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THE 


OP 


THE 


OF- 


EDITED  BY 

FREDERICK  J.  FURNIVALL. 


LONDON: 

PUBLISH!  FOR  THE  CHAUCER  SOCIETY 

BY  N.  TKUBNER  &  CO.,  57  &  59,  LUDGATE  HILL. 


1868-1879. 


Jirst  Merits. 


CLAT    AND   TAYLOR,   THE    CHAUCER  PRKSS,    BUNOAY 


CONTENTS  OF  THE  PETWORTH  MS. 


Six-Text 
Group  Pages 

A.  §  1.  General  Prologue 1 

§  2,  Knight's  Tale  (of  Palamon,  Arcite, 
and  fair  Emelye.  Pt.  II,  p.  40  ; 
Pt.  Ill,  p.  54;  Pt.  IV,  p.  71)  26 

§  3.      KNIGHT-MILLER  LINK 89 

§  4.  Miller's  Tale  (of  Nicholas,  Absolon, 

&  the  Oxford  Carpenter's  Wife)      92 

§  5.      MILLER-REEVE  LINK       Ill 

§  6.  Reeve's  Tale  (of  the  Trumpington 

Miller  and  Cambridge  Clerks)       113 

§  7.      REEVE-COOK  LINK         125 

§  8.  Cook's  Tale  (unfiniM :  of  the  Lon- 
don Victualler's  Apprentice)  ...  127 
Appendix  to  Group  A:  A  spurious 
COOK-GAMELYN  LINK  of  2  lines, 
and  The  spurious  TALE  OP 
GAMELYN 

Spurious  COOK  (t.  i.  GAMELYN) — 
SHIPMAN  LiNK1 


B.  §  4.  Shipman's  Tale  (of  the  Monk  and 

the  Merchant's  Wife)  ...    168 

§  5.      SHIPMAN-PRIORESS  LINK  ...    181 

§  6.  Prioress's  (Proem  and)  Tale  (of  the 

little  murderd  Boy) 182 

§  1.      MAN  OP  LAW'S  HEAD-LINK       ...    129 
§  2.  Man  of  Law's  (Proem  and)  Tale  (of 
Constance  and  her  Boy).   (Pt.  II, 
p.  142  S-T.,  p.  191  Pet.;  Pt. 
Ill,  p.  157  S-T.,  p.  206  Pet.)       132 
Latin  Side-Notes  to  the  Man  of 

Law's  Tale      133 

§  3.  MAN  -  OP  -  LAW  —  SHIPMAN  LINK 
(wrongly  as  MAN-OF-LAW-SQUIRB 
LINK) 167 


Petworth 
Pages 


26 
89 

92 
111 

113 

125 

127 


129 
155 


156 
169 

170 
178 


181 

182 


216 


1  Misplaced  by  the  scribe,  as  its  words  show  it  was  meant  for  a 
(spurious)  Pardoner- S/tipman  Link. 


vi 


CONTENTS 


Group 

[For  F,  §    1,   Squire's  Headlink,  see 

p.  375  of  the  Petworth  MS.] 

F.  §  2.  Squire's  Tale  (unfinisht:  of  the  Magic 

Horse,  &c,  and  the  Falcon)    . . . 

§  3.      SQUIRE -FRANKLIN  LINK  (wrongly 

as  SQUIRE-MERCHANT  LINK)  ... 

[For  E,  §  1,  2,  see  p.  335,  337  Pet.; 
for  E,  §  3  (from  Addit.  MS.  5140), 
see  Appendix  2,  p.  709.] 

E.  §  4,  Merchant's  Tale1 

[For  E,  §  5,  see  p.  374  Pet.~\ 


Six-Text 
Pages 


479 

498 


443 


D. 


E.  §  1,      CLERK'S  HEAD-LINK 

§  2.  Clerk's  Tale  (of  Grisilde).  (Pt.  II, 
p.  409  8-T,  p.  341  Pet.;  Pt. 
Ill,  p.  417  S-T,  p.  349  Pet.; 
Pt.  IV,  p.  422  S-T,  p.  354  Pet.; 
Pt.  Y,  p.  428  S-T,  p.  360  Pet.  ; 
Pt.  VI,  p.  433  8-T,  p.  365  Pet.3 
Chaucer's  Envoy,  p.  440  S-T, 
p.  372  Pet.)  ...  


403 


405 


Petworth 
Pages 


217 
236 

238 


§  1.  Wife  of  Bath's  Preamble2  (of  her  5 

Husbands,  &c.)  334      271 

§  2.  Wife  of  Bath's  Tale  (of  what  Women 

most  desire)     359      296 

§  3,      WIFE-FRIAR  LINK          371      308 

§  4.  Friar's  Tale  (of  the  Sum'ner  carrid 

off  to  Hell)      372      309 

§  5.      FKIAR-SUM'NER  LINK     383      320 

§  6;  Sum'ner's  Tale  (of  the  Friar  trickt 
by  the  sick  Husbandman ;  in- 
complete, with  spurious  end.  For 
the  genuine  end,  1.  2159 — 2294, 
from  Additional  MS.  5140,  Brit. 
Mus.,  see  Appendix  1,  p.  1*)  385  322 


335 


337 


1  Like  the  Corpus  and  Lansdowne  MSB.,  the  Petworth  has  a 
spurious  1.  1778,  instead  of  the  genuine  E  1777,  p.  458  S-T,  p.  253 
Pet.,  and  a  spurious  1.  1816  (misplaced),  p.  459  S-T,  p.  254  Pet. 
Like  Corp.  and  Lansd.,  it  leaves  out  1.  1927-8,  p.  461  S-T,  p.  257 
Pet.,  but  does  not,  like  Lansd.,  leave  out  E  2281-8. 

2  The  MS.  wants  the  lines  D  575—584,  609—612,  619—626, 
717—720.     They  are  supplied  from  MS.  Reg.  17  D  xv.     The  Pet- 
worth  MS.  also  begins  the  Tale  at  1.  829  in  the  Preamble,  p.  294, 
p.  357  Six- Text. 

3  The  MS.  wants  st.  160,  E  1170-76,  p.  372  Pet.,  referring  to 
the  Wife  of  Bath,  and  also  wrongly  puts  the  4th  stanza  of  the 
Envoy  (st.  164  of  the  Tale)  last,  after  the  5th  and  6th,  p.  373  Pet. 


CONTENTS. 


Vll 


Group 

E.  §5. 

F.  §1. 


[For  E,  §  3  (from  Addit.  MS.  5140), 
see  Appendix  2,  p.  709  ;  for  E,  §  4, 
p.  238  Pet.'] 

MERCHANT'S  END-LINK  . 


SQUIRE'S  HEAD-LINK 
{For  F,  §  2,  3,  see  p.  217,  236  Pet.'] 
§  4.  Franklin's  (Proem  and)  Tale1 


Six-Text 
Pages 

476 
478 
500 


G.  §  1.  Second  Nun's  (Proem  and)  Tale  (of 

St.  Cecile)  527 

§  2.  SECOND- NUN — CANON'S -YEOMAN 

LINK 547 

§  3.  Canon's  Yeoman's  Preamble  (of 

Alchemy,  &c.)  ...  ...  552 

§  4.  Canon's  Yeoman's  Tale  (of  the  ras- 
cally Alchemist-Canon)  ...  560 


Spitriom  CANGN'S-YEOMAN — DOCTOR  LINK 


C.  §  1.  Doctor's  Tale  (of  Virginia)            ...  303 
§  2.      DOCTOR-PARDONER  LINK            ...  312 
§  3.  Pardoner's  Preamble  (of  his  Preach- 
ing and  Tricks)           ...         ...  314 

§  4«  Pardoner's    Tale    (of    the    Three 

Kioters)  318 


B. 


[For  B,  §  1-2.  see  p.  178—215  Pet.  ; 
B,  §  3.  p.  216  Pet.;  B,  §  4-6,  p. 
156—177^.] 

§  7.      PRIORESS-THOPAS  LINK 

§  8.  Chaucer's  Tale  of  Sir  Thopas  (Fitte 

2,  p.  197  S-T,  488  Pet.) 
§  9.      THOPAS-MELIBE  LINK    ... 
§  10.  Chaucer's  Tale  of  Melibe  (prose:  on 

Prudence) 

§  11.      MELIBE-MONK  LINK 
§  12.  Monk's  Tale1  (of  Men  fallen  from 
high  estate) 


190 

191 
199 

201 
253 

256 


Petworth 
Pages 

374 
375 
376 

402 
422 
427 
435 

|  450 

451 
460 

462 
466 


481 

482 
490 

492 
544 

547 


1  Like  the  Corpus  and  Lansdowne  MSS.,  the  Petworth  leaves 
out  F  1423-4  and  1433-4,  and  has  a  spurious  line,  F  1436  (mis- 
placed), p.  520  S-T,  p.  396  Pet.     It  also  has  not  the  lines  F  1455-6, 
1493-8  (p.  398-9),  known  only  in  the  Ellesraere  MS.   Like  Corp.  and 
Lansd.,  Petworth  has  spurious  lines  for  F  1529,  F  1556.  p.  523  S-T., 
but  it  does  not  leave  out  F  1567-8,  as  Corp.  and  Lansd.  do. 

2  The  4  'Modern  Instances'— Peter  the  Cruel  of  Spain,  Peter 
of  Cyprus,  Barnabo  Visconti  of  Milan,  and  Count  Ugolino  of  Pisa- 
are  in  their  right  place,  after  Zenobia,  p.  559  Pet.,  p.  268  Six-Tmrt. 


Viii  CONTENTS. 

Six-Text 
Group  Pages 

§  13.      MONK — NUN'S-PRIEST  LINK    "...    281 
§  14.  Nun's  Priest's  Tale  (of  the  Cock 

and  Fox)         283 

[For  B,  §  15,  NUN'S  PRIEST'S  END- 
LINK,  see  p.  702  Pet.~\ 


H.  §  1.      MANCIPLE'S  HEAD-LINK  ...    576 

§  2,  Manciple's  Tale  (of  the  Crow)     ...    580 


I.  §  1.      BLANK-PARSON  LINK      589 

Contents  of  the  Parson's  Tale  ...  592 
§  2.  Parson's  Tale  (a  prose  treatise  on 
Penitence).  (Pt.  II,  p.  612-678 
S-T,  p.  628-694  Pet. ;  Pt.  Ill, 
p.  679-683  S-T,  p.  695-700  Pet. 
Leave-taking,  p.  684  S-T,  p.  701 
Pet) 593 


Supplt.  B.  §  15,  NUN'S  PRIEST'S  END-LINK 

(from  the  Christ  Church  MS.)      301 


Petworth 
Pages 

572 
574 


592 
596 


604 
607 


609 


702 


OF  SECTIONS,  CUTS,  ETC.,  NOT  IN  THE  PETWORTH  MS. 


1.  Group  D,  §  6,  1.  2159-2294,  end  of  the 

Sum'ner's  Tale,  from  Addit.  MS.  5140, 
Brit.  Mus 397 

2.  Group  E,  §  3,  the  ClerJc-Merchant-Link, 

from  Addit.  MS.  5140  442 

3.  Woodcuts  of  the   23   Tellers  of  the  24 

Canterbury  Tales,  from  theEllesm.  MS. 

4.  Woodcuts   of    6    Tellers   of   Canterbury 

Tales,— the  Cook,  Reeve  *  Wife  of  Bath, 
Pardoner,  Monk,  and  Manciple, — and 
of  6  Allegorical  Figures  in  the  Parson's 
Tale:  Wrath  and  Mercy,  Gluttony 
and  Abstinence,  Lechery  and  Chastity, 
from  MS.  Gg.  4  27  in  the  Univ.  Libr. 
Cambridge. 


705 
709 


GROUP    A.    FRAGMENT   I. 

§  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE. 
PETWOBTH  MS. 


•  Han  that  Aprille  with  his  shoures  soote    [leafii 
The  drought1  of  marche  hath  perced  to  J?e  roote 
And  bathes  euery  veyne  in  swich  licoure 
Of  which  vertue  engendrid  is  J)e  floure  4 

Whan  zephirus  ek1  with  his  swete  breth 
Inspired  hath  in  euery  holt  and  heth 
The  tendre  croppis  and  j?e  yonge  sonne 
Hath  in  the  ram  his  halfe  cours  yronne          8 

And  smale  foules  make  melodye 

That  slepen  al  nyght  with  open  eyghe 

So  prikej?  hem  nature  in  here  corages 

Than  longen  folk1  to  gon  on  pilgrymages  12 

And  palmers  for  to  seke  straunge  strondes 

To  feme  halowes  couthe  in  sondry  londes 

And  specially  fram  euery  shires  ende 

Of1  engelond  to  Caunterbury  they  wende  16 

The  holy  blisseful  martir1  for  to  seke 

That1  hem  hath  holpen  when  that1  J?ey  were  seke 

Byfille  fat1  in  that1  seson)  on  aday 

In  southwerk1  atte  Tabbard  as  I  lay  20 

Redy  to  wende  on  my  pilgrymage 

To  Cantirbury  with  ful  devout1  corage 

At  nyht1  was  come  in  to  J?af  hostellerye 

Wei  nyne  and  twenty  on  a  company e  24 

Of1  sondry  folk1  by  auenture  yfalle 

In  felaschipe  and  pilgrymes  were  Jjey  alle 

That1  toward  Cantirbery  wolde  ryde 

1  PETWORTH    1 


2   GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PetWOlth  MS. 

The  Chambres  and  stables  weren  wyde  28 

And  wel  weren  esed*  atte  beste 
And  schortly  whan  the  sonne  was  to  reste 
So  hadde  I  spoken  with  hem  euerychoii 
That  I  was  of  here  felaschipe  anon  32 

And  made  forward  erly  for  to  ryse 
To  take  oure  wey  there  as  I  you  deuyse 
But  natheles  whil  I  haue  tyme  and  space 
Or  Jjatf  I  ferther  in  this  tale  pace  36 

Me  thynkef  it*  accordant1  to  reson> 
To  telle  yow  al  the  Condicion) 

Of*  ech  of1  hem  so  as  it1  semed  me  neaf  i,  back] 

And  whiche  they  were,  and  of  whafr  degre  40 

And  eke  in  what1  array  fat1  they  were  Inne 
And  at1  a  knyght1  fan  I  wol  first1  bigynne 
A    knygfrfr  f  er  was  and  fat1  a  worthy  man 
-*•*•  That  fro  f  e  tyme  fat  he  ferstf  bigan  44 

To  riden  out*,  he  louede  Chyualrye 
Trouthe  and  honour  fredom  and  curtesye 
fful  worthy  was  he  in  his  lordis  werre 
And  therto  hadde  he  ryden  no  man  ferre  48 

As  wel  in  Cristendom  as  in  hethenesse 
And  euere  honoured  for  his  worthynesse 
^T  At  Alisaundre  he  was  whan  it  [was]  wonne 
fful  ofte  tyme  he  hadde  the  bord  bigonne  52 

Aboven  alle  naciouws  in  Pruce 
In  lettowe  had  he  reysed  and  in  Euce 
No  cristene  man  so  ofte  of1  his  degre 
In  Gernade  at  the  sege  ek1  hadde  he  be  56 

Of  Algezire  and  riden  in  belmarye 
At  Lyeis  was  he  and  at  Satalye 
When  they  were  wonne  and  in  the  grete  see 
At  many  a  noble  armeye  had  he  be  60 

At  mortel  batailles  had  he  ben  fyftene 
And  fouhten  for  oure  faith  at  tramessene 
In  lystes  thryes.  and  ay  slayne  his  foo 

B  PEFWORTH   2 


GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PetWOlth  MS.    3 

This  like  worthy  knyghtf  had  ben  also  64 

Somtyme  with  the  lord  of  Palatye 

Ayeyn  an  othir  hethen  in  Turkye 

And  euere  more  he  hadde  a  souereyne  pry 

And  though  Jrnt  he  was  worthy  he  was  wys  68 

And  of  his  port1  as  meke  as  is  a  mayde 

He  neuer  yet  no  velonye  ne  sayde 

In  al  his  lyf  vnto  no  manere  wight1 

He  was  a  verrey  parfit1  gentil  knyght1  72 

ifor  to  tellen  yow  of  his  array 

His  hors  weren  gode.  but1  he  was  not  gay 

Of  fustyon)  he  werede  a  gepon 

Al  bismotered  with  his  habirgeon)  76 

ffor  he  was  late  ycome  from  his  viage  [leaf  2] 

And  wente  for  to  don  his  pilgrymage 

TITith  hym  J>er  was  his  sone  a  yong  squyere 

A  louyere  and  a  lusty  bachelere  80 

With,  lockes  crulle  as  they  were  leyd  in  presse 

Of  twenty  yere  of  age  he  was  I  gesse 

Of  his  stature  he  was  of1  euene  lengtne 

And  wondirly  delyuere  and  gretf  of1  strengthe  84 

And  he  hadde  be  somtyme  in  chyuachye 

In  fflauftdres  in  Artoys  and  in  Pikardye 

And  born  him  wel  as  of  so  litil  space 

In  hope  to  stonde  in  his  lady  grace  88 

Embroyded  was  he  as  it  were  a  mede 

Aft  ful  of  fresshe  floures  white  and  rede 

Syngynge  he  was.  or  floytynge  al  the  day 

He  was  also  fressh  as  ys  Jje  moneth  of  may  92 

Short  was  his  gowne  with  sieves  longe  and  wyde 

Wel  koude  he  sitte  on  an  hors  and  faire  ryde 

He  koude  songes  make,  and  wel  endite 

luste  and  eke  dau?zce  and  wel  portrey  and,  write.  96 

So  hote  he  louede.  that  by  nygter  tale 

He  slepte  namore  than  doth  a  nyghtyngale 

Corteys  he  was  lowely  and  servisable 

PETWORTH    3 


4   GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PetWOTth  MS, 

And  karf  biforn  his  fadir  at  the  table  100 

A^othir  yeman  hadde  he  and  seruantes  na  mo 

At1  that1  tyme.  for  hym  lysf  ryde  so 

And  he  was  clad  in  coote  and  hood  of1  grene 

A  sheef1  of1  pocok1  arewes  bryght1  and  kene  104 

Vndir  his  belt1  he  bar  full  thriftily 

"Wei  couthe  he  dresse  his  takel  yemanly 

Hise  arewes  drouped  noght1  with  fejjeres  lowe 

And  in  his  hond  he  bar  a  myghty  bowe  108 

A  not1  hed  hadde  he  with  a  broun  visage 

Of1  wode  craft  wel  couthe  he  al  the  vsage 

Yppon  his  arme  he  bar  a  gay  bracer1 

And  by  his  side  a  swerd  and  a  bokeler1  112 

And  on  that  o]?ir  syde  a  gay  daggere 

Harneysed  wel  and  sharp  as  poynt1  of1  spere 

A  Cristoffie  on  his  brest1  of  seiner  shene  [leaf  2,  back] 

An  horn  he  bar  the  bawdrik1  was  of  grene  116 

A  foster  was  he  sotly  as  I  gesse 

fPher  was  a  no^ne  also  a  priores&e 

-*•   That1  of  hir  smylynge  was  ful  symple  and  coy 

Hire  grettest1  ooth  was  but1  by  sey[n]te  loy  120 

And  she  was  clepid  ma  dame  Englentyne 

fful  wel  she  song1  the  seruyse  divyne 

Entuned  in  hire  nose  ful  semyly 

And  frenshe  she  spak1  ful  faire  and  fetysly  124 

Aftir  the  skole  of  Stratford?  atte  bowe 

ffor  frensch  of  Parys  was  to  hire  vnknowe 

At  mete  wel  I-taught  was  sche  with  alle 

She  leet1  no  morsel  from  hir  lippes  falle  128 

ISTe  wete  hire  fyngres  in  hire  sause  depe 

Wel  couthe  she  carye  a  morsel  and  wel  kepe 

That  no  drope  ne  fille  vppon  hire  breste 

In  curtesye  was  set1  ful  mochel  hire  leste  1 32 

Hire  ouer  lippe  wiped  she  so  clene 

That  in  hir  cuppe  ther  was  no  ferthing  sene 

Of  grece  whan  she  dronken  hadde  hire  draughte 

PETWOKTH    4 


6ROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    PetWOrth  MS.        5 

fful  semyly  aftir  hir  mete  she  raughte  136 

And  sikerly  sclie  was  of  gret1  disporte 
And  ful  plesaimt  and  amable  of  porte 
And  peynede  hire  to  eounterfete  chere 
Of  court1,  and  to  ben  estatliche  of1  manere  140 

And  to  he  holden  digne  of1  reuerence 
But  for  to  speken  of1  hir  Conciense 
She  was  so  charitable  and  so  pitous 

She  wolde  wepe  yif1  that1  she  saufr  a  mous  144 

Kaugh[t]  in  a  trappe  yif*  it  were  ded  or  bledde 
Of*  smale  houndes  had  she  that1  she  fedde 
"With  rostid  nessh  or  myik1  or  wastelbrede 
But1  sore  wepte  she  yf  oon  of1  hem  were  dede  148 

Or  yf*  men  smoot  yf  with  a  yerde  smerte 
And  al  was  conscience  and  tendre  herte 
fful  semeliche  hire  wympil  pynchid  was 
Hir  nose  was  streight1.  hire  eighen  grey  as  glas  152 

Hire  mouth  ful  smal  and  therto  softe  and  rede  [leaf  33 

But  sekerly  she  hadde  a  fair  forhede 
It  was  almost  a  spanne  brood  I  trowe 
ffor  hardely  she  was  nouht  vndirgrowe  156 

fful  fetys  was  hir  cloke  as  I  was  waar 
Of  smal  coral  aboute  hir  arme  she  baar 
A  paire  of  bedys  gaudid  al  with  grene 
And  ther  on  hyng1  a  broche  of  gold  ful  shene  160 

On  which  Jjer  was  first1  writen  a  crowned  A 
And  aftir  amor  vincifr  omnia 
An  othir  Nbnne  with  hire  hadde  she 
That  was  hire  chapeleyn.  and  prestes  thre  164 

A    monk1  ]?er  was  a  fair  for  the  maistrye 
"  An  out1  ridere  that1  loued  venerye 
A  manly  man  to  ben  an  Abbot1  able 

fful  many  a  deynte  hors  hadde  he  in  stable  168 

And  whanne  he  rood .  men  myhte  his  bryditt  here 
Gynglynge  in  a  whistelynge  wynd  as  clere 
And  eke  as  loude  as  dooth  J>e  chapel  belle 

PET  WORTH   5 


6   GROUP  A.  §  L  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PctWOlth  MS. 

Ther  as  this  lord  was  keper  of  the  selle  172 

The  reule  of  seynt1  Maure  or  of  seint  Benef 

Bi  cause  J>at  ji  was  olde  and  somdel  streit 

This  ylke  monke  leet  olde  Jjynges  pace 

And  heeld  aftir  the  newe  world  the  space  176 

He  yaf1  nouhf  of1  the  text1  a  pulled  hen 

That1  seith  that1  hunters  be  noufrf  holy  men 

Ke  that  a  monke  whan  he  is  recheles 

Is  likened  tille  a  fisshe  fat1  is  watirles  180 

This  is  to  seye  a  monke  out1  of1  his  cloistre 

But  thilke  text1  held  he  nouhf  worth  an  oystre 

And  I  seyde  his  opyniou)  was  good 

What  shulde  he  studie.  and  make  hymself1  wood  184 

Ypon  a  book1  alwey  in  cloistre  to  poure 

Or  swynke  with  his  hondis  and  laboure 

As  Austyn  bit.  hou  shal  the  world  be  serued 

Lat  Austyn  haue  his  swynk1  to  him  reserued  188 

Therfore  he  was  a  pricasour  aright1 

Grehoundes  he  hadde  /  as  swift1  as  foule  in  flight1 

Of1  prikynge  and  of1  huntynge  for  the  hare  [leaf  s,  back] 

"Was  al  his  lust1  for  no  cost  wole  he  spare  192 

I  seigh  hise  sieves  I-purfiled  at1  the  hond? 

With  grys  and  that1  the  fynest1  of  a  loud? 

And  for  to  festne  his  hood  vndir  the  Chynne 

He  hadde  of1  gold?  wrought1  a  ful  curious  py?me  196 

A  loue  knotte  in  the  gretter  ende  j?er  was 

His  hed  was  ballyd  that1  shon  as  ony  glas 

And  eke  his  face,  as  he  hadde  ben  anoynt1 

He  was  a  lord?  ful  fat1  and  in  good?  poynf  200 

Hise  eighen  stepe  and  rollynge  in  his  hede 

That  stemede  as  a  fourneys  of  a  lede 

Hise  botes  scuple  his  hors  in  grete  estate 

Now  certeynly  he  was  a  fair  prelate  204 

He  nas  nat  pale  as  a  forpyned  goost1 

A  fat  swan  louede  he  best1  of  any  roost1 

His  palfray  was  [as]  brouD)  as  ys  a  berye 

C  PETWOKTH    6 


tUiOUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    PctWOlth  MS.        7 

A    ffrere  ther  was  a  wa[n]toune  and  [a]  merye  208 

**•  A  lymytour  a  ful  solempne  man 
In  alle  the  ordres  foure  is  noon  that1  can 
So  mochel  of  daliance  and  fair  langage 
He  hadde  made  ful  many  a  Mariage  212 

Of  yonge  wommen  at1  his  owne  cost* 
Vn  to  his  ordre  he  was  a  noble  post 
fful  wel  biloued  and  famulier  was  he 
With  frankeleynes  oueral  in  his  centre  216 

And  with  worthy  wowimen  of  the  toun 
fFor  he  hadde  power  of1  confessions 
As  seide  hym  self1  more  than  a  Curaf 
fFor  [of]  his  ordre  he  was  lycenciat1  220 

fful  swetely  herede  he  confession) 
And  plesaunt1  was  his  absolucion) 
He  was  an  esy  man  to  yeue  penance 

Ther  as  he  wiste  to  han  a  good  pitance  224 

ffor  wnto  a  pore  ordre  for  to  yeue 
Is  signe  that1  a  man  ys  wel  yshreve 
ffor  yf1  he  yaf  he  dorste  make  avauwt 
He  wiste  Jjat1  a  man  was  repentaunfr  228 

ffor  many  a  man  is  so  hard  of1  his  herte  [leaf  4] 

He  may  noght1  wepe  al  J>ouB.  him  sore  smerte 
Ther  fore  in  stede  of1  wepynge  and  preieres 
Men  mote  yeue  seluer  /  to  the  pore  freres  232 

His  tipet  was  ay  fassed  ful  of  knyfes 
And  pynnes  for  to  yeue  faire  wyfes 
And  certeynly  he  hadde  a  mery  note 
Wel  coude  he  syngen  and  playen  on  a  roote  236 

Of  yeddynges  he  bar  vttirly  the  pryce 
His  necke  white  was  as  the  flour  delyce 
Therto  he  was  strong  as  a  champions 
He  knew  the  tauernes  wel  in  every  toun  240 

And  eueriche  Osteller  and  tapestere 
Bet  than  a  lazer  or  a  beggere 
ffor  vnto  swich  a  worthy  man  as  he 

PETWORTH    7 


8       GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    PetWOltll  MS. 

Acordith  nouht  as  by  his  faculte  244 

To  haue  with  swich  seke  lazers  aqueyntance 

It  is  nouht  honest  /  it  may  nouht  avance 

ffor  to  delen  with  swich  poraille 

But  al  with  riche  and  sillers  of*  vitaille  248 

And  oueral  ther  as  profite  sholde  aryse 

Curtays  he  was  and  lowely  of*  seruyse 

Ther  nas  no  man  nowher  so  vertuous 

He  was  the  beste  beggere  in  his  hous  252 

[• 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

ffor  Jjoull  a  widewe  hadde  nouht1  a  sho 
So  plesaunfr  was  his  Inprincipio 
Yefr  wolde  he  haue  a  ferthyng1  or  he  wente 
His  purchace  was  wel  bettere  j?an  his  rente  256 

And  rage  he  couthe  as  if  were  rihf  a  whelpe 
In  louedaies  ther  coude  he  mochil  helpe 
ffor  ther  he  was  not1  liche  a  cloistrere 
"With  a  thredbare  cope  as  a  pore  scolere  260 

But  he  was  lyke  a  maistir  or  a  pope 
Of  double  worstede  was  his  semy  cope 
That  rounded  as  a  belle  out1  of  the  presse 
Somwhafr  he  lipsede  for  his  wantonesse  264 

To  make  his  englyssh  swete  vppon  his  tonge 
And  in  his  harpynge  whan  fat  he  had  songe 
Hise  eyghen  twynclede  in  his  hede  aright1  peaf4,baciQ 

As  doon  the  sterres  in  a  frosty  nyht  268 

This  worthy  lymytour  was  clepid  hubert1 
A    Marchant  was  ther  with  a  longe  beret 
•*•*•  In  motle  and  heyh  on  horse  he  satte 
Vppon  his  heued  a  flaundrisshe  beuer  hatte  272 

Hise  botis  clapsid  faire  and  fetisly 
His  resouws  he  spak1  ful  solempnely 
Shewynge  alwey  the  encres  of1  his  wynnynge 
He  wolde  the  see  were  kept  for  any  thynge  276 

Bitwixe  Middelburgh  and  Orewelle 
PETWORTH  8 


GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PctWOlth  MS.   9 

"Wei  coude  he  in  escliange  sheldes  selle 

This  worthy  man  ful  wel  his  witte  bisette 

Ther  wiste  no  wight1  that1  he  was  in  dette  280 

So  estatly  was  he  of1  his  gouernance 

With  his  bargaynes  and  with  his  cheuyssance 

fforsothe  he  was  a  worthy  man  with  alle 

But  sothely  to  seyne  I  not1  how  men  hym  calle  284 

A    Clerk  J>er  was  of1  Oxenforde  also 
•"•  That1  vnto  logyk1  hadde  longe  I-go 
As  lene  was  his  hors  as  ys  a  rake 

And  he  was  not1  right  fat1 1  wndirtake  288 

But  lokede  holewh  and  J>erto  soburly 
fful  thredbare  was  his  ouerest  Courtepy 
ffor  he  hadde  yit1  geten  him  no  benefice 
Ne  was  so  wordly  [for]  to  haue  office  292 

ffor  hym  was  leuere  haue  at1  his  bed  hede 
Twenty  bokes  clad  in  blak1  or  rede 
Of  Aristotle  and  his  philosophic 

Then  robes  riche  or  fithel  or  gay  sautrye  296 

But1  al  be  that1  he  was  a  philosofre 
Yet  hadde  he  but  litel  gold  in  cofre 
But  al  that1  he  myhte  of  his  frendes  hente 
On  bokes  and  on  lernynge  he  it1  spente  300 

And  besily  gan  for  tho  soules  preye 
Of  hem  that  yaf  hym  wharwith  to  skole-aye 
Of  studie  took1  he  moost  cure  and  most  hede 
Naught1  a  word  spak1  he  /  more  than  was  nede  /  304 

And  that1  was  seid  in  forme  and  reuerence  [leaf  5] 

And  short1  and  quyk1  and  ful  [of]  hey  sentence 
Sownynge  in  moral  vertue  was  his  speche 
And  gladly  wolde  he  lerne  and  gladly  teche  308 

A  sergant  of1  the  lawe  /  war5  and  wys 
•**•  That1  often  hadde  ben  atte  parvys 
That  was  also  ful  riche  of  excellence 

Discret  he  was  and  of  gret  reuerence  312 

He  semed  swich  hise  wordis  wern  so  wise 
PET  WORTH  9 


10  GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PctWOlth  MS. 

Justice  he  was  ful  often  in  assise 
By  patent  and  by  pleyn  coramyssioiw 
ffor  his  science,  and  for  his  high  renouw  316 

Of1  fees  and  robes  hadde  he  many  on 
So  gret  a  purcLassour  was  nowher  non 
Al  was  fee  symple  to  him  in  effecte 

His  purchassynge  myht  nouht  ben  infecte  320 

Nowher  so  besy  a  man  as  he  ther  nas 
And  yet  he  semed  bisiere  than  he  was 
In  termes  hadde  he  caas  and  domes  alle 
That  from  the  tyme  of  kyng1  william  were  falle  324 

Therto  he  cowde  endite  and  make  a  thyng1 
Ther  couthe  no  wight1  pynche  at1  his  writyng1 
And  euery  statute  couthe  he  pleyne  by  roote 
He  rood  but  homely  in  a  medle  coote  328 

Gert1  with  a  sent1  of  selk1  wi]>  barres  smale 
Of  his  array  telle  I  no  lenger  tale 
A    ffrankeleyn  was  in  his  compaignye 
•^*-  Whit1  was  his  berd?  as  is  the  daieseye  332 

Of  his  complexions  he  was  sangwyne 
Wei  louede  he  by  the  morewe  a  soppe  in  wyne 
To  lyuen  in  delite  euere  was  his  wone 
ffor  he  was  Epiournes  owne  sone  336 

That  helde  opynyon)  ]?at  pleyn  delite 
Was  verrey  felicite  parfite 
An  houshaldere  and  that1  a  greet1  was  he 
Seint  lulyan  he  was  in  his  contre  340 

His  bred  his  ale  was  alleweys  aftir  oon 
A  bettir  envyned  man  /  was  nowher  noon  / 
With  oute  bakemete  was  neuere  his  hous  [leaf  5,  back] 

Of  fissche  and  fleisshe  and  fat  so  plentevous  344 

It  snewede  in  his  hous  of1  mete  and  drynke 
Of  alle  deyntethes  that1  men  couthe  thinke 
Aftir  the  sondry  sesons  of  the  yere 

So  changed  he  his  mete  and  his  sopere  348 

fful  many  a  fat1  partrich  hadde  he  in  Mewe 

D  PETWORTH    10 


6KOUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PetWOlth  MS.  1 1 

And  many  a  breme  and  many  a  luce  in  stewe 
"Wo  was  his  cook1  but*  [if]  his  sauce  were 
Poynant1  and  sharpe  and  redy  al  his  gere  352 

His  table  dormant  in  his  halle  al  way 
Stood  redy  couered  al  the  longe  day 
At  sessions  ther  was  he  lord  and  sire 
fful  often  tyme  he  was  knyghtf  of  the  shire  356 

An  anelas  and  a  gypsere  al  of1  silke 
Heng1  at  his  girdel  white  as  morne  mylke 
A  sherreff*  had  he  ben  /  and  a  comptour 
Was  nowher  swich  a  worthy  vauasour  360 

A  N  habirdasshere  and  a  Carpenter 
•"•  A  Webbe.  a  Diere  and  a  Tapecere 
And  they  were  clothid  alle  in  oo  lyuere 
Of1  a  solempne  and  a  greet"  fraternyte  364 

fful  fressh  and  newe  here  gere  apiked  was 
Here  knyfes  nere  chap[ed]  nouhf  with  bras 
But  al  with  syluer  wrought  ful  clene  and  wel 
Here  gerdelles  and  her  pouches  euery  del  368 

Wel  semed  ech  of1  hem  a  fair  burgeys 
To  sitteii  in  a  yeldhalle  on  a  deys 
Eueriche  for  the  wisdom  that1  he  can 
Was  shaply  for  to  bene  an  Aldirman  372 

Tor  catett  hadde  they  T-nouh  and  Eente 
And  eke  her  wifes  wolde  it1  wel  assente 
And  elles  certeyn[ly]  they  were  to  blame 
It1  is  ful  fair  to  be  clepid  Madame  376 

And  gon  to  vigilies  al  be  fore 
And  haue  a  mantel  rialliche  I-bore 
A    Cook1  they  hadde  /  with  hem  for  the  nones 
~  To  boille  the  chikenes  with  ]>e  maribones  380 

And  poudre  Marchanf  tart1  of  Gallyngale  [leaf  6] 

Wel  kowde  he  knowe  a  draufrt  of  london)  ale 
He  Couthe  roste  and  sethe  and  broyle  and  ffrye 
Maken  Mortrews  and  wel  bake  a  pye  384 

But  gret  ha[r]m  was  it1  /  as  it  thouhte  me 

PET  WORTH    11 


12  GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PetWOrth  MS. 

That1  on  his  shene  a  normal  hadde  he 
For  blank1  manger1  that  made  he  with  the  beste 
A    Shipman  was  ther  /  wonyng1  fer  bi  weste  388 

•"•  For  ouht  I  woof  he  was  of1  Dertemouthe 
He  rood  vppon  a  Rouncy  as  he  couthe 
In  a  gowne  ofH  ffaldyng1  to  the  kne 

A  daggar1  hangynge  in  a  lace  hadde  he  392 

Aboute  his  necke  vndir  his  arme  doiw 
The  hote  somer  hadde  made  his  hiew  al  broim 
And  Certeynly  he  was  a  good  felawe 

fful  many  a  drauht  of  wyn  hadde  he  drawe  396 

ffrom  bnrdeux  ward'  while  the  chapmen  slepe 
Of  nyce  conscience  took1  he  no  kepe 
Yif  that1  he  fauht1  /  and  hadde  the  heihere  honcJ 
By  watir  he  sente  hem  home  to  euery  lond?  400 

But  of  his  craft  /  to  rikene  wel  his  tydes 
His  stremes  and  his  daunger  him  bisydes 
His  herberuh.  his  moone  and  his  lodmanage 
Ther  nos  noon  such  from  hulle  to  Cartage  404 

Hardy  he  was  /  and  wys  to  vndirtake 
With  many  a  tempest1  had  his  berd  be  shake 
He  knew  alle  the  hauenes  as  they  were 
ifro  gutlond  to  the  cape  de  fynystere  408 

And  euery  cryke  in  bretaygne  and  in  Spayne 
His  barge  y-clepid  was  the  maudeleyne 

With  us  ther  was  a  doctour  of1  ffisik1 
In  al  this  world'  ne  was  ther  none  hym  lik*  412 

To  speke  of  fisike  and  of  surgerye 
ffor  he  was  grounded  in  astronomye 
He  kepte  his  pacient1  a  ful  greet1  del 

In  houres  by  his  magik1  naturel  416 

Wel  couthe  he  fortune  the  assendent1 
Of1  his  ymages  for  his  pacient1 

He  knew  the  cause  of1  euery  maladye  Deaf  6,  back] 

Were  it1  of  hoot1  or  cold'  or  moyst1  or  drye  420 

And  wher  engendred  and  [of]  what  humour 

PETWORTH    12 


GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PetWOlth  MS.  1 3 

He  was  a  verrey  parfit1  practisour 
The  cause  I-knowe  and  of  his  harm  the  roote 
Anoon  he  yaf  the  sike  man  his  boote  424 

fful  redy  hadde  he  hise  apotecaries 
To  sende  hem  drugges  /  and  his  letuaries 
ffor  ech  of  hem  made  othir  for  to  wywne 
Her  frendshipe  nas  nat  newe  to  bigynne  428 

"Wei  knew  he  the  olde  Escalapius 
And  diascoride  and  ek1  Eufus 
Old  ypocras  Hayly  and  Galien 

Serapion  Easis  and  Auysen  432 

Aueroys  Damascien  and  constantyne 
Bernard  and  Gatisden  and  Gilbertyne 
Of1  his  diete  mesurable  was  he 

ffor  it  was  of1  no  superfluyte  436 

Bot  of1  greft  norshinge  and  digestable 
His  studie  was  but1  litel  on  the  bible 
In  sangweyn  and  in  perce  he  clad  was  al 
Lyned  with  Taifata  and  with  sendal  440 

And  yet  he  was  but  esy  of1  dispense 
He  kepte  that1  he  wan  in  pestilence 
ffor  gold  in  Phisik1  is  a  cordeal 

Therfore  he  louede  gold?  in  special  444 

A    Good  wiff1  ther  was  of  besides  bathe 
-^*-  But  she  was  somdel  def1  and  J>at  was  scathe 
Of  cloth  makynge  sche  hadde  such  an  hau^t 
She  passid  hem  of  ypres  and  of  Gaunt  448 

In  alle  the  parisch  wif1  ne  was  ther  noon 
That  to  the  offrynge  toforn  hir  shulde  goon 
And  yf  ther  dide  /  certeyn  wroth  was  she 
That  she  was  out  of  al[le]  charite  452 

Hir  couerchefes  ful  fyne  were  of  ground' 
I  durste  swere  they  weyeden  ten  pouncfe 
That  on  a  Sonday  weren  vpon  hire  hede 
Hir  hosen  weren  of1  fyne  scarlet1  rede  456 

fful  streight  I-teied  /  and  shoes  ful  moist1  and  newe     [leaf  7] 

PETWORTH    13 


14   UROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  Petworth  MS. 

Bold  was  hir  face  and  faire  /  and  red  of  hiewe 
She  was  a  worth!  womman  al  hir  lyue 
Housbondes  atte  chirche  dore  she  hadde  fyue  460 

With  outen  othir  companie  in  youth  e 
But  ther  of1  nedith  nouhtt  to  speke  as  nouthe 
And  thries  hadde  she  bene  at  Jerusalem 
She  had[de]  passed  many  a  strange  strem  464 

At  Rome  sche  had  ben  /  and  at  boloyne 
In  Galice  at  saint  lame  and  at  Coloigne 
She  koude  moche  on  wandrynge  bi  the  weye 
Gat  tothid  was  she  sothely  for  to  seie  468 

Vp  on  an  Amblere  esily  she  satte 
I-wympled  wel  and  on  hir  heed  an  hatte 
As  brood  as  is  a  bokellere  or  a  targe 

A  fot1  mantel  abouten  hire  hipes  large  472 

And  on  hire  feet1  a  paire  of1  spores  sharpe 
In  felaschipe  wel  couthe  sche  lawhe  and  carpe 
Of  remedies  of  loue  she  kneuh  parchaurace 
if  or  she  couthe  of1  that  art  the  daunce  476 

A    Good  man  was  there  of  religious 
•"•  And  was  a  pore  persouw  of  a  toun 
But  riche  he  was  ofH  holy  thouht  and  werk1 
He  was  also  a  lerned  man  and  a  clerk1  480 

That  Cristes  gospel  treuly  wolde  preche 
His  parisschens  deuoutly  wolde  he  teche 
Benyngne  he  was  and  wondir  diligent* 
And  in  aduersite  /  ful  pacienf  484 

And  swich  he  was  [i]preued  ofte  sithes 
iful  looth  were  him  to  cursen  for  his  tythes 
But  rather  wolde  he  yeuen  out1  of  doute 
Ynto  his  poure  parisshens  aboute  488 

Of  his  offrynge  and  of1  his  substance 
He  couthe  in  litil  thing1  han  suffisance 
"Wide  was  hise  parisshe  and  houses  fer  asondir 
But  he  ne  lafte  nouthir  for  rayne  ne  for  thuwdir  492 

In  sikenesse  nor  in  meschief  to  visite 

E  PETWORTH    14 


GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PetWOlth  MS.  15 

The  ferrest  in  his  parisch  myche  and  lite 

Yp  on  his  fete  /  and  in  his  hond  a  staff1  Deaf  7,  tack] 

This  noble  ensample  to  his  shepe  he  yaf*  496 

That*  ferst*  he  wroughte.  and  aftirward?  Jjat  he  tauhte 

OutH  of  the  gospel  he  J?o  wordes  cauhte 

And  this  figure  he  addede  ek*  therto 

That*  yf  gold  ruste  /  what1  shal  Iren  do  500 

For  if1  a  prest1  be  foul  on  whom  we  triste 

No  wondir  is  a  lewed  man  to  ruste 

And  shame  it  is  yfH  a  prest  take  kepe 

A  shiten  sheperde  and  a  clene  shepe  504 

"Wei  ouhte  a  preest  ensample  for  to  yeue 

By  his  clennesse  hou  that*  his  sheepe  shulde  lyue 

He  set*  nauht  his  benefice  to  hire 

And  leet*  his  sheep  acombred  in  the  myre  508 

And  ran  to  london  vn  to  seint  Poules 

To  seke  hyra  a  chanterye  for  soules 

Or  with  a  bretherhede  to  bene  with  holde 

But*  duelte  at*  home  /  and  kepte  wel  his  folde  512 

So  that*  the  wolf  ne  made  it*  not*  myscarye 

He  was  a  she,pperde  and  not*  a  mercenarie 

And  thouh"  he  holy  were  and  vertuous 

He  was  nouht*  to  synful  men  dispitous  516 

Ne  on  his  speche  daungerous  ne  digne 

But  in  his  techynge  discret*  and  benygne 

To  drawen  folk*  to  heuene  by  fairnesse 

By  good  ensample  /  this  was  his  bisynesse  520 

But*  it*  were  eny  person)  obstynate 

What*  so  he  were  of*  heigh"  or  lowh"  estate 

Hym  wolde  he  snebbe  sharply  for  the  nones 

A  bettre  prest  I  trowe  ]>at  nowher  noon  es  524 

He  waitede  aftir  no  pompe  and  reuerence 

]STe  maked  hym  a  spiced  conscience 

But  cristes  lore  /  and  hise  apostles  tuelue 

He  tauhte  /  but  ferst  he  folewed  in  hymselue  528 

With  hym  ther  was  a  ploufrman  /  was  his  brojnr 

PETWORTH    15 


16     GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    PetWOrtll  MS. 

That1  hadde  I-lad  of  dong  ful  many  a  fothir 

And  a  trewe  swynkere  and  a  good  was  he 

Lyvynge  in  pees  /  and  parfit1  charite  532 

God  loued  he  best1  with  al  his  hole  herte  peaf  8] 

At1  alle  tymes  t4ouh  he  gamed  or  smerte 

And  than  his  neighbure  riht  as  hymselue 

He  wolde  thresshe  and  therto  dike  and  delue  536 

For  cristes  sake  /  for  euery  pouere  wight 

With  oute  hire  /  yif  hit  lay  in  his  mygfit 

Hise  tythis  payed  he  ful  faire  and  wel 

Bothen  of  his  propre  swynke  and  his  catel  540 

In  a  tabbard  he  rood  vp  on  a  mere 

1  her  was  also  a  Keve  and  a  Mellere 

A  somenour  and  a  Pardoner  also 

A  Maunciple  and  my  self1  ther  nar  na  mo  544 

HThe  mellere  was  a  strong1  carle  for  the  nones 

-*•  fful  bigge  he  was  /  of  brawne  and  ek1  of  bones 

That  proued  wel  /  for  oueral  thare  he  cam 

Atte  wrastelynge  /  he  wolde  haue  a-wey  the  ram  548 

He  was  short  shuldred  a  thicke  knarre 

Ther  was  no  dore  that  he  ne  wolde  heue  of  barre 

Or  breke  it  at1  a  rennynge  with  his  heed 

His  berd  as  any  so  we  or  fox  was  reed  552 

And  therto  brood  as  ]>ouh  it1  were  a  spade 

Vp  on  the  cop  right1  of  his  nose  he  hade 

A  werte  and  jjeron  stood  a  tuft  of1  heres 

Rede  as  the  brysteles  of1  a  sowes  eres  556 

His  nose  grilles  blake  were  and  wyde 

A  swerd  and  a  bokelere  bar  he  be  his  side 

His  mouthe  as  greet1  was  as  a  greet1  fourneys 

He  was  a  iangelere  and  a  goliardeys  560 

And  that1  was  moost1  of1  synne  and  of1  harlotryes 

Wel  couthe  he  stele  corn  /  and  tolle  thryes 

And  yit1  he  hadde  a  thombe  of  gold  parde 

A  white  cote  and  a  blewe  hood  wered  he  564 

A  bagge-pipe  wel  couthe  he  blowe  and  sowne 

PETWORTH    16 


GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PetWOrth  MS.  1 7 

And  ]>erwith  al  he  brouht1  us  out1  of  towne 
A    Gentil  manciple  was  per  o[f]  a  temple 

•*-*•  Of1  which  a  catour  myghte  take  ensample  568 

ffor  to  ben  wise  in  biynge  of  vitaille 

ffor  whepir  pat  he  payed  /  or  toke  by  taille 

Algate  he  waitede  so  in  his  achate  [leaf  s,  back] 

That  he  was  ay  beforn  and  in  good  estate  572 

Now  is  not1  pat1  of  god  a  ful  fair  grace 

That  such  a  lewed  mannes  wit  shal  pace 

The  wysdom  of  an  hepe  of  lerned  men 

Of  maystres  hadde  he  mo  pan  thries  ten  576 

That  were  of  lawe  expert1  an  Curious 

Of  wich  ther  was  a  doseyn  in  that1  hous 

Worthy  to  bene  stywardes  of  Rente  and  lone? 

Of  any  lord  that  is  in  Ingelond?  580 

To  make  hym  lyue  by  his  propre  good? 

In  honour  detteles  but1  if  that*  he  were  wood 

Or  lyue  als  skarsly  as  hym  lyst  desire 

And  able  for  to  helpen  al  a  shire  584 

In  any  cas  that  myhte  falle  or  happe 

And  yit  this  Maunciple  sette  ther  althir  cappe 

fllhe  Reue  was  a  sclendre  colerik1  man 

•*•   His  berd  was  shaue  /  as  nyhe  as  euer  he  can  588 

His  heer  was  by  hise  eres  ful  rounde  yshorne 
His  toppe  was  docked  like  a  prest  byforne 
fful  longe  were  his  legges  and  ful  lene 
I-like  a  staf1  /  ther  was  no  calf1  ysene  592 

Wei  couthe  he  kepe  a  Garner  or  a  bynne 
Ther  was  none  auditour  couthe  on  hym  wywne 
Wei  wiste  he  /  by  the  drought  and  by  the  reyne 
The  yeldynge  of1  his  seed  /  and  of1  his  greyne  596 

Hise  lordes  sheepe  /  hise  neete  /  hise  dayerie 
His  swyne  /  his  hors  /  his  stoor  /  and  his  pultrye 
Was  hoolly  in  this  reues  gouernynge 

And  by  his  covenant1  /  yaf1  the  rekenynge  600 

Syn  that  his  lord  was  twenty  yeer  of  age 
2  PETWORTH  17 


18    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE,    PetWOlth  MS, 

Ther  couthe  no  man  brynge  hym  in  a-rerage 

Ther  nas  baylyf1  ne  herde  nor  othir  hyne 

That  he  ne  knew  his  sleighte  and  his  covyne  604 

They  were  a-drad  Of  hyni  /  as  of  the  deth 

His  wonynge  was  ful  faire  vpon  an  heth 

With  grene  trees  /  shadewed  was  his  place 

He  couthe  bettre  than  his  lord  purchace  608 

fful  riche  he  was  astored  pryuely  [leaf  93 

His  lorde  he  coujje  wel  plese  and  sub[t]ily 

To  ^eue  and  lene  him  of  his  owne  goode 

To  hatie  a  )ronke  and  yit1  a  cote  and  hode  612 

In  3ouJ>e  he  had  lered  a  good  mistere 

He  was  a  wel  good  wri^fr  a  Carpentere 

This  Reue  satte  vpon  a  wel  good  stot1 

That1  was  al  pomel  grey  and  highte  scot1  616 

A  longe  Surcote  of  Peers  vppon  he  hadde 

And  by  his  side  he  bare  a  rusty  blade 

Of  Northfolk  was  J)is  Eeue  of  which  I  telle 

Besides  a  toune  men  clepen  it*  Baldewelle  620 

Tukked  he  was  as  is  a  frere  aboute 

And  euere  he  rode  j?e  hynderesf  of  GUI  route 

A  Somnowr  was  ther  wi)j  vs  in  that  place 
•*-*•  That1  had  a  fury  cherubynes  face  624 

ffbr  Sauseflewme  he  was  wij>  eyen  narowe 
Als  hote  he  was  and  leccherous  as  a  sparowe 
With  scalled  browes.  blak1  and  pilled  beerde 
Of  his  visage  children  weren  a-ferde  628 

Ther  nas  quyk1  siluer1  litarge  or  bremston 
Boras  orsure  no  oyle  of  tartre  noon 
Ne  oynernenfr  Jjat1  woldfe]  dense  and  byte 
That  him  myghtf  helpe  of  his  whelkes  white  632 

Ne  of  [the]  knobbes  sitting1  in  his  chelies 
Wel  loued  he  garlike.  oynyons  and  eke  lekes 
And  for  to  drink  strong1  wyne  rede  as  blode 
Than  wolde  he  speke  and  cry  as  he  were  wode  636 

And  whan  [that]  he  wel  dronken  had  J>e  wyne 

F  PETWOTiTH    18 


GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PetWOrth  MS.  19 

Than  wolde  he  speke  no  worde  but1  latyne 
A  fewe  teermes  had  he  two  or  thre 

That1  he  had  lerned  out1  of  som  decree  640 

No  wonder  is  he  herd*  to  al  ]>e  day 
And  eke  36  knowen  if  wel  how  J?at  a  lay 
Can  clepe  watt1  as  wel  as  can  Jje  pope 
But1  who  so  cou]je  in  oj?er  fing1  hyw  grope  644 

Than  had  he  spent1  al  his  Philosophic  peaf  9,  back] 

Ay  questio  quid  iuris  wold  he  crye 
He  was  a  gentile  harlot1  and  a  kinde 

A  better  felawe  shulfde]  men  not1  fynde  648 

He  wolde  suffre  for  a  quarte  of  wyne 
A  good  felawe  to  haue  his  concubyne 
A  twelue  month"  and  excuse  him  ate  fulle 
fful  pn'uely  eke  a  ffynche  coujje  he  pulle  652 

And  if  he  fonde  owhere  a  good  felawe 
He  wolde  techen  hym  to  han  noon  awe 
In  such"  caas  of  ])e  archedekens  curs 

But1  if  [a]  mawnys  soule  were  in  his  purs  656 

ffor  in  his  purs  he  shuldfe]  punshed  be 
Purs  is  ]>e  erchedekenes  Helle  seide  he 
But1  wel  I  wote  he  lyed  ri^t1  in  dede 

Of  cursing*  ou^t1  eche  gilty  man  to  drede  660 

ffor  curs  wil  slee  ri^t1  as  assoyling  sauetn" 
And  also  war  hym  of  a  significauith 
In  daunger  had  he  at  his  owne  gyse 

The  yonge  Geerles  of  J?e  diocise  664 

And  knewe  her  counsaile  and  what  was  al  her  rede 
A  Gallonde  had  he  sette  vpon  his  hede 
As  grete  as  it  were  for  an  ale  stake 

A  Bokelere  had  he  made  hym  of  a  Cake  668 

TITith'  hym  ]>er  rode  a  gentile  Pardoner1 
'  *    Of  rouncyuale  his  frende  and  his  compel 
That1  streght1  was  commen  from  pe  courte  of  Rome 
fful  lowde  songe  he  come  hider*  loue  come  672 

This  somnowr  bare  to  hym  a  stif  burdon 
PETWOKTII  19 


20   GEOUP  A.  §  I.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  Petworth  MS. 

"Was  neuere  trumpe  of  half  so  gref  a  soufi 

This  Pardoner  had  heer  as  ^elowe  as  wexe 

But  smotfr  if  henge.  as  do])  a  strike  of  flexe  676 

By  ounces  henge  his  lockes  f  af  he  had 

And  f  erwif  he  his  shulders  ouersprad 

But1  thyn  it  lay  by  culpons  oon  and  on 

But1  hode  for  lolite  wered  he  noon  680 

if  or  if  was  trussed  vp  in  his  walette  [leaf  io<j 

Hym  f  ou^f  he  rode  al  of  J)e  newe  gette 

Discheuele  sauf  his  cap  he  rode  al  bare 

ISuche  glaryng1  eyen<  had  he  as-  an  hare  684 

A  vernycle  had  he  sewed  vpon  his  cappe 

His  walef  [lay]  biforn  him  in  his  lappe 

Bret  ful  of  pardon  commen  from  Rome  al  hote 

A  voyce  he  had  as  smal  as  a[ny]  goote  688 

"No  beerde  ne  had  he,  ne  neuere  shuld  haue 

As  smoth  if  was  as  if  were  late  shaue 

I  trowe  he  were  a  gelding1  or  a  mare 

Buf  of  his  craff  from  Barwik1  into  ware  692 

Ne  was  f  er  suche  a  nof  er  pardoner^ 

ffor  in  his  male  he  had  a  pilowbere 

Which  fat  he  seide  was  oure  lady  vaile 

He  seide  he  had  a  gobef  of  f  e  saile-  69& 

Thaf  seynf  Peter  had  whan  fat  he  wenf 

Ypon  f  e  see  to  Ihesu  crist  hym  henf- 

He  had  a  croys  of  laton  ful  of  stones 

And  in  a  glas  he  had[de]  pigges  bones  700 

Buf  wif  f  ise  relikes  whan  f  af  he  fonde 

A  poor[e]  person  dwellyng1  vpon  londe 

Vpon  a  day  he  gate  hym  more  moneys 

}[>an  f  e  the  persone  gate  in  Monf  es  tweye-  704 

And  f  us  wif  feyned  flateryng  and  lapes 

He  made  f  e  Person  and  f  e  puple  his  apes 

Buf  trew[e]ly  to  tellen  af  fe  laste 

He  was  in  chirche-  a  noble  ecclesiaste  70S 

Wei  couf  e  he  rede  a  lesson  or  a  storye 

PETWOimi    20 


GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE,  PetWOrth  MS.  21 

Butt  alf  erbest  he  song1  an  offertorie 

ffor  wel  he  wist1  whan  fat1  songe  was  songe 

He  moste  preche  and  wel  anle  his  tonge  712 

To  wynne  siluer  as  he  {right]  wel  cowde 

Therfore  he  songe  so  merily  and  lowde 

"VTow  have  I  tolld?  3ou  sof  ly  in  a  clause 

•^   The  astaatt.  fe  aray.  fe  nombre  and  eke  fe  cause     716 

Why  fat1  assembled  was  f  is  companye  [leaf  10,  back] 

In  Suthwerk  at1  J>is  gentil  hostrye 

That1  hight1  f  e  Tabard  faste  by  f  e  belle 

But1  no  we  is  tyme  to  3ou  forto  telle  72*0 

Howe  fat1  we  beren  vs  fat  ilke  nyght1 

Whan  [we]  were  in  fat1  Hostrie  a-lighf 

And  after  wil  I  tellen  of  our  viage 

And  al  f  e  remenawnt  of  our  Pilgrymage  724 

But1  furst1 1  prey  ^ou  of  3oure  curtesie 

That  30  ne  rette  it1  not1  my  vilanye 

f  oo  fat1 1  pleynly  speke  in  f  is  matere 

To  telle  3ou  her  wordes  and  her  chere  728 

Ne  f  ou^e  he  speke  her  wordes  proprely 

ffor  f  is  36  knowen  as  wel  as  I 

Who  so  shal  telle  a  tale  after  a  man 

He  mote  reherce  as  nyghe  as  euer  he  can  732 

Eueriche  word  if1  it1  be  in  his  charge 

Al  speke  he  neuere  so  rudely  and  large 

Or  ellis  he  mote  telle  his  tale  vntrewe 

Or  feyne  f  inggis  or  fynde  wordes  newe  736 

He  may  not1  "spare  al  fough  he  were  his  brof  eij 

He  mot1  also  wel  say.  oo  word1  as  another1 

Crist1  spak  him  self  ful  brode  in  holy  writte 

And  wel  30  wote  no  vilanye  is  itte  740 

Eke  Plato  seif  who  so  can  hym  rede 

The  wordes  mote  be  cosyn  to  f  e  dede 

Also  I  prey  3ou  [to]  fo^eue  it1  me 

Al  haue  I  not1  sette  folk  in  her  degre  744 

Here  in  f  is  tale  as  fat1  thei  shulde  stonde 

PETWORTH   21 


22  GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  Petworth  MS, 

My  witte  is  short1  30  may  wel  vnderstonde 
rete  chere  made  oure  hooste  vs  euerechon 

And  to  JJG  soper  sette  lie  vs  anon  748 

He  serned  vs  with  vitailles  at  J?e  best1 
Stronge  was  jje  wyne  and  wel  [to]  drink1  vs  lest1 
A  semely  man  our  hooste  was  wij?  aft 
ffor  to  [han]  bene  a  marshal  in  an  haft  752 

A  large  man  he  was  with"  yen  stepe  [leaf  ID 

A  fairer  Burges  is  [ther]  none  in  chepe 
Bold  of  his  speche.  and  wise  and  wel  ytau^t 
And  of  manhode  hyra  lacked[e]  right*  naught*  756 

Eke  jjerto  he  was  right1  a  mery  man 
And  after  sopere  pleyen  he  bygan 
And  spak  of  myrth  amonge  oj>er  pinges 
Whan  that1  we  had[de]  made  our  rekenyngges  760 

And  seide  pus.  now  lordingges  trewly 
3e  bene  to  me  welcome  ri^t1  hertely 
ffor  be  my  troupe  if  pat1  I  shal  not  lye 
I  seegh"  not1  pis  ^ere  so  mery  a  companye  7G4 

At1  ones  in  pis  harborowe  as  is  nowe 
ffayne  wold  I  do  ^ou  merthe  wist1 1  howe 
And  of  a  merpe  I  am  right1  now  by-fought* 
To  don  ^ou  ease  and  it  shal  coste  nou^t  768 

3e  gone  to  canterbery  god  3ou  spede 
Jje  blisful  martir*.  quite  3ou  pur*  mede 
And  wel  I  wote.  as  36  goon  by  J>e  way 
3e  shapen  3ou  to  talen  and  to  pley  772 

ffor  trewly  conforte  ne  myrthe  is  n5n 
To  riden  by  J?e  wey  dombe  as  a  stone 
And  J?erfor  wil  I.  make  3ou  disporte 

As  I  seide  erste  and  don  3ou  som  conforte  776 

And  if  3ou  like))  alle  by  oon  assente 
[Now]  fforto  stonden  at  my  luggemente 
And  forto  worchen  as  I  shal  3ou  seie 
To  morowe  whan  36  riden  by  ]je  weie  780 

Now  be  my  faders  soule  pat1  is  dede 

PETWOETH   22 


GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  Petworth.  MS.    23 

But1  36  be  mery.  I  wil  ^eue  3011  my  hede 

Holde  vp  3oure  hondes  wip  out1  more  speche 

Our  counsaile  was  not  longe  for  to  seche  784 

Vs  po^t1  it  was  not  /  worpe  to  make  to  wis 

And  graunted  hym  wip  oute  more  avis 

And  bad  him  seie  his  veredit  as  him  lest1 

Lordingges  quod  he  nowe  herkenep  for  pe  best1  788 

But1  take  it1  not1 1  prei  ^ou  in  disdeyne  {.leaf  11,  back] 

This  is  pe  point1  to  speke  short1  and  pleyne 

That1  eche  of  3ou  to  shorte  wi]>  our  waye 

In  pis  viage  shal  telle  tailles  twaye  792 

To  Caunterbery  ward?  I  mene  it  so 

And  homwardes  he  shal  telle  opere  twoo 

Of  auentures  pat1  han  whilom  bifalle 

And  which  of  ^ou  pat1  berep  hym  best1  of  alk  796 

pat1  is  to  sey  pat1  tellep  in  pis  cas 

Tales  of  best1  sentence  and  most1  solas 

shal  haue  a  sopere  at1  our  alder  cost1 

Her  in  pis  place  sitting1  by  pis  postf  800 

Whan  pat1  we  commen  ageyn  from  Canterburye 

And  forto  make  3ou  pe  more  merye 

I  wil  my  seluen  goodly  wip  3ou  ride 

Eight1  at  myne  owne  cost1  and  be  3OUT1  gide  804 

And  who  so  wil  my  lugement1  wipseye 

Shal  pay  al  pat1  we  spenden  by  pe  weye 

And  if  30  vouche  sauf  pat1  it1  be  so 

Telle  me  anoon  wip  outen  wordes  moo  808 

And  I  wift  erly  shape  me  perfore 

pis  pinge  was  graunted  and  our  opes  swore 

Wip  ful  glad  hert1  and  preien  hym  also 

pat1  he  wolde  vouchesauf  so  to  do  812 

And  pat1  he  wolde  be  our  gouernour* 

And  of  our  tales  lugge  and  roportour* 

And  sette  a  sopere  at1  a  certeyn  price 

And  we  wold  rewled  bene  at  his  deuice  81 S 

In  heghe  and  lough  and  pus  by  on  assent1 

PETWORTIl    23 


24    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.   PetWOrth  MS. 

We  bene  accorded  to  pe  luggement* 

And  per  vpon  pe  wyne  was  fette  anon 

We  dronken  and  to  reste  wente  echon  820 

WiJ)  oute  eny  lenger  tariynge 

On  morowe  whan  pe  day  [bi]gan  to  sprynge 

Vp  roos  oure  hooste  and  was  oure  alder1  Cok 

And  gadered  vs  to  gidere  in  a  flok.  824 

And  for])  we  riden  a  litel  more  pan  paas  [leaf  12] 

Vnto  pe  watering1  of  Seyntt  Thomas 

And  per  our  hooste  gan  his  hors  areste 

And  seide  lordes  harkenep  if  yow  leste  828 

3e  wote  3oure  forward  and  I  it  y>u  recordl 

If  euensonge  and  morowsonge  accord? 

Lat1  see  nowe  who.  shal  telle  pe  first1  tale 

As  euer  mote  I  drinke  wyne  or  ale  832 

Who  so  be  rebett  to  my  Inggement 

Shal  paye  for  al  pat1  by  pe  way  is  spent1 

Now  drawep  Cut1  er  patf  we  ferper  twynne 

Which  pat1  hap  pe  shortest  shal  bygynne  836 

^f  Sir1  knyghtf  quod  he  my  maister  and  my  lorde 

!N"ow  drowejj  Cutte  for  pat1  is  myn  accorde 

Commeth  nere  quod,  he  my  lady  prioresse 

And  $e  sir  Clerk  laf  be  ^oure  shamfastnesse  840 

Ne  stodieth  nou^t1  lay  honde  to  euery  man 

Anon  to  drawe  every  wight1  bygan 

And  shortely  forto  tellen  as  it1  was 

Were  it1  be  auenture  or  sort1  or  cas  844 

The  sope  is  pis  J?e  Cut1  fille  to  J>e  kny^f 

Of  which  full  glad  and  blipe  was  euery  wi^ 

And  tellen  he  most  his  tale  as  it1  was  reson 

By  forward!  and  by  compo[si]cion  848 

As  36  han  herde  what1  needef  wordes  moo 

And  whan  pis  good  man  seegh  pat1  it1  was  soo 

As  he  pat1  wise  was  and  obedient 

To  kepen  his  forward?  by  his  fre  assent1  852 

He  seide  sipen  I  shal  bygynne  pe  game 

PETWORTH   24 


GROUP  A.  §  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE.  PetWOlth  MS.   25 

"What1  welcome  be  J?e  Cutte  a  goddis  name 

Now  laf  vs  ride  and  harkenej)  what  I  saye 

And  wijj  J>afl  word?  we  riden  forf  our  waye  856 

And  [he]  byganne  wij?  ri3t  a  mery  chere 

His  tale  anon  and  seide  as  36  may  here 

IT  lam  que  domos  patrias  scithice  post  aspera  gentis : 
Prelia  laurigero  &c.  Thus  endef  fe  Prologe  of  f is 
Boke. 


PETWOETH   25 


26    GROUP  A.    §  2.    KNIGHT'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 


IT  ffabula  militis.    Here  bygynnej>  the  knyghtes  tale. 

"ITTTiilom  was  /  as  olde  stories  tellen  vs  [leaf  12,  back] 

"    A  worj>i  duk1  highf  tlieseus  860 

Of  Athenes  lie  was  lord  and  gouemowr 
And  in  his  tyme  suche  a  Conquerotir1 
That  gretter  was  [ther]  noon  vnder  pe  sunne 
fful  many  a  riche  contre  had  he  wonne  864 

What1  wij)  his  wisdom  and  his  chyualrye 
He  conquered  al  Jje  regne  of  femynye 
That1  whilom  was  ycleped  Sithia 

And  wedded[e]  pe  quene  ypolita  868 

And  brou^ft  her  home  wi]>  hym  to  his  cuntre 
Whitli  moch  glorie  and  grefr  solempnite 
And  eke  her  ^enge  suster  Emelie 

And  ]ms  with  victorie  and  with  melody e  872 

Lat  I  ]>is  noble  Duke  to  Athenes  ride 
And  al  his  hooste  in  armes  hym  beside 
And  certes  if  it1  nere  to  longe  to  here 
I  wold?  haue  tolde  fully  ]>e  manere  876 

Howe  wownen  was  Jje  Reaume  of  ffemyny 
By  Theseus  and  by  his  Chiualrye 
And  of  J?e  grete  bataille  for  J?e  nones 

Bytwyxen  Athenes  and  amazones  880 

And  howe  asseged  was  ypolita 
The  faire  ladye  qune  of  Scithia 
And  of  J)e  feest1  J>af  was  at  her  weddinge 
And  of  jje  tempest1  at  her  home  commynge  884 

But1  al  Jjat1  Jnng1 1  mot1  as  nowe  forbere 
I  haue  god  wote  a  large  feelde  to  ere 
And  weike  bene  ]>e  oxen  in  my  plough 
The  remencmnte  of  J?e  tale  is  long  ynogn"  888 

I  wil  not1  letten  eke  noon  of  Jns  route 

H  PETWORTH   26 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     27 

Lat1  euery  felawe  telle  his  tale  aboute 

And  lat  se  nowe  who  shal  pe  soper  wynne 

And  per  I  lafte:  I  wil  asein  bygynne  _  U  break  in  the  MS.  wtth] 

Incipit1  narracio  plena  Militis. 

Duk  of  whom  I  make  mewciown  [leaf  is] 

Whan  he  was  commen  almost1  to  pe  toun 
In  al  his  wele  and  his  most  Pride 

He  was  war  as  he  cast1  his  eyen  atside  896 

Where  fat1  ]>er  kneled  in  pe  highe  waye 
A  companye  of  ladys  twey  and  tweye 
Eche  after  oper  clad  in  clones  blake 

But1  suche  a  crye  and  such  a  woo  pei  make  900 

That1  in  pis  worlde  [n]is  creature  lyuynge 
That1  herde  suche  a-noper  wamentinge 
And  of  pis  crie  pei  nolde  neuere  stynte 
Til  pei  pe  Reynes  of  his  bridel  hente  904 

What1  folk  bene  ^e  patf  at1  myn  home  co?7imynge 
Pertourben  so  my  feest[e]  wij)  criynge 
Qwod  Theseus  haue  30  so  grete  envie 

Of  myn  honour  pat  Jms  compleyn  and  crye  908 

Or  who  hajj  $ou  mysdone  or  offended 
Telle))  me  if  it1  may  be  amendet* 
And  whi  pat1  36  bene  eloped  pus  in  blak 
The  eldest  lady  of  hem  al[le]  spak  912 

Whan  she  had  swowned  wip  a  dedly  chere 
pat1  it1  was  rauthe  forto  sene  and  here 
She  seide  lord!  to  whom  fortune  hap  ^euen 
Yictorie  and  as  a  conquerow  to  lyuen  916 

Nat1  greuep  vs  ^oure  glory  and  ^our  honowr 
Bat1  we  biseke  mercy  and  socour 
Haue  mercy  on  our  woo  and  our  distresse 
Some  drope  of  Pite  porgh  pi  gentelnesse  920 

Ypon  vs  wrecched  wommen  lat1  nowe  falle 
ffor  certes  lord*  per  is  noon  of  vs  alle 
That1  she  ne  hap  bene  a  doches  or  a  quene 
Nowe  bene  we  Catyues  as  it1  is  wel  sene  924 

Thonked  be  fortune  and  her  fals[e]  qwhele 

PETWORTH    27 


28    GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

pat  noon  estate  ensure])  forto  bene  wele 

"Now  certes  lord?  to  abide  30111  presence 

Here  in  pis  temple  of  pe  goddes  clemence  928 

We  han  be  wayting1  al  pis  fourtfVjny^t1  [leaf  is,  back] 

Helpe[p]  vs  lord  si]?  it"  is  in  pi  myght 

I  wrecche  which"  pat1  wepe  and  weile  pus 

Whilom  was  wif  to  king1  Cappaneus  932 

That1  starfe  at1  Thebes  cursed  be  pat  day 

And  alle  we  pat1  bene  in  pis  araye 

And  maken  al  pis  lamentaciown 

We  losten  alle  our  husbondes  at1  pat  town  93G 

While  pat1  pe  assege  per  aboute  lay 

And  3if  nowe  pe  olde  Creon  weillaway 

That1  lord  is  nowe  of  Thebes  Cite 

{fulfilled  of  yre  and  of  iniquite  940 

He  for  despite  and  for  his  tyrannye 

To  doon  J>e  dede  bodys  vilenye 

Of  al  our  lordes  which  pat  bene  sclawe 

Ha]>  al  }>e  bodies  on  an  hepe  ydrawe  944 

And  wol  not1  suffre  hem  by  non  assent1 

!N"eiJ>ere  to  bene  yburied  nei]>er  brent1 

But1  make])  houndes  ete  hem  in  despit1 

And  wi]>  pat1  word?  w^'t7iouten  more  respif  948 

]>ei  fillen  a  Gruf1  and  criden  pitously 

Haue  on  vs  wrecched  women  som  mercy 

And  lat1  oure  sorowe  synken  in  pi  hert1 

II  This  gentel  duke  doune  from  his  courser5  stert1  952 
Wip  herte  pitous  whan  he  herde  hem  speke 

Him  pou^te  pat1  his  hert1  wold?  alto-breke 

Whan  he  seegh  hem  so  pitous  and  so  mate 

pat  whilom  were[n]  of  so  grete  astate  956 

And  in  his  armes  he  hem  alle  vp  hente 

And  hem  confortep  in  ful  good  entente 

And  swore  his  ope  as  he  was  trewe  kny^t1 

He  wolde  done  so  ferforply  his  my^t1  960 

Yppon  the  Tirant  Creon  hem  to  wreke 

PETWORTH    28 


GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     29 

pat  alle  pe  puple  of  Grece  shuld  speke 

How  Creon  was  of  Theseus  yserued? 

As  he  pat  had  his  dep  ful  wel  deserued?  964 

And  right1  anon  wzt/iouten  more  abode  [leaf  14] 

His  baner1  he  displeied  and  for]?  rode 

To  Thebes  ward*  and  al  his  hooste  beside 

No  ner  Athenes  wold?  he  goo  ne  ride  968 

Ne  take  his  case  fulli  half  a  day 

But1  onward?  on  his  way  pat1  ny^t1  he  lay 

And  sent  anoon  ypolita  the  quene 

And  Emelye  hir1  yonge  sustre  Shene  972 

Ynto  pe  toune  of  Athenes  to  dwelle 

And  forpe  he  ritte  per  is  no  more  to  telle 

The  rede  statue  of  Mars  wip  spere  and  targe 

So  shynep  in  his  white  baner  large  976 

pat  alle  the  feeldes  glyteren  vp  and  down 

And  by  his  baner  born  is  hys  pynyown 

Of  gold  ful  riche  in  which  per  was  ybete 

pe  Mynataur1  which  fat  he  wan  in  Crete  980 

Thus  ri3f  pis  duk.  thus  ri^t1  Jiis  conqwerotii0 

And  in  his  ooste  of  Chyualrye  fe  flour' 

Til  Jjat1  he  come  to  Thebes  and  alight1 

ffaire  in  a  felde  per  as  he  Jjou^tf  to  fi^t*  984 

But1  shortely  forto  speken  of  J?is  ping1 

With  Creon  whiche  J?at  was  of  Thebes  king1 

He  faught1  and  sclowgh  him  manly  as  a  knyght 

In  pleyn  bataille  and  put1  J?e  folk1  to  flight1  988 

And  by  asseut1  he  wan  the  Cite  after1 

And  rent1  adown  bo])  walle  spare  and  rafter1 

And  to  J?e  ladies  he  restored  ageyn 

)>e  bones  of  her  frendes  fat1  were  scleyn  992 

To  done  obsequies  as  was  J?e  gyse 

But1  it1  were  al  to  longe  forto  devise 

The  grete  clamour  and  fe  wamentynge 

fat1  fe  ladies  made  at  fe  brennynge  996 

Of  f e  bodies  and  fe  grete  honour1 

PETWOllTII    29 


30    GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

That1  theseus  ]>e  noble  conquerour5 

Do])  to  J>e  bodies  whan  J>ei  ffrom  hym  went1 

But1  shortely  to  telle  is  myn  entent*  1000 

Whan  jjat  J?is  worjji  Duke  j>is  theseus  [leaf  14,  back] 

Ha])  Creon  sclayn  and  wonne  Thebes  Jms 

Stille  in  fat1  felde  he  toke  al  ny^  his  rest1 

And  did  wij?  al  ]>e  contre  as  hyni  lest1  1004 

To  Eansake  in  ]>e  caas  of  J)e  bodies  dede 

Hem  for  to  stripe  of  harneyes  and  of  wede 

The  pilours  dyden  bysynesse  and  Cure 

Aftere  J?e  bataille  and  J?e  discomfiture  1008 

And  so  bifelle  fat1  in  fe  caas  fei  founde 

Jjorgh"  girt1  wi]>  many  a  greuous  blody  wounde 

Two  yonge  knyghtes  ligging1  by  and  by 

Bothen  in  armes  same  wrou^t1  ful  richelie  1012 

Of  whiche  two  Arcita  hight1  that1  oon 

And  fat1  ofere  kny^t1  hight1  Palamon 

Not1  fully  quyk  ne  fully  dede  J?ei  were 

But  by  her  cote  armours  and  by  her  gere  1016 

The  herowdes  knewe  hem  self  in  special 

As  Jjei  jjat1  were[n]  of  J>e  blood  Riaft 

Of  Thebes,  and  of  sustren  two  yborn 

Out  of  Jje  caas  J?e  Pilours  han  hem  torn  1020 

And  han  hem  caried  soft1  vnto  J?e  tent1 

Of  Theseus  and  he  ful  sone  hem  sent1 

To  Athenes  to  dwellen  in  Prison 

Perpetuelly  hem  nolde  he  not1  raunson  1024 

And  whan  this  worjri  Duke  ha])  Jius  ydon 

He  toke  his  ooste  and  home  he  ritte  anon 

Wi])  laurere  corowned  as  a  conquerour1 

And  per  he  lyue])  in  loie  and  in  honour1  1028 

Teerme  of  his  lif.  what1  nede])  wordes  moo 

And  in  a  toure  in  anguissh"  and  in  woo 

Dwellen  fis  Palamon  and  eke  arcite 

ffor  euermore  per  may  no  golo?  hem  quyte  1032 

This  passe))  yere  by  yere  and  day  by  day 

I  PETWORTH    30 


GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.  Petworth.  MS.     31 

Till  it1  fille  onys  in  a  morowe  of  May 

That  Emely  Jjat1  fairer  was  to  sene 

Than  is  J?e  lyle  vpon  his  stalke  grene  1036 

And  fressher  Jjan  j?e  may  wij)  floures  newe  [leaf  is] 

ffor  wij)  |>e  roos  colour  strof  hir  hwe 

I  not1  which  was  J?e  fairer  of  hem  twoo 

Er  it1  were  day  as  was  her  wone  to  doo  1040 

She  was  a-risen  and  al  a  redy  dight 

ifor  May  wil  haue  no  scloggardy  on  ny^t1 

The  seson  pricketh  enery  gentile  hert1 

And  make])  hit1  out1  of  his  slepe  to  sterfr  1044 

And  sithen  arise  and  doo  May  obseruamice 

This  make])  Emely  to  haue  remembrauwce 

To  don  honour  to  May  and  forto  rise 

Yclojjed  was  she  fressh  forto  devise  1048 

IF  Her  ^elowe  heer  was  breided  in  a  tresse 

Behynde  her  bak.  a  ^eerde  longe  y  gesse 

And  in  J>e  gardyne  at1  sonne  vprist1 

She  walkej)  vp  and  doun  and  as  her  list1  1052 

She  gaderej)  floures  partie  white  and  rede 

To  make  a  subtile  garlonde  for  her  hede 

And  as  an  aungel  heuenly  she  songe 

The  grete  toure  fat  was  so  Jrikke  and  stronge  1056 

Which  of  J>e  castel  was  fe  chief  dongeon 

There  as  ]>e  knyghtes  weren  in  pn'son 

Of  which  I  tolke  3  owe  and  telle  shaft 

"Was  euene  loynant1  to  ]?e  gardyfi  watt  1060 

Ther  as  ]>is  Emely  had  her  pleying1 

Bri3f  was  fe  sonne  and  cleer  in  Jjat  mornyng1 

And  palamon  J)is  woful  prisoners 

As  was  his  worane  by  lieue  of  his  Gaillere  1064 

Was  rysen  and  romed  in  a  chamber  on  high" 

In  which  he  al  J?e  noble  Cite  segh 

And  eke  J?e  gardyne  ful  of  braunches  grene 

Ther  as  pe  fressh  emelye  ]?e  shene  1068 

Was  in  her  walk  and  romed  vp  and  down 

PETWORTH    31 


32    GROUP  A.   §  2.  KNIGHT'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

This  soriful  prisoner  pis  Palamown 

Gop  in  pe  Chambre  romyhg  to  and  froo 

And  to  him  self  compleynyng  of  his  woo  1072 

That1  he  was  born  ful  ofte  seide  alias  Deaf  15,  back] 

And  so  byfelle  by  auenture  or  caas 

That  porowe  a  wyndowe  pikke  of  mony  a  barre 

Of  yren  grete  and  square  as  eny  sparre  1076 

He  cast1  his  eyen  vpon  Emelia 

A[nd]  perwip  al  he  bleynte  and  cried  A 

As  pou}e  he  stongen  were  vnto  pe  hert1 

And  wip  pat  crie  Arcyte  anon  vp  stert1  1080 

And  seide  Cosyn  myne  what1  eilep  pe 

That1  art1  so  pale  and  dedly  on  to  see 

Whi  cridest1  powe  who  hap  pe  don  offence 

ffor  goddis  loue .  take  al  in  pacience  1084 

Our*  prison  for  it1  may  noon  othere  be 

ffortune  hath  ^eue  vs  pis  aduersite 

Som  wikke  aspecte  or  disposicion 

Of  Saturne  by  som  constellacion  1088 

Hap  ^euen  by  pis  al  pou^e  he  had  hit1  sworn 

So  stode  J?e  heuene  whan  pat1  we  were  born 

We  mote  endure  it  pis  is  short1  and  playn) 

This  Palamon  answered  and  seide  agayn  1092 

Cosyn  forsop  of  pis  opynyon 

Thow  hast1  a  veyn  ymagynacion 

This  prison  caused  me  not1  [for]  to  crie 

But  I  was  hirt  ii^  nowe  porgh"  out1  myii  ye  1096 

Into  myn  hert1  pat1  wil  my  bane  be 

The  fairnesse  of  pat1  lady  pat1 1  see 

3onde  in  pe  gardyne  romyng1  to  and  fro 

Is  cause  of  al  my  criyng  and  my  woo  /  1 100 

I  not1  where  she  be  wowman  or  goddesse 

But  Yenus  is  it  soply  as  I  gesse 

And  perwipal  on  knees  down  he  fille 

And  seide  Yenus  if  it  be  pi  wille  1 104 

3owe  in  pis  gardyne  pus  to  transfigure 

PETWORTH    32 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     33 

Bifore  me  soriful  wrecched  creature 

Out1  of  f  is  Prison  helpe  fat1  we  mowe  scape 

And  if  so  be  my  destany  be  shape  1108 

By  eterne  worde  to  dyen  in  pn'son  [leaf  16] 

Of  oure  lynage  haue  som  compassion 

That  is  so  lowe  ybro^t1  by  tyrannye 

And  wif  fat1  word  arcite  gan  aspie  1112 

Where  as  f  is  lady  romed  to  and  froo 

And  wij?  fat1  si^t1  her  bewte  hurte  hym  soo 

fat1  if  fat1  Palamon  was  wounded  sore 

Arcite  is  hurte  as  moche  as  he  or  more  1116 

And  wij)  a  sighe  he  seide  pitously 

f  e  fresshe  bewte  sleef  me  sodeynly 

Of  hur*  fat1  romef  in  3onder  place 

And  but1  if  I  haue  her  mercy  and  her  grace  1 1 20 

fat1  I  may  seen  hiij  atte  leeste  way 

I  ne  am  but1  dede  f  er  nys  no  more  to  say 

This  Palamon  whan  he  f  ise  wordes  herde 

Dispitously  he  loked  and  answerde  1124 

Wheder  seist1  f  ou  f  is  in  ernest  or  in  pleye 

Nay  quod  Arcite  in  ernest1  be  my  feye 

God  helpe  me  so  me  lest1  ful  euel  play 

This  Palamon  gan  knytte  his  browes  tway  1128 

It  were  to  the  quod  he  no  gref  honour1 

ffor  to  be  fals  ne  for  to  be  traitow 

To  me  fat  am  J?i  Cosyn  and  J?i  brofer 

Isworne  ful  depe  and  eche  of  vs  to  oj>er  1 1 32 

That1  neuere  for  to  dyen  in  Jje  peyn 

Til  fat1  J?e  dej>e  departe  shal  vs  tweyn 

Neijjer  in  loue  to  hynder  ofer1 

Ne  in  noon  ofer  caas  my  lief  broker1  1136 

But1  fat1  fou  shuldest  trewly  ferfermore 

In  euery  caas  and  I  shal  forther  f e  fore 

f  is  was  Jnne  othe  and  myn  also  certeyn 

I  wote  ri^t1  wele  fow  darst  it  not  wifseyn  1140 

Thus  art  fow  of  my  counsel  out  of  doute 

3  PETWORTH    33 


34    GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

And  nowe  fou  woldest  falsly  ben  aboute 

To  loue  my  lady  whom  I  loue  and  seme 

And  euer  shal  to  fat1  myn  herte  sterue  1144 

"Now  certes  fals  Arcite  )>ow  shalt1  not1  so  Deaf  IG,  back] 

I  loued  her  first*  and  tolde  ]?e  my  woo 

As  to  my  counsaile  and  my  broker  sworn 

To  forjjere  me  as  I  haue  tolde  biforn  1148 

ffor  which  J>ow  art1  ybounden  as  a  knyghtf 

To  helpe  me  if  it1  lay  in  )>i  myght1 

Or  ellis  art1  }>ou  fals  I  dar  wel  sayn 

This  arcite  ful  prudently  spak  agayn  1152 

Thow  shalt1  quod,  he  be  raj>er  fals  fan  I 

But1  fou  art1  fals  I  telle  fe  witterly 

ifor  paramour  I  loued  her  first  fan  f  ou 

What1  wilt1  fow  seyn .   J>ou  wist1  it1  not1  }it  nowe          1156 

Whedere  she  be  a  womman  or  goddes 

Thyne  is  afleccion  of  holynes 

And  myne  is  loue  as  to  a  creature 

ffor  which  I  tolde  fe  myn  auenture  1160 

As  to  my  cosyn  and  to  my  brof ere  sworii 

I  pose  fat1  f  ou  louedest1  hur'  biforn 

Woost1  fow  not1  wel  f  e  olde  clerkes  sawe 

Jpat  who  shal  3eue  a  louer  eny  lawe      t  auis  legem  dat  amantibus 

Loue  is  a  gretter  lawe  by  my  pan 

Jjan  may  be  ^eue  to  eny  erjjely  man 

And  ferfor  positif  lawe  and  swich  decree 

Is  broke  al  day  for  loue  in  eche  degre  1168 

A  man  mote  nedes  loue  mawgre  his  hede 

He  may  not1  fleen  it1  f  fou^e  he  shuld  be  dede 

Al  be  she  mayde  or  widowe  or  ellis  wif 

And  eke  it  is  not1  likly  al  Jn  liff  1 172 

To  stonden  in  her  grace  no  more  shal  I 

ifor  wel  Jjou  woost  j)i  self[e]  verrely 

]>at  jjou  and  I  bene  dampned  to  pmon 

Perpetuelly  vs  geyneth  no  raunson  1176 

We  stryuen  as  [did]  houndes  for  Jje  boon 

K  PETWORTH    34. 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     35 

f  ei  foughten  alday  and  ^it1  her  parte  was  nofi 

fere  come  a  kite  while  fat  f  ei  were  so  wroth" 

fat  bare  away  f e  boon  bitwene  hem  both  1180 

Ak  f  erf  ore  at  f  e  kingges  courte  my  brother'  [leaf  17] 

Eche  man  for  him  self  f  er  is  noon  of  er* 

Loue  if  f  e  list .   for  I  loue  and  ay  shal 

And  sofly  leue  brofer  f  is  is  aft  1184 

Here  in  f  is  prison  mote  we  endure 

And  euerich  of  vs  take  his  auenture 

Grete  was  f  e  strif  and  longe  bytwix  hem  tweye 

If  fat1 1  had  leisere  for  to  seye  1188 

But  to  f  is  effect  I[t]  hapned  on  a  day 

To  tellen  yowe  as  sof  ly  as  I  may 

A  worf i  due*  fat1  highf  Perotheus 

fat1  ffelawe  was  vnto  due  Theseus  1192 

Sif  f  ilk  day  fat1  f  ei  weren  children  lite 

Was  cowmen  to  Athenes  his  felawe  to  visite 

And  forto  pley  as  he  was  wont1  to  doo 

ifor  in  fis  worlde  he  loued  no  man  soo  1196 

And  he  loued  him  also  tenderly  ageyn 

So  wel  f  ei  loued  as  olde  bokes  seyn  / 

That1  whan  fat  oon  was  dede  sof  ly  to  telle 

His  felowe  went1  and  sou^t  him  down  in  helle  1200 

But  of  fat  storie  list1  me  not1  to  write 

Due1  Perotheus  loued  wel  arcite 

And  had  him  knowe  at  Thebes  yere  by  yere 

And  fynaly  at1  fe  request1  and  preiere  1204 

Of  Perotheus  wif  out1  ony  raunson 

Du#  theseus  him  lete  out1  of  Prison 

ffrely  to  goon  wher  fat1  him  list  oneral 

In  suche  a  gise  as  I  you  telle  shaft  1208 

This  was  f  e  forward!  pleynly  for  to  endite 

Bitwene  Theseus  and  hym  iercite 

That1  if  so  were  fat1  arcite  were  founde 

Euer  in  his  lif  be  day  or  ny^t  or  stounde  1212 

In  eny  cuntre  of  this  theseus 

PETWORTH    35 


36    GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  he  were  kaught1  it  was  acorded  Jms 

That1  wij)  a  swerde  he  shuld  lese  his  hede 

J)er  nas  non  ojjer  remedye  ne  rede  1216 

But  take]?  his  leue  and  homward!  he  hym  spedde  Deaf  17,  back] 

Laf  hym  be  war  his  nek  lith  to  wedde 

How  grete  a  sorowe  suffrej?  nowe  arcite 

The  deth  he  felej?  porgft  his  herte  smyte  1220 

He  wepej?  and  weilej)  and  crief  pitously 

To  sleen  hym  self  he  waiteth  pn'uely 

He  saide  Alias  pat  day  pat  I  was  borfi 

!Nbw  is  my  pn'son  wors  than  [was]  beforn  1224 

INbwe  is  me  shape  eternaly  to  dwelle 

Nou^t1  in  purgotorye .  but1  in  helle 

Alias  pat1  euere  I  knewe  Perotheus 

ffor  ellis  had  I  y dwelled  with  theseus  1228 

Yfetered  in  his  prison  euermoo 

Than  had  I  bene  in  blisse  and  not1  in  woo 

Only  J>e  sight1  of  her1  whom  pat  I  serue 

Thoow  pat  I  neuere  hir*  grace  may  deserue  1232 

Wold  haue  ysuffised  right  ynowe  for  me 

Oo  dere  Cosyn  Palamon  quod  he 

Thine  is  pe  victorie  of  J>is  auenture 

fful  blisfully  in  prison  my^t1  fou  dure  1236 

In  prison  certes  nay  but  paradis 

Wei  hath  fortune  turned  J>e  the  dys 

fat  hast  ]?e  sight1  of  hur*  and  I  J>e  absence 

ffor  possible  is  si])  pou  hast  her  p^^esence  1240 

And  arf  a  knyght  an  worj)i  and  an  able 

That  by  som  caas  si]?  fortune  is  chaurcgeable 

Thowe  maiste  to  pi  desire  somtyme  atteyn 

But1 1  faf  am  exiled  and  bareyn  1244 

Of  al[le]  grace  and  in  so  gretf  despeir* 

That  J)er  nys  erfe  water3  fuyr5  ne  eire 

Ne  creature  fat1  of  hem  maked  is 

frat1  may  me  helpe  or  done  comfort  in  ]?is  1248 

Wei  ou^te  I  sterue  in  wanhope  and  distresse 

PETWORTH   36 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     37 

fFare  wele  my  lif1  my  lust  and  my  gladnesse 

Alias  whi  pleynen  men  so  in  comune 

Of  pwmeaunce  of  god  and  of  fortune  1252 

That1  ^euep  hem  ful  oft1  in  mony  a  gyse  [leaf  is] 

Wei  bet[ter]  pan  pei  can  hem  self  devise 

Som  man  desire]?  forto  haue  ricchesse 

That1  cause  is  of  his  mordere  and  gret1  siknesse  1256 

And  som  man  wolde  out1  of  his  prison  fayn 

That1  in  his  hous  is  of  his  mayne  sclayn 

Infinite  harmes  bene  in  pis  matiere 

We  wote  not  what1  pinge  pat  we  preien  here  1260 

We  faren  as  he  pat1  dronken  is  as  mous 

A  dronken  man  wote  wele  he  hap  an  hous 

But  he  ne  woote  which  pe  ri^t  way  is  pidere 

And  to  a  dronken  man  pe  way  is  sclydere  1264 

And  certes  in  pis  world?  so  faren  wee 

We  sechen  fast1  aftere  felicite 

But1  we  goon  wronge  ful  oft1  trewly 

Thus  may  we  seie  alle  and  namelicfi.  I  1268 

That  wende  and  had  a  grete  opynyon 

That  if  I  my^te  skapen  from  pn'son 

pan  had  I  be  in  loie  and  parfite  hele 

per  no  we  I  am  exiled  fro  my  wele  1272 

Sip  pat  I  may  not1  seen  3ou  Emelye 

I  am  but  dede  per  nys  no  remedye 

Yppon  pat  oper  side  Palamon 

Whan  pat  he  wist1  pat1  arcite  was  agon  1276 

Swich  sorowe  he  makep  pat  pe  grete  tour 

Kesounep  of  his  3ellinge  and  clamour 

The  pure  fettres  of  his  shynes  grete 

Were  of  his  bitter  salte  teeres  wete  1280 

Alias  quod  he  Arcita  cosyn  myne 

Of  al  our  strif  god  wote  pe  fruyte  is  pine 

Thow  walkest  now  in  Thebes  at  pi  large 

And  of  my  woo .  pou  ^euest  litel  charge  1284 

Thow  maist  sip  pou  hast  wisdom  and  manhede 

PETWOETH    37 


38     GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Assemble  alle  f  e  folk  of  our  kinrede 

And  make  a  werre  so  sharpe  on  J)is  Cite 

fat  by  som  auenture  or  som  trete  1288 

Thow  maist1  haue  hir*  to  lady  and  to  wiff1  [leaf  is,  back] 

ffor  whom  fat  I  most  nedes  lese  my  liff 

ffor  as  by  way  of  possibilite 

Sif  fou  art1  at1  fi  large  of  prison  free  1292 

And  art  a  lorde  grete  is  fine  aucwmtage 

More  fan  is  myne  fat  sterue  here  in  a  kage 

ffor  I  mote  wepe  and  weile  while  fat  I  lyue 

Wif  al  fe  woo  fat1  prison  may  me  $eue  1296 

And  eke  wif  peyn  f  at1  loue  me  3euef  alsoo 

fat1  doublef  al  my  torment1  and  my  woo 

f  er  wif  f  e  fire  of  gelesie  vpsterte 

Wif  in  his  brest1  and  hente  hym  by  f  e  herte  1 300 

So  woodly  fat1  he  like  was  to  biholde 

The  box-tre  or  f  e  asshen  dede  and  colde 

That1  seide  he  .0.  cruel  goddes  fat1  gouerne 

This  world4  wif  byndinge  of  3oure  worde  eterne  1304 

And  writen  in  f  e  table  of  Atharnaunt1 

3oure  parlement1  and  3oure  eterne  graunt1 

What1  is  mankinde  more  vnto  $ou  holde 

jpan  is  the  shepe  fat1  roukef  in  fe  folde  1308 

ffor  sclayn  is  man  ri^t1  as  an  of  er  beest1 

And  dwellef  eke  in  pn'son  and  in  arest1  - 

And  haf  siknesse  and  grete  aduersite 

And  oft1  tymes  giltlees  parde  1312 

What1  gouernawnce  is  in  f  is  prescience 

That1  giltlees  tormentef  Innocence 

And  encresef  f  is  al  my  penaunce 

fat  man  is  bounden  to  his  obseruawnce  1316 

ffor  goddes  sake  to  letten  of  his  wille 

Ther  as  a  beest  may  al  his  list  fulfille 

And  whan  a  beest1  is  dede  he  hath  no  peyn) 

But1  aftere  his  deth  man  mote  wepe  and  pleyn)  1320 

Thogh  in  f  is  world?  he  haue  care  and  woo 

L  PETWORTH    38 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     39 

outen  doute  it1  may  stonden  soo 
The  answere  of  Jjis  lete  I  to  dyuynes 

But1  wel  I  wote  fat1  in  Jjis  world?  gret1  pyne  es  132-1 

IF  Alias  I  se  a  serpent1  or  a  theef1  fieafi9] 

jjat  mony  an  trewe  man  haj?  done  meschief1 
Goon  at1  his  large  and  where  hym  list  may  twi°ne 
But  I  mote  bene  in  prison  Jjorgfi.  Saturne  1328 

And  eke  ]>orghe  luno  lalous  and  eke  wode 
Jjat  ha]>  destroied  wel  nygfc  al  J>e  blode 
Of  Thebes  wij>  his  waaste  walles  wide 
And  Yenus  sleep  me  on  fat1  oj>er  side  1332 

ffor  lalousy  and  fere  of  him  Aicite 
Now  wil  I  stinte  of  Palamon  a  lite 
And  lat1  hym  in  his  prison  sttlle  dwelle 
And  of  Arcite  for]?  I  wil  ^owe  telle  1336 

The  somer  passejj  and  J?e  ny3tes  longe 
EncresceJ)  double  wise,  fe  peynes  stronge 
Bojjen  of  |?e  louer  and  of  Jje  prisoner1 
I  not*  whiche  haj)  J>e  woofuller1  myster*  1340 

ffor  shortely  for  to  seyn  of  ]?is  Palamon 
Perpetuelly  is  dampned  to  pn'son 
In  cheynes  and  [in]  fettres  to  J?e  dede 
And  Arcite  is  exiled  vp[on]  is  hede  1344 

ffor  euermore  as  out1  of  Jjaf  cuntre 
~Ne  neuere  ne  shal  his  lady  see 
1F  3ow  louyers  aske  I  now  )>is  questi5n 
Who  haj)  fe  wors  Arcite  or  Palam5n  1348 

That1  oon  may  se  his  lady  day  by  day 
But  in  Prison  mot  he  dwelle  alway 
That1  o|?er  wher  hyw  list1  may  ride  and  goo 
But1  seen  his  lady  shal  he  neuer  moo  1352 

Now  devynej)  as  $ou  list1  J?at  30  can 
ffor  I  wil  telle  for))  as  I  byganne 


PETWORTH    39 


40     GROUP  A.    §  2.    KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


1T  "Whan  Jjat  Arcite  to  Thebes  commen  was 
fful  often  a  dale  he  swelf  and  seide  alas  1356 

ffbr  seen  his  lady  shal  he  neu<3re  moo 
And  shortely  to  concluden  all  his  woo 
So  mykel  sorowe  had  neuere  creature 
fat  is  or  shal  while  ]>att  jje  world?  may  dure  1 360 

IT  His  slepe  his  mete,  his  drink  is  hym  byraftt     [leaf  19,  back] 
J>att  lene  he  wexej)  and  drye  as  is  a  shaft1 
His  eyen  holowe  and  grisly  to  biholde 
His  hwe  falowe  and  pale  as  asshen  colde  1364 

And  solitarye  he  was  and  euer  allone 
And  waillinge  al  J?e  ny3f  making  his  mone 
And  if  he  herde  songe  or  instrument 

Than  wolde  he  wepe  he  my^fr  not1  stentt  1368 

So  feble  eke  were  his  spirites  /  and  he  lowe 
And  chaunged  so  Jjafr  no  man  can  knowe 
His  speche  neijjer  his  voys  Jjou^e  men  it  herde 
And  in  his  gere  for  al  J?e  worlde  he  ferde  1372 

Not1  comly  liche  to  louers  maladye 
Of  heres  but1  rather  like  manye 
Engendred  of  humour  malancolike 

Byforn  his  celle  fantastike  1376 

And  shortely  turned  was  al  vp  and  down 
Both  habite  and  disposiciown 

Of  him  J)is  wooful  louer1  Daine l  Arcite  t1  or  Dame] 

What1  shuld?  I  alday  of  his  woo  endite  1380 

Whan  he  endured  had  a  3  ere  or  two 
This  cruel  torment  and  j?is  peyn  and  woo 
At  Thebes  in  his  courte  as  I  seide 

Vpon  a  nyght1  in  slepe  as  he  hym  leide  1384 

Hym  J>ou3f  howe  J>at  the  wenged  god  Mercurye 
Biforn  him  stode  and  bad  hym  to  be  merye 
His  slepy  yeerde  in  honde  he  bare  -vpiijt1 
An  hatte  he  wered  vpon  his  heres  bri}^  1388 

PETWORTH  40 


GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     41 

Araied  was  pis  god  as  he  toke  kepe 

As  lie  was  whan  pat  Argus  toke  his  slepe 

And  seide  him  Jms  to  Athenes  shalt  pou  wende 

Ther  is  pe  shapen  of  pi  woo  an  ende  1392 

And  wip  pafr  worde  Arcite  woke  and  stert 

]S"owe  trewly  howe  sore  pat  euer  me  smert 

Quod  he  to  Athenes  nowe  wil  I  fare 

Ne  for  pe  drede  of  depe  shal  I  not  spare  1396 

To  see  my  lady  pat1  I  loue  and  serue  [leaf  20] 

In  her  presence  I  ne  recche  pough  I  sterue 

And  wip  pat1  word  he  kaughf  a  grete  myrowr 

And  seegh  pat  chaunged  was  al  his  colour  1400 

And  seegh  his  visage  al  in  anoper  kinde 

And  right1  anon  it1  ranne  him  in  his  mynde 

That  sipen  his  face  was  so  disfigured 

Of  malady  pe  which  he  had  endured  1 404 

He  myghte  wel  if  pat1  he  bare  hyra  lowe 

Lyue  in  Athenes  euermore  vnknowe 

And  seen  his  lady  wel  nye  day  be  day 

And  right1  anon  he  chaunged  his  aray  1408 

And  clad  him  as  a  poor  labore[er] 

And  [al]  alon  sauf  oonly  a  sqwiere 

That1  knewe  his  priuete  and  al  his  caas 

Whiche  was  disgised  poorly  as  he  waas  1412 

To  Athenes  is  he  gon  pe  nexte  way 

And  to  pe  courte  he  went1  vpon  a  day 

And  at  pe  gate  he  profered  his  seruyse 

To  drugge  and  drawe  what1  so  men  wil  deuise  1416 

And  shortely  of  pis  mater  forto  seyn 

He  felle  in  office  wip  a  chamberleyn 

The  whiche  pat  was  dwelling1  wip  Emelye 

ffor  he  was  wise  and  sone  coupe  aspye  1420 

Of  euery  seruemnte  which  ]>at  serue])  here 

"Wel  coupe  he  hewen  wode  and  water1  bere 

ffor  he  was  yonge  and  myghty  for  pe  nonys 

And  perto  he  was  stronge  and  bigge  of  bonys  1424 

PETWORTH   41 


42     GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

To  done  jjat  eny  wijti  him  can  deuise 

A  3eer  or  two  he  was  in  Jjis  seruyse 

Page  in  ]?e  Chambre  of  Emely  Jje  bri^t 

And  Philostrate  he  seide  J>at  he  hi3ti  1428 

But1  half  so  wel  biloued  a  man  as  he 

Ne  was  Jjer  neuer  in  courte  of  his  degre 

He  was  [so]  gentil  of  Condiciown 

fat1  Jjorowe  out  al  jje  court1  was  his  renown  1432 

Thei  seide  J?af  it1  was  a  charite  [leaf  20,  back] 

That1  theseus  wolde  enhaunce  his  degre 

And  putten  hyra  in  worshipful  seruyse 

J>er  as  he  myght1  his  vertue  exercise  1  -136 

And  Jms  wij?  in  a  while  his  name  is  spronge 

Bothen  of  his  dedes  and  of  his  good  tonge 

That1  Theseus  hajj  taken  hym  so  nere 

)?at  of  his  chambere  he  made  hym  a  squyere  1440 

And  3aue  him  gold?  to  meyntene  his  degre 

And  eke  men  bro^t1  hym  out1  of  his  cuntre 

ffro  3ere  to  ^ere  ful  priuely  his  rente 

But1  honestly  and  slei3ly  he  it1  spente  1444 

That1  no  man  wondred .   how  Jjaf  he  it  hadde 

And  thre  3ere  in  ]?is  wise  his  lif  he  ladde 

And  bare  hym  so  in  pees  and  eke  in  werre 

Jjer  is  no  man  fat1  Theseus  hath"  derre  1448 

And  in  J?is  blisse  lete  I  nowe  Arcite 

And  speke  I  wil  of  Palamon  a  lite 

^F  In  derknesse  in  horrible  and  strong1  prison 

This  vij.  3ere  hath  sitten  Palamon  1452 

ffor-pyned  what1  for  woo  and  for  distresse 

Who  feleth  double  soor  and  hevynesse 

But  Palamon  Jjat1  loue  destreynejj  so 

That1  wode  out1  of  his  wit1  he  go]?  for  woo  1456 

And  eke  J>erto  he  is  a  pn'sonere 

Perpetuelly  not1  oonly  for  a  3ere 

Who  cowde  ryrne  in  englissh  proprely 

His  martierdome  for  soj>  it  am  not1 1  1460 

M  PETWORTH  42 


GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     43 

Therfor  I  passe  as  H.-$tly  as  I  may 

11  It  felle  pat1  in  pe  vij.  3  ere  of  May 

The  .iij.  nyght1  as  olde  bokes  seyn 

patt  al  j)is  story  tellep  more  pleyn  1464 

"Were  it  by  auenture  or  "be  destynye 

As  whan  a  ping1  is  shape  it1  shal  be 

That  sone  aftere  the  mydny3t<  Palamon 

By  helpinge  of  a  frende  brak  prison.  1468 

And  flee])  pe  Cite  fast1  as  he  may  goo  /  Deaf  21 

ffor  he  had  3eue  his  gaylere  drink  so 

Of  a  Clerrey  made  of  a  certeyn  wyne 

Wip  vercotiks  and  opy  of  Thebes  fyne  1472 

pat1  al  pat1  ny3#  pough  pat  men  wold?  hym  shake 

pe  Gailler  sclepte  and  my3te  not1  awake 

1T  And  pus  he  fleep  as  fast  as  euer  he  may 

pe  ny3tt  was  short1  and  fast[e]  by  pe  day  1476 

pat1  nedes  cost1  he  most1  him  self  hiden 

And  til  a  groue  faste  ther  besiden 

Wip  dredful  foote  ))an  stalkej?  Palamon 

ifor  shortely  pis  was  his  opynyon  1480 

That1  in  pat1  groue  he  wolde  hym  hide  alday 

And  in  pe  nyght1  pan  wolde  he  take  his  way 

To  Thebes  ward*  his  frendes  forto  prey 

On  theseus  to  helpe  hym  to  werrey  V1484 

A[nd]  shortely  eiper  he  wold  lese  his  liff1 

Or  wynnen  Emely  to  his  lonely  wiff1 

This  is  peffeste  and  his  entente  pleyn 

IT  No  we  wil  I  turne  vnto  Arcite  ageyn  1488 

That1  litel  wist1  howe  negh  pat1  was  his  care 

Til  pat1  fortune  had  ka^t1  hy??i  in  his  snare 

The  bysy  larke  massagere  of  day 

Saluep  in  her  songe  pe  morowe  gray  1492 

And  fnry  Phebus  risep  vp  so 

pat1  al  pe  Orient  laugheth  of  his 

And  wip  his  stremes  driep  in  pe  greues  / 

Thevsiluer  dropes  honging1  in  pe  leues  1496 

PETWORTH   43 


44    GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

1T  And  Arcita  fat1  in  f  e  courte  Royatt 

With  Theseus  his  squyer1  pryncipaft 

Is  risen  and  lokef  on  f  e  mery  day 

And  forto  don  his  obseruawnce  to  Maij  1500 

Remembring1  f  e  point1  of  his  desire 

He  on  his  coursere  sterting1  as  f  e  fire 

Is  riden  into  f  e  feeldes  him  to  pley 

Out1  of  f  e  courte  were  if  a  myle  or  twey  1504 

And  to  fe  Groue  of  which  fat  I  ^ou  tolde  [leaf  21,  back] 

By  auenture  his  way  by-gon  to  holde 

And  maken  hym  a  garlond?  of  f  e  greues 

"Were  it1  of  wodbynde  or  hawthorn  leues  1508 

And  loude  he  songe  a^einst  f  e  sonne  shene 

May  wif  all  f  i  floures  and  f  i  grene 

Welcome  be  f  owe  faire  fresshe  May 

I  hope  fat  I  somme  grene  gete  may  1512 

And  from  his  courser  wif  a  lusty  herte 

Into  f  e  Groue  ful  hastely  he  sterte 

And  in  a  path  he  romej?  vp  and  down 

J?er  as  by  auenture  of  J)is  Palamown  1516 

Was  in  a  busshe  jjat  no  man  my^t1  hym  see 

ffor  soor  afferd?  of  his  dej?  was  he 

IT  No  jjinge  ne  knewe  he  fat1  it  was  Arcyte 

God  wote  he  wolo?  haue  trowed  it  ful  lite  1520 

But1  sojj  is  seide  goon  sithen  mony  3eres 

That1  feelde  hath  yen  and  ]>e  wode  haj>  eeres 

It1  is  ful  faire  a  man  to  bere  hym  euene 

ffor  alday  meten  men  at1  vnsef1  steuene  1524 

fful  litel  wote  Arcite  of  his  felawe 

fat1  was  so  nygh  to  harken  of  his  sawe 

ffor  in  J?e  busshe  he  sittej?  now  ful  stille 

Whan  fat1  Arcite  had  romed  al  his  fille  1528 

And  songen  at1  the  roundel  lustely 

Into  a  stody  he  felle  sodeynly 

As  don  fise  louers  in  her  queynt[e]  geres 

Now  in  fe  croppe  now  down  in  fe  breres  1532 

PETWORTH   44. 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     45 

Now  vp  nowe  doune  as  Boket1  in  a  welle 

Ri^t  as  f  e  friday  sof  ly  forto  telle 

Now  it  shynef  nowe  it  reynef  faste 

Ei3t  so  gan  gery  Venus  euer  caste  1536 

The  hertes  of  her  folk  ri^t  as  hir*  day 

Is  Gerful .  rijti  so  chaiwgef  she  aray 

Selde  is  f  e  friday  al  f  e  weke  ylike 

IT  Whan  fat  Arcite  nad  ysonge  he  gan  to  sike  1540 

And  sette  hym  doune  with  oute[n]  eny  more  [leaf  22] 

Alias  quod  he  fat1  day  fat1  I  was  bore 

Howe  longe  luno  f  orgh  f  i  cruelte 

Wiltow  werryen  Thebes  fe  Citee  1544 

Alias  y  brought1  is  to  confusion 

The  blood  Roial  of  Cadme  and  AmphiorT 

Of  Cadmus  whiche  pat1  was  J>e  first  man 

That  Thebes  bilt .  or  first1  J)e  toune  bygan  1548 

And  of  f  e  Cite  first*  was  corowned  kinge 

Of  his  lynage  am  I  and  of  his  of-springe 

By  verrey  lyne  as  of  f  e  stok  Roiatt 

And  nowe  I  am  so  Catif  and  so  thral  1552 

That1  he  fat1  is  my  mortal  enemye 

I  serue  him  as  his  sqwier  poorlye 

And  }it  dof  me  luno  wel  more  shame 

fFor  I  dar  not1  be-knowe  myn  owne  name  1556 

But  fer  [as]  I  was  wonte  to  hi^t1  Arcite 

Now  highf  I  Philostrate  not1  worfe  a  myte 

IT  Alias  jjou  felle  Mars  alias  J?ou  luno 

Thus  hajj  ^oure  Ire  our  lynage  alfordo  1560 

Sauf  oonly  me  and  wrecched  Palamon 

That  Theseus  marterej?  in  prison 

And  ouer  al  J>is  to  sleen  me  vtterly 

Loue  haj?  faire  his  darte  so  brennyngly  1564 

Istiked  forgh  my  trewe  careful  herte 

That  shapen  was  my  dej>  arst  fan  my  sherte 

3e  sleen  me  wij?  3oure  yen  Emelye 

3e  ben  J?e  cause  wherfore  fat1 1  dye  1568 

PETWORTH    45 


46     GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS 

Of  al  the  remenanf  of  myn  of  er  care 

Ne  sette  1 110113 fr  the  mountance  of  a  tare 

So  fat  I  cowde  do  ou^t1  to  jour  plesaunce 

And  wif  fat1  word*  he  felle  down  in  a  trauwce  1572 

A  longe  tyme  and  afterward!  he  vp  stert 

f  is  Palamon  fat1  f  ou^f  fat  f  orgh  [his]  herte 

He  felte  a  colde  swerde  sodeinly  glide 

ffor  Ire  he  qwoke  no  lenger  wold  he  bide    ^fl'HbSt  a^eS; 

f  And  whan  fat1  he  had  herde  Arcites  tale  80deynly  Giide>] 

As  he  were  wode  wif  face  dede  and  pale 

He  stert1  hym  vp  out1  of  the  buskes  thikke 

And  seide  Arcite  fals  traitour  quykke  1580 

Now  art1  f  ou  hent1  fat1  louest1  my  lady  soo 

ffor  whom  fat1 1  haue  al  f  is  peyn  and  woo 

And  art1  my  blood  and  to  my  counsel  sworne 

As  I  ful  oft1  have  tolde  fe  here  to  forn  1584 

And  hast1  by-iaped  here  Duke  Theseus 

And  falsly  chaunged  hast  f  i  name  f  us 

I  wil  be  dede  or  ellis  f  ou  shalt  dye 

Thowe  shalt1  not1  loue  my  lady  Emely  1588 

But  I  wil  loue  hir*  oonly  and  no  moo 

ffor  I  am  Palamon  f  i  mortel  ffoo 

And  jjou^e  fat1 1  no  wepen  haue  in  J)is  place 

But  out1  of  prison  am  I-stert1  by  grace  1592 

I  drede  nou^t1  but1  eifer  ]>ou  shalt1  dye 

Or  jjou  ne  shalt1  not1  loue  Emelye 

Chese  which  Jjou  wilt1  or  ]?ou  shalt1  not1  asterte 

IF  This  Arcite  wij>  ful  dispitous  herte  1596 

Whan  he  hym  knewe  and  had  his  tale  herd 

As  feers  as  a  lyon  pulled  out1  a  swercfe 

And  seide  ]ms  by  god  fat1  sittej?  aboue 

JSTe  it  were  fat1  f ou  art  seke  and  wode  for  loue  1 600 

And  eke  fat1  f ou  no  wepen  hast  in  f is  place 

Thow  shuldest  neuere  out1  of  f  is  groue  pace 

fat1  fou  ne  shuldest  dyen  of  myn  honde 

ffor  I  defie  f  e  swerte  and  f  e  bonde  1 604 

N  PETWORTH   46 


GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     47 

Which  fat  f  ou  seist1  I  haue  made  to  f  e 

What1  verrey  fool  f  enk  wel  fat1  loue  is  free 

And  I  wil  loue  hir1  inawgre  al  f  i  myjti 

But1  for  as  moche  as  fou  art  a  worfi  kir^t1  1608 

And  wiliest1  to  darreyn  hir1  by  bataille 

Haue  here  my  trouf  e  to  morwe  I  nyl  not1  faille 

Wif  outen  witting1  of  eny  of  ere  wight1  [leaf  23] 

That1  here  I  wil  be  founden  as  a  knyght1  1612 

And  bringen  harneis  li^ti  ynough  for  f  e 

And  chese  f  e  best1  and  leue  f  e  worst1  for  me 

And  mete  and  drink  f  is  nyghte  wil  I  bringe 

Ynough  for  fe  and  clofes  for  jji  beddynge  1616 

And  if  so  be  fat1  fou  my  lady  wynne 

And  sclee  me  in  Jjis  wode  \er  I  am  Inne 

Thow  maist  wel  haue  \\  lady  as  for  me 

This  Palamon  answerd?  I  graunte  it1  jje  1620 

And  ]?us  ]?ei  bene  departed  til  a  morowe 

Whan  eche  of  hem  had  leide  his  feij?  to  borowe 

IT  0  cupide  out1  of  al  charite 

0  regne  fat  wold  no  felawe  haue  wif  fe  1624 

fful  sojj  is  seide  fat1  loue  ne  lordship 

Wil  not1  his  f  onkes  haue  no  felawship 

We  fynde  fat1  of  Arcite  and  Palamowii 

Arcite  is  riden  anon  into  the  town  1628 

And  on  f  e  morowe  er  it1  were  day  li^t1 

fful  prmely  two  harneys  haf  he  dijti 

Both  suffisaunt1  and  mete  to  darreyn 

The  bataille  in  fe  feelde  bytwix  hem  tweyn  1632 

And  on  his  hors  allone  as  he  was  born 

He  carief  al  his  harneys  hyra  bifom 

And  in  f  e  Groue  at1  tyme  and  place  ysette 

This  Arcite  and  fis  Palamon  ben  mette  1636 

To  chaungen  gan  f  e  colour  in  her  face 

Right1  as  f  e  hunters  in  [the]  reyne  of  trace 

That1  stondef  atte  gapfpe]  wif  a  spere 

Whan  hunted  is  fe  lyon  or  fe  bere  1640 

PETWOUTH    47 


48     GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  here])  him  come  russhing1  in  fe  Greues 

And  brekef  both  [the]  bowes  and  fe  leues 

And  fenkef  here  commeth  my  mortal  enemye 

Wif  oute  faile  he  mote  be  dede  or  I  1644 

ffor  eifer  I  moot1  scleen  him  atte  gappe 

Or  he  moot  sclee  me  if  fat1  me  myshappe 

So  feerden  [thei]  in  chaungyng1  of  here  hwe         [leaf  23,  back] 

As  fer  as  euerich  of  hem  ofer  knewe  1648 

Ther  nas  no  good  day  ne  no  saluynge 

But  street1  wif  oute  worde  or  rehersinge 

Euerich  of  hem  helpef  forto  arme  ofer* 

As  frendly  as  he  were  his  owne  broker1  1652 

And  after  fat1  with  sharpe  speres  stronge 

They  foynen  eche  at1  of  er  wonder  longe 

Thow  my^test1  wene  fat1  f  is  Palamon 

In  his  fightinge  were  a  wood  lyon  1656 

And  as  [a]  cruel  tigre  was  Arcite 

As  wilde  boores  gon  f  ei  to-gider1  smyte 

That1  frothen  white  as  fome  for  yre  woode 

Yp  to  fe  Ancle  fought1  Jjei  in  her  bloode  1660 

And  in  J)is  wise  I  lete  hem  fighting1  dwelle 

And  for]?  I  wil  of  Theseus  ^ou  telle 

IT  The  destanye  minister1  generatt 

That1  execute])  in  ])e  world  ouer  aft  1664 

The  purueaunce  fat  god  ha])  say  bifore 

So  stronge  it1  is  fat1  fei  J)e  world  had  it  swore 

J)e  contrarie  of  a  J)inge  be  ye  or  nay 

3itt  som  tyme  it  shal  falle  on  a  day  1668 

That1  fallef  no^t1  eft  wif  in  a  fousand  yere 

ffor  certeynly  our  appetites  here 

Be  it1  of  werre  or  pees,  or  hate  or  loue 

Al  is  fis  rewled  by  J)e  sight  aboue  1672 

This  mene  I  nowe  by  myghty  Theseus 

That1  forto  hunte  is  so  desirous 

And  namely  atte  grete  hert1  in  Maij 

That1  in  his  bed  fer  dawef  hym  no  day  1676 

PETWORTH    48 


GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     49 

That1  he  nys  cladde  and  redy  forto  ride 

Wif  hunte  and  horn  and  houndes  hyra  biside 

ffor  in  his  hunting  haf  he  swich  delite 

That1  it1  is  al  his  ioye  and  appetite  1680 

To  bene  hym  self  f  e  grete  hertes  bane 

ffor  after  Mars  he  seruef  nowe  Dyane 

Cleer  was  fe  day  as  I  haue  told?  er  fis  /  [leaf  24] 

And  Theseus  wif  al[le]  loie  and  blis  1684 

Wif  his  ypolita  f  e  faire  quene 

And  Emely[e]  closed  al  in  grene 

On  huntinge  bene  f  ei  riden  rially 

And  to  fe  Groue  fat1  stode  ful  fast1  by  1688 

In  which  f  er  was  an  herte  as  men  hyw  tolde 

But1  Theseus  f  e  streighte  way  haf  holde 

And  to  f  e  launde  he  ride])  hym  ful  ri^f 

ffor  fider  was  fe  hert1  wonte  to  haue  his  fli^f  1692 

And  ouer  a  broke  and  so  for])  on  his  way 

This  duke  wil  haue  a  cours  at1  hym  or  tway 

Wif  houndes  swich  as  fat1  him  list  comaunde 

And  whan  J)is  duke  was  come  vnto  fe  launde  1696 

Vnder  J)e  sonne  he  loked  anon 

He  was  ware  of  Arcite  and  Palamon 

That1  fou3ten  breme  as  it1  were  boles  two 

The  bri^te  swerdes  wenten  to  and  fro  1700 

So  hidously  fat1  wif  fe  leest[e]  stroke 

It  semef  fat  it  wold'  fellen  an  oke 

But1  what1  f  ei  were  no  f  ing1  he  ne  wote 

This  duke  his  courser  wif  his  spores  smoote  1704 

And  at1  a  stert1  he  was  atwixe  h&m  twoo 

A  pulled  out1  a  swerde  and  cried  hoo 

No  more  vp  peyn  of  lesing1  of  $our  hede 

By  myghty  mars  he  shal  anon  be  dede  1 708 

That1  smytef  eny  stroke  fat1  I  may  sene 

But1  tellef  me  what1  myster  men  $e  bene 

That1  ben  so  hardy  forto  listen  here 

Wif  oute  lugge.  or  ofer  officers  1712 

4  PETWORTH    49 


50     GROUP  A.   §  2.    KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

H  As  it  were  in  litel  liste  ryatty 

This  Palamon  answerde  hastily 

And  seide  Sir1  what1  nedep  wordes  moo 

We  haii  pe  depe  deserued  bop  twoo  1716 

Two  woful  wrecched  be  we  two  catyfes 

jpat  bene  encombred  of  oure  owne  lifes 

And  as  pow  art1  a  ri3tful  lorde  and  luge  [leaf  24,  back] 

Ne  jeue  vs  neiper  mercy  ne  refuge  1720 

But1  scle  me  furst1  for  seinte  larite 

But1  slee  my  felowe  eke  as  wel  as  me 

Or  slee  hym  [first]  for  pougll  po[u]  knowest  lite 

This  is  pi  mortal  ffoo  pis  is  arcite  1724 

That1  from  pi  londe  is  banshed  on  his  hede 

ffor  whiche  he  ha))  deserued  to  be  dede 

ifor  pis  is  he  fat1  come  vnto  pi  gate 

And  saide  pat1  he  hight1  Philostrate  1728 

Thus  hap  he  Taped  pe  ful  mony  a  3ere 

And  pou  hast1  made  him  pi  chief  squyere 

And  pis  is  he  pat1  louep  Emelye 

ffor  sip  pat1  day  is  cowmen  pat1 1  shal  dye  1732 

I  make  pleynly  my  confession 

That1 1  am  pilk[e]  wooful  Palamon 

That1  hap  pi  prison  broken  wikkedly 

I  am  pi  mortal  foo  and  it1  am  I  1736 

That1  louep  so  hote  Emely  pe 

That1 1  wil  dye  present1  in  her 

"Wherfore  I  axe  dep  and  my  Iwes 

But1  scle  my  felawe  in  pe  same  wise  1740 

ffor  bope  we  han  deserued  forto  be  sclayn 

This  worpi  duke  answerd?  anon  agayn 

And  saide  pis  is  a  short1  conclusion 

3oure  owne  moupe  be  pure  confession  1744 

Hap  dampned  per  3ou  and  I  wil  it1  records 

Hit  nedep  not1  to  pyne  $ou  wip  acorde 

He  shul  be  dede  by  my3ty  mars  pe  rede 

The  quene  anoon  for  verrey  wommanhede  1748 

n  PETWORTH    50 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     51 

Gan  [for]  to  wepe  and  so  seide  Emelye 

And  al  j?e  ladis  in  }>e  companye 

Grete  pite  was  if  as  it  Jjou^t1  hem  alle 

That1  euere  such  a  chaunce  shuld  byfalle  1752 

ffor  gentil  men  ]?ei  were  of  grete  astate 

And  no  ]?inge  but1  for  loue  was  J>is  debate 

And  seegft  her  blody  woundes  wide  and  sore  [leaf  25] 

And  alle  criden  boj>[e]  lasse  and  more  1756 

Haue  mercy  vpon  vs  wommen  alle 

And  on  her  bare  knees  doun  Jjei  falle 

And  wold  han  kissed  his  fete  ]?er  he  stoode 

Til  at1  ]?e  last1  a-sclaked  was  his  moode  1 760 

ffor  pite  rennej?  sone  in  gentile  herte 

And  ]?oughe  he  first1  for  ire  quoke  and  sterte 

He  ha]?  considered  shortly  in  a  clause 

The  trespase  of  hem  both[e]  and  ]?e  cause  1764 

And  al  Jjo^e  his  Ire  her  gilt1  accused 

3it*  in  his  reson  he  hem  both  excused 

And  Jms  he  Jjou^te  wel  pat1  euery  man 

Wol  helpe  him  self  in  loue  if  Jjat1  he  can  1768 

And  eke  delyuere  him  self  out1  of  prison. 

And  eke  him  self  had  compassion 

Of  wommen  for  J>ei  wepen  euere  in  oon 

And  in  his  gentile  hert1  he  Jjo^t1  anon  1772 

And  soft1  vnto  him  self  he  seide  fye 

Vpon  a  lord  jjat1  wil  haue  no  mercy 

But1  be  a  lyon  bo]>e  in  word?  and  dede 

To  hem  jjat1  bene  in  repentaunce  and  drede  1776 

As  wel  as  to  a  prowde  dispitous  man 

That  wil  mey[n]tene  pat1  he  first  bygan 

That1  lord  haj?  litel  in  discreccion 

That1  in  such  caas  can  no  diuision  1780 

But  weiej?  pride  and  humblenesse  after*  oon 

And  shortely  whan  his  Ire  was  )?us  agon 

He  gan  to  loken  vp  wi]>  eyen  light1 

And  spake  Jnse  same  wordes  al  on  hight1  1784 

PETWORTH    51 


52     GROUP  A.    §  2.    KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

The  god  of  love,  o  Benedicite 

How  myghty  and  howe  grete  a  lord  is  lie 

A^einst  his  myght1  f  er  ^eynef  non  obstacles 

He  may  be  cleped  a  god  for  his  myracles  1788 

ffor  he  can  maken  at  is  owne  gyse 

Of  euericft  hert1  as  fat1  hym  list1  devise 

Lo  here  fis  arcite  and  fis  Palamon  [leaf  25,  back] 

That  quietely  were  out1  of  prison  gon  1792 

And  myght1  haue  lyued  in  thebes  Rially 

And  weten  I  am  her  mortal  enemye 

And  fat1  her  def  is  in  [my]  myghf  also  / 

And  ^it1  haf  loue  mawgre  her  eyen  two  1796 

[I-jBrou^t1  him  hidere  bof  [e]  forto  dye 

Now  lokef  is  not1  fis  a  grete  folye 

Who  may  be  a  fool  but1  if  he  loue 

Biholde  for  goddes  loue  fat1  sittef  aboue  1800 

See  howe  f  ei  blede  bene  f  ei  not1  wel  araied 

Thus  haf  her  lorde  f  e  god  of  loue  hem  paied? 

Her  wages  and  her  fees  for  her  seruise 

And  ^it1  fei  wenene  for  to  bene  ful  Avise  1804 

That1  seruen  loue  for  o^t1  fat1  may  bifalle 

But1  ^it1  is  f  is  f  e  beste  game  of  alle 

That1  she  for  whom  fei  haue  f  is  lolite 

Can  hem  as  moche  thonke  as  me  1 808 

Shee  wote  no  more  of  al  f  is  hote  fare 

By  god  fan  wote  an  Cuckowe  or  an  hare 

But1  al  most1  be  assaied  hote  and  cold? 

A  man  mote  be  a  fool  or  ^onge  or  old?  1812 

1  wote  it1  by  my  self  for  yore  agone 

ffor  in  my  tyme  a  seruawnte  was  I  oone 

And  f  erfor  sith  I  knowe  of  loues  peyne 

And  wote  howe  sore  it  can  a  man  distreyne  1816 

As  he  fat1  haf  oft  bene  ca^t1  in  his  laas 

I  ^ou  for3iue  al  holy  f  is  trespaas  / 

Atte  request1  of  f  e  quene  fat1  knelef  here 

And  eke  of  Emelye  my  suster1  dere  1820 

PETWOHTII    52 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     53 

And  36  sliul  bope  vnto  me  swere 

That*  neuerrnore  36  shul  my  cuntre  dere 

Xe  make  werre  vpon  me  ny^t1  ne  day 

But  bene  my  frendes  in  al  pat1  ^e  may  1824 

I  nowe  for^eue  pis  trespase  enery  deft 

And  pei  hym  swore  his  axing1  fair1  and  well 

And  him  of  lordship  and  of  mercye  preide  [leaf  26] 

And  so  hem  grauntep  grace  and  pus  he  seide  1828 

To  speke  of  Eial  lynage  and  ricches 

Thoo  pat  she  were  a  quene  or  a  princesse 

Eche  of  3ou  bope  is  worpi  doutelees 

To  wedden  whan  tyme  is  but1  napelees  1832 

I  speke  as  for  my  suster*  Emelye 

ifor  whoorn  36  haue  pis  strif  and  lelosie 

3e  wote  3oure  self  ze  may  not1  wedden  two 

Af  ones  pou3e  36  fi3ten  euermoo  1836 

pat1  oon  of  3ou  be  he  lop  or  liefe 

He  mot1  go  pipen  in  an  yve  liefe 

This  is  to  say  she  may  not1  nowe  haue  both 

!N"e  be  36  neuere  so  lelous  and  so  wroth  1840 

And  for-J>i  J?er  nowe  put1  in  J>is  degre 

That1  eche  of  3ou  shal  haue  his  destane 

As  him  is  shape  and  harkenef  in  what1  wise 

Lo  here  3oure  ende  and  fat1 1  shal  devise  1844 

^f  My  wille  is  ]?is  for  plat1  conclusion 

Wij?  oute[n]  eny  replicacion 

3if  fat1  3ou  like])  take  it1  for  J>e  best1 

That1  euery  of  3ou  shal  go  wher  hym  lest1  1848 

ffrely  wij>  outen  raunson  [or]  daungere 

At  J)is  day  fifty  wekes  fer  ne  nere 

Euerich  of  3ou  shal  bryng1  an  .C.  kny3tes 

Armed  for  listes  vp  al  rightes  1852 

Al  redy  to  darreyn  hir1  by  batayle 

And  J»is  bihote  I  3ou  wij)  outen  faile 

Vpon  my  troupe  and  as  I  am  a  kny3^ 

pat  wheder  of  3ou  bojjfe]  pat1  hap  myjti  1856 

PETWORTH    53 


54     GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

This  is  to  seyn  J?af  whedere  lie  or  ]>owe 

May  wij>  his  hundred  as  I  haue  spoke  of  nowe 

Slee  his  contrary  or  out1  of  lystes  drive 

Than  shal  I  3eue  hyra  Emely  to  wyve  1860 

To  whom  Jjat  fortune  ha]}  ^eue  so  faire  a  grace 

The  listes  shal  I  do  maken  in  Jns  place 

And  god  so  wisly  on  my  soule  rwe  [leaf  26,  back] 

As  I  shal  euene  luge  be  and  trwe  1864 

3e  shal  non  o]>ere  ende  wijj  me  make 

J>af  oon  of  ^ou  shal  be  dede  or  take 

And  if  yow  Jjenke  )>is  is  wel  yseide 

Sey  ^oure  avice  and  holde  }ou  wel  apaide  1868 

This  is  ^oure  ende  and  ^our  conclusion 

Who  lokejj  lightly  now  but*  Palamon 

Swo  springeth  vp  for  loie  but1  Arcite 

Who  coude  telle  or  who  coude  if  endite  1872 

The  loie  fat1  is  made  in  ]?af  place 

Whan  Theseus  haj)  don  so  faire  a  grace 

But1  doune  on  knees  went1  euery  manere  wi}f 

And  thonked  hym  wij>  al  her  hert1  and  my^f  1876 

And  namely  Jjise  Thybeanes  mony  sitfi. 

And  jms  wij>  hope  and  herte  blitS 

Thei  take  her  leue  and  homwarc?  gan  J>ei  ride 

Tho  Thebes-war^  wi]>  olde  walles  wide  1880 


.....     ,     ....     no  gap  in  the 

IT  I  trowe  men  wolde  deme  if  necligence 

If  I  for^ete  to  telle  J>e  dispence 

Of  Theseus  J>af  go))  so  bisily 

To  maken  vp  ]>e  listes  rially  1884 

Thaf  suche  a  noble  theatre  as  if  was 

I  dar  wel  seyn  in  J?is  worlcJ  ther  nas 

The  circuyte  a  myle  was  aboute 

Walled  wi]>  stone  arcd  dicched  al  wi>  oute  1888 

Rounde  was  pe  shappe  in  manere  of  a  compas  / 

P  PETWORTH    54 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth,  MS.      55 

fful  of  degrees  J>e  heght1  of  sixty  paas 

That1  whan  a  man  was  sette  on  oon  degre 

He  letted  not1  his  felawe  forto  see  1892 

Estward?  Jjer  stode  a  gate  of  Marbel  white 

Westward?  right1  such  a  nojjer  in  )>e  opposite 

And  shortely  to  conclude  such  a  place 

Was  non  in  er]?e  as  in  so  litel  space  1896 

ffor  in  jje  londe  J?er  nas  no  crafty  man 

That1  Geometrye  or  arsmetrike  can 

!N~e  purtraiour1  ne  keruer*  of  ymages  [leaf  271 

That1  Theseus  ne  ^aue  him  mete  and  wages  1900 

The  theater  to  make  and  to  devise 

And  forto  doon  his  ri^ti  and  his  sacritise 

He  Estward?  haj?  [up] on  J>e  gate  aboue 

In  worship  of  wenus  goddes  of  loue  1904 

Done  maken  an  awtere  and  an  oratorie 

And  on  J?e  westward?  side  in  meiaorie 

Of  Mars  he  haj)  maked  ri^f  such  anojjere 

Jjat1  cost1  largely  of  gold  a  ffojjere  1908 

And  norfward!  in  a  to^retf  on  |?e  watt 

Of  Alabaster  white  and  rede  Coratt 

An  oratorie  riche  forto  see 

In  worship  of  Diane  of  chaastite  1912 

Ha]>  Theseus  done  wrou^f  in  noble  wise 

But1  ^it1  had  I  forgete  forto  devise 

That1  noble  kervingges  and  J?e  powrtratures 

]>e  shappe  ]>e  countenawnce  and  Jje  figures  1916 

Jjat1  weren  in  ]?e  oratories  thre 

ffirst1  in  Ipe  temple  of  Venus  maist  ]?ou  see 

Wrou^f  on  ]>e  walle  ful  pitous  to  biholde 

Jje  broken  slepes  and  ]>e  sighes  colde  1920 

J?e  sacred  teeres  and  J?e  waymentynge 

])e  firy  strokes  of  ]?e  desiringe 

jjat1  loues  seruawntes  in  jjis  lif  enduren 

}>e  Ojjes  fat1  her  conawntes  assuren  1924 

Plesaunce  and  hope,  desire  fool-hardynesse 

PETWORTH    55 


56    GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Beaute  and  f  ou^t1 .  bawdry  richesse 

Charmes  and  force,  lesingges  and  flaterye 

Dispence  bysynesse  and  lelowsie  1928 

fat1  wered  of  3olowe  goldes  a  garlonde 

And  a  Cukkowe  sitting*  on  her  honde 

ffeestes  instrumentes  Carolles  daunces 

luste  and  array  and  al  fe  circumstaimces  1932 

Of  loue  whiche  I  rekened  and  reken  shaft 

By  ordere  were  peynted  on  f  e  watt 

And  mo  fan  I  con  [make]  of  mencion  [leaf  27,  back] 

ffor  sofly  al  f  e  mont  of  Citharon  1936 

Ther  Venus  ha]>  her  principal  dwellinge 

Was  shewed  in  f  e  walle  in  purtraiynge 

Wif  al  f  e  Gardeyne  and  f  e  lustynesse 

Not*  was  for^eten  fe  porter  ydelnesse  1940 

Ne  narcisus  f  e  faire  of  yore  agone 

Ne  3itt  f  e  foly  of  king1  salamon 

!Ne  31^  f  e  grete  strengthe  of  hercules 

fe  enchauntementz  of  Medea  and  certes  1944 

!N"e  of  Turnus  wif  f  e  hardy  fires  corage 

f  e  riche  Cresus  catif  in  seruage 

Thus  may  36  sene  fat  wisdom  ne  ricchesse 

Bewte  ne  scleighte.  strengthe  hardy nesse  1948 

Ne  may  with  Yenus  holde  chaumpartie 

ffor  as  her  list1  f e  world!  fan  may  she  gie 

1F  Loo  alle  f  ise  folk  so  caught*  were  in  her  las 

To  fei  for  woo  ful  often  seide  alas  1952 

Suffisef  here  oon  ensample  or  two 

And  f  oughe  f  er  coude  rekne  a  thousand*  moo 

The  statue  of  Venus  glorious  to  see 

"Was  naked  fletinge  in  fe  large  see  1956 

And  from  f  e  nauel  down  al  keuered  was 

Wif  wawes  grene  and  bri}^  as  eny  glas 

A  Citole  in  hire  i^te  hond  had  she 

And  on  her  hede  ful  semely  to  see  I960 

A  Eose  garlonde  fresshe  an  wel  smellinge 

PETWORTH    56 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS.      57 

Aboue  her  hede  lier  dowues  flateringe 

Byfore  hir1  stode  hir1  sone  Cupido 

Ypon  his  shulders  wenges  had  he  two  1964 

And  blynde  he  was  as  it1  is  ofte  sene 

A  bowe  he  bare  and  arowes  bri^tf  and  kene 

1F  Whi  shuld?  I  not  eke  as  wel  telle  3011  alle 

The  powrtrature  J>atf  was  vpon  J>e  walle  1968 

WiJ>  in  jje  temple  of  my^ty  mars  J?e  rede 

Al  peynted  was  j>e  walle  in  lengthe  and  brede 

Like  to  fe  Estres  of  ]je  grisly  place  fleaf  28] 

}>e  hight1  ]?e  gr[e]te  temple  of  Mars  in  trace  1972 

In  ]?ilk[e]  colde  frosty  Regy5n 

Ther  as  Mars  ha]j  his  souereyn  mancion 

1T  ffirst*  on  J>e  walle  was  peynted  a  foreste 

In  which  jjer  wonne]>  neijjer  man  ne  beste  1976 

"WiJ>  knotty  knarry  bareyn  trees  olde 

Of  stubbes  sharpe  and  hidous  to  biholde 

In  which"  J)er  was  a  rombled  and  a  swoghe 

As  j?ough  a  storme  shuld  breke  euery  bou3e  1980 

And  dounward  /  from  an  hille  vnder  a  bent* 

There  stode  )?e  temple  of  Mars  Armypotent1 

Wrought1  of  al  of  burnyd  steel  of  which  J?e  entenf 

Was  longe  and  streit1  and  goostly  forto  sent1  1984 

And  jjer  out1  came  a  rage  in  such  a  wise 

J)af  it*  made  al  j?e  gates  forto  rise 

Til  norjjeron  ^f  in  at  ])e  doores  shoon 

ffor  wyndowe  on  ]?e  watt  J>an  was  $er  non  1988 

forowe  whiche  men  my^t  eny  light1  discerne 

]?e  door  was  al  of  Athamantf  eterne 

Yclenched  ouertwert*  and  endelonge 

Wijj  Iren  towe  forto  make  if  stronge  1992 

Euery  piler  J)e  temple  to  sustene 

Was  tonne  grete  of  yren  bri^tf  and  shene 

Ther  seghe  I  fursfr  ]?e  [derk]  ymagynyng1 

Of  felowny  and  al  j?e  compassing1  1996 

The  cruel  Ire  rede  as  eny  gleede 

PETWORTH    67 


58     GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

J>e  Pikpurs  and  eke  Jje  pale  drede 

fe  smyler  wij)  J?e  knyf  vnder  J?e  cloke 

J)e  shippen  brennyng1  wij>  j>e  blak[e]  smoke  2000 

Jje  treson  of  j>e  morjjering1  in  j?e  bedde 

pe  open  werre  wij)  woundes  al  by-bledde 

Conteckte  wij)  blody  knyff  and  sharpe  manace 

Al  ful  of  chirkinge  was  jjat1  sory  place  2004 

J)e  scleer  of  him  self  ^it1  segH  I  J?ere 

His  herte-bloode  haj)  bajjed  al  his  here 

The  nayle  ydryuen  in  ])e  shode  a  ny^f  [leaf  28,  back] 

Wij?  colde  dejje  wi)j  moujje  gaping1  vp  ri^t1  2008 

Amyddes  of  ]>e  temple  satte  a  meschaunce 

Wij)  discomfort1  and  sori  countenawnce 

3if  sawghe  I  woodnesse  laughing1  in  his  rage 

Armed  compleint1  outhees  and  fires  corage  2012 

J}e  Careyn  in  )?e  bussh  wij>  jjrote  ycorve 

A  thousand  sclayne  and  not1  of  qualme  ystorue 

This  tyraunf  wij?  j?e  pray  by  force  yrafte 

J)e  toune  destroied  Jjer  nas  no  Jung1  ylafte  2016 

3it*  seghe  I  brenf  ]?e  shippes  Hoppesteres 

The  hunte  strangled  wi)>  ]?e  wilde  beres 

The  sowe  fretinge  J?e  childe  ri^t1  in  ]?e  cradett 

The  Coke  yscalded  for  al  his  longe  ladett  2020 

Kou^t  was  forgeten  by  ]?e  infortune  of  Marte 

The  Carter  ouer-riden  wij)  j)e  Carte 

Vndere  j)e  whele  ful  lowe  he  lay  adown 

fere  were  also  of  Martes  dyuysiown  2024 

])e  Barboure  J)e  bochere  and  j?e  Smyth 

J)af  forgej)  sharpe  swerdes  on  j)e  stitfi 

And  al  aboue  depeynted  in  a  toure 

Saughe  I  conquest1  sittinge  in  grete  honours  2028 

Wij)  j)e  sharpe  swerde  ouer  his  hede 

Hanginge  by  a  sotile  twyned  j)rede 

Depeinted  was  j)e  the  sclauughtei0  of  luliu. 

Of  grete  Nero  and  of  Anthoneus  2032 

Al  be  J>af  pilke  tyme  j?ei  were  vnborn 

Q  PETWOETH    58 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     59 

$it  was  her  dej>  depeinted  ]?er  biforn 

By  manasing1  of  Mars  ri3tt  by  figure 

so  was  it1  shewed  in  Jje  purtrature  2036 

As  is  depeinted  in  Jje  certres  aboue 

Who  shal  be  ded  or  slayne  for  loue 

Suffisejj  oon  ensample  in  stories  olde 

I  may  not1  rekne  hem  al[le]  Jjoi^e  I  wolde  2040 

)>e  statue  of  mars  vpon  a  carte  stode 

Armed  and  loked  grymme  as  he  were  wode 

And  ouer  his  hode  \er  shynej)  two  figures  [leaf  29] 

Of  sterres  pat1  bene  cleped  in  figures  2044 

That1  oon  Puella  that1  ojjer  rubeus 

This  god  of  armes  was  araied  ]ms 

A  wolf  Jjer  stode  to  forn  him  at1  his  fete 

Wi]>  eyen  rede  and  of  a  man  he  ete  2048 

Wijj  sotel  pensel  was  depeynted  jjis  storie 

In  recordinge  of  Mars  and  [of]  his  glorie 

If  Nowe  to  pe  temple  of  Dyane  )>e  chaste 

As  shortely  as  I  can  I  wil  me  haste  2052 

To  telle  3ou  al  the  descripcioim 

Depeynted  was  J?e  walle  vp  and  down 

Of  huntinge  and  of  shamfast  chastite 

per  saughe  I  how  wooful  calistope  2056 

Whan  Jjatt  Dyane  agreued  was  [with]  here. 

Was  turned  from  a  womman  to  a  bere 

And  after  was  she  made  J?e  lode-sterre 

Thus  was  she  peynted  I  can  say  3ou  no  ferre  2060 

Her  sone  is  eke  a  sterre  as  36  may  see 

Jjer  saughe  I  dane  turned  to  a  tree 

I  mene  not1  J?e  goddes  Dyane 

But1  Penneus  doughter  which  J?at  hi3te  dane  2064 

J>er  saugh  I  Attheon  an  hert1  yniaked 

ffor  vengeaunce  j?af  he  segh  diane  al  naked 

I  saugh  pat1  how  his  houndes  haue  hym  caughte 

And  freten  him  for  jjei  knewe  hym  nau3te  2068 

^it1  ypeynted  was  a  litel  ferjjermore 

PETWORTH    69 


60    GROUP  A.    §  2.    KNIGHT'S  TALE.    Petwbrth  MS. 

Howe  Atthelaunt1  hunted  J>e  wilde  bore 

And  maleagre  and  mony  ojjer  moo/ 

ffor  whiche  diane  wro^t1  hym  care  and  woo  2072 

Ther  seghe  I  many  anojjer  worjji  story 

Whiche  men  list1  not1  to  drowe  to  memory 

This  goddes  vpon  an  hert1  ful  wel  she  sette 

Wij)  smale  houndes  al  about1  her  fete  2076 

And  vndernejje  her  fete  she  had  a  mone 

Wexing1  it1  was  and  shal  wany  sone 

In  gaudy  grene  her  statue  clones  was  [leaf  29,  back] 

WiJ?  bowe  in  honde  and  arowes  in  a  cas  2080 

Her  eyen  keste  she  ful  lowe  a  doune 

Ther  Pluto  haj>  his  derke  regiown 

A  woman  travailing1  was  hir*  biforn 

But1  for  her  child  was  so  longe  vnborn  2084 

fful  pitously  lucyna  can  she  calle 

And  seide  helpe  for  ]?ou  maist1  best1  of  alle 

Wel  coude  he  peynte  lyvely  Jjat1  it  wrou^t1 

Wij)  mony  a  floreyne  he  Jje  coloures  bou^t1  2088 

IF  Now  bene  Jnse  listes  made  and  theseus 

That1  at  his  grete  cost1  araied  J?us 

J?e  temple  and  J>e  theatre  euery  dele 

Whan  it1  was  done  him  liked  wonder1  wele  2092 

But1  stint1 1  wil  oj:  Theseus  a  lite 

And  speke  of  Palamon  and  [of]  arcite 

The  [day]  approchej?  of  her  retournynge 

Jjat1  eueriche  shuld  an  C.  knyghtes  bringe  2096 

The  bataille  to  darrey  as  I  you  tolde 

And  to  Athenes  her  couenawnte  forto  holde  ] 

Ha]?  euery  of  hem  brou^t1  an  .C.  knyghtes 

Wel  armed  for  ]>e  werre  at1  al[le]  rightes  2100 

And  sikerly  Jjer  trowed  many  a  man 

That1  neuere  sijj  Jjat1  ]?e  world  bygan 

That1  forto  speke  of  knyghthode  of  her  honde 

As  fer  as  god  haj?  maked  see  or  londe  2104 

Nas  of  so  fewe  so  noble  a  companye 

PETWORTH    60 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     61 

ffor  eueiy  wight1  J>afr  loued  chivalrye 
And  wold  his  fonkes  haue  a  passaunte  name 
Haj?  preide  Jjafr  he  myght1  be  of  jjafr  game  2108 

And  wel  was  him  jjaf  Jjerto  chosen  was 
ffor  if  J>er  felle  to  morow  such  a  caas 
3e  knowen  wel  jjafr  euery  lusty  kny^t 

Jjatt  louej)  paramours  and  haj)  [his]  my^f  2112 

Were  if  in  engelonde  or  ellis  where 
jjei  wolden  fayne  wilnen  to  be  J?ere 

To  fight1  for  a  lady  0  benedicite  [leaf  so] 

It  were  a  lusty  sighte  forto  se  2116 

And  right1  so  feerden  Jjei  wij?  Palamon 
Wi])  hym  J>ei  wenten  knyghtes  mony  on 
Som  wol  be  armed  in  an  haberion 

And  a  brestt  plate  and  a  litel  gippdn  2120 

And  some  wil  haue  a  peire  plates  large 
And  some  wil  haue  a  Spruse  plate  sheeld  or  targe 
So?ftme  wil  [be]  armed  on  his  legges  welte 
And  haue  an  axe  and  some  a  mace  of  stele  2124 

J?er  nas  no  newe  gyse  J?af  it1  nas  olde 
Armed  were  Jjei  as  I  haue  ^ou  tolde 
Euerich  after  his  opynyon 

Ther  maist1  J>ou  see  commyng1  with  Palamon  2128 

Ligurge  hym  self  J>e  grete  king1  of  trace 
Blak  was  his  visage  and  manly  was  his  face 
J?e  Cercles  of  ]>e  eyen  in  his  hede 

J>ei  glowden  bitwix  3elowe  and  rede  2132 

And  liche  a  lyon  loked  he  aboute 
With  kempte  heeres  on  his  browes  stoute 
His  lymes  grete  his  brawnes  stronge 

His  sholdres  brode  his  armes  rounde  and  longe  2136 

And  as  J?e  Gyse  was  in  his  cuntre 
fful  heghe  vpon  a  chare  of  gold  stode  he 
Wij)  .iiij.  white  boles  in  J?e  trais 

In  stede  of  cote  armure  and  his  harnais  2140 

nailles  3elowe  and  bri^t1  as  eny  gold? 

PETWORTH    61 


62     GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

He  had  a  berres  skyn  coleblake  for  olde 
His  longe  heer  was  kempte  behinde  his  bak 
As  eny  rauens  fejjere  it1  shoon  for  blak  2144 

A  wrej?e  of  gold? .  arme  bri^tf  of  huge  wi^t1 
Vpon  his  hede  sette  ful  of  stonys  b^t1 
Of  fyne  Eubies  and  of  dyamauntz 

About1  his  chare  ]>er  went1  white  alauntz  2148 

xx  V1  and  moo  as  grete  as  ony  stei* 
To  hunten  at*  Jje  lyon  or  j>e  deer1 

And  folowed  hym  wij)  mosel  fast1  ybounde  [leaf  so,  back] 

Colers  of  golde  and  torrettes  philed  rounde  2152 

An  C.  lordes  had  he  in  his  route 
Armed  ful  wel  wijj  hertes  steerne  and  stoute 
IT  "With  Arcite  in  stories  as  men  fynde 
The  grete  Emetreus  J>e  king1  of  ynde  2156 

Vpon  a  stede  bay  trapped  in  stele 
Couered  wijj  a  clo]?e  of  gold  diapred  wele 
Come  riding1  liche  J>e  god  of  armed  Mars 
His  cote  armure  was  a  clojje  of  tars  2160 

Couched  wij?  peerles  .  white,  rounde  and  grete 
His  sadel  was  of  brent  gold?  newe  ybete 
A  mantel  vpon  his  shulder  hongynge 
Brettful  of  rubies  rede  as  fire  spar[c]linge  2164 

His  Crispe  here  liche  rynges  was  yronne 
And  Jjat1  was  ^elowe  and  glitering1  as  ]>e  sonne 
His  nose  was  heghe  his  eyen  bri3t1  citryn 
His  lippes  rounde  his  colour  Avas  Sangwyn)  2168 

A  fewe  frakens  in  his  face  spreynt1 
Bitwix  ^elowe  and  somdele  blak1  ymeynt1 
And  as  a  lyon  he  is  eyen  caste 

Of  xxvt1  3ere  his  age  y  caste  2172 

His  beerd  was  wel  bygonne  forto  springe 
His  vois  was  as  a  trompet1  ]>ondringe 
Vpon  his  hede  he  wered  a  laurer  grene 
A  garlond  fresshe  and  lusty  forto  sene  2176 

Vpon  his  honde  he  bare  for  his  delite 
R  PETWORTH   62 


GROUP  A.    §  2.  KNIGHT'S  TALE.  Tetworth  MS.     63 

An  Egle  tame  as  eny  lylye  white 

An  .C.  lordes  had  he  wij?  hym  J>ere 

Al  armed  sauf  her  hedes  in  al  her  gere  2180 

fful  richely  in  aljlej  maner  Jnngges 

ffor  trustej?  wel  jjat1  dukes  Erles  kyngges 

Were  gadered  in  jns  noble  companye 

ffor  lone  and  for  encrees  of  chyualrye  2184 

About1  ]?is  kny^t1  J?er  ranne  on  euery  part1 

fful  mony  a  tame  lyon  and  leopartf 

And  in  ]>is  wise  pise  lordes  al  and  some  [icafsi] 

Eene  on  J?e  sonday  to  j?e  Cite  come  2188 

Aboute  prime  and  in  Jje  toun  alight1 

This  Theseus  J>is  duke  jris  wor]?i  kny^t1 

Whan  he  had  brou^t1  hem  into  his  Cite 

And  Tnned  hem  [ech]  after  her  degre  2192 

He  feesteth  hem  and  do])  so  gret1  laboure 

To  esen  hem  and  done  hem  al  honoure 

That1  jiV  men  wenen  Jjaf  no  mannys  witte 

Of  noon  astate  ne  cowde  amenden  it1  2196 

The  mynstralsy  J>e  servise  at1  ]>e  feest 

The  grete  ^iftes  to  J?e  most1  and  leest1 

The  riche  aray  of  Theseus  palays       » 

Ne  who  sat1  first1  and  laste  vpon  J?e  dees  2200 

What1  ladies  fairest  bene  or  best1  daunsinge 

Or  whiche  of  hem  can  beste  daunce  or  singe 

!N"e  who  most1  felingly  speke]?  of  loue 

What1  hawkes  sitten  or  perche  aboue  2204 

What1  houndes  liggen  on  j>e  floor  a-doun 

Of  al  this  nowe  I  make  no  mencyown 

But1  al  ])e  effecte  fat1  Jjenkej)  me  J?e  best1 

Nowe  commej?  ]je  poynt1  herknej?  if  ^ou  lest1  2208 

^f  The  sonday  nyght1  er  day  gan  to  springe 

Whan  Palamon  ]?e  larke  herd  singe 

Al  Jjou^e  if  ner  not1  day  by  howres  two 

3it"  songe  J?e  larke  and  Palamon  ri^t1  Jjoc  2212 

Wijj  holy  hert1  and  wij)  an  highe  corage 

PETWORTH    63 


64     GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

He  roos  vp  to  we  [n]  den  on  his  pilgrymage 

Vnto  J>e  blisful  Cithera  benygne 

I  mene  Venus  honurable  and  digne  2216 

And  in  her  houre  he  walkej?  for]?  apaas 

Ynto  fe  listes  J?er  fe  tempel  was 

And  doune  he  knelej?  and  wij>  humble  chere 

And  herte  sore  he  seide  as  36  shal  here  2220 

IT  ffairest1 .  o  faire  .  o.  lady  myne  Venus 

Do^tere  to  loue  and  spouse  to  Vlcanus 

Thow  glader  of  ])e  mounte  of  Citherowii  [leaf  31,  back, 

n°or  ]?ilk[e]  loue  ]?ou  haddestf  to  a-doun  2224 

Haue  pite  on  my  bitter  teeres  smerte 

And  take  myn  humble  preier  at1  fine  herte 

Alas  I  ne  haue  no  langage  to  telle 

J?e  effecte  ne  ]?e  townnenfr  of  myn  helle  2228 

Myne  herte  may  myn  armes  not1  be-wreye 

I  am  so  confused  fat1  I  can  not*  seye 

But1  mercy  lady  bri^t1  fat1  woost  wele 

My  J?ou3f  and  seest1  what1  harmes  I  fele  2232 

Considere  al  f  is  and  rwe  vpon  my  sore 

As  wisly  as  I  shal  for  euermore 

Hensforf  my  my^t1  f  i  trewe  serucmnte  be 

And  hole  werre  alwaie  wif  chaastite  2236 

That1  make  I  myne  avowe  so  as  30  may  helpe 

I  kepe  not1  of  armes  for  to  3elpe 

Ne  I  ne  axe  not1  to  morowe  to  haue  victorie 

Ne  renown  in  fis  caas  ne  veynglorie  2240 

Of  price  of  arrnes  blowen  vp  and  down 

But  I  wold  haue  fully  possessiown 

Of  Emelye  and  dye  in  her  seruise 

ffynde  fou  J>e  manere  howe  and  in  what1  wise  2244 

I  recche  not1  but1  if  may  better  be 

To  haue  victorie  of  hem  or  ]>ei  of  me 

So  that1 1  haue  my  lemman  in  myn  armes 

ffor  J?ou3e  so  be  fat1  mars  is  god  of  armes  2248 

3oure  vertue  is  so  grete  in  heuene  aboue 

PETWORTH    64 


GROUP  A.    §  2.    KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     65 

fat1  if  f  e  lest  I  shal  wel  haue  my  loue 

Thy  tempel  shal  I  worship  euermoo 

And  on  fine  awtere  wher  I  ride  or  goo  2252 

I  wil  doon  sacrifise  and  fires  bete 

And  3if  36  wil  not  so  my  lady  swete 

fan  prey  I  3011  to  morowe  wif  a  spere 

fat1  Arcita  me  f  orghe  f  e  herte  "here  2256 

Then  rekke  I  not1  whan  I  haue  lost*  my  lif 

f  ou^e  Arcita  wynne  her  to  his  wiff 

This  is  f  e  effecte  and  eende  of  my  priere  [leaf  32] 

3eue  me  my  lady  fou  blisful  lady  dere  2260 

IF  Whan  f  e  orison  was  don  of  Palamon 

His  sacrifise  he  did  and  fat1  a-non 

fful  pitously  wif  al[le]  circumstawnces 

Al  telle  I  not1  as  nowe  his  obseruawnces  2264 

But1  atte  laste  f  e  statue  of  Yenus  shoke 

And  made  a  signe  wherby  fat1  he  toke 

Jpat1  his  preier  accepted  was  fat1  day 

ffor  f  ou3e  f  e  signe  shewed  a  delay  2268 

3it  wist1  he  wele  fat1  graunted  was  his  bone 

And  wif  glad  hert1  he  went1  awaie  fill  sone 

IF  fe  iij.  houre  in-equal  fat1  Palamon 

Byganne  to  venus  temple  forto  gon  2272 

Vp  roos  f  e  sonne  and  vp  roos  Emelye 

And  to  f  e  temple  of  Dyane  gan  she  hie 

Hir  maidens  fat1  she  f ider  wif  hir  ladde 

fful  redily  wif  hem  fe  fire  fei  hadde  2276 

f  e  encense  f  e  clof  es  and  f  e  remenawnte  att 

fat  to  f  e  sacrifise  longen  shaft 

f  e  homes  ful  of  meth  as  was  f  e  gise 

f  er  lacked  no^t1  to  don  her  sacrifise  2280 

Smoking1  f  e  temple  ful  of  clof  es  faire 

This  Emelie  wif  herte  debonaire 

Hir*  lady  wasshe  wif  water  of  a  welle 

But  howe  she  did  hir  rijf  I  dar  not1  telle  2284 

But1  it1  be  eny  f  ing1  in  generaft 

5  PETWORTH    65 


66     GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  31^  it1  were  a  game  to  here  it  aft 

To  him  fat1  menef  wel  if  were  no  charge 

But1  if  is  good  a  man  be  at*  his  large  2288 

Hir  bri^t1  heres  were  kempte  vntressed  aft 

A  corone  of  a  grene  oke  serialt 

Vpon  her  hede  was  sette  ful  faire  and  mete 

Two  fires  on  fe  awter  gan  she  bete  2292 

And  did  her  fingges  as  men  may  biholde 

In  stace  of  Thebes  and  fise  bokes  plde 

Whan  kindeled  was  fe  fire  wif  pitous  chere          [leaf  32,  back] 

Vnto  Diane  she  spake  as  36  may  here  2296 

^f  0  chaaste  goddes  of  ]>e  wodes  grene 

To  whoom  bojj  heuene  and  erfe  and  see  is  sene 

Quene  of  [the]  regne  of  Polute  derk  and  lowe 

Goddes  of  maydenes  fat1  myn  hert1  hast1  knowe  2300 

fful  mony  a  ^ere  and  woost1  what1 1  desire 

As  kepe  me  from  f  i  vengeance  and  fine  Ire 

That1  attheon  abou^te  cruelly 

Chaast1  goddes  wel  woost1  f  ou  that*  I  2304 

Desire  to  be  a  maiden  al  my  liif 

Ne  neuere  wil  I  be  [no]  lone  ne  wiff 

I  am  f  ou  woosf  ^it1  of  f  i  companye 

A  maide  and  loue  huntyng1  and  venerye  2308 

And  for  to  walke  in  f  e  wodes  wilde 

And  not1  to  be  a  wiff  and  be  wij>  childe 

Nat1  wil  I  knowe  company  of  man 

Now  helpe  me  lady  sij)  36  may  and  can  2312 

ffor  J)oo  Jjre  formes  pat*  j?ou  hast1  in  J?e 

And  Palamon  fat1  haf  such  loue  to  me 

And  eke  Arcite  pat*  loue]}  me  so  sore 

This  grace  I  prei  ]je  wijj  out  more  2316 

And  sende  loue  and  pees  ytwyx  hem  twoo 

And  fro  me  turne  away  her  hertes  so 

That1  al  her  hote  loue  and  her  desire 

And  al  her  bysy  torment1  and  her  fire  2320 

Be  queynt1  or  turned  in  an  o]?ere  place 

S  PETWORTH    66 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.      67 

And  if  so  be  f  ou  wilt1  do  me  no  grace 

Or  if  it  be  my  destany  be  shaped  soc 

That  I  shal  nedes  haue  0011  of  hem  two  2324 

As  sende  me  him  fat1  most1  desire]?  me 

Biholde  goddesse  of  clene  chaastite 

The  bitter  teeres  fat1  on  my  chekes  falle 

Sif  f  ou  art1  maide  and  keper  of  vs  alle  2328 

My  maydenhode  f  ou  kepe  and  wel  conserue 

And  while  I  lif  a  maiden  I  wil  f  e  serue 

f  e  fires  brenne  vpon  fe  Auter5  clere  [leaf  33] 

While  Emely  was  fus  in  his  preiere  2332 

But1  sodeynly  she  seghe  a  f  inge  queynt1 

ffor  right1  anoon  oon  of  f  e  fires  queynt1 

And  quicked  ageyn  and  after  fat1  anon 

That1  ofer  fire  was  queynt1  and  al  agon  2336 

And  as  it*  queint1  it  made  a  qwistelinge 

As  done  f  ise  wete  brondes  in  her  brennynge 

IT  And  at1  f  e  brondes  eende  out1  ranne  anon 

As  it1  were  blody  dropes  mony  on  2340 

ffor  which  so  sore  a-gaste  was  Emelie 

fat  she  was  wel  nyghe  madde  and  gan  to  crye 

ffor  she  ne  wiste  what1  it1  signified 

But1  only  for  fe  fire  fus  she  criede  2344 

And  wepte  fat  it1  was  pite  for  to  here 

And  f  er  wif  al  Diane  gan  to  apere 

Wif  bowe  on  hond?  right1  as  an  hunteresse 

And  seide  dou^tere  stint1  of  fine  heuynesse  2348 

And  monge  the  goddes  high  it  is  affermed 

And  by  eterne  worde  writt1  and  confermecl 

f  ow  shalt1  be  wedded  vnto  oon  of  f  oo 

fat1  han  for  fe  so  moche  care  and  woo  2352 

But  vnto  which  of  hem  I  may  not1  telle 

ffare  wele  I  may  no  leuger  dwelle 

f e  fire  whiche  fat1  on  myn  awter1  brenne 

Shal  fe  declaren  er  fat  fou  go  henne  2356 

Thine  aventure  of  loue  as  in  f  is  caas 

PETWORTH    67 


68     GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  with  fat1  worde  f  e  Arowes  in  f  e  caas 

Of  f  e  goddes  clateren  fast  and  ringe 

And  for])  she  went1  and  made  a  vanysshinge  2  3 GO 

ffor  whiche  f  is  Emely  a-stonyed  was 

And  seide  what1  mounteth  f  is  alas 

I  put1  me  in  f  i  protection 

Diane  and  in  fi  disposicion  2364 

And  home  she  go])  J)e  neste  way 

This  is  ])e  effecte  f  er  is  no  more  to  say 

J?e  nexte  houre  of  Mars  folowing1  fis  [leaf  33,  back  j 

Arcite  vnto  f  e  temple  ywalked  is  2368 

Of  feers  mars  to  done  his  sacrifise 

WiJ)  al  f  e  myghtes  of  his  peynymes  wise 

WiJ)  pitous  hert1  and  heghe  deuocion 

Ki^t1  fus  to  Mars  he  seide  his  Orison  2372 

IT  0  stronge  god  fat1  in  the  regnes  colde 

Of  taars  honoured  art  and  lord  yholde 

And  hast1  in  euery  regne  and  euery  londe 

Of  armes  al  f  e  bridel  in  ])ine  honde  2376 

And  hem  fortunes^  as  f  e  list1  devise 

Accepte  of  me  my  pitous  sacrifise 

If  so  be  my  fou^te  may  deserue 

And  fat1  my  myghf  be  worfi  forto  serue  2380 

Thi  godhede  fat1 1  may  be  oqn  of  fine 

)2an  preie  I  fe  to  rwe  vpon  my  pyne 

ffor  filk  peyn  and  fat1  hoote  fire 

In  which  fou  brentest1  whilom  for  desyre  2384 

Whan  fou  vsedist1  the  beaute 

Of  faire  yonge  fresshe  venus  free 

And  haddest1  hure  in  armes  at1  f  i  wille 

Att  f  oughe  fe  onys  on  a  tyme  mysfelle  2388 

Whan  vlcanus  had  ka^t1  f  e  in  his  laas 

And  foonde  f  e  ligging1  be  his  wif  alaas 

ffor  thilk[e]  sorowe  fat1  was  in  fine  herte 

Haue  rauthe  as  wel  vpon  my  peynes  smerte  2392 

I  am  3onge  and  vnkonyng1  as  fou  wooste 

PETWORTH    68 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     69 

And  as  I  trowe  wif  loue  offended  moste 

fat1  euere  was  eny  lyues  creature 

ffor  she  fat1  dof  me  al  this  woo  endure  2396 

Ne  rechef  neuere  wher  I  sinke  of  flete          [MS.  "  flete  of  sinke] 

And  wel  I  wote  ere  she  me  mercy  hete 

I  mote  wij>  strengths  wynne  her  in  f  is  place 

And  wel  I  wote  wif  outen  helpe  or  grace  2400 

Of  f  e  ne  may  my  strengths  not1  availe 

Than  helpe  me  lord?  to  morowe  in  my  bataile 

ffor  f  ilkfe]  fire  fat1  whilom  brents  f  e  [leaf  34] 

As  wel  as  fat1  fire  now  brennef  me  2404 

And  do  fat1  I  to  morowe  haue  victorie 

Myne  be  f  e  travaile  and  fine  be  f  e  glorie 

j)i  souereyn  temple  wil  I  most1  honouren 

Of  eny  place  and  alway  most1  labouren  2408 

In  f  i  plesaunce  and  in  f  i  craftes  stronge 

And  in  f  i  temple  I  wil  my  baner*  honge 

And  aft  f  e  armes  in  my  companye 

And  euermore  vnto  fe  day  I  dye  2412 

Eterne  fire  I  wil  byfore  f  e  fynde 

And  eke  to  pis  awowe  I  wil  me  bynde 

My  lorde  my  here  fat  hongef  lowe  a  dow[n]e 

fat1  neuere  $it  ne  felt1  offenciown  2416 

Of  rasoure  ne  of  shere  I  wil  f  e  $eue 

And  bene  f  i  trewe  seruawnte  while  I  lyue 

Now  lord1  haue  rouf  e  vpon  my  sorowes  sore 

3if  me  f  e  victorie  I  axe  f  e  no  more  2420 

The  preier  stint1  of  Arcita  f  e  stronge 

The  Eyngges  on  f  e  tempel  door  ^it1  honge 

And  eke  the  door[e]s  clateren  ful  fast1 

Of  whiche  Arcita  somwhat1  hyra  a-gast1  2424 

The  fires  brennen  vpon  f  e  auter  bri^t1 

That  it1  gan  al  the  temple  for  to  light1 

And  swete  smelle  anoon  f  e  grounde  vp  $af 

And  Arcita  anon  his  honde  vp  haf  2428 

And  more  ensense  vnto  f  e  fire  he  cast1 

PETWOETH    69 


70     GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Wij?  ofer  ri3tes  moo  and  atte  last* 

The  statue  of  Mars  bygan  his  hauberk  rynge 

And  wi]>  Jjafr  soune  he  herde  a  nmrmurynge  2432 

iful  lowe  and  dym  fat1  seide  Jms  victorie 

ffor  which  he  ^aue  to  mars  honowr  and  glorie 

An  jms  wij>  loie  and  hope  wel  to  fare 

Arcita  is  [yjbrou^t1  of  Moche  care  2436 

As  fayn  as  foule  is  of  j?e  bri^te  sowne 

And  ri^t1  anon  such  strif  is  bygowne 

ifor  J?ilk[e]  grauntyng1  in  Jje  heuene  aboue  [leaf  84,  back] 

By-twix  venus  J?e  goddes  of  loue  2440 

And  Mars  J>e  steerne  god  armypotentt 

Jpat  lubiter  was  bysy  it1  to  stenfr 

Til  at1  ]?e  [last]  Pale  Saturnus  fe  colde 

J?at<  knewe  so  mony  of  auentures  olde  2444 

ffonde  in  his  bolde  experience  and  &  l  art1  [i  so] 

J?af  he  ful  sone  hajj  plesed  "every  part* 

And  sooj>  is  seide  elde  haj)  grete  auawntage 

And  elde  is  bo])[e]  wisdome  and  vsage  2448 

Men  may  Jje  olde  attenne  but  not  atrede 

Saturne  anon  to  stinten  strif  and  drede 

Al  be  it*  j>af  it*  is  a^einstt  his  kinde 

Of  al  his  strif  he  can  remedye  fynde  2452 

My  dere  doughter  Venus  quod  satwrne 

My  cours  J?att  hajj  so  wide  forto  twrne 

Ha))  more  powere  jjan  wote  eny  man 

Myne  is  ]>e  drenchinge  in  pe  see  so  wan  2456 

Myne  is  J>e  prison  in  fe  derke  cote 

Myn  is  J?e  stranglinge  and  J>e  hanging1  by  J>e  jjrote 

Ipe  murmur5  and  J?e  chirles  rebellinge 

]?e  Gonynge  and  the  privey  enpoysenynge  2460 

I  do  vengeaunce  and  pleyn  correction 

While  I  dwelle  in  J?e  signe  of  the  Iy5n 

Myne  is  Jje  Euyne  of  [t]he  hegh^.  halles 

J?e  fallinge  of  ]>e  toures  and  of  J>e  walles  2464 

Vpon  ]?e  mynour*  or  vpon  fe  carpentere 

T  PETWORTH    70 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     71 

I  slowgfr  Sampson  shaking1  pe  pilere 

And  myn[e]  be  fe  maladies  colde 

The  derk  tresounes  and  ]>e  castes  olde  2468 

My  lokinge  is  ]?e  fader  of  Pestilence 

ISTowe  wepe  no  more  I  shal  do  my  diligence 

That  Palamon  fat1  is  fine  owne  kny^fr 

Shal  haue  his  lady  as  )>ou  hast1  [him]  hi^t1  2472 

Thou^e  Mars  shal  helpe  his  kny^f  3it  nafelees 

Bytwix  3ou  tweyne  Jjer  mot  be  somtyme  pees 

Al  be  36  not1  of  oon  complexion  [leaf  35] 

That1  cause])  al  day  such  dyuysion  2476 

I  am  fine  eile  redy  at1  J?i  wille 

Wepe  no  more  I  wil  ]?i  lust1  fulfille 

Now  wil  I  stinten  of  )?ise  goddes  aboue 

Of  Mars  and  of  venus  goddes  of  loue  2480 

And  pleynly  I  wil  telle  3ou  as  I  can 

£e  grete  effecte  for  which  J>afr  1  biganne 


..........     no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Grete  was  J?e  feest1  in  Athenes  J>af  day 
And  eke  jjatt  lusty  seson  in  [that]  may  2484 

Made  euery  wighf  to  be  in  suche  plesauwce 
And  al  jjat1  day  lusten  J>ei  and  daunce 
And  spenden  if  in  Venus  high  seruyse 
But1  by  j?e  cause  j?af  J?ei  shuldeii  rise  2488 

Erly  forto  seen  J?e  grete  fight 
Ynto  her  reste  went1  ]>ei  atte  nyght1 
And  on  pe  morowe  whan  day  gan  to  springe 
Of  hors  arid  harnays  noyse  and  clateringe  2492 

)5er  was  in  hostelrye  aboute 
And  to  J?e  palaies  rode  ]>er  mony  a  route 
Of  lordes  vpon  stedes  and  palfreis 

J?er  maist1  ]?ou  see  dyvising1  of  harneis  2496 

So  vncoufe  and  so  riche  and  wrou3t  so  welt 
Of  Goldsmythrie  of  browding1  and  of  steett 
PETWORTH  71 


72     GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

The  sheeldes  bri^te  teesteers  and  trappures 

Gold-hewen  helmes  hauberkes  and  cote  armures  2500 

Lordys  in  parementis  on  her  coursers 

Knyghtes  of  retenue  and  eke  swiers 

Nailinge  J>e  speres  and  helmes  bokelinge 

Sigyng*  of  sheeldes  wijj  layvers  lasinge  2504 

Ther  as  nede  is  J>ei  were  no  Jnng1  ydett 

J>e  ifomynge  steedes  on  J>e  golden  bridett 

Snavyng1  and  fast1  j?e  armurers  also 

"Wij?  file  and  hamure  riding1  to  and  froo  2508 

3emen  on  foote  and  comons  many  on 

WiJ)  shorte  staues  Jnkke  as  jjei  may  gon 

Pipes  trompettes  nakerns  and  clariotms  fieaf35,  back] 

J)af  in  jje  bataille  blewen  blody  sownes  2512 

\>Q  paleis  ful  of  puple  vp  and  down 

Here  J?re  ]jer  ten  holdinge  her  questiown 

Dyuynyng1  of  ]?ise  thibeanes  kny^tes  twoo 

Some  seide  Jms.  some  seide  it1  shal  be  so  2516 

Sowme  helde  wiJ)  him  wij?  J?e  blake  berde 

Somme  wij?  ]?e  balled  some  with  J?e  jjikke  hered 

Some  seide  he  loked  grymme  and  he  wold*  fight1 

He  haj)  a  sparse  of  xx*1  pounde  wight1  2520 

Jjus  was  ]?e  halle  ful  of  dyuynynge 

Longe  aftere  ]?e  sonne  gan  to  springe 

J?e  grete  Theseus  of  his  slepe  gan  wake 

Wijj  mynstralcie  and  nois  j^at1  j)ei  make  2524 

Heelde  3ii^  J>e  chambre  of  his  palais  riche 

Til  J>af  J?e  thebeane  knyghtes  boj?  yliche 

Honoured  weren  into  ]?e  place  fette 

Duke  Theseus  is  af  ]?e  wyndowe  sette  2528 

Araide  rijt1  as  he  were  a  god  in  trone 

The  puple  presed  ]>idere-ward?  ful  sone 

Him  forto  seen  and  done  him  high  reuerence 

And  eke  to  harken  his  heest1  and  his  sentence  2532 

An  herowde  on  a  scaffold?  made  an  oo  / 

Til  al  J)e  noise  of  ]>e  puple  was  doo 

PETWORTH    72 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS.     73 

And  whan  lie  see  J?e  puple  of  noise  al  stille 

Thus  shewed  he  J?e  my^ty  dukes  wille  2536 

}3e  lord  ha]?  of  his  heghe  discrecion 

Considered  jjat1  it1  were  destrucci5n 

To  gentel  blood  to  feghten  in  j>is  gise 

Of  mortaft  bataile  now  in  Jjis  emprise  2540 

Wherfore  to  shapen  Jjat1  J?ei  shal  not1  die 

He  wille  his  firste  pwrpoos  modefie 

No  man  J?erfor  vp  peyne  of  losse  of  liff 

No  maner  shotte .  ne  pollax  ne  short*  knyff  2544 

Into  ]?e  listes  sende  or  Jjidere  brings 

Ne  shorter  swerd?  forto  stoke  wij?  poynt1  bitinge 

No  man  ne  drawe  ne  bere  it1  be  his  side  [leaf  36] 

Ne  no  man  shal  vnto  his  felawe  ride  2548 

But1  oon  cours  wijj  a  sharpe  grounden  spere 

ffoyn  if  hym  list1  on  foote  hyra  self  to  were 

And  he  J?at  is  at1  meschief  shal  be  take 

And  not1  sclayn  but1  be  brou^t1  to  a  stake  2552 

Jjatt  shal  be  ordeyned  on  eijjer  side 

But1  jjidere  he  shal  be  foorce  and  \er  abide 

And  if  so  falle  J?e  Chevetayn  be  take 

On  eijjer  side  or  ellis  sclayn  his  make  2556 

No  lenger  shal  J?e  tornamente  laste 

God  spede  ^ou  goo  and  leye  on  faste 

Wij)  swerd  es  and  longe  maces  fi3te]>  30^?*  fille 

Go  nowe  3oure  way  ]?is  is  J>e  lordes  wille  2560 

The  vois  of  puple  touched  heuene 

So  loude  cried  ]>ei  wi]>  mery  steuene 

God  saue  suche  a  lord?  Jjat1  is  so  good? 

He  wiliiej?  no  distraction  of  blood  2564 

Vp  goj?  )>e  trompes  and  ]je  melody 

And  to  j>e  listes  ritt  J?e  company 

By  ordinawnce  jjorghe  out1  ]?e  cite  large 

Honged  wijj  clones  of  gold?  and  not1  wij?  sarge  2568 

fful  like  a  lorde  j)is  noble  du<?  gan  ride 

Thise  two  Thebeanes  on  eij>er  syde 

PETWOETII    73 


74     GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  aftere  rode  J>e  quene  and  Emelye 

And  after  Jjatt  a  nother  companye  2572 

Of  oon  and  o)jer  after  her  degre 

And  J>us  pel  passen  J>orgh  out  J>e  Cite 

And  to  the  listes  come  )>ei  be  tyme 

It  nas  not1  of  j?e  day  ^it1  fully  pryme  2576 

Whan  sette  was  Theseus  ful  riche  and  hie 

Ypolita  ]>e  quene  and  Emely 

And  ojjer  ladies  in  degrees  aboute 

Vnto  J?e  setes  preesen  al  J>e  route  2580 

And  westward?  j>orgli  J?e  gates  vnder  mart  / 

Arcite  and  eke  J>e  hundred  of  his  part1 

With  banere  rede  is  entred  ri}^  anon  0eaf36,back] 

And  in  ]?at  selffe]  moment  Palamon  2584 

Is  vnder  venus  estward?  in  J>af  place 

With  baner*  white  and  hardy  chere  and  face 

And  in  al  j?e  worU  to  seken  vp  and  down 

So  euene  wij)  out1  variaciown  2588 

J?er  nere  suche  company [e]s  tweye 

ffor  fer  nas  noon  so  wise  J>af  coude  seie 

That  eny  had  of  oj?er  auawntage 

Of  worthynesse  ne  of  estate  ne  age  2592 

So  euen  were  J>ei  chosen  forto  gesse 

And  in  to  ringges  faire  ]>ei  hem  dresse 

Whan  Jjat1  her  names  redde  were  euerechon 

J?afr  in  her  nombre  gile  were  J?er  non  2596 

Tho  were  ]?e  gates  shette  and  cried,  was  loude 

Do  now  ^oure  devoire  yonge  kny^tes  proude 

The  herawdes  left1  her  prikking1  vp  and  doun 

Now  ryngen  trompes  loude  and  claryown  2600 

J)er  is  no  more  to  seyn  [but]  est1  and  west1 

In  goon  J?e  sharpe  speres  ful  sadly  into  Barest1 

In  go])  J?e  sharpe  spere  into  jje  side 

))ere  seen  men  who  can  iuste  and  who  can  ride  2604 

Jjere  shyueren  shaftes  vppon  sheeldes  jjikke 

He  fileth  jjorgh  ])e  herte  spone  J>e  prikke 

U  PETWORTH    74 


GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     75 

Yp  springeii  speres  xx"  fote  on  hight1 

Out1  goon  J)e  swerdes  as  J?e  siluer1  white  2608 

J?e  helmes  j?ei  to-hewen  and  to-shrede 

Out1  brestejj  ]?e  blode  with  sterne  stremes  rede 

WiJ)  my^ty  maces  ]?e  bones  J)ei  to-brest1 

And  ])orgh  Je  thikkest1  of  J>e  throng1  gan  threst1  2612 

J?ere  stomblen  stedes  stronge  and  doun  gon  alle 

He  rollej)  vnder  fote  as  do])  a  balle 

He  foyne])  on  his  foote  wijj  his  tronchown 

And  he  hym  hurtejj  wi])  his  hors  a-down  2616 

He  j?orgh  ])e  body  is  bom  and  sij)  is  take 

Maugre  his  hede  and  bro^t1  vnto  ]>e  stake 

As  forward1  was  [ri^t]  ]?er  he  most1  abide  [leaf  37] 

Anojjer  lad  is  on  J?af  ofyere  side  2620 

And  somtyme  do])  hem  theseus  forto  rest1 

Hem  to  refresshe  and  drink[e]  3if  hem  lest1 

£ful  of[te]  a  day  han  ])ise  thybeanes  two 

To-gidere  mette  and  wro^t1  eehe  olper  woo  2624 

Vnhorsed  ha])  eche  o]>ere  of  hem  twey 

Jjer  was  no  tigre  in  vale  of  Galgopleye 

Whan  hir1  whelpe  is  stole  whan  it1  is  lite 

So  cruel  on  £e  hunte  as  is  Arcite  2628 

ffor  lelous  hert1  vpon  ])is  Palamon 

Ne  in  Belmerie  ])er  is  so  felle  a  lion 

jjat1  hunted  is  or  for  his  hunger  wode 

Ne  of  his  pray  desire])  so  ])e  bloode  2632 

As  Palamon  to  sclee  his  foo  Arcite 

])e  lelous  strokes  on  her  helmes  bite 

Out  rennej)  blood  of  bo]?  her  sides  rede 

Somtyme  an  ende  J)er  is  on  euery  dede  2636 

ffor  or  ])e  sonne  vnto  ])e  reste  went1 

)pe  Stronge  king1  Emetrms  gan  hent1 

This  Palamon  as  he  fa^t1  wi])  Arcite 

And  made  his  swerde  depe  in  his  flesshe  bite  2640 

And  by  [the]  force  of  xxti  is  he  take 

Yn^olden  and  drowen  to  ])e  stake 

PETWORTH    75 


76     GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  in  J?e  RescoAve  of  J>is  Palamon 

The  stronge  king1  ligurge  is  born  down  2644 

And  kinge  Emetrius  for  al  his  grete  strength 

Is  born  out1  of  his  sadel  his  swerdes  length 

So  hit1  hym  Palamon  er  he  were  take    . 

But1  al  for  nou^t1  he  was  brou^t1  to  J>e  stake  2648 

His  hardy  herte  may  hym  helpe  nou^t1 

He  mote  abide  whan  jjaf  he  is  yka^t1 

By  force  and  eke  by  composicion 

Who  sorowej?  now  but1  woful  Palamon  2652 

They  mote  no  more  go  ageyn  to  fi^t1 

And  whan  J?af  he  had  sene  Jjat1  si^t1 

He  cried  Hoo  no  more  for  it1  is  don  [leaf  37,  back] 

Ne  noon  shal  lenger  to  his  felawe  gon  2656 

I  wil  be  trewe  luge  and  not1  partie 

Arcite  of  Thebes  shal  haue  Emelye 

That1  by  his  fortune  haj?  hir1  faire  wo/men 

Anon  J?er  is  a  vois  of  puple  by-gonne  2660 

ffor  loie  of  ]>is  so  loude  and  high  wijj-alle 

It  semed  ]?afr  ]?e  listes  shulden  falle 

What1  can  nowe  faire  Yenus  do  aboue 

What1  seij?  she  now  what1  do]?  j?is  quene  of  loue  2664 

But  wepej?  so  for  wanting1  of  her  wille 

Til  J>att  her  teeres  in  ]?e  listes  fille 

She  seide  I  am  ashamed  doutelees 

Saturnus  seide  doughter1  holdz  ]?i  pees  2668 

Mars  ha]>  his  wil  his  knyght1  ha]?  al  his  bone 

And  by  myne  hede  ]?ou  shalt1  be  esed  sone 

The  trompours  wi]j  ]?e  loude  mynstralsie 

The  harawdes  fat1  ful  loude  ^elle  and  crye  2672 

Bene  in  her  wele  for  loie  of  daun  arcyte 

But1  harkene]?  me  and  stinte  vois  a  lite 

Swiche  a  myracle  J?er  bifelle  anon 

This  ferce  Arcite  ha]>  of  his  helme  ydon  2676 

And  on  a  courcere  forto  shew  his  face 

He  prikke]?  endelonge  J?e  large  place 

PETWORTH    76 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS.     77 

Loking1  vpward*  vnto  Emelye 

And  she  a^ein  him  cast1  a  frendly  ye  2680 

ffor  wommen  as  to  speken  in  comune 
Thei  folowen  al  J?e  fauowr  of  fortune 
And  was  al  his  [in]  chere  as  in  his  herte 
Out1  of  J?e  grounde  a  fyre  Infernal  sterte  2684 

ffrom  Pluto  sent1 .  at  ]?e  request1  of  Saturne 
ffor  which"  his  hors  for  fere  gan  to  turne 
And  lepe  a-side  and  foundred  as  he  lepe 
And  or  fat1  Arcyte  may  taken  kepe  2688 

He  pight1  him  on  J?e  pomel  of  his  heued 
Jjat  in  J?e  place  he  laie  as  he  were  dede 
His  "brest1  to-broste  wij?  his  sadel  bowe  [leaf  38] 

As  blak  he  lay  as  eny  cole  or  crowe  2692 

So  was  J>e  blood  yronne  in  his  face 
Anon  he  was  [yjbrou^t1  out1  of  ])e  place 
WiJ>  herte  sore  vnto  Theseus  palays 

J?o  was  he  coruen  out1  of  his  harnays  2696 

And  in  a  bedde  ybrou^t  ful  faire  and  blyue 
ffor  he  was  ^it1  in  memorie  and  on  lyue 
And  alway  crying1  after  emelie 

Duke  Theseus  wijj  al  his  companye  2700 

Is  cowmen  home  to  Athenes  Cite 
With  alle  blisse  and  grete  solempnite 
Al  be  it1  Jjat1  J?is  auenture  is  falle 

He  wolde  not1  discomfortefn]  hem  alle  2704 

Men  seide  eke  Jjat1  Arcide  shuld  not1  dye 
He  shal  be  heled  of  his  maladye 
And  of  anojier  jjinge  ]>ei  were  as  fayne 
jjat1  of  hem  alle  jjer  nas  no  man  slayne  2708 

Al  were  jjei  sore  ybete  and  namely  on 
Jjat1  wij)  a  spere  was  Jjrelled  J>e  brest  bon 
Two  o]?er  woundes  and  two  broken  armes 
Somme  had  salue  and  some  had  charmes  2712 

ffermacies  of  erbes  and  eke  saue 
J>ei  dronken  for  J?ei  wold?  her  lyues  haue 
PETWORTH  77 


78    GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

ffor  which  Jjis  noble  duke  as  lie  wel  can 

Confortej)  and  honourejj  euery  man  2716 

And  made  Heuel  al  J>e  longe  iry^fr 

Vnto  ]>e  straunge  lordes  as  it  was  113^ 

Ne  J>ere  was  holde  no  discomforture 

[............  2720 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

ffor  fallinge  is  by  an  awenture 

JNTe  to  be  lad  by  force  vnto  a  stake 

Yn3olden  and  wi]>  xx1.1  kny3tes  take  2724 

A  persone  alon  wijj  oute  moo 

And  haried  forjj  by  arme  fote  and  too 

And  eke  his  stede  dryven  for]?  with  staues 

With  fote  men  bo]>  3emen  and  [eke]  knaues  2728 

It  was  aretted  him  no  vilanye  [leaf  as,  back] 

J)er  may  no  man  clepe[n]  if  cowardye 

ffor  whiche  a-non  duke  Theseus  lete  crye 

To  stynten  al  rancour  and  [al]  envie  2732 

Gree  )>ei  as  wel  of  on  side  as  of  ojjer  [MS.  pel "  Gree."] 

And  eifer  side  ylike  as  ojjeres  broker 

And  3af  hem  3iftes  after  her  degre 

And  fulli  heelde  a  feeste  daies  free  2736 

And  conueyed  J?e  kingges  worjjely 

Out1  of  his  toune  a  lourne  largely 

And  home  went1  euery  man  Jje  ri3t[e]  way 

\>er  was  no  more  but1  fare  wel  &  haue  good  day  2740 

f  Of  Jns  bataille  I  wil  no  more  endite 

But1  speke  of  Palamon  and  of  Arcyte 

SwelleJ?  ]?e  brest1  of  Arcyte  and  J>e  sore 

Encresej)  at1  his  herte  more  and  more  2744 

The  clotered  blood  for  eny  leche  craff 

Corrumpejj  and  is  in  his  body  laff 

J^atf  neifer  veynfe]  blood  ne  ventowsinge 

!N"e  drinke  of  herbes  may  be  [him]  helpinge  2748 

By  vertue  expulsif  or  anymatt 

ffro  ])ilk[e]  vertu  cleped  naturaft 

X  PETWORTH   78 


GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS.     79 

NQ  may  Jje  venyme  voide  ne  expelle 

The  pipes  of  his  longges  gan  to  swell  2752 

And  euery  lacert1  in  his  hert1  adoun 

Is  shent1  wij?  venyme  and  corrupciozm 

Hym  GeyneJ)  neijjer  forto  gete  his  lif 

Vomyte  vpward?  ne  dounward?  laxatif  2756 

Al  is  to-brosten  thilk[e]  region 

Mature  ha])  no  dow^nacion 

And  certeinly  J?er  nature  wil  not1  wirche 

ffarewel  Phisik  go  bere  jje  man  to  chirche  2760 

This  is  aft  and  some  J?af  Arcita  most"  die 

ffor  which  he  sendej)  after  Emelie 

And  Palamon  his  cosyne  dere 

)>an  seide  he  Jms  as  ^e  shal  after  here  2764 

Not1  may  my  woful  spirite  in  myn  hert1  [leaf  89] 

Declare  a  poynfr  of  my  sorowes  smerfr 

To  ^ou  my  lady  jjat1 1  loue  moste 

But1 1  biqueth  ]?e  sernise  of  my  gooste  2768 

To  3011  abouen  euery  creature 

SiJ)  jjat1  my  lif [e]  may  no  lenger  dure 

Alias  ]>Q  woo  alias  pe  peynes  stronge 

fat1 1  for  3ou  haue  suffred  and  so  longe  2772 

Alas  J)e  dejje  alas  myn  Emelie 

Alas  departinge  of  our  companye 

Alas  my  hertes  quene  alas  my  lief  wif 

Myn  hertes  lady  endere  of  my  lif  2776 

What1  is  ]?e  world?  what1  axen  men  to  haue 

Now  wij?  his  loue  no  we  in  his  cold[e]  graue 

Allone  wijj  oute[n]  eny  companye 

if  are  wel  my  foo  fare  wel  myn  Emely  2780 

And  softe  take  me  in  ^oure  [armes]  twey 

ffor  loue  of  god  herkenej)  what1 1  seie 

I  haue  here  wij)  my  Cosyn  Palamon 

Had  strif  and  rancoure  mony  day  agon  2784 

ffor  loue  of  }ou  and  for  my  lelousie 

And  lubiter  so  wis  my  soule  gye 

PETWOTITH    79 


80     GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

To  speken  of  a  seruaunt1  proprely 

Wif  circumstaunces  al  trewly  2788 

J^afr  is  to  seyn  troutS.  honure  and  kny^thede 

Wisdom  humblesse  estat  and  high  kynrede 

ffredom  and  al  fat1  longef  to  fat1  art1 

So  lubiter  haue  on  my  soule  part*  2792 

As  in  f  is  worlde  lijtt  now  know  I  none 

So  worf  i  to  be  biloued  as  Palamon 

ftat1  seruef  3ou  and  wil  do.  al  his  liff 

And  if  fat  36  shal  euer  bene  a  wif  2796 

ffor3ete  not*  Palamon  fe  gentile  man 

And  wif  fat1  worde  his  speche  faile  bygan 

ffor  from  his  fete  vnto  f  e  herf  was  come 

f  e  colde  of  def  fat  had  him  ouercome  2800 

And  ^it1  more  ouer  for  in  his  armes  twoo  Deaf  39,  back] 

f  e  v[i]tal  strength  is  lost1  and  al  ago 

Only  fe  intellecte  wif  oute  more 

fat1  dwelled  in  his  herte  sik  and  sore  2804 

Gan  failen  whan  f  e  herte  felte  deth 

Dusken  his  eyen  two  and  failef  bref  e 

But1  on  his  lady  }it  cast  he  his  ye 

His  laste  word  was  mercy  Emelye  2808 

His  spirit1  chaunged  hens  and  wentfe]  fere 

As  I  cam  neuere  I  can  not1  telle  where 

Therfor  I  stint1 1  am  no  dyvynystre 

Of  soules  fynde  I  not1  in  fis  registers  2812 

Ke  me  ne  list1  f  ilk  opynyons  to  telle 

Of  hem  f ou^e  fat  f ei  writen  wher  f ei  dwelle 

Arcite  is  colde  fat1  mars  his  soule  gye 

Now  wil  I  speken  forf  of  emely  2816 

Shrite  Emely  an  halowen  Palamon 

And  Theseus  his  suster*  toke  anon 

Swownyng1  and  bar  hir1  fro  his  cours  away 

What1  helpef  it1  vs  to  tarien  forf  f  e  day  2820 

To  tellen  ho  we  she  wepte  bof  euen  and  morowe 

ffor  in  suche  caas  womrnen  han  suche  sorowe 

PETWORTH    80 


GROUP  A.   §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     81 

Whan  fat1  her  husbondes  bene  fro  hem  a-goo 

[That]  ffor  ])e  more  j)arte  fei  sorowen  soo  2824 

Or  ellis  fallen  in  such  Maladie 

fat1  at1  f  e  laste  certeynly  fei  die 

Infinite  harmes  bene  arcd  eke  f  e  teeres 

Of  olde  folk  and  folk  of  tendere  ^eres  2828 

In  aft  j?e  totin  for  detH  of  f  is  Thebean 

fFor  him  f  er  wepen  bof  [e]  child'  and  man 

So  grete  weping1  was  f  er  [non]  certayn 

Whan  Ector  was  [yjbrou^t1  and  fressft  ysclayfl  2832 

To  Troy  alias  f  e  pite  fat1  was  fere 

Cracching1  of  chekes  renting1  eke  of  here 

Whi  woldest1  fou  be  dede  f  ise  wommen  crie 

And  haddest1  gold2  ynoghe  and  emelye  2836 

~No  man  myghf  glade  Theseus  [leaf  401 

Sauyng1  his  olde  fadere  Egeus 

That1  knewe  fis  worldes  transmutaciown 

As  he  had  sene  it1  vp  and  doun  2840 

loie  after  woo  and  woo  aftere  gladnesse 

And  shewef  hem  ensample  and  liknesse 

Rijt1  as  fer  dyed  neuer  man  quod  he 

fat1  he  ne  lyued  in  erfe  in  som  degre  2844 

Ri^f  so  ther  lyued  neuere  man  he  seide 

In  al  f is  world?  fat1  somtyme  he  ne  deyed 

f  is  world?  is  nou^fr  but1  a  f  orght1  fare  ful  of  woo 

And  we  bene  pilgrymes  passing1  to  and  froo  2848 

Def  is  an  ende  of  euery  worldly  sore 

And  ouer  al  f  is  $it  seide  he  mychel  more 

To  f  is  effecte  ful  wisely  to  enhorte 

fe  puple  fat  fei .  hem  shul  recomforte  2852 

Duke  Theseus  wif  al  his  bisy  Cure 

Tastef  nowe  where  fat1  f e  sepulture 

Of  good  Arcite  may  best1  ymaked  be 

And  eke  most1  honurable  of  degre  2856 

And  atte  last1  he  toke  conclusion 

That1  f  er  as  first1  Arcite  and  Palamon 

6  PETWORTH    81 


82     GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

Had  for  loue  fe  bataile  hem  bitwene 

fat  in  J?e  self  groue  swete  and  grene       •  2860 

Jjer  as  lie  had  his  Amerous  desires 

His  compleynt1  and  for  loue  his  hote  fires  * 

He  wold[e]  make  a  fire  in  which  J?e  office 

ffuneral  he  my^fr  hem  aft  complice  2864 

He  lete  anon  comaunde  to  hakke  and  hewe 

f  e  okes  olde  and  leye  hem  on  a  rewe 

In  colpons  wel  araied  forto  brenne 

His  Officers  witJi  swiftfe]  fote  thei  renne  2868 

And  ri^fr  anon  at1  his  comawndemenf 

And  aftere  Theseus  ha]?  ysent 

Aftere  a  beer*  and  it1  al  ouer  spradde 

Wijj  clo]>  of  gold*  the  ricchestt  J>atf  he  hadde  2872 

And  of  ]?e  same  sute  he  closer  Arcite  [leaf  40,  back] 

Vpon  his  hondes  [were]  his  gloues  white 

Eke  on  his  hede  a  croune  of  laurere  grene 

And  in  his  hand  a  swerde  ful  b^t1  and  kene  2876 

He  laide  him  bare  ]?e  visage  vnto  J)e  bere 

Ther  wij)  he  wepte  J^afr  pite  was  to  here 

And  for  J>e  puple  shulde  sene  hym  aft 

Whan  it1  was  daie  he  bro^f  hym  to  J>e  haft  2880 

fat1  rorej?  of  j)e  crie  and  of  jje  sorowe  sone 

foo  gan  ]?is  woful  Thebean  Palamon 

Wijj  flotery  berd?  and  ruggy  asshy  heres 

In  clones  blake  dropped  al  wij?  teeres  2884 

And  passing  oj?er  of  weping1  Emelie 

She  rewfullest1  of  al  ]?e  companye 

In  as  moche  as  ]?e  seruyse  shuld  be 

J>e  more  noble  and  riche  in  his  degre  2888 

Duke  Theseus  lete  for]?  J?e  stedes  bringe 

That1  trapped  were  in  steel  al  gliteringe 

And  keuered  wij>  ]>e  armes  of  Dame  Arcite  [or  Daine] 

Yppon  Jnse  stedes  grete  and  white  2892 

Ther  stoden  folk  of  which  oon  bare  his  sheelde 

Anojjer  his  spere  vpon  his  hondes  helde 

PETWORTH    82 


GROUP  A.    §  2.    KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     83 

The  iij.  bare  wij?  him  bowe  turkeys 

Of  brent*  gold  was  )>e  caas  and  eke  )>e  harneys  2896 

And  riden  for]?  a  paas  wij?  sory  chere 

Towardes  fe  groue  as  36  shul  after1  here 

The  noblest1  of  J?e  Grekes  Jjat1  J?er  were 

Vpon  her  shulders  cariden  J>e  bere  2900 

WiJ)  sclak[e]  paas  and  yen  rede  and  wete 

J?orgh  out  J>e  Cite  by  pe  maister  strete 

Jmt  sprad  was  al  wij)  blak  and  wonder  hye 

Ri^t  of  J?e  same  is  J?e  strete  ywrie  2904 

Ypon  J>e  Ifcjt  honde  went1  olde  Egeus 

And  on  J^at1  ojjer  side  Duke  Theseus 

WiJ>  vesselles  in  her  hondes  of  gold2  ful  fyne 

Al  ful  of  hony.  mylk.  [and]  blood,  and  wyne  2908 

Eke  Palamon  with  ful  grete  companye  [leaf  41] 

And  aftere  Jjat1  come  wooful  Emelie 

Wij)  fire  in  hand  as  was  fiat1  time  Ipe  Gyse 

To  do  Ipe  office  of  funeral  seruise  2912 

High  labour  /  and  ful  grete  apparaillinge 

Was  at1  J)e  seruyse  and  at1  Ipe  fire  rnakinge 

That1  wij>  his  grene  top  ]?e  heuene  raught 

And  xxti  fadmes  in  brede  ]?e  armes  raught1  2916 

This  is  to  seine  J>e  bowes  were  so  brode 

Of  strawe  first  )>er  was  leide  mony  a  lode 

But1  ho  we  j>e  fire  was  maked  vp[on]  hi^t1 

JSTe  eke  jje  names  howe  J>e  trees  ^3^  2920 

As  Oke.  fir.  birch,  asp.  alder.  Elme.  popelere. 

"VYilowe.  holme,  playn.  assh.  box.  Chesteyn.  byndz.  laure. 

Mapel.  ])orne.  becche.  ewe.  hasett.  wypultre. 

How  fei  were  felled  shal  not1  be  tolde  for  me  2924 

Ne  howe  Ipe  goddes  ronnen  vp  and  down 

Disherites  of  her  habitaciozm 

In  whiche  ]>ei  wonden  in  rest1  and  pees 

iNymphes.  ffawnes  and  arnadries  2928 

Ne  howe  J>e  beestes  ne  ]?e  briddes  alle 

ffledden  for  fere  whan  J?ei  were  falle 

PETWORTH   83 


84     GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Ne  ho  we  Je  grounde  agast1  was  of  fe  lijf 

That1  was  not1  wonte  to  se  J>e  sonne  bri^t1  2932 

Ne  how  J?e  fire  was  couched  first  wij?  stre 

And  fan  wif  drie  stikkes  clouen  a  free 

And  fan  wif  grene  wode  and  spicerie 

And  fan  wif  clof  e  of  gold'  and  [wif]  perrie  2936 

And  Garlondes  honging1  wif  niony  a  floure 

The  myrr1  f  ensence  with  swete  odoure 

Ne  how  arcite  lay  among1  al  f  is 

]Sre  what1  richesse  aboute  his  body  is  2940 

Ne  howe  Emely  as  was  f  e  Gise 

Put1  in  f  e  fire  of  funeral  seruise 

Ne  howe  she  swowned  whan  made  was  f  e  fire 

Ne  what1  she  spak  ne  what1  was  her  desire  2944 

Ne  what1  lelous  men  in  fe  fire  cast1  [leaf  41,  back] 

Whan  J?at  J?e  fire  was  grete  and  brente  fast1 

Nowe  howe  some  cast1  her  sheelde  and  some  her  spere 

And  of  her  vestenientes  which  J>ei  were  2948 

And  Coppes  ful  of  my  Ike  and  wyne  and  blood 

Into  J>e  fire  Jmt1  brent1  as  if  were  wode 

Ne  howe  }?e  greges  wij?  an  huge  route 

Thrise  riden  al  ]?e  fire  aboute  2952 

Vpon  )?e  lift1  honde  wijj  a  loude  shoutinge 

And  thries  wij?  her  speres  clateringe 

And  thries  how  Jje  ladise  gan  crie 

Ne  howe  jjat1  lad  was  homward?  Emely  2956 

Ne  how  arcyte  is  brent1  in  asshen  colde 

Ne  how  J?e  liche-wake  was  [yjholde 

Al  fat1  nyght1  ne  howe  f e  Grekes  pleye 

The  wake-plaies  kepe  I  not1  to  seie  2960 

Who  wrastelej)  best1  naked  with  oile  anoynt1 

Ne  who  [that]  bare  him  best1  in  no  dysioynt1 

I  wil  not1  tellen  att  howe  J)ei  [ben]  gone 

Home  til  Athenes  whan  J>e  play  is  done  2964 

But1  shortely  to  Ipe  point1  fan  wil  I  wende 

And  make[n]  of  my  longe  tale  an  ende 

PETWORTH   84 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     85 

By  processe  and  by  length  of 


Al  stints  is  J)e  moz/rnyng  and  Jje  teeres  2968 

Of  Greges  by  oon  general  assent1 

Than  semed  me  J?er  was  a  parlement1 

At1  Athenes  vpon  a  certeyn  point1  and  caas 

And  amonge  pointes  [ther]  yspoken  waas  2972 

To  haue  wij)  certeyn  conferees  alliance 

And  haue  of  Thebeanes  fully  obeisance 

fFor  which  this  noble  theseus  an5n 

Lete  sende[n]  after  gentile  Palamon  2976 

Vnwisf  of  him  what1  was  )>e  cause  and  whi 

But1  in  his  blake  clones  sorowfully 

He  come  at1  his  comaundement  in  hie 

Tho  sente  Theseus  for  Emelye  2980 

Whan  Jmf  j?ei  were  sette  and  huyst1  was  al  j?e  place      [leaf  42] 

And  Theseus  abiden  ha])  }>e  space 

Or  eny  worde  come  fro  his  wise  brest1 

His  yen  sette  he  )>er  hy??z  lest1  2984 

And  such  a  sad  visage  he  sighed  stille 

And  after  fat  ri^t1  fus  he  seide  his  wille 

The  firste  mouer  of  fe  cause  aboue 

Whan  he  first1  made  J?e  faire  cheyn)  of  loue  2988 

Gret  was  J>e  effecte  and  high  was  his  entent1 

Wei  wist1  he  why  and  what1  ferof  he  ment1 

ffor  wij)  jjat1  faire  cheyne  of  loue  he  bonde 

The  fuyre.  j)e.  Eire  ]>e  water  and  J?e  londe  2992 

In  certeyn  boondes  )>af  fei  may  not1  flee 

That1  same  prince  and  pat1  same  mouer  qwod  he 

Ha])  stablesshed  in  ])is  wrecched  world*  adoun 

Certeyn  days  and  Dominackmn  2996 

To  al  fat1  is  engendred  in  ])is  place 

Ouer  fe  whiche  day  fei  may  not  pace 

Al  mowe  J)ei  $iti  Ipe  daies  abregge 

Ther  nys  noon  autorite  to  legge  3000 

ffor  if  is  proued  by  experience 

But1  that1  me  lust1  declare  my  sentence 

PETWORTH    85 


86     GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Than  may  men  by  pis  order  discerne 

That  pilk  mouer  stable  is  and  eterne  3004 

Wei  may  men  knowe  but*  it1  be  a  fool 

That*  euery  part1  darrayueth  fro  his  hool 

ffor  nature  hap  not1  taken  his  bygynnyng1 

Of  no  partie  or  of  catel  of  no  ping1  3008 

But1  oon  pinge  fat1  parfit  is  and  stable 

Descendinge  so  til  it1  be  corruptable 

And  perfore  of  his  wise  purueaunce 

He  haj)  so  wel  bysette  his  ordynaimce  3012 

j^at1  specifie  of  pingges  and  progressiones 

Shullen  endure  by  successiones 

And  not*  eterne  wip  oute  eny  lye 

This  maisfr  pou  vnderstond?  and  see  atte  ye  3016 

Lo  the  Oke  fat1  hath  so  longe  a  norshinge  [leaf  42,  back] 

ffro  pe  tyme  pat1  it  bygynnep  furst1  to  springe 

And  ha])  so  longe  a  lif  as  36  may  se 

3itf  at1  pe  last?  waasted  is  pe  tree  3020 

Considered  eke  howe  pat1  pe  herde  stone 

Ynder  our  fete  on  which  we  treden  and  gone 

3if  .3.  waste]?  it1  as  it1  lith  in  ]?e  way 

]?e  Erode  Eyuer  somtyme  wexe])  dray  3024 

pe  grete  townes  so  wide  wane  and  wende 

Than  pe  see  pat1  al  pis  ping1  hap  ende 

And  man  and  womman  so  we  wil  also 

That1  nedep  in  oon  of  pe  teermes  twoo  3028 

pat*  is  to  sayn  in  youpe  or  ellis  in  age 

He  mote  be  dede  pe  kinge  as  wel  as  page 

Some  in  his  bed  some  in  pe  depe  see 

Some  in  pe  large  felde  as  36  may  see  3032 

Ther  helpep  no^tf  al  gop  pat1  ilk  waye 

pan  may  I  seie  pat1  al  pis  ping1  wil  deye 

What1  makep  pis  but1  lubiter  pe  king1 

pat1  is  prince  and  cause  of  al  ping1  3036 

Couerting1  al  vnto  his  propre  wille 

ffrom  which  it  is  darreyude  sop  to  telle 

PETWORTH    83 


GROUP  A.    §  2.   KNIGHT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.      87 

And  here  agayne  no  creature  on  lyue 

Of  no  degre  availlef  forto  stryue  3040 

Than  is  it1  wisdome  as  f enkef  me 

To  make  vertue  of  necessite 

And  take  it1  wel  fat1  we  may  not1  eschew 

And  namely  fat1 .  fat1  to  vs  aft  is  dwe  3044 

And  who  so  grucchef  ou^t1  he  dof  foly 

And  rebett  is  to  him  fat  al  may  gye 

And  certeynly  a  man  haf  most1  honour 

To  dyen  in  his  excellence  and  flour*  3048 

Whan  he  is  siker  of  his  good  name 

fan  haf  he  done  his  frende  ne  hym  no  shame 

And  gladder*  au^t  /  his  frende  .  ben  of  his  deth 

Whan  wif  honour1  y3olden  is  vp  f  e  breeth  3052 

Than  whan  his  name  appalled  is  for  age  Oeaf  43] 

ifor  al  for^eten  is  his  vassalage 

Than  is  f  e  best1  as  for  a  worf  i  fame 

To  dyen  whan  he  is  best1  of  name  3056 

The  Contrarie  of  al  f  is  is  wilfulnesse 

Why  grucche  we  whi  haue  we  heuynesse 

That1  goode  Arcite  of  Chyualre  f  e  flour" 

Departed  is  wif  dwete  and  wif  honour1  3060 

Out1  of  f  e  foule  pn'son  of  f  is  liff 

Whi  grucchen  here  his  cosyn  and  his  wiff 

Of  his  welfare  fat1  louef  hem  so  wel 

Can  he  hem  f  onk.  nay  god  wote  neuer  a  dett  3064 

That1  bof  his  soule  and  eke  hem  [self]  offende 

And  ^it1  f  ei  mowe  not1  hir  lustes  amende 

What1  may  conclude  of  f  is  longe  serie 

But1  after  woo  I  rede  vs  be  merie  3068 

And  f  anken  lubiter  of  al  his  grace 

And  or  we  departen  from  f  is  place 

I  rede  we  made  of  sorowes  twoo 

Oo  parfite  loie  lasting1  euermoo  3072 

And  loke  nowe  wher  most1  sorowe  is  her1  Inne 

f  er  at1  wil  I  furst1  bygynne 

PETWORTH    87 


88      GROUP   A.     §    2.     KNIGHTS   TALE.     PetWOlth   MS, 

Suster  quod  he  ]?is  is  my  ful  assent1 

Wij)  aft  thaues  here  of  my  parlemenfr  3076 

That1  Gewtile  Palamon  30111  owne  knyg^t1 

fat1  seruej?  $ou  wij?  wille  herte  and  myjtf 

And  euer  hajj  do  sifen  36  first1  hym  knewe 

J?af  36  shal  of  3oure  grace  vpon  hym  rewe  3080 

And  taken  [hym]  for  husbonde  and  for  lore? 

Lene  me  3oure  honde  for  J?is  is  our  accord 

Lete  se  nowe  of  3oure  womanly  pite 

He  is  a  kingges  broker  sone  parde  3084 

And  J?ou3e  he  be  a  poor  bachilei* 

Si]>  he  haf  serued  3ou  so  mony  a  3ere 

And  had  for  ^ou  so  grete  aduersite 

If  most1  be  considered  leuej?  me  3088 

ffor  gentel  Mercy  o^t1  to  passen  ri3tt  [leaf  43,  back] 

Than  seide  he  jms  to  Palamon  J?e  kny3^ 

I  trowe  jjere  nede  litel  sermonynge 

To  make  3ou  assente  to  fis  ]?inge  3092 

CoTwmejj  nere  and  take]?  3oure  lady  by  ]?e  honde 

Bytwix  hem  two  was  made  anon  ]?e  bonde 

fat1  hi3te  Matrimoyne  or  mariage 

By  aft  ]?e  counsaile  and  [the]  baronage  3096 

And  Jms  wij?  al[le]  blisse  and  melodye 

Haj?  Palamon  ywedded  Emelye 

And  god  J>at  al  J>is  world'  ha]?  wro^t1 

Send  hym  his  loue  fat1  haj>  it1  dere  l>ou^  3100 

ffor  nowe  is  Palamon  in  al[le]  wele 

Lyuynge  in  al  blisse  in  ricches  and  in  hele 

And  Emely  him  louej?  so  tenderly 

And  he  hir*  seme]?  so  gentely  3104 

Was  neuei^  no  worde  hem  bitwene 

Of  lelousie  or  eny  ofer  tene 

Thus  endef  J?e  tale  of  Palamon  and  Emelye 

And  god  saue  al  Jns  faire  companye  3108 

1F  Here  ende]?  fe  knyghtes  tale 

PETWORTH    88 


GROUP  A.    §  3.   MILLER'S  PROLOGUE.   Petworth  MS.    89 

&  here  bygnnep 
pe  Prologe  of  pe  Milleres  tale 
IF  The  Prologe 

Whan  pat1  pe  knyght1  had  }us  his  tale  tolc? 
In  al  the  companye  nas  per  3onge  ne  olde 
Jjaf  he  ne  seide  it1  was  a  noble  storie 

And  worpi  to  be  drawe  in  memorie  3112 

And  namely  the  gentels  euerechon 
Our  hooste  loughe  and  swore  so  mot1 1  gon 
This  go])  a  rijt1  vnbokeled  is  pe  male 

Laf  se  no  we  who  shal  telle  anopere  tale  3116 

ffor  trewly  pe  game  is  wel  bygonne 
Now  telle)>  30  sir1  monke  }if  36  conne 
Somwhat  to  quyte  wij)  pe  knyghtes  tale 
The  Miller*  fat1  for-dronke  was  al  pale  3120 

So  pat1  vnnefes  vppon  his  hors  he  satte 
He  wold  availe  nei])e  hode  ne  hatte 

Ne  abide  no  man  for  his  curtesie  [leaf  44] 

But1  in  Pilates  vois  he  bygan  to  crie  3124 

And  swore  by  armes  blode  and  bones 
I  can  a  noble  tale  for  J)e  nones 
Wij)  J)e  which  I  wil  now  quyte  pe  kny^tes  tale 
Our*  [hooste]  seghe  pat1  he  was  dronke  of  ale  3128 

And  seide  abide  Eobyn  leue  brother1 
Sorame  better  man  shal  telle  vs  first1  anoper1 
Abide  and  [let]  us  wirche  thriftely 

By  goddes  soule  quod  he  J?at  wil  not1  I  3132 

ffor  I  wil  speke  or  ellis  go  my  way 
Our  hooste  answerd?  seye  on  a  deuel  way 
Thou  arte  a  fool  pi  witt1  is  ouercommen 
Now  harkenej)  quod  pe  myllere  al  and  som  3136 

IT  But1  first1 1  make  a  protestaciown 
pat1 1  am  dronke  I  knowe  it1  by  my  sown 
And  perfore  ^if  I  mysspeke  or  say 
Wite  it1  pe  Ale  of  suthwerk  I  ^ou  pray  3140 

7  T>KTWORTH    89 


90  GROUP  A.    §  3.   MILLER'S  PROLOGUE.   Petworth  MS. 

ffor  I  will  telle  a  legend'  and  a  liff 

Bof  of  a  Carpenter*  and  [of]  his  wiff 

How  fat1  a  clerke  reft1  the  wri3tes  cappe 

The  reue  answerd?  and  seide  stint1  of  fi  clappe  3144 

Lat1  be  f  i  lewde  dronken  harlotrie 

It1  is  a  synne  and  eke  a  grete  folye 

To  appeyren  eny  man  or  hyw  diffame 

And  eke  to  bringe  wives  in  such  name  3148 

j?ow  maist1  ynowe  of  of  er  f  ingges  seine 

J}is  dronken  Millere  spake  ful  sone  ageyn 

And  seide  leue  brof er  oswalde 

Who  ha])  no  wif .  is  no  kukwold?  3152 

But*  I  seie  not1  f erfor  fat1  J)ou  art  oon 

Ther  ben  ful  good[e]  wyues  mony  on 

[ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  3156 

Whi  art1  ]?ou  angry  wi])  my  tale  nowe 

I  haue  a  wiff  pcmle  as  wel  as  f  ou/ 

3itf  nolde  I  for  ])e  oxen  in  my  plogh 

Take  vpon  me  more  fan  ynogh  3160 

As  demen  of  my  seluen  pat1 1  were  oone  lieaf  u,  back] 

I  wil  bylieue  fat1  fat1 1  am  none 

An  husbond?  shuld*  not1  be  inquesitif 

Of  goddes  prmete  ne  of  his  wif  3164 

So  he  may  finde  goddes  foyson  fere 

Of  f  e  remenant1  nedef  nat1  to  enquere 

What1  shul($  I  more  seie  but1  f  e  Millere 

He  nyl  his  wordes  for  no  man  for-bere  3168 

But1  tolde  his  Chirles  tale  in  his  manere 

Me  forf enkef  fat1 1  shal  reherce  it  here 

And  f  erfore  euery  gentil  wi}^  I  preie 

Demef  not1  for  goddes  loue  fat1 1  seie  3172 

Of  euel  entenf  but1  for  I  mote  reherce 

Her  tales  alle  be  f  ei  better*  or  wors/ 

Or  ellis  fals  somew  of  my  matere 

And  f  erfore  who  list1  if  not1  here  3176 

PETWOKTH    90 


GROUP  A.    §  3.   MILLER'S  PROLOGUE.   Petworth  MS.    91 

Torne  ouer  J?e  lief  and  chese  anojjer  tale 

ffor  ^e  shul  fynde  ynow  grete  and  smale 

Of  historial  J>inge  J?att  touchej?  gentilnesse 

And  eke  moralite  and  holynesse  3180 

Blame  not1  me  $if  jjaf  ye  chese  amys 

The  Millere  is  a  cheerle  36  knowe  wel  j?is 

So  was  the  Reue  eke  and  other  moo 

And  harlotrie  £ei  told1  boj)  twoo  3184 

Avise  3011  and  put1  me  out1  of  blame 

And  eke  men  shal  not1  make  ernesf  of  game 

Thus  endej?  £e  prologe. 

