orldli variaunce.

Goidl^'Agey*** Princis remembreth vpon the goldene ages, ^^ed an'dThe Whan Satoum reuled the world in rihtwisnesse; silver world of Next lubitcr, for peeplis auauntages, 1732

Jupiter, and -. i i i • i

the fierce world In silucren wotld conscrucd m clennesse, Mars. Which Mars hath now toz^rnid to felnesse,

Made it stelene, with suerd, dagger & launce, Thoruh sodeyn chaung of worldli variaunce. 1736

171 1, memorie]] memoire B, J.

1716. the3 their H — outrages] Coragis H.

BK. Vl]

Eucratides, King of Scythia

721

Of Mitrldate registreth the viages, Conspired poisouws taffraie his hih prowesse, On lond and se tempestuous passages, Bi constreynt hood seuene yeer in wildirnesse. Of his wandryng peiseth thuwsekirnesse, His eende in myscheef, knew non auoidauwce Geyn worldU chauwg nor Fortunys variaunce.

Yif neccligence haue brouht you in rerages Towardis God, or he rekne in streihtnesse, Lat resouw medle for you to leyn hostages, — CompassiouM, merci, partywg of almesse. Toward heuene to supporte your feeblesse, Wha« yoMr meritis shal peisen in ballauwce Of worldli chauwgis & Fortunys variaunce.

Deth spareth* nouther hih blood nor hih lynages.

Hath mynde heeron for any reklesnesse;

Transitoire been heer youx pilgrymages.

Set with brigauwtis vnwarU you toppresse,

But-yif prudence bi gret auysenesse

With prouidence preserue youx puissauwce 1756

Geyn worldli chauwg & Fortunys variaunce.

Remember the warlike enter- prises and insecure life of Mithridates, who could not 1740 avoid the vari- ance of Fortune,

If you have 1/44 been negligent towards God, let reason help you to lay compassion, charity and mercy as 1748 hostages in heaven.

Death spares no man, but l'j'2 prudence may ''' preserve you against worldly change.

plow Eucratides kjmg of Sithie was slayn bi Deme- trius, and after his careyn cast to houndys.] ^

NEXT in ordr^ to Boch^j dide appeere E7cmide''s"oT'

A woful prince, which put himsilf in pres, Scythia, next

,-, .„.,.,. ., r ' appeared before

Regnyng in Sithia, his stori doj) us ler*?, 1760 Bochas.

The name of whom was Eucratides.

But to disturbe his quiete & his pes,

Ageyn[e]s \\ym, pleynli, as I fynde.

Caw Demetrius the myhti* kyng of Ynde. 1764

Of whom the poweer & the violence To Eucratides was verray importable: Beseegid first, and for lak of difFence Take at myscheef, his foon nat merciable; For Demetrius was on hym so vengable. Whan he was slayn withynne his owne boundis, Made the careyn [to] be caste out to* houndis.

1738. hih^ om. H. 1751. spareth] spared B — lynage J. 1760. Sithia] Bactris P. 1764. myhti] worthy B. 1771. to] om. J, H 5 — out to] vnto B, out to the J.

^ MS. J. leaf 131 recto.

[P- 319] sieged^ by ^De- metrius, king of India, and finally captured and slain, 1768

722

The Wars of Orodes and the Romans

thrown' t^the Natwithstoiidyiig he was a worth! kyng,

dog», .iihough Ijorn of hih blood, swich was his aue;/ture.

worthy king. Demctrius sone aboue al erthU thyng

dwell any Hatcdc hyiii, bi record of scripture,

longer on «uch /-\r i • J I " t^

a lutcfui story. Of raiicour denied his sepulture.

And for the matccr is hatful & co/itrarie, On his stori I wil no lentrcr tarie.

[bk. VI

1772

1776

Artabanus, king of Parthia, had two sons, Mithridatesand Orodes,

and when he died was suc- ceeded by Mithridates, the elder, who was a tyrant and, banished, fled to Babylon.

Orodes then became king, and, taking Babylon, caused his brother's head to be cut off.

Afterwards he made war on Rome.

Crassus, who came down against him,

1780

1784

1788

[How herodes kyng of Parthos, werred with Romayns whiche aftir his sone & heir was slajm / made his bastard son kyng ^at anon aftir slouh his fadir.] 1

TO Arthabanus whilo;;; of Parthos king I purpose my stile to transporte, A ful olde prince, had in his lyuyng Sonys tweyne, bookis so reporte. Which in his age dide hym most cou7ifort: Mitridate was the elder* brothlr, And Herodes callid was the tothir.

Mitridate, be resouw of his age,

His fadir ded, dide aftir hym succeede,

Which banshed was for tirannye & outrage.

Aftirward for myscheefF & for neede

Into Babiloun he took his fliht for dreede.

The peeple anon, after his partyng.

Of indignaciouw made his brothir kyng.

Thus kam Herodes to estat roiall,

Pursuede his brothir into Babiloun,

Leide a seege round aboute the wall;

Thei to hym yold[e] up the toun.

Thus was his brothir brouht to confusiouw, —

AfForn the castel, withoute lenger date.

Made smyte of the hed of Mitridate.

In Parthos aftir he took pocessioun. This yonge Herodes, of volunte & pride Gan a werre geyn* hem of Roome toun. Whom to withstonde thei list nat longe abide.

1784. elder] eldest B.

1785. Herodes] Orodes P. 1802. geyn] ageyn B, H, J, R 3, H 5, P.

1 MS. J. leaf 131 recto.

1792

1796

1800

BK. vi] The Wars of Orodes and the Romans

723

The consul Crassus kam doun on ther side, Comaundid was short processe to make, Toward Parthos his viage for to take.

Crassus Hst nat tentren in that rewm,

Lefte Parthos, the stori doth deuise, —

Took his weie toward Iherusalem

To take ther a solempne enprise,

In the temple, onli of couetise,

Took ther, ageyn the title of rihtwisnesse,

Vp al ther tresour & ther gret richesse.

Bi which he gat in dyuers regiouMS

Gret multitude to holde up his partie,

Ladde with hym elleuene legiouws,

Toward Parthos faste gzn hym hie,

Bi his lettres proudli gaw defie

The said Herodes, and with gret apparaille

Mid his contre profFred hym bataille.

The nexte morwe whan Crassus took l^e feeld, To hym was brouht of blak a cotearmure. Which whan his kniht^j- auysili beheeld, Dempte it a tokne of disconfiture; For in contrarie* Romeyns do ther cure. Whan ther capteyw shal fihten, or ther hed. His cotearmure is owther whit or red.

A-nother tokne froward to beholde,

The firste egle bete in his baneer.

Also soone as men it dide vnfolde

Contrariousli he tournid look & cheer.

The bak to Crassus, folk sauh that stood[e] neer:

A pronostik to Romeyns ful certeyn.

How Fortune that day was hem ageyn.

Bi the flood passyng of Eufrates, With vnwar tempest his standardis eumchon Into the ryuer wer cast among the pres. To rekne hem all, vpriht stood nat oon. Wherof astoned, thei wolde no ferther gon, Thes pronostiques made hem so aff^raied, Lik men in herte dispeired & dismaied.

1804

first went to Jerusalem to 1808 ^°^ ^^* temple.

1812

1816

and then gave battle to Orodei with eleven legions.

1820

1824

He wore a suit of black ar- mour, which his knights considered bad luck;

1828

and when one of his banners was unfolded, the eagle turned his back on him.

1832

1836

His standards were blown into the Euphrates by a sudden tempest, and the army was dismayed and refused to advance.

1840

1806. Parthia P.

1810. emprise J, H, P. 1817.

1823. beheeld] tooke heede H.

1836. tempestis H.

Parthia P. 1825. contraire B, J.

724 Orodes defeats and slays Crassus [^bk. VI

WM wXs* of ^^ ^^^^s toknys Crassus was rek[e]les, these tokens ^j^g Droiiostikes he dede also despise,

and crossed the ^^ . , 1^ r

Euphratci out Took UDon [liyni] to passen Eufrates, 1844

of covetousness, ,-,, i-« i ^• r

so thit he lentre iarthos onli tor couetise.

Pmhia"'^' To whom Ilerodes sendlth in this wise, I hat his coiiiy;;g was nior for pdhige Than for knihthod, manhod or corage. 1848

of'thc'c^ntVy Al ^^^ poweer of Parthos tho kaw doun [p. 320]

came down With many prefect in that mortal rage

•gainst him; r^ 11 r i^

hif aon was Agcyn Lrassus and them or Koome tou«,

himself taken Which, as I tolde, abood on ther pillage, 1852

pnsoner. That tumid aftir to ther gret damage:

The sone of Crassus slayn in that affray.

His fadir take, & al upon o day.

cJt' offf'in'd*'' His bed smet of, in whom was no difFence, 1856

Orodes com- ^^j discounfitcd with many legioun,

manded it to i i r /^ i i

be poured full The hed of Crassus brouht to the presence

of molten gold. ^- ._ , . , , . . ,

Ur Herodes withynne his roial touw.

Which hath comaundid gold to be brouht doun, i860

To be molte ther as he lay ded.

And to poure therof ful his hed.

bwiau^^no""' This thyng was doon for a moquerye,

amount of gold j^ signe onli, the stori doth deuise, 1864

or treasure i , •

could staunch That gold not tresour, upon no partie,

his thirst of _ °, 1 1 • 1 r •

covetousness. btauwchc myht his thrust or couetise.

Such gredynesse ech man owith despise;

For auarice of custum in ech place 1868

Of hih prowesse doth the pris difFace.

Sdf"ii'or Herodes aftir did serche al the wardis and""tandt°dr'''^^°^'^^ ^^ ^^^ feeld[e] upon Crassus side, and hung them Took the pcnouws, banetes & standardis, 1872

temples as And in his templis, large, longe & wide v^ctoiy! ° Leet hang hem up of surquedie & pride. In signe onli, and eek for a memorie. He of Romeyns hath get[e] the victorie. 1876

1849. Parthia P.

1850. in that mortal rage^ & mych gret Costage H, & many gret costage R 3, & much great costage P, and many gret constable J. Hs.

1852. as] om. H — ther] })e H. 1865. tresour] siluer H. 1867. owith] doth H, should P. 1870. serche] sechen H.

BK. Vl]

Or odes loses his Son Pacorus

725

With whiche he list nat onli be content, Weenyng his fortune sholde abide stable, Into Surrye he hath his sone sent, Callid Pachorus, made hym a constable. Of that regioun with hym to be partable Of al tresours & meobles that he fond, Wher-euer he rood thoruhout al the* lond.

Thus Pachorus bi his cheualrie Encrese gan in his tendre age, Wherof Herodes, his fader, had envye, Feerful it sholde turne to his damage. List he wolde be title of heritage, Maugre hym, at his ageyw komyng Take upon hym in Parthos to be kyng.

Than Pachorus was callid hom ageyw,

And of Surrie, wher in conclusioun,

Al that he had wrouht[e] was in veyn,

Because oon Cassius fro Roome was come douw,

Slouh al the peeple in that regeouw

Which apartened to Pachorus, as I fynde,

Withoute capteyn for thei wer lefft behynde.

To withstonde this Romeyn Cassius Herodes hath his sone sent ageyn, Which anon aftir, the stori tellith thus, Amyd the feeld vnhappili was slayn. To truste Fortune it is a thyng but vayw, Which of custum to-day is fauourable, And to-morwe gerisshli chaungable.

Of Pachorus deth whan the noise aroos And the distrussyng of his cheualrie, And to Herodes abidyng in Parthos Tidyng was brouht, ferde as he wolde die, Of hertli sorwe fill into frenesie: Heir was non left of the roial lynes, Sauf thretti bastardis born of concubynes.

Thus Herodes was cast in gret seeknesse, His sonis deth was to hym importable, His worldli ioie was gon and his gladnesse, Fortune contrarie, which neuer can be stable;

Not content with all this, and believing that his fortune would continue stable, he sent 1880 his son Pacorus to Syria and made him constable there.

QQ. Afterwards, 1004 fearing that he should become too powerful, he recalled him.

1888

1892

During Pacorus' absence Cassius came down from Rome and slew all the people in Syria,

1896

and so Orodea sent him back again to defend his country; but 1000 ^^ ^'^^ slain.

1904

When Orodes heard of Paco- rus' death, he acted as if he were going to die and nearly 1908 went mad; for he had no sons left except' 30 bastards.

He was a very ^912 gi;.]. man; his worldly joy gone, old in years. Fortune contrary.

1882. meobles] richesse H, mouables P.

1884. Pacorus P.

1889. at his ageyn] ageynst his geyn H.

1894. Cassus H. 1895. that] ^& H.

1883. the] that B.

726 The Death of Orodrs. Fimbria [bk. vi

Aj;e fill on; his lift" wns nat chirahlc: 1916

And of t) thyng most he dock' Uyni drccde, Cause he hadde non heir to siieceede,

Finally he K-nc \\\■^[^.\^ woidle] IKlt SuftVe hviTl IvUC In DCS. the crt>\vn lo ^ ' .

one of his '\\\ ;jj- tlie laste he cauhte a fantasie, 1920

bastards named ii- i i^l

Phr.iatc» and (_ hcs 3 Dastaid callid 1 haractcs,

»ooii after was .^ , ^ • l l *

(lain by him. Hecausc hc was taiiioiis in chcualne, Ciaf hyni the crow lie &: the rcgalie. Which anon aftir, breeffli to conclude, 1924

Slouh Hcrodes of ingratitude,

[How Fymbria a consul of Rome slouh himsilf.] ^

prTce^ost^ A 1 I'TIR to Bochflj-, bi processe of the book, their looii on J~\ Four^ iiiihti princis notable of estat,

Bochas. like i- i i • i oil

unfortunate foik^ Qwardis hy tu thci caste cheer & look, 1928

who had T ■ I rill * r

fallen from Iak vnto tolk that wer intortunat, Fortune's wheel, ^yj^,^ vvhow Fortuuc had been at debat;

For be ther maner, as it sempte weel,

Thei wer at mischeeff fallyn from hir wheel. 1932

^em^Fim°bria Fi^'st FymbHa, a Romeyn consuleer, [p. 321]

a Roman consul g^nt bi the Romeyns to a eret cite

sent to help , at- i ir n *

Fiaccus, whom Callid Nichomeed[yje, cam^ as a massageer

he found slain, „, , , „, "„ i

presumptuously 1 o hclpc T laccus, & cntryHg that coHtrc, 1936

took command t^ 1 t^i i 1 • ^ J "^

of the army and I' ond T laccus slayn bi gret aduersite.

c^aiitd'^emreror Aftif whos dcth, his parti to auaunce.

Of Fiaccus meyne took the gou<?rnau?zce.

Of presumpciouw, withoute auctori[t]e, 1940

This Fymbria bi dilligent labour,

Ful ferr abouen his staat & his degre.

Took upon hym bi Fortunys fals fauowr

To be callid capteyn and emperowr 1944

Thoruh al that cuntre, bokis specefie;

Of whos presuwpcioun Scilla had envie.

t^at SuUa "" Pursued hym thoruh many gret cite,

compelled him fo a castcl made hym take his flliht, 1948

to take refuge . - -^

in a castle. Wher Tymbtia or gret necessite

where he slew ^-^ , i l • 1

himself. Constreyned was, maugre al his mynt,

Disespeired, forsake of eueri waht, To slen hymsilf, the stori tellith thus, 1952

Withynne the temple of Esculapius.

1935. cam] sent B. I953- the] a H.

1 MS. J. leaf 131 recto.

BK. Vl]

The Fate of Adrian and his Churls

727

[Of Albynius that was slayn with stonys.] ^

A^OVER consul stood in cas sei^zblabl^, In his tyme callid Albynyus, Whos hatful pride was abhomiwabl^, 1956

To alle folkis lothsum and odious; Which lik a rebel, wood & furious Ageyw Romeyn[e]s oft[e]nere than onys, — Whan he lest wende slay[e]n was \^ith stonys. i960

Another consul, Albinus, abomi- nably proud, and odious to all men, re- belled against Rome and was stoned to death.

[How Adriane of low degre falsly vsurped to be kyng of Rome whiche wft/i his cherlys was aftir brent.] 2

NEXT Adrian, which ros to hih estat: First in Roome borw of louh degr^, Chose a pretour, sent bi l^e senat To gouerne of AfFrik the contre, 1964

Wher of his owne pompous auctorite Took upon hym bi sotil fals werkyng, Maugre Romeyws, ther to be crowned kywg.

Whom to supporte, shortli to conclude, 1968

Was a gret noumbre of the comouwte.

Of cherlis gadred a confus multitude,

Title was non nor ground but volunte.

Gentil-men than beyng in that contre, 1972

Alle off assent and oon oppynyoun,

Assemble[d] hem to his destrucciouw.

At Vtices, a large gret cite,

Hym and his cherlis besette rouwd aboute, 1976

Of wode & faget with large quawtite

In compas-wise closed hyw withoute,

Gadred with hym of vileyns a gret route,

Leide on fyr, that with flawmes rede 1980

Echon consumyd into asshes dede.

1955. Albinus P.

1961. This stanza is as follows in P:

Next came Adrianus which to estate full hye Rose in his time (and that ful sodeynlye) First in Rome borne but of lowe degre toke upon him to gouerne the countre Off Aifrike through hys great auctorite, and by hys slye, subtel, and false werking, Mauger Romains ther to be crouned king.

1975. Vtices] Stites H, Utica P.

Adrian, born of low degree, be- came a praetor, and was sent to govern Africa, where he took upon himself to be crowned king.

He was upheld by churls and had no title except his own will.

The gentlemen of the country laid siege to him in Utica, and, piling up wood and faggots, burnt him into ashes together with a large number of his oafs.

^ MS. J. leaf 131 recto.

2 MS. J. leaf 131 recto.

728 Sothimuf, whose Covetousness undid him Qbk. vi

[How Synthonyus kyng of Trace ])at moche coueted i

affor went and deied in pouerte.] ^ !

ofThrcc. cimc ^JE^'^ Adrian caw Syntonyvs \

tcirfuiiy to X^ Tofor Bocliax, with teris spreywt his face; 1

Mochas; lor he . , . , ^ •' I

was •uddciiiy As tlic stori rclicrsith vnto us, 1984

cast (rem his . , . , , r 'n

royal estate In liis tynic lic was KV"?; 01 1 race, Falle sodenli fro Fortunis grace,

Cast doun lowe from his estat roiall, I

Which kam to Bochflj to cowpleyne his fall. 1988

t'o"ron'^u«"'''^ Whos purpos was, yiff it wolde haue be,

seven realms in Scucnc rewmys taue conquered -with his hond, 1

Greece that T> U •

were subject to 1 hat wcrc sogct to Koome the cite; 1

He wiio covets And allc seuene wer of Grekis lond. 1992 j

Who al coueiteth, ye shal vndirstond, 1

He al forgoth, ful weel afFerme I dar. At vnset hour, wheroff ech man be war.

ql*red'by°"" Longe or his conquest was brouht to a preefF, 1996 Sentius and From hir wheel Fortune cast hym doun.

died in poverty. i i i if

The pretour Sencyus brouht hym to myscheer,

Deide in pouert, as maad is mencioun.

And Bochas heer maketh a digressioun, 2000

Compendiousli withynwe a litil space

To descryue the regioun of Trace.

[Here Bochas in party makith a descripcioun of the kyngdam of Trace and passith over lightly to the accomplisshment of his book.] ^

^ The discripsion of J)e same.

^t^**i&mo°u" * np^RACE, whilom a contre of gr^t fame, na^e'Fafter' ^^^ contcncth a ful large space; 2004

Tiras, son of And of Tiras it took[e] first \>t name, toward's the Sone of laphct, & SO was callid Trace. the Danube^, Which many a day duelled in that place.

Toward Septemptrion, plenteuous of good, 2008

Beside Dynoe, the large famous flood.

1982. Next to Adrian P — Sothimus P.

1998. Sentius P.

2CX)9. Dynoe] Danubie P.

^ MS. J. leaf 131 recto. * MS. J. leaf 131 recto.

{

BK. vi] The Wars of Pompey and Ccesar 729

Southward Trace renweth the flood Egee, [p. 3 22] |^f u ^to^'^hT"

Macedoyne stant in the Occident, southward.

And the kyngdam caUid Perpontide 2012

Stant in Trace toward the orient,

Wher gret plente of blood was shad & spent,

Whan Sencyus thoruh his hih prowesse

Kyng Adrian ther manli dede oppresse. 2016

Ebrus in Trace is the cheefF ryueer, S^cWef river-

As myw auctOMr maketh mencioun; — ^"M ^^an't

-' .... write any more

I caste nat to tane in this mateer, about it, as i

ry, 1 r '-n 1 • • '"^"'^ ^° 8° on

1 o make or 1 race a descripciouw, 2020 with my trans-

T-> 1 • 1 • lation and tell

but to proceede in my translaciouw, about Pompey

Folwe myn auctowr, which writ a long processe ^ ^ ^^^^'

Of gret Powpeye & of his worthynesse.

[How aftir many grete conquestes of Duk Pom- peye/ began grete werre betwixt him and Iul3ms iij? Ml were slayn/ and at last the heed of Pom- peye smyten of .3 ^

THIS Powpeius, of whom \>e name is kout), 2024 n°meTafTe?his Wis & worl)i & famous of prowesse, lVi^"hr^°^*

Took upon hym in his tendre youth, — o°ce led

Afftir his fadir bi fortunat duresse, Callid Pompeye, the stori berth witnesse, 2028

Distrussid was bi sodeyn deth komyng, The stori seith, thoruh thundryng & lihtnyng,

His host destroied be the violence Sen^iLrf/

Of vnwar tempest, lik as seith the book, 2032 f^^'^J^^ ^^

Fourti thousand slayn in that pestilence; tempest.

For feer the remnant anon Jie feeld forsook, —

Til yonge Pompeie of corage on hym took

In his begynnyng proudli to proceede 2036

Ful lik a kniht his fadris host to leede.

Roome that tyme bi ther discenciouns Wartime' ^'

Among hemsilf nih brouht[e] to ruyne, ?o'"mfn''by"fhe

Bi the froward fals dyuysiouns 2040 wars of Marius

T- Tiyr • o o Ml 1 n' a"" Sulla, and

Iween Mane & bcilla, breetli to t^rmyne, it was then

rj->-ii 1 1 that the sun

liil that a newe sonne gan to shyne of Pompey be-

Of worthynesse, which that shadde his liht, ^^" " ° '"*"

In manli Pompeie the noble famous kniht. 2044

2012. Propontidiee P. 2015. Sencyus] Sothimus P.

2016. dede] to H. 2017. Hebrus P. 2022. long] gret H.

1 MS. J. leaf 131 verso.

730 The early Conquests of Pompey [bk. vi

life orxurruT'Tliis Said Pompeie, this noble knihtli man, captains in y\f \^[^ becv n?/ v^jc, tlioruli his chcuahie,

I lie proude captey/; sloiili wha/; lie began, W hicli of Manius hecld up the paitie, 2048

Calhtl Hrutus, which in Loniharche Was be Pon/peye thoruh kniyhth goU(?rnaunce With al his host[e] biouht vnto myschaunce.

CaJb^'^ ^"dfy In '^'s begynnyng Po^npeie eek also, 2052

to bring peace 'Yq scttc Romcyns in reste & in quiete, Oon that was callid Gnevs Carbo, He slouh hyin knihtli wha// he dede hym nieete, Which in Sicile proudli heeld his seete. 2056

And alle the contres aboute hym enviroun Pompeie made hem soget to Roome tou«.

fe^^^uefed"" Aftif al this Pompeius on the se

Africa, defeating With many a shipp-? stuffid with vitaille 2060

Domitius. 1 A n' • I i

Toward Arrrik made a gret arme,

And ther in haste aftir his aryuaille

\\ ith Domicius hadde a gret bataille,

Brouhte the contre thoruh his hih renoun 2064

To be to R6ome vndir subieccioun.

Hiar^bTkingof ^6 pursued the grete myhti kyng ^'""?''^j^• „ Callid lertha, to Marrius fauourabli?,

Manus s aUy, . , , , , i i • • i i • i

And hadde also his roial abidyng 2068

In Numedie, a contre ful notable.

Ageyn Powpeie his pow^eer was nat habl^;

For at a castell as thei mette in fiht,

He slouh kyng lertha, ful lik a manli kniht. 2072

tirae'brough7^ Thus in bteef tyme, holdyng his passage the whole Pqj- comoun ptoffit, as maad is mencioun,

country to ... ...

•ubjection. Bi his wisdam & knihtli hih corage

Brouht al AfFrik to subieccioun, 2076

Which stood afFor[e]n in rebelliouw

To the Romeyns; but al ther sturdynesse

The said[e] Powpeie dede in haste redresse.

one'^SmoHus' The grettest enmy ageyns Roome toun 2080

was Rome's Thilke daies was oon Sertorius;

greatest enemy, . , ^ » i • i • j

and he was And oi tortune, which IS now up now doun,

slain by his ^^ y-, . . .

own men. Uu Pompeie onys was victorious.

2062. rivaile H, ryuaile R 3, ryuaille H 5.

2067,72. lertha] lerchaH, Hiarbas P. 2077. afforn stoodeH.

BK. Vl]

The early Conquests of Pompey

731

But aftir soone of hyw it happid thus: Amo?zg his meyne fallyn^ at debat, He slay[e]n was in his most hih estat.

Aftir the deth of this Sertorivs

Cam Porpenna Powpeie for tassaile;

And as thei mette anon[e] Powpeius

Ful hk a kniht slouh hym in bataile,

Which victorie gretH dide auaile

To the Romeyns. Aftir hi goui?rnaunce

He brouht al Spayne to ther obeissaunce.

Bi auctorite youe bi the Senat, [p.

This noble Pompeie, for vail of the cite, Vpon the se wolde suffre no pirat; Wher-euer he cam from hym thei dede flee: For with his shippis he scoured so the se And bar hym ther so manli with his bond, That maugre them he brouht hem to the lond.

Al the piratis and thes fals robbowrs Igadred wern out of the regioun Callid Silice*, which lik to rauynoMrs Made ageyn Roome a conspiraciouw, Robbede, spoillede, seillyng up & dou«, Romeyn marchauwtis & peeple of ech contre, That non was hardi to passe bi the se.

AfFtir Pompeie hath maad the se tobeie, That pirat non durst[e] theron abide, He bi the Senat was sent out to werreye Toward thorient, his knihtis be his side. And wher-so-euer that he dide ride, Myn auctour writ, bynfluence of heuene His conquest was swifFt as wynd or leuene.

And to encres of his eternal glorie, Perpetueli to geten hym a name. His laude & renouw to putte in memorie He bilt a cite in Asia of gret fame, Callid Nichopoli, Bochas seith the same, Tween too floodis, the ton Araxzases, And the tothir was callid Eufrates.

2084

Perpenna also attacked

2088 p°™?^?:' >v^

was kuled by him in battle.

2092

. - « ] By the author-

J'^jJ ity of the

Senate, Pompey scoured the sea 2096 ^or pirates.

2100

who gathered together out of Cilicia, robbing Roman mer- chants.

2104

2108

After he had made the seas safe, he was sent to the East,

2II2

where he made swift conquests

2 1 16 ^""^ built the city of Nicopolis, between the Euphrates and the Araxes,

2120

2088. Perpenna P — for] ovi. H.

2100. brouht] brouh H. 2101. the] this H.

2103. Silice] Sicile B, J.

2120. Artaxerses H, Araxases J, Araxzases R 3, Araxes P.

732 The Conquests of Pompey []bk. vi

.1 .home for j^g hWtt this citc oiill of ciitent

kniKhts grown •. • i ■ i r ii •

oij and poor That Rouiev" knihtis, which wer falle in age,

in the service -' . , .

cf Rome. And such as \ver[ejn in the werris spent, 2124

Sike, vvou«did, in pouert or in rage, Sholde of custum haue ther herbergage In that citc alway, & nat faille Beddyng, clothes, spendyng & vitaille. 2128

He next rode Pompeye aftit rood into Armenye,

into Armenia ^ ^ f J J '

and defeated Rebel to Roomc, whcr 1 igranes was kyng.

1 ij^ranes, who _-, -ii i oi ii"i i'

had rebelled, Fauht With hym thcf, & thoruh his cheualrie

Discounfited hym, ther was non abidyng. 2132

Wher Tigranes hymsilue submyttyng Vnto Pompeie with eueri circu^nstauwce, Euer tabide vndir his obeissau7tce.

ma'lch'eT in all Than in al haste Pompeie gaw hym hie 2136

haste to Asia ^q j-jjg Jn Asia, wher lik a manli kniht

and won the , ii-iAii

kingdom of He gat the kyngdam callid Albanye, all the' ^ "' Which took his name, who-so looke ariht, people are Of whiht[e]nesse; for eueri maner wiht 2140

That ther is born, be record of writyng, Whiht as snouh[e] hath his her shynyng. born with white Yi^g J. \jqqy^ houwdis mcrueilous of nature,

hair, and there ••11

are dogs that pQj- tassaile bolis and leouns; 2144

can overcome all •. i i i J

manner of wild No wildc bccstc ageyn hem may endure.

beasts. r> rt i •

So Pompeye, bi many regiouns

Rood thoruh Armenye with his champiouws,

Wher growen herbes that may neuer feywte, 2148

What-euer colour men list with hem peywte.

iber^rrria"^ Conquercd rewmys aboute in eueri cost: and p'hoenice, Qf Hibcrie he gat the regeouw,

the aty named .,, ,, -iii'i

after phoenii, And Artaces the kyng with al his host 2152

Discounfited, as maad is mencioun. With his poweer to Surrie he cam doun, Than to Fenise, a cite of gret fame, Which of Fenix whilom took his name. 2156

and took pos- gfouhte al thcs contres to subiecciouw:

session 01 oidon

and ituraea, Qf Sydonye, the myhti strong cite

and passed the ■' ■' ' -^ . °

mountains of Qf Itutyc, hc tooK pocessiouw;

judaer." '" ° Thoruh Arabie he cam dou« to ludee, 2160

2122. this] a H. 2139. ariht] riht H. 2149. to peynt H. 2155. Phenice P. 2156. Phenix P — his] Jje H. 2158. Sidon P.

BK.

VI]

Pompey at the Height of his Power

733

Which of lewes was suwtyme the contre. Of Libanus he passed the mouwteyw, Wher cedris growe[n], as auctour[e]s seyn.

Sent [to]forn hym, entryng in that reum, 2164

Oon Gabynus, a myhti strong constable;

Regnyng that tyme in Iherusalem

Aristobolus, a prince ful notable.

And for the temple was strowg & nat p^rmiable, 2168

Leide a siege aboute in breede & lengthe

Space of thre monethes, & gat it so bi strengthe.

Thre thousand lewes vndir the wal wer founde,

Ded at thassat, which made resistence; 2172

The wal aftir doun beten to the* grouwde.

Pompeye afFtir bi sturdi violence

Is entrid in withoute reuerence,

Sancta sanctorum men that place call, 2176

Made Hircanius hiest preest of all,

The grete bisshop Aristobolus, [p. 324]

Sent to Roome in myhti cheynis bouwde.

Toward Septemptrion, I fynde write thus, 2180

Gat seuene kyngdames with citees wallid rouwde.

Rebel to Roome, he dide hem cowfounde;

With mihti suerd[e] gat al the contre

Fro Caucasus douw to the Red[e] Se. 2184

In his conquest, it sempte v^rraily

As the goddis hadde doon ther cure,

And that Fortune was with hem eek besi,

This myhti Pompeye prince to assure, 2188

What-euer hym list be conquest to recure:

In Spaigne he gat, whan thei wer rebell,

Thre hundred citees & sixty* strong castell.

Hard to remembre his conquestis eumchon,

Alle the prowessis of this knihtli man:

Toward the parti of Septemptrioun

A thousand castell I fynde that he wan,

Sixe hundred mo, fro tyme that he gan,

Eihte & thretti cites, out of doute.

With myhti wallis closed round aboute.

Jerusalem was besieged by Gabinus for three months, Aristobolus then reigning,

and 3000 Jews died at the assault.

Aristobolus was sent to Rome in chains, and Pompey sub- dued seven rebel countries, conquering from the Caucasus to the Red Sea.

It seemed as if the gods and Fortune had united to assure him in his conquests.

___. which were so " many that it is hard to remem- ber them all.

2196

2164. tofom] frome H.

2168. nat^ om. J — p^frmiable] pregnable P. 2170. thre] lij B.

2173. doun beten to the] beten dou« to B, J, H, R 3, P.

2191. sixty] thretti B. 2195. castellys J.

734 ^ke great Deeds of Povipey [bk. vi

He w«. chosen PgJse hls dccclis, liis conquestis marciall:

consul three _ i r i •

times: and if Thrlcs consul chosc for Ills encres; 2200

you read.vou ,-, , i i r J 1 U II

will find that Reed, ye shal tynde now he was egall

he was the peer,,, ... , ,, .

of .Alexander lo AllSaluirC OF tO HdCUlCS.

.nd Hercules. ^y,^^^^. ^,^.^^ ^^^^^^^ ,^^ ^^^^ hy;„silff ill piCS,

Al cam to hand, concludyng, ye may see, 2204

To comou;/ profiit of Roome the cite. Tryphanes. pjjg n^areiall decdis to putte in remembraunce,

famous of i i • i-ii-

ehxjuence, was Qon was chosc to do lus diUigence

chosen to put j, i • • i o

his conquests To cnactc* his conqucst in substaiiTtce 2208

'thcTubii'i: "* And his knihthod of synguler excellence; expense. y^^j Triftancs, famous of elloque?zce,

Assigned was onto that labour,

Took his guerdoun of ther comoun trifsowr. 2212

Pompey be- Pompeye of Roome was cheef gouernowr,

came chief ^ , • /-. i r *

governor of Ccsat absent in Gaule, a terre* contre, th°c'i^'^absent Which tymc Pompeie stood in gret fauour in Gaul. Bothe of Fortunc and Roome the cite, 2216

Sumwhat maad blynd of his prosperite, Purposyng, in his clymbyng nat stabl*?. He wolde haue non that wer to hyw semblabl<?. but, as neither Vnto purpos was saide ful yoFC agOH, 2220

love nor high , , i i -i i i i •

worship will have j-Jow that louc nouthet hih lordsnippe, —

fellowship, he _, , , , , . i

desired to be PieeiT hath be maad in many mo than oon, —

alone in power, -^^^^j^^j. ^f J^^^^^ ^,^lJg J^^^g ^^ felashipc;

Ech bi his oon wolde his parti keepe: 2224

In thes too caas, brothir onto brothir Failleth at a poynt; ech wil put out othir. and made all ^q Pompeye resortyng now ageyn, —

the laws himself . i i i u -11 o

He took on hym al the gouernaiile 2228

Of the Romeyns, as ye haue herd me seyw, Bothe of estatis, comouns & poraille. And for his part al that myhte [a]vaille In makyng lawes, statut or decre, 2232

Al up engrosed bi his auctorite. The enemies of Yo\\i this whilc which that had envie

Caesar conspired ....

against him Toward Ccsar in his longe absence,

statute forbid- Lcct make a lawe bi conspiracye 2236

offi?e'"whii"''°''*And a statut, concludyng in sentence,

absent from Withoutc cxcepcioun, fauouF or* reu^rence,

2208, enacte] encrece B, J. 2214. ferre] gret B. 2225. caas] cases P, casys H 5. 2230. comoun H. 2238. or] of B.

BK.

vi] The Fallhig-out of Pompey and Casar

735

When Julius heard of this he demanded the triumph and the estate of second consul,

22;2

alleging his conquests as 22e-6 his right to •^ reward. The Senate, however.

No man sholde, be wil of the Senat,

In his absence be chose to non estat, 2240

Nor been admittid be no procutour

Taue auctorite of dignite [n]or offis,

In court of tribun nor off senatour

To be promotid; this was ther auys, 2244

Wer he neuer so manli nor so wis.

This lawe ordeyned be folk envious,

For hyndryng onH of Cesar luhus.

Whan luHus knew al ther fals werking, 2248

Fro Gaule sente up to the cite,

Al the Senat requeryng be writyng

To graunte hym bi ther auctorite

Of tryumphe the notable dignite.

To haue also thoffis and thestat

Callid in Roome the seconde consulat,

For hym aleggyng many gret victorie In dyuers contres doon for the cite. Many conquest notable of memorie Wrouht bi his knihthod; for which of equite Requeryng them guerdoned for to bee. • But contrarie vnto his entent Denied hym al bi oon assent.

Which was cheeff ground, roote & occasiouw [p.

That brouht in first the contrauersie,

Cyuile discordes, froward dyuysiouw.

Whan eueri man drouh to his partie

Of old hatreede to kyndle newe envie,

Causyng princis lulius & Pompeie

To ther confusioun ech othir to werreye. 2268

The tryumphe denyed to Cesar, —

Fraude of Powpeie made hym therof faile,

Of whos deceit lulius was war, —

Made hym redi with many strong bataille, 2272

Passed ouer the Alpies of Itaille,

Fulli in purpos, pleynli, yiff" he myhte.

With the Romeyws and Pompeie for to fihte.

Thus gan the werre atween thes princis tweyne. Pompeye chose for parti of the touw To been ther duk & capteyn souereyne Ageyn Cesar, as maad is menciouw.

2242. auctorite] Auctours H. 2258. of equite] of riht & equyte H.

2260

^ _ -l denied his re- j bi quest, and that was the chief cause of the 2264 civil war.

Caesar knew the fraud of Pompey and, crossing the Alps,

-»..A prepared to

2276 gght the

Romans; and thus the wars between these two princes began.

736 Signs and Portents bejore the War [bk. vi j

And thus alas the dcsolacloun 2280

Sucdc of tlie cite, be many strau;!ge signe, With vnkouth toknis, whan thei ga?i maligne.

■

^ngVuangf "" ^^ ^^^^ Kyi"'"y"K o^ ^^"^8 woful wertis,

comen and j^ the heueiic wer sevn drcedful siht^j — 2284 1

uncouth .tan p ,,,,."'., , . i

were seen in bparklvnc Droiidis, coiTietis, vnkouth sterns,

thesky. burning '. , A C C r f 1 lU

like lamps all With Hawme ot tyr many teertul \ihtcs i

•Ifdsp^a"^' Lik lauwpis bren«y7/g al the longe nihtifj",

flew aboJt in CastYPg of spefes, dartis in the hair, 2288

the air. Wherbi Romeyns till in gret dispair.

STghfnin'^g" From the parti of Septemptrion

came from the Toward Roomc Cam ful gret Hhtnyng; ;

north, and • i-i Pi J 1 I

•tars were At non scyn sterns; lik blood the sunne shon; 2292

visible at noon, ,-p,, ,. ■ ., , . .

The sun shone 1 he moonc cclipsed, terrible in shewyng;

in<x)n eclipsed! The mouwt[e] Ethna, feerfulli brennyng,

cast red flame^s From his cauemis cast up flawmys rede !

fromhlsci'verns. Toward Itaille, which set hem in gret dreede. 2296 '

SSi''up"t" Ou<= of Karibdis, a daunger of the se, Charybdis; and Wawcs tcrfible boilcd up Hk blood;

from the rocks i i i i • /-. -i i '

of Sicily was \* rom the rokkes that in Cecile bee ';

howling of mad Was herd howlyng of houndis that wer wood. 2300 J

Vesta the goddesse, in Roome ther she stood, j

Mid hir temple was al with teres spreynt, |

Whan the heuenli fyris w'ern afForn hir queynt. j

Vesu"waT °^ Afforn this goddesse, at the aulter princepall 2304 tea"rs^'the*eJ'- ^^^ ^^^ perpetuel brenwyug day & niht, '

petuai fire that Til wcrris cyuyle, hatful & mortal, ,

burned before /-^ j, t\ o ^ • n I

her parted in Cjan* amoug Romeyns, & the contagious hht. 1

Than of vengaunce anon was queynt the liht 2308 Tofor Vesta, the fire partyng on tweyne, 1

Of dyuisioun a tokne ful certeyne.

overturnefby Erthc-quaucs sodeyu & terrible

sudden earth- Ouertoumcde castclHs vp-so-doun; 2312

quakes; there . ... 1

were tidal With Tage floodis hidous & horrible i

waves, drowning ,- ,. , , . j

villages and JNeptunvs dide gret destruccioun,

upsetting the T^ i •n o •

golden vessels Urowncd Villages & many a mansioun,

in the temples. Rgugj-sed in tempHs of gold al ther vessellis, 2316 i

Threw doun baners, standardis & penselis.

2292. noon H, J. 2302. hir] his H.

2304. aulter] Aucteer H. 2307. Gan] Gat B.

BK. Vl3 The Senators inquire the Fate of Rome

737

Geyn these signes was fouwde non arest,

The vnwar myscheeff koude no man declyne.

Leouns, wolues kam down fro the forest

With many othir beestis sauagyne;

Wilde beris & serpentis of rauyne

Kam to the cite; & summe ageyn[e]s kynde

Spak as do men, in Bochas thus I fynde.

Dyuers foulis,* which of ther nature

Haue in custum to fleen but a-niht,

Affor thes werris dede hewsilf assure

Euene at mydday, whan Phebus is most briht,

Thoruh the cite for to take her fliht.

Womwen with childre — the stori list nat feyne

Brouht foorth summe that hadde hedis tweyne.

Tofor thes werris, that callid wer cyuile,

Senatours beyng in Roome touw

Cam to the woman that callid was Cybile,

Vnto hire made this questioun:

To declare bi short conclusioun,

Among ther other questioun[e]s all,

Of ther cite what fortune sholde fall ?

To whom she gafF an ansuere ful obscure,

Wherupon she made hem sore muse:

Took hem sixe lettres set in pleyn scripture.

Which in no wise thei myhte nat refuse.

For false rihtis that thei dede vse;

Lik the thre lettres twies set in noumbre.

Who vndirstondeth, thei shal the toun encouwbre.

Thre R. R. R. first[e] she set on a rowe [p. 326]

And thre F. F. F. in ordre faste bi, —

Long tyme aftir or thei koude knowe 2348

Thexposicioun therof openly,

Til ther dyuynours gan serche sotilly

To fynde[n] out, lik to ther entente,

Be the sexe lettres what Cibile mente. 2352

Off this woord Regnum the first lettre is R,

So is the capital ofF Roome the cite;

Who looke ariht, the thridde is nat ferr^, —

2318. fouwde] doon H. 2324. thus] as H.

2325. foulis] folkis B, folkys J. 2326. on niht H.

2340. sore] full sore H. 2341. sixe] vj B — pleyn] om. H.

2351. lik] firste lik H. 2352. the] thes H,

2354. 1st the] om. H.

No man could turn away the mischief. Lions and

2 ■J 20 wolves came

down from the forests to Rome, wild bears and ferocious ser- pents speaking

,,,, the language

^O'^'* of men.

Night birds were seen flying at midday; and some women brought forth children 2328 with two heads.

Before the wars "32 the senators

went to Sibylla and inquired the fate of the city.

2336

She set sir letters in a row,

2340

2344

three R's and three F's; and it was long before the diviners could find out that the letters meant,

Regnum

Romae

Ruet;

738 Thf Ruin and Desolation of Rome [bk. vi

This woord Ruct p;yn;/cth with R, parde. 2356

Of \vhicli[e] woordcs \\h:u; thci ioyned be, 1 he sentence conchidctli in ineenyng, Oft ther cite the ruynous fallyng.

Framma, Touchyng thrc F. F. F., who caw adueitise, 2360

Fames. Qf ^.Wxs wootd Ferto, F go[c]th tofoin;

And the chcefi^ lettre off Fames to deuyse

Is F also, the processe weel forth born.

The same of Fhmi»/a, hi which J)e town was lorn, 2364

C)ft which resou«s make a coniu//cciou«,

Causyng of Roome fynal destruccioun.

hin'Kcrfroward ^Y^^ swetd & hunget caused be the werrls,

ambition the Dcsyf of clymbyng, froward ambicioun, 2368

shewing O'^, r-orii

comets and Shcwyng Or cometis & or vnkouth sterns,

strange stars ttt. . •• rr r i i j

and wilful \\ 1th pronostikes oft [therj deserciouw,

division accom- \\7 ril "iflJ

piished the W erst ot alle, wiltul dyuysiouw

ruin of Rome, ^^^^^j^g hemsilff" bl vnwar violence, 2372

Off lettres sexe accowjplisshid the sentence.

uveen"cisar ^hc suerd of CcsaT, werHs of Powpeye, and Pompey Tween thcs tweyne lastyng a longfe] while,

lasted long and -' o t i- l •

caused the Made many Romeyn & Italien to deie, 2376

a Roman, as Bi the batailes that callid wer cyuile, ucan testi e . ^Y|j.j^ prophecies remembred of Cebile,

As the writyng ful weel reherse can,

Of the old poete that callid was Lucan. 2380

if Mars't'he'^ I" Mart^j temple on heihte wher he stood, priests offered ^^id Bellona, the goddesse despitous,

up their blood • 1 0 n- J l Li J

with lamenta- 1 he ptecstes cned & orrred up ther blood

gods'were con- With lamentaciouns, lik folkis furious, 2384

trary to ome. (^^j^gg ^^ tokuys fell and contratious

Which that wer shewed in that seyntuarle, How ther goddis to Romeyns wer cowtrarie.

madr^en"'e°e Mong dede bouys that leyen in ther grauis 2388

heard among Wcr voises herd lik wood men in ther rages,

the dead bones ^-^ _ . .

in their graves, Cry oi goostis m cauemys & cauys, i

ghosts in ffeid Herd in feeldis, paththis & passages; |

terrifylng'^the Laboureres fledde horn to ther villages, 239a I

agriculturists. Serpcntis, adderes, scaled siluer* briht, j Wer ouer Roome seyn fleeyng al the niht.

2373. sexe] vj B.

2375. attween H — longe]gret H, J, great P. 2378. of]byH.

2387. ther] bflt H. 2390. &J & in H.

2393. sIluer3*wonder B.

1

BK. Vl]

The Defeat of Pompey by Ccesar

Another tokne, pltous for to heere, Which astoned many proud Romeyw, Dede bodies* dide in the feeld appeer^, Which in bataille hadde afForn be slayn, From ther tombis arisyng wher thei lay«, Which in the werris, woful & despitous, Wer slayw be Scilla & proude Marrius.

It was eek tolde bi ther dyuynours,

How Pompeyus was lik to haue a fall,

And how thestat of Romeyn emperowrs

With ther tryumphes that been imperial

At lulius first ther begynne* shal;

And afFtir hym thestat shal foort[h] proceede

Be eleccioun or lyneal kynreede.

To withstonde the poweer of Cesar, Which toward Roome took his weie riht, Pompeye was sent, wis, mawli & riht war; But whan he herd[e] tellyn of the myht Of lulius, he took hym to the fliht; Eek alle the senatowrs with hyw dede flee Toward Epire, in Grece a strong cite.

Pompeye was old, famous in cheualrie, Cesar but yong [&] hardi for tassaille. Vppon the pleyns of Grece & Thesalie Pompeye & he hadde a gret bataille: Geyn lulius suerd no Romeyw mihte auaile; Constreyned of force the feeld[e] to forsake, Toward Egipt thei haue the weie take.

Pompeye thoruh Cipre cam to Tholome,

Bi a gret watir at Paphus dede aryue;

On the stronde ther he dide see

A statli place, & up he wente blyue,

The name of which, pleynli to descryue,

Cacabosile the contre dede it call.

Of which[e] name the fortune is thus fall:

2396

739

Serpents with scales of silver flew over the city all the night, and corpses of men slain before in the wars of Marius and Sulla arose 2400 from their tombs.

Pompey's fall was fore- told by diviners, who said also that the estate of Roman

emperor would begin with Caesar.

2404

2408

Pompey was sent out to withstand the power of Caesar, but fled together 2412 with the

senators to Epirus,

2416

where there was a great battle on the plains of Thes- saly. Pompey lost and sought refuge in Egypt,

2420

journeying by way of 2424 ^ypTMZ and ^ ^ landing first at Catobasilea, which means "unfortunate arrival."

2428

2397. bodies] bonys B.

2406. ther3 om. J — begynnyng B.

2417. &] om. J, R 3.

2418. playn H. 2424. Paphos P.

2426. & ther he went vp blive H.

2428. Cacobasile P.

740 T^f^f Death of Pompey ^bk. vi

fell 'n^d^rair. The name tokne of froward arryuaill, [p. 327] !

crmc*roLmn. Sownyiig in Greek vnhappi auenture. \

Be which the trust of Pompeie did[e] faille, — 2432 |

Fill in dispeir, niyht it nat reciire, — J

Forsook that ilc, dcdc his bcsi cure \

To take a shipp, so bi the se saillyng ,

Toward Egipt, wher Tholome was kyng. 2436 j

"ipK ''^ '''Of trust he fledde to this Tholome, j

ploicmyi pr^ ^" ^'^P^ ^^ sholde fyndc in hym socour: i

tendinK frienj. Fair checr shewed vndir duplicite, '

ehip, told Ills 1^ -It 1 1 r 1 <■ /> i

men to murder Rallied at the poynt, gat hym teynt fauoi/r, 2440

Al-be Powpeye bi his freendli labour I

Crownid hym kyng in Egipt, as I fynde, \

To whom ageyn he was fals & vnkynde. '

To meete Ponipeye he leet stufFe a barge 2444 !

Be a maner pretence of freendliheede, \

GafF his meyne that wer ther in charge \

To moordre Powzpeie, behiht hem a gr^t meede. '

Tweyne ther wern, which to hyw bar hatreede; 2448 \ And in the vessel, with sharp suerdis whette, Or he was war[e], of his hed thei smette.

and PhSs The ton of hem was callid Achillas, \

S "Bor^'n'of "^"^ ^^^ felawc namyd was Fotyne. 2452 1

gentle stock, he Took Up the hed[e] of that prince, alas,

W3S one 01 iy^ *f*ii 11 f*

the best knights 1^ amous m knihthod, born of eentil Ivne,

of his time; ad i

Among Komeyns, as auctowrs determyne,

Holde in his tyme, yifF men doon hyw riht, 2456

Thoruh al the world[e] oon the beste kniht.

prin«s"fi^ all Thus erthli princis, vfith al ther pompous fame, faml'fi'rTt^k ^hlch thoruh the* world yiuet so gr^t a sou«, mulde'r'i^nd'' ^f slauhtre & moordre thei took[e] first \,er name, 2460 extortion; and Bi fals rauyne and extorsioun

by the burning ^, u c i

of countries andv^lamo up SO nrst to clomynaciouM.

conquest by T) r ....

violence rose to DTennyng ot contres, conquest bi violence *

t^^^'^mtn, Sette hem in chaieres of worldli excellence. 2464 '

not counting t i • i -i i • i . (

kings and In this bataile, which callid was cvuvle, !

praetors, con- ttij^ r> o r^ tt

suis and cen- Hola atwecn Powpeye & Cesar lulius, 6i"a?n."'' """'^ Thre hundred thousand slay[e]n in a while,

Thre thousand take, the stori tellith thus, 2468

j

2440. Failled] failyng H. 2448. bar] born H.

2459. the] al the B, H, J, R 3, H 5, P. ^ i

BK. \Q

The Head of Ponipey brought to Casar 741

2480

could not strike the ground for the dead, which were eaten by wolves and bears and ravenous (owls.

Gobbets of flesh fell from the claws of birds upon Julius' face, soiling it with blood.

Withoute princis notable & glorious, As kyngis, pretours, reknid all attonys, Tribunys, consulis & centuryonys.

Phebus on the soil myht nat his bemys spreede, 2472 ^^g^su^n co°ui

Nor on the ground shewe out his cleer[e] liht;

Men that wer slay[e]n lay so thikke on breede,

That of the erthe no man hadde a siht.

Wolues, beres, rauynous foul off fliht, 2476

Kam gret plente to feede hem ther ech day

Beside the ryueer of Nile wher thei lay.

Gobetis of flessh, which foulis dede arace Fro dede bodies, born up in the hair, Fill from ther clees vpon lulius face, Amyd the feeld wher he had his repair. Made his visage bloodi & nat fair, Al-be that he to his encres of glorie Hadde thilke day of Romeyns the victorie.

The bed of Pompeye, brouht with his statli ring.

OfFrid up to lulius hih presence,

He be compassioun, the moordre aduertisyng.

Of his innat imperial excellence

Brast out to weepe, & in his aduertense

Thouhte gret pite, a prince of so gr^t myht

Sholde so be slayn, that* was so good a knyht.

The corps abood withoute sepulture,

Til oon Coodrus of compassioun

Aftir the bataille & disconfiture

Besouht[e] hym, of gret afFeccioun,

To hide the trunke lowe in the sondis doun.

Souhte tymbir, and ther he fond but smal,

To doon exequies with fires* funeral.

Now, sithe this prince kam to such myscheeff, Moordred and slayn bi Tholome the kyng: Heer of hir poweer Fortune hath maad a preefF, What trust ther is in any worldli thyng. Aftir his deth wantid he nat buriyng? — This proude Powpeie, so famous of his bond. Of fissh deuoured, as he lay on quik sond!

2484

The head of Pompey and his ring of state were 2488 brought to Cjesar, who burst into tears of pity.

2492

His body was buried by Codrus in the sand, and there was but little wood 2496 for a funeral pyre.

J, What trust is 2500 jjjgyg ;q any

worldly thing.' Think of this proud Pompey devoured by fishes, as he lay in quicksand. 2504

2482. had] made H — his] om. J. 2489. lunat B. 2492. that] & B.

2499. fires] feestls B.

742 An Envoy on Vain Amhition [jrk. vi

shouiVmen set ^'^^^ slial men sette bi poweer or noblesse

by transitory Qf* sliclyng gooclis Of any worlcUi glorie, 2508

worldly glory? WhlcH to icstrcync may be no sckirnesse?

Fortune and tlie world is transitorye;

Thouh Mars to-day ylue a man victorle,

Parcas to-mor\ve vnwarli he shal deie, — 2512

I take record of Cesar and Pompeie.

Si!d"r'thc"co"n^-' Slth al stant vndir daunger of Fortune, [p. 328]

troi of Fortune. Yc worldli men doth your look up-dresse

look, worldly ..,, '^

men, to that To thilkc place wher loie doth ay contune; 2516

the Blind Lady The Blynde Ladi hath ther non interesse.

has no power, o ^ • j * l ^ I ^ 1

bet pride aside, tak you to meeknesse,

To sue vertu doth treuli your labour,

Geyn worldli pompe mak Pompeie yowr merowr! 2520

Lenvoye.

Duke'pompV^ -npHIS tragedie of the duk Pompeie declares that X Declareth in gros be cheef occasioun

vam ambition ..,,., , „ r

to have lordshipWhi he auo Cesar gaw hrst to werreie,

was the chief t> i i • i i i • •

cause of the Lch ageyn othir, tnoruh veyn ambicioun 2524

war between T' i i j l • 11

him and C;esar. lo haue lordsliipe and domynaciouw

Ouer the Romeyns, bi fauour, fraude or myht, — Pocessiouw take no fors of wrong or riht.

wiiiing\o"obey To trouthis parti pride is loth tobeie; 2528

truth; wise Extort powcer doth gret destruccioun;

policy, prudent .\ . . J^ .

counsel and vVis policie 31 out Or the weie,

discretion are t-» i •! • i t

far away. rrudent counsail, age with discreciouw

Possession cares t ^^i I'L^ C C 1

not for wrong Loste ther Iiberte or tree elecciouw. 2532

or right. Who was most strong, wit^ hym heeld eu^ry wiht, —

Pocessioun take no fors of wrong nor riht.

ca'n^hem°bot'h Swich dyuysioun made many maw to deie,

down from her Brouhte the cite to desolacioun. 2536

wheel; for their . .

eyes were made With thcse too pnncis T ortune iist to pleic,

blind by subtile ,-r,., ~ i • i i i i 111

deceit, fraud i il trom hir whcei she cast hem bothe doun.

and collusion, o mj '^r j 0 11

botil deceit, iraude & collusioun

Bambicious clymbyng blente ther bothe liht, — 2540

Pocessioun take no fors of wrong nor riht.

2508. Of] Or B.

BK. Vl]

The Fate of Julius Ccesar

743

Noble princis, remembreth what I seie,

Peiseth this stori withyne in your resoun,

Of fals surmountyng auarice berth Jje keie, 2544

Record of Cesar, Pompeye of Roome toun,

Whos wilful werris, hatful discencioun

Yiueth cleer warnyng to you & eueri wiht,

No cleym is worth withoute title of riht. 2548

Noble Princes, remember Caesar and Pompey of Rome. No claim is valid without title of right.

[How victorious lulius Cesar brent the vessels of Tholome slouh Achillas that wolde ha moordred him & after grete victories himsilf was mordred wit/i boidekens bi brutus Cassius.] ^

AFFTIR the woful cowpleint lamewtabk Of Pompeis deth^*, pitous for to heer^, Werris remewbrid, with tr^souns importable, Compassid fraudis farcid -with fair cheers, Conspired moordre, rehersid the maneer^ How kyng Tholome, fraudulent of corage, The deth conspired of Pompeie fall in age.

The processe tolde, I holde it wer but veyw

Therof to write a newe tragedie;

Thyng onys said, it to reherse ageyn,

It wer but idil, as for that partie.

But how Cesar went out of Thessalie,

Kam Talisaundre to logge hym in that place,

I wil remembre with support of youx grace.

He logged was in his paleis roiall, Wher he was besi, be diligent labour Thoruh that regiouw in templis ouerall To spoile goddis and haue al ther treso^r, Wher he was mokkid, fond ther no fauowr; For Achillas, which that slouh Pompeie, Cast hym with Cesar proudli to werreie.

His purpos was to falle upon Cesar,

As of nature was his condiciouw

Falsli to moordre men or thei wer war, — ■

Bi sum sleihte to fynde occasiouw

To destroye lulius be tresouw.

And tacomplisshe his purpos in partie

Hadde twenti thousand in his cuwpanye.

After the woeful complaint of Pompey's death and the manner of King Ptole- my's conspir- 2552 ing it,

2556

I hold it vain to write thereof a new tragedy; but I will tell how Caesar went to Alex- andria

2560

2564

and busied him- self in spoiling temples, finding little encourage- ment, for Achillas, who slew Pompey,

2568

2572

withstood him with 20,000 men, hoping to fall upon and destroy him.

2576

1 MS. J. leaf 134 recto.

2561. Alexandry P.

744 Casars Conquest of Egypt [bk. vi

wf," leader ^.° J This AcHillas, fals, cruel, deceyuahle, constable of the Q^^^f \]y^x\ (Iccevuc Ccsaf vif 'ic iiivlite,

Lytyptians, in- - . . - -' -^ '

tended to Kive Of! liegipciciis Icilcr aiicl constable

Romans, but With the Romcy^is purposcth for to fihte. 2580

Ptolemy" navy But vvhan Ccsar therof hadde a sihte,

He is descendid, & faste bi the se

Brent al the naue of kyng Tholome.

a°gVca"part''of ^^^^ ^^^ vesselis wer dryue up with a flood 2584

the city and 'Yq grct- damage of seide Tholome; library of luHus breute hcm euene ther thei stood,

40.000 volumes. • , i • i r i •

And a gret part beside or the cite. And ther was brent, which was ful gret pite, 2588 The famous librarie in Egipt of the kyng, ■ Ful fourtl thousande volumys ther liggyng.

fh°a*t^*i waV In which thyng Bochas reherseth in sentence,

mendaWe'oi How Tholome was gtctli comendable, 2592

Ptolemy to That thoruh his besi roial prouydence

such a notable Made hymsilfF a librarie so notable;

b^ksTo" °he For to al clerkis in studie that wer hable,

use of scholars. Qp gg^g^g scicnccs, the stori maketh mynde, 2596

Lik ther desire myhte bookis fynde.

fhe're wis f^' Afftir this fyr, in Farus the contre, [p. 329]

battle, and xp,g Egipciens hadde a gret bataille,

Cssar, near » *^ o >

defeat took a Whcr Ccsar was of gret necessite 2600

Egypt That day constreyned, whan the feeld gan faille,

Take a barge from Egipt for to saille. But so gret pres[e] folwed at his bak. Almost the vessel was lik to go to wrak. 2604

es"cip"ed"be'ing ^esar armyd, with lettres in his bond, wrecked. He p^- \{^^ persoue that day in auenture;

was forced to^ ■' '

swim 200 paces Two hundred pas manly swam to lond,

to land in his « i i i' i i i i i

heavy armour. And Kunnyngli to lond he doth recure, 2608

Natwithstondyng his heuy strong armure. But yit toforn or Cesar took the se. He in the feeld hadde take Tholome.

Ptoilmy "^l And Achillas, the moordrere of Pompeie, 2612

oner and slew With allc his fclawcs that wer of assent

Achillas and all

his feUows. Wer slayn that day; ther went[e] non aweye: Many Egipcien the same tyme brent. Cesar of mercy for Tholome hath sent, 2616

2582. the] om. H. 2590. thousande] M B. 2598. Pharos P. 2604. to wrak] awrak H.

BK. Vl]

Ccesars Conquest of Egypt

74S

To Alisaundre sent hym horn of newe, Chargyng he sholde to Romeyns forth be trewe.

But whan he was delyuered fro prisouw,

Of Egipciens in AHsauwdre the cite, 2620

From eueri coost he gadred gret foisouw,

Ageyn luHus kam dou« with his meyne;

But yit for al his hasti cruelte,

Swich resistence Cesar gan to make, 2624

That* twenti thousand that day wer slayn & take,

Sixti galeis nat ferr fro the lond,

Tuelue thousand men komyng to Tholome, —

Echon wer yolde and brouht onto the hond

Of lulius his prisoneres to bee.

Than Tholomeus besied hym to flee

Toward the watir, wher maugre al his myht,

He drowned was in his gret hasti fliht.

He knowen was bi his riche haberioun,

Of gold and steel[e] it was entermayUd,

Bi Cesar sent onto the roial toun,

Which for difFence was strongli enbatailed, —

BokeHs of gold richeli enamailed,

Which[e] toknis anon as thei haue sey«,

Disespeired to Cesar sente ageyn.

Of them to Cesar was maad feith & homage;

The rewm of Egipt brouht to subiecciouw,

Til he of grace and merciful corage*

To Cleopatra gaff al that regiouw,

Longyng to hire be successioun.

Be title of riht that tyme & non othir,

Because only Tholome was hir brothir.

Kyng Lagus whilom in his testament, Fadir to Cleopatra & to Tholome, Toforn his deth bi gr^t auisement Cleerli enacted his laste volunte, That his kyngdam departid sholde be, Half to Tholome, as his bequethe was. The tothir halff to queen Cleopatras.

Ptolemy was taken to mercy and sent home with the bidding to be loyal to Rome; but as 60on as he was set free he came down against Csesar with an array and lost 20,000 of his men,

60 galleys and 12,000 more men, who were on their way 2628 '° 3''^ him.

2632

Ptolemy fled towards the sea and was drowned. His body was recognized by 2636 its rich armour with golden buckles.

of, An '^^^ Egyptians 2040 submitted to Cjesar, and he made Cleopatra, Ptolemy's sister, queen.

2644

2648

Their father had devised the kingdom to both of them, each to rule one half;

2652

2620. AHsaundry P. 2625. That] Than B.

2632. his] J)e H.

2634. entirmailed J, entirmailled R 3, entyrmaylled H 5, enter-

mayled P. 2642. corage] werkyng B. 2646. only] only l)at H.

74^ J Digression on Clothes [bk. vi ]

h"d kcpt'hu She bi hir brotlilr was holdc in prisoiin '

t'Xrlvri,"" l^o keepc hir wrongh from hir heritage,

of her .hare. Whcroff Cesar haddc compassiouw, 2656 '

Purposed hym to refourme hir damage.

And whil that he heeld ther his hostage, !

Of equitc, of lawe and of rcsoiwj.

Of al Egipt gaff hir pocessiou/z. 2660

Sb." ir/of ^ Than kam luba, of Libie lord & kyng, \

.nd'c™'iTa"n'^ Sowete of stryues and discenciou«,

un scipb b'ef' P^«"^' .'^''^ of port' ^^"^1 in werkyng, ]

cause he sue- Which in especial haddc indignaciou/i 266A !

cecdcd Pompey i t > i • i ^ • ■ .iw^ \

as consul and Vnto tlic wofthi laste bcipioun, 1

whfch'JuL''' Cause he was chose, Hk as bookis seie, ;

fining only'for To succecdc ncxt consul to Pompeie. 1

himself as king. '

This luba eek bar to hyw gret hatreede, 2668 ]

Souht a quarel ageyn hym for o thyng, I

Cause that he was clad in purpil weede, ,

For hym aleggyng, how onh that clothyng

No maner estat sholde vse but a kyng: 2672 '

Mente for hymsilff, sittyng in roial throne.

He wold as kyng that colour were* allone.

di^ress'iorhere^Heer myw auctour maketh a digressiouw, no'n'font so P"«yng exaumple of Almayne the contxe; 2676

dothing ll the Seith that ther is non othir nacioun people of Touchyng array that is so disgise

Almayne. -r r i i i n •

In wast or cloth and superfluite,

Rehersyng her* in ful pleyn langage, 2680

In many wise such wast doth gret damage.

fluity In^'attire It causeth pride and ambicioun, [p- 330]

aXgiv'es'occa- ^gcyn the vcrtu of humylite;

and bring^ ^^ jechene it yiveth occasiouw, 2684

people to Which is contrarie* vnto chastite.

poverty and ,,^ ^ r ii •

makes the rich Wast oi array sett rolk in pouerte,

disdainful of /~\ ,1 1 i

the poor. i^auseth also such costage spent in veyn

Off othir porere to haue ful gret disdeyn. 2688

2658. that] om. H.

2662. dissenciouws H.

2674. that colour were] vse that colour B.

2680. her] ther B.

2685. contraire B, J.

BK. Vl3

A Digression on Clothes

747

Wher superfluite is vsid of aray, Riot folweth, proud port & idilnesse; With wast of tyme dryue forth the day, Late drynkyng, wach, surfet, dronkenesse, Engendreth feueres & many gr^t axcesse. Thus eueri surfet englued is to othir, And o mysreule bryngeth in anothir.

God suffreth weel ther be a difference Touchyng array, as men been of degre: Hih estatis, that stonde in excellence, Mut be preferrid, of resouw men may see; As cloth of gold, stonis & perre Was for princis, with othir fressh clothynges. But specialli purpil was for kyngis.

Thus was ther set, of hih discreciouw. Array accordyng to princis hih noblesse; And for othir estatis lower douw, Lik ther degrees tween pouert & richesse. An ordre kept from scarsete & excesse, A mene prouided atween hih & lowe, Lich to hymsilfF[e] ech man may be knowe.

But kyng luba, insolent & mad. Of surquedie kauht [an] oppynyouw That non but he in purpil shal* be clad, Causyng debat tween hym & Scipiouw. Yit wer thei parti bothe with Roome toun Ageyn Cesar, and drouh toward Powpeie, For which at myscheef bothe thei dide deie.

Whan luba felte hymsilf of noun poweer Ageyn Cesar to holde chaumpartie. For sorwe he loste contenauwce & cheer; Of hih disdeyn[e] and malencolie Callid on Pectryn, a kniht off his allie. Made hym bassent that thei wer bothe fay« Felli to fihte til oon off hem was slayn.

Ageyn nature was this strauwge fiht, Ech to slen othir, & knew no cause whi, — But for kyng luba was an hardi kniht. He slouh his felawe and abood proudli,

Riot, proud behaviour, idle- ness and drunk- enness follow, engendering fevers and 2692 agues: each surfeit gives rise to another, and all move

in a vicious circle.

2696

God permits a difference in clothing: high estates must be well dressed and wear cloth of gold and jewels; and 2700 purple is the

colour for kings.

2704

Other estates lower down should array themselves according to their degrees.

2708

2712

King Juba, in- solent and mad, thought that he alone was entitled to wear purple, and quarrelled with Scipio, although both were against Caesar.

2716

When he saw that he was too weak to fight Csesar, he lost heart, and in a rage challenged 2720 Petreus, a

knight of his acquaintance, to mortal combat.

Juba killed his ^7^4 friend Petreus, and then chose to die himself rather than live in bondage.

2693. excesse H, J, R 3, P, H 5. 2708. providyng H,

2712. but he non shal in purpil B.

2721. peyntryn H, Peitryn J, Peytryn R 3, H 5, Petreus P.

748 The Death of Juba. Aristobolus [bk. vi

And rather ches to delen wllfuUl, 2728

Of hih dcsplht[e] & of proud corage, Ihan vndir Cesar to lyuen in seruage, mon.^ 'aether Maad callc a man whom he loued weel,

'fxTn"*' him'. ^^^ ^"'•^ ^^y" ^^^^ ^"^^^ ^ ^^^^ guerdoun 2732

UfKc reward, To talcc a suerdlc] forgid of fyn steel,

bade him smite . , , , ,-p . j-| *

oflF his head. And make therorr no long dilacioun,

But bad he sholde, for short conclusloun,

Take upon hym, & haue no feer nor dreed, 2736

Withoute tarieng to smyten of his hed.

■wh"h^'"bccr, Thus kyng luba rather ches to deie

««nt prisoner Than lenget lyue in subieccioun

Pompcy. was Vndir Ccsar; he loued so weel Pompeye. 2740

released by _, ~,, r» i J •

Cisar, and ^ 1 han ncxt to Dochas, as maad is mencioun, hrs^klgdom^*'" Cam Aristobolus, with face & look cast doun, Which was to* Roome, afForn as I haue told. Sent hi Pompeye to* be kept in hold. 2744

[Aristobolus.]

Which aftir was delyuered fro prisoun Bi help of Cesar in ful hasti wise, Stondyng in hope of his regioun

To be restored vnto the fraunchise, 2748

Wher Hircanus, as ye haue herd the guise,* Preferred was, to his gret foorth[er]yng, Bi Powpeie of lewes crowned kyng. Unfortunately Which AHstobolus hopeth to recure, 2752

he fell into the *^ '

hands of a Caste mcnys ther to regne ageyn,

captain who r" j-i i- i •

had been in Wrouhte theton, dide his besi cure,

ice'^anTwhT^ Whos hasti labour was but spent in veyn.

Sning"! ^"^ Fill in the handis of a proud capteyn ^ 2756

Which that whilom was longyng to Pompeie;

And he with poisoun vnwarli made hyw deye.

[How the last Scipioun Consulere of Rome for he not list to lyue in seruage of luljrus roff himsilf to te hert.] ^

S"ian oTthl '\T^-^'^ ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ worthi Scipioun,

Scipios who X>| Which aftir Pompeie was maad consuleer, 2760

was defeated itr • r i t i 1-

together with vVtt^ whom luba was at discencioun

Juba by Cisar. _ • l j 1

l*or weryng purpre, as it was told wol er,

2743. to] in B. 2744. to] for to B. 2748. the] his H. 2749. the guise] deuiseB. 2750. to] in H. 2762. purpull H.

1 MS. J. leaf 135 recto.

BK. vi] The last Sclpio. Pompey's Son Pompey

749

And aftirward fill in ful gret[e] feer,

Whan Cesar hadde withynwe Libie-lond 2764

Outraied [hem] bothe with strong & myhti hond.

Wherbi Sipioun gan fallen in despair, [p. 331]

Loste his cheer, as man disconsolat,

With thre Romeyns gan make his repair, —

Damasippus, Plectorie and Torquat, —

Goyng to shipe, the tyme infortunat,

Toward Spayne; but tempest gaw hem dryue,

That thei in AfFrik vnwarli dede aryue. 2772

Scipiouw seeyng this woful caas sodeyne.

How he was brouht vnwarli to myscheefF;

For Scicius, a myhti strong capteyn,

Beyng a pirat and off the se a theeff, 2776

Which is a name of ful gret repreeff, —

The same pirat, longyng to Cesar,

Fill on Scipioun or that he was war,

Despairing, he took ship to Spain, but was driven back to 2768 Africa,

where Sicius, a pirate friendly to Csesar, fell on him,

2780

Beyng in purpos take hym prisoneer

Withynwe his shipp toforn his arryuaill;

For which, alas, dulle gan his cheer.

His contenauwce appallen & eek faille.

To fynde counfort no man coude hym couwsaille, 2784

Pullid out a suerd, whan he myht nat a-sterte,

And roof hymsilff[e] euene to* the herte.

This was the eende of laste Scipioun: Leuere he hadde at myscheef for to deie Than vndir Cesar lyn fetrid in prisoun Or to his lordshipe in any wise obeye. ^ To Bochas next hym cam Pompeye, Sone and heir to gret[e] Pompeius, Contraire also to Cesar lulius.

intending to take him prisoner. In his extrem- ity he pulled out a sword and thrust it into his heart.

He, too, died rather than be 2788 % captive of ' Laesar.

After him, Pompey, son and heir of Pompey the Great, appeared before Bochas.

2792

Hadde brethren & sistren mo than oon, And many another of ther alliauwce. And of assent thei cast hem euerichon, Ther fadris deth hauyng in remembrauwce, Vpon Cesar to take therof vengauwce, Eek upon Tholomee, which bi coUusioun Slouh ther fadir bi ful fals tresouw.

2775. Sicyus H, Sicius R 3, P.

2783. H inserts the word purpose before contenau«ce.

2786. to] thoruh B, H 5.

He and his brothers and sisters deter- mined to be 2706 revenged on Csesar and Ptolemy.

2800

75°

Tbe Triumph of Julius Casar

[bk. VI

Pompey fought with Cxsar in Spain, and, put to fliftht.

and not know- ins what to do, hid in a cave and was slain.

Finally, all o( Pompey's kin- dred were brought to de- struction by Caesar, whose renown in- creased.

His power had been proved in Lybia, Spain, Italy, Germany, Lombardy and France.

Returning to Rome, he put an end to the civil war and received the triumph,

The eldest brothir callld cek Pompeye,

Beynj^ in Spaigne with ful grct apparaill,

Cast hym of newe Cesar to werreye

Aiul his pccple proiulH to assaille.* 2804

And, as I fynde, ther was a gret batallle,

In which Pompeie, the eldest sone of thre,

Bi lulius men constreyned was to flee.

He fond no socour nor receit hym to saue, 2808

Off his lyff, he, stondyng in gret dreed,

Knowyng no reffut, fledde into a caue,

Tescape* awey knew no bettir reed,

Wher he was slayn; to Cesar brouht his hed, 2812

Sent foorth in scorn anon to Hispalee,

Which in Spaigne is a ful gret cite.

Thus bi processe al hooli the kynreede

Of Pompeius, for short conclusioun, 2816

Bi Cesar wern & bi his men in deede

Withoute mercy brouht to destruccioun.

Thus gan encrece the fame & the renoun

Of lulius conquest on se & eek on londe, 2820

Whos mortal suerd ther myht[e] non wit^stonde.

First in Libie, Spaigne and eek Itaille* Thexperience of his roial puissaunce, In Germanye bi many strong bataille, 2824

His poweer preved, in Lumbardie & in Frauwce. Brouhte alle thes kyngdames vndir thobeissaunce Of [the] Romeyns: peised al this thyng & seyn Touchyng his guerdoun, his labour was in veyn. 2828

Toward Roome makyng his repair,

Of hym appesed cyuyl discenciouns.

Of throne imperial clywbyng on the stair;

For the conquest of threttene regiouws, 2832

Of the tryu?nphe requered the guerdouns.

Which to recure his force [he] hath applied,

Al-be the Senat his request hath denied.

2804. tassaille B. 28 1 1. To scape B.

2822. in Itaille B.

2825. Lumbardie] Germanye H, R 3, H 5 — in Lumbardie &]

ful often tyme J, ful oft times P.

2827. al3 as H. 2832. xiije B.

2834. recure] replye H.

2835. request] conquest H.

BK. vi] Calipurnia's Dream and Casars Death 751

And his name mor to magnefie, 2836 tAe^apltd,

To shewe the glorie * of his hih noblesse, '''"^'^ ^'^ ^^-

o II- crees as em-

To the Capitoile faste he gan hym hie, peror- That

, . , I J day began with

As emperour his doomys ther to dresse. joy but ended

That day began with ioie & gret gladnesse; 2840

The eue nothyng accordyng* with the morwe: The entre glad; the eende trouble & sorwe.

Calipurnia, which that was his wifF, Cafpurni'a

Hadde a drem the same niht afforn, 2844 hefiord'wouid

Toknis shewed of the funeral strifF, tl^the'^Ca'^ri

How that hir lord was likli to be lorn the next day.

Be conspiracy compassed & Isworn,

YifF he that day, withoute auisement, 2848

In the Capitoile sat in iugement.

She drempte, alas, as she lay & sleep[te], [p. 332] Jh^^ter' That hir lord, thoruh girt vfith many a wounde, Mj^' ^'^^"'^

Lay in hir lappe, & she the bodi kepte 2852 wounds, lay in

Of WOmawheed, llk as she was bouwde. her dream came

But, o alas, to soth hir drem was fouwde! The nexte morwe, no lenger maad delay, Of his parodie was the fatal day. 2856

A poore man calHd Tongilius, _ namedTongiims

Which secreli the tresouw dede espie, uTaTon^'^ut

Leet write a lettre, took it lulius, Csesar

neglected ills

The caas declaryng of the conspiracie, 2860 warning,

Which to reede Cesar list nat applie. But, o alas! ambicious necligence Caused his mordre bi vnwar violence.

Cesar sittyng myd the consistorie, 2864 ?hf mi"st"of'°

In his estat[e] most imperiall, w^'s'muldered

Aftir many conquest & victorie, with bodkins.

Fortune awaityng to yiuen hym a fall.

With boidekenys, percyng as an all, 2868

He moordred was, with many mortal wounde.

Loo, how fals trust in worldli pompe is founde!

2837. gloire B, J.

2841. accordyng nothyng B.

2844. toforn H, R 3, beforn J.

2868. bodkyns H, bodkynes R 3, boidekynes J, Boydkynnys H 5, Bodkins P.

2869. many a H.

752 ^n Envoy on Julius Ccrsar ^bk. vi

Lenvoye.

morc"^fui'' npHORUM al this hook[cl Tad cch tragedie, of'aeMr'*" Aftorn rehersid & put in r^'iiiembrance, 2872

Is non nior woful to my fa/ztasie, Than is the fall of Cesar in substau/ice, Which in his hiest imperial puissaunce Was, whil he wende haue be most glorious, 2876

Moordred at Roome of Brutus Cassius.

countri'e/'to '" This marcial prince ridyng thoruh Luwbardie, •ubjection, and g^h contrc yolde & brouht to obeissaunce;

yet he was -' . i i /^

inurJered at Passyng the Alpies rood thoruh Germanye, 2880

Rome by _,-'?. \ ,, ri-

Brutus Cassius. 1 o subieccioun brouht the rewm or l^raunce, Gat Brutis Albioun bi long contynuaunce: To lustris passed, this manli lulius Moordred at Roome bi Brutus Cassius. 2884

las ha"chc" b'y Among thc Sen at was the conspiracye the Senators, ^\\q q^ assent & of oon accordaunce, —

in spite 01 . .

whom he had Whos tryumphc thei proudli gan denye;

celebrated his _, i i 11

triumph. hsut maugre them was kept thobseruaunce, 2888

His chaar of gold with steedis of plesaunce Conveied thoruh Roome, this prince [most] pompous, / The moordre folwyng bi Brutus Cassius.

TOnque°ts''and' Rckne his conquest, rekne up his cheualrie 2892

his chivalry. With 3. countirpeis of worldli variaujice:

and compare i • c i •

them with Fortunys chaungis for his purpartie; — ancei Weic al to-gidre, cast hem in ballaunce,

Set to of Cesar the myscheeuable chaunce, 2896

With his parodie sodeyn & envious, — Moordred at Roome bi Brutus Cassius.

jupiter°united Bookis allc and cronicles specefie,

to enhance his gj influence of heuenli purueiaunce, 2900

noblesse, yet , t i • i r t i i •

he was mur- Mars and lubiter ther rauour did applie by Brutus With glade aspectis his noblesse to enhaunce:* Mars gaf hym knihthod, lubiter gou^rnaunce. Among princis hold oon the moste famous, — 2904 Moordred at Roome bi Brutus Cassius.

2896. myschevous H. 2902. tenhaunce B, J, R 3.

Cassius.

BK. vi] The Punishment of the Murderers of Ccesar 753

Behold the monarchy of

Behold of Alisaundre the grete monarchic.

Which al the world had vndir obeissauwce, Alexander, the

T« c T^ 11' 1 • 7 • chivalry of

Prowesse of Ector medhd wzt^ gentne, 2908 Hector, Achuies'

Of Achilles malencolik vengaunce, — the end of

Rekne of echon the quaueryng assuraunce, Conskier of

Among remembring the fyn of lulius, uembiLV''^

Moordred at Roome bi Brutus Cassius. 2912 security!

Princis considreth, in marcial policie kTrtmst^b

Is nouther trust[e], feith nor assuraunce: Sfmaychlnge

Al stant in chaung with twynclywg of an eye. '"the twinkling

Vp toward heuene set your attendaunce, 2916 record on'

TL IJ CI Ur 1 Juhus, whowas

Ihe world vnseur & al worldli plesaunce; murdered at

Lordship abit nat, record on lulius Bmus Cassius. Moordred at Roome bi Brutus Cassius.

plow Octavian / succeded next and how the mordres of lulius / deied at mischefif.] ^

AFFTIR the moordre of t)is mawli man, 2920 aiath,^'"'

This noble prince, this famous* emperowr, "avian^ ^'^'

His worthi nevew callid Octouyan succeeded to

_, . -; the empire,

1 o regne m Roome was next his successoMr. and his en-

Which dide his deueer bi dilligent labour 2924 to punish aii

T" L 11 ^L C ^ U U^ those who had

lo puwshe all tho, or nature as he ouhte, been guilty of

Bi rihtful doom, that the moordre wrouhte. ^^^ '"""^"•

CheefF conspiratoMr was Brutus Cassius, wif chie^^fn-*

Which of this moordre made [all the ordynaunce. 2928 spirator, Dedus

■-, ■■ -' ^ another, slain

Anothir Brut, surnamyd Decius, afterwards in

Was oon also conspiryng the vengaunce Murder always

Wrouht on Cesar; he aftir slayn in Frauwce. 2931 eviTend! ^^ Heer men may seen, what coostis that men weende. How moordre alwey requereth an euel eende.

Withyne the space almost of thre yeer [p. 333] ^ar''s'°aii\he

Destroied wern al the conspiratours conspirators

^ , were either

Be sodeyn deth; & sumwe stood in daungeer 2936 destroyed or

To be banshed or exiled as treto^rs.

And as it is cronicled bi auctOMrs,

Space of thre yeer, reknid oon bi oon,

Deide at myscheefF the moorderis euerichon. 2940

2921. famous] manli B.

2922. Octauian P. 2926. the] he H. 2937. banyssh H.

1 MS. J. leaf 136 recto.

754 ^^^ Story of Marcus Tullius Cicero [j&k.. vi

lin'Vto^murderTo moordrc a prince, it is a pitous tliyng.

"vi[ru"e ^°^ ^"^' o^ 'lis "'i'^ ^^'^ ^'-^^^ thcrof vengaunce;

Vc"*""""- Namli an eiiipero;/r, so famous in ech thing,

but little Which al the worldlcl haddc in goiicrnaunce. 2044

security in high ij i i- ^ r a- I

estate. Kckiic his conqucst digne oit remewbraujice,

AI peised in oon, Bochas bei[e]th vvitnesse, In hih estat is litil sekirnesse.

[How Tullius was too tymes exiled and atte last/

slayn by Pompylyus.] ^ j

nixtmlde' 1\/T YN aucto?<r hcct WHt no long proccsse, 2948 \

abol/i Tullius? ■ O^ luliiis deth compleynyng but a while; '

mat nis Darren -^ . i-i-iTrr -i

style was inade- Lompendiousli his Iiff for to compile,

scribe the life Complcynyng first, seith his bareyn stile 2952

complaining "Jq write of Tullie in hast he gan hym dr^sse,

that his barren - o j 7

style was inade quate to de- scribe the life of so noble a t • ai ' ^ ^

rhetorician. IS insutticient to wHtc, as men may seen, Of so notable a rethoricien.

quencVhe^''*" Lsumpc and lanteme of Romeyw oratowrs, flow"s^tn''Mt^ Among hem callid prince of elloquence, 2956

Parnassus and Qn Pemaso he gadred up the flot^rs, with laurel by This rcthoricieu most of excellence.

the nine Muses, -itti ■ ■ i-

VVnos mentis treuii to recompence,

The Muses nyne, me thouhte, as I took heed, 2960

A crowne of laureer set upon his hed.

Keld^and Bochas astoued, gan of hymsilfF conclude,

w°iift'ie skiih*^ H's look abasshed, dul of his corage,

that 'ff°^"^^^' Thouhte his termys & resouns wer to rude, 2964

laboured all That he lakked kunnyng & langage,

his life he ,,n ... , ,, \P 6 6 >

could not Wnerebi he sholde to his auauwtage,

scribe'^Tuiiy's Thouh he laboutcd writyng al his lyue,

merits. Q£ jyHj^g ^}^g meritis to descryue. 2968

bered'^thaT^ar' Whcrof suppHsed, he kauhte a fantasJe, timef\h^Tind Withyuwe hymsilf remembryng anon riht, drives a cloud Thouh it SO falle sumtyme a cloudi skie

across the sun, x-v , . , . , -, ly i m

it does not Be chacid With wynd affor the sunne briht, 2972

lessen its l;ght, .,7. . ~, • 1 i 1 • i-i

and that his dull lit in ettect It lasseth nat his lint; nof'ecfip^se" So Bochas dempte that his dul writyng of TuUius.""' Eclipsed nat of Tullius the shynyng.

2953. sufficient H. 2958. excellence] Elloquence H. 2960. me] om. H.

1 MS. J. leaf 136 recto.

It comforted him to think that all manner of things can be told in unadorned language, and that colours shew best by contrast.

Nevertheless he said, "I feel my hand tremble when I write about him.

BK. vi^ Bochas fears he may not do Tully Justice 755

With rud language a man may weel r^porte 2976

The laude off tryuwphes & conquestis m^rueilous, Which thyng remembryng gredi gan cowzforte The herte of Bochas; & to hymsilf spak thus: "Too colours seyn that be contrarious, 2980

As whiht and blak; it may bee non othir, Ech in his kynde sheweth mor for othir.

In Phebus presence sterris lese her liht;

Cleer at mydday appeereth nat Lucyne; 2984

The fame of Tullye whilom shon so briht,

Prince of fair speche, fadir of that doctrine,

Whos brihte bemys into this hour doth shyne:

Sothli," quod Bochas, "of whom wha?z I endite 2988

Myn hand I feele quakyng whan I write.

But for to yiue folk occasioun,

Which in rethorik haue mor* experience

Than haue I, & mor inspeccioun 2992

In the colours and crafF[t] of elloquence, —

Them texcite to do ther dilligence,

Onto my writyng whan thei may attende,

Of compassioun my rudnesse to amende." 2996

Vnto hymsilfiF[e] hauyng this langage,

Bochas to write gan his penne dresse,

Vndir support afforced his corage

To remembre thexcellent noblesse 3000

Of this oxTitoux, which wztZ? the suetnesse

Of his ditees, abrod as thei haue shyned,

Hath al this world most cleerli enlumyned.

This TuUius, this singuler famous* man, 3004

First to remembre of his natyuyte,

Born at Aprinas, a cite of Tuscan,

Of blood roial descendid, who list see.

Grekissh bookis of old antiquite, 3008

Maad of rethorik and in ther vulgar songe,

He translatid into Latyn tunge.

In tendre youthe his contre he forsook

And fro Tuscan his passage he gan dresse; 3012

Toward Roome the riht[e] weie he took,

Entrywg lie cite, the renommed noblesse

"However, people who are more skilled than I will have oppor- tunity to amend my rudeness out of compassion."

After he had said this to himself he began to write.

TuUius was born at Ar- pinum in Tuscany. He was of royal descent, and at first trans- lated old Greek books into Latin.

In his youth he went to Rome; and his fame spread abroad like a sun.

2983. liht] siht H.

2991. mor] non B. 3004. famous singuler B.

3005. of his] his famous H.

7S6 Tullius and the Conspiracy of Catiline [bk. vi

Hid in his persone shewed the brihtnesse

Of dyuers vertues, tyme whil he abood, 3016

That hk a sonne his fame spradde abrod.

He w«. made • ^qx his vettues made a citeseyn, [p. 334]

Citizen lornn j% * « «

virtue» and The. coode tepoft of hym shon so deer,

chosen consul , ., ° , , i i i i r>

in the time of Lilc as he haddc be born a Komeyn, 3020

Catiline. - . ^ • ■

cuizcn lor ni» -

virtues and T\\e coode Tcport of hym shon so deer,

chosen consul , ., ° , , i i i i r>

in the time of Lilc as he haddc be born a Komeyn,

Catiline. tit i • ^' _

In ther tauour his name was so entieer.

Among hem chose for a consulcer, —

Ageyn the cite, tyme of his consulat,

Whan Catalyne was with hem at debat. 3024

Catiline, cruel gj ^j^g prudcnce of this TuHius

and lull of t- i • i i i Tf

wrath, was ^^id his manhod, reknid bothe Ireere, —

always busy to ■ i j •

injure Rome; Catclyna, most crucl and irous,

Froward of port & froward of his cheer^?, 3028

Besi euere to fynde out the maneer^. How he myhte be any tokne or signe Ageyn the cite couertH maHgne.

and 689 years gj^g hundtid ycer, fourscore told & nyne, 3032

alter the toun- r \ r ^ '

dation of the Rekuid of Roome fro the iundaciouw,

city he con- . . . , . i r^ i

spired with This cruel tiraunt, this proude L-atalyne,

alter tne loun- f i r 1 •

dation of the Rekuid of Roome fro the iundaciouw,

city he con- . . . , . , ^~ .

spired with This cruel tiraunt, this proude l

others against -k r t • i i •

its franchises Made With othir a coniuracioun

and freedoms, ^^^^^ fraunchises & fredaui of the toun. 3036

First discurid, as bookis telle can, In the parties & boundes of Tuscan.

purposing to jj^g purpos hooly of this Catalyne,

brmg Rome *^ , r i r i

to ruin. Imagyned on rals[ej couetise, 3040

Was to brynge Roome vnto ruyne. And therupon in many sondri wise Fond out weies, menys gan deuise. To his entent bi dilligent labowr 3044

In the cite gan gete hym gret fauowr.

Tuiiy w-as told g^. fynali his coniuracioun

about the con- J r\ ' '

spiracy, and by DisCUred WaS bl OOU QuintlUS,

and^the ITelp of Which was afForn[e] fals vnto the toun. 3048

brX"/ a'nd"^^* Tolde al the caas vnto Tullius,

withdrawn. gj ^j^^^ prudeucc & wcrkyng m^rveilous,

Bi help of Antoyne, that was his felawe,

The coniuracioun was broken & withdrawe. 3052

3016. whil] whan H.

3027. Catilina P — most Irous H.

3036. Ageyn] geyn H.

BK. Vl]

The Great Eloquence of Tullius

7S7

BI witt of Tullle al the coniuratOMrs

Espied wern and brouht onto myschauwce,

Ther namys rad tofor the senatOMrs,

Of ther falsheed told al the gou^rnauwce, 3056

Manli ordeyned thoruh his purueiaunce.

With al his peeple, as maad is menciouw,

Catilyna departid fro the touw.

With Antonye* the said[e] Catalyne

Beside Pistoie hadde a gret bataile.

Slayn in the feeld; he myht[e] nat declyne,

For he abood whan the feeld gan faille.

Poweer of oon litil may auaile, 3064

Namli whan falsheed, of malis & of pride

Ageyn[es] trouthe dar the bront abide.

Ther was another callid Lentulus

Of his felawes, that namyd was Fabyne; 3068

The thridde of hem eek callid Cetegus, —

Alle assentid & sworn to Catallyne,

Stranglid in prisoun, at myscheef dide fyne.

Cause Tullius dide execucioun, 3072

Tullyane was callid the prisoun.

Thus koude he punshe tretoMrs of the toun,

Outraie ther enmyes, of manhod & prudence;

Callid of ther cite gouernour & patrouw,

Sent from aboue to been ther diffence,

Ther champioun, most digne of reuerence.

Chose of ther goddis ther cite for to guie

Bi too prerogatyues: knihthod & polycie.* 3080

Lik a sunne he dide hem enlumyne

Bi hih prowesse of knihtli excellence;

And thoruh the world his bemys dede shyne

Of his rethorik & his elloquence, 3084

In which he hadde so gret experience.

Bi circuwstaunces that nothyng dede lakke,

He transcendid Polityus & Grakke.

Of oratOMrs it is put in memorie, 3088

This Tullius, thoruh his hih renoun, Of all echon the honoz^r & the glorie Was youe to hym, as maad is mencioun:

Through his ability all the conspirators were punished. Catiline left Rome

_-/;_ and was slain 3000 i„ 3 battle

with Antony near Pistoia.

Three of his companions were strangled in prison; and the prison was afterwards called Tullian, after TuUy, who had de- feated the plot.

Thus he pun- ished traitors to Rome. He was called 2076 patron and governor of the city.

He illumined the Romans like a sun; and the beams of his rhetoric and eloquence shone through the world.

He surpassed all orators and won the golden triumph of the House of Fame.

3060. Antoyne B. 3063. faille] falle H. 3073. Tullianum P. 3076. ther] Jje H, the R 3. 3080. polycie] clergie B, J. 3087. Plotyus H, R 3, Plocius J, Plotius P.

758 Tullius compared by the Greeks to Plato [bk. vi

Surmou/itid all; & in conclusiou;/, 3092

The goldene tru//iphe of the Mous of Fame Thoruh al the world [e] bleuh abrod his name.

secre\»'of ''"^ He kiicw sccictis of philosophie,

«'li'diS^m """^ C^^m to Athenys* to scoole for doctryne, 3096

Athens where VVhcF hc profited SO cretli in clercie

he profited in . »^ i- j i

•II sciences. In ai scicnccs neucnli and dyuyne,

That he was callid, as aucto;/rs determyne,

Among Romey/is, of verray dieu[e] riht, 3100

Of elloquence the lanterne & the liht.

two "great''' It is rcmembred among orato;<rs, [p. 335]

before the^"'"' How TulHus pletcd causcs tweyne

senators. In the Romcyn court affor the senatoiirs, 3104

The cause defendyng be langage souereyne Of too accusid geyn hem that dede pleyne On ther defautis, them sauyng fro myscheef, The court escapyng fro daunger & repreefF. 3108

lccu"sed!"a°nd Thes causes tweyne he pleted in Latyn, spoke such With so excellent flouryng fair langage,

beautiful Latin ■ , , , i r

and dealt so With suich rcsouns conciudcd at the ryn,

wisely with his —,, , , . , , , ,

material that 1 hat he be wisdaw kauhte the auauwtage 3112

no man could t i • ^ • ; i ^i i

deny what In his matccrcs -with ai the surplusage

he said.

That myhte auaile onto his partie: What he saide ther koude no man denie.

In Greece his Among Grckis [at] Athenys the cite 31 16

reputation and & l j j -j

authority were He was SO grct of reputaciou7i,

so great that P ^ T 1

he was com- l:>o tamous hoidc ot aucton[tJe,

pared to Plato, <-!-' i • i i • i

upon whose 1 o be compatid bi ther oppynyoun

iaid°honey, a" To the phiHsophre that callid was Platouw, 3120

would-be the To whos cradcl bees dede abraide

source and well ^nd hony soote thei on his lippes laide.

01 rhetoric. •' '^ '^

Yet Tully was -i r n i-i i i • ii

his equal. A pronostik[eJ, Ilk as bookis tell,

Plato sholde bi famous excellence, 3124

Of rethorik be verray sours & well.

For his langage, merour off elloquence.

Yit the Grekis recorden in sentence,

How Tullius in parti and in all 3128

Was onto Plato in rethorik egall.

3096. to Athenys^ Tathenys B, H 5.

3107. themjom. H. 3109. Thes] The H. 3 116. at]om.H.

BK. vi] Tullius' oratorical Skill and Writings

759

Thoruh his langage this saide TuIHus Reconsilede hi his soote orisouws To the lordshipe & grace of luHus, Princes, kynges of dyuers regiouns, That suspect stood hi accusaciouns, Because thei dide luHus disobeie, Wer enclyned with Romeyns to Pompeie.

He coude appese bi his prudent langage

Folkis that stoode at discencioun;

Bi crafFt he hadde a special auauwtage,

Fauour synguleer in pronunciacioun,

In his demenyng gret prudence & resoun:

For the pronouncyng of maters in substaunce,

His thank resceyueth bi cheer & contenaunce.

Through his orations he reconciled the princes and 3132 kings of many- regions to the lordship of Julius.

3136

He could soften people who were at enmity with one another,

3140

To a glad mateer longeth a glad cheer,

Men trete of wisdam with woordes of sadnesse,

Pleyntes requeere, aftir the mateer,

Greuous or mortal, a cheer of heuynesse,

Lik as the cause outher the processe 3148

Yiueth occasioun to hyndren or to speede, —

The doctryne in Tullius men may reede.

and knew well 3144 how to adapt his expression to the matter of which he treated.

The name of Tulie was kouth in many place;

His elloquence in eueri lond was ryfF; 3152

His langage made hyw stonde in grace

And be preferrid duryng al his lyff.

Maried he was, and hadde a riht fair wifF,

Childre manye, seruauntis yonge & old; 3156

And, as I fynde, he heeld a good houshold.

