Skip to main content

Full text of "[Publications] Extra series"

See other formats 


=o 


iCNl 


JCl 

Idl 

iCD 

LU  — 

=o 

rO 

\i£) 


CO 


©he  ^aiuilonf  of  gnlriyloirc. 


(£*tia  ^txuB.     Xo.  XXXVIII. 
1881. 


BEHT-IN:  ASHER  &  CO.,  53  MOHKENSTRASSE. 

NEW  YORK:  C.  SCRIBNER  &  CO.;    LEYPOLDT  &  HOLT. 

PHlIiADELPHIA  :  J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT  &  CO. 


^^■ 


n 


THE 


ENGLISH    CHARLEMAGNE    ROMANCES. 


PART  \. 


%ht    %Q  in  a u  u c e    t) f 


®ln|   ^oiudoue   4  §aI)2lott« 


anU  of 


J[frmnl)ni$  jiis  Sone  fo|)o  toiKjucrek  %mt 


RE-EDITED 
FEOM