[No  break  in  the  MS.\ 


PETWOETH    91 


92     GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  here  by- 
gynnef  ]>e  Millers  Tale. 
1F  Narracio 

fhilom  f  er  was  dwelling1  in  Oxenford? 
A  riche  gitof1  fat1  gestes  helde  to  bord*  3188 

And  of  his  craft1  he  was  a  Carpenter' 
Wif  him  f  er  was  dwelling1  a  pore  scolere 
Had  lerned  arte  but1  al  his  fantasie 

Was  turned  forto  lere  Astrologie  3192 

And  cowde  a  certeyn  of  conclusions 
To  demen  by  interrogacions . 

3if  fat*  men  axed  him  incerteyn  houres  [leaf  45] 

Whan  fat1  men  shuld?  haue  drou^te  of  shoures  31 9G 

Or  3if  men  axed  him  what1  shuld?  byfalle 
Of  euery  f  ing1 1  may  not1  rekne  alle 
This  tale  was  cleped  hende  Nicholas 

Of  derne  loue  and  priue  solas  3200 

And  f  erto  he  was  sclegh  and  ful  prme 
And  liche  to  a  maiden  meke  to  see 
A  chambre  had  he  in  fat1  ostelrie 

Allone  wif-out1  eny  company e  3204 

fful  fetisfr  dighf  wif  herbes  swote 
And  he  hym  self  as  swete  as  is  f  e  rote 
Of  licorace  or  ony  sytuale 

His  almagist1  and  bokes  grete  and  smale  3208 

His  aster-laboure  longinge  for  his  arte 
His  awgryme  stones  layen  ful  faire  aparte 
On  shelues  couched  at  his  beddes  heuede 
His  presse  ykeuered  wif  a  falding1  rede  3212 

And  al  aboue  f  er  lay  a  gay  sautrie 
On  which"  he  made  on  nyghtes  melodye 
So  swetely  fat1  al  f  e  chambre  ronge 

And  angelus  ad  virginem  he  songe  3216 

And  after  fat1  he  songe  f  e  kingges  note 
fful  ofte  blessed  was  his  mery  f  rote 

TETWORTH    92 


GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.      93 

And  jms  ]?e  swete  Clerk1  his  tyme  spente 

Aftere  his  frendes  fynding1  and  his  rente  3220 

This  Carpentere  had  wedded  newe  a  wiff 

Which  Jjatt  he  loued  more  pan  his  liff 

Of  xviij.  3ere  she  was  of  age 

lelous  he  was  and  kept1  hir1  streit1  in  cage  3224 

ifor  she  was  wily  and  yonge  and  he  was  olde 

And  demed  hym  self  to  be  like  a  Cukwolde 

He  knewe  not1  Caton  for  his  wit1  is  rude 

J)att  "bad  man  shuld?  wedde  his  similitude  3228 

Men  shul  wedde  aftere  her  estate 

ffor  3ou]>e  and  elde  is  off  at*  debate 

But  sith  he  was  fallen  in  Jje  snare  [leaf  45,  back] 

He  most1  enduren  as  ofer  folk  his  care  3232 

ffair  was  Jns  yonge  wif  and  J>er  wij)  att 

As  eny  wesett  her  body  gent1  and  smaft 

A  seyntt  she  wered  barred  al  of  silk1 

A  barmeclojje  as  white  as  morn[e]  mylk*  3236 

Vpon  her  lendes  ful  of  mony  a  gore 

White  was  hir  smok1  and  enbrauded  al  byfore 

And  eke  be-hinde  on  her  coler1  aboute 

Of  Cole-blak  silk1  with-Inne  and  eke  wif-oute  3240 

The  tapes  of  hir1  white  volipere 

Were  of  J>e  same  sute  of  hir  colere 

Hir'  Philett  brode  of  silk  and  sette  ful  hie 

And  sikerly  she  had  a  lykerous  ye  3244 

fful  smal  ypulled  were  her  browes  twoo/ 

And  Jjoo  were  bent1  and  blake  as  eny  sloo/ 

She  was  more  blisful  on  to  se 

J?an  is  J>e  newe  Perienf  tree  3248 

And  softer  pan  jje  woit  is  of  eijjer1 

And  by  luV  girdel  henge  a  purs  of  leder* 

Tasshed  wij>  silk  and  perled  with  latown 

In  al  J)is  worlde  to  seke  vp  and  down  3252 

Ther  nys  no  man  so  wise  J?af  coujje  jjenche 

So  gay  a  popelott  or  [such]  a  wenche 

PETWORTH    93 


94     GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

fful  bri^t1  was  the  shynyng1  of  her  hwe 

Than  in  Jje  toure  J?e  noble  forged  newe  3256 

But1  of  her  songe  if  was  as  loude  and  3erne 

As  eny  swalowe  sittinge  on  a  beerne 

}?erto  she  coujje  skippe  and  make  a  game 

As  eny  kid  or  calf  Mowing1  his  dame  3260 

Her  mou]>e  was  swete  as  braket  or  meth 

Or  horde  of  apples  leide  in  hay  or  heth 

Wynsinge  she  was  as  is  a  loly  colt 

Longe  as  a  mast1  and  vpward?  as  a  bolt1  3264 

A  broche  she  bare  on  her  loue  coler* 

As  brode  as  is  J?e  boos  of  a  bokelere 

Her  shoes  were  laised  on  her  legges  hie  [leaf  40] 

She  was  a  Primeroft  a  Pigges  nye  3268 

ffor  eny  lorde  to  liggen  in  his  bedde 

Or  ^it1  for  eny  [good]  $eman  to  wedde 

Now  sir*  and  eft1  sir1 .  and  so  bifelle  J>e  caas 

That1  on  a  day  J?is  heende  Nicholas  /  3272 

ffelle  wij?  Jjis  yonge  wif  forto  rage  and  play 

While  Jmt1  her  husbonde  was  at1  osenay 

As  clerkes  bene  ful  subtile  and  ful  queynte 

And  prively  he  kai^f  hur*  by  ])e  queynte  3276 

And  seide  ywis  but*  I  haue  my  wille 

ffor  deerne  loue  of  J>e  lemman  I  spille 

And  helde  hure  fast1  by  fe  haunche  bonys 

And  seide  lemman  my  wilt  at1  onys  3280 

Or  I  wil  die  as  god  me  saue 

And  she  spronge  as  a  colt1  in  traue 

And  wij?  her  hede  sche  wried  fast1  away 

She  saide  I  wil  not1  kisse  ]?e  by  my  fay  3284 

Wy  labbe  quod  she  latt  be  Nicholas 

Or  I  wil  crie  out1  harowe  and  alas 

Do  way  3oure  hondes  for  ^our  curtesie 

This  Nicholas  gan  mercy  forto  crie  3288 

And  spake  so  faire  and  profred  him  ful  fast 

Jmt1  she  her  loue  g?*aunted  hyra  atte  last1 

PETWORTH   94 


GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     95 

And  swoor  hir*  oojje  by  seint1  Thamas  of  kenf 

That1  she  wolde  bene  at1  his  comaundementt  3292 

Whan  Jjat1  she  may  hii3  laizere  wel  aspie 

Myn  husbonde  is  so  ful  of  lelousie 

J)af  but1  36  waite  wele  and  by  prive 

I  woote  113^  wel  I  ne  am  but1  dede  quod  she  3296 

5e  mote  be  ful  deerne  as  in  jns  caas 

Nay  Jjerof  care  3ou  not1  quod  Nicholaas 

A  Clerk  has  liperly  bysette  his  while 

But1  3if  he  coujje  a  carpenter1  begile  3300 

And  Jms  pei  acorded  and  sworne 

To  awaite  a  tyme  as  I  haue  seide  biforn 

Whan  Nicholas  had?  don  ]ms  euery  dele       .         [leaf  40,  back] 

And  twakked  her  aboute  J?e  lendes  welle  3304 

He  kissej)  her  swete  and  takejj  his  sautrie 

And  pleiej?  fast1  and  make])  melodye 

J?an  fille  it  f  us  J?at  to  ]?e  parissli  chirche 

Cristes  werkes  for  to  wirche  3308 

This  good  wif  went1  vpon  an  halyday 

Htf  forhede  shoon  as  bri^t1  as  eny  day 

So  was  it1  wasshe  whan  she  left1  her  werk* 

Now  was  pere  of  ]?e  chirch  a  parissli  clerk  3312 

#e  which  was  cleped  absalon 

Crulle  was  his  heer*  and  as  J?e  golde  shone 

And  strouted  as  [a]  fanne  large  and  brode 

fful  streite  and  euene  laie  his  loly  shode  3316 

His  rudde  was  rede  his  eyen  grey  as  goos 

WiJ?  Powles  wyndowes  corven  in  his  shoos 

In  hosen  rede  he  wente  fetisly 

I-clad  he  was  ful  smal  and  proprely  3320 

Al  in  a  kirtel  of  light1  wagett 

fful  faire  and  Jjikke  ben  J>e  poyntes  sette 

And  J>er-vpon  he  had  [a]  gay  surplise 

As  white  as  is  J>e  blossom  on  [the]  rise  3324 

A  mery  child!  he  was  so  god  me  saue 

Wel  coude  he  late  blood  [and]  clippe  and  shaue 

PETWORTH    95 


96     GROUP  A.   §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  make  a  chartere  of  londe  or  a  quyta?mce 

In  xxw  manors  coude  he  trippe  and  daunce  3328 

After  the  scole  of  Oxenforde  jjoo 

And  wij)  his  legges  casten  to  and  froo 

And  pleyen  songes  on  a  small  rybibe 

Some  he  songe  a  loude  quynybe  3332 

As  as  wel  coude  he  pley  on  a  gytern) 

In  al  J)e  towne  nas  brewhous  ne  tauern 

])&i  he  ne  visefr  wijj  his  solas 

per  eny  gailerdl  tapster*  was  3336 

But1  soth  to  sayn  he  was  somdele  squeymous 

Of  fartinge  and  of  speche  daungerous 

This  Absolon  fat1  was  loly  and  gay  [leaf  47] 

Go])  wi])  a  sensure  on  ]?e  sonday  3340 

Sensinge  J>e  wyues  of  J)e  parissh  fast1 

And  mony  a  louely  loke  on  hem  he  cast1 

And  namely  on  ]>e  Carpenters  wiff 

To  loke  on  hyr*  him  Jjou^f  a  niery  liff  3344 

She  was  so  propre  .  swete .  and  likerous 

I  dar  wel  say  and  she  had  be  a  mous 

And  he  a  Catf  he  wold*  hire  henf  anon 

This  parissh  clerk*  ]?is  loly  absolon  3348 

Hajj  in  his  herte  such  a  loue  longynge 

That1  of  no  wiff  toke  he  non  offringe 

For  curtesie  he  seide  he  wolde  none 

The  mone  whan  it1  was  ny^tf  bri}^  shone  3352 

And  absolon  his  gitern  ha])  [ijtake 

For  paramours  he  jjou^te  forto  wake 

And  forfe  he  go])  lelous  and  amerous 

Til  he  come  to  fe  Carpenter[e]s  hous  3356 

A  litel  aftere  fe  Cok1  had  ycrowe 

And  dressed  hym  vnder  a  shette  wyndowe 

That1  was  vpon  fe  Carpenter[e]s  walle 

He  singe})  in  his  vois  gentile  and  smalle  3360 

Now  dere  lady  ^if  ])i  wil  be 

I  prei  ^ou  j)af  30  wil  rewe  on  me 

PETWORTH    96 


GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     97 

Ful  wel  according1  to  his  giternynge 

This  Carpentere  a-woke  and  herd?  hyw  singe  3364 

And  spake  vnto  his  wif  and  seide  anon 

What1  alison  heresf  ]?ou  not1  Absolon 

J^at1  chauntej?  J?us  vndere  our  boures  watt 

And  she  answerd?  her  husbond?  J?er  wi]?  alt  3368 

3is  god  wote  lofrn  I  here  it1  euery  dele 

J>is  passe]?  for]?  what1  wil  36  than  but  wele 

ffro  day  to  day  j)is  loly  absolon 

So  wo  we])  hire  fat1  hym  was  woo-bygon  3372 

He  wake]?  al  }>e  ny^t1  and  al  pe  day 

He  kembejj  his  lockes  brode  and  made  Lew  gay 

He  wowe]?  hir5  by  menes  and  brocage  [leaf  47,  back] 

And  swoor  he  wolde  bene  her  wne  page  3376 

He  Synge]?  brokking1  as  a  nyghtyngale 

He  sent1  her  pyment1  Methe  and  spised  ale 

And  wafres  pyping  hote  out1  of  J>e  glede 

And  to  hir*  often  he  profered  mede  3380 

ffor  some  wil  be  wonnen  for  ricches 

And  some  for  strokes  and  some  for  gentilnesse 

Somtyme  to  shewe  his  lightnesse  and  maisstrie 

He  pleieth  herawdes  vpon  a  scaffold?  hie  3384 

But  what1  availle]?  him  as  in  J?is  caas 

So  loueth  she  ]?is  hende  INlcholaas 

That1  Absolon  may  blawe  J?e  buke  horn 

He  ne  had  for  his  labour  but1  a  scorn  3388 

And  fus  she  make]?  absolon  her  Ape 

Al  his  eernest  twrne]?  but1  to  a  Tape 

ffor  so]?e  ]?is  prouerbe  it1  is  no  lye 

Men  seien  Jms  alway  J?e  ny^te  sclie  3392 

Make]?  }?e  feer  loue  to  be  loth" 

ffor  J?ou^e  Jjat1  absolon  be  wode  or  wroth" 

By  cause  fat1  he  fer  was  from  her  si^t1 

This  Ni}te  Nicholas  stode  in  his  li^t1  3396 

Nowe  bere  }ou  wel  thou  hende  Nicholas/ 

ffor  absolon  may  waille  and  singe  alias 

PETWORTH    97 


98     GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  so  by-felle  it1  on  a  Saterday 

This  Carpentere  was  gone  to  Osnay  3400 

And  hende  Nicholas  and  Alison 

Accorded  were  to  pis  conclusion 

J^at1  Nicholas  shal  shapen  hyra  a  wile 

This  sely  lelous  husbonde  to  begile  3404 

And  if  so  be  pe  game  went1  a  ri$f 

She  shulde  sclepe  in  his  arme  al  pat1  ny^tt 

For  pis  [was]  his  desire  and  hers  also 

And  ri^f  anon  wip-oute  wordes  moo/  3408 

This  Nicholas  no  lenger  wold  tarie 

But*  do])  ful  softe  into  his  chamber  carie 

Both  mete  and  drinke  for  a  daye  or  tweye  [leaf  433 

And  to  hir1  husbonde  bad  Mr*  for  to  seie  3412 

If  pat1  he  asked  after  Nicholas 

She  shulde  seie  she  nyst1  not1  wher  he  was 

Of  al  pat1  day  she  see  hym  not1  wip  ye 

She  trowed  pat1  he  was  in  maladye  3416 

fibr  no  crie  her  maide  can  calle 

He  nolde  answere  for  nou^t1  that1  may  bifalle 

This  passe)?  for]?  al  pe  Saterday 

That1  Nicholas  stille  in  his  bed  lay  3420 

And  ete  and  slepte  and  [dede]  what1  hym  lest* 

Til  sonday  pat1  pe  sonne  gop  to  rest1 

This  sely  Carpenter*  hap  grete  mervaile 

Of  Nicholas  or  what1  ping1  my^t1  hym  aile  3424 

And  saide  I  am  a-drad  by  seynt1  Thomas 

If  stondeth  not1  a-ri^t1  wi]>  Nicholas 

God  shilde  pat1  he  deyed  sodenily 

This  world  is  nowe  ful  tikil  sikerly  3428 

I  seghe  to-day  a  coors  born  to  chirche 

That1  now  on  monday  I  segh  fast1  wirche 

Go  vp  quod  he  to  his  knaue  anon 

Clepe  at1  his  door  or  knokke  wip  a  ston  3432 

Loke  ho  we  it1  is  and  telle  me  boldely 

pis  knaue  went1  him  vp  ful  sturdely 

PETWORTH    98 


GROUP  A.    §  4.    MILLER'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS.     99 

And  at1  the  Chamber  door  while  J>at  he  stode 

He  cried  an  knokked  as  he  were  wode  3436 

What1  howe  what1  do  36  maister  Nicholay 

Howe  may  ^e  sclopen  al  jjis  longe  day 

But  al  for  nou^t1  he  herd  neuer  a  word? 

An  hoole  he  foonde  ful  lowe  vnder  a  bord?  3440 

Ther  as  J?e  Catt  was  wonte  forto  crepe 

And  at1  Jje  hole  he  loked  in  ful  depe 

And  atte  last1  he  had  of  him  a  si^t 

Jjis  Kicholas  satte  euere  gaping1  vp  ri^t  3444 

As  he  had  kiked  on  ]?e  newe  moone 

And  doune  he  go]?  and  told?  his  maister1  sone 

In  what  araie  he  segh  J?af  ilke  man  deaf  48,  back] 

This  carpentere  to  blissen  hym  by-gan  3448 

And  seide  helpe  vs  seint1  nredeswyde 

A  man  wote  litel  what*  shal  hym  betide 

This  man  is  fallen  wi]>  his  astronomye 

In  some  woodnesse  or  in  some  Agony e  3452 

I  jjou^t1  wel  howe  it1  shuld  be 

Men  shuld  not1  knowe  of  goddis  privete 

3e  blessed  be  alway  ])e  lewde  man 

Jjaf  iiou^fr  but1  only  his  bileeue  can  3456 

So  ferde  anofer  clerk  with  astronomye 

He  walked  into  }>e  feeldes  for  to  prie 

Vpon  jje  sterres  to  wit1  what1  shal  by-falle 

Til  he  was  in  a  Marie  pitte  yfalle  3460 

He  seighe  no^f  but1  yit1  by  seint1  Thomas 

Me  rue]?  soor  hende  Nicholas 

He  schal  be  rated  of  his  stodying1 

If  fat1 1  may  by  Ihesu1  heuene  knyge        [*  Msihcj        3464 

Gete  me  a  staf  jjat1 1  may  vnderspore 

While  fat1  J?ou  Eobyn  heuest1  vp  fe  dore 

He  shal  out1  of  his  stodying1  as  I  gesse 

And  to  J?e  Chamber  dore  he  gan  hym  dresse  3468 

His  knaue  was  a  stronge  Carle  for  }?e  nones 

And  by  J?e  haspe  he  haue  it1  vp  at1  ones 

PETWORTH    99 


100   GROUP  A.    §  4.    MILLER'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS, 

Into  J?e  floor  J?e  door  fille  anon 

This  Nicholas  sat1  ay  stille  as  stoii  3472 

And  euere  gaped  vpward?  into  Jje  eire 

Jjis  carpenter'  wende  he  were  in  despeir* 

And  hent1  hym  by  J>e  shuldres  my^tely 

And  shoke  him  hard?  and  cried  spitously  -3476 

What*  Nicholay  what1  loke  adoun 

A-wake  and  J>enk  on  cristes  passiozm 

I  crouche  J?e  from  eveles  and  fro  wi^tes 

Jjer-with  J>e  ny}^  spelle  he  seide  anon  ri^tes  3480 

On  four  halues  of  the  hous  aboute 

And  on  J?e  thresshhold?  on  J>e  dore  vrithovite 

Ihesu  crist1  and  seynt1  Benedighf  fleaf  49] 

Blesse  }>is  hous  from  euery  wicked  wight*  3484 

ffor  fe  nyghtes  verye  J>e  white  pater  noster 

"Where  wentestowe .  seyntt  Peters  suster* 

And  atte  last1  J>is  hende  Nicholas 

Gan  for  to  sighe  sore  and  seide  alias  3488 

Shal  al  J>e  world  be  loste  eftsones  nowe 

This  Carpentere  answerde  what1  seisf  f'owe 

What1  jjenk  on  god  as  we  don  jjat1  swynk* 

This  Nicholas  answerde  focche  me  drink1  3492 

And  aftere  I  wil  speke  in  privete 

Of  certeyn  Jring1  fat1  towchej)  Jje  and  me 

I  wille  telle  it1  noon  ojjer  man  cereteyne 

This  carpenter5  goj)  down  and  commej?  ageyne  3496 

And  bro^t1  of  myghty  ale  a  large  quarte 

And  whan  jjat1  eche  of  hem  had  dronke  his  parte 

]jis  Nicholas  his  door  fast1  shette 

And  doun  Jje  Carpenter*  by  hym  he  sette  3500 

And  seide  lohn  myn  hooste  lief  and  dere 

Jpow  shalt  vpon  J?i  troujj  swere  me  heere 

That1  to  no  wight1  jjou  shalt1  f  is  counseft  Wrey 

ifor  it1  is  cristes  counsaile  fat1 1  sey  3504 

And  if  ]m  telle  it1  man  J>ou  art1  forlore 

ffor  Jjis  veiigeannce  jjou  shalt1  haue  J?e?'fore 

PETWORTH    100 


GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS,    101 

]>af  if  fow  wrey  me  fou  shalf  be  wode 

IT  Nay  crisf  forbede  it*  for  his  holy  blood?  3508 

Quod  J>oo  J>is  sely  man  I  ne  am  no  labbe 

Ne  fougfi.  I  seie  it1 1  ne  am  not*  lief  to  gabbe 

Sey  what1  fowe  wolf  I  shal  if  neuer1  telle 

To  Childe  ne  wif  by  hyra  fat1  harowed  helle  3512 

Nowe  lohn  quod  Nicholas  I  wil  not1  lie 

I  haue  yfounden  in  myn  astrologie 

As  I  haue  loked  in  f  e  mone  bri^f 

faf  no  we  on  monday  next1  a  quarter  ny^f  3516 

Shal  falle  a  rayn  and  fat1  so  wild?  and  wode 

faf  half1  so  grete  was  never  noes  node 

This  world?  he  saide  in  lasse  fan  in  an  houre         [leaf  49,  back] 

Shal  al  be  dreinf  so  hidous  is  f  e  showre  3520 

Thus  shal  mankinde  drenche  and  lese  her  liff 

This  Carpentere  answerd?  alias  my  wiff 

And  shal  she  drenche  alias  myn  alisown 

ffor  sorowe  of  J>is  he  nlle  al-mosf  adown  3524 

And  seide  is  no  remedye  in  f  is  caas 

Wy  $is  for  god  quod  heende  Nicholas 

If  f  ow  wolte  worchen  aftere  lore  and  rede 

})owe  maist1  not1  worchen  after5  Jjine  owne  hede  3528 

ffor  Jms  seith  Salomon  fat1  was  ful  trewe 

Worche  al  by  counsaile  and  }?ou  shalt1  not1  rewe 

And  if  )>ou  worchen  wolf  by  good  counsaille 

I  vndertake  wij?-outen  masf  or  saille  3532 

3if  shal  I  saue  hir*  and  Jje  and  niee 

Hasf  J>ou  nof  hero^  how  saued  was  Noe 

Whan  ]?af  our  lorde  haj>  warned  hym  byforn 

})af  al  the  worl(J  wi]>  water5  shuld  be  lorn  3536 

3is  quod  ]?is  Carpenter  ful  ^ore  a-goo 

Hastowe  nof  herde  quod  Nicholas  also 

]?e  sorowe  of  Noe  wij?  his  felawship 

Or  he  my^f  gete  his  wif  to  ship  3540 

Hym  had  leuere  I  dar  wel  vndertake 

Af  filke  tyme  fan  aft  his  weferes  blake 

PETWORTH    101 


102   GROUP  A.    §  4.    MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

fat1  she  had  a  ship  hure  self  all  on 

And  f erfor  woostowe  what1  is  best1  to  don  3544 

Thix  axeth  hast1  and  of  an  hastif  f  inge 

Men  may  not1  preche  or  make  taryinge 

Anoon  go  gete  vs  fast1  into  f  is  Inne 

A  knedinge  trough  or  ellis  akemelyne  3548 

ffor  eche  of  vs  but1  loke  fat1  f  ei  bene  large 

In  whiche  men  mowe  swymme  as  in  a  barge 

And  han  her  vitailles  suffisauntt 

But1  for  a  day  fye  on  f  e  remencmnf  3552 

f  e  water3  shal  a-slake  and  gon  a-way 

Aboute  pryme  vpon  f  e  nexte  day 

But1  Robyne  may  not1  wit1  of  f  is  f  i  knaue  fieaf  50] 

Ke  eke  fi  maide  Gift  I  may  not1  saue  3556 

Axe  not1  why  for  f  ou^e  f  ou  axe  me 

I  wil  not1  tellen  goddes  pmiete 

If  suffisef  f  e  but1  if  f  i  wittes  madde 

To  haue  as  grete  a  grace  as  Noe  hadde  3560 

fi  wif  shal  I  wel  saue  out1  of  doute 

Go  nowe  f  i  way  and  spede  f  e  here  aboute 

But  whan  f  ou  hast1  for  hir*  and  f  e  and  me 

ygeten  vs  fise  kneding1  treies  fre  3564 

)pan  shalf  j>ou  honge  hem  in  jje  roof1  ful  hie 

Jjaf  no  man  of  oure  p^^rueau?^ce  espie 

And  whan  J?ou  ])us  hast1  don  as  I  haue  seide 

And  hast1  oure  vitaile  faire  in  hem  y-leide  3568 

And  eke  an  axe  to  smyte  fe  cord*  a  two 

Whan  J>af  j)e  water  commejj  Jjat1  we  may  goo 

And  broke  and  hole  on  high  vpon  the  gable 

Vnto  J>e  gardyne  ward?  ouer  J?e  stable  3572 

pat1  we  may  frely  passen  for])  our  waye 

Whan  fat1  fe  grete  shoure  is  passed  awaye 

Than  shalt1  J?ou  swy??iine  as  mery  I  vndertake 

As  do])  J>e  wight1  duk  aftere  J>e  drake  3576 

fan  wol  I  clepe  how  alison.  howe  lohn 

Be  mery  for  fe  flood  wil  passe  anon 

PETWORTH    102 


GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS.    103 

And  ]>owe  wilt1  seyn  heil  Maister  ]STicholay 

Good  morowe  I  see  ]?e  wele  for  if  is  day  3580 

And  fan  shal  we  be  lordes  al  oure  lif 

Of  alle  fe  world?  as  Noe  and  his  wif 

Buf  faf  of  oo  fing1 1  warne  fe  ful  ri^t 

Be  wel  avised  on  fat1  ilk[e]  ny$f  3584 

)3af  we  bene  entred  into  f  e  shippes  boorcH 

j?at  noon  of  vs  ne  speke  not1  a  word? 

!N"e  Clepe  ne  crie  but1  bene  in  his  preire 

ffor  it1  is  goddis  owe  heeste  dere  3588 

Thi  wif  and  f  ou  mote  honge  fer  atwynne 

ffor  Jjat*  bitwix  3ou  shal  be  no  synne 

!No  more  in  loking1  fan  jjer  shal  in  dede  [leafso.back] 

J)is  ordinawnce  is  seide  so  god  fe  spede  3592 

To  morowe  afr  nyghf  whan  men  bene  alt  a-slepe 

Into  our  kneding1  trowes  wil  we  crepe 

And  sitten  J?er  abidinge  goddis  grace 

Go  nowe  J>i  way  I  haue  no  lenger  space  3596 

To  make  of  )>is  no  lenger  sermonyng1 

Men  seyn  Jms  sende  J>e  wise  and  say  no  Jjinge 

]jou  art1  so  wise  if  nededej?  Jje  not*  teche 

Go  saue  our  lif  and  J>af  I  J>e  biseche  3600 

1T  This  sely  Carpentere  go]?  for])  his  way 

fful  off  he  seide  alas  and  wayleway 

And  to  his  wif  he  tolde  his  priuete 

And  she  was  war  and  knewe  if  bef  fan  he  3604 

What1  al  J>is  queinte  casf  was  for  to  saye 

Buf  nathelees  she  feerde  as  she  wold'  deye 

And  saide  alas  go  foorf  fi  way  anon 

Helpe  vs  to  scape  or  we  bene  dede  echon  3608 

I  am  fi  trewe  verry  wedded  wiff* 

Go  dere  spouse  and  helpe  to  saue  our  lif* 

Lo  swich  a  grete  ping1  is  affection 

Men  may  dye  for  ymaginacion  3612 

So  depe  may  impression  be  take 

This  sely  Carpenter1  bygynnef  quake 

PET\VORTH    103 


104  GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Hym  JjenkeJ)  verrely  fat1  lie  may  se 

"Noe  flood  come  walking1  as  J>e  See  3616 

To  drenchen  alison  his  hony  dere 

He  wepeth  weilleth  and  maketh  son  chere 

He  sighej)  wij)  mony  a  sory  swough 

And  goo))  and  getej)  hym  a  knedingo  trougli  3620 

And  aftere  a  Tubbe  and  a  kemelyne 

And  prively  he  sent1  hem  to  his  Inne 

And  henge  hem  in  )?e  roof  in  privete 

His  owne  honde  he  made  eke  ledders  J>re  3624 

To  clymben  by  ]?e  ronges  and  ]?e  stalkes 

Ynto  Jje  tubbes  hongyng1  in  J>e  balkes/ 

And  hem  vitailled  bof>[e]  troupe  and  tubbe  [leaf  51] 

Wi])  brede.  wij)  chese  wi])h  good  ale  in  a  Tubbe  3628 

Suffisinge  ri^t1  ynowe  as  for  a  day 

But1  er  he  had  made  al  Jns  aray 

He  sent1  his  knaue  and  eke  his  wenche  alsoo 

Vpon  his  nede  to  London  for  to  goo  3632 

IT  And  on  fe  Monday  whan  it1  droi^e  to  ny^t4 

He  shette  his  door  wij?-outen  candel  li^f 

And  dressed  al  J)ing<  as  it1  shuld  be 

And  shortely  clumben  vp  al  J)re  3636 

J5ei  seiten  stille  wel  a  forlonge  way 

Now  Pater  noster  Clum  seide  Nicholay 

And  Clum  quod  lohn .  and  clum  seide  Alisofi 

This  Carpentere  seide  his  devocion  3640 

And  stille  he  sitte  and  biddej)  his  preier1 

Awaitinge  on  ))e  reyne  if  he  it1  here 

The  dej)e  sleep  for  wery  bisynesse 

mile  on  J)is  Carpenter  xijV  as  I  gesse  3644 

Aboute  Curfewe  tyme  or  litel  more 

ffor  travaile  of  his  goost1  he  gronej)  sore 

But1  ofte  he  routed  for  his  hede  myslay 

Doun  of  fe  ledder  stalkejj  Mcholay  3648 

And  Alison  ful  softe  adoune  she  spedde 

WiJ)-outen  wordes  moo  ]>ei  gon  to  bedde 

PETWORTH    104 


GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    105 

|3er  as  jje  Carpenter'  is  wonte  to  lye 

|3er  was  jje  reuel  and  }>e  melody  e  3652 

And  Jjus  lith  alison  and  Nicholas 

In  busynes  of  myrtrl  and  of  solas 

Til  ]?af  J)e  belle  of  laudes  gan  to  rynge 

And  freres  in  J)e  chaunsel  gan  to  singe  3656 

11  This  Parissh  clerk  J>is  amorous  absolon 

J?at*  is  for  loue  alway  so  woo  bygon 

Vpon  J?e  Monday  was  at1  Oseney 

WiJ)  Company  him  to  disport*  and  pley  3660 

And  axed  vpon  a  caas  a  Cloystrere 

fful  prively  after  lohn  J?e  Carpentere 

And  he  drowe  hym  apart1  out*  of  J)e  chircfi  [leaf  si,  back] 

And  seide  I  note  I  seghe  hym  here  not  wirch  3664 

Si]>  saterday  I  trowe  J>at  he  be  went* 

ffor  tymbre  per  oure  abbot*  hap  hym  sent1 

ffor  he  is  wonte  for  tymbre  forto  goo 

And  dwellen  at*  pe  graunge  a  day  or  twoo  3668 

Or  ellis  he  is  at1  his  hous  certeyn 

Wher  pat*  he  be  I  can  not*  soply  seyn) 

This  absolon  ful  loly  was  and  li^t1 

And  Jjought*  now  is  tyme  to  wake  al  nyghfr  3672 

ffor  sikerly  I  segh  hym  not1  stirenge 

Abouten  his  door  si}>  day  bygan  to  springe 

So  mote  I  thrive  I  shal  atte  Cockes  crowe 

fful  priuely  knokken  at*  his  wyndowe  3676 

J}at*  stant*  ful  lowe  vpon  his  bowres  walle 

To  Alison  now  wil  I  tellen  alle 

My  loue  longyng*  for  ]>at*  I  shal  not*  mysse 

pat*  at*  j?e  leeste  wey  I  shal  hir1  kisse  3680 

Som  manere  comfort*  shal  I  haue  parfay 

My  moujje  ha])  icched  al  ])is  longe  day 

pat*  is  a  signe  of  kissing*  atte  leest 

Al  nyght*  me  met*  eek  I  was  at*  a  fest*  3684 

J)er-for  I  wil  goo  sclepe  an  hour  or  twey 

And  al  ]?e  nyght*  }>an  wil  I  wake  and  pley 

8  PETWORTH    105 


106  GROUP  A.    §  4.  MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


Whan  Jjafr  J)e  firste  cok  haj)  crowe  anon 

Vp  stert1  ]>is  loly  louer  absolon  3688 

And  hym  araied  gay  and  poynt1  devise 

But1  first1  he  shewej)  greyn  and  licorise 

To  smellen  swote  er  he  had  kempt1  his  here 

Vndere  his  tunge  a  trewe  loue  he  here  3692 

ffor  ]?erby  wende  he  to  be  gracious 

He  roomejj  to  the  Carpenters  hous 

And  stille  he  stant1  vndere  ]?e  shot1  wyndowe 

Ynto  his  brest1  it1  raught1  it1  was  so  lowe  3696 

And  soft1  he  koughe)>  wij>  a  semy  soune 

What1  do  :$e  hony  combe  swete  alisown 

My  faire  brid  my  swete  Synamome  [leaf  521 

A-waikej)  lemman  myne  and  spekej)  to  me  3700 

fful  litel  J?enken  36  vpon  my  woo 

pat1  for  ^oure  loue  I  swete  as  I  goo 

No  wonder  is  ]>ou$e  that1  1  swelt1  or  swete 

I  mourne  as  do])  J?e  lombe  after  J>e  tete  3704 

I-wis  leuman  I  haue  such  loue-longyng1 

jjat1  like  a  turtel  trewe  is  my  moz*rnynge 

I  may  not1  eten  no  more  J>an  a  maide 

Go  fro  j?e  wyndowe  lak  fool  she  seide  3708 

So  god  me  spede  if  wil  not1  be  compame 

I  loue  anoj>er  and  ellis  I  were  to  blame 

Wei  bet1  j)an  ])e  by  Ihesu  absolon 

Go  for))  J?i  waie  or  I  wil  cast1  a  ston  3712 

And  lat1  me  slepe  a  twenty  deuelway 

Alas  quod  absolon  and  weyloway 

That1  trewe  loue  was  euere  so  euel  bysette 

Than  kisse  me  si]?  it1  may  be  no  bette  3716 

ffor  Ihesws1  loue  and  for  jje  loue  of  me  t1  MS  ihc] 

Wilt1  Jjou  jjan  go  Jji  waie  Jjer-with  quod  she 

3e  Certes  lemman  quod  J?is  absolon 

fan  make  ]?e  redy  quod  she  I  come  anon  3720 


..........     no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

This  absolon  doune  sette  hym  on  his  knees 

TETWORTH    106 


GROUP  A.    §  4.    MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   107 

And  seid  I  am  a  lord  at1  alle  degrees  3724 

ffor  aftere  fis  I  hope  J>er  corameth  more 

Lemman  fi  grace  and  swete  brid  fine  ore 

The  wyndowe  she  vndof  and  f  af  in  haste 

Haue  doo  quod  she  come  of  and  spede  f  e  faste  3728 

Lest1  f  af  our  neigheboures  f  e  espie 

f  is  absolon  gan  wipe  his  mouf  ful  drie 

Derk  was  f  e  nyghf  as  picch  or  as  J>e  cole 

And  at1  fe  wyndowe  out1  she  putt1  her  hole  3732 

And  absolon  him  felle  no  bette  ne  wers 

Buf  wij)  his  mouf  e  he  kissed  her  naked  ers 

fful  sauourly  er  he  was  ware  of  J>is 

Abak  he  sterte  and  foughf  if  was  amys  3736 

ffor  wel  he  wist1  a  womman  haf  no  berde  [leaf  52,  back] 

He  felf  a  f  ing1  al  roughe  and  longe  yherede 

And  seide  fye  alas  what1  haue  I  doo 

Ti  he  quod  she  and  clapf  fe  wyndowe  to/  3740 

And  absolon  go])  forf  a  former  paas 

A  beerd  a  beerd?  seide  hende  Nicholaas 

By  goddes  corpus  f  is  go])  faire  and  wett 

This  sely  absolon  herde  it1  euery  deft  3744 

And  on  his  lippe  he  gan  for  anger  bite 

And  to  him  self  he  seide  I  shal  ])e  quyte 

Who  rubbeth  nowe  who  freteth  nowe  his  lippes 

Wif  dust*  wi])  sonde  wi])  strawe  wi])  clop  with  chippes/ 

But1  absolon  that1  sei})  ful  off  alias  3749 

My  soule  bitake  I  to  Sathanas 

Buf  me  were  leuere  fan  al  ])is  toune  quod,  he 

Of  ]>is  despite  a-wroken  forto  be  3752 

Alias  quod  he  alias  I  ne  had  ybleynf 

His  hote  love  is  cold  and  al  yqueynf 

ffor  fro  faf  tyme  fat1  he  had  kisf  her  ers 

Of  paramours  he  sette  nof  a  kers  3756 

ffor  he  was  heled  of  his  malady 

fful  off  paramours  he  gan  defie 

And  wepef  as  do]>  a  child  faf  is  ybete 

A  softe  paas  he  wenf  ouer  fe  strete  3760 

PETWORTH    107 


108   GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Vnto  a  smyth  men  clepen  dann  Gervase 

That1  in  his  forge  smytej)  plowh  harnase 

He  sharpeth  share  and  culter  bisily 

This  absolon  knokkej?  al  Esily  3764 

And  seide  vnto  Gervays  and  J>atf  anon) 

What1  who  art1  J?ou  if  am  I  absolon 

What1  Absolon .  what1  cristes  swete  tre 

Why  rise  $e  so  rathe  .o  benedicite  3768 

What1  eilejj  $ou  som  gay  gerle  god  it1  wote 

Hajj  brou^f  $ou  fus  [up] on  J>e  Vyritote 

By  seynt1  Noet1  ^e  whote  wele  what1 1  mene 

)}is  Absolon  ne  rou^te  not1  a  bene ./  3772 

Of  al  ]>is  pley  no  word  a^ein  he  gaf  [leaf  53] 

He  had  more  towe  on  his  dystaf 

))an  Gervais  knewe  and  seide  frende  so  dere 

J3e  hote  Cultere  in  J>e  Chymeney  here  3776 

As  lene  it1  me  I  haue  })erwi)>  to  don 

I  wil  bringe  it1  a-geyn  ful  sone 

Gervais  answerd?  certes  were  it1  golcfe 

Or  in  a  poke  nobles  al  vntold?  3780 

Thou  shuldest  haue  as  I  am  trewe  smyth 

A  cristes  foo  what1  wil  ^e  do  ferwitfi. 

Therof  quod  absolon  be  as  be  may 

I  shal  tellen  it1  Jje  to  morowe  day  3784 

And  caught1  j?e  Culter1  by  Jre  colde  stele 

iful  soft1  out1  atte  door  he  gan  stele 

And  went1  vnto  )?e  Carpentere  walle 

He  koughed  first1  and  knokked  ]>er  wij?  att  3788 

Vppon  )?e  wyndowe  right1  as  he  did  eere 

)5is  Alison  answerde  who  is  J>ere 

Jjat1  knokkej?  so  I  waraunt1  it  a  )>eef 

We  nay  quod  he  god  wote  my  swete  leef  3792 

I  am  ))ine  absolon  fine  derlinge 

Of  gold!  quod  he  I  haue  )>e  brou^t1  a  rynge 

My  modere  3aue  it1  me  so  god  me  saue 

iful  fyn  it1  is  and  Jjerto  wel  ygraue  3796 

.PETWOUTH    108 


GROUP  A.    §  4.   MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    109 

This  wil  I  $euen  J?e  if  ]?owe  me  kisse 

Jjis  Nicholas  was  risen  forto  pisse 

And  Jjou^tt  he  wold?  ameiiden  al  Jje  Tape 

He  shulde  kisse  his  ers  er  Jjat1  he  scape  3800 

And  vp  Jje  wyndowe  did  he  hastely 

And  out1  his  ers  he  puttejj  pn'uely 

Ouer  Jje  buttok  to  Jje  haunche  bon 

And  Jjerwijj  spake  Jjis  clerk  Jjis  absolone  3804 

Speke  swete  bridde  I  not1  wher  Jjou  art1 

J)is  Nicholas  anon  lete  neigh  a  fart* 

As  grete  as  if  had  bene  a  fonder  dent* 

Jpafl  wi)>  Jje  stroke  he  was  almost1  yblenf  3808 

And  he  was  redy  wijj  his  yren  hote  [leaf  53,  back] 

And  Nicholas  in  Jje  ers  he  smote 

Of  go))  Jje  skyn  an  honde  brede  abonte 

}?e  hote  culter  brenned  so  his  toute  3812 

And  for  Jje  smerte  he  wende  forto  deye 

As  he  were  wood  for  woo  he  gan  to  crye 

Help  water  water  helpe  for  goddys  hert1 

This  Carpenter*  ont1  of  his  slomber  sterf  3816 

And  herde  oon  crien  water1  as  he  were  wode 

And  jjou^t1  alias  now  commeth  noes  node 

He  sette  hym  vp  wij>out[e]  wordes  moo 

And  wij)  an  axe  he  smote  J?e  cord?  a  two  3820 

And  doun  go])  alle  he  fonde  neijjer  to  selle 

Brede  nor  Ale  til  he  com  to  ]>e  selle 

Vpon  J>e  floor  and  ther  a  swoun  he  lay 

Vp  stert1  hir  Alison  and  Nicholay  3824 

And  criden  out1  and  horowe  in  J?e  strete 

}pe  neighbours  boj?  smale  and  grete 

Ronnen  forto  gawren  on  Jjis  man 

)?at  a  swonn  lay  bo]>  pale  and  wan  3828 

ffor  wij)  fat1  falle  he  brusten  ha])  his  arme1 

But1  stonden  he  most1  vnto  his  owne  harme 

ffor  whan  he  spak  he  was  anon  born  down 

Wi]>  hende  Nicholas  and  alisosm  3832 

PETWORTH    109 


110   GROUP  A.    §  4.    MILLER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Thei  tolde  euery  man  Jjat  he  was  wode 

He  was  agasfr  so  of  J?e  Noes  flode 

}3orgfc  fantasie  J>att  of  his  vanyte 

He  had  ybou^fr  hym  kneding1  tubbes  J>re  3836 

And  had  hem  honged  in  )>e  roof  aboue 

And  jjat1  he  preied  hyra  for  goddys  loue 

To  sitten  in  J>e  roof  par  companye 

Jje  folk  gan  laughen  at  his  fantasie  3840 

And  to  the  Roof  ]>ei  kepen  and  Jjei  gape 

And  turned  al  his  harme  vnto  a  lape 

ffor  what1  so  J>is  Carpenter1  answerd? 

It  was  for  nou}t  no  man  his  reson  herd?  3844 

Wi]?  o]?es  grete  he  was  so  sworn  a  down  [leaf  54 j 

That1  he  was  holden  woode  in  al  J>af  town 

ffor  euere  clerk  anoon  lijti  helde  wij)  ofer 

fei  seide  fe  man  is  wood  my  leue  broker  3848 

And  euere  wight1  gan  laughen  at1  his  strif 

Thus  swyued  was  J?e  Carpenter[e]s  wiff 

ffor  al  his  keping1  and  his  lelousie 

And  Absalon  haj?  kissed  her  nethere  ye  3852 

And  Nicholas  is  scalded  in  his  toute 

This  tale  is  don  and  god  saue  al  J>e  route. 

1F  Here  ende]>  >e  mylers  tale, 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


PETWORTH    110 


GROUP  A.    §5.   REEVE'S  PROLOGUE.   Petworth  MS.    Ill 


1T  And  Jms  bygynnejj  j>e  Prologe  of  ]>e  Reues  tale  T  cap.  3™ 

fhan  folk  lian  laughen  at*  jjis  nyce  cas 
Of  absolon  and  hende  Nicholas  3856 

Dyuers  folk  dyuersly  J?ei  seide 
But*  for  Jje  more  parte  J?ei  Iou3e  and  pleide 
Ne  at*  ]?is  tale  I  seghe  no  man  hym  greue 
But*  it*  were  only  Oswold1  ]>e  Eeue  3860 

Bycause  he  was  of  Carpenter[e]s  craft* 
A  litel  Ire  in  his  herte  laff 
He  gan  to  grucche  and  blamed  it  a  lite 
So  thick  quod  he  ful  wele  quouj)  I  }?e  quyte  3864 

Wij)  blering*  of  a  proude  Millers  ye 
If  J?at*  me  list1  to  speke  of  Ribawdye 
But*  ik  am  olde  me  list*  not*  pley  for  age 
Gras  tyme  is  done  my  foder  is  forage  3868 

This  white  top  write])  myn  olde  3eeres 
Myn  herf  is  al  so  mowled  as  myn  heeres 
But  if  I  fare  as  doj>  an  open-ers 

j?at*  ilke  fruyte  is  euer  lenger  fe  wers  3872 

Til  it  be  roten  in  Mullok  or  in  stre 
We  olde  men  I  drede  so  fare  we 
Til  we  be  roten  can  we  not1  be  ripe 

We  hopen  alway  while  )>e  hert*  wil  pipe  3876 

ifor  in  our  wille  ]?er  stikketh  euer  a  naile 
To  haue  an  hoor  heer  and  a  grene  taile 
As  haj)  a  leke  for  ]?ough  our  my^t  be  gon  [leaf  54,  back] 

Our  wille  desire]?  foly  euer  in  oon  3880 

ffor  whan  we  may  not*  don  ]>an  wil  we  speke 
3it*  in  oure  asshed  olde  is  fire  yreke 
ffour  gledes  han  we  which"  I  shal  deuyse 
Auawntinge  lying* .  angre .  and  coueitise  3884 

Thise  four  sparkles  longe]>  vnto  elde 
Our  olde  lymes  may  wel  bene  vnwelde 

PETWORTH    111 


112   GROUP  A.    §  5.   REEVE'S  PROLOGUE.   Petworth  MS. 

But1  wil  ne  shal  not1  faille  fat1  is  soth 

And  ^it1  haue  I  alwaye  a  coltes  totfr  3888 

As  mony  3ere  as  if  is  passed  henne 

Sif  fat1  my  tap  of  lif1  byganne  to  renne 

ffor  sikerly  whaw  I  was  born  anon 

Def  drougfc  f  e  tappe  of  lif  and  lete  it  gon  3892 

And  euere  sif  en  haf  so  f  e  tap  yronne 

Til  at1  almost1  al  empty  is  f  e  tonne 

The  strem  of  lif  now  droppef  on  f  e  chymbe 

J>e  sely  tunge  may  wel  rynge  and  chymbe  3896 

Of  wrecchednesse  fat1  passed  is  ful  yore 

Wif  olde  folk  saue  dotage  is  no  more 

1T  Whan  fat1  our  ooste  had  herde  f  is  sermonynge 

He  gan  to  speke  as  lordly  as  a  kinge  3900 

He  seide  what1  amountef  al  f  is  witte 

What1  shal  we  speke  alday  of  holy  writte 

The  deuel  made  a  Reue  forto  preche 

Or  of  a  Souter5  shipman  or  a  lecche  .  3904 

Say  forf  f  i  take  and  tary  not1  J>e  tyme 

Loo  Depford  and  it1  is  almost1  prime 

Lo  Grenwich  J?at  mony  a  shrewe  is  Inne 

It1  were  hie  tyme  J?i  tale  forto  bygynne  3908 

1T  Now  Sirs  quod  ]?is  Oswold?  J>e  Eeue 

I  prei  3ou  al  jjat1  ^e  ^ou  not  greue 

Jpou^e  I  answere  and  somdele  sette  hys  houwe 

ffor  leeful  it1  is  wij>  force .  force  of  shouwe  3912 

This  dronken  Millei0  haj?  ytolde  vs  here 

Hou  fat1  bigiled  was  a  Carpentere 

Perauent^re  in  scorn  for  I  am  oon  [leaf  55] 

And  by  3oure  leue  I  shal  lajm  quyte  anon  3916 

Ri^t1  in  his  Cheerles  teermes  wil  I  speke 

I  prei  to  god  his  nekke  mot1  alto-breke 

He  can  wel  in  myn  ye  seen  a  stalk 

But1  in  his  owne  he  can  not1  seen  a  balk1  3920 

IT  Thus  endej?  fe  Prologe  of  fe  Eeue 

PETWOKTH    112 


GROUP  A.    §  6.    REEVE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS.     113 


And  here  bygynne]>  >e  Eeeues  tale 

Aft  Trumpington  not1  fer  fro  Caunterbruge 
Ther  goj>  a  broke  and  over  J>af  a  bruge 
Vpon  J?e  whiche  broke  J>er  stonte  a  melle 
And  }?is  is  verrey  sojj  Jjat1  I  3011  telle  3924 

A  Millere  was  fere  dwelling1  mony  a  day 
As  ony  Pecok1  he  was  proude  and  gay 
Pipen  he  coujje  an  fisshen  and  nettes  bete 
And  turne  Coppes  and  wel  wrastel  and  shete  3928 

Ny  by  his  belt1  he  bare  a  longe  panade 
And  of  a  swerd!  ful  trenchant  was  J>e  blade 
A  loly  popper  bere  he  in  his  pouche 

Ther  nas  no  man  for  perile  durst1  hyra  touche  3932 

A  Sheffield?  thwytel  bere  he  in  his  hose 
Rounde  was  his  face  and  camoyse  was  his  nose 
As  pilled  as  an  ape  was  his  sculle 

He.  was  a  market1  beter  atte  fulle  3936 

Jjer  nas  no  wight1  J>at  durst1  hond  on  hym  legge 
But1  if  he  swore  he  shuld  anon  abegge 
A  theef  he  was  forsoj)  of  corn  and  mele 
And  jjaf  a  sleegh  and  vsaunt1  forto  stele  3940 

His  name  was  hoten  deyne^ouse  SymkyiD 
A  wif  he  hadde  commen  of  nobel  kyn 
The  person  of  ]>e  toune  her  fader  was 
WiJ>  hir  he  3aue  ful  mony  a  panne  of  bras  3944 

ffor  fat1  Symkyn  shuldz  in  his  blood  allie 
She  was  yfostred  in  a  nonrie 
ffor  Symkyn  woldfe]  no  wif  as  he  seide 
But1  she  were  wel  ynorshed  and  a  mayde  3948 

To  Sauen  his  Astate  of  ^emanrie  Ueaf55,  backj 

And  she  was  proude  and  peert1  as  is  a  pie 
A  ful  feire  sight1  was  it1  vpon  hem  twoo/ 
On  holy  daies  byforn  hir)  wold  he  goo/  3952 

PETWORTH    113 


114    GROUP  A.    §  6.   REEVE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

WiJ>  his  typefr  bounden  aboute  his  hede 

And  she  come  aftere  in  a  gite  of  rede 

And  Symkyn  had[de]  hosen  of  fe  same 

Jjer  durst  no  wi$#  clepe  hur*  but1  dame  3956 

"Was  noon  so  hardy  J?afr  went1  by  J>e  way 

)}af  wij>  hir1  dorst1  ones  rage  or  play 

But1  if  he  wold  be  sclayn  of  Symkyn 

WiJ)  panade  and  wij>  knyf  or  boydekyri)  3960 

ffor  lelous  folk  ben  perylous  euermoo 

Algates  Jjei  wolde  her  wyues  wenden  soo 

And  eke  for  she  was  somdett  smoterlicn" 

She  was  as  digne  as  water  in  a  dicfi  3964 

As  ful  of  hoker  and  of  bismare 

Hire  Jjou^te  fat1  a  lady  shuld  hii5  spare 

What1  for  her  kynrede  and  her  nortelrie 

Jjat1  she  had  lerned  in  ]>e  Nonerie  3968 

A  dou^tere  had[de]  J?ei  bitwene  hem  twoo 

Of  xxti  }ere  wi]?-outen  ony  moo/ 

Sauyng1  a  childe  fat  was  of  half  ^ere  age 

In  cradel  it1  lay  and  was  a  propre  page  3972 

This  wenche  thik  and  wel  ygrowe  was 

Wi}>  Camoys  nose  and  eyen  as  grey  as  glas 

"WiJ)  buttokes  brode  and  brestes  round  and  hie 

But1  ri^t1  faire  was  hur*  heor  I  wil  not1  lye  3976 

1F  The  pe?'son  of  fe  toune  for  she  was  so  faire 

In  pwrpoos  was  to  make  InY  his  aire 

Bo])  of  his  Cateft  and  of  his  messuage 

And  strautige  he  made  it1  of  hur)  mariage  3980 

His  pwrpoos  was  to  bystowe  hir1  hie 

Into  som  wor]?i  blood  of  Auncetrie 

ffor  holy  churches  good  most1  be  despended/ 

On  holy  chirche  blood  fat1  is  descended/  3984 

Therfore  he  wold?  his  holy  blood  honowe  [leaf  56] 

J>oo  fat1  he  holy  churche  shuld*  devowre 

Grete  soken  haf  fis  mellere  out1  of  doute 

whete  and  malt  of  al  J>e  londe  aboute  3988 

PETWOKTH    114 


GROUP  A.    §  6.   REEVE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    115 

And  namely  \er  was  a  grete  colege 

Men  clepen  f  e  solere  halle  atte  Cauntebrigge 

Ther  was  her  whete  and  eke  her  malt*  ygrounde 

And  on  a  day  it*  happed  in  a  stounde  3992 

Sik  lay  f  e  manciple  on  a  maladie 

Mon  wenden  wishly  fat*  he  shuldfe]  dye 

ffor  whiche  f  e  Millere  stale  bof  mele  and  corn 

An  hundred  tyme  more  fan  byforn  3996 

ffor  f  er  byforne  he  stale  but1  curteisly 

But1  nowe  he  was  a  f  eef  outrageously 

ffor  which  f  e  wardeyne  chidde  and  made  fare 

But1  ]>erof  sette  f  e  Millere  not1  a  tare  4000 

He  craked  booste  and  swore  it  was  not*  soo/ 

fan  were  fere  yonge  scolers  two 

That*  dwelten  in  f  e  halle  of  which  I  seie 

Teestif  f  ei  were  and  lusty  forto  pleye  4004 

And  only  for  her  merth  and  reverye 

Vpon  f  e  wardeyn  bisily  f  ei  crie 

To  3eue  hem  leue  but1  a  litel  stounde 

To  goo  to  melle  and  se  her  corn  y-grounde  4008 

And  hardely  f  ei  dorst*  lay  her  nekke 

f  e  Millere  shuld?  not*  stele  hem  half  a  pekke 

Of  corn  ne  by  sleight*  ne  by  force  hem  reue 

And  at*  J>e  last1  fe  wardeyn  }af  hem  leue  4012 

lohn  hight*  fat*  oon  an  Aleyn  hi^t*  fat  of er* 

Of  oon  toune  were  f ei  born  fat*  hight[e]  strother* 

fferre  in  f  e  norf  e  I  can  not*  telle  where 

This  Aleyn  makef  redy  al  his  gere  4016 

And  on  an  hors  f  e  sak  he  cast*  an5n 

fforf  gof  Aleyn  f  e  Clertf  and  also  lohn 

Wif  good  swerde  and  bokeler*  by  her  side 

lohn  knewe  f  e  way  hym  neded  no  gyde  4020 

And  atte  Mille  f  e  Sak  a  doune  he  laith  [leaf  sc,  back] 

Alayn  spake  first*  alhaille  Symonde  in  faif 

How  faref  f  i  fare  doi^tere  and  f  i  wiff 

Aleyn  welcome  quod  Symkyn  be  my  liff*  4024 

PETWORTH    115 


116    GROUP  A.    §  6.    REEVE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

And  lohn  also  how  nowe  what*  do  30  here 

By  god  quod  lohn  Symoncfe  nede  haf  no  pere 

Hym  byhouef  serae  hy?rc  self  fat1  hajj  no  swayn 

Or  ellis  he  is  a  fool  as  clerkes  sayne  4028 

Our  manciple  I  hope  he  wil  be  dede 

Swa  worchen  hym  ay  fe  wanges  in  his  hede 

And  f erfore  is  I  cowmen  and  eke  Aleyn 

To  Grynde  our  corn  and  carie  hit1  horn5  ageyn  4032 

We  prey  $ou  spede  vs  hepen  fat1  $e  may 

It1  shal  be  done  quod  Symkyn  be  my  fay 

What*  wil  ^e  done  while  fat1  if  is  in  hande 

By  God  ri^f  by  the  hoper  wil  I  stande  4036 

Quod  lohn  and  see  how  gates  f  e  corn  go))  Inne 

^it1  sagh  I  neuere  be  my  fadere  kynne 

How  fat1  Jje  hoper  waggef  til  and  fraye 

Aleyn  Answerd?  lohcra  wiltowe  swaye  4040 

fan  wil  I  be  bynef e  by  my  croune 

And  se  howe  gate  the  mele  falles  adown 

Into  f  e  trough  fat1  shal  be  my  disport1 

Quod  lohn  in  faath  I  may  bene  of  ^our*  sorte  4044 

I  is  as  il  a  Miller  as  is  3  e 

This  Millere  smyled  of  her  nycete 

And  f  ou^t1  al  f  is  is  don  buf  for  a  wile 

J?ei  wene  jjat1  no  man  may  hem  bygyle  4048 

Buf  by  my  J?riftf  pti  shal  I  blere  her  ye 

ffor  al  Jje  slei3f  in  her  philosophic 

The  more  queynte  Clerkes  fat1  fei  make 

fe  more  wil  I  stele  whan  I  take  4052 

In  stede  of  floure  $it  wil  I  $eue  hem  brenne 

The  grettesfr  clerkes  ben  not1  fe  wisest  men 

As  whilom  to  fe  wolf  f us  spake  f e  mare 

Of  alle  her  arte  counte  I  nou^f  a  tare  4056 

Out1  af  fe  Dore  he  gof  ful  pn'uely  [leaf  57] 

Whan  fat1  he  seghe  his  tyme  softely 

He  lokef  vp  and  doune  til  he  haf  founde 

The  Clerkes  hors  fer  as  he  stode  ybounde  4060 

PETWORTH    116 


GROUP  A.    §  6.   REEVE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     117 

Behinde  ]>e  mylle  vndere  a  leueselle 

And  to  J?e  hors  lie  go])  hym  faire  and  welle 

He  strepej)  of  J)e  bridel  ri3t»  anon 

And  whan  fe  hors  is  louse  he  gynnejj  to  gon  4064 

Toward  fe  fenne  where  wilde  Mares  renne 

And  forj)e-wi]>  porgh  fikke  and  Jjorgh  fenne 

This  Mellere  go])  ageyn  no  word  he  seide 

But1  do])  his  note  and  wif  })ise  clerkes  pleide  4068 

Til  fat1  her  corn  was  faire  and  welle  ygrounde 

And  whan  f  e  mele  is  sakked  and  ybounde 

This  lohn  go])  oute  and  fonde  her  hors  away 

And  gan  to  crie  harowe  and  walowway  4072 

Our  hors  is  lost1  aleyn  for  goddis  Lanes/ 

Steppe  on  ])i  fete  come  of  man  /  al  aft  anes 

Alias  our  wardeyn  ha])  our  palfray  lorn 

This  Aleyn  forgate  bo])  mele  and  corn  4076 

Al  was  out1  of  his  mynde  his  husbondrie 

What*  whilk*  way  is  he  gon  he  gan  to  crie 

jDe  wif  come  lepinge  inwarcJ  at  a  renne 

She  seide  alas  ^oure  hors  go])  to  J)e  fenne  4080 

With  wilde  mares  as  fast1  as  he  may  goo 

Ynfonke  come  on  his  honde  fat1  bonde  hym  soo/ 

And  he  J)af  better  shuld?  haue  knette  ])e  reyn 

Alias  quod  lohn  Aleyn  for  cristes  peyn  4084 

Lay  doune  ])i  swerde  and  I  wil  myn  alswaa 

I  is  f ul  swift  god  wate  as  is  a  Eaa 

By  goddes  hert1  he  shal  not1  scape  vs  bathe 

Whi  ne  had  ])ou  putte  J)e  Capel  in  ]>e  lathe  4088 

Ilhaile  by  god  Aleyn  })ou  is  a  fonne 

Thise  sely  clerkes  han  fid  fast1  yronne 

Touard?  J)e  fenne  bof  en  aleyn  an  eke  lohn 

And  whan  f  e  Miller5  segfi.  fat1  J)ei  were  gon  4092 

He  half  a  busshel  of  her  floure  haj)  take  peaf  57,  back] 

And  bad  his  wif  go  knede  it1  in  a  cake 

And  seide  I  trowe  J)e  clerkes  weren  a-ferde 

3itt  kan  a  Miller  make  a  clerkes  beerde  4096 

PETWORTH    117 


118    GROUP  A.   §  6.   REEVE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

ffor  al  her  arte  jiti  laf  hem  gon  her  way 

Lo  wher  jjei  gon  30  lafr  ]>e  children  play 

They  gete  him  not*  so  lightly  by  my  crotin 

Thise  sely  clerkes  rennen  vp  and  doun  4100 

"With  kepe.  kepe.  stonde.  stonde,  lossa  warderere 

Ga  qwistel  ^ou  I  shal  kepe  hyra  here 

But1  shortely  til  it1  was  verrey  ny3t 

Jjei  couj>e  not1  J>oughe  J>ei  did  al  her  my}ti  4104 

jjeire  Capel  cauche  he  ranne  alway  so  fast* 

Til  in  a  dicche  jjei  caught1  him  at  ]je  last1 

Wery  and  wete  as  beestis  in  )>e  reyne 

CorameJ)  sely  lohn  and  wijj  hym  commej)  aleyn  4108 

Alias  quod  lohn  J?e  day  Jjat1  I  was  born 

Nowe  are  we  dryuen  til  hejnng1  and  to  scorn 

Our  corn  is  stolle  men  wil  vs  foles  calle 

BoJ)  J?e  wardeyn  and  our  felawes  alle  4112 

And  namely  jje  Meller*  weylawaye 

J>us  pleyne])  lohn  as  he  go]?  by  J>e  waye 

Toward  the  Melle  and  baiardl  in  his  honde 

The  Millere  sitting1  by  ]>e  fire  he  fonde  4116 

ffor  it1  was  nyght1  and  fer]?er  myght1  he  nou^f 

But1  for  ))e  loue  of  god  fei  lajm  bisou^t1 

Of  harborowe  and  of  ease  as  for  her  penye 

\>&  Millere  seide  a^ein  if  jjer  be  enye  4120 

Such  as  it1  is  3ete  shal  30  haue  3oure  parte 

Myn  hous  is  streite  but1  36  han  lerned  arte 

3e  can  by  arguments  make  a  place 

A  myle  brode  of  xxti  fete  of  space  4124 

Lat1  se  nowe  if  j?is  place  may  suffise 

Or  make  it  rowmer  wijj  speche  as  is  3owr  gise 

Now  Symond?  seide  ]?is  lohn  be  seynt1  Cutberd? 

Ay  is  Jjou  mery  .  and  J?at  is  faire  answerde  4128 

I  haue  herde  seye  men  shal  taken  of  two  J?ingges        [leat  58] 

Such  as  he  fint1  or  take  such  as  he  bringes 

But  specialy  I  prey  Jjee  hooste  dere 

Gete  vs  some  mete  and  drink  and  make  vs  chere          4132 

PET  WORTH    118 


GROUP  A.    §  6.   REEVE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     119 

And  we  wil  paien  trewly  atte  fulle 

WiJ?  empty  hondes  men  may  not1  haukes  tulle 

Lo  here  our  siluer  redy  forto  spende 

This  Mellere  to  J?e  toune  his  doubter  sende  4136 

ffor  Ale  and  brede  and  rested  hem  a  goos 

And  bonde  her  hors  for  he  shuld  no  more  go  loos 

And  in  his  owne  chambre  he  made  a  bedde 

"Wif  shetes  and  wij?  chalons  faire  yspredde  4140 

Nou^f  from  his  owne  bedde  .x.  fete  or  xij. 

His  doughter  had  a  bed  al  by  hir1  selue 

Bi^t  in  J?e  same  chambre  by  and  by 

It  myghte  be  no  bette  and  cause  why  4144 

per  was  no  rommer  herborowe  in  J?e  place 

Jjei  soupen  and  J?ei  speken  hem  to  solace 

And  drynken  euere  stronge  ale  atte  beste 

About*  mydny^t1  went1  Jjei  to  reste  4148 

Wei  haj?  ]>is  Mellere  vernyssed  his  hede 

fful  pale  he  was  for-dronken  and  not*  rede 

He  ^eskejj  and  he  spekej?  porgft  ]je  nose 

As  he  ware  in  Jje  quakke  or  on  J)e  pose  4152 

To  bedde  he  gooj)  and  wij>  hym  go]>  his  wif    . 

As  eny  laye  he  light1  was  and  lolif 

So  was  her  loly  whistel  wel  ywette 

£e  Cradel  atf  her  beddis  fete  is  ysette  4156 

To  Rokken  and  to  ^eue  J?e  child?  to  souke 

And  whan  Jjatt  dronken  was  al  in  J>e  crouke 

To  bedde  went1  ]?e  doughter  ri^f  anon 

To  bedde  go]?  Aleyn  and  also  lonn  4160 

J>er  nas  no  more  hem  neded  no  dwale 

This  Mellere  haj>  so  wisly  bebbed  ale 

J>af  as  an  hors  he  snortej)  in  his  slepe 

Ne  of  his  tale  behynde  he  toke  no  kepe  4164 

His  wif  bare  him  a  Burdon  a  ful  stronge  [leaf  ss,  back] 

Men  myght1  here  ]?e  routing1  fens  a  forlonge 

The  wenche  route])  eek  par  companye 

Aleyn  J>e  Clerk  fat1  hero?  J?is  melodye  4168 

PETWORTH    119 


120    GROUP  A.    §  6.   REEVE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

He  pouked  on  lohn  and  seide  slepestowe 

Herde  jjou  euere  sclike  a  sang1  or  nowe 

Lo  sclike  a  conplinge  is  ytwix  hem  aHe 

A  wilde  fire  on  her  bodies  falle  4172 

Who  herkened  euere  sclike  a  ferly  Jnnge 

3e  J)ei  shal  haue  ]?e  floure  of  euel  endinge 

This  lange  ny^tt  fer  tydes  men  no  reste 

But*  3if  na  fors  al  shal  be  for  J>e  beste  4176 

ffor  lohn  seide  he  as  euere  mote  I  Jjrive 

If  pat1 1  may  ^on  wenche  J?an  wil  I  swyve 

Some  esement1  hajj  lawe  shapen  vs 

fibr  lohn  ]>er  is  a  lawe  fat1  seij)  ])us  4180 

That1  if  a  man  in  oon  point1  be  agreued 

That1  in  anojjer  he  shal  be  releued 

Our  corn  is  stollen  soj>ly  it1  is  no  nay 

And  we  han  had  an  euel  fit  to  day  4184 

And  syn  I  shal  haue  no  amendementt 

Ageyn  my  losse  I  wil  haue  esement1 

By  goddes  saule  it1  sal  na  no]?er  be 

J>is  lohn  answerde  Aleyn  avise  J>e  4188 

The  Mellere  is  a  perilous  man  he  seide 

And  if  Jjat1  he  out1  of  his  sclepe  abreide 

He  myghte  don  vs  boj?  a  vylenye 

Aleyn  answerd?  I  counte  hym  not1  a  flye  4192 

And  vp  he  rist1  and  by  jje  wenche  he  crepte 

This  wenche  lay  vpri^t1  and  faste  sclepte 

Til  he  so  nygh  was  er  she  my^te  spie 

jjat1  it1  had  bene  to  late  forto  crie  4196 

And  shortely  for  to  seie  J>ei  were  at1  on 

Nowe  pleye  Alayn  for  I  wil  speke  of  lohn 

This  lohn  lith  stille  a  forlonge  way  or  two 

And  to  hym  self  he  make])  wamenting1  and  woo  4200 

Alias  quod  he  J?is  is  a  wikke  lape  [leaf  59] 

Now  may  I  seie  Jjat1 1  is  but1  an  ape 

3itt  ha])  my  felawe  somwhat1  for  his  harme 

He  ha])  ])e  mellers  doubter  in  his  arme  4204 

PETWORTH    120 


GROUP  A.    §  6.    REEVE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS.    121 

He  Auntref  hym  and  haf  his  nedes  spedde 

And  I  ly  as  a  draf  sak  in  my  bedde 

And  whan  fis  Tape  is  tolde  anof  er  day 

I  shal  he  holde  a  daff  a  cokenay  4208 

I  wil  arise  and  aunter  he  my  fath" 

Vnhardy  is  vnsely  f  us  men  sath 

And  Vp  he  roos  and  softely  he  went1 

Vnto  fe  Cradel  and  in  his  arme  hit1  henf  4212 

And  hare  if  soft1  vntil  his  heddes  fete 

Sone  affcere  f  e  wif  her  rowting1  lete 

And  gan  to  wake  and  went1  her  out1  to  pisse 

And  come  agein  and  gan  her  cradel  mysse  4216 

And  groped  here  and  fere  hut1  she  foond?  noon/ 

Alias  quod  she  I  had  almost1  mysgon 

I  had  almost1  go  to  J>e  clerkes  hedde 

Ey  henedicite  fan  had  I  foule  yspedde  4220 

And  for]?  she  gof  til  she  f  e  cradel  fonde 

She  grope]?  alway  former  wif  her  honde 

And  fond  f  e  hed  and  f  ou^t1  no^t1  hut1  of  good 

By  cause  fat1  fe  cradel  "by  it1  stode  4224 

And  nyste  wher  she  was  for  it1  was  derk 

But  faire  and  wel  she  crepte  in  to  f  e  clerk1 

And  lith  ful  stille  and  wolde  haue  kau^fr  a  slepe 

Wif -In  a  while  fis  John  fe  clerk1  vp  lepe  4228 

And  on  fis  good[e]  wif  hee  leif  ful  sore 

So  mery  a  fitte  ne  had  she  not1  ful  ^ore 

And  prikef  harde  and  depe  as  he  ware1  madde  [i  PMSJ 

J5is  loly  lif1  han  fise  two  clerkes  ladde  4232 

To  fat1  fe  iij.  coke  hygan  to  singe 

Aleyn  wexe  wery.  in  f  e  daw[e]nynge 

ffor  he  had  swonken  al  f  e  longe  ny^t1 

And  seide  fare  wel  malyn)  sweete  wi^t1  4236 

The  day  is  come  I  may  no  lenger  hyde  Oaf  59,  back] 

But1  euermo  where  so  I  go  or  ride 

I  am  fine  owne  clerk  so  haue  I  sele 

Now  dere  lemman  quod  she  go  fare  wele  4240 

9  PETWOTITH    121 


122    GROUP  A.    §  6.    REEVE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

But1  er  J?ou  goo.  on  J>inge  I  wil  J>e  telle 

Whhan  Jjat1  Jjow  wendest1  homward?  by  y  melle 

Right1  at1  J?e  entre  of  J?e  door  be-hinde 

Thow  shaltf  a  Cake  of  half  a  busshel  fynde  4244 

That1  was  ymaked  of  fine  owne  mele 

Which  fat1 1  helpe  my  Sire  forto  stele 

And  good  lemman  god  Jje  saue  and  kepe 

And  wij>  fat1  word  almost1  she  gan  to  wepe  4248 

Aleyn  vprisf  and  fou^t1  er  fat1  it1  dawe 

I  wol  go  crepen  in  by  my  felawe 

And  fonde  f  e  cradel  wif  his  honde  anon 

By  god  fought1  he  alwrong  /  I  haue  mysgon  4252 

Myn  hede  is  toty  of  my  swynk  to  nyght 

pat1  make])  me  fat1  I  go  not1  aright1 

I  wote  wele  by  f  e  cradel  I  haue  mysgo 

Here  lith  f  e  meller*  and  his  wif  also  4256 

And  for]>  he  go]>  on  twenty  delway 

Vnto  J)e  bedde  J>er  as  }>e  meller1  lay 

He  wende  haue  cropen  by  his  felawe  lohn 

And  by  j?e  Meller1  in  he  crept1  anon  4260 

And  kaught1  him  by  j?e  nek  and  soft  he  spake 

And  seide  ]>ou  lohn  ]>ou  swyneshede  awake 

Of  Cristes  saule  and  here  a  noble  game 

ffor  by  Jjat1  lord!  J>af  called  is  seint1  lame  4264 

As  I  haue  pries  in  J>is  shorte  ny^t1 

Swyved  J)e  Mellers  doubter1  bolt1  vpri^t 

Whilst1  ]jow  hast1  as  a  Coward?  ben  agast1 

Ye  fals  harlot1  quod  J>e  Mellere  hast1  4268 

A  fals  traitowr.  fals  clerk  quod  he 

J5ow  shalt1  be  dede  by  goddes  dignyte 

Who  durste  be  so  bolde  to  disparage 

My  doubter  Jjat1  is  come  of  swich  lynage  4272 

And  by  j?e  J>rote  bolle  he  kau3^  aleyn  [leaf  GO] 

And  he  him  hent1  dispitously  ageyn 

And  on  ]?e  nose  he  smote  hyw  w^  his  fist1 

Doune  ranne  ))e  blody  streme  vpon  his  brist1  4276 

PETWORTH    122 


GROUP  A.    §  6.    REEVE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS.    123 

And  in  f  e  floor  wif  nose  and  mouf  to-broke 

f  ei  walowen  as  don  two  pigges  in  a  poke 

And  vp  f  ei  goon  and  doune  anon 

Till  fat  fe  Mellere  spurned  at  a  ston  4280 

And  downe  he  felle  bakward?  vpon  his  wiff 

fat1  wist1  no  f  inge  of  fis  nyce  strifT 

ffor  she  was  falle  a  slepe  a  litel  wijt1 

"Wif  lohn  f  e  clerk  fat1  waked  had  al  ny^t1  4284 

And  wif  f  e  falle  out1  of  her  slepe  she  braide 

Help  holy  crosse  of  bromholm  she  saide 

In  manus  tuas  lorde  to  f  e  I  calle 

Awake  Symond?  f  e  feend  is  on  me  falle  4288 

Myn  hert1  is  broken  help  I  ne  am  but1  dede 

fere  lith  vpon  my  wombe  and  on  myn  hede 

Helpe  Symkyn  for  f ise  fals  clerkes  fi^t1 

This  lohn  stert1  vp  as  fast1  as  euere  he  my^t1  4292 

And  grasped  by  f  e  walles  to  and  fro 

To  fynden  a  staf  and  she  stert1  vp  also 

And  knewe  f  e  Eisters  bet1  fan  did  lohn 

And  by  fe  walle  she  fonde  a  staf  anon  4296 

And  segh  a  litel  shymering1  of  a  li^fr 

ffor  at1  an  hole  in  shone  f  e  mone  bri^t1 

And  by  fat1  li^fr  she  segh  hem  bof [e]  two 

But1  sikerly  she  nyste  who  was  who  4300 

But1  as  she  seegh  a  white  f  inge  in  her  eye 

And  whan  she  gan  fis  white  f  ing1  aspie 

She  wende  f  e  Clerk  had  wered  a  volipere 

And  wif  fe  staf1  she  drough  ay  ner  and  nere  4304 

And  wende  han  hitte  fis  Aleyn  atte  fulle 

And  smote  f  e  Mylere  on  f  e  pyled  skulle 

ftat1  doun  he  goth  and  cried  harowe  I  dye 

Thise  Clerkes  bette  hym  wel  and  lete  hym  lye  4308 

And  Greief  hem  and  toke  her  hors  anon  [leaf oo,  back] 

And  eke  her/  mele  and  on  her  way  f  ei  g5n 

And  at1  the  Melle  $itt  f  ei  toke  her  Cake 

Of  half  a  busshel  floure  ful  wel  ybake  431 2 

PETWORTH    123 


124    GROUP  A.    §  6.    REEVE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

Thus  is  J?e  proude  Mellere  wel  ybete 

And  hath  ylosfr  J>e  grynding*  of  J>e  whete 

And  paide  for  J?e  soper  euery  deft 

Of  aleyn  and  of  lohn  jmf  bette  hym  weft  43 10 

His  wiff  is  swyued  and  his  dou^tere  als 

Lo  such  itt  is  a  Milled  to  be  fals 

And  Jjerfor  J?is  prouerbe  is  seide  ful  sotR 

Hym  ther  not1  wene  wele  Jiaf  euel  doth  4320 

A  Gilour  shal  hym  self  begiled  be 

And  god  Jjafr  sittejj  hegh  in  mageste 

Saue  al  J?e  company  grete  and  smale 

Thus  haue  I  quytte  j?e  MelleiJ  in  my  tale  4324 

IT  Thus  Endeth  ]?e  Reues  Tale 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


PETWORTH    124 


GROUP  A.    §  7.   COOK'S  PROLOGUE.   Petworth  MS.    125 


And  here  bygynnejj  J?e  Cokes  tale 

e  Coke  of  london  while  J?e  Reue  spak 

ffor  loye  him  Jjoujt1  he  clawed  hym  on  J?e  bak* 

Ha.  ha.  quod  he  for  cristes  passion 

This  Millere  haj>  a  sharpe  conclusion  4328 

Vpon  his  argument1  of  harbigage 

Wei  seide  Salomon  in  his  langage 

Ne  bringe  not1  euery  man  into  jjine  hous 

ffor  herbowringe  by  nyght1  is  perilous  4332 

Wei  0113 1*  a  man  avised  forto  be 

Whoom  fat1  he  brou^f  into  his  pryvete 

I  prey  to  god  so  3eue  me  sorowe  and  care 

If  euer  sij>en  I  hight1  hogge  of  ware  4336 

Herd  I  Meller  better  ysette  a  werke 

He  had  a  lape  of  malice  in  J>e  derke 

And  )>erfor  if  36  vouche  sauf  to  here  4340 

But1  god  forbede  fat1  we  stynt1  heere  4339 

A  tale  of  me  fat1  am  a  poor  man 

I  wil  3ou  telle  as  wel  as  euer  I  can 

A  litel  lape  J>af  felle  in  our  Cite  [leafei] 

Our  hooste  answerd!  and  seide  I  graunte  it1  fe  4344 

Now  telle  on  Rogger  and  loke  jjat1  it1  be  good 

ffor  mony  a  paast  hast1  J?ou  laten  blood 

And  mony  a  lak  of  Douer  hast1  jjou  sold4 

Jmt1  ha])  be  twies  hoote  and  twies  cold'  4348 

Of  mony  a  pilgryme  hast1  J)ou  cn'stes  curs 

ffor  of  ]?i  Persely  31^  fare  ]?ei  ]je  wors 

fat1  J?ei  han  eten  wij?  j)i  stobel  goos 

ffor  in  J)i  shoppe  is  mony  a  flee  loos  4352 

Now  telle  on  gentil  Rogger  by  Jji  name 

But1  31^  I  prei  J>e  be  not1  wroj?  for  game 

A  man  may  say  ful  so]?  in  game  and  play 

])ow  seist  ful  so}?  quod  Rogger  be  my  fay  4356 

PETWORTH    125 


126   GROUP  A.    §  7.   COOK'S  PROLOGUE.   Petworth  MS. 

But*  so))  play  quade  play  as  J)e  flemmyng1  saij? 
And  Jjerfore  henry  balyf  by  J?i  feij> 
Be  J>ow  not1  wrojj  er  we  departen  here 
poughe  J?afr  my  tale  be  of  an  ostylere  4360 

Buf  najjelees  I  wil  not1  tellen  if  ^it* 
But1  er  we  part1 1-wis  J>ou  shalf  be  quytt 
And  ]?erwij>  al  [he]  lough  and  made  chere 
And  saide  his  tale  as  ^e  shal  after  here  4364 

))us  endej?  ]>e  prologe  of  J>e  cokes  tale 
[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


PETWOTITH    126 


GROUP  A.    §  8.   COOK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.     127 


And  here  bygynne]?  J>e  Cokes  tale  T  Tfce  cokes  Taie. 

APrentis  whilom  dwelled  in  our5  Cite 
And  of  a  craft1  of  vitalers  was  he 
Gailard?  he  was  as  gold-fyncR  in  J)e  shawe 
Broun  as  J>e  bery.  a  propre  short  felawe  4368 

Wij?  lockes  blake  ykemptt  M  fetisly 
Daunce  he  couj>e  so  wel  and  lolily 
\)ati  he  was  cleped  Perkyn  reveilour> 
He  was  as  fed  of  loue  and  paramowr  4372 

As  is  J>e  hyve  ful  of  hony  swete 
"Wel  was  ])e  wenche  wi]>  him  my^t1  mete 
And  euery  Bridale  wold?  he  sing1  and  hoppe 
He  loued  bette  pe  Tauern  J?an  J>e  shoppe  4376 

ffor  whan  )>er  eny  ridynge  was  in  chepe  Deaf  ei,  back] 

Out1  of  J>e  Shoppe  jjidere  wold?  he  lepe 
Til  pat1  he  had  al  J>e  si$fl  yaeyn 

And  daunsed  wel  wold  he  not1  come  ageyn  4380 

And  gader5  hym  a  mayne  of  his  sort1 
To  hoppe  and  synge  and  make  such  disport1 
And  Jjer  ]>ei  setten  steuen  forto  mete 

To  pleyn  at1  j?e  dis  in  such  a  strete  4384 

ffor  in  J>e  toune  nas  J>er  no  prentys 
fat1  fairrer  couj>e  cast1  a  peire  of  dys 
J>an  perkyn  coujje  and  ferto  he  was  free 
Of  his  dispence  in  place  of  pryvete  4388 

That1  fonde  his  maister  wel  in  his  chaffare 
tTor  oft1  tymes  he  fonde  his  boxe  ful  bare 
ffor  sikerly  a  prentise  Reveilour* 

Jjat1  hauntej?  dis  ryot1  and  pa?<amoui>  4392 

His  maister*  shulde  in  his  shop  abye 
Al  haue  he  not1  part1  of  ])e  mynstralcie 
ffor  feft  and  riot1  Jjei  ben  conuertible 
Al  conne  he  pley  on  gitern  or  rubible  4306 

PETWORTH    127 


128      GROUP  A.    §  8.   COOK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Reuel  and  trouj>e  as  in  a  lough  degre 
pei  ben  ful  wrop  alday  as  men  may  see 
J3is  loly  Prentis  wip  his  maister  bode 
Til  he  were  nygli  out1  of  his  prentisehode  4400 

Al  were  he  snybbed  erly  or  late 
And  somtyme  ladde  wip  revel  to  Newgate 
But1  atte  last1  his  maister  hym  bypou}te 
Ypon  a  day  whan  he  his  paper  sou^te  4404 

Of  a  prouerd?  pat1  seip  pis  same  word? 
Wei  bette  is  roten  appel  out1  of  horde 
pan  pat1  it  rote  al  pe  remencmnte 

So  fare]?  it*  by  a  ryotous  seruaunte  4408 

It  is  moche  lasse  harme  to  laf  hym  passe 
pan  he  sheed  alle  pe  seruawntes  in  p e  place 
Therfor  his  maister  ^aue  hym  a  quytazmce 
And  bad  hym  goo  wij>  sorowe  and  mesehaunce  4412 

And  |>us  ])is  prentise  had  his  leue  .  [leaf  62] 

Now  lat1  him  riot1  al  J>e  ny^t1  or  leue 
And  for  Jjer  is  no  Jjeef  wijj-out1  a  louke 
pat1  helpej?  hym  to  waasten  or  to  souke  4416 

Of  pat1  he  bribe  can  or  borowe  may 
Anon  he  sent1  his  bedde  and  his  aray 
Ynto  a  conper  of  his  owne  sort1 

pat1  loued  dys  [and]  reuel  and  disport1  4420 

And  had  a  wif  pat1  helde  for  countenance 
A  Shop  and  swyued  for  her  sustenance 
[No  break  in  the 


PETWORTH    128 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PctWOlth  MS. 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A. 


[THE  SPURIOUS  TALE  OF  GAMELYN.] 

[Spurious  LtirikJ] 

Butt  here-of  I  wil  pas  as  nowe 

And  of  yonge  Gamely/i  I  wil  telle  $ou .  2 


L 


[Tale.] 
ij?es  and  listnej?  and  harknej?  a-ri^t  t  >«  tale  of  yonge 

And  36  shul  here  of  a  doughty  kny^tt 
Sir1  lohn  of  boundes  was  his  name 

He  coude  of  Norture  and  of  mochel  game  4 

Thre  sones  ]>e  knyghtt  had  and  wij?  his  body  he  wan 
The  eldest1  was  a  moche  schrewe  and  sone  bygan 
His  brejjer  loued  wel  her  fader'  and  of  him  were  agast 
J)e  eldest1  deseraed  his  faders  curs  and  had!  it  atte  lastt       8 
)?e  good  knyght1  his  fadere  lyued  so  yore 
ftaf  dej?  was  cowmen  to  hym  .  and  handled  hym  ful  sore 
\)Q  Good  knyght1  cared  sore  .  sik  \er  he  lay 
How  his  children  shuld  lyuen  after  his  day  1 2 

He  had  ben  wide  where  .  buf  non  husbonde  he  was 
Al  J>e  londe  J>af  he  had  if  was  purchas/ 
ifayn  he  wold  it1  were  dressed  among1  hem  alle 
That1  eche  of  hem  had  his  parte  as  it  my^fr  falle  1 6 

Jjoo  sente  he  in  to  contrey  after  wise  kny^tes 
To  helpen  delen  his  londes  f  and  dressen  hem  to  ri^tes 
He  sent1  hem  word?  by  letters  f  J>ei  shul  hie  blyve 
Yf  fei  wolk1  speke  wijj  hym  f  whilst1  he  was  a  lyve         20 

PETWORTH    129 


APPENDIX  TO  GEOUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

Whan  J)e  kny^tes  harden  sik  Jjat1  he  lay 

Had  J>ei  no  rest1  neijjer1 :  ny^fr  ne  day 

Til  J?ei  come  to  hym  f  J>er  he  lay  stille 

On  his  dejjes  bedde/  to  abide  goddys  wille  24 

Than  seide  Jje  good  knyghtf  seke  J>er  he  lay  [leaf  6-2,  back] 

Lordes  I  3011  warne  for  so]?  wij>-oufr  nay 

I  may  no  lenger  lyuen  here  in  J>is  stounde 

ffor  Jjorgh"  goddis  wille '.  dej?  droue}>  me  to  grounde          28 

J*er  nas  noon  of  hem  alle  f  J>afr  herd  hym 

fat1  J>ei  ne  had  routh  f  of  Jjat1  like  kny^t1 

And  seide  sir1  for  goddes  loue  f  dismay  3011 

God  may  don  boote  of  bale  f  J>at  is  now  ywrou^tf  32 

J?an  speke  pe  good  kny}^  f  sik1  j>«r  he  lay 

Boote  of  bale  god  may  sende  i  I  wote  if  is  no  nay 

Buf  I  bisecche  30"  kny^tes  for  ]?e  loue  of  me 

GoJ)  and  dressej*  my  londes  f  among1  my  sones  j?re  36 

And  for  J?e  loue  of  god  dele)?  not1  amys 

And  forgetej)  not1  Gamelyne  f  my  3ong<  son?ie  ]>at  is/ 

Take})  hede  to  J?af  oon  as  wel  as  to  J?at  o)?ere 

Seelde  36  seen  eny  hier  .  helpen  his  bropere  40 

)joo  lete  |)ei  j?e  knyght1  lyen  f  j?afr  was  not1  in  hele 

And  wenten  into  counsett  his  londes  forto  dele 

Forto  delen  hem  alle  to  on  i  J?af  was  her  J)ou3f 

And  for  Gamelyn  was  3ongestt  he  shuld  haue  nou3t*         -4  4 

Alt  j)e  londe  J>af  ])er  was  f  J)ei  dalten  it1  in  two 

And  lete  Gamelyne  J?e  3onge  f  without1  londe  goo 

And  eche  of  hem  seide  to  other  ful  loude 

His  brej?eren  my3fr  3eue  him  londe  whan  he  good  cowde  48 

And  whan  J>ei  had  deled  J?e  londe  at1  her  wille 

J?ei  commen  to  J>e  knyghf .  ])er  he  lay  stille 

And  tolde  him  anoon  :  how  J>ei  had  wro^tt 

And  J?e  knyght1  Jjere  he  laye  liked  it1  ri3t  nou3tH  5'J 

5F  Than  seide  jje  kny^t1  f  be  seint1  Martyne 

For  al  Jjat1  36  han  done '  3it  is  the  londe  myne 

ffor  goddis  loue  neighbours .  stondej)  alle  stille 

And  I  wil  delen  my  londe '  after  myn  owne  wille  50 

PETWORTH    130 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

lohn  myne  eldest1  sone  f  shal  haue  plowes  fy  ve 

fat1  was  my  faders  heritage  f  whan  he  was  alyve 

And  my  myddelest1  sone  .v.  plowes  of  londe 

fat1 1  halpe  forto  gete  with  my  ri}^  honde  60 

And  al  myn  of  ere  pwrchace  of  londes  and  ledes  peaf  es] 

fat1  I  biquef  e  Gamelyn .  and  al  my  good  stedes 

And  I  biseche  3011  good  men  pat1  lawe  corcne  of  londe 

For  Gamelynes  loue  f  fat1  my  quest1  stonde  64 

Thus  dalt1  f  e  kny^t1 .  his  londe  by  his  day 

Ri^t1  on  his  def  bed  sik  f  er  he  lay 

And  sone  afterward  he  lay  stoon  stille 

And  deide  whan  tyme  comef  as  it1  was  cmtes  wille         68 

Anoon  as  he  was  dede  and  vnder  gras  graue 

Sone  f e  elder  broker  f  giled  f  e  $onge  knaue 

He  toke  into  his  honde  his  londe  and  his  lede 

And  Gamelyne  him  seluen  to  clof  e  and  to  fede  72 

He  closed  him  and  fedde  him/  euelt  and  eke  wrothe 

And  lete  his  londes  forfare  f  and  his  houses  bojje 

His  Parkes  and  his  wodes  f  and  did  no  Jjing*  welle 

And  sij>en  he  it1  abou^f  on  his  owne  felle  76 

So  longe  was  Gamelyne  in  his  brokers  halle 

ffor  pe  strengest1  of  good  witt  ]>ei  douted  hyw  alle 

PQI  was  noon  J>er-Inne  neijjer  ^onge  ne  olde 

J^af  wold^  wrethe  Gamelyn.  were  he  neuer  so  bolde  80 

Gamelyne  stood  on  a  day  f  in  his  brojjeres  $erde 

And  byganne  wij)  his  hond/  to  handel  his  berde 

He  Jjou^f  on  his  landes  fat  lay  vnsowe 

And  his  fare  okes  fat1  doune  were  ydrawe  84 

His  Parkes  were  broken/  and  his  deer  reued 

Of  alle  his  good  stedes/  noon  was  hyra  byleued 

His  hous  were  vnhilled/  and  ful  euett  di^f 

Tho  Jjou3t1  Gamelyne/  it1  went1  not1  ari3f  88 

IT  Afterward?  come  his  broker  walking1  fare 

And  seide  to  Gamelyn.  is  our  mete  3are 

Tho  wrathed  him  Gamelyn/  and  swore  by  goddys  boke 

pow  shalt1  go  bake  Jri  self/  I  wil  not1  be  fi  coke  92 

PETWORTH    131 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PctWOlth  MS, 

What1  broper  Gamelyne  howe  answerst  pou  nowe 

pou  spekest1  neuere  such  a  word'  as  pou  dost  nowe 

By  feipe  seide  Gamelyn  f  now  me  penkep  nede 

Of  al  pe  harmes  pat1 1  haue  f  I  toke  neuere  ^it1  hede .       96 

My  parkes  bene  broken  i  and  my  dere  reued         [leaf  es,  back] 

Of  myn  armes  ne  my  stedes  f  nou^t1  is  byleued 

Att  pat1  my  fader5  me  byquape  f  al  gop  to  shame 

And  perfor  haue  pou  goddes  curs  i  bropere  be  pi  name    100 

fan  spake  his  broker  pat1  rape  was  and  rees 

Stond  stille  Gadlynge  and  holde  pi  pees 

Thou  shalt1  be  fayn  to  haue  f  pi  mete  and  pi  wede 

What1  spekest1  pow  gadeling1.  of  londe  or  of  lede          104 

Than  seide  Gamelyn  f  pe  child  so  ^ing1 

Cristes  curs  mote  he  haue  i  J?att  me  clepeth  Gadelinge 

I  am  no  wors  Gadeling1  f  ne  no  wors  wi^t1 

But1  born  of  a  lady  and  gete  of  a  kny^f  108 

Ne  dorsfr  he  nof  to  Gamelyn  neuere  a  foot1  goo 

But1  cleped  to  hym  his  men  i  and  seide  to  hem  J>oo/ 

Go])  and  bete])  pis  boye  and  reue]>  hyra  his  witte 

And  lat1  him  lerne  ano]>er  tyme  f  to  answer1  me  bette      112 

Than  seide  ]>e  Child?  ^onge  Gamelyn 

Cristes  curs  mote  ]>ou  haue  '  broker  art  }?ou  myn 

And  if  I  shal  algates  be  beten  anon 

Cristes  curs  mote  )>0u  hauef  but  ]wu  be  Jjat1  on  116 

And  anon  his  broker  in  pat1  grete  hete 

Made  his  men  to  fette  staues  Gamelyn  to  bete 

Whan  euery  of  hem  had  a  staf  ynommen 

Gamelyn  was  werre .  whan  he  segh  hem  cowmen  1 20 

Whan  Gamelyne  segh  hem  coramen.  he  loked  oner  alt 

And  was  ware  of  a  pestel  f  stode  vnder  pe  waft 

Gamelyn  was  li^t1  and  {rider*  gan  he  lepe 

And  droof  alle  his  broperes  men  ri^t1  sone  on  an  hepe    124 

And  loked  as  a  wilde  lyon.  and  leide  on  good  wone 

And  whan  his  broper  segh  pat1!  he  byga/me  to  gon 

He  fley  vp  into  a  loft1  i  and  shette  J>e  door  fast1 

pus  Gamelyn  wip  his  pestel.  made  hem  al  a-gast1  128 

PETWORTH    132 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

Some  for  Gamelyns  loue.  and  some  for  eye 

Alle  J>ei  droughen  hem  to  halues  whan  he  gan  to  pleye 

1f  What1  nowe  seide  Gamelyn  f  euel  mote  ^e  the 

Wil  36  bygynne  contecte  f  and  so  sone  flee  132 

Gamelyn  sou}^  his  broker  f  winder*  he  was  flowe          [leaf  04] 

And  seghe  where  he  loked  out1  a  wyndowe 

Bropere  seide  Gamelyn.  come  a  litel  nere 

And  I  wil  teche  fe  a  play  at  J?e  bokelere  136 

His  bro]>ere  him  ansuerde.  and  seide  by  seint1  Eichere 

Jie  while  J?att  pestel  is  in  fine  honde .  I  wil  come  no  nere 

Broker  I  wil  make  Jn  pees  f  I  swer  by  cmtes  oore 

Oast1  away  fe  pestel.  and  wrefe  pe  no  more  140 

1  most1  nede  seide  Gamelyn  wrej>  me  at1  onys 

ifor  ]?ou  wold  make  j>i  men.  to  breke  my  bonys 

Ne  had  I  hadde  mayn  and  myjtt  in  myn  armes 

To  han  hem  fro  me .  J?ei  wold  haue  don  me  harmes        144 

Gainelyn  seide  his  broker  be  J?ou  not1  wroth 

Forto  seno  J)e  han  harme.  me  were  ri^t1  loth 

I  ne  did  it1  not1  broker  but1  for  a  fondinge 

ffor  to  loken  wher  ]?ou  art1  stronge  and  art1  so  ^enge        148 

(Dome  a  doune  j>an  to  me  and  graunt1  me  my  bone 

Of  oon  Jring1 1  wil  ]?e  axe  and  we  shal  sau^t1  sone 

Doune  ]?an  come  his  broker  jjat1  fikel  was  and  felle 

And  was  swij)  sore  a-feerd  of  J?e  pestelle  152 

He  seide  brojjer  Gamelyn  axe  me  Jji  bone 

And  loke  J>ou  me  blame  but1 1  it1  grawnte  sone 

)?an  seide  Gamelyn  broker  I-wys 

And  we  shul  be  at1  on.  J?ou  most  grawnte  me  this  156 

Aft  Jjat1  my  fader  me  by-qua]>.  whilst1  he  was  alyue 

J?ow  most1  do  me  it1  haue.  if  we  shul  not1  strive 

[Oat1  shalf  ]>ou  haue  Gamelyn  I  swere  bi  cn'stes  oore. 

Al  fat1  fi  fadere  jje  by-quajje.  Jjough  J?ou  wold?  haue  more 

Thy  londe  J>af  litfr  ley.  wel  it1  shal  be  sawe  161 

And  J?ine  houses  reised  vp  fat1  bene  leide  ful  lawe 

Thus  seide  ]>e  knyght .  to  gamelyn  wij)  moufe 

And  J?ou3t  on  falsnes  as  he  wel  coufe  164 

PETWORTH    133 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOltll  MS. 


fe  ki^t1  Jjou^t1  on  tresofi.  and  gamelyn  anon 

And  wente  and  kissed  Ms  "broker  and  whan  f  ei  were  at  on 

Alas  yonge  Gamelyn  no  f  ing1  he  ne  wist 

Wif  such  fals  treson  .  his  broker  him  kisfr  168 

Lyf  eneth  and  listenef  and  holdef  30^7-  tonge       [leaf  64,  back] 

And  30  shul  here  talking1  of  Gamelyn  f  e  3onge 

IT  Ther  was  fere  bisiden  cride  a  wrastelinge 

And  f  erf  ore  fer  was  sette  a  rawme  and  a  ringe  172 

And  Gamelyn  was  in  wille  to  wende  f  erto/ 

fforto  preuen  his  raj^  what1  he  coude  doo 

Brof  ere  seide  Gamelyn  by  seint1  Richere 

fow  most1  lene  me  to  ny3#  a  litel  coursere  176 

That1  is  fresshe  fro  f  e  spore  on  for  to  ride 

I  most1  on  an  erand?  a  litel  here  beside 

By  god  seide  his  broker/  of  stedes  in  my  stalle 

Goo  and  chese  f  e  the  best1  spare  non  of  hem  alle  180 

Of  stedes  and  of  coursers  fat1  stoden  hem  byside 

And  telle  me  good  brof  er  whider  f  ou  wilt  ride 

Here  beside  broker  is  cried  a  wrastelinge 

And  f  erf  ore  shal  be  sette  a  ram  and  a  ringe  184 

Moche  worchip  it  were  brof  ere  to  vs  alle 

Might1  1  f  e  ram  and  f  e  ring1  bring1  home  to  J?is  halle 

A  stede  ther  was  sadeled  smertly  an  skete 

Gamelyn  did  a  peire  spores  fast1  on  his  fete  188 

He  sette  his  foote  in  Jje  stirop  J>e  stede  he  bistrode 

And  towardes  J?e  wrasteling1  J>e  yong1  childe  rode 

IT  Whan  Gemelyn  J?e  3onge  was  riden  out1  atte  gate 

j?e  fals  kny3f  his  broker  loked  if  after5  fate  192 

And  bysou3t1  Ihesu  cristt  fat1  is  heuene  kinge 

He  myght1  breke  his  necke  in  f  e  wrestelinge 

As  sone  as  Gamelyn  come  f  er  f  e  place  was 

He  light1  doune  of  his  stede  and  stood  on  f  e  gras  1  96 

And  f  er  he  herde  a  frankeleyn  weiloway  singe 

And  by-gonne  bitterly  his  hondes  for  to  wringe 

Good  man  seide  Gamelyn  f-  whi  mast  f  ou  f  is  fare 

Is  f  er  no  man  fat1  may.  3ou  helpen  out1  of  care  200* 

PETWORTH    134 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

Alias  seide  f  is  frankeleyn  fat*  euere  was  I  bore 

ffor  twey  stalworf  sones  f  I  wene  fat1 1  haue  lore 

A  champion  is  in  f  e  place.  fat1  haf  wrou^t1  me  sorowe 

fFor  he  haf  sclayn  my  two  sones.  but1  ^if  god  hem  borowe 

I  wil  ^eue  x.  li.  by  Ihesn  crist  and  more  [leaf  65] 

Wif  f  e  nones  I  fonde  a  man  wold'  handel  hyw  sore 

Good  man  seide  Gamelyw  wilt1  f  ou  wele  don 

Holde  my  hors  f  e  whiles  my  man  f  drowe  of  my  shon  208 

And  helpe  my  man  to  kepe/  my  clones  and  my  stede 

And  I  wil  to  place  gon .  to  loke  if  I  may  spede 

By  god  seide  f  e  ffrankeleyn  it1  shal  be  don 

I  wil  my  self  be  fi  man  to  drowe  of  fi  shon  212 

And  wende  f  ou  into  place  Ihesn  crist  f  e  spede 

And  drede  not1  of  f  i  clones,  ne  of  f  i  good  stede 

Bare-foot1  and  vngirt1.  Gamelyn  Inne  came 

Alle  fat1  were  in  fe  place .  hede  of  him  name  216 

Howe  he  durst1  auenture  him  to  don  his  my^t1 

fat1  was  so  doghty  a  champi5n  in  wrasteling1  and  in  fi^t 

Vp  sterf  Jje  Champion  rapely  anon 

And  toward  yong1  Gamelyn  byganne  to  gon  220 

And  seide  who  is  J>i  fadere  and  who  is  J?i  sire 

ffor  sothe  fou  art1  a  -grete  fool  fat1  thou  come  hire 

Gamelyn  answerd?  J?e  Champion  fo 

Thowe  knewe  wel  my  fadere  while  he  my^t  goo  224 

J?e  whiles  he  was  alyue  by  seyiit1  Martyn 

Sir1  lohn  of  Boundes  was  his  name  and  I  am  Gamelyn 

^[  ffelawe  seide  fe  Champion  so  mote  I  f  rive 

I  knewe  wel  fi  fadere  j?e  whiles  he  was  alyue  228 

And  f i  silf  Gamelyn  I  wil  fat1  f ou  it  here 

While  f  ou  were  a  ^ong1  boy.  a  moch  shrewe  f  ou  were 

Than  seide  Gamelyn  and  swore  by  cmtes  ore 

Now  I  am  older  wexe  fou  shalt1  finde  me  a  more  232 

By  god  seide  f e  Champion  welcome  mote  fou  be 

Come  f ow  onys  in  my  honde .  fou  shalt1  neuere  the 

It  was  wel  wif-in  fe  ny^t1  and  f  e  mone  shone 

Whan  Gamelyn  and  fe  Champion  to-gider1  gon  gone      236 

PETWORTH    135 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

The  Champion  cast1  turnes  to  Gamelyn  fat  was  presf 

And  Gamelyn  stode  and  bad  hym  done  his  best1 

Than  seide  Gamelyn  to  f  e  Champiozm 

J3owe  art1  fast1  aboute  to  bringe  me  adown  240 

Now  I  liaue  proued  mony  t?^rnes  of-  fine  Deaf  es,  back] 

Thow  most1  he  seide  oon  or  ij.  of  myne 

Gamelyn  to  f  e  Champion  ^ede  smertely  anon 

Of  alle  f  e  turnes  fat1  he  coupe  he  shewed  hym  but  on 

And  cast1  him  on  f  e  lift1  side.  fat  ]>re  ribbes  to-brake     245 

And  f  erto  his  owne  arme  fat1  ^af  a  grete  crake 

Than  seide  Gamelyn  smertly  anon 

Shal  if  bihold*  for  a  cast1  or  ellis  for  non  248 

By  god  seide  f  e  Champion  whedere  it1  bee 

He  fat1  coramef  ones  in  f  i  honde  shal  he  neuere  the 

IT  Than  seide  f  e  frankeley  fat  had  f  e  sones  fere 

Blessed  be  fou  Gamelyn  fat1  euere  fou  bore  were  252 

The  ffrankleyn  seide  to  f  e  Champion  on  hym  stode  liym 

This  is  3onge  Gamelyn  J>af  taujt/  J?e  fis  pleye         [n°n  eJe 

A^ein  answerd2  fe  Chamjjion).  fat1  likef  no  f ing1  wel 

He  is  alfer  maister  and  his  pley  is  ri^t1  felt  256 

Sif  en  y  wrasteled  first1  it1  is  goon  ^ore 

But1 1  was  neuer1  in  my  lif  handeled  so  sore 

Gamelyn  stode  in  fe  place  anon  wif-out1  serk1 

And  seide  ^if  fer  be  moo  laf  hem  come  to  werk1  260 

The  Champion  fat1  pyned  hym  to  worch  sore 

It1  semef  by  his  countenemnce  fat1  he  wil  no  more 

Gamelyin  in  f  e  place  stood  stille  as  stone 

fibr  to  abide  wrastelinge  but1  f  er  come  none  264 

J)er  was  noon  wif  gamelyn  fat  wold  wrastel  more 

ffor  he  handeled  the  Champion  so  wonderly  sore 

Two  gentile  men  fat  3emed  f  e  place 

Come  to  Gamelyin  god  3eue  hyra  good  grace  268 

And  seide  to  hym  do  on  •  f  i  hosen  and  f  i  shoone 

ffor  sof  at1  f  is  tyme  f  is  fare  is  done 

And  fan  seide  Gamelyn  so  mot1 1  wel  fare 

1  haue  not1  $ete  haluendele  sold  my  ware  272 

PETWOETH    136 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

f  oo  seide  f  e  Champion  f  so  broke  I  my  swere 

He  is  a  fool  faf  ferof  bief  f  ou  sellef  it1  so  dere 

Tho  saide  f  e  ffrankeleyn  fat1  was  in  mocli  care 

ffelawe  he  saide  whi  lackesf  fou  fis  ware  276 

By  sante  lame  of  Gales  faf  mony  man  haf  sou^t        [leaf  66] 

3if  is  it*  to  good  chepe  fat1  f  ow  hast1  bou}f 

Thoo  f  af  wardeynes  were  of  fat1  wrasteling1 

Come  and  brou^f  Gamelyn  fe  Ramwe  and  fe  rynge      280 

[ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

And  Gamelyn  bif ou$f  him  it  was  a  faire  f  inge 

And  went*  wif  moche  loye  home  in  fe  mornynge  284 

1T  His  broker  see  wher  he  came  f  wi)>  ]?e  grete  route 

And  bad  shitfr  pe  gate  and  hold*  hyra  wij)  oute 

The  Porter  of  his  lord'  was  soor  a  gaast* 

And  stert1  anoon  to  ])e  gate  and  lokked  if  fast1  288 

IT  Now  lithenes  and  listnejj  bo|)  ^onge  and  olde 

And  ^e  shul  here  gamen  of  Gamelyn  J>e  bolde 

Gamelyn  come  to  ]>e  gate  for  to  haue  come  Inne 

And  if  was  shetf  fasf  wi]>  a  strong1  pyrme  292 

Jpan  seide  Gamelyn  Porter  vndo  |?e  3ate 

ifor  good  mewnys  sones  stonden  ]?er-ate 

J>an  answer(J  |je  porter  and  swore  by  goddys  berde 

))ow  ne  shalf  Gamelyn  come  into  J)is  ^erde  296 

Thow  lixf  seide  Gamelyn/  so  broke  I  my  chyne 

He  smote  J?e  wiketf  wi)>  his  foote  and  breke  awaie  ]?e  pywne 

The  Porter  seie  J>oo/  it  my^t  no  better  be 

He  sette  foote  on  ertfr  and  bygan  to  flee  300 

By  my  feye  seide  Gamelyn  j?af  travaile  is  ylore 

ffor  I  am  of  fote  as  lighf  as  Jwu .  if  J>ou  haddesf  it  swore 

Gamelyn  ouertoke  ])e  porter1,  and  his  tene  wrake 

And  girf  him  in  J?e  nek1  fat1  f e  boon  to-brake  304 

And  toke  hym  by  faf  oon  arme/  and  threwe  hy?rc  in  a  welle 

vijc.  fadme  if  was  depe/  as  I  haue  herd'  telle 

1F  Whan  Gamelyn  J?e  yonge  fus  had  plaied  his  playe 

Alle  faf  in  fe  yerde  were .  drowen  hem  awaye  308 

10  PETWORTH    137 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

J)ei  dredden  him  ful  sore  for  werk  fat1  he  wroi^fr 
And  for  f e  faire  company  fat*  he  f ider  bro^tf 
Gamelyn  ^ede  to  f  e  gate/  and  lete  it1  vp  wide 
He  lete  Inne  aft.  fat1  gon  wold*  or  ride  312 

And  seide  36  be  welcome  wif  out1  eny  greue 
ffor  we  wil  be  maisters  here  and  axe  no  man  leue 
3usterday  I  left1/  seide  ^onge  Gamelyn  Qeaf66,bacio 

In  my  brofers  seler1/  v.  tonne  of  wyn  316 

I  wil  not1  f  is  company  pa?*tyn  a-twynne 
And  ^e  wil  done  after  me/  while  sope  is  f  er-Inne 
And  if  my  brof  er  gruche  or  make  foule  chere 
Eif er  for  spence  of  mete  and  drink1/  fat  we  spende  here 
I  am  oure  Catozw*  and  here  our  alfer  purs  321 

He  shal  haue  for  his  grucching1  seint1  Maries  curs 
.  My  brof  er  is  a  Nigon  f  I  swere  be  cn'stes  oore 
And  we  wil  spende  largely/  fat1  he  haf  spared  yore       324 
And  who  fat1  make  grucchinge  fat1  we  here  dwelle 
He  shal  to  f  e  porter  in  to  f  e  drowe-welle 
.Vij.  dayes  and  vij.  ny^tes  Gamelyn  helde  his  feestf 
Wif  moche  solace/  was  fer  noon  cheestt  328 

In  a  litel  torret1  his  brof  er  lay  steke 
And  see  hem  waast1  his  good  and  dorst1  no  word?  speke 
Erly  on  a  mornynge  on  f  e  viij.  day 

The  Gestes  come  to  Gamelyn  and  wolde  gon  her  way     332 
Lordes  seide  Gamelyn  wil  36  so  hie 
Al  f  e  wyne  is  not1  ^it1  dronko  '  so  brouke  I  myn  ye 
Gamelyn  in  his  hert1/  was  ful  woo 

Whan  his  gestes  toke  her  leue.  fro  hym  forto  go  33(5 

He  wolde  f  ei  had  dwelled  lenger.  and  f  ei  seide  nay 
But1  bytaught1  Gamelyn.  god  and  good  day 
Thus  made  Gamelyn  his  feest1.  and  bro^t1  wel  to  ende 
And  aftere  his  gestes.  toke  leue  to  wende  340 

IT  Lythen  and  listen  and  holde  ^our*  tunge 
And  36  shal  here  Game  of  Gamelyn  f  e  ^onge 
Harkeneth  lordingges  and  listenef  ari^t 
Whan  alle  gestis  were  goon  how  gamelyn  was  di^t* 

PETWOKTH    138 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PctWOltll  MS. 

Alle  pe  while  pat1  Gamelyn  heeld  his  Mangerye 

His  bropere  poi^t1  on  hym  be  wroke/  witJi  his  trecherye 

Whan  Gamylyns  gestes  were  riden  and  gon 

Gamelyn  stood  anon  allone/  frend  had  he  non  348 

Tho  aftere  felle  sone/  wM-in  a  litel  stounde 

Gamelyn  was  taken/  and  ful  frard«  ybounde 

fforp  Come  pe  fals  knynghff  out1  of  pe  Solere  [leaf  67] 

To  Gamelyn  his  broker/  he  $ede  ful  nere  352 

And  saide  to  Gamelyn/  who  made  pe  so  bold? 

For  to  stroien  pe  stoor  of  myn  household' 

Broker  seide  Gamelyn  wrep  pe  ri^t1  nought1 

ffor  it1  is  many  day  gon  si)?  it1  was  bou^f  356 

ffor  broker  pou  hast1  had  by  seinf  Eichere 

Of  xv.  plowes  of  londe.  pis  xvj.  3ere 

And  of  alle  pe  beestes  pou  hast1  for})  bredde 

That1  my  fader  me  byquatH  on  his  dejjes  bedde  360 

Of  al  pis  xvj.  ^ere  I  3eue  Jje  J?e  pro  we 

ffor  J>e  mete  and  ]?e  drink  pat1  we  han  spended  nowe 

Than  seide  j>e  fals  kny^fr.  euel  mote  he  pee 

Herken  bropere  Gamelyn  what1 1  wil  ^eue  pe  364 

ffor  of  my  body  broper '.  here  geten  haue  I  none 

I  wil  make  pe  myn  heire  I  s   ere  by  seint1  lohn 

Parfay  seide  Gamelyn '  and  if  it1  so  be 

And  pou  thenk1  as  pou  seist1  f  god  ^eeld?  it1  pe  368 

No  pinge  wist1  Gamelyn  of  his  broper  gile 

Therfore  he  hym  bygiled  in  a  litel  while 

Gamelyn  seide.  oon  ping1 1  pe  telle 

poo  pou  prewe  my  porter  in  pe  drowe-welle  372 

I  swore  in  pat1  wrepe  and  in  pat1  grete  moote 

pat1  pou  shuldest1  be  bounde  bope  honde  and  fote 

[ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]        376 

This  most1  be  fulfilled  f  my  men  to  dote 

ffor  to  holden  myn  avowe  as  I  pe  bihote 

IT  Broper  seide  Gamelyn  as  mote  I  pee 

J?ou  shalf  not1  be  forswore  for  pe  loue  of  me  380 

PETWOKTH    139 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

Tho  maden  }>ei  Gamelyn  to  sitte  and  not1  stonde 

To  ]>ei  had  hym  bounde  boj?  fote  and  honde 

J>e  fals  knyght1  his  broker',  of  Gamelyn  was  a-gast1 

And  sent1  efter  fetters  to  fetter*  hym  fast1  384 

His  broker  made  lesingges  on  him  \er  he  stode 

And  tolde  hem  pat1  cowmen  Inne  ]>ai  Gamelyn  was  wode 

Gamelyn  stode  to  a  post1,  bounden  in  J>e  haft 

J)oo  J>att  commen  Inne.  loked  on  hym  aft  388 

Euer  stode  Gamelyn  euen  vp-ri^f  [leaf  67,  back] 

But1  mete  and  drink  had  ne  noun.  neij>er  day  ne  ny^t1 

Than  seide  Gamelyn/  brother  be  myn  hals 

Nowe  haue  I  aspied  J>ou  art1  a  party  fals  392 

Had  I  wist1  J>e  Treson  Jjat1  hast1  yfounde 

I  wold  haue  ^eue  strokes  or  I  had  be  bounde 

Gamelyn  stode  bounde  stille  as  eny  stone 

Tho  daies  and  two  ny^tes  mete  had  he  none  396 

Than  seide  Gamelyn  i  fat1  stood  ybound?  stronge 

Adam  Spencer*  me  ]>enkej>  I  fast1  to  longe 

Adam  Spencere  now  I  biseche  }>e 

ffor  ]je  moche  loue  my  fadere  loued  J>e  400 

If  J?ou  may  come  to  J?e  keys/  lese  me  out1  of  bonde 

And  I  wil  part*  wij>  J?e  of  my  free  londe 

Than  seide  Adam  J>af  was  J?e  spencere 

I  haue  serued  j?i  broker  ]?is  xvj  3ere  4=04 

3if  I  lete  J?e  gone  out1  of  his  boure 

He  wold  saye  afterwardes  I  were  a  tratowr 

Adam  seide  Gamelyn  so  brouke  I  myn  hals 

Thow  shalt1  finde  J>i  broker  at1  J>e  last1  fals  408 

Therfore  broker  Adam  lose  me  out1  of  bofides 

And  I  will  parte  wi]j  )je  of  my  free  londes 

Vp  such  forward1  seide  Adam  ywis 

I  wil  do  jjerto  al  Jjat1  in  me  is  412 

Adam  seide  Gamelyn  as  mote  I  ]>e 

I  wil  holde  }?e  Conawnte  and  ])ou  wil  me  [fre] 

Anoon  as  Adams  lord?  to  bed  was  gon 

Adam  toke  J?e  l<ayes  and  lete  Gamelyn  ouf  anon  416 

PETWOKTH    140 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PctWOlth  MS. 

He  vnlocked  Gamelyn  bof  liondes  and  fete 

In  hope  of  auazmcemenf  fat1  he  hyra  byhete 

Than  seide  Gamelyn  f onked  be  goddis  sonde 

No  we  I  am  lose  bof  fote  and  honde  420 

Had  I  nowe  eten  and  dronken  ari^t1 

£er  is  noon  in  ]jis  hous  shuld!  bynde  me  f  is  ny^t1 

Adam  toke  Gamelyn  as  stille  as  eny  stone 

And  ladde  him  into  f  e  spence  raply  anone  424 

And  sette  him  to  sopere  ri}^  in  a  pn'vey  styde  [leaf  68] 

He  bad  hym  do  gladly  and  so  he  dide 

Anoon  as  Gamelyn  had  eten  wel  and  fyne 

And  f  erto  y-dronken  wel  of  f  e  rede  wyne  428 

Adam  seide  Gamelyn  what*  is  nowe  f  i  rede 

Or  I  go  to  my  broker  and  Gerd  of  his  his  hede 

Gamelyn  seide  Adam  it1  shal  not1  be  so 

I  can  teche  f  e  a  rede  fat1  is  worf  f e  twoo/  432 

I  wote  wel  forsof  fat1  f is  is  no  nay/ 

We  shul  haue  a  Mangerye  ri^t1  on  sonday 

Abbotes  and  Priours  mony  here  shul  be 

And  of  er  men  of  holy  chirch.  as  I  telle  f  e  436 

J3ou  shal  stonde  vp  by  f  e  post1  as  f  ou  were  bownde  fast1 

And  I  shal  leue  hem  vnloke  fat1  away  f  mi  may  hem  cast1 

Whan  f  at*  f  ei  han  eten  and  wasshen  her  handes 

f  ow  shalfr  biseche  hem  alle  to  bringe  f  e  out1  of  bondes  440 

And  if  f  ei  willen  borowe  f  e  fat1  were  good  game 

fan  were  f ou  out1  of  prison  and  [I]  out1  of  blame 

And  if  ecche  of  hem  saye  to  vs  nay 

I  shal  do  anof er  I  swere  by  fis  day  444 

j)ow  shalf  haue  a  good  staf  and  I  wil  haue  anof  ere 

And  cristes  curs  haf  fat1  on  fat1  faillef  fat  of  ere 

3e  for  god  seide  Gamelyn  I  say  it1  for  me 

If  I  faille  on  my  side  evel  mot1 1  fee  448 

If  we  shul  algate  assoille  hem  of  her  synne 

Warne  me  brother/  Adam  whan  we  shul  bygynne 

Gamelyn  seid  Adam  by  seint1  charite 

I  wil  warne  fe  biforn  whan  it1  shal  be  452 

PETWORTH    141 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

Whan  I  winke  on  J?e.  loke  forto  gone 

And  caste  away  ]>i  fetters  and  come  to  me  anofi 

Adam  seide  Gamelyn  blessed  be  J>i  bonys 

J3afr  is  a  good  counseile  ^euen  for  ]?e  nonys  456 

3if  )>ei  warne  me  J>e  to  bring1  out1  of  bondes 

I  wil  sette  good  strokes  ri^t1  on  here  lendes 

Whan  J>e  Sonday  was  commen  and  folk  to  Jje  feest 

ffaire  ]?ei  were  welcomed,  boj?  leest1  and  mestt  460 

And  euer  as  J?ei  at1  J>e  haldore  come  Inne  [leaf  es,  back] 

They  casten  her  yen/  on  ^onge  Gamelyn 

The  fals  kny^tt  his  broker  ful  of  trecherye 

Al  ]?e  gettes  Jjat1  J>er  were  at1  Jje  mangerye  464 

Of  Gamelyn  his  broker  he  tolde  hem  wij?  mouj>e 

Al  J>e  harme  and  j?e  shame  J>atf  he  telle  coufe 

Whan  Jjei  were  yserued  of  messes  ij.  or  thre 

j)an  seide  Gamelyn  howe  serue  ^e  me  468 

It1  is  not1  wel  serued  by  god  J>af  aft  made 

j^att  I  sitte  fastinge  and  oj?er  men  make  glade 

The  fals  kny^f  his  broker  ])er  as  he  stode 

Told  to  aft  j>e  gestes  J?af  Gamelyn  was  wode  472 

And  Gamelyn  stode  stille  and  answerd! 

But1  Adames  wordes  he  helde  in  his 

Thoo  Gamelyn  gan  speke  doolfully  wijj-aft 

To  ]?e  grete  lordes  J?atH  seten  in  J)e  haft  476 

1F  Lordes  he  seide  for  cristes  passion 

Helpe  to  bringe  Gamelyn  out*  of  pn'son 

))an  seide  an  Abbot1  sorowe  on  his  cheke 

He  shal  haue  cristes  curs  and  seint*  Maries  eke  480 

That1  f>e  out1  of  prison  beggej?  or  borowe 

And  euer  worj?  him  wel  J>af  do})  J?e  moche  sorowe 

After  J?af  Abbot1  ]?an  speke  uno]) ere 

I  wold?  ])ine  hede  were  of  Jjougti  Jjou  were  my  bropere   484 

Aft  jjat1  fe  borowe  foule  mot1  hem  falle 

Thus  J?ei  seiden  alle  jjat1  were  in  J?e  halle 

IT  Than  seide  a  Priour/  euel  mote  he-preue 

It1  is  grete  sorowe  and  care  boy  ]>ai  )?ou  art  alyue  488 

PETWORTH    142 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELY  N.     PetWOrth  MS. 

Ow  seide  Gamelyii  so  brouke  I  my  bone 

Now  haue  I  spied  Jmt1  frendes  haue  I  noa 

Cursed  mote  lie  worj) .  boj)  flessh  and  blood? 

J^at1  euer  do])  Priour  or  Abbot1  eny  good?  492 

Adam  J?e  Spencere  toke  vp  J?e  cloth 

And  loked  on  Gamelyn  and  segn  fat1  he  was  wrofe 

Adam  on  the  Pantry  litel  he  £0113^ 

And  two  good  staues  to  j?e  halle  door  he  brou^t1  496 

Adam  loked  on  Gamelyn  and  he  was  warre  anon        [leaf  69] 

And  cast1  away  ])e  fetters  and  bygan  to  gofi 

Whan  he  come  to  Adam  he  toke  fat1  on  staf 

And  bygan  to  worcB.  and  good  strokes  $af  500 

Gamelyn  come  into  fe  halle  and  j>e  Spencer1  bofe 

And  loked  hem  aboute  as  fei  hadden  be  wrofe 

Gamelyn  spreynef  holy  watere  wif  an  oken  spire 

That1  some  fat1  stode  vprist1  felle  in  fe  fire  504 

fer  was  no  lewe  man  fat1  in  f  e  halle  stode 

fat1  wolde  do  Gamelyn  eny  Jring1  but1  good? 

But1  stoden  bisides  and  lete  hem  bo]>  wircll 

ffor  fei  had  no  rew]?e  of  men  of  holy  chircli  508 

Abbot1  or  Priour  monk  or  chanown 

That1  Gamelyn  ouertoke.  anon  ]>ei  ^eden  down 

Ther  was  noon  of  alle  j?af  vfith  his  staf  mette 

J^at1  he  ne  made  hem  ouer-jjrowe  to  quyte  hem  his  dette 

Gamelyn  seide  Adam  for  seint1  charite  513 

Pay  good  lyuere  for  J?e  loue  of  me 

And  I  wil  kepe  jje  door  so  euere  here  I  masse 

Er  Jjei  bene  assoilled  J?er  shal  non  passe  516 

Doute  ]?e  not1  seide  Gamelyn  whil  we  ben  in  fere 

Kepe  fowe  wel  jje  door  and  I  wil  wirche  here 

Bystere  ]>e  good  adam  and  lete  non  fle 

And  we  shul  telle  largely  how  mony  J>at  J>er  be  520 

Gamelyn  seide  Adam  do  hem  but1  goode 

)5ei  bene  men  of  holy  church  drowe  of  hem  no  blode 

Saue  wel  jje  crovvnes.  and  do  hem  no  harmes 

But1  breke  bo})  her  logges/  and  si)>en  her  armes  524 

PETWORTH    143 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PctWOlth  MS. 

Thus  Gamelyn  and  Adam  wro^t1  ry^t1  fast1 

And  pleide  wij)  J?e  monkes  and  made  hem  agast1 

Jpidere  J?ei  come  ridinge  loly  wij)  swaynes 

And  home  a^ein  jjei  were  ladde  in  cartes  and  waynes     528 

Tho  J?ei  hadden  al  ydo.  Jjan  seide  a  grey  frere 

Alias  Sir*  abbot1  what*  did  we  nowe  here 

Whan  jjat1  we  cowmen  hidere  it*  was  a  cold?  rede 

Ys  had  be  bet*  haue  be  at1  home .  with  water  and  brede   532 

"While  Gamelyn  made  orders  of  monke  and  frere  [leaf  09,  back] 

Euere  stood  his  broker  and  made  foule  chere 

Gamelyn  vp  wi)>  his  staf  jjaf  he  wel  knewe 

And  girt*  hym  in  J?e  nek  j?af  he  ouer  thrwe  536 

A  litel  aboue  J>e  Girdel  )>e  Kigge-boon  he  brast 

And  sette  him  in  J>e  fetters  J?er  he  saf  arst* 

Sitte  J?er  broker  seide  Gamelyn 

fforto  colen  ])i  body/  as  I  did  myn  540 

As  swith  as  ]?ei  had  wroken  hem  on  her  foon 

j)ei  asked  water  and  wasshen  anon 

"What1  some  for  her  loue  and  some  for  her  Awe 

Att  f  e  seru«wntes  serued  hem  on  ]?e  best1  lawe  544 

Jje  Sherreue  was  ]?ennes  but  .v.  myle 

And  aft  was  tolde  him  in  a  lytel  while 

Howe  Gamelyn  and  Adam  had  ydo  a  sorye  rees 

Bounden  and  wounded  men  a^einst  ]>e  kingges  pees/     548 

Tho  bygan  sone  strif*  for  to  wake 

And  J?e  shereff  about1  Gamelyn  forto  take 

IF  Now  lijjen  and  listen  so  god  ^eue  3011  good  fyne 

And  ye  shul  here  good  game  of  yonge  Gamelyne  552 

xxiijj*1  ^onge  men  J?af  helde  hem  ful  bold2 

Come  to  J)e  shiref  and  seide  J?af  ]?ei  wold? 

Gamelyn  and  Adam  fette  by  her  fay 

The  Sheref  ^aue  hem  leue  so]?  for  to  say  556 

Thei  hiden  fast1  wold  Jjei  not1  lynne 

To  }?ei  come  to  ]?e  gate  J?ere  Gamelyn  was  Inne 

Thei  knocked  on  J?e  gate  ]?e  porter  was  ny^e 

And  loked  out1  att1  an  hool  as  man  ]>af  was  scle^e          560 

PETWORTH    144 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS, 

J>e  Porter  had  bihold  hem  a  litel  while 

He  loued  wel  Gamelyn  and  was  dradde  of  gyle 

And  lete  J>e  wiketfr  stonde  ful  stille 

And  asked  hem  wij)  out1  what1  was  her  wille  564 

ffor  aft  J?e  grete  company/  speke  but  oon 

Vndo  J)e  gate  porter  and  lafr  vs  in  gon 

J)an  seide  Jje  Porter  so  brouke  I  my  chyn 

3e  shul  saie  ^oure  erand  er  ^e  eome  Inne  568 

Sey  to  Gamelyn  and  Adam/  if  Jjeire  wil  be  [leaf  70] 

We  wil  speke  wijj  hem  two  wordes  or  ]>re 

ffelawe  seide  ))e  Porter  stonde  J>er  stille 

And  I  wil  wende  to  Gamelyn  to  wete  his  wille  572 

Inne  went*  J?e  porter  to  Gamelyn  an5n 

And  saide  sir1 1  warne  }ou  here  ben  coramen  jour1  foofi 

The  Shireues  men  bene  at1  ]>e  gate 

fforto  take  ^ou  bo]>  36  shul  not*  scape  576 

Porter  seide  Gamelyn  so  mote  I  J?e 

I  wil  alowe  ]>i  wordes  whan  I  my  tyrne  se 

Go  ageyn  to  J?e  gate  and  dwelle  wijj  hew  a  while 

And  J)ou  shalt1  se  ri^f  sone  porter  a  gile  580 

Adam  seide  gamelyn  hast1  J>e  to  gon 

We  han  foo-men  mony  and  frendes  neuere  on 

If  bene  J?e  shireues  men  J?af  hider  bene  commen 

j>ei  ben  swore  to-gidere  j>at"  we  shal  be  nomew  584 

Gamelyn  seide  Adam  hye  )>e  ri^f  blyve 

And  if  I  faile  }>e  fis  day  euel  mof  I  )?rive 

And  we  shul  so  welcome  ]>e  shyreues  men 

J?atf  some  of  hem  shal  make  her  beddes  in  J?e  fenne        588 

At1  a  postern  gate  Gamelyn  out*  went1 

And  a  good  Cartstaf  in  his  hondes  hent1 

Adam  hent1  sone  anojjer  grete  staff 

ffor  to  helpen  Gamelyne  and  good  strokes  }af  592 

Adam  felled  tweyn  and  Gamelyn  J>re 

J>e  o]?er  sette  fete  on  erjje  and  bygan  to  flee 

What*  seide  Adam  so  euere  here  I  masse 

I  haue  ri^fr  good  wyne  drynk  er  30  passe  593 

PETWORTH    145 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PctWOlth  MS. 

Nay  by  god  seide  ]>ei  Jri  drink  is  not1  goode 

It  wolde  make  a  mannys  brayn  to  lyen  on  his  hode 

Gamelyn  stode  stille  and  loked  hym  aboute 

And  seide  J>e  Shyref  cowmej?  wij?  a  grete  route  600 

Adam  seide  Gamelyn  what1  bene  nowe  Jji  redes 

Here  coramej)  J?e  sheref  and  wil  haue  our  hedes 

Adam  seide  to  Gamelyn  my  rede  is  now  Jns 

Abide  we  no  lenger  lest  we  fare  amys  604 

I  rede  we  to  wode  gon/  er  we  be  fotmde  [leaf  70,  backj 

Better  is  J?er  louse  ]jan  in  ]?e  toune  botmde 

Adam  toke  by  J?e  honde  yonge  Gamelyn) 

And  euery  of  hem  dronke  a  drau^f  of  wyn  608 

And  after  token  he  cours  and  wenten  her  way 

T[h]o  fonde  J>e  Shyrreue  nyst1  but1  non  aye 

IT  The  Shirreue  li^t/  doune  and  went1  into  halle 

And  fonde  J?e  lord  fetred  fast1  wij>  alle  612 

The  Schirreue  vnfetred  hym  ri^t1  sone  anon 

And  sent1  aftere  a  leche  to  hele  his  rigge-bon 

Lat1  we  nowe  ]>e  fals  kny^t1  lye  in  his  care 

And  talke  we  of  Gamelyn .  and  of  his  fare  616 

Gamelyn  into  J?e  wode  stalked  stille 

And  Adam  Spensere  liked  ri^t1  ille 

Adam  swore  to  Gamelyn  by  seint1  Eichere 

Nowe  I  see  it1  is  mery  to  be  a  spencere  C20 

3  it1  leuer  me  were  kayes  to  bere 

)}an  walken  in  pis  wilde  wode  my  clo]>es  to  tere 

Adam  seide  Gamelyn  dismay  j?e  ri^t1  nou^tf 

Mony  good  maraiys  child?  in  care  is  broi^t1  624 

As  ]>ei  stode  talkinge  bojjen  in  fere 

Adam  herd'  talking1  of  men.  and  ri^f  nygh  hem  J>ei  were 

Tho  Gamelyn  vnder  wode  loked  ari^t4 

vijxx.  of  ^onge  men  he  seye  wel  ydi}^  628 

Alle  satte  at1  Jje  mete  compas  about1 

Adam  seide  Gamelyn  now  haue  I  no  doufr 

Aftere  bale  commej?  bote  J?orgh  goddis  my^t* 

Me  Junk1  of  mete  and  drynk1 1  haue  a  si^  632 

PETWORTH    146 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 


Adam  loked  f  oo  vnder  wode 

And  whan  he  segh  mete  was  glad  ynogh 

fFor  he  hoped  to  god  to  haue  his  dele 

And  he  was  sore  alonged  after  a  niele  636 

As  he  seide  fat  worde  f  e  mayster  outlawe 

Saugh  Adam  and  gamelyn  vnder  f  e  wode  shawe 

3onge  men  seide  f  e  maistere  by  f  e  good  rode 

I  am  ware  of  gestes  .  god  sende  vs  goode  640 

3one  ben  twoo  3onge  men  wel  ydight1  [leaf  711 

And  paraventure  f  er  ben  mo  who  so  loked  ri^t 

A-risef  vp  ^onge  men  and  fette  hem  to  me 

It  is  good  fat1  we  weten  what1  men  f  ei  be  644 

Vp  fer  sterten  .vij.  from  f  e  dynere 

And  metten  wif  Gamelyn  and  Adam  Spencer* 

Whan  f  ei  were  nyghe  hem  fan  seide  fat  oon 

^eeldef  vp  ^onge  men  ^our  bowes  and  ^our*  noon  648 

jpan  seide  Gamelyn  fat1  3ong1  was/  of//  elde 

Moche  sorowe  mote  fei  haue  fat1  to  ^ou  hew  ^elde 

I  Curs  noon  of  ere  but1  right1  my  silue 

foo  ^e  fette  to  }ou  .v.  fan  be  ^e  twelue  652 

Whan  f  ei  hard?  by  his  word?  fat1  my^t1  was  in  his  arme 

Ther  was  noon  of  hem  fat1  wold'  do  hym  harme 

But  seide  to  Gamelyn  myldely  and  stille 

Comef  a-fore  our  Maister  and  seif  to  hy?7&  30^7-  wille     656 

^orige  men  seide  Gamelyn  be  $our  lewte 

What1  man  is  3our)  maister  fat1  36  wif  be 

Alle  f  ei  answerd?  wif  out1  lesing* 

Our  maister  is  crowned  of  outlawe  king*  660 

Adam  seide  Gamelyn  go  we  in  cn'stes  name 

He  may  neif  er  mete  ne  drink  warne  vs  for  shame 

If  J?af  he  be  hende  and  come  of  gentil  blood? 

He  wil  3eue  vs  mete  and  drink  and  do  us  som  gode       664 

By  seint1  lame  seide  Adam  what1  harme  fat1  1  gete 

I  wil  auenture  me  fat1  I  had  mete 

Gamelyn  and.  Adam  went1  forth  in  fere 

And  f  ei  grette  ]?e  Maistei0  fat1  f  ei  fond?  fere  668 

PETWORTH    147 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PctWOlth  MS. 

Than  seide  J>e  Maister  king*  of  outlawed 

"What1  seche  $e  3onge  men  vnder  J?e  wode  shawes 

Gamelyn  answerd?  Jje  king1  with  his  croun 

He  most1  nedes  walk1  in  feelcfe  fat1  may  not*  in  town        672 

Sire  we  walk  not1  here  no  harme  to  doo 

But1  ^if  we  mete  a  dere  to  shete  J>erto 

As  men  fat1  bene  hungry  and  mow  no  mete  fynde 

And  ben  hard?  bystad?  vnder  wode  lynde  676 

Of  Gamelyns  wordes  /  fe  maister  had  reufe          [leaf  71,  back] 

And  seide  }e  shul  haue  ynow  haue  god  my  treuth 

He  bad  hem  sitte  down  forto  take  rest1 

And  bad  hem  ete  and  drink1  and  ]>ak  of  f  e  best1  680 

As  fei  eten  and  dronken  wel  and  fyne 

fan  seide  on  to  anof er.  f  is  is  Gamelyn 

f  o  was  f  e  Maistere  outlawe  into  counseile  nome 

And  tolde  ho  we  it1  was  Gamelyn  fat  fider  was  come     681 

Anon  as  he  herd?  how  it1  was  byfalle 

He  made  him  maister*  vnder  hy?^  ouer  hem  alle 

W^t/ilnne  ]?e  iij.  weke  hym  come  tydinge 

To  ]?e  Maistere  outlawe  jjat1  was  her  kinge  688 

J^att  he  shuld  come  home  his  pees  was  made 

And  of  fat1  good  tydinge  he  was  ful  glade 

foo  seide  he  to  his  ^onge  men  so]?  forto  telle 

Me  bene  commen  tydinges  f  I  may  no  lenger  dwelle      692 

Tho  was  Gamelyn  anoon  wijj  out1  taryinge 

Made  maister1  outlawe  and  crowned  her  kinge 

Whan  Gamelyn  was  crowned  king1  of  outlawes 

And  walked  had  a  while  vnder  J?e  wode  shawes/  696 

fe  fals  kny^t1  bis  broker  was  sherif  and  sire 

And  lete  his  brofere  endite  for  hate  and  for  ire 

foo  were  his  boond-men  sory (.  and  no  fing1  glade 

Whan  Gamelyn  her  lord  /  wolfes  hede  was  cn'ed  and  made 

And  sent1  out*  of  his  men  wher  fei  n^t1  hym  fynde 

ffor  to  go  seke  Gamelyn  vnder  J>e  wode  lynde 

To  telle  hym  tyding1  J?e  wynde  was  wente 

And  al  his  good  reued  and  al  his  men  shentf  704 

PETWORTH    148 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

Whan  f  ei  had  hyra  founden  on  knees  f  ei  he?7i  setten 

And  adoune  with  her  nodes  and  her  lord  gretten 

Sir1  wreth  3011  not1  for  f  e  good  rode 

ffor  we  han  brou^t1  ^ou  tydyngges  but1  f  ei  be  not1  gode  708 

Nowe  is  f  i  broker  Sherreue  and  ha)>  f  e  bayly 

And  haf  endited  f  e  /  and  wolfes  hede  do])  ])e  crye 

Alias  seide  Ganielyn  fat1  euere  I  was  so  sclak 

fat1  I  ne  had  broke  his  nek  whan  I  his  rigge  brat         712 

Go])  gretef  wel  myn  husbondes  and  wif  [leaf  72] 

I  wil  be  at1  f  e  next1  shyre  haue  god  my  lif 

Gamelyn  come  redy  to  f  e  next1  shire 

And  fer  was  his  brofer  bof  lord  and  sire  716 

Gamelyn  boldely  come  into  f  e  mote  halle 

And  putt1  a  doun  his  hode  /  amonge  j)o  lordes  alle 

God  saue  3ou  lordinggs  fat1  here  be 

But1  broke-bak  sherreue  euel  mote  fou  fee  720 

Whi  hast  f  ou  don  me  fat1  shame  and  vilonye 

fforto  lat1  endite  me  /and  wolfeshede  do  me  crye 

foo  f  o^t1  f  e  fals  kny^t1  forto  bene  awreke 

And  lette  Gamelyn  most1  he  no  fing1  speke  724 

Might1  f  er  be  no  grace,  but1  Gamelyn  atte  last1 

Was  cast/  in  pmon  and  fettred  fast1 

1F  Gamelyn  haf  a  brojjere  fat1  hi^t1  sir  Ote 

Als  good  an  knyght1  and  hende  as  my^t  gon  on  fote       728 

Anoon  ^ede  a  massaged  to  fat1  good  kny^tt 

And  tolde  him  al  to-gidere  how  gamelyn  was 

Anoon  whan  sir1  ote  herd  howe  Gamelyn  was 

He  was  113 11  sory  and  no  fing1  Ii3t*  732 

And  lete  sadel  a  stede  and  f  e  way  namme 

And  to  his  tweyne  bref  eren  ri3t  sone  he  camme 

Sir1  seide  Sir*  Ote  to  f  e  sherreue  foo 

We  bene  but1  fre  bref  eren  shul  we  neuere  be  mo  736 

And  f  on  hast1  pn'soned  f  e  best  of  vs  alle 

Sucn  anof  ere  brof  er  euel  mote  hyra  byfalle 

Sir1  Ote  seide  f  e  false  knyght1  lat1  be  f  i  cors 

By  god  for  fi  wordes  he  shal  fare  f  e  wors  740 

PETWORTH    149 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOlth  MS. 

To  pe  kingges  prison  he  is  ynome 

And  per  he  shal  abide  to  pe  lustise  come 

Parde  Seide  Sir>  Ote  better  it1  shal  be 

I  bid  hym  to  maynprise  pat  pou  grawnte  me  744 

To  pe  next1  sitting1  of  delyueraunce 

And  lat1  pan  Gamelyn  stonde  to  his  chaunce 

Bropere  in  such  a  forward?  I  take  hym  to  pe 

And  by  pe  fader  soule  pat1  pe  bigate  and  me  748 

But1  he  be  redy  whan  pe  Justice  sitte  [leaf  72,  back] 

pou  shalt1  bere  pe  luggement1  for  al  pi  grete  witte 

I  graunte  wel  seide  Sir*  Ote  pat1  it1  so  be 

Lat1  delyuere  hym  anoon  and  take  hym  to  me  752 

Tho  was  gamelyn  delyuered  to  Sir*  ote  his  broper* 

And  pat1  nyght1  dwelled  pe  oon  wip  pe  oper1 

On  the  morowe  seide  Gamelyn  to  Sir*  Ote  pe  hende 

Broper  he  seide  I  mote  forsop  from  30"  wende  756 

To  loke  howe  my  ^onge  men  leden  her  liff 

Whedere  pei  lyuen  in  loie  or  ellis  in  striff 

By  god  seide  Sir1  ote  pat1  is  a  colde  rede 

Nowe  I  se  pat1  alle  pe  Carke  shal  fal  on  my  hede  760 

ffor  whan  pe  lustise  sitte  and  pou  be  not1  y found? 

I  shal  anoon  be  take  and  in  pi  stede  I-bound? 

Broper  seide  Gamelyn  dismay  3ou  nou^t1 

ffor  by  seint  lame  in  Gales  pat1  mony  men  hap  sou^t1     764 

3if  that  god  almy^ty  holde  my  lif  and  witte 

I  wil  be  redy  whan  pe  Justice  sitte 

Than  seide  sire  Ote  to  gamelyn  god  shilde  y  from  shame 

Come  whan  pou  seest1  tyme  and  bring1  vs  out1  of  blame  768 

1T  Lipenep  and  listenep  and  holde  3011  stille 

And  $e  shul  here  howe  Gamelyn  had  al  his  wille 

Gamelyn  went1  vnder  pe  wode  Eis 

And  fonde  per  pleying1 $eng1  men  of  pm  772 

po  was  3ong1  gamelyn  ri^t1  glad  ynou^e 

Whan  he  fonde  his  men  vnder  wode  bouje 

Gamelyn  and  his  men  talkeden  in  fere 

And  pei  had  good  game  her  maister  to  here  776 

PETWORTH    160 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

His  men  tolde  him  of  auentwes  fat  f  ei  had  found' 

And  Gamelyn  tolde  hem  a^ein  howe  he  was  fast  bounds 

While  Gamelyn  was  outlawe  had  he  no  cors 

f  er  was  no  man  fat1  for  him  ferde  f  e  wors  780 

But  Abbottes  and  Pn'ours  monk  and  chanone 

On  hem  left1  he  no  113 11  whan  he  wjjti  hem  nome 

While  Gamelyn  and  his  men  made  merf  es  ryve 

f  e  fals  knyght1  his  brof  er  euel  mot1  he  thryve  784 

ffor  he  was  fast1  about1  bof  day  and  ofer*  [leaf  73] 

ffor  to  hiren  f  e  quest1  to  hongen  his  brof er 

Gamelyn  stode  on  a  day  and  byheeld? 

})Q  wodes  and  f  e  Shawes  and  f  e  wild?  feelde  788 

He  f  ou^t1  on  his  brof  ere  how  he  hym  byhette 

Jjat1  he  wold'  be  redy  whan  f  e  Justice  sette 

He  f  ou^t1  wel  he  wold?  wif-out1  delay 

Come  to-fore  fe  Justice  to  kepen  his  day  792 

And  saide  to  his  ^onge  men  dightef  ^ou  ^are 

ffor  whan  f  e  Justice  sitte  we  most1  be  fare 

ffor  I  am  vnder  borowe  til  j?af  I  come 

And  my  broker  for  me  to  pn'son  shal  be  nome  796 

Be  seint1  lame  seide  his  ^onge  men  and  J?ou  rede  ]>erto 

Ordeyn  how  it1  shal  be  and  it1  shal  be  do 

While  Gamelyn  was  co?ranyng1  jjer  j?e  Justice  satte 

]je  fals  kny^f  his  broker  for3ate  he  not1  fat1  800 

To  hire  J?e  men  of  fe  quest1  to  hangen  his  broker 

fou^e  J?ei  had  not1  fat1  oon  fei  wold'  haue  fat1  of er 

Tho  come  Gamelyn  from  vnder  f  e  wode  Eis 

And  brou^t1  vfitJi  hym  3onge  men  of  pris  804 

I  see  wel  seide  Gamelyn  f  e  Justise  is  sette 

Go  a-forn  adam  and  loke  how  it1  spette 

Adam  went  into  f  e  halle  and  loked  al  aboute 

He  segh  f  er  stonde  lordes  grete  and  stoute  808 

And  Sire  Ote  his  brof er  fetred  ful  fast1 

)5oo  went1  Adam  out1  of  halle  as  he  were  a-gasfr 

Adam  seide  to  Gamelyn  and  to  his  felawes  alt 

Ote  stout1  fetered  in  fe  mote  haft  812 

PETWORTH    151 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth.  MS. 


.     ........     no  gap  in  the 

If  gode  ^eue  vs  grace  wel  forto  doo 

He  shal  it1  abigge  fat1  if  brou^tt  Jjerto  /  816 

J)an  seide  Adam  Jjat1  lockes  had  here 

Cristes  curs  mote  he  haue  \a\>  hym  bonde  so  sore 

And  ]?ou  wilt1  Gamelyn  do  after  my  rede 

J)er  is  noon  in  J>e  halle  shal  bere  away  his  hede  820 

Adam  seide  Gamelyn  we  wil  not  do  soo 

We  wil  slee  J?e  giltif  and  lat1  J?e  ojjere  goo/ 

I  wil  into  ]?e  halle  and  with  J?e  Justice  speke        [leaf  73,  back] 

Of  hem  Jjat1  bene  giltif  I  wil  ben  awreke  824 

Late  no  skape  at1  j?e  door  take  ^onge  men  ^eme 

ffor  I  wil  be  lustise  jjis  day  domes  to  deme 

God  spede  me  ])is  day  at1  my  newe  werk1 

Adam  come  with  me  for  Jwu  shalt1  be  my  clerk  828 

His  men  answerde  hym.  and  bad  done  his  best1 

And  if  ]?ou  to  vs  haue  nede  Jwu  shalf  finde  vs  presf 

We  wil  stonde  wij>  )?e  while  jjat1  we  may  dure 

And  but1  we  worchen  manly  pay  vs  none  hure  832 

3onge  men  said  Gamelyn  so  mote  I  wel  J?e 

A  trusty  maister  $e  shul  fynde  me 

Kistt  fere  }>e  lustise  satte  in  J?e  halle 

Inne  went1  Gamelyn  ainonges  hem  alle  836 

Gamelyn  lete  vnfetter  his  broker  out1  of  bende 

J?an  seide  Sir  Ote  his  broker  ]>at  was  hende 

jjow  haddest1  almost1  Gamelyn  dwelled  to  longe 

ffor  j)e  quest1  is  out1  on  me  Jjat1  1  shuld!  honge  840' 

Broker  seide  Gamelyn  so  god  ^eue  me  good  rest1 

jjis  day  shul  J>ei  be  honged  /  Jjat1  ben  on  j)e  quest1 

And  ]>e  lustise  boj?  fat1  is  ]>e  luge  man    . 

And  jje  Sherreue  also.  Jjorgh  hym  it  bigan  844 

Than  seide  Gamelyn  to  ]je  Justice 

]S"ow  is  Jn  power  done.  ])e  most1  nedes  rise 

J)ow  hast1  3euen  domes  Jjat1  bene  euel  di^t1 

I  wil  sitten  in  J?i  sete  and  dressen/  hem  ari}^  848 

PETWORTH    162 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

The  lustise  satte  stille  and  roos  not1  anone 

And  Gamelyn  cleued  his  cheke  bone 

Gamelyn  toke  him  in  his  armes  and  no  more  spake 

But1  threwe  hym  ouer  fe  barre  and  his  arme  brake         852 

Dorst1  noon  to  Gamelyn  seie  but1  good* 

ffbr  feerd  of  f  e  company  fat  wetft-out1  stoode 

Gamelyn  sette  hym  doun  in  f  e  lustise  sete 

And  Sire  Ote  his  brof ere  by  hym.  and  Adam  at1  his  fete 

Whan  -gamelyn  was  sette  in  f  e  lustise  sede 

Herken  of  a  bourde  fat1  Gamelyn  dede 

He  lete  fetter  f  e  lustise  and  his  fals  brof ere  [leaf  74] 

And  did  hem  come  to  f  e  barre  fat1  on  with  fat1  ofere    860 

Whan  gamelyn  had  f  us  ydone  had  he  no  rest1 

Til  he  had  enquered  who  was  on  his  quest1 

fforto  demen  his  brof er  sire  Ote  forto  honge 

Er  he  wist1  what1  fei  were  hym  f  ou^t1  ful  longe  864 

But1  as  sone  as  Gamelyn  wist1  where  fei  were 

He  did  hem  euerechone  fetter  in  fere 

And  bringgen  hem  to  f  e  barre  &  setten  in  rewe 

By  my  feij>  seide  f  e  lustise  fe  sherrue  is  a  shrewe         868 

fan  seide  Gamelyn  to  f e  lustise 

f  ou  hast1  $oue  domes  of  f  e  worst  assise 

And  fe  xij.  Sesoures  fat1  weren  on  f  e  quest1 

fei  shul  be  honged  fis  day  so  haue  I  good  rest*  872 

Than  seide  f  e  sheref  to  ^onge  Gamelyn 

Lord  I  crie  f  e  mercie  brof  er  art1  f  ou  myn 

f  erfor  seide  Gamelyn  haue  f  ou  cmtes  curs 

ifor  and  fow  were  maister.  I  shuld?  haue  wors  876 

fforto  make  short1  tale  and  not1  to  longe 

He  ordeyned  hym  a  quest1  of  his  men  stronge 

fte  lustise  and  f  e  Sirreue  bof  honged  hie 

To  weyuen  wif  f  e  ropes  and  fe  winde  drye  880 

And  f  e  xij.  Sisours  sorowe  haue  fat1  rekke 

Alt  fei  were  honged  fast1  by  f  e  nekke 

f  us  endef  f  e  fals  kny^t1  wif  his  trecherye 

fat1  euere  had  lad  his  lif  in  falsnesse  and  folye  884 

11  PETWORTH    153 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.     GAMELYN.     PetWOrth  MS. 

He  was  honged  by  J?e  nek  and  not1  by  f  e  purs 

fat1  was  fe  mede  fat1  lie  had  for  his  faders  curs 

Sire  Otes  was  eldest  and  Gamelyn  was  3enge 

Wenten  to  her  frendes  /  and  passed  to  f  e  kinge  888 

J?ei  maden  pees  wif  f  e  king1  of  f  e  best1  sise 

J)e  king1  loued  wel  sir  Ote  &  made  hyw  iustise 

And  after  f  e  king1  made  Gamelyn  in  est  and  in  west 

|3e  cheef  Justice  of  his  free  forest1  892 

Aft  liis  wi^f  ^onge  men  f  e  king1  forgaf  her  gilt1 

And  sif  en  in  good  office  f e  king1  haf  hem  pilt1 

Thus  wawne  Gamelyn  his  land  and  his  lede 

And  wreke  him  on  his  enemyes .  and  quytte  hem  her  mede 

And  Sire  Ote  his  broker  made  him  his  heire 

And  Sijjen  wedded  gamelyn  a  wif  good  and  faire 

They  lyued  to-gidere  |?e  while  fat1  crisft  wold' 

And  si]?en  was  Gamelyn  grauen  vnder  mold'  900 

And  so  shul  we  all  f  may  J)er  no  man  fle 

God  bring1  vs  to  fat1  loye  fat1  euer  shal  be 

here  endef  fe  tale  of  j>e  Coke.) 

[The  Prologue  and  Tale  of  the  Shipman  follow,  without 
any  break  in  the  MS.] 


PETWORTH    154. 


SPURIOUS   END-LINK   OF    COOK'S   TALE.      PetWOrth   MS.      155 


11  And  [on  leafU,  bocl] 

Thus  gyrmej)  J?e  prologe  of  Jje  sMpman 

Nowe  frendes  seide  our  boost1  so  dere  T  The  Prologe. 

How  likef  }ou  by  lohn  )>e  pa?*donere 
iFor  be  haj>  vnbokeled  wel  J>e  male 

He  baj)  vs  tolde  ri^t1  a  thrifty  tale  4 

As  touching1  of  mysgouernawnce 
I  prey  to  god  3eue  hyra  good  chaunche 
As  30  ban  herd  of  Jnse  retoures  ]jre 

Now  gentil  Marynere  hertely  I  preye  j?e  8 

Telle  vs  a  good  tale  and  J)atf  ri^t  anon 
It1  shal  be  done  by  god  &  by  seinf  lohn 
Seide  Jns  marinere  as  wel  as  euer  I  can 
And  ri^t  anoon  his  tale  he  bygan  .  12 

IT  Thus  endej>  ]>e  prologe  of  J?e  shipman. 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.~\ 


12  PETWORTH    166 


GEOUP  B,  O-  FEAGMENT  III.) 

§  4.     THE  SHIPMAN'S  TALE. 


And  here  bygynnej?  ]>e  shipman  tale 

AMarchaunt1  whilom  dwelled  in  seynt1  denys 
])ati  riche  was  for  which  men  held  hym  wys 
A  wif  he  had  of  excellent1  bewte 
And  companable  and  reuerent1  was  she 
Which  is  a  Jnng1  j?att  cause]?  more  dispence 
jpan  worjj  is  al  J?e  chere  and  reuerence  1196 

J^at1  men  hem  done  at1  feestes  and  at*  daunces 
such  salutacions  and  countenances 
Passe j?  as  dojj  pe  shadowe  vpon  a  wall 
But1  woo  is  hym  pat  payen  mote  for  aH  1200 

The  Sely  husbond*  algate  he  mot1  paye 
He  mote  vs  elope  and  vs  aray 

ffor  his  owne  worship  richely  Peaf  ?&] 

In  which  aray  we  dauncen  lolily  1204 

And  if  Jmtt  he  may  not1  perauenture 
Or  ellis  list  noon  such  spence  endure 
But1  j^enkej)  jjat1  it1  is  waast1  and  ylosf 
])an  mote  anoj?er  paien  for  J?e  cost1  1208 

Or  lene  vs  gold  and  J?afr  is  perilous 
This  noble  marchaunt1  helde  a  noble  hous 
ffor  which  he  had  alday  grete  repayre 
ffor  his  largesse  and  for  his  wif  was  faire  1212 

^at1  wonder  is  but1  herkenej?  to  my  tale 
Amonge  aH  his  gestis .  grete  and  smale 
Ther  was  a  monk  a  faire  man  and  a  bold? 
I  trowe  xxx".  wynter  he  was  olde  1216 

That1  euer  in  oon  was  drowing1  to  pat1  place 
£is  yonge  monk  fat1  was  so  faire  of  face 

PET  WORTH    166    (6-T.  168) 


SIX-TEXT    169 

GROUP  B.    §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   157 

Aqueynted  was  so  wif  fat1  good  man 

[ 1220 


no  gap  in  the 

And  eke  fis  monke  of1  which  I  byganne  1224 

Were  bof  twoo  yborn  in  oo  vilage 

fe  monke  hym  cleymed  as  for  cosynage 

And  he  a^ein  seif  not1  ones  nay 

But1  was  as  glad  ferof  as  foule  of  day  1228 

ffor  to  his  hert1  it1  was  a  grete  plesance 

Thus  bene  fei  knyut1  wif  eterne  aliance 

And  eche  of  hem  gan  of  er  ensure 

Of  bref  erode  fe  whiles  her  lif1  may  dure  1232 

ffree  was  dan  lohn  and  namely  of  dispence 

As  in  fat1  hous  and  ful  of  diligence 

To  do  plesaunce  and  also  grete  costage 

He  formate  nof  to  $eue  fe  lest1  page  1236 

In  alle  fat1  hous  but1  after  her  degre 

He  }aue  f  e  lord!  and  sif  en  his  Mayne 

Whan  fat1  he  came  some  maner  honest  f  ing1 

fibr  which  fei  were  as  glad  of  his  commyng1  1240 

As  foule  is  fayne  whan  J?e  sonne  vpriseth 

No  more  herof  as  nowe  for  ])is  suffisej? 

But1  so  byfelle  ))is  marchaunt1  on  a  day 

Shope  hym  to  make  redy  his  aray  [icat  75,  back] 

Towarde  J>e  toune  of  Brugges  for  to  fare 

To  byen  jjer  a  porciown  of  ware 

ffor  which  he  haj?  to  Paris  sent1  anon 

A  massagere  and  preied  ha|)  dan  lohn  1248 

fat1  he  shuld  come  to  seynt1  denys  to  pleyn 

WiJ)  hym  and  wijj  his  wif  a  day  or  tweyn 

Or  he  to  brugges  went1  in  al  wise 

This  noble  monk  of  whicli  I  ^ou  devise  1252 

Haf  of  his  abbot1  as  hym  list1  licence 

By  cause  he  was  a  man  of  high  prudence 

PETWORTH    157    (6-T.  169) 


SIX-TEXT    170 

158   GROUP  B.   §  4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  eke  an  officere  ouf  forto  ride 

To  seen  her  graunges  and  her  beernes  wide  1256 

And  vnto  seint  denys  he  commej)  anon 

Who  was  so  welcome  as  my  lord?  dan  lohn 

Our  dere  cosyn  ful  of  curtesie 

With  him  brou^f  he  a  lubbe  of  Maluesie  1260 

And  eke  ano]?er  ful  of  fyne  vernage 

As  volatile  as  ay  was  his  his  vsage 

And  Jms  I  laf  hem  .ete.  boj)  drink1  and  playe 

This  merchaunf  and  J)is  monk  a  day  or  twaye  1264 

The  .iij.  day  J)is  Marchaunte  vp  arise]) 

And  on  his  nede  sadly  hym  aviseth 

And  vp  into  his  counter  hous  go])  he 

To  rekne  wif  him  self  as  wel  may  be  1268 

Of  J?ilk  ^ere  hou  fat1  it1  wij)  hym  stode 

And  how  he  despended  had  his  good 

And  }if  J?af  he  encresed  were  or  non 

His  bokes  and  his  bagges  mony  on  1272 

He  lei])  to-fore  him  on  his  countyng1  boord? 

fful  riche  was  his  tresour  and  his  hord! 

ifor  whiche  ful  fast*  his  counter  door  he  shette 

And  eke  he  nold?  faf  no  man  shulcJ  hym  lette  1276 

Of  his  acomptes  for  J>e  mene  tyme 

And  Jms  he  sitte  til  if  was  passed  pn'me 

Dan  lohn  was  risen  in  J?e  morowe  also 

And  in  J?e  Gardyne  walked  to  and  fro  1280 

And  haj?  his  pingges  seide  ful  curteisly  [leaf  70] 

This  good  wif  come  walking1  prively 

Into  pe  Gardyne  J?er  he  walked  soft1 

And  hym  salueth  as  he  ha})  don  ful  off  1284 

A  mayden  childe  cam  in  her  companye 

Which  as  hure  lust1  she  may  gouern  and  gye 

ffor  }if  vndere  Jje  ^eerd  was  ]?e  mayde 

0  deer  Cosyn  myn  dan  lohn  she  seide  1288 

What1  eilef  3011  so  rathe  to  arise 

Nece  qwod  he  if  au^f  ynough  suffise 

PETWORTH    158    (6-T.  170) 


SIX-TEXT    171 

GROUP  B.   §  4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    159 

V.  houres  forto  slepe  vpon  a  ny^t 

But1  it1  were  for  an  olde  palled  wi^t1  1292 

As  ben  f  ise  wedded  men  fat1  lye  and  dare 

As  in  a  forme  sitte  a  wery  hare 

Were  al  for-straught1  wij>  houndes  grete  and  smale 

But1  dere  nece  whi  ben  ^e  so  pale  1296 

I  trowe  certes  fat1  oure  good  man 

Ha])  30 w  labored  si])  J)e  nyght1  bygan 

That1  ^ou  were  nede  to  resten  hastely 

And  wi])  fat1  word  he  lough  ful  merely  1 300 

And  of  his  owne  f  ou^t1  he  wex  al  rede 

This  faire  wif  gan  to  shake  her  hede 

And  seide  f  us  /  $e  god  wote  al  quod  she 

"Nay  Cosin  myne  it1  stont1  not1  so  wij)  me  1304 

ffor  by  fat1  god  fat1  ^aue  me  saule  and  lif 

In  all  f  e  rewme  of  fraunce  is  f  er  no  wif 

fat1  lasse  lust1  haf  to  do  fat1  sorie  play 

for  I  may  syngen  alas  and  wele  away  1308 

That1 1  was  born  but1  no  wi^t1  quod,  she 

I  dar  not1  tellen  how  it1  stant1  wif  me 

werfore  I  f  enk1  out1  of  f  is  lond?  to  wende 

Or  ellis  of  my  self  to  make  an  ende  1312 

So  ful  I  am  of  drede  and  eke  of  care 

f  is  monk1  bygan  vpon  f  is  wif  to  stare 

A  saide  alas  nay  nece  god  forbede 

fat1  36  for  eny  sorowe  or  eny  drede  1316 

fforto  ^oure  self  but1  tellef  me  $our  greef  [leaf  76,  back] 

Perauenture  I  may  in  ^oure  meschief1 

Conseile  or  helpe  and  f  erfor  tellef  me 

Alle  ^our  avis  for  it1  shal  be  secre  1320 

ffor  on  my  portoos  I  make  an  of  e 

fat1  neuere  in  my  lif1  for  leef  ne  lof e 

Ne  shal  I  of  no  counsaile  ^ou  by-wrey 

fe  same  a^ein  to  }ou  quod  she  I  seie  1324 

By  god  and  by  f  is  portoos  I  swere 

f  ei  men  me  wold  al  into  peces  tere 

PETWORTH    159    (6-T.  17l) 


SIX-TEXT    172 

160   GROUP  B.   §  4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

Ne  shal  I  neuer  forto  goo  to  helle 

Bywrey  a  word'  of  ping1  pat1  $e  me  telle  1328 

No^t1  for  no  cosinage  lie  alliance 

But1  verrely  for  loue  and  affiance 

Thus  bene  pei  sworn  and  here  vpon  kist1 

And  eche  of  hem  told!  oper  what1  hem  list1  1332 

Cosyn  quod  she  if  I  had  a  space 

As  I  haue  non  namely  in  pis  place 

pan  wold  I  tellen  a  legend?  of  my  lif ' 

J>att  I  suffred  haue  sip  I  was  a  wif1  1336 

With  myn  husbond?  al  pough  he  be  your  cosyn 

Nay  quod  pis  monke  by  god  $"  by  seint1  Martyn) 

He  nys  no  more  Cosyn  vnto  me 

J)an  is  pis  leef1  pat1  hongep  on  pe  tree  1340 

I  clepe  hym  so  by  seint1  denys  in  ffraunce 

To  haue  pe  more  cause  of  a-queyntaunce 

Of  ^owe  pe  which  I  haue  loued  specialy 

A-bouen  al  wowmen  sikerly  1344 

Jjis  swere  I  ^ou  on  my  professiown 

TelleJ)  3our  greef  lest1  he  come  adown 

And  haste])  ^ou  and  goo])  ^oure  way  anon 

My  dere  loue  quod  she  o  dan  John  1 348 

tful  leef  me  were  J)is  counsaile  to  hide 

But  out1  it1  mote  /  it1  may  no  lengere  bide 

My  husbond  is  to  me  J)e  worst1  man 

fat1  euer  was  sij>  J)is  world?  bygan  1352 

But1  sifen  I  am  a  wif  it1  sitte  not1  to  me  [leaf  77] 

To  telle  no  wight1  of  our  pn'uete 

Neiper  in  bedde  ne  in  noon  ofer  place 

God  shildl  I  shuld  teUe  it1  for  his  grace  1356 

A  wif  ne  shuld  not1  seye  of  her  husbond' 

But1  al  honure  as  I  can  vnderstonde 

Saue  vnto  ^ou  J>us  moche  telle  I  shal 

As  helpe  me  god  he  nys  not1  wor})  at1  al  1360 

In  no  degre  fe  valewe  of  a  flee 

But1  ^it1  me  greuej)  most1  his  nygarde 

PETWORTH    160    (6-T.  172") 


SIX-TEXT    173 

GROUP  B.   §4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    161 

And  wel  30  wote  fat1  wommen  naturelly 

desiren  fingges.  sex  as  wel  as  I.  1364 

f  ei  wolden  fat1  her  husbond!  shuld?  "be 

Hardy  and  wise .  riche  and  f  erto  free 

And  "boxom  to  his  wif  and  fressll  abedde 

But1  by  fat1  ilk  lord  fat1  for  vs  bledde  1368 

ffor  his  honours  my  self  to  aray 

A  sonday  next1 1  mote  pay 

An  C.  frankes  or  ellis  am  I  lorn 

3  it1  were  me  leuere  fat1  I  were  vnborn  1372 

fan  me  were  done  a  sclannder  or  vilanye 

And  if  myn  husbonde  eke  nry^t1  espie 

I  nere  but1  lost  and  f erfor  I  ^ou  prey 

lene  me  fis  somme  and  ellis  mote  I  dey  1376 

Danne  lohn  I  seie  lene  me  f  ise  hundred  frankes 

Parde  I  wold'  not1  faile  f  e  my  f  onkes 

If  fat1  3ou  lust  to  do  fat1 1  ^ou  pray 

ffor  a  certeyn  day  I  wil  ^ow  pay  1 380 

And  to  do  ^ou  what1  plesaunce  and  seruyse 

fat1 1  may  do  right  as  $ou  list1  devise 

And  but1 1  do  god  take  on  me  vengeance 

As  foule  as  had  genylon  of  ffraunce  1384 

This  gentil  monke  answerd?  in  f  is  manere 

No  we  trewly  myn  owne  lady  dere 

I  haue  quod  he  on  ^ow  so  grete  a  rcuf  e 

fat1 1  ^owe  swere  and  plijV  3ou  my  troufe  1388 

That1  whan  3oure  husbonde  is  to  fflaundres  fare    [leaf  77,  back] 

I  wil  delyuere  }owe  out1  of  f  is  worldes  care 

I  wil  bringen  ^ou  an  C.  frankes 

And  wif  fat1  he  kaught1  hure  by  fe  shankes  1392 

And  hire  enbrased  harde  and  kissed  oft1 

Gof  now  ^oure  way  quod  he  al  stille  and  soft1 

And  lat1  vs  dyne  as  sone  as  euere  36  may 

ffor  by  my  children  it  is  prime  of  day  1396 

Gof  nowe  and  bef  as  trewe  as  I  shal  be 

Nowe  ellis  god  forbede  sire  quod  she 

PETWORTH    161    (6-T.  173) 


SIX-TEXT    174 

162   GROUP  B.    §  4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  for]?  she  goof  as  lelous  as  a  pye 

And  bad  fe  Cokes  fat1  fei  shuld  hem  hie  1400 

So  fat1  men  nry^t1  dyne  and  fat1  anon 

Vp  to  her  husbond  is  f  is  wif  gon 

And  knokkef  at1  his  counter  boldely 

Quy  la  quod  he .  Peter  if  am  I  1404 

Quod  she  what1  howe  longe  wol  36  fast1 

How  longe  tyme  wil  36  rekken  and  cast1 

3oure  sonmes  3oure  bokes  and  3oure  f  ingges 

]}e  deuel  haue  part1  on  al  suche  rekenyngges  1408 

36  han  ynogh  parde  of  goddes  sonde 

Come  doune  to  day  and  lat1  3oure  bagge  stonde 

~N"e  be  30  not1  ashamed  fat1  dan  loftn 

Shal  fasting1  al  fis  day  elenge  gon  1412 

What1  lat1  vs  here  masse  and  go  dyne 

Wiff  quod  fis  man  litel  canst1  f  ou  devyne 

f  e  Curious  bysynes  fat1  we  haue 

ffor  of  vs  Chapmen  so  god  me  saue  1416 

And  by  fat1  lord  fat1  called  is  seint1  yve 

Scarcely  amonges  .xij.  tweyn  shul  frive 

Contynuely  lasting1  vnto  our  age 

We  may  wel  make  chere  and  good  visage  1420 

And  drive  forf  f  e  world?  as  it1  may  be 

And  kepen  our  astate  in  pn'uete 

Til  we  be  dede  or  ellis  fat1  we  pleye 

A  pilgrymage  or  gon  out1  of  f  e  weye  1424 

And  f  erf  or  haue  I  grete  necessite  [leaf  78] 

Vpon  f  is  queynt1  world?  to  avise  me 

ffor  euermore  we  mote  stonde  in  drede 

Of  happe  and  fortune  in  our  chapmanhede  1428 

To  fflaundres  wil  I  goo  to  niorowe  at1  day 

And  come  a3ein  as  sone  as  eue?'e  I  may 

ftbr  which  my  dere  wif  I  f  e  biseke 

As  be  to  euery  wight1  buxom  and  meke  1432 

And  forto  kepe  our  good  be  Curious 

And  honestly  gouerne  wel  oure  hous 

PETWORTH    162    (6-T.  174) 


SIX-TEXT    175 

GROUP  B,    §  4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS,    163 

Thow  hast1  nowe  in  euery  maner  wise 

fat1  to  a  frifty  husbonde  may  suffise  1436 

f  e  lackef  noon  araye  ne  no  vitaile 

Of  siluere  in  f  i  purs  f  ou  maist1  not1  faile 

And  wif  fat1  worde  his  counter  door  he  shette 

And  doune  he  go]?  no  lenger  nold?  he  lette  1440 

And  hastely  a  masse  was  fere  saide 

And  spedely  f  e  tables  were  ylade 

And  to  f  e  dyner  fast1  f  ei  hew  spedde 

And  richely  J)is  monke  f  e  chapman  fedde  1 444 

And  after  dynere  daun  John  soberly 

This  Chapman  toke  a-partt  al  prmely 

he  seide  him  f  us  Cosyn  it1  stondej)  soo 

fat1  wel  I  see  to  brugges  30  wil  goo  1448 

God  and  seintf  Austyn  speke  ^ou  and  gide 

I  prei  3ou  Cosyn  wisly  fat1  30  ride 

Gouernef  ^ou  also  of  $oure  diete 

And  temperaly  and  namely  in  fis  hete  1452 

Bitwix  vs  twey  nedef  no  stronge  fare 

flare  wel  Cosyn  god  kepe  ^ou  fro  care 

$if  eny  Jnnge  fer  be  by  day  or  by  ny^tt 

If  it1  ligge  in  my  power  and  in  my  my^t*  1456 

J}afr  30  me  wil  commaunde  in  ony  wise 

If  shal  be  don  ri3tf  as  30  wil  devise 

Oon  Jjing1  er  fat1  36  gon  if  J?at  3it  may  be 

I  wold?  prei  3ou  forto  lene  me  1460 

An  C  ffrankes  for  a  weke  or  twey 

ffor  certeyn  beestes  I  mot1  beye 

To  store  wij>  a  place  fat1  is  owres  [leaf  78,  back] 

God  helpe  me  so  I  wolde  it1  were  3oures  1464 

I  shal  not1  faile  swerly  of  my  day 

!Nou3f  for  a  Mt.  frankes  a  myleway 

But1  lat1  f is  finge  be  secre  I  3ou  prey 

And  god  of  heuene  spede  3ou  in  3oure  weye  1468 

And  fare  nowe  wele  myn  owne  cosyn  dere 

Graunt1  mercy  of  3oure  cost1  &  of  3oure  chere 

PETWORTH    163    (6-T.  175) 


SIX-TEXT    176 

164   GROUP  B.   §  4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

This  noble  Merchaunt1  gentely  ariofi 

Answerde  and  seide  .  0  cosyn  dan  lohn  1472 

Nowe  sikerly  f  is  is  a  smal  request1 

My  golf  is  3oures  whan  fat1  ^ou  lest1 

And  not1  oonly  my  gold*  but1  my  chaffare 

Take  what1  $ou  lest1  god  shilde  fat1  36  spare  1476 

But1  oo  f  inge  is  36  knowe  if  wel  ynogh 

Of  Chapmen  fat1  her  money  is  her  plou^e 

We  may  creaunce  while  we  haue  a  name 

But1  goldelees  forto  be  is  no  game  1480 

Paye  it1  a^ein  whan  it1  lith  in  ^oure  ese 

Aftere  ^oure  iny^f  fayn  wold?  I  ^ou  plese 

Thise  hundred  ffrankes  he  fette  for]?  anon 

And  pnuely  he  toke  it1  to  dan  John  1484 

No  wi^t1  in  al  f  is  world*  wist1  of  f  is  lone 

Sauyng1  f  is  merchaunt1  and  dan  lofrn  allone 

f  ei  dronken  and  romen  and  gofi  to  pleye 

Til  fat1  dan  lohn  ridef  to  his  abbay  1488 

f  e  morn  come  and  forf  f  is  merchaunte  ridej) ' 

To  maundres  ward*  his  prentis  wel  hyw  gidejj 

Til  he  came  into  brugges  merely 

Now  go]?  J)is  merchaunt1  fast1  and  bisily  1492 

Abonte  his  nede  and  biej?  and  creaunsej) 

He  neifer  pleief  at  fe  dis  ne  daunsej? 

But1  as  a  merchaunt1  shortely  forto  telle 

he  lad  his  lif  and  Jjer  I  lete  hym  dwelle  1496 

If  The  sonday  next1  ]>e  merchaunt1  was  a-gon 

To  seynt  Denys  y-co?wmen  is  dan  lohii 

WiJ)  croune  and  berde  fressh  and  newe  yshaue 

In  al  J>e  hous  fer  nas  so  lite  a  knaue  Oaf  79] 

Ne  no  wi}!?  ellis  fat1  he  nas  fayn 

Ifor  fat1  my  lord  daun  lohn  was  come  a3ayn 

And  shortely  to  her  poynt1  forto  gofi 

This  faire  wif  acordef  to  daun  lohn  1504 

And  for  f  ise  hundred  frankes  he  shuld  al  nyjt1 

Haue  her  in  his  armes  bolt1  vpii^ 

PETWORTH    164   (6-T.  176) 


SIX-TEXT    177 

GHOUP  B.    §  4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   165 

And  jns  acorde  perfourmed  was  in  dede 

In  myrth  al  ny^f  a  bysy  lif  jjei  lede  1508 

Til  if  was  day  J?afr  dan  John  went1  his  way 

And  bad  ]>e  mayne  fare  wele  and  haue  good  day 

ffor  noon  of  hem  ne  no  wi^t  in  J>e  toun 

Han  of  dan  lohn  none  suspeciown  1512 

And  for]?  he  ride]?  home  to  his  abbaye 

Or  wher  hym  lust1  no  more  of  hym  I  saie 

1F  This  marchaunt1  whan  fat1  ended  was  fe  fare 

To  seinf  Denys  he  gan  forto  repare  1516 

And  wi)>  his  wif  he  make]?  feest1  and  chere 

And  tellej?  her  J>af  chafFare  is  so  dere 

Jjat1  nedes  most1  he  make  a  cheuysance 

ffor  he  was  bounden  in  a  reconysance  1520 

To  pay  xxt!.  J>ousan<J  sheldes  anon 

ffor  which  jjis  marchaunt1  is  wont1  to  gon 

To  borowe  of  certeyn  frendes  J?at  he  hadde 

A  certeyn  ffrannkes  and  somme  with  hym  he  ladde     1524 

And  whan  he  was  come  into  fie  toun 

ffor  greet1  cheerte  and  grete  affecciown 

Vnto  dan  lohn  him  first1  he  gojj  to  pley 

Nou^f  for  to  borowe  of  hyra  no  money  1528 

But1  forto  witt1  and  see  of  his  welfare 

And  for  to  tellen  him  of  his  chaffare 

As  frendes  done  whan  J?ei  ben  mette  in  fere 

Dan  lohn  him  make]?  feest  and  mery  chere  1532 

And  he  him  told!  a^ein  ful  specialy 

Howe  he  had  bou^f  ful  wel  &  graciously 

Thonked  be  god  al  hole  his  merchaundyse 

Saue  jjat1  he  most1  in  al  manere  wise          [leaf  79,  back]     1536 

Maken  a  chevisaunce  as  for  his  beste 

And  Jmn  shuld?  he  be  in  loye  and  reste 

Dan  lohn  answerd?  Certes  I  am  fayn 

fat1  :$e  in  hele  be  commen  home  a^eyii  1540 

And  if  Jmt1 1  were  riche  as  haue  I  blisse 

Of  xx"  Ml  sheldes  shuldest1  Jjou  not1  mysse 

PETWORTH    165    (6-T.  177") 


SIX-TEXT    178 

166   GROUP  B.    §4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

ffor  36  so  kindely  f  is  of  er  day 

Lent1  me  gold  and  as  I  can  and  maye  1544 

I  f  onke  3011  by  god  and  by  seint1  lame 

But1  naf  elees  I  toke  vnto  our  dame 

3oure  wif  at1  home  f  e  same  gold  a^ein 

Vpon  3oure  benche  she  wote  if  wel  certeyn  1548 

By  certeyne  tokens  fat1 1  can  her  telle 

Now  by  $our  leue  I  may  no  lenger  dwelle 

Our  abbot1  wil  out1  of  f  is  town  anon 

And  in  his  company  I  mot1  gon  1552 

Grete  wele  our  dame  myn  owene  nece  swete 

And  fare  wele  dere  cosyn  to  we  mete 

IF  This  Marchaunt1  wif  fat1  was  ful  ware  and  wys 

Creaunsed  haf  and  eke  paide  in  Paris  1556 

To  certeyn  lumbardes  redy  in  her  handes 

This  some  of  gold?  and  gate  of  hem  f  e  bandes  / 

And  home  he  gof  mery  as  a  popeniaye 

ifor  wel  he  knewe  he  stood  in  such  araye  1560 

fat1  nedes  most1  he  wynne  in  such  a  viage 

A  f  ousand?  frankes  aboue  al  his  costage 

His  wif  ful  redy  mette  hyw  at1  f  e  gate 

As  she  was  wont1  of  olde  vsage  algate  1564 

And  aB  fat1  ny}^  in  myrthe  f ei  bysette 

ifor  he  was  riche  and  cleerly  out1  of  dette 

IF  Whan  it1  was  day  f  is  merchaunt*  gan  enbrace 

His  wif  al  newe  and  kissed  hir*  on  hir1  face  1568 

And  vp  he  gof  e  and  makef  it1  wonder  toogh 

No  more  quod  she  by  god  36  haue  ynogft 

And  wantonly  a3ein  wif  hym  she  pleide 

Til  at1  fe  last1  fat1  fis  raerchaunt1  seide  Deaf  so]      1572 

By  god  quod  he  I  am  a  litel  wrotfi 

Wif  3ou  my  wif  al-f  o  it1  be  me  lotfr 

And  wote  30  why  by  god  as  fat1 1  gesse 

ffor  30  haue  made  a  manere  straungenesse  1576 

Bytwixen  me  and  my  cosyn  daurc  lohn 

3e  shuld*  haue  warned  me  er  I  had  gon 

PETWORTH    166    (6-T.  178) 


SIX-TEXT    179 

GROUP  B.   §  4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS.   167 

Jjatf  he  had  3011  an  hundred  fraunkes  paide 

By  redy  token  and  he  hym  held?  euel  paide  1580 

ifor  fat1  I  to  him  spake  of  cheuysance 

Me  semed  so  as  by  his  countenance 

But1  naf  e-lees  by  god  heuen  kinge 

I  fou^t1  not1  to  axe  of  hym  no  finge  1584 

I  prey  f  e  wif  ne  do  no  more  soo 

Telle  me  alway  er  fat1 1  fro  f  e  goo 

If  eny  dettowr  haf  in  myn  absence 

Ypaide  fe  lest1  forgh  fine  negligence  1588 

I  my^t1  him  axe  as  ping1  f  af  he  haf  paide 

This  wif  was  not1  afferd  ne  affraied  . 

Bot1  boldely  sche  seide  and  fat1  anon 

Mary  I  dime  fat1  fals  monk  dan  John  .  1592 

I  kepe  not1  of  his  tokens  neuer  a  dele 

He  toke  me  certeyn  gold  f  is  wote  I  wele 

What1  euel  thedom  on  his  monkes  snoute 

ffor  god  it1  wote  I  went1  wif -out1  doute  1596 

fat1  he  had  ^oue  it1  me  by  cause  of  ^owe 

To  do  f  er-wif  myn  honure  and  my  prowe 

ifor  Cosynage  and  eke  for  bele  chere 

fat1  he  haf  hadde  ful  often  tyme  here  1600 

But1  sif  en  I  see  I  stonde  in  such  disioynt1 

I  wil  answere  ^ou  shortely  to  f  e  poynf 

36  haue  moo  sclakker  dettowrs  f  an  am  I 

for  I  wil  pay  $ow  wel  and  redely  1604 

ffro  day  to  day  and  if  so  be  I  faile 

I  am  ^oure  wif  score  if  on  my  taile 

And  I  shal  paye  as  sone  as  euer  I  may 

ffor  by  my  troufe  I  haue  on  myn  aray      [leaf  so,  back]     1608 

And  nouht1  on  waast1  bystowed  euery  dele 

And  for  I  haue  bystowed  it1  so  wele 

To  3oure  honour  for  goddes  sake  I  say 

As  be  not1  wrof  but1  lat1  vs  laugh  and  play  1612 

3e  shullen  my  loly  body  haue  to  wedde 

By  god  I  nyl  not1  paye  ^ou  but1  abedde 

PETWORTH    167    (6-T.  179) 


SIX-TEXT    180 

168   GROUP  B.   §  4.   SHIPMAN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

ffoi^eue  if  me  myn  owne  spouse  dere 

Turne  hiderward?  and  make  better  cliere  1616 

This  Marchaunte  seye  per  was  no  remedye 

And  forto  chide  it1  ner  buf  foly 

Sypens  paf  pe  ping1  may  not1  amended  be 

Now  wif  he  seide  and  I  for^eue  if  pe  1620 

Buf  be  pi  lif  ne  be  no  more  so  large 

kepe  bette  my  good  pis  ^eue  I  jje  in  charge 

Jjus  enden  now  my  tale  and  god  vs  sende 

Tailling1  y-nowe  into  our  lyues  ende .  1624 

H  Thus  endep  pe  shipma?znys  tale 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


PETWOttTH   168   (6-T.  180) 


SIX-TEXT    181 

GROUP  B.    §  5.   SHIPMAN'S  END-LINK.   Petworth  MS.   169 


1  J>e  prologe. 

And  here  bygynnej>  Jje  prologe  of  J?e  p?'/ores.  [on  ?ea/so,  60^3 

WEI  seid?  by  corpus  dowmws  quod  our  hoste 
Now  longe  mote  Jjou  saile  by  Jje  coste 
Sire  Gentile  Maister*  gentyl  marynere 
God  3eue  Jje  monk  a  Mi  last1  quade  3ere  1628 

A  ha  felowes  be]?  ware  of  sucli  a  Tape 
J?e  Monk1  put1  in  Jje  mawnys  hode  an  ape 
And  in  his  wyues  eke  by  seint1  Austyn 
DraweJ)  no  mo  monkes  into  30^  Inne  1632 

But1  now  passe  ouer  &  latt  vs  seke  aboute 
Who  shal  now  telle  first1  of  al  J?e  route 
Anofer  tale  and  wijj  jjat1  word  he  saide 
As  curteisly  as  it1  had  bene  a  Mayde  1636 

My  lady  Priores  by  3oure  leue 
So  Jmf  I  wist1 1  shulde  3ou  not1  greue 
I  wolde  deme  Jjat1  30  telle  shuld! 

A  tale  next1  if  so  be  Jjat1  36  wolc?  1640 

Now  wil  30  vouche  sauf  my  lady  dere 
Gladly  quod  she  and  seide  in  J>is  nianere. 

Thus  endej)  jje  prologe. 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


PETWORTH    169    (6-T.  181) 


SIX-TEXT    182 

170    GROUP  B.   §6.   PRIORESS'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


And  here  bygynnef 
J>e  Pnores  tale  of  Alma  redemptoris  mater. 


0 


.  [The  Prologue.] 

lord  our lord'fi  name  how  merveilous  J0^inedom*nMS"La- 
Is  in  f  is  large  world?  ysprad  quod  she  be  p™'ores  t^6      * 
fFor  nou^t1  only  f  i  laude  precious 

Perfourmed  is  by  men  of  dignite  1646 

But1  by  f  e  mouf e  of  Children  f  i  bounte 

Perfourmed  is  for  in  our  brest1  soukinge 

Somtyme  shewen  fei  fine  heryinge  1649 

1T  Wherfor  in  laude  as  I  can  best1  and  may 

Of  f  e  and  of  f  e  white  lile  fioure 

Which  fat1  f  e  bare  and  art1  a  maide  alway 

To  telle  a  storie  I  wol  do  my  laboure  1653 

Nou^tt  fat1  I  may  encrece  her  honours 

fFor  she  he[r]  self  is  honure  and  ferto  rote 

Of  bounte  next1  her  sone  of  soules  bote  1656 

0  Modere  Mayden  o.  maiden  moder1  fre 

0  bussh  vnbrent1  brennyng1  in  Moises  sijft 

But1  vanysshef  doune  fro  f  e  deite 

forgh  fine  humblesse  fe  goost1  fat  in  fe  li^t1  1660 

Of  whos  vertue  whan  he  in  fine  hert1  ali^fr 

Conceyued  was  f  e  faders  sapience 

Helpe  me  to  telle  it1  in  fi  reuerence  1663 

LAdy  f i  bounte  and  fine  magnificence 

f  i  vertue  and  f  i  grete  hurailite 

f  er  may  no  f  ing1  expresse  in  no  science 

fFor  somtyme  lady  er  men  preie  to  f  e  1667 

J}ow  gost1  byforn  of  f  i  benignite 

And  getesf  vs  to  li^t1  forgh  f  i  preire 

To  gyden  vs  vnto  fi  sonne  so  clere  1670 

PETWORTH    170    (6-T.  182) 


SIX-TEXT    183 

GROUP  B.    §6.   PRIORESS'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    171 

My  Conyng1  is  to  waike .  o  blesful  quene 

fforto  declare  f  i  grete  worf  inesse  [leaf  si,  back] 

fat1  I  ne  may  f  e  weghfr  not1  susteyne 

But1  as  a  cliilde  of  xij  monfe  elde  or  lesse  1674 

f  at1  can  vnnef  es  eny  word'  expresse 

Ei3tl  so  fare  I  and  f erfore  I  :$owe  preye 

Gidef  my  songe  fat1 1  shal  of  3011  seie  1677 


[THE  TALE.] 

Ther  was  a  child?  in  a  grete  Cite 
Amonges  cristen  folk1  in  Iwerye 
Susteyned  by  a  lord  of  f  af  cuntre 

ffor  foule  vsure  &  lucre  of  vilany  1681 

Hatful  to  Crist1  and  to  his  companye 
And  f  orghe  f  e  strete  men  my^fr  ride  &  wende 
ffor  it  was  fre  and  open  at1  euery  ende  1684 

A  litel  scole  of  Cn'sten  folk  f  er  stode 

Doune  af  f  e  ferf  er  ende  in  which  f er  were 

Children  an  hepe  ycome  of  cn'stes  blode 

fat1  lerned  in  fat1  scole  }ere  by  3ere  1688 

Such  manere  doctn'ne  as  men  vsed  fere 

f  is  is  to  saie  to  syngen  and  to  rede 

As  smale  children  done  in  her  childhede  .  1691 

Amonges  f  ise  children  was  a  widowes  sone 

A  litel  Clergiown  .vij.  ^ere  of  age 

J3att  day  by  day  to  scole  was  his  wone 

And  eke  also  wher  he  segh  fe  ymage  1695 

Of  cn'stes  modere  had  he  in  vsage 

As  him  was  tau^t  to  knele  adown  and  seie 

His  Aue  marye  as  he  gof  by  fe  weye  1698 

PETWORTH    171    (6-T.  183) 


SIX-TEXT     184 

172   GROUP  B.   §  6.   PRIORESS'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


Thus  ha]?  J?is  widowe  her  litel  childe 

Our  blesful  lady  cr/stes  moder  dere 

To  worship  ay  and  he  forgate  it1  nou^f 

ffor  sely  child*  wil  alday  sone  lere  1  702 

But1  ay  whan  I  remembre  me  on  ]>is  matere 

Seint1  Nicholas  stanfr.euere  in  my  presence  [leaf  82] 

ffor  he  so  ^onge  to  cn'stf  did  reuerence  1705 

This  childe  his  litel  boke  lernynge 

As  he  satte  in  ]>e  scole  at1  his  prymere 

He  Alma  redemptoris  /  herd  singe 

As  Children  lered  her  antiphonere  1  709 

And  as  he  durst1  he  drow  hyw  ner  and  nere 

And  harkened  ay  fe  wordes  and  fe  note 

Til  he  J>e  first1  vers  coujje  al  by  rote  1712 

Nou^t1  wist1  he  what  j)e  latyn  was  to  say 

ffor  he  so  ^onge  and  tender  was  of  age 

But1  on  a  day  his  felawe  gan  he  pray 

To  expoune  hym  J)e  songe  in  his  langage  1716 

Or  tellen  him  whi  Jris  songe  was  in  vsage 

This  preide  he  hym  to  construe  and  declare 

ffnl  ofte  tyme  vpon  his  knees  bare  1719 

His  felawe  which  Jjat1  elder  was  J?an  he 

Answerd  him  ]?us  jjis  songe  I  haue  herd'  say 

Was  maked  of  our  blisful  lady  fre 

Her  to  salue  and  eke  her  forto  pray  1723 

To  bene  our  helpe  and  socour  whan  we  dey 

I  Can  no  more  expounde  in  Jns  matere 

I  lerne  songe  I  can  but1  smal  gramere  1726 

And  is  J?is  songe  ymade  in  Reuerence 

Of  Cristes  modere  seide  J>is  Innocent1 

~Now  certes  I  wil  done  my  diligence 

To  conne  it1  er  cristmas  be  went1  1730 

FETWOBTH    172    (6-T.  184) 


SIX-TEXT    185 

GROUP  B.    §  6.   PRIORESS'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    173 

f  oo  fat1 1  for  my  pn'mere  slial  be  shent1 

And  shal  be  beten  fries  in  an  houre 

I  wil  it1  konne  our  lady  to  honoure  1733 

His  felawe  ta^t1  hyra  homward'  pnuely 

ffro  day  to  daye  til  he  couf  e  it1  by  rote  [leaf  82,  backj 

And  fan  he  songe  it  wel  and  boldely 

fFro  word  to  word  acording1  to  fe  note  1737' 

f  rise  on  a  day  it1  passef  f  orgh  his  f  rote 

To  scoleward?  and  hamward?  whan  he  went1 

On  cristes  modere  sette  was  his  entent1  1740 

As  I  haue  seide  f  orgh-oute  f  e  Iwerye 

fis  childe  as  he  came  to  and  froo 

fful  merely  fan  wold!  he  singe  and  crye 

On  alma  redemptoris  euermoo  1744 

The  swetnesse  haf  his  hert1  perced  so 

Of  cristes  modere  fat1  to  hir  to  prey 

he  can  not1  stint1  of  syngyng1  by  fe  wey  1747 

Our  fursf  foo  fe  serpent1  Sathanas 

fat1  haf  in  Iwes  his  waspes  nest1 

Vpswal  and  seide  o  Ebraike  puple  alas 

Is  fis  a  fing1  to  $ou  fat1  his  honest1  1751 

fat1  such  a  boy  shal  walken  as  hym  lest1 

In  ^oure  despite  and  singgyng1  of  such  sentence 

Which  is  a^einst1  ^oure  lawes  reuerence  1754 

From  f  ennes  forf  f  e  Iwes  han  conspired 

This  Innocent1  out1  of  fis  world?  to  chace 

In  homycide  f  erto  han  f  ei  hured 

f  at1  in  a  Aley  had  a  prive  place  1758 

And  as  fe  childe  gan  forby  forto  pace 

fis  cursed  Iwe  him  hent1  and  helde  fast1 

And  kitte  his  frote  and  in  a  pitte  hy??i  cast1  1761 

PETWORTH    173    (6-T.   185^ 


SIX-TEXT    186 

174   GROUP  B.   §  6.   PRIORESS'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

I  say  fat1  in  a  wardrobe  f  ei  hym  drwe 

Wher  fat1  f  ise  Iwes  pwrgen  entraile 

0  cursed  folk  of  herawdes  al  nwe/ 

What1  may  301116  euel  tent1  30"  availe  1765 

Mordere  wil  out1  it1  wil  not1  faile  . 

And  namely  fer  honure  of  god  shuld*  sprede  [leaf  ss] 

f  e  blood  out1  crief  of  3oure  cursed  dede  1768 

0  Matir  sounded  to  virginite 

Now  maist1  f  ow  syngen  folowing1  euere  in  on 

f  e  white  lombe  celestial  quod  he 

Of  which  fe  grete  eucmngelist1  seynt1  lohn  1772 

In  Pathmos  wrote  which  seyn  J>ei  fat  gon 

Byfore  f  is  lombe  and  singe  a  songe  al  nwe 

That1  neuer  flesshly  wommen  fei  knewe  1775 


This  poor  widowe  waitef  al  fat1 

After  this  litel  childe  .  but1  home  cam  he  nou^t1 

ffor  ^hom  as  sone  as  it1  is  daies  Ii3tf 

Wif  lace  pale  for  drede  and  bisy  Jjoi^t1  1779 

She  ha])  atte  scole  and  ellis  whe[re]  him  sou3f 

Til  fynaly  she  gan  so  fer  espie 

he  was  sene  last1  in  fe  Iwerye  1782 


WiJ>  moders  pite  in  her  brest1  enclosed 

She  go])  as  J)ou3e  she  were  half  out1  of  mynde 

To  euery  place  wher  she  haj)  supposed 

By  liklihede  her  child'  to  fynde  1786 

And  euere  on  cristes  modere  meke  and  kynde 

She  cried  and  at1  fe  last1  }ms  she  wrou3f 

Amonge  fe  cursed  Iwes  she  him  soii^ti  1789 

She  freynej)  and  she  preief  pitously 

To  euery  Iwe  fat1  dwelte  in  Jjilk  place 

To  telle  her  if  her  child  went1  hem  bye 

J?ei  seiden  nay  but1  Thesus  of  his  grace  1793 

PETWORTH    174    (6-T.  186) 


SIX-TEXT    187 

GROUP  B.    §  6.   PRIORESS'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    175 

in  her  f  ou^t1  inwif  a  litel  space 
That1  in  fat1  place  after  her  sone  she  cried/ 
Ther  he  was  cast1  in  a  pitte  beside  1796 

0  grete  god  fat1  perfowrmed  fi  lawde 

By  mouf  e  of  Innocence  lo  here  f  i  n^t1  [leaf  83,  back] 

This  Gemme  of  chastite  f  is  emeraude 

And  eke  of  Marterdom  f  e  rubie  bri^f  1800 

Ther  he  wif  f  rote  y-come  lay  vpri^tt 

He  alma  redemptoris  gan  to  singe 

So  longe  fat1  al  fe  place  gan  to  rynge  1803 

The  Cristen  folk*  fat1  f  orgh  f  e  strete  went1 

Inne  comen  forto  wondren  on  f  is  f  inge 

And  hastely  f  ei  for  f  e  prouost1  sent1 

He  come  anone  wif -out1  tariynge  1807 

And  herief  crist1  fat1  is  of  heuen  kynge 

And  eke  his  modere  honoure  of  man  kynde 

And  after  fat1  fe  Iwes  lete  he  bynde  1810 

This  child?  wif  pitous  lamentacion 

Vptaken  singyng1  his  songe  alway 

And  wif  honure  of  grete  procession 

fei  Carien  hym  to  fe  next1  abbay  1814 

His  modere  swownyng1  by  f  e  bere  lay 

Vnnef es  my^f  fe  puple  fat1  was  fere 

f  is  new  Each  eft  bring1  fro  his  bere  1817 

Wif  torment1  and  vrith  shameful  def  ilkoii 

This  prouost1  dof  f  ise  Iwes  to  sterue 

fat1  of  f  is  mordre  wist1  and  fat1  anon 

He  nolde  none  sucfi  cursednesse  obserue  1821 

Euel  he  slial  haue  fat1  euel  wol  deserue 

f  erfore  wif  wilde  hors  he  did  hym  drawe 

And  after  fat1  he  henge  him  by  fe  lawe  1824 

PETWORTH    175    (6-T.  187) 


SIX-TEXT    188 

176   GROUP  B.    §  6.   PRIORESS'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

1F  Vppon  f  is  bere  ay  lith  f  is  Innocent* 

Byforn  f  e  chief  autere  whiles  masse  last1 

And  after  fat1  f  e  Abbot1  wif  his  Couent1 

had  spedde  hem  forto  bury  hyw  fast1  1828 

And  whan  f  ei  holy  water  on  hym  cast1 

^it1  spake  fe  child*  whan  spreynf  was  fe  holy  waters     [if  84] 

And  songe  .0  alma  redemptoris  mater e  1831 

This  Abbot1  which  fat1  was  an  holy  man 

As  monkes  be  or  ellis  0113  ten  to  be 

J>is  3onge  childe  to  coniure  f  ei  bygan 

And  saide  good  child?  I  hailse  fe  1835 

Be  vertue  of  f  e  holy  trinite 

Telle  me  what1  is  f  i  cause  to  singe 

Sifen  fat1  fi  frote  is  kitte  at1  my  semynge  1838 

My  frote  is  kitte  vnto  my  nek1  bone 

Saide  f  is  child'  and  as  be  way  of  [kjynde 

I  shuld  haue  deied  longe  tyme  a-gone 

But1  Ihesu  crist1  as  36  in  bokes  fynde  1842 

Wol  fat1  his  glorie  last1  and  be  in  mynde 

And  for  J>e  worship  of  his  moder  dere 

^it1  may  I  singe  .0  Alma,  loude  and  clere  1845 

This  welle  of  me[r]cye  cristes  modere  swete 

I  loued  alway  as  aftere  my  connynge 

And  whan  fan  I  my  lif  shuld*  lete . 

To  me  she  cam  and  bad  me  for  to  singe  1849 

fis  Anteme  verrely  in  my  mynd*  deyinge 

As  36  han  herd* .  and  whan  fat1 1  had  songe 

Me  fo^t1  she  leide  a  greyn  vpon  my  tonge  1852 

Wherfore  I  singe  and  singe  mote  certeyn 

In  honure  of  f  e  blisful  martere  fre 

Til  of  ray  tunge  of  taken  is  f  e  greyn 

And  aftere  fat1  fus  seide  she  to  me  1856 

PETWORTH    176   (6-T.  188) 


SIX-TEXT    189 

GROUP  B.    §  6.   PRIORESS'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    177 

My  litel  childe  now  wol  I  fecche  Jje 

Whan  jjat1  J?e  greyn  is  fro  J>i  tunge  ytake 

Be  not1  agasf  I  wil  J?e  not1  forsake  1859 

This  holy  monke  J)is  abbot1  hym  mene  I 

His  tunge  out1  kaught1  and  toke  away  J?e  greyn/    [leaf  84,  back] 

And  he  ^aue  vp  ]?e  goost1  ful  softely 

And  whan  Jje  abbot1  had  ]>is  wonder  seyn  1863 

His  salte  teeres  striked  doun  as  reyn/ 

And  gruf  he  fille  al  plat1  to  ]>e  ground? 

And  stille  he  lay  as  he  had  bene  ybound?  1866 

The  Couent1  eke  lay  vpon  J?e  payment1 

Weping1  and  herying1  cristes  moder  dere 

And  after  J>atf  j>ei  rise  and  for]}  bene  went1 

And  toke  away  ]>is  martere  fro  his  bere  1870 

And  in  a  toumebe  of  Marble  stonys  clere 

Enclosen  Jjei  his  litel  body  swete 

Ther  he  is  nowe  god  leue  vs  forto  mete  1873 

0  yonge  hugfr  of  lyncoln  sclayn  also 

With  cursed  Iwes  as  it1  is  notable 

ffor  it1  nys  but1  a  litel  while  agoo 

Prei  eke  for  vs  we  sinful  folk  vnstable  1877 

Jjat1  of  his  mercy  god  so  merciable 

On  vs  his  grete  mercy  multiplie 

ffor  reuerence  of  his  modere  marye .  1880 

1T  Here  endej>  ]?e  priores  tale. 

[The  Man  of  Law's  Prologue  and  Tale  follow  in  the  MS.] 


PETWORTH    177    (8-T    189) 


GROUP  B.  («•  FRAGMENT  II.) 

§  1.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  HEAD-LINK. 
PETWOETH  MS. 


,Prologu,  And  here  by. 

viri  ieSis       gynnes  pe  prologe  of  pe  man  of  lawe 

Oure  hoost1  segh  wel  pat1  pe  bri^t1  sonrae 
])&  arke  of  pis  artificial  day  hadde  ronne 
pe  feerp  part1  and  half  an  houre  or  more 
And  pough  he  were  not1  depe  expert1  in  lore  4 

He  wist1  it1  was  pe  xviij.  day 
Of  Aprile  pat1  is  massagere  to  may 
And  seghe  wel  pat1  pe  shadowe  of  euery  tre 
Was  as  in  length  pe  same  quantite  8 

fat1  was  pe  body  erecte  pat1  caused  it1 
And  Jjerfore  by  J?e  shadowe  he  toke  his  witte 
]3af  Phebus  which  pat1  shoon  so  clere  and  l>ri^ 
Degrees  was  xlv.  clombe  on  highf  12 

And  for  pat1  day  as  in  pat1  latitude  [leaf  ss] 

Hit1  was  .x.  of  pe  clot  he  gan  conclude 
And  sodeynly  he  pli^f  his  hors  about1 
Lordingges  quod  he  I  warne  ^ow  al  pis  route  16 

pe  feer  party  of  pis  day  is  goon 
Now  for  pe  loue  of  god  and  of  seint1  lohn 
Lesep  no  tyme  as  ferforp  as  ^e  may 

Lordingges  pe  tyme  it1  wastep  bop  ny3#  and  day  20 

And  stelep  from  vs  what*  pn'uely  slepinge 
And  what1  pourgh  neglygence  in  our  wakinge 
As  dop  pe  streme  pat1  turnep  neuere  agayn  / 
Descending1  from  pe  mounteyn  into  playn  24 

Wel  can  Senec*  and  many  a  philosophre 
Byweillen  tyme  more  pan  gold  in  Cofre 
ffor  losse  of  Catel  may  recouered  be 
But*  losse  of  tyme  shendep  vs  quod  he  28 

PETWORTH    178    (6-T.  129) 


SIX-TEXT    130 
GROUPS.    §  1.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  HEAD-LINK.  PctWOlth  MS.    179 

It*  wil  not1  come  a^ein  wip-outen  drede 

No  more  pan  wil  Malkyns  Maidenhede 

Whan  she  hap  lostH  it1  in  her  wantonesse 

LatH  vs  nout1  mowlen  pus  in  Ydelnesse  32 

Sire  man  of  lawe  quod  he  so  haue  I  blesse 

Telle  vs  a  tale  anoon  as  forward?  es 

3e  bene  submitted  pourgh  your  fre  assent1 

To  stonden  in  pis  cas  at1  my  luggement1  36 

Aquitep  ^ou  nowe  of  3oure  biheest1 

pan  han  36  done  ^oure  devoire  at1  pe  leest1 

Oost  qiwd  he  depardeux  ich  assent1 

To  breke  forward*  is  not1  myn  entent1  40 

Biheest1  is  dette  and  I  wil  holde  fayne 

Al  my  biheest1 1  can  no  better  seyne 

ffor  such  lawe  as  a  man  ^euej)  anoper  wi^t1 

He  shuld  hjm  self  vsen  it1  by  ri^t1  44 

Thus  wil  our  text1  but1  nafeles  certeyne 

I  can  ri^t1  now  no  trusty  tale  seyne 

Jmt1  chaucere  fou^t1  he  can  but1  lewdely 

On  meters  and  in  rymyng1  craftely  48 

Hap  seide  hem  in  such  englissh  as  he  can  [leaf  85,  back] 

Of  olde  tyme  as  knowej?  mony  a  man 

And  if  he  haue  nou^t1  seide  hem  leue  broker1 

In  oo  boke  he  ha])  seide  in  a-noper  52 

ffor  he  ha])  told?  of  louers  vp  and  down 

Moo  fan  Ovide  made  menciown 

In  his  Epistels  fat1  bene  ful  olde 

What1  shuld  I  tellen  hem  sip  fei  be  tolde  56 

In  ^oufe  he  made  of  Ceys  and  Alcione 

And  sip  hap  he  spoke  of  euerychone 

Thise  noble  wyues  and  pise  louyers  eke 

Who  so  pat1  wol  his  large  volom  seke  60 

Cleped  pe  Seintes  legende  of  Cupide 

per  may  he  see  pe  large  woundes  wide 

Of  lucresse  and  of  Babylan  Tysbe 

pe  swerd?  of  Dido  for  pe  fals  ene  64 

PETWORTH    179    (6-T.  130) 


SIX-TEXT    131 
180   GROUP  B.   §  1.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  HEAD-LINK.   PetWOlth  MS. 

The  tre  of  Phillis  for  hir  demophon 

f  e  pleynte  of  Dyanyre  and  of  Hermyon 

Of  Andrian  and  of  ysiphilee 

J5e  barayn  Isle  stonding1  in  f  e  see  68 

J)e  dreynt1  leander  for  his  erro 

The  teres  of  Elyne  and  eke  f  e  woo 

Of  Brixseid?  and  of  f  e  ladomya 

The  cruelte  of  quene  Medea  /  72 

j)e  litel  children  honging1  by  f  e  hals 

if  or  f  e  lason  fat1  was  of  loue  so  fals 

Of  ypinistra  penolope  Alceste 

3oure  wivehode  he  coramendef  wif  f  e  best1  76 

But*  certeynly  no  worde  ne  write]?  he 

Of  f  ilk  wicke  ensample  of  canace 

J^afr  luffed  her  oune  brof ere  synfully 

Of  suche  cursed  storis  I  seie  fye  80 

Or  ellis  of  Tiro  Appolloneus 

How  fat1  f  e  cursed  king1  Antiocus 

Biraftf  his  doubter  of  her  maydenhede 

J^at1  is  so  horrible  a  tale  for  to  rede  84 

Whan  he  her  drewe  forgh-out1  J>e  pamentf  [leaf  86] 

And  ferfor  he  of  ful  avisement1 

Kold  neuer  write  in  none  of  his  sermons 

Of  such  vnkinde  abhomynacions .  88 

Ne  I  ne  wil  none  reherce  if  fat1 1  may 

But1  of  my  tale  how  shal  I  done  f  is  day 

Me  were  loth  be  likned  doutlees 

To  muses  fat1  men  clepen  pieriades  92 

Methanorphoseos  wote  what1 1  mene 

But1  naf  elees  I  recche  not1  a  bene 

Ijou^e  I  come  after  hym  wif  ha  we  bake 

I  speke  in  prose  and  lat1  hy?7i  rymes  make  96 

And  wif  fat1  word?  he  wif  a  sobre  chere 

Bygan  his  tale  as  30  shal  after  here  98 

^  Thus  endef  f  e  prologe  [no  break  in  the  MS.] 

PETWOllTH    180   (6-T.  13l) 


SIX-TEXT    132 
GROUP  B.   §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.  PROL.  PctWOlth  MS.    181 


And  here  by-     i  indpit  fabuia 
gynnejj  J?e  Mannys  of  lawe  Tale 

[Prologue.] 

0  hateful  harme  condicion  of  pouert1  99 

WiJ)  Jjrust1  wij)  cold?  with  hunger  so  cowfcwnded? 
To  asken  help  ]?e  shamest1  in  Jjine  hert1 
If  Jjowe  now  aske  wij>  nede  art1  )>ou  so  wounded?  102 

ftat1  verrey  nede  vnwrappej?  al  ]?i  wonud  hed 
Maugre  in  j>ine  hede  pou  most1  for  indigence 
Or  stele  or  begge  or  borowe  J>i  dispence  105 

Thow  blamest1  cn'sfr  and  seist1  ful  bitterly 

He  mysdepartej?  ricches  temporal 

])i  neighboz^r  J?ow  witest1  sinfully 

And  saisf  Jjou  hasf  to  litel  and  he  haj>  aH  109 

P«rfay  seist1  ]?ou  somtyme  he  rekne  shall 

"Whan  j>af  his  tale  shal  brenne  in  J?e  glede 

ffor  he  no^f  helpej)  nedeful  in  her  nede  112 

Herken  what1  is  J>e  menyng*  of  J)e  wise 

Bett1  is  to  dyen  J?an  haue  indigence 

J>i  self  neighboure  wil  ]?e  despise 

If  j?ou  be  poor  fare  wele  ]>i  reuerence.  116 

3ii^  of  jje  wise  man  take  Jns  sentence  Peaf  86,  back] 

Al  )?e  daies  of  poor  men  ben  wikke 

Be  war  Jjerfore  er  Jjou  come  in  J)at  prikke  119 

3if  ]?ou  be  poor  J?i  broker  hate]?  ]?e 

And  alle  ))i  freendes  fleen  fro  ])e  alas 

0  riche  marchauntes  ful  of  wele  be  36 

O  noble  prudent1  folk  as  in  J>is  cas  123 

3oure  bagges  bene  not1  filled  with  ambees  aas 

But1  wi]>  sise  cynk  fiat1  renne]?  for  $our  charcce 

At1  Cristes  mas  mery  may  36  daurcce  126 

PETWOKTH    181    (6-T.  132) 


SIX-TEXT    133 
182   GROUP  B.   §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.  PROL.  PctWOlth  MS. 

3e  seken  londe  and  ffe  for  your  wynnyngges 
As  wise  folk  bat1  knowen  al  be  state 
Of  regnes  36  bene  fadere  of  Tithenges 
And  tales  boben  of  pees  &  debate  1 30 

I  was  ri3tt  nowe  of  tales  desolate 
Ner  bat1  a  marchaunf  gone  is  mony  a  ^ere 
Me  taught1  a  tale  which  bat  36  shal  here  133 

[Only  the  usual  stanza-gap  of  a  line  in  the  MS.~\ 


[As  there  is  no  room  in  this  print  for  the  Latin  notes  in  the 
margin  of  the  MS,  they  are  put  here,  with  the  numbers  of  the  lines 
to  which  they  refer.  ] 

1.  197.  TF  Ceptra  pharonei  fratrum  discordia  thebe 
IF  fflammaw  phetentis  deutalionis  aque 
IF  In  stellis  pr/ami.  species  audacia  turni 
H  Senses  vlixeus  herculies  que  vigor     [MS,  leaf  87,  bick.] 

1.  295.  IF  Vnefe  Philomews  li^ro  .j°.  c°.  8°.  primi  motus  cell  duo 
suwt  quorum  vnus  est  qui  mouet  totum  semper  ab  oriente  &  Occidents 
vno  modo  super  orbes  &  cetera.  Ita  aliter  vero  motus  est  qui  mouet 
orbew  stell&rum  currenciwn  cowtra  motuw  -primwn  viz  ab  Occidents 
in  orientem  super  alios  duos  polos  &  cetera.  Omnes  .enim.  cowcordati 
sunt  quod,  eloccz'owes  sint  debiles  nisi  in  dmtibws.  h^^ent  .enim.  isti 
licet  debilitentwr  eorwm  electiones  radicem  .i.  nati^tates  eontm  qua 
confort&t  omnew  planetaw  debilem  in  Itinere.  Hec,  Fhilosophus. 
[MS,  leaf  89.] 

1.  421.  U  Semp«?r  muwdane  leticie  tristicia  repentina  succedit. 
Mundana  ergo  felicitas  multis  amaritudinib^.s  est  resp'vsa  Extrema 
gaudii.  luctws  occupat»  Audi  ergo  salubre  consilium  in  die  "bonorum 
ne  iw^memor  sis  malorwm.  [MS,  leaf  91.] 

1.  771.  IT  Quid  twrpius  ebrioso  cui  fetor  in  ore.  tremor  in  corpore. 
qui  prome't  stulta.  prodit  occulta  Cui  mens  alienator  facies  tr«nsfor- 
wtftur  nulluw  enim  latet  secretuw.  vbi  regnat  Ebdetas.  [MS,  leaf 
96,  back.] 

1.  925.  II  0  extrema  libidinis  turpitude  que  non  solum  mentew 
effeminat-  sed  et  corpus  eneruat  semper  seqauntur  dolor  &  penitencia 
post  Sccetera.  [MS,  leaf  99.] 

1.  1127.  IF  A  mane  vsque  ad  vesperam  mutabitur  tempus.  tenent 
tympanum  &  gaudewt  ad  sonum  organi.  [MS,  leaf  102,  back.] 

1.  1134.  QJUS  vnqwam  vnicam  diem  totam  duxit  in  sua  delecta- 
cione  iocu^dam  que///  in  aliq^a  parte  die  reatus  consciencie  vel  im- 
petus ire  vel  motus  co>?cupiscencie  inde  non  turbauerit  que>«  liuor 
invidie  vel  ardor  auaricie  vel  tiwor  superbie  non  vexau^/it.  quern 
aliqwa  iactura  vel  offensa  vel  passio  now  cowmouerit  &  cetera.  [MS, 
leaf  102,  buck.] 


PETWORTH    182    (6-T.  133) 


SIX-TEXT    134 
GROUP   B.     §    2.     MAN    OF   LAW'S    TALE.    PetWOrth   MS.     J83 


[TALE.     PART  /.~| 

In  Surry  whilom  dwelt1  a  companye 

Of  Chapmen  riche  and  J)e?*to  sadde  and  trewe 

J>att  wide  where  setten  her  spicerie 

Clones  of  golde  and  saten  riche  of  hue  137 

Her  chaffare  was  so  Jjrifty  and  so  nwe 

fat1  euery  wi^tf  hajj  deynte  to  chafare 

hem  and  eke  to  selleii  hem  her  ware  140 


Nowe  fille  it1  J?afr  ]?e  maisters  of  J>att  sort1 

Han  shapen  hem  to  Eome  forto  wende 

Were  it1  for  chapmanhode  or  for  disport1 

Noon  o]>er  massage  wold  j)ei  jnder  sende  144 

But1  commen  hem  self  to  Eome  J>is  is  J)e  ende 

And  in  suche  place  as  Jiou^fr  hem  auemntage 

ifor  her  entenf  ]>ei  taken  her  herbergage  147 

Soiourned  han  jjise  merchaundes  in  jjaf  toun  [leaf  87] 

A  certeyn  tyme  as  fille  to  her  plesaunce 

But1  so  byfelle  Jjat1  J?e  excellen  renoun 

Of  J>e  Emperour  dou^tere  Dame  Castawnce  151 

Reported  was  with  euery  circumstawnce 

Vnto  ])ise  Surryen  merchauntz  in  such  wise 

fitro  day  to  day  as  I  shal  ^ou  deuise  154 

This  was  fe  comon  Tois  of  euery  man 

Our  Emperour  of  Rome  god  hyra  see 

A  doughter  ha])  fat1  sij>e  )?e  world  bygan 

To  rekne  as  wel  her  goodnes  as  bewte  158 

Nas  neuere  such  anojjer  as  is  she 

I  prei  to  god  in  honure  hir  sustene 

And  wolde  she  were  of  al  Europe  J>e  quene  tlJjjIJJJj(di  *"  tercia  ' 

PETWORTH    183    (6-T.  134) 


SIX-TEXT    135 
184    GROUP    B.     §    2.    MAN    OF    LAW'S    TALE.    PetWOltll    MS. 