De Officijs he wrot bookis thre,

De Amicitia, I fywde how he wrot oon,

Of Age another, notable for to see; 3160

Of moral vertu thei tretede eumchon.

[And] as Vincent wrot ful yore agon

In his Merour callid Historiall,

Nouwbre of his bookis be ther remembrid all. 3164

His reputa- tion was known in every land.

He had a wife, who was right fair, and many children and servants.

He wrote three books de Officiir, Caio Major (Vincent described all his writings in his Spicu- lum Historiall),

3150. in] of H.

3151. Tullyus H. 3154. be] he H.

76o The Dream of Tullius [bk. vi

the Dreim of pjg ^^.^^^^ ^jgQ ^.j^e OlCni of ScipioUW, Scipio, two -1 1 1 I •

books of Qf Rcthoriqucs compilod bookis tweyne,

divination, on * , ^ .

•Kricuiture. Aiiu twcyiic lie wiot ot dyuyiiaciouu; Fite ''' Of tllthe of lond to write he dede his peyne, 3168

rti'o'n.'rnd' °^ A large book of glorie that is veyne, "S'""""' De Re pubHca; & as he seith hymselue, Of his Orisou;!S he wrot bookis tuelue.

But in spite of /^,^j of j^jg dictes that calHd be morall 3172

all, he was i i- • i i

banished from Jg remcmbred notabh in deede In the said Merour Histoiiall. And yit this saide TulHus, as 1 reede, Mid his worshepes stood alvvey in dreede 3176

Of Fortune; for in conclusiouw, He be envie was ban[y]shed Roome touw.

to Campania; gevng in exil, this famous Tullius,

and there, at •' o ' . .

the house of a In Campanya at Atyne the Cite 3180

Resceyued he was ot oon rlancius, A man that tyme of gret auctorite. And whil that he abood in that contre, Slepyng aniht, the book makl) mencioun, 3184

How that he hadde a wonder visioun.

he had a j^g thouhte thus, as he lay slepyng: [p. 336]

wonderiul ' •! j*

dream of how j^ a desert and a gret wildirnesse

he met Oaius _, , i i o r oo

Marius in a Fyndyng no path, but to & iro etryng, 31^0

desert. Marius . ^ i i i • ^ * L

inquired the How he mette, clad in gret nchesse, troubie,^^nd on Gaius Marrius, a prince of hih* noblesse, learning what ^y^g TulH with sad contenauwcc, _

What was cheef ground & cause of his gr^uaunce. 3192

assigned Whan Tullius hadde hyw the cause told

a sergeant to i • l

convey him in Qf his disese & his mortal wo, his sepulture, Matrius with his hand set on \\ym hold, Sd " '"' To a sergau7it assigned hym riht tho, 3196

oftirreS'to And in al haste bad he sholde go, Rome. Jq couveic hym doon his besi cure

In al haste possible to his sepulture,

3 171. Orisouns] Oracions P. • t> u

3172. dictes] ditees H, dictes H, dities P, dues R 3, H S-

3175. this] ^e H.

3176. worshipp H. 3180. Ative H.

3 181. Plantius P. r^ ^ t.

3190. hih] gret B, J, H 5, R 3, great P — Cayus P. 3198. doon his besi] doun hi his H.

BK.

VI]

Tullius exiled by Antony

761

Wher he sholde haue tidyngis of plesauwce 3200

Of his repeir into Roome toun,

Been aleggid ofF his old gr^-uauwce.

This was the eende of his auiseouw.

The nexte morwe, as maad is menciouw,

Ther was holde, to Tullius gret auail,

Tofor lubiter in Roome a gret couwsail

Withyne the temple bilt bi Marrius: The senatours accorded wer certeyn To reconcile this prudent Tullius, Out of his exil to calle hym hom ageyw. Aftir resceyued as lord & souereyn Of elloquence, bassent of the Senat, Fulli restored vnto his first estat.

This thing was doon whan that in Roome toun

The strifFwas gr^ttest tween Cesar & Powpeie;

And for Tullius drouh hym to Catouw,

With Pompeius Cesar to werreie

And of lulius the parti disobeie,

Out of Roome Tullius dide hym hie,

Fledde with Powpeie into Thesalie. 3220

Cesar aftir of his fre mociouw,

Whan that he stood hiest in his glorie,

Hym reconciled ageyw to* Roome tou«,

Vpon Powpeie accomplisshed the victorie. 3224

But lulius slayn in the coMsistorie

Bi sexti senatours beyng of assent,

Tullius ageyn was into exil sent.

And in a cite callid Faryman Tullius his exil dide endure; For Antonyus was to hym enmy than. Because that he, parcas of auenture. Compiled hadde an invectifF scripture Ageyn Antoyne, rehersyng al the cas Of his defautis & of Cleopatras.

Thus of envie and [of] mortal hatreede, His deth compassed bi Antonyus, And aftirward execut in deede Bi procuryng of oon Powpillius; —

3204

The next day a council was

,208 '^^''^ '° Rome "^ in the temple

built by Marius, and shortly after- wards TuUy was restored to his former 3212 estate.

This was done during the struggle be- tween Caesar 3216 ^""^ Pompey; and although Tullius had fled with Pompey to Thessaly,

Caesar became reconciled with him.

3228

After Caesar's death he wag again exiled; and Antony hated him and compassed his murder because he had exposed 3232 his relations,

with Cleopatra.

Finally one Popilius went ■2226 ^° Campania on ^ ■^ the authority of Antony

3201. into] vn to H.

3223, to] into B. 2224, 25 are transposed, but corrected H.

3232. invectifF] Inuentive H, Inuentif J.

762 The Death of Tullius [bk. vi

Cat a commyssloii;;, the storl tcllith thus,

Of fals niahce, &: foorth anon wtiite he 3240

Into Gaycte of Campaigne* a cite,

Tullius**!- ^"^ ^' ^^^ vertu of his cowimyssioun, though he had XalcvHC of Aptoync Ucencc & Hberte,

once uved him - T* .... . ,

from the Cheeff rcthoricien that euer was in the toun, 3244

gillows. A r» II-

Among Komcyns to worshep the cite,

Was slayn. ahis, of hate and enmyte

Bi Ponipilius, roote of al falsheed, —

Prof^iyng hymsilfF to smyten of his hed. 3248

rtte'wheu" Tullius afForn[e] hadde been his difFence the rope is Yxo the galwes, & his deth eek let,

tied about his • , , i . i- i r i • cr

neck, will hive Which hadde disserued tor his gret ortence

an evil reward, rr^ , , • • . i -i •!

lo haue been hangid upon an hih gibet. 3252

Who saueth a theef whan the rop is knet

Aboute his nekke, as olde clerkis write.

With sum fals towrn the bribour wil hyw quite.

fhe^s""" Loo, heer the vice of ingratitude, 3256

».[^''f , Bexperience brouht fulli to a preefF,

will always be ^^ . i i • i i

ungrateful. W ho in his hcrte tresoun doth include. Cast for good wil to do a man repreefF. What is the guerdoun for to saue a theefF? 3260

Whan he is scapid, looke, ye shal fynde Of his nature euere to be vnkynde.

So^'^Popiiius This Popilius, tretowr most odible,

smote off TuUy'sfo shewe hymsilfF fals, cruel and vengable, 3264

after he was Toward Tullie dide a thyng horrible:

Whan he was ded, this bribowr most coupable, Smet of his riht hand, to heer^ abhomynable. With which[e] bond, he lyuyng, on hyw took 3268 To write of vertues many [a] famous book,

and hid were The hand, the hcd of noblc Tullius,— [p. 337]

afterwards set Which eucti man ouht of riht compleyne, —

up on a stake, . , , ^ -^ '

until the wind Wet take and brouht[e] bi Popilius, 3272

and weather _. , i i

wasted them. Vpon a Stake set up bothe tweyne,

Ther tabide, wher it dide shyne or reyne.

With wynd & wedir, til thei wer deffied.

In tokne al fauour was to hym denied. 3276

3239. z] om. H.

3241. Gayete] Gaire J, Caiatte P — Compaigne B, J, compay-

gne H 5, Campaygne H, Campaynge R 3, Champayne P. 3255. bribour] labour H. 3263. Popilius] Pompelyne H, Pompilyn R 3. 3 270. R begins again with this line.

BK. Vl]

On Rhetoric and Oratory

763

^ A chapitle ageyn [langelers and] ^ dififamers of Rethorique.

BOCHy/S compleynywg \n his studie allone The deth of TuUIe and the woful fall, Gruchchiwg in h^rte made a pitowj mone, The folk rebukyng in especial, Which of nature be boistous & rurall. And hardi been (for thei no kunwyng haue) Craft of rethorik to hyndren and depraue.

Clerkis olde dide gretli magnefie

This noble science, that wer expert & wis,

Callid it part of philosophic.

And saide also in ther prudent auys,

Ther be thre partes, as tresours of gret pris.

Compiled in bookis & of old prouided,

Into which philosophic is deuyded.

The firste of hem callid is morall,

Which directeth a man to goode thewes;

And the secouwde, callid naturall,

Tellith the kynde of goode men & shrewes;

And the thridde, rac[i]ownal, weel shewes

What men shal uoide & what thing vndirfonge,

And to that parti rethorik doth longe.

Bi Tullius, as auctowrs determyne,

Of his persone rehersyng in substaunce,

Translatid was fro Greek into Latyne

CrafFt of rethorik; and for the habundaunce

Of elloquence stuffed with plesaunce.

All oratours remembrid, hym to-fore

Was ther non lik, nor aftir hym yit bore.

Bochas also seith in his writingis

And preueth weel be resoun in sentence,

To an oratour longeth foure thingis:

First naturel wit, practik with science,

Vertuous lyfF, cheef ground of elloquence,

Of port and maner that he be tretable;

Thes menys had, myn auctowr halt hym able.

3280. The] tho H. 3283. and] or H.

3288. gret] om. H. 3290. deuyded] prouyded R.

3307. longeth] longe R.

' Supplied from MS. J. leaf 139 recto.

Bochas, com- plaining the death of Tully, rebuked those people who are rude and 32S0 tumultuous by nature and bold Cfor they have no skill them- selves) to decry the art of rhetoric.

Q In the old 3204 days scholars called it a branch of philosophy.

^288 There are

three branches

of philosophy:

moral, natural and rational,

5202 ^"4 ^° "5 y rational

rhetoric

belongs.

3296

The art of rhetoric was transferred from Greece to 3300 Ro|"e by

lulhus. No orator like him was ever born.

3304

3308

Bochas says that an orator must have natural wit, broad know- ledge, a virtuous life and affa- bility.

764 On Rhetoric and Oratory (^bk. vi

dcmonmlfe. I" ^'^ wHtyng and In his scriptures 3312

that every Bochas wccl prcucth, If iiiut nccdis been,

notable rheton- r-iii r

cian must have How that ot nht tlicr loHire ryue armures

five armours, ^x-. • ■ i i • •

which he calls lo cuefi notablc rethoricien,

of "^eloquence!'"' Set heet in ordre, who that Hst hem seen, 3316

Which he callith, rehersyng in sentence. The fyue baneeres longyng to elloquence.

The first is q^i^g firste off hem calHd Inuenciou^,

Invention, _ _ _ _ '

Bi which a man doth in his herte fynde 3320

A sikir grou7ide fou?idid on resoun, With circu7?2Staunces, that nouht be left behynde, Fro poynt to poynt enprentid in his mynde Touchyng the mateer, the substau?zce & J^e grete, 3324 Of which he caste notabU tentrete.

Vv'^f?"£ Another armure, in ordre the secounde.

Disposition, ....

which helps us Of riht is calUd Disposioun,

avoid digres- . ^ i i i • r i

sions; As oi a mateet whan the ground is rounde, 3328

That eueri thyng bi iust dyuysioun Be void of al foreyn digressiouw. So disposid touchyng tyme & space, Fro superfluite keepe his dewe place. 3332

Eiocu^bn ''the The thHdde armure namyd in sentence

art of effective jg EUocucioun, with woordcs many or fewe,

expression; ' . , . .

Materes conceyued bi mst cowuenyence, Disposid in ordre couenably* to shewe, — 3336

Lik a keruer that first doth tymbir hewe, Squier* & compas cast fetures & visage, With keruyng tool makth [up] a fair Image.

the fourth IS Pronuwciacloun is the fourth armure, 3340

rronunciation, _ _ ' vj>^-t

which is joined Nccessarie to eueri oratour,

to execution, i r

In such caas whan crart onto nature

lioyned is bi dilllgent labour

With execucioun, and that ther be fauour 3344

In declaryng, with eueri circumstaunce,

Folwyng the mateer in cheer & contenaunce.

Tratof conforms ^^ heuy mateer requereth an heuy cheer; [p. 338] his mien and "fo z glad matecr longeth weel gladnesse; 3348

gestures to his .° = r i i

matter; Men m ptonouncyng mut rolwe the mateer, —

Old oratours kan bern herof witnesse, —

3336. couenable B, R 3. 3338. Squiers B.

3342. craft is repeated R. 3339. toolis H.

3350. herof] ther ofF R.

BK. Vl3

On Rhetoric and Oratory

765

A furious compleynt vttrid in distresse: This was the maner, as poetis do descryue. In his tragedies whan Senec was alyue.

The fifFte armure callid Remembraunce,

With quik memorie* be prouidence to see,

So auisili to grose up in substauwce

Hooli his mateeris, that nouht forgetyn be,

Liste foryetilnesse dirke nat the Hberte

Of cleer report, ech thing hadde in mywde,

That in pronouwcyng nothing be left behynde.

AfForn prouided, so that foryetilnesse

Be non hyndrere to inuenciou«.

And in proceedyng no foreyw reklesnesse

Trouble nat the ordre of disposicioun.

And for tacomplisshe al up with resoun.

That pronouncyng be cleer[e] remewbrauwce

Be weel fauoured with cheer & contenauwce.

3352

3356

the fifth is Memory, that nothing may be forgotten;

3360

3364

for forgetfulness should not hinder invention or trouble the order of dis- position.

3368

Thes said[e] thynges be inli necessarie

To euery prudent notable oratoMr,

Nat to hasti nor ouer long to tarie.

But to conveie his processe be mesowr;

In cheer accordyng stant al the fauoMr: 3372

For in pronouwcyng, who lakketh cheer or* face,

Of Tullius scoole stant ferr out of grace.

^ Al erthli beestis be muet of nature, Sauf onli man, which haueth auauwtage Bi a prerogatifF aboue ech creature To vttre his conceit onli be langage. The soule be grace r^pressith al outrage, Namli whan resoun hath the souereynte To bridle passiouns of sensualite.

Kynde onto man hath youen elloquence,

A thyng couenable in especiall

Whan that it is conveied bi prudence,

To talke of mateeris that be natural

And secrees hid aboue celestial, —

Doth entrete of sunwe, moone & sterris

Thynfluent poweer doun sent of pes & werris.

These things are necessary to every able orator.

All earthly crea- tures are dumb

oong by nature;

^^' only man has the power of speech.

3380

Nature has given him eloquence, a convenient 3384 thing when it is prudently managed.

3388

3352. maner^ mateer H.

3355. memoire B. 3366. be] wit/? H.

3373. For] & H — or] & B. 3374. ferr] full H.

3376. haueth] hath H. 3386. secretis H.

3388. Thynfluence R.

766 On Rhetoric and Oratory [bk. vi

u'lfattiX- ^^^ of al this hath praiu/ted knowleching

universe and Qpji ^q pi^n 1-,| wistlaill aild rCSOlW/, express his , ,

thoughts in And thoruh hinp;age youc to hym shewyng,

Outward to make declaracioun 3392

Of the heuenh cours & sondri mocioun, Diners chaiuiges, &, pleynli to difFyne, The reuolucioun of the speeris nyne.

He can discuss ]yj |^j langace shewe out ther enteritis, 3396

the moving and "*'-•• •-' t^ (->

mutations ac- 'Yht naturall nieeuyng & mutaciouns,

cord and discord , - i- i r i r i

of the four Accord & discord of the toure elementis,

elements, the ., ... . r- c I '

cominR and Kyndh vatiaunce of toure cowplecciouns, eaTthVy"fhi°!gs: The generacioun* & the corupciouns 3400

Of erthh thynges, contrarie ech to other, Corrupcioun of oon engendryng to another.

and he is This the poweer & the pr^cellence

taught by r i • i • il

language to Youe vnto man, which is resonabk, 3404

be steadfast in ■ • • i i • 11

virtue. That bi langage and bi elloquence

A man is tauht in vertu to be stable, —

Of soule eternal, of bodi coruwpable,

Tauht wttZ? his tunge whil he is alyue 3408

Of his defautis how he shal hym shryue.

Bochas tells us gochas eek tellith, touchyng rethorik,

that there is . -

natural rhetoric fher been too maneres". oon is or nature, youth, and the Lemyd in youthe, which doth oon spek[e] lik 3412 ?o*whilhTe'"" As he heereth & lerneth bi scripture; — greTt dulgence. CrafFt of rethorik youe to no creature Sauff to man, which bi gret dilligence Be studie kometh to crafFt of elloquence. 3416

abTef pfeache'rs CrafFt of langage and of prudent speche

to teach the Causcth prechours bi spiritual doctryne

ousiy, and in- VcrtuousH the pceplc for to teche,

the%e"pe°ct of How thei shal lyue bi moral disciplyne. 3420

holy church. L^^gagg techcth men to plaunte vyne,

Enfourmeth folk to worshepe hooli cherche,

The artificeer treuli for to werche. But there are yit thet be summe that pleynli preche and teche, 3424

some who say '■ •'

that God has Haue of langage this oppynyouw:

more regard to^^" ir ,r j ^

our hearts than God ha[th] nat most reward onto specne,

to our language. ^^^ ^^ ^j^^ ^^^^^ ^ ^^ thafFeCcioUn;

3400. generaciouMS B.

3413. &] or R. 3416. to] bi R.

3426. nat] om. H — reward] rewardid H.

BK. Vl3

On Rhetoric and Oratory

7^7

339] 3432

Best can guerdone the inward entenciouw 3428

Of eueri man, nat after the visage,

But lik the menyng of ther inward corage.

To vttre langage is gret dyuersite [p.

Whan that men shewe thefFect of ther menywg,

Be it of ioie or off aduersite.

Cheer for taccord therwith* in vtt[e]ryng,

Now debonaire, sumwhile rebukyng.

And in rehersyng, lik cheer alwei tapplie,

Be it of rudnesse, be it of curteisie.

Of discreciouw sette a difference

In his pronouwcyng to perce or vndirmyne,

To drawe the iuge vnto his sentence

Or to his purpos to make hym to enclyne,

Seen wher he be malencoHk or benigne, —

Or his mateer be vttrid or vnclosid,*

Considre afForn how that he is disposid.

Peised al this thyng, the rethoricien,

With other thynges which appertene of riht

To crafft of speche, he mut cowueye & seen

Mateeris of substaunce & mateeris that be liht,

Dispose hymsilf tentretyn euery wiht

Lik to purpos & fyn of his mateere,

As for the tyme rethorik doth requeere.

As bexauwple, myn auctour* doth record, 3452

Men sette at werre, in herte ferr* assonder,

The rethoricien to make hem for taccord

Mut seeke weies & menys heer & yonder,

Of old rancour tappese the boistous thonder, 3456

Be wise exaumplis & prouerbis p^rtynent

Tenduce the parties to been of oon assent.

A man also that stant in heuynesse,

Disespeired and disconsolat, 346c

The rethoricien mut doon his besynesse,

The ground considred & felt of his estat,

The cause serchid whi he stant desolat,

Which to refFourme be dilligent labour 3464

Is the trewe offis of eueri oratoMr.

3434. for taccord therwith] of accord therof B.

3443. vnclosid] enclosid B. 3444. that] om. H.

3445. the] bi R, J. 3446. apperteneth R.

3449. tentretyn] tentren H, tentrete J, P.

3452. As] AH — myn auctour] Rethorik B.

3453- werre] a werre R — ferr] be ferr B.

There is great variety in our means of ex- pression, de- pending upon our feelings

3436

and according with our inten- tions, as, for example, when 3440 "'s ^^y to win over a judge.

3444

Thus the rhetorician must prepare himself to treat all manner of subjects and in 3448 many different ways.

He must bring warring men to concord and allay the thunder of old rancour,

and he must also aid and comfort those who are de- spaired and disconsolate.

768 On Rhetoric and Oratory [^bk. vi !

!he°Iirtuou5 Of rethoriclcns whilom that wer old 1

rort'^lp°PM.'ii" T^^ sugrid langagc & virtuous daliau^rce \

ty?a*"'^ °f Be goode exau//;ples & proucrbcs that thci tolde, 3468 i Woordes pesible cnbelisshed with plesaunce,

Appesid of tirau/!t<fj- the rigerous vengaunce, I

Sette aside thcr furious sentence j

Bi vertu onli of prudent elloquence. 3472

o"her°"hanJ ^nd in contraric,* pleynli to conclude,

scrf(Sr/and"" ^^" ^^^" alday bi cleer experience i

*'_[«Jp|"»^ people Folk vnauised, & hasti foolis rude, !

random. And braynles peeple, of wilful necligence, 3476 '

Because thei wern bareyn of elloquence, I

Vttringe* ther speche as nakid folk & bare, i

For lak of rethorik ther mateer to declare. '

I

tgs fo"''''' ^ Bi cleer exaumple, as purpil, who takl> heede, 3480 I

gi"rm<:n« fref Longcth to kyngcs, in stori men may fywde, i

with precious With clothes of gold & riche velwet weede i

stones, pleasant ^ -ii-ii- ' ^t ^ '

objects to the i< rct With tubics and othir stonis Ynde,

Saphirs, emeraudis, perlis of ther kynde, — 3484

As alle thes thynges aproprid been of riht, \

Plesaunt obiectis to a mannys siht, \

i

^eech'^of So the langage of rethoriciens j

[^VTiie^ing ^^ ^ S^^*^ obiect to mannys audience, 3488 |

°[ad"ob^ic"'' ^ ^^"^^ song mellodious of musiciens,* |

the hearing. Which doth gtet counfott to cuety hih presence. 1

Bexaumple as* Amphioun, with song & elloquence j

Bike the wallis of Thebes the cite, 3492 ]

He hadde of rethorik so gret subtilite. j

5.?S of"'" In his langage ther was so gret plesaunce,

Stioqulnce Fyndyng therbi so inli gret proffit, ;

and song, for That al the contre kam to his obeissaunce, ^406 1

men were so _, , , i i • i i i I

attracted that lo hccre hym speke thei hadde so gret debt; i

all the country /-pi i • i i i i • i

came to help 1 he pcepic envitoun hadde such an appetit 1

'™' In his persone, in pes & in bataille: j

Heer men may seen what rethorik doth auaille! 3500 ,

3472. vertu onli] \)e vertu H. 1

3473. contraire B. ] 3478. Vttrid B.

3485. As] om. H. i

3489. Musclciens B. I 3491. as] of B.

BK. vi^ The War of Sextus Pompey and the Triumvirs 769

3508

[How Sextus werreide Trjmmvir, and of the deth of grete Antonye and Cleopatras.] ^

FOLWYNG the ordre Boch^s of his book, With penwe in hond[e], castyng up his eye, Tofor hym cam pale of cheer & look A myhti prince, sone onto Pompeye, CalHd Sextus, which as bookis seye, Delited hym, with a gret naue Lik a pirat to robben on the se.

To his fadir contrarie in such caas, — For eueri pirat of custum he dede hate, Vpon the se whos vsage alwey was Ageyn[es] hem proudli to debate, Pursued hem erli and eek late, — Wher this Sextus, to his gret repreeff, Was of* the se a robbour and a theeff.

The sclaundre of hym* gan to spreede ferre, [p.

Reportid was to many ferr contre;

With Tryuwvir* this Sextus gan a werre, —

Which is an offis and a dignite

Bi the Romeyns cowmyttid onto thre

Notable estatis, chose for* cheualrie,

Thempire al hool to gouerne & to guie.

The firste of hem namyd Lepidus, And the s'ecouwde callid Octouyan, The thridde in nouwbre was Antonyus, Ageyn[s] which thre Sextus, this proude maw, Of surquedie a newe werre gan, Afforn bi lulius for his rebellious Banisshed for euere out of Roome toun.

Triumvir of politik gouernauwce,

Weel auised afForn in ther resouws,

Tretyng for pes bi notable purueyauwce

With proude Sextus vndir condiciouws

Write & enact in ther conuenciouns, —

But anon afFtir, list no while tarie.

He to his promys was froward & cowtrarie.

Bochas, looking up, saw before him a mighty prince, Sextus, son of Pompey, who robbed on 3504 the sea like a pirate.

He was very different from his father, who hated pirates;

3SI2

^ . -.I and his ill j4^J fame was 3516 widespread. ■^•^ He began a war with the Triumvirate,

3520

Lepidus, Octa- vian and Mark Antony.

3524

3S2S

The Triumvirs first made peace with him under condi- tions, but Sextus was 3532 perverse

3514- 3517

3521- 3525.

of] on B. 3515- hym] hem B.

Tryumvir] tryuKiphir B — this]wU^H. 3520. for] of B. 2nd to] om. H. 3523. Octauian P {throughout). this] the R. 3527. bi] om. H. 3535. his] om. R.

^ MS. J. leaf 139 recto.

770

The End of Sextus Pompey

[bk. VI

and broke liis agreement. Bochas, dis- gusted with liis lack of virtue, did not care to magnify his name by writ- ing about him.

He associated with fugitives and men of evil life, and made one Moena captain of 40 of his (hips.

This churl allied himself with Octavian and came down against his lord;

but as soon as the battle began, Oclavius' ships were sunk by a storm, and Sextus fled in disaster.

He then went to Greece to fight Antony, but was taken and slain.

One of the

Triumvirs was Lepidus, who reconciled Antony with Octavian;

For Ills convict outraious falsnesse, 3536

And on the se for his robbcrye,

Bochas of hyni writ no long processe,

Haiiyng disdcyn his name to magnefie;

For he to vertu list nothi;;g applie, — 3540

The difference cause which [is] in thestat

Atwixe knihthod & liff of a pirat.

With fugityues, theuys and robbowrs

And men exiled out of Roome toun, 3544

Banisshed peeple, fals conspiratojits,

With othir convict of moordre & tresoun, —

He took al such vndir proteccioun;

And oon Moena, a cherl of his certeyn, 3548

Of fourti shippes he made hyw a capteyn.

The said[e] cherl vnwarli tho began

Folwe the nature of his condicioun,

Allied hymsilff[e] with Octauyan 3552

Ageyn his lord[e], bi ful fals tresoun;

Wit/? al his naue and shippes he cam douw,

Spared nat to meete of verray pride

With Menecrates, that was on Sextus side. 3556

But also soone as the bataile gan

And the parties togidre sholde gon,

AUe the vessellis of Octauyan

With sodeyn tempest wer drownid eumchon 3560

Beside a castell bilt of lym & ston

Callid Nauletum, wher yit to gret repreeff

Sextus fledde & was brouht to myscheeff.

Wente into Grece to make hym stronge ageyn 3564

To holde a bataile with Antonyus,

Take in his komyng bi strengthe of a capteyn

Longyng to Antoyne, callid Furnyus,

Whilom neuew to Cesar lulius: 3568

And or duk Sextus myhte itv^er weende,

He slay[e]n was & made ther an eende.

Of Tryumvir in thempire, as I tolde,

Ther was a capteyn callid Lepidus, 3572

Which bi his offis lik as he was holde,

Riht besi was, the book rehersith thus,

3546. &]&ofR,J. 3549. a]owz.H, P. 3553. bi]wu/?RJ. 3556. Menecratus P — on Sextus side] an homy side H. 3562. repreeff] preeff R. 3563. was brouht] brouht was H. 3568. Cesar] om. R. 3570. an] his R, P, H 5.

BK. vi] Division in Rome after Ccesars Death

771

To reconcile the proude Antonyus

To the grace of gret Octouyan, 3576

Ech thyng forgete wherof the werr^ gaw.

And to conclude shortli, who list see,

Fortune a while was to hym gracious,

Thempire al hool gou^rnid bi thes thre: 3580

Lordship of Affrik hadde Lepidus,

Bi which he wex proud & contrarious,

To hym assigned vndir commissiouns

FuUi the nouwbre of tuenti legiouns. 3584

Wherof in herte he kauhte such a pride,

Causyng be processe his destrucciouw.

Surquedie a while was his guide,

From his estat til he was falle douw; 3588

Namli whaw he, of fals presuwpcioun,

Took upon hym of malis to werreye

The said Octouyan, & gan hym disobeie.

Whan Octouyan his malis dide see. That he gan wexe sodenli cowtrarie, He threw hym doun from his dignite. Cast hym in exil, list no lenger tarie. Loo, how Fortune sodeynli caw varie, To maken hym that hadde gou^rnauwce OfF al Affrik to comen to myschaunce!

Another prince, Cesar Lucyus, [p.

Exiled was fro Roome the cite

Bi his vncle, the saide Antonyus,

Of wilfulnesse & hasti cruelte;

For in that tyme, as men may reede & see,

Contreued causes wer founde up* of malis

Texile princis notable holde & wis.

Sumwe because thei heeld[e] with Cesar, Other for Pompeie that heeld on that partie, Sumwe for ther good, afforn or thei wer war, 3608 Sumwe for suspecioun, summe for envie, Sumwe for thei koude nat flatre nouther lie, Sumwe for vertues, which was gret[e] routhe, Because thei wern so stable in ther trouthe. 3612

and for a time the three governed the empire in peace.

Finally Lepidus, who was lord of Africa, maliciously disobeyed Octavian,

-J, who exiled ^59-* him. Lo, how

Fortune can

vary!

3596

.J J t] Another prince, JT J Caesar Lucius, ^600 "'^^ exiled from " Rome by his

uncle Antony out of wil- fulness. Many notable princes were then exiled on contrived

3604

some for siding with Caesar or Pompey, others for their wealth or out of hatred, or because they were honest and could not flatter and lie.

3576. gret] om. R. 3579. gracious] contraryvs H. 3600. from R. 3603. For in] fro H. 3604. up] out B. 3610. nouther] nor H, J,

772

Antony and Cleopatra

[bk. VI

so in his Lfgendf of Cupide.

It were pre- sumption for me to write again a thing once said by Chaucer.

w« e'iledtr ^^ t^lis tfOublc drccdful & odioUS,

t'ht'dcath'o'f ^^ '^ rehersid in ordre ye may reede, Antony and The noblc kiiilit, Paulus Lucyus,

Qeopatra. t- Tj r r e L J

hxilid was o\ mails & hatrecdc, 3616

Folw yng upon the grete horrible deede, The pitous deth &: the hatful caas Of gret Antonye and Cleopatras.

!vrUc"th"?r The tragedie of these ilke tweyne 3620

Chaucer ^fas""* ^^^ "^^ ^^ "'^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^^^ aside,

already done Cause Chauceer, cheef poete of Breteyne, Seyng ther hertis koude nat deuyde, In his book, the Legende of Cupide, 3624

Remembryng ther, as oon thei dide endure, So wer thei buryed in oon sepulture.

Thyng onys said be labour of Chauceer

Wer presuwzpcioun me to make* ageyn, 3628

Whos makyng was so notable & enteer,

Riht cowzpendious and notable in certeyw.

Which to reherse the labour wer but veyn,*

Bochas remembryng how Cleopatras 3632

Caused Antonye* that he destroied was.

cfeo^pafra" "^'' Hir auarice was so importable,

tor^destruc- ^^ supptised with hir gret fairnesse,

tion. He fell Folwyng ther lustis foul & abhowinable, ^6^6

in love with n j •

her, and as she bhc dcsiryug to haue be emperesse; And he, alas, of froward wilfulnesse, To plesen hire, vnhappily began To werreye the grete Octouyan. 3640

Froward ambicioun sette his herte affire

To clymben up to the imperial see,

To haue pocessioun of the hool empire,

Took upon hym, yifF it wolde haue be, 3644

To regne allone in Roome the cite,

Cleopatras to fostren in hir pride,

Title of Octauyan for to sette aside.

im\lT!ll With multitude of many legiouns, , 3648

As I haue told, ageyn Octauyan, To hym acrochid of dyuers regiouns Gret multitude of many mawli man;

3613. dreedful] hatful R.

3628. make] take B, H.

3631. Which] wher H — veyn] in veyn B, R, J.

3633. Antoine B.

desired to be empress, he made war on Octavian.

Froward ambi- tion made him wish to reign alone in Rome.

was put to flight. Despairing, he went home,

BK. Vl]

The End of Antony and Cleopatra

m

First on the se to werreye he began, Wher he was first, maugre al his miht, To his confusioun vnwarU put to fliht.

Disespeired, fledde horn to his contre, Knowyng no* helpe nor mene to recure, But to encres of his aduersite, Wha« that he sauh this woful auenture, Geyn Octouyan he myhte nat endure, With a sharp suerd his dauwgeer to dyuerte HymsilfF he rooff vnwarli to the herte.

Of whos deth the queen Cleopatras Took a sorwe verray importable; Because ther was no recure in the caas, Thouhte of his wo she wolde be partable, Whos fatal eende pitous & lamentable?: Slouh eek hirsilf[e], loue so did hir raue; Afftir thei bothe buryed in o graue.

3655. Disepeired R. 3656. no] non B. 3657. encres3 thencres H.

f Finis Ubri Sexti. ^ Incipit liber septimus.

3652

and, knowing no help, pierced ■?6?6 himself to the "^ ^ heart with a sword,

3660

3664

whereupon Cleopatra slew herself for sor- row, and after- wards both were buried in one grave.

3668

BOOK VII

[Off Antonye son and heire to grete Antonye, and of Cesarius, lulia, Agrippa, Cassius, and Galbus.] ^

343]

THIS stori eendid, last of t)e sixte book, [p. Boch^j weri, thouhte for the beste, Of gret trauaile oppr^ssid iw his look, Fill in a slombre lenyng on a cheste, Fulli in purpos to haue* take his reste. But euene as he sholde his reste haue take, Cam a gret pres & made hyw to a-wake.

^ First of that felashipe cam the sone & heir

Of Antonye, with blood spreynt al his weede,

Callid eek Antonye,* falle in gret dispeir

Cause Octoyuan bar to hym hatreede,

Whos suerde he fledde, quakyng in his dreede, 12

To an old temple socour for to haue,

Trustyng fro deth the* place sholde hym saue.

In that temple Cesar was deified. Of whom be Romeyns set up a gret image; But whan he sauh [that] he was espied, He ran to lulius hih upon the stage, Gan hym tenbrace in his pitous rage, — He, rent awey be sodeyn violence, Vnwarli slayn; ther geyned no difFence.

^ Next in ordre cam Cesarius,

Of whom ther fill a wonder pitous caas,

Whilom begete of Cesar lulius 24

Vpon the yonge faire Cleopatras,

Slayn in his youthe, thus writeth Bochas,

As Octouyan dide hymsilfF assigne.

For he geyn Romeyns sholde nat maligne. 28

I. vjteB. 4. in]onH — a]hisR, P.

5. to hauej taue B — to haue take his] for to take a H.

7. &] om. H. 8. Phelishipp^ R.

10. Antonye] Antoyne B — disespeir R. 11. to] vn to H.

14. the] that B. 23. pitous] om. H.

28. geyn Romeyns sholde] ageyn Romayns did H.

^ MS. J. leaf 140 recto.

775

This story, the last of the sixth book, ended, Bochas leaned on a chest and fell asleep. But just as he began to take his rest, a great number of people ap- peared to him,

of whom An- tony, son of great Antony, was the first. Octavian had caused him to be slain in the temple

where Cassar was deified, as j< he embraced Caesar's image.

20

Next came Csesarius, son of Julius Csesar and Cleopatra. He too was slain in his youth by Oc- tavian.

776

The Severity of Oct avian

[bk. VII

^ FoKvyng in ordre, lulia began

Hir greuous co/«pleynt to Bochas specefie,

Whilom douhtir to grete Octouyan,

With wecpyng eyen ga;? to houle & crie,

W liich bi hir fadir to pu;;she hir Iccherie

Exihd was out of hir contre,

For lak of socour deide in pouerte.

^ Hir sone Agrippa, yong & tendre of age, Born off hih bIood[e], Bochas doth expresse, Cam next in ordre, pale of his visage, Which spent his tyme in slombre & idilnesse, Froward to vertu; & for his wrechidnesse Octovyan, which was gret[e] routhe, SufFrid hym deie at myscheefF for his slouthe,

im" cfsTs' ^ Afftir Agrippa cam forth anon riht marr/knight, a Cassius of Patmc, a famous gret contre, poet and friend Which in Itaillc was holde a manli knyht,

of Mark itv/t a * ii-ii

Antony. With Marc Antonye* weel cherisshed & secre,

Bood in his court, & therwithal parde Gretli allowed, first for his cheualrie, And for his notable famous poisye.

Julia, Ocia- vian's daughter, began, hcmling and crying, to tell Bochas her grievous com- plaint; for she was exiled by her father in punishment of her lechery, and she died in poverty.

Her son

Agrippa, who spent his time in slumber and idleness, was allowed to die in mischief by Octavian.

32

36

40

44

48

He

to

o«Ivian"fof And therwithal he hadde in existence tolhldeart A riht gret name & stood in gret fauowr Caesar, por his Icnihthod & for his hih prudence.

AfFtir accusid vnto the emperowr

Octouyan for a coniuratowr.

He sholde haue bee of froward fals entent

To lulius deth fuUi of* assent.

S2

S6

for which Oc- tavian had him taken and offered up in sacrifice to Julius' image.

For which be biddyng of Octouyan Take he was, beyng but yong of age; And as myn auctour weel remembre* can, Brouht tofor lulius hih upon a stage, Ther ofFrid up onto his ymage Be cruel deth, the stori tellith thus, For the fals moordre of Cesar lulius.

60

32. eyen] om. R, J.

33. hir] his H. 44. Parma P. 46. Antoyne B.

59, remembre] reherse B.

BK.

VIl]

The Story of King Herod

777

^ Aftir the deth of saide Cassius,

Another cam of Roome the cite,

Which, as I reede, calHd was Galbus,

Of a pretour hauyng the dignite;

And for suspeciouw slay[e]n eek was he,

His eyen first out of his hed wer rent,

For luHus deth than into exil sent.

Toward his exil hi brigaunt^j" he was slayn.

And aftir that, withyne a Htil while,

Of his labour nouther glad nor fayn,

Bochas began to direct his stile

To gret Herodes, breeffli to compile

His greuous fall & hooli the maneer^

To sette in ordre heer next, as ye shal heer^.

64

68

[How the tiraunt herodes slouh wiff and children and deied atte mischefif.] ^

REMEMBRYNG first in lurie he was kywg, Antipater his fadir, who list see. In Arabia myhtili regnyng 80

Ouir the prouynce callid Ydumee. This same Herodes, gard[e]yn of Gallile, Ordeyned was, [first] for his hih prudence, And for his notable knihtli excellence. 84

Famous in mawhod, famous of* his lyne, [p. 344] Famous also bi p'rocreacioun, I reede also he hadde wyues nyne; And among alle, as maad is menciouw, 88

To his plesauMce and his oppynyouw, Maister of stories reherseth ther was oon Mariannes, fairest of euerichon.

Bi whom she hadde worthi sones tweyne, 92

Alisauwdre and Aristobolus.

But for his sustir* dide at hir disdeyne,

Callid Saloma, the stori tellith thus,

He vnto hir wex suspecious, 96

Because she was accusid of envie

Bi Saloma touchyng auoutrie.

64. saide] the sayde R.

66. reede] tolde H. 74. began] gan H. 82. garden H.

85. of] in B, H. 88. among] mong R.

93. Aristobolus] Aristobiis R, Aristolus J, Aristobolus H.

94. his sustir] hir stustir B.

^ MS. J. leaf 140 verso.

Galbus, a prjEtor, was slain by brig- ands after his eyes had been torn out. He was exiled on suspicion of aiding in Caesar's death.

Bochas next turned to

,,, Herod the

'^ Great.

76

He was king in Jewry, son of Anti- pater, and for his knighthood made

guardian of Gallilee.

A famous man, he had nine wives.

Mariannes was fairest of them all.

She had two sons by him, Alexander and Aristobolus; but because his sister Saloma disdained at her and accused her of adultery, Herod became suspicious and slew her.

77S

The Story of King Ilcrod

[bK. VII

After»-jird» he greatly rc-

3 retted her eath.

That is what followt when a prince is hasty to believe every tale he hears. For sorrow Hcrcvd fell into melancholia

and, troubled with fits of fury and bad dreams, was lunatic once a month.

But he was made king of Judaea by Antony and Octavian,

although a foreigner and a usurper. This was at the time of the birth of Christ Jesus.

Ageyn[c]s hire of rancour sodcnli

He gan of herte greuousli dlsdeyne; loo

With rigcrous suerd he slouh hir furioush'.

But as the stori doth vs acerteyne,

He for hir deth felt aftirward gret peyne,

Euere whan it cam to his remenibraunce, 104

Hir port, hir cheer, hir woma/di plesaunce.

Loo, what it is a prince to he hasti.

To eueri tale of rancour to assente.

And, cou;;sailles, proceede wilfulli 108

To execuciou;;, of froward fals entente;

For Herodes so sore dede hym* rrpente

That he for thouht[e] fill into anoye

Of hertli sorwe & malencolie. 112

Reste hadde he non novther day nor niht,

Tronblid v^ith furye that he wex frentik,

With dremys vexid & many an vnkouth siht;

Of cheer nor colour to no man he was lik, 116

And eueri moneth onys lunatik.

A gret[e] while he hadde this woful lyfF

For sorwe onli he hadde slayn his wiff.

And as the stori weel reherse can, 120

In the Capitoile mid Roome the cite,

Bi Antonye and hi Octouyan

He crownid was & maad kyng of lude,

Bi the Senat maad theron a decre, 124

And registred that he and his kynreede

Sholde in that lond lynealli proceede.

In Roome was maad the* confirmaciouw

To this Herodes, bookis specefie, 128

Beyng a foreyn the translacioun

Was maad of luda & of luerye.

Sceptre, crowne, with al the regalie

Bi hym vsurpid, as ye haue herd toforn, 132

Vpon the tyme whan Crist lesus was born.

103. aftirward] om. R.

109. entente] om. R.

no. so sore dede hym] dede hym so sore B — dede hym] he

did R, J, he dyd P.

113. nor] ne H, J. 116. no] om. H. 117. onys] he wex R.

119. he] \>at he H.

127. the] a B. 133. Crist] cast R.

BK. VIl]

The Story of King Herod

779

This same Herodes bi procuraciouw

Of Antonye did also occupie,

Bi Augustus plener comwyssioun . 136

The grete estat[e] calHd Tetrarchie

In too kyngdames, with al the regahe:

Of Traconytides, Iturye eek also,

Bi the Romeyns maad lord of bothe too. 140

Maister of stories r^herseth of hyw thus:

For comendacioun in especiall

In Ascalon he bilt a statli hous

Of riht gret cost, a paleis ful roiall, 144

Was non so riche, for to reknyn all.

Aftir which, myn auctour doth so write.

He callid was Herode Ascolonyte.

This same Herodes, cruel of nature, 148

Of cheer & port passyng ambicious.

Ay to be uengid dide his besi cure

On al that wern to hym contrarious.

His wyues brothir Aristobolus, 152

In Iherusalem cheefF bisshop, as I reede,

Falsli he slouh of malis & hatreede.

Vniustli regnid, born heuy thoruh his reum,

His herte fret & kankrid with envie. 156

Another bisshop in Iherusalem,

Callid Hircanvs, myn auctowr list nat lie.

This same Herodes in his malencolie

Slouh hym vnwarli be ra.ncour ful vengable, 160

Sittyng at dyneer at his owne table.

Ther was no man of corage mor cruell

Nor mor desirous to be magnefied;

To make his name also perpetuell 164

Foure statli cites he hath edefied,

Of which the names been beer specefied:

Cesaria, Sebasten, cites souereyne,

Antipadra, Cipre, the othir tweyne. 168

He hadde also a fals condiciouw: [p. 345]

He truste[d] non that was of his kynreede.

His sonis tweyne hadde in suspeciouw,

Ther purpos was to slen hym of hatreede, 172

Whan he wer ded[e] hopyng to succeede.

149. port & cheer R. 156. kankrid] cancrik H. 158. Hircamvs H. 168. Antipa'tra and Cipre P.

Herod also occupied the estate of Tetrarch.

He built a stately palace in Ascalon, which Bochas thought was to his credit.

But he was cruel and am- bitious, and slew his wife's brother Aris- tobolus, Bishop of Jerusalem, out of hatred.

He reigned unjustly and killed another bishop named Hyrcanus as he sat at dinner at his own table.

No man was ever more desirous of fame. To per- petuate his name he built four stately cities.

He also had the evil habit of not trusting his own family, and suspecting his two sons made them to be slain with- out cause.

magi came to Ncucr thync; so cretli dede nim* trouble,

Jcriisalcm to. , 11 ■ ti i

worship Jesus, As whan thie kyngcs kaw to Ihcrusaleni,

780 Herod slays the Infants of Bethlehem. [[bk. Vll

And causeles, as fadir most vnkynde, Made liem be slayn, in stori thus I fynde.

fuf Tna'a'"" I" 3I his wcrkyng he was founde double, 176

tyrant: and \ gretfel tifaunt holde thoruh his rcwm,

when the three e> ' J '

magi came i Jerusalem t< worship Jest

caii"d ki'ng. \esws to scckc, that was [born] in Bcthlem, 180

Boldli afFermy^jg, cause of ther komyng Was to worshepe that blissid yonge king.

that'"rihiid The which[e] thyng whan he did aduertise, to'de''7ive'him Pfophecies remewbryng & writyngis, 184

of his realm. Withynne hymsilfF a mene he gan deuise

First to destroye thes hooli famous kynges; Namli, whan he knew of ther offrynges, Imagynyng, gan suppose blyue 188

The child was born that sholde hym depryue,

fn'tt' i^ragf. NewH descendid from Dauid doun be lyne, — slew all the Cast almost Herodes in a rage;

inlants ol • ,■ r ii- i*

Bethlehem. Of cursid herte gan frowardh mahgne, 192

Lik a tiraunt of venymous outrage Slouh al the childre -withynne too yeer age Aboute Bethlem a ful large space; He spared non for fauowr nor for grace. 196

?h"fdrL'!ou°tTt On of his childre beyng at norcerye, nurse, was ^.s the stoH put in tcmembrauncc,

slam by his i • i i • •

knights with Of aucnture or thei koude it espie

the others, tt- i -i i i T

probably out His knihtifj slouh; 1 trowe it was vengaunce. 200 vengeance, ^^j^ titaunt gladli eendith -with myschaunce, And so must he that wex ageyn Crist wood. Which for his sake shadde innocentifj blood.

^i^°oTO'chii- The nouwbre of childre that wer slayn in deede 204 dren were put Aboute Bcthlem & in tho parties,

to death for .1 1 • 1 r • r 1 1 t 1

Christ's sake. An hundrid fourti four thousand, as 1 reede, Too yeer of age souht out be espies* Of Herodes; & for the prophecies 208

Of Cristes berthe menciou?! did[e] make, Thei wer echon slay[e]n for his sake.

176. werkyng] werk^j H. 178. him] hem B.

180. Bethlem] bedlem R, Bedleme H, Betheleme J.

195. Bethleem R, P, Bedlem H, R 3, Bethelem J.

198. stori] om. R. 206. fourti] fourty & H. 207. bespies B.

BK. vii] Herod's disgusting Illness and Death

Fro that day forth, as maad is mencioun,

He fill in many vnkouth malladie; 212

His flessh ga« turne to corrupciouw,

Fret with wermys upon ech partie,

Which hym assailed hi gret tormentrie:

His leggis suell[e], corbid blak gaw shyne; 216

Wher vengauwce werkith, a-dieu al medec^'^ne.

Of his seeknesse the stench was so horrible,

Tawaite on hym no man myhte abide;

Vnto hymsilff his careyn wex odible, 220

So sore he was troublid on ech side.

Lechis for hym did a bath prouyde.

But al for nouht; in such myscheeff he stood,

Of greuous constreynt he sodenli wex wood. 224

In tokne he was weri of his lifF,

So importable was his mortal peyne,

To pare an appil he axed a sharp knyfF, —

His malladie did hym so constreyne, — 228

Fulli in purpos to kutte his herte in tweyne.

The knyfF he rauhte, leiser whan he fond; —

Oon stood beside,* bakward drouh his bond.

For peyne vnnethe his wynd he myhte drawe, 232

GafF al his freendis in comauwdement

Bi a decre & a furious lawe.

That al the worthi of parties adiacent.

Which that wer fayn or glad in ther entent 236

Of his deth, he, void of al pite,

The same day thei sholde slay[e]n bee.

This cursid wrech, this odious caitiff,

I reede of non stood ferther out of grace, 240

In sorwe & myscheeff eendid hath his liff.

Ech man was glad[e] whan he shold[e] pace.

And for his stori doth this book difface

With woful clauses of hym whan I write, 244

Therfor I caste no mor of hym* tendite.

^ ExpUcit.

781

From that day Herod fell into a strange ill- ness; his flesh corrupted and was tormented with worms; his legs swelled and bent and turned black.

His odour was so awful that no man could wait on him, and a bath prepared by his physicians did him no good.

Unable to stand it any longer, he went mad, and ask- ing for a knife to pare an apple tried to kill himself.

He could hardly draw in his breath for pain, and in his fury ordered all the worthies of the country, who were glad of his sickness, to be slain on the day of his death.

Finally this cursed wretch came to an end. No one ever stood farther out of grace. His story disfigures this book.

215. Which] with R. 216. blak] bak R. 219. Tawaite] to waite H, to wait R 3. 225. was] wex H. 226. inportable R. 231. beside] behynde B. 245. no mor of hym] of hym no mor B.

229. 2nd in] on H.

782

y^n Envoy on Herod

[bk. VII

Herod, who tlenr his wife and children and the infants of Bethlehem and frowardly shewed malice to Jesus, ended niiterabiy.

His sword of vengeance was always ready whet to shed innocent blood.

He would have no one his equal to suc- ceed him, and as he was but an alien, he especially dreaded Jesus, who was of the line of Jesse.

Noble Princes, do not oppress your people; remember the end of Herod, who maligned against Christ.

o

pLenvoye.]

FF Herodes the vnwar cursid fall, [p. 346] The lyff vngracious of hym & his kinreede,

Euere vengable in his estat roiall, His wifF, his childre sloiih of old hatreede; In?;ocentis he made in Betiileiii bleede, Regnyng in luda, born of a foreyn lyne, The firste tiraunt (ye may the Bible reede) Which ageyn Crist gan frowardli maligne.

His suerd of rigour, cruell & mortall, Ay reedi whet to do vengaunce in deede, Hasti, funious with furies infernall Of wilful malis innocent blood to sheede. Dide execucioun also in womanheede, Slouh his allies, which was a cursid signe, — Was the firste cause he stode in dreede, — Which ageyn Crist ga« frowardli maligne.

He wolde that non wer to hym egall That day alyue in Israel to succeede; The berthe of Crist dradde in especiall, Cause fro lesse his lyne gan floure & seede. He but a foreyn, cam in be fraude & meede, Withoute title, to that estat vndigne, The firste also, who list take heede, Which ageyn Crist gan frowardli maligne.

Noble Pryncis, that gouerne all

This large world[e] bothe in lengthe & breede,

Whan ye sit hiest in your roial stall,

Doth nat the peeple oppresse nor ouerleede.

Vpon Herodes remembreth, as ye reede,

In what myscheeff that tiraunt dide fyne,

To shewe that non shal in his purpos speede,

Which ageyn Crist doth frowardli maligne.

248

252

256

260

264

268

272

276

Herod Antipas succeeded Herod the Great; but as he was exiled by Octavian

[Off Antipas exilid bi Octavian and of Achelaus son of herodes the secounde.] ^

COMPETVDIOUSLI as ye haue herd l^e fall Of Herodes remembrid be Bochas, How bi his testament set in especiall 280

To succeede was Herode Antipas;

246. cursid vnwar H. 255. whet] wher R. 256. fumous] furious H. 265. gan] did H. 1 MS. J. leaf 141 verso.

BK. VII ] The Words betzveen Messalina, Caliguluy y Tiberius 783

In hast exilid, of hym this was the caas,

Bi Octovian to Vyenwe, as I reede,

Archelaus ordeyned to succeede, 284

Sone of Herodes callid the secouwde,

Which in effect took pocessiouw,

In Iherusalem regned, as it is fouwde,

Of whom myn auctowr, for short conclusiouw, 288

Maketh in his book but smal menciouw:

Hym and his brothir set sodenli aside; —

Of them to write no lenger list abide.

SaufF that he writ how forseid Antipas 292

At Vyenwe, a myhti gret cite,

In [his] exil soone aftir slay[e]n was.

Archelaus, succeedyng in ludee,

With Herodias, the stori who list see, 296

Bi Agrippa to Tiberie accusid.

Of certeyn crymes koude nat been excusid.

A certeyn tyme comauwdid to prisoun,

Of themperoMr koude neu^r gete grace; 300

Ban[y]shed hym [ferr] from his regeouw

Into Spayne for a certeyn space.

And his worshepe breeffli to difface,

Fortune causid to his fynal repreff, 304

He deide ther in pouert & myscheefF.

The fatal eende rehersid of thes tweyne.

In what distresse that thei dide fyne,

Myn auctowr aftir gan his penwe ordeyne 308

To write the caas be many a woful lyne,

Vpon the striff atween[e] Messalyne

And othir tweyne stondyng bi hir side,

Tofor lohn Bochas how thei dide chide. 312

Tofor Bochaj" thei cam al thre to pleyne,

Messalyne, wiff onto Claudius,

Ageyn[e]s whom ther wer othir tweyne,

Calligula and Tiberius, 316

In whos tyme was slay[e]n Crist Ihesus.

Touchyng debat that was among thes thre,

Suende the processe, heer folwyng ye shal see.

282. this] thus H. 285. secounde] secounde in deede H, R 3.

287. regned] regnyng H — it is founde] I reede H, R 3, R, J,

H s, I rede P. 296. who list the story R, J. 311. hir] his H. 319. Suende] sueng H, Suyd H 5, Suinge P.

and set aside, together with his brother, in favour of Archelaus,

my author says little about him, except that he was slain during his exile. Archelaus, accused by Agrippa to Tiberius,

was sent to prison and died in poverty in Spain.

Bochas next turned his pen to the unseemly quarrel be- tween Messa- lina, wife of Claudius,

and Caligula and Tiberius, who upbraided one another in his presence.

784 7he Words bctu.'een Affssalina, Caligula, i^ Tiberius [bk. vii

Tiberiut and Calutula ttooil angrily before Bochas, with Messalina be- tween them.

Caligula first (poke, and he said to Mcssa- lina, without respect or ihame.

" You defamed, adulterous woman, what are you doing here in your mourning gar- ments? I sup- pose you have come to visit the five most infamous women who ever lived.

"As a token, one of them, jtmilla, was taken in adultery and divorced by her husband.

"It is well known that you murdered Drusus; nor are you any better than Qaudia, who also was thrown out by her lord for adultery.

[Ofif the striff / betwene, Calligula, Tiberius & messalyne,] '

THIS emperesse namyd Messalyne, 320

As I haue told, was wlf to Claudius, Successour, as bookis determyne, To Calligula callid Gayus.

And, as I fynde, that Tiberius 324

With Calligula, bothe wood for teene, Stood affor Bochas, & Messalyne atweene,

Meetyng al thre with furious look & cheere. [p. 347]

Gayus Calligula, callid be his name, 328

Gan first reherse, anon as ye shal heere,

Withoute reuerence or any maner shame,

With an exordie to difFame,

Bochas present, felli gan abraide 333

To Messalyna, & euene thus he saide:

^ "Thou sclau?zdrid woman, noised in lecherie

Thoruh al the world, as folk thi name atwite,

And reportid for thyn auoutrie, 336

What dost thou heer in thi murnyng habite?

I trowe thou komest of purpos to visite

In this place thunhappi women fyve,

Touchyng disclaundre that eu^r wern alyue. 340

The firste of hem callid Amylia,

And Lepida was named* the secounde,

Lyuia, Plaucia, & the fifte Elia,

DifFamed echon in deede, as it was founde. 344

In tokne wheroff the lecherye to confouwde

Off Emylia, in auoutry take,

Was bi the lawe of hir lord forsake.

Bi the whilom was knowe that Drusus 348

Istranglid was and moordred be poisoun;

Lik to Claudia, douhtir of Claudius,

Which bi hir lord, the book makth mewciouw,

Was throwen out, to hir confusioun, 352

For hir defautis founde in auoutrie

Sclaundrid for euere; ther was no remedie.

328. Gayus] geyn H. 331. exordie] Exody H. 333. Messaline P. 334. noised in] namyd with H. 341. Emilia R, P, Emylia H. 343. Elia] Helya H.

1 MS. J. leaf 142 recto.

BK. Vii] The Words between Messalina, Caligula, ^ Tiberius 785

Thou koudest whilom mak thi lord to slepe,

With certeyn drynkis to cast hym in a r^rage, 356

Bi which he was maad his bed to keepe,

To gete leiseer in thi flouryng age,

For to mysuse of fals lust thyn outrage,

Anihter tyme took upon a weede, 360

At the bordel dist amys for meede.

Thyn appetit was verray vnstaunchable;

It is a shame to write it or expresse.

Thyn hatful lyff was so abhowinable, — 364

Tiberi and I can bern heerof witnesse."

And with that woord anon she gaw hit dresse,

Whan she had herd[e] al ther fel langage,

Gaff hem this ansuere with a sad visage: 368

^ "Certis," quod she, "I koude neuer keepe

To saue my-silff, a woful creature, —

I haue gret cause to cowpleyne & weepe

My sclauwdrous l}^, which I may nat r^cure. 372

But I suppose I hadde it of nature

To be such oon; for be daies olde

An astronomyen so my fadir tolde,

At my berthe takyng the ascendent, 376

Tolde longe afforn of my mysgou^rnauwce:

The sunwe, the moone toward thorient

Wer in the signe that bereth the ballauwce; —

And saide also, mor for assurauwce, 380

The same signe hadde be descripcioun

His* foot in Virgyne, armys in the Scorpiouw.

Amyd the heuene was Venus exaltat,

With Mars conioyned, \>e book makth mencioun; 384

And lubiter was also infortunat

To my saide disposiciouw,

Withynne the Fissh heeld tho his mawsiouw:

Thus be the lordship pleynli of Venvs 388

I was disposed for to be lecherous."

In hir excus the saide Messalyne

Gan alegge hir constellaciouw;

But prudent clerkis pleynli determyne, 392

Of the heuenly cours the disposicioun

"You knew how to drug your husband and make him sleep; while you went to the brothel and debauched yourself for money.

"It is shameful to write about your insatiable lust and your hateful, abominable life. Tibery and I can bear witness to it."

"It is true," she replied, "I have good reason to weep over my scan- dalous life, but it was nature's fault; for when I was born an astronomer

told my father that the sun and moon were in Libra, and that Libra's foot was in the Virgin and his arms in Scorpio.

Venus was in a position of greatest in- fluence, and, as the book says, in con- junction with Mars; and Jupiter too, was unfavour- able to my disposition, and had his mansion in the Fish. Thus it is plain that Venus dis- posed me to be wanton."

365. Tiberius P.

382. His] The B.

7S6 The Words betzveen Messalina, Caligula, y Tiberius [bk. vii

In th!« manner Messalina pleaded her constellation in excuse; but clerks say that no well be- haved person is constrained to do wrong by force. ISior is there any necessity for living a vicious life. There is no sin that is not voluntary.

Yet Messalina would not leave off ex- cusing herself. "Hercules once bore up the heavens, yet for all his chivalry he never could overcome the vice of lechery.

"And as for you, Caligula and Tiberius, I shall not heed what either of you say. You, Gaius Cali.[;ula, are yourself besmirched, and should know better than rebuke others.

"Your scanda- lous behaviour is reported through all the world : you seduced your three sisters, and may well blush for shame. Don't blame me again as long as you live!

"It is not fitting that a thief should sit in judgment on theft, nor should one profligate chastise others.

396

400

404

Is obeissau«t &: soget to resoun,

That eueri man wliich weel gou^rnid is,

Is nat constreyned of force to doon amys, —

Nor bynt no man of necessite

Vicious lustis frowardli to sue.

A vertuous man stant at liberte

Fals inclynaciou/!s be prudence to r^mewe;

Euery man be grace may eschewe

All thyng to vertu that founde is contrarie:

For ther is no synne but it be voluntarie.

Yit for al this, the saide Messalyne

In hire excus[e] wolde nat been in pes:

"The heuene," quod she, "as poetis Attermynt,

Was born up whilom be myhti Hercules,

Yit coude he neuere of nature ha[ue] reles, - 408

For al his knihthod & his* cheualrie,

To ouercome the vice of lecherie.

But thou Calligula and thou Tiberius, [p. 348]

What-euer ye seyn I take therof non heede; 412

For thou Calligula, callid eek Gayus,

Thi-silfF diffoulid with lecherie in deede,

To rebuke othir thou sholdest stonde in dr^ede,

But thi rebukis in parti for to quyte; 416

Who is diffoulid non othir sholde atwite.

Bi Fames trumpet thi sclauwdre is out blowe, Thoruh al the world reportid shamfuUie, Thi thre sustren fleshli thou dest hem knowe, Wex red for shame; and for thi partie, For the vice of hatful lecherie Duryng thi liff put me no mor in blame, Which art thi-silfF diffoulid in the same.

430

424

It sittith nat in no man^r wise

A theef for theffte to sitte in iugement;

A lecherous man a lechour to chastise,

Nor he that hath al his lyfF Ispent

In wast & riot, forfetid & myswent,

To been a iuge othr^ to redresse,

Nor leprous lechis to cure men of seeknesse.

428

409. his] al his B.

411. 1st thou3 om. H, R 3.

418. Fames] famous H — out] vp H.

423. thi] the R. 430. to] for to R.

420. dest] didst H.

BK. vii3 The Words between Messalina, Caligula, y Tiberius ySj

I wolde ha sufFrid and take [in] pacience

YifF of AfFrik the chast[e] Scipiouw

Hadde me rebukid for* my gr<?t offence:

I wolde haue suffrid his yerde of iust resouw.

Or yif the famous prudent old Catoun

Hadde ageyn me in swich cas maad abraid,

I wolde haue suffrid what-euere he hadde said.

432

436

"If chaste Scipio of Africa had rebuked me, or prudent old Cato, I should have accepted it with submis-

Or yif Lucrese for my correccioun

Hadde seid to me, for vertuous doctrine, 440

Alle my surfetis myd of Roome toxin,

I wolde haue bowed [bothe] bak & chyne.

To have obeied onto hir disciplyne.

Shame for* a crepil, to stonde that hath no miht, 444

To rebuke othir for thei go nat vpriht!

Ageyn[e]s the also I may replie,

Many another fals conspiraciouw

Touchyng mateeres of nigromawcie, 448

And many another contreued fals poisoun

Fouwde in too bookis, Bochas makth mencioun,

Oon callid Pugio, most supersticious,

And the secounde Inamyd Gladius, 452

Hable al this world tenvenyme & encloie;

Ageyn thre statis duellyng in Roome touw,

Ther namys write of them thou cast destroie,

Which to remembre is gret abusioun. 456

A chest also fulfilled of poisouw,

Aftir thi deth cast in the se, I reede,

Bi which an hundred thousand fisshes wer dede" . . .

^ (On this mateer is tedious for tabide, Namli to princis* born of hih estat; It sittith nat gentil blood to chide, Bi furious rancozir to stonde at debat. And for thes mateeres been infortunat, I wil passe ouer & no mor of hem write, Sauff of ther eende compendiousli tendite.)

460

464

"Or if Lucrece had held up to me my ex- cesses I should have bowed down to her discipline.

"I may also say that you dabbled in necromancy, and, as Bochas mentions, concocted poisons with the help of two books, and

kept a list of the people you wished to de- stroy. After your death your poison chest, cast into the sea, killed 100,000 fishes.

(This subject is so unpleasant, especially to princes, with its ill-bred quarreling, that I will pass over to the last part of it.)

432. in] om. R. 434. for] bi B. 444. for]toB, H, R 3,H 5. 446. I may also R. 453. this] t)e H.

461. princis] princis princessis B, H, R 3, R, J, P, R 2, H 4, SI, Add, H s.

H3,

7S8 The Words hehveen Messalina, Caligula, y Tiberius [bk. vii

''I have «l»o ■omethinR to My to you, Tiberius: the people of Cam- pania scorned you for you r unnatural vice*,

and even when you grew old you would not forbear, and used res- toratives, so infatuated you were in your debauchery. "What right have you to scold me?

"I did wrong when I was young, as Gaius has just said, but you were outrag- eous all your life; and both of you became froward gluttons to enforce your excesses.

" Moreover, Tibery, when you were em- peror, you murdered Asinius, the famous orator,

and you exiled the king of Parthia out of covetousness, for you wanted his wealth; and he died in distress.

"You let Agrippina starve to death,

although she ran to the image of Octa- vian in the temple for aid.

" To the Tiberye I hauc siinnvhat to seyn:

Knowe and rcportid be many a creature, 468

How in Chau?;ipayne folk hadde of the disdeyn

For thi most hatful lecherous ordure,

In thilke vice which is ageyn nature.

Which tacomplissh, void of al hap & grace, 472

Thyn abidyng was in suspecious place.

To swich fals lustis duryng al thi lyff,

List nat forber[e]n in thi latter age,

Thou vsist many riche restoratiff 476

In suiche vnthrifFt tencrece thi corage,

Of ribaudi thou fill in such dotage, —

How maist thou thanne rebuke me.'' For shame!

Which in such caas art blottid with* difFame. 480

I dide amys, but it was in my youthe.

Horrible thynges, which Gayus heer hath told.

But thyn outrage, the* report is yit kouthe.

Thou dist hem vse bothe yong & old. 484

And for tafforce your vices manyfold.

Thou & Calligula, in al swich ribaudie,

Dide grettest surfet in froward glotonie.

Also Tiberye, thou beyng emperowr, 488

Cruel causeles, & most malicious,

Dist moordre in Roome the famous oratowr

Callid in his tyme prudent Asynyus,

Which thoruh thempire, Romeyns tolde thus, 492

Was liht & lanterne founde at al assaies,

Of rethorik[e] callid in his daies.

Thou wer eek cause that worthy* Nonomus, [p. 349]

Kyng of Parthois, thoruh thi cruelte 496

Exilid was, thou wer so coueitous

To haue pocessioun of his tresour, parde, —

Deide in myscheefF and in pouerte.

Be sham[e]fast any wiht taccuse, 500

Which in such caas thi-silf canst nat excuse!

^ To Agripyne thou dist ful gr<?t outrage.

As Romeyn stories weel reherse can.

Whan she for socowr to the gret image 504

Ran to be sauyd of Octouyan,

Mid the temple a place callid than,

480. with] for B. 483. outrage the] outrages be B. 495. worthy] werri B, werrey H, werry R, R 3, H 5, H 4, werrei R 2, wery H 3, werreie Add, verry SI, wourthy H 2.

BK. vii^ The Words between Messalina, Caligula, y Tiberius 789

Which halp hir nat ^at she list thidir weende:

Put out be force; for hunger made aw eende. 508

Thyn owyn brothir callid Germanicus,

Which in his tyme was so good a kniht, —

^ Thi brothir also named eek* Drusus, —

Bothe wer poisowned & slayn agey«[es] riht 512

Bi fals conspirywg of thyn imperial* myht.

Texcuse the moordre, thi-siluen at the leste

Wer clad in blak, at ther funeral feeste.

I haue no kunnywg, speche nor langage 516

To reherse nor make mencioun

Specialli of the gret outrage

And sacrilege thou dist in Roome town.

Be violence whan thou drouh[e] doun ^ 520

The image of lanus, & aftir in al hast

Into Tibre madest hym to be cast.

And thou Calligula, among thi vices all, Of surquedie and fals presumpcioun Woldest that men a god the sholde call, Tueen Pollux Castor to haue thi mawsiouw. Fro whiche place* thou art now throwe dou«, Which heeld thi-silfF among the goddis seuene Egal with lubiter for to sitte in heuene.

Ansuere to me, heer beyng in presence.

Which of thes foure, Mars, lanus, Myn^rue,

Or Mercuric, god of elloquence, 532

Hath rent the douw, as thou dist diss^rue,

Fro lubiter in myscheef for to sterue?

That thou heer-aftir, wher-so thou lauh or frowne,

Shalt haue no fauoz^r mor with hym to rowne. 536

With these defautis & many another

AfFor[n] rehersid in hyndrywg of thi name —

How thou ordeynest first to slen thi brothir

Wzt^ men of armes, which was to the gr^t shame; 540

^ To Tholome thou dist also the same,

Sone & heir to kyng lubatouw;

And many a senatowr thou slouh in Roome toun.

524

528

"You had your brothers Ger- manicus and Drusus

poisoned, and then wore black at their funerals to ex- cuse the mur- der.

"I have neither art nor language to tell the out- rage and sacrilege you did when you pulled down Janus and threw him into the Tiber.

"And you, Caligula, wanted men to call you a god and to have your mansion between Castor and Pollux!

"Inasmuch as you thought yourself equal to Jupiter, tell me now which god. Mars, Janus, Minerva or Mercury, cast you down?

"You slew your brother with men-at- arms, and Ptolemy and many a sena- tor.

511. also named eek] also callid B, eke namyd also H.

513. imperial] owen B. 521. al] al l)e H.

526. Castor] & Castor H, P.

527. Fro whiche place] For which B.

790 The IJ'ords between Messalina, Caligula, ^ Tiberius []bk. vii

"You shut up the granaries and starved tlie people of Home, Ki that, dreadful to say, they ate their own members.

" I don't sup- pose that Jupiter or Juno told you to do this; very likely it was Venus, who wanted to flatter you, or Mars. Soon afterwards you yourself were murdered by your own servants.

"Look to your left; is that not Cacsonia, your wife, whom you afterwards slew, and your daughter Dru- Gilla?

I' I am aston- ished that neither of you is ashamed to blame me for a small mote like lechery, and cannot see the beam in your own eye.

"Where do your souls dwell.' I sup- pose Charon landed you on the strand of Styi in hell.

Shettlst up myd Roome the cite 544

Ther jicrneris, which neuer afforn was* seyn;

Wheibi eiifauiyncd was the coniounte, —

Pite to heere; this [is] plat & pleyn, —

Of necessite constreyned in certeyn 548

(Shame to reherse or put [it] in scripture)

Eet ther mewbris, a thyng ageyn nature.

lubiter nor luno the goddesse

Gaff no such counsail, I suppose, onto the; 552

But it was Venus, to flatre thyn hihnesse,

And furious Mars, bi froward cruelte

To slen senatours grettest of that cite;

Thi-silff soone aftir, wherof the toun was fayn, 556

Bi thi s^ruauntifj" moordrid wer^ & slayn.

And for tabate thyn outrage & [thi] pride,

Which[e] thou hast vsid al thi liff,

Lefft up thyn hed, looke on thi lefft[e] side, 560

Thou fyndere up of moordre & of striff!

^ Slouh thou nat Cesonia thi wiff? —

Thi douhtir aftir, that callid was Drusill,

Of cursid entent thi malis to fulfill? 564

I haue m<frueile how any of you tweyne,

Thou Calligula or thou Tiberius,

Be nat ashamed any thyng to seyne

Ageyw[e]s me, with visage despitous 568

Me for tatwite that I was lecherous!

Of a smal mote ye can abraide me.

But in yowr eye a beem ye cannat see.

Wher haue yowr soules take l^^r herbergage, 572

That been contrarle with me for to stryue?

I trowe that Caron hath maad yowr passage

Vp at the stronde in helle for taryue,

Ther ye abide, thus I [can] descryue, 576

Wher dr^dful Stix, callid Jie infernal flood,

Of custuw renweth with furious wawes wood.

544. Shettlst] Settist R, H 5 — myd] amyd H.

545. was] wer B. 547. is] om. R, J, P, H 5. 549. it] om. R, J, R 3.

558. thi] om. H, R 3, H 5.

560. looke on thi] take on \>e H.

576. can] om. R, J, H, R 3, H 5, P, SI, H 4, H 3, R 2.

BK. vii] The Words between Messalhia, Caligula, & Tiberius 791

[P- 350] 580

584

Radamantus, oon of the iuges tweyne, With kyng Mynos hath youe a fugement, Perpetueli ye shal abide in peyne; And Eacus hath ordeyned your torment: In Flegeton,* the flood most violent, Ye shal be drowned & an eende make, Euere for tabide among the stremys blake.

I may you calle of emperoiirs the refus,

Ye sholde be shamfast to shewe out yowr visages,

Verray astoned, dreedful and confus 588

To haue to me so vncurteis langage!"

Thus Messalyne dauwted ther corage

With hir femynyn crabbid elloquence.

Thei durste no lenger abide in hir presence. 592

where Rhada-

manthus, Minos, and .'Eacus have ordained that you shall be forever drowned in Phlegethon.

"You are the refuse of em- perors, and ought to be ashamed to speak so dis- courteously to me." At this they lost coun- tenance and no longer dared remain in her presence.

[Off the most vicious tiraunt Nero that slouh Petir and Paule and atte laste himself .3 ^

THIS hatful stori with many a woful lyne Of Calligula and Tiberius, Touching \)e strif tueen* hem & Messalyne, Shamful rebukis, froward & odious, 596

Bi them rehersed with cheer most furious, As ye haue herd, heer eendeth ther chidyng; Nero the tirant kometh next onto ^e ryng.

Oon most cursid in comparisoun 600

That euer was, of hih or louh degre,

Most disnaturel of condiciou«

Bi gret outrages of cursid cruelte,

That euere regned in Roome the cite. 604

His fadir callid, bookis determyne,

Domycius, his moodir Agripyne.

This Agripyna bi hir subtilite, —

And blynde Fortune beyng fauourable, 608

That set up tirauwt^j" of froward volunte

(Be ther demeritis thouh thei be nat hable)

582. Eacus] Gacus R, J> Cacus P, H 5, Carus H, R 3.

583. Flageton B, 587. visage H. 589. languages R 3.

590. S9S- 599- 607,

corages R 3. atueen B. onto] on H. hir] his H.

600. Oon] This Nero H. MS. J. leaf 143 verso.

After this hate- ful quarrel, with its odious and shameful re- bukes, Nero appeared on the ring.

He was one of the most * cursed men who ever lived or reigned in Rome. His father was Domitius and his mother Agrippina.

She was sub- tile, and For- tune favour- able; but what thing is more dreadful than cruel tyrants!

792 The Story of the vicious Tyrant Nero [uk. vii

To estat imperial, famous & notable.

What thi/;!^ mor cliriiful, who ca;; vndirrstonde, 612

1 ha?/ cruel tirau/;t^j with bloodi sueicl on honde!

wa's'tw^iv^ Whan this Nero of age was twclue yeer

G"ica'rncd"'^ IIc was ordcyucd in espcciall,

his grammar Afftit hc haddc Icmid his crameer 616

and the seven . , , . ,,. ?,., ,,

liberal arts, he And the seucne artis callid libcrall,

was put in the ^r ... ,,

hands of \ uto a maistet m al vertu nioiall,

encca, Callid moral Senec, which did al his peyne

From all vices his youthe to restreyne. 620

from 'alfVi'cc" ^^ keptc hym euere, this Senec, as I reede, knowing that Maugte his fatal disposicioun,

his natural ">- t,. o , ,

ciination was Bi a constreynt & a maner dreede

towards evil. -, , i i ■ i ■

rrom al outrage and dissolucioun. 624

Conseyued weel his inclynacioun

To be vicious as of his nature,

Which to restreyne he dede his besi cure.

^entyi'ne''*' ^^ ^'^^ ^ tucnti wyntir of his age, 628

years of age he Croniclecrs rchcrsen of hym thus:

married Octa- t t i i i •

via. daughter How he that tyme took m manage

and Messaiina. Octovia, douhtir ofF Claudius, —

Al this while beyng vertuous, 632

Whil Senec hadde hym vndir disciplyne, — ■ His moodir-in-lawe callid Messalyne.

SeLe^'VeJt'* The saidc Senec made hym to desire

*^ith 0° vinue- ^^ pursue kunnyng bi dilligewt labowr; 636

and when he At cntryng in first of his empire, —

crowned em- I mecne whan he was crownid emperowr, —

the°favourof Of alle the Senat hadde gret fauo^r;

the Senate. p^^^ ^^ rcport, as cletkis of hym write, 640

In prose and metre he koude riht weel endite.

weii^iTboth'^ In lohn Boch^j- as it is maad[e] mynde, prose and j^g jjjjg excclle gretli in poetrye,

verse, and made -. , , . , . t r i

a notable book Made m tho daics also, as I fynde, 644

of poetry called . , , i i r • •

Lusce. A book notable or strauwge poisie,

Lik as myn auctowr of hym doth specefie,

The title therof callid[e] Lusce,

Ageyn a pretowr Clodius Polle. 648

614. twelue^ xij B.

618. vertu3 werkes H. 629. Cronyclis H, Cronycles R 3.

637. in3 om. R. 647. Luscio P. 648. Pollio P.

BK. vii] The Story of the vicious Tyrant Nero

793

Excelled in muslk & in armonye,

Crownid with laureer for the beste harpowr

That was that tyme; & he did edefie

In Roome a paleis, y^ith many a riche tour, 652

Which in beeldyng coste gret tresour,

The circuit beyng thre thousand pas;

And Transitorie that paleis callid was.

For this cause, as put is in memorie, 656

The said[e] paleis aftirward was brent,

Therfor it was callid Transitorie; —

But aftir that, Nero in his entent

Leet beelde an hous, bi gret auisement, 660

To recompence the tothir that was old,

And callid it the riche hous of gold.

He was also an excellent musi- cian and the best harper of his time. He built a palace called Transitory

because it burnt down soon after- wards, and a rich house of gold,

In al this world[e] was non to it liche, [p. 351]

Wher that euer men did ride or gon, 664

Tables of iuor fret with perre riche,

Pileres of cristal garnished v^ith many a ston,

Saphirs, rubies & topazion,

Crisolitis & emeraudis greene,

With plate of gold tiled that shon ful sheene.

To bodili lust* and delectaciouw This said[e] Nero set al his desires; Gardyns, conduitis for recreacioun He dide ordeyne tendure many yeeris. Wzt^ nettis of gold fisshed in his ryueeris. His garnementis of golde & Ynde stonis, And neuer he wolde haue hem on but onys.

In his begynnyng, the stori doth deuise.

Lord & emperour in Roome the cite,

To senatours he gaf ful gret frauwchise,

Grauwted comouws many gret liberte; 680

But in his most imperial dignite.

Of froward wil lefft al good policie.

And al attonis gaf hym to ribaudie.

to which none other was comparable, with its ivory tables, crystal pillars orna- mented with precious stones, and

,,„ gold-tiled

068 roof.

All his inclina- tion turned to sensuality. He built gardens and artificial streams in which he fished with golden nets.

672

676

His clothes were of gold and jewels, and he would never wear them but once.

670. Iust3 lustis B.

672. conductes R, J.

674. is misplaced at end of stanza, hut correction indicated R.

678. in] in the R.

679. To] t)e H.

794

At firit virtu- out and liber- al, he tuJJcnly turned to ribaldry, left the company of old sena- tors, and harped and tanK amonK vagabonds and openly danced with common women at the brothel.

In the course of lime he fell into gluttony and inconti- nence, for one vice leads to another; but idleness was the cause of all.

At Ostia he ordained tents for debauch- ery, housing cooks and taverners at great expense. Ladies who took part in these revels were not well spoken of afterwards.

It is also said that this same Nero violated the priestesses of Vesta, who were vowed to chastity.

One of them, Rubria, he dragged out of the temple and put in a bordel-house in spite of her being a nun.

Men shall never read any writing of mine about his foul and outrageous deeds with Sporus and Ompharus,

The Story of the vicious Tyrant Nero [bk. vii

Of Grece a;id Egipt yfith dyuers io[n]glo?/rs, 684

And among vileyns liymsilf[e] disporting,*

Lefte the presence of olde scnatours

And among ribaudis he wold harp & sywge,

Made comedies dishonesth sownyng, 688

At the bordel dide hy;;!silf auau«ce

Wtt/j comoun women openli to daunce.

Thus be processe, to al vertu contrarie,

Be gret excesse he fill in glotonye, 692

And aftir that list no lenger tarye, —

As euery vice to othir doth applie, —

Surfet & riot brouht in lecherie;

And ground of al, as cheef[e] porteresse, 696

Texile vertu was froward idilnesse.

Aboute the cite callid Hostience,

Beside Tibre & othir fressh ryuers

Dide ordeyne bexcessifF expence

Tentis for riot, kookis, tauerneeris,

And al the niht reuel aboute the feeris.

Ladies komen, that wer afForn weel namyd,

Bi suich fals riot wer aftirward difFamed.

The same Nero be fals abusioun,

It is reportid, his* stori who list see,

Bi violence from ther religioun,

Suich as hadde auowed chastite 708

And wer professid to virgynyte

In the temple of Vesta the goddesse, —

Of froward lust he dide hem oppresse.

Amongis which Rubria was oon: 712

Maugre hir wil, she durste [it] nat denye,

From the temple bilt of lym & ston

Sacrid to Vesta, myn auctot^r list nat lie,

He rente hir out to vse his lecherie; 716

Natwit^standyng she was religious,

Made hir tabide at the bordel-hous.

Be my writyng men shal neuer reede,

The mateer is so foul & outragous 720

To be rehersed, & the horrible deede

Which Nero vsid whilom on Sporus

And on another callid Ompharus:

684. loglers P. 685. disparting B, dispartynge R.

698. Aboute] Aboue R. 706. his] the B. 707. ther] the R.

723. Ompharus] Doriphorus P.

700

704

BK. vii] The Story of the vicious Tyrant Nero

795

Bothe male childre, as bookis telle can, 724

Them to transfFoorme to liknesse of [wo]man.

Somme bookis of hym determyne,

Lik a ribaude horrible & detestable,

He mysusid his moodir Agripyne, 728

And lik a tirauwt cruel & vengable, —

Which to remewbre it is abhominable, —

He made hir wombe be korue upon a day

To seen the place nyne monethes wher he lay. 732

Of disnaturel hatful cruelte.

To God nor vertu hauyng no reward,

And of the vice of prodigalite

He was accusid, in knihthod a coward, 736

And to al vertu contrarie & froward, —

Of whos woodnesse good heed whan I took,

I was ashamed to sette hym in this book.

He hated alle that wer vertuous 740

And to hem hadde specialli envie;

His brethre, his wifF, this tiraunt despitous.

He falsli slouh in his malencolie;

His maister Senec, auctours specefie, 744

Ay whan he sauh hym, hauyng a maner dreede,

In an hot bath to deth he made hym bleede.

Cristis feith[e] first he gan werreye, [p. 352]

Of emperoMrs, in his froward entent; 748

Petir & Poule in Roome he made deie

Vpon a day; ther legende doth assente.

Half the cite of Roome, I fynde, he brente;

And senatowr[e]s wol nih euerichon 752

This Nero slouh; spared almost neu^roon.

To Pollifagus, a wood man most sauage,*

Which that fedde hym most with flessh of man,

Nero took men, olde & yong of age , 756

To fynde hym vitaille in streetis wher he cam.

Cursid at his eende, cursid whan he gan,

Whan he did ofFre innocent^/ blood

To be deuoured of hym that ran so wood. 760

725. woman] man H, R, R 3, H 5, a man J, woman P. 749. in] & H.

752. wol nih] volneth R.

753. neuifroon] noon H, R 3, none P.

754. This stanza is transposed with the next in P and MSS. except H. 760. ran] was H.

and some books say of him, that like a detestable ribald, he had his mother's womb carved open to see where he had lain for nine months.

He was ac- cused of un- natural, hate- ful cruelty, a prodigal and a coward; and when I took heed of his madness I felt ashamed to put him in this book.

He hated all virtuous people, and slew his brother and his wife and Seneca, his master.

The first em- peror to perse- cute the Christians, he martyred Peter and Paul, killed almost all the senators, and burnt up the half of Rome.

He fed Polyphagus, a savage madman, with human flesh.

796

Hit mules were »hod with tilvcr for pride; and after he burnt Rome the people chased him from his suburban palice

to a deep marsh, and there, seeing himself trapped, he pierced his heart with a dagger. A cursed end!

The Death of Nero the Tyrant [bk. vii

Made his mules he shod with sihier shoonc

Of surqucdic, whan he shold[e] ride;

The cite hrent. Romeyns aftir soone

Pursued hym upon eueri side; 764

And from a suharbe wher he dide abide,

Tween Salaria & Numcntana riht,

Ther stant a path whidir he took his fliht.

Bi a deep maris as* Nero took his fliht, 768

Whan he sauh he myht[e] nat asterte, —

He was [so] pursued bi a Romeyn kniht

To fynde socour he myht[e] nat dyuerte, —

Rooff hymsilfF anon [un]to the herte 772

With a sharp dagger, a cursid eende, loo!

Of the fals tiraunt that calHd was Nero.

No prince, ahould take pleasure in reading the story of Nero; it has to do only with mur- der, treason, adultery, ex- cess, poison, riot, gluttony, lechery, ven- geance, and suicide.

If I could. I would scratch his name out of my book. Let no one remember anything more about him than this: that every tyrant ends in mis- fortune.

What I say of him is said only in reproof.

Lenvoye.^

OFF this Nero to write[n] a Lenvoye, Nor of his deedis to make mencioun, To r^ede Jie processe no prince shold haue ioye. For al concludeth on moordre and on tresouw, On auoutrye, excesse & poisoun. Riot, glotonye, lecherie, vengauwce, Slauhtr<? of hywsilfF[e]; eendid with myschaunce.

Yif that I myhte, I wolde race* his name Out of this book, that no man sholde reede His vicious lyf, cheef merour of difFame. Set hym aside; let no wiht take[n] heede For to remewbre so many a cruel deede, Sauf onli this, to thynken* in substaunce, How eueri tiraunt eendith with mischaunce.

Of hym I caste to write now* no more, And what I seie Is* seid but in repreefF Of the vices that he wrouht of yore Duryng his empire, concludyng for a theefF. Al tirannye shal eende with myscheefF, Record on Nero, which for mysgou(?rnaunce. As ye haue herd[e], eendid with myschaunce.

768. as] whan B. 772. unto] even to H.

782. racen B, R, J. , t>

783. reede] it reede R, J, P. 787- thynken] maken B. 789. to write now] now to write B. 790. is] I B.

794. on] of R.

^ "In stede off a Lenuoie," R.

776

780

784

788

792

BK. VIl]

Eleazar the Jew. Galba

797

[How Eleazerus a lewe bom / for extorcioun and robbery / was brouht in prisoun and there ended.] ^

AFFTIR Nero caw Eleazarus, 796

A lew of berthe, a prince of robberie, An extursioneer cruel & despitous; For his outrages doon in that partie, To redresse his hatful tiranwye, 800

A myhti pretowr sent fro Roome douw, Callid Phelix, into that regeoun.

Be force of Phelix take he was & bouwde,

Maugre his myht[e], onto Roome sent, 804

Strowgli fetrid with massif cheynis rouwde,

Suffred in prisoun many gret tormewt.

At the laste, this was his iugement,

Ther tabide because he was a theefF; 808

For euermore eendid in myscheefF.

Eleazar, a Jew, came after Nero. He was a prince of robbery and a cruel extor- tioner, but Felix came down from Rome

and captured him and sent him to prison for life.

[How the hede of Galba was smjiien of filled full of gold / and offred atte the Sepulcre of Nero.] ^

^ Tofor Bochflj next cam Galba doun,

Which in Spayne did many knihtli deede.

AfFtir the deth rehersed of Nerown

He stode in hope, this Galba, as I reede,

In thempire iustli to succeede,

Parcel for knihthod, he hath hyw so weel born.

And* for gr^t manage which he had had beforn.

812

Galba, who had done many a knightly deed in Spain, usurped the throne after Nero.

816

I fynde in Boch^j- rehersed in sentence. He was disclauwdrid of hatful vices thre; He was cruel, cowtrarye to clemence, Streiht in keepyng, geyn liberalite, Vengable of herte, geyn mercy & pite, — A thyng nat sittyng onto cheualrie, — Of custom youe to slouthe & slogardie.

He was a cruel, avaricious, re- vengeful and lazy man.

820

798. extorsioner R, R 3, extorcioner H, H 5, P. 802, 3. Felix R, H, J, R 3, H 5, P. 809. For euermore] For eiier for tuer more R. 816. And] As B, H.

^ MS. J. leaf 144 verso.

^ MS. J. leaf 144 verso.

798

Piso, Otho and Vitellius

[bk. VII

He claimed title to the empire by his adopted son, but not lonff afterwards his head was smitten ofT by Otho

and filled with gold by Patra- bolus and offered up to the gods of the lower regions at the sepulchre of Nero.

After this sacrifice, Piso came to make his complaint to Bochas. Surnamed Licinian and adopted son of Galba, he was slain by Otho.

The empire was then di- vided into three and gov- erned by Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian.

Otho, whose family name was Silvius, usurped the empire by murder and outrage, and began a war against Vitel- lius.

To occuple themplre he began, 824

Aniong[es] Romey^s took pocessioun,

Cleyiiiyng a title bi oon Licynyan

That was his sone bi adopcioun.

But [anone] aftir for his presuwzpcioun, 828

Oon calHd Oththo, a ful nia?!li kniht,

Smet of his hed, whcr it wer wrong or riht.

This said[e] Galba, myn aucto;/r writeth thus, [p. 353]

From his empire vnwarH puUid doun, 832

Hadde an emny calHd Patrabolus,

The hed of Galba took in pocessioun,

Filde it -with golde, made an oblaciouw

At the sepulchre of Nero therwithal 836

To alle the goddis & goddessis infernal.

[How Ottho and Vitellius / for glotony lechery ribaudrie and cnielte / ended in mischeef.^ ^

^ And after that this ofFryng was ful do.

As ye haue herd[e], to lohn Bochas than

To make his cowpleynt in ordre caw Piso, 840

AfFor surnamyd iustli Licynyan,

Sone adoptifF, to telle as I began,

Of saide Galba, cleymywg to succeede,

Slayn anon aftir bi Ottho, as I reede. 844

Than was themp[i]re partid into thre:

Ottho took Roome vnto his partye;

And Vitellius to regne in the contre,

Ouer the boundis of al Germanye; 848

And Vespasian regned in Surrye.

But first this Ottho, surnamyd Siluyus,

Cam to compleyne, cruel and despitous.

Of al thempire this same* Siluyus 852

Be slauhtre, rauyne & extorsioun,

Bi moordre, deth & deedis outraious

With myhti bond took ther pocessioun.

And ther began a gret deuysioun, 856

829. The name Otho is spelled variously with c's and t's in the MSS.; it is probable however that the c's are usually meant for t's (Occho R. R 3, Octho J, Ochcho B, H, Otho P).

833. Hadde] And R — Patrobolus R, H, J, R 3, H 5, Patro- bius P.

836. sepulture H. 841. lycyvian H. 845. into] in R.

852. this same] surnamyd B.

1 MS. J. leaf 144 verso.

BK. VIl]

Otho and Vitellius the Emperors

799

Which was occasioun of gret sorwe & wo, Atween Vitellius and this seid Ottho.

It is rehersed, that in Germanye

In sondri placis thei hadde batailes thre, 860

In the which Ottho wzt^ his partie

Venquisshed the feeld & maad his foon to flee.

But thoruh Fortunys mutabilite,

The fourte tyme, pleywli this the caas, 864

Maugr^ his myht discounfited ]^er he was.

Tofor Bedrye, a myhti strong cite

Of Germanye was this disconfiture.

Aftir which of froward cruelte 868

The said[e] Ottho, seeyng his auenture.

With wo supprised miht[e] nat endure

Of his coMstreynt thymportable peyne;

Took a sharp suerd & roof his herte on tweyne. 872

Vitellius hauyng the victorye.

With his poweer, as maad is mewcioun.

Of surquedie & fals[e] veynglorie.

Cam with his host[e] into Roome toun. 876

But Bochas heer maketh a descripciouw,

Rehersyng shortli his berthe & eek his lyne.

And how that he of blood was Saturnyne.

This to seyne, Saturnyus, kyng of Crete, 880

Chacid bi lubiter out of his regiouw, —

And lanus hadde in Itaille take his seete

Vpon a mount callid laniculun,

Wher now of Roome is bilt the large touw, — 884

lanus resceyuyng of liberalite

Whaw Saturn fledde, into his cite.

Toforn the komyng of Satvrn, this no faille,

Rud & boistous, & bestial of resoun 888

Was al the peeple abidyng in Itaille;

Lond was non sowe nor turnid up-so-dou«.

Nor marchaundise vsid in no toxxn

Til Saturn tauhte the man^r of lyuyng, 892

Of tilthe & labour to lanus that was kyng.

He won three battles in Ger- many, but was defeated in a fourth battle,

and, overcome with despair, killed himself.

Vitellius came vaingloriously into Rome with his army;

and Bochas says that he was descended from Saturn, whom Jupiter expelled from his kingdom. Saturn was re- ceived in Rome by Janus,

and before his coming the people were rude and un- lettered and did not even know how to till the soil or chaffer in merchandise.

869. The] This R.

880. Saturnus P.

893. & labour] of londe H — to lanus] om. R.

8oo The Ancestry of Vitellius [bk. vii

beasw'unt'ii'" AfFom wlios couiyiip;, tofor as I you told, !

Saturn taught Craft was iioii vsid be no creatine,

Janus the art r i •

of living. Nor no beeldyng of housis newe [njor old, 896

But lyued as beestis the[r] lyflode to recure, Lik as thei warn Ilernid of Nature. Thei koude tho dales make no cloth nor shape, Oft* frosti vvedris the greuous cold tescape. 900 ;

loVmak""'^ Thei wer nat besi be costful apparaille cloth, and were Of sondrv mctls and confecciouns,

very poor

cooks, and had Off dyuets dryukcs & manyfold vitaillc

no markets in _, , . , - . ]

their towns. 1 o be cotious to thet retccciouns. 904 ;

Marketis wer none in cites nor in touns; J

No man with othir bouhte nouther solde i

Til Saturn cam & them the man^r tolde. |

Sa"turn'Tad ^ud whan he hadde tauhte them \>e maneer^ 908 '

taught them \^^ get an ordre of ther gouernauwce, 1

how to be 1 1 I • 1 I 1 '

civilized, these The symple peeple, as bookis doth vs lere,

simple folk t • i /^ i i- i i i ;

worshipped Lich as to (jod didc ther attendauwce, {

m'ightiest of With certcyn riht^j- to doon \)er obs^ruaunce, 912 ]

their gods. Worsheped hym, & aftir dide hyw calle |

Saturn, most myhti of ther goddis all. ',

&V:fo- [Aftyr this Saturne was n,ade a pe-degre, j

Saturn and so "fo sett an ordrc conveied from his lyne 916

was Lavinia, t-v i i t i i'

his daughter, Desccndyng douw, the maneer who list see, 1

ancestress <-!-> t i r i t "i

of Vitellius. 1 o oon Latynus and so roorth to Lavyne, j

Which was his douhtir, as poetis determyne. j

Thus bi discent from* Saturne and Funus, 920 ' Born off ther bloode cam Vitellius,]

Sigh^t'of the The firste kniht bor[e]n of that lynage. [p. 354]

lineage «-as Bccause hc was manli & riht famous,

Vitellius Pub- TT 1 1 •

lius; and his Hadde m armys prowesse & gret corage, 924 ,

vuemus^Lucius, He callid was Vitill[i]us Publius;

the%mpero°. And of hym caw Vitell[i]us Lucius, i

Fadir to hym, myw auctoz<r doth expresse, j

Of whom that I haue gunwe this processe. 928 j

900. OfF] The B.

903. OfF] to H.

910. The] Thei R, Ther J — doth] don R, J.

914. of] to H.

915. This stanza is supplied from R. 920. from] to R.

BK. VIl]

The vicious Life of Vitellius

8oi

DYUERS stories r^membre & pleywli tell, Dvryng his youthe & stood at liberte, How J)is forseid, that callid was Vitell, Was the most vicious that owher myhte be, 932

Youe to ribaudie & al dishoneste, Because of which chauwgid was his name, Callid Spyntoire, a name of gret difFame.

I fynde that he was an hazardour, 936

In al his werkis passyng riotous.

For his surfetis gret wzt^ the emperowr

That whilom was callid Claudius.

And for his deedis & maneeres outraious, 940

For his gret wast and prodigalite

Of gret dispence he fill in pouerte.

Among his riotis [&] surfetis mo thaw oon

Which he dide in contres heer & ther, 944

I fynde that he for neede solde a ston

Which his mooder bar whilom* at hir ere.

For be old tyme was vsid, who list lere.

Women that wern that tyme of hih degr<f 948

Bar at ther eris stonis & perre.

And bi the sellyng of that riche ston,

For which that he resceyued gret tresowr.

Be sotil werkyng & sleihtis mo thaw oon 952

He gat hym freendis & was maad emperowr.

And therwithal he dide eek his labour

To resceyue another dignite.