IN  hure  is  hegli  bewte  wijj-oute  pride 

jjoupe  wij>-ouf  grenehode  or  folye 

To  aH  her  werkes  vertue  is  her  gide 

Humblesse  ha]>  sclayn  in  hire  al  tyrannye  165 

She  is  a  myroz^r  of  al  Curtesie 

Hire  herte  is  verrey  chambere  of  holyncsse 

Her  hand  mynystre  of  fredam  for  alxnesse  168 

And  al  ]>is  vois  was  soj>  as  god  is  trewe 

But1  nowe  to  pwrpoos  lafr  vs  turne  ageyn 

Jjise  Merchauntz  han  do  fraught  her  shippes  newe 

And  whan  J>ei  han  )>is  blisful  Maiden  seyn  172 

Howe  to  Surrey  ben  Jjei  went1  ageyn 

And  done  her  nedes  as  fei  han  do  }ore 

And  lyuen  in  wele  I  can  say  ^ou  no  more  175 

Now  fille  it1  fat1  J?ise  marchauntes  stoden  in  grace 

Of  hym  fat1  was  J?e  Sawden  of  Surrye 

ffor  whan  Jjaf  J>ei  came  from  eny  strange  place 

He  wolde  of  his  benygne  Curtesie.  179 

Make  hem  good  chere  and  bysilie  aspie  Peaf  87,  back] 

Tijjingges  of  son  dry  rewmes  forto  lere 

J?e  wondres  fat1  J?ei  my^tt  se  or  here  182 

Amonges  o]>ere  Jnngges  specialy 

Thise  marchauntes  han  hym  tolde  of  dame  custaunce 

So  grete  noblesse  in  ernestt  ceriously 

fat1  )>is  sowden  haj?  caught1  so  grete  plesaunce  186 

To  han  her  figure  in  his  remembraunce 

And  al  his  lusf  and  al  his  bysy  cure 

Was  forto  lone  her1  fe  whilis  his  lif  may  dure  189 

Perauenture  in  J>e  Jnkke  large  book 
"Which  fat1  eloped  is  heuene  ywriten  was 
Wij>  sterres  whan  paf  he  his  birth  toke 

he  for  loue  shuld?  han  his  detft  alias  193 

PETWORTH    184   (6-T.  13o) 


SIX-TEXT    136 
GROUP   B.          2.    MAN    OF   LAW'S   TALE.    PetWOrth   MS.     185 


ffor  in  f  e  sterres  clerer  fan  is  f  e  glas  / 

y-writen  god  wote  who  coude  it1  rede 

j)e  def  e  of  euery  man  -vn't/i-onten  drede  196 

In  Stems  mony  a  wynter  fer  byforn  lLatin  note>  p-  H-] 

Was  writen  f  e  def  of  Ector  achilles 

Of  pompe  lulius  er  f  ei  were  born 

fe  strif1  of  Thebes  and  of  hercules  /  200 

Of  sampson  turuno  and  of  Socrates 

f  e  dej)  but1  mennys  wittes  ben  so  dulle 

fat1  no  wi3^  can  wel  rede  it  at1  ]>e  fulle  203 


This  souden  for  his  pn've  counseH  sent1 

4,nd  shortly  of  jjis  matere  forto  pase 

He  ha])  to  hem  declared  his  ententt 

And  seide  hem  certeyn  but1  he  my^fr  haue  grace         -  207 

To  haue  custance  wi]>-Imie  a  litel  space 

He  nas  but1  dede  and  charged  hem  in  hie 

To  shapen  for  his  lif1  sonme  remedye  210 

Dyuers  men  dyuers  jjingges  seiden 

J?e  argumentz  Custen  vp  and  Doun  Peaf  ssi 

Mony  a  sotele  reson  forjj  |?ei  leiden 

)>ei  speken  of  magik1  and  abusion  214 

But1  fynaly  as  in  conclusion 

J?ei  can  not1  seen  in  J?afr  non  auawntage 

Xe  in  noon  o]>er  way  sauf  mariage  217 

Than  segh  ]?ei  J)ere  in  such  difficulte 

Be  way  of  reson  forto  speke  al  playn 

By  cause  J?af  fer  was  such  dyuersite 

Bytwene  hor  bof  lawes  fat1  fei  seyn  221 

fei  trowe  fat1  no  cristen  pn'nce  woldz  fayn) 

Wedden  his  childe  vnder  oure  lawes  so  swete 

fat1  vs  was  taught1  be  Mahoun  our  prophete  224 

14  PETWOIITH    185    (6-T,  136) 


SIX-TEXT    137 
186    GROUP   B.     §    2.    MAN   OF   LAW'S   TALE.    PetWOlth   MS 

And  he  answered  raper  pan  I  lese 

distance  I  wil  be  Glistened  doutlees 

I  mote  bene  hers  I  may  non  opere  chese 

I  prei  ^ou  holde  ^oure  argumentes  in  pees  228 

Sauep  my  lif  and  be]?  not1  rechelees 

To  geten  hure  fat1  ha]?  my  lif  in  cure 

ffor  in  pis  woo  I  may  not1  longe  endure  231 

What1  nedep  gretter  dilatacion 

I  saye  by  tretis  and  Embassadrye 

And  by  Jje  popes  mediacion 

And  alle  ]?e  cherch  and  aH  pe  Chivalrye  235 

pat1  in  destruccion  of  Mawmetrie 

And  in  encrees  of  cristes  lawe  dere 

pei  bene  acorded  so  as  36  shal  here  238 

Now  pat1  pe  Sawden  and  his  Baronage 

And  al  his  lieges  shuld  ym'stened  be 

And  he  shal  haue  custance  in  mariage 

And  certeyn  gold?  I  note  what1  quantite  242 

And  herto  founden  sufficient1  suerte 

This  same  accorde  was  sworn  in  eiper  side  [leaf  RS,  back] 

!N"ow  faire  custaunce  almy^ty  god  pe  gyde  245 

Now  wold!  somrae  men  waiten  as  I  gesse 

pat1 1  shulde  tellen  al  pe  purviaunce 

That1  pe  Ernperour  of  his  noblesse 

hap  shapen  for  his  doubter  dame  Custaimce  249 

"Wei  may  men  knowe  pat1  so  grete  ordynawnce 

May  no  man  telle  in  a  litel  clause 

As  was  araied  for  so  hie  a  cause  252 

Bisshopes  bene  shapen  wip  hure  forto  wende 

Lordes  ladys  kny^tes  of  renown 

And  oper  folk  ynow  pis  is  pe  ende 

And  notified  is  porgh-out1  pe  toun  256 

?ETWORTH    186   (6-T.  137), 


SIX-TEXT    138 

GROUP  B.  §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS.   187 

That1  euery  wi}^  with  grete  deuocicmn 
Shulde  preye  cristt  fat1  lie  f  is  mariage 
Resceyue  in  gre  and  spede  f  is  viage  259 

The  day  is  co?ranen  of  her  departinge 

I  seie  f  e  wooful  day  fatal  is  come 

That1  f  er  may  be  no  lenger  tariynge 

But1  for]) ward1  f  ei  hem  dressed  al  and  some  263 

distance  fat1  with  sorowe  is  al  ouercome 

fful  pale  arist1  and  dressef  hure  to  wende 

ffor  wel  shee  see])  fer  is  noon  of  ere  ende  266 

Alias  what1  wondere  is  it1  f  ou}e  she  wepte 

fat1  shal  be  sent1  to  straunge  nacion 

ffro  frendes  fat1  so  tenderly  her  kepte 

And  to  be  bounden  vnder  subieccioii  270 

Of  oon  she  knowef  nou^t1  his  ccwdicion 

Husbondes  bene  aH  good  and  han  ben  ^ore 

fat1  know  en  wives  I  dar  seie  3011  no  more  273 

Fadere  she  seide  f !  wrecched  child  distance 

Thi  ^onge  dou^tere  fostred  vp  so  soft1  t  Cap.  9    [leaf  89] 

And  ^e  my  modere  my  souereyn  plesaunce 

Ouer  al  f  inge  outaken  mst  aloft1  277 

Custaunce  ^oure  chil(J  hire  recomanndef  oft1 

Vnto  3oure  grace  for  I  shal  to  Surrye 

Ne  shal  I  neuere  seyn  ^ow  more  wif  ye  280 

Alias  vnto  f  e  Barbarye  nacion 

I  most1  anoon  sif  it1  is  3oure  wille 

But1  crist1  fat1  starf1  for  oure  redempcion 

So  ^eue  me  grace  his  heestes  to  fulfille  284 

I  wrecched  womrnan  no  fors  f  ou^e  I  spille 

\Vowmen  ben  born  to  thraldom  and  penawnce 

And  to  bene  vnder  mannes  gouema?mce  287 

PETWORTH    187    (6-T.  138) 


SIX-TEXT    139 

188  GROUP  B.  §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

I  trowe  at1  Troye  whan  purrws  brak  )>e  wait 

Or  ylyon  Jjat1  brent1  Thebes  pat1  Cite 

Nor  Rome  for  J>e  harme  J?orgh  HanybaH 

Jpat1  Romaynes  han  venqwisshed  tymes  fre  291 

Nas  herd*  such  tendere  weping<  for  pite 

As  in  )>e  Chambere  for  her  departinge 

But1  for]?  she  mote  wher  she  wepe  or  singe  294 


[Latin  note,  p.  133.] 
182 


0  first*  mouynge  cruel  firmament1 

WiJ)  jjine  dyurnal  sweigh"  J?at  crowdest1  aye 

And  hurlest1  al  from  eesf  to  Occident1 

That1  naturelly  wold'  hold1  anojjer  waye  298 

J)i  Crowding1  sette  J>e  heuene  in  such  araye 

At1  Jje  bygynnyng1  of  J>is  feers  viage 

That1  cruel  mars  ha]>  sclayn  ]?is  mariage  301 

Infortunatf  ascendent1  tortuous 

Of  which  ]?e  lord  is  helplees  falle  alias 

Out*  of  his  Angle  in  to  J>e  derkest1  hous 

0  Mars  o  Atazir  in  this  caas  305 

O  feble  mone  vnhappy  bene  ]?i  paas./ 

J?ow  knettesf  Jje  Jjer  ]?ou  art1  not1  receyued  [leaf  89,  back] 

Ther  J?ou  were  wele  fro  J?ennes  now  art*  ]?ou  weyued      308 


Imprudent1  Emperour  of  Rome  alas 
Was  ]>er  no  Philisophre  in  al  j>i  toun 
Is  no  tyme  bette  pan  o)>er  in  such  cas/ 
Of  viage  is  J>er  non  election 
Namely  to  folk  of  high  ccwdicion 
Nat1  whan  a  roote  is  of  a  bir]>  yknowe 
Alias   e  bene  to  lewde  or  to  sclowe 


Inspirant 


312 


315 


The  shippe  is  brou^f  j)is  woful  faire  mayde 
Solempnely  wij)  euery  circumstaunce 
Nowe  Ihesu  crisf  be  wij?  ^ou  al  she  seide 
Ther  is  no  more  but1  fare  wel  faire  Custa?/nce 

PETWORTH    188   (6-T.  139) 


319 


SIX-TEXT    140 

GROUP  B.  §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS.   189 

She  peynej>  hure  to  make  good  countenatmce 

And  for)>e  I  lete  hire  saile  in  J>is  manere 

And  turne  I  wil  ageyn  to  my  matere  322 

The  modere  of  J?e  Sowden  welle  of  vices 

Espied  ha]>  her  sones  pleyn  entent1 

Howe  he  wil  lete  his  olde  sacrifises 

And  ri^tf  anone  she  for  her  counsel  sent*  326 

And  Jjei  ben  commen  to  knowe  what1  she  menf 

And  whan  assembled  was  )>is  folk1  in  fere 

She  sette  her  doune  and  seide  as  36  shal  here  329 

Lordes  quod  she  30  knowe  euerichon 

Howe  fat1  my  sone  in  poynt1  is  forto  lete 

Jje  holy  lawes  of  our  akkaron 

3euene  by  goddes  massagere  Makamete  333 

But1  on  avowe  to  grete  god  I  hete 

j>e  lif  shal  ra]>er  out1  of  my  body  sterte 

Or  makametes  lawe  out1  of  myii  herte .  336 

What1  shuld?  vs  tyden  of  J)is  newe  lawe 

But1  J>raldome  to  our  bodies  and  penawnce  Lieaf90] 

And  afterward  in  helle  to  ben  drawe 

ffor  we  reveied  Mahonne  our  creaunce  340 

But1  lordes  wil  ^e  maken  assurance 

As  I  shal  sein  assenting1  to  my  lore 

And  I  shal  make  vs  sauf  for  euermore  343 

1T  Thei  sworen  and  assenten  euery  man 

To  lyve  and  dye  wijj  hure  and  by  hure  stonde 

And  euery  in  fe  best1  wise  he  can 

To  strengthen  hure  shal  al  his  freendes  fonde  347 

And  she  haj>  ]>is  emprise  taken  on  honde 

Which  36  shal  here  Jjat1 1  shal  devise 

And  to  hem  alle  she  spak1  in  ))is  wise  350 

PETWORTH    189    (6-T.  140) 


SIX-TEXT    141 
190     GEOUP    B,    §    2,    MAN    OF    LAW'S    TALE.     PetWOftb.   MS. 

We  shul  first1  feyn  vs  mstendom  to  take 

Cold  watere  shal  not1  greue  vs  but1  a  lite 

And  I  shal  suche  a  reuel  and  feest1  make 

fat1  as  I  trowe  I  shal  f  e  Sowden  quite  354 

iFor  f  ou^e  his  wif  be  cristned  neuer  so  white 

She  shal  haue  nede  to  wassh  awaye  f  e  rede 

f  ough"  she  a  font1  ful  of  water  wif  her  lede  357 

0  Sawdenesse  Roote  of  Iniquite 

Virago  f  ou  Semyram  fe  Second 

0  Serpent1  vnder  femyninete 

Like  to  fe  Serpent1  depe  in  helle  ybound?  361 

0  feyned  woraman  al  fat1  may  confound? 

Vertue  and  Innocence  f  orgh  f  i  malice 

Is  bredde  in  J>e  as  nest1  of  euery  vice  364 

0  Sathan  envious  sif  f  ilk  day 

fat1  f  ou  were  chased  fro  our  heritage 

Wei  knewest1  f  ou  to  wommen  f e  olo?  way 

f  ou  madest1  Eva  to  bringe  in  seruage  368 

Thow  wilt1  fordone  cristen  mariage 

Thyn  Instrument1  so  wele  away  fe  while 

Makestowe  of  wommen  wham  fou  wilf  begile      [leaf  90,  back] 

This  Sowdonesse  whom  I  \>us  blame  and  warye 

Laf  prively  her  counsel  gone  her  way 

What1  shuld  I  in  J»is  tale  lenger  tarye 

She  ridef  to  fe  Sawden  on  a  daye  375 

And  seide  him  faf  she  wold  reneye  her  layo 

And  Cristendom  of  preestes  hondes  fonge 

Repenting1  she  hefen  was  so  longe  378 

Biseching1  him  to  done  her  fr/t  honours 

fat1  she  most1  han  fe  cristen  folk  to  feest1 

To  plesen  hem  I  wil  do  my  labowr 

f  e  Sawden  self  I  wil  don  at1  30^7*  heesf  382 

PKTWOliTH    190    (6-T.  Ul) 


SIX-TEXT    142 
GROUP   B.    §    2.    MAN    OF   LAW'S   TALE.     PetWOlth   MS.     191 

And  knelinge  Jjonkep  hure  of  fat1  request1 

So  glad  he  was  he  nyst1  what1  to  seye 

She  kist1  her  sone  and  horn  she  gof  her  way  385 


[PART  II.] 

Arriued  bene  fise  cn'sten  folk  to  londe 

In  Surrye  wif  a  grete  solempne  Eoute 

And  hastely  fis  Sowden  sent1  his  sonde 

ffurst1  to  his  modere  and  al  fe  regne  aboute  389 

And  seide  his  wiff  was  commen  out1  of  doute 

And  preide  hure  forto  riden  ageyn  f  e  quene 

The  honure  of  his  regne  to  sustene  392 

Grete  was  J?e  prees  and  rich  was  tharray 

Of  Surriens  and  romaynes  met*  yfere 

The  modere  of  j?e  Sowden  riche  and  gay 

Kesceyuef  her1  wi]>  as  glad  a  chere  396 

As  eny  modere  my^t  her  doubter1  dere 

And  to  fe  next1  Cite  fer  beside 

A  soft1  paas  solempnely  }>ei  ryde  399 

Naught1  trowe  I  J>e  tn'umphe  of  lulius 

Of  which"  fat1  lucan  make]?  such  a  boost1 

Was  ryallere  ne  more  curious  peaf9i] 

Than  was  ]>e  assemple  of  J>is  blisful  hoosf  403 

But1  J?is  scorpion  J7is  wikke  goost1 

J?e  Sawdenesse  for  al  her  flateringe 

Cast1  vnder  J?is  ful  mortally  to  stynge  406 

The  Sowden  corainej)  hym  self1  sone  after1  Jns 

So  Eialli  fat1  wonder*  is  to  telle 

He  welcommej)  hure  with  alle  ioye  and  blis 

And  fus  in  merfe  and  loie  I  lete  hem  dwelle  410 

PETWORTH    191    (6-T.  142) 


SIX-TEXT    143 
192    GROUP  B.    §    2.    MAN   OF   LAW'S   TALE.    PetWOltll  MS. 

Jje  froyte  of  fis  matere  paf 1  telle 

"Whan  tyme  come  men  jjou^f  if  for  j?e  besf 

Thaf  reueH  stinf  and  men  gon  to  her  rest1  413 

The  tyme  come  J>is  olde  Sawdenesse 

Ordeyned  hajj  fis  feesf  of  which  I  told* 

And  to  ]>e  fesf  cristen  folk  hem  dresse 

In  general  bof  3enge  and  old4  417 

Here  may  men  feesf  and  rialte  bihold? 

And  deyntes  moo  pan  I  can  3ou  devise 

Euf  al  to  dere  J?ei  boi^f  if  er  pei  rise  420 


0  sodeyn  woo  baf  euer  arf  successoure  [Latin  note,  p.  mi 

T  182 

To  worldly  blisse  sp[r]ayned  is  wij?  bitternesse 

))e  end  of  J?e  ioye  of  our  worldely  laboure 

"Woo  occupie]?  Jje  fyne  of  our  gladnesse  424 

Herk  ])is  counsaille  for  J?i  sikernesse 

Vppon  \\  glade  day  haue  in  J?i  mynde 

pe  vnwar  woo  or  harme  j?at  commej)  behinde  427 

For  shortely  forto  tellen  af  oon  word? 

The  Sowden  and  pe  cristen  euerechone 

Bene  al  to-hewe  and  stikked  af  ]>e  bor(J 

Buf  if  were  oonly  dame  distance  allone  431 

)5is  olde  Sawdenes  Jns  cursed  krone 

ha]?  wij)  her  frendes  done  pis  cursed  dede 

ffor  she  her  self  wold!  al  ]?e  cuntre  lede  [leaf  91,  back] 

NE  ]?er  nas  Surrien  noon  faf  was  co?Aierted 
paf  of  ]?e  counsaille  of  J>e  Sawden  wote 
J>af  he  nas  al  to-hewe  er  he  asterted 

>And  Custaunce  han  J>ei  take  anon  fote  hoof  438 

And  in  a  shippe  al  steerless  god  woote 
]>ei  han  hure  sette  and  bidden  her1  lerne  saile 
Ouf  of  Surry  ageynward?  to  ytaile  441 

PETWORTH    192   (6-T.  143) 


SIX-TEXT    144 

GROUP  B.  §  2.  MAN  OP  LAW'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    193 

A  certeyn  tresour  pat1  she  pider*  ladde 

And  sope  to  seyn  vitaile  grete  plente 

They  han  her  }euen  and  clones  eke  she  hadde 

And  fforp  she  saillep  in  pe  salt1  see  445 

0  my  custaurcce  ful  of  benygnyte 

0  Emperours  jonge  do^tere  dere 

He  fat1  is  lord  of  fortune  be  pi  stere  448 

She  blessep  and  wip  ful  pitous  voys 

Vnto  pe  Crois  of  crist1  pus  seid  she 

0  cleer  o.  welful  autere  holy  croys 

Eede  of  pe  lambes  blood  ful  of  pite  452 

That1  wessh  pe  world*  from  pe  olde  iniquyte 

Me  from  pe  feende  and  from  his  clawes  kepe 

pafr  day  pat1 1  shal  drenche  in  pe  depe  455 

Victorious  tree  protection  of  trewe 

That1  oonly  worpi  were  for  to  bere 

The  king1  of  heuene  wij>  his  woundys  newe 

The  white  lombe  pat1  hirte  was  with  a  spere  459 

fflemer  of  feendes  out1  of  hym  and  here 

On  which  pi  lyues  feipfully  extenden 

Me  kepe  and  ^eue  myght1  my  lyf  tamenden  462 

Yeeres  and  daies  fleet1  pis  Creature 

Thorgh-out1  pe  see  of  Grece  vnto  pe  stray te 

Of  Marrok  as  it1  was  hir1  aventure  [leaf  92] 

0  mony  a  sory  mele  no  we  may  she  baite  466 
After  her  deth  ful  oft  may  she  wayte 

Er  pat1  pe  wilde  wawes  wil  her  dryve 

Vnto  pe  place  pere  she  shal  aryue  469 

MEn  myghten  axen  whi  she  was  not1  sclayrD 
Eke  atte  feeste  who  myght1  her  body  saue 

1  Answere  to  pat1  demannde  agayfi 

Who  saued  Danyel  in  pe  horrible  caue  473 

PETWORTH    103    (6-T.  144) 


SIX-TEXT   145 
194     GROUP   B.    §    2.    MAN    OF   LAW'S   TALE.    PctWOlth   MS. 

Ther  euery  wi^t1  saf  he  maister1  or  knaue 

Was  wif  Jje  leon  frette  or  a-stertt 

No  wight1  but1  god  fat1  hem  bare  in  his  herfr  476 

GOd  list1  to  shewe  his  wonderful  myracle 

In  hir1  ?  fat1  shee  shulde  seen  his  my^ty  werkes 

Crist1  which  fat  is  to  euery  harme  triacle 

By  certayne  meenes  off  /  as  knowen  clerkes  480 

Dof  f  ing1  for  certeyn  ende  fat1  ful  derk  es 

To  mannys  witt  ?  fat1  for  our  ignorawnce 

]STe  kon  not1  knowe  his  prudent1  pwruyaunce  483 

Now  sif  she  was  not1  at1  f  e  feest1  ysclawe 

"Who  kepte  her  from  f  e  drenching1  in  f  e  see 

Who  kepte  lonas  in  f  e  fisshes  mawe 

Til  he  was  spowted  vp  at1  Nynyve  487 

Wei  may  men  knowe  it  was  no  wi^t1  but1  he 

What1  kept1  puple  Ebrayk  from  drenchinge 

Wi))  drie  feet1  f  orgh  out1  J?e  see  passinge  490 

"Who  bad  J>e  foure  spiretes  of  tempest1 

That1  power  han  bo]>  annoyen  londe  and  see 

Bof  nor]>e  and  soujje  and  also  west1  and  Eesf 

Annoye))  neijjer  See  londe  ne  tree  494 

So])ly  ])e  Comannder1  of  fat1  was  he 

That1  from  J»e  tempest1  ay  fis  womman  kept1 

As  wel  whan  she  woke  as  whan  she  sclepte          Deaf  92,  back] 

Where  my^t1  pis  wowman  mete  or  drynk1  haue 
Thre  3ere  or  more  how  lastej?  hii-*  vitaille 
Who  fedde  fe  Egipcien  mary  in  fe  Caue 
Or  in  desert1  noon  but1  Crist1  saunz  faille  501 

V.  Mt.  folk  it1  was  as  grete  meyvaille 
Wij)  loues  .v.  and  fisshes  two  to  fede 
God  sent1  his  foysen  at1  her  grete  iiede  504 

PETWORTH    194   (6-T.  14o) 


SIX-TEXT    145 

GROUP  B.  §  2.  MAN  OP  LAW'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   195 

She  dryuep  for]?  into  our1  Occiaii 

Thorgh-ouf  oure  wilde  See  to  atte  last? 

Vnder  an  hold?  pat1  nempne  I  ne  can 

ffor  in  Nourth  humberlond!  pe  wawe  hire  cast1  508 

And  in  pe  sonde  her  shipp  stiked  so  fast 

pat1  pennes  wold  it1  not1  of  al  a  tyde 

The  wille  of  Crist  was  pat1  she  shuld?  abide  511 

The  Constable  of  pe  Castel  doun  is  fare 

To  seen  pis  werk  and  al  pe  ship  he  sou^fr 

And  fonde  pis  wery  womman  fill  of  care 

He  fonde  also  pe  tresoure  pat1  she  brou^f  515 

In  her  langage  mercy  she  byso^t1 

The  lif1  out1  of  her  body  forto  twynne 

Hire  to  delyuere  of  woo  pat1  she  was  Inne  518 

A  Maner1  latyn  corrupte  was  her  speche 

But1  algates  per-by  was  she  vnderstonde 

The  Constable  whan  he  list1  no  lengere  seche 

This  wooful  womman  broi^t1  he  to  pe  londe  522 

She  knelep  doune  and  ponkep  goddys  sonde 

But1  what1  she  was  she  wolde  no  man  seye 

ffor  foule  ne  faire  pou^e  pat  she  shuld?  deye  525 

She  seide  she  was  so  mased  in  the  See 

pat1  she  forgate  hure  mynde  by  hure  troupe 

The  Constable  of  hire  hap  so  grete  pite  [leaf  93] 

And  eke  his  wiff  pat1  pei  wepen  for  roupe  529 

She  was  so  diligent1  wip-outen  sloupe 

To  serue  and  plese  euerech  in  pat1  place 

That1  al  her  louen  pat1  loken  on  her  face  /  532 

The  Constable  and  dame  Ermengeld?  his  wiff1 

Were  paynymes  and  pat1  contray  euerywhere 

But1  Hermengilt1  loued  hure  ri^t1  as  hir  liff1 

And  Constance  hap  so  longe  soiozwned  pere  536 

PETWORTH    19o    (6-T.  146) 


SIX-TEXT    147 
196    GROUP    B.     §    2.     MAN    OF   LAW'S    TALE.    PetWOrtfl   MS. 

In  Orisons  wif  mony  a  bitter  tere 

Til  Ihesu  haf  e  conuerted  f  orgh  his  grace 

Dame  hermengild?  Constablesse  of  fat  place  539 

In  aH  fat1  londe  durst1  none  cn'sten  route 

Alle  Cristen  folk1  ben  fleddl  fro  fat1  cuntre 

Thorgh  paynymes  fat1  conquered  f  er  aboute 

f  e  plages  of  f  e  nortli  by  lond  and  see  543 

To  wales  fledde  f  e  Cn'stiante 

Of  olde  Bretoynes  dwellin  in  f  e  He 

Ther  was  hure  refute  for  fe  mene  while  546 

But1  ^it1  nas  neuere  cn'sten  Bretoyne  so  exiled 

That1  f  er  nas  somwie  in  her  pn'uetee 

Honoured  Crist1  and  hef  en  folk1  begyled 

And  ny^e  fe  Castel  such  per  dwelled  thre  550 

That1  oon  of  hem  was  blynde  and  my3f  nof  see 

But1  it1  were  wij?  filk  yen  of  his  mynde 

With  which  men  seen  after  fat1  fei  bene  blynd?  553 


was  fe  sonne  as  in  fat1  somers  day 
ffor  whiche  f  e  constable  and  his  wif  also 
And  Custance  han  ytake  f  e  iijti  way 
Toward  fe  see  a  forlonge  way  or  two  557 

To  pleien  and  to  romen  to  and  froo  / 
And  in  her  walk1  f  is  blynde  man  f  ei  mette 
Croked  and  olde  wif  fast1  eyen  yshetf  [leaf  93,  i-ack] 

In  f  e  name  of  crist1  cried  f  is  blynd  Bretown 

Dame  hermegild!  ^eue  me  813  11  agayn 

This  lady  wexe  a-fraied  of  f  e  soune 

Lest1  fat1  her  husbond?  shortely  forto  seyne  564 

Wold  hure  for  Ihesu  cnstes  loue  haue  slayn 

Til  Custance  made  hure  bold  and  bad  hire  wirche 

The  wille  of  crist1  as  doubter1  of  his  chirche  5G7 

PETWOKTH    196    (6-T.  117) 


SIX-TEXT    148 

GROUP  B.   §  2.  MAN  OP  LAW'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS.    197 

The  constable  wexe  abasshed  of  J>af  sight* 

And  seide  what*  amountejj  al  jjis  fare 

Custance  answerd?  Sire  it1  is  cristes  my^fr 

Jjat1  helpejj  folk  out*  of  J?e  fendes  snare  571 

And  so  ferforjj  she  can  our  lay  declare 

pat1  she  J>e  constable  er  it  was  eve 

Conuertejj  and  on  crist1  made  \\jrn  byleue  574 

This  Constable  nas  no  ping1  lord!  of  Jis  place 

Of  which  I  speke  J>er  he  Custawnce  fonde 

But1  kepte  it1  strongly  mony  a  wynter1  space 

Vnder  Alia  king1  of  aH  Norjjhumberlonde  578 

Jjat1  was  fuH  wise  and  worjji  of  his  honde 

Ageyne  J?e  scottes  as  men  may  wel  here 

But1  turne  I  wil  ageyn  to  my  matere  581 

Sathan  J?afr  euere  vs  waitejj  to  begile 

Seghe  of  Custance  al  hure  perfecciozm 

And  cast1  anone  howe  he  my^t1  quyte  her  while 

And  made  a  yonge  knyght1  Jjat1  dwelt1  in  ]>e  town  585 

Loue  hire  so  hoot1  of  foule  affecciozm 

J3at  verrely  hym  Jjou^f  he  shulde  spille 

But1  he  of  hire  ones  my^t1  haue  his  wille  588 

He  wowej>  hure  but1  it1  availlej?  noi^t1 

She  wolde  do  no  synne  by  no  weye 

And  for  despite  he  compased  in  his  jjou^f  [leaf  94 

To  make  hure  a  shameful  dee])  to  dye  592 

He  waitej)  whan  ]>e  constable  was  away 

And  pn'uely  vpon  a  ny^t*  he  crept1 

In  hermengildes  Chambre  while  she  slept1  595 

) 

Wery  for-waked  in  her  Orisons 
SlepeJ)  Custance  and  hermengild?  also  / 
This  knyght1  jjourgh  Sathanas  teraptacions 
Al  softly  is  to  J»e  bed  y-goo  599 

PETWORTH    197    (6-T.  148) 


SIX-TEXT    149 
198    GROUP   B.     §    2.    MAN    OF   LAW'S    TALE.    PetWOrth   MS. 

And  kitte  f  e  f  rote  of  hermengilcJ  atwoo  , 

And  laide  Jje  blody  knyf  by  dame  Custawnce 

And  went1  his  waye  f  er  god  3eue  hym  meschauwce         602 

Sone  after  CommeJ)  fis  Constable  home  agayn 

And  Eke  Alia  fat1  kinge  was  of  fat*  londe 

And  segh  his  wiff  dispitously  slayn 

ffor  whiche  ful  oft1  he  wepte  and  wronge  his  honde        606 

And  in  f  e  bedde  f  e  blody  knyf  he  fonde 

By  dame  Custaiwce  alias  what1  my^f  she  say 

ffor  verry  woo  her  witte  was  al  away  609 

So  kinge  Alia  was  tolde  al  fis  meschawnce 

And  eke  f  e  tyme  and  where  and  in  what  wise 

fat1  in  a  shipp  was  founden  fis  Custawnce 

As  here  byforn  36  han  herde  devise  613 

The  kingges  hert1  of  pite  gan  agrise 

Whan  he  seye  so  benigne  a  creature 

ffalle  in  dissese  and  in  mysauenture  616 


For  as  f  e  lombe  toward?  J)e  deth  is 

So  J)is  Innocent1  stanf  to-fore  f  e  king1 

jjis  fals  kny^f  fat1  haf  Jris  treson 

Beref  hure  on  honde  fat1  she  haf  do  fis  f  ing1  620 

But1  naf  elees  f  er  was  grete  mowrnyng1 

Amonge  f  e  puple  and  seie  f  ai  can  not  gesse 

Tha[t]  she  had  done  so  grete  a  wickednesse          [leaf  94,  back] 

For  f  ei  han  seyn  her1  euere  so  vertuous 
And  louyng1  hermengile  ri^t1  as  her  liff 
Of  fis  bare  witnesse  euerich  in  f  af  hous 
Saue  he  fat1  hermengild!  slowe  wiih  his  knyff  627 

This  gentile  kinge  haf  ka^f  a  gref  motiff 
Of  fis  witnesse  and  f  o^t1  he  wold!  enquere 
Depper  in  fis  caas  trouf  e  forto  lere  630 

pETWoirrn  198  (G-T.  149) 


SIX-TEXT    150 

GROUP  B.  §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   199 

Alias  distance  f  ow  nast1  no  champyon 

Ne  fighte  Canstowe  nat1  so  wele  away 

But1  lie  fat1  for  oure  redempcion 

And  bonde  Sathan  and  lyef  hym  f  er  lie  lay  634 

So  "be  f  i  strong1  Champion  f  is  daye 

ifor  but1  Cn'ste  on  f  e  miracle  kith 

Wif-owten  gilt1  f  ou  shalt1  be  slayn  as  swif  e  637 

She  sette  her  doune  on  knees  and  f  er  she  seide 

Immortal  god  f  af  sauedestt  Susanne 

ffro  fals  blame  and  f  ou  merciful  maide 

Marye  I  mene  dorter  to  seint1  Anne  641 

Byforn  whoos  childe  aungels  sing1  Osanne 

If  I  be  giltlees  of  J>is  felonye 

My  socoure  be  for  ellis  shal  I  dye  644 

Haue  36  not1  sene  somtyme  a  pale  face 

Among1  a  prees  of  him  fat1  ha]>  be  ladde 

Toward?  fe  depe  where  as  he  gete  no  grace 

And  swich  a  coloure  in  his  face  hajj  hadde  648 

Men  my3t1  knowe  his  face  J>af  was  bistadde 

Amonge  alle  ]?e  faces  of  fat1  route 

So  stant  Custance  and  lokef  hire  aboute  651 

0  quenes  lyuynge  in  prosperite 

Duchesses  and  36  ladies  euerechone 

Haue  some  roufe  on  her  aduersite  [leaf  95], 

An  EmpmDurs  dou^tere  stant1  allone  655 

She  haf  no  wi^t1  to  whom  to  make  her  mono 

0  blood  real  fat1  stondest1  in  f is  drede 

ffer  bene  fi  frendes  at1  fi  grete  nede  658 

This  Alia  king1  haf  swicH  compassiozm 

As  Geltile  hert1  is  fulfilled  of  pite 

fat1  from  his  eyen  ranne  f e  water  do?m 

Now  hasteli  do  fecche  a  boke  quod  he  662 

PETWORTH    199    (6-T.  150) 


SIX-TEXT    151 

200  GROUP  B.   §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

And  if  fis  knyghfr  wil  swere  howe  fat  she 

f  is  wowman  sclowe  jiV  wil  we  vs  avise 

"Whom  fat1  we  wold'  shuld  be  our  lustise  665 

A  breton  booke  writen  -with  euawngelies 

"Was  fette  and  f  er-on  he  swore  anone 

She  giltif  was  in  f  e  mene  whiles 

An  honde  him  smote  vpon  f  e  nekke  bone  669 

fat1  doune  he  felle  at1  ones  as  a  stone 

And  bof  e  his  eyen  brast1  out1  of  his  face 

In  sijf  of  euery  body  in  fat  place  672 

A  voys  was  herde  in  general  audience 

And  seide  f  ou  hast1  disslaundered  giltelees 

f  e  doubter  of  holy  church  in  high  presence 

Thus  hastowe  done  and  jiti  I  mot1  hold?  my  pees  676 

Of  f  is  mervaile  agast1  was  aH  f  e  prees 

As  mazed  folk1  f  ei  stoden  euerechone 

ffor  drede  of  wreche  sauf  Custance  alone  679 

• 

Grete  was  ]?e  drede  and  eke  Jje  repentawnce 
Of  hem  faf  hadden  wrong1  suspeciown 
Vppon  J)is  cely  Innocent1  Custa^^nce 

And  for  J>is  miracle  in  conclusiown  683 

And  by  Custance  Mediackmn 
Jje  kinge  and  mony  ano]?er  in  J?at  place 
Conuerted  were  Jjonked  be  goddis  grace  [leaf  95,  back] 

This  fals  knyghf  was  sclayn  for  his  vntroujje 

By  luggement1  of  Alia  hastifly 

And  31^  Custance  haj)  of  his  dej>  gref  roufe 

And  after  J>is  Ihesus  of  his  mercy e  690 

Made  Alia  wedden  ful  solempnely 

This  holy  maiden  fat1  is  so  bri^t1  and  shene 

And  fus  haf  crist1  made  Custance  a  quene  693 

PETWORTH    200   (6-T    lol) 


SIX-TEXT    152 

GROUP  B.  §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   201 

But1  who  was  wooful  if  I  slial  not1  lye 

Of  f  is  wedding1  but1  donegild?  and  no  moo  / 

The  kingges  modere  ful  of  Tyrannye 

Hire  fou^t1  her  cursed  hert1  brast1  a  two  697 

She  wold'  not1  her  sone  had  done  so  / 

Hire  f  o^t1  a  despite  fat1  he  shulde  take 

So  straunge  a  creature  vnto  his  make  700 

ME  list1  not1  of  f  e  Chaf  ne  of  f  e  stre 

Make  so  longe  a  tale  as  of  f  e  corne 

What1  shuld?  I  tellen  of  J>e  Rialte 

Of  mariage  or  which"  cours  go])  byforne  704 

Who  blowef  in  trompe  or  in  an  home 

f e  ffrwte  of  euery  tale  is  forto  seye 

f  e[i]  and  drinke .  f  ei  daunce  singe  or  pley .  707 

Thei  gone  to  bedde  as  it1  was  skil  and  rijf 

ffor  f  ou3e  fat1  wives  bene  ful  holy  f  ingges 

f  ei  most1  take  in  pacience  a  nyght1 

Such  manere  necessaries  as  ben  plesingges  711 

To  folk1  fat1  han  ywedded  hem  witJi  ringges  / 

And  laye  a  litel  her  holynesse  aside 

As  for  fe  tyme  it1  may  none  of  ere  betide  714 

On  hire  he  gate  a  knaue  child!  anone 

And  to  a  bisshope  and  his  Constable  eke 

He  toke  his  wif  to  kepe  whan  he  is  gone  [leaf  96] 

to  scotlond?  ward!  his  foomen  for  to  seke  718 

Nowe  faire  Custance  fat1  is  so  humble  and  meke 

So  longe  is  goon  wif  child'  til  fat1  stille 

She  halt1  her  chambere  abiding1  cHstes  wille  721 

The  tyme  is  come  a  knaue  child  she  bere 

Mauricius  atte  fontstone  f  ei  hym  calle 

fis  Constable  doj>  forf  come  a  massagere 

And  wrote  to  his  kinge  fat1  cleped  was  Alle  725 

15  PETWORTH    201    (6-T.  152) 


SIX-TEXT    153 

202  GROUP  B.   §  2,  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

Howe  pat1  pis  blisful  tydyngges  is  byfalle 

And  oper  tydingges  spedeful  forto  seye 

He  takef  pe  lettie  and  for]?  he  gop  his  waye  728 

This  Massagere  to  done  his  auawntage 

Vnto  pe  kingges  modere  ride]?  swipe 

And  salwep  hire  ful  faire  in  his  langage 

Madame  quod  he .  36  may  be  glad  and  blipe  732 

And  ponkep  god  an  hundred  pousan<J  sipe 

My  lady  queue  hap  child'  wip-outen  doute 

To  loie  and  blisse  of  al  pis  regne  aboute  735 

Lo  here  pe  letfaes  seled  of  pis  pinge 

Jjat1 1  mot1  bere  wip  al  pe  hast1 1  may 

If  36  wil  ou^f  vnto  ^oure  sone  pe  kinge 

I  am  ^oure  serua^nte  bop  ny^t1  and  day  739 

Dongild?  answerd4  not1  not1  at1  pis  tyme 

But1  here  al  ny}^  I  wil  pou  take  pi  rest1 

To  morowe  wil  I  saye  what1  me  lest1  742 

This  Massagere  dronk1  sadly  ale  and  wyne 

And  stollen  were  his  le^res  prively 

Out1  of  his  boxe  whilst1  he  slepte  as  a  swyn) 

And  counterfeted  was  ful  subtily  746 

A  nopere  lettre  wrou^f  ful  synfully 

Vnto  pe  kinge  directe  of  pis  matere 

ffrom  his  Constable  as  36  shal  after  here  [leaf  96,  back] 

The  lettre  spak1  pe  Quene  delyuered  was 

Of  so  horrible  a  fendlich  creat?^?^e 

That1  in  pe  Castel  noon  so  hardy  was 

pat1  eny  while  dorst1  p^r-Inne  endure  753 

The  modere  was  an  Elf  by  auentwe 

Ycome  by  Charmes  or  by  sorcerye 

And  euery  wighf  hatep  her  companye  756 

PETWORTH    202    (6-T.  153) 


SIX-TEXT    154 

GROUP  B.  §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS.   203 

WOo  was  J>is  kinge  whan  he  J?is  letfaQ  had  seyne 

But  to  no  wi^t1  he  tolde  his  sorowes  sore 

But1  of  his  owne  honde  he  wrote  ageyne 

Welcome  £e  sonde  of  cn'st1  for  euermoore  760 

To  me  jjat1  am  nowe  lered  in  his  lore 

Lord  welcome  be  Jn  lust1  and  J)i  plesauwce 

My  lust1  is  putte  al  in  Jjine  ordynawnce  763 

Wepejj  )>is  child!  al  be  it1  foule  or  feire 

And  eke  my  wiff  vnto  myn  home  coramynge 

Crist1  whan  him  list1  may  sende  me  an  heire 

More  a-greable  J>an  J>is  is  to  my  likinge  767 

This  letter  he  celej)  prively  wepinge 

Whiche  to  fe  massagere  was  take  sone 

And  for]?  he  go]?  J?er  nys  no  more  to  done  770 

0  Massagere  fulfilled  of  dronkenesse  iLatin  note>  P-  l|-] 

Stronge  is  ]?i  bree]>  j>i  lymmes  flateren  ay 

And  ]>ou  by-wreiest1  al  sikernesse 

Thy  mynde  is  lorn  )?ou  langelesf  as  a  laye  774 

Thi  face  is  turned  in  a  newe  aray 

Ther  dronkenesse  regnejj  in  ony  route 

Ther  nys  no  counsel!  hidde  wi]>-oute  doute  777 

0  Donegild!  I  ne  haue  noon  englissh  digne 

Ynto  fi  malice  and  J>i  tyrannye  1  P  ^^^^S^^^ 

And  ]?erfore  to  J>e  fende  I  pe  resigne 

Laf  hym  enditen  of  j?i  traterye  781 

%  maraiyssh  fy .  o  nay  by  god  I  lie 

ffy  feendissh  spirit1 .  for  I  dar  wel  telle 

Thowe  fou  here  walk1  }>i  spirit1  is  in  helle  784 

This  massagere  cowmej?  fro  J>e  feende  agayn 

And  at1  ]>e  kingges  moders  court1  he  li^t* 

And  she  was  of  this  massagere  ful  fayn 

And  plesed  him  in  al  jjat  euere  she  my^t1  788 

PETWORTH    203    (6-T.  154) 


SIX-TEXT    155 

204  GROUP  B.   §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 


He  drank  wel  his  girdel  vnder 

He  sclepej)  and  he  firontef  in  his  gise 

Al  nyght1  to  fe  sonne  gan  arise  791 

Ofte  were  his  le#res  stolle  euerechone 

And  counterfeted  lettres  in  fat1  wise 

})e  kinge  commaundef  his  constable  anone 

Vp  peyn  of  hongyng1  on  an  high"  Iwyse  795 

That*  he  ne  shulde  suffre  in  no  wise 

distance  wif-Inne  his  regne  forto  abide 

Thre  daies  and  a  quarter  of  a  tyde  798 

But1  in  f  e  same  ship  as  he  hire  fonde 

Hure  and  her  yonge  sone  and  al  her  gere 

He  shulde  putte  and  croude  fro  f  e  londe 

And  charge  hure  fat1  she  neuere  eft  come  fere  802 

0  my  Custance  wel  may  f  i  goost1  haue  fere 

And  sleping1  in  f  i  dreme  bene  in  penawnce 

Whan  donegil  cast1  aH  hir  ordinance  805 

This  Massagere  on  morowe  whan  he  woke 

Vnto  fe  Castel  halt1  fe  nexf  waye 

And  to  f  e  Constable  he  f  e  le^re  toke 

And  whan  faf  he  fis  pitous  le££re  saye  809 

fful  oft  he  seide  alias  and  walawaye 

lord  Crist'  quod  he  howe  may  fis  le^re  endure     Deaf  97,  back] 

So  ful  of  synne  is  mony  a  creature  812 

0  my^ty  god  if1  fat1  if  be  f  i  wille 

Sif  f  ou  art1  ^fful  luge  how  may  it1  be 

fat1  f  ou  wilt1  suffren  Innocentz  to  spille 

And  wicked  folk  regnen  in  prosperite  816 

0  good  Custance  alias  so  woo  is  me 

fat1  1  mote  be  f  i  turmentow  or  deye 

On-  shames  deth  fer  nys  noon  of  ere  waye  819 

PETWORTH   204   (6-T.  loo) 


SIX-TEXT    156 
GROUP   B,    §    2.    MAN    OF   LAW'S   TALE.    PctWOlth   MS.     205 

Wepen  boj>  $onge  and  olde  in  al  fat1  place 

Whan  fat1  f  e  kinge  f  is  cursed  le^re  sent1 

And  distance  wif  a  dedly  pale  face 

pe  ferf  e  day  toward?  her  ship  she  went1  823 

But1  naf  elees  she  take])  in  good  entent1 

f  e  wille  of  Crist'  and  kneling1  in  f  e  stronde 

She  saide  lorde  o.  welcome  be  f  i  sonde  •   826 

He  fat1  me  kept1  from  f  e  fals  blame 

While  I  was  in  f  e  londe  amonges  $ou 

He  kan  me  kepe  from  harme  and  eke  fro  sham 

In  salt1  See  al-f  o^e  I  se  not1  howe  830 

As  stronge  as  euer  he  was  he  is  ri^t1  nowe 

In  hym  trust1 1  and  in  his  modere  dere 

fat1  is  to  me  my  saille  and  eke  my  stere  833 

Hire  litel  child?  lay  weping1  in  her  Arme 

An  kneling1  pitously  to  him  she  seide 

Pees  litel  sone  I  wil  do  f  e  noon  harme 

WiJ)  fat1  her  keerchef  of  her  hede  she  breide  837 

And  ouer1  his  smale  yen  she  it1  leyde 

And  in  her  Arme  she  lullef  it1  ful  fast1 

And  in  to  heuene  her  yen  vp  she  cast1  840 

Modere  quod  she  and  maide  bri^f  marie 

SoJ>e  is  fat*  Jjorowe  womme^nys  eggement1  jeafgs] 

Mankinde  was  lorn  and  dampned  ay  to  dye 

ffor  which  Jji  child?  was  on  croys  yrent1  844 

j)i  blisful  eyen  segfr  al  his  turment1 

fan  is  ]>er  no  comparison  bytwene 

fi  woo  and  any  woo  man  may  sustene  847 

Thowe  seghe  Jji  sone  yslayn  bifore  fine  eyen 

And  ^it1  now  lyuef  my  litel  child  parfay 

Now  lady  b^t1  to  whoom  al  woful  crien 

Thowe  glory  of  wo?7imanhode  fou  faire  may  851 

PETWORTH    205    (6-T.  156) 


SIX-TEXT    157 
206     GROUP    B.     §    2.    MAN    OF    LAW'S    TALE.    PetWOlth   MS. 

J)ow  hauen  of  refute  brrjtt  sterre  of  day 

Rewe  on  my  child?  ]>att  of  fi  gentilnesse 

Rewestt  on  euery  RwefuH  in  distresse  854 

0  litel  child  alias  watt  is  j?i  giltt 

Jjatt  neuer  wrongest1  synne  as  }itt  parde 

Why  wil  fine  harde  fadere  haue  ]?e  spiltt 

0  mercye  dere  constable  quod  she  858 

As  latt  my  litel  child?  dwelle  here  with  J?e 

And  }if  J)ou  darstt  nott  fauour  hym  for  blame 

So  kisse  him  onys  in  his  faders  name  861 

TherwiJ)  she  lokej)  bacward?  to  ]?e  lande 

And  saide  fare  wel  husbond'  rewthlees 

And  vp  she  restt  and  walkej)  down  ])e  stronde 

Toward'  J?e  shippe  hire  folowej?  al  J>e  prees  865 

And  euere  she  preiej)  her  chilcJ  to  hold?  his  pees 

And  takef  her  leue  and  with  an  holy  ententt 

She  blessej)  hire  and  into  ship  she  went1  868 

Availed  was  J>e  ship  if  is  no  drede 

Abundantly  for  hire  a  longe  space 

And  ofer  necessaries  J?at  shulde  nede 

She  had  ynowe  heryed  be  goddes  grace  872 

ffor  wynde  and  weder  almy^ty  god  pz^rchase 

And  bringe  hure  home  I  can  no  better  seye          [leaf  98,  back] 

Butt  in  ])e  See  she  drive]?  for])  her  weye  875 


[PART  IIL] 

Alia  ])e  kynge  comme)>  home  sone  after*  fis 

Vnto  his  Castel  of  ]>e  which  I  tolde 

And  axe])  wher  his  wif1  and  his  child*  is 

The  Constable  gan  aboutt  his  hertt  cold'  879 

PETWORTH    206   (6-T.  157) 


SIX-TEXT    158 

GROUP  B,  §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   207: 

And  pleynly  al  f  e  manere  lie  hym  told 

As  36  han  herde  I  can  telle  it1  no  bettere 

And  shewef  f  e  kinge  his  seele  and  his  letters  882 

And  seide  lord  as  36  commaunded  me 

Vp  peyn  of  def  e  so  haue  I  done  certeyne 

This  massagere  tormented  was  til  he 

Most1  be-knowen  and  tellen  plat1  and  pleyne  ,  886 

ffrom  nyght1  to  ny^t1  in  what1  place  he  had  leynf 

And  f  us  by  witte  and  subtil  enqueringe 

Ymagened  was  by  whom  f  is  harme  can  sprynge  889 

The  honde  was  knowen  fat1  f  e  letters  wrote 

And  al  f  e  venyme  of  f  is  cursed  dede 

But1  in  what1  wise  certeynly  I  note 

f  e  effecte  is  f  is  fat1  Alia  out1  of  drede  893 

his  modere  sclowe  fat1  mony  men  pleynly  rede 

That1  for  she  tratour  was  to  her  legeaunce 

Thus  endef  old?  donegild?  with  meschaunce  896 

The  Sorowe  fat1  f is  Alia  ny$t  and  day 

Makef  for  his  wif1  and  for  his  child'  also 

Ther  nys  no  tunge  fat1  it1  telle  may 

But1  now  wil  I  viito  distance  goo  900 

That1  fletef  in  f  e  See  in  peyn  and  woo 

V.  3ere  and  more  as  liked  cn'stes  sonde 

Er  fat1  her  shippe  approched  vnto  londe  903 

Vnder  an  hethen  CasteH  atte  last1 

Of  which  fe  name  in  my  tixf  m^t1 1  fynde  [leaf  99] 

Custance  and  eke  f  e  child'  f  e  see  vp  cast* 

Almy^ty  god  fat1  sauef  al  man  kinde  907 

Haue  on  custawnce  and  her  childe  som  mynde 

fat1  fallen  is  in  hethen  hand  eft1  sone 

In  poynt1  to  spille  as  I  shal  telle  }ou  sone  910 

PETWORTH    207   (6-T.  158) 


SIX-TEXT    159 
208     GROUP   B.     §    2.    MAN    OF   LAW'S   TALE.     PetWOlth   MS. 


Downe  fro  f  e  CasteH  comfe  fere  mony  a 

To  gawen  on  fis  ship  and  on  custance 

But1  shortely  from  f  e  Castel  on  a  ny^tt 

The  lordes  steward'  god  }eue  hym  meschauwce  914 

A  theef  fat1  had  reyned  our  creaunce 

Come  into  shipp  allone  and  seide  he  shuld? 

Her  legman  be  where  so  she  wold?  or  nold?  917 

Woo  was  fis  wrecched  womman  f  oo  bygone 

Her  childe  cried  and  she  cried  piously 

But1  blisful  mary  halpe  hure  ii$V  anone 

ifor  wif  her  strogelinge  wel  and  my^tely  921 

f  e  theef  fille  ouer  bord?  al  sodeynly 

And  in  f  e  See  he  dreyntt  for  vengeance 

And  fus  ha])  crist1  vnwemmed  kepte  custance  924 

0  foule  lust1  of  luxurie  lo  fine  ende  lLatin  ™te>  P-  ^ 

Not1  only  fat1  foil  fayntest1  marcnys  mynde 

But1  verrely  fou  wilf  his  body  shende 

fe  ende  of  fi  werk  or  of  fi  lustes  blynde  928 

Is  compleynyng1  how  mony  one  may  men  fynde 

fat  nou^t1  for  werk  somtyme  but1  for  f  entente 

To  done  fis  synne  bene  eifer*  slayn  or  shente  931 

How  may  fis  weike  womman  han  fis  strength 

Hire  to  defend?  a^einst1  fis  Renegaf 

0  Golyas  vnmesurable  of  length 

How  my3t1  dauid  make  fe  so  mat  935 

So  yonge  and  of  armure  so  desolat1 

How  durst1  he  loke  vpon  f  i  dredful  face  [leaf  99,  back] 

Wel  may  men  seen  it1  was  but1  goddes  grace  938 

Who  3af!  ludith  corage  or  hardynesse 

To  scleen  hym  Olesphernus  in  his  tent1 

And  to  delyuere  out1  of  wrecchednesse 

The  puple  of  god  I  seye  for  fis  entent1  942 

tETWORTH    208    (6-T.  159) 


SIX-TEXT    160 
GROUP   B.    §    2.    MAN    OF   LAW'S    TALE.     PctWOlth   MS.     209 

That1  ri^t1  as  .god  spirit*  and  vigor  sent1 

To  hem  and  sailed  hem  out1  of  meschaunce 

So  sent1  he  my^t1  and  vigor  to  Custaurcce  945 

For]?  go])  pe  shippe  porowe-out1  pe  narow  moupe 

Of  lubaltar  and  scepte  dryuyng  aye 

Som  tyme  west1  and  somtyme  nourpe  and  soupe 

And  somtyme  Este  ful  mony  a  wery  daye  949 

Til  Cristes  modere  blessed  be  36  aye 

hap  scapen  porgh  her  endelees  goodnesse 

To  make  an  ende  of  al  her  hevynesse  952 

Now  lat1  vs  stynf  of  distance  but1  a  throwe 

And  speke  we  of  pe  Romayn  Emperour 

pat1  out1  of  Surry  ha])  by  letters  knowe 

pe  sclaughter  of  Cristen  folk  and  dishonowre  956 

Doon  to  his  doubter  by  a  fals  tratowr 

I  mene  }>e  Cursed  wicked  Sowdenesse 

That1  at  pe  feesf  lete  scleen  boj)  more  and  lesse  959 

For  which  pe  Emperowr  ha])  sent1  anon 

His  Senatour  wi])  real  ordyna^nce 

And  ofer  lordes  god  wote  mony  on 

On  Surriens  to  taken  hie  vengeazmce  963 

They  brennen  sleen  and  bringgen  hem  to  meschaunce . 

fful  mony  a  day  but1  shortely  pis  is^  pende 

Homword'  to  Rome  J?ei  shapen  hem  to  wende  966 

This  senatour  repaire])  with  victorye 

To  Eomewardl  saillinge  ful  Rially  [leaf  100] 

And  mette  ])e  Shippe  dryuyng1  as  sei])  J)e  storye 

In  which  Custance  sitte  ful  pitously  970 

No  ping1  ne  knewe  what1  she  was  ne  why 

She  was  in  such  aray .  ne  she  nyl  sey 

Of  her  astaat1  pough  pat1  she  shulde  deye  973 

PETWORTH    209    (6-T.  160) 


SIX-TEXT    161 
210     GROUP   B.     §    2.    MAN    OF   LAW'S   TALE.     PctWOlth   MS. 

HE  bringef  her  to  Rome  and  to  his  wiff 

He  ^aue  hure  and  her  ^onge  sone  also 

And  wif  f  e  Senatoure  she  lad  her  liff 

Thus  can  our  lady  bringen  out1  of  woo  977 

Wooful  Custance  and  mony  an  of  er  moo 

And  longe  tyme  dwelled  she  in  fat1  place 

In  holy  werkes  euer  as  was  hire  grace  ^80 

The  Senatowrs  wif  her  Aunte  was 

But1  for  al  fat1  she  knewe  her  neue/*e  f  e  more 

I  wil  no  lenger  tarien  in  f  is  cas 

But1  to  kinge  Alia  which  I  spake  of  yore  984 

Jpat1  for  his  wiff  wepef  and  sighef  sore 

I  wil  retorne  and  lete  I  wil  Custance 

Vnder  fe  Senatours  gouernawnce  987 

Kynge  Alia  which  fat1  had  his  modere  sclayh 

Ypon  a  day  felle  in  such  repentaunce 

fat1  if  I  shortely  tellen  shal  and  playii 

To  Eome  he  commef  to  resceyuen  his  penance  991 

And  putte  him  in  f  e  Popes  ordinance 

In  by  and  lowe  and  Ihesu  crist1  byso^f 

ffor^eue  his  wicked  werkes  fat1  he  wro^tt  994 

The  fame  anon  forowe  Room  toune  is  born 

How  Alia  J>e  king1  shal  commen  in  pilgnmage 

By  herberiours  fat1  wemten  hym  biforn 

ffor  which  fe  Senatoure  as  was  vsage  998 

Rode  hym  a^ein  and  mony  of  his  lynage 

As  wel  to  shewen  his  hie  magnificence  [leaf  100,  back] 

As  to  doon  eny  king1  a  Reuerence  1001 

Grete  chere  do]>  fis  noble  Senatowr 

To  kinge  Alia  and  he  to  hym  also 

Euerech  of  hem  do]>  ofere  grete  honowr 

And  so  byfelle  fat1  in  a  clay  or  twoo  1005 

PETWORTH    210    (6-T.  16l) 


SIX-TEXT    162 
GROUP    B.     §    2,    MAN    OF   LAW'S    TALE.    PetWOlth    MS.     211 

This  Senatour  is  to  king1  Alia  goo  / 

To  feesf  and  shortely  if  I  shal  not1  ly 

Custance  sone  in  his  Companye  1008 

Sonme  men  wold?  seyn  atte  request1  of  Custance 

This  Senatour  ha])  ladde  pis  child?  to  fesf 

I  may  not  tellen  euery  Circumstance 

Be  as  be  may  per  was  he  atte  leest1  1012 

But1  sope  is  pis  pat1  at1  his  moders  hesfr 

Byforn  alia  duringe  pe  metes  space 

The  Childe  stode  loking1  in  pe  kingges  face  1015 

This  Alia  kinge  haj>  of  pe  child?  gret1  wonder 

And  to  pe  Senatoure  he  seide  anoon 

Whoos  is  pat1  faire  childe  pat1  stondep  Bonder1 

I  noot1  qwod  he  by  god  and  be  seynt1  lohii  1019 

A  modere  he  hap  but1  fadere  hap  he  non 

pat1 1  of  wote  and  shortly  in  a  stounde 

He  told?  Alia  how  pat1  pis  child  was  founde  1022 

But1  god  wote  q?/od  pis  Senatowr  also 

So  vertuous  a  lyuere  in  my  liff 

Ne  segh  I  neuere  as  she  ne  herd  of  mo 

Of  worldly  wommen  /  mayde  ne  wiff      „  1026 

I  dar  wel  seide  she  had  leuer*  a  knyff 

porowe-out1  her  brest1  pan  bene  a  womman  wicke 

per  is  no  man  coupe  bringe  hire  to  pat1  prikke  1029 

1 

Now  was  pis  Childe  as  like  vnto  custance 
As  possible  is  a  creatwre  to  be  [leafioi] 

This  Alia  hap  pe  face  in  remembrance 
Of  Dame  Custance  and  peron  mused  he  1033 

If  pat1  pe  childes  modere  were  ou^t1  she 
pat1  is  his  wif  and  pn'uely  he  si^f 
And  spedde  hym  fro  pe  table  pat1  he  nr^t1  1036 

PET  WORTH    211    (6-T.  162) 


SIX-TEXT    163 
212     GROUP    B.     §    2.    MAN    OF   LAW'S   TALE.     PetWOlth.   MS. 

Perfay  lie  fou^f  J>e  fantom  is  in  myn  hede 

I  ou^t1  demen  of  skilful  luggement1 

That1  in  J?e  salt1  se  my  wif  is  dede 

And  afterward?  he  made  his  argument1  1040 

What  wote  I  ^if1  fat1  crist1  haj>  hider*  sent1 

My  wiff  by  see  as  wel  as  he  her1  sent1 

To  my  cuntre  from  pennes  as  she  was  went1  1043 

And  aftere  anoon  home  wi]>  fe  Senatoure 

Go])  alia  forto  see  f  is  wonder*  chance 

This  Senatour  doj>  Alia  grete  honours 

And  hastifly  he  sent1  aftere  Custance  1047 

But1  trustef  wel  her  lust1  nou^t1  to  dance 

Whan  J>afr  she  wist1  wherfor  was  pat1  sonde 

Vnnefes  on  her  fete  she  my^t1  stonde  1050 

Whan  Alia  segtL  his  wif  faire  he  her  grette 

And  wepte  it1  was  reujje  forto  see 

ffor  atte  first1  loke  he  on  hir  sette 

He  knewe  wel  verrely  J>afr  it1  was  she  1054 

And  for  sorowe  as  dombe  stant  as  a  tre 

So  was  hert1  shette  in  her  distresse 

Whan  she  remembred  his  vnkindenesse  1057 

Twise  she  swownef  in  his  owne  si}^ 

He  wepte  and  him  excuse]?  pitously 

Nowe  god  quod  he  and  his  halowes  bi^t1 

So  wisly  on  my  soule  haue  mercy  1061 

fat1  of  $oure  harme  as  giltelees  am  I 

As  is  Maurice  Mi  sone  so  lik  ^oure  face  [>af  101,  back] 

Ellis  J?e  feend  me  fecche  out1  of  J?is  place  1064 

Longe  was  J?e  sobbyng*  and  fe  bitter  peyne 

Er  fat1  her  wooful  hertes  my^ten  cese 

Grete  was  fe  pite  forto  here  hem  pleyne 

f>org!l  whiche  pleyntes  gan  her  woo  encrees  1068 

PETWORTH   212    (6-T.  163) 


SIX-TEXT    164 

GROUP  B.  §  2,  MAN  OP  LAW'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS.   213 

I  prei  3011  all  my  labour  to  relees 

I  may  not1  tellen  lier  woo  vntil  to  morowe 

I  am  so  wery  to  speke  of  her  sorowe  1071 

But1  fynaly  whan  fat1  f  e  sof  e  is  wist1 

That1  Alia  giltlees  was  of  her  woo 

I  trowe  an  C.  tymes  ben  f  ei  kist1 

And  suche  a  blisse  is  fer  ytwix  hem  twoo  1075 

fat1  saue  f  e  loie  fat1  lestef  euermoo 

per  is  non  like  fat1  eny  creature 

Haf  seyne  or  shal  while  fe  world?  may  dure  1078 

Tho  preied  she  her  husbond?  mekely 

In  relief  of  her  longe  pitous  pyne 

fat1  he  wolde  prei  hure  fadere  specialy 

fat1  of  his  maieste  he  wold?  enclyne  1082 

To  vouche  sauf  with  him  som  day  to  dyne 

She  preied  him  eke  he  shulde  by  no  way 

vnto  her  fader  no  word?  of  hire  say  1085 

Somme  men  wold?  seyn  how  fat1  f e  childe  Maurice 

Dof  f  is  massage  vnto  f  e  Emperour 

But1  as  I  gesse  alia  was  not1  so  nyce 

To  him  fat1  was  of  so  souereyn  honour  1089 

As  he  fat1  is  of  cristen  folk1  f  e  flour1 

Sent1  eny  childe  but1  it  is  bette  to  deme 

He  went1  him  self  and  so  it1  may  wel  seme  1092 

This  Emperour  haf  graunted  gentilly 

To  come  to  dyner  as  he  hym  bysou^f  [leaf  102] 

And  wel  rede  I  he  loked  bisily 

Ypon  fis  child?  and  on  his  doubter  fo^tt  1096 

Alia  gof  to  his  Inne  and  as  hym  o^t1 

Arraied  for  fis  feest1  in  euery  wise 

As  ferforf  as  his  conyng1  may  suffice  1099 

PETWORTH    213    (6-T.  104) 


SIX-TEXT    165 

21 4:  GROUP  B.  §  2.  MAN  OP  LAW'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

The  morowe  come  and  Alia  can  hym  dresse 

And  eke  his  wif  J?is  emperour  forto  mete 

And  for]?  J?ei  ride  in  loie  and  in  gladnesse 

And  whan  she  segh.  her  fadere  in  jje  strete  1 103 

She  li^fr  a-doune  and  fallej)  hym  to  fete 

ffadere  quod  she  3oure  3onge  child4  Custance 

Is  nowe  ful  clene  out1  of  ^oure  remembrance  1106 

I  am  3oure  dou^tere  Custance  quod  she 

Jjat1  whilom  36  sent1  vnto  Surray 

It*  am  I  fadere  Jjat1  in  J?e  salt  see 

Was  putte  allone  and  dampned  forto  dye  1110 

Good  fader  now  I  yow  mercye  crye. 

Send  me  no  more  vnto  noon  hefenes 

But1  ]?onke  my  lord  here  of  his  kindenes  1113 

Who  can  pe  pitous  loye  tellen  alle 

Bitwixe  hem  Jre  si])  J?ei  ben  Jms  ymette 

But1  of  my  tale  make  an  ende  I  shal 

The  day  go]?  fast1 1  wil  no  lenger  lette  1117 

This  glad  folk  to  dyner  J>ei  hem  sette 

In  loye  and  blisse  at1  mete  I  lat1  hem  dwelle 

A  pousand?  fold?  wel  more  ]>an  I  can  telle  1120 

This  child?  Maurice  was  si]>en  Emperow 

Made  by  fe  pope  and  lyued  cristenly 

To  cristes  churche  he  did  grete  honowr 

But1 1  lat1  al  ]?is  story  passen  by  1124 

Of  Custance  is  my  tale  specialy 

In  olde  romayn  Gestes  may  men  fynde  Deaf  102,  back] 

ILatin  note,  p.  183.] 

Mawrices  lif  I  bere  it1  not1  in  mynde  182 

This  king1  Alia  whan  he  his  tyme  say 

WiJ?  Custance  his  holy  wif  so  swete 

To  Engelond  ben  J?ei  come  J>e  ri^t1  way 

Wher  as  pei  lyve  in  loie  and  in  quiete  1131 

PETWORTH    214    (6-T.  16o) 


SIX-TEXT    166 

GROUP  B.  §  2.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.  Pefrwrortli  MS.   215 

But1  litel  while  it1  lastej)  I  3011  hete 

loie  of  )>is  world*  for  tyme  wil  not1  abide 

ffrora  day  to  ny3f  it1  chaungep  as  j?e  tyde  1134 


lyued  euere  in  suche  delite  a  day  t-Latin  ^^  P-  ^ 

pat1  ne  meued  eijjer  conscience 
Or  Ire  or  talent1  or  somkyn  affray 

Envie  or  pn'de.  or  passion  or  offence  1138 

I  ne  seie  but1  for  pis  ende  jris  sentence 
pat1  litel  while  in  loye  or  in  plesaunce 
Lastep  pe  hlisse  of  alia  wij?  Custaunce  1141 

For  dejj  fat1  take]?  of  high  and  lough  his  rente 

Whan  passed  was  a  ^eer  euene  as  I  gesse 

Out1  of  pis  world?  pis  kinge  alia  he  hente 

ffor  whoom  Custance  ha]?  ful  grete  hevynesse  1145 

Now  lat1  vs  preien  god  his  saule  blisse 

And  Dame  Custance  fynally  to  seye 

Toward  ]>e  towne  of  Rome  gojj  her  weye  1148 

TO  Rome  is  come  Jns  holy  creature 

And  fyndej)  her  frende  hool  and  sound! 

Now  is  she  scaped  aH  hure  auenture 

And  whan  she  her  fadere  ha]?  yfounde  1152 

Doune  on  her  knees  falle])  she  to  grounde 

Weping1  for  tendernesse  in  hert1  blith 

She  heriej?  God  an  C.  thousand  sife  1155 

In  vertue  and  holy  Almesdede 

Jjei  lyuen  aH  and  neuere  a  sondrie  wende  Peaf  ios] 

Til  de])  depa?ie  hem  Jiis  lif  fei  lede 

And  fare]?  now  wel  my  tale  is  at1  an  ende  1159 

Now  Ihesu  crist1  pat1  of  his  my^t1  may  sende 

loye  after  woo  gouerne  vs  in  his  grace 

And  kepe  vs  aH  fat1  ben  in  Jiis  place  1162 

IT  Here  ende]>  J?e  tale  of  J>e  man  of  lawe 

[TJie  Squire1  s  Prologue  follows  in  the  MS.~] 

PETWORTH    215    (6-T.  166) 


SIX-TEXT    167 
•216    GROUP  B.    §3.    MAN  OP  LAW'S  END-LINK.    PetWOrth  MS. 


And  here  bygynnef  J>e  prologe  of  j?e  sqwiere 

e  boost1  vpon  his  stiropes  stood  anon  ||.j>e  prologe 

And  seide  good  men  herkenej?  euerychon 

This  was  a  jmfty  tale  for  J>e  nones 

Sire  parissh  preest  quod  he  for  goddes  bonys  1166 

Telle  vs  a  tale  as  was  j)i  forward  yore 

I  se  wele  pat1  ^e  leerned  men  in  lore 

Can  moche  good  by  goddes  dignyte 

]>e  Parsone  hym  answered  benedicite  1170 

"What1  eile]>  pe  man  so  synfully  to  swere 

Oure  boost1  answero?  0  lankyn  be  36  Jjere 

I  smelle  a  lollard?  in  J>e  wynde  quod  he 

Howe  good  men  quod  our  boost1  herknej?  me  1 1 74 

Abide])  for  goddis  digne  passion 

ffor  we  shal  haue  a  predicacion 

)?is  lollard'  here  wil  prechen  vs  somwhaf 

Nay  by  my  fader1  soule  fat  shal  he  nat1  1178 

Seide  ])e  Sqwier  here  shal  he  nat  preche 

He  shal  no  gospel  glosen  here  ne  teche 

He  leuej?  al  in  fe  grete  god  he 

He  wolde  sow  en  som  difficulte  1182 

Or  springeH  Cokel  in  oure  clene  corn 

And  Jjerfore  boost1 1  warne  ]>e  byforn 

Mi  loly  body  shal  a  tale  telle 

And  I  shal  Clynken  ^ou  so  mery  a  belle  1186 

Jjat1 1  shal  waken  al  J?is  companye 

But1  it1  shal  not1  bene  of  Philosophic 

Ne  Phislyas  ne  teermes  queynt1  of  lawe 

J)er  is  but1  litel  latyn  in  my  mawe  1190 

[The  Squire's  Tale  follows  in  the  MS.] 


PETWORTH    216    (6-T.  167) 


BIX-TBXT    479 

GKOUP  F,   §  2,   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


IF  The  Bowlers  Tale . 

[leaf  10:5,  back] 

And  here  by- 
gynnep  pe  Sqwiers  tale.  / 

Afr  Sarray  in  pe  land  of  Tartarye  IF  ffabula  Armige?! 
per  dwelt1  a.  kyng1  pat1  werried  Russye 
porgh  which  per  deyed  mony  a  dughty  man 
pis  noble  king1  was  cleped  Cambynskan  12 

Which"  in  his  tynie  was  of  so  grete  renown 
pat  per  nas  nowhere  in  no  regiown 
So  Excellent*  a  lord  in  al  pinge 

Hym  lacked  nou^fr  J>af  longed  to  a  kynge  16 

As  of  ]>e  secte  of  which  J?af  he  was  born 
He  kepte  his  lay  to  which  J?afr  he  was  sworn 
And  )?erto  he  was  hardy  wise  and  riche 
And  pitous  and  lusf  alway  ylich  20 

Sooj)  of  his  worde  benygne  and  honurable 
Of  his  corage  as  ony  centre  stable  IT  centrum  circuii 

^ong1  fresshe  and  stronge  in  Armes  desirous 
As  eny  bachilere  in  al  his  hous  24 

A  faire  persone  he  was  and  fortunaf 
And  kept1  alway  so  wel  rial  astat1 
pat1  J>er  nas  nawhere  such  a  no]?er  man 
This  noble  kinge  pis  tartre  Cambynskan  28 

had  two  sones  on  Eltheta  his  wiff 
Of  which  J?e  eldest1  highf  Algarsiff 
pat1  oper  was  cleped  Camballo 

A  doughtere  had  pis  worpi  kinge  also  32 

pat  3ongest1  was  and  hi$f  Canace 
But1  forto  telle  3ou  al  her  beute 
It1  lipe  not1  in  my  tunge  ne  in  my  co/znynge 
I  dar  not1  vndertake  so  hye  a  pinge  36 

PETWORTH    217    (6-T.  479) 


SIX-TEXT    480 

GROUP  F.   §  2.  SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Myn  engelissh"  eke  is  insufficient1 

It1  most  bene  a  rjtther1  excellent1 

fat1  kouf  e  his  colours  longyng1  for  fat1  arte 

If  he  shuld  here  discryve  eny  part1  40 

I  am  noon  suche  I  most  speke  as  I  can 

And  so  byfelle  fat1  f  is  Cambynskan 

Hath  xxu  wyntere  born  his  diademe  [leaf  104} 

As  he  was  wonte  fro  ^ere  to  }ere  I  deme  44 

He  lete  f  e  feest1  of  his  natiuite 

Done  Crien  f  orgE.  Sarray  his  Cite 

J>e  last1  Idus  of  March  after*  J?e  3  ere 

Phebus  f  e  sonne  ful  lolyf  was  and  clere  48 

fibr  he  was  nye  his  exaltacion 

In  Martes  face  and  in  his  mancion 

In  Aries  f e  Colerik  f  e  hote  signe 

fful  lusty  was  fe  weder1  and  benigne  52 

ffor  which  f  e  fowles  a^einsf  f  e  somze  sheiie 

What1  for  the  seson  and  f  e  ^onge  grene 

fful  loude  songe  hir5  afFeccions 

Hem  semed  han  geten  hem  proteccions  56 

A3einsf  fe  swerd'  of  wynter  kene  and  cold? 

This  Cambynskan  of  which  I  haue  $ou  tol(J 

In  Rial  vestement1  sitte  vpon  his  des 

Wif  dia[de]me  ful  high  in  his  paleys  60 

And  halt1  his  feest1  so  solempne  and  so  riche 

J^at1  in  fis  world?  ne  was  ]>er  non  it  liche 

Of  which  if  I  sal  telle  al  fe  araye 

Than  wold  it1  occupie  a  somers  daye  64 

And  eke  it1  nedef  nat1  to  devise 

And  euery  cours  fe  order1  of  her5  seruise 

I  wil  not1  telle  of  her  strange  sewes 

Ne  of  her  swannes  ne  her  heron-sewes  68 

Eke  in  fat1  londe  as  tellen  kny^tes  olde 

There  is  som  mete  fat1  is  for  deynte  holds 

That1  in  f  is  londe  men  recche  but1  small 

J?er  nys  no  man  fat1  may  reporten  aft  72 

PETWORTH   218   (6-T.  480) 


SIX-TEXT    481 

GROUP  F.    §  2.   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

I  wil  not1  tary  3011  for  it  is  pry  me 

And  for  it1  is  no  frute  but1  losse  of  tyme 

Vnto  my  furst1  I  wil  haue  my  recours 

And  so  byfeH  fat1  after  fe  fred  recours  76 

Whil  fat1  f  is  kinge  sitte  f  us  in  his  nobleye 

Herkenyng1  his  menstralles  her  f  ingges  pleye 

Byforn  him  at1  fe  boord  deliciously  [leaf  104,  back] 

Inne  atte  halle  door  so  sodeynly  80 

Ther  come  a  knyght1  vpon  a  stede  of  bras 

And  in  his  honde  a  brood  my  TOUT  of  glas 

Ypoii  his  f  ombe  he  had  of  gold!  a  rynge 

And  by  his  side  a  naked  swerd  hangynge  84 

And  rp  he  ridef  to  f  e  heigh  boord? 

In  al  f  e  halle  ne  was  f  er  spoke  no  word? 

ffor  merveile  of  f  is  knyght1  hym  to  biholde 

fful  bisily  f  ei  wayten  ^onge  and  olde  88 

This  stronge  knyght1  fat1  come  f  us  sodeynly 

Al  armed  saue  his  hede  ful  richely 

Salued  f  e  king1  f  e  quene  and  lordes  alle 

By  ordere  as  fei  seten  in  fe  halle  92 

Wi])  so  high"  reuerence  and  obeysance 

As  wel  in  speche  as  in  his  countenance 

Jjatt  Gawayne  wijj  his  olde  curtasie 

jjo^e  he  come  ageyn  out1  of  ifarye  96 

Ne  coude  him  no^t4  amende  with  no  wore? 

And  after  J)is  bifore  jje  highe  bord? 

He  wij)  a  manly  vois  saide  his  massage 

After  J?e  forme  vsed  in  his  langage  100 

"With-out1  vice  of  sillable  or  of  leftre 

And  for  his  tale  shulde  seme  J?e  bettere 

Accordant1  to  his  wordes  was  his  chere 

As  techej?  arte  of  speche  hem  fat  it  lere  104 

Al  be  it1  fat1 1  can  not1  sowne  his  styele 

"Ne  can  not1  clymben  ouer  so  hi^e  a  styele 

3ifr  say  I  J)is  fat1  as  to  comune  entente 

Thus  moche  amountef  al  fat1  euere  he  ment1  108 

PETWORTH    219    (6-T.  48l) 


SIX-TEXT    482 

GROUP  F.   §  2.   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

If  it1  so  be  fat1 1  haue  it1  in  my  mynde 

He  seide  f  e  kynge  of  Arabye  and  of  ynde 

My  liege  lord?  on  f  is  solempne  day 

Salwef  3011  as  he  best1  can  and  may  112 

And  seendef  3  owe  in  honur*  of  $our  feste 

By  me  fat1  am  redy  al  at1  3oure  heeste 

This  stede  of  bras  fat1  esily  &  weli  Deaf  iosj 

Can  in  a  space  of  a  day  naturel  116 

This  is  to  saye  in  four  and  twerdi1  houres  [iMSxxiiy.j 

"VVher  so  }ou  lust1  in  dro^t1  or  in  shourQs 

Beren  3oure  body  in  to  euery  place 

To  which  3oure  hertes  wilnef  forto  pace  120 

Wif -oute  wemme  of  3ou  f  orow  foule  or  fare 

Or  if  3ow  list1  to  flee  as  hie  in  j?e  Eire 

As  dof  an  Egle  whan  him  list1  to  sore 

This  same  stede  shal  bere  3ou  euermore  124 

Wif-outen  harme  til  36  be  where  3011  list1 

f  ow  fat1  30  sclepen  on  his  bak1  or  rest1 

And  turne  a3ein  wif  wrif  ing1  of  a  pynne 

He  fat1  it1  wrou^t1  cowde  ful  mony  a  gynne  128 

He  waited  mony  a  constellacion 

Or  he  had  doo  f  is  operacion 

And  knewe  ful  mony  a  seal  and  mony  a  bonde 

This  myroure  eke  fat1 1  haue  in  myn  honde  132 

Haf  suche  a  n^t1  fat1  men  may  in  it  see 

whan  f  er  shal  fallen  eny  aduersite 

Vnto  3 ou^  regne  or  vnto  302/7*  self  also 

And  openly  who  is  3oure  freend*  or  ffoo  /  136 

And  ouer  al  f  is  if  eny  lady  bri3f 

Haf  sette  her  hert1  in  eny  maner  wi3fr 

If  he  be  fals  she  shal  his  treson  see 

His  newe  loues  and  al  his  subtilite  140 

So  openly  fat1  f  er  shal  no  f  ing1  hide 

wherfore  ageyn  f  is  lusty  somers  tyde 

This  myrour  and  f  is  ryng1  fat1  36  may  see 

He  haf  sent1  to  my  lady  Canacee  144 

PETWORTH    220    (6-T.  482) 


SIX-TEXT    483 

GROUP  F.    §  2.   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

^oure  excellent1  dou^tere  pat1  is  here 

pe  vertue  of  pis  rynge  if  36  wil  here 

Is  pis  f  pat1  if  her  list1  it1  forto  were 

Vpon  her  thcmbe  or  in  her  purs  it  bere  148 

per  nys  no  fowle  pat1  flee]?  viider  pe  heuene 

pat1  he  ne  shal  vnderstond?  his  steuene 

And  knowe  his  menyng1  openly  and  pleyne         [leaf  105,  back] 

And  answere  him  in  his  langage  ageyne  152 

And  euery  gras  pat1  growep  vpon  rote 

She  shal  wel  knowe  and  whome  it  wil  do  bote 

And  be  his  wound es  neuere  so  depe  and  wide/ 

This  naked  swerd  pat1  hongep  by  my  side  156 

Such  vertue  hap  pat1  what1  man  so  36  smyte 

porowe-out1  his  armure  it1  wil  kerue  and  bite 

were  it1  as  thikke  as  is  a  braunched  oke 

And  what1  man  pat1  is  wounded  with  pe  stroke  160 

Shal  neuere  be  hool  til  pat  3011  list1  of  grace 

To  stroke  him  with  pe  plat1  in  pilk  place 

Ther  he  is  hirt1  pis  is  as  moche  to  seyii 

^e  mote  with  pe  plat1  swerde  ageyn  1G4 

Stroke  hyw  in  the  wounde  and  it1  wil  close 

This  is  a  verrey  sope  wip-outen  glose 

It1  faillep  nou^f  pe  whilis  it1  is  in  your  holde 

And  whan  pis  kny^t1  hap  pus  pis  tale  tolde  168 

He  ridep  out1  of  pe  halle  and  do?m  he  liyti 

.His  stede  which  pat1  shoon  as  sonwe  bri^t1 

Stant1  in  pe  courte  stille  as  eny  stooii 

This  knyght1  is  to  his  chambre  lad  an5on  172 

And  is  vnarmed  and  to  pe  mete  I-sette 

pe  presentes  bene  ful  richely  fette 

This  is  to  seyn  pe  swerd?  and  pe  Mirro?^r 

And  born  anoon  vnto  pe  hie  toure  176 

"Wip  certeyn  officers  yordeyned  perfore 

And  vnto  Canacee  pe  ryng1  is  bore 

Solempnely  per  she  sitte  atte  pe  table 

But1  sikerly  wip-oute  eny  fable  180 

PETWORTH    221    (6-T.  483) 


SIX-TEXT    484 

GROUP  F.   §  2,  SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

J>e  hors  of  bras  fat1  may  not1  be  remewed 

If  stant1  as  it1  were  to  ]?e  grounde  yglwed  / 

]?er  may  no  man  out1  of  J?e  place  it1  drive 

ffor  noon  engyn  of  wyndas  or  polyve  184 

And  cause  whi  for  )>ei  can  not1  fe  craft1 

And  ferfore  in  J)e  place  ]>ei  han  it  laft1 

Tyl  fat1  fe  kny^t1  ha])  tau^t1  hem  fe  manere  Deaf  IOG] 

To  voyden  him  as  $e  shal  after  here  188 

Grete  was  fe  prees  fat1  swarmed  to  and  froo 

To  Gowren  on  Jjis  hors  fat1  stondej)  soo  / 

ffor  it1  so  hegh  was  .  and  so  brode  and  long1 

So  wel  proporciond  forto  be  stronge  192 

Ri^t1  as  it1  were  a  stede  of  lumbardye 

Ther-wif  so  horsly  and  so  quyke  of  eye 

As  it1  a  ge[n]til  poyleis  coursere  were 

ffor  Certes  from  his  tale  vnto  his  ere  196 

Nature  ne  art1  ne  koude  hym  nou^t1  rnende 

In  no  degre  as  al  f  e  puple  wende 

But1  euer-more  hiij  most1  wonder  was  / 

Howe  fat1  it1  cowde  gon  and  was  of  bras  200 

It1  was  of  fayre  as  f  e  puple  seined 

Dyuers  folk  dyuersly  han  denied 

As  mony  hedes  as  mony  wittes  J?er  bene 

J>ei  Mormured  as  don  a  swarme  of  been  204 

And  mede  skilles  after  her  fantasies 

Rehersinge  of  J?e  olde  poetries  f  .L  equus  pedasdus, 

And  seide  it1  was  lik*  J?e  Pegasee 

J)e  hors  Jjat1  had  wenges  forto  fle  208 

Or  ellis  it1  was  ]?e  Gr[e]kes  hors  Synon 

That1  brou3t1  Troy  to  destruction 

As  men  in  ]?ise  olde  Geestes  rede 

Myne  hert1  quod  oon  is  euere  more  in  drede  212 

I  trowe  somme  men  of  armes  bene  )>er-Inne 

That1  shapen  hem  J?is  Cite  forto  wynne 

It1  were  ri^t1  good  ^at1  al  such  Jnng1  were  knowe 

Anojjer  rowned  to  his  felawe  lowe  216 

PETWOETH    222    (6-T.  484) 


SIX-TEXT    485 

GROUP  F,    §  2,   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

And  seide  he  lie]?  for  it  is  raj>er  like 

An  apparence  ymade  by  som  magike 

As  logelours  pleyen  at1-  f  ise  feestes  grete 

Of  sondry  fortes  f  us  f  ei  langle  and  trete  220 

As  lewde  puple  deinen  comonly 

Of  f  ingges  fat1  bene  made  subtil y 

Than  f  ei  can  in  her  lewdenesse  comprehende     [leaf  ioe,  back] 

f  ei  demen  gladly  to  f  e  badder  ende  224 

An  somrae  of  hem  wondren  on  f  e  myrowr 

fat1  born  was  vp  vnto  J>e  maister  tour1 

How  men  my^t1  in  hit1  suche  f  ingges  see 

Anofer  answerd?  and  seide  it1  my^t1  wel  be  228 

Naturelli  by  composicions 

Of  Angeles  and  of  scley  reflexions 

And  seide  fat1  in  rome  was  such  oon 

f  ei  speke  of  Alocen  and  Vitilion  232 

And  of  Aristote  fat1  writ  in  her  lyues 

Of  queynt1  Mirours  and  of  prospectyues 

As  knowen  f ei  fat1  han  her  bokes  herde 

And  ofer  folk  han  wondred  on  fe  swerde  236 

fat1  wold  perce  f ourgh  euery  f inge 

And  fille  in  speche  of  Thelophus  f  e  kinge 

And  of  Achilles  for  his  queinte  spere 

ffor  he  kouf  e  wif  it1  bof  hele  and  dere  240 

Ei^f  in  such  wise  as  men  may  with  f  e  swerde 

Of  which  rijf  nowe  36  han  ^oure  seluen  herde 

f  e[i]  speken  of  sondry  hardyng  of  MetaH 

And  speken  of  medecynes  f  er-wif-ali  244 

And  howe  and  whan  it1  shuld  harded  be 

which  is  vnknowe  algate  vnto  me 

H  Tho  speke  f  ei  of  Ganaces  rynge 

And  seiden  all  fat1  such  a  wondere  f  inge  248 

Of  craft1  of  ryngges  had  f  ei  neuere  non 

Saue  fat1  he  Moyses  and  kyng1  Salomon 

Had  a  nane  of  Conyng1  in  swich  arte 

Thus  seyn  fe  puple  and  drawen  hem  a  parte  252 

PETWORTH    223    (6-T.  485) 


SIX-TEXT    486 

GROUP  F.   §  2,   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

But1  na]?elees  somme  seide  J>afr  it  was 

wonder  to  maken  of  feerne  Asshen  glas 

And  ^it1  is  glas  not1  like  asshen  of  feerne 

But*  for  J?ei  han  knowen  it1  so  ^erne  256 

Therfore  Cesejj  her  langelinge  and  her  wonder1 

As  sore  womlreii  some  on  cause  of  Jjondere 

On  ebhe  on  flood  on  gossorner  and  on  myst1  Deaf  107] 

And  al  Jnng1  to  pe  cause  is  wist1  260 

Thus  langelen  pei  and  demen  and  devise 

Til  fat1  J?e  kinge  can  from  his  "bord?  arise 

Phebus  haj>  laft1  J>e  angle  Meredyonal 

And  ^it1  ascending1  was  fe  beest1  Boyal  264 

J?e  gentil  leon  wij)  his  Aldrean 

Whan  ]>af  fis  tartre  kinge  Cambynskan 

Roos  from  his  boord?  ]>er  as  he  satte  ful  hie 

Byforne  him  go])  ]?e  lowde  Mynstralcye  268 

Til  he  come  to  his  Chambre  of  paramentys 

Ther  as  fei  sownen  dyuers  Instrunientys 

That1  is  like  an  heuene  forto  here 

Now  daunsen  lusty  venus  children  dere  272 

ffor  in  fe  ffissh  hir*  lady  satte  ful  hie 

And  lokef  on  hem  wi]j  a  frendly  ye 

This  noble  kinge  is  sette  vpon  his  trone 

Jjis  straunge  knyghf  is  fette  to  hym  ful  sone  276 

And  on  the  Daunce  he  go]?  wi]?  Canace 

Here  is  J?e  reuel  and  £e  lolite 

fat1  is  not1  able  a  dulle  man  to  deuyse 

He  most1  han  knowe  loue  and  his  seruyse  280 

And  be  a  feestlich  man  as  fressh  as  may 

That1  shulden  $ou  deuysen  swich  array 

Who  coufe  tellen  3011  ]?e  forme  of  daunces 

So  viicoufe  and  such  fressh  countyn«?/nces  /  284 

Such  Subtile  lokingges  and  dyssymulynges 

ffor  drede  of  lalowsie  mercnys  appe^rceyuynges 

!N"o  man  but1  launcelett1  and  he  is  dede 

J>erfor  I  passe  ouer  of  al  J>i.s  lustihede  288 

PETWOllTH    224    (6-T. 


SIX-TEXT    487 

GROUP  F,    §  2,   SQUIEE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

I  say  no  more  but1  in  pis  lolynesse 

I  lete  hem  to  men  to  soper  hem  dresse 

pe  Steward?  bit1  spices  forto  hie 

And  eke  the  wyne  in  al  pis  melodye  292 

]>G  vsshers  and  pe  sqwiers  ben  ygon 

pe  Spices  and  pe  wyne  is  come  anon 

Thei  ete  and  drinke  and  whan  pis  had  an  ende     [leaf  107,  ttj 

Vnto  pe  temple  as  reson  was  pei  wende  296 

^T  The  servise  done  /pei  sou  j,  en  al  by  day 

whatt1  nedep  ^ou  rehersen  her  array 

Eche  man  wote  wel  pat1  at1  a  kingges  feest1 

Hap  plente  to  pe  rnesf  and  to  pe  leesfr  300 

And  deyntees  moo  pan  be  in  my  knowinge 

And  aftere  sopere  gop  pis  noble  kynge 

To  sene  pis  hors  of  bras  with  al  a  route 

Of  lordes  and  ladys  hym  aboute  304 

Such  wondring1  was  per  on  pis  hors  of  bras 

pat1  sipeii  pe  grete  sege  of  Troye  was 

per  as  men  wondren  on  an  hors  also 

~Ne,  was  per  such  a  wondering1  as  was  poo  308 

By  fynaly  pe  kinge  axep  pe  kny^t1 

])G  vertue  of  pe  Coursere  and  pe  my^t1 

And  preide  hym  to  telle  his  gouernance 

pe  hors  anon  gan  forto  trippe  and  dance  312 

whan  pat1  pis  knyght1  leide  hond  vpon  his  reyne 

And  seide  Sir1  per  is  to  more  to  seyne 

bwt  whan  pe  list  to  ride  owhere 

^e  moot1  trille  a  pynne  stonde  in  his  ere  316 

which  I  shal  telle  3011  bytwene  vs  twoo 

36  mote  nempne  hym  to  what1  place  also 

Or  to  what1  cuntre  pat1  }ou  list1  to  ride ./ 

And  whan  ^e  come  pere  as  }ou  list1  to  abide  320 

Bidde  hym  descende  and  trille  anopere  pynne 

ffor  per-Inne  lith  peffecte  of  al  pat1  gynne 

And  [he]  wol  doune  descende  and  done  ^oure  wille 

And  in  pat1  place  he  wille  abide  stille  324 

PETWORTH    225    (6-T.  487) 


SIX-TEXT    488 

GROUP  F.    §  2.   SQUIRE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

Jwugfi.  al  the  world'  had  ]?e  contrary  swore 

He  shal  not1  Jjennys  by  throwe  ne  ybore 

Or  if  ]>ou  list1  bidde  hym  Jjennes  goon 

Trille  J)is  pynne  and  he  wil  vanyssh  anon  328 

Out1  of  J?e  si^t1  of  euery  maner  wi^tt 

And  come  a3ein  be  it1  day  or  nyght1 

whan  fat1  3011  list1  to  clepen  'hjm  ageyn  [leafios] 

In  swich.  a  gise  as  I  shal  to  3011  seyn  / 

By-twixen  3011  and  me  and  pat1  ful  sone 

Ride  whan  3011  list1  per  is  no  more  to  done 

IT  Enformed  whan  ]?e  kyng1  was  of  }>e  kny^t1 

And  haj)  conceyued  in  his  witt1  ari^t1  336 

The  manere  and  ]?e  forme  of  al  jns  Jnnge 

fful  glad  and  bli]>e  J>e  noble  dou$ty  kynge 

Eepeyring1  to  his  reuel  as  byforn 

]je  bridel  is  into  j)e  toure  born  340 

And  kepte  amonge  his  Iwels  leef  and  dere 

J?e  hors  vanysshed  I  note  in  what1  manere 

Out1  of  her  si^f  36  gete  no  more  of  mee 

But1  Jms  I  lete  in  lust1  and  lolite  344 

This  Cambynskan  is  lordes  feestinge 

Til  wel  nygh  Jje  day  bygan  to  springe 

T  Explicit1,  prima  pars./ 

If  The  Stag1  of  an  hert1 

The  norice  of  digestion  is  sclepe 
Gan  on  hem  wynke  and  bad  hem  take  kepe          348 
Jjat1  moch  mete  and  labour  wil  haue  rest1 
And  wij)  a  galping1  moufe  hem  albycast1 
And  seide  pat1  it1  was  tyme  to  lye  adoune 
ffor  blood  was  in  his  domynaciown  352 

CheressheJ?  blood  natures  frende  quod  he 
fei  ]?onken  hym  galping1  by  two  or  J>re 
And  euery  wight1  gan  drowen  hym  to  his  rest1 
As  sclepe  hem  bad  J>ei  toke  it1  for  J?e  best1  356 

PETWOETH    226    (6-T.  488) 


SIX-TEXT    489 

GROUP  F.    §  2.   SQUIRE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS, 

Her  dremes  mow  not1  be  tolde  for  me 

fful  were  her  hedes  of  ffumosite 

fat1  causet1  dreem  of  which  \er  is  no  charge 

fei  sclepen  til  it  was  pryme  large  360 

f  e  moste  parte  but1  it1  were  Canacee 

She  was  ful  mesurable  as  wo?ranen  be 

ffor  of  her  fadere  had  she  take  her  leue 

To  goo  to  rest1  sone  after  it  was  Eue  364 

Her  list1  not1  appalled  forto  be  [leaf  ios,  back] 

ffor  on  f  e  morowe  vnfeestlich  forto  see 

And  sclepte  hure  first1  sclepe  and  awoke 

ffor  such  a  loie  she  in  her  herte  toke  368 

Bo]?  of  her  queynt1  rynge  and  of  her  myrowr 

fat1  xx4i  tyme  she  chaunged  her  colo?/r 

And  in  her  sclepe  ri^t1  for  impression 

Of  her  myrour  she  had  a  vision  372 

wherfore  er  fat1  f  e  sonne  vp  gan  glide 

She  cleped  vpon  her  maistresse  here  beside 

And  seide  fat1  hir5  list1  forto  arise 

fise  olde  wo?7imen  fat1  bene  gladly  wise  376 

As  is  her  maistresse  answerd!  hir*  anon 

And  seide  Madame  whidere  wold?  ^e  gon 

f  us  erly  for  folke  bene  al  in  rest1 

I  wil  quod  she  arise  for  me  lest1  380 

No  lenger  slepen  but1  walken  aboute 

Her  Maistresse  clepef  wo?wmen  a  grete  route 

And  vp  f  ei  risen  wel .  ten  or  twelue 

Vprisef  fresshe  Canace  her  selue  384 

As  roddy  and  bri^t1  as  f  ei  f  e  3onge  sonne 

fat1  in  f  e  Earn  is  ten  degrees  vp  ronne 

Noon  hier  was  he  whan  she  redy  was 

And  forf  she  walked  esily  a  pas  388 

Arraied  aftere  f  e  lusty  seson  sote 

li^tly  forto  prey  and  walk  on  fote 

Nat1  but1  .v.  or  .vj.  of  her  mayne 

And  in  a  trenche  fer  in  fe  park/  goof  she  392 

PETWORTH    227    (6-T.  489) 


SIX-TEXT    490 

GROUP  F.    §  2.   SQUIRE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS, 

The  vapour  which  fat1  fro  f  e  erthe  glode 

Makef  f  e  sonne  to  seme  rody  and  brode 

But1  naf  elees  it  was  so  faire  a  si^f 

Jjat1  it1  made  aH  her  hertes  forto  li^t1  396 

'What1  for  f  e  seson  and  f  e  mowrnynge 

And  for  f  e  fowles  fat1  she  herde  synge 

ffor  ri^fr  anoon  she  wist  what  fei  ment1 

Ri^t1  by  her  songe  and  knewe  al  her  entent1  400 

IT  The  knotte  win  fat1  euery  tale  is  told!  [leaf  109] 

3  if  it1  be  taried  til  lust1  be  cold? 

Of  hem  fat1  han  it1  herkened  after1  ^ore 

j?e  Sauour  passe])  euer  lenger  fe  more  404 

ffor  ffulsomnesse  of  prolixite 

And  by  f  is  same  reson  f  enkef  me 

I  shuld  vnto  f  e  knotte  condescends 

And  makeii  of  her  walking1  sone  an  ende  408 

*H  Amydde  a  tree  for-drye  as  white  as  chalke 

As  Canacee  was  plaiyng1  in  her  walke 

per  satte  a  fawcon  ouer  her  hede  ful  hie 

fat1  wif  a  pitous  vois  so  gan  to  crie  412 

fat1  alle  in  f e  wode  resed  of  her  crie 

And  beten  had  her  self  so  pitously 

Wif  bothe  her  wenges  to  f  e  rede  blode 

Ranne  endelonge  fe  tre  fer  as  she  stode-  416 

And  euer  in  oon  she  cried  alway  and  shrighf 

And  wif  her  beke  her  seluen  so  she  pi^t1 

fat1  fer  ne  was  Tigre  ne  cruel  beest1 

fat1  dwellef  eifer  in  wode  or  in  forest1  420 

fat1  ne  wold  haue  wepte  if  fat1  she  wepe  couf e 

ffor  sorowe  of  hir1  she  shright1  alway  so  louf  e 

ffor  fer  nas  neuere  ^if  man  on  lyue 

If  fat1 1  coude  a  fawcon  wel  discryve  424 

fat1  herd  of  such  anof er  of  fairnesse 

As  wel  of  plummage  as  of  gentilnesse 

Of  shappe  of  al  fat1  my^t1  rekned  be 

A  ffawcon  peregryne  fan  semed  she  .  428 

PETWORTH    228    (6-T.  490) 


SIX-TEXT    491 

GROUP  F,    §  2,   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Of  fremde  londe  and  eueremore  as  she  stode 

She  swowned  nowe  and  nowe  for  lakke  of  blood' 

Til  wel'nygh  is  she  fallen  fro  J>e  tre 

This  faire  kyngges  doughteij  j?is  Canace  432 

fat1  on  her  fynger  here  J?e  queynte  rynge 

Jjorgh  which  she  vnderstode  wel  euery  finge 

Jjat1  eny  foule  may  in  his  ledne  seyne 

And  coude  answere  him  in  his  ledne  ageyne  436 

HaJ>  vnderstonde  J?atH  Jjis  f  aw  con  seide  [leaf  109,  back] 

And  wel  nygh  for  fe  roujje  almesf  she  deide 

And  to  J)e  tree  she  go})  ful  hastely 

And  on  Jns  faucon  lokej?  ful  pitously  440 

And  helde  her  lappe  abrood  for  wel  she  wist1 

Jje  faucon  most1  falle  from  J>e  twist1 

"Whan  Jjat1  it1  swouned  next1  for  lacke  of  blode 

A  longe  while  to  waite  her  she  stode  444 

Til  atte  last1  she  spake  in  Jns  nianere 

Ynto  J?e  hawke  as  }e  shal  after  here 

11  What1  is  J?e  cause  if*  it1  be  forto  telle 

fat1  30  bene  in  jjis  furial  peyn  of  helle  448 

Quod  Canacee  vnto  J)is  hawke  aboue 

Is  ])is  for  sorowe  of  deth  or  losse  of  loue 

ifor  as  I  trowe  J>ise  bene  causes  two 

Jpan  causen  most1  a  gentil  hert1  woo  /  452 

Of  other  harme  it1  nedej?  not1  to  speke 

ffor  y\  ^oure  self  vpon  youre  self  }ou  wreke 

"Which  j^at1  proueth  wel  jjat1  eij?ere  ire  or  drede 

Mote  bene  encheson  of  ^oure  cruel  dede  456 

Si]?  fat1 1  see  noon  ofer  wi^t1  ^ou  chace 

ffor  loue  of  god  so  doj>  3010-  self  grace 

Or  what1  may  be  ^oure  helpe  for  west1  nor  este 

Ne  seghe  I  neuere  er  nowe  ne  brid  ne  beste  460 

Jmf  ferde  wij?  him  self  so  pitously 

^e  sclee  me  wij)  ^oure  sorowe  verreyly 

I  haue  of  3ou  so  grete  co??^passio?m 

ffor  goddes  loue  come  fro  )>e  tree  adoun  464 

PETWORTH    229    (6-T.  49l) 


SIX-TEXT    -492 

GROUP  F,    §  2.   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  as  I  ain  a  kingges  dou^thter5  trewe 

If  fat1  I  verrely  f  e  causes  knewe 

Of  3oure  dis[e]se  if  it1  lay  in  my  my}!1 

I  wold  amende  it1  er  fat1  it  were  ny^t1  468 

As  wisly  helpe  me  grete  god  of  kinde 

And  Erbes  shal  1  rijtt  ynow  fynde 

To  hele  wij>  ^oure  hirtes  hastely 

f  oo  shright1  f  is  fawcon  3^  more  pitously  472 

fan  euere  she  did  and  fille  to  grounde  an5n  [leaf  no] 

And  lith  a  swowne  dede  as  is  f  e  ston 

Til  Canacee  haf  in  hure  lappe  her  take 

Ynto  fat1  tyme  she  gan  of  swowne  awake  476 

And  after  fat1  she  of  swowne  gan  vpbreide 

Bi3tt  in  hire  hawkes  leodene  f  us  she  seide 

IF  fat1  pite  rennef  sone  in  gentil  herte 

ffeling1  his  symilitude  in  peynes  smerte  480 

Is  proued  alday  as  men  may  it  see 

As  wel  be  werk1  as  be  auctorite 

ifor  gentil  herfr  kepej?  gentillesse 

I  se  wele  fat1  36  han  on  my  distresse  484 

Compassion  my  faire  Canacee 

Of  verrey  wownianly  benignyte 

That1  nature  in  3oure  principles  hap  sette 

But1  for  noon  hope  forto  fare  J?e  bette  488 

But1  forto  obeye  vnto  3oure  herte  free 

And  forto  maken  ofer  be  ware  by  me 

As  by  fe  whelpe  chastised  is  the  lyon 

Bi^t1  for  pat1  cause  and  for  fat1  conclusion  492 

While  fat1 1  haue  a  leisere  and  a  space 

Myn  harme  I  wil  confessen  er  I  pace 

And  euere  while  fat1  she  her  sorowe  told? 

fat1  ofer  wepte  as  she  to  water  wold?  496 

Til  fat1  f e  ffaucon  bad  hir1  to  be  stille 

And  wif  a  sighe  f  us  she  seide  hir*  tille 

Ther  I  was  bredde  alias  fat1  ilk  daye 

And  fostred  in  a  roche  of  Merbel  graye  500 

PETWOIITH    230    (6-T.  492) 


SIX-TEXT    493 

GROUP  F.    §  2.   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

So  tenderly  pafr  no  p  ing1  eiled  me 

I  ne  wist  not1  what*  was  aduersite 

Til  I  coude  nee  ful  hie  vndere  pe  skie 

Tho  dwelled  a  tercelef  me  fast  by  504 

pat1  semed  welle  of  al  gentilnesse 

Al  were  he  ful  of  treson  and  falsnesse 

It1  is  wrapped  vnder  humble  chere 

And  vnder1  hwe  of  troupe  &  in  such  manere  ./  508 

Yndere  plesaunce  and  vnder  bisy  peyne  [leaf  no,  back] 

pat1  no  wight1  coupe  han  wende  he  coude  feyne 

So  depe  in  greyne  he  dyed  his  coloures  / 

Ri^t1  as  a  serpent1  hyd  hyra  vnder  flowres  512 

Til  he  may  se  his  tyme  forto  bite 

Ri^t1  so  pis  god  of  loue  ypocrite 

Do])  so  his  serymonijs  and  obeysances 

And  kepep  in  semblaunt1  al  his  obserucmnces  /  516 

That1  sownepe  into  gentilnesse  of  loue 

As  in  a  tompe  is  al  pe  faire  aboue 

And  vnder  is  pe  cours  which  as  36  wote 

Such  was  pis  ypocrite  bop  colde  and  hote  520 

And  in  pis  wise  he  serued  his  entente 

pat1  saue  pe  feende  non  wist1  what1  he  mente 

Til  he  so  longe  had  wepte  and  compleyned 

And  many  a  ^eer  his  servise  to  hym  feyned  524 

Til  pat1  myn  hert1  to  pitous  and  to  nyce 

Al  Innocent1  of  his  crowned  malice 

ifor-ferde  of  his  dep  as  pou^t1  me 

Vpon  his  opes  and  his  Suerte  528 

Graunted  hym  loue  vpon  pis  condiciowii 

pat1  euer  moo  myn  honurB  and  my  renown 

Were  saued  bop  privey  and  apert1 

pis  is  to  seyn  pat1  after  his  dissert1  532 

I  3aue  hym  al  myn  hert1  and  my  pou^tt 

God  woot1  and  he  paf  oper  wise  noi^t1 

And  toke  his  hert1  in  chaunge  of  myn  for  ay 

But1  sop  is  seide  go  sipen  mony  a  day  536 

PETWORTH    231    (6-T.  493) 


SIX-TEXT    494 

GROUP  F.    §  2.   SQUIRE'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

A  trewe  wight1  and  a  feef  thenkef  not1  oon 

And  whan  he  sawe  f  e  fing1  so  fer  ygon 

fat1  I  [had]  graunted  hym  fully  my  loue 

In  such  a  gise  as  I  haue  seide  aboue  540 

An  ^euen  hym  my  trewe  hertf  as  free 

As  he  swore  he  ^af  his  hert1  to  me 

Anon  f  is  tigre  ful  of  doublenesse 

nil  on  his  knees  wif  so  deuoute  humblesse  544 

Wif  hye  reuerence  and  as  by  his  chere  peafiii] 

So  like  a  gentile  louere  of  manere 

So  rauisshed  as  it1  semed  for  f  e  loye 

Jpat1  neuere  lason  ne  Paris  of  Troye  548 

lason  certes  ne  noon  ofere  man 

Si])  Lame])  was  fiat1  alf  er  furst1  biganne 

To  louen  two  as  writen  folk1  to-forne 

!N~e  neuere  sif  f  e  first1  man  was  born  552 

ISTe  coude  man  by  xxfi  f  ousand  part1 

Countrefete  f  e  sophymes  of  his  arte 

!Ne  were  worf  i  to  vnbocle  his  galoche 

jper  dowblenesse  or  faynyng1  shul(J  approche  556 

NQ  so  coufe  ])onke  a  wi^t1  as  he  did  me 

His  manere  was  an  heuene  for  to  see 

Til  eny  wowiman  were  she  neuere  his  wys 

So  peynted  he  and  kembejj  at1  poynf  devis  560 

As  wel  his  wordes  as  his  countenance 

And  I  so  loued  hym  for  his  obeysaunce 

And  for  J?e  troupe  I  denied  in  his  herf 

fat1  if  so  were  fat1  eny  jnnge  hym  smerte  564 

Al  were  it1  neuere  so  lite  and  I  it  wist1 

Me  f  oujf  I  felt1  dej)  at1  myn  herte  twiste 

And  shortely  so  ferforf  fis  finge  wente 

fat1  my  wille  hap  his  willes  Instrument1  568 

p is  is  to  seyne  my  wille  obeied  his  wille 

In  al  finge  as  ferae  as  reson  iille 

Kepinge  fe  bounties  of  my  worship  euere 

Ne  neuere  had  I  f  Inge  so  leef  ne  leuere  572 

FETWOKTH    232   (6-T.  49 -J-) 


SIX-TEXT    495 

GHOUP  F,    §  2,   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

As  hym  f  god  wote  ne  neuere  shal  no  moo  / 

f  is  last1  lenger  fan.  a  }ere  or  twoo 

IF  That1 1  Suppose  of  hym  no  f  ing1  but1  good* 

But1  fynaly  fus  at1  the  ende  it1  stood  576 

fat1  fortune  wold!  fat1  he  most1  twynne 

Out1  of  fat1  place  which  fat1  I  was  Iiine 

where  me  were  woo  it  is  no  question 

I  can  not1  make  of  it  discripcion  580 

ffor  oon  f  inge  dar  I  telle  boldely  [leaf  in,  back] 

I  knowe  what1  is  f  e  peyne  of  def  ]??rby  f 
Such  harme  I  felt1  for  he  no  wi}^  by-leue 

So  on  a  day  of  me  he  toke  his  leue  584 

So  sorowefulli  eke  fat1  I  wende  verrely 

fat1  he  had  feled  as  moche  harme  as  I 

Whan  fat1 1  herde  hym  speke  and  segfr  his  hwe 

But1  naf  elees  I  f  ou^t1  he  was  so  trewe  588 

And  eke  fat1  he  repeire  shuld  agayn/ 

Wif-Inne  a  litel  while  sof  to  sayii 

And  reson  wold  eke  fat1  he  most1  goo 

ffor  his  honoure  as  oft  happef  soo  592 

Jjat1  I  made  vertue  of  necessite 

And  toke  it  wel  sif  fat1  it1  most  be 

As  I  best1  myght  I  hid  fro  hym  my  sorowe 

And  toke  hym  by  f  e  honde  seint1  lohn  to  borowe          596 

And  seide  f  us  loo  I  am  3oures  all 

Bef  swich.  as  I  haue  be  to  you  and  shal 

what1  he  answerd?  it1  nedef  not  reherce 

who  can  seyn  bette  f  aft  he  who  can  do  wors  600 

whan  he  haf  al  wel  seide  fan  haf  he  done 

jperfore  bihouef  hy?%  a  ful  longe  spone 

fat  shal  eten  wiih  a  feend  f  us  herd  I  seye 

So  at1  f  e  last1  he  mote  forf  his  weye  604 

And  forf  he  fleef  til  he  come  fer  hym  list1 

whan  it1  come  hym  to  pwrpoos  for  to  ristf 

II  I  trowe  he  had  f  ilk1  texte  in  mynde  ^  ^aaitui  suo  sui 

J  gula  gaudent  / 

J^at1  al  f  inge  repeiryng1  to  his  kinge  608 

17  PETWORTH    233    (6-T.  495) 


SIX-TEXT    496 

GROUP  F.    §  2.  SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

i 

Glade])  hy/w  self  Jms  seyn  men  as  I  gesse 
Men  louen  of  propre  kinde  newfangilnesse 
As  briddes  doon  Jjat1  men  in  cages  fede 
ffor  Jjeigh  Jjou  ny^t1  and  day  take  of  hyra  hede  612 

And  strawe  her  cage  faire  and  soft  as  silk 
And  $eue  hem  sugre  .  hony  .  brede  and  mylk1 
^it1  right1  anoon  as  fat1  his  door  is  vppe 
He  wi J>  his  feete  wil  spume  down  his  cuppe  616 

And  to  J>e  wode  he  wil  and  wornies  ete  [leaf  1123 

So  newfangle  bene  fei  of  her  mete 
And  louen  nouelries  of  propre  kinde 

ISTo  gentilnesse  of  blood  may  hem  bynde  620 

So  ferde  J>is  tercelet1  alias  fe  day 
Thowe  he  were  gentiH  born  fressh  and  gay 
And  goodly  forto  sene .  humble  and  free 
He  segh  vpon  a  tyme  a  kite  fle  624 

And  sodeynly  he  loued  J?is  kite  soo 
That1  al  his  loue  is  clene  fro  me  goo 
And  hajj  his  trowjje  falsed  in  J>is  wise 
Thus  haj?  Jje  kite  my  loue  in  her  seruyse  628 

And  I  am  lorn  wit/i-outen  reined  ye 
And  wij?  fat1  worde  fis  fawcon  gan  to  crie 
And  swowned  eff  in  Canaces  barme 

Grete  was  ]?e  sorowe  for  J?att  haukes  harme  632 

That1  Canacee  and  alle  her  wo??^mell  made 
)5ei  nyst1  howe  J>af  ]jei  my^f  ]?e  faucon  glade 
But1  Canace  home  berej)  her  in  hir1  lappe 
And  softely  in  plaasters  gan  hir  wrappe  636 

J)er  as  she  with  hire  beek  had  hurt1  her  selue 
Nowe  can  not1  Canace  but1  herbes  delue 
Out1  of  the  grounde  and  maken  salues  riewe 
Of  herbes  precious  and  fyne  of  he  we  640 

To  helen  wij>  J>e  hauke  from  day  to  ny^t1 
She  do])  her  bysynesse  and  al  her1  my^t1 
And  by  hire  beddes  hede  she  made  a  mewe 
And  keuered  it1  wij)  veluetes  blewe  644 

PETWORTH   234   (6-T.  496) 


SIX-TEXT    497 

.  GROUP  F.   §  2.   SQUIRE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

In  signe  of  troupe  fat1  is  in  wommen  sene 

And  AH  wif-oute  f  e  mwee  is  pointed  grene 

In  whiche  were  peynted  all  f  ise  fals  foules 

As  bene  fise  tydifs  .  tercelettes  and  owles  648 

Bi^t1  for  f  e  spite  were  peynted  hem  biside 

Pies  on  hem  forto  crie  and  chide 

f  us  lete  I  Canace  her  hauke  kepinge 

I  wil  no  more  as  nowe  speke  of  her  rynge  652 

Til  it  come  eft1  to  pwrpoos  forto  seyn  [leaf  112,  back] 

Howe  fat1  f  is  faucon  gate  her  lone  ageyn 

Bepentaunt1  as  f  e  story  tellef  vs 

By  mediacion  of  Camballus  656 

f  e  kyngges  sone  of  which"  I  3011  tolde 

But1  hens  forf  I  wil  processe  holde 

To  speken  of  auentures  and  of  batailles 

That1  ^it1  was  neuere  herde  so  grete  merveiles  660 

ffirst1  wil  I  telle  $ou  of  Cambynskan 

That1  in  his  tyme  mony  a  Cite  wan 

And  aftere  wil  I  speke  of  algarsif 

How  fat1  he  wan  Theodora  to  his  wiff  664 

ffor  whan  ful  oft1  in  grete  periH  he  was 

Ne  had  he  bene  holpen  by  f  e  hors  of  bras 

And  aftere  wil  I  speke  of  Camballo 

fat1  faughf  in  listes  wif  f  e  breferen  two  668 

ffor  Canace  er  fat1  he  my^t1  hiij  wynne 

And  f  er  I  left1  wil  I  ageyn  bygynne 

.i.  sol. 

va-  Apollo  whiiief  vp  his  chare  so  hie 

cat  Til  fat1  fe  god  Mercurius  hous  fe  sclie  672 

Explicit1  secunda  pars  f 

T  Here  endef  f  e  squyers  tale 


PETWORTH   235    (6-T.  497) 


SIX-TEXT    498 
GROUP  F.    §  3.   SQUIRE-FRANKLIN  LINK.    PetWOrth  MS. 


And  here  ion  leaf  112,  &«?*•] 

bygynnef  fe  prologe  of  fe  merchaunte. 

In  feif  Squier  f  ow  hast1  f  e  wel  yquytte 
And  gentely  I  preise  wel  f  i  witte 
Quod  f  e  merchauntt  consideryng1  fi  ^ouf  e 
So  felingly  fou  spekestf  sir*  I  fe  alouf  e  676 

As  to  my  dome  f  er  is  non  J/att  is  here 
Of  Eloquence  fat1  shal  be  }>i  pere 

[And  if  Jiat  }?ow  lyue  god  3if  J?e  goode  chaunce  [Barlow  MS  20] 
And  in  vertue  sende  the  ContynauTice]  680 

ffor  of  Jn  speche  I  haue  gret1  deynte 
I  haue  a  sone  and  by  J>e  trinite 
I  had  leuere  J>an  xxti  pounde  worj)  loncJ 
Jjough  if  were  lijft  nowe  fallen  in  my  hond?  684 

3e  ere  a  man  of  such  discrecion 
As  fat1  36  ben  fy  on  possession 
But1  $if  a  man  be  uertuous  witAal 

I  haue  my  sone  snybbed  and  ^itt  shal  /  688 

ffor  he  to  vertue  listej?  not1  entende  [leaf  us] 

Buf  forto  pley  atte  dys  and  to  dispende 
And  lese  al  fat1  he  haf  is  his  vsage 

And  he  haf  leuere  talke  wif  a  page  692 

}3an  to  comune  wif  a  gentile  wi^ 
where  he  my^fr  lerne  gentillesse  ari^f 
A  strawe  for  ^oure  gentilnesse  quod  our  Hoost* 
"What1  Marchaunte  parde  Sir*  wel  fou  woost1  696 

That1  ech  of  $ou  mote  tellen  at1  f  e  leesf 
A  tale  or  twoo  or  breken  his  bihest1 
That1  knowe  I  well  quod  f  e  Merchaunte  certeyn 
I  prey  3ou  hauef  not1  me  in  disdeyne  700 

PETWORTH   236   (6-T.  498) 


SIX-TEXT    499 
GROUP  F.    §  3.    SQUIRE-FRANKLIN  LINK.    PctWOlth  MS, 


to  ]?is  man  I  speke  a  word!  or  twoo 
Telle  on  J?i  tale  wijj-outen  wordes  moo  / 
Gladly  sir1  ooste  qiiod.  he  I  wil  obeye 
Vnto  3our  wille  now  herkenejj  what1  1  seye  704 

I  wil  3011  not1  contrary  e  in  no  wise  . 
As  ferre  as  my  wittes  wil  suffise 
I  prey  to  god  J?afr  it1  may  plesen  3011 
J?an  wootf  I  wele  ]>afr  it1  is  good  ynowe  708 

J>us  endejj  ]?e  prologe  / 


PETWORTH   237   (6-T.  409^) 


SIX-TEXT    443 

GROUP  E.   §  4,   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 


And  here  by- 
gynnef  fe  Merchauntes  tale.  ipntea/\\x\ 

Whilom  f  er  was  dwellinge  in  lumbardy  ^[  The  tale. 
A  worf  i  kny3f  fat1  born  was  at1  Pavy 
In  which  he  lyued  in  grete  prosperite 
And  sixty  ^ere  a  wyuelees  man  was  he  1248 

And  folowed  ay  his  bodely  delite 
On  wo?ftman  f  er  as  was  his  Appetite 
As  doon  f ise  fooles  fat1  bene  seculers 
And  whan  fat1  he  was  past1  sixty  3eres  1252 

Were  it1  for  holynesse  or  ellis  for  dotage 
I  can  not1  seye  but1  suche  a  corage 
had  f  is  knyghf  to  be  a  wedded  man 

That1  day  and  nyght  he  dof  al  fat1  he  can  1256 

To  aspie  where  he  myjtt  wedded  be 
Preiynge  our  lord?  to  graunt1  hyra  fat1  he  / 
Might1  ones  knowe  fat1  blisful  liff  [leaf  us,  back] 

fat1  is  bytwixe  an  husbonde  and  his  wif  1260 

And  for  to  lyuen  vnder  fat1  holy  band? 
Wif  which  god  furste  man  to  womman  band? 
Noon  of  er  lif  seide  he  is  worf  a  bene 
ffor  wedloke  is  so  esi  and  so  clene  1264 

That1  in  f  is  world?  it1  is  a  paradys 
Thus  seif  f  is  olde  kny3f  fat1  was  so  wis 
And  certeynly  as  sof  as  god  is  kinge 
To  take  a  wif  it1  is  a  glorious  f  iiige  1268 

And  namely  whan  a  man  is  olde  and  hoore 
fan  is  a  wif  f e  frute  of  his  tresore 
fan  shuld?  he  take  a  3onge  wif  and  a  faire 
On  which  he  my^t1  engender  him  an  aire  1272 

PETWOKTH    238   (6-T.  443) 


SIX-TEXT    444 

GROUP  E.    §  4,   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  lede  his  lif  in  loye  and  solace 

Wher  as  f  e  bachilers  synggen  alas 

Whan  f  ei  fynde  eny  aduersite 

In  loue  which  fat1  is  but1  childes  vanite  1276 

And  trewly  it1  sitte  wel  to  be  soo 

That1  bachilers  han  ofte  peyne  and  woo 

On  brutel  grounde  f  ei  beelde  brutelnesse 

fei  fynde  whan  fei  wene  sikernesse  1280 

fei  lyue  but1  as  a  bridde  or  a  beest1 

In  liberte  and  vnder  nyce  areest1 

f  er  as  a  wedded  man  in  his  astate 

Lyuef  his  lif  blisful  and  ordynate  1284 

Vndere  f  e  ^ok1  of  mariage  ybounde 

Wel  may  his  hert1  in  loye  and  blisse  be  founde 

flbr  who  can  be  so  buxom  as  a  wif 

Who  is  so  trewe  and  eke  so  tentiff  1288 

To  kepe  him  seke  and  hole  as  is  his  make 

ffor  wel  ne  woo  she  wil  not1  hym  forsake 

She  nys  not1  wery  hym  to  loue  and  serue 

fou^e  fat1  he  lye  bedrede  til  he  sterue  1292 

And  ^it1  somrae  clerkes  sein  fat1  it1  is  not1  soo 

Of  which  theofraste  is  oon  of  f  oo ./ 

What1  foorce  fou^t1  Thophrast1  lustef  lye  [leaf  114] 

Ne  take  no  wif  quod  he  for  husbondrye  1296 

As  forto  spare  in  household!  f  i  dispence 

A  trewe  serucrante  dof  more  diligence 

Thi  good  to  kepe  fan  fine  owne  wif 

ffor  she  wil  cleyme  half  part1  al  her  lif  1300 

And  3if  fat  f ou  be  seke  so  god  me  saue 

Thi  verrey  frendes  or  a  trewe  knaue 

Wil  kepe  f e  better  fan  she  fat1  waitef  ay 

Aftere  fi  good  and  haf  do  mony  a  day  1304 

And  if  f  ou  take  a  wif  1faf  to  fe  is  vntrewe 

fful  ofte  tyme  it1  shal  f  e  Ewe l  [l"1  1  spurious] 

This  entent1  an  hundred  sif  es  wors 

writef  fis  man  fer  god  his  bonys  curs  1308 

PETWORTH    239   (6-T.  444) 


SIX-TEXT    445 

GROUF  E,    §  4,   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

But1  take  no  kepe  of  al  such  vanyte 

Defie  Theofrast1  and  herkenej?  me 

A  wiff  is  goddys  ^iff  verreyly 

Al  ojjer  manere  3iftes  hardely  1312 

As  londes .  rentes  pasture  or  comune 

Or  mebles  al  bene  ^iftes  of  fortune 

pat1  passen  as  a  shadowe  on  a  wall 

But1  drede  it1  noujti  pleynly  speke  I  shall  1316 

A  wiff  wil  last*  and  in  pine  hous  endure 

"Wei  more  pan  pe  list1  peraueiiture 

Mariegge  is  a  ful  grete  sacrament1 

Who  hap  no  wiff  I  telle  hym  shent1  1320 

He  lyuep  helplees  and  is  al  desolate 

I  speke  of  folk1  in  seculere  astate 

And  herken  wlii .  I  seie  not1  J>is  for  nou^t1 

J?e  womman  is  for  mannes  helpe  ywroi^t1  1324 

pe  highe  god  whan  he  had  Adam  maked 

And  seghe  him  alone  bely  naked 

God  of  his  grete  goodnesse  seide  pan  / 

Laf  vs  make  an  helpe  vnto  pis  man  1328 

Like  to  hym  self  and  pan  he  made  Eue 

Here  may  ^ee  see  and  herby  may  $e  preue 

fat1  }>e  wiff  is  mannys  Comfort1  [leaf  114,  back] 

His  Paradys  terrestre  and  his  disport1  1332 

So  buxom  and  so  vertuous  is  she 

J?ei  moste  nedes  lyue  in  vnite 

Oo  flessh  J?ei  bene  and  two  soules  as  I  gesse 

HaJ?  but1  oon  hert1  in  hele  and  in  distresse  1336 

A  wif  a  seynf  Mary  benedicite 

How  my3^  a  man  han  eny  aduersite 

Jpat1  ha])  a  wiff  certes  I  can  not1  seie 

]p&  blisse  Jjat1  is  ytwixe  hem  tweye  1340 

J?er  may  no  tunge  tellen  or  hert1  jjenk1 

If  he  be  poor  she  helpe]?  him  to  swynk1 

She  kepej)  his  good  and  waaste]?  neuer  a  dele 

Al  pat1  her  husbond?  lust1  she  likef  wele  1344 

PETWORTH    240    (6-T.  4io) 


SIX-TEXT    446 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

She  seij?  not1  onys  nay  wlian  lie  seith  $e 

Do]?  J?is  seij?  he .  al  redy  sire  seij?  she 

0  blisful  ordere  of  wedloke  precious 

J)ou  arte  so  mery  and  eke  so  vertuous  1348 

And  so  commended  and  so  appreued  eke 

J^at1  euery  man  Jjat1  halt1  him  worj>  a  leke 

Vpon  his  bare  knees  a^t1  al  his  lif 

Thank  en  his  god  Jjat1  him  haj?  sent1  a  wif  1352 

Oy])er  prei  to  god  him  for  to  sende 

A  wiff  to  last1  vnto  his  lyues  ende 

Ifor  jjaii  his  lif  is  sette  in  sikernesse 

He  may  not1  be  desceyued  as  I  gesse  1356 

So  J?af  he  worche  after  his  wyues  rede 

J>an  may  he  boldely  bere  vp  his  hede 

fei  bene  so  trewe  and  also  wys 

ffor  which  if  J?ou  wilt1  worchen  as  J?e  wis  1360 

Do  alway  so  as  woramen  wil  J?e  rede 

Loo  ho  we  Jmt1  lacob  as  J?ise  clerkes  rede 

By  good  counseil  of  his  modere  Rebekke 

Boonde  J)e  kyddes  skyn  about1  his  nekke  1364 

ffor  which  his  faders  benyson  he  wan 

Loo  luditfi.  as  J?e  storie  telle  can 

Be  wise  counsail  she  goddes  puple  kepte  [leaf  115] 

And  sclowe  hym  Olophernes  while  he  sclepte  1368 

Lo  Abygail  by  counseille  how  she 

Saued  her  husbonde  NabaH  whan  jjat1  he 

Shuld  haue  be  sclayne  and  loke  aster  alsoo 

By  good  counsaile  delyuered  out1  of  woo  1372 

Jje  puple  of  god  and  made  hym  marche 

Of  assure  enchaunced  forto  be 

Ther  is  no  J>inge  in  grete  supe?'latif 

As  seij?  seneke  [above]  an  humble  wif1  1376 

Suffre  ])i  wifes  tunge  as  Caton  bitte 

She  shal  co?72mauwde  and  )jou  shalt1  suffre  it* 

And  31^  she  wil  obeye  of  Curtesie 

A  wif  is  keper  of  jrine  husbondrye  1380 

PETWORTH    241    (6-T.   146) 


SIX-TEXT    447 

GROUP  E,    §  4,   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

wele  may  Jje  seke  man  by-weile  and  wepe 

J)er  as  Jjer  nys  no  wif  J>e  hous  to  kepe 

I  warne  ]?e  ^if  wisly  J?ou  wirche 

Loue  wel  J)i  wif  as  crist  lone]?  his  cliirclie  1384 

If  thou  louest1  Jn  self  wel .  J?ou  louest1  j?i  wif 

No  man  hate])  his  flessh  but1  in  his  lif 

He  fostreth  it1  and  Jjerfore  bid  I  )>e 

Cherisshe  J?i  wif  or  J>ou  shalt1  neuere  the  1388 

Husbonde  and  wif  what1  so  men  lape  or  pleye 

Of  worldly  folk  holde  J)e  siker  weye 

They  bene  so  knytte  J)er  may  noon  harnie  betide 

And  namely  vpon  J?e  wives  side  1392 

ffor  which  jjis  lamiarie  of  which  I  tolde 

Considered  haj>  wi]j-in  his  daies  olde 

})G  lusty  lif  }?e  vertuous  quiete 

J)att  is  in  mariage  hony  swete  1396 

And  for  his  frendes  on  a  day  he  sent* 

To  tellen  hem  the  effecte  of  his  ententt 

wij)  face  sadde  his  tale  he  hajj  hem  told? 

He  saide  frendes  I  am  hoor  and  olde  1400 

And  almost1  god  wote  vpon  ])e  pittes  brinke 

Vpon  my  soule  somwhatf  I  most1  Jjenke 

I  haue  my  body  folily  dispended  /  [leaf  115,  back] 

Blessed  be  god  it1  shal  be  amended  1404 

ffor  I  wil  bene  certeyn  a  wedded  man 

And  fat1  anon  in  al  Jje  hast1  I  can 

Ynto  some  maide  faire  and  tender  of  age 

I  prey  3011  shape])  for  my  mariage  1 408 

Al  sodeynly  for  I  wil  not  abide 

And  I  wil  foonden  to  aspie  on  my  side 

To  whoom  I  may  be  wedded  hastely 

But1  for  as  moche  as  36  bene  more  J?an  I  1412 

3e  shul  raper  such  a  J)inge  espien 

]3an  I  and  })er  me  lust1  best1  to  alien 

But1  of  on  Jnng1  I  warne  ^ou  my  frendes  dere 

I  nyl  noon  olde  wif  haue  in  no  manere  1416 

PETWOKTH    242   (8-T.  447) 


SIX-TEXT    448 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

She  shal  not1  passe  xvj  ^ere  in  fayn 

Old  fissJi  and  3onge  flessh  fat1  wil  I  haue  certayn 

Bett*  is  quod  he  a  p[i]ke  fan  a  pikereH 

And  bette  fan  olde  beef  is  f  e  tender'  veeH  1420 

I  wil  no  woniman  of  xxx11  wynter*  age 

It1  is  but1  bene  strawe  and  grete  forage 

And  eke  fise  olde  wyues  god  it  wote 

fei  konnen  so  nioche  craft1  on  wades  bote  1424 

So  mochel  broke  harme  whan  fat1  he??a  lest1 

That1  wif  hem  shuld!  I  neuer*  lyuen  in  rest1 

ifor  sondry  scoles  make]?  subtile  clerkes 

Wo?7inian  of  mony  scoles .  half  a  clerk  es  1428 

But1  certeyn  a  yonge  f  ing1  may  man  gye 

Ri^t1  as  men  may  warme  wax  vrith  handis  plye 

Wherfore  I  seie  ^ou  pleynly  in  a  clause 

I  nyl  non  olde  wif  han  ri^t1  for  fis  cause  1432 

ffor  if  so  were  I  had  some  meschaunce 

fat1  [I]  in  hire  ne  couf  e  haue  no  plesaunce 

fan  shuldz  I  lede  my  lif  in  auenture 

And  so  streite  to  jje  deuel  sure  1436 

Ne  children  shuld?  I  noon  vpon  hure  geten 

3it*  had  me  leuere  J?afr  houndes  had  me  eten 

Than  j^at1  myne  Heritage  shulde  falle  [leaf  116] 

In  straunge  honde  and  ]?us  I  telle  ^ou  aH  1440 

I  dote  not1 .  I  not1  ])e  cause  whi 

Men  shuld  wedde  and  ferthermore  wote  I 

Ther  spekej?  mony  a  man  of  Mariage 

fat1  wote  no  more  of  it1  fan  do]?  my  page  1444 

ffor  whiche  causes  men  shuld?  take  a  wif* 

3if  he  may  not1  chaast  bene  his  lif 

Take  him  a  wif  wif  grete  deuocion 

Bycause  of  leeful  procreacion  1448 

Of  children  to  f  e  honure  of  god  aboue 

And  no^f  only  for  paramour  ne  for  loue 

And  for  fei  shulden  leccherie  eschewe 

And  ^eelde  her  dettes  while  fafr  it1  is  newe  1452 

PETWORTH    243   (6-T.  448) 


SIX-TEXT    449 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Or  for  fat1  eche  man  shuld  help.e  of  ere 
In  meschief  as  sustere  shal  to  brof ere 
And  lyve  in  chastite  ful  heuenly 

But1  sirs  by  ^oure  leue  fat1  am  not1 1  1456 

ffor  god  byf  onke  it1 .  I  dar  make  auawnte 
I  fele  my  lymmes  sterke  and  suffisawnt1 
To  done  al  fat1  a  man  bylongef  to 

I  wote  my  self  best1  what1 1  may  do  1460 

f  ou}  I  be  hoor  I  fare  as  dof  a  tre 
fat  blosmeth  er  f  e  frute  ywoxfe]  be 
fat1  blossmed  tre  is  neif er  drie  ne  dede 
I  fele  no  where  hoor  but1  on  my  hede  1464 

Myne  hert1  and  my  lymmes  ben  as  grene 
As  lauriel  is  f  orgh  f  e  ^ere  to  sene 
And  sythen  $e  han  herd*  al  myn  entent1 
I  prey  $ou  to  my  wille  36  assent1  1468 

Dyuers  men  dyuersly  hyra  told? 
Of  Mariage  mony  ensamples  olde 
So?mne  blamen  it1  somme  preisen  it  certayn 
But1  at1  fe  laste  shortely  forto  sayn  1472 

As  alday  falle])  altercacion 
Bitwixen  frendes  in  disputacion 

f  er  fille  a  strif  ytwix  his  bref  eren  two  •  [leaf  116,  back] 

Of  which  fat1  0011  is  cleped  placebo  ./  1476 

lustinus  sof ly  called  was  fat1  other* 
Placebo  seide  oo  I  am  joure  brof  ere 
fful  litel  nede  han  ye  my  lord'  so  dere 
Counseile  to  aske  of  ony  fat1  is  here  1480 

But1  fat1  36  bene  so  ful  of  Sapience 
That1  3ou  ne  likef  for  ^oure  high  prudence 
To  weyue  from  f  e  word'  of  Salomon 

This  word'  seif  he  vnto  vs  everechon  1484 

"Wirk1  al  fing1  by  counseile  fus  seide 
And  fan  shalt1  J?ou  not1  repent1  f  e 
But1  f eigh  fat1  Salomon  speke  such  a  word! 
Myn  owne  dere  brof  er  and  my  lord?  1 488 

PETWORTH   244   (6-T.  449) 


SIX-TEXT    450 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

So  wisly  god  bring1  my  sairle  at1  ese  and  rest1 

I  holde  ^oure  owe  coimseli  is  ]>e  best1 

ffor  broker  myn  take  of  me  ]>is  motif1 

I  haue  bene  no  we  a  courte  man  al  my  lyf1  1492 

And  god  woot1  pou^e  I  vnworpi  be 

I  haue  stonden  in  ful  grete  degre 

Abowen  lordes  of  ful  grete  astate 

3it*  had  I  neuere  wij?  none  of  hem  debate  1496 

I  neuere  hem  contraried  trewly 

I  wote  wele  fat1  my  lord  can  more  fan  I. 

That1  he  seif  I  holde  it1  forme  and  stable 

I  seie  fe  same  or  ellis  fing1  semblable  1500 

A  ful  grete  fool  is  eny  counselour* 

fat1  seruef  eny  lord  of  hie  honour1 

fat1  dar  presume  or  ones  f  enk1  it1 

That1  his  counsaile  shuld*  passe  his  lordes  witte  1504 

Nay  lordes  bene  no  fooles  be  my  fay 

3e  haue  pure  self  spoken  here  to  day 

So  high  sentence  so  holy  &  so  well 

That1 1  consent1  and  conferme  euery  dele  1508 

$our  wordes  al  &  pure  opynyozm 

By  god  f  er  is  no  man  in  al  f  is  town . 

]S~e  in  Ytaile  coupe  bet1  han  seide  Deaf  in] 

Criste  holde])  of  fis  hy?/i  ful  wel  apaied  1512 

And  trewly  it1  is  an  hie  corage 

Of  eny  man  fat1  stoupe]}  into  age 

To  take  a  ^onge  wif  be  my  fader5  kynne 

3oure  hert1  hongej?  vpon  a  loly  pynne  1516 

Do])  now  in  J>is  matere  ri^t1  as  ^ou  leste 

ffor  fynally  I  holde  it1  for  fe  best1 

^[  lustinus  ^at1  ay  stille  satte  and  herde 

Ei^t1  in  ])is  wise  he  to  placebo  ansuerde  1520 

Nowe  broker  myn  be  pacient1 1  prey 

Sirens  fat1  ^e  han  seide  herken  what1  I  sey 

Senek  amonges  oj)er  wordes  wise 

Sei])  fat1  a  man  ou^t1  hy??i  wel  avise  1524 

PETWORTH    245   (6-T.  450) 


SIX-TEXT    451 

GROUP  E,    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

To  whom  he  ^eueth  his  land  or  his  cateH 
And  sipens  I  ought1  avise  me  li^ti  weH 
To  whoom  I  3eue  my  [gode  aweye  ffrome  Me 
WeHe  more  I  aughte  auysede  be  1528 

To  whome  I  yeue  my]  body  for  alway 
I  warne  you  wel  it1  is  no  childes  play 
To  taken  a  wif  wip-out  avisement 
Men  most1  enquere  pis  is  myn  assent1 
Whedere  she  be  wis .  sobre  or  dronklewe 
Eyper  proude  or  oper  wise  a  shrewe 
A  chidere  eiper  a  waaster1  of  pi  good 
Or  riche  or  poor  /  or  ellis  a  man  is  wood! 
Al  be  if  so  pat  no  man  fynde  shal 
Non  in  pis  world?  pat  tretep  hool  in  aH 
Ne  man  ne  beest1  such  as  men  con  devise 
But  napelees  it1  aught1  ynowe  suffise 
Wip  eny  wif  ^if  so  were  pat  36  hadde 
Moo  good  thewes  pan  her  vices  badde 
And  al  pis  askep  leisere  to  enquere 
ifor  god  wote  I  haue  wepte  mony  a  tere 
fful  pnuely  sipens  I  had  a  wif 
Preise  who  so  wil  a  wedded  ma/inys  lif1 
Certeyn  I  fynde  in  it1  but*  cost1  and  care 
And  obseruawnces  of  al  blessed  bare ./ 
And  jiV  god  ponk1  my  neighbours  al  aboute 
A[nd]  namely  of  wommen  a  grete  route 
Sein  pat  I  haue  pe  most*  stedefast1  wiff1 
And  eke  pe  mekest  oon  pat1  berep  liff 
But  I  woote  best  wher  wriep  [me]  my  shoo 
^e  may  for  me  ri^t1  as  ^ou  list  doo 
Avisep  3011  ^e  bene  a  man  of  age 
Howe  pat  30  entren  into  mariage 
And  namely  wip  a  3onge  wif  and  a  feire 
By  him  pat  made  water  erpe  and  Eyre 
pe  3ongest  man  pat  is  in  al  pis  route 
Is  bisy  ynou3e  to  bringe  it  aboute 

PETWORTH    246   (6-T.  45l) 


[MS  Reg.  17  D  15, 

leaf  110,  back.  Not 
in  Sloane  1685,  leaf 
91 ;  or  Reg.  18  C  it, 
7/94;  butinAddit. 
5140, // 153;  Harl. 
7333'*  rymes  cor- 
rected to  me,  avised 
be,  J/70,  col.  1.] 


1532 


1536 


1540 


1544 


1548 

[leaf  117,  back] 


1552 


1556 


1560 


SIX-TEXT    452 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

To  haue  his  wiff  allone  trestef  me 

3e  shullen  not1  plesen  hure  ^eres  f  re 

This  is  to  seyn  to  done  her  plesaimce 

A  wiff  axe])  ful  mony  an  obseruazmce  1564 

I  prey  ^ou  fat1  ^e  ne  be  euel  apaide 

Wei  quod  J>is  lanuar1  &  hastowe  al  saide 

Strawe  for  f  i  senek  &  for  f  i  prouerbes 

I  count1  not1  a  panyer  ful  of  herbes  1568 

Of  scole  teermes  wiser  men  fan  thou/ 

As  f  ou  hast1  herd  assentef  it1  i^tf  nowe 

IF  To  my  pwrpoos  Placebo  what1  say  30 

I  sey  it1  is  a  cursed  man  q^wd  he  1572 

That1  lettef  Matrimoyne  Sikerly 

And  wij)  fat1  wore?  f  ei  risen  sodeynly 

And  bene  assented  fully  fat1  he  shuld? 

Wedded  be  whan  hym  list1  and  where  he  wold?  1576 

Thy  fantasie  and  f  i  curiousnesse 

ffro  day  to  day  gan  in  f  i  soule  inpresse 

Of  lanuar1  about1  his  mariage 

Mony  faire  shappe  and  mony  faire  visage  1580 

Ther  passef  his  hert1  ny^t  by  nyght1 

As  who  so  toke  a  myrour1  polshed  bright1 

And  sette  it1  in  a  comune  Market1  place 

fan  shuld?  he  seen  mony  a  figure  pace  1584 

By  his  Miroure  and  in  fe  same  wise  [leaf  us] 

Can  lanuar1  in  wif  his  f  ou^f  devise 

Of  Maidens  which  fat1  dwellen  [him]  beside 

0.  He  wist1  not1  where  he  my^t1  abide  1588 

ffor  f ou$e  fat1  oon  haue  beute  in  her  face 

A-nof  er  stant  so  in  f  e  puples  grace 

ffor  her  sadnesse  and  her  benignite 

fat1  of  fe  puple  grettest1  vois  had  she  1592 

And  sowme  were  riche  and  hadden  badde  name 

But1  na  f  e  lees  bytwixe  ernest  and  game 

He  atte  last1  enpoynted  hym  in  oon 

A[nd]  lete  al  ofer  from  his  herte  goon  1596 

PETWORTH    247   (6-T.  452) 


SIX-TEXT    453 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

And  chese  hire  of  Ms  owne  auctorite  » 

ffor  loue  is  blynde.al  day  and  may  not1  se 

And  whan  pat1  he  was  in  pe  bedde  brot^tf 

He  purtreide  in  his  hert1  and  in  his  pou^t1  1600 

Her  freisshe  beaute  and  her  age  tendere 

Hir1  myddel  smalle  her  armes  longe  and  sclendere 

Her  wise  gouerncmnce  and  her  gentilnesse 

Her  wowmanly  beringe  and  her  sadnesse  1604 

And  whan  pat  he  to  her*  was  condescended 

Hym  pou^t1  his  chois  my^t1  not1  be  amended 

ffor  whan  pat1  he  him  self  concluded  had 

Hyra  pou^t1  eche  oper  mannys  witf  so  bad?  1608 

pat1  inpossible  it*  were  to  replie 

A^einst1  his  chois  pis  was  his  fantasie 

His  frendes  sent1  he  to  at1  his  instance 

And  preiep  him  to  done  hy??i  pat1  plesance  1612 

That  hastely  pei  wolde  to  hyw  come 

He  wold?  abreggen  her  labour  al  and  some 

Hit1  nedep  no  more  to  hem  to  goo  ne  ride 

He  was  apointed  J?er  he  wold?  abide  1616 

Placebo  came  and  eke  his  frendes  sone 

And  al]?er  first1  he  bad  hem  aH  a  bone 

Jjat1  noon  of  hem  noon  arguments  make 

A^einst1  his  pwrpoos  which  Jmt1  he  ha])  take .  1620 

Which  pwrpoos  was  plesaunt1  to  god  as  seide  he      [if  us,  bk] 

And  verrey  grounde  of  his  prosperite 

He  saide  J?er  was  a  mayden  in  J>e  toune 

Which  jjat1  of  bewte  haj?  grete  renown  1624 

Al  were  it1  so  she  were  of  smal  degre 

Suffiseth  him  her  ^oupe  and  her  bewte 

Which  mayde  he  seide  he  wold  haue  to  wif 

To  leden  in  eese  and  in  holynesse  his  lif*  1628 

And  ]>onkej>  god  Jmt1  he  my^t1  han  hir*  aH 

J?att  no  wi^t1  his  blisse  part1  shaH: 

And  preiej)  him  to  labour  in  pis  nede 

And  shapen  pat1  he  faile  not1  to  spede  1632 

PETWORTH    248    (6-T.  453) 


SIX-TEXT    454 

GROUP  E.   §  4,   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

ffor  pan  he  seide  his  spirit1  was  at1  eese 

pen  is  quod  he  no  ping1  me  may  displese 

IF  Saue  oon  pinge  prikkep  in  my  conscience 

pe  which  I  wil  reherce  in  ^oure  presence  1636 

I  haue  quoxl  he  herd  saie  ful  $ore  agoo 

per  may  no  man  han  parfit1  blesses  twoo 

Jris  is  to  saie  in  erpe  and  eke  in  heuene 

iFor  pei  he  kepte  him  from  pe  synnes  seuene  1640 

And  eke  fro  euery  brannche  of  thilk  tree 

3itt  is  pere  so  parfit  prospe?ite 

And  so  grete  eese  and  lust1  in  manage 

That*  euer  I  am  a-gasf  no  we  in  myn  age  1644 

pat1 1  shal  lede  nowe  so  mery  a  lif 

[So  delicat  witfcouten  wo  or  rtrif  ^S'Sifw  '' 

That  y  shal  han  myn  heuene  in  erthe]  here 

ffor  sipens  pat1  verrey  heuene  is  bou^t1  so  dere  1648 

Wip  tribulacion  and  grete  penawnce 

how  shuld  I  such  in  such  plesaunce 

As  alle  wedded  men  done  wip  her  wives 

Come  to  pe  blisse  pere  crist1  eterne  alyue  es  1652 

This  is  my  drede  and  36  my  brepere  tweye 

Assoillep  me  pis  question  I  ^ou  preye 

IT  lustinus  which  pat  hated  his  foly 

Answerd?  anon  ri^tt  in  his  lapry  1656 

And  for  he  wold?  his  longe  tale  abregge 

He  wolde  noon  autorite  alegge 

But1  seide  sir*  so  pere  bene  noon  obstacle  [leaf  119] 

Oper  pan  pis  god  of  his  hye  myracle  1660 

And  of  his  mercy  may  so  for  }ou  wirche 

That1  er  36  han  ^oure  3iftes  of  holy  chirche 

36  may  repent1  of  wedded  mawnys  lif 

In  which  }e  seyn  is  neiper  woo  ne  strif1  1664 

And  ellis  god  forbede  but1  3if  he  sent1 

A  wedded  man  grace  hym  to  repent1 

"Wei  often  raper  pan  a  syngle  man  / 

And  perfor  sir1  pe  best1  rede  I  can  1668 

18  PETWORTH    249    (6-T.  454) 


SIX-TEXT    455 

GROUP  E,   §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

Dispeiref  3011  nou3t  hauef  in  memorie 

Perauenture  she  may  be  30^  pwrgatorie 

She  may  be  goddis  mene  and  goddys  whippe 

Than  shal  ^oure  soule  vp  to  heuen  skippe  1672 

Swifter  fan  dof  an  arowe  out1  of  a  bowe 

I  hope  to  god  here  aftere  36  shal  knowe 

fat1  f  er  nys  noon  so  grete  felicite 

In  mariage  ne  neuere  more  shal  be  1676 

fat  3011  shal  lak  of  ^our*  saluacion 

So  fat1  ^e  vse  as  skille  is  and  reson 

f  e  lustes  of  ^oure  wif  attemperally 

And  fat1  36  plese  hure  not1  to  amerously  1680 

And  fat1  30  kepe  3011  eke  fro  of er  synne 

My  tale  is  done  for  my  witte  is  f  inne 

Bef  not  agast1  her-of  my  brof  er1 

But1  lat1  vs  wade  from  fis  mater  to  an  of  ere  1684 

f  e  wif  of  baf  e  if  30  wil  vnderstonde 

Of  mariage  which  36  han  on  honde 

Declaren  can  ful  wel  in  litel  space 

ffaref  nowe  wel  god  haue  3ou  in  his  grace  1688 

And  wif  fis  word?  fis  lustyne  and  his  brof  ere 

Han  take  her  leue  and  ech  of  hem  of  of  ere 

ifor  whan  f  ei  segh  it1  most1  nedes  be 

fei  wrou3ten  so  by  wise  and  sclegh  trete  1692 

fat1  she  fis  maide  which  fat1  Mayus  hi3fr 

As  hastely  as  euere  fat1  she  rr^t1 

Shal  wedded  be  vnto  lanuarye  [leaf  119,  back] 

I  trowe  it1  were  to  longe  3ou  to  tary  1696 

If  I  3ou  tolde  of  euery  scrite  or  bonde 

By  which  fat1  she  was  festned  in  his  londe 

Eif  er  forto  herken  of  her  riche  aray 

But1  fynaly  ycommen  is  fe  day  1700 

fat1  to  f  e  churche  bof  [e]  bene  fei  went1 

fforto  receyue  f  e  holy  sacrament1 

fforf  co?7raief  f  e  preest1  wif  stole  about1  his  neke 

And  bad  hir1  be  ylik1  s-arra  and  rebek1  1704 

PETWORTH    250  (6-T.  455) 


SIX-TEXT    456 

GROUP  E,    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petwortk  MS. 

In  wisdom  and  [in]  troupe  of  manage 

And  saide  his  orisons  as  is  his  vsage 

And  crowched  hem  and  bad  god  shuld  he??i  blisse 

And  made  al  siker  ynough  with  holynesse  1708 

Thus  bene  pei  wedded  with  solempnite 

And  at*  pe  feeste  sittep  he  and  she 

Wip  oper  worpi  folk1  vpon  pe  dees 

Al  ful  of  loye  and  blisse  is  pe  paleys  1712 

And  ful  of  instrumentes  and  of  vitaile 

pe  moste  deyntevous  of  al  Ytaile 

Byforn  hem  of  instrumentis  which  soun 

fiat1  Orpheus  ne  of  phebes  ampheoun  1716 

Ne  maden  neuere  suche  a  melody 

And  at1  euery  cours  came  loude  mynstralcye 

That1  neuere  loab  trumped  forto  here 

Neiper  Theodomas  ^it1  half  so  clere  1720 

And  Thebes  whan  pe  cite  was  in  doute 

Bacus  pe  wyne  hem  shenkep  al  aboute 

And  Venus  laughep  on  euery  wi}^ 

ifor  lanuar*  was  bycome  her  knyjt1  1724 

And  wolde  bop  assaien  his  corage 

In  liberte  and  eke  in  mariage 

And  wip  hure  fuyr  bronde  wit?t  her  hand2  aboute 

Daunseth  byforne  pe  bride  al  aboute  1728 

And  clenly  I  dar  wel  seyn  right  pis 

Emyneus  pat  god  of  weddyng1  is  / 

Segh  neuere  in  his  lif1  so  mery  a  wedded  man  [leaf  120] 

Holde  pou  pi  pees  j?ou  poete  Marcean  1732 

pat1  writest1  vs  pat1  ilk  wedding1  mery 

Of  hure  Philologi  and  of1  Marcury 

And  of  pe  sanges  pat1  pe  muses  songe 

So  smale  as  eke  pi  penne  and  eke  pi  tunge  1736 

fforto  discryuen  of  pis  mariage 

Whan  tender  ^oupe  hap  wedded  stouping<  age 

per  is  suche  myrpe  pat  it1  may  not1  be  writte 

Assaiep  it  ^oure  self  pan  may  30  wite  1740 

PET  WORT  II    251    (6-T.  456) 


SIX-TEXT    457 

GROUP  E.   §  4.  MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

3  if  pat1  I  lak  or  noon  in  pis  matere 

Mayus  pat  sitte  wip  so  benygne  a  chere 

Hire  to  biholde  if  seined  faierye 

Queen  Estre  loked  neuere  wip  sucfi.  an  ye  1744 

On  assure  so  meke  a  loke  as  she 

I  may  ^ou  not1  avise  al  her  bewte 

But1  pus  moche  of  her  bewte  telle  I  may 

pat1  she  was  like  pe  b^t1  morowe  of  may  1748 

ffulfillede  of  beaute  and  of  plesaunce 

This  lanuar1  is  rauissht1  in  a  traunce 

And  at1  euery  tyme  he  loked  on  hir1  face 

But*  in  his  hert1  he  gan  hir1  to  manace  1752 

fat1  he  pat1  ny^t1  in  armes  wold  hir*  streyn 

Harder  pan  euere  Paris  did  Eleyn 

But1  napelees  ^it1  had  he  grete  pite 

pat1  ilke  ny^t1  offenden  her  most1  he  1756 

And  pought1  alas  o  tender1  creature 

Nowe  god  wold  }e  my^t1  wel  endure 

Al  my  corage  it1  is  so  sharpe  and  kene 

I  am  agast1  36  shul  it1  not1  sustene  1760 

But1  god  forbede  pat1 1  did  al  my 

Nowe  wolde  god  pat1  it1  were  wexen 

And  pat1  pe  ny^t1  wolde  lasten  euere  moo 

I  wold  pat  al  pis  puple  were  a-goo  1764 

And  fynaly  he  dop  al  his  laboure 

As  he  best1  mj^  sauyng1  his  honoure 

To  hast1  hem  fro  pe  mete  in  subtile  wise  [leaf  120,  back] 

The  tyme  came  pat1  reson  was  to  rise  1768 

And  after  pat1  men  daunce  and  drinke  fast1 

And  spices  al  aboute  pe  hous  pei  cast1 

And  ful  of  ioye  and  blisse  is  euery  man 

AH  sauf  a  squyer  pat1  hi^t1  damyan  .  1772 

which  carf  to-fore  pe  king1  mony  day 

He  was  so  rauysshed  on  his  lady  may 

That1  for  pe  verrey  peine  he  was  ny^e  wode 

Almost1  he  swalte  an  swowned  per  he  stode  1776 

PETWORTH   252    (6-T.  457) 


SIX-TEXT    458 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

As  she  him  ladde  daunsinge  in  her  hand? 

So  fresshe  she  was  and  J>erto  so  likand*  [spurious] 

And  to  his  bedde  he  went1  hyra  hastely 

No  more  of  him  at1  this  tyme  speke  I.  1780 

But1  pere  I  lete  him  wepe  ynow  and  pleyn 

Til  fresshe  may  wil  rewen  on  his  peyn 

'f  0  perilous  fyre  J>af  in  J>e  bedstrawe  bredej) 

0  famulere  foo  J>att  his  seruise  bedejj  1784 

O  seruazmte  traitoure  fals  [of]  holy  hewe 

Like  to  ]?e  adder  sclegh  .  &  in  Basom  vntrewe 

God  shilde  vs  alle  from  ^oure  iniquitauwce 

0  lanuare  dronken  in  plesaunce  1788 

Of  Mariage  se  howe  J?i  damyan 

Thyne  owne  squyer  and  J>i  born  man 

Entendej?  to  done  J)e  vilanye 

God  graunte  J>e  ]?ine  harme  forto  aspie  1792 

ffor  in  Jjis  world?  nys  no  wors  pestilence 

Than  homely  foo  alday  in  J)i  presence 

Parfourmed  haj?  }?is  day  his  arke  dyurne 

No  lenger  may  J)e  body  of  hyw  soiowrne  1796 

pe  Orisonte  as  in  Jjatt  latitude 

Ri^tt  wij)  his  mantel  J>atH  is  derk1  and  Rude 

Gan  forto  sprede  fe  mysprey  aboute 

ffor  which  departed  is  }>e  lusty  route  1800 

ffor  lanuare  wi]>  )>onke  on  euery  side 

Hoom  to  her  howses  lustely  J>ei  ride  . 

Ther  as  Jjei  done  her  jringges  as  hem  lust1  [leaf  121] 

And  whan  J?ei  segh  her  tyme  to  go  to  rest*  1804 

Sone  aftere  fat1  jjis  hastif  lanuar1 

Wol  go  to  bedde  he  wil  no  lenger  tar* 

He  drinke]}  Ypocras  clerre  and  vernage 

Of  spices  hote  to  encresen  his  corage  1808 

And  many  a  letuare  had  he  ful  fyne 

Such  as  J?e  cursed  monk  daune  Costantyne 

Hajj  writen  in  his  boke  of  Coytu 

To  eten  hem  al  he  nas  no  Jnng<  eschwe  1812 

PETWOKTH    253   (6-T.  458) 


SIX-TEXT    459 

GROUP  E.   §  4,   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  f  us  to  his  privey  freudes  seide  he 
ffor  goddis  loue  as  sone  as  it1  may  be 
Lette  voiden  al  fis  hous  in  curteys  wise  sone  1815 

Men  dronken  and  fe  trauers  drowe  anon  1817 

The  bride  was  bro^t1  to  bedde  as  stille  as  eny  stofi     1818 
So  hasted  lanuar1  it  most  be  don  [spuritmt] 

And  whan  f  e  bedde  was  with  f  e  preest1  yblessed 
Out1  of  f  e  Chambre  haf  euery  wi$f  hyw  dressed          1820 
And  lanuare  haf  fast1  in  armes  take 
His  fresshe  may  his  paradis  his  make 
He  lulleth  hure  he  kisseth  hure  ful  oft1 
Wif  filke  bristels  of  his  beerd?  vnsoff  1824 

Ylike  to  f  e  skyn  of  hounde  fissfi.  sharpe  as  brere 
ffor  he  was  shaue«al  newe  in  his  manere 
He  rubbef  hure  vpon  her  tendere  face 
And  seide  Jms  alace  I  mote  tre space  1828 

To  3ou  my  spouse  and  $ou  gretly  ofFende 
Or  tyme  come  fat1 1  wil  doune  descende 
But1  naf  elees  consideref  ]?is  quod  he 

];er  nys  no  werkman  what1  so  euer  he  be  1832 

Jjat1  may  boj>e  worche  wel  and  hastely 
]?is  wil  be  done  at1  leisere  parfitely 
It1  is  no  force  howe  longe  fat1  we  pleye 
I  trowe  in  wedloke  coupled  bene  we  tweye  1836 

And  blessed  by  the  yokke  fat1  we  bene  Inne 
ffor  in  our  actys  we  may  do  no  synne  •/ 
A  man  may  do  no  synne  wif  his  wiff  [leaf  121,  back] 

NQ  hirt1  hym  self  wif  his  owne  knyff  1840 

Now  han  we  leue  to  pley  vs  by  fe  lawe 
Thus  labowref  he  til  fat1  f e  day  gan  dawe 
And  fan  he  takef  a  soppe  in  fyne  clerre 
And  vpri^t  in  his  bedde  fan  sittef  he  1844 

And  aftere  fat1  he  songe  ful  loude  'and  clere 
And  kissed  his  wiff  and  made  wanton  chere 
He  was  al  coltissh"  and  ful  of  ragerye 
And  ful  of  Girgoun  as  is  flecked  pie  1848 

1ET WORTH  251   (6-T.  459) 


SIX-TEXT    460 

GROUP  E.   §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

J?e  sclak  skyn  about1  his  necke  shakef 

"While  fat1  he  songe  so  chauntef  he  and  crakef 

But1  good  woote  what1  may  f  ou^t*  in  her  hert1 

Whan  she  him  segh  vpsitting1  in  his  shertt  1852 

In  his  ny^t1  cappe  and  wif  his  necke  lene 

She  preiseth  nou^t1  his  plesinge  worf  a  bene 

Than  seide  he  f  us  my  resting1  wil  I  take 

Nowe  day  is  come  I  may  no  lenger  wake  1856 

And  doune  he  leide  his  hede  and  sclept1  til  prime 

And  afterward?  whan  fat1  he  segh  his  tyine 

Yp  risef  lanuare  but1  fresshe  may 

Holde])  her  chambre  vnto  fe  ferfe  day  1860 

As  vsage  is  of  wives  for  f  e  best1 

ffor  euery  laboure  somtyme  mot1  haue  rest1 

Oy]>er  ellis  longe  may  he  no^t1  endure 

fis  is  to  saye  no  lyues  creature  1864 

Be  it1  of  fissh  .  or  brid  of  beest1  or  man 

Now  wil  I  speke  of  woful  damyan 

fat1  languowre))  for  loue  as  $e  shul  here 

Therfore  I  speke  to  him  in  fis  manere  1868 

I  say  o.  sely  damyan  alias 

Answere  to  fis  demaunde  as  in  fis  cas 

Howe  shalt1  f  ou  to  f  i  lady  fressh[e]  May  . 

Telle  fi  woo  she  wil  alway  sey  nay  1872 

Eke  if  f  owe  speke  she  wil  f  i  woo  bywreye 

God  bene  fine  helpe  I  can  no  better1  seye 

IT  This  seke  Damyan  in  Venus  fire  peaf  122] 

So  brennef  fat1  he  deyef  for  desire  1876 

ffor  whiche  he  putte  his  lif  in  auentwe 

No  lenger  my^t1  he  in  f  is  wise  endure 

But1  priuely  a  penner*  gan  he  borowe 

And  in  a  letter  wrote  he  al  his  sorowe  1880 

In  manere  of  a  compleinf  ofer  a  lay 

Vnto  f  is  faire  and  fresshfe]  lady  may 

And  in  a  purs  of  selk  hong  on  his  shert1 

He  haf  yputte  and  yleide  it1  at1  his  hert1  1884 

PETWORTH    256   (6-T.  460) 


SIX-TEXT    4G1 

GROUP  E.   §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

f  e  mone  fat1  at1  none  was  at1  thilk  day 

fat1  lanuare  haf  wedded  fat1  fressli  may 

yn  two  of  taure  was  in  f  e  Cancre  gliden 

So  longe  ha])  she  in  her  chambere  byden  1888 

As  custumes  is  vnto  f  ese  nobles  alle 

A  bride  shal  not1  eten  in.fe  halle 

Til  daies  foure  eif  er  thre  daies  at  f  e  lestt 

Ypassed  bene  fan  laf  her  goo  to  fe  feest1  1892 

\>&  fertile 1  day  complete  fro  none  to  none  p  MS  ay] 

whan  fat1  the  highe  masse  was  ydone 

In  halle  sitte  f  is  lanuare  and,  may 

As  fresshe  as  is  fe  bri^te  somers  day  1896 

And  so  bifelle  howe  fat1  f  is  good  man 

Kemembref  hym  vpon  f  is  Damian 

And  seide  seint1  mary  how  may  pis  be 

That1  Damian  entendej?  nou^t  to  me  1900 

Is  he  ay  seke  or  howe  may  Jns  betide 

His  squyers  which  fat1  stoden  hym  beside 

Excusinge  him  bycause  of  his  siknesse 

Which  faf  letted  him  to  do  his  bysynesse  1904 

None  of  er  cause  my^t1  make  hym  care 

jmt1  me  forf  enkef  quod  this  lanuare 

He  is  a  gentile  squyer*  be  my  trouf  e 

^if  fat1  he  deied  it1  were  harme  and  rouf  e  1908 

He  is  as  wise  discrete  and  secree . 

As  eny  man  I  woote  of  his  degre 

And  ferto  manly  and  eke  seruisable  [leaf  122,  back] 

And  for  to  bene  a  frifty  man  ri^t1  able  1912 

But1  after  mete  as  sone  as  euer  I  may 

I  wil  my  self  visite  hym  and  eke  may 

To  done  him  al  f e  comfort1  fat1 1  can . 

And  for  fat1  worde  hym  blessed  euery  man  1916 

fat1  of  his  bounte  and  his  gentilnesse 

He  wolde  so  conforten  hym  in  his  siknesse 

His  squyer  for  it1  was  a  gentile  dede 

Dame  quod  he  fis  lanuare  take  good  hede  1920 

PETWORTH   256    (6-T.  46l) 


SIX  TEXT    462 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

That1  at*  aftere  mete  36  wif  ^oure  woramen  alle 

Whan  36  han  bene  in  chambre  out1  of  fis  halle 

That1  alle  36  goon  to  se  fis  damyan 

Do])  him  disport1  he  is  a  gentile  man  1924 

And  tellef  him  fat1  I  wil  hyra  visite 

Haue  I  no  f  inge  but1  rested  me  a  lite 

[And  spede  3ou  faste  ffor  I  woH  abyde  P^£»1J£^ 

TyHe  fat  ye  slepe  ffaste  by  my  syde]  1928 

Now  wif  fat1  word  he  gan  to  hym  calle 

A  sqwier  pat1  was  a  marshal  of  his  halle 

And  tolde  him  certeyn  J>ingges  what1  he  wold 

fis  fresshe  may  haf  streight1  her  way  yhold*  1932 

Wif  aH  her  woramen  vnto  }>is  Damyan 

Doune  by  his  beddes  side  satte  she  fan 

Confortinge  him  as  she  goodly  may 

This  Damyan  whan  he  his  tyme  say  1936 

In  secrete  wise  his  purs  and  eke  his  bille 

In  whiche  fat1  he  writen  had  al  his  wille 

Haf  putte  into  her  honde  wif -outen  more 

saue  fat1  he  sikked  wondere  sore  1940 

And  softiy  to  hure  ^t1  f  us  seide  he 

Mercy  and  fat1  36  diskeuere  no^fr  me 

ffor  I  am  dede  if  fat1  f  is  f  inge  be  kidde 

fis  purs  hafe  she  in  her  bosom  hidde  1944 

And  went1  her  way  36  gete  no  more  of  me 

But1  vnto  lanuare  ycommen  is  she 

And  on  his  beddys  side  sitte  ful  soft* 

He  takef  hur>  an  kissef  hure  ful  oft1  1948 

And  leide  hyra  doune  to  slepe  and  fat1  anon  [leaf  1233 

She  feyned  hure  as  f  oo  she  most1  gdn 

Ther  as  she  woote  fat1  euery  wi3^  mote  nede 

And  whan  she  of  fis  bille  haf  taken  hede  1952 

She  rent1  it1  al  to  cloutes  at1  f  e  last1 

And  in  f  e  priuee  softly  she  it1  cast1 

Who  stodieth  nowe  but1  feire  fresshe  may 

And  adoune  by  lanuare  she  lay  1956 

PETWOUTH  257    (6-T.  462) 


SIX-TEXT    463 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

pat1  sclepte  to  pe  Coughe  hap  hy??z  a-waked . 
Anon  he  preide  hire  to  stripe  hur'  naked . 
He  wold  of  hur  he  seide  haue  som  plesaiice 
He  seide  hire  clones  did  hym  encombrance  1960 

And  she  obeiep  be  he  leef  or  loth 
But1  lest1  pat1  precious  folk1  be  wip  me  wrope 
How  pat1  he  wrou^t1 1  dar  to  $ou  not1  telle 
Eiper  whedere  pat1  he  pou^t1  on  paradis  or  on  helle      1964 
But1 1  lete  hem  worche  in  her  wise 
Til  euensonge  ringe  and  pat1  pei  most  arise 
were  it1  be  destanye  eiper  be  auenture 
were  it1  by  influence  eiper  be  nature  1968 

Eiper  in  constellacion  pat1  in  such  estate 
pe  heuene  stood  pat1  tyme  fortunate 
was  forto  putte  a  bille  of  Yenus  werkes/ 
ffor  al  ping1  hap  tyme  as  seine  pise  clerkes  1972 

To  eny  wowman  forto  gete  her  loue 
I  can  not1  seie  but1  pe  grete  god  aboue 
That1  knowep  pat1  none  acte  is  causelees 
He  demep  of  aH  for  I  wil  holde  my  pees  1976 

But1  sop  is  pis  howe  pat1  pis  fresshe  may 
Hap  take  such  impression  pat1  day 
On  pite  of  pis  sike  Damyan 

That1  from  her  hertf  she  ne  drive  can  1980 

The  remembraunce  forto  done  hyra  eese 
Certeine  pou^tt  she  whom  pat1  pis  ping1  displese 
I  rek  not1  for  here  I  him  assure 

To  loue  him  best1  of  eny  creature  •/  1984 

Though  he  no  more  nad  pan  his  shert1  [leaf  123,  back] 

lo  pite  rennep  sone  in  gentil  hert1 
Here  may  $e  se  howe  excellent1  fraunchise 
In  womnen  is  whan  pei  narowe  hem  avise  1988 

Somwe  tyraunt1  per  is  as  bene  mony  oil 
That1  hap  an  hert1  as  hard!  as  eny  ston 
Whiche  wold  han  lete  him  sterue  in  pe  place 
Wei  raper  pan  han  graunted  him  pat1  grace  1992 

PETWORTH  258   (6-T.  463) 


SIX-TEXT    464 

GROUP  E,    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  hem  reioysen  in  her  cruel  pride 

And  recched  nou^t1  to  bene  an  homycide 

This  gentile  may  fulfilled  of  al  pite 

Ki^t1  so  of  hure  honde  a  lethe  made  she  1996 

In  which  e  she  grauntep  \\jin  of  hire  verrey  grace 

Ther  lackep  nou^t1  only  but1  day  and  space 

wher  pat1  she  my$ti  to  his  lust1  suffice 

flbr  it1  shal  be  rijf  as  he  wil  deuise  2000 

And  whan  she  seeghe  her  tyme  vpon  a  day 

To  visite  pis  Damyan  go]?  faire  May 

And  subtily  pis  letter  doune  she  prest1 

Ynder  his  pilowe  rede  if  him  lest1  2004 

She  takep  him  by  pe  hond  and  hard  hym  twist1 

So  secrely  pat1  no  wi}!?  it1  wist1 

And  bad  him  be  al  hole  and  forp  she  wente 

To  lanuare  whan  pat1  he  for  her  sentte  2008 

Vp  risep  Damyan  the  nexte  morwe 

Al  passed  was  his  siknesse  &  his  sorowe 

He  kembep  him  and  proynep  hym  and  pykep 

He  dop  al  pat1  his  lady  lust1  and  likep  2012 

And  eke  to  lanuare  he  gop  as  lowe 

As  euere  did  a  dogge  for  pe  bowe 

He  is  so  plesaunt1  to  euery  man 

ffor  craft1  is  al  who  pat1  it1  can  2016 

pat1  euery  wight1  is  fayn  to  teche  hym  good? 

And  fully  in  his  lady  grace  he  stood? 

Thus  lete  I  Damyan  aboute  his  nede 

And  in  my  tale  forp  I  wil  precede  •/  2020 

Somme  Clerkes  holden  pat1  ffelicite  [leaf  124] 

Stant1  in  delite  and  perfor  he 

This  noble  lanuare  wip  al  his  my}^ 

In  honest1  wise  as  longep  to  a  kny^t1  2024 

Shope  him  to  lyve  ful  deliciously 

His  bowsing1  his  aray  al  honestly 

To  his  degree  was  maked  as  of  kingges 

Amonges  opere  as  of  honest1  pingges  2028 

PETWORTH    259  (6-T.  464) 


SIX-TEXT    463 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS, 

He  had  a  gardyn  walled  al  wif  ston 

So  faire  a  gardyne  wote  I  nowhere  noon 

ffor  out1  of  doute  I  verrely  suppose 

J)att  he  fat1  wrote  f  e  romance  of  f  e  rose  2032 

Ne  couf  e  of  hit1  f  e  bewte  wel  devise 

Ne  priapus  ne  my^t1  not1  suffice 

f  ough  he  be  god  of  gardynes  forto  telle 

The  bewte  of  f  e  gardyne  and  of  fe  welle  2036 

That1  stood  vndere  a  laurere  alway  grerie 

fful  ofte  tyme  king1  Pluto  and  his  quene 

Preserpyna  and  al  her  fairye 

Disporten  hem  and  maken  melodye  2040 

Abouten  fat1  welle  and  daunceden  as  men  told1 

This  noble  knyght1  J)is  lanuare  f  e  olde 

Such"  deynte  haf  in  it1  to  walken  and  to  pley 

fat1  he  wil  suffre  no  wight1  to  here  f  e  key  2044 

ssaue  he  him  self1  for  of  f  e  smal  wikett 

He  bare  alway  of  siluere  a  clikett1 

Wif  f  e  which  whan  fat1  hym  lust  vnshette 

And  whan  fat1  he  wold*  pay  his  wiif  his  dette  2048 

In  somer  seson  Jndere  wold'  he  goo 

And  may  his  wiff1  and  no  wi}^  but1  J>ei  twoo 

And  fingges  which  fat4  were  not1  don  abedde 

fei  in  fe  gardyn  perfourmed  han  and  spedde  2052 

And  in  Jns  wise  mony  a  mery  day 

Lyued  pis  lanuare  and  fresshe  may 

But1  worldly  loye  may  not1  alway  endure 

To  lanuare  ne  to  no  worldely  creature  2056 

0  sodeyn  happe  .  o  J?ou  fortune  vnstable  [leaf  124,  back] 

ylike  to  ]?e  scorpion  uariable 

fat1  flaterest1  wij?  fine  heued  whan  f ou  wilt  stinge  f 

Thy  tale  is  def  by  fine  enuenemyng1  2060 

0  brutel  ioye  o  swete  poyson  queynt1 

0  mystery  fat1  subtilly  canst1  peynt1 

Thyne  ^iftes  vndere  f  e  hwe  of  stidfastnesse 

fat1  f ou  desceyuedestH  bof  more  and  lesse .  2064 

PETWORTH   260    (6-T.  46o) 


SIX-TEXT    466 

GROUP  E,    §  4,   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Pet  worth  MS. 

"Why  hast1  f  ou  lanuare  f  us  desceyued . 

And  haddest1  hym  for  f  i  ful  frende  receyued . 

And  now  f  ou  hast1  byraft1  hym  bof  his  eyen 

ifor  sorowe  of  whiche  desireth  he  to  dyen  2068 

IF  Alias  f  e  noble  lanuare  fat1  is  so  fre 

Amydde  his  lust1  and  his  prosperite 

Is  wexen  blynde  and  al  sodeynly 

His  dee])  f erfore  desire]?  he  vtterly  2072 

And  f  er-wif -all  f  e  fuyre  of  lelosie 

Lest1  fat1  his  wifH  shuld?  falle  in  some  foly 

So  brent1  in  his  hert1  fat1  he  wold?  fayn 

That1  somwe  man  bof  e  hur1  and  hym  had  slayn  2076 

ffor  neuere  aftere  his  def  e  ne  in  his  liff1 

Ne  wolde  he  fat1  she  were  loue  ne  wiff1 

But1  euere  lyue  as  a  widowe  in  clones  blake 

Sool  as  f  e  turtel  do]?  fat1  haf  lost1  her  make  2080 

But1  at1  f  e  last1  after  a  monf  e  or  tweye 

His  sorowe  gan  to  swage  sof  to  seye 

ifor  whan  he  wist1  it1  may  noon  ojjer  be 

He  paciently  toke  his  aduersite  2084 

Sauf  out1  of  doute  may  he  not1  forgon 

Jjat1  he  nas  lalouse  euermore  in  oon 

Which  Jalousie  was  so  outrageous 

That1  neiper  in  halle  ne  in  noon  olper  hous  /  2088 

He  nolde  suffre  hure  forto  ride  ne  goo 

Ne  in  noon  ojjer  place  neuer  ]>e  moo 

But1  ^if  fat1  he  [had]  hawde  on  hir1  alway 

ffor  which  ful  ofte  wepe]?  frecche  may  2092 

Thai  loue])  Damyan  so  benygnely  f 

That1  she  mote  eifer  dey  sodeynly 

Or  ellis  she  mote  han  him  at1  her  list1  Deaf  125] 

She  waitef  whan  [her]  hert1  wold  al  to-brest1  2096 

Vpon  fat1  ofer  side  DAmyan 

Bycommeii  is  fe  sorowfullest1  man/ 

fat1  euer  was  for  neif ere  ny^t1  ne  day 

Ne  myght1  he  speke  a  word  to  fresshe  may  2100 

PETWORTH   261    (6-T.  466) 


SIX-TEXT    467 

GROUP  E.   §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

As  to  his  pwrpoos  of  no  suche  matere 

But1  3if)  pat1  lanuare  most1  if  here 

fat1  had  oon  honde  vpon  hir*  euere  moo  . 

And  napelees  by  writing1  to  and  froo  2104 

And  priveys  signes  wist1  he  what1  she  mentf 

And  she  knewe  of  pe  sygnes  of  his  entent1 

1T  0  lanuare  what1  my^t1  pe  availe 

Thowe  my^tesf  se  as  ferre  as  shippes  saile  2108 

ffor  as  good  is  a  blynde  desceyued  be 

As  to  be  disceyued  whan  a  man  may  see 

Loo  Arguys  whiche  pat1  had  an  C.  eyeii 

ifor  al  pat1  euere  he  coupe  powre  eypere  prien  2112 

3itf  was  he  blent1  and  god  woot1  so  bene  moo  / 

That1  wenen  wisly  fat1  it1  nys  nat1  soo 

Passe  ouer  is  an  eese  &  say  no  more 

pis  fresshe  May  of  which  I  speke  of  3ore  2116 

In  warme  wexe  hap  enprinted  pis  clikett1 

paf  lanuare  here  of  pat1  smal  wikett1 

By  which  vnto  his  gardyne  of[t]  he  went1 

And  Damyan  J>afr  knewe  her  entent1  2120 

]?e  Cliket1  countrefeted  prively 

per  nys  no  more  to  say  but1  hastely 

Somme  wondere  by  pis  cliket1  shal  betide 

Which  ye  shal  here  if1  30  wil  abide  2124 

0  noble  Ovide  sope  seisfr  pou  god  wote 

What1  scle3f  is  it1  pow  it1  be  longe  &  hote 

pat1  he  nyl  fynde  it1  out1  in  somrae  manere 

By  Piramus  and  Tisbe  may  men  lere  2128 

pough  pei  were  kepte  ful  longe  streit1  oueratt' 

pel  ben  acorded  rownyng1  porgh  a  waH 

Ther  nys  no  wi^  coupe  ban  founde  out1  such  a  sclei3t1  [J^125' 

But1  nowe  to  purpoos  er  pat1  daies  viij.  2132 

were  passed  er  the  monpe  of  luyl  byfille 

That1  lanuare  hap  caught1  so  grete  a  wille 

poro'we  eggyng1  of  his  wiff1  him  forto  pley 

In  his  gardyne  and  no  ping1  but1  pei  tweye  2136 

PETWORTH   262    (6-T.  4-07) 


SIX-TEXT    468 

GROUP  E,    §  4,  MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

in  a  morwe  vnto  his  may  seide  he 
Rise  vp  my  wif1  my  loue  my  lady  free 
The  turtels  vois  is  herd  my  douve  swete 
The  wynter  is  goon  with  al  his  reynes  wete  2140 

Come  forf  nowe  with  fine  eyen  columbyne 
How  feirer  bene  f  i  brestes  fan  bene  wyne 
The  gardyne  is  enclosed  al  aboute 

Come  forf  my  white  spouse  out1  of  doute  2144 

f  ow  hast1  me  wownded  in  myn  hert1  o  wiff 
No  spotte  in  f  e  nas  in  al  f  i  liff 
Come  forf  and  lat1  vs  take  our  disport1 
I  Cheese  fe  for  my  wiff  and  my  comfort1  2148 

Suche  olde  loude  wordes  vsed  he 
On  damyan  a  signe  made  shee 
That*  he  shulde  goo  byforn  wif  his  cliketfr 
This  damyan  haf  opned  fe  wiketf  2152 

And  in  he  stert1  and  fat1  in  such  manere 
That1  no  wi3f  my^t1  if  see  ne  here 
And  stille  he  sitte  vnder  a  bussh  anon 
This  lanuare  so  blynde  as  is  a  ston  2156 

Wif  Maius  in  his  honde  and  no  wi^f  moo 
Into  his  fresshe  gardyne  is  he  goo 
And  crapte  to  f  e  wiket1  sodeynly 

Now  wif  quod,  he  here  nys  but1  fou  and  I  2160 

That1  arte  J>e  creature  fat1 1  best1  loue 
ffor  by  fat1  lorde  fat1  sitte  vs  al  aboue 
I  had  leuere  dyen  on  a  knyff 

j?an  36  offended  dere  trewe  wiff1  2164 

ffor  goddes  sake  f  enk1  how  I  f  e  chees 
Nbu^t1  for  no"  coueityse  doutelees  •/ 

But1  only  for  fe  loue  I  had  to  f  e  [leaf  126] 

And  fougtL  fat1 1  be  olde  and  may  not1  see  2168 

Ee  to  me  trewe  and  I  wil  telle  ^ou  why 
Certes  iij.  fingges  shul  ^e  wyrmen  ferby 
fnrst1  loue  of  Crist1  and  to  ^oure  self  honour 
And  al  myne  heritage  toune  and  toure  2172 

PETWORTH    263    (6-T.  468) 


SIX-TEXT    469 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

I  3eue  it1  3ou  makep  Cher[tr]es  as  3011  lest1 

This  slial  be  doo  to  morowe  er  sonne1  rest1         p  first  sonnesse] 

So  wisly  god  my  soule  bringe  in  blisse 

I  prey  3011  in  couenant1  pat1  36  me  kisse  2176 

And  po^e  pat1  I  be  lalous  wite  me 

36  ben  so  depe  enprented  in  my 

That1  whan  I  considere  3oure  bewte 

And  perwipal  pe  vnlikly  elde  of  me  2180 

I  may  not1  certes  pou3e  I  shulde  deie 

fforbere  to  bene  out1  of  3our)  companye 

ffor  verrey  loue  pis  is  wip-oute  doute 

Now  kisse  me  wiff  and  lat1  vs  rome  aboute  2184 

1T  This  freesshe  may  whan  she  pise  wordes  herd? 

Benignely  to  lanuare  she  answerd? 

But1  first1  and  formest1  she  bygan  to  wepe 

I  haue  quod  she  a  soule  to  kepe  2188 

As  wel  as  she  and  also  myn  honowre 

And  of  my  wifhedo  pilke  tendere  floure 

whiche  I  haue  assured  in  3oure  hand? 

whan  pat1  pe  preest1  to  3ou  my  body  band?  2192 

wherfore  I  wil  answere  in  pis  manere 

with  pe  leue  of  3ou  my  lord!  so  dere 

I  prey  god  pat1  neuere  dawe  pat1  day 

pat1 1  ne  sterue  as  foule  as  wo?7mian  may  2196 

If  euer  I  do  vnto  my  kyiine  pat1  shame 

Eiper  ellis  I  enpeire  so  my  name 

pat1 1  be  fals  And  if  I  do  pat1  lakke 

To  stripe  me  and  putte  me  in  a  sakke  2200 

And  in  pe  next1  ryuere  do  me  drenche 

I  am  a  gentil  wo?wman  and  no  wenche . 

whi  speke  36  pus  but1  men  bene  euere  vntrewe    [leaf  126,  back] 

And  wommen  ha  repreef  of  3ou  ay  newe  2204 

3e  can  noon  oper  countynance  I  leue 

But1  speke  to  vs  as  vntrest1  and  in  repreue 

And  wip  pat1  worde  she  segfr  wher  damyan 

Satte  in  pe  busshe  and  knele  he  bygan  2208 

PETWORTH   264   (6-T.  469) 


SIX-TEXT    470 

GROUP  E.   §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  wij)  her  fynger  signes  made  she 

J}af  Damyan  shuld  clymbe  vpon  a  tree 

J)at  charged  was  wij>  frwte  and  vp  he  went1 

For  verreily  he  knewe  al  her  entent1  2212 

And  euery  signe  Jmt1  she  cou]>e  make 

wel  bette  pan  lanuare  her  owne  make 

ffor  in  a  lettiQ  she  had  tolde  him  aH 

Of  ]>is  matere  howe  he  worchen  shall  2216 

And  Jms  1  lat1  hym  sitte  in  ]>e  pirry 

&  lanuare  and  Mayus  regnyng1  ful  mery 

1T  Bri^t1  was  J>e  day  and  blewe  J?e  firmament1 

Phebus  of  gold1  doune  haj?  his  stremes  sent*  2220 

To  gladen  euery  floure  wij?  his  warmnesse 

He  was  Jjaf  tyme  in  Gemynys  as  I  gesse 

But1  litel  fro  his  declination 

Of  Canser,  louis  exaltation  2224 

And  so  bifelle  Jjat1  in  a  bri^t1  morowtide 

Jjat1  in  J>e  Gardyne  on  J>af  ferf er  side 

Pluto  Jjaf  is  J>e  kyng1  of  ffairye 

And  mony  a  lady  in  his  company e  2228 

ffolowinge  his  wiff  ]je  qwene  proserpina 

Whiche  faf  he  rauyssshed  out1  of  proserpina 

whilis  jjat1  she  gadered  floures  in  a  mede 

In  Claudyan  30  may  J>e  stories  rede  2232 

How  in  his  Grisly  carte  he  her  fette 

This  kinge  of  fairye  adoune  hym  sette 

Vpon  a  benche  of  Turves  fressh  and  grene 

And  ri}^  anon  seide  he  Jms  to  his  queue  2236 

My  wif1  quod  he  J?afr  may  no  wijf  say  nay 

The  experience  proueth  it1  euery  day 

The  treson  which  J>af  wo??zman  do])  to  man  [leaf  127] 

x?  thousand  telle  I  can  2240 

Notable  of  3oure  vntroujje  and  britclnesse 

0  salamon  richest1  of  alle  rychesse 

ffulfilled  of  sapience  and  of  worldely  glorie 

fful  worjji  bene  J?i  wordes  to  memorie  2244 

19  PETWORTH   265    (6-T.  470) 


SIX-TEXT    471 

GROUP  E.   §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

To  euery  wight1  fat1  witte  and  reson  can/ 
Thus  preisef  he  31^  f  e  bounte  of  man 
Among1  a  Mi  men  ^itt  fonde  I  on 

But1  of  alle  wommen  fonde  I  neuere  noon  2248 

Thus  seif  J>is  knyght1  fat1  knowef  ^oure  wickednesse 
And  Ihesus  filius  C[i]rak  as  I  gesse 
]STe  spekef  of  ^ou  but1  seelden  reuerence 
A  wilde  fuyr  a  corrupte  pestilence  2252 

So  falle  vpon  301116  bodies  ^if  to  ny^f 
iNe  Se  36  not1  f  is  honurable  knyght1 
By  cause  alas  fat1  he  is  blynde  and  olde 
His  owne  man  shal  make  him  kokewold?  2256 

Lo  where  he  sitte  fe  leceheowr  in  fe  tree 
Nowe  wil  I  graunte  of  my  maieste 
Ynto  fis  olde  blynde  worf  i  kny3f 

That*  he  shal  han  a3ein  his  eyen  513^  2260 

whan  Jjat1  his  wiff  wold  do  him  vilanye 
fan  shal  he  knowe  al  her  harlotrie 
Boo]?  in  repreef1  of  hure  and  o]>er  moo/ 
IT  3e  Sire  quod  proserpyne  and  wil  30  soo  2264 

Nowe  by  my  moders  sire  soule  I  swere 
Jjat1 1  shal  3euen  hire  suffisanfr  answere 
And  alle  wowinien  aftere  for  3oure  sake 
That1  )jou3e  fei  bene  in  eny  gilt1  ytake  2268 

WiJ>  face  bolde  J>ei  shullen  hem  self  excuse 
And  beren  hem  doune  jjat1  wolden  hem  accuse 
iFor  lacke  of  answer  noon  of  hem  shul  dyen 
AH  hadde  36  seie  a  finge  wi]>  bo]>  3oure  yen  2272 

31^  shullen  we  so  visage  it1  hardely 
And  wepe  and  swere  and  chide  subtily 
fat1  36  shullen  bene  as  lewde  as  bene  gees  [ie:f  127,  back] 

what1  recketh  me  of  such  autoritees/  2276 

I  wote  wel  fis  Iwe  this  Salomon 
ffoonde  of  vs  wymmen  foles  mony  on 
Buf  fou36  fat1  he  ne  fonde  no  good  wo??inian 
f er  haf  yfounde  mony  anofer  man  2280 

PETWORTH  266   (6-T.  47l) 


SIX-TEXT    472 

GROUP  E.   §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

wowHnen  ful  trewe  ful  good  ful  vertuous 

witnesse  of  hem  pat1  dwellen  in  cmtes  hous 

wip  martierdome  pei  proued  her  Constance 

pe  Komayn  geestes  maken  remembraunce  2284 

Of  mony  a  verrey  trewe  wif  also  / 

But1  sir  ne  be  not1  wrop  as  be  it1  soo  / 

pough  pat1  he  seide  he  foonde  no  good  womman 

I  prei  3011  take  pe  sentence  of  pe  man  2288 

He  ment1  pus  pat1  in  souereyn  bounte 

!Nis  noon  but1  god  but1  neipere  he  ne  she 

Eye  for  verrey  god  pat1  nys  but1  oon 

what1  make  $e  so  moche  of  Salomon  2292 

what1  pou^e  he  made  a  temple  goddys  hous 

what1  po^e  he  were  riche  and  glorious 

So  made  he  a  temple  of  fals  goddes ./ 

Who  my^t1  do  a  pinge  pat1  more  forbode  es  2296 

Parde  as  faire  as  36  his  name  enplastere 

He  was  a  lecchoure  and  an  ydolastre 

And  in  his  elde  he  verrey  god  forsoke 

And  3if  pat1  god  nad  as  seip  J?e  booke  2300 

yspared  him  for  his  faders  sake  he  sholde 

haue  lost1  his  regne  souner  pan  he  wolde 

I  sette  no^t1  of  alle  )>e  vyleynye 

fat1  30  of  wommen  write  a  botterflie  2304 

I  am  a  womman  nede  mote  I  speke 

Eiper  ellis  swelle  to  myn  hert1  breke 

ffor  sijjen  he  seide  pat1  we  bene  Iangler[ess]es 

As  euer  mote  I  brouke  bop  my  tresses  2308 

I  shal  not1  spare  for  no  curtesye 

To  speke  him  harme  pat1  wold?  vs  vilanye 

Dame  quod  pis  Pluto  be  no  lenger  wrope  [leaf  128] 

I  ^eue  if  vp  but1  sipercs  I  swore  myn)  ope  2312 

pat1 1  wolde  graunten  him  his  si}^  a^eyii 

My  word?  shal  stonde  pat1  warne  I  pe  certeyii 

I  am  a  kinge  it1  sitte  me  not1  to  lye 

And  I  quod  she  a  quene  of  fairye  2316 

PETWORTH    267   (6-T.  472) 


SIX-TEXT    473 

GROUP  E.    §  4,   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

Her  Answere  she  shal  haue  I  vndertake 
Lat1  vs  no  moo  wordes  make 
IT  fforsof  I  wil  no  lenger  ^ou  contrarie 
Now  lat1  vs  turne  a^ein  to  January e  2320 

That1  in  f  is  Gardyn  wif  f  is  faire  Maye 
Syngef  wel  merier  fan  f  e  popeniay 
3ou  loue  I  best1  and  shal  and  of  <?r  non 
So  longe  aboute  f  e  alaies  is  he  gon  2324 

Till  he  was  come  a^einsfr  f  ilk1  piry 
where  as  f  is  damyan  sittef  ful  mery 
On  hegh  amonge  f  e  fresshe  leues  grene 
This  fresshe  May  fat1  is  so  bri^t1  an  shene  2328 

Gan  forto  sigh  and  seide  alas  my  side 
Now  sire  quod  she  for  ou^te  fat1  may  bytide 
I  moost1  haue  of  j)e  peeres  fat  I  see 

Or  I  mote  dye  so  score  longef  me  2332 

To  eten  of  f  e  smale  peres  grene 
Helpe  for  her  loue  fat1  is  of  heuene  quene 
I  telle  ^ou  wel  a  womman  in  my  plite 
May  haue  to  fruete  so  grete  an  appetite  2336 

J3att  she  may  dyen  but1  she  it  haue 
Alias  quod  he  fat1 1  nad  here  a  knaue 
That  couf  e  clymbe  alas  alas  quod  he 

ffor  I  am  blinde  $e  sire  no  fors  quod  she  2340 

But1  wold?  ^e  vouchesauf  for  goddis  sake 
f  e  piry  in  wif  ^oure  armes  forto  take 
ffor  wel  I  wote  fat1  ^e  mystrest  me 

Ellis  shuld  I  clymbe  wel  ynowe  quod  she  2344 

So  I  my  fote  my^t1  sette  vpon  ^oure  bak1 
ffor  sof  e  seide  he  in  me  shal  be  no  lak1 
Might1 1  $ou  helpe  wif  myn  herte  blood  [leaf  128,  back] 

He  stoupef  doune  and  on  his  bak1  she  stood  2348 

And  ca^tt  hure  by  a  twist1  and  vp  she  goof 
Ladyes  I  preie  $ou  fat1  ye  be  nat1  wroof 
I  can  not1  glose  I  am  a  rude  man 

And  sodeynly  anoon  fis  damyan  .      2352 

PETWORTH  268    (6-T.  473) 


SIX-TEXT    474 

GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


Gan  pullen  vp  J?e  smokke  and  in  lie  f  ronge 
And  whan  fat1  Pluto  segli  f  is  grete  wronge 
To  lanuarie  lie  3aue  his  si$tt  ageyn 
[And  made  him  se  /  as  wel  as  evir  he  myht 
And  whan  he  hadde  /  cauht  his  syht  ageyn)] 
ne  was  ]>er  neuer  man  of  f  inge  so  feyn 
But1  on  his  wiff  his  JpoujV  was  euermoo 
Vp  to  f  e  tree  he  cast1  his  eyen  twoo  / 
And  segfi.  fat1  Damyan  his  wif1  had  dressed , 
In  which  manere  it1  may  not1  be  expressed? 
But1  |jif]  I  wolde  speke  vncurteysly 
And  vp  he  $aue  a  roringe  and  a  crye 
As  dof  e  f  e  modere  whan  f  e  childe  shal  dye 
oute  helpe  alas  harowe  I  gan  to  crye 

0  stronge  lady  stoor  what1  doostowe 
And  she  answeref  sire  what1  eileth  ^owe 
Haue  pacience  and  reson  in  ^oure  mynde 

1  haue  3ou  hulpen  of  bof  $oure  eyen  blynde 
Yp  perile  of  my  soule  I  shal  not1  lyen 

As  me  was  ta^te  to  hele  wif  ^oure  eien 
Was  no  f  inge  bette  forto  make  3011  see 
Than  strogle  wif  a  man  vpon  a  tree 
God  wote  I  did  it1  in  ful  good  entent 
Stroggel  qzwd  he  .  36  algate  in  it  went1 
God  3eue  3ou  bofe  a  shames  def  to  dyen 
He  swyued  f  e  I  segh  it1  wif  myne  eyen 
And  ellis  be  I  honged  by  f  e  hals 
Than  is  quod  she  f  e  medecyne  fals 
ffbr  certeynly  if  36  listen  see 
-3e  wold  not1  saye  no  wordes  vnto  me 
3e  han  some  glymysing1  and  no  parfit  si$ti 
I  see  quod  he  as  wel  as  euere  I  nr^t1 
Thonked  be  god  wif  bof  myn  eyen  twoo 
And  by  my  trouf e  me  fought1  he  did  f e  soo 
3e  mase  mase  good  sir5  quod  she 
This  f  onk1 1  haue  for  I  haue  made  }ou  see 

PETWOllTH   269    (6-T.  474) 


[Addit.  5140,  leaf 
167,  bk,  leaf  168. 
In  Reg.  17  D  xv, 
lfl-1-1,  bk,  //12S; 
not  in  Reg.  18  (72, 
/ea/104.] 


2360 


2364 


2368 


2372 


2376 


2380 


2384 

[leaf  129] 


2388 


SIX-TEXT    475 

GROUP  E.   §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Alias  quod  she  fat1  euere  I  was  so  kinde 

Now  dame  quod  he  lat1  al  passe  out1  of  mynde 

Come  doune  my  leef  and  if  I  haue  myssayd? 

God  helpe  me  so  as  I  am  euel  apaydl  2392 

But1  by  my  faders  soule  I  wend4  haue  seyri) 

How  fat1  f  is  Damyan  had  by  f  e  leyn) 

And  fat1  f  i  smok1  had  leye  vpon  f  i  brest1 

3e  sir*  quod  she  36  may  wene  as  3011  lest1  2396 

But1  sir*  a  man  fat1  wake]?. out  of  sclepe 

He  may  not1  sodeynly  wel  take  kepe 

Vpon  a  f  inge  ne  seen  it1  parfitely 

To  fat1  he  be  adawed  verrely  2400 

Ri^f  so  a  man  fiat1  long1  haf  blynde  ybe 

Ne  may  not1  sodeynly  so  wel  yse 

ffirst1  whan  f e  si^t1  is  newe  co?ftmen  ageyn 

As  he  fat1  haj)  a  day  or  tweyen  yseyn  2404 

Til  fat1  $oure  si^t1  ystabled  be  a  while 

Ther  may  ful  mony  a  si^f  ^ou  begile 

Be]?  ware  I  preye  ^ou  for  by  heuene  kinge 

fful  mony  a  man  wenef  forto  se  a  jnnge  2408 

And  it1  is  al  anojjer  fan  it1  semef 

He  fat1  mysconceyuef  mysdemef 

And  wif  fat1  word'  she  lepe  dozm  fro  f e  tre 

This  lanuarie  who  is  glad  but1  he  2412 

He  clippef  hire  and  kissef  hure^ful  oft1 

And  on  hire  wombe  he  strokef  hure  ful  soft 

And  to  his  Palays  home  he  haf  hire  lad 

Nowe  good  men  I  prey  }ou  to  be  glad  2416 

Thus  endef  here  my  tale  of  lanuarie 

God  blesse  vs  and  his  modere  seyiif  Marie  ,  2418 

If  Here  endef  f  e  tale  of  f  e  marchaunt1 


PETWOllTH   270    (6-T.  475) 


GEOUP  D.  FEAGMENT  V. 

§  1.  WIFE  OF  BATH'S  PREAMBLE. 
PETWORTH  MS. 


And  here  "bygynnef  f  e  prologe  of  f  e  wif  of  Bathe  Deaf  129] 

Experience  thou^e  noon  autorite  [leaf  129,  back] 

were  in  f  is  world?  ri^t  ynou^e  for  me 
To  speke  of  woo  fat1  is  in  mariage 

ffor  lordingges  sij)  I  twelue  3  ere  was  of  age  4 

Thonked  be  god  fat1  is  eterne  alyue 
Husbondes  atte  church  door  haue  I  had  fyve 
3if  I  so  often  my^t1  han  wedded  be 

But*  alle  were  worf  i  men  in  her  degre  8 

But1  me  was  tolde  certeyn  not1  longe  agon  is 
That1  sif  en  crist1  ne  went1  neuer  but1  onys 
To  wedden  in  f  e  cane  of  galile 

fat1  by  filk  ensample  tau^te  he  me  12 

That1 1  ne  shuld  wedded  be  but1  onys 
Herk  eek .  loo  such  a  sharpe  word?  for  ]?e  nones 
Beside  a  welle  Ihesu  god  and  man 

Spake  in  repreef  of  j?e  Samaritan  1 6 

Thow  hast1  yhad  .v.  husbondes  quod  he 
And  fat1  ilk1  man  fat1  nou3  haf  f e 
Is  not1  thyne  husbond'  fus  seide  he  certeyn 
"What1  he  ment1  f  er-by  I  can  not1  seyn  2  0 

Wele  f  But  fat1 1  aske  whi  the  fift1  man 
Was  non  husbond?  to  f  e  Samaritan 
How  mony  my3t  she  han  in  mariage 
3itt  herd  I  neuere  telle  in  myn  age  24 

PETWOTITH  271    (6-T.  334) 


*  SIX-TEXT    335 

GROUP  D.  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

vpon  fis  nombre  diffiniciown 

Men  may  devise  and  glosen  vp  and  down 

But1  wel  I  wote  expresse  wif-outew  lye 

God  bad  us  forto  wexe  and  multiplie  28 

That1  ge[n]tile  text1  can  I  wel  vnderstond? 

Eke  wel  I  wote  lie  seide  myn  husbond?  ^  Reiinqwet  homo 

patrem  &  macrem 

Shuld  lete  fadere  and  modere  and  take  to  me  LlSJl™* 

But1  of  no  nombre  mencion  made  he  32 

Of  bygamy  or  of  octogamye 

Whi  shuldl  men  fan  of  it1  han  vilanye 

loke  here  the  wise  man .  kyng  Salomon 

I  trowe  he  had  wyues  moo  fan  66ii  IF  Genesis  ij°  quam-obrem  30 

ISTow  wold  god  if  lieful  were  to  me  [leaf  iso] 

To  be  refresshed  half  so  off  as  he 

Which  ^ift1  of  god  had  he  for  aft  his  wyues 

No  man  haf  such  fat  in  fis  world!  alyue  es  /  40 

God  wote  fis  noble  kinge  as  to  my  witte 

f  e  furst1  ny^t1  had  mony  a  mery  fitte 

Wif  eche  of  hem  so  wel  was  hym  alyve 

Blessed  be  god .  fat  I  haue  wedded  fyve  44 

Welcome  f  e  .vi.  whan  fat1  euer  he  shal 

ffor  sif  I  wil  not1  kepe  me  chaasf  in  all 

Whan  myn  husbond?  is  fro  f  e  world!  ygon 

Somme  cr/sten  man  shal  wedde  me  anon  48 

ffor  fan  the  apostel  seif  fat  I  am  fre 

To  wedde  a  goddes.half  where  it  likef  me 

He  seif  fat1  to  be  wedded  is  no  synne 

:Better)  is  to  be  wedded  fan  to  brenne  ^^  e// nubere 

What1  rekkef  me  foo  folk1  sey  vylanye  53 

Of  shrewde  lamef  e  and  his  Bygamye 

I  woot1  wel  Abraham  was  an  holy  man 

And  Tacob  eke  as  fer  as  euer  I  can  56 

And  eche  of  hem  had  wyues  moo  f  arc  twoo 

And  mony  anof  er  holy  man  also 

Where  can  36  say  in  eny  maner  age 

That1  vs  god  defended  mariage  60 

PETWORTH    272  (6-T.  335) 


SIX-TEXT    336 

GROUP  D.  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

Ey  expresse  woord?  I  prei  3011  tellef  me 

Or  where  coramaunded  he  virginite 

I  wote  as  wel  as  36  if  is  no  drede 

f  e  Apostel  whan  he  spekef  of  maydenhede  64 

He  seide  f  erof  precept1  had  he  non 

Men  may  counsaile  a  woraman  to  be  on 

But*  cownseilling*  nys  non  comaundemenf 

He  putte  it*  in  oure  owne  luggemenf  68 

ffor  had  god  commaunded  maidenhede 

J5an  had  he  dampned  weddyng*  wif  f  e  dede 

And  certes  $if  f  er  were  no  sede  ysowe 

Virginite  fan  wherof  shuld?  it1  growe .  72 

Paule  durst*  not*  cowmaunde  at*  f  e  leesf  [leafiso,  back] 

A  f  ing*  of  which  his  maister*  $af  hyra  no  heest* 

f  e  darte  is  sette  vp  for  virgynyte 

Chace  who  so  may  who  so  rennef  best*  lat*  se  76 

But*  f  is  word  is  not*  take  of  every  wi$f 

But*  j?er  as  god  wold  $eue  if  of  his  myght* 

I  wote  wel  J?at*  )?e  apostel  was  a  mayde 

But*  na]>elees  jjough  Jjat*  he  wrote  or  seide  80 

He  wold  fat*  euery  wi3t*  were  sucfi  as  he 

All  nys  but*  counsaile  to  virgynite 

And  forto  be  a  wif  he  $af  me  leue 

Of  Indulgence  so  is  it*  no  repreue  84- 

To  wedde  me  $if  J?af  my  make  dye 

W/t/i-oute  excepcion  of  Bygamye 

Al  were  it*  good  no  wowman  forto  touche 

He  ment*  as  his  body  •  or  in  his  couche  88 

ffor  perile  is  boj>  fire  and  towe  to  assemble 

3e  knowe  what*  Jjis  ensample  may  resemble 

Jjis  is  al  and  somrae  he  helde  virginite 

More  parfit*  fan  wedded  in  freelte  92 

Freelte  clepe  I  not*  but*  fat*  he  and  she 

Wolde  lede  her  lif  al  in  chaastite 

I  grcmnte  if  wel  I  haue  non  envie 

foo  Maidenhede  preferre  bygamye  96 

PETWORTH    27a  (6-T.  336) 


SIX-TEXT    337 

GROUP  D.  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

It1  like])  hew  to  be  clene  in  body  and  goost1 . 
Of  myn  estaat1  I  wil  make  no  boost1 
ffor  wel  36  knowe  a  lord?  in  his  houshold? 
Haf  not1  euery  vessel  of  gold'  1 00 

So?7ime  bene  of  tree  and  doii  her  lord!  seruise 
God  clepef  folk  to  liim  in  sondry  wise 
And  euery  ha))  of  god  a  propre  }ift 

Somme  fis  somrae  fat1  as  hy??z  like])  shift*  104 

Virginite  ys  grete  perfection 
And  continence  eke  wi])  deuoci5n 
But1  cmt1  fat1  of  perfection  is  well« 

Bad  not1  euery  wi^f  he  shulde  selle  108 

Al  fat1  he  had  and  ^eue  it1  to  f  e  poore  [leaf  isi] 

And  in  such  wise  folowe  hym  and  his  lore 
He  spake  to  hem  fat1  wold  lyue  parfitely 
And  lordingges  by  3oure  leue  faf  am  not1 1 
I  wil  bystowe  fe  floure  of  al  myn  age 
In  charite  and  fruyte  of  mariage 
Telle  me  also  to  what1  conclusion 

Were  membres  made  of  generation  116 

And  of  so  parfit1  wise  and  whi  ywrou^f 
Treste])  ri^t1  wel  fei  were  not1  made  for  nomt1 
Glose  who  so  wil  I  say  bo])  vp  and  down 
J>afr  ])ei  were  made  for  purgaciown  1 20 

Of  vryne  and  oure  bo])e  fingges  smale 
were  eke  to  knowe  a  female  from  a  male 
And  for  noon  ofer  cause .  what1  seye  36  no 
J)e  experience  woot1  fat1  it1  is  so  /  124 

So  fat1  fe  clerkes  ben  not1  wif  me  wroof 
I  seie  fis  fat1  fei  maked  be2  fore  both  p  over  a  y  mM  ontj 

This  is  to  seyne  for  office  and  for  eese 
Of  engendringe  ther  we  not1  god  displese  1 28 

whi  shuldl  men  ellis  in  her  bokes  sette 
fat1  man  shal  3elde  to  his  wif  his  dette 
Nowe  wherwif  shuld?  he  paye  his  payment1 
3if  fat1  he  ne  vsed  his  sely  instrument1  132 

pETWoimr  274  (B-T.  337) 


SIX-TEXT    338 

GROUP  D,  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

Than  were  bei  made  vpon  a  creature 

To  purge  vryne  and  eke  for  engendrure 

But1  1  seye  not1  bat1  euery  wi^t1  is  holde 

J^at1  ha])  such  harneys  as  I  to  3ou  haue  tolde  136 

To  goon  and  vsen  hem  in  engeiidrure 

J>an  shuld?  men  take  of  chastite  no  cure 

Crist1  was  a  mayde  and  shapen  as  a  man 

And  mony  a  seint1  sib  pat1  be  world!  bygan  140 

3it*  lyued  bei  euere  in  parfit1  chaastite 

I  nyl  envie  wib  no  virginite 

Lat1  hem  ete  brede  of  pured  whete  sede 

And  lat  vs  wyues  ete  Barle  brede  .  144 

And  ^if  wib  barle  brede  Mark1  telle  can  [leaf  isi,  back] 

Oure  lord  Ihesu  refresshed  mony  a  man 

In  such  astate  as  god  hab  cleped  vs  / 

I  wil  perseuere  I  ne  am  not1  precious  148 

In  wifhode  wil  I  vse  myn  Instrument1 

As  frely  as  my  maker  hab  it1  sent1 

If  I  be  daungerous  god  ^eue  me  sorowe 

Myn  husbonde  shal  if  haue  bob  eue  and  morowe  152 

Whan  pat1  him  list1  come  forb  and  paye  his  dette 

An  husbond*  I  wil  han  I  nyl  not1  lette 

Which  shal  be  bo])  my  dettowr  and  my  bral 

And  han  his  tribulacion  wib-  all  156 


Vpon  his  flessh  while  bat1  1  am  his  wiif      \  Ad  ^rintMos  vijo. 

vir  sui  corpons  potes- 


I  haue  the  power  during1  al  my  liff  mSrn<w  ha6et'  *** 

vpon  his  propre  body  and  not1  he 

Ei^t1  pus  be  apostel  told?  [it]  vnto  me  160 

And  bad  oure  husbondes  forto  loue  hyra  weH 

Al  bis  sentence  me  likeb  euery  dell 

Vp  stert1  the  pardonere  and  bat1  anon 
Now  dame  quod  he  by  god  and  by  seynt1  lohn    164 
3e  bene  a  noble  precheour  in  bis  caas 
I  was  about  to  wedde  a  wiff  alas 
What1  shuld'  I  by  it1  on  my  flessh  so  dere 
^it1  had  I  leuer  wedde  non  to  ^ere  168 

PETWOKTII   275    (6-T.  338) 


SIX-TEXT    339 

GROUP  D.  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

Ibyde  quod  she  my  tale  is  not1  bygonne 

Nay  f  ou  shalt1  drinken  a  nof  er  tonne 

Er  fat1  I  goo  shal  sauour  wors  fan  ale 

And  whan  fat1 1  haue  told?  for]?  my  tale  172 

Of  tribulacion  in  mariage 

Of  whiche  I  am  expert1  in  myn  age 

jjis  is  to  seye  my  silf  haf  bene  f  e  whippe 

•fan  maist1  fowe  chese  whider1  fou  wilt1  scippe  176 

f  ilk1  tonne  fat1 1  shal  abroche 

Be  war  of  it1  or  fou  to  nye  aproche 

ffor  I  shal  telle  ensamples  moo  fan  ten 

who  that1  wil  not1  be  war  by  of  ere  men./  180 

By  hym  shul  ofer  men  corrected  be  peaf  1.12] 

Thise  same  wordes  writef  ptholome 

Rede  in  his  almagest1  and  take  it1  fere 

Dame  I  wold?  prey  3011  if  $our  wille  were  184 

Seide  f  is  pardonere  as  36  bygan 

Telle  forf  ^oure  tale  spare  for  no  man 

And  teche  vs  3enge  men  of  ^oure  practyke 

Gladly  quod  she  sif  it  may  pu  like  188 

But1  fat1 1  prey  to  al  f  is  companye 

If  fat1  I  speke  after  my  fantasie 

As  takef  nat1  a  greef  of  fat1 1  seye 

For  myn  entent1  is  not1  but1  to  pleye  192 

.f  Now  sirs  fan  shal  I  telle  $ou  my  tale 

As  euere  mote  I  drinke  wyne  or  ale 

I  shal  seie  sof  f oo  husbondes  fat1 1  hadde 

As  iij.  of  hem  were  good  and  two  were  badde  196 

fe  iij.  were  good  men  riche  and  olde 

Vnnef  es  my3ten  f  ei  f  e  statute  holde 

In  which  f  ei  were  bounden  vnto  me 

3e  wote  wele  what1 1  mene  of  f  is  parde  200 

As  god  me  helpe  I  laugh  whan  I  f  enke 

How  pitously  a  nyjt1 1  made  hew  swynke 

But1  by  my  faye  I  tolde  of  it1  no  store 

f  ei  had  me  3oue  her  londe  and  her  tresore  204 

PETWORTH   276    1^6-T.  339) 


SIX-TEXT    340 

GROUP  D.  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

Me  neded  not1  do  lenger  diligence 

To  wynne  her  loue  and.  do  hem  reuerence 

f  ei  loued  me  so  wel  by  god  aboue 

f  att  I  ne  tolcfe  no  deynte  of  her  loue  208 

A  wise  womman  wil  bysy  hure  euere  in  on 

To  gete  her  loue  36  f  er  as  she  haf  non 

But1  sif  e  I  had  hem  holy  in  myn  honde 

And  si])  fat1  fei  hadde  30116  me  al  her  londe  212 

what1  shuld  I  take  kepe  hem  forto  plese 

But  3if  it1  were  my  profite  &  myn  ease 

But1  sette  hew  so  a  werke  by  my  faye 

fat1  rnony  a  ny^tf  fei  songen  weleaway  2t# 

The  bacon  was  not1  fette  for  hem  I  trowe  [leaf  132,  back] 

fat1  somme  men  han  in  Essex  at1  donmowe 

I  gouerned  hem  so  wel  after1  my  lawe 

fat1  eche  of  horn  ful  blisful  was  and  fawe  220 

To  bringe  me  gay  f  ingges  fro  f  e  feire 

knyves  and  ryngges  &  pwrses  wel  faire 

ffor  god  it1  woof  I  chide  hem  spitously 

Now  herkenej)  how  I  here  me  proprely  224 

3e  wise  wyues  fat1  can  vnderstond? 

Jms  shuld  36  speke  and  here  hem  wrong1  on  homJ 

ffor  half  so  boldely  ]?er  can  no  man 

Swere  and  lye  as  wo?wman  can  228 

I  say  not  fis  by  wyues  fat1  bene  wise 

But1  it1  be  whan  fat1  fei  hem  mysavise 

A  wise  wif  shal  if  fat1  she  can  her  goode 

Bere  him  an  honde  fat1  f e  kowe  is  wode  232 

And  take  witnesse  of  hire  owne  mayde 

Of  hure  assent1  but1  harkenef  how  I  seide 

IF  Sire  olde  keynard?  is  f  is  fine  aray 

whi  is  my  neighbowres  wif1  so  gay  236 

She  is  honowed  oueral  wher  she  gof  e 

I  sitte  at  home  I  haue  no  f  rifty  clof  e 

what1  dostowe  at1  myn  neighbours  hous 

Is  she  so  faire  art1  fou  so  amerous  240 

PETAVORTII   277    (6-T.  340) 


SIX-TEXT    341 

GROUP  D.   §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

what1  roune  30  wip  our  mayde .  benedicite 

Sire  olde  lecchoure  lat1  pi  Tapes  be 

And  if  I  haue  a  gossipe  or  a  frende 

wip-oute  gilt1  ^e  chide  as  a  fende  244 

3if  pat1  I  walk1  or  play  vnto  his  hous 

Jpou  co?ranest  home  as  dronken  as  a  mous 

An  prechest1  on  pi  benche  wip  euel  preef1 

)3ou  seist1  to  me  it1  is  a  grete  meschief  248 

To  wedde  a  poor  womman  for  costage 

And  if  pat1  she  be  riche  of  grete  parage 

pan  seist  pou  pat  it1  is  a  turmentrie 

To  suffre  her  pride  and  her  malencolie .  252 

And  if  pat1  she  be  faire  powe  verrey  knaue  peaf  iss] 

powe  seist  pat1  euery  holoure  wol  hure  haue 

She  may  no  while  in  chaastite  abide 

That1  is  assaied  vpon  eche  side  256 

Thowe  seist1  somme  folk1  desire  vs  for  richesse 

Somrne  for  our  shap  and  some  for  our  fairnesse 

And  somme  for  she  can  eiper  sing1  or  dance 

Thus  seistowe  wernard?  god  3eue  pe  meschance  260 

Somme  for  hure  hondes  and  her  armes  smale 

Thus  go])  al  to  fe  deueH  by  fi  tale 

Thow  seyst  men  may  not1  kepe  a  casteH  walle 

It4  may  so  longe  assailled  be  oueraH  264 

And  if  fat1  she  be  foule  }?ou  saisf  fat1  she 

CoveiteJ)  euery  man  fat1  she  may  se 

ffor  as  a  spaynel  she  wil  on  hym  lepe 

Til  pat1  she  fynde  somme  man  pat1  wil  hire  chepe  268 

Ne  noon  so  grey  goos  gos  per  in  the  lake 

As  seist  pou  pat1  wil  be  wip-outen  make 

And  seist1  it1  is  an  harde  pinge  forto  welde 

A  wi^t1  pat1  no  man  wil  his  ponkes  helde  272 

Thus  seist1  pou  lorel  whan  pou  goost1  to  bedde 

And  pat1  no  wise  man  nedep  forto  wedde 

And  no  man  pat1  entendep  to  pe  heuene 

vritJi  wilde  ponder*  dynt1  and  fire  leuene  276 

PETWORTH    278   (6-T.  34l) 


SIX-TEXT    342 

GROUP  D.  §  1,  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  HIS. 