To be cheef bisshop in* Roome the cite. 956

And in short tyme this Vitellius

Of thempire took on hym al thestat,

The suerd resseyued of Cesar lulius,

Vsed a garnement that was purpurat, 960

Dempte of hymsilfF he was most fortunat,

Natwit/jstowdiwg mor boldli ^pat tyme atte leste*

Of Aliensois holden was the feeste.

It is said that this Vitell was one of the most vicious youths that ever lived, given to all dishonesty and called Spintor, an infamous name.

He was a gambler and a prodigal, and fell into pover- ty because of his excesses.

Finally he sold a stone his mother had worn at her ear (for in olden times women of high station wore jewelry in their ears),

and through the proceeds and his

cunning he got himself friends and was made emperor. He also wanted to be chief bishop.

He received the sword of Julius Caesar, wore purple, and considered himself most fortunate.

941. and] of H.

946. his] is R — whilom bar B, barif som^tyme H, bar some tym

R3. 956. in] of B. 958. al] om. R. 962. mor boldli \)at tyme atte leste] J)at tyme mor boldli at the

leste B — t)(2t tyme] om. H.

8o2 The vicious Life of Vitellius [bk. vii

The feast of Allcnsois was a solempnite 964

Aliensois was •'»■'- i 1 J • 1 J

then beiiiK held, Amoncfcsl Romev/js kept be daies olde,

during which , ,, , 1 1 ^l l«

no one was In t reiissM \wy H Tiwctouv recoicleth thus, parae, —

"nT'v'^r'luou'l'' And in that tyme of custiim no man sholde,

labour; -^^^ ^^ statut bouMcle was nor holde 968

To do no maner occupaclou/t

That touched vcrtu or rchgloun.

and bound up Ourvwe thls feeste he sholde haue his axyng,

with It was * -^ "... 1 •

custoni of Bi a custum vsid in that cite. 972

granting the ..,....• o I

requests of all And Vitclhus, as emperour & kyng, '

^"ue^iiius asked Axed that tyme another dignite, ;

^nd'^no one'- To bc checf bisshop & hauc auctoritc I

dared say no. Qf ^^^^ estat, With powcct hool & plcynj 976

No man so hardi to replie ther ageyn.

He set all Prom al vertu Vitclli dide varye,

wisdom and i • i o * i

kno»_iedge at Set at nouht al wisdaw & science,

nought and left __, , , o ■

knighthood Thouhte onto hym was nat necessarye 900 i

rnd''gTvl''h?m- Ku?myng, knihthod, manhod nor prouidence; \

to id^e^nelS Gaf hym onli to slouhthe & nedigence, |

gluttony. Jq glotonye, folwyng his desir[e]s, j

Wach al niht with drynk & reresoper[e]s. 984 |

bisho^ 'he'offi- Beyng a bisshop of ther paynym lawe, I

dated in the LJ^ Romeyw rihtis doyng \>er seruise :

S'he would Tofor the goddes; he wolde hymsilf wzt^drawe '_

censer'and call And cast aside censct and sacrefise 988 '

to'the'litar"'' And calk a boy in ful vngoodH wise, j

him toTing'^ A kichen boy, tofor the hih aulteer, _ ,

him his dinner, p^^^ \iym. comauwdid to brynge hyw his dyneer! 1

Always Bevnc arrayed in his pontificall, 992 '•

gluttonous and • i r i • i

drunk, por the maner void ot deuocioun,

Lik a ribaude, or Ilk a wood menstrall ■

Euer dronclew, & out of al sesoun, 1

Gorge upon gorge, this excessif glotoun, 996 ]

Moste idropik, drank ofte ageyn[es] lust: i

The mor he drank the mor he was a-thrust. ]

970. vertu oi] vnto R, onto J.

978. Vitell J, P. I

979, at nouht] anouht R. I 994. mynstrall H, R.

996. upon]] vp R. ,

BK. VIl]

The vicious Life of Fitellius

803

This was a bisshop sacrid for* Sathan,

And an emperoMr crownid with myschauwce:

Mor lik in poorte a beeste thaw a man.

Vsed al his poweer in slauhtr^ & in vengau^zce;

To sheede blood was set al his plesaunce,

Takyng non heed nouther of wrowg nor riht;

And thus he wex hatful to eueri wiht.

1000

1004

[P- 355]

His soudiours forsook hym nih echon,

In al parties bi hym wher thei wer sent;

Thoruh al the contres of Septemptrion

And in al Surrye toward thorient,

Of oon accord & alle of oon assent

Echon forsook hyw; with hym bood* nat a maw,

And becam seruauwt^fj- to Vespasian.

1008

1012

Vitellius sauh it wolde be non othir,

And he for-feeble [of] dronknesse & outrage, —

And sauh the poweer gan faillen of his brothir,

Wha« he had sett* and signed the viage 1016

Ageyn Vespasian to holden his passage:

But al for nouht, bakward wente his partie.

Stood disespeired of euery remedie.

Thus Vitellius vnhappi to the werris, 1020

Lik a fordronke vnhappi gret glotouw,* Whos booste afForn[e] rauht up to the sterris, Now al his pride in myscheef is come douw, Fayn for taccorde to this conuenciouw: 1024

For litil tresour, which men sholde hym assigne. To Vespasian thempire to resigne.

This was his promys, but he heeld it nouht:

What he saide, his woord was neuer stable; 1028

Certeyw flatereres chauwgid hadde his thouht,

And certeyw comouws, that euer be chauwgable,

GafFhyw counsail, saide hymsilf was hable

To gouerne thestat imperial, 1032

And non so hable for to reknen al.

he was a bishop sacred to Satan, more like a beast than a man. As his pleasure lay most in shedding blood without heed to right and wrong, he was hated by all

His soldiers deserted him and entered the service of Vespasian.

Made weak by drink and ex- cess, and seeing that the ex- pedition he had sent against Vespasian had failed, he de- spaired,—

a great un- happy drunken glutton, and was glad to resign his im- perial dignity for a small compensation.

But when flat- terers told him that he was best able to govern Rome, he broke his promise

999. for] of B.

101 1, boode nat v^ith hym H — abood B.

1016. sett] sent B, R, J, R 3, H 5, P. 1019. dispeired R. 1021.] Lik afForn dronke vnhappi stronge glotoure B.

1024. this] his R.

1027. his] my H.

1030. that] lie H.

804

The vicious Life of Vitellius

[bk. VII

to Rome. After that he burnt down the Capitol and soon lost the favour of the Romans.

Sew «l^r"'out*of F'fst of Almaync he sent out soudiours, presumption, ^pj pf presu7/;pciou7i a newe wcrr^ he can,

and sent the i i i i •

head of Fabius, Thouhtc that hc was amo«c: othir werreyowrs 1036

Vespasian s i t i i * r l \T

brother, who Hablc to* hlite ageyn Vaspasian. kSied,**" And of auenture it befill so than,

In thes werris Vespasyanis brothir*

I-slay[e]/i was; it wolde be non othir. 1040

This froward man callid VitelHus,

Vngracious euere fouwde in his entente,

Smet of the hed of seide Fabius,

Brothir of Vespasian, & it to Roome sente, 1044

And aftir that the Capitoile [he] brente.

But suyng on, wtt^ynne a htil space

Among Romeyns he loste bothe hap & grace.

Of his riot what sholde I mor entrete? — 1048

For except riot of hyw nothyng I reede.

His cook, his pastleer, folk that wer most meete

To serue his lust & appetit<fj- to feede,

Forsook hym nat, but went wzt/? hyw in deede 1052

Toward Champayne riht as any lyne

Vp to an hill[e] callid Auentyne.

Stondyng in hope, but that was but in veyw,

Of Vespasian the fauour to recure, 1056

Euene to Roome retournid is ageyn,

The paleis entrid; & ther hywsilfF tassure,

Hauyng wit^ hym non othir creature.

The gatis shet, which was to hym gret shame; 1060

Take at the laste, forsook his owne name.

naked'before^" Halff naked he was & haluendel Iclad, Al allone lik as he was founde.

So in the cite affor the peeple lad; 1064

Bothe his hondis behynde his bak wer bounde Wt'tZ? myhti cheynys & with ropis rounde. Lik a wood man of look & of visage. The peeple to hym hauyng this langage: 1068

Why should I write more of his debauch- ery?

His cook and pastryman did not forsake him; they followed him to the Cam- pania.

Later on he returned to Rome, hoping to ingratiate himself with Vespasian. Seized at last in his palace, he denied his own name.

the populace, his hands bound behind his back, look- ing like a madman.

1035- 1036.

1037. 1039, 1043. 1044. 105 1.

he] om. H.

werreyowrs] Soudiours H. to] for to B, R, P, H 5, R 3, H. 40. The second halves of these lines are transposed B. the said R. of] vnto R. lustis H.

BK. VIl]

The shameful End of Vitellius

80s

" O thou olde lecherous foul glotouw,

A verray coward, to al vertu contrarie.

Cruel, vengable of thi condiciouw,

To euery goodman cruel aduersarye, 1072

To all cursid benigne & debonaire,

Roote of al surfetis, hauyng ay delit

To sewe & folwe thi lecherous appetit!"

With such rebukis & castyng of ordure, 1076

With donge & clay was blottid his visage.

In the presence of many a creature,

With cordes drawen he was be gr^t outrage

Vnto a place callid in ther langage, 1080

Ther most cheeff rakkes or galwes of l)e toun,

Wher is of custum doon execucioun.

Sumwe remewbre he slay[e]w was in haste,

V^ith sharp[e] suerdis dismembred on l)e ground, 1084

His careyn aftir into Tibre cast

With a large hook of iren, sharp & round, —

No mor reuerencid thaw was a stywkyng hound.

Remewbrywg heer myn auctowr seith also 1088

Of this Vitellius, Galba & Ottho,

The people called him a coward, an enemy of every good man, a lecherous foul old glutton.

and threw dung in his face. He was then drawn with cords to the gallows.

AfFermyng thus, as for ther partie, [p. 356]

Thei be namyd among the emperours,

For a tyme thestat did occupie; 1092

And first this Galba, be record of auctOMrs,

Deide at myscheefF, void of al socowrs,

Eihte monethes regned as lord & sire.

And aftir that cast out of his empire. 1096

The thridde moneth, as maad is mencioun,

Ottho deide, proude & ambicious.

And, as I fynde, the domynaciouw

Laste eihte monethes of Vitellius. iioo

And for thei wern proud ribaudes* lecherous,

Cruel, vengable, born of cursid lyne,

In wrechchidnesse echon thei dide fyne.

and des- patched with swords. They fastened his carrion to an iron hook and threw it into the Tiber;

and no more respect was paid to him than to a stinking hound.

Thus, to recapitulate: Galba died in misfor- tune, cast out of his empire after a reign of eight months;

Otho died in the third month of his reign; and Vitellius reigned eight months. As they were all proud dissolute ribalds, they ended in misery.

1074. 1078. 1087. 1089. IIOI.

ay3 evir H.

om. R, H. om. H.

Galba] of Galba R.

ribaudes] ribaudi B, P, R, ribaudie J — & lecherous H.

8o6 Bochas on the Vice of Gluttony [bk. vii

Bochas dampnyth l)e Vice of Glotonye.^

rh°c'''K"ar''"'^ TTEER lohn BochrtJ seyng the gr^t offense 1104 iniquity of this \_ X Of tilis foiscid froward cowpanye,

froward com- r,-. , , . (■ ,.,,. i J '

pany. took up 1 ook liis pciine of entecF dilligence,

conJemn the And ill liis studie ga?i hynisilff applie

gluttony. To dampne the vice of hatful glotonye, iio8

Fro which[e] synne, record[e] of Adam,

Al our myscheeuys & sorowis caw.

^os°"fr^m°ir ^^ ^^^ outrage of disobeissau«ce,

as witness Q^p said[e] fadir beyng in paradis, 1112

Adam, wlio m,-^ , i

his folly and 1 ween hym and vertu ther roos a gr^-t distaunce,

conceit allowed -^, , . i i i •

himself to be Cleetli conceyued, he that was so wis, serpent' ^ " Aboue creatutcs be resoun bar the pris.

Til [he] of foli wrongli gaff assent 1116

To be gouernid bi a fals serpent.

l^rtu'es"forsook ^'^ innat v^frtues did hyw anon forsake him and re- Por his assentyjzg, & did in hast retourne

turned to i i i • r i i

heaven, and Ageyn to heuene, whan the infernal snake 1120

lor this we tj r i-i •;

have great In stedc ot vcttu did wit^ man soiowrne.

reason to t-i i • • ■ c

mourn. T or which we han gr(?t mateer tor to mowrne,

Sith that we been difFfourmyd in certeyn, Be vicious lyuyng of vertu maad bareyn. 1124

be^camTdomi- ^^^ ^hus Cam in the domynacioun us^ w'oefuf '""^ ^^ ^'^^^^ alle, & heeld a gret bataille, ";r«<:hes, when The Tetcnv Sent from thynfernal dongoun, the four vir- Vs woful wrcchchis in erthe for tassaille, 1128

Strechchyng ther poweer, & proudli gan pr^uaille Thoruh al the world[e] & pocessioun took, For our demerites whan vertues vs forsook.

Temper^ance, Thes said[e] vertucs comprised in the noumbre 1132 fnd'^Fwtitude. Of fourc reknid : Prudence, Attemperaunce, Of* vicious lyfFtadawed vs fro the slornbre, Rihtwisnesse taue holde the ballaunce, And Fortitude of ther alliaunce; 1136

Whan thei forsake mankynde to gou^rne, Than of al vertu was clipsed»the lant^rne.

1 1 14. he that] \>ax. he H. 11 15. be resoun] om. R. 1 125. thus] om. H. ,

1 134. Of] Fro B, J, H s, R 3, From R, P.

1 The heading is as follows in MS. J. leaf 146 recto: "Here Bochas ageyne Glotonye compleyneth seieng as it folowith."

BK. vii3 A Description of The Golden World

807

Thus thoruh dirknesse vices wer made bold,

The multitude almost innumerable. 1140

Amonges all reknid of newe or old,

Ther be foure pereilous & reprouvable:

Slouthe, Lecherye, & most abhowiwable,

Fals Auarice bi a gredi desir, 1144

WftZ? Glotonye, cheef kyndeler of ther fyr.

Nature in soth with litil is content;

And as myn auctowr abidith heer a while.

And to remembre was sumwhat dilligent 1148

To write, whaw Saturn regned in l^e ile

Callid Crete, the prophetesse Cibile,

In hir tyme, bi gret auctorite,

The world deuyded prudentli in thre. 1152

The four peril- ous vices are Sloth, Lechery, Avarice, and Gluttony, chief kindler of their fire.

Nature is con- tent with little; and my author stops here to write about the Golden World, when Saturn reigned in Crete.

[A Chapitle descryu3mg the golden worlde, that is to say whan attemperaunce had hooly the gouemaunce.3 ^

THE olde world, whan Saturn was first kywg, Regnywg in Crete in his roial estat, Noe, Abraham be vertuous lyuyng Caused erthli folk to be most fortunat, 1156

The world tho daies callid Aureat; For sobirnesse and attemperaunce Hadde in that world hooli the gouernaunce.

Ther was that tyme no wrong nor violence, 1160

Envie exiled from eueri creature,

Dissolucioun & dronken insolence,

Ribaudie & al swich foul* ordure,

Froward surfetis, contrarye to nature, 1164

Ibanshed wern, because attemperaunce

Hadde in that world hooli the goU(?rnaunce.

Youthe was bridled vndir disciplyne, [p. 357]

Vertuous studie floured in myddil age, 1168

Dreed heeld the yerde of norture* & doctrine, Riot restreyned from surquedous outrage. Hatful detraccioun repressid his langage,

1 145. ther] \>t H. 1 149. ysle R, Isle H.

1 163. foul] fals B, H.

1 165. wern] was R — Ibanysshid H.

1 169. norture] nature B.

^ MS. J. leaf 146 verso. There is no initial in B.

Noah and Abraham also lived at that time, and soberness and temperance ruled the world.

There was no wrong nor vio- lence, drunken insolence, and froward ex-

Youth was bridled under discipline, and virtuous study flowered until middle age; riot was re- strained; there was no hateful detraction.

8o8 A Description of The Golden World [bk. vii

Koiitli was charite, because attemperaunce 117a

Hadde in that world hooli the goud'rnaunce.

SlHlhed 'by' Fortitudo stood tho in his myht, vJ^rf!':!-'!'^',- Dittt'iidid widwes & cherisshed chastite,

nc relics \\ crc '

punished, «nj [Knvhthod in prowesse cafFout so cleer a liht.l 1176

the church held ^-.•'•ii-i^i

up in spiritual Ciiit witli his sucrd of trouthc & cquyte, Hedd up the chcrch in spiritual dignite, Punshcd heretikes, because attemperaunce Had in that world hooli the gouernaunce. 1180

iionest.''"* Rihtwisnesse chastised al robbours

[epT'?or-""* Be egal ballaunce of execusioun,

swearing and Ftaudc, fals mccde put balcwatd fro iorours,

lying dared U I i i I'l •

enter no town. 1 rewc promys holde made no dilacioun, 1184

Forsueryng shamyd, durste entre in no toun, Nor lesyngmongers, because attemperaunce Hadde in that world hooly the goU(frnaunce.

de^sTf mercy That goldcn wotld coude loue God & dreede, 1188 rtrnti>°per- ^^^^ ^^^ scuenc decdis of m^rcy for to vse; formed: the The tichc was redi to do almessedeede:

rich ready to ._-, i j i i i- i i

give alms, and Who asked herborwc, men dide hyw nat refuse, refused a lodg- No man of malis wolde othir tho accuse, 1192

night?' ' DifFame his neihbour, because attemperaunce Hadde in that world hooli the gouifrnaunce.

artTsan^were'^ The trewc marchaunt be mesour bouhte & solde, pfo'w was'heid ^cceit was non in the artificeer, 1196

firmly to the Makyng no balkis, the plouh was treuli holde, labourer was Abak stood idilncsse ferr from* laboreer, Discrecioun marchall at dyneer &* sopeer. Content with mesowr, because attemperaunce 1200 Hadde in that world hooli the gouernaunce.

luxnvxZTtx- Of wast in clothyng was that tyme non excesse,

i^ng' ('aUho°ugh ^^" myhte the lord from his soget knowe,

one could A difference maad tween pouert & richesse, 1204

know the lord _. . o i • • i

from his sub- 1 wcen a pnncessc & othir statis lowe, boasted or Of hoHiyd beestis no boost was than Iblowe,

Nor countirfet feynyng, because attemperaunce Hadde in that world hooli the gouernaunce. 1208

1 176. B has in place of this line the third of the preceding

stanza. — a] om. R. 1179. Punysshed R. H. 1183. bakward] bak H. 1 188. That] The H.

1 198. from] from the B, H. 1199. &] & at B. 1 201,] Was set asyde and lost hir gouernaunce R. 1206. was then no boste R.

feigned.

BK. Vii] A Description of The Golden World

809

1224

This goldene world long while did endure,

Was non allay in that metal seene,

Til Saturn cesid, be record of scripture;

lubiter regned, put out his fadir cleene, 1212

Chauwged Obrison into siluer sheene,

Al up-so-doun, because attemperauwce

Was set aside and lost hir gou(?rnau«ce.

Of Martis myneral the metal is so strong, 1216

Inflexible and nat malliable,

Be sturdynesse to do the peeple wrong

With rigerous suerd, fureous & vengable,

The m<?rciful gold [of] Phebus nat plicable 1220

To haue compassiouw, because attewp[e]rauwce

Was set aside & lost hir gouernauwce.

Leed, of philisophres, is callid gold leprous, Tyn of lubiter, crasshyng & dul of soun, Fals and fugitifF is mercurivs, — The moone is mutable of hir condiciouw. The goldene world is turnid up-so-doun In ech estat, sith[en] attemperauwce Was set aside and lost hir gouernauwce.

Be Cibilis exposicioun,

Tak of this metal the moralite:

The goldene world was gonemtd be resoun, 1232

The world of iren was furious cruelte;

The moone is mutable, ful of duplicite,

Lik to this world, because attemp[e]rauMce

Is* set aside and hath no* gou^rnauwce. 1236

Venus, of loueres emperesse & queene,

Of vicious lustis lady and maystresse,

Hir metal coper, that wil ternyssh gr^ne,

A chauwgable colour, cowtrarye to sadnesse, 1240

A notabil figur of worldli brotilnesse,

Lik gery Venus, because attemp[e]rau«ce

Was set aside & lost hir gou^rnauwce.

This Golden World lasted until Jupiter put his father out of his king- dom, and then temperance was set aside.

The metal of Mars is strong and inflexible, and the sword of rigour furious and full of vengeance.

Lead is called leprous gold, tin is dull of sound, and mercury false and fugitive.

1228

The Golden World was governed by reason, but the world of iron by cruelty; the present world is full of duplicity, like the moon.

Venus' metal is copper, that tarnishes green, a change- able colour, a figure of worldly mutability.

1222. hir] his H, R 3.

1223. Leed] Bed H.

1224. craisshyng R, J.

1227. The] This R. 1228. sith H, R.

1236. Is] Was B — hath no] lost hir B.

1243. hir] his H.

8io

The Temperance of John the Baptist [bk. vii

My author Bochas com- plained on the cumbrous ({luttony of X'itcllius and his two fellow emperors, notorious for their debauch- ery.

Myn auctowr Bochas gan pitousli cowpleyne 1244 On the disordynat coinerous glotonye Of VitelHus & his felawes tweyne, Alle thre diffouHd wtt^ horrible lecherye, Diffamed be schumdre, noised for ther ribaudie,* 1248 Contrarious enniyes echon tattemperaunce, Banshed fro ther court[es], myhte haue no gou^rn- aunce.

Gluttony and drunkenness cause fevers, podagra, gout and horrible gangrenous tores.

[P- 358] 1252

1256

Prudence was banished from their court; soberness, truth and righteousness stood aside.

1260

John the Bap- tist lived in the desert and ate mel Sylvester and locusts. His cook was temperance.

His clothes were woven of camel's hair, and he lived on honey- suckles and drank spring water.

Of glotonie & riotous excesse, Wach & reuel & drynkyng al the niht Kometh vnkoul) feueres & many gr^t accesse, Membres potagre mak[th] men thei go nat riht, Goiites, mormalles horrible to the siht, Many infirmytes, because attemperaunce Was nat of counsail toward ther gou^rnaunce.

Out of ther court ban[y]shed was prudence,

Fortitudo had non interesse

Geyn vicious lyuy/zg to make resistence,

Cried woluis hed was virtuous sobirnesse;

Trouthe durst nat medle, abak stood rihtwisnesse,

Put out of houshold was attemperaunc^,

With these thre emperowrs koude haue no gou^rnaunce

^ Sone of the prophete callid Zacharie, The patriark, the holi man Seynt lohn, Victorious champiouw of gredi glotonye, Lyued in desert, deyntes hadde he non, Et mel siluestre, lay on the colde ston, Locustas gadred; his cook was temp[e]rau«ce And of his houshold had al the gou^rnaunce.

Of kamel heris was wouen his clothyng, Record the Gospell that ka« the trouthe tell, Honysokeles his moderat feedyng, Mong wilde beestis whan he dide duell; To stauwche his thrust drank watir of Jje well. This blissid Baptist, roote of attewpraunce, Set for cheefF merour of al good gou^rnaunce.

1265

1268

1272

1276

1245. comberous H.

1248. be] with H — for ther ribaudie] be ^er lecherye B —

for ther] with H.

1254. podagre R, R 3, P. 1261. Cryed woluyssh was H 5.

1264. Empifrour H. 1266. holi] manly H.

1269. Et mel siluestre] Did eat wild honey P.

1270. Locustes P. 1275. Mong] Among H.

BK. VIl3

John the Baptist and Diogenes

1288

1292

Of his diete catowr was scarsete,

His costful foode was vertuous abstinence, 1280

Roods of desert his dehcat plente,

His riche pymentis, [his] ipocras of dispense

Heeng nat in costretis nor botelis in \)Q spence, —

Nat excessiff, because attewperaunce 1284

Hadde of his houshold hooH \>e gou^rnaunce.

Thus Baptist lohn bi his moderat foode

The cheef tryumphe of abstynence hath begunne,

This patriark[e] rekned oon the goode,

Content with htil, al suffisaunce hath wonne,

As Diogenes in his Htil tonne

Heeld hym appaied, because attemperaunce

Hadde of his houshold al the gou^rnaunce.

His tonne to hym was receit & houshold;

And yif I sholde booste of his celeer,

Ther wer no cuppis of siluer nor of gold;

His costful vyntage caw fro the ryueer:

Weel tymed mesour was for his mouth botleer,

And his tastour was attemperaunce,

Which of his houshold had al \)e gouernaunce.

His conquest was mor souerayn of degre Than Alisaundris, for al his hih renoun; For he conquered his sensualite, Made hym soget & seruaunt to resoun, Daunted of prudence ech foreyn passioun, His clerk of kechene callid attempraunce, Which of his diete had al l)e gouernaunce.

Of superfluite, of slouthe & of sleeps This Diogenes stood euer among in dreede; Of worldli fauour he took no man^r keep^; Strauh was his liteer, a sywple russet weede: Turnid his tonne ageyn the wynd in deede, Tween hot and cold[e], that attemperaunce In somer & wyntir had hool the gouernaunce.

811

Scarcity was his caterer, and his food virtuous abstinence and roots of the desert.

1296

He began by moderate diet, the chief triumph of abstinence, and was as content with little as Diogenes in his hogshead,

who had no cellar or cups of silver and gold. His vintages came from the river, and modera- tion was his butler.

His conquest of 13°° his senses was greater than the triumphs of Alexander.

1304

His bed was of straw, his gar- ment russet; and he turned his tun accord- ing to the wind, and let temper- ance rule in summer and winter.

1308

1312

1 28 1, his] he H.

1283. nat] om. R.

1297. his mouth] ]^e tyme H.

13 13. hool] om. R.

8l2

The Destruction of Jerusalem

[bk. VII

Noble Princes, The Golden WorlJ is turned to lead. Pray God to send down his grace, that temper- ance mav govern your households.

Chiefly for love, but also for fear, attend diligently to his rrecepts; for those who of old ruled by temperance prospered.

While temper- ance and her three sisters held sway, Rome defied its enemies.

^ Lenvoye.

NOBLE Princis, of prudence takith heed This htil chapitle brcefli to co;«pr^hende: The goldene world is turnid into led; 1316

Praieth to God his grace doun to sende Of his hih mercy, that it may soone amende, And that this princesse callid attemperaunce May of yoz^r housholdis han the gou^rnaunce. 1320

Cheefli for loue, parcel eek for dreed,

In your estat whan ye be most shynende,

For your encres & your most gracious speed,

To his preseptis doth dilligentli attende, 1324

Of olde emperour[e]s reedeth the legende:

Whil thei wer reuled be attemperaunce

In long prospmte stood ther gou^frnaunce.

Of worldli kyngdames Roome is callid hed, 1328

Whos roial boundis ferthest out extende

In marcial actis, bothe in lengthe & breed,

Rem Puhlicam bi prowesse to difFende,

No foreyn enmy hardi to ofFende 1332

Ther hih noblesse, whil attemp[e]raunce

Wi't^ hir thre sustren hadde* ther gou<?rnaunce.

[How the kynrede of lacob was destroied / Crist bom and deied / lerusaZem destroied, & xj? Ml slayn bi suerde, hunger, fire & pestilence.] ^

After the stories of V'itellius, Galba and Otho, a great number of the descendants of Jacob came to Bochas

like dismayed people, clad in mourning and wet with tears.

THE stoori eendid of Vitellyus, Of his too feeds Galba & Ottho, How his careyn horrible & hidous, Drownid in Tibre, was possid to & fro. AflFtir the[r] stori [a]cowplisshed was & do. Cam gret noumbre to Bochas, as I reede, Echon descendid of lacobis hih kynreede.

In tokne of compleynt & of heuynesse, Lik folk dismaied, clad in moornyng weede, For the constreynt of ther wrechidnesse,

[P- 359] 1336

1340

1344

1314. goode heede R.

13 16. The] This R — into] in R. 13 19. thes prynces R.

1323. &] & for H. 1334- hadde] hadden B.

1337. their Careyns H. 1338. was] om. H.

1342. tokne] toke H — 2nd of] om. H.

1343. dismaied] diffamyd R.

1 MS. J. leaf 147 verso.

BK. VIl]

Jerusalem and the Jews

813

Bespreynt with teres, quakywg in }^er dreede, Cunwyng no recoMr in so streit a neede, Resemblyng folk be toknis ful mortall That wer toward sum* feeste funerall. 1348

Ther ougH cheeris pitous to beholde,

As thei gan aprochen the presence

Of lohn Bochas to telle ther sorwes olde,

Ther wouwdis bleedywg, be marcial violence, 1352

Oppressid with hunger, thrust, sodeyn pestilence.

Be foreyn suerd ther lyuys manacyng,

Vpon the deth as beestis abidyng,

That wer enclosed narwe in a folde, 1356

Disespeired socour to recure,

To passe ther bouwdis for dreed thei wer nat bold,

Withynwe enfamyne[d], bareyn of al pasture; —

This woful stori remembrid in* scripture, 1360

How that of lacob the generacioun

Was vengabli brouht to dest[r]ucciou«.

This patriark callid whilow Israel,

Most renwomwed among al naciouns 1364

And most famous, the Bible caw weel tell,

Ther lyne out reknid thoruhout al regiouns,

Be goddis beheste took ther pocessiouns,

Maugre Egipciens & Pharaoes pride, 1368

Whan duk Moises be God was maad ^er guide.

With dreye feet thei passed the Rede Se,

Conueyed be Moises & also.be Aaron.

Ther lawe was write, the Bible who list see, 1372

Vpon Syna in tables of hard ston.

And thoruh desert as thei dide gon,

Wit^ aungelis mete callid manna, as I reede,

Fourti wyntir ther he did hew feede. 1376

AfFtir Moises, lad be losue

Into the lond[e] of promyssioun.

The tuelue lynages of lacob ther, parde,

He leet make a distribucioun, 1380

And to ech lyne he gafF his porcioun,

Bi promys maad afForn to Habraham,

To Isaak, lacob, whan thei thidir caw.

1346. Cunnyng3 knowyng J, P, H 5.

1348.] Toward that wer sum feeste funerall R — sum^ the B.

1360. in] be B.

1367. pocessiouw H. 1382. Abraham H, R, J.

Their ugly faces were piteous to look upon, their wounda bleeding; op- pressed with hunger, thirst, pestilence and the sword of foreigners.

they awaited death like sheep in a fold, and lacked all courage to escape.

They were

once the most renowned of nations, as the Bible can tell; and in spite of the pride of Pharaoh,

they crossed the Red Sea dry shod, and received the law at Sinai, written on tablets of hard stone.

They lived for 40 years on angel's food; and after Moses' death Joshua led them into the Promised Land.

8 14 The Unkindness of the Jews to Jesus [bk. vii

Sttukc. Bi patiiarkcs [&] proplictis that wer sad, 1384 |

the"* ^"ms"ereJ- ^^••^'S''e tluT ciiinyes &: thcr mortal foon, ;

and «t last. Bc iiiilui clukcs Sc iutrcs thci vvcr lad, |

when in their r^ i \ • ii-i-i

pride they (jat a! the region ;fs wher thei dide gon,

wanted a king, '-p'-i i i r - i i ■ i i

Saul was 111 at the laste, ot pnde thei echon 1388 |

' °'*°' Lik othir nacioiu;s woldcn haue a kyng. ]

Saul was chose; God grau;;tid l^er askyng. !

b«a'me FinR.*^ ^^^^^^ ^c pattlarkcs & be ther allies, I

and of his line YtOTH Abraham the genfelalogie, 1392 !

Je«u8 was born, ,-p, , , , i • i i •

Tolde be prophetis & be ther prophesies, I

CoHueied to Dauid, which in his regalie |

Heeld of lewes al hool the monarchie, j

Of whos kynrecde bi processe, thus it stood, 1396

Was Crist lesu born of that roial blood.

ci^D^^rVuT Sent from his fader, as prophetis* det^rmyne, salvation and Jook flessh & blood for our sauaciouw,

suffered martyr- „,,.---, » . ',

H'"od""''" Be the Hooli Goost born of a peur virgyne, 1400 i

Hadde among lewes gret tribulacioun, j

Vndir Herodes sufFrid passiou?i, And as the Gospel! treuli doth descryue. The thridde day [he] roos fro deth to lyue. 1404

Srdwir^rn This blissid Lord, this Lord of most v^rtu, Deci'mbTr'^in' Ecndc of Dccembte born [sothly] in Bethlem, Bethlehem and And bc the auwgel namyd was I^ju,

shewn to three ^i i i i i • i '

kings by a bhewed to thtc kynges bi a sterre bem, — 1408 1

starbeam; and ripi • ti • ti i

the same Jesus 1 his Same Ihcsus in Iherusalcm ]

was afterwards r>' ' ' f T ^1 1 • i

condemned by Di conspiracioun ot lewes thotuh envie, i

Cafva'ry° ''"' °° Bc Pilat dempt to deie on Caluarie. J

Je'^ws'w^ere Thus onto Ihesu lewes wer vnkynde, 1412

and'for Tha*!:™' ^'^^ which thei wcm destroied nih echon. ]

they were Crist ptophecicd, the Gospcl maketh mywdc, '

stroyed. How of thcT citc thct shold nat leue a ston '

Vpon another; for ther mortal foon 1416 i

Shold hem besege, he told hem so certeyw, And make Iherusalem with the soil al pleyn.

Susr^for'^when With wccpyng eyen Crist told hem so beforn* [p. 360] '

Efve\hem\he Of thet tuyne and destruccioun; 1420 j

did not know Syn?ie was cause sothli that thei wer lorn: '

For thei nat* knew, to ther confusioun, i

1384. &] om. R. 1392. genelogie R, genologie J, Genealogye H. j

1398. prophetis] poetis B. 1407. the] om. R. 1

1419. beforn] afForn B. 1420. and] & their H. j 1422. nat] ne B.

BK. VII^

The Jews divided amongst themselves

815

Thirty years after the Pas- sion the Jews became divided among them- selves, and there were so many murders that no man dared abide ia the city.

The Romans sent down Vespasian to restore order,

Tyme of ther notable visitacioun,

Whan Crist caw doun, born heer in erthe lowe 1424

For ther sauacioun, — thei list hym nat to knowe.

Thretti yeer ful cronicleeres write

And suwwhat mor, aftir his passiouw,

Amowg the lewes, pleynli to endite, 1428

Withynwe hem-silff fill a dyuysiouw.

Moordrers ros up v^ithynne ther owne touw,

So gret a noumbre, vfith many an homycide,

That in ther cite no man durst weel abide. 1432

Ther presidentis regnyng in lude

Seyng this horrible foul rebellioun

And of moordreris the mortal cruelte

That long endured in that regeouw, — 1436

Which for tappese Romeyws sente douw

Vespasian wzt^ many a mawli kniht,

Which into Gallile took his weie riht.

And to chastise tho moordreris & robbowrs, 1440

Brente ther contre as he rood up & doun,

So cowtynued wi't^ his soudiowrs

Til onto tyme the contres envirouw

Of Iherusalem entred be the town 1444

With ther oblaciouns in many sondri wise,

As Pask requered, to do ther sacrefise.

Tofor tho daies was Iherusalem

Hadde in gret worshep of al naciouws, 1448

Callid princesse of eueri othir rewm,

Whos fame strechid thoruhout al regiouws,

Ther tresor gret and ther pocessiouns,

Double wallid, of beeldywg most notable, 1452

Dreedywg now enmy, for it was impreuable.

Among Romeyws was many a manli man

Willyng echon of oon afFeccioun,

Thoruh the knihthod of Vespasian, 1456

Echon to laboure to the destruccioun

Of Iherusalem; for gret dyuysioun

Among hem-silf was gunne in the cite

Bi certeyn capteyns wer in nounzbre thre. 1460

1425. to] om. H.

1426. yeer] yeers R — cronicleeres] cronyclis H, cronycles R 3, cronyculeers R, J. 1430. vp ros R. 143 1. an oumbre H.

1432. ther] that R, the J, P — weel] om. R.

1439. Gallile] Gaule H. 145 1. Ther] The R. 1458. gret] their H.

and he laid waste the country at the time the people entered Jerusa- lem to make their paschal sacrifices.

Jerusalem was then called the princess of realms, rich in treasure, double walled, and almost impregnable.

The Romans were willing to fight hard to win the city, which was divided against itself.

Rome as era peror,

8i6 Vespasian and Titus in 'Judaea [bk. vil i

The tyrants Synion, lohii and Eleazarus, \

Simon, John -' ' . . 1

•nd Eicazar Horriblc tirauwt^j oppr^-ssyng l)e poraille, ]

were enemies; r i I • i

and there was Qf gou<Tnau//ce tiowaru aiicl outiaious, I

ou" and wTihin. FalsH dcuidcd ech othir dide assaille, 1464 {

Anio;!g hem-silf had many gret* batallle: ;

Werre withoute & werre was wtt^ynne; , I

Thus of vengau7/ce myscheef dide gynne.

Vespasian tried Vcspasian nat beyng rek[e]les, 1468 1

to make peace r_ •i-iit'l

among them. pQf his partic hlc a prudcnt kniht

but in vain. \ • j I

Returning to Bc notablc mcnys excited hem to pes;

But al for nouht; blente ther owne siht; I

To cheese the beste thei koude nat seen arlht. 1472 ;

And in this while, this noble werreyowr : Vespasian was chosen emperoz^r.

he appointed gj AHsandre to Roome he went ageyn,* I

his son litus 111 ■ 1 J' •

to succeed him Resceyued ther thymperial dignite. 1470

in Judaea. --r'- i i l • l f ...

Jerusalem was His sone 1 itus he made his cheer capteyw, j

besieged -.f • T J '

and starved. His ptocuratour, to goueme in lude, i

Besette enviroun Iherusalem the cite, 1

With men of armys seged it so aboute 1480 j

That non myhte entre nor now myhte issen oute.

One woman is gtopped thcr cowduitcs & ther watris cleer,

said to have '"rr riii r'*ll

roasted her Enfamyncd hem for lakkyng or vitaille. '

child for lack -^ i • i i • l r.

of victuals, A certeyn woman, thus seith the cronicleer, 1484

ho^bUa de^! Rosted hir child whan vitaile did[e] faille, — j

She hadde of stoor non othir apparaille, — ]

Theron be leiseer hirsilf she dide feede, 1

Which in a woman was to horrible a deede! 1488

be^a^ten^dowTb Thcr myhti wallis v^ith gunnes wer cast doun,

engines and Xoo sttonge tot^r[e]s take of ther cite, 1

two strong -r. • r Ml • ^L ... '

towers taken. Resistence gan raillen in the toun,

Thei stood of hunger in swich perplexite. 1492

Titus of knihthod and magnanymyte, Thoruhout the tour callid Antonyan Is entrid in lik a knihtli man.

1464. ech]] echon H.

1465. gret] strong B. 1469. prudent] manly H.

1472. seen] chese H.

1473. noble] notable H.

1475. went ageyn] was sent B. 1483. lak H.

1485. vitaillis R.

BK.

VIl3

"Jerusalem destroyed by Titus

817

The peeple in streetis lay for hunger ded, 1496

To beye nor selle no lyfflode in the touw;

Ther was no* socoMr nouther of drynk nor bred

In peyne of deth born nouther up nor douw.

Vomyt of oon was the refeccioun 1500

Vnto another; ther was such scarsete,

Who redeth losephus, the trouthe he* may Jj^r see.

Brent was the temple maad first be Salamow, [p. 361]

Which had endured, thus writ the cronicleer, 1504

That was so roial bilt of riche ston,

Fulli a thousand & too hundred yeer.

Romeyns entred maugre ther porteer

With spere, pollex & suerdis sharp[e] whette, 1508

Lik wode leouns slouh whom that thei mette.

Ther riche gatis curid wzt^ plate of gold

Wer brente and molte withoute excepciouw;

The siluer images that forgid wer of old, 1512

The violent feer made hem renne douw.

Noble Titus hadde corapassioun,

His marcial dukis spared nothywg certeyw,

List of presumpcioun thei wolde* rebelle ageyw. 1516

Eleuene huwdrid thousand wer ther slayn Bi suerd, bi hunger, fyr and pestilence; Stynk of kareyns that in streetis layn Caused of deth most sodeyn violence; And Titus gaff among hem this sentence — I meene of them that dide alyue duell — For a peny men sholde thretti sell.

So as ludas sold Crist for thretti pens,

Titus ageyn thouhte of equite,

Of marchaundise to make recompense,

Thretti lewes founde in the cite

For a peny, & for no mor, parde,

Thei to be sold for ther gret outrage,

Euer among Sarsyns to lyuen in seruage.

Of the temple a preest that was ful olde,

Too statli lanternis, that wer ful briht & sheene, -1532

Tables, basynes, violes of briht golde

He presented; & thus he dede meene:

1498. no] non B, R. I499- nouther] neithir R — nor] ne

1502. losephus] Joseph R — he] ye B, R, om. J — ^ef\ om.

1505. riche ston] lyme & stoone H. 15 10. Ther] The H.

1516. wolde] list B. 1518. 2nd bi] & H. 1525. of] it H.

J520

1524

1528

The people lay dead for hunger in the streets: their story can be read in Josephus.

The temple, which had stood for 1200 years, was burnt

together with its rich gates covered with plates of gold, and its silver images.

1,100,000 Jews were slain by the sword, starva- tion, fire, and pestilence; and the stink of corpses caused many more deaths.

Titus com- manded the survivors to be sold to the Saracens at thirty for a penny, as Jesus had once been sold by Juda3 for thirty pence.

An old priest shewed Titus the treasures of the temple in token of its departed glory;

H. J.

8i8 The Vengeance of Jesus on the Jews [_^k. vii

That thcr trcsour sholdc weel be scene

Of the temple & sliewed to Titus 1536

In tokne it was wliilom so glorious.

!!ik'i'nd7r'lnl!i:>- To shcwe celc ther he dede his besi cure, cense and the gjij- svnamoMie, franc-ensens withal,

purple vest- ^ - , ' '

nients and rich Yqv sacrcfisc the Durpurat vesture, 1540

pectoral of the m,.. , ^^i i • i i

high priest. W ith 1 hymyaiiie, the riche pectoral, Which ordeyned wern in especial For the solenipne place of placis all, Sancta sanctorz/;/?, & so men dide it call. 1544

^triTamed' ''^^ Of the cite a prince callid lohn

John came to ^q Titus Cam & shewcd his presence,

litus. pale with ■ ^

hunger; and Pale foT hungcr; ther caw also Symon,

biinion was i-> i ■ i i > i T-

brought to him Dtouht DC a duK that namyd was lerence, 1548

Terence. Clad in purpil, brouht be violence,

Resceyued of Titus whan this noble town, Castellis, tours & wallis wer smet doun.

b!t!"rappei 1"^° ^ castell calHd Mazadan 1552

in a castle, he Eleazatus haddc take his fliht.

incited all who »-. . .

were with him Bcsegid of Scilla or he the castel wan,

to slay one „, . ° , ... - . ...

another. 1 his Lieazat Ilk a rurious kniht

Withynne the castell the silue same niht 1556

Sterid eueri ma?i, fadir, child & brothir, Wz't^ sharp[e] suerdis ech maw to slen othir. most imeTjlTf Thus was this* cite, most statli of beeldywg, desui^e'd''^^ That whilom was of this world cheeftoun, 1560

Wher Melchisedek regned, preest & kyng, Be daies olde, as maad is menciouw, Restorid be Dauyd, bilt newe of Salamouw, Princesse of prouynces, was nowher* such anojiifr; 1564 Now is it* abiect and refus of al othir. jewsMilrtV^' Vnto the lewes Crist lesxxs gaf respiht, before Te^tTOk ^uU thrctti yeer[e] or he took vengaunce, vengeance; for J^ tokne the Lord hath ioie & gret delite, 1568

the Lord has i- l

joy when \\ haw that synweres dispose hem to penauwce

sinners are con- »-» • • i i t

trite and repent: Be contncioun and hcrtli repentaunce.

This blissid Lord, this Lord most m^rciable Lengest abideth or he list be vengable. 1572

IS37- so] om. R. 1540. the] of H.

1544. R misplaces here: "Which ordeyned wer in especiall."

1551. Castell R.

1559. this] the B. 1562, 63 are transposed in H.

1564. nowher] neuer B.

1565. is it] it is B — it] om. R. 1571. 2nd Lord] kyng R.

BK. VIl]

Portents Fateful to the Jews

819

He was to them so gracious & benigne,

Bood that thei sholde to hyw conuerte soone,

Shewed onto hem many an vnkouth signe:

Durywg tuelue daies edipsed was the moone; 1576

The peeple astoned, knew nat what was to doone,

But indurat in ther froward entent,

Lik folk abasshed wist nat what it mente.

Affor the siege, or Titus ga« the werre, 1580

Ouer the cite, wherof thei wex afFerd,

Ther appeered a comeete & a sterre.

The sterre was shape Hch a large suerd;

Touchyng the comeete, ther was neu^r herd 1584

Of swich another, so fyri, briht and cleer,

Which endured the space of al a yeer.

Ther festyual day halwid in Aprill, [p. 362]

Ther preestis besi to make oblacioun, 1588

So gret a liht the temple dide fill.

That al the peeple stondywg enviroun

Thouhte it so briht in ther inspeccioun,

Passyng the sunwe, as it dide seeme; 1592

But what it mente no maw koude deeme.

As the preestis dide ther besi cure

To ofFre a calfF, anon or thei took heede,

The same calfF — a thyng ageyn nature — 1596

Brouht foorth a lamb, the same tyme I reede;

An ougli tokne, which put* hem in gr<?t dreede,

A contrarie* pronosticacioun,

Shewed onto them of ther subuersioun, 1600

With othir toknis froward & contrarye

The* same tyme wer shewed eu<?r among;

The brasen dores of the inward seyntuarye.

With iren barres shet, that wer most strong, 1604

Brood of entaille, round and wonder long,

That myht nat meue v^ith thretti mennys miht,

Opned by hywsilfF twies on o niht.

and although he was gracious to them and shewed them strange signs of what was to come, the people re- mained obdur- ate.

Before the siege a fiery comet

appeared over the city, and a star shaped like a large sword;

and on their festival day in April a light shone brighter than the sun in the temple.

As the priests offered up a calf it brought forth a lamb, which was an evil omen.

There were other froward signs: the heavy brazen doors of the sanctuary opened of themselves thrice on one night.

1585. such H, R, J. 1587. Ther] The H. 1594. the] ther R.

1598. put] took B.

1599. contraire B. 1602. The] Ther B. 1605. rouwd] wide H. 1607. thries vpon a H.

820 Tokens of the Fall of Jerusalem ^bk. vii

Chariots were 'YheT wcF scvn also cliaris in the hair, 1608

•een in liic air -^

and mcn-at- McH of armcs With bfiht suerdes cleere,

arm» with /-. r i i -i r i i C '

gleaming swords Of plate and mailc [therj armure was so rair, armour, who Briht as Phcbus whcr thei didc appeere. ""assTuit^'the And as the stori also doth vs lere, 1612

^'^^"' With ther sheltrou?/s & ther apparaill,

A proffre maad Iherusaleni for tassaill.

"e^ p°r"est"'*''" To the lewes it didc signefie

heard a dread- ^ pronostik of thet dcstruccioun. 1616

ful sound 'n „ *^ . , , i • i- i i i •

the temple. Prccstis to the temple as tnei aide hem hie

which ended in . . ., . i i ■

the awful words, Vpon 3 niht to doon oblaciouTz, us arise^and Amvd the tc/nple was herd a dreedful sou7i; go hence." Of which[e] noise this was the feerful eende: 1620

"Rys up echon, & let vs hen[ne]s weende."

beforc^the* "^"^ ^"^ foutc yeet tofor the siege gan siege one Oon Ananvas, yong & tendre of age,

AnsniAS, the y^p i*i i t* irn

dull son of Or his berthe sone or a rud[ej man, 1624

a peasant, ran ^^ .. • • i i r i *

through the be disposicioun dul ot his corage, frenzy", shouting, Lich as he hadde fallen in a rage

Ran in the cite bamaner frenesie,

Spared nat wtt^ open mouth to crie. 1628

o/\he'eLr' Vnto this noise was maad[e] non obstakle,

the south, the gm; obstynat euere in his entent,

a voice from ' Day of the fccstc holde in the Thabernacle,

the four winds ,t a • a i i <« r ^ • ^ ^

cries out A vois, Quod hc, out ot the orient, 1632

sfiem? ^'™' Vois fro thc south, fro north & Occident,

Vois fro foure wyndis that blowe so brod & wide, Vois geyn* Iherusalem crieth out on eu^ry side!

tfmpfe a^'g^ainst ^^^^ g^y^* the tcmplc, agcyw the peeple also, 1636 the people. Vois agcyn husbondis, vois ageyw her wyues:

husbands and » X F'.-'

wives: woe to v\ o to Ihcrusaicm with a treble wo a^uebie'"woer Of hungct, thtust & Iccsyng o(\)er lyues, — •

Of suerd & fyr, and many sodeyn stryues!" 1640

This was the wrecchid lamentacioun Which Anany cried thoruhout the toun.

1608. seyn^ slayn R.

1610. ther] om. H, R, J, R 3, H 5, P, the SI.

1614. Iherusalem] ther Cite lerMJ-al^m R, J, R 3.

1619. herd] made H. 1620. feerful] dredefuU R, J.

1634. fro foure] fro the R — blowe] blew R.

1635. geyn] ageyn B. 1636. geyn] ageyn B. 1637. 2nd ageyn] geyn R. 1638. ist Wo] Who R.

1642. thoruhout] thoruh H, R, R 3, thurh J, H 5, through P.

BK. VIl]

Tokens of the Fall of Jerusalem

Bete he was for his* afFray ful ofte,

Whippid, scoorgid eendlong & upriht, 1644

Al-wer-it so he felte [it] ful vnsofte,

Was hi betyng maad feynt & feeble of myht,

He stynte nat to crie so day & niht,

A pronostik shewyng to the cite, 1648

How that riht soone it sholde destroied be.

Be rehersaile also of Carnotence,

With that cite for synwe it stood so tho,

That yif Romeyws be marcial violence 1652

Hadde nat komen & doon hem al this wo.

The erthe sholde han opnid & ondo,

Deuoured the peeple, void of al refuge,

Or drowned the town be sum sodeyn deluge. 1656

Breefli to passe, this vewgauwce most terrible

Doon upon lewes for ther transgressiouw.

For ther demerites the puwshyng most horrible.

Of Iherusalem fynal subuersioun, 1660

Of the temple, tabernacle & touw.

In losephus, who list seen al the deede, —

De hello ludaico, the surplus he may* reede. 1663

^ Explicit liber Septimi/s.

1643. his] this B, R 3, H 5. 1645. it] om. R, J, H 5, P. 1651. for synne] OOT. R. 1655. peeplis H. 1663. he may the surplus B.

821

Although he was often beaten for his clamour, he did not cease to cry day and night.

And John of Salisbury said that it

then stood so with the city for sin, that if the Romans had not come, the earth would have opened and swallowed it.

But you can read all about the end of Jerusalem in Josephus.

BOOK VIII

12

^ Incipit Prologus libri octaui,

BOCHJS makth heer an exclamaciouw: [p. 363] Ageyn the lewes gret vnkywdenesse Rouht be the Romeyws, \)er cite & \ier touw, Lich as the stori did heer-toforn expresse, — 4

Thei disparpiled to lyue in wrechchidnesse, Bi Goddes hand punshed for ther outrage. For euere [to] lyue in tribut & seruage.

Folwyng myn auctowr, I caste for to touche 8

So as I can, rehersyng the maneere

How lohn Bochas liggyng on his couche

Spak to hymsilfF & saide as ye shal heere,

" Whi artow now so dul of look & cheere,

Lik a man, thi face berth witnesse,

That hym disposeth to lyue* in idilnesse? '*

"Certis," quod lohn, "I tak[e] riht good keep,

Of myche trauaile that the outrage

Hath be long slombre cast me in a sleep.

My lymys feeble, crokid & feynt for age.

Cast in a dreed, for dulnesse of corage,

For to presume vpon me to take

Of the eihte book an eende for to make."

"Thow wenist parauwtir in thyn oppynyouw Bi this labour to gete the a name, For to reherse the sodeyw fallyng dou«. And be sum newe processe for to attame, Of princes* sittyng hih in the Hous of Fame, In dyuers bookis, wher thou maist hem fywde, Perpetuelly to putte thi name in mywde.

3. \>er (both)'] J)e R. 4. the] their H.

7. to] om. R.

12. now] om. R, J.

14. lyuen B, R.

17. Hath] hast H.

26. princes] Princessis B, J, P.

Bochas exclaims against the great unkind- ness done to the Jews by the Romans, in punishment by God's hand for their outrages.

Afterwards, lying on his bed he spoke to himself, asking, "Why are you so dull and idle?"

16

20

24

"Certainly," said John, "it seems to me that the weariness of great labour has overcome me. I am old, and dread to take up the task of finishing the Eighth Book."

"Perhaps you think you can get yourself a name by this labour, and in some new manner enter the House of Fame.

28

823

824

John Bochas and Lady Slouthe

[bK. VIII

'ing°jl>7'!l?e"' '^'^' A:nci sliorte puttc the in gret[e] dreed

to few, that you are dis- couraged. Re- member that when men arc

the'earth^thcre Atiiowg remcj/jbrvng, thy?ik on this langage bu"of'"^d'' Whan men be buried lowe in the crth

living.

Of swich a hibour to take the passage, The mor feeble the slowerc is thi speed, Thi* sihte dirkid; & thou art falle in age;

"Worldly goods shall pass, wealth and knowledge shall be for- gotten, friend- ship changes like the moon; but a good name left behind exceeds all riches.

an men be buried lowe in tiie ertne doun, Sauf of good lyuyng, farwecl al guerdou^r.

Worldli goodis shal passe, & that riht soone, Tresour, kun[n]y?!g and al shal out of niy^/de; Frenshcp chaungeth as doth the cloudi moone; At a streiht neede fewe freendis men do fynde. But a good name whan it is lefFt behynde Passeth al richesse, yif it be weel diss^rued, And al gold in coffre lokkid & cons^ruyd.

•Tour labour Of thi labour, the same shal wexe derk;

too shall grow ' '

^}^'\ , Bewar Bocha/, & heerof tak good heed."

" bloth spoke i^, ^ 1 111

to me and " Slouthe spak to me, and bad me leue werk: to labour: 'for For a smal reward thou shalt haue for \A meede, shaU bHrnaii.'" As bc exau?nple thou maist othir reede."

This was the langage, I hadde therof routhe, Atween lohn Bochaj and this ladi Slouthe.

Bochas hung bis head and was perplexed, knowing

Bochas astoned, gan doun his hed enclyne,

Vpon his pilwe lay hangyng in a traunce,

Stoode in gret doute, koude nat determyne,

Lik a man hangyng in ballaunce,

To what parti he sholde his penne auaunce

To proceede as he vndirtook,

Or leue the labour of his eihte book.

not what to do, when Francis Petrarch, the laureate poet, came and sat down at his bedside.

3a

36

40

44

48

52

56

Atwix[e] tweyne abidyng thus a while,

What was to doone in doute he gan fleete,

HalfF withynne & half ouer the stile,

Koude nat discerne to hym what was most meete, 60

Til Fraunceis Petrak, the laureat poete,

Crownid with laurer, grace was his gide,

Cam and set hym doun bi his beddis side.

32. Thl]TheB, R,J, R3,P.

33. this] thi R.

40. name] Fame H. 49. this] ^t H.

50. inclyne R, declyne H. 52. in] in

53. in abalaunce R, in a ballance H 5.

S8. What] That R — to Heete R, J.

63. bed side H.

a R.

BK. VIIl]

Francis Petrarch and Bochas

825

And as Boch^j out of his slombre abraide 64

And gaw adawen suwwhat of his cheere,

And sauh Petrak, lowli to hym he saide:

"Wolkome maister, crownid with laureer,

Which han Itaille lik a sunwe cleer 68

With poetrie, pleynli to descryue,

Most soueraywH enlumyned hi your* lyue, —

I haue desired, as it is weel kouth,

Of riht hool* herte be humble attendaunce, 72

To doon you worshep fro* my tendre youth,

And so shal euere, void of al variauwce,

Duryng my lyfF; for treuli in substauwce

Ye haue* been lanterne, liht and direcciouw 76 >

Ay to supporte myn ocupaciouw.

As in writyng bookis to compile,

CheefF exauwplaire to my gret auauntage.

To refourme the rudnesse of my stile 80

Wit^ aureat colours of your fressh langage.

But now forduUid be impotence of age,

Of decrepitus markid with many a signe,

My labour up of writyng I resigne. 84

I cast[e] me nat ferther* to proceede, [p. 364]

Stonde at abay fordryue with* werynesse." Quod Franseis Petrak, "leese nat thus thi meede: Yif men no cause to reporte nor expresse, 88

In thi laste age thou hast fouwde a maistr^sse Which hath the bridled in sooth (& ^at is routhe) And halt thi rene, and she is callid Slouthe.

An euident tokne of froward slogardie, Vpon thi bed thi lymes so to dresse. Ris up! for shame! for I ca« weel espie. Folk that can grone & feele no seeknesse, Ther chaumbirleyn is callid Idilnesse, Which leith thi pilwe at euen & at morwe, — Void hir fro the, and let hir go wit^ sorwe!

92

96

At this Bochas started up and said, "Wel- come, Master, who, like a bright sun, illumined Italy with poetry.

"From my tender youth I have done you worship. You have been my guide and example.

reforming the rudeness of my style with your fresh language. "But now I am grown old

and stand at bay, oppressed by weariness." Said Petrarch, "Do not lose your reward thus. Men will say, in your old age you found a mistress. Sloth, who bridled you.

"Get up; I

know people who groan when they feel no illness. Your hand- maiden is idle- ness,

68. han3 shan R. 70. your] hir B.

72. riht hool] rihtful B, R.

73. fro] for B. 76. han B.

85. ferther] foorth B, R, P, forth J.

86. with] for B, R, J.

90. &] in R, om. H. 92. froward] rowarde H.

97. thi]t)eH.

826 Petrarch's Advice to John Bochas [bk. viii

a!lur!i'ry"°"aii To al vcftu iTiost ffoward & contraryc

virtue «nd hai J^ IclilllCSSC llCCf ill tllis DlCSeilt Iv'ff, lOO

drawn )"ou , . ' "...

•way from your Wliicli Hatli tlic diawc awcy fio till libiaric, W il the nat siirtre to be co;;tewplatiff"; For liir condicioun is to liolde strifF With euery vertuous occupaciou?!, 104

Which men sholde voide of wisdam & resouw.

"Arouse yourself and open your eyes!

"Remember the Book of the Life Solitary, which teaches virtue, and, as I said before, look up and get out of bed. Are you goine to stop at the Seventh Book?

In this mateer what sholde I longe tarye? —

Leff thi slonibre and up thyn eyen dresse!

The book I-maad of lyfF[e] solitarye, 108

Reme/nbre theron, the which in sekirnesse

Techeth the weie of vertuous besynesse,

Bi and bi, who list reede eueri lyne,

Of contemplacioun moral and dyuyne. 112

As I seide erst, yit IefFt[e] up thi look,

Forsak thi bed, rys up anon, for shame!

Woldestow reste now on thyn seuent book.

And leue the eihte.? in sooth thou art to blame! 116

Proceede forth and gete thi-silf a name.

And with o thyng do thi-silf conforte:

As thou disseruest, men aftir shal reporte.

to'dTrkn^s,'^*^' Maak a comparisou[n] tween dirknesse & liht, 120 hTTrenow'n Tween Idilnesse and Occupacioun, virtuous in- Twcctt fairc daies and the cloudi niht,

dustry to sloth, rj-y ■, i i -i

Iween a coward prowesse and hih renouw, Tween vertuous spech and fals detraccioun; 124

And to conclude, all vices to represse, Contrarye to slouthe is vertuous besynesse.

r'en"'^s"things Vcrtuous bcsyncssc, O Bochas, tak good heed,

of old antiquity Renveth alle thynges off old antiquite, 128

and causes men -., i r • i-iii

to live after Maketh men to lyuen aftir thei be ded.

All were gone Remembrcth the noblesse of many gret cite;

had it not been » i • » i

for writers. And ne wcr writers, al wer goon, parde.

Wherfor, Bochas, sith thou art nih the lond, 132

SufFre nat thi ship to stumble on no sond.

"Co

103. 109. IIS.

119.

125. 128. 133.

to] for toH. 105. voide] use H, R3.

sekirnesse] siknesse H.

on] at H. 1 16. eihte] eihte book R.

shall afftir H.

to] om. H. 126. is] & H.

Renewith R, J, R 3, H 5.

no] the R, J, P.

108. bookis H.

BK. viii^ Petrarch's Advice to John Bochas

827

I meene as thus: the shipp of thi trauaille, Which hath passid the se of bookis seuene. Cast nat anker til thou ha good ryuaille! Lat no tempest of thundir, reyw nor leuene, Nor no wyndis of the cloudi heuene, Nor no fals ianglyng of demeres that wil blyue Depraue thi labour, let thi shipp taryue.

Haste on thi way, lat Grace crosse J)i saille, Fall on no sond of wilful necligence, Lat good[e] will be cheef of thi couwsaille. To guye thi* rother set enteer dilligence; Yif vitaille faille & wyn to thi dispense, Yit at the laste, thynk, for thi socoz^r Sum roial prince shal quyte thi labour.

136

140

144

148

Thynk, be writyng auctowrs did ^^er peyne

To yiue princis ther komendaciouns,

To Remus, Romulus callid foundours tweyne

Of Rome town; & of too Scipiouws

Thei wrot the knihthod, prudence of too Catouws, 152

Of lulius, Pompeye & Hanybal eek also,

Bexauwple of whom looke that thou so do.

"The ship of your labour has passed the sea of seven books; do not cast anchor until you have come to port.

"Hasten on your way, let Grace set your sail and Good- will be chief of your counsel; and at the last, some royal prince will reward your labour.

"Writers have done their pain to commend princes

Of prophetis thei wrot the prophecies

And the noblesse of olde Moises, 156

Of poetis the laureat poesies.

The force of Samson, the strengthe of Hercules;

Of two Grekis, Pirrus and Achilles,

Bi ther writyng — bookis sey the same — 160

Into this day endureth yit the name.

And he that can and ceseth for to write

Notable exaumples of our predecessoMts,

Of envie men wil hym atwite, 164

That he in gardyns leet p^rshe l)e holsuw flours

In sondry caas that myhte do gret socowrs.

Laboure for othir, & spare nat thi trauaille;

For vertuous labour geyn slouthe mai most auaille. 168

and to write the prophecies of prophets and the laureate poesy of poets.

"And he who can and does not write the notable deeds of our prede- cessors will be censured by men.

135. passidj om. H.

144. thi] the B, R, J. 145. expence H. 151. &] om. R.

152. the] om. R — & prudence H.

153. eek also] too H.

154. whom] them H. 162. and] om. R. 166. gret] om. H.

828 John Lydgate also proceeds in his Labour [^bk. viii

trAi/ofr"^" A thyng remembrld of antiquite, [p* 3^5]

prince or per- j^ \vha;; tlicT is sct a fulf iiiiace

son who IS - 1 • I 111

de«a quickens Qf a pniicc of hill Of loiih tlccre;

the heart of his r\ r r i • •

friend; KjT 01 a pcfsone a prcent or his visage 173

Gladeth his freend, quykcth his corage; And semblabli bexaiunple men may fynde Thynges forgetyn be writyng come to myrzde.

Mmemamicr ^"'^ ^^^ ^^ make OUT names perdurable, 176

forKottcn y\,i(i our iiicrites to putten in memorie,

merits may be . » '

put in mind by \ iccs tcschewe, in vertu to be stable, end of our That labouie may of slouthe haue the victorie, voted^o ctrist To clcyme a see in the heuenli consistorie — 180

^""" Despiht of idilnesse & foorthryng of v^rtu —

Fyn of our labour be youe to Crist \es\x."

hlTdonc""^ CI Whan Petrak hadde rehersid this lessoun

speaking. Bochas jfj rebukyng of vicious idilnesse, 184

arose and -ni-ii ir

sharpened his Bochas supprised and meued of resouw,

pen. V\ill had .p, _ , . , . . ,

overcome the Koos irom his couchc, gan his penne dresse. ^M eness o Will ouercaui thympotent feeblessc

Of crokid age, that Boch^j vndirtook 188

For tacomplisshe up his eihte book.

LydgaU!"*^" I folwyng aftir, fordullid with rudnesse, foiiowine after, ]\/[or than thrc score yeeris set my date,

unskilled and .■:.■... ^ ,

more than Lust of youthc passid [with] his Iresshnesse; 192

years old, Colours of rcthotik to helpe me translate bright roiours^ Wer fadid awey: I was born in Lidgate, FaVed:-"" Wher Bachus licowr doth ful scarsli fleete,

My drie soule for to dewe & weete. 196

Lydg'att° wh'e°e Thouh pallid age hath fordullid me, B^^ch'^s^ °f Tremblyng ioyntes let myn hand to write, iiquor flows. And fro me take al the subtilite

Fordulled by ^~ » . , • t i- i i*

age, I shau Ut coHOUs makyng in Inglissh to endite, — aoo

ubour. '° ""^ Yit in this labour treuli me taquite I shal proceede, as it is to me dewe. In thes too bookis Bochas for to sewe.

f Explicit prologus libri Octaui.

172. Or] of H — 2nd a^ Jje H. 174. semblaly R. 175. Cometh R. 190. with] for R. 191. yeeris] of yeer« H. 192. with] om, R, J, P, H 5. 196. to dewe] ta dew H.

BK. VIIl]

Domitian, a had Emperor

829

^ Incipit liber octauus.

[How the proude tiraunt Domytyan Emperour of Rome, and many other Emperours & nobles for ther outrages & wrecchidnesse mischeuesly ended.3 ^

B

ROTHER to* Titus, sone of Vespasian, [p. 367] Cam next in ordre, as writ myn auctowr, 205 The proude awbicious callid Domyciaw, And was in Roome crownid emperowr; — An extorsioneer and a fals pillowr, 208

Proudli comauwdid, in his estat up stallid. Of al the world he sholde a god be callid.

Thoruh hih presumpciouw, of hym it is eek told,

Nouther of tymber koruen nor of ston, 212

Set up images of siluer and of gold.

In tokne ther was no god but he allon.

Into Pathmos he exiled eek Seynt Ihon,

And ageyn Cristene the seconde next Nerouw, 216

That began first the persecucioun.

This same tirauwt, regnywg in his estat,

To alle the cite was passyng odious;

Best & most worthi he slouh of the Senat, 220

And onto all that wer[e] vertuous

Mortal enmy, and most malicious.

And for slauhtre of senatowrs in the touw

Axed the tryuwphe, as maad is menciouw. 224

Made among lewes be ful gret outrage,

Wher-as he hadde grettest suspeciouw,

To slen all tho that wer of the lynage

OfF Dauid kynreede or kywg Salamoun, 228

List he wer put out off domynaciouw

Among[es] lewes; this was his meenywg, —

Slouh all tho that wer born to be kyng.

Domitian was an extortioner and pillager, who com- manded men to call hira god of all the world.

He set up silver and

golden images of himself and exiled St. John to the Isle of Patmos.

He was odious to all Rome, slew senators and was an enemy to virtuous people.

He killed all the Jews of the line of David and Solomon,

204. to3 of B — of] to H,

211. is] om. H.

221. onto] to H.

225. among] of H.

228. or] or of H, R 3, P, of J.

229. domynacioun] pocessioun H, R 3.

^ MS. J. leaf 150 verso.

830 The End of Domitian. Commodus [JBK. viii

and IS Gc^ Amyd his* paleis, as God wolde of riht 233

riKhtly wishcJ i-» ' i ■ o • l I • J

to punish him, runslie a tirau//t & quiten nym his nieede,

one*nil;hVin Tlils Domycian was slayn vpon a niht,

ConTm^uj. His kareyn aftir vnburied, as I reed.

who «ucc«Jcd. q ^^j Comodus doth aftir hym succeede, 236

was given ■* . .

wholly to his Which was al youe be flesshh appetit tites. To leue al vertu & folwe his fals deht.

A« was then Theatre pleyes of custum he did vse,

the custom, he , , i o i

habitually As was the custum ther & the vsage; 240

pra"yV°and"'^' His Hff in vices hc falsH did abuse,

fi^mosT viJtu- In lecherous lustis dispente al his young age,

0U8 senators, 'p^ ^.].,g Romcyws did ful gret damage:

For of the Senat that wer most virtuous, 244

Wer falsli slay[e]n hi this Comodus. During his In his tymc be strook of thundirdent

time the public . , /- i-i i i r l

library was And hry lihtny^g that caw doun rrow heuene, lightnml:. ^ The comoun librarye was of the cite brent, 248

strangled V" ^^' ^^^^ ''^'^^ hoo\i\& of al the craftis seuene, his concubine, gookis of poctis mo tha?i I can neuene. And Comodus, breefli to termyne. Was slayn and stranglid bi his concubyne. 252

Heivius Pert.- ^ Helmus Pcrtynax cam next on the ryng, next on the ring. Ordeyned aftir emperoMr of that toun, unwieid/and Old & vnwecldi, slayn in his gynnyng. soon slain. AfFtir whow, the book makth mencioun, 256

Be no title of successioun, ^ But an intrusowr, oon callid lulian, Thestat vsurpyng to regne ther began. Julian, a g^. ^f |.},g noblc lynage Affrican, 260

usurper, lol- _ ...

lowed, and he Bom in Tripolis, a myhti gret cite,

was killed m i i -i l*

battle by Oon beuerus, that was a knihtli man,

Severus, born /^ i i r t> j

of the line of Gadted ot Romeyns a wonder gret meyne.

caL^'us.'^"' Bothe maad strong, lulian mette & he 264

At Fount Melyn, a cite of Itaille, And ther was lulyan slay[e]n in bataille.

Fired by malice, ^ Scuerus aftir cntrid the empire

w^a^rdTpe^r^^ And took upon hym the domynacioun, 268

Chrittia'irs. Vpon Cristene, of malis sette affire. Began ageyn hem a persecucioun

232. his] the B, R, J. 238. fals] om. H. 247. fire R. 253. Helmus] Elius P, Helinus R 3. 259. ther] thai R. 262. knihtli] lykly R.

265. pount Moleyn H, pount meleyn J, poyunt Mellian R, pont Miluian P.

BK. viii3 Severus, Antoninus, Macrinus, Aurelius

831

276

280

Of tirannye and fals ambicioun;

^ But oon of Egipt callid Poscennyus 272

Ageyw Seuerus began to werke thus:

Gadred meyne Seuerus for tassaile, In purpos fuUi, & theron dide his peyne, First with hym to haue a gret bataille, Next of thempire the crowne for tatteyne. But ye shal heere what fill of thes tweyne: On Poscenwyus fill the disconfiture, And Seuerus thempire doth recure.

In his purpos or he myht auaille,

V^ith oon Albynus, that was a manli kniht,

He hadde [in] Gaule a ful gret bataille;

Ful gret[e] blood shad in that mortal fiht, 284

Albynus slayn of v^rray force & myht.

Seuervs aftir entrid in Breteyne,

Kauht[e] seeknesse & deide of the peyne.

^ Aftir Seuerus next caw Antonyne, [p. 368] 288

Of whom the froward disposicioun,

As alle auctours of hym determyne, —

His besynesse and occupaciouw

Set hool in flesshli delectaciouw, 292

So fals a lust his corage did assaille, —

Among[es] Parthois slay[e]n in bataille.

^ Macrinvs aftir tofor Boch^j- caw doun,

Whilom a prefect in Roome the cite, 296

Of the Pretoire, and be invacioun

Cam to the imperial famous dignite,

Ocupied a yeer, sat in his roial see,

Til Fortune list hym to disgrade, 300

Among his knihtis slayn at Archelade.

^ Next caw Aurelius surnamyd Antonyne,

A gret ribaud & passyng lecherous,

Yit was he bisshop, as auctOMrs determyne, 304

In the temple of Aliogobolus.

And in his tyme was oon Sabellius,

A fals heretik, of whom* ga« the names '

Of a sect callid Sebellianes. 308

272. Pescennius P. 273. to] l)e H. 281. his] this H.

286. Briteyn H.

292. hool] holly R. 295. Macrinvs] Marcyus H, R 3.

304. he] the R. 305. Eliagabolus H, R 3, Heliogabalus H 5.

307. when B.

and was attacked by Pescennius Niger, whom, however, he defeated.

He also fought in Gaul and defeated and slew Albinus. He then went to Britain, where he died of disease.

Antoninus next ap- peared — a wicked man whose whole business and occupation was fleshly delight.

He was slain in battle by the Parthians. Macrinus, who succeeded An- toninus, reigned one year and was then killed by his soldiers.

The emperor Antoninus Aurelius was a passing lecher- ous ribald, although a bishop; and in his time the Sabellian sect

832 Marcus Aurdius, Maxinius [bk. viii

uted'gofcj'eir *** This said Aureliiis, ngeyn[e]s al norture,* vui*t'r'°' ^^ '^'^'^ prcsu;;!pciou?:, in bookis it is told, purpote*. which Woldc Hat Dource his womb bi nature,

w»8 contrary to „ . n- 1 1 r i 1

good hrcedins; Ijut 111 vcsselhs that wct maacl or gold; 312

knightj^lcw" And in dcsplht[c], whan that he wex old,

•^'^•thi^wr'' Slayn off his knihtis, & nat aftir longe

despite.''^'^'' '" H'S cateyn was throwen in a gonge.

Niircu^sAurdT.' ^ ^ftit this ptoudc foFseid Antonyne, 316

was elected Into thempirc be iust eleccioun

emperor by the ^^ i i • i

?,«^"»?«; , Or senatowrs, as bookis determyne.

He defeated i- o r i • i -i

Xerxes, king of Lam AuFclivs, & lor his hih renoun

when''he"5at in Sumamyd Alisaundfe, as maad is mencioun. 320

judgment. p^^jj^^ ^^j^j^ Persiens lik a manli kniht.

And ther kyng Xerses he put vnto Jje fliht.

mad'rthrce" ^his Autelius, this prudent knihtli maw,

books of Whan he sat iuge in the consistorie, 324

Digests, sat P ii-j -171 •

with him. 1 her sat oon with hym caliid Vlpian,

A gret cyuylien notable of memorie. Of whom it is to his encres of glorie Reported thus, be gret auctorite 328

He of Digestis made bookis thre.

kiVhisiifV^''"' Ful pitousli this emperowr lost his lyff, by accident in CasucH, as maad is mencioun,

a tight among i • i -i j • i rr

his soldiers. Among his knihtifj bi a sodeyn stryrr, 332

Wher he was slayn in that discencioun. Aftir whos eende, for short conclusioun, Tofor Bochas, the book weel telle can, it

Cam Maxymyni^j* & with hym Gordian. 336

!^af c'ho^en'^''" ^ Maxymynus*, the cronicle doth expresse, emperor by his Chose of his knihtis & his soudiowrs

knights, was . . • i i -i

afterwards a For his victotious marciai hih prowesse

bitter enemy of _^ • a i • o

the Christians, Doon iti Almaignc, & among emperowrs 340

Set up in Roome, maugre the senatowrs. Afftir strong enmy, as myn auctowr seith, With al his poweer onto Cristes feith.

309. norture] nature B, R, J.

312. gold] puTif golde H.

325. Wlpian R. 329. He of] OfF the R.

331. is made H.

336, 37. Maxymynus] Maxynymw/ B, J, Maximymus R, Max-

ymyns H, R 3. 343, With] Was R.

BK. VIIl]|

Gordian and the tzvo Philips

833

He was [eek] enmy, his lyfF who list to seen, 344

To cristen clerkis of gret auctorite,

And specialli to olde Origen.

But in his moste furious cruelte,

In Aquileia, a myhti strong contre, 348

Of a prefect callid Puppien he was slayw;

Of whos deth [al] Cristen men wer fay«.

^ Next bi the Senat chose was Gordian.

First ageyn Parthois he cast hym to werreie; 352

Of lanvs temple whan the werre gan

He made the gatis been opnid with the keye,

Which was a tokne, as olde bookis seye, —

Tho gatis opnyd, to folkis nih & ferr^, 356

That with ther foon the Romeyws wolde haue werr^.

and especially of old Origen; and at the height of his cruelty he was slain by a prefect named Puppien.

Gordian made war on the Parthians and opened the gates of the temple of Janus.

With Parthois first this saide Gordian

To holde werri? faste he gan hym speede;

And upon hem alwey the feeld he wan. 360

AfFtir he spedde hym into Perse & Meede,

Alwey victorious in bataille, as I reede;

Vpon Eufrates slay[e]n, as I fynde,

Be fals tresouw, the cronicle maketh mynde. 364

^ Next in ordre cam Phelipp be his name,

His sone eek Phelipp cam with hym also,

Myn auctOMr Bochas reherseth eek the same,

The fadir, the sone baptised bothe too, 368

Riht sad & wis in what thei hadde to doo.

And wer the firste Cristene of echon

EmperoMrs reknid; for ther toforn was now.

Be Poncivs the martir, as I reede, [p. 369] 372

In Nicea, a famous gret cite,

Thei wer baptised, and aftir that in deede

Slay« in bataille, for thei list nat flee.

Tofor ther deth, both of assent, parde, 376

Ther tresowrs hool, that wer imperiall.

To Cristis cherch, I fynde, thei gafF it all.

Always vic- torious, he was finally slain at the Euphrates by treason.

Next in order came Philip and his son of the same name. They were the first Christian em- perors.

Pontius the Martyr baptised them, and both were slain in battle because they would not flee. They gave all their wealth to the church.

344- 349. 357. 360. 364.

eek] om. R, J.

Purpien H. 350. al] om. R, J.

foon] Sonne R.

the feeld he] he this werr^ H.

tresoun] resoun R. 369. sad]

J, P — to doo] a doo H.

witty H — what] that

834

Ductus, Gallus, Volusian

[bk. VIII

and Bithop Sixtui assijtnrJ St. Laurence to diatrihutc it among the ponr.

St. l^urcnce was afterward > martyred by the tyrant Deciu*, who

also caused the two Philips to be slain and by his falsehood and deceit became em- peror.

During his time St. An- thony lived on fruit and roots in the desert.

In punishment of Dccius' curseJness God sent a terrible pestilence to Italy.

I will write no more about him.

Gallus and Volusian reigned but two years each;

The bisshop Sixtus took poccssioun,

Vertuousli assigned it to Laurence

Tlierof* to make distribucioun

To poore folk in ther indigence;

For \vliich[e] dcede be cruel violence

\\\c tiraunt Decius agcyn liyni* took a strifF,

Made liooli Laurence be bren[n]y«g lese his lyf.

This same Dccius, cursid & cruell,

Caused the slauhtre of thes Philippis tweyne;

And for he was sotil, fals & fell,

Be sleihte and falsheed he dide his besi peyne

To thempire be force for to atteyne,

The seuente tiraunt be persecucioun

Which ageyn Cristene took first occasioun.

Myn aucto//r writ, tyme of this Decivs,

The hooli hermyte, exauwple of parfitnesse,

Be daies olde callid Antonivs,

Lyued in desert ferr out in wildirnesse,

As an hermyte despisyng al richesse, —

Lyued be frut & rootis, as men tell,

And of perfeccioun drank watir of Jie well.

Vpon Decius for his cursidnesse,

Ageyn Cristene which gaf so hard sentence,

Thoruh Roome and Itaille, myn auctowr berj)

witnesse. In eueri cite was so gret pestilence, That be the sodeyn dedli violence, The hertis of men, dependyng in a traunce, To saue ther lyues coude no cheuisaunce.

Of this mateer write no mor I can;

To this emperowr I nil* resorte ageyn.

^ Speke of Gallus and Volusian,

That besi wern, ther labour was in veyn,

Ther tyme but short, as summe bookis seyn;

For Martyn writ, an old[e] cronicleer.

In thempire thei regned but too yeer.

380

384

388

392

396

400

404

408

412

381. Therof] Ther for B — a destribuciouw H.

384. hym] hem, B, J, R.

385. brennyng] brotling P. 387. thes] \>t H.

408. nil] vvil B, R, J, H, R 3, H 5, P. 412. cronyculeer R.

413. too] oon R.

BK. VIIl]

jEmilian, Gallien, Valerian

835

Bothe wer slay[e]n bi the procuryng

And bi the purchace of oon Emyliaw,

A Romeyn kniht, [the] which be sHh werkyng 416

To occupie thempire tho began.

Be tiranwye the lordshipe ther he wan,

Whos lordship, for lak of happ & grace.

No lenger laste than too monethes space. 420

This litil chapitle, as toforn is seene,

Rehersid hath & toold in woordis pleyn

Of emperoMr[e]s almost ful fourteene;

And of alle wer good[e] non but tweyne. 424

Which to reherse I haue do my peyne,

And to proceede ferther, as I gan,

I mvt now write of oon Valerian.

HIS sone and he, callid Gallien, 428

To al Cristene bar gret enmyte,* Slouh all tho, ther legewde mew may seen, That seruede Crist in trouthe & equite. Whos persecucioun & hatful cruelte 432

Abatid was, as I can weel reherse, Bi oon Sapor that was kyng of Perse.

Bi force of armys Sapor, this myhti kywg,

Gan in Asia, & with his host cam doun 436

Be Tigre, Eufrates, &, knihtli so ridywg

Toward the parties of Septemptriouw,

To Kaukasus nat ferr, fro Babilouw;

And al Surrye he proudli did assaille, 440

And Capadoce he wan eek be bataille.

Whom for to meete caw douw Valerian

To Mesopotayn with many legiouws.

The werre was strong; but this knihtli ma«.

This hardi Sapor, with his champiouws

The feeld hath won we with al the regiouws

Affor rehersid; & thoruh Perse he ladde

Valerian bouwde with che[y]nys round & sadde.

He was be Sapor, maugre his visage.

This Valerian, so streihtli brouht to wrak,

Lik a prisoneer bounde to this s^-ruage

Be obeissaunce, that founde wer no lak, 452

444

416. the] om. R, J, P, R 3, H 5. 419. happ] helpe H.

420. moneth H. 429. ennyte B. 430. legendis H, R 3.

437. Tigre] Tire H. 439. To] So H. 447. Perse] om. R.

451. this] his H, R.

for both were slain at the instigation of a knight named ^milian, who himself was emperor only two months.

This little chapter has told of fourteen em- perors, of whom but two were good.

Valerian and his son Gallien were enemies of the Christians; but Valerian's cruelty was abated by Sapor, king of Persia,

who, riding north from the Tigris and Euphrates, attacked Syria and the Caucasus.

Valerian came down to meet him and was defeated and led to Persia in chains.

448

where he suffered the indignity of having to kneel down and let Sapor step on his back

836 Valerian humbled by Sapor [bk. viii

To knele on fourc &: to profre his bale

Vnto Sapor wha?; liym list to ride, \

Therbi to mounte, for al his gret[e] pride. j

Z^n"^^V This was thoffise of Valerian, [p. 370] 456 I

mount his gg seruytutc duryng many [a] yeer; ]

Wherfor he was callid of many man

Thassendyng stok into the sadil neer, j

Which is in Frensh callid a mou«twcer. 460 j

This was his ofhs, to bowe dou» his corps Whan that kyng Sapor sholde worl)e upon his hors.

l^al'l*viy' This is the guerdoun & fauoz/r of Fortune, !

Tnd'kin"!"'' ^'"^ ^'*^^ maneer to princis & to kyngis, 464 1

what happens Hit double custum vsid in comune

knows. Be sodeyn chaung[e] of al worldli thynges.

Aftir tryumphes and ther uprisinges, \

What folwith aftir, hir wheel [weel] telle ca«, 468

I take record of Valeryan: '

herVif^ckie to This ladi Fortune, J^e blynde fell goddesse, j

Valerian and 'f q Valerian shewed hirsilf vnstable, 1

iavourable to _ , ' j

Sapor. Yet he Tauhtc hyni a lessoun of hir doubilnesse; 472 1

WAS loo crucllv i

vengeabie to To kyng Sapor she was fauourable. \

soil the back of t-> • i ii- i i

ari emperor DUt yit he was to cruelu vcngable,

IS eet. ■^Vith his feet, deuoid of al fauowr, ■;

To soille the bak of an emperowr. 476

r^'etmbefth'if Of olde it hath be songe & cried loude, —

and be merciful Record On Cirus & many othir mo, — *

to their -' '

prisoners. Kynges of Persc of custum ha[ue] be proude,

Aftir punshid an[d] chastised eek also. 480 i

Princis of merci sholde tak heed herto, \

Aftir victorie in ther estat notable To ther prisoneres for to be merciable. J

knowt\"w°to Myn auctowr Boch^j- in this mateer weel* caw 484 1

rebuke tyrants, Rebukc tiraunt^fj, that wer be daies olde;

says to Val- ^ ^ ' ^ '

erian, "Where Tumeth his stile, speketh to Valerian: i

are your rubies <j-,iti ii i-o i- -ii ■

and sapphires V\ her be the rubics & saphirs set m golde, j

and rich pearls? rr^. • i i o r i i I

1 he riche perle & rynges manyrolde 488 '

457. a] om. R, H, R 3. 458. many a H, J.

460. mounteer H, mountver R 3.

463. fauoMr & guerdon R. ^

468. weel] om. R — here wele telle I can J. I

478. on] of H, R 3. 481. herto] eek hereto R. j

484. weel] weel tell B, R, J — only the n in can is written R. 1

485. wer] om. H. 487. the] thy H. 488. The] \,'i H. I

BK. VIIl]

Bochas rebukes Valerian

837

That thou were wont [to] weri? upon thyn hondis ? Now as a wrech art bounde in foreyn bondis.

Wher thou wer wont of furious cruelte,

Clad in purple withynwe Roome toun, 492

To Crist cowtrayre in thy« imperial see,

YaiF doom on martirs to sufFre passiouw, —

Now listow bounde [&] fetrid in prisoun,

To kyng Sapor constreyned to enclyne, 496

Whan he list ride, bowe nek & chyne.

Thus artow falle from thyn imperial stage!

Think on Fortune and haue hir in memorie:

She hath the cast in thraldam & S(?ruage 500

And eclipsed al thyn olde* glorie.

Wher thou sat whilom in the consistorie

As an emperoMr & a myhti iuge.

List bounde in cheynys and knowest no* refuge. 504

^ It is ful ferr fall out of thi mynde

The knihtli deede of worthi Publius,

Of Roome a capteyn, ordeyned, as I fynde,

To fihte ageyn[es] Aristomochus, 508

Kyng of Asie; of fortune it fill thus:

Whan the Romeyns dide the feeld forsake,

This Publius among his foon was take.

This noble prince stondyng in dreedful caas, 512

His lyf, his worshep dependyng atwen tweyne,

In his bond holdyng a sturdi maas,

Smet out oon of his eyen tweyne

Of hym that ladde hym; the tothir for ^^e peyne 516

That he felte and the gret[e] smerte

Took a dagger, roofF Publius to the herte.

Which loued more his worshep than his lyfF,

Ches rather deie than lyuen in s^ruage; 520

This conceit hadde in his imagynatyfF,

And considred, sith he was in age.

To saue his honour it was moor auauntage

So to be slayn, his worshep to conserue, 524

Than lich a beeste in prisoun for to sterue.

"You, who were clad in purple and gave judg- ment on the martyrs in Rome, can now bend your back to King Sapor when he wishes to ride.

"Thus you are fallen; think on Fortune, who has cast you into thralldom without remedy.

"You have forgotten the example of worthy Publius, who, taken by his enemies in Asia,

and, preferring death to servitude, smote out an eye of the soldier who led him, and he, mad with pain, struck Publius to the heart with a •dagger.

"Publius loved his honour more than his life and did not care to die like an animal in captivity.

489. to] om. H, R, R 3, H 5.

494. YafF] yeve H — martirs] mateers R. 501. olde] eld B.

504. no] non B. 508. Aristomachus R, H, Aristonichus P.

515. his] the P.

838 Bochas's Rebuke of J'alcrian [bk. viii

"As Vaierms Fortiuiis chapltlo of hym ne* was nat rad;

Mys, nlher ' . j'

th»n Unguish in Qf which V aleiius makcth mcnciouw,

rrison a man . ^ . ■ ■ • ^ J o

haU better AitiT whos co/;ccit, iio tiia;/ 111 vcrtu sad 528

clioose to starve ^i . , ■ i • l " ' .

to death, Sholde nat longc hmswissli in pnsoun,

But rather cheese, lik his oppynyouw, Of nia>;li force & knihtli excellence The deth endure of long abstynence, 53^

«. Agriprina fl ^5 whilom dide the princesse Aggripyne,

did, so that ■* . . ic'i ITI J

she lay rale Wha?/ she in pnsoun lay tetrid and Ibounde;

nnJ prostrate, ,^ ^ , . r 1 • 1 r 1

in spite of Of hir fre chois she felte so gret pyne thusTnaej" Of hu«gir, thrust, in stori it is founde, 536

That she lay pale & gruff upon the grounde, Maugre Tiberye, & leet hir gost so weende Out of hir bodi; this was hir fatal eende.

"Rut as (or Jhou stood fcrr of of al such fantasie, [p. 371] 540

you. Valerian, tt i i

who with cruel J spekc to the, o thou Valeryan!

inany a Chris- Thi crucl hcrte of fals malencolic

I'udi thought Made whilom deie many Cristen man;

you'r mind"'* And [many] martir, sith Cristis feith began, S44

Which for mankynde starfF upon the rood, — Thei for taquite hym list to sheede her blood.

'frSdirenough ^gcyn his kwc thou wcr impacient

to the Egyp- And importune be persecuciouw; 548

tians and their __,, ,. ~ o rr • .^ ^ ^

i5i3. Thou dist fauoure & suitre in thyn entent

That Egipciens dide ther oblacioun, Thar sacrefises & rihtes up-so-doun Vnto Isis, of froward wilfulnesse, 552

That was of Egipt callid cheef goddesse.

and to the Fauoutablc thou wer In thi desir

Jews and Chal- i o i l_

dxans and ^q sufFre lewcs ther Sabat to obserue, you killed the And Caldcis to worshepe[n] the fyr, 556

di^d'yourself" in And folk of Crete Saturn for to serue. wreu"h."'" ^ And Cristene men thou madist falsli sterue, Of whos lawe for thou dist nat rechche, Thou dei[d]est in prisoun at myscheef lik* a wrech- che." 560

526. ne] it B, R, J, P.

538. gost] breth H. 529. 1st hirj \>t H.

S42. of] and R, H, R 3, H s. 546. to] forto R.

547. his] this H — inpacient R. 549. & suftrej suftrid H,

556. to] for to H, R 3.

560. deidest] diest R, dej^est H 5, died J, P — lik] as B, R, R 3,

Hs.

BK. VIIl]

The Death of Gallienus

839

[How Gallien sone of valerian was slayn]] ^

NEXT in ordri? to Bocha/ the cam doun Sone of Valerian, oon callid Gallien. But for the grifte horrible efFusioun Of Cristen blood[e], that men myhte seen 564

Shadde be Valerian, God wolde it sholde been Shewed openli to Romeyws be vengaunce Of many a contre sodeyn disobeissauwce.

Thei of Almeyne the Alpies dide passe 568

Vnto Rauenwe, a cite of Itaille;

Gothis also, proud of cheer & face,

Hadde ageyn Grekis many gret bataille;

And thei of Hungry, armyd in plate & maille, 572

With them of Denmark, furious & cruell,

Ageyn Romeyns wex of assent rebell.

To whos damage in this mene while

Among Romeyws it is befalle thus: 576

Woful werris which called been civile

Gan in the cite, cruel and despitous.

First whan thei mette was slay[e]n Gemyvs,

Which first took on hym, in bookis as I reede, 580

Of hih corage to were purpil weede.

Oon Postumyvs, a myhti strong Romeyn,

Kept al Gaule vndir subieccioun;

To ther auail vnwarli aftir slayn 584

Among his kniht^j, for al his hih renoun,

Be a sodeyn vnkouth discencioun.

Next Victoryn, hauyng the gou<?rnaunce

Of al Gaule, was aftir slayn in Fraunce. 588

But Gallien, of whom I spak toforn,

Sone and heir to Valerian,

His domynacioun off purpos he hath lorn.

In Republica [anoon] whan he began, 592

Lich a contrarious & a froward man

Wex lecherous and vicious of lyuyng.

At myscheefF slay[e]n; this was his eendyng.

The reign of Gallienus was disturbed by rebellions, in punishment for the effusion of Christian blood shed by his father Valerian.

The Germans came to Ravenna, and the Goths and Danes revolted.

In Rome there were cruel civil wars;

and

Posthumus, who defeated the Franks in Gaul, was slain by his knights. Victorian was slain in France,

and Gallien, who lost his authority by evil living, died at mischief.

564. myhte^ may H.

576. it is befalle] it befiU H. 577. The wofull H.

585. hih] gret H, R. 592. anoon] om. R, J, H 5.

^ MS. J. leaf 152 verso.

840 Sluintilius, Aurdian of Denviark, Prohiis [bk. viii

plow Quyntylyus was moordred by women.] ^

broS"o**f ^ Next Gallien cam oon Quyntilius, 596

aiudiii.. WAS y\ ,ii_^n reme??ibred of cret attcmp[e]raunce,

murderevl by r i /-^l l"

women. I do Hrotlicr ot luTtlic to gret[ej V^lautlius,

not know why. . , , . ., , . 1 1 i ■

\\ IS 6c discreet in all his gouernau;/ce. Who may of F'ortune eschewe the [sodeyn] chaunce ? — To write his eende shortly in a clause, 601

Of women moordred; I can^iat seyn the cause.

[Off Aurelian in Denmark born.] ^ Aureiian. born q Qf Denmark born next cam Aurelian,

■n Ucnmark, ^ _ r mi

began a great fi^ worthi icniht his enmyes for tassaille. 604

war against . /^ i L U

the Goths. Aeeyn Gothes a gret werre he began,

His labour was ^_° -^ . . . t_ "1

for the profit Gat victotie m many stro?rg bataile, of Rome. ^yj^^^ ^^j^j^ conquest gretli did auaille

To comoun proffit; for al his werk, parde, 608

Was to thencres of Roome the cite.

"fthTNorfh He recurid al Septemptrion,

and asked for ^^d westward had many gret victorie.*

the triumph; i • ■ t r i r I 1 L e.

but one thing, Among othit, i tynde [tnatj he was oon 012

his enmity to . , , . ■ ^ •

Christ, eclipsed Axed the tryumphe to be put m memone. his glory. g^^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^ thing* eclipsed al his glorie.

Which hath the liht of his knihthod wztZ^drawe, For he was enmy to Crist & to his lawe. 616

Tacitus and Qf y^-hom Bochflj list no mor now write,

riorianus i r- i i i

followed. I gut in his book goth foorth as he began,

can nnd nothing ^_^^. , , 11 -j T"*

noteworthy ^ Qf oon temembtyng pat caliia was 1 acite,

about either of .^7, . , a 1 /i

them. Which was successowr to Aurelyan; 620

^ And aftir hym succeded Floryan, Of which[e] tweyne no remembraunce I fynde That is notable to be put in mynde.

[How Probus disconfited Romayns and aftir was slayn.] ^ Probus reigned p^obus aftif tegned ful seuene yeer [p. 372] 624

more than o i-i i il'L'L

seven years. ^nd foute moncth, which thoruh his hih renoun Saturninus Geyn Satumynvs, with a [ful] knihtli cheer,

611. victorite B.

612. & among H, And among R 3 — that] om. R, J, H 5. 614. o thing] athing B. 619. was callid H.

626. Saturnynus] Seatourns H, senatours R 3 — ful] om. J, P.

1 MS. J. leaf 152 verso. ^ MS. J. leaf 152 verso. ' MS. J. leaf 152 verso.

BK. viii] The Death of Probus. Clarus and his Sons 841

And brouht hym proudli to subieccioun; Natwithstondyng that he in Roome touw 628

Took upon hym of wilful tiranwye Hooli thempire he for to reule & gule.

Beside the cite callid Agripyne

This seid[e] Probus geyn many proud Romeyw 632

A bataille hadde, list[e] nat declyne,

Mette Proculus, a myhti strong capteyw,

With oon Bonosus; & bothe ther wer slayn,

And al ther meyne of verray force & myht 636

Slayn in the feeld; the rewnauwt put to fliht.

Aftir this bataille & this disconfiture

Probus was loggid in Smyrme, a gr^t cite,

And ther vnwarli of sodeyn auenture 640

Slayw in a tour that callid was Ferre.

But a smal sesoun last his prospmte:

Swich is Fortune; lat no man in hir truste;

Al wordli thynges she chauwgeth as she liste! 644

and slew Proculus and Bonosus in battle.

Finally he was himself slain in a tower at Sirmium; let no man trust Fortune.

[How Clarus and his ij. sones were myscheuyd.] ^

^ Tofor Bochas Clarus next caw doun

With his too sonys, Numerian & Caryne.

And, as I fynde, he was born in Narbon

And descendid of a noble lyne. 648

But whan that he most cleerli dide shyne

In his empire, he gat cites tweyne,

Chose & Thelifouwt, in Partois wzt^ gret peyne.

Beside Tigre, a famous swift ryueer, He pihte his tentis, & cast hym J)^r tabide, A sodeyn lihtnyng his face caw so neer, Smet al to pouder, for al his gret[e] pride; And Numerian that stood be his side Hadde a mark[e] that was sent frow heuene: Loste bothe his eyen wit^ the fyry leu[en]e.

Clarus and his two sons, Numerian and Carinus, next came before Bochas. Born of a noble line in Nar- bonne, he took Seleucia and Ctesiphon,

652

656

but was killed by lightning at the Tigris, and Numerian was blinded.

639. Smyrna J, Smyryn R 3, Sirmine P — a gr^t] ^e H.

643. Swich is Fortune^ om. H — hir] hir curtesye H.

644. as she liste]] at hir lust H, as hir list R 3.

645. Carus P. 647. Nabourn^ H.

651. Choce H — Tholifau7it H, Ctesiphon P — Parroys J.

652. Tibre H.

658. vfhh the] eke with H, R 3, P — fire R.

1 MS. J. leaf 152 verso.

life.

842 Tbg Story of i^ueen Zenohia [bk. viil

Carinus ruled His othlr sonc Carvnus, a eood kniht,

unjuttly in t T-» 1 • I 1 i " 1 1

D.imatia «nd In Ualiiiacia hacide al the gou^rnau^ce; 660

wu cast down rv * r i i i "i

for hi* vicious l)ut' tor that lic goucinccl iiat ariht,

He was cast doun & lost al his puissaunce: Vicious lyff konieth alwey to myschaunce. Scpcivs chose Dalniacia for to guye, 664

Among his knihtis moordrid of cnvie.

[How the hardy quene Zenobia fau3t wit/i Aurelian and was take.] ^

My author T\ /T \W auctoz/t hccr HO Icncer list sfojio^rne

now turns to VI r^c i i r ii- r •

Zenobia; but -L ▼ -I. (Jt thcse ciTiperowrs the rallis lor to write,

as Chaucer has t-> ' i i i ill-' -i

already told but \n al haste hc doth his Stile toi^rne 668

w!ii "ehca'rsc To ZcHobia hir stori for to endite.

Hnw."' °"'" But for Chauceer dide hym so weel aquite In his tragedies hir pitous fall tentrete, I will passe ouer, rehersyng but the grete. 672

He describes Jn his book of Cauntitbury Talis

her life in his ,_,, . r r» • a 11 •

Book of Can- 1 his souereyw poete or orutis Albioun, er ury a cs. yj^Qj-^j^ pilgrymys told be hillis & be valis,

Wher of Zenobia is maad mewcioun, 676

Of hir noblesse and of hir hih renoun, In a tragedie compendiousli told all, Hir marcial prowesse & hir pitous fall.

She was bom Myn auctowr first afFermeth how that she 680

of the stock of _^ -' ... r i • i

worthy Ptolemy Descend id was, to telle or hir lynage. Born of the stok of worthi Tholome Kyng of Egipt, ful notable in that age. And this Zenobia, expert in al langage, 684

Wis of couwsail & of gret prouidence, Passed al othir in fame of elloquence.

and married Among she was armyd in plate & maille. King of p'ai- Of Palmerencys* weddid to the kyng 688

Callid Odenatus, prudent in bataille She was also, be record of writyng, Hardi, strong, hir lordship defendywg,

661. But] And B, J, P. 667. for] om. H. 669. hir] his R, J. 670. so wele did hym quyte H, R 3. 679. prowessis H. 688. Palmerenoys B, Palmerencys J, Palmyrences P, Palmy- nerois R, H.

MS. J. leaf 153 recto.

BK. VIIl]

The Story of ^ueen Zenobia

843

Maugre all tho, with hir cheualrie, 692

Ageyw[e]s hire that wrongli took partie.

Be Odenatus she hadde sonis tweyne,

Heremanvs callid was the ton,

And Thymolaus, of beute souereyne. 696

Aftir whos berthe ther fadir gan anon

To occupie the prouynces euerichon

Of Perse and Mede; hi processe made hem fleen,

Of Zenobia, the hardi wise queen. 700

Whil Odenatus wex most glorious

In his conquest thoruhout Perse & Meede,

Slayn he was be oon Meonyus,

Which to the kyng was cosyn, as I reede; 704

But for because of this horrible deede

And for the moordre of kyng Odenate,

Deide at myscheefF & passed into fate.

Be processe aftir, Zenobia the queen [p. 373] 708

Took hir too sonis and proudli did hem leede

Tofor hir chaar[e], that men myhte hem seen.

How thei wer born as princis to succeede.

Made hem lik kynges be clad in purpil weede; 712

Them to difFende this myhti creature,

Hardi as leouw, took on hir hir armure.

For al hir lordis & knihtis she hath sent,

Maugre the Romeyns proudli gan hir speede, 716

Al the parties of the orient*

To occupie & hir host to leede.

Of themperour she stood nothing in dreede,

Callid Aurelian, mette hym in bataille, 720

With hir meyne hym proudli did assaille.

On outher side that day gret blood was shad;

The strook of Fortune withstant no cr^fatur^:

The queen Zenobia was taken & forth lad; 724

Fauht first as longe as she myht endure;

With riche stonis frett was hir armvre,

With whom themperowr, so entrywg Roome touw.

Of tryumphe requeryng the guerdouw. 728

He dempte it was couenable & sittywg, This emperottr, this proude Aurelian,

by whom she had two sons. After they were born their father occupied Persia and Media,

and soon after- wards was slain by his cousin Maconius, who was executed for his crime.

Zenobia dressed her sons in purple and shewed them to the people as their future princes,

and in defiance of the Romans continued her husband's conquests in the East,

but was de- feated in battle and taken prisoner by Aurelian

695. Herennian P. 696. Timolaus P. 707. &]] om. H. 709. hir] his R. 715. al] om. R. 717. thorient B.

844

The Fate of Zenobia. Diocletian

[bk. VIII

and led in his Taxc tlic tiyumplK'; it w.is SO gf^t a thyng

triumph. r,, i '/ " i • r i i 1

To take /ciiobia [tliatj such a wciTif gan 73a

Ageyn* Roniey;is, this marcial woman. For I suppose of no woman born Was neuer queen so hardi seyn afForn.

She was brought This harcli princesse, for al hir roialte,* 736

golden feu"rs, Wlios hih roHOU/i thotuh al the world was knowe,

plunged down Irom her

estate into poverty.

high W:t/^ stokkis of gold was brouht to the cite, From hih estat in pouert piongid lowe. A wynde contrarye of Fortune hath so blowe, That she, alas, hath pitousli made fall Hir that in prowesse passed women all.

740

Diocletian, who next appeared, was a gar- dener in his youth.

Later on he became a soldier and was chosen emperor.

He made Maximian his general in Gaul, but the people were rebellious until chastised by Carausius,

THE triuwphe youe [un]to Aurelian For \^e conquest he hadde upon J)is queen Callid Zenobia, cam Dioclesian,* Born in Dalmacia, his stori who list seen. Out of his contre first he dide fleen, Of garlec lekis, as seith the cronycleer, Because that he was but a gardener.

Other mencioun is non of his lynage.

Of his berthe forsook the regioun,

LefFt his crafF[t] of deluyng and cortilage,

Gaff hym to armys, & be eleccioun

Chose to been emperowr & regne in Roome toun.

First into Gaule he sente a gret poweer,

And Maxymyan he made ther his vikeer.

His viker ther hadde many gret bataille Vpon swich peeple that be rebellioun Gan frowardli contrarye & assaille Tobeye his lordship withynne that regioun, Til Caransynus be conzmyssioun, An hardi kniht vndir Maxymyan, Them to chastise took on hym lik a man.

744

748

who did great But bc ptocesse, the stori doth deuise, to the common His lordship ther dide gret damage

weal by robbing' the country.

'To comoun profiit; for he be couetise

732.

735- 739- 745- 755- 761.

that] om. R. beforn R. ploungyng R. Deoclesian B. into] in H. Carasius P.

733. Ageyn] Geyn B, R, J. 736. roialte] cruelte B, J. 742. that] state R. 748. cronyculeer R. 760. that] om. H, R 3. 766. To] To the R.

752

7S6

760

764

BK. viiij] Diocletian, Carausius, Maximian and Others 845

The centre robbed be ful gret outrage,

And to hymsilfF he took al the pillage, 768

And of presumpciouw wered the colour

Of riche purpil lik an emperoMr.

This Karansynvs of Breteynys tweyne,

Proudli vsurped to be ther gouernowr, 772

Lik a rebel geyn Roome dide his peyne

And besied hym be marcial labour.

With many a strauwge foreyw soudiowr;

Hauyng no title nor commyssiouw, 776

Contynued longe in his rebelliouw.

Wherof astonyd was Dioclesian;

Seyng this myscheef dreedful & pereilous,

Ordeyned in haste that Maxymyan 780

Was surnamyd & callid Herculius;

Made hym emperowr, namyd [hym] Augustus,

Which hadde afForn[e] no mor gou^rnauwce

But of Gaule, which now is callid France. 784

Also mor-ouer this Dioclesian

Made in this while gou^rnoMr[e]s tweyne,

Constancius & oon Maxymyan

Surnamyd Galerius. Constancius in certeyne, 788

In this while to wedde dide his peyne

Douhtir of Maxymyan callid Herculius,

Named Theodora, myn auctowr writeth thus.

Be Theodora this Constancius [p. 374] 792

Hadde sexe childre in trewe manage,

Brethre to Constantyn, the story* tellith ^usy

Which aftirward, whan he cam to age.

For his manhod and marcial corage, 796

Was chose & maad[e] lord & gouerno^r

Of al the world, and crownid emperoMr.

Caransynvs, which hadde ful seuene yeer,

Lich as I tolde, rebellid in Breteyne 800

Ageyn the Romeyns, a gret extorsioneer, —

He usurped the title of governor and rebelled against Rome,

whereupon Diocletian in- vested Maxim- ian with the titles Augustus and Herculius and made him co-emperor.

He also ap- pointed Con- stantius and Galerius gov- ernors; and Constantius married Maximian's daughter Theodora,

by whom he had six chil- dren, brothers of Constantine, who afterwards became the great emperor.

768, 69 are transposed H. 773. ageyn H.

776. nor] non R.

7793 Made in this while gouernours tweyne R.

780] Constancius and oon Maxymyan R.

782. namyd] callid H — hym] om. R, J, H 5, P.

784. of] al H. 785. R omits this stanza.

794. story] cronicle B, R, J, P — the cronycler seith thus R 3.

799. Carasynus H, R 3, Caramsynus J, Carasius P.

846 Diocletian persecutes the Christians []bk. Vlll

c«r.u.m.wa. A kiiilit Allctus that dcdc at hym dlsdcvne

murdered "Y » t 1 • 1 1 r • 1 1 1 • '

Aicctus, who Moordrid hym, & aftir dcd his pcyne

occupied his T) r {• 1 •

pUce three tJc toicc onli and cxtort tirannye 804

>«*"> FuUi thre yeer his place to occupie.

until slain by Til Asclcpio was scnt ffo Roomc doun,

Asclepiodatus. oi l i • a n i i • i

who in turn bloiMi tMis Allctus, inaucre al his myht,

brought all i> 1 1 o i • •

Britain «Kain liroulit al Dretcyne to siibiecciou« 808

jcction. Q^ ^1^^ Romeyns, lik as it was riht.

And in this while, lik a ma;di kniht — For Italliens gan Romeyws disobeye — Constancius gan proudli hem werreie. 812

Constantius He fifstc with hciTi had a strong bataille,

fought the - , n-1

rebellious His iiicyne slayn & he put to the fliht.

ItaUans and rp. ^ , i r -ii

after an early 1 tustywg OH T ottunc, he gan hcm eit assaille, successfu" And sexti thousand wer slay[e]n in \iat fiht; 8i6

The feeld was his thoruh Fortunis myht, As she that koude dissymule for a while, And aftirward falsli hym begile.

Aieia"d*r"a^^d ^ ^^^^' passe ouer as breeffli as I can, 820

allowed his Set aside al foreyn incidentis,

soldiers to _, T-^• i •

pillage the city. Rcsorte ageyn to Uiociesian,

Which at Alisaundre proudli pihte his ttntes, The capteyn slouh, gafF in comaundementifj' 824

To his knihtis to do ther auauntage Wft^ynne the cite be robbyng & pillage.

He then began Gan ageyn Cristene gret persecucioun,

to persecute the _.,,.. . , . .

Christians in Vsed his tirannye m the orient, 828

help'ed^by ^^* Bi his biddyng Maxymyan cam doun

whoie™sword^ Towatd the parties of the Occident.

was°^siainT^"^'^ Bothe these tirauntis wrouhte be assent,

Vndir whos swerd many [a] martire deies, 832

Slayn in Octodorun the legeoun of Thebeies.

the Theba;an At Vetolamye, z famous old cite, Octoduram, Scynt Albou slayn; his legende doth so telle. PopeMa?ceihis. And in Roome be furious cruelte 836

bil'rn^and dtYet The pope slay/t, which callid was Marcelle. frlnchui's. Be ther statutis & be ther doomys felle

802. Alectus P. 814. the] om. R. 818. As] And R. 823. at] that R. 828. thorlent B. 832. a] om. B, R, J. 833. in] at H — Octodorn H, R — legeoun] region P, Religion

R. 835. Albon] abbon R — his] Jje H.

BK. viii3 The Efid of Diocletian. Maximian

847

Cherchfes wer brent, & tou?zes* & citees

Loste ther franchise & al ther libertees. 840

Froward enmy he was to Cristis lawe,

Made many a martir deie for his sake,

Wex feeble & old & ga« hym [to] withdrawe

From occupacioun, his reste for to take; 844

His atturne Maxymyan he doth make.

In his laste age, it is rehersid thus.

Stood in gret dreed[e] of Constancivs, —

The dreed[e] of hym sat so nih his herte^ — 848

And therupon took swich a fantasie,

Imagynyng he myht[e] nat asterte,

Be fraude of hym but that he sholde deie.

Almost for feer fill in a frenesie, 852

And of swich dreed, the book makth mewciouw,

He slouh hymsilfF be drywkyng of poisoun.

^ As I told erst, in the Occident

Maxymyan, callid Herculius, 856

Regned as emperot^r; & eu^re in his entent

To pi<rsue martirs he did ay his labours.

Of whos berthe Bochas fond non auctowrs;

This to seyne, he coude neu^r reede 860

Wher he was bor[e]n, nor of what kywreede.

He fynt no mor of this Maxymyan,

Of his uprisyng in especiall.

But that he was bi Dioclesian 864

Set in dignite callid imperial.

Famous in armys, prudent & marciall,

Daunted all tho that dide ageyn hym stryue,

Slouh Geneyans callid, in nouwbre fyue. 868

Rood in Affrik lik a conquerowr,

Brouht to subieccioun thre sturdi naciouns —

Fortune that tyme did hym such fauowr —

Gat Sarmatois wzt^ othir regiouns, 872

Many cites & many riche touns

Bi his conquest of newe that he hath wonne;

Thoruh the world his name shon lik a sunne.

839. & tounes^ in toims B, R, in townes J.

841. he was] om. R. 843. to] om. R, H 5, P.

851. but] om. H. 852. a] om. R. 858. labour H.

859. auctour H.

868. Genciau«s H, gencians R 3, Genciens H 5, Giauntes P.

872. Sarmacia P. 873. cite H.

When Diocle- tian grew old and feeble he abdicated in favour of Maximian.

During his last days he stood in such dread of Constantius that he fell into a frenzy and slew him- self by poison.

Maximian reigned in the west and con- tinued to martyr Chris- tians;

and Bochas knows no more about him than that he was a great soldier and that Dio- cletian made him emperor.

He conquered Africa, Sar- matia, and many other regions, and his name shone throughout the world like a

848

The End of Maximian. Galerius

[bK. VIII

resign his digniiy,

and finally he did: but after-

wards repent- inR sought to

eper gilt

recover his

throne.

Yet Diocletian He was chcrisslied in armys from his youthe, [p. 3 75] 876

advised him to _^. , ■ r ^ it i *

Dide grct emprises tor* Koome the cite;

^ it Dioclcsian, as it is wed koutlie,

Cou/jsaillccl liyiii rcsigiie his dignite.

But he was loth to forsake his see, 880

Sith he was lord & gou<rrned all,

For to renounce his stat imperiall.

But be assent of Dioclesian,

As he hymsilff had left al gouifrnaunce, 884

So eeucne lik this Maxymyan

Dischargid hymsilf of his roial puissaunce.

But aftirward he fill in repentaunce

And besi was, as dyuers bookis seyn, 888

Thestat of empero/ir to recure ageyn,

Which for to acheue he dede his dilligence.

He was distourbid be Galerius,

For his sone, that callid was Maxence, 892

Put in pocessioun, n\yn auctowr writeth Jjwj;

To which[e] thyng he gaw wex envious

And gan ordeyne menys in his thouht

To trouble hym; but it auailled nouht. 896

Whan his purpos myhte take non auail

In this he n-as opposed by Ga- lerius, for his son Maxentius had already been declared emperor.

and when he found that he

could not sue- Ageyn Maxence, as Bochas doth descryue,

ceedinhisde- ,. i-t^ il- •!

sign, and his His douhtir Fausta, Jjat knew al his counsail,

had betrayed his Discurid his purpos; for which he fled[de] blyue 900

fl"d"to°Gaui' Into Gaule & durste no lenger stryue;

IwJhy^Col' And bi Co[n]stancius in Marcile the cite

NWiiies.' Slayn sodeynli, lost al his dignite.

Next came Galerius, a froward vicious man of evil disposition. We do not know his descent, yet he was set high on the stage of worldly dig- nity.

[How Galeryus oppressid martirs & cristys feith and mischeuesly ended.3 ^

NEXT tofor Bochaj- caw Galerivs, A man disposid to riot & outrage, Euele entechchid, froward, viciowj. Ther is no stori speketh of his lynage, Yit was he set ful hih upon the stage Of worldli dignite, roos up to hih estat; Yit in his gyn[n]yng he was nat fortunat.

904

908

897. his] this R. 898. doth] did R. 900. purpos] consail R.

877. for] forn B. 899. al] om. H.

905. dispoised R.

906. tecchid J, teched P — froward] frowas R

1 MS. J. leaf 154 recto.

BK. VIIl]

Galerius' Battles with Nurses

849

912

916

928

He was sent out bi Dioclisian, And maad emp^rowr bi his auctorite, Ageyn Narseus, the proude knihtli maw, Regnyng in Perse & lord of that contre, Which heeld[e] werr^* with Roome the cite, — For which Galerius took on hym this emprise, With mihti hand his pride to chastise.

Galerius entred into Perse-lond;

Kyng Narseus mette hyw of auenture;

Hadde a strong bataille, fauht J)er ho«d of* hond; 920

On Galerius fill the discomfiture,

His fortune suich he myht[e] nat endure.

Clad in purpre, as maad is mencioun,

Of Dioclisian resceyued this guerdoun: 924

At ther meetywg, ano« or he was war,

Dioclisian made hym for tabide,

To his cowfusiouw, sittyng in his chaar.

To walke on foote be the charis side,

Wit^ many rebuk abatid was his pride,

That Galerius for the gret[e] shame

Gan seeke a mene ageyn to gete his name.

Gan for tassemble his olde soudioMrs, Made his ordenauwce be dilligent werkiwg, Ches out the beste preeuid werreyowrs; WitZ? a gret host to Perse he caw ridywg And eflPt ageyn fauht ther wit^ the kyng. That the Persiens, maugre al ther myht, Wer be Galerius that day put to fliht.

The feeld was his, gat ther gret richesse. Robbed ther tentis, wan ther gret pillage. In his resort resceyued in sothnesse With* gret noblesse, because of that viage — Thus can Fortune chaungen hir visage! — Of Dioclisian, wher he stood in disdeyn, Wtt^ newe triumphe resortid is ageyn.

This cloudi queen stant euer in noun certeyn, Whos double wheel quau^reth eu<fr in doute. Of whos fauoMr no man hath be certeyn:

Diocletian made him em- peror and sent him out against Narses, king of Persia.

932

936

who defeated him.

When he next met Diocletian Diocletian re- buked him, and sitting in his chariot compelled him to walk on foot alongside, the shame of which impelled

him to set out again to Persia to recover his reputation. He fought Narses a second time, and defeating him won great plunder.

940

944

Thus Fortune can change her moods. She „ stands in un- 940 certainty.

914. &] om. R. 920. of] for B, R, J, to P.

923. purpuU H. 924. this] his R. 927. chaire H.

935. a gret] agre R — he] om. H, R 3.

942. With] In B, R, J, P, H 5. 947. wheel] quale H.

850 Setrrus, Maxt-ntius, Licinius \_\\k. viii

her wheel Thcr* ooM liath grace, anol)^r is put oute,

poised ever _ . , ,

ready to turn. Lat eiuTyiiia« as It coiiietli aboute

Take his tourn &: iicuerc in hir assure;

Faillyng in ariiiys is but an aucntur^! 952

AfterwardsGa- Tluis GaleHus aftit liis bataill

leriut governed /^ i-« • i •

Africa and (Jn iersicns gan wexen glorious, h'itoidagehe Gou<rrnid Aftrik & lordshipp of Itaille, a"i«"»1^ith. Thoruh al* thorient wex victorious, 956

Til he for age gan wexen tedious, His laste daies maligned, as men seith, Of fals hatreede ageyn[es] Cristis feith.

He set two And hym to helpen in thes fals mateeris, [p. 376] 960

vicars, Sevcrus -- . i • i i • c •

and Maxcntius, It IS remcmbrid to his conrusioun,

in his empire t 1 • '1 ^^ >. "I '

to help him In his empire he sette too vikeris,

Taw ofThrisf. The lawe of Crist toppresse & put douw.*

Gaff hem poweer in euifry regioun 964

To purtshe martirs & putte hew to }>e dej); And in this while ful many on he sleth.

Bi this saide cruel Galerivs,

Which of thempire had al the gou^rnauwce, 968

Of cursid herte & corage despitous,

Be his vsurpid imperial puissaunce

Gaf auctorite for to do vengaunce

Vnto tweyne, Seuerus & Maxewce, 972

On al Cristen bi mortal violence.

and chose A ccrtcyw space, bothe of oon accord,

Maxentius em- rr^, (. < •« «•

peror, who 1 hcstat ot cmperozir chose was Maxence, quafreikdVith Til Seucrus & he fill at discord. 976

Icverasdiedof Auow aftit bi vengablc pestilence, RavennT"^ " Wzt^bynwe a cite of notable premynewce Callid Rauenne, Seuerus ther was slayw, Of which Galerius, God wot, was nothyng fayw. 980

Gaierius next Fot which in haste this Galerivs,

choseSLicinius, ^t d i • i • j r

a Danish Hyw to suppotte & stoude in his derense, emperor in^^ Chcs out of Denmark a kniht Licinius MaxenduV° To been emp^rowr, thoruh knihtli excellence 984

For to withstonde & fihte ageyn Maxence.

949. Ther] Thel B, Thouh J, though P — is] may be H.

952. an] om. R.

956. al] at B.

963, 64 are transposed in B, J.

965. punysh H.

979. Rauenna R.

BK. VIIl]

The Death of Galerius

851

But Maxence, of Romeyn knihtis all, Was chose emperowr & set up in his stall.

With which eleccioun Galleriwj wex wood, 988

Fill in a maner froward frenesie,

His entrailles brent[e], corupt wex his blood,

And of his froward vengable malladie

In euery mewbre gan rote & putrefie, 992

That al the hair aboute hym envirouw

To all that felte it was venym & poisoun.

Lik a lazeer, coorbid bak & chyne,

In this while on Cristen most vengable, 996

To hym auailed no man^r medecyne.

But ther was oon in Cristes feith ful stable?

That spak to* hym vfith langage ful notable.

In* woordes fewe concludyng in swbstaunce, 1000

"The grete Iub[i]ter hath take on the vengaunce."

And ouermor, for short conclusioun,

With a bolde spirit to hym began abraide:

"It is nat lubiter worsheped in this toun, 1004

In the Capitoile set," sothli as he saide, —

"But lubiter that was born of a maide.

Which wil nat suflpre, of that thou dost endure,

That ony medicyne sholde the recure. 1008

Lik a tiraunt be vengaunce furious.

At myscheef deieth, as olde bookis telle,

Perpetueli Vfith cruel Cerberus

Vpon the wheel of Ixion to duell." — 1012

For his demerites v^ith Tantalus in hell,

Ther to resceyue his fynal last guerdoun

Which coude on martirs haue no compassioun.

It was his ioye for to sheede her blood, 1016

Sent out [his] lettres to dyuers regiouws,

Lik a slih wolfF, rauynous & wood.

To slen martirs be dyuers passiouns.

Lik his desert resceyued his guerdouns; 1020

Horrible deth first dide hym he<fr confounde,

With Furies infernal lith now in hell[e] bouwde.

but the latter was confirmed in power by bis soldiers, whereupon Galerius went mad; his blood became cor- rupt, his body rotted.

He was like a leper, but did not cease his persecutions; and one who was of Christ's faith said to him:

"The great Jupiter has taken ven- geance on you. Not the Jupiter wor- shipped in this town and set in the Capitol, but the Jupiter who was bom of a maid. He will suffer no medicine to cure you."

It was his joy to slay mar- tyrs, and he received his reward with the Furies in hell.

990. wex]] was H, J, P. 999. to] onto B, R, J.

1000. In] In his B, R, J, P, H 5.

1003. to hym began] hym he gan R.

1005. In] mydde H, Myd R 3 — he] I, J, P.

1022. Furies] furious R.

852 The End of Maxentius. Licinius Qbk. viii

[How maxence the Emperour enmy to cristys feith myscheuesly ended.3 ^

After Gaieri.is \ FFTIR Galcrius crucl violeiice

the empero

ri"S A FF

Mlxcntiu's ±S^ GeynCristene blood, as Bochflj-heerhajjtold, 1024 pttrourfice" Wit/7 pitous cheer thempero/<r Maxence teforcBoch.,. q^^ ^^^^^ Mochcis, of age Hat ful old,

Famous in armys, sturdi, fressh & bold,

Al-be he entrid nat as enheritO!/r, 1028

Took upon hym to regne as emperour.*

He too was an To CHstes fcith he was also enmy;

enemy of » r • i i i •

Christ's faiii.: Artir soone he loste his gou^rnaunce,

Suddenly" sfa in Of infortunyc slay[e]w sodenly, — 1032

the mi like a God on tirauwt<?j- vn-warly takith vengaunce.

rotten dog. Of whos buryyng was maad non ordenaunce,* For he was nat resceyued of the ground. But caste in Tibre lik a roten hounde. 1036

[How Lucynyus enmy to cristes feith was slayn.] ^

Licinius, t!ie ^ Ncxt tofor Bochaj" Cam Lycynyvs, became em- A kniht of Denmark, born of riht good lyne, ^emy, ^ ''" Which had an enmy, the book reherseth \ms, wh'o'wis" slain An hardi kniht callyd Maxymyne, 1040

in Tarsus. Chose a capteyn y^fith themperowr Constantyne;

To Cristes feith he bar gret enmyte,

Slayn anon aftir in Tarce* the cite.

And Licinius Of whos dcth Lycynyvs was glad, [p. 377] 1044

persecuted the ^~, ^-, .

Christians and (jan ageyn Cristene gret persecucioun,

suddenly went t 1 • J J 1 * J

mad. He In his proceedyng sodenli wex mad.

Ch°rrstfan"°to Which comaundid of fals presuwpcioun

hoifse 'rnd'' Whan he began doon execucioun, 1048

began a war That no Ctistenc nowhct hynz beside

against Con- . iii-i-i l*j

stantine, and. Jt}i no condicioun shoidc in his nous abide.

twice defeated,

This Licynyvs, which falsli dide erre

Ageyn our feith Cristen men tassaille, 1052

Geyw Constantyn of newe he gan a werre;

1029. emperour3 gou^rnowr B, J.

1034. ordenaunce] mencioun B.

1038. riht good of lyne R.

1043. Tarce3 Trace B, J, R 3, R.

1052. Cristen] & Cristen H, R 3. 1053. began H.

1 MS. J. leaf IS4 verso. 2 MS. J. leaf 154 verso.

to keep the peace.

BK. Viii^ Licinius put to Death by Constantine 853

But of his purpos in sooth he dede faille:

For he was twies discounfited in bataille

Be Constawtyn; onys in Hungrye, 1056

Next in Grece, beside Ebalie.

Thus Constantyw thoruh his hih renouw finally ,

/^ -1 1 /^ o • • =fc submitted.

Gat nih al Grece & eueri gret cite,*

Al-be Lycynyvs stood in rebellioun 1060

Geyn Constantyn, both on lond & se.

But whan he sauh it wolde non o^er be,

He myht[e] nat escapen in no place,

Put hool hymsilfF in Constantynes grace. 1064

But Constantyn, for his rebellioun, But Constan-

_ „ . ■' . , , 1 1 J J tine put him

Gait lugement in haste that he be ded, to death

Lest in the cite wer maad dyuisioun

Be Lycinyvs, wherof he stood in dreed. 1068

This same while, as Bochas took [good] heed,

Ther cam toforn hym, wftZ? cheeris ful pitous,

Brethre tweyne, Cowstantyn & Crispus.

[Off Constantyne and Crispus & how Dalmacyus was slayn.J ^

'' I ND Constantyn, of whom I spak toforn, 1072 Constantine

I _, . •' ~ o r^ • had two sons,

JL Ihei wer sonys, Lonstantyn & L-nspz^j". Constantine

rr<i r 1 1 and Crispus,

1 he same tweyne, or o mooder born.

Cam tofor Mochas; his book reherseth thus.

With hem cam eek oon Lycynyvs, 1076

Sone to* Licynyus which in Roome toun

AfForn was slayn for his rebellioun.

Constantyn his werris to gouerne whom, together

Made hem vikeres, the siiue same thre. 1080 Licinius, he

T-> 1 •! • o 1 1 1 !• made generals.

Lchon riht wis, & koude weei discerne

What myhte auaille most to ther cite,

Tencrece the proffit of the comounte.

Ther namys tolde, Constantyn & Crispus, 1084

Tofor remembrid, with hem Licynyvs.

Whil these thre vikeris vndir themperoMr "^^y governed

_, -iTj i-i- •^ -ie r Rome at the

Gouermd Roome, as knihtis nht* ramoMJ, time Arius,

In Alisaundre roos up a gret errowr 1088

1059. cite] centre B, J. 1069. good]] om. R, J, P, H 5. 1077. to3 of B. 1087. riht] most B.

1 MS. J. leaf 155 recto.

854

Arius and his Heresy. Delmatius

[bk. VIII

« falsf prirst, began his heresy and was cxconi- municalcJ.

His error was

shewn to be

damnable by a

council

of ;i8 bishops

at Nicsca.

1092

During this time Constan- tine slew his three generals, in favour of his cousin Delmatius,

who was shortly after- wards killed by his own soldiers.

1 100

Bi a fals prccst Icallid Arryus,

To our bcleiic a thyng contraryous.

And for he tlide ageyn our feith so werche,

Bi a decre he was put out of cherche.

Bi a seen at Bithynye ful notable,

In Nicea, a famous gret cite,

This erroMF was preuid ful dawpnable:

Thre hundred* bisshopis wer present ther, parde, 1096

And cihtene, the cronicle who hst see.

And allc thes clerkis of o sentence iHk

Preeuyd Arryvs a fals[e] heretik.

This same tyme, bookis specefie How Constantyn of hasti cruelte. The saide vikeres, nih of his allie, Feyned a cause to slen hem all[e] thre. No cause rehersid nor told of equite, Saf onli this, in which he gan proceede, To make his cosyn Dalmacivs to succeede.

But his faupwr was nat fortunat

Toward Dalmacius, nor gracious in sentence.

Among whos knihtifj fill a sodeyn debat,

Constantyn ther beyng in presence.

Dalmacius, withoute reuerence,

With sharpe suerdis, to speke in woordes fewe,

Vnto the deth was woundid & Ihewe.

1 104

1 108

1112

Both Con- stans and Constantius, young brothers of Constantine, wanted to be emperor, and so they fought one another.

[Off the brethre Constaunce & Constanc3rus & how Magnencyus & decyus moordred hem self.i] ^

^ Than cam Constans and Constancius,

Yonge brethre, thus writ myn auctowr.

To Constantyn in tyme of Arryvs. 1116

And ech of hem be ful gret labour

Dide his peyne to regne as emperowr,

Til at the laste, breefli for to seie,

Euerich of hem gan othir to werreye. 1120

Constans had This saide Constans is entrid Perse-lond;

nine battles - .,. i r l c

with Sapor and JNyne tymcs he taunt ageyn bapore, clml^^!' The same kyng, as ye shal vndirstond,

1092. he^ OOT. H. 1093. a seen] a Sene R, a Sceno H, assent

J, P, a scene R 3 — at] in H. 1094. Niceyne P. 1096. hundred] C. B. 1102. so nyh R. 1 MS. J. leaf 15s recto.

BK. \ui] Constans, Constantius, Magnejitius

855

That with Romeyns hadde fouht afFore. 1124

But fynalli Constans hath hym so bore, To holde the feelde he myhte nat endure; For upon hym fill the disconfiture.

His fortune gan to chauwgen anon riht, [p. 378] 1128

Whan that he lefte to be vertuous;

He was in Spaigne slay[e]w be a kniht,

In Castel Tunge, callid Magnencius.

Than was non lefFt but Constancivs; 1132

The Romeyw kni[h]tis, destitut echon,

Ches hem an emperowr callid Vetramon.

^ This Vetramon was ferr [ijronne in age,

Bareyn of witt, koude non lettrure, 1136

Nor in knihthod had no gret corage,

Nor was nat hable to studien in scripture,

Nor lik an emperowr no while to endure;

For Constancius, of whom I spak now late, 1140

With this Vetremon cast hym to debate.

This Vetremon hath lefFt his estat.

List nat werreye ageyn Constancius,

Forsook the feeld[e], loued no debat. 1144

But of Spaigne, myw auctowr writeth }pus,

As I wrot late, how that Magnencius

Geyn Constancivs with suerd[e], spere & sheeld

Presumed proudli for to holde a feeld. 1148

To gret damage & hyndryng of the toxin,

For many Romeyn thilke day was ded,

Beside a cite which callid was Leoun;

Til at the laste, of Vifrray coward dreed, 1152

Magnencivs, which capteyn was & hed

Ageyn Constancius, hath the feeld forsake.

Loo, how Fortune can hir chaunges make!

Magnencivs for V(?rray sorwe & shame 1156

Bood no lenger, but gat hyw a sharp knifF,

Sool be hymsilfF, wher[of] he was to blame,

Roof thoruh his herte & loste [so] his lyiF.

His brothir Dencivs, partable of the stryfF, 1160

1 13 1. Castel Tunge] Castiltunge H, Castrell tunge J, Castyl tong P — Mangnencius R, H, Maxencius J, Magvencyus R 3, Magnentius P.

1 134. callid] callid hym R, H 5, om. P — Vetranion P.

1148. proudli] stoutly H. 1157. gat] gafF R.

1 158. wherof] wher R, J. 1160. Demecyus H — the] his H.

But when he ceased to be virtuous, his fortune changed; and he was slain in Spain by Magnentius and succeeded by Vetranio,

who was old and illiterate and no great soldier; and when Constan- tius made war on him he abdicated.

Magnentius, however, re- sisted Con- stantius, but finally he fled out of cowardice.

and pierced his heart with a knife. His brother Decius hanged himself.

8s6 The Story of Constantino the Great [bk. viii

Aboute his necke cast a myhti corde And heeng hynisilf[e], bookis so rccorde.

Constantius Constaiiclus cHcs aftir hytn Galliis,

made hit uncle .,. , , , . " -,

Callus (fovcrn- His viiclcs hiotliir, to goihTiic Traii/jce; 1164

or of France, a ■t-ir r I ^" ^ if n ^ •

false tyrant Was a tals tirau»t, cruel [andj outraious, «J^ce«ied by Soonc aftir slayn for his mysgou^rnaunce. £.'ll!*r.".t'..; Another viker for his disobeissau^zce,

was assassi- _ '

nated. Callid Siliuuivs, bc iugenie^t was slayn; 1168

For which in France ful many a man was fayn.

pHow Constantyne baptized bi Siluester was cured of his lepre.] ^

I shall now /^FF this matecr stynte I wil awhile

make a digres- ■ ■ . i r i

sion to Con- V^ And rolwc myn owne strange oppynyoun, cau"se'"Bochts Fto Constanciwj t?<rne awey my stile, 1172

about'this To his fadit make a digressioun, notable man. Causc Bochas makcth but short mencioun Of Constantyn, which be record of clerkis, Was so notable founde in al his werkis. 1176

Born in This myhti prince was born in Breteyne,

Bntam. son of _ i r> i i • i i i

St. Helena, and bo as the Brut plcynli doth vs lere;

or,° h^ w^s^^"^" His hooli moodir callid was Heleyne,

attacked by Hc in his daics most knihtli & enteere. 1180

leprosy Qf matcial actis he knew al the maneer^,

Chosen emperowr for his hih noblesse.

Fill to [be] lepre, cronicles expresse.

and advised to His soor SO grcuous that no mcdccyne 1184

piscina filled Mihte auaile his seeknesse to recure;

with the inno- tt r i -u i i

cent blood of rlc [wasj counsauled to make a gret piscyne, ch ren. With innoccnt blood of childre that wer pure

Make hyni cleene of that he did endure. 1188

Thoruh al Itaille childre anon wer souht, And to his* paleis be ther moodris brouht.

The strange It waS gtCt tOUthc tO bcholde & SCC,

hideous crying Of tendtc moodrcs to heere the sobbyng, 1192

of their tender r* r • r i i •

mothers was so Be lutious consttcynt oi thct aduersite,

dreadful to hear,

1 169. a] om. H.

1 170. I will stynt R, H, R 3, H 5. I181. he] om. R.

1 186. piscyne] puyssyne H. 1190. his] ther B, the J.

^ MS. J. leaf 155 verso.

BK. VIIl]

Constantine cured of his Leprosy

857

Hir clothes to-rent, bedewed wzt^ weepywg. The strauwge noise of ther hidous criyng Ascendid up, that ther pitous clamour 1196

Kam to the eris of themperottr.

Of which[e] noise themperowr was agrised.

Whan that he knew ground & occasiouw

Of this mateer, afForn told & deuysed, 1200

This noble prince gan haue compassiouw;

And for to stynte the lamentacioun

Of all the women ther beyng in presence.

Of merciful pite hath chauwgid his sentence. 1204

This glorious, this gracious emperoMr

Is clomb of merci so hih vpow the staire.

Spared nouther vitaille* nor his tresoMr,

Nor his langoMr that dide hyw so appaire. 1208

Wzt^ ful glad cheer[e] maad hem to repaire;

Where thei cam sori to Roome the cite,

Thei hom returned glad to ther contre.

Roial compassioun dide in his herte myne; [p. 379]i2i2

Ches to be sik rather than blood to sheede.

His brest enlumyned with* grace which is dyuyne,

Which fro the heuene dide vpon hym spreede.

He wolde nat sufFre inwocentis bleede, 1216

Preferryng pite & merci mor thaw riht;

He was visitid vpon the next[e] niht.

Petir and Poule to hym dede appere,

Sent fro the Lord as heuenli massagers, 1220

Bad Constantyn been of riht good cheere,

"For he that sit aboue the nyne speeris.

The Lord of Lordis, Lord of lengest yeeris,

Wil that thou wete, — haue it weel in mywde, — 1224

In mount Serapti thou shalt thi leche fywde. ^

God of his grace list the to visite.

To sheede blood because that thou dost spare;

He hath vs sent thi labowr for to quyte; 1228

Tidyngis brouht of helthe & thi weelfare

Pope Siluester to the shal declare,

1 195. oOand R, &H, R3, H 5.

1 196. pitous^ hidous H.

1203. or] And H. 1205. 2nd this3 & this H.

1207. vitaille] his vitaille B, R, H — his] om. H, R 3, P.

1209. hem] home H.

1214. with] bi B, J, P. 1217. mifrcy and pite R.

that the emperor was horrified; and climbing high on the stair of mercy he sent them all home un- harmed.

His heart was penetrated by royal compas- sion and he chose to be ill rather than shed the blood of innocents.

The next night Peter and Paul appeared to him and bade him be of good cheer: "You will find your leech on Mt. Serapti.

"God has sent us to reward your labour; Pope Sylvester will tell you how you shall be cured."

858 Consiantines Cure and Baptism [bk. Viil

As we haue told[c], he riht wecl assured,

Of thi seeknesse how thou slialt he rccurid, 1232

This Sylvester Xo iiiou/jt Seraptl ill al hast that thou seende,

did, and bap- ,- q- .-■ l • ,,

titing him, he buitrc ^iluestci" coHie to till presciicc.

Souht & fou«de, breefli to make an eende, Resceyued aftir with deu reuerence, 1236

Dide his deucer of enteer dilhgence, Lik as the lyfFof Siluester hath deuised, Be grace maad hool, whan he was baptised.

His flesh «as His flessh renewed and sodenly maad* whiht 1240

•uddenly made t-> i • i • i r i •

white by iJe thries wassnyng m the tressn piscyne

washing in the r\i- i i- ■ ii r i i-i

piscina of holy Ut holi Daptcm, wclle or most dehnt, baptism. ^j^gj. ^j^g j^Q^jj Q^^^ jjj^^j j^yj^ enlumyne.

Enfourmyd aftir be techi«g & doctryne 1244

Of Siluester, lik as niyw auctour seith. Of alle articles that longe onto our feith.

The font of The font was maadfe] of porfirie stoon,

porphyry was -.xt, • , r • l r r>

afterwards Which was attir bc cost ot Constantyn 1248

a°ring of gold, Wjt^ a round bie, that dide aboute gon, andfine^tones Of gold & petle & stonis that wer fyn; tVnS«pe"nse. Myd of the fout, riht up as a lyn,

Vpon a piler of gold a lauwipe briht, 1252

Ful of fyn bawme, that brente day &* niht.

He also pro- A lamb of gold he did also prouyde,

vided of pure _ ^ • c i -i

gold a pillar, bet on this tont vpon a smal pileer,

fainb!''a'n image Which Hk a conduit vpon eueri side 1256

of Our Saviour, gj^^j ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^.j^^^j ^j^^j.^

On whos riht side an ymage most enteer

Was richeli forgid of our Saueowr,

AI of pure gold, that coste gret tresowr. 1260

and one of And of this lamb vpon the tothir side,

John the . . , ,

Baptist. An image set longe to endure

Of Baptist lohn, with lettres for tabide

Graue coriousli, & this was the scripture: 1264

"Ecce Agnus Dei, that did for man endure,

On goode Friday offrid up his blood,

To saue mankynde starf upon the rood."

1232. recurid] cured R. 1233. that] om. R.

1240] His flessh his senewes maad sodenli whiht B, J; R and

H 5 omit 2nd his. 1241. puyssyne H. 1246. longeth to R. 1253. day &] al the B, J. 1255. this] his R. 1256. conduct R. 1264. was] om. R.

BK. V1113 Constantine* s Laws of great Virtue

859

He leet also make a gret censeer 1268

Al of gold, fret with pedes fyne, Which be nyhte* as Phebus in his speer Thoruh al the cherch most fresshli did[e] shyne; Ther wer fourti stonis iacynctyne. 1272

Appollos temple, myn auctoMr writ the same. Was halwid newe in Seynt Petris name.

The Romeyn templis, that wer bilt of old.

He hath fordoon with al ther maumetrie; 1276

Ther false goddis of siluer & of gold

He hath tobroke vpon ech partie.

This goodli prince, of goostli policie.

Set of newe statutis of gret vertu 1280

To been obseruid in name of Crist \es\i,

^ The firste lawe, as I reherse caw,

In ordre set with ful gret reuerence.

That Crist \es\x was sothfast god & man, 1284

Lord of Lordis, Lord of most excellence,

"Which hath this day, of his benyuolence.

Cured my lepre, as ye haue herd deuysed.

Be blissid Siluester whan I was baptised. 1288

This gracious Lord, my souereyw Lord Ihesu,

From hen[ne]s-foorth, for short conclusioun,

I wil that he, as Lord of most vertu,

Of feithful herte & hool afFecciouw 1292

Be worsheped in euery regioun; —

No man so hardi my biddeng to disdeyne.

List he incurre of deth the greuous peyne."

^ Folwyng the day callid the secouwde, [p. 380] 1296

This Constantyn ordeyned a decre.

That who that euere in [the] touw wer founde

Or ellis-wher aboute in the contre, —

What-euer he were, of hih or louh degre, 1300

That blasfFemed the name of Crist \es\i.

Be doom sholde haue of deth a pleyw issu.

^ The thridde day, in euery mannys siht,

Bi a decre confermed & maad strong, 1304

To any Cristene who that dide vnriht

1269. Al] om. H. 1270. nyhte] myhte B.

1272. wer] was R. 1277. Ther] The R.

1281. name] J)e name H.

1295. of deth the] the deth off R.

Also a great censer of gold and pearls that shone like the sun, and 40 jacinths. He turned the temple of Apollo into St. Peter's

and destroyed the Roman temples and broke the images of the false gods, and enacted new statutes of great virtue.

The first de- clared that Christ Jesu was truly god and man.

"From hence- forth I will have him worshipped in every part of my empire upon pain of death."

The second punished blasphemy of the name of Christ by death.

The third pro- vided for the confiscation of one half of the wealth

86o Constantine s virtuous Decrees [bk. Viii

of «ny Be oppressioun or [be] collateral wrong,

"resM^ or It should[c] iKit bc tatiecl oucr long, ChTristun" Who vver convict or gilti sbal nat chese 1308

Be lawe ordeyned halff his good to lese.

The fourth ^ The fourthe day, amo?fg[es] Romeyns all

pope the pre- This pryuvlegc pronou;/cid in the toun,

JuUng'thc^ Youe to the pope sittyng in Petris stall, 1312

l!inT?uieVhrs As soLiercy?! hed in euery regioun

temporal lords, "j^ hauc the reule and iurediccioun

Of preestis alle, allone in alle thyng.

Of temporal lordis lich as hath the kyng. 1316

The fifth ^ To the cherche he granted gret franchise

granted freedom ,_, ^ ~ , _ • l l • U .^

to the church 1 he hite day & special liberte:

and the right of t/t r i •

asylum to Yif a felou7j in any man<?r wise

fugitives. y^ fynde socoz/r thidir dide flee, 1320

Wit/;yn?te the bou»dis fro dauwger to go fre, To been assurid & haue ther ful refuge From execucioun of any temporal iuge.

The sixth for- ^ No man presume witZ?ynne no cite, — 1324

bade men to r-r^j • 1 ' 1 rr* 1 *

build churches 1 hc sixtc day, he gait this sentence, — Ucen?efrom No man SO hardi, of hih nor louh degre, the bishop. Jq beelde no cherche, but he haue licence,

Of the bisshop beyng in presence; 1328

This to seyne, that he in his estat

Bi the pope afForn be approbat.

The seventh f The seuenthe* day, this lawe he did eek make: the'tenth part Of all poccssiouns which that be roiall, 1332

?oyai posses- The tenthe part [y]eerli shal be take llToSed''^ Be iugis handis, in parti & in all, annually for Whichfel tresowr thei delyuere shall,

building L J 1 1 1 1 • r

churches. As the statut doth pleynli specene, 1336

Hool & enteer cherchis to edefie.

On the eighth ^ The cihte day meekli he ded hym quite,

day Constantine ,^-r. , o i i_ i rr *

took off his With gret reuerence & humble atteccioun, an^^'Srg"' Whan he did of al his clothes white 1340

s°"pete/r^ And cam hymsilf on pllgrymage doun Tofor Seynt Petir of gret deuocioun; Natwithstondyng his roial excellence, Made his confessioun in open audience. 1344

13 10. fourthe] fourty R.

13 15. and alle] on H.

1331. seuenthe] vij te B. 1335. Whiche] wit^ H.

BK. VIIl]

Constantino's touching Confession

86 1

His crowne take of, knelyng thus he saide

With weepywg eyen & vois most lamentable,

And for sobbyng as he myht abraide:

"O blissid I^j-u, o Lord most merciable, 1348

Lat my teres to the be acceptable;

Resseyue my prayer; my request nat refuse,

As man most synful, I may me nat excuse.

I occupied thestat of the emperot^r; 1352

Of thi martirs I shadde the hooli blood.

Spared no seyntes in my cruel errowr.

The to pursue fell, furious & wood.

Now blissid lesu, most gracious & most good, 1356

Peised & considered myn importable ofFense,

I am nat worthi to come in thi presence.

Nor for to entre into this hooli place,

Vpon this ground vnhable for to duell, 1360

To opnen myn eyen or to left up my face;

But of thi merci so thou me nat repell.

As man most synful, I come vnto thi well,

Thi welle of grace and merciful pite 1364

For to be wasshe of myn iniquite."

This exauwple in open he hath shewed.

His staat imperial of meeknesse leid aside.

His purpil garnement with teres al bedewed; 1368

Suerd nor sceptre nor hors upon to ride

Ther w^as non seyn, nor baners splaied wide;

Of marcial tryumphes ther was no tokne founde,

But criyng merci, thempifronr lay plat to grounde. 1372

The peeplis gladnesse was medlid with wepyng.

And ther weepyng was medlid with gladnesse,

To seen an empero^r and so notable a kyng

Of his free chois shewe so gret meeknesse. 1376

Thus entirmedlid was ioie & heuynesse:

Heuynesse for passid old vengaunce.

With newe reioisshyng of gostli repentaunce.

This ioye was lik a feeste funerall, [p. 381] 1380

In folk of custum that doon ther besi cure To brynge a corps, which of custum shall

removed his crown and confessed, weeping and with a sorrow- ful voice, that he was a sinful man.

that he had shed the blood of saints and martyrs. "I am not worthy, bjessed Jesus, to appear in thy presence;

but I come to thee to be washed clean of my iniquity."

This example he gave in public, bedew- ing his garments with tears and laying aside his royal insignia.

The people wept for joy to see so notable an em- peror and king shew such meekness.

It was like a funeral where the corpse comes to life,

1345. thus nelyng R. 1347- as] so as H. 1349. be to l)e H.

1352. the] om. H, an R. 1354- cruel in myn errour H.

1355. The] Them {but corrected) H, Them P — fell] most P.

1369. nor] ne H. 1377. was ioie] wer loyes H.

862 Other noble Deeds of Constantine [bk. vill

•nd everybody Hauc al tlic fihtis of liis scpulturc,

laughs and A i ■ i • c ^

weeps at once. Aiul 111 tliis tyiuc, ot soucyn auciiture 1384

To lyf ageyn restored be his bonys, Causyng his frecndis to lauhe & weepe attonis.

Thus the r^TieSenibhibH dependyng atween tweyne,

rejoiced and „, ^ c 1 • i • • 1

wept by turns 1 he pecple wepte, & tnerwith reioisshywe i?88

to iee their T-i • i- i

emperor askins lo sccn tiler eiiip^TOi/r SO pitousM compleyne,

mercy for his 1? \ ' ^

wn«. i^or his trespacis nierci requeryng:

Of ioie and sorwe a gracious medlyng.

That day was sey[e]n gladnesse meynt with moone,i392

Wit/j weepyng lauhtre, & al in o persona.

Afterwards he Aftjr al this he digged up hymselue stones with his Stoncs twelue, wher he lay knelyng,

own hands and taji 1 • r 1

put them into [AnclJ putte hem in corynes tuelue, 1396

memory'of"\hc On the tuelue postlis deuoutli remembryng, buiK' chu'rch Compassed a ground large for beeldyng, of St. Lateran Besidc his paleys caste theron to werche

in tneir name, -r /-~\ •

In Cristes name to sette up ther a cherche. 1400

He also made The place of oldc calHd Lateranence,

a law, that if ^., j j c J • 1 i-

any pauper or Dilt and eaenea m thaposths name.

cripple became r^ i i i i •

a Christian he Lonstantynvs bar al the dispense,

a new outfit' of Otdeyned a lawe, myn auctowr seith the same, 1404

lo'Sng'"'^ Yif any poore, nakid, halt or lame

Resceyue wolde the feith of Crist lesxXy He sholde be statut be take to this issu:

In his promys yif he wer founde trewe, 1408

That he wer nat be feynyng no faitowr,

He sholde first be spoiled & clad newe

Be the costage off the emperoMr,

Tuenti shillyng resceyue to his socowr, 1412

Of which resseit nothyng was w{t/??drawe,

Be statut kept & holde as for a lawe.

coun't^au hts ^^ ^^^ ^^ longc to putte [al] in memorie,

noble deeds and His hih prowessc & his notablc deedis, 1416

victories; but a j 1 r i • •

they are all And to reherse[nj euery gret victorie

Legend of^ Which that he hadde with hostis that he ledis;

Sylvester, ^j^j ^^ Tcmembre al his gracious speedis,

1394. digged] giggid {partly erased) R.

1397. On] Of R.

1398. large for] for large (biggyng) H. 1409. fatour R, H, fantour R 3.

1418. 1st that] om. H, R 3 — 2nd that] which H.

BK. viii]] Constantine's Vision. Constantinople

863

The surplusage, who list [to] comprehende, 1420

Lat hym of Siluestre reede the legende.

And among othir, touchywg his visiouw,

Which that he hadde, in cronicles men may lere,

Whaw that he slepte in his roial dongoun, 1424

How Crist to hym did graciousli* appeere,

Shewed hym a cros, & seide as ye shal heere:

" Be nat afFerd upon thi foon to falle,

For in this signe thou shalt ouercome hew alle." 1428

Be which auyseouw he was maad glad & liht

Thoruh Goddis grace & heuenli influence.

First in his baneer, that shon so cleer & briht,

The cros was bete, cheef tokne of his difi^ence. 1432

Slouh the tirauwt that callid was Maxence,

Aftir whos deth[e], thoruh his hih renoun

Of al thempire he took pocessiouw.

In which estat he meyntened trouthe & riht, 1436

Vpon al poore hauyng compassiouw,

Duryng his* tyme holde the beste kniht

That owher was in any regioun,

Of Cristes feith thymperial champioun, 1440

Thoruh his noble knihtli magnificence

To alle Cristene protectowr & difFence.

Aftir his name, which neuer shal appall,

Chauwged in Grece the name of Bizante; 1444

Constawtynople he did it aftir call,

And on a steede of bras, as men may see,

Manacyng of Turkis the contre.

He sit armyd, a gret suerd in his bond 1448

Them to chastise that rebelle in that lond.

Reioisshe ye folkis that born been in Breteyne,

Callid othirwise Brutis Albioun,

That hadde a prince so notabli souereyne 1452

Brouht forth & fostrid in yowr regiouw,

That whilom hadde the domynaciouw.

As cheef monarche, prince & president,

Ouer al the world, from est til Occident. 1456

1425. did graciousli3 graciousli did B.

1426. ye] om. R. 1429. glad] om. R. 1432. bete] boFif H. 1438. his] this B.

1450. ye] the R. I45S' monarchye H.

especially his vision of Christ, who shewed him a cross saying, "By this sign shalt thou conquer,"

which so pleased Constantine that he had the cross beaten in his banner, and slaying Max- ence, took possession of the whole empire.

He ruled justly, having compassion on the poor, and was held the best knight of his time.

He named Byzantium Constantino- ple; and there he still sits armed on a steed of brass, menacing the country of the Turks.

Rejoice, Britons, that your land brought forth such a prince, chief monarch of all the world!

864

Julian the Apostate, a cursed Man [bk. viii

\\'hen he died the sun was not seen for a month, and there was a great comet in the south that drew towards his palace In Nicomedia.

Tyme of his deth, that moneth of J^e yeer Phebus nat scyn, wzt/'drouli his feruent heete; And longe afFoin[e] large, brod & cleer, Toward Affrik shewed a gret comete, Alway encresyng, drouh toward the sate Of Nichomedie, shon erli & eek late, Wher in his paleis he passed into fate.

1460

After Con- stantine came Julian the Apostate, his cousin, a cu

[How lulian Apostata enmy to cristys bi fals Illu- sions was chose Emperour and aftir slayn.3 ^

AFFTIR the deth of this marcial man, — [p.382]i464 I

man.

meene this noble worthi Constantyn, r'sed Kometh Thapostata, cursid lulian,

Which be discent to Constantyn was cosyn. His gynyng cursid, hadde a cursid fyn, Entred religioun, as bookis specefie, Vnder a colour of fals ipocrisie.

who entered re- It hath be seid[e] of antiquite,

hypocrisy. Whcf that thet is dissymuled hoolynesse,

a double iniq- t^ • • ij- j j i i • •

uity. Fie on It IS icallid doublc iniquite, — perfectlonT'^ Fih Ott al suich feyned parfitnesse!

For symulacioun curid with doubilnesse And fals[e] semblaunt with a sobre face, Of alle [fals] sect<fj- stonde ferthest out of grace.

For a time he A certeyn space, as maad is mencioun,

devoted himself ,_ ^ r • i I'li Mr ^•

to religion, and 1 o al perieccioun he did nymsilr applie,

then, wearying rT-i.. | . - , . r •

of his order, 1 il he wcx wcri Or his protessioun,

ga\^himsetf"!ip Forsook his ordre bi apostacie.

to necromancy. ^^^ £j.g^. |^g ^^^ hjm to nigromancyc,

Double Apostata, as myn auctowr seith. First to his ordre & aftir to our feith.

1468

1472

1476

1480

1484

Constantius Bent this root of hypocrisy to be governor of Gaul, where he conspired to get possession of the whole empire.

Bi ordynaunce of Constancivs, This said lulian, roote of ipocresie, Of goU(?rnaunce froward & vicious, Was sent to Gaule with gret cheualrie As viker chose the contre for to guye.

1488

1461. sete^ cite R. 1466. the Apostita H.

1468. 1st cursid] om. R. 1472. ther] he R.

1473. callid R. 1476. sobre] doubil H, soure J.

1477. fals] om. J, P.

1 MS. J. leaf 157 recto — How] So J.

BK. Viii] Julian's Alliance with wicked Spirits

86s

1492

1496

1500

1504

1508

Gat hym fauour & falsli gan conspire To haue pocessiouw of al the hool empire.

And for he was nat likli to atteyne To that estat, he did his hert appUe Another mene pleywli to ordeyne, Wikked spiritis to make of his allie, Becaw a prentys to lerne sorcerye, To haue experience be invocaciouws To calle spiritifj- with his coniurisouns.*

Be fals illusiouw in the peeplis sihte,

Of wikked spiritis had so gret fauour, —

A crowne of laurer upon his hed aliht, —

Made folk to deeme, hi ful fals errowr,

It caw be myracle, to chese hym emp^rowr.

Which of trouthe as in existence

Was but collusioun* & feyned apparence.

With hem he hadde his cowuersaciouw,

Spared nat to doon hem sacrefise

Wit^ cerymonyes & fals oblaciouw.

And to thempire he roos up in this wise."

Thestat resceyuyd, first he gaw deuyse

Ageyn Grekis, out of his contre ferre,

To make hym strong with hem to haue a werre. 1512

The Feend a while was to hym fauourable,

Gaf hym entre and pocessiouw,

And made hym promys for tabide stable

In his lordship and domynaciouw,

To haue this world vndir subiecciouw;

Of which beheste he stood in pereilous cas,

Folwyng thoppynyoun of Pigtagoras.

^ Pigtagoras hadde this oppinyoun:

Whan men deide, anon aftir than

Ther was maad[e] a translaciouw

Of his speryt in-tanothir maw,

A maner liknesse; the Bible telle can,

The double speryt of grace & prophecie

To Heliseus was grantid be Helye.

1491. To haue] off all R — al] ow. R.

1496. Becam] he becam H, J, R 3.

1498, coniurisouns] coniuraciouns B. 1502. to] om. H.

1505. collusioun] intrusioun B, R, J, H 5.

1506. conuifrsaciouns H. 1508. oblacions H. 1511. Ageyn] geyn H. 1512, haue a] ha H.

and at first not succeeding, allied himself with wicked spirits and be- came an ap- prentice to sorcery,

and made the people believe that a crown of laurel alighted on his head by miracle, _ whereas it was set there by the spirits to whom he sacrificed.

In this manner he was chosen emperor.

1516

1520

1524

He made war on Greece; and for a while the devil favoured him.

Following the opinion of Pythagoras,

who believed in the trans- migration of souls.

866 Julian, an Enemy of Christ's Lazv \jrvl. viii

he thouRht that Heeron concludync;, lik his oppynyoun,

he himself had . r>. rr i •

•ucha spirit. As 1 ictagoFas artermecl in sciitence, 1528

with all its i t i i i i r i

knowledge and He that haclde rul pocessioun

wi om, Q^ suicli a speryt, in v^Tiay existence

Sholde haue the same wisdam & science,

The disposicioint aftir hym as biyue, 1532

Which hadde that speryt whil he was heer alyue, —

the spirit of Of goiu'rnau?;ce and also of nature and Pluto" en- Rescmblyn hym, of man<?res & lyuyng. i'tt^iifs* belief And thus be fraude Pluto did his cure 1536

To make lulian to truste in eueri thyng, He hadde be berth the sperit of the kyng Callid Alisaundre, be which he sholde wynne This world be conquest, whan-euer hyw list begynne.

So he trusted Thus gan he fonne & falle in fantasie 1541

the infernal To trustc on Pluto & goddis infernal,

*° '■ Thei sholde enhaunce hym bi his cheualrie

For to posseede and reioysshe al, — 1544

Suerd, sceptre, crowne and staat imperial, Passe Alisaundre in honour & in glorie And hym excelle in tryu7?iphal victorie.

He also trusted He trustcd Sathan, be whom he was desceyuid, [p. 383]

Satan, and •t' .^ • i i i

became a lo Cristes lawc becam mortal enmy; 1549

t^°christ"s'?a^v Wher that euere that he hath parceyued

crosses°and Cros or crucifix, he brak hem vengabli.

je"u's^h"caiied ^^ ^^^^ language he callid traitourly, 1552

•Gaiiiiee' and Crist Icsw he calHd Gallile,

sometimes the '

Nazarene' in And of despiht sumtyme Nazare.

scorn.

Ageyn our feith this tirant wex so wood, [And] ageyn Crist hadde so gret hatreede; 1556

He slew many Slouh many martir & falsli shadde hir blood,

martyrs and . • i , <, • i i

was an idolater An idoiatre & renegat m deede.

renega e. f^ggjj mortal wcrre vfith hem of Perse & Meede;

Comyng to Perse, first he gan debate 1560

Geyn Sapor kyng, of whom I spak but late.

And he fought Of Parthois also he entrid thoruh the rewm, Wher he fond no maneer resistence. And as he cam forbi Iherusalem, 1564

1528. in] this H. 1529. He that] \>at he H.

1543- hym] om. H. 1545- Suerd] Off Swerde R.

1550. 1st that] om. H. ISS2- caUith H.

1558. &] an H. 1561. Sapor kyng] kyn Sapors H.

BK. VIIl]

The Death of Julian the Apostate

867

To the lewes of newe* he gaf Hcence

To beelde the temple with gret dilligence,

In despiht, of purpos to do shame

To Cristene cherchis, bilt newe in Cristes name. 1568

In this while he kauht a gret corage,

In a theatre maad brood in that touw,

Too wilde beestis cruel and sauage

Of seyntis blood to make oblaciouw, 1572

Thei to deuoure men of religioun.

And alle Cristene of purpos to destroye,

His lust was set & al his worldly ioie.

Bi an heraud that dide his host cowveye, 1576

Of verray purpos to brynge hym in treyne, Bi strauwge desertis fond out a froward weye. The heete importable did hym so constreyne, Brente thoruh the barneys, felte so gr^t peyne; — 1580 The drye sondis, the heir infect with heete Made many a maw ther lyfF in hast to lete.

This froward tiraunt, knowyng no remedie,

Of cursid herte gaw Crist \es\x blasfFeme, 1584

And of malicious hatreed & envie,

Wood & furious, as it dide seeme,

Gan curse the Lord, that al this world shal deeme,

Crist lesns, which of long pacience 1588

List nat be vengauwce his* malis recowpence.

A mor cruel was ther neuer non,

Nor mor vengable: nat Cerbervs in hell,

Mortal enmy to goode men euerichon,

Whos blasfemys and rebukis fell,

Be rehersaile yif I sholde hem tell, —

I am aiFerd the venymous violence

Sholde infecte the heir with pestilence.

and let the Jews rebuild their temple, to do shame to Christian churches.

In Jerusalem he oflfered saints to wild beasts and all his joy lay in the destruction of Christians.

A herald, who guided his army, led him into a desert, where the heat killed many of his men:

1592

1596

He cast out dartis mor bittir than is gall Of blasfemye & infernal langage; And in this while among his princis all A kniht vnknowe, angelik of visage, Fresshly armyd, to punshen his outrage.

1600

1565. or newe] anon B, J, anone P — of newe he gaf] of newe

and of R. 1573. to] om. H.

1576. heraud] Heronde H, heraude J, herand R, Herauld P. 1579. The] to H — hym] hem H. 1580. the] their H. 1589. his] this B. 1591. nat] om. H.

and this fro- ward tyrant, knowing noth- ing better, be- gan to curse Christ, of malicious hatred.

A more cruel and revenge- ful man was never seen, not even Cerberus in hell. His blasphemies would infect the air with pestilence if I were to repeat them.

During this while an un- known knight appeared among

his princes and thrust a spear into his heart.

868 Julian slain by a Knight dead and buried [bk, viii

With a sharp spcre, thoriih ciicry synwe & veyne, Of this tirau»t roof the hcrte on twcync.

Some men say Bathid In hls bloocl, this tlrau«t fill doun lowe, 1604

this kniuht was n- ,-. i ., c 1 c 1'

Mercurius. lo Ciod & iiia/i trowarci 6: odious.

Thouh for that tyme the kniht ne was nat knowe,

Yit sum;«e men seyn it was Mercurivs,

Which hi the praieer of Basilius 1608

This tiraiw;t slouh, as cronicles don* us lere,

Bi a myracle of Cristes inooder deere.

who, buried This Mcrcurius, as bookes determyne,

Ces°a7ea." rose In Ccsaria, a myhti strong cite, 1612

u mange"'' WHthywit the contre callid Palestyne,

lrjayed°h'mleif Buried afFom, roos up at this iourne

iha't'Vun"'""'^' O"^ °^ ^'^ graue, a straunge thyng to see;

beside his An hors brouht to hym, arraied in his armure, 1616

mounted 'a Which hecng toforn beside his sepulture.

horse.

The same The Same armvre was nat sey^i that niht

noT°^en''untii Nor on the morw^e at his graue founde

ing. a"d pa'n Til mydday hour, that Phebus shon ful briht, 1620

downTmid- Whan Mercury* gaf hym his fatal wounde,

<^»>- His blasfemye for euer* to confounde.

Which thyng accowplisshed, this myracle for to pr-?ue, He and his armure wer ther ageyn at eue. 1624

That was the Of his blasfemye this was the sodeyn wrak Ws biasphem°y. Which the tiraunt resceyuid for his mede.

His last^words ^j^^ j^^^^ ^.^^^.j j ^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^ ^p^j^.

were.

GaiiikeT'Hf" "Thou Gallile hast ouercome in deede!" 1628

cast his blood Jook the bloodfe] that he did[e] bleede,

in the air in _ , . . J .

despite of Jesus, y}^ is Jeuelissh man, deymg m despeir,

Despiht of \es\x cast up in the heir. His body was His bodi flay[e]n & his skyn was take, [p. 384] 1632

flayed and hisrT-> ir-i ^ jl'JJ

skin tanned 1 awed aitir be presept and biddyng

?he gTte^of" Souple and tendre as thei coude it make, —

I'he Pe'rsfan^'' Sapor bad SO, that was of Perse kyng,

king Sapor. That men myht haue therof knowlechyng 1636

Erli on morwe & at eue late.

He did it naille upon his paleis gate.

1604. his] om. R, his oun H. 1605. To God &] To goode a R.

1606. ne] om. H. 1607. seyn] seynt R.

1609. don] doth B, J. 1621. Mercurius B, R, J.

1622. euer] euermor B, H, R, P, H 5, R 3.

1630 is misplaced before 1628 in H, correction indicated.

163 1, in] in to H.

BK.

VIIl3

Blasphemy is contrary to Virtue

869

And to a cite that was callid Kaire,

As cronicles make rehersaille, 1640

This Apostata wolde ofte a-day repaire

To a woman, which hadde in hir entraille

Spiritis closid, to make his dyuynaille.

In whos wombe, bareyn & out of grace, 1644

Of wikkid feendis* was the restyng* place.

This said[e] woman was a creature.

The which afForn be cursid lulian.

Be his lyue his purpos to recure, 1648

In sacrifise was offrid to Sathan.

And so as he with cursidnesse began,

Swich was his eende, as all bookis tell,

Whos soule with Pluto is buried deepe in hell. 1652

With this tiraunt Boch^j- gan wex[e] wroth

For his most odious [hatful] fel outrage,

And to reherse in parti he was loth

The blasfemyes of his fell langage; 1656

For nouther furye nor infernal rage

May be conzparid, with poisoun fret withynne,

To the fals venyw of this horrible synne.

It is contrarie to alle goode thewes, 1660

And tofor God most abhomynable;

Hatful to alle saufFto cursid shrewes:

For of alle vices verray incomparable.

Most contagious & most detestable, 1664

The mouth infect of suich infernal houndis

Which eueri day sle Crist wzt^ newe wouwdis.

Folk obstynat of purpos for the nonys.

Of disposicioun furious & wood, 1668

Nat afferd to suere [by] Goddis bonys.

With horrible othes of bodi, flessh & blood,

The Lord dismembryng, most gracioMJ, most good.

His feet, his handis, armys, face & bed, 1672

Reende hym of newe, as thei wolde haue \\ym ded.

The blissid Lord, which is inmortall,

Thouh thei be dedli, thei wolde hym sle ageyn.

Thei be erthli; he is celestiall; 1676

During his lifetime this Apostate used to consult a woman in Cairo ivhose belly was the resting place of evil spirits,

and whom he afterwards oflFered up in sacrifice to Satan.

Bochas began to grow angry with this tyrant for his outrages and blasphemies. Neither fury nor infernal rage can be compared to blasphemy.

It is contrary to all virtue and abomina- ble to God.

Obstjnate folk of evil disposi- tion swear horrible oaths by God's bones his body and blood, dismem- bering him of new, as if they would again have him dead.

Although they are earthly and he celestial, they have no discretion;

1641. ofte^ of R. 1643. his] hir H. 1645. feendis] spiritis

B, J, P — restyng] duellywg B. 1648. his] hir H. 1657. furye] om. R — nor] nor noon H, R 3, H 5. 1667. Folkis H. 1669. by] om. R, J. 1672. armys handis H.

870 Blasphemy comes from Pride. Falens [bk. viii

In froward wise tliel be ouerseyn; Discrcciou;/ failcth; thcr resoii;j is in veyn: Al suicli Ma[s]ffeniye, for short conclusioun, Proceedith of pride & fals anibicioun. 1680

and it seems If scenietli to me, tlici haue foule failed

they are very Of kynd[e]nesse to doon liym reuerence,

to^do'him "° Which for ther loue upon a cros was nailed

wa»"n"iied 'on° To paie the* raiw/soun for man^iys gret offence, 1684

suffered Tith Suffrcd dcth with humble pacience,

for their sake, p^jg rebuicyug, spltt^^ig in his visage,

To brynge ma/zkynde onto his heritage.

It all comes pals sutouedie that doth the hertis reise 1688

from pride: and ^-.^ • i i i r i • T i"

Satan is the Ut suicH blastemours, as was this lulian, J uuln* «""'*' Whos gret empire myht nat countirpeise tTnate^S'ning Ageyu that Lord which is bothe God & maw. under him. Thorigyual grou??d of pride was Sathan; 1692

Prince vndir hym most infortunat Was this Apostata, regnyng in his estat.

What was the What was thc eende of this tirauwt horrible,

cruel felon? He This cruel felou7i, hatful to eueri wiht? 1696

ToutiypfcTced Be sodeyn myracle to al his host visible,

by^a h^^eniy Ther did appeere a v^rray heuenli kniht,

knight. Most fresshli armyd & angelik of siht.

With a sharp spere, sittyng on his steede, 1700

Made the tirauwt his herte blood to bleede.

His false gods His falsc goddis myhte hym nat auaile,

could not help .... i rr i

him nor all his His irowatd oitryng doon to maumetrie, fnvocTtions. Nor al his proude imperial apparaille, 1704

His inuocaciouws nor hatful sorcerye: For this Apostata, that did his feith denye, Among his knihtis slayn be deth sodeyne; His soule dampned with Sathan depe in peyne. 1708

[How the Emperour Valence / slouh heremytes shad cristen blood destroied chirches & after was brent.] ^

Bochas next T^OCHAS in hast[e] doth his stile dresse Vakns°and -L3 Next to thcmp^rowr ^ax. callid was Valence, abourthe"^ Rchersing first the parfit hoolynesse

perfect holiness

1684. the] ther B, R, J, 1685. \>e. deth H. 1700. sharp] om. H.

1 MS. J. leaf 158 recto.

BK. viii] Valens persecutes the Hermits. Theodosius

871

Of hermytis, that dide ther dilligence 1712

To lyue in penauwce & in abstynence; Forsook the world[e], & for Cristas sake Into desert thei haue the weye take.

In this world heer thei list no lenger tarye, [p. 385] 1716

Dyuers & double, of trust noun certeyn;

Ferr in Egipt to lyue solitarye,

Deepe in desertis, of folk nat to be seyn.

The soil was drye; of vitaille ful bareyn; 1720

The frutles treen up sered to the roote:

For Cristes loue thei thouhte that lyfF most soote.

This said Valence, of malis frowardli

To thes hermytes, that lyued in gr(?t penauwce, 1724

Causeles [to hem] was gret enmy,

Troubled hem & did hem gret greuaunce.

Lik a tiraunt set al on vengauwce,

Destroied cherchis with peeple that he ladde; 1728

And wher he rood Cristen blood he shadde.

This mene while be robbyng & rauyne

In Mauritayne, which is a gret contre,

Ther was a prince that callid was Fyryne; 1732

And in Cesarea, a famous gret cite,

For his extorsiouw & his cruelte

He took upon hym, proudli ther regnyng,

Maugre [the] Romeyns to be crownid kyng. 1736

Theodose the Firste, a mawli maw,

Was sent out his malys to withstonde

Be the biddyng of Valentynyan,

Which that tyme thempire hadde on honde, 1740

Bothe attonys; but ye shal vndirstonde,

Theodose was sent out to assaile

The saide Feryn, and slouh hym in bataille.

Of which Feryn, be ful cruel hate, 1744

In that contre presumptuousli regnywg,

Smet of his hed & set [it] on the gate

Of Cesaria; this was his eendyng,

Which be intrusioun afForn was crownid king 1748

of hermits, who forsook this world of vari- ance for Christ's salce,

and lived far away in the deserts of Egypt, where the soil was dry and there was little food.

Valens was without cause their enemy. Wherever he rode he destroyed churches and shed Christian blood.

In the mean- while a prince called Firmus took upon him- self to reign in Cesarea, in despite of the Romans, so

Valens sent out Theodosius, co-emperor, against him. Firmus was slain,

and his head cut off and set up on the gate of Cesarea.

1716. lenger] lenger no R.

1722. thei] the R — most] so H.

1725. enmy] envye H. 1728. peeplis H.

1734. 1st his is erased H — 2nd his] gret H.

1735. ther] the R. 1737. man] knyht R.

1746. it] om. R. 1747] of Cesaria a Cite of gret bildyng H.

872 Valens' Defeat and Death [bk. vill

In Mauritayne, oppressing thein be dreed, As ye haue herd, For which he loste his hed.

ReturninR to In this matcer Boch^j" doth nat soio«rne

\ alcns, Rochai ,^ , , I'll'

•ays. that out Hc iioii attcouaiu/ce nor no long uilligence, 1752

of frowarJ i-> r i I

curjcdncss to liut o\ piupos dotli agcyn reto;<rne he'siew"iii'the To thcmperowT that calHd was Valence, hermits; Which, as I tolde, dide so gret offence

To hooh cherch of froward cursidnesse, 1756

Slouh al hermytes that bood in wildirnesse.

but God would God wold nat suffre he sholde long endure,

not suffer such ^~ , . • • i i rr

a tyrant to Ciraiw/teth no tirau«t to haue heer no long lytt; Gmhs°"r?i5eiied' For be sum myscheef or sodeyw auenture 1760

li^Vof onrof" Thei deien be moordre, v^nth dagger, suerd or kniff. his princes jj^g Gothois whilom ageyn hym* gan a stryfF, —

For his outrage & gret oppressioun

Thei ageyn Romeyns fill in rebellioun. 1764

called Maximus. A princc ofF his callid Maxymvs

and became so y-». . • . .

strong that theyUistresscd hem bi SO gret tiranye,

defeated N'alens ttt i ^ •

himself, Was vpon hem so contrarious,

That thei gadred al ther cheualrie 1768

And wex so strong vpon ther partie, That bi ther manhod, it fill of auenture, Thei on Valence made a disconfiture.

and went on Spared nat bi robbyng and pillage, 1772

robbing and ci L 8 U ^ ^ ..1 • 1

destroymg ISlouh & brente many statli place,

cities and towns y-y a i -ii

and villages in Cites, touws & many smal village,

^"iswhii/" That wer famous withynne the lond of Trace.

cease"to'^p'ir°-°^ But al this while Valence gan enchace, 1776

secutethe ^^ij causeles, of malis voluntarie,

hermits. ' i i-

Pursued hermytes that lyued solitarye. Collecting a And of newe this Valence gan ageyn

new army, he ^~, i • i r r> L

proudly Gret multitudc or Romeyns to purcnace, 1780

Goths.^who^ And with his host[e] proudli be disdeyn

£b!'"^So "e Ageyn[es] Gothes caw doun in-to Trace.

f fotTale'"''^ '° But furiousli thei mette hym in the face,

Wher lik a coward he turned his visage, 1784

To saue his lyfF lay hid in a cotage.

1759. to haue3 om. J, P — no] om. J, P.

1762. geyn hym whllome H — ageyn hym] om. J, P — hym]

hem B. 1776. enchace] enhace R. 1779. This stanza is omitted in J.

BK. \Ul]

Hermanric, Gratian, Theodosius

873

Thus fynalli this emp^rowr Valence,

As ye haue herd, failled of his entent.

The Gothes folwed be cruel violence, 1788

As wilde woluys*, alle of oon assent,

The hous & hym to asshis thei haue brent.

Loo, heer the fyn, ye pryncis taketh heede,

Of tirauntis that* seynt^j blood do* sheede! 1792

which the Goths set on fire, and was burnt to ashes. That is the end of tyrants, who shed the blood of saints!

[Ofif kyng Amarycjms / and how Gracyan and Theodosie destroied temples of fals goddis / & how gracyan was put to flight.] ^

^ Aftir Valence, to God contrarious,

In al his werkis most froward of lyuyng,

Tofor Bochas cam Amaricus,

Which of Gothes was whilom lord & kyng, 1796

Of his gret age pitousli pleynyng,

Inflat and bolle, list make no delaies,

Slouh hywsilf to shorte his greuous daies.

^Than caw to Bochas* the brotherofValence, [p.386]

The myhti empero^r callid Gracian, 1801

Which hadde afForn[e] had experience

First with his vncle Valentynyan

In thempire, as bookis telle can; 1804

And aftirward Theodosie & he

Hadde gouernaunce of Roome the cite.

Theodosie and Gracian of assent

Destroied templis as in that partie 1808

Of false goddis; thei haue also doun rent

The grete idoles & al suich maumetrye,

And ful deuoutli gan chirchis edefye.

And in this while, as Fortune list ordeyne, 1812

On Maxymvs was vikeer in Breteyne.

An hardi kniht, al-be he did[e] varie

From his promys maad be sacrement;

In Breteyne list no lenger tarie, 1816

1787] In all his werkis most frowarde of entent H. 1789. woluys] beestes B, J, beastes P. 1792. that] the B — do] to B.

1795. Amaricus] Arynacyus H, R 3, Hermenricus P. 1798. bollen H.

1800. to Bochas] doun B — brother] nephew P. 1802, 3 are transposed H, R. 1810. mawmentrye H. 1811. deuoute R. 1813. Maxymyan H. 1 MS. J. leaf 158 verso.

After Valens, Hermanric ap- peared before Bochas; once king of the Goths, he grew old and dropsical and finally slew himself.

Gratian, Valens' brother, and Theodosius ruled Rome.

They destroyed the temples of false gods and puUeo down idols and built churches at the time Maximus was governor of Britain.

Maximus was a hardy knight;

874

but, breaklns his oath, he left Britain and attacked Gra- tiaa

and put him to flight near Paris, through the bravery of Mcrobandus, one of his captains.

Maximus was ambitious to be sole ruler of the empire, and Bochas will tell how Fortune threw him down.

After Maximus had slain Gratian, Thco- dosius m&de war on him

and his general Andragathius who defended the Alps,

and laying siege to Aquileia, took him prisoner and slew him.

Thfodosius' SlruggU with Maximus [bk. viii

But into Caule of hert & hool entent

Geyn Gracian he sodenli is went.

And as it till, set be ther bothe auys,

Thei hadde a bataille nat ferr out of Parys. 1820

This Gracian was ther put to fliht

Bi the prowesse of a proud capteyn

Callid Alerobandus, was an hardi kniht,

Which with his poweer hath so ouerleyn, 1824

That Gracian was constreyned in certeyn,

Whan his poweer niyhte nat availe

Geyn Maxymvs, to fleen out of Itaille.

^ This Maxymvs of pride gan desire 1828

In his herte be fals ambiciouw

To regne allone, & of the hool empire

In his handis to haue pocessiouw.

But in what wise Fortune threw hym doun 1832

With suich othir, that be in nou[m]bre fyue,

In this chapitle Bochas doth descryue.

Ageyn this same tiraunt Maxymvs,

Whan that he hadde slay[e]n Gracian, 1836

The noble emperour Theodosius

To venge his deth a werre in hast began,

Because also that Valentynyan

Was wrongli banshed thoruh the cruelte 1840

Of Gracian ful ferr from his contre.

With Maxymvs to holde up his partie

W^as Andragracian, a ful notable kniht,

Which was maad prince of his cheualrie, 1844

That took upon hym of v^rray force & myht

To keepe the mounteyns, that no man^r wiht

With Theodose, armyd in plate & maile, —

No man sholde ouer the Alpies of Itaile. 1848

Theodose maad a gret arme.

Be grace of God and marcial corage

Leide a seege to Aigle, a gret cite.

And wan the toun, maugre his visage; 1852

Took the tiraunt, and for his gret outrage

1830. the hool empire] al thempir,? H. 1832. what] that R. 1838. tavenge H — in hast a werre R — gan H.

1841. from] out of H.

1842. Maxymyan H — With] Whiche J.

1843. Andragathius P. 1851. Aquile P — a gret] \)e H.

BK. VIIl]

The Victory of Theodosius

875

BerafFt hym first his roial garnement And slouh hym aftir be rihtful iugement.

Whan Andragracian knew that MaximMj, 1856

That was his lord, was slay[e]n in swich wise,

Anon for sorwe, the stori teUith thus,

He drowned hymsilf, as Bochas doth deuise.

Thus can Fortune make folk arise i860

To thestat of emp^rowrs atteyne,

With vnwar strok yiue hym a fal sodeyne.

This Maximvs, of whom I spak tofor,

Tofore his deth[e] made an ordynauwce, 1864

That his sone, which callid was Victor,*

Sholde aftir hym gouerne Gaule & Frauwce,

Whom Arbogastes hadde in gouifrnaunce —

A gret constable with Valentynyan — 1868

Slouh this Victor* to regne whan he began.

Andragathius drowned himself for sorrow.

Before his death Maximus had ordered that his son Victor should govern Gaul, but Victor was slain by Ar- bogastes, one of Valentin- ian's generals.

[_k good processe how Theodosie wit/i praiere and smal noumbre gat the victory.] ^

THAiV Valentynyan wi'tZ? gr^t apparaile Bi Arbogastes took pocessioun Of Lumbardie & of al Itaile, 1872

Brouht al that lond to subieccioun. Than with his poweer he cam to Gaule doun, Ther resceyuyd with gret solempnite At Vyenne, a famous old cite. 1876

Arbogastes, of whom I spak now late.

His cheef constable, as ye haue herd deuise,

Of his lord[e] be ful cruel hate

The deth conspired of fals couetise, 1880

Therbi supposyng that he shold arise

Vnto thestat to be chose emperoMr,

Whan he wer ded[e], lik a fals tretowr.

Vp in a tour he heeng hym traitowrli, [p. 387] 1884

[And] to mor sclaundre & hyndryng of his name,

Reportid outward and seide cursidli.

This Arbogaste, to hide his owne shame, —

His souereyn lord to putte in mor difFame, —

Valentinian then took pos- session of Lom- bardy and Italy, and entering Gaul was received with great pomp at Vienne.

Arbogastes, hoping to be made emperor, conspired his death

and hung him up in a tower, reporting, to hide his guilt, that his lord had hanged himself.

1856. Andragathius P. 1862. hym] hem R.

1865, 69. Vittor B. 1880. of] bi ful H. 1885. And] om. R.

1 MS. J. leaf 159 recto.

876 Theodosius prays for Victory [bk. viii

Stefll afformcd, a tliyng that was ful fals, How he hymsilf[e] heng up bi the hals.

Thus a mur- Thus lik a iiioordrcr and a fals tretoz/r,

traitor, he Aiul of coiidlciou « hatful aiid odious, 1893

■ought to reign t 1 j 1 ]

•lone with Laboured sore to be maad eniperowr, fnXturinS'toThat he alloue with Eugenivs exclude Theodo-jyiii^jg excludc Theodosyus,

First to lette hym, he sholde on no partie 1896

Passe thoruh Itaille nor thoruh Lumbardie.

who was in the Sette espies to brynge hym m a treyne,

birdy° atta'^iwed Which that tyme, as thei vndirstood,

him there. j^jj^ ^ j^^^ prynce did his besy peyne, 1900

As he that thouhte nothyng but on good,

In the hilles of Lumbardie abood,

Whom Arbogast, of furious corage,

Cast hym to trouble & stoppen his passage, 1904

Theodosius. He and Eugenius beyng of assent

scantily provi- _,, , . ,,. .,

sioned, sur- 1 heodosie mottalli tassaile.

^em1« a^'nd^" Which whan.he knew ther meenyng* fraudulent, mTn^of his Al-be that he had but scars vitaille, 1908

knights, betook Q^ eutu cost besettc with a bataille,

nimsell to ^ ,

prayer. ^nd of his knihtis forsaken m maneere,

He lefte all thyng & took hym to praiere.

Falling down With hym was left[e] but a smal meyne, 1912

on his knee, he ry. o r • i r i • i cr

said. "O Lord, 1 rewe & reithrul m ther arteccioun.

of my'dTstress'i And fitst of alle he fill doun on his kne And to lesus gan make his orisoun: "O Lord," quod he, "thyn eres enclyne doun, 1916 And of thi merciful gracious [hih] goodnesse Delyuere me out of my mortal distresse.

"Consider that Considre & sec how that I am thi kniht,

biind^by Which ofte sithe thoruh my fragilite, 1920

?"mMy" With flesshli lustis bleendid in my siht,

knight. ^ thousand tymes haue trespasid onto the;

But, gracious lesu, of merci & pite

To my requestis benigneli tak heed 1924

Me to socoure in this gret[e] need.

1901. As] And R — on] om. H, J, R 3, P.

1903. Whom] Whilome H.

1907. Which] om. R — meenyng] mouyng B. R. H 5.

1909. besette] sett H.

1920. ofte] off R. 1925. in] now in H.

BK. VIIl3

The Prayer of Theodosius

877

My trust is hool, pleynli to conclude,

Thou shalt foorthre & fortune my viage,

Wi't^ litil folk ageyw gret multitude 1928

To make me haue gracious passage,

Aftir the prouerbe of newe & old langage.

How that thou maist & kanst thi poweer shewe

Geyn multitude victorie with a fewe. 1932

And as thou sauedest whilom Israel

Geyn Phar[a]os myhti strong puissaunce,

And fro the leouws delyueredest Danyel,

And saueddest Susanne in hir mortal gr^-uauwce, 1936

Saue me this day fro sorwe & myschauwce,

In this myscheef to grante me this issu,

Tescape fro daunger be grace of the, \es\x\

Thi* blissid name be interpretacioun 1940

Is to seyne most myhti Saueowr;

Ther is no dreed nor dubitaciouw

That \esus is in al worldli labour

To al that trust hym victorious protectowr. 1944

Now, blissid lesxx, pauys of my difFence,

Make me escape myn enmyes violence!

Lat myn enmyes, that so gret host do blowe,

Thouh ther poweer be dreedful & terrible, 1948

That thei may bexperience knowe

Ther is to the nothyng impossible, —

Thou too and thre & oon indiuysible,

Thouh I with me haue but fewe men, 1952

Saue me, lesxx, this day fro deth; Amen."

§[ The day gan cleere, the sunwe gan shewe briht,

Whaw Theodosie deuoutli lay knelyng,

And be grace adawen gan his siht 1956

Fro cloudi wawes of long pitous weeping.

His souereyn hope set in the heuenli kyng,

\esus his capteyn, in whos hooli name

That day escapid fro myscheef & shame. i960

The hooli crosse bete in his armure,

Born as cheef standard toforn in his bataile;

God made hym strong[e] in the feeld tendure,

1935. delyuerest R. 1937. &] & all H, R 3. 1940. Thi]This B, R, H s. 1954. shewe] shyne R, J.

"My trust is that thou shalt further my enterprise and give victory to few against a multitude.

"As thou saved Israel from Pharaoh, and Susannah in her extremity, save me to-day from this peril.

"There is no doubt that thou art the victorious pro- tector of all who trust in thee.

"Let my powerful and boastful enemies know by ex- perience that to thee nothing is impossible. Amen."

Dawn found Theodosius still on his knees, almost blinded by weeping, his hope set on Jesus.

The holy cross was borne as his chief stand- ard, and God gave him victory.

878 Theodosius defeats Arhogastes [bk. viii

HardI as leoun* his enniyes to assaile; 1964

\csus his champion;:, his plate & eek his malle, — \esi\s allone, set fix in his iiiemorie, Be whom that day he hadde the* victorie.

One of Ar- Thet was a kniht, prince of the cheiialrie [p. 388] 1968 er«u, Arbicio. Of Afbogast aiid [ot] Eugenivs,

deserted to the ii'i • • i i i n-i i

side of Theodo- VVhich gouemed al liool[iJ tlier partie,

*'"'' Arbicio calHd, manli and vertuous,

Which goodli caw to Theodosius, 1972

Did hym reuerewce, & with riht glad cheer Saucd hym that day fro myscheef & dau?zgeer.

and a miracu- Whaii Thcodosic upon his foon ga?j sette,

lous tempest of _ . , i m i • •

wind, hail and LiK a kiiiht Hat tumy^ig his visage, 1976

to his l°dvan- And bothe batailes togidre whan thei mette, tage. Of Theodosie texpleite the passage

Fill a myracle to his auauntage: Be sodeyn tempest of wyndis, hail & reyn 1980

Troubled all tho that seeged the mounteyn.

Vulcan bent his Vlcattvs, which IS chcef smyth of heuene,

guns of thunder ^^ . , i i- i

and lightning, (jcyn Atbogastcs gan hym reedi make

awoke th"e' To beendc his gunnys viith thonder & with leuene, 1984

riverns" """' And Eolus his wyndis ga« awake

Out of the[r] kauernys, hidous, brouw & blake;

Alle of assent be sturdi violence

With Theodosius stooden at difFence 1988

The enemy Agcyn Eugcnivs & Arbogast his brothir,

were scattered c> J a o '

their spears * Ther pecple and thei departed heer & yonder shfeids'riven^ Wit^ wynd and myst, that non of hem sauh d^er, Eugenhi's was Bc vHwar vengaunce of tempest & of thundir, 1992 and^be"eaded: Ther spcres tobtak, ther sheeldes rofF assond^r. hh^lii''" ^^^ Eugenivs take, aftir lost his hed,

[And] Arbogastes slouh hymsilf for dreed.

1964. leouns B, J.

1965. his] is R.

1967. the] that B.

1968. Ther] Her R — a prince H.

1969. Arbogastes P — 2nd of] om. R, J, R 3, H 5, P.

1970. hooH] hool R, J, H 5, whole P.

1977. bothe] om. R.

1978. texplete H.

1980. tempestes J, P — haile wynde & reyn H.

1981. seeged] passid H. 1986. ther] the H, J. 1987. Alle] And R.

1990. yonder] theer R. 1995. Arbogast P.

BK. viii] The Story of Theodosius' Penance

879

Thus can the Lord of his eternal myht 1996

Chastise tirauwtis & ther maHs represse;

Saued Theodose, his owne chose kniht:

Who trustith hym of parfit stabilnesse,

Goth free fro dauwgeer, escapeth fro distrifsse. 2000

Bookis recorde how Theodosius

Was in his tyme calhd CathoHcus.

This myracle God Hst for hyw werche,

Made hym victor for his gret meeknesse. 2004

[AiForn and] afFtir fouwde onto the cherche

As Cristis kniht; I take onto witnesse

His submyssioun & his deuout hu^nblesse;

Of hastynesse whan he was vengable, 2008

He to the cherch[e] yald hymsilf coupable.

The caas was this, as I reherse can:

In Thesalonica, a famous old cite,

Beyng bisshop Seynt Ambrose in Melaw, 2012

Certeyn iuges* for to doon equite

And sitte in doom hauyng auctorite,

Natwithstondyng ther commyssioun

Wer slayn be comouns entryng in the* toun. 2016

Wherof* themp^fOMr was nothyng* glad nor fayw,

But comauwded of hasti wilfulnesse,

Whan he knew his iuges wer so slaytt,

That his knihtis sholde hem thidir dresse, 2020

Entre* the cite be cruel sturdynesse,

With suerd & pollex & daggeres sharp*? whette,

Indifferentli slen al tho Jx^t thei mette.

Bi whos biddyng the cite to encoumbre, 2024

That day was slayn many an innocent:

Fyue thousand ded remembrid in that nouwbre,

Moordrid in hast withoute iugemewt

Bi them that wern vnto* the cite sent. 2028

But whan Ambrose herde of this cruel deede,

Lik a iust prelat thus he gan proceede:

As ye haue herd[e] how this vengaunce gan,

Be Theodosie to chastise the cite,

The same eva^eroux cam aftir to Melan,

Thus the Lord can chastise tyrants and save those who trust in him.

God worked this miracle and made Theodosius victorious for his great meek- ness; and once when he was revengeful he afterwards de- voutly sub- mitted himself to the church.

Certain judges in Thessalonica were slain by the commons; and the emperor in his anger

ordered his knights to enter the city and massacre the people.

Five thousand were mur- dered, in- cluding many innocent.

St. Ambrose heard of this cruel deed,

and afterwards when he met 2032 Theodosius on the porch of

2001. recordeth R. 2012. Milayn H. 2013. iuges] lewes B. 2016. in the] into B, R, in to the J. 2017. Wherof] Therof

B, J — nothyng] nouther B, H, nothir R 3, nouthyr H 5. 2021. Entre] Entred B, R, J. 2028. vnto] into B.

88o The Humility of Theodosius [bk. viii

the c«thedrai Woldc liauc cntiid at a solempnite

church at r,,. i i i i i • i • • i

Milan, he for- 1 he catlioural clierch in Ins most rialtc;

bade him to i^- i • • i • •

enter, liissliop Aiiibrosc at tlic porchc hym mette, 2036

And of purpos nianli hym withsette.

•aying. "I Quod tlic hlssliop, "I counscll the wlthdravve,

advise you to f' i • i i i i i i

go away: vou Into this chcrch thou shalt haue non entre.

homicide and Thou hast offcndid God and eck his lawe. 2040

ihfs church"i" Be Hat SO hard! nor bold, I charge the,

Swcr°' V'oJ To settc thi foot nor entre in no degre;

can remain Because thou art a cruel honiycide,

outtide -' . '

for a while. Maugrc thi myht thou shalt a while abide. 2044

"Go home to Vnto thi paleis horn ageyn retourne,

your palace and ^, ... "^ , i i i i

don't let your- 1 lus cihte monethes iooke thou be nat seyn; for eight '^ Passe Hat thi boundis, doo meekli ther soio^rne: haTdisdainfor For, ttust Hie wcel and be riht weel c^rteyne, 2048 derert!'" """'" Al suich moordrers God hath hem in disdeyne. Blood falsli shad, haue this in remembrance, Callith day and niht to hym to do vengaunce.

"During these Ageyn[e]s the, for this gret offence [p. 389] 2052 do not presume Of innocent blood shad ageyn[e]s riht,

to enter the d • • t • i •

church. t)e lUst auctonte 1 yiue this sentence:

This eihte monethes acountid day & niht

To entre the cherch thou shalt nat come in siht, 2056

Resoun shal holde so iustli the ballauwce

Til thou haue fulli acomplisshid thi penauwce.

and take good What I haue seid[e] tak [tlheerof good heede,

heed of what , "■ •" "• •" °

I have said; 1^ Or this tyme thou gest no mor or me. 2060

no mo"e orme Withdrawe thyw hand inwocent blood to sheede

this time, and r? U ^' 1^ "

don't kill any T or any rancour or hasti cruelte.

"^pie!"°°""' That to behold the gret humylite

Of themperoz^r, considred euerideel, 2064

It wolde haue perced an herte maad of steel.