Mote  pi  welked  nek1  be  to-broke 

pou  seist1  pat1  dropping1  houses  and  eke  smoke 

And  chidinge  wyues  maken  men  to  fle 

Out1  of  hir  owne  house .  A  benedieite  280 

What1  eilep  such  an  old  man  forto  chide 

pou  seist1  we  wyues  wil  oure  vices  hide 

Til  we  be  fast1  and  pan  we  wil  hem  schewe 

Wele  may  pis  be  a  prouerbe  of  a  schrewe  284 

pou  seist1  pat1  Oxen .  assen .  hors .  and  houndes 

pei  ben  assaide  at1  dyuers  stoundes 

Basyns  lauoyrs  er  pat1  men  hem  bye 

Spones .  stooles .  and  such  husbondrye .  288 

And  so  bene  pottes  elopes  and  oper  araies  [leaf  133,  back] 

But1  of  wommen  are  maked  none  assaies 

Til  pei  ben  wedded  old  dotard?  shrewe 

And  seist1  ho  we  pen  we  wiH  our  vices  shewe  292 

Thowe  seist1  also  pat1  it1  displesep  me 

But1  ^if  pou  wilt1  preise  my  bewte 

And  but1  pou  poure  alway  vpon  my  face 

And  clepe  me  faire  dame  in  euery  place  296 

And  but1  pou  make  a  feest1  on  pat1  ilk1  day 

pat1 1  was  born  and  make  fressh  and  gay 

And  but1  pou  do  to  myn  norys  honoure 

And  to  my  chambere  wi't/^Inne  my  bour  300 

And  to  my  faders  folkes  and  his  alyes 

Thus  seist1  pou  olde  bareli  ful  of  lyes 

And  ^it1  of  oure  apprentise  lankyn 

ffor  his  crispe  here  shynyng1  as  gold?  fyne  304 

And  for  he  sqwiers  me  bop  vp  and  down 

$iti  hast1  pou  po^t1  a  fals  suspeciown 

I  wil  hym  not1  pei  pou  were  dede  to-morowe 

But1  telle  me  pis  whi  hidest1  pou  wip  sorowe  308 

pi  keyes  of  pi  chest1  away  fro  me 

If  is  my  good  as  wel  as  pine  parde 

what1  wenest1  pou  make  an  ydyote  of  our  dame 

Kow  by  pat1  lord  pat1  called  is  seint1  lame  312 

PETWOllTH    279    (6-T.  342) 


SIX-TEXT    313 
GROUP  D.     §  1.    WIFE'd  PREAMBLE.    PctWOlth  MS. 

fou  shalt1  not1  bof  f  ou^e  fou  were  woode 
Be  maister  of  my  body  and  my  goode 
fat1  oon  fou  shalt1  forgoen  magre  fine  ei^en 
what1  helpej)  it1  of  me  to  quere  and  spien  316 

I  trowe  JJQO  fou  woldest1  lokke  me  in  f  i  chest1 
fou  shuldest1  seie  wif  go  where  f  e  lest* 
Take  3oure  disport1 1  wil  leue  no  talis 
I  knowe  3011  for  a  good  wiff  dame  Alys  320 

we  loue  no  man  fat1  takef  kepe  ne  charge 
where  fat1  we  go  we  wil  be  at  our  large 
Of  alle  men  blessed  mot1  he  be 

f  e  wise  astrologen  daun  ptholome  324 

That1  seif  fis  prouerbe  in  his  almagestt  [leaf  1343 

Of  alle  men  his  wisdom  is  hiest1 
fat1  rekkef  not*  who  haf  fe  world?  in  hondl 
By  fis  prouerbe  fou  shalt1  wel  vnderstond?  328 

Haue  fou  ynowe  what1  ther  f e  rekke  and  care 
Howe  merely  fat1  of  ere  folk1  fare 
ifor  certes  olde  dotarde  be  ^oure  leue 
3e  shul  haue  queynt1  right1  ynowe  at1  eue  332 

He  is  to  grete  a  nygard!  fat1  wil  warne 
A  man  to  li^t1  a  candel  at1  his  lantarne 
He  shal  haue  neuere  f  e  lasse  ^t1  parde 
Haue  fou  ynowe  f  e  ther  not1  pleyn  f  e  336 

Thou  seist1  also  fat1  }if  fou  make  vs  gay 
with  clof  inge  or  wif  precious  aray 
That1  it1  is  perile  of  our  chaastie 

And  3itt  wif  wordes  fou  mote  enforce  me  340 

And  say  f  ise  wordes  in  f  e  apostels  name 
In  abite  made  wif  chastite  and  shame 
3e  woramen  shuld?  apparaile  ^ou  quod  he 
And  not1  in  tressed  here  and  gay  perre  344 

As  perle  ne  wif  gold'  and  clof  es  riche 
Aftere  f  i  text1  ne  aftere  f  i  rubriche 
I  nyl  not1  worche  as  mochel  as  a  gnatte 
Thowe  seidest1  als  fat1 1  was  like  a  catte  348; 

PETWORTH    280  (6-T.  343) 


SIX-TEXT    344 

GROUP  D,  §  1,  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

But1  who  so  wolde  senge  a  cattis  skyn 

pan  wold!  pe  catte  wel  dwellen  in  his  Inn 

And  if  pe  cattes  skyn  be  sclyke  and  gay 

She  nyl  not1  dwel  in  hous  half  a  day  352 

But1  for]?  she  wil  er  eny  day  be  dawed 

To  shewe  her  skyn  and  go  a  caterwawed  / 

pis  to  seie  if  I  be  gay  sir'  schrewe 

I  wil  renne  out1  my  burel  for  to  shewe  356 

Sir1  olde  foole  what  helpep  pe  to  spien 

pei  powe  prey  argus  wip  his  Ml.  eyen 

To  be  my  warde  corps  as  he  can  best1 

In  feip  he  shal  not1  kepe  me  but1  if  me  lest1  360 

3ifr  coupe  I  make  his  beerde  so  mote  I  pee  Deaf  134,  back] 

pou  seist1  eke  pat1  per  bene  pinges  pre 

)}e  which  pingges  trowblen  al  pis  erpe 

And  pat1  no  wi^t1  ne  may  endure  pe  ferpe  364 

0  leue  sir*  schrewe  Ihesu  short1  pi  liff 

3  it1  prechestowe  and  seist1  an  hatful  wiff 

Yreckned  is  for  oon  of  pise  meschawnces 

Ben  fere  non  o]?er  manere  resemblaunses  368 

Jmt1  ^e  may  likne  ^oure  parables  too 

But1  ^if  a  cely  wif  be  oon  of  £00 

Jjow .  liknest  womman^ys  loue  to  helle 

To  barayn  londe  J?er  water  may  not1  dwelle  372 

Thou  liknest1  it1  also  to  wilde  fire 

jpe  more  it1  brennej)  ]?e  more  it1  haj?  desire 

To  consume  eny  ping1  jjat1  brent1  wold  be 

Thow  seist1  pat1  ri^t1  a[s]  wormes  sheende  a  tre  376 

Ei^t1  so  a  wiff*  distroiep  her  husbonde 

pis  knowe  pei  pat1  bene  to  wyues  bonde 

IF  Lordingges  ri^t1  pus  as  ^e  han  hunderstan(5 

Bare  I  stifly  myn  olde  husbondes  on  hand?  380 

That1  pus  pei  seiden  in  her  dronkenesse 

And  eke  pat1  pei  had  suspecion  of  lalousnesse 

On  lankin  and  on  myn  neef  also 

0  lord  pe  peyn  I  did  hem  and  pe  woo  /  384 

20  .  PETWORTH   281    (6-T.  344) 


SIX-TEXT    345 

GROUP  D.   §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.   Petworth  MS. 

iful  giltelees  by  goddis  swete  pyne 

ffor  as  an  hors  I  couf  e  bof  bite  and  whyne 

I  couf  e  pleyn  and  I  was  in  f  e  gilt1 

Or  ellis  often  tyme  I  had  be  spilt1  388 

Who  so  fat1  first1  to  mylle  co/rmieth  first1  grynt1 

I  pleyned  furst1  so  was  oure  werre  stint1 

IF  f  ei  were  ful  glad  to  excusen  hem  ful  blyue 

Of  f  inge  of  which  f  ei  agilt1  neuer  her  lyue  392 

Of  wenches  wold?  I  beren  hem  on  honde 

Whan  fat1  for  seke  f  ei  rny^t1  vnnef  stonde 

Jit1  tided  I  his  herf  for  fat1  he 

wende  I  had  of  hym  so  grete  chierte  396 

I  swore  fat1  al  my  walking1  by  ny^f  [leaf  135] 

Was  forto  aspie  wenches  fat1  he  di^tt 

Vnder  fat1  colour  had  I  mony  a  myrf e 

fFor  al  such  witte  is  ^euen  vs  in  our  birf  Q  400 

Deceyte.  weping1.  spynnyng1  god  haf  jeue  LS&S^erl 

To  wo?wman  kindely  while  fat1  f ei  lyue 

And  f  us  of1  on  f  ing1 1  auawnte  me 

At1  f  e  ende  I  had  f  e  best1  in  eche  degr-e  404 

By  slei}^  or  force .  or  by  som?fte  maner*  f  inge 

As  by  contynuel  murmur  or  grucchinge 

Kamely  abed  had  f  ei  meschaunce 

f  er  wold?  I  chide  and  do  hem  no  plesazmce  408 

I  wolde  no  lenger  in  f  e  bedde  abide 

Jif  fat1 1  felt1  his  arme  ouere  my  side 

Til  he  had  made  his  raunson  vnto  me 

fan  wolde  I  suffre  hym  doo  his  nicete  412 

And  f  erfore  euery  man  f  is  tale  I  telle 

Wiue  who  so  may  al  are  for  to  selle 

"With  empty  hond  men  may  noii  hauke  lure 

ffor  wynnyng1  wold?  I  al  his  lust1  endure  416 

And  make  me  a  feyned  appetite 

And  ^it1  in  bacon  had  I  neuere  delite 

That1  maked  me  fat1  euer  I  wold?  hym  chide 

ffor  f  ou^e  f  e  pope  had  sitte  hym  beside  420 

PETWORTH   282    (6-T.  £45) 


SIX-TEXT    346 

GROUP  D,  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

I  wolde  not1  spare  hyra  at1  his  owne  borcfe 

ffor  be  my  troupe  I  quytte  hym  worde  for  word2 

As  helpe  me  verrey  god  omnipotent1 

pow  I  ri^t1  nowe  shuld?  make  my  testament  424 

I  ne  owe  hyw  a  word*  pat1  it1  nys  quytte 

I  brou^f  it1  so  aboute  by  my  witte 

Jpaf  he  must  ^eue  it1  vp  as  for  pe  best* 

Or  ellis  had  we  neuer  be  in  rest1  428 

ffor  pougfr  he  loked  as  a  lyon 

3ifr  shuld?  he  faile  of  his  co??clusion 

Than  wold?  I  seie  nowe  goode  leef  take  kepe 

Howe  mekely  lokep  wilkin  our  shepe ./  432 

Come  nere  my  spouse  lat1  me  ba  pi  cheke  [leaf  135,  back] 

3e  shul  be  al  pacient1  and  meke 

And  han  a  swete  spiced  conscience 

Sip  36  so  prech  of  lobes  pacience  436 

Suffre]>  alway  si]?  ^e  so  wel  can  preche 

An'd  but1  ^e  doo  certeyn  we  shul  ^ou  teche 

pat1  it1  is  faire  to  haue  a  wif  in  pees 

Oon  of  vs  mote  bo  wen  doutelees  440 

And  si])  a  man  is  more  resonable 

fan  wowman  is .  sir1  30  moste  be  suffrable 

what1  eileth  3ou  to  grucche  pus  and  grone 

Is  it1  for  36  wold*  han  my  queynt1  alone  444 

Wy  take  it1  alle  lo  haue  it1  euery  deft 

Peter  I  schrewe  3ou  but1  36  loue  me  weH 

ffor  3if  I  wolde  selle  my  bele  chose 

I  coupe  walk1  as  freccli  as  eny  rose  448 

But1 1  wil  kepe  it1  for  $our  owne  totR 

3e  be  to  blame  be  god  I  seie  3ou  sotfr 

Such  manere  wordes  had  we  on  hond? 

Now  wil  I  speke  of  my  ferpe  husbonde  452 

IF  Mi  ferpe  husbonde  was  a  reueloure 

pis  is  to  seie  he  had  a  paramour 

And  I  was  3enge  and  ful  of  ragerye 

Stiborn  and  stronge  and  loly  as  a  pie  456 

PETWORTH  283    (6-T.  346) 


SIX-TEXT    347 

GROUP  D.  §  1,  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

lord?  I  coujje  daunce  to  an  harpe  smale 

And  synge  ywis  as  eny  ny^tingale 

whan  I  hadde  dronke  a  draught1  of  swete  wyn 

Metelyus  J?e  foule  cheerle  J>o  swyn  460 

pat1  wij)  a  staf1  byraft1  his  wif  her  lif1 

ffor  she  dronk1  wyne  jjo^e  I  had  ben  his  wiif 

Ne  shuld  he  not1  han  daunted  me  fro  drink  e 

And  aftere  wyne  on  venus  most1 1  j?enke  464 

ffor  as  siker  as  colde  engendre)?  haile 

A  likerous  mouj?  most1  han  a  lykerous  tale 

In  wo?ttman  vinolent1  is  no  defence 

pis  knowe  lecchours  by  experience  468 

But1  lord  crist1  whan  pat1  it1  remembref  me  Deaf  ISG] 

Ypon  my  :$oupe  and  [on]  my  lolite 

It1  tide])  me  aboute  myn  herte  rote 

Ynto  pis  day  It1  do]?  myn  herte  bote  472 

fat1 1  haue  had  my  world?  as  in  my  tyme 

But1  age  alas  pafr  al  wil  enuenyme 

Hajj  me  byraft1  my  bewte  and  my  pith 

Lat1  it1  go  fare  we.1  J)e  deuel  goo  perwith  476 

The  floure  is  gon  per  nys  no  more  to  telle 

pe  bren  as  I  best1  can  now  mote  I  selle 

But1  ^if  to  be  ri^t1  mery  wil  I  foonde 

Now  forfe  to  telle  of  my  fer]>e  husbonde  480 

I  seie  I  had  in  hert1  gret1  despite 

Jjat1  he  of  eny  o]>er  had  delite 

But1  he  was  quytte  by  god  and  by  seynt1  lose 

I  made  hyra  of  ])e  same  wode  a  crose  484 

Nat1  of  my  body  in  no  foule  manere 

But1  certeynly  I  made  folk1  such  chere 

Jjat1  in  his  owne  grece  I  made  hym  frye 

ifor  Anger  and  for  verrey  lalowsie  488 

By  god  in  erjje  I  was  his  purgatorie 

ffor  which  I  hope  his  saule  be  in  glorie 

ffor  god  it1  woote  he  satte  ful  oft1  and  songe 

whan  Jjat1  his  shogh  ful  bitterly  hym  wronge  492 

PETWORTH   284    (6-T.  347) 


SIX-TEXT    348 

GROUP  D.  §  1,  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS, 

ffor  f  er  nas  noon  sauf  god  and  lie  fat  wist1 

In  mony  wise  where  I  hym  twist1 

He  deyed  whan  I  come  fro  Jerusalem 

And  life  in  a  graue  vnder  fe  rode-beem  496 

All  nys  his  tombe  not1  so  curious 

As  was  f  e  sepulture  of  hyra  darius 

which  fat1  appelles  wrou^t1  subtily 

It1  nys  but1  waast1  to  bury  hym  preciously  500 

Lat1  hym  fare  wel  god  ^eue  his  soule  rest1 

He  is  no  we  in  his  graue  and  in  his  chest1 

1T  Nbwe  of  my  .v.  husbond?  wil  I  telle 

God  lat1  neuere  his  soule  come  in  helle  504 

And  31^  was  he  to  me  fe  moost1  shrewe  fleaf  136,  back] 

fat1  fele  I  on  my  ribbes  al  by  rewe 

And  euere  shal  unto  myn  ending1  daye 

But1  in  oure  bed  he  was  so  fressh.  and  gaye  508 

And  per  wif  al  so  wel  couf  e  he  me  glose 

whan  fat1  he  wold1  han  my  bele  chose 

fat  fou^e  he  had  me  bete  on  euery  bofi 

He  coufe  wynne  ageyn  my  loue  anon  512 

I  trowe  I  loued  him  f  e  bette  for  he 

Was  of  his  loue  daungerous  to  me 

We  wommen  han  if  fat1 1  shal  not1  lye 

In  fis  manere  a  queynte  fantasie  516 

waite  what1  finge  we  may  not1  Ii3tly  haue 

Theraftere  wil  we  crie  al  day  and  craue 

fforbede  vs  finge  and  fat1  desiren  we 

Prees  on  vs  fast1  and  fan  wil  we  fle  520 

vriih  daungere  outer  we  al  oure  chaffare 

Greet1  prees  atte  Market1  makef  dere  ware 

And  to  grete  chepe  is  yholde  atte  litel  pris 

This  knowef  euery  wom?rtan  fat1  is  wise  524 

IT  My  fift1  husbonde  god  his  soule  blisse 

which  fat1 1  toke  for  loue  and  no  ricchesse 

he  some  tyme  was  a  clerk1  of  oxenforc? 

And  had  left1  scole  and  went1  at1  home  to  boord?  528 

PETWOllTH    285   (6-T.  348) 


SIX-TEXT    349 

GROUP  D.  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

wip  my  gossip  dwelling*  in  our  toun 

God  haue  her  soule  her  name  was  alisown 

She  knewe  myn  hert1  and  al  my  priuyte 

Better  pan  oure  parissh  preesf  so  mot1 1  the  532 

To  hure  bywried  I  my  counseil  aii 

ffor  had  myn  hnsbonde  pissed  on  a  walle 

Or  doon  a  pinge  pat1  shuld*  have  cost1  his  liff1 

To  hure  and  to  anoper  worpi  wiff1  536 

And  to  my  nece  which  I  loue  weH 

I  wold  han  tolde  his  counseile  euerideH 

And  so  I  did  ful  often  god  it1  wote 

pat1  made  his  face  often  rede  and  hote .  540 

ffor  verrey  shame  and  blamed  hym  self  for  he  [leaf  137] 

had  tolde  to  me  so  grete  a  privyte 

And  so  byfelle  pat1  ones  in  a  lente 

So  ofte  tyme  I  to  my  gosype  wente  544 

ffor  euere  ^it1 1  loued  to  be  gay  / 

And  forto  walke  in  marche  Averil  and  may 

ffrom  hous  to  hous  to  harken  sonday  tailes/ 

fat1  lankin  clerk  and  my  gossip  dame  alys  548 

And  I  my  self  into  pe  feeldes  wente 

Myn  husbonde  was  at1  london  al  fat1  lente 

I  had  pe  bettre  leisere  forto  pley 

And  forto  see  and  eke  forto  be  seye  552 

Of  lusty  folk  what1  wist1 1  wher*  my  grace 

Was  shapen  forto  be  or  in  what1  place 

Therfore  made  I  my  visitacions 

To  vigiles  and  to  processions  556 

To  preching1  eke  and  to  pise  pilgrimages 

To  plaies  of  miracles  and  of  mariages 

And  wered  vpon  my  gay  scarlet  gites 

Thise  wormes  ne  pise  mothes  ne  pise  mytes  560 

Vpon  my  perile  frete  hem  neuer  a  dele 

And  woostowe  whi  for  pei  were  vsed  wele 

Now  wil  I  tellen  forp  what1  happed  me 

I  seie  pat1  in  pe  feeldes  walked  we  564 

PETWORTH    28P   (6-T.  349) 


SIX-TEXT    350 

GROUP  D,  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

Til  trewely  we  had  such"  daliance 

f  is  clerk1  and  I  fat1  of  my  pwrviance 

I  spake  to  hym  and  seide  how  fat  he 

3 if  I  were  widowe  shuld  wedde  me  568 

ffor  certeynly  I  seye  for  no  bobance 

fat1 1  was  neuere  jiti  wft/tcrate  pwrveance 

Of  mariage  ne  of  of  er  f  ingges  eke 

I  hold?  a  monnys  witte  nat  worf  a  leke  572 

J^atf  haf  but1  oon  hool  forto  stirten  too 

And  }if  fat  faile  fan  is  al  ydoo  / 

[I  bare  hym)  on)  hande  he  hadde  enchauntede  me  BJJ^'JJJ 

My  dame  taughte  me  fat  subtylte  132.W&] 

And  eke  I  sayde  I  Mete  of1  hym)  all  nyghte  577 

He  wolde  haue  slayne  Me  As  I  laye  vprighte 

And  afi  my  bedde  was  ffuHe  of1  vereye  blode 

Butte  yette  I  hope  fat  ye  schuli  do  me  gode  580 

ffor1  blode  bitokenef  e  golde  As  me  was  tanghte 

And  aft  was  ffalse  I  dremede  of1  hitt1  righte  noughte 

Butte  as  I  ffollowede  Ay  My  dames  lore 

AsweHe  of1  that  as  of1  ofer1  fynge  more]  [MS  Reg.  extract  stops] 

But1  nowe  Sir*  lat1  me  se  what1  shal  I  seyn 

A  A .  by  god  I  haue  my  tale  ageyii . 

whan  fat1  my  ferf  husbond!  was  on  bere  [leaf  137,  back] 

I  wepte  algates  and  made  sory  chere  588 

As  wyues  moten  for  it1  is  f  e  vsage 

And  with  my  keercheef  keuered  my  visage 

But1  for  fat1 1  was  purueide  of  a  make 

I  wepte  but1  smale  and  fat1  I  vndertako  592 

To  church  was  myn  husbond  yborn  on  morowe 

wif  neighbours  fat1  for  hy?^  made  sorowe 

And  lankyn  our  clerk1  was  on  of  f  oo 

4s  helpe  me  god  whan  fat1 1  segh  hyw  goo  596 

Aftere  f  e  bere  me  f  ou^t1  he  had  a  peire 

Of  legges  and  of  fete  so  clene  and  feire 

Jjat1  al  my  hert1 1  3aue  vnto  his  holde 

He  was  I  trowe  xxw  wynter1  olde  GOO 

PETWORTH    287   (ft-T.  350) 


SIX-TEXT    351 

GROUP  D.  §  1,  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

And  I  was  xl*1  }if  I  shal  seie  sof  e 
But1  ^it1  I  had  alway  a  Coltissh  tof  e 
Gat1  tof  ed  I  was  and  fat1  by-cam  me  weft 
I  had  f  e  printe  of  seynt1  venus  seeR  604 

As  helpe  me  god  I  was  a  lusty  on 
ffaire  and  riche .  ^onge  and  welbygon 
And  trewly  as  myn  husbonct  tolde  me 
I  had  f  e  best1  quoniara  fat1  iny3f  be  608 

[ffor>  sertes  I  Am)  aH  veneryen) 
In)  ffelenges  And  my  herte  is  Mercyen) 
Yenus  me  yafe  My  luste  my  lykerousnesse 
And  Mars  yafe  me  my  sturdye  hardynesse]  612 

Myn  ascendent1  was  taure  and  mars  f  er-inne 
Alias  alas  fat1  euer  loue  was  synne 
I  folowed  aye  myn  Inclinacion 

By  vertue  of  my  eonstellacion  616 

That1  made  me  I  coujje  not1  wifdrawe 
My  chambere  of  venus  from  a  good  felawe 
[Yette  haue  I  Mars  is  Marke  vppon)  my  fface  ^ou^l/L?]^' 
And  allso  in  AnoJ?ere  preuye  place  620 

ffor*  godz  so  wysse  be  My  saluac^on) 
I  louede  neuer  by  no  discrec^on) 
I  ffollowede  euer  Myne  Appetyte 

AH  were  he  longe  schorte  blacke  or*  whyte  624 

I  toke  no  kepe  so  J?at  he  lykede  me 

How  poure  he  was  And  eke  of1  whatte  degre]      ^f^fsto  si 
What1  shuld  I  sei  but1  at1  Jje  monies  ende 
This  loly  clerk1  lankyn  fat1  was  so  hende  628 

HaJ?  wedded  me  wij>  grete  solempnite 
And  to  hjm  ^aue  [I]  al  ]>e  londe  and  ffee 
Jjat1  euere  was  me  3euen  ferbifore 

But1  aftere[ward]  repented  me  ful  sore  •  .    632 

He  nolde  suffre  no  finge  of  my  lest1 
by  god  he  smote  me  onys  on  fe  lest1 

if  or  fat1 1  rent1  out1  of  his  boke  a  leef  [leaf  iss] 

That1  of  fat1  stroke  myn  eeren  wexen  deef  636 

PETWORTH   288   (6-T.  35 1) 


SIX-TEXT    352 

GROUP  D.   §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

Stiborn  I  was  as  is  a  leonesse 

And  of  my  tunge  a  verrey  langeleresse 

And  walk1 1  wold?  as  I  had  don  to-forn  • 

ffrom  hous  to  hous  al  jjou^e  lie  had  it1  sworn  640 

fibrpwij)  ful  often  tyme  he  wolde  preche 

And  me  [of]  olde  Eomaynes  geestes  teche 

How  he  •  symplicius  gallus  laft1  his  wiff 

And  hure  for-soke  for  terme  of  his  lif  644 

Nat*  but1  for  open  hede  he  hure  say 

Lokinge  out1  at1  his  door  on  a  day 

Ano)>er  romayn  tolde  he  me  "by  name 

Jjafr  for  his  wiff  was  at1  a  somers  game  648 

Wij)-oute  his  wittyng1  he  forsoke  her5  eke 

And  ]?an  wolde  he  vpon  his  bible  seke 

fat1  ilk  prouerbe  of  Ecclesiast1 

Where  he  coramaundej)  and  forbedef  fast1  652 

Man  shal  not1  suffre  his  wif  to  rome  aboute 

Than  wolde  he  seie  ri^t1  Jms  wijj-outen  doute 

"Who-so  fat1  beeldej?  his  hous  aH  of  salous  1  Note  bene 

And  prickej)  his  blynde  hors  oue?*e  J>e  falous  656 

And  sufferej)  his  wif  forto  seken  halowes 

Is  worjji  forto  be  honged  on  J?e  galowes  / 

IT  But  al  for  nou^t1 1  sette  not1  an  hawe 

Of  his  prouerbes  ne  of  his  olde  lawe  660 

Ne  I  wold  not1  of  hyra  corrected  be 

I  hate  hym  Jmt1  my  vice  tellej)  me 

And  so  don  moo  god  wote  of  vs  J>an  I 

Jns  made  him  wij?  me  wode  al  vtterly  664 

I  nold1  forbere  hym  in  no  cas 

Now  wil  I  seye  ^ou  so]?  by  seint1  Thomas 

Whi  fat1 1  rent1  out1  of  his  booke  a  leef1 

fFor  which  he  smote  me  J>af  I  was  deef1  668 

He  had  a  boke  fat1  gladly  ny^f  and  daye 

ffor  his  disport1  he  wolde  rede  alway 

He  cleped  Valerye  and  theofraste  [leaf  iss,  back] 

Atte  whiche  boke  he  lowgh  alway  ful  fast1  672 

PETWORTH  289    (6-T.  352) 


SIX-TEXT    353 
GROUP  D.    §  1.    WIPE'S  PREAMBLE.    PetWOlth  MS. 

And  eke  f  er  was  somtyme  a  clerk1  in  Rome 

A  Cardynal  pat1  hight1  seint1  lerom? 

J^af  made  a  boke  a^ein  louean 

In  which  boke  eke  J>er  was  Terculan  676 

Crisippus .  Trocula  .  and  holowys 

That1  was  Abbas  not1  fer  fro  Paris/ 

And  eke  ]>e  parables  of  Salomon 

Ovydes  art1  and  bokes  mony  on  680 

And  alle  ]?ise  were  bounden  in  oo  volom 

And  euerj  ny^f  and  day  was  his  custom 

Whan  he  had  leisere  and  vacacion 

flrom  ofere  worldly  occupacion  684 

To  reden  in  f  is  boke  of  wicked  wyues 

He  knewe  of  hem  mo  legendys  fan  lyues 

Jjan  bene  of  good  wyues  in  J>e  bible 

ffor  trustej)  wel  it1  is  an  impossible  688 

fat1  eny  clerk1  wil  speken  good  of  wyues 

But1  $if  it1  be  of  holy  seyntes  lyues 

Ne  of  noon  ofere  womman  neuere  )>e  moo  / 

who  peinted  ]?e  lyon  telle  me  who  /  692 

By  god  3if1  wommen  had  ywriten  stories 

As  clerkes  han  wij>-ln  her  oratories 

Thei  wold  han  writen  of  men  more  wickednesse 

Than  al  J?e  Mark1  of  Adam  may  redresse  696 

The  Children  of  mercury  and  Yenus 

Ben  in  her  worchinge  contrarious  / 

Mercury  loue]?  wisdom  and  science 

And  Yenus  louej>  riote  and  dispence  700 

And  for  her  dyuers  disposicion 

Ech  fallej)  in  o)>er  exaltacion 

As  ]?us  god  wote  mercure  is  disolate 

In  pisces  wher  Yenus  is  exaltate  704 

And  Yenus  fallej?  J?er  mercurye  is  reysed? 

ferfor  no  womman  of  no  man  is  preised  . 

The  clerk1  whan  he  is  olde  and  may  not1  do  [leaf  139] 

Of  Yenus  werkes  worj>  his  olde  shoo  708 

PETWORTH   290    (6-T.  353) 


SIX-TEXT    354 

GROUP  D.  §  1,  WIFE'S  PEE  AMBLE.  Petworth.  MS. 

pan  sitte  he  doun  and  writte  in  his  dotage 

J)att  wommen  can  not1  kepe  her  mariage 

But1  nowe  to  pwrpoos  whi  I  told  pe 

Jpat1 1  was  beten  for  a  boke  parde .  712 

Vpon  a  ny^t1  lankin  pat1  was  our  sire 

Redde  on  his  boke  as  he  satte  by  pe  fire 

Of  Eua  first1  pat1  for  her  wickednesse 

Was  al  mankinde  bro^t1  to  wrecchednesse  716 

[ffor1  whiche  pat  Ihesu  Crist1  hym)  selfe  was  slayne 

That  boughte  vs  w^ft&  his  herte  blode  agayne 

Lo  here  expresse  of1  women)  Maye  ye  fiynde 

That  women)  was  the  losse  of1  AH  Mankynde]  720 

Tho  redde  he  me  howe  sampson  lost1  his  heres 

Slepinge  his  lemman  kitt1  it1  wip  her  sheres 

pourgll  whiche  treson  lost1  he  bop  his  eyen  / 

Tho  redde  he  me  if  I  shal  not1  lyen .  724 

Of  Ercules  and  of  his  dyanyre 

pat1  caused  hym  to  sette  hym  self  a  fyre 

No  pinge  forgate  he  pe  penawnce  and  woo 

pat1  Socrates  had  wij?  his  wynes  twoo  728 

Howe  Jjat1  Ancipa  cast1  pisse  on  his  hede 

Je  Sely  man  satte  stille  as  he  were  dede 

He  wiped  his  hede  no  more  durst1  he  seyn) 

But1  er  Jjat1  thonder*  stint1  commej?  a  reyn)  732 

Of  1pasipa  Jiat1  was  J>e  quene  of  grete  c1  atjtntphi 

fFor  schrewdenesse  hy?7i  Ipoufi  J>e  tale  swete 

ffye  speke  no  more  it1  is  a  grisly  Jnnge 

Of  hure  horrible  lust1  and  [hure]  lykynge  736 

Of  Clitermistra  for  her  lecherye 

pat1  falsly  made  her  husbond?  forto  dye 

He  redde  it1  wij>  ful  good  deuocion 

He  tolde  me  for  what  occasion  740 

Amphiorax  at1  thebes  lost1  his  lif1 

Myn  husbonde  had  a  legende  of  his  wif 

Eriphilem .  pat1  for  an  ouch  of  gold? 

hap  prively  vnto  pe  grekes  tolc$  744; 

PETWORTH  291    (6-T.  364) 


SIX-TEXT    355 

GROUP  D,  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

•wher  fat1  her  husbond?  liidde  hyw  in  a  place 

ifor  which  he  had  at1  Thebes  sory  grace 

Of  lyma  tolde  he  mee  and  of  lucye  peaf  139,  back] 

J)ei  bof  made  her  husbondes  forto  dye  748 

Thatt  on  for  loue  fat1  of  er  was  for  hate 

lyma  her  husbonde  on  euene  late 

Enpoysened  had  for  fat1  she  was  his  foo 

Lucia  lykerous  loued  her  husbond'  soo  /  752 

J^at1  for  he  shuld?  vpon  her  alway  f  inke 

She  ^aue  hy.m  such  a  loue  manere  drinke 

That1  he  was  dede  or  if  was  by  f e  morowe 

And  fus  algates  husbondes  han  sorowe  756 

1T  Than  tolde  he  me  howe  on  latumyus 

Compleyned  to  his  felawe  arius 

That1  in  his  gardyne  growed  such  a  tre 

On  which"  he  seide  fat1  his  wyues  fre  760 

Hangged  he?r&  selue  for  hertes  despitous 

O  leue  broker  quod  fis  arious 

3eue  me  a  plant1  of  fat1  blisful  tre 

And  in  my  gardyne  planted  shal  he  be  764 

Of  latter  date  of  wyues  haf  he  redde 

fat1  han  sclayn  her  husbondes  in  f  e  bedde 

But1  lat1  hure  lecchoure  di^t1  hur1  al  f  e  ny^t1 

"Whan  fat1  fe  corps  lay  in  fe  floore  vpri^t1  .      768 

And  some  han  dryuen  nayles  in  her  brayn 

While  fat1  f ei  sclepe  and  fus  f el  han  hem  sclayn 

Somme  han  ^euen  poysen  in  her  drinke 

He  spak  more  harme  fan  hert1  may  fenk1  772 

And  f  er-wM-aH  he  knewe  of  moo  prouerbes    t  2^^Jius  est 

fan  in  f  is  world?  f  er  growen  grasse  or  herbes  / 

Bett1  is  quod  he  fine  ha&itacion 

Be  wif  a  leon  or  a  foule  dragon  776 

Jpan  wif  a  womman  vsing1  forto  chide 

Bet1  is  quod  he  high  in  f  e  roof  abide 

fan  wif  an  angry  wif  down  in  an  hous 

fey  bene  so  wicked  and  contrarious  /  780 

PETWORTH  292    (6-T.  35o) 


SIX-TEXT    356 

GROUP  D.  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

J?ei  haten  fat1  her  husbondes  louen  ay 

He  seide  a  wo??zman  cast1  her  shame  away 

whan  she  cast*  of  her  smokke  and  ferfenno  [leaf  140] 

A  faire  womman  "but1  she  be  chaast1  also  /  784 

Is  lich  a  gold  rynge  on  a  sowes  nose 

who  wold  wene  or  wold*  suppose 

The  woo  fat1  in  myn  herte  was  and  pyne 

And  whan  I  segh  he  wolde  neuere  fyne  788 

To  reden  on  Jns  cursed  boke  al  ny^t1 

Al  sodeynly  fre  leues  haue  I  pli^t1 

Out1  of  his  boke  ri^t1  as  he  redde  and  eke 

I  wif  my  fist1  so  toke  him  on  f  e  cheke  792 

That1  in  our  fire  he  fille  bakward?  adozm 

And  he  vp  stert1  as  do])  a  wood  lyown 

And  wif  his  fist1  he  smote  me  on  f  e  hede 

jpat1  in  fe  flore  I  laie  as  I  were  dede  796 

And  whan  he  seegh  how  stille  fat1  I  lay 

He  was  agast1  and  wold*  han  fledde  away 

Til  at1  f  e  laste  out1  of  my  swowe  I  breide 

0  hastowe  sclayne  me  fals  f  eef1 1  seide  800 

And  for  my  londe  f  us  hastowe  mordred  me 

Or  I  be  dede  ^it1  wil  I  kisse  fee 

And  nere  he  come  and  kneled  faire  adowii 

And  saide  dere  sustere  Alisoun  804 

As  helpe  me  god  I  shal  f  e  neuere  smyte 

That1 1  haue  done  it1  is  J>i  self  to  wite 

ffor^eue  it1  me  and  j?«f  I  fe  biseke 

And  ^if  eftsones  I  hit1  hym  on  )>e  cheke  808 

And  seide  feef  ]?us  moche  am  I  wreke 

Nowe  wil  I  dye  I  may  no  lenger  speke 

But1  at1  J?e  last1  wijj  mochel  care  and  woo 

We  fille  acorded  by  vs  seluen  twoo  812 

He  3aue  me  al  J>e  bridel  in  myn  honde 

To  haue  J>e  gouernawnce  of  hous  and  londe 

And  of  his  tunge  and  his  hand*  also 

And  made  him  brenne  his  boke  anon  ri^t1  J>oo  816 

PETWORTH    293    (6-T.  356) 


SIX-TEXT    357 

GROUP  D.  §  1.  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

And  whan  pat1  1  had  goten  vnto  me 

By  maistery  al  pe  souereynte  . 

Than  he  seide  myn  owne  trewe  wif1  [leaf  140,  back] 

Do  as  3011  lest1  pe  terme  of  al  ^oure  lif1  820 

kepe  3oure  honure  and  kepe  eke  myn  astate 

Aftere  pat1  day  we  had  neuere  debate  . 

God  helpe  me  so  I  was  to  him  as  kinde 

As  eny  wiff  from  denmarke  into  Ynde  824 

And  also  trewe  /  and  so  was  he  to  me 

I  prey  to  god  pat1  sitte  in  mageste 
So  blesse  his  soule  for  his  mercy  dere 

Now  wil  I  seie  my  tale  if  36  wil  here  828 

II  Thus  endep  pe  prologe  of  pe  wiff  of  bath 


,  ,  ,  mil  C1  **a*  **>  The  Wrangle  between 

And  here  bygymiep  pe  Tale.1  the  Summon&r  and  the  Friar.-] 

IF  The  tale./ 

The  frere  lowe  whan  he  had  herd  al  pis 
Now  dame  quod  he  so  haue  I  ioye  or  blis 
pis  is  a  longe  preamble  of  a  tale 

And  whan  pis  somnowr  herd  -pe  frere  gale  832 

Lo  quod  pe  somnowr  goddis  armes  two 
A  frere  wil  entremete  hym  euermoo 
Loo  good  men  a  flie  and  eke  a  frere 

wollen  falle  in  euery  dissh  and  eke  matere  836 

what1  spekest1  pou  of  preambulaciown 
what1  amble  or  trotte  or  pees  or  go  sitte  down 
Thou  lettest1  oure  disport1  in  pis  manere 
3e  wilt1  pou  so  somnour'  quod  pe  frere  840 

Now  by  my  fay  I  shal  er  pat1  1  goo 
Telle  a  somnour  such  a  tale  or  twoo 
That1  alle  pe  folk  shul  laughen  in  pis  place 
Now  ellis  frere  I  bishrewe  pi  face  844 

Quod  pis  somnour'  and  I  bishrewe  me 
But1  3if  I  telle  pe  tales  two  or  pre 
Of  freres  er  I  come  to  sidyngburne 
pat1  1  shal  make  pine  hert1  for  to  mowrne  848 

PETWORTH  294    (6-T.  357) 


SIX-TEXT    358 

GROUP  D.  §  1,  WIFE'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth.  MS. 

ffor  wel  I  wote  J?i  pacience  is  gon 

Our  hoosf  cried  pees  and  )>at<  anon 

And  seide  lat1  pe  womman  telle  her  tale 

3e  faren  as  folk1  J>aft  dronken  ben  of  ale ./  852 

Do  dame  telle  forth  ^our  tale  Jjafr  is  \>Q  best1  OeafHi] 

Al  redy  sire  quod  she  ri^f  as  ^ou  lest1 

If  I  haue  licence  of  J>is  worjji  frere 

^is  dame  auod  he  telle  for])  ^oure  tale  we  wil  here          856 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


PETWORTH   295    (6-T.  358) 


SIX-TEXT    359 

GROUP  D.    §  2.   WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


[THE  WIFE  OF  BATH'S  TALE] 

[on  leaf  141] 

IN  J?e  olde  dayes  of  J?e  king1  arthour*  IT  ffabula 

Of  whicli  fat1  bretons  speken  grete  honour 
Al  was  fis  land  fulfilled  of  fayry 

fe  Elfe  quene  wij>  her  loly  companye  860 

Daunced  wij>  out1  in  mony  a  grene  mede 
Jpis  was  fe  olde  opynyon  as  I  rede 
I  speke  of  mony  an  .C.  3ere  a-goo 

But1  nowe  can  no  man  se  noon  elues  moo  864 

ffor  nowe  fe  grete  charite  and  preiers 
Of  lymytoures  and  ofer  poor  freres 
That1  serchen  euery  londe  and  euery  streme 
As  fikke  as  motes  in  fe  sonne  beme  868 

Blessinge  halles  chambers  and  boures 
Citiees  burghes  castels  hi^e  toures 
Thropes  .  beernys  .  shipnes .  dayrys 

This  make]}  fat1  Jjer  bene  no  fayrys  872 

fFor  Jjer  as  wonte  to  walke  was  an  elf1 
Ther  walke]>  nowe  J>e  lymyto^^r  hym  self1 
In  vnder  meles  and  in  mornyngges 

And  seij?  his  matyns  and  his  hoty  fingges  876 

As  he  go]j  in  his  lymitaciown 
Wbwimen  may  go  nowe  sauf  vp  and  down 
In  euery  bussh  or  vnder  euery  tre 

\)er  nys  non  ojjer  Incubus  but*  he  880 

And  he  wil  do  hem  but1  dishonour 
And  so  felle  it1  fat1  J>is  king1  Arthowr 
Had  in  his  hous  a  lusty  bachilere 
That1  on  a  day  come  riding1  fro  ryvere  884 

PETWORTH  296    (6-T.  359) 


SIX-TEXT    360 

GROUP  D.   §  2.   WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  happed  alone  as  she  was  born 

He  seegh  a  maiden  walking1  hym  byforn 

Of  which  mayde  Maugre  her  hede 

By  verrey  force  he  raft1  hure  maydenhede  888 

ffor  which  oppression  was  such  clamowr  [leaf  ui,  back] 

And  such  pursute  vnto  J)e  king1  arthowr 

That1  dampned  was  J>is  knyjt1  forto  be  dede 

Be  cours  of  lawe  and  shuld  haue  lost1  his  hede  892 

Perauenture  such  was  fe  statute  J>oo  / 

But1  fat1  J>e  quene  and  o]?er  ladis  moo 

So  longe  preide  J>e  kinge  of  grace 

Til  he  his  liff  him  graunted  in  fat1  place  896 

And  $aue  hym  to  J>e  quene  al  at1  her  wille 

To  chese  whedere  she  wold!  hym  saue  or  spille 

The  quene  Jjonkejj  J>e  kinge  wij)  al  her  my^tt 

And  after  J)is  Jms  speke  she  to  J?e  knyght1  900 

Whan  pat1  she  seegh  her  tyme  on  a  day 

Thou  stondest1  $itt  quod  she  in  such  aray 

That1  of  J?i  lif  yti  hastowe  no  suerte 

I  graunte  J>e  lif  if  J>ou  canst1  telle  me  904 

IT  What1  jjing  is  it1  )>af  wommen  most1  desiren 

Be  ware  and  kepe  J)i  nekbone  fro  yren 

And  if  J?ou  canst1  not1  telle  it1  me  anon 

^it1  wil  I  ^eue  )>e  leue  forto  gon  908 

A  xij.  monjje  and  a  daye .  to  seke  and  lere 

An  answere  suffisaunt1  in  J>is  matere 

And  suerte  wil  I  han  er  Jjat1  J>ou  passe 

])i  body  forto  3elde  in  ]?is  place  912 

woo  was  J>is  kny^t1  and  sorowfully  he  sikej) 

But1  what1  ?  he  may  not1  do  al  as  hym  like]) 

And  at1  Jje  last1  he  chese  hym  forto  wende 

And  to  come  a3ein  1-13 11  at1  ]>e  3eres  ende  916 

"With  suche  answere  as  god  wold?  hym  pwrveye 

And  take])  his  leue  and  wende])  for])  his  weye 

He  seke])  euery  hous  and  euery  place 

Where  as  he  hope])  forto  fynde  grace  920 

21  PETWORTH  297    (6-T.  360) 


SIX-TEXT    361 

GROUP  D.   §  2.   WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

To  lere  what*  f  ing1  wommen  louen  most1 
But1  he  nowe  koude  aryuen  in  no  cost1 
where  as  he  my^te  fynde  in  f  is  matere 
Twoo  creatures  acording1  in  fere  924 

Somrae  seiden  wowmen  louen  best4  ricchesse  [leaf  1421 

Somme  seide  honour1  somwe  seiden  lolynesse 
Somme  riche  aray .  some  seiden  lust1  a  bedde 
And  oft1  tyme  to  be  wydowe  and  wedde  928 

Somme  seiden  fat1  we  bene  most1  yesed 
"Whan  fat1  we  bene  yflatered  and  yplesed . 
He  go]?  ful  ny  f  e  so])  I  wil  nat1  lye 

A  man  shal  wynne  vs  best  wi]?  flaterye  932 

And  wi])  attendaunce  and  wif  bisynesse 
bene  we  alyned  bof  more  and  lesse 
And  somwe  men  seyn  howe  fat1  we  louen  best1 
fforto  be  free  and  do  ri^f  as  vs  lest1  936 

And  fat1  no  man  repreue  vs  of  our  vice 
But1  say  fat1  we  bene  wise  and  no  J)inge  nice 
ifor  trewly  f  er  nys  noon  of  vs  alle 

3if  eny  wi^t1  wil  clawe  vs  on  f  e  galle  940 

J^at1  we  nyl  loke  or  he  saye  vs  sotH 
Assaie  and  he  shal  fynde  it1  fat1  he  dof . 
ffor  be  we  neuei*  so  vicious  wif-Inne 
We  wil  be  holden  wise  and  clene  of  synne  944 

And  somme  seyn  fat1  grete  delit1  haue  we 
iFor  to  be  holden  stable  and  eke  secree 
And  in  oo  pz^rpos  stedfastly  to  dwelle 
And  not1  bewrey  fing1  fat1  men  vs  telle  948 

But1  fat1  tale  is  not1  worf  a  rake  stele 
Parde  we  wommen  cownen  no  f  ing1  hele 
Witnesse  on  myda  wil  36  here  f  e  tale 
Ovide  amonges  of  er  fingges  smale  952 

Seif  Mida  had  vnder  his  longe  heres 
Growinge  vpon  his  hede  two  asses  eres 
The  whiche  vice  he  hidde  as  he  best1  n^t1 
fful  subtily  from  euery  mannys  si^f  956 

PETWORTH   298   (6-T.  36l) 


SIX-TEXT    362 

GROUP  D.   §  2.  WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

fat1  saue  his  wif  f  er  wist1  it1  no  moo 

He  loued  her  most1  and  trested  to  her  also 

He  preide  hir*  most*  fat1  vnto  no  creature 

She  shuld!  not1  tellen  of  his  disfigure  960 

She  swore  hym  nay  for  al  fis  world?  to  wynne     [leaf  142,  back] 

She  wold?  do  fat1  vilanye  or  fat1  synne 

To  make  her  husbond  han  so  foule  a  name 

ffor  reprevynge  of  hym  and  foule  shame  964 

But1  naf  elees  her  f  ou^t1  fat1  she  dide 

fat1  she  so  longe  shuld?  a  counseile  hide 

Her  f  ou^t1  if  satte  so  sore  about1  her  herte 

ftat  nedely  som  word  her  mote  a-sterte  968 

And  sif  e  she  durst1  [nat]  tellen  it1  no  man 

Doune  to  a  marise  fast1  she  rarme 

Til  she  came  fere  her  herte  was  a  fire 

And  as  a  bitor  bumlef  in  f  e  myre  972 

She  laide  her  mouf  vnto  f  e  water1  down 

Bewrey  me  not1  f  ou  watere  wif  f  i  soun 

Qooji  she  to  f  e  I  telle  it1  and  no  moo 

My n  husbonde  haf  longe  asses  eren  two  976 

Now  is  my  hert1  al  hole  now  is  it1  oute 

I  my^f  no  lenger  kepe  it1  out1  of  doute 

Here  may  $e  se  f  ou3e  we  a  tyme  abide 

3ete  oute  it1  moot1  we  mowe  no  counseil  hide  980 

The  remenawnte  of  f  e  tale  if  ^e  wil  here 

Redef  ovide  and  36  mowe  it1  lere 

IT  This  kny^t1  of  which  my  tale  is  specialy 

Whan  fat1  he  seegh  he  my^t1  not1  come  f erby  984 

This  is  to  seyn .  what1  wowmen  louen  most1 

Wif-in  his  hert1  soryful  was  f  e  goost1 

But1  home  he  gof  e  he  my^f  not1  soiownie 

f  e  day  was  come  fat1  homward'  most1  he  towme  988 

And  in  his  way  it1  happed  hym  to  ride 

In  al  his  care  vndere  a  forest1  side 

Where  he  segh  in  oon  daunce  goo  / 

Of  ladis/owre  and  twenti1  and  ^it1  moo       [' MS  xxiiij.«.j     993 

PETWORTH  299    (6-T.  362) 


SIX-TEXT    363 

GROUP  D.   §  2.   WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Toward?  f  e  daunce  lie  drowe  hym  ^erne 
In  hope  pat1  somrae  wisdom  shuld?  he  lerne 
But1  certeynly  er  he  cam  fully  fere 

Vanysshed  was  pe  daunce  he  nyst1  not1  where  996 

No  creature  seye  he  pat1  bare  lif  [leaf  143] 

Saue  in  pe  grene  he  sey  sitting1  a  wif 
A  fouler  wi}^  per  may  no  man  deuise 
Ageyn  pe  kny^f  pe  old  wif  gan  arise  1000 

And  seide  sir  kny^t1  here  for])  ne  lie])  no  way 
Telle  me  what1  fat1  $e  seken  be  ^oure  fay 
Perauenture  it1  may  pe  better*  be 

Thise  olde  folk  konne  moche  ping1  quod  she  1004 

My  leue  modere  quod  pis  kny^t1  certayn 
I  am  but1  dede  but1  ^if  pat*  I  can  sayn 
Whatt1  J)inge  it1  is  pat1  wommen  most1  desire 
Cowde  :$e  me  wisse  I  coude  wel  quyte  your  hire  1008 

Plite  me  pi  troupe  here  in  my  hand  quod  she 
The  nexte  pinge  pat1 1  require  pe 
Thow  shalt1  it1  doo  if  it1  lye  in  pi  my^f 
And  I  wille  telle  it1  ^ou  er  it1  be  ny^f  1012 

Haue  here  my  troupe  quod  pe  kny^t1  I  graunte 
Than  quop  she  I  may  me  wel  aucmnte 
pi  lif  is  sauf  for  I  wil  stonde  per-by 

Vpon  my  lif  pe  quene  wil  say  as  I  1016 

Lat1  se  which  is  pe  proddest1  of  hem  alle 
J)af  wereth  on  a  kerchif  or  a  calle 
J)at  dar  seie  nay  of  pat1 1  shal  }ou  teche 
lat1  vs  goo  forp  wip-oute  lenger  speche  1020 

Tho  rowned  she  a  pistel  in  his  eere 
And  bad  hym  to  be  glad  and  han  no  fere 
Whan  pei  be  commen  to  pe  courte  pis  kny^f 
Seide  he  had  holde  his  day  as  he  had  hijti  1024 

And  redy  was  his  answere  as  he  seide 
fful  mony  a  noble  wif  and  mony  a  maide 
And  mony  a  widowe  for  pat1  pei  be  wise 
pe  quene  her  silf  sitting1  as  a  lustise  1028 

PETWOIITH  300   (6-T.  363) 


SIX-TEXT    364 

GROUP  D.   §  2.   WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Assembled  ben  f  is  answere  forto  here 

And  aftere  f  is  kny^fr  was  bode  apere 

And  fat1  f  e  kny^t1  shuld*  telle  in  audience 

To  euery  wi3fr  cowmmaunded  was  silence  1032 

what1  Jung1  fat1  worldly  wominen  louen  mest1       [leaf  143,  back] 

This  knyght1  ne  stode  not1  stille  as  do])  a  beest1 

But1  to  his  question  anon  answerd! 

wif  manly  vois  fat1  al  f  e  courte  it1  herde  1036 

My  lege  lady  generally  quod  he 

wo?7imen  desiren  to  han  souereynte 

As  wel  ouer  hir  husbond  and  her  loue 

And  forto  be  in  maistrie  hyra  aboue  1040 

This  is  3oure  most1  desire  Jjou^e  36  me  kille 

Do))  as  3ou  list1 1  am  here  at1  3oure  wille 

In  al  J)e  courte  ne  was  f  er  wif  ne  mayde 

Ne  wydowe  fat1  contraried  what1  he  saide  1044 

But1  seiden  he  was  worf  i  han  his  lif 

And  wij)  fat1  word  vp  stert1  fat1  olde  wif 

which  fat1  f e  knyght1  sey  sitting1  on  f e  grene 

Mercy  quod  she  my  souereyn  lady  quene  1048 

Er  fat  3oure  courte  departe  do  me  ri^t1 

I  taught1  f  is  answere  vnto  f  is  kny3f 

ffor  which  he  pli3te  me  his  troythe  fere 

fe  first1  finge  I  wolde  of  him  requere  1052 

He  wold  it1  doo  ^if  it1  lay  in  his  my^fl 

Bifore  f  e  court1  fan  prey  I  f  e  sir  kny3^ 

Quod  she  f  at1  f  ou  me  take  vnto  f  i  wiff 

ffor  wel  f ou  woost1  fat1 1.  haue  kepte  fi  liff  1056 

If  I  sey  fals  seye  nay  vpon  f  i  faye 

f  is  kny3t1  answerd1  alias  and  weleaway 

I  woot1  ri^f  wel  fat  such  was  my  bihest1 

ffor  goddis  loue  chese  a  newe  request1  1060 

Take  al  my  good  and  lat1  my  body  goo 

Nay  fan  quod  she  I  schrewe  vs  bof e  twoo 

ffor  f ou3e  fat1  I  be  foule  and  olde  and  poor 

I  nold?  for  al  fe  metal  ne  for  ore  1064 

PETWORTH   301    (6-T.  364) 


SIX-TEXT    365 

GROUP  D.   §  2.   WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

pat1  vnder  erpe  is  graue  or  lith  aboue 

But1  3if  pat1 1  pi  wif  were  and  pi  loue 

My  lone  quod  lie  nay  my  dampnacion 

Alias  pat1  eny  of  my  nacion  1068 

Shuld  euere  so  foule  ydisparaged  be  Deaf  144] 

But1  al  for  no^t1  pe  ende  is  pis  pat1  he 

Constreyned  was  lie  nedes  most1  her  wedde 

And  takep  pis  olde  wif  and  go])  to  bedde  1072 

Kowe  wolden  somrae  men  seyn  perauentwe 

jpat1  for  my  necligence  I  do  no  cure 

To  telle  3ou  pe  loie  and  pe  araye 

pat1  at1  pe  feest1  was  fat1  ilk1  day  1076 

To  which  pinge  shortly  answere  I  shal 

I  seie  per  nas  no  loye  ne  feest1  at  aH 

per  nas  but1  hevynesse  and  mochel  sorowe 

ffor  priuely  he  wedded  hure  on  a  morowe  1080 

And  alday  aftere  hid  hym  as  an  owle 

So  woo  was  him  his  wif  loked  so  foule 

Grete  was  Jje  sorowe  pe  kny^t1  had  in  his  Jjou^t1 

Whan  he  was  wi]>  his  wiff  a  bedde  brou^t1  1084 

He  walowej)  and  turnef  to  and  froo 

His  olde  wiff  laye  smyling1  euermoo 

And  seide  .0  dere  husbond?  o  benedicite 

fare]?  euery  kny^t1  pus  wij>  his  wif  as  ^e  1088 

Is  pis  J?e  lawe  of  king1  Arthures  hous 

Is  euery  kny3f  of  his  loue  pus  dangerous 

I  am  ^oure  owne  loue  and  eke  $oure  wiff 

I  am  she  which  pat1  saued  hap  3oure  lif1  1092 

And  certes  ^it1  did  I  3ou  neuere  vnri3t1 

whi  fare  30  pus  wip  me  pe  firste  ny3^ 

3e  faren  lich  a  man  had  lost1  his  witte 

ffy  what1  is  my  gilt1  for  goddes  loue  telle  it1  1096 

And  it1  shal  ben  amended  if  I  may 

Amended  quod  pis  kny3t1  nay  nay 

That1  wil  not1  bene  amended  neuere  moo 

J)ou  art1  so  loply  and  so  old!  also  1100 

PETWOKTH   302    (6-T.  36o) 


SIX-TEXT    366 

GROUP  D.   §  &   WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

And  ferto  cowmen  of  so  lowe  a  kinde 

J?.at  no  wonder  is  £01136  I  walowe  &  wynde 

So  wolde  god  my  herte  wolde  bres 

Is  Jjis  quod  she  Jje  cause  of  3oure  vnrest1  1104 

3e  certeinly  quo]?  lie  no  wonder*  is  Deaf  144,  back] 

Now  sire  quod  she  I  coupe  amende  al  J>is 

If  Jjat1  me  list*  er  if  were  daies  fre 

So  wel  30  myjtt  here  3ou  vnto  me .  1 108 

IT  But1  for  36  speken  of  such  gentilesse     1  Note  bene  de  nobiiibws 

As  is  descended  out1  of  alle  ricchesse 

fat1  J?erfore  shulden  36  be  gentile  men 

Such  errogannce  nys  not1  worj>  an  hen  1112 

Loke  who  so  is  moost1  vertuous  alway 

Privey  and  aperte  and  best1  endejj  ay 

To  do  ]?e  beste  dedis  Jjat1  he  can 

And  take  him  for  J)[e]  grettest1  gentile  man  1116 

Of  criste  cleyme  we  our*  gentylesse 

Not1  of  oure  elders  for  our  old  ricchesse 

ffor  J)ou3e  jjei  3eue  vs  al  our  heritage 

ffor  which  we  cleyme  to  be  of  hie  parage  1120 

3itt  may  Jjei  not1  byqueej?  for  no  Jnng1 

To  noon  of  vs  her  vertuous  lyuynge 

Jjat1  made  hem  gentile  men  ycalled  be 

And  bad  vs  folowen  in  such  degre  1124 

wel  can  ]>e  wise  poete  of  florence 

J>af  highf  dant1  speke  in  Jns  sentence 

Lo  in  such  manere  Ryme  is  dantes  tale 

fful  seelde  vprisej)  by  his  braunches  smale  1128 

Prowesse  of  man  for  god  of  his  prouesse 

wil  J>aft  of  hym  we  clayme  our  gentilnesse 

ffor  of  oure  elders  may  we  no  Jjing1  clayme 

But1  temporel  Jjing  jjat1  man  may  hirt  and  mayme        1132 

Eke  euery  wi3f  wote  pis  as  wel  as  I 

))o  gentelesse  were  planted  naturelly 

Vnto  a  certeyn  lynage  down  J>e  lyne 

Prive  and  apert1  pan  wold  he  neuere  fyne  1136 

PETWORTH   303    (6-T.  366) 


SIX-TEXT    367 

GROUP  D.   §  2.  WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

To  don  of  gentelesse  J?e  fair*  office 

Jjei  my^ten  do  no  vileny  or  vice 

Take  fire  and  here  if  in  ]?e  derkesf  hous 

By-twix  Jjis  and  the  mount1  of  Caucasous .  1 1 40 

And  laf  men  shette  J)e  doores  and  go  fenne  [leaf  1451 

3if  wol  j?e  fire  as  faire  lye  and  brenne 

A[s]  thowsand  men  mj^  if  biholde 

His  office  naturel  ay  wil  it1  holde  1 1 44 

Vp  perile  of  liff  til  fat1  if  die 

Here  may  30  se  wel  how  J)af  gentrie 

Is  naf  annexed  to  possession 

Si])  folk  do  nof  her  operacion  1148 

Al  waie  as  do]?  fe  fire  lo  in  his  kinde 

ffor  god  if  wote  men  may  ful  often  fynde 

A  lordes  sone  doo  shame  and  vilenye 

And  he  J>af  wil  haue  price  of  his  gentrie  1152 

ffor  he  was  born  of  a  gentile  hous 

And  had  his  elders  noble  and  vertuous 

And  nyl  him-seluen  do  no  gentile  dedys 

"Ne  folow  his  gentile  Awncestre  J?af  dede  is  1156 

He  nys  naf  gentile  be  he  duke  or  erle 

ffor  vileyns  sinful  dedes  make  a  cheerle 

ffor  gentilnesse  nys  buf  reuenf  renome 

Of  Jjine  ancestres  for  hir  bewte  bounte  1160 

Whiche  is  a  strong1  Jjing1  for  J)i  persone 

The  gentilesse  cowme]>  from  god  alone 

Than  commeth  our  verrey  gentilesse  of  grace 

If  was  no  Jring1  byquejje  vs  with  our  place  1164 

Thenke])  howe  noble  as  seij>  Valerius 

Was  ])ilk  Tullius  Hostilius 

jjaf  ouf  of  pouerte  roos  to  hie  noblesse 

EedeJ)  Senek  and  redejj  eke  Boesse  1168 

Jjer  shul  ^e  sene  expresse  J>at  if  no  drede  is 

Jjaf  he  is  gentile  J>at  do])  gentile  dedys 

And  Jjerfore  dere  husbonde  I  ]>us  conclude 

Al  were  if  J)af  myn  ancestres  were  rude  1172 

PETWORTH    304  (6-T.  367) 


SIX-TEXT    368 

GROUP  D,   §  2.  WIFE'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

3ifr  may  fat1  hie  god  an  so  hope  I 

Graunt1  me  grace  to  lyue  vertuously 

Than  am  I  gentile  whan  fat1 1  bygynne 

To  lyuen  vertuously  and  leuen  synne  1176 

And  f  er  as  36  of  pouert1  me  repreue  Deaf  U5,  backj 

The  hie  god  on  whom  fat"  we  byleue  • 

In  wilful  pouerte .  chas  to  lede  his  lif1         H  note  de  pauperfote. 

And  certes  euery  man  bo))  maide  &  wiff  1180 

May  vnderstonde  Ihesu  heuen  kinge 

Ne  wold  not*  chese  a  vicious  lyuynge 

Glad  pouerte  is  an  honest1  Jung1  certayn 

This  wil  senek  and  of  ere  clerkes  seyn  1184 

Who  f  at*  holte  him  paide  of  his  pouerte 

I  holde  him  riche  al  had  he  nou^t1  serte 

He  fat1  coueitef  is  a  poor  wi^t1 

ffor  he  wold?  han  fat1  is  not1  in  his  my}^  1188 

But1  he  fat1  nou^t1  haf  ne  keueitef  to  haue 

Is  riche  al  f  ougfi.  men  hold  him  but1  a  knaue 

Verrey  pouerte  is  signe  proprely 

luuenal  [saif]  of  pouert1  merily  1192 

The  poor  man  whan  he  gof  by  f  e  way 

Biforn  f  e  f  eues  he  may  singe  and  play 

Pouerte  is  hatel  good  and  as  y  gesse 

A  ful  grete  bringer  out1  of  bysynesse  1196 

A  £~  te  amended  eke  of  sapience 

To  him  fat1  lackef  it1  in  pacience 

Pouerte  is  f  is  al  f  ough  it1  seme  alenge 

Possession  fat1  no  wi^t1  wil  chalenge  1200 

Pouerte  ful  often  whan  a  man  is  lowe 

Makef  his  god  and  eke  him  self  to  knowe 

Pouerte  in  spectacle  is  as  f  enkef  me 

forowe  which  he  may  his  verrey  frendes  see  1204 

And  f erfor  sif  fat1 1  $ou  not1  greue 

Of  my  pouerte  no  more  me  repreue 

Now  sire  of  elde  ^e  repreue  me  f  Note  de  senectute./ 

And  certes  sire  forowe  non  auctorite  1208 

PETWORTH  305    (6-T.  368) 


SIX-TEXT    369 

GROUP  D.   §  2.  WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

Where  in  no  boke  36  gentile  in  honour 

Seyn  pat1  mon  shuld!  an  olde  wif  do  fauowr 

And  clepe  liur*  modere  for  ^oure  gentilnesse 

And  auctours  shal  I  fynde  as  I  gesse  1212 

Now  fere  30  seyn  pat1 1  am  foule  and  olde  [ieafi46] 

Than  drede  3ou  not1  to  "bene  a  kokewolcfe 

ffor  filpe  and  helde1  also  mote  I  thee  ['  at  jintbeiw 

Bene  grete  wardeyns  vpon  chastite  1216 

But1  napeles  sip  I  knowe  ^oure  delite 

I  shal  fulfille  ^oure  worldly  appetite 

Chese  nowe  quod  she  oon  of  pise  pingges  twey 

To  han  me  foule  and  olde  til  pat1  I  dye  1220 

And  "be  to  $ou  a  trewe  humble  wiff 

And  neuere  $ou  displese  in  al  my  lif 

Or  ellis  30  wil  haue  me  ^onge  and  faire 

And  take  3oure  auentwre  of  pe  repaire  1224 

That1  shal  come  to  3oure  hous  bycause  of  me 

Or  in  some  opere  place  wel  may  be 

Nowe  chese  3oure  seluen  wheper  3ou  like]) 

This  knyght1  avised  him  and  sor  sikej)  1228 

But1  at1  ]>e  last1  he  seide  in  J?is  manere 

My  lady .  and  my  loue .  and  wif  so  dere 

I  putte  me  in  3oure  wise  gouerncmnce 

Geuejj  3oure  self  which  may  be  most  plesaunce  1232 

And  most1  honowr  to  3ou  and  me  also 

I  do  no  force  J?e  whejjere  of  j?e  two 

ffor  as  3ou  like])  it1  suffise])  me 

Than  haue  I  gote  of  3ou  J)e  maistrie  q?^od?  she  1236 

Si])  I  may  chese  and  gouern  as  me  list1 

36  certes  wif  quod  he  I  holde  it1  for  ]?e  best1 

Kisse  me  quod  she  we  be  no  lenger  wrofe 

ffor  by  my  troufe  I  wil  be  to  3ou  bo]?e  1240 

pis  is  to  seine  bo])  faire  and  goode 

I  prei  to  god  fat1 1  mot1  steruen  woode 

But1 1  to  3ou  be  as  sadde  and  trewe 

As  euere  was  wiff  syj)  fat1  fe  world?  was  newe  1244 

PETWORTH   306   (6-T.  369) 


SIX-TEXT   370 

GROUP  D.   §  2.  WIFE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  but1 1  be  to  morow  as  fair5  to  sene 

As  eny  lady  Emperesse  or  quene 

J}afr  is  by-twene  pe  Est1  and  eke  ]>e  west1 

do])  wij>  my  liff  and  dej?e  ri^t1  as  3011  lest*  1248 

Cast1  vp  J?e  Curtyne  loke  how  it1  is  [leaf  ue,  back] 

And  whan  J>e  ls.nj$V  sawe  al  J>is 

J?af  she  so  faire  was  and  so  yonge  ]>erto 

fibr  ioie  he  hent1  her  in  his  armes  twoo  1252 

His  herte  bathed  in  a  bath  of  blisse 

A  thousand l  tyme  a  rowe  hire  gan  he  kisse  C1  MS  M>-] 

And  she  obeied  him  in  euery  pinge 

That1  myght4  done  hym  plesaunce  or  likinge  1256 

And  Jms  J?ei  lyued  vnto  her  lyues  ende 

In  parfitt  loye  and  Ihesus  crisf  vs  sende 

Husbonde .  yonge .  meke  and  fresssh  abedde 

And  grace  to  ouerlede  hem  fat1  we  wedde  1260 

And  eke  I  prei  to  Ihesu  short1  her  lyues 

That1  wil  not1  be  gouerned  by  her  wyues 

And  olde  and  angry  nygard?  and  dispence 

God  sende  hem  sone  a  verrey  pestilence  1264 

IT  Thus  endef  pe  tale  of  J?e  wif  of  bath  / 


PETWORTH    307   (6-T.  370) 


SIX-TEXT    371 
GROUP  D.    §  3.    WIFE-FRIAR  LINK.    PetWOrth  MS. 


And  here  bygynnef  ]>e  prologe  of  J>e  frere    [on  leaf  us,  back-] 

This  worj>i  lymitowr  J?is  noble  ffrere  IF  ])Q  prologe 

He  made  alway  louring1  chere 
Vpon  J?e  somnowr  .  but1  for  honeste 

No  vyleyns  word  as  ^it1  speke  he  1268 

But*  at1  Jje  last  he  seide  vnto  J>e  wif 
Dame  good  god  ^eue  ^ou  ri^t1  good  lyf1 
3e  han  touched  here  also  mote  I  the 

In  scole  matere  grete  difficulte  1272 

3e  han  seide  mochel  Jnng1  ri^t1  wel  I  seie 
But1  dame  here  as  we  riden  by  jje  weie 
.  Vs  nede]>  not1  to  speken  but1  of  game 
And  late  auctoritees  a  goddes  name  1276 

To  prechen  and  to  scole  eke  of  clergie 
But1  $if  it1  like  vnto  J)is  companye 
I  wil  ^ou  of  a  somnowr  telle  a  game 

Parde  I  may  wel  knowe  by  j?i  name  1280 

That1  of  no  somnowr  may  no  good  be  seid? 
I  prey  jjat1  noon  of  ^ou  be  euel  apeid? 
A  somnowr  is  a  romere  vp  and  down  [leaf  147] 

WiJ>  a  mendement  of  fornicaciown  1284 

And  is  ibete  at1  euery  townes  ende 
Our1  hoost1  Jjoo  spak1  a .  sire  36  shuld  ben  hende 
And  Curteis  as  man  of  30^  astat1 

In  company  we  wil  no  debate  1288 

Tellej)  ^oure  tale  and  latH  ))e  somnowr  be 
Nay  quod  jje  somnow  lat1  him  say  to  me 
What1  so  him  lest1 .  whan  it1  commejj  to  my  lott 
Be  god  I-  shal  hym  quyte  euery  grott  1292 

I  shal  him  telle  swich"  a  grete  honowr 
It1  is  to  be  a  flateryng1  lymytour* 
And  eke  of  ful  mony  an  ojjer  crime 

Which  nedej)  not1  rehersen  at1  Jns  tyme  1296 

And  his  office  I  shal  hym  telle  ywis 
Our*  hooste  answerd?  pees  no  more  of  Jns 
And  afterward  he  seide  vnto  J>e  frere 
Telle  for])  ^oure  tale  my  owen  maister1  dere  1300 

If  Thus  endej)  )>e  prologe  of  J>e  frere. 

PETWORTH   308  (6-T.  37l) 


SIX-TEXT    372 

GROUP  D.   §  4.   FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


And 


here  begynnef  J>e  ffreres  tale. 


Whilom  ]>er  was  dwelling1  in  my  cowtre  IT  The  tale./ 
An  Archedeken  a  man  of  hie  degre 
That1  boldely  did  execusioii 

In  punysshing1  of  fornicacion  1304: 

Of  which  craft1  and  eke  of  baudry 
Of  diffamacion  and  avoutrye 
Of  chirche  reues  and  of  testamentes 

Of  contractes  and  of  lak  of  sacramentes  1308 

Of  vsure  and  symonye  also 
But1  certes  lecchours  did  he  grettest1  woo 
J}ei  shulden  syngen  if  J?ei  were  hent1 

And  Smale  Tythers  weren  foule  shent  1312 

If  eny  person  wold?  vpon  hem  pleyne 
J}er  nr^t1  asterf  him  no  pecunyal  peyne 
ffor  smale  types  and  eke  smale  oifringe 
He  made  J?e  puple  spitously  to  singe  1316 

ffor  er  the  bisshope  kau^t1  hem  wij?  his  hoke        [leaf  147,  back] 
J)ei  weren  in  J?e  Archedekens  boke 
And  pan  had  he  porowe  his  lurisdiction 
Potier  to  don  on  hem  correccion  1320 

he  had  a  somnour*  redy  to  his  hand? 
A  sclyer  boye  was  non  in  engelond! 
ffor  sotilly  he  had  his  especiale 

That1  tau^t1  hym  where  fat1  hyra  my^f  availe  1324 

He  coude  spare  of  lecchowrs  on  or  twoo 
To  techen  hym  to  four  and  twenty1  moo  [i  MS  xxiiij] 

ffor  fou^e  this  sovmour  wode  were  as  an  hare 
To  telle  his  harlotry  I  wil  not1  spare  1328 

PETWOKTH    309   (6-T.  372) 


;  SIX-TEXT  373 

GROUP  D.   §  4.  FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

ffor  we  bene  ouf  of  her  correccion 

}5ei  han  of  vs  non  Jurisdiction 

Ne  neuere  shullen  teerme  of  al  her  lyues 

Peter*  so  bene  J>e  wommen  of  J?e  stewes  1332 

Quod  this  somnowr  ypuf  out1  of  our  cure 

Pees  wij?  meschaunce  and  wi]>  misauenture 

Thus  seide  our  hoosf  and  laf  hyw  telle  his  tale 

Now  telle))  for]?  and  laf  J>e  somnowr  gale  1336 

_Ke  spareth  nou^f  myn  owne  Maistei0  dere 

This  fals  J>eef  Jris  somnowr  quod  fe  frere 

Had  alway  baudes  redy  to  his  honde 

As  eny  hauke  to  lure  in  Engelonde  1340 

That1  telle  him  al  f e  secre  J>at  thei  knewe 

ffor  hure  a-queyntance  was  naf  come  of  newe 

J?ei  weren  his  aprouers  prively 

He  toke  hym  silf  a  grete  prophete  )>erby  1344 

His  maistere  knewe  not1  al  way  what*  he  wan 

wijj-outen  maundementt  of  a  lewde  man 

He  coude  sommon  vpeyn  of  cristes  curs 

And  pei  were  inly  glad  to  fille  his  purs  1348 

And  made  hym  grete  festes  atte  nale 

And  ri^f  as  ludas  had  purses  smale 

And  was  a  feef  113^  such"  a  J>eef  was  he 

His  maister*  had  buf  half  his  dwete  1352 

He  was  }if  I  shal  ^euene  hym  his  laude  \ieafi48] 

A  theef  and  eke  a  somnowr  and  a  bawde 

He  had  eke  wenches  of  his  retenue 

That*  whedere  J>af  sir*  Eoberde  or  sir1  hwe  1356 

Or  lohn  or  rauf  or  who  j?af  if  were 

pat  lay  by  hem  J>ei  tolde  if  in  His  eere 

Thus  was  ]>e  wenche  and  he  of  on  assenf 

And  he  wolde  focche  a  feyned  maundemenf  1360 

And  somne  hem  to  pe  chapitere  boj>  twoo 

And  pille  pe  man  and  laf  J>e  wenche  goo 

Than  wold  he  sei  frend  I  shal  for  ]>i  sake 

To  strike  J>e  ouf  of  oure  letters  blake  1364 

PETWORTH  310    (6-T.  373) 


SIX-TEXT    374 

GROUP  D,    §  4.   FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

J)Q  ther  no  more  as  in  fis  caas  travaile 

I  am  f  i  frende  f  er  I  f  e  may  availe 

Certeyn  he  knewe  of  bribers  moo 

fan  possible  is  to  telle  3ou  vnto  to/  1368 

ffor  in  fis  world4  is  no  dogge  for  no  bowe 

fat1  knowef  and  hert1  deer*,  from  an  olde  bete  kowe 

f  aw  fat1  fis  sonmoM?*  knewe  a  sly  lecchowr 

Or  auouter*  or  ellis  a  paramour1  1372 

And  for  fat1  was  Jje  fruyte  of  al  J>e  rent1 

Therfore  on  hit1  he  sette  al  his  entent1 

And  so  byfelle  fat1  ones  on  a  day 

This  somnowr  euer  way  ting1  on  his  pray  1376 

Bode  forto  somne  an  old?  wif  a  ribibe 

ffeynyng1  a  cause  for  he  wold?  haue  a  bribe 

And  happed  fat1  he  sawe  to-fore  hyw  ride 

A  gey  ^eman  vnder*  a  forest1  side  1 380 

A  bowe  he  bare  and  Arowes  bri^f  and  kene 

He  had  vpon  a  courtepie  of  grene 

An  hatte  vpon  his  hede  wif  stringges  blake 

Sire  quod  fis  somnowr .  haile  and  wel  ytake  1384 

welcome  quod  he  and  euery  good  felawe 

winder5  ridest1  f owe  vnder  fis  grene  wood  shawe 

Seide  fis  ^eman  wilt1  thou  fer  to-day 

This  somnowr  hyra  answerd?  and  seide  nay  1388 

Here  fast1  by  quod  he  is  myne  entent1  [leaf  us,  back] 

To  riden  for  to  reisen  vp  a  rent1 

It1  longef  to  my  lordes  dewte 

Art  fou  fan  a  bailyf .  ^e  quod  he  1392 

He  durste  not1  for  verrey  filf  e  and  shame 

Say  fat1  he  was  a  somnowr  for  f  e  name 

Depar-dieux  quod  fis  3eman  dere  brof 31? 

fou  art1  a  baillif  and  I  am  anofer1  1396 

I  am  vnknowen  as  in  fis  centre 

Of  fine  aqueyntance  I  wil  prey  f  e 

And  eke  of  breferhede  if  fat1  fou  lest1 

I  haue  gold  and  siluer*  in  my  chest1  1 400 

PETWOETH    311    (6-T.  374) 


SIX-TEXT   375 

GROUP  D.   §  4.   FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

3if  pat1  pe  happed  come  into  our  shire 

Al  shal  be  Jjine  ri^f  as  pou  wold?  desire 

Grawnte  mercy  quod  Jjis  somnowr  by  my  feipe 

Euerech"  in  operes  honde  his  troupe  leipe  1404 

ffor  to  be  swore  breperen  to  pei  dye 

And  wip  pat1  word  pei  ride  forp  her  wey 

This  somnowr  wip  patt  was  as  ful  of  Tangles 

As  ful  of  venyme  ben  pise  waryangles  1408 

And  euer  enquiring1  vpon  euery  pinge 

Broper  quod  he  wher1  is  ^our  dwellinge 

Anoper  day  if  I  shuld?  $ou  seche 

pis  3eman  him  answerd?  in  softe  spech"  1412 

Broper  quod  he  ferre  in  pe  north"  contre 

Wher*  as  I  hope  somtyme  I  shal  pe  See 

Or  we  departe  I  shal  pe  so  wel  wisse 

pat1  of  myn  hous  shaltt  pou  neuere  mysse  1416 

Now  bropere  quod  pis  somuour  I  }ou  pray 

Teche  me  while  we  riden  by  pe  waye 

Sip  pat1  30  bene  a  balif  as  am  I 

Sorarne  subtilite  telle  me  feipfully  1420 

In  myn  office  howe  pat1 1  may  most  wynne 

And  sparep  not1  for  conscience  ne  synne 

But1  as  my  bropere  telle  me  howe  doo  36 . 

Nowe  by  my  treupe  bropere  dere  seide  he  1424 

As  I  shal  tellen  pe  a  feipful  tale  [leaf  1493 

My  wages  be  ful  streif  and  smale 

My  lorde  is  hard!  to  me  and  daungerous 

AncJ  myn  office  ful  laborous  1428 

And  perfore  by  extorcions  y  lyue 

ffor  sop  I  [take]  al  pat1  men  wil  me  ^eue 

Algate  by  scleyght1  or  violence 

rTrom  3eer  to  $eer  I  wynne  al  my  dispence  1432 

I  can  no  better  tellen  feipfully 

Now  certes  quod  pis  somnowr  so  fare  I 

I  spare  not1  to  take  god  it1  wote 

But1  3if  it1  be  to  hevy  or  to  hote  1436 

PETWORTH   312   (6-T.  376) 


SIX-TEXT    376 

GROUP  D.   §  4.  FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

What1 1  may  gete  in  counseile  priveily 

No  maner*  conscience  of  fat1  haue  I 

Ner  myn  extorcion  I  my^  not1  lyuen 

Of  suche  lapes  nyl  I  not1  be  shryuen  1440 

Stomake  .  ne  for  conscience  ne  knowe  I  non 

I  schrewe  f  ise  shrift1  faders  euerechon 

"Wei  ben  we  mette  by  god  and  by  seint1  lame 

But1  leue  broker  telle  me  fan  fi  name  1444 

Quo])  f  is  somnowr  in  f  is  mene  while 

J)is  3eman  gan  a  litel  forto  smyle 

Brof  er  quod  he  wiltow  fat1 1  f  e  telle 

I  am  a  feende  my  dwellyng1  is  in  helle  1448 

And  here  I  ride  aboute  my  purchasing1 

To  wete  where  men  wollen  $eue  me  eny  f  ing1 

My  pwrchace  is  to  fette  of  aH  my  rent1 

Loke  how  fou  ridest1  for  fe  same  entenf  1452 

To  wynne  good  fou  recchest1  not1  howe 

Iti^t1  so  fare  I  for  ride  wold1 1  nowe 

Vnto  f  e  worldes  eende  for  a  preye  * 

A  quod  fis  somnowr  benedicite  what1  30  seie  1456 

I  wende  30  were  a  ^eman  trewly 

3e  han  a  mannes  shappe  as  wel  as  I 

Han  36  a  figure  J>an  determynate 

In  helle  J>er  36  bene  in  30^7*  estate  1460 

Nay  certeynly  quof  he  fere  haue  we  noon  [leaf  149,  back] 

But1  whan  vs  like])  we  can  take  vs  oon 

Or  ellis  make  3ou  seme  we  bene  shape 

Somtyme  a  man  or  like  an  ape  1464 

Or  like  an  aungel  can  I  ride  or  goo 

It1  is  no  wonder1  Jnng1  J>ou3e  it1  be  so 

A  lousy  logelour  can  desceyue  fe 

And  parde  3^  can  I  more  craft1  fan  he  1468 

Why  quof  fis  somnowr  ride  36  fan  or  gon 

In  sondry  shappe  and  not1  alway  in  oon 

ifor  we  quod  he  wil  vs  in  such  forme  make 

As  most1  able  is  our  praies  forto  take  1473 

22  PETWORTH   313    (6-T.  376) 


SIX-TEXT    377 

GROUP  D.   §  4.   FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

"What1  make]?  ^ou  to  han  al  f  is  labowr 
fful  mony  a  cause  leeue  sir1  somnow 
Seide  f  is  feende  but1  al  f  ing1  haf  tyme 
The  day  is  short1  and  it1  is  passed  prime  1476 

And  ^it1  ne  wanne  I  no  f  inge  in  f  is  day 
I  wil  entende  to  wynnyng1  $if  I  may 
And  nat1  entende  our  wittes  to  declare 
ffor  broker  myne  fi  witte  is  alto  bare  1480 

To  vnderstonde  f  ouje  I  tolde  hem  f  e 
But1  for  f  owe  askest1  whi  labowren  we 
ffor  somtyme  be  we  goddes  instruments 
And  menes  to  do  his  comaundementes  1484 

Whan  fat1  him  list1  vpon  his  creatures 
In  dyuers  actes  and  in  dyuers  fig?/res 
W'it^-outen  hym  we  han  no  my^t1  certeyn) 
3if  fat1  him  list1  to  stonden  jjer  a^ein  1488 

And  some  tyme  at1  GUI'  pray  han  we  leue 
Only  J?e  body  and  nat1  )>e  soule  greue 
Witnesse  on  lob  whom  fat1  we  diden  woo 
And  somtyme  han  we  my^t1  of  bo])[e]  two  1492 

J?is  is  to  seyn  of  soule  and  body  eke 
And  somtyme  we  bene  suffered  forto  seke 
Vpon  a  man  and  do  his  soule  vnrest1 

And  nat1  his  body  and  al  is  for  ]>e  best1  1 496 

Whan  he  w^tAstondeJ?  our  temptacioii  [leafiso] 

It1  is  a  cause  of  [his]  saluacion 
Al  be  it1  fat1  it1  was  not1  our  entent1 

He  shulde  be  sauf  but1  fat1  we  wolcfe  hym  hent1  1500 

And  somtyme  be  we  seruazmtes  vnto  man 
As  fe  erchbisshope  seint1  dunstan 
And  to  f  e  appostels  serucmnte  was  I 

3ifr  tellef  me  quod  fe  somnowr  feif fully  1504 

Make  36  $ou  newe  bodies  f  us  alway 
Of  elementz  f  e  feende  answered  nay 
Somrae  tyme  we  feyne  and  somtyme  we  arise 
Wif  dede  bodies  in  ful  sondry  wise  150S 

PETWORTH  314  (6-T.  377) 


SIX-TEXT    378 

GROUP  D.   §  4.   FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  speke  as  resonably  and  faire  weH 

As  to  pe  Phitonessa .  did  samueH 

And  $iti  wil  somwe  men  say  if  was  not1  he 

I  doo  no  fors  of  ^oure  dyvynite  1512 

But1  oon  ping1  warne  I  pe  I  wil  not1  Tape 

Thow  wilt1  algates  witte  howe  we  be  shape 

J)ou  shalf  here  afterward  my  broper  dere 

Come  per  pe  nedep  nat1  of  me  to  lere  1516 

flbr  pou  shalt1  be  pine  owne  experience 

Come  into  pe  Chaiere  rede  pis  sentence 

Bette  pan  virgil  while  he  was  a  lyue 

Or  Dante  also  now  lat1  vs  ride  blyue  1520 

ffor  I  wil  hold  company  wip  pe 

Til  it1  be  so  pat1  pou  forsake  me 

Nay  quod  pis  somnowr  pat1  shal  not1  betide 

I  am  a  ^eman  knowe  is  ful  wide  1524 

Mi  troupe  wil  I  holde  to  pe  as  in  pis  cas 

ffor  pei  pou  were  pe  deuel  Sathanas 

My  troupe  wil  I  holde  to  my  broper 

As  I  am  sworn  and  eche  of  vs  to  oper1  1528 

ffor  to  be  trewe  broper  in  pis  caas 

And  broper  we  goon  to  our  purchas 

Take  pou  pi  parte  what1  men  wil  pe  ^eue 

And  I  shal  myne  pus  may  we  bop[e]  lyue  1532 

And  $if  pat1  eny  of  vs  haue  more  pan  opere         [leaf  150,  back] 

Lat1  him  be  trewe  and  part1  it1  with  his  broper 

I  graunte  quod  pe  deuel  be  my  fay 

And  wip  pat1  word  pei  ryden  forth  her  way  1536 

And  ri^t1  at1  pe  enteringe  of  pe  townes  ende 

To  which  pe  sompnowr  shope  hym  for  to  wende 

pei  sey  a  cart1  pat1  charged  was  wip  hay 

Which  pat1  a  carter  droof1  forp  on  his  way  1540 

Depe  was  pe  way  for  which"  pe  carte  stoode 

This  Carter  smote  and  stroof  as  he  were  woode 

Haite  broke  haite  scotte  what1  spare  we  for  pe  stonys 

pe  feende  quod  he  }ou  fecche  bop  body  and  bcnys       1544 

PETWORTH  315    (6-T.  378) 


SIX-TEXT    379 

GROUP  D,   §  4,   FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

As  ferforfly  as  euere  were  30  foled/ 

So  moche  woo  as  I  haue  for  $ou  tholed 

J?e  deuel  haue  aU  bof  hors  and  carte  and  hay 

pou^t1  this  somnowr  here  shul  we  haue  a  play  1548 

And  nere  Jje  feende  he  drou^e  as  na^t1  ne  were 

iful  priueyly  and  rouned  in  his  eere 

Harken  my  broker  herken  be  J?i  feijj 

Herestow  nat1  ho  we  J>e  carter  seij?  1552 

Hent1  if  anon  for  he  hap  ^euen  pe 

Bop  hey  and  carte  and  eke  his  caples  pre 

Nay  quod  pe  deuel  god  wote  neuer  a  dele 

If  is,  not1  his  entent1  trust1  me  wele  1556 

Aske  hym  pi  silf  ^if  pou  not1  trestest  me 

Or  ellis  stint1  a  while  and  pou  shalt  Se 

This  Carter  thakked  his  hors  on  Jje  croupe 

And  Jjei  bygonne  to  drowe  and  to  stoupe  15 GO 

Haite  nowe  quod  he  J>af  Ihesu  crisf  ^ou  blisse 

And  al  his  hond  werk  boj)  more  and  lesse 

That  was  wel  twite  myn  owne  lyarde  boy 

I  prey  god  saue  J?e  and  seinf  loye  1564 

Now  is  my  carte  out1  of  J>e  sclough"  parde 

lo  broker  quod  J?e  feend .  and  what1  told!  I  J?e 

Here  may  36  se  myne  owne  dere  bro)>ere 

pe  Carle  spak1  oo  pinge  but1  he  Jjou^f  anoj>^r  1568 

laf  vs  go  forjj  abouten  our  viage  [leaf  1513 

Here  wynne  I  no  Jnnge  vpon  cariage 

Whan  fat1  fei  commen  somwhat1  out1  of  J?e  toim 

This  somno?/r  to  his  broker  gan  to  rown  1572 

Broker  quod  he  here  woraiej?  an  olde  rebekke 

J?af  had  almost1  as  leef  to  lese  her  nekke 

As  forto  ^eue  a  peny  of  hire  good  . 

I  wil  haue  xij.  pans  fou^e  fat1  she  be  wode  1576 

Or  I  wil  somne  hure  to  our  office 

And  ^if  good  woote  of  hure  knowe  I  no  vice 

But1  for  pou  canst1  nat1  as  in  Jns  contree 

Wynne  J>i  cost1  take  here  ensample  of  me  1 580 

PETWOllTH   316    (6-T.  379) 


SIX-TEXT    380 

GROUP  D,   §  4.   FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

This  somncmr  knokkejj  at1  jje  wydous  gate 

Come  out1  lie  seide  J>ou  olde  viritate 

I  trowe  Jwu  hast1  somme  frere  or  preest  with  Jje 

Who  clappeth"  per  seide  )>is  wif  benedicite  1584: 

God  sane  $ou  sir*  what1  is  ^oure  swete  wille 

I  haue  quod  he  to  somne  J?e  here  a  bille 

Yp  peyne  of  cursinge  loke  J?af  j>ou  be 

To-morowe  by-forn  our  Archedeken  kne  1588 

To  answere  to  J?e  courte  of  certeyn  jnngges 

Now  lord!  quod  she  crist1  Ihesu  king1  of  kingges 

So  wisly  helpe  me  as  I  ne  may 

I  haue  be  sik1  and  J>af  ful  mony  a  day  1592 

I  may  not1  goo  so  ferre  quod  she  ne  ride 

But1 1  be  dede  so  prickej?  it1  in  my  side 

May  I  not1  axe  a  libeli  Sir'  somnowr 

And  answere  pere  by  my  procurator  1596 

To  suche  a  J>inge  as  men  wolden  opposen  me 

3is  quo}?  this  somnour*  pay  anon  late  See 

xij  penys  to  me  and  I  wil  J>e  aquite 

I  shal  no  profit1  han  ]?erby  but  lite  1600 

My  maister  haj?  fe  prophete  and  nat  I 

Come  and  lat1  me  riden  hastely 

3eue  me  .xij  pans  I  may  no  lenger  tarye 

xij,  qwod?  she  lady  seinte  Marye  1604 

So  wisly  helpe  [me]  out1  of  care  and  synne          Deaf  151,  back] 

ftis  wide  world?  Jjou^e  I  shuld  it1  wynne 

Ne  haue  I  not1  xij  pens  wij?-in  my  holde 

$e  knowe  wel  Jjat1 1  am  poor  and  olde  1 608 

Kithe  $oure  almesse  on  me  poor  wrecche 

nay  J?an  quo]?  he  ]?e  foule  fende  me  fecche 

3if  I  ]>e  excuse  fyoujQ  Jjou  shulde  be  spilt1 

Alias  qwod  she  god  wote  I  haue  no  gilt1  1612 

Pay  me  quod  he  or  by  the  swete  Anne 

As  I  wil  bere  away  J>i  newe  panne 

ffor  dette  which"  J>ou  owest1  me  of  olde 

Whan  jjat1  )>ou  made  fine  husbond!  kukwolcJ  1616 

PETWORTH    317    (6-T.  380) 


SIX-TEXT    381 

GROUP  D.   §  4.   FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS, 

I  paide  at1  home  for  f  i  correction 

Jpou  lixte  quod  she  be  iny  saluacion 

JSTe  was  I  neuere  or  nowe  widowe  ne  wiff1 

Somned  vnto  ^oure  courte  in  al  my  liff  1G20 

!N"e  neuere  I  nas  but1  of  my  body  trewe 

Vnto  f  e  deuel  blake  &  rowe  of  hwe 

3eue  I  f  i  body  and  my  panne  also 

And  whan  fe  deuel  herd?  her  curse  soo  /  1624 

Vpon  her  knees  he  seide  in  fis  manere 

Now  mabely  myn  owne  modere  dere 

Is  fis  ^ou[r]  wiH  in  ernestt  fat1  ^e  seye 

J?e  deuel  quod  she  fette  hym  er  he  deye  1628 

And  pan  and  al  but1  he  wil  hym  repent1 

Nay  olde  stott  fat1  is  not1  myn  entent1 

Quod  fis  somnowr  for  to  repente  me 

ffor  eny  ping1  fat1 1  haue  had  of  fe  1632 

I  wold1 1  had  f  i  smokke  and  euery  clof  e 

Nowe  brof er  quod  J>e  deuel  be  not1  wroth" 

J)i  body  and  ]?is  panne  is  myn  by  rijf 

Jjou  shalt1  wijj  me  to  helle  jit  to-ny^t1  1636 

Where  Jjou  shalt1  knowe  of  our*  priuete 

More  )?an  a  maister  of  diuinite 

And  wij)  fat1  word?  ])is  foule  fende  hy??^  hent1 

Body  and  soule  he  with  fe  deuel  went1  1640 

Wher  fat1  somnowrs  han  her  heritage  [leaf  ir>2] 

And  god  fat1  made  after*  his  ymage 

Man-kinde  saue  and  gyde  vs  al  and  some 

And  lene  fis  somnowr  good  man  to  bycome  1644 

Lordingges  I  couf  e  han  tolcfc  ^ou  quod  J»s  frere 

Had  I  had  leisere  for  fis  somnowr  here 

Aftere  f  e  text1 .  crist .  paule  and  John 

And  of  oure  of  ere  doctowrs  mony  on  1648 

"Which  peynes  fat1  ^our1  hertes  my^f  agn'se 

Al  be  it1  so  no  tunge  may  deuise 

f ou^e  fat1 1  my^t1  a  'Ml.  wynter1  telle 

fe  peynes  of  filk1  cwrsed  hous  of  helle  1652 

PETWORTH  318    (6-T.  38l) 


SIX-TEXT    382 

GROUP  D.   §  4.  FRIAR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

But*  forto  kepe  vs  from  pat1  cursed  place 

Wake]>  and  preieth  Ihesu  for  his  grace 

So  kepe  vs  fro  pe  temptowr  sathanas 

Herkenep  pis  word?  bep  ware  as  in  pi's  cas  1656 

pe  lyon  sitte  in  his  awaite  alway 

To  sclee  pe  Innocent1  $if  pat1  he  may . 

Disposep  ay  ^oure  hertes  to  wipstond? 

pe  fende  pat1  3011  wold?  make  pral  and  bond!  1660 

He  may  not1  tempten  3011  oner  ^our* 

ffor  crist  wil  be  ^oure  champion  and 

And  prejep  pat1  pis  somnowr  hym  repent1 

Of  his  mysdede  er  pat1  pe  fende  hym  hent1  1664 

1T  Thus  endep  pe  frere  his  tale . 


PETWORTH    319   (6-T.  382) 


SIX-TEXT    383 
GROUP  I>.    §  5.    FRIAR-SUMMONER  LINK.    PetWOlth  MS. 


IT  And  here  bygynnef  f  e  prologe  of  f e  somnowr     ion  7/152} 

This  somncmr  in  his  stirop  hi^e  stode          IT  f  e  prologue 
Ypon  fis  frere  his  herte  was  so  wode 
fat1  like  an  aspen  leef  he  quoke  for  Ire 
Lordingges  quod  he  but1  oo  finge  I  desire  1668 

I  3011  biseche  fat1  of  ^oui0  curtesie 
Sif  ens  30  han  herde  this  fals  frere  lye 
As  suffre  me  I  may  a  tale  telle 

fis  frere  boosteth  fat1  he  knowef  helle  1672 

And  god  woote  it1  is  litel  wondere 
ifreres  and  feendes  bene  but1  lite  asonre 
ifor  parde  30  han  oft1  tyme  herd  telle  Oaf  152,  back] 

How  fat1  a  frere  rauysshed  was  in  helle  1676 

In  spirit1  ones  by  A  visiown 
And  as  an  aungel  lad  him  vp  &  down 
To  shewen  him  the  peynes  fat1  fer  were 
In  all  fe  place  segh  he  not1  a  frere  1680 

Of  ofer  folk1  he  segh  ynow  in  woo 
Ynto  fis  aungel  speke  fe  frere  foo 
iNbwe  sire  quod  he  han  freres  suche  grace 
fat1  noon  of  hem  shal  come  to  fis  place  1684 

3is  quof  fis  aungel  mony  a  myliown 
And  vnto  Sathanas  he  lad  hym  down 
And  now  haf  sathanas  seif  he  a  tale 

Bradder1  fan  of  fe  Carike  is  a  saile  1688 

hold  vp  f  i  taile  f  ou  sathanas  qwod?  he 
Showe  forf  fine  ers  and  lat1  f e  frere  see 
Wher  is  f  e  nest1  of  freres  in  fis  place 
And  er  fan  half  a  forlonge  wey  of  space  1692 

PETWOHTH  320    (6-T.  383) 


SIX-TEXT   384 
GROUP  D.    §  5.    FRIAR-SUMMONER  LINK.    PetWOrth  MS. 


as  been  swermen  out1  of  an  hyve 
Out1  of  Jje  deuels  ers  J?ei  gon  drive 
xxw.  thousand1  freres  on  a  route 

And  Jjoughtf  helle  swarme  al  aboute  1696 

And  cowimen  a^ein  as  fast1  as  J?ei  mowe  gon 
And  in  his  ers  Jjei  crepten  euerechon 
He  clapte  his  taile  a^ein  and  lay  stille 
This  frere  whan  he  loked  had  his  fille  1700 

Vpon  Jjise  turmentz  of  J?is  sory  place 
His  spiref  god  restored  of  his  grace 
Vnto  his  body  a^ein  and  he  awoke 

But1  najjelees  for  fere  jiti  he  quoke  1704 

So  was  jje  deueles  ers  ay  in  his  mynde 
which  is  his  heritage  of  verrey  kinde 
God  saue  you  alle  saue  jjis  cursed  frere 
My  prologe  wil  I  ende  in  J>is  manere  1708 

IT  Thus  endef  fe  prologe  of  J>e  somnowr 


PETWORTH   321   (6-T.  384) 


SIX-TEXT    385 

GROUP  D.  §  6.  SUMMONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS, 


And  here  bygynnef  f  e  somnowr  tale 

LOrdyngges  fer/  is  in  york-shire  as  I  gesse          [leaf  153] 
A  mershy  contray  called  holdernesse 
In  which"  fere  went1  a  lymitowr  aboute 
To  preclie  and  eke  to  begge  it1  is  no  doute  1712 

And  so  byfelle  fat1  on  a  day  f  is  frere 
Had  preened  atte  chiicR  in  f  is  manere 
And  specialy  abouen  euery  f  inge 

Excited  lie  f  e  puple  in  his  prechinge  1716 

To  trentales  and  [to  }eue]  for  goddis  sake 
Therwif  men  my^te  holy  howses  make 
Ther  as  dyuyne  seruyse  is  honoured 

Nou^t1  fere  as  it1  is  waasted  and  deuoured  1720 

E"e  fere  if  nedef  not1  forto  be  }eue 
As  to  possessoures  fat1  may  ellis  lyue 
Thonked  be  god  in  wele  and  habundawnce 
Trentales  seide  he  delyueref  fro  pencwnce  1724 

Her  frendes  soules  as  wel  olde  as  yonge 
3if  fat1  f ei  bene  hastely  ysonge 
Nou^fc1  forto  holde  a  preesf  loly  and  gay 
He  syngef  not1  but1  oon  masse  on  a  day  1728 

Delyueref  out1  quod  he  anon  f  e  soules 
fful  hard?  it1  is  \vif  flesshhoke  eif  er  with  oulys 
Nul  spede  ^ou  hastely  for  cristes  sake  1732 

To  kepe  $ou  from  peynes  of  fendes  blake  1731 

And  whan  f  e  frere  had  seide  al  his  entente 
With  qui  cum  patiQ  forf  he  wente 
Whan  folk  in  chirche  had  3eue  hyra  what1  hew  lest 
He  went1  his  way  no  lenger  wold!  he  rest1  1736 

PETWORTH   322    (6-T.  385) 


SIX-TEXT    386 

GROUP  D.    §  6.   SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

WiJ>  scrippe  and  tipped  staf  tukked  M  hie 

In  euery  hous  he  gan  to  pore  and  prie 

And  beggej)  mele  or  chese  or  ellis  corn 

His  felawe  had  a  staf  tipped  wi]>  horn  1740 

A  paire  of  tables  of  ynorie 

And  a  poyntel  polsshed  fetisly 

And  w[r]ote  alway  J>e  names  \er  he  stode 

And  alle  folk  Jjat1  ^aue  hym  eny  goode  1744 

Ascaunce  as  he  wold?  for  hem  preye  Deaf  153,  back] 

3if  vs  a  busshel  whete .  malt1  or  reye 

A  goddys  kechil  or  a  trippe  of  chese 

A  bosshel  malt*  or  ellis  of  peese  1748 

A  goddys  half  peny  or  a  masse  penye 

Or  3eue  vs  of  ^oure  [bran]  $if  ye  haue  enye 

A  dagon  of  3our  blanket1  leue  dame 

Our  suster  deer  loo  here  I  write  30111^  name  1752 

Bacon  or  beef  or  such"  jjinge  as  36  finde 

A  sturdy  harlot1  went1  alway  behinde 

J?at  was  her  hoostes  man  and  bere  a  sak1 

And  what1  men  3aue  hym  leide  it1  on  his  bak1  1756 

And  whan  he  was  out1  of  Jje  door  anon 

He  pleyned  away  [J>e]  names  euerechon 

jjat1  he  biforn  had  writen  in  his  tables 

He  serued  [hem]  wij?  nyfels  and  wi]>  fables  1760 

Nay  jjer-In  Jm  lixt1  somnowr  quod.  J>e  frere 

Pes  quod  oure  hoost1  for  cristes  modere  dere 

Telle  for])  fi  tale  and  spare  it1  not1  at  all 

ffor  hym  ne  for  noon  ojjere  what  so  fall  1764 

So  longe  he  went1  hous  by  hous  til  he 

Come  to  an  hous  J?er  he  was  wont1  to  be 

Eefresshed  more  J>an  in  an  .C.  places 

Seke  lay  ]>e  good  man  jmt1  of  the  place  es  /  1768 

Bedred  vpon  a  couche  lowe  he  lay 

Dews  hitf  quod  he .  o  thomas  frende  good  day 

Seide  J)is  frere  curtesly  and  soft1 

Thomas  god  ^eeld?  3ou  wel  oft  1772 

PETWORTH   323  (6-T.  386) 


SIX-TEXT    387 

GROUP  D.   §  6.   SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

Haue  I  vpon  pis  benche  faren  ful  wele 

Here  haue  I  eten  mony  a  mery  mele 

And  from  pe  benche  he  droof  away  pe  catt1 

And  leide  a  doune  his  potent1  and  his  hatfr  1776 

And  eke  his  scripte  and  sette  hyra  soft  adown    .'. 

His  felawe  was  go  walked  in  to  pe  town 

fforp  wip  his  knaue  into  pat1  hostelerye 

"Where  as  he  shope  hym  pilke  ny^f  to  lye  1 780 

0  dere  Maister1  quod  pis  sike  man  [leaf  154] 
How  haue  36  farn  si])  pat1  march"  bygan 

1  segh"  3011  nou3^  pis  fourteny^t1  day  and  more 

God  wote  quod  he  labowred  haue  I  ful  sore  .  1784 

And  specialy  for  pi  saluaciofi 

Haue  I  seide  mony  a  precious  orison 

And  for  our  oper  frendes  god  hem  blesse 

I  haue  pis  day  ben  at1  $our  chirch"  at  messe  1788 

And  seide  a  sermon  after1  my  symple  witte 

Not1  al  aftere  pe  text*  of  holy  writte 

ifor  it1  is  hard?  to  pu  as  I  suppose 

And  Jjerfore  I  wil  teche  3ou  al  J>e  glose  1792 

Glosinge  is  glorious  ping1  certeyn 

ffor  letters  slej>  so  as  we  clerkes  seyn 

There  haue  I  taught1  hem  to  be  charitable 

And  spende  her  good  per  it1  is  resonable  1796 

And  per  I  seghe  our  dame  a  where  is  she 

3ondere  in  pe  3erde  I  trowe  she  be 

Saide  pis  man  and  she  wil  come  anon 

Ey  maister1  welcome  be  30  be  seinf  lohn  1800 

Seide  pis  wiff  how  fare  36  hertely 

This  frere  risep  vp  wel  curteisly 

And  hure  enbrasep  in  his  arnaes  narowe 

And  kissep  hure  swetely  and  chirkep  as  a  sparowe       1804 

Wip  his  lippes  .  dame  quod  he  rijf  wel 

As  he  pat1  is  30UF1  seruemnte  euery  deH 

Thonked  be  god  pat1  3ou  3af  soule  and  lift 

3itf  sey  I  not1  pis  day  so  faire  a  wiff  1808 

PETWOKTH   324    (6-T.  387) 


SIX-TEXT   388 

GROUP  D,   §  6.   SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

In  al  J>e  churche  god  so  saue  me 

3e  god  amende  aH  f antes  sir*  quodt  she 

Algates  welcome  be  ^e  by  my  fay 

Graunt1  mercy  dame  ]>is  haue  I  fonde  alway  1812 

But1  of  $oure  grete  goodnesse  be  your  leue 

I  wold  prey  ^ou  fat1  36  noldz  not1  greue 

I  wil  wij)  thomas  speke  a  litel  throwe 

Tliise  Curatows  bene  ful  necligent1  and  sclowe  1816 

To  grope  tenderly  a  conscience  [leaf  IM,  back] 

In  shrift1  in  preching1  is  my  diligence 

And  stody  in  peter  wordes  and  poules 

I  walke  and  fisshe  cristen  mewnys  soules  1820 

To  ^eelde  Ihesu  his  propre  rent1 

To  speke  his  wordes  is  al  myn  ententf 

No  we  by  ^oure  feij?  dere  maister*  qwod?  she 

ChideJ)  him  wel  for  seinte  trinite  1824 

He  is  as  angry  as  a  pisse  myre 

faf  he  hane  al  Jiat1  he  can  desire 

I  wrie  hym  on  ny3^  and  make  hym  warme 

And  on  hym  lay  my  legge  or  myn  arme  1828 

He  gronej)  lich  onre  boor  Jjat  liejj  in  ]?e  stie 

0)?er  disport1  of  him  non  haue  I 

I  may  not1  plese  him  in  no  mane?*e  cas 

0  Thomas  leo  vous  dye .  thomc/s  thomas  1832 
This  make])  J?e  fende  this  wil  be  amended . 

Ire  is  a  Jnnge  )?at/  hie  god  haj>  defended 

And  ]?e?'of  wil  I  speke  a  word?  or  twoo 

Now  maister  quojj  fe  wif  er  Jjat1 1  goo  1836 

What1  wil  ^e  dyne  I  wil  goo  ]?eraboute 

Now  dame  quod?  he  leo  vous  dye  sanz  doute 

haue  I  of  a  Capon  nou^t1  but  pe  lyuere 

And  of  ^oure  softe  brede  but1  a  shyuere  1840 

And  aftere  j^at1  a  rested  pigges  hede 

But1  jjat1 1  nolde  for  me  no  beesf  were  dede 

fan  had  I  wijj  ^ou  homely  suffisaunce 

1  am  a  man  of  litel  sustynaunce  1844 

PETWORTH   325    (8-T. 


SIX-TEXT    389 

GROUP  D.   §  6.   SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

My  spirit  haf  [his]  fostring1  in  J>e  bible 
J?e  body  is  ay  so  redy  and  so  penyble 
To  wake  Jjat1  my  stomak1  is  destroied! 
I  prei  $ou  dame  be  36  noi^f  anoyed  1848 

])OUJQ  I  frendly  to  3011  my  cownsail  shewe 
By  god  I  nold?  not  telle  it1  it1  but1  a  fewe 
JS"owe  sire  quod  she  butt  oo  word?  er  30  goo 
My  childe  is  dede  with-in  ]>ise  wekes  twoo  1852 

Sone  after*  fat1  36  wenten  out1  of  J>is  toun  [leaf  155] 

His  dej>  I  segh  by  reuelaciown 
Seide  Jjis  frere  at1  home  in  our  dortoz^r 
I  dar  wel  seyn  er  Jjat1  half  an  houre  1856 

Aftere  his  de]>  I  segh  hym  born  to  blisse 
In  myn  avision  god  me  so  wis 
So  dyd  our  Sexten  and  our  fermerere 
Jjat1  han  bene  trewe  freres  .1.  3ere  1860 

J?ei  may  now  god  byponke  of  his  lone 
Maken  hir  luble  and  walken  alone 
And  vp  I  aroos  and  aH  our  couent1  eke 
Wij)  mony  a  tere  trilling1  vpon  our  cheke  1864 

Wijj-oute  noys  of  clateryng1  of  bellys 
Te  deum .  was  our  songe  and  no  ping1  ellys 
Saue  fat1  to  crist  I  seide  an  orison 

Thonkinge  hym  of  my  reuelacion  1868 

ffor  sir1  and  dame  treste])  me  ri^t1  wel 
Our  orisons  bene  more  effectueH 
And  more  we  seen  of  cristes  secre  Jjingges 
|?an  borel  folk1  or  fou^e  fei  were  kingges  1872 

We  lyue  in  pouerte  and  in  abstinence 
And  burel  folk1  in  ricchesse  and  in  dispence 
In  mete  and  drink1  and  her  foule  delite 
We  han  J?is  worldly  lust1  al  in  dispite  1876 

IT  Lazarus  and  Diues .  liveden  dyuersly 
And  dyuers  guardon  had  J?ei  ]?erby 
Who  so  wil  prey  most  fast  and  be  clene 
And  fat1  his  soule  and  make  his  body  lene  1880 

PETWORTH  326   (6-T.  389) 


SIX-TEXT    390 

GROUP  D.   §  6.   SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

"We  faren  as  seif  f  e  apostel .  clof  e  and  fode 

Sumsef  vs  f  ou3e  f  ei  be  not1  ful  goode 

The  clannes  and  f  e  fasting1  of  vs  freres 

Makef  fat1  criste  acceptef  our  preieres  •    1884 

Loo  Moyses  fourty  dales  and  fourty  ny^f 

fast1  or  f  e  hie  god  of  nry^t1 

Spak1  wif  him  in  f  e  Mount1  synay 

Wif  empty  woombe  of  fasting1  mony  a  day  1888 

Resceyued  he  f  e  law  fat1  was  writen/  [leaf  155,  back] 

wif  goddys  fyngere  and  hely  wil  36  witen 

In  mount1  Oreb  er  he  had  eny  speche 

Wif  hie  god  fat1  is  our  saules  leche  1892 

he  fast1  longe  and  was  in  contemplance 

Aaron  fat1  had  f  e  temple  in  gouernawnce 

And  eke  ]?e  oj?er  preestes  euerechon 

Into  )>e  temple  whan  J?ei  shuld  gon  1896 

To  prey  for  J)e  puple  and  to  do  seruise 

jjei  nold  drinke  in  no  manere  wise 

No  drink1  which  fat1  hem  dronke  rny3f  make 

But1  Jjer  in  abstinence  prey  and  wake  1900 

lest  fat1  fei  diden  take  hede  what1 1  saye 

But1  fei  be  sobre  fat1  for  f e  puple  praye 

war  fat1 1  seie  no  more  for  it1  sumsef  / 

Our  lorde  Ihesu  as  holy  writte  deuysef  1904 

3af  vs  ensample  of  fastinge  and  preiers 

Therfore  we  mendena^ntz  we  sely  freres 

Be  wedde  to  pouerte  and  contynence 

To  charite  humblenesse  and  abstinence  1908 

To  persecucyon  for  ri^twisnesse 

To  wepinge  misericord?  and  clennesse 

And  f erfore  may  36  see  fat1  owr  preiers 

I  speke  of  vs  we  mendenawntz  we  freres  1912 

Bene  to  f  e  hie  god  more  acceptable 

fan  3owres  with  f  e  fest1  at1  f  e  table 

ffor  paradis  first1  if  I  shal  not1  lye 

was  man  outchased  for  his  glotenye  1916 

PETWORTH  327    (6-T.  390) 


SIX-TEXT   391 

GROUP  D.   §  6.   SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  chaast1  man  was  in  paradis  certeyn 
But1  harken  nowe  Thomas  wha[t]  I  wil  seyn) 
I  haue  no  tixte  perof  as  I  suppose 

But1 1  shal  fynde  it1  in  a  manere  glose  1920 

That1  specialy  our  lorde  swete  Ihesus 
Spake  by  freres  whan  he  seide  Jms 
Blessed  be  pei  pat1  poor  in  spirite  be 
And  so  for]?  al  pe  gospel  may  ^e  se  1924 

Wher)  if  be  like  our  profession  [leaf  156] 

Or  her  fat1  swymraen  in  possession 
fFye  on  her*  pompe  and  on  her  glotenye 
And  on  her  lewdenesse  I  ham  defie  1928 

Me  penkep  pei  ben  like  louynyan 
ifatte  as  a  whale  and  walking1  as  a  swan 
Al  vinolent1  as  pe  betel  in  pe  spence 

Her  preier  is  of  ful  grete  reuerence  1932 

Whan  pei  for  soules  seyn  pe  Psalme  of  davyd 
lo  bop  pei  seyn  Cor  meura  eructauit1 
Who  folowep  cristes  gospel  and  his  lore 
But1  we  pat1  humyle  ben  and  chasf  and  pore  1936 

Worchers  of  goddis  word  [not]  auditows 
perfore  ri^t1  as  an  hawke  vp  at1  a  sours 
Vp  springep  into  pe  eire .  so  preiers 

And  charitable  chastite  of  bysy  freres  1940 

Making1  her  soures  to  goddes  eren  too 
Thomas  ri^t1  so  as  mote  I  ride  or  goo 
And  by  pat1  lord  pat1  cleped  was  seynt  yve 
Ner  powe  our  broper  pou  shuldestt  not  thryve  1944 

In  cure  Chapitle  prey  we  day  and  ny^t1 
To  crist1  pat1  he  pe  sende  hele  and  my^t1 
Thi  body  forto  welden  hastely 

God  wote  quop  he  no  ping1  perof  fele  I  1948 

As  helpe  crist1  as  I  haue  in  fewe  ^eres 
Spended  vpon  mony  dyuers  freres 
Wei  mony  a  pounde  jiV  fare  I  ne  pe  bette 
Certeyn  my  good  is  almost1  be-sette  1952 

PETWORTH   328  (6-T.  39l) 


SIX-TEXT    392 

GROUP  D.    §  6.   SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

ffare  wele  my  good  for  it1  is  almost1  agoo 

f  e  frere  answerd*  o  Thomas  dost1  f  ou  so 

What1  nedef  ^ou  diners  freres  seche 

What1  nedef  hyra  fatt  haf  a  perfit1  leche  1956 

To  sechen  of  er  leches  in  f  e  toun 

jour  inconstance  is  your  confusion 

Holde  36  me  fan  or  ellis  our  couent1 

To  prey  for  3011  ben  insufficient1  1960 

Thowas  fat1  lape  is  not*  worf  a  myte  [leaf  156,  back] 

3oure  Maladie  is  for  we  haue  to  lite 

A  ^eue  fat1  Couent1  half  a  quarter  otys 

A  3eue  fat1  Couent1  four  and  twenti1  grotys  c1  MS  -xxiiij«]  1964 

A  3eue  fat1  frere  a  peny  and  lat1  hyra  goo 

Nay  nay  thomas  it1  may  no  f  ing1  be  so 

What1  is  a  ferf  ing1  parted  in  twelve 

Lo  eche  fing1  is  counted  in  hyra  selue  1968 

Is  more  stronge  whan  it1  is  so  sclatered . 

Thomas  of  me  f  ou  shalt1  not1  be  flatered  / 

f  ou  woldest1  haue  our  labour  al  for  nou^t1 

fe  hie  god  fat1  al  fis  world?  haf  wrou^tf  1972 

Seif  fat1  f  e  werkman  is  worf i  his  hire 

Thomas  nou^t1  for  ^oure  tresowr  I  desire 

As  for  my  silf  but1  fat1  al  our  Couent 

To  prey  for  $ou  is  al  our  diligent1  1976 

And  forto  beelden  cristes  owne  chirche 

Thomas  if  36  wil  lerne  forto  wirche 

Of  beeldinge  vp  of  churches  may  $e  finde 

If  it  be  good  in  Thomas  lif  of  ynde  1980 

3e  ligge  here  ful  of  anger  and  of  yre 

wif  which  j?e  deuel  sette  ^our  hert1  on  fire 

And  chiden  here  fis  holy  Innocent1 

3our  wif  fat1  is  so  meke  and  pacient1  1984 

And  f  erfore  trow  me  }if  3ou  list1 

NQ  strive  not1  wif  f  i  wif  as  for  f  e  best1 

And  bere  fis  word'  away  now  by  f  i  feif 

Touchinge  such  fing1  lo  what1  fe  wise  man  seif  1988 

23  PETWORTH  329    (6-T.  392) 


SIX-TEXT    393 

GROUP  D,    §  6,   SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Wif -Inne  f  i  hous  ne  be  f  ou  no  lyon 

To  f  i  sogettes  do  f  ou  noon  opression 

Ne  make  f  ou  nat1  fine  aqueyntawnce  forto  fie 

And  ^it1  Thomas  eftsones  charge  I  fe  1992 

Be  ware  of  yre  fat1  in  f  i  bosom  slepef 

ware  f  e  for  the  serpent1  fat1  so  sclily  crepe]} 

vnder  f  e  gras  and  styngef  sotilly 

Be  war  my  sone  and  harken  paciently  1996 

That  xx*1  f  ousand  men  han  lost1  her  lyues  [leaf  1573 

ffor  stryuyng1  with  her  lemmanes  and  her  wyues 

Now  sif  36  han  so  holy  meke  a  wif 

What1  nedef  $ou  thomas  to  make  strif  2000 

Ther  nys  iwis  no  serpent1  so  cruel 

Whan  men  treden  on  his  tale  ne  half  so  feH 

As  a  womman  is  whan  she  haf  kai^t1  an  Ire 

Vengeaunce  is  fan  al  fat1  f ei  desire  2004 

Ire  is  an  synne  oon  f  e  grete  of  seuene 

Abhominable  vnto  god  in  heuene 

And  to  hym  self  it1  is  distruccion 

Thus  euery  lewde  vicar  or  parson  2008 

Can  seie  how  Ire  engendres  homic[id]e 

Ire  is  in  sof  executory*  of  pride 

I  coude  of  Ire  seie  so  niochel  sorowe 

My  tale  shuld*  last1  vnto  to-morowe  2012 

And  f  erfore  I  prei  god  bof  day  and  ny^t1 

An  yrous  man  god  sent1  hym  litel  my^t1 

It  is  grete  harme  and  eke  gret1  pite 

To  sette  an  yrous  man  in  hie  degre  201 6 

IT  Whilom  f  er  was  an  yrous  potestate 

As  seif  senek  fat1  during1  his  estate 

Vpon  a  day  oute  riden  kny^tes  twoo 

And  as  fortune  wolde  it1  shuld!  be  so/  2020 

fat1  oon  of  hem  come  home  fat1  of  ere  no^t1 

Anon  f  e  kny}^  byfore  f  e  luge  was  brou^f 

fat1  saide  f  us  f  ou  hast1  f  i  felawe  sclayn 

ffor  which  I  deme  f  e  to  def  certeyn  2024 

PETWORTH  330    (6-T.  393) 


SIX-TEXT   394 

GROUP  D,   §  6.   SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

And  to  an  of  er  kny^t1  commanded  he 

Go  lede  him  to  def  e  I  charge  f  e 

And  happed  as  f  ei  went1  by  f  e  way 

Toward'  fe  place  fer  he  shuld?  day  2028 

f  e  kny^t1  come  which  men  wende  had  ben  dede 

fan  f  ou^fr  f  ei  it1  was  f  e  best1  rede 

To  lede  hem  bof  to  f  e  luge  agayn 

fei  seiden  lord?  f  e  kny^fr  nys  not1  slayn  2032 

His  felawe  here  he  stant1  hool  a  lyue  [leaf  157,  back] 

He  shal  be  dede  quod  he  so  mot1 1  thryue 

fat1  is  to  seyn  bop  on  two  and  f  re 

And  f  oo  to  f  e  first1  knyjti  ri}^  f  us  spoke  he  2036 

I  dampne  fe  f e  most1  algate  be  dede 

And  f ou  also  most1  nedes  lese  fine  hede 

ffbr  f  ou  art1  cause  of  f  i  felawes  def  e 

And  to  f  e  thridde1  kny^te  f  us  he  seif  e        ['  MS  iij.]       2040 

Thou  hast1  not1  done  fat1 1  coramaunded  f  e 

And  f  us  he  did  hem  sleen  al  f  re 

IT  Irous  Cambises  was  eke  dronkenlewe 

And  ay  delited  him  to  bene  a  shrewe  2044 

And  so  byfelle  a  lorde  and  his  mayne 

That1  loued  vertuous  moralite 

Seide  vpon  a  day  bitwix  hem  two  ri^t1  fus 

A  lorde  is  lost1  if  he  be  vicius  2048 

And  dronkenesse  eke  is  a  foule  record? 

Of  eny  man  and  namely  in  a  lord? 

f  er  is  wel  mony  an  yre  and  mony  an  ere 

In  waytinge  and  he  note  where  2052 

ffor  goddes  [loue]  drynkef  more  attemperaly 

Wyne  makef  a  man  to  lesen  wrecchedly 

his  mynde  and  his  lymes  euerechon 

fe  reuerce  shalf  fou  see  quod  he  anon  2056 

And  preue  it1  by  fine  [owne]  experience 

That1  wyne  ne  dof  to  folk  non  such  offence 

f  er  nys  no  wyne  byreuef  me  my  my^t1 

of  honde  ne  of  foote  ne  of  myn  eye  sight1  2060 

PETWORTH    331   (6-T.  394) 


SIX-TEXT    395 

GROUP  D.    §  6.   SUMMOXER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  for  despite  he  dronke  mocliel  more 
An  .C.  part1  J?an  he  had  don  byfore 
And  ri^t1  anon  J?is  yrous  cursed  wreche 
lete  jjise  kny^tes  sones  to-fore  hyw  fecche  2064 

Comaundyng1  hem  fei  shuld?  to-fore  hym  stonde 
And  sodeynly  he  toke  his  bowe  on  honde 
And  vp  the  strenge  he  pulled  to  his  ere 
And  wij)  an  arowe  he  sclowe  J)e  childe  ri^t1  pere .          2068 
Nowe  whejjer*  haue  I  a  siker  hond?  or  non  [leaf  iss] 

Quod  he  is  al  my  my^tt  and  mynde  agon 
HaJ)  wyne  byreued  me  myn  eye  si^f 

What1  shuld?  I  telle  answere  of  f  e  kny^tf  2072 

His  sone  was  sclayn  J?er  nys  no  more  to  say 
Be  ware  ferfor  wij?  lordes  howe  36  play 
Syng1  Placebo  and  I  shal  }if  I  can 

But1  if  if  be  to  a  poor  man  2076 

To  poor  man  shuld  he  his  vices  telle 
But  not1  to  a  lord?  J?ough  he  shuld*  goo  to  helle 
Lo  Irous  Arus  pilk1  Percian 

how  he  distroied  J?e  Ryuer  of  gysan  2080 

ffor  fat1  an  hors  of  his  was  dreynt1  \er  Inne 
Whan  he  went1  babilonye  to  wynne 
He  made  Jjat1  J)e  Ryuer  was  so  smal 

Jjat1  as  men  my^t1  passed  ouer  al  2084 

lo  fat1  he  so  wel  teche  can 
Ne  be  30  no  felawe  to  non  yrous  man 
Ne  wi})  no  woode  man  Jaf  walke))  by  J)e  way 
lasse  J>e  repent1 1  wil  no  ferfere  say  2088 

Now  Thomas  leue  broker  leue  J?ine  Ire 
J>ou  shalt1  me  fynde  as  luste  as  is  a  squyere 
Hold?  not1  J?e  deuels  knyf  ay  in  J)ine  herte 
Thyne  anger  do]?  J?e  al  to  sore  smerte  2092 

But1  shewe  it1  me  al  )>i  confession 
Nay  quod  J>e  sik  man  by  seint1  Symeon 
I  haue  be  shrive  )>is  day  at1  my  curate 
I  haue  tolde  hym  alholy  myne  astate  2096 

PETWORTH  332   (6-T.  39o) 


SIX-TEXT    396 

GROUP  D.   §  6.   SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

It1  nedep  no  more  to  speke  of  it1  seid  he 

But1  if  me  list1  of  myne  huwilite 

^eue  me  pan  of  3oure  gold!  to  make  our  cloister* 

Quod  lie  for  mony  a  muscle  and  mony  an  oyster*         2100 

Whan  oper  men  han  bene  ful  wel  at  ese 

Hap  bene  our  fode  our*  cloister1  forto  rese 

And  god  wote  vnnep  pe  foundement1 

Performed  is  and  of  our  payvement  2104 

Is  nou^t  a  tyle  wip-Inne  our1  wonys  Deaf  iss,  back] 

By  god  we  owen  xl  pounde  for  stonys 

Now  helpe  Thomas  for  hym  pat1  harowed  helle 

ffor  ellis  mote  we  our  bokes  selle  2108 

And  $if  $ou  lakke  our  predicacion 

Than  gop  pis  world?  al  to  distruccion 

ffor  who  so  wold?  from  pis  world?  vs  byreue 

So  god  me  saue  thomas  by  ^oure  leue  2112 

He  wolde  byreue  out1  of  pe  world?  pe  sonne 

ffor  who  can  techen  and  worchen  as  we  konne 

And  fat*  is  no^t1  of  litel  tyme  quod  he 

But  sij)  Elie  was  or  Elise  2116 

Han  freres  be  pat1  fynde  I  of  record? 

In  charite  pon-kidde  be  our1  lord? 

Now  thomas  [helpe  vs]  for  seinf  charite 

Haue  done  anon  he  sette  hym  on  his  kne  2120 

This  sik  man  wex  nye  woode  for  Ire 

He  wolde  J?aft  J?e  frere  had  be  a  fire 

WiJ>  his  fals  dissimulacion 

Such  ping1  as  is  in  my  possession  2124 

Quo])  he  jjat1  may  I  ^eue  and  non  o]?ere 

$e  sein  me  thus  hou  fat1 1  am  3  our1  bropere 

36  certes  quo]?  pis  frere  trustej?  wel 

I  toke  our  dame  ]?e  letter  of  our  seel  2128 

Nowe  quo})  he  wel  and  somwhat1  shal  I  $eue 

Vnto  3oure  holy  Couent1  while  I  lyve 

And  in  fine  honde  fou  shalt1  it  haue  anon 

Vp  pis  condicion  and  oper  non  2132 

PETWORTH   333    (6-T.  396) 


SIX-TEXT    397 

GROUP  D.   §  6.  SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

That1  f  ou  departe  if  so  my  dere  broker 

J?af  euery  frere  haue  as  mocfi.  as  of  er 

This  shalf  J?ou  swere  on  Jri  profession 

Wif-outen  fraude  or  cauellacion  2136 

I  swere  if  quod  f  e  frere  by  my  faif 

And  f  erwif  al  his  honde  in  his  he  laif 

lo  here  my  feif  in  me  shal  be  no  lak1 

Now  )>an  puf  fine  honde  down  by  my  bak1  2140 

Seide  fis  man  and  grope  wel  behinde  [leaf  159] 

Bynef  my  buttok  f  er  f  ou  shalf  fynde 

A  pinge  J?af  I  haue  hidde  in  priuete 

A  fo^f  fe  frere  fat1  shal  go  wij>  me  2144 

A-doune  his  honde  he  launsef  to  fe  clift 

I  hope  for  to  fynde  f  er  a  ^ift 

And  whan  fis  sik  man  felf  jjis  frere 

About  his  trwel  grope  her  and  fere  2148 

A  myddes  his  honde  he  lete  f  e  frere  a  farf 

f  er  nys  no  capel  drawing  in  a  carf 

fat  my3t  han  lete  a  farf  of  such  a  soun 

fe  frere  vp  sterf  as  dof  a  [wood]  lyoim  2152 

A  fals  eherle  quod  f  e  frere  for  goddis  bonys 

This  despite  f  ou  hast  done  for  f  e  nonys 

f  owe  shal  aby  f  is  farf  if  I  may 

His  mayne  faf  harde  fis  affray  2156 

Come  lepinge  Inne  and  chased  ouf  f  e  frere 

And  forf  e  he  gof  with  a  ful  angry  chere 

^e  ne  had  naf  ellis  for  his  sermon  [*2159] 

To  parten  amonge  his  bref  eren  whan  he  come  home  [*2160J 

And  fus  is  fis  tale  ydon  | 

ifor  we  were  almosf  at  f  e  ton  )  " 

1T  Thus  endef  f  e  somnows  tale. 

C1  Spurious  ending  in  the  Petworth  MS.    For  the  genuine  ending  of  the  Tale,  see 
the  Appendix.] 

PETWORTH  334  (6-T.  397) 


GKOUP  E,    FEAGMENT  VI. 

§  1.     THE  CLERK'S  HEAD-LINK. 
PETWORTH  MS. 


Ande  here 
bygynnef  }?e  prologe  of  J?e  clerk1  of  Oxenford? 

Sir>  Clerk1  of  Oxenford?  our1  oosft  saide     IF  The  prologe !/ 
3e  ride  as  stille  as  Coy  as  do]?  a  maide 
Were  newe  spoused  sitting1  at1  J?e  horde 
This  day  ne  herd  I  of  ^oure  mou]?  a  word!  4 

I  trowe  Jjat1  36  stodye  about1  som  sophyme 
But1  Salomon  seijj  al  Jjinge  ha]?  tyme 
ffor  goddes  sake  he]?  of  better*  chere 

It1  is  no  tyme  nowe  to  stody  here  8 

Telle  vs  some  mery  tale  by  3  our*  fay 
ffor  what1  man  is  entred  into  a  play 
he  nedes  mote  into  J?atH  play  assent1 

But1  pr[e]chej>  not1  as  freres  don  in  lent1  12 

To  make  vs  for  our*  olde  synnes  to  wepe  [leaf  159,  back] 

Nv  J)af  J?i  tale  ne  make  vs  not1  to  sclepe 
Telle  vs  somme  mery  Jjing1  of  auentures 
3oure  termes .  ^oure  colours  and  figures  1 6 

kepe  hem  in  store  til  36  hem  endite 
hi3e  stele  as  whan  men  to  kyngges  write 
Speke]>  so  pleyn  at1  f  is  tyme  I  3ou  prey 
That1  we  may  vnder-stonde  what1  36  sey  20 

This  wor])i  clerk1  benygnely  answered 
Hoost1  quod  he  I  am  vndere  30^  3eerde 
30  han  as  nowe  of  vs  }>e  gouernawnce 
And  ]jerfor  wil  I  do  jou  obeysaunce  24 

PETWORTH  335    (6-T.  403) 


SIX-TEXT    404 

GROUP  E.   §  1.   CLERK'S  HEAD-LINK.   Petworth  MS, 

As  fer  as  reson  askej?  hardely 

I  wil  3011  tel  a  tale  which"  Jxzt  I 

lerned  at1  Padowe  of  a  worjn  clerke 

As  preued  by  his  wordys  and  his  werk1  28 

He  is  nowe  dede  and  nailed  in  his  chest1 

I  prei  to  god  so  send  his  soule  good  rest1 

firaunceys  Petrak  j?e  laureol  poete 

Hight/  J)is  clerke  whoos  retorike  swete  32 

EnlumyneJ)  al  Itaile  Jjorgh"  poetrie 

As  lynyan  did  of  Philosophye 

Or  lawe  or  ojjer  art1  particulere 

But1  defe  fat1  nyl  sufFre  no  ping1  here  36 

But1  as  if  were  a  twynkelinge  of  an  ye 

Bo))  haj)  he  slayn  and  al  shal  we  dye . 

But1  forto  tellen  of  J)is  wor J?i  man 

Jpat1  tau3f  me  J)is  tale  as  I  first1  bygan  40 

I  sey  pat1  he  first*  wip  hygh"  steel  enditep 

Or  he  pe  body  of  his  tale  write]? 

A  procheyn  in  pe  which  disseuerej)  he 

fe  Mounde  and  of  Saluse  J)e  contree  44 

And  spekejj  of  Appenyn  )>e  hilles  hye 

Jjat1  ben  J?e  bondes  of  west  lumbardye 

And  of  Mount1  Eesulus  in  special 

Wher  as  j?e  Poo  out1  of  a  welle  smal  48 

Take))  his  furst1  spryngginge  and  his  sours  [leaf  ieo] 

Wher  as  he  holt1  euen  street1  way  his  cours 

To  Emel  ward?  to  ferrare  and  to  venyse 

The  which"  a  longe  J)inge  were  to  devise  52 

And  trewely  as  to  my  lugemeiit1 

Mee  thenke))  it1  a  ping1  inpertinent1 

Saue  he  wil  conuey  his  matere 

But1  j)is  is  pe  tale  which  pat1  36  shal  here  56 

^[  Thus  ende]?e  )?e  prologe  of  J>is  tale  • 


PETWORTH    336    (6-T.  404) 


SIX-TEXT    405 

GROUP  E,    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


And  here  Dygynnejj  ]>e  clerk  his  tale 

Ther  is  at1  J?e  west  side  of  ytayle  IF  The  tale  f 

Doune  at1  j?e  rote  of  yesulus  J?e  cold1 
A  lusty  pleyn  abundant1  of  vitaile 
wher  mony  a  toune  &  tour1  J?ou  inaist1  bihold 
J»f  founded  were  in  tyme  of  elders  olde 
And  mony  anojjer  delectable  si^t1 
And  saluce  J)is  noble  cuntre  hi^t1  63 

A  Marquis  whiloin  [lord]  was  in  Jjat1  lond  64 

As  were  his  worjri  elders  hym  bifore 

And  Obeisaunt1  and  redy  to  his  hond! 

Were  alle  his  leeges  bo]?  lasse  and  more  67 

})us  in  delite  he  lyued  and  ha))  do  3  ore 

Be-loued  and  drad  fourgh  fauowr  of  fortune 

Bo])  of  his  lordys  and  of  his  coxmme  70 

TherwiJ>  he  was  as  to  speke  of  lynage  71 

The  gentelest1  y-born  of  al  lumbardy 

A  faire  persone .  stronge  and  ^enge  of  age 

And  ful  of  honure  and  curteisie  74 

Discrete  ynou^e  his  cuntrey  forto  gye 

Saue  in  some  Jnngges  he  was  to  blame 

And  Water1  was  Jjis  yonge  lordes  name  77 

I  blame  him  jms  jjat  he  considered  nou^f  78 

In  tyme  cowmynge  what1  mj^f  betide 

But1  on  his  lust1  present  was  al  his  Jjou^t1  {leaf  IBO,  back] 

And  forto  hauke  and  hunte  on  euery  side  81 

Wei  nye  al  o)?er  cures  lete  he  slide 

And  eke  he  ne  wold  j^at1  was  worst1  of  aH 

Wedde  no  wif  for  o^t1  ^at1  my^t1  byfaft  84 

PETWORTH    337    (6-T.  405) 


SIX-TEXT    406 

GROUP  E.   §  2,   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Only  Jjat1  pointe  his  puple  here  so  sore  85 

Jjat1  flok-mele  on  a  day  J>ei  [to  him]  went* 

And  oon  of  hem  J>at*  wisest*  was  of  lore 

Or  ellis  Jjat1  J>e  lorde  wold  best*  assent1  88 

J>att  he  shulde  telle  hyra  what1  his  puple  ment1 

Or  ellis  coude  he  wel  shewe  such  matere 

He  to  Jje  Marquis  seide  as  30  mowe  here  91 

(6) 

0  Noble  Marquis  ^oure  humanitee  92 
Assure]?  vs  and  3eueth  vs  hardynesse 

As  ofte  tyme  as  it1  is  necessite 

That1  we  ^ou  mow  telle  our*  heuynesse  95 

Acceptef  lord  of  ^our1  gentilnesse 

Jjat1  we  to  3owe  wij>  pitous  hert1  compleyne 

And  lat1  ^oure  eeres  not1  my  vois  disdeyne  98 

(7) 

Al  haue  I  no^t1  to  done  in  J>is  matere  99 

More  Jjan  anojjer  haj?  in  pis  place 
^it1  for  as  moche  as  36  my  lord  so  dere 
Haue  alway  shewed  [me]  fauour  and  grace  102 

1  dare  J?e  better  aske  of  }ou  a  space 
Of  audience  to  shewen  our  request1 

And  30  my  loro?  to  done  rijf  as  3011  lest1  105 

(8) 

For  certes  lord  so  wel  vs  like))  3ou  106 

;  And  alle  3oure  werkes  and  euer  han  do  Jjat  we 
JN~e  cowde  nat  our  owne  silf  devisen  howe 
We  nry^t1  more  lyve  in  felicite  109 

Saue  oo  Jnnge  lord  if  it1  30^7*  wille  be 
That1  to  be  a  wedded  man  if  3ou  list1 
Than  were  our1  puple  in  souereyn  hertes  rest1  [leafieij  112 

(9) 

Bowe)>  3oure  nek1  vndere  fat1  blisful  30k1  113 

Of  souereynte  nou^t1  of  seruise 
Which  men  clepe  spousale  or  wedlok1 
And  jjenkej)  lord  among1  3oure  ]>ou3tes  wise  116 

PETWORTH  338    (6-T.  406) 


SIX-TEXT    407 

GKOUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

That  of  wedloke  commef  grete  emprise 

if  or  f  ou}e  we  slepe  or  wake  ionne  or  ride 

Ay  flee])  f  e  tyine  if  wil  no  man  abide .  119 

(10) 

And  fou^e  ^our1  grene  ^oufe  growe  as  ^if  120 

In  crepe])  age  alway  as  stille  as  stone 
And  de]>e  manase])  euery  age  and  smyfr 
In  eche  astate  for  ])er  ascape])  noon  123 

And  also  certeyn  as  we  knowe  euerichon 
Jpat1  we  shul  dye  as  vncerteyn  we  aH 
Ben  of  fat1  day  f  aft  def  shal  on  vs  falle  126 

(11) 
Accepteth  ])an  of  vs  j)e  trewe  entenft  127 

That1  neuere  $iV  refused  your  heest1 

And  we  wil  al  lord  }if  ^e  wil  assent1 

Chese  }ou  a  wif1  in  short1  tyme  at1  the  lest*  130 

Born  of  f  e  gentelest1  and  of  ])e  mesf 

Of  al  ])is  londe  so  fat1  it1  out1  seme 

Honure  to  god  and  ^ou .  so  as  we  con  deme  133 

(12) 

Delyuere  vs  of  al  ])is  bysy  drede  134 

And  take  a  wif1  for  hi^e  goddis  sake 
ffor  $if  it1  byfelle  so  as  god  forbede 

fat1  pourgiL  dej>  $our  lynage  shuldz  sclake  137 

And  a  straunge  lynage  shuld?  take 
^our1  heritage .  oo  woo  were  vs  alyue 
Wherfore  we  prey  }ou  hastely  to  wif  140 

(13) 

Her  meke  preier1  &  her  pitous  chere  141 

Made  ])e  Marquis  haue  such  pite 

Wil  ^e  quod  he  myne  owne  puple  dere  [leaf  iei,  back] 

To  fat1 1  neuer  erst1  fou^t1  constreyne  me  J.44 

I  me  reioyse  not1  of  my  liberte 
fat1  seelden  tyme  is  found  in  mariage 
Ther  I  was  free  I  mot1  bene  in  semage  147 

PETWORTH    339    (6-T.  407) 


SIX-TEXT    408 

GROUP  E,   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

But1  najjelees  I  se  3oure  trewe  entenf  148 

And  trust1  vpon  ^ou  and  haue  don  ay 

Wherfore  of  my  fre  wille  I  assent1 

To  wedde  me  as  sone  as  euer  I  may  151 

But  per  as  36  han  profered  me  to  day 

To  chese  me  a  wif  I  $ou  relese 

That1  chois  f  &  prei  3011  of  jour  propher  cese  154 

(15) 

For  god  it1  wote  pat1  children  oft1  ben  155 

Ynlike  her  worpi  eldres  hem  bifore 
Bounte  coramep  al  of  god  not1  of  pe  strene 
Of  which  pei  ben  engendred  and  ybore  158 

I  Trust1  in  goddys  bounte  and  perfore 
My  mariage  and  my  astate  and  rest1 
I  hym  bitake  he  may  do  as  hyw  lest1  161 

(16) 

Lat1  me  allone  in  chesing1  of  my  wiff  162 

That1  charge  vpon  my  bak1 1  wil  endure 
But1 1  3ou  prey  and  charge  vpon  $our  lif1 
Jpat1  wif  pat  I  take  36  me  ensure  165 

To  worship  hur)  whil  our*  lyf  endure 
In  worde  and  werke  bo])  here  and  ellys  where 
As  she  an  emperours  doi^ter  were  1 68 

(17) 

And  ferpermore  pis  shullen  30  swere  pat  36  169 

A3einst1  my  chose  shul  neiper  grucche  ne  stryue 
ffor  si])  I  shal  forgo  my  liberte 

At1  3oure  request1  as  euer  mot1 1  thryue  172 

Ther  as  myn  hert1  is  sette  ]>er  wil  I  wyue 
And  but1  30  wollen  assent1  in  such  manere 
I  prey  3ou  spekef  no  more  of  ])is  matere  [leat  IBS]  175 

(18) 

WiJ)  harty  wille  fei  sweren  and  assenten  176 

To  al  ])is  ])inge  per  seide  no  wi^  nay 
Bisechinge  hym  of  grace  er  pei  wenten 
That1  he  hem  wol(J  gmunten  a  certeyn  day  179 

PETWORTH    340  (6-T.  408) 


SIX-TEXT    409 

GROUP  E.    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

Of  his  spousale  as  sone  as  euer  he  may 

ffor  3  it1  alway  J?e  puple  somwhat1  dredde 

Lesse  ])is  Marquis  wol  no  wif  wedde  182 

He  graunted  hem  a  day  such  as  hym  lest1  183 

On  which  he  wolde  be  wedded  sikerly 

And  seide  he  did  al  J?is  at1  her  request1 

And  Jjei  wijj  humble  entent1  ful  buxomly  186 

Knelinge  vpon  her  knees  ful  reuerently 

Hym  J>onken  alle  and  Jms  Jjei  han  an  ende 

Of  her  entent1  and  home  a3ein  ]?ei  wende  189 

And  here  vpon  he  toke  his  officers  190 

Commaundinge  for  |?e  fest1  to  pwrueye 

And  to  his  privey  kny3tes  and  sqwiers 

Such  charge  $af  hem .  as  hym  lust1  on  hem  to  leye         193 

And  Jjei  his  comaundementz  to  obeye 

And  ech  of  hem  do])  his  diligence 

To  done  vnto  |>e  fest  reuerence  196 


[PART  THE  SECOND.] 

Nou3t1  fer  from  Jjilk1  place  honurable  197 

wher  as  J>is  Marquis  shope  his  mariage 
J>er  stoode  a  Thrope  of  si^t1  delectable 
In  which  poor  folk1  of  Jjat1  vilage  200 

Hadden  her  beestes  and  her  harbigage 
And  of  her  labour  toke  her  sustincmnce 
After1  J>e  erjje  hem  ^aue  abundaunce  203 

Among1  Jjise  poor  folk  jjer  dwelled  a  man  204 

which  fat1  was  holden  porest1  of  hem  aH 

But1  hegh  god  somtyme  sende  can  [leaf  162,  back] 

His  grace  vnto  a  litel  oxes  stall  207 

lanicula  men  of  J?atf  thrope  hym  calle 

A  doughter1  had  he  faire  and  ^ong1  of  si^f 

And  Grisild'  Jjis  ^onge  maiden  hi3^  210 

PETWORTH    341   (6-T.  409) 


SIX-TEXT   410 

GKOUP  E.    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

But1  forto  speke  of  vertuous  bewte  211 

fan  was  she  oon  J>e  fairest1  vnder  sonne 

fful  poorly  yfostred  was  she 

Ko  licorousnesse  was  on  her  lust1  yronne  214 

"Wei  ofter  of  J?e  well  pan  of  J?e  tunne 

She  drank1  /  and  for  she  wole  vertue  plese 

She  knewe  wel  labour  but1  non  ydel  ese  217 

(24) 

But1  fou^e  pis  maide  were  tender*  of  age  218 

^it1  in  j?e  brest1  of  her  virginite 
J>ere  was  enclosed  ripe  and  sad  corage 
And  in  grete  reuerence  and  in  grete  charite  221 

Her  olde  poor  fadere  fostred  shee 
A  fewe  shepe  spynnyng1  on  J?e  felde  she  kept* 
She  wolde  not1  ben  ydel  til  she  sclepte  224 

(25) 

And  whan  she  homward*  come  she  wolde  bringe  225 

wortes  and  herbes  tymes  ful  oft1 
which  she  shradde  and  si])  for  her  lyuyng1 
And  made  her  bedde  ful  hard*  and  no  ping1  soft  228 

And  euere  she  kept1  her  faders  lif  on  loft 
wij?  euery  obeisaunce  and  diligence 
That1  childe  may  do  to  faders  reuerence  231 

(26) 

Vppon  Grisilde  J>e  poor  creature  232 

fful  oft1  haj)  Marquis  sette  hys  eye 
As  he  on  hundyinge  rode  perauenture 
And  whan  it1  felle  fat1  he  my^f  hir  espye  235 

he  not1  wij)  wa[n]ton  lokinge  of  foly 
his  eyen  cast1  vpon  bur1  but1  in  sad  wise 
Vpon  her  chere  he  wold4  hym  oft1  avise         [leaf  issj         238 

(27) 

Commending1  in  his  hert1  her  wommanhede  239 

And  eke  her  vertue  passing1  eny  wi^t1 
Of  so  ^onge  age  as  wel  in  chere  as  in  dede 
if  or  J?ou^e  J?e  puple  haue  no  gret1  insi}^  242 

PETWORTH   342    (6-T.  410) 


SIX-TEXT    411 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

In  vertue  he  considered  ful  ri^t1 

Her  bewte  and  disposed  pat1  he  wold? 

Hir>  wedde  if  euer  he  wedde  shuld?  245 

(28) 

The  day  of  weddyng1  come  but1  no  wi^t1  can  246 

Telle  what1  womman  it1  shuld?  be 
fFor  which  mervaile  wondred  mony  man 
And  seiden  whan  pei  weren  in  priuete  249 

wil  not1  our  lorde  leue  his  vanyte 
wil  he  not1  wedde  alas  alas  pe  while 
whi  wil  he  hyw  self  and  vs  )ms  begile  252 

(29) 

But1  na-pe-lees  pis  marquis  ha))  do  make  253 

Of  Gemmes  sette  in  gold*  and  in  asure 
Broches  and  ryngges  for  grisild?  sake 

And  of  her  eloping1  toke  he  pe  mesure  256 

Of  a  maide  like  to  her  stature 
And  eke  of  oper  ornamentes  aH 
pat1  to  such  a  wedding1  shul  fatt  259 

(30) 

The  tyme  of  vndern  J)e  same  day  260 

Approchep  pat1  pis  wedding1  shulde  be 
And  all  pe  paleys  putt1  was  in  aray 

Both  halle  and  chambres  ech  in  his  degre  263 

Houses  of  office .  stuffed  wip  grete  plente 
J5er  maist1  ])ou  see  of  deynteuous  vitaile 
pat1  may  be  found?  as  fer  as  lastejj  ytaile  266 

(31) 

This  rial  Marquis  rially  araied .  267 

lordys  and  ladys  in  his  companye 

Jje  which  to  ]?e  feest1  were  preied  /  [leaf  103,  back] 

And  of  his  retenwe  pe  bacheler.ye  270 

wi])  mony  a  soune  of  sondry  melodye 
vnto  J>e  vilage  [of  J>e]  which  I  told' 
In  pis  aray  J)e  ri^te  way  hap  hole?  273 

PETWORTH    343   (6-T.  41 1) 


SIX-TEXT    412 

GROUP  E.    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

•Griseld?  god  wote  of  jns  ful  Innocent*  274 

Jmt1  for  hure  was  shape  al  Jns  aray 

To  fecchen  watere  at  J?e  welle  is  went1 

And  coramej?  home  as  sone  as  euer  she  may  277 

fFor  wel  she  herd  say  pat1  ilk1  day 

Jjat1  Marquis  shuld?  wedde  and  if  she  my^t1 

She  wold?  fayn  see  somme  of  fat1  si^fr  280 

(33) 

She  Jjou^t1  I  wil  wij)  o]?er  maidens  stone?  281 

fat1  bene  my  felawes  in  oure  door  and  see 
The  Marquis  and  J?erfor  wil  I  fonde 

To  done  at1  home  as  sone  as  if  may  be  284 

\)Q  laboure  which  J?afr  longej?  vnto  me 
And  pan  may  I  at1  leisere  it1  byhold? 
If  she  pis  way  to  pe  castel  holde  287 

(34) 

And  as  she  wolde  ouer1  pe  thresshold?  gon  288 

The  Marquis  come  and  can  hur*  forto  calle 
And  she  sette  doune  her  water  pot1  anon 
beside  pe  thresshold?  of  J>e  oxes  stalle  291 

And  doun  vpon  her  knees  she  gan  to  falle 
And  wij?  sadde  cowntenawnce  kneled  stille 
Til  she  had  htrde  what1  was  fe  lordes  wille  294 

(35) 

This  pou^tful  Marquys  spake  vnto  ]>is  maide  295 

wel  soberly  and  seide  in  jns  manere 
where  is  3  oure  fader  Griseld'  he  seide 

And  she  wij?  reuerence  and  meke  chere  298. 

Answered  lord  he  is  al  redy  here 
And  Inne  she  goo])  wijj-out1  lenger  lette 
And  to  f  e  Marquis  she  her  fadere  fette .       [leaf  164]         301 

(36) 

He  by  ]>e  honde  fan  toke  pis  olde  man  302 

And  seide  him  J>us  whan  he  hyra  had  a  side 
lanicula  I  neifer  may  ne  can 

lenger  J?e  plesaunce  of  myn  herte  hide  305 

TETWORTH   344   (6-T.  41,2) 


SIX-TEXT    413 

GROUP  E.    §  2,   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

If  jjaf  36  vouchesauf  what1  so  be-tide 
}>i  doubter  wil  I  take  er  Jjat1 1  wende 
As  for  my  wif  to  my  lyues  end  308 

(37) 

Thow  louest1  me  I  woot1  wel  certeyn  309 

And  art1  my  feij?-ful  liege  man  ybore 
And  al  fat1  likejj  me  I  dar  wel  seyn 

It1  like})  J>e  and  specialy  J?erfore  312 

Tel  nie  Jjat1  poynt1  Jratf  I  haue  seide  byfore 
If  Jjat1  jjowe  wolde  vnto  Jjat1  pwrpoos  drawe 
To  take  me  as  for  pine  sone  in  lawe  315 

(38) 

The  sodeyn  caas  J>e  man  astonyed  soo  /  316 

Jjaf  rede  he  wexe  al  basshed  and  al  quakinge 
He  stood  and  vnnejjes  seide  wordes  moo 
But1  only  Jms  lord  quod  he  my  willinge  319 

Is  as  30  wol  not1  a^einst1  3our>  likinge 
I  wil  no  pinge  30  be  my  lorde  so  dere 
Ri}^  as  $ou  lesf  gouernej)  pis  matere  322 

(39) 

Than  wil  I  do  Jms  quod  Marquis  softly  323 

Jjat  in  to  J>e  chambre  I  and  J?ou .  and  she 
haue  a  collacion  and  woost1  J?ou  why 

ffor  I  wil  aske  bur1  $if  hir*  wil  be  326 

To  be  my  wif  and  rewle  hir*  after  me 
And  al  J>is  she  shal  done  in  Jn  presence 
I  wil  not1  speke  out1  of  J?ine  audience  329 

(40) 

And  in  J>e  Chambers  while  J?ei  were  aboute  330 

Her  tretis  which  36  shul  after  here 
Jpe  puple  come  into  J?e  hous  w?'t/ioute 
And  wondred  hem  in  howe  honest1  manere  [leaf  164,  back]  333 
And  tentifly  she  kepte  hur  fadere  dere 
But*  vtterly  grisildl  wonder  my^t1 
ffor  neuere  erst1  sey  she  shuch  a  sijti  -336 

24  PETWORTH   346    (6-T.  413) 


SIX-TEXT    414 

GROUP  E,    §  2,   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

No  wonder  is  fo^e  she  be  astonyed  337 

To  se  so  grete  a  gest1  come  in  fat1  place 

She  was  neuere  to  suche  gestys  womied 

ffor  which  she  loked  wif  ful  pale  face  340 

But1  shortly  fro  f  is  matere  forto  pace 

Thise  were  f  e  wordes  fat1  f  is  marquis  saide 

To  fis  benygne  verrey  feifful  mayde  343 

(42) 

Grisyle  he  seide  36  wol  wel  vnderstonde  344 

It1  like]?  vnto  3oure  fadere  and  me 
£af  I  3ou  wedde  and  eke  it1  may  so  stonde 
As  I  suppose  fat1  36  wil  it1  so  be  347 

But1  J>is  demaunde  I  axe  fursf  quodl  he 
That1  sif  en  it1  shal  be  don  on  hastif  wise 
Wol  $e  assent1  or  ellis  ^owe  avise  350 

(43) 

I  seye  J>is  be  36  redy  with  good  herf  351 

To  al  my  lust1  and  fat1 1  frely  may 
As  me  best1  )>enkejj  do  $ou  lawgh  or  smert 
And  36  neuer  grueh  ny3^  ne  day  354 

And  eke  whan  I  seie  36  say  30  not1  nay 
Neijjer  be  word?  ne  fraward  cozmtenance 
Swere  ])is  and  here  I  swere  our  aliance  357 

(44) 

WOndringe  vpon  )?is  worde  quaking1  for  drede  358 

She  seide  Indigne  and  vnwor|)i 
Am  I  to  fat1  [honour]  fat1  30  me  bede 
But1  rijf  as  ye  wil  302/7*  self  ri^f  so  wil  I  361 

And  [here]  I  swere  fat1  neuer  willingly 
In  word?  ne  fou^f  I  neuere  3ou  disobeye 
ffoi  to  be  dede  f  ou3e  me  were  lof  e  to  deye  364 

(45) 

This  is  ynowe  Grisile  myii)  quod  he  [leafiesj  365 

And  forf  he  gof  wif  a  sobre  chere 
Out1  at  f  e  door  after  cam  she 
And  to  fe  puple  he  seide  in  f  is  manere  368 

PETWORTH    346   (6-T-  414) 


SIX-TEXT   415 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

This  is  my  wif  quod  lie  Jmt1  stondejj  here 

Honourej?  hir1  and  loueth  [hire]  I  prey 

Who  so  louej?  me  per  nys  no  more  to  seye  371 

(46) 

And  for  no  Jmig1  of  hure  olde  gere  372 

She  shuld  bring1  to  his  hous  he  bade 
Jjat1  wommen  shulden  spulen  hir1  ri^f  fere 
Of  which  J?e  ladies  were  not1  ri^f  glade  375 

To  handel  her  clones  in  which  she  was  clad 
But1  nafeles  Jjis  maiden  bri^t1  of  hwe 
tfrom  fote  to  hede  ycloj>ed  han  al  newe  378 

(47) 

Her  heres  han  ])ei  kembed  fat1  lay  vntressed  379 

wel  rwdely  with  her  fyngeres  smale 
And  a  crowne  on  her  hede  J?ei  han  dressed? 
Isette  ful  of  owches  grete  and  smal  382 

Of  hir1  aray  what1  shuld?  I  make  a  tale 
Vnnefes  J?e  puple  hir1  knewe  for  her  fairnesse 
Whan  she  transformed  was  in  such  richesse  385 

(48) 

^F  This  Marquis  hajj  hure  spoused  wij)  a  rynge  386 

Bou^t1  for  J?e  same  cause  an  fan  hir1  sette 
vppon  an  hors  snowe  white  and  wel  amblynge 
And  to  his  palaies  er  he  lenger  lette  389 

WiJ>  loiful  puple  J?atf  he  lad  and  mette 
Conveied  hir1  and  Jms  pe  day  Jjei  spende 
In  reuel  to  J>e  sonne  canne  descende  392 

(49) 

And  shortely  for])  J)is  tale  forto  chace  393 

I  sey  Jjat1  to  ]?is  newe  Marquissesse 
God  haj?  ysent1  such  favour  of  his  grace 
Jtat1  it1  semed  not1  as  by  liknesse  396 

That1  she  was  born  and  fedde  in  rudenesse  [leaf  165,  back] 

As  in  a  Cote  ar  in  aji  oxes  stalle 
But1  norshed  in  an  Emperours  halle  399 

PETWORTH   347    (6-T.  415) 


SIX-TEXT    416 

GROUP  E.    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

To  euery  wi^f  she  woxen  is  so  dere  400 

And  worshipful  j>af  folk1  jjer  she  was  bore 

And  from  her  birth"  knewe  her  fro  ^ere  to  ^ere 

VnneJ?  trowed  J?ei  buf  durst1  haue  swore  403 

.]?af  to  lanicle  of  which  I  speke  byfore 

She  dou^tere  ne  were  for  as  by  coniecture 

hem  Jjou^f  she  was  a  noper  creature  406 

(51) 

ffor  [fou^e]  J?af  euere  vertuous  was  she  407 

She  was  encresed  in  such  excellence 
Of  thewe  sette  in  high  bounte 

And  so  discrete  and  faire  of  eloquence  410 

So  benygne  and  digne  of  reuerence 
And  coude  j>e  puples  hertes  so  enbrace 
)>af  ech  her  loued  J>af  loked  on  her  face  413 

(52) 

Wou^f  only  of  saluce  in  }>e  toun  414 

Publisshed  was  J?e  bounte  of  her  name 
And  eke  be-side  in  mony  a  regiown 

If  oon  seide  wel  anojjer  seide  )>e  same  417 

So  spradde  of  hure  bounte  j?e  fame 
That1  men  and  wommen  bo]>  3onge  and  olde 
Goon  to  saluse  hur*  to  be-holde  420 

(53) 

This  waiter,  lowly  nay  but1  ryally  421 

weddej)  wij)  fortune  honeste 
In  goddes  pees  lyuen  wel  esely 

At*  hoom  and  outward  grace  yno^e  had  he       .  424 

And  for  he  sawe  vnder  lowe  degre 
was  off  vertue  hid  ]>e  puple  hym  helde 
A  prudent1  man  and  fat1  is  sene  wel  seide  427 

(54) 

Noi^tf  only  Grisile  Jms  Jjorgh  her  witte  428 

Cou}?e  al  |>e  fete  of  wively  humblenesse  [leases] 

But1  eke  whan  J>e  cas  required  if 
The  comon  profite  coude  she  redresse  431 

PETWORTH    348  (6-T.  416) 


SIX-TEXT    417 

GROUP  E,    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 


Ther  nas  no  discord?  rancour  ne  heuynesse 
In  al  J>e  londe  fat1  she  ne  coude  it1  cese 
And  bring1  hem  al  wisely  ill  rest1  and  ese 

Though  Jjat1  hur1  husbond?  present1  were  anon 
}if  Gentil  men  or  oj?er  of  her  centre 
were  wrooj)  she  cowde  bringe  hem  at1  on 
So  wise  and  rype  wordes  had  she 
And  luggement1  of  so  grete  equite 
That1  she  fro  heuene  was  as  men  wende1 
Puple  to  saue  and  euery  wrong  taniende 

Not1  longe  tyme  aftere  Jjat1  pis  grisild 
Was  wedded  she  a  dorter  haf>  ybore 
Al  had  she  leuer  born  a  knaue  child? 
Glad  was  Jje  Marquis  and  his  folk  jjerfore 
fibr  Jjou^e  a  mayde  childe  come  al  byfore 
She  may  to  a  knaue  childe  atteyiie 
By  liklihede  sij>ens  she  is  not1  bareyne 


434 
435 


438 


[i  this  line  is  re- 
peated in  the  MS.} 

441 


442 


445 


448 


[THE  THIRD  PART.] 

Therfor  as  it1  fallej?  tymes  moo  449 

That1  Jjis  childe  haj?  sowked  but1  a  thrawe 

This  marquis  in  his  hert1  longe]?  so 

To  tempte  his  wif  her  sadnesse  to  knowe  452 

J3at  he  ne  my^t1  fro  his  hei  t1  throwe 

J)is  merveilous  desire  his  wif  tassay 

NaJ>e-lees  god  wote  he  Jjou^f  Mr1  to  affray  455 

He  had  assaied  hir1  ynou3e  to-fore  456 

And  fonde  huV  euer  good  what1  nedej)  It1 

Hir*  forto  torment1  and  alway  more  and  more 

Jjou^e  somwe  preise  it1  for  a  subtile  witte  459 

But1  as  for  me  I  saie  J^at1  euel  it1  sitte  Oaf  166,  back] 

To  assaie  a  wif  whan  it1  is  no  nede 

And  putten  hure  in  angwissfr  and  in  drede  462 

PETWORTH   349    (6-T.  417) 


SIX-TEXT    418 

GROUP  E.  .§  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

For  which"  fis  Marquis  wrou^f  in  fis  ma[ne]re  463 

He  came  a  nyght1  alon  f  er  as  she  lay 

wif  steeme  face  and  trouble  chere 

And  seide  foo  Griseld?  quo])  he  fat1  day  466 

fat1  I  3ou  toke  out1  of  ^oure  poor  aray 

And  putte  $ou  in  estate  of  hie  noblesse 

36  han  not1  31^  for^eten  as  I  gesse  469 

(60) 

I  seye  Griseld?  fis  present1  dignite  470 

In  which  I  haue  put1  $ou  as  I  trowe 
Make])  not1  ^ou  fo^etful  forto  be 

fat1  I  3ou  toke  in  poor  estate  ful  lowe  473 

ffor  eny  ])inge  30  mote  pure  seluen  knowe 
Take  hede  of  euery  word  fat1  I  3011  seie 
ther  is  no  wi^t1  fat1  here])  fis  but1  we  tweye  476 

(61) 

3e  wote  $our  self  wele  howe  fat1  ^e  come  here  477 

Into  ])is  hous  it1  is  not  long1  ago 
And  fou3e  to  me  36  be  leef  and  dere 

vnto  my  gentiles  36  be  no  fing1  so  480 

]?ei  seyn  to  hem  it1  is  grete  shame  and  woo 
fibrto  be  sogette  and  in  seruage 
To  J)e  fat1  art1  born  of  so  lowe  lynage  483 

(62) 

And  namely  sif  fi  dorter1  was  bore  484 

fise  wordes  han  fei  spoke  doutlees 
But1 1  desire  as  I  haue  don  byfore 

To  lyve  my  lif  wij)  hem  in  rest1  and  pees  487 

I  may  not1  in  fis  cas  bene  rechelees 
I  most1  don  wif  [f i]  do^tere  for  fe  best1 
nou3t1  as  I  wold?  but1  as  my  gentils  lest1  490 

(63) 

And  31^  god  woot1  fis  is  ful  lof  to  me  491 

But1  nafeles  wij)  outen  your  wetynge  [leaf  IG?] 

I  nyl  not1  doo  but1  fis  I  wil  quod  he 
fat1  36  to  me  assent1  as  in  fis  f inge  494 

PETWORTH   350   (6-T.  418) 


SIX-TEXT    419 

GROUP  Er   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

Shewef  now  ^oure  pacience  \n  yowr  worchinge 

That1  30  me  byhi^f  and  swore  in  ^our  vilage 

That1  day  fat1  maked  was  our  mariage  497 

(64) 

Whan  she  had  herde  al  fis  she  was  not1  amoued?  498 

Keif  er  in  word  or  chere  or  countenance 
ffor  as  it1  semed  she  was  not1  agreued 
She  seid  lorde  all  lith  in  ^oure  plesawnce  501 

My  childe  and  I  wij>  hertely  obeisance 
Bene  ^oures  aU  and  36  may  saue  and  spille 
3oure  owne  fing1  wheder1  fat  36  wille  504 

(65) 

Ther  may  no  f  inge  so  god  my  saule  saue  505 

likinge  to  3ou  fat1  may  displese  me 
Ne  I  desire  no  f  inge  to  haue 

!N"e  drede  to  lese  saue  only  30  508 

This  wille  is  my  hert1  and  ay  shal  be 
No  length  of  tyme  or  def  it1  may  deface 
Neife  chaunge  my  corage  into  o]>er  place  511 

(66) 

Glad  was  fe  Marquis  of  hur*  answering1  512 

Euf  3it1  he  feyned  as  he  were  not1  so  . 
Al  drery  was  his  chere  and  his  lokinge 
whan  she  shuld!  out1  of  fe  chamber  goo  515 

Sone  after  fis  a  forlong1  way  or  twoo 
he  pleynly  haf  told?  his  entent 
Vnto  a  man  which  he  to  his  wif  sent1  518 

(67) 

A  manei1'  sergeaunt1  was  fis  privey  man  519 

fe  which  fat1  feithful  fond!  yhad 

In  fingges  grete  and  eke  such  folk1  wel  can 

Don  execucion  of  f  ingges  bad  522 

f e  lord  knewe  wel  fwfc  he  hyra  loued  and  drad . 

And  whan  fis  sergeawnt1  wist1  his  lordes  witt       [leaf  167,  back] 

Into  fe  chambere  he  stalked  hym  ful  stitt  525 

PETWORTH  351    (6-T.  419) 


SIX-TEX1    420 

GROUP  E.   §  2.  CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Madame  he  seide  36  mote  fo^eue  it1  me  526 

J>ougS.  I  do  f  inge  to  which  I  am  constreyned  / 

3e  bene  so  wise  fat1  wel  knowe  30 

fat1  lordes  heestes  may  not1  be  feyned  529 

)>ei  mowen  wel  be  wailed  or  compleyned 

But1  men  mote  nede  vnto  her  lust1  obeye 

And  so  wil  I  fer  nys  no  more  to  seye  532 

(69) 

That1  childe  I  am  co?ftmaunded  to  take  533 

And  spake  no  more  but1  out1  f e  child  he  hent 
Despitously  and  gan  a  chere  make 

As  he  wold!  han  slayn  it1  fer  he  went1  536 

Griseld?  mot1  al  suffre  and  al  consent1 
And  as  a  lombe  she  sittef  meke  and  stille 
And  lete  fis  cruel  Seriaunt1  haue  his  wiHe  539 

(70) 

Suspecte  was  f  e  name  of  fis  man  540 

Suspecte  his  face .  suspecte  his  world'  also 
Suspecte  f  e  tyme  fat1  he  fis  bygan/ 

ffor  his  dou3ter  fat1  she  loued  soo  543 

She  wende  he  wold?  haue  slayn  it1  ri^t1  f  oo 
But1  naf  elees  she  neif  er  wepte  ne  seide 
Confeermyng1  hur1  to  fat1  ]?e  Marquis  seide  546 

(71) 

And  at1  J?e  last1  speke  she  bygan  547 

And  nekely  to  J>e  sergeant1  preide 
So  as  he  was  a  worfi  gentil  man 

fat1  she  my3t1  kisse  her  childe  er  fat1  it  deide  550 

And  in  her  barme  fis  litel  childe  she  leide 
wif  ful  sadde  face  and  gan  fe  childe  to  blisse 
And  lulled  it1  and  after  gan  it1  kisse  553 

(72) 

And  Jms  she  seide  in  her  benigne  voys  554 

fare  wele  my  child?  I  shal  f  e  neuere  see 
But1  sif  I  haue  Marked  fe  wij?  croys 
Of  filk1  fadere  yblessed  mot1  fou  be  [leaf  168]         557 

PETWORTH   352    (6-T.  420) 


SIX-TEXT    421 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

fat1  for  vs  deyed  vpon  f  e  rood  tre . 

f  i  soule  litel  childe  I  hyin  bytake 

fFor  fis  ny3f  shalt  f  ou  dyen  for  my  sake  560 

(73) 

I  trowe  fat1  to  a  norice  in  fis  caas  /  561 

It1  had  ben  hard?  fis  rewf  e  forto  see 
Wei  my3tl  a  modere  fan  cry  alas  / 

But1  nafeles  so  sadde  and  stedfast1  was  she  564 

))at*  she  endured  al  hur"  aduersite 
And  to  f  e  Sergeant*  meke  she  seide 
Haue  here  a3ein  my  litel  3onge  maide  567 

(74) 

And  gof  now  quod  she  and  dof  my  lordes  heest1  568 

And  oon  f  inge  wold?  I  prei  of  3oure  grace 

That1  but1  my  lorde  forbede  3ou  at1  lest1 

Burief  fis  litel  body  in  som  place  571 

)2at  no  beestes  no  briddes  it1  to-race 

But1  he  no  word?  to  f  o  p?/rpoos  wold?  saye 

But1  toke  fe  childe  and  went1  vpon  his  way  574 

(75) 

This  Sergeant1  come  to  fe  lord4  ageyn  575 

And  of  Griseldes  wordes  and  of  her  chere 
He  tolde  hym  poynt1  by  poynt1  in  short  and  pleyfi 
And  hym  presented  wif  his  dorter  dere  578 

Somwhaf  fis  lord*  had  rawf e  in  his  manere 
But  naf  elees  his  pwrpoos  helde  he  stille 
As  lordes  don  whan  fei  wil  han  her  wille  581 

(76) 

And  bad  fis  Sergeant1  ful  priveily  582 

he  shuld  ful  soft1  fis  child'  welde  and  wrappe 
with  al  f  e  circumstance  tenderly 

And  carie  it1  in  a  coffre  or  in  a  lappe  585 

But1  vp  peyn  his  hede  of  for  to  swappe 
fat1  no  man  shuld?  knowe  of  his  entent1 
]N"e  whens  he  come  ne  whidere  he  went1  588 

PETWORTH  353    (6-T.  42l) 


SIX-TEXT    422 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

IT  But1  at1  Boloyne  to  his  suster>  dere        [leaf  ies,  back]       589 

fat1  Jjoo  of  Pavie  was  countesse 

He  shuld  her  take  and  shew  hir1  fis  matere 

Bisechinge  hure  to  don  her  bysynesse  592 

This  childe  to  fostere  in  al  gladnesse 

And  whoos  childe  fat1  if  was  he  bad  hir1  hide 

ffrom  euery  wi^t1  for  ou^t1  fat1  my}!;1  betide  595 

This  Sergeaunt1  gof  and  haf  fulfilled  fis  finge  596 

But1  to  fis  marquis  nowe  retowrne  we 

ffor  nowe  go])  he  wel  oft1  ymagynynge 

If  by  his  wif1  [chere]  he  myghf  See  599 

And  by  hir  wordes  perceyue  fat1  she 

Were  chaunged  but1  he  coude  neuere  fynde  . 

But1  euere  in  oon  ylik1  sad  and  kinde  602 

As  glad  as  humble  as  bysy  in  seruise  603 

and  Eke  in  loue  as  she  was  wont1  to  be 

"Was  she  to  hym  in  euery  manure  wise 

Ne  of  her  doubter1  oon  worde  speke  she  606 

Noon  accident1  for  noon  aduersite 

Was  seen  in  hir*  no  neuere  her  doubter1  name 

Nempned  she  for  ernest1  ne  for  game  609 


[THE  FOURTH  PART.\ 

In  fis  estate  passed  ben  foure  ^ere  610 

Er  she  wij)  child'  was  but1  as  god  wold? 

A  knaue  childe  she  bere  by  Jjis  waltere 

fful  gracious  and  faire  to  biholde  613 

And  whan  folk1  it1  to  hir  fadere  tolde 

Not1  oonly  he  But1  al  fe  contree  mery 

Was  for  J?e  chile?  and  god  fei  fonke  and  herye  616 

Whan  if  was  two  ^ere  olde  and  from  fe  brest1  617 

Departed  from  his  norce  vpon  a  day 
J>is  Marquis  kaught1  ^it1  anothfer]  lest1 

PETWORTH    854   (6-T.  422) 


SIX-TEXT    423 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

To  tempten  his  wif1  ofter  if  he  may  620 

0  nedeles  was  she  tempted  in  assay  [leaf  ico] 
But*  wedded  men  knowen  no  mesure 

Whan  J>ei  fynde  a  pacient1  creature  623 

(82) 

Wyf  quod  pis  Marquis  36  herd!  er  J?is  624 

My  puple  sekely  here))  our  manage 
And  namely  sijjen  my  sone  born  is 

Now  it1  is  wors  ]>an  euer  in  our  age  627 

]>e  mil rmur  sleep  myn .  her[te]  and  my  corage 
ffor  to  myn  eres  come]?  Jje  vois  so  smerte 
pat1  it1  wel  nye  destroiej?  al  my  herte  630 

(83) 

Now  seye  men  Jms  *  whan  waiter  is  a  goon .  631 

Jmn  shal  J?e  blood  of  lanicle  succede 
And  bene  our  lord*  for  oj?er  haue  we  non 
Such  wordes  seyn  my  puple  it1  is  no  drede  634 

Wel  ou^te  I  of  such  mwrmur  taken  hede 
ffor  certeynly  I  drede  such  sentence 
poi^e  ))ei  not1  pleynly  speke  in  myn  audience  637 

(84)    ' 

1  wold  lyue  in  pees  if  Jjat  I  my^t1  638 
Wherfore  I  am  disposed  vtterly 

As  I  his  sustere  serued  by  ny^f 

Ri3tf  so  I  ]?enke  to  serue  hywi  prively  641 

fius  warne  I  }ou  pat1  36  not1  sodeynly 

Out1  of  ^oure  self  for  no  woo  shuld?  outray 

Be]?  patient1  and  ferof  I  3ou  pray  644 

(85) 

I  haue  quod  she  seide  [}>us]  and  euere  shaH  645 

I  wil  desire  no  Jung1  certeyn 
But1  as  3ou  lust1  not1  greueth  me  at  att 
pou3e  fat1  my  do^tere  and  my  sone  be  sclayn  648 

At1  ^oure  comaundement1  fis  is  to  sayn 
I  haue  had  no  parte  of  children  tweyn 
But1  furst1  siknesse  and  after*  woo  and  peyn  651 

PETWORTH    355   (6-T.  423) 


SIX-TEXT    424 

GROUP  E,    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

3e  be  our  lord  doo  with  3ouij  owe  f  inge .  652 

Rijtt  as  $ou  lust1  and  askef  no  rede  of  me  [leaf  109,  back] 

ffor  as  I  left1  at1  home  al  my  clof  inge 

whan  I  come  first1  to  $ou  rijtf  so  quod  she  655 

left  I  my  will  and  al  my  liberte 

And  toke  3oure  closing1  wherfore  I  3ou  prey 

Do  ^oure  wille  I  wille  to  it  obeye  658 

(87) 

And  certes  $if  I  had  prescience  659 

3oure  wilt  to  knowe .  or  36  3oure  lust1  me  told? 
I  wold  it1  done  wif  oute  necligence 

But1  now  I  wote  3oure  lust1  and  what1  36  wolde  662 

Al  3oure  plesaunce  feerme  and  stable  I  hold? 
ffor  wist1 1  fat1  my  def  wold  do  3ou  ese 
Gladly  wil  I  suffre  it1  3011  to  plese  665 

(88) 

Beth'  may  make  non  comparison  666 

Vnto  3oure  loue  and  whan  f  is  Marquis  say 
f  e  Constance  of  his  wiff  he  cast1  his  hede  adoim 
And  his  eyen  two  and  wondred  how  she  may  669 

In  such  penawnce  suffre  al  f  is  array 
And  for])  he  goj>  wif  drery  countenance 
But1  to  his  hert1  it  was  ful  grete  plesannce  /  672 

(89) 

This  ege  sergeant1  in  fe  same  wise  673 

fat1  he  her  dou3tere  kaught1  ri3t  so  he 
Or  wors  if  he  coude  wors  devise 

Haf  kaught1  hire  childe  fat1  was  ful  of  bewte  676 

And  euere  in  oon  so  pacient1  was  she 
fat1  she  no  chere  made  of  hevynesse 
But1  kisef  her  sone  and  after  can  hym  blesse  679 

(90) 

Saue  f is  she  preide  him  if  fat1  he  mj^  680 

hir1  litel  sone  he  wold  on  erf  e  graue 
his  tendere  lymmes  delicat1  to  si$ti 
iiro  fowles  and  beestes  forto  saue  683 

PETWORTH   356   (6-T.  424) 


SIX-TEXT    425 

GROUP  E.    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


But*  she  noon  answere  of  hyra  niy^t1  haue 

He  went1  his  way  as  he  no  fing1  wroi^t1  [leaf  170] 

But1  into  boloyne  tendrely  it1  brou^t1  686 

(91) 

This  Marquis  wondrej)  euere  lenger  J>e  more  687 

Vpon  her  pacience  and  if  fat1  he 
Ne  had  sof  ly  knowe  ferfore 

fat1  parfitly  her  children  loued  she  690 

He  wold  haue  wende  fat1  of  some  sotilte 
And  of  malice  or  cruel  corage 
That1  she  had  suffred  Jjis  with  sad  visage  693 

(92) 

Wut1  he  knewe  fat1  next1  hyra  self  certayn  694 

She  loued  her  children  best1  in  euery  wise 
But1  nowe  of  wowmen  wold?  I  aske  fayn 
}if  fise  assaies  my^t1  not1  suffise  697 

what1  cowde  a  stordy  husbond?  [more]  devise 
To  preue  her  wifhode  and  her  stedfastnesse 
And  be  contynuyng1  in  stordy  nesse  700 

(93) 

But1  fer  ben  folk  of  such  condicion  701 

Jpat1  whan  J>ei  han  a  certeyn  pwrpoos  take 

]5ey  con  not1  stinte  of  her  entencion 

But1  as  J?ei  were  bounden  to  a  stake  704 

Jjei  wil  not1  of  jjat1  pwrpoos  sclake 

Ei3f  so  ]?is  marquis  haj?  fully  purposed 

To  tempten  his  wif  as  he  was  first1  disposed  707 

(94) 

He  waitejj  if  by  woordes  or  countenance  708 

3  if  she  to  hym  was  chaunged  of  corage 
But1  neuere  coude  he  fynde  variance 

She  was  euere  in  hert1  &  in  visage  711 

And  euer  J?e  ferfer  fat1  he  was  in  age 
J?e  more  trewer  if  it1  were  possible 
She  was  to  hym  in  loue  and  more  penyble  714 

PETWORTH  357     (6-T.  42o) 


SIX-TEXT    426 

GROUP  E.    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

For  wliicli  it1  seme]?  Ipus  fat1  of  hew  twoo  715 

Ther  was  but1  oon  wiH  for  as  waiter  lust1 

The  same  lust1  was  her  plesaunce  also  Deaf  170,  back] 

And  god  be  fonked  al  felle  for  fe  best1  718 

She  shewed  wel  for  no  worldly  vnrest1 

A  wif  as  of  her  self  no  f  inge  shuld? 

Willen  in  effecte  but1  as  her  husbond*  wold?  721 

(96) 

The  sclaundere  of  waltere  oft1  wide  sprad  722 

That1  a  cruel  hert1  wickedly 
ffor  he  a  poor  womman  wedded  had . 

Ha]?  morfered  bof  his  children  priuely  725 

which  murmwr  was  amonge  heme  comonly 
No  wonder  was  for  to  f  e  puples  eere 
fer  come  no  worde  but1  fat1  J>ei  mwfered  were  728 

(97) 

For  swich  as  of  his  puple  ferbifore  729 

had  loued  hyra  wel  desclaundred  of  his  name 
Made  hem  fat1  f ei  hated  hyra  therfore 
To  bene  a  murdrere  is  an  hatful  name  732 

But4  naf  elees  for  ernest1  ne  for  game 
He  of  his  cruelte  wold,  not1  stynte 
To  tempte  his  wif  was  al  his  entente  735 

(98) 

Whan  fis  dou^tere  xij  $ere  was  of  age  736 

he  to  f  e  courte  of  Eome  in  sotile  wise 
Enformed  of  his  wille  sent1  his  massage 
Comaunding1  hem  such  billes  to  devise  739 

As  to  his  cruel  pwrpoos  may  suffise 
howe  jjat1  f  e  pope  for  his  puples  rest1 
Bad  hym  wedde  anof er  wif  if  fat1  hy?M  lest1  742 

(99) 

I  sey  he  bad  fat1  fei  shuld!  counte?-fete  743 

f  e  popes  billes  making1  mencion 
Jjat1  he  haf  leue  his  first1  wif  to  lete 
As  by  fe  popes  dispensacion  746 

PETWORTH  358    (6-T.  426) 


SIX-TEXT    427 

GROUP  E.    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

To  stinte  rancoure  and  dissencion 

Bitwix  J?e  puple  and  hyra  Jms  speke  ])e  bulle 

The  which  ])ei  han  publissshed  at<  J>e  fulle       (leaf  171]     749 

(100) 

The  rude  puple  as  no  wonder  is  750 

Wende  ful  wel  it1  had  be  ri^t1  soo 
But1  pise  tydyngges  coramen  to  griseld!  is 
I  deme  pat1  her  hert1  was  ful  woo  753 

But1  she  was  ylike  sad  euermoo 
Disposed  was  pis  humble  creative/ 
j)e  aduersite  of  fortune  al  to  endure  756 

(101) 

Abydinge  euer  his  lust*  and  his  plesance  757 

To  whom  she  was  ^euene  hert1  and  aH 

As  to  her  worldely  suffisaunce 

ffor  certeynly  for  his  story  telle  I  shaH  760 

This  Marquis  ywriten  ha])  in  speciaH 

A  lettre  in  which  he  shewejj  his  entent* 

And  sikerly  he  it1  to  boloyne  sent1  763 

(102) 

To  J?e  Erie  of  Pavie  which  \>ai  he  had  so ,  764 

wedded  his  sustere  he  preide  specialy 
To  bringen  him  a^ein  his  children  two 
In  honurable  estaatf  al  openly  767 

Bot1  of  on  jjing1  he  hym  preide  al  vtterly 
That1  he  to  [no]  wi^fr  Jjough  men  wold*  enquere 
Shuld  not1  telle  whoos  children  jjei  were  770 

(103) 

But1  seide  J)af  J>e  mayde  shuld?  wedded  be  771 

;Vnto  J?e  Marquis  of  Saluce  anofi 
:And  as  J?e  erle  was  preide  so  did  he 

'ifor  at1  a  day  Isette  he  on  his  way  is  gon  774 

Toward?  Saluse  and  lordes  mony  on 
In  riche  aray  Jns  maide  forto  gyde 
Hir1  yonge  broker  ^dyng^  by  hir*  side  777 

PETWORTH    359    (6-T.  427) 


SIX-TEXT    428 

GROUP  E.   §  2,   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Araied  was  towardes  jns  mariage  778 

This  mayde  fressh  ful  of  gemmys  clere 

Hir*  broker  that1  vij.  }ere  was  of  age. 

Araied  eke  was  fresshly  on  his  manere      [leaf  171,  back]      781 

And  in  grete  noblesse  and  glad  chere 

Toward  Saluce  shapinge  her  iowrnay 

ffrom  day  to  day  J>ei  riden  for])  her  way  784 


[THE  FIFTH  PART.] 

Amonge  al  Jus  aftere  his  wikked  vsage  785 

This  Marquys  $if  his  wif  to  tempten  more 

To  ]?e  vttrestt  preef  of  his  corage 

ffully  to  haue  experience  and  lore  788 

$if  J>att  she  were  as  stedfasf  as  bifore 

he  on  a  day  in  open  audience 

wel  boistously  ha]?  seide  hir1  Jris  sentence  791 

CErtes  Griseldf  I  had  ynowe  plesaunce  792 

To  han  3011  to  my  wif  for  }oure  goodnesse 

And  for  $oure  treuth  and  ^our  obeysaunce 

Nou^t1  for  ^oure  lynage  ne  for  ^oure  ricchesse  795 

Buf  it1  is  now  knowen  in  verray  sojmesse 

J>af  in  grete  lordship  if  I  wil  avise 

Ther  is  grete  souereynte  in  sondry  wise  798 

I  may  not1  done  as  euery  plowe  man  may  799 

My  puple  me  constreynen  forto  take 

A  nojjer  wiff  and  crien  day  by  day 

And  eke  Jje  pope  rancour  forto  sclake  802 

Consentej?  it1  j>af  dar  I  vndertake 

And  trewly  Jms  mocfr  wil  I  3011  say 

My  newe  wif  is  commyng1  by  ]>e  way  805 

Be  stronge  of  herfr  and  voide  anon  her*  place  806 

And  Jjilk1  dowary  jjat1  ^e  brou^t1  to  me 
Take  it*  a3ein  I  g?mmte  it1  of  my  grace 

PETWORTH   360    (6-T.  428) 


SIX-TEXT    429 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petwortk  MS. 

Retowrne])  to  ^oure  faders  hous  qiiodl  he  809 

No  man  may  alway  haue  prosperite 

wij)  euene  herf  I  rede  ^ou  to  endure 

J>e  stroke  of  fortune  or  of  auenture  812 

(109) 

And  she  a^ein  answerde  in  pacience  [leaf  1721  813 

My  lord  quod  she  I  wote  and  wist1  alway 
howe  J>af 1  swore  $ou  magnificence 

And  my  pouerf  no  man  can  ne  may  816 

Maken  noon  comparison  it1  is  no  nay  -; 

I  helde  me  neuere  digne  in  no  manere 
To  be  3oure  wif  ne  3if  your  chambrere  .  j  v  819 

(110) 

And  in  J>is  hous  \er  30  me  lady  made  820 

]>e  high  god  take  I  for  my  witnesse 
So  wisly  as  he  my  soule  glade 

I  helde  me  neifer  lady  ne  maistresse  823 

But1  humble  senuwmte  to  joure  wor})inesse 
And  euere  shal  while  my  lif  may  endure  4. 

Abouen  euery  worpi  creature  826 

an) 

That1  36  so  longe  of  30^7*  benygnite  827 

haue  holde  me  in  honure  and  in  nobleye  -  . 

where  I  was  not1  worjji  forto  be 

jjat1  Jjonk1 1  god  and  3ou  [to]  whom  I  prey  830 

ffor-^eelde  it1  3ou  \er  nys  no  more  to  sey  p- 

Vnto  my  fadere  gladly  wil  I  wende 

And  wi]>  hym  dwelle  to  my  lyves  ende  833 

(112) 

Ther  as  I  was  fostred  a  child  ful  small  834 

Til  I  be  dede  my  liff  [J>er]  wil  I  lede 
A  widowe  clene  in  hert1  body  and  aU 
ffor  sijjen  I  ^af  to  3ou  my  maydenhede  837 

And  am  3oure  trewe  wif  if  is  no  drede 
God  shild?  such  a  lordes  wif  to  take 
Anojjer  man  to  husbonde  or  to  make  840 

25  PETWORTH    361   (6-T.  429) 


SIX-TEXT    430 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  of  30111°  newe  wif  god  of  his  grace  841 

So  graunte  3011  welpe  and  prosperite 

ffor  I  wil  gladly  ^eeld?  hir*  my  place 

In  which  I  was  blisful  wont1  to  be  844 

ffor  Sipen  it1  like]?  3011  my  lord!  quod  she  [leaf  172,  back] 

That*  whilom  weren  al  my  hertes  rest1 

That1 1  shal  goon  I  wil  goon  whan  3011  lest1  847 

(114) 

But1  per  30  me  profre  such  dowarie  848 

As  I  furst1  bro^t1  it1  is  wel  in  my  mynde 
It1  were  my  wrecched  elopes  no  ping1  faire 
pe  which  to  me  nowe  were  ful  hard'  to  fynde  851 

How  god  howe  gentile  and  how  kinde 
3e  semed  by  3oure  spech  and  3our)  visage 
pe  day  pat1  maked  was  oure  mariage  854 

(115) 

But1  sop  is  seide  algate  I  finde  it1  trewe  855 

ffor  in  effecte  is  proued  nowe  on  me 
Loue  is  not1  olde  as  whan  it1  is  newe 

ffor  certes  lord'  for  non  aduersite  858 

To  dyen  in  pis  cas  it1  shal  not  be 
That1  in  worde  or  werk1 1  shal  repent1 
pat1 1  3ou  3aue  myn  hert  in  good  entent1  861 

(116) 

My  lorde  30  wote  pat1  in  my  faders  place  862 

3e  diden  me  stripen  out1  of  my  poor  wede 
And  richely  36  cladden  me  of  3oure  grace 
To  3011  brou^t1 1  not1  ellis  out1  of  drede  865 

But1  fait1  nakednesse  and  maidenhede 
But1  here  a3ein  3oure  eloping1 1  restore 
And  eke  my  weddyng1  ringe  for  euermore  868 

(117) 

The  remenawnte  of  ^our  Iwels  redy  be  869 

wip  in  30^  chambre  dare  I  it  seyuely  seye 
Naked  out1  of  my  faders  hous  quod  she 
I  come/  and  naked  I  mote  twrne  ageyne  872 

PETWORTH   362  (6-T.  430) 


SIX-TEXT    431 

GROUP  E.    §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Al  ^oure  plesaunce  wil  I  folowe  feyne 
But1  if  I  hope  it1  be  not1  ^oure  entente 
fat1 1  smoklees  out1  of  $oure  paleis  went1  875 

(118) 

3e  cowde  not1  do  so  dishonest1  a  finge  876 

That1  ilk  wombe  in  which  our  children  lay  [leaf  1733 

Shuld  byfore  f  e  puple  in  my  walkinge 
Be  seyn  al  bare  wherfor  I  $ou  pray  879 

lat1  me  not1  like  a  worm  gon  by  f  e  way 
Rernenibre  ^ou  myn  /  owne  lorde  so  dere 
I  was  ^oure  wif  f  ou$e  I  vnworf  i  were  882 

(119) 

Wherfore  in  guerdon  of  my  maidenhede  883 

Which"  fat1 1  wro^f  and  not1  a3ein  bere 
As  vouchef  sauf  to  3eue  me  to  my  mede 
But1  such  a  smokke  as  I  was  wont1  to  were  886 

fat1 1  f  erwif  may  hille  f  e  wombe  of  here 
fat1  was  ^oure  wif  and  here  I  take  my  leue 
Of  $owe  myn  owne  lord  lest1 1  $ou  greue  889 

(120) 

The  smbk1  quod  he  pat1  J?ou  hast1  on  jji  bale1  890 

Lat1  it1  be  stille  and  bere  it1  forjj  wif  fe 
But1  wel  vnnej?  fat1  word  he  spak1 

But1  went1  his  way  for  reuthe  and  pite  893 

Byfore  f  e  folk1  hure  self  stripef  she 
And  in  her  smok1  wif  hede  and  fete  al  bare 
Toward?  her  fadres  hous  forf  is  she  fare  896 

(121) 

The  folk1  folowed  weping1  in  hir*  way  897 

And  fortune  euere  f  ei  cursed  as  f  ei  gon 
But1  she  from  weping1  kept1  her  eyen  day 
Ne  in  fis  tyme  word  spak1  she  non  900 

Her  fader  fat1  here  of  herd  anon 
Cursed  f  e  day  and  tyme  fat  nature 
Shope  him  to  be  a  lyues  creature  903 

PETWORTH   363    (6-T.  43l) 


SIX-TEXT   432 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

For  out*  of  doute  f  is  olde  poor  man  904 

was  euer1  suspecte  of  her  mariage 

ffor  euer  lie  demed  si]>en  it  bygan 

ftat1  whan  jje  lord  yfylled  had  his  corage  907 

hyra  wold  Jjenk1  if  was  a  desparage 

To  his  astate  so  lowe  to  a  li^t1  Deaf  173,  back] 

And  voiden  hir*  as  sone  as  euere  he  myjti  910 

(123) 

Ajeinst  his  do^tere  hastely  go]?  he  911 

ffor  he  by  ]>e  noys  of  folk1  knewe  her  cowmyng1 
And  wij?  her  olde  cote  as  it  my^t  be 
He  keuerej)  hir*  ful  sorowfully  wepinge  914 

But1  on  hur1  body  my}^  he  it1  not  bringe 
ffor  rude  was  J?e  cloj>  and  more  of  age 
By  dayes  fele  fan  hur'  inariage  917 

(124) 

Thus  vriih  her  fadere  for  a  certeyii  space  918 

dwellej)  Jris  floure  of  wively  pacience 
That1  neuer  by  her  wordes  ne  be  her  face 
Bifore  J?e  folk1  ne  in  her  absence  921 

Ne  shewed  she  pat1  to  hiij  was  don  offence 
Ne  of  hie  astate  in  remenlbra^mce 
Ne  had  she  as  by  her  cowntenawnce  924 

(125) 

No  wonder  is  for  in  [her]  grete  estate  925 

Her  goost1  was  euere  in  pleyn  hurailite 
No  tender  moujje  ne  hertt  delicate 

Ne  pompe  ne  semblanf  of  Eialte  928 

But1  ful  of  pacience  and  benygnite 
Discrete  and  pruydeles  and  euere  honurable 
And  to  her  husbonde  euere  meke  and  stable  931 

(126) 

Men  speke  of  lob  and  most1  of  his  humblesse  932 

As  clerkes  whan  hem  lust1  can  wel  endite 
Namely  of  men  but1  in  sojjfastnesse 

clerkes  preise  wommen  but1  a  lite  935 

PETWORTH  364    (6-T.  432) 


SIX-TEXT    433 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Jjer  can  no  man  in  humblesse  hew  aquite 

As  vrommeiL  can  ne  ben  half  so  trewe 

As  woramen  bene  but1  it  be  fallen  newe  938 

[THE  SIXTH  PART.} 

Fro  babyloyne  is  Jjis  Erie  of  Pa  vie  come  939 

Of  whieh  J?e  word  spronge  to  more  and  lesse 

And  to  ]?e  pules  eeres  al  and  somwe 

was  cou])e  eke  a  newe  Marquyssesse  [leaf  174]  942 

He  wij)  hym  bro^t1  in  pompe  and  sucfi  ricchesse 

jjaf  was  neuere  sey  wij?  mannys  eye 

So  noble  aray  in  Westlombardye  945 

The  Marquis  Jjat1  Shope  an  knewe  al  J)is  946 

Er  J>atf  J>is  erle  was  commen  sent1  his  massage 

flbr  cely  poor1  Gryseldys 

And  she  with  humble  hert1  and  glad  visage  949 

Nou^fr  wij?  swollen  hert1  in  her  corage 

Come  at1  his  heest1  and  on  here  knees  her  sette 

And  reuerently  and  wisely  she  hym  grette  952 

Griseld?  quod  he  my  will  is  vtterly  953 

Jjis  maide  fat1  shal  wedded  be  vnto  me 

Resceyued  be  to  morowe  as  Really 

As  if  is  possible  in  my  hous  to  be  956 

And  eke  J>af  euery  wi^fr  in  his  degre 

Haue  his  estate  in  sittyng*  and  smiise 

And  also  plesaunce  as  30  can  best1  deuyse  959 

I  haue  no  womman  suffisanfr  certayn  960 

J?e  Chambres  to  aray  in  ordynazmce 

After  my  lusf  and  J>erfor  wil  I  fayfi 

Jjat1  Jjine  were  al  such"  gouerncmnce  963 

))ou  knowest1  eke  of  olde  al  my  plesawnce 

fou^e  Jjine  aray  be  bad  and  euel  ysey 

Do  J?ou  ]?i  deuoyre  at1  ]?e  lest  wey  966 

PETWORTH  365    (6-T.  433) 


SIX-TEXT    434 

GROUP  E.   §  2,   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 


lord  fat1  I  am  glad  qwod?  she  967 

To  do  3oure  lust1  but1  1  desire  also 
3qure  forto  plese  and  seme  in  my  degre 
W^t^ouf  fayntise  and  shal  euermoo  970 

Ne  neuer  for  no  wele  ne  for  no  woo 
]STe  shal  f  e  goost1  w^in  my  hert1  stynt1 
To  loue  3ou  best1  with  al  my  trewe  entent1  973 

(132) 

And  wif  fat1  word  she  gan  fe  hous  to  di^t1          [leaf  174,  back] 
And  tables  to  sette  and  beddys  to  make 
And  peyned  hure  to  doo  al  fat1  she  myjt1 
Preying1  f  e  chambreres  for  goddis  sake  977 

To  hasten  hem  and  fast1  swope  and  shake 
And  she  )>e  most1  seruisable  at  all 
HaJ)  euery  ychambre  araied  and  his  halle  980 

(133) 

Aboute  vndern  gan  fis  Erie  a^t1  981 

That1  wi]?  him  brou^t1  f  ise  noble  childre  tweie 
ffor  which  Jje  puple  ranne  to  se  fat  si^f 
And  hure  araye  so  richely  beseye  984 

And  fan  at1  arst  amonges  hem  f  ei  gon  seye 
That1  waiter  was  no  foole  fough  hym  lest1 
To  chaunge  his  wiff  for  it1  was  for  J>  e  best1  987 

(134) 

For  she  is  fairrer*  as  fei  demen  alle  988 

Than  is  GriseH  and  more  tender1  of  age 
And  fairrer  fruyte  bytwene  hem  shuld!  falle 
And  more  plesaunt1  for  hir'  hi3e  lynage  991 

Hir*  brofer1  so  faire  was  of  his  age 
fat1  hym  to  seen  f  e  puple  had  kau^t1  plesaurcce 
Cofftmendyng1  nowe  36  Marquis  gouemawnce  994 

(135) 

0  sterne  puple  vnsad  and  [vn]trewe  995 

Euere  vndiscrete  and  chaungyng1  as  a  fane 
Delitinge  euere  in  Rumowr  fat1  is  newe 
ffor  like  f  e  mone  euere  wexe  36  and  wane  998 

PETWORTH    366  (6-T.  434) 


SIX-TEXT    435 

GROUP  E.    §  2,   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

Euere  fill  of  clapping1  dere  ynowe  a  lane 

^our1  dome  is  fals  $our  Constance  euel  preuef 

A  wel  grete  fool  is  he  fat1  on  3011  leuef  1001 

(136) 

Thus  seiden  sadde  folk  in  fat1  Cite  1002 

Whan  fat1  f  e  puple  gased  vp  and  down 
ffor  f  ei  were  glad  ri^t1  for  f  e  nouelte 

To  make  a  newe  lady  of  her  town  1005 

ISTo  more  of  f  is  make  I  menciown  Peaf  175] 

But*  to  griseld*  a^ein  wil  I  me  dresse 
And  telle  her  Constance  and  her  bysynesse  1008 

(137) 

Wel  bysy  was  gryseld  in  euery  thingte  1009 

fat1  to  f  e  feest1  was  pertinent1 
Ri^t1  naught1  was  she  abasshed  of  her  clof  inge 
fou^e  fei  were  Rude  and  eke  somdel  to-rent1  1012 

But1  wi]>  glad  chere  to  J?e  gate  is  went1 
wijj  ofer  folk  to  greten  fe  Marquissesse 
And  after  doj?  she  forf  her  bysynesse  1015 

(138) 

WiJ>  ful  glad  chere  fe  gestes  she  receyuej)  1016 

And  Boxomly  euerich  in  his  degre 
That1  no  man  defawte  J?er  perceyuef 

But1  euere  fei  wondren  what1  she  my^t  be  1019 

That1  in  so  poor  aray  was  forto  se 
And  cowde  such"  honure  &  reuerence 
And  worfely  fei  preisen  her  prudence  1022 

(139) 

In  al  J?is  mefne]  while  she  ne  stynte  1023 

This  maiden  and  eke  her  broker  to  commend' 
WiJ>  al  her  hert1  and  benigne  entente 
80  wel  fat1  no  man  koude  her  prise  amende  1026 

But1  at1  fe  last1  whan  at1  fise  lordes  wende 
To  sitten  a  doz«n  he  gan  to  calle 
Griselct  as  she  was  bysy  in  fe  halle  1029 

PETWORTH    367    (6-T.  435) 


SIX-TEXT    436 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS 

Griseld1  quod  he  as  it1  were  in  play  1030 

How  likef  J>e  my  wif1  in  her  bewte 

Ri^fr  wel  quod  she  my  lorde  for  in  good  fay 

A  fairrer5  sawe  I  neuere  non  quod  she  1033 

I  prey  to  god  so  3eue  $ou  prosperite 

And  so  hope  I  he  wil  to  $ou  sende 

Plesaunce  ynou3e  to  ^oure  lyues  ende  1036 

(141) 

Sut1  oon  Jjing1 1  biseche  and  warne  also./  1037 

Jjat1  36  prik1  wij)  no  tornientynge  0«af  175,  baekj 

])is  tendere  mayden  as  36  han  don  moo 
ffor  she  is  fostred  in  her  norshynge  1040 

fful  tenderly  in  her  3ong1  pleyynge 
She  coude  not1  aduersite  endure 
As  coude  a  poor  fostred  creature  1043 

(142) 

And  whan  J>is  Walter*  segh  her  pacience  1044 

her  glad  chere  and  no  malice  at1  all 
And  he  so  oft1  haj?  done  hiij  offence 

And  she  euer  constant1  and  sad  as  a  waH  1047 

Contynuyng1  euer  her  innocence  oue?'aH 
This  stordy  marquis  gan  his  herte  dresse 
To  Rwe  vpon  hur*  wifly  stidfastnesse  *  1050 

(143) 

This  is  ynou3e  Griseld?  myn  quod,  he  1051 

Be  no  more  agast*  ne  euel  apayde 
I  haue  Jn  feij)  and  ])i  benignyte 

As  wel  as  euer  womman  was  asaied  1054 

In  gr[e]te  astate  and  poorly  araied 
Now  knowe  I  dere  wiff  ]?i  stedfastnesse 
And  hure  in  armes  toke  and  gan  to  kesse  1057 

(144) 

And  she  for  wonder  toke  Jjerof  no  kepe  1058 

She  herd  not1  what1  fing1  pat1  he  seide 
She  ferde  as  she  had  stert1  out1  of  her  sclepe 
Til  she  out1  of  J)e  maisednesse  abreide  1061 

PETWORTH  368    (6-T.  436) 


SIX-TEXT   437 

GROUP  E,   §  2.  CLEKK'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

Griseld?  quod  he  by  god  Jjat1  for  vs  deyde 

jjou  art1  my  wif  and  noon  o]>er  I  haue 

Ne  neuere  had  as  god  my  soule  saue  1064 

(145) 

This  is  Jri  doubter  which  Jjou  hast  supposed  1065 

To  bene  my  wif  and  noon  o]>er  feijjfully 
shal  bene  myn  heir1  as  I  haue  euere  disposed 
Thowe  here  hem  in  Jri  body  trewly  1068 

At  boylen  haue  I  kepte  hem  sikerly 

Take  hem  a^ein  for  jjou  my^t1  not1  seyn  Qeaf  176] 

J>atf  JJQW  hast  lorn  eny  of  Jri  children  tweyn)  1071 

(146) 

And  folk  J?af  ojjerwise  han  seide  of  me  1072 

I  warne  hem  wel  pat1  I  haue  done  Jris  dede 
ffor  no  malice  ne  for  no  cruelte 

But1  forto  assay  Jri  wommanhede  1075 

And  not1  forto  scle  my  children  god  forbede 
But1  forto  kepen  hem  prively  and  stille 
Til  I  Jri  pwrpoos  knewe  and  al  Jri  wille  1078 

(147) 

And  whan  she  Jris  herd  adown  in  swowe  she  fallej)       1079 
ffor  pitous  ioying1  and  after  hire  swowinge 
She  boj)  her  yonge  children  to  hure  callej) 
And  in  hure  armes  pitously  wepinge  1082 

Enbrased  boj>  tenderly  kissynge 
"Wel  like  a  modere  wij>  her  salt1  teeresl 
She  bajjed  bojj  her  visage  and  her  heeres  1085 

(148) 

0  such  a  pitous  Jringe  it1  was  to  see  1086 

Her  sownyng1  and  her  pitous  vois  to  here/ 
Gramercy  my  lord  god  y  thenk  ^ou  quod  she 
J>af  }e  han  saued  me  my  children  dere^  1089 

Now  rech  I  neuere  to  be  dede  ri^t1  here 
SiJ)  I  stonde  in  30^  loue  and  in  ^our1  grace 
JS"o  force  of  dej)  ne  whan  my  spirit  pace  1092 

PETWORTH   369    (6-T.  437) 


SIX-TEXT    438 

GROUP  E,   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

A  tender5  o  dere  .0.  ^enge  children  myn)  1093 

3oure  wooful  modere  wende  stedfastly 

Jpat1  cruel  houndes  or  some  vermyn) 

Had  eten  3011  but1  god  of  his  mercy  1096 

And  3oure  benigne  fader1  tenderly 

HaJ)  done  ^ou  kepte  and  J>af  same  stounde 

Al  sodeynly  she  swapte  down  to  }?e  grounde  1099 

(150) 

And  hin  her  swowne  so  sadly  holdej)  she  1100 

her  children  two  whan  she  gan  hem  brace 
That1  wij)  grete  scleight1  and  difficulte  [leaf  176,  back] 

The  children  from  her  armes  gan  J)ei  to  rase  1103 

0  mony  a  tere  .0  mony  a  pitous  face 
Doun  ranne  of  hem  J?att  stoden  hyr  beside 
VnneJ)  aboute  hur5  nr^t1  j?ei  abide  1106 

(151) 

Walter  hir1  vptakej)  and  her5  sorowe  glade])  1107 

She  arise])  vp  al  abasshed  from  her  trance 
And  euery  wi3tf  hir*  loye  and  feesfr  make]) 
To  she  haue  ka^f  a3ein  her  countenance  1110 

"Walter  her  do])  so  feiffully  plesaunce 
fat1  it1  was  deynte  for  to  se  fe  chere 
Bitwixe  hem  two  nowe  ])ei  bene  mette  in  fere  1113 

(152) 

Thise  ladys  whan  J)ei  her  tyme  say  1114 

han  taken  huf  and  into  chambre  gone 
And  stripen  hir*  out1  of  her  rude  aray 
And  in  a  clofe  of  gold'  pat1  brighte  shone  1117 

wi])  a  crowne  of  mony  a  riche  stone 
vpon  hur5  hede  ]>ei  hir5  into  halle  brou3t1 
And  J)er  she  was  honoured  as  she  o^t1  1120 

(153) 

Thus  ha])  pis  pitous  day  a  blisful  ende  1121 

ffor  euery  man  and  wommaii  do])  his  m^t1 
This  day  in  myrfe  and  reuel  to  dispendei 
Til  on  ]>e  welken  shoon  ])e  sterres  bri^t1  1124 

PETWORTH  370    (6-T.  438) 


SIX-TEXT    439 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


ffor  more  solempne  in  euery  mannys 
This  fesf  was  and  gretter  of  costage 
J}an  was  J?e  reuel  of  pe  mariage  1127 

(154) 

fful  mony  a  3eer  in  high  prosperite  1128 

lyuen  ])ise  two  in  concord?  and  in  rest1 
And  richely  his  doubter'  maried  he 

Vnto  a  lord  on  of  J>e  wor]>iesf  1131 

Of  aH  ytaile  and  fan  in  pees  and  rest1 
His  wifes  fader*  in  his  courte  he  kepe)> 
Til  J>af  his  soule  out*  of1  his  body  crepeth"  [leaf  177]  1134 

(155) 

His  sone  entrej)  into  his  heritage  1135 

In  rest1  and  pees  aftere  his  faders  day 
And  fortunate  was  eke  in  mariage 

Al  putte  he  not1  his  wif  in  assay  1138 

This  world*  is  not1  [so]  stronge  it1  is  no  nay 
As  it1  hajj  bene  in  olde  tymes  ^ore 
And  harkenej)  what1  J)e  auctowr  seij>  ]?erfore  1141 

(156) 

J)is  storie  is  seide  not1  Jjat1  wives  shuld!  1142 

ffolowe  Gryseld  as  in  hurailite 
ffor  if  were  importable  {191136  ]?ei  wold! 
But1  J>af  euery  wi3f  in  his  degre  1  1  45 

Shulde  be  constant  in  aduersite  . 
This  storie  which  he  wij)  high  stile  endite]> 
Wij)  pacience  Griseld'  he  qwitej)  1148 

(157) 

ffor  sirens  a  womman  was  sa  pacienf  1149 

Vnto  a  mortaH  man  moch  more  we  ou^f 
Besceyue  alle  in  gree  faf  god  vs  senf 
ffor  grete  scelys  he  preue]?  ]?af  he  bou^f  1152 

Mankynde  )?e  which  J?at  he  wrou^t1 
As  seij)  seinf  lame  if  30  his  pistel  rede 
He  preuef  folk  al  day  it1  is  no  drede  1155 

PETWORTH    371    (6-T.  439) 


SIX-TEXT    440 

GROUP  E.   §  2.  CLERK'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

And  suffrej)  vs  as  for  our  exercise  1156 

Wi]>  sharpe  shoures  of  aduersite 

"Wei  ofte  to  be  leten  in  sondry  wise 

Nowe  forto  knowe  vs  for  certys  lie  1159 

Er  we  were  born  knewe  al  our  freelte 

And  for  our  best1  is  al  our1  gouernemnce 

Lat1  vs  it1  haue  fan  in  vertuous  suffranco  1162 

IChaucer's  addition  to  the  Tale.] 

But*  oo  witte  harkenef  lordyngges  er  36  goo  /  1163 

It  were  ful  harde  nowe  adayes 

In  al  a  toune  fynde  Griseldys  fre  or  two 

ffor  if  J?ei  were  putte  in  such  assaies  1166 

J>e  gold1  of  hem  ha])  nowe  so  hard?  alaies 

Wif  bras  fat1  Jjou^e  )>e  kynde  be  faire  atte  ye 

It1  wott  rafer  brast1  a  two  fan  plye  1169 

(160) 

[ffor  whiche  hiere  .  for  the  wiles  love  of1  bath 
whos  lyf1  and  al  hirs  .  swete  god  maynteigne1 
In  high  maistrie  .  and  ellis  were  it1  skatft          orHari.  1758.] 
I  wil  with  lusty  hert1 .  fressh  and  grene  1173 

Say  now  a  song1 .  to  gladde  yow  I  wene 
And  late  vs  stynt1  .  of1  Ernestful  matiere 
Herknyth  my  song1 .  that1  saith  in  this  manere]  1176 

P  1-line  gap  in  the  MS,  after  1. 1171.] 


f  Le  Voy  De  Chaucere '/         [headline] 

(161) 

GRiseld^  is  dede  and  eke  her  pacience  Deaf  177,  back] 

And  bof  at1  onys  yburied  in  Ytalie 

ffor  which  I  cry  in  open  audience  1179 

No  wedded  man  be  hardy  to  assaile 
His  wyves  pacience  in  trust  to  fynde 
Griseldes  for  in  certeyn  he  shal  faile  1182 

PETWORTH    372    (6-T.  440) 


SIX-TEXT    441 

GROUP  E.   §  2.   CLERK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

0  noble  wyues  fill  of  hegh  prudence 

lat1  none  hurailite  ^oure  tonge  nayle 

!Ne  lat1  no  clerk1  haue  cause  ne  diligence  1185 

To  write  of  ^ou  a  storie  of  such  me?*vaile 

As  of  griselde  pacientf  and  kynde 

lest1  Chychyuache  $ou  swelowe  in  hir  entraile  1188 

Folowef  ekko  fat1  holdef  no  silence 

But1  euere  answeref  at1  f  e  countretale 

Be])  not1  bydaffed  for  our  Innocence  1191 

But1  sharpely  take  on  ^ou  f  e  gouernaile 

Emprintef  wel  f  is  lesson  in  ^oure  mynde 

ffor  Comon  profit1  sith  it1  may  availe  1194 

NE  drede  hem  no^f  doth  hem  no  reuerence  1201 

ffor  jjou^e  fine  husbonde  araied  be  in  maile 

}>e  arowes  of  J)i  crabbed  eloquence  1203 

Shal  perce  his  brest  and  eke  his  aduentale 

In  lalowsie  I  rede  eke  J?ou  hyra  bynde 

And  Jjat1  ])ou  shalt  make  hyra  couche  as  do]?  a  quale    1206 

If  ]>ou  be  faire  fere  folk  bene  in  present1 

Shewe  J?ou  fi  visage  and  fine  apparaile 

If  fowe  be  fowle  be  free  of  fi  dispence  1209 

To  gete  fe  freendes  ay  do  f  i  travaile 

Be  aye  of  chere  as  li^f  as  leef  on  lynde 

And  lat1  hyra  care  and  wepe  and  wryng1  and  waile      1212 


3e  Arche  wiffes  stondef  at1  ^oui0  defence  1195 

Sif  30  bene  stronge  as  is  a  grete  camaile 

Ne  Suffref  not1  fat1  man  do  ^ou  offence  1197 

And  sclendere  wyves  feble  as  in  bataile 

Beth  egre  as  a  tygre  ^ende  in  Ynde 

Ay  Clappef  as  a  my  lie  I  $ou  counsaile  »  1200 


PETWOKTH   373    (6-T.  44l) 


-     SIX-TEXT    476 

GROUP  E.  §5.  MERCHANT'S  END-LINK.  Petworth  MS. 


[For  the  Squire's  Prologue  of  the  Petworth  MS  see  the  Man-of-Law-Shipman  Link.'] 

IT  The  prologe  of  ]>e  ffrawnkeleyn).  ¥$f^fleaf 

ETTTY  goddis  mercy  seide  oure  boost1  J> oo  / 

JLJL  Alle  euel  wyues  god  kepe  vs  fro  2420 

ffor  mony  sclei^tes  and  sub[t]ilites 
Bene  in  wowmen  jjat1  bene  euere  bisy  as  bees 
Vs  foly  men  forto  desceyue 

ffor  from  J?e  sof  euere  wil  J?ei  weive  2424 

By  mony  ensamples  if  prouej)  weH: 
But1  doutelees  as  trewe  as  eny  stele 
I  haue  a  wiff1  J»oiigh  she  poor  be 

But*  of  her  tunge  a  labbyng1  shrew  is  she  2428 

And  she  ha]>  an  hepe  of  vices  moo 
Jjerof  no  force  lat1  al  such  Jjingges  goo 
But1  wete  30  what1  in  counsaile  be  it1  saide 
Me  rewef  sore  Jjat1 1  am  to  her  teide  2432 

ffor  and  I  shuld  rekne  eue[r]y  vice 
Which  fat1  she  hajj  ywis  I  were  not1  wis 
And  cause  whi  for  it1  shuld  reported  be 
And  tolde  to  hure  of  somrae  of  Jns  mayne  2436 

Of  whom  it1  nedejj  not1  tp  declare 
£>ij>  wommen  kon  out1  such  chaffare 
And  eke  my  witte  suffisej)  not  ferto 
To  telle  alle  perfore  my  tale  is  doo  2440 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


PETWORTH   374   (6-T.  476) 


GKOUP  F.   FEAGMENT  VII. 

§  1,    THE  SQUIRE'S  HEAD-LINK. 
PETWORTH  MS. 


Sir*  ffrannkeleyne  come  ner1  if  if  jour  wille  be       ion  leaf  mi 

And  say  vs  a  tale  for  sertys  30 

Can  feron  as  mocfi  as  eny  man 

Nay  sir1  quod  lie  I  wil  say  as  I  can  4 

Witfi.  hertely  wille  for  I  nyl  be  rebelle 

A^einsf  ^oure  wille .  a  tale  nowe  wil  I  telle 

HAue  me  excused  $if  I  sey  amys . 

My  wille  is  good  and  loo  my  tale  is  J)is  •/  8 

V  Here  ende})  fe  prologe  of  fe  ffrawnkeleyn 


PETWOETH   375   (6-T.  478) 


SIX-TEXT    500 

GROUP  F.   §  4»  FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


And  here  bygynnej?  j>e  ftra^nkeleyns  tale 
[THE  PROEM.] 

Thise  olde  gentile  bretoynes  in  her1  daies 
Of  dyuers  auentures  niaden  laies 
Rymeden  in  her  furst1  bretoyne  tonge 
Which"  layes  wij>  her  instrumentes  J>ei  songe  712 

Oiper  ellis  radden  hem  for  her  plesance  [leaf  r/s,  back] 

And  oon  of  hem  haue  I  in  remembrance 
Which  I  shal  seie  wijj  as  good  wille  as  I  can/ 
But1  sirs  by  cause  pat1  I  am  but1  a  buritt  man  716 

At1  my  bygynnynge  furst1  I  }ou  biseche 
Haue  me  excused  of  my  rwde  speche 
I  lered  neuere  rethorike  certeyne 

jjinge  fat1 1  speke  if  mot1  be  bare  and  pleyne  720 

I  slepte  neuere  on  Jje  mounte  of  parnaso 
Ne  I  neuer  lered .  Marchus  Tullius  ne  Cithero 
Colours  of  rethorike  knewe  I  none  w^tA-out1  dredo 
But1  such  coloures  as  growen  in  ]?e  mede  724 

Or  ellis  such  as  men  dye  or  peyntt 
Colours  of  rethorike  bene  to  me  queynfr 
Mi  spirit1  felejj  not1  of  such  matiere 

But1  if  $ou  lust1  my  tale  shul  36  here  728 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

[THE  TALE.] 