It would have With hcd cnclyncd he spak no woord* ageyn,

pierced a heart _^ • i i i 111

of steel to see Brast on weepyng with sobbyng Ynstauwchabld", humtutyrfor' His purpil weede bedewed as with reyw, 2068

te"a7s'and"so°bs Retumyng hom with cheer most lamentabl/f, fafs'^pe^naicr^ ^° So contynucd in his purpos stable,

With al the toknys of feithful repentaunce

In lowli wise acomplisshed his penaunce. 2072

2039. shal H.

2059. I haue] have I R. 2066. no woord he spak B.

2068. as] all R. 2071. the toknys] om. H.

BK. VIIl]

Virtuous Princes obey the Church

88i

Gaf exauwple to princis euerichon

In caas semblable, that werke of wilfulnesse

To execucioun for to proceede anon,

Meynteene ther errowr & froward cursidnesse, 2076

DifFende ther trespas, meywteene ther woodnesse,

Ferr out of ioynt, yif it shal be declarid,

To Theodosie for to be comparid.

To the cherche he meekli did obeye, 2080

[Lik] Goddis kniht did lowH his penauwce, Wher ther be sumwe that wrongH it werreye, Holde therageyw be froward meyntenaunce. Touchyng this mateer set heer xn remembrance, 2084 As men disserue, — lat exxery wiht tak heede — He that seeth al quiteth hem ther meede.

Theodosivs Ust nothyng abregge

To shorte the yerde of his correccioun; 2088

Forsook the platte, of rigOMr took the egge,

MeekH to sufFre his castigaciouw;

To bowe his chyne was no rebelHouw,

Bi meek confessiouw knowywg his trespace, 2092

Be Seynt Ambrose restored ageyn to grace.

Vertuous princis may exaumple take

Of Theodose, how thei the Lord shal queeme,

He nat froward amendis for to make, 2096

His sceptre, his suerd, his purpre, his diadeeme

Soget to Ambrose, what hym list to deeme,

Obeied al thyng; & for his gret offence

To hooli cherch to make recompence. 2100

He knew[e] that God was his sonereyn Lord,

To hooli cherch how gretli he was bouwde,

Gruchched neuer in thouht, will nor woord,

Hooli on Crist his empire for to fouwde. 2104

Wher vertu regneth, verfu wil ay rebouwde;

And for this prince obeied tal vertu.

Hath now his guerdouw aboue -with Crist \es\x.

2078. Ferr] for^ H, For R 3 — it] all H.

2081. Lik] oni. R, J.

2082. it] 07n. H.

2087. nothyng] no while H.

2093. Be] om. H — restored] restorde hym H.

2099. his] this H.

2105. ay wil R.

2106. tal] to al H, callid R.

2107. his] om. H.

with a most lamentable face. An example to princes, who out of perverse cursedness de- fend their trespasses.

He obeyed the church and meekly did his penance, in contrast to those who wrongly resist,

and, accepting his punishment to the full, was finally restored to grace.

Virtuous princes may take example of Theo- dosius, how they shall conciliate the Lord. He subjected himself to Ambrose

and holy church with- out complaint, and now has his reward with Christ above.

882 Alaric and Radagaisus [bk. viii

[How knightys and gentylmen chese Aleryk kyng / and comouns chese Radagasus whiche ended in myschef.] ^

All peoples arc TX is rcniembrid of antlquite, 2108

Noah".nd hT."" JL In the Bible, aftir Noes flood,

three tons, sstt i*i' i ^ r \ ' ' I

the Bible says. How bi dissent[ej ot his sonis tlire, came so'," Of thcF lynagc plcyiili and thcr blood nations: y^j kynrccdis dilatid been abrod; 2112

And [in] myn aucto?<r, as it is maad[e] mynde, Of laphet cam seuene naciouns, as I fynde.

GauUGaiatia, The pccplc first of Gaule & Galathe,

Italians, Tyre. Of MagOth GothcS & follcis of Itailc, 2Il6

Scythia and <-p- o* i • • i

Thrace. lire, bithia, with many gret contre

Stondy?/g in Asia, as be rehersaile; But in Europe stznt Trace, it is no faile. Gothes, Sithiens of purpos did ordeyne 2120

Among hemsilff^[e] gou(?rnowr[e]s tweyne:

In Thrace the KniHtis, gcntilmen chose* Alericus

Goths and t^ i i • 11 1

Scythians had 1 o bc thcf pfincc and haue the souereynte,

Alaric chosen' Whcr the coiTiouws chosc Radagasus. 2124

and^Radagabils.The Gothes first, foF gtettcst surete,

^^Zmonl. '*'" With kyng Alerik been entred \)e cite,

Into Roome to fynde ther socowr,

That tyme Honorius beyng emp^rowr. 2128

The emperor Be gtaunt of whom, al the hool contre

granted Ajaric Youe to Alerik, of Gaulc, Spaigne & France,

and France, Thet for tabide & holde ther his see,

wasfrat'^down Gothes, Spay[g]nolfFs vndir his obeissauwce, 2132

aftei^'ards'T Takyng on hym al the gou^rnaunce, Til Stillicon out of the Occident To meete with them was doun fro Roome sent,

and Alaric put That tyme Honorie beyng emperowr. [p. 390] 2136 ig t. g^jjjj^Qj^ g^^ Allerik enchace

With many a proud[e] sturdi soudeot^r, For to fihte thei chose haue ther place;

2122. chosen B — Alaricus R, P, R 3, Alaricas H.

2124. Radagusus H. 2127. ther] their H.

2130. Spayn Gaule & Fraunce H.

2135. them] hym R.

2139. place] space R.

1 MS. J. leaf 160 recto.

BK. VIIl]

The Death of Radagaisus

883

2144

2148

2152

2156

But Allerik stood so in the grace 2140

Of Fortune, that be verray myht StilHcon he putte vnto the fliht.

Radagasus and Alerik of assent Haue concludid and ful accordid be Thoruh Itaille for to make her went Toward Roome, and entre that cite, Maugre Romeyws to haue the souereywte. Tofor ther entriwg gan the toun manace. The name of Rome to chaungen & difFace.

For euermor the toun to doon a shame Ther purpos was, as ye haue herd deuise; First of alle to chau?zgen the touws name, Dempt themsilfF hable to that emprise. But Fortune thouhte al othirwise, Lik hir maneeres to do most damage, Whan she to men sheweth fresshest hir visage.

Hir condiciouws be nat alwey oon;

Stouwdemeel of custum she can varie;

For she was first froward to Stillicon,

And to Radagasus eft ageyn contrarie: 2160

In o poynt, she list[e] neuer tarie.

To Radagasus hir fauowr did faille.

Be Stillicon he venquisshid in bataille.

Al his pride myht nat make hym speede; Fortune list[e] so for hym ordeyne. That he was fayn, at so streiht a neede, To flee for socoi^r to an hih mounteyne, Of al vitaille nakid & bareyne, Wher for hunger he felte so gret greef, Nih al his peeple deide at* myscheefF.

Of al socot^r destitut and bareyn,

Sauh no remedie, took hym to J^e fliht;

Be the Romeyns he was so ouerleyw.

Take at myscheef, & maugre al his myht

In cheynis bounde & dampned anon riht

For to be ded; his peeple, as it is told, 2176

Many on slayn, sumwe take & summe wer sold.

Radagaisus and Alaric then decided to conquer Rome, and threatened to change its name, to the disgrace of the Romans.

They thought themselves able to do this; but Fortune thought otherwise.

Although she had been fro- ward to Stili- cho, she now, favoured him. Radagaisus was defeated,

2164 and fled to a mountain, where his soldiers died of hunger;

2168

and finally he was captured 2172 and sentenced to death.

2146. that3 l)e H.

2149. chaungen] daunger R.

2161-63 are transposed in H, but correction indicated.

2170. at] for B.

884 'J'kf Fate of Rufinusy the Intruder [bk. viii |

Il!«J'".'r^'^;V ^^^^^ ^^'^s no[n] proudere nor mor surquedous than king In thilke dayes, pleynli to descryue,

R«dag«isu«. ^. 1 • • ir 1 I 1% ,

Hit Dowcr did Inan was this said[ej ky;;p; Radagasus, 2180

■at ong. wiij^i^ |.qqJ, j^,^ Y^y^^ ^^.jj.j^ Romeyns for to stryue.

His powccr short, was oucrtourned blyue; (

For Fortune of nialys hadde a lust -

To slen this tiraunt with hunger & with thrust. 2184 i

"orio" WaLsc Among[es] othir proud[e] princis alle I

people called Reioysshcd hymsilf bamaner fof] veynclorie, i

him king of the r> i • , , , ..

Goths. His because that men in contres ded hvm calle

memory wa» V C r"* ^\ \ • ^ "" • i

aoon forgotten, i^yng ot (jothcs; short is the memorie 2188

Of hyw rehersid or writyn in historic, — J

To yiue exaumple, in deede men may fynde 1

The name of tiraunt^j is soone put out of mynde. i

[How Ruffyne chamberlejm wft/i Theodosie vsurped j

to be Emperoifl- and therfore by honoryus ■

dampned & his heed smet of.] ^ i

"X'uTJ'rp?- UIH clymbyng vp hal) ofte an vnwar fall 2192 j

tion to imperial A A And spccialH whan it is sodeyne,

estate has often r> i i i ...,•'' '

a sudden fall. T ro lowh degrc testat imp^nall, '

Whan fals ambicioun the ladder doth ordeyne, ^

Be vsurpacioun presumptuousli tatteyne 2196

Aboue the skies with his hed to perse; Fro whens he caw wer shame to reherse.

^s^cSiiytrue ^ "^^ene as thus; al suich hasti clywbyng [

of those men Of them that list nat hemsilf for to knowe 2200 i

whose begm- A J U r l i r ■'■'v.'w j

nings are often And haue torgetc the ground or l^ifr gynnyng, j

rehearse— men Be froward fame with worldli wyndis blowe, \

wish to know To reise ther name* boue Sagittaries bowe, — '

themselves, like Rgcord on RufFyn*, which proudli gan desire 2204 I

Be fals intrusioun to occupie thempire. .

ofTh^eSdo^uf '^^^ which RufFyn was whilom chaumbirleyn ;

who tried to ' With Theodosie, and holde a manli kniht; '

become emperor -rr- • -x \ c ■, \

by intrusion. I it m o thyng he was roul ouerseyn, 2208 ;

2180. kyMg] OOT. R. 2181. took] ow. R — on] vpon H.

2189. historic] memorye H. 2194. testat] to thestate H.

2197. skies] sterris R — with his hed] his hede with H, R 3. '

2199. as] om. H. 2202. worldli] clowdy H. :

2203. names B, J — aboue H. j

2204. RufFyn] Ruffia B, R, J — on] off R. j 2206. whilome was H. 2207. and] was R. '

^ MS. J. leaf 160 verso.

BK. VIIl]

Stilicho and his Son Eticherius

88s

Be couetise bleendid in his siht

To spende his labour, & hadde no ground of riht.

Be themp^rowr Honorius he was sent

For to gouerne al the orient. 2212

Bi processe Ruffyn was maad vikeer,

Callid aftir vikeer Imperial,

Took upon hym hooli and enteer

Be auctorite, [as] cheef and princepal, 2216

Hymsilf allone to gou^rnen al,

As most hable; thus he dede deeme,

Beforn all othir to were a diadeeme;

Of hymsilfFso moche he ded[e] make, [p, 391] 2220

In port and cheere [the] most ambicious.

At Constantynople vnwarli he was take.

First bouwde in cheynys and aftir s^ruid thus:

Be trewe iugement of Honorivs, 2224

His hed smet of and his* riht hand in deede;

This was his eende; of hyw no mor I reede.

He was sent by Honorius to the East and called Vicar Imperial. Afterwards he seized the whole empire

and made much of him- self; but he was taken in Constantinople and bound in chains, and his head and right hand were cut off.

[How Stillicon and othir of lik condicion ended in myscheflf.] ^

A

FFTIR whos deth to Bochaj- ther cam oon.

Swich another lik of condiciouw, Afforn remewbrid, callid Stellicon, Whos sone Euterius, as maad is mewciouw. Purposed hym to haue pocessiouw Of thempire hool; pleywli thus he thouhte, And bi what mene the weie his fadir souhte.

Compendiousli to tellyn of thes tueyne. Fro dyuers contres toward Septewptriouw To gadre peeple, thei dide her besi peyne, Of many dyuers strauwge nacioun. Ageyw Honorivs thei caw togidre down, [And] as thei mette, Fortune made hem faille, Bothe attonys slay[e]n in bataille.

2228

2232

2236

Stilicho next appeared to Bochas. His son Eucherius proposed that they should take possession of the Empire;

so they collected an army of various peoples and were defeated and slain by Honorius.

2240

2209. Be] to H.

2223. aftir] aftirward R.

2225. hed] he R — his] in his B.

2230. Eucherius P.

2239. And as] All R, and H, R 3 — made] dyd R.

1 MS. J. leaf 160 verso.

886 Constans and Constantine [bk. viii

Thfir evil be- ThcT eviv/viic cursicl IkkIcIc a vvengable fvn;

Kiniung had an . - . '^•, " i i , , ■- , • ■'

evil eiiJ. Attir whos clcth 1 rcecic ot othir tweyne:

Constans and gri t\c /■< \ ■ c \- t •>

his father Con- H Ut ooii Loiistaiis, liis taiiiT Lo;Kstantyn, '"k'upon'thcm-Which Coiistaiityn took on hym in certeyne 2244 Sver'in ihe'" To Tcgnc in Gaulc, and aftir that ordeyne, Empire. \y^ that centre to be goucrnoz/r,

rher to coHtynve as lord and emperoz/r. Constans His sone Constans kaute a deuocioun 2248

turned monk, - . i ,• i • i -i

but his father (Jt conscicncc, and forthwith anon riht

had him taken \\t < i c i i ■ r •

out and made VV as sliaue a monk, & made his proressioun. nig t. Y\\^ fadir aftir of verray force & myht

Leet take hyw out, gaf hym the ordre of kniht; 2252 Both of assent gan make hemsiluen strong Toppresse the contre & do the peeple wrong.

Both of them This said[e] Constans, as myn auct07/r seith,

then oppressed }: ' ri r i i

the people, and. VVas conrcdcrat, or hatrul cruelte, 2256

with one With oon Herencivs, assuraunce maad & feith, eronuus, ^^ btethte suorn for mor auctorite.

And for to make the noumbre up of thre, Constantyn was sworrn with hem also 2260

To been al oon in what thei hadde ado.

conquered Thcs said[e] thre sworn and lioyned thus,

many cities in ^-^ . . _ . -^ .

Spain. Geron- L-onqucrcd lu bpaigne many gret cite;

tius traitorously -r-, • i • i -i i . • i tt

slew Constans. Dut in tliis while this scid Hercncivs, 2264

Traitot<r and fals, ful of duplicite. His fellawe slouh ageyw his oth, parde. Thus was Constans thoruh fals collusiouw Of Herencivs moordred be tresouw. 2268

and shortly Herencivs aftir lyued but a while;

aftenvards he _ , . i -i • i i r i i

himself was DC fiis owne kmlitis he siaylejn was also.

killed by his -p. i r r i i • • • • 7 -i

own soldiers. 1* taude tor rraude; deceit is quit wit^ gile; rece?vrthe^^° It folweth euet & gladli cometh therto: 2272

just reward. Men tesceyue ther guerdouns as thei doo. Lat men alwey haue this in remembrauwce, Moordre of custum wil eende with myschaunce.

Among Mhers ^ Amowg suich Othir, thus eendiwg in myscheef, 2276 mischief were Cam Attalus and oon Eraclyan;

Attalus and t> i . rr-

Heraciian, Jf or HO prowesse, but to thet gret repreeir

2241. Ther] The R. 2250. &] om. H, R 3.

2257. Herencius] Heroncyus H, R 3, henricius J, Gerontius P.

2261. ado] to do R. 2262. loyned R, H. 2264, 68. Gerontius P.

2275. wil eende] eendith H. 2277. and] an R.

BK. VIIl]

Attains and Heraclian

887

Remewbrld heer; ther stori telle caw,

Ageyn Romeyns whan thai rebell[e] gan, 2280

Be Honorivs afforn maad officeeres

And of thempire callid cheef vikeres.

First Attalus for his tiranwye,

Whan he in Gaule was maad [a] gou^rnowr, 2284

Went into Spaigne with a gret cowpanye,

Did his peyne and fraudulent labour

Be fals sleihte to be maad emperoMr.

Take and bouwde, exilid for falsnesse, 2288

His hand smet of, eendid in wrechidnesse.

who rebelled

against

Honorius.

Attalus tried to be made emperor in Spain and was exiled and his hand cut ofiF.

2292

2296

OFF Eraclyan the ende was almost lik, Yit was he promoot to gret prospmte, Maad gouernowr & lord of [al] AfFrik, Of consuleer roos to the dignite, Rood thoruh Libie and many gr^t contre. With thre thousand shippes gan to saille And with seuene hundrid taryue [vp] m Itaille.

Swich noumbre of shippis neu^r afForn was* seyn,

Lik as it is acountid be writyng;

His naue passed the naue in certeyne

Of myhti Xerses, that was of Perse ky«g, 2300

Or Alisaundre; but yit in his comyng.

Toward Itaille whan he sholde aryve,

The se and Fortune ga« ageyn hym stryve.

At his arryuaile he hadde a sodeyn dreed, [p. 392] 2304 Cause Honorius had sent doun a capteyn, Constancivs callid, gou^rnottr and hed Of al the Romeyns, to meete hym on the pleyn;

For which Eraclyan towrnid is ageyn, As I fynde, gan take his passage Toward the cite that callid is Cartage.

Thus Fortune list hir poweer shewe: Or he cam fulli to that noble toun. With sharp[e] suerdis he was al to-hewe Among his knihtis thoruh fals occasioun* As thei fill at a discencioun.

2292. al] om. R.

2297. was3 wer B, were J.

2312. noble^ om. R. 2314. occasioun]] collusiouw B

2315. at] as R — a] om. H.

2308

2312

Heraclian, governor of Africa, became a consul and attempted to invade Italy with 3700

His navy was larger than that of mighty Xerxes or Alexander.

When he arrived, he lost courage because Hono- rius had sent down Constantius to give him battle, and sailed for Carthage,

where he was cut to pieces by his knights.

888 Odoacer, who brought Rome to nought [bk. vhi

Of intrusioiuj bega?/ first this quarell, 2316

Agey;/ Ronicyns whan that lie gan rebell.

^ Bochas rehersith here be vhom Rome cam to nou3te.'

Almost every /^FF many myschcuys heer afforn r^rhersld, Mo^y^Bochrs V^ Sum;;;e drawe alonp; &: suni??ze shortll told, E^hth ^lov And hou Fortune hath hir wheel r^u<frsid, 2320

wreuhedness. ^c ttagcdics rcmembrid manyfold

Toforn be Bochax, of princis yong & old, In the eihte* book rehersid the processe, Ecbon almost eendid in wrechidnesse. 2324

especially those Namli all tho that dide most desire

who tried to -^ ■ i i "irr r

become em- Be wtong title themsilit to magnene, j'u"t°dtie.''°Yet To haue lordshipe & gouerne the empire, emperor'haf Thcstat imperial proudli to occupie. 2328

gone to ruin. Which estat, pleynli to specefie,

As ferr as Pheebus doth in his speere shyne Among al lordshipe is drawe onto ruyne.

and Rome came Fro myn auctowr me list[e] nat discorde 2332

john°'Bochal^ To telle the ground whi Roome is com* to nouht; rehearses. g^ ^^ exauwplc I cast me to tecordc

What was cheef cause, yifF it be weel souht,*

Be a stori that caw onto the thouht 2336

Of lohn Bochas, which, as ye shal lere,

Ful notabli is rehersed heer.

It happened in Which cxauwple and stori rehersyng,

the time of r^ • i- r i

Odoacer, a Leriousli toiwyng myM auctowr, 2340

greft^ovemor. Odoaccr, whilom a famous kyng, — yet a^ra venous ^ ^^^^ ^^ name & a gret gou^rnowr.

But of his lyuywg a rau^mous robboMr,

Out of whos court wer merci & pite 2344

Banshed for euere with trouthe & equite.

2316. this] the R.

2319. along3 long R.

2323. eihte] seuent R, vij« H 5, viijte B.

2331. lordshippis R. 2333- is com] cam B, J.

2335. out souht B, J. 2336. the] his H.

2337. Of] hi H. 2339. and] in H.

2340. folwen H.

1 The following chapter-heading is in MS. J. leaf 161 recto: "A good processe why Rome was destroied / and for the same or like cause many other Rewmes."

BK.

viii3

On the Conduct of Kings

889

In that regiouw wher raercx is nat vsid,

And trouthe oppressid is with tiranwye.

And rihtwisnesse be poweer is refusid, 2348

Fals extorsiouw supporteth robberie,

And sensuaUte caw haue the maistrie

AbofF resouw, be toknes at a preefF,

Which many a lond haue brouht onto myscheefF.23S2

Ther is no rewm may stond in surete,

Ferme nor stable in verray existence,

Nor contune in long prosp(fnte,

But yif the throne of kywgli excellence 2356

Be supportid with iustise and clemence

In hym that shal as egal iuge stonde

Tween riche & poore, with sceptre & suerd* in honde.

A cleer exaumple, this mateer for to grouwde, — 2360

So as a fadir that is naturall,

Or lik a moodir which kynd[e]li is bouwde

To fostre ther childr^ in epsecial,

Riht so a kyng in his estat roiall 2364

Sholde of his offis dilligentli entende

His trewe leeges to cherisshe [hem] & difFende.

Be good exaumple his sogettis tenlumyne;

For temporal rewmys sholde, as in figure, 2368

Resemble the kyngdam which [that] is dyuyne^

Be lawe of God & lawe eek of nature.

That res puhlica long tyme may endure,

Void of discord and fals duplicite, 2372

As* o bodi in long prospmte,

Nouther ther regne nor domynaciouw

Haue of themsilflF non other assuraunce;

Thestat of kynges gan be permyssiouw 2376

Of Goddis grace & of his purueyaunce.

Be vertuous lyfF and moral goU(?rnaunce,

Long to contune bothe in pes and werre

Lik her desertis, & punshe hem whaw thei erre. 2380

Thei sholde be the merowr and the liht, Transcende al othir be vertuous excellence, As exaumplaires of equite and riht.

without mercy or pity. Many a land has been brought to ruin when sensuality has the mastery of reason.

No realm can stand secure unless the throne is supported by clemency and justice.

Just as fathers and mothers are bound to foster their children, so should kings cherish and defend their subjects.

givmg

them a good example; and temporal kingdoms ought to resemble the kingdom that is divine.

There is no other assurance for them; in- asmuch as the estate of kings began by the permission of God; and God will treat them as they deserve.

[n. '?Q'^1 Kings should Lr J7ji excel all other men in virtue and discretion;

2346. nat3 na H. 2348. be] with H.

2359. suerd & sceptri? B, J. 2363. special H.

2366. hem] om. J, P, H 5. 2369. that] om. R.

2373. As] Of B, J. 2374. nor] no H.

890 On the Conduct of Kings [bk. viii ,

So be discrecloun of natural prouidence 2384 |

To tempre thcr ripo;/r with nicrci & clemence; What shal fallc afforn[e] caste al thy?!ges, As appartencth to princis & to kynges.

they must re- Thynces passed to haue in remembrance, 2388 ■

member the ^ ^ • ,• i • '

past and rre- Lonscrue wisli thyngcs in presence, ;

r"come In'a^' Fot thywgcs to come afforn male ordenaunce, I

resist vices. polwc the ttacis of vertuous contynence,

Ageyn all vices to make resistence 2392

Be the vertu of magnanymyte,

Which is approprid to imperial mageste, I

They should be Btothit to fotce, auctot/ts seyn echon, '

and adversity, Which conserueth the roial dignite 2396

In suich a mene stable as eny ston, —

Nat ouer glad for no prosperite, j

Nor ouer sad for non aduersite;

For lyfF nor deth his* corage nat* remewe 2400

To God and man to yeld he?n that is dewe.

arm themselves Geyw flesshli lustis atmc hym in sobirnesse, :;

lusts and ex- Voide al surfetis of froward glotonye, ^

derous^pe^ri", Gtedi appetit^j be mesure to represse, 2404 *

fii,"ids7rom'^ Out of his hous auoidc al ribaudie, j

theu- palaces. Rowners, flatcrers and such folk as ka« lie, '

War in his doomys he be nat parciall, 1

To poore doon almesse, to vertuowj liberall. 2408

In their dress In his array shewe hym lik a kyng

they should „ u • • L j-rr *

shew them- T TOW Other pHncis Damaner ditterence,*

selves kings; c ^L ... ' \-' ^ ^ *

but virtuous bo that men preise his virtuous lyuyng ■

mo"e^p''rrit^^" Mor than his clothing, ferr frow his presence; 2412 j

than clothing, ^j^^j jg^ p,y^j thynken in his aduertence, |

Truste theron, verraily certeyn, J

As he governeth men wil reporte & seyn. 1

For companions Lat hym also for his gret avail 2416

let them have ttii ii*

notable, ei- Hauc such aboute hym to be in presence, '

prince" who Notable pHncis to be of counsail, • diffeTence be- Swich as tofom haue had experience

tween good and f ueg^ good and euel to knowe the difference. 2420 '

2385. with merci] om. H. 2392. to] an H, om. R 3. -«

2394. to] to Jje H. 2400. his] my B — nat] to B. i

2403. of] and R. 2405. hous] thouht H, R 3. j

2410. difference] apparence B, J. 241 1. that] om. R. ]

2414. verraily] verrey H. |

BK. VIIl]

On the Conduct of Kings

891

2432

2436

And sixe thynges, hatful of newe & old,

To banshe hem out in hast from his houshold.

^ First them that loue to lyue in idilnesse, As such as nouther loue God nor dreede, Coueitous peeple that poore folk oppresse, And them also that doon al thyng for meede, And symulacioun, clad in a double weede, And suich as caw for ther auauwtages Out of oon hood[e] shewe too visages.

Lat hym also uoid out at his gate Riotous peeple that loue to wachche al niht, And them also that vse to drynke late, Ly longe abedde til ther dyner be diht, And such as list nat of God to haue a siht, And rekles folk that list nat heere masse, Tauoide his court, & let hem lihtli passe.

For suich defautis, rehersed heer toforn, Nat onli Roome, but many gret contre Hath be destroied & many kywdam lorn, In olde cronicles as ye may reed & see. Fals ambiciouw, froward duplicite Hath many a rewm & many a lond encloied, And been in cause whi thei haue be destroied.

Iherusalem was whilom transmygrat, 2444

Ther trewe prophetis for thei hadde in despiht;

And Baltazar was eek infortunat.

For he in Babiloun folwed al his deliht.

Darye in Perse had but smal respiht, 2448

Sodenly slayn and moordred be tresouw.

The same of Alisauwdre whan he* drank poisoun.

Discord in Troye groundid on couetise, Whan be fals tresoun sold was Palladioun; Roome and Cartage in the same wise Destroied wern, for short conclusioun, Among hemsilfF for ther dyuisioun. Rekne othir rewmys that been of latter date, As of dyuisiouns in France that fill but late.

and they must not be idle, 2424 covetous, de- ceitful, or

2428

riotous, with late drinking and lying long abed, or have about them reckless people who do not go to mass.

2440

2452

2456

2424. nouther] nouthis R. 2427. a] om. R.

2428, 29. avauntage, visage H. 2430. uoid] avoide H.

2439. many a H. 2442. both a's om. H, 2nd a om. R.

2443. been in cause] be the cause R.

2450. he] that he B, H, R. 2452. sold] slayn H.

2457. of] in H — in] of H.

Not only Rome but many another kingdom has been destroyed for such faults:

Jerusalem be- cause the Jews scorned their true prophets; Belshazzar for his luxury in Babylon; Darius was suddenly slain, and Alexander poisoned.

Troy was lost by covetous- ness;

Rome and Carthage were destroyed by civil strife, such as fell but late in France.

892 The Tyrant Odoacer as an Example [bk. viii

The chief fault Al tlics clcfautis rchcrsid Iieer breeffli,

has been m , x , , „ . , . , ,

the ruling Outsoulit the lootc & wciccl 111 hnlaU7ice,

princes; and I / >i n" • 11 i • 1 1 •

shall tell as L hcctt occasiou//, to tcllc Dl aiiu 01, 2460

an example the o ^1 U * ••^1^1 11

story of Math been in princis that haue had gou^rrnauwce.

Odoacer. ^j^j specialli to putte in remewzbraunce,

For an exauwple telle as kometh to my;2de

Of Odoacer the stori, as I fynde. 2464

He was born in Born in Prcvs and hardi of corage, fp. '?Q4.1

Pannonia, and » i ■ ■ •,/- r J -'tJ

as he had no At his begvny^g hynisilf to magnefie,

began a con- THouh no iiienciouH be maad of [his] lynage,

quest of theft tt ^'^I r i^ i j • *

and robbery. Hauyng no title or blood nor auncetrie,* 2468

His co?zquest gan of thefFte and robberye,* Gadred peeple of sondri regiouns, Entred Itaille with many naciouns.

He invaded With his soudio7<rs first he gan assaille, 2472

Hungary and . > i • i -i

defeated With multitudc entryng anon riht,

Orestes, who T^ j riT o r t -n

fled to Pavia Kyndames ot Hungry & contres of Itaille; Mette in his passage with a Romeyn kniht Callid Horestes, in steel armyd briht: 2476

The feeld was take and put in iupartie; Horestes fledde for socowr to Pauye.

and was there Strcihtli bescged and the town Iwonne,

taken prisoner t^ j <- i , . , .

and afterwards Jb ond tor the tymc non othir cheuisaunce, 2480

slain. rpi . - ,

1 he nexte morwe at risyng or the sunne,

Bounde in cheynis tencres of his greuaunce,

Sent to a cite that callid was Plesaunce,

Ageyn[e]s whom Odoacer was so fell, 2484

Leet hym be slayn be iugement ful cruel.

Odoacer then Aftir whos deth, be sodevw violence

marched on „ . -i i it mi

Rome and was (Jdoacer IS passid thoruh Itaille,

crowned king of i^ j t» r i

Italy. iLntred Koome, rond no resistence; 2488

For ther was non to yiue hym bataille. Zeno themp^roMr durste hym nat assaille, So that be force and rauynous werkyng Of al Itaille he was crownid kyng. 2492

2461. Hath] Have H.

2467. his] om. R.

2468. of blood nor auncetrie] but theffte and robberye B, J.

2469. gan of thefFte and robberye] gannat of blood nor auncetrie B, gan nought of blood and auncetrie J.

2474. Kyngdam H, R 3, Kyngdom P. 2478. to] in to H.

2482. in] wit^ H.

2490. durste] did H.

2491. rauynour R.

BK.

VIIl]

The End of Odoacer

893

Hadde al Roome vndir subiecciouw,

Fortune a while list [hym] nat [to] faille,

Zeno therof hadde indignaciouw,

Gan werke ageyn hym, in hope it sholde [a]uaile.2496

And therupon the lordship of Itaille

He gaf of purpos, his poweer committyng,

To Theodorik, that was of Gothes kyng.

So that Theodorik in hope to haue victoria, 2500

Ageyn Odoacer ga« make resistance;

And his name to putte[n] in memorie,

Took vpon hym be knihtli excellence

For the Romeyns to stonde[n] in difFence. 2504

Mette hym proudli with his cheualrie

Beside a ryueer that callid was Sowcye.

With ther batailles togidre whan thei mette,

Beside Leglere that stant in Lumbardie, 2508

With rouwd[e] speres & sharp swerdis* whette,

Odoacer, for al his tiranwye,

Was put to fliht, discouwfited his partie.

And Fortune than, [which] caw best chauMge & varie,

At vnset hour was to hym contrarie. 2513

Hym & his poweer the Romeyns haue defied; He brente her vynes and toMr[e]s envirouw, Because the entre was to hym denyed. And to Rauenwe he is descendid douw. But maugre hym he was take \n that* touw Be Theodorik; lat ech tiraunt tak heed, Odoacer comauwdid to be ded.

^ Myn auctowr Bochas of entenciouw, For the tyme, as kam to remembraunce, Toward Romeyns maketh a digressiouw, To them recordyng the gret[e] variaunce, The vnwar chauwges, the gery contenauwce Of Fortunis fals transmutaciouw, Thes same woordis rehersyng to the touw.

2516

2524

2504. 2509.

2515- 2518. 2519. 2525.

swerdisj] speres B. towres]] touns R. that] the B, J. tiraunt] man H. guery R, H.

2512. which] 07M.R.

The Emperor Zeno resigned his power to Theodoric the Goth,

who attacked Odoacer on the Sontius

in Lombardy and defeated him.

2520

Retreating through Italy, Odoacer laid waste the land, but was finally captured in Ravenna and (let every tyrant take heed) beheaded.

My author now makes a digression, recording the many vicissi- tudes of Rome.

2494. hym] om. J — list hym nat to faille] was to hym favour- able H, R 3 — to] 07n. R, J. 2497. the] ther R. 2501. Ageyn] Geyn R. in] at H. 2508. legle H.

894 ff^h Rome was brought to Ruin [bk. viii

^ The wordes* of Bochas a-geyne Rome.'

Rome, remem- T^ EMEM BRE o Rooiiie & callc Dgcyn to my /(dc 2528

of your great- Av THc daics passid of thi felicite,

once shone like I'i* marcial conquest, J)i triumphes left behynde,

the"»ori'd°"^'' Thi grcte victories most of auctorite,

"urncd'to ruin. ^ '^' faiiious laudcs soiigc ill ccli contrc, 2532

Which like a sonne* thoruh al 1)6 world did shyne,

Now al attonis is turnid to ruyne!

Your lordship From est to west thi lordship did atteyne,

extended from a i i ii o • il

east to west; Adouc eI poweers most excellent & roiall; 2536

leuert'of^our But HOW fro Roome doun into Almayne dai^ened anT Thcstat tfanslatid which is imperial; defaced. Name of thi senato;<rs, name m especial,

The golden lettres dirkid & diffacid, 2540

And from remembrance almost out araced.

City of cities, Qtc of cites, whilom most glorious, [p. 395]

to which the f 1 1- n • u 1 •

Alps and all And most trcsshli nouryng m cheualrie,

the mountains t- i • i i a i • o r

of Lombardy lo which the Alpics & mounteyns most ramowj 2544

rub7ecT" Wer lowli soget of al Lumbardie,

Til that discord, dyuisioun and envie

Among yoursilf hath clipsed the brihtnesse,

Bi a fals serpent brouht in bi doubilnesse. 2548

and kings and Kynges, pnncis wer to the tributarye,

prmces tribu- r\r i • r i l fl J

tary, you were (Ji al prosp^fHte SO tulsum was the ilood,

brought to » -ir •! I

nought when Among yowrsilT til ye began to vane, j

yoSf.^^'""" The world[e] thoruhout soget to you stood, 2552 ] Til ye gan shewe too facis in o hood:

What folwed aftir. Fortune hath so prouided, '

Ye cam to nouht whan ye gan be deuyded. |

Lacking in Vnpurueicd of prudcnt scnatOMts, 2556 ^

prudent sen- ,_,, !,'..,

ators, in 1 hi marchaundise tumiQ to poucrtc,

an!fsoidkrs, Of knihthod bareyn, nakid of soudiowrs, ;

s!'(^d°Srtef Disconsolat stant al thi comounte,

ToMr[e]s, wallis broke of thi cite, 2560

2530. Pi] Pat B, t)e H.

2533. a Sonne] be report B, R, H 5 (whiche thurgh all the '

world by report did shyne J). j

2537. into] in R. 2541. out racid R. *

2542. most whilom R. '

2549. to] om. R. 2SS3- o] con H.

1 wordes] workis B. 1

BK. VIIl]

Trasilla, Busar and Philete

89s

That whilom wer a paradis of deliht, — Now al the world hath the but in despiht.

Cause, to conclude, of al thi wrechidnesse,- Fals ambicioun, pride and lecherie, DyuysiouM, malicious doubilnesse, RancoMr, hatreed, couetise [&] envie,* Which set aside al good[e] policie; In breef rehersed, for short conclusioun, Haue be cheeff ground of thi destruccioun.

2564

2568

and now all the world has you in contempt.

Your

wretchedness arose from false ambition, pride, lechery, division, deceit, anger, hatred, covetousness and envy.

[How the kynges Trabstila and Busarus were brouht to subieccioun and made tributaryes to Theo- deryk.] ^

AFFTIR thes myscheuys told of Rome toun. Cam Trabstila kyng of Gepidois With other tweyne, as maad is mencioun: 2572

Busar that was kyng of Bulgarois, With Pheletevs, regnywg in Ragois. AUe thes thre, breefBi for to seyne,* Cam attonys to Bochas to compleyne, 2576

Ther rewmys stondyng toward Septewtrioun.

And to remewbre of the firste tweyne,

Wer brouht attonis to subieccioun

Bi Theodorik, that did his besi peyne 2580

Them to conquere, & proudli did ordeyne

That thei wer neuer hardi to rebell

Ageyn* Romeyns nor take no quarell.

To Theodorik thei wer maad tributarye, 2584

Most wrechchidli bounde[n] in seruage,

Neuer so hardi aftir for to varie

In peyne of deth duryng al ther age.

Of seruitute, loo, heer the surplusage, — 2588

Of all wrechchis most wrechchid thei be founde,

Thei that to thraldam constreyned been & bounde.

After these calamities told of Rome, Trasilla, king of the Gepidae, Busar, king of the Bulgars, and Philete, king of the Rugii, all of whom reigned in the north, came com- plaining to Bochas.

The first two were con- quered by Theodoric

and bound wretchedly in servage.

2566. is transposed after 2568 in B, but correction indicated.

2569. be3 the R. 2571. Trasilla P.

2573. Busa P, Busarus J.

2574. Pheteus H, Philitheus P, J — Rugiois P.

2575. seyne] feyne B. 2583. Ageyns B.

2590. Thei that] That thei R — that] to Jiat H.

1 MS. J. leaf 162 verso.

896

Mercian, Leo and Zeno

[bK. VIII

Virtuoutfree- Tfesour of treso!/rs, yif It be weel souht,

dom 19 the ^ ^ , • 1 1 i-i

greatest of Is vcrtuous rrcuam With lafgc lihcrtc; 2593

transccnJing W/t/.' WOlklH gOOcllS It llUiy IlUt bc bouht,

inearth" ^"" With foial rubics, gold, stonis nor perre;

For it transcendith and hath the soucreynte

Aboue al richessis that been in erthe founde, 2596

A man at large freeli to stonde vnbouride.

The third king. Philete, lost his Ifing- dom and his life when at- tacked by Odoacer.

The Emperor Marcian was murdered by his soldiers;

[How Philitee lost his kyngdom.] ^

^ Next thes too kynges, in ordre as ye may see,

To lohn Bochas gan shewe his presence

The thridde kyng, callid Phelete, 2600

Which bi Fortunys sodeyn violence

Loste his kyngdam, and be cruel sentence

Of Odoacer, the tiraunt merciles,

Loste his liff and cam no mor in pres. 2604

Thes sodeyn chaunges to reede whan I gan,

Sauh so ofte the wheel turne up & doun

^ Of Fortune; ther cam oon Marcian,

Of whom is maad non othir mencioun, 2608

SaufF be a sodeyn coniuraceoun

He moordred was, [he] beyng innocent,

Among his knihtis, which slouh hym of assent.

and young Leo. ^ Than tofot Bochas to shewcfn] his pr(fsence 2612

who justly r^. , ... , J: ■■ '^

succeeded his 1 hct Cam oon that callid was Leoun,

samrname, Which kauht a title be no violence.

But made his cleym be iust successioun AiFtir his fadir, and took pocessioun, 2616

Which of a Leoun, myn auctOMr seith the same, Beyng emp^rowr, bar the same name.

was tyrannousiy'This yonger Lcoun, agcyn al trouthe & riht,

put out of his _ .-' ° , . -^ . '

realm by Zeno be tirannyc, as maad IS mencioun, 2620

and forced to #-y->i i i/v i ii*im

become a 1 horuh cruci Zcno, that was an hardi kniht,

™°°' Was put out of his pocessioun,

Constreyned to lyue in religioun;

But to what ordre that he did[e] weende, 2624

I fynde nat; but ther he made an eende.

2591. of] o H.

2600. Philite P.

2605. began^ H.

2609. a3 om. R.

2604. and] om. H. 2606. off ten H — vp so doun H, J.

^ MS. J. leaf 162 verso.

BK. VIIl]

Symmachus and Boetius

897

plow Symak and Boys his son in lawe were banys- shed and aftir luged to die.] ^

AFFTIR thes myscheuys Symak gaw [p. 396] hym drawe Toward Bochas -with a ful pitous face; Bois cam -with hym, that was his sone in lawe, 2628 Which among Romeyws gretli stood in grace. But in this mateer breefli for[th] to pace, The said[e] Bois, only for his trouthe Exilid was; alas, it was gret routhe! 2632

For comoun proffit he was onto the toun

In mateeres that groundid wer on riht

Verray protectowr and stedfast champioun

Ageyn too tirauntis, which of force & myht 2636

Hadde in the poraille oppressid many a wiht

Be exacciouns and pillages gunne of newe

Vpon the comouns, ful fals & riht vntrewe.

Whan* Theodorik, of Gothes lord & kyng, 2640

Took upon hym be fals intrusioun

To regne in Roome, the peeple oppressyng

Bi his too prouostis, as maad is mencioun, —

Did in the cite gret oppressioun, 2644

Confederat as brothir onto brothir:

Coniugast, and Trigwill was the tothir.

Compendiousli this mateer to declare,

To saue the comoun Bois stood in difFence; 2648

For \yW nor deth he list nat for to spare

To withstonde of tiraunt^j- the sentence.

Kyng Theodorik of cruel violence

Banshed hym bi hatful tirannye, 2652

He and his fadir tabide in Pauye.

Aftirward Theodorik of hatreede,

Lik a fals tiraunt, of malis & envie

Yaf iugement that bothe too wer dede. 2656

Bot touchyng Boys, as bookis specefie,

Wrot dyuers bookis of philosophie.

Of the Trynite mateeres }^at wer dyuyne,

Martird for Crist & callid Seueryne. 2660

Symmachus and his son-in-law Boetius were great favour- ites in Rome; and Boetius was exiled for his upright-

He was protector and champion of the city against two tyrants.

Conigastus and Trigguilla, provosts of Theodoric;

but his struggle against them brought him into disfavour with

Theodoric, who banished him and his father to Pavia.

Afterwards they were both con- demned to death.

2626. Simachus P. 2628. Boetius P. 2639. riht] eke R, 2640. Whan] Than B.

* MS. J. leaf 162 verso.

898 The Story of King Arthur [bk. viii

[Off kjmg Arthure and his conquestes / of the |

commoditees of Englond / and he was destroied \

by his Cosyn Mordrede.] ^

Was there ever "1 X /"AS tutr prlncc [that] iiiilite hymsilf assure couiTmake" VV Of Fortuiie the fauo;<r to restreyne? —

himself secure t •! i • 1 • i •

in Fortune's LiK his dcsiF hir gracc to recure

grtcef Tabide stable & stonde[n] at certeyne ? 2664

Amo/!g alle rekne Arthoz^r of Breteyne, ;

Which in his tyme was holde of eu^ry wiht |

The wisest prince and the beste kniht. '

Arthur of To whom Bochas gan his stile dresse, 2668

Britain was in ^ .... . ill i

his time heij to In this chapitlc to rcmembre blyue

prince TnTbest His gtetc conqucst & his hih noblesse, ^

Bolll'as te"is Wit)b syngulcr deedis that he wrouhte his lyue. j

thu"h7pter. ^'^^ fi'^s^ h^ gynneth breefli to descryue 2672 t

The siht of Breteyne & of that contre,

Which is enclosed wzt^ a large se, '

Britain is sur- Set fcrr wGstward, as ye shal vndirstond, large sea and Hauy?ig SpaigFic* set in the opposit, 2676

west,"north of Of 3. smal angle callid Ing[e]lond, F?aice^"'itTas Ftauncc aboute hym, descryuywg thus his siht, — iroTbaUi7"nd With many a ryueer plesauwt of deliht, i

divers minerals, Hote bathes [&] wclHs ther be founde, 2680 I

Dyuers myneres, of metallis ful habounde. ]

and is abund- Aboute which tcnweth the occian,

ant in food. t\ •^ ^ r i ••II '

London has Riht plentcuous 01 al man^r vitaille, i

che^st'er^wbe, The name of which at Brutis first began. 2684

fraitsrHertford Londene hath shippis be the se to saille, j

Stlwofd's'^w^i. Bachus at Wynchestre gretli doth auaille, ■ Worcetre yvith frutis haboundeth at the fulle,

Herford vfith beestis, Cotiswold with wolle, 2688 :

There are hot Bathe hote bathes, holsum for medecyne, !

baths in Bath, -it , •, • i r '

York has York mihti tymber tor gret auauntage,

wSi m'ines,"^"' Comewaile myneres in to myne, ;

2671. deedis] om. H. '

2475. westward] west H.

2676. Spaigne] in Spaigne B. S. •

2680, &] om. H, R 3. 2684. at] & H. ;

2686. Wynchestre] Westmynstre H, Westmenstre R 3. ;

2691. Cornewale H. j

1 MS. J. leaf 163 recto. j

BK. VIII^l

King Arthur and Britain

899

Salisburie beestis ful sauage, 2692

Whete, melk & honi, plente for eueri age, Kent and Cauwtirburi hath gret commodite Of sondri fishes ther taken in the se.

Bochas reherseth, ther is eek in Breteyne 2696

Fouwd of geet a ful precious stoon,

Blak of colour & vertuous iw certeyne

For siknessis many mo than oon,

Poudir of which wil discure anon, 2700

Yif it be dronke (thouh it be secre),

Of maydenhod the broke chastite.

Ther been eke* perlis fouwde in muskel shells/;

And thei [be] beste that haue most whitnesse. 2704

And, as the book of Brutus also tell^j.

How kyng Arthowr, to speke of worthynesse,

Passed al kynges in marcial prowesse;

Touchyng his lyne & his roial kynreede, 2708

Who that list see, in Brutus he may reede.

His fadir callid Vter Pendragouw, [p. 397]

A manli kniht and famous of corage,

Of fals envie moordrid be poisouw; 2712

His sone ArthoMr, but yong & tendre of age.

Be ful assent of al his baronage

Be successiouw crownid anon riht,

Callid of Europe the moste famous kniht. 2716

Curteis, large and manly of dispence,

Merour callid off liberalite,

Hardi, strong and of gret prouidence.

And of his knihtli magnanymyte 2720

He droof Saxones* out of his contre.

Conquered bi prowesse of his myhti bond

Orcadois, Denmark and Houlond,

Hirelond, Norway, Gaule, Scotlond & France, 2724

As Martis sone to the werris meete,

Wrouht bi counsail, and bi the ordynautice

Of prudent Merlyn, callid his prophete.

And, as I fynde, he leet make a seete, 2728

Salisbury wild cattle, Kent and Canter- bury have plenty of fish.

As Bochas says, jet is found in Britain, and its powder when drunk will quickly discover broken chastity.

There are also pearls, and the whitest are the best. King Arthur surpassed all kings in martial prowess, and his line is described in the Brut.

His father was Uther Pendragon, and after he had been murdered by poison, Arthur was crowned king.

Arthur was courteous and a mirror of liberality, hardy and of great foresight. He drove out the Saxons and conquered the Orkneys, Denmark and Holland, Ireland, Nor- way, Gaul, Scotland and France, by the counsel of prudent Merlin. He founded the order of the Round Table,

2693. whete melk] whetmele H.

2697. geet] gret R.

2703. eke] of B, R, J.

2717. dispence] expense R. 2721. Saxones] Saxoyns B.

2723. holonde H, Holande R 3. 2727. Merlyn] Marly H.

900 The Knights of the Round Table [bk. viii

Amon[g] his Breton /;s most famous k notable, Tlioruh al the world callid the Rou?Ki[e] I'able.

and chose out Most worthl Icnlhtis, prceucd of ther hond, famolirkniKhts Chosc out be Arthoz/t this ordre haiie begunne; 2732 "em^by"'^ Ther famous noblesse thoruh eu^-ry Cristen lond .utute Shon be report as doth the mydday son?ie;

To Famys paleis the renoun is vp ronne, Statutis set be vertuous ordenaunce, 2736

Vndir profFessioun of marcial gou^-rnaunce.

to be always The firstc statut in the[r] registre founde, wh"in th""''* Fro which thei sholde nat declyne of riht, !'uTtain'"rihrfui Be ful assurau?ice of oth and custum bounde, 2740 quarrel. ^^ ^^ ^^ atmyd in platis forgid briht,

Except a space to reste* hem on the niht,

Seeke auentures, & ther tyme spende

Rihtful quarellis to susteene & difFende. 2744

and help the The feebler parti, yif he hadde riht,

weaker party _, , ,.

if justice were 1 o thcr poweer manii to supporte,

on his side. yjj. ^^^^ ^j^gj ^^^^ requered of any wiht

Folk disconsolat to hern vp & conforte, 2748

At alle tymes men may of hem* reporte,

No man^r wise thei do no violence

And ageyn tirauwt^j make knihtli resistence,

bound^Tcora- That widwcs, maidnes sufFre no damage 2752

fort the dis- gg fals oppressioun of hatful cruelte,

consolate and i -i i i i •

to resist Restoren child re to ther trewe heritage,

tyrants, so that -^, i- -i i r ii i

widows and Wrongli cxilcd rolk to ther contre,

^rotected''fnd And for hooH chirchis liberte 2756

stwed^Wheir Rcedi eucre to make hemsilue strong,

inheritance and j^^^.}^g J. ^q jgjg ^j^^^ suffre hcm [to] hauc wtong.

make them- _, rr i L *

selves strong in i* or comoun promt, as chose champiouns, ho!y chu"rch ° Pto repubHcd defendyng ther contre, 2760

Shewe ay themsilfF[e] hardi as leouws, Honoure tencrece, chastise dishoneste, Releue al them that suffre aduersite. Religious folk, haue hem in reuerence, 2764

Pilgrymes resceyue that faille of \)er dispence.

They performed Callid in armys seuene deedis of m^rcy,

the seven deeds t-« • ^ i* i r "i :»: l^

of mercyinarmsBurie* soudiours that taile* sepulture,

2742. reste] resten B. 2744. quarell R.

2749. At alle tymes] \)at al tyme H. 2755. to] for R.

2767. Burie] Buried B, J — faile] failed B, J.

and their country.

BK. VIII^

The Knights of the Round Table

901

Folk in prisouw delyuere hem graciousli, 2768

Swich as be poore, ther rauwsouw to recure. Woundid peeple that languisshe & endure, Which pro republica manli spent her blood, — The statut bond to do suich folkis good. 2772

To putte hemsilfF neuer in auenture

But for mateeres that wer iust & trewe,

Afforn prouided that thei stood[e] sure.

The ground weel knowe, wer it of old or newe. 2776

And aftir that the mateer whan thei knewe,

To proceede knihtH & nat feyne,

As riht requereth*, ther quarelis to darreyne.

A clerk ther was to cronicle al ther deedis, 2780

Bi pursyuauntis maad to hym report

Of ther expleit and ther goode speedis,

Rad & songe, to folk gafF gret confort.

Thes famous knihtis makywg ther resort 2784

At hih[e] feestis, euerich took his seete

Lik ther estat, as was to them meete.

Oon was voide* callid the se pereilous.

As Sang Real doth pleywli determyne, 278S

Noon to entre but the most vertuous,

Of God prouided to been a pure virgyne.

Born bi* discent tacomplisshe & to fyne,

He allone, as cheefF and souereyne, 2792

Al auentures of Walis & Breteyne.

Among al kynges renomwed & famous, [p. 398]

As a briht sonne set amyd the sterris.

So stood ArthoMr notable & glorious, 2796

Lik fresh[e] Phebus castywg his liht aferris.

In pes lik Argus; most marcial \n t)e werris;

As Ector hardi, lik Vlixes tretable,

Callid among Cristene, kywg most honourable. 2800

His roial court he did[e] so ordeyne, Thoruh ech contre so ferr sprad out l^e liht, Who that euer thidir cam to pleyne.

and never put themselves in adventure except for just causes.

There was a clerk, who re- corded their deeds; and at high feasts each took his seat according to his rank.

One seat was empty, called the See Per- ilous, and only the most virtuous could place himself there.

Arthur was to other kings as a bright sun set amidst the stars; he was Argus, Hector, Ulysses in one.

The light of his royal court spread abroad through other realms, and

2779. requered B, J — ther] t>e H — quarell R.

2781. pusyuauwtis R, pusivauntis H, purcevauntys J.

2784. Thes] Jjc H.

2786. estat] staat R.

2787. voide] wide B, wilde J.

2788. seyn Greall H, seyn Geral R 3, Seyn Greal P, Sank Riall J. 2791. bi] of B, J.

902

The Knights of the Round Table Be wronc; opprcssld*, & requered of rlht,

[bk.

there was

Je'ady at hand 111 llis diffcllCC llC sHoldc Jyiulc a Icuillt

oppressed.' ' To hyiii assigncd, fynalli tatende

Be marcial doom his quarel to difFcnde

The challenges Yif it fill soo that any strau;?ge kniht

VIII

2804

of strange knights were also accepted

Souht auentures, and thidir ca;n fro ferre To doon arniys, his request niaad of riht, His chalenge sey/i, wer it of pes or werre, Was accepted, to the court ca?/! nerre, Lik as he caw with many or allone, Thei wer delyuered; forsake was neu^fr one.

and there was Thcr was the scoole of marcial doctrine martial doctrine Fot yonge kniht(fj to lemen al the guise,

for the young, j^ ^^^j^.^ ^^^ ^^ j^^^^* f^,j disciplyne

On hors or foote be notable excersise; Thyng take in youthe doth help in many wise, And Idilnesse in greene yeeris gonriQ Of al vertu clipseth the sheene* sonne.

and all wronged Widwes, maidnes, oppressid folk also,

people, widows ^_ _ 1 1 •

and maidens of Of extort wrongcs wrouht be tiranwye, were"rVceh-ed, In that court, what nacioun cam therto, asslgned^to^^ Resceyuid wer; ther list no maw denie. their defence. Of thcr cowpleyntis fond reedy remedie, Maad no delay, but foorth anow[e] riht Them to diffende asigned was a kniht.

Eek bi ther ordre thei bounde wer of trouthe.

Be assuraunce & be oth Isworn,

In ther emprises, and lette for no slouthe,

Pleynli to telle how thei haue he?n born,

Ther auentures of thynges do beforn,

Riht as it fill, spare in no maneere

To telle ech thyng onto ther registreer.

Thyng openli doon or thywg that was secre,

Of auentures as betwixe tweyne.

Or any quarel take of volunte

Treuly reporte, and platli nat to feyne,

Them to be sworn, the statut did ordeyne,

No[uh]t conselid of worshep nor of shame.

To be registred reporte the silue same.

2808

2812

2816

2820

2824

2828

The knights were also bound to tell truthfully to the registrar all that befell during their adventures;

and their statements were sworn.

2832

2836

2840

2804. oppressid] repressid B. 2809. aventur^ H.

2817. haue] lerne B. 2821. sheene] cleer B, clere J, cleare P.

2825. wer ther] ther thei H. 2841. conseHd] cownsaihd H.

BK. viii] The Romans demand Tribute of Arthur

903

And to conclude, the statutis han vs lered,

Eueri quarel grouwdid on honeste, 2844

In that court what kniht was requerid,

In the difFence of trouthe and equite,

Falshod excludid and dupHcite,

Shal ay be reedi to susteene that partie, 2848

His lyfF, his bodi to putte in iupartie.

Thus in Breteyne shon the cleer[e] Hht

Of cheualrye and of hih prowesse,

Which thoruh the world[e] shadde his bemys

briht, 2852

Welle of worshep, conduit of al noblesse, Imperial court al wrongis to redresse,* Hedspryng of honour, of largesse cheef cisterne, MeroMf of mawhod, of noblesse the lanterne. 2856

Yit was ther neuer seyw so briht a sonne,

The someres day in the mydday speere

So fress[h]li shyne, but sum skies donwe

Mihte percas courtyne his bemys cleere; 2860

Oft it fallith, whan Fortune makth best cheere

And falsli smylith in hir double weede.

Folk seyn expert, than is she most to dreede.

Thus whan the name of this worthi kyng 2864

Was ferthest sprad be report & memorye,

In eueri rewm his noblesse most shynyng,

Al his emprises concludyng with victorie,

This double goddesse envied at his glorie 2868

And caste menys be sum maner treyne

To clipse the liht of knihthod in Breteyne.

Thus whil ArthoMr stood most honourable

In his estat, flouryng in lusti age, 2872

Among his knihtis of the round[e] table,

Hiest of princis on Fortunis stage.

The Romeyns sente to hym for truage,

Gan make a cleym froward & outraious, 2876

Takyng ther title of Cesar lulivs.

The same tyme, this myhti kyng Artho^r [p. 399] Conquered hadde Gaule & also Fraunce,

2852. the] al Jje H — his beemys shad so briht H, R 3.

2854. redresse] represse B, J. 2858. 2nd the] om. R.

2861. best] om. R. 2863. she] om. H — to] om. H.

2864. this] \>ax. H. 2870. Eclipse H.

2876. Gan] Gayn R. 2877. ther] ^^G. H.

Every honest quarrel was defended to the death.

Thus the clear light of chivalry shone ia Britain;

but the sun is never so bright but that some- times a passing cloud throws it into the shadow; and Fortune often smiles most kindly when she is most to dread.

Thus, while Arthur was flowering in his strength.

the Romans sent to him for tribute, out- rageously claiming a title from Julius Caesar.

904 Arthur's Victories in France [bk. viii

This harpfneJ Outmlcd Frollc, and lik a conquerowr 2880

at a time after d i t-> i- i ■

Arthur had Droiilito 1 cifys viuiir ohcissaiu/cc,

been victorious T^ii ^' o '^ll' ]

in France. 1 ooK hciii to ^racc, & With liis ordenauncc Gat al Auwgoie, Au;/gerys* & Gascoyne, Peitow, Nauerne, Berry & Burgoyne. 2884

He conquered Ccsscd nat, but dcd his besi peyne,

Pans, Oascony, ,, ,., , ., , iir ii-

the country of Most liK a Kiiiht hccld torth liis passagc, Toura^ne!"and Gat al the lond of Pcitcrcs & Towreyne, k'^'ni^'year"" ThcT cites yolde, to hym thei did homage; 2888

To be rebell thei fond non auauntage, Soio/<rned in France, as seith the cronicleer, Heeld pocessiou7i the space of nyne yeer.

He held a Hecld a feestc ful solempne at Parys, — 2802

feast in Pans, .11 i'ii-t->

and divided the Ai the coHtres which he gat in rrauwce,

lands of France t •! • r 1 • 1 o •

among his LiK a prince rul prouident & wis,

baron" *" Which haddc of fredam most* roial suffisaunce,

Of al his conquest the contres in substauwce, 2896 For his princis and barouws so prouided, Lik ther desertis he hath hem deuided.

To Kay he To his senescall that was callid Kay

gave Anjou and . * o iv /r i rr \ ^ •

Maine, to Aungoyc'^ & Meyn he gait al that partie; 2900

Bedevere Nor- nr i • i i i r t i i

mandy, to lo his botlecr, was maad[ej no delay,

Du'chy o^f Callid Bedewar, he gaf Normandie;

Burgundy, "j^q ^ baroun, nih cos^^n of allie,

A manli kniht which namyd was Berell, 2904

Gaff the duchie of Burgoyne eu^rydeell.

and reserving Thus he dcpartid lordships of that lond,

other lordships .,. 11, ,•

for himself, re- VVher he thouhte was most expedient;

turned to f, . , . , . , ,

Britain and bummc he reserued in his owne hond, 2908

g^eaVpriil- Ageyw to Brcteync retowrnid of entent, Ca°iUn. Sent out writtes, heeld a gret parlemewt,

Afftir which he made a feeste anon

In the contre Icallid Gloumorgon, 2912

Ten kings were At 3 gret citc namyd Carlioun,

there ready to . . *? . i • i i

obey Arthur, As [itj IS rcmewbrid be writyngis,

thirteen earls, /^ . ■, r I i

many barons, Cam many princc and many rressh baroun,

In nouTnbre, I fynde, that ther wer ten kynges, 2916 Reedi tobeie Arthowr in alle thynges;

2883. AuMgerys] Aungorys B. 2885. nat] om. R.

2894. prouident] prudently H. 2895. most] ful B, J.

2900. Aungoyne B, P.

2902. Bedwar R, Bedwerif H.

BK. \uf\ The Roman Envoys at Arthur s Court

90s

Present also, as It was weel scene, Ther wer of erlis reknid ful thretteene.

Al the kniht^j of the rounde table, 2920

Feste of Pentecost, a feeste princepal.

Many estatis famous & honourable

Of princis, barouns born of the blood roial

Wer ther present*, and in especial 2924

Al tho that wern be oth & promys bounde

To brothirhede* of the table rouwde.

And it fill so, whil that kyng Arthoz^r

As appartened sat in his estat, 2928

Ther cam tuelue sent douw be gret labour

Of olde mene chose [out] of the Senat,

Sad of ther port, demvre & temporat,

Richeli clad, of look and off visage, 2932

Greihored [echon], sempte of riht gret age.

First cunwyngli, as thei thouht it due.

Cause of ther comyng & pleywli what thei mente, —

First of assent the kyng thei gan salue, 2936

Next aftir that thei tolde who them sente,

And ther lettres meekli thei presente,

Cowcludyng thus, to speke \n breef langage,

How the Romeyns axe of hym truage. 2940

Custumyd of old sith go many [a] day.

Whan that Cesar conquered first Breteyne,

The kyng requeryng to make hew no delay.

Arthour abood, list nothyng to seyne; 2944

But al the court gan at hem disdeyne;

The proude Bretou?zs of cruel hasti blood

Wolde hem haue slay[e]n euene ther thei stood.

"Nay," quod Arthowr to al his oflRceeres, 2948

"Wzt^ynne our court thei shal haue no damage;

Thei entred been and kome as massageris.

And men also gretli falle in age.

Let make hem cheer[e] with a glad visage." 2952

Took his counsail of suich as wer most wise.

With this ansuere seid in curteis wise:

and all the knights of the Round Table.

Then came twelve richly clad old Romans chosen by the Senate to present the claims of Rome.

They saluted the king and meekly pre- sented their credentials, demanding immediate pay- ment of the tribute,

which they said dated back to the time of Caesar's con- quest. Arthur was silent, but his court would have slain the Roman envoys.

"Nay," said Arthur, "they shall have no damage in our court."

2924. ther present] present ther B.

2926. brothirhede] brothreed B. 2927. whil that] ^at while H.

2930. of] om. R. 2931. temperate H.

2933. echon] om. J — gret] om. R.

2935. what] Jjat H. 2946. hasty cruel H.

2948. his] these R. 2954. this] his R.

9o6 Arthur s Anszver to the Roman Envoys [bk. viii

His answer wa8."Yoj/r Icttfcs r.'ul and pleynli vndirstonde,

"You threaten „, i i i • i •" i • i

me with war, 1 he tCnCUf llOOl IcIlCrSKl 111 tluS plaCC, 2956

Touchi/ig the charge which ye haue tak on honde,

To yiue ansuere rehersid in short space,

Be woord & writyng ye gretli me manace,

How yc purpose with many strong hataille 2960

Passe the mountcyns me fcUi tor tassaille.

hut you need It nedcth nat suich conquest to a-legge [p. 400]

not trouble to ' hfo LI' t J

come the entire Agcyn[es] Bretou7?s of non old truage,

shorten your Of comyng doun yowr weie I shal abregge, 2964

i3^",'gVa"e." With Goddis grace shorte yowr passage.

Male no delay, but with my barounage

Passe the se withoute long tarieng

To meete Romeyns at ther dou« komywg." 2968

At their de- This was the ansucrc youe to the massagers.

were given rich At thct departy[n]g bar with hew gret richesse,

tirning"to ^^ The kyng bad so vnto his officeeres.

Arthur' rCou^n- AgeyH to Roome in haste thei gan hem dresse, 2972

teous hbcrahty. pjeynli repottyng the bounteuous* largesse Of worthi Arthowr, considred all[e] thynges, Of Cristendom he passed all othir kynges.

They told ArthuHs court was the sours and well 2976

Lucius that -,^- . , y I'll

he excelled all Ui marcial power*, to Lucyvs thei tolde, chivIfiT? and And how that he all othir did excell were^theW^In chuialric, with whom ther wer withholde in Europe; 'pp,g chose knihtis, bothe yong & olde, 2980

In al Europe, who caw considre ariht, Of al noblesse the torchis be ther liht.

they said He cast hym nat to paien no truage, he would pay Seide of the Romeyns [how] he heeld no lond, 2984 he held" no °^ Which to* difFcndc he wil make his passage, RoL°is."'' "Of your cleymys to breke atoo the bond ; " And knihtli preeue [it] with his [owne] bond, "Ye haue no title, ye nor your cite, 2988

Ageyn the Bretouws, which euer haue stowde free."

2956. tenour R, H.

2972. thai gan in hast H.

2973. the] om. H — bounteuous] plenteuous B, J. 2975. othir] om. H.

2977. power] prowesse B, J, P.

2984. how] om. R. 2985. to] for to B, R, J.

2987. it and owne are supplied from MS. Harley 1766, om. in B,

R, J, P, H 5, H, R 3. 2989. haue] hath R.

BK. VIIl]

Arthur s War with the Romans

907

With al the kyngdames soget to Rome town,

Kynges, princis abofF the hih momzteyws,

With Lucyus thei be descendid doun 2992

To meete Bretouws upon the large pleyws.

Arthour[i]s comyng greth he disdeyns,

Because he hadde, pleynH to descryue,

In multitude of peeple swich[e] fyue. 2996

At Southhamptouw Artho«r took the se With al his knihtis of the Rounde Table, Behynde he lefFte to gouerne the contre His cosyn Modred, vntrusti & vnstable, And, at a preef, fals & deceyuable. To whom Arthottr of trust took al the lond. The crowne except, which he kept in his bond.

Fro Southhamptoun Arthowr gaw to saile 3004

With al the worthi lordis of Breteyne,

At Barbeflu fond good arryuaile;

He and his princis ther passage did ordeyne

Thoruh Normandie, France & eek Burgeyne 3008

Vp to a cite callid Augustence,

Wher he first fond of Lucyus the presence.

So large a feeld nor suich a multitude

Of men of armys assemblid on a pleyn 3012

Vpon a day, shortli to conclude,

Togidre assemblid afForn wer* neu^r seyw.

Lucivs hadde on his partie certeyn

Estward the world[e] al the cheualrie 3016

Brouht be the mounteyns doun toward Germanye.

Ther wardis sett, in ech a gret bataile,

With ther capteyns to gouerne hem & guye,

Arture with Bretouns the Romeins gan* assaile, 3020

Fond many Sarsyns vpon that partie.

The Bretoun Gaufride doth pleynli specefie,

As he of Arthure \)e prowesse doth descryue,

He slouh that day of Sarsyns kynges fyue. 3024

The Romans came down with Lucius to meet the Britons on the plains; and Lucius, who had five times the number of Arthur's men, was con- temptuous.

Arthur took ship at South- ampton, and left his traitor- ous cousin Mordred as 3000 regent.

He landed at Harfleur and marched to meet Lucius and found him at Augusta.

Never before was such a large army seen as that of the Romans.

There were many Saracens with the Romans, and Geoffrey says that Arthur slew five of their kings;

3000. Modred] moordred R.

3003. kept] toke H.

3005. worthi lordis of] lordis of worthi H.

3006. Barbeflu] Barflue J, Harflue P.

301 1, suich] so gret R. 3013. day] playn H.

3014. wer] was B, J. 3017. the] om. R.

3019. hem] om. H.

3020. gan] did B, J.

9o8 Arthur defeats the Romans. Mordred's Treasoji [bk. viil

and the ■laughter was to Krcat that it were teJiouj to describe it.

To conclude, Lucius was slain and the proud Romans were put to flight;

2>°2,^

3036

and, like a king, Arthur saw- that his dead f)rinccs and ords and knights were buried.

In the mean- while Mordred wanted to be king in Britain,

and persuaded the people to rebel against Arthur,

making fair promises and granting great freedoms.

But when Arthur heard of this false treason he

The grete slaulitre, theffusioun of blood

That was that clay vpon outher side,

Ech ageyn othir so furious was & wood,

Lik for the feeld as Fortune list prouide, 3028

That yiff I sholde theron longe abide

To write the deth, the slauhtre & the maneere,

Touchyng the feeld wer tedious for to heere.

To conclude & leue the surplusage, In that bataile ded was many a kniht, The consul Lucyus slay[e]n in that rage, The proude Romeyns be force put to fliht. Of gentilesse Arthoz/r anon riht Leet the bodi of Lucyus be caried Ageyn to Roome; it was no lenger taried.

The worthi princis and lordes that wer dede,

And manli knihtis abidyng with Arthowr, 3040

Lik a kyng solempneli took heed

That thei wer buried be dilligent labour.

And in this while, lik a fals tretour,

His cosyn Modred did his besi peyne 3044

To take fro hym the kyngdam of Breteyne.

So as the stori pleynli maketh mynde, [p. 401]

Modred falsli, to his auauwtage,

Entreted hem that wer lefFt behywde, 3048

Vnder coloj^r of fraudulent langage,

GafF hem* gret fredam; & \ie\. did hym homage,

That be his fals[e] conspiraciouw

Brouht al Breteyne into rebellioun. 3052

Be faire behestis & many freendli signe

Drouh the peeple to hym in sondri wise,

Shewed hym outward goodli & benigne,

Gaf libertes & graunted gret frauwchise 3056

To make Bretouws ther souereyw lord despise.

And purueyaunce he gan ordeyne* blyue

To keepe the portes, he shold[e] nat aryue.

Whan kyng Arthour hadde knouleching 3060

Of this fals tresoun and al the purueiaunce That Modred made, he, lik a manli kyng.

3026. That] ther H. 3034. rage] orage {perhaps; the o is

mutilated and may stand for another incomplete letter) H. 3040. And] a H — knyht H. 3050. hem] hym B. 3055. hym] om. R. 3058. ordeyne] make B, J. 3061. this] his R.

BK. \iif\ Arthur slays Mordred and is mortally wounded 909

Lefte Burgoyne & al the lond of France, Cast on Modred for to do vengauwce; Took the se, [&] with gret apparaile Cast at Sandwich to make his arrivaile.

Modred was reedi with knihtis a gr^t nouwbr^,

Made a strong feeld to meete hyw on the pleyn, 3068

In purpos fulH Arthowr to encouwbre,

At which aryuaile slay[e]n was Gawayw,

Cosyn to ArthoMr, a noble kniht certayw;

Eek Auwguisel was slay[e]n on the stronde, 3072

Kyng of Scottes, or he myhte* londe.

Maugre Modred Arthowr did aryue,

The grouwd recurid lik a manh kniht

(For feer of whom, anon aftir blyue 3076

The seid[e] Modred took hym to the fliht),

Toward Londene took his weie riht,

The gatis shet, & kept was the cite

Ageyn Modred; he myhte haue non entre. 3080

In al haste to Cornewaile he fledde.

The suerd of Arthure he durste nat abide.

List he shold[e] leyn his lyfF to wedde;

Yit for hymsilfF[e] thus he gan prouide, 3084

With multitude gadrid on his side

Put lyf and deth that day in auenture.

That day to deie or the feeld recure.

In Fortune ther may be no certayn, 3088

Vpon whos wheel al brotilnesse is fouwdid:

Moodred that day in the feeld was slayw

And noble Arthour to the deth was wouwdid.

Be which the feeld of Bretouns was confouwdid, 3092

Of so gret slauhtre & goode knihtis lorn

Vpon 00* day, men haue nat herde* toforn.

AiFtir the bataile Arthowr for a while

To stauMche his woundis & hurtis to recure, 3096

Bor[n] in a liteer cam into an He

Callid Aualouw; and ther of auewture.

As seid Gaufrid recordeth be scripture.

How kyng Arthoiit, flour of cheualrie, 3100

Rit with his knihtis & lyueth in Fairye.

3067. a] & R. 3070. rivaile H. 3073. myhte] cam to B.

3081. Cornwall H. 3087. feeld] feel R.

3094. 00] a B — herde] seyn B, seen J. 3098. Aualon P.

sailed home and landed at 3064 Sandwich,

where he met Mordred. There Gawain and Anguisel, king of the Scots, were slain.

Arthur landed in spite of Mordred, and after defeating him went to London and shut the gates.

Mordred fled to Cornwall and collecting a fresh army fought Arthur once more.

In this fight Mordred was slain and Arthur mort- ally woundqd.

After the battle Arthur was borne to an isle called Avalon, where, as Geoffrey records, he still rides out with his knights and lives in Fairy- land.

910 Arthur shall reign again in England \j^Vi. viil

Thus the sun Thus of Bretevnc tianslatid was 1)6 siinne

of Britain was .. , . , • ■ -i i

translated to Vp to tlic nclie Stem briht dongoun, —

the sky, where » ^ 111

he sits crowned Astroiioiiiccrcs wccl n'tierse kun;/e, — 3104

ma,,'lion.The'''' Callid Artluuis constellacioii/;,

5r,tl?L«^,. Wher he sit crownid in the heuenlfy] mansioun Aniyd the paleis of stonis cristallyne, Told among Cristen first of Jje worthi nyne. 3108

Britons still This crrouT yit abit among Bretouns,*

Merlin's proph- Which fou/idid is vpon the prophecie

Arthur* shall Of olde Merlyii, hk ther oppynyouns:

»^me dfy"to He as a kyng is crownid in Fairie, 3112

Uifd" '" ^"^ With sceptre and suerd, & with his regalie

Shal resorte as lord and souereyne

Out of Fairye & regne in Breteyne,

At any And tepaire ageyn the Rounde Table; 3116

rate his epitaph _, , . ?, , , ,

says, "Here lies Joe prophecie Merlyn set the date, whcf shall 'reign Among[es] pfincis kyng incow^parable, again. p^j^ seetc ageyn to Carlioun translate.*

The Parchas sustren sponne so his fate; 3120

His epitaphie recordeth so certeyn:

Heer lith kyng Arthowr, which shal regne ageyn.

Now I will re- Vnto Bochaj" I wil ageyn retowrne,

turn to Bochas, . ~, , . , i r i •

but first I'll Aitorn r<?hersid parcel or his prowesse, 3124

write a lenvoy /t-'i . i • i i •

on Mordred's 1 hcron tabide me list no mor soiowrne,

treason.

But to remembre the gret vnkynd[e]nesse, The conspiracioun, \)e tresoun, the falsnesse Doon to kyng ArthoMr be his cosyn Modrede, 3128 Make a Lenvoye, that al men may it reede.

[Lenvoy.] This tragedy of ^T~^HIS tragedic of Arthowr heer folwywg [p. 402]

Arthur bids I r>- • • ii i r r i ^ o ir -r j

princes to be- JL JbJit priucis all bcwar or rals tresoun;

ware of treason. -i-* • i i • -i i •

Nothing is r or in al erthe is non mor p^'reilous thing 3132

more perilous, 'pj^^j^ trust of feith, whct is dccepcioun

Hid vndir courtyn of fals collusioun.

For which men sholde — I holde ])e counsail good —

Bewar afForn euere of vnkynde blood. 3136

3103. briht] om. H. 3107. the] that R.

3109. Bretouns] Breteyws B.

3 1 18. princis kyng] kyngis prince H, R 3.

3 119. translate] to translate B, J. 3120. sponne] span H. 3127. 3rd the] & H, R 3. 3129. it] om. R.

3133. Than] That H — of] on H. 3135. men] none R.

BK. VIIl]

An Envoy on Arthur

911

The world [is] dyuers, Fortune ay chauwgyng,

In euery contre & eueri regiouw;

At a streiht neede fewe freendis abidywg;

Long abscence causeth deuisioun:*

And yif princis be fals ambicioun,*

Nih of allie, shewe too facis in oon hood,

Lat men bewar euere of vnkynde blood.

Who was mor hardi of princis heer regnywg

Or mor famous of marcial renouw

Than whilom was, his enmyes outraieng,

Arthur, cheef sonwe of Brutis Albiouw ?

But, for al that, the disposicioun

Of Fate and Fortune, most furious & wood.

Caused his destrucciouw be vwkywde blood.

What mor contrarious to nature m shewing Than fair pretence, double of entencioun, Gret alliauwces frowardli werkyng? Hid vndir flours, a serpent cast poisouw, Briht siluir scaled, damageth the dragouw; Ech werm sum parti tarageth of his brood. And what mor pereilous than vnkynde blood ?

Noble Princis, on ArthoMr remembryng, Deemeth the day of Phebwj goyng doun: Al is nat gold that is cleer shynyng, AfForn prouided in yowr inward resoun, Fals vndirmynyng & supplantacioun, Remembryng ay wztZ? Arthowr how it stood, Be conspiracioun of vnkynde blood.

3140

3144

3148

3152

3156

3160

3164

The world ia always chang- ing. At a need we have few stead- fast friends. Men must al- ways beware of unkind rela- tions.

Who was more hardy and famous than Arthur? Yet he was de- stroyed by unkind blood!

What is more evil than fair pretense, like a silver-scaled serpent hidden under flowers? What more perilous than unkind blood?

Noble Princes, remember the story of Arthur, and do not deem the day fair until the sun has set.

^ An exclamacion a-geyn men t)at been vnkynde to teirlqnirede.^

AGEYA'^* kynreedis & vnkynde alliaunces, Bochas makth heer an exclamacioun Vpon Modred, which vfith his ordenaunces Caused of ArthoMr fynal destruccioun, 3168

The sunne eclipsyng of Brutis* Albioun,

3137. The] This R. 3138. contre] court R.

3139. abidyn|:]fyndyngH. 3140. deuisioun]discencioun B, R, J.

3141. ambicioun] deuisioun R, B, J, derision R 3.

3146. Than \)at H. 3156. brood] bloode H, R 3.

3165. Ageyn] Yeyre B. 3169. Brutis] Brutus B, J, P.

f 1 The following heading is in MS. J. leaf 165 verso: "An excla- macioun of Bochas ageyn kynredys vnkynde."

Bochas here exclaims upon Mordred, who caused the destruction of Arthur, not- withstanding that he trusted him above all men.

912

An Exclamation against unkind Kindred [j&vi. viil

It is ttrange and hateful to God for any man to be unkind to his kindred.

Natwithstondyng, pleynli to descryue, He trusted hym abof al men on lyue.

It is a nierueile & vnkouth to deuise, 3172

Be what occasion « or be what corage,

That a ma;i sliolde in any manrr wise

Be founde vnkynde vnto his lynage.

Hatful to God, that in any age 3176

Blood ageyw blood born of o kynreede

Conspire sholde of malis or hatreede.

It were vain to In this matcer it wer but veyn to tarie,

tarry on this ~,, . , r a i o i\ /r i i

matter. The 1 he stori knowe or Arthoz/r & Modrede, 3180

story of .Arthur r> i i i n- i • i

and Mordrcd oe blood alucd, in wcrkyng most contrane, is well known, '^yj^j^j^ ^^^^ ^^^^^ Bretoun kniht to bleede;

For be vsurping, conspiryng and falsheede

Of seide Modred, most infortunat, 3184

Caused al Breteyne to stond[e] desolat.

First desolat be absence of ther kyng,

Callid in his tyme of kynges most notable,

The desolacioun of knihtis abidyng, 3188

Whilom in Breteyne famous & honourable,

Brethre echon of the Rouwde Table,

The which be Moodred, the false forswor kniht,

Stod longe eclipsed & dirked of his lyht, 3192

The liht of noblesse l^at shon thoruh al Breteyne

Be fals Modred was dirkid off his bemys;

The monarchie departid was on tweyne,

That stood first oon with his marcial stremys. 3196

But aftirward the brihtnesse of his lemys

Drouh to declyn be fals deuisiouw,

Which hath destroied ful many a regiouw.

Al this processe vpon* duplicite 3200

Pleynli cowcludeth, & blood that is* vnkynde.

A-dieu weelfare and al prosp^rite,

Wher* pes & concord been IlefFt behynde:

Trees may nat thryue departid fro Jje rynde, — 3204

All Britain stood desolate without her king: and the light of the Round Table was darkened and eclipsed by Mordred, the forsworn knight.

The monarchy was divided, that once stood whole, and all concluded ID duplicity.

Adieu welfare and prosperity where there is no concord. Trees cannot thrive when separated from their bark.

3171. on] of R — on lyue] alive H. 3172. a] om. R.

3173. occasioun] comparisoun H. 3175- vnto] to R.

3185. to] om. H. 3187. his] this R. 3190. Brethren R.

3 191. 1st The] om. H, R 3 — forsworn R, J.

3198. declyn] dirknesse R. 3200. vpon] vpon a B, R, J, H 5.

3201. blood that is] that is blood B, J, H 5, that is blode is R,

on bloode \)ax. is H.

3203. Wher] Ther B, J.

BK. VIIl]

Gelimer, Amarales, Sindbal

913

A pleyw exauwple in Arthure & Modrede, Who ca« conceyue, & list ther stori reede.

[Off Gesevye kyng of venandre and of iij. othre Iqmges / and how they were destroyed.^ ^

AFFTIR al these vwkouth straunge* thiMgis,[p.403] Tofor lohn Bochas, as made is menciouw, 3208 Ther caw toforn hym fyue myhti kinges For to cowpleyne ther desolacioun. First Giseli[n]e, kyng off the regiouw Callid Venandre, in werris ful contraire 3212

Vnto a prince callid Balisaire.

And to this saide noble Balisaire,

Ful renwomed that tyme in cheualrie,

The kyng of Gothes was also aduersaire; 3216

And bothe attonis of hatrede & envie

Assentid fulli to hoolde chaumpartie

Geyn Balisair, which thoruh his hih renouw

Took hem bothe and cast hem in prisoun. 3220

Ther is no mor of them in Bochas fouwde.

But aftir them, in ordre be writywg,

^ Cam Amarales, with many bloodi wouwde,

Which in his tyme was of Maures kyng. 3224

Withoute cause or title of any thyng

Vpon Ian Sangwyn gaw werreye ageyw riht,

Which thoruh al AiFrik was oon the best[e] kniht.

The saide Ian, armyd in plate and maile, 3228

Mette Amarales in AiFrik on a sond.

And heeld with hym a myhti stro^;g bataile,

And lik a kniht slouh hym with his bond,

Droof al his peeple proudli fro \)at lond. 3232

And in my book ther is now othir mywde

To be remembrid of hym that I caw fynde.

^ Than Syndual, of Brentois lord & kyng,

Tofor Bochas put hymsilf in pres, 3236

Gan shewe his myscheef, pitousli pleynywg,

3207. straunge vnkouth B. 3211. Gelymer P.

3212. Vandalia P. 3214. And to this saide noble] Vn to this

noble saide H. 3219. Geyn] gey H.

3223. Amarales] Attila P. 3226. Ian] lohn H, P.

3228. The] This H. 3229. Amarales] Attila P. 3232. his] that R. — b'^t] t)e H. 3235. Brentois] Bretonys

R, Bretown J, Briteyns H, Brentoys R 3, Brentois P. ^ MS. J. leaf 165 verso.

Among five mighty kings, Gelimer, king of the Vandals, came first to complain his desolation.

Together with the king of the Goths he was an enemy of Belisarius,

who took them both captive and put them in prison.

Then came Amarales, king of the Moors, who fought John the Sanguinary without cause

and was slain; and that is all I can find remembered about him.

Then Sindbal theHerulian began to describe his misfortune.

914 -^''"v? Totila, Turisund, Alhoin, Rosamond [bk. viii

for he mnde war Whan lic hccld wcrrc, wllfiil & rek[e]les,

on N arte*, a . n- i -nt

Roman knight. Agcyn a princc callicl JNarsatcs,

A Romeyn kniht, fcrs, hardi & rlht strong 3240

In his diffencc \vha/i men wold doon \\ym wrowg.

who was an This Narsatcs, of cas or auenture,

eunuch, r,^, i i ■ i i i* i 'i

and caotureJ 1 hoiih lic in ucede vvas a manli knint,

hanged him. He faillcd iiiewbres in soth of cngendrurc. 3244

His aduersaires he put echon to fliht,

Took ther kyng, & foortwith anon riht,

As the cronicle pley/ili doth recorde,

On hih[e] galwes he heng hyw with a corde. 3248

Soon afterward Qf Nafsctis aftir this victorie,

Ostrogoth met ^ Kyng Totila hadde ful gret disdeyn;

Narscs with a -.-it- i i ^ ^ • L* 1 •

great army. With a gret host, most pompous in his glone, t"! defe^ed Kam upon hym & mette hym on a pleyn, 3252

and slain. With multitude thow he wer ouerleyn, Kyng Totila, which many ma« beheeld, Of Narsates was slay[e]n in the feeld.

[Trusimond kyng of Gepedois.] ^

Turisund, king TN ordre nexte Boch^j doth [so] write, 3256

requested'^' ^' X Of Gepidois how king Trusimounde

hi^'^adtcKity" ^ Requered hym that he wolde endite

happy^fate""of The gretc aduersites in which he did habounde,

RosfraMd?to And of his douhtir callid Rosymounde 3260

whom Fortune 'p^g vnhappi chaunce to marken & descryue,

was contrary ^^ i l • i

all her life. To whow 1* ortune was contrarye al hir iyue.

Aiboin, king of Alboinvs kyng of Lumbardie,

Turisund in Which many lond heeld in subieccioun, 3264

afterwa^rds Conqucred Beeme, Pragve & Hungrie,

married Rosa- jj^^ j^^^j of Gepidois, with many regioun,

Fauht with ther kyng, as maad is mencioun,

Slouh in bataille the said[e] Trusimounde, 3268

Weddid aftir his douhtir Rosamounde.

3238. reklesses R.

3239. ycalled Narses P — Narsates] Narsarses H. 3242. Narses P, Narsates H.

3249. Narsates H, R, J, Narsetes R 3, Narses P. 3252. on] in H, R. ,3256. so] om. R, J, H 5.

3257. Trusimounde] Eurismounde H, Ewrysmonde R 3, Trus-

monde J, Turisounde P. 3263. Albonius or Alboinus B. 3266. regioun] dongoun H. 3268. Eurismounde H, R 3, Trusmond J, Turisounde P. 1 MS. J. leaf 165 verso, in margin.

BK. VIIl]]

The Story of ^ueen Rosamond

915

Myn auctowr gretli comendeth hir beute

And writ also she was but yong of age,

Whos stori first, whan I dide see 3272

How vngracious was also hir manage,

I gan wexe pale in my visage,

Gretli astoned, confus of verray shame

To write this stori in hyndrywg of hir name. 3276

I wil forbern and breefli passen heere,

The surplusage lihtli ouerpasse;

For bi and bi to telle al the maneere

Of fellonies that did hir herte enbrace, 3280

It sholde blotte this book & eek difFace.

For which I caste treuli & nat faille

Touching hir stori to make rehersaille.

(And when I first read her story and knew how ungracious her marriage was, I grew pale and con- fused at the thought of writing in detraction of her name.

So I will for- bear and pass over the rest lightly; for it would blot this book to tell the manner of all her sins.)

[How Albonyus was moordred by his wif / and how she aftir most vicious was moordred also.] ^

KYNG Alboinwj-, as ye shal vndirstonde, 3284

Afftir many conquest & victorie. Which he hadde [had] both on se & londe, To putte his name* & triuwphes in memorie, Leet crie a feeste to his encres of glorie; 3288

At which[e] feeste, solempne & princepall, So as he sat in his estat roiall,

Parcel for pride, parcel for gladnesse, [p. 404]

The queen present, the said[e] Rosamounde, 3292 Take and supprised he was with dronk[e]nesse, Of myhti wynes which ^at day did habounde. Sent a goblet of gold, as it is founde, Vnto the queen, with licottr ful plesaunt, 3296

Bad to hir fadir [she] sholde drynke a taunt.

She dempte it was a maner moquerie,

First hir name and worshep to confounde,

To bidde hir drynke a taunt for hir partie 3300

To hir fadir, the said[e] Trusymounde,

Slay[e]n afforn with many bloodi wounde

After his vic- tories King Alboin let cry a. feast to put his triumph ia memory,

and as he sat in his royal estate

he became drunk, and bade Queen Rosamond drink a taunt to her father.

She looked upon it as an insult to drink to her father, whom Alboin had slain, and determined to be revenged.

3276. this] his R — hir] his H.

3284. Albynus H, R 3, Albonyus R, Albonius or Alboinus B. 3287. names B. 3288. of] and R. 3294. which ]>at day] \>at day which H, R 3. 3301. EurismouTtde H, Ewrismounde R 3, Trusmond J, Turi- sounde P. 3302. bloodi] mortall H.

1 MS. J. leaf 166 recto.

9i6 The Story of ^ueen Rosamond [bk. viii

Be Albonius, thoruh his vnliappl chaunce, —

Of which rcbiik she cast to do vengau??ce. 3304

She waited • She bat thc ranco;/r ful lonp; in hir ente?2t, •tUst per- Which day be day K^'"" rcnewe & encrece.

tuaded a squire • • ' • i r i ■

named Percdeo A ccttey/i squiccr slic made or nir assent,

lordT" " " Which taco;?;phsshe she wolde neu^r cese. 3308

An(\ on another squieer she ga?? prese,

CaUid Peredeus, accorded al in oon,

This false moordre texecute anon.

which he did. The day was set; whil he lay & sleepif 3312

although Alboin „.,, -' , • , i i- i

defended him- fill upon liym With sliatp suerdis grounde: with a broken Hir lord was slayn, alas, he took no* keep^! spear. q^ j^^ dcidc of Fortunc he hath founde

A speris hed[e] to a tronchoun bounde, 3316

Hymsilf defendyng in that mortal strifF; But slayn he was be tresoun of his wifF.

After the ^ Aftit this mootdrc tescape fro daungeer,

murder Rosa- t^, • r> i n i i • i -i

mend tooic all 1 his Kosamou?zde rledde awei be niht. 3320

Alboin's treasure TTT . ii- riik/rii-i-

and fled with VVit^ hit went[ej Melchis hir squieer;

squire! to " Took a ship, Sailed be sterre-liht,

Ravenna. j^ Rauennc thei took the weie riht.

Lad with hem for refut & socowr 3324

Of kyng Alboyne al the hool tresowr.

She then Aftit shc was [Ilweddid to Melchis,

marned Hil- -^ r i • i ir i i • i •

michis, but Man or this world[eJ stood most in hir grace.

him, — for her Hir louc appalHd, set of him no pris; 3328

promisoiou's!— For shc nat koude be content in o place.

Hir ioie was euere newe thing to p?<rchace,

Tassaie manye, plesid newer with oon.

Til bexperience she preuid hadde echon. 3332

had an affair Prouost of Rauenne & cheef eouernour,

with the

Provost of For thexcellence of hir gret beute HUmichis she Aboue al w^omen loued hir paramour, mufdeV° Whan she entred first in that cite. 3336

And thoruh hir fraude and duplicite

3303. Albonoys R.

3304. to] om. H.

33 12. whil] whan H.

3314. he] or he H — no] om. H, non B, R.

3321. Melchis] Helmiges P — hir] his H.

3325. kyng Alboyne] Albonyus J, Alboinus P.

3326. wedded to Helmiges P. 3329. o] no H. 3331. manye] om. H — neuer wzt^] wit^ nevir H.

BK. VIIl]

The Death of ^ueen Rosamond

917

3340

3344

She caste moordre in hir froward auys

Hir newe husbonde that callid was Melchis.

The hote somer in lusti fressh[e] May, The same Melchis for heete & weerynesse Hymsilff to bathe wente a certeyn day, Kauht a gret thrust of* feyntise in sothnesse. And Rosamouwde, of infernal falsnesse, Took a goblet, wftZ? licoMr gret foisouw, Gaf hym drynke wyn medlid with poisouw.

He drank up half, & therwithal he gaw

Brest and beli to suelle & arise, 3348

Intoxicat, wex dedli pale & wan;

And whan he dide hir tresouw aduertise.

He made hir drynke in the same wise,

Maugre hir wil, she myht it nat r^streyne, — 3352

Guerdouw for moordre, — thei deide bothe tweyne.

In this chapitle but litil frut I fynde,

Sauf onli this, to putte in remewbrauwce,

That men sholde calle ageyw to mywde, 3356

Moordre afFor God requereth ay vengauwce.

This funeral stori weied in ballaunce,

Wrouht be Melchis, compassid first & fouwde

Be fals tresoun of cursid Rosamouwde. 3360

Slouh first hir lord Albonivs, as I seide,

Tueyne of hir squieres did execusioun,

Out of his slep^ whan he did abraide.

Lat couMtirpeise what was ther guerdoun: 3364

Ech moordrid othir be drynkyng of poisouw.;

Melchis drank first, & next drank Rosamouwde;

At them it gaw; to them it did rebouwde.

Countirpeised o moordre for another: 3368

Albonivs slayw be Rosamouwde his wifF Bassent of Melchis, & aftir ech to other The poisouw partid; ther gan a fatal strifF. Moordre quit for moordre, thei bothe lost her lyflF. 3372 Who vseth falsnesse, ful weel afFerme I dar, Shal with falsnesse be quit or he be war.

One hot day when he was thirsty after bathing, she gave him a goblet of poisoned wine.

After he had drunk up half, his body began to swell and he grew deadly pale, and, suspecting treason, com- pelled her to drink the rest. They both died.

I find little profit in this chapter, except that it reminds us that murder always cries vengeance before God.

Rosamond slew Alboin, and afterwards she and Hilmichis killed one another.

Both lost their lives; treason punished by treason; murder for murder.

3339. newe is repeated in H. 3341. Helmiges P

3343. of] on B.

3352. it] hir R. 3359. Helmiges P.

3361, 69. Alboiniis P. 3364. ther] hir H.

3366. 2nd drank] om. H.

9i8 The End of the Eighth Book [bk. viii

As mtn Rive, As thci departed, siiich part ageyn l)ei took; [p. 405] receive: and as As iiieii dissetuc, suicli slial be ther mcede. 3376

•uc^ sha'rbc This froward story, eendc of tlie Eihte Book, their reward. Qj- RosamoiwKlc & Melclils wtought ill dcedc, For short conclusioun biddith men take heede, Thei shal resceyue ageynvvard * suich mesowr As thei mesure vnto ther neih[e]boi<r. 3381

3378. HelmiRCS P.

3380. resceyue ageynward] ageynward resceyue B, P.

f Finis libri octaui. ^ Incipit IXus liber Bochasii.

BOOK IX.

[How the Emperoure Mauryc3rus his wif and his childre wer slayne atte Calcedonye] ^

O Franceis Petrak as Boch^j vwd^ftook,[p.407]

T

In eschewing of slouthe & idilnesse,

12

i6

As he began taccomplissh* up his book, Assuraunce maad to doon his besynesse; Which thing remewbrid gan his penne dresse,* The Nyhnte Book, so God wold send hyw grace, It to parfotirme yif he had lyff & space.

At the gynnyng sothli of his labour,

In his studie to hym ther did appeere

Mauricivs, the mihti emperowr,

Which gan compleyne, rehersing the maneere

How he bi Phocas, cruel of look & cheere,

Destroied was — wifF, childre & kynreede —

The slauhtre kouth, who list ther stori reede.

The said[e] Maurice, as writ Bochas lohn, Was be Phocas brouht to destruccioun. His wifF, his childre slay[e]n euerichon At Calcedoyne, as maad is mencioun, Aftir whos deth he took pocessioun. The said[e] Phocas, as put is in memorie, — Gaf Panteoun onto Seynt Gregorie,

Which was a temple of old fundacioun, Ful of idoles upset on hih[e] stages. Ther thoruh the world of eueri nacioun Wer of ther goddis set up gret images, To eueri kyngdam direct wer ther visages. As poetis & Fulgence be his lyue In bookis olde pleynli doth descryue.

Eueri image hadde in his hand a belle, As appartened to euery nacioun. Which be crafft sum tokne sholde telle

3. taccomplissh] accomplisshed B, R.

5. is misplaced at end of stanza B.

18. Calcedoyne] Macedoyn H, R 3. 21. Pantheon P. 29. his] om. H. 30. appartened] app^rtenyth H, p^rtey-

neth J, P — naciou«] Regioun H.

* MS. J. leaf 166 verso. 919

As Bochas had promised Francis Pe- trarch to do his best, he now made ready his pea to finish his Ninth Book.

And as he began, the mighty Em- peror Maurice came, com- plaining how he and his family had been murdered by Phocas

in Chalcedon.

20

The same Phocas gave Saint Gregory the Pantheon,

an old temple full of the idols of all nations.

24

28

Each Image had a bell in its hand, that rang when the

Q20 The Emperor Maurice. Muhammad [bk. ix

kingdom to Wha« any kyngdam fill in rebellioun 32

w^'lciMn Or g:\n nialisne agey?/[es] Roome toun; ^voit against g^.j^j^ ^^ redresse with strong &: niihti \\on<\

Sent a prince to chastise al that lond. The said temple The saidc tcniplc bilt of lyni & ston, 36

was turned into ,-, it • r -k i l • " C

a Christian Popc Donitace*, bookis specehe,

Brface.-' ''""' Wher it was first callid Pantheon, Set up crossis upon ech partie,

Halwid it to martirs & Marie, — 40

Yeer be yeer[e] gyn»yng off Nouembre The feeste holde, the martiloge doth remembr<f.