Ther  was  a  knyght1  pat1  loued  and  did  his  peyne       730 
In  armorike  pat1  cleped  is  breteyne  729 

To  seruen  a  lady  in  his  best1  wise 

And  mony  a  laboure  &  mony  a  grete  emprise  732 

PETWOETH   376   (6-T.  600) 


SIX-TEXT   501 

GROUP  F.    §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

He  for  his  lady  wroi^f  er  she  were  wo?2iie 

fibr  she  was  oon  J>e  fairest1  vndere  sonne 

And  eke  J>erto  come  of  so  high  kynrede 

pat1  wel  vnnepes  durst1  Jns  knyghtt  for  drede  736 

Telle  hure  his  woo  his  pejme  and  his  distresse 

But1  at1  ]?e  last1  she  for  his  worjnnesse 

And  namely  for  his  meke  obeysance 

Haj?  suche  a  pite  kau^t1  of  his  pencmnce  740 

That1  prively  she  felle  of  his  acorde 

To  take  hym  for  hure  husbond?  and  her  lord? 

Of  suche  lordship  as  men  hail  ouer  her  wyves 

And  forto  lede  J?e  more  in  blisse  her  lyves  744 

Of  his  fre  wille  he  swore  hure  as  a 

Jjat1  neuere  in  his  wille  by  day  ne 

Ne  shuld?  vpon  hym  take  no  maistrie 

A3einst1  her  wille  ne  kith  hure  Jalousie  748 

But1  hure  obeye  and  folowe  her  wille  in  alt  rieaf  179] 

As  eny  louyere  to  his  lady  shaU 

Saue  pat1  J?e  name  of  souereynte 

That1  wolde  he  han  for  shame  of  his  degre  752 

She  poiikej)  hym  and  wij)  ful  grete  humblesse 

She  seide  sir1  sij)  of  3oure  gentylnesse 

^e  profre  me  to  han  as  large  a  reyne 

!N~e  wolde  neuere  god  betwix  vs  tweyne  756 

As  in  my  gilt1  were  eij?er  werre  or  striff* 

Sir1  I  wil  be  ^oure  owne  humble  &  trewe  wiff1 

Haue  here  my  troujje  til  Jjat1  my  hert1  brest1 

Thus  bene  ]?ei  bo)>  in  quiete  and  in  rest*  760 

ffor  oon  J)inge  sires  saufly  dar  I  seie 

That1  frendes  euerich  ofer  most1  obeie 

}if  ]?ei  wil  longe  holde  companye 

loue  wil  not1  bene  constreyned  be  maistrye  764 

whan  maistrie  comme])  ]?e  god  of  loue  anon 

BeteJ)  on  his  wengges  and  fare-wele  he  is  gon. 

loue  is  a  jnnge  as  eny  spirite  free 

Wommen  of  kynde  desiren  liberte  768 

26  PETWORTH    377    (6-T.  50l) 


SIX-TEXT    502 

GROUP  F.    §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  noujt1  to  be  constreyned  as  a  J?raH 

And  so  done  men  }if  I  j>e  soj>e  seie  shaft 

Loke  who  J>af  is  most1  pacient1  in  loue 

He  is  at1  his  avauntage  aboue  772 

Pacience  is  an  hie  vertue  certeyn 

ffor  it1  venquysshejj  as  clerkes  seyne 

Thingges  J)afr  rigoure  shulde  neuere  ateyne 

ffor  euery  worde  men  may  not1  chide  ne  pleyne  776 

Lerne])  to  suffre  or  ellis  so  mote  I  gon 

^e  Shul  it1  lerne  wheder*  $e  wil  or  non 

ffor  in  J)is  world  certeyne  no  wi$fr  nys 

Jjat1  he  ne  do))  or  seij>  some  tyme  amys  780 

Or  ojjer1  siknesse  oijjer  constellacion 

Wyne .  woo .  or  chaunchynge  of  complexion 

Cause]?  ful  oft1  to  do  amys  eijfer*  speken 

On  euery  wronge  men  may  no#  be  a-wreken  784 

Aftere  )>e  tyme  most1  be  temperawnce  [leaf  179,  back] 

To  euery  wi^t1  j)at*  can  no  gouernamiee 

And  ])erfore  ha])  ]>is  wor])i  wise  kny^te 

To  lyue  in  ease  suffrance  hure  bihi^te  788 

And  she  to  hym  ful  wisely  gan  to  swere 

j?af  neuere  shuld  fer  be  defaute  in  here 

Here  may  men  seen  an  humble  wif  acord? 

Thus  ha])  she  take  her  serucmnte  and  her  lorcJ  792 

Seruawnte  nyl  on  and  lord  in  mariage 

J?an  was  he  bo])  in  lordship  and  seruage 

Seruage  nay  but1  in  lordschip  alloue 

Syrens  he  ha])  boj)  his  lady  and  his  loue  796 

His  lady  certys  and  his  wiff  also 

The  which  Jjat1  lawe  of  loue  accorde])  J)e/-to 

And  whan  he  was  in  Jns  prospmte 

Home  wi])  his  wiff  he  go])  to  his  cuntre  800 

Not1  fer  fro  Pedmarke  J)er  as  his  dwelling1  was 

Where  as  he  lyuej)  in  blisse  and  in  solas 

Who  couthe  telle  but1  he  had  wedded  be 

The  loie  ])e  ease  and  fe  prospe?*ite  804 

PETWORTH    378   (6-T.  602) 


SIX-TEXT    503 

GROUP  F.    §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

That  is  bitwix  an  husboncJ  and  his  wiff 

-A  ^ere  and  more  lasted  ]>is  blisful  lif1 . 

Til  fat1  f  is  kny^t1  of  whicii  I  spake  of  Jms 

That1  of  kynrede  was  cleped  Arueragus  808 

Shope  hym  to  goon  and  dwelle  a  ^ere  or  tweyn) 

In  engelcnd?  fat1  cleped  was  breteyn) ./ 

To  seche  in  armes  worship  and  eke  honowr 

ffor  alt  hit  lust1  he  sette  in  such  labour  812 

And  dwelle])  fere  f  e  boke  seif  Jms 

Now  wil  I  stint1  of  f  is  Arueragus 

And  speken  I  wil  of  dorygen  his  wiff1 

That1  louef  her  husbonde  as  his  he/'tes  lif*  816 

And  for  his  absence  wepef  she  and  sikef  e 

As  done  f  ise  noble  wyues  whan  hem  like]) . 

She  mourne]) .  wake]) .  wailef .  fastef  &  playnef 

Desire  of  his  presence  hure  so  destreyne])  820 

That1  ati  ])is  wide  world?  she  sette  at1  nou^t1  [leaf  iso] 

Her  frendes  which  fat1  knewe  her  hevy  f  ou^t1 

In  al  fat1  euere  f  ei  my^f  or  may 

fei  prechen  hui-*  fei  tellen  hur1  ny^t  and  day  824 

fat1  causelees  she  sleef  her  self  alas 

And  euery  comfort1  possible  in  f  is  cas 

They  doon  to  hure  wij>  al  her  bysynesse 

And  al  forto  make  hure  late  her  heuynesse  828 

By  processe  as  ^e  knowe  wel  euerechon 

Men  may  so  longe  grauen  in  fe  ston 

Til  some  figure  fer-Inne  emprinted  be 

So  longe  han  fei  conforted  hure  fat1  she  832 

Resceyued  haf  by  hope  and  by  reson 

The  emprintyng1  of  hure  co^stellacion 

Thorgh  which  here  grete  sorowe  gan  aswage 

She  may  not  alway  endure  in  such  a  rage  836 

And  eke  arueragus  in  al  f  is  care 

Haf  sent1  her  le^res  home  in  al  f  is  fare 

And  fat1  he  wold'  come  hastely  a^eiii 

Oyfer  ellis  had  fis  sorowe  hure  hert1  sclayn  840 

PETWORTH    379   (6-T.  503) 


SIX-TEXT    504 

.GROUP  F,    §  4,   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

Her  frendes  segfr  hure  hert1  gan  to  sclake 

And  preiden  hure  011  knees  for  goddys  sake 

To  come  and  to  Rome  hure.  in  companye 

Away  to  dryve  hure  derk  fantasie  844 

And  fynaly  she  graunted  fat1  request1 

ffor  wel  she  seghe  it1  was  for  f  e  best* 

^Nowe  stoode  hure  castel  fast1  by  f  e  see 

And  oft  wif  hure  frendes  walked  she  848 

Hire  to  disporte  on  f  e  See  bank1  on  hegh" 

Where  as  she  mony  shippe  and  barge  segn" 

Seilynge  her  cours  where  hem  lust1  to  goo 

But1  ^ifr  was  f  er  a  parcelle  of  her  woo .  852 

ffor  to  hure  self  ful  ofte  seide  she 

Is  f  er  no  shippe  of  so  mony  as  I  see 

wil  bringe  home  my  lord?  f  aw  Avoid*  my  herte 

Al  warisshe  of  f  ise  bittere  peynes  smerte  .  856 

A-nof  er  tyme  f  er  wil  she  sitte  and  f  enke  [leaf  iso,  back] 

And  cast1  her  yen  downward'  fro  f  e  brinke 

But1  whan  she  segh  f  e  grissly  rokkes  blake 

Ifor  verrey  fere  wold  hure  hert1  quake  860 

fat1  on  her  fete  she  rny^t1  not1  hure  sustene 

fan  wold  she  sitte  doune  on  f  e  grene 

And  pitously  into  f  e  see  she  wolde  biholde 

And  seyn  ri^t1  fus  with  soroweful  hert1  cold4  864 

Eterne  god  fat1  f ourgh"  f i  pwrueaunce 

Ledest1  f  e  worlde  by  certeyn  gouernawnce 

In  ydelnesse  as  men  sayne  ye  no  f  inge  make 

But1  lorde  f  ise  grisly  feendly  rokkes  blake  868 

That1  semen  raf  er  a  foule  confusion 

Of  werk1  fan  eny  faire  creacion 

Of  which  a  parfit1  god  and  a  stable 

why  han  36  wrou^t1  f  is  werk  vnresonable  872 

ffor  by  f  is  werk1  souf  e .  norf  .  eest1  &  west1 

Ther  nis  yfostred  man  ne  bridde  ne  beest1 

It1  dof  no  good  to  my  witte  but1  anoyef 

Se  36  not1  lorde  how  man-kynde  it1  destroief  876 

PETWORTH    380   (6-T.  604) 


SIX-TEXT    505 

GROUP  F.    §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

An  C.  thousand  bodies  of  man-kynde 

Han  rokkes  sclayn  al  be  fei  nou^t  in  mynde 

"Which  mankynde  is  so  faire  part1  of  fi  werke 

Jjat1  ]>ow  it  maidest1  like  to  June  honde  werke  880 

fan  semed  it1  36  had  a  grete  cheerte 

Toward4  mankynde  but1  how  fan  may  if  be 

fat1  30  suche  menes  make  it1  to  destroien ./ 

Which  menes  done  no  good  but1  euer  anoyen  884 

I  wote  wel  clerkys  wollen  seyn  as  he??i  lest1 

By  argument1  fat1  al  f  ing1  is  for  f  e  best1 

f  ough  I  ne  can  f  e  causesse  forsof  knowe 

But1  f  ilk  god  fat1  made  wynde  to  blowe  888 

As  kepe  my  lorde  f  is  is  my  conclusion 

To  clerkes  lete  I  al  disputacion 

But1  wolde  god  fat1  aH  f  e  rokkes  blake 

Were  sonken  into  helle  for  his  sake  892 

Thise  rokkes  scleen  myn  hert1  for  fere  [leaf  isi] 

Thus  wold!  she  sayn  wif  mony  a  pitous  tere 

Hire  frendes  segh  fat1  [it]  was  no  disport1 

To  Romen  by  fe  see  but1  discomfort1  896 

And  shopen  for  to  pleyeii  somwher  ellis 

They  leden  hure  by  ryuers  and  by  wellys 

And  eke  in  of  er  places  delitables 

Thei  daunsen  and  pley  atte  chesse  and  tables  900 

So  on  a  day  ri^t1  on  f  e  morowe  tyde 

Vnto  a  gardyne  fat1  was  J?er  beside 

In  whiche  fat1  ]>ei  had  made  her  ordinance 

Of  vitaille  and  of  o]?ere  purueaunce  904 

They  goon  and  pleien  hem  al  J?e  longe  day 

And  fis  was  on  ]?e  sext1  morowe  of  may 

Which  may  had  peinted  wi]>  his  softe  shoures 

This  gardeyn  ful  of  leues  and  of  flourcs  908 

And  wij)  craft1  of  mawnys  honde  so  curiously 

Araied  had  fis  gardyne  traily 

That1  neuere  nas  fer  gardyne  of  such  pn'se 

But1  }if  it1  were  Jje  verrey  paradyse  912 

PETWORTH    381    (6-T.  505) 


SIX-TEXT    506 

GROUP  F.   §  4,   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


The  odour  of  floures  and  J?e  fresshe 

Wold  haue  made  eny  pensif  hert1  li^t1 

That1  euere  was  born  but1  if  to  grete  siknesse 

Oijjer  to  grete  sorowe  helde  it1  in  distresse  916 

And  aftere  dynere  gan  Jjei  to  daunce  918 

So  ful  it1  was  of  bewte  wij?  plesawnce  917 

And  syngen  also  but1  dirigen  song1  allone 

And  made  alway  her  compleinte  and  her  mone  920 

fibr  she  ne  segh  him  in  J?e  daunce  goo 

Jjat1  was  her  husbonde  and  her  loue  also 

But1  najjelees  she  most1  a  tyme  abide 

And  wij>  good  hope  lete  she  her  sorowe  glide  924 

IF  Vpon  Jjis  daunce  amouges  ojjer  men 

Daunsed  a  squier1  afore  Dorigen 

Jpat1  fressher*  was  and  lolier  of  araye 

As  to  my  dome  J?an  is  J?e  monjje  of  may  928 

He  syngej?  and  dounsej?  passinge  eny  man  [leaf  isi,  back] 

)paf  is  or  was  sijjens  )>is  world^  bygan 

)?er-wijj  he  was  if  men  shuld  hyra  discrive 

On  J>e  best1  faring1  man  alyue  932 

3ong1  .  strong1  ri^t*  vertuous  riche  and  wis 

And  wel  byloued  and  holden  in  grete  pris 

And  shortely  if  J?e  so]?  tellen  I  shal 

Vnwittyng1  of  J?is  Dorigen  at1  all  936 

This  lusty  squyere  seruawnte  to  Venus 

Which  fat1  icleped  was  aurelius 

Had  loued  hure  best1  of  eny  creature 

Two  ^ere  and  more  as  was  his  auenture  940 

But1  neuere  durst1  he  telle  of  his  greucmnce 

Wijj-out1  cuppe  he  dronke  al  his  penawnce 

He  was  despeired  no  fing1  durst1  he  saye 

Sauf  in  his  sawe  somwhat1  wold'  he  wreye  944 

His  woo  as  in  generaH  compleynyng1 

He  saide  he  loued  and  was  byloued  no  Jnng* 

Of  suche  matere  made  he  mony  laies 

Songges  compleyntes  roundelettes  virrelaies  948 

PETWOllTII    382   (6-T.  606) 


SIX-TEXT    507 

GROUP  F.   §  4,   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

How  fat1  he  durst1  not1  his  sorowe  telle 

fat1  languysshef  as  a  fuyre  do]?  in  helle 

And  deye  he  seide  most  I  as  did  Ekko 

ffor  Narsisus  fat1  durst1  not1  telle  hure  woo  952 

In  of  ere  nianere  fan  36  here  me  saye 

Ne  durst1  he  not1  to  hure  his  woo  bywrey 

Saue  perauenture  somtyme  at1  daunces 

fere  ^onge  men  kepen  her  obseruawnces  956 

If  may  wel  be  he  loked  on  hure  face 

In  such  a  wise  as  man  fat1  askef  grace 

But1  no  f  inge  wiste  she  of  his  entent1 

Naf  eles  it1  happed  er  fei  fens  went1  960 

Bycause  fat1  he  was  hure  neighbour 

And  was  a  mon  of  worship  and  honour 

And  had  yknowe  hym  oft1  tymes  $ore 

fei  fylle  in  speche  more  and  more  964 

Vnto  his  pwrpoos  drowe  aurelius  [leaf  i82j 

And  whan  he  segfr  his  tyme  he  saide  fus 

Madame  quod  he  by  god  fat1  fis  world?  made 

So  fat1 1  wist1  it1  my^t1  ^oure  herte  glade  968 

I  wold  fat1  day  fat1  ^oure  arueragus 

Went1  to  f e  see  fat1 1  Aurelius 

Had  went1  fat1 1  shuld  neuere  come  a^ein 

fFor  wel  I  wote  my  seruise  is  in  veyfi  972 

My  gwerdon  is  but1  brestyng  of  myn  herte 

Madame  rewef  vpon  my  peynes  smerte 

If  or  as  wif  a  swerde  }e  may  me  scle  or  saue 

Here  at  $oure  fote  god  wolde  I  were  in  graue  976 

I  haue  as  nowe  no  leisere  forto  seie 

Haue  mercy  on  me  swete  or  36  wil  do  me  die 

She  gan  to  loke  vpon  Aurelius 

Is  fis  pure  wille  qwod  she  and  saye  30  fus  980 

Neuer  erst1  q^d  she  ne  wist1 1  what1  36  ment1 

But1  nowe  Aurely  I  knowe  3oure  entent1 

By  f ilke  god  fat1  3af  me  soule  and  liff 

Ne  shal  I  neuere  be  an  vntrewe  wiff  984 

PETWORTH    383   (6-T.  507) 


SIX-TEXT    508 

GROUP  F,    §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

In  worde  ne  werk  as  fer  as  I  haue  witte 

I  wil  bene  his  to  whom  pat1  I  am  knytte 

But  aftere  pat1  in  pleyn  pus  seide  she  988 

Take  pis  for  fynal  answere  as  for  me  987 

Aurely  quod  she  by  hi^e  god  aboue 

3it*  wil  I  graunte  ^ou  to  be  $oure  loue 

Sippe  I  see  ^ou  so  pitously  compleyne 

Loke  what1  day  fat1  euenlong1  breteyne  992 

36  remeue  alle  pe  Rokkes  stoon  by  stoon 

fat1  pei  lat1  shippe  ne  bote  none 

I  saye  whan  36  han  made  pise  costes  so  clene 

Of  Eokkes  pat1  per  be  no  stone  sene  996 

pan  wil  I  loue  }ou  best1  of  eny  man 

Haue  here  my  troupe  in  al  pat1  euere  I  can 

Is  pere  noon  oper  grace  quod  he 

No  by  pat1  lorde  quod  she  pat  made  me .  1000 

ffor  wel  I  wote  pat1  shal  neuere  betide  [leaf  182,  back] 

Lat1  such  foly  out1  of  ^oure  hert1  glide 

What1  deyiite  shuld?  man  haue  be  his  lif1 

fforto  loue  anopere  mannys  wiff1  1004 

pat1  hap  hure  body  whan  pat1  hyra  likep 

Aurelius  ful  ofte  sore  sikep 

Woo  was  Aurelius  whan  he  pis  herde 

And  wip  a  sorowful  hert1  pus  answerde  1008 

Madame  quod  he  pis  were  an  impossible 

pan  mote  I  deye  a  sodeyne  depe  horrible 

And  wip  pat1  worde  he  turned  hyra  an5n 

Tho  come  hire  oper  frendes  mony  on  1012 

And  in  the  aleis  romed  vp  and  down 

And  no  ping1  wist1  of  pis  coiiclusiown 

But1  sodeynly  bygonne  to  reuel  newe 

Til  pat1  pe  bri^te  sonne  lost1  his  hwe  1016 

ffor  porisonth  hap  raft1  pe  sonne  his  li^f 

This  is  as  moche  to  say  as  it  was  ny3^ 

And  home  pei  gone  in  loie  and  in  solace 

Saue  only  wrecched  Aurelius  alias  1020 

PETWOllTII    384    (6-T.  608) 


SIX-TEXT    509 

GROUP  F.    §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

lie  to  his  hous  is  gone  wif  sorowful  herte 

lie  seif  he  may  not1  from  his  def  asterte 

Hym  seme]?  he  felef  his  hertf  colde 

Vp  to  fe  heuene  his  hondys  gan  he  holde  1024 

And  on  his  knees  bare  he  sette  hy?ft  down 

And  in  his  raving1  seide  f  is  Orisown 

ffor  verrey  woo  out*  of  his  witte  he  breide 

He  nysfr  not1  what1  he  spake  but1  Jms  he  seide  1028 

Wif  pitous  hert1  haf  he  compleynt1  bygofi 

Ynto  f  e  goddesse  and  first  vnto  f  e  sonne 

He  seide  Appollo  god  and  gouernour 

Of  euery  planete .  herbe  .  tree  and  flour1  1032 

Jpat1  ^euest1  aftere  f  i  declinacion 

To  ech  of  hem  his  tyme  and  his  seson 

And  fine  harborowe  chaungef  lowe  and  hie 

Lord  Phebus  cast1  fi  merciable  ye  1036 

On  wrecched  Aurely  which  fat1  am  but1  lorne  [leaf  iss] 

loo  lord?  my  lady  haf  my  def  sworne 

WiJ>-oute  gilt1  but1  j?i  benignite 

Ypon  my  dedly  herte  haue  som?7ie  pite  1040 

But1  wel  I  wote  lorde  phebus  if  ^ou  lest1 

3e  may  me  helpe  to  haue  my  lady  best1 

Now  vouchej?  sauf  fat1 1  may  ^ou  devise 

How  fat1  I  may  be  hulpe  and  in  what1  wise  1044 

3oure  blisful  sustre  lucyna  f  e  Shene 

Jpat1  of  the  see  is  cheef  goddes  and  queue 

J^ou^e  Neptynus  haue  deite  in  f  e  See 

^it1  Emperesse  abouen  he?7^  is  she  1048 

3e  knowen  wel  lord'  ri^t1  as  hure  desire 

Is  to  be  qwykkened  and  Ii3tned  of  jour  fire 

ffor  which  she  folwef  }ou  fu[l]  bisily 

Ei^t1  soo  fe  See  desiref  naturelly    *  1052 

To  folowen  hure  as  she  fat1  is  goddesse 

Bof  e  in  f  e  See  and  in  f  e  Eyuere  more  and  lesse 

Wherfore  lorde  phebus  f  is  is  my  requeste 

Do  fis  myracle  or  do  myn  herte  to-brest1  1056 

PETWORTH   385    (6-T.  609) 


SIX-TEXT    510 

GROUP  F.   §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

That1  nowe  next*  at1  f  is  opposition 

Whiche  in  f  e  signe  shal  be  of  f  e  lyon 

As  preie  hure  so  grete  a  floode  to  brynge 

fat*  .v.  fathme  at1  f  e  leest1  it1  ouere  sprynge  10GO 

f  e  hiest1  rokke  in  harmorike  Bretaigne 

And  lat1  f  is  flode  endure  $eres  tweyne 

Than  certis  to  my  lady  may  I  saye 

Holdef  ^oure  heeste  fe  rokkes  ben  awaye  1064 

Lord  Phebus  do  f  is  miracle  for  me 

Preie  hure  she  goo  no  faster  cours  fan  $e 

I  seie  f  owe  f  us  preie  ^oure  sustre  fat1  she  go  . 

No  fastere  cours  fan  $e  fise  $eres  two  1068 

fan  shal  she  be  euere  at  f e  ful  alway 

And  springe  floode  lastef  bof  ny$t  and  day 

And  but1  she  vouche-sauf  in  such  manere 

To  grauiite  me  my  lady  souereyn  dere  1072 

Preie  hure  to  synken  euery  rokke  adozm  [leaf  iss,  back] 

Into  hure  owne  derk1  regiown 

Vndere  f  e  grounde  f  er  Pluto  dwellef  Inne 

Oifere  neuere  more  shal  I  my  lady  wynne  1076 

Thi  temple  in  Delphos  wil  I  barefote  seke 

Lorde  Phebus  biholde  36  f  e  teeres  of  my  cheke 

And  of  my  peyne  haue  compassiown 

And  wif  fat1  worde  in  swoune  he  fille  adown  .  1080 

And  longe  tyme  he  lay  in  a  trawnce 

his  brof er  which  fat1  knewe  of  his  pencwnce 

Vp  kau^t  hym  and  to  bed  hyra  brou^t1 

Despeired  in  his  torment1  and  his  fou^t1  1084 

Loo  I  f  is  wooful  creature  lye 

May  chese  whedere  to  lyve  or  dye 

IT  Arueragus  wif  hool  and  grete  honour 

As  he  [that]  was  of  chyualrie  f  e  floure  1088 

Is  cowmen  home  and  of  er  worf  i  men 

0  blisful  art1  f  ou  Doregen 

fat1  hast1  fine  lusty  husbond?  in  fine  armes 

fat  fresshe  knyght1  fat1  worfi  man  of  armes  1092 

PETWORTH    386    (6-T.  610) 


SIX-TEXT    511 

GROUP  F.    §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

fat1  louef  f  e  as  his  owne  hertys  lif 

]S"o  fing<  lest1  he  to  be  ymagynatiff' 

f  ou^e  eny  wi^t1  had  spoke  while  he  was  oute 

To  hure  of  loue  he  made  f  erof  no  doute  1096 

He  nou^t1  entendef  to  no  such  matere 

But1  daunsef .  lustef .  and  make]?  good  chere 

And  jms  in  loye  and  blisse  I  lat1  hem  dwelle 

And  Of  fe  SWete  AureliuS  1  wil  I  telle     PJrst.ArnelmaSntheMS.-] 

In  langour  and  in  furious  torment1  Jms 

Two  ^ere  and  more  lay  wrecched  aurelius . 

Or  eny  foote  on  erf  e  he  my^te  gon 

No  comfort1  in  f  is  tyme  nad  he  non  1 104 

Sauf  of  his  brof ere  which  fat  was  a  clerke 

he  knewe  of  aH  f  is  woo  and  al  f  is  werke 

ifor  to  non  of  er  creature  certeyn 

Of  fis  matere  ne  durste  he  no  worde  seyn)  1108 

Yndere  his  brest1  he  bere  it1  more  secree  Deaf  i84j 

Than  euere  did  phamphilius  for  galathe 

His  brest1  was  hoole  wij)-outen  for  to  sene 

But1  in  his  herte  was  ay  ]>e  arowe  kene  1112 

And  wel  to  knowe  fat1  afore  Sanure 

In  Surgery  ful  perilous  is  Jje  cure 

But1  men  my^t1  nof  touche  ]?e  arowe  pou^e  he  come  ]?erby 

His  broker  wepej)  and  weilleth  prively  1116 

Til  at1  J?e  last1  hym  felle  in  remembrance 

That1  whiles  he  was  at1  orliance  in  frarice 

As  3onge  clerkes  fat1  bene  likerous 

To  reden  artes  fat1  bene  curious  1120 

Seken  in  euery  halke  and  euery  herne 

Particulere  sciences  forto  lerne 

He  him  remembrej)  vpon  a  day 

At1  Orliaunce  in  stody  a  boke  he  saie  1124 

Of  magike  naturel  which  his  felawe 

fat1  was  fat1  tyme  a  bachilere  of  lawe 

Al  were  he  fere  to  lerne  anof er  craft1 

And  priuely  vpon  his  desk?  he  laft1  1128 

PETWORTH    387    (6-T.  51l) 


SIX-TEXT    512 

GROUP  F.    §  4,   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


This  boke  whicli  speke  mochel  of  op^racions 
Touchinge  f  e  eight  and  twenty  l  mancions 
fat1  longen  to  f  e  mone  and  sucli  foly 
As  in  our  daies  nys  naf  worf  a  flye 
fFor  holy  churche  seif  in  our  bileue 
Ne  suffref  noon  illusion  vs  to  greue 
And  whan  f  is  booke  was  in  remembraunce 
Anone  for  ioy  he  gan  to  daunce 
And  to  hym  self  saide  praiely 
My  broker  shal  be  warisshed  hastely 
ffor  I  am  siker  fat1  f  er  bene  sciences 
By  which  men  make  dyuers  apparences 
whiche  as  )>ise  subtile  tregetours  pleien 
ffor  oft1  at1  feestes  haue  I  herde  seyen 
That1  tregetours  wif-in  an  halle  large 
Han  maden  come  water1  in  a  barge . 
And  in  the  halle  rowe  vp  and  doune 
Somtyme  ha]?  semed  [come]  a  grete  lyown 
[And  somtyme  flours  spryng  as  in  a  mede 
Somtyme  a  vyne/  and  grapes  whyt  and  reede] 
Somtyme  a  castel  al  of  lyme  and  ston 
And  whan  hen  liked  voide  it1  anon 
Thus  semed  it1  to  euery  mawnys 
Now  fan  conclude  I  )ms  if  fat1 1 
At1  Orliaunce  some  olde  felawe  finde 
fat1  had  f  e  moons  mancions  in  mynde 
Oif  er  magike  naturel  aboue 
He  shuld  wel  make  my  brofer  han  his  loue 
ffor  wi])  apparens  a  man  may  make 
To  mannys  si$f  fat1  alle  fe  Eokkes  blake 
Of  Bretoyne  were  ywent1  euerechon 

And  Jjat1  shippes  by  J>e  brinkes  my^f  commen  and  goii  1160 
And  in  such  forme  enduren  a  ^ere  or  twoo 
fan  were  my  brofer  warsshed  of  his  woo 
fan  moste  she  nedis  knowe  hure  byhesf 
Or  ellis  he  shal  shamen  hure  at1  fe  lest1  1164 

PETWORTH  388   (6-T.  612) 


MS  xxviij] 


1132 


1136 


1140 


1144 

[leaf  184,  back] 


[Add.  MS  5140, 
tea/ 190,  back] 

1148 


1152 


1156 


SIX-TEXT    513 

GROUP  F.    §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS, 

What1  shuld!  I  make  a  lenger  tale  of  fis 

Vnto  his  broker  bedde  co?ftmen  he  is 

And  suche  comforte  he  }aue  hym  forto  gofi 

To  orliaunce  fat1  he  vpstert1  anon  1168 

And  on  his  way  forf  ward?  is  he  fare 

In  hope  to  bene  ylissed  of  his  care 

Whan  J)ei  were  come  almost4  to  fat1  cite 

But1  if  it1  were  a  two  forlonge  or  free  1172 

A  ^onge  clerk1  romyng1  by  hemself  f  ei  mette 

Whiche  fat1  in  latyn  thriftely  hym  grette 

And  aftere  fat1  he  seide  a  wonder1  f  inge 

1  knowe  quod  he  fe  cause  of  ^oure  commynge  1176 

And  er  f  ei  former  eny  foote  went1 

He  tolde  hem  aH  fat1  was  in  her  entent1 

fis  bretoyne  clerke  hym  asked  of  ffelawes 

fe  whiche  fat1  he  had  knowe  in  olde  daies  1180 

And  he  answered  hym  fat1  f ei  dede  were 

ffor  whiche  he  wept1  ful  mony  a  tere 

Doune  of1  his  hors  Aurelius  li^tt  anon  [leaf  issi 

And  forf  wif  fis  Magicien  is  he  gon  1184 

Home  to  his  hous  and  made  hem  wel  at1  eese 

Ham  lackef  no  vitaile  fat1  hem  my^t1  plese 

So  wel  an  araied  hous  as  ther  was  on 

Aurelius  in  his  lif  ne  segh  none  1188 

He  shewed  hem  ere  [f  ei]  went1  to  sopere 

fforestis  and  parkes  ful  of  wilde  dere 

[Ther  sauhe  he  hertis  /  with  ther  hornys  hihe  L^ySf140' 

The  grettest  /  that  evir  wer  seyne  with  eye  1192 

He  sauhe  of  hem  an  hundred  /  slayne  wyth  houndes 

And  som  with  arwes  /  bleede  of  bytter  wowndes 

He  sauhe  whanne  wyde  were  the  wylde  deer 

The  fauconers  vpon)  a  fayr  ryver]  1196 

And  howe  facouns  han  f  e  herowne  sclayn 

fat1  segli  he  knyghtes  iusten  in  a  playn  * 

And  aftere  fis  he  did  hym  such  plesawnce 

fat1  he  hym  shewed  his  lady  in  a  daunce  1200 

PETWORTH   389    (6-T.  613) 


SIX-TEXT    514 

GROUP  F.   §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


On  which"  him  self  daunsed  as  hym 

And  whan  pis  maistere  )>af  pis  magike  wrou^f 

Segh  if  was  tyme  and  clapped  his  hondys  twoo 

A  fare  wele  al  cure  reuel  is  ydoo  1204 

But*  3if  remeue  pei  neuere  out1  of  pis  hous 

whiles  pei  seghe  al  pis  sifl  merveilous 

But1  in  his  stody  pere  as  his  bokes  be 

pei  sitten  stille  and  no  wi3f  but*  pei  pre  1208 

To  him  pis  maastere  called  pan  a  sqwiere 

And  seide  him  pus  is  it*  redy  oure  sopere 

Almost1  an  houre  if  is  I  vndertake 

Sipens  I  3ou  bad  oure  sopere  to  make  1212 

Whan  paf  pise  worpi  men  wenten  with  me 

Vnto  my  stody  per  as  my  bokes  be 

Sir"  quod  jjis  squiere  whan  if  like])  }ou  . 

If  is  al  redy  Jjo^e  36  will  ri^f  nowe  1216 

Go  we  fan  soupe  quod  he  &  for  J>e  besf 

Jnse  Amerous  folk1  somtyme  mote  haue  resf 

And  after  sopere  fille  jjei  in  trete 

Whaf  somme  shulde  ])is  maisters  guerdon  be  1220 

To  rem[u]e  alle  ]?e  Eokkes  of  breteyne 

And  eke  from  geron  to  j?e  mou]?e  of  Seyn) 

He  made  if  straunge  &  swore  so  god  hym  saue 

Lasse  J?an  a  fousand  pounde  he  nolde  nof  haue  1224 

Ne  gladly  for  Jmf  som??ze  he  nold  nof  goon          [leaf  iss,  back] 

Aurelius  wijj  blisful  herf  anon 

Answered  Jms  .  fie  on  a  thousand  pounde 

This  wide  world?  J?af  men  seyn  is  rounde  1228 

f  af  wold  I  $eue  if  I  were  lord  of  if 

This  bargayn  is  ful  drive  for  we  bene  knyf 

$e  shullen  be  paide  trewly  be  my  troupe 

Buf  lokej)  nowe  for  no  negligence  ne  sloufe  1232 

36  tary  vs  here  no  lenger  fan  to  morowe 

Nay  quod  this  clerke  haue  here  my  troupe  to  borowe 

To  bedde  is  gone  Aurelius  whan  hym  lisf 

And  welnygh  al  J?af  ny3f  he  had  his  resf  1236 

PKTWORTH   300   (6-T.  614) 


SIX-TEXT    515 

GROUP  F,    §4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

fat1  for  his  laboure  and  for  his  hope  of  blisse 

His  wooful  herte  of  penawnce  had  a  lisse 

Ypon  f  is  morowe  whan  fat1  it1  was  day 

To  breteigne  toke  fei  fe  right1  way  1240 

Aurelius  and  f  is  magicien  be  side 

And  bene  descended  \er  fei  willen  abide 

And  f  is  was  as  f  e  bokes  me  remewbre 

fe  colde  frosty  seson  of  decembre  1244 

Phebus  wexe  olde  and  hwed  like  latofi 

That1  in  his  hote  declinacion 

Shoone  as  f  e  byrned  cold?  with  stremes  bri^f 

But1  nowe  in  scorpion  a-doune  he  li^t1  1248 

Where  as  he  shone  fill  pale  I  dar  wel  seyn) 

f  e  bitter*  frostes  with  f  e  sclete  and  reyn) 

Destroied  haf  f  e  grene  in  euery  3erde 

lanus  sitte  by  fe  fuyr  with  double  berde  1252 

And  drynkejj  of  his  bugle  horn  f  e  wyne 

Byforn  hym  stant1  f  e  brawne  of  fe  tusked  swyne 

And  a  noweH  criej)  euery  lusty  man 

Aurelius  in  al  fat1  euere  he  can .  1256 

Doth  to  his  maister*  chere  and  reuerence 

And  preief  him  to  don  his  diligence 

To  bringgen  him  out1  of  his  peynes  smerte 

Oifere  wif  a  swerde  fat1  he  wold  sclitte  his  herte        1260 

That1  subtile  clerk1  which  fat1  roufe  had  of  f?'s  man  [leaf  isr,] 

fat1  nyght1  and  day  he  him  spedde  fat1  he  ne  Ian 

To  waite  a  tyme  of  his  conclusion 

This  to  say  to  make  illusion  1264 

I  ne  can  no  termes  of  Astrologie  1266 

By  whiche  an  apparence  of  logelrie  1265 

fat1  she  and  euery  wi^t1  shuld  wene  and  seie 

That1  of  Breteyn  fe  rokkes  bene  away  1268 

Oif  ere  ellis  f  ei  were  sonken  vnder  grounde 

So  at1  f  e  last1  whan  he  his  tyme  ftmnde 

To  make  his  iapes  and  his  wrecchednesse 

Of  which  a  supersticious  cursednesse  1272 

PETWORTH   391    (6-T.  615) 


SIX-TEXT    516 

GROUP  F.   §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

His  tables  colletanes  forf  he  brou^fr 

ffol  wel  corrected  for  \er  lacked  nou^t 

!N"e  his  collectis  ne  his  expans  ^eres 

ISTe  his  rotes  ne  his  ofer  geres  1276 

As  bene  his  Centrys  and  his  argumentz 

And  his  proporcions  conuenientz 

ffor  his  equaci5ns  and  euery  ]>inge 

And  by  his  viiij  spere  in  his  wirkinge  1280 

He  knewe  howe  fer  alnafe  was  yshoue 

ffrom  Jje  hede  of  J>ilk<  fixe  arise]?  aboue 

fat1  in  )>e  ninthe l  spere  considered  is  [ijf-six] 

fful  subtily  he  cal[cu]lef  al  J?is  /  1284 

And  whan  he  had  founde  his  first1  mancion 

He  knewe  J>e  remynawnte  by  proporcion 

And  knewe  fe  arising1  of  j)e  mone  welt 

.And  in  whoos  face  and  terine  euery  deH  1288 

And  knewe  ful  wel  ]>e  monys  mancion 

Accordant1  to  his  operacion 

And  knewe  also  his  ofer  obse?-uawnces 

ffor  such  illusions  and  such  meschaunces  1292 

As  he]?en  folk1  vsed  Jjilk1  daies 

ffor  whicR  no  lenger  maked  he  delaies 

But1  Jjorgh  his  niagike  for  a  weke  or  tway 

It1  semed  as  al  the  Eockes  were  away  1296 

Aurelius  which  fat1  despeired  is  [leafise,  back] 

whedere  he  shal  han  his  loue  or  fare  amys 

AwaiteJ?  ny^t1  and  day  of  j?is  myracle 

And  whan  he  knewe  J?er  was  non  obstacle  1300 

fat1  voiden  were  fise  rokkes  euerechon 

Doune  to  Jns  maisters  fete  he  fille  anon 

And  seide  I  woful  wreche  Aurelius 

Thonke  }ou  lorde  and  lady  myne  Venus  1304 

That1  me  han  hulpe  from  my  carys  cold? 

And  to  }?e  temple  forf  his  way  ha]?  hold? 

Where  he  knewe  he  shuld?  Jns  lady  se 

And  whan  he  segfr  his  tyme  anon  ri^t1  he  1308 

PETWORTH    392    (6-T.  516) 


SIX-TEXT    517 

GROUP  F.    §4,   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

With  dredful  herte  and  humble  chere 

Salwed  hap  his  souereyn  lady  dere 

]\Iy  ri3trful  lady  quod  pis  wooful  man  . 

Whom  I  most1  drede  and  loue  as  I  best1  can .  1312 

And  lopest1  were  of  al  pis  world'  displese 

Nere  it1  pat1  I  for  $ou  haue  suche  dissese 

That*  I  most1  dye  here  at1  ^oure  fote  anon 

IF  But1  not1  wolde.I  telle  howe  me  is  woo  bygon  1316 

But1  certes  eiper  most1 1  deye  or  pleien  * 

3e  slee  me  giltelees  for  verrey  peyne 

But1  of  my  deth"  pou^e  ye  haue  no  roupe 

Avise  3ou  er  pat1  36  lese  3oure  troupe     .  1320 

Kepentep  ^ou  for  pilke  god  aboue 

Er  36  me  sleen  by  cause  pat1  I  }ou  loue 

ifor  madame  wel  36  wote  pat  36  han  hi^tt 

Not1  pat1 1  chalence  eny  ping1  of  ri^t1  1324 

Of  ^ou  souereyn  lady  but1  30^?'  grace 

But1  in  a  gardyne  3onde  in  such  a  place 

3e  wote  ri^tt  wel  j^at1  36  bihote  me 

And  in  myn  honde  3oure  troupe  b^t  30  1328 

To  loue  me  best1  god  wote  30  saide  so 

Al  be  Jjaf  I  vnworjn  am  jjerto . 

Madame  I  seie  if  for  ]?e  honure  of  3ou  * 

More  pan  to  saue  myn  hertes  lif  ri3f  nowe .  1332 

I  haue  done  as  30  comaunded  me  [leaf  is?] 

And  if  36  vouchesauf  }e  may  go  see 

And  as  3ou  lust1  hauej)  3oure  bihest1  in  mynde 

ffor  qwikke  or  dede  rijf  Jms  36  shullen  me  finde          1336 

In  3ou  lif  aU  to  do  me  lyve  or  deye 

But1  wel  I  woote  J>e  rockes  bene  aweye 

He  toke  his  leue  and  she  astonyed  stode 

In  al  her  face  per  nas  on  drope  of  blood'  1340 

She  wende  neuere  han  co?ranen  in  such  a  trappe 

Alias  quod  she  pat1  this  euere  shuld?  happe 

ffor  wende  I  neuere  by  possibilite 

pat1  such  a  meschaunce  shuld  eue?-e  be  1344- 

27  PETWORTH   393    (6-T.  517)- 


SIX-TEXT    518 

GROUP  F.    §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

If  is  ajeinsf  j>e  processe  of  nature  1          ££&•  gJ-JSJ «""- 

And  home  she  go]?  a  soriful  creature x 

ifor  verrey  fere  vnnejjes  may  she  goo  / 

She  wepejj  and  weille]?  a  day  or  twoo  1348 

And  swownejj  Jjat1  it1  rauthe  was  to  see 

But1  whi  it1  was  to  no  wi^t1  tolde  she 

ffor  out1  of  toune  was  goon  Arueragus 

But1  to  hure  self  she  seide  and  speke  jms .  1352 

'In  hure  compleynte  as  30  shul  aftere  here 

With  face  pale  and  wij?  soriful  chere 

Alias  quod  she  on  fe  fortune  I  playn 

fat1  vnware  hast1  wrapped  me  in  J)i  chayii  1356 

ffor  which  J>e  eskape  wote  I  no  socour* 

Saue  only  dej?  eijjer  dishonour1 

Oon  of  }>ise  two  bihoueth  me  to  chese 

But1  na]>elees  ^if  had  I  leuer*  lese  1360 

My  lif  fan  of  my  body  to  haue  a  shame 

EiJ)er  knowe  my  self  fals  eijjer  lese  my  name 

And  wij)  my  dej>  I  may  be  quytte  I-wis 

Han  J?er  nat1  mony  a  wif  er  Jns  1364- 

And  mony  a  maiden  sclayn  her  self  alias 

Eaj?er  J?an  wif  her  bodies  done  trespas 

And  certes  loo  Jnse  stories  beren  witnesse 

Whan  xxx.u  tirauntz  ful  of  cursednesse .  1368 

Had  sclayn  Phidon  in  Athenes  at1  ]>e  lest1  [leaf  IST,  back] 

They  commaunded  his  doubters  to  arest1 

And  bringgen  [hem]  byforn  hym  in  despit 

Al  naked  to  fulfille  her  foule  delite  1372 

And  in  her  faders  bloode  J>ei  made  hem  daunce 

Vppon  jje  pauement1  god  ^eue  hem  meschazmce 

ffor  which  Jiise  wooful  maidens  ful  of  drede 

Kaiser  ]?an  ]?ei  wolde  lese  her  maidenhede  1376 

Jjei  prively  bene  sterte  into  a  welle 

And  dreinte  hem  self  as  )?e  bokes  telle 

Thei  of  mesue  lete  enquere  and  seke 

Of  lacedemye  .L  maidens  eke  1380 

P.ETWORTH   394   (6-T.  518) 


SIX-TEXT    519 

GROUP  F,   §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

On  which  pei  wolden  don  her  lecherie 

But1  was  per  none  of  al  pat1  cowpanye 

pat1  she.  nas  sclayn  and  wip  a  glad  ententt 

Chese  pe  rapere  to  die  fan  to  assent1  1384 

To  bene  enpressed  of  her  maidenhede 

Whi  shuld*  I  fan  to  dye  bene  in  drede 

Lo  eke  pe  tiraunte  Austoclides 

pat1  loued  a  maiden  which"  hi^t1  Symphalides  1388 

"Whan  pat1  hure  fadere  sclayn  was  on  a  ny^t1 

Vnto  Dianes  temple  gop  she  anon  ri3t* 

And  hent1  pe  ymage  wip  hure  armes  twoo  / 

ffrom  which  ymage  she  nolde  neuer  goo  1392 

No  wi^t1  n^t1  fro  hit*  hure  handis  race 

Til  she  was  sclayn  in  pe  self  place 

No  we  si  pens  pat1  maidens  had  such  despit 

To  bene  defouled  wip  mannys  foule  delite  1396 

Wei  ou^te  a  wiff  rapere  hure  self  slee 

pan  ben  defouled  as  penkep  me 

What1  shal  I  sayn  of  hasdrubaldys  wif 

pat1  af  Cartage  biraft1  herself  hur  liff  1 400 

ffor  whan  she  segh  pat1  Romayns  wan  pe  town 

She  toke  her  chuldren  alle  and  swept1  adozm 

Into  pe  fuyre  and  ches  rather  to  dye 

pan  eny  Romayn  did  hure  vilenye  1404 

Hap  not1  lucres  ysclayn  hure  self  alias  [leaf  iss] 

At1  Rome  pere  she  oppressed  was 

Of  Tarquyne  for  hure  pou^t1  it1  was  a  shame 

To  live  whan  pat1  she  had  lost1  her  name  1408 

The  .viij.  maidens  of  Melefie  also  / 

Han  sclayn  hem  self  for  drede  and  woo  / 

Raper  pan  folk  of  gaule  shulJ  hem  oppresse 

Moo  pan  a  M|  stories  as  I  gesse  1412 

Coupe  I  nowe  telle  as  touching1  pis  matere 

Whan  habradas  was  sclayn  his  wif  so  dere 

Her  self  sclowe  and  lete  her  blood  to  glide 

In  Habradas  woundes  brood  and  wide  1416 

PETWORTH   395    (6-T.  619) 


SIX-TEXT    520 

GROUP  F.    §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  saide  my  body  at1  f  e  leeste  waye 

Ther  shal  no  wi^t1  defoile  if  fat1  I  may 

What1  shuld?  I  moo  ensamples  lierof  sayn 

Sifen  fat1  so  mony  han  hem  self  sclayn  1420 

Wei  raf  er  fan  f  ei  wolde  defowled  be 

I  wil  conclude  what1  is  best  for  me 

[Tho  sleen  my  self .  than  be  defouled  thus      jJJJgf 17  D 15' 

I  wilbe  trewe .  vnto  Arueragus]  1424 

Eif  er  raf  er  slee  my  self  in  some  manere 

As  did  Demonycions  do^tere  dere 

By  cause  fat1  she  nolde  defoiled  be 

0  Cedasus  it1  is  ful  grete  pite  1428 

To  reden  how  f  i  doubters  deiden  alias 

fat1  sclowe  hem  self  for  suche  manere  cas 

As  grete  appetit1  was  it1  or  more 

The  theban  maiden  fat1  for  Mchasore  1432 

[Hir  self  en  slough  right  for  suche  a  manerwoo  ^?8e|j'17I)  15> 

Another  theban  mayden  dide  right  so] 

Hure  had  wedded  and  sore  dressed  .  [spurious] 

For  oon  of  Masidoigne  had  hure  oppressed  .  1435 

What1  shal  I  seyn  of  Mcharatyfs  wiff 

fat1  for  such  caas  biraft1  her1  self  her  lif 

Howe  trewe  was  eke  to  Alcebiades 

His  loue  fat1  forto  dyen  [rafer]  ches  1440 

fan  forto  suffre  his  body  vmbreided  be 

Loo  which  a  wif  was  alcesteyn  quod  she 

What1  Emore  of  good  Penolof  e 

Alle  Grece  knowef  of  her  chaastite  1444 

Parde  of  leodomya  is  written  f  us  [leaf  iss,  back] 

That1  whan  a  Troy  was  sclayn  protheselayus 

No  lenger  nold?  she  lyf  aftere  his  day 

jje  same  of  noble  porcia  telle  I  maye  1448 

Wif-outen  brutus  quod  she  not1  lyve 

To  whom  [s]he  had  alhole  hure  herte  ^eue 

The  parfit1  wifhode  of  Archemesie 

Honoured  is  forgfc  alle  fe  barberye  1452 

TETWORTH   396    Cfi-T.  620) 


SIX-TEXT    521 

GROUP  F.   §  4.  FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

0  teuta  quene  in  ])i  winy  chastite 
To  alle  wives  may  jjou  a  myrow  r  be 

[    ...     no  gap  in  tlie  MS:  these  lines 

.     .     .     .         known  only  in  Ellesmere  MSJ\  1456 

Thus  playned  Dorigen  a  day  or  tweye 

Purposinge  euere  pat1  she  wolde  deye 

But1  najjeles  vpon  pe  J?red  ny3fr 

Home  came  Arueragus  ])e  worthi  kny^t*  1460 

And  asked  hure  whi  fat1  she  wepte  so  sore 

And  she  gan  wepen  euere  J>e  lenger  more 

Alias  quod  she  pat1  euere  was  I  borne 

Thus  haue  I  seide  quod  she  J?us  haue  I  sworn  1464 

1  tolde  hym  alle  as  30  han  herde  bifore 
If  nedej)  not1  rehersen  it  here-of  no  more . 
This  husbonde  wij)  glad  chere  in  sondry  wise 
Answerde  and  seide  as  I  shal  [jou]  devise  1468 
Is  per  o^t1  ellis  Dorigen  but1  J>is 

K"ay  nay  quod  she  god  helpe  me  so  as  wisse 

])\$,  is  to  moche  if1  it1  were  goddes  wille 

36  wiff  quod  he  latf  sclepe  fat1  is  stille  1472 

It1  may  be  wel  31^  pe?-auenture  to  saye 

3e  shullen  3oure  troupe  holden  be  my  fay 

fFor  god  so  wisly  helpe  me 

I  had  wel  leuere  ystikked  forto  be  1476 

fFor  verrey  loue  which  I  to  3ou  haue 

But1  3if  36  shuld?  3oure  trouthe  Saue 

Troupe  is  }>e  hiesfr  Jjing1  jjat1  man  may  kepe 

But1  wij?  fat1  word1  he  brast1  an5n  to  wepe  1 480 

And  seide  I  3ou  forbede  in  peyn  of  deth 

That1  neuer1  whiles  3ou  lastej)  lif1  &  breth" 

To  no  wi3^  telle  of1  jjis  cure  Deaf  189] 

As  I  may  I  most1  my  lif  endure  1484 

ISTe  make  no  countenazmce  of  heuynesse 

jpat1  folk1  of  3ou  may  deme  harme  or  gesse 

And  for))  he  clepej)  a  sqwiere  and  a  mayde 

Go])  for])  anon  with  Dorigen  he  saide  1488 

PETWORTH    397    (6-T.  52l) 


SIX-TEXT    522 

GROUP  F.   §  4.   FEANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

And  bringej)  hure  to  such  a  place  anon 

Thei  toke  her  leue  and  on  her  way  pei  gon 

But1  pei  ne  wiste  whi  she  thider  went1 

He  nolde  no  wi^  telle  hure  entent1  1492 


f  [These  lines  known  only 

L      '       '       •       ......... 


in  the  Ellesmere  MS.] 


1496 


no  gap  in  the 

This  Sqwier  which  pat1  hijti  Aurelius 

On  dorigen  which  pat1  was  so  amerous  1500 

Of  auenture  happed  hure  to  mete 

Amydde  pe  toune  ri^t  in  pe  qwikke  strete 

As  she  was  "boune  to  goo  pe  way  for])  lijti 

Toward?  the  gardeyn  per  as  she  had  hijf  1 504 

And  he  was  to  pe  gardeyn  ward4  also 

ffor  wel  he  aspied  whan  she  wolde  goo 

Out1  of  her  hous  to  eny  manere  place 

But1  pus  pei  mette  by  auenture  or  grace  1508 

And  he  saluej)  her  wip  glad  entent1 

And  axed  of  hure  whidere  pat1  she  went1 

And  she  answerd1  half  as  she  were  madde 

Vnto  j?e  Gardyne  as  myn  husbond?  badde  1512 

My  troupe  forto  hold?  alias  alias 

Aurelius  gan  wondere  of  ))is  cas. 

And  in  his  hert1  had  grete  co?7ipassion 

Of  hure  and  of  her  lamentacion  1516 

And  of  Arueragus  Jje  worjji  kny3t1 

fat1  bad  hure  holde  al  pat1  she  hight1 

So  lo]>e  he  was  hys  wiff  sholde  breke  her  troupe 

And  in  his  hert1  he  cast1  of  J?is  grete  routhe  1520 

Consideringe  J?e  best1  on  euery  side 

pat1  from  his  lust1  hym  were  better  abide 

Than  done  so  high  a  cherles  wrecchednesse 

A^einsf  fraunches  and  al  gentilnesse  1524 

PETWORTH    398   (6-T,  522) 


SIX-TEXT    523 

GROUP  F,   §  4.   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


ffor  which"  in  fewe  wordes  seide  he  f  us 

Madame  seif  to  ^oure  lorde  Arueragus . 

J2afr  sif  en  I  se  his  grete  gentilnesse 

To  3011  and  eke  I  see  wel  ^oure  distresse 

If  30  by  me  shulde  breke  3oure  trouf  e 

Certes  me  f  enkef  it1  were  grete  rouf  e 

I  haue  wel  leuer1  euere  to  suffre  woo 

fan  I  departe  f  e  loue  ytwix  3011  twoo 

I  3011  relese  niadame  into  3oure  honde 

Quite  euery  surement1  and  euery  bonde 

That*  ^e  han  made  to  me  as  here  biforii 

IT  Si]?ens  f  ilk1  tyme  fat1  36  were  born 

My  trouf  e  I  plijtt  I  shal  3ou  neuer1  repreef1 . . 

Of  no  biheest1  and  here  I  take  my  leue 

As  of  f  e  trewest1  &  f  e  beste  wiff 

fat1  euere  31^  I  knewe  in  al  my  liif 

And  euery  wi3^  be  ware  of  hure  bihest1 

On  Dorygen  remembref  at1  J?e  leste 

Thus  can  a  squyere  don  a  gentile  dede 

As  wel  as  can  a  kny3t1  wif-oute  drede 

She  fonked  hym  vpon  hure  knees  al  bare 

And  home  vnto  hure  husbonde  is  she  fare 

And  tolde  hym  alle  as  36  han  herd!  me  seide 

And  be  36  siker  he  was  ful  wel  apaide 

It1  were  impossible  to  write 

What1  nedef  lenger  in  fis  cas  endite 

^[  Arueragus  and  Dorigen  his  wiff1 

In  souereyn  blisse  leden  forf  her  lif 

Neuer  aftere  was  fer  anger  hem  bitwene 

He  Shershed  hure  as  fou3e  she  were  a  quene 

And  she  was  to  hym  trewe  for  euermore 

Of  f  ise  two  folk1  36  gete  of  me  no  more 

^[  Aurelius  fat1  his  cost1  haf  forlorn 

Cursef  f e  tyme  fat1  euere  he  was  born 

Alias  quod  he  alas  fat1  I  bil^t1 

Of  pured  gold!  a  thousand?  pounde  of  wi^ 

PETWOIITH   399    (6-T.  523) 


[leaf  139,  back] 


1528 
1530 
[spurious  1529] 

1532 


1536 


1540 


1544 


1548 


1552 


1556 


1560 


IX-TEXT    524 

GROUP  F.    §  4,   FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

"Vnto  jjis  philosople  how  shal  I  doo  Oaf  190] 

I  se  no  more  but1  J?att 1  am  fordoo 

Mine  heritage  most1 1  selle 

And  bene  a  begger  here  I  may  not1  dwelle  1564 

And  shamen  al  my  kynrede  in  jjis  place 

But1 1  of  him  may  gete  better  grace 

But1  najjelees  I  wil  of  hym  assaie 

At1  certeyn  dayes  ^ere  by  ^ere  to  paie  1568 

And  )?onke  him  of  his  grete  c^rtesie 

My  troupe  wil  I  kepe  I  wil  not1  lie 

Wijj  herte  sore  he  go]?  vnto  his  cofre 

And  brou^te  golde  vnto  jjis  philysophre  1572 

Jje  value  of  .v.  Q.  pounde  I  gesse 

And  hym  bisechej?  of  his  gentilnesse 

To  gmunte  hym  daies  of  jje  remenawnte 

And  saide  maistere  I  dar  wel  make  auawnte  1576 

I  failled  neuere  of  my  troujje  ^it 

fFor  sikerly  my  dette  shal  be  quytt1 

Towardes  ^ou  how  fat1  euere  I  fare 

To  goon  a  begger  in  my  kirtel  bare  1580 

But1  wolde  30  vouche  sauf  vpon  swerte 

Two  3ere  or  jjre  forto  respite  me 

)5an  were  I  welle  for  ellis  mote  I  selle 

IF  Myn  heritage  ])er  nys  no  more  to  telle  1584 

This  Philisophre  soberly  answerde 

And  seide  ]?us  whan  he  Jjis  word  herde 

Haue  I  not1  holde  concmnte  vnto  J?e 

3is  certes  wel  and  trewly  quod  he  1588 

hast1  ]>ou  not1  had  |?i  lady  as  ])e  like]) 

No  no  quod  he  and  sorily  he  sikejj 

What1  was  ]je  cause  telle  me  ^if  jjou  can 

Aurelius  his  tale  anon  bygan  1592 

And  tolde  hy?ft  alle  as  36  han  herd  bifore 

It1  nede)?  not1  to  rehercen  it1  no  more 

He  saide  Arueragus  of  gentilnesse 

Had  leuere  dey  in  sorowo  and  distresse  1596 

PETWOETH    4UO    (6-T.  524) 


SIX-TEXT    525 

GROUP  F.   §  4.  FRANKLIN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Than  his  wif  were  of  hure  trewjje  fals  [leaf  190,  back] 

"  The  sorowe  of  dorigen  he  tolde  hym  als 
Howe  lo]?e  hire  was  to  be  a  wicked  wiff 
And  pat1  she  leuere  fat1  day  lost*  hure  liff  1600 

And  J)af  hure  troupe  she  swore  jjourgh  Innocence 
She  neuere  erst1  herde  speke  of  apparence 
That1  made  me  han  of  hure  so  grete  pite 
And  ri^t1  as  frely  as  he  sent1  hire  me  1604 

As  freely  sent1 1  hire  to  hym  a3ein 
This  is  alle  and  some  per  nys  no  more  to  seyn 
This  Philisophre  answerd*  leue  broper 
Euericn  of  3ou  did  gentilich  til  oper  1608 

Thou  art1  a  squyere  and  he  a  kny^t1 
But1  god  forbede  for  his  blisful  my^t1 
But1  if  a  clerk1  coupe  do  a  gentile  dede 
As  wel  as  eny  of  $ou  it1  is  no  drede  1612 

Sir1 1  relece  pe  J?i  jjousand  pounde 
As  jjow  ri^f  nowe  were  cropen  out1  of  J>e  grounde 
ISTe  neuere  er  nowe  haddest1  ]?ou  knowe  me 
ffor  sir*  I  nyl  not1  take  a  peny  of  ]?e  1616 

ifor  al  my  craft1  and  my  travaile 
pow  hast1  ypaied  wel  for  my  vitaile 
It*  is  ynowe  and  fare  wele  &  haue  good  day 
And  toke  his  hors  and  for])  he  go])  his  way  1620 

IT  Lordingges  ])is  question  wil  I  aske  nowe 
Which  was  J)e  most1  free  as  penkej)  }ou 
IsTowe  tellej)  me  er  pat1 1  former  wende 
I  Can  no  more  my  tale  is  at1  an  ende  1624 

T  Thus  endej)  f  e  ffrankleyn  his  tale 


PETWOKTII   401    (6-T.  525) 


GKOUP  G,   FEAGMENT  VIII. 

§  1.    THE  SECOND  NUN'S  TALE. 
PETWORTH  MS. 


[THE  PROEM.}  [on  tea/190,  6«e7f] 

[No  breaks  between  the  stanzas  in  the  MS.} 

11  And  here  byginnef  fe  prologe  of  ij.  nonne 

(1) 

The  mynystere  and  f  e  norice  vnto  vices  1 

Which  fat1  men  clepen  in  englissh  ydelnesse 
The  porter  of  f  e  gate  is  of  delices 

To  eschewe  and  by  her  contrary  hure  oppresse  4 

fat1  is  to  sayn  by  leeful  bysynesse 
Wei  ou^t1  we  to  don  our  entent1 
Lest1  fat1  fe  feend?  forgfi.  ydelnesse  vs  shent1         [leaf  191]     7 

(2) 

For  he  fat1  wif  his  f  ousande  cordes  scli^e  8 

Continuelly  vs  waitej)  to  be-clappe 

Whan  he  may  man  in  ydelnesse  aspie 

He  can  so  li^tly  cacche  him  in  his  trappe  1 1 

Til  fat1  a  man  be  hent1  rijf  by  fe  lappe 

He  nys  nat1  ware  fe  fende  hajj  hym  on  honcB 

wel  ou^t1  vs  worch  and  ydelnesse  wifstond?  14 

(3) 

And  fou3e  men  dradden  neuere  forto  deye  15 

^it1  seen  men  wel  by  resoun  doutelees 
That1  ydelnesse  is  roten  scloggardye 

Of  whiche  J?er  neuere  commeth  non  encrees  1 8 

And  sifens  fat1  sclouth  hure  holclef  in  a  lees 
Only  to  sclepe  and  forto  ete  and  drinke 
And  to  devouren  alle  fat1  of  ere  swynke  21 

PETWOUTII    402    (6-T.  627) 


SIX-TEXT    528 
GROUP  G.     §  1.     SECOND  NUN*S  TALE.     PetWOrth.  MS, 


And  forto  putten  vs  from  such  ydelnesse  22 

That1  cause  is  of  f  e  grete  confusion 

I  haue  here  done  my  feif  ful  bysynesse 

Aftere  f  e  legende  in  translacion  25 

Ri}^  of  ]pi  glorious  lif  and  passion 

Thow  wif  f  i  garlond?  wrou^t1  of  rooses  and  lilie 

The  mene  I  maiden  and  marter1  seint1  Cicile  28 

(5) 

And  f  ou  fat1  floure  of  virgynes  art1  alle  29 

Of  whom  fat1  Barnard!  lust1  so  wel  to  write 
To  f  e  at1  my  bygynnyng1  furst1  1  calle 
Thou  comforte  of  vs  wrecches  do  me  endite  32 

fine  maidens  def  fat1  was  f  orgh"  f  i  merite 
fe  eternal  lif  and  of  f  e  feende  victorie 
Certes  men  may  aftere  reden  in  his  storie  35 


Thow  maiden  and  modere  doubter*  of  f  !  sone  36 

Thow  welle  of  mercy  synful  soules  cure 

In  whom  fat1  god  for  bounte  chees  to  wone1        p  wone  later-} 

Thowe  humble  and  hegh  ouere  euery  creature  39 

Thou  nobledest1  so  ferre  oure  nature 

That1  no  desdeyn  f  e  maker  had  of  kynde 

His  sone  in  blood  and  flessh  to  clof  and  wynde  42 

(7) 

Wif-Inne  fe  cloystere  blisful  of  fi  sidys      [leaf  m,  back]     43 
Toke  mannys  shappe  f  e  eterne  loue  and  pees 
fat1  of  f  e  trynie  compas  lorde  and  gide  es 
Whom  erf  e  and  see  and  heuene  wif  out1  relees  46 

Ay  heryen  and  foil  virgyne  wemlees 
Bare  of  f  i  body  and  dwellest1  maiden  pure 
f  e  creatour  of  euery  creature  49 

PETWORTII   403   (6-T.  528) 


SIX-TEXT    529 
GROUP  G,     §  1.     SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.     PetWOrth  MS. 

(8) 

Assembled  is  in  f  e  magnificence  50 

Wif  mercy  goodnesse  and  such  pite 
That1  f  ou  arte  f  e  sonne  of  excellence 

Nou^t1  only  helpest1  hem  fat1  preien  f  e  53 

But1  oftetyme  of  f  i  benignyte 
tful  frely  er  fat1  men  fine  helpe  biseche 
f  ow  goost1  byforn  and  art1  her  lyues  leche  56 

(9) 

Now  helpe  f  ou  meke  and  blisful  faire  maide  57 

Me  flemed  wrecfr  in  f  is  deserte  of  galle 
Thenk1  on  f  e  wowman  Canane  fat1  saide 
fat1  whelpes  eten  sommG  of  pe  crommes  alle  60 

J>af  from  her  lordis  table  bene  yfalle 
And  jjou^e  fat1  1  J)e  vnworjji  sone  of  Eue 
Be  sinful  31^  accepte  my  bileue  63 

(10) 

And  for  fat1  feij>  is  dede  wif-outt  werkes  64 

So  for  to  worchen  ^eue  me  witte  and  space 

fat*  I  be  quytte  from  place  $at  most1  derk1  es 

0  J>ou  fat1  art1  so  faire  and  so  ful  of  grace  67 

Be  myne  aduocate  in  so  high"  a  place 

Ther  as  wif-out1  ende  is  songe  Osanna 

f  ou  cristes  moder  and  doi^ter  of  Anna  70 


And  of  fi  li^t1  my  soule  in  prison  ^t1  71 

fat1  troubled  is  by  f  e  contagion 

Of  my  body  and  also  by  f  e  wi^t1 

Of  erfly  lust1  and  fals  affection  74 

0  heuene  o.  refute  .o  saluacion 

Of  hem  fat1  bene  in  sorowe  and  in  distresse 

Nowe  helpe  f  for  to  my  werk1  1  wil  me  dresse  77 

PETWORTH  404  (G-T.  520) 


SIX-TEXT    530 
GROUP  G.     §  1,    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.     PetWOlth  MS. 

(12) 

3itt  prey  I  3011  J?af  reden  J?afr 1  write  78 

fforyeuejj  me  j?af 1  doo  no  diligence  [leaf  192] 

]?is  ilk  storie  subtely  to  endite 

ffor  boj?  haue  I  )?e  wordys  and  J?e  sentence  .       81 

Of  hem  j?atf  at1  sey[n]tes  reuerence 

])e  storie  wrootf  and  folowen  her  legende 

And  prei  ^ou  j)att  30  wil  my  werk  amende  '  84 

(13)  [THE  TALE.] 

First1  wolde  I  3011  J>e  name  of  seint1  Cicile  85 

Expoune  as  men  in  her  stories  see 

It1  is  to  saye  in  engelisshe  heuenes  lilie 

ffor  pure  chaastnesse  of  virginite  88 

Oi)>er  for  she  witnesse  had  of  honeste 

Of  grene  of  consciens  and  of  good  fame 

The  swote  sauoure  lilie  was  hure  name  91 

(14) 

OyJ>ere  Cicile  is  to  say  J>e  way  to  blynde  92 

ffor  she  ensample  was  by  good  techinge 

Or  ellis  Cicile  as  I  writen  fynde 

Is  ioyned  by  a  manere  cowioynynge  95 

Of  heuene  and  lya  and  hier  in  figurynge 

J?e  heuene  is  sette  for  Jjou^fr  of  holynesse 

And  lya  for  hure  lastinge  bisynesse  98 

(15) 

Cicile  maye  eke  be  seide  in  J>is  manere  99 

Wantyng1  of  blyndenesse  for  hure  grete  li^t1 

Of  sapience  and  of  her  thewes  clere 

OiJ?er  ellis  loo  ])is  maidens  name  bri3f  102 

Of  heuene  and  leos  commejj  for  which  by  ^t1 

Men  my^t1  J?e  heuene  of  puple  hure  calle 

Ensample  of  good  and  wise  werkes  alle  105 

PETWOIITH   405    (6-T.  530) 


SIX-TEXT    531 

GROUP  G.    §  1.   SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

(16) 

For  leos  puple  in  englissh  is  to  say  106 

And  lijti  as  men  may  in  ]>e  heuew  see 
The  sonwe  and  mone  and  J>e  sterres  euery  way 
Ri$t  so  [men]  goostly  in  ]?is  maiden  fre  109 

Seen  jje  feij?  of  magnificence 
And  eke  of  helpe  and  of  sapience 
And  sondry  werkes  bri^t1  of  excellence  112 

(17) 

And  ri^t1  as  J)ise  philisophres  write  113 

J?af  heuene  is  swiff  rounde  and  brennynge 
Ri^t1  so  was  faire  Cicile  Jjo  white  [iei\f  192,  back] 

fful  swift1  and  bisy  euere  in  werkinge  116 

And  rounde  and  hool  in  good  perseuerynge 
And  brenne  euere  in  charite  li^fl 
Now  haue  I  declared  $ou  what1  she  hijf  119 

H  Thus  endejj  J?e  prologe  /  &  here  bygynnej)  J)e  .ij  no?ines 
tale 

(18) 

This  maiden  bri^tt  Cicile  as  hure  lif  saij>       IF  J>e  tale ./ 
was  commen  of  Romaynes  and  of  noble  kynde 
And  so  forjje  fostred  vp  in  J?e  faij> 

Of  cmte  and  bare  hys  gospel  in  her  mynde  123 

She  neuere  sesed  as  I  writen  fynde 
Of  hure  preiere  and  god  to  loue  and  drede 
Bisechinge  hy?ft  to  kepe  her  maidenhede  126 

(19) 

And  whan  fis  maiden  shuld?  -ynto  a  man  127 

y wedded  be  J>af  was  ful  }enge  of  age 
That1  ycleped  was  valirian 

And  J?e  day  was  co??zmen  of  hure  mariage  130 

She  fille  deuoute  and  humble  in  her  corage 
Vndere  hure  Robe  of  gold?  fat1  sat1  ful  faire 
And  next1  hure  flessh  yclad  was  in  an  haire  133 

PETWORTH   406   (6-T.  53l) 


SIX-TEXT    532 

GROUP  G.   §  1,   SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

(20) 

And  while  f  e  Orgels  maden  melodie  134 

To  god  allone  f  us  in  hert1  songe  she 

0  lorde  my  saule  and  eke  my  body  gie 

Vnwemmed  lest1  fat1  I  co-founded  be  137 

And  for  his  loue  fat1  dyed  on  a  tree 

Euery  secounde  or  thridde1  day  she  fast1  p.MS..iy.] 

Ay  bidynge  in  here  orisons  ful  fast1  140 

(21) 

The  nyghf  come  and  to  bed  she  most1  goon  141 

Wif  hure  husbonde  as  aften  is  f  e  manere 
And  pn'uely  she  seide  anon 

0  swete  and  welbiloued  spouse  dere  144 
f  er  is  a  counsaile  and  36  wolcfe  it1  here 

Which  fat1  rijtt  fayn  I  wolde  vnto  ^ou  seien 

So  fat1  30  me  assured  it1  nou^f  bywreien  147 

(22) 

Valeryan  gan  fast1  vnto  hure  swere  148 

fat1  for  no  caas  ne  f  inge  fat1  my^t1  be 
He  shold  for  no  finge  neuere  bewrien  here  [leaf  1933 

And  fan  at1  arst1  fus  to  hym  seide  she  151 

1  haue  an  aungeH  which  fat1  louef  me 

fat1  wif  grete  loue  whedere  I  wake  or  slepe 

Is  redy  ay  my  body  forto  kepe  154 

(23) 

And  ^if  fat1  ^e  may  felen  out1  of  drede  155 

fat1  ^e  wil  $ou  gouerne  no  f inge  amys 
He  wil  3ou  saue  and  kepe  to  36  be  dede 
ffor  ^oure  clene  lyuyng1  &  3oure  goodnesse  158 

And  bring1  3ou  strei3te  into  heuene  blesse 
He  wol  3ou  loue  as  me  for  3oure  clennesse 
And  schewen  3011  of  his  loye  and  his  bri3tnesse  161 

PETWORTH   407    (6-T.  632) 


SIX-TEXT    533 
JGROUP  G,     §   1,     SECOND  NUN*S  TALE.     PetWOlth  MS. 

(24) 

Valerian  corrected  as  god  wolde  162 

Answerde  a3ein  if1  1  shal  trust1  to  f  e 

lat1  me  fat1  aungel  se  and  hyw  biholde 

And  3if  fat1  it1  a  verrei  aungel  be  165 

J)an  wil  I  done  as  f  ou  hast1  preide  me 

^T  And  3if  f  ou  loue  anof  er  man  fan  me 

wif  fis  swerde  I  wil  slee  }ou  bofe  168 


(25) 

Cicile  Answerde  anone  in  fis  wise  .    169 

And  if  $ou  lust1  jjat1  aungel  shul  36  see 

So  fat1  36  trowe  on  cn'ste  and  3ou  baptise 

Go])  for])  to  Yia  Apia  quod  she  172 

fat1  from  J)is  toune  ne  stanf  but1  myles  J)re 

And  to  ]?e  pore  folk1  ]jafr  pere  dwelle 

Say  hem  ri3f  Jms  as  fat1  1  shal  3ou  telle  175 


(26) 

Say  fat1  1  Cicilie  3ou  to  hem  sent1  176 

To  shewe  3ou  f  e  good  vrban  f  e  olde 

ffor  secre  nedes  and  for  good  entenf 

And  whan  fat1  30  seint1  Yrban  han  byholde  179 

Telle  him  f  e  wordes  which  I  to  3ou  tolde 

And  whan  fat1  he  haf  purged  3ou  fro  synne 

fan  shul  30  seen  fat1  aungel  er  36  twynne  182 

(27) 

Valerian  is  to  fat  place  yg5n  183 

And  ri3f  as  hyra  was  tai^t1  by  his  lurnynge 

He  fonde  f  is  holy  Yrban  anon  ./ 

Amonge  f  ise  seintes  buriels  lowtynge        [leaf  193,  back]      186 

And  he  anon  wif-out1  tariynge 

Did  his  massage  and  whan  he  had  [it]  tolde 

Yrban  for  ioye  gan  his  hondes  vp  holde  189 

PETWORTII    408   (6-T.  533) 


SIX-TEXT    534 
GROUP  G.     §   1,     SECOND  NUN's  TALE.     PetWOrth.  MS. 

(28) 

The  teeres  from  his  eien  lete  he  falle  190 

Almy^ty  god  o  Ihesu  crisf  quod  he 

So  were  of  chaast1  counsaile  &  herde  of  vs  alle 

The  fruyte  of  filke  seede  of  chaastite  193 

fat1  f  ou  haste  sawe  in  cicile  take  to  fee 

Loo  like  a  bisy  bee  wif -out1  gile 

fe  serueth  ay  fine  owne  thralle  Cicile  196 

(29) 

For  filk  spouse  fat1  she  toke  but1  nowe  197 

fful  like  a  ferce  leon  she  sendef  here 

As  meke  as  eny  lombe  was  to  $ou  • 

And  wif  fat1  worde  anon  f  <?/•  gan  apere  200 

An  olde  man  clad  wif  white  clones  clere 

And  had  a  boke  wif  lettrea  of  golde  in  honde 

And  gan  biforne  Valerian  stonde  203 

(30) 

Valerian  as  dede  fille  downe  for  drede  204 

whan  he  hyra  segh  and  hym  vphent1  Jjoo  . 
And  on  his  boke  fus  he  gan  to  rede 

00  lord  oo  feijj  oo  god  wif-oute  moo  207 
Of  cHstendome  and  fadere  of  aH  also  . 

Abouen  alle  and  oueral  euery  where 

J)ise  wordes  al  wi]>  gold  [y]writen  were  210 

(31) 

Whan  J>is  was  radde  fat1  seide  fis  olde  man  211 

Leuest1  fou  fis  f ing1  or  no  sai  36  or  nay 

1  leue  al  fis  f in[g]  /  [quod  Valerian       [Hari.  7335,  leqfm,  bade] 
jjor  sother  thyng1]  &1  fis  I  dar  wel  saye     C1  thanifor^.]     214 
Vndere  f e  heuene  no  wi)f  ne  fenk  may 

IT  Tho  vanshed  fat1  olde  man  he  nyst1  wher 

And  pope  Vrban  hym  cristened  ii^f  fere  217 

28  PETWORTH   409   (6-T.  534) 


SIX-TEXT    535 
GROUP  G.     §   1.     SECOND  NUN*S  TALE.     PetWOlth  MS. 

(32) 

Valerian  go])  home  to  seint1  Cicile  218 

And  wftAInne  his  chambre  an  Aungel  he  segh.  stande 

)?is  aungel  had  of  rose  and  of  lilie 

Corownes  two  J)e  whiche  he  bare  on  hande  221 

And  first1  to  Cicile  as  I  vnderstande 

Be  ^af  Jjatt  oon  and  aftere  gan  he  take  Deaf  194] 

J^at1  o]>er  to  Valerian  her  make  224 

(33) 

Wi])  body  clene  and  wij>  vnwemmed  Jjou^f  225 

kepe])  ay  wel  J)ise  corownes  quod  he 

ffrom  paradise  to  3011  haue  I  hem  brou^t1 

~NQ  neuere  more  shul  J)ei  roten  be  228 

Ne  lese  her  swete  sauoure  tresteth  me 

Ne  neuere  wi^t1  shal  seene  hem  wij>  his  ye 

But1  he  be  chaast1  and  hate  vilenye  231 

(34) 

And  ]>ou  valerian  for  J>ou  so  sone  232 

Assentest1  to  good  cownsaile  also 

flay  what1  J?e  lust1  and  f  ou  shalt1  haue  j)i  bone 

I  haue  a  broker  quod  Valerian  ]?oo  235 

Jjaf  in  ])is  world?  I  loue  no  man  soo  / 

I  prey  3ou  J?af  my  brojjere  may  haue  grace 

To  knowe  J?e  troujje  as  I  do  in  ])is  place  238 

(35) 

The  aungel  answerde  god  like])  30^7-  request1  239 

And  bo])  wi])  ])e  palme  of  marterdome 

^e  shul  come  vnto  ])e  blisful  fest1 

And  wi])  J)afr  worde  tiburce  his  bro])ere  come  242 

And  whan  Jjat1  he  ]?e  sauoure  vndernome 

Wi])  J)af  fe  roses  and  ])e  lilies  caste 

Wi])-Inne  his  herte  he  gan  to  wonder  faste  245 

PETWORTH    410   (6-T.  535) 


SIX-TEXT    536 
GROUP  G,     §  1.     SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.     PctWOlth  MS. 

(36) 

And  saide  in  jjis  tyme  I  wondere  of  J>e  }ere  246 

whennys  J?is  swete  sauoure  commej?  soo  / 

And  roses  and  lilies  J>att  I  smelle  here 

ffor  jjou^e  I  had  hem  in  myn  hondes  twoo  249 

Jje  sauoure  mj^  in  me  no  depper  goo 

J?e  swete  smelle  Jjatf  in  myn  hert1 1  fynde 

Ha]>  chaunged  me  al  in  a  noj?er  kinde  252 

(37) 

Valerian  saide  two  corownes  haue  we  253 

Snowe  white  and  rose  rede  Jjaf  shynej?  clere 

which  jjat1  Jnne  eyen  han  no  my^t1  to  see 

And  as  J>owe  smellest1  he?^  four^e  J)1  preiere  256 

So  Shalt1  ]>ou  sene  hem  leue  brojjer  dere 

jif  if  so  be  j?ou  wilt1  wij>-oute  sclou]?e  . 

Byleue  a  ri3f  and  knowe  f  e  verrey  troujje  Deaf  194,  back] 

(38) 

Tyburce  answerd?  seisf  J)ou  jjis  to  me  260 

In  sojmesse  or  in  dreeme  herken  ^e  J>is 

In  dremes  quod.  Yalerian  han  we  be 

Into  }>is  tyme  broker  myn  ywis  263 

But1  nowe  at1  arst1  our  troujje  dwelling1  is 

Howe  woost1  J?ou  quod  Tiburce  &  in  what  wise 

Quod  Yalerian  jjaf  shal  I  J?e  devise  266 

(39) 

The  Aungel  of  god  ha]?  me  fe  troujje  tau^t1  267 

Which,  fat1  Jjou  shalt1  seen  if  fat1  jjow  wilt1  reneye 

The  ydoles  and  be  clene  and  ellis  nau^t 

But1  of  J?e  myracles  of  Jjise  corownes  tweye  270 

Seint1  Ambrose  in  his  preface  list1  to  seie 

Solempnely  this  noble  doctowr  dere 

CoramendeJ)  it1  and  seij)  in  jjis  manere       '  273 

PETWORTH   411    (6-T.  636) 


SIX-TEXT    537 

GROUP  G,   §  1,  SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.  Pctworth  MS, 

(40) 

The  palme  of  inarterdome  forto  receyue  274 

Seint1  Cicile  fulfilled  of  goddys  31ft1 

pe  worlde  and  [e]ke  hure  chambre  gan  she  weyue 

Witnesse  Tiburce  and  Cicilees  shrift  277 

To  which  god  of  his  bountee  wolde  shift1 

Corownes  two  of  flowres  wel  smellynge 

And  made  pe  aungel  hem  poo  corownes  bringe  280 

(41) 

This  made  ha]>  broi^f  pise  men  to  blisse  aboue  281 

pe  world?  hap  wist1  what1  it1  is  worp  certeyne 

Deuocion  of  chastite  to  loue 

Tho  shewed  hyrn  Cicile  open  and  pleyne  284 

That1  alle  ydoles  nys  but1  ping1  in  veyne 

iFor  pei  bene  dombe  and  perto  pei  bene  defe 

And  charged  hyra  his  ydols  forto  lef.,  287 

(42) 

Who  pat1  pis  trouep  nat1  a  beest1  he  is  288 

Quod  ))oo  tyburce  if  Jjat1 1  shal  not1  ly 

She  gan  J>an  kisse  his  brest1  &  pat1  herd1  J>is 

And  was  ful  glad  he  cou)>e  trouj)  aspie  291 

This  daye  take  I  J>e  for  myne  alye 

Saide  J)is  blesful  maide  faire  &  dere 

ffor  aftere  jjat1  she  saide  as  39  may  here  ./  294 

(43) 

Lop  ry^fr  so  as  J?e  loue  of  m'st1  quod  She        [ieafi95]       295 

Made  me  }>i  broferes  wif  ri^t1  in  pat1  wise 

Anoon  for  myn  alie  here  take  I  j?e 

Sirens  Jjat1  ]?ou  wolt1  pine  ydoles  despise  298 

Go  wij?  pi  broper  nowe  and  pe  baptise 

And  make  pe  clene  so  pat1  pou  maist1  beholde 

pe  Aungels  face  of  which  pi  brother  tolde  301 

PETWOBTH   412    (6-T.  637) 


SIX-TEXT    538 
GROUP  G.     §  1.     SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.     PetWOlth  MS. 

(44) 

Tyburse  answerd?  and  seide  broker  dere  302 

ffurst1  telle  me  whidere  I  shal  and  to  what*  man 

To  whoine  quod  he  come  for])  wi]>  ri^t1  goode  chere 

I  wil  J?e  lede  vnto  ]?e  pope  Vrban  305 

To  Vrban  brojjer  myne  Valerian 

Qwod  j>oo  Tiburce  wilt1  jjou  me  jndere  lede 

Me  ]>enke]>  Jrntt  it1  were  a  wondere  dede  308 

(45) 

Remenest1  Jjou  nat1  Vrban  quod  he  ]?oo  309 

That1  is  so  ofte  dampned  to  be  dede 

And  wownej?  in  halkes  to  and  froo 

And  dar  nat1  onys  put1  for))  his  hede  312 

Men  shul  hym  brenne  in  a  fire  so  rede 

If  he  were  founde  J?af  men  my^t1  hyra  spie 

And  we  also  J?af  bere  hym  companye  315 

(46) 

And  whiles  we  seken  Jjilk1  Dyuinyte  316 

fat1  is  ihidde  in  heuene  prive 

Algate  ybrent1  in  pis  world?  shul  we  be . 

To  whom  Cicile  answerdl  bodily  319 

Men  my^t1  drede  wel  and  skilfully 

This  lif  to  lese  myn  owne  dere  broker 

^if  ]?is  were  lyuynge  only  and  non  ojier  322 

(47) 

But1  Jjer  is  better  lif1  in  oo]?er  place  323 

That1  neuere  shal  be  lost1  drede  J?e  no^t* 

Which  goddes  sone  vs  tolde  j?ourgh  his  grace 

[That  fadres  sone  hath  alle  thynges  wrought          S/M7^' 

And  al  that  wrought  is  with  a  skilful  thoght 

The  gost  that  fro  the  fader  gan  precede 

hath  sowled  hem  with-outen  ony  drede  329 

PETWOKTH   413   (6-T.  538) 


SIX-TEXT   539 
GROUP  G.     §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.     PetWOrth  MS. 

(48) 

By  word  and  by  myracle  he  goddes  sone      [HarL  7335]      330 

whan  he  was  in  this  world  declared  here 

That  ther  was  other  lif1  ther  men  may  wone 

Tho  answerde  Tiburce  o.  suster  dere  333 

JSTe  sei-destow  right  now  in  this  manere 

Ther  nys  but  o  god  lord  in  sothfastnesse 

And  now  of1  three  how  maisthow  bere  witnesse  336 

(49) 

That  shal  y  telle  quod  she  or  y  go]        [Hari.  7335  extract  ends'] 
Bl^tt  as  a  man  haj)  sapiences  ]>re 
Memorie  engeyne  and  intellecte  also 

So  in  oo  beinge  of  diuinite  340 

Thre  persones  ri^fr  wel  )>er  may  be 
Tho  gan  she  hym  bisily  preche  . 
Of  cn'stes  come  and  of  his  peynes  teche 


(50) 

And  mony  poyntes  of  his  passion  344 

How  goddys  sonwe  in  J>is  wi])-holde 

To  do  mankynde  pleyn  remyssion 

That1  was  ybounde  in  cares  colde  347 

Al  jjis  Jjinge  she  vnto  Tiburce  tolde 

And  aftere  J)is  Tiburce  in  good  entent1 

To  pope  Yrban  wij>  Valerian  went1  350 

(51) 

Which  fonked  god  and  wij>  glad  hert1  and  li^tf  351 

He  Cristned  hym  and  made  hym  in  Jjat1  place 

Parfit1  in  his  lyuynge  goddys  kny^t1 

And?  after  J)is  Tiburce  gate  such  grace  354 

j?att  euery  day  he  seie  in  tyme  and  space 

Jje  Aungel  of  god  and  euery  maner  bone 

fat1  he  god  asked  it1  was  spedde  ful  sone  357 

PETWOBTH  414   (6-T.  630) 


SIX-TEXT    540 
GROUP  G,     §  1.     SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.     PetWOlth  MS. 

(52) 

If  were  fill  harde  by  order*  forto  seyne  358 

Howe  mony  wonders  Ihesu  for  hym  wrou^f 

But1  atte  last*  to  telle  short1  and  pleyii 

The  sergeaunt1  of  fe  towne  of  Home  hem  sou^f  361 

And  hem  byforn  Almache  J>e  prouosfr  brou^t1 

Whiche  hem  opposed  and  knewe  al  her  entent1 

And  to  fe  ymage  of  lubiter  he  hem  sent1  364 

(53) 

And  saide  who  so  wil  not*  sacrifise  365 

Swap  of  his  heiied  J>is  is  my  sentence  here 

Anone  fise  marteers  pat1 I  $ou  deuise 

On  maximius  pat1  was  an  officere  368 

Of  pe  prefectis  and  of  Corniculere 

Hem  hent1  and  whan  he  forpe  pe  seyntes  ladde 

Hym  self  he  wepte  for  pite  fat1  he  hadde  371 

(54) 

Whan  maximius  had  herde  pe  seintes  lore  372 

he  gate  hem  of  pe  turmentowrs  leue 

And  had  hem  in  his  hous  wip-out1  more 

And  wip  her  prechinge  er  fat1  it1  were  eue  375 

J)ei  gone  from  J?e  tormentowrs  to  reue 

And  fro  maximius  and  fro  his  folk1  echone 

j>e  fals  feith  to  trowe  in  god  allone.  378 

(55) 

Cicile  come  whan  it1  was  woxen  ny}^          Deafi96]          379 

Wij)  preestes  fat1  hem  cn'stened  al  in  fere 

And  afterward?  whan  day  was  waxen  li^t1 

Cicile  hem  seide  wif  a  sobre  chere  382 

Now  cristes  owne  kny^tes  leef  and  dere 

Castef  al  away  fe  werkes  of  derknesse 

And  armef  $ou  in  armure  of  li^tnesse  385 

PETWORTH   415   (6-T.  640) 


SIX-TEXT   541 
GROUP  GK     §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.     PetWOlth  MS. 

(56) 

3e  han  forsofe  ydone  grete  bataille  386 

Which  is  nowe  done  ^oure  feij)  han  36  conformed 

Go]?  to  J>e  corowne  of  lif  fat1  may  not1  faile 

The  Ri}^  luge  which  J>afr  ^e  han  disserued  389 

Tofore  hyra  ^e  bene  feij>fulli  preserued 

And  whan  J)is  ]>inge  was  seide  as  I  deuise 

Men  ladde  hem  forjje  to  done  j?e  sacrifise  392 

(57) 

But1  whan  ]?ei  were  vnto  J>e  place  brou}^  393 

To  telle  shortely  ]>e  conclusiozm 

]5ei  nolde  ensence  ne  samfise  ri^t1  non^f 

on  her  knees  J>ei  setten  hem  adown  396 

humble  hert*  and  sad  deuociown 
And  losten  boj?  her  hedes  in  ]?e  place 
Her  sanies  wenten  to  ]>e  kinge  of  grace  399 

(58) 

This  Maximius  Jjat1  see  J?is  ]?inge  betide  400 

wi|)  pitous  tales  tolde  it1  anon  ri^t1 

That1  he  her  sawles  seghe  to  heuene  glide 

Wij)  aungels  ful  of  cleernesse  and  of  li$t*  403 

And  wijj  his  worde  conuerted  mony  a  wi^f 

ffor  which  Almachius  did  hym  so  to  bete 

Wij>  whippe  of  lede  til  he  his  lif  gan  lete  406 

(59) 

Cicile  hym  toke  and  buried  hym  an5n  407 

By  Tiburce  and  Valerian  softely 

Wi}>-Inne  her  heriyng1  place  vnder*  fe  ston 

And  aftere  ))is  Almachius  hastely  410 

Bad  his  mynystres  fecchen  opynly 

Cicile  so  she  my^f  in  his  presence 

Don  sacr/fise  and  lubiter  ensence  413 

PETWORTH   416   (6-T.  54l) 


SIX-TEXT   542 
GROUP  G.     §  1.     SECOND  NUN*S  TALE.     PetWOrth.  MS. 

(60) 

But1  jjei  conuerted  J?orgh  her  wise  lore  414 

Wepten  sore  and  3af  credence  [leaf  196,  back] 

Vnto  her  worde  and  criden  more  and  more 

Crist1  goddes  sone  wij?-oute  difference  417 

Is  Yerrey  god  J>is  is  att  oure  sentence 

J>af  haj)  so  good  a  smumnte  hyra  to  serue 

Thus  wij>  oo  vois  we  trowe  pou^e  we  sterue  420 

(61) 

Almachius  J?af  herde  al  this  [doinge]  421 

Bad  foche  Cicile  j>a#  he  my^f  hure  se 

And  alderfursf  loo  J?is  was  his  askinge 

What1  maner  woraman  art1  J?ou  Jjo  quod  he  424 

I  am  a  gentile  wowman  born  quod  she 

I  aske  quod  he  jjou^e  if  J>e  greue 

Of  )>i  religion  and  of  })i  bileue  427 

(62) 

Whi  Jjan  bygan  3oure  question  folily  428 

Quod  she  J?at*  woldest1  two  answers  co?zclude 

In  oon  demannde  }e  asked  lewedely 

Almachy  answerde  to  Jjaf  similitude  431 

Of  whennys  [comth  thyn  answeryng1  so  rude  [Hari.7335,  if  97] 

Of1  whennys]  quod  she  whan  j>afr  she  was  refreyned 

Of  conscience  and  of  good  feij>  vnfeyned  434 

(63) 

Almachius  seide  takest1  J?ou  non  hede  435 

Of  June  answere  and  she  hym  answerd?  Jms 

3oure  my^t1  quod  she  litel  is  to  drede 

{for  euery  morteH  ma?mys  power  nys  438 

But1  lich  a  bladdere  ful  of  wynde  ywis 

ffor  wij)  a  nedelys  poynte  whan  Jmt1  is  blowe 

May  al  J?e  boost1  of  if  be  laide  ful  lowe  441 

PETWORTH   417    (6-T.  542) 


SIX-TEXT    543 
GROUP  G,     §  1.     SECOND  KUN'S  TALE.     PctWOlth  MS, 


(64) 

Ful  wron[g]fully  bygonne  J>ou  quod  he  442 

And  ^it1  in  wronge  is  J?i  pe?'seuerazmce 

"Woost1  Jjou  nafr  how  oure  my^ty  pn'nces  fre 

Ben  Jms  comaunded  and  maken  ordincmnce  445 

Jjat1  euery  cristen  wi^tt  shal  han  penawnce 

But1  ^if  Jjat1  he  his  cn'stendome  wi)?seyn) 

And  goon  al  quite  if  he  wil  if  receyne  448 

(65) 

3  oure  prmces  aren  as  ^oure  noblen  do]}  449 

Quod  J>oo  Cicile  and  a  woode  sentence 

3e  make  vs  gilty  and  if  nys  nat1  soth 

ffor  36  faf  knowen  wel  our  Innocence  [leaf  197]         452 

ffor  as  moch  as  we  done  Reuerence 

To  cr/ste  and  for  we  bere  a  cristen  name 

3e  put1  on  vs  a  cry  me  and  eke  a  blame  455 

(66) 

But1  we  Jjat1  knowen  Jjilk1  name  soo  456 

ffor  vertuous  we  may  it1  not1  say 

Almachy  answerde  chese  on  of  ]?ise  twoo 

Do  sacn'fise  or  cristendome  reney  459 

J^at1  Jjowe  may  nowe  scapen  by  jjat1  way 

At1  which  ]>e  holy  blisful  maide 

Gan  forto  lau^e  and  to  ]>e  luge  she  saide  462 

(67) 

0  luge  confuse  in  J?i  nycete  463 

Wilt1  Jjou  Jjat1  1  reneye  Innocence 

To  maken  me  a  wicked  wi^t1  q?^od  she 

loo  he  dissimulej)  here  in  audience  466 

He  stare))  and  wodejj  in  his  aduertence 

To  whom  Almachius  o  vnsely  wreccS 

Ne  woost1  jjow  not1  howe  ferre  my  my^t1  may  strecch"     469 

PETWORTH   418    (6-T.  543) 


SIX-TEXT    544 
GROUP  G.     §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.     PetWOrth  MS, 

(68) 

HaJ?  nou^tf  our  my^ty  prince  to  me  y^ouen  470 

3e  bojj  powere  and  auctoritee 

To  make  folk*  to  dien  or  to  lyuen 

Whi  spekest1  j>ou  so  proudly  j?an  to  me  473 

I  ne  speke  but1  stedfastly  quod  she 

JSTou^f  proudely  for  I  sale  as  for  my  side 

I  hate  dedly  jjilke  vice  of  pn'de  476 

(69) 

And  3if  Jjou  drede  nou^tt  a  so|?e  to  here  477 

fan  wil  I  shewen  al  openly  by  ri^tt 

J?at  J>ou  hast1  made  a  ful  grete  lesinge  here 

Thow  seist  J>i  pnnces  han  ^eue  )>e  my^tt  480 

Bo]>  to  sleene  and  forto  quyk  a  wi^tt 

Thowe  ]?af  ne  maistf  but1  only  lif  here  by-reue 

Thow  nast1  jjerto  nei^ere  power  ne  leue  483 

(70) 

[But  Jjou  mayst  sayn  thi  prynces  han  the  maked] 

Mynyster1  of  dej)  for  ^if  Jjou  speke  of  moo 

Jjow  liestt  for  J)i  power*  is  ful  naked 

Do  way  J>i  boldnesse  saide  Almachius  foo  487 

And  sacrifise  to  our  goddys  twoo  . 

I  ne  recche  nou^f  what1  wronge  J?atf  Jjou  me  profre  [if  197,  bk] 

ffor  I  can  suffre  it1  as  a  philosofre  490 

(71) 

But1  Jjilk1  wronges  may  I  nat1  endure  491 

Jjaf  J)ou  spekest1  of  oure  goddes  here  qwod  he 

Cicele  answerde  oo  nyce  creature 

J)ow  seidest  no  word  sij>  j>ou  spekest1  to  me  494 

J>at*  I  ne  knewe  perwij?  J?i  nycete 

And  j^at1  J>owe  were  in  euery  maner*  wise 

A  lewde  officere  and  a  veyn  lustise  497 

PETWORTH   419    (6-T.  544) 


SIX-TEXT    545 

GROUP  G.   §  1.  SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

r 

(72) 

Ther  lackej)  no  Jjinge  to  j?ine  vtter  eyen  498 

J>af  J>ou  nart1  blynde  for  jring1  fatf  we  seen  alle 

J?afr  is  a  stone  pat1  men  may  wel  aspien 

That1  ilke  stoon  a  god  J>ou  wolf  it1  calle  501 

I  rede  j>e  lat1  Jjine  h[ond]  vppon  it1  falle 

And  taast1  it*  wel  and  stoon  J>ou  shalt1  if  fynde 

Sijje  jjat1  Jx>u  seest1  it1  nat1  wij?  Jnne  eyen  blynde  504 

(73) 

It1  is  a  shame  pat1  pe  puple  shal  505 

So  scorne  ]>e  and  lau}e  at*  J>i  foly 

ffor  comonly  wommen  wote  it1 .  weH  oueraH 

That1  my^ty  god  is  in  heuene  hie  508 

And  pise  ymages  wel  jjan  maist1  J?ou  spie 

To  J>e  ne  to  hem  self  may  J?ei  nat1  profite 

And  in  her  effecte  Jjei  bene  nat1  worth  a  myte  511 

(74) 

Thise  and  suco"  ofer  wordes  saide  She  512 

And  he  wexe  wroo])  and  bad  she  shuld  be  lede 

home  to  her  hous  and  in  her  hous  quod  he 

Brenne  hure  in  a  fuyre  wi)>  flawmes  rede  515 

And  as  he  bad  ry^f  so  was  done  J?e  dede 

And  in  a  bath .  Jjei  gan  hure  fast1  shetten 

And  nyght1  and  day  grete  fuyre  vnder  Jjei  maden          518 

(75) 

Al  ]?e  longe  ny^t1  and  eke  J>e  day  also  519 

ffor  al  jje  fuyre  and  eke  J>e  ba]?es  hete 

She  satte  al  colde  and  felt1  of  it1  no  woo 

Ne  made  hure  a  drope  noi^t1  forto  swete  522 

But1  in  Jjat1  bath  her  lif  She  most1  lete 

ffor  he  Almachie  wij?  ful  wicked  entent1 

To  scleen  hure  in  J>e  batfc  his  sonde  sent1  /  [leaf  193] 

PETWORTH   420   (6-T.  545) 


oIX-TEXT.   546 

GROUP  G.   §  1.   SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS, 

(76) 

Thre  strokes  in  J>e  nekke  he  sinote  hurt?  ]>oo  526 

The  turmentour  but*  for  no  manere  chaunce 
He  my^t1  not1  smyten  al  her  necke  a  two 
And  for  J>er  was  J?af  tyme  an  ordynazmce  529 

That1  none  shuld  to  no  man  do  such  penazmce 
Jje  ferj?e  stroke  to  smyten  soft1  or  sore 
This  turmentowr  ne  durst1  do  no  more  .  532 

(77) 

But1  half  dede  wij)  her  necke  ycoruen  J?ere  533 

He  laft1  hure  lye  and  on  his  waye  he  went1 
Jje  Cristen  folk1  which  aboute  hure  were 
Wijj  shetes  home  ful  faire  hure  hente  536 

Thre  daies  lyued  she  in  Jjis  torment1 
And  neuere  cesed  hem  Jje  feijj  to  teche 
Whom  she  had  fostred  hem  she  gan  to  preche  539 

(78) 

And  hem  she  $af  her  meueables  and  her  finge  540 

And  to  Jje  pope  Vrban  bytoke  hem  J>oo 
And  saide  Jjus  I  asked  Jjis  of  heuene  kynge 
To  han  respite .  Jjre  daies  and  no  moo  543 

To  recomaunde  to  ^ou  er  J>afr  I  goo 
Thise  soules  loo  i  and  jjat1 1  my^t1  to  wirche 
Here  of  myn  hous  perpetuelly  a  chirche  546 

(79) 

SEynt1  Vrban  wi|)  his  dekenes  prmely  547 

The  body  fette  and  buried  it1  by  ny^f 
Amonge  his  o]?er  seintes  honestly 

Hure  hous  Jje  churche  of  seinf  Cicile  hi^t1  550 

Seint1  Vrban  halawed  it1  as  he  wel  my^t1 
In  j?e  which  into  J>is  daye  in  noble  wise 
Men  done  to  crist1  and  to  his  seinte  servise  .  553 

^f  J>us  ende]>  pe  tale  of  }>e  seconnde  nonne 

PETWORTH   421   (6-T.  546) 


SIX-TEXT    547 
GROUP  G.    §  2,    2MD  NUN-CAN.-YEO.  LINK.    PetWOlth  MS. 


The  prologe  . 


And  here  bygynnej>  Jje  prologe  of  J>e  chanouns 

Whan  ended  was  J?e  lif  of  seinte  Cecile 
Er  we  fully  had  ryden  five  myle 
An  boghton  viider  Jje  ble  vs  gan  a  take 
A  man  fat1  closed  was  in  clones  blake  557 

And  vnder  J?afr  he  had  a  white  surplis  . 
His  hakeney  J>att  was  so  pomel  gris  [  leaf  198,  back] 

So  swete  J?af  if  wondere  was  to  see 

It1  seined  he  had  prikked  myles  ]>re  561 

]?e  hors  eke  J>af  his  ^eman  rode  vpon 
So  swette  J>afr  vnnej>es  my3tf  he  gon 
Aooute  J?e  peitreH  stood  Jje  foom  ful  hie 
He  was  of  fome  al  flekked  as  a  pie  565 

A  male  twifolde  on  his  cropowr  laye 
It1  semed  J>af  he  caried  litel  araye 
Al  113^  for  somer  roode  Jris  worj?i  man  / 
And  in  myn  herte  wondre  I  bygan  569 

What1  J?att  he  was  til  I  vnderstode 
How  Jjat1  his  cloke  was  sewed  to  his  hode 
ffor  which  whan  I  longe  had  avised  me 
I  denied  hyra  some  chanon  forto  be  573 

His  hatte  honge  at1  his  bak1  doune  by  a  laas 
ffor  he  had  ryden  more  Jjan  trotte  or  paas 
He  had  aye  prikked  like  as  he  were  wood 
A  clote  leef  he  had  vnder  his  hode  577 

ffor  swote  and  forto  kepe  his  hede  from  hete 
But1  it1  was  ioye  forto  seen  hyra  swete 
His  forhede  dropped  as  a  Stillatorie 

"Were  ful  of  planteyne  and  of  Pyritorie  581 

PETWOllTH   422   (6-T.  547) 


SIX-TEXT    548 
GROUP  G.    §  2.    2ND  NUN  CAN.-YEO.  LINK.    PetWOlth  MS. 

And  whan  J>af  he  came  he  gan  to  crie  582 

God  saue  quod  he  Jjis  loly  companye 

ffasf  haue  I  prikked  quod  he  for  ^oure  sake 

Because  J?afr 1  wolde  $ou  ouertake  585 

To  ryden  in  }>is  mery  company 

His  3eman  eke  was  ful  of  curtesie 

And  sirres  now  in  J?e  niorowe  tide 

Out1  of  3oure  ostelrie  I  segH  30"  ride  589 

And  warned  here  my  lorde  and  my  souereyn 

Which  jjaf  to  ride  wi]>  3011  is  ful  fayn 

ffor  his  disporte  he  louej)  daliaunce 

ffrende  for  J>i  warnyng1  god  3eue  J?e  good  chaunce  593 

Seide  oure  hoste  certes  it1  wolde  seme 

Thi  lorde  were  wise  and  so  I  may  wel  deme  [leaf  199] 

He  is  ful  iocounde  also  dar  I  lay 

Can  he  ou^tt  telle  a  mery  tale  or  twaye  597 

Wi]>  which  he  glade  may  J?is  company 

Who  sir1  my  lord!  f  30  $e  wij?-outen  lie 

He  can  of  merth  and  eke  of  lolite 

And  Jjatf  ynou3e  also  sir1  tresteth  me  601 

And  36  hym  knewe  as  wel  as  do  I 

36  wolde  wonder  howe  wel  and  thriftelie 

He  coujje  worche  and  J>afr  in  sondry  wise 

He  hajj  take  on  hym  mony  sondry  aprise  605 

Which  were  ful  hard'  for  eny  Jjatt  is  here 

To  bringe  aboute  but1  )>ei  of  hym  it1  lere 

As  homely  as  he  ritte  amonge  3ou 

If  36  hym  knewe  it1  wolde  be  3our  prowe  609 

3e  nolde  nat1  forgon  his  aqueyntauwce 

ffor  mochel  good  I  dar  laie  in  balaunce 

AH  ]>af  I  haue  in  myn  possession 

He  is  a  man  of  hi3e  discrecion  613 

I  warne  3  owe  wel  he  is  a  passing1  man 

Wel  koj>e  our*  hoosfr  I  prey  )?e  telle  me  J>an 

Is  he  Clerk1  or  noon  telle  what1  he  is 

Nay  he  is  gretter  Jjan  a  clerk1  y wis  617 

PKTWORTH    423   (6-T.  548) 


SIX-TEXT    549 
GROUP  GK    §  2.    2ND  NUN-CAN. -YEO.  LINK.    PetWOlth  MS. 

Seide  J>e  ^eman  and  in  woordes  fewe  618 

Oosf  of  his  craft1  somwhaf  I  wil  3ou  shewe 
I  saie  my  lorde  can  such  a  sotilte 

But1  aH  his  craft1  30  may  not1  wif  at  me  621 

And  Somwhaf  helpe  I  ^ifr  to  his  worchinge 
faf  al  f  is  grounde  which  faf  we  ben  on  ridynge 
Til  faf  we  come  to  caunterberye  toun 
He  coude  al  clere  turne  vp  so  doun  625 

And  pane  it1  al  of  sillier1  and  of  golde 
And  whan  Jris  ^eman  had  fus  ytolde 
Vnto  oure  hooste  he  seide  Benedicite 
This  fing1  is  wonder  mervelous  to  me  629 

Sif  ens  faf  J?i  lord  is  of  so  hi^e  prudence 
By  cause  of  which  men  shulde  hym  reuerence       [leaf  199,  back] 
J^af  of  his  worship  rekkej)  he  so  lite 

His  ouersclope  nys  nat1  worjj  a  myte  633 

As  in  effecte  to  him  as  mot1 1  goo/ 
It1  is  al  baudy  and  to -tore  also 
"Whi  is  J)i  lord  so  scluttish  I  J>e  prey 

And  is  of  power*  better  clones  to  beye  637 

If  Jaf  his  dede  accorde  wij?  fi  speche 
Telle  me  fat1 1  ]?e  biseche 
Whi  quod  ]?is  3eman  wherto  aske  36  me 
God  helpe  me  so  for  he  shal  neuere  the  641 

But1 1  wil  naf  avowe  Jjat1 1  say 
And  ferfore  kepe  it1  secre  I  3ou  pray 
He  is  to  wise  in  feij?  as  I  bileue 

That1  fat1  is  ouerdone  if  nyl  not1  preue  645 

And  ri3t1  as  clerkes  seyn  it1  is  a  vice 
wherfore  in  fat1 1  holde  hym  lewde  and  nyce 
ffor  whan  a  man  haf  ouer  grete  a  witte 
fful  often  it1  happef  to  misusen  if  649 

So  dof  my  lord?  and  faf  me  greuef  sore 
God  if  amende  I  can  seye  now  no  more 
Therof  no  fors  good  3eman  quodl  our  hoosf 
Syf  of  j?e  konyng1  of  fi  lordj  fou  wosf  653 

PETWOKTH   424   (6-T.  549) 


SIX-TEXT    550 

GROUP  G.  §  2.  2ND  NUN-CAN.-YEO.  LINK.  Petworth  MS.  425 

Telle  howe  he  dojj  I  prey  J?e  hertely  654 

Sij>J>es  J>af  lie  is  so  crafty  and  so  scly 

"Where  dwellen  }e  if  it1  to  telle  be 

In  J?e  Subarbes  of  a  toune  quod  he  657 

Lurkynge  in  hernes  and  in  lanes  blynde 

Where  J?ise  Eobbers  and  jjeues  be  kynde 

Holden  her  psrve  feerful  residence 

As  jjei  J?af  dar  not1  she  wen  her  presence  661 

So  fare  we  if  I  shal  say  Jje  soj?e 

}if  quod  [our]  oste  laf  me  talke  to  the 

Why  art1  J>ou  discolowred  on  J?i  face 

Peter1  quod  he  god  30116  if  harde  grace  665 

I  am  so  vsed  J>e  fire  to  blowe 

That*  if  ha])  chaunged  my  colour4  as  I  trowe  [leaf  200] 

I  ne  am  not1  wonte  in  no  myrowr  to  prie 

But1  swynke  sore  and  lerne  to  nmltiplie  669 

We  Blundren  euere  and  powren  in  J?e  fire 

And  for  alle  J?af  we  faillen  of  our  desire 

ffor  euere  we  lacken  our  conclusion 

To  moehe  folk1  we  bene  but1  illusion  673 

And  borowe  golde  be  it1  a  pound!  or  twoo 

Or  ten  or  twelue  or  niony  sowmes  moo 

And  make  hem  wenen  at  the  leest1  wey 

fat1  of  a  pounde  we  cowde  make  twey  677 

^it1  is  if  fals  and  ay  we  han  good  hope 

If  forto  doon  and  aftere  if  we  grope 

Buf  jjaf  science  is  so  fer  vs  biforne 

We  mowe  nof  alle  po^e  we  had  if  sworne  681 

If  ouertake  if  slitf  away  so  fasf 

It  wil  vs  make  beggers  af  J>e  lasf 

J?e  whiles  jns  ^eman  was  Jms  in  his  talkyng1 

This  Chanon  drowe  hy^  nere  and  herd'  al  Jnnge  685 

Which  ]>af  J)is  ^emfan]  spake  for  suspecion 

IT  Of  mennys  speche  euere  had  J>is  chanofi 

ifor  Caton  seij)  he  J?af  gilty  is 

DemeJ)  al  jjinge  be  spoke  of  hym  ywis  689 

29  PETWORTH    425    (6-T.  560) 


SIX-TEXT    551 

GROUP  G.  §  2.  2ND  NUN-CAN.-YEO.  LINK.  Petworth  MS. 

By  cause  of  fat1  lie  gan  so  ny3e  to  drawe  690 

His  3eman  fat  herd  alle  his  sawe 

And  Jms  he  seide  vnto  his  ^eman  f  oo 

Holde  now  fi  pees  and  speke  no  wordes  moo  693 

ffor  if  f  owe  doo  f  u  shalt1  it1  dere  aby 

f  ow  sclaunderest1  me  here  in  f  is  company 

And  eke  diskeuerest  fat1  f  ou  shuldesfc1  hide 

36  quod  oure  hoost1  telle  on  what1  so  betide  69 T 

Of  al  f  is  f  retynge  recfr  f  e  not1  a  myte 

In  feif  quod  he  no  moore  I  doo  but1  lite 

And  whan  fis  chanon  segh  it1  wold!  nat  be 

But1  fat"  his  ^eman  wolde  telle  his  prraete  701 

He  fledde  a-way  for  verrey  sorowe  and  shame 

A  quod  the  ^eman  here  shal  arise  a  game  [leaf  200,  back] 

AH  fat1 1  can  anon  wil  I  telle 

Sif  ens  he  is  goon  J>e  foule  fende  hyra  quelle  705 

ifor  neuere  here  after1  wil  I  wif  hym  mete 

ffor  peny  ne  for  pounde  I  3011  bihete 

He  J?atH  me  bro^t1  furst1  vnto  fat1  game 

Er  fat1  he  dye  sorowe  haue  he  and  shame  709 

ffor  it1  it  is  ernest1  to  me  by  my  feife 

fat1  fele  I  wele  what1  so  eny  man  seif e 

&  3  it1  for  all  my  smerte  and  al  my  greff 

ffor  al  my  sorowe .  labour  and  meschieff  713 

I  kouf  e  neuere  leue  it1  in  no  wise 

Now  wold  god  my  wittes  n^t1  suffise 

To  tellen  al  fat1  longen  to  fat1  art1 

But1  nafeles  ^if  wil  I  telle  3owe  part1  717 

Sif ews  fat1  my  lorde  is  goon  I  wil  not1  spare 

Such  f  inge  as  I  knowe  I  wil  declare 

H  Thus  endej)  f  e  prologe  of  f  e  chanons 


PETWORTH   426   (6-T.  ool) 


SIX-TEXT    552 
GROUP  G.    §  3.    CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.     PctWOlth  MS, 


\onieaf m,back}     &  here  bygynnef  fe  tale 
[THE  PREAMBLE.] 

With  f  is  chanon  [I]  dwelt1  haue  seuene  $ere    IT  The 
And  of  his  science  am  I  neuer  f  e  nere        ^a*e  v 
Al  f  af  I  had  I  haue  ylosf  f  erby 
And  god  woo  so  han  many  moo  fan  I 
Ther  I  was  wonte  to  be  ri^f  fressh  and  gay 
Of  clofinge  and  of  good  aray  725 

ISTow  may  I  were  an  hose  vpon  myne  heued 
And  where  my  coloure  was  bof  fresh  and  rede 
£Tow  is  if  wan  and  of  a  lewde  hwe 

Who  so  if  vsef  sore  shal  he  rwe  729 

And  of  my  swynk  ^if  blered  is  myn  ye 
Loo  suche  aucmntage  if  is  to  multiplie 
That1  sclydinge  science  haf  me  made  so  bale 
Thaf  I  haue  no  good  wher  so  euer  y  fare  733 

And  ^if  am  I  endetted  so  Jjerby 
Of  golde  fat1  I  haue  borowed  trewly 
Thaf  whil  I  lyve  I  shal  if  quite  neuere 
Laf  euery  man  be  ware  by  me  for  euere  737 

Whaf  maner*  man  f  af  castef  hyra  f  erto  [leaf  201] 

If  he  contynue  I  holde  his  thriff  ydo 
ffor  so  helpe  me  god  f  erby  shal  he  naf  wynne 
Buf  empty  his  purs  and  make  his  wyttes  finne  741 

And  whan  he  thorgh  his  madnesse  and  folye 
Haf  losf  his  owiie  good  f  orgh  lopardye 
fan  he  excitef  of  er  men  f  erto 

To  lese  her  good  as.  lr^  self  haf  doo  /  745 

ffor  to  shrewes  loies  if  is  an  ese 
To  haue  her  felawes  in  peyn  and  dissese 

PETWORTH    427    (6-T.  552) 


SIX-TEXT   553 
GROUP  G.    §  3.    CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.     PetWOltll  MS. 

Thus  was  I  ones  lerned  of  a  clerk1 

Of  fat1  no  charge  I  wil  speke  of  our1  werk«  749 

Whan  we  bene  fere  as  we  shul  exercise 

Oure  eluessh"  craft1  we  seme  wonder1  wise 

Our  teermes  bene  so  clergial  and  so  queynte 

I  blowe  fe  fyre  til  fat1  myn  hert1  feynte  753 

What*  shuld!  I  telle  eche  proportion 

Of  f  ingges  which  fat  we  worchen  vpon" 

As  on  .v,  or  .vj.  vnces  may  wel  be 

Of  Siluere  or  of  som  of  er  qwantite  757 

And  bisy  me  to  telle  ^ou  f  e  names 

Of  Orpyment1.  brent1  bonys  yren  .  squames 

Thatt  into  powdere  grounden  bene  ful  small 

And  in  an  erthen  pot1  howe  fat1  pitte  is  alle  1 761 

And  salt1  ypitte  In .  and  also  paupere 

Eyfore  fise  powdres  fat1 1  speke  of  here 

And  wel  ykeuered  wif  a  laumpe  of  glas 

And  of  moche  of  er  f  inge  what1  f  er  was  765 

And  of  the  potte  and  glas  englutynge 

That1  of  f  e  eyre  my^t1  passe  no  f  inge 

And  of  f  e  Esy  fire  and  smert1  also 

Which  fat1  was  made  and  of  the  care  and  woo  769 

That1  we  had  in  our  maters  sublymynge 
And  in  amalgarnynge  and  calcenynge 

Of  quik  siluere  ycleped  Mercurie  crude 

if  or  all  oure  scleightes  we  can  not1  conclude  773 

Our  orpyment1  and  sublymed  Mercury  e  [leaf  201,  back] 

Our  grounde  litarge  eke  on  f  e  porphirie 

Of  eche  of  fise  of  vnces  a  certeyn 

I^at1  helpef  vs  oure  labour  is  in  veyn  777 

Ue  eke  oure  sprites  assenciown 

Ne  eke  our  maters  fat1  lyen  al  fixe  a-dozm 

Mowen  in  oure  worchinge  no  f  ing1  vs  availe 

ffor  lost1  is  al  our  laboure  and  travaile  781 

And  att  f  e  cost1  on  twenty  deuel  weye 

Is  lost1  also  whiche  we  vpon  it1  laye 

PETWORTH   42&  (€-T.  663) 


SIX-TEXT    554 
GROUP  G.    §  3.    CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.     FetWOlth  MS,) 

Ther  is  also  mony  a  nother  jjing 

That1  is  to  our  craft1  appertenynge  785 

£01136  I  by  ordere  hem  here  ne  reherce  kan 

Because  fat1  I  am  a  lewde  man 

31^  wil  I  telle  hem  as  j>ei  come  to  mynde 

Jjou^e  I  ne  can  sette  hem  in  her  kynde  789 

As  boole  armonyak .  verdegrees .  boras 

And  sondry  vessels  made  of  erjje  and  glas 

Our*  vrynales  and  our1  dyscensories 

Violles  Creseletys .  and  sublimatories  793 

Concurbites  and  alembykes  eke 

And  oj>er  suche  dere  ynowe  a  leke 

Nat1  nedej)  it1  to  rehersen  hem  alle 

Waters  rubyfyinge  and  bolles  galle .  797 

Arsenyke  sal  armonyak  and  brymstofi 

And  herbes  coude  I  telle  eke  mony  on 

As  Egrymoyn  Valerian  and  lunarie 

And  ojjer  such  }if  J>atf  me  list  tarie  801 

Our1  lampes  brennyng1  boj)  ny^t1  and  day 

To  bringe  about1  our  craft1  }if  fat1  we  may 

Our  furnayes  eke  of  Calcynacion 

And  of  waters  albificacion  805 

Vnslekked  lyme .  Chalk  and  gleire  of  an  ey 

Powders  divers .  Ashes .  dunge .  pisse  .  and  cley 

Sered  pockettes .  sal  peter* .  and  vitn'ole 

And  dyuers  fires  made  of  wode  and  Cole  809 

Salt  tartre .  alcalie  and  salt1  preparate  p*af  202] 

And  combust1  maters  and  coagulate 

Cley  made  wij)  horses  or  mawnys  here  and  oyle 

Of  Tartere .  alem  glas  berme  wort1  &  argoille  813 

Rysalgere  and  ofyere  mateers  enbykinge 

And  eke  of  oure  mateers  encorporinge 

And  of  [our]  Siluer*  citrinacion 

Our  sementynge  and  fermentacion  817 

Our  ingotes  testes  and  mony  moo  / 

I  wil  $ou  telle  as  was  me  tau^t1  also 

PETWORTH    429    (6-T.  564) 


SIX-TEXT    555 
GROUP  Gr.     §  3.    CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.     PetWOlth.  MS. 

fe  four  spirites  and  J>e  bodies  seuene 

By  ordre  oft1  as  I  herd  my  lord  hem  neuene  821 

The  first*  spirit1  quyk-siluere  cleped  is 

Jje  Secounde  orpyment*  J>e  tlirid l  ywis  '    p  MS  iij] 

Sal  Armonyak  and  J>e  ferjj  bremstone 

J>e  bodies  seuene  eke  lo  hem  here  anon  825 

Sol  gold  is  and  luna  siluer  we  threpe 

Mars .  yren  Mercurie  quyksiluer*  we  clepe 

Satwrnus  lede .  and  lubiter  is  tynne 

And  Venus  Coper1  be  my  fadere  kynne  829 

This  cursed  craft*  who  so  wil  exercise 

He  shal  no  good  han  J>at*  may  hym  sumse 

ffor  al  J>e  good  he  spendej)  J>er-aboute 

He  lese  shal  Jjerof  haue  I  no  doute  833 

"Who  so  J>at*  list  to  outen  his  foly 

Lat*  hym  come  for])  and  lerne  forto  multiplie 

And  euery  man  J>at*  haj?  ou^f  in  his  cofre 

Laf  [him]  apere  and  wexe  a  philosofre  837 

Ascaunce  j?af  craft*  is  so  li^t*  to  lere 

!N"ay  nay  god  wote  al  be  he  monke  or  frere 

Preesf  chanon  or  eny  oj>er  wi^f 

fou^e  he  sitte  at*  his  boke  bo]>  day  and  ny^f  841 

In  lernyng1  of  J?is  elvissh  nyce  lore 

Al  is  in  veyn  and  parde  moche  more 

Is  to  lere  a  lewde  man  J>is  sotille 

jffy  speke  nat*  ]perof  for  it*  wil  naf  be  845 

Al  coude  he  lettrure  or  coude  he  none  [leaf  202,  back] 

As  in  effecte  he  shal  fynde  it*  all  one 

ffor  bo)»  twoo  be  my  saluacion 

Concluden  in  multiplicacion  849 

Iliche  wel  whan  j?ei  han  al  ydoo 

This  is  to  seyn  j?ei  failen  bojj  two 

But*  ^it*  for  j?at*  I  to  moche  rehersaille 

Of  waters  corosif  and  of  lymaille  853 

And  of  bodyes  mollificacion 

And  also  of  her  induracion 

PETWORTH    430    (6-T.  555) 


SIX-TEXT    556 
GROUP  G.     §  3,    CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.     PctWOlth  MS. 

Oilles  ablucion  &  metal  fusible 

To  tellen  alle  wold  passen  eny  bible  857 

Jjat1  owhere  is  wher  as  for  ]?e  best1 

Of  aft  Jrise  names  now  wil  I  me  rast1 . 

ffor  as  I  trawe  I  haue  ^ou  tolde  ynowe 

To  reisen  a  feende  loke  he  neuere  so  rowe  861 

A  nay  lat1  be  J>i  philosophies  stone 

Elixir  cleped  we  sechen  fast1  echone 

ffor  had  we  hym  Jjara  were  we  siker  ynoi^e 

But1  vnto  god  of  heuene  I  make  avowe  865 

ffor  al  our  craft1  whan  we  han  al  ydoo 

And  al  oure  sclei3te  he  wil  not1  come  vs  too/ 

He  haj)  vs  made  spende  moche  good 

ffor  sorowe  of  which  almost*  we  wexen  wode  869 

But1  fat1  good  hope  crepe]?  in  our*  hertt 

Supposinge  euere  Jjou^e  we  sore  smert1 

To  be  releued  by  hym  afterward? 

Supposinge  J?af  hope  is  sharpe  and  hard?  873 

I  warne  ^ou  wele  it1  is  to  seken  euere 

J>afr  future  temps  hajj  made  men  disseuere 

In  trest1  ]?erof  from  alle  Jjaf  euere  J?ei  hadde 

3if  of  J>att  art1  J>ei  koude  not1  wexen  sadde  877 

ffor  vnto  hem  it1  is  a  bitterswete 

So  seme])  it1  for  ne  had  J?ei  but1  a  shete 

Which  J?ei  nry^t1  wrap  hem  in  a  ny3t* 

And  a  bak1  to  walken  In  by  day  li^t1  881 

They  wold  hem  Sellen  and  spenden  on  ]?is  craft*        [ieaf2os] 

They  can  not  stynt1  til  no  J?inge  be  laft1 

And  euermore  wher  Jjat1  euere  jjei  gone 

Men  may  hem  knowe  by  Jje  smelle  of  bremstone  885 

ffor  al  jje  worlde  Jjei  stynken  as  a  gote 

Her  sauour  is  so  rammyssh  and  so  hote 

Jjat  fou^  a  man  fro  hem  a  myle  be 

J>e  Sauour*  wil  enfecte  hym  trestej?  me  889 

Lo  Thus  by  smellyng1  and  be  threde  bare  aray 

3if  ]>atf  men  lust1  Jjise  folk1  jjei  know  may 

PETWOETH   431    (6-T.  656) 


SIX-TEXT    557 
GROUP  G.    §  3.    CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.     PctWOlth  MS. 

And  if  a  man  wil  aske  hym  prively 

Wlii  fei  bene  closed  so  vn thriftily  893 

I&jt1  anone  J>ei  wil  rownen  in  his  eere 

And  seie  if  J?ey  aspied  were 

Men  wolde  hem  slee  by  cause  of  her  science 

Loo  Jms  j?ise  folk1  bitraien  Innocence  897 

Passe  oner  J)is  I  go  my  tale  vnto 

Er  Jjan  J?e  potte  be  on  jje  fuyre  ydoo 

Of  metalles  wi]>  a  certeyn  quantite 

My  lorde  hem  temprejj  and  no  man  but  he  901 

Now  he  is  goon  I  dar  saie  boldely 

ifor  as  men  seyne  he  can  do  craftely 

Algate  I  wote  wel  he  ha]?  such  a  name 

And  ^if  ful  ofte  he  rennejj  in  J>e  blame  905 

And  wete  36  how  ful  ofte  it1  happeth  soo  / 

The  potte  to-brekej?  and  fare-wel  al  is  goo 

Thise  metalles  bene  of  so  grete  violence 

Our  walles  may  not1  maken  hem  resistence  909 

But1  ^if  J>ei  [weren]  wrou^t1  of  lyme  and  stone 

j?ei  percen  so  J?af  jjor^e  J?e  waH  J>ei  gone 

And  somme  of  hym  synken  into  ]?e  grounde 

-Thus  haue  we  lost1  by  tymes  mony  a  pound?  913 

And  somme  are  scatered  al  the  flore  aboute 

Somme  lepen  into  |>e  Roof  with-ouf  doute 

Thou3e  J?at^  ]?e  feende  nat1  in  our  si^t1  hym  shewe 

IT  I  trowe  J?att  he  wij>  vs  be  J>af  schrewe  917 

In  helle  wher  J>afr  he  is  lord?  and  sire  [leaf  203,  back] 

Ne  is  jjer  no  more  woo  angere  ne  Ire 

Whan  J?afr  oure  pot1  is  broke  as  I  haue  saide 

Euery  man  chitte  and  halt1  hym  euel  paide  921 

Som  saide  it1  was  longe  on  jje  fire  makinge 

Som  saide  nay  it1  was  on  J?e  blowynge 

Than  was  I  aferde  for  J?at  was  myn  office 

•Strawe  quod  J?e  J?red  $e  beue  lewde  and  nyce  925 

It1  was  nat1  teinpred  as  it1  au^t  be 

quod  ]?e  ferjje  stynf  and  harken  me 

PETWORTH    432    (6-T.  667) 


SIX-TEXT    558 
GROUP  G.    §  3.     CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.     PetWOrth  MS. 

Be  cause  oure  fire  was  not*  made  of  beche 

J)af  is  J?e  cause  noon  ojxsre  so  theche .  929 

I  can  not*  telle  wheron  if  is  alonge 

But1  wel  I  woof  gref  strif  is  vs  amonge 

What  quod  my  lorde  jjer  nys  110  more  to  done 

Of  Jnse  periles  I  wil  be  ware  eff  sone  933 

I  am  ri3f  syker*  fat1  f  e  pot*  was  craised 

Be  as  be  may  be  36  no  finge  amasecfc 

As  vsage  is  laf  swepe  f  e  flore  as  s  withe 

Pluk  vp  3oure  herf  and  be  36  glad  and  blithe  937 

J>e  Mullok1  on  an  hope  yswoped  was 

And  on  f  e  floore  cast1  a  canvas . 

And  al  this  Mullok  in  a  sif  yth[r]owe 

And  y  sif ted  and  yplukked  many  a  thro  we  941 

Parde  quod  oon  somwhaf  of  oure  metaH 

3if  is  f  er  here  fyoujG  we  haue  naf  aH 

And  f  oii^e  J)is  Jnnge  myshapped  haj)  as  nowe 

Anoj>er  t-yme  It1  may  be  wel  ynowe  945 

Vs  most1  putt1  our  good  in  auenture 

A  Marchaunte  parde  may  not1  ay  endure 

Trestej)  me  wel  in  his  pn/spmte 

Somtyme  his  good  is  drowned  in  ]pe  see  949 

And  somtyme  cowimeth  it1  sauf  vnto  jje  londe 

Pees  quod  my  lord?  Jje  next1  tyme  I  wil  fonde 

To  brynge  our  craft1  al  in  anojjer  plite 

And  buf  I  doo  sirs  latf  me  haue  ]>e  wite  953 

Ther  was  defaute  in  somwhaf  wel  I  wote  [leaf  204] 

And  ojjer  seide  J?e  fire  was  ouere  hote 

But1  be  if  hote  or  cold  I  dar  saie  jns 

Jjaf  we  concluden  euer  more  amys  957 

We  faillen  of  that'  which  J?af  we  wold'  haue 

And  in  oure  madnesse  euermore  we  raue 

And  whan  we  bene  to-gidere  euerechon 

Euery  man  seme])  as  wise  as  Salomon  961 

But1  al  ])inge  which  J?af  seine)) J  as  ))e  golde  c1  or  semef>] 

Is  naf  golde  as  I  haue  herd*  if  tolde 

PETWORTH    433    (6-T.  658) 


SIX-TEXT    559 
GROUP  G.     §  3.    CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.     PetWOrth  MS, 

Ne  euery  appel  pat1  is  faire  at1  ye 

Ne  is  not1  god  what1  so  men  clappe  or  crie  965 

Ri^t1  so  loo  farejj  it1  amonges  vs  / 

He l  fat1  semejj  ]?e  wisest*  by  Thesus  C1  or  HO] 

Is  moost1  foole  whan  it1  cowmejj  to  )je  preef 

And  he  j?af  semejj  trewest1  is  a  jieef  969 

That1  shul  ^e  knowe  er  J>att  I  from  30U  wende 

Be  J>att  I  of  my  tale  haue  made  an  ende 

[No  tweak  in  the  MS.~\ 


PETWORTH   434    (6-T.  659) 


SIX-TEXT    560 

GROUP  G,  §  4,  CANON'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  TttS. 


[THE  TALK] 

Ther  is  a  chanon  of  Religiown  f  2a  pars.  i. 

Amonges  vs  wolde  enfecte  al  a  town  973 

Thou^e  it1  as  grete  were  as  was  Nyniue 

Rome .  Alisaundre  .  Troie  &  o]per  )>re 

his  scleightes  and  his  infinite  falsnesse 

Ther  coupe  no  man  writen  as  I  gesse  977 

Thou^e  Jjat1  he  my^t1  lyuen  a  thousand  ^ere 

In  al  J>is  world?  of  falsenesse  nys  his  pere 

ffor  in  his  teerrnes  he  wil  hym  so  wynde 

And  speke  his  wordes  in  so  scle^e  a  kynde  981 

Whan  he  comune  shal  wij>  eny  wi^f 

That1  he  wil  make  hym  dote  anon  ri^fr 

But1  it1  J?e  feende  be  as  hym  seluen  is 

if ul  mony  a  man  haj)  he  bygyled  er  Jns  985 

And  wil  if  jjaf  he  may  lif  a  while 

And  $iV  men  riden  and  goon  ful  mony  a  myle 

Hym  forto  seke  and  haue  of  a-queyntawice 

Nat1  knowing1  of  his  fals  gouernawnce  989 

And  $if  ^e  lust*  to  3eue  me  audience  [leaf  204,  back] 

I  wil  it1  tellen  in  wijj  ^oure  presence 

But1  worshipful  Chanon  Eeligious 

Ee  demej)  not1 1  sclaundere  3 our  hous  993 

Al-jjou^e  my  tale  of  a  chanon  be 

Of  euery  ordere  som  shrewe  is  parde 

And  god  forbede  Jjat1  aH  a  companye 

Shulde  rewe  a  syngule  mannys  foly  997 

To  sclaundere  $ou  is  nat1  myn  ententf 

But1  to  correcten  jjat1  mys  I-ment1 

PETWORTH    435    (6-T.  660) 


SIX-TEXT    561 

GROUP  GK  §  4.  CANON'S- YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS, 

This  tale  was  not*  only  told?  for  3011 

But*  eke  for  o]>er  moo  $e  wote  wel  howe  1001 

That1  amonges  cn'stes  apostels  twelue 

]>er  ne  was  no  traitowr  but1  ludas  selue 

Than  whi  shulde  J>e  renienawnte  aft  haue  blame 

Jjat1  giltlees  were  be  $ou  saye  I  ]?e  same  1005 

Sauf  only  Jns  if  30  wil  harken  me 

If  eny  ludas  in  ^oure  couent1  be 

Remeueth  hy?M  be  tyme  I  ^ou  rede 

If  shame  or  losse  may  causen  eny  drede  1009 

And  be]?  no  J>inge  displesed  I  $ou  pray 

But1  in  this  caas  herknej)  what1 1  say 

In  loiidon  was  a  preest1  an  annuelere 

That1  Jjerlnne  dwelled  had  mony  a  $ere  1013 

Which  was  so  plesaunt1  and  so  seruisable 

Vnto  ]?e  wiff  where  he  was  att  table 

That1  she  wolde  suffre  hym  no  Jring1  forto  paye 

if  or  borde  ne.  clojnnge  went1  he  neuere  so  gay  1017 

And  spending1  siluere  had  he  ri^t1  ynowe 

Therof  no  force  I  wil  precede  as  no  we 

And  telle  for])  my  tale  of  Jje  chanon 

Jjat1  brou^t1  j)is  preest1  to  confusion  1021 

This  fals  chanon  came  vpon  a  day 

Vnto  J?e  preestes  chambere  ]>er  he  lay 

Bysechinge  hym  to  lene  hyra  a  certeyn 

Of  golde  and  he  wolde  quyte  hym  ageyn  1025 

LeneJ)  me  a  marke  quod  he  but1  daies  J>re  [leaf  205 j 

And  at1  my  day  I  wil  it1  quite  J?e 

And  it1  so  be  J>ow  fynde  me  fals 

An  o]>er  day  honge  me  by  J>e  hals  1029 

This  prest1  him  toke  a  marke  and  Jjat1  as  swithrt 

And  jns  chanon  hym  )>onked  ofte  sithe 

And  toke  his  leue  and  went1  for])  his  way 

And  at1  J>e  }>red  day  brou^t1  his  monay  1033 

And  to  ]?is  preest1  he  toke  his  gold  ageyn 

Therof  J>is  preest1  was  glad  and  fayn 

PETWOKTH   436    (6-T.  661) 


SIX-TEXT    562 

GROUP  G,  §  4,  CANON'S- YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

Certes  qwod  he  no  J?inge  anoyej?  me 

To  lene  a  man  a  noble  or  twoo  or  jjree  1037 

Or  what1  j?inge  were  in  my  possession 

Whan  he  so  trewe  is  of  condicion 

That1  in  no  wise  he  breke  wil  his  day 

To  such  a  man  I  can  neuere  say  nay  1041 

What  quod  jpis  chanon  shuld  I  be  vntrewe 

IT  JSTay  Jjat1  were  Jnnge  fallen  al  of  nwe 

Treujje  is  a  Jnng1  Jjatf  I  wil  euer  kepe 

Vnto  J)e  day  in  which  jjat1  I  shal  crepe  1045 

Into  my  graue  and  ellis  god  forbede 

BileueJ/  J?is  as  siker  as  is  3oure  crede 

God  thonke  I  and  in  good  tyme  be  it1  seide 

That1  Jjer  was  neuere  man  $iv  euel  apaide  1049 

ffor  gold  ne  siluere  J>afr  he  to  me  lent1 

Ne  neuere  falshede  to  myne  herf  I  menf 

And  sire  quod  he  nowe  in  my  privete 

Sijjens  $e  so  goodly  haue  bene  to  me  1053 

And  kyjjed  to  me  so  grete  gentilnesse 

Somwhat1  to  quiten  wij>  3  our1  kyndenesse 

I  wil  $ou  shewe  and  ^if  ^ou  lust  to  lere 

I  shal  it1  shewe  to  $ou  anon  ri3t  here  1057 

How  I  can  worchen  in  philosophic 

Take])  good  hede  $e  shullen  see  wel  at  ye 

That1 1  wil  done  a  maistrie  er  I  goo 

3e  qiiod.  jje  preest1  $e  sir1  and  wil  36  so  1061 

Marie  J?erof  I  prei  $ou  hertely  [leaf  205,  back] 

At1  ^oure  comaundement1  sir*  trewly 

Quod  jje  chanon  and  ellis  god  forbede 

Loo  howe  j>is  )?eef  kou]?e  his  seruise  bede  1065 

fful  soj)  it1  is  Jjat1  such  propferd  seruise 

Stynkej)  as  witnessen  jjise  olde  wise 

And  Jjat1  ful  sone  I  wil  it1  verefie 

In  pis  chandn  is  rote  of  al  trecherye  1069 

That1  euere  more  delite  ha}>  and  gladnesse 

Such  feendly  jjou^tes  in  his  liert  empresse 

PETWORTH    137    (6-T.  562) 


SIX-TEXT    563 
GROUP  G,    §  4,    CANON 's-YEOM AN *S  TALE.    PetWOlth  MS, 

How  cristes  puple  lie  may  to  meschief  bringe  / 

God  kepe  vs  from  his  fals  dissimulynge  1073 

What1  wist1  J?is  preest  wij?  whom  fat1  he  delte 

~NQ  of  his  harme  co??miyng1  no  fing1  he  felte 

O  sely  preest1  o.  sely  Innocent1 

Wif  couetise  anon  fou  shalt1  be  blent1  1077 

O  gracelees  ful  blynde  is  fi  eonseite 

No  fing1  art1  fow  war  of  fe  deceite 

Which  fat1  f  is  fox  shapen  haf  to  f  e 

His  wily  wrenches  fou  maist  not1  flee  1081 

Wherfore  to  goo  to  f  e  conclusion 

fat1  referrej?  to  f  e  confusion 

Vnhappy  man  anon  I  wil  me  hye 

To  telleii  fine  vnwitte  and  fi  foly  1085 

And  eke  f  e  falsenesse  of  fat1  of  er  wrecche 

As  ferforf  as  my  conyng1  wil  strecche 

f  is  chanon  was  my  lorde  36  wolde  wene 

.Sir*  Oost1  in  feif  and  by  j?e  Heuene  quene  1089 

It  was  anojjer  chanon  and  nat  he 

Jjaf  can  an  hundred  fold  more  sotilte 

he  ha)>  bytraied  folk1  mony  tyme 

Of  his  falsnesse  it1  dullej?  me  to  ryme  1093 

Euere  whan  I  speke  of  his  falshede 

ffor  shame  of  him  my  chekes  wexen  rede 

Algates  j?ei  bygonne  forto  glowe 

ffor  redenesse  haue  I  now  ri3t  wel  I  knowe  1097 

In  my  visage  for  fumes  dyuers  [leaf  206] 

Of  metalles  which  $e  han  herde  me  rehers 

Consumed  and  waasted  han  my  Eedenesse  / 

Take  no  we  hede  of  ]?i[s]  chanons  cursednesse  1101 

Sir1  quod  he  to  )>e  preest1  lat1  jour  man  gone 

ffor  quyk  siluere  fat1  we  it1  had  anon 

And  lat1  hym  bryiige  vnces  twoo  or  fre 

And  whan  he  co?mne]>  as  fast1  shul  ^e  se  1105 

A  wonder  Jnnge  whiche  $e  see  neuere  er  fis 

Sir*  quod  fe  preest1  it1  shal  be  done  yvvis 

PETWOBTH    438    (6-T.  563) 


SIX-TEXT    564 

GROUP  GK  §  4,  CANON'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

He  bad  his  serucmnte  fecchen  him  f  is  f  inge 

And  he  al  redy  was  at1  his  biddynge  ]  109 

And  went1  hym  forjj  and  come  anon  ageyn 

wif  f  is  quyk  siluere  shortely  forto  seyn 

And  toke  f  ise  vnces  f  re  to  f  e  chanown 

And  he  it1  laide  faire  and  wel  adown  1113 

And  bad  f  e  seruazmte  colys  forto  brynge 

j^at1  he  anoon  my^t1  goo  to  his  worchis 

The  Colis  ri^t1  anoon  weren  sette 

And  f  is  Chanon  toke  out1  a  croslette  1117 

Of  his  bosom  and  shewed  it1  f  e  preestt 

This  instrument1  quod  he  which  fat1  f  ou  seest1 

Take  in  fine  hond  and  pitt  f iself  f  erlnne 

Of  fis  quyk  siluer  an  vnce  an  here  bygynne  1121 

In  f  e  name  of1  crist1  to  wex  a  philosophre 

J?er  bene  ful  fewe  whiche  fat1 1  wold  profre 

To  shewen  hem  jjus  mochel  of  my  science  . 

ffor  ^e  shullen  see  here  by  experience  1125 

That1  ]?is  quik  silueij  I  wil  mortefie 

Ri^t1  in  ^oure  si^t1  anoon  wijj-out1  lye 

And  made  it1  as  good  siluer*  and  as  fyne 

As  ]?er  is  eny  in  ^oure  purs  er  myne  1129 

Or  ellis  where  and  make  it1  malliable 

And  ellis  holde  me  fals  and  vnable 

Amonges  folke  euer  to  apere 

I  haue  a  powder1  here  Jjat1  cost1  me  dere  1133 

Shal  make  al  good  for  it1  is  cause  of  aH  [leaf  206,  back] 

My  konynge  which  fat1  I  }ou  shewe  shaH 

Voidej?  }our  man  and  lat1  hy??z  be  fer  out1 

And  schitte  )>e  door  fe  whiles  we  bene  abonte  1137 

Our  privete  fat1  no  man  vs  espie 

"Whiles  we  worchen  in  fis  philosophie 

Al  as  he  bad  fulfilled  was  in  dede 

This  ilke  semcnmte  anoon  ri^t1  out1  3ede  1141 

And  his  maistere  shitte  fe  dore  anone 

And  to  her  Uboure  spedely  f  ei  gone 

PET  WORTH    439    (6-T.  564) 


SIX-TEXT    565 

GROUP  G.  §  4.  CANON'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS, 

This  preest1  at1  Jns  cursed  chanons  biddynge 

Vppon  ]?e  fure  anon  sette  J>is  jjinge  1145 

And  blewe  J>e  fire  and  busied  hym  ful  fast1 

And  this  chanon  into  }>is  croslette  cast1 

A  powdere  I  note  wherof  it1  was 

I-made  eijjer  of  chalk1  or  ellis  of  glasse  1149 

Or  somwhat1  ellis  was  not1  worj)  a  flie 

To  blynde  wij?  ]?is  preest1  and  bad  hym  hie 

Thise  coles  forto  cowchen  al  aboue 

The  crosselettef  for  in  token  Jjat1  I  j?e  loue  1153 

Quod  Jns  Chanon  Jnne  hondes  twoo 

Shal  worche  al  Jnng1  which"  as  shal  be  doo 

Graunt1  mercy  quod  J?e  preest1  and  was  ful  glad 

And  cowched  coles  as  J>e  chanon  bad  1157 

And  J?e  whilys  he  bisy  was  ]>is  feendly  wreche 

This  fals  chanon  J?e  foule  fende  hym  fecche 

Out1  of  his  bosom  toke  a  bechen  cole 

In  which"  ful  sotilly  was  made  an  hole  1161 

And  ]>er-in  pitte  was  of  siluere  lymaille 

An  vnce  and  stopped  was  wijj-ouf  faille 

This  hoole  wij)  wex  to  kepe  J?e  lymaille  Inne 

And  vnderstondej?  jjat1  J)is  fals  gynne  1 1 65 

was  not1  made  Jjere  but1  it1  was  made  bifore 

And  o]?er  ))ingges  I  shal  telle  more 

Here-afterwardl  which  jjat1  he  wij?  hym  bro^tt 

Ere  he  come  ]>ere  to  begile  hym  he  Jwu^t1  1169 

And  so  did  er  jjei  went1  atwynne  [leaf  2073 

Til  he  had  turned  hym  coujje  he  nat1  blynne 

It1  dullej)  me  whan  J>at;  I  of  hy??i  spoke 

On  his  falshede  fayn  wolde  I  be  a-wreke  1173 

If  I  wist1  howe  but1  he  is  here  and  there 

He  is  so  variaunt1  he  bitte  no  where 

Buf  take])  hede  nowe  sirs  for  goddys  loue 

He  toke  his  cole  of  whiche  I  speke  aboue  1177 

And  in  his  honde  he  bare  it1  prively 

And  whiles  J?e  preest1  couched  bisyly 

PETWORTH   440    (6-T.  566) 


SIX-TEXT    566 

GROUP  Gr,  §  4.  CANON'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE,  Petworth  MS. 

J?e  coles  as  I  tolde  3011  er  jjis 

Jjis  Chanon  seide  frende  36  done  a-mys  1181 

J>is  is  not1  couched  as  if  ou3t  be 

Buf  sone  I  shal  amende  it1  quod  he 

Now  laf  me  medle  j?erwij>  but1  a  while 

ffor  of  3ou  haue  I  pite  be  seinf  gyle  1185 

3e  bene  ri3f  hoote  I  se  wel  howe  30  swete 

Haue  here  a  clojje  and  wipe  away  Jje  wete 

And  whilys  Jje  preesf  his  wy  haas 

Jjis  chanon  toke  his  cole  I  shrewe  his  faas  1189 

And  laide  it1  vpon  abouen  Jje  mydward? 

Of  Jje  Crosselette  and  blewe  wel  afterward! 

Til  Jjaf  jje  Coles  gonne  fast1  brenne 

No  we  3eue  vs  drynk1  quod  Jje  chanon  jjen  *  1193 

As  swith .  al  shal  be  wel  I  vndertake 

Sitte  we  a-doun)  and  laf  vs  mery  make 

And  whan  jje  chanons  bechen  cole 

Was  brentte  al  Jje  lymaille  out1  of  jje  hole  1197 

Into  Jje  Crosselette  anon  fille  adown 

And  so  if  most1  nedes  by  resown 

Sijj  if  so  euen  aboue  couched  was 

Buf  jjerof  wisf  no  Jjing1  jje  preste  alias  1201 

He  demed  al  jje  coles  liche  good 

ffor  of  j?e  sclei3f  no  Jjinge  he  vnderstood 

And  whan  this  Alkamystere  segh  his  tyme 

Eisejj  vp  sire  preesf  and  stondeth  by  me .    .  1205 

And  for  I  wote  wele  Ingof  haue  36  none  eaf  207,  back] 

GOJJ  walkejj  forjj  and  bringejj  a  chalk  stone 

ffor  I  wil  make  if  of  jje  same  shap 

Thaf  is  an  Ingof  3if  I  may  haue  happe  1209 

And  bringe  wij?  3ou  a  bolle  or  a  panne 

fful  of  water  and  30  shul  see  jjan 

Howe  jjaf  oure  bysynesse  shal  happe  and  preue 

And  3if  for  30  shul  haue  no  mysbileue  1213 

Ne  wronge  conceite  of  me  in  3  oure  absence 

I  wil  nof  bene  ouf  of  3oure  presence 

30  PETWORTH    441    (6-T. 


SIX-TEXT    567 

GROUP  G,  §  4.  CANON'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

But1  go  wif  3ou  and  come  wif  ^ou  agayn 

fe  Chambere  door  shortely  to  sayn  1217 

They  opned  and  shette  and  went1  for]?  her  way 

And  forf  wif  hem  f  ei  karied  f  e  kay 

And  comme  ageyn  wif -out1  eny  delay 

What1  shuld  I  tary  al  fe  longe  day  1221 

He  toke  f  e  chalk1  and  shope  it1  in  f  e  wise 

Of  an  Ingot1  as  I  shal  3011  deuyse 

I  saie  he  toke  out1  of  his  owne  scleue 

A  teyne  of  siluere  euel  mote  he  cheue  1225 

Whiche  fat1  was  but1  an  vnce  of  wei^t1 

And  take])  hede  nowe  of  f  is  cursed  sclent1 

He  shope  his  Ingot1  in  length  and  in  brede 

Of  fe  teyne  wif -out1  eny  drede  1229 

So  scly3ly  fat1  f  e  preest1  it1  not1  aspied 

And  in  his  scleue  agayn  he  gan  it1  hide 

And  from  f  e  fire  toke  vp  his  matere 

And  into  f  e  Ingot1  it1  pitt  with  mery  chere  1233 

And  into  f  e  water  vessel  he  it1  cast1 

whan  fat1  him  list1  and  bad  f  e  preest1  as  fast1 

Loke  what1  f  er  is  pitte  in  Jnne  honde  and  grope 

Thow  shalt1  fynde  fere  siluer  as  I  hope  1237 

What1  deuel  of  helle  shuld  it1  ellis  be 

Shavynge  of  siluere .  siluere  is  parde 

He  pitte  In  his  honde  and  toke  vp  a  teyne 

Of  Syluere  fyne  and  glad  in  euery  veyne  1241 

was  J»is  preest1  whan  he  segh  fat1  if  was  so  [leaf  208] 

Goddys  blessing1  and  his  moders  also 

And  alle  halowes  haue  36  sir*  chanon 

Saide  fe  preest1  and  I  her  malyson  1245 

But1  and  36  vouche-sauf  to  teche  me 

This  noble  craft1  and  fis  sotilte 

I  wil  be  $our  in  all  fat1  euere  I  may 

Quod  fe  Chanofi  jif  wil  I  make  assay  1249 

The  secounde  tyme  fat1  36  mow  take  hede 

And  bene  expert1  of  f  is  and  in  ^our  nede 

PETWORTH   442    (6-T.  567) 


SIX-TEXT    568 

GROUP  G,  §  4.  CANON'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

Anof  er  day  [assaie]  in  myne  absence 

This  disciplyne  and  J>is  crafty  science  1253 

11"  Lat1  take  anofer  vnce  quod  he  f  oo 

Of  quik  siluer*  wif -out1  wordes  moo  / 

And  doo  f  erwif  as  36  han  done  er  fis 

With  fat1  ofer  which  fat1  now  siluer1  is  1257 

This  preest1  hym  busief  in  al  fat1  he  can 

To  done  as  fis  chanon  fis  cursed  man 

Comaundef  hym  and  fast1  blowef  f e  fuyre 

fforto  come  to  fe  effecte  of  his  desire  12G1 

And  fis  chanon  ri^t1  in  f  e  mene  while 

Al  redy  was  fis  preest1.  eft1  to  begile 

And  for  a  countenawnce  in  his  hand  bare 

An  holowe  stik1  take  hede  and  be  ware  1265 

In  f  e  eende  of  which  an  vnce  and  no  more 

Of  syluere  lymaille  put1  was  al  bifore 

was  in  his  cole  and  stopped  with  wex  wel 

fforto  kepe  in  his  lymaille  euery  deli  1269 

And  whilis  fis  preest1  was  in  his  bysynesse 

This  Chanon  wijj  his  stik  gan  hym  dresse 

To  hym  anon  and!  his  powdere  cast1  Inne 

As  he  did  eer  fe  deuel  out1  of  his  skynne  1273 

Hym  turne  I  prey  to  god  for  his  falshede 

ifor  he  was  euer  fals  in  of  e  and  dede 

And  wif  his  stik1  aboue  f  e  crosselette 

That1  was  ordeyned  wif  fat1  fals  gette .  1277 

He  stiref  f  e  coles  til  relente  gan  Deaf  206,  back] 

The  wex  a-gayn  f  e  fuyr  as  euery  man 

But1  it1  a  fool  be  wote  wele  &  mote  nede 

And  alle  fat1  in  fe  hole  was .  out1  ^ede  1281 

And  into  f  e  crosselette  hastely  it1  felle 

The  preest1  supposed  no  f  ing1  but1  wel 

But1  bisied  him  fast1  and  was  wonder1  fayri 

Supposing1  nou^t1  but1  troufe  sof  to  sayn  1285 

He  was  so  glad  I  can  not1  expresse 

In  no  manere  his  myrth  and  his  gladnesse 

PETWORTH   443    (6-T.  S68) 


SIX-TEXT    569 

GROUP  G,  §  4,  CANON'S- YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

And  to  f  e  Chanon  he  pwfred  eft1  sone 

Body  and  good  $e  quod  fe  clianon  sone  1289 

f  ou^e  poor  I  be  crafty  f  ow  shalt1  me  fynde 

I  warne  f  e  ^it1  is  f  er  more  behinde 

Is  fere  eny  copoure  here  In  saide  he 

3e  sir1  quod  fe  preest  I  trowe  fer  be  1293 

Ellis  goo  by  some  and  fat1  as  swithe 

JSTow  sir1  go  forf  f  i  way  and  hithe . 

And  went1  his  way  and  with  fis  coper  he  cam 

And  fis  chanon  it  in  his  honde  it1  nam .  1297 

And  of*  fat1  copere  weyed  out1  but1  an  vnce 

Al  to  symple  is  my  tunge  to  pronuwce 

His  monstre  as  his  witte  f  e  doublenesse 

Of  fis  Chanon  roote  of  cursednesse  1301 

He  semed  frendely  to  hem  fat1  knewe  hy?w  nou^fr 

Bot1  he  was  feendly  bof  in  werk  and  f  ou^t1 

It1  werief  me  to  telle  of  his  falsenesse 

And  nathelees  3if  wil  I  it1  expresse  1305 

To  fat1  entent1  men  may  be  ware  f  erby 

And  for  noon  of  ere  cause  trewly 

He  putt  fis  vnce  of  copere  into  f e  crosselette 

And  on  the  fuyre  as  swithe  he  haf  it1  sette  1309 

And  kestf  In  powdere  and  made  f e  preest1  to  blowe 

And  in  his  worching1  for  to  stoupe  lowe 

As  he  did  erst*  and  al  nys  but1  a  lape 

Bi3tt  as  him  list1  fe  preest1  he  made  his  Ape  1313 

And  afterward?  into  the  Ingot1  he  it1  cast1  [leaf  209] 

And  in  f  e  panne  pitt1  it1  atte  last1 

Of  watere  and  in  he  pitte  his  owne  honde 

And  in  his  scleue  as  ^e  to-fornhonde  1317 

Herd  me  telle  he  had  a  siluer1  teyne 

He  sclily  toke  it1  out1  fis  cursed  heyne 

Vnwetinge  fis  preest1  of  his  fals  craft1 

And  in  fe  pannes  botme  he  haf  it1  laffc1.  1321 

And  in  f  e  watere  romblef  too  and  froo  / 

And  wondere  prively  toke  it1  vp  also 

PETWORTH    441    (6-T.  569) 


SIX-TEXT    570 
GROUP  Gr,    §  4.    CANON's-YEOMziN's  TALE.    PctWOlth  MS. 

jje  Copere  teyne  nat1  knowing1  j?is  preest1 

And  hid  it1  and  hente  hym  by  Jie  breest1  1325 

And  to  hym  spake  and  jms  seide  in  his  game  ./ 

Stowpej?  a-downe  by  god  36  be  to  blame . 

Helpej)  me  nowe  as  I  did  3pwe  whilere 

Putte  Inne  301110  honde  and  lokej?  what1  is  pere  1329 

This  preest1  toke  vp  J?is  siluere  teyne  anone 

And  jjan  seide  J?e  chanon  lat1  vs  gone 

WiJ>  fise  ]>re  teynes  whiche  fat*  we  han  wrou^f 

To  somme  goldsmytli  and  wit*  $if  it1  be  003 f  1333 

ffor  be  my  feife  I  nolde  for  myne  hode 

But1  if  ]>ei  were  siluere  fyne  and  goode 

And  fat1  as  swife  proued  shal  it1  be 

Vnto  ]?e  goldsmythe  wijj  fise  teynes  ]?re  1337 

went1  J?ei  and  pitte  jjise  teynes  in  assay 

To  fyre  and  hamere  my^f  no  man  say  nay 

But*  J>ei  were  as  hem  ou^te  to  be 

This  sotted  preest1  who  was  glad  but1  he  1341 

Was  neuere  bridde  gladdere  a^einst1  )>e  day 

Ne  ny^tyngale  in  )je  seson  of  may . 

was  neuere  noon  fat1  list1  better  to  synge 

Ne  lady  lusty  er  in  Carolynge .        ...  1345 

And  forto  speke  of  loue  and  wommanhede 

Ne  knyght1  in  armes  done  an  hardy  dede 

To  stonden  in  grace  of  his  lady  dere . 

Than  had  fis  preest1  J>is  craft1  to  lere .  1349 

And  to  J?e  chanon  J?us  he  speke  and  saide 

ffor  ]>e  loue  of  god  fat1  for  vs  deyde  ./ 

And  as  I  may  deserue  it1  vnto  yowe  [leaf  209,  back] 

What1  shal  J>is  Eeceyte  cost1  tellejj  nowe  1353 

By  oure  lady  quod  fis  chanon  it1  is  dere  / 

I  warne  3ou .  for  saaf  I  and  a  frere 

In  Engelonde  J?er  can  no  man  it1  make 

!No  fors  quod  he  nowe  sir*  for  goddys  sake  /  1357 

What1  shal  I  paye  telle  me  I  J>e  pray 

Iwis  quod  [he]  it1  is  ful  dere  I  saie  / 

PETWORTII    415    (6-T.  670) 


SIX-TEXT    571 

GROUP  G.  §  4.  CANON'S- YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

Sir*  af  oon  woord?  if  ]?af  ]?e  lest1  if  haue 

3e  shul  paye  xl.  li.  so  god  me  saue.  1361 

And  ne  were  J>e  frendship  fat1  30  did  er  f  is 

To  me  /  36  shuld  paie  more  ywis  ./ 

This  preesf  f  e  some  of  fourty  pounde  anon 

Of  nobles  fette  and  toke  hem  euerechon  1365 

To  f  is  Chanon  for  f  is  ilk  receite 

AH  his  worchinge  was  strawe  and  deceite 

Sir1  preesf  he  saide  I  kepe  forto  haue  no  loos 

Of  my  craft*  for  I  wold  if  were  kepf  cloos  1369 

And  as  36  loue  me  kepef  if  secre 

ffor  and  men  knewe  al  my  sotilte 

By  god  men  wolde  haue  so  grete  envie 

To  me  by  cause  of  my  philosophic  1373 

I  Shuld  be  dede  fer  nys  noon  oper  waye 

God  if  for-bede  quod  f  e  preesf  whaf  say  36 . 

3if  had  I  leuere  spenden  al  J?e  good? 

Which  faf  I  haue  and  ellys  wexe  I  wood  /  1377 

Than  faf  30  shuld  fallen  in  such  meschief1 

ffor  3oure  good  wille  sir1  haue  36  ri3f  good  preef1 

Quod  f  e  Chanon .  and  sir* .  off  grazmt  mercy 

He  wenf  his  way  ]?af  neuere  ]pe  preesf  hym  sie  1381 

Aftere  Jjaf  day  and  whan  Jus  preesf  shulde 

Maken  assay  af  suche  tyme  as  he  wolde 

Of  J)is  Receite .  fare  wel  if  wold  naf  be 

Loo  ]>us  byiaped  and  begiled  was  he  1385 

Thus  make])  he  his  Introduccion 

To  bringe  folk  to  her  destruction 

ConsidereJ)  surs  howe  J>af  in  eche  astaaf 

Bytwix  men  and  gold  ]?er  is  debaaf  1389 

So  fer  for]?  ]?af  vnnej>es  per  is  oon  [leaf  2103 

This  multiplyinge  so  blende]?  mony  on 

Thaf  in  good  fai]?  I  trowe  ]?af  if  be 

The  cause  grettesf  of  ]?e  grete  scarcete  1393 

Thise  philosophres  speken  so  mystely 

In  ]?is  craff  ]?af  men  can  nof  come  ]?erby 

PETWORTH   446    (6-T.  57l) 


SIX-TEXT    572 

GROUP  G,  §  4.  CANON'S- YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

ffor  eny  witte  fat1  men  han  now  adayes . 

Jpei  may  wel  Chitere  and  iangle  as  don  fise  laies         1397 

And  in  her  teemes  sette  lust1  and  peyne 

But1  to  her  purpoos  shul  f  ei  neuere  atteyne 

A  man  may  Ii3tly  lerne  $if  he  haue  ou3^e 

To  multiplie  and  bringe  his  good  to  nou^te  1401 

Loo  suche  a  lucre  is  in  f  is  lusty  game . 

A  mawnes  merf  e  wil  it1  turne  al  to  grame 

And  empty  also  grete  and  heuy  purses . 

And  make  folk  to  purchasen  curses  1405 

Of  hem  fat1  han  Jjerto  her  good  ylenf 

0.  fy  for  shame  f  ei  fat1  han  be  brent1 

Alias  can  f  ei  nat1  flee  f  e  fires  hete 

3e  fat1  it1  losen  I  rede  36  it1  lete  1409 

lest1  30  lesen  aH .  for  bette  fan  neuere  is  late 

Neuere  to  f  rive  were  to  longe  a  date 

Thou3e  36  prolle  ay  36  shul  it1  neuer1  fynde 

3e  bene  as  bolde  as  is  bayard?  fe  blynde  1413 

That1  blundref  forf  and  perile  castef  non 

He  was  bolde  to  renne  a3einst  a  ston 

As  forto  goo  be  sides  in  f  e  way 

IF  Soo  faren  36  fat1  multiplien  I  say  1417 

3if  fat1  oure  eyen  can  nat1  seen  ari3f 

Lokef  fat1  3oure  mynde  lak1  nat1  his  813^ 

fFor  f  ou3e  36  loke  neuere  so  brode  and  stare 

36  shul  nat1  wynne  a  myte  in  fat1  chaffare  1421 

But1  waasten  aU  fat1  36  may  rappe  and  renne 

Wif drawe  f  e  fuyre  lest1  it1  so  fast1  brenne 

Medleth  no  more  wif  fat1  art1 1  mene . 

ffor  3if  36  doon  3oure  frift1  is  goon  ful  clene  1425 

And  ri3f  as  swif  e  I  wil  3ou  telle  here 

What1  fat1  f  e  philosophres  seyn  in  f  is  matere 

Loo  f  us  seif  alnold?  of  f  e  newe  toune  [leaf  210,  back] 

As  his  rosarie  makef  menciown  1429 

He  seif  rijf  f  us  wif -oute  eny  lie 

Ther  may  no  man  mercury  mortefie 

PETWORTH    447    (6-T.  672) 


SIX-TEXT    573 

GROUP  G.  §  4.  CANON'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

Buf  3if  if  be  wip  his  brokers  knowlecchinge 

Howe  paf  he  which  paf  fersf  seide  pis  pinge  1433 

Of  philosophies  fader  was  hermes 

He  seij)  how  paf  pe  dragon  doutelees  / 

NG  dye])  naf  but1  3if  he  be  sclayn 

Wip  his  broker  and  paf  is  forto  sayne  1437 

By  pe  dragon  mercury e  and  noon.  oper 

He  vnderstood  fat1  bremstone  were  his  broker 

fat1  out1  of  sol  and  luna  were  ydrawe 

And  perfore  saide  he  take  hede  to  my  sawe  1441 

Laf  no  man  bisie  him  pis  arte  forto  seche . 

But1  he  paf  pe  entencion  and  speche 

Of  philosophres  vnderstonde  can 

And  if  he  doo  he  is  a  lewde  man  •  1 445 

ffor  J>is  science  and  Jns  conyng1  quod  he 

Is  of  Jje  secree  of  secrees  parde 

Also  J?er  was  a  disciple  of  plato 

pat1  on  a  tyme  saide  his  maister1  too .  1449 

As  his  boke  somere  wil  bere  witnesse 

And  pis  was  his  demaunde  en  sojjfastnesse 

Tel  me  fe  name  of  a  pn'ue  sto5n 

And  plato  answered  vnto  hym  anoon  1453 

Take  J>e  stoon  pat1  Titanos  men  name 

Which  is  pat1  quod  he  magnasia  is  pe  same 

His  disciple  seide  30  sire  and  is  if  pus 

pis  is  ignotum  per  ignocius  1457 

Whaf  is  magnasia  good  sire  I  pray 

If  is  a  watere  paf  is  made  I  saye 

Of  elementes  foure  quod  Plato . 

Telle  me  pe  roche  good  sire  quod  he  poo .  1461 

Of  paf  watere  if  if  be  $oure  wille 

JS"ay  nay  quod  Plato  certeyn  paf  I  nyH 

The  philosophres  were  sworn  echon 

paf  pei  shulde  diskeuere  if  to  no  mon  1465 

Ke  in  no  booke  if  write  in  no  manere  peaf  211] 

ffor  vnto  crisf  if  is  so  leef  and  dere . 

PETWORTH   448   (6-T.  673) 


SIX-TEXT    574 

GROUP  G.  §  4,  CANON'S- YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS, 

J>af  lie  wil  nat1  fat1  it1  diskeuered  be 

But1  where  if  like])  to  his  deite  1469 

Man  to  enspire  and  eke  forto  defende 

Whan  Jjafr  him  like]?  loo  Jns  is  J>e  ende 

Than  conclude  I  Jms  sijjens  )?atf  god  of  heuene 

Ne  wil  not1  fat1  J?e  philisophres  neuene  1473 

How  Jjaf  a  man  shal  come  vnto  Jns  stone 

I  rede  as  for  the  best1  lat1  it  gone 

ffor  who  so  make]?  god  his  aduersarye 

As  forto  worche  eny  Jjinge  in  contrarie  1477 

Ynto  his  wille  certes  neuere  shal  he  thryve 

Jjo^e  fat1  he  multiplie  teerme  of  his  lyue 

And  J?er  a  poynf  for  eerided  is  my  tale . 

God  seende  euery  trewe  man  boote  of  his  bale  /  1481 

1f  Thus  endej?  J>e  chanons  ^eman  Ms  tale 


PETWORTH   449    (6-T.  574) 


SPURIOUS  CANON'S-YEOMAN-DOCTOR  LINK.     Petworth  MS, 


And  here  bigynneb  be  prologre  of  be  doctowr  of  Phisike 

[on  leaf  211] 

Whan  J?af  Jns  ^eman  his  tale  ended  hadde  IT  The  prolog. 
Of  J?is  fals  Chanon  which  j)atf  was  so  badde 
Our  hoosfr  gan  say  trewly  &  in  certayn) 
jjis  preesfr  was  begiled  so]?ly  forto  sayn  4 

He  wenynge  forto  be  a  philosophre 
Til  he  lift1  ri^fr  nou^t1  in  his  Cophre 
And  soj?ly  J>is  preest1  had  a  li])er  Tape 
This  cursed  chanon  put1  in  his  hode  an  ape  8 

But1  al  Jjis  passe  I  ouer  as  nowe 
Sir1  doctowr  of  phisik  I  prey  $ou 
Telle  vs  a  tale  of  some  honest1  matere 
It1  shal  be  done  ^if  J?af  36  wil  it  here  12 

Saide  jjis  doctowr  and  his  tale  bygan  anon 
Now  good  men  quod  he  harkenej)  euerechon 

1T  Thus  ende])  fe  prologe  of  ]>e  docto^?^  of  phisik 


PETWORTH  450 


GKOUP  C,    FEAGMENT  IV. 

§  1.     THE  DOCTOR'S  TALE. 
PETWORTH  MS. 


And  here  bygynnej?  ]>e  tale . 


ton  leaf  211] 


IF  The  tale ./ 


Ther  was  as  tellejj  vs  tytus  lyneus 
A  knyght1  fat1  cleped  was  virgineus 
fulfilled  of  honoures  and  worjjinesse 

And  stronge  of  frendes  and  of  richesse  4 

A  doubter*  he  had  be  his  wiff1  Deaf  211,  back] 

And  neuere  had  hee  moo  in  al  his  lif1 
ffaire  was  J?is  maide  in  excellent1  bewte 
Abouen  euery  wi}^  jjat1  man  may  see  8 

ffor  nature  haj?  wij?  souereyn  [diligence] 
fformed  hir*  in  so  grete  excellence 
As  Jjou^e  she  wold  say  loo  I  nature . 

Thus  can  I  forme  and  peynte  a  creature  1 2 

Whan  pat  me  list1  who  can  me  countrefete 
Pigmalyon  noght1  Jjou^e  he  alway  forge  and  bete 
Or  graue  or  peynt1  for  I  dar  wel  sayn 

Apollus  Zephirus  shulde  worche  in  veyn  16 

Te  graue .  peynte .  or  forge  or  bete 
If  J?ei  presumed  me  to  countrefete 
ffor  he  ]>af  is  ])e  fourmer  principal 

Hape  made  me  his  vikere  general  20 

To  forme  and  peinf  eche  erjjely  creature 
Ri3^  as  me  list1  for  al  J?inge  is  my  cure . 
Vnder  J?e  mone  pat1  may  wayne  and  waxe 
And  for  my  werk1  •  no  j>inge  wil  I  axe  24 

PETWORTH    451    (6-T.  303) 


SIX-TEXT    304 

GROUP  C.    §  1.   DOCTOR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

My  lorde  and  I  bene  fully  atte  acorde 

I  made  hir1  to  ])e  worship  of  my  lorde 

So  doo  I  alle  myne  o]?er  creatures 

Of  what1  coloure  J>ei  be  or  what1  figzwes  28 

Thus  seme]?  me  fat1  nature  wolde  say 

This  maide  was  of  age  .xij.  ^ere  and  tway 

In  whiche  pat1  nature  ha]?  such  delite 

ffor  ri^t1  as  she  can  peynf  as  lily  white  32 

And  roody  as  roose  ri^t1  wij>  such  peynture 

She  peynted  haf  J?is  noble  creature 

Er  she  was  born  vpon  her  lynies  fre 

"Were  also  bri^t1  as  such  coloures  my}^  be  .  36 

And  phebus  died  had  her  tresses  grete 

Like  to  J)e  stremes  of  his  boomed  hete 

And  ^if  jjat1  excellent1  was  her  bewte 

A  thowsand  folde  more  vertuous  was  she  40 

In  hur1  ne  lacke]?  no  condicion 

)3att  is  to  preise  as  by  discrecion . 

As  wel  in  body  as  goost1  chaast1  was  she-  [ieaf2i2j 

ffor  which  she  flowred  in  virginite  44 

Wij)  al  humilite  and  abstinence 

"VYij?  alle  attemperance  and  pacience 

Wij}  mesure  eke  in  beringe  of  araye . 

Discrete  she  was  in  answering1  alwaye  48 

And  she  was  wis  as  pallas  dar  I  seyn 

Hir1  facon  eke  ful  womanly  and  pleyn 

Noon  counterfeted  teermes  had  shee 

1T  To  seme  wise  but1  after  her  degree  .  52 

She  spak  and  alle  her  wordes  more  and  lasse 

Sownynge  in  vertue  and  in  gentelnasse 

Shamefast1  she  was  in  maidens  shamfastnesse 

Constant1  in  herf  and  euere  in  bysynesse  56 

To  drive  hur1  out1  of  her  scloggardrie 

Bachus  had  of  her  moufe  no  maistrie 

ffor  wille  and  Jjou^t1  done  Venus  encrece 

As  men  in  fire  wil  casten  oile  or  grece  CO 

PETWOT1TH   452    (6-T.  304) 


SIX-TEXT    305 

GROUP  C,   §  1.   DOCTOR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  of  her  owne  vertue  vnconstreyned . 

She  hape  ful  oft1  tyme  hur*  seke  feyned < 

ffor  pat1  she  wolde  flee  pe  companye 

where  likly  was  to  treten  of  folye  64 

As  is  at1  feestys .  Eeuels .  and  daunces 

Which e  bene  occasion  of  dalia^nces 

Suche  pingges  maken  children  forto  be . 

To  sone  ripe  and  bolde  as  men  may  see  68 

"Which  is  ful  perilous  and  hap  bene  30ore 

ffor  al  to  sone  may  she  lerne  lore . 

Of  boldnesse  whan  she  is  a  wiff 

And  30  Maistresses  in  3oure  olde  liff1  72 

pat1  lordes  doubters  han  in  gouernazmce 

~Ne  take])  of  my  wordes  no  displesauwce 

Thingges  pat1  bene  sette  in  gouernyngges 

Of  lordys  doubters  oonly  for  two  pingges  76 

Oyper  for  36  han  kepte  3oure  honeste 

Oypere  ellis  36  han  falle  in  freelte 

And  knowen  wel  ynou3e  pe  olde  daunce 

And  konne  for-sake  fully  [such]  meschaunce .  80 

ffor  euermoo  perfor  for  cristes  sake  [leaf  212,  back] 

kepep  wel  poo  J>afr  36  vndertake 

A  theef  for  venyson  pat1  hath  forlaff 

His  likerousnesse  and  al  his  Jjeeues  craftt  84 

Can  kepe  a  forest1  best1  of  eny  man . 

Now  kepe])  hem  wel  for  and  36  wil  36  can . 

lokef  wel  to  no  vice  fat1  36  assente . 

Lest1  30  be  dampned  for  3oure  euel  entente  .  88 

ffor  who  so  do])  a  traitoure  is  certeyn . 

And  take})  [kepe]  of  fat1  fat1 1  shal  seyn . 

Of  al  treson  suffreyn  pestilence  . 

Is  whan  a  Vfijti  bitraief  innocence .  92 

3e  faders  and  36  moders  eke  also . 

fou3e  36  han  children  be  it1  on  or  twoo  . 

3oure  is  fe  charge  of  al  her  suffrauwje . 

Whiles  fei  bene  vnder  gouernownce  96 

PETWOETII  453    (6-T.  305) 


SIX-TEXT    306 

GROUP  C.   §  1.   DOCTOR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Be  ware  fat*  by  ensample  of  30111°  lyuynge 

Ef  ere  by  necligence  in  chaastisinge 

fat1  f  ei  ne  perisshe  for  I  dar  wel  saye 

3if  fat1  36  done  ^e  shul  ful  sore  abaye  100 

vndere  a  sheparde .  soft1  and  negligent* 

f  e  wolf  haf  mony  a  shepe  and  lomb  to-rent* 

Suffisejj  oon  ensample  nowe  as  here 

ifor  I  mot/  turne  a3ein  to  my  matere  104 

IT  This  maide  of  which  I  telle  my  tale  expresse . 

She  kept*  her  self  her  neded  no  maistresse . 

ffor  in  her  lyuynge  maidens  my^t*  rede 

As  in  a  booke  euery  good  woord  and  dede  108 

J?at*  longef  to  a  maide  vertuous 

She  was  so  prudent*  and  so  bounteuous . 

ifor  whiche  [f  e  fame]  out*  spronge  on  euery  side  . 

Both  of  her  bewte  and  of  her  bounte  wide .  112 

Jjat  f  orowe  f  e  londe  f  ei  preised  hure  echon . 

J}at  loued  vertue  sauf  envie  allone . 

Jpaf  sorie  is  of  of  er  mennys  wele 

1F  And  glad  is  of  his  sorowe  and  vnhele  116 

The  doctoure  make])  f  is  descripciown 

This  maide  went*  on  a  day  into  f  e  town 

Toward?  J>e  temple  wij?  her  modere  dere  [leaf  213] 

As  is  of  yonge  maidens  J?e  man  ere  120 

Now  was  ]>er  a  Justice  in  J?e  toune 

Jpat*  gouernere  was  of  fat*  Eegiown 

And  so  bifelle  f  is  luge  his  eyen  cast* 

Vppon  fis  mayde  ayisinge  hir*  ful  fast*  124 

As  she  came  forf e  by  fere  f e  luge  stood . 

Anon  his  hert*  chaungef  and  his  mood? . 

So  was  he  kau^t*  wif  f  e  bewte  of  f  is  maide 

And  to  him  silf  ful  prmely  he  saide  128 

This  maide  shal  be  myn  for  eny  man . 

Anon  f  e  feende  into  his  hert*  ran 

And  tau^t*  him  sodeynly  by  what*  scli3t* 

The  maide  to  his  pwrpoos  wynne  he  my^t*  132 

PETWORTH   454    (6-T.  306) 


SIX-TEXT    307 

GROUP  C,   §  1,   DOCTOR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

ffor  certis  by  no  force  ne  by  no  mede 

Him  jjoi^t1  he  was  not*  able  forto  specie . 

ffor  he  was  stronge  of  freendes  and  eke  she 

Confeermed  was  in  such  souereyn  bewte  136 

fat1  wel  he  wist1  he  nr^t  her  neuere  wynne 

As  forto  make  here  wi]>  hur)  body  synne 

ffor  whiche  wi}?  grete  deliberaciown 

He  sent1  after  a  clerk  into  J?e  toune .  140 

J?e  whiche  he  knewe  for  subtile  or  for  bold? 

This  luge  vnto  }>is  clerk*  his  tale  haj?  told? 

In  secre  wise  and  made  him  to  assure 

He  shulde  telle  it1  to  no  creature .  144 

And  if  he  did  he  shulde  lese  his  hede 

whan  assented  was  J?is  cursed  rede 

Glad  was  ]?e  luge  and  made  glad  chere 

And  ^aue  hym  ^iftes  precious  and  dere  148 

whan  shapen  was  aH  J?is  conspiracie 

ffrora  poynt1  to  poynt1  how  fat1  j?is  lecherie 

Perfourmed  shulde  be  ful  sotelly 

And  36  shul  here  afterward?  openly  152 

Home  goo])  this  clerk1  J?afr  hi^t1  Claudius 

This  fals  luge  fat1  lu^t1  apius 

So  was  his  name  for  it1  is  no  fable 

But1  knowen  for  an  historial  fing1  notable .  156 

The  sentence  of  hit1  so)?  is  out1  of  dowte  [leaf  213,  back] 

This  fals  luge  go]?  nowe  fast1  aboute 

To  hasten  his  delit1  and  Jjat1  he  may 

And  so  bifelle  sone  after  on  a  day .  160 

This  fals  luge  as  telle]?  vs  J?e  story 

As  he  was  woraied  in  his  consistorie 

And  $af  his  doomes  vpon  sondrie  caas 

This  fals  Clerk  came  for]?  a  wel  good  paas .  164 

And  saide  lord*  if  J?att  it1  be  ^oure  wille 

As  do]?  me  ri^t1  vpon  J?is  pitous  bille 

In  whiche  I  pleyn  vpon  Virginius  . 

And  }if  fat1  he  wol  sayn  it1  is  nat1  Jms  168 

PETWORTH    455    (6-T.  307) 


SIX-TEXT    308 

GROUP  C.    §  1.   DOCTOR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

I  wiH  prone  it  and  fynde  good  wittnesse 

pat1  sope  is  pat1  my  bille  wil  expresse 

])Q  luge  answerde  of  pis  in  his  absence 

I  may  not*  ^ene  diffinitif  sentence  172 

Lat1  doon  hym  calle  and  I  will  gladly  here 

pou  shalt1  haue  ri^t1  and  no  wronge  here 

Virginius  came  to  witte  pe  luges  wille 

And  ri^t1  anoon  was  rad  pis  cursed  bille  176 

IF  The  sentence  of  hit1  was  as  36  shul  here 

To  3owe  my  lord  sir*  Apius  so  dere 

Shewep  ^our  poor  seruemnte  Claudius 

How  pat1  a  kny^tt  called  Yirginius  180 

A^einst1  pe  lawe  a^einst1  al  equite 

Holdep  expresse  a^einsf  pe  wille  of  me . 

My  seruaunt1  which  Jmt1  is  )>ral  be  ri^f 

Which  from  myn  hous  was  stolen  on  a  ny^f  184 

]}e  whiles  she  was  ful  ^enge  I  wil  it  preue 

By  witnesse  lord  so  pat1  36  3ou  nafr  greue 

She  is  nat1  his  dou3tere  what1  so  he  saye 

wherfore  my  lord  jje  luge  to  3ou  I  praye  188 

3eelde  me  my  thrall  if  fat1  it1  be  30^  wille 

loo  pis  was  alle  J>e  sentence  of  pe  bille 

Virginius  gan  vpon  pe  clerk  biholde 

IT  But1  hastely  er  he  his  tale  tolde  192 

he  wold  haue  defended  it1  as  shuld*  a  kny}^ 

And  by  witnesse  of  mony  a  trewe  wi3t1 

That1  al  was  fals  pat1  saide  his  aduersarie  [leaf  214] 

This  cursed  luge  wold4  no  lenger  tarye  196 

Ne  here  oon  woord*  more  of  Virgyneus 

But1  3af  his  lugement1  and  saide  pus . 

I  deme  anoon  pis  clerk  his  seruemnte  haue 

Thow  shalt1  no  longer  in  pine  hous  hir1  sane  200 

Goo  bringe  hir1  forp  and  put1  hur  in  our  warde 

This  Clerk1  shal  haue  his  praH  pus  I  awarde 

And  whan  pis  worpi  kny3^  Virgineus 

Thorgli  pe  assent1  of  pe  luge  Apius  204 

PETWORTH    456   (6-T.  308) 


SIX-TEXT    309 

GROUP  C.   §  1.   DOCTOR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


Most1  "by  force  his  dere  doujtere 

Vnto  the  luge  in  lecchery  to  lyuen  . 

He  goo])  hym  home  and  sette  lijm  in  his  halle 

And  lete  anoon  his  deer  dorter*  calle  .  208 

And  wij?  a  face  dede  as  asshen  colde 

Vpon  her  humble  face  he  can  biholde 

"Wijj  faders  pite  stikyng1  jjorgh  his  herte 

Al  wold  he  nat1  from  his  pe^rpoos  concerts  212 

Doughtere  qwd?  he  Virginea  be  jn  name 

J)er  bene  twoo  weies  .  oi)?er  dej>  oij?er  shame 

jpat1  thow  most1  suffre  alias  Jmt1  I  was  bore 

ffor  neuer  Jjou  deseruedest1  wherfore  216 

To  dyen  wij?  a  sweerd  or  wij>  a  knyf1 

0  dere  doi^ter  ender  of  my  lif 

Which  I  haue  fostred  vp  wij?  such  plesaunce 

J^at1  jjou  ne  were  but1  of  my  remembraiwce  220 

0  doughtere  which  Jjat1  art1  my  last1  woo  . 

And  in  lif  my  last1  loie  also 

0  gemme  of  chastite  in  pacience 

Take  J?ou  j)i  dej)  for  J>is  is  my  sentence  224 

ffor  loue  and  nat1  for  hate  j)ou  most1  be  dede 

My  pitous  honde  mote  smyten  of  jpine  hede 

Alias  Jjat1  euer  Apius  J?e  say 

Thus  haj)  he  falsly  luged  j?e  to  day  228 

And  tolde  liur*  al  })e  caas  as  }e  biforo 

Haue  herd  it1  nedej?  telle  it1  no  more 

Mercy  dere  fadere  quo$  j)is  maide 

And  wit1  jjat1  word'  she  boj?  hure  armes  laide.  232 

Aboute  his  nek  as  she  was  wo^ned  to  doo  [leaf  214,  back] 

)3e  teeres  brosten  out1  of  her  eyen  twoo 

A[n]d  saide  good  fadere  shal  I  dye 

Is  jjere  no  grace  is  j)er  no  remedy  e  236 

JSTo  certes  dere  doubter  niyn  qwod?  he  . 

Than  ^eue  me  leue  fader  myn  qiwd1  she  . 

My  dej)  [for]  to  compleyn  a  litel  space 

ffor  parde  leffa  ^aue  his  dor^tere  grace  210 

31  PETWOKTIl    457   (6-T.  309) 


SIX-TEXT    310 

GROUP  C.    §  1,   DOCTOR'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

flbrto  compleyn  er  lie  her  sclo^e  alas . 

And  god  it1  woof  no  ping1  was  his  trespas 

But1  fan  she  ranne  her  fader  first1  to  see 

To  welcome  him  wif  grete  solempnite  244 

And  wif  fat1  word'  she  felle  a  swown  anon 

And  aftere  whan  her  swownyng1  was  agon 

She  rise])  vp  and  to  her  fadere  saide 

Blessed  he  god  fat1  I  shal  die  a  maide  248 

3eue  me  my  dee]?  er  fat  I  haue  a  shame 

Do])  wif  ^oure  childe  ^our*  wille  a  goddys  name 

And  wif  fat1  word  she  preief  [him]  ful  oft1 

That1  wif  his  swerde  he  shuld  smyte  her  soft1  252 

And  wif  fat1  woord?  in  swowne  doune  she  felle 

Hm-*  fadere  wij)  ful  sorowful  hert1  and  felle 

H.ure  hede  of  smote  and  by  f  e  top  it1  hent1 

And  to  the  luge  he  ^aue  it1  to  present1  256 

As  he  satte  in  his  doome  in  consistorie 

And  whan  f  e  luge  it1  seie  as  seij)  f  e  storie 

He  had  take  him  and  honge  hyw  also  fast1 

But1  ri^t1  anoon  al  fe  puple  in  frast1  260 

To  saue  f  e  kny^t1  for  rewf  e  and  for  pite 

ffor  knowen  was  f  e  fooles  iniquite 

The  puple  anoon  had  suspecte  in  Jns  pinge 

By  manere  of  ])is  clerkes  chalengynge  264 

Jjat1  it1  was  by  ^assent1  of  Apius . 

fyei  wist1  wel  fat1  he  was  lecherus 

ffor  which  vnto  fis  Apius  fei  gon 

And  casten  hjm  in  prison  ri^t1  an5n  268 

Wher  as  he  sclough  hy??^  self  and  Claudius 

Jpaf  Seruawnte  was  vnto  jris  Apius 

Was  denied  forto  honge  vpon  a  tree  [leaf  215] 

But1  Yirginius  of  his  grete  pite  272 

Preide  for  hym  fat1  he  was  exiled? 

And  ellis  certys  he  had  be  begiled* 

The  remenant1  were  honged  more  and  lesse 

fat1  consented  were  to  fis  cursednesse  /  276 

PETWORTH  458    (6-T.  310) 


SIX-TEXT    311 

GROUP  C.   §  1.   DOCTOR'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS, 

Here  may  men  see  howe  synne  ha]?  his  merite 

Be  ware  for  no  man  woote  how  god  wil  smyte 

In  no  degree  ne  in  which  manere  wise 

J>e  worme  of  conscience  wil  arise .  280 

Of  wicked  lif  }>ough  if  so  prive  "be 

Jjaf  no  man  woote  of  if .  buf  god  and  hee 

Where  he  be  lewde  man  or  lered? 

He  note  howe  sone  he  may  be  afered .  284 

Therfore  I  rede  3011  this  counsel  take 

fforsakej)  synne  er  synne  3011  forsake 


PETWOKTH  459    (6-T.  31l) 


SIX-TEXT    312 
GROUP  C.     §  2.     DOCTOR-PARDONER  LINK.     PctWOlth  MS, 


|j  The  prologe  of 

Our  boost  gan  swere  as  lie  were  wood?     pe  Pwdouere. 
Harowe  quod  he  by  nailles  and  by  blood?  288 

This  was  a  cursed  peef  a  fals  lustise 
As  shameful  dee]?  as  herte  can  deuise . 
Come  to  pe  lustise  and  her  aduocas . 

Aigates  pis  sely  woraman  is  sclayn  alas .  292 

Alias  dere  abou^te  she  bewtee  . 
"Wherfore  I  say  alday  pat1  man  may  se 
That1  ^ift1  of  fortune  or  of  nature 

Bene  cause  of  dep  of  rnony  a  creature  296 

[Hir1  beaute  was  hiij  deth  I  dar>  weH  sayn .    Pfari.  1758,  on  leaf 

J  150,  back] 

Alias  so  pitously  as  sche  was  slayn .] 

As  bop  3iftes  as  I  speke  of  nowe 

Men  ban  ful  oft1  more  harme  pa?z  prowe  300 

But1  trewly  myne  owne  maister  dere 

This  is  a  pitous  tale  for  to  here 

But1  napelees  passe  ouer  is  no  fors 

I  prey  to  god  to  saue  pi  gentile  cors  /  304 

And  pine  vrynales  and  pi  lordans 

)}ine  ypocras  and  eke  pi  Galyans 

And  euery  box  ful  of  pi  letwarye 

God  blesse  hem  and  our*  lady  seintf  Marye  308 

So  mote  I  the  pou  art  a  propre  man . 

And  like  a  prelate  by  seynf  Runyan. 

Saue  pat1 1  can  not  speke  wel  in  terme  Deaf  215,  back] 

But1  wel  I  woote  pou  doost1  myn  hert1  eerme  312 

That1 1  haue  almost1  kaught1  a  Cardyacle 

By  corps  boones  but1 1  haue  triacle 

Or  ellis  a  drau^t1  of  moist1  or  corny  ale 

Or  but1  I  here  anoon  a  mery  tale  316 

PETWOIITH   460    (6-T.  312) 


SIX-TEXT    313 
GROUP  C.    §  2,    DOCTOR-PARDONER  LINK.    PetWOlth  MS. 

My  hert1  is  lost1  for  pite  of  Jris  maide 

fowe  belamy  lohn  pardonere  he  saide 

Telle  vs  some  merf  e  or  lapes  ri^t1  anon 

he  shal  be  done  quod  he  be  seyiit1  Runyon  320 

But1  furst1  quod  he  here  at1  J?e  next1  ale  stake 

I  wil  bo])  drink1  and  ete  of  a  cake 

But1  ri$V  anon  ])ise  gentiles  gon  to  crye 

Nay  lat1  hym  telle  vs  of  no  Rybaudrye .  324 

Telle  vs  some  moral  Jnng1  J^at4  we  may  lere 

Somrae  witte  and  fan  wil  we  gladly  here 

I  graunt1  Iwis  quod  he  but1 1  mote  fink1 

Ypon  som  honest1  j>inge  whiles  fat1 1  drink1  /  328 

IT  Thus  endej?  fe  prologe  of  J> e  pardoner. 


PETWORTH  461    (6-T.  313) 


SIX-TEXT    314 

GROUP  C.  §  3.  PARDONER'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 


And  here  bygynnef  the  tale. 

Loldingges  quod  he  in  church  whaw.  I  preche      1T  The 
I  peyn  me  to  haue  an  hautyn  speche 
I  ryng1  it1  out1  as  rounde  as  go]?  a  belle 
ffor  I  can  al  by  roote  fat1 1  telle  332 

My  teeme  is  alway  oon  and  euere  was . 
Radix  omnium  malorwm  est1  cupiditas . 
ffirsf  I  pronozms  whennys  fat  I  come 
And  fan  my  bulles  schewe  aH  and  some  /  336 

Our  liege  lordes  seel  on  my  patent* 
f  aft  shewe  I  furst1  my  body  to  warent1 
That1  no  man  be  so  bolde  preestt  ne  clerk1 
Me  to  distrowbe  of  cristes  holy  werk1  340 

And  after  fat1  telle  I  forf  my  tales 
Bulles  of  popes  and  of  Cardynales . 
Of  patriarkes  and  bisshoppes  I  shewe . 
And  in  latyn  I  speke  a  wordys  fewe  344 

To  sauer  wif  my  predicacion 
And  forto  stirre  men  to  deuocion 

Than  shewe  I  forf  my  longe  cristal  stones  [leaf  216] 

Ycrommed  ful  of  clowtes  and  of  bones .  348 

Eelikes  fei  bene  as  wene  men  echon 
jpan  haue  I  in  laton  a  sholdere  bone 
Which  fat1  was  an  holy  Iwes  shepe 

Good  men  say  I  take  at1  my  wordes  kepe  352 

3if  fat1  f is  boon  be  wasshen  in  a  welle 
3if  kowe  or  calf,  shepe  or  oxe  swelle 
Jjat1  eny  worme  hath  ete  or  stonge 
About1  fe  hert1  or  ellis  fe  longe  356 

PETWORTH  462    (6-T.  314) 


SIX-TEXT    315 

GROUP  C.   §  3.  PARDONER'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

It1  is  hool  anon  and  ferpermore 

Of  pokkes  and  of  scabbe  and  of  euery  sore 

Shal  euery  shepe  be  hool  pat1  of  pis  welle 

Drynkep  a  drau^t  take  hede  what1  I  telle  3GO 

3if  pat1  pe  good  man  pat1  pe  beest1  owep 

"VVil  euery  weke  er  pat1  pe  Cok  hym  crowep 

ffastinge  drink1  of  pis  welle  a  draujte . 

As  pilk1  holy  I  we  our*  eldere  tau^te  3G4 

His  beestees  and  his  stoor  shal  multiplie 

And  sirs  also  it1  helep  lalowsie 

And  pou3e  a  man  be  fallen  in  a  lalous  rage 

Lat1  maken  wip  pis  watere  his  potage  3G8 

And  neuer  shal  he  [more]  his  wif  mystrust1 

pou^e  he  pe  sop  of  hure  defaute  wost1 

Al  had  she  taken  •  preestes  tweyn  •  or  pree 

Here  is  a  myten  eke  pat1  $e  may  see  372 

He  pat1  his  honde  wil  putte  in  pis  myteyn) 

He  shal  haue  multiplyinge  of  his  greyn 

Whan  he  hap  sawen  be  it1  whete  or  otys 

So  pat1  he  bringe  me  good!  pans  or  ellis  grotys .  376 

And  men  and  wommen  •  oo  ping1 1  warne  jowe 

3if  eny  wi^i1  be  in  pis  churche  nowe 

jpat1  hap  doo  synne  horrible  [so]  pat1  he 

Dar  not1  for  shame  of  it1  shryuen  be  380 

Or  eny  wowman  be  she  3ong1  or  olde 

That1  hap  made  her  husbonde  Cukwold! 

Suche  folk1  shal  haue  no  power  ne  no  grace 

To  offre  to  my  relikes  in  pis  place  .  384 

And  who  so  findep  hym  out1  of  such  blame  [leaf  210,  back] 

Thei  wil  come  vp  and  offre  in  goddis  name 

And  I  assoille  hym  by  pe  autorite 

Such  as  my  bulle  was  graunted  to  me  388 

By  pis  gaude  haue  I  wormen  euery  ^eere 

An  .0.  Mark  sipens  I  was  pa?*donere. 

I  stonde  like  a  clerk1  in  my  pulpitte 

And  schewe  lewde  puples  synne  ysette  392 

PETWORTH  463    (6-T.  315) 


SIX-TEXT    316 

GROUP  C.   §  3.  PARDONER'S  PREAMBLE.  Petworth  MS. 

I  preche  so  as  I  haue  lered  by-fore 

And  telle  an  hundred  lapes  more . 

Than  peyne  I  me  to  streche  for]?  ]>e  necke 

And  eest4  and  west4  vppon  j?e  puple  I  bekke  396 

As  do])  a  dowue  sitting4  vppon  a  beerne 

Myne  hondes  and  my  tunge  gon  ful  Beerne 

J}af  it1  is  ioye  to  see  my  bysynesse 

Of  auarice  and  suche  cursednesse .  400 

Is  al  my  prechinge  for  to  make  hem  free 

To  ^eue  her  pans  and  namely  vnto  me 

ffor  myn  entent4  is  nat4  but1  forto  wynne 

And  iiojnnge  for  correction  of  synne  404 

I  rekke  neuere  whan  fat4  f  ei  bene  buried 

Jjou^e  fat4  her  sanies  goo  o  blakburied . 

ffor  certes  mony  a  predicacion 

Cowmef  ofte  tyme  of  euel  entencion  408 

Sorame  of  plesaunce  of  folk4  and  of  flaterye 

To  bene  auawnced  by  ypocresie 

And  som?7ie  for  veynglorie  and  for  hate 

ffor  whan  I  dar  nafr  o]>er  waies  debate  412 

Than  wil  I  stynge  hem  wif  my  tunge  smerte 

In  prechinge  so  that4  he  shal  not4  sterte 

To  bene  defamed  falsely  so  fat4  he 

hajj  trespased  to  my  breferen  or  to  me  416 

ffor  Jjou^e  I  telle  nat1  his  propre  name 

Men  shal  wel  knowe  fat4  it  is  f  e  same 

By  somwe  signe  and  ojjer  circumstaunces 

Thus  smyte  1  folk4  Jjat4  don  vs  displesaunces  .  420 

Thus  spitte  I  out4  my  venyme  vnder  hwe 

Of  holynesse  to  semen  holy  and  trewe 

But4  shortely  myne  entent4  I  wil  devise  ./  [leaf  217] 

I  preche  of  no  )>inge  but4  of  Couetise  ./  424 

J)erfore  my  teeme  is  ^it4  arid  euer  was 

Eadix  omnium  m&loium  est  cupiditas 

Thus  can  I  preche  a^einsf  ]>e  same  vice 

Which  J>af  I  vse  and  fat4  is  Auarice  428 

PETWORTH    464    (8-T.  316) 


SIX-TEXT    317 

GROUP  C.   §  3.  PARDONER'S  PREAMBLE.   Petworth  MS. 

But1  JJOU3G  my  self  be  giltif  in  Jjat1  synne  . 

3ifr  can  I  make  o]?er  folk1  to  wynne 

firom  auarice  and  soor  hem  repent1 

But1  J>af  nys  not1  my  principal  entent1  432 

I  preche  nat1  but1  for  coueityse 

Of  J?is  matere  it1  ou3f  ynowe  suffise 

Than  telle  I  hem  ensamples  mony  oon 

Of  olde  stories  longe  tyme  agon  436 

ffor  lewde  puple  louen  tales  olde 

which  Jnngges  ]?ei  conne  report1  and  hold? 

What1  trow  36  J>e  whiles  I  may  preche 

And  wynne  gold  and  siluere  forto  teche  440 

J>afr  I  wil  ly ve  in  pouert1  wilfully 

Isray  nay  I  £0113 11  it1  neuere  trewly  . 

ffor  I  wil  preche  and  begge  in  sondry  londys 

I  nyl  do  no  laboure  wij?  my  hondes .  444 

ISTe  make  baskettes  for  to  lyve  Jjer-by 

Because  I  wil  not1  lyuen  ydelly 

I  wil  noon  of  J>e  apostels  connterfete 

I  wil  haue  money .  malt1  chees  and  whete  448 

Al  were  it1  3euen  of  J?e  poorest*  page 

Eypere  of  )?e  poorest1  wydowe  in  a  vilage 

Al  shulde  her  children  sterue  or  famyne 

And  I  wil  drink  J?e  licourest1  of  J>e  wyne  452 

And  haue  a  ioly  wenche  in  euery  toune 

But1  harkene]?  lordes  in  conclusiozm 

3  cure  liking1  is  Jjat1  I  shal  telle  a  tale 

Now  haue  I  dronken  .  a  drai^f  of  corny  ale  456 

By  god  I  hope  I  shal  tel  3ou  a  Jnnge 

Jmt1  shal  of  reson  be  at1  3oure  likinge 

ifor  J)ou3e  my  self  be  a  vicious  man  • 

I  morale  tale  31^  I  3ou  telle  can .  460 

Whiche  lames  went1  to  preche  forto  wynne.        [leaf 217, back] 

Now  holdej)  3oure  pees  my  tale  I  wil  bygynne . 


PETWORTH  465    (6-T.  317) 


SIX-TEXT    318 

GROUP  C.  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 


In  fflanndres  whilom  was  a  coinpanye  [on  lea/t 

Of  yonge  folk  J?af  haunted  folye  464 

As  hasard?  Riot*  /  stewes  .  and  tauernes  . 
Harpes  .  Rubibes  .  lutes  and  giternes  . 
]?ei  dauncen  and  pleyen  at1  Jje  dys  ny^f  and  day 
and  Eten  also  ouer  fat1  her  my^f  may  4G8 

Thorgh  whiche  )?ei  do  J?e  deuel  sacrifise 
Wijj-in  J?e  deuels  temple  in  sondry  wise 
By  superfluite  abhominable 

Her  ojies  bene  so  grete  and  damnable  472 

J?af  it1  is  grisly  forto  here  hem  swere 
Our  blessed  lordys  body  fei  to-tere 
Hem  Jjou^t1  pe  Iwes  rent1  hym  nat1  ynowe 
And  ilk1  of  hem  at1  ofer  synne  loowe  476 

And  ri}^  anon  commen  Inne  fan  tomblestcrs 
ffetys  and  smale  and  ^ong1  fritters 
Syngers  wijj  harpes  .  bawdes  and  waifrers 
Such  bene  verrey  J>e  deuels  officers  .  480 

To  kyndel  and  blowe  J?e  fyre  of  leccherye 
That1  is  annexed  [vn]to  glotenye 
The  holy  writfr  take  I  to  witnesse 

jpat1  lecherie  is  in  wyne  and  dronknesse  484 

1  Lo  howe  bat1  dronken  Loth  vnkindely          T  n9ute  iwebriari 

vino  in  quo  est 

Lay  by  his  dorters  two  vnwittyngly  lux«ria 

So  dronken  he  was  he  nyst1  what1  he  wroi^f 

Herodes  who  so  haj?  fe  stories  sou^fr  488 


no  spurious  lines  in  this  MS.~\ 

PETWORTH    466   (6-T.  318) 


SIX-TEXT    319 

GROUP  C.  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

wlian  he  of  wyne  was  replete  at1  his  feesf  489 

Ri^t1  at1  his  owne  table  $af  his  heest 

To  sleen  f  e  baptist1  lohn  ful  giltelees 

Senetf  saif  a  good  word?  doutelees .  ^  Seneca          492 

He  seif  he  can  no  difference  fynde 

Betwix  a  man  fat1  is  out1  of  his  mynde 

And  a  man  fat1  is  dronklewe 

But1  fat1  woodenesse  is  fallen  in  a  shrewe  496 

Perseueref  lenger  fan  do]?  dronknesse 

0  gloteny  ful  of  Cursednesse . 

0  cause  furst1  of  GUI'  confusion  Deaf  213] 

Oryginal  of  our  dampnacion  500 

Til  crisf  had  boust1  vs  wif  his  blood  agayii 

Lo  how  dere  shortely  forto  sayne 

Abou3f  was  fe  Cursed  vilanye 

Cornipte  was  as  f  is  world'  f  orgh  glotenye 

Adam  oure  fadere  and  his  wif  also 

ffrom  paradis  to  labour  and  to  woo 

Were  driven  for  fat1  wise  if  is  no  drede 

fibr  whiles  fat1  adam  fasted  as  I  rede  508 

He  was  in  paradys  and  whan  fat1  hee 

Ete  of  f e  fruyte  defended  on  fe  tree  • 

Anoon  he  was  out1  cast1  to  woo  &  peyne 

0  glotenye  on  fe  wel  o^f  vs  pleyne  512 

0  wist1  a  man  how  mony  maladyes 

fFolowef  of  excesse  and  of  glotonyes 

He  wolde  bene  fe  more  mesurable 

Of  his  diete  sitting1  at1  his  table  516 

.Alias  fe  short1  frote  f e  tender  moufe 

Makef  fat1  Est1  and  West1  norf e  &  souf e 

In  erthe  in  eire  in  watere  men  to  synk1 

To  geten  a  gloton  deynte  mete  and  drink1  520 

Of  f  is  matere  o  poule  wel  cast1  f  ou  trete 

Mete  vnto  wombe  and  wombe  eke  vnto  mete 

Shal  god  distroie  bof  as  Powle  seif 

Alias  a  foule  f  inge  it1  is  be  my  feif .  524 

PETWORTH    467    (6-T.  319) 


SIX-TEXT    320 

GROUP  C.  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS, 

To  sale  fis  worde  and  foulere  is  fe  dede 

Whan  men  so  drinken  of  fe  white  and  rede 

fat1  of  his  prote  he  make]?  his  priuee 

Thorgh  filk1  cursed  Superfluite  528 

)2e  Apostel  wepinge  seif  ful  pitously 

fer  walken  mony  of  which  tolde  haue  I 

I  saie  if  nowe  weping1  wijj  pitous  vois 

]0er  bene  enemy es  of  cristes  croys  532 

Of  whiche  ]>e  eende  is  def .  Wombe  is  her  god 

0  woombe  o  baly .  o  stynking1  cod . 

{fulfilled  of  donge.  and  of  corrupciSn 

At1  eifer  eende  of  fe  foule  is  fe  seson  536 

Howe  grete  cost1  and  labour  is  to  fynde  Deaf  218,  back] 

Thise  Cokes  ho  we  J>ei  stampe  streyne  and  grynde 

And  turnen  substance  into  accident1 

To  ffulfille  alle  J?e  likerous  talent1  540 

Out1  of  f e  hard  bones  knokke  J>ei 

}3e  mary  for  fei  cast1  nafr  away 

J3af  may  goo  jjorgh  fe  golett1  sauf1  and  soote 

Of  spicery  of  leeues  berk1  and  roote  544 

Shal  bene  his  sause  yniade  be  delite 

To  maken  hym  ^it1  a  newe  appetite 

Bufr  certes  he  J?afr  hauntejj  suche  delices 

Is  dede  whiles  Jmfr  he  lyuej?  in  J?oo  vices  548 

A  lecherous  finge  is  wyne  and  dronknesse 

It1  is  ful  of  strivinge  and  of  wrecchednesse 

0  dronken  man  disfigured  in  Jn  face 

ffoule  is  J?i  breejj  foule  art1  J?ou  to  enbrace  552 

And  Jjorgfr  ])i  dronken  nose  soune]?  J?e  so?me 

As  Jjou^e  J>ou  seidest  ay  Sampson  Sampsown 

And  ^it1  god  woot  sampson  dronk  neuere  no  wyne 

J)ow  fallest1  as  it1  were  a  dronken  swyne  556 

])i  tunge  is  lost1  and  alle  pine  honest1  Cure 

ffor  drunknesse  is  verray  sepulture 

Of  mannys  witte  and  his  discrecion 

In  whoom  fat1  drink1  haj>  dominacion  560 

PETWORTH   468    (8-T.  320) 


SIX-TEXT    321 

GROUP  C,  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

He  can  no  counsaile  kepe  if  is  no  drede 

Nowe  kepe  3011  from  Jje  white  and  fro  J?e  rede 

Namely  from  J?e  white  wyne  of  lepe 

j)af  is  to  selle  in  fisshstrete  and  in  chepe  564 

This  wyne  of  spayn  crepe]?  subtilly 

In  ojjer  wynes  growinge  faste  by 

Of  woche  riseth  suche  fumosite 

J3af  whan  a  man  haj)  dronke  a  drai^f  or  ]}re  568 

And  wenej)  J>af  he  be  at1  home  in  chepe 

J)an  is  he  in  spayn  ri^f  at1  J?e  toune  of  lepe 

Nou3f  at1  the  rocheH  ne  at1  burdeux  town 

And  fan  wil  J?ei  say  .  Sampson  sampsown  572 

But1  harkenej?  lordingg^s  oo  ping1  I  }ou  pray 

]?af  alle  J>e  souereyn  actes  dar  I  say 

Of  victories  in  olde  testament1  Deaf  219] 

fat1  jjorghe  verrey  god  jmf  is  omTiipotent1  576 

Weren  doon  in  abstinence  and  in  preiere 

Lokej)  ]?e  bible  and  j?er  ^e  may  it1  lere 

Lokej)  Attila  Jie  grete  conquerour* 

Deide  in  his  sclepe  wij?  shame  and  dishonour  580 

Bledinge  at1  his  nose  in  dronknesse 

A  Captayii  shuld  live  in  sobrenesse 

And  ouer  al  Jnse  avise  ^ow  ri^t1  well 

What1  was  comatinded  vnto  lamueH  584 

Not1  Samuel  but1  lamuel  say  .1.  \  NoHvinumdare 

Rede])  ]je  bible  and  fynde]?  if  exprcsly 

Of  wyne  3euynge  of  hem  faf  aren  lustise 

No  more  of  ]ns  for  it1  may  suffise  588 

And  now  J>af  I  haue  spoken  of  glotenye 

No  we  wil  I  defende  3011  hasardye 

IF  Hasard?  is  verrey  modere  of  leshiffges        J  ^oMcratid  [Jo. 

oarisburiensis]     LL- 


And  of  disceite  cursed  forswerynges 

Blaspheme  of  crisf  mansclaughter  and  waasf  also/       est  alea 

Of  bataile  and  of  tyme  and  of  ferjjermoo 

If  is  repreef1  and  contrarie  to  honours 

fforto  be  h  olden  a  comon  hasardoure  596 

PETWOllTH   46'0    (6-T.  32l) 


SIX-TEXT    322 

GROUP  C,  §  4,  PARDONER'S'  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

And  euer  pe  hier  he  is  of  estate 

The  more  he  is  holden  desolate 

3if  pat1  a  prince  vse  hasardie 

In  al  gouernance  and  polecye  600 

He  is  as  by  comon  opinion 

Holde  pe  lasse  in  reputacion 

IT  Stilboon  pat1  was  holde  a  wise  embassatowr       f  stnbofi  .i. 

Was  sent1  into  Corinth  vtith  grete  honowr . 

ffro  Calidoyne  to  make  hem  alliance 

And  whan  he  came  happed  ]>is  chance 

And  al  pe  grettest1  fat1  were  of  pat1  lond? 

Pleiyng1  at1  pe  hasard'  he  hem  fond?  608 

ffor  which  as  sone  as  pat1  my^t  be 

He  stale  hym  home  a3ein  to  his  cuntre 

And  saide  pere  I  wold  not1  lese  my  name 

I  wold  nat1  take  on  me  so  gref  diffame.  612 

fforto  allye  ^ou  to  noon  hasardours  •/  [leaf  219,  back] 

Sendep  oper  wiser  embassatours  ./ 

ffor  by  my  troupe  me  were  leuere  dye 

J)an  I  shuld.  ^ow  to  hasardours  allie  616 

But1  36  fat1  bene  so  glorious  in  honoures. 

Shal  not  allie  ^ou  wij)  hasardoures  . 

As  by  my  wille  ne  as  by  my  trete 

This  wis  philisophre  Jius  seide  hee  620 

Loke  eeke  pat1  to  J>e  kinge  Demetreus 

The  kyng1  of  partes  as  J>e  booke  seij?  pus 

Sent1  hym  a  paire  of  golden  dys  in  scorne 

ffor  he  had  vsed  hasardrie  per  byforne  624 

ffor  whiche  he  heelde  his  glorie  and  his  renown 

ffor  no  value  of  reputaciozm 

lordes  myght1  fynde  oper  manere  playe 

Honest1  ynowe  to  dryue  pe  day  awaye  628 

Now  wil  I  speke  of  opes  fals  and  grete 

A  worde  or  twoo  as  oper  bookes  entrete . 

Grete  sweringe  is  a  ping1  abhominable 

And  fals  sweringe  is  moche  more  reproueable  632 

PETWORTH    470   (6-T.  322) 


SIX-TEXT  323 

GROUP  C,  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS, 

The  highe  god  forbere  sweryng1  at1  alle       T  Noiite  omniao  iurare 

Witnesse  of  mathewe  but1  in  special! 

Of  swerynge  [seif  ]  f  e  holy  leremye . 

Thowe  shalf  swere  sof  e  fine  of  es  awe?  not1  lie 

And  swere  in  doome  and  eke  in  rijtwisnesse 

But1  ydel  sweringe  is  a  cursednesse 

Biholde  and  see  f  af  in  f  e  first  table . 

Of  hie  goddes  heestes  honurable  640 

How  f  af  twoo  heestes  of  hyra  is  f  is 

Take  not1  my  tale  in  ydelnes  amys 

Loo  ra)>er  he  forbede))  such  sweryiige 

Than  homicide  or  eny  ofer  J)inge .  644 

I  saie  as  f  us  by  order  it1  stondej) 

This  knowen  fat1  heestes  vnderstondef 

How  fat1  f  e  Secounde  heest  of  god  is  fat 

And  ferfer  ouer  I  wil  fe  telle  al  plat1  648 

Jpaf  vengeance  shal  not1  part1  from  his  hous 

J)af  of  his  of  es  is  so  outrageous  . 

By  goddys  precious  herf  and  his  nailles  Deaf  220] 

And  by  his  blood  fat1  is  in  hailles  652 

Seuen  is  my  chaunce  and  his  .v.  and  thre 

By  goddys  armes  }if  f  ou  falsly  plaie  me 

This  daggard  shal  f orgh  fine  herf  goo . 

This  fruite  co??zmef  of  f  ilk  bones  twoo .  656 

iFor-sweringe  Ire  falsenesse  homyside 

Now  for  f e  loue  of  crisf  fat1  for  vs  dyde 

Leuef  ^oure  of  es  bothe  grete  and  smale 

ffor  I  shal  telle  ^ou  a  mervelous  tale  /  660 

Thise  Eiotours  of  which  I  telle . 

Longe  erste  er  prime .  ronge  eny  belle 

"Were  sette  in  a  tauerne  for  to  drynke 

And  as  fei  satte  fei  herd  a  belle  chink1  664 

Byforn  a  corps  was  caried  to  his  graue 

pat1  oon  of  hem  can  calle  to  his  knaue  / 

Goo  bette  quod  he  and  aske  redely 

What1  coors  is  fat1  fat1  passef  forf  by  668 

PETWOIITII   471    (6-T.  323) 


SIX-TEXT    324 

GROUP  C.  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

And  loke  paf  pou  report1  his  name  weH 

Sire  quod  pis  [knaue]  it1  nedep  neuer  a  deH 

It  was  me  tolde  eer  36  came  heer  two  houres 

He  was  parde  an  olde  felawe  of  ^oures  672 

Al  sodeynly  was  lie  sclayn  to-nyjtt 

ifor-dronken  as  he  satte  vpon  his  "bench  vpri^fr 

Ther  come  a  prive  peef  men  clepen  depe 

J2att  in  his  contray  al  pe  puple  scleep  676 

And  wip  his  speer  he  smote  his  hert1  atwoo 

And  went1  his  v/ay  wip-oute  wordes  moo 

He  ha]>  a  thousand  sclayn  pis  Pestilence 

And  maistere  er  ^e  come  in  his  presence  680 

Me  penkep  patf  it1  were  necessarie 

ffor  to  be  war  of  such  an  aduersarie 

Beep  redy  forto  mete  hyw  euermore 

Thus  tau^fr  me  my  dame  I  saye  no  more  684 

IT  By  seintt  marye  saide  pis  tauernere 

)}e  Childe  seijj  sooj)  for  he  hap  sclayn  to  3ere 

hens  ouer  a  myle  wip-Inne  a  grete  vilage 

Both  man  and  womnan  childe  and  page .  688 

I  trowe  his  habitaciou^  he  pere  [leaf  220,  back] 

To  bene  avised  grete  wisdome  it1  were 

Er  pat^  he  did  a  man  dishonoure 

3e  goddes  armes  quod  pis  Eiatoure  692 

Is  it1  suche  perile  wip  hym  forto  mete 

I  shal  hym  sechen  by  stie  and  by  strete 

I.  make  a  vowe  by  goddys  digne  bones . 

Harkenep  felawes  we  pre  bene  al  ones.  696 

Lat1  eche  of  vs  holde  vp  his  honde  to  opere 

And  eche  of  vs  bycome  opers  broper 

Arid  we  wil  slee  pis  fals  traitowr  depe 

He  shal  be  slayne  he  pat1  so  monye  sleepe  700 

By  goddys  dignite  er  it1  be  ny}^ 

To-gidere  han  pise  pre  her  hertes  pli^t1 . 

To  iif  and  to  dye  ilk1  of  hem  wip  oper 

As  pou^e  he  were  his  owne  born  broper  704 

PETWORTH    472    (0-T.  324) 


SIX-TEXT    325 

GROUP  C.  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

And  vp  J?ei  sterten  and  dronken  in  Jjis  rage. 

And  for])  J?ei  goon  towardes  J?at  vilage 

Of  which  J?e  tauernere  haj>  spoke  byforne 

And  mony  a  grisly  ooj?e  han  )>ei  sworne  708 

And  cristes  blessed  body  J>ei  to-rent1 

j^at1  deeth  shal  be  dede  if  we  may  hyw  hentt 

Whan  J>ei  han  goon  nat1  fully  a  myle 

Ri^tt  as  J>ei  wold?  haue  troden  ouer  a  stile  712 

An  olde  and  a  poor  man  wij?  hem  mette 

This  olde  man  ful  mekely  hem  grette 

And  saide  Jms  nowe  lordes  god  3011  see 

J)e  Prowdest1  of  J>ise  Riatours  thre  716 

Answerde  a^ein  what1  cherlde  wijj  harde  grace 

Why  art1  Jxm  al  forwrapped  sauf  J)i  face 

Whi  lyuest1  J?ou  so  longe  in  so  grete  age 

This  olde  man  gan  loke  in  his  visage  720 

And  seide  Jms  for  I  can  nat1  fynde 

A  man  J>ou}e  I  walked  into  Ynde 

ISTeifer  in  Cite  ne  in  noon  vilage 

Jjat1  wil  chaungen  his  ^oujie  for  inyn  age  724 

And  jjerfore  mote  I  haue  myn  age  stille 

As  longe  tyme  as  it  is  goddys  wille  / 

Ne  deth  alias  nyl  not1  haue  my  lif1  Peaf  2213 

Thus  walk  I  like  a  restlees  catif  728 

And  on  )>e  groimde  which  is  my  moder*  gate 

I  knokke  wijj  my  staf  eiiy  and  late 

And  saie  leue  moder  lat1  me  Inne 

Loo  howe  I  vanyssh  flessh  blood  and  skynne  752 

Alias  whan  shul  my  bones  bene  at1  reste 

Modere  with  $ou  wold  I  chaunge  my  chest1 

That1  in  my  chambere  longe  tyme  haj>  be . 