The Emperor In Asic this empcro/^r Maurice was slayn,

siatn'i" Asia In the citc that callid is Calcidonye,* 44

Chaicyon:a°nd Al his houshold and many good Romayn

«^.^?PhocaT Bi Phocas and Perciens, as had is in memorie.

de\\rby° ^^^ Phocas afftir, for al his veynglorie,

Heraciius. Slayn be Eraclivs, thouh he* was emperowr 48

Foure and twenti* wyntir and cheef gouernoJ^r.

[Off Machomet the fals prophete and how he beyng dronke was deuoured among swyn.] ^

After the death A FFTIR the dcth of Phocas, as I tolde,

Muhammad ap- 1\. That EracHus to regne first began,

Ta'sf fals"' Cam Machomeet, m his tyme Iholde 52

^"g'idantorn A fals prophcte and a magicien,

of low kindred ^ bookis oldc weel reherse can.

in Arabia, and . » . • i r i i J

an idolater all Bom in Arabia but ot low kynreede,

Al his lyue an idolastre in deede. S6

When he grew And whaw that he greuh to gretter age,

?he"rst to"use Deccyuable in many sondri wises,

ca"bge!"nd With chamdis vsid fitst catiage:

St^and'° Wente to Egipt [to] fette marchaundises,* 60

studied the YAs and double, sotil in his deuises;

Dible. . .

To lewes & Cnstene sondry tymes sent, Lerned the Olde a[nd] Newe Testament.

37. Pope] blotted and erased B, J — Bonifas B — bookis] as

bookis J, as bokes P. ■^ ■ -o

44. callid is] is callid H — Calcidonye] Calcidoine B.

48. he] who P — thouh he] he than B. 49. xxnijti B.

56. j'dolatre R, H, R 3. ,• r> u t>

57. that] om. H — gretter] gret H. 59- camehs R, H, R 3. 60. to] om. H, R 3, P, H 5. 60 and 61 are transposed in B.

1 MS. J. leaf 167 recto.

BK. 1X3

Muhammad, the false Prophet

As bookis olde recorde* in that partie, This Machomeet, this cursid fals[e] ma?z, Out of Egipt faste gaw hyw hie Toward a centre callid Corozan, With a ladi that hihte Cardigan, — Thoruh his sotil fals[e] daliauwce Be crafFt he fill into hir aqueyntaunce.

He wrouhte [so] be his enchauwtementis

And be fals menis off nigromauwcie,

Hir enclynyng toward his ententis;

For bothe he koude riht weel flatre* & lie.

Saide openli that he was Messie,

lewes abidyng vpon his comyng,

As grettest prophete and ther souereyw ky«g.

Thus the peeple he brouht in gret tixoux

Bi his techiwg & his fals doctryne;

He wex among hem a gret gou^rnoMr.

The saide ladi he dede also enclyne,

As to a prophete which that was deuyne

Sent from aboue, as she did vndirstonde;

For which she took hym vnto hir husbonde.

64

68

72

921

This cursed man then went to Khorasan with a lady named Khadija, who was attracted by his false subtle talk

and fooled by his necroman- cy; for he was an accom- plished flat- terer and liar.

76

80

He openly said he was Messiah, and became a great prophet among the people; and for that reason the lady married him.

84 [p. 408]

88

His lynage [be]gan at Hismael;

Hadde a siknesse, fil* ofte sithes doun,

In his excus[e] seide that Gabriel

Was sent to hym from the heuenli mansiouw

Be the Hooli Goost to his instrucciouw:

For the auwgel shewed hym* so sheene,

To stonde upriht he myhte nat susteene.

On his shuldre[s] wer ofte tymes sey«, Whan he to folk[is] shewed his presence, Milk whit dowes, which that piked greyw Out of hiseris; afFermywg in sentence Thei caw be grace of goostli influence Hym to visite, to shewe & specefie He was the prophete that callid was Messie.

Newe lawes he did also ordeyne.

Shewed signes be fals apparence;

Lik Moises, hymsilf he did[e] feyne

64. recorder! B. 67. Coriozan P. 68. Cardican P.

74. riht weel flatre] flatre weel B, J. 79. & and bi R.

82. a] om. H. 86. fil] ful B. 90. hym] hymsilf B.

92. shuldris R, R 3, H 5, shuldirs H, shuldre J, P.

93. folkis] folk R, H 5, folke P. loi. feyne] fyne H.

92

96

100

He was an Ishmaelite and an epileptic, and excused his fits by saying, "I must always fall down when the Angel Gabriel comes to instruct

Milk-white doves sat on his shoulders, by spiritual influence, he claimed; but it was only to pick grain he had put in his

He made new laws and feigned to be a prophet like Moses; and as

922

The evil Deeds of Muhammad

[bk. IX

an evidence of bit poweri lie hung pots of milk and honey on the horns of a great bull,

•ymbolizinK the plenty which was to come from his spiritual working.

He soon converted the Saracens, and his clerk Sergius wrote down his laws and miracles.

A prophete of most excellence.

And therupon to shcwe an euidence,

Smale pottis wit/' milk &: hony born, 104

Of a gret bole wer hangid on ech horn.

Made the peeple yuie crediilitc

To his doctryne and [his] froward techi^ig:

Be mylk & hony figurid was plente, ipS

Be the merit* of his gostli werking.

And thus he was at his begyn«yng

Take of Sarsyns, as thei ga?i to [hyni] drawe,

Which hi fals errowr bond hem to his lawe. 112

A clerk of his, callid Sergius,

Wrot his lawes & thes myracles thre:

First of the dowes, how the! cam to hym thus,

As heer-toforn rehersid was by me, 116

How milk & hony wer tokne[s] of gr^t plente,

And of the bole, afForn be crafFt maad tame,

Bi fals deceitis to getyn hym a name.

He was made Of Atabicns & Sarsyns, as I reede, 120

a prince of the , , r t-. i ■ i • o

Arabs and And of 1 urkis maad pnnce & gou^rnowr, Siecting"an With Hismaclites & folk of Perse & Mede on^HeScUus^^He gadred peeple, gaw wexe a werreioi^r, \"iandria'^'^ Agcyn HcracHus, the mihti empero^r, 124

And vsurped to ride in tho cuntres,

Gat Alisaundre with many mo cites.

Of tho parties desirous to be kyng,

Of that purpos whan he was set aside, 128

To the peeple falsli dissymulyng,

Told he was sent prophetis to prouide

For tho contrees, for to been ther guide.

And for he was lecherous of corage, 132

He made of Venvs sette up an image.

Made Sarsyns to worshep the Friday,

Semblabli his stori doth expresse,

So as lewes halwe the Satirday, — 136

Al his werkis concludywg on falsnesse.

Whan he drank wyn [he] fill in dronk[e]nesse;

Bad the peple, lik a fals propheete,

Drynk[e] watir, & good wyn to lete. 140

Failing to become king, he said that he was sent to provide prophets to guide the people; and, as he was lecherous of heart, he set up an image of Venus.

He made the Saracens wor- ship on Friday, just as the Jews do on Saturday, and told the people to drink water, although he got drunk himself on good wine.

109. merit] meriht B. III. hym] om. R, H 5 — 114. thes] his H. 129.

Sarazyns J.

dissymulyng] dissemblyng R.

BK. IX]

The End of Muhammad. Brunhilde

923

As I seide, the heretik Sergivs,

Wtt^ hym of counsail froward & contrarie,

Foon to our feith, he and Nostorivs,

From hooli chirch[e] gretli thei gan varie. 144

On whos errowrs Bochas Hst nat tarie

Mor to write[n] of this Machomeete,

A nigromawcien & a fals prophete.

Who list to seen his lawes euerichon 148

Youe to Sarsyns, his book can ber witnesse,

As thei be set in his Alkerouw,

Echon in ordre groundid on falsnesse.

Lik a glotoun deied in dronk[e]nesse, 152

Bi excesse of mykil drywkyng wyn,

Fill in a podel, deuoured amowg swyn.

This was the eende of fals[e] Machomeete,

For al his crafFtis of nigromancie, 156

The funeral fyn of this seudo prophete,

Dronklew of kynde, callid hymsilf Messie,

Whom Sarsyns so gretli magnefie.

lohn Bochaj- let be for a queen of Fraunce, 160

Mor of his erroMrs to putte in remewbraunce.

Bochas did not care to dwell on his errors or on those of the Nestorians;but all his false laws are to be seen in the Koran.

Finally, when drunk, he fell in a puddle and was devoured by hogs.

That was his end, for all his magic. John Bochas then turned to Brunhilde, a queen of France,

pEow Brounchild / queene of Fraunce slouh hir kyn / brought the londe in diuisioun, and aftir was honged / and hewen in pecys smale.] ^

SHE cam arraied nothing lik a queen, Hir her vntressid; Bochas took good heed, In al his book he had afForn nat seen 164

A mor woful creature in deede. Wit^ weeping eyen, totorn[e] was hir weede, Rebuking Bochas, he had lefFt behynde Hir wrechidnesse for to putte in mynde. 168

Vnto myn auctowr she sodenli abraide, [p. 409]

Lik a woman that wer with wo chekmaat.

First of alle thus to hym she saide:

"Sumtyme I was a queen of gret estat 172

Crownid in Fraunce; but now al desolat

who came to him with dis- hevelled hair and torn garments and weeping eyes.

She said: "Once I was a great queen; but now I am desolate and almost ashamed to tell my woe.

144. thei] om. H. 157. pseudo H.

160. a queen of Fraunce] it did hym grevau«ce H.

162-532 are omitted in H.

1 MS. J. leaf 167 verso.

924 Bochius Dispute with Brunhilde [jrk. ix

I stonde in soth. Bruwnechiltl[e] was my name, Which to reherse I haue a man^r shame.

"You wrote all Thou wcF besi to wfite the woful caas 176

about Arsinoe ,,t.i i-t irrA

and Oeopatra \\ ithv^ne thi booK ott Afsynoe,

and Rosamond, i-^- " • ^ f^\

and it Bccms Dist seruisc to qiiccH LIcopatras, ^t^ten'me!"'" Of RosyiiiouMtle thou wiit also parde;

And among alio thou hast forgete me, 180

Wherbi it seemeth thou dost at me disdeyne, — List no parcel to writen of my peyne,"

When Bochis Whan Bochas herd, of cheer he wex riht sad,

was em- Knowyng nothing of that she ded endure. 184

harassed, for .. j.^^.j^ " ^^j^j 1^^^ "affom I hauc nat rad

nothing^^bout^^ In no cronicle nor in no scripture

nevcr^read O f y o /< r \vo f u 1 f r ow a r d a u e n t u r e . "

"HI 'a°T"o ^ "No?" quod she, "I pray you tak good heede, i88

you then." So as thei fille I wil reherse in deede."

"You women," Bochas with Brunncchildc gan debate anon: "never°^tciT' " SothH," quod he, "this the condiciouw you^ o"vn^° Of you wommcn almost eucrichon ; 192

discredit. Ye haue this maner, withoute excepcioun,

Of your natural inclynaciouw, Of your declaryng this obseruaunce to keepe: Nothyng to seyn contrarye to yo^r worshepe. 196

"Nature teaches Nature hath tauht you al that is wrong texcuse,

you to hide x 7 i • 11 r 1 " J

all your faults Vndir z courtyn al thyng tor to hide;

most^°nn'?cent W^t^ Htil gtcyn your chaff ye can abuse;

bet^most^'"' On your difFautis ye list nat for to bide: 200

wicked. 'pj^g g^ijg touchid, al that ye set aside;

Shewe rosis fresshe; weedis ye leet passe. And fairest cheer[e] wher ye most trespace.

"And if you And yifF ye shal telle yowr owne tale, 204

your tto^^yoxx How ye be fall[e] fro Fortunis wheel, HttieMVur'^ Ye will vnclose but a litil male, I'Si wouiT'^ Shewe of yowr vices but a smal parcel: believe you." 'Q^qxW glas shcwcth brihtct than doth steel; 208

And thouh of vertu ye shewe a fair pretence, He is a fool that yiueth to you credence."

174. Brunchildis R, Brounchilde J, Brunklldys R 3, Brunchildys

H 5, Brunichilde P. 180. forgotyn R, forgoten J. 188. you] the R. 200. On] Onto R — fortabide R. 203. fairest] faireth R.

BK. 1X3

Brunhilde tells her Story

925

^ Quo[d] Bru7inechild, "I do riht weel espie

Thou hast of wommen a fals oppynyoun, 212

How that thei can flatre weel & lie

And been dyuers of disposiciouw; —

Thou myhtest haue maad an excepcioun

Of hih estatis & them that gentil been, 216

Namli of me, that was so gret a queen."

^ "Your hih estat boff Kynde hath no poweer

To chauwge in nature nouther cold nor heete:

But let vs passe and leue this mateer, 220

Theron tabide or any mor to plete;

Of yoi/r compleynt seith to me the grete.

Be weie of seruise to you I shal me quite,

As ye declare take my penwe & write." 224

^ "Tak heed," quod she, "& with riht good auis

Fro the trouthe bewar that thou nat varie!

Whilom in France regnid kyng Clowis,

Hadde a sone that namyd was Clotarye, 228

Clothair an heir which callid was Lotarie;

And this Lotarie, namyd the secouwde,

Hadde sonis foure, in stori it is founde.

To the cronicle who caw taken heed, 232

As it is Iput in remembrauwce,

Whan ther fadir, the myhti kyng, was ded,

Atween thes foure partid was al France,

Ech be hymsilfF[e] to haue gou-frnaunce, 236

Be oon assent, as brothir onto brothir,

Weryng her crownis, ech quit hem onto othir.

The same tyme, I, callid Brunnechild, —

Me list nat varie fro the old writyng, — 240

Hadde a fadir namyd Leuychild,

Of al Spayne souereyn lord and kyng.

My saide fathir, to ful gret hyndryng

Of bothe rewmys (the fame ronne ful* ferre), 244

Tween Spaigne & Fraunce gan a mortal werre.

The brethre foure, in Fraunce crownid kynges,

Ageyn my fadir made strong difFence,

Of marcial pride & fortunat chaungyngis, 248

Said Brunhilde, "I see you have a false opinion of women; but you might have made an exception of me. I was a great queen."

"Your high estate cannot alter your nature," answered Bochas; "but I'll not argue. Tell me your complaint and I will write it down."

"Be sure you write the truth," said she. "Once there was a king in France named Clovis,

and the kingdom was divided amongst his four great- grandchildren.

"I was the daughter of Athanagild, king ot Spain, who unfortunately began a war on France.

"The four brothers made a strong defence.

227. Clowis] Cloduice P.

229. an] had an R, R 3.

241. leuygilde R.

244. full] so B, J, P.

926

Brunhild^ is interrupted by Bochas

[bk. IX

and finally to have peace I was given in marriaRe to Sigebert, then reigning in France."

Whan thei mette be mortal violence, Of sodeyn slaiihtre fill sulch pestilence On outlier parti, the feeld lik a gret flood With the terrible cfl^usioun of blood.

To bothe reuniys the werris wer importable, [p, Causid of dethfe] passyng gret damage; Souhte menys, wex be assent tretable, Of blood sheedyng tappese the woful rage. Bi oon accord I was youe in mariage To Sigibert, regnyng tho in Fraunce, Tueen bothe rewmys to maken alliauwce."

^ '^Nay, nay," quod Bochaj, "I deeme it is

nat so; Tween you & me ther mut begynne a strifF. Beth auised; taketh good heed herto: The first assuraunce of mariage in yowr lyfF, Of Chilperik ye wer the weddid wifF, Cronicles seyn, what-eu^r ye expresse, In this mateer wil here with me witnesse."

"Although some^ " Thouh sumwc bookis reherse so & sev«,

booica have it _ ., , . , . •' ' .

as you mention, Lik as yc hauc maad heer mencioun, Ther rehersaile stant in noun certeyn; For be thassent of outher regioun, Spayne and Fraunce in ther conuenciouw Ordeyned so in my tendre age. To Sigibert I was youe in mariage.

"No, no," said Bochas, "that isn't so; we are not going to agree. You were first the wife of Chilperic. The chronicles say so."

at any rate I was given when very young to Sigebert.

Ymenivs was nat ther present.

Whan we took our chauwbre toward niht;

"It was an

unhappy

marriage:

Hymenaeus -p, rr-,, • | | • ^

was not there, r ot 1 hesiphonc, hir sustren or assent, and he'r"sis°ers Infemal goddessis bar the torchis liht. torlh^r "^"^ ^^ ^^^ torchis shewid dirk or briht.

and of old times, according as the torches burnt dark or bright, the marriage was deemed fortunate or otherwise.

252 410]

256

260

264

268

272

Therbi the peeple present, oon & alle, Dempte of the mariage what sholde befalle.

This custum vsid of antiquite:

Fro ther templis of goddis & goddessis,

At manages of folk of hih degre

Torchis wer born, of whom men took witnessis.

As thei wer dirk or shewed ther brihtnessis.

The difference seyn in ech estat,

Yif it wer toward or infortunat.

276

280

284

264. Chilperis R.

274. Hlmeneus P.

BK. 1X3

Brunhilde continues her Story

927

Of this manage short processe for to make, 288

The torchis brente, & yit thei wer nat briht, —

Shewed out komerous smokes blake;

Of consolaciouw lost was al the liht.

Thus in dirknesse wastid the firste niht: 292

Ther vers, ther songis of goddis & goddessis

Wer al togidre of sorwe and heuynessis.

Thes wer the toknis the niht of mariage,

Pronostiques of gret aduersite; 296

Yit of nature I hadde this auauwtage

Of womawheed and excellent beute;

And lik a queen in stonis & perre

I was arraied, clad in purpil red, 300

With a crowne of gold upon myn hed.

Solempneli crownid queen of Fraunce,

Which for to seen folk faste ga« repaire.

Of al weelfare I hadde suffisauwce, 304

Clomb of Fortune ful hih vpon the staire.

A sone I hadde, which callid was Clotaire,

Be Sigibert, be record of writyng,

Thridde of ^at name in Fraunce crownid kyng. 308

So wolde God the* day whan he was born

He hadde be put in his sepulture,

In sauacioun of blood shad heer-toforn:

Caused the deth of many creature, 312

As dyuers bookis recorden in scripture.

Ground and gynnyng, as maad is mencioun,

Withynne this lond of gret deuysioun.

He with his brethre, of whom I tolde late, 316

At hym begonne the first occasioun" —

^ "Nat so," quod Bochas, "ye faillen of yowr date.

Who was cheef cause of [this] discencioun?"

[m "Sothli," quod she, "to myn oppynyoun, 320

Amon[g] hem-silfF, I dar weel specefie.

The cheef gynnyng was fraternal envie."

^ " Keep you mor cloos; in this mateer ye faille. Folwyng the tracis of your condicioun, 324

Ye hake foule in yoMr rehersaille: For of your owne imagynacioun Ye sewe the seed of this discencioun

"At my marriage the torches gave out heavy black smoke and turned the light to darkness.

"Such were the prognos- tics, although I was very beautiful and arrayed like a queen.

"I had a son named Clotaire by Sigebert, the third of the

name crowned in France;

but would to God he had been put in his sepulchre the day he was born, for he was the cause that many a man died."

"Not so," said Bochas, "who was chief cause of this dis- sension?" "Really," she replied, "I think it was fraternal jealousy."

"Be careful, you are not telling the truth. You yourself were chief cause."

298.

3"-

womanhode R. here beforn R.

309. the] that B — whan] that J, om. P.

928 Brunhilde^s Annoyance with Bochas []bk. ix

Among thes kynges, ylf ye taken heed, 328

Bi which in France many man was ded."

At this Bnin- ^ Tha« Brunwechildfc] can to chaunce cheere;

hilde changed ^ ,-, , . , • i r r i i

her expression 1 O OOCliaS Seidc With laCC lUl CTUCl, and grimly i< -nt i i i i

Mid to Bochas, IN at longe agon thou knew nat the maneer 332

moments ago Of my lyuyng but a smal parcel; ^uie''about^m>- ^^^ sccmcth now thou kuowcst euerideel, life; now gg that yc may withoute lenger strifF

you Bit over . -^ . -' o

me as a judge. Sitte as a luge, that knowe so weel my lyiF. 336

•When these Whan thes brethre stoden at discord, [p. 411]

brothers were y^i ii* i-i ur*

at discord. hch ageyn other bi mortal violence, bro'ther'of King Vudir coIo//r to trctyn of accord

Sig.ebm. was ^yj^i^ ^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^^ dilligenCC, 34O

Chilperik ther beyng in presence, Whilom brothir to Sigibert the kyng, Was slayn among hem be fals conspiryng.

and also On whos deth auengid for to be, 344

Sigebert, who . p. ., j-jr ii -irr

sought to As bigibert did[ej hymsilrr auaunce,

deaX" " Among the pres he slay[e]n was parde . . ."

..XT,, •■ [^] "Nat so," quod Bochas, "but of fals gou^rnaunce,

Bochas, -he Of yoz<r mysleuyng fill this vnhappi chaunce, 348

was murdered /-p, o" "i i i • i

because of your 1 hat bigibett was moordred in sothnesse fv"Hfe.° Oonli be occasioun of your doubilnesse.

"You loved Folwyng the traces* of newefangilnesse, through your Geyn Sigibert ye wrouht[e] ful falsli, 352

fdiy^the^king Whan yc loued* of froward doubilnesse hunting"in''t^he^ Landrik the erl of Chaumpayne & of Bry; Comptfne." ^^^ ^^ ^^^"^ Outrage & your gret foly

The kyng was slay[e]n, and ye did assente, 356

In a forest on huntyng whan he wente,

"Alas," she Which calHd was the forest of Compyne." "Bochas," ^ "Alas!" quod she, brak out in compleynyng, k^w^too°" "Bochas, Bocha/, thou dost sore vndermyne 360

Tyou know°''Alle the surfetis doon in my lyuyng! siaught^'^^of Thou knowest the slauhtre of Sigibert the king, Sigebert, done Which that was wrouht, alas, be myn assent, —

by my assent, ,.,, ., ,, ' "', ^

if you were How knowist thou It, that wer nat ther present? 364

not there.' r ^

329. many a R.

334. eiieri] eueril R.

346. the pres] thres R.

351. traces] tras B, trace R, traces J, P.

353. loued] loueden B R.

BK. IX]

Bochas again interrupts Brunhilde

929

Of thes debatis and of al this werre,

With rebukis rehersed heer in veyn,

In rehersaille gretli thou dost erre;

For which I caste — be riht weel certeyn — 368

In my difFence to replie ageyw.

It was nat I; for she that thou dost meene

Was Fredeguwdus, the lusti yonge queene.

This Fredegunde, thou shalt [weel] vndirstonde, 372

Riht womanli and fair of hir visage, —

Chilperik was whilom hir husbonde;

For hir beute took hir in manage.

Bi hir treynys & hir gret outrage 376

He was aftir, the stori who list reede,

At myscheef slayn; thou shalt so fywde in deede."

[^ "Thouh ye be langage make strong difFence

In thes mateeres, which cause me to muse, 380

I haue ageyw you lost my pacience,

That so sotilli wolde yoMrsilf excuse.

Contrariousli yo^r termys ye abuse;

For Clotaire*, I haue so rad, parde, 384

Was nat engendred of Sigibert nor of the.

I remewbre ful weel that I haue rad That Childepert*, thouh ye therat disdeyne, — Record of auctoz^rs that prudent been & sad, — 388 How he in trouthe was gendrid of you tweyne, Which in his deyng (me list nat for to feyne*) LeiFt sonis two, the story ye may* reede, — Theobart & Thederik to succeede."

^ "Bocha/," quod she, "thouh thou turne vp-so-doun

Thes said[e] stories, rehersid heer in deede,

Folwywg of malis thyn own* oppynyoun,

Maugre thi wil[le], foorth I wil proceede 396

As I began; tak therto good heede:

First Theodorik, thou shalt vndirstonde,

Cosyn germyn was to myn husbonde.

"You are wholly wrong. It was not I, but the lusty young Queen Fredegond whom you mean.

"Chilperic was once her husband, and it was through her wiles and outrages that he was after- wards slain."

"Although you defend yourself well, I've lost patience with you for your subtile excuses.

392

"Clotaire was not your own son nor Sigebert's, but Childebert was; and he left two sons, Theudebert and Theuderich."

"Bochas, although you turn these stories upside down out of malice, I will go on as I began, in spite of you.

365. al] om. R.

371. Fredegundis R, R 3, Fredegundys J, H 5 — Was] It was

372. weel] om. J.

384. Clotaire] Colataire B, Colotaire J, Colatayre H 5.

387. Childepert] Chilperik B, Chilperike P.

390. feyne] seyne B. 391. may] do B.

395. of malis thyn own] the malis of thyn B.

397. therto] heer to R, herto H 5.

"Theuderich was cousin german to my husband, and he slew his brolher

Thcudebert and all his family. Whatever you say, this is the truth."

"No." said Bochas, "it

was quite other- wise. I cannot let you go on in this way. Whether you like it or not, you caused Theudebert's death.

"And it was all because of your burning covetousness to rule the country yourself."

930 Th( Argument between Bnnihilde and Bochas [j&vi. ix

Kyng of Burgoyne that tyme, and non other. 400

He of hatreedc and indignacioun

Slouh Theobart, which that was his brother,

His wiff, his childre, for short conclusioun,

Which in the myhti famous regioun 404

Of Autrasie regnid as lord & kyng.

What-euer thou seist, this soth & no lesyng."

^ "Nay," quod Boch^j, "it was al otherwise;

I may nat suffre how ye go ther among. 408

Al this langage of newe that ye deuise,

Brouht to a preef, concludeth vpow wrong.

What sholde we lenger this mateer drawe along?

Yowrsilf wer cause, wher ye be lothe* or fayn, 412

Be Theodorik that Theobart was slayn.

The ground heerof gan parcel of envie,

Bi your froward brennyng couetise,

Which that ye hadde onli to occupie, 416

To reule the lond aftir yowr owne guise.

And yif I shal pleynli heer deuise

Of thes myscheeuys rehersed, God do boote.

Ye wer yoMr-silfF[e] ground, cheef cropp & roote." 420

f Quod Brunnechild, "I conceyue wel & se, [p. 412]

Ye for your part haue lost al reuerence,

Yowr-silf enarmed to shewe yowr cruelte

Ageyn[e]s me, touchyng the violence 424

Of too slauhtris rehersed in sentence:

First how Theodorik his brothir slouh in deede,

Callid Theobart, a pitous thyng to reede;

HymsilfF[e] aftir stranglid with poisoun, 428

His wifF, his childre hewe on pecis smale . . ."

^ "As ye," quod Bochas, "mak heer mencioun,

Sum part is trewe, but nat al yowr tale;

For I suppose ye sholde wexe pale 43*

For shame of thyng which ye canat excuse,

Whan Theodorik begynneth you taccuse.

He put on you the crym of fals tresoun;

Ye slouh his wifF and his childryn also; 436

Hymsilf also ye moordred with poisoun:

Said Brunhilde, "I see you have lost all your reverence {or me and only want to shew your cruelty.

"Afterwards Theuderich was himself poisoned and his wife and children slaughtered."

"Some of this is true, but not all. You had better

grow pale for shame; you slew them yourself."

405. Autrasie] Austriche P. 410. concludyng R. 412. lothe] leef B, wroth R, R 3, H 5.

419. do] to R, be H 5. 427. Theobart] Theodobert R,

H s, Theodobart R 3, Theobert P. 435. on] vpon R.

BK. IX]

Brunhilde tells her true Story

931

I wolde wete what ye can seyn herto? "

^ "Alas," quod she, "alas, what shal I do!

Was neuer woman, in hih nor louh estat, 440

Al thyng considred, mor infortunat!

Fortune of me set now but litil prys,

Bi hir froward furious violence

Turnyng hir wheel & visage of malys, 444

Causeth to me that no man yeueth credence.

Had in despiht, void of al reuerence,

And thoruh Fortunys mutabilite

Sool [and] abiect and falle in pouerte. 448

^ O Bochaj- lohn, for short conclusioun,

Thou must ageyns me \)i stile now auaunce.

I haue disserued to haue punicioun,

And alle the princis & barouns now in France 452

Crie out on me & axe on me vengaunce;

Refuge is non nor recure in this thing,

Thouh that Clotaire my sone* be crownid kyng.

For my defautis foul & abhomynable, 456

Tofor the iuges of al the parlement

I was foriugid & founde also coupable,

Of euery crym convict be iugement,

Myn accusours ther beyng present, 460

Of oon & othir stondyng a gret route,

Markid with fyngris of folk ]^at stood aboute.

For verray shame I did myn eyen close,

For them that gaured & cast on me \)er siht; 464

But as folk may be toknys weel suppose,

Myn eris wer nat stoppid half ariht.

Taken be force & lad forth with myht,

Be the hangman drawe ouer hill & vale, 468

Dismembrid aftir & hewe on pecis smale.

With my blood the pament al bespreynt. Thanked be Fortune, such* was myn auenture, The soule partid, my bodi was so feynt. 472

Who radde euer of any creature That mor wo or torment did endure!" —

438. herto] therto R. 448. and] om. J.

453. 2nd on] of R.

455. Clotaire my sone] wft^ Clotaire my soule B, R, J.

461. a] ther a R.

470. pament] paument R, payment R 3, payvment H 5.

471. such] which B, J, P.

"Alas," said she, "what shall I do! Was there ever a more unfortunate woman!

"Fortune cares little for me now; she allows no man to believe what I say, or to hold me in respect, — abject and alone and fallen in poverty!

"O Bochas John, I have deserved punishment and there is no refuge for me, though my son be crowned king.

"I was found guilty by the judges of all the parliament; and people pointed me out with their fingers, so that I shut my eyes for very shame.

"Taken out by force, I was drawn by the hangman and cut up into small pieces.

"Who ever read of a woman who endured more torment than I."

932 y/n Envoy on Brunhilde [rk. IX

Praied Bochas to haue al thy;;^ in mynde,

Write hir lyfF & leue nothywg behynde. 476

Lenvoye. The traKcdy of ^ | ^HIS traccdic of Bru/zncchild the queen.

T";

Bninhiljc is ■ 'n i ■ ■ i i-

(rowarj inJ X lo hif stofi WHO list yuic attcndaunce,

grievous to T-> J ]

read. She was 1" foward to rcede, contagious to seen, •r!nst"igaVor And contrafic to al good gou^rnaunce, 480

of treason. Bom in Spayue, crownid queen of Fraunce, Double of hir tunge, vpfyndere of tresoun, Caused al that lond stonde at dyuisioun.

No man could From hir treynys ther koude no man fleene, 484

escape her_ cij r o i

wiles; mistress bours & hedspryng or sorwe & myschaunce;

of murder and oi i t r r • i i

dissension. bhad hony nrst, stang attir as doon beene,

Hir myrre medlid with sugrid fals plesaunce. What she saide includid variaunce, 488

Maistresse of moordre & of discencioun. Caused al that lond stonde at dyuysioun.

The princes of Princis of Gaule myhte nat susteene

Gaul could not -^ ,

stand her (jrct outtages nor the gret gou(?rnaunce 402

outrages and •»•[• , ~ . , . , . . ■ ty

excesses, which JNor the surtetis doon in hir yeens greene, thTircoun°try ' Brouht that kyngdam almost to vttrauwce; to ruin. ^ijg Qf assent cried on hir vengaunce.

The fame aroos, how al that regioun 496

Bi hir falsnesse stood at dyuisioun.

The knife of The knyfF of moordre grouwde was so keene

murder was r)- i • i ri

ground keen tji hir malys oi long contynuaunce,

by her malice; xy /. . , . - ,

she spared Jtlir corage irct with mrernal teene, 500

neither her kin c_ J j.1. I ii*

nor her friends, bpated nouthet kyn nor alliauwce.

Peised hir surfetis & weied in ballaunce,

As Bochas writ, she was thoccasiouw

Which made al Fraunce stonde at dyuisioun. 504

^ Here Bochas in maner excusith the [p. 413] vorrching of Brunnechild.^

BOCHAS astonid, gan inwardli m^ruaile, Fill in a maner of ambiguite Of Brunnechildis merueilowj- r^hersaile, —

486. doon|] om. R. 492. outrages] greuaunces R.

* The following heading is in MS. J. leaf 169 recto: " Bochas mervelyng of the malice and cruelte of Bronnchild/writeth thus."

BK. IX]

Bochas's Excuse for Brunhilde

933

How any woman of resouw sholde be 508

So ful of malis & froward* cruelte, To slen hir kyn & setten at distaunce Be dyuysiouM al the rewm of France.

Bochas dempte it was nat credible 512

That a woman sholde be so vengable,

In hir malis so venymous or terrible

Of slauhtre or moordre [for] to be coupable.

The stori suspect, heeld it but a fable, 516

Onli except that she did hym excite

Wit^ gret instauwce hir story for to write.

Hir cry on Bochaj" was verray importune,

To sette in ordre hir felicites

With hir vnhappi chaunges of fortune,

Hir disclaundres and gret aduersites,

With hir difFame reportid in* contres;

No verray grounde fouwde in bookes olde, 524

But of confessiouw that she hirsiluen tolde,

That myn auctottr with* solempne stile

Reherse sholde hir deedis disclauwdrous,

Hir flouryng yeeris also to compile, 528

Medlid with hir daies that wer contrarious,

Hir fatal eende froward & furious, —

Wherof encouwbred of verray weerynesse,

Toward Eraclyus he gan his penwe dresse. 532

520

Bochas marvelled how any woman could be so full of malice and per- verse cruelty.

He thought it incredible that a woman should be so terrible in her rage as to be guilty of murder.

He held her story but a fable, except for her insistence; and it came not from old books but was her own confession.

And finally, overcome by very weariness, he turned his pen to the Emperor Heraclius.

[How Eraclyus the Emperoifl" sustened heresye fill in to dropesy and sikenesse incurabl and so died.] 1

AFFTIR Phocas, with gr^t honour & glorie Crownid emp^rowr of Roome ^e cite. In whos tyme, lik as seith J^e storie, The Romeyns stood in gret perplexite 536

Bi them of Perse that roos with Cosdroe, Which took upon hym to be lord and sire, As a tiraunt to trouble the empire.

After Phocas became emperor the Romans were greatly embarrassed by the Persians under Chosroes,

509. froward] of B. 515. or] and J — for] om R.

523. in] be B, by J. 525. confessions R.

526. with] rehersed with B, J. 533. H begins again.

^ MS. J. leaf 169 verso.

934 '^^''^ f'''^ of if^^ Emperor lleracliiis [bk. ix

who conquered Gat iiianv prouvnce & many famoMJ rewm <±o

many provinces „,, i i a • i • i • i

in Asia. and. 1 lioiuli al Asic, as the cionicle scith,

froward to ^ i . i 1 1 i

ciirist, Ciaii approcne toward Inerusalcm;

jemMlem, until Aftom tlic toun proiulH a siege he leith,

Imote'oif his As a tiraiuit froward to Cristes feyth. 544

head. But Eraclius, iiiaugre al his iiiilit,

Smet of his hed & slouh hym lik a knyht. In his youth And hi crace, which that is dyuyne,

Heradius slew r^, ■ c ■ i • t^ i-

many Saracens. 1 IllS raiTlOUS prinCC, tlllS LracllUS 548

"rmous knight 111 his begy;mi«g slouh many proud Sarseyn, aFtlr^rcHcs." Holde in tho daies notable & glorious, And in his conquest passyng[ly] famous. Dyuers reliques & the cros he souhte, 552

And fro tho cuntres many of hew he brouht.

No man was Was non SO famous holde in his daies

more fitted to . ^^ ,. , • r

rule the empire; As bracHus thcmpire tor to guye,

but he became -kt i" r j i •

a heretic iNor mor manii tou?jae at ai assaies 556

Of hih prowesse nor in cheualrye. But whan he gaw susteene heresie, God took from hym, wzt^ynne a litil space, His hap, his weelfare, his fortune & his grace. 560

and upheld the He gan sustecne & folwe certeyn rihtis,

doctrines of the ^~. - -ir i ^ r ^ r •

Monarchianites. (Ji wurulnesse and rroward rantasie,

was^never ^ Of 3 sect calHd Monachelites,

fortunate. Which is z. scct of froward heresie; 564

And sith that he drouh to that partie,

The stori tellith, for al his hih estat,

This Eraclius was neuere fortunat.

Once dreaded Wher he was first drad on se & lond, 568

sea, Grace and NawH ofF Sarsyus, for his* cheualrie, hira,"rnd1ie Gracc & Fortuuc from hym wzt^drouh ther bond; !ufh"f d"o?sy For whan that he fill into heresie, coufd^never'Te ^^ ^^^ trauailed With suich a dropesie, 572

quenched. And therwithal he hadde a froward lust Euere to drynk, & euere he was a-thrust.

In tho daies founde was no leche,

Al-be that thei wer souht on ech partie, 576

The saide prince that koude wissh or teche,

549. begyning] gynnyng H. 551. passyngly] passyng

J, R, H s, P. 553- tho] be H.

558. to susteen H, to sustene R 3.

568. first drad] drad first H, R 3. 569. for] for al B, J. 576. that] though H — on] in R, R 3.

BK.

IX]

Constantine III., Son of Heraclius

935

Hym to releue of his idropesie,

Maad feynt & feeble wzt^ a gret palisie:

Thus in siknesse he hath his daies spent, 580

Be vengauwce slayn with infernal torment.

Of Heraclius this was the woful eende, [p. 414]

As is rehersed, slay[e]n with seeknesse,

Out of this world[e] whan he sholde weende, 584

Al hool thempire stood in gret distresse,

Force of Sarsyns dide hem so oppresse;

And day be day drouh [vn]to declyn

Be his successour callid Constantyw, 588

No physician was able to relieve him, and he finally died in torment.

That was his sad end; and all the empire stood in distress

because of the Saracens.

[How Constantyne the sone of Eraclyus suppoilyng errour and heresye was moordred in a stewe.] ^

Which was his sone, as maad is mewciouw.

In whos tyme thoruh his gret folic

Sarsyns dide gret oppressiouw,

Spoillyng the contres of al Lumbardie. 592

And Qonstzntyn, of wilful slogardie,

Wasted his daies til that he hath brouht

Al thempire almost onto nouht.

Geyn Cristes feith in especial 596

He gan of malys his wittis to applie,

And was therto enmy ful mortal,

As* cheeff supportowr of fals heresie.

And toward Roome faste he gan hym hie, 600

Spoilled templis of many riche image.

And be water took aftir his passage.

To Constantynople he hasted hym ful blyue,

Be Cecile the weie was most* meete; 604

At Siracuse I fynde he did aryue,

And for the sesouw was excessifF of heete.

Which in his labowr made hym for to sueete,

And secreli he gan hymsilf remewe 608

To be bathed in a preue stewe.

His son Constantine succeeded; and during his reign the Saracens did as they would.

while he wasted his days, an enemy to Christ's faith, until the empire was almost brought to nought.

578. dropesie R, J. 581. torment] lugement H.

583. is] om. R. 595 is misplaced at foot of column R.

596. Geyn] All R. 599. As] And B, J — fals] all H.

603. To] om. H, R 3 — ful] om. H, H 5.

604. Be] To — most] almost B, R, J, H 5.

607. hym] his H. 608. remewe] renewe H.

^ MS. J. leaf 169 verso.

He hastened from Rome to Constantino- ple, and stop- ping over at Syracuse, where

it was very hot, secretly went to a brothel for a bath;

936

Constantine IF., a good Emperor

[bk. IX

anJ there his own knights fell upon hin) and (lew him.

They chose their own emperor: but Constantine. the next heir,

a notable man, who was wiser than his father, slew all the conspirators.

To his great renown he caused 289 bishops to assemble for the defence of Christ's faith against old heresies.

He also restored churches and justly punished all heretics, with- out respect of person or favour.

I read little more about him in Bochas

Of cniiiyte ther he was espied;

His owne knihtd'j-, lik as it is founde,

Be co;;spiracioii;f, certcy? of them allied,

Fill upon liym with sha[i]p^ swerdis* grounde.

And niercilcs, with many mortal wou7zde,

Thei sloiih hym ther, on hym thei wer so wood,

Amyd the stewe, nakid as he stood.

Aftir whos deth thei did hemsilf auaunce To chese a kniht bor[e]n in Armenye, Of thempire to take* the gouifrnaiuzce And to supporte falsli ther partie. ^ But Constantyn, succeedyng of allie, Beyng next heir, the trouthe for to sue, To hym that was moordred in the stue,

Callid Constantyn, as his fadir was,

Riht notable in actis marciall,

Mor wish gouerned, stood in othir caas:

Lik a prince, be iugeme^it roial.

Of manli herte and corage natural

The conspifatowrs first of alle he sleth.

That wer assentid to his fadris deth.

To gret encres of his famouj renoun, Grace of God dide hym enlumyne, Constantynople, in that roial toun Olde heresie[s] to cessen and to fyne. Too hundrid bisshoppis [eihty] & eek nyne He made assemble, thoruh manli prouidence,* Of Cristes feith to stonde at difFence.*

He was eek besi cherchis to restore,

Al heretikes manli to withstonde,

Ther oppynyouns examyned weel before.

And whan the trouthe was weel vndirstonde,

Lik Cristis kniht list for no man wonde

To pun[ys]shen hem ius[t]li be rigour,

Withoute excepcioun of persone or fauot<r.

Of hyw in Bochaj litil mor I reede.

Nor of his empire I fynde non o]per date, —

Spared non heretik, nouther for gold nor meede.

612

616

620

624

628

632

636

640

644

613. swerdis] speris B, sperys J. 619. to take] took B,

J, toke P. 623. was moordred] moordrid was H.

631. famoM/] fadris R. 635. eihty] om. J — eek] eke also J. The second halves of lines 636, 37 are transposed B, J, P. 647. nor] no H.

BK.

IX]

Gisulf and his Wife Romilda

937

Constawtynople he passid into fate; Whaw Bulgarience gan with hym debate, A froward peeple, wilful & rekles, GafF hem a tribut, he for to lyue in pes.

648

except that he paid tribute to the Bulgars for the sake of peace and died in Con- stantinople.

nilow Gisulphus was slayn, and his wif ended mischeuesly in lecherye.] ^

NEXT cam Gisulphwj- to Boch^zj on \>t ryng, 652 A famous duk & notable \n his lyff, With weepiwg eyen pitousli pleynyng, Wxt^ whom also caw Rymulde his wifF, Which t)<2t lyueden euere in sorwe & strifF. 656

Yit was she bothe of berthe & of lynage Riht excellent, & fair of hir visage.

Sixe childre hadde this famous queen

Bi Gisulphus begetyw in manage, 660

Wonder semli and goodli on to seen,

And fortunat be processe of ther age,

Al-be ther fadir felte gret damage

Be the werris he hadde in his lyuywg

Wit^ Cathanus that was of Narroys kyng.

This Cathanvs yvith many strong bataille

Is descendid, and took the weie riht

Of duk Gisulphus the londis to assaile;

Togidre mette in steel armyd briht;

Gisulphe slayn; his peeple put to fliht.

And Cathanus with strong & myhti bond

Took pocessioun, conquered al his lond. 672

Aftir whos deth Romulde the duchesse,

Gretli astoned, pale of hir visage.

To the castel off Forgoil gan hir dresse

With hir knihtis of strong & fel corage. 676

Cathanus made aftir his* passage,

Leide a siege, caste hym to iuparte

His lyfF, his bodi rather than departe.

649. Bulgariens R, H, R 3. 655. Romilda P.

663. felte] fell in R. 664. the] ther R.

665. Cathanus] Cathamus J, Cathenoys H, Cacanus P — Nar- roys] Bauars P. 673. Rymulde H, J, Romilde P. 676. hir] his R. 677. his] hir B.

1 MS. J. leaf 170a.

Gisulf and his wife Romilda lived always in sorrow and strife, although she was of an excellent family and very beautiful.

They had six children, who were at first happy in spite of their father's wars with Cacanus, King of the Avars,

664

[p. 4.1 'si who slew Gisulf Lr' T J J gjjjj conquered

all his land. 668

Romilda retired with her knights to the castle of Foroiulanum;

93^ The foul Story of Romilda [bk. IX

•nil »» , Aboute the castcl armyd as he rood, 680

ihe »tood ^ 111- 1 •

on the wall Lik a prince sat knihtli on his steede,

Cacanus riding Vpoil tllC WalHs aS RonUllduS StOod,

•rmour" Ftesshli beseyn[e] in hir purpil weede,

And of the seege gan to taken heede, 684

Hir look, vnwarii, as she cast a-side, And sauh the kyng tofor the castel ride,

•nd lookinK like So hk a prince and a ma?di kniht;

• prince and ^ '

manly knight, bhe gan On hym looke wondir narwe: 688

she fell in love >-pi i r i i i i i • • i

with him. 1 he gocl ot loue persed thoruh hir siht,

Vnto hir herte markid hir with his arwe; The firy tyndis of his brennyng harwe Made the soil so pliaunt of hir thouht, 692

That of hir castel she set almost riht nouht.

TcU Th "'"^ '° ^"*^ ^^^ tacomplisshe the hool entencioun castle, presented Of hir fals lust in al man^ff thywg,

herself to him c\ ' j i . . "^ °

in his tent. ohe IS agreed be composicioun 696

To yeeld the castel in haste onto the ky?ig, She for to come withoute mor tarieng, Lik a duchesse hirsiluen to presente, Wher-as the kyng sat armyd in his tente. 700

were'taifcn '^^^ pceple withynwe prisoneeres take, prisoner, her Hir fourc sonis took hem to the fliht;

four sons fled, j , , i i i r i

Cacanus lay Louc caused that she hath rorsake niRht a"d°then Hir blood, hir kyn, wher it wer wrong or riht. 704 despised her. j^^^ Romulde the spacc but of* a niht With Cathanus hadde al hir deliht. And euere aftir he hadde hir in despiht.

Repulsed by And bi the kyng whan she was refusid, 708

the king, she ^ . -^ » i i. i • i • i

cohabited with 1 uclue m noumbre that duelled m his hous his household Most frowardli hir beute haue abusid,

and afterwards r\c 1^' ^ i i i

sank so low Ut hir naturc she was so lecherous.

acqu°ainted withal to rehcrse it is contagious, 712

Ihe ft^iT' °^ H°^^ sh^ ^'6^ ^fftir so abhomynable

To been aqueynted with gromys of Jje stable.

It w-er but veyn to tarie on this mateere

Or any long processe for to make, 716

Hir stori is contagious [for] to heere.

682. Rymuldis H — Romuldus stood] Rymuldus abood J,

Romilde abode P. 691. firy tyndis] fire teyndis R. 693. nouht] om. R. 698. withoute] with R. 705. but of] of al B, J. 715. on] in R, H, R 3, H 5.

BK. 1X3

The Fate of Justinian Temerarius

But fynalli at myscheef she was take, For a spectacle fichched on a stake, Set up alofte, myn auctOMt tellith so, Deide in distresse for constreywt of hir wo.

720

939

It is a foul story; and finally she was impaled on a stake and died.

[Off lustynyan the fals extorcioner exiled by Patry- cyan/af ter bothe nose & eien kut from his hede.] ^

BY exaumple, so as fressh armure Thoruh long[e] restiwg leseth his brihtnesse, Fret with old rust, gadreth gret ordure, 724

Is difFacid of his fressh cleernesse, Semblabli the Romeyws hih prowesse Gan for tappalle, alas, & that was routhe! — Whan thei hem gaff to necligewce & slouthe. 728

Who in knihthod list haue experience

Must eschewe riotous idilnesse,

Be prouident -with enteer dilligence,

Large with discreciouw, maMli with gentilesse, 732

To hih emprises his corage dresse.

And be weel war, upon ech partie,

Hyw to preserue fro rust of slogardie.

The which[e] vice gretli hath appeired, 736

As is remewbrid of old antiquite.

Caused ofte Romeyws be dispeired,

Be froward lustis hyndred ther cite

And appallid ther old prospmte; 740

For which defautis caw to pleyne blyue

To lohn Bochas emperoi/r[e]s fyue.

As many kynges of the same nouwbre.

Which be slouthe wern afForn oppressid, 744

Whom that slouthe whilom did encoumbre,

Ther names heer bi and bi expressid.

To myn auctowr thei ban her cours Idressid

Lik ther degrees to speke in wordes fewe: 748

^ lustynyan first did* his face shewe,

Nat lustynyan whilom so vertuous, [p. 416]

And of prudent gouernaunce so notable.

But lustynyan Temerarivs, 752

723. resting]] rustyng H, 73S, disespeyred H.

744. slouthe] slouhe R. 749. did] gzn B, J, P.

751] And so notable off prudent gouernaunce R, R 3, H 5, & so noble of prudent governaunce H.

1 MS. J. leaf 170C.

Just as new armour if unused becomes tarnished, so the Romans lost their prowess when they grew slothful.

Knights must avoid riotous idleness and keep them- selves from the rust of indolence.

It was this vice that hurt the prosperity of Rome; and five emperors and five kings came to Bochas to complain their sloth.

Justinian Temerarius,

940 Philippicus, an odious Heretic [bk. ix

•n irre»pon.ibie Double of liis cleedis, fals & decevuable,

man ot bad / \c \ • i

character, wa» Ot lus proiiivs dvuers & viistablc,

exiled by \\M I l' J l n

Patrician (or \\ hllOIll CXlllU DC 1 atflCian

extortion, 17 ^ • \ \ • t\

for extorsiouws that he in Roome gan. 756

•ndhiieyetand His nasc, his cven Patrician caf i« charce

note cut off. f l r • i

Leontius was 1 O DC KUt OX, DC lUriOUS CrUeltC.

Tiberius, And of thempire \)at was so wide & large,

^ Leoncius next gou^rnid the cite; 760

And thoruh Fortunis mutabilite

The same Leonce be Tiberie was cast doun,

His eien put out, deied afFtir in prisoun.

and Tiberius ^ Tibcrius afFtif seruid on the same, 76A

was served ... ' '^^

in the His nosc Icut of, from his see put doun;

same fashion -rp i i j 11

and imprisoned T Ot a rcDUK and a perpetuel shame. To a cite that callid was Cersoun, WitZ'oute merci, fauour or raunsouw 768

Exilid he was, prisowned as a theeff, Bi Iong[e] turment deide at myscheef.

[How Philip the Emperour died at myschef.] ^

Philippicus ^ Next to Boch<3j- caw Phelipp on the rine,

^^s an Tin • i m t

odious heretic Whos empire no while did endure. 772

and iconoclast, t M l •! • i r i

who knocked LiK an heretiK cursid or lyuyng

down the A J J "

images of the -^nd odious to eueri creature,

hoiysamts, gg^^ doun images & many fressh picture

Of hooli seynt<fj-, which in ther templis stood, 776 Wherbi Romeyws dempte that he was wood.

Romanstho'lf ht ^'^'^^"^^ ^^ ^^^ ^^ ^ mauH kniht

he was mad, CalHd Auastalse, and put out of his place;

and Anastasius • j • ^-,. •!/• r o i

put him out And in i^icile, or verray rorce & myht 780

and biindS'* He did his eyen out of his hed arace, ^""' Be iugement his visage to difFace,

Semblabli as he be gret outrages

Of Cristes cherch difFaced the images; 784

Anastasius then Deidc at myscheefF dirkid with blvndnesse.

took possession, -. ,-^. . •' . . ■'

and the empire tj) 1 hau Anastaise took poscssioun,

was divided. y i i i • i •

In whos tyme, bookis ber witnesse

7SS. Patrician] Leoncian P. 764. Tibery H — on] of J, P,

769. he was] was he R.

778. manli] myhty H. 779. Anastasius P, anastasie R.

780, in] om. R. 784. cherch] Chirchis R.

I MS, J. leaf i7od.

BK. ix] The Covetousness and Pride of the Church

941

And cronlcles make mewciouw,

Of thempire was maad dyuisiouw:

That first was oon, partid [was] on tueyne

Wherof my« auctowr in maner doth compleyne.

788

^ Bochas in maner compleynjrth of tingis deuidid in too.^

AS he reherseth in his oppynyouw And therupon doth a ground deuise, Cause & rote of ther deuisioun Took origynal of fals couetise; And ceriousli he teUith heer the guise, Into the cherch whan richesse brouht \n pride, Al perfeccioun anon was set aside.

The poore staf and potent of doctryne. Whan it wer chauwgid & list nat for tabide In wilful pouert, but gan anon declyne, On statli palfreyis & hih hors to ride. Sharp heires wer[e]n also leid aside, Tournid to copis of purpil & sangwyw, Gownis of scarlet furrid with hermyn.

Slendre fare of wyn & water cleer, With abstinence of bred maad of whete ChauMgid tho daies to many fat dyneer, 'With confect drynk of ipocratis* sueete; And sobirnesse dide his bouwdis lete, Scarsnesse of foode lefFte his olde estat, With newe excesse gan wexe delicat.

Gostly lyuyng in the cherche appallid. Caused Greekis withdrawe hem in sentence From the pope, in Petris place stallid. And list to hym do non obedience. Fals auarice caused this offence. That the Grekis dide hemsilf deuide Fro the Romeyns for ther gret[e] pride.

792

796

800

804

808

As Bochas says,

the cause of this division was covetous- ness; and when wealth brought pride into the church, all perfection was abandoned.

When the monks rode on stately palfreys and high horses, and laid aside their haircloth for scarlet gowns trimmed with ermine.

and exchanged their simple fare for rich feasting, and no longer kept sober,

812

816

the spiritual

life of

the church

grew faint, and

the Greeks

withdrew

themselves

from the

Romans.

790. and was3 om. R.

791. myn auctoMr in maner^ in maneer myn Auctour H. 796. the] his R. 809. confect] comforte H. confort

R 3 — of ipocratis] & ipocras B, J, of ypocras R.

^ The following heading is in MS. J. leaf i7od: "How Anastace was cowipellid to leva the Empire to be a preste and lyve in pouerte."

942 Four Kings of Lombardy [bk. ix

Thus covetous- Thus coucitisc and [falsi ambicloun 820

ness anJ evil jA- i r i * i • • i

•mbition IJul ntst grct harm amonp;* the spiritual,

in division. Bfoulit ill discorcl aiul dyuyslou?!

Take record of a • ' • ^i 1 i

Anastasius, who Anio;/p; pniicis in ther cstat royal, of'the^en^pire ^^^^ clywbcth liicst, most pcrcilous is his fall, 824 by Theodosius. Record I take of forseid Anastase, Be Thcodosie put out of his place, and finally This Tlieodosic didc his besi peyne Fp. 4.17I

took orders and >".. ., ri ir-r/j

died in poverty. (Jn Auastace suich wcrre for to make, 828

That maugre hym he did hym so constreyne. That he was fayn thenipire to forsake.

N For feer and dreed he did upon hym take

The oordre of preest from the imperial see, 832

Content with litil, lyued in pouertee.

[How the hede of Lupus kyng of Lumbardie was i smet of by Grymaldus.]] ^

Four mighty A FFTIR thcs chaunges r<fmewbrid be writingis, !

Lombardy jlV Lik as I hauc told heer in partie, 1

Bochas. with Ca^n to Boch^j foure myhti kiwgis 836 \

and beards °"^ Regnyng cchou of old in Lumbardie. ',

reaching to the ^^^.jj. ^j^g maner and guise of barbarie :

Thei wern arraied, & in ther passage :

With her forgrowen bodi and visage. 840

They wore Ther berdis rauhte ouer ther nouele doun; '

many-coloured ^ r i r i i i

garments, broad 1 her gamcmeMt^j" ot coloMrs manyrold, I

baldrics, large ttt • Jiiii'i'i-i-

golden buckles Wzto brodc baudrikis enbracid envirouw, |

breeches ^"^^' Large bokelis & pendauwtis of fyw gold. 844 I

wTth'pS Ther brech enbrowdid aftir the guise of old, !

Fret with perle, leg stukkid to the kne,

Pleynyng to Bochas of ther aduifrsite. 1

and shoes laced Thet shon wcr racid fresshli to the ton, 848 i

with gold wire -p,- , ,. i • i i i

and set with Kicheii transucrscd with gold weer, 1

strange stones, ait

And theron sette many a strauwge ston, 1

Geyw Phebus liht that shon ful briht & cleer. '

Thes Lombard kynges gan tapproche neer, 852

820. fals] om. J, R 3, H 5. 821. among] in B, J, R. j

825. oF) on H. 835. partie] lupartye H. ' 841. rauhte] rauh H — 2nd ther] Jie H, the R 3, J.

846. stukkid] stokkid H. 848. to] vnto R. '

850. straunge] riche H. \

1 MS. J. leaf 171a.

BK. IX]

Lupus, Alahis, Aribertus

943

And first of alle the proude kyng Lupus Vnto Bochas ga« his cowpIeywt[e] thus:

^ "Bochas," quod he, "as for my partie,

For to reherse be short conclusiouw.

On Grymaldus, a prince of Lumbardie,

Hath me enchacid out of my regiouw

And cruelli me cheynid in prisouw.

And aftir that he did a sergaunt sende,

Smet of myn hed, and ther I maad aw eende."

856

860

Lupus com- plained that Grimoaldus first chased him from his kingdom and then sent a sergeant to smite off his head.

pHow the hede of Alexyus was smet of by Comper- toun.] ^

Aftir this eende rehersed of Lupus,

For to declare his mortal heuynesse,

^ Next in ordre ther caw Alexius, 864

A Lombard ky«g famous of richesse.

Which took on hym of surquedous prowesse

For to compasse the destrucciouw

Of a prince Icallid Compertoun, 868

Which wered also a crowne in Lumbardie.

Atwixe bothe was werre & gret distaunce,

But al the peeple and lordis of Pauye

Wit^ myhti bond and marcial gou<frnaunce 872

The saide Alex brouhte to myschaunce;

And Compertoun, escapid from al dreed.

Of mortal vengauwce leet smytew of his hed.

Alahis took

upon himself

of pride to

destroy

another

Lombard

prince

called

Gunibert;

but the people of Pavia defeated him, and he too lost his head.

[How Arypertoun was drowned with his rychesse.] ^

Aftir whos deth pitousli pleynywg, 876

^ Tofor lohn Boch^j cam Aripertouw,

Of Lumbardie whilom lord & kyng.

Which, lik a fool, of hih presuwpciouw

Al causeles took occasiouw 880

Of volunte, ther is no mor to seye,

Ageyn the duk off Bagorois to werreye.

864. Alexius] Alahus P. 868

873. Alex] Alexius R, Alahis P.

879. Which] & H — hih] his R.

882. Bagorois] Baiernoys H, R 3, Bauaroies P

Compertoun] Guniberte P. 877. ArithbertoM P.

» MS. J. leaf 171b.

MS. J. leaf 171b.

Aribertus, like a fool, made war on the duke of Bavaria,

944 Dfsidfrius, the lost Lombard King [^BK. ix

andiowng. Tlics princis tweyne taken haue the feeld,

fled to r\c* A • I • *

Pavia with Ut* Atipcrton the parti p;an appeire, 884

his treasure, IJ " J • 1 I I i i

His aduersairc anon as he beheeld,

His coward herte ga?i to disespeire.

Into Pauye for fecr he gan repeire,

Took his tresour in purpos anon riht, 888

For verray dreed to take hym to the fliht.

and then Took a vessel and entrid is the se,

took ship \\j • ; J •! 1 !• I

and was Wzt^ sodeyn tempest assailed & dirknesse,

drowned inajT-i i-ii- i

tempest. Such His barge pcrshid Di gret adiiersite 892

those' who " And he was drownid with al his gret richesse. w?rs"aga'in«°'^ Loo, hcer the fyn of worldli wrechidnesse, ne^hbours Namli of them, to gete gret tresowrs

That gyne werre ageyn ther neih[e]bottrs. 896

[How Dediere by pope Adryan and Charles of Fraunce was put to flight & died at mischef.] ^

^"*j • ^.TE^T to Bochas, wit/j heuy look & cheere,

Desiderius, I ^ ir . r T i i i i •

king of X ^ A^yng ot Luwbars shewed his presence,

appeared. ' CalHd in his tyme noble Dedieer, fathe7 Agiiuif Notable in armys & of gret excellence. 900

the p°cpe"''''^ And wher his faddir hadde don offence To the pope and ful gret duresse, This kyng caste the damages to redresse.

Desidirius Agistulphe was his fadris name, 004

sought to make .-° • i i ^• ^ ^ •

amends by Which to the pope did gret aduersite;

presenting the -i-v i • i i • i • r

Holy See with T Ot which his soue to euctecc his tame,

\LnzI, ° Of roial fredam and magnanymyte

And off benigne liberalite, 908

Gaff to the pope y^ith humble reuerence A statli cite that callid is Fayence.

together Thctwith he gaff gret tresoMr & gret good, [p, 418]

treasure and a As he that Hst of frccdaw uat to spare, 912

in' FeTra^ra!^ * A mihti castel which on Tibre stood

Withyn?ie the boundis & lordship of Ferare,

Which is a cite, pleynli to declare,

884. Of^ And B, And of J, P — appeire] to appeire B, to peyre

R, H 5. 885. aduersaries H.

892. His barge] And he was H. 893. And] for H.

899. Dedieer] Desidere P. 904. Agistulphe] Agilulphe P.

910. is] was H — Fayence] Fauence P. 913. castel] Cite H.

1 MS. J. leaf 171 verso.

BK.

IX]

The Story of Desiderius

Of antiquite, myw auctowr tellith so, 916

And stant upon the ryuer of the Po.

This Dedieer regnyng in Luwbardie

Gan wexe famous at his [be]gyn«yng,

Hadde gret name vpon ech partie; 920

But in this eerthe is nothing abidywg:

Al stant on chauwg; & Fortune in werkywg

Is fouwde vnstable & double of hir visage,

Which of this kywg chauwged the corage, 924

Ther he was first large on eueri side.

Liberal fouwde in many dyuers wise.

His goodliheed was chauwgid onto pride

And his largesse onto couetise. 928

Of doublenesse he gaw anon deuise

To cleyme ageyn, as ye shal vndirstonde.

His seide giftis out of the popis honde.

Which Dedieer hadde made alliauMce, 932

As the cronicle maketh menciouw.

With kyng Pepyn regnyng tho in France.

AfFtir whos deth, to haue pocessiouw

And ful lordship of al that regiouw, 936

He gan of newe fallyn at distauwce

Bothe with the pope & with the king of France.

Of presumpciouw thes werris he began

Ageyn his promys, of double variaunce; 940

Pope in tho daies was hooli Adrian,

Which to stynte this* trouble & gr^t myschaunce,

Requered helpe of the king of Frau7ice.

And grete Charlis, in Bochas as I reede, 944

Canz to the pope to helpyn in this neede.

Charlis that tyme was trewe* protectowr

To hooli cherche, ther pauys and diffence;

Which of hool herte and dilligent labour 948

With Dedieer be manli violence

He mette in Tuscan, of kingli* excellence;

Hadde a bataile to preeve ther bothe myht:

Charlis victor; Dedier put to fliht. 952

945

He grew

famous

and prospered;

but nothing

abides here on

earth; Fortune

is unstable,

and the king became proud and covetous and decided to take his gifts back again.

He had also allied himself with Pepin of France, so as to get posses- sion of his kingdom after his death.

and now he fell out with both Charlemagne, who succeeded Pepin, and Pope Adrian.

Charlemagne was a true protector of the

church, and, meeting Desiderius in Tuscany, put bim to flight

925. Ther he] The R. 929.

938. 2nd with] om. H, R, R 3.

942. this] the B, J, P. 945,

946. trewe] cheef B, chief J, P.

950. knigH]knihtliB, J — of]&H.

anon he gan R.

939. thes] the R. this] his R.

951. bothe] bothis R.

946

Pope John, a Woman tvith Child

[bk. IX

and UiJ tirge to PjivU, where he took refuge. Starvation forced him to •urrtnder,

and he was tent to prison in France, where he died at mischief. He was the last king of the Lombards.

As I fynde, he fledde into Pa vie; Worthi Charlis leide his* siege afForn, Constreyned hem upon cch partye, For lak of vitaile thci wcr ahiiost lorn; Thei \vanted[e] lico//r, greyn and corn. Be sodeyn constreynt & gret aduersite To kyng Charhs thei yald up the cite.

Kyng Dedieer was sent into Frau?tce,

Wit/; myhti cheynis fetrid in prisou7i;

Lik a wrech, in sorwe & in* penaunce,

Deide at myscheef; ther geyned no raunsoun,

Which hadde afforn so gret pocessioun.

Aftir whos day, as be old writyng,

Among Lumbardis was neuer crownid kyng.

956

960

964

[Off pope lohn a woman wit/i child and put doun.3

Rounded and

shorn like a bishop and wearing the broad tonsure and vestments of a priest, Pope John, a

AFFTIR thes princis rehersed heer-toforn, Drownid in teres cam a creature, Lik a bisshop roundid* & Ishorn; And as a prest she had a brod tonsure, Hir apparaille outward & vesture, Beyng a woman, wherof Bochas took heed, Lik a prelat shapyn was hir weede.

woman, a She was the same that of yore agon prelate, Vnworthily sat in Petris place;

sat in the chair Was afFtirward callid Pope lohn, appeared""' A bcrdles prelat, non her seyn on hir face.

drowned in tears before Bochas.

Of hir berthe namyd was the place, Mayence, a cite stondyng in Itaille, Vpon the Reen, ful famous of vitaille.

In her youth In hit youthe and in hir tendre age

she devoted -^ . , , *^

herself to the Forsook hir kyn, and in especial!

liberal sciences ^^ . i i r i ■

Laste she wolde tor hir auauntage

968

972

976

980

954. his] a B, J, P. 959. thei] om. R, H, R 3, H 5.

961. myhti] om. R. 962. 2nd in] gret B, J, H 5.

969. roundid] Irouwdid B, I rounded J.

972. wherof] theroff R. 973. hir] his R.

975. Vnworthily] vnworthly R.

979. Mayence] Magonice P — stondyng] not standing P.

980. of vitaille] it is no faile H.

^ MS. J. leaf 171 verso.

BK. 1X3

Arnulph, who was devoured by Lice

947

992

419] 996

Ylue hir to konyng, bodi, herte & all. 984

And [in] the science[s] callid liberall, In alle seuene, bi famous excellence, Bi gret studie she hadde experience,

Hir name kouth in many dyuers lond. 988

To shewe hir cuwnywg first whan she began,

Serchyng prouynces caw to Ing[e]lond,

No wiht supposyng but that she was a maw;

Cam to Roome, hir stori telle caw,

Tauhte gramer, sophistre [and] logik,

Redde in scoolis openli rethorik.

In the tyme of emp^rowr Lotarie, [p.

AfFtir the deth, as maad is menciouw, —

Fro myw aucto^r yif I shal nat varie, —

That the pope which callid was Leoun,

The saide woman be eleccioun

Istallid was, supposyng no wiht than 1000

Be no tokne but that she was a man.

The book of sortis aftir that anon.

Of auenture tournid up-so-doun;

She was callid & namyd Pope John, 1004

Of whos natural disposicioun

Fill bi processe into temptacioun:

Quik with childe, the hour caw on hir than;

Was delyuered at Seynt Ihon Lateran. 1008

AfFtir put doun for hir gret outrage,

I wil on hire spende no more labot^r,

But passe ouer al the surplusage

Of hir lyuyng and of hir gret erroMr; 1012

Towrne my stile to themperowr

Callid Arnold, & write his pitous chaunce,

Sone to Charlis, the grete kyng of Fraunce.

and became famous for her learning.

She went to England, where all people thought she was a man, and taught grammar, logic and rhetoric in Rome.

In the time of the emperor Lothair, after the death of Pope Leon, she was herself made pope by election and

called Pope John. Falling into temp- tation,

she was gotten with child, delivered at St. Lateran

and afterwards put down for her great outrage.

[How amold son to Charles of Fraunce was eten with lys and so died.] ^

To this Charlis, as bookis determyne, 1016

He was sone nat born in mariage, But begetyn of a concubyne;

Arnulph, a natural son of Carloman, king of France,

991. No wiht] Nouht R, nouht H. 1015. Charlis the grete^ Charlemaine P.

1 MS. J. leaf 172 recto.

993. and] om. R.

94S A proud Prince tormented by Lice and Worms [bk. ix

r!Sjr^.i.o°t '^f°^ upon hym of surquedous outrage,

title .J emperor Wjt/^oute title of bcrtlie or Ivnatre, 1020

of the Romani. -.-^ i i r , , ,. , •i<-'.«i-'

lo succeede be fraude and fals labour Among Romeyns to regne as empcrour.

SrVi'iVa''"' ^^ ^^'^^ vngraclous sittyng in that estat,

in mischief and In myschceff spente his daies euerichon, 1024

died eaten up •.-.j • . i , i • r ^w^^

by lice and \\ itb Iccs and wcmiys maad uifortunat, Thoruh skyn and flessh fret onto Jie bon. Crafft of medecyne nor soco;<r was ther non, So deepe [he] was fret in his entraille; 1028

Deide in distresse; no leche myhte auaille.

^ Thauctour geyn the pride of Princis.*

fo^a"hT?o IVT'^^ auctour Boch^j stynt heer for a while, write angrily ItJ. Sharped his pcnne of entencioun,

of the sins oi r^ r i .

tyrants. Uan ot angre to transport his stile 10^2

counselling T" • rr • • r ^ j, •

them to A o write ott tirauntis tor ther* transgressioun,

p'r^uTArniiph, Moor wood & fell than any scorpioun,

Them counseillyng, whan thei be most bold.

For to remembre on this proude Arnold. 1036

Tttacked by' ^^ "^ .^^^ "^^ ^" ^^^ pHdc assailcd, wolves or lions Nat with wolues, tigres nor leouns,

or ravenous ,j,. , i •, i i

bears or wild With tauynous bercs nor wilde boor* trauailed, mighty' Nowthir with othir myhti champiouns, 1040

mur'deredV"' Which hauc conquered many regiouns; worms. gy^. ^j^}^ wermys engendrid of his kynde

The saide Arnold was moordrid, as I fynde.

ffid"of''°^'''* In suich disioynt the sayd[e] Arnold stood, 1044

Charlemagne, With lecs and wermys fret ageyn nature,

he was so rj^, ., -^ Jr' -^ . '

tormented 1 hat was SO nihlej born of Charlis blood,

by hce and t , , '

worms that he Impotent the peyne to endure

endure°the pain. Which was in sooth an vnkouth auenture, 1048

That a prince myht nat be socourid Of smale wermys for to be deuourid.

L^nce^w^''-^ Sret exauwple, who list considre & see, consider how To princis alle for tabate ther pride. 1052

Lat hem considre ther fragilite,

1023. that] his H — estat] state R. 103 1. of] for H.

1033. for ther] the B, J. 1035. counseillyng] coimsailid H.

1036. on] vpon H. 1039. nor] with H — boor] wolues B,

bores J, P. 1044. Arnolphe R. 1046. nihe] myhty R.

^ The following heading is in MS. J. leaf 172 recto: "Bochas counceyleth princys to remembre on Arnold."

BK. IX]|

The vicious Pope John the Tweljth

949

To seen an emperour [for] to abide*

Thassaut of wermys — & ley ther host aside,

In this Arnold wisli aduertise 1056

How God hath poweer ther powpe to chastise.

Deth of Arnold dide my penne encouwbre

For the gret abhomynaciouw.

^ Thaw onto Boch^j cam the tuelue in noumbre, 1060

Callid Pope lohn, as maad is menciouw,

Entryng be fraude and fals eleccioun,

To Goddis lawe froward & contrarie,

Nat lik a pastor but a mercenarie. 1064

God has power to chastise their pomp.

The death of Arnulph dis- gusted me. Then came Pope John, called the Twelfth.

pEIowe pope lohn the xij*'*® for lechery & vicious lif was put doun.n ^

Callid afForn he was Octauyan,

Nothing resemblyng Petris gouernauwce.

Fro the tyme in Roome that he began

To sitte as pope, he gaf his attendauwce 1068

To folwe his lust & his flesshli plesauwce, —

In haukyng, huntywg stood his felicite,

And among women conuersauwt to bee.

Vnto surfet, riot, glotonye [p. 420] 1072

He gafF hym hooli; took of God non heede;*

Gretli disclauwdrid he was of lecherie;

Kepte in his court, withoute shame or dreed,

A noumbre of wommen, in cronicle as I reed. 1076

Too cardinales of purpos did entende

His vicious lyfF to correcte & amende.

And of entent thes cardynalis too

The cherch esclaundrid cast hem to redresse; 1080

Made lettres, sent hem to Otto,

Duk of Saxonye*, that he sholde him* dresse

Toward Roome, and of [his] hih noblesse

who entered by fraud and spent his time in hawking, hunting and in intercourse with women.

and gave him- self wholly to riot, gluttony and excess. He took no heed of God; and when two cardinals tried to correct him

and sent letters to Otto, Duke of Saxony, requesting him to reform the mischief.

1054. to abide] tabide B — for] om. H, R, J, R 3, H 5.

1060. the] ther H, R 3. 1062. Entryng] Entrid R.

1064. but] lik H.

1073. now] no R — heede] keep^ B, kepe J, P.

1080. esclauwdrid] disclauwdrid H, ensklandrid H 5.

1082. Saxonye] Saxoyne B, Saxone R — him] htm B.

1083. hih] om. R, J.

1 MS J. leaf 172 recto.

950 The Fate of Pope John the Twelfth [bk. ix

On hooli cherchc to haue compassloun, 1084

Make of this myscheef iust reformacioun.

John cut off the This Pooc loliii, whan he hath parceyued

nose of the one t\r i ■ -k i i i r •

«nd the hand (,)t liis* caruyiiales the nianer ot writyng,

And how the duk the lettres hath* resccyued, 1088

He to do vengau/jce made no tarieng;

Bood no lenger, this lugement yiuyng:

Kitt of the nose felH of the ton,

Hond of the tothir; and ech was callid lohn. 1092

The Emp«ror The emperoMT didfe] his lettres sende

wrote to him, ^^ , . "^ r i i rr

but without lo this pope or hool arreccioun,

finally ll^e was Of his dcfautis he sholde hym amende.

M^dinais. ^ But thet was fou[n]de no correccioun; 1096

to'^writVan"y Fot vvhich he was deposid & put doun

more about him. gj catdynalis for his cursidnesse;

Me list no mor write of his wrechidnesse. Seeing all this ^ For his defautis & his gret outrage iioo

mischief, my ~, . _ , " , i j j •

author prepared 1 his lohu put dou«, as yc haue herd deuise,

openly to ■» «• r • i i

describe the Myn auctour artir kauht a gret corage, p^eUte°, Seyng this myscheef in many sondri wise,

In hooli cherch[e] which that did arise 1104

Among prelatis, cast hymseluen blyue Ther difFautis openli descryue,

their pride Of thet pride and ther presumpcioun.

and their a i i -i i ^• • i •

presumption; And whil hc gan studie m this mateer, 1108

but remembering TT i • i •

a verse in the He gan rcmembre anon in his resoun not touch my Vpon a vers write[n] in the Sauteer: mTugn"ga°nst " Touchc nat my prophetis, ne neih hem nat to ner, them," ^Qj. ageyn hem, be[th] war in deed & thouht, 1112

In no wise that ye maligne nouht."

he withdrew YoT this cause, as ye shal vndirstonde, and turned to Touchyng this matcet, pleynli as I reede, of" Lorraine" Myn auctowr [Bochas] gan withdrawe his honde, 1116 LefFt his purpos, and foorth he gan proceede, — To whos presence, or that he took heede, Cam a prince, Duk Charlis of Loreyne; Hym besouhte to write his greuous peyne. 1120

1085. reformacioun3 informacion R.

1087. his] thes B, thise J, these P. 1088. hath] haue B.

1096. was] om. R. iioi. lohn] Pope R.

1 105. cast] cauht H. mo. writen] om. R.

nil. my] om. R. 11 12. beth war] bewar B, J.

1 1 17. gan] can R.

BK. ix] Charles oj Lorraine who died of Hunger

951

[Off Charles of Lorejm confounded wit/i hunger.] ^

^ This duk of Loreyne, as ye shal conceyue,

Hadde werre with the kyng of Fraunce

Callid Hewe Capet; and, as I apparceyue,

An archebishop, the kyng to do plesaunce, 1124

Of hatreede made his ordenauwce

[AJgeyn this duk, await upon hym kepte.

That he hym took abedde whil* he slepte.

The said bisshop gan falsli vndermyne 1128

This worthi duk, bi ful fals tresouw,

Which, as I fynde, was caUid Ancelyne;

And he was bisshop that tyme of Leouw.

Which be fraude & fals coUusioun

Took this prince that was duk of Loreyne,

And to the kyng he brouht hym bi a treyne.

Bi whom he was delyuered to prisouw,

To Orlyanes, and with cheynis bouwde. 1136

What was his eende is maad no mewcioun;

But in a pet horrible & profouwde,

MischeefF with hunger did hym so cowfouwde,

That, I suppose, this duk of Loreyne 1140

Consumyd was for constreynt of his peyne.

This duke was at war with Hugh Capet and was taken in bed by an archbishop.

Ascelin of Laon,

II32

who delivered him to the king, who in

turn sent him to prison in Orleans, where he was confined in a horrible deep pit and probably died of hunger.

[How Iqmg Salamon whilom kynge of Hungery was put to flight.] 2

AFFTIR to Bochas in nouwbre ^er cam doun Princis foure; and ech for his partie Ther greuys tolde; and first king SalamoM, 1144

Which that whilom regned in Hungrie, Bothe fool & coward, bookis specefie. Void of resouw, noised of ignorauwce. And, at a poynt, koude no purueiaunce. 1148

Fortune also did at hym disdeyne; For he was nouther mawli nor coraious. Ageyn[es] whom wer worthi princis tweyne;

I123. Hewe] huhe R, heugh H, Hugh J, R 3 — apparceyue]

parceyue R. 1127. whil] whan B.

1 128. The] This R,H. 1 130. Which] & H — was] he was H. 1 135. delyuered] committid H. II44- Ther] That R.

Four princes then appeared to Bochas. The first. King Salomon of Hungary, a fool and a coward.

^ MS. J. leaf 127c.

2 MS. J. leaf i27d.

952 Salamoji and Pietro of Hungary []bk. ix

wtichatej ZcFta was ooii, witli LaucHsalus, 1152

out of his „ . I I J ^

region by two t amous 111 amiys, notable and vertuous; —

notable and t» i t'' i l

virtuous prin- notlic attonis gcyn Salamon ca?n doun

andGeyi"' And made hyni flcen out of his regioun.

anaBochas THoruli liis viiliappi froward cowardise, [p. 421] 1156

wrote no more r^,. ■ , ,- i i-^-

about him. 1 hcf \vas HI liyni tou/;dc no dirrcnce;

Flilit was his sheclde, hst nat in no wise

Geyn his enmyes make resistence;

Failled herte to come to presence 1160

To saue his lond, he dradde hymselue so sore,

Of whom Bochflj writ in his book no more.

[How Petro kyng of Hungery was slayn.] ^ King Pietro of ^ Anothit kyng heer put in remembrance

Hungary was ^^ n- i t-» • U c

malicious and CaUid Tetto, regnyng m Hungrye, 1164

Send Chfries For his defautis ageyn the ky?;g of France put^^urhis"*'" IcalHd CharHs, of mahs & folic, eyes and slew g indignacioun, this* was his tormentrie:

His eyen put out, — ther was no bet socowr — 1168 And aftir slayn be doom of themperowr.

[How Diogenes the emperour was take and eiene put out.] -

Ernest, Duke ^ AfFtir to Bochas ther caw tweyne on l^e rywg,

of Swabia, who t^ . r o tt t j

opposed the Duk 01 bwcuc, Hcrmcst, as 1 reede,

wrsTa°nis"ed'^' Gcyn* thcmp^rowr first mahciousli werki[n]g, 1172

savage'^wlu Hcrry themp^rowr regnywg tho in deede.

in a forest, g^. \q^ p,jg malis, this was his fatal meede:

where he was '

slain- Banshed to duelle among beestis most sauage,

Slayn in a forest for his gret outrage. 1176

After Constan- ^ Whan Constantyw departed from this lyfF, Grlec°e died, Which of al Grccc was lord and gou^rno7/r, ki^°g\Ttuc- Be mariage of hire that was his wifF, Collndnopfe, A kniht Diogenes was maad emperowr; 1180

Fortune to hym dide so gret fauoztr,

1152. Zerta] Herta J, Geysa P. 1159. make] made H.

1 164. Petre H. 1167. this] that B, J.

1 171. Sueuie P — earnest P.

1 172. Gey7i] Ageyn B, J, R 3, P. 1173. Henry P. 1 175. among] mong R 3 — most] om. J, P.

1 MS. J. leaf 172 verso. ^ MS. J. leaf 172 verso.

BK. IX]

The Fate of Diogenes Romanus

953

iij

1192

Constawtynople holdyng in his hond, As souereyn prince of al Grekis lond.

Yet ther wer* summe that gruchched {)^rageyn 1184

And hadde of hym gret indignacioun.

The kyng of Perse, Belset Tarquemayn,

From hyw be force took many a regiouw;

Mesopotanye to his pocessioun

Took be strong hand, thoruh his cheualrie,

Maugre Diogenes, & al-most al Surrie.

Belset Tarquemayn made hymself so strong,

Bi manli force Diogenes tassaile;

And for Diogenes thouhte he did hym wrong,

He gan ordeyne gret stuff & apparaile;

A day assigned, thei mette in bataile, —

Diogenes of froward auenture

He and his knihtis brouht to disconfiture.

Take he was and brouht be gret disdeyn,

In whom as tho ther was no resistence,

To kyng Belset callid Tarquemayn.

And wha7i he cam onto his presence,

Ageyn[e]s hym was youe this sentence:

To lyn doun plat, and the kyng Belsette

Sholde take his foot and on his throte it sette. 1204

This was doon for an hih[e] despiht,

Diogenes brouht foorth on a cheyne,

Withoute reuerence, fauowr or respiht,

At gret[e] feestis assigned was his peyne; 1208

And aldirlast put out his eye[n] tweyne.

The wheel of Fortune tourneth as a ball;

Sodeyn clymbyng axeth a sodeyn fall.

although some men grumbled, among them Belsech Turco- man, who took Mesopotamia and nearly all Syria away from him.

Diogenes con- sidered himself wronged and met Belsech in battle, but was defeated

1 196

1200

and brought before his conqueror, who after compelling him to lie down on the ground, set his foot on his throat in despite.

Diogenes was afterwards exhibited at festivals and finally his eyes were put out.

[How Robert duk of Normandie fauht with turkes was named to the crowne of lerusalem & died at mischef .] ^

AWORTHI prince spoke of in many rewm, 1212 ^{"^t^^^"^*'^!^ Noble Robert, duk of Normandie, was a worthy

Chose to the crowne of Iherusalem;

1184. wer] was B, H 5, P. 1186. Belset] belsate H, Belsech P — Tarquemayn] Tarquenyayne J, Tarquynyan H, Turco- mane P. 1191. Tarquynyan H, Tarquenyan J.

1200. Belsech Tarcomene P — Tarquynyayn H.

1204. throte] bak H, bake R 3.

1 MS. J. leaf 173 recto.

prmce.

954 '^^-'^ Story of Robert of Normandy [bk. ix

He refused ii.e But for causc lie didc it denye,

crown of

erusaiem.wi.ich Kortune av linddc onto hyw enuye. 1216

Fortunes 1 he same Robert next in order was

«vour. That cam to pleyne liis fall onto Bochas.

Together with Yox Cristis fcith tliis niyhti chanipiouw, Bouillon he This Duk Robcrt, arniyd in plate & maile, 1220

Turks* and Wi't/^ mawli Godfrey, Godfrey Bollioun, Saracens. Agcytifes] Turkis fauht a gret bataille,

For Cristes feith that it sholde auaille To susteene his lawe in ther entent 1224

To alle the kyngis of the Occident.

who sought to Of Turkis, Sarsyns was so eret a noumbre,

destroy Christ s ^^ ,^ . . , "^ i i •

faith, and with Ueyn Lristis lawe gadred a puissaunce,

kings'of" * The feith of Crist falsli to encouwbre: 1228

Normandy and But thcf wcF maad[e] hasti ordenaunce

Uiem" "^'^"""^ Be kynges of Inglond, Normandie & Fraunce;

First to socoure did his besi peyne

Godfrey Bollioun, that was duk of Loreyne, 1232

Robert was Which OH Sarsyns made a disconfiture,

chosen king ^ , T' i • r i i i i

of Jerusalem; Maugre 1 urkis, tor al ther cruel mynt.

In which bataille Crist made hym to recure

The feeld that day for to supporte his riht, 1236

Wher said Robert was founde so good a kniht,

That for his noblesse, be report of writyng,

Of Iherusalem was namyd to be kyng.

but he would Asscntid nat onto the eleccioun, [p. 422] 1240 because his Becausc of ncwe that he did vndirstonde

older brother Tfiii ^ • r i i*

William had His eider brotnir, tor short co7iclusioun,

fnd he waf '""^Icallid William was ded in Inglond;

the next heir. Knowyng hymsilf[e] next heir to that lond, 1244

Forsook Iherusalem, and lik a manli kniht Cam to Inglond for to cleyme his riht.

He went to And yit ot he cam he hadde knouleching, found his His yonger brothir, [that] callid [was] Herry, 1248 He"n"ry"c rowne" Had take upon hym to be croyvnid kyng; he" waT rightful Told his lordis and princis fynalli being ^"inllf ^e was next heir; entrid rihtfulli Jerusalem. As cnhcritowr to succecdc in that rewm, 1252

His brother beyng kyng of Iherusalem.

1229. ordenaunce] purveiaunce H. 1238. of] and R.

1240. onto] to R. 1247. And] om. H, R 3.

1248. yonger] yong R. 1249. upon] on H. 1252. As] an R

BK. IX]

Robert of Normandy and Henry I.

955

God wot the cas* stood al in d^er wise:

The said[e] Duk Robert of Normawdie

Purposed hym be marcial emprise 1256

From his brother to take the regalie.

Took his princis and his cheualrie;

Thouhte he wolde, Hk a manli kniht,

Arryue in Inglond and reioysshe his riht. 1260

Bothe in o feeld assembHd on o day,

The brethre tweyne, ech with strong partie

To darreyne, and make no delay,

Euerich with othir to holde chauwpartie. 1264

But whan the lordes this mischeef did espie,

Thei besied hem and wer nat rek[e]les

Atween the brethre to refourme pes.

The said[e] brethre wer fulli condescendid 1268

Vpon this poynt, for short cowclusioun.

As in thaccord was iustli cowprehendid:

Herry to holde and haue pocessiouw

Duryng his lyff of al this regioun, 1272

And Robert sholde haue for his partie

A sumwe of gold with al Normawdie.

Thre thousand pound, put in remembrance,

Ech yeer to Robert sent fro this regioun, 1276

Of which[e] pay to make ful assuraunce

Was leid hostages, as maad is mencioun.

But yit of newe fill a discencioun

Atwixe the brethre, of hatreede & envie, 1280

For certeyn castellis that stood in Normandie,

Which castel[lis] longed of heritage

Vnto the kyngis iurediccioun.

Of which the duk took his auauntage, 1284

Maugre the kyng, & heeld pocessioun —

Torned aftir to his confusioun.

And whan the kyng did this thing* espie.

With strong[e] bond cam into Normandie, 1288

Wher the duk was leid a siege aboute. Made ordenaunce to recure his riht; Gat the castel; took his brother oute;

So Robert proposed to take the kingdom by force,

and both sides met on the field of battle; but before the fight began, the lords inter- vened, and the brothers

agreed

to let Henry keep his crown in England, Robert to have Normandy and £3000 a year.

But a new quarrel broke out about certain Norman castles.

which

belonged by inheritance to the king, and of which Robert took possession.

Henry came to Normandy with a strong force, took his brother Robert

1254. cas] cause B, J, H 5. 12159. Thouhte] thouh H.

1261. ist o] the H, a R, R 3, H s — 2nd o] a R, J, R 3, P.

1282. castell R.

1287. did this thing] this thiwg did B, J, P.

956 The Death of Robert. Josselyn [bk. ix

•nJ,. . Emprisowned hym of verray force & myht; 1292

put him in T a- 1 11 C -I ^

rrifc^n. wiicre Lcttt liyiii alloiie out ot meii/iys suit

he remained U c ^ ^i • i

years until he rouftcciie yccf, the croniclc writ so; ' ■ Ther he deide in myscheefF and in wo.

While Bochas ^ Whll Rochas was besi in his labo//r 1296

was busy with , ,. , , ,. , ■ , ,,,.

his book, the 1 lis Dook tacowpussli With gfct diUigcnce,

Kmpcror 't- i i i

Henry IV. lo hym appccrcd the grete eniperour "■^mpiiin™ Callid Kerry, shewyng his presence; Kreat' *"" * G^xx co^^pleyne of the grete offence 1300

unkindness; Doon to hym, the myscheeff and distresse, Bi his sonys gret vnkyndenesse.

for he The which[e] sone was callid eek Herry,

bound his /-^ i • ■ i r • ■ i

father in chains (jretli accusid oi mgratitudc, 1304

and let him die /-^ i i ^ j" ^ If

in prison. L-ause he wrouhte so disnaturalli:

Took his fadir with force & multitude,

Bounde and cheynid, shortli to conclude;

And aftirward, ther geyned no raunsouw, 1308

At gret myscheef deied in prisoun.

[How locelyne prince of Rage for pride slouthe & lecherie died in pouert.] ^

Next in order 'VTEXT in ordrc, with trist & ded visage,

w^thsadand' -L^ Vnto Bochflj" to shewc his hcuynesse

He wlJ^^rlnce Cam locclyn, lord & prince of Rage, 1312

fii^uf aty, Which is a cite famous of richesse.

himS^to ^^^ t^^s prince, myn auctOMr berth witnesse,

lechery and '^2iS gretly youe to slouthc & slogardie,

And al his lust he sette in lecherie. 1316

idleness and LefFt his lordship out of gou^mauwcc,

neglected his „ , , r • j o j-

realm and lost t OX lak 01 wisdam & discreciouw; " ?ch"a^de°gree In flesshli lust[es] set al his plesaunce;

to sue

And to the contres aboute hym enviroun 1320

He was nat had in reputacioun:

Certeyn princis, my« auctowr doth descryue,

Of his lordship cast hyw to depryve.

that several Amongis which the prince of Alapie, [p. 423] 1324

kings laid ~ ... ,"^ , . , ,.

siege to his Callid bangwyn, the stori who list see, city an , r^^ losalyn hauyng gret envie,

1292. Enprisowned R. 1293- ofj of his R.

1299. shewyng] shewid H. 1309- At] A R.

1319. lustesj lust J, P. 1325. Sagnine P.

MS. J. leaf 173 verso.

BK. ix] The Story of Andronicus I. Comnenus

957

Leide a siege to Rages his* cite,

He beyng absent ferr fro that centre. 1328

And thus for slouthe & wilful necligence,

Rages was take be myhti violence.

And losalyn comaundid to prisoun;

To hym Fortune was so contrarious: 1332

Lost his lordship and domynaciouw.

Loo, hear the fyn of folkis vicious;

Slouh, delicat, proud and lecherous,

Deide in pouert, in myscheef & in neede; 1336

Of vicious pnncis, loo, heer the fynal meede!

capturing him, put him in prison, where he died. Such is the final reward of proud and vicious princes.

[|How the Emperoifl" Andronycus slouh all that were of the blood Roial cherysshed vicious peple and aftir was honget.] ^

AS verray heir and trewe successowr Bi elecciouw and also bi lynage, Cam AndronicMj, as lord & emperowr, 1340

Constawtynople, crownid yong of age, Next to Bochas, yvith trist & pale visage, Besechyng hym to doon his besi cure To remembre his woful auenture. 1344

Among Grekis, be stori and scripture.

This Andronicus gouernid nat ariht;

Ageyn[es] lawe & eek ageyn nature,

Fouwde with his sustir flesshli on a niht; 1348

Bothe of assent[e] took hem to the fliht,

Ageyn[es] hym his cosyn was so fell.

Lord of that contre callid Emanvell.

For a tyme stood as a man exilid 1352

For his discenciouns and many vwkouth stryfF;

Bi his pnncis afftir reconciled,

Stondyng in hope he sholde amende his lyfF.

But in the tyme that he was fugitiflF, 1356

He was maad lord, & stood so for a while

Regnyng in Pontus, of Asie a gret ile.

In this while Emanuel was ded.

Fall in gret age, the stori tellith thus, 1360

1327. his] the B, J. 1331. to] vnto R.

1341. crownid] crownyng R. I347- eek] om. H.

1349. took] to R. 1352. 2nd a] om. R. 1355. his] om. H. MS. J. leaf 173d.

Andronicus I., who was the rightful emperor in Constanti- nople, came to Bochas and besought him to remember his story.

He did not rule justly and, discovered one night with his sister, fled for fear of his cousin Manuel.

For a time he was an exile, but afterwards his princes, hoping he would amend his life, became reconciled to him, and he reigned in Pontus.

958 The Story of Andronicus I . Comnenus [|bk. IX

Manuel died Hauyng a cliild, & he, who list take heed,

called .Melius. \Vhil he duelled in his fadris hous

tutor of the Aiiiong Gielcis callid Alexivs;

aame name.

And the tuto;/r he was assigned too 1364

Icalhd was Alexivs also.

This tutor The same that was assigned his tuto/^r,

took all the „, , , , , *"

power in 1 ooK upo// liyni al the goucrnaunce

to° himi«if;°'' ' And ful powccF as lord & emperowr, 1368

Hadde al thempire vndir his obeissaunce;

Princis, lordis gafF to hym attendaunce;

\\ her that he was present or absent,

Ech thyng was doon at his comauridement. 1372

but he was a \ meenc as thus: he had al in his hond

tyrant, and his ^^ , . - ,

subjects decided Constantynopie, cite or gret substauwce; iai"back"to°" But for cxtorsiouns which he did in the lond throne!^"'*' On his sogettis, and for mysgou<?rnaunce, 1376

AniOMg the lordis it fill in remembraunce, Alle of assent in hert[e] gan desire Calle Andronicus ageyn to his empire.

No sooner was Basscnt rcstotid and crownid emperowr, 1380

Andronicus m ^-^ , , .

Constantinople Constantynopic enttyng the cite,

airthe'royaT Besied hym be fraudulent labot/r

a''^ncTcTued Al the blood born of the imperial see

Isaac. Pqj. ^q |jg slayn, of vengable cruelte, 1384

Be iugement of this Andronicus,

Except a prince callid Isacivs.

He was as Thus in cfFect the trouthe was weel seene,

revengeful in He was vengable last in his old age, 1388

old age as in TV -I ^ < • i •

his youth, and Kiht as he was m his yeeris greene, Felli gouerned, ful off fals outrage, Last of alle, malicious of corage. Took to counsail, in Grece he was thus namyd, 1392 Al suich as wern disclaundrid or difFamyd.

associated with Homycidcs he hadde in his housholde,

defamed men, rT-^• • i i r i •! •

homicides and 1 irauntis that wrouhte ageyn[esj nhtwisnesse; no^womar""^ Chetisshed all that hardi wern and bolde 1396

Widwes, wyues & maidenes to oppresse;*

Ribaudie was callid gentilesse;

Spared nouther, he was so lecherous,

Women sworn chast nor folk religious. 1400

1393. or] & H. 1397. toppresse B.

BK. 1x3 ^^^ Story of Ayidronicus I. Comnenus

959

Hadde also no maner conscience

To pile his sogettis falsli be rauyne;

Took what hym list be iniust violence;

To alle vices his youthe he did enclyne. 1404

And alle that wer[e]n of the roial lyne

Wer slayn echon, except Isacivs,

As I told erst[e], bi Andronicvs.

As I fynde, for hym in haste he sente, [p. 424] 1408

For this purpos to come to his presence,

To moord[e]ren hym, this was his entente;

Be dyuers toknes and many euidence.

And fully knew the fyn of his sentence, 1412

He lik a prince list [to] come no neer;

Smet of the hed[e] of the massageer.

And afFtir that, of mawli prouidence.

Mid the cite shewed hyw lik a kniht;

Praied lordis to yiue hym audience,

Princis, iuges for to doon hym riht.

That he myht declaren in ther siht

Gret iniuries, damages outragious 1420

Wrouht bi themperour callid Andronicus.

"0 citeseyns, that knowen al the guise

Oi youv emperour callid Andronicus;

Nat emperour, so ye list aduertise, 1424

But a tiraunt cruel & furious,

A fals moordrer, vengable, despitous.

Hath of newe, of* frowar[d] fals corage

Slayn of thempire hooli the lynage. 1428

Ther is alyue left non of the blood

Sauf I allone of the roial lyne;

For Andronicus lik a tirauwt wood

Hath slay[e]n echon, breeffli to termyne; 1432

His suerd of vengaunce thei myhte nat declyne.

Now purposeth of mortal tiranwye,

Slen me also that am of ther allie.

Requeryng you in this consistorie, 1436

O citeseyn[e]s that heer present bee.

To remembre and calle to memorie

How this famous imperial cite

Hath ay be redi to doon equite, 1440

1405. And] To R. 1413- to]oOT.R — neer]wereR.

1427. of) and B, R, P, & H 5. 1435. ther] ^\s H.

and pillaging his subjects by unjust violence.