3e  for  an  heeren  cloute  to  wrappe  me  736 

But1  ^it1  to  me  she  wil  nat  do  J?at  grace . 

(For  whiche  ful  welked  is  my  face 

And  sire  to  3011  it1  is  no  curtesie 

To  speken  vntil  an  olde  man  vilany  740 

32  PETWORTH   473    (6-T.  325) 


SIX-TEXT    326 

GKOUP  C.  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

But1  he  trespase  in  word  or  ellis  in  dede 

In  holy  writte  36  may  3oure  self  wel  rede 

1T  A3einst  an  oolde  man  hoor  vpon  his  hede      l^wnS?1? 

^e'shuld  arise  J>erfor  I  3eue  3ou  rede  744 

Ke  dojj  vnto  and  olde  man  harnie  as  nowe 

No  more  J>an  30  wolde  a  man  did  3owe 

In  age  if  Jjat1  30  so  longe  abide 

And  god  be  wij)  3ow  wheder  36  goo  or  ride  748 

I  mote  goo  Jjidere  as  I  haue  to  goo 

We  nay  olde  cherle  by  god  jjou  shalt1  nat1  soo . 

Seyde  J?ise  oj>er  hasardours  anone 

Thow  partest1  nat1  so  Ii3tly  be  seynt1  lohn  752 

Thow  spak1 rijtt  now  of  Jjilk1  tratow  de]?e 

fat1  in  J>is  cuntre  alle  our  frendes  sleeve 

Haue  here  my  troujje  as  j?ou  art1  his  aspie 

Telle  wher  he  is  or  ellis  jjou  shalf  dye  756 

By  god  and  by  fe  holy  sacramenf 

ffor  sojjly  fou  art1  [on]  of  his  assent1 

To  scleen  vs  3enge  folk1  J?oti  fals  ]?eef 

]S"owe  sirres  if  it1  be  to  ^ou  so  leef  760 

To  fynde  de)>  turne  vp  Jns  croked  Avay 

ffor  in  J>af  groue  I  left1  hy??i  be  my  fay 

Vnder  a  tree  and  ]?ere  he  wil  abide 

K«-for  3oure  boost1  he  nyl  hy??^  no  J)inge  hide  764 

See  36  Jmf  ooke  ii^  J?ere  36  shul  \\jrn  fynde         Peaf  221,  back] 

God  saue  3ou  jjat1  bou3t1  a3ein  mankyiide 

And  3ou  amende  ]jus  saide  Jjis  olde  man 

And  euery  of  Jnse  Riatours  ranne  768 

Til  J>ei  come  to  fe  tree  and  j?er  ]?ei  fonde 

ffloreyns  of  gold?  fyne .  ykoyned  rounde 

Wel  nyghe  a  seuen  busshells  as  hem  ]>oujti 

"No  lenger  than  aftere  de]?  ]?ei  sou^f  772 

But1  eche  of  hem  so  glad  was  of  Jaf 

ffor  ^at1  J?e  floreynes  so  faire  be  and 

That1  doiine  )?ei  sette  hem  by  J?e  precious  hoorde 

The  worst1  of  hem  he  spak1  }?e  furst  word'  776 

PKT-WORTII  471    (6-T.  326) 


SIX-TEXT    327 

GROUP  C.   §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS, 

Brefsren  quod  he  take  liecle  what1  I  say 

My  witte  is  grete  fough  I  bourde  and  play 

This  tresour  hajj  fortune  to  vs  ^euen 

In  myrfe  and  iolite  our  lyf  to  lyuen  780 

And  lightly  so  as  if  commef  so  wil  we  spende 

Ey  precious  goddys  hert1  who  wende 

To-day  fat1  we  shulde  haue  so  faire  a  grace 

Bui?  my^t1  fis  gold  be  caried  fro  fis  place  784 

Home  into  myne  hous  or  ellis  to  ^oures 

ffor  wel  I  woote  fat*  aH  fis  gold?  is  oures/ 

Than  were  we  in  high  ffelicite . 

But1  trewly  by  day  it1  may  nat1  be  788 

Men  wold  say  fat1  we  were  f  eues  stronge 

And  for  oure  owne  tresour1  done  vs  honge 

As  wisely  and  as  scli^ly  as  it1  my^t1 

This  tresour  most1  ycaried  be  be  ny^t1  792 

Wherfore  I  rede  lat1  loke  among1  vs  alle 

To  drawe  and  lat1  see  where  f  e  Cut  wil  falle 

he  fat1  haf  f  e  curt1  wif  herte  blith 

Shal  renne  to  toune  and  fat1  ful  switft  796 

To  bringe  vs  brede  and  drink1  ful  priuely 

And  two  of  vs  shal  kepen  sotilly 

This  tresour  wel  and  if  he  wil  not1  tarie 

Whan  it1  is  ny^t1  we  wil  fis  tresor  carie  800 

By  oon  assent1  where  as  vs  likef  best1 

That1  oon  of  ham  bro^t1  gras  in  his  fest1 

And  bad  hem  drawe  and  loke  wher  it  wolde  falle      [leaf  2221 

And  it1  felle  on  the  Congest1  of  hem  alle  804 

And  for])  toward?  J>e  towne  he  went1  anoon 

And  also  sone  as  that  he  was  goone 

That1  oon  of  hem  spak1  vnto  J?at  ofere 

Thowe  woost1  wel  foil  art1  myn  owne  sworn  brofere       80S 

Thi  prophite  wil  I  telle  |?e  anon 

Thowe  woost1  wel  J>afr  GUI'  felawe  is  goon 

And  here  is  gold?  and  fat1  grete  plente 

J)at*  shal  departed  be  amonges  vs  free  812 

PETWORTH  475    (8-T.  327) 


SIX-TEXT    328 

GROUP  C.  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

Buf  naj>elees  if  I  can  shape  it1  soo 

J2af  if  departed  were  amonges  vs  twoo 

Had  I  not*  done  a  frendes  twrne  to  )>e 

Jpaf  ojjer  Answered  I  not1  howe  J>af  my^f  be  816 

I  wold  wel  J?af  ]>e  gold  were  oures  twoo . 

What*  shuld?  wee  doo  fat1  it1  my^t  be  soo . 

Shal  it*  be  counsaile  said  )>e  first1  sclirewe 

And  I  slial  telle  [j>e]  in  wordes  fewe  820 

"What1  we  shul  doon  and  bringe  if  aboute 

I  graunt1  quod  J?af  oj>er  out1  of  doute 

Thaf  by  my  troufe  I  nyl  J?e  nat1  bywreien 

Now  quod  the  furst1  Jwu  woote  wel  we  be  tweyen  824 

And  twoo  of  vs  shul  strenger  be  fan  oon 

loke  whan  he  is  sette  and  f  af  anon 

Arise  as  fou^e  Jjou  woldesf  wif  hjm  play 

And  I  shal  ryuen  hjm  f  orgh  f>e  sides  twey  828 

Whiles  faf  fow  strogelesf  w/t/i  hym  as  in  game 

And  wij?  fi  daggere  loke  }>ou  doo  )?e  same 

And  fan  shal  al  J>is  golde  departed  be 

My  dere  freende  bytwixe  fe  and  me  832 

Than  may  we  boo])  our  lustes  fulfille 

And  play  af  fe  dice  at1  our  owne  wille 

And  fus  accorded  bene  Jnse  shrewes  tway 

To  scleen  fe  fred  as  ^e  han  herd  me  say  836 

IT  This  ^ongesf  which"  faf  went1  to  j>e  toune 

fful  off  in  his  herf  rolled  vp  and  doune 

Jpe  bewte  of  J>ise  floreyns  faire  and  bri3f 

O  lord?  quod  he  ^if  if  so  were  I  my3f  840 

Haue  al  ]?is  tresour*  to  myself  alone  Peaf  222,  back] 

Ther  nys  no  man  faf  lyuej)  vnder  trone 

Of  golde  faf  shuld  lyve  so  mery  as  I 

And  af  J>e  lasf  fe  feende  cure  enemy e  844 

Puf  in  his  Jjo^f  J?af  he  shuldf  poysen  bey 

wij>  which"  he  my^f  scleen  his  felawes  twey 

ffor  whi  ]?e  feende  fonde  him  in  such  liuynge 

Thaf  he  had  leue  hy?^  to  sorowe  bringe  848 

PETWORTH    476   (6-T.  328) 


SIX-TEXT   329 

GROUP  C.  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

ffor  f  is  was  vtterly  his  entenft 

To  scleen  hem  bof  e  and  neuere  to  repent1 

And  for]?  he  gof  no  lenger  wold?  he  tarye 

Into  f  e  towne  vnto  apotecarye  852 

And  preide  hym-  fat1  he  hyra  wolde  selle 

Somm.e  poysen  fat1  he  my^t1  his  rattes  kelle 

And  eke  f  er  was  a  polcat1  in  his  hawe 

Jpat1  as  he  seide  his  capons  had  Isclawe  856 

And  seide  he  wolk  wreke  hym  }if  he  my^t1 

On  vermyn  fat1  destroy  en  hem  by  ny^t1 

The  appoticarie  answerd?  foil  shalt1  haue 

A  finge  fat1  as  god  my  saule  saue  860 

In  al  f  is  worlde  f  er  nys  no  creature 

J5af  ete  or  drink*  of  f  is  confecture 

]>e  mo?/ntance  of  a  corn  of  whete 
he  ne  shal  his  lif  anoon  forlete  864 

3e  sterue  he  shal  and  J?at*  in  lasse  while 
J3an  }?ow  wilf  goon  a  pace  naf  but1  a  myle 
This  poysen  J>af  is  so  hard'  and  violent* 
This  cursed  man  haj>  in  his  honde  it1  hent1  868 

This  poysen  in  a  boxe  and  sirens  he  ranne 
Into  Jje  nexte  strete  vnto  a  man 
And  borowed  hym  large  botelles  j>re 

And  to  his  felawes  a^ein  repairej)  he  872 

The  iij.  he  kepte  clene  for  his  diinke 
fFor  alle  ])e  ny^t1  he  shope  hym  forto  swynk1 
In  cariyng1  of  jjat1  gold?  out1  of  fat1  place 
And  whan  J>is  riotour  wij?  sory  grace  876 

Had  filled  wij>  him  his  grete  botels  J>re 
To  his  felawes  a3ein  repairej)  he ./ 

What1  nedej?  it1  to  sermon  ferof  more  [leaf  223] 

fFor  rijf  as  fei  had  cast1  his  deejj  byfore  880 

I^t1  so  J?ei  han  hym  sclayn  and  fat  anon 
And  whan  fat1  f is  was  doon  f an  speke  fat1  on 
JSTow  lat1  vs  sitte  and  drinl^  and  make  vs  mery 
And  afterward1  we  wil  his  body  bery  884 

PETWOHTH  477     (6-T.  329) 


SIX-TEXT    330 

GROUP  C,  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth.  MS. 

And  after  Jjat1  hit1  happed  hew  percas 

To  taken  a  boteft  wher-in  the  poyson  was 

And  drank1  and  ^aue  his  felawe  drink1  alsojje 

jorghe  whiche  anoon  jjei  steruen  bottle  .888 

But*  certes  I  suppose  Jjat1  Auicen 

Wroote  neuer  in  no  canon  ne  in  no  fen 

Moo  wondere  sorowes  of  empoysenynge 

Thus  had  Jjise  wrecches  two  her  endinge  892 

Thus  eended  be  J?ise  homycydes  twoo 

And  eke  ]?is  false  enpoysoner  alsoo 

0  .  cursed  synne  ful  of  al  curse  dnesse 

O.traterous  homycides  .0.  Wickednesse  896 

0  .  glotenye  luxurye  and  hasardrye 
Thow  blasphemowr  of  crist  wij>  vileny 
And  ojjes  grete  of  vsage  and  of  pride 

Alias  mankinde  ho  we  may  it*  betide  900 

That*  to  J?i  creatowr  which  Jjaf  J?e  wrou^tf 

And  wij)  his  precious  blood  ]>e  bou^t1 

Thowe  art1  so  fals  and  so  vnkynde  alias 

Now  good  men  god  for^eue  ^ou  %our  trespas  904 

And  kepe  }ou  from  J?e  synne  of  auarice 

Myne  holy  pardon  may  ^ou  aH  warisshe 

So  that1  ^e  offer  nobles  or  sterlyngges 

Oijjer  ellis  Siluere  .  spoones .  broches  .  or  ryngges  908. 

Bowej)  ^oure  hede  vnder  |?is  bulle 

Commej)  vp  36  Wyues  onre)>  ^our  wille 

3oure  name  I  entre  here  in  my  rolle  anon 

Jn  to  Jje  blisse  of  heuene  shul  30  al  goon  912 

1  }ou  assoille  be  my  highe  powere 

3e  J>afr  wollen  offre  as  clene  and  eke  as  cleere 

As  36  were  born  and  loo  sirs  Jms  I  preche 

And  Ihesu  crist1  jjat1  is  our  saules  leche.  916 

So  graunte  ^ou  his  pardon  to  receyue  ./  [leaf  223,  back] 

ifor  Jjafr  is  best1  I  wil  $ou  not1  deceyue 

11"  But1  sirs  oon  word  forgate  I  in  my  tale 

I  haue  relikes  and  pardon  in  my  male  920 

PETWORTH    478    (6-T.  330) 


SIX-TEXT    331 

GROUP  C.  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

.  As  faire  as  eny  man  in  engeloncl? 
Whiche  were  ^eue  me  by  f  e  popes  bond? 
3if  eny  of  $ow  wol  of  deuocion 

Offre  and  ban  myn  absolucion  924 

Coramef  forf  anon  and  knelef  here  adown 
jtet1  ^e  may  haue  part1  of  my  pardown 
Or  ellis  take])  pardon  as  $e  wende 

Al  newe  ,and  fressh  at1  euery  tonnes  ende  928 

So  fat1  ^e  ofFre  alway  newe  and  newe 
Nobles  and  pans  which  fat1  bene  good  and  trewe 
It1  is  an  honure  to  enery  fat1  bene  bere 
Jjat1  36  may  haue  a  suffisant1  pardonere  932 

To  assoile  3011  in  contree  as  36  ride 
ffor  auentures  which  fat1  may  be-tide 
ffor  p#?*auenture  Jjer  may  falle  oon  or  twoo 
Donne  of  her  hors  and  breke  her  nek1  atwoo  936 

Looke  swiche  a  swerte  it1  is  to  3011  alle 
That1 1  am  in  ^oure  felawship  y falle 
jjat1  may  assoile  $on  bof  more  and  lasse 
Whan  Jjat1  Jje  soule  shal  fro  j>e  body  passe  940 

I  rede  fat1  hour  [hooste]  shal  bygynne 
ffor  he  is  most1  eiiuolupte  of  synne 
Come  for)?  sire  boost1  and  offre  first1  anon 
And  ]?ou  shalt1  kysse  J?e  relikes  euerechoii  944 

3e  for  a  groot1  vnbokel  anon  J)i  purs 
Nay  nay  quod  he  fan  haue  I  cristes  curs 
lat1  be  quod  he  it1  shal  nat1  be  so  theche 
))ow  woldest1  make  me  kissen  fine  olde  breche  948 

And  swere  it1  were  f  e  relike  of  a  seynt1 
J^ou^e  it1  were  wif  f  i  foundement1  depeynt1 
But1  by  f  e  crosse  which  seint1  Elyne  fonde 
I  wold  I  had  fi  culyons  in  myne  honde  952 

In  stede  of  relikes  of  seinfr-wary 
Lat1  kitte  hem  of  and  I  wil  helpe  hem  cary 
They  shulde  be  schryned  in  an  hogges  toord?  Deaf  224] 

This  Pardonere  answered  nat1  a  woord?  956 

PETWORTH  479    (6-T.  331) 


SIX-TEXT    332 

GROUP  C.  §  4.  PARDONER'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

So  wroj>  lie  was  he  wolde  no  word  say 

Kowe  quod  our  oostt  I  nyl  no  lenger  play 

Wijj  J?e  ne  wij>  noon  ojjer  angry  man 

But*  ri^t1  anoon  J?e  worjji  kny^t  bygan  960 

Whan  j>att  he  seegh  faf  alle  )>e  puple  lou^e 

Ko  more  of  J>is  for  it1  is  ri^f  yiioghe 

Sir1  Pa?'donere  be  mery  and  glad  of  chere 

And  ^ee  sir1  Hoosf  jjaf  bene  to  me  so  dere  964 

I  prei  3ou  J?atf  30  kisse  ]>e  Pardonere 
And  pardonere  I  prei  3ou  drawe  $e  nere 
And  as  we  did  latt  vs  lau^e  and  play 

And  anon  J>ei  kissed  and  riden  for])  her  way  968 

II  Thus  endej?  pe  pardoners  tale. 


PETWORTH   480  (8-T.  332) 


SIX-TEXT    100 
GROUP  B,     §  7.     PBIORESS-THOPAS  LINK,    PetWOrth  MS. 


And  here  bygynnej? 
The  prologe  of  Thoppas  If  The  prologe 

[on  te&/224] 

WHan  saide  was  )>is  tale  euery  man 
As  sober  was  J?af  wonder  was  to  see 
Til  j>atf  our  oost1  Tape  byganne 

And  J)an  at1  erst1  he  loked  vpon  me          .i.  chaucers     1 884 
And  saide  Jms  what1  man  art  Jwu  quod  he 
Thow  lokestt  as  J>ow  woldestf  fynde  an  hare 
ffor  euer  vpon  J>e  grounde  I  se  ))e  stare  1887 

1f  Approche  nere  and  loke  meryly 

Now  war  }ou  sirs  and  latf  J)is  man  han  plas 

He  in  J>e  waasf  is  shape  as  wel  as  I 

This  were  a  popet1  in  armes  to  embrace  1891 

ffor  eny  woraman  smal  and  faire  of  faice 

He  seme))  Elnyssh  be  his  cuntencmnce 

ffor  vnto  no  wi^f  doj>  he  daliaunce  1894 

Say  nowe  somewhat  sij>ens  o])e?*e  folk  han  saide 

Telle  vs  a  tale  of  merth  and  fat1  anon 

Oosfr  quod  I  ne  be  nat1  euel  paide . 

ffor  o)>er  tale  certes  can  I  noon .  1898 

But*  of  a  ryme  I  lered  longe  agon 

30  J>att  is  good  quod  he  shul  we  it  here 

Som  deynte  jring1  me  seme])  by  his  chere  .  1901 

[No  break  in  the  MS,  and  no  s^iaccs  between  the  stanzas 
above  and  after.} 


PETWORTH    481     (6-T.  190) 


SIX-TEXT    191 

GROUP  B.    §  8.    SIR  THOPAS.    Petworth  MS. 


IT  Here  bygynne|>  be  tale  of  chauceiy  by  Sire  Thopaca. 
f  Capitulum  xixm    1F  Sire  Thopace. 
[Fitte  L] 

LEstneth  lordes  in  good  entent1  [leaf  224,  back} 

And  I  wiH  telle  verrement1 
Of  myrth 1  and  of  solace  C1 1»  « later  kamj]     1904 

Of  a  kny^t1  was  faire  and  gent1 
In  bataile  and  in  tornament1 
His  name  was  sir  thopacc .  1907 

I-born  he  was  in  fer  cuntree 

In  fflaunders  al  by^onde  J>e  see 

Att1  Poperinge  in  f.e  place  1910 

His  fader  was  a  man  ful  free 

And  lorde  he  was  of  fat1  cuntre 

As  it*  was  goddes  grace  1913 

Sir1  Thopas  was  a  doughty  swayn 

White  was  his  face  as  payndemayn 

His  lippes  rede  as  Eoos .  1916 

His  rudde  is  like  Scarlett1  in  grayii 

And  I  3ow  telle  in  good  certayn 

He  had  a  semely  nose  1919 

His  heer  his  beerd  was  lik  saffron 

Jmt1  to  his  girdel  kau^t1  adoune 

His  shoon  of  Cordewayne/  1922 

Of  brugges  were  his  hosen  broun 

His  Roobe  was  of  Ciclatoun 

That1  cost1  mony  a  rayn  1925 

PETWORTH    482    (6-T.  191) 


SIX-TEXT    192 

GROUP  B.    §  8.    SIR  THOPAS.    Petworth  MS. 

He  coujje  hunte  at1  wylde  dere  • 

And  Ride  on  hawkyng1  for  )>e  Ryuer* 

Wty  grey  goshauke  on  honde  1928 

Therto  he  was  a  good  archere 

To  wrastling4  was  )?er  noon  his  peei 

Ther  eny  ram  shulde  stonde  1931 

fful  mony  a  maide  bri^t1  in  boure 

]?ei  morn  for  him  Pa?*amoure 

Whan  }?ei  were  bette  to  sclepe  .  1934 

But1  he  was  chaast1  and  no  leech  our& 

And  swete  as  is  j)e  bremble  floure 

ThattbereJ)  j?e  reede  heppe  1937 


And  so  byfelle  vppon  a  day 

fibr  soj?J)e  as  I  30 we  telle  may 

Sire  Thopaas  wold  out1  ride  n«rf*»]     1940 

He  wor})  vp  on  his  stede  gray 

And  in  his  honde  a  launce  gay 

A  lohge  swerde  be  his  side  1943 


He  prikkejj  Jjorowe  a  faire  forest1 

Ther-in  is  mony  a  wilde  beest1 

^a  bo))  bukke  and  hare  1946 

And  as  he  prikkej)  nor]?  and  eest1 

I  telle  ^owe  hym  had  almest1 

By-tidde  a  sory  care  1949 

There  springen  herbes  grete  cmd  sinale 

])e  lykorice  and  J>e  Setuale 

And  mony  a  clowe  gyloffre  1952 

And  notemuges  to  put1  in  ale 

Whe]>ere  it1  be  moyst1  or  stale 

Or  forto  lay  in  Coffre  1955 

PBTWORTH    483   (6-T.  192) 


SIX-TEXT    193 

GROUP  B.    §  8.    SIR  THOPAS.    Petworth.  MS. 

J>e  birdes  syngen  it*  is  no  nay 

fe  sparhauke  and  |?e  popeniay 

J>af  loie  if  was  to  here  1958 

The  )>rostel  cok1  made  eke  his  lay 

The  woode  douve  vpon  ]?e  spray 

She  sorige  ful  loude  and  clere/  1961 

Sire  Thopas  felle  in  loue  longynge 

And  whan  he  hard?  fe  Jjrostel  synge . 

He  prikkes  as  he  were  woode  1964 

His  faire  stede  in  his  prikkinge 

So  swette  fat1  men  my^t1  hyra  wringe 

His  sides  were  al  bloocJ  1967 

4 

Sire  Thopas  eke  so  wery  was 

ffor  prikkinge  on  ]>e  soft1  gras 

So  feers  was  his  corage  1970 

That1  doune  he  laide  hym  in  J>att  plas 

To  maken  his  stede  som  solas 

ffor  he  was  so  Sauage  1973 

O  seintt  Marie  Benedicite 

What1  ailej)  )>is  loue  at1  mee 

To  bynde  me  so  sore  1976 

Me  dremed  al  J>is  ny^t1  parde 

An  Elfe  quene  shal  my  lemman  be  [leaf  225,  back] 

And  sclepe  vndere  my  gore  1979 

And  elf  quene  wil  I  loue  ywis 

ffor  in  jris  world?  no  womman  ia 

Worjn  to  be  my  make  1982 

in  to^m 

Al  o]?er  wommen  I  forsake 
And  to  an  elfe  quene  I  me  take 
By  dale  and  eke  by  doune  1986 

PETWOBTH    484    (6-T.  193) 


SIX-TEXT    194 

GROUP  B.    §  8.    SIR  THOPAS.    Petworth  MS. 

Into  his  sadel  he  came  anone 

And  prikkef  ouere  stile  and  stone 

An  helf  quene  forto  aspie  1989 

Til  he  so  longe  haf  riden  and  goofl 

That1  he  fonde  in  a  privee  woofl 

fe  Curctry  of  fary.  1992 

IT  so  wild 
ffor  in  fat1  cuntre  nas  \er  noon 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.~\ 

Neifer  wif  ne  child  1996 


Til  him  f  er  come  a  loly  geaunt4 

His  name  was  clepede  Sir  Olyfaunte 

A  perilous  man  of  dede  1999 

He  seide  childe  by  tirmagaunt1 

Buf  $if  f  ou  prik1  out1  of  myn  haunt 

Anoon  I  sclee  f  i  stede .  2002 

1T  wif  mace 

Here  is  )>e  quene  of  fame 
Wij?  harpe  wijj  pipe  and  Simphony 
Dwelling1  in  J)is  place  2006 


The  Childe  saide  so  mot1 1  J>ee 

To  morowe  wil  I  meten  fee 

Whan  I  haue  myn  Armure  2009 

And  ^it1 1  hope  par  ma  faye 

fat1  f ou  shalt1  wif  f is  launcelay 

Abien  it1  ful  sore  2012 

IF  Thorgli  f  *  mawe 
Shal  I  perce  3  if  I  may 
Er  it1  be  fully  prime  of  day 
ffor  here  fow  shalt1  be  sclawe  2016 

PETWORTH    485   (0-T.  194) 


SIX-TEXT    195 

GROUP  B.    §  8.    SIR  THOPAS.    Petworth  MS. 

Sire  Thopas  drogfi  a-bak  fill  fast1 

This  Geauntf  at1  him  stones  cast1 

Out1  of  a  felle  staf  sclynge  2019 

But1  faire  eskapej)  child?  thopa 

And  al  it1  was  Jjorgfi  goddes  grace  [leaf  226] 

Arid  .Jjorgh"  his  faire  beringe  2022 

3 it1  listnej)  lordes  to  my  tale 

Murier  )>an  J>e  ny^tingale 

if  or  now  I  wil  $ou  rowne  2025 

Howe  Sire  Thopas  wijj  sides  smale 

Prickinge  ouer  doune  and  dale 

Is  come  a^ein  to  toune  .      2028 

His  mery  men  cowmaunded  he 

To  make  \iyrn  boj>  game  and  glee 

ifor  nedes  most1  he  n^f  2031 

Wij?  oon  geaunt1  wij)  hedes  Jjre 

ifor  paramoure  and  lolite 

Of  oon  J>atf  shoon  ful  bri^t1  2034 

Do  come  he  seide  myn  menstralles 

And  geestours  for  to  telle  vs  tales 

Anon  in  myn  armynge  2037 

Of  Komance  J>af  bene  reales 

Of  popes  and  of  cardynales 

And  eke  of  loue  likynge  2040 

J?ei  fatte  hym  firsf  J?e  swete  wyne 

[•- 

2043 

no  gap  in  fhe  MS.~\ 

And  licorice  and  eke  comyne 

ij)  sugre  fat1  is  cree  2046 

PETWORTH    486    (G-T.  196) 


SIX-TEXT    196 

GROUP  B.    §  8.    SIR  THOPAS.    Petworth  MS. 

He  did  next1  his  white  leer 

Of  cloj)  of  lake  fyne  and  clere 

A  breche  and  eke  a  sherte  2049 

And  next1  his  shertf  an  aketoft 

And  ouer  Jjat1  an  haberion 

for  peercyng1  of  an  herte  2052 

And  ouer  fat1  a  fyne  hawberk 

Was  al  ywro^t1  of  Iwes  work* 

fful  stronge  it1  was  of  plate  2055 

And  ouer  pat1  his  cote  armowr 

As  white  as  is  j)e  lily  flour1 

In  which  he  wil  debate  2058 


His  sheeld  was  of  gold  so  redo 

A  J?er-in  was  a  bores  hede 

A  charbocle  by  his  side  2061 

And  J>ere  he  swore  on  ale  and  brede  [leaf  226,  back] 

Howe  pat1  Jje  geaunf  shal  be  dede 

Betide  what1  bvtide  2064 


His  laumbeuxe  were  of  1quirboile  I1? 

His  sweerde  scheejj  of  yuory 

His  helme  of  laton  bri^tt  2067 

His  sadel  was  of  Rowel  bone 

His  bridel  as  ]?e  sonwe  shone 

Or  as  Jje  moon  \\^  2070 

His  spere  was  of  fyne  Cipres 

That1  bode))  werre  &  no  Jung1  pees 

The  hede  ful  sharpe  ygrounde  2073 

His  stede  was  al  dapple  grey 

It1  go))  an  aumble  by  }>e  wey 

fful  softnly  and  rounde  2076 

PfiTWORTH   487    (6-T.  196J 


SIX-TEXT    197 

GROUP  B.    §  8.    SIR:THOFAS.    Petworth  MS. 

IT  In  londe 

Loo  lordys  myne  here  is  a  fitte 
If  $e  wil  eny  more  of  itf 
To  telle  itf  wil  I  fonde  2080 


[Fitte  II.] 

.Now  holde  $oure  moutfr  for  charite . 

BoJ?  kny^tf  and  lady  fre 

And  harknej)  to  my  spelle       .  2083 

Of  BateH  and  of  Chivalrie 

And  of  ladies  loue  drurye 

Anoon  I  wil  3011  telle  2086 

Men  speken  of  romances  of  price 

Of  horn  childe  and  of  ypotice 

Of  Befes  and  of  sire  gie  2089 

Of  Sy  le  boyx  and  Pleyndamowr 

But1  sire  Thopace  he  berej)  j>e  flour* 

Of  royal  chyualrie  2092 

His  good  stede  he  bystrode 

And  forj>  vppon  his  way  glode 

As  sp«>-ke  out1  of  J>e  brond  2095 

Vpon  his  creestt  he  bere  a  tour* 

And  jjer-Inne  stiked  a  lilye  flour 

God  shilde  his  corps  fro  shonde  2098 

And  for  he  was  a  kny^t1  auntrous 

He  nolde  sclepen  in  non  hous  / 

But1  ligge  in  his  hode  [leaf  227] 

His  bri^f  helme  was  his  wongerc 

And  by  hym  baite  his  deistrere 

Of  eorbes  fyne  and  good  .  2104 

PETWORTJT     488    (6-T.  197) 


SIX-TEXT    198 

PROUP  B.    §  8.    SIR  THOPAS.    Petworth.  MS. 

Hym  self  drank  watere  of  |?e  welle 

As  did  fe  kny^f  sire  percyvelle 

So  worjjely  ynder  wede 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.]  2108 


PETWORTH   489    (6-T.  198) 


SIX-TEXT    199 
GROUP  B.     §  9.     THOPAS-MELIBE  LINK.     PetWOlth.  MS. 


NO  more  of  J>is  for  goddys  dygnite 
Quod  our  boost1  for  J>ou  makesf  me 
So  wery  of  ]>i  verrey  lewdenesse 

That*  also  wisly  god  my  soule  blesse  2112 

Myn  eeres  aken  of  J>i  drasty  speche 
Now  such  a  ryme  ]?e  deuel  I  byteche 
IF  This  may  wel  be  cleped  rynie  dogrel  quod  he 
"Whi  so  quod  he  whi  wilt1  Jjou  lette  me .  2116 

More  of  my  tale  J>an  an  o]?er  man 
SiJ?  J>afr  it1  is  Jje  best1  ryme  fat1  I  can 
By  god  quod  he  for  pleynly  at1  a  worde 
Thi  drasty  rymyng1  nys  nat1  worj>  a  torde  2120 

Thow  dost1  not*  ellis  but1  spendest1  tyme 
Sire  atte  oon  worde  fou  shalt1  no  lenger  ryme 
Lat1  see  wher  Jjou  canst  tellen  ou^t1  in  geeste 
Or  ellis  in  prose  somewhat1  at1  J>e  leesfr  2124 

In  whiche  jjer  be  somme  merth  or  doctrme 
Gladly  quod  I  by  goddys  swete  pyne 
I  wil  ^ow  telle  a  litel  finge  in  prose 

Jjat1  au^t1  like  $ou  as  I  suppose  2128 

Or  ellis  certes  ^e  bene  to  daungerous 
It1  is  a  moral  tale  vertuous 
Al  be  if  tolde  somtyme  in  sondry  wise 
Of  sondry  folk1  as  I  shal  ^ou  devise  2132 

As  jms  36  woote  jjat1  euery  euawngelist1 
That1  tellen  vs  j>e  peyn  of  Ihesu  cfist1 
Ne  seijj  al  ping  as  his  felawe  doojj 

But1  napeles  her  sentence  is  alt  sooj) .  2136 

And  al  accorden  as  in  her  sentence 
Al  be  per  in  her  tellyng1  difference 

PETWORTH    490    (6-T.  199) 


SIX-TEXT    200 
GROUP  B.     §  9.     THOPAS-MELIBE  LINK.     PctWOlth  MS. 

ffor  som?fte  of  hem  seyn  more  and  somwie  lesse    [leaf  227,  back] 

Whan  J?ei  his  pitous  passioura  expresse  2140 

I  mene  of  mark1  mathewe  luke  and  lohn 

But1  doutelees  her  sentence  is  al  on 

Therfore  lordynggs  al  I  3011  biseche 

^if  Jjat1  ^e  Jjenk1 1  vary  as  in  my  specE.  2144 

As  J>us  Jjou^e  Jjatf  I  telle  somwhaf  more 

Of  prouerbes  jjat1  $e  han  herd  byfore 

Comprehended  in  ]?is  liteft  tretys  here 

To  enforsen  wij?  ]?e  efFecte  of  my  matere  2148 

And  J)ou^e  I  not*  ]?e  same  wordes  say 

As  ^e  han  herde  ^it  to  30"  ali  I  pray 

Blame]?  me  naf  for  in  my  sentence 

Shul  }e  nowhere  fynde  difference  2152 

ffro  ]?e  sentence  of  pis  tretys  lite 

Aftere  jje  which  Jns  mery  tale  I  write 

And  Jjerfor  harkenej)  what1 1  shal  say 

And  lafr  me  telle  al  my  tale  I  pray  2156 

IF  Here  ende]>  J>e  tale  of  Sir  Thopas 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


PETWORTH    491    (6-T.  200) 


SIX-TEXT    201 

GROUP  B,    §  10,   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 


[There  are  no  line-numbers  or  breaks  between  the  paragraphs  in 
the  MS.  Tyrwhitfs  breaks  are  kept  here  to  prevent  slight 
differences  in  the  Six  Texts  throwing  out  many  lines.  Some 
of  the  omissions  in  the  MS  are  supplied  from  the  print  of  the 
French  original  in  Le  Menagier  de  Paris,  ed.  1847,  i.  186,  as  that 
proves  the  omissions  to  be  such.~\ 

[Peticorth  MS,  on  leaf  227,  back,] 
And  here  bygnnejj  pe  tale  of  Melebius  &  prudence. 

r*i57] 

A3ong<    man    called    Melebius    my^ty    and    riche 
bygate  vpon  his  wiff  J?afr  called  was  Prudence  a 
doughter*  whicli  Jjatt  called  was  Sophie. 
[2158]  Vporc  a  day  byfellef  J?atf  he  for  his  disporte 
is  went1  into   J>e  feldes.    him  to   play  i    [2159]  his  wif 
and   his   doughtere  he  ha]?   bylaffc1  in-vrith  his  hous  .    of 
whicli  J>e  doores  weren  fast1  shette .    [2160]  Ther  of  his 
olde  fooen  had  espied .   and  satten  ladders  to  ]?e  walles 
of  his  hous  .  and  by  J?e  wyndowes  bene  entred .  [2161]  and 
bete     his     wiff     and     wounded     his     dorter*     wijj     .v. 
mortal  woundes  in  .v.  sondry  places.   [2162]  This  is  to 
sayn  in  her  feete .   in  her  hondes .  in  her  eeres .  in  her 
nose .  and  in  her  mouj?e  .   and  laften  her*  for  dede .  and 
wenten  her  way 

[2163]  Whan  Melebius  retourned?  was  into  his 
hous  and  segli  al  Jns  meschief.  He  like  a  mad  man 
reending*  his  clones  gan  to  wepe  and  crie . 

[2164]  H  Prudence  his  wiff  as  ferforj?  as  she  durst1. 
byso^t1  hy??2  of  his  weping1  for  to  stynt1 .  [2165]  but1  not1 
forjn .  he  gan  wepe  and  crye  euere  longer  J)e  more . 

[2166]  This  noble  wif  prudence  remembred  her*  vpon 
J?e  sentence  of  Ovide  in  his  booke  jjat1  cleped  is  J)e  remedy 
of  loue  .  'De  remedio  Amoris.  Where  as  he  seij> .  [2167] 
He  is  a  foole  Jmf  distroubej?  ]?e  moclere  to  weepe  in  ]?e  dee]) 
of  her  childe  .  til  she  haue  wepte  her  fulle .  as  for  a  ccrteyn 
tyme.  [2168]  And  ]?an  shal  man  /  doon  his  dyligence  wij? 
amyable  chere  hiij  to  recomforte  and  prei  hyi^  of 

PET  WORTH    492   (6-T.  201)  [Ucaf228j 


SIX-TEXT    202 

GROUP  B.    §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

her  wepinge  forto  stynf .  [2169]  ffor  which  reson  pis 
noble  wiff  Prudence  sufFred  her  husbonde  forto  wepe 
and  crie  as  for  a  certeyn  space.  [2170]  IT  And  whan  she 
segfr  her  tyme  she  saide  to  him  in  pis  wise  1T  Alias  my 
lord  quod  she  whi  maken  36  30^  self  forto  \_semllcr  fol  ? 
[2171]  II  riappartient  pas  a  sage  homme  de] 
maken  such  '  a  sorowe .  [2172]  ^oure  dou3tere  with 
pe  grace  of  god  shal  warissh  and  scape.  [2173]  And  al 
were  is  so  ?  pat1  she  ri^t?  nowe  were  dede .  30  ne  au3fr 
not1  as  for  her  deth  3our  self  destroie.  [2174]  If  Senec« 
seip  /  pe  wise  man  shal  not1  take  to  gret1  discomfort1  for 
pee  dee])  of  his  children.  [2175]  but1  certes  he  shuld 
suffre  it1  in  pacience  /  as  wel  as  he  abide))  J)e  deej> 
of  his  owne  propre  persons . 

[2176]  IT  This  Melebius  answerd?  anon  and  sayde. 
What1  man  quod  he  shulde  of  his  weping1  stent1 .  Jpatt  ha]> 
so  grete  a  cause  as  I  haue .  [2177]  .Ihesu  our  lord  him  self 
wepte  for  pe  dee))  of  lazarus  his  frende  ^[  Qualiter  Thesus 
christus  fleuit  proper  mortem  Lazari .  [2178]  IT  Pru- 
dence answerde .  Certes  wel  I  woot1  attempre  wepinge  is 
no  ))inge  defended  to  him  pat1  soroweful  is .  amonges  folk 
in  sorowe .  but1  it1  is  rather  graunted  hyra  to  wepe .  [2179] 
The  Appostel  paul  vnto  J?e  llomayns.  Apostolus  a  Eo- 
manos  write)) .  Man  shal  reioyse  wi))  hem  pat1  maken  loie . 
and  wepe  with  suche  folk  as  wepen :  [2180]  But1  £01130 
attempre  wepinge  be  graunted .  certes  outrage  wepinge  is 
defended.  [2181]  IT  Mesure  of  wepinge  shulde  be  con- 
sidered aftere  pe  loor  pat1  techep  vs  senetf  [2182]  IT  Whan 
pat  pi  frende  is  dede  seip  he .  lat1  not1  pine  eyen  to  moist1 
bene  of  teeres  .  commynge  to  pine  eyen .  lat1  hem  nat  falle . 
[2183]  And  whan  powe  hast1  forgoon  pi  freende .  Do 
diligence  to  geten  anoper .  and  pis  is  more  wisdome 
pan  forto  wepe  for  pi  frende  which  pat1  pow  hast1  lorne . 
for  per-in  nys  no  boote.  [2184]  And  pe?*-fore  3if  36 
gouerne  3ou  by  sapience  .  putte  away  sorowe  fro??i  3oure 
hertes.  [2185]  Remembrep  pat1  Ihesus  Sirak  seip, 

PETWORTH    493  (6-T.  202) 


SIX-TEXT    203 
GROUP    B.     §    10,     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth    MS. 

A  man  J>af  is  loious  and  glad  in  herf  if  conseruej? 
hyra  florsshyng*  in  his  age  Buf  soly  sorowful  herf 
inakej?  his  bonys  drie.  [2186]  He  seij>  eke  Jms . 
Jjaf  sorowe  in  herf  scleej)  ful  mony  a  man.  [2187]  Sa- 
lomon seij>  f  J>af  ri^f  as  mothes  in  J?e  shepes  fleese 
annoyen  to  J?e  clones,  and  J>e  smale  wormes  to  J>e  tree. 
Ri$f  so  armoiej)  sorowe  to  J»e  herte  [218*8]  'Wherfore 
vs  au^f  as  wel  in  Jje  dee]?  of*  oure  children  as  in  J>e 
losse  of  our  goodes  temporeles  haue  pacience  . 

[2189]  Remembrejj  ^owe  vpon  pacienf  lob. 
Whan  he  had  lost1  his  childere  and  his  temporeH  sub- 
staunce  and  in  his  body  endured  mony  a 
greuous  tn'bulacion  3i#  saide  he  Jms.  [2190]  Our 
lorde  ha]?  |jeue  it  me  /  our  lorde  haj?]  byraft1  it  me 
Ri}^  so  as  our  lord?  wolde  ri^f  so  is  it1  done .  yblessed 
be  jje  name  of  our1  lord?  [2191]  11  To  jjise  forseide 
Jjingges  answered  Melebius  vnto  his  wif  Prudence 
AH  ]?ise  wordes  quod  he  bene  trewe .  and  jjerto  pro- 
fitable. But1  trewly  myn  hert1  is  troubled  soo.  wij>  ]?is  sorowe. 
so  grisly  Jjat  I  note  what1  to  doon.  [2192]  Laf  calle 
quod  prudence  J>i  trewe  frendes  alle .  and  fine  lynage 
which  Jjat1  bene  wise,  tellejj  ^our  caas  and  herkenej) 
what1  J?ei  say  in  counsailinge  And  ^ou  gouerne  aftere  her 
sentence.  [2193]  Salomon  seij)  wirk  al  jri  Jjing1 
by  co^nsail  and  Jjou  shalt1  neuere  repent1 

[2194]  1T  Than  by  ]>e  counsaile  of  [his  wif  Pru- 
dence] [Mellibee  appelJa  moult  de]  folk1.  [2195]  as 
Sirurgyens .  Phisiciens .  olde  folk1  and  ^onge .  and  som 
of  his  olde  enemyes  reconsiled  as  by  her  countenance 
to  his  loue  and  into  his  grace.  [2196]  And  J>erwi)?al 
Jjer  cowmen  somme  of  his  nei^boures  J?#t  didden  him 
reuerence .  more  for  drede  J?an  for  loue  as  it1  happejj 
off  [2197]  1T  Ther  co??zmen  also  ful  mony  subtile  flaterers 
and  wise  aduocate-s  lered  in  )>e  lawe . 

[2198]  And  whan  Jjise  folk1  to-gydere  were  assembled . 
this  Melebius  in  sorowful  wise  shewed  hem  his  caas , 

PETWORTH    494   (&-T.  203)         [Ueaf  228,  backl 


SIX-TEXT    204 

GROUP  B.   §  10.  MELIBEUS.   Petworth.  MS. 

[2199]  And  by  pe  manere  of  his  speche  if  semed 
paf  in  his  herf  he  here  a  cruel  yre .  redy  to  do  venge- 
auwce  vpon  his  foon.  And  sodeynly  pan  desired  paf  pe 
werre  shuld  bygyraie  [2200]  Buf  napelees  ^if  axed  he 
her  counsaile  vpon  j>is  matere./  [2201]  IT  A  Sirurgien  by 
licence  and  assent1  of  such  as  were  wise  vp  aroos  and  vn- 
to  melebius  saide  as  ^e  shul  here 

[2202]  IT  Sir  qwod  he  as  to  vs  Syrurgience  appentep 
paf  we  doo  to  euery  wighf  pe  best1  paf  we  can  •  wher  as 
we  bene  wipholden.  and  to  our  pacience  paf  we  do  110 
damage.  [2203]  Wherfore  it1  happep  mony  tyme  and  off 
paf  whan  paf  twey  men  had  euerich  wounded  opere  oon 
Sirurgien  helep  hem  bope  .  [2204]  Wherfore  vnto 
our  arf  if  is  nof  appertenenf  to  norsshe  werre  ne  p«?'ties 
to  supporte  /  [2205]  Buf  certes  as  to  pe  warisshing1  of 
$oure  doghtere  al  be  if  so  paf  she  perilously  be 
wounded  we  shullen  do  so  ententif  bysynes  fro  day  to 
nyghf  Thaf  wi]>  J?e  grace  of  god  she  shal  be  hool  and 
sounde  as  sone  as  is  possible  [2206]  1F  Almosf  ri^f 
in  Jje  same  wise  ]?e  Phisicien  answerd'  saue  J?af 
Jjei  seiden  a  fewe  woordes  moore .  [2207]  Thaf  ri^f 
as  maladies  1bene  by  hure  contraries  saued  Ei^f  soo  shal 
man  warisshe  werre  by  vengeaunce.  [2208]  His  neigh- 
bours ful  of  envie  his  feyned  frendes  pat  semeden 
reconsiled  his  flaterers  [2209]  made  semblanf 
cf  wepirige  and  enpeiren  and  engreggen  mochel  of  pis 
matere  in  preising1  gretely  meleby  of  my^f .  of  power, 
of  Bichesse  and  of  frendes .  Dispisinge  J>e  power  of  his 
aduersaries  /  [2210]  and  seiden  vttrely  pat1  he  an  oon 
shuld  wreke  hym .  on  his  foes  and  bygymie  werre . 

[2211]  1T  Vp  roos  pan  an  aduocate  paf  was  wise. 
by  leue  and  by  counsaile  of  opere  paf  were  wise,  and  saide . 
[2  2 1 2]  IF  Lordiugge-s  pe  nede  for  pe  which  we  bene  assembled 
in  pis  place  is  ful  heuy  pinge .  and  a  grete  matere 
[2213^]  by  cause  of  pe  wronge  and  of  pe  wikkednesse  paf 
hap  bene  doon .  and  eke  by  reson  of  a  grete  damage  paf 

PETWORTH    495    (6-T.  204)  P  leaf  229] 


SIX-TEXT    205 
GROUP   B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

in  tyme  cowmyng1  is  possible  to  fallen,  for  J>e  same. 
[2214]  and  eke  by  reson  of  fe  grete  riches  and 
power*  of  J>e  parties  bofe.  [2215]  fibr  fe  which  resons 
it1  were  a  ful  grete  perile  to  erren  in  fis  matere .  [2216] 
Wherfore  melebius  fis  is  oure  sentence,  we  counsaile 
3011  abouen  al  f  inge .  fat  ri3f  anoon  ^e  do 
diligence  in  f  e  kepinge  of  $oure  propre  persone  in  such  a 
wise  fat1  ^e  ne  wante  noon  espie  ne  wacche .  }oure  body 
forto  saue  .  [2217]  And  after  fat1  we  counsaile  fat1  in 
^oure  hous  ^e  sette  suffisanfr  liarnays .  so  fat1  f ei  mowe 
as  wel  ^oure  body  as  $our  hous  defende  [2218]  But  certes 
forto  moue  werre  .  or  sodeynly  to  doo  vengeannce 
we  mowe  not1  deme  in  so  litel  tyme  fat1  were  profit- 
able [2219]  wherfore  we  axen  leisere  and  space  to  haue 
deliberacion  in  fis  caas  to  deme.  [2220]  ffor  fe  Comon 
prouerbe  seif  fus.  He  fat1  sone  demef  sone  shal 
repent1.  [2221]  And  eke  men  sayn  fat1  filk  luge  is 
wis  fat1  sone  vnderstondef  a  matere .  and  luggef  by 
leisere.  [2222]  ffor  al  be  it1  soo  J>af  taryinge  be  noyful . 
algate  it1  is  nat1  to  repreue  in  ^euynge  of  luggement1  ne  in 
Yengeaunce  takinge  whan  it1  is  so  suffisaunt1  and  resonable  . 
[2223]  &  swed  oure  lorde  Ihesu  crist1  by  en- 
sample,  ffor  whan  fe  wo?7iman  fat1  was  taken  in 
avoutrie  /  was  brou^t1  in  his  presence  to  knowen  what1 
shulde  be  doon  of  her  pe?*sone.  al  be  it1  fat1  he  wist1 
wel  him  self  what1  he  wold  ansAvere  \toutesvoies  il  ne 
respondipas]  sodeynly .  but  he  wolde  haue  deliberacion .  And 
in  fe  grounde  he  wroot1  threse .  [2224]  and  by  fise 
causes  we  axe  deliberacion .  And  we  shul  fan  by 
grace  of  good  counsaile  doo  finge  that1  shal  be 
profitable 

[2225]  1F  Yp  sterten  fen  fe  ^onge  folk  at  onys 
Tand  fe  moost1  partie  of  jjat1  companye  han  scorne  of  fis 
wise  olde  man  and  bygonnen  to  make  noyse  and  saide . 
[2226]  Ri3^  soo  fe  while  fat1  yren  is  hoote .  men  shulde 
smy te  .  I^t1  soo  shuld*  men  wreken  her  harmes  and  wrogges . 

PETWORTH    496   (C-T.  205)        [i  leaf  229,  hack] 


SIX-TEXT    206 

GROUP  B.   §  10,   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

f  e  while  f  ei  bene  fresshe  and  newe .  And  wif  lowde  voice  f  ei 
criden  werre . 

[2227 J  .Vp  roos  foo  oon  of  fise  olde  wise  and 
wif  his  hondes  made  countenance  fat1  men  shulde 
holden  hem  stille  and  $euen  hym  audience.  [2228] 
IT  Lordingges  quod  he  fer  is  ful  mony  a  man  /  faf 
crien  werre  werre  fat1  woten  ful  litel  what1  werre 
arnountef .  [2229]  Werre  at1  his  bygynnynge  haf  so  grete 
an  entre  and  so  large  fat1  euery  wi^t1  may  entro 
whan  him  like]?  and  Ii3'tly  fynde  wrerre .  [2230]  But* 
certes  what1  ende  shal  falle  it1  is  nat1  li^t1 
to  knowe .  [2231]  ffor  solely  whan  fat1  werre  is  onys 
bygonne .  fer  is  ful  mony  a  childe  vnborn  of  his  modere . 
fat1  steruen.  ^onge  by  cause  of  filk  werre  or  ellys 
lye  in  swowe  and  dye  in  wrecchednesse .  [2232]  And 
f erfore  er  fat1  eny  werre  be  bygonne  i  men  most1  han 
grete  comisaile  and  grete  deliberacion  [2233]  And  whan 
fis  olde  man  had  wende  to  enforsen  his  tale  by  resons . 
wel  nygfr  aH  at  onys  bygonne  to  rise  forto  breken  his 
tale .  and  beden  hym  ful  oft1  his  wordes  forto  abrigge  . 
[2234]  ffor  sofly  he  fat1  prechef  to  hem  fat1  list* 
nat1  here  his  wordes  his  sermon  availef  not1.  [2235] 
flbr  Ihesus  Sirak1 .  seif .  fat1  musike  in  wepinge  is 
noyous  f  inge .  This  is  to  saien  as  moch  availef  to 
speke  to-fore  folk  to  which"  his  speche  availlef  not1 .  as  it1  is 
to  synge  byfore  hym  fat1  wepef .  [2236]  And  whan  fis 
wise  man  segh  fat1  hym  wanted  audience  al  shamefast1 
he  sette  hym  doune  ageyne  .  [2237]  ffor  Salomon  seif  .  Ther 
as  f  ou  ne  maist1  not1  haue  audience .  enforce  f  e  nat1 
to  speke  [2238]  1F  I  se  wel  quod  fis  wise  man  fat1  fe 
comon  prouerbe  is  sof e  .  fat1  good  counsaile 
whan  it1  is  most1  nede  availlef 

[2239]  IF  3itf  had  fis  Melebius  in  his  counsaile  moche 
folk1  fat1  prively  in  his  eere  counsailed  hym  moche  f  inge 
and  counsailed  hym  f  e  contrarye  in  general  audience 

[2240]    IT   Whatt    Melebius    had    herd    fe   grettest1 

TETWORTH   497    (6-T.  206) 


SIX-TEXT    207 
GROUP    B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth    MS. 

partye  of  his  counsaile  were  acorded  fat1  he  shuld  make 
werre .  Anon  consented  to  her  counseillinge  and  fully 
affermed  her  sentence  [2241]  IF  Than  dame  Prudence 
whan  fat1  she  seye  howe  fat1  her  husbonde  shope 
forto  wreke  hym  on  his  foon  and  bygynne  werre.  she 
in  ful  vnble  wise  whan  she  segh  her  tyme  saide 
hym  fise  1wordes  [2242] IF  My  lord  quod  she  I  ^ow 
biseche  as  hertely  as  I  dare  and  can  no  hast1  ^ou  nat1  to 
fast1 .  and  for  aH  guerdons  as  ^eue  me  audience . 
[2243]  ff°r  Pirus  Alfons.  seif  Jus.  who  so  fat1  do]) 
f  e  good  or  harme .  hast1  f  e  nat1  to  qwiten  it1 .  ffor 
in  fis  wise  fi  frende  wil  abide  and  fine  enemye  shal 
fe  lenger  lyve  in  drede./  [2244]  IT  The  prouerbe  seif.  He 
hastef  wel  fat1  wisely  can  abide .  And  in  wicked  haast1 
nys  no  profit1 

[2245]  IF  This  Meleby  answerd?  to  his  wiff  Prudence 
I.  pwrpoos  not1  quod  he  to  wirken  after*  f  i  coimsaile  ffor 
mony  causes  and  resons .  ffor  certes  euery  wi3tt  wolde 
holde  me  fan  a  fooH  [2246]  IF  This  is  to  sayne  If  I 
for  fi  counsailing1  wold  chaunge  fingges  fat1  aren 
affermed  by  so  mony  wise  men.  [2247]  Sec- 
oundly  I  saye  fat1  alle  wowmen  bene  wicke.  and  non 
good  of  hem  aH .  for  of  a  thowsande  men  saif  Salomon 
.1.  foond  0011  good  man .  But  certes  of  alle  wommen  good 
wo?7^ma?^  fonde  I  neuer  one.  [2248]  And  also  certys  ^if  I 
gouerned  me  by  fi  co?msaille  it1  shuld  seme  fat1  I  had 
^eue  fe  euere  fe  maistrie  as  god  forbede  fat1 
it1  so  were.  [2249]  ffor  Syrak  seif  fat1  if  fe 
wif  haue  f  e  maistrie  she  is  contrarious  [«  son  mary] . 
[2250]  And  Salomon  seif  Neuere  in  fi  lif  to  fi 
wif  ne  to  fi  childe  ne  to  fi  frende  ne  ^eue  no  power 
ouer  fi  self,  ffor  bettere  it1  were  fat1  fi  children  asken 
of  fi  pe?*sone  finge  fat1  hem  nedef  fan  fou  sese 
fi  self  in  fe  hondes  of  fi  children  [2251]  IF  And  also  }if  I 
wolde  wyrk1  by  f  i  couwsaillinge .  Certes  my  counsaile 
most1  somtyme  be  secree .  til  it1  were  tyme  fat1  it1  most1  be 

PETWORTF  498    (6-T.  207)  [Meaf230J 


SIX-TEXT    208 
GEOUP   B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOltll   MS. 

knowe  and  fis  ne  may  not1  be  [2252.  For  it  is  written, 
*  f  e  Ia??gelarie  of  wowmen  can  hide  f  ingges  fat1 
fei  woote  nou^t '  [2253]  Furthermore,  the  philosopher 
saith,  *  In  wicked  counsaille  wommen  venquissh  men ; ' 
and  for  these  reasons  I  ought  not  to  make  use  of  thy 
counsel.  (See  I.  2274,  2280,^.  209,  210,  Mow.)} 

[2254]  IF  Dame  Prudence  ful  debonairly  and 
wif  grete  pacience  had  harde  all  fat1  her  husbonde 
liked  to  say .  J>an  axed  she  of  hym  licence  forto 
speke  and  saide  in  fis  wise.  [2255]  IF  My  lord  qwod  she 
as  to  }oure  furst1  resoii  certes  it1  may  li^lj  be 
answerde.  for  I  say  fat1  it*  nys  no  foly  to  chaunge 
counsaille  whan  f  e  f  inge  is  chaunged  .  ffor  ellis  whan 
fe  finge  seme]?  ofer  wise  fan  it1  was  byforn 
[2256  Apr es,  je  dy  encores  plus,  car  se  tu  avoies 
promis  et  jure  de  faire}  joure  empn'se  .  And 
naf  elees  36  wayn  to  [perjforeme  f  ilk1  same  emprise . 
by  iustH  cause .  Men  shuld?  not1  seyn  fat1  36  were 
a  Iyer  or  forsworne.  [2257]  ffor  fe  booke  seif  The 
while  man  makef  110  lesinge  f  whan  he  turnef  his  corage  to 
fe  better*.  [2258]  And  al  be  it1  soo  fat1  ^oure  empn'se  be 
establed  and  ordeyned  by  grete  multitude  of  folk .  }it 
ther  ^ou  not1  acomplise  f  ilk1  same  ordynaunce  but1  }ou  like  . 
[2259]  if  or  fe  troufe  of  Jnngges  and  fe  profite  bene 
rajjer  founden .  in  fewe  l  folk1  fat1  bene  wise  and  ful  of 
reson  fan  by  grete  multitude  of  folk1  fer  euery  man 
crief  and  clateref  what1  \\jrn  likef .  Soof ly  such 
multitude  nys  not1  honest1  [2260]  And  to  fe  secounde 
reson  wher  as  ^e  seyn  fat1  wo?nmen  bene  wicked . 
saue  }oure  grace  Certes  36  dispise  aH  womrnen  in  fis 
wise  .  and  [he]  fat1  al  dispiseth"  [al  displeseth]  .  as  seif  f e 
boke .  [2261]  And  Senetf  seif.  Who-so  wil  haue  sapi- 
ence shal  no  man  dispreise .  but1  he  shal  gladly  teche 
fat1  he  can .  wif  [out]  presumpciown  or  pride . 
[2262]  and  suche  finge  as  he  nou^t1  ne  can  he 
shal  not1  bene  ashamed  to  lerne  hem  /  and  enquere  of  lasse 

PETWOKTH  499    (6-T.  208)       [Meaf  280,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    209 
GROUP  B.     §   10.     MELIBBU8.     PetWOlth  MS. 

folk1  fan  hym  self.  [2263]  And  faf  fer  ha]?  bene 
ful  mony  good  wo?wmen  .  [Ten  le  puet  prouver  legierement . 
[2264]  Premierement,  car  nostre  Seigneur  Ihesu-Crist  ne 
se  fust  oncques  daigne  descendre  en  femine]  yd  alle 
wo??imen  had  be  wikke.  [2265]  but1  for 
faf  grete  bounte  faf  is  in  wommen  f  our  lorde  Ihesus  crisf 
whan  he  was  risen  from  defe  to  lyf  appered  rafer  to  a 
wonwnan  fan  to  his  apostels .  [2266]  And  fou^e 
fat  Salomon  say  .  fat1  he  ne  fonde  neuer  no  good  womman  f 
It1  folowef  not*  ferfore  fat*  alle  wommen  bene 
wikke.  [2267]  ffor  f ou3e .  fat1  he  ne  foonde  noon  good 
Certes  mony  an  of  ere  man  haf  founde 
mony  a  womman  ful  good  and  trewe .  [2268]  Or  ellis 
perauenture  fe  entenf  of  Salomon  fis.  as  in 
souereyn  bounte  he  saide  no  womman.  [2269]  This  to 
sayn  fat1  fer  is  no  wi^f  fat1  haf  souereyne  bounte 
sauf  god  allone  .  as  he  hym  self  recordef  in  his  eucran- 
gely  .  [2270]  ffor  fer  nys  no  creature  so  good  fat1  \\jrn 
ne  wantef  somwhat1  of  f e  perfecciourc  of  god  fat1  is  his 
[maker]  [2271]  H  jouie  iij.  reson  is  fis.  ^e  seyne  fat1  if 
36  gouerned  3011  by  counsaile  of  me  it1  shulde  seme  fat1  33 
had  ^eue  me  fe  maistrie  and  fe  lordship  Ouer  ^oure 
person.  [2272]  sire  saue  ^oure  gi'ace  f  it1  is  not1  soo  .  ffor 
^if  it1  so  were  fat1  man  shulde  be  counsailed  but1  only 
of  hem  fat1  had  maistrie  and  lordship  ouer  his  persone  . 
men  wold  natt  be  counsailled  so  off.  [2273]  If  ffor  sofly 
f  ilk  man  f  af  axef  counsaile  of  a  pwrpoos .  ^if  haf  he 
free  chois  whefer  he  wil  wirk1  by  faf  counsaile  or 
noon.  [2274]  1F  And  as  to  ^oure  ferfe  reson  fer  as  ^e 
sayn  faf  f  e  langelarie  of  wommen  can  hide  f  ingges  faf 
f ei  woote  nou^f  as  who  seif .  faf  a  womman  can  nof 
hide.  [2275]  Sire  Thise  woordes  bene  vnder- 
stonde  of  wowmen  faf  bene  langelers  and  wicked 
[2276]  of  which  womme  men  seiyn  faf  fre  f  ingges 
dryuen  a  man  ouf  of  his  hous .  Thaf  is  to  seyn  Smoke . 
dropping1  of  Keyn/  and  wicked  wyues  [2277]  If  And 

PETWORTH   600    (6-T.  209) 


SIX-TEXT    210 

GROUP  B,    §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

such  wowman  seitfi  Salomon  .  fat1  it  were  better  a  man  were 
in  desert1  by  hym  self .  f  a?z  wij)  a  womman  at1  home  fat1  is 
riotours .  [2278]  And  Sire  by  ^oure  leue  1fat1  am  nat1  I. 
[2279]  ffor  30  haue  ful  oft1  assaied  my  grete  silence  and  my 
grete  pacience .  and  eke  how  wel  I  can  hiden  and  hele  f  inges 
fat1  men  ou^ten  secrely  to  hyde  [2280]  11"  And  sofly  as  to 
3oure  .v.  reson .  where  as  36  sayn  fat1  in  wicked  coun- 
saille  wo?ftmen  venquissh  men  /  god  woote  f  ilk  is  no  reson 
in  no  stede .  [2281]  ffor  vnderstondeth  nowe .  $e 
axen  counsaile  forto  doo  wikkednesse .  [2282]  and  if  36  wifl 
wirk  wickednesse  and  }oure  wiff  restreyn  filk 
wikkednesse  &  ouercowmef  3011  by  reson  and  by 
good  counsaile  /  [2283]  certis  3oure  wiff  ou^t1  rafer  to  be 
preysed  fan  yblamed  [2284]  5F  Thus  shuld  30  vnder- 
stonde  f e  philosophre  fat1  saif .  In  wikked  counsaille 
wo??imen  venquyssh  her  husbondes  [2285]  And  fer 
as  36  blamen  alle  wo??mien  and  her  resons  I  shal  shewe 
3011  by  mony  ensamples  fat1  mony  a  womman  haf 
bene  ful  good  an  ^it1  bene.  and  her  counsaile  hoolsom 
and  profitable  [2286]  Eke  somme  men  han  saide  fat1  fe 
counsail  of  wommen  is  eifer  do  dere  or  to 
litel  of  price  [2287]  But1  al  be  it1  soo  fat1  ful  mony 
wo7«man  is  badde  and  her  counsaile  vile  and  not1  worf  o  / 
3  it1  han  men  founden  ful  mony  a  good  womman  and  ful 
discrete  and  wise  in  counsailynge  [2288]  1T  Loo  lacobe  by 
counsaile  of  his  modere  Eebekka  wan  fe  benysoii  of 
Isaak  his  fadere  and  fe  lordship  of  al  his  // 
[2289]  ludith  by  her  good  counsaille  delyuered  fe  Cite  of 
Bethulye  in  which  she  dwelled  out1  of  fe  hondes  of 
Olyfernes  fat1  had  it1  biseched  and  wolde  it1  destroye 
[2290]  abigaille  deliuered  Nabell  her  husbonde  from 
dauid  fe  \i-oy  qui  le  voloit  occire,  et  appaiaa] 
fe  kinge  by  her  witte  and  by  fe  good  counsail- 
inge  [2291]  II  Hester  By  hure  good  consaile  enhaunsed 
gretly  fe  puple  of  god  in  fe  regne  of  Assuerus  .  The  kinge 
[2292]  and  fe  same  bu/zte  in  good  counsailynge  of 

PETWORTH   501     (6-T.  210)  ['leaf 231] 


SIX-TEXT    211 
GRUUP    B.     §    10,     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth    MS. 

mony  a  good  womman  may  men  telle  /  [2293]  and  more- 
ouer  whan  our  lorde  had  create  Adam  our  forme  fadere 
he  saide  in  pis  wise  [2294]  1T  It1  is  naf  good  to  be  a 
man  allone .  make  we  to  hyw  an  helpe  s[e]mblable  to  him 
self  [2295]  IF  Here  may  36  see  pat1  ^if  wo?mnan 
were  nat1  good  and  her  counsaile  good  and  profitable 
[2296]  Oure  lord  god  of  beue%  wolde  neiper  haue  wrou^f 
hem  .  ne  called  hem  helpe  of  man  .  but*  raper  confusion  to 
man.  [2297]  And  pat1  seide  onys  a  clerk  in  twoo  vers. 
"What1  is  bette  pan  gold .  lasper .  And  what1  is  better  pan 
laspe .  Wisdome .  [2298]  And  what1  is  better  pan 
wisdom  Womman. .  and  what;  is  better  pan  good 
wowmian  no  pinge .  [2299]  And  sire  by  mony  oper 
resons  may  36  see  pat1  wo/nmen  bene  good 
[et  leur  conseil  ~bon~\  and  profitable.  [2300]  And  perfore 
3if  30  wil  trest1  to  my  counsaile  I  shal  restore  3ou 
3oure  dou^tere  hool  !  and  sounde .  [2301]  And  eke  I  wil  do 
to  3ou  so  moche  pat1  36  haue  honure  in  pis  caas 

[2302]  11  Whan  nieleby  harde  pe  wordes  of  his 
wiff1  Prudence  he  saide  pus.  [2303]  I  see  wel  pat1  pe 
wordes  of  Salomon  bene  sope .  He  seip  pat1  wordes  pat1 
bene  spoken  discretely  by  ordincmnce .  bene  hony  combes 
for  pei  3euen  swefrnesse  to  pe  soule  and  hoolsomnesse 
to  pe  body  [2304]  And  wif  by  cause  of  pi  swete 
wordes  and  eke  for  I  haue  assaied  and  preued  pi  grete 
sapience  and  pi  grete  troupe  I  wil  gouerne  me  by  pi 
counsaile  in  al  pinge 

[2305]  1F  Now  sire  quod  dame  prudence  and  sipen  30 
vouche  sauf  to  be  gouerned  by  my  counsaile  I  wol 
enforme  3owe  howe  36  shul  gouerne  joure  selfe  in  cliesing1 
of  3oure  counsaile .  [2306]  30  shal  first1  in  al  3oure 
werkes  mekely  bysechen  to  pe  11136  god  pat1  he  wil 
be  3oure  counseilowr  [2307]  and  shapep  as  to  such 
entent1  pat1  he  3eue  3ou  counsaile  and  comforte  as  tau3^ 
Thebye  his  sone .  [2308]  At1  al  tymes  pow  shalt1  blesso 

PETWOKTH    502    (6-T.  21 1)        [Meaf  231,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    212 
GROUP   B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

god  and  prey  hyra  dresse  f  i  waies .  and  loke  alle 
fi  counsailles  bene  in  hyra  for  euermore  [2309]  H  Seint1 
lame  eke  saif .  If  eny  of  ^owe  haue  nede  of  Sapience .  axe 
it1  of  god.  [2310]  and  afterward!  fan  shal  30  take 
counsaile  in  pure  self,  and  examyne  wel  ^oure  fortes  of 
such  fingges  as  ^ou  fenkef  fat1  is  best1  for  ^oure  profit1. 
[2311]  And  fan  shal  36  driue  from  ^oure  hert1  foo 
fat1  bene  contrarious  to  good  counsayle  .  [2312] 
fat1  is  to  sayn  Ire .  Couetise  and  hastinesse  . 

[2313]  ffurst1  he  fat1  askef  counsaile  of  hy?7i  self  certys 
he  most1  bene  wif-out1  Ire.  for  many  causes  [2314] 
H  ])e  fursf  is  f  is .  He  fat1  haf  grete  Ire  and  \vrefe  in 
hy?/&  self  he  weiief  alway  fat1  he  may  doo  fat1  he 
may  nat1  doo  [2315]  *R  And  secoundly  he  fat1  is  Irons 
and  wroth",  he  ne  may  nat1  wel  deme .  [2316]  [and  he  fat] 
may  nat1  wel  [deme  may  nat  wel]  counsaile  [2317]  IT  The 
iij.  is  this  fat1  he  fat1  is  Irons  and  wrofe  as  saif 
Senec1  ne  may  nat  speke  but1  blameful  fingges  /  [2318] 
and  wif  his  vicious  wordes  he  stiref  ofer  folk1  to 
angre  and  to  Ire.  [2319]  And  eke  sir  $e  most  dryue 
Coueitise  out1  of  ^oure  hert1.  [2320]  ffor  fe  appostel  seif 
fat1  Couetise  is  roote  of  alle  harmes.  [2321]  And  trustef 
wel  fat1  a  couetous  man  ne  can  nat1  deme  [ne  thinke] 
but1  only  to  fulfille  fe  eende  of  his  couetise  [2322]  and 
certes  fat1  may  neuer1  ben  accompliced .  ffor  euer 
more  fe  habundance  fat1  he  haf  of  Ricchesse  fe  more 
he  desiref .  [2323]  IT  And  sire  3011  most1  also  dryue  Jaway 
from  ^oure  hert1  hastynesse  [2324]  for  certes  }e  may 
not1  deme  for  fe  best1  a  sodeyn  fo^t1  fat1  fallef  in 
pure  hert1 .  1T  but1  36  most1  avise  3ou  on  it1  ful  oft1 . 
[2325]  ffor  as  36  herde  he[re]-to-forn)  fe  comon  prouerbe .  It1 
is  f is  fat1  he  fat1  sone  demef  .  sone  repentef . 

[2326]  Sire  36  bene  not1  alway  in  like  disposicion 
[2327]  for  certes  some  finge  fat1  semef  somtyme  to 
3ou  good  to  do .  Anof  er  tyme  it1  semef  to  3011 
f  e  contrarie 

PETWORTH  603    (6-T.  212)  L1  leaf  2321 


SIX-TEXT    213 
GROUP    B,    .§    10.     MELIBEUS.     PetWOrth    MS. 

[2328]  IF  Whan  30  han  taken  counsaile  in  ^oure  self  and 
so  han  denied  by  good  deliberacion  such  fingges  as  3011 
semed  best1  /  [2329]  fan  rede  I  3011  fat1  30  kepe  if 
Secre  [2330]  Bywrey  natf  ^oure  counsaile  to  no  persone . 
but1  if  so  be  fat1  30  weneri  fat1  sikerly  fat1  forgn"  ^oure 
bewreying1  ^oure  condicion  shal  be  fe  more 
profitable.  [2331]  ffor  Thesus  Cirak  seif .  neifere  to  fi 
fFoo  ne  to  fi  freende  diskeuere  not1  fi  sccre  ne  fi  folye 
[2332]  for  fei  wil  3eue  fe  audience  and  lokinge  and 
supportacion  in  J)i  presence  and  scorne  fe  in  fine 
absence  [2333]  IF  Anofer  clerk  seif  fat  scarcely  shalt1  fow 
fynden  eny  persone  fat1  may  kepe  counsaile  secrely. 
[2334]  ])G  boke  saij).  Whilst1  fat1  fou  kepest1  fi  counsaile 
in  fine  herte  fou  kepest1  it1  in  fi  prison.  [2335]  And 
whan  fou  bywreyest  fi  co?msaile  to  eny  wight1  he  holdef 
f e  in  his  snare  [2336]  And  ferfore  it1  is  betier 
hide  fi  couwsaile  in  fine  herf.  fan  preien  hym  to 
whoom  36  han  bywreief  30111*0  counsaile  fat1  he  wil  kepe?z 
it1  clooce  and  stille  [2337]  IT  ffor  Senetf  saif .  If  so  be 
fat1  fou  ne  may  fine  owne  counsaile  hide .  how 
maist  fou  preien  eny  ofer  wi3^  fi  secree  counsaile  to 
Kepe  [2338]  IF  But1  nafelees  3if  fou  wene  sikerly  fat1 
fi  bewriyng1  of  fi  counsaile  to  a  persone  wil  make  fi 
condicion  stonden  in  a  better  plite .  fan  shalt1  fou 
telle  him  fi  counsaile  in  fis  wise  [2339]  IF  ffurst  fou 
shalt1  make  no  semblant1  whedere  fe  were  leuer  pees  or 
werre .  or  fis  or  f  at1 .  lie  schewe  hym  not1  f  i  wille  and 
fine  entent1 .  [2340]  ffor  trest1  wel  fat1  conionly  f ise 
counsailours  bene  flaterers  [2341]  and  namely  fe  cownseilours 
of  grete  lordys .  [2342]  ffor  f  ei  enformen  hem  alway 
rafer  to  spoke  plesannt1  wordys  enclynynge  to  fe  lordes 
lust1  fan  woordes  fat1  bene  trewe  and  profitable  [2343]  IF  And 
jjerfore  men  sayne  fat1  f  e  riche  man  haf  seelden  good  coun- 
saile. but1  3if  he  haue  it  of  hym  self1  [2344]  And  aftere  fat1 
f  ow  shalt  considere  f  i  frendes  and  fine  enemyes . 
[2345]  and  as  touchinge  fi  freendes  fou  shalt  con- 

PETWOKTII  604    (6-T.  213) 


SIX-TEXT    214 
GROUP    B,     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PetWOrth   MS. 

sidere  IT  which,  of  hem  bene  most1  feipfuH .  and  most 
wyse  and  eldest1  'and  most1  approued  in  counseillynge  / 
[2346]  of  hem  shalt1  powe  axe  pi  counsaile  as  pe 
caas  require]? 

[2347]  I  say  not1  furst1  36  shul  clepe  to  ^oure  coun- 
saile 3oure  frendes  pat1  bene  trewe  [2348]  1T  ffor  Salomon 
seip.  J^at1  liytt  as  pe  hert1  of  a  man  delitep  in  Sauow 
pat1  is  swete .  ri^t1  so  pe  counsaile  of  trewe  frendes 
3euep  swefnesse  to  pe  sowle.  [2349]  He  seip  also  pat  per 
may  no  ping1  be  likned  to  pe  trewe  frende .  [2350]  ffor 
certes  gold  ne  siluer  bene  not1  so  mocli  worp  as  pe 
good  wille  of  a  trewe  frende.  [2351]  ^T  And  eke  he  saip 
pat1  a  trewe  frende  is  a  grete  defence  /  who  so  pat1 
it1  fyndep .  certis  he  fyndep  a  grete  tresoure . 
[2352]  Than  shul  36  eke  considere  if  pat1  ^oure 
trewe  frendes  bene  discrete  and  wise .  for  pe  boke 
seip  Aske  alway  pi  counsaile  of  hem  pat1  bene  wise . 
[2353]  And  by  pis  same  reson  shulde  36  clepen  to  3our0 
courcsaile  of  ^oure  frendys  pat1  bene  of  age  sucfr  as  han 
sayn  modi,  and  bene  expert1  in  mony  pingges  and  bene 
approued  in  counsailinge .  [2354]  ffor  pe  boke  seip 
pat1  in  olde  men  is  pe  sapience  [et  en  moult  de  temps 
est  prudence]  [2355]  1F  And  Tullius  saip  pat1  grete 
pingges  ne  ben  not1  accomplised  by  strenght1  ne  by 
delyuernesse  of  body  but1  by  good  counsaile  By  auctorite 
of  persones  and  be  science  pe  which  iij.  pinges  no 
bene  not1  feble  by  age  but1  certes  pei  enforsen  and  en- 
cresen  day  by  day .  [2356]  And  pan  shal  30  kepe 
pis  for  a  general  rewle  *fT  ffurst1  shal  36  kepe  to  ^oure 
counsaile  a  fewe  of  3oure  frendes  pat1  especial  bene 
[2357]  ffor  Salomon  seip  Mony  frendes  haue  powe 
but1  among  a  thousand?  chese  pe  oon  to  be  pi  counseil- 
our .  [2358]  ffor  al  be  it1  soo  pat1  powe  furst1  ne  telle  pi 
counsaile  but1  to  a  fewe .  pou  maist1  afterward2  telle  it1  to 
more  folk1.  3if  it1  be  nede.  [2359]  But1  loke  alway  pat1  pi 
counsailers  haue  pilk  thre  condiciot/ns  J^at1  I  haue  saide 

34  PETWORTIl    505    (6-T.  214)        [' leaf  2o2,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    215 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

byfore.  fat1  is  to  say  fat1  fei  bene  trewe  and  wise  and 
of  olde  experience .  [2360]  and  wirk1  not1  alway  in  euery 
nede  by  oon  counsailere  allon .  for  some  if  byhouef 
be  cotmsailed  by  mony  [2361]  IF  ffor  Salomon  seif 
[salvation]  of  f  ingges  f  is  wher  f  er  bene  mony 
cownselours 

[2362]  1F  Nowe  see])  what1 1  haue  tolde  3011  of  whicli  folk1 
30  shuld*  be  counsailed .  Now  wil  I  telle  ^ou  whicli 
cou?2saile  36  au3#  eschewe  [2363]  IT  fnrst1  36  shul  eschewe 
fe  counsaile  of  foolis.  So  seif  Salomon.  Take  no  coun- 
saile  of  a  foole  ffor  he  can  no  counsaile.  but1  aftere  his 
owne  affeccion  [2364]  IT  The  boke  saif .  fat1  fe 
p?'oprete  of  a  fool  is  fis .  He  troweth  li^tly  harme 
of  euery  wi^f.  and  Ii3tly  trowe])  all  bounte  1in  hym 
self*  [2365]  Thow  eke  shal  eschewe  ]>e  Counsaillynge 
of  aH  flaterers  suche  as  enforsen  hem  ra]>er  to  preise 
))e  persone  by  flaterye  fan  forto  telle  ^ou  fe  sof- 
fastnesse  of  f  ingges  ./ 

[2366]  IT  Therfore  Tullius  seif  IF  Amonge  alle  fe 
pestilences  fat1  ben  in  frendship  fe  grettest1  is 
fflatery.  And  ferfore  is  moor  nede.  f#t  fowe  eschewe 
and  drede  and  flee  from  f e  swete  wordes  of  flaterers  fan  of 
eny  of  er  puple  [2367]  1T  The  booke  seif .  Thow  shalt1  raf  er 
drede  and  fflee  from  f  e  swete  wordes  of  flaterers  and  preisers 
fan  fro  f  e  eger  wordes  of  f  i  frende  fat1  saif  f  e  f  i  sof  es.  [2368] 
1f  Salomon  seif  f  That1  f  e  wordes  of  a  flaterer  is  a  snare 
to  cacchen  innocentes  wife.  [2369]  He  seif  also  fat1  he 
fat1  spekef  to  his  freende.  wordes  of  swetnesse  and  of 
plesaunce  settef  a  nett1  byfore  his  foote  to  cacchen  him 
[2370]  And  ferfore  seif  Tullius  f  Encline  nat1  fine 
ceres  to  fflaterers.  ne  take  no  counsaile  to  wordes  of 
fflatery  [2371]  And  Caton  seif  IT  Auise  fe  wel  and 
eschewe  wordes  of  swetnesse  and  of  plesaunce . 
[2372]  And  eke  fou  shalt1  eschwe  fe  counsaile  of 
fine  olde  enemyes  [qui  sont  reconcilies,  [2373] 
car  il  est  escript :  mil  ne  retourne  seurement  en  la 

PKTWORTH    506    (G-T.  21o)  [Meaf  233] 


SIX-TEXT    216 

GROUP  B.    §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth.  MS. 

grace  de  son  ennemy .]  [2374]  IF  And  Isope  seif .  Ne 
trest1  not1  to  hem  to  f  e  which  f  ow  hast  hadde  somtyme  werre 
or  cnemyte.  ne  telle  not1  heni  fi  counsaile  [2375]  IF  And 
senec1  telle]?  •  fe  cause  whi  •  it1  may  nat1  be.  He  seif 
where  fat1  grete  fuyre  haf  longe  endured .  fat1 
fer  dwellef  somrae  vapour  of  warmnesse  [2376]  IF  And 
f erfore  seif  Salomon ./  In  fine  olde  foo  trest1  neuere . 
[2377]  ffor  sikerly  fou^e  fine  enemye  be  reconsiled 
and  makef  fe  chere  of  hu?ralite.  and  lowtef  to  fe 
his  hede.  ne  trust1  him  neuere.  [2378]  for  certes 
he  makef  filk  fayned  humilite  more  for  his  profite 
fan  for  eny  loue .  of  f i  persone .  [qfin  gidl  puisse 
avoir  victoire  de  toi\  by  swich  feyned  co?mten- 
aunce.  fe  which  victory  he  my^t1  not1  haue  wif  stryf 
or  werre  [2379]  1F  And  Peter  Alfons  seif  1F  Make  noon 
felawship  wif  fine  olde  enemyes .  for  }if  f  owe  doo  hem 
bounte .  f  ei  wil  peruerten  it1  into  wykkednesse 
[2380]  1F  And  eke  fou  most1  eschwe  f  e  counsaile  of  ham 
fat1  ben  f  i  se[r]uawntes .  and  beren  f  e  grete  reuerence .  for 
perauenture  fei  sayfi  if  more  for  drede  fan  for  loue 
[2381]  1F  And  ferfore  seif  a  Philosophre  in  fis 
wisef  Ther  nys  no  wi}^  perfitly  trwe  to  hym  fat1  he  to 
fore  dredef  [2382]  IF  And  Tullius  saif  IF  Ther  is  noo 
nr^t1  so  grete  of  noon  Emperour  that1  longe  may  endure 
but1  :$if  he  haue  more  loue  of  fe  puple  fan  drede 
[2383]  IT  Thow  shalt1  also  e[s]cheu  f  e  counsaillynge  of  folk 
fat1  bene  dronklewe.  for  fei  ne  can  no  counsaile  hide 
[2384]  1F  ffor  Salomon  seif  1F  Ther  is  no  counsaile  fer  as 
regiief  dronknesse  [2385]  IF  3e  shul  also  haue  in  suspecte 
fe  counsaile  of  such  folk1  as  counsaile  ^owe 
prively.  oon .  Jand  fe  contrarie  openly  [2386] 
ffor  Cassiodorie  seif./  That1  it1  is  a  manere  sd^t1  to 
hindere .  whan  he  sweweth  to  doon  oon  f  inge  openly  and 
werkef  fe  contrarie  prively  [2387]  IF  Thow  shalt1  also 
haue  in  suspecte  the  counsailing1  wif  wickef  folke  ffor  f  e 
boke  saif  The  couwsailynge  of  wicked  folk1  is  alway  ful 

PETWORTH    507    (6-T.  216)         [Meaf  233,  oack] 


SIX-TEXT    217 
GROUP    B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PetWOlth   MS. 

of  fraude  [2388]  And  dawd  seif  Blessed  is  fat1  man 
Jjat1  haf  not1  folowed  fe  counsailling1  of  wikked  men  or 
schrewen  [2389]  ^  Thow  shalt1  also  eschewe  f  e  counsaile 
of  3onge  folk1 .  for  her  counsaile  is  not1  ripe 

[2390]  1T  Now  Sire  sif  I  haue  shewde  ^on  of  such. 
folk1  30  slinld  take  ^oure  counsaille  And  of  which.  folk1  30 
shul  take  ^oure  counsaile.  and  of  which  folk1  36  shul 
folowe  j>e  counsaille  [2391]  5T  Now  shal  I  telle  ^ou  howe  30 
shul  examyne  ^oure  counsaile .  after1  f  e  doctn'ne  of  Tullius 

[2392]  in  examynynge.  fan  of  ^oure  counseillowr . 
30  shul  considere  mony  fingges  [2393]  IF  Alfer  furst1  33 
shul  considere  Jjat1  in  ])ilk  finge  pat1  J>owe  pwrposest. 
and  vppon  what1  jnnge  jjow  wolt1  haue  counsaille  jjat1  verrey 
troufe  be  saide  and  considered.  This  is  to  sayn  telle 
trewly  )?i  tale .  [2394]  for  he  fat1  seijj  fals  may  not1 
wel  be  counsailed  in  fat1  tale  [in  which  he  lyeth]  [2395] 
And  after1  This  J?ou  shalt1  considere  foo  fingges  faf 
accorden  to  fat1  fou  pwrposest  forto  doo  by  fi  counsail- 
lours .  3if  reson .  accorde  f erto .  [2396]  &  eke  3if  f i 
myght1  may  atteyne  f  erto  .  And  3if  f  e  mo-re  party  and  f  e 
better  part1  of  fi  counsailours  accorde  ferto  anoon. 
[2397]  fan  shalt1  fou  considere  fat1  finge  fat1  shal 
folowe  of  fat1  counsailleng1 .  as .  pees .  werre . 
grace .  profite  or  damage  and  mony  of  er  f  ingges . 
[2398]  [et  en  toutes  cvs  choses]  fow  shalt1  chese  fe 
best1  and  wayue  att  ofer.  [2399]  IT  Than 
shalt1  fow  considere  of  what1  roote  is  engendred  f  i  matere 
of  f  i  counsaile  and  whatt1  fruyte  may  be  conseyued  and 
engendred  f  er-of  [2400]  ^T  Thow  shalt1  also  considere  aH  f  ise 
cases  from  whannes  fei  bene  sprongen  [2401]  And 
whan  $e  han  examyned  3oure  counsaille  as  I  haue  saide . 
which  parte  is  fe  better  and  more  profitable  and 
haue  approued  it1  by  mony  wise  folk1  and  eelde .  [2402] 
Than  shalt1  fow  considere  if  fow  maist1  performe  it1  and 
make  of  it1  a  good  ende .  [2403]  ffor  reson  wil  not1 
fat1  eny  man  shuld  bygynne  a  finge  but1  3if  he  myght1 
p^rforme  if  as  hym  lest  or  ai^t1  [2404]  Ne  no  wi^t1  shuld 

P£T WORTH    508    (6-T.  217) 


SIX-TEXT    218 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

take  vpon  him  so  heuy  a  charge  faf  he  my3f  nof  bere 
if.  [2405]  ifor  fe  prouerbe  seif.  He  faf  to  moche 
embraisethf  destraynef  litel  •  [2406]  And  Caton  saif 
IF  Assaie  to  doo  such  f  ingges  as  f  ow  hast  pouer  to  doo . 
lesf  faf  fi  charge  oppresse  fe  so  soor  faf  fe 
byhouef  to  wayue .  f  inge  faf  foil  hasf  bygonne 
[2407]  ^F  And  3if  so  be  l  faf  f  owe  be  in  doute  whedere  fou 
maisf  performe  a  finge  or  noon,  chese  rafer  to  sulfre 
fan  bygynne  [2408]  And  Petrus  Alfons  /  saif  f  If 
j)ou  hasf  niyghf  to  done  a  finge  of  which  fe  mosf 
repenf.  if  is  bettere  nay  fan  366.  [2409]  This  is 
to  sayn  j?af  fe  is  bettere  to  holde  ]>i  tunge  stille .  fan 
forto  speke .  [2410]  Than  may  36  vnderstonde  by 
stronger  resons .  f af  3  if  fou  hasf  powere  to  perfourme  a 
warke  of  which  fou  shalf  repenf.  fan  is  if  better 
faf  fowe  suffre  fan  bygynne  [2411]  IF  Wei  sayne  fei  faf 
defenden  euery  wi3f  to  assay  a  fing1  of  which  he  is 
in  doute  whedere  he  may  performe  if  or  noon.  [2412] 
And  after  whan  30  han  examyned  3oure  counsaile  as  I 
haue  saide  biforn .  and  knowen  wel  30  may  per- 
fourme  3oure  emprise .  conforme  if  fan  sadly  til  if  be  af 
an  eend? 

[2413]  1T  Nowe  is  if  reson  and  tyme.  faf  I  shewe 
when  and  wherfore  faf  36  may  chaunge  3oure  counsail- 
lours  wif-ouf  repreef1  [2414]  IF  Sofely  a  man 
may  change  his  counsaille .  and  his  p?/rpoos  if  f  e  cause 
sesef.  or  whan  a  newe  cause  byndef .  [2415]  ffor  fe 
lawe  seif  faf  vpon  fingges  faf  newly  betiden  byhouef 
newe  cowsaille.  [2416]  And  Sene#  seif  /  3if  fi  counsaile 
be  cowmen  to  f  e  eeres  of  myn  enemyef  chaunge  fi  counsaille 
[2417]  IF  Thow  maisf  also  chaurcge  fi  counsaille.  3if  so 
be  faf  fou  fynde  faf  by  errowr  or  by  ofer 
cause  harme  or  damage  may  be-tide  [2418]  1F  Also  ^if  fi 
counsaille  be  dishonest .  or  ellis  commef  of  dishonesf  cause 
chaunge  fi  ccwsaille  [2419]  ffor  fe  lawes  sayn  *  faf 
al  byheestes  faf  bene  dishonesf  bene  of  no  valewe . 

PETWOHTH    609    (6-T.  218)  C1  leaf  234^ 


SIX-TEXT    219 
GROUP  B.     §   10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth  MS. 

[2420]  And  eke  $if  it1  so  be  fat1  it1  be  inpossible  or  may 
not1  goodly  be  performed  or  ke*pf . 

[2421]  And  take  fis  for  a  general  rewle  fat1  euery 
counsaile  f  af  is  affermed  so  strongly  fat1  if  may  nat1  be 
chaunged  for  no  condicion  fat1  may  be-tide  I  saye  fat1 
f  ilk1  counsayle  is  wikked 

[2422]  1T  This  Melebius  whaw  he  had  herde  fis  doctrme 
of  his  wiff  Dame  Prudence .  Answerde  in  ])is  wise . 
[2423]  ^F  Dame  quod  he  as  ^if  into  fis  tyme  30 
han  wel  and  corcnably  tau^f  me.  as  in  generaH  ho  we  I 
shal  gouerne  as  in  chesinge  and  in  wif  holding1 
of  my  counsaillours  [2424]  But1  no  we  wolde  I  fayn  fat1 
36  wolden  condescenden  in  especiali.  [2425]  and  tel  me 
howe  like]) .  or  what1  semef  ^owe  by  our  counsaillours 
fat1  we  haue  chosen  in  our  present1  nede 

[2426]  H  My  lord?  quod  she  I  biseche  ^owe  in  alle  hum- 
blesse  fat1  30  wil  not1  wilfully  replie  a^einst1  my  resons  / 
and  mystemper  nat1  ^our  hert1  f ou3e  1 1say  or  speke  finge  fat1 
^ou  displesef  .  [2427]  fFor  god  woote  fat1  as  fat1  as  in  myn 
entent1 1  speke  it1  for  ^oure  best1  for  ^oure  honure  and  ^oure 
profite .  [2428]  and  sofly.  I  hope  fat1  ^oure  be- 
nig1nite  wil  taken  in  pacience .  [2429]  Trestef  me 
wel  quod  she  fan  fat1  ^oure  counsaille  as  in  f  is  caas  ne  shuld 
nat1  as  forto  speke  proprely .  be  called  a  consaillinge .  but1  a 
mocion  or  mouynge  of  foly.  [2430]  in  which"  counsaille 
36  han  erred  [en  moult  de  manieres\ 

[2431]  [Premier ement,  tu  as  erre]  in  fe  assem- 
blyng1  of  ^oure  counsaillers .  [2432]  ffor  30  shuld*  first1 
haue  cleped  a  fewe  folk1  [et  puis  apres  plusieurs] 
^if  it1  had  bene  nede.  [2433]  But1  certes  30 
han  sodeynly  cleped  to  3oure  counsaille  a  grete 
multitude  of  puple .  fful  chargeanf  and  ful  noyous  forto 
here  [2434]  Also  36  han  erred .  for  fere  as  30 
shulcP  oonly  haue  cleped  to  3oure  counsaille  3oure 
trewe  freendes  olde  and  wise  [2435]  3e  haue  ycleped 
straunge  folk1.  3onge  folk1,  fals  flaterers  and  enemyes 

PETWORTH   510   (6-T.  219)         [i  leaf  234,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    220 
GROUP   B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

reconsiled  and  folk1  pat1  done  3011  reuerence  without 
loue  [2436]  IF  Also  30  haue  erred .  for  ^e  haue 
brou^tt  wip  3011  to  3oure  counsaille .  Ire .  Coueityse . 
;ind  hastynesse  [2437]  pe  which,  pre  pingges  [sont 
contrcdres  a  conseil,  ef\  [2438]  30  han  not1 
avyncesed  or  destroyed  hem  /  neipe/  in  3oure 
self  ne  in  3oure  counsaillours  as  36  oi^t  [2439] 
IT  3e  haue  erred  also  for  30  han  shewed  to  3oure 
counsailers  3oure  talent1  and  3oure  affection  to  make 
werre  anoon  and  forto  do  vengeance.  [2440]  pei  han 
espied  by  3oure  wordes  to  what1  ping1  30  bene  eiiclined . 
[2441]  &  perfore  han  pei  coimsailled  30U  raper  to 
3oure  talent1  pan  to  3oure  prophete  [2442]  IF  3e  haue  erred 
also,  ifor  it  semed  pat1  3ou  suffised  to  haue  bene  coim- 
sailled by  pise  counsailloures  oonly  &  with  pat1  litel  avice ./ 
[2443]  Where  as  in  so  grete  and  so  highe  a  nede  it1  had 
ben  necessarie  moo  counsaillours  and  more  deliberacion  to 
performe  3oure  emprise  [2444]  1T  36  haue  erred  also,  for 
30  haue  nat1  examened  3oure  counsaile  in  J?e  forseide 
matere  ne  in  dwe  manere.  as  J>e  cace  require])  [2445]  IT  30 
han  erred  also  for  36  han  maked  no  dyuysion  bytwix 
3oure  counsaillours .  Jjis  is  to  sayn  bytwix  3oure 
frendes  &  3oure  fayned  couwsaillours  [2446]  ne  36  han 
not1  knowe  J>e  wille  of  3oure  trewe  frendes .  olde  and  wise 
[2447]  But1  36  han  cast1  aH  her  wordes  in  an  hocftepote 
and  enclyned  3oure  herte  to  J?e  more  parte  and  to  J>e 
gretter  nombre  and  Jjer  by  36  condescended .  [2448] 
And  si)>  36  wote  wele  pat1  men  shal  fynde  a 
gretter  multitude  of  fooles  \&n  of  wise  men.  [2449]  and 
perfor  J>e  counsaillours  pat1  ben  at  congregacions  and  mul- 
titudes of  folk1  per  as  men  take  more  reward  to  pe 
nombre  pan  to  pe  sapience  of  persones  [2450]  1T  3e  se  wel 
pat1 1in  such  counsaillyngges  fooles  haue  pe  maistrie  [2451] 
.Melebius  answerdl  ageyn  and  saide  IT  I  graunte  wel  pat1 
I  haue  erred.  [2452]  but1  per  as  powe  saist1  me  here 
bifore  pat1  he  nys  nat1  to  blame  pat1  chau??gep  his  courc- 

PETWORTH    511    (6-T.  220)  [i  leaf  235] 


SIX-TEXT    221 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS, 

saillours  in  certeyn  cases  and  for  certeyn)  iust1  causes 
[2453]  I  am  al  redy  to  chaunge  my  counsailours  ri^tt 
as  f  owe  wolt1  devise  [2454]  IT  The  prouerbe  seif .  fat1 
forto  do  synne  is  maranyssfi  But  certes  forto  perseuere 
longe  in  synne  is  werke  of1  f  e  deueH 

[2455]  1T  To  fis  sentence  anoon  answered  dame  pru- 
dence and  saide  [2456]  Examynef  quod  fan  she  3oure  coun- 
saile.  and  lat  vs  see  whiche  of  hem  haf  spoken 
moosf  resonable  &  taught1  $ou  best*  counsaile.  [2457] 
And  for  as  moche  as  fat1  fe  examynacion  is  necessarie 
lat1  vs  bygynne  at1  Cirurgiens  and  at1  fe  phisicience  fat1 
fursf  speken  in  fis  matere .  [2458]  I  say  ^ou  fat1  f  e 
Cirurgiens  and  J)e  phisiciens  haue  seiden  ^ou  in  ^oure  coun- 
saile discretly  as  hem  au^te.  [2459]  and  in  her  speche 
seiden  ful  wisely  as  to  fe  office  J?af  hem  appentej)  to 
done  to  euery  wight1  honoure  and  profite  and  no  wi^f 
to  anoye  [2460]  and  aftere  her  craft1  to  doon  grete  diligence 
vnto  ]>&  cure  of  hem  which  fat1  ]?ei  han  in  gouern- 
cmnce .  [2461]  And  sir1  rijt1  as  pei  han  answered 
wisely  and  discretely  [2462]  ri^t  so  rede  I  fat1  fei 
bene  heghly  and  souereynly  guerdoned  for  her  noble 
speche .  [2463]  and  eke  for  fei  shuld  do  ]?e  more 
ententif  bysynes  in  J?e  Curacion  of  ^oure  doubter*  / 
[2464]  ffor  al  be  it1  soo  fat1  fei  bene  ^oure  freendes 
ferfore  shal  36  not1  suffre  fat1  fei  seme  ^ou  for 
nou^t1  [2465]  But1  36  au^t1  fe  rafer  to  gerdone  hem  and 
she  we  hem  ^our  largesse .  [2466]  And  as  tochinge  f  e 
proposicion  fe  which  fe  phisiciens  encresden  in  fis 
caas.  fis  is  to  sayn  [2467]  fat1  in  maladies,  fat1  oon 
contrarief  is  warshed  by  anofer  contrarie  [2468]  .1 
wold  fayn  knowe  how  fei  vnderstonde  f  ilk1  text1  And 
what1  is  her  sentence  [2469]  51  Certes  q^od  Melebius 
vnderstonden  it1  in  fis  wise .  [2470]  fat1  ri^t1  as  fei  han 
[m\ont)  fait  un  contraire,  que  je  leur  face  un  autre, 
[2471]  et  pour  ce  qu'ils  (se)  sonf]  venged  ham  on  me  and 
done  me  wronge  I^t4  so  shal  I  venge  me  vpon  hem . 

PETWOKTH    612    (6-T.  22l) 


SIX-TEXT    222 
GROUP   B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

and  done  hem  wronge  [2472]  and  pan  haue  I  cured  oon 
contrary  by  a  noper 

[2473]  IT  lo  lo  quod  dame  Prudence,  how  113%  is* 
euery  man  enclyned  to  his  owne  desire  and  to  his  awne 
plesaunce  [2474]  Certes  quod  she .  wordes  of  pe 
phisiciens  ne  shulden  natf  haue  bene  vnderstonden  in  pis 
wise.  [2475]  ffor  certys  wikkednesse  is  nat1  contrarie 
to  wicknesse .  ne  vengeance  to  vengeaunce .  ne  wrong1 
to  wronge .  but1  pei  bene  semblable  [2476]  and  per- 
for  on  vengea^mce  is  not1  warisshed  by  anoper  venge- 
aunce.  ne  oon  wrong1  by  a  noper  ! wronge.  [2477]  but1 
euer-ych  of  hem  encresep  and  angrep  and  greggep  oper. 
[2478]  But  certes  pe  wordes  of  pe  phisicien  shuld  ben 
vnderstonden  in  pis  wise  .  [2479]  ffor  goodnesse  and  wikked- 
nesse ben  two  contraries  and  pees  and  werre  and  venge- 
aurcce  and  suffrance .  discord?  and  accorde  and  mony 
oper  pingges .  [2480]  But1  certes  wikkednesse  shal  be 
warsshed  by  goodnesse .  discord*  by  accord* .  werre  by  pees . 
and  so  for]?  of  oper  pingges  .  [248 1]  And  also  to  hem  accorde j) 
[saint  Pol]  pe  appostel  in  mony  places  [2482]  He 
seip .  ne  ^eldejj  noi^fr  harme  for  harme  ne  wikked  speche 
for  wikked  speche.  [2483]  but1  do]?  wel  to  hem  Jjat1  don 
^ou  harme .  and  blesse  hem  Jjat1  sayn  to  }>e  harme  [2484] 
and  in  mony  oj>er  places  he  amoneste]?  pees  and 
accorde .  [2485]  IF  But1  now  wil  I  speke  to  ^ou  of  J?e  coun- 
saile  which  pat1  was  ^euen  to  ^ou  by  ]>e  men  of  lawe 
and  pe  wise  folk1  [2486]  pat1  seiden  aH  by  oon  acorde 
as  36  han  herd?  bifore  .  [2487]  That1  ouer  alle  pingges  30 
shal  do  3oure  diligence  to  kepe  3oure  persones  arid 
to  warnestore  3oure  hous  [2488]  and  saiden  also .  pat1 
in  pis  36  ou3tt  forto  worchen  ful  wisely  and  bisily  and 
wip  grete  deliberacion  [2489]  And  sire  as  to  pe  fursfr 
poynt1  pat1  touchep  to  pe  keping1  of  3©ur  persone 
[2490]  36  shul  vnderstonde  pat1  he  pat1  hap  werre  shal 
euermore  deuoutely  and  mekely  preien  by-forn  alle 
pingges  [2491]  pat1  Ihesu  cri'st  of  his  mercy,  wol 

PETWOUTH    513    (6-T.  222)         C1  leaf  225,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    223 
GROUP    B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

haue  hym  in  his  protection  and  bene  his  souereyn  helpinge 
at1  his  nede.  [2492]  ffor  certes  in  fis  world4  fer  nys  no 
wi3#  fat1  may  be  counsailled  or  kepte  sufficiently  wif- 
out1  fe  kepinge  of  our  lord?  Ihesu  cr/st.  [2493]  To  fis 
sentence  accordef  f  e  profete  Dauid  fat1  seif .  [2494] 
3if  god  ne  kepe  f  e  Citee  in  ydel  waitef  he  fat1  it1  kepef . 
[2495]  Now  sire  fan  shul  30  committe  [la  garde]  of 
3oure  persone  to  ^oure  trewe  frendes  fat1  bene  appreued 
and  yknowe  [2496]  and  of  hem  shul  36  askeii  helpe  ^ouro 
body  forto  kepe  ffor  caton  seif  1T  3if  f°u  hast1 
nede  of  helpe  aske  it1  of  fi  frendes  [2497]  ffor  fer  is 
noon  so  good  a  phisicien  as  fi  trewe  frende  [2498] 
^  After  fis  fan  shal  36  kepe  ^ou  from  al 
straunge  folk*  and  fro  leers  and  haue  alway  in  suspecte 
her  companye  [2499]  ^F  ffor  Pers  Alfons  seij?  ])us  ne 
take  no  company  by  J>e  waye  of  a  straunge  mon .  but  }if 
so  be  fat1  J>o\ve  knowe  him  of  a  lenger  tyme.  [2500] 
And  }if  so  be  fat1  he  falle  to  fi  companye  per- 
auenture  wif-outen  fine  assent1  [2501]  enquere  fan 
as  sotilly  as  euer  f  ou  maist1  of  his  conuersacion  and  of  his 
lyf  byfore  and  feyne  fi  way.  Say  fow  wolt1  goo  fidere 
as  fou  wilt1  not1  goo.  [2502]  and  }if  he  bere  a  spere 
holde  fe  on  fe  ri^t1  side.  And  }if  he  bere  xa  swerde 
holde  fe  on  fe  lift1  side  [2503]  and  so  after*  fis 
fan  shal  30  kepe  3ou  wisely  from  al  such"  manere 
puple  as  I  haue  saide  byfore  and  hem  and  her  counsaile 
eschewe.  [2504]  And  fan  after  fat1  shal  30  kepe  3ou 
in  such  a  manere  [2505]  fat1  for  eny  presumpcion  of  3oure 
strength"  .  fat1  36  ne  despise  nat1  f e  n^t1  of  3oure 
enemye  and  of  30^7-  aduersarie.  so  lite  fat1  30  lete  fe 
kepinge  of  3oure  persone  for  3oure  presumpcion.  [2506] 
ffor  euery  wise  man  dredef  his  enemye .  [2507] 
Salomon  saif .  wakeful  is  he  fat1  oft1  haf  drede . 
[2508]  ffor  certes  he  fat1  forowe  hardynesse  of  his 
herf  and  forowe  fe  hardynesse  of  hy?ft  self1  haf  to 
grete  presumpcion  him  shal  euel  betide  [2509]  IF  Than 

PETWORTII   514    (6-T.  223)  [i  leaf  230] 


SIX-TEXT    224 
GROUP   B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

slial  $e  euerrnore  countrewaite  enbusshmentys  and  al 
especials.  [2510]  ffor  Seneca  saif .  fat1  fe  wise  man 
fat1  dredef  harmesf  eschewef  hannes .  [2511]  he  ne 
fallef  not1  into  periles  f  fat1  periles  eschewef  [25 1 2]  IF  And  al 
be  it1  so  fat1  it1  seme  pat1  fou  art1  in  siker  place  ^it1 
shaltowe  alway  doo  f  i  diligence  in  kepinge  of  j)i  persone . 
[2513]  fis  is  to  sayn  be  not1  necligent1  to  kepe  fi 
persone  not1  oonly  from  f  i  grettest1  enemyes  i  but1  fro  ])i 
leest1  enemyes .  [2514]  Senec1  saif .  A  man  fat1  is  wel 
avised  lie  dredef  his  leest1  enemye  [2515]  Ovide.  saif. 
fat1  fe  litel  weseH  wil  slee  fe  grete  Owle  and  fe 
\vilde  hert1  [2516]  And  fe  boke  seij?  f  A  litel  forne 
may  prik1  a  kinge  ful  sore .  And  an  hounde  wil 
liolde  ]>e  wilde  bore.  [2517]  But1  na]?elees  I  say.  5F  not1 
])ou  shalt1  be  so  modi  cowarde  j^at1  jjou  doute  ]?er  as  if  is  no 
drede  [2518]  1F  The  boke  saijj  /  fat1  some  folk1  hail 
grete  lest1  to  desceyue .  but1  ^it1  J?ei  dreden  hem  to  be  de- 
sceyued.  [2519]  3^  shalt1  fou  drede  to  be  empoysened? 
and  kepe  J>e  from  fe  company  of  scorners  [2520] 
1T  ffor  fe  booke  seff  Wij?  scorners  make  no  companye. 
but1  flee  hem  and  her  wordes  as  venyme . 

[2521]  Now  as  to  fe  secounde  poynt1  when  as  ^oure 
wise  counsailours  counsailed  ^ow  to  war?istore  ^oure  hous 
wijj  grete  diligence.  [2522]  I  wold  fayn  knowe  how  fat1 
$e  vnderstonden  filk1  wordys  and  what1  is  ^oure  Sentence . 

[2523]  Melebius  Answerd1  and  saide .  Certes  I  vnder- 
stonde  it1  in  fis  wise  fat1  I1  shal  warnstore  myn  hous 
wif  towres  such  as  haue  castels  and  ofer  manere 
edifi[c]es  and  armure  and  arcelries  [2524]  by  such 
fingges  as  I  may  my  persone  and  my  hous  kepe  and 
defende .  fat1  myn  enemyes  shul  be  in  drede  myn 
hous  to  approche . 

[2525]  To  fis  sentence  anon  answerdl  Dame  Prudence 
^T  Warnstoringe  quod  she  of  hegh  toures  and  grete 
edifices  [appertaineth  sometimes  to  pride  [2526]  Men 
make  towers  and  great  edifices]  with  grete 

PETWORT1I    616   (6-T.  224) 


SIX-TEXT    225 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

costages  and  wip  grete  travaile .  and  whan  pat1  pei  be 
accompliced .  ^it1  bene  pei  nat1  worp  a  stree .  but1  $if  .pei  ben 
deffended  by  trewe  frendes  pat1  bene  olde  and  wise ./  [2527] 
1And  vnderstonde  wel  pat1  pe  strongest1  and  pe  grettest1 
garison  pat1  pe  riche  man  may  haue  as  wel  to  kepe  his 
persone  as  his  goodes.  is  [2528]  pat1  he  be  beloued 
wip  his  subiectys.  and  wij>  his  nei^bowrs  [2529]  ffor 
pus  saip  Tnllius  1F  That*  per  is  a  maner  garneson  pat1 
no  man  may  venquyssh  ne  discomfett1.  And  pat1  is  [2530] 
a  lord  to  be  byloued  wip  his  Citeseins  and  of  his  puple 

[2531]  Now  sir  as  to  pe  iij.  poynt1  where  as 
olde  and  wise  counsaillours .  seiden  pat1  ^owe  ne 
not1  sodeynly  ne  hastely  proceden  in  J>is  nede . 
[2532]  but1  fat1  $ou  ai^t1  purveien  and  apparailen  $ou 
in  ]?is  caas  MTij?  grete  diligence  and  grete  deliberacion  . 
[2533]  trewly  I  trowe  J>afr  J?ei  seiden  ri^t1  wisely 
and  rijf  soj?e.  [2534]  ffor  Tullius  seijj  11  In  euery 
nede  er  )?ow  bygynne  it1  apparaille  ]?e  wij?  grete 
diligence  [2535]  Than  say  I  Jmt1  in  vengeance 
takinge  in  werre  in  bataile  and  in  warne-storinge . 
[2536]  er  pan  pou  bygynne.  I  rede  pat1  ]?ou  apparaile  pe 
Jjerto.  and  do  it1  with  grete  deliberacion.  [2537]  ffor 
Tullius  saip  f  ^  That1  longe  apparaylinge  to-forn  pe  bataile  i 
makep  shorte  victorie.  [2538]  And  so  Cassidorws  saij).  IF  The 
garneson  is  stronger  whan  it1  is  longe  tyme  avised . 

[2539]  But1  now  lat1  vs  speke  more  of  pe  counsaile.  pat1 
was  accorded  by  3oure  neighbours  which  as  doon  3011 
reuerence  wip-out1  loue  [2540]  3oure  olde  enemyes  recon- 
siled,  ^oure  flaterers  [2541]  pat1  cozmsailden  ^ou  .cer- 
teyn  pingges  prively .  and  openly  counsailden  ^ou  pe 
contrarie  [2542]  IF  The  }onge  folk1  also  pat1  counsailed 
^ou  to  venge  3ou  /  and  make  werre  anoon  [2543]  1T  -And 
certes  sire  as  I  haue  saide  byforn  $e  haue  gretly  erred 
to  han  cleped  Such  manere  folk1  to  ^oure  counsaile .  [2544] 
which  counsailours  bene  nowe  repreued .  by  pe  resons 
to-fore  saide.  [2545]  But1  napelees  lat1  nowe  descende  to 

PETWORTH   616    (6-T.  225)         [Ueaf  238,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    226 

GROUP  B.   §  10,   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

f  e  speciaH  .  IF  36  shullen  furst1  proceden  afiere  f  e  doctr/ne 
of  Tullius  [2546]  IF  Certes  fe  troupe  of  fis  or 
J>is  counsaile  nedef  nat1  diligently  enquere .  [2547]  for  it* 
is  wel  wist1  which  fei  bene  fat1  done  to  3ou  fis 
trespace  and  vilanye  [2548]  and  how  mony  trespasours. 
and  in  what1  manere  fei  han  to  3011  done  .  Aft  fis 
wronge  and  al  fis  vylanye  [2549]  And  aftere  fis 
fan  shal  30  examyne  fe  .ij.  condicions  whiche 
fat1  fe  same  Tullius  addef  in  fis  matere.  [2550]  ffor 
Tullius  put1  to  a  f  inge .  f  e  which  he  clepef  consentinge . 
fis  is  to  sayn  [2551]  IF  Who  "ben  fei  and  which  bene  fei. 
and  how  mony .  fat1  consenten  to  f  i  counsaile  in  f  i  wilful- 
nesse  to  doo  hastely  1F  vengeaunce .  [2552]  And  lafr  vs  con- 
sidere  also .  Who  bene  £ei  and  howe  mony  &  which" 
bene  pei  fat1  consenten  to  301110  aduersaries .  [2553] 
And  certys  as  to  J?e  1furst1  poynt1  it1  is  wel  knowen  which 
folk1  bene  J?ei  fat1  consenten  to  3oure  hastif  w  ilf ni- 
nes.  [2554]  ifor  trewly  al  foo  fat1  counsailden  3ou 
to  make  sodeyn  werre  ne  bene  nat1  3oure  frendes  [2555] 
[Or  veons  doncques  qui  tu  es  et  qid  sont  ceulx  que  tu 
Hens  tant  a  ennemis .]  as  to  3oure  persone.  [2556]  ifor 
al  be  it1  soo  fat1  30  bene  myghty  and  riche.  certes  30 
bene  but1  alloon .  [2557]  for  certes  36  ne  haue  no  childe 
but1  a  dou3tere  .  [2558]  ne  36  ne  haue  no  bref  eren  ne  Cosyns 
Germaynns  ne  noon  ofer  nygli  kynrede ./  [2559]  wherfore 
fat1  3oure  enemyes  for  drede  shulden  stent1  to  plede  with" 
3owe  ne  destroye  3oure  pe?-sone  [2560]  IF  3©  knowe 
also  fat1  3oure  richesses  mosten  be  dalt1  in 
diuers  parties.  [2561]  and  whan  fat1  euery  wi3f  haf 
his  parte  f  ei  ne  wol  not1  take  but1  litel  reward?  to  venge 
fi  deth.  [2562]  but1  fine  enemyes  bene  J}re.  And 
f  ei  han  mony  children .  bref  eren  Cosynes  and  ofer  nygh" 
kinrede.  [2563]  And  f 01130  it1  so  were  fow  haddest1 
sclayn  of  hem  twoo  or  free  .  3if  dwellen  f er  ynowe  to  wreke 
her  deeth.  and  to  slee  fi  pe?*sone  [2564]  And  f 01136  so 
were  fat1  3oure  kynrede  were  more  siker  and  stedfast1  fan 

PETWORTII    517    (6-T.  226)  [i  leaf  237] 


SIX -TEXT    227 

GROUP  B.   §  10.  MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

fe  kyn  of  $oure  aduersaries.  [2565]  }!#  nafelees  3oure 
kynrede  nys  but*  litel  kynrede  .  and  litel  sibbe 
to  3owe .  [2566]  And  fe  kynne  of  ^oure  enemyes  ben  nygh 
sibbe  to  hem .  And  ceitis  as  to  fat1 .  Her  condicione  is  betf 
faf  3owres.  [2567]  Than  laf  vs  considere  also.  $if  fe 
counsaillinge  of  hem  faf  counsailed  3owe  to  take  sodeyn 
vengeawnce  whedere  it1  accorde  to  reson  .  [2568] 
Certys  36  knowe  wel  nay.  [2569]  ffor  as  by  ri^t1  and 
reson  f  er  may  no  man  take  vengeaunce  on  no  wi3f  bnf 
fe  luge  fat1  haf  fe  Jurisdiction  of  it1  [2570]  whan  it1  is 
ygraunted  hym  to  take  filk*  vengeance  hastely  or  at- 
temperally  as  fe  la  we  require)).  [2571]  And  31^  more- 
ouere  of  filk1  word4  fat1  Tullius  clepef  consentynge . 
[2572]  Thow  shalt1  considere  ^it1  fow  m.y^  and  fi  power 
my^t1  consent1  and  suffice  to  fi  wilfulnesse  and  to  fi 
counsailours .  [2573]  IF  And  certes  fou  maist1  wel  say 
nay.  [2574]  for  sikerly  as  forto  speke  proprely . 
we  may  do  no  f inge .  but1  oonly  fing1  as  we  may 
done  ri^tfully.  [2575]  And  certes  ri^frfully  ne  mowe  36 
take  no  vengeaunce  as  of  3oure  propre  auctorite  [2576] 
fan  mowe  36  sene  fat1  3oure  power  consentef 
nat1  ne  accordef  not1  to  3oure  wilfulnesse  [2^77]  IF  laf 
vs  nowe  examyne  fe  iij  poynf  faf  Tullius  clepef 
consequent1  [2578]  \Tu  dois  doncques  savoir  que  a 
rengence  que  tu  veulx  faire,  est  consequent^ 
[2579]  And  ferof  folowef  a-nofer  vengeaunce 
perile  and  werre .  and  of er  damages  wif-ouf  nombre 
of  which  we  bene  litel  warre  as  at  f  is  tyme ./  [2580]  IF  And 
as  toufing1  fe  fourte  poynf  faf  Tullius  clepef  en- 
gendringe  [2581]  foil  shalf  considere  fis  wronge 
which  fat  is  done  to  fe  is  engendred  of  fe  hate  of 
fine  enemyes  [2582]  and  of  fe  ! vengeance  takinge  vpon 
faf  wolde  engendre  anof ere  vengeawnce  And  mochel  sorowe 
and  waastinge  of  Eichesse  as  I  saide  eersf . 

[2583]  1F  Now  sire  as  fan  touchinge  to  fe  poynf .  Thaf 
Tullius  causes  which  faf  is  fe  last1  poynte    [2584]   fou 

PETWORTH    518    (6-T.  227)         C1  leaf  237, back] 


SIX-TEXT    228 

GROUP  B.    §  10.   MBLIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

shalt1  vnderstonde  fat1  f  e  wronge  fat1  fou  hast1  receyued 
ha])  certeyne  causes.  [2585]  whiche  fat1  clerkes  clepen 
orience.  And  officience.  And  causa  longinqua  and  causa 
p?*opinqua .  This  is  say  f  e  fer  cause  and  f  e  ny^e 
cause .  [2586]  The  fer  cause  is  almy^ty  god  fat1  is 
cause  of  al  f  ingges .  [2587]  The  nere  cause  is  by 
fre  enemyes  [2588]  IT  The  cause  accidental  was  hate. 
[2589]  fe  cause  material!  bef  .v.  woundes  of 
fi  doujtere  [2590]  The  cause  formal  is  fe  maner  of 
her  worching1  fat1  brou^ten  ladders  and  clomben  Inne  at1 
fi  wyndowes.  [2591]  The  cause  fFynal  was.  for  to  scle  fi 
doughtere.  It1  letted  nou^t1  in  as  modi  as  in  hem  was  /  [2592] 
Than  to  speke  of  fe  ferfe  cause  as  to  what1  ende  fei 
shal  come  or  what1  shal  fynaly  bytide  of  hem  in  fis 
caas.  ne  can  I  not1  deme  but1  by  countyng1  and  by 
supposinge  [2593]  IF  ffor  we  shul  suppose,  fat1  fei  shul 
come  to  a  wikked  ende  .  [2594]  by  cause  fat1  f e  booke 
of  Decrees  seif  IF  Seeldome  or  wif  grete  peyne  bene  causes 
ybrou^f  to  good  ende  whan  fei  bene  bodely  begonne . 

[2595]  IF  Now  sire  }if  men  wold  aske  me  whi  fat1 
36  sufficed  men  to  doo  ^ou  fis  wronge  and  vilenye .  Certes  I 
can  nat1  wel  answers  as  for  no  sof  fastnesse .  [2596]  ffor 
f  e  aposteH  saif .  fat1  f  e  sciences  and  f  e  lugementes  of 
our  lord  god  almy^ty.  bene  ful  depe.  [2597]  fer  may 
no  man  conprehende  ne  Serchen  hem  suffisantly  [2598] 
IF  Nafelees  by  certeyne  presu???pcions  of  coniectynggrrs 
I  holde  and  bileue  [2599]  fat1  god  which  fat1  is  ful  of 
iustice.  and  of  ri^twisnesse  haf  suffred  fis  bitidde  by 
lustise  IF  cause  resonable 

[2600]  IF  Thi  name  is  Melebye  1F  This  is  to  sayne  a  man 
fat1  drynkef  hony.  [2601]  thow  hast1  ydronke  so  moche 
hony  of  which  swete  temporeH  richesses  /  and  delicious  hon- 
oures  of  fis  world*  [2602]  fat1  fou  art1  dronken.  and 
hast1  for^eten  Ihesu  crist1  fine  creature  [2603]  Thow  ne 
hast1  not1  doon  to  hym  such  honours  and  reuerence  as  f  e 
au^t1  [2604]  ne  fou  ne  hast1  nat1  wel  taken  kepe  to 

PETWOKTH   519    (6-T.  228) 


SIX-TEXT    229 

GROUP  B.   §  10.  MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

fe  wordes  of  0  IT  Ovide  fat1  seif .  [2605]  Yndere  f  e  hony 
of  f  e  goddes  of  f  i  body .  is  hidde  f  e  venyme  fat1  scleef 
fi  soule  [2606]  IF  And  Salomon  saif .  3if  fou  hast1 
found2  hony  .  eete  of  if  faf  suffisef  the .  [2607]  ffor  }if  fou 
ete  of  if  out*  of  mesure.  fou  shalf  spewe  and  be  nedy 
and  pcore.  [2608]  and  perauenture  criste  haue  fe  in 
despite .  and  haf  turned  away  from  f  e  his  face  and  his 
eeres  of  mysericord?  [2609]  And  also  he  haf  suffred 
fat  fou  hast  be  1punshed  in  fe  manere  fat1  fou 
hast1  trespased .  [2610]  Thou  hast1  doon  synne  a^einsf 
our  lord  crisf  [2611]  ffor  certes  iij.  enemyes  of  man- 
kynde  fat1  is  to  seyne  f e  flessh"  .  f e  feende .  and  f e 
worlde  [2612]  thowe  hast1  suffred  hem  entred  into  fine 
lious  wilfully  by  fe  wyndowe  of  fi  body.  [2613]  And 
hasf  naf  defended  f  i  self  sufficiently  a^einst1  her  assawtes 
and  her  te?7iptacions  so  fat*  f  ei  han  wounded  f  e 
saule  in  .v.  places.  [2614]  fis  is  to  sayn  fe  dedly 
synnes  faf  bene  entred  into  fine  herf  by  fi  .v, 
wyndowes  [2615]  and  in  fe  same  manere  our  lord  c?^'st 
haf  suffred  and  willed  fat1  fise  iij.  enemyes  bene  entred 
into  fi  hous  by  fi  wyndowes  [2616]  and  haue 
ywounded  f  i  dou^tere  in  f  e  forsaide  manre 

[2617]  1f  Certes  quod  Melebius  I  se  wel  fat1  30  en- 
force ^ou  moche  by  wordis  to  ouercome  me  in  suche 
a  manere  fat1 1  shal  not1  venge  me  on  myn  enemyes .  [2618] 
shewing1  me  fe  periles  and  fe  eueles  fat1  myghten 
falle  of  fis  vengeaunce  [2619]  But1  who  so  wold?  considere 
in  aH  vengeances  f  e  periles  and  euels  fat1  my^ten  swe 
of  vengeance  takinge  [2620]  a  mon  wold  neuere  take 
vengeance  and  fat1  were  harme  [2621]  ffor  by  fe  venge- 
aunce takinge .  bene  f  e  wikked  men  disseuered  from  f  e 
good  men.  [2622]  And  fei  fat1  han  wille  to  do  wikked- 
nesse  restreynen  her  wikked  p?^rpoos  whan  they  sene  f  e 
punshynge  and  chastising1  of  trespasoures . 

[2623]  [And  to  this  answered  dame  Prudence  :  *  Certes/ 
said  she,  '  I  grant  you  that  from  vengeance  come  many 

PETWOIITIJ    520    (6-T.  229)  [» leaf  238] 


SIX-TEXT    230 
GROUP   B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

advantages  as  well  as  many  evils ;  [2624]  yet  vengeance  be- 
longeth  not  to  a  "  senglere  persone,"  but  only  to  the  judges, 
and  to  those  who  have  jurisdiction  over  evil-doers.'] 
[2625]  And  ^it1  say  I  more  pat1  as  ri^t1  as  so  senglere 
persone  synnej)  in  takinge  vengeaunce  of  a  noper  man 
[2626]  Ri^t1  so  synnej)  J?e  luge  $if  he  dco  no  vengeatmce 
on  hem  pat1  it1  haue  deserued  [2627]  1F  ffor  Senec1  sei]> 
Jms  1F  pat1  maister  he  sai})  is  good  pat1  repreuep  shrewes 
[2628]  11  And  as  Cassiodorie  seip.  A  man  dredep  to  do 
outrage  whan  he  woote  and  knowep  pat1  it  displesejj 
to  pe  lugges  and  pe  souereyns .  [2629]  And  anoper  seip  fl"  The 
luge  pat1  dredep  to  do  ri^f .  make])  men  schrewes 
[2630]  1T  And  seint1  Paule  pe  appostel  seip  in  his  epistel 
whan  he  write])  to  pe  Komayns  Jpat1  J?e  luge  berent1 
not1  ])e  spere  wi])-outen  cause.  [2631]  but1  ]?ei  beren  if 
to  punshe-Jje  schrewes  and  mysdoers  and  forto  defende 
Jje  good  men .  [2632]  ^if  ^e  wil  ]?an  take  vengeance 
of  ^oure  enemyes  ^e  shal  retourne  or  haue  ^oure  recours 
to  ]?e  luge  fat1  liaj>  ]?e  Jurisdiction  vpon  him  [2633] 
and  he  shal  punsshe  hem  as  )>e  lawe  askej)  and  requerej) 

[2634]  IF  A  quod  Melebies  J)is  vengeance  like]?  me 
no  Jnnge  [2635]  I  by-jjenk  me  nowe  and  take  hede. 
howe  fortune  haj)  norsshed  me  fro  my  childhode . 
and  ha])  hulpen  me  to  passe  mony  a  stronge  paas  [2636] 
5T  Now  wil  I  assaien  her  trowinge  wi]>  goddes  helpe 
J)af  he  shal  helpe  me  my  shame  forto  'venge 

[2637]  IT  Certes  qwod  Prudence  ^if  ^e  wil  wirk1  by  my 
counsaiH  ^e  shul  not1  assaien  fortune  by  no  way  [2638]  ne 
30  shul  not1  lene  ne  bowe  vnto  hire,  after  ])e  wordes 
of  Senec1.  [2639]  ffor  ])ingges  ]>ati  bene  folily  done,  and 
fat1  bene  in  hope  of  fortune  shullen  neuere  come  to  good 
eende.  [2640]  IT  And  as  ])e  same  senc<  sai]).  ])e  more 
clere  and  £e  more  shynynge  fat1  fortune  is .  J?e  more 
brotel  and  fe  sonner  brekef  -she .  [2641]  trestef  not1 
on  her  for  she  nys  nat1  stedfast1 .  [2642]  ffor  whan 
]?owe  wenest1  or  trowest1  to  be  more  swre  or  siker  of  her 

35  PET  WORTH     621(6-1.230)          [' leaf  23S,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    231 
.GROUP    B,     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

helpe.  she  wil  faile  fee.  [2643]  ^  And  \er  as  3e 
sayn  fat1  fortune  haf  norsshed  3011  from  3oure  child- 
hode.  [2644]  I  say  fat1  in  so  mochel  shal  36  fe 
lasse  trest1  in  her1,  and  in  her  witt1  [2645]  IF  ffor  Senetf 
8aif .  what1  man  fat1  is  norsshed  by  fortune  f  she  make]) 
him  to  grete  a  foole  [2646]  IT  ISTow  fan  sif  36  desire 
and  aske  vengeauwce .  and  f  e  vengeance  fat1  is  done 
[selon  Vordre  de  droit  et  devant  le  juge  ne  te  plaist,  [2647] 
et  la  vengence  qui  se  fait]  in  hope  of  fortune  is  peril- 
ous and  vncerteyn  .  [2648]  fen  haue  noon  ofer 
remedy,  but1  forto  haue  ^oure  cours  vnto  fe  souereyn 
luge  fan  vengef  aH  vilanyes  and  wrongges .  [2649] 
and  he  shal  venge  ^ou  .  After  hym  self  witnessej)  i 
where  as  he  saif  [2650]  H  leuejj  fe  vengeance  to  me./ 
&  I  shal  doo  it1 

[2651]  1T  Melebius  answered .  $ii  I  ne  venge  me  no}^  of 
J?e  vilanye  fat1  men  han  done  to  me .  [2652]  I  shal  somne  or 
warne  hem  fat1  han  do  to  me  foo  vilanyes  and  al  ofer 
to  doo  me  anof  er  vilanye .  [2653]  1F  ffor  it1  is  writen .  ^if 
fou  take  no  vengeawnce  of  an  olde  vilanye  /  fow  somn- 
est1  fine  adue?'saries  to  doo  an  newe  vilanye.  [2654] 
And  also  for  my  suffraunce  men  wolden  doo  me  so 
moche  vilanye  fat1  I  my^t1  neifer  bere  it1  ne  sus- 
teyne  it1.  [2655]  And  so  fan  I  shulde  be  kept1  ouer 
lawe  [2656]  H  ffor  men  sayn  In  mochel  suffringe  shul 
mony  fingges  vnto  fe  which  fow  shalt1  not1 
mow  suffre 

[2657]  ^F  Certes  quod  prudence  I  graunte  ^ow  faf 
ouer  mochel  suffraunce  is  not1  good  [2658]  But1  ^it1  ne 
folowef  it1  not1  f  er-of .  That1  euery  persone  to  whome  men 
doo  vilany  take  of  it1  vengeaunce .  [2659]  ffor  fat1  apper- 
tenef  &  longef  oonly  to  the  luges .  ffor  f  ei  shul 
venge  vilanyes  and  Iniuries.  [2660]  And  herfore 
foo  two  autoritees  fat1  36  han  saide  aboue  ben  oonly 
vnderstonden  in  fe  luges  [2661]  for  whan  fei  suffre 
ouer  IT  mykel  fe  wrongges  and  vilenyes  to  be  done 
PETWOKTU  522  (G-T.  231) 


SIX-TEXT    232 

GROUP  B.    §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

wip-out1  ponshinge .  [2662]  pei  somraone  nafr  a  man  al 
only  forto  doo  iiewe  wrongges  but1  pei  cowmaunden  it1 
[2663]  IT  Also  a  wise  man  seip  pat1  pe  luge  pat1  cor- 
rectep  not*  pe  synner.  Commaundep  and  biddep  hym  to 
synne  [2664]  and  pe  luges  and  !souereynes  my3ten  in 
her  londe  so  moche  sufFre  of  pe  Shrewes  and  mysdoers 
[2665]  pat1  pei  shulden  bye  such  suffraunce  by  processe  of 
tyme  wexen  of  such  power  and  my^t1.  pat1  pei  shuld 
putte  out1  pe  luges  and  souereynes  from  her  places . 
[2666]  and  at1  pe  last1  do  hem  lose  her  lordshippes 

[2667]  ^1  I  put1  caas  ri^t1  nowe  36  had  leue  to 
venge  $ou.  [2668]  I  say  pat1  36  ben  noi^f  of  myght1  ne 
power*  as  nowe  to  venge  ^ou  .  [2669]  ffor  ^if  we  wil  make 
comparison  vnto  pe  my^t1  of  jour  aduersaries .  36  shul 
fynde  in  many  pingges  pat1  I  haue  shewed  30"  er  pis 
pat1  her  condicion  is  better  pan  3oure .  [2670]  And 
perfore  say  I  pat1  it1  is  good  as  nowe  pat1  36  suffre  and 
be  pacient1 

[2671]  11  fferper  more  36  knowen  wel  pat1  after  pe 
comon  Sawe  it1  is  a  woodenesse  a  man  to  stryue  wip  a 
strenger.  or  wip  a  more  my3ty  man  pan  hym  self. 
[2672]  And  forto  stryue  wip  a  man  of  euen  strength 
pat1  is  to  say  wip  as  stronge  a  man  as  he  is  it1  is  perile . 
[2673]  And  forto  stryue  wip  a  waikere  man  it1  is  foly 
[2674]  And  perfore  shuld?  a  man  flee  stryuynge  as 
mochel  as  he  my^t1  [2675]  1F  ffor  Salomon  saip.  It  is  a 
grete  worship  a  man  to  kepe  hym  from  noyse  and 
stryf .  [2676]  And  3if  it'  so  byfalle  or  happe  pat1  a  man 
of  gretter  nr^t1  and  strenger  pan  pou  art1  do  pe 
greucmnce .  [2677]  stody  and  byse  pe  raper  to  stille 
pe  same  greutmnce  pan  forto  venge  pe  [2678]  1F  ffor 
Senec1  saip  That1  he  puttep  hym  in  grete  perile .  pat1 
stryuep  wip  a  gretter  man  pan  he  is  him  self  [2679] 
And  Caton  saip .  3if  a  man  of  hier  astate  or  of  degre  or 
more  my3ty  pan  pou  .  do  pe  an  oper  greuawnce 
suffre  hym  [2680]  for  he  pat1  onys  hap  greued  pe 

PETWOKTH    523    (6-T.  232)  ['leaf 239] 


SIX-TEXT    233 

GROUP  B.   §  10.  MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

inay  anofer  tyme  releue  fe.  and  helpe  fe.  [2681]  ^if 
sette  I  caas  36  haue  bof  my^tt  and  licence  forto 
venge  3011.  [2682]  I  saie  fat1  f  er  bene  ful  mony 
jnngges  fat1  shuld  restreyn  ^ou  of  vengeance  takinge 
[2683]  and  make  3011  forto  enclyne  to  suffre  and  for- 
to haue  pacience  in  J)e  wrongges  fat1  bene  done  to 
3011  .  [2684]  ffurst1  and  forward'  3if  30  wil  considere 
f  e  def  antes  fat1  bene  in  3oure  persone  .  [2685] 
for  which"  defautes  god  haj)  suffred  3ou  to  haue 
tribulacion  as  I  haue  saide  byfore  [2686]  IF  ffor 
f  e  Poete  saif  .  fat1  we  ou^ten  paciently  f  e  tn'bulacions  to 
take  fat  commen  to  vs  whan  fat1  we  f  enken  and  consideren 
f«tf  we  han  deserued  to  haue  hem  [2687]  IF  And  seintt 
Gregor  seif  .  That*  whan  a  man  consideref  wel  f  e 
nombre  of1  his  defautes  and  of  his  synnes  [2688]  fan 
peynes  and  fe  tn'bulacions  fat1  he  suffref  semen  fe 
lasse  vnto  him  [2689]  And  in  as  moche  as  him  fenk- 
ef  his  synnes  more  hevie  and  greuous  [2690]  in  so 
moche  his  peyne  is  fe  Ii3ter  /  and  fe  'esier  vnto 
hym  [2691]  II  Also  36  owen  to  enclyne  and  bowe  3our<3 
lierte  to  take  fe  pacience  of  our  lorde  Thesu  cn'sfr.  As 
seif  seint  Petre  in  his  episteli  [2692]  Ihesu  cn'sf  he 
seif  haf  suffred  for  vs  and  3euen  ensample  to  euery 
man  to  folowe  and  to  swee  hym  [2693]  for  he  did  neuere 
IF  synne  ne  neuere  cam  a  vileyns  worde  out1  of  his 
moufe  [2694]  whan  men  cursed  hym  he  cursed  hem 


no  gap]  [2695]  Also  fe  grete  pacience  1F  whiche  faf 
seintes  fat1  bene  in  paradis  han  had  in  tr/bulacions  fat1 
fei  han  suffred  wif-outen  her  desert1  or  gilt1.  [2696] 
aught1  moch"  stire  3ou  to  pacience  [2697]  IF  fferfer- 
more  36  shal  conforte  3ou  to  haue  pacience  [2698] 
consideringe  fat1  f  e  t?'ibulaci6ns  of  f  i?  worlde  .  but 
litel  ^F  while  enduren  .  and  soon  bene  ypassed  and  goon 
[2699]  And  fe  loye  fat  a  man  sechef  to  haue  by 
pacience  in  tr/bulacions  is  perdurable  .  after  fat1  f  Q 

PETWOllTH    524   (6-T.  233)        [i  leaf  239,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    234 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MELISEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

appostel  seip .  in  his  Epistel  [2700]  1F  The  loie  of  god  he 
seip  is  perdurable.  pat1  is  to  saye  euerlastinge .  [2701] 
Also  trouej)  and  bileuep  stedfastly  pat1  he  nys  natH 
wel  norsshed  ne  wel  ytaivjt1  pat  cannof  haue  pacience 
ne  wil  not1  receyue  pacience  [2702]  IF  ffor  Salomon  seip. 
That1  pe  doctrine  and  pe  witte  of  man  is  knowe  by 
pacience .  [2703]  And  in  anopere  place  he  seip .  fat1  he  pat1 
kepep  hyra  by  pacience  IF  gouernep  him  by  grete  prudence 
[2704]  1F  And  pe  Same  Salomon  seijj  The  angre  and  pe 
wrethful  man  make])  noyses .  and  pe  pacienf  man  attemprep 
and  stillep  him  self  [2705]  1F  he  saip  also  if  is  more 
worth  to  be  pacient1  pan  for  to  be  lijti  stronge .  [2706]  And 
he  pat1  may  haue  lordship  of  his  owne  hert1  is 
more  to  preise  pan  he  pat1  by  his  fors  takep 
grete  Citees  and  townes  [2707]  Therfore  seip  seint1 
lame  in  his  Episteti.  pat1  pacience  in  a  grete  vertue  of 
p<??'fection . 

[2708]  [Certes,  dit  Mettibee,  je  vous  ottroye9  dame 
Prudence,  que  patience  est  une  grant  vertu,] 
[2709]  But1  euery  man  may  nat1  haue  pe  perfection  pat  we 
seken.  [2710]  ne  I.  am  not1  of  pe  norabre  of  ri3f  per- 
fit  men.  [2711]  for  myn  herf  may  neuer  be  in 
pees  f  vnto  pe  tyme  it  be  venged  [2712]  IF  And  al  be  if  so 
pat1  it1  was  grete  perile  to  myne  IF  ennernyes  to  done  me  a 
vilanye  in  takinge  vengeance  vpon  me .  [2713]  31^ 
token  pei  noon  hede  vppon  pe  perile .  but1  fulfilleden  her 
wiklFked  wille  and  her  corage  [2714]  And  per-for  me 
penkep  men  ou^t1  not1  repreue  me  pou^e  I  putte  me 
in  a  litel  perile  to  venge  me.  [2715]  and  pou3e  I  doo. 
a  grete  excesse .  pat1  is  to  say  pou3e  I  venge  oon  outrage 
by  a  nopere 

[2716]  IF  0  quod  dame  prudence  30  say  3oure  wille. 
and  as  3ou  likep.  [2717]  But1  in  no  caas  of  pe  world!  a 
man  -shuld?  not  do  outrage  ne  m  excesse  forto  venge 
hyw  [2718]  IF  ffor  Cassidore  seip  pat1  as  euel  dop 
he  pat1  auengep  him  by  outrage .  as  he  pat1  dop  pe 

PETWORTH   625    (6-T.  234) 


SIX-TEXT    235 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Pctworth  MS, 

outrage .  [2719]  And  f  er-for  30  shul  venge  ^ou  after 
f  e  ordere  of  ry^t1  fat1  is  to  sain  l  by  f  e  lawe  and  by  noon 
exoesse  ne  noon  outrage.  [2720]  And  also  if  36  wil 
venge  3011  of  fe  outrage  of  3oure  aduersaries  in  ofer 
manere  fan  ri^f  comaunde])  36  synnen  [2721]  IF  And 
f erfore  saif  Senetf .  fat1  a  man  shal  neuere  venge 
schrewdenesse  by  schrewdenesse  /  [2722]  And  if  36  say 
fat4  ri3f  axef  a  man  to  defende  violence  by  violence . 
and  fi^tynge  by  fi3tinge .  [2723]  certes  36  say  soth. 
wharc  fe  defence  is  done  anoon  witR-outen  interuaHe  or 
wif -out1  taryinge  or  delay .  [2724]  for  to  defenden  hym  and 
not1  forto  vengen  hym.  [2725]  And  it1  bihouef  fat1  a  man 
put1  such"  attemperance  in  his  defence  [2726]  fat1  men  haue 
no  cause  no  matere  to  repreuen  hym  fat1  defendef  hym 
of  excesse  and  of  outrage  .  [car  autrement  ce  seroit  contre 
droit  et  contre  raison  (Le  Men.)]  [2727]  IT  Parde  36  knowen 
weH  fat1  36  maken  noon  defence  as  nowe  forto  defende  3ou 
but1  forto  venge  3ou  [2728]  And  so  swef  it1  fat1  36 
han  no  wille  to  doo  3oure  dede  attemperally .  [2729]  and 
ferfore  me  fenkef  fat1  pacience  is  goode  IF  ifor  Salomon 
seif  f  fat1  he  fat1  is  nat1  pacient1  shal  haue  grete 
harme 

[2730]  IT  Certes  quod  meleby  I  graunte  3ou  fat1 
whan  a  man  is  impacient1  and  wroof  of  fat1  fat1  touchef 
hym  nat1  and  of  fat1  fat1  pertenef  not1  to  hym .  f ou3e  it1 
harme  him  it1  is  no  wondere  [2731]  1F  ffor  fe  lawe  saif . 
fat1  he  is  coupable .  fat1  entermetef  hym  or  mellef  hym  wif 
suche  finge  as  apperteynef  nat1  to  hym  [2732]  IF  And 
Salomon  saif  .  That1  he  fat1  entermetef  hym  of  f e 
noise  or  of  f  e  strif  of  an  of  er  man  is  like  to  hym .  fat1  takef 
fe  hounde  by  fe  eeres  [2733]  and  \_aussi  comme  cellui  qui 
prent  le  chien  par  les  oreilles]  is  of  er  while  biten  wif 
fe  hounde  .  [2734]  1F  Ki3t<  in  fe  same  wise  is  it1  reson  fat1 
he  haue  harme  fat1  .by  his  impacience  medlef  him  of 
f  e  noise  of  an  of  er  man .  wher  fat1  it1  appertenef  not  to 
him  [2735]  ^  -B^  3e  knowe  wel  fat1  fis  dede  and 

PETWOHTH    626   (6-T.  235)  [*  leaf  240] 


SIX-TEXT    236 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 


Jns  greef  and  Jns  dissese  touchej?  me 
nygR  .  [2736]  And  ferfore  £01136  I  be  wro])e  and  im- 
pacienfr  it*  is  no  mervaile.  [2737]  and  sauynge  joure 
grace  I  can  not1  see  J?atf  it1  my^fr  gretlicfr  liarme  me  . 
£01136  I  toke  vengeance  [2738]  ffor  I  am  Riccher  and 
more  my^ty  fan  myn  enemyes  bene.  [2739]  And  wel 
knowen  jee  fat1  by  money  and  by  hauyng1  grete  posses- 
sions bene  aH  Jringges  of  )>is  world!  ygouerned  [2740] 
IF  And  Salomon  seij>  .  fat1  aH  Jjingges  obeyen  to 
monay  . 

[2741]  [Prudence,  quant  elle  oy  son  mary  vanter  de  sa 
ricliesse  et  de  sa  puissance,  et  say  esjouir,  et~\  dispreis- 
ing<  J>e  poor  of  his  aduersaries  .  Tho  she  spak  and  seide  in 
Jns  wise.  [2742]  Certes  dere  sire  I  graunf  3011  fat* 
30  bene  riche  and  my3ty.  [2743]  and  J>atf  richesses  ben 
good  to  hem  J?af  han  wel  goten  hem  .  and  fat1 
wel  can  vsen  hem  [2744]  ffor  ri3tt  as  Jje  body  of  a 
man  f  may  not*  lyue  wij?-outf  J?e  saule  .  no  more  may  it* 
live  wijj-out1  temporal  goodes  .  [2745]  And  by  rich- 
esse  may  a  1man  gete  hym  grete  worship  [2746]  11  And 
Jjerfore  seij)  Pamphilles  .  3if  an  neterdes  doi^tere  he  saij? 
be  riche  she  may  chese  of  a  thowsand!  men  \lequel 
qu'elle  veult  pour  son  mary  [2747]  car  (Le  Menagier,  tome  i)j 
[.  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.]  oon  wil  not1  forsake  her  ne  refuse 
her.  [2748]  And  Jms  Pamphilles  seith  also  1F  3if  Jjou  be 
ri3^  happy  J>atf  is  to  say  ri}^  riche  J?ow 
shalt1  fynde  a  grete  nombre  of  felawes  and  frendes.  [2749] 
And  3if  J>i  fortune  that1  J?ou  wexe  poor,  fare 
wel  frendship  and  felawship.  [2750]  for  J?ou  shalt  bene 
allone  wij)-onte  eny  companye.  but1  3if  it1  be  ]?e 
company  of  poor  folk1  [2751]  //  And  jit  seij?  fia 
Pamphilles  more  ouer  J»af  fei  J>af  bene  thral  and 
bonde  of  lynage  .  shullen  be  made  wor}>i  and  noble  by 
richessesse  [2752]  And  rijt1  so  as  by  richesses  J?er 
commen  mony  'goodes  .  Ei^t1  so  by  pouertf  per  commen 
mony  harmes  and  euels  .  [2753]  ffor  grete  pouerte  con- 

PETWORTH    527    (6-T.  236)         [i  leaf  240,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    237 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

streyneth  a  man  to  doo  mony  euels  [2754]  ^T  And  fer- 
fore  clepef  Cassidore  pouerft.  fe  modere  ruyne. 
[2755]  That1  is  to  say  fe  modere  of  ouerfrowinge  or 
falling1  downe  [2756]  f  And  ferfore  Pers  Alfons  saif . 
Oon  of  fe  grettest1  aduersitees  of  fis  world?  is  [2757] 
whan  a  free  [man]  by  kinde  is  constreyned  by 
pouert1  to  eten  fe  almesse  of  his  enemye  [2758]  IT  And 
fe  Same  Seif  Innocent1  in  oon  of  his  bokes.  He  seif 
fat1  soriful  and  vnhappy  is  fe  condition  of  a  poor 
begger.  [2759]  ffor  }if  he  askef  not1  his  mete  he  dyef  for 
hungere  .  [2760]  [et  se  Us  denmndent,  Us  meurent 
de  honte ;]  Necessite  constreynef  hyra  to  aske.  [2761] 
And  ferfore  seif  Salomon .  That1  better  is  to  dye  fan 
forto  haue  suche  po'uerte  [2762]  IT  And  as  jje  Same  Salo- 
mon seij>  Better  is  to  dye  a  bitter  dee]?  )>an  forto 
lyuen  in  swich"  wise  [2763]  IF  Ey  jnse  resons  Jmt1  .1 
haue  seide  vnto  ^owe  and  by  mony  resons  fat1  I 
coude  saie  [2764]  I  graunte  fat1  richesses  bene 
good  to  hem  fat1  geten  hem  weH 
And  vsen  hem  wel .  [2765]  And  ferfore  wil  I  shewe 
^ow  how  ^e  shul  haue  ^ou .  and  howe  ^e  shal  bere  ^ou 
in  gaderinge  of  richesses.  and  in  what1  manere  36  shul 
vsen  hem 

[2766]  ffirst1  36  shul  geten  hem  with-out  grete 
desire,  by  good  leisere  sokingly.  and  not1  ouerhastely. 
[2767]  fFor  a  man  fat1  is  to  desiringe  to  geten  richesse. 
abandonef  hym  to  feft1  and  to  ali  ofer  evels 
[2768]  IT  And  ferfore  seif  Salomon  f  he  fat1  hastef 
hym  to  bysily  to  wexe  ricche  f  shal  be  noon  Innocent1  [2769] 
1F  He  saif  also  fat1  f e  Richesse  fat1  hastely  commef  to 
a  man.  sone  and  li^tly  goof  and  passef  from  hym 
[2770]  IT  But1  fat1  richesse  fat1  cowmef  alway  litel  and  litel . 
wexef  alway  and  multiplief  [2771]  IT  And  sire  36  shul 
gete  richesse  by  3oure  witte .  and  by  3oure  travaile .  vnto 
3oure  profite  [2772]  and  fat1  wif-outen  wronge  or  harme 
doynge  to  eny  of  ere  persone.  [2773]  ffor  fe  lawe 

PETWORTH   628    (6-T.  237) 


SIX-TEXT    238 

GROUP  B.   §  10.  MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

seif  IF  That*  he  ne  make])  nafr  hym  self  riche .  ^if  he  do 
harme  to  a  nofer  wight1  [2774]  IF  This  is  to  say  fat1 
nature  defendef  and  forbedef  by  ryghtf .  fat1  l  no  man 
make  him  self  riche  wif  fe  harme  of  a  nofere  person. 
[2775]  IT  And  Tullius  saif .  fat'  no  sorowe  ne  no  drede 
of  deth"  ne  of  fo^t1  fat1  may  falle  to  a  man  [2776]. 
is  so  mochel  a^einst1  nature  as  a  man  to  encrees  his 
owne  profite  to  f  e  harme  of  anof  er  man  [2777]  IF  And  f  ou3e 
fe  grete  men  and  fe  riche  men  geten  rychesses  more 
li^tly  fan  fou .  [2778]  ^it1  shalt1  fou  nat1  be  ydel  ne  sclowe 
to  f  i  prophete .  ffor  fou  shalt1  in  al  f  inge  and  in  al  wise  fle 
ydelnesse  [2779]  IFffor  Salomon  seif  f  That1  ydelnesse  techef 
a  man  to  do  mony  eueles  [2780]  IF  And  J>e  Same  Salomon 
seijj .  Jjat1  he  fat1  travaille]?  and  bysiej?  him  to  tille 
his  londe  shal  ete  J?e  brede.  [2781]  But1  he  fat1  is  ydel  and 
castef  him  to  doo  no  bysynesse  ne  occupacioii  shal  falle  into 
pouert1  and  dye  for  hurcgere.  [2782]  And  he  fat1  is 
ydel  and  sclowe.  can  neuer  fynde  conable  tyme  forto 
do  his  profite  [2783]  IF  ffor  fer  is  a  versifiour  fat1  saif .  That1 
fe  ydel  man  excusef  hym  in  wyntere.  be  cause  of  fe 
grete  colde .  And  in  somer  by  encheson  of  f  e  grete  hete 
[2784]  IF  ffor  fise  causes  seif  Caton  5F  Wakef  and  enclynef 
pu  not1  ouermoche  forto  sclepe .  for  oner  moche  rest1 
norsshef  and  causef  mony  vyces  [2785]  IF  And  ferfore 
seif  seint1  lerom  IF  Dof  somme  good  dedys  fat1  f  e  deuel 
which"  is  oure  enemye  ne  fynde  ^ou  nat1  vnocupied. 
[2786]  ffor  fe  deuel  ne  takef  not1  Ii3tly  vnto  his  worch- 
inge  such"  as  he  fyndef  occupied  in  goode  werkes 

[2787]  1F  Than  fus  in  geting1  of  Richesse  36 
moten  flee  ydelnesse  /  [2788]  IF  and  afterward!  36  shul  vse 
f  e  richesse  which  36  han  geten  by  3oure  witte  and  by 
3oure  travaile  [2789]  in  such"  a  manere  fatv  men 
holde  3ou  nat1  to  scarce .  ne  to  sparinge .  ne  to  fool  large . 
fat1  is  to  sayn  ouer  large  a  spendere  [2790]  1F  ffor  ii^V  as 
men  blamen  an  Auarous  man  by  cause  of  his  scarsete 
and  chyncherie  [2791]  In  fe  same  manere  is  he  blamed 

PETWORTH    629    (6-T.  238)  F1  leaf  241] 


SIX-TEXT    239 
GROUP   B.     §    10.     MELTBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS, 

fat1  spendef  oner  largely.  [2792]  IT  And  f erf  ore  seif 
Caton.  vse  he  saif  fe  Eichesse  fat1  fou  hast1  ygeten. 
[2793]  in  such  a  manere.  fat1  fer  be  no  matere  ne 
cause  to  calle  fe  neifer  wrecche  ne  chynche .  [2794] 
ifor  it*  is  grete  shame  a  man  to  haue  a  poor  hert1 
and  a  rich  purs  [2795]  1T  He  seif  also  fe  goodes  fat1 
thow  hast1  geten  vse  hem  by  mesure  fat1  is  to  say. 
spende  mesurably  [2796]  ffor  fei  fat*  folyly  waasten 
and  dispenden  fe  goodes  fat1  fei  haue.  [2797]  whan 
fei  han  no  more  p?-opre  of  her  owne  fei  shape  hem 
to  take  fe  goodes  of  a  nofer  man.  [2798]  1T  I  say  fa?* 
fat*  36  shal  flee  Auarice  /  [2799]  vsinge  ^oure  richesse 
as  in  such  manere  fat1  men  say  not1  fat1  ^oure  goodes 
bene  yburied.  [2800]  but1  fat  30  1haue  hem  in  $oure 
myghtt  and  in  ^oure  weldinge  [2801]  ffor  fe  wise 
repreeuef  fe  Auerous  man  and  seif  in  twoo 
versus .  [2802]  "Wherto  and  win  beref  a  man  his 
goodes  by  his  Auarice  and  knowef  wel  fat1  nedes 
he  most1  deye.  [2803]  for  def  is  fe  ende  of  euery  man 
as  in  fis  present1  lif  [2804]  and  for  what1  cause  or 
encheson  ioynef  he  him  or  knyttef  he  hym  so  fast1 
vnto  his  goodes  [2805]  fat1  aH  his  wittes  mowe  not1 
disseuere  hym  or  departen  hyw  fro  his  goodes . 
[2806]  and  knowef  wel  or  aught1  knowe  fat1  whan  he 
is  dede  he  shal  no  finge  bere  wif  him  out1  of  fis 
world  [2807]  IF  And  f  erfore  seif  seynt1  Austyne .  That1 
f e  Auerous  man  is  likned  into  helle .  [2808]  fat1  f e 
more  it1  swolowef .  f  e  more  desire  it1  haf  to  swalowe  and 
deuowre  [2809]  And  as  wel  as  36  wolde  eschwe  to  be 
cleped  an  Auarous  man  or  chynche  [2810]  as  wel 
shul  36  kepe  3ou  and  gouerne  3ou  so  and  in  such  a  wise 
so  fat1  men  ne  cleped  3ou  not1  fool  large  [2811]  IT  Therfore 
seif  Tulliws  The  goodes  he  seif  of  fine  hous  shuld 
naf  bene  hidde  ne  kept1  so  cloos  but1  fat1  fei  my3f 
be  opned  by  Pite  and  by  bonairte  [2812]  fat1  is  to 
sayn  to  3eue  hem  parte  fat1  han  grete  nede  [2813] 

PETWORTH    530    (6-T.  239)         C1  leaf  241,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    240 
GROUP    B,     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

Ne  fi  goodes  shuld  not*  bene  so  open  to  be  euery 
mawnys  goodes  [2814]  IF  Afterward  in  getinge  of  301116 
richesse  &  in  vsyng1  of  hem  30  shul  alway  haue  fre 
fingges  in  ^oure  hert1.  [2815]  fat1  is  to  sayn.  our  lorde 
god.  conscience  and  good  name  [2816]  IF  ffirst1  30  shul 
haue  god  in  3oure  hert1  [2817]  and  for  no  ricchesse  30 
shul  doo  110  finge  which  may  in  eny  manere  displese 
crist1  fat1  is  youre  creatour1  and  30^  maker1  [28 1 8]  IF  ffor  after 
fe  worde  of  Salomon,  if  is  better  to  haue  a  litel  good 
VfitJi  fe  loue  of  god  [2819]  fan  to  haue  moche  good 
and  tresour1  and  lese  fe  loue  of1  his  lorde  god  [2820] 
IF  And  fe  prophet1  seif.  fat1  better  it1  is  to  bene  a 
good  man .  and  haue  a  litel  good  and  tresour1 .  [2821]  fan  to 
be  holden  a  shrewe  and  haue  grete  Ricchesse.  [2822] 
And  3itt  say  I  ferfermore  fat1  30  shulden  alway 
doon  3our>  bisynesse  to  gete  3011  richesses  [2823]  so  fat1 
36  gete  hem  wif  good  conscience  [2824]  1F  And  fe  Appostel 
saif .  Ther  nys  no  f  inge  in  this  world?  of  which  we 
shuld  haue  so  grete  loye  as  whan  our  conscience  beref 
vs  witnesse  of  good  [2825]  IF  And  fe  wise  man  saif .  The 
substance  of  a  man  is  ful  good  whan  synne  nys  nat1  in 
his  coscience  [2826]  1F  Afterward2  in  getinge  of  3oure 
richesses  /  and  in  vsing1  of  hem  [2827]  fe  most1  haue 
grete  bysynesse  and  grete  diligence  fat1  3oure  1good 
name  be  alway  kept1  and  conserued  [2828]  IF  ffor  Salo- 
mon seif  That1  better  it1  is  and  more  availlef  a  man 
to  haue  good  name  fan  to  haue  grete  richesse 
[2829]  IF  And  ferfore  he  saif  in  a  nofer  place  Doo  grete 
diligence  seif  Salomon  in  kepinge  of  fi  frend?  and  of 
fi  good  name .  [2830]  ffor  it1  shal  lenger  abide  wif 
fe  fan  eny  tresour1  be  it1  neuere  so  precious.  [2831] 
And  certes  he  shuld  not1  be  cleped  a  gentil  man.  fat1 
after  god  and  good  conscience  aft  fingges  left1  lie  dof 
his  dyligence  and  bysynesse  to  kepen  his  good  name 
[2832]  1F  And  Cassidore  saif  f  fat1  it1  is  signe  of  a  gentiH 
hert1  whan  a  man  desiref  and  louef  to  haue  a  goode  name  ./ 

PETWOETH    531    (6-T.  240)  [Meaf242] 


SIX-TEXT    241 
GROUP   B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOltll   MS. 

[2833]  1F  And  perfore  seip  seint1  Austyne.  Ther 
bene  two  pingges  pat1  are  necessary  e  and  nedefuH. 
[2834]  &  fat1  is  good  conscience  and  good  loos.  [2835] 
that1  is  to  sayn  good  conscience  to  pine  owne  persone 
inward?  And  good  loos  for  j)i  neighbour  outward?. 
[2836]  And  he  pat1  trestep  him  so  moche  in  his  good 
conscience  [2837]  pat1  he  displese  and  settep  af 
nou^t  his  good  name  or  loos,  and  rekkep  not1  poiv^e 
he  kepe  not1  his  good  name .  he  nys  but  a  crueH  cherle 

[2838]  IF  Sire  now  haue  I  schewed  ^ou  how  $e  shuld 
doo  in  kepinge  rychesse  and  howe  ^e  shuld?  vsen  hern 
[2839]  1T  I  see  wel  pat1  for  pe  trust1  pat1  ^e  haue  in 
^oure  ricchesse .  $e  wil  meuen  werre  and  bataille  [2840] 
I  counsaile  pat1  30  bygynne  no  werre.  in  trest1  of 
^oure  Richesse .  ffor  pel  ne  suffisen  not1  werres  to  Mayn- 
tene  [2841]  IT  And  perfore  saip  a  Philosophre.  That1 
man  pat1  desirep  and  wil  algates  haue  werre.  shal 
neuere  haue  suffisaunt.  [2842]  ffor  pe  Richer  pat1  he  is 
pe  gretter  dispence  mote  he  make  }if  he  wil  haue  wor- 
ship or  victorie  [2843]  ^F  And  Salomon  saip  pat1  pe 
gretter  richesse  pat1  a  man  hath .  pe  gretter  dispendours  he 
hap.  [2844]  And  dere  sir  al  be  it1  soo.  pat1  for  ^oure 
richesse  36  mowe  haue  mochel  folk1.  [2845]  ^if  byhouep 
it1  not1 .  ne  it1  is  not1  good  to  bygynne  werre .  per  as  30 
may  in  oper  manere  haue  pees  vnto  ^oure  worship 
and  profite  [2846]  1T  ffor  pe  victorie  of  batailles  pat1  bene 
in  pis  world'  lith  not1  in  grete  nombre  or  multitude  of 
puple.  ne  in  vertue  of  man.  [2847]  ^*u^  ^  ^n  in 
pe  wille  and  in  pe  hand  of  our*  lord  god  almy^ty 
[2848]  IF  And  perfore  ludas  makabeus  which  was 
goddys  kny^t  [2849]  whan  he  shuld  fi^t1  a^einst  his 
aduersarie  pat1  had  a  gretter  nombre  and  a  gretter  mul- 
titude of  folk1  And  strenger  pan  was  pis  puple  of  Maka- 
be.  [2850]  3if  he  recomforte  his  lytel  'companye  and 
saide  ri^t1  in  pis  wise  [2851]  IF  Also  Ii3tly  quod  he 
may  our  lord  god  almy^ty  3eue  victorie  to  fewe  folk1 

PETWORTII    632    (6-T.  24l)         [>  leaf  2 12, back] 


SIX-TEXT    242 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS, 

as  to  monye  [2852]  fFor  fe  victory  of  bataille  commej) 
not1  by  J?e  grete  nombre  of  puple  [2853]  but1  it1  corameth 
fro  our  lord  of  heuene.  [2854]  And  dere  sire  for 
as  modi  As  fer  nys  no  man  certeyn  ^if  it1  be  worj)  fat1 

god  3eue  liym  victorie  [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  or  nou^f .  aftere 

fafr  Salomon  seij? .  [2855]  Therfore  euery  man  shulde  gretly 
drede  werrus  to  bygynne  [2856]  And  by  cause  fat1  [in] 
batailles  [are]  manyperiles  [2857]  &  [it  may]  happen  ofer 
while  fat1  as  sone  is  fe  grete  man  sclayn  as  fe  litel 
man  [2858]  IT  And  as  it  is  ywritte  in  Jje  second*  book1  of 
kingges  The  dedes  of  batailles  bene  auenturous  and  no 
finge  certeyn.  [2859]  for  as  Ii3tly  is  oon  hurt1  wif  a 
spere  as  a  nofer  [2860]  And  ferfore  it1  is  grete  perile  in 
werre .  Therfore  shuld  a  man  flee  and  eschewe  werre  in 
as  mochel  as  a  man  may  goodly  ./  [2861]  ffor  Salomon 
seif  f  He  fat1  louef  perile  shal  falle  in  perile 

[2862]  After  fat1  dame  prudence  had  spoken  in 
fis  manere  Melebi^s  answer^  and  saide.  [2863]  I  see 
wel  dame  j?«f  by  ^oure  faire  wordes  and  by 
^oure  resons  j^at1  ye  han  schewed  me .  J>af  J?e  werre  like)) 
3ou  no  Jnnge  .  [2864]  But1 1  haue  not1  3^  herde  3oure  coun- 
saile  howe  I  shal  doo  in  J>is  nede . 

[2865]  Certes  quod  she  I  counsaile  30"  jjaf  36  ac- 
corde  wij)  3oure  aduersaries  and  J)atf  36  haue  pees 
•with  hem.  [2866]  H  fFor  seinfr  lame  sei])  in  his  EpisteH 
5T  That1  by  concord'  and  pees  J?e  smale  richesses  wexen 
grete  [2867]  And  by  debate  and  discord'  £e  grete  richesse 
fallen  doun.  [2868]  And  36  knowe  wel  Jiat1  oon  of  J>e 
grettest1  and  most1  souereyn  Jnnge  jjat1  is  in  Jns  world' 
is  vnite  and  pees  [2869]  And  Jjerfore  saij?  our  lord 
Ihesu  crist1  to  his  apostel  in  j>is  wise  [2870]  ^F  "VVel 
happy  and  blessed  bene  Jjei  fat1  louen  and  pu[r]chasen 
pees  for  fei  bene  called  children  of  god  [2871]  IF  A  quod 
Meleby  nowe  se  I  wel  fat1  30  loue  not1  myn  h[o]noure 
and  my  worship .  [2872]  %&  knowen  wel  pat1  myne 

PETWOllTH    633   (6-T.  242) 


SIX-TEXT    243 
GROUP    B,     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

aduersaries  haue  bygonnen  f  is  debate  and  brigge  by  her 
outrage  [2873]  And  36  See  wel  fat1  fei  ne  requiren  ne 
preien  me  nat1  of  pees  ne  J)ei  asken  not1  to  be  recounsailled . 
[2874]  wil  36  fan  fat1-  I  goo  meke  and 
obeye  me  to  hem  .  and  crye  hem  mercye  .  [2875]  ^OT  s°th 
fat1  were  not1  my  worship.  [2876]  ffor  ri^t1  as  men  sayn 
fat1  oner  grete  hu??zblesse  engendref  dispisinge .  so 
faref  it1  by  to  grete  humilite  &  mekenesse 

[2877]  ^  Than  bygan  dame  prudence  to  make  sem- 
blaunt1  of  wreth  and  saide.  [2878]  Certes  sire  sauf 
3oure  grace  I  loue  ^our  honoure  and  3oure  profite  as  I  doo 
myn  owne  and  euere  ha1ue  done  [2879]  ne  36  ne  mowen 
not1  sayn  fe  contrarie  .  [2880]  And  ^if  3if  I 
had  saide  fat1  30  shulde  haue  purchased  fe  pees  and 
fe  reconsiliacion  I  ne  had  not1  moche  mystake  me 
ne  saide  amys  [2881]  ffor  fe  Wise  man  seif.  The  dis- 
sencion  bygynnef  by  a  nof  er  man .  and  f  e  reconsilynge 
by  fi  silf.  [2882]  And  fe  prophete  saif .  fflee 
schrewdenesse  and  doo  goodnesse  [2883]  IF  Seke  pees  and 
folowe  it1  in  as  moche  as  in  fe  is .  [2884]  IF  3it*  seif  he  not1 
fat1  ^e  shul  Swe  rafer  to  ^oure  aduersaries  for  pees 
fan  fei  shullen  to  3011.  [2885]  ffor  I  knowe  wel  fat1  30 
bene  so  hard*  herted .  fat1  36  wil  do  no  f ing1  for  mee 
[2886]  IF  And  Salomon  seif  i  fat1  he  fat1  haf  ouer  harde 
an  hert1 .  at1  f  e  last1  shal  myshappe  and  mystide 

[2887]  IF  Whan  Melebius  had  seye  dame  prudence 
make  semblaunt1  of  wreth  he  saide  in  fis  wise  [2888] 
IF  Dame  I  prey  ^ou  fat1  36  be  not1  displesed  of  f ingges 
fat1 1  saye .  [2889]  ffor  36  knowe  wel  fat1  I  am  angry  and 
wroof  and  fat1  is  no  wondere.  [2890]  and  fei  fat1 
bene  wroof .  weten  not1  wel  what1  fei  doon  ne  what1  fei 
seyn  [2891]  1F  And  ferfore  the  prophete  seif.  That1 
trowbled  eyen  haue  no  clere  si^.  [2892]  But1  saif  on 
and  counsaile  me  as  30  likef .  for  I  am  redy  to  doo 
113^  as  30  wil  desire.  [2893]  and  if  36  repreue  me  of  my 
foly  .1  am  fe  more  holden  to  loue  3ou  and  to  preise 

PETWORTII    534    (6-T.  243)  [>  leaf  243] 


SIX-TEXT    244 
GROUP    B.     §    10,     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS, 

3011  [2894]  1T  ffor  Salomon  saitS  That1  he  fat1  reprouef 
hym  fatf  doof  foly.  [2895]  he  shal  finde  gretter  grace 
fat1  he  fat1  deceyuef  hym  wif  swete  wordes 

[2896]  Than  said  Dame  prudence  .  I  make  no 
semblanfr  of  wref  e  ne  of  anger*  but1  for  ^oure  grete  profite 
[2897]  IT  ffor  Salomon  seif  f  he  is  more  wroof  fat1  re- 
preueth  or  chidef  a  foole  for  his  folye  schewing1  him 
seniblant*  of  wrefe  [2898]  fan  he  fat1  supportef  hy?tt 
or  preisef  him  in  his  mysdoynge  at1  laughef  at1  his 
foly  [2899]  IT  And  Jus  same  Salomon  seif  afterward' 
fat1  by  fe  soriful  vese  of  a  man  fat1  is  to  sayn  by 
sory  and  heuy  countenance  of  a  man  [2900]  fe  foole 
correctef  and  amendef  him  self 

[2901]  1F  Than  sayde  Meleby  I  shal  not1  conne  an- 
swere  to  so  mony  resons  as  30  putten  to  me  and 
shewen  /  [2902]  saif  shortely  ^oure  wille.  and  ^oure  coun- 
saile  and  I  am  al  redy  to  fulfille  and  performe  it 

[2903]  IF  Than  Dame  p?'udence  diskeuered  al  her  wille 
vnto  hym  and  saide  [2904]  I  counsaile  3ou  fat1  ^e 
abouen  al  finge  maken  pees  bytwene  god  and 
^owe  [2905]  and  bef  reconsailled  vnto  him  and  to  his 
grace .  [2906]  ffor  I  haue  seid?  ^ow  here  byfore  5T  God 
haf  suffred  }ou  to  haue  fis  tribulacion  and  dissese  for 
3oure  synnes .  [2907]  And  if  36  doo  as  I  say  3owe  1god  wil 
sende  3oure  aduersaries  vnto  3ou  [2908]  and  make  hew 
to  falle  af  3oure  fete  redy  to  3oure  wille  and  3oure  com- 
auwdement1  [2909]  IT  ffor  Salomon  seifef  Whan  f  e  con- 
dicion  of  man  is  plesaunte  and  likinge  to  god  [2910]  he 
chaungeth  fe  hertes  of  fe  mannes  aduersaries  and  con- 
streynef  hem  to  bysechen  him  of  pees  and  of  grace 
[2911]^  And  I  prei  3ou  lat1  me  speke  wif  3oure  aduersaries 
in  privy  place.  [2912]  for  fei  shal  not1  knowe  it1 
be  3oure  wille  ne  3oure  assent1.  [2913]  And  fan  whan 
I  knowe  her  wiH  and  assent1  f  I  may  counsaile  3ou 
f  e  more  suerly 

[2914]    IT    Dame    quod    Meleby   dof    3our  wili   and 

PETWORTH    535   (6-T.  244)         [i  leaf  243,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    245 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MELIBEUS.   Petworth.  MS. 

3oure   lyking1    [2915]    ffor   I    putte    me    fulli    in    ^oure 
disposicion  and  301116  ordynawnce 

[2916]  1F  Than  dame  prudence  whan  [she]  segti  pe 
wille  of  her  husbonde  and  she  delyuered  her  and  toke  avice 
by  hure  self  [2917]  penkinge  by  her  self*  how  she  my^t1  bringe 
pis  nede  vnto  a  goode  conclusion  and  a  good  eende 
[2918]  IF  And  whan  she  see^e  her  tyme  she  sent1  for  pise 
aduersaries  to  come  vnto  her  into  a  pryvy  place 
[2919]  and  schewed  wisely  vnto  hem  pe  greet*  goodnesse 
pat1  coramep  of  pees.  [2920]  and  pe  grete  harines  and 
periles  pat1  ben  in  werre .  [2921]  and  saide  to  hem  in 
a  goo[d]ly  manere  ho  we  pat1  hem  ou^ten  to  haue  grete  re- 
pentance [2922]  of  pe  Iniurie  and  wronge  pat1  pei 
hadden  ydone .  to  Meleby  her  lorde  and  vnto  her  and  vnto 
her  doubter1 . 

[2923]  And  whan  pei  herden  pe  goodly  wordes  of 
dame  Prudence  [2924]  pei  weren  so  siipprised  and 
rauisshed  and  hadden  so  gret  loie  of  her1  pat1  wondere 
was  to  telle  [2925]  1F  0  lady  quod  pei  36  IT  han  schewed 
vnto  vs  pe  blissinge  of  swetnesse  aftere  pe  Sawe  of 
dauid  pe  prophete .  [2926]  ffor  pe  reconsilinge  which 
we  ne  bene  not1  worpi  to  haue  in  no  manere .  [2927]  but1  we 
ou^t1  to  requiren  it1  wip  grete  contricion  and  huwnlite 
[2928]  :je  as  3oure  grete  goodnesse  hap  presented  vnto  us 
[2929]  Now  se  we  wel  pe  science  and  pe  konyng* 
of  Salomon  is  ful  trewe  [2930]  for  lie  seip  pat1 
swete  wordes  multiplien  and  encresen  freendes .  and 
maken  schrewes  to  be  debonayre  and  meke 

[2931]  Certes  quod  pei  we  putten  oure  dede  and 
al  our  matere.  and  cause  alhoolly  in  ^oure  good  wille 
[2932]  and  bene  redy  to  obeye  to  pe  speche  and  pe  comaunde- 
nienf  of  my  lord  Melebye  [2933]  ^T  And  perfore  our  dere 
and  benigne  lady  we  preien  ^ou  and  bysechen  ^ou  as 
mekely  as  we  conne  or  mowen  [2934]  IT  jjaf  1itl  like  vnto 
3oure  grete  goodnesse  to  fulfille  in  dede  3oure  good- 
ly wordes  [2935]  ffor  we  consideren  and  knowen 

PET  WORTH    536    (6-T.  245)  [>  leaf  244] 


SIX-TEXT    246 

GROUP  B.   §  10.   MBLIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

fat1  we  han  offended  and  greued  my  lorde  Melebie  out1  of 
mesure  [2936]  so  fer  forf  fat1  we  bene  nat1  a  power  to 
maken  his  a[men]dys.  [2937]  and  f erf  ore  we  oblie  and 
bynde  vs  and  our  frendes  forto  doo  al  his  wille  and  his 
comaundement1  [2938]  But1  perauenture  he  haf  such 
hevynesse  and  such  wreth  to  vs  ward?  by  cause  of  our 
defence  [2939]  fat1  he  wil  eiiioyne  vs  suehe  peyne 
as  we  may  not1  here  ne  susteyne  [2940]  IF  And  ferfore 
noble  lady  we  biseke  to  ^oure  wo??raianly  pite . 
[2941]  take]?  such  avisement1  in  fis  nede  fat1  we  ne  our 
frendes  ben  not1  disherited  ne  distroied  forgh  oure 
foly 

[2942]  Certis  quod  Prudence  it1  is  an  harde  finge  and 
ri^fr  perilous  [2943]  fat1  man  put  him  al  vtterly 
in  f  e  arbitracion  and  lugemenf  and  in  fe  myght1  and 
power  of  his  enemyes  [2944]  IF  ffor  Salomon  seif  Leuef 
and  ^euef  credence  to  fat  I  shal  sayn  5F  I  say 
qiiod  he  }if  puple  and  gouernours  of  holy  church  • 
[2945]  to  fi  sone.  to  fi  wif  and  fi  frende.  ne  to 
fi  broker.  [2946]  ne  $eue  fou  neuere  my^t1  ne 
maistrie  of  )?i  body  while  J>ou  lyuest1  [2947]  IT  No  we 
sith  fat1  he  forfendef .  fat1  man  shuld  not1  3eue  to  his 
brofer  ne  to  his  freende  fe  rny^t1  of  his  body  [2948] 
Than  by  a  stronger  reson  he  forfendef  and  forbedef .  a 
man  to  ^eue  hym  self  vnto  his  enemye  [2949]  IF  And  naf  e- 
les  I  counsaile  ^owe  fat1  ^e  ne  mystrest1  not1  my  lordo 
[2950]  for  I  woote  wel  and  knowe  verrely  fat1  he  is 
debonaire  and  meke .  large  and  curtays .  [2951]  and  no 
finge  desirous  ne  coueitous  of  good  ne  ricchesse .  [2952] 
ffor  nys  no  finge  in  f is  world?  fat  he  desiref . 
saue  oonly  worship  and  honozir  [2953]  IF  fferferniore 
I  knowe  wel  and  I  am  ri^t1  swre  fat1  he  wil  no  finge 
doo  in  fis  nede  wif-out1  counsaile  of  me  .  [2954]  And  I 
shal  so  worche  in  fis  cause  fat1  by  f e  grace  of  our  lorde 
god  36  shul  be  recounsailled  vnto  vs  . 

[2955]    Than    seide    fei   wif   oon   vois.    Worshipful 

36  PETWORTH    537    (6-T.  246) 


SIX-TEXT    247 
GROUP   B.     §    10,     MELIBEUS.     PetWOltll   MS, 

lady  we  putten  vs  and  oure  IF  goodes  al  fully  in  ^oure  willo 
and  in  ^oure  disposisicion  [2956]  and  bene  redy  forto  come 
what*  day  fat1  it1  likef  vnto  ^oure  noblenesse  to  lymyte  vs  or 
asigne  vs  [2957]  forto  make  oure  obligation  and  be  bounde  as 
stronge  as  it1  like)?  vnto  ^oure  goodnesse  [2958]  fat1  we  may. 
fulfille  f  e  will  of  }ow  and  of  my  lord?  Melebye  . 

[2959]  And  whan  dame  prudence  had  ^f  'herde  fe  an- 
swers of  fise  men  she  bad  hem  go  ageyn  prively 
[2960]  And  she  retorned  to  her  lord!  Meleby  and  told 
hyra  how  she  fand  his  aduersaries  ful  repentaunte  [2961] 
knowlechyng1  ful  lowly  her  synnes  and  trespases  /  and  howe 
Jjei  weren  redy  to  suffren  al  peyne.  [2962]  requiryng1  and 
preying1  hyra  of  me?-cye  and  pite 

[2963]  1F  )}an  saide  Meleby  he  is  wel  worf  to 
haue  pardone  and  for^euenesse  of  his  synne  .  fat1  excuse]?  nat1 
his  synne .  [2964]  but1  knowlecehef  and  repentef 
hyw  asking1  Indulgence  [2965]  IF  ffor  Seneca  say.  There 
is  f  e  remyssion  and  for^euenes  f  wher  as  f  e  confession  is . 
[2966]  ffor  confession  is  neighboi^r  to  Innocence.  [2967] 
IF  And  he  saf  in  an  ojjer  place  f  Jmtf  he  ]?atH  haj)  shame  of 
his  synne  and  knowleche j?  it  f  is  worj>i  remyssion . 
And  ferefor1  I  assent1  and  conferme  me  to  haue  pees. 
[2968]  But1  it1  is  good  Jjaf  we  doo  it1  not4  wijj-out1  ^assent1 
of  oure  frendes 

[2969]  Than  was  prudence  ri^tf  glad  and  loyful 
and  saide  ])is  [2970]  IF  Certes  sire  quod  she  ye  han  wel  and 
goodly  answerd?.  [2971]  ffor  ri^tt  as  by  the  counsaile  of 
assent1  and  helpe  of  3oure  frendes  36  haue  ben  stired 
to  venge  $ou.  and  make  werre.  [2972]  Ri^t1  so  wij>- 
outen  her  counsaile  shal  ^e  not1  accorde  3011  ne  haue 
pees  wijj  ^oure  aduersaries  [2973]  1F  ffor  ]?e  lawe  saij? . 
Ther  nys  no  fing1  so  good  by  way  of  kynge  as  jnnge 
to  bene  vnbounde  by  hym  fat1  it1  was  ybounde 

[2974]  And  fan  Dame  prudence  wif-outen  delay 
or  tarynge  sent1  anoon  Massagers  for  her  kynne  and  for 
her  olde  frendes  which  fat1  were  trewe  and  wise  [2975] 

PETWORTH  538    (6-T.  247)         Cl  leaf  244,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    248 
GROUP    B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOltll   MS. 

and  tolde  hem  by  order  in  J>e  presence  of  Me[le]bye  al 
J?is  matere  as  it*  is  aboue  expressed  and  declared  .  [2976] 
and  preyed  hem  pafr  J>ai  wolde  $euen  her  a  vice  and  coun- 
saile  what1  best1  were  to  doo  in  jus  node  [2977]  IF  And 
whan  Melibies  frendes  had  taken  her  avise  and  deliber- 
acion  of  J>is  forseide  matere  [2978]  and  hadden  examyned 
it1  by  grete  bysynesse  and  grete  diligence.  [2979]  pei  ^af 
ful  counsaille  forto  haue  pees  and  rest*.  [2980]  And  jjaf 
Melebius  shuld?  receyuen  wij?  good  hert1  his  aduersaries 
to  for^eueiiesse  and  Mercy . 

[2981]  H  And  whan  dame  prudence  had  herd? 
Jjassent1  of  her  lord  Melebius  and  J>e  counsaile  of  his  frendes 
[2982]  accorde  wij?  her  wille  and  her  entencion  [2983] 
she  was  wonderly  glad  in  herf  and  saide  [2984] 
Ther  is  and  olde  prouerbe  quod  She  sei]>  f  J>atf  ]?e 
goo[d]nesse  J?att  thou  maist1  doo  Jjis  day  do  it1  [2985]  and 
abyde  naf  til  [le  soir  ne\  to  morowe .  [2986]  And 
Jjerfor*  x  I  counsaile  }ou  J>af  ye  sende  ^oure  massagers  which" 
J^at1  bene  discrete  and  wise.  [2987]  vnto  3oure  aduersaries 
Telling1  hem  in  $our  bihalf1  [2988]  pat1  ^if  J?ei  wil 
trete  of  pees  and  accorde.  [2989]  )}afr  Jjei  shapen  hem 
wijj-oute  delay  or  taryng1  to  come  vnto  vs.  [2990] 
Which  jnnge  was  perfourmed  in  dede .  [2991]  And 
whan  ])ise  trespasours  and  repentynge  folk  of  her 
folies  J>at  is  to  say  j?e  aduersaries  of  melebye  [2992] 
hadden  here?  what1  )>e  massagers  saiden  vnto  hem . 
[2993]  )}ei  were  ri^t1  glad  and  loiful  and  answerdeii 
ful  mekely  and  benygnely  [2994]  ^eeldinge  graces  and 
thonkingges  to  her  lorde  Melebie  and  to  al  his  companye 
[2995]  and  shopen  hem  wij)-oute  lay  to  goo  wij>  Jje 
massagers  and  obey  to  ]>e  Comaundement1  of  her  lorde 
Melebius 

[2996]  IF  And  ri^f  anoon  ]?ei  token  her  \vay  to  J?e 
courte  of  Meleby  [2997]  and  token  to  hem  some 
of  her  trewe  frendys  to  make  fei]>  for  hem  and  forto 
bene  her  borowes  [2998]  1F  And  whaw  pei  were  co?>mien  to 

PETWOETH    539    (O-T.  248)  [Meaf245] 


SIX-TEXT    249 
GROUP    B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PctWOlth   MS. 

]>e  presence  of  melebius  he  seide  hem  Jnse  wordes 
[2999]  It1  stondejj  Jms  quod  Melehie  and  so]?  if  is 
fat1  ^e  [3000]  causelees  and  wij)-out<  skille  and  reson 
[3001]  haue  done  grete  iniuries  and  wronges  to  me  and 
to  my  wiff  Prudence  And  to  my  IF  dou^tere  also  .  [3002]  ffor 
36  han  entred  into  myn  hous  by  violence  [3003]  and  haue 
done  such  outrage  fat1  alle  men  knowe  wel  fat  30  han 
deserued  fe  deef  [3004]  And  f erf  ore  wil  I  knowe 
and  witt1  of  3ou  [3005]  whefere  36  putte  )>e 
punsshment1  and  fe  chastisement1  and  fe  vengeaunce  of 
f  is  outrage  in  j)e  wiH  of  me  and  of  my  wif  Dame  Prudence 
or  36  wil  not 

[3006]  Than  fe  wisest1  of  hem  fre  answerd!  for 
hem  alle  and  seide  [3007]  IT  Sire  quod  he  we  knowe 
wel  fat1  we  bene  vnworfi  to  come  vnto  fe  Suerte  vnto 
so  grete  [a  lord]  and  so  worfi  as  36  bene.  [3008]  ffor 
we  han  so  gretely  mystaken  vs  and  haue  offended  and  gilted 
in  such  a  wise,  ageyn  3oure  hegh  lordship.  [3009]  fatf 
trewly  we  han  deserued  fe  dee]).  [3010]  But1  ^if  for 
Jie  grete  goodnesse  and  debonairte  Jjat1  aH  men  don 
witnesse  of  3oure  persone  /  [3011]  We  submytten  vs  to 
jour  excellence  and  benygnyte  of  3oure  gracious  lordship . 
[3012]  for  we  bene  redy  to  obey  to  aH  3oure  comaundementes 
[3013]  bysekinge  3ou  fat1  of  3oure  merciable  pite  36 
wil  considere  our  grete  repentaunce  and  lowe  submyssion 
[3014]  and  graunt1  us  foi^euenesse  of  oure  outrageous 
trespas  and  offence.  [3015]  ffor  wel  we  knowen  ]>atf  3oure 
liberaH  grace  and  mercie  strecche])  for]?ere  into  good- 
nesse fan  do])  our  outrageous  trespas  i?zto  wikked- 
nesse.  [3016]  1al  be  it1  fat1  cursedly  and  damp- 
nably  we  han  ygilt1  a^einst1  3oure  grete  lordship 

[3017]  ^T  Than  Melebye  toke  hem  vp  fro  fe  grounde 
ful  benygnely  [3018]  and  receyued  her  oblacions  and  her 
londes  by  her  ofes  vpon  her  plegges  and  borowes.  [3019] 
And  assigned  hem  a  certeyn  day  to  retourne  vnto  his 
courte  [3020]  forto  accepte  and  to  receyue  fe  sentence  and 

PET  WORTH    640  (6-T.  24-9)         [i  leaf  245,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    250 
GROUP   B.     §    10.     MELIBEUS.     PetWOlth   MS. 

luggement1  of  fat1  Melebye  wil  comaunde  to  be  done  to  hem 
by  f  ise  causes  to-fore  seide  .  [3021]  which  f  ingges  ordeyned  / 
euery  man  •  retowrned  home  to  his  lions 

[3022]  IF  And?  whan  fat1  Dame  Prudence  segh  her 
tyme .  she  f[r]ayned  and  asked  her  lorde  [3023]  what1 
vengeaunce  he  f  o^t1  to  take  on  his  aduersaries 

[3024]  To  which  Melebius  answerd?  and  saide .  Certys 
quod  I  I  thenk1  and  p?/rpoos  me  fully  [3025]  to  dis- 
herite  hem  and  al  fat1  euere  fei  haue  and  forto  putte 
hem  in  exile  for  euere  moo 

[3026]  ^T  Certts  quod  dame  Prudence  J)is  were  a  cruel 
sentence  and  mochel  a3einst  reson.  [3027]  ffor  30  bene 
riche  ynou^e  and  haue  no  nede  of  o}er  mennys  good  / 
[3028]  and  36  my^ten  lightely  gete  jou  a 
coueitous  name  [3029]  Whiche  is  a  vicious  f  inge  and  ou^te 
to  bene  eschewed!  of  euery  man  [3030]  ^T  ffor  aftere  f  e  sawe 
of  f  e  word!  of  f  e  apostel  Coueityse  is  roote  of  alle  harmes 
[3031]  And  ferfore  it1  were  better1  to  ^ou  to  lese  so  mochel 
good  of  3oure  owne.  fan  forto  take  of  her  good  in  fis 
manere .  [3032]  ffor  bettere  it  is  to  lese  good  with  "Worship 
fan  it1  is  to  wynne  good  wif  vileny  and  shame ./  [3033]  And 
euery  man  ou^f  to  doo  his  diligence  of  his  bysynesse 
to  geten  hym  a  good  name .  [3034]  And  31^  shal  he  not1 
oonly  bysyen  him  in  kepinge  his  good  name  [3035]  But1 
he  shal  also  enforsen  him  alway  to  doon  somwe  f inge  by 
which  he  may  renouelle  his  good  name  [3036]  If  ffor  it1  is 
written  1T  The  olde  good  lose  or  good  name  of  a  man; 
is  sone  done  or  goon  or  passed  whan  it1  is  not1  newed  ne  re- 
nouelled  [3037]  And  as  touching1  fat1  36  sayn  30 
wil  exile  3oure  aduersaries  [3038]  fat1  fenkef  me 
moch  a3einst1  reson.  and  out1  of  mesure  [3039]  con- 
sidered, fe  power  fat1  pei  han  3euen  3ou  vpon  hem  self 
[3040]  IF  And  it1  is  writen  H  that1  he  is  worf  i  to  lesen  his 
privelegge  fat1  mysvsef  fe  mj^t1  and  fe  power  fat1 
is  3eueii  hym  [3041]  And  I  sette  caas  36  nr^t1  enioyne 
hem  fat1  peyne  by  113 11  and  lawe  [3042]  which  I 

PETWORTH    541    (6-T.  250) 


SIX-TEXT    251 

GROUP  B.   §  10.  MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

trowe  30  mo  we  not*  doo  [3043]  I  say  36  myjtt  not1 
putt  it1  to  execucion  perauenture  /  [3044]  and  fan 
were  if  likly  to  retourne  to  f  e  werre  as  it  was  byforne 
[3045]  And  f erf  ore  ^if  36  fan  wol  fat1  men  don  l  ^ou  obeis- 
aunce  36  most1  deme  more  curtaisly  [3046]  This  is  to 
sayn  36  most1  3eue  more  esy  sentences  and  luggementys . 
[3047]  ffor  it1  is  writen  fat1  he  fat1  most1  curteisly 
comaundef  to  hym  men  most1  obeyen  [3048]  IT  And  f  er- 
fore  I  prey  3011  fat1  in  fis  necessite  and  in  fis  nede 
30  cast1  3011  to  oouercome  3oure  herf .  [3049]  ffor  Senetf 
saif .  He  fat1  ouerco??^mef  his  hert1  ouercommef 
twies ./  [3050]  IT  And  Tullius  saif .  Ther  nys  no  f  ing1  so 
comendable  in  a  grete  lord*  [3051]  as  whan  he  is  debonaire 
and  meke  and  apaiseth"  hym  self  lightly .  [3052]  And  I  prey 
3ou  fat1  ye  wil  forbere  no  we  to  do  vengeaunce  [3653]  in 
suon"  a  maner  J?at  30^7-  good  name  may  be  kept1  and 
conserued  [3054]  and  Jjat1  men  mow  han  a  cause  and 
matere  to  preise  3011  of  pite  and  of  mercy  [3055]  and 
jjat1  36  haue  no  cause  to  repent1  3011  of  jnnge  J>af  36  do5n 
[3056]  11  ffor  Senetf  saij) .  He  ouerco??ime|)  in  an  euel 
manere  fat1  repentej?  hym  of  his  victorie.  [3057]  Wher- 
fore  I  prey  3ou  lat1  mercy  be  in  3oure 
hert1  [3058]  to  J>e  effecte  and  entent1  Jjat1  god 
almy3ty  haue  mercy  on  3ou  in  his  last1  luggement1  [3059] 
IT  ffor  seint1  lame  seij)  in  his  Epistel  1T  luggement1  wijj- 
oute  mercy  shal  be  do  to  hym  fat1  haj?  no  mercy  on 
another  wi3# 

[3060]  Whan  Melebius  had  herd?  fe  grete  skilles 
and  resons  of  dame  •  Prudence  and  her  wise  enformacion 
and  techinge.  [3061]  His  hert1  gan  enclyne  to  J>e  wille  of 
his  wif.  coiisiderynge  her  trewe  entent1.  [3062]  Con- 
fermed  .  hym  anon  and  contened  fully  to  worchen  aftere  her 
counsaile  [3063]  and  fonked  god  of  whome  procedej?  al 
goodnesse  fat1  hym  sent1  a  1F  wif  of  so  grete 
discrecion  [3064]  And  whan  fe  day  come  fat1  his  aduer- 
saries  slink?  apperen  *  in  his  presence  [3065]  he  speke 

PETWORTIT    542    (6-T.  25l)  ['leal  246] 


SIX-TEXT    252 

GROUP  B,   §  10,   MELIBEUS.   Petworth  MS. 

to  hem  ful  goodely  And  saide  in  pis  wise .  [3066]  Al  be 
it1  soo  pat1  of  ^oure  pride  and  hegli  presumpcion.  and  foly . 
and  of  }oure  negligence  and  vnkonyng1  [3067]  }e  han 
mysborn  3011.  'and  trespased  vnto  me  [3068]  ^if  for  as 
moche  as  I  See  and  byholde  ^oure  grete  huwilite 
[3069]  and  fat1  36  bene  sory  and  repentaunte  of  ^oure  giltes . 
[3070]  It1  constreynep  me  to  do  3011  grace./  and  mercy 
[3071]  and  wherfore  I  receyue  ^ou  to  my  grace .  [3072]  And 
for^eue  3011  vtterly  al  pe  offences  Iniuries  and  wrongges 
pat1  36  have  done  a^einsf  me  and  myne  [3073]  to  pis 
effecte  and  to  pis  eende  pat1  god  of  >his  endelees  mercye 
[3074]  wil  at1  ])e  tyme  of  our  deyinge  for^eue  vs  our 
giltes  fat1  we  han  trespased  vnto  hym  in  pis  wrecched 
world?.  [3075]  fFor  doutelees^if  we  bene  sory  and  repentaunte 
of  J?e  synnes  and  giltes  in  pe  which"  we  han  trespased  in  pe 
si^t1  of  oure  lorde  god.  [3076]  he  is  so  free  and  so  merci- 
able.  [3077]  pat1  he  'wil  for^eue  vs  oure  giltes  [3078] 
and  brynge  vs  to  pe  blisse  pat1  neuere  hap  eende  . AmeN . 

^[  Here  endep  chaucers  tale  of  melebye 


PETWORTH    543    (0-T.  252)         [' leaf  24C,  back  J 


SIX-TEXT    253 
GROUP  B,     §   11,     MELIBE-MONK  LINK.     PetWOrth  MS. 


And  here  bygynnef  f  e  prologe  of  f  e  Monke ./ 

Whan  ended  was  my  tale  of  Meleby 
And  of  Prudence  and  her  benygnyte  3080 

Our  hoost1  saide  as  I  am  fei))ful  man 
And  by  f  e  corps  precious  Matriaii 
I  had  leuer  fan  a  barel  of  ale  . 

That1  good  loue  my  wif  had  hero?  f  is  tale  3084 

fibr  she  nys  no  j)inge  of  such  pacience 
As  was  f  ilk  Melebies  Dame  Prudence 
By  goddes  bones  whan  I  bete  my  knaues 
She  bringef  me  for]?  f  e  grete  clubbed  staues  3088 

And  crieth  Slee  f  oo  dogges  euerychon 
And  breke  of  hem  bof  bak  and  boon 
And  $if  fat1  eny  neighbour  of  myne 

"Wil  nat1  to  my  wif  in  church  enclyne  3092 

Or  be  so  hardy  to  hure  do  trespas 
Whan  she  commef  hoom  she  rampef  in  my  face 
And  crief  fals  cowarcJ  kepe  and  wreke  f  i  wiff 
By  goddes  bonys  I  wil  haue  fi  knyff  3096 

And  f  ow  shalt1  haue  my  distaff  and  go  spynne 
ffrom  day  to  nyghf  fus  she  wil  bygynne 
Alias  she  seij?  fat1  euer  I  was  yshape 

To  wedde  a  Milksop  or  a  coward!  ap-3  3100 

That1  wil  be  ouercome  wif  euery  wi^tf 
Thow  darst1  not1  stonde  by  fi  wyues  iijV 
J)is  is  my  lif  buf  ^if  fat1  I  wil  fi^t1 

Out1  at1  fe  door  anoon  I  mot1  me  di^t1  3104 

Or  ellys  I  am  lest1  but1  3if  fat1 1. 
Be  like  a  wilde  lyon  fool  hardy . 
I  wote  wele  she  wil  do  me  sclee  som  day 
Somme  neighhoure  of  myne  and  f  ennes  renne  away    3108 
ffor  I  am  perilous  wif  knyf  in  honde 
Al  be  it1 1  dar  nat1  her  withstonde 

PETWOUTH   544    (6-T.  253) 


SIX-TEXT    254 
GROUP  B.     §   11.     MELIBE-MONK  LINK.     PetWOrth  MS. 

fibr  she  is  bigge  in  Armes  be  my  faith 

J}afr  shal  he  fynde  pat1  hir  mysdoj)  or  saij?  3112 

But1  lat1  vs  passe  away  fro  pis  matere 

My  lorde  jje  Monke  quod  he  be  mery  of  chiere  [leaf  247] 

ffor  36  shul  telle  a  tale  trewly 

Loo  Rouchester*  stant1  here  fast1  by  3116 

Ride  for])  myn  owne  lord  breke  not1  ^oure  game 

But1  by  my  troupe  I  knowe  noi^t1  ^oure  name 

'Whedere  shal  I  calle  3ou  my  lorcfe  dan  lohn 

Or  danne  Thomas  or  danii  Albon  3120 

Of  what1  hous  be  36  by  }oure  fader1  kyn 

It1  is  a  gentile  pasture  pat1  36  goon  In 

Thow  art1  not1  like  a  penannte  or  a  goostt 

Thus  to  J>e  Monke  seide  oure  oste  3124 

Vppon  my  faijje  jjou  art1  some  officere 

Som  worj>i  Sexteyn  or  som  selerere 

if  or  by  my  fadere  saule  as  to  my  dome 

Thow  art1  a  maistere  whan  J?ou  art1  at1  home  3128 

No  poor  cloistrere  ne  no  novise 

But1  gouernour  boj>  wily  and  wise 

And  ]?er-wiJ3-al  of  braune  and  of  bonys 

A  wel  farynge  persone  for  ]?e  nonys  3132 

I  pray  god  ^eue  hym  confusion 

That1  ]>e  furst1  brou3t1  to  Religion 

ffor  jjou  woldest1  haue  bene  a  tredeforj?  ari^t1 

Haddest1  thou  as  grete  leue  as  ]?ou  hast  my^t4  3136 

To  performe  al  ])i  lust1  in  engendrure 

Thow  haddest1  ygete  mony  a  creature 

Alias  whi  werest1  Jjow  so  wide  a  cope 

God  ^eue  sorowe  to  me  and  I  were  pope  3140 

Not1  oonly  jjou  but1  euery  my^ty  man . 

Thoi^e  he  were  shore  brode  vpon  J>e  pan . 

Shuld  haue  a  wiff  for  al  ]?e  worldl  is  lorn 

Religion  haj?  take  vp  al  J>e  c5rn  3144 

Of  tredyng  f  and  we  burile  men  ben  but1  shrympes . 

Of  feble  trees  ]?er  commen  symple  ympes . 

PETWORTH    545    (6-T.  254) 


SIX-TEXT    255 
GROUP  B.     §  11.     MELIBE-MONK  LINK.     PetWOlth  MS. 

This  make])  fat1  oure  lieires  bene  so  sclendere 

And  feble  fat1  fei  may  not1  Avel  engenders  3148 

This  make])  fat1  our  wyues  wil  assay 

Relygious  folk1  for  f  ei  may  betters  paye 

Of  Yenes  payment1  fan  may  we 

God  woof  no  lasshebourues  pay  ^e         [leaf  247,  back]        3152 

Be  nat1  wrofe  my  lorde  f  ou^e  I  play 

ifor  ofte  in  game  a  sof  e  I  haue  herd4  say 

This  worfi  monke  toke  aH  in  pacience 

And  saide  I  wil  doon  al  my  diligence  3156 

As  fer  as  sowneth  unto  honeste 

To  telle  $ou  a  tale  or  two  or  ])re 

And  }if  })e  list1  to  herkeii  hiderwarde 

I  wil  }ou  say  fe  lif  of  seint1  Edward  3160 

Or  elles  furst  tregedies  wil  I  }ou  telle 

Of  which  I  haue  an  hundred  in  my  Selle 

Tregedie  is  forto  seyn  a  certeyn  storie 

As  olde  bookes  make  vs  memorie  3164 

Of  hem  fat1  stood  in  grete  prosperite 

And  is  falle  out1  of  hie  degree 

Into  Miserye  and  ende])  wrechedly 

And  ])ei  bene  versefied  comonly  3168 

Of  sex  fete  of  which  men  callen  exametron 

In  proose  eke  bene  endited  mony  on 

In  metere  eke  and  in  sondry  wise 

loo  fis  claring1  au^t1  ynow  suffise  3172 

Now  herkenej)  $if  3011  like  to  here 

But1  furst1  I  $ou  biseche  in  ])is  manere 

^01136  I  be  ordred  tel  not  ])ise  fingges 

Be  it1  of  Popes  Emperours  or  kyngg65  3176 

After  her  Age  as  men  may  writen  fynde 

But1  telle  hem  som  byfore  and  some  behynde 

As  it  comme])  nowe  in  my  remembrau7/ce 

Haue  me  excused  of  myn  ignorauwce  3180 

1F  Here  bygynne])  fe  prologe  of  ]>e  monke 

PETWORTH    646   (6-T.  256) 


SIX-TEXT    256 

GROUP  B,    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 


[No  breaks  lehveen  the  stanzas  in  the  MS,  except  for 
the  red  headings  .] 

And  here  bygynnej?  ]?e  monkes  tale  i>»  1^/247, 


Iwol  by-waile  in  ma[ne]re  of  tregedie  H  j?e  tale 

J>e  harme  of  hem  pat1  stonden  in  hie  degrie 
And  fallen  so  pat1  per  nys  no  remedye 
To  bringe  hem  out1  of  her  aduersite  3184 

ifor  certeynly  whan  fortune  list  to  flee 
J>er  may  no  man  of  hir*  pe  cours  wipholde 
Lat1  no  man  trest1  on  blynde  prosperite 
Be]?  ware  of  pise  ensamples  trewe  and  olde     [leaf  248]     3188 

All"  Primo  de  Lucifero  '. 
t1  lucifere  pou^e  he  an  anngel  were 
And  naf  a  man  .  but1  at1  hym  I  wil  bygynne 
ffor  pou^e  fortune  may  noon  aungel  dere 
fFroo  high  degre  per  felle  he  for  hys  synne  3192 

Downe  into  helle  wwere  he  3  it1  is  Inne 
0  lucifer  bri^test1  of  aungels  alle 
Kow  art1  ]?ou  Sathanas  pat1  maist1  nat  twynne 
Out1  of  myserie  in  which  jjat1  Jiou  art1  falle  3196 

LIT  De  Adam  ./ 
oo  Adam  in  j?e  feelde  of  Damyssene 
\ViJ>  goddes  oune  fyngers  wrou^t1  was  he 
And  no^t1  bygeten  of  mannes  sperme  vnclene 
And  wolt1  al  Paradys  sauyng1  oon  tree  3200 

Had  neuere  worldly  man  so  hie  degre 
As  Adam  vnto  he  wyjj  nyce  gouernance 
"Was  dryue  out1  of  his  high  prosperite 
To  laboure  and  to  helle  and  to  meschance  3204 

PETWORTH    647    (6-T.  256) 


SIX-TEXT    257 

GROUP  B.   §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

LIT  De  Sampsone 
o  sampson  f  aft  was  annunciate 
By  f  e  Aungel  longe  er  his  natiuite 
And  was  to  god  almy^ty  consecrate 

And  stoode  in  noblesse  while  fat  he  my$t  see  3208 

Was  neuer  such  a  nof  er  as  was  he 
To  speke  of  strength,  and  f  erto  hardynesse 
But1  to  his  wyues  tolde  he  his  secree 
Thourgh"  which  he  sclou^e  hy???  self  for  wrecchednesse  3212 

IF  Sampson  f  is  noble  and  my^ty  champion 
Wif -oute  wepen  saaf  his  hondes  tway 
He  sclough  and  also  to-rent*  f  e  lyon 

Toward4  his  weddyng1  walking1  by  fe  way  3216 

His  fals  wif  coude  hym  so  wel  plese  and  pray 
Til  she  his  counsaile  knewe  and  she  vntrewe 
To  his  foos  his  counsaile  gan  to  wrye 
And  hym  forsoke  and  toke  anof  er  newe  3220 

Thre  hundred  foxes  toke  Sampson  for  Ire 
And  alle  her  tailes  he  to-gyder  bonde . 
And  Sette  fe  foxes  tailles  a  fire  [leaf  243,  back] 

ifor  he  in  euery  taile  had  knytte  a  bronde  3224 

And  f  ei  brent1  al  f  e  comes  of  fat1  londe 
And  al  her  oliuerus  an  vynes  eke 
A  thowsand  he  sclough  eke  wij)  his  honde 
And  had  no  wepon  but1  an  asses  cheke  3228 

Whan  f  ei  were  sclayn  so  Crested  hym  fat  he 
was  wel  nye  lorn  wherfor  he  gan  to  preye 
fat1  god  wolde  of  his  peyne  haue  som  pite 
And  sende  hym  drynke  or  ellys  most1  he  deye  3232 
And  out  of  his  asses  cheke  fat1  was  so  dreye 
Out1  of  a  wonge  toth  spronge  anon  a  welle 
Of  whiche  he  dronk1  ynou^e  shortly  to  [     .     . 
no  gap  in  the  MS.]  telle                   3236 

PETWORTH   648    (6-T.  257) 


SIX-TEXT    258 

GROUP  B,    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


By  verray  force  at1  Algason  vpon  a 
Maugre  the  philistiens  of  Jjatf  Cite 
Jje  gatys  of  Jjat1  toune  he  ha}>  vp  pli^fr 

And  on  his  bak  caried  hem  haj?  he  3240 

Hie  vpon  an  hille  J>atf  men  my^t1  See 
0  noble  almy^ty  sampson  leef  and  dere 
Haddest1  J?ou  nat1  to  wommeii  told  J)i  secre 
In  al  Jns  world  ne  had  ben  J>i  pere  3244 

This  Sampson  nei)>er  Sither  dronk  ne  wyne 
"Ne  on  his  hede  come  neifere  rasour1  ne  Shere 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

ifor  al  J>e  strength  in  his  heres  were  3248 

And  fully  xxtt  wynter  ^eer  by  }ere 

He  had  of  Israel  )>e  gouernaunce . 

But1  he  shal  wepe  mony  a  tere 

ffor  wommen  men  bryngen  to  meschaunce  3252 

To  his  lenimon  his  Dalyaunce  he  told? 
That1  in  his  herus  al  his  strengths  lay 
And  falsly  to  his  foomen  she  hyw  sold? 
And  sclepinge  in  her  barme  vpon  a  day  3256 

She  made  to  clippe  or  shere  his  heer  away 
And  made  his  foomen  aH  his  craft1  to  aspyen 
And  whan  )>atf  j?ei  foonde  hym  in  Jjis  aray 
]?ei  bounde  hym  fast1  and  put1  out1  his  yen  3260 

But1  er  his  heer  was  yclipped  or  shaue 

Ther  was  no  boonde  AviJ?  whicli  men  my^t1  hyw  bynde 

But1  now  he  is  in  prison  put1  in  a  kaue  [leaf  219] 

"Where  as  J)ei  made  hym  af  )>e  querne  grynde  3264 

0  noble  Sampson  strongest1  of  mankynde 

0  whilom  luge  in  glorie  &  richesse 

Now  maisf  ]?ow  wepe  wij?  j^ine  eyen  blynde 

Sirens  J?ow  art1  from  wele  falle  into  wrecchednesse       3268 

PETWORTH    649    (6-T.  258) 


SIX-TEXT    259 

GROUP  B.    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


The  eende  of  J?ise  catyfs  was  as  I  shal  say 
His  ffoomen  made  a  feest1  vpon  a  day 
And  made  hym  as  her  foole  to-forn  hem  play 
And  Jris  was  [in]  a  temple  of  a  grete  aray  3272 

But*  at1  jje  last1  he  made  a  foule  afray 
ffor  he  two  postes  shoke  and  made  hem  falle 
And  downe  fitt  temple  and  al  J>er  it*  lay 
And  sclough  hym  self  and  eke  his  foomen  alle  3276 

This  is  to  say  J>e  princes  euerechon 
And  eke  a  thowsand  bodyes  were  ]>ere  sclayn 
WiJ?  falling1  of  jje  grete  temple  of  ston 
Of  Sampson  ne  wil  I  no  more  sayn  3280 

Be  ware  of  ))ise  ensamples  olde  and  playn 
Jjaf  no  man  telle  her  counsaile  to  her  wyves 
Of  suche  Jjinge  as  Jjei  wolde  haue  secre  fayn 
3it*  j>at*  it*  touche  her  lymmes  or  hir  lyues .  3284 

Of  De  Ercule ./ 
f  Ercule  this  souereyn  conquerour 
Syngen  his  werkes  lewde  and  high  renown . 
ffor  in  his  tyme  of  strength  he  here  J?e  flour 
He  slowe  and  raft1  j>e  skyn  fro  J?e  lyo«n  3288 

He  of  Sentawres  laide  ]?e  boost1  a  doim 
He  Arpies  sclowe  J?e  cruel  briddes  felle 
He  golden  apples  byraft1  ))e  dragoim 
He  drowe  out1  Serbyrois  J>e  hound  of  helle  3292 

He  sclowe  Ipe  cruel  tyraunf  Buserus 
And  made  his  hors  to  frete  hym  flessh  and  bon 
He  sclough  J?e  verrey  serpent1  venemous 
Of  Achiles  two  homes  broke  he  on  3296 

An  he  sclowgh  Cacus  in  a  kaue  of  ston 
He  sclowgh  J>e  geaunte  Anteus  ]?e  strong* 
He  sclowe  }?e  grisly  boore  and  J>afr  anon 
And  bare  Jie  hcde  vpon  his  nek1  longe       [leaf  219,  back]     3300 

PETWORTH    550    (6-T.  259) 


SIX-TEXT    260 

GROUP  B.    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Was  neuer  wi^fr  sijjen  pe  world?  bygan 
J>afr  sclowe  so  mony  monstres  as  did  he 
J^orgh-out1  pis  wide  world?  his  name  ran 
What*  for  his  strength  and  for  his  bounte  3304 

And  euery  Rewme  went1  he  forto  See 
He  was  so  stronge  no  man  my^f  hyra  lette 
And  boj?  j>e  worldes  ende  saijj  trophe 
In  stede  of  bondes  he  a  piler1  sette  3308 

A  lemman  had  j?is  noble  Campion 
That1  hight1  Dianyre  fressli  as  may 
And  as  J>e  clerkes  maken  mencion 

She  haj)  hym  sent1  a  shert1  fressh  and  gay  3312 

Alias  J>is  shert1  and  welaway 
Evenymed  was  subtilly  wi))-aH 
That*  ere  fat1  he  had  wered  it1  half  a  day 
It1  made  his  bones  from  his  flesshe  falle  3316 

But1  na]>eles  some  clerkes  her  excusen 
By  oon  pat1  hight1  Nessus  J>af  it1  maked . 
Be  as  be  may  I  wil  her  not  accusen  • 

But1  on  his  bakke  |?e  shert1  he  weres  al  naked  .  3320 

Til  Jmfr  his  flessh"  was  for  ]je  venyme  blaked 
And  whan  he  segh  noon  o)>er  remedy e 
In  hote  cooles  he  ha)>  hym-self  raked 
ffor  wij?  no  venyme  deyned  he  to  dye  3324 

Thus  sterf  Jns  wor|)i  myghty  Ercules 
Lo  who  may  trust*  on  fortune  eny  throwe 
ffor  hym  J?af  folowe)?  al  jns  world2  of  prees 
Er  he  be  ware  is  oft1  yleide  ful  lowe  3328 

fful  wise  is  he  Jmt1  hym  self  can  knowe 
Bef  ware  for  whan  Jnit1  fortune  lest1  to  glose 
jpan  waitej?  she  her  man  doun  to  throwe 
By  suche  a  way  as  he  wold  leesfr  suppose  3332 

PETWORTH    651    (6-T. 


SIX-TEXT    261 

GROUP  B.   §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

T1T  De  rege  Nabugodonosor.  / 
he  my^ty  trone  fe  precious  tresour 
The  glorious  sceptre  and  real  mageste 
J^att  had  f  e  kynge  Nabugodonosor 

"Wif  tunge  vnnef  may  /  discrived  be  3336 

He  twyes  nani  lerusalem  fe  Cite  [leaf  250] 

The  VesseH  of  fe  temple  he  wif  hym  lad 
At1  Babiloyne  was  his  souereyra  See 
In  which  his  glorie  and  his  delit1  he  had .  3340 

The  fairest1  children  of  J?e  blood  Koyal 
Of  lewinaleiD.  he  ded  do  gilde  anonon 
And  maked  eche  of  hem  to  bene  his  cheiie 
Amonfge]  aH  of  er  Danyel  was  oon  3344 

f  aft  was  f  e  wysest1  childe  of  euerychon 
ffor  he  f  e  dremes  of  J>e  kynge  expowned 
Wher  as  in  Caldey  clerk1  was  J?er  noon 
fat1  wist1  to  what1  fyiie  his  dremes  sowned  3348 

This  prowde  kynge  lete  make  a  stature  of  gold? 
Sixty  cubites  longe  and  Seuen  in  brede 
To  whiche  ymage  bo]?  ^onge  and  olde 
Comaunded  he  to  loute  and  haue  in  drede  3352 

Or  in  a  fornays  ful  of  flawmes  rede . 
He  shal  be  brent1  fat1  wold'  natt  obeye 
Buf  neuere  wold?  assent1  vnto  fat1  clede 
Danyel  ne  his  ^onge  felawes  tweye  3356 

This  kynge  of  kyngges  prowde  was  and  elate 
He  weiule  god  fat1  sitte  in  maieste 
JS'e  myght  hyin  nat1  byreue  of  his  estate 
But1  sodeynly  he  lost1  his  dignyte  3360 

And  like  a  beest1  hyw  seined  forto  be 
And  ete  hay  as  an  oxe  and  lay  ferout1 
In  reyne  wif  wilde  beestes  walked  he 
Til  a  certeyn  tynie  was  come  aboute  3364 

PEl-VVOllTH    552   (6-T.  26l) 


SIX-TEXT    262 

GROUP  B.    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

And  like  an  Egles  fetheres  was  his  heeres 
His  nailes  like  briddes  clawes  were 
[Til]  God  releued  hym  a  certeyn  ^eres 
And  ^af  hym  witte  and  pan.  wip  mony  a  tere  3368 

He  ponked  god  and  euere  his  lyf  in  fere 
was  he  to  doon  amys  in  more  trespas 
And  or  pat  tyme  ylaide  was  on  his  here 
He  knewe  wel  pat  god  was  ful  of  my^t1  and  grace        3372 

De  Baltazar  Aicti  "Reg^  Nabugodonosor  filio . 