He sent for Isaac with the intention of murdering him; but Isaac smote off the head of the messenger

and prayed the lords and 1416 princes of the city to do him justice, saying,

"O citizens, you know that the cruel tyrant Andronicus has slain all the royal blood

except me alone, whom he now purposes to destroy.

"I beg you to remember that this city has always been

ready to do justice and

960 T)?e Fate of Andronicus I. Comnenus ^bk. ix

rerrew the gesi also of thcF lilli noblcsse

wrong of ... - . ,.

tyrant*. vV ropg ot tirauntifj manli to represse.

"Phiiowphcrs Ph Hi soph res and poetis eek deuise,

and poets say - , , , , ,

that the blood In thef sawcs prudent and notable, 1444

of tyrants is am ^ c • • • ii r

noble sacrifice, dIooo ot tiruu/itis IS noblc sacrchse

and, since you

are ju

st,"vcigh To God aboue*, whan thei be vengable.

in'baTa"nc"' And sith ye bee rihtful, iust & stable,

In yoHV werkis void of variaunce, 1448

Weieth this mateer iustU in ballaunce."

The people The peeple echon, alle of oon assent,

agreed to put „ "^ "^ r i • A j

down Andronicus 1< or outtages ot this Andronicus

islac^ ^^ Put hym doun be rihtful iugement, 145a

betoorhi'mscif In whos place set up Isacius.

to a fortress, yj^g g^j^j tiraunt, froward & furious,

Gan maligne and hymsiluen dresse

In his difFence to take a forteresse. 1456

but was It halpe hym nat to make resistence,

stripped 'of his So as he stood[e] void of al fauowr;

garments^ one n * i i i i • i *

of his eyes begid he was, and be violence,*

rent out, and ]y[3ugj.e ^ig myht[e], rent out of that tour; 1460

Spoilled cruelli; fond no bet socour, Stood al nakid, quakyng \n his peyne; And first rent out oon of his eien tweyne.

compelled to And ouetmor he hadde this reward, 1464

ride backwards -,17. , 1 1 r i •!

on an ass, Withoutyn heip[ej, socowr or respint, to his tail, to Rood On an asse, his face set bakward, aiuhe 'peop°e. The assis tail holdyng for despiht.

Whom to beholde the peeple hath deliht; 1468

To poore and riche thoruhout the cite Hym to rebuke was grantid liberte.

After that, he AfFtit al this, in a carte sette

W3S tskco out

of the city And vengabH lad out ofF the tou«, 1472

iTanged^ amidst Be doom Ihangid on an hih gibet.

cia^ur^untii The peeple on hym, to his confusiouw,

he died. Made [a] clamowr and terrible soun,

Wolde neuer fro the galwes weende 1476

Til in myscheeff bi deth he made an eende.

1445. noble] notable H, R 3. 1446. abofF B.

1459. violence] benivolence B.

1467. for] so of H.

1472. vengabli] vengable R.

1475- a] o'"- R» J> H 5 — and] and a H, R 3, P.

BK. 1X3

An Envoy on Andronicus

961

Lenvoye.

IN this tragedie, ageyn AndronicMJ- Bochas maketh an exclamacioun, And ageyn alle princis vicious, 1480

Whil thei haue poweer and domynacioun Be tirannye vse extorsiouw, Concludyng thus:* that ther fals lyuyng Of riht requereth to haue an euel eendywg. 1484

IndifFerentU this tirauwt lecherous

Of wyues, maidenes maad non excepciouw,

Folwyng his lust, froward & disclauwderous,

Spared no womman of religious. 1488

Made widwes breke ther professiouw

Be violence; peise weel al this thyng,

Of riht requereth to haue an euel eending.

Most in [mjordre he was contagious, [p. 425] 1492

Of innocent blood to make efFusiouw;

Vengable also ageyw al vertuous;

Ageyn his kynreede souhte occasioun

To slen the lyne fro which that he cam douw. 1496

Which considered, al suich fals werkyng

Of riht requereth to haue an euel eendiwg.

Bochas manaceth princis outraious,

Which be ther proud hatful ambicioun, 1500

To God & man of wil contrarious,

Hauyng in herte a fals oppynyoun,

Al tho that been in ther subieccioun

Thei may deuoure, ther poweer so strechchiwg, 1504

Which shal nat faille to haue an euel endywg.

Noble princis, ye that be desirous

To perseuere in yoMr domynacioun,

And in al vertu to been victorious, 1508

Cherissheth trouthe, put falsnesse doun,

Beth merciable, mesurid be resoun,

Of Andronicus the surfet^j- eschewyng,*

That ye bi grace may haue a good eending. 1512

Bochas exclaims against all tyrannous, vicious princes, and says that justice requires them to have an evil end.

This lecherous tyrant made no exception of wives and maidens, and even oppressed widows and nuns.

He shed innocent blood and hated all virtuous men.

Bochas

threatens such outrageous princes, proud and contrary to God, who think they can devour all men who are subject to them.

Noble Princes, if you wish to keep your crowns, cherish truth, put down falseness and be merciful.

1480. And] om. R. 1483- thus] this B.

1489. widwes] widwes maidenys H, wyfes J.

1492. contagious] contrarious H, R 3. 1496. that] om.

1509. falsnesse] falshede J, P.

1511. eschewyng] shewyng B, R, H 5.

H.

962 The Death of the Emperor Isaac. Three Sultans [bk. IX

Isaac then became emperor, but a brother of Andronicus dapped a red- hot basin to his (ace and blinded him.

He lay a\v.iit (or Isaac like a thief and, seizing him, put him in prison.

Isaac's son .■Uexius expected to succeed, but he was murdered by his tutor.

Savagetus, sultan of Egypt, then came in haste together with two mighty sultans of Damascus, piteously weeping.

The one was Salethus and the other Cathebadinus.

[Off Isacjois made blynde & taken at mischeff.] ^

AS is rchcrsed, whan Isacivs Had al thcnipirc in pocessioun, Taucnge the dcth[el of Andronic;/j', Constantynople, in that roial toun, 1516

A brother of his be force ther caw dou;i With a bacyn, brennyng briht as gleede, Made hyin blynde; of hym no mor I reede, —

Except Isacivs was taken at myscheefF 1520

Of hym that wrouhte to his destruccioun;

Liggyng await as doth a preue theefF,

Took theniperowr, put hym in prisoun,

Vengabli dide execusioun, 1524

As is remewbrid, with a bacyn briht,

Bren?2yng red hot; and so he loste his siht.

A sone he hadde calHd Alexivs,

Tendre of age, cast hym to succeede. 1528

Bi his tutowr, fals and contrarious,

Moordred he was at myscheef, as I reede;

The same tutour purposyng in deede

Of thempire, be fals collusioun, 1532

Be fraude & meede to haue pocessioun.

In this chapitle of hym no mor I fynde

Rehersed beer in ordre be writyng;

But to myn auctour, \>e processe maketh mynde, 1536

m] Ther cam in hast Sangot of Egipt kyng,

And with hym cam pitousli weepyng

Mihti princis, soudanys [bothe] tweyne,

Regnyng in Damas, ther fallis to compleyne, 1540

Of Allapie Salech was the ton,

Regnyng in Damas of his deu[e] riht;

Cathabadyn ther beyng eek soudon.

Which in tho daies was holde a manli kniht 1544

And riht notable in eueri manwys siht.

And for the soudon of Babilon a-ferre

Callid Saladyn oppressed was with werr^,

1513. whan] than H. I530- at myschefF he was H.

1537. of Egipt Sangot in hast H — Sangor R, Sauagetus P

lorn, in hast). 1540. Damas] Sirie P.

1541. Of] Of al H, R — Alopie J, Alopye P. 1543. Cathebaden P — ther] the R. 1546. a-ferre] of ferr R .

^ MS. J. leaf 174 verso.

BK. IX]

Robert Surrentine, William of Sicily

963

For socouv sente to thes princis tweyne, 1548

To come in haste with al ther cheualrie

Hym to supporte, and doon ther besi peyne

Enforce ther miht to susteene his partie.

Whos request thei Hst nat [to] denye; 1552

Abood no lenger, but made hemsiluen strong

To stonde with hym, wher it wer riht or wrong.

Of this mateer the substauwce to conclude,

Thes princis caw, Salech & Cadabadyn; 1556

For ther gverdoun thei fond ingratitude

In this forseid soudon Saladyn;

Founde hym vnkynde; pleynli this J)e fyn,

From ther estat, as it was aftir knowe, 1560

Disgraded hem, brouht hem doun ful lowe.

Of hym in soth thei hadde non o\yer meede

For ther laboi^r nor for ther kyndenesse.

What fill aftir, in Bochas I nat reede; 1564

For he foort)with leueth this processe,

[^] And vnto Robert doth his stile dresse,

Callid Ferentyn regnyng in Tarence,

Loste his lordshep be sodeyn violence: 1568

This to seyne, he regned but a while;

This saide Robert loste his gouifrnaunce.

^ Next to Bochax cam Guilliam of Cicile,

Kyng of that contre, a lord of gret puissaunce; 1572

Loste his kyngdam thoruh Fortunis variaunce,

His eyen tweyne rent out of his hed;

AfFtir deide in myscheef & in dreed.

Which Guylliam regnyng in Cecile [p. 426] 1576

Was be discent[e] born nih of allie

To Robert Guiscart, as bookis do compile,

That whilom was duk of Normandie,

Which of his manhoode & gret policye,* 1580

With his brothir, ful notable of renoun,

Brouhte al Naples to ther subieccioun.

His brother name callid was Roggeer,

Which hadde a sone to been enheritOMr, 1584

Callid Tancret, as seith the cronicleer;

1552. to] om. J, P, R 3. 1556. Cathebadyn P.

1561. Disgratid R. 1567. Forentyne R, Forentyn H,

R 3, H 5, Surrentine P. 1580] Gretli delityng in cheualrie B, R, J, H 5. Supplied from H, which agrees with R 3.

Saladin, sultan of Babylon, sent to them for aid in his wars,

but rewarded them with ingratitude and put them from their estate.

and that is all Bochas says about them. Robert Surrentine, who reigned in Tarentum, lost his kingdom by violence;

and William of Sicily, who next appeared to Bochas, died in mischief and dread after his eyes had been put out.

He was a near relative of Robert Guiscard, once Duke of Normandy, who, together with his brother Roger, conquered Naples.

964

Rofcr had a

ton called Tancred, who reigned in Sicily,

against whom a war was begun for the iake of Constance, Roger's daughter, who wanted to become a nun.

It had been foretold that her marriage would cause the desolation of the kingdom.

Enemies of Tancred moved Emperor Henry to take Constance out of her convent; and with the dispensation of the pope she was married, and Tancred put from his right.

For a long time however he withstood the emperor, but finally died of the pest.

and his young son William then resolved to defend the country.

Tancred, Son of Robert Guiscard [bk. ix

\\ lilch took on hyni to regne as successowr. 1 luis in Cccllc r.-incrct was goucrno;/r, Ajicyn[c]s whom, be title soulit a-feire 1588

Of alliance began a mortal werre

For a maide that callid was Constaunce,

That douhtir was to this duk* Rogeer,

Which was set of spiritual plesaunce 1592

To be religious, of hool hert & enteer.

And be record oft the cronicleer,

This ConstauHce hath the world forsake

And to religiou?i hath hir bodi take. 1596

Of this Constaunce, the silue same yeer

That she was born, as maad is menciouw,

Ther was a clerk, a gret astronomeer,

Tolde of hir birthe be calculacioun, 1600

She sholde cause the desolacioun

Of that kyngdam bi processe of hir age,

Bi the occasiouw oonli of mariage.

Summe that wern to Tancret gr^t enmy, 1604

Be ther vngoodli excitacioun

Meued themperowr that callid was Herry

To take Constaunce from hir religioun.

And bi the popis dispensacioun 1608

She weddid was; themperoMt bi his myht

Bi title of hire put Tancret from his riht.

With a gret noumbre of Italiens

ThemperoMr entrid into that regioun; 1612

But be fauour off Siciliens,

Tancret long tyme stood in pocessioun:

But thoruh Fortunys transmutacioun,

The same tyme, to conclude In sentence, 1616

The saide Tancret deide of pestilence.

His sone Guilliam, that was but yong in deede.

With Siciliens cast hym nat to faille

To keepe his lond and his riht posseede; 1620

Meete themperowr wuth statli apparaille,

Made hym reedi with hym to haue bataile.

But themperot^r to gretter auauntage

Caste otherwise of fraude in his corage. 1624

1588. whom] horn R. I59i- this duk] the kyng B, J, P.

IS93- &]oOT. R. 1594. cronyculer R. 1602. hir] his R, H. 1603. the] of H. 1604. that] tyme R. 1612. into] in R.

1617. pestilence] sentence R. 1622. haue] om. H.

BK. IX]

Guy de Lusignan, John of Brienne

965

Feynyngli duryng this discord,

Themperour caste another wile,

Bi a fals colour to fallen at accord.

And yonge Guilliam vngoodly to beguyle; 1628

Vnder trete taken in Cecile,

Falsli depryued off his regiozm,

Sent to Itaille and throwe in prisouw,

Be weie of trete, the stori who list see; 1632

Al concluded vndir fals tresouw.

With Guilliam take wer his sustres thre,

He perpetueli dampned to prisouw,*

His eien put out for mor confusiouw, 1636

Deied in pouert, lost his enheritauwce:

Loo, heer the fyn of worldly varyauwce!

Ferther to write as Ihon Bochaj began,

Aftir that Guilliam was put from jiis rewm, 1640

^ To hym appeered Guyot Lycynyan,

Chose afforn kyng of Iherusalem , —

Whos knihtli fame shon like the sonwe-bem, —

Which bi his noblesse he whilom did atteyne, 1644

Godfrey present, that was duk of Loreyne.

But bi the soudon namyd Saladyn

He was enchacid out of that dignite —

Al worldli pompe draweth to declyn! — 1648

So for the constreywt of his aduersite.

The yeeris passid of his prospmte,

Wente into Cipre as a fugityff;

What fill afftir, I reede nat m his lyff. 1652

^ To make his compleynt afftir hym cam oon

Which hadde stonde in gret perplexite,

Erl of Bryenwe, & was callid Ihon,

Which aftirward was kyng of the cite 1656

Callid Iherusalem, and [had] also parde

A fair[e] douhtir, yong & tendre of age,

loyned aftir to Frederik in mariage.

But the emperor, under colour of a treaty, deprived him of his kingdom and threw him into prison.

Beyng tha^ tyme lord and emperottr. Was desirous aboff al othir thyng Of Iherusalem to be gouerno^r

where his eyes were put out and he died.

After William, Guy de Lusi- gnan, king of Jerusalem, appeared, a knightly man,

[p. 427] 1660

whom Saladin chased out of his realm; and he became a fugitive in Cyprus. I do not know what happened afterwards.

John, Earl of! Brienne and i king of Jeru- i salem, had a fair daughter who married Emperor Frederick II.,

but John, in- stead of keep- ing his king- dom of Jerusalem

1626. caste] cast all H, R 3, P.

1634. sustren R. 1635, 36 are transposed in B, R, J, H 5, P.

1641. Guido Lusignan P.

1651, 52 are transposed in H, but correction indicated.

966

Henry, Son of the Emperor Frederick II. [bk. ix

and becoming king of Sicilv, as lie desirrd, waii made a captain u( mercenaries in Lombard y.

And of Cecile to be crownid kyng; Which aldirlast, for his sotil werkyng Constreyned was, dou« fro that partie, To be a captey?i for soud in Lumbardie.

1664

Menry, eldest eon of the Emperor Fred- erick II., lame and ill, thin and pale from imprisonment,

[Off Herry the eldest sone of Frederyk the secounde myscheued by his FadirJ ^

"VTEXT to Boch^j, crokid, halt & sik,

First king of Sicily and of Jerusalem, his renown shone.

Oon callid Herry cam for to cowpleyne, 1668 The eldest sone onto Frederik, Which bi seeknesse hadde felt gret peyne, ?ng"to'^ochas" Mcgrc and pale, contract in eueri veyne,

Of whos langoz/r the cheef occasioun 1672

Was that he lay so long tyme in prisoun.

His adversity Al his discsc and gret aduersite

was caused by » • i r ^ i •

bis father's Icausid was, lor snort conclusioun,

perverse cruelty, gj j^j^ ^^ ^^.j^ frowatd Cruelte, 1676

As Bochas aftir maketh mencioun.

And this Herry bi generaciou?i

Sone to Frederik, lik as it is founde, —

I meene Frederik callid the secou?ide. 1680

This saide Herry be discent of lyne

Of Cicile first was crownid kyng,

And of Iherusalem, whos renouw dide shyne

Thoruh many a lond[e] at his begynnyng; 1684

And Fortune also in hir werkyng

Was to this Herry, passyngli notable

In al his werkis, inly fauourable.

Off his persone had this auauntage: 1688

To al the peeple he was riht acceptable,

Weel comendid in his flouryng age.

Of cheer and face and look riht amiable.

And of his port verray demuer & stable, 1692

Callid in his gynnyng, such fauowr he hath wonwe.

Of princis alle verray liht & sonne.

But ofte it fallith, that a glad morwenywg,

Whan Phebwj" sheweth his bemys cleer & briht, 1696

The day suwtyme, therupon folwyng,

1666. To be] been H. 1681. This] The H.

1687. inly] & inly H, R. 1690. his] this R.

1695. mornyng H, J, morning P.

1 MS. J. leaf 17s b.

He was affable and constant and popular among the people; but

it often happens that a cloudy day follows a bright morning,

BK. ix^ Henry, Son of the Emperor Frederick II,

967

1704

1708

Wz'tZ? sum dirk skie is clipsid of his liht;

And semblabli, thoruh Fortunys myht

This saide prince, hi hir fals variauwce 1700

Fond in hir wheel ful noious fell gr^uaunce.

Who may the furies of Fortune appese, Hir troubli wawes to make hem calm & pley«; Wher mtn most truste thei fynde most disese, Wher double corages stonde in noun certeyw. A shynyng day is ofte meynt with reyn: Thus of Frederik the grete vnstabilnesse Hath brouht his sone in myscheef & distresse.

This Frederik set up in gret fauowr

Be the popis dilligent bisynesse,

Vnto thestat lefft up of emperowr;

But thoruh his hatful froward vwkyndenesse, 1712

Of couetise fill into suich* excesse,

Took upon hym patrymonye to guie,

Of Cristes cherch that part to occupie.

Fill in the popis indignaciouw, 1716

Couwsail nor trete myhte not* auaile,

But of malis and [fals] presuwpcioun

Caste with the pope to haue a gr^t bataile.

The saide Herry his fadir gan couwsaille, 1720

Ageyn the cherch to do no violence

But hym submytte with humble obedience.

This strifF enduryng atween thes gr^t estatis,

Frederik made his sone be accusid

To hym of crym, Illese Magestatis,

Wolde nat suffre he sholde been excusid;

But lik a maw maliciousli refusid,

Be his fadris cursid fals tresouw

He was comauwdid to deien in prisouw.

Summe bookis sey[e]n he was take & brouht

To his fadir of doom to ha[ue] sentence,

But lik a man passid sorwe & thouht, 1732

Which to his lyfF hadde non aduertence,

Furiousli and witZ? gret violence,

and no one can allay the troubled waves of Fortune. The great inconstancy of Frederick brought him to distress.

1724

Frederick, made emperor by the pope, became so covetous that he took upon himself the management of the church's patrimony, and

thereby incurring the pope's enmity, determined to make war on him. Herry advised his father to do no violence to the church.

and for this advice Frederick accused him of Use majesti and threw him into prison.

1728

Some books say that when he was brought m sorrow to his father for judgment, his horse fell down and he broke his neck.

1700. prince] princesse H.

1704. most truste] trust most R.

1713. into suich] in suich in B. 1715. part to] party forte R.

1717. not] non B, noon J, R 3, none P.

1720. The] And the R. 1725- Lesae Maiestatis P.

968

Bochas commends Affection between Kindred [bk. IX

Other books rehearse that he dievl in prison after long confine- ment,

and that he tumbled off a bridge and was drowned.

As he was lad, alas, on hors[e]bak,

His liors fill doiin & so his nckke he brak. 1736

Suni?;:e bookis reherse of hyiii & seyn,

His fadir took geyn hym occasioun;

And whan he hadde longe in cheynis leyn,

At gret niyscheeft" he dcicd in prisoiuj. 1740

And suniwe scy[e];i [how] that he fill doun

Of a bregge, Bochas reherseth beer,

And drownid was in a deep ryueer.

Bochas

commends all such as are naturally disposecl to be upright to their kindred.

^ Bochas makith a comendacion of trewe love a-tween kynrede.^ [p. 428]

NEXT in ordre myn auctowr did his cure 1744 To make a special comendacio[u]n Of swich as been disposid be nature An[d] hi ther kyndli inclynaciouw, As blood requereth and generaciou?i, 1748

Taquite hymsilff in thouht, in will, in deede, Wit/^oute feynyng onto ther kynreede.

Especially when SpecialH that non vnkynd[e]nesse

no unkindness _, r i • i r j

is found in Joe tounde in them tor non aduersite; 1752

them, in spite •-■-. • j c ^ ^ ^•^

of adversity, lo considre, Or naturel gentilesse

a?e'^ me'^rdfu^^'*^ To them apptoprid is merci & pite;

and sincere. ^^^ tauoide the fals duplicite

That was in Frederik, which so v«kynd[e]li 1756

Leet slen his sone that callid was Herry.

Pite is approprid to kynreede,

Fader and mooder be disposiciouw

To cherisshe ther childre & [eke] feede 1760

Til seuene yeer passe, lawe maketh mencioun.

As thei are bounde of nature and* resouw.

That tyme passid, ther tendirnesse tenclyne

Vnto fourtene* to* vertuous disciplyne. 1764

Pity is a natural trait, and parents are bound by law, nature and reason to foster their children and

1736. he] om. R. I74i- how] om. J — that] {je H.

1749. in thouht in will] in will in thouht H, in wil thouht R 3

— 2nd and 3rd in] om. J — 3rd in] & R 3 — in thought,

wil, & dede P. 1760. eke] om. H, R, R 3.

1762. As] And as J, P — nature and] naturel B, natural J. 1764. fourtene] Fortune B, J — to] be B, hi R, R 3, J, by P.

1 The following heading is in MS. J. leaf 175 verso: "A commen- dacion of Bochas of suche as be kynde to theire kynrede."

BK. ix] Princes who were unkind to their Kindred

969

Than afFtirward in ther adolescence,

Vertuousli to teche hem & chastise,

Norissh hem in doctryne & science,

Fostre in vertu vices to despise, 1768

To be curteis, sad, prudent & wise;

For whan thei gynne with vertu \n that age,

Gladli aftir, thei do non outrage.

As it longeth to euery gentil lyne, 1772

And blood roial, be kyndli influence,

To fader, mooder shewe hymsilf benigne,

Of humble herte don hem reuerence,

Ay to remewbre in ther aduertence 1776

On sexe princis wrouhte the contrarie.

For which Fortune was ther aduersarie.

Euerich to other fouwde was vwkynde;

In cursid blood may be no kyndenesse; 1780

Of oon tarage sauoureth tre & rywde.

The frut also bert[h] of the tre witnesse;

And semblabli the fadris cursidnesse,

V^ith mortal suerd, in nature repreuable, 1784

Ageyw the child is ofte seyn vengable,

^ Among[es] which Brutus is reknid oon,

Next in ordre folweth Manlius,

Slouh ther childre be record euerichon; 1788

Phelipp Manlius & also Cassius,

And cruel Heroude, fell and malicious;

Frederik also most vengabli

Slouh his sone that callid was Herry. 1792

This Frederik beyng ay contrarye

Toward his sone, nat gracious nor benigne,

From hooli cherche vngoodli he gan varie

And therageyn[es] frowardli maligne; 1796

And lik a man obstynat & vndigne

Deied a-cursid thoruh mysg0U(?rnaunce,

Withoute confessions outher repentauwce.

1768. Fostre]] fostre hem H.

1772. H writes 1723 at beginning of this stanza but indicates cor- rection with "vacat. " 1779. was fouwde R. 1790. Herodes P.

to teach them virtue dur- ing their adolescence.

Every gentle line and all royal blood should shew filial reverence; but there were six princes who wrought the contrary.

Each was cruel to his children. There may be no kindness in cursed blood.

These princes were Brutus, Manlius, Philip Manlius, Cassius, Herod and Frederick; and

this Frederick, who was neither gracious nor benign to his son, and who maligned against holy church, died accursed, without con- fession or repentance.

970 Manfred of Naples, Enzio of Sardinia [|bk. ix

plow Manfroy kyng of Poyle was slayn.] '

of "Imc. ''wft ^ Nexte to Bochas of Poille cam l)e ky;/g, 1800

put down' and Bcgaii Ilis fall aiul complcyiit spcceHe, tyranny: whit CalHcl Maiifroy; aiicl for his fals werkiwg

avails sceptre T) . i o I ' f i • •

or iovranty * ut cioun & slayn, causc OX his tiran?!ye.

to a tyrant? j^oo, what auaillcth sceptre or regahe 1804

To a tirau«t, which of violence List to Godward haue non aduertence!

(^How Encys kyng of Sardany died in prisoun.]^ E«'o. >ins ^ With lookfe] doun-cast, dedli pale of cheer^r,

of Sardinia, was „ - o J • V • i

conquered by Ut bardania Lncis next cawi doun; 1808

Bologna and Kyng of that lond, to telle the maneer^ m prison, j^q^ j^g wcrteied ageyn the mihti toun Callid Bononia, to his confusioun; Be them venquisshed, & wi't^ cheynys rounde, 1812 Deied in prisoun, so long he lay ther bounde.

[a water makith theves blynde & trewe men to see.] ' John Bochas ^ Folwyng myn auctour callid Bochaj- lohn,

says that 'n -r p , • , , , , '

Sardinia there In bardynia, as he maketh my7ide,

are no serpents (-, ,fp. ,, ii-*

and wolves. betpent not woifr in al that lond is* non, 1816

but that there tt 11 1 • 1 r 1 i

is a well whose rlauyng a welle, which or veray kynde

ThletesThnd. Thcuys cyen the watir maketh blynde;

m^i'cint to ' To trewe folk, as he doth difFyne,

honest folk. Water therof is helthe and medecyne. 1820

There is also an herb that

[An erbe who tastith it shal die lauhyng.] *

Ther groweth also an herbe, as bookis seie, [p. 429] makes people Which that is SO dyucts of nature,

laugh themselves-,,, r i i i , i i , •

to death if Who tastcth thcrot lauhhyng he shal deie,

it; even to No medccync may helpe hym* nor recure; 1824

dangerous! The touch thcrof stant eek in auenture, —

iScxD. Poille] Naples P.

1802. Maufron H, Manfrede P.

1808. Encius P. 1816. is] was B, H.

18 19. folk] farlk R — diffyne] dyuyne J, devyne R 3, diuine P.

1824. hym] hem B.

1 MS. J. leaf 176 recto. « MS. J. leaf 176 recto.

* MS. J. leaf 176 recto. * MS. J. leaf 176 recto.

BK. 1x3 Another Frederick^ Maumetus of Persia

971

YifF it entre his mouth in any side, He shal alyue for lauhtre nat abide.

[^Another Frederyk was slajm bi lugement of his brothir.] ^

^ Ther was anothir froward Frederik, Sone to Alfonce, that was kyng of Castile, Of corage wood and [also] fren[e]tik; His owne brothir falsli to begile, Began a werre lastyng but a while, Whos purpos was his brother to deceyue And the crowne of Castile to resceyue.

This Frederik cam with a gret bataile Ageyn his brother for the same entent; Off his purpos yit he dide faille: God nor Fortune wer nat of assent. Take in the feeld[e] and be iugement Of his brothir, for his gret trespace Slay[e]n openli; gat no bettir grace.

1828

1832

1836

1840

Another froward Frederick, son of Alphonse of Castile, made war on his brother for the sake of the

but neither God nor Fortune were with him. He was captured and slain.

[How Manymettus and Argones died at mischef.] ^

[^] Manymettus, of Perce lord and kywg. Cam next in pres, distressid -with gr^t peyne, Vpon Fortune pitousli pleynyng. His aduersite did hym so constreyne; For ther was oon which did at hym disdeyne Callid Argoones, void of title or lyne, Geyn Manymet[tus] proudli gzn maligne.

Which Argones for his presumpcioun Take at mischeef be sodeyw violence. His doom was youe to deien in prisoun, Of nouw poweer to make resistence; But Fortune, that can no difference In hir* chaunges atwixen freend & foo. Caused hem to deie at myscheef bothe two.

1830. also] om. R.

1842. Maumetus P. 1848. Maumetus P.

1853. difference] difFence R. 1854. hir] his B, H.

^ MS. J. leaf 176 recto. * MS. J. leaf 176 recto.

1844

1848

1852

Maumetus, king of Persia, came in great distress, com- plaining on Fortune; for Argones was hostile to him without cause.

However, for his pre- sumption Argones was captured and sent to prison to die there, and Maumetus also died at mischief.

972

Charles, King of Jerusalem and Sicily [_bk. IX

Noble Charles, king of

Jerusalem and Sicily, came with such Kood cheer and kniKhtly manner to Bochas,

plow Charles kyng of Jerusalem and of Cecile for Auaryce and avoutrie died at mischef.] ^

FFTIR thes forscid, rchcrscd in sentence, 1856

A

As Bochaj procedeth* in his stile,

Kam noble Charlis unto his presence, Kyng of Iherusalem and also of Cicile; Of whos comyng myn auctowr a gret while Astonid was, to seen his knihtli face With so good cheere com into the* place.

that it seemed Pot bi his poft, who that behecld hyw weel,

high on Considred first his look & his visage,

wh^,"dc'fying It sempte he trad upon Fortunys wheel,

her power. ^^j ^f j^j^ j^q\j\q matcial corage

Hadde of hir poweer getyn auauntage, Shewyng hym-silf so fressh on ech partie, Hir and hir myht did vttirly diffye.

Of royal First to comende his roial hih lynage,

famous alliance. And of his v.crtuous famous allyaunce,

he was brother « i •. j • "^l l

of St. Louis; As be writyng and preisyng with langage The name of hym specialli tauaunce, Seith he was bor[e]n of the blood of Fraunce; And to encrece mor souereywli his prys. Writ he was brother onto Seynt Lowis.

GafFto France this comendaciouw: So as Phebus passeth ech othir sterre, Riht so that kyngdam in comparisoun Passeth eueri lond, bothe nih & ferre. In policie, be it of pes or werre; both in peace Por it transcendith, in pes be prouidence,

and I also read that, as Phoebus outshines all the other spheres, so does France surpass all other lands

and war.

i860

1864

1868

1872

1876

1880

And in werre be knihtli excellence.

Thes woordis be nat take out of myn auctotir, — 1884

These

words were .

not written by Entitled hccr for a remewibraunce

Bochas, but by _^. ^ i • i 1

one Laurence, Di oon Laurence, which was a translatOKr

the translator of /-\/« i • ^ j T7

this book, to Or this processe, to comewde r raunce; Fr?n'?r'* To preise that lond set al his plesaunce,

1888

1856. AfFtir] Whan H, R 3 — in] was in H, R 3.

1857. procedeth] reherseth B.

1862. com into the] komen into B, R. 1864. &] om. H.

1867. hir] his H. 1872. with] bi H, of J, P.

1877. this] his R. 1882. in pes be] bi pes of H.

1886. a] om. H. 1887. this] his R.

1 MS. J. leaf 176 recto.

BK. IX]

The Fate of Charles of Anjou

973

Seith influence of that roial lond Made Charlis so worthi of his hond.

Of whos noblesse Pope Vrban hadde ioie,

Hym to encrece for vertuous lyuyng, 1892

Which that tyme was duk of Au?zgoie,

Aftir chose of Cicile to be kyng.

Of Pope Vrban requered be writyng,

Toward Rome that he shold hym dresse 1896

Of kyng Manfroy the tirannye toppresse.

Ageyn the pope and hooli cherchis riht

This same Manfroy dide gret extorsiouw.

Noble Chadis, as Goddis owne kniht, 1900

Cam with strong hond up to Roome toun;

Which in his komyng gaf pocessioun

To Guyot Mauwfort for to haue the garde

In his passage and gouerne the vauwwarde. 1904

Toward Roome with gret ordenaunce [p. 430]

Thei passed ouer the boundis of Itaille;

This manly kniht, this Charlis born in France,

Ladde with hym many strong bataille 1908

The popis enmy manli for tassaille.

But al this while, to stonden at difFence

The said[e] Charlis fond no resistence.

Entryng Roome to be ther protectowr, 191 2

Ful weel resceyuyd at his first entrywg,

Chose and preferrid for cheef senatowr

Bi the pope, most glad of his komywg;

Of Cicile was aftir crownid kyng, 1916

And of Iherusalem, as maad is mewcio[u]n,

Graunted to hym fulli pocessiouw.

Which in his gynwyng bar hym tho so weel,

Entryng that lond with knihtly apparaille, 1920

Of Cassyne gat first the strong castel.

At Bonnevente hadde a gret bataille

Wit/? kyng Manfroy, whos parti did[e] faille.

To reherse shortli his auenture, 1924

Charlis on hym made a disconfiture.

1899. same^ saide H.

1903. Monforth R, Maufroit H, Manfort J (Guido of Mount- fort P).

1904. vawarde H, vawward P.

1906. ouer] wer H, R 3. 1910. stonden] stoden H.

1921. Cassile R. 1922. Beneuent P. 1925. made] had H.

Pope Urban also had joy in Charles, and while he was Duke of Anjou asked him to come to Rome

and defend the church against King Manfred. Charles came with Guy de Montfort,

leading many a strong company, and found small resistance.

Entering Rome he was chosen chief senator by the pope, and afterwards crowned king of Sicily and Jerusalem.

After taking Monte Cassino, he fought a great battle at Benevento,

974

The Fate of Charles of Anjou

[bk. IX

where M«nfred »'*• >l*in. He then put down a rebellion in Sicily and

at Talliazzo defeated and slew Conradin, ■on of

Conrad IV., who claimed the throne.

Charles then had entire possession of Sicily, and

Fortune favoured him. His son married Mary, daughter of Stephen of Hungary;

and by the authority of the pope Charles was made king of Jerusalem.

His brother Louis

1936

1940

In which[e] bataile kyng Manfroy was slayn;

And noble Charlis took pocessioun,

Wherof Ronieyns wer ful glad & fayn. 1928

\"\X. in Cicile thcr was rcbelliou«,

But tlici wer broiiht onto subicccioun.

Than* Coradyn, record of old writing,

Sone of Conrade cleymed to be kyng. 193a

Gan make hym strong, proudli took his place

At Aligate, a famous old cite.

Noble Charlis -with knihtli cheer & face

Fill upon hym, made hym for to flee.

And to sette teste in the contre,

Tauoide trouble & make al thing certayn,

Gafi^ iugement Coradyn to be slayn.

Among kinges notable and glorious,

Charlis was put, as maad is mencioun,

Lik a prince strong and victorious

In ful pesible and hool pocessioun

Of Cicile and al that regioun,

Ageyn[e]s whom was non dissobeissauwce,

Yolde of hool herte to his gouernaunce.

Be title also off" his alliaunce,

Fortune gretli did hyw magnefie;

For as it is Iput in remembraunce.

The noble princesse that callid was Marye,

Douhtir to Steuene regnyng in Huwgrye,

lioyned was and knet in manage

To Charlis sone, tencres of his lynage.

The same Charlis be auctorite

Of the pope, so as hym list ordeyne,

Was eek maad kyng of the gret cite

Callid Iherusalem, of touns most souereyne;

Be which[e] title he bar crownis tweyne.

His brothir Lowis, olde bookis seye,

The same tyme in Egipt gan werreye.

Gat al the contrees abouten enviroun. Which that Sarsyns did falsli occupie;

1944

1948

1952

1956

i960

1930. onto] to R.

193 1. Than] Yit B, R, J, P, H 5 — Corandyne J, Conradine P. 1934. Agllate H, Talliatozzo P — an olde famous R, H, R 3, H 5. 1942, 43 are transposed in H, but correction indicated.

1945. no disbeissaunce R. 1950. princesse] processe R. 1951. Stephene P. 1952. knet] knet was R.

BK. IX]

The Fate of Charles of Anjou

975

Brouht hem ageyn[e] to subiecciouw

Of Iherusalem, that lond to magnefie: 1964

Cartage in Affrik, with al ther regahe,

And alle the contrees beyng afForn contrarye,

To kyng CharHs becam tributarye.

Thus* while he sat hiest in his glorie, 1968

Lik Phebus shynyng in his mydday speere,

With many conquest and many gret victorie,

Whan his noblesse shon most briht & cleere,

The same tyme, with a frownywg cheere, 1972

Fortune gan from Charlis turne hir face

And hym berafte his fauowr and his grace.

This lady Fortune doth* seelde in oon cowtune,

She is so gerissh of condicioun, 1976

A sorceresse, a traitour in comune,

Caste a fals mene to his destruccioun,

Oon of his sonys slay[e]n with poisouw,

Which did eclipse, myn auctowr doth expresse, 1980

A ful gret part of [al] his old gladnesse.

He was disclaundrid of the grete* vice

Which apparteneth onto tirannye,

I meene the vice of froward auarice, 1984

Which is contrarie gretli to cheualrie;

DifFamed also of fals auoutrie,

Which was susteened thoruh his meyntenauwce

WitZ^ynwe that lond[e] be a kniht of Frauwce. 1988

The same kniht abidyng in his hous, [p. 431]

Al Cicile troublid with that deede:

The grete offence was so disclauwdrous,

Thoruh al the regioun that it began to spreede; 1992

For thilke woman, pleynli as I reede,

Was wyfF to oon which sufFred this offence

And to be vengid dide his dilligence.

conquered the Saracen countries about Egypt, and all became tributary to Charles.

But when he sat highest in his glory, Fortune turned her face away from him.

She is a sorceress, a traitress to men, and seldom continues in one. A son of Charles was poisoned, and

he himself accused of avarice and defamed of adultery committed at his court by a French knight

with the wife of John of Procida, who deter- mined to be revenged.

lohn Prosithe pleynli was his name, Which cast hym fulli auengid for to be. That kyng Charlis sholde ber the blame, Sle'n al Frensh-men that bood in that contre, Withoute grace, merci or pite.

1996

2000

and that King Charles might bear the blame, in- stigated a massacre of all the French- men in the country.

1965. ther] J)e H. 1968. Thus] This B, J.

1975. doth] did B. 1979. his] om. R. 1981. al] om. R.

1982. the grete] al the B, R, J, H 5. 1988. that] Jjc H.

1993. thilke] thirk R — I] om. R. 1995. dide his] he did R.

1996. Procida P.

97^ -^n Envoy on Charles of Anjou [bk. ix

ThekinRof And for to doon ful execuciou?i

Aragoii was _^

called in. «nJ Kequered was the kyng or Arragoun. Ch.rie. lost Loste of Cicilc al hool the reeioun

Sicily and wr I i i_ • c

lerusalem, and With thc ODClSSaU //CC of inailV gtCt CltC,* 2004

became soAJfTI II •

poor that he Aiiu ot llicrusalcni thc pocessiou?z;

prayed for i?-ii i • i •

death. l^ill DC proccsse in grot aduersite,

And last, constreyned with gr^ruous pouerte,

To God most meekli, with ful heuy cheere, 2008

Soone to be ded[e]; this was his praieere.

He grew sick Suppriscd he was with sorwe in his coraee;

and lanRiiished t i • r rii • n i-

until he fell Loste his rorce; nil into malladie;

finally died. Languisshed foorth til he gan falle in age, ' 2012

moreMout° Ageyn Fortune fond no remedie.

'"'"• And be thoccasioun of fals auoutrie

Fill to myscheefF; and for sorwe & dreed

This Charlis deide; no mor of hym I reede. 2016

^ Lenvoye.

T YK as Phebus in sum fressh morwenyng -■— ' Aftir Aurora \>e day doth clarefie.

court.

2020

Just as

Phcebus is oftet darkened after

morning, so FalHth ofte that his briht shynyng

Char1es!^\ien Iditlcid is with sum cloudi skie:

theTairTy"' A likncssc shewed in this tragedie,

untu eve. Expert in Charlis, the stori doth weel preeue,

Youthe & age reknid ech partie.

The faire day men do preise at eue. 2024

He was The noble fame of his fressh gynnvng:, —

nearly related >-p p r i T • i -i r

to St. Louis, 1 o bieyn[tj Lowis he was nih of allie, — virtuous and a Riht wis, tiht manli, riht vertuous of lyuyng, chi^lir^, until Callid of knihthod flour of cheualrie, 2028

fntowf ""' Til meywtenauMce of auout[e]rie

Cam into his court to hurte his name & gr<fue,

His lyff, his deth[e] put in iupartie:

The faire day men do preise at eue. 2032

Lik desertis men haue ther guerdonyng:

Vertuous lyfF doth princis magnefie;

The contrarie to them is gret hyndryng, —

2003. the] that R. 2004. cite] centre B.

2017. mornyng H, J, H 5, morning P.

2023. ech] his R — partie] trulyj.

2024. day] lady R — do] doto R. 2026. Seynt] om. H. 2028. 1st of] for H.

BK. IX]

Ugolino of Pisa, Alton of Armenia

977

Folk expert the trouthe may nat denye. Cerche out the reward of cursid lecherye: Where it is vsed, the houshold may nat pr<fue; In this mateer to CharHs hath aw iye, The faire day to preise toward eue.

Noble Princis, all vices eschewyng, Yowr hih corages lat resouw modefie; Wit^drawe youv hand fro riotous wachchiwg; Fleeth flesshli lustis and vicious companye; Oppressith no man; doth no tiranwye; Socoure the needi; poore folk doth releeue; Lat men reporte the prudent policie Of youv last age whan it draweth to eue.

2036

Men are rewarded according to their deserts; and what is the reward of lechery?

2040

2044

2048

Noble Princess, withdraw yourselves from riot, fleshly lusts and vi- cious company, oppress no man and assist the poor. Let men report your prudent policy when your age draws to eve.

[|OfiE Hugolyne erie of Pyse slajm in prisoun.] ^

OFF Charlis story rad ^^e woful fyw, As ye haue herd t)e man<fr & the guise, To Ihon Boch^j- appeered Hugolyn, Callid whilom the noble Erl of Pise, Til the Pisanys gan ageyw hym rise;* Most vengably, cruel & vnkywde, Slouh hym in prisoun; no mor of hym I fynde,

2052

Ugolino, earl of Pisa, was slain in prison by his subjects, who arose against him

[Athon kyng of Ar[me]nye / put from his ri[ght] by his brothire.] ^

SaufF his childre, of hatreede and envie, 2056

Wer moord[e]rid eek in a deep prisoun.

^ Next with his compleynt the kyng of Armenye

Caw tofor Bochflj, that callid was Achoun,

A Cristene prince ful famous of renouw; 2060

For our feith, from which he list nat erre,

Geyn Tartarynes long tyme he heeld gret werre.

2045. doth] do H.

2050. As] as her H. 2053. rise] hem arise B.

2055. mor of hym I ne fynde H.

2056. hatreede] malis H, malice R 3.

2057. is misplaced at end of stanza H — eek] also R.

2058. The paragraph mark is misplaced at the beginning of the next line in B — Armonye R. •

2059. Aiton P.

2062. Tantarynes H, Tartarians P, Tartaryens H 5.

1 MS. J. leaf 177 recto.

* MS. J. leaf 177 recto, margin pared by binder.

and slew his children also. Aiton, king of Armenia, a famous Christian prince

who fought the Tatars, was

97^ Pope Boniface, who ate his Hands [_aK. ix

treasoiiabiy Tliis maiill kyiic;, in kiiilithod ful faniowj, fp. 4.1 2I

robbcj of the - , i i • • i i- ir TJ J

throne bj- hij It was shewed, his stori wlio hst reede, 2064

brother babalh, iiii i i c \\ ii

who cast him llaclcle a brother tell and dcspitous

bimdid'him. Callld Sabath, desirous to siicceede,

Stede of his brother the kywgdam to posseede;

He fals[e] tresoun reucd hyw of his riht, 2068

Kept hym in hold[c] and put out his siht.

But another This Sabath loste bothe happ & crace,

brother chased ... , '/ "^ . *'

Sabath from His Other brother, as maad is niencioun,

and, capturinn Be Strong hond[e] put bym from his place, 2072

him, cast him /"»L " J L ^ r ^1 ^

in prison, Lhacid hym out ot that regioun.

u,"Ll'ic^' 1 -'ike be force and fetrid in prisoun, Lord can Dcidc thcri no man list hym visitc :

reward treason ^ ' -'

and murder! Loo, how God Can tfcsoun and moordre quite! 2076

[How pope Boneface the viij''?* was take by the Lynage de Columpnys / ete his hondes & died in prisoun.]] ^

About the A MOA^G thes woful froward princis thre

year 1300, Pope f-\ ..., . - , , , 1 • r , i

Boniface the JL X. Which shcwcd hem so ougli or per chexe, '* Pope Boneface be gr^t aduifrsite,

Eihte of that name, gan taproche neer, 2080

A thousand thre hundred acountid was J)e year Fro Cristas berthe be cowputacioun, Whan that he made his lamentaciouw.

laid an This Same pope kauhte occasioun, 2084

interdict on all ._,, . , t r> • i

France; Which vndir rctir kepte gou^rnaunce,

To interdicte* al the regioun, Tyme of kyng Phelipp regnyng Jxfr in France; Directe boUis doun into Constaunce 2088

To Nicholas, maad[e] be Boneface, Archidekne of the same place.

but thepreiates Off hooH cherche the prelatis nih echon,

France proved Bisshoppis of Fraunce felli haue declarid, 2092

that he injured r> i • i

the church, and rreuyng be poyntis many mo than oon In a gret seen[e] pleynli & nat spared,

2063. ful] most H. 2076. moordre & tresoun H — tresoun]

reson R.

2077. thre] iij B. 2080. taproche] approche R.

2081. hundred] C B — was] om. R.

2086. interdicte] Interducte B, Entirdite H.

2088. into] vn to H. 2091. nih] nyth R.

2094. seene] sene R, H, H 5, R 3, synne J, Scene P.

^ MS. J. leaf 177 verso.

BK. 1x3 The Death of Boniface. The Templars

979

Be hym the cherche was hurt & nat reparid;

Put on hym crymes of gret misgou^rnaunce, 2096

Denouncid* hym enmy to al the lond of France.

Put [up]on hym many gret outrage,

WrongU how he hadde doon offence

To a cardynal born of the lynage 2100

De Columpnis, a kynreede of reuerence;

For which[e] cause he kept hym \n absence

Out of the court, drouh wher he was born;

Be which occasloun the pope his lif hath lorn. 2104

De Columpnis the lynage hath so wrouht:

Took Boniface for his old cruelte;

Wit^ gret poweer & force thei haue hym brouht

Into a castel which stood in the cite, 2108

Callid Sancti Angeli; gaf auctorite

To a cardynal, & be commyssioun

Poweer to doon ful execusiouw.

Of thes mateeris hangyng in ballautice 2112

Atween parties, wer it riht or wrong,

Bothe of Romeyns, prelatis eek of France,

The pope ay kept withynwe the castel strong,

Of auenture, nat bidyng ther riht long, 2116

Fill in a flux, and aftirward for neede,

For hunger eet his hondis, as I reede.

Hour of his deyng, it is maad menciouw,

Aboute the castel was merueillous lihtnywg, 2120

Wher the pope lay fetrid in prisouw, —

Non such afForn was seyn in ther lyuywg.

And whil Bochflj was besi in writyng.

To write the fall[e] of this Boniface, 2124

The Ordre of Templeris caw toforn his face.

denounced him as an enemy of the country.

They accused him of many outrages, especially of wronging a cardinal of the house of Colonna,

whose family took Boniface and imprisoned him in the fortress of St. Angelo,

where he fell in a flux and afterwards ate his hands for hunger.

It is said that

marvellous

lightning

played

about the

castle when he

died.

[How the ordre of Templers was founded and [laques] wit/i other of the ordre brent.] ^

^ Croniclers the trouthe ca« recorde,

Callyng to mywde the first fundaciouw.

And olde auctOMrs therwithal accorde, 2128

2097. Denouncid] Denouncyng B, R, H 5, J. 2108. the] their H. 2113. it] it be H, R 3. 2121. the] this H, R 3. 2125. afForn R.

MS. J. leaf 177 verso. laques is supplied from P.

980 The Story of the Knights Templar [bk. IX

The Order of Qf tlics Tcmplceris how the rcllcioun

Templiri was _, 1 •11 i r^ ^ r i-»

founded .u the (jan thilkc tymc whan Godfrey Bolhoun

Codfrey dc Hadtlc won«e, that noble knihth man,

jcnl»«°enirby IheiLisaleni, that ordre first began. 2132

certain knight* Bi cctteyn knihtls which did her besi peyne,

who fought . 1 • ir 1 • r I J '

there. Whan the saicl[ej cite was first wonne

Be noble Godfrey, duk whilorn of Loreyne,

Ther crownid kyng, this ordre thei begon^ie, — 2136

Olde bookis weel reherse konne, —

Takyng a grou?;d of pouert & meeknesse,

To founde this ordre did her besynesse.

Their guiding Thct bcgyn^/yng cam of deuocioun, 2140

pnnciple* were „, i t V r -ir i

poverty, 1 he ground Itake or wiltul pouerte;

humility and a J ^ r i i t •

chastity, and And iTiadc hrst ther habitacioun

thrtempie 'not Be the temple, nat ferr fro the cite,

far^from the jj^ toknc of clcnncssc swom to chastite, 2144

Of the temple lik to ther desirs Took that name & callid wer Tewpleeris.

P°p« Honor'u* Pope Honorie gaff hem* auctorite, [p- 433]

license to wear Of hooli chetche beyng that tyme hed; 2148

a white habit, a 1 m i i • i • i r i •

to which A whiht habit thei bar tor chastite;

a"rld"cross. ^ Eugcnivs afftit gaf hem a cros of red.

And to diffende pilgrymes, out of dreed,

Geyn Saresyn[e]s thoruh ther hih renour?, 2152

This was cheef poynt of ther professiou?z.

So long as Whil thei lyuede in wailful pouerte,

they lived in _, .-',,.,.. '^ i i r i -i

perfection their 1 hes ctossid knihtis in mantlis clad or whiht,

fame spread; i-p, i i ■ r

Iher name spradde m many rerr contre; 2156

For in perfecciouw was set al ther deliht.

Folk of deuocioun kauht an appetiht

Them for tencrece, gaf hem gret almesse,

Bi which thei gan encrece in gret richesse. 2160

jjut as they Bi proccssc withyntzc a fewe yeeris, numbers and The nouwzbre gret of ther religious; lost their And the fame of thes seid Templeeris

virtue and gave /^ _ _ j • j •

themselves up Gan sprccdc Wide in many regioun. 2164

and"^c1 Ther sodeyn risyng, of ther pocessioun.

With touns, castellis, thei gaf hem to delices, Appalled in vertu, which brouht in many vices.

2136. thei] first H. 2147. hem] hyw B.

2156. name] names H. 2160. encrece] wexe H 5.

2162. ther] that R. 2165. Ther] \>t. H.

BK. 1X3

The Story of the Knights Templar

981

It wer to longe for to rekne hem alle; But among other I fynde ther was oon, A mawli kniht, folk* laques did hym calle, Gret of auctorite among hem euerichon, As cronicles reme^^zbre of yore agon. The which[e] laques in the rewm of France Was born of blood to gret enheritauwce.

The same laques, holde a manli kniht In his gynwyng, fressh, lusti of corage, Hadde a brother, be elder title of riht Occupied al hool the heritage, Because laques yonger was of age, Which myht[e] nat be no condicioun Nothyng cleyme of that pocessiouw.

His elder brother occupied al, Whil this laques was but of low degree, Wonder desirous with hym to been* egal, Alway put bak be froward pouerte. And to surmounte, yif it wolde bee, Fond out a mene lik to his desirs, Was chose maister of thes Templeeris.

Was promootid be free elecciouw Bi them that sholde chesyn hym of riht; Wherbi he hadde gret domynaciouw, Richesse, tresowr, gret poweer & myht. Of his persone was eek a mawli kniht, — The same tyme, put in remembraunce, Phelipp Labele crownid kyng in France.

Which hadde of laques gret indignaciouw, To alle the Templeris and al ther cheualrie, Caste weies to ther destrucciouw, Gaf auctorite his lust to fortefie, Douw fro the pope, bookis specefie, Clement the Sexte, concludyng yif he may, Alle the Templeeris destroie hem on a day.

2168

2172

2176

A knight

named

Jacques de

Molay,

a Frenchman

born to rich

inheritance,

was of great

authority

among them.

and as his older brother kept possession of the heritage.

2180

2184

2Ii

2196

2200

and Jacques had always been held back by poverty, he finally got himself appointed grand master,

wherethrough he obtained great power and wealth.

2192

Philip IV. of France, who hated the Templars, determined to destroy them.

2169. fynde] rekne H.

2170. folk] Folkis B.

2184. with hym to been] to been (be) with hym B, J, P, H 5.

2186. bee] ha be H, R 3, have be R, H 5.

2187. to] om. H.

2195. Labele] la bele R, J, R 3, label H 5, Le Bele H, la Bele P.

2199. to] forto R.

2202. a] 00 H.

982

The Destruction of the Knights Templar [bk. IX

He had them •uddcniy imprisoned fi>r certain horrible crimo: and their friends advised them to plead Kuilty ■ nd beg for mercy.

Jacques and three others were detained, while the rest, tied to stakes ready for burning, were led to believe that the king would pardon them if they confessed.

They would not confess, but cried piteously that they were innocent until they died.

Jacques was taken to Lyons and there publicly confessed and was burnt to ashes.

For certeyn crymes horrible to heere, Alle attonls wer set In prison;;, Bi ther frcciulis touclii;;g this niateer<f Cou;;soillcd to :ixc merci & pardon;;, That thci sholde be pleyn confcssioun Requere m^rcy, knclyng on a rowe, And as it was ther trespas been aknowe.

laques was take, and with hyni othir thre, Kept in holde and [injto prisoun sent. And the reninau?;t for ther iniqiiite Ordeyned wcrn be open iugement To myhti stakes to be teied and brent. The kyng in maner lik to doon hew grace, So the! wolde confesse ther trespace.

But al for nouht; thei wer so indurat,

Alle of accord[e] and of o corage

To axe mercy verray obstynat.

The fire reedi, al with o langage,

Whan the. flawme approched ther visage,

Ful pleynli spak [&] cried pitousli,

Of ther accus how thei wer nat gilti.

Fro ther purpos list nat to declyne; But with o vois echon[e] an[d] o sow'n Fulli afFermed til thei did[e] fyne. How ther ordre and ther religioun Igrouwdid was upon perfeccioun. And how ther deth, verraili in deede, Compassid was of malis & hatreede.

The saide laques, of whom I spak toforn,

Brouht to a place which callid was Leoun,

Tofor too legatis, or that his lyfF was lorn,

Al openli made his confessiouw:

He was worthi, for short conclusioun,

For to be ded be rihtful iugement.

This was his eende; to asshes he was brent.

2207. That thei] Thei that R.

2208. rowe] trowe R.

2222. &] om. H, R, J, R 3, H s, P- 2224. to] om. R. 2235. He] And R.

2204

2208

2212

2216

2220

2224

2228

[P- 434] 2232

2236

pitousli] spitously R.

BK. 1x3 Bochas's Commendation of three Philosophers 983

^Here Bochas makith a comendacion of thre Philisophris for their pacience.^

YIUYNG a pris to philisophres thre, Boch(3/ comendith with gret dilligence How ech of hem was in his contre 2240

Souereynli be vertuous excellence Off old comendid for ther pacience, Which may be set and crownid in his stall As emperesse among vertues all. 2244

Mong Siciliens first Theodorus,

For pacience hadde in gret reuerence;

Among Grekis, the stori tellith vs,

Anaxerses for his magnificence, 2248

Bi force of vertu grouwdid on pacience,

Because he was [both] vertuous & wis,

For suffrauMce gat hym a souereyw pris.

Among[es] Romey[n]s put in remewzbrance, 2252

S[c]euola, bothe philisophre & kniht.

For his marcial hardi strong constauwce,

Whan that he heeld amyd the flawmys liht*

Hand and fyngres aboue the coles briht, 2256

Til the ioyntes, fallyng heer & yonder.

From the wirste departid wer assonder.

^ First Theodorus, born in the famoi^j ile,

Be pacience gret peynes enduryng, 2260

Cheeff philisophre callid of Cicile,

With cheynys bouwde upon the ground liggyng,

On his bodi leid gaddis red brennyng,

Suffryng this peyne, list it nat refuse, 2264

Bi kyng Iherom, the tirauwt Siracuse.

For comouw proflRt suffrid al [t]his peyne,

Long tyme afforn[e] liggyng in prisoutz;

Which bassent of mo than on or tueyne 2268

Bochas now

commends three

philosophers who were of old time praised for their fortitude and patience.

Theodorus of Sicily,

Anaxarchusof Greece and

Scjevola of Rome, who allowed his hand to be consumed by fire.

Theodorus was bound in chains and burning gads were laid on his body, and

he suffered all for the sake of the com- mon weal; for he

2238. pris3 laude H. 2254. For] bi H.

2255. Iiht3 briht B, H, R, J — flawmys] flame P.

2256. aboue] among P.

2258. wirste] wrest R, J, P, wrost R 3, wristis H 5.

2264. this] his R, H, J.

2265. Siracuse] of Siracuse H, R 3, P. 2266. this] his J,

1 The following heading is in MS. J. leaf 178 b: " Bochas here cowmendith Theodorus with othir ij philosophres for theirs pacience notably."

9S4 Bochas's Commendation of three Philosophers [bk, ix

wai one of the Was tlic most cliccf be copspiiacloun

who .lew the lo brynge the tiraiuit to his destrucciou»;

tyrant Micro p^^ ^^ ^^^.^^ ^,^^^ j^^ ^^^^j^^^ Cndure,

The co^Muraciouw he wold nat discure. 2272

and chose Rathct hc chcs ill iiivschecff for to deie,

rather to Jie ,,,, i * " !• i i

in mischief I hail thc* iianic opcnh declare thc"nam«\" Of h\ m that slouh the tiraii«t, soth to seie. bdievcrthat"" Thouhte of riht no man sholde spare, 2276

no man should Yqt comouw Droffit, helthc and weelfare

spare to slay ' ' r ^ \

a tyrant, and f q sigp ^ tlrau?/t, deemyng for the beste,

bore his torture . ' J r>

in patience Alle 3 tccioun tor to sctte at teste.

until he died.

For \vhich[e] title, he list to sufFre deth, 2280

Al [tjhis torment took most pacientli

Theodorus, til he yald up the breth,

Gruchched nat with noise nor loude cry;

Amyd whos herte rootid [so] feithfulli 2284

Was comoii?! proffit, Boch^j writ the same,

Among Siciliens to getyn hyw a name.

Anaiarchus. to ^ Gtelcis also comendc abofFthe sterris

prevent mortal . i i- r on

wars, rebuked Anaxerscs and gretli magnehe, 3288

NicciV^n'of Cause that he to stynte mortal werris Cyprus, who j^j^^. ^^^ spare taquiten his partie

In rebukyng manli the tiran^iye

Of Nicocreoun, tirauwt ful mortall, 2292

Regnyng in Cipre in his estat roiall.

in a rage bade Spared nat nouthet for deth nor dreed

men cut out y , i i i • i

his tongue. Hym to rebuke bi vertuous iangage. Eid he"Touid"'The tiraunt badde kutte [out] of his hed 2296

tantage of'^'it, His tungc in haste; but he with strong corage Saide he sholde haue non auauwtage Of that mewbre, which, maugre al his miht, Hadde tolde hym trouthe in [the] peeplis siht. 2300

and biting Off his manacc sette litil tale,

off his tongue ^^ r i • r i j* ^

chewed it Boot of his tunge, ot hardi strong corage, which\e^spa" Chewed it al on pecis smale;

face!"" *^""^'' Of manli herte thouhte it no damage; 2304

Spit it out into the visage

2274. the] be B, bi J.

2277. \>t welfare H, R 3. 2279. at] a R.

2281. this] his R, H.

2296. out] om. R, J, P, H 5.

2302. hardi] harde H. 2305. Spet R.

BK. 1x3 Sochas's Commendation of three Philosophers 985

Of the tirauwt; gat so the victorie,

To putte his name euermor \n memorie.

^ And S[c]euola, egal to thes tweyne, [p. 435]

For comouw proffit, be iust comparisoun,

Put hym in pres[e]; did his besi peyne

To slen Porseniia, enmy to Roome toun.

For tacompHsshe his entenciouw

Took a strong dart, riht passyngli trenchauwt,

With al his myht[e] cast at the tirau?zt.

Of his marke cause he dide faille

To slen his enmy aftir his entente,

Which in Tuscan with many strong bataille

[A]gey«[es] Romeyws with his knihtis wente,

This S[c]euola his owne hande brente,

Cause that he failled of his art,

To slen Porsenwa be casting of his dart.

To declare the force of his mawheede

Vpon hymsilff auengid for to bee,

As I haue told, in briht[e] coles rede

His hand he brente for loue of his cite,

Onli taquite his magnanymyte,

Of feruent loue his cite for tauaille.

To slen the tiraunt cause he did[e] faille.

Thus for to putte the marcial sufFrance Of thes notable philisophres thre In perpetuel mynde and remewbrauwce, How thei hem quite ech lik his degre For ther purparti vnto the comouwte, Cause al ther ioie and ther inward deliht Was for avail of the comouw profiit.

First Theodorus put hywsilf in pres For Ciciliens to deien in prisoun; And for Grekis noble Anexerses, His tunge torn, felt gret[e] passioun; And S[c]euola for Romeyns & ther toun SufFred his hand, be short auisemewt, Tokne of trouthe, in colis to be brent.

A martirdam it was, in ther maneer

Of ther corage to haue so gret cowstaunce;

2308 Scaevola, who missed the tyrant Porsenna with his dart,

2312

burnt off his hand in bright 2316 red coals for love of his city,

2320

deeming that he deserved such puaish- 2324 ment.

2328

2332

All the joy of these noble philosophers lay in tiSeir being of avail to the com- mon weal.

2336

2340

Theodorus, who died in prison for the Sicilians, Anaxarchus, who tore his tongue, and Scaevola, who burnt oflf his hand, were

2344

2313. strechaunte H. 2315. his] this R.

2318. Ageynes] Geyn R, J, P, H 5.

2319. he brente H, R 3, P. 2343- ther] om. R.

986 A Connnfndation of Patience [bk. IX

constant until Wer SO Stable of bodl, hert and cheer,

death, and are _^ c\' r r c

now crowneJ f OF coiuouw promt, ot tace & contenau/ice,

with laurel for » t 1 1 1 • t

their patience. V nto the clcth witlioute vanau/jce;

(lat the tryu;;;phe be souereyn excellence, 2348

\\ ith laureer crownid for ther pacience.

As Phoebus I,ik as Phebus passeth a litll sterre,

•urpas»e» a ... . . \ . .

little star, so Hicst vprciscd in MIS niydclay speere,

does patience r< i * * i i o

shew its bright oo this vcrtu, in troublc, pes & werre, 2352

othw'v'rt'ues." Cald pacience most fresshli doth appeere

Among vertues to shewe his bemys cleere;

For pacience knet with humylite,

Wher thei abide ther may non erowr bee. 2356

It appeases the Tirau/ztis hertis this vertu doth appese,

tyrants and Modeficth ther crucl fell woodnesse. Rage of leouns, who list lyue in ese, Of folk prostrat his malis doth represse. 2360

Al OUT ioie began first with meeknesse; For of luda the hardi strong leoun A maidnes meeknesse fro^n heuene brouht dou«.

vanquishes In bataillc & myhti strong sheltrouns, 2364

champions. . . , „ -^ ^ . . . .

It was the Avys With suitraunce wynneth the victone;

meekness of a n • • i i i

maid that raciencc venquissheth champiouws;

r^emption.^ Lownesse in vertu be many old historic,

And meeknesse, perpetuel of memorie, — 2368

Al to conclude, groundid on resoun, —

A maidnes meeknesse wrouhte our redewpciouw.

A Comendacion of pacience in stede of a Lenvoy.^ Virtue of T 7'ERTU of vertues, o noble Pacience,

virtues, O V ^ir • r i • j r

noble Patience, T WttA? iauteer crownid tor v^rtuoMJ constauMce,

laud, honour Til i

and reverence Laude, honoz<r, prys and reu/frcncc 2373

given tot ee, g^ youe to the, ptyncesse of most plesaunce. Most rennomnzed be anxien remewbraunce; Of whom the myhti marcial armure 2376

Geyn al vices lengest may endure.

Ground and gynnyng to stonden at difFence Ageyn Sathanis infernal puissaunce;

2361. with] at H, R, R3. 2364. Batailles H.

2367. be] with H — old] obstynat R 3.

2368. of] in R. 2369. grounde H.

^ The following heading is in MS. J. leaf 179 recto: " Bochas here commendith humylyte."

BK. IX]

A Commendation of Patience

987

Laureat queen, wher thou art in presence, 2380

Foreyn outrages haue no gouernaunce;

Conduit, hedspriwg of plentevous habundaunce,

Cristal welle, celestial of figure,

Geyn alle vices whiche lengest may endure. 2384

Cheef founderesse be souereyw excellence [p. 436]

Of goostli beeldyng and spiritual substauwce,

Emperesse of most magnificence,

With heuenli spiritis next of alliauwce, 2388

Wzt^ lyfF euerlastyng thi tryuwphes to auauwce.

And ioie eternal thi noblesse to assure*

In the aureat Throne perpetueli tendure,

Thre iherarchies ther beyng in presence, 2392

Wtt^ whom humylite hath souereyn aqueyntaunce,

Wher osanna with deuout dilligence

Is sung of aungelis be long contynuauwce,

Tofor the Throne keepywg ther obs^ruaunce 2396

Syng Sanctt^j- Sanctt^j, record of scripture,

WztZ? vois memorial perpetueli tendure.

The brennyng loue of Cherubyn be feruence,

Parfit in charite, dilligent obeissauwce; 2400

And Seraphyn with humble obedience.

And Ordres Nyne be heuenli concordaunce,

Domynaciones with vertuous attendauwce,

AflPor the Trynyte syng fresshli be mesure, 2404

With vois memorial perpetueli tendure.

SufFrauwce of paynemys hath but aw apparence,

Doon for veynglorie,* hangyng in ballaunce;

But Cristis martirs, in verray existence 2408

List ageyn tirauwt^j- make repugnauwce;

Rather deie than doon God displesauwce.

Shewed in no merowr liknesse nor picture.

Take full pocessiouw for euere vfith Crist tewdure.

SufFraunce for vertu hath the premynence 2413

Of them that sette in God ther affiauwce; Record on Steuene, Vincent and Laurence; Blissid Edmond bi long perseuerauwce 2416

SufFred for our feith victorious gr^uaunce,

the ground upon which we may stand against Satan, which may longest endure against all vices.

Foundress of spiritual up- building, empress of most magnificence

in the heavenly throne where hosannah is sung by angels.

Cherubim and Seraphim and the Nine Orders.

The constancy of pagans is but

appearance done for vainglory; but Christ's martyrs are faithful unto death.

Record on Stephen, Vincent, Lau- rence, blessed Edmund, who suffered victorious pain for our faith,

2390. thi] bi R — tassure B, R.

2408. But] Bi R.

2412. tendure] endure R.

2415. on] off R, of H, R 3, P, H 5.

2407. veyngloire B.

988 The Death of Philip the Fair [nK. ix

Kyng, maide and martir, a palme to r^cure, In the hcucnli court perpetuelli tendure.

••have many And fof to scttc a mancF difference, 2420

other »aint», t 11 i it 11 • •

in noolias book told ciicri circu7«staunce,

How for our feith be ful p;rct violence

Dyuers seyntis haue suftVid gxet pcnauwce,

Stable of ther cheer, visage and contenau^zce, 2424

Neuer to varye for non auenture;

Lik Cristis champiou^s perpetueli tendure.

who loved Whos fundacioun bi notable prouidence,

«nd feared God ^ i-ii--.-i ^• c

«nd lived and (jrou^/did on Lrist ther soulis ror tauau?ice, 2428

died in the /-, • i i • o • i

hope of enduring Cjraue in thcr hertis & in ther conscience, Patience?'' Voidyng al trouble of worldli perturbaunce,

Chaungis of Fortune wit/? hir double chaunce;

Loued God & dradde, abofFech creature, 2432

In hope with hir perpetueli tendure.

[How Philip la Bele kyng of Fraunce was slayn wit/i a wilde boor and of his thre sones and theire weddyng.3 ^

PhUip the WT HAN Bochflj- hadde write of pacience

Fair then * /m / r

w

came to Bochas T T And comendid the vertu of sufFraunce,

to complain i-vi i* • 1 t> 1 1 •

his unhappy rhciipp la Dele cam to his presence, 2436

fate; for he jTifft-g of that name crownid kyng of France,

Gan compleyne his vnhappi chaunce

And on Fortune, of custum \)at kan varie.

Which was to hym cruel aduersarie. 2440

was dain by a Woundid he was, [&1 wtt^ 3 greuous soor

wild boar in ^ , . i r. i i

the Forest of (jan his cowplcynt to Dochas determyne,

after he ' How hc was slay[e]n of a wilde boor

vanquished In a forest which callid is Compigne; 2444

shameln'" Tolde how he was disclaundrid [&] al his lyne;

Flanders. Ouis in Flaundris, with many a worjn kniht,

Venquisshed of Flemwynges & felli put to fliht.

He had four Proccedyng ferther gan touche of his lynage, 2448 daughter How in his tyme he hadde sonys thre:

Lowis, Phelipp & Charlis yong of age, The fourte Robert; a douhtir also had he

2436. la Bele] le bele H. 2437. 2nd of] in H, R, R 3, H 5. 2445. &] om. R, R 3, H 5. 2446. \vor{)i] wery H.

1 MS. J. leaf 179 recto.

BK. 1X3

The Sons of Philip the Fair

989

Callid Isabell, riht excellent of beute. 2452

Seide Robert, the stori is weel kouth, Which that deide in his tendre youth.

To this stori who list haue good reward,

The circumstaunce wisli to discerne, 2456

His douhtir Isabell was weddid to Edward

Carnervan, the book so doth vs lerene.

This yonger Phelipp weddid in Nauifrne

The kynges douhtir, a statli manage, 2460

Callid lane, whil she was tendre of age.

The same Phelipp aftir crownyd kyng

Of Nauerne, his fadir of assent,

Fyue sonis he hadde in his lyuywg; 2464

Of which[e] fyue, as in sentement,

Thre in noumbre be riht pertynent

To the mateer, who-so list to look,

And the processe of this same book. 2468

The eldest sone callid was Lowis, [p. 437]

To whom his fadir gaf pocessioun

Of Nauerne, because that he was wis

For to gouerne that noble regiouw. 2472

Phelipp his brothir for his hih renouw

Was aftirward be iust enheritaunce

And rihtful title crownid kywg of France.

The thridde brothir was be title of riht 2476

Maad Erl of March, and namyd was Charlis.

Euerich of hem in the peeplis siht

Wer famous holde & passyng of gret prys.

And for thei wern riht mawli and riht wis 2480

Phelipp and Charlis took in tendre age

The erlis douhtren of Burgoyne in manage.

But as the stori remembreth in certeyne.

To ther noblesse Fortune had envie; 2484

And bi a maner of malis and disdeyne

Brouht in be processe vpon the partie

Of ther too wyues froward auoutrie,

Causyng the deth of alle thes princis thre, 2488

Whaw thei most floured in ther felicite.

who became

the wife of

Edward

Carnarvon,

and

his son Philip

married Jane,

daughter of

the king of

Navarre, and

afterwards became king of France and had five sons.

Philip le Bel's eldest son was afterwards Louis X., and the second son, Philip V. the Tall.

The third son, Charles IV., was made Earl of March, and all three were famous, manly and wise. Philip and Charles mar- ried daughters of the Earl of Burgundy,

but they were froward and adulterous and caused the death of all three princes.

2456. discerne] concerne H. 2459. This] The H.

2483. the] ther R.

2486. in be] into R. 2488. thes] the R.

990

Charlci of Tarentum. who tried to make peace between the Ciuelphj and Ghibellines,

Dante Alighieri appears to Bochas

[bk. IX

wai born of the blood of France; but he was slain bjr an arrow in the wars between Florence and Pisa.

^ Aftir thes thre princis glorious,

Tofor Bochas to shewen his entent,

A niihti dulc, notable and riht famo/zj, 2492

Caw to co;;;pleyne, Charlis of Tharente,

W hich in his tymc to Florence wente

To make pes in his roial estat

Tween Guerff and Gemeliwj stondi^/g at debat. 2496

The saide Charlis, born of the blood of France,

A niawli kniht, the stori doth deuise,

Bi whos v;/happi froward fatal chaunce

In the werris atween Florence & Pise, 2500

On hors[e]bak sitty?/g in* knihtli wise,

Hurt with an arwe, fill lowe doun to grounde,

Wherbi he kauhte his laste fatal wounde.

A Pisan soldier A man of armys beyne a soudiowr

who trod on itt- i i -rk* . •.

With the risauns, wer it wrong or riht,

his body as it lay on the ground was made knight by the Ghibelline captain.

2504

Of fals disdeyn that day did his labour

To trede on Charlis in the peeplis siht.

Whan he lay gruff; wherfor he was maad kniht 2508

Be ther capteyn for a maner pride,

Which gouerned the Gibelynes side.

While Bochas sat still in his seat with a heavy cheer, Dante of Florence, the laureate poet, appeared to him with impressive countenance.

Bochas arose and met him with great reverence, saying, "O brightest «un, daystar of our city.

2512

2516

2-;20

AND in his studie with ful heuy cheer Whil lohn Bochas abood still in his seete. To hym appeered & gan approche neer Dau7zte of Florence, the laureat poete, WttZ? his ditees and rethoriques sueete, Demure of look, fulfilled vfith pacience, Wi't^ a visage notable of reuerence.

Whan Bochaj sauh hym, vpon his feet he stood, And to meete hym he took his pas ful riht, Wit^ gret reuerence aualed capp and hood. And to hyw seide vfith humble cheer & siht: " O cleerest sonne, daysterre and souereyn liht* Of our cite, which callid is Florence, Laude onto the, honour and reuerence!

Thou hast enlumyned Itaile & Lumbardie Wit^ laureat dites in thi flouryng daies,

2496. GuerfT] Guelphes P — Gemellus^ Gemellyns J, Gamelyns

R 3, Gibellines P, Gemelyus H, Genelius R. 2501. in3 on B. 2505. wher it wer wrong or riht H, R 3. 2522. daysterre and souereyn liht] O verray sothfast liht B, R,

J, H s.

2524

BK. IX]

The Story of Duke Gaultier

991

Grouwd and gynner of prudent policie,

Mong Florentynes suffredist gret afFraies; 2528

As gold purid, preeued at al assaies,

In trouthe madest meekli thi-silue strong

For comoun proffit to sufFre peyne & wro^rg.

0 noble poete, touching this mateer, 2532 How Florentynes wer to the vnkynde,

1 wil remewbre and write with good cheer Thi pitous exil and put heer in mynde."

" Nay," quod Daunte, *' but heer stant oon

behynde, 2536

Duk of Athenis; turne toward hym J)i stile, His vnkouth stori breefli to compile.

And yif thou list to do me this plesaunce,

To descryue his knihtli excellence,

I wil thou putte his lyfF in remembrance,

How he oppressid be myhti violence

This famous cite [which] callid [is] Florence;

Be which[e] stori ful pleynli thou shalt see,

Which wer freendis & foon to that* cite.

And which wer hable for to been excusid,

Yif the trouthe be cleerli apparceyued;

And which wer worthi for to be refusid, 2548

Be whom the cite ful falsli was deceyued,

The circumstaunces notabli conceyued.

To rekne in ordre upon eueri side,

Which sholde be chacid & which shold abide." 2552

thou hast illumined Italy and Lombard/ with thy works and suffered pain and wrong for the common weal.

2540

"O noble poet, I will write with good cheer thy sad exile." "Nay," said Dante, "turn thy pen to the Duke of Athens, who stands behind me.

"Do me this pleasure and describe his knightly excellence and tell how he oppressed the city of Florence,

2544

so that thou shalt know which were friends and which were foes to the town."

A

plow Duk Gaultere of Florence for his tjrrannye Lecherye and couetise ended in mischef.3 ^

ND whan Boch^j knew al thentencioun [p. 438] Of seide Daunte, he cast hym anon riht Tobeie* his maister, as it was resoun; Took his penne; and as he cast his siht 2556

A lite a-side, he sauh no manifr wiht Sauf Duk Gaulteer, of al that longe day; For Daunt vnwarli vanshed was a-way.

2533. How] How the R. 2536. but] om. H, P.

2539. thou] ye H. 2545. that] the B, J, this H.

2549. was] wer H — deceyued] om. R.

2.55S- To obeie B.

1 MS. J. leaf 180 recto.

And when Bochas took up his pen to obey his master he saw no one but Duke Gaultier; for Dante had vanished.

992

Tliis uid Gaulticr was of the blood of France; and hi* father, lord of Athens.

The Story of Duke GauUier

[bk. IX 2560

was put down by the Greeks and his head smitten olT.

To avenge his death Gaulticr resolved to besiege the city, but was unsuccessful, and at that time two Pisan princes began to lay siege to Lucca.

The Florentines came down to help the Luccans, but were defeated;

and at this Gaultier went to Florence from Naples

and was chosen

governor by a parliament of magnates,

This salde Gaultccr, brecffli to procecde,

Lik as it is I put in reme;?;braunce,

Touchyng his lyne an[cl] his roial kynreede,

He was disccndid of the hlood of France.

Bi lonj; proccsse and knihth purueyauwce 2564

His fadir Hrst, be dilhgent hibo;<r,

Of Athenys was lord and gou<frnowr.

Stood but a while in cleer pocessioun,

Grekis to hym hadde ful gret envie, 2568

Caste of assent[e] for to putte hym doun

And depryve hym of his famoz/j duchie;

To ther entent a leiseer did espie,

Took hym at myscheef, &, quaki??g in his dreed, 2572

Of hih despiht in hast smet of his bed.

Vpon whos deth auengid for to bee

The saide Gaulteer with myhti apparaille

Caste he wolde asege that cite; 2576

But of his purpos longe he dide faille.

And in this while, with many gret* bataile,

Too myhti princis wer come doun of Pise,

Leid a siege to Luk in knihtli wise. 2580

Florentynes to Luk wer fauourable;

And to delyuere the siege fro the toun,

With multitude almost innumerable

Made ordynaunce; & knihtli thei cam doun, 2584

Which turned aftir to ther destruccioun:

For it fill so of mortal auenture,

On Florentynes fill the disconfiture.

The noise and fame of this grift bataile 2588

Gan spreede ferr bi report of langage

In Lombardie and thoruh[out] al Itaile

Mong soudiowr[e]s lusti of corage;

And among othir, feynyng a pilgrimage, 2592

The saide Gaulteer be vnwar violence

Cam fro Naplis doun into Florence.

The Florentynes heeld first a parlement

For the sauacioun and garde of her cite, 2596

Be gret prudence and gret auisement

2570. his] that R, H, R 3, P, H 5.

2578. gret] strong B, J, P.

2579. Pise] Parise H. 2589. report] recorde H.

BK. IX]

The Story of Duke Gaultier

993

2604

2608

Of suich as wer[e]n hiest of degre;

Bi oon assent thei gafF the souereywte

Them to gou^rne, hoping to ther encres, 2600

With statutis made bothe for werr^ & pes.

The gret estatis, reulers of the touw,

CalHd magnates tho daies in sothnesse,

To Gaulteer gafF this domynaciouw,

Of entent the comouns to oppresse

And marchauwti?/ to spoille of ther richesse,

Streyne men of crafFt be froward violence

Ageyw the libertes vsid in Florence.

The peeple alway in a-wait Hggyng

To be restorid onto ther liberte,

Gan gruchche sore, amowg hemsilf pleynywg

For gret extorsiouws doon to ther cite; 2612

The grete also, of most auctorite,

Hadde leuere to sufFre Gaulteer regne.

Thaw ther exacciouws to modefie or restreyne.

The saide Gaulteer in ful sotil wise, 2616

Be a fals maner of symulaciou^z, —

Enmy in herte vnto ther frauwchise;

Al that he wrouhte, for short co/zclusioun,

Was doon oonli to ther destrucciouw, 2620

Wit^ a pretence feyned of freendliheed,

To his promys ay cowtrarie was the deed, —

Clamb up be processe to ful hih estat

Be feyned speche and sotil flaterie;

In his herte wex pompous & elat.

His werkiwg outward no man koude espie;

Lite and litil drouh to his partie,

That to conclude, shortli for to seie,

Al Florence his lustis did obeie.

Gan sotilli plese the comounte,

For to acowplissh falsli his desirs,

Made promys tencrece ther liberte 2632

To suich as wer[e]n froward of maneeres;

Made an oth to stroie ther officeeres,

But thei wolde of ther fre volunte

Graunte onto \\ym larger liberte, 2636

whose

intention

was to plunder

the merchants

and rob the

town of its

liberties.

The people were dis- contented, but the notables preferred to let Gaultier reign rather than modify their exactions.

Gaultier feigned friendship for both parties,

2624

2628

and climbed up by degrees to such power that all Florence carried out his desires.

He made him- self popular with the commons by promising to increase their franchises,

2599 is repeated H. 2608. the^ theire J, theyr P.

2624 is misplaced at end oj stanza H. 2627. Iitil3 lite H, R 3.

994

The Story of Duke Gaultirr

and finally became «o powerful and tyrannous as to menace the very greatest of the town.

[bk. IX

[P- 439]

At this time one Reynicr, a hiKh otTiccr in Florence, supported Gaultier in

order to share in his tyranny.

The magnates could do nothing but acquiesce.

and agreed that Gaultier should swear on the body of Christ to restore them their old franchises.

A trumpet was blown and a parliament held Gaultier made his promise

Gretter poweer niui doniynacioun

Tencrece his niiht upon eueri side.

Gan manace the grettest of the toun

And day he day tMicrescn in his pride; 2640

FiHi began, felli [he] did abide;

W lierupon,* kept cloos in ther entraille,

The Florentynes greth gan niffruaille.

In this while was ther oon Reyneer,* 2644

Of gret auctorite and of gret reuerence,

A mihti seruaunt and a gret officeer,

To whos biddyng obeied al Florence,

Which with Gaulteer acorded in sentence, 2648

With soudioi/rs hadde stuffid ech hostrye

For to susteene of Gaulteer the partie.

And traitowrli for to fortefie

Thentent of Gaulteer, fel & awbicious, 2652

To haue thestat onli be tirannye,

As ther cheefFlord, froward & surquedous,

To regne in Florence; the cas was pereilous,

Whan too tirauntis be bothe of oon assent 2656

With multitude tacomplisshe ther entent.

Which thyng considred bi ther gou^rnowrs

And magnates callid in the cite,

Whan that thei fond among hew no socowrs 2660

To remedien ther gret aduersite;

Fill to accord[e] of necessite.

Gaff ther assent withoute variaunce.

That Gaulter sholde haue al the gou^rnaunce. 2664

And condescendid thei wer to this issu.

That Gaulteer sholde in al his beste wise

Vpon the bodi be sworn of Crist \es\Xy

Them to restore onto ther fraunchise 2668

Vsid of old, and for no couetise

From ther promys, for lyff nor deth declyne,

As be conuencioun [the court] list determyne.

Heerupon was blowen a trompet 2672

For tassemble thestatis of the toun;

A parlement holde, Gaulter first was set;

2642. Therupon B, P.

2644. R omits lines 2644 to 3588 — ther was oon J, P —

Reyneer]Reymeer B. 2648. acorded] accord H.

26713 As the conuencioun list to determyne J.

BK. IX]

The Story of Duke Gaultier

995

2688

2692

And to pronounce the convencioun,

V^ith euery parcel entitle[d] be resoim, 2676

Lik ther accord declaryng ano« riht,

Stood up a vocat in the peephs siht.

With men of armys in steel armid briht

Vnto ther paleis cheef and princepall 2680

The saide Gaulteer cowveied ano« riht,

Set in a seete most statli and roiall.

And the peeple with vois memoriall

Gan crye loude, cowcludiwg this sentence: 2684

Gaulteer for euere, cheef* lord of Florence —

So to perseuere duryng al his lyff. Took in the paleis ful pocessiouw; Ther durste non ageyn it make strifF; Graunted to hym the domynaciouw Of alle the castellis aboute enviroun, — Tuscan, Areche and castel Florentyw, Wit^ alle lordshipis to Mount Appenyn.

As ye haue herd[e], Gaulteer thus began.

Bi his owne furious dyuynaille,

Saide he was born to be lord of Tuscan,

With a gret parti also of Itaille; 2696

Tolde he was lad, conueied be a quaile,

Saide ouermor[e], wer it riht or wronge,

That was the sentence of the birdis songe.

The same brid first brouht hyw* to Florence,

Al the weie afForn hym took his fliht;

With soote syngyng did hym reuerence,

Hih in the hair of corage glad and liht;

Wolde neuer parte out of his siht; 2704

Gaff hym tokenes to sette his herte affire.

That of Florence he shold be lord & sire.

The same bird he bar in his deuises

Ful richeli enbroudid with perre; 2708

Took upon hym many gret emprises

As cheef lord of Florence the cite;

Sat in iugement; gouernid the contre;

and,

conveyed by men-at-arms, was set on his throne, while the people cried loudly, "Gaultier for-

He took possession of the palace and all the neighbouring castles and lordships.

2700

Thus he began; and he said overmore that he was born to be lord of Tuscany, for a quail had told him so

and led him to Florence and done him reverence with its sweet singing.

He bore this same bird richly

embroidered in his devices, and taking up the reins of government

2684. this] in J.

2685. cheef] was cheef B, P, R 3.

2686. al] om. H.

2691. Areche] Areth J, Auretium P,

2700. first brouht hym] brouht hywz first B, J.

996 The Story of Duke Gaultier ^BK. IX

2713

•urroundcd him- Drouh to livm flatcrcrs & folk \uit koude he,

self with people ,^ ,. ., ,. , , i^L

of 111 fame. IJautlis, nbauciis wlicr he myht new espie.

lie was so Qf that cltc took merueillous truages; lecherous and Cfochcth to hvm ilchcssis of the tOU7i;

quarrelsome r\C \ \ ' ^ .. .. c

and lacking in V Jtlccherye vsid gfct outrages, 2716

Kr'>cT."tirat'"t* ^^f niaidncs, wyues maad non excepcioiuz. to°eu"«bout^ \ oide of mercy, grace and reniyssiouw, *''"'• Fond quarehs for to be vengable.

That to reherse it is abhomynable. 2720

He slew those Whct he hateth* merciles he sleth; [p. 440]

whom he hated i^ , c i • i i i i • i

and destroyed lirak traiu/chises and old libertes.

franchises and /-i^i • • • j j • I " j ^I_

old liberties. 1 lie pccple pleynid, desiryng sore his detn.

Cried vengaunce aboute in ther citees 2724

For tiranye doon in the contrees. Which was cause of gret discencioun And of ther cite almost subuersiouw.

The people Thus thei wem among hewzsilff deuided 2728

desired his _, , , • ±

death and 1* Or thct sodcyn gr^uous oppressioun. They had^""" Lak of forsiht, that thei wer nat prouided to s-S* the"'^^' To seen myscheeuys that sholde falle in ^e touw. w3'd"oi\otv, This verray soth: wher is dyuysioun, 2732

Be witnesse and record of scripture. May no kyngdam nor cite long endure.

for which they For which thei gaw cowpleyne oon & all,

now complained;,^ , , 111

and finally they Dothc the grete and al the comouwte; 2736

5pfre"hi° ^°^' And of accord amowg thewsilff thei fall destruction. j^ refoutme the hurt of ther cite.

And fynalli the[i] condescendid bee

Bi a maner fell coniuraciouw 2740

To proceede to his destruccioun.

One day they Vpon a day, thei armed in steel briht,

armed them- ■. , ~ . y c \

selves and Magnates hrSt, with comouws or the touw,

sUy this ' "' Alle of assent thei roos up anon riht, 2744

i^d^iege'to Gan to crie & make an hidous soun:

his palace. " L^,. gjg ^j^jg titaunt! lat vs pulle hyw doun! "

Leide a siege be myhti violence

AfForn his paleis, wher he was in Florence. 2748

2715. accrochith H, Acrochith R 3, Accrocheth P. 2721. hateth] hated B. 2724. ther]] othir H, R 3.

2725. the] theire

2736. 1st the] o ft

their P.

2729. oppressioun] oppressiouns B — greuous sodeyn J, P,

le J — 2nd the] of the J.

BK. 1X3

The Story of Duke Gaultier

997

Swich as wern enclyned to Gaulteer,

Amyd the paleis, the stori doth vs lerne,

Teschewe the seege, v^ith ful heuy cheere

Ordeyned hemsilf to fleen awey ful yerne 2752

Out of the strengthe bi a smal posterne,

Wha« Florentynes dide ther labour

To vndermyne round aboute the tour.

Of which[e] thing whan Gaulteer gan take heed, 2756

This massage he sente onto the toun,

Nat of trouthe, but feynyngli for dreed,

Made promys be fals collusioun

For to make ful restitucioun 2760

Of ther fredamys, as thei list deuise;

Sent hem out [oon] Guyllamyn Dassise,

Which to the cite was preeuid vttir foo;

Hadde afForn[e] doon hem gret damage. 2764

With Guillamyn to them he sent also

His sone and heir to stynte al ther rage, —

Wers than his fadir of wil and of corage.

Bothe attonis wer hangid anon riht 2768

Tofor the paleis in Gaulteres siht.

Another also, that callid was Herry,

Which hadde afForn[e] youe instruccioun

Vnto Gaulteer and was eek gret enmy 2772

To steren hym ageyn that noble toun,

Gynner and ground of ther dyuisioun, —

Which tofor Gaulteer, his iugement to shewe.

His friends were glad to flee by a small postern;

With sharp[e] suerdis he was al to-hewe.

Thexecucioun doon upon thes thre

In Tuscan born, the rancour did appese*

Of Florentynes, to staunche the[r] cruelte

Ageyn Gaulteer, and to his lyff gret ese.

He glad tescape out of his disese,

Fledde away in ful secre wise.

The toun restorid ageyn to ^per franchise.

Thus he loste be his insolence Al his poweer and domynacioun Bothe of Tuscan and also of Florence;

2776

2780

2784

but Gautier promised to restore the liberties of the town and sent out one William d'Assise,

an enemy of the city, and his own son, who was even worse than his father. Both were immediately hanged before the palace.

Another enemy of the town, called Herry, who had incited Gaultier to new outrages, was cut in pieces with swords.

After these three were executed the anger of the Florentines lessened, and Gaultier managed to escape.

Thus by his insolence he lost all his power.

2762. oon3 om. J.

2763. vttir] a gret H, R 3, a great P.

2765. With] off H — he sent to them J. 2767. 2nd of] or H.

2773. steren] restoren H. 2778. appese] espie B, J.

998

He w«nt to King John of trance,

and wai at the battle of Poitiera

when John was taken prisoner. He fled like a coward

and, falling

into the hands

of »ome

Lombard

soldiers,

was slain by a

certain

Florentine.

The Story of Philippa Catanensi [bk. IX

And as myn aiicto;<r makcth menciouw,

Fro Lii7;;hardie he is descciulid dout;, 2788

Drouh to kyng lohn regny«g tho in France,

And of berthe ful nih of alliaunce.

As I fynde he was on that partie

Wkh kyng lohn, this Gaulteer, Hk a kniht; 2792

Whan that the kyng with al his cheualrie

Was take hy7nsilf, his lordis put to fliht,

Into Inglond lad aftir anon riht, —

The saide Gaulteer, hauyng no reward 2796

To his disworshep,* fledde lik a coward.

Mette in his fliht with dyuers soudiowrs

Of Lumbardie abidyng wzt^ kyng lohn,

Which that tyme as brigavntis & pillowrs 2800

Took this Gaulteer, ledde hym foorth anon, —

His force, his corage, his herte was agon:

Of auenture a certeyn Florentyn

Smet of his hed; this was his fatal fyn. 2804

Next in order, weeping and trembling, came Philipot Catbenoise.

[Off Philip Cathenoise born of lowe birthe cam to grete estat /& aftir she hir son & doughtir were brent.] ^

ESPREYNT vfith teres, & [with] a woful noise, [p. 44^]

B

Tofor Bochaj- quakyng in sorwe & dred,

Next in ordre caw Phelipp Cathenoise,

Poore of degre, born of louh kynreede, 2808

Which roos aftir to gret estat in deede.

Gan with gret sorwe a compleynt ful mortall,

Ceriousli to telle hir* woful fall.

Although she Touchyng hir berthe, dirk was hir lynage, 2812

estate" shf was Of poorc bed[de] born on outher side; te lit'^ Bochas was loth to spende gret langage Sing"'" On hir historie, long theron tabide, trme'^o^he''r Purposed hym nothyng for to hide 2816

story. Of'the substaunce, but telle al the grete,

And superfluite of the remnant lete.

2797. disworshep3 worshep B, J — lik] as H.

2807. Philip J, R 3, P.

2811. hir] the B, his J. 2818. remnant] tyraunt H.

1 MS. J. leaf 181 recto.

BK.

IX]

The Story of Philippa Catanensi

999

Which was rehersed to hym in his youthe

Whan he was toward Robert of Cicile, 2820

Kyng of Iherusalem, the stori is nat kouth;

Yit in his book he hst it to compile

And it reherse be ful souereyw stile,

Lik in that court as it was [to] hym told 2824

Bi oon Bulgar clad in a slaueyw old.

The saide Bulgar was a maryneer,

With whom also was a Calabrien

Callid Constawtyn, which ful many a yeer 2828

Trauailled hadde & sondry thynges seen

In dyuers centres ther he hadde been.

Mong other thiwges seyn in ther daies olde,

This was a stori which[e] Bulgar tolde. 2832

Duk of Calabre, Robert be his name,

Bi his fadir Charlis, the myhti kyng,

Hadde in comaundement, his stori seith l)e same,

Geyn Frederik to make a strong ridywg; 2836

Which be force proudli vsurpiwg,

Took upon hym to be lord of that ile,

Which callid was the kyngdam of Cicile.

Drepanne in soth[e] callid was the toun 2840

Wher Duk Robert his pauylouws pihte,

Redi armyd, thoruh his hih renoun

Geyn Frederik for that* lond to fihte

And withstonde hym pleynli yif he myhte. 2844

And so befill, the morwe tofor prime

The dukis wifF of childyng bood hir tyme.

Violaunt men dide that ladi call,

In hir tyme a famous gret duchesse; 2848

Destitut of other women all.

Whan hir child was born in that distresse,

To yiue it souke, the stori doth expresse,

Saue fro* myscheefF Philipot was brouht neer, 2852

Of Cathenoise, the dukis cheef lauendeer.

Bi a fisshere, which was hir husbonde,

A child she hadde, lyuyng be ther trauaile,

However, he decided to tell it in outline as he had heard it in his youth from one Bulgar, a mariner, when he was at the court of King Robert of Sicily.

With the said Bulgar was a Calabrian called

Constantlne, who had travelled far. Bulgar's tale was as follows:

Robert, Duke of Calabria, was commanded by his father to make war on Frederick III. of Aragon, who had usurped the kingdom of Sicily;

and

while Robert was encamped at Depranum the Duchess Violanta was delivered of a child,

and having no other nurse, she employed Philipot, the Duke's chief laundress,

whose

husband was a fisherman.

2824. to] om. H, R 3. 2835. his] the J.

2840. Depranum P. 2841. Robert] Roger P.

2843. that] the B, J, P. 2845. befor H, before J.

2852. Saue] And H — fro] for B, J, H 5, P, R 3 — Philipot] Philip P.

lOOO The Story of Philippa Catanensi [bk. IX

Thu. PiiiiirKit Which fro the se onto the court be londe aStie

became nur»e t-v i i • i • -i

to the Dav he day caned vitaile.

Ducheu, and * 'i - i ■ i • i •<

lived ia luxury, Aiul 111 tliis caas, becausc it niyhte auaile,

Phihpot was hrouht, in this gr^'t streihtnesse,

To he notice onto the duchesse. 2860

•"'^.«<j°"'- Wher she was cherisshed aftlr hir desirs, mistress Kch thyng rccdi whan that euer she sente.

where the \\ ix.h the duchcssc niong other chauwzberers

Into Naples I fynde that she wente, 2864

Til Antropos, froward of entente,

Made of this child, ther is no nior to seyne,

The lyues threed[e] for to breke in tweyne.

^*"^i?*^"'''"'' With kyng Charlis, of whom I spak toforn, 2868

of Champagne. . -' =" i • i • i • , ,

King Charles' As xwyn zxxctouT teniewbrith in his book, once bought Was oon Raymond cf Chau7;;payne born, chUdVom"*" ^^ hich with the kyng was callid maist^r cook.

a pirate and p^^^ ^^ ^ j^y j^j^ [^^^^^ }^g ^^^^ ^g^^

Toward the se; a pirat, as I fynde.