His  sone  which  pat1  hi^t1  Baltazar 

That1  heelde  pe  regne  aftere  his  faders  day  [leaf 250,  back] 

He  by  his  fadere  coupe  not1  be  war 

ffor  proude  he  was  of  hert1  and  of  aray  3376 

And  eke  an  ydolater  was  he  ay 
His  high  astate  assured  hym  in  pride 
But1  fortune  cast1  hyw  doune  and  per  he  lay 
And  sodeynly  his  regne  gan  devide  3380 

A  feest1  he  made  vnto  his  lordes  .-3 lie 
Yppon  a  tyme  and  made  he??i  blijje  be 
And  fan  his  officers  can  he  calle 

Goo])  bryngejj  for])  pe  vessels  qiiod  he  3384 

Which  pat1  my  fader  in  his  prosperite 
Out1  of  pe  temple  of  lerw^alem  byraft1 
And  to  oure  hegh^?  goddes  ponke  wee 
Of  honur1  pat1  our  elders  wip  vs  laft1  3388 

His  wif  his  lordes  and  his  concubynes 
Ay  dronken  pe  whiles  her  appetite  last1 
Out1  of  pise  noble  vessels  sondry  wynes 
And  on  a  wal  pis  kyng1  his  eyen  cast1  3392 

And  sawe  an  lionde  armelees  pat1  wrote  ful  fast 
ffor  fere  of  which  he  quoke  and  sighed  sore 
This  lionde  pat1  baltazar  made  so  soor  agasf 
Wrote  mane  techel  phares  and  no  more  3396 

37  PETWORTH   553    (6-T.  262) 


SIX-TEXT    263 

GROUP  B.    §  12,   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

In  al  J>af  londe  Magytien  Mras  \er  noon 
Jjat1  coujje  expoune  what1  J?is  letfae  menf 
But1  Danyel  expouned  it1  anoon 

And  saide  king1  god  j)i  fader  sent1  3400 

Glorie  and  honour'  Regne  tresour  and  rent1 
And  he  was  proude  and  god  no  fing1  dradde 
And  ferfore  god  grete  wreth  vpon  hyw  Sent 
And  hym  by-raft1  Jje  regne  pat1  he  hadde  3404 

He  was  out1  cast1  of  ma?mys  corapanye 
WiJ?  asses  was  his  habitacion 
And  ete  hay  as  a  beest1  in  wete  and  drye 
Til  pat1  he  knewe  by  grace  and  by  reson  3408 

That1  god  of  heuene  haj?  domynacian 
Ouer  euery  regne  and  euery  creature 
And  Jjan  had  god  of  hym  compassion 
And  hym  restored  his  regne  and  his  figure        [leaf  2513  3412 

Eke  ]>ou  pat1  art1  his  sone  art1  proude  also 
And  knowest1  all  Jrise  Jjingges  prively 
And  art1  rebel  to  god  and  art1  his  foo 

Thow  drank1  eke  of  his  vessels  boldly  3416 

Thi  wif  eke  and  J>i  wenches  synfully 
Drank1  of  J>e  same  vessels  sondry  wynes 
And  heried  fals  goddys  cursedly 
j)erfore  to  J>e  shapen  grete  peyn  es  3420 

This  hand  was  sent1  fro  god  pat1  on  J>e  waH 
wrote  mane  tech  el  phares  trest1  me 
Thy  regne  is  done  )?ou  waiest1  not1  at  aH 
Devided  is  ]>i  regne  and  it1  shal  be  3424 

To  Medes  and  to  perses  ^euen  quod  he 
And  filk1  same  ny^t1  ]?e  kyng1  was  sclawe 
And  Darius  Qccupiej)  his  degre 

They  he  ferto  nad  neiper  rijti  ne  lawe  3428 

PETWORTH    554   (6-T.  263) 


SIX-TEXT    264 

GROUP  B.    §  12,   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


Lordyngges  her-by  ensamples  mowe  36  take 
How  jjat1  in  lordship  is  no  sikernesse 
ftbr  whan  fortune  wil  a  man  forsake 
He  berejj  away  his  regne  and  his  richesse 
And  eke  his  frendes  bo]?  more  and  lesse 
And  what1  man  haj>  frendes  Jjorowe  fortune 
Mishappe  wil  make  hem  enemyes  I  gesse 
This  prouerbe  is  ful  so}>e  and  ful  commune 


3432 


3436 


V^Em 


De  Cenobia  f/ 


lobia  of  Palamere  ]?e  quene 
As  writen  Persiens  of  her  noblesse 
So  worjn  was  in  Armes  and  so  kene 
Jjat1  no  wi^t1  passed  hure  in  hardynesse 
"Ne  in  lynage  ne  in  o]?er  gentilnesse 
Of  Jje  kyngges  blood  of  percy  is  she  descended . 
I  say  pat1  she  nad  not1  moost1  fairenesse 
But1  of  hure  Shap  she  my^t1  not1  be  amended 

Fro  childhode  I  fynde  fat1  she  fledde 
Office  of  wommen  and  into  woode  she  went1 
And  Mony  a  wilde  hertes  blode  she  shedde 
wij)  arowes  brode  Jjafr  she  to  hym  sent1 
She  was  so  swift  J>atf  she  anoon  hem  hent1 
And  whan  J>at  she  was  elder  she  wold?  kille 
Lyons  .  lybardes  and  beres  alto-rent1 
And  in  hure  armes  weelde  hern  at1  her  wille 

She  durst1  wilde  beestes  dennes  seke 
And  renne  in  Jje  mountayn  al  )>e  nyght1 
And  sclepe  vndere  a  bussh  she  coude  eke 
"Wrastelen  by  verray  force  and  myghf 
Wij)  eny  yong1  man  were  he  neuer  so  wi}^ 
Ther  myght1  no  j)inge  in  her  Armes  stonde 
She  kepte  her  maidenhode  from  euery 
To  no  man  deyned  hure  to  be  bonde 

P.ETWORTH    555    (6-T.  264) 


3440 


3444 


3448 

[leaf  251,  back] 


3452 


3456 


3460 


SIX-TEXT    265 

GROUP  B.    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

But  at1  pe  last1  her  frendes  han  hure  marled 
To  Odonak  a  prince  of  pat1  Cite 
Al  were  it1  so  fat1  she  hem  longe  taried 
And  ^e  shal  vnderstonde  how  pat1  he  3464 

HaJ>  suche  fantasies  as  had  she 
But1  napelees  whan  pei  were  knyt1  in  fere 
pei  lyueden  in  loie  and  in  felicite 
ifor  eche  of  hem  had  oper  leef  and  dere  3468 

Sauf  oon  pinge  that  36  nolde  neuere  assent* 
By  no  way  pat1  he  shulde  by  hire  lye 
But1  onys  for  it1  was  her  pleyn  entenf 
To  haue  a  childe  J>e  world?  to  multiplie  3472 

And  also  sone  as  she  my^fr  aspie . 
That1  she  was  nou^f  wip  child  with  pat1  dede 
pan  wil  she  sufFre  hym  doon  his  fantasie 
Eftsone  and  not1  but1  onys  out1  of  drede  3476 

And  }if  she  were  wip  childe  at1  pilke  cast* 
No  more  shulde  he  playe  pilke  game 
Till  xT?  daies  were  past1 

Than  wolde  she  onys  suffre  hym  doo  pe  same  3480 

Al  were  this  Odenake  wilde  or  tame 
He  gate  no  more  of  hure.  for  pus  she  saide 
If  was  to  wyues  lechery  an  shame 
In  oper  caas  if  pat1  men  wip  hem  plaide  3484 

Twoo  sones  by  pis  odynak  had  She 
The  whiche  she  kepte  in  vertue  and  in  letture 
But1  nowe  vnto  oure  tale  turne  wee  [leaf  252] 

I  say  pat1  worshipful  creature  3488 

And  wise  per-wip  and  large  with  mesure 
So  penyble  in  pe  werre  and  curteyse  eke 
No  more  labour  my^t1  in  werre  endure 
was  noon  pou^e  in  al  pis  world!  men  shuld?  seke  3492 

PETWORTH   556    (0-T.  265) 


SIX-TEXT    266 

GROUP  B.    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Hire  Biche  aray  my^t1  not*  be  tolde 
As  wel  in  vessel  as  in  clof  inge 
She  was  al  clad  in  perry  and  in  gold? 
And  eke  she  laff  not1  for  noon  huntynge  3496 

To  haue  of  sondry  tungges  folk'  knowing* 
whan  fat1  she  leisere  had  and  forto  entende 
To  lerne  bookes  was  al  hure  likynge 
How  she  in  vertue  my^t1  her  lyf  dispende  3500 

And  shortely  of  f  is  storie  forto  entrete 
So  dughty  was  her  husbonde  as  she 
That1  fei  conquered  mony  regnes  grete 
In  f  e  Orient1  wif  mony  a  faire  Cite  3504 

App^rtenent1  vnto  f  e  mageste 
Of  Rome  and  wif  stronge  hond  helde  hem  fast1 
Ue  neuer  niy^t1  her  foomen  doon  hem  flee 
Ay  whiles  f  af  Odenak^  dayes  last1  3508 

Her  batailles  who  so  lest1  hem  forto  rede 
Ageyn  sopere  f  e  kyng1  and  oper  moo 
And  howe  fat1  aH  f  e  processe  felle  in  dede 
whi  she  conquered  and  what1  titel  had  ferto.  3512 

And  after  of  her  mescheef  and  of  her  woo 
Howe  fat1  she  was  byseged  and  Itake 
Latt  hym  vnto  my  maister  Petrarke  goo  . 

writte  Inowe  of  ]>is  I  vndertake.  3516 


Whan  Odenak*  was  dede  she  my^tily 
))e  Eegnes  heelde  and  wif  hur  p?*opre  honde 
A^einst1  her  foos  she  fau^t1  trewly 

fat1  Jjer  nas  kyng  no  prince  in  al  fat  londe  3520 

Jjat1  he  nas  glad  ^if  he  fat1  grace  fonde 
fat  she  ne  wolde  vpon  his  lond*  werreye 
wif  hire  f  ei  made  alliance  by  bonde 
To  bene  in  pees  and  lat1  hure  ride  and  pleye  /  3524 

PETWORTH  657    (6-T  .  266) 


SIX-TEXT    267 

GROUP  B.   §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

The  Emperour  of  Eome  Claudius  [leaf  252,  back! 

Ne  hym  byforn  J>e  Romayne  galiene 
iN"e  durst1  neuer  be  so  coragius 

Ne  noon  ermyne  ne  noon  Egipciene  3528 

Ne  Surryene  ne  noon  Arabiene 
Wijj-in  )>e  feelde  fat1  durst1  wif  hire  fi^tt 
Lest1  fat1  she  wolde  wif  hure  hondes  hym  scleen 
Or  wif  her  mayne  putten  hem  to  fli^t*  3532 

In  kyngges  h'abite  went*  her  sonys  twoo 
As  heires  of  her  regnes  atte 
And  hermanno  and  Tymalao 

Her  names  were  as  perciens  hem  calle  3536 

But1  ay  fortune  haf  in  her  hony  galle 
This  my3ty  qwene  may  not1  longe  endure 
ffortune  out1  of  her  regne  made  her  falle 
To  wrecchednesse  and  to  mysauenture  3540 

Aurelion  whan  fat1  f  e  gouernawnee 
Of  Eome  come  into  his  hondes  tweye 
He  shope  vpon  fis  quene  to  do  vengeau^ice 
•And  wij>  his  legyons  he  toke  his  waye  3544 

Toward!  Cenoby  and  shortly  forto  seye 
He  made  hur  flee  and  at1  J>e  last1  her  hentf 
And  fettred  hure  and  eke  her  children  tweye 
And  wan  J>e  londe  and  home  to  Rome  is  went1  3548 

Amonge  jjise  oj)er  )>ingges  Jjat1  he  wan 
her  chare  fat1  wrou3t1  was  vriih  gold'  and  perre 
This  grete  Romayn  J?is  Aurelian. 

ha]>  wi]>  hym  lad  for  fat1  men  shuld  see  3552 

Byforn  hys  trihumphe  walkej?  she 
"WiJ?  Gilt1  .cheynes  in  her  nek1  hongynge 
Corowned  she  was  as  after  her  degre 
And  ful  of  Perry  charged  her  clofinge  3556 

PETWORTH    658    (6-T.  267) 


SIX-TEXT    268 

GROUP  B.   §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Alias  fortune  she  fat1  whilom  was 
Dreedful  to  kyngges  and  to  emperours 
Now  gauref  alle  f  e  puple  on  hir  alias 
And  she  fat1  helmed  was  in  stronge  stoures  3560 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.'} 

Shal  on  her  hede  bere  a  Vitremyte 

And  she  fat1  bare  f  e  sceptre  ful  of  floures 

Shal  bye  a  dystaf  her  coste  forto  quite        [leaf  253]        3564 

[Peter  the  Cruel,  of  Spain.~\ 

0  noble  o  worf  i  peter  glory  of  Spayn 
Whoom  fortune  helde  so  hi^e  in  maieste 
Wei  ou^t1  men  f  i  pitous  deef  complayii 
Thi  bastard*  broker  made  fe  to  flee  3568 

And  aftere  at1  a  siege  by  subtilte 
Thowe  were  bytraied  and  lad  to  his  tent1 
Wher  as  he  wif  his  owne  honde  sclogh"  f  e 
Succeedynge  in  f  i  regne  and  in  fi  rent1  3572 

The  felde  of  snowe  wif  fe  Egle  blak1  fer-Inne  gSS*" 
Caught1  wif  f  e  lyme  rodde  colours  as  f  e  glede 
He  brewe  f  is  cursednesse  and  al  f  e  synne 
f  e  wicked  nest1  was  werker  of  fis  nede  .  3576 

Nou^f  charles  Olyfere  fat1  ay  toke  good  hede 
Of  troufe  of  honure  but1  Armorekke  tf&itann^uny 

Genilon  Olyuer  corupte  for  nede 
Brou^test1  fis  worjri  king1  in  suche  brekke  3580 

[Peter  of  Cyprus.} 

IT  worf  i  Petre  kynge  of  Cipre  alsoo . 
That1  Alisaunder  wan  by  high  maistrie 
fful  mony  a  hefen  wrou^test1  f ou  for  woo . 
Of  which  fine  owne  leeges  had  enuye  3584 

And  for  no  f  ing1  but1  for  f  i  chyualrie 
They  in  f  i  bed  han  sclayn  f  e  by  f  e  morue 
Thus  gan  fortune  gouerne  and  gie 
And  out1  of  loie  bringe  into  sorowe  3588 

PETWORTH    559    (6-T.  268) 


SIX-TEXT    269 

GROUP  B.    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

[Berndbo  Visconti,  of  Milan.] 

Of  Melane  grete  Barnabo  Viscounte 
God  of  delite  and  scourge  of  lumbardie 
Whi  shuld?  not1 1  jji  fortune  acounte 

Sij>  in  estaat1  ]>ou  clomben  were  so  hie  3592 

Thy  brojjer  sone  pat1  was  pi  double  alie 
ftbr  he  pi  Neuewe  was  and  sone  in  lawe 
Wip-in  his  prison  made  pe  to  die 
But*  wlii  ne  ho  we  wote  I  pat1  pou  were  sclawe  3596 

\Ugolino,  Count  of  Pisa.] 

Of  the  Erie  Hugelyne  of  pise  pe  languozw 
Ther  may  no  tunge  telle  for  pite 
But1  litel  out1  of  Pise  stant1  a  tour1 

In  whiche  towre  in  prison  put1  was  he  3600 

And  wip  hym  bene  his  litel  children  pre 
J>e  eldest1  scarcely  .v.  ^ere  was  of  age  [leaf  253,  back] 

Alias  fortune  it1  was  grete  crueltee 
Such  briddes  forto  putte  into  a  cage  3604 

1T  Dampned  he  was  to  dye  in  pat1  prison 
ffor  Eoger  which  pat1  bisshop  was  of  pise 
Had  on  hym  made  a  fals  suggestion 

Thorgh  which  pe  puple  gan  on  hym  arise  3608 

And  putten  him  in  prison  in  such  a  wise 
As  30  han  herd  and  mete  and  drinke  he  had. 
So  smal  pat1  vnnepes  it  may  suffise 
And  jjerwijjal  it1  was  ful  poor  and  bad  3612 

In  a  day  byfelle  fat*  in  J>af  houre 
Whan  pat1  his  [mete]  was  wonte  to  be  wroujf 
J?e  Gailour*  shette  J?e  doores  of  £e  toure 
He  herde  it1  wel  but1  he  seegli  it  noujt1  3616 

And  in  his  hert1  anoon  ]?er  felle  a  jjou^t1 
jjat1  J?ei  for  hunder*  wolde  done  hym  dyen 
Alias  quod  he  alias  pat1 1  was  wrou^t1 
per-wip  ]?e  teeres  felle  from  his  eyen .  3620 

PETWORTH  560    (6-T.  269) 


SIX-TEXT    270 

GROUP  B.    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

His  3onge  sones  )>re  per  were  of  age 
Vnto  hym  seide  fadere  whi  do  ^e  wepe 
whan  wil  j>e  Gailoure  brynge  our  potage 
Is  Jjer  no  morsel  brede  Jmf  [ye]  doo  kepe  3624 

I  am  so  hungry  J?afr  I  may  natf  sclepe 
Nowe  wolde  god  j>at<  I  my^tf  sclepen  euere 
Jjan  shuld  noon  hungre  in  myn  herte  crepe 
J?er  nys  no  £inge  sauf  brede  J>af  me  were  leu  ere  3628 

Thus  day  by  day  Jns  cliilde  gan  to  crie 
Til  in  his  faders  barme  adoune  it  lay 
And  saide  fare  wel  fadere  I  riiote  dye 

And  kissed  his  fadere  and  dyed  J>e  same  day  3632 

And  whan  J>e  wooful  fadere  did  \\jrn  say 
ffor  woo  his  armes  two  he  gan  to  bite 
And  saide  alias  fortune  and  welaway 
Thy  fals  whele  my  woo  I  may  al  wite  3636 

Kis  childer  [wende]  jjat1  hit1  for  hunger  was 
J?af  he  his  armes  gnowe  and  nou^t1  for  woo . 
fei  seiden  fadere  do  not1  so  alias 

But1  ra)>er  ete  ]je  flessh  vpon  vs  twoo  .         [leaf  25 1]          3640 
Our  flesshe  J?ou  ^af  vs  take  our  flessli  vs  froo 
And  ete  ynou^e  ri^t1  }?us  to  l\ym  j>ei  saide 
And  after  fiaf  wi]?-Inne  a  day  or  twoo 
J?ei  leide  hem  doune  in  his  lappe  and  dayde  3644 

Hym  self  dispeirede  eke  and  for  hu[n]ger  starf1 
Thus  ended  is  J?e  my^ty  erle  of  pise 
ffor  highe  astate  fortune  fro  hym  carf 

Of  his  tregetrie  it1  ou^te  ynou^e  suffise  3648 

Who  so  wil  here  it1  in  a  lenger  wise 
Rede))  J>e  grete  poete  of  ytaile 
J>af  hi^te  Daunte,  for  he  can  it1  devise 
nrom  poynf  to  poynte  for  110  Jmig1  wil  he  faile.  3652 

PETWORTH    561    (6-T.  270) 


A, 


SIX-TEXT    271 

GROUP  B.   §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 
11  De  nerone  Imperatore . 


.1  fou^e  pat1  Nero  were  as  vicious 
As  eny  feende  J>af  lieth  ful  lowe  adoune 
3if  he  as  tellej?  vs  swetheneus 

This  wide  world?  had  in  subiecciofi  3656 

Both  eest1  and  west1  and  Septemptrion 
Of  Rubies  Saphires  and  peerles  white 
Were  al  his  [clones]  browd[ed]  vp  and  doune 
ffor  he  [in]  gemmes  grete  gan  delite  3660 

More  delicate  more  pompous  of  araye 
More  proude  was  neuere  Emperour  Jjan  he 
pat1  ilke  clojje  fat1  he  had  wered  a  day 
Aftere  pat1  tyme  he  nolde  it1  neuer  see  3664 

Nettes  of  gold  threde  had  he  grete  pleiite 
To  fisshen  in  Tibre  \vhan  hym  list1  to  pleye 
His  lustes  [were]  as  lawe  in  his  degre 
ffor  fortune  as  his  frende  wold  hym  obeye  3668 

He  Rome  brent1  for  his  delicasie 
The  Senatoures  he  sclou^e  vpon  a  day 
To  here  howe  Jjat1  men  wolde  wepe  and  crie 
And  sclou^e  his  broker  and  by  his  sustere  [lay]  3672 

His  modere  made  he  in  pitous  aray 
if  or  he  her  wombe  sclitte  to  byhold? 
wher  he  conceyued  was  so  welaway 
That1  he  so  litel  of  his  moder  tolde.  3676 

Ho  teer  out1  of  his  eyen  for  Jmt1  si^t1  [leaf  254,  back] 

Ne  came  but1  saide  a  faire  womman  was  she 
Grete  wondere  is  pat1  he  cowde  or  my^t1 
Be  Domes  man  of  her  dede  bewte .  3680 

The  wyne  to  brynge  comaunded  he 
And  dronke  anoon  noon  oj>er  woo  he  made 
Whan  my^t1  is  loyned  vnto  cruelte 
Alas  to  depe  wil  f>e  venyme  wade  3684 

PETWORTH   662    (6-T.  27l) 


SIX-TEXT    272 

GROUP  B.   §  12,   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

In  ^outhe  a  maister  had  jns  emperour 
To  teclie  hym  letture  and  curtesye 
ffor  of  moralite  he  was  J>e  floure 

As  in  his  tyme  but1  jif  bokes  lye  3688 

And  whiles  his  maister1  had  of  hym  maistrie 
He  made  hym  so  conynge  and  so  souple 
That1  longe  tyme  it1  was  or  tyrannye 
Or  eny  vice  in  hym  durst1  vncouple  3692 

This  Seneca  of  which  [that]  I  devise 
By  cause  Nero  had  of  hym  such  drede 
ffor  he  for  vices  wold  hym  chastise 

Discretely  as  by  worde  and  nat1  by  dede  3696 

Sire  wolde  he  sayne  an  Empenmr  mot1  nede 
Be  vertuous  and  hate  tyrannye 
ffor  which  he  hym  in  bathe  made  to  blede 
On  booj)  his  Armes  til  he  most1  dye  3700 

This  Nero  had  eke  of  a  custumance 
In  ^oujje  a^einsf  his  maister*  forto  rise 
Which  afterward?  hym  fou^t1  a  grete  greuance 
Therfore  he  made  hym  dye  in  J)is  wise  3704 

But1  nathelees  j?is  Senetf  fe  wise 
Chees  in  a  bathe  to  dye  in  Jns  manere 
Rajjer  fan  han  a  no]>er  tormentri[s]e 
And  Jms  haj>  Nero  sclayn  his  maister  dere  3708 

Now  felle  it1  so  fat1  fortune  lest1  no  longer1 
J?e  highe  Pride  of  IsTero  to  cherice 
ffor  Jjou^e  he  were  stronge  ^it1  was  she  stronger* 
She  Jjou^te  Jms  by  god  I  am  to  nyce  3712 

To  sette  a  man  fat1  is  fulfill  in  vice 
In  heghe  degre  and  Emperour  hym  calle . 
By  god  out1  of  his  sete  I  wil  him  trice .  [leaf  255] 

whan  he  leest1  wenej?  sonnest1  shal  he  falle.  3716 

PETWORTH    563    (6-T.  272) 


SIX-TEXT    273 

GROUP  B.   §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


The  puple  roos  vp  on  hym  on  a 
ffor  his  defaute  and  whan  he  it*  aspied  . 
Out*  of  his  doores  anooii  he  ha])  hy??i 
Allone  and  J?er  he  wende  haue  bene  alied.  3720 

He  knokked  fast1  and  ay  jje  more  he  cried 
The  faster  schitten  ]?ei  J?e  doores  alle 
po  wist1  he  wel  he  had  hym  -self  mysgied. 
And  went1  his  way  no  lenger  dorst1  he  calle  3724 

The  puple  cried  and  rombled  vp  and  down 
That1  wi}>  his  eeres  herde  he  what1  J?ei  seide 
Where  is  J>is  fals  traitour  ))is  Nerown 
Ifor  fere  almost1  out1  of  his  witte  he  breide  3728 

And  to  his  goddes  pitously  he  seide 
ffor  socoure  but1  it1  myjfl  nat1  be-tyde 
fFor  drede  of  j>is  him  Jjou^t1  Jjat1  he  dyde 
And  ranne  into  a  gardeyue  hym  to  hyde  3732 

And  in  J)is  gardyne  fonde  he  cherles  tweye 
That1  sitten  by  a  fuyre  fnl  gret  and  rede 
And  to  ]?e  cherles  twey  lie  gan  to  preie 
To  scleeii  hym  and  to  girdeii  of  his  hede  3736 

That1  to  his  body  whan  jjat1  he  were  dede 
Were  no  despite  ydon  for  his  diffame 
Hym  self  he  sclow^e  he  coude  no  better  rede 
Of  which  fortune  lough  and  made  a  game  3740 

[Holofernes.] 

"Was  neuere  Captayne  vncler  a  kinge      IF  De  Olyferno./ 
Jjat1  regnej?  more  putte  in  subiectiomi 
Ne  strenger  was  in  feelde  of  al  Jnnge 
As  in  his  tyme  ne  gretter  of  renown  3744 

Ne  more  pompous  in  high  presumpciozm 
Than  olyferne  which  that  fortune  ay  kest1 
So  lycorously  and  lad  hym  vp  and  down 
Til  Jmt1  his  hede  was  of  er  ]>at  he  wist1  3748 

PETWORTH   564   (6-T.  273) 


SIX-TEXT    274 

GROUP.B.    §  12.    MONK'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

Not*  oonly  J?afr  this  world?  hajj  of  hym  awe 

rfor  lesinge  of  Richesse  and  of  liberte 

But1  he  made  euery  man  renaye  his  lawe 

Nabugodonosor  was  lord'  saide  he .  3752 

Noon  o]>er  god  shulde  honoured  be  [leaf  255,  back] 

A^einsf  his  heest1  no  wi^fr  dar  trespace 

Saue  in  Betulia  a  stronge  Cite 

Wher  Eliachym  a  preest1  was  of  Jjafc1  place  3756 

But1  take  kepe  of  j?e  detfi.  of  Olyfcrne 
Amydde  j)e  hooste  he  dronke  lay  al  ny}^ 
"WiJj-Iime  his  teiite  large  as  is  a  beerne 
And  ^it1  for  al  his  pompe  and  al  his  niy^tt  3.760 

ludifcli  a  wowman  as  he  lay  vpri^fr . 
Sclepinge  his  hede  of  smote  and  fro  his  tent1 
fful  prively  she  stale  from  euery  wi^t1       • 
[ no  gap  in  the  MS.]  3764 

[Antiochtis.] 

What1  nedej)  it1  of  kynge  Antiochus  5F  De  Antiocho  Rc</5 
To  telle  his  liigR  and  Ryal  maieste 
His  hie  pride  his  werke  venymus 

ftbr  suche  anojjer  was  neuer  noon  as  he  3768 

Rede])  which  jmfr  he  was  in  niachabe 
And  rede]?  ]>e  proude  wordes  J^at1  he  seide 
And  whi  he  felle  fro  his  p?'osperite 
And  in  an  hallo  how  wrechedly  he  cleide  3772 

Fortune  hym  had  enhaunsed  so  in  pride 
That1  verrely  he  wende  he  my^t1  atteyne 
Vnto  J)e  sterres  vppon  euery  side 

And  in  a  balaunce  to  wey  J?e  mounteyne  3776 

And  alle  ]?e  floodes  of  the  See  Restreyne 
And  goddes  puple  had  he  most1  in  hate 
Hem  wolde  he  sclee  in  torment1  and  [in]  peyn 
wenynge  j^at1  god  ne  my^t1  his  pride  abate  3780 

PETWOllTH   565    (6-T.  274) 


SIX-TEXT    275 

GKour  B,    §  12,   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  for  fat1  JSTichaniour  and  thymothe 
wij>  Iwes  were  venquysshed  my^tely 
Ynto  J>e  Iwes  such  an  hate  had  he 

That1  he  bad  graced  his  chare  ful  hastifly  3784 

And  swore  and  saide  ful  dispitously 
Vnto  lerusalem  he  wolde  eftsone 
To  wreke  his  Ire  on  it1  ful  cruelly 
But1  of  his  pwrpos  he  was  lette  ful  sone  3788 

God  of  his  manace  hy??^  so  sore  smote 
WiJ?  vnvysible  wounde  ay  vncurable 
That1  in  his  guttes  carf  soo  and  bote 

That1  his  peynes  were  importable  [leaf  256]  3792 

And  certeinly  }>e  wrech  was  resonable 
ffor  many  mannys  guttes  did  he  peyne 
But1  fro  his  pwrpoos  cursed  and  dampneable 
ffor  al  his  smerte  he  nolde  hym  restreyne  3796 

But1  bad  anoon  apparaile  his  Ooste 

And  sodeynly  er  he  was  of  it1  ware 

God  daunted  al  his  pride  and  al  his  boost1 

ffor  he  so  sore  felle  out1  of  his  chare  3800 

That1  hurte  his  lymmes  and  his  skyn  to-tare 

Soo  fat1  he  ne  my^t1  goo  ne  ride 

But1  in  a  chaier  men  about  hym  bare 

Al  for-brused  bo])  bak1  and  side  3804 

The  wreth  of  god  hym  smote  so  cruelly 
That1  in  his  body  wikked  wormes  crepte 
And  f  er  wij>  al  he  stonke  so  horryblye 
That1  noon  of  alle  his  mayne  fat1  hym  kepte  3808 

whedere  fat1  he  woke  or  ellis  sclepte 
Ne  myght1  not1  f  e  stynk1  of  hym  endure 
In  f  is  meschief  he  wailled  and  eke  wepte . 
Arid  knewe  god  lorde  of  euery  creature  3812 

PETWORTH   566    (6-T.  27o) 


SIX-TEXT    27 

GROUP  B,    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 


To  alle  his  hooste  and  to  hym  self  also 
fFul  wlatsom  was  ]?e  stink1  of  his  careyiie 
No  man  my^t1  hym  bere  to  ne  froo . 
And  in  his  stynk1  and  in  his  horrible  peyne 
He  starfe  fill  wrechedly  in  a  mounteyne 
Thus  haj)  Jns  robbour  and  homycide 
That1  mony  a  man  made  to  wepe  and  pleyne 
Such  guerdon  as  by-longej)  vnto  pride 


[Alexander  the  Great.] 

The  Storie  of  Alisaundre  is  so  comune . 
That1  euery  wi^tf  Jjat1  haj)  discreciown 
Ha])  herd*  somwhat1  or  aH  of  his  fortune 
This  wide  world?  as  in  conclusiown 
He  wanne  by  strength  or  for  his  hie  renown 
They  weren  glad  for  pees  vnto  hym  sende 
\)Q  pride  of  man  and  beestt  he  laid  adown 
Wher  so  he  come  vnto  j?e  worldes  ende 


3816 


3820 


1T  De  Alex- 
andro  "R.e<je 


3824 


3828 


3832 


Comparison  my ^fr  neuere  be  maked . 

Bytwix  hym  and  anoj?er  conquero-wr  [leaf  256,  back j 

fFor  al  J)is  world  for  drede  of  hym  Haj)  quaked . 
He  was  of  knyghthode  and  of  fredom  flour1 
ffortune  him  made  £e  heii-*  of  hur1  honour 
Saue  wyne  and  wommen  no  ping1  myjt1  a-swage 
His  hegh  entente  in  armes  and  laboure 
So  was  he  ful  of  louying1  corage 


3836 


What1  pite  were  it1  to  hym  fou^e  I  3011  tolde 
Of  Darius  and  an  hundred  thowsand  11100 . 
Of  kyngges  Princes,  and  Erles  bold4 
Which  he  conquered  and  brou^f  into  woo 
I  say  as  fer  as  man  may  ride  and  goo . 
The  worlde  was  his  Avhafr  shuld?  I  more  devise 
fFor  fiou^e  I  write  and  told*  }ou  euer  moo . 
Of  his  kinghode  it1  my^tt  not1  suffise 

TETWORTH   567    (6-T.  276) 


3840 


3844 


SIX-TEXT    277 

GROUP  B.    §  12,   MONK'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

Twelue  ^ere  he  regned  as  saij)  Machabe 

Philippes  sone  of  Macedoyne  he  was 

That1  furst1  was  kinge  of  Grece  J>e  cuntree 

O  worj>i  gentile  Alisaunder*  alas  3848 

That1  euer  shuld  [thee]  falle  Such  a  caas 

Enpoysened  of  Jn  folk1  j?ou  were 

Thine .  sise .  fortune  haj?  turned  into  an  aas 

And  ^it1  for  J>e  ne  weppe  she  neuere  a  tere  3852 

Who  shal  ^eue  teeres  men  to  co?«pleyne 

The  dee]?  of  gentilnesse  and  of  ftraunchise 

That1  al  J>e  worlde  weelded  in  his  demeyne 

And  ^it1  him  Jjou^tt  hit1  rayjt1  not1  suffise  3856 

So  fful  was  his  corage  of  high  emprise 

Alias  who  shal  me  helpe  to  endite 

ffals  fortune  and  poyson  to  despise 

The  which  twoo  of  al  this  woo  I  wite  3860 

[Julius  Caesar.] 

By  wisdome  manhode  and  by  labour*     IF  lulius  Cesar/. 
ffro  humblehede  and  fro  Eoial  Maieste 
Yp  roos  he  lulius  )>e  Conquerour 

That1  aH  pe  Occident1  by  londe  and  See  3864 

By  strength  of  honde  or  ellis  by  trete 
And  vnto  Roome  made  hem  tributarie . 
And  Sithens  of  Rome  J>e  Emperowr  was  he  / 
Til  ^at1  fortune  wexe  his  aduersarie  [leaf  257]  3868 

A  Mighty  Cesar  jmt1  in  Tessalye . 

A^einst1  Pompius  fader  jjine  in  lawe 

That1  of  J)e  Orient1  had  al  )>e  chyualrie 

As  fer  as  j^at1  ]?e  day  bygynne)>  dawe  3872 

Thogli  Jjou  Jjorgh  J>i  knyghthode  haj?  hem  take  and  sclawe 

Sauf  fewe  folk1  patt  wijj  Pompius  fledde 

Thorghe  which  Jjou  puttest^  al  ]?e  orient1  in  awe 

Thonkc  fortune  J?at*  so  wel  ]?e  spedde  3876 

PETWORTH    568    (6-T.  277) 


SIX-TEXT    278 

GROUP  B.   §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

But1  now  a  litel  while  I  wil  bywaile 

This  Pompeus  f  is  noble  gouernour 

Of  Eoome  which  fat1  fleigh  at1  this  bataille 

I  saye  oon  of  his  men  a  fals  traitour'  3880 

His  hede  of  smote  to  wynne  hym  fauour1 

Of  lulius  and  hym  f  e  hede  brou^t1 

Alias  Pompey  of  the  Orient1  conquerowr 

That1  fortune  vnto  such  a  funte  bro^t1  3884 

TO  Rome  a$eine  repeiref  lulius . 
Wif  triumphe  laureat1  ful  high 
But1  on  a  tyme  Brutus  Cassius 

fat1  euere  had  of  his  astate  Envie  3888 

fful  p?*iuely  had  made  Conspiracie 
A^einst1  f  is  lulius  in  subtile  wise  / 
And  cast1  f  e  place  in  which  he  shuld  dye 
With  boydekyns  as  I  shal  3ou  •  devise  3892 

This  lulius  to  f  e  Capithole  went1 
Vppon  a  day  as  he  was  wonte  to  goon 
And  in  f  e  Capitole  anoon  hy?w  hente 
This  fals  Brutus  and  his  foule  foon  3896 

And  stiked  hym  wif  boydekyns  anon 
Wif  mony  a  wounde  and  jms  f  ei  lete  hym  lye 
But1  neuere  grunte  he  at1  no  stroke  but1  oon 
Or  ellis  at1  twoo  but1  }if  his  storie  lye  3900 

So  manly  was  f  is  lulius  of  herte 
And  so  wel  loued  estately  honeste 
That1  f  ou^e  his  dedly  woundes  so  sore  smerte 
His  mantel  ouer  his  hippes  cast1  he  3904 

ifor  no  man  shuld?  se  his  privete 

And  as  he  lay  on  dyinge  in  a  traunee  [leaf  257,  back] 

And  wist1  verrely  fat1  dede  was  he 
Of  honeste  ^ifr  had  he  remembraunce  3908 

38  PETWORTH  569    (6-T.  278) 


SIX-TEXT    279 

GROUP  B.    §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

H  Lucane  to  f  is  storie  I  recomende 

And  to  Sweton  and  Valerius  also  . 

That1  of  His  storie  write]?  word  and  ende 

How  fat1  fise  grete  conquerours  twoo  3912 

ffortune  was  furst1  frende  and  sif  en  a  foo/ 

JN~o  man  ne  trust*  vpon  his  fauour  longe 

But1  haue  hure  in  a-waite  euermoo 

"VVitnes  on  alle  fise  conquerours  stronge  3916 

[Cresus.] 

Tliis  riche  Cresus  whilom  kyng1  of  lyde 
0  which  Cresus  Cyquus  sore  hym  dradde 
3if  was  he  ka^t1  amonges  al  his  pride 
And  to  be  brent1  men  to  f  e  fure  hym  ladde  3920 

But1  suche  a  Reyne  doune  fro  f  e  walken  shadde 
fat1  sclou^e  f  e  fuyre  and  made  hym  to  eskape 
But1  to  be  war  ^it1  no  grace  he  hadde 
Til  fortune  on  f  e  galous  made  hym  gape  3924 

Whan  he  askaped  was  he  can  not1  stent1 
ffor  to  bygynne  a  newe  reyne  a^eine 
He  wende  wele  for  fat1  fortune  hym  sente 
Suche  happe  fat1  he  askaped  j>or3e  fe  reyne  3928 

Jjat1  of  his  foos  he  my^t1  not1  be  sclayii 
And  Suche  a  sweuen  vpon  a  ny}^  he  niette 
Of  which  he  was  so  proude  and  so  fayn 
That1  in  vengeance  he  al  his  hert1  sette  3932 


Vpon  a  tree  he  was  as  hym 
Ther  lubiter  hym  wassh  bo]>  hals  and  Side 
And  Phebus  eke  a  faire  towale  hym  bro^t1 
To  drye  hym  wif  an  ferfore  wex  his  pride  3936 

And  to  his  dou^tere  fat1  stood  hym  beside 
Which  fat1  he  knewe  in  his  sentence  habounde 
He  bad  hure  telle  hym  what1  it1  signyfied 
And  she  his  dremes  byganne  ri^t1  f  us  expounde  3940 

PETWORTH    57O  (6-T.  279) 


SIX-TEXT    280 

GROUP  B.   §  12.   MONK'S  TALE.   Petwoith  MS. 

The  tree  quod  she  J>e  galous  is  to  mene 

And  lubiter  bitokenejj  snowe  and  reyne 

And  Phebus  wi)>  his  towale  so  clene . 

Thoo  bene  the  sone  stremes  forto  sayn        [leaf  253]        3944 

Thow  shalt1  an  honged  be  fadere  certayn 

Rayn  shal  ]>e  wassiL  and  sonne  shal  J?e  drye 

Thus  warned  she  hym  ful  plat1  and  ful  playn 

His  doubter  [which]  fat1  called  was  Phanye  3948 

An  honged  was  Cresus  fe  proude  kinge 

His  Roial  trone  myjfl  hym  not1  availe 

Tregedie  is  noon  ofer  maner)  f  inge 

Ne  can  in  synnynge  cry  ne  bywaile  3952 

But1  fat1  fortune  alway  wil  assaile 

wij?  vnware  stroke  jje  regnes  J>af  bene  proude 

fFor  whan  men  trusten  hir  fan  wil  she  faile 

And  keuere  her  bri^t1  face  wij>  a  clowde  3956 

H  Thus  endej?  fe  monke  his  tale 


PETWORTH    571    (6-T.  280) 


SIX-TEXT    281 

GROUP  B.  §  13.   MONK-NUN'S-PRIEST'S  LINK.   Petworth  MS. 


And  here  bygynnef  J>e  nonpreesf  Ms  prologe 

ff  The  prologue  f 

Ion  leafZaS] 

Ho  quod  J?e  kny^t1  no  more  good  of  jns 
That1  30  han  said  is  ri^tt  ynowe  ywis 
And  mochel  more  for  litel  heuynesse 

Is  ri^tf  ynOUgh  to  mochel  folk1  I  geSSC  [no  gay  in  PetwortK]  3960 

[I  sey  for  me  /  hit  is  a  gret  disese 

Wher  as  men  haue  ben  /  in  gret  welth  and  ese 

To  here  of  her  sodeyn  falle  alias 

And  the  contrarye  /  is  loye  and  gret  solas  3964 

And  whan  a  man  hath  be  /  in  poor  estat 

And  clymbeth  vp  /  and  waxeth  fortunat 

And  ther  abidith  /  in  prosperite 

Such  thyng  is  gladsom  /  as  thynketh  me  3968 

And  of  such  thyng  /  were  goodly  for  to  telle 

ya  quod  our  hoost  /  bi  seynt  poules  belle 

ye  sey  soth  /  this  monk  hath  clappid  lowd 

He  spak  how  fortune  /  couered  was  with  a  clowd        3972 

I  nat  nere  what  /  and  also  tragedie 

Eiht  now  ye  herde  /  and  parde  no  remedie 

I[t  i]s  forto  be  wailyng  and  compleyne 

ffor  that  that  is  don  /  and  also  it  is  a  peyne  3976 

As  ye  han  seid  to  heer1  of  hevynesse 

Sir  monk  nomore  of  this  /  so  god  you  blesse 

[Youjr1  tale  anoyeth  /  alle  this  companye 

Such  thyng  /  is  nat  worth  /  a  bottirflye]  &£& S"f' 

3oure  tales  done  vs  no  sporte  ne  game 

Wherfore  sir1  monke  or  daun  pers  by  your  name 

I  prey  ^ou  hertely  telle  vs  somwhat1  ellys 

ffor  sikerly  ne  were  J?e  Clynkyng1  of  3our)  bellis  3984 

PETWORTH   572    (6-T.  28l) 


SIX-TEXT    282 

GROUP  B.  §  13,  MONK-NUN'S-PRIEST'S  LINK.   Petworth  MS. 

That1  on  ^oure  bridel  honge  on  euery  side 

By  heuene  kynge  J?af  for  vs  alle  deyde 

I  shuld  er  J>is  haue  falle  down  for  sclepe 

Al  J?ough  [jje]  scloujje  had  neuer  be  so  depe  3988 

Than  had  3oure  tale  ben  told  in  veyn 

ffor  certeynly  as  al  Jjise  clerkes  seyn 

wher  as  a  [man]  may  haue  non  audience 

Noujtt  helpejj  if  to  telle  his  sentence  3992 

And  wel  I  woote  J?e  substaunce  is  in  me 

3if  eny  Jnnge  shal  wel  reported  be 

Sir*  say  somwhaf  of  huntyng1 1  ^ou  preie 

Nay  quod  J>is  monke  I  haue  no  lust*  to  pleie  3996 

Now  laf  anoper  telle  as  I  haue  told? 

))an  spak  our  hoosf  vrith  rude  spech  and  bold? 

And  saide  vnto  J)e  nonnes  preest1  anon 

Come  nere  sir1  preest1  Come  hider*  Sire  lohn        [leaf  253,  back] 

Telle  vs  such  )>ingges  as  may  our  hertis  glade  4001 

Be  blij)  Jjou^e  J?ou  ride  vpon  a  lade 

What1  Jjou^e  fine  hors  be  boj)  foule  and  lene 

3if  he  wil  serue  J?e  rek1  nat1  a  bene  4004 

Loke  J?af  J?i  hert1  be  mery  euermoo . 

3is  sir*  quod  he  $is  hoosf  so  mote  I  goo 

Buf  I  be  mery  Iwis  I  wil  be  blamed  . 

And  Ei^f  anoon  his  tale  he  haj?  atamed .  4008 

And  Jms  seide  to  vs  euerychon 

My  tale  I  wil  bygynne  anon 

IF  Thus  ende]>  J>e  prologe  of  J>e  nonnes  preste 


PETWORTH   573     (6-T.  282) 


SIX-TEXT    283 

GROUP  B.   §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


And  here  bygynneb  be  nonne  preest1  his  tale 

ion  teff/258,  latk] 

A  poor  wydowe  somdel  stope  in  age 
was  whilom  dwelling1  in  a  narowe  cotage        4012 
Besides  a  groue  stonding1  in  a  dale 
This  widowe  of  which  I  telle  3011  my  tale 
SiJ>ens  J>ilk  day  fat1  she  was  last1  a  wiff 
In  paciens  lad  a  fill  sympul  liff1  401 6 

iFor  litel  was  hur*  Catel  and  hur1  rent1 
By  Husbondry  of  such  as  god  her  sent* 
She  fonde  hure  self  and  eke  her  doughtred  twoo 
Thre  large  sowes  had  she  and  no  moo .  4020 

Thre  kyen  and  eke  a  shepe  fat1  hight1  malle 
fful  soty  was  hur)  boure  and  eke  her  halle 
In  whiche  she  ete  mony  a  sclender  mele 
Of  poynant1  sause  hir1  neded  neuer  a  dele  4024 

No  deynte  morsel  passed  hur1  J>rote 
Hir1  diete  was  acordant1  to  her  cote 
Eeplecio  ne  made  her  neuer  seke 

Attemper  diete  was  all  her1  phisike  4028 

And  exercise  and  hert1  sufficiaiice 
The  goute  letted  hur  no  Jjing1  to  daunce 
Ne  poplexie  shenf  not1  her  hede 

Noo  wyne  dronke  she  neijjer  white  ne  rede  4032 

Her  boord  was  serued  most1  wij?  white  and  blake 
Milk1  and  broune  brede  in  which  she  fond  no  lake 
Seyned  Bacon  and  somtyme  an  eye  or  tweye 
ffor  she  was  as  If  were  a  manere  of  a  deye  [leaf  259] 

A  gardyne  she  had  enclosed  al  aboute  4037 

Wi}>  stikkes  and  a  drie  diche  wi])-oute 
In  which  she  had  a  cold  Jjat4  hi^f  chauntilere 
In  aft  J>e  londe  of  crowing1  was  his  pere  4040 

PETWORTH    574   (6-T.  283) 


SIX-TEXT    284 

GROUP  B.   §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

His  mouf  was  myrier  fan  f  e  mery  orgon 

On  masse  dales  faf  in  f  e  churche  goon 

Wei  sikerer  was  f  e  crowyng1  in  his  logge 

)3an  is  a  clokke  or  an  abbay  orlogge  4044 

By  nature  he  crewe  eche  ascenciozm 

Of  Equinoxial  of  f  ilk1  town 

ffor  whan  degrees  .xv.  were  descended . 

faf  knewe  he  fat1  it1  my}^  not1  bene  amended  4048 

His  Combe  was  redder  fan  fe  fyne  CnraH 

And  bateled  as  if  were  a  castel  watt 

Hike  azure  were  his  legges  and  his  toone 

His  bille  was  blake  and  as  fe  gete  if  shone  4052 

His  nailles  witter  fan  f e  lily  floure 

And  ylike  burnysshed  gold  was  his  colours 

This  gentile  Cok  had  in  his  gouerna?mce 

Vij.  hennys  forto  doon  his  plesaunce  4050 

Which  weren  his  sustres  and  his  p«ramows 

And  wonder  like  to  hym  as  of  colows 

Of  f  e  which  f  e  fairest1  hwed  vnder  f  rote 

Was  clepe  fair*  Damysel  Pertilote  40GO 

Curtais  she  was  discrete  and  debonaire 

And  Companable  and  bere  her  self  so  fairc 

Sifens  filk1  day  fat1  she  was  vij.  1173 11  olde 

Thaf  trewly  she  haf  f  e  herf  in  hold'  40G4 

Of  Chauntelere  loukyn  in  euery  litR 

He  loued  hure  so  fat1  wel  was  hy?ra  f er  witli 

But1  such  a  loie  as  if  was  to  here  hem  singe 

Whan  faf  fe  bri^f  sonne  gan  to  sprynge  4068 

In  swete  accorde  my  lief  is  fare  a  londe 

ffor  f  ilk1  tyme  as  I  haue  vnderstonde 

Beestes  and  briddes  coude  speke  and  synge 

And  so  byfelle  faf  in  fe  dawynge  4072 

As  Chauntecleer  amonges  his  wyues  alle 

Saf  on  his  perch  faf  was  in  fe  halle  [leaf  25-.),  b:H-k] 

And  nexf  hyrn  saf  f  is  faire  Pertilote 

This  Chaunteclere  gan  gronen  in  his  frote  40  7  G 

PETWORTH    575   (6-T.  284) 


SIX-TEXT   285 

GROUP  B.   §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

As  a  man  fat1  is  in  his  dreme  drecched  sore 
And  whan  fat1  Pertilote  f  us  herd'  hym  rore 
She  was  a-gast1  and  seide  hert1  dere 

What1  eilef  ^ou  to  grone  in  fis  manere  4080 

3e  bene  a  verray  scleper  fy  for  shame 
And  he  answerd?  and  saide  f  us  madame 
I  prey  3011  fat1  36  take  if  not*  a  greef1 
By  god  me  mette  fat1  I  was  in  such  mescheef1  4084 

Rijt1  nowe  fat1  ^it1  myn  hert1  is  sore  afri^t1 
Nowe  god  [quod]  he  my  sweuen  rede  ari^f 
And  kepe  my  body  out1  of  foule  prisown 
Me  mette  fat1 1  romed  vp  and  down  .  4088 

With-in  our  yerde  wher  as  I  segh  a  beesf 
Was  lik1  an  hounde  and  wold?  haue  made  arest1 
Vpon  my  body  and  wold  haue  had  me  dede 
His  colour  was  bytwix  white  and  red  4092 

And  tipped  was  his  taille  and  bof  his  Eeres 
Wif  blak1  vnlike  f  e  remenaunfr  of  his  heeres 
His  snowte  smal  with  glowinge  eyen  tweye 
3if  for  his  loke  almost1  for  fere  I  dye  .  4096 

This  caused  me  my  gronyng1  doutelees 
A  voy  quod  she  fie  on  3ou  hertelees 
Alias  quod  she  for  by  fat1  god  aboue 

Now  han  36  lost1  myn  hert1  and  my  loue  4100 

I  can  not1  loue  a  coward?  by  my  faif  e 
ffor  certes  what1  so  eny  woraman  seif  e 
We  alle  desiren  3if  it1  my3t  be 

To  han  husbondes  hardy  wise  and  free  4104 

And  secre  ne  noo  nygard?  ne  ne  fooH 
To  hym  fat1  is  a-gast1  of  euery  tooH 
Ne  noon  avouto?/r  by  fat1  god  aboue 

How  durst1  36  seyn  for  shame  vnto  302/7*  lone  4108 

That1  eny  f  ing1  nr^t1  make  3ou  a-ferde 
Haue  30  no  mannys  hert1  and  han  a  berde 
Alias  and  conne  ye  be  a-gast1  of  swuenes . 
No  fing1  god  woote  but1  vanite  in  sweuen  is    [ieaf26o]    4112 
PETWORTH  676    (6-T.  286) 


SIX-TEXT    286 

GROUP  B.   §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Sweuens  engendren  of  replexions 

And  oft1  of  fume  and  of  complexions 

Whan  humours  bene  to  habundante  in  a  wi^t1 

Certes  J>is  dreme  which  $e  han  had  to  ny^t1  4116 

CommeJ)  of  J?e  grete  superfluite 

Of  ^oure  rede  Colere  parde 

Which  cause])  folk  to  dreme  her  dremes 

Of  Arowes  and  fires  wij?  rede  lemes  4120 

Of  Eede  beestes  pat1  willen  hem  bite 

Of  contek1  and  of  whelpes  grete  and  lite 

Ri$#  as  J?e  humour  of  Malecolie 

Cause)?  [ful]  mony  a  man  in  sclepe  to  crye  4124 

ffor  fere  of  beeres  and  boles  blake 

Or  ellis  blake  deuels  wil  hem  take 

Of  oj>er  humoures  coujje  I  telle  also 

That  worken  mony  a  man  in  slepe  ful  woo  .  4128 

But1 1  wil  passe  as  li^tly  as  I  can 

Loo  Caton  which  fat1  was  so  wise  a  man 

Seid  he  not1  Jms  ne  do  no  force  of  dremes 

Now  sire  quod  she  whan  we  flee  fro  the  bemes.  4132 

ffor  goddis  loue  as  takejj  som  laxatif 

Vp  pe?ile  of  my  saule  and  of  my  liff 

I  counsaile  ^ou  J?e  best1 1  wil  not  lye 

That1  boj>  of  colour  and  of  Malencolie  4136 

3e  purge  ^ou  and  for  ^e  shul  not1  tarie 

ftou3e  fat1  in  pis  toune  is  no7^  Apotecarie 

I  shal  my  self  to  herbes  techen  3011 

which  shal  be  ^oure  here  and  $our  prowe  4140 

And  In  J?e  Gardeyne  two  herbes  shal  I  fynde 

J>e  which  han  of  her  proprete  by  kynde 

To  purgen  ^ou  by-nejje  and  eke  aboue 

ffor^etejj  not1  ]?is  for  goddes  awne  loue  4144 

36  bene  ful  Colerike  of  complexion 

Where  J>e  sonne  in  his  assencion 

Ne  fynde  }ou  replete  of  jour  humot^rs  hote 

And  if  if  doo  I  dar  wel  lay  a  grote  4148 

PETWORTH  577    (6-T. 


SIX-TEXT    287 

GROUP  B,    §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Jjat1  36  shul  haue  a  feuer  terciane . 

Or  an  ague  pat1  may  be  jour  bane  '[leaf  200,  back] 

A  day  or  twoo  30  shul  haue  dygestyues 

Of  wormes  er  30  take  ^oure  laxatyues  4152 

Of  laureal  Centaure  and  of  fumytere 

Or  ellis  of  Ellibore  fat1  growej?  J>ere 

Of  Catapuce  and  of  gatys-buries 

Or  Erbe  Ive  grouyng1  in  cure  ^eerd  ]>er  mery  es  4156 

Pek  hem  vp  ri^t1  as  J>ei  growe  and  ete  he??i  Inne 

Be  mery  husbonde  for  pur1  fader  kynne 

Drede])  no  dreme  I  can  say  3011  no  more 

Madame  quod  he  gramercy  of  $oure  lore  41  GO 

But  na]?elees  as  touching  Danne  Catozm 

That1  hajj  of  wisdome  such  grete  renoun 

By  god  men  may  in  olde  bokes  rede 

Oon  of  J?e  grettest1  auctour  out1  of  drede  4164 

Of  mony  a  man  more  of  auctorite 

Than  euer  caton  was  so  mot1 1  the 

That  al  the  reuers  seyn  of  J)is  sentence 

Han  han  wel  founden  by  expmence  4168 

That1  dremes  bene  signiiicacicns 

As  wel  of  loie  as  t?*ibulacions 

That1  folk  enduren  in  Jjis  lif  present1 

If  nedef  nat1  to  make  of  Jns  noon  argument1  4172 

The  verrey  preef  shewej?  it1  in  dede 

Oon  of  J)e  grettest  auctour  out  of  drede 

Sai]>  Jjus  fat1  whilom  two  felawes  went1 

On  Pilgrimage  in  ful  good  entent  4176 

And  happed  so  J>ei  coramen  into  a  toune 

Wher  as  Jjere  was  such  congregaciown 

Of  puple  and  eke  of  streite  herbygage 

fat1  J)ei  fande  not1  as  moche  as  a  cot-age  4180 

In  whiche  J>ei  boj?  myght1  ylogged  be 

Wherfore  ]?ei  mosteii  of  necessite 

As  for  jjat1  ny^f  departen  of  companye 

And  eche  of  hem  gojj  to  his  hostelrye  4184 

PETWOKTH    678    (O-T.  287) 


SIX-TEXT    288 

GROUP  B.   §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  toke  his  logginge  as  if  wolde  falle 
That1  oon  of  hem  was  logged  in  a  stalle 
ffer  in  a  $eerde  wij>  oxen  of  }?e  plou^e 
That*  ojjer  man  was  logged  wel  ynou^e         [leaf  2611        4188 
As  was  his  auenture  or  his  fortune 
J^at1  vs  gouernejj  al  as  in  commune 
And  so  by-felle  longe  er5  it1  were  day 
This  man  mette  in  his  bed  J>er  as  he  lay  4192 

How  Jjat1  his  felawe  gan  on  hym  calle 
And  saide  Alias  for  in  an  oxes  stalle 
This  ny^t1  shal  I  be  murdered  ]>er  I  lie 
Now  helpe  me  dere  brofere  er  I  dye  /  4196 

In  al  hast  come  to  me  he  seide 
This  man  out1  of  his  sclepe  for  fere  abreide 
Butt  whan  Jjat1  he  was  wakened  out1  of  his  sclepe 
He  turnej?  hym  and  toke  of  Jns  no  kepe  4200 

Hym  Jjou^t1  his  dreme  was  no^t1  but1  a  vanyte 
Thus  twies  in  his  sclepinge  dremed  he 
And  at  J>e  .iij.  tyme  ^it1  his  felawe 

Come  as  he  jjou^t1 1  am  nowe  Isclawe  4204 

Biholde  my  blody  woundes  depe  and  wide 
Arise  vp  erly  in  ]?e  morowe  tide 
And  at1  the  west1  gate  of  J>e  toun  qiiod  he 
A  cart1  ful  of  donge  J?er  shalt1  Jwu  see  4208 

In  which  his  body  is  hidde  ful  priuely 
To  jrilk1  carte  aresten  boldely 
My  golde  caused  my  murder  soj)  to  sayn) 
And  tolde  hym  euery  poynt1  how  he  was  sclayn  4212 

Wij)  a  ful  pitous  face  pale  of  hwe 
And  trest1  wel  his  dreme  he  fonde  ful  trwe 
ffor  on  J?e  morowe  as  sone  as  it1  was  day 
To  his  felawes  Inne  he  toke  pe  way  4216 

And  whan  he  come  to  Jjis  oxes  stalle 
Aftere  his  felawe  he  bygan  to  calle 
The  ostelere  answered  hym  anon 

And  saide  Sir1  $oure  felawe  is  goon  4220 

PETWORTH  679   (6-T.  288) 


SIX-TEXT    289 

GROUP  B.   §  14,  NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

As  sone  as  day  he  went1  out1  of  J>e  tonne 

This  man  gan  falle  in  grete  suspecio?m 

Remembryng1  hym  on  his  dremes  fat1  he  mette 

And  for])  he  go]?  no  lenger  wold?  he  lette  4224 

Vnto  fe  west*  gate  of  fe  toune  and  fonde 

A  donge  carV  as  he  went1  to  donge  fe  londe         [leaf  201,  back] 

That*  was  araied  in  fe  same  wise 

As  36  han  herde  J)e  dede  man  deuyse  4228 

And  wif  an  hardy  hert1  he  gan  to  crie 

Vengeaunce  and  iustice  on  fis  vilanye 

My  felawe  murdred  is  fis  same  ny^t1 

And  in  J>is  carte  he  lith  gapinge  vp  ii$V  4232 

[I  crye  out  /  on  the  mynystres  quod,  he          'k*/^?!61*?'  °n 

That  sholde  the  lawe  keep  in  this  Cite 

Harrow  alias  /  here  lith  my  felawe  sleyn 

What  sholde  I  more  /  vnto  this  tale  seyn  4236 

The  people  out  sterte  /  and  caste  the  carte  to  groiuide 

And  in  the  myddis  of  the  donge  thei  fouwdel     [Aaait.  MS 

J       extract  ends] 

The  dede  man  fat1  murdred  was  aH  newe 

0  blisful  god  fat1  art1  so  lust1  and  trewe  4240 
Loo  how  fat1  f  ou  bywreiest1  mordere  alway 

Murder  wil  out1  fat1  see  wee  day  by  day 

Morder  is  so  wlatsom  and  so  abhomynable 

To  god  fat1  is  so  lust1  and  resonable  4244 

fat1  he  ne  wil  not1  suffre  it  hilled  be 

Theigfr  it1  abide  a  $eer  or  twoo  or  J>re 

Murder  wil  out1  f  is  is  my  conclusion 

And  r^f  anoon  nwustres  of  f  e  town  4248 

Ha}>  hent1  ])e  Carter  and  [ful]  sore  hym  pyned 

And  eke  J)e  Ostilere  so  fer  engyned 

That1  ])ei  biknewe  her  wikkednesse  anoon 

And  weren  honged  by  J>e  nek1  bone  4252 

Here  may  men  see  fat  dremes  bene  to  drede 

And  certes  in  the  same  boke  I  rede 

Ri^t1  in  J>e  next1  chapitere  I  rede  of  fis 

1  gabbe  not1  so  haue  I  loie  or  blis  4256 

PETWOKTH    580    (6-T.  289) 


SIX-TEXT    290 

GROUP  B.   §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

Two  men  fat1  wolden  haue  passed  f  e  See 

fFor  certeyn  cause  in  to  a  fer  c'ontre 

If  fat1  f  e  wynde  ne  had  be  contrarie 

That1  made  hem  in  a  Cite  forto  tarie  4260 

That1  stood  ful  merye  vpon  an  hauen  side 

But*  on  a  daye  a^einst1  f  e  euentide 

The  wynde  gan  chaunge  and  blowe  as  hyra  lust1 

lolif  and  glad  f  ei  wenten  vnto  rust1  4264 

And  Casten  hem  ful  erly  forto  saile 

.But1  herken  how  oo  man  felle  in  grete  perile 

That1  oon  of  hem  in  scleping1  as  he  lay 

Hyra  mette  a  wonder  dreme  a^einst1  fe  day  4268 

Hym  foujfl  a  man  stood  be  his  beddys  side 

And  hyra  coramaunded  fat1  he  shnld?  abide.  [leaf 2621 

And  saide  hym  f  us  if  f  ou  to  morn  wende 

Thowe  shalt1  be  dreynt1  my  tale  is  at1  an  ende  4272 

He  woke  and  tolde  his  felawe  what1  he  meitt1 

And  preide  him  his  viage  forto  lette 

As  for  fat1  day  he  preide  hyra  to  abide 

His  felawe  fat1  lay  by  his  beddys  side  4276 

Gan  forto  laugh"  and  scorned  ful  fast* 

No  drem  quod,  he  may  myne  hert1  agast1 

That1 1  wil  lette  forto  do  my  f  ingges 

I  sette  not1  a  strawe  by  dremyngges  4280 

ffor  sweuenes  bene  but1  vanytees  and  Tapes 

Men  dreme  alway  of  owles  and  of  apes 

And  of  mony  a  mase  f  er-wif  all 

Men  dremen  of  f  inge  fat1  neuere  [shal]  4284 

But1  sif  en  I  see  f  ou  wit1  here  abide 

And  f  us  forsclewf  en  wilfully  f  i  tyde 

God  woote  it1  rewef  me  and  haue  good  day 

And  fus  he  toke  his  leue  and  went1  his  way  4288 

And  er  that1  he  had  half  his  cours  assailed 

I  not1  whi  ne  what1  meschaunce  it1  ailed 

But1  casuely  f  e  shippes  botme  rent1 

And  ship  and  man  vnder  fe  water  went1  4292 

EETWORTH   581    (0-T. 


SIX-TEXT    291 

GROUP  B.   §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

In  si^fr  of  ojjer  shippes  hyw  beside 
That1  wi]>  hym  sallied  att  J?e  same  tyde 
And  Jjerfore  he  seide  Pertelote  so  dere 
By  suche  ensamples  olde  maist1  J)ou  lere  4296 

That1  no  man  shulde  be  to  rechelees 
Of  Dremes  for  I  say  J?e  doutelees 
That1  in  mony  a  dreme  ful  sore  is  forto  drede 
Lo  in  J?e  lif  of  seint1  kenelyne  I  rede  4300 

That1  was  kenulphus  sone  Jje  noble  kynge 
Of  Mertenrike  how  kenelyne  mette  a  Jnnge 
A  litel  er  [he]  was  murde[re]d  on  a  day 
His  murdre  in  his  Auysion  he  say  4304 

His  norice  him  expowned  euery  deft 
His  sweuen  and  bad  hym  for  to  kepe  hym  weft 
ffor  treson  but1  he  was  seuen  $ere  olde 
And  J>erf ore  litel  tale  ha]?  he  tolde        [leaf  262,  back]         4308 
Of  eny  dreme  so  holly  was  his  herte 
Be  god  I  had  leuer  J>an  my  sherte 
That1  30  had  hero?  his  legende  as  haue  I 
Dame  Pertelote  I  say  3011  trewly  4312 

Macrobyus  J>afr  writ1  f e  avision 
In  affrike  of  J?e  worjri  Ciprion 
AffermeJ)  dremes  and  sej>  J?afr  jjcr  bene 
"VVarnynge  of  j?ingges  jjat1  men  after  sene  4316 

And  ferjjermore  I  pray  3011  lokej?  weH 
The  olde  testament1  of  D  any  ell 
3if  he  heelde  dremes  of  eny  vanyte 

Kede  eke  of  loseph"  and  ye  shal  See  4320 

Wheder  dremes  be  somtyme  I  say  not  alle 
Warnyng'  of  Jjingges  jjat1  shul  aftei5  falle 
Loke  eke  of  Egipte  J?e  kinge  danne  Pharao 
His  bakere  and  his  botelere  also  4324 

Wher  J>ei  ne  felt1  noon  effecte  in  dremes 
"Who  so  wil  seche  of  sundry  rewmes 
May  reden  of  dremes  mony  a  wonder1  Jnnge 
Loo  Cresus  which"  fat1  was  of  lyde  J?e  kynge  4328 

PETWORTH   682    (6-T.  29l) 


SIX-TEXT    292 

GROUP  B.    §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Mette  he  not1  pat1  he  satte  vpon  a  tre 

Which  signified  he  shuld?  anhonged  be 

Lo  here  Adromacha  Ectors  wiff 

That1  day  faf  Ector  shuld  lete  his  lif  4332 

She  dremed  on  J?e  same  ny^t1  byforn 

How  pat1  J>e  lif  of  Ector  shuld  be  lorn 

3iff  pilk1  day  he  went1  into  bataile 

She  warned  hym  but1  it1  my^t1  not1  availe  4336 

He  went1  forto  fi^ten  najjelees 

But1  he  was  sclayn  of  Achilles 

But1  thilk1  tale  is  alto  longe  to  telle 

And  eke  it1  is  nygh  day  I  may  not  dwelle  4340 

Shortly  I  say  as  for  conclusion 

That  I  shal  haue  of  pis  avision 

Of  aduersitees  and  I  say  ferpermore 

That  I  ne  wil  telle  of  laxatifs  no  store  4344 

ffor  pei  bene  venemous  I  wote  ri^f  weft 

I  hem  dime  I  loue  hem  neuere  a  dele  [leaf  26;',] 

NO  lat1  vs  speke  of  merpe  and  stent1  al  pis 

Madame  pertilote  so  haue  I  blisse  4348 

Of  oo  ping1  god  hap  sent1  me  large  grace 

ffor  whan  I  se  pe  bewte  of  ^oure  face 

3e  bene  so  scarlet1  rede  aboute  pe  eyen 

It1  make])  al  my  drede  for  to  dyen  4352 

ffor  also  Biker*  as  in  principio  . 

Mulier  est  hominis  confusio 

Madame  pe  sentence  of  pis  latyn  is 

Woraman  is  mannys  ioy  and  his  blisse  4356 

ffor  whan  I  fele  on  ny^t1  30111°  soft1  side 

Al  be  it1  pat1 1  may  not1  on  ^ou  ride 

ffor  Jmt1  oure  perche  is  made  so  narowe  alas 

I  am  so  ful  of  loye  and  solas  4360 

J^at1 1  defie  boj>  sweuen  and  dreme 

And  wij?  pat1  word  I  fleegh  doune  fro  jje  beme 

ffor  it1  was  day  and  eke  his  hennes  alle 

And  wi]>  a  chukke  he  gan  hem  forto  calle  4364 

PETWORTH    583    (6-T. 


SIX-TEXT    293 

GROUP  B.   §  14.  NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


ffor  he  had  founden  a  corn  lay  in  Je 

Real  he  was  no  more  afferd? 

He  ffefered  Pertelotf  xxu  tyme 

And  drad  as  oft1  er  it1  were  prime  43  G8 

He  lokejj  as  it1  were  a  grym  lyo?m 

And  on  his  toes  he  roomed  vp  and  down 

Hym  deyned  not1  to  sette  his  fete  on  grounde 

Ay  chokked  he  whan  he  had  a  come  found  4372 

And  to  hym  Jjan  ronne  his  wyues  all 

Thus  Royal  as  a  prince  in  his  hali 

Leue  I  J?is  chauntelere  in  his  pasture 

And  aftere  wil  I  telle  of  his  auenture  4376 

Whan  J?e  month  ]?e  which  )?e  world?  byganne 

That1  hi^t1  marche  whan  god  first  made  man 

Was  Complete  and  passed  were  also 

Sijjens  Marche  bygan  .xxx1?  dales  and  twoo  .  4380 

Byfelle  j?af  chauntelere  in  his  pride 

His  seuen  wyues  welken  hym  byside  * 

Cast1  vp  his  eyen  to  J?e  bri^tt  sonrce 

That1  in  J>e  signe  of  Taurus  was  ronne      [leaf  263,  back]     4384 

Twenty  degrees  and  oon  and  somwhat1  more 

He  knew  by  kynde  and  by  noon  o]?er  lore 

That1  it1  was  prime  he  crewe  wij>  blisful  steuen 

The  sonne  he  saide  is  clumben  vp  to  heuen  4388 

xl.  degres  and  oon  and  more  ywis 

Madame  Pertelote  my  worldes  blisse 

Herken  how  j)ise  blisful  briddes  singe 

And  se  Jie  fresshe  floures  how  J>ei  springe  4392 

fful  is  myn  hert1  of  Reuel  and  of  solas 

But1  sodeynly  hym  felle  a  soriful  caas 

ffor  euer  J?e  latter  and  of  loie  is  sone  ygoo 

And  comonly  ofte  tyme  it1  fallej?  soo  4396 

And  if  arthour  coude  faire  endite 

He  in  cronicle  myght1  Sauely  write 

As  for  a  souereyn  notabilite 

Nowe  euery  wise  man  herken  me  4400 

PETWORTH    584  (6-T.  293) 


SIX-TEXT    294 

GROUP  B.   §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Fetworth  MS. 

This  story  is  as  trewe  I  vndertake 

As  is  pe  booke  of  launcelote  de  lake 

That*  women  holde  in  ful  gret  reuerence 

Now  wil  I  turne  a^ein  to  my  sentence  4404 

A  Col  foxe  [ful]  of  sclei}^  and  iniqnite 

That1  in  pe  groue  had  wowned  ^eeres  pre 

By  high"  ymagynacion  to-fore  cast1 

pe  same  nyght1  porgh-out1  pe  hegges  brasfr  4408 

Into  pe  ^eerd!  per  chauntelere  pe  faire 

was  wonte  and  eke  his  wyues  to  repairs 

And  in  a  bedde  of  wortes  stille  he  lay 

Till  it1  was  passed  vndren  of  pe  day  4412 

Waitynge  his  tyme  on  chaunteler  to  falle 

As  gladly  done  pise  homycydes  alle 

That*  in  a-waite  ligge  to  murdre  men  • 

0  fals  murdere  rowkyng1  in  pi  den  4416 

0  newe  Scariot1  o  .  newe  Genylon 

ffals  dissimylour  o  greke  Symon 

J^at1  brou^test1  troye  al  vtterly  to  sorowe 

0  chauntelere  acursed  be  pat1  morowe  4420 

pat1  pou  into  [pi]  ^eerd?  flegh  from  pe  bemes 

Thow  were  ful  wel  y warned  by  pi  dremes  [ieaf26i] 

That1  ilke  day  was  perilous  to  pe 

But1  pat1  .pat1  god  a-fore  wote  most1  nodes  be  4424 

Aftere  pe  opynyon  of  certeyn  clerkes 

Wittnesse  of  hym  pat*  eny  clerk  es 

That1  in  scole  [is]  grete  altercacioil 

In  pis  mater  and  grete  disputacion  4428 

And  hap  bene  of  an  C.  thousand  men  / 

But1 1  ne  can[not]  bult1  it  to  pe  brenne 

As  can  pe  holy  doctour  augustyne 

Or  boys  or  pe  Bisshop  Bradwardyne  4432 

Whedere  pat1  goddys  wille  a-fore  wetyng1 

Streynep  me  nedely  forto  doon  a  ping1 

Nedely  clepe  I  symple  necessite 

Or  ellis  3if  pe  free  chois  be  graunted  me  4436 

3(J  PETWORTII   685    (6-T.  294) 


SIX-TEXT    295 

GROUP  B.    §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 


4440 


4444 


4448 


4452 


4456 


Deaf  264,  back] 
4461 


4464 


4468 


4472 


To  do  fat1  same  Jung1  or  do  it1 

Thou^e  god  forwote  it1  er  it1  was 

Er  of  his  wetyng1  streynef  neuer  a  dele 

But  by  necessite  condicionele 

I  wil  not1  haue  to  done  of  such  matere 

My  tale  is  of  a  cokke  as  ^e  shullen  here 

That1  toke  his  counsaile  of  his  wif  with  sorowe 

To  walken  in  fe  3eerde  vpon  f  e  morowe 

That1  he  had  mette  f  e  dreme  fat1  I  3011  tolde 

Womm[an]es  counsaile  is  ful  ofte  colde 

Wo?mn[an]es  counsaile  brou^t1  vs  first1  to  woo 

And  made  Adam  from  paradys  to  goo  . 

Ther  he  was  ful  mery  an  wel  at  ese 

But  for  I  note  whom  I  my^t  displese 

If  I  counsaile  of  womrnen  wold  blame 

Passe  ouere  for  I  seide  it1  in  my  game 

Eede  awters  wher  f  ei  trete  of  such  matere 

And  what1  f  ei  seyne  of  wo?wmen  here 

Thise  bene  f  e  cokkes  wordes  and  not  myne 

I  can  no  harme  of  no  womman  devyne 

ffaire  in  f  e  sonde  to  bath  hur  merely 

lith  pertelote  and  al  hure  susters  bye 

A^einst1  ]?e  sonne  and  chauntelere  so  fre 

Songe  meryer  ]?an  fe  meermaiden  in  Jje  See 

ifor  phisialogus  saij)  witterly 

How  fat1  fei  syngen  wel  and  merely 

And  so  byfelle  as  he  cast1  his  ye 

Amonges  fe  wortes  vppon  a  botterflie 

He  was  war  of  this  fox  fat1  lay  ful  lowe 

No  finge  ne  lust1  hyra  fan  for  to  crowe 

But1  cries  anon  cok1  cok1  and  vp  he  sterte 

As  a  man  fat1  was  affraied  in  his  herte 

ffor  naturelly  a  beest1  desiref  to  flee 

ffro  his  contrarie  if  he  may  it  See 

Jpou^e  he  neuer  had  seye  it1  erst  vritJi  his  ye 

This  chauntelere  whan  he  hyw  gan  aspie 

PETWORTH   586    (6-T.  29o) 


SIX-TEXT    296 

GROUP  B,    §  14.   NISN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

He  wold  haue  fledde  but1  pat1  pe  fox  anon 

Saide  gentile  sir*  alias  what1  hast  pou  don 

Bene  36  affraied  of  me  fat1  am  ^oure  frende 

Certes  sir*  pan  ben  30  vnhende  4476 

If  I  to  3011  wil  harme  or  vilanye 

I  am  not1  come  3our>  counsaile  to  aspie 

But1  trewly  pe  cause  of  my  comynge 

was  oonly  to  harken  how  pat1  30  singe  4480 

ffor  trewly  30  han  as  mery  a  steuen 

As  aungel  ha])  pat1  is  in  heuen 

Ther-with  36  han  in  musike  more  felinge 

pan  had  boys  or  eny  fat1  can  synge  4484 

My  lorde  3our>  fadere  god  his  saule  blisse 

And  eke  3oure  modere  and  hur*  gentilnesse 

Han  in  myn  hous  bene  to  3ou  grete  ese 

And  Certes  siij  ri^f  fain  wold'  I  3ou  plese  4488 

But1  for  men  speken  of  syngynge  I  wil  seye 

So  mot1 1  brouke  myn  eien  tweye 

Sauf  30  I  ne  herd!  neuer  man  so  synge 

As  did  3oure  fader  in  pe  mornynge  4492 

Certes  it1  was  of  hert1  al  pat1  he  songe 

And  forto  make  his  vois  pe  more  stronge 

He  wold  so  peyn  hym  pat  wij?  both  his  yen 

He  most1  wynke  so  loude  he  did  crien  4496 

And  stonden  on  his  typtoon  perwijml' 

And  strecche  for])  his  nek1  longe  and  small  [leaf  205] 

And  eke  he  was  of  such  discrecion 

That1  ]?er  nas  no  man  in  no  region  4500 

That1  him  in  songe  or  wisdom  n^t1  passe 

I  haue  wel  red  daun  Burn  el  J?er  as 

Amonge  his  vers  per  was  a  cok1 

[That]  ffor  a  preestes  sone  3aue  hym  a  knok1  4504 

Ypon  his  legge  whiles  he  was  3onge  and  nyce 

He  made  hym  forto  lese  his  benefice 

But1  certeyn  per  nys  noon  comparison 

Bytwix  pe  wisdom  and  discrecion  4508 

PETWORTH    587    (6-T.  206) 


SIX-TEXT    297 

GROUP  B,   §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

Of  3oure  fadere  and  of  his  subtilite 

Now  syngef  sir*  for  seinf  charite 

Lat1  see  conne  30  ^oure  fadere  countrefete 

This  Chauntelere  his  wenges  gan  to  bete  4512 

As  man  fat1  coude  nat1  his  treson  aspie 

So  was  he  rauessed  wij)  his  flaterye 

Alias  36  lordes  mony  a  fals  flatour 

Is  in  3our  court1  and  mony  a  losengour*  4516 

That1  plesen  3011  more  by  my  feif 

That1  he  fat1  sof  fastnesse  vnto  30"  seif  . 

Rede]>  Ecclesiastre  of  flaterye 

Bef  ware  36  lordes  of  her  trecherye  4520 

This  Chaunteclere  stood  high  vpon  his  toos 

Strecchinge  his  nek  and  held  his  eien  cloos 

And  gan  to  crowe  loude  for  f  e  nones 

And  daun  Russel  sterf  vp  al  at1  ones  4524 

And  by  f  e  Gargaige  hent1  Chaunteclere 

And  on  his  bak  toward4  the  wood  hy??^  bere 

ffor  3itt  was  ther  no  man  hym  swed 

0  Destany  fat1  maisfr  not1  bene  eschewed  4528 

Alias  fat1  chaunteclere  fel  fro  f e  bemes 

Alias  his  wif  ne  ro^t1  not1  of  dremes 

And  on  a  friday  felle  all  fis  meschaunce 

0  Yenus  fat1  art1  goddes  of  plesaunce  4532 

Sif ens  fat1  f i  seru.aun.te  was  f is  chaunteclere 

And  in  f  i  seruise  did  al  his  powere 

More  for  delit1  fan  f e  world'  to  multiplie 

Wlii  woldest1  f  ou  sufFre  on  f  i  day  to  dye  [leaf  265,  back] 

0  Gaufrede  dere  maistere  souereyn  4537 

J^at1  whan  f  e  worf  i  kinge  Richard'  was  sclayn 

Wif  shot1  compleyndest1  his  def  so  sore 

"Whi  ne  had  I  nowe  fi  sentence  and  fi  lore  4510 

J)e  ffriday  forto  chide  as  did  36 

ffor  on  a  friday  shortely  sclayne  was  he 

}?an  wolde  I  shewe  howe  fat1  I  coude  playne 

ffor  chaunteclere  and  for  his  peyne  4544 

PETWOUTII    588    (6-T.  297) 


SIX-TEXT    298 

GROUP  B.   §  14,   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

Certus  such"  crye  ne  lamentacion 

was  of  ladies  made  whan  pat1  Ilyon 

Was  wonne .  and  pirrus  with  his  street1  swerd! 

Whan  he  hent1  king1  Prian  by  pe  beerd!  4548 

And  sclayn  hym  as  seide  Enneidos 

As  maden  all  pe  hennes  in  pe  cloos 

Whan  pei  had  seie  of  chaunteclere  pe  si^f 

But1  souereyn  dame  pertelote  shi^tt  4552 

wel  lodder  pan  did  Hasdrubaldes  wif1 

whan  pat1  her  husbonde  had  lost1  his  lif1 

And  pat1  pe  romaynes  had  brent1  Cartage 

She  was  so  ful  of  torment1  and  of  Eage  4556 

That1  wilfully  into  pe  fire  she  stert1 

And  brent1  her  self  wip  a  stedfast1  herfr 

O  wooful  hennys  ri^t1  so  mden  ^e 

As  whan  pat1  Nero  brent1  pe  Cite  45 GO 

Of  Rome  criden  pe  Cenatowrs  wyues 

ffor  pat1  her  husbondes  shulden  lese  her  lyues 

wip-outen  Gilt1  [pis]  Nero  hap  hem  sclayn 

Now  wil  I  turne  to  my  tale  a3ein  45  G  4 

This  sely  widowe  and  hure  dorters  two 

Herden  pe  hennys  crien  and  make  woo 

And  out1  atte  door  sterten  pei  anoon 

And  segh  pe  fox  toward'  pe  groue  goon  4568 

And  bare  on  his  bak  pe  Cok  away 

They  criden  out1  and  harawe  and  welaway 

A  ha  pe  fox  and  after*  hym  pei  ran 

And  eke  wip  staues  mony  an  ope?*  man  4572 

Ran  CoH  our  dogge .  talbot  and  Garlonde 

And  Malkyn  wip  her  dystaf  in  hure  honde  [leaf  26C] 

Ran  cowe  and  calf  and  eke  the  verrey  hogges 

Sore  afferd?  for  berking1  of  dogges  4576 

And  shetinge  of  men  and  wommen  eke 

pei  ronne  so  peire  hertes  pei  po^t1  to  breke 

pei  ^elden  as  feendes  don  in  helle 

The  dogges  criden  as  men  wold!  hem  quelle  4580 

PETWOHTII   589    (6-T.  298) 


SIX-TEXT    299 

GROUP  B.    §  14,   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Out1  of  the  hyues  come  fe  swarme  of  bees 
The  gees  for  fere  flowen  in  J?e  trees 
So  hidous  was  the  noise  .0  benedicite 
Certos  he  lak1  strawe  and  his  mayne  4584 

Ne  made  neuer  showtes  half  so  shrille 
whan  pat1  Jjei  wolde  eny  nemwyng  kille 
As  J?att  ilk1  day  was  made  vpon  J>e  fox 
Of  bras  j?ei  brou^t1  bemes  and  of  box  4588 

Of  horn  and  boon  in  which  J?ei  pouped 
And  j?erwi]jal  )?ei  schrited  and  showted . 
It  semed  as  pat1  heuene  shulde  falle 

Now  good  I  prey  3011  harkenej?  alle  4592 

Lo  how  fortune  turnej?  sodeynly 
The  hope  and  eke  pride  of  her  envie 
This  cok/  pat1  lay  vppon  the  fox  bak* 
In  al  his  drede  vnto  J>e  fox  spak1  4596 

And  saide  Sire  if  I  were  as  30 
3if  shuld  I  say  as  wis  god  helpe  me 
Turne  a3eine  36  proude  cherles  alle 

A  verrey  pestilence  vppon  3ou  falle  4600 

Nowe  am  I  come  vnto  J>is  wodys  side 
Maugre  3oure  hede  J?e  cok  shal  here  abide 
I  wol  hym  ete  in  fei]?  and  jmf  anon 

The  fox  answerde  in  fai]>  it1  shal  be  don  4604 

And  [as]  he  spak1  J>at  worde  al  sodeynly 
This  Cok1  brak  from  his  mouj?  delyuerly 
And  high  vppon  a  tree  he  negh  anon 
And  whan  J?e  fox  segh  fat1  he  was  gon  4608 

Alias  quod  he  0  chauntelere  alias 
I  haue  quod  he  done  to  3011  trespas 
In  as  moch  as  I  made  3ou  afercfe 

Whan  I  3ou  hent1  and  bro^tt  out1  of  ]?e  3erde      peaf  266,  back] 
But1  sire  I  did  it1  not1  in  no  wicked  entenf  4613 

CommeJ)  doune  and  I  shal  telle  3ou  what1 1  rnenf 
I  shal  saie  so]?  god  helpe  me  soo 

Nay  pan  quod  he  I  schrewe  vs  boj?  twoo  4616 

PETWOETH  690   (6-T.  299) 


STX-TEXT   300 

GROUP  B.    §  14.   NUN'S  PRIEST'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

And  first1  I  schrewe  my  self  bo]?  blood  and  bones 

3if  J>ou  bigile  me  ofter  J?an  ones 

Thow  shalt1  no  more  wij>  }?i  flaterie 

Do  me  swynk1  and  wink1  wij?  myn  ye  4620 

ffor  he  fat1  wynket1  whan  he  shuld  see 

As  wisly  god  lat1  hym  neuer  ]?ee 

Nay  quod  ]?e  fox  god  $eue  hym  meschaunce 

That1  is  so  vndiscrete  of  gouernawnce  4624 

That1  langelej)  whan  he  shuld  haue  pees 

Loo  such  is  forto  be  rechelees 

And  necligent1  and  trustej)  on  flaterie 

But1  36  fat1  holden  jjis  foly  4628 

As  of  a  Cok1  of  a  fox  and  of  an  henne 

Take]?  j?e  Moralite  good  men* 

ffor  seint1  poule  sei]?  al  fat1  writen  is 

To  our  doctrine  it1  is  writen  ywis  /  4632 

Take]?  ]?e  fruyte  and  lat1  ]?e  chaf  be  stille 

Nowe  good  god  if  it1  be  J?i  wille 

As  sei]?  my  lorde  so  make  vs  all  good  men 

And  bringe  vs  al  to  his  blisse  Amen.  4636 

Thus  endej?  J?e  preestes  tale 


PETWORTH   691  (6-T.  300)- 


GKOUP  H,   FEAGMENT  IX. 

§  1,    THE  MANCIPLE'S  HEAD-LINK. 
PETWORTH  MS. 


And  f  US  Ion  leafZK,  back] 

bygynnes  ]>e  manciples  tale . 


"Etc  30  not1  where  stonf  a  litel  toune  IF  The  prolog^/ 

Which  pat1  is  cleped  bob  vp  and  doune 
Vnder  pe  blee  in  Caunterbery  waye 

Ther  gan  our  hooste  to  lape  and  playe  4 

And  saide  Sirres  donne  is  in  pe  myre 

Is  per  no  man  for  preiere  ne  for  hyre 

That1  wil  awake  our  felawe  behinde 

A  theef  nry^t1  hym  robbe  and  bynde  '  8 

Se  howe  he  nappep  for  goddys  bones . 

Awaite  he  wil  falle  from  his  hors  at1  ones 

This  is  a  coke  of  london  wip  meschaunce 

Do  hym  come  forp  he  knowep  his  penawnce      [leaf  207]      12 

ifor  he  shal  telle  a  tale  be  my  fay 

Al  pou3e  it1  be  nat1  worth  a  botel  of  hay 

Awake  pou  coke  god  3eue  pe  Sorowe 

What1  ailejj  pe  to  slepe  so  by  pe  morowe;  16 

Hast1  pou  had  fleen  to  ny3t1  or  pou  art1  dronke 

Or  hast1  pou  al  nj^V  wip  som  queue  yswonke ' 

So  pat1  pou  maist1  not1  holde  vp  pine  hede 

This  Coke  pat1  was  [ful]  pale  and  no  ping*  rede  20 

Saide  to  oure  hooste  so  god  me  blesse 

As  per  is  holden  on  me  such  heuynesse 

That  I  not1  wheder  me  were  leuer  sclepe 

Than  pe  best1  Galon  wyne  in  chepe  24 

PETWOBTH   692   (6-T.  676) 


SIX-TEXT    577 

GROUP  H.   §  1.   MANCIPLE'S  HEAD-LINK.   Petworth  MS. 

wel  quod  jje  manciple  it1  wil  done  ese  25 

To  J>e  Sir1  Coke  and  to  no  wi$ti  rnysplese 

whiche  fat*  riden  in  J>is  company 

fat1  soo  our  hoost1  wil  of  his  curtesy  28 

I  wil  as  nowe  excuse  )>e  of  J?i  tale 

ffor  in  good  fay  J?i  visage  is  xijti  pale 

J?ine  eyen  dasen  as  me  J>enke]> 

And  wel  I  woot1  J?i  breth  sore  sty  like  J>  3£ 

That1  shewejj  Jjou  nart  not*  wel  disposed . 

Of  me  certaine  fou  shalt1  not1  bene  glosed . 

See  howe  he  goleth  ))is  dronken  wi3^ 

As  J>owe  he  wolde  swoune  anon  ri3f  36 

Hold  cloos  ]>i  moufe  man  by  ]?i  fader  kyii 

The  deuel  of  helle  sette  his  foote  J?erln . 

Thy  cursed  breeth  wil  affecte  vs  alle 

ffy  stynkinge  hogge  foule  mot1  ]?e  byfalle  40 

Now  take])  hede  sirs  of  )>is  lusty  man 

Now  swete  sir  wil  ye  lust1  at1  fe  fan 

Therto  me  J>enke]>  36  be  wel  yshape 

H  I  trowe  36  han  dronken  wyne  grape  44 

And  fat  is  whan  men  pley  with  a  strawe 

And  wij)  Jjis  speche  J?e  coke  wex  al  wrawe 

[And  on  the  Maunciple .  gan  to  nodde  fast1     25/ aS]  1?  D 15' 

ffor  lak1  of1  speche .  and  downe  the  hors  hym  cast1  48 

Where  as  he  lay  til  that1  men  hym  vptoke 

This  was  a  faire  cheuache .  of1  a  cooke 

Alias  that1  he  nad .  hold?  hym  bi  his  ladiH/ 

And  or  that1  he  ageyn .  were  in  his  sadiH]  52 

Ther  was  grete  schovuyng1  to  and  froo 

To  lift1  hym  up  and  mykel  care  and  woo 

So  vnweldy  was  Jns  appalled  goost1 

And  to  J?e  manciple  fan  speke  our  hoost1     Deaf 267,  back]     56 

By  cause  drink1  ha]>  Dominacion 

Vppon  Jjis  man  by  my  sauacion 

I  trowe  he  wolde  lewdely  telle  his  tale 

ffor  were  it1  wyne  or  ellis  moyst1  ale  60 

PETWORTH    593    (6-T.  577) 


SIX-TEXT    578 

GROUP  H.    §  1.   MANCIPLE'S  HEAD  LINK.   Petworth  MS. 

That1  he  haf  dronken  he  spekef  in  his  nose  Cl 

And  galpef  fast1  and  eke  he  ha])  f  e  pose 
He  haf  also  to  doo  more  fan  ynogn" 

To  kepe  hym  and  his  capel  out1  of  fe  scloi^gn"  64 

And  if  he  falle  fro  his  capel  eft1  sone 
Than  shal  we  alle  haue  ynogn"  to  done 
In  liftinge  vp  of  his  heuy  corps 

Telle  on  f  i  tale  of  hym  make  I  no  force  68 

But1  nowe  Maunciple  in  feif  f  ou  art1  to  nyce 
Thus  openly  to  repreue  hym  of  his  vice 
Anof  er  day  he  wil  perauenture 

Recleyme  fe  and  bringe  fe  to  lure  72 

I  mene  he  speke  wold  of  smale  f  ingges 
As  forto  pynchen  at1  f  i  rekenyngges 
That1  were  not1  honest1  ^if  it  come  to  preef1 
Nowe  quod  the  maunciple  fat1  were  a  gret1  mescheef        76 
So  myjt1  he  bringe  me  in  f  e  snare 
^it1  had  I  leuer  paien  for  f  e  mare 
Which  he  rit1  vpon  fan  he  shuld?  wz't/i  me  strive 
I  wil  not1  wref  hym  as  mot1 1  f  rive  80 

what1  fat1 1  spak  I  saide  it1  in  my  bourde 
And  wote  36  what1  I  haue  here  in  a  gourde 
A  drau^t1  of  wyne  36  of  a  ripe  grape 

And  ri^t1  anoon  30  shul  se  a  good  Tape  84 

This  Coke  shal  drynk1  f  erof  $if  fat  I  may 
Vp  peyne  of  def  he  wil  nat1  say  me  nay 
And  certeynly  to  tellen  as  it  was 

Of  f  is  vessel  f  e  Coke  dronk1  fast1  alas  88 

What1  nedef  hit1  he  dronk1  ynou3e  to-forn 
And  whan  he  had  poped  in  his  horn 
To  f  e  Manciple  he  toke  f  e  gourde  ageyn 
And  of  fat1  drinke  f  e  Coke  was  wonder  feyn  92 

And  f  onked  hym  in  such  wise  as  he  coude 
Than  gan  oure  hoost1  to  laughen  wondere  loude          [ieaf26S] 
And  saide  I  see  wel  it1  is  necessarie 

Where  fat1  we  goon  good  drink*  wif  vs  to  carie  96 

PETWORTH   594   (6-T.  678) 


SIX-TEXT    579 

GROUP  H,    §  1.   MANCIPLE'S  HEAD-LINK.   Petworth  MS. 

ffor  J?afr  wil  turne  rancour  and  dissese  97 

To  pees  and  loue  and  mony  a  wronge  to  sese 

0  Bachus  blessed  be  J>i  name 

That1  so  can  turne  ernesfr  into  game  100 

Worship  and  ponk1  be  vnto  J?e 

flbr  of  Jjis  matere  30  gete  no  more  of  me 

Telle  on  jjou  manciple  I  ]?e  pray 

"VVel  sir*  quod  he  now  herkenej?  what1 1  say  104 

*ff  Thus  endef  ]?e  prologe  of  J>e  Manciple 


PETWOIITH   695  (6-T.  579) 


SIX-TEXT    580 

GROUP  H.  §  2.   MANCIPLE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


If  The  Tale. f[. 
And  here  bygynnej*  J>e  manciple  his  tale  [»« zea/268] 

WHan  Phebus  dwelt1  here  in  Jjis  er]?e  adown        105 
As  olde  bokes  maken  menciown 
He  was  ]?e  most1  lusty  bachilere 

Of  al  )>is  world  and  eke  J>e  best1  archere  108 

He  sclougfi  Phiton  J?e  serpent1  as  he  lay 
Scleping1  a3einst1  J>e  sonne  vpon  a  day  fc 

And  mony  a  nofer  worjji  noble  dede 
He  wij)  his  bowe  wrou^t1  as  men  may  rede  112 

Pleien  he  coude  on  euery  mynstralcie 
And  syngen  pat1  if  was  a  melodye 
To  harken  of  his  cleere  voys  j?e  soun 

Certes  jje  kynge  of  Thebes  Amphioun  116 

That1  wi]>  hys  syngging1  walled  Jjafr  cite 
Coude  neuere  synge  half  so  wel  as  he 
Therto  he  was  fe  semeliestt  man 

That1  is  or  was  si])  }>e  world'  bygan .  '  120 

What*  nedef  if  is  fetures  to  discrive 
ffor  in  ]>is  worlct  was  noon  so  faire  alyue 
He  was  J>er-with  fulfilled  of  gentilnesse 
Of  honure  and  of  parfif  wor]?inesse  124 

This  Phebus  Jjaf  was  flour*  of  bachelerie 
As  wel  in  fredom  as  in  Chiualrie 
ffor  disport1  and  in  signe  eke  of  victorie 
Of  Pheton  so  as  tellej)  vs  pe  storie  128 

was  wont1  to  beren  in  his  honde  a  bowe 
Now  haf  j)is  Phebus  in  his  hows  a  crowe  [leaf  268] 

"Which  in  a  Cage  he  fostred  mony  a  day 
And  tau3f  it1  to  speke  as  men  doon  a  laye  132 

PETWORTH    696    (6-T.  580) 


SIX-TEXT    581 

GROUP  H.   §  2.   MANCIPLE'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 

White  was  fis  crowe  as  is  a  white  swan  133 

And  countrefeted  f  e  speche  of  euery  man 

He  cowde  whan  he  slmld?  telle  a  tale 

Ther-wif  in  al  fis  londe  \er  nys  no  ny^tyngale  136 

That1  cowde  by  an  hundred  thousan  dele 

Synge  so  mery  and  eke  so  wel 

Now  had  fis  phebus  in  his  hous  a  wif 

Which  fat*  he  loued  more  fan  his  owne  lif1  1 40 

And  nyght1  and  day  did  euer  diligence 

Her  for  to  plese  and  done  reuerence 

Sauf  oonly  ^if  I  f  e  so]?  shal  sayn 

lalous  he  was  and  wold  haue  kept1  hure  fay  a  144 

ffor  hym  were  lof  e  liaped  forto  be 

And  so  euery  man  wold?  in  such  degre 

But1  al  for  na^fr  for  it1  availef  ILO}# 

A  good  wif  fat1  is  clene  of  werk  and  f  03^  1 48 

Shuld  not  be  kepte  in  noon  awaite  certeyn 

And  trewly  f  e  labour1  is  in  veyn 

To  kepe  a  schrewe  for  it1  wil  not1  be 

This  hold  I  for  a  verrey  nycete  152 

To  spille  labour  forto  kepe  wyues 

Thus  writen  olde  clerkes  in  her  lyues 

But1  no  we  to  pwrpos  as  I  first1  bygan  • 

This  worfi  phebus  doof  al  fat1  he  can/  156 

To  plesen  hure  wenyng1  by  such  plesaunce 

And  for  his  manhode  and  his  gouernczwnce 

That1  no  man  shuld  haue  put1  hym  from  hir1  grace 

But1  god  it1  wote  J?er  may  no  man  enbrace  1 60 

As  to  destroie  a  J>inge  which  fat1  nature 

HaJ>  naturelly  sette  in  a  creature 

Take  eny  bridde  and  put1  it1  in  a  cage 

And  doo  al  fine  entent1  and  fi  corage  164 

To  fostere  it1  tenderly  wif  mete  and  drink1 

Of  alle  deyntise  fat1  f ou  canst1  by-f enk1 

And  kepe  it1  also  clenly  as  he  may 

Al  fou3e  his  Cage  of  gold  be  neuer  so  gay       [leaf  aco]      168 

PETWOltTH    597    (6-T.  58l) 


SIX-TEXT    582 

GROUP  H.   §  2.   MANCIPLE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

3i f  haf  fis  Ibrid  by  twenty  fousand  fold!  169 

Leuer  in  a  forest1  fat1  is  wilde  and  cold? 

Goon  ete  wormes  and  suche  wrecchednesse 

ffor  euer  fis  bridde  wol  doon  his  bysynes  172 

To  escape  out1  of  his  cage  if  he  may 

His  liberte  f  e  bridde  desire]?  ay 

Lat1  take  a  cat*  and  fostre  hym  wel  wiih  mylk* 

And  tendere  flesshe  and  make  his  couche  of  silk1  176 

And  lat1  hym  seen  a  mous  goo  by  f  e  watt 

And  anoon  he  wayueth  mylk1  flessh  and  all 

And  euery  deynte  fat1  is  in  f  e  hous 

Suche  appetit1  haf  he  to  ete  a  mous  180 

Lo  here  haf  lust1  his  domynacion 

And  appetit1  flemef  discrecion 

As  f  e  wolf  haf  also  a  vileyns  kynde 

The  lewdest1  wolf  fat1  she  may  fynde  184 

Or  leest1  of  reputacion  fat1  wil  she  take 

In  tyme  whan  hur  lust1  to  haue  a  make 

Alle  f  ise  e'nsamples  speke  I.  by  f  ise  men 

That1  beiie  vntrewe  and  no  fing1  by  wowraien  188 

ffor  men  han  euer  a  likerous  appetit1 

On  lower  f  ing1  to  performe  her  delite 

Than  on  her  wyues  bene  f  ei  neuere  so  fa  ire 

ISTe  neuere  so  trewe  ne  so  debonaire  192 

fflesshe  is  so  newefongel  wif  meschaunce 

That1  we  ne  konne  no  f  inge  han  plesaunce 

That1  sownef  in  vertue  eny  while 

This  Phebus  which  fat1  fou^t1  vpon  no  gile  196 

Deceyued  was  for  al  his  lolite 

ffor  vnder  hym  anof  er  had  she 

A  man  of  litel  reputacion 

Not1  worf  to  phebus  in  comparison  200 

The  more  harme  is  it1  happef  oft1  soo 

Of  whoch  f  er  commeth  mochel  harme  and  woo 

And  so  byfelle  whan  phebus  was  absent1 

His  wif  anoon  haf  for  her  lewman  sent1  204 

PETWORTH    598    (6-T.  58li) 


SIX-TEXT    583 

GROUP  H,    §  2.   MANCIPLE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Here  lemman  certes  fis  is  a  knauyssh  speche  205 

ffor^euef  it1  me  and  fat1 1  3011  biseclie  [leaf  269,  back] 

The  wise  Plato  seif  as  36  may  1rede  pjirst  here  rede] 

jje  Word1  mot1  nedes  accorde  wif  f  e  dede  208 

3 if  men  shal  telle  proprely  a  f  inge 

The  worde  mot1  Cosyn  be  to  f  e  worldnge 

I  am  a  boistous  man  ri^t1  f  us  say  I 

Ther  nys  no  difference  trewly  212 

Bitwix  a  wif  fat1  is  of  hie  degre 

3if  of  her  body  dishonest1  she  be 

And  a  poor  wench  e  ofer  fan  fis 

3if  it1  so  be  fei  wirk  bo])  amys  216 

But1  pat1  f  e  gentile  is  in  state  aboue 

She  shal  be  cleped  his  lady  as  in  loue 

And  for  fat1  o])er  is  a  poor  womrnan 

She  shal  be  cleped  his  wench  and  his  lemman .  220 

And  god  it1  woote  myn  owne  der  broker 

Men  sayn  fat1  oon  lith  as  lowe  as  dof  fat1  ofer 

Ri^t1  so  bitwix  a  titles  tyraunt1 

And  an  houlaw2  and  a  feef  errauwt1          c^orhoniaw]        224 

The  same  I  say  fer  nys  no  difference 

To  Alisaunder  was  tolde  fat1  sentence 

That1  for  f  e  tyraunt1  is  of  grete?*e  my^t1 

By  force  of  mayne  for  sclen  dozm  ri^t1  228 

And  brennen  hous  and  home  and  make  al  playn 

Lo  f  erf  ore  is  cleped  a  Capitayn 

And  for  f  e  outlaw  haf  but1  smal  mayne 

And  may  not  doon  so  grete  an  harme  as  he  232 

Ne  bringe  a  centre  to  so  grete  meschief1 

Men  clepen  hym  an  outlay  or  a  f  eef1 

But1  for  I  am  a  man  not1  text1  wel 

I  wil  not1  telle  of  Titus  neuer  a  dele  236 

I  wil  go  to  my  tale  as  I  byganne 

Whan  phebus  [wif]  had  sent1  for  her  lewzinaii 

Anoon  f  ei  wrou^ten  al  her  lust1  volage 

This  white  crowe  fat1  henge  ay  in  fe  cage  240 

PETWORTH    599    (6-T.  583) 


SIX-TEXT    584 

GROUP  H.   §  2.  MANCIPLE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

Bihelde  her  werk1  and  saide  neuer  a  wort?  241 

And  whan  jjat1  home  was  come  Phebus  J>e  lor<J 

pis  crowe  songe  Cokkow .  cokkow .  Cukkowe 

What1  brid  quod  phebus  what*  songe  singestt  thowe  [leaf  270] 

Ne  were  J>ou  wonte  so  merely  to  synge 

That*  to  myn  hertt  it1  was  a  reioysinge 

To  here  ]>i  vois  alias  what1  songe  is  Jjis 

By  god  quod  he  I  synge  natt  a  mys  248 

Phebus  quod  he  for  al  Jn  worjjinesse 

ffor  al  Jri  bewte  and  fi  gentilnesse 

ffor  al  J>i  songe  and  al  Jri  mynstralcye 

ffor  al  Jri  waytinge  blered  is  fine  ye  252 

WiJ>  oon  of  litel  reputacion 

Nou^tt  worf  to  J?e  as  in  comparison 

The  rnountaunce  of  a  gnatte  so  mote  I  thryue 

ffor  on  Jri  bed  Jri  wiff1 1  segR  hym  swyve  256 

"What1  wil  }e  more  J?e  crawe  anoon  hym  tolde 

By  sad  tokens  and  by  wordes  bolde 

How  J>af  his  wif1  had  doon  her  leccherie 

Hym  to  grete  shame  and  to  grefr  vilenye  260 

And  tolde  hym  off  he  segh  if  wij)  his  eyen 

This  Phebus  gan  awaiward!  forto  wryen ./ 

Hym  fou^t1  his  sorowful  hertf  brast1  atwoo 

His  bowe  he  bent1  and  sette  J>er-Inne  a  floe  264 

And  in  his  Ire  haj)  he  his  wif  sclayii 

This  is  jjeffecte  ]?er  nys  no  more  to  sayn 

ifor  sorowe  of  which  he  brak1  his  mynstralcie 

Boj?  harpe  and  lute .  gitern  •  and  sawtrie  268 

And  eke  he  brak1  his  harowes  and  his  bowe 

And  after  J?af  Jms  speke  he  to  j)e  crowe 

Traitour  quod  he  wij>  tunge  of  scorpion 

Thou  hast/  me  brou^t1  to  my  confusion  272 

Alias  J>afr  I  was  wrou3f  why  ner  I  dede 

0  dere  wiff  o.  gemme  of  lustihede 

Jjaf  were  to  me  so  sad  and  eke  so  trewe 

Now  liestt  Jjou  dede  wij?  face  pale  of  hvve  276 

PETWORTH    600   (6-T.  584) 


SIX-TEXT   585 

GROUP  H,    §  2,   MANCIPLE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

fful  giltles  fat  durst1  I  swere  ywis  277 

0  Rakel  hounde  to  doon  so  foule  amys 

0  trouble  witte  .0.  yre  rechelees 

That1  vnavised  smytestf  giltlees  280 

O  wan-tresf  ful  of  fals  suspecion 

AVher  was  fi  witf  and  fi  discrecion  [leaf  270,  back] 

0  euery  man  be  war  of  rechelesnesse 

NQ  trow.no  finge  wif-out1  strong1  witnesse  284 

Smyte  not1  to  sone  er  f ow  wit1  why 

And  be  avised  wel  and  soberly 

Er  ^e  doon  eny  execution 

Vppon  ^oure  Ire  for  suspecion  •  288 

Alias  an  Mi.  folk1  han  rakel  yre 

ifully  fordoon  or  brou^t1  hem  in  f  e  myre 

Alias  for  sorowe  I  wil  my  self  scle 

And  to  f  e  Crawe  o*  fals  f  eef  saide  he  292 

1  wil  f  e  qwite  anoon  f  i  fals  tale 
Thow  songe  whilom  like  a  ny^tyngale 
Now  shalt1  f  ou  fals  f  eef  f  i  songe  forgone 

Eke  fi  white  fetheres  euerechone  296 

"N&  neuer  in  al  f  i  lif  shalt1  f  ou  speke 

Thus  shal  men  on  a  traitour  ben  ywreke 

Thowe  and  fine  ospringe  euer  shul  be  blake 

'NQ  neuer  swete  noys  shul  30  make  300 

But1  euer  crie  a^einst1  tempest1  and  reyne 

In  tokenynge  fat1  f  orgh  f  e  my  wif  is  scleyn) 

And  to  f  e  crowe  he  stert1  and  fat1  anone 

And  pulled  his  white  fef  eres  euerechone  304 

And  made  hym  blak1  and  raft  hym  al  his  songe 

And  eke  his  speche  and  out1  atte  dore  hym  sclonge 

Vnto  f  e  deuel  to  whoom  I  hym  bitake 

And  for  f  is  caus  bene  al[le]  crowes  blake  308 

Lordyngges  by  f  is  ensample  I  ^ou  preie 

U  Bef  war  and  takef  kepe  what1  fat1  ^e  seie 

Ne  tellef  neuer  no  man  ^oure  liff1 

How  fat1  anofer  man  haf  di^t1  fi  wiff  312 

40  PETWORTH    601    (6-T.  080) 


SIX-TEXT    586 

GROUP  H,    §  2.   MANCIPLE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

He  wil  $ou  hate  mortelly  certayn  313 

Dann  Salomon  as  wise  clerkes  sayn 

TecheJ)  a  man  to  kepe  his  tunge  wel 

But1  as  I  seide  I  am  not1  text*  wel  316 

But1  najjelees  J)us  tau^t1  me  my  dame 

My  sone  fenk1  on  jje  crowe  a  goddys  name 

My  sone  kepe  wel  J)i  tunge  and  kepe  Jn  frende 

A  wicked  tunge  is  wors  pan  a  feende  [leaf  271]  320 

My  sone  from  a  feende  men  may  hem  blisse 

My  sone  god  of  hise  endelees  goodnesse 

Walled  a  tunge  wij?  tee])  and  lippes  eke 

ifor  man  shuld  hym  avise  what1  he  speke  324 

My  sone  ful  oft1  for  to  mochel  speche 

Ha]>  mony  a  man  be  spilt1  as  clerkes  teche 

But1  for  litel  speche  avisely 

Is  no  man  shent1  to  speke  generally  328 

My  sone  pi  tunge  shuldest1  J?ou  restreyn 

Att1  al  tyme  but1  whan  fou  dost1  pi  peyn 

To  speke  of  god  in  honure  and  preiere 

The  furst1  vertue  sone  }if  pou  wilt1  lere  332 

Is  to  restreyne  and  kepe  wel  pi  tonge 

Thus  lernen  children  whan  ])ei  bene  ^onge 

My  sone  of  moche  speking1  euel  avised 

Ther  las&e  speking1  had  ynow  suffised  336 

Come])  moche  harme  }ms  was  me  told4  and  tau^t1 

In  mochel  speche  synne  wantej)  na^t1 

Woost1  ])ou  wherof  a  Rakel  tunge  seruep 

Ei3t1  as  a  swerd*  forkutte])  and  for-keruetfc  340 

An  arme  a  tAVOo  my  dere  sone  ri^t1  soo 

A  tonge  kitte])  frewdship  al  a  twoo 

A  langlere  is  to  god  abhomynable 

Eede  Salomon  so  wise  and  honurable  344 

Rede  Dauid  and  his  Psalmes .  rede  Senek1 

My  sone  speke  not1  but1  wiih  Jn  hede  Jjou  bek1 

Dissimule  as  ])ou  were  deef  if  fat1  Jwu  here 

A  langelere  speke  of  parilous  matere  348 

PETWORTH    602    (6-T.  586) 


SIX-TEXT   587 

GROUP  H.   §  2.  MANCIPLE'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

J?e  fflemyng1  seij>  and  lerne  if  }if  Jje  list1  349 

That1  litel  langelinge  cause])  mochl  ryst 

My  sone  jif  jjou  no  wikked  word  hast*  seide 

The  ther  not*  drede  forto  be  bywreiede  352 

But1  he  J)afr  haj)  myssaide  I  dar  wel  sayfi 

He  may  by  no  way  clepe  his  word?  agayn 

Jnng<  J>att  is  saide .  is  saide  and  for])  it1  go]) 

J)ou3e  hym  repent1  or  be  he  neuer  so  loo])  356 

He  is  his  pral  to  whom  J)att  he  ha]j  saide 

A  taile  of  which  he  is  nowe  euel  a-payde  [leaf  271,  back] 

My  sone  be  war  and  be  not*  smiour  newe 

Of  tydingges  whedere  J?ei  be  fals  or  trewe  360 

Where  so  J>ou  come  amonges  hie  or  lowe 

Kepe  wel  ])i  tunge  and  Jjenk1  vpon  J>e  crowe  362 

^[  fus  endef  ])e  prologe  of  fe  manciple . 


PETWORTH    603    (6-T.  587) 


GKOFP  I,    FEAGMENT  X. 

§  1.    THE  BLANK-PARSON  LINK. 

IThis  is  really  a  link  between  some  unwritten  Tale  and  the  Parson's.  It  has  be°n 
made  into  the  Manciple-Parson  Link  (or  Yeoman-Parson  by  the  Christ-Church  MS) 
by  Chaucer's  copiers,  though  not  meant  for  it.] 

PETWOBTH  MS. 


And  here  bygynne])  fe  prologe  of  ]>e  persone  [on  vz-i,  ^3 

BY  fat1  j?e  manciple  had  his  tale  ended  1 

J>e  sonne  fro  ]?e  south'  is  descended . 
So  lowe  Jjat1  he  was  nau^t1  to  my  si^t1 
Degrees  nyne  and  twenti1  as  of  hight1  pi«r«ix]  4 

Ten  of  ]?e  clok  it1  was  so  as  I  gesse 
ffor  xj  foote  or  litel  more  or  lesse 
My  shadowe  was  at1  Jnlke  tyme  as  per 
Of  suche  fete  as  my  lengths  parted  were  8 

In  sex  foote  equal  of  proporcion 
)jer-wijj  J?e  moones  exaltacion 
I  mene  libra  alway  gan  ascende 

As  we  were  entringe  at1  a  throppes  ende  1 2 

ffor  wijj  our  hoost1  as  he  was  wonf  to  gye 
As  in  Jns  caas  our  loly  companye 
Saide  in  ])is  wise  lordyngs  euerechon 

Xow  lakkej?  vs  no  tale  more  Jmt1  oon  1 0 

ffulfilled  is  my  sentence  and  my  degre 
Who  wil  nowe  telle  a  tale  laf  see 
Almost1  fulfilled  is  myn  orclynemnce 

I  prei  to  god  so  }eue  hym  rijf  good  chrmnce  20 

That1  tellej)  J?is  tale  to  vs  lustely 
Sir*  preest1  quod  he  art1  pou  a  vikarie 
Or  art1  th-ou  a  persone  sei  J>e  soj>  by  ]?i  feye 
Ee  what1  ]?ou  be  ne  breke  nat1  our  pleye  24 

PETWOllTH    604   (6-T.  589) 


SIX-TEXT    590 
GROUP  I.     §  1,     BLANK-PARSON  LINK.     PetWOrth  MS. 

ffor  euery  man  sauf  J?ou  haj>  told  his  tale  25 

Vnbocle  and  schewe  what1  is  in  Jn  male 

ffor  trewly  me  j?enkej?  by  Ju  chere 

Thow  shuldest1  knet1  vp  wel  a  grete  matere  28 

Telle  vs  a  fable  anoon  for  Cokkes  bonys 

This  person  answerd!  al  at1  onys 

jpow  getest1  fable  noon  ytold?  for  me 

ffor  Poule  Jjat1  write jj  vnto  Timothe-  [leaf  272]  32 

Repreuen  hem  Jmt1  waiven  soffastnesse 

And  tellen  fables  and  such  wrechednesse 

Whi  shuld  I  shewen  draf  out1  of  my  fest1 

"Whan  I  may  she  we  whete  if  fat1  me  lesfr  36 

ffor  which  I  say  if  Jjat1  J>e  lust*  to  here 

Moralite  and  vertuous  matere 

And  fan  Jjat1  ^e  wil  3eue  me  audience 

I  wil  ful  fayne  at*  cn'stes  reuerence  40 

Doon  ^ou  plesaunce  leeful  as  I  can 

But1  trustejj  wel  I  am  a  sojjeren  man 

I  can  not1  gestH .  rum  ram .  ruf  by  letter* 

ISTe  god  woote  Ryme  hold  I  but1  lite  better*  44 

And  Jjerfore  if  }ou  lust1 1  nyl  nat1  glose 

I  wil  }ou  telle  a  mery  tale  in  prose 

To  knytte  vp  al  Jris  feest1  and  make  an  ende 

And  Ihesn  for  his  grace  wit1  me  sende  48 

To  schew  }ou  J>e  way  in  J>is  viage 

Of  Jjilk1  parfite  glorious  pilgrimage 

That1  hight1  leiusalem  celestiaH 

And  if  ^e  vouchesauf  anon  }e  shaHt  52 

Bygynne  vpon  my  tale  for  which  I  prey 

Telle  3our)  avis  I  can  no  better  seye 

But1  najjelees  pis  meditacion 

I  putt1  aye  vnder  correccion  5G 

Of  clerkes  for  I  am  not1  texfweH 

I  take  but1  j?e  sentence  trustej)  weH 

Therfore  I  make  protestacion 

That1 1  wil  stonde  to  correccion  GO 

PETWORTH    6C5    (6-T.  590) 


SIX-TEXT    591 
GROUP  I.     §  1.     BLANK-PARSON  LINK.     PetWOrth  MS. 

Vpon  fis  woord  we  ban  assented  sone  61 

ffor  as  it1  semed  if  was  forto  done 

To  enden  in  som  vertuous  sentence 

And  forto  $eue  hyra  space  and  audience  64 

And  bad  our  boost1  he  shulde  to  hyra  seie 

fat1  alle  we  to  telle  his  taile  hym  preye 

Our*  hoosf  had  f  e  wordes  for  vs  alle 

Sir*  preest1  quod  he  now  faire  mot*  $ou  byfalle  68 

Say  what*  $ou  lust*  and  we  shullen  gladly  here 

And  wijj  fat1  word?  he  saide  in  fis  manere  peaf  272,  back] 

Telle])  quod  he  3oure  meditaciown 

But1  haste])  $ou  fe  sonne  wil  a-down  72 

Beef  fructuous  and  fat1  in  litel  space 

And  to  do  wel  god  sende  }ou  his  grace .  74 

1f  Thus  endefc  fee  prologe  of  f  e  persons  tale 


PETWORTH   606   (6-T.  591) 


592   SIX-TEXT 

CONTENTS   OF   PARSON'S   TALE.      PART   I. 

THE  PARSON'S  TALE. 

A  TREATISE  ON  PENITENCE,  IN  3  PARTS : 
Part  I.  On  Penitence,  and  its  1st  requisite  Contrition  (A)  (p. 

593-612). 

Part  II.  On  its  2nd  requisite,  Confession  (B)  (p.  612—679).     , 
Part  III.  On  its  3rd  requisite,  Satisfaction  (C)  (p.  679—684),  with 
the  Writer's  Leave-taking  and  Retractations  (p.  684-85). 


[ii. 
iii. 


PART  I.  (p.  593—612). 

ON  PENITENCE,  AND  ITS  IST  REQUISITE,  CONTRITION. 
Proem  on  Jeremiah  vi.  16.    The  Tale  is  to  be  on  Penitence  as  a  full 
noble  way  to  lead  folk  to  Christ,  and  is  to  treat  of 
i.  *  what  is  Penitence  '  (p.  594)  . 
ii.  '  whennes  it  is  cleped  Penitence  '.  [not  in  the  Tale.] 
iii.  '  in  how  manye  maneres  been  the  acciowns  or  werkynges  of 

Penitence  r  (p.  594-5). 

iv.  '  how  many  speces  ther  been  of  Penitence  '  (p.  595). 
v.  '  whiche  thynges  apertenen  and  bihouen  to  Penitence'  (p.  595  — 

682  :  nearly  all  Parts  I  and  III,  and  all  Part  II). 
vi.  'whiche  thynges  destourbera  Penitence'  (at  end  of  Part  III, 

p.  682)  (p.  593). 

i.  Penitence  defined,  by  a.  St  Ambrose  ;  b.  '  som  doctour  '  ;  c.  the 
writer.     Its  requisites  :   1.  bewailing  of  sins  ;  2.  purpose  to 
have  shrift,  to  do  satisfaction,  never  to  sin  again,  to  continue 
in  good  works  (p.  594). 
i.  not  given.] 

i.  The  3  actions  of  Penitence  :  1.  Baptism  after  sin  ;  2.  not  to  do 
deadly  sin  after  baptism  ;  3.  not  thus  to  do  venial  sin  (p.  594-95). 
iv.  The  3  speces  or  kinds  of  Penitence  :  1.  Solemn  (to  be  put  out  of 
church,  or  do  open  penance)  ;  2.  Common  (to  go  naked  on  pil- 
grimage) ;  3.  Private  (p.  595). 
v.  The  3  necessities  or  requisites  for  Penitence  (p.  596—682)  : 

A.  Contrition  of  heart  (p.  596—612). 

B.  Confession  of  mouth  (Part  II,  p.  612—679). 

C.  Satisfaction  (Part  III,  p.  679—682). 

Penitence  avails  against  3  things,  by  which  we  wrath  Christ  (p.  595). 
A.  Contrition  is  the  root  of  Penitence,  whose  stem  bears  branches 

and  leaves  of  Confession,  and  fruit  of  Satisfaction. 
Contrition  also  bears  a  seed  of  grace,  whose  heat  draws  men  to 

God.     (Simile  of  the  child  and  his  nurse's  milk.) 
Penance  is  the  tree  of  life  (p.  596). 
Four  Points  to  be  known  about  Contrition  : 

1.  What  it  is  ;  2.  the  causes  that  move  a  man  to  it  ;  3.  how  to 

be  contrite;  4.  what  it  avails  the  soul  (p.  597). 
2.  The  6  Causes  that  should  move  a  man  to  Contrition  : 

a.  Remembrance  of  Sins  (p.  597-8). 

b.  Whoso  does  sin  is  the  Thrall  of  Sin  (p.  598-99). 

c.  Dread  of  the  Day  of  Doom  and  the  Pains  of  Hell  (p.  599—604). 
These  described:  the  Doom  (p.  599-600);  Job's  'lond  of 

mysese  and  of  derknesse'  (p.  600-1)  ;  the  3  shames  hi  hell 
against  (1)  '  Honours,  (2)  delices,  and  (3)  richesses'  (p.  611)  ; 
poverty  in  4  things  :  no  treasure,  food,  clothing,  or  friends 
(p.  602)  ;  and  no  delights  of  the  5  senses.  The  pain  shall  be 
eternal  (p.  603).  Hefl  is  orderless  (p.  603-4).  The  7  causes 
why  the  damnd  have  lost  all  hope  (p.  604). 

d.  Remembrance  of  the  good  works  we've  left  undone,  and  the 

loss  of  the  good  works  done  while  we  were  in  sin  (p.  604-6). 
Deadly  sin  wipes  out  all  good  works  formerly  done  (p.  605)  ; 
and  no  good  works  can  be  done  hi  deadly  sin  (p.  605-6). 
The  new  French  song,  J'ai  tout  perdu  mon  temps  (also 
quoted  in  Chaucer's  late  poem  of  Fortune), 
41  (FOR  PET  WORTH  GOT) 


592    SIX-TEXT 

CONTENTS   OF   PARSON'S   TALE.      PAKT   II. 

e.  Remembrance  of  Christ's  suffering  for  our  sins  (p.  606).  In 
man's  sin.  every  ordinance  is  turnd  up-so-down  (p.  607). 
For  this  disorder  Christ  sufferd  (p.  608). 

/.  The  hope  of  3  things :  1.  Forgiveness  of  Sins,  2.  the  Gift  of 
Grace  to  do  well,  3.  the  Glory  of  Heaven  (p.  609). 

3.  How  to  be  contrite.    Contrition  must  be  universal  and  total : 

for  sins  of  thought,  for  desires  against  God's  law,  for  wicked 
words  as  well  as  wicked  deeds  (p.  610).  Contrition  must  be 
angwishous  and  continual  (p.  609-11). 

4.  How  Contrition  helps  the  soul.    It  sometimes  delivers  a  man 

from  sin ;  destroys  the  prison  of  hell ;  cleanses  the  soul ; 
changes  the  son  of  Wrath  to  the  son  of  Grace  (p.  611-12). 

PAET  II  (no.  V.  continued). 

B.  CONFESSION  (THE  2ND  REQUISITE  FOR  PENITENCE) 

(p.  612—679). 
B.  Confession.  §  1.  (1.  317)  'what  is  confession7  (p.  612). 

§  2.  '  wheither  it  oghte  nedes  be  doon  or  noon ;  (p.  672-9). 
§  3.  'whiche  thynges  been  couenable  to  vmray  Confession7  (p. 
674-79). 

CONFESSION,  §  1. 

1.  'Confession  is  verray  shewynge  of  synnes  to  the  preest* 

(1.  318)  (p.  612).    We  must  understand  too 

a.  (1.  321)  *  whennes  that  synnes  spryngen '  (p.  612 — 15). 

b.  'how  they  encreessen'  (p.  615-16;  672-74). 

c.  'whiche  they  been'  (p.  616—672). 

l.o.  Sin  sprang  from  the  fall  of  Adam  (p.  612).  The  legend  of 
Adam  and  Eve  told  (p.  613).  From  Adam  we  took  Original 
Sin,  and  were  born  sons  of  eternal  damnation ;  but  Baptism 
rescues  us ;  though  we  keep  liability  to  temptation,  or  Con- 
cupiscence (p.  613-14). 
Concupiscence,  or  the  nourishing  and  occasion  of  sin.  St  Paul 

and  St  Jerome's  temptations  (p.  614-15). 

1.6.  How  Sin  grows  in  a  man.    1.  by  Concupiscence;  2.  Subjec- 
tion to  the  Devil;  3.  Hesitation;  4.  Doing,  the  Sin  be- 
coming Actual  (p.  615-16). 
I.e.  Sin  is  a.  venial,  ft.  deadly  (or  mortal). 

a.  l.  Venial  Sin  denned.    It  skips  into  Deadly  Sin.    (Simile 
of  the  drops  of  water  into  a  vessel's  hold  drowning 
the  ship ;)  (p.  616). 
j3.  1.  Deadly  Sin  denned  (p.  617). 

a.  2.  Of  divers  small  venial  sins,  hardly  thought  sins  (p.  617- 
18) ;  eating,  drinking,  talking,  too  much ;  using  your 
wife  too  much ;  not  visiting  tne  sick  (p.  617) ;  talking 
vanities  at  church,  &c.  (p.  618).  Cure  of  venial  sins 
by  love  to  Christ,  prayer,  confession,  good  works,  re- 
ceiving the  Sacrament,  holy- water,  &c.  (p.  618). 
I.e.  (B.  2.  The  Seven  Deadly  Sins.  The  Chieftains,  head  and 

spring,  of  all  other  Sins  (p.  619). 
i.  Pride  (p.  619-26),  and  its  Remedy  (p.  626-8). 
ii.  Envy  (p.  628-30),  and  its  Remedy  (p.  630-1). 
iii.  Ire  or  Anger  (p.  631-42),  and  its  Remedy  (p.  642-5). 
iv.  Accidie  or  Sloth  (Discontent,  Ennui)  (p.  645-49),  and 

its  Remedy  (p.  650-1). 
v.  Avarice  or  Covetousness  (p.  651-7),  and  its  Remedy 

(p.  657-8). 

vi.  Gluttony  (p.  658-9),  and  its  Remedy  (p.  660). 
vii.  Lechery  (p.  660-8),  and  its  Remedy  (p.  668-72). 
i.  PRIDE  (p.  619—626).  Its  16  (and  more)  Twigs.   1.  Disobedience, 

2.  Boasting,  3.  Hypocrisy,  4.  Despite,  5.  Arrogance  (p.  619), 
6.  Impudence,  7.  Swelling  of  Heart  (rejoicing  in  harm  done), 
8.  Insolence,  9.  Elation,  10.  Impatience,  11,  Contumacy,  12. 

(FOR  PETWORTH  607  a) 


592   SIX-TEXT 

CONTENTS   OP   PARSON'S   TALE.      PART   II. 

Presumption,  13.  Irreverence,  14.  Pertinacity,  15.  Vain-glory, 
16.  Jangling  (chattering). 
A  private  kind  of  pride  (the  Host's  Wife's  and  Wife  of  Bath's1), 

wanting  to  go  to  offering  first,  &c.  (p.  620). 
Two  kinds  of  Pride,  a.  '  within  man's  heart  ',  b.  without  ;  b.  being 
the  sign  of  a.,  'as  the  gaye  leefsel  atte  Taverne  is  sign  of  the 
wyn  that  is  in  the  Celer'2  (p.  620-21),  b.  outside  pride. 
a.  in  dear  clothing,  1.  superfluity  of  it  :  its  cost,  furring,  chisel- 
holes,  dragging  in  the  dung,  waste  of  material  (p.  621),  un- 
fitness  for  giving  to  the  poor  :  2.  scantness  of  it  :  showing 
men's  privy  members,  and  buttocks  (like  a  she-ape's  rump), 
and  the  former  as  half-flayd,  in  parti-colourd  hose3.    The 
'outrageous  array  of  Women'  (p.  623). 
/?.  in  horses  (p.  623),  and  vicious  grooms  to  tend  'em;  plate- 

harness,  &c. 
y.  in  household  :  keeping  too  many  retainers  or  servants,  who 

oppress  the  poor  (p.  624). 

S.  in  table  :  not  asking  the  poor  to  feasts  ;  having  burning  and 
ornamented  dishes4;  too  costly  cups,  &c.,  and  too  choice 
minstrelsy  (p.  624). 

What  Pride  sins  are  deadly,  and  what  venial  (p.  624). 
The  Sources  of  Pride  (p.  624)  :  goods  of  Nature,  Fortune,  Grace 
(p.  624).    The  Folly  of  Pride  in  any  of  these  goods  of  Nature  : 
*  we  ben  alle  of  o  fader  and  of  o  mooder,  and  .  .  of  o  nature  '  5. 
The  general  signs  of  Gentleness.     (The  flies  calld  '  bees  ',  and 
their  stingless  king)  (p.  625)  ;  3  gifts  of  Grace  ;  3  of  Fortune. 
The  brittleness  of  popular  praise6  (p.  626). 
The  Remedy  against  Pride. 

Humility  or  Meekness,  and  its  3  kinds  :  in  1.  heart,  2.  mouth, 
3.  works.  4  kinds  of  each  of  these  (p.  626-27). 

ii.  ENVY  (p.  627-30)  :  denned  by  the  Philosopher  and  St  Augustine. 
It  springs  from  Malice  (p.  627). 

Malice;  2  kinds  of  :  1.  hardness  of  heart,  or  recklessness;  2.  op- 
posing truth  (p.  627). 

The  2  kinds  of  Envy  (p.  628)  :  1.  sorrow  at  other  men's  prosper- 
ity ;  2.  joy  at  other  men's  narm  :  whence  comes 

Backbiting  ;  5  kinds  (p.  628)  :  1.  praise  with  a  but  at  the  end;  2. 
turning  well-meant  things  upside  down  to  ill  ones  ;  3.  lessening 
a  neighbour's  goodness  ;  4.  putting  one  man  above  another;  5. 
glad  listening  to  scandal  (p.  628). 

Grudging  or  murmuring  (p.  628)  :  1.  against  God  (p.  629)  ;  2. 
Murmuring  from  avarice,  3.  from  pride,  4.  from  envy  ;  5.  among 
Servants,  who  say  'the  Devil's  Paternoster  6.  Murmuring 
from  ire  or  hate  :  thence,  a.  Bitterness  of  Heart,  b.  Discord, 
c.  Scorning;  d.  Accusing  (p.  629)  ;  e.  Malignity  (p.  630). 
The  Remedy  against  Envy  (p.  630-31). 

Love  of  God  and  one's  neighbour.  How  a  man  shall  love  his 
neighbour.  How  an  enemy  is  included  in  the  name  'neigh- 


(p. 
En 


, 
631).    Love  is  the  medicine  that  casts  out  the  venom  of 


bour'  (p.  630).    3  Remedies  of  Love,  against  3  deeds  of  Hate 

31). 
nvy  from  man's  heart  (p.  631). 

iii.  IRE  or  ANGER  (p.  631-42),  and  its  2  kinds  :  a.  good  Ire  or  Wrath 
(p.  632)  ;  b.  wicked  Ire,  and  its  2  kinds  :  sudden  ire,  and  ire 
of  malice  aforethought  (p.  632-33). 

Three  Shrews  that  forge  in  the  Devil's  furnace:  Pride,  Envy, 
and  Contumely  (p.  633). 

1  Melibe-Monk  Link,  B.  §  11  ;  and  General  Prologue,  A. 

2  Chaucer's  father  no  doubt  had  a  sign  outside  his  wine-shop  or  tavern  in  Thames 
Street,  London. 

a  The  outspoken  and  somewhat  coarse  abuse  of  the  new  fashions  in  dress  is  a  great 
change  from  Chaucer's  admirable  Third-Period  chaff  of  the  moral  short-comings  of 
the  monks  and  friars,  &c.,  in  the  Prologue  and  middle  Tales.  If  thia  is  not  change  of 
man,  it's  change  of  mood. 

*  Chaucer  must  have  seen  plenty  of  these  when  he  was  page,  valet,  and  squire. 

5  Compare  Chaucer's  Gentleness,  &c.       6  Compare  Clerk's  Tale,  Part  VI,  st.  135. 

(FOR   PETWORTII   G07  ?>) 


SIX-TEXT   592 
CONTENTS    OP   PARSON'S   TALE.       PART   II. 

Wrath  takes  away  a  man's  wit  and  spiritual  life  (p.  634). 
Fruits  of  Wrath :  1.  Hate.    2.  War  and  wrong.    3.  Manslaughter, 
a,  spiritual ;  b.  bodily  (p.  634). 

a.  The  3  kinds  of  spiritual  Manslaughter  (3,  calld  6  in  MSS. 
p.  634) :  1.  by  Hate.   2.  by  Backbiting.    3.  Giving  wicked 
Counsel,  by  Fraud  (p.  634). 

b.  bodily  Manslaughter:  slaying  with  your  tongue,  giving 
orders  or  counsel  to  slay  a  man  (p.  634). 

Manslaughter  in  deed :  its  4  (that  is,  7)  kinds  (p.  635) :  1.  by  law : 
a  Justice  condemning  a  man  to  death ;  2.  justifiable  homicide, 
in  defence  of  one's  own  life ;  3.  by  misadventure :  shooting  an 
arrow,  &c. ;  4.  a  woman  overlying  her  child ;  5.  a  man  making 
a  woman  barren  by  drinks,  &c.,  killing  the  foetus  within  her, 
shedding  his  seed  in  the  wrong  place ;  a  woman  killing  the  child 
in  her  womb ;  6.  a  woman  killing  her  child  (after  birth)  for 
shame ;  7.  a  man  by  lechery  or  blows  killing  a  foetus. 

(Sixteen)  other  sins  coming  from  Ire  or  Anger. 

1.  blaming  or  despising  God,  as  hazarders  do  (Cp.  Pardoner's 

Tale)  (p.  635) ;  and  those  who  treat  of  the  Sacrament  of 
the  altar  irreverently  (p.  636). 

2.  Attry  anger :  making  angry  false  excuses  for  sin. 

3.  Swearing,  which  dismembers  Christ  (p.  636). 

a.  Of  lawful  Swearing,  before  a  Judge :  its  3  conditions,  and 
its  motives ;  b.  God's  name  and  Christ's,  not  to  be  taken 
in  vain  (p.  637) ;  c.  swearing  for  gentility  or  manliness 
(p.  638) ;  d.  swearing  suddenly;  e.  of  Adjuration  and 
Conjuration  by  enchanters  and  necromancers  ;  /.  of 
Divination  by  Dreams,  &c. ;  g.  of  Charms  for  Wounds 
and  Maladies  (p.  638). 

4.  Lving  (p.  638),  and  its  6  kinds. 

5.  Flattering.     How  Flatterers  are  the  Devil's  Nurses,  his 

Enchanters  and  Chaplains  (p.  639). 

6.  Cursing  that  conies  of  irous  heart :  Malison. 

7.  Chiding  and  Reproach  (p.  640);  (specially  a  chiding  wife1) 

(p.  640-41). 


8.  Scorning  (p.  641). 

9.  Giving   wicked    Counsel 

(p.  641). 

10.  Sowing  and  making  Dis- 

cord (p.  642). 

11.  Double  tongue  (p.  642). 


12.  Betraying    of    Counsel    (p. 

642). 

13.  Menace. 

14.  Idle  words. 

15.  Jangling  (chattering)  (p.  642) 


16.  Japing  (joking)  (p.  642-43). 


The  Remedy  against  Anger  (p.  643-5).  Debonairtee  and  Patience 
(p.  643).  Four  kinds  of  grievances,  and  their  remedies :  1. 
wicked  words,  2.  loss  of  goods,  3.  harm  of  body,  4.  outrageous 
labour  (p.  644). 

Incentives  to  Patience.     Story  of  the  Philosopher  and  Child 
(p.  644-45).    Obedience  comes  from  Patience  (p.  645). 

iv.  ACCIDIE,  or  SLOTH  (Discontent,  Ennui)  (p.  645-49),  is  an  enemy 
to  the  3  states  of  man, — 1.  innocence  (p.  645),  2.  prayer  (p.  646), 
3.  grace ;— and  to  one's  livelihood.  Its  12  bad  consequences  (p. 
646) :  1.  Sloth  (and  its  remedy) ;  2.  Dread  to  begin  good  works 
(p.  646) ;  3.  Wanhope,  or  Despair  (and  its  Remedy)  (p.  647) ;  4. 
Somnolence  (p.  648),  and  5.  Negligence,  or  6.  Recklessness,  and 
the  Remedy  for  each;  7.  Idleness;  8.  Tarditas,  or  tarrying 
before  turning  to  God  (p.  649);  9.  Lachesse,  or  giving  up  a 
good  work  begun ;  10.  Coldness;  11.  Undevotion;  12.  Worldly 
sorrow  (p.  649). 

The  Remedy  against  Accidie  (p.  650-51) :  Fortitude  or  Strength, 
and  its  5  kinds.  1.  Magnanimity2  or  great  Courage;  2.  Faith 
or  Hope;  3.  Assurance;  4.  Magnificence;  5.  Constancy  (p. 
651). 

1  Does  Chaucer  here  refer  to  his  former  wife  ? 

2  Miswritten  '  Magnificence '  in  Ellesmere  and  Lansdowne  MSS. 

(FOR   PETWORTH    608) 


SIX-TEXT   592 
CONTENTS    OF   PARSON'S    TALE.       PART    II. 

v.  AVARICE  (p.  651-57).  The  difference  between  Avarice  and  Coyet- 
ousuess  (p.  651) ;  and  between  an  Idolater  and  an  avaricious 
man  (p.  652).  Of  Covetousuess,  and  lords'  extortion  from  their 
bondmen :  "humble  folk  been  Cristes  freendes"  (p.  652-53).  The 
Duty  of  lords  to*  heir  thralls  or  churls.  Of  those  that  pillage 
Holy  Church  (p.  653-54) ;  lords  who  plunder  the  poor  are  like 
wolves  (p.  654).  Of  Deceit  between  Merchant  and  Merchant 
(p.  654).  Of  honest  bodily  Merchandise  (the  surplus  of  one 
country  may  be  sent  to  help  another)  (p.  654).  Of  spiritual 
Merchandise,  or  Simony,  and  its  2  kinds  (p.  655), — thieves  that 
steal  Christ's  souls  get  livings  (p.  655-56) ; — Hasardry  or  Games 
of  Chance  (p.  656).  Other  outcomes  of  Avarice  (p.  656) :  1.  Lying, 
2.  Theft  (bodily  and  spiritual)  (p.  656-57),  3.  False  Witnes^ 
4.  False  Oaths  (p.  657). 

The  Remedy  against  Avarice  (p.  657) :  Mercy  and  Pity,  and  reason- 
able Liberality  (p.  658).  Of  foolish  largess  (p.  658). 

vi.  GLUTTONY  (p.  658-59),  and  its  5  kinds  (p.  659) :  1.  Drunkenness, 
or  the  burial  of  man's  reason ;  2.  a  troubled  spirit ;  3.  bad  way 
of  eating ;  4.  distemperd  bodily  humours ;  5.  f orgetfulness.  Or, 
as  St  Gregory  says,  1.  eating  too  soon ;  2.  eating  too  delicate 
food ;  3.  taking  too  much ;  4.  troubling  too  much  about  cooking 
food ;  5.  eating  greedily :  these  are  the  5  fingers  of  the  devil's 
hand  (p.  659). 

The  Remedy  against  Gluttony  (p.  660) :  Abstinence,  and  its  fellows. 
Temperance,  Shame,  Content  with  plain  food,  Moderation,  So- 
berness, Sparing  (p.  660). 

vii.  LECHERY  (p.  660).     Its  punishment  in  the  Old  Testament  (p. 

660).  Adultery,  and  the  desire  of  it  (p.  661-62). 
The  5  fingers  of  the  Devil's  other  hand  (p.  662) ;  1.  foolish  look- 
ing ;  2.  villainous  touching ;  3.  foul  words ;  4.  kissing  (old  do- 
tards, and  dry  dogs  at  a  rose-tree  (p.  662) ;  and  how  a  man  should 
love  his  wife) ;  5.  the  stinking  deed  of  lechery  (p.  663).  Its 
kinds :  1.  Fornication.  Taking  a  maid's  maidenhead,  or  100th 
fruit  (p.  663).  2.  Adultery,  defined.  3.  Harms  following  from  it : 
a.  breaking  of  faith ;  6.  theft  (of  the  wife's  body  from  her  hus- 
band (Joseph  and  Potiphar's  wife),  and  of  her  soul  from  Christ) ; 
c.  breaking  God's  commandment,  and  defouling  Christ  (p.  664). 
Of  Harlots  and  Bawds  (p.  665).  Adultery  is  set  between  Theft 
and  Manslaughter.  More  kinds  of  Adultery :  1.  by  Men  bound 
by  Religious  Vows,  &c. ;  2.  those  in  Holy  Orders  (p.  665). 
Lecherous  Priests  are  like  a  free  Bull  in  a  town,  and  they  eat 
raw  flesh  of  folk's  wives  and  daughters  (p.  666) ;  3.  by  man  and 
wife  copulating  for  pleasure  only  (p.  667) ;  4.  copulation  with 
kinsfolk,  spiritual  (or  godchildren)  or  fleshly  (blood  relations). 
5.  the  abominable  unmentionable  sin ;  6.  Pollution,  of  3  kinds : 
1.  too  rank  humours ;  2.  weakness  (p.  667) ;  3.  evil  thoughts 
(p.  668). 

The  Remedy  for  Lechery  (p.  668) :  I.  Chastity  and  Continence. 

1.  in  Marriage.     (The  true  effect  of  Marriage.     One  husband  to 
have  one  wife  (p.  668).     How  a  man  should  behave  to  his  wife 
(p.  669).     How  the  wife  should  be  subject  to  her  husband  (p. 
669),  and  be  moderate  in  behaviour,  discreet  in  words,  &c.  (p. 
669-70).     The  3  causes  for  which  man  and  wife  may  copulate 
(p.  670) :  a.  begetting  of  children ;  b.  to  pay  the  mutual  debt  of 
their  bodies;  c.  to  avoid  lechery  (p.  670).     The  4th  cause, 
pleasure,  is  deadly  sin  (p.  670-71).) 

2.  In  Widowhood;  3.  Virginity  (p.  671). 

II.  Special  avoidance  of  causes  of  lechery :  #.  eating  and  drink- 
ing ;  long  sleeping ;  &.  the  person  who'd  tempt  you  (p.  671-72). 
(I  wish  I  could  tell  you  the  Ten  Commandments ;  but  it  s 
too  high  doctrine  (p.  672).)  [End  of  Confession,  §  1,  c.] 

Sin  is  in  heart,  mouth,  deed,  by  the  5  Wits  (p.  672). 
(FOR  PETWORTH  608  a) 


SIX-TEXT   592 
CONTENTS   OP   PARSON'S   TALE.      PARTS   II   AND   III. 

$  1.6.  (see  p.  615-16.)  The  7  Circumstances  that  encrease  or  aggravate 
sins  (p.  672).  1.  the  person  who  sins  (male  or  female,  &c.) ; 
2.  the  land  of  sin  (fornication  or  homicide) ;  3.  the  place  it 
was  committed  in  (as  hi  a  church,  by  ajmest)  (p.  673) ;  4.  for 
what  motive ;  5.  the  number  of  times  it  was  committed ;  6. 
by  what  temptation ;  7.  how  it  was  committed ;  and  all  other 
circumstances  (p.  674). 

CONFESSION,  §  2,  §  3  (p.  674-79). 
Profitable  Confession,  and  its  4  (=.  3)  Conditions  (p.  674) : 

1.  sorrowful  bitterness  of  heart  (p.  674) ;  its  5  signs :  a.  shame- 
fastness  (like  the  Publican's)  (p.  675) ;  b.  humility;  c.  fulness 
of  tears  (p.  675) ;  d.  no  hesitation  (like  the  Magdalen)  for 
shame ;  e.  obedience  to  receive  penance  laid  on  you  (p.  675). 

2.  speedy  Confession  (p.  676) ;  its  4  Conditions :  /.  that  it  be 
well  thought  over ;  g.  the  greatness  and  number  of  sins  must 
be  understood ;  h.  the  sinner  must  be  contrite,  and  i.  avoid 
occasions  of  sins. 

3.  Shrift  must  be  made  to  one  man,  not  more  (p.  676). 

True  Shrift,  and  its  10  Conditions  (p.  677) :  1.  that  it  be  of  free 
will ;  2.  that  it  be  lawful  (both  shiner  and  priest,  Popish) ;  3. 
that  it  be  not  despairing  of  Christ's  mercy;  4.  that  a  man 
accuse  himself  only,  and  not  another ;  5.  that  it  be  not  lying 
(accusing  oneself  of  sins  never  committed)  (p.  678) ;  that  it  be 
by  one's  own  mouth,  and  not  by  letter ;  7.  that  the  sin  be  not 
painted  with  fair  words ;  8.  tnat  the  shrift  be  to  a  discreet 
priest ;  9.  that  the  shrift  be  not  made  for  vain -glory,  but  for 
fear  of  Christ ;  10.  that  the  shrift  be  not  made  suddenly,  for  a 
joke  (p.  678).  You  may  be  shriven  more  than  once  for  the  same 
sin;  and  should  be  houseld  once  a  year  (p.  679). 


PART  III  (no.  v.  continued,  and  no.  vi.). 

SATISFACTION  (THE  SKD  REQUISITE  FOR  PENITENCE) 

(p.  679—684). 
In  a.  Alms.    (3.  bodily  punishment. 

a.  Alms  and  its  three  kinds  (p.  679) :  1.  Contrition  of  heart.  2. 
Pity  for  one's  neighbour's  faults.  _  3.  Giving  good  counsel  to 
other's  souls  and  bodies  (food,  visits  in  prison,  burial).  These 
Alms  should  be  done  privily,  if  possible  (p.  680). 

/3.  Bodily  Punishment  (Penance},  of  4  kinds:  1.  Prayers 
(chieny  of  the  Paternoster,  whose  expounding  I  leave  to  Mas- 
ters of  Theology)  (p.  680).  2.  Watching,  and  its  3  kinds: 
forbearing,  a.  meat  and  drink,  b.  worldly  jollity,  and  c. 
deadly  sin  (p.  681).  3.  Fasting,  and  its  4  kinds :  Liberality  to 
poor  folk ;  spiritual  gladness  of  heart ;  not  grudging  at  fasting ; 
reasonable  eating.  4.  Virtuous  teachings,  or  Discipline :  a. 
by  word,  writing,  or  example ;  b.  by  wearing  hairshirts.?  &c., 
next  your  skin,  scourging  yourself,  taking  evils  and  injuries 
patiently  (p.  682).  [End  of  no.  v.  in  Part  i;  p.  593.] 

vi.  The  4  Things  that  disturb  Penance  [no.  vi,  or  last  §,  of  p.  593 
at  foot]  (p.  682).  1.  Dread,  and  its  remedy.  2.  Shame,  and 
its  remedy.  3.  Hope :  a.  of  long  life,  and  5.  consequent  over- 
confidence  in  Christ  s  mercy  (p.  683).  4.  Wanhope,  or  Despair 
of  Mercy ;  its  3  kinds :  x.  from  great  and  long  continued  sin ; 
y.  from  falls-back  into  sin ;  z.  from  not  being  able  to  persevere 
in  goodness  (p.  683). 
The  fruit  of  Penance  (p.  683-4). 

EPILOGUE. 

The  Author's  Leave-taking,  and  Lament  over,  and  Withdrawal  of, 
his  Sinful  Books,  &c.  (p.  684-85). 

(FOR  PETWORTII  608  I) 


SIX-TEXT   593 

GROUP  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS,   609 


[Petworth  MS,  on  leaf  272,  back.] 

are  no  "breaks  in  the  MS.  Tyrwhitfs  are  Jtept  here  to 
prevent  slight  differences  in  the  texts  throwing  the  Six-Text 
out  of  gear."} 

And  here  bygynnep  be  person  his  tale. 
leremie  yjto.  ^T  State  super  vias  &  videte  &  interrogate 
de  Semitis  /  antiquis  que  sit/  via  bona  &  ambulate  in  ea 
&  inuenietis  refrigeriuxn  animabus  vestris  { 

[75] 

OWre  swete  lord!  god  of  heuene  pat1  no  man  wil 
perisshe  but1  wil  pat1  we  common  aH  to  the 
knowlecch"  of  hym  and  to  pe  blisful  lif 
patt  is  perdurable  [76]  ammosshep  vs  by  pe 
prophet1  leremye  fat1  seip  in  pis  wise 
[77]  IT  Stondep  vp-on  pe  wayes  and  seep  and  askep 
of  olde  Patthes  pat1  is  to  sayne  of  olde  sentences 
which"  is  pe  good  way  [78]  and  walkep  in  pat1  way 
and  30  shul  here  refresshyng*  for  ^oure  saules.  && 
[79]  IT  Mony  bene  pe  waies  espiritual  paf  leden  folk1 
to  onre  lorcJ  Ihesu  crist1  and  to  pe  regne  of1  glorie. 
[80]  Of  which"  way  per  is  a  ful  /  noble  waye  and  a 
ful  couenable  which  may  not1  faile  to  man  /  ne  to 
womman  pat1  pourgh  synne  hap  mysgoon  from  pe  ri^f 
way  of  lewsalem  CelestiaH  [81]  IF  And  pis  way  is  cleped 
Penytence  of  which  men  shulcP  gladly  harken  and 
enquere  wip  al  his  herte  [82]  to  wete  what1  is  Pen- 
auncQ.  and  whi  it1  is  cleped  penitence  /  and  in  how 
mony  maners  bene  pe  accions  of  worchynge  of  penytence . 
[83]  and  howe  mony  spices  per  bene  of  penytences .  and 
whiche  pingges  appertenen  and  byhouen  to  penytence.  [and] 
which  pingges  distrouben  penytence 

PETWORTH    609    (6-T.  593) 


Isidore./ 


SIX-TEXT   594 

610   GROUP  I.  §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

[84]  IT  Seynf  Ambrose   seip.   That1  penitence  is  pe 
laynyng1  of  man  for  pe  gilt1  fat1  he  hap  done.  1  What1  is  peny- 
[1-1  A  sidenote    tence  *  and  no  more  to  doon  eny  J>inge  for  which  hym  ou^f  to 
text.]  playne.  [85]  And  somme  doctour1  seij).  Penytence  is  pe  way- 

mentyng1  of  man  paf  sorowe])  for  his  synne.  and  pynep 
hym  self  for  he  hap  mysdone*  [86]  Penytence  wip 
certeyn  circumstaunces  is  verray  repentaunce  of  man  paf 
half  hym  self  in  sorowe  and  oper  payn  for  his  giltes  . 
[87]  And  for  he  shal  be  verrey  penytenf  .  he  shal  first1 
bywaillen  pe  synnes  pat1  he  hap  done  and  stedfastly 
proposed  in  his  hert1  to  haue  shrift1  of  moup  and  to 
doon  satisfaccion  [88]  and  neuere  to  doon  pinge  for  whiche 
2  hym  ou3te  more  to  be-wayle  or  to  compleyn  and  to  con- 
tynue  in  good  werkes  or  ellis  his  repentaunce  may  not1 
availe.  [89]  ffor  as  seip  ysideve  11  he  is  a  laper  and 
a  gabber  and  no  verrey  repentaunt"  pat1  effsone  doon 
pinge  for  whiche  hym  ou^f  to  repent1  [90]  wepinge 
and  noi^t1  forto  stint1  to  do  synne  may  nou^f  auaile  [91]  IF  But1 
napeles  men  shullen  hope  pat1  at1  euery  time  pat1  man  / 
fallep  be  if  neuer  so  off  paf  he  may  arise  porgh"  peny- 
tence.  if  he  haue  grace  //  But1  certeynly  if  is  grete  douf  . 
[92]  ffor  as  seip  seinf  gregorie.  Ynnepes  arisep  he  ouf 
of  his  synne  paf  is  chargep  wip  pe  charge  of  euel  vsage  . 
[93]  annf  per-fore  repentaunt1  folk1  paf  stinf  forto 
synne  and  forlete  synne.  er  paf  synne  forlete  hem  holy 
churche  holf  hem  siker  of  her  sauacion  [94]  IT  And 
he  paf  synnep  and  verrely  repentcp  hym  in  his  last1 
[day],  holy  church  $if  hopep  his  saluacion  by  pe  greto 
mercy  of1  our  lord  Ihesu  cn'sf  for  his  repentaunce.  buf 
take  pe  siker  way  certeyn  : 

[95]  And  now  sipens  I  haue  declared  sou  whaf 
1  trea  accione[s]  pinge  is  penitence  H  Now  shul  30  vnderstoncU  paf  per 
bene  iij  .  actions  of  penytence  [96]  1T  The  firsf 
is  paf  a  man  be  baptisf  aftere  paf  he  hap 
synned  [97]  IT  Seynf  Austyn  seip  Buf  he  be  penitent 
for  his  olde  synful  liff  he  may  no  bygynne  pe  newe 

PETWORTH    610    (6-T.  594)  [2  leaf  273] 


SIX-TEXT    595 

GROUP  I,    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    611 

clene    lif.    [98]   ffor   certcs    if   he    be    paptised   wif-oufr 

penitence   of   his   olde    gilt1,    he   rcsceyuef    fe  mark   of 

bapteme.    but1   not1    fe    grace    ne    fe  remyssion   of    his 

synnes  til   he   haue   repentaunce   verray  [99]   IT  Anof  er  z».  acczo. 

defaute   is   fis.    fat1  men   doon  dedly  synne   aftere  fat1 

fei    han   resceyued    bapteme   [100]    IT    The   iij.    defaute  s».  aocio./ 

is  fat1  men   falle  in  venyal    synnes  after1   her   bapteme 

fro    day    to    day.     [101]    ferof    seif    seynf    Austyne .  1  Augustinus 

fat     penitence     of     good     and     humble     folk,     is     fe 

penitence  of  euery  day 

[102]  IT  The  spices  of  penawnce  bene  fre.  faf  oon  f  be  spicea  of 

MO0MBM 

of  hem  is  solempne  Another  is  comune.  and  the 
iij.  is  prive.  [103]  Eche  penaimce  fat1  is  so- 
lempne is  in  two  maners.  as  is  to  be  put1  out1  of  holy 
church  in  lent1  for  sclaughtere  of  children  and  sucB 
maner  fingges  [104]  II  Another  is  whan  man  f  penitentia, 

Qomtnunis 

haf  synned  openly  of  whiche  synne  f e  fame  is  openly 
spoken  in   fe  contre.  and   fan  holy  churche  by  lugge- 
ment1  distreynef  hym   forto   doo  pencmnce   open.    [105] 
Somme  penaunceisf  er  is  f  afpreestes  enioynenmen.  comonly 
in    certeyn    caas    as    forto    goon    perauenture    naked    in 
pilgrimage,  or  bare  fe  feet1  [106]  IF  Privey  pencmnce  is  f  Desecreta 
f  ilk  fat1  men  doon  al   day  for  privey  synnes  of  whicli pe 
we  shryuen  vs  pr/vely  and  receyuen  pn've  penaw-nce 

[107]  'f  Now  shalt1  fou  vnderstond?  what1  by[ho]uef 
and  is  necessarie  to  verrey  pcwfite  penytence  and  fise 
stonden  on  fre  fingges.  [108]  Contn'cion  of  hert1.  con- 
fession of  mouf .  And  satisfaction  [109]  IT  ffor  which" 
seif  lohn  Grisostom  11  Penytence  distreynef  man  f 
to  accept1  benignely  euery  peyne  fat1  is  enioyned 
hym  wif  contricidn  of  hert1  and  shrift  of  mouf  e .  wif  satis- 
faccion  and  worching1  of  al  manere  humilite.  [no] 
And  f  is  is  fruytful  penytence  a^einst1  iij.  fingges  in  whiche 
we  wrefen  our  lord!  Ihesu  cn'sf .  [m]  fis  is  to  /  sayn 
bo  delite  in  fenkinge.  by  rechelesnesse  in  spekinge. 
by  wikked  synful  worchinge.  [112]  and  a^einst1  fiso 

PETWORTH    611    (6-T.  59o)         C1  leaf  273, back] 


SIX-TEXT   596 

612  GROUP  I.  §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

T  HOU  penawnoe  wikked  giltes  is  penytence .  bat  may  be  likned  vnto  a  tre 

may  be  likned  to 

atreo  [II3]   The  T0^Q  °f  Ms  tree  *s  contnciofi  pat  hidep 

hym  in  pe  herte  of  him  paf  is  verrey  repentaunf .  n$i  as 
pe  roote  of  a  tree  hidep  hym  in  pe  erpe.  [114]  IT  Of  pe 
roote  of  contn'cion  spryngep  a  stalk1  paf  berej>  braunches 
and  leeues  of  confession,  and  fruyf  of  satisfaction  [115] 
IT  ffor  whicfi  Crist'  seip  in  pe  gospeH  IT  Dop  digne  fruyte  of 
penytence.  for  by  pis  fruyte  may  men  knowe  pis 
tre.  and  not1  by  pe  roote  paf  is  in  pe  hert1 
of  inan.4  ne  by  pe  braunches  ne  by  pe  leeues  of  confession 
tTextus.  [I][6]  IT  And  perfore  our  lord  Ihesu  cn'sf  seip  pus  By 
f  Of  j>eseedof  pe  fruyte  of  hem  shul  se  knowe  hem  [117]  IT  Of  pis 

co#trici<mn. 

roote  sprmgeth  a  sede  of  grace,  .pe  wmcn  sedo  is 
modere  of  sikernesse.  pus  pis  sede  is  eger  and  hote. 
[118]  The  grace  of  pis  /  sede  springep  of  god  porowe  pe  re- 
membraunce  of  pe  day  of  dome,  and  on  pe  peynes  of 

«g Salomon.  helle  [119]  ^T  Of  pis  matere  seith  Salomon,  paf  in  pe 
degre  of  god  man  forletep  his  synne  [120]  The  hete 
of  this  seede  is  pe  loue  of  god  /  and  pe  desiring1  of  pe 
loie  perdurable.  [121]  pis  hete  drawep  •  pe  herf  of 
man  to  gocfe  and  dop  him  hate  his  synne.  [122]  ffor 
soply  per  nys  no  pinge  paf  sauowrep  so  wel  to  a  childe 
as  pe  mylk1  of  his  norice.  ne  no  ping1  is  to  hym  more  abhom- 
inable  paf  pilk1  mylk1  whaf  if  is  medled  wip 
oper  mete.  [123]  Ri$t  so  pe  synful  man  pat  louep 
his  synne.  hym  semep  paf  if  is  to  hym  mosf  swete  of 
eny  pinge.  [124]  Buf  fro  paf  tyme  paf  he  loueth  sadly 
our  lord  Ihesu  crist  and  desiretfr  pe  lif  perdurable .  ther 
nys  to  hym  [no  ping]  more  abhominable.  [125]  ffor 
sop.  pe  lawe  of  god  is  pe  loue  of  god.  ffor  widen" 

^  Deproptofa./Dauid  pe  prophef  seip.  I  haue  loued  pi  lawe  and  hated 
wikkednesse  IT  he  [pat]  louetfi  god  kepep  his  lawe  and  his 

U  Dcaiei./  worde .  [126]  This  reson  seip  pe  prophete  DanyeH  in  spirif 
vppon  a  vision  of  Nabugodonosor  whan  he  1coun- 
sailled  hym  to  doo  pen<mnce.  [127]  Pena«mce  is  pe  tree 
of*  liff  to  hem  /  paf  if  receyuen .  And  he  paf  holdep  hym 

PETWORTH   612   (6-T.  596)  [Meaf274] 


SIX-TEXT   597 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   613 

in  verrey  penytence   is    blessed    affcere    pe   sentence    of  1  Salomon  . 
Salomon 

[128]  In  pis  penitence  or  contricion  man  shal  vn- 
derstonde  .iiij.  pingges  .  paf  is  to  seyn  whaf  is  contricion 
and  whiche  bene  pe  causes  pat1  meuen  a  maw  to  con- 
tricion and  howe  he  shuld  be  contrite,  and  what1  con- 
tricion availed  to  pe  soule  .  [129]  Than  is  if  pus. 
paf  contricion  is  pe  verrey  sorowe  pat1  a  man  receyuep 
in  his  herf  for  his  synnes  with  sad  pwrpoos  to  schryuen 
hym  and  to  do  penawnce  and  neuere  more  to  do  synne. 
[130]  And  pis  sorowe  shal  be  in  pis  manere  as  seitn" 
seint  Bernard!  1T  If  shal  be  greuous  and  hevie  and  ful 
sharp  and  poynanf  in  herf.  [131]  ffirsf  for  a  man  hap 
a-gilf  his  lorde  and  his  creature,  and  more  sharpe  and 
poynanf  f  for  he  hath  agilf  his  fadere  celestial!  .  [132]  And 
3if  more  sharpe  and  poynanf  ffor  he  hap  wreped  and 
argult  hym  paf  bo^f  hym.  pat  with  his  precious  blood 
hape  delyuered  vs  fro  the  boondes  of  synne  and  fro  pe 
cruelte  of  pe  deueft.  and  fro  pe  paynes  of  helle. 
[133]  1T  The  causes  paf  o^ten  to  meuen  a  man  to  con- 


tricion  ben  .vj.  ^F  ffurst  a  man  shal  remembre  him  of 
his  synnes.  [134]  but  loke  pat  pilk  remem- 
braunce  be  to  him  no  delite  by  no  way  .  buf  gref  shame 
and  sorowe  for  his  gilf.  ffor  lob  seip.  Synful  men  dontiob./ 
werkes  worpi  of  confession.  [135]  And  perfore  seip 
Ezechie  .  I  wil  remembre  me  al  pe  3eeres  of  my  lif  .  H  Ezochiei. 
my  bitternesse  of  myn  herf  [136]  IT  And  god  seip  in  pe 
apocalips  1T  Remembre  $ou  from  whennes  paf  30  be 
falle.  ffor  byforn  paf  tyme  paf  30  synned  30  were  pe 
children  of  god.  and  lymmes  of  pe  reigne  of  god.  [137]  Buf 
for  3oure  synne  30  bene  woxe  prali  and  foule.  and 
membres  of  pe  f  eende  .  hate  of  aungels  sclaunder  of  holy 
church  .  and  foode  of  pe  fals  serpenf  perpetuele  matere 
of  the  fuyre  of  heH  [138]  and  paf  more  foule  and  abhom- 
ynable  for  30  trespasen  so  often  tyme  as  dop  pe  hounde 
paf  twrnep  to  eten  his  vomyte.  [139]  And  3if 
PETWORTIT  613  (6-T.  697) 


SIX-TEXT   598 

614  GROUP  I,   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


Petrus 


bene  36  foulere  for  301116  longe  contynuyng1  in  synne  and 
3oure  synful  usage,  for  which"  30  bene  roten  in  $our 
synne  as  a  beesf  in  his  dunge.  [140]  H  Suche  maner  of 
po^tes  maken  a  man  haue  shame  for  his  synne 
and  no  delite.  As  /  god  saip  by  pe  prophete  Ezechiele 
[141]  IT  3^  shul  remembre  3011  of  ^oure  waiesf  and  pei 
shul  displese  ^ou  solely  IT  Synnes  ben  po  waies  paf 
lede  folk  to  hell 

[142]  IF  The  ij.  cause  paf  ou^t  to  /  1make  a  man 
to  haue  disdeyne  of  synne  is  pis.  That1  as  seip  sehif 
Peter  ^T  Who  so  doth  synne  i  is  pral  to  synne  and 
synne  puttej)  a  man  in  gret1  praldome.  [143]  And  per- 

il Ezecnieie        fore  seith  pe  prophete  Ezechiel    IT  I  went1  soryful  in 
disdeyn    of    my    silf.     Certes    1T    wel    au^f    a    man 
haue  disdeyn  of  synne  and  wi]?-drawe  /  hym  from  }?af 
fraldom   and   vilanye.    [144]   And   lo  what1  sei)>   Senec1 
IT   In  pis   matere   he   sei]>    pus   1T    Thou^e   I  wist1  faf 
neiper   god   ne  man  ne  shuld?  neuere  knowen   if.   3it* 
wolde  I  haue  desdeyne  forto  /  do  synne.  [145]  And  the 
same    Senec1    seij)    IT    I    am    born    to    gretter    Jringges 
pan  to  be  praft  to  my  body.   [  ......... 

no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  [146]  A  [fouler]  pral  may  no  man  ne 
•wowman  make  of  his  body  pan  3eue  is  body 
to  synne  [147]  A[l]  were  it1  the  foulest*  cheerle  or 
womman  paf  lyuep  and  leest1  of  vale  we.  3it  is  he 
chaunged  and  most  foule  and  more  in  seruitute  .  [148]  euer* 
fro  pe  hyer  degre  paf  man  fallep  f  pe  more  is  ho 
praH  and  more  vnto  god  and  to  pe  world  vile  and  abhomyn- 
able.  [149]  O  /  ^ood  god  wel  au3f  men  haue  desdeyn 
of  synne.  sipen  paf  porgn"  synne.  per  he  was  free 
nowe  is  he  maked  boonde.  [150]  &  /  perfore  seip  seint 

t  AMsustinus.f  Austyn  .  IT  If  pou  haue  desdeyn  of  pi  smiawnt  if  he 
a-gilf  or  synne.  haue  pou  pan  disdeyn  paf  pou 
pi  silf  shuldesf  do  synne.  [151]  Take  reward?  of  pine 
valewe  paf  pou  /  ne  be  to  foule  to  pi  self.  [152] 
Alias  wel  oujten  pei  pan  to  haue  desdeyne  to  be 

PETWORTH   614  (6-T.  598)        [i  leaf  274,  back] 


Seneca 


TT  Seneca/ 


SIX-TEXT   599 

0ROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS.   615 

seruawntes  and  pralles  to  synne  and  sore  "bene  ashamed 
of  hem  self.  [153]  pat  god  of  his  endelees  goodnesse 
hap  sett  hem  in  hie  astaat1  and  3euen  hem  witt1 .  strength" 
of  body.  helpe.  bewte.  and  prosperite .  [154]  and 
boi^f  hem  fro  pe  deep  with  his  herfr  blood,  pat1 
pei  so  vnkyndely  a^einst1  gentelnesse  aquiten  hym  so 
vilenistly  to  sclowghter  of  her  owne  soules.  [155]  IT  0 
good  god.  30  woramen  pat1  bene  of  so  grete  bewte. 
remembrep  ^ou  of  J)e  prouerbe  of  Salamon  IT  He  H  Salomon, 
[156]  liknep  a  fair1  woraman  pat1  is  a  foole  of  her  body, 
ylik  to  a  ryng1  of  gold!  pat1  is  wreped  in  pe  Groyne  of  a  sowe . 
[157]  ffor  ri^t1  as  a  sowe  IT  wrotep  in  euery  ordure.  So 
wrotep  she  her  bewte  in  stynkinge  ordure  of  synne 

[158]  IT  The  iij  cause  pat"  o^t1  to  meuen  a  /  man 
to  contricion  and  drede  of  pe  day  of  dome,  and  of  pe  / 
horrible  peynes  of  helle.  [159]  ffor  as  seint1  lerom  seip  1  leromias.f  / 
IT  Atf  euery  tyme  pat1  me  remembrep  of  pe  day  of  dome  I 
quake  [160]  ffor  whan  I  etc  or  drinke  or  doo  what1  so  I 
doo  /  euer  me  semep  pat1  pe  trompe  sownep  in  myn  ere. 
[161]  Eiseth  vp  1pat1  bene  dede  and  coramep  to  po 
luggement1.  [162]  0  Good  god  mochel.  owep  a  man  to 
drede  such  luggement1  per  as  we  shulne  bene  alle 
as  seip  seint1  Poule  by-forne  the  strete  of  our  lord1  Ihesu  1 
crist1  [163]  wher  as  he  shal  make  a  general  con- 
gregacion.  Wher  as  no  man  had  be  absent1.  [164]  for 
certes  per  ne  veilep  non  assoyn  ne  excusacioii 
[165]  and  not1  only  pat1  our  defautes  shullen  /  bo 
lugged  but1  eke  pat1  aH  our  werkes  shul  openly 
be  knowe  [166]  And  as  seint1  Bernard  seip.  There  ne 
shal  no  pledyng1  availe  ne  no  801013^  we  shul  3euen 
reknyng  of  euery  ydel  word?  [167]  Ther  shul  we  haue 
a  lugge  pat1  may  not1  be  deceyued .  ne  corrupte  and  whi 
for  certes  al  oure  po^tes  ben  diskeuered  as  to  hym . 
ne  for  preiere  ne  for  mede  he  wil  not1  beno  corrupte. 
[168]  And  perfore  seip  Salomon,  pe  wrepe  of  god  f  Salomon 
wil  not1  be  corrupte  /  And  perfor  seip  Salomon  IT  pe  /  wreche  f  idem . 
PETWORTH  615  (6-T.  599)  F  leaf  275] 


SIX-TEXT   600 

616   GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

of  god  ne  wil  not1  spare  no  wi^t1  for  preier  ne  for  jiff.  And 
f  erlTf  ore  at1  f  e  day  of  dome  f  er  nys  no  hope  to  escape . 
[169]  Wherfore  Anselme  seif  IT  fful  grete 
Angwissn"  shullen  fe  synful  folk1  haue  at1  fat  tyme 
[170]  Ther  shal  "be  fe  sterne  and  fe  wrofe  luge  sitte  aboue 
and  vnder  hym  f  e  horrible  pitte  of  helle  open  to  di- 
stroye  hym  fat1  most1  byknowe  his  synne.  which" 
synnes  openly  bene  shewed  byforn  god  and  biforne 
euery  creature.  [171]  And  on  fe  left1  side  moo  deuels  / 
than  herfr  may  fenk1  forto  hario  and  to  drowo 
fe  synful  soules  /  to  fe  pyne  of  helle.  [172]  And  wif- 
in  fe  hertes  of  folk1  shal  be  J>e  bitynge  conscience 
and  wif-out1  forf  shal  be  fe  world!  al  brennynge. 
[173]  whidere  shal  fan  fe  wrecched  synful  soule  flee  / 
to  hide  hym.  Certes  he  may  nof  hide  hym.  he  most1 
come  forf  and  schewe  hym.  [174]  ffor  certes  as  seif 
t leronimtt*  seinf  lerom  IT  The  erfe  shal  cast"  hym  out1  of  hym. 
and  fe  see  also  and  the  Eiere.  fat*  shal  be  ful  /  of 
fondere  clappes  /  and  ^tnynge  [175]  Now  sofly 
who  so  wil  remembre  hym  of  fise  fingges  I  gesse 
fat1  his  fingges  shal  not1  turne  hym  into  delite .  but1  to  greto 
sorowe  for  drede  of  the  payne  of  helle.  [176]  And  fer- 
fore  seif  lob.  IT  Suffice  lord  fat1  I  may  a  while 
biwaile  and  wepe  or  I  goo  and  wepewif-out1  retournynge  to  f  e 
derk  londe  keuered  wif  fe  derknesse  of  defe  [177] 
to  fe  londe  of  niyssese  and  of  derknesse.  where  as  is 
shadowe  of  deef.  wher  as  fer  nys  noon  ofer  or- 
dyntmnce.  but1  grisly  drete  fat1  euere  shul  last4  [178] 
^T  Loo  here  may  36  seen  fat1  lob  preied  of  respite  a  while 
to  bywepe  and  waile  his  trespas.  ffor  sofly  oo  /  day  of 
respite  is  bettere  fan  al  fe  tresoure  of  fis  world!  [179]  And 
1  for  as  moche  as  a  man  may  acquite  hym  self  to  forn  god 
by  penitence  in  fis  world?  and  nou3f  by  tresour*  feiibr 
shuld  he  prei  to  god  to  $eue  hym  respite  a  while  to 
bywepen  and  bywaillen  his  trespas  [180]  ffor  certes  al 
fe  sorowe  fat1  a  man  my^f  make  fro  fe  bygynnyngo 

PETWORTH   616   (6-T.  600)        C1  leaf  275,  back] 


SIX-TEXT  601 

GROUP  I.  §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS.  617 

of  pe  world!  nys  but  a  litel  ping1  at  pe  regard!  of  pe  sorowe 
of  helle  [181]  ^  The  cause  why  pat1  lob  clepep  helle 
pe  londe  of  derknesse.  [182]  Vnderstondep  pat1  he 
clepep  it1  londe  or  erpe.  for  if  is  stable  and  neuere  shal 
faile.  derknesse.  for  he  pat1  ia  in  helle  hap  defaute  of 
li$t  material!  [183]  ffor  certes  pe  derk1  Ii3f  pat"  shal 
come  out1  of  pe  fire  pat1  euere  shal  brenne  shal  turne 
hym  al  to  peyne  pat1  is  in  helle  .  ffor  if  shewep  hym  to  pe 
horrible  deuels  paf  hywa  tormenten  [184]  keuered  wip 
pe  derknesse  of  depe  [  .....  •  ....... 


no  gap  in  the  MS.]  bene  pe  synnes  paf  pe  wrecched  /  man 

hap    don    which    paf    distourbew    hym    to    se    pe   face 

of    god.    ri$f    as    a    derk   cloude    bytwix   vs  and    pe 

sonrce.  [186]  londe  of  myssese  by  cause  paf  per  bene 

.iij.   manere  of    defautes   a3einsf  pre    pingges    paf  folk 

of   pis  world!    han  in   pis   presenf  liff.   paf  is  to  say 

honours,   delices.   and    Richesse.   [187]  A^einsf  honowr 

han  pei  in  hello  shame  and  confusion  .  [188]  ffor  wel  30 

woote  paf  men  clepen   honour1    pe  reuerence  paf   men 

doon  to  man  .  Buf  in  helle  nys  noon  honur*  ne  reuerence  » 

ffor    certes    no    more    reuerence    shal     be     do    to    a 

kinge  pan  to  a  knaue  [189]  f  ffor  which  god  seith  by 

pe  prophetys  wordes  Jeremy  e  .  IF  Thilk  folk  paf  me  despisen  f  Text««ieremie 

shullen  bene  despised  .  [190]  U  Honur*  is  eke  cleped  gret  lord! 

Ther  shal  no  wi$t  /  seruen  oper.  buf  of  harme  and 

tornienf  IT  Honure  is  eke  cleped  grete  dignito  and  high- 

nesse  .  Buf  in  helle  shul  pei  bene  al  for-troden  of  deuels  . 

[191]   as  god  seip  The  horrible   deuels  shal  goon  and 

come    vpon    pe    hedes     of    dampned    folk1    And    pis 

is  for  as  moche  as  pe  hier  paf  pei  were  in  pis  presenf 

lif.   pe  more  shullen  pei  bene  abated  and  defouled  in 

helle.  [192]  U  A3einsf  pe  richesse  of  pis  world?,  shullen 

pei  haue  myssese  and  pouerte.  and  pis  pouerf  shal  be 

.iiij.    pingges    [193]    in    defaute    of    tresour,    of   whicll 

PETWORTH   617   (6-T.  60l) 


T  Deus  per 
moyse//i 


Ulsayas./ 


SIX-TEXT   602 

618   GROUP  I.  §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

f  Da»id  pw  Dam'd  pe  prophete  self  IT  The  riche  folk1  pat  enbraceden  and 
oneden  in  al  her  hert  to  tresoure  of  pis  world?  shullen  sclepe  in 
pe  sclepinge  of  dep.  As  no  pinge  shul  pei  fynden  in 
her  hondes  of  al  her  tresour*  [194]  IF  And  more  ouer  pe 
dissese  of  helle  shal  bene  in  pe  defaute  of  mete  and 
drynk1.  [195]  IT  ffor  god  seip  pus  by  nioyses  IT  Thei  shullen 
be  wasted  with  1hunger>  and  pe  briddes  of  helle  shal 
deuoure  hem  with  bitter  de]>  and  pe  galle  of  pe 

dragon  [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  hor  morseS*  [196]  And  ferper  ouer  her 
myssese  shal  bene  in  defaute  of  clopinge  ffor  pei  shullen 
be  naked  in  body  as  of  eloping1 -sauf  p  e  fuyr'  in  -which. 
J>ei  brenne  and  oper  filpes.  [197]  and  naked  shul 
pei  bene  of  saule.  of  al  manere  vertues  which  fat1 
is  pe  clopinge  of  saule.  Wher  bene  pan  pe  gay 
Eoobes  and  pe  soft*  shetes  and  pe  smal  /  shertes  [198] 
1F  loo  what  seip  god  to  hem  by  pe  prophete  Ysay 
1F  That1  vndere  hem  shullen  be  strawed  motthes .  and  her 
couertours  /  shul  be  of  wormes  of  helle  [199]  1T  And 
ferper  ouere  her  dissese  shal  /  bene  in  defaute  of 
frendes .  ffor  he  nys  not"  poor  paf  hap  good  /  freendes . 
but1  per  nys  no  frende.  [200]  ffor  neiper  god  ne 
creature  /  shal  be  frende  to  hem.  and  euery  of  hem 
shal  haten  opere  wip  dedly  hate.  [201]  The  sones  of 
pe  doughtren  shullen  rebellen  a^einst1  pe  fadere  and  modere 
and  kynrede  a^einst1  kynrede  and  chiden  and  despisen 
euerech"  of  hem  oper  bop  day  and  nysf  As  god  seip 
by  pe  prophet1  Michias  [202]  IF  And  pe  louyng1  children . 
pat1  whilom  loued  so  flesshly  euerech  oper.  wolden 
euerech  of  hem  eten  oper  if  pei  myjf .  [203]  ffor  howe 
shuld?  pei  loue  hem  to-gydere  in  pe  peynes  of  helle  .  whan 
pei  hated  eche  of  hem  oper  in  pe  prosperite  of  pis  lif . 
[204]  ffor  trust1  wel  her  flesshly  loue  was  dedly  hate 
as  seip  pe  prophete  dauid.  IF  who  so  pat1  louep  wicked- 
nesse  he  hatep  his  saule.  [205]  and  who  pat  hatep 
his  owne  soule.  certes  he  may  loue  noon  oper  wi^f 

PETWORTH   618   (6-T.  602)  C1  leaf  276] 


IfBauid,/ 


SIX-TEXT    COS 

GROUP  I,   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    619 

in    no     manere .    [206]     and     perfor    in     helle    is    no 

frendship .     But1      euer      pe     moo-     flesshly     kynredes 

pat1  bene    in    helle .    pe    more    cursyng1   pe   more   chyd- 

inge.    and    pe    more    dedly    hate    per   is    amonges    hem 

[207]    IF    And    forpermor    per    shal    be    defaute    of    al 

maner   delyces.    ffor   why    pe   delices    ben    pe    appetites 

of  pe   .v.  wittes .    as .    si^t1 .    heryng1 ,   smellynge .    sauer- 

yng1  and  towchynge .  [208]  But1  in  helle  her  si^t1  shal  be 

ful      of     derkenesse     and     of      smoke     and      ful     of 

teeres .   and    her    heryng1    ful    of   waymentynge    and    of 

gnaistynge  of  teep  as  seith  Ihesus  /  Crist1  [209]  IT  her  nose- 

J)relles   shullen   be  ful   stynkyng1  stynks  IF  And  as  seip 

Isay  pe   prophete.    Her  saueryng1  shal  be  ful  of   bitter  fisayas. 

galle.    [210]    and    touchyng1     of    her    body    ykeuered 

wip  fuyr*  pat1  neuere  shal  be  quenched .  and  wi]>  wormes 

pat1   never   shul   dye  IF  As   god   seip  /  by  pe   moup    of^ihesus./ 

ysay.  [211]  IF  And  for  as  moch  as  Jjei  shullen  not  wene 

Jjaf  )>ei  may  dyen  for  peyne.   and  by  her  dej?  flee  fro 

peyne.  1])atl  may  pei  vnderstonde  by  J?e  worde  of  lob.  \ lob. 

pat1  seij).  There  as  is  J>e  shadowe  of  de]?e  [212]  IF  Certes 

a.  shadowe  haj>  J>e  liknesse  of  a  finge  of  which   it1   is 

shadowe .  But1  shadowe  nys  not1  j?e  same  J)inge  of  which  it1  is 

shadowe.   [213]  Ri^t1  so  fare])  j)e  peyne  of  helle.  it1  is 

like   dee]?  for   J?e   angwisshe   horrible,    and  why   for   if 

peynef  hem  euere  as   ]>oo  men  shulden  dye   anon   But1 

certes   pei   shullen   not1   dye.    [214]    ffor   as    seij?   seynt1 

Gregore.    IF   To  wrecched   Catyfe  shal  be  dejje  wijj-out1  TGregorius./ 

de])e.    ande   ende  wijj-outen   ende.   and   defaute  wij>-ouf 

failynge.    [215]  for  her  de]?e  shal  alway  lyve.   and  her 

eende  shal  euermor  bygynne  and   her  defaute   shal  not1 

f aile .      [216]      And      Jjerfore     seij)      seint1      lohn      Jjefioha»«cs 

eua^ngeliste    They   shullen    folowe    dej)   and    j?ei    shul 

not1  fynden  hy??i.  And  J?ei  /  desiren  to  deye.  and  dejje 

shul  flee  fro  hem  /  [217]  And  eke  lob  seith  That1  in  helle 

is  noon  order  ne  rewele  [218]  And  al  be  it1  soo  fat1  god  haj? 

created     al     ping1    in     ri^t1    ordre    and    no     ping1    wi])- 

42  •  PETWORTH    619    (6-T.  603)        C1  leaf 276,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    604 

620   GROUP  I.    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


IT  dnrwid 


M  pro- 


OUt1  ordere.  but1  alle  pingges  ben  ordred  and  nom- 
bred.  ^it1  napelees  pei  pat  bene  dampned  bene  no 
pinge  -in  order  ne  holden  /  noon  order*.  [219]  for  pe 
erpe  ne  shal  bere  hem  no  fruyte .  [220]  ffor  as  pe  /  prophete 
dauid  seip  1F  God  shal  destroy  pe  froyte  of  pe  erpe  as 
fro  /  hem.  ne  watere  shal  ^eue  hem  no  moystere.  no 
pe  eyre  no  refresshynge .  ne  pe  fuyre  no  lijf .  [221]  ffor  as 

IBasiiius./  seip  seynt1  Basile.  pe  brennyngges  of  pe  fuyre  of  pis 
worlde  shal  god  3euen  to  hem  in  helle  pat1  bene  dampned . 
[222]  But1  pe  li^t1  and  pe  clernesse  shal  be  ^euen  in 
to  heuene  to  his  children./  Bi^t  as  pe  good  man  ^euep 
flesshe  to  his  children,  and  bonys  to  his  houndes  [223] 
for  pei  shullen  have  noon  hope  to  escape  seip 

i;  lob./  lob .  At1  pe  last1  pat1  ther  shal  horrour  and  grisly  drede 

dwelle.  wip-outen  ende  [224]  IF  Horroure  is  alway  drede 
of  harme  pat1  is  to  come  and  pis  drede  shal  euer  dwelle 
in  pe  hertes  of  hem  pat1  bene  dampned.  and  per-fore 
han  pei  lorn  aU  her  hope,  for  vij.  causes.  [225]  ffirst1 
for  god  pat1  is  her  luge  shal  be  wip-oute  mercy  to 
hem.  ne  pei  may  not1  plese  hym.  ne  noon  of  his 
halowes .  ne  pei  may  ^eue  no  pinge  for  her  raunsom . 
[226]  ne  pei  han  no  voys  to  speke  to  hym.  ne  pei 
may  nat1  flee  fro  peyne  ne  pei  han  no  goodnesse  in 
hem  pat1  pei  may  schewe  to  delyuere  hem  fro  peyne 

t  Salomon./  [227]  IF  And  perfore  seip  Salomon  IF  The  wikked  man 
dyep  f  and  whan  he  is  dede  he  shal  haue  no  hope  to  / 
eskape  fro  peyne.  [228]  who  so  shame  wolde  wel  vn- 
dcrstonde  and  bythenk1  hym  wel  on  pise  peynes  and  pat1  he 
hap  deserued  pe  same  peynes  /  for  his  synne .  Certes  he 
shuld?  haue  more  talent1  to  sike  and  to  wepe  apan  for 

1  Salomon  syngen  and  to  ploy.  [229]  ffor  as  seip  Salomon. 
"Who  so  pat1  had  pe  science  forto  knowe  pe  peynes  pat1 
bene  establisshed  and  ordeyned  /  for  synne  he  wold  make 

f  A.ugustinus .  sorowe.  [230]  Thilk1  science  as  seip  seint1  Austyn) 
Maketh  a  man  to  weymenten  in  his  hert1 

[231]    1F    The    iiij.    poynte  pat1  aught1  make   a  man 

PETWORTH    620    (6-T.  604)  g[Meaf277] 


SIX-TEXT    605 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   621 

haue  contrition  is  fe  soryful  remembraunce  of  ]p& 
good  fat1  he  haf  lost1  to  doon  here  in  erf  e .  and 
eke  fe  good  /  fat1  he  ha]>  lonie  [232]  IF  Sofly  fe  good 
werkes  fat1  he  haf  lost1  eifer  fei  bene  fe  good 
werkes  fat1  he  haf  wrou^t1  er  he  felle  into  dedly  synne 
Or  ellys  f e  good  werkes  fat1  he  wrou^fr  f e  while  he  lay 
in  synne  [233]  II  Sofly  fe  good  werkes  fat1  he  did 
byforne  fat1  he  fille  in  synne  ben  ail  mortefied  and  astonyed 
and  dulled  by  fe  oft  synnynge  [234]  That1  ofer 
good  werkes  fat1  he  wro^t1  fe  whiles  he  lay  in 
synne  fei  bene  vtterly  dede  as  to  fe  liff  perdurable  in 
heuene.  [235]  Than  /  filk  good  werkes  fat1  bene 
mortefied  by  oft1  synnynge  which  good  werkes  he  did  f  e 
whiles  he  was  in  charite  ne  mowen  neuere  /  quicken  a^ein 
with-outen  verrey  penytence .  [236]  And  f  erfore  seif  god 
by  f  e  mouf  e  of  Ezechiele  fat1  is  f  e  ri^tful  man .  Re-  f  Ezechieie 
tourne  a^ein  from  his  ri^twissnesse  and  to  worch  wikked- 
nes  shal  he  lyue.  [237]  nay.  ffor  aH  fe  good  werkes 
fat1  he  haf  wrou^t1  ne  shul  neuere  be  in  remembraunce 
for  he  shal  deye  in  his  synne.  [238]  IT  And  vpon  filk 
chapitere  seif  seint1  Gregorie  thus .  than  we  shulcJ  vnder- 
stonde  fis  principaly .  [239]  fat1  whan  we  doon  dedly  Chieie»» 
synne.  it1  is  for  no^t1  fan  to  reherce  or  drawe  into 
memorie  fe  good  werkes  fat1  we  han  wro^t1  biforn. 
[240]  ffor  certys  in  fe  wirking1  of  dedly  synne 
f  er  nys  no  trest1  to  no  good  werk1  fat1  we  han  doon  to-forne  / 
fat1  is  to  sayn  as  forto  haue  fer-by  fe  lif  per- 
durable in  heuene  [241]  [ 

.     . no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  Whan  we 

han  contricion.  [242]  But1  sofly  fe  good  werkes  fat1 
men  /  doon  whiles  fat1  fei  bene  in  dedly  synne .  for  as  modi 
as  fei  weren  doon  in  dedly  synne  fei  mowe  neuer  quycken 
a3ein  [243]  ffor  certes  fing1  fat1  neuere  haf  lif  f  neuere 
may  quycked.  And  nafelees  al  be  it1  fat1  fei  ne 
availe  nou^te  to  han  fe  lif  perdurable  ^it1  availen 

PETWORTH    621    (6-T.  605) 


SIX-TEXT    606 

622   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

fei  to  abreggen  of  f  e  peyne  of  helle  or  ellis  to  geten 
temporeH  richesse.  [244]  Or  eliis  fat1  god  wil 
rather  enlumyne  and  /  lighten  fe  hert1  of  fe  synful 
man  to  han  repentaunce.  [245]  and  eke  fei  availen 
forto  vsen  a  man  to  do  goode  werk1  fat  f  e  fende  / 
haue  fe  lasse  power  of  his  soule  [246]  IT  And  fus  fe 
curtaise  Lord  Ihesu  crist1  ne  wil  fat1  no  good  werk1 
be  lost1 .  ffor  in  somwhat1  it1  shal  availe .  [247]  But1  for  as 
moche  as  fe  good  werkes  1fat1  men  doon  whan  fei 
bene  in  fis  liff1  bene  al  mortefied  by  synne  folowinge. 
And  eke  sifens  al  fe  good  werkes  fat1  men  done 
fe  whiles  fei  bene  in  dedly  synne  bene  vtterly  dede 
as  forto  haue  fe  lif  perdurable  [248]  IT  wel  may  fat1  man 
fat1  no  good  werk  ne  /  doof  •  syngyn  filk  newe  songe. 
lay  tout  perdue  mon  temps  et  mon  labour  [249]  ffor 
certes  synne  byreuef  a  man  goodnes  and  nature 
and  eke  fe  goodnes  of  grace  [250]  IT  ffor  sof 
f  e  grace  of  fe  holy  goost1  faref  as  fuyre  fat1  may  not1 
be  ydeU .  ffor  fire  faillef  /  anoon  as  it1  f orlesef  his  worch- 

inge  [ no  gap 

in  the  MS.]  [251]  fan  lesef  fe  synful  man  fe  goodnes 
of  glorie  fat1  oonly  is  biln^t1  to  good  men  fat1  labouren 
and  worken  [252]  wel  may  he  be  sory  fen  that1 
owef  al  his  lif  to  god  as  longe  as  he  lyuef  haf  lyued  and 
eke  as  longe  as  he  shal  bene  fat1  no  goodnes  ne  haf 
to  pay  wif  his  dette  to  god.  to  whom  he  owef  al  his 
lif.  [253]  ffor  trust1  wel  he  shal  3eue  acountes  as  seif 
1  Bernard^  seint1  Bernard?  of  alle  f  e  goodes  fat1  han  bene  3euen  hym . 
in  fis  present1  lif  and  how  he  haf  hem  dispended . 
[254]  not1  so  modi  fat1  fer  shal  not1  perisshe  an  heer 
of  his  hede .  ne  a  moment1  of  an  /  houre  ne  shal  not  perisshe 
of  fis  tyme  fat1  he  ne  shal  3eue  of  it1  a  rekenynge 

[255]  IT  The  .v.  finge  fat1  ou3t1  to  meue  a  man  to 
contricion  is  remembraunce  of  fe  passion  of  our  Lord 
Ihesu  crist1  suffrecJ  for  oure  synnes  [256]  ffor  as  seif 
seynt1  Bernard?  whiles  fat1  I  lyue  11"  I  shal  haue  remem- 

PETWORTII    622    (6-T.  606)         C1  leaf  277,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    607 

GROUP  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    623 

braunce  of  f  e  travailes  fat1  our  lord  Ihesu  crist1  suffred  in 
preching1  [257]  in  werynesse  in  travailynge.  his  tempt- 
acions  whan  he  fasted,  his  longe  waking1  whan  he 
preied.  his  teeres  whan  fat1  he  wepte  for  pite  of 
good  puple.  [258]  fe  woo  and  fe  shame  and  fe 
filfe  fat1  men  seiden  to  hym  oft  foule  spittyng< 
fat  men  /  spitten  on  his  face  /  and  f  e  buffettes  fat1  men 
3auen  hym  of  fe  //  foule  moufes  and  of  fe  re- 
preeus  fat1  men  to  hym  seiden.  [259]  Of  fe  nailles 
wif  fe  which  he  was  nailled  to  fe  cros.  and  of  all  fe 
remenawnte  of  his  passion  fat1  he  suffred  for  my  synnes .  / 
and  no  finge  for  his  gilt1.  [260]  And  36  shul  vnder- 
stondf  fat  in  mannys  synne  is  euery  maner  order* 
of  ordynazmce  turned  vp  so  doun.  [261]  ffor  it1  is  sof 
fat1  god  and  reson  and  sensualite  and  f e  /  body  of  man 
bene  so  ordeyned  fat1  euerech  of  fise  iiij.  fingges 
shuld  haue  lordship  of  fat1  ofer.  [262]  As  f  us . 
god.  shuld?  haue  lordship  ouer  reson .  and  reson  ouer 
sensualite.  and  sensualite  ouer  fe  /  body  of  man. 
[263]  And  sofly  whan  man  synnef  al  fis  ordere  of 
ordynaunce  is  turned  vp  so  doune  [264]  1T  And  ferfore 
fan  for  as  moch  Jas  fe  reson  of  man  wil  not1  be 
subiette  ne  obeysaunt1  to  god?  fat*  is  his  lord  by  ri^t1  fer- 
fore lesef  it1  fe  lordship  fat"  it1  shuld  haue  in 
sensualite  and  eke  ouer  fe  body  of  man.  [265]  And 
whi  for  sensualite  rebellef  fan  a^einst1  reson .  And 
by  fat1  way  lesetn"  resoun  his  lordship  ouer  sensualite 
and  ouere  fe  bodye.  [266]  ffor  113^  as  reson  is  rebelle  to 
god.  rijf  so  is  bof  Sensualite  rebeH  to  reson  and 
fe  body  also.  [267]  IT  And  certes  this  ordynawnce  and 
fis  rebellion,  oure  lord  Ihesu  cn'st1  abo^t1  vppon  his 
precious  body  ful  dere  and  herkenef  in  which  wyse. 
[268]  ffor  as  moche  fan  is  reson  rebelle  to  god.  fer- 
fore is  man  worfi  to  haue  sorowe  and  to  be  dede 
[269]  IF  This  suffred  our  lord1  Ihesu  for  man  aftere  fat1 
he  had  be  bytraied  of  his  disciple  and  destreyned  and 

PETWORTH   623   (6-T.  607)  p  leaf  278] 


SIX-TEXT    608 

624   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

bounde  so  fat1  f  e  blood  brast1  out1  at  euery  naile  of  his 
H  Augtistinus .  hondes  as  seif  seint1  Austyn)  [270]  1F  And  ferfermore 
for  as  moche  as  reson  of  man  wil  not1  daunte  Sensu- 
alite  whan  it1  may .  therfore  is  man  worf  i  to  haue  shame . 
and  f  is  /  suffred  our  lorde  Ihesu  crist1  for  man  whan  f  ei 
spitten  in  his  visage  [271]  IF  And  ferfer  ouere  for  as 
moch  fan  as  the  catif  body  of  man  is  rebelle 
bo])  to  reson  and  to  sensualite.  ferfore  is  if  worfi  fe 
dee])  [272]  IT  And  J)is  suftred  our  lord  Ihesu  crist1  for  man 
vpon  ])e  crosse  wher  as  fer  was  no  parte  of  his  body 
free  with-oute  grete  peyne  and  bitter  passion  [273] 
and  al  fis  sufFred  Ihesu  crist1  fat1  neuer  forfeited 

[ 

.     .     no  gap  in  the  MS.]     To  mochel  am  I  peyned  for  fe 

same  fingges  fat*  I  neuer  deserued  and  to  mochel  defoiled 

for  frendship  fat1  man  bene  worfi  for  to  haue  [2  74]  And  f  er- 

H  Bernard^       fore  may  fe  synful  man  wel  saye  as  seif  seinf  Bernard! 

•   11  Acursed  be  f  e  bitternesse .  [ ^ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  [275]  ffor  certes 

aftere  fe  dyuers  discordauiices  of  cure  wikkednes 
was  f e  passion  of  Ihesu  crist1  yordeyned  in  dyuers  fingges 
[276]  as  Jms.  Certys  synful  man  saule  [is]  bytraied 
of  the  deuel  by  coueityse  of  temperele  prosperite  and 
scorned  by  disceite  whan  he  chesef  flesslily  delites  and 
3if  is  he  tormented  by  impacience  of  aduersite.  and  by-spette 
by  seruage  of  subieccion  in  synne  /  and  at1  fe  la'st1  it1  is 
sclayn  f ynally .  [277]  fFor  H  fis  disordinawnce  of  synful  man 
was  Ihesus  crisft  first1  bytraied  and  aftere  fat1  was  he  bounde 
that1  come  forto  vnbynde  vs  of  synne  and  of  peyne  [278] 
11  Than  was  he  byscorned  fat  only  shuld?  be 
honoured,  in  alle  fingges  of  al  fingges.  [279] 
Than  was  his  visage  fat1  au^fr  be  desired  to  be  seyn 
of  al  mankynd?  l  In  which  visage  auiigels  desiren  to 
loken  vileynsly  byspitte.  [280]  Than  was  he  scourged 
fat1  no  fing1  gilt1  And  fynaly  fan  was  he  / 
crucified  and  sclayn  [281]  Than  was  he  accomplised  fe 

PETWORTH    624   (6-T.  608)        C1  leaf  278,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    609 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS,    625 

wordes       of       Ysay      /      He       was       wounded       for  ITysaiasi/. 

our    mysdedys    and    defouled    by    oure    vilanyes.    [282] 

U  Now  sipens  pat1  Ihesn  crist1  toke  vppon  hym  self1  pe 

peyne    of    al    oure   wikkednesse   IT   Michel    oujt1  synful 

men  by-wepe  and  by-waile  fat1  for  his  synnes  goddis  sone 

of  heuene  shuld  al  pis  peyne  endure  [283]  IT  The  sixt1 

pinge    pat1   au^t1   meue   man    to    contricion    is    pe    hope 

of    iij.    Jringges.    pat1    is    to    say    for^euenes    of    synne 

and  pe  3iftf  of  grace  wel  forto  doo.    And  pe  /  glorie  of 

heuene   wip    pe   which"   god    shal  guerdon    man  for   his 

good   dedys.    [284]    and   for    as    moche   as    Ihesu   crist1 

3eueth  vs  pise  ^iftes  of  his  larges  and  of  his  souereyn 

bounte.    perfor    is    he    cleped    /    Ihesus    Nazarenus    rex 

iudeorw?w .    [285]    Ihesus   is    forto    seyn   Saueour   or   sa- 

uacion  on  whoom  men  shullen  hope  to  haue  for^euenesse  of 

synnes    which     pat1    is     proprely    sauacion     of     synnes 

[286]   11   And  perfore  seide   pe   aungel   to  Joseph",    pow  f  quaiiier an- 

clepest1  his  name  Ihesus  pat1  shal  saue  his  puple  from  her 

synnes  [287]  And  here-of  seip  Seint1  Petrer  IT  Ther  nys 

noon  oper  name  vnder  heuene  paf  is  ^eue  to  eny  man 

by  which  a  man  may  be  saued .  but1  oonly  Ihesus  [288] 

Nazarenws  is    as   moche    for  to   seyn    as    florsshinge   in 

which"  a  man  shal  hope  pat1  he  pat1  ^eueth  hym  remission 

of   synnes    shal  3eue   also    hyw   grace  wel   to   doo    for 

in  pe  floure  is  hope  of  fruyte  in  'tyme  comynge  and  in 

for^euenesse  of  synnes  hope  of  grace  wel  to  doo .  [289]  I 

was  at1  pe  door  of  pine  hert1  seith  Ihesus  and  cleped  forto 

entre.     He   pat1  opnep  to  me   shal  haue  for^euenesse  of 

synne  [290]   I  wil   entre   into    hym   by  my  grace    and 

soupe   wip    hym    by  pe    good  werkes    pat1   he    shal  don 

which"  werkes  bene  pe  foode  of  god.  and  he  shal  soupe 

wip  me  by  pe  grete  loie  pat1  shal  be  3eue  to  hyra  [291] 

Thus  shal  man  hope,  pat1  for   his  werkes  of  pencmnce 

god  shuld  3eue  hym  his  regne  as  he  bihotep  hym  in  the 

gospel 

[292]    11     Now    shal     man    vnderstonde     in    which 

PETWORTH    625    (6-T.  609) 


SIX-TEXT    610 

626   GROUP  I,    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

manere  shal  be  fis  contricion  I  say  fat1  it  shal 
bene  vniversale  and  total  This  is  to  saie .  a  man  shal  be 
verrey  repentaunt1  for  al  his  synnes  fat1  he  haf  doon  in 
delite  of  his  fou^t1.  ffor  delite  is  ful  perilous  [293]  ffor  fer 
bene  twoo  /  manere  of  consentyngges  that1  oon  of  hem  is 
cleping1  consentynge  of  affection  whan  a  man  is  meued 
to  do  synne  and  delitef  hym  longe  forto  fenk  on 
fat1  synne  [294]  he  haf  reson  aperceyued  /  1wel  fat1 
it1  is  synne  a^einst1  fe  lawe  of  god!  [ 

no  gap  in  the  MSJ]  al  f ou^e 

his  reson  ne  consent1  not1  to  doon  f  e  synne  in  dede . 
[295]  1T  3if  seyn  so?rane  doctours  fat1  suche  delite  fat1 
dwelleth  longe  it1  is  ful  perilous  al  be  it1  neuere  so  lite 
[296]  And  also  a  man  shulcB  sorowe  namely  for  al 
fat1  euere  he  haf  desired  a^einst1  fe  lawe  of  god  wif 
pcwfite  consentynge  of  his  reson .  ffor  f  erof  is  no  IF  doute 
fat1  it1  is  dedly  synne  in  fe  consentinge  [297]  [.  .  .  . 

no  gap 

in  the  MS.]  and  into  dede.  [298]  Wherfore  I  say  fat1 
mony  men.  ne  repenten  hem  neuer  of  such  fortes  and 
delices  ne  neuere  shryuen  hem  of  it1,  but1  only  of  fe 
dede.  of  grete  synnes  outward.  [299]  wherfore  I  say 
fat  such  wicked  delites  and  wicked  fou^tes  bene 
subtile  bygylers  of  hem  fat1  shullen  be.  dampned  [300] 
1T  More  ouere  man  ou^t1  to  sorowen  for  his  wicked 
wordes  and  for  his  wicked  dedys  ffor  certes 
f  e  repentaunce  of  a  syngulere  synne  and  no^t1  repent1  of  al 
her  of  er  synnes .  or  ellis  repente  hym  of  al  his 
ofer  synnes  and  not1  of  syngulere  synne  may  not1 
availe.  [301]  ffor  certes  god  almy^ty  is  al  good,  and 
f  erf  ore  he  for^euef  alt  or  ellis  ri^t1  nou^t1  [302] 
./  and  hereof  seif  seynt1  Austyne  IT  I  wote  certeynly  [303]  fat1 
god  is  enemye  to  euery  synner  ^[  and  how  fan  he 
fat1  obseruef  oon  synne .  shal  he  haue  for^euenesse  of  f  e 

PETWORTH    626    (6-T.  610)  [Meaf279] 


SIX-TEXT    Gil 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   627 

remenaunt1  of  his  ofer  synnes .  Nay  [304]  IT  And  forfer 
ouere  /  contricion  shulde  be  woundes  soryful  and  ang- 
uisshous  and  perfore  ^euej)  hyrn  god  pleynly  his 
mercye.  And  /  perfore  whan  my  soule  was  angwisshous 
wip-in  me  I  had  remembraunce  of  god  pat1 
my  preiere  myght1  come  to  hym .  [305]  IF  fferper  ouer 
contricion  most1  be  continue!!,  and  pat1  men  han  sted- 
fasf  pwrpoos  to  shryue  hym  and  forto  amende  hym  of 
his  lif.  [306]  ffor  soply  pe  whiles  cont?'ition  lastep  man 
may  haue  hope  of  fo^euenes.  And  of  pis  commep 
hate  of  synne.  pat1  destroiep  synne  bo])  in  hym  self* 
and  eke  in  oper  folk  at1  his  power*.  [307]  ffor  whiche 
seip  dauid  /  IT  3&  pat1  louen  /  god  haten  wikkednes .  ffor  n  Dauia ./ 
trestep  wel  to  loue  god  is  forto  to  loue  pat1  he  louej). 
and  hate  J>af  he  hate])  ™ta 

[308]  IT  The  last1  fing*  J?af  men  shal  vnderstonc?  in 
contricion  is  pis.  wherof  availe])  contricion  1T  I  say 
Jjaf  somtyme  contricion  delyuere])  man  fro  synne. 
[309]  of  which  fat1  dauid  sei]).  I  say  (quod  dauid) 
pat1  is  do  say  IT  I  pwrpose  me  f ermely  to  shry ve  me .  And 
])ou  lord  relesedesf  my  synne.  [310]  And  ri^f  so 
as  contrition  1availetJi  not1  wi])-outen  sad  pwrpoos  of 

shrift  [ no  gap  in  the  MS.~\ 

or  Satisfaction  wi])-out*  contricion.  [311]  And 
more  f  IT  Contricion  destroie])  ])e  prison  of  helle 
and  maketh  it1  waike  and  feblej)  fe  strengthes  of  pe 
deuels  and  restore])  pe  ^iff  of  pe  holy  goost1  and 
of  aft  vertues  [312]  and  enterly  dense])  J?e  saule  of 
synne  and  delyuere])  J)e  soule  from  pe  peyne  of  helle 
and  fro  pe  company  of  deuels  and  fro  J)e  seruage 
of  synne.  and  restore])  [it]  to  aii  goodys  espiritueH  in- 
to ])e  company  [and]  comunyon  of  holy  churche.  [313] 
And  ferper  ouer  it1  make])  hym  fat1  whilom  was  fe 
sone  of  yre  }>e  sone  of  grace.  And  ali  thise  fingges 
he  prouej)  by  holy  writt.  [314]  and  ferfore  he  fat1 
wil  sette  his  entent1  to  /  fise  fingges  he  is 

PETWORTH   627    (6-T.  611)         P  leaf  279,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    612 

628   GROUP  I.    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

wis.  ffor  sof  he  shuld  not1  fan  in  al  his  liff 
haue  corage  to  synne  But1  fan  his  body  and  al  his  herfr 
to  fe  seruise  of  Ihesu  crist1  and  ferof  done  him 
homage.  [315]  ffor  certes  our  swete  lord  Ihesu  cristi 
haf  spared  vs  so  /  deuourly  in  our  folies  fat*  ^it1  he  ne 
had  pite  of  mannys  /  soule  a  sory  songe  mj^  we  alle 
1  2.  pars  pem-  synge.  IF  Explicit1  prima  pars  penitencie  .  Incipit1 
/  pars  eiusdem./ 


IT  rilHe  seconde  parte  of  penitence  is  confession 
JL  fat1  is  signe  of  contricion  [317]  IF  Now  shul  30 
vnderstonde  what1  is  confession  .  and  whedere 
it1  ou}^  nedes  to  be  or  noon,  and  whicli 
f  ingges  bene  conable  to  verrey  confession 

[318]  1F  ffirsf  shalt1  fou  vnderstonde  fat1  confession  is 
verrey  shewinge  of  synnes  to  fe  preest1  [319]  fis  is  to 
sey  verrey.  ffor  he  mof  confessen  hym  of  al  fe 
condicions  fat  bylongen  to  his  synne  as  ferforf  as  he 
can.  [320]  al  mote  be  seide  and  no  fing1  excused  ne 
hid  ne  forwrapped.  and  nou^f  auawnte  him  of  his  good 
werkes  .  [321]  IF  And  forfer  ouer  .  It  is  necessary  to  vnder- 
stonde whennes  fat1  synne  springef  and  how  fei 
encresen  .  And  whicli  f  er  bene 

[322]  in  spryngynge  of  synnes.  as  seif  seint1  poule 
in  fis  wise  .  /  IT  That1  rijf  as  by  a  man  .  synne  entred  furst1 
into  f  e  ^T  worlde  .  and  f  orghe  fat1  synne  deide  .  Hi^t1  so 
filk  deef  entref  into  al  men  fat1  synden.  [323] 
And  fis  man  was  //  Adam  by  whom  fat1  synne  entred  into 
fis  world1  whan  he  brak1  fe  comaundement1  of  god. 
[324]  and  f  erf  ore  he  fat1  first1  was  so  myghty  fat1  he 
shuld4  not1  haue  deyde.  bycame  suche  oon  fat  he  most1 
nedys  dye  whedere  he  IT  l  wolde  or  noon,  and  al  his  progeny 
fat1  is  in  fis  world*  fat1  in  filk  manere  synne  dyen  .  [325]  Loke 
fat1  in  f  e  astate  of  Innocentys  IF  whan  A[dam  a]nd  Eue 

PETWOKTH    628    (6-T.  612)  [MeafSBO] 


SIX-TEXT    613 

GROUP  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    C29 

naked  weren  in  paradise .  and  no  f  ing1  shame  ne  hadden 
of  her  nakednesse.  [326]  How  fat1  serpent*  fat1  was 
most1  wily  of  aH  ofer  beestes  fat1  god  haf  maked 
seide  to  fe  woraman  1T  Comaunded  god  to  3ou 
30  shuld?  not1  eten  of  euery  tree  in  paradys  [327]  IF  The 
womman  answerd  of  fe  fruyte  quodi  she  of  fe  trees 
in  paradise  we  feden  vs.  But1  sofly  of  fe  froyte  of  fe 
tree  fat1  is  in  fe  myddel  of  paradys  god  for-bede  vs 
forto  ete  ne  not1  touche  it1,  lest1  ptwauenture  we  shulQ 
dyen  [328]  IT  The  serpent1  saide  to  fe  womman.  nay. 
nay.  36  shullen  deye  of  dethe.  ffor  sof  god  woote  fat1 
what1  day  fat1  36  eten  ferof.  jour  eien  shullen  open, 
and  ^e  shullen  ben  as  goddys  knowynge  good  [and]  harme 
[329]  IT  The  wominan  seie  fat1  fe  tree  was  good 
to  fedynge  and  faire  to  fe  eyen  and  delitable  to  fe 
613 11  she  toke  of  f  e  fruyte  of  f  e  tree  and  ete  of  hit1 ./  and 
3af  it1  to  her  husbonde  and  he  eete .  and  anoon  f  e  eyen  of 
hem  bof  opned  /  [330]  and  whan  fat1  fei  knewe 
fat1  fei  were  naked  fe[i]  sewed  of  fige  leeues  in  manere 
of  breche  to  hideu  her  membres  [331]  1T  Here  may  30 
see  fat1  dedly  synne  haf  furst1  suggestion  of  fe 
feende  as  schewef  here  by  the  naddere .  And  afterward? 
fe  delit1  of  fe  nessS.  as  schewef  here  by  Eua.  And 
after  fat1  fe  consenting1  of  fe  resofi  as  schewef  by. 
adam  [332]  1F  ffor  trust1  wel  fo3e  so  were  fat  fe 
fende  tempted  oon  fat1  is  to  saie  fe  nessh.  And  /  fe 
flessh  had  delite  in  f  e  bewte  and  fe  froyte  deffended 
3itt  certes  til  fat1  reson  fat1  is  to  sayn  Adam  con- 
sented .  to  f  e  etinge  of  f  e  fruyte  fat1  stood  hi3e  in  astate 
of  Innocence .  [333]  filk  Adam  toke  •  filk 
synne  of  Original! .  ffor  of  hem  flesshly  descended .  bene  we  aft 
and  engendred.  of  vile  and  corrupte  matere.  [334]  And 
whan  f  e  soule  is  putt1  in  our  body .  li^ti  anoon  is  con- 
tracte  origynal  synne.  and  fat1  was  eersfr  but*  only 
peyne  of  concupiscens  f  is  afterward*  bof  peyne  and 
synne.  [335]  And  f  erf  ore  be  we  aft  yborn  sones  of 

PETWORTH    629    (6-T.  613) 


SIX-TEXT    614 

630   GROUP  I.  §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

wreth  and  of  dampnacion  perdurable  if  if  nere  baptisme 
paf  we  receyuen  which  bynymep  vs  pe  Culpe.  Buf  for- 
sop  pe  peyne  dwellep  wip  vs  as  pe  1temptacion  which 
peyne  hi^f  concupissens .  [336]  And  pis  concupissence 
whan  if  is  wrongfully  disposed  or  ordeyned  in  man  if 
make))  hym  to  coueite  coueitise  of  flessh  flesshly  synne 
by  si^f  of  his  eyen  as  to  erply  pingges  and 
eke  couetise  of  hynes  of  pride  of  herf 

[337]  ^  Now  as  to  speke  of  )>e  fursf  Coueitise 
paf  is  concupiscence  After  pe  lawe  of  our  membres 
pat  weren  lawfully  maked  and  by  rightful  lugge- 
menf  of  god.  [338]  I  say  for  as  moche  as  man  is  nof 
obeysaunf  to  god  paf  is  his  lord?  perfo  is  his  fleissR  to 
hym  disobeisaunf  porghe  concupiscens  [ 

[339] 

...  ?io  gap  in  the  MS.~\  if  is  impossible  buf  if  he  be 
tempred.  somtyme  in  his  flessh  and  anoyed  to  synne 
[340]  And  J)is  ping1  may  nof  faille  as  longe  as  paf  he  lyuep . 
if  may  wel  wexe  feble  and  faile.  by  vertue  of  bapteme 
and  by  pe  grace  of  god.  pourghe  penitence.  [341]  buf 
fully  shal  if  neuere  quenche  paf  he  ne  shal  som- 
tyme be  neued  in  hym  self,  buf  he  were  aH  refreyned  by 
siknes  or  by  malefice  of  sorcerie  or  cold  drinkes 

1[Pauiu3f/  [342]  ffor  whaf  seip  seinf  Poule.  pe  flessh  coueiten 
a^einf  pe  H"  spirif .  and  pe  sprif  a3einsf  pe  flessli  pei 
bene  so  contrarie  and  so  striuen  paf  a  man  may  nof 
allway  as  he  wolde  [343]  1F  The  same  seinf  paule 
aftere  his  grete  penawnce  in  water  and  in  lond!  in  water 
by  nyghf .  and  in  day  by  grete  perile  and  in  grete  peyne 
in  londe  and  enfamyne  and  thrusf  in  colde  and  elopes. 
&  onys  scorned  almosf  to  pe  depe.  [344]  }if  seid  he 
alias  I  catiff  man.  who  shal  deliuere  me  from  pe  pn'son 

Uieromiiw*  of  my  catif  body  [345]  And  seinf  lerom  whan  he 
longe  tym  had  wonned  in  deserte  where  as  he  had  no 
company .  buf  beestes .  wher  as  he  had 

PETWORTH    630   (6-T.  614)         [i  leaf  280,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    615 

GROUP  I,   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS,   631 

no  mete  but1  lierbes .  and  watere  to  his  drink1 .  ne  no"  bed  / 
but1  pe  naked  erpe .  for  whiche  his  flessh"  was  blak1  as  an  / 
Ethiopen  for.  hete  and  neighe  destroied  for  colde  [346] 
^it1  seide  he .  pe  brennynge  of  lecherie  boiled  in  al 
his  body.  [347]  Wherfore  I  woote  wel  sikerly  pat1  pei 
bene  desceyued  pat1  saien  pat1  pei  ne  bene  not1  tempted  in 
her  body.  [348]  Witnesse  of  seynt1  lame  pe  apostel .  II lacobus i 
pat1  seip  pat1  euery  wi^t1  is  tempted  in  his  owne  con- 
cupiscence. pat1  is  to  say  pat1  euericn"  of  vs  hap  matere 
and  occasion  to  be  tempted  of  pe  norsshinge  of  synne 
pat1  is  in  his  body .  [349]  And  perfor  seip  seint1  lohn) 
pe  Eu&wngelist1  IT  $ii  pat1  we  seyne  pat1  we  be  wip-outen 
synne  we  disceyuen  our  self1 .  and  troupe  is  not1  in  vs . 

[350]  Now  1shullen  366  vnderstonde  in  what1  manere 
pat1  synne  wexep  and  encresep  in  man.  The  furst1 
ping1  is  pilk1  norshyng1  of  synne  of  which  I  spak1 
byforn  pilk1  concupiscens  [351]  and  after 
pat1  commep  pe  subieccion  of  the  deuel.  pis  is  to  saye 
the  deueles  bely  pi  which  he  blowep  in  man  pe  fire 
of  concupiscence.  [352]  U  And  aftere  pat1  a  man  by- 
penkep  hyra  whedere  he  wil  doo  or  noon  pilk  pinge 
to  whicli  he  is  tempted  [353]  and  pan  if  pat1  a 
man  wipstonde  and  waye  Off  pe  furst1  entisinge  of  his 
flessE.  and  of  pe  feende  pan  is  it1  no  synne  And  if  it1 
so  be  pat1  he  do  not1  soo  pan  felep  he  anon  a  flaumbe 
of  delite  [354]  and  pan  it1  is  good  to  be  ware  and  to  kepe 
hym  wel.  Or  ellis  he  wil  falle  anon  into  consentyng1  of 
synne  and  pan  wil  he  do  it1  if  he  mowe  haue  tyme 
and  space.  [355]  And  /  of  pis  matere  seip  Moyses  by 
pe  deuel  in  pis  manere .  The  fende  seip  I  wil 
chace  and  pursue  pe  man  by  wicked  suggestions 
and  I  wil  henf  hym  by  mouyng1  or  stiringe  of 
synne  And  I  wil  departe  my  prise  or  my  prey  by  de- 
liberaciown.  and  my  lust1  shal  be  accomplised  by  delite 
IT  I  wil  drawe  my  swerde  in  consentynge.  [356]  ffor  certes 
as  a  sweerde  departep  a  pinge  in  twoo  peces 

PETWORTH   631    (6-T.  615)  [i  leaf  281] 


SIX-TEXT    616 

632   GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

so  consenting*  departef  god  fro  man  and  than 
wil  I  sclee  hym  wif  myn  honde  in  detlie  /  of  synne .  pus 
self  fe  feende  [357]  ffor  certes  fan  is  a  man  ai 
dede  in  saule  and  Jms  is  synne  conplised  by  tempt- 
acion  by  delite  and  by  co^sentinge  and  fan  is 
synne  cleped  *  aiiuiel  //  p  ufor  ct  or  <*] 

[358]  ffor  sofe  synne  is  in  two  manors  /  eifer 
if  is  venial  synne  or  dedly  synne .  1F  Sof  ly  whan  man  louef 
eny  creature  more  fan  Ihesu  crisf  our  creature  fan 
is  it1  dedly  synne  And  venial  synne  it  is  if  man  loue 
Ihesu  crisf  lasse  fan  hym  ou3te.  [359]  for  sof  fe 
dede  of  f  is  venial  synne  is  f ul  perilous .  ffor  if  amenusef 
fe  loue  faf  man  shuld  haue  to  god  more  and  more 
[360]  And  f  erf  or  if  a  man  charge  more  hym  self  wif  mony 
such  venyal  synnes .  certes  buf  if  if  so  be  faf  he  som- 
tyme  discharge  hym  of  hem  by  shriff  fei  may  ful 
li^thly  amenuse  in  hym  al  fe  loue  faf  he  haf  to  Ihe.su 
crisf  [361]  and  fis  scipped  venial  into  dedly 
synne.  ffor  certes  fe  more  faf  a  man  chargef  his  saule 
wif  venial  synnes .  f e  more  is  he  enclyned  to  falle  in 
dedly  synne  [362]  And  f  erf  or  laf  vs  naf  be  negligenf  to 
discharge  vs  of  venyal  synnes.  ffor  fe  prouerbe  seif 
faf  mony  smale  makef  a  grete.  [363]  And  hark  en 
fis  ensample  A  grete  wawe  of  the  See  commef  somtyme 
wif  so  grete  a  violence  faf  if  drenchef  fe  shippe 
and  fe  same  harme  doon  somtyme  fe  smale  dropes 
of  water  faf  entref  forgh  a  litel  creues  into  fe 
thorrok  and  into  fe  botme  of  fe  shipp.  if  men  be  so 
necligenf  fat  men  ne  2  discharge  hem  nof  by  tyme 
[364]  And  ferfore  al  fou3e  fere  be  difference  bytwixe 
fise  twoo  causes  of  drenching*,  algates  fe  ship  is 
dreinf  [365]  U  Ki}t  so  faref  if  somtyme  of  dedly 
synne  and  of  annoyous  /  venyal  synnes  whan  fei 
multiplie  in  a  man  so  gretly  faf  filk  worldly  fingges 
faf  he  louef  forgh  which"  he  synnef  venyally  is 
as  grete  in  his  herf  as  fe  loue  of  god  or  more  [366] 

PETWORTII    632    (6-T.  616)         P  leaf  281,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    617 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    633 

And  f erfor  f  e  loue  of  euery  f  inge  fat1  is  not1  bysette  in  god 

ne    doon    principaly    for    goddes    sake    al    fof    a    man 

loue  it1  lasse  fan  god.  ^it1  is  if  venyal  synne.  [367]  And 

dedly     synne     whan     fe     loue     of     eny     finge.     weief 

in  f  e  hert1  of  a   man  as   modi  as   f  e   loue   of    god .    or 

more   [368]    more   dedly   synne    as    seif   seint1    Austyn .  if  Augusti»«* 

is   whan   man  turnef    his   hert1   fro    god   which    fat1   is 

verrey   souereyne    bounte    fat1    may   nat1    chaunge.    and 

3euef   his   hert1  to  a   finge   fat1  may  change   and   flitte. 