Sold hym a child which was born in Ynde.

made him a Lik Ethiopiens was his coloi<r;

Christian and -^ i i • in i t i i i

taught him to T ot whom this COOK Kaymond hath deuysed, 2876 cook. Be his notable [&] dilligent labour,

Made hyw cristene; & so he was baptised;

Gaff hym his* name, & hath also practised

Hym to promoote, that he vpon hyw took 2880

Bi his doctryne to be maister cook;

^ter^^^ymond Fot he soone afftir took the ordr^ of kniht. knight, the The Ethiopicn wex a good officeer,

Ethiopian was ^^ . , • i i • -i

made lord of Uat suich gtacc in the kyngis siht, 2884

wa^rdrobe! and To bc aboutc hym [was btouht up] mor neer; was°buck!^^ Be processe he was maad wardropeer; husband had"*" ^"^ thouh he was blak of his visage, him' ^^"'^^ To Cathenoise was ioyned in mariage. 2888

He grew bold Wcx malapert, and of presumpcioun [p. 442]

king to knight To be maad kniht the kyng he gaw requeere, the 'king did. Which of fredam and gret affeccioun

Is condescendid to graunten his praieere. 2892

But to declare pleynli the maneere,

2859. Philip P. 2867. in] on H, J, R 3, H 5.

2872. his] this J, P. 2875. Ethiopes H.

2877. &] om. J. 2878. cristened J. 2879. his] the B, J.

2885. was brouht up] om. P, J. 2887. blak] om. H.

BK. IX]

The Story of Philippa Catanensi

lOOI

In this tyme Violaunt the duchesse, AfFor remewbred, deide of seeknesse.

Aftir whos deth, the book doth certefie, 2896

How Duk Robert of Naples the cite

Weddid a ladi that calHd was Sansie,

To whom PhiHpot, as fill to hir degre,

With diUigence and gret humyhte 2900

To plesen hire did so hir deueer,

That of hir couwsail ther was now so neer.

Euere redi at hir comauwdement,

Wrouhte atires plesaunt of dehht, 2904

With holsum watres that wer redolent

To make hir skyn bi wasshyng soote & whiht,

Made confecciouws to serue hir appetiht.

Bi hir husbonde, the stori who list see, 2908

The same Philipot hadde childre thre.

She was kunwyng & of hir port prudent;

Chose be fauour for to be maistresse

To faire lane, yong and innocent, 2912

Which douhtir was to the gret duchesse

Of Calabre; and ferthermor texpresse,

Hir husbonde Thethiopien with-al

Of Charlis houshold was maad senescall. 2916

" O Lord! " quod Boch^j, spak of hih disdeyn,

" What meueth this Fortune for to make cheers.

With hir fauour to reise up a foreyw

Vpon hir wheel, with brihte fethres cleer.f ; 2920

But of custum it is ay hir maneer^f

Fairest tappeer<f wit^ cheer and contenaunce,

Whan she wil brywge a man vnto myschauwce.

For he that was a boy the laste day, 2924

An Ethiopien brouw and horrible of siht,

And afor-tyme in the kechyn lay

Among the pottis with baudi cote aniht.

Now [he] of neue hath* take the ordre of kniht, 2928

With kyng Charlis now is he senescall:

Swich sodeyn clymbyng axeth a sodeyn fall."

At this time Violanta died, and Duke Robert married a lady called Sancia, with whom Philipot soon became very intimate.

Philipot fiad three children,

and as she was prudent and knowing she became governess of Jane, daughter of the Duchess of Calabria. The Ethiopian was made seneschal of Charles' household.

"O Lord," said Bochas, "why should Fortune so lift up an alien, especially an ugly.

brown Ethiopian, who once lay among the pots in the kitchen! Such sudden climbing asks a sudden fall."

2894. this] his H. 2896. doth] om. H.

2897. Robert] Roger P.

2901. hir] corrected jrom his to hir B. 2906. wasshyn H.

2918. for] om. H, R 3. 2923. vnto] \n to H.

2928. he] om. J — hath] haue B.

I002

He and Philipot hii wife rose to great wealth, and (heir sons made stately mnrriagei and became knights. But their father died at the height of his prosperity and had a great funeral.

Thus Fortune can change. The eldest son also died, and the second son left his books to take his father's place.

2940

2944

The Story of Philip pa Catantrnsi [bk. ix

He and Philipot, his vviff", fro pouerte

Been enhaiu/sid and rise to gret richesse; 2932

TweN'ne of ther sonis statli niaried bee;

And for fauo;/r nior than worthynesse

Took ordre of kniht; & in his most hihnesse

1 her fader deide, w hos feeste funerall 2936

Was soleiiipnised and holde ful roiall.

Thus can Fortune chau?zgen as the moone,

Hir brihte face dirked with a skie:

His eldest sone deide aftir soone;

The secou7/de lefft up his clergie,

To be maad kniht gan hywsilf applie,

Stede of his fader, pleynli as I reede,

In his offis be fauoz^r to succeede.

Phiiipot's Thus be processe fro Philipot anon riht,

welfare was t~v i r i • i i i r • •

in part eclipsed; Ueth of hir husbonde & [of] hir sonis tweyne,

but as the t^ . • i- i i i i ,•!

fortune in parti eclipsed hath the liht

Of hir weelfare & ga?j at hir disdeyne. 2948

Yit euene lik, as wha?j that it doth reyne,

Phebus aftir sheweth mor cleernesse.

So she fro trouble roos to mor noblesse.

I meene as thus, r-fhersiwg no v^rtu 2952

In hir persone that men koude espie,

But onli this, be title of this issu:

Whan Charlis douhtir lane on that partie

Was to the kyng weddid of Hungrie, 2956

Callid Andree, a man of gret corage,

His saide wifF but riht tendr^ of age,

The same lane, nat al wft^oute vice, As is rehersed suwiwhat be myn auctowr, 2960

To whom Philipot whilom was* norice, As ye haue herd, and be ful gret labowr Of saide lane, Robert made gou^rnowr, Sone of Philipot, for a gret reward, 2964

Made of Scicile & of that lond stiward. The Sicilians This fauout doon to Philipot Cathenoise

were indignant. ^ j • i i i • t

L^aused in that lond gret indignacioun,

Whos douhtres weddyng caused eek gr<?t noise, 2968

sun shines brightest after a rain, she too rose to still greater glory.

Jane, who was not

above criticism, married king Andreas of Hungary,

and for a large bribe and by great labour had Philipot's son Robert made governor of Sicily.

2934. than] J)an for H.

2945. Phillippe P. 2951.

2957. Andreas P. 2958.

2959. Stanza repeated H.

2937. holde] kept H. noblesse] gladnesse H. His saide] he seid his J. 2961. was whilom B.

BK. 1X3

The Story of Philippa Catanensi

1003

Maried to Charlis the gret erl of Marchou«,

Which gafF to folk gret occasiouw

To deeme amys aboute in ech centre,

That al that lond was gou^rned be tho thre, 2972

Be queen lane and Philipot Cathenoise [p. 443]

A«d saide Robert, stiward of Cicile,

Sone to PhiHpot; this was the comouw voise: —

The queen and Robert be ther sotil wile 2976

Hadde of assent vsed a long[e] while

The hatful synwe of auout[e]rie, —

Roos in Cicile & went up to Hungrie.

For queen lane began no manifr thing 2980

But Cathenoise assentid wer therto;

Thexecucioun and fulli the werkiwg

Brouht to conclusioun, be Robert al was do.

And in this title roos a stryf also, 2984

A disclaundrous and a froward discord

Atween the queen & hym that was hir lord.

Hard to proceede upon suspecioun, Sclauwdre is swifFt, lihtli taketh his fliht; For which men sholde eschewe thoccasioun Of fame and noise, & euery man^r wiht Bi prouidence remembre in his forsiht, Whan the report is thoruh a lond Ironne, Hard is to stynte it whan it is begonne.

Withstonde principles, occasiouns to declyne,

List vnwarli ther folwe gret damage;

To late kometh the salue and medecyne

To festrid soris whan thei be incurable.

And in caas verray resemblable,

Teschewe slaundre list nat for to spare,

May nat faillen to fallen in the snare. 3000

Thus for a tyme the sclaundre was kept cloos,

Al-be-it so it did a while abide,

Another mischeef than* pitousli aroos.

Which afFtirward spradde abrood ful wide: 3004

Auoutrye to moordre is a guide, —

Set at a preefF, myn auctOMt doth recorde,

The kyng Andree was stranglid v^ith a corde.

Philipot's daughter then married the earlof Marcon, which increased her power.

2996

It was common gossip that Robert and Queen Jane had long been committing adultery.

The news reached Hungary, and there was strife between the king and queen.

Slander travels swiftly and, 2988 once begun, is hard to stop;

2992

so it is better not to give occasion for it: salve comes too late when a sore is festered and incurable.

For a time the scandal was suppressed; but soon another mischief arose: King Andreas was murdered.

2971. deemed don H.

3003. than] ful B, J, P, H 5, om. R 3.

I004 '4n Envoy on Pbilippa Catanensi [|bk. ix

Hugh, Eariof Out of liIs cliaiu/ibrc reised a gret heilite 3008

Avcllino, under- .^. • i r i • •

took to punish 1)1 a coniectecl tals conspiracioiui,

t e crime, an pj^ ^^^^ entrctcd, broulit doun be a slclhte,

Afttir stranplld, as iiiaad is nie?/cioun.

\\ hos dctb to piinli]slie be coni/;;yssioiin, 3012

Iluhe Krl of Aiulyii be a patent large

To be iuge took on hym the cbarge.

Phiiipot, her Of this moordrc roos up a gret noise,

son and her _^ . , • r i i i i i

daughter, were DC euidcncis lul abnomynable, 3016

a°"j"bu''rn't'at PhiHpot [Ijcallid Cathenoisc,

the ttakc. pjjj. j-m^g^ iijj. (Jouhtir, that thei wer coupable;

Doom was youe be iuges ful notable;

And to conclude shortli ther iugement, 3020

Wi't^ cheynis bouwde to stakis thei wer brent.

[Lenvoye.] This tragedy ^~I~^HIS tragcdie afforn rehersed heer

tells the evils I 't' ii- i i i r

of presumption: X 1 ellith the damages or pr^sumpcioun,

no one is more t-> • j i i

cruel than a Dexperience declaryng pe maneer, 3024

ritirto'domi- Whan beggers rise to domynacioun, nation. jg j^^j^ gQ drecdful execuciouw

Of cruelte, yif it be weel souht,

Than of such oon that cam up of nouht. 3028

Phiiipot was Record on Phiiipot, that with humble cheer

at first a simple t-,- i p i

laundress; but Di sodcyn tauoMr and supportaciouM,

when she came ttti • i r l 11 J

to estate she VVhich was totor a symple smal lauendeer CrbinT''^""^ Of no valu nor reputaciouw, 3032

Be Fortunys gery mutacioun, Shad out hir malis, testat whan she was brouht, List nat cowsidre how she cam up of nouht.

Where is Whcr mor disdeyn or wher is mor daungeer, 3036

there more r\ r ^ •

scornful pride Or mor troward comunycacioun,

evu^jmlfany or Mor vengablc vcnym doth appeere,

imo^'pwSe" Nor mor sleihti fals supplantacioun,

out°o7^nothing? ^ot mor conspired vnwar coUusioun, 3040

Nor vndermynywg doon couertli & wrouht, Than of such folk that komen up of nouht?

3CX38. heihte] liht H. 3015. this] his H.

3017. IcaUid] that called was P, callid H, J.

3027. souht] I sought J, out sought P.

3029. on] of H, R 3, H 5 — Philip P.

BK. 1x3 '^he Fate of King Sancho of Majorca

Fortunys chauwges & meeuywges circuleer, Wit^ hir most stormy transmutaciouw, 3044

Now oon set up ful hih in hir chaieer, Enhauwceth vicious, vertuous she put douw; Record on PhiUpot, whos venymous tresoun Compassid afForn[e] in hir secre thouht, 3048

The deede brak out, whan she caw up of nouht.

Noble Princis, with yowr briht eien cleer

Aduertiseth in your discrecioun.

That no flaterer com in your court to neer 3052

Be no fraude of fals decepciouw,

Alwey remewbryng afForn in yowr resouw

On this tragedie, and on the tresoun wrouht

Bi fals flaterers that caw up of nouht. 3056

1005

Fortune often sets up the vicious and puts down the virtuous.

Noble Princes, remember this tragedy and the treason done by false flatterers who came up of nought!

[How Ijyng Sausys was slayn by his Cosyn whiche was brothir to the kyng of Arrogon.] ^

THE tyme kam that of his [gret] trauaile [p. Bochaj dempte, holdyng for Jie beste, This noble poete of Florence & Itaile, To make his penne a while for to teste, Closed his book &* shette it in his cheste; But or he mihte spere it with the keie, Kam thre princis and meekli gaw hyw preye,

Amongis othre remewbrid in his book Ther greuauwces breeffli to declare. Wherwith Mochas gan cast up his look, And of compassiouw beheeld her pitowj fare, Thouhte he wolde for no slouthe spare To ther requestis goodli condescende. And of his book so to make an eende.

And he gan first reherse be writyng, And his cowpleynt ful pitousli he made, Touchyng the fall[e] of the grete kyng Icallid Sause, which his soiowr hade. The place namyd was Astrosiade;

444]

3060

Bochas now

thought

to rest a while

from his

labour,

so he shut up

his book in a

chest; but

before he could

turn the key,

3064 three kings came and prayed him to remember their grievances. Of compassion he could' not refuse, and with their stories he made an end of the Fall of Princes.

The first was Sancho, who 3072 lived in the Balearic Isles.

3068

3047. on] of H, R 3.

3045. hir] his H, the J.

3061. &] to B, R 3, H s.

3074. Sause] Sautius P — hade] made H

3075. was] om. H, R 3.

1 MS. J. leaf 182 verso.

ioo6 The Fate of King Sancho of Majorca [bk. ix

And, as he writ, a litil ther beside 3076

Was a smal isle callid Gcmaside.

Hit kingdom Bothe thcs isles togidre knct in oon, Majorca. anJ Wlicf Sausis liaddc liis domynacioun,

there he lived ■. • 1111

in peace. Lyuywgmpcs; enmy hadde he non; 3080

, In long quicte hccld pocessiouw. \\ hos kyngdam hool, as maad is mencioun, In that vulgar, myn auctowr writ pe same, Of Malliogrcs plcy;di bar l)e name. 3084

Ther is also another smaller isle* Callid Maillorge; & of bothe tweyne The seid[e] kyng was lord a gret[e] while, Keeping his stat notable and souereyne. 3088

until his cousin, Hauyng a cosyn, gan at hy^n disdeyne,

brother of the .-.,.-', ° i i • •

king of Aragon, vVhich btothet was, as maad is mencioun, ene^' '* Vnto the kyng that tyme of Arragoun.

it.'s , . In thes isles, remenibrid be writyngis, 3092

said that in ., , ' • i -i

these isles Whan the peeple went into bataile, M8t1ng°swnes Was the vsage founde up first of slyngis, fiistTnienTed!" Wzt^ cast of stoon ther enmyes to assaile;

Thei hadde of shot non othir apparaile 3096

In that tyme; arblast nouther bowe Parauenture was tho but litil knowe.

Finally Sancho's Alle thes conttcs wer callid but o lond,

cousin came ..^i i o • 1 IJ

down from Whet that bausis heeld pocessioun, 3100

an*irm7 and Til his cosyn with Strong & myhti bond k^gdom^and" [And] with gret poweer sodenli ca??z doun; Brouhte peeple out of Arragoun, Fill on kyng Sausis, feeble in his difFence, 3104

Gat that kyndam be knihtli violence.

•mote off his The ballauncc was nat of euene peis

they were Atween thes co'syns, who that list take heed;

nearly related, t-> • i • i • a

no courtesy T ot in his conquest this Arogoneis 3108

Th^t 'da^ Of cruelte bad smyten of the bed

Of kyng Sausis, quakyng in his dreed.

Thouh it stood so thei wer nih,of allie,

Ther was that day shewed no curteisie. 3112

3077. was3wjt^H — Emacide P. 3079. Sautius (/^rowg^

out) P. 3085. isle] Islee B. 3086. Maiora P.

3098. was tho but] J)at tyme was H. 3100. that] om. P.

3108. this] the J — Aragoneise H, Arageneys R 3, Arragoneys J, Arrogoneys P.

BK. IX]

Louis of Jerusalem and Sicily

1007

[How Lowes kyng of Jerusalem & Cecile was put doun.] ^

AFFTIR this storie told in woordes fewe, And of kyng Sausis slayw be tiranwye, ^er caw a prince, & gaw his face shewe, Callid Lowis lord of Trynacrye, 3116

The same isle [w]as in that partie Callid Cicane, the stori tellith thus, Aftir the name of kyng Siculus.

Trynacrye, a contre merueillous, 3120

Took first his name of famous hilles thre:

The cheeff of hem is callid Pellorus,

The next Pachinvs,* the thridde Lillibe,

Nat fer from Ethna the saide hille[s] be, 3124

Beside a se ful pereilous and ille.

With too dauwgeeris Karibdis and eek Scille.

This saide Lowys, kyng of Iherusalem

And of Sicile, the book maketh menciouw, 3128

Which was enchasid & put out of his rewm

Bi another Lowis and put douw,

Eendid in pouert, for short cowclusiouw.

This laste Lowis of pite did hym grace, 3132

Til he deide to haue a duellyng place.

Louis, lord of Trinacria, or Sicania, which was named after King Siculus, a

wonderful country with three famous hills, Pelorum. Pachynum, and Lily- baeum, not far from Etna,

was chased out of his realm and put down by another Louis, who had at least the grace to give him a dwelling place till he died.

[How k3mg John of fraunce at Peyters was take prisonere by Prynce Edward & brou3t in to Englond.] 2

NEXT of alle and laste of euerichon, Cursyng Fortune with al hir variauwce, Makyng his cowpleywt to Bochcj, caw Kywg lohn: Tolde his mischeefF, how he was take xn France 3137 Bi Prince Edward, for al his gr^t puissaunce; And aftir that, with strong & myhti bond, He was fro Peiteres brouht into Inglond. 3140

AfForn destroied his castellis & his towns, [p. 445] And ouerthrowen manli in bataile.

Last of all came King John of France, cursingFortune and all her variance. He told Bochas how Prince Edward took him prisoner in France and sent him

from Poitiers to England.

3117. was] as P, H 5, om. J. 3118. Sicania P.

3123. Pachinvs] Pathmvs B, J, Pachmus H, Pachinvs R 3,

Pachinus P. 3126. eek] om. H.

3142. ouerthrowen] ovircomen H, ouercomen R 3, ovyrcome H 5.

1 MS. J. leaf 182 verso.

2 MS. J. leaf 182 verso.

ioo8 f^ing John of France [bk. ix

His pnncei His prliicls slavn, thcr bancrcs nor penouns

were slain, and f.r . , i i- -i i

the heaps of INor brodc standaidis milite hew nat auaile; ^144

dead were r,-., , -ii i r i „ -i J t-t

searched and 1 hc tfas out soiiHt, spoillcd of platc & made.

spoiled of plate Tk t i • M ^ i t 1

and in.il. Mauprc MIS iiiilit kviij^ lohn was pnsoneer,

In Inglond aftir abood ful many a yeer,

John remained Sct aftlFWard OntO fill CFCt raU?ZSOlI?J I 5148

many .year. 1 he woithi slay[ejn on the rrenssh partie. At that time The Same tyme in Brutis* Albioun in"nobiesse """ TheF floured in soth noblesse of cheualrie,

Hihe prowesse* and prudent pollicie; 3152

Mars and Mercuric abouc ech nacioun

of chivalry.

Gou^rned that tyme Brutis* Albioun.

Mars for knihthod, ther patrouw in bataille, And Mynerua gafF hem influence,

Ntars, their patron in battle, and

them influence Mcynt With the brihtncssc of shyning plate & maile, p°rude"ce'and To flourc iH clcrgic and in hih prudence, (earnmg. j|.,^^. p^in^e Edward be marcial violence.

That day on lyue oon the beste kniht, Brouht horn Ki?/g lohn, maugre al his miht.

3156

3160

Thouh Bochflj- yafF hym fauoz^r bi langage. His herte enclyned onto that partie.

Bochas

favoured John and France,

to belittle the Which onto hym was but smal auauMtage: 3164

o^f"Engiishmcn7 Wootd is but wynd brouht in be envie. and'^shidd'and Fot to hyudrc the famous cheualrie in'Jf'ink''*' P'°Of Inglissh-men, ful narwe he gaw hym thinke, Although ^^f^t spere and sheeld[e], fauht with pen^ie & irzke.

great^^« he Thouh scidc Boch^j flourcd in poetrie, 3169

wouU:°hTs°"^' His parcial writyng gaf no mortal wouwde; Xl'idTd' w^ Kauht a quarel in his malencolie.

Which to his shame did aftirward rebounde, 3172 In conclusioun, lik as it was founde, Ageyn King lohn a quarell gan to make. Cause that he wolde of Inglissh-men be take.

Heeld hem but smal of reputacioun 3176

In his report, men may his writing see;

his shame — blaming King John because he was taken by English- men, whom he disparaged!

3145. tras] cas H. 3148. onto] to J.

3150. Brutis] Brutus B, Brutes J, P. 3 151. of] and J.

3152. Hihe prowesse] \With hih prudence B, J.

3154. Brutus B, J. 3155. ther] the H.

3157. Meynt with the brihtnesse] w:t^ Jjc brihtnesse meynt H — the1 om. J, P.

3158. T8] \>e H. 3168. fauht] & faught H 5. 3175. Cause] by cause H, be cause R 3.

BK. IX]

King John of France

1009

3184

3188

His fantasle nor his oppyniouw

Stood in that caas of non auctorite:

Ther kyng was take; ther knihtis dide flee; 3180

Wher was Bochas to helpe at such a neede?

SaufF with his penwe he made no man to bleede.

Of rihtwisnesse euery cronicleer

Sholde in his writyng make non excepciouw;

IndifFerentH conueie his mateere;

Nat be parcial of non afFeccioun,

But yiue the thank of marcial guerdouw,

His stile in ordre so egaH obserued,

To euery parti as thei haue disserued.

Laude of Kyng lohn was that he abood, In that he quit hym lik a manU kniht; His lordes slay[e]n; somme awey thei rood; Most of his meyne took hem to the fliht. This iourne take for Kyng Edwardis riht; The feeld I-wonne; hath this in memorie: Treuthis title hath gladli the victorie.

Of Kyng lohn what sholde I write more?

Brouht to this lond with othir prisoneeris,

Vpon which the rewm compleyned sore.

Bi rehersaile of old cronicleeris, 3200

Deied in Inglond; withynwe a fewe yeeris

Lad horn ageyn; afFtir ther writyngis,

LyJ) at Seyn[t] Denys with othir worthi kingis.

3192

And where was Bochas then? Save with his pen he made no man bleed!

Chroniclers should always be impartial. King John deserved praise because he acquitted himself like a manly knight when his lords were slain or fled.

The battle was fought for King Edward's rights, and King Edward won.

3196

Why should I write more of King John? He died afterwards in England and now lies at St. Denis.

^ Lenvoye.

OFF Boch<2J book the laste tragedie Compendiousli put in remembrance, How Prince Edward yvith his cheualrie Fauht at Peiteres with King lohn of France; And thoruh his mihti marcial puissaunce Grounded his quarel upon his fadres riht, Took hym prisoneer ful lik a manli kniht.

Bi coUusioun King lohn did occupie, Set out of ordre the roial alliaunce; Sceptre, crowne, with al the regalia

3204

3208

This last

tragedy of

Bochas's book

remembers

how

Prince Edward

took King John

of France

prisoner.

John occupied Edward's 3212 inheritance

3180. 2nd ther] his H, R 3, hys H 5. 3200. Cronyculeres J.

3195. hath] have H, P.

loio King John of France Qbk. ix

conveyed down Was dou« dcsccndld to Edward in substaiuice, lineal descent. Conucicd tlic brancliis be lyneal concordaunce,

For vvhich[e] title grou«did upon riht, 3216

Prince Edward fauht ful lilc a ma/;li kniht.

And in token His clcvm, His quarcl nior to fortefie, in the riKht In tolcne that God his quarel wolde auaunce, Edward victory. Discontit lire was niaad on that partie, 3220

Vpon King lohn be violent vttraunce, An heuenii signe be influent pwrueiaunce Sent fro7n aboue to shewe Edwardis riht, For which the Prince fauht lik a manli kniht. 3224

Noble Princes, Noblc Princis, yoiix hertis doth applie [p. 446]

weigh this t i- • I • 'in

matter justly lustu to wcic tliis Hiateet in ballaunce. there u"no Allc thyngcs pciscd, yc may it nat denye, honesUudges: YifF ye considrc euery citcuwstaunce, 3228

In rihtful iuges may be no variaunce: The feeld darreyned, deemeth who hath riht. For which Prince Edward fauht lik a manli kniht.

a thing A thyng bassentfe] put in iupartie 3232

committed to . i i/^ii- i

God allows of And commytted to (joddis ordenaunce,

no controversy; ^-.1 i nr •

and this is i her may been arrtir no contrauersie which'l'^rlnce Atwectt parties, quarelis nor distaunce, ki^warfineiy ^ho shal reioisshc; and in this caas stood France: 3236 Poitfcrf b Fyn* take at Peiteres, declaryng who hath riht; Prince Edward, pot which Prince Edward fauht lik a manli kniht.

3218. H 5 omits to 3478 {one leaf missing between 180 and 181). 3232. iupartie] memorye H, memory R 3. 3234. Contravesye H.

3237. Fyn] Syn B, Sith P — take] om. P, J.

3238. This line is followed in H by the 14th stanza of the Envoy, after which comes the Chapitle of Fortune.

^ Finis libri Bochasij.

BK. IX]

A Chapter on Fortune

lOII

A chapitle of Fortune compilid howe she hath hir qujrtt to al wordly pepill.^

LAT folk of wisdaw considre m \)er wit, Gadre up, a-somwe* & couwte in \)er resouw,324o To all estatis hou Fortune hath hir quit, To popis, prelatis, gynne first in Roome tou«, To cardynalis most souereyw of renouw, — Whan thei sat hiest, koude hem nat diffende 3244 Ageyn Fortune hi no prouisiouTi; But with a tourn she made hew to descende.

AfFtir in ordre cal to remembrance

Thestat imperial of famous emp^rowrs, 3248

Which as Appollo thpruh ther mihti puissauwce

Ther fame up blowe to lubiteris tOMrs,

And forget nat thes olde cowquerottrs

Aboue Mercurye cast hem to assende, 3252

Til that Fortune with hir froward showrs

Most sodenli made hem to descende.

Kynges, princis of dyuers regiouws, In Asie, Europe, Affrik & Cartage, 3256

Of Ethiopie the marcial champiouns, Monstres of Ynde, hidous of visage, Athlas, Hercules, in ther most furious rage, Ageyn whos myht no man koude hym diffende, — What folwed aftir? From ther hiest stage 3261

Fortune vnwarli made hem to descende.

Preestis, prelatis and weel-fed fat parsownis, Richeli auaunced, and clerkis of degre, — 3264

Rekne up religious, with al ther brode crownis, And patriarkes that haue gret souereynte, — Bisshoppis, abbottis confermed in ther see, Seculeer chanouns, with many gret prebende; 3268 Behold of Fortune the mutabilite, How sodenli she made hem to descende.

Let folk consider how Fortune behaves toward all estates: when they sit highest, with a turn of her wheel she makes them descend.

Popes, cardinals, emperors, old conquerors — all were made suddenly to fall.

Kings, princes of many lands and martial champions cast down from their highest stage.

Priests, prelates, and well-fed parsons, monks and patriarchs, bishops, abbots and canons, with many a fat prebend, have also fallen.

3239. considren of wisdam H.

3240. a-somwte^ a sonne B, a sonne R 3.

3241. Fortune^ she H, R 3. 3242. gynrie] gan H. 3258. Monstres] Monstrous R 3. 3263. fed] om. R 3. 3264. clerkis] cherlys H. 3265. al] om. H.

^ " Here Bochas makith a rehersaile how fortune hath made high estate vnwarly to descende." MS. J. leaf 183 verso. This chapter is collated with H, J, R 3 and H 5 {from line 3478).

I0I2 A Chapter on Fortune [bk. IX

fa

There arc Al that is wfitc, is wfitc to ouf doctriiic I \

many conditions^-. i • i t i i m '

of men. but (Jon courDith lowc, anotlicr goth upriht; 3272

Fortune causes c i ' ' * i

ihem all to oumwc DC VICIOUS, Slim me in vertu shyne; i

at^her wtu!*" Pheb;/J' now clipsld, somtynie his bcmys briht, \

Sumtyiiie cloudi, suwtynie a sterry niht; !

Sum folk appcire, sumwe doon amende, 3276 '

Shewe off Fortune the poweer & the myht: \

Oon goth upward, another doth descende. \

Some are Sum man hooly encreseth in vertu,

vutnou», others . , iirr i-iri i

perversely A-nothet reklcs, ot troward wiliulnesse; 3280 j

wilful, some /^ • r i i i • /^ • t i

evil, some Uon IS parht and stable in Lrist \es\x,

but in 'spite ""'A-nother braideth upon frowardnesse; ,

Yonunc^'^L ^on encreseth with tresour & richesse, — 1

them aU — Who list thtyue, to labowr must entende, — 3284

Maugre the world, Fortunis doubilnesse

Doth oon arise, another to discende.

the industrious Qon is besi and set al his labour ;

and the idle, -i- l- • i • i i i-

the wasters and Hrli tatise his good to multeplie; 3288 \

Another spendeth, & is a gret wastour; ;

Sum tre is bareyn, sum doth fructefie; i

Oon kan seyn soth, another can weel lie; j

Oon kan gadre, another kan dispende, — 3292 ■

Vnto Fortune this mateer doth applie: J

She maketh oon rise, a-nother to dissende. !

Avoid the Al thes mateeres rehersed here to forne,* j

weed, and take ^-,^« i • i i • i i i i •

the com of (Jt which this book maketh mencioun, 3296 1

virtue, as reason T 7 • i i i ^ r i i 1

teaches; and Voideth the Weed, or vertu tak the corn, I

the lesson of a ^ i . i • j • •

this book -ris resoun techeth in yoMr discreciou?z.

ris^or^fairon ^"^ fo^ ^o sette a short conclusiouw, j

Fortune's wheel. jj^ ^ breefF somwe this book to comprehende: 3300 j

Fortunis wheel bi reuolucioun ;

Doth oon clymbe up, another to discende. \

\

3271. 1st write] writen H. 3273. vertu] vertues H.

3279. man] men H. 3286. arise] to rise R 3. ■

3290. sum] som frute H. j

3295. rehersed here toforne] conbyned into oon B, J. j 3297. taketh J, takith H. 3298. techeth] om. R 3.

BK. IX]

An Envoy to Duke Humphrey

1013

[§ A lenvoye compyled vpon the book wryten by the translatour specially direct to hym that causyd the translacioun & secundely to alle othir it shal seen.] ^

RYGHT reu^rent Prynce, vfith support of your grace, By your comaundement as I vndirtook 3304

With dredful herte, pale of cheer and face, I haue a-complysshed translacioun of your book; In which labour myn hand ful ofFte quook, My penne also troublyd with ygnorauwce 3308

Lyst myn empryse wer nat to your plesaunce.

Off ryght considred, of trouthe and equite,

I nat expert nor stufFyd with language,

Seyn howh that Ynglyssh in ryme hath skarsete, 3312

How I also was ronne ferre in age,

Nat quyk, but rude and dul of my corage,

OfF no presumpciouM, but atwix hope and drede

To obeye your byddyng took on* me to procede.3316

Hope with glad chere gafF me greet couwfort,

OfF trust I shulde agreen your noblesse;

But tho cam dreed, contraryous of repoort,

Gan manace and frowardly expresse, 3320

Geyn me alleggyng vnkonnyng and dulnesse, —

Seyde for his part, by argumentys stronge,

I was not able for to vndirfonge

This seid empryse to p^rforme & contvne; ^ 3324 The profunde processe was so poetical, Entirmedlyd with chauwges of fortune And straunge mat^rys that were hystoryal, Towchyng estatys that hadde a sodeyn fal; 3328

The Frenssh vnkouth cowpendyously cowpyled, To which language my touwge was nat afFyled.

Dreed and vnkonnyng beeyng of assent Made ageyn me a dauwgerous obstacle, 3332

For tacomplysshe your comaundement, Stondyng fer of fro Tullyvs habitacle:

Right reverent Prince, I have finished translating your

book. My hand often trembled, and my pen was troubled lest my work were not to your pleasure.

For I am not skilled in language, and there is a lack of rhyming words in English, and I was far run in age and dull of heart when I began.

Hope gave me comfort that I should please your noblesse, and then came Dread alleging ignorance and dulness against

The matter was inter- mingled of changes of Fortune and strange historical things, and the French difficult; and for French my tongue was not polished.

Dread and lack of skill were dangerous obstacles to my fulfilling your commandment,

3303. Prynce] princes R 3. 3316. on] vpon H 1766.

^ The Envoy, together with the heading, is supplied from MS. Harley 1766, leaf 260 verso, collated with R 3 and P.

I0I4 ' -^n Envoy to Duke IlumpJjrey [^bk. IX

until Hope Mvn eveti mystyd, and dirked iny spectacle,

•gam began to^-',"' J J ' iril-

iurport me. 1 y| fiopc agcyii gan make[nj his repeyr; 3336

Me to supporte he putte away dyspeyr.

The vines of Vjt of Bacliiis scryd wer the vynes,

Bacchus were ^^~. » , , • . .

•ercd, «na Utt Mygdas touch the aureat lycour,

Midas' aureate a J f T II ^11

liquor and And ot luno wellys crystallynes 3340

dried 'up. I ^Ver dryed vp; ther fond I no favour:

favour "t°iere. ^ thfustlcwh acccsse causc of my langour,

hcav''"m "*' Noon cgal peys, herte hevy and purs lyght,

purse 'light. Which causith poetys syhen at mydnyght. 3344

Bull trust Trustyng ageynward your Hberal largesse,

will relieve Off this cotidien shal* relevyn me,

<nfo°idian, and Hopc hath brought tydyng to recure myn accesse;

tidVof ^racLs AfFtir this ebbe of froward skarsete 3348

FoUow. "'" Shal folwe a spryng flood of gracious plente. To wasshe a-way be plentevous inffluence A! ground ebbys of constreyned indigence.

With Hope With hope also cam humble affeccioun, 3352

came Humble ■» ir i i i

Affection, who Made 3 promys vn-to my dul corage,

lord'. wouiT Seyde, ye, my lord, shulde haue compassyoun,

have com- r\cc IV ^ '

passion on my Oft Toyal pite supportc me m myn age;

old age; and Whcrof I caught a man^r avauwtage, 3356

Thoughte I wolde rather condyscende To your desir than your byddyng ofFende.

I plucked up Tobeye* your precept I plukkyd vp myn herte,

my heart to „ ■'. ■^ ^ 111 J-Jrir 11

obey your Castc m my conceyt though konnyng aia[ej raylle; knowing that By good avys I did also adverte, 3361

ter°"wanting, How in suych caas good wyl myghte moost pr<rvaylle: IrTvaiif for'^*"' Wyl hath more myght than force hath in bataylle; might\hl^°" ^"*^ '^^^^ *^^* thought inwardly supprysed, 3364

force in battle. YoT to proccdc I was fully avyscd.

And in excuse But fot cxskus first of my rudncssc,

of my rudeness r^^ . . , r i • i i j" J

I ask mercy 1 o suych as lyst hauc or this book dissdeyn, hLn^it^l That ye, my lord, of mercyful goodnesse, 3368

m^y pie'ase°° Whan this translacioun ye haue rad and seyn, fhe b7st° ""^ Though it be spoke in wordys bare and pleyn, reward. J g^e mcrcy for my poore hertys ese.

To me best guerdoun, so that it may yow plese. 3372

3346. cotidian R 3, quotidian P — shal] that H 1766, R 3.

3359. Tobeye] Two obeye H 1766.

3362. prifvaylle] avail R 3. 3372. me] be R 3.

BK.

IX]

An Envoy to Duke Humphrey

Yiff ought be wryte or seid to your plesaunce, The thank be yove to your royal noblesse; And wher I faylle, atwyteth ygnorauwce, Al the difFautys aret to my rudnesse, With this annexyd, requeryng of humblesse, That alle thoo which shal this makyng rede, For to correcte wher-as they se nede.

3376

3380

3384

3388

3392

So it be doon with supportaciouw Off ther goodnesse to be favourable, Nat to pynche of indignaciouw. Which wer to me verray importable. And ye, my lord, for to be mercyable, Off your hyh grace my good wyl to considre, An hors with foure feet may stouwble among* and slydre.

And semblably though I goo nat vp-ryght. But stowpe and halte for lak of elloquence. Though Omerus hold nat the torche lyght To forthre my penne with colours of cadence. Nor moral Senek, moost sad of his sentence. Gaff me no part of his moralytees, Therfore I seye, thus knelyng on my knees:

To alle thoo that shal this book be-holde,

I them be-seke to haue compassyoun.

And ther-with-al I prey hem that they wolde

Favoure the metre and do correccyoun;

Off gold nor asewr I hadde no foysoun.

Nor othir colours this processe tenlvmyne,

Sauff whyte and blak; and they but dully shyne. 3400

I nevir was aqueynted with Virgyle,

Nor with [the] sugryd dytees of Omer,

Nor Dares Frygius with his goldene style.

Nor with Ovyde, in poetrye moost entieer, 3404

Nor with the sou^reyn balladys of Chauceer,*

Which among alle that eu<?re wer rad or songe,

Excellyd al othir in our Englyssh tounge.

3396

I can nat been a iuge in this mateer, As I conceyve folwyng my fantasye, In moral mateer ful notable was Goweer,

3408

1015

If aught be said to your pleasure, let the thanks be given to your royal noblesse, and all the faults laid to my lack of skill.

Let all

correct where they see need, and be favour- able to me of their goodness. Even with four feet a horse sometimes slips and stumbles.

And

although I go stooping and halting along. Homer did not hold the torch to further my pen, nor did moral Senek lend me his moralities.

Therefore I say to all who read this book, have compassion, pass lightly over the metre, and correct where you find need. I had no colours, but only white and black, and they shine but dully.

I never had acquaintance with Virgil nor Homer nor Dares nor Ovid, nor with the sovereign ballads of Chaucer, who excelled all other poets of our tongue.

I am no judge, but Gower and Strode were notable in their philosophy

3386. among] anoon H 1766, R 3. 3389. hold] heeld R 3. 3405. Chauuceer H 1766. 3409. my] in R 3.

ioi6

and RichArd Hermit, who wrote the Prick of Conscience;

yet as the

summer sun surpasses all otl\er stam and as Lucina chases away the ilark clouds, fo my master Chaucer, who also wrote tragedies, had no peer.

Petrarch and John Rochas complained the Fall of Princes, how they were cast down for their sins, and so did Chaucer in the Monk's Tale.

But I, who stand low in the vale, made this book by constraint and not presumption — born in a village called Lydgate, where was once a cas- tle beaten down in the time of the Danes.

I was

never yet at Cithseron nor on Mt. Parnas- sus, where the nine Muses dwell; and where I fail let Lydgate bear the blame.

The subject matter of this translation is in part sad and needs no flourishings or flowers of rhetoric

y4n Envoy to Duke Humphrey

Cbk. IX

And so was Stroodc in his phllosophye, In parfyt* lyvyng, which passith poysye, 3412

Richanl Ilermyte, contcmplatyfF of sentence, Drowh in ^'nglyssh the Prykke of Conscience.

As the gold-tressyd hryght[e] soniyr sonne

Passith othir sterrys with his becmys clere, 34J6

And as Lvcyna chaseth skyes donne,

The frosty nyghtes whan Esp<frus doth appere,

Ryght* so my mayst^r had[de] nevir pere, —

I mene Chauceer* — in stooryes that he tolde; 3420

And he also wrot tragedyes olde.

The Fal of Prynces gan pitously compleyne,

As Petrark did, and also lohn Bochas;

Laureat Fraunceys, poetys bothe tweyne, 3424

Toold how prynces for ther greet trespace

Wer ovirthrowe, rehersyng al the caas,

As Chauceer* didfe] in the Monkys Tale.

But I that stonde lowe doun in the vale, 3428

So greet a book in Ynglyssh to translate.

Did it be constreynt and no presumpciouw.

Born in a vyllage which callyd is Lydgate,

Be old[e] tyme a famous castel toun; 3432

In Danys tyme it was bete dou«,

Tyme whan Seynt Edmond, martir, mayde and kyng,

Was slayn at Oxne, be recoord of wrytyng.

I me excuse, now this book is I-doo, 3436

How I was nevir yit at Cytherouw,

Nor on the mouwteyn callyd Pernaso,

Wheer nyne musys haue ther mansyoun.

But to* conclude myn entencioun, 3440

I wyl procede forth with whyte and blak;

And where I faylle let Lydgate ber the lak.

Off this translacyoun considred the mati?re,

The processe is in party lamentable; 3444

Wooful clausys of custom they requere,

No rethoryques nor florysshynges delyctable:

Lettrys of compleynt requere colour sable.

parfight H 1766. 3419

27. Chauuceer H 1766.

Be] In R 3. 3435. be] om. P

3440. to] two H 1766. 3446. delitable R 3.

3412. 3420, 3432

Rygtht H 1766.

BK. IX]

An Envoy to Duke Humphrey

And tragedyes in especial 3448

Be rad and songe at feestys funeral.

This book remembryng of the sodeyn fallys Off famous prynces and surquedous pryncessys, That wer vnwarly cast from ther royal stallys, 3452 Which wer in erthe worshepyd as goddessys, Ynde stonys vpon ther goldene tressys, — What was ther ende? Rede Bochas, ye shal se, By fatal spynnyng of Parchas sustryn thre. 3456

Off this matifre ther be bookys nyne,

Alle of Fortunys transmutaciouws;

This blynde lady, how she made hem declyne

From ther moost famous exaltaciouws: 3460

Somme plouwgyd doun to the infernal dongouns,

With cruel Pluto depe doun in helle,

With Proserpyna perpetuelly to dwelle.

For* ther demerytes and lakkyng of vertu, 3464

That they lyst nat ther Sou^reyn Lord to knowe: For whoo is rekkelees to serve our Lord lesu, Fortvnys wheel shal soone hym ovir-throwe, Though Famys trompet of gold [a]lowde blowe 3468 His victoryes, his marcial renouns, Rad and remembryd in dyvers regiouws.

Whoo knoweth nat God is falle fer in slouthe;

Be-war ye Prynces euifre of thynges tweyne: 3472

In eu^ry quarel that your ground be trouthe;

Next in ordre, doth your besy peyne

To love lesu, your Lord moost sovereyne,

Truste hym of herte, and he shal nat faylle 3476

To be your socour in pees and in bataylle.

For lak of trust twyes I sey, alias,

And make her-oon an exclamacioun:

Alle the myschevys remembryd in Bochas, 3480

Fro tyme of Crystes in-carnacioun,

Haue been for lakkyng of devocioun,

That ye Prynces, of wylful necligence,

Lyst nat to God do dewe reu^rence. 3484

1017

The book remembers the sudden falls of famous princes and proud prin- cesses, who were wor- shipped as goddesses on earth. What was their end? Read Bochas and you shall see.

There are nine books, and all tell of the trans- mutations of Fortuna,

and of those who fell for their faults, who did not care to know the Sovereign Lord.

Beware, Princes, that in every quarrel your ground is truth; and do not fail to love and trust Jesus, who will be your succour.

Princes, you are no gods,

3464. For3 Two H 1766.

3467. soone hym] hym sone R 3.

3468. alowde R 3. Space of one stanza left here in R 3 (2i4d) but no omission of text.

3478. H 5 begins again with this line, leaf 181.

lOiS ^n Envoy to Duke Humphrey [^bk. IX

but mortal men, Dysdevncth iiut to liuuc in remembraunce,

more likely to . , , " , , i i ^ ^ I

fall than a ic oc HO godclys, ye DC Dut men mortal; m*?ft%"ricvoui"Stonde vndir dauwgeer of Fortunys chaunce, who''sit°' '^^'^ More lyk to towmble and more neer to* fal, 3488 highest. Than doth a beggcre in this lyff mortal:

Oft vertuous poore the fal is nat vnsoffte;

Moost grev^ous fal, of them that sitte aloffte.

Princes, do not Yc Prynccs quakc, stond not in suych[e] caas; 3492

stand in such -.r- i i i i i ^

case: for when 1 It vvhan deth comyth, ye can no bet socour J^*knmN"'no Than can* the pore, record of lohn Bochas; |'han"th*'e''poor. Hath myndc heron and make yow a merour Srddch' Cyrus Off suych as regnyd in glorye and [gret] honour, 3496 or Sardanapaius.^g rychc Cytus and Sardanapalle,

How fro the wheel of Fortune they wer falle.

Set not your Set nat yout trust, beth war of fals Fortune; Fortune: aif^ For al this book tretith of suych mature, 3500

treat^f'^such Gynneth his processe, and so forth doth contvne Adam^, whi'""" Lamentable and doolful for to here, fTora"aradUe How Ad aril first, with a ful hevy chere,

From a place moost sou^reyn of delys 3504

Whylom departyd, out of Paradys,

down to King Cherubyn kepyng* the gate of Paradys reigned'^in With brennyng swerd that ther shulde entre noon. waTtaken'^ This book conveyed by ful greet avys, 3508

iokiers "' Ceryously from Adam to Kyng lohn,

Regnyng in Fraunce; of whoom nat yoore agoon I sawh remembryd the date of thylk[e] yeerys. Whan he was take prysowneer at Peyterys, 3512

in i3s6, A thousand toold by computacioun,

the last of all rr>, , i i • r rr J

in this book. Ihre hundryd ovir, ryttty and sex year, Trewly reknyd fro the Incarnacioun, Whan seid[e] lohn was take prysowneer, 3516

Toold and remembryd by the cronycleer. As Adam was first that did[e] falle. So in this book Kyng lohn was last of alle.

We had never We hadde nevir stondyn in daungeer 3520

PC'S nor dread Off wotldly sttyff nor p^rellys ful mortal,

3488. to] a H 1766, P, H 5. 3489. mortal] moral! R 3. 3490. poore] power P. 3492. suyche] no such P. 3493. can] cam H 1766.

3506. kepyng] abydyng kepyng H 1766, H, R 3, P — gate] gatis H, gatys H 5.

BK. IX]

A Final Envoy to Duke Humphrey

1019

Nor dreed of deth, nat in a thousand yeer,

Nor of Fortune that tournyth as a bal,

YifFAdam hadde in Paradys had no* fal; 3524

Touch of an appyl and inobedyence, —

Cause that Fortune is had in suych reu^rence.

But for to telle and speke in wordys pleyn,

How Fortune kaught first an interesse 3528

To be callyd, nat trewly but in veyn,

Off worldly peple a fals froward goddesse, —

This errour gan of bestial rudnesse,

Demyng them-sylff they wern assuryd wel, 3532

Whan they sat hyh on hire vntrusty wheel.

Rekne vp alle thoo that* haue doon hire seruice

And folwyd on in ther oppynyouw,

Lyk as this book in ordre doth devyse; 3536

Peyse in ballaunce: what was ther guerdoun?

A sodeyn reys, an vnwar toumblyng douw;

Yit, for al this, thorugh hire flaterye,

Al worldly peple doth hire magnefFye! 3540

of death nor of Fortune had it not been for Adana's fall in Paradise;

and for that reason Fortune first came to be called a false goddess by worldly people, an error that began of brutish ignorance.

Reckon up all who did her service — what was their reward ? A sudden rise, an unexpected tumbling down. Yet all worldly people worship her.

[^ The laste lenvoye direct vn to my lord.] ^

NOBLE Prynce, remembreth al this thynges, Peyseth* of resoun, lefFt vp your eye and se, As your lyne conveyed is fro kynges, How vertu longeth vn-to dignyte.* 3544

[What folwith afFtyr.'' grace & prosperite.] Hath this in mynde and theron doth attende, Mawgre Fortvnys mutabilite,* Ye shal to-Godward encresyn and ascende, 3548

Off humble entent, with herte & hand quakyng,

Directe this book vn-to your mageste;

In which ye may, at good leyseer redyng,

Seen dyvers chauwges of worldly vanyte, — , 3552

Prynces cast dou« from ther imp^ryal se,

Noble Prince, remember that virtue belongs to dignity: have this in mind, and in spite of Fortune's mutability you shall prosper and ascend to God.

This book, in which you may see many changes of worldly vanity, is humbly addressed to your majesty.

3524. no3 a H 1766. 3534- that] than H 1766.

3542. Peyseth] Peysed H 1766.

3544. vn-to dignyte] afftir grace and prospmte H 1766.

3546. theron] ])er of R 3 — attende] attende parde H 1766.

3547. mutabilite] whan she wyl pretende H 1766. After 3547 H 1766 inserts: "Whyl ye in vertu regne & dygnite."

1 The heading and following six stanzas are supplied from "^Si. Harley 1766, leaf 264 verso, collated with R3, Hs and P.

1020

A Final Envoy to Duke Humphrey

[bk. IX

Let the

chastising by Providence of men for vicious living and lack of grace be a mirror to you! Where virtue reigns there is felicity. AlthouRh your estate shine

like Phcebu!, there is no certainty how long you may abide here: age and her cousin infirmity claim their right; death nill take no bribe: provide yourself daily to increase in virtue while you are stilt free.

As men deserve shall they be punished or rewarded. Beware in time, for tongues are , free and your story shall read according to your merit.

If virtue guide you, then good report shall follow your parting from this world.

For they wer froward, lyst nat condiscende Vertu to sewe and vices [for] to fle, So to-Godward tencresen and ascende.

35S6

Fal of othir thorugh vicious lyvyng,

Sow me dysgradyd vn-to ful lowh degre,

Off providence lat ther chastysyng

For lak of grace, to yow a merour be. 3560

Wher vertu regnyth, ther is felycite

In suych as lyst ther froward lyfF tamende;

Whoo lovith that Lord which hath the sou^reynte

Shal ay be grace encresyn and ascende. 3564

Though your estat lyk Phebz^j wer shynyng,

Yit, for al that, ye haue no sewerte,

How long[e] tyme is here your abydyng;

Age, wi't^ hire cosyn callyd Infirmyte, 3568

Wyl cleyme hire ryght of verry dewete;

Deth takith no mede; afforn he wyl not sende.

Provide your-sylfF whyl ye haue liberte,

Dayly in vertu tencresyn and ascende. 3572

As men dysserve, be record of wrytyng,

An expifrt thyng by old auctoryte,

Ye shal receyve your mede or your punysshyng,

By egal peys of trouthe and equite. 3576

Beth war afforn, folk haue ther tounges fre,

Lyk your dyscert shal rede your legende;

This verray soth, voyde of duplycite,

Yevith hem cause to preye ye may ascende. 3580

Off hyh prudence aforn ymagynyng,

Yiff vertu guye your magnanymyte,

Than good[e] repoort afftir your partyng

Shal floure and shyne in tnery comou?2te. 3584

Almesse partyd to folk in poverte,

And compassyoun the poraylle to amende,

Is beest[e] mene toward the hevenly se

By vertuous lyff tencresyn and ascende. 3588

3558. dysgrated H 5. 3563. that] ye P.

3571. your-sylfT] your lyfe P.

3S7S. 1st your] to your R 3, P — 2nd your] om. H 5.

3578. shal] to R 3. 3579. soth] trouthe H 5.

BK. IX]

Lydgates Words to his Book

I02I

^ Woordis of the translatur vn to his book atte ende.^

WITH lettre* & leuys go litil book [p. 447]

trewblmg, Pray to J>e Prince to haue on the pite, Voide of picture & enlumyny[n]g, Which hast of Cithero no corious dite, 3592

Nor of his gardyn no flour[e]s of beute; God graunt[e] grace thi reudnesse nat ofFende The hih noblesse, the magnanymyte Of his presence, whan thou shalt up ascende. 3596

And, for my part, of oon hert abidyng,

Void of chauwg and mutabilite,

I do presente this book with hand shaking,

Of hool afFeccioun knelyng on my kne, 3600

Praying the Lord, the Lord oon, too & thre,

Whos magnificence no clerk caw cowprehende,

To sende you miht, grace and prosp^rite

Euer in vertu tencresen & ascende. 3604

Finis libri Amen.

Go, Tittle book, pray to the prince for pity. Thou hast no bright colours, no curious songs of Cithaeron, no flowers of beauty: God grant that thy rudeness offend not his presence.

And I, kneeling on my knee, with shaking hand do present this book of whole affection, praying the Lord to send you might, grace, and prosperity.

^ Go kis the steppis of them that wer forthring,

Laureat poetes, which hadde souereywte

Of elloquence to supporte thy makyng,

And pray all tho that shal this processe see, 3608

In thyn excus[e], that thei list to bee

Fauourable to lakke or to comende;

Set thi ground upon humylite,

Vnto ther grace that thou maist up ascende. 3612

In a short clause thi content rehersing.

As oon up clymbeth to gret prospi?nte.

So another, bi expert knowleching.

Fro gret richesse is brouht to pouerte. 3616

Alas, O book, what shal I seyn of the.?

Thi tragedies thoruh al the world to sende,

Go kiss the steps of those laureate poets who sup- ported thy making, and be humble that thou mayst ascend unto the grace of men.

Since one man climbs up to prosperity and another falls from wealth to poverty, alas, O book, what shall I say of theef

3589. lettre] lettres B, letter P, lettir H, lettyr H 5. 3596. his] their H. 3599- shaking] quakyng H.

3601. 2nd Lord] om. P. 3602. can] may P.

' "The wordys of the translatour." MS. J. leaf 183d.

1022 Lydgate's Words to his Book [bk. IX

Go foorth, I pray; excuse thi-sllf & me; I

Who loueth most vertu hiest shal ascende. 3620 1

7^0" *bi ^k ^ Bl'ik be thi vveede of co?«pleynt & moornyng, \ of complaint CalHd Fall of Priiicis from ther felicite,

■ nd mourning, t 'i i i ■ • i

thou art LiK chaunteplure, now siwgyng now weeping, ■

Fan of "^ Wo afftir merthe, next ioie aduersite, 3624

m"n"RW with'" So entermedlid ther is no seurete,

jor"and ""^ ^''^ ^^ ^^'^ book doth preisc and repr^hende, —

those who will Now on the wheel, now set in louh degre; 1

rrosper must .... ., . , • :

ascend VVno wil encfcce bi vertu must ascende. 3628 :

by virtue. '

Finis totius libri. j

[Explicit John Bochas.3 ^ 1

\

1 MS. J. leaf 184 recto. I

Greneacres^ Envoy on Bochas 1023

[Greneacres A Lenvoye vpon John Bochas.] ^

Blake be thy bondes and thy wede alsoo, Thou sorowfull book of matier disespeired, In tokne of thyn inward mortal woo,

Which is so badde it may not be enpeired, 4

Thou owest nat outward to be feired, That inward hast so many a rufull clause; Such be thyn habite of colowr as thi cause.

No cloth of tyssewe ne veluet crymesyne, 8

But lik thi monke, moornywg vnder his hood,

Go weile and wepe wit/? wofuU Proserpyne,

And lat thi teeres multeplie the flood

Of blak Lythey vnder the bareyn wood, 12

Where-as goddesse hath hir hermytage, —

Helpe hir to wepe, and she wyll geve the wage.

Noblesse of loye sith thou maist nat approche,

This blak goddesse I councell the tobeie, 16

Compleyne -with hir vnder the craggy roche.

Wit/? wepyng soules vpon the said Lythey,

Sith thou of sorowe art instrument and keye, —

So harpe and synge there, as thou may be herde; 20

For euery loie is of thi name afFerd.

Pryncesse of woo and wepyng, Proserpyne,

Whiche herborowest sorow euen at thyn hert[e] roote,

Admytte this Bochas for a man of thyne; 24

And though his habite blakker be than soote,

Yitt was it maked of thi monkes boote.

That him translated in Englissh of Latyne:

Therfore now take him for a man of thyne. 28

I. bondes^ hondes P, P I.

4. impeyred P.

5. feared P.

6. RufFuU J.

8. cremesyne P I, P.

20. mayst P.

21. euery] euer P, P I. 26. boote] hode P, P i.

^ The Envoy by Greneacres is supplied from MS. J. leaf 184 recto, collated with P i and P.

APPENDIX.

f The Daunce of Machabree ^

wherin is liuely expressed and shewed the state of

manne, and howe he is called at vncertaine tymes by

death, and when he thlnketh least thereon: made

by thaforesayde Dan John Lydgate

Monke of Bxirye.

f The Prologe

OYE folkes hard hearted as a stone, Whiche to this worlde geue* al your aduertence, Lyke as it should euer lasten in one, — Where is your wit, where is your prouidence 4

To seen aforne the sodayn violence Of cruel death, that be so wyse and sage, Which slayeth, alas, by stroke or pestilence Both yong & olde of lowe and high parage? 8

Death spareth nought low ne high degre,

Popes, kynges, ne worthye Emperours;

Whan they shine most in felicite.

He can abate the freshnes of her flours, 12

Her bright[e] sunne clipsen with his shouts,

Make them plunge fro her sees lowe; —

Mauger the might of al these conquerours.

Fortune hath them from her whele ythrow. 16

1. folkes]] folkes that bene, Harley 116 =« H.

2. this world geuej the worlde haue, Tottel = T.

3. laste eu^r H. 6. be] dethe corrected to slethe H. 7.]] om. H. 8. high and loue H. 9. hight ne law H.

10. in thaire felicite H. 15. Maugre H.

^ The text, here printed because of its interest in connexion with the "Fall of Princes," is based on Tottel's edition (fol. ccxx to end of fol. ccxxiiii), collated with MS. Harley 116 and in part with MS. Lansdowne 669. The punctuation and use of capital letters have been modernized, and th substituted for y (t)). A superior text will be included by Miss Hammond in her forthcoming "Fifteenth Century Anthology." The two anony- mous woodcuts (size of originals 160x110 and 158x110) are reproduced from Tottel. They are in both drawing and com- position very superior to the average English woodcut of the period and of considerable interest as the work of an unknown designer of great talent.

1025

I026 The Daunce of Machabree

Considerctli this, ye folkes that been wysc,

And it einprintctli in your mcinoriall,

Like thcnsample which tliat at I'arise

I fonde depict ones vppon* a wal 20

Full notahly, as 1 rcluarse shall.

Of a Krcnche clarke takyng acquaintaunce,

I toke on me to translatin all <

Out of the Frenche Machabrecs daunce. 24 \

\

By whose aduise and counsaylc at the lest, '

Through her sticryng and her mocion, \

I obeyed vnto her request, j

Therof to make a playn translacion 28 I

In English tonge, of entencion \

That proud[c] folkes that bene stout and bolde, :

As in a mirrour toforne in her reason <

Her vgly fine there clearely may beholde. 32 i

By [this] ensample, that thei in her ententes i

Amend her life in euery maner age. \

The which[e] daunce at Sainct Innocentes ]

Portrayed is, with all the surplusage, 3^

Youen vnto vs our Hues to correct

And to declare the fine of our passage, —

Right anone my stile I wil direct

To shewe this worlde is but a pilgrimage. 40

^ The ende of the Prologe.

^ The Wordes of the Translatour.

O CREATURES ye that bene reasonable, The life desiring which is eternall, Ye may sen here doctrine ful notable

Your life to lead[e], which that is mortall, 44

Thereby to learne in especiall, How ye shal trace the daunce of Machabree, To man and woman ylike naturall; For death ne spareth high ne lowe degree. 4^

In this myrour euery wight may fynde,

That him behoueth to gone vpon this daunce.

Who goeth toforne or who shall go behynde,

All dependeth in Goddes ordinaunce. $2.

Wherfore eche man lowly take* his chaunce;

Death spareth nouther poore ne* bloud royall:

Eche* man therfore haue this in remewtbraunce.

Of 00 matter God hath yforged all. 5^

^ The Daunce of Machabree.

20. vppon] in T. 30. that] whiche H.

32. may clerly ther H. Line 40 is misplaced after line 36 H.

41. ye] om. Lansdowne 699 = L. 42. which] Jjat H.

46. of Machabree] which that ye see L. 47. ylike] that be L.

49. wight] man L. 51. toforne] before L — shall go] goth L.

53. eche man lowly take] lowly euery man T.

54. nouther poore ne] not poore ne yet T. 55. Eche] euery T.

The Daunce of Machabree

1027

Cuad& oiortafibus mors debctts«

-V 'A —

^ Death fyrst speaketh vnto the Pope, and after to euery degree as foloweth.

YE that been set most high in* dignitie Of al estates in earth spiritual!, And like to* Peter hath the soueraintee Ouer the church and states temporall, Vpon this daunce ye first begin[ne] shall, As most worthy lord and gouernour; For al the worship of your estate papall. And of [al] lordship to God is the honour.

60

64

The Pope maketh aunswere.

FYRST me behoueth this daunce for to lede, Which sat in earth[e] highest in my see. The state ful perilous, whoso taketh hede. To occupie Seynt Petris* dignitee; But for al that [fro] Death I may not flee, Vpon* this daunce with other for to trace; For which al honor, who prudently can see. Is litle worth that doth so soone passe.

68

72

57. most] om. L — high in] in high T.

59. to] as T, H — hath] have L, hadde H.

60. chirche most in especiall L. 61. ye] om. H.

64. of] om. H. 65. for] with deth L. 67. ful] om. L.

68. Seynt Petris] Peters T, H. 69. fro] om. H.

70. Vpon] On T, H — this] his H. 71. which al] sich L.

1028 The Daunce of Machabree

Death speaketh to the Emperour.

SYR Emperour, lord of al tlie grouiide, [Most] soucrcinc prince, stirmoiintyrii;* of noblesse, \e mot forsake of gold your apple round.

Scepter and swerde, & al your high prowtsse; 76

Behind you leue* your treasour and* riches, And with other to my daunce ohoy: Against my might is worth none hardines, Adams children al they must[e] deye. 80

The Emperour maketh aunswer.

I NOTE to whom that I may [me] appeale Touching death, which doth me so constrein; There is no gin to helpen my querel,

But spade and pickoys my graue to atteyne, — 84

A simple shete, there is nomore to seyn, To wrappen in my body and visage: And therupon I may me sore* compleyne, That lordes great haue litle auauntage. 88

Death speaketh to the Cardinal.

YE been abashed, it semeth, and in drede, Syr Cardinal, it sheweth by your chere; But yet for-thy ye folowe shall in dede,

With other folke my daunce for to lere. 92

Your great aray, al shal [ye] leauen here, — Your hat of red, your vesture of great coste; All these thynges reckoned well in fere,* In great[e] honour good auyse is loste. 96

I

The Cardinall maketh aunswere.

HAUE great cause, certes this is no faile

To be abashed and greatly dread[e] me, Sith Death is come me sodainly tassaile,*

That I shall neuer hereafter clothed be 100

In grise nor ermine like vnto my degree, Mine hat of red leuen eke in distresse, — By which I haue conceyued* wel and see That worldly* joye endeth in heauines. 104

Death speaketh to the Kyng.

O NOBLE Kyng, most worthy of renoun, Come foorth anone, for al your worthines That whylom had about you enuiron Great royaltie and passing hye noblesse. 108

74. Most] om. H — surmountyng] & highest T, H.

75. mot] muste L, moste H.

77. you leue] leten T, L — and] and your T, L.

79. ■ is worth] worthe is H. 81. me] om. L. 83. gin] bote H.

87. And theruppon I may me sore] wherupon sore I me T, L.

88. litle auauntage] so lytell vayntage H.

93. ye] om. L — leve H. 95. fere] feare T, L.

99. tassaile] to assaile T. icxD and loi are transposed in H.

103. conceyued] learned T, L.

104. That] How that T, L — worldly] al T, L.

The Daunce of Machabree 1029

But right anon [for] al your great highnes,

Sole from your men in hast ye shall it lete,

Who most aboundeth here in great riches,

Shall beare with hym but a [single] shete. * 1 12

The Kyng maketh aunswere.

IHAUE nought learned here-toforn to daunce No daunce in sooth of footyng so sauage, Where-through I se by clere demonstraunce,

What pride is worth or force of high linage! Il6

Death all fordo[e]th, this is his vsage, Great and smal that in this world soiourne: Who is most meke, I hold[e] hym most sage; For we shall all to dede* ashes tourne. 120

Death speaketh to the Patriarche.

SYR Patriarche, al your humble chere Ne quiteth you nought nor your humilitie; Your double crosse of gold and stones clere,

Your power whole and al your dignitie 124

Some other shall of very equitie Possede anon, as I rehearse can: Trusteth neuer that ye shall Pope be; For foly* hope deceiueth many a man! 128

The Patriarche maketh aunswere.

WORLDLY honour, gret treasour & riches Haue me deceiued soothfastly in dede; IMine old[e] ioyes been turned to* tristesse!

What auayleth such treasours to possede? 132

Hie clymbyng* vp a fall hath for his mede. Great estates folke wasten out of number; Who mounteth high, it is sure and no drede, Great[e] burden doth hym oft encomber. 136

Death speaketh to the Cunstable.

IT is my ryght to arest you and constreyne With vs to daunce, my mayster Sir Cunstable! For more stronger thaw euer was Charlemain, Death hath afforced, and more worshipable; 140

For hardines ne knighthode, this no* fable. Nor strong armure of plates ne* of maile, — What gayneth armes of folkes most notable, Whan cruell death list hem* to assayle? 144

The Cunstable maketh aunswere.

MY purpose was and whole entencion To assail castel[le]s & mighty fortresses. And bryng[e] folke vnto subieccion. To seke honour, fame, and great richesses; 148

109. for] om. L. 112. single] ovi. L.

119. I holde hym] holde he is H. 120. dede] the dead T, L. 121. al]wjt^allH. 128. foly] holy T, L. 131. to] into T, L, 133. Hie clymbyng] It climbeth T, L.

140. afforced] enforcede H.

141. this] om. H — no] is no T, L, H. 142. ne] nother T, L. 144. hem] him T. 146. fortresse H. 148. richesse H.

1030 The Daunce of Machahree

But I see tliat al worldly prowesse

Death can abate, which is a great despite;

To him alone, sorow and eke swetenes:

For agaynst death is found[e) no respite. ISa

Death speaketh to the Archebishop,

SYR Archebishop, why do ye you withdrawe So frowardly, as it wer by disdayne? Ye must approche [vn] to my mortall iawe;

It to contrary it wer but* in vayne: 156

For day by day there is none other payne. Death at the hand pursucth euery coast; Prest and debtc mot bee yelde againc, And at a daye men counten with her host. 160

The Archebishop maketh aunswere.

ALAS, I wote not what* partie for to flee. For drede of death I haue so gret distres! Tescape* his might I can no refute see;

That wbo-so knew his co«streint and duresse, 164

He would[e] take reason to maistresse. Adue my treasour, my pompe & pride also, My painted chawihers, my port & my freshnes, — Tliyng that behoueth nedes mot be do. 168

Death speaketh to the Barone.

YE that among[es] Lordes and Barons Haue had so long[e] worship and renoun, Foryet your trumpetes and your clarions;

This is no dreame nor simulacion. 172

Whylom your custom and entencion Was with ladies to daunsen in the shade; But oft it happeth, in conclusion, One man breaketh that another made. 176

The Baron maketh aunswere.

FULL oft[e] sith I haue been auctorised To high emprises & thinges of gret fame. Of high & low my thanke also deuised.

Cherished with ladies & women high of name; 180

Ne neuer on me was put no defame, In lordes courte,* which that was notable; But deathes stroke hath made me [so] lame: Under heauen in earth is nothyng stable. 184

Death speaketh to the Princesse.

COME forth anon, my Lady good Princesse, Ye must also gon vpon this daunce. Nought may auayle your great strauwgenesse, Nether your beauty nor your gret pleasaunce, 188

153. you] so H. 155. vnto] to L.

156. but] nought but T, L. 158. the] om. H.

159. debte] death L. 160. a] 00 H. 161. what] to what T, L.

163. Tescape] To escape T. 166. &] my H.

182. courte] of court T, L. 183. so] om. L.

The Daunce of Machahree 103 1

Your riche aray, nother your daliaunce,

That whylom couth so many holde in hond

In loue, for al your double variaunce.

Ye mot as nowe this footyng vnderstonde. 192

The Princesse maketh aunswere.

ALAS, I see there is none other boote, Deth hath in earth no lady nor maistres, And* on this daunce yet mot I nedes fote:

For there nis quene, countesse ne dutchesse, 196

Flouring in bountie nor in her fayrenes, That shode of Death mot passe the passage. When our beautie and counterfeit fairnes Dieth, adue then our rimpled age! 200

Death speaketh to the Bishop.

MY Lord Sir Bishop, with miter & crosse. For al your riches, soothlye I ensure. For all your treasour [so longe] kept in closse, Your worldly goodes and goodes of nature, 204

[And] of your shepe the ghostly dredeful* cure, With charge committed to your prelacie. For to accoumpt ye shal be brought to lure, — No wight is sure that climbeth ouer hye. 208

The Bishop maketh atmswere.

MINE heart truely is nother glad ne mery. Of sodein tidinges which that ye [me] u.ing; My feast is turned vnto a simple ferye,*

That for discomfort me list nothyng [to] syng. 212

The world contrarie now to my* werking. Which al estates* can so disherite; He al with-halt, alas, at our partyng, And al* shall passe saue onely our merlte. 216

Death speaketh to the Squyer.

COMMETH forth Syr Squyer, right fresh of your araye, That conne of daunces al the new[e] guise, Thoghe ye bare armes, fresshe horsed yesterday,* With spere & shielde at your vncouth deuise, 220

195. And] & T — this] his H. 197. bountie] beaute H. 198.] That she of right most nedys the trace sew H — shode]

shooe T. 199. When] For to H. 200.] Our Reueled age saith farwell adiev H. 201. with] your H. 203. For] om. H — so longe] om. L. 205. And] om. L — ghostly dredeful] dredeful ghostly T, L.

210. me] om. L.

211. vnto a simple ferye] into simple terie T, L.

212. to] om. L.

213. contrarie now to my] contrarieth to me now in T — world] word L — now] om. L — my] me in L.

214. Which al estatis] That al folkes T, H.

215.] And needis we must on to our departyng L.

216. And al] Al thyng T, H.

217. This stanza is omitted inL — Commeth] Come H — of] in H. 218. davnce H.

219.] If ye bare harnes freshly horsed yesterday T.

1032 The Daunce of Machabree

And toke on you so many high emprise,

Daunseth with vs; it wyl no l>cttcr be; •

There is no succour in no maner wyse:

For no man may fro Deathes stroke flee. 224

The Squyer maketh aunswere.

SITHENS that Death me holdeth in liis lase, \'et shal I spcake 00 worde or that* I passe: Adue al myrtli, aduc now al solace,

Adue my ladies whilom so frcshe of face, 228

Aduc bcautie, pleasaunce, and al solace! Of Deathes chaunge euery day is prime, Thinke on your soules or* that Death manace; For all shal rot, and no man wot what time. 232

Death speaketh to the Abbot.

COMMETH forth Syr Abbot, with your brode hatte, Beeth nought abashed thogh* ye hauen ryght; Great is your head, your belly rounde* and fat, Ye mot come daunce, thogh* ye be nothyng light. 236

Leaueth your abbey to some other wight. Your heyre is of age your state to occupie; Who that is fattest, I haue hym behyght, [Shall] in his graue* soonest putrifie. 240

The Abbot maketh aunswere.

OF thy manace I hauen o gret* enuy, That I shall now leaue al* gouernaunce. But that I shal as a cloystrer dye;

This Death is to me passing great greuaunce. 244

My libertie nor my great habundaunce, What may they vayle* in any maner wyse? Yet aske I mercy with devoute* repentaunce, Thogh* in dying to late men them auise. 248

Death speaketh to the Abbesse.

AND ye my lady, gentle dame Abbesse, With your mantel[le]s furred large and wyde, Your veile, your wimple, your ryng* of gret riches, And bedes, sister, ye mot now leyn a-syde;* 252

For to this daunce I must be* your guide, Thogh* ye be tender borne of gentle bloode, While that ye* Hue for your selfe prouide; For after death[e] no man hath no good. 256

222. no] not H.

225. lace H. 226. or that] ere T, L. 231. orj ere T, L. 233. Come H. 234. abashed thogh] abasht if T, L. 235. rounde] large T, H. 236. if] thogh H. 239. fattest] most fatte H. 240. Shall in his graue] In his graue shall T, L. 241. thy] these T.

241. thy manace I haue no gret] these threts haue I none T — thi tretyse L — no gret] noon L.

242. al] al the T, L. 246. vayle] auayle T, H, L. 247. devoute] heartely T, L. 248. Thogh] If T, L. 250. mantel L. 251. your ryng] passing T, H.

252. a-syde] on syde T, H. 253. must be] shalbe T.

254. Thogh] If T — borne] and borne H.

255. While that ye] Whiles that you T, L. 256. man] wyght H.

The Dmmce of Machabree 1033

The Abbesse maketh aunswere.

ALAS that Death hath thus for me ordeined, That in no wise I maye it nought declyne. If it so be ful oft I am* constrained,

Brest and throte my notes out to twyne, 260

My chekes round vernyshed* for to shine, Ungird ful oft to walken at the large, — Thus cruel Death with al estates fine, Who hath no shippe must* rowe in bote or barge. 264

Death speaketh to the Bayly.

COME forth. Sir Bayly, that knowen all the guise, By your office of trouth & rightwisnes, Ye must come to a newe assyse,

Extorcions and wronges to redresse; 268

Ye be somned, as lawe biddeth expresse, To yeue accomptes the* ludge wil you charge, Which hath ordeined to excluden al falsnes, That euery man shal beare his own[e] charge. 272

The Bayly maketh aunswere.

OTHOU Lord God this is a hard iourney, To which aforne I toke but litle hede; My chauMce is turned, & that forthinketh me, Whilom wzt^ iudges what me list to spede 276

Lay in my might, by labour oft for mede. But sith there is no rescus by battayle, I hold him wise that couth wel seen in dede, Again[es] Death that none apel may vayle. 280

Death speaketh to the Astronomer.

COME foorth, Maister, that lookest vp so farre, With instrumentes of Astronomie To take the grees and hyght of euery starre; What may auaile all your astrologie? — 284

Sith of Adam all the genealogie. Made first of God to walke vpon the ground, Death aresteth;* thus sayth theologie: And all shall dye for an apple rounde. 288

The Astronomer maketh aunswere.

FOR all my craft, cunnyng and* science, I can nought find[e] no prouision, Ne* in the starres seke* no difference By domifying nor calculacion, 292

257. thus for me] for me so L.

258. it nought declyne] nat hym eschewe L.

259. am] haue T, L. 261. vernyshed] garnished T, L. 262. Vngirt H. 264. must] he must T, L.

268. Extorcioun H, 270. the] that T, L. 274. To] To the H.

277. by] for H. 278. sith] sethyn H — by] ne H.

279. couth wel seen] cowde see H.

285. of] that of H.

287. aresteth] with arest T, L. 289. and] or T, L.

291. Ne] Nother T, L — seke] search out T, L.

292. domifying] demonstrynge H — nor] ne H.

1034 '^^^ Daunce of Machabree

Sane finally, in conclusion,

For to descriiic our cunnyng euery dele:

1 here is no more by sentence of reason,

Who liucth aryght mot nodes dye well. 296

Death speaketh to the Burgis.

SYR Burnis, wiiat doe ye lenger* taryc? For all your auoyre and youre great riches, Thoghe* ye be strong, deinous and contrary.

Toward this daunce ye mot you nedes dresse; 300

For your* treasour, plentie and largesse. From other it came and shall vnto strangers. He is a foole that in such busines, Wot nought for whom he stuffeth his garners! 304

The Burgis maketh aunswere.

CERTES to me it is great displeasaunce, To leaue al this & mai it nought assure: Howses,* rentes, treasor & substaunce, —

Death al fordoth, suche is his nature. 308

Therfore wise is no creature. That set his heart on good that moste* disseuer; The world it lent, the worlde wil it recure; And who most hath, lothest dyeth euer. 312

Death speaketh to the Chanon Seculer.

AND ye, Syr Chanon, with many great prebende, Ye may no lenger haue distribucion Of golde [and] siluer, largelye to dispende;

For there is nowe no consolacion 3^6

But daunce with vs, for al your high renoun. For ye of death[e] stonde* vpon the brinke, Ye may therof haue no delacion; Death commeth ay when men least on hiwi thinke. 320

The Chanon maketh aunswere.

MY benefice with mony personage, God wot ful lite may me now comfort. Death hath of me so great auauntage,

That al my riches may me nought disport, — 3H

Amisse of gris, they wyl ayein resorte, Vnto the world a surples and prebende. Al is vainglory, truely to reporte, To dyen well eche man should entende. 3^8

297. lenger] long T, L. 298. auoyre] haueur H.

299. Thoghe] Yf T, L.

300. Toward] To H — mot you] muste now H.

301. your] of al T, L. 307. Howses] How these T, L. 308. fordoth] destroieth H.

310. on] of H — moste] may T, L. 3 1 1, ist it] is H.

3 18. For ye of death stonde] For if death stode T, R.

320. ay] euer H.

321. benefice] benefices H. 322. lytell H. 323. of] ou^r H.

324. That] om. H — me nought disport] be me not support H.

325. Amys H.

The Daunce of Machahree 1035

Death speaketh to the Marchaunte.

YE rich Marchant, ye mot looke hitherwarde, That passed haue ful many diuers lond On horse, on foote, hauing most regard

To lucre & winnyng, as I vnderstond. • 332

But now to daunce ye mot geue me your hond; For al your labour ful litle auayleth nowe. Adue vaynglory, both of free and bonde, None more coueit then thei that haue ynow. 336

The Marchaunt maketh aunswere. •

BY many an hyll and many a strong[e] vale I haue trauailed with many marchandise; Ouer the sea downe cary many a bale

To sondrye lies, more than I can deuyse, 340

Mine heart inward ay fret* with couetise, But al for nought, now Deth me doth* constrein: For which I se, by record of the wyse. Who al embraceth litle shall restrayne.* 344

Death speaketh to the Chartreux.

YEUE me your honde, with chekes dead and pale, Caused of watche & long abstinence. Sir Chart[e]reux, and your self auale

Vnto this daunce with humble pacience. 348

To striue ayein may be no resistence, Lenger to Hue set nought your memorye; Thogh* I be lothsome as in apparence, Aboue[n] al men Death [hath] the victorie. 352

The Chartreux maketh aunswere.

VNTO this* world I was dead long agon By mine order and my profession; And eueryman, be he neuer so strong,

Dreadeth to dye by kindly mocion 3 56

After his fleshly inclinacion. But" please to God my soule [for] to borowe Fro Fiendes myght and fro damnacion: Some arne to-day that shal nought be to-morow. 360

Death speaketh to the Sargeaimte.

COME foorth Sir Sargeaunt, with your stately mase. Make no defence nor rebellion. Nought may* auaile to grutchen in this case, Thogh* ye be deyners of condicion: 364

339. downe] do H.

341. fret] fretteth T. 342. me doth T. 343. For] By H.

344. restrayne] constrein T.

3SI. Thogh]IfT — as]oOT. H. 353. this] the T.

355. And]ThogheH. 358. to] it to H. 359. 2nd fro] ow. H.

362. nor] ne no H. 363. Nought may] It may nought T.

364. Thogh] If T — deynous H.

1036 The Daunce of Machahree

For neyther [ap]pele nor proteccion

May you fraimchise to doe nature wrong;

For there is none so sturdy chaumpion,

Tliogh* he be mightie, anotlier is also strong. 368

The Sargeaunt maketh aunswere.

HOWE durste thou* Death set on me arest, That am the kynges chosen olHcer, Which yesterday, both[en] cast and west,

Mine office dyd, ful surqucdous of cherc; 372

But now tliis day I am arestcd here, And can nought flee, tholi* I had it svvorne. Eche* man is loth to die, both farre & ncre. That hath nought learned for to dye* aforne. 376

Death speaketh to the Monke.

SYR Monke, also with your blacke habite, Ye may no ledger hold[e] here soioure; There is nothyng that may you here respite

Agein my might you for to doe succour; 380

Ye mot accompt[e] touchyng your labour, How ye haue spend it, in dede, word & thought. To earth and ashes turneth euery floure; The life of man is but a thyng of nought. 384

The Monke maketh aunswere.

I HAD leauer in the cloyster be. At m\' booke and study my seruice, Which is a place contemplatife to see;

But I haue spent my life in mony wyse, 388

Like as a foole dissolute and nice. God of his mercy graunt me repentaunce. By chere outward hard is to deuise, Al be not merye which that men seen daunce. 392

Death speaketh to the Usurer.

THOU Vsurer, looke vp and beholde, Unto wynnyng that settest al* thy payne, Whose couetise vvaxeth neuer colde,

Thy gredy thrust so sore the doth constraine. 396

But thou shalt neuer to thy desyre attayne, Suche an etike thyne heart[e] freten shall. But that of pitie God his honde refraine, One perilous stroke shal make thee losen al. 4CX>

367. a champyoun H.

368. Thogh] If T — another is] Deth is H.

369. durste thou] dare this T.

374. can] may H — thogh]ifT. 375. Eche] Euery T, H. 376. dye] be ded T. 379-] ^er may no thinge her you

respite H. 3S0. for]ow. H. 381. muste H.

382. spend it in dede word] spendid worde dede H. 385. the] my H — be] to be H. 391. is] om. H. 392. not] no H.

394. wynnyng that settest al] thy wynnyng thou settest aye T. 397. to] om. H. 399. But that] That but H. 400. loosen] lese H.

The Daunce of Machabree I037

The Usurer maketh aunswere.

NOW [me] behoueth sodeinly to dye, Which is to me great paine & eke greuance. Succour to fynde I see no maner way

Of golde nor siluer by none cheuisance; 404

Death through his hast abideth no purueiawce Of folkes blynde that can nought loke wel: Full oft happeth by kynde of fatall chaunce, Some haue fayre eyen that seen neuer adel. 408

The Poore Man boroweth of the Usurer.

V SURER to God is full great offence, And in his syght a great abusion; The poore boroweth percase for indigence.

The riche lent by false collusion, 412

Onely for lucre in his entencion. Death shal both[e] to accoumptes fette. To make reconing by computacion: No man is quit that is behynd of dette. 416

Death speaketh to the Phisicien.

MAISTER of Phisike, which on your vryne So looke and gase and stare agaynst the sunne, For al your craft and study of medicine,

[And] all the practike and science that ye cunne, 420

Your lyues* course so farre forth is yrunne, Ayein my might your craft m^y not endure, For al the gold that ye thereby* haue wunne: Good leche is he that can himself* recure. 424

The Phisicien maketh aunswer.

FULL long agon that I vnto Phisike Set my wit and eke my diligence. In speculatife and also in practike,*

To geat a name through mine excellence, 428

To fynd out agaynes* pestilence Preseruatifes to staunche it and to fine: But I dare [say] shortly in sentence, Againes* Death is worth no medicine. 432

Death speaketh to the Amerous Squyre.

YE that be gewtle, so fresh & amerous. Of yeres yong flouring in your grene age. Lusty [and] fre, of hert eke* desirous, Ful of deuises & chaunge in your courage, 436

402. eke^ om. H.

406. loke] se H. 407. chaunce] chaunge H.

409. This stanza is omitted in H.

416. No is repeated in T.

417. on] in H. 421. lyues] life T.

423. ye thereby] thereby ye T — haue] hath H.

424. can himself] himself can T. 426. eke] om. H. 427. practike] pracktife T.

429. agaynes] agaynst T.

432. Againes] Say that against T.

435. eke] & eke T, and {the rest erased) H.

1038 The Daunce of Machahree

i

Pleasaunt of port, of loke and of visage: <

But al shal tiirnc into ashes dead; <

For al beautie is but a faynt ymaRC, Which stcaleth away or folkcs can take hcde. 440

The Squyer maketh aunswer.

'1

ALAS, alas, I can nowe no succour I

ARayncs* Dcath[c] for myselfe prouide! A-due of youth the histy fresh[c] flower, J

Adue vainglory of beautie and of pride,* 444 <

Adue all seruice of the god Cupide, '

Adue my Ladies, so fresh so wel beseyn:

For agayn[s] Death nothyng may abyde, ■

And windes great gon doun with litlc rein. 448 j

Death st>eaketh to the Gentlewoman. ■

COME forth Maistresse, of yeres yonge and grene, Which hold your selfe of beautie souereyn, ,

As fayre as ye was whilom PoUixene, j

Penelope and the quene Helein. 452 j

Yet on this daunce thei went[e] both[e] tweyne, :

And so shall ye, for al your straungenesse; \

Thogh* daunger long in loue hath lad your rein, Arested is your chaunge of doublenes. 456

The Gentlewoman maketh atmswer.

O CRUEL Death, that spareth none estate, \

To old and yong thou art indifferent; To my beautie thou hast said checkmate, ;

So hasty is thy mortail iudgement. 460 J

For in my youth[e] this was mine entent, ;

To my seruice many man to haue lured; But she is a foole, shortly in sent[e]ment. That in her beautie is to muche assured. 464

Death speaketh to the Man of Law.

SYR Aduocate, short proces for to make. Ye mot come plete afore the* high[e] iudge. Many a quarel* ye haue vndertake

And for lucre done to folke refuge; 468

But my fraunchise is so large and huge That counsayle none auaile may but trouth:

He scapeth wisely of death the great deluge, \

Tofore the dome who is nought teint wit^ slouth. 472 ;

The Man of Law maketh aimswer. \

OF right & reason by Natures law, '

I can nought putte against Deth no defence, j

Ne by my* sleight me kepen or withdraw, '

For al my wit and al* my gret prudence,* 476 "

439. al] al your H.

442. Against T. 444. of pride] the prouide T. ]

455. Thogh] YfT — hath] haue H. 462. lured] allcMrede H. ]

462. sentement] sentence H. 466. the] that H. 467. a quarel] quarels T. 468. done to] to do H. 474. nought] om. H — putte] putten T. 475 is transposed

after ^yjT. 475. Ne by my] Nother by no T — or] ne H. 476. and al] and H, for al T.

The Daunce of Machahree 1039

To [make] appeale from his dredful sentence;

Nor nothyng in earth may a man preserue,

Agayn his might to make resistence:

God quiteth all men like as they deserue. 480

Death speaketh to Maister John Rikil Tregetour.

MASTER John Rikil, whilom Tregetour Of noble Henry king of Eng[e]lond, And of Fraunce the mightie conquerour, —

For al the sleightes and turning of thine hond, 484

Thou must come nere my dauwce to vnderstond. Nought may auayle al thy conclusions; For Death, shortly, nother on sea ne lond. Is not deceiued by none illusions. 488

The Tregetour maketh aunswer.

WHAT may auayle magike naturall Or any craft shewed by apparence, Or course of starres aboue celestiall.

Or of the heauens al the influence 492

Ageynes* Death to stonde at defence? Legerdmain now helpeth me right nought. Fare wel my craft and [al] such sapience; For Death hath mo maistries than I haue wrought.* 496

Death speaketh to the Person.

OSIR Curate, that been now here present, That had your worldly inclinacion. Your heart entere, your study & entent,

Most of your tithes and* oblacion, 500

Which should haue be of conuersacion Mirrour to other, light and examplarie, — Like your desert[e] shalbe yout guerdon, And to eche* labour due is the salarye. 504

The Person maketh aunswere.

M AUGER my wil I must[e] condescende; For death assaileth euery liuely thing Here in this world[e], who can comprehend

His sodein stroke and his vnware commyng.* 508

Fare wel [my] tithes, and fare wel mine off"ring, — I mot go coumpten in* order by and by. And for my shepe make a iust reckonyng: Whom he acquiteth* I hold he is happye. 512

479. make] make no H.

481. This stanza is transposed in H, following ibe Minstral.

485. my] this H. 487. ne] and H.

492. the heauens] heuen H. 493. Ageynes] Against T.

496.] For Death mo maistries hath ywrought T — wrought]

wronge H. 500. and] and your T. 504. eche] euery T. 508. commyng] turnyng T. 510. in] by T. 512. Whom he acquiteth] & who that so him quiteth T.

1040 The Daunce of Machahree

Death speak eth to the lurrour.

MAISTER Iiirioiir, whicli tluit at assises And at shores questes dydst embrace, Dcpartist* lond like to thy deiiiscs,

And wlio most gaue most stode in thy grace: 516

The poore man lost hotiife] land and place; For golde thou couldcst foike disherite. But now let se, with thy teynt[e] face Tofore the ludge how [thou] canst thee quitel 520

The lurrour maketh aunswere.

WHILOM I was cleped in my countrey The belweather, and that was not alite. Nought loued but drad of high & low degree; Fbr whom me list by craftJ could endite, — 524

Hongen the true and the thefe respite: Al the countrey by my worde was lad. But I dare sein, shortly for to write, Of my death many a man is glad. 5^8

Death speaketh to the Minstral.

OTHOU Minstrall, that can so note and pipe Unto folke[s] for to done pleasaunce, By thi* ryght honde anone I shall the gripe, With these other to gone vpon my daunce; 532

There is no scape nother auoydaunce, On no syde to contraire* my sentence: For in musike by craft and accordaunce Who maister Is [shal] shewen his science.* S36

The Minstrall maketh aunswere.

THIS new[e] daunce is to me so straunge, Wonder diuers and passingly contrarye; The dredefuU footyng doth so oft[e] chaunge And the measures so oft[e] tymes* varye, S40

Which now to me is nothyng* necessarye. If it wer so that I might asterte! But many a man, if I shal nought tary. Oft [tyme] daunseth, but nothyng of hert. S44

Death speaketh to the Labourer.

THOU Labourer, which in sorowe and peyn Hast lad thy life in [ful] great trauayle. Ye must eke daunce and therfore nought disdein; For if thou do, it may the nought auayle. S48

And cause why that I thee assayle Is onely this: from thee to disceuer The false world that can so folkes fayle; He is a foole that weneth to liuen euer. ^S^

513. at] is at H.

515. Departest] Deper didst T — deuises] devise H.

529. can] canst H. 531. thi] the T.

534. contraire] contune T. 536. science] sentence T.

540. tymes] sith T. 541. now to me is] vnto me is now T.

545. Thou] O thou H. 548. if] thoghe H.

552. liuen] liue H.

The Daunce of Machabree 1041

The Labourer maketh aunswere.

IHAUE wished after Death ful oft, Albe that I would haue fled him nowe. I had leauer to haue lyen vnsoft,

In wind & rain to haue gon at the plowe, 556

With spade & pikoys labored for my prowe, Doluen and ditched and at the cart[e] gone: For I may say and tell[e] platlye howe, In this worlde there is rest[e] none. 560

Death speaketh to the Frere Menour.

SYR Cordelere, to you mine hande is taught. To* this daunce [you] to conuay & leade. Which in your preaching han ful oft ytaught How that I am most gastful for to drede, 564

Albe that folke take thereto none hede. Yet is there none so strong ne so hardye, But Death dare hym rest and let for no made; For Death yche* houre is present and ready. 568

The Frere maketh aunswere.

WHAT may this be, that in this world no man Here to abide may haue no suretie.'' Strength, riches, nor what so that he can

Of worldly wisedom; all is but vanitie! 572

In great estate nor in pouertie Is nothing founde that may from* death defend; For which I saye to high and low degree, Wise is the* sinner that doth his lyfe amend. 576

Death speaketh to the Chylde.

LITLE Faunte, that were but late borne, Shape in this worlde to haue no pleasaunce, Ye must with other, that gone here beforne. Be lad in hast by fatall ordinaunce. 580

Learne ouer* new to gone [up]on my daunce: There may none age escape in soth therefro. Let euery wight haue this in remembraunce. Who lengest liueth most shal suffer woe, 584

The Yong Childe maketh aunswer.

A A a, a woorde I cannot speake; I am so yonge; I was borne yesterday. Death is so hasty on me to be wreake,

And list no lenger to make no delaie. 588

I come but now,* and now I go my way; Of me no more tale* shall [ye] be told. The wyll of God no man withstonde maye; As soone dyeth a yong [man] as an olde. 592

555. haue] haue had H. 557. labored] haue labored H.

558. ditched] dyke H. 560. there] here there H.

562. To] You to H. 563. oft taught H.

567. dare hym rest] dar arest him H. 568. yche] euery T.

574. from] his T. 576. the] that T. 577. Enfante H.

579- Ye] thou H. 581. ouer] of T. 585. A a a a] A A a H.

589. I come but now] I am but now borne T.

590. tale] to tale T.

1042 The Dauticf of Machabree

Death speaketh to the Yong Gierke.

OYE, Syr ClcrLc, suppose yc to be free Fro my daiince or your selfe defende, That wend haue risen vnto IukIi degree

Of benefice or some great prebende? 59^

Who climbeth highest sometime slial descend. Let no man grutclie ayeines* his fortune, But take at gree what-eucr God him sendc, Which punisheth al when time is oportunc. 600

The Gierke maketh aunswere.

SHALL [I] tliat am so yong a clerke now die, l'"ro* my seruice & haue no bet guerdon? Is there no gayn[el nc no better way,

Nb seurer* fraunchise nor proteccion? 604

Death maketh alway a short conclusion; To late ware, when men been on the brynke: The world shall fayle and all possession; For much faileth of thing that foles* thinke. 608

Death speaketh to the Hennite.

YE that haue liued long in wildernes And there continued long in abstinence, At the last[e] yet ye mot you dresse.

Of my daunce to haue experience; 612

For there against may be* no resistence. Take now leaue of thyne hermitage: W[h]erfore yche* man aduert to this sentence. That [inl this life is* no sure heritage. 616

The Hennite maketh aimswere.

TO Hue in desert called solitarie May again Death haue respite none nor space; At vnset houre his commyng doth not tary,

And for my part welcom by Goddes grace, 620

Thankyng hym with humble chere & face Of al his giftes and great haboundaunce, Finally affirmyng in this place, No man is riche that lacketh sufFraunce. 024

Death speaketh agayn to the Hennite.

THAT is wel sayd, and thus should euery wight Thanken his God & al his wittes dresse To loue & dread him wit^ all his heart & might, Sith Death to escape maye be no sikernes. 028

As men deserue, God quiteth of rightwisnes To riche and poore vpon euery syde: A better lesson there can no clerke expresse, Than til to-morow is no man sure to abide. 632

CO?, highest] hie H. 598. ayeines] ayeinst T.

599. in gree H. 602. Fro] Of T — bet] better T

604. seurer] better T — nor] ne H. 608. foles] folkes I.

613. may be] is T. 615. yche] euery T — to] om. H.

616. is] here is T. 617. To Hue] LyfF H.

619. hour] stewyne H. 624. sufFraunce] suffisaunce i.

629. quiteth] quite H. 630. To] The H.

The Daunce of Machahree

1043

JMoa Gt vc inf €riuir,fuppo(tfum(| deo*

M(^fify^^<^^^ j^c/^ ^^^/z^^m^ ^yi)u oi^/^^

f The King ligging eaten of Wormes.

YE folke that loke vpon this portrature, Beholding here all estates daunce, Seeth what ye been & what is your nature:

Meat vnto wormes; nought els in substaunce. 636

And haueth this mirrour aye in remembraunce, Howe I lye here whylom crouned [a] kyng, To al estates a true resemblaunce, That wormes foode is* fine of our* liuyng. 640

§ Machabree the Doctoure.

MANS lyfe* is nought els, platly for to thinke. But as [a] wind[e] which is transitory, Passing ay forth, whether he wake or winke. Toward this daunce, haueth this in memorye, Remembryng aye there is no better victory In this life here than fle syn at the least; Than shal ye reygne in paradise with glorye. Happy is he that maketh in heauen his feast!

Yet been there folkemo than sixe or seuen, Recheles of life in many maner wyse. Like as there were hell[e] none nor heauen. Such false errour let euery man despise;

633. folkenif H.

634. Beholdithe H, 637. haue H — aye] eu^r H.

640. is] is the T — our] your T.

641. Mans lyfe] Man is T, Man is life H — els] om. H. 648. in heuen that maketh H. 652. errours H.

644 648

652

I044 ^/-"^ Daunce of Machabree

For holy saynctes and olde clerkes wyse

Written contrary, lur falscncs to deface:*

To liiitn wd, take* for the best emprise,

Is niucli[e] worth whe« men shall* hence passe. 656

^ Lenuoye of the Translatoure.

OYK my lordcs & niaisters all in fere,* Of auenture that shal this daunce reade, Lowely I pray with all myne heart entere

To correct[el wherc-as ye se nede; 660

For nought elles I aske for my mede But goodly support of this translacion,

And with fauour to suppovvaile drede, |

Bening[e]lye in your correccioun. 664 1

Out of the French I drough it of entent, :

Not word by word but folowing in substaunce, 4

And from Paris to Eng[e]land it sent, '

Only of purpose you to do plesaunce. 668 1

Rude of langage, I was not borne in France, — ,

Haue me excused, my name is lohn Lidgate;*

Of ther tong I haue no suffisance, 1

Her curious miters in Englishe to translate. 672 j

^ Here endeth the Daunce'^of Machabree.

i

654. deface] defame T. •

655. lyue H — take] take thys T. ,

656. shall] should T. . I

657. my lordes & maisters] maistres and folkes H — fere] ■ feare T. '

667 and 668 are transposed in T. I

669 and 670 are transposed in T. 669. ther] other T. -!

/

PR 2034

F3

1923

pt.3

Lydgate, John

Fall of princes

I

PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE CARDS OR SLIPS FROM THIS POCKET

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY

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