[369]  and  certes  fat1  is  every  f inge  sauf  god  only  of  heuene . 

ffor   sof   is   }if   fat1   a  man   }if   his   loue   fe   which   fat1 

he   owef   al   to   god   wif  al   his   hert1  vnto   a   creature. 

certes    as    moche    of    loue    as    he    3eueth    to    whiche 

creature  so  moche  [he]  byreuef  fro   god  [370]   and   fer- 

fore  doof   he   synne.   ifor   he   fat1   is  dettour  to   god  ne 

^eldef   not1   al   his   dette    to   god  fat1   is   to   sayn   al   fe 

loue  of  his  hert 

[37 1]  51  Now  sif  ens  a  man  vnderstondef  generally  which, 
is  venyal  synne .  fan  is  it  conable  to  tellen  of  special 
synnes  which  fat1  mony  a  man  parauenture  ne 
demef  hem  not1  synnes  ne  schryuen  hem  nat1  of  fe 
same  fingges  and  ^it1  nafelees  fei  bene  synnes 
[372]  and  sofly  as  clerkes  writen  fis  is  to  say 
fat  euery  tyme  fat  a  man  etef  or  drinkef  more  fan 
suffiseth  to  f  e  sustinaunce  of  his  body  in  certeyn  he  dof 
synne  [373]  U  And  eke  whan  he  spekef  more  fan 
it  nedef .  it1  is  synne .  eke  whan  he  harkenef  not1 
mekely  fe  complaynt1  of  fe  poore.  [374]  eke  whan 
he  is  in  hele  of  body  and  wil  not1  fast1  whan  of  ere  men 
fast1  withouten  cause  resonable .  Eke  whan  he  sclepef 
more  fan  nedeth  or  whan  he  coramef  by  f  ilk1  encheson 
late  to  church  or  to  of  ere  workys  of  charite .  [375] 
Eke  whan  he  vsef  his  wiff  wif-outen  souereyne  desire 
of  engendrure  to  honure  of  god.  Or  for  fe  entent1 
to  ^eelde  to  his  wiff  fe  dette  of  his  body.  [376]  Eke 
whan  he  wil  not1  visite  f  e  seke  or  f  e  prisoners  when  he  maye . 

PETWORTH    633    (6-T.  617) 


SIX-TEXT    618 

634  GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

Eke  if  he  loue  wiff  or  chile?  or  eny  worldely 
fing1  more  fan  reson  require]? .  Eke  if  he  flatere  or 
blaundissh"  more  fan  hyra  ou}f  for  eny  necessite./ 
[377]  IT  Eke  if  he  amenuse  or  wifdrawe  fe  almesse  of 
fe  poor./  1H  Eke  if  he  apparaillef  his  mete  more 
deliciously  fan  nede  is .  or  ete  it1  to  hastely  by  licourous- 
nesse  [378]  II  Eke  if  he  tale  vanytees  at1  fe  churche  or 
at1  goddes  seruise .  or  fat1  he  be  a  talker  of  ydel  wordys 
of  foly  or  of  vilanye.  for  he  shal  ^eelde  accountes  of 
it1  at  fe  day  of  dome  [379]  IT  Eke  whan  he  bihotef 
or  assuref  to  done  fingges  fat1  he  may  not  perfourme 
IT  Eke  whan  fat1  by  ^tnesse  of  foly  [he]  mysseief 
or  scornef  his  neighbour  [380]  IT  Eke  whan  he  haf  eny 
wikked  suspecion  of  f inge  f er  he  ne  wote  of  if  no  sof- 
fastnesse  [381]  IT  Thise  /  finges  and  moo  wif-ouf  nombre 
bene  synnes  as  seif  seynf  Austyne 

[382]  IT  Now  shul  men  vnderstonde  fat1  al  be  if  soo 
f  af  noon  /  erf  ely  man  may  eschwe  all  venial  synnes .  }if 
may  he  refreyn  hym  by  fe  brennyng1  loue  faf  he 
haf  to  our  lord!  Ihesu  crisf  and  by  preiers  and  confession  n 
and  ofer  good  werkes  so  faf  if  shal  buf  litel  greue. 
[383]  ffor  as  seif  seynf  Austyne.  If  a  man  loue  god 
in  such  manere  faf  al  faf  euere  he  doof  is  in  fe 
loue  of  god  /  or  for  fe  loue  of  god  verreyly.  for  he 
bremief  in  fe  loue  of  god  .-[3 84]  IT  loke  howe  moche  faf 
a  drope  of  watere  faf  fallef  in  a  fournays  ful  of  fuyre 
annoyef  or  greuef  so  moche  annoyef  a  venyal 
synne  vnto  a  man  faf  is  parfif  in  fe  loue  of  Ihesu 
crisf  [385]  IT  Men  may  also  refreyne  venyal  synne 
by  fe  receyuynge  of  fe  precious  body  of 
Ihesu  crisf  [386]  By  receyuyng*  eke  of  holy  watere. 
by  alines  dede .  by  general  confession  of  confiteor 
af  fe  mas.  af  complyne.  and  by  blessing1  of 
bisshoppys  and  of  preestes  and  by  other  good  werkes. 


PETWORTH   634   (6-T.  618)  ['leaf 282] 


SIX-TEXT    619 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   635 

H  Sequitur  de  septem  pecmtis  mortalibws .  scilicet 

de  Superbia .  et1  eomm  dependency's . 

circumstancijs  &  spectantibns .  /. 


ow   is   it1  bihouely   finge   to   tellen   which    bene 


[337] 

11  ^C 

-Ll  dedly  synnes  fat1  is  to  say  Caytifnesse 
of  synnes  al  fei  renne  in  cooles.  but1  in 
dyuers  manere  U  Now  bene  fei  cleped  Caytif1 
for  as  moche  as  fei  bene  cheef .  and  spryngen  of  aH 
ofer  synnes  [388]  Of  fe  roote  of  fise  vij.  synnes. 
pnde  is  fe  general  rote  of  al  harmes.  ffor  of 
f  is  roote  springen  certeyn  braunches .  as  Ire .  Envie . 
Accidie,  or  sclowetn".  Auarice.  or  couetise  to  comon 
vnderstondinge .  Glotenye .  and  lechery .  [389]  And 
euericli  of  fise  chief1  synnes  haf  his  braunches  and  his 
twigges .  as  shal  be  declared  in  her  chapiters  f olowynge . 

[De  superbia.] 

[390]  And  £01136  so  be  fat1  no  man  can  /  telle  vtterly 
f  e  nombre  of  J?e  twigges  and  of  ]?e  harmes  fat1  coramej)  of 
pride.  $iti  wil  I  shewe  a  party  of  hem  as  30  shul 
vnderstondl.  [391]  Ther  is  Inobelience  Aua^ntinge. 
Ypocresie.  Despite,  ar^gance.  Imprudence.  Swellinge 
of  hert1.  Insolence.  Elaciown.  Pertinacie.  veyngloriei 
Inpacience  U  strif.  Contmnacie .  presunlcio^^n .  irreuer- 
ence  U  and  mony  anofer*  twigge  J?af  I  can  not1  declare  [392] 
H  Inobedient1  is  he  fat1  disobeief  for  despite  to  f e  comawn- 
ment1  of  god  and  to  his  souereyns  and  to  his  goostly 
fadere  [393]  II  Auawnttour  is  he  fat1  boostef  of  fe  harme 
or  of  fe  bounte  fat1  he  haf  doon  [394]  U  Ipocresie  is 
hee  fat1  hidef  hyra  to  shewe  hym  such  as  he  is.  and 
schewef  hym  suche  as  he  is  not1  [395]  II  Dispitous- 
is  he  fat1  haf  disdeyne  of  his  neighbours  fat1  is  to 
sayn  of  his  even  /  cristen  or  haf  despite  to  doo  fat1 
hym  ou3t1  to  doo  [396]  IT  Arrogance  is  he  fat1  fenkef 
fat1  he  haf  filk1  bountes  in  hym  that  he  haf  not1,  or 

43  PETWORTH    635    (6-T.  619)         E1  leaf  282,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    620 

636    GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

wenef  fat1  he  sliuld  haue  hem  of  his  desertes.  or 
ellis  fat1  he  demef  fat1  he  be .  fat1  he  nys  nou^f  [397]  U  Im- 
pudent1 is  he  J>af  for  his  pride  haf  no  shame  for  his 
synne  [398]  U  Swelling1  of  herte  is  he.  whan  a  man 
reioysef  hyw  of  harme  fat1  he  haf  don  [399]  U  Inso- 
lent1 is  he.  fat1  despisef  in  his  luggement1  al  ofer 
folk  as  to  regarde  of  his  valewe  and  of  his  corcnynge .  and  of 
his  spekinge .  and  /  of  his  berynge  [400]  U  Elacion  is  whan 
fat1  he  ne  may  neifer  suffre  to  haue  maistrie  ne  felawe  [401] 
H  Inpacient1  is  he  fat1  wil  not1  bene  ytau^t1  ne  vnder- 
nome  of  his  vices  and  by  strif  werreief  /  trouf  e  wittyngly 
and  defendef  his  folye  [402]  U  Contymax  is  he  fat1 
forghe  his  indignacion  is  a^einst1  euerich"  auttorite  or 
power  of  hem  fat1  bene  his  souereyns  [403]  11  Pre- 
sumpcion  is  he.  whan  a  man  takef  an  emprise  fat 
hym  ou^tf  not1  to  doo  .  or  ellis  he  may  it1  nou^t  doo  and  fat1 
is  called  Surquidrie  U  Irreuerence  is  whan  men  done  nat1 
honure  fer  as  hem  ou^t1  to  doon.  and  waiten  to  be 
reuerensed  [404]  U  Pertynacy  is.  whan  a  man  defendef 
his  foly .  and  trustef  to  moche  to  his  owne  witte .  [405] 
U  Veynglorie  is  forto  haue  pornpe  and  delite  in 
temporel  heuynesse  and  glorifie  hem  in  worldly 
estates  [406]  U  langelynge  is  whan  a  man  spekef  to 
moche  toforn  folke  and  clappef  as  a  mylle .  and  takef  no 
kepe  what1  he  saif . 

[407]  and  31^  is  fer  a  privey  spice  of  pride  fat1 
waitef  first1  to  be  halowed  or  he  wil  be  salwed?  al  be  he 
lasse  worfi  fan  fat1  ofere  is  parauenture  and  eke  he 
waitef  or  desiref  to  sitte  or  to  goo  aboue  hym  in 
fe  way  or  kys  paxe  or  bene  ensensed  or  goon  /  to 
offringe  byforn  his  neighbour  [408]  and  such  [.  .  .  . 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  a  proude  desire  to  be 

magnyfied  /  and  honoured  to  forn  f e  puple. 

[409]  U  Nowe  ben  fere  twoo  maners  of  pride,  fat1 
oon  of  hem  is  wif-in  fe  herte  1of  man  and  fat1 

PETWORTH    636   (6-T.  620)  [Ueaf283] 


SIX-TEXT    621 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   637 

oper  is  wip-outt  [410]  11  Of  which  soply  pe  for 
seide  pingges  and  moo  pan  I  haue  seide  appertencmnte  to 
pride  pat1  is  in  pe  herte  of  man.  And  perto  oper  spices 
of  pride  bene  wip-outen  [411]  But1  napelees  oon 
of  pise  spices  of  pride  is  signe  of  fat1  oper/  Ri$f 
as  /  pe  gay  leeueseH  att1  tauerns  is  signe  of  pe  wyne 
pat1  is  in  pe  salere.  [412]  As  pis  is  in  mony  pingges 
as  in  specheand  incountenaunces.  And  in  outrageous  arayeof 
clopinge  /  [413]  for  certes  of  pis  nad  he  no  synne  II  Kota  de  super- 
in clopinge .  Crist1  wold  not1  so  sone  haue noted  and  spoke  of  pe  mm. 
clopinge  of  pilk1  riche  men  in  pe  gospel!  [414]  U  And 
as  seij)  seynt1  Gregore.  pat1  precious  eloping1  is  cou- 
pable  for  pe  derpe  of  hit1,  and  for  his  sopnesse  and 
for  his  straungenesse .  and  for  his  disgisenesse  and  for  pe  super- 
finite,  or  for  pe  inordinate  scantnesse  [.  .  .  .  [415] 


no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

[416]  as  to  pe  furst1  synne  pat1  is  in  superfluyte  of 
clopinge  which  pat1  makep  it1  so  dere  to  harme  of  pe 
puple  [417]  paf  only  pe  cost1  of  enbrawdynge. 
pe  degyse  endentynge  or  barringe .  owdyng1  palynge . 
or  bendinge .  and  semblable  waast1  of  clopinge 
in  vanyte  [418]  But1  per  is  also  costlewe  furringe  in 
her  gownes  /  so  moch  pownsenynge  of  Chisels  to  maken 
holes,  so  mochel  daggyng1  of  sheres  [419]  forpwith 
the  Superfluyte  in  length  of  pe  forseide  govnies  tral- 
ynge  in  pe  dunge  and  in  pe  myre  on  hors  and  eke  on 
foote  as  wel  of  man  as  of  womman  Jaf  al  pilk 
traillyng1  is  verrely  as  in  effecte  waasted .  consumed .  thred- 
bare  and  roten  wip  dunge  raper  pan  it1  is  jeuen  to 
pe  poor  to  grete  damage  of  pe  forseid!  poor  folk1 
[420]  and  pat  in  sondrie  wise  This  is  to  seyn.  pe 
more  pat1  cloop  is  waasted  pe  more  mote  it1  cost1  to 
pe  puple  for  pe  scarcenesse  [421]  11  And  ferperouere 
if  it1  so  be  pat1  pei  wolde  3eue  suche  pounsoned  and 

PETWORTH    637   (6-T.  62l) 


SIX-TEXT    622 

638   GROUP  I,    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

dagged  closing1  to  fe  poor  folk1,  it1  is  not1  conuenient1 
to  were  for  her  estate  ne  suffisaunt1  to  bete  her  necessite 
to  kepe  hem  from  fe  desperaunce  of  fe  firmament1 
[422]  II  On  fat  ofer  side  to  speke  of  fat1 
disordynat1  scanternesse  of  clofinge  as  bene  thise  Gutted 
scloppes  or  hanselynes  fat1  forgB.  her  schortnesse  ne 
keuere  not1  fe  shameful  membres  of  man  to  wikked 
entent1  [423]  Alas  somme  of  hem  shewen  f  e  Shappe  and  f  e  bote 
of  fe  horrible  swollen  menbres  fat1  semef 
like  to  f  e  malady  of  hirnia  in  the  wrapping1  of  her  hosen . 
[424]  and  eke  f  e  buttokkes  of  hem  fat  faren  as  it1  were 
fe  hynder  part1  of  asshe  ape  in  fe  ful  of  fe  mone. 
[425]  And  more  ouer  the  wrecched  swollen  membres 
fat  fei  /  shewe  forgiL  disgisinge  in  departinge  of 
her  hosen  white  and  1rede  semef  fat1  half  hyre  shame- 
ful prive  membres  weren  flayne  [426]  and  so  be  f  afr 
fei  departen  her  hosen  in  ofere  colours  as  is  white- 
and  blak1  or  white  and  blewe  or  blak1  and  rede  and  so  /• 
forf .  [427]  fan  ne  semef  it1  as  by  variaunce  of  coloure 
fat1  half1  f e  party  of  his  privey  membres  bene  corrupte 
by  fe  fuyr  of  seynt1  Antonye  or  by  cancre  or  by  ofer 
such  meschaunces  [428]  11  jitf  of  fe  hyndere  parte  of  her 
buttokkes  it1  is  ful  horrible  forto  see .  for  certes  in  fat1 
party  of  her  body  fer  as  fei  purgen  her  stynkinge 
ordure  [429]  fat1  foule  party  shewe  fei  proudely  to  f  e  puple 
in  despite  of  honeste.  which  honeste  fat1 
Ihesn.  cmt1  and  his  frendes  obserued  to  shewe  in  his 
lif  [430]  IT  Now  as  to  outragious  aray  of  wo?7imen 
god  woote  fou^e  fe  visage  of  hem  semen 
ful  chaaste  and  debonaire .  ^it1  notefyen  fei  in  her  aray  of 
a-tyre  likerousnesse  and  pn'de  [431]  U  I  say  not1  fat1 
honeste  in  clofinge  of  man  and  woraman  is  vncon- 
able .  but1  certes  f  e  superfluite  or  f  e  disordynate  scantite 
of  clofinge  is  reproueable  [432]  U  Also  fe  synne  of 
anornament1  or  apparaile  in  fingges  fat1  appertenen 
to  ridynge .  as  into  mony  delicate  horses  fat1  bene  holden 

PETWORTH    638    (6-T.  622)         P  leaf  283,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    623 

GROUP  I.   §.2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    639 

for  delite.  pat1  pei  bene  so  faire.  fatte  and  costlewe.  [433] 

and     also     mony     a     vicious     knaue     Meyntened     by 

cause  [of  hem]  and  in  to  curious  harnays  and  in  sadels  .  In 

cropours   in  peytrellis  and  brideH  keuered  wip  precious 

elope    and,    riche    barres    and    plates    of    golde    and    of 

siluere.    [434]    ffor    which     god    seip    by    Sakarye    pe  f  Zacharia  pn>- 

prophete   IT   I  wil   confounde   pe  riders  of  suche   horses 

[435]  ^  This  folk1  taken  litel  rewardinge  of  pe  rydinge  of 

goddes  sone  of  heuene  and  of  his  harnays  whan  he  rode 

vpon     an    asse     and     had     noon     oper     harnayes     but* 

clones    of    his    poor    disciples  .    ne    w[e]   ne    rede    not1 

pat1  euere  he  rode  on  oper  beest1  //   [436]  I  speke  pus 

of    pe   synne   of   superfluyte   and  not1  for   pe   resonable 

honeste   whan    reson   it    require]?.    [437]   And    ferper    / 

ouer  certes  pride  is  gretly  notefied  in  holdinge  of  grete 

mayne  whan  pei  bene  of  litel  profit1  or  of  ri^f  of  no  profite 

[438]  And  namely  whan  pat  Mayne  is  felenous  and  damag- 

ous  to   pe   puple   by   hardynesse   of   hie  lordship  or   by 

wey    of    office  .    [439]    ffor    certus    such"    lordes    foylen 

pan    her    lordshipes    to    pe    deuel    of    helle    whan    pei 

sustene   pe  wikkednesse   of  her  mayne  [440]  H  Or  ellis 

whan    pise    folk1   of   lowe    degree,    as    pilk    fat1   halden 

ostelers  .        sustene       pe       peft1       for       her       ostilers 

and      pat1      is      in      mony      1  maners      of      disceytes  . 

[441]  Thilk1  manere  of  folk1  bene  J?e  flies  pat1  folowen 

pe  honye  Or   ellis   pe   houndes   pat1   folowen   pe  Careyn 

which  forseide  folk  stranglen  spirituelly  her  lordshipes. 

[442]  ffor  which  pus  seip  Dauid  pe  p?-ophet    II  Wikked 


dep  mote  come  on  pilk  lordeshipes  and  [god]  36116  pafP 
pei  mote  descende  a  doune  into  helle.  ffor  in  her 
houses  bene  iniquitees  and  shrewdenesses  and  not1  god 
of  heuene.  [443]  And  certes  but1  if  pei  done  amende- 
ment1  Ki^t1  so  as  god  3af  his  blessinge  to  Pharao  by  pe 
seruise  of  lacob  .  &  to  Laban  by  the  seruise  of  loseph  . 
Ri3f  so  god  wil  3eue  his  malison  to  suche  lordshippes 
as  to  sustene  pe  wikkednesse  of  her  seru&wntes  [.  .  .  . 

PETWORTH    639    (6-T.  623)  C1  leaf  281] 


SIX-TEXT    624 

640    GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

.  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.]  [444]  U  Pride  of  J>e  table  apperej? 
eke  ful  oft1 .  for  certes  /  riche  men  bene  cleped  to  feestes 
and  poor  folk*  ben  putte  away  and  rebuked  [445] 
in  excesse  of  dyuers  metes  and  drynkes  and  namely 

suche  manere  of  bake  metes  [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  and 

of  semblabled  waast  so  J?af  it*  is  /  abusion  forto  fenk1  [446] 
and  eke  in  grete  preciousnesse  of  vesseH  and  curiosite 
of  Mynstralcie  by  J?e  which  a  man  is  stired  j>e  more  to 
delices  of  luxurie  [447]  If  so  be  J?af  he  sette  his  herf 
lesse  vpon  our  lord  Ihesu  crisf  certeyn  if  is  a 
synne  And  certeynly  fe  delites  /  my^f  bene  so  grete 
in  J?e  caas  fat1  men  my^f  li^tly  falle  by  hem  into 
dedly  synne  [448]  U  The  Espices  fat1  sourden  of  pn'de. 
sofly  whara  J>ei  sourden  of  malice  ymagyned  and  avised 
and  f orn  cast1 . .  or  ellis  of  vsage  bene  dedly  synnes .  if  is 
no  doute.  [449]  And  whan  J>ei  sourden  by  freelte  vn- 
avised  sodeynly  and  sodeynly  wifdrawe  a3ein.  aH  bene 
J?ei  greuous  synnes  I.  gesse  faf  J?ei  be  not1 
dedly  [450]  11  No  we  myghf  men  aske  wherof  J?af  pride 
sourdej?  and  springeth.  And  I  say  somtyme  if 
springe]?  of  fe  goodes  of  nature  and  somtyme  of 
fe  goodes  of  fortune,  and  somtyme  of  pe  goodes  of 
grace.  [451]  Certes  J?e  goodes  of  nature  stonden 
in  J?e  goodes  of  body  or  goodes  of  soule  [452] 
Certes  J?e  goodes  of  body  bene  hele  of  body 
strength"  delyuernesse .  beute.  gentrie.  ffraunchises 
[453]  IT  Goodes  of  nature  of  fe  saule  bene  good  wi]> 
sharpe  vnderstondinge  sotile  engin  IT  vertu  material .  good 
memorie  [454]  IT  Goodes  of  fortune  ben  richeses 
hye  degrees  of  lordshipes.  preisynges  of  fe  puple  [455] 
IT  Goodes  of  grace  bene  sciences,  power  to  suffre 
spiritueH  trauaile  benygnitees  vertuous  contemplacion . 
wijjstondyng1  of  temptacion  and  semblable  Jringges 
[456]  of  which  forseide  goodes  certes  if  is  a  ful  grete 
foly  a  man  to  priden  hym  in  eny  of  hem  alle.  [457] 

PETWORTH    640   (6-T.  624^ 


SIX-TEXT    625 

GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   641 

Now  as  forto  speke  of  goodes  of  nature .  god  wote  fat1 
somtyme  Jwe  han  hein  in  nature  as  inoche  to  -our 
damage  as  to  our*  profit*  [458]  As  forto  speke  of 
helf  e  of  body  f  certys  it1  passe]?  ful  Ii3tly .  and  eke  it1 
is  ful  oft  encheson  of  J?e  siknes.se  of  f  e  saule  for 
god  wote  fe  flessB.  is  a  ful  grete  enymye  to  f  e  soule 
And  ferfore  fe  more  fat1  a  body  is  hool  fe  more 
be  we  in  perile  to  falle  [459]  U  Eke  forto  pride  hym  in 
his  strenght1  of  body  it1  is  an  hie  foly  for  certes 
fe  flessn"  coueitef  a^einst1  fe  spirit  And  ay  fe  more 
stronge  fat1  fe  flessli  isf  fe  sorier  may  fe  saule  be 
[460]  U  And  oueral  fis  strength  of  body  and  worldly 
hardnesse  cause])  ful  often  many  men  to  perile  and 
meschaunce  [461]  U  Eke  forto  pride  hym  of  his 
gentrie  is  ful  grete  foly .  ffor  often  tyme  f  e  gentry  of  f  e 
body,  bygynnef  fe  gentry  of  the  saule  And  eke  we 
bene  al  of  oon  fadere  and  al  of  oo  modere .  and  al  we  be 
of  oo  nature  roten  and  corrupte  bo]?  riche  and  poor 
[462]  U  fforsof  a  manere  gentrie  is  to  preise 
fat1  apparaillef  mannys  corage  wif  vertues  of  moralitees 
and  make]}  hym  cristes  child?  [463]  U  ffor  trestej?  wel  fat* 
oner  what1  man  fat1  synne  ha]>  maistrie  he  is  verrey 
cherle  to  synne. 

[464]  1f  JSTowe  bene  fere  general  fingges  of  gentilnesses . 
as  schewyng1  of  vices  or  ribawdry  and  seruage  of 
synne.  in  worde .  in  werk.  in  cowtenawnce  [465]  & 
vsyng"  vertu .  Curtesie .  and  clennesse  and  to  be 
liberal  fat1  is  to  sayn  /  large  by  mesure.  ffor  filk  fat1 
passen  mesure  is  foly  and  synne  [466]  U  A  nofer  is 
to  remembre  hym  of  bounte  fat1  he  of  of  ere  folk1  haf 
receyued.  [467]  Anofere  is  to  be  benigne  of  his 
sogette .  wher-fore  as  seif  Senek .  Ther  is  no  f  inge  more  i  Seneca 
conable  to  a  man  of  hie  estate  fan  debonairte 
[468]  H  And  f  erf  ore  fise  flies  fat1  men  / 
clepen  bees  whan  fei  maken  her  kynge  fei  chesen 
oon  fat1  haf  no  prikke  wherwif  he  may  stynge  [469] 

PETWORTH    641    (6-T.  625)        P  leaf  284,  back] 


gregoritis 


contra 


SIX-TEXT    626 

642   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

*[[  Anof  er  is  a  man  to  haue  a  noble  herfr  and  a  diligent1 
to  atteyn  to  hie  vertuous  fingges  [470*  see  after  474  and 
Hengwrt  and  Petworth  MSS.  ......... 

.............    no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

[471]  U  Certes  also  who  fat1  pridef  hym  in  fe  goodes  of 
fortune  he  is  a  ful  grete  fool,  ffor  somtyme  is  a  man  a 
fill  grete  lord?  by  f  e  morowe  f  fat1  is  a  wrecche  and  a  caytif 
er  it1  be  nyght1  [472]  And  somtyme  fe  [  ....... 

......     wo  ^op  Mi  £Ae  MS.]  delites  of  a  man  ben 

cause  of  fe  greuous  malady  forgB.  which  he  dyeth 
[473]  Certes  fe  commendacion  of  fe  puple  is  som- 
tyme ful  fals  and  ful/  brutile  forto  trest1.  This  day  fei 
preise  to  morowe  fei  blame.  [474]  God  woote  desire  to 
haue  commendacion  eke  of  puple  haf  caused  defe  to 
mony  a  bisy  man  [*47°]  Now  certys 
a  man  1to  pride  hym  in  goodes  of  grace  is  eke  an 
outrageous  foly  for  filk1  ^iftes  of  grace  fat1  shuld 
haue  turned  hym  to  goodnesse  and  to  medecyne.  turnef 
hym  to  venym  and  to  confusion  as  seith  seynt  Gregor  . 
[475]  ^  Now  syfens  fat1  so  is  fat1  36  han 
vnderstonden  what  is  pride  .  and  which  bene  f  e  spices  of 
it1  and  whennys  pride  sourdef  and  springef 

[The  Remedy  against  Pride."] 
[47  6]  Now  shal  36  vnderstonde  which  is  f  e  remedy  a^einst1 

.  _          ... 

pride.  and  fat1  is  humilite  or 

mekenesse  [477]  fat1  is  a  vertue  forgh  which  a  man 
haf  verrey  U  knowlecch"  of  hym  self  and  holdef  of  hym 
self  no  pris  ne  deynte  as  in  regarde  of  his  desertes 
consideryng1  euer  his  freelte  [478]  U  Now  bene  f  er  thre 
maners  of  humilite  .  as  humilite  in  herf  annof  er 
in  mouf  /  and  fe  iij.  is  in  werkes 
[479]  H  The  hu?railite  of  herte  is  in  iiij.  maners.  fat1 
oon  is  whan  a  man  boldef  hymself  as  no^t1  worf 
by-fore  god  in  heuene.  Anofer  is  whan  he  despisef 

PETWOETH    642    (6-T.  626)  P  leaf  285] 


SIX-TEXT   627 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   643 

noon  ofer  man  [480]  U  The  iij.  is  whan  he 
rekketh  nou^t1  £036  /  men  holde  hym  nou^t1  worf  U  The 
iiij.  is  whan  he  nys  not1  sory  of  his  humiliacion  [481] 
U  Also  fe  hu??iilite  of  mouf  is  in  4  fingges  In 
attemprure  speche  and  in  humblesse  of  speche.  And 
whan  he  byknowef  wif  his  owne  mouf  fat1  he  is 
such  as  hym  fenkef  fat*  he  is  in  his  hert1.  Anofer 
is  whan  he  preisef  fe  bounte  of  anofer  man  and 
nofeng1  ferof  amenusef  [482]  humilite  U  Eke  in 
werk1  is  in  4.  maners.  The  furst1  is  whan  he  puttef 
ofer  men  to-forn  hym.  The  secounde  is  to  chese  fe 
lowest*  place  oueraH  The  iij.  is  gladly  to  assent* 
to  good  coiwsaile  [483]  11  The  4.  is  gladly  to  stonde  to 
fe  award?  of  his  souereyn  or  of  hym  fat1  is  hier 
in  degre  Certeyn  f  is  is  a  grete  werk1  of  humilite . 


1f  De  Peccato.  Inuidie. 

[484] 

Aftere  pride  wil  I  speke  of  J>e  foule  synne  of  envie 
which  fat1  is  as  by  }>e  word?  of  )>e  philisophre 
sorow  of  olpere  mannys  prosperite  And  aftere  j>e 
word  of  seynt1  Austyne.  it1  is  sorowe  of  ojjer  mennes 
wele  and  loie  of  ofer  mennys  harme  [485]  U  This 
foule  synne  is  platly  a^einst  )?e  holy  goost1.  al  be  it1  so 
fat1  euery  synne  be  a3einst1  fe  holy  goost1.  ^if 
for  as  moche  as  bounte  appertenef  proprely  to  fe 
holy  goost1.  and  envie  cowmef  proprely  of  malice  fer- 
fore  is  proprely  a^enist1  fe  bounte  of  fe  holy  goost1 
[486]  U  Now  haf  malice  ij.  spices,  fat1  is  to  sayn 
hardnes  of  herte .  And  wikkednesse  or  ellis  f  e  flessh  of 
a  man  is  so  blynde  fat1  he  1consideref  not1  fat1  he  is  in 

synne  [ no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  whicB 

is  fe  hardnesse  of  fe  deueH  [487]  II  That1  of  ere 
spice  of  envie  is  whan  fat1  a  man  /  werref  troufe 
whan  fat1  he  wote  fat1  it1  is  troufe .  And  eke  whan 
fat1  he  werreief  fe  grace  of  fat1  god  haf  ^eue  to  his 

PETWORTH   643   (6-T.  627)        [i  leaf  285,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    628 

644  GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

nei^boure.  and  al  fis  is  by  envie  [488]  Certes 
fan  is  envie  fe  worst*  synne  faf  is.  ffor  sofly 
al  ofer  synnes  bene  somtyme  a3ein  oo  special 
vertue  [489]  But1  certes  envie  is  a3einsf  alle  vertues 
and  of  alle  goodnesses  for  if  is  sory  of  aHe 
bountes  of  neighbour,  and  in  fis  manere  it1  is 
dyners  from  alle  maner  synnes.  [490]  ffor  wel  vnnefes 
is  f  er  eny  synne  fat*  it*  ne  haf  somme  delite  in  hyra  self 
sauf  only  envie  faf  euer  haf  in  [hym]self  anguyssfi.  and 
sorowe  [491]  U  The  spices  of  envie  bene  pise .  fer  is 
furst  sorowe  of  ofer  mercnys  goodnesse  and  of  her  pros- 
perite  [.  .  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.]  is  kyndely  matere  of  loye . 
fan  is  enuye  a  synne  a3einsf  kinde.  [492]  ^1  The 
seconnde  spice  of  envie  is  loie  of  ofer  mennys  harme. 

[- 

.  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  [493]  Of  fis  seconnde  spice  commef 
bakbitynge  [.  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.]  or  detraccion  and  fat 
haf  ij.  spices  as  thusf  IT  Somme  man  preisef  his 
nei3bowr  by  a  wikked  entenf.  [494]  for  he  makef 
alway  a  wikked  knotte  at1  the  last1  ende.  alwey  he 
makef  a  but1  at1  fe  last1  ende.  faf  is  digne  and  more 
blanje  than  worf  e  is  al  the  plesinge  [495]  H  The  seconnde 
spice  is  fat1  if  a  man  be  good  and  dof  and  saif  a 
finge  to  good  entenf  fe  bakbiter  wil  turne  al  fe 
goodnesse  vp  so  down  to-  his  schrewde  entenf  [496] 
U  The  iij.  is  to  amenuse  fe  bounte  of  his  neigh- 
boure  [497]  H  fe  .4.  spice  of  bakbityng*  is  fis. 
faf  if  men  speke  goodnesse  of  a  man  wil  fe 
bakkbyter  sayn  pa?*fay  such  a  man  3if  is  bette  fan  he 
in  dispreysinge  of  hym  thaf  men  preise  [498]  U  The 
.v.  spice  is  forto  consenf  gladly  harken 
fe  harme  faf  men  speken  of  ofer  folk1,  fis 
synne  is  ful  grete  and  ay  encresef  after  fe  wikked 
entenf  of  fe  bakbiter  [499]  11  aftere  bakbitynge  commef 
grucchynge  or  murmuraunce  and  somtyme  if  springef 
of  inpacience  a3einsf  god  and  somtyme  a3einst  man 

PETWOBTH   644  (6-T.  628) 


SIX-TEXT    629 

GROUP  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS.   645 

[500]  A3einsf  god  if  is  whan  a  man  gruccheth  a^einst 
fe  peyn  of  helle  or  a^einstt  pouerf  or  losse  of  cateH 
or  a3einst  reyne  or  tempest*  or  ellis  grucchej)  fat1  shrewes 
han  prospmte.  or  ellis  good  men  han  ad- 
uersite.  [501]  and  alle  thise  fingges  shuld  men  suffre 
paciently.  for  fei  commen  by  the  ri^tful  luggemenf  and 
ordinawnce  of  god  [502]  U  Somtyme  1comme))  grucchinge  of 
auarice  as  ludas  grucched  a3einst  J?e  Mawdelene  whan 
she  ennoynted  J)e  hede  of  oure  lorde  Ihesu  crisf  wi]>  her 
precious  oynemenf  [503]  This  maner  of  murmur*  is  sucB 
as  whan  men  grucchen  of  goodnesse  and  J>af  men  selue 
done  er  ]>af  ofer  -folk  doon  of  her  owne  CateH  [504] 
U  Somtyme  commejj  murmur  of  pride  /  as  whan  symon 
J>e  phiryse  grucched  a3einst  Maudeleyn.  whan 
she  approched  to  Ihesu  crist1  and  wepte  af  his  fete  for  her 
synnes.  [505]  And  somtyme  if  sourdej)  to 
envie  whan  man  diskeuerej?  a  mawnys  harme  J?af  was 
pryvey  or  berej)  hym  /  on  honde  J)inge  faf  is  fals  [506] 
11  Murmur*  eke  is  off  amonges  seruawntes  ]?af  grucchen 
whan  her  souereynes  bidden  /  hem  to  doon  leeful  J>ingges . 
[507]  and  for  as  moche  as  )>ei  dure  nof  openly  say  nay.  ne  wi)>- 
saye  the  comaundementz  of  her  souereyn .  3if  wil  J>ei  saye 
harme  and  grucche  and  nmrmure  priuely  for  verrey 
despite.  [508]  which"  wordes  men  clepe  J>e  deuels 
Pater  nostei.  Thou3e  so  •  be  faf  ]?e  deuel  had 
neuere  Pater  nostev.  buf  )?af  folk1  3euen  if  sucfi 
a  name.  [509]  Somtyme  if  comme]>  of  Ire  or 
of  prive  hate  faf  norsshetft  rancour*  in  herf  as  afterward 
I  shal  declare.  [510]  fan  commej)  eke  bitternesse  of 
herf  jjorgh  which  bitternesse  euery  good  dede  of  his 
nei3bour)  semej>  to  hym  bitter1  and  vnsauery  [511] 
Than  commej)  discord  J>af  vnbyndej)  al  maner 

of  frendship  Than  comme]>  scornynge  of  [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  his  nei3- 

bour*  al  doo  he  neuer  so  wel  [512]  II  Than  commej? 
accusinge  as  whan  a  man  sekef  occasion  to  annoyen  his 

PETWORTH    645    (6-T.  629)  P  leaf  286] 


SIX-TEXT    G30 

646   GHOUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

neighbour*  which"  fat1  is  like  fe  craft  of  fe  deuel 
fat1  waitef  bof  ny^t1  and  day  to  accusen  vs  alle 
[513]  U  Than  commeth  malignite  forgh  which  a  man 
annoyef  his  neighbour  prively  if  he  may  [514]  And  if  he 
no^t1  ne  may  algate  his  wikked  wille  ne  shal  not*  wante . 
as  forto  brenne  his  hous  prively .  or  enpoysen  or  scleen  / 
his  beestes  and  semblable  f  ingges 

IT  Remedium  contra  Innidiam  [from  the  margin] 

[5 1 5]  ^  Now  wil  I  speke  of  f  e  remedie  a^einst1  f  is  f oule 
synne  of  Envie  1[  ffirst1  is  J)e  loue  of  god 
principal  and  louyng1  of  hym  self  and?  of  his  neighbour .  ffor 
sofly  fat1  oon  ne  may  not*  be  wifouten  fat1 
ofer  [516]  And  trust1  wel  fat1  in  fe  name  of  fi 
neighbour*  fou  shalt1  vnderstonde  fe  name  of  fi 
brofer  ffor  certes  al  we  hail  oo  fader  flesshly.  and  oo 
Modere  Hhatt  is  to  say  Adam  and  Eve  and  eke  oo  fadere 
spirituel  fat1  is  to  say  god  of  heuene  [517]  Thine 
nei^boure  art1  fou  holden  forto  louen  And  willen  hym  al 
goodnesse  and  f  erf  ore  seif  god  loue  fine  neigbour5  as 
fine  self  fat  is  to  say  to  saluacion  bof  of  lif  and  of 
saule  [518]  And  more  ouer  fou  shalt1  loue  hym  in 
word?  and  benigne  amonesynge  and  chastisynge 
and  conforte  hym  in  his  anoyes  and  prey  for  hym  wif 
al  fine  hert  [519]  U  And  in/  dede  fou  shalt1  loue  hym 
in  such  wise  fat1  fou  shalt  done  to  hym  in  charite 
as  fow  woldest1  men  did  to  fine  owne  persone. 
[520]  &  ferfore  fow  shalt1  not1  done  hym  no  damage 
ne  wikked  worde  ne  harme  in  his  body  ne  in  his  catel 
ne  in  his  saule  by  entising1  of  wikked  ensample.  [521] 
fow  shalt1  not1  desiren  his  wif  ne  noon  /  of  his  f ingges 
U  Vnderstonde  eke  fat1  in  f e  name  of  f i  neighboure  his  com- 
prehe?zde4.  his  enemye .  [522]  Certes  a  man  shal  loue  his 
enemye  for  fe  comaundmentz  of  god  And  sofely  fi 
frende  shalt1  fou  loue  in  god.  [523]  I  say  fine 
Enemye  shalt  fou  loue  for  goddis  sake  by  his  comaunde- 

PET WORTH    646    (6-T.  630)         C1  leaf  286,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    631 

GROUP  I,    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    647 

ment1.  ffor  if  if  were  reson  fat1  man  shuld  hate  his 
enemye.  forsof  god  wold?  not1  receyue  vs  to  his  lone 
fat1  bene  his  enemyes  [524]  a3einst1  iij  manere  of 
wrongges  fat1  his  enemye  do]?  to  hyw  he  shal  do  fre 
fingges  as  fus.  [525]  A^einst  hate  and  rancour  of  hertt 
he  shal  loue  hym  in  hert1 .  A^einst1  chidynge  and  wikked 
wordes .  he  shal  prey  for  his  enemye .  A^einst1  f  e  wikked 
dede  of  his  enemye  he  shal  doon  hyra  bounte  [526]  ffor 
crist1  seif.  Louef  3oure  enemyes  and  preief  for  hem 
fat1  spekef  ^ou  harme  And  eke  for  hem  fat1  3011  chasen 
and  purswen  and  doth  bownte  to  hem  fat1  yow  hateii 
II  Loo  fus  comaundef  vs  our  lord  Ihesu  crisf  to  doo 
to  oure  enemyes.  [527]  ffor  sofly  nature  dryuef  vs 
to  loue  our  frendes.  And  parfay  oure  enemyes  han 
more  nede  to  loue  fan  our  frendes.  and  fei  fat1 
more  nede  haue  certes  to  hem  shal  men  doo  good- 
nes.  [528]  and  certes  in  filk1  dede  haue  [we]  remem- 
braunce  of  fe  loue  of  Ihesu  crist1  fat1  deyed  for  his 
enemyes.  [529]  And  in  as  moche  as  filk1  loue  is  fe 
more  greuous  to  perfourme  so  moche  is  more 
grete  fe  merite  And  ferfore  the  louyng1  of  our 
enemye  haf  confounded  fe  venyme  of  fe  deueH. 
[530]  ffor  ri^f  as  fe  deuel  is  discomfited  by  huwzilite 
Tijti  so  is  he  wounded  to  the  deef  by  fe  loue  of  oure 
enemye  [531]  Certes  fan  is  loue  fe  medecyne  fat1 
chaseth  out  fe  ve1nym  of  Envie  fro  mannys  herte  [532] 
The  spices  of  f  is  pas  shullen  be  more  largely  declared  in  her 
chapiters  folowiuge 

If  De  Ira  i  /  [from  the  margin] 
[533] 

Aftere    Envie   wil    I   declare    fe    synne   of   Ire   ffor 
sofly    who    fat1    haf    Enuye    vpon    his    nei3bouij 
anoon      comonly     he      wil     fynde     hym      matere      of 
wretfr    in    worde    or    in   dede    a^einst1   hym   to    whoom 
he  haf  envie    [534]  And  as   wel  commef  Ire    of  pride 

PETWORTH    617    (6-T.  63l)  [i  leaf  287] 


SIX-TEXT   632 

648   GROUP  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.  Petworth  MS. 

as  of  enuye.  ffor  sofly  he  fat1  is  proude  or  envious 
is  Ii3tly  wroo]) 

[535]  This  synne  of  Ire  aftere  fe  descriuynge  of 
seint1  Austyne  is  wikked  wiH  to  bene  auenged.  by 
worde  or  by  dede  ||  [536]  Ire  aftere  fis  Philisophre  is 
fe  veruewt1  blood  of  man  yquykked  in  his  hert1  forgfi. 
which  he  wil  /  harme  to  hyra  fat1  he  hatef.  [537]  ffor 
certes  f  e  hert1  of  man .  by  eschawfynge  and  moovinge  of 
his  blood  waxef  so  trouble  fat1  he  is  out1  of  att 
lugemenf  of  resoura  [538]  H  But  36  shullen  /  vnderstonde 
fat1  Ire  is  in  two  maners  fat1  oon  of  hem  is  good  and 
fat1  ofer  is  wikked  [539]  The  good  is  by 
lalousie  of  goodnesse  f orgh  fe  which  a  man  is  wrofe 
wif  wikkednesse  [.  .  .  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.].  And.  fer- 
for  seith  fe  wise  man  fat1  Ire  is  bette  fan  play  [540] 
This  Ire  is  vrith  debonairete  and  if  is  wroof  wif- 
outen  bitternesse  not  wrof  a^einsf  fe  man  but1 
wroof  wif  fe  mysdede  of  fe  man.  As  seif  fe 
prophete  dawd  Irascimini  &  nolite  peccare  [541]  U  Now 
vnderstonde  fat1  wikked  Ire  is  in  two  maners 
fat1  is  to  seyn  sodeyn  Ire  or  hastif  Ire  wif-outen 
avisement1  and  consentynge  of  his  reson  [542]  f  e  menyng* 
and  fe  sens  of  fis  is  fat1  fe  reson  of  a  man  ne  con- 
sent1 not1  to  filk1  sodeyn  Ire  and  fan  is  it1  venial 
[543]  Anofer  Ire  is  ful  wikked  fat1  commef  of 
vilany  of  herte  avised  and  cast1  bifore  wif  wikked  wiH 
to  do  vengeaunce  and  f  erto  his  reson  consentef .  and 
so  sofly  fis  is  dedly  synne  [544]  U  This  Ire  is  so  dis- 
plesaunt  to  god  fat1  it  troublef  his  hous  and  chasef  f  e 
holy  goost1  out1  of  manne  saule  [. 

.  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  [545]  and  putte  in  hyw  f  e  lik- 
nes  of  f  e  deueH  and  bynymmef  f  e  man  fro  god  faf 
is  his  ri^tfuH  lorde  [546]  This  Ire  is  a  ful  grete 
plesaunce  to  fe  deueH.  for  it1  is  fe  deuels  fornays 
fat1  is  eschauffed  wif  f  e  fuyre  of  helle .  [547]  ffor  certes 

PETWORTH   648   (6-T.  632) 


SIX-TEXT    633 

GROUP  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   649 

as  fuyre  is  more  my^ty  to  distroye  er]?ly 
Jjingges  jjan  another  element1  Ri$ti  so  Ire  is  my^ty  to 
destroye  att  spirituel  jringges.  [548]  Loke  ho  we  ]>af 
fire  of  smale  gledys  that1  bene  almost1  dede  vnder  asshen 
wollen  quyk*ke  a^ein  whan  pei  bene  touched  wi]> 
bremstone  Ri^f  soo  Ire  wil  euermore  quikke  a-3ein 
whan  if  is  touched  by  pride  J?af  is  kered  in 
niarmys  herf.  [549]  ffor  certes  fire  may  not*  come 
out1  of  no  Jnnge  but1  if  it1  were  first1  in  J>e  same  J)ing* 
naturelly  as  fire  is  drawen  out1  of  J>e  flyntes  wi]>  steele 
[550]  And  ri^f  so  as  pride  is  often  matere  of  Ire 
Eight1  so  is  rancoure  norssher  and  keper  of  pe  [551]  Ther  is 
a  maner  of  tree  as  seij)  seint  Isodere  jjat1  whan  men 
maken  fire  of  J)ilk  tree  and  keuere])  pe  cooles  of  if  with 
asshen  sofly  J?e  fuyre  of  if  wil  lasf  lasf  al  a  3ere  or  more 
[552]  U  And  ri3f  so  fare]?  if  of  rancour  whan  he  is 
onys  conceyued  in  pe  hertis  of  somme  men .  Certeyne  if  wil 
lasf  perauenture  from  oon  /  Ester  day  til  anoper 
day  or  more  [553]  Buf  Certes  filk  man 
is  ful  ferre  from  J>e  mercy  of  god  al  J)ilk  while 

[554]  H  In  J>is  forsaide  deuels  fornays  ]>er  foorgen.  thre 
shrewes  Pride  J>af  all  blowejj  and  encresefe 
J>e  fire  by  pride  and  wikked?  wordes.  [555]  Than 
stanf  Envie  and  holdej)  J>e  hote  yren  vppon  ]?e  hertes 
of  man  wij>  a  peire  of  longe  tongges  of  longe  Eancour 
[556]  and  pan  stanf  J>e  synne  of  cowtynnynge  or 
strif  and  peesf  and  baterej)  and  forge])  by  vileyns 
reprouyngges  [557]  11  Certes  J)is  cursed  synne  annoyejj 
bojje  ])e  man  hym  self  and  eke  to  his  neighbour . 
ffor  soj>ly  al  H  mosf  al  fe  harme  Jjaf  eny  man 
do]?e  to  his  neighboure  commej)  of  wrath.  [558]  ffor 
certes  outrageous  wraj?e  dojj  aH  ]jaf  euer  the 
deuel  hym  comaundej)  for  he  ne  spare])  neifer 
crisf  ne  his  swete  modere  [559]  And  in  his  out- 
rageous angre  &  Ire  alias  alias  ful  mony  one 
af  paf  tyme  fele]?  in  his  /  herte  ful  wikkedly 

PETWORTH    649   (6-T.  633)        [Meaf  287,  back] 


Tf  loliannes. 


Salomon 


IT  Idem 


SIX-TEXT    634 

650    GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

bop  of  crist*  and  of  aH  his  halowes.  [560]  Is 
not1  pis  a  cursed  vice  [ 

no  gap  in  tlie  MS.]  his  debonaire 

wif  espiritueH  pat1  shulde  kepen  his  saule  [561] 
Certes  it1  bygynnep  eke  goddys  dieu  lordship  and 
pat*  is  mannys  saule  and  pe  loue  of  his  neigbours 
It1  strive])  eke  alday  a^einst*  pe  troupe.  If  reuep  hym  pe 
quiete  of  his  h'ert*  and  subuertep  his  saule 

[562]  U  Of  Ire  co?ranen  pise  stynkinge  engendrures. 
ffirst*  hate  pat*  is  olde  wrepe  discord?  porgh.  whicli 
a  man  forsakep  his  olde  frende  pat1  he  hap  loued  ful 
longe.  [563]  and  pan  commep  werre  and  euery 
manere  of  wronge  pat  man  doth  to  his  neighbour  in 
body  or  in  cateH  [564]  U  Of  pis  cursed.  1synne  of  Ire 
commep  eke  mannys  sclaughtere  And  vnderstondep  wel  pat* 
homycide  pat1  is  mannys  sclau^tere  is  in  dyuers  wise  Some 
manere  of  Omycide  is  espirituel  and  sonme  is  bodely .  [565] 
Spirituel  mannesslaughter  is  in  vj.  pingges  ffirst*  by 
hate  as  seip  seint*  lohn.  That1  he  pat1  hatep  his  broper 
is  an  homicide .  [566]  [Homicide]  Is  eke  by  bakbytinge .  of 
whiche  bakbiters  seip  Salomon,  pat1  pei  han.  twoo 
swerdes  with  which  pei  scleen  her  neighbours,  ffor 
soply  as  wikked  is  to  bynyme  his  good  name  as 
his  liff  [567]  11  Omycide  is  eke  in  ^euynge  of  wikked 
counsaile  by  fraude  as  forto  3eue  /  counsaile  to  array 
wikkedly  custumes  and  taliages  [568]  Of  which  seip 
Salomon  IT  lyoun  rorynge.  bere  hungry  bene  like  to 
cruel  lordshippes  in  wipholding*  or  a-breggynge  of  pe 

Shepe  or  pe  hire  of  pe  wages  of  [ .     .     . 

no  gap  in  tlie  MS.]  pe  almesse  of  poor  folk* 

[569]  ffor  which  pe  wise  man  seip  ffedep  hyw  pat* 
almost  diep  for  hunger,  for  soply  but1  pou  fede  hym 
pou  scleest1  hym.  and  alle  pise  bene  dedly  synnes  [570] 
Bodyly  mansclaunter  is  whan  pou  scleest*  hym  wip  pi 
tunge  in  opere  manere  as  whan  pou  comaundesf  to 
sclene  a  man  or  ellis  ^euest1  hym  counsaile  to  scleen  a 

PETWORTH    650   (6-T.  634-)  [i  leaf  288] 


SIX-TEXT    635 

GROUP  I.   §  2,  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    651 

man.  [571]  Mansclaughtere  in  dede  is  in  foure  maners 
That1  oon  is  by  lawe  Ri^t  as  a  Justice  dampnej) 
hym  pat1  is  copable  to  pe  deep  But1  laf  pe  lustise 
be  ware  pat1  he  do  if  ri^tfully.  and  pat1  he  do  if  not1 
for  delit1  to  spille  bloode .  but1  for  rijtwis- 
nesse.  [572]  Anopere  homycide  is  doon  for 
necessite  as  whan  a  man  scleep  anoper  in  his  defendaunt1 
and  pat*  he  may  noon  oper  wise  eskape  for  his 
owne  depe.  [573]  But1  certeynly  if  he  may  eskape  wip- 
out1  sclaughter1  of  his  aduersary  and  sclepe  hym 
he  dop  synne  and  he  shal  bere  pencmnce  as  for  dedly 
synne  [574]  U  Eke  if  a  man  by  caas  or  auenture  shete 
an  arowe  or  cast1  a  stone  wij>  whiche  he  scleep  a  man 
it1  is  homycide  [575]  U  Eke  if  a  womman  by  necligence 
ouerleip  her  childe  in  sclepinge  it1  is  homycide.  and 
dedly  synne.  [576]  Eke  whan  a  man  distourbep  con- 
cepcion  of  a  childe  or  make]?  a  womman  barayn 
by  drynkinge  of  venemous  herbes  porgh  which  she  may 
not1  conceyue  or  scleep  a  childe  by  drynkes  or 
ellis  puttej)  in  certeyn  material  pingges  in  her  secre 
places  to  sle  pe  child?  [577]  or  ellis  do])  vnkinde 
synne  by  which  man  or  wo??i1man  shedep  his  nature 
in  manere  or  in  place  per  as  a  childe  may  not1  be  con- 
ceyued  or  ellis  if  a  wowman  hap  conceyued  and  hurte 
he[r]  self  and  scleej)  her  childe  ^it1  is  it1  homycide 
[578]  H  What1  say  we  eke  of  wommen  fat1  Mordren 
her  children  for  drede  or  worldly  shame  certes  an 
horrible  homicide  [579]  Homicyde  is  eke  if  a  mon  ap- 
prochej)  to  a  workman  by  desire  of  leccherie  forghe  which  J>e 
childe  is  pershed  or  ellis  smytej)  a  womman  witingly 
Jjorgh  which  she  lesej)  her  childe  aft  J>ise  bene  homy- 
cides  and  horrible  dedly  synnes  /  [580]  31^  commejj  jjerof 
Ire  and  mony  moo  synnes  as  wel  in  worde  as  in  fou^f  and 
in  dede  as  he  fat1  arettej)  vpon  god  or  blame))  god 
of  J>inge  of  which  he  is  hym  self  gilty  or  dispisef 
god  and  aH  his  halowes  as  done  pise  cursed  hasardours 

44  PETWORTU    651    (6-T.  63o)        C1  leaf  288,  back] 


T  Textus 
IT  Mathews 


SIX-TEXT    636 

652   GROUP  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

in  dyuers  cuntrees.  [581]  fis  cursed  synne  cloon  fei 
whan  J>ei  felen  in  her  hert1  ful  wikkedly  of  god  and 
his  halowes  [582]  U  Also  whan  fei  treten  vnreuerently 
fe  sacrament*  of  fe  autere  Thilk1  synnes  is  so  grete 
fat  vnnefes  may  it1  be  relesed  but1  fat1  mercy  of 
god  passef  his  werkes  it1  is  so  grete  and  he  so 
benigne.  [583]  Than  commef  of  Ire  attry  Angre 
whan  a  man  [is]  sharpely  amonased .  in  his  shrift  to  f or- 
lete  synne  [584]  fan  wil  he  be  angry  and 
answere  hokeiiy  and  angerly  or  defende  and  excuse 
his  synne  by  vnstedfastnesshe  of  his  flessh  or  ellis  he 
did  it1  forto  holde  company  with  wise  felawes.  or 
ellis  he  seif  fe  fende  entised  /  hym  [585]  or  ellis  he 
did  if  for  his  3oufe.  or  ellis  complexion  is  so 
corragious  that*  he  may  not1  forbere.  or  ellis  it1  is  his 
destanye  as  he  seif  vnto  a  certeyn  age.  or  ellis  he 
seif  hit1  commef  hym  of  gentilnesse  of  his  owncestres 
and  semblable  fingges  [586]  U  Alle  fise  manere  folkes 
so  wrappen  hem  in  her  synnes  fat1  fei  ne  wol  not1 
delyuere  hem  self.  Sofly  no  wi^t1  fat1  excusel 
hym  wilfully  of  his  /  synne  may  not1  be  delyuered  of  her 
synne  til  fat1  he  inekely  byknowef  his  synne  [587] 
U  Aftere  fat1  commef  sweringe  fat1  is  expresse 
a^eiiist1  fe  comaundement1  of  god.  and  fis  bifallef  oft1 
of  anger  and  of  Ire  [588]  God  seif  fou  shalt  not1 
take  f  e  name  of  f  i  lorde  god  in  veyn  nor  in  ydelt  1T  Also 
our  lorde  Ihesu  crist1  seif  by  f  e  word?  of  seynt1  Mathewe 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.~\    [589]  Ne  wil  30 

not1  swere  in  al  manere.  Neifer  by 
heuene  for  it1  is  goddes  trone .  ne  by  f  e  erf  e  for  it1  is  f  e 
benche  of  his  fete  1ne  by  leiusalem.  for  it1  is  fe  cite  of 
a  grete  kynge  Ne  by  fine  hede.  for  fou  maist1  not1 
make  an  heer  white  ne  blak1  [590]  But1  seif  by  ^our1 
366  366 .  and  nay  nay  and  what1  fat1  is  more 
it1  is  eueH  fus  seith  crist1  [591]  11  ffor  cristes  sakene  sweref 
not1  so  synfully  in  dismembringe  of  crist1  by  soule 

PETWORTH    652    (6-T.  636)  p  leaf  289] 


SIX-TEXT    637 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   653 

herte  bonys  and  body  for  certes  if  seme))  fat1  36 
fenk  fat1  fe  cursed  Iwes  ne  dismenbred  /  hym  nou3tt 
ynou^e  fe  precious  persone  of  crist1  But1  36  dismewbren 
hym  more  [592]  And  if  so  be  fat1  fe  lawe  com- 
pelle  3ou  to  /  swere  fan  rewlef  3ou  after  fe  lawe  of 
god  in  3oure  sweryng1  as  seif  leremye  4to.  c&pitulo. 

[      ..........     no  gap  in  the  MS.]    Thou 

slialt1  kepe  thre  condicions.  Thou  shalt1  swere  in  troufe 

in   doom   and    in   ri3twisnesse    [593]    This    is   to   sayn  T  lurabis  in 

.  .  .       veritate  in  iudicio 

f  ou  shalt1  swere  soof  .  tor  euery  lesmge  is  a^emst1  crisr  et  iuati«a  [same 


ffor    crist1    is    verrey    troufe    And    Jjenk    wel    fis 

euery    grete   swerer    not1    compelled    lawfully   to    swere  ^^no^  *  leaf 

f  e  wounde  shal  not1  departe  fro  his  hous  fe  whiles  he  219»  6ackl 

vseth  sucH  viilieful  sweringe  [594]  II  Thow  shalt1  swere 

eke  in  doom  whan   fow  arte   constrayned   by  fi   domes 

man    to   witnesse    fe    troufe    [595]    II    Eke    J?ou   shalf 

not1    swere    for    envie    ne    for    fauour1    ne    for    mede 

but         for         ri3twisnesse         for         declarynge         to 

worship     of     god     and     in     helping     of     fine     euen- 

cristen       [596]       And       f  erf  ore       euery       man       fat1 

takef    goddis    name     in     ydel    or    falsely    sweref    wif 

his    mouf    or   ellis    takef   on    hym    fe    name    of    crisf 

to   be   called   a   cristen   man   and  lyuef    a3einst1   cristes 

lyuyyng1  and   his   techinge  alle   f  ei  taken  goddes   name 

in    ydeH    [597]    IT    Loke    eke    what1   seif    seint1    Petere  IT  Petrus-.  / 

Act&s    4°.    Non    esf    aliud    nomen    sub    coelo.     Ther 

nys  non  of  er  name  seif  seint1  Peter  vnder  heuene  yjeuen 

to     men    in    which     fei     mote    be    saued     fat1    is    to 

seyn  but1  in  fe  name  of  Ihesu  crist  [598]  IT  Take  kepe  eke 

how  fat1  f  e  precious  name  of  Ihesu  crist1  as  seif  seynt1  paule 

Ad  philipenses  2°  In  norame  Ihesu  &cetera  .  That1  in  f  e  i  Ad 

name    of    Ihesu    euery    knee    of    heuenly    creatures    or 

erfly    or    of     helle    shuld     bowen    for    it1    is    so    11136 

and  so  worshipfutt  that1  fe  cursed   fende  in  helle  shuld 

tremblee       to       heren       it1       nempned       [599]       than 

semef    it1    fat1   men    fat1    sweren    /   so    horribly   by    his 

PETWORTH    653    (6-T.  637) 


SIX-TEXT    638 

654   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

blessed  name  pat1  pel  dispisen  if  more  boldely 
pan  did  pe  cursed  Iwes.  or  ellis  pe  deuel  pat1 
tremblep  whan  he  herep  his  name 

[600]  U  JSTow  certes  sipens  pat1  swerynge  but1  it  be 
doo  al  lawfully  is  holy  defended  me  The  wors  is 
f orswering1  falsly .  and  }it  nedelees . 

[60 1 ]  What  say  1we  eke  of  hem  pat1  deliten  hem 
in  swerynge  and  holden  it1  a  gentrye  or  a  manly  dede  to 
swere  grete  opes  And  what1  of  hem  pat1  of  verrey 
vsage  ne  cessen  not1  to  swere  grete  opes  al  pe  cause 
not1  worp  oon  strawe  Certes  pis  is  horrible  synne  [602] 
swering1  sodeynly  wip-out1  avisement1  is  eke  a 
synne  [603]  U  Buttlatfvsnowe  goo  to  pilk1  horrible  and  cursed/ 
swerynge  of  adiuracion  and  coniuracion  as  don  pise  fals  en- 
chauntours  or  nigromanciens  in  basyns  ful  of  water  or 
in  a  bri}^  swerde .  in  a  sercle  or  in  a  f uyre  or  in  a  shulder 
bone  of  a  shepe  [604]  I  can  not1  seyn  but1  pat1  pei 
doon  cursedly  and  II  dampnably  a^einst1  crist1  and  al  pe 
f  eip  of  holy  church . 

[605]  What1  say  we  of  hem  pat1  byleuen  on 
dyuynales  as  by  fli^fr  or  by  noys  of  briddes  or  of  beestes  or  of 
sorte  by  Egrimauncye.  by  drernes .  by  chirking* 
of  doores  by  gnewyng1  of  rattye  or  crakinge  of  howses 
and  such  maner  wrecchednesse  [606]  Certes  al  pis 
thynge  is  defended  by  god  and  by  holy  churche  for  // 
which  pei  bene  acursed  to  pei  come  to  amendement1 
pat1  on  such  filpe  setten  her  byleue  [607]  U  Charmes 
for  woundes  and  maladies  of  men  or  of  beestes  if  pei 
taken  eny  effecte  it1  bene  perauenture  pat1  god  suffrep 
it1  for  folk  shuld  $eue  pe  more  faipe  and  reuerence  to 
his  name 

[608]  U  Now  wil  I  speke  of  lesyngges  which"  gener- 
ally is  fals  signyfiaunt1  or  woord  in  entent1  to  deceyuen 
his  euen  cristen  [609]  U  Some  lesing1  is  of  which" 
per  commep  noon  auazmtage  to  no  wi3tt  and  somme  lesyng1 
turnep  to  pe  ease  eiper  profit1  of  a  man  and  to 

PETWORTH   654   (6-T.  638)        [Ueaf  289,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    639 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   655 

damage  of  a  noper  man  [610]  A  nopere  lesing  is 
for  to  saue  his  liff  or  his  cateH .  Anoper  lesynge  commep 
of  delife1  forto  lye  In  which  delite  pei  willen  /  forge  a  loiige 
tale  and  peynte  it1  wip  aH  circurastannces .  wher 
alle  }>e  grounde  of  pe  tale  is  fals  [611]  IT  Some  lesynge 
commep  for  he  wil  sustene  his  word*  and  some  lesing1 
co?wmeth  of  recchelessnesse  wM-outen  avisemenf  and  Sem- 
blable  pingges 

[612]  IT  Latt  vs  nowe  touche  pe  vice  of  fflaterie 
which  ne  coramep  not*  gladly  but1  for  drede  or  for  coueityse . 
[613]  fflatery  is  generally  wrongful!  presinge.  fflater- 
ers  beiie  pe  deuel  norrces  pat  norshep  his  chylldren 
wip  my  Ik  of  losengry.  [614]  if  or  sop  seip  Salomon '.  1  Salomon . 
pat1  flaterie  is  wors  pan  detraccion.  fFor.  somtyme  de- 
traccion make}?  an  haunteyn  man  be  pe  more  humble, 
ffor  he  dredep  detraccion  But1  certes  fflaterye  make]? 
a  man  to  vn1haunten  his  hert1  and  his  countenance 
[615]  IT  fflaterers  bene  ]>e  deuels  Enchaunters  for 
pei  make  a  man  to  wene  of  hym  self  be  like  paf  he 
nys  not1  like  [616]  Thei  bene  like  ludas  pat*  bytraied 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.]  a  man  to  selle  hym 

to  his  enemye  pat*  is  to  J>e  deueH  [617]  IT  fflaterers  bene 
J?e  deuels  Chapileyns  pat1  synggen  euer  Placebo 
[6 1 8]  I  rekken  flaterye  in  pe  vices  of  Ire.  ffor  oft 
tyme  if  a  man  be  wroop  wip  a-nopere  pan  wil 
he  flater  some  wi}^  to  susteyne  hym  in  his  querett 

[619]  Speke  we  now  of  such  cursyng*  as  cowmep 
ouf  of  yrous  herte  IT  Malisoun  may  be  seide  generally  Euery 
maner  power  of  harme  such  cursyng1  byreuep  man  fro 
pe  regne  of  god.  as  seip  seyntt  paule  [620]  And  oft1 
tyme  such  cursing1  wrongfully  retourneth  a^ein  to 
hym  pat1  cursep  as  a  brid  retournep  a3ein  to  his 
owne  nesf  [621]  And  ouer  al  ping1  men  ou^t1 
eschewe  to  curse  her  children  and  3eue  to  pe  deueH 
her  engendrure  as  ferforp  as  in  hem  is  IT  Certes  if  is 
a  grete  perile  and  grete  synne . 

PETWORTH    655    (6-T.  639)  C1  leaf  290] 


SIX-TEXT    640 

656  GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

[622]  Lat1  vs  fan  speke  of  cliidynge  and  reproche 
which  bene  grete  woundes  in  mannys  hert  fibr 
fei  vnsewen  fe  semes  of  ffrendship  in  mannys  hert1. 
[623]  fibr  certes  vnnefes  may  a  man  pleynly  ben 
accorded  wif  hym  fat1  haf  hyra  openly  revyled  and 
reproued  and  disclaundred  fis  is  a  ful  grisly  synne 

T  Text«5./  U  And  crist1  seif  in  f  e  gospeH  [624]  11  And  take  kepe  no  we 
fat1  he  fat1  reprouef  his  neighbour  eifere  he  reprouef 
hym  by  som  harme  of  peyne  fat1  he  haf  on  his  body, 
as  rneseH  croked  harlot1  or  by  some  synne  fat1  he  dof 
[625]  U  Now  if  he  reproue  hym  by  harme  of  peyn 
fan  turnef  fe  prophete  to  Ihesn.  Crist1,  ffor  peyne  is 
sent*  by  fe  ri3twis  sonde  of  god  and  by  his  suffraunce 
be  it1  meselrye  or  maym  or  inaladie  [626]  and  if  he 
reproue  hym  vncharitably  of  synne  as  fou  hullowr  fou 
dronklewe  harlot1  and  so  forf  fat  appertenef  fat 
to  fe  roioysyng1  of  fe  deueH:  fat1  euer  haf  ioye 
fat1  men  don  synne  [627]  U  And  certes  chyding1  may 
not1  come  but1  of  vileyns  hertes.  ffor  after  fe 
habundaunce  of  fe  hert1  spekef  fe  mouf  ful  off 
[628]  And  30  shullen  vnderstonde  fat1  loke  by  eny  way 
whan  eny  man  shal  chastise  a  nof er  fat1  he  be  ware 
fro  chydyng1  or  reprouynge  ffor  trewly  but1  he  be 
ware  he  may  ful  li^tly  quykken  f  e  fyre  of  angre  and  of 
wretth  which"  fat1  he  shuld*  quenche.  and  perauenture 
scleef  1him  fat1  he  my^t1  chastise  wif  benyg- 

^  Salomon./  nyte  [629]  U  ffor  as  seif  Salomon  U  The  amyable  tunge  is 
fe  tree  of  lif  fat1  is  to  saye  of  lif  spirituel.  and 
a  disselaue  tunge  scleef  fe  spirit1  of  hym  fat1 
reprouef  and  eke  of  hym  fat1  is  reproued  [630]  IT  Loo 

t fM&istinus.i  what1  saif  seint1  Austyn  U  Ther  nys  no  finge  ylike  fe 

«5fPauiu8./  deuels  child?  as  he  fat1  oft1  chidef  U  Seynt  Poule  seif 
eke  11 1  f  e  Serucmnte  of  god  by-houef  not1  to  chide.  [631]  and 
howe  fat1  chydyng1  is  a  vileyns  finge  bytwix  al 
manere  folk.  31^  is  it1  certes  most1  vncownable 
by-twix  a  man  and  his  wiff.  for  fer  nys  neuer  rest1 

PETWOllTH    656    (6-T.  640)         C1  leaf  290,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    641 

GEOUP  I,   §  2,  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS,    657 

IT  And  f erf or  seif  Salomon  U  An  lious  fat1  is  vnkeuered  if  Salomon, 
in  reyn  and  dropping1  and  a  chidyng1  wiff  bene  ylike 
[632]  a  man  fat1  is  in  a  dropping  hous  in  mony 
places,  they  hee  eschewe  fe  dropping1  in  oon  place 
it1  droppef  on  hym  in  a  nofer  place  11  So  fare])  it1  be 
a  chiding  wiff.  but1  she  chide  hym  in*  0.0  place  she 
wol  chide  hym  in  anofer  [633]  And  ferfore  better  is  f  idem, 
a  morsel  of  brede  with  loye  fan  an  hous  ful  of 
delices  wif  chidynge  seif  Salomon  [634]  U  And 
poule  seif  0  30  wominen  be  36  subiectys  to  ^oure 
husbondes  as  byhouef  in  god.  And  36  men  louef  3oure 
wyves.  Ad  colonisenses  .3°. 

[635]  IT  Afterward?  speke  we  of  scornynge  which  is  a 
wikked  synne  And  namely  whan  he  scornef  a  man  for 
his  good  werkes .  [636]  for  certes  suche  scorners 
faren  like  fe  foule  tode  fat1  may  not1  endure  to 
smett  fe  swete  sauour  of  J>e  vyne  what1  it1 
florsshef  [637]  U  Thise  scorners  bene  partyng1  felawes 
wij)  fe  deueH.  for  fei  han  loie  whan  fe  deuel 
wynnej)  and  sorowe  whan  he  lesej)  [638]  If  They  beno 
aduersaries  to  Ihesu  crist1  for  fei  haten  fat1  he  louef 
fat1  is  to  say  sauacion  of  saule 

[639]  U  Speke  we  nowe  of  wikked  counsaille .  ffor  he  fat1 
wikked  counsaille  3eueth  is  a  traitour .  ffor  he  disceyuef 
hym  fat1  trustef  in  hym  Vf  Achitofel  de  Absolonem 
U  But1  naf  elees  $i#  is  it1  wikked  counsaile  ffirst1  a3einst1  hym 
self  [640]  for  as  seif  fe  wise  man  Euery  fals 
lyuyng1  haf  his  propre  in  hym  self  fat1  he  fat1 
witi:  anoy  anofer  man  he  annoyef  furst1  hym  self. 
[641]  And  men  shullen  vnderstonde  fat  man  shal  not1 
take  his  counsaille  of  fals  folk  ne  of  to  angry  folk  or 
greuous  folk1  ne  of  folk  fat1  louen  specialy  to  moche  her  owne 
profite  ne  to  moch  worldly  folk  namely  in  counsailling* 
of  saules 

[642]  H  Now  commef  fe  synne  of  hem  fat1 
maken  discorde  amonges  /  folk  which  is  a  synne  fat1 

PETWORTH    657    (6-T.  64l) 


SIX-TEXT    642 

658   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

crisf  hate])  vtterly  and  no  wonder  is .  if  or  he  deyed 
forto  make  concorde .  [643]  And  more  shame  done  f  ei  to 
cristt  Jfan  did  fei  fafr  hym  crucified?  ffor  god 
louef  better  fat1  frendship  be  amonges  folk1  fan 
he  did  his  owne  body  fe  which  he  $af  for  vnitees. 
therfore  bene  fei  likned  to  fe  deuel  fatt  euer  is 
about1  to  make  discord? 

[644]  U  Now  eommef  f  e  synne  of  double  tunge .  such 
as  speken  faire  to-fore  folk  and  wikkedly  behynde  or 
ellis  fei  /  maken  semblaunt1  as  fou^e  fei  speken  of 
good  entencion  or  ellis  in  game  and  pley  and  $itt  fei 
speke  of  wikked  entent 

[645]  H  Now  commef  bywreying1  of  counsaille  forgh" 
which"  a  man  is  defamed  vnnefes  may  he  restore  fe 
damage 

[646]  11  Now  commef  manace  fat1  is  an  open  foly  ffor 
he  fat1  open  manasef  he  tretef  more  fan  he  may 
performe  ful  often  tyme 

[647]  H  Now  commej)  ydel  wordes  faf  is  wif-outen 
profite  of  hym  fat1  speke])  fe  wordes.  and  eke  of  hym 
fat1  harkenef  foo  wordes  //  or  ellis  ydel  wordes.  ben  / 
foo  fat1  bene  nedelees  or  wif-outen  entent1  of  naturel 
profite.  [648]  and  al  be  it1  fat1  ydel  wordes  be  som- 
tyme  venial  synne  ^it1  shuld!  men  doute  hem.  for  we 
shullen  3eue  rekenyng1  of  hem  to-fore  god 

[649]  IT  Now  coramef  langelynge  fat1  may  not1  come  wif - 
1  Salomon  oute  synne .  And  as  seif  Salomon  U  It1  is  signe  of  a-perf 
foly  [650]  and  f  erf  or  a  philisophre  seide  whan 
a  man  asked  hym  'how  men  shulde  plese  fe  puple. 
And  he  answerdf  to  mony  good  werkes  and  speke  fewe 
langelynggs 

[651]  U  After  fis  comnief  fe  synne  of  Tapes,  fat1 
bene  deuels  apes,  for  fei  maken  folk  to  lau^e  at1 
her  laprie  as  folkes  doon  at1  fe  gaudes  of  an  ape. 
Suche  lapes  defendef  seint1  Poule  [652]  U  Loke  how 
fat1  vertuous  wordes  and  hooly  conforten  hem 

PETWORTH   658   (6-T.  642)  ['leaf 291] 


SIX-TEXT    643 

GROUP  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    659 

fat1  travaillen  in  fe  seruiso  of  criste  Ki^t1  so  conforten 
fe  vileyns  words  and  knakkes  of  lapers  hem  fat1 
trauaillen  in  fe  servise  of  fe  deueli  [653]  U  Thise  bene 
f  e  synnes  /  fat1  commen  of  f  e  tunge  fat1  cowmen  of  Ire 
and  of  other  synnes 


[Remedies  against  Ire.'] 

[654]  U  The  remedye  a3emstt  Ire  is  a  vertue  fat1  men 
clepen  mansuetude  fat1  is  debonairete  and 

eke  a  nother  vertue  fat  men  clepe  pacience    [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

[655]  U  Debonairte  wifdrowef  and  refreynef 
fe  styryngges  and  f e  meuyngs  of  mannys  corage  in  his 
hert1  and  such"  manere  fat  fei  ne  skippe  not*  out1  by 
anger  ne  by  Ire  [656]  suffraunce  suffref  swetly  al 
f  e  annoyaunces  and  f  e  wrongges  fat1  men  doon  to  a  man 
outward?  [657]  II  Seint1  lerom  seif  fus  of  debonairte  1  lerom»w* 
fat1  hit1  doof  noon  harme  to  no  wi^f  ne  seif  for  noon 
harme  f  at1  men  hym  done  ne  sayn  He  ne  eschaungef  nou^t1 
a3einstt  his  reson.  [658]  This  vertue  som  /  1somtyme  cowmef 
of  nature  H  ffor  as  seif  f  e  philisophre .  A  man  is  a  quyk 
finge  by  nature,  debonaire  and  treteable  by  goodnes 
But*  whan  debonairte  is  enfourmed  by  grace,  it 
is  f  e  more  worf 

[659]  H  Pacience  fat1  is  anofer  remedye  a3einsf  Ire 
is  a  vertue  fat1  suffref  swetely  euery  mannys  goodnesse 
and  is  not1  worf  for  non  harme  fat1  is  doon  to  hym 
[660]  1T  The  philisofre  seif  fat1  pacience  is  filk 
vertue  fat1  suffref  debonairly  aH  fe  outrages  of 
aduersite  and  euery  wikked  worde.  [66 1]  This  vertue 
makef  a  man  like  to  god.  and  makef  hym  his 
owne  dere  childe  as  seif  crist1.  This  vertu  discomfitef 
fine  enemye  And  ferfore  seif  fe  wise  man  If  fou 
wilt  venquyssh  fine  /  ennemye.  lerne  to  suffre  [662]  And 
fou  shalt1  vnderstonde  fat  a  /  man  suffreth  four  maner 

PETWORTH    659    (6-T.  643)         [Meaf  291,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    644 

660  GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

of  greu<mnce   in   outward1   f  ingges .   a^einst  which"    foure 
he  mote  haue  iiij.  maners  of  paciences ./ 

[663]  H  The  furst  greuawnce  is  of  wikked  wordes. 
f  ilk  greucmnce  suffref  Ihesu  crist1  wif-outen  grucchinge  ful 
paciently  whan  f  e  Iwes  despised  hym  and  reproueden  hym 
ful  oft*  [664]  Suffre  fou  ferfore  paciently.  ffor  fe 
wise  man  eke  seif  IT  If  fou  stryue  wif  a  fool  foughe 
f  e  fool  be  wrof .  or  f  ou^e  he  lau^e  algate 
fou  shalt1  haue  no  rest.  [665]  That1  ofer  greuawnce 
outward?  is  forto  haue  damage  of  f  i  cateH  H  Ther  aseinst* 
sufFred  crist1  ful  paciently  whan  he  was  dispoilled  of  al 
fat1  he  had  in  this  liff  and  fat1  nas  but1  his  clones 
[666]  U  The  iij.  greuawnce  is  a  man  to  haue  harme  in 
his  bodye.  and  fat1  sufFred  crist1  ful  paciently  in  all  his 
passion  [667]  U  The  iiij.  greuawnce  is  in  an  outrageous 
labour*  in  werkes.  wherfore  I  say  fat1  folk  fat1 
maken  her  seruawntes  to  travaille  to  greuously  or  out1  of 
tyme  as  in  holy  days .  sof ly  f ei  doon  grete  syhne . 
[668]  Here  a^einst1  sufficed  crist1  ful  paciently  and 
taught1  vs  patience  whan  he  bare  vpon  /  his  blessed 
shulder*  fe  crois  vpon  which  he  shuld?  sufFre 
dispitous  deef .  [669]  Here  may  men  lerne  to  be 
pacienf .  ffor  sof  ly  not1  oonly  cristen  men  bene  pacienf 
for  fe  loue  of  Ihesu  crist1  and  for  guerdon  of  fe  blisse 
of  heuene  and  of  fe  blisful  lifF  fat1  is  perdurable  But1 
certes  fe  olde  paynyms  fat1  neuere  were  cristen  com- 
menden  &  vseden  f  e  vertue  of  pacience 

^  PWosophus  [670]  A  philisophre  vpon  a  tyme  fat1  wolld!  haue 
beten  his  disciple  for  his  grete  trespace .  for  which  he  was 
gretly  ameued  and  brou^t1  a  ^eerd?  to  scoure  fe 
1  childe  [671]  and  whan  fe  childe  segli  fe  $eerde  he 
seide  to  his  maister  what1  wil  36  doo.  I  wil  bete 
fe  quod  his  maistere.  for  fine  correctiouw.  [672]  ffor  sof 
quod  fe  childe  $e  ou^t1  first1  correcte  ^oure  self1  fat1 
haf  lost1  ^oure  pacience  for  fe  gilt1  of  a  childe. 
[673]  ffor  sof  quod  fe  maister  al  wepinge  fu 

PETWORTH    660   (6-T.  644)  [Meaf292] 


SIX-TEXT    645 

GROUP  I,   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    661 

saiesf  j?e  soo)> .  Haue  J?ou  J?e  ^erde  my  dere  sone  and 
correcte  me  for  myn  Inpacience  [674]  H  Of  pacience  commeth 
obedience  Jjorgh  which  a  man  is  obedien  to  crisf  and 
into  alle  hem  to  which,  he  ou^  be  obedient1  in  crisf 
[675]  and  vnderstonde  wel  faf  obedience  is  parfite 
whan  men  doon  gladly  and  hastely  wij>  good 
herf  entierly  al  jrnf  he  shuld  do.  [676]  Obedience  / 
generally  is  to  perfowrme  fe  doctrine  of  god  and 
of  his  souereins  to  whiche  hym  ou^te  to  bene  obeysaunf 
in  al  ri^twisnesse 

U  De  ipeccato  accidie  [from  margin] 

[677] 

ftere         fe         synnes         of        Envie        I        wil 


A1 


of  J?e  synne  of  Accidie,  ffor  Envie 
blyndej)  J>e  herf  of  a  man.  And  Ire  tronbleth 
a  man.  and  accidy  makef  hym  hevye  fou^tful  and 
wro we  [678]  IT  Envie  and  Ire  maken  bitternesse  in  herf 
which"  bitternesse  is  /  modere  of  accide  and  bynymej)  hym 
J?e  loue  of  al  goodnes  Jrntt  is  accyde  ])e 
angwissh  of  a  trouble  herf  and  seynf  Austyne  seij) 
it1  is  anoye  of  goodnesse  and  anoy  of  harme .  [679]  /  Certes 
J)is  is  a  dampnable  synne  for  if  doojj  wronge  to  Ihe^u 
crisf  in  as  modi  as  he  nyrnej?  J>e  seruice  J?af  men 
ou^t1  to  doo  Ihesu  crisf  wij)  al  diligence  as  seij?  Salomon  /  f  Salomon./ 
[680]  But1  accide  dooj?  noon  suche  diligence  He  doj> 
al  fing1  wij?  anoy  and  wrawnesse  sclaknesse 
and  escusaci5n  and  wij>  dulnesse  and  vnlust1  U  fFor 
which  pe  booke  seij? .  Accursed  be  he  fat1  do])  J?e 
seruise  of  god  negligently  [68 1]  Than  is  accidy 
enmye  to  euery  estate  of  man  for  certes  ]?e  estate  of 
man  is  in  ]>re  maners.  [682]  ei]?er  If  is  fe  estate  of 
Innocence  as  was  ]?e  estate  of  Adam  byforn  J?af  he  felle  in  to 
synne  in  which  estate  he  was  halden  to  wirche  as  in 
heryng1  and  in  adourynge  of  god  [683]  If  Anoj>er  estate 
is  J3e  estate  of  synful  men  in  which  estate  men  ben  halden 

PETWORTH    661    (6-T.  645) 


SIX-TEXT    646 

662    GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 


T  sanctus 
lohannea ./ 


f  Salomon 


to  labour  in  preying1  to  god  for  amendement1  of  her 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

synnes  [684]  U  Anoper  estate  is  pe  estate  of  grace  in 
which  estate  he  is  halden  to  do  werkes  of  penitence  and 
certes  to  aH  pise  pingges  is  accidye  /  enemye  and  con- 
trary for  he  louep  no  bysynes  at1  aH  [685]  H  Now 
certes  pis  foule  synne  accidye  is  eke  a  ful  gret1  enemye 
to  pe  liflode  of  pe  body  for  if  hap  no  pwrvyazmce 
1a^einst1  temporel  necessite  ffor  it1  is  for- 
slewpe  and  for-scluggep  and  distroiep  al  good  temporels  by 
rechelesnesse 

[686]  The  iiij.  pinge  is  pat1  accidie  is  like  hem 
pat1  bene  in  pe  peyne  of  helle  by  cause  of  her  scloupe 
and  of  her  heuynesse .  for  pei  fat1  bene  dampned  bene 
so  bounde  pat1  pei  ne  may  wel  do  ne  wel 
penk1.  [687]  Of  accidy  cowmep  first1  pat1  a  man  is 
anoied  and  encowbred  to  doon  eny  goodnesse  and 
makejj  pat1  god  hap  abhomynacion  of  such 
accidye  as  seith  seynt1  lohn 

[688]  H  Now  co?ftmep  scleuth  pat1  wil  not1  sufire  noon 
hardnesse  ne  no  penaunce  ffor  sop  scloupe  is  so 
tendere  and  so  delicate  as  seip  Salomon  pat1  he  wil  not1 
suffre  noon  hardnesse  ne  pencmnce  and  perfore  he 
sheendep  art  pat1  he  doop  [689]  a3einst1  his  roten 
herted  synne  of  accidie  and  scloupe  shulde  men 
exercise  by  hem  self  to  done  good  werkes  and  manly 
and  vertuousli  cacchen  corage  wel  to  done  penk- 
yng1  pat?  our  lorde  Ihesu  crist1  quitep  euery  good 
dede  be  it1  neuere  so  lite./  [690]  Vsage  of  labour  is  a 
grete  ping1  for  it1  makep  as  seip  Seynt1  Bernard!  pe 
laborers  to  haue  stronge  armes  and  harde  Synewes  and 
sclouthe  makep  hem  feble  and  tendere  [691]  Than  commeth 
drede  forto  bygynne  to  wirkes  ffor 
certes  he  pat1  is  enclyned  /  to  synne  hym  penkep  it1 
is  so  grete  an  emprise  forto  vndertake  to  do  werkes 
of  goodnesse  [692]  [ 

PETWORTH   662   (6-T.  646)        [Ueaf  292,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    647 

GROUP  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    663 


,     .     .     no  gap  in  the  MS.]  as  seij)  Seint1  gregorie . 

[693]  IT  Now  commef  wanhope  fat1  is  despeire  of  fe 
mercy  of  god  fat1  commef  somtyme  of  to  moch  out- 
rageous sorowe  and  somtyme  of  moche  drede  ymagyn- 
ynge  fat1  he  haf  do  so  moch  synne  fat1  it1  wil 
not*  auaille  hym  fo^e  he  wolde  repent1  hym  and 
forsake  synne  an  d  doon  good  [694]  f  or^e  which  dispeire  or  drede 
he  boundenef  his  hert1  to  euery  maner  synne  as  seif 
seint1  Austyne  [695]  II  Which  dampnable  synne  if  fa 
it1  contynue  vnto  his  ende.  it1  is  cleped  synnyng1  in  fe 
holy  goost1  [696]  This  orible  synne  is  so  perilous 
fat1  he  fat1  is  despeired  f er  nys  no  felonye  ne  no  synne 
fat1  he  doutef  for  to  doo  as  shewed  wel  by  ludas 
[697]  Certes  fen  abouen  all  synnes  is  fis  synne 
most1  displesaunt1  to  crist1  and  most1  aduersarie  to  crist1 .  [698] 
Sofly  he  fat1  dispeiref  he  is  like  fe  coward! 
champion  recreaunt1  and  seif  creaunf  wifouten  nede 

Alias  /  alas  /  nedelees  is  he  recreaunt1  1and  seib  creaunfr1  C1— 1  repeated  in 

us,} 
and  nedeles  /  despeired  [699]  ffor  certes  f  e  mercy  of  god  is 

euer  redy  to  fe   penytent.    if  is  abouen  aH  his  werkis 

[700]  H  Alias  can  a  man  not1 2vmbyf enke  hym  of  fe  gospel 

of    Luke    xv°.    Where    as    crist    seif    fat1    as    wel    shal  u  Luo^  x&v. 

fer   be   ioye   in   heuene  vpon  a  synful  /  man   fat"   dof 

penytence      fan      vppon      90.      i9.Ei3tful      men      fat1 

[.     .     .     .     no  gap  in  the  MS.]  neden  to  penytence  [701] 

IF    Loke     forfer    in     fe     gospeH    fe     Ioye    and    /    fe 

feestes  of  fe  good  man  fat1  had  lost1  his  /  sone.  Whan 

his   sone  wif  repentaunce  was  retourned   to   his  fadere. 

[702]   Can  /  fei  not1  remembre   hem   eke  fat1  as   seif 

seinf  luca   xxiii0.    Hou   fat1    f  e    f  eef    fat1  was    honged  f  Luce  rdijo 

besides  Ihesu  cristes  side  IT  Lord  remembre  on  me  whan 

fou     commest     into     fi     regne.     [703]     fforsotfl     seide 

crist1       to       day       shalf       fou       be       wif       me       in 

paradys  [704]  Certes  fer  nys  noon  so  horrible  synne  of 

PETWORTH    663    (8-T.  647)  P  leaf  293] 


SIX-TEXT    648 

664   GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

man  fat1  it1  ne  may  in  his  lif  be  destroied  by  penytence 
forgh  vertue  of  fe  passiown  and  of  fe  dee])  of  crist1 
[705]  H  Alias  what1  nedef  man  fan  to  be  despeired 
sifens  his  mercy  so  redy  is  to  aske  and  haue 
[706]  U  fan  /  cowmef  sompnolence  fat1  is  scluggy 
sclumbringe  which  makef  a  man  be  hevie  and  dulle  in 
body  and  in  saule  and  fis  synne  coramef  of  scloufe 
[707]  And  certys  fe  tyme  fat1  by  way  of  reson  men 
shuld  not1  sclepe  fat1  is  by  fe  morowe  but1  if  fer  were 
cause  resonable  [708]  11  ffor  sofly  in  fe  morowe  tyde  is 
most1  conable  a  man  to  say  his  preiers  and  for- 
to  fenken  on  god.  and  to  honouren  god  and  to 
$euen  almesse  to  fe  poor  fat1  first1  commen  in  fe  name 

t  Salomon,  of  criste  [709]  1T  Lo  what1  seif  Salomon,  who  so  wil 
by  fe  morowe  awake  to  seke  me.  he  shal  fynde 
[710]  U  Than  cowmeth  necligence  or  rechelesnesse 
fat1  rekketh  of  no  finge  and  how  fat1  ignoraunce  is 
modere  of  al  harme  H  Certes  necligence  is  fe  norice. 
[711]  necligence  ne  dof  no  force  whan  he  shal  done 
eny  finge  whedere  he  do  it1  wel  or  badly 

[712]  II  Of  fe  remedie  of  fise   two   synnes   as  seif 

1  sapiens  fe  wise  /  man  fat1  he  fat1  dredef  god  sparef  not1 
to  done  fat1  hym  o^t1  to  done  [713]  and  he  fat1  louef 
god.  he  wil  do  diligence  to  plese.  god  by  his  werkes 
and  abounden  hym  self  wif  al  his  my^t1  wel  f orto  doon . 
[714]  fan  coramef  ydelnes  fat1  is  fe  ^ate  of  al 
harmes.  An  ydel  man  is  like  to  a  place  fat1  haf  no 
walles  fe  deueH  may  entre  on  euery  side  or  shete 
at1  hym  at1  discouerte  by  temptacion  on  euery  side 
[715]  This  ydelnesse  is  fe  thurrok1  of  al  wikked  and 
vyleyns  fou^tes.  and  of  alle  langelingges  trowfuls  and 
al  ordure  [716]  U  Certes  fe  heuene  is  y^eue  to  hem  fat1 

t  dauid  wil  laboure .  and  nou^t1  to  ydel  folk1  H  Eke  dam'd  l  seif 

fat1  fei  ne  be  not1  in  fe  labour  of  men.  ne  fei  shul 
not  be  whipped  wif  men  fat1  is  to  say  in  purgatorie 

PETWORTH    664.   (6-T.  648)         [i  leaf  293,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    649 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS,   665 

[717]    U   Certes   pan   seme]?   it1,   pei  shul   be   tormented 
wij>  pe  deuel  in  helle  but1  if  pei  done  penitence 

[718]  IT  Than  commep  pe  synne  pat1  mew  clepen 
tarditas  as  was  a  man  is  so  lattred  and  so  tarying1  er 
he  wil  turne  to  god .  and  certes  pat1  is  a  grete  foly . 
he  /  is  like  hyra  pat1  fallep  in  pe  diche  and  wil  not1 
arise .  [719]  And  /  pis  vice  co?7wnep  of  fals  hope .  pat1 
he  penkep  he  shal  lyue  longe.  but1  pat1  hope 
failleth  f ul  oft1 

[720]  Than  commeth  lacchesse  pat1  is  he  pat1  whan  he 
bygjTnnep  eny  good  werk .  anoon  /  he  wil  forlete  it1  and 
stynt1.  as  done  pei  pat1  han  eny  wi^t  to  gouerne 
and  ne  taken  of  hym  no  more  kepe  anoon  as  pei  /  fynden 
eny  contrary  or  eny  anoye  [721]  IT  Thise  ben  pe  newe 
shipardes  pat1  laten  her  shepe  wetyngly  go  rennen  to 
pe  /  wolf  pat1  is  in  pe  breres  or  doon  no  force  of  her  owno 
gouemaunce  [722]  IT  Of  pis  commep  pouerte  and  distraction 
bop  of  spirituel  and  of  temporel  pingges .  Than  commeth 
a  manere  of  coldnesse  pat1  fresep  aH  pe  hert1  of  a  man 
[723]  11  Than  commeth  vndeuocion  porghe  which  a  man  is 
so  blent1 .  And  as  seip  seint1  Bernard*  hap  such  langour  in 
soule  pat1  he  may  neipere  rede  ne  synge  in  holy  church 
ne  penk  on  deuocion  ne  travaille  wip 
his  hondes  in  no  good  werk  pat1  if  ne  is  /  to  hym  vnsauery 
and  al  appalled  [724]  pan  wexep  he  sore  and  /  sclowe  and 
slumbry  and  sone  wil  be  wroop  and  sone  is  /  enclyned 
to  hate  and  to  Envie  [725]  IT  Than  commep  pe  synne  of 
worldly  sorowe .  w/dcfi.  pat1  is  cleped  tristicia  pat1  scleep  a  f  Tristicia  4 
man.  as  seip  seint1  Paule  [726]  ffor  certes  such  sorowe 
wirkep  to  pe  deep  of  pe  saule  and  of  pe  body  IT  Also 
for  pe?'of  commeth  pat  a  man  is  annoyed  of  his  owne  liff 
[727]  Wherfore'such  sorowe  shortep  ful  often  pe  lyf  //  of 
a  man  er  pat1  his  tyme  commen  is  by  way  of  kinde 


PETWORTH    665    (6-T.  649) 


SIX-TEXT    650 

666   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 
[The  Remedy  against  Accidie."] 


[728]  IT  Aseinst  fis  horrible  Synne  of  Accide  and  fe 
braunches  of  fe  same  Ther  is  a  vertue  fat1  is  called 
f  (fortitude./  ffortitudo  or  strenght  fat1  is  an  affeccion  forgh 
which  a  man  despise))  al  noyous  finge  [729]  H  This 
vertue  is  so  my^ty  and  so  vigorous  f  fat1  if  dar  wif  stonde 
my3tely  and  wrastel  a^einst1  fe  Sawtes  of  fe  deueH 
and  wisly  kepen  hym  self  fro  periles  fat1  bene  wikked 
[730]  for  it1  enchaunsef  and  enforsef  fe  soule  lii-$ti  as 
accidy  abate]?  it1  and  niakef  it1  feble.  ffor  fis  fortitude 
may  endure  by  longe  suffraunce  J>e  travailes  fat1  bene 
conable 

[731]  ^  This  vertue  haf  mony  spyces  U  The 
furst1  is  cleped  magnanimitas  .  fat1  is  to  /  saye  grete  corage  . 
ffor  sofly  fer  byhouef  grete  corage  a^einst1  Accidye  lest1 
fat1  it1  swelowe  fe  soul  by  fe  sy?me  of  sorowe.  or 
destroy  it1  by  wanhope.  [732]  This  vertu  makef 
folk  vndertake  harde  fingges.  and  greuous  fingg^s 
by  her  owne  wille  wisely  and  resonably  [733]  And.  for 
as  mocR  as  the  deuel  fightef  a^einst1  man.  more  by 
queynteyse  &  by  scleight1  fan  by  strenghtli  f  erfore  a  man 
shal  withstonde  hym  by  witte  and  by  reson  and  by  dis- 
crecion  [734]  U  Then  ben  /  fer  fe  vertues  of  feif  and 
hope  in  god  and  in  his  seyntes  to  atcheuen  and  accomplise 
fe  good  werkes  in  which  he  pwrposef  feermely 
to  contynue  [735]  U  Than  commef  suerte  or  sikernesse 
and  fat1  is  whan  a  man  ne  doutef  no  travaile  in  tyme 
co?/imynge  of  fe  good  werk1  fat1  a  man  /  haf  bygonne 
[736]  11  Than  commef  Magnificence  .  and  fat1  is  to  sayn  whan 
a  man  dof  and  perfourmef  grete  werkes  of  goodnesse 
fat1  he  haf  bygonne  .  and  fat1  is  f  e  ende  whi  fat1  men  shuld 
doo  good  werkes.  ffor  in  fe  accowplesing1  of  good 
werkes  lith  fe  grete  guerdown  [737]  U  Than  is  fer 
constaunce  fat1  is  stablenesse  of  corage  and  fis  shulde 
be  in  hert1  by  stedfast1  feif  and  in  moufe  and  in 

PETWORTH   666    (6-T.  650)  [i  leaf  294] 


SIX-TEXT    G51 

-GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    G67 

berynge  and  in  chere  and  in  dede  [738]  H  Eke  fer  bene 
moo  /  special  fingges  and  remedies  a^einst  Accidie  in  dyuers 
werkes  and  in  consideracions  of  f  e  pyne  of  h-elle  and  of  f  e 
loye  of  heuene  and  in  fe  trust1  of  fe  grace  of  fe  holy 
goost1  fat1  wil  jeuen  hym  my^t  to  perfourmen  his 
entenfr 

5f  De  auaricia. 

[739] 

Aftere    Accidie    wil    I    speke    of    avarice    and    of 
coueytise     of     which     synne     seif     seint1     Poule  ^  Pauius 
fat1    fe     Roote     of     all     synne     is     coueitise     U     And 
Thimothea  2°Capitulo  .  [740]  ffor  trewly.  whan  fat1  f  e  hert1  of  f  Timothy 
a  man  is  confounded  in  it1  self  and  trouble  and  fat1  fe 
saule   haf   lost1    fe   comforte   of    god    fan   sekef   he   an 
ydel  solace  of  worldly  f  ingges 

[741]  H  Auarice  aftere  fe  scripcion  of  seynf  Austyne  f 
is  a  likerousnesse  in  herte  to  haue  erfely  f  ingges. 
[742]  Som  1ofer  folk1  seyn  fat1  auarice  is  forto 
pwrchace  mony  erfely  fingges  and  no  finge  ^eue 
to  hem  fat1  han  nede  .  [743]  And  vnderstonde  fow  wel  faf 
auarice  nys  not1  oonly  in  lan(J  ne  cateH  but1  som- 
tyme  in  science  and  in  glorie  and  in  euery  manere  of 
outrageous  fingges  is  auarice  and  coueitise  [744]  And 
fe  difference  ytwix  Auarice  and  couetise  is  fis 
Coueitise  is  forto  coueite  suche  fingges  as  fow 
hast1  not1  And  auarice  is  forto  wifholde  and  kepe  suche 
fingges  as  fou  hast1  wif-out1  ^tful  nede  [745]  Sofly 
fis  Auarice  is  a  synne  fat1  is  ful  dampnable  for  al  holy 
writte  cursef  it  and  spekef  a^einst1  it1  ffor  it1  dof 
wronge  to  Ihesu  crist1  [746]  for  it  byreuef  hym  fe  loue 
fat1  men  to  hym  owen  and  turnef  it1  bakward?  a3einst1 
aft  reson  [747]  and  makef  fat1  fe  auaricious  man 
haf  more  hope  in  his  catel  fan  in  Ihesu  crist1  And 


......     no  gap  in  the  MS.]  [748]  ferfore  seif 

45  PETWORTH    667    (6-T.  65l)         []  leaf  294,  back] 


T  Exodi  xx<>; 
capitulo ./ 


SIX-TEXT    652 

668    GROUP  I.    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

seyn  Paule  Ephesws  .5°.  That*  auerous  man  /  haf  more 
hope  in  his  f  raldome  of  ydolatrie 

[749]  11  What1  difference  is  ytwix  an  ydolastre  and 
an  auarous  man  but1  fat1  an  ydolastre  and  an  auarous  man 
ne  haf  but1  a  mawmet1  or  twoof  and  fe  auaricious  man 
haf  monye  ffor  certes  euery  floreyn  in  his  Coffre  is  his 
mawmef  [750]  And  certes  fe  synne  of  Maumetrie  is 
fat1  god  in  fe  ten  /  comaundmentes 
as  beref  witnesse  in  Exod£  capitulo  .xx°.  [751]  Thou  / 
shalf  haue  no  fals  goddes  byf  orn  me  .  Ne  f  ou  shalt  make 
to  fe  no  grauen  finge.  Thus  as  is  an  Auaricious  man 
[.  .  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  IT  And  ydolastre  [752]  forgn" 
his  synne  of  Auarice  and  of  coueitise  commen  fise 
hard  lordshippes  forgh  which  men  ben  strayned 
by  taliages.  custumes  and  cariages  more  fan  /  her 
duete  or  reson  is  1T  And  ellis  take  fei  of  her  bonde 
men  amercementz  which  myghten  more  resonably  be 
cleped  extorcions  fan  amercymentz.  [753]  Of  which" 
amercymentes  and  raunsonynge  of  boond  men  some 
lordes  Stuardes  seyn  fat1  it1  is  ri^htfull  for  as  moche  as 
a  cherle  haf  no  temporeft  f  inge  .  fat1  it1  ne  is  his  lordes 
as  fei  sayne.  [754]  But1  certes  fise  lordshippes  doon 
wronge  fat1  byreuen  her  bonde  folk1  fingges  fat1  fei 
f  Augustinusfa  neuere  ne  $af  hem  ./  Angustinus  de  CiwYate  li&ro  ix°.  [755] 
ko  '  U  Soof  is  fat1  fe  condicion  of  fraldome  and  fe  fursf 

1  Genesis  .5*°  /    cause  of  f  raldome  is  for  synne  .     G[e]neszs  vto. 

[756]  Thus  may  30  seen  fat1  fe  gilt1  deserueth" 
thraldom  1But1  not1  nature  [757]  Wherfor  fise  lordes 
ne  shuld  not1  moche  glorifie  hem  in  her  lordship 
sif  ens  fat1  by  natureli  condicions  fei  bene  [not]  lordes  ouer 
her  f  ralles  .  but  for  fat1  f  raldom  come  furst1  by  desert1  of 
synne.  [758]  And  ferfer  ouer  fer  as  fe  lawe  seif 
fat1  temporeH  goodes  of  bonde  folk  bene  fe  goodes 
of  her  lordshippes  36  fat1  is  forto  vnderstonde  fe  goodes 
of  fe  Emperour  to  defende  hem  in  her  ri^t1  but1  not1 
to  robbe  hem  ne  to  reue  hem.  [759]  IT  And  f  erf  ore 

PETWORTH    668   (6-T.  652)  [i  leaf  295] 


*f[  Seneca 


SIX-TEXT    653 

tmoup  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    669 


5ei}>  Senetf.  Thy  prudence  shuld  lyue  benignely  wif 
fine  frail.  [760]  Thilk1  fat1  fou  clepest1  fine  fraH 
foene  goddys  puple  .  ffor  humble  folk  bene  cristes  frendes 
fei  bene  contubernial  wif  f  e  lord! 

[761]  H  Thenk1  eke  fat1  suche  sede  as  churles  f 
springenf  of  suche  seed  springgen  lordes  .  as  wel  may 
fe  cherle  be  saued  as  fe  lorde.  [762]  fe  same  def  fat1 
takef  f  e  cherle  .  f  e  same  deef  takef  fe  lorde  .  wherfore  I 
rede  do  ri^hfc4  so  wif  fi  cherle  as  fou  woldestf 
fi  lorde  did  wif  fe  if  fou  were  in  his  plite 
[763]  Euery  synful  man  is  a  cherle  to  synne  U  I  rede 
fe  Certes  fat*  fou  lorde  worche  in  suche  wise  fat1 
J>i  cherles  rafer  loue  fe  than  drede  fe  [764] 
H  I  woote  wel  fer  is  degree  aboue  degre  as  reson 
is  and  skiH  is  fat1  men  /  done  her  devoyre  fer  as  it1  is  dwe 
But1  certes  extorcions  and  despites  of  $oure  vnderlyngges  is 
dampnable. 

[765]  And  forther  ouer  vnderstonde  weft  faf 
conquerours  or  tyrauntz  maken  ful  often  fralles  of 
hem  fat1  bene  born  of  as  Eoyal  blood  as  bene  fei  fafc1 
hem  conqueren.  [766]  This  name  of  thraldome  was 
neuere  knowe  erst1  til  f  at*  Noe  seid  fat1  his  sone 
Canaan  shuld  be  fraH:  to  his  breferen  for  his  synne, 
[767]  U  What  say  we  fan  of  hem  fat1  pillen  and  done 
extorcions  to  holy  churche  K  Certes  fe  swerd?  fat* 
me  3euen  furstt  to  a  knyght1  whan  he  is  newe  dubbed 
signifief  fat1  he  shuld  defende  holy  churcR  and 
no^t1  robbe  it1  and  who  so  doof  is  a  traitour* 
to  crist1.  [768]  as  seif  seynt1  Austyne  U  They  bene 
deuels  wolfes  fat4  stranglen  fe  shepe  of  IhesM 
criste  and  bene  wors  fan  wolfes.  [769]  ffor  sofly 
whan  fe  wolf  haf  ful  his  wombe.  He  stynteth  to 
strangle  shepe.  But1  sofly  fe  pylours  and  distroy- 
ours  of  good  of  holy  church  ne  doon  not1  so  for  fei  ne 
stynte  neuere  to  pillen.  [770]  No  was  I  haue  seide  so  sif  ens  so 
is  1fat1  synne  was  furst1  cause  of  thraldome  Than  it1  is 

PETWORTH    669    (6-T.  653)         E1  leaf  295,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    G54 

670   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

bus  bat1  bilk  tyme  bat1  al  bis  world?  was  in  synne 
ban  was  al  bis  worlde  in  braldome  and  in  subiection ./ 
[771]  Butt  certes  siben  be  tyme  of  grace  cam  god 
ordeyned  bat1  some  folk  shuld  be  more  highe  in  estate 
and  hie  degree,  and  some  folk  more  lowe  and  bat1 
eueryche  shulde  be  serued  in  his  estaat/  and  in  degre. 
[772]  And  berfore  in  some  contrey  ber  bei  bene 
bralles  whan  bei  /  han  turned  hem  to  be  feij?  bei  makeii 
her  bralles  free  out*  of  braldome  And  berfor  certes 
be  lorde  oweb  to  his  man  bat1  be  man  oweb  to 
his  lorde  [773]  U  J?e  pope  clepeb  hym  self  seruawnte 
of  Seru<mntes  of  god.  But1  for  as  moche  as  be  state  of 
holy  church  ne  my^tt  not1  han  bee  ne  be  comon 
profite  ne  my^t1  han  be  kept1  ne  pees  and  rest1  in 
erbe  but1  if  god  had  ordeyned  bat1  som  men  han 
hier  degre  and  somme  men  lowere  [774]  U  berfor  was 
souereynte  ordeyned  to  kepe  and  mayntene  and  de- 
fende  her  vnderlyngges  or  her  subiectes  in  reson  as  fer- 
forbe  as  it1  libe  in  her  power  and  not1  to  distroye  hem 
ne  as  f erf  orb  confounde.  [775]  wherfore  I  say  bat*  bilk1  lordes 
bat1  bene  bilk1  wolfes  bat1  deuouren  be  possessions  or 
be  catel  of  poor  folk  wrongfully  wib-outera  mercy  or 
mesure  [776]  ber  shullen  resceyue  by  be  same  mesure 
bat  bei  han  mesured  to  poor  folk1  be  mercy  of  Ihesu 
crist1  but1  it1  be  amended  [777]  51  Now  commeb  despite 
bytwix  Marchaunt1  and  marchaunt1 .  And  bou  shalt1  vnder- 
stonde  bat1  Marchaundise  is  in  mony  maners.  bat1  oon 
is  bodyly  &  bat1  ober  is  goostly.  bat1  oon  is 
leeful  and  bat1  oter  is  dishonest  and  vnlieful 
[778]  51  of  bilk  bodily  marchauwdyse  bat1  is  leeful  and 
honest1  is  bis  bat1  ber  as  god  hath  ordeyned  bat  a 
regne  or  a  centre  is  sufficient1  him  self  ban  is  it1 
honest1  and  lieful  bat1  of  be  habundaunce  of  bis  cuntre 
bat1  men  helpe  anober  cuntre  bai1  is  more  nedye  • 
[779]  and  berfore  bei  mote  be  Marchauntz  to 
bringe  from  bat1  oon  cuntre  to  bat1  ober  her  march- 

PET WORTH    670    (6-T.  654) 


SIX-TEXT   655 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Fetworth  MS,    671 

aurcdise../  [780]  U  That1  of  ere  marchaundise  faf  men 
haunte  wif  fraude  trecherye  and  disceyte  wif 
lesyngges  and  fals  of  es  is  cursed  and  dampnable . 
[781]  H  Espirituel  Marchaundise  lis  proprely  Symonye 
faf  is  ententif  desire  to  by  jjenk*  espirituel  that1  is 
fing1  faf  apperteynef  to  fe  sentuary  of  god  and  to 
cure  of  fe  soule.  [782]  This  desire  if  so  be  fat1  a 
man  do  hys  diligence  to  perfourme  if  al  be  it1  fat1  his 
desire  ne  take  noon  effecte  ^if  is  if  to  hym  a  dedly 
synne  and  if  he  be  ordred  he  is  aregulere  [783]  U  Certes 
Symony  is  cleped  of  Symon  magus  faf  wolde  haue 
bou3f  fe  temporel  CateH./  fe  3iff  faf  god  had  3euen  / 
by  fe  holy  goosf  to  seinf  Peter  and  to  fe  apostels./ 
[784]  And  f erf ore  vnderstondef  faf  bof  he  faf 
sellef  and  he  fat1  byetll  fingges  espirituH  bene 
cleped  Symonyals  be  if  catel  be  if  procurynge 
or  by  flesshly  preier  of  his  frendes  or  of  spirituel 

frendes  [785]  [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Sofly  if  fei  prey  for  hym  faf  is  nof  able  ne  worfi.  if 

is  Symonye .  If  he  take  fe  benefice  and  if  he  be  worfi  and 

able  he  nys  noon.  [786]  H  Thaf  ofer  maner  is  if  a  man 

or  a  womman  preyef  for  folk  to  auazmsen  hem  /  only  for 

wikked  flesshly  affectiofi  faf  fei  han  vnto  fe  persones 

and  faf  is  in  foule  Symonye.  [787]  Buf  certes  in  seruice 

for    which    men     3euen     fingges    espirituels    vnto     her 

seruawntes    If    inosf    be    vnderstonde    faf    fe    seruise 

mosf  be   honesf   and    ellis    nof.    and   eke    faf   hit    be 

wif    ouf    barganynge    and    faf    fe    persone    be    able. 

[788]  ffor  as  seif  seinf  Damasie  ^1  Alle  J>e  synnes  of  fe 

world{  af  f  e  regarde  of  this  synne  bene  as  a  f  inge  of  nou3f . 

ffor  if  is  fe  grettesf  synne  faf  may  be  aftere  2fe  synne  P-8  repeated  i* 

of  lucifer2  and  of  antecrisf  [789]  for  by  fis  synne  god 

forlesef    fe    churche   and    fe    soule   faf    he    bou3t    wif 

his  precious  blood  by  hem   faf  3euen  chirches  to  hem 

J>af  bene  not  digne.   [790]  ffor  fei  putten  in  feues  faf 

PETWORTH    671    (6-T.  655)  [i  leaf  296] 


SIX-TEXT    G56 

672    GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

stelen  pe  soules  of  Ihesu  crist  and  distroyep  his  patry- 
moyne  [791]  by  suche  vndigne  preestes  and  curates 
Jian  men  pe  lasse  reuerence  of  pe  sacramentes  of 
holy  churche .  And  suche  ^euers  of  churches  putten  out1 
pe  children  of1  crist.  and  putten  in  pe  churche  pe 
deuels  owne  sone.  [792]  pel  sellen  pe  soules 
Jje  lombes  shulden  kepen  to  pe  wolf  paf  strangle]) 
hem  and  perfore  shul  pei  neuere  haue  parte 
of  pe  pasture  of  lambes  fat  is  pe  blisse  of 

ofHasardry  heuene .  [793]  H  Now  commep  hasardy  with  his  a1pur- 
tyncmnces  as  tables  and  Rafuls  of  which  commep  disceite 
fals  opes  chidyngges  and  a-ft  ravanys  blasphemynge 
and  reneiynge  of  god  and  hate  of  his  neghbours  waast1 
of  good  in  spendyng1  of  tyme  and  somtyrae  marcnys 
sclaughter  [794]  Certes  hasardours  ne  may  not1  be 
wip-out1  grete  synne  pe  whiles  pei  haunte  pat1  craft  [795] 
Of  Auarice  commej)  eke  lesingges .  Jjeeftfand  falswitnesse .  and 
fals  oj?es  and  36  shal  vnderstonde  pat1  pise  bene  grete  synnes 
and  expresse  a3einst1  pe  comaundementz  of  god  as  I  haue 

f  De  faiso  testi-  sai(J  [796]  If  £fals  witnesse  is  in  worde  and  eke  in  dede 
In  worde  as  forto  byreue  pine  nei^bours  good  name 
by  pi  fals  witnessinge  or  byreue  hym  his  Cateti  or  his 
heritage  by  pi  fals  witnessinge .  whan  pou  for  Ire  or 
for  mede  or  for  envie  berest1  fals  witnesse  or  accusest 
hym.  or  excusest  hym  by  pi  fals  witnesse.  or  ellis  ex- 
cusesf  pine  self  falsly.  [797]  ware  ^ou  questmongers  and 
notaries.  Certes  for  fals  witnessyng1  was  S-usanna  in 
grete  sorowe  &  peyn  and  mony  anoper  moo  [798]  II  The 

*;  He  ffurto  synne  of  peft  is  eke  expres  a^einst  goddes  heest1  and  pat1  in 
two  maners  corporett  and  spirituett  [799]  [Corporeli] 
as  for  to  take  pine  neighbours  cateH  a^einsf  his  wille. 
be  ifr  by  force  or  by  scleight1  by  it1  by  mette  or  by  mesure . 
[800]  By  stelynge  eke  of  fals  enditenientz  vpon  hym  and 
in  borowinge  of  pine  neighbours  CateH  in  entent1  neuer 
to  pay.  And  semplable  pingges  [80 1]  es- 
pirituett  peft1  is  sacrilege  pat1  is  to  seyn  hurt- 

PETWORTH    672    (6-T.  666)         [i  leaf  296,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    657 

GKOUP  I,    §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS.   673 

ynge  of  holy  pingges  or  of  pingges  sacred  to  crist  in  two 
maners  by  reson  of  pe  holy  place  as  churches  or 
chirch  hawes.  [802]  for  euery  vyleyns  synne  pat1 
men  doon  in  suche  places  may  be  cleped  Sacrilegge  or 
euery  violence  in  pe  semblable  places ./  IT  Also  pei  pat1 
wipdrawen  falsly  pe  ri^tes  fat1  longen  to  holy 
church.  [803]  And  pleynly  and  generally  sacrilege 
is  to  jeue  holy  pinge  fro  holy  place,  or  vnholy 
pinge  out1  of  holy  place,  or  holy  ping*  out1  of  vn- 
holy place 

[The  Remedy  against  Avarice.] 


[804]  U  Now  shul  $e  vnderstonde  pat1  pe  releuyng  of  f  Reueiaei<» 
Auarice  is  misericord  and  pite  largely  taken./ 
If  And  men  my^ten  axen  why  pat1  misericorde  and  pite 
is  releuynge  of  auarice  [805]  f  Certes  pe  Auarous 
1man  scheweth  no  pite  ne  misericord*  to  pe  nedeful 
man  ffor  he  delitep  hym  in  pre  kepingges  of  his  tresoure 
and  not  in  pe  reskowinge  ne  releuing1  of  his  euen- 
cristen  and  perfore  speke  I  furst1  of  misericorde 
[806]  pan  is  misericorde  as  seip  pe  philosophre 
U  A  vertue  by  whiche  pe  corage  of  a  man  is  stired  by  pe 
myssese  of  hym  pat1  is  myssesed  [807]  vpon  which 
misericord  folowep  pite  in  perfourmynge  of  charitable 
werkes  of  misericord!.  [808]  And  certes  pise 
meuen  man  to  pe  misericord?  of  Ihesu.  crist4  pat1 
hym  self  for  our  gilt1  suffred  deeth  for  misericord? 
and  for^aue  vs  our  origynal  synnes  [809]  and  per-by 
relesed  vs  fro  pe  peyne  of  helle  and  amenusep  pe 
peynes  of  purgatorie  by  penytence.  and  ^euep  grace 
wel  to  doo.  and  at1  pe  last  pe  loie  of  heuene  [810]  The 
spices  of  misericorde  bene  as  forto  lene.  and  forto  $eue  /  and 
forto  [.  .  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.]  relees .  and  for  to  haue 
pite  in  hert1  and  compassion  of  pe  meschief  of  his 

PET  WORTH    673   (G-T.  657)  [Ueaf2973 


SIX-TEXT 

674   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS, 

euencristen .  and  eke .  chastise  f  er  as  nede  is 
[811]  II  Anofer  maner1  remedy  a3einst1  Auarice  is 
resonable  largesse.  But1  softy  here  byhoueth  fe  con- 
sideraciofl  of  fe  grace  of  Thesu  crist  and  of  his 
temporeH  goodes  and  eke  of  fe  goodes  perdurables 
fat1  crist1  ^aue  vs.  [812]  and  eke  to  haue  remembrannce  of 
f  e  deef  fat1  he  shal  haue  he  noott  not1  whan . 
and  eke  fat1  he  shal  forgoon  all  fat1  he  hafe 
[.  .  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  dispended  in  good 

[813]  11  But1  for  as  moche  as  some  folk  bene  vnmesur- 
able  men  ou^ten  eschewe  fool  largesse  fat1  men 
clepen  waast1  [814]  Certes  he  fat1  is  fool  large  ne 
^eueth  not1  his  cateH.  but  he  lesef  his  cateH.  Soofly 
what1  finge  fat1  he  ^euef  for  veyn  glorie  as  to 
Mynstralles  and  to  folk  forto  byreuen  his  renown  in  fe 
world'  he  haf  do  /  [synne  and  non]  almesse. 
[815]  ce[r]tes  he  lesef  foule  his  good  fat1  he  ne  sekef 
no  finge  of  his  good  but1  synne . 
[8 1 6]  he  is  like  to  an  hors  fat1  sekef  rafer  to  drink1 
drovy  or  troubly  watere  fan  of  fe 
clere  welle  [817]  And  for  as  moche  as  fei  3eue  fere 
as  fei  shuld!  not  ^eue  to  hem  apperteynef  filk 
malyson  fat1  criste  shal  3euen  at1  fe  day  of  dome  to 
hem  fat1  shul  be  dampned .  / 


De  Gula  / 


[818] 


U  Guia./.  A  ftere  Auarice  coramef  glotenye  which"  is  expresse  eke 

-fjL  a^einst1  fe  comaundemenf  of  god  H  Gloteny  is 
vnmesurable  appetif  to  ete  or  to  drink1  or  ellis 
to  doon  ynogfi  to  fe  vnmesurable  and  discord? 
coueityse  to  ete  and  to  drynk1  [819]  U  This  synne  cor- 
rumpef  al  fis  world?  as  is  wel  shewde  in  1in  fe  synne  of 

y  Pauius  Adam  and  of  Eua  U  Loo  eke  what1  seif  seynt1  Paule  of 

gloteny  [820]  U  Mony  seif  seint1  Paule  goon  of  whicli 

PETWORTH    674   (6-T.  66S)         [*  kaf  297, back] 


SIX-TEXT    659 

GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   675 

I  haue  off  seide  to  3011.  and*  no  we  I  seie  if  wepynge 
Jmf  Jjei  bene  Enemyes  of  J?e  crois  of  crisf  of 
which  ]?e  ende  is  deej?  and  of  which"  her  woombe  is 
her  god  and  her  glorye  in  confusion  of  hem  )>af  so 
saueren  erj>ely  J>ingges  [821]  he  paf  is  vsanf  to 
Jns  synne  of  glotenye  he  ne  may  no  synne  wijjstonde. 
he  /  mote  bene  in  seruage  of  aH  vices .  for  if  is  J?e  deuels 
hoorde  )>er  [he]  hide]?  him  and  restej)  [822]  H  This 
synne  ha]>  mony  spices  H  The  fursf  is  drcnknes 
Jmf  is  J?e  horrible  sepulcre  of  mannys  reson  And  J?er- 
fore  whan  Jmf  a  man  is  dronken  .  he  ha])  losf  his  reson  and 
pis  is  dedly  synne  [823]  H  Buf  certes  whan  a 
man  is  naf  wonte  to  straunge  drynk  and  perauenture  ne 
knowej)  nof  ]?e  strength  of  j?e  drynk1  or  hap  feblenesse 
in  his  hede  or  ha)?  travailled  )>orgh  which  he  drinke}) 
)je  moore  al  be  he  sodeynly  can^te  wi]?  drink1  if  is  no 
dedly  synne.  buf  venial  [824]  1T  The  secounde  spice  of 
Gloteny  is  jjaf  }>Q  spirif  of  a  man  wexej>  al  trouble, 
for  dronknesse  byreuej?  hym  pe  discrecion  of  his  witte 
[825]  5I  The  )>red  spice  of  gloteny  is  whan  a  man 
deuourej)  his  mete  and  hajj  no  ri^t-ful  maner1  of  etynge 
[826]  H  The  fourte  is  whan  jjorgh  ]?e  grete  habund- 
aunce  of  his  mete  J>e  humours  of  his  body  bene  dis- 
tempred  [827]  11  The  v.  is  for^etelnesse  by  to  mochel 
drynkynge.  ffor  which  somtyme  a  man  fo^etej?  by  J?e 
morowe  whaf  he  did  af  Eue  or  on  J)e  ny^f  byfor 

[828]  H  In  oper  manere  bene  distincte  of  vices  &  spices  of 
glotenye  aftere  seinf  Gregorie  H  The  fursf  is  forto  ete  by-  f 
fore  tyme.  The  secounde  whan  a  man  getej)  hym 
to  delicate  mete  [829]  H  The  iij.  is  whan 
men  taken  to  moche  ouere  mesure  II  The  4  is 
curiosite  wij>  grete  entenf  to  maken  and  apparailen 
his  mete  H  The  .v.  is  forto  eten  to  gredely  [830]  Thise 
bene  the  .v.  fyngers  of  jje  /  deueies  honde.  by  which" 
he  drawej)  folk1  to  synne 

PETWORTH    675    (6-T.  659) 


SIX-TEXT    660 

676   QEOU?  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

[The  Remedy  against  Gluttony.] 

f  Remedittm ./  [83 1]  II  A3emstf  glotenye  is  the  remedy  abstinence  of  his 
body  as  seip  Galien.  but1  pat1  hold?  I  not1  meritorie  if 
he  do  it1  only  for  pe  help  of  his  body  U  Seynt1 

1  Aug«s«»ws.  austyne  wil  pat1  abstinence  be  doon  for  vertue  & 
wip  pacience  [832]  U  Abstinence  he  seip  is  litel  worp . 
but1  if  a  /  man  haue  good  wille  perto  /  and  but1  if  it  be  enforced 
by  pacience  and  by  charite  and  pat1  men  doon  it1  for 
goddys  /  sake  and  in  hope  to  haue  pe  blisse  of  heuene 

[833]  U  The  felowes  of  abstynence.  bene  attemper- 
aunce  pat1  haldep  pe  mene  in  alle  1pingges  U  Eke 
shame  pat1  eschewep  aH:  dishoneste .  Su&saunce  pat1 
sekep  no  riche  metes  ne  drinkes  ne  doop  noo  force  of  noon  / 
outrageous  apparaillynge  of  mete  [834]  Mesure  also 
pat1  restreynep  by  reson  pe  delaue  appetite  of  etynge. 
Sobrenesse  also  pat1  restreynep  pe  outrage  of  drynk. 
[835]  Sparyng1  also  pat1  restreynep  pe  delicate  eese  to 
sitte  longe  atte  mete  and  softly  //  wherfore  some  folk* 
stonden  of  her  owne  wille  and  to  ete^  at1  pe  lasse  leisere 

II  De  Inxuria  Sequitur ./ 

p36] 

^1  Luxtma  A    ftere      Gloteny      commep       lecherye .      ffor       pise 

.jLjL  two  synnes  ben  so  nygh  Cosyns  pat1  often  tyme 
pei  wil  not1  departe./  [837]  God  woote  pis 
synne  is  f ul  displesaunt1  ping1  to  god .  ffor  he  /  seip  hym 
self .  do  no  lecherye .  And  perfore  he  puttep  grete  peynes 
a^einst1  pis  synne .  As  in  pe  olde  lawe .  [838]  U  If  WO?TI- 
man  pral  were  taken  in  pis  synne .  she  shuld  be 
beten  wip  staues  to  pe  dethe  And  if  she  were  a  gentile 
woraman  she  shulde  be  sclayn  with  stones  And  if  she 
were  a  bishoppes  doubter1  f  she  shuld  be  brent1  by 
goddis  comanndement1  [839]  U  fferpermore  by  pe 
synne  of  lecherye  f  god  draynt1  al  pe  world*  at1  pe 

PETWORTH    676   (6-T.  660)  [i  leaf  298] 


SIX-TEXT    661 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS,    677 

diluve.     And     after    fat1    he     brent1     .v.     Citees     wif 
li^t1  and  sonke  hem  into  helle 

[840]  U  Nowe  lat1  vs  speke  fan  of  filk1  stynkinge 
synne  of  lechery.  fat1  men  clepen  aduoutrie  of  wedded 
folk  fat1  is  to  say  if  fat1  oon  of  hem  be  wedded 
or  ellis  boo]?  [841]  II  Seint1  lohn  seif  fat*  f  e  aduoutrers 
schullen  be  in  helle  in  a  stynk1  brennyng1  of  fnyre  and 
of  bremstoon .  In  fuyre  for  lechery .  In  bremstone  for  f  e 
stynke  of  her  ordure  [842]  II  Certes  fe  brekinge  of 
fis  sacrament1  is  an  horrible  finge.  it1  was  made  of 
god  hym  self  in  Paradise  and  conformed  by  Thesu  crist1  as 
wittnessef  seint1  Mathewe  in  f  e  gospeH:  51  A  man  shal  lete 
fadere  and  modere  and  take  lajm  to  his  wiff  and  fei 
shul  be  twoo  in  oo  flessh"  [843]  IT  This  sacrament1  bytoken- 
ef  fe  knyttyng1  to-gidere  of  crist1  and  of  holy  churche. 
[844]  and  natt  oonly  fat1  god  forbad  aduoutrie  in  bedde . 
but1  eke  he  comaunded  fat1  f  ou  shuldest1  not1  coveyte  fine 
neighbours  wiff  [845]  H  In  fis  heest1  seif  seint1 
Austyne  is  for-boden  al  manere  coueitise  to  doon 
lecherie  H  Loo  what1  seif  seint1  Mathewe  f  e  .v.  chapitle/in  f  e 
gospeH: .  fat1  who  so  seef  a  womman  to  coueitise  of  his  lust .  he 
haf  doon  lecchery  wif  her  in  his  hert  [846]  51  Here  may  30 
see  fat1  not1  oonly  fe  dede  of  this  synne  is  forbodef 
but1  eke  f  e  desire  to  doon  fat1  synne  [847]  H  This  cursed 
1  synne  annoy ef  greuously  hem  fat1  it1  haunten  and  first1 
to  her  saule  for  he  obligef  it1  to  synne  and  to  peyne  of 
f  e  deef  /  fat1  is  perdurable .  [848]  vnto  f  e  body  annoyef 
it1  greuously  also  for  it1  drief  hym  and  waastef  hym  /  and 
[.  .  no  gap  in  MS.]  of  his  blood  he  makef  sacrifice  to  f  e 
feende  of  helle.  hit1  waastef  eke  his  cateH  and  his  substannce. 
[849]  &  certes  if  it1  be  a  foule  fing1  a  man  to  waast1 
his  cateH  on  wommen .  ^if  is  if  a  foulere  f inge  whan  fat1 
for  such  ordure  wo?7imen  dispenden  vpon  men  her  catett 
and  her  substannce  [850]  H  This  synne  as  seif  the  prophete 
byreuef  man  and  womman  her  good  fame  and  al  her 
honure  and  it1  is  ful  plesaunt  to  fe  deuel.  for  ferby 

PETWORTH    677    (6-T.  66l)         C1  leaf 298,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    G62 

678   GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

wynneth  he  fe  most1  partie  of  fis  world? 
[851]  And  rijti  as  a  marchannte  delitef  hym  most? 
in  chaffare  fat1  he  haf  most1  aucmntage  of  Ri^t1. 
»o  delitef  f  e  feende  in  fis  ordure 

[852]  this  is  fat1  ofer  hand  of  fe  deuel  wif  .v. 
fyngres  to  cacche  fe  puple  to  his  vilanye  [853]  U  The 
first1  fynger  is  f  e  foolissh  lokinge  of  the  foolyssh  man 
or  the  folissh"  wowman  fat1  scleef  ri^t1  as  fe  basilicok 
scleef  folk1  by  f  e  venyme  of  his  /  sight1 .  ffor  f  e  Coueityse 
of  fe  eyen  folowef  fe  couetise  of  fe  herte  [854]  IT  That1 
ofer  fynger  is  f  e  vileyns  touchynge  •  in  wicked 
maner*  And  ferfore  seij?  Salomon,  fat1  who  so 
touchef  and  handlef  a  wo?wman.  he  faref  like  hyw 
fat1  handlef  fe  scorpion  fat1  styngef  and  sodeynly 
scleef  fourgh  his  enuenemynge.  As  who  so  touchef 
warme  picch.  he  shent1  his  fyngres  [855]  H  The  iij  is 
foolissh  wordes  fat1  faref  lich  fire  f af  brerinef  .  fat1  ri^t1  anoon 
brennef  fe  herte,  [856]  11  The  iiij.  is  fe 
kissynge.  And  sofly  he  were  a  grete  fool  fat1  wolde 
kysse  fe  mouf  of  a  brennyng1  ouen  or  of  a  forneys. 
[857]  And  /  more  fooles  bene  fei  fat1  kissen  in  vileynye 
for  fat1  mouf  is  fe  moufe  of  helle.  And  namely  fise 
olde  dotardes  holours  3^  wil  fei  kisse  fou3e 
fei  may  not1  do .  and  smatere  hem  [858]  11  Certes  fei 
bene  like  to  houndes .  ffbr  an  hounde  whan  he  commef  by 
fe  Rosere  or  by  ofer  bewtees  fou^e  he  may  not1 
pisse .  3it  wil  he  heuene  vp  his  legge  and  make  cown- 
tenatmce  to  pisse.  [859]  And  for  fat1  mony  man  wenetfi. 
f  af  he  may  m^t1  synne  for  no  likerousnesse  fat1  he  dof 
with  his  wiff  Certes  fat1  opynyon  is  fals  H  God  woote  a 
man  /  may  sole  hym  self  wif  his  owne  knyff.  And  maken 
hym  druw,ke  wif  his  owne  tunge  [860]  Certes 
be  it1  wif  or  childe  or  eny  worldly  fing1  fat1  he 
loueth  to-fore  god  it1  is  his  mameut1  and  he  is  his  ydolastre 
[86 1]  U  A  man  shuld  loue  his  wiff  by  discrecion 
paciently  and  temperally  And  fan  is  she  as  it1 

PETWORTH    678   (6-T.  662) 


SIX-TEXT    663 

GROUP  I.   §  2.  PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    679 

were  his  suster*  [862]  U  The  .v.  1fynger)  of  fe  deuels 
honde  is  f  e  stynkynge  dede  of  lecherie  [863]  Certes  f  e  .v. 
fyngers  of  glotenye  f  e  f ende  putte  in  f  e  wombe  of  a  man . 
and  wif  fise  .v.  fyngers  of  lecherie  he  gripe]?  hyra  by 
fe  Eaynes  forto  frowe  hym  into  fe  fornais  of 
helle .  [864]  f  er  as  f  ei  /  shul  han  f  e  f  uyr1  and  f  e  wormes 
fat1  euere  shul  lasten.  and  wepyng1  and  waillyng1. 
sharp  hunger*  and  frest1.  Grislynesse  of  deuels 
fat1  shullen  alto  treden  hem  wif-outen  respite  and  with- 
outen  eende  [865]  H  Of  lecchery  as  I  seide  sourden 
dyuers  spices  As  fornicacion  fat1  is  bytwix  man 
and  woraman  fat1  bene  not1  inaried.  and  fis  is  dedly 
synne  and  a^einst1  nature .  [866]  for  al  fat1  is  enemye  and 
destruction  to  nature  is  a3einst1  nature.  [867]  Parfay  f  e 
reson  of  a  man  telleth  hym  eke  wel  fat1  it1  is  dedly 
synne  for  as  mociL  as  god  forbode  lechery.  And  seintt 
Paule  $euef  hym  fe  regne  fat1  is  due  to  no  wi^t 
U  But1  to  hem  fat1  doon  dedly  synne  [868]  U  A  nof er  synne 
of  lechery  is  forto  byreuen  a  maide  of  her  maidenhode . 
ffor  certes  he  fat1  so  doof  he  caccheth  a  mayde  out1 
of  fe  hiest1  degree  fat1  is  in  fis  present1  liff  [869]  and 
byreuef  hure  filk1  pr[e]cious  fruyte  fat1  fe  boke  clepef 
f  e  hundred?  fruyte  I  ne  can  not1  say  it1  in  noon  of  er  way  in 
englissh.  but1  in  latyne  it1  hight1  Centesimws  fructua 
[870]  Certes  he  fat  so  dof  is  cause  of  mony 
damages  and  vilenyes  moo  fan  eny  man  can  rekne 
Ri^t1  as  he  somtyme  is  cause  of  aft  Damages  fat1  beestes 
doon  in  fe  feelde  fat1  brekef  fe  hegge  or  fe  closure 
forowe  which  he  distroief  fat1  may  not1  be  restored. 
[871]  ffor  certes  no  more  may  maidenhede  be  re- 
stored, fan  an  harme  smyte  fro  fe  body  may 
retourne  a3ein  to  wexe.  [872]  She  may  haue  mercy  fis 
wote  I  weft  if  she  doo  penitence,  but1  neuer  shal  it1 
be  fat1  she  nas  corrupte .  [873]  And  al  be  it1  so  fat1 1  haue 
spoken  somwhat1  of  aduoutrie.  it1  is  good  to  shewen  moo 
periles  fat1  longen  to  aduoutrie  forto  eschewe  fe  foule 

PETWORTH    679    (6-T.  663)  C1  leaf  299] 


SIX-TEXT    GG4 

680    GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

e.ynne  of  [874]  aduoutrie  11  Auoutry  in  latyne  is  forto  seyne 
approchinge  of  an  of  er  mannys  bed .  f  oorgR  which  f  oo  f  af 
•whilom  were  oo  flessn" .  abounden  her  body  to  of  er  personeS 
[875]  U  Of  fis  synne  as  seif  fe  wise  man  coramef 
mony  harmes  1[  ffirst  brekinge  of  fei  feif .  And  certes 
feif  is  keye  of  cristendome  [876]  And  whan  faf 
feif  is  broke  and  lorne.  sofly  cristendome  stanf» 
{veyne]  And  wif-ouf  fruyte  [877]  fis  synne  is  eke  a 
feef ./  H  ffor  f  eeff  generalli  to  speke  is  forto  Eeue  a  wi^frhis 
f  ing1  a3einsf  his  wille .  [878]  Certes  fis  is  f  e  foulest1  f  eff 
that  may  be.  whan  'a  wowman  stele Jj  her  body  from 
her  husboncfc  and  $euelp  if  to  her  holour  to  defoule 
her*  and  stele])  her  soule  from  crisf  &  ^euej?  if  to 
J?e  deuel .  [879]  This  is  a  foule[r]  )>eff  fan  forto  stele  or  breke 
J?e  chalice  from  J>e  autere.  ffor  fise  aduoutrers 
breken  J>e  temple  of  god  spirituelly  and  stelen  fe  vesseH: 
of  grace  J?af  is  J)e  body  and  J?e  saule.  ffor  which  crisf 
shal  destroien  hem  as  seij?  seynf  Paule.  [880]  U  So]?ly 
of  fis  peff  douted  gretly  losepR  whan  J?af  his  lordys 
wif  preide  hym  of  vilanye  whan  he  saide  IT  lo  my  lorde 
howe  my  lady  ha)>  take  to  me  vnder  my  ward?  al  J>af  he 
haj)  in  J>is  world?,  ne  no  fing1  of  his  ou^f  ol 
my  pouer*  buf  oonly  30  faf  bene  his  wiff  [88 1]  and 
howe  shuld?  I  fan  doon  fis  wikkednesse  &  synne  so 
horribli  a3einst  god.  god  if  forbede. 
Alias  al  to  litel  is  suche  troufe  now  yfounde  [882]  IT  The 
iij.  harme  is  the  filfe  forowe  fe  which  ]?ei  breken 
fe  comaundemen  of  god  and  defoulen  fe  autere  of 
her  matrimoyne  faf  is  crisf  [883]  ffor  certes  in  so  moche 
as  fe  sacramenf  of  manage  is  so  noble  and  so  digne .  So 
moche  if  is  fe  gretter  synne  forto  breke  if.  ffor  god 
made  mariage  in  paradys  in  fe  estate  of  Innocence  to 
multiplie  mankynde  to  fe  seruice  of  god.  [884]  and 
ferfore  is  fe  brekinge  ferof  greuous.  Of  which 
breking1  cowmen  fals  heires  often  tyme  faf  wrongfulli 
occupien  folkes  heritage  and  ferfore  wil  crisf  putte 

PETWOIITH    680   (6-T.  664)        [Meaf  299,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    665 

GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    681 

hem  ouf  of  pe  regne  of  heuene  paf  is  heritage  to  good 
folk  [885]  H  Of  )>is  broking1  comrnep  eke  oft1  tymes  paf 
folk  vnware  wedden  or  synnen  with  her  owne  kynrede. 
and  namely  pilk1  harlottes  pat1  haunten  bordels  5f  Of  thise 
fool  wowmen  paf  mowen  be  likned  to  a  comune  gonge 
wher  as  men  purge  her  ordure  [886]  II  What*  say  we 
eke  of  putours  paf  lyuen  by  pe  horrible  synne  of  Putrie 
and  constreynen  woramen  30  somtyme  his  owne  wiff  or 
his  childe  as  doon  pise  bawdes  to  3eelden  hem  a  certeyn 
rent1  of  her  bodily  putrie  Certes  pise  bene  cursed 
synnes  [887]  If  Vnderstondep  eke  paf  aduoutrie  is  sette 
gladly  in  the  x.  comaundementz  bytwix  peff  and  man* 
nys  sclaughter .  for  it1  is  pe  grettesf  pef  f  pat1  may  be .  fibr  if 
is  peeff  of  body  and  soule  [888]  and  it1  is  like 
homycide  ffor  if  keruep  a  twoo  and  brekep  a  twoo  hem 
paf  fursf  were  ymaked  oo  flessh.  and  perfor  by  pe  olde 
lawe  pei  1shuld  be  sclayn  [889]  But1  napelees  by 
pe  lawe  of  Ihesu  crist1  pat1  is  pe  lawe  of  pite  whan  he 
saide  to  pe  wominan  pat1  was  /  founde  in  aduoutrie 
and  shulct  haue  bene  sclayn  wip  stones  aftere  pe  wille  of  pe 
Iwes  as  was  her  lawe  H  Go  quod  ihesu  crist  and  haue  no 
more  wille  to  do  synne  or  wil  no  more  to  do  synne 
[890]  Soply  vengeaunce  of  aduoutrie  is  a- warded 
to  pe  peyne  of  helle  but1  if  be  destroubled 
by  penawnce  [891]  1T  3if  bene  pere  moo  spices  of  pis  cursed 
synne .  as  whan  paf  oon  of  hem  is  religious  or  ellis  boop . 
or  of  folk  paf  bene  entred  into  ordere  as  subdeken 
or  deken  or  preesf  or  hospitalers,  and  euer  pe  hier  paf 
he  is  in  ordere  pe  gretter  is  pe  synne  [892]  The 
pingges  paf  gretly  aggreggen.  his  synne  is  pe  breking1 
of  his  avowe  of  chaastite  whan  he  receyuep  order1. 
[893]  And  ferper  ouer.  soop  is  paf  holy  order*  is  cheef 
of  aH  pe  tresour  of  god .  And  his  especial  syngne  and  marke 
of1  chaastite  to  shewe  paf  pei  bene  loyned  to  chastite 
which  paf  is  pe  moosf  precious  lif  paf  is.  [894]  And 
eke  pise  ordred  folk1  bene  specially  tytled  to  god .  and  of  pe 

PETWORTH    681    (6-T.  665)  [UeafSOO] 


SIX-TEXT    666 

682   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

special  mayne  of  god.  fibr  which  whan  foi  doon  dedly 
synne  fei  bene  fe  special  traitours  of  god  and  of  his 
puple.  ffor  fei  lyuen  of  fe  puple  to  prey  for  fe  puple. 
And  while  fer  bene  sucn  traitours  her  preiers  availlen 
not1  to  fe  puple./  [895]  11  Preestes  bene  as  aungels  as  by 
]>e  dignite  of  hir  mysterye  U  But1  forsof  seynt1  poule 
seif.  fat  sathanas  transformef  hym  into  an  aungeH  of 
lijt1.  [896]  Sofly  fe  preest1  fat1  hauntef 
synne  he  may  be  likned  vnto  fe  aungel  of  derknesse. 
transformed  in  fe  aungel  of  lijti  U  He  seme]?  aungel 
of  lijtt.  but1  forsof  he  is  aungel  of  derknesse 
[897]  H  Suche  preestes  bene  fe  sones  of  Belye.  as 
schewef  in  fe  boke  of  kyngges  fat1  fei  weren  J>e 
sones  of  Belial  fat1  is  fe  deuett  [898]  Belial  is  to  say 
wif-out1  luge,  and  so  faren  fei.  hem  fenke 
f ei  bene  free  and  han  no  luge  no  more  fan  haf  a  free 
boole  fat1  takef  which  kowe  fat1  him  litek  in  fe 
toune.  [899]  So  faren  fei  by  wemmen.  fibr  ri^t1  [as]  a 
fre  bulle  is  ynou3e  for  al  a  toune  Kist1  so  is  a  /  wikked 
preesf  corrupte  ynough  for  al  a  parissh  or  att  a 
cuntree  [900]  Thise  preestes  as  seif  fe  boke  ne 
kon  nott  f  e  mysterye  of  preesthode  to  f  e  puple .  ne  god  ne 
knowef  1hem  nou^They  ne  holden  hem  no^tta-paideas  seif 
f  e  boke  of  soden  flessh  fat1  was  to  hem  ofired  but1  fei 
toke  by  force  fe  flesshe  fat1  is  rawe  [901]  Certes  ri^t1  so 
f  ise  schrewes  ne  holdene  hem  not1  a-paide  of  rosted  flessh 
and  soden  flessfr  wif  f  e  which  f  e  pupeH  fedden  hem  in 
grete  reuerence.  But1  fei  wil  haue  rawe  flessh  as  folkes 
wyues  and  her  doughtren  [902]  IF  And  certes 
wommen  fatt  consenten  to  her  harlotrie  done  grete 
wronge  to  cn'sf  and  to  holy  churche  and  to  alhalowes  and 
to  aH  saules  ffor  fei  byreuen  al  f ese  hym  fat1  shulde 
worshipen  crist1  and  holy  church  and  prey  for  cristen 
saules  [903]  And  f  erf  ore  han  suche  preestes  and  her 
lemmans  eke  fat1  consenten  to  her  leccherie  f  e  malison 
of  fe/  courte  cristen  to  fei  come  to  amendement1 

PETWORTH    682    (6-T.  666)         [Meaf  300,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    667 

GROUP  I,   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS.    683 

[904]  IT  The  iij  spice  of  aduoutrie  Is  somtyme  by-twene 
a  man  and  his  wiff.  &  fat1  is  whan  fei  taken  no  reward 
in  her  assemblynge  but1  only  to  her  flesshly  delite  as 
seif  seint1  lerom.  [905]  and  ne  rekken  of  nofinge  but1  7 
fat1  fei  bene  assembled  by  cause  fat1  fei  bene  ymaried. 
al  is  good  ynou^e  as  fenkef  to  hem  [906]  But1  in  suche 
folk  haf  f  e  deuel  pouer  as  seide  f  e  aungel  Raphael 
to/  Thobie.  ffor  in  her  assemblynge  fei  putten  Ihesu 
crist1  out1  of  her  hertes  and  ^eue  hem  self  to  aH  ordure 
[907]  IF  fe  iiij  spice  is  fe  assemblynge  of  hem  fat1  bene 
of  her  kynrede.  or  of  hem  fat1  bene  of  oon  affinite  or 
ellis  wif  hem  wif  fe  which  her  faders  or  her  kynrede 
ban  deled  wif  in  f  e  synne  of  lecherie  This  synne  make]? 
hem  liche  houndes  fat1  taken  no  kepe  of  kynrede 
[908]  and  certes  Parentela  is  in  two  maners  oifer  / 
goostly  or  flesshly.  Goostely  as  forto  delen  wif  her 

gossipes   [909]   ffor  ri^t1  so  as   [ 

.  .  .  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  is  his  godfader  his  fadere 
espirituel  ffor  which  a  womman  may  in  no  lasse  synne 
assemble  wif  her  Gossipe  fan  wif  her  owne  flesshly 
brofere  [910]  IT  The  v.  spice  is  filk1  abhominable 
synne  of  which  fat1  no  man  vnnefes  ou^t1  to/  speke  ne 
write  //  Nafelees  it1  is  openly  rehersed  in  holy  writfr 

[9"]   [ 

no  gap  in  the  MSJ\ 

speke  of  horrible  synne  Certes  holy  writt  may  not1  be 
defouled  no  more  fan  fe  sonne  fat  shynef  on  a 
myxen ./  [912]  1T  Anof er  synne  app^rtenef  to  lecherie  fat1 
commef  in  sclepinge  and  fis  synne  commef  oft1  to  hem 
fat1  bene  maydens  and  eke  to  hem  fat1  bene  corrupte 
And  fis  synne  men  clepen  pollucion  fat1  commef  in  iiij. 
maners  [913]  Somtyme  of  a  langwisshing1  Jof  body  for 
fe  humours  bene  to  rank1  and  habundanf  in  fe  body 
of  man.  somtyme  for  fe  infirmite  for  fe  feblesse  of  fe 
vertue  retentif1  as  phisik  makef  mencion .  somtyme  for 
sorfete  of  mete  and  drinke  [914]  and  somtyme  for 

46  PETWORTH    683   (6-T.  667)  [i  leaf  301] 


SIX-TEXT    668 

684    GROUP  I,    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

vileyns  po^tes  pat*  bene  enclosed  in  mannes  mynde 
whan  lie  goop  to  sclepe  which  may  not1  bene  wip-outen 
synne  fro  whiche  pei  may  not1  kepe  hem  wisely  or  ellis 
may  men  synne  ful  greuously 

If  RemetZmm  contra  luxim'oin. 

[9 1 5]  IT  Now  co?ranep  pe  remedy  a^einst1  leccherie  and  pat1 
is  generalli  chaastite  and  contynence  at1  re- 
freynep  al  pe  disordeyne  meuyngges  pat1  commen 
of  flesshly  talentes  [916]  And  euere  pe  gretter  merite 
shal  he  haue  pat1  most1  restreynep  pe  wikked  enchaw- 
finge  of  ordure  of  pis  synne  and  this  is  in  two 
maners  /  pat1  is  to  sayn .  chaastite  of  mariage  and  chastite 
of  widowhede  [917]  IT  Now  shalt1  pou  here  pat1 
matrimoyne  is  leeful  assemblyng1  of  man  and 
woman  pat1  resceyuen  by  pe  vertue  of  pe  sacrement1  pe 
boond'  porgn"  which  pei  may  not  bene  departed  in  aU  hir 
liff1  pat1  is  to  say .  pe  whiles  pei  lyuen  bop . 
[918]  this  is  as  /  seip  pe  book1  a  ful  grete  sacrament1, 
god  made  if  as  I  haue  saide  in  paradis  and  wold?  hym- 
self  be  born  in  maryage .  [919]  and  for  [to]  halowe  mariage 
he  was  at1  a  weddinge.  Where  as  he  turned  water  into 
wyne  which  was  pe  furst1  myracle  pat1  he  wro^t1  in 
erpe  byforn  his  disciples.  [920]  Trewe  effecte  of 
manage  clensep  fornicacion  &  replenysshep  holy 
church  in  good  lynage.  ffor  as  pe  ende  of  mariage 
as  it1  chaungep  dedly  synne  into  venial  ytwix 
hem  pat1  bene  wedded  /  and  makep  pe  hertys  allon 
of  hem  pat1  bene  ywedded  as  wel  as  the  bodies 
[921]  pis  is  verrey  mariage  pat1  is  establisshed  by 
god  er  pat1  synne  bygan.  whan  naturel  lawe  was  in  his 
ri^t1  poynf  in  paradys .  And  it1  was  ordeyned  pat1  oo  man 
shuld?  haue  but1  oo  womman  and  oo  womman  but1  oo  man 
as  seipe  seynt1  Austyne  by  mony  resons 

[922]  ffurst1  for  pat1  mariage  is  figured  bitwix  man .  and 
PETWORTH  684  (6-T.  668) 


SIX-TEXT    669 

GROUP  I.    §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS.   685 

holy  churche .  And  anoper  is .  for  pe  man  is  hede  of 
pe  woinman .  Algate  by  ordynaunce  it1  shulde  be  doo  soo . 
[923]  ffor  if  a  womman  haue  moo  men  pan  oon.  pan 
shuld?  she  haue  moo  hedes  Ipan  oon.  and  pat1  were  and 
horrible  pinge  byfore  god./  JAnd  eke  oon  womman  ne 
my^t1  not1  plese  to  mony  men  at1  ones  And  also 
per  ne  shuld  be  neuer  pees  no  rest1  amonges  hem  for 
euereche  wold  aske  his  owne  J>inge  [924]  And 
ferpermore  no  man  shulde  knowe  his  owne  en- 
gendrure  ne  who  shuld?  haue  his  heritage  and  pe 
woman  shuld  pe  lasse  be  byloued  fro  pe  tynie  pat1 
she  were  commytte  to  mony  men 

[925]  IT  JSTowe  commeth  how  pat1  a  man  shuld?  bere  hym 
wip  hys  wiff.  and/  namely  in  two^  pingges  pat1  is  to 
say  in  suffrannce  and  in  reuerence  and  pat1  shewed  first  crist 
whan  he  made  furst1  womman  [926]  ffor  he  ne  made  her 
nou^f  of  pe  hede  of  Adam .  for  /  she  shulde  not1  haue  to 
grete  lordship.  [927]  ffor  per  as  pe  womman  hap  pe 
maistrie  she  makep  to  mochel  disaraye  per  neden  noon 
ensamples  of  pis .  The  experience  of  pis 
au^f  suffise  [928]  II  Also  certes  god  ne  made  not1 
womman  of  pe  foote  of  Adam  for  she  shuld  not1  be 
holden  to  lowe  for  she  can  not*  pacyently  suffre  But1  god 
made  womman  of  the  ribbe  of  Adam  for  womman  shulde 
be  felawe  vnto  man  [929]  IT  Man  shulde  bere  hym  to  his 
wiff1  in  feip.  in  troupe  an  in  loue.  as  seip  seint1 
paule  that1  a  man  shal  loue  his  wiff  as  crisf  loued 
holy  chirch  pat1  loued  it1  so  wel  pat1  he  dyed  for  it1. 
So  shal  a  man  for  his  wiff1  if  it1  were  nede 

[930]  U  Now  how  pat1  a  womman  shuld?  be  subiecte 
to  her  husbond?  pat1  tellep  seint1  Peter*  /  [.  .  .  no  gap 
in  the  MS.~\  [931]  and  eke  as  seipe  pe  decree .  A  womman 
as  longe  as  she  is  a  wiff  she  ne  hap  noon 
auctorite  to  swere  ne  bere  witnesse  wip-out  leue  of 
her  husbonde  pat1  is  her  lord?  it1  shuld?  be  so 
by  resofi.  [932]  she  shulde  eke  serue  hym  in  ali 

PETWORTH    685    (6-T.  669)         [' leaf  301,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    670 

686    GROUP  I,   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

honeste  and  bene  attempre .  of  her  aray  I  woof  weft 
pat1  pei  shulden  setten  her  entent  to  plese  her  hus- 
bondes  but1  not1  by  her  queyntise  of  aray ./  [933]  Seynt1 
lerom  seip .  pat1  wyves  fat1  bene  apparailed?  in  silk1  and 
in  pwpure  ne  mowe  not1  clopen  hem  in  Ihesu 

crist1  [ no  gap  in  ihe  MS.] 

[934]  IF  Seynt1  Gregor  seip  eke  fat1  no  vrijti  sekep 
precious  aray  but1  oonly  for  veynglorie  to  bene 
honoured  pe  more  toforn  pe  puple  [935]  IT  It1  is  a 
foly  a  woraman  to  haue  a  grete  aray  outward1  and 
her  self  be  foule  inward1  [936]  IF  A  wiff  shuld  eke  be 
mesurable  in  lokynge  and  in  berynge  and  /  in  laughinge 
and  discrete  in  ali  her  wordes  and  dedys  [937]  and  / 
abouen  alle  worldly  pingges .  She  shulde  loue  her  husbonde 
wip  al  her  herte  and  to  hj?n  by  trewe  of  her  body 
[938]  JSo  shuld*  an  husbonde  eke  by  trewe  to  his  wif. 
ffor  sipens  pat1  al  pe  body  is  pe  husbondes.  soo  shuld? 
her  hertes  bene  oon  Or  ellis  per  is  bytwix  hem  twoo  as  in 
paf  no  parfite  mariage  [939]  IF  Than  shal  a  man  vnder- 
stond!  pat1  for  iij.  pingges  a  man  and  his  wiff 
mowen  assemblen  1F  The  furst1  is  for  engen- 
drure  of  children  to  serue  god.  ffor  certes  pat1  is 
pe  cause  fynaH  of  matrimoynye  [940]  IT  Anoper  is  to 
^eelde  eueriche  of  hem  to  oper  pe  dette  of  her  body, 
ffor  neiper  of  hem  hap  power  of  her  owne  bodye 
IF  The  iij.  is  forto  eschewe  leccherye  and  vilenye 
1F  The  iiij.  forsop  is  dedly  synne ./  [941]  As  to  pe 
furst1  it1  is  meritorie  pe  seconnde  also  for  as  saipe  pe 
decree,  pat1  chasep  merite  of  chaastite  pat1  ^eldep  to 
her  husbonde  pe  dette  of  her  body .  ^e  pou^e  it  be 
a^einst1  her  lykinge  and  pe  lust1  of  her  herte  [942]  IT  The 
iij.  manere  of  venial  synne.  And  trewly  scarcely  may 
eny  of  pise  be  wip-outen  venyal  synne  for  pe 
corrupcion  and  for  pe  delit'e  [943]  IF  The  iiij. 
manere  is  forto  vnderstonde  if  fei  assemble  oonly  for 
amerous  loue.  and  for  noon  of  pe  forsaide  causes  but1 

PETWORTH    686    (6-T.  67())  [Meaf302] 


SIX-TEXT    671 

GROUP  I,    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS,    687 

forto  accomplise  filk  brennyng1  delite  fei  recfi. 
neuere  hou  often  •  sof  ly  it1  is  a  dedly  synne  .  And  ^if  wif 
sorowe  some  folk  wil  peynen  hem  more  to  doo  fan 
her  appetit1  suffisef 

[944]  IF  The  secounde  maner  of  chastite  is  to  be 
a  clene  wydowe  and  to  eschewe  fe  enbrasing1  of  man 
and  to  desire  fe  enbrasing1  of  Ihesu  crist1.  [945]  Thise 
bene  foo  fat1  han  ben  wyues  and  han  forgoon  her  hus- 
bondes  And  eke  wommen  fat1  han  /  doon  lecherye  and  bene 
releued  by  penawnce  [946]  And  certes  if  fat1  a  wiff 
couf  e  kepe  her  al  chaast1  by  licence  of  her  husbonde  so 
fat1  she  ner  noon  occasion  fat1  he  a-gilf  it1 
were  to  hir1  a  grete  merite  [947]  Thise  maner 
of  wommen  fat1  obseruen  chaastitee  most1  be  clene  in  herte 
as  wel  as  in  body  and  in  f  ou^t1  and  mesurable  in  clof  inge 
and  in  contynawnce  IT  Abstynent1  in  etynge  and 
drynkynge  in  spekinge  and  in  dede  and  fan  is  she  fe 
vessel!  of  fe  boysfr  of  fe  blessed  Mawdeleyne  faf 
fulfillef  holy  church  ful  of  good  odure  [948]  11  The  iij. 
maner  of  chaastite  is  virgynyte .  And  it  byhouef  fat*  she 
be  holy  in  hertt  and  clene  of  body  fan  is  she 
spouse  to  Ihesu  crisfr  and  she  is  fe  lif  of  aungels. 
[949]  She  is  fe  preysyng1  of  fis  world?  And  she  is  as 
fise  marters  in  regalite  1she  haf  in  hure  fat1  tunge  may 
nof  telle  [950]  Yirgynite  bare  our  lorde 
Ihesu  crist1  and  virgyne  was  hymself 

[95 z]  ^  Another  remedy  a^einsfr  lecherye  is  specialy 
to  w^ifdrawe  such  fingges  as  ^euen  occasion  to  filk 
vilanye  as  ease  and  etynge  and  drinkinge .  ffor  certes  whan 
fe  potte  boylef  strongly  fe  best1  remedy  is  to  wif- 
drawe  fe  fuyre  [952]  IT  Scleping1  longe  in  grete  quiete 
is  eke  a  grete  norice  to  leccherie 

[953]  ^  Another  remedy e  a^einst1  lecherie  is  fat1  a 
womman  or  a  man  eschewe  companye  of  hem  by 
which  he  doutef  to  be  tempted .  for  al  be  it1  soo  fat1  f e 
dede  be  wif-stonde  ^it1  is  fere  grete  temptacion 

PETWOIITH    687    (6-T.  671)         P  leaf  302,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    672 

688   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

[954]  IT  Soply  a  white  waH  al-pou^e  if  ne  brenne  nof 
fully  by  stikkynge  of  a  CandeH  ^if  is  pe  walle  blak1  of  pe 
leyte  [955]  ful  oft  tyme  I  rede  paf  no  man  tresf  in 
his  owne  perfection  Buf  he  be  stronger  pan  Sampson. 
Holyer  pan  david .  wiser  pa?a  IT  Salomon 

[956]  IT  Now  after  paf  I  haue  declared  3ou  as  I  can 
of  pe  vij.  dedly  synnes  and  some  of  her  braunches  and 
her  remedies,  soply  if  I  coupe  I  wold  telle  3owe  pe 
ten  Comaundementz .  [957]  buf  so  hi3e  a  doctrine  I  lete  to 
devynes .  Napelees  I  hope  to  god  pei  bene  touched  in  pis 
tretys  euerech  of  hem  alle 

^  De  confessione  • 

[958] 
1  Confessicwn      l^T^^  f°r  as  Bioche  as  pe  secounde  part  of  penitence 

JL.  i  stanf  in  confession  of  moup  as  I  byganne  in  pe 
[first]  chapitere  I  seye  Seinf  Austyn  seip. 
[959]  Synne  is  euery  word?  and  euery  dede  and  al  paf 
men  coueiten  a3einsf  pe  la  we  of  Ihesu  crisf.  And  pis  is 
forto  synne-.  in  herte  in  moup  and  in  dede  be  pi  .v. 
wittes  paf  bene  si3f  hering1  smellynge  taasting* 
or  sauouringe  and  felynge  [960]  IT  Now  is  if  good  to 
vnderstonde  pe  circumstances  paf  aggreggen  mochel  euery 
synne./  [961]  IF  Thow  shalf  considere  whaf  pou arf  paf  dosf 
pe  synne.  whedere  pou  be  male  or  female.  3ong1  or 
olde .  gentile  or  praH  ffre  or  serucmnte .  hool  or  seke . 
wedded  or  syngeH.  Ordred  or  vnordred.  wise  or  fool. 
clerk1  or  Seculere .  [962]  If  she  be  of  pi  kynrede  bodily 
or  goostly  or  noon.  If  eny  of  pi  kynrede  haue  synned 
wip  hure  or  noon .  and  moriy  moo/  pingges 

[963]  IT  Thaf  other  circumstaunce  is  this.  "Whedere  if  be 
doon  in  fornication  or  noon,  or  in  aduoutrie.  or  in  incesf .  or 
noon  maiden  /  or  noon  in  maner  of  homicede  or  noon 
horrible  grete  synne  or  smale .  and  how  longe  pou  1hasf 
contynued  in  synne  [964]  11  The  iij.  circumstaunce  is 
pe  place  where  pou  hasf  doon  synne  whedere  in  oper 

PETWORTH    688    (6-T.  672)  [MeafSOS] 


SIX-TEXT    673 

GROUP  I.    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS.    689 

mennys  house  or  in  fine  owne  .  in  feeld?  or  in  church . 
or  in  chirch  hawe  In  church  dedicate  or  noon 
[965]  For  if  j)e  church  were  halowed  and  man  or  wo?wman 
spillen  her  kynde  inwij)  paf  place  by-twene  way  of  synneor  by 
wikked  temptacion  J?e  church  were  enterdited  til  if 
were  reconsiled  by  J)e  bisshope  [966]  and  J>e  preest1  shuld 
be  enterdited  paf  did  such  a  vilany  Jje  teerme  of  al  his  liff.  he 
shuld?  no  more  synge  masse,  and  if  he  did  he  shuld* 
do  dedly  synne  at1  euery  tyme  J>af  he  songe  masse 
[967]  1T  The  4.  circumstannce  is  by  which  mediat- 
ours  as  by  massagers  or  for  enticement1  or  for 
consentemenf  to  bere  company  wi})  felawship  for 
mony  a  wrecch  forto  bere  companye  willen  goo  to  pe 
deuel  of  helle.  [968]  ffor  pei  paf  eggen  or  con- 
senten  to  pe  synne  bene  partniers  of  pe  synne  and 
of  pe  dampnacion  of  pe  synnere 

[969]  1T  The  .v.  is  of  how  mony  tymes 
paf  he  hap  synned  and  /  it*  be  in  his  mynde .  and  howe  off 
paf  he  ha]>  falle.  [970]  ffor  he  paf  off  fallep  in  synne 
he  despise]?  pe  mercy  of  god  and  encresep  his  synne 
and  is  vnkynde  to  god  and  he  wexep  pe  more  feble 
to  wipstonde  synne .  and  synne})  J)e  more  li^tlier 
[971]  and  fe  latter  arise]),  and  is  J?e  more  eschewe  for 
to  schryuen  hym  and  namely  to  hym  J)af  ha])  bene  his  con- 
fessoure.  [972]  ffor  which  faf  folk1  whan  ])ei  falle  a3em 
in  her  old1  folies .  ou^f  fei  forleten  her  confessours 
al  vtterly  or  ellis  fei  departen  her  shriff  in  dyuers 
place  Buf  sofly  such  departed  shrift  deserue])  no 
mercy  of  god  of  his  synnes .  [973]  IT  The  sexf  circum- 
stannce is  ])is  why  J>af  a  man  synne])  as  by  whiche  temptacion 
And  if  hym  self  procure  ])ilk  temptacion  or  by  ex- 
cityng1  of  oper  folk* .  or  if  ]?ou  synne  with  a  womman  by 
force  or  by  hure  owne  assenf  [974]  /Or  if  ]?e  womman 
Maugre  her  hede  ha])  bene  enforsed  or  noon,  pis 
shal  she  telle  for  coueityse  or  for  pouerf.  And 
if  if  were  her  procurynge  or  noon  and  such  manere 

PETWORTH    689    (6-T.  673) 


SIX-TEXT    674 

690   GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

harnays.  [975]  IF  The  .7.  circurastaiwce  is  in  what1 
manere  he  ha])  doon  his  synne.  or  noon  or  /  how  fat1  he  ha]) 
suffred .  ho  we  folk  han  done  to  her .  [976]  Of  f  e  same  shal 
men  telle  pleynly  aH  circumstannces  and  whedere 
he  haf  synned  wif  comune  bordeli  woramen  or  noon 
[977]  lor  do  his  synne  in  holy  tymes  or  non.  In  fast- 
yng1  tymes  or  non .  or  be  longe  from  his  shrift1 .  or  after  his 
latter  schriff  [978]  haf  perauenture  broken  his 
penaunce  enioyned .  by  whos  helpe  and  whoos  counsaile  by 
sorcery  or  craft1  all  fise  fingges  mosten  be  tolde.  [979j 
After  fat1  fei  bene  grete  or  smale  engreggen  J)e 
conscience  of  man  IT  And  eke  fe  preestt  fat1  is 
fi  luge  may  fe  better  be  auysed  of  his  luggement1  in 
^euyng1  of  fi  penauwce  and  fat1  is  after  fi  contricion. 
[980]  ffor  vnderstondef  wel  fat1  aftere  tyme  fat1  a  man 
hath  defouled  his  bapteme  by  synne  if  he  wil  come  to 
sauacion.  ther  nys  noon  ofer  way  but1  by  penitence 
and  schrift1  and  by  satisfaccion  /  [981]  and  namely  by  fe  two 
if  fer  be  a  confessour*  to  which  he  may  schryve  hym. 
And  f  e  iij.  if  he  haue  lif  to  perfourme  if 

[982]  Than  shal  man  loke  and  considere  if  he 
wil  make  a  trewe  and  a  profitable  confession.  Ther 
most1  be  4.  condicions  [983]  H  ffirst  it  most1  be  in 
sorowful  bitternes  of  herte  as  seide  f  e  kyng1  EzechieU  to 
god  11  I  wil  remembre  aH  fe  ^eeres  of  my  liff  in 
bitternesse  of  myn  herte  [984]  U  This  condycion  of  bitter- 
nesse  haf  .v.  signes .  The  furst1  is  fat1  confession 
most1  be  shamefast1  not1  forto  keueren  ne  to  hiden  his  synne 
but1  for  he  haf  agilt1  his  god  and  defoiled/  his  soule 
[985]  And  here  of  seif  seynt1  Austyne  H  The  herte 
travaillef  for  shame  of  his  synne .  And  for  he  hath  grete 
shamfastnesse  he  is  digne  to  haue  grete  mercie 
[986]  which  was  fe  confession  of  fe  publycane  fat1 
wold  not1  heue  vp  his  yen  to  heuene  for  he  had 
offended  god  in  heuene .  ffor  which  shamefastnesse  he 
idem./  had  anoon  fe  mercy  of  god  [987]  U  And  therfore  seif 

PETWORTH    690   (6-T.  674)         p  leaf  303,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    675 

GROUP  I,   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS,    691 

seint1  Austyne.  fat1  such  shamefast1  folk  bene  next1 
for^euenes  and  remission  [988]  IT  That1  ofer  signe  is 
humylite  of  confession  /  of  which  seif  seint1  Petre 
U  Vmblef  }ou  vnder  fe  my^t1  of  god  fe  hand  of  god 
is  my^ty  in  confession  for  fer-by  god  for^euef  fe 
Bynnes.  ffor  he  allon  haf  fe  power  /  [989]  and  fis 
hu??iilite  shal  be  in  hert1  and  in  sygne  outward1  1F  ffor 
ri^t1  as  he  haf  humilite  to  god  in  his  herte  ~Ri^if  so 
shulde  he  hu?nble  his  body  outward  to  f  e  preest1  fat1  sitte 
in  goddes  place  [990]  for  which"  in  no  manere  sifes  fat1 
crist1  is  souereyne  and  /  1j?e  preest1  mene  and  mediatour'  by 
twix  crist1  and  f  e  synner1 .  and  pe  synner  is  ]?e  last* 
by  way  of  reson  [991]  fan  shuld?  not1  )?e  synner  sitte 
as  high  as  his  confessoure  but1  knele  toforn  hym  or  at1 
his  fete  but1  if  malady  distroubed  it1 .  ffor  he  shal  not1  take 
kepe  who  sitte  J?er  but1  in  whos  place  fat1  he  sittef. 
[992]  A  man  fat1  haf  trespased  to  a  lorde  and  commef  for  to 
aske  mercy  and  makenhisaccordeand  sette  hymdownea-noon 
by  f  e  lorde  men  wolden  holde  hym  outrageous  and  not 
worf  i  so  sone  forto  haue  remission  ne  mercy .  [993]  U  The 
iij.  signe  is  fat1  fi  shrift1  shul  be  ful  of  teeres  if 
man  may  wepe  or  if  man  may  not1  wepe  wif  his  bodely  eyen ./ 
lat1  hym  wepe  in  his  herte.  [994]  ffor  suche  was  f  e  confession 
of  seynt1  petre  ffor  aftere  fat1  he  had  forsake  Ihesu  crist1 
he  went1  out1  and  wepte  ful  bitterly  [995]  U  The  iiij. 
signe  is  fat1  he  ne  lette  not1  for  his  /  shame  to  shewen 
his  confession.  [996]  Such  was  fe  confession  of  fe 
maudeleyn  fat1  sche  ne  spared  for  no  shame  of  hem  fat1  weren 
at1  f  e  ffeest1  forto  go  to  our  lorde  Ihesu  crist1  and  byknowe 
to  hym  her  synne  [997]  H  The  .v.  signe  is  fat1  a  man 
&  a  womman  be  obeysaunte  to  receyue  f  e  penaunce  fat1 
is  hym  enioyned .  ffor  certes  Ihesu  crist1  for 
f  e  giltes  of  oon  man  was  obedient1  to  his  def  e 

[998]  H  The  secounde  condicion  of  verrey  confession  I2»co»dioio./ 
is   fat1  it1  be   hastely  don.   ffor  certes  if  a   man  had   a 
dedly  wounde  f  euer  f  e  lenger  fat1  he  tarief  to  warisshe 

PETWORTH    691    (6-T.  67o)  [i  leaf  804] 


SIX-TEXT    676 

692    GROUP  I.    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.    Petworth  MS. 

him  self  fe  more  wold*  it1  corrupte  and  hast1  hym  to 
his  defe  and  eke  fe  wounde  wold  be  fe  wors  forto 
hele  [999]  U  And  ri}^  so  fare})  synne  fat1  longe 
tyme  is  in  a  man  vnschewed  [1000]  11  Certes  a  man  0113 11 
hastely  to  shewe  his  synne .  for  mony  causes  as  for  drede 
of  defe  fat  commef  often  sodeynly  and  is  in  no  certeyn  what1 
tyme  if  shal  be  ne  in  what1  place .  And  eke  f  e  strecchyng1 
of  oo  synne  drawef  in  anofer  [1001]  U  And  eke  fe  lenger 
fat1  he  tarieth  f  f  e  ferf  er  is  he  from  crist1 .  And  if  he  abide 
vnto  his  last1  day  scarcely  may  he  shryve  hym  or 
amende  hym  of  his  synnes  ne  repenten  hym  for  fe 
greuous  maladye  of  his  deth.  [1002]  &  for  as  moche  as 
he  haf  not1  in  his  lif  herkened  Ihesu  Crist1  whan  he 
haf  spoken  vnto  hym .  he  shal  crien  to  our  lord*  Ihesu  crist1  at1  his 
last1  day.  and  scarcely  wil  he  harken  hym  [1003] 
H  Ynder-stonde  fat1  f  is  condicion  moste  haue  four"  f  ingges 
1thi  schrift1  most  be  purueide  byforn  and  avised 
for  wikked  hast1  doof  no  profite  and  fat1  a  man  konne 
shryue  hym  of  his  synnes  be  it1  of  pride  eif  er  of  Envie  and 
so  for])  wij)  fe  spices  and  circumstaunces  /  [1004]  and  fat1 
he  haue  comprehended  /  in  his  mynde  f  e  nombre  and  J)e 
gretnesse  of  his  synnes  and/  how  longe  fat1  he  haf  layne 
in  synne  [1005]  and  eke  fat1  he  be  contrite  of  his  synnes 
and  in  stedfast1  pwrpoos  by  f e  [grace  of  god]  neuere  eft1  to 
falle  a^ein  in  synne  and  eke  fat1  he  drede  and  countrewaite 
hym  self  fat1  he  flee  f  e  occasions  of  synne  to  which  he 
is  enclyned  [1006]  11  Also  fat1  fow  shalt1  schryve  fe  of  alle 
f  i  synnes  to  oo  man  and  nou^t1  parcel!  mele  to  oon  man  and 
parsel  rnele  to  a  nof er  man  fat1  is  to  vnderstonde  in  entenf 
to  parten  f  i  confession  as  for  shame  or  for  drede .  ffor  it1 
nys  but1  stronglyng1  of  fe  soule  [1007]  ffor  certes  Ihesu 
crist1  is  al  good  in  hy??^  is  noon  inperfeccion  and 
ferfore  euere  he  for^euef  alle  parfitly  or  ellis  neuere  a 
dele  [1008]  U  I  say  not1  if  fowe  be  sygned  to  fe 
penytauncere  for  certeyn  synne  fat1  fou  art1  bounden  to 
shewe  hem  aH  fe  remenaunt1  of  fi  synnes  of  which" 

PETWORTH    692    (6-T.  676)         P  leaf  304, back] 


SIX-TEXT    677 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS,    693 

fowe  hast1  be  shryuen  of  fi  curate  but1  it1  like  fe 
of  fine  humilite  This  is  no  departing1  of  shrift1 
[1009]  ne  I  ne  say  not1  fer  as  I  speke  of  dyuision  of  confes- 
sion fat1  if  fou  haue  licence .  forto  shryue  f  e  to  a  discrete 
and  honest1  preest1  and  where  f  e  like]?  /  and  by  f  e  licence 
eke  of  fe  curate  fat1  fowe  ne  maiste  wel  shryue  fe 
of  alle  fi  synnes  [1010]  but1  lat1  no  blot  be  behynde. 
laf  no  synne  be  vntold*  as  fer  as  fou  hast1  remem- 
braunce  [ion]  And  whan  fou  shalt1  bene  shryuen  of  fi 
Curate  telle  hym  eke  of  alle  f  e  synnes  fat1  fou  hast  done 
sif  ens  fou  were  last1  yshiiuen  as  f  is  is  f  e  wikked  entent1  of 
dyuision  of  shrift1 

[1012]  U  Also  fe  verrey  shrift1  askef  certeyn  con- 
dicions.  ffurst1  fat1  fou  shryue  fe  by  fi  free  wille 
not1  constreyned  ne  for  shame  of  folk1  ne  for  maladie 
or  such  fingges  ffor  it1  is  reson  fat1  he  fat1  trespasef 
by  his  ffree  wille  /  [.  .  .no  gap  in  the  MS.]  confesse  his 
trespas.  [1013]  noon  ofer  man  shal  telle  his  synne 
but1  he  hym  self  ne  he  shal  not1  nay  or  denye  his  synne 
ne  wrafe  him  a3einst1  fe  preest1  for  his  amonysynge 
to  lete  synne  [1014]  11  The  seconnde  condicion  is  fat1  fine 
shrift1  be  lawfuH.  fat1  is  to  say  fou  fat1  shryuest 
fe  and  eke  fe  preest1  fat  heref  fi  confession  bene 
verrely  1in  fe  feif  of  holy  church  [1015]  and  fat1  a 
man  be  not1  despeired .  of  f  e  mercy  of  Ihesu  Crist1  And 
Caym  or  ludas  [1016]  And  eke  a  [man]  mote  accuse 
hym  of  his  owne  trespace  and  nou^f  anofer  but1  he 
shal  blame  &  witen  hym  self  of  his  owne  malice  of  his 
synne  and  noon  ofer.  [1017]  But1  nafeles  if 
anofer  man  be  encheson  or  entiser  of  his  synnes  Or  fat1  if 
f  e  state  of  a  persone  be  such  thorgh  which  his  synne  is 
a-gregged  or  ellis  fat1  he  may  not1  pleynly  shryuen  hym . 
but1  he  telle  fe  persone  fe  which  he  haf  synned  wife, 
fan  may  he  telle  it1  [1018]  so  fat1  his  entent1  ne  be  not1 
to  bakbite  fe  persone  but1  oonly  to  declaren  his  con- 
fession. 

PETWORTH    693    (6-T.  677)  [i  leaf  305] 


SIX-TEXT    678 

694   GROUP  I,    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 

[1019]  U  Thowe  pe  shalt1  not1  eke  make  no  losing1  in 
pine  confession  for  humilite  parauenture  to  say 
pat1  pou  hast1  doon  synnes  of  which  pou  were 

t  Augustinus ./  neuere  gylty  [1020]  H  ffor  seint1  Austyn  seip  if 
pow  be  cause  of  humilite  makesf  lesing1 
of  pi  self  pough  powe  ne  were  nou3t1  in  synne  afornf 
^itt  art1  powe  pan  in  synne  porgh  pi  lesynges.  [1021] 
Thow  most1  eke  shewe  pi  synne  by  pi  propre 
moupe  but1  pou  be  wexe  dombe  and  not1  by  no 
letter  ffor  pou  fat1  hast1  done  synne  pou  shalt1  haue 
pe  same  confesszV  [1022]  1T  Thow  shalt1  not1  eke 
peynt1  J?i  confession  be  faire  and  subtile  wordes  to  keuere 
more  pi  synne  ffor  pan  bygilest1  pou  pi  self1  & 
nought1  pe  preest1.  Thow  most1  tel  it1  platly  be  it1 
neuere  so  foule  ne  so  horrible  [1023]  U  Thow  shalt1  eke 
ehryue  pe  to  a  preest1  pat1  is  discrete  to  counsaile  pee .  and 
eke  pou  shalt1  not1  shryue  pe  for  veynglorie  ne  for 
ypocrecy  ne  for  no  cause  but1  oonly  for  pe  doute  of 
Ihesu.  crist1  and  pe  helpe  of  pi  soule.  [1024]  Thow 
shalt1  not1  eke  renne  to  pe  preest1  al  sodeynly  to  telle  hym 
Ii3tly  pi  synne  as  who  so  tellep  a  lape  or  a  tale  but1 
avisely  and  wip  grete  deuocion  [1025]  &  generally 
shryve  pe  oft1  if  pou  often  falle  oft1  arise  by 
confession  [1026]  And  if  pow  shryue  pe  ofter 
pan  onys  of  synne  which  pou  hast1  be  shryuen  it1  is 

Tl  Augustinus  pe  more  merite  as  seip  seint1  Austyne .  Thow 
shalt1  haue  pe  more  lightly  relesinge  and  grace  of  god 
bope  of  synne  and  of  peyne.  [1027]  And  certes  onys  a 
$ere  at1  pe  leest1  way  it1  is  lawful  forto  bene  howseled .  ffor 
soply  onys  [a  ^ere]  al  pingges  renouellen 


[1028] 

NOW 


Be  satisfaccione . 


haue   I  tolde   of  verrey   confession   pat1   is   J?e 
Secounde  part1  of  penytence 


PETWORTH   694   (6-T.  678) 


SIX-TEXT   679 

GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    695 


[1029]  IT  The  iij.  parte  of  penytence  is  Satisfaction  and  IT  Satisfaccio 
pat1  stant1  generalli  in  almesse  and  in 
bodily  peyne .  [1030]  No  we  bene  pere  pre 
manere  of  Almesse.  Contricion  of  herfr  wher  a  man 
offrep  hym  self  to  god.  Anoper  is  to  haue  pite  of 
pe  defaute  of  his  neighbours  .  pe  X3  is  in 
^euyng^f  good  counsaile  and  confort1  goostly  and  bodily  where 
men  han  nede  and  namely  in  sustyncmnce  of  maraiys  foode. 
[1031]  And  take  kepe  fat1  a  man  ha])  nede  of  pise 
pingges  generalli  he  hap  nede  of  foode  of 
clopinge  and  harborowe.  he  hap  /  nede  of  charitable 
counsaillinge  and  visitynge  of  prison  and  /  maladie  and 
sepulture  of  his  dede  body.  [1032]  And  if  pow  maist1  not?1 
visite  pe  nedeful  wip  pi  persone.  visite  hym  with  pi 
massage  &  /  pi  ^iftes  [1033]  ^  Thise  bene  pe  general! 
almasses  or  werkes  of  charite  of  hem  pat1  han  temporett 
richesses  or  discrecion  of  consailling1  Of  pise  werkes 
shaltf  pou  here  at1  pe  day  of  dome 

[1034]  H  Thise  almesses  shuldesf  pou  doon  of  pine  owne 
propre  pingges  and  hastely  and  /  prively  if  pou  maist1 
[1035]  But1  napelees  if  pow  maist1  not1  doon  it1  prively 
pou  shalt1  not1  forbere  almesse  pou3e  men  it1  See. 
So  pat1  if  be  not1  ydo  for  ponke  of  pe  worlde .  but1  oonly 
forto  haue  pe  ponke  of  oure  /  lorde  Ihesu  crist1  [1036]  U  ffor 
as  witnessep  seint1  Mathewe  ,v°.  A.  Cite  may  not1  be  hid 
pat1  is  sette  on  a  mounteyn .  ne  men  lighten  not  a  lanterne  and 
putte  it1  vnder  a  bussheH .  but1  men  sette  it1  on  a  candel- 
stik  to  lighten  pe  men  in  pe  hous.  [1037]  ~Ri$ti 
so  shal  3oure  lijf  Ii3ten  toforn  men  pat1  pei  mowe 
seen  ^oure  good  werkes  and  glorifien  ^owr  fadere  pat1  is  in 
heuene 

[1038]  IT  Now  as  to  speken  of  bodily  peyne .  It1  stont1  in 
preiers.  in  wakingges  and  in  fastingges  and  in  vertuous 

PETWORTH    695    (6-T.  679)         [Ueaf  305,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    680 

696   GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS, 


f  leroniwws 


«fllhc/ 


techingges  of  orisons  [1039]  ^  3e  snul  vnderstonde 
fat1  orisons  or  preiers  is  /  forto  seyn  a  pitous  wille  of 
hert1  fat1  redressef  in  god  and  expressef  it1  by  worde 
outward?  to  remooue  harmless,  and  to  han  finges 
espirituel  and  durable .  and  somtyme  temporel  f  ingges 
of  which  orisons  certes  fe  orison  of  fe  pater  noste? 
haf  Ihesu  crist1  enclosed  most1  fingges  [1040]  U  Certes 
it  is  priuilegged  of  .3.  fingges.  in  his  dignite  ffor  which 
it  is  more  digne  fan  eny  ofer  preiere  for  fat1  ihesu 
crist  hym  self  made  if.  [1041]  and  it1  is  short*  for  it  shuld? 
be  conned  more  ^tly  and  forto  wif  hold  e  it1  fe 
more  esely  in  herte  and  helpen  hym  self  f e  ofter  wif 
fe  orison  [1042]  and  for  a  man  shuld?  be  fe  lasse  wery 
to  sey  it1  /  and  for  a  man  ne  may  not1  excusen  hym  to  lerne 
it1  it1  is  so  short1  and  so  esy .  and  for  it1  comprehendeth  in  if 
self  alle  good  preiers  [1043]  U  The  exposicion  of  fis 
holy  preier  fat1  is  so  excellent1  and  digne  I  bytake  to 
fise  maisters  of  theologie  sauf  fus  moche  wil  I  seyne. 
fat1  whan  fou  preiest1  fat1  god  /  fo^eue  fe  fi 
giltes  as  fou  for^euest1  hem  fat1  a-gilten  fe  be  ful 
wel  ware  fat1  f ow  ne  be  not1  out1  of  charite  [1044]  This 
holy  1oiison  amenusef  eke  venyal  synne  and  ferfore 
it1  aperteneth  specialy  to  penitence. 

[1045]  This  preiere  most1  be  trewly  saide  in 
verrey  feif  and  fat1  men  prey  to  god  ordynatly  &  dis- 
cretely and  deuoutly.  Alway  a  man  shal  putt1  his  wiU 
to  be  subiecte  to  fe  wille  of  god  [1046]  This  orison 
most1  eke  be  saide  wif  gret1  humblesse  and  ful  pure 
honesty  and  not1  to  annoyance  of  eny  man  or  womman . 
It1  most1  nedes  be  contynued  with  f  e  werkes  of  charite 
[1047]  it1  availlef  eke  a^einst1  fe  vices  of  f  e  saule .  ffor  as 
seif  seynt1  lerorn  U  By  fastyng1  ben  saued  f  e  vices  of 
flessh  and  by  preiers  f  e  vices  of  f  e  saule 

[1048]  U  Afters  fis  fou  shalf  vnderstonde  fat1 
bodily  peyne  stant1  in  wakinge .  ffor  Ihesu  crist1  seif . 
wakef  and  preief  fat1  30  ne  entre  in  wikked 

PETWORTH    696   (6-T.  680)  [UeafSOB] 


SIX-TEXT   681 

GROUP  I,    §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Pet  worth  MS.    697 

temptacions  [1049]  U  30  sh.nl  vnderstonde  fat1  fast- 
ynge  stonf  in  .3.  thyngges.  In  forberynge  of  bodily  mete 
and  drink  and  in  forberynge  of  worldly  lolitees  .  and  in  for- 
berynge of  dedly  synne .  This  is  to  say  f  af  a  man  shal 
kepe  hym  /  from  dedly  synne  with  al  his  my^t . 

[1050]  And  f  ow  shalf  vnderstonde  eke  fat1  god 
ordayned  fastyngges  And  to  fastyng1  apperteneth  four 
fingges.  [1051]  largenesse  to  poor  folk1.  Gladnes  of 
herf  espiritueH  nou$f  to  be  angred  nor  anoyed  ne 
to  gruch  for  he  fasteth  and  also  resonable  ho  ore  forto 
ete  by  niesure .  f  af  is  to  say  f  af  a  man  shuld  nof  eten  in 
vntyme.  ne  sitte  fe  lenger  af  his  table  for  he 
fastef. 

[1052]  Than  shalf  fou  vnderstonde  faf  bodily 
peyne  stanf .  in  disciplyne  or  techynge .  by  word?  or  by  // 
writynge  or  by  ensample  Also  in  weryng1  of  heires .  eif  er 
of  stamyne  eif  er  of  haberion  on  her  naked  flessh  for  cristes 
sake  and  such  manere  pen<mnces  [1053]  U  But1  ware  fe  wel 
pat1  such  manere  penawnces  ne  make  not*  fine  herf 
bitter*  or  angry,  anoyed  of  hym  self,  if  or  better  is  to  cast1 
away  fine  heire.  fan  forto  cast*  away  fe  swetnesse  of  our 
lord?  Ihesu  Crist  [1054]  And  f  erf  ore  seif  seinf  Poule  1  Pauius ./ 
H  Clofe  ^ou  as  fei  fat1  ben  chosen  of  god  in  herf  of 
mysericord? .  debonairte .  suffrance  and  such  maner  of 
clofinge  of  whiche  Ihesu  crist1  is  more  apaide  fan  of 
heire  or  of  hawberkes . 

[1055]  Then  is  disciplyne  eke  in  knokkynge  of 
f i  brest1 .  in  scourgyng1  wif  ^eerdes .  in  knelynge  in 
tribulacions  [1056]  in  suffryng1  paciently  wrongges  faf 
bene  doon  to  hym .  and  eke  in  pacienf  suffraunce  of  maladies 
or  lesyngges.  of  worldly  CateH  of  wiff  or  childe  or 
ofer  1frendes 

[1057]  Than  shalf  fow  vnderstonde  which  fingges 
distrowben  penaunce  as  fis  is  in  fre  maners.  fat1  is 
drede.  Shame,  and  hope.  And  whanhope  f  at1  is  desperacion.. 
[1058]  And  forto  speken  /  fursf  of  drede  for  whiche  he 

PETWORTH    697   (6-T.  68l)         [l  leaf  306,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    682 

698   GROUP  I,   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth.  MS. 


wenef  fat1  he  may  suffre  no  penaunce  [1059]  fer 
a^einsf  is  remedye  fforto  fenk1  fat1  bodily  penaunce.  is 
but1  short1  and  liteH  at1  f  e  regarde  of  f  e  peyne  of  helle .  fat1 
is  cruel  and  so  longe  fat1  it  lastef  wif-outen  ende. 

[1060]  11  Now  a^einst1   fe  shame  fat1  a  man   haf  to 

shryuen  hym  [ »     .     . 

.    .     . no  gap  in 

the  MS.]  [1061]  a^einst1  fe  shame  shuld  a  man  fenk1  fat1 
by  f  e  way  of  reson  fat1  he  fat1  haf  not1  bene  ashamed .  to 
doo  foule  fingges  Certes  hym  ou^t1  not1  be  ashamed  to 
doofairf  inggesand  good  f  ingges  and  fat1  is  confessions.  [1062] 
A  man  shuld'  fenk  fat  god  seef  and  woote  al  his 
fou^tes  and  his  werkes  to  hym  may  no  pinge  be 
hidde  ne  keuered  [1063]  U  Men  shuld  eke  remembre 
hem  of  Jje  shame  fat1  is  to  come  at1  J?e  day  of  dome  to 
hem  J>att  bene  no^fr  penytent1  and  lif  in  present1 
liff .  [1064]  ffor  alle  fe  creatures  in  heuene  in  erjje  and  in  helle 
shuln  seen  /  apertly  al  fat1  fei  hyden  in  ]>is  world*. 

[1065]  H  Now  forto  speke  of  J>e  hope  of  hem  fat1 
bene  so  negligent1  and  sclowe  to  shryuen  hem  it1  stant1  in 
two  maners.  [1066]  That1  oon  is  fat  he  hopef  to  lyre 
longe  and  forto  purchase  mochel  Eichesse  for  his  d  elite 
and  fan  he  wil  shryuen  hym  as  he  seif 
he  may  as  hym  semef  tyrnely  ynowe  come  to  shrift1 
[1067]  1F  Anofer  is  of  fe  Surquidrye  fat1  he  haf  in  cristes 
mercye.  [1068]  And  a3einst1  fe  first1  he  shal  fenk 
that1  our  liff  is  in  no  sikernesse  And  eke  fat1  alle  fe 
richesse  of  f  e  world?  bene  in  aduenture  and  passinge  as  a 
Gregorys ./.  shadowe  on  a  walle  [1069]  U  And  as  seif  seynt1  gregorie 
That1  it1  appertenef  to  f  e  grete  ri^twisnesse  of  god  fat1 
neuer  shal  fe  peyn  stynt1  of  hem  fat1  neuer 
nolde  wifdrawe  hem  from  synne  her  fonkes.  but1 
euer  contynued  f  er  Inne .  U  ffor  f  ilk1  perpetuel  wille  to  done 
synne  shullen  f  ei  haue  perpetuel  peyne . 

[1070]  II  Whan-hope  is  in  two  maners  II  f  e  furst1  whan- 
hope  is  in   fe  mercy  of   Crist   U   That1   ofer   is   fat1   fei 
PETWORTH   698   (6-T. 


Or  Wanhope,  or 
Despair 


SIX-TEXT    683 

GROUP  I.    §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.    699 

penk  pat1  pei  ne  myjt1  not1  longe  perseuere  in  good- 
nesse  [1071]  H  The  furst1  wanhope  cowmep  of  pat1  he 
demep  pat1  he  hath  synned  so  gretly  so  ofte  and  so 
longe  liggyng1  in  synne  pat1  he  shal  not1  be  saued 
[1072]  U  Certes  a^einst1  fat1  cursed  wanhope  he  shuld 
penk  pat1  pe  passion  of  Ihesu  crist1  is  more  1stronge  for- 
to  vnbynde  pan  synne  is  forto  bynde 
[1073]  ^  ^J1^  a^einst*  pe  seconnd  wanhope  he  shal  penk1 
pat1  as  often  as  he  fallep  he  shal  arise  by  penytence. 
And  £01136  he  neuer  so  long1  haue  lyen  in  synne  pe 
mercy  of  crist1  is  alway  redy  to  receyuen  hym  to  mercy 
[1074]  a^einst1  pe  wanhope  pat1  he  demep  pat1  he 
shuld  not1  longe  perseuere  in  goodnesse  II  he  shal  penk 
J>af  J>e  feblenesse  of  the  deuel  may  no  fing1  doon  but4 
men  willen  suffre  hym  [1075]  And  eke  he  shal  haue  strength 
and  J>e  helpe  of  god  and  of  al  holy  churche  and  of  J?e 
protection  of  aungels  if  him  lust1 

[1076]  U  Than  shullen  men  vnderstonde  what1  is  ]>e  f  Verba  saiua- 
fruyte  of  penawnce  as  aftere  ]>e  wordes  of  Ihesu  Crist1  it1  is 
]je  endelees  blisse  of  heuene  [1077]  per  loie  hajj  no 
cofttrariouste  of  woo  ne  greucmnce  per  alle  harmes  ben 
passed  of  pis  present1  liff  wher  as  is  pe  sikernesse  fro 
pe  peyn  of  helle  per  as  pe  blisful  company  pat1 
reioysen  hem  euermoo  euery  of  opers  loie  [1078]  per 
as  pe  body  of  man  pat1  whilom  was  foule  and  derk1  is 
more  cleer  pan  pe  sonne  Ther  as  whilom  pe  body 
was  seke  and  frele  and  feble  and  morteH  is  vnmorteH  and 
so  stronge  and  so  hool  pat1  per  may  no  pinge  enpeire 
it1.  [1079]  wher  as  neiper  is  hunger  prestf.ne  cold? 
but1  euery  soule  repleynshed  wip  pe  si3t  of  pe  parfit1 
knowynge  of  god  [1080]  This  blisful  regne  may  man 
purchace  by  pouert*  espirituett  and  pe  glorie  by  low- 
nesse.  pe  plente  of  loy  by  hunger1  and  prestt.  and  pe 
rest1  by  travaille  and  pe  liff  by  deep  and  mortificacion  of 
synne . 

47  PETWORTH    699    (6-T.  683)  P  leaf  307] 


SIX-TEXT   684 

700   GROUP  I.   §  2,   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS. 

To  f  ilk>  liff  he  vs  bringe  faf  bou$f  vs  wif  his  pre- 
cious blood ./  Amen ./ 

f  Explicit1  fabula  Rectoris  ./ 
Here  take])  f  e  maker  of  f  is  booke  his  leue  {/ 

[1081] 

"T^TOwe  prey  I  to  hem  alle  faf  harken  fis  litel  tretise. 

JL  1  or  rede  fat*  }if  fer  be  eny  fing1  in  if  fat  likef 
hem  faf  ferof  fei  fonk  our  lord  Ihesu 
crisf  of  whom  precede])  al  witte  and  al  goodnes' 
[1082]  And  3if  fer  be  eny  fing*  fat  displese  hem./  I 
prey  hem  also  fat1  f ei  arette  if  to  f e  defaute  of  myne 
vnkonnynge  and  nof  to  my  wille  fat  wold!  ful  fayn  haue 
seide  better  $if  faf  I  had  hade  coTinynge.  [1083]  ffor  our 
boke  seif  IT  AH  faf  is  writen  is  writen  for  our 
doctrine  &  fat  is  myn  entenf  [1084]  1Wherfore  I 
biseche  3011  mekely  for  f  e  mercy  of  god  faf  36  prei  for 
me  faf  crisf  haue  mercy  on  me  and  fo^eue  me  my 
geltys  [1085]  and  namely  of  my  translacions  and  endit- 
ingges  of  worldly  vanytes  f  e  which  I  reuoke  in  my  re- 
traccions  [1086]  As  is  fe  boke  of  Troiles.  The  book 
also  of  fame.  The  boke  of  the  xxv.  ladies./  The 
boke  of  f  e  duchesse .  The  boke  of  seynf  valentynes 
day  of  fe  parlemenf  of  briddes.  The  tales  of  Canter- 
bury filk  fat  sownen  into  synne  [1087]  The  book 
of  fe  lyon  and  mony  ofer  bokes  3if  fei  were  in  my 
remembraunce .  and  mony  a  songe^.  And  mony  a  lecherous 
lay  faf  Crisf  for  his  gref  mercy  for^eue  me  fe  synne. 
[1088]  IF  Buf  of  fe  translacion  of  Boys  de  cowsolacione 
and  ofer  bokes  of  legendys  of  seyntes  and  omelies 
and  moralite  &  deuocion  [1089]  of  faf  I  fonke  our 
lord  Ihesu  crisf  and  his  blessed/  modere  and  alle  fe 
seyntes  of  heuene  [1090]  bysechyng1  hem  faf  fei  from 
hens  forf  vnto  my  lyues  ende  sende  me  grace  to 
bywaile  my  giltes  and  to  stody  to  fe  sauacion  of  my 
soule.  and  graunf  me  grace  of  verrey  penawnce.  con- 

PETWORTH   700   (6-T.  684)         P  leaf  307,  back] 


SIX-TEXT   685 

GROUP  I.   §  2.   PARSON'S  TALE.   Petworth  MS.   701 

fession  and  satisfaccion  to  doon  in  }>is  present1  liff 
[1091]  Jjorghe  j>e  benigne  grace  of  hym  Jjafr  is  kyng*  of 
kyngges  and  preestt  of  alle  preestes  Jmf  bou^tf  vs 
wij?  J?e  precious  blode  of  his  hert1  [1092]  So  fat1  I  may 
bene  oon  of  hem  at1  J?e  day  of  dome  J?afr  shal  be  saued ./ 
Qui  cum  patie  &  spiritu  sancto  vivis  &  legnas  deus  &cetera. 

TTere  endej)  }?e  boke  of  J?e  talys  of  Canter- 
•^  bury  compiled  by  Geffray  Chawcer  on  whoos 
soule  Ihesu  crist1  haue  mei-cy.  \\  AmeN  \\ 

[Square  painting  of  the  arms  of  Henry  Percy,  kth  Earl 
of  Northumberland,  K.G.,  quartering  Poynings,  Fitz  Payn 
and  Bryan.  H  on  the  right,  P  on  the  left  of  the  shield, 
in  a  Garter  with  the  legend  *  hony  .  soif  .  qui  .  mal  .  y  . 
pence . .'  A  lion}  unicorn,  $c ,  in  the  4  corners.] 


PETWOKTH   ?01   (6-T.  685) 


SIX-TEXT    301 

GROUP  B,  §  15.  NUN'S  PRIEST'S  END-LINK.  Chr.  Ch.,  for  Petw. 


APPENDIX  (to  Group  B,  p.  591). 


[Christ  Church  MS.  152.] 

U  Sire  Nonnes  preest  oure  hoost  seyde  a  none 

y-blessed  be  thy  breth  &  euery  stoone 

This  was  a  inery  tale  of  Chaunteclere 

But  be  my  trouthe  if  thou.  were  seculere 

Thow  woldeste  bene  a  tredefoul  a  right 

ffor  if  thow  haue  corage  as  thou.  haste  myght 

The  were  nede  of  hennes  as  I  wene 

Ye  moo  than  .vij.  tymes  seventene 

See  whiche  braunnes  hath  this  gentel  preeste 

So  grete  a  nekke  &  so  large  a  breeste 

He  loketh  as  a  Sparhauke  with  his  yen 

Hym  nedeth  nat  his  colour  for  to  dyen  [leaf  174,  sign,  k  s] 

with  Brasile  ne  with  Greyne  of  Portyngale  / 

Now  sire  faire  falle  yow  for  youre  tale 

And  aftir  he  with  futt  mery  chere 

Saide  vnto  a  nother  as  ye  shulle  here 

Here  is  ended  the  Nonnes  prestes  tale 

And  folowitfc  the  prologe  of  the  Maunciples  tale 


CHRISTCHURCH  (for  Petworth  70S)  (6-T.  301) 


703 


PETWORTH  MS.  APPENDIX 

OF  SECTIONS,  WOODCUTS,  ETC.,  NOT  IN  THE 
PETWORTH  MS. 


PAOB 

1.  End   of  the   8um'ner's   Tale,   1.    2159-2294   of 

Group  D,  §  6,  from  the  Additional  MS. 
5140  in  the  British  Museum.  ('T would  have 
followd  p.  334  above,  had  it  been  in  the 
Petworth  MS.,  instead  of  the  spurious  lines 
there  given.)  ...  ...  .  ...  ...  ...  705 

2.  The  Clerk-Merchant-Link,  Group  E,  §  3,  from 

the  Additional  MS.  5140,  British  Museum. 
('T would  have  followd  p.  373  above  (instead 
of  the  Merchants  End-Link,  p.  374),  had  it 
been  in  the  Petworth  MS.) 710 

3.  Drawings  of  the  23  Tellers  of  the  24  Canterbury 

TaleSj  copied  from  the  Ellesmere  MS.,1  and 
cut  on  wood  by  Mr  Hooper. 

4.  Drawings  of  6  Tellers  of  6  Canterbury  Tales,— the 

Reeve,  Cook,  Monk,  Pardoner,  Wife  of  Bath, 
and  Manciple — and  6  Allegorical  Figures — 
Wrath  and  Mercy,  Gluttony  and  Abstinence, 
Lechery  and  Chastity, — from  the  Cambridge 
University  MS.,  Gg.  4.  27,  cut  by  Mr  Hooper. 

1  The  Ellesmere  cuts  can  be  arrangd  either  in  their  order  in  the 
Ellesmere  MS.,  or  in  the  Six- Text  order  of  the  Tales.  In  the  latter 
they  '11  be  easier  to  find.  See  these  two  orders  on  p.  704. 


704 


B 


Six -Text  Order  of  Tales. 

Group 

1.  Knight  1 

2.  Miller    I  . 

3.  Keeve    f A 

4.  Cook    J 

5.  Man  of  Law  ^ 

6.  Shipman 

7.  Prioress 

8.  Chaucer 

9.  Monk 

10.  Nun's  Priest  J 

11.  Doctor     "\  c 

12.  Pardoner/       

13.  Wife  of  Bath  -| 

14.  Friar  >       ...  D 

15.  Sum'ner          J 

16.  Clerk        \  _, 

17.  Merchant/     

18.  Squire       \  p 

19.  Franklin  /     

20.  Second  Nun         'I         - 

21.  Canon's  Yeoman /'" 

22.  Manciple         H 

23.  Parson  ...    I 


Ellesmere  MS.  Order. 

1.  Knight  i 

2.  Miller   I 

3.  Reeve    f '" 

4.  Cook     J 

5.  Man  of  Law 

6.  Wife  of  Bath 

7.  Friar 

8.  Sum'ner 

9.  Clerk        \ 

10.  Merchant/ 

11.  Squire       *i 

12.  Franklin  f 

13.  Doctor      1 

14.  Pardoner/ 

15.  Shipman 

16.  Prioress 

17.  Chaucer 

18.  Monk 

19.  Nun's  Priest , 

20.  Second  Nun         *l 

21.  Canon's  Yeoman/ 

22.  Manciple 

23.  Parson 


Group 

..A 

...  B, 
,..D 

,..  E 
..  F 
..  C 


,..a 

..H 
.   I 


SIX-TEXT  397 

GROUP  D,  §  6.  SUMMONSED  TALE.  Addit,  MS,  5140,  705 


1. 

END  OF  THE  SUMMOKEK'S  TALE. 
[Addit.  5140,  Brit.  Mus.,  on  leaf  123,  back.] 

[And  fet  his  felawe  /  ther  that  lay  his  store 
He  loked  as  he  were  a  wilde  bore 

And  grynt  with  the  teth  /  so  was  he  wroth  2161 

A  sturdy  pas  /  down  to  the  court  he  gotK. 
"Wher  that  ther  woned  /  a  man  of  grete  honour 
To  whom  that  he  /  was  alway  confessour  2164 

This  worthy  man  /  was  lorde  of  that  vyllage 
This  ffrere  cam  /  as  he  were  in  a  rage        Sompnowr  [leaf  124] 
Wher  as  the  lorde  /  sat  etyng  at  his  horde 
Vneth  myht  the  frere  /  speke  a  worde  2168 

PETWORTH  705  (6-T.  397)   [this  page,  Addit.  5140] 


398    SIX-TEXT 

706    GROUP  D.    §  6,    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Addit.  MS.  5140 

Til  at  last  /  he  seid  god  you  see  [Addit.  MS  5140] 

This  lorde  gan  look  /  and  sayd  benedicite 
What  tfrere  lohn)  /  what  rnaner  worlde  is  this 
I  see  weel  /  that  som  thing  is  a-mys  2172 

Ye  looke  /  as  the  woode  wer  ful  of  thevys 
Sit  doun  a-noon)  /  and  telle  me  what  you  grevis 
And  it  shaH  ben  aniendid  /  yf  y  may 
I  haue  quod  he  /  had  a  foul  despyt  this  day  2176 

God  yelde  it  you  /  a-domi  in  your  village 
That  in  this  worlde  /  ther  nys  so  pore  a  pape 
That  he  nolde  haue  /  abhomynac/ouft 

Of  that  y  haue  /  receyved  /  in  the  ton?*  2180 

And  yit  ne  grevith"  it  me  also  sore 
As  that  the  olde  chirle  /  with  lokkis  hoore 
Blasfemed  hatft  /  our  holy  covent  eek 
No  we  maister  quod  this  lorde  /  y  you  beseeche  2184 

No  maister  quod  he  /  but  a  servitour 
Thouh  y  haue  had  in  scole  /  that  honour 
God  lyketh  nat  /  that  raby  men  vs  calle 
Nothir  in  Markat  /  ne  in  your  large  halle  2188 

No  .force  quod  he  /  but  telle  me  aH  yo?/r  greeff 
Sir  quod  this  ffrere  /  an  odious  myschieff 
This  day  betid  is  /  rnyn)  ordre  and  me 
And  so  par  consequens  /  in  eche  degre  2192 

Of  holy  chirch1  /  god  amende  it  sone   C1  LooJtsiitceeimc'heintheMS] 
Sir  quod  the  lorde  /  ye  wot  what  is  to  done 
Distempir  you  nat  /  ye  be  my  confessour 
Ye  be  salt  of  the  erth  /  and  the  souour  2196 

ffor  goddis  love  /  your  pacient  now  holde  00/124,  &«(*] 

TeH  me  your  greef  /  and  a-non  he  him  tolde 
As  ye  haue  herd  beforne  j  ye  wot  weH  what 
The  lady  of  the  hous  /  ay  stiH  sat  2200 

Tyl  she  hackle  harde  /  aH  what  the  flrere  said 
By  goddis  modir  quod  she  /  the  blisful  mayd 
Is  ther  anftt  ellis  /  telle  me  feithfully 

Madame  (\nod  he  /  how  thinke  ye  herby  2204 

PETWOUTH  706  (6-T.  398)   [this  page,  Addit.  5140] 


SIX-TEXT    399 

GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Addit,  MS.  5140.    707 

How  that  me  thenkyth"  quod  she  /  so  god  me  spede  ^f^n  **  Ms 

I  sey  a  cherl  /  hath  don)  a  cherlis  dede 

What  sholde  y  sey  /  god  lat  him  nevir  the 

His  sike  hed  /  is  fid  of  vanyte  2208 

I  holde  him  /  in  a  maneer  ffrenesie 

Madame  quod  he  /  bi  god  y  shall  not  lye 

But  yf  y  /  be  any  weyes  may  be  wreke 

I  shaH  diffame  him  /  oviraH  wher  y  speke  2212 

The  fals  blasphemour  /  that  chargid  me 

To  depart  /  that  wol  not  departed  be 

To  euerych  man  /  alych"  with  myschaunce 

The  lord  sat  styH  /  as  he  wore  in  a  traunce  2216 

And  in  his  hert  /  he  rolleth  vp  and  doiw 

How  that  this  cherle  /  had  ymaginaciouw 

To  shewe  such  a  probleme  /  to  the  ffrere 

Nevir  e[r]st  er  nowe  /  her  y  of  such  matere  2220 

I  trow  the  devitt  /  put  it  in  his  mynde 

In  ars  /  shaft  no  man  /  metryk  fynde 

Byforn)  this  day  /  of  such  a  questions 

Who  sholde  make  /  a  demo/jstraciouw  2224 

That  euery  man)  /  shulde  haue  lyk  his  part 

As  of  souw  /  or  of  savour  /  of  a  fart 

0  nyce  prowde  chirH  /  y  shrew  his  face 

Loo  sirs  quod  the  lorde  /  what  harde  grace  2228 

To  euery  man  lyk  /  telle  me  howe         Sompnowr      [/ca/i25j 

That  a  fart  /  sholde  be  departed  nowe 

It  is  an  Impossible  /  it  may  nat  be 

Ey  nyce  cherl  /  god  lat  him  nevir  the  2232 

The  romblyng  /  of  a  fart  /  and  euery  souw 

NJB  but  of  heyr  /  reuerberaci'ou^ 

And  ther  it  wasteth  /  lytel  and  lytel  a-wey 

Ther  is  no  man)  /  can  deme  bi  my  fey  2236 

Yf  that  it  were  /  departed  equally 

What  lo  my  cherle  /  lo  howe  shrewdely 

Vnto  my  confessour  /  to  day  he  spak 

1  holde  him  certayn)  /  a  demonyak  2240 

PETWORTH  707  (e-T.  399)  [this  page,  Addit.  5140] 


400    SIX-TEXT 

708    GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Addit,  MS,  5140, 

Now  ete  your  mete  /  and  lat  the  chirle  go  play   [Addit  MS  5140] 
Lat  him  go  hang  him  self  /  a  devylway 


\Tlie  Solution  of  the  "  Probleme"  by  the  Lord's  Squire. 
No  break  in  the  MS.] 

Now  stood  the  lordis  Sqwyer  /  atte  boorde 
That  karf  his  mete  /  and  herd  woorde  bi  woorde          2244 
Of  ali  thing  /  whiche  y  haue  said 
My  lorde  quod  he  /  be  ye  nat  eviH  a-payde 
I  cowde  telle  /  for  a  gowne  cloth" 

To  you  sir  frere  /  so  ye  be  nat  wroth"  2248 

How  that  a  ffart  /  shall  evene  delt  bo 
A-mong  your  covent  /  yif  it  lyke  the 
TeH  quod  the  lorde  /  and  thou  shalt  haue  a-non) 
A  gowne  cloth"  /  bi  god  and  bi  seint  John)  2252 

My  lord  quod  he  /  whan  that  the  wedir  is  fair 
Eyht  her  bifore  you  /  sitting  in  a  chayr 
Lat  bryng  a  cart  wheel  /  her  in-to  this  hall 
But  loke  that  it  haue  /  his  spokys  holis  all  2256 

xij.  spokys  /  hath  a  cart  wheel  comon)ly 
And  bryng  me  xij.  ffrerys  /  wyte  ye  why 
ffor  xiijn.e  is  a  covent  as  y  gesse  / 

Your  confessour  heer  /  for  his  worthynesse  2260 

ShaH  parforme  vp  the  noumbre  of  his  covent     00/125,  back] 
Thanne  shall  ye  knele  adourc  /  bi  oon  assent 
And  to  euery  spokis  ende  /  in  this  maneer 
ffuH  sadly  ley  in  his  nose  /  shall  a  ffrere  2264 

your  noble  confessour  /  god  him  save 
ShaH  holde  his  nose  vpriht  /  vndir  the  nave 
Thanne  shaH  thiu  chirl  /  with  bely  styf  and  touht 
As  any  tabur  /  hidir  be  brouht  2268 

And  set  him  on  the  wheel  /  ryht  of  this  carte 
Vpon)  the  nave  /  and  make  him  let  a  fart 
And  ye  shaH  seyn)  /  vp  pereil  of  my  lyf 
By  preeff  /  whiche  is  demonstratyf  2272 

PETWORTH  708  (6-T.  400)  [this  page,  Addit.  6140] 


SIX-TEXT    401 

GROUP  D,    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Addit,  MS.  5140,    709 

That  equally  /  the  souw  of  it  wol  wende  [Addit  MS  5140] 

And  eek  the  stynk1  /  vnto  the  spokys  eende        ^tSS^fr°m 

Sauf  that  this  worthi  man)  your  confessour 

Bicause  he  is  a  man  /  of  gret  honour  2276 

Shal  haue  the  first  frute  /  as  resouw  is 

The  noble  vsage  of  ifreris  /  it  is  this 

The  worthiest  man  of  hem  al  /  shall  ferst  be  served2  ^Ve,.^tten 

And  certeynly  /  he  hath  it  wel  deserued  2280 

He  hath  to  day  taunt  vs  /  so  moch  good 

Wyth  preching  in  the  pulpet  /  ther  he  stood 

That  y  may  vouchesauf  /  y  say  for  me 

He  hadde  the  first  smeH  /  of  ffartis  thre  2284 

And  so  woH  aH  thys  covent  hardely 

He  berith  him  so  fair  /  and  so  hoolyly 

The  lord  /  the  lady  /  and  ech  man)  sauf  the  ffieie 

Said  that  laynkyn)  /  spake  in  his  mateere  2288 

As  well  as  Euclido  /  or  Partholome 

Touchyng  the  Cherlis  /  thei  seiden)  /  subtilte 

And  bi  witt  /  made  him  speke  as  he  spake 

He  is  no  fool ./  nor  no  domynyak  Sompnowr    I>a/i26j 

And  laynkyn)  /  hath  wonne  a  new  gowne  2293 

My  tale  is  don)  /  we  be  almost  at  towne 

n      !••£•»  <t_i  .  -i       [Addit.  MS  5140 

Jiixplicit  tabula  Appantoris]     extract  stops] 


PETWORTH  709  (6-T.  40l)  [this  page,  Addit.  614o] 


44:2    SIX-TEXT 

710  GROUP  E.  §  3,  CLERK-MERCHANT-LINK.  Addit.  MS.  5140. 

2. 

[Addit.  MS,  Brit.  Mus.>  5140,  leaf  US.] 

Marchaunt 
[  m  m  r  Epyng  and  weylyng  /  care  and  othir  sorwe 

%/%/     I  knowe  Inouh"  /  on  evyn  and  on  morwe 
T   T       Qwod  the  marchaunt  /  and  so  don  othir  mo 

That  weddid  be  /  I  trowe  that  it  be  so  1216 

fful  wel  y  wot  /  it  farith  so  by  me 

I  haue  a  wyf  /  wors  may  non  be 

ffor  thouh  the  feende  /  to  hir  coplid  were 

She  wolde  him  ouyr  macche  /  I  dar  wel  swere  1220 

What  shulde  y  reherce  /  in  specialle 

Hir  hih  malice  /  she  is  a  shrewe  wyth  alle 

Ther  is  a  long  /  and  a  large  difference 

Betwene  Grisildes  /  grete  pacience  1224 

And  of  my  wyf  /  the  passing  cruelte 

wer  y  on-bounde  /  also  mot  y  the 

I  wolde  neuir  eft  /  com  in  the  snare 

we  weddid  men  /  lyve  in  sorwe  and  care  1228 

Assay  who  wytt  /  and  he  shaft  fynde 

That  y  sey  soth  /  be  seynt  Thomas  of  ynde 

As  for  the  more  partye  /  y  sey  nat  alle 

God  shelde  /  that  it  sholde  so  be-falle  1232 

A  good  sire  ost '  /  y  haue  wedded  be  C1  ?  if-soft] 

Thes  monethes  too  /  and  moo  nat  parde 

And  yit  y  trowe  /  that  he  that  att  his  lyf* 

wyfles  hath  ben  /  thouh  that  men  wolde  him  ryife       1236 

Vnto  the  hert  /  ne  cowde  he  in  no  maneer 

Tellen  vs  so  moche  sorwe  /  as  I  nowe  heer 

Cowde  telle  of  my  wyfys  /  cursidnesse 

Nowe  quod  our  ost  /  marchaunt  so  god  you  blisse        1240 

Sith  so  mychil  /  knowe  ye  of  that  arte 

fful  hertely  y  pray  /  telle  vs  a  parte 

Gladly  quod  he  /  but  of  myn  owne  sore 

ffor  sory  hert  /  y  telle  may  no  more  1244 

Explicit  prologUS   Mercatoris]  [Addit.  MS  5140  extract  ends] 

PETWORTH  710  (6-T.  442;  [this  page,  Addit.  6140] 


DRAWINGS  OF  THE  23  TELLERS 


OF    THE 


24  CANTERBURY  TALES, 


COPIED   FROM  THE  ELLESMERE   MS, 


AND    CUT   ON   WOOD, 


BY 


lr  OTL  ft.  Cooper, 


In  this  first  issue,  1871,  only  14  of  the  Cuts  are  given. 
The  other  10  will  follow  in  1872.  When  the  print  of  each 
MS  is  bound,  the  cut  of  each  Tetter  of  a  Tale  can  be  put 
at  the  beginning  of  his  Tale,  as  in  the  Ellesmere  MS,  or 
by  his  description  in  the  General  Prologue,  to  contrast  the 
artist's  hand  with  the  poet's ;  or,  all  the  cuts  can  be  put 
together  before  or  after  the  Prologue,  or  at  the  end  of  the 
volume  (as  not  part  of  the  MS),  according  to  the  fancy 
of  each  Member. 


THE     MILLERE. 
Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  38,  bade. 


THE     KNYGHT. 
Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  14. 

(The  brand  on  the  horse's  hip— M,  ?  for  Miles- 
is  in  ink,  and  probably  by  a  later  hand.) 


THE    COOK. 

Ellttmtrr 


THE    EEVE. 
Eltesmere  MS,  leaf  46. 


THE     WYF     OP     BATHE. 

Ellesmere  MS,  tea/ 76. 


THE    MAN     OP    LAWE. 

Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  54,  back. 


THE     FRERE. 

Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  80,  back. 


(' 


THE  SOMONOUR. 

Elfesmere  MS,  leaf  85,  fia 


THE     CLERK     OF     OXENFORD. 
Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  92. 


JL 


THE    SHIPMAN. 
Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  147,  back. 


THE    PBIORESSE. 
Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  152,  back. 


CHAUCER. 

Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  157,  back. 


THE     MONK. 

Ell  eg  mere  MS,  leaf  173. 


THE    NONNES    FREEST. 
Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  183. 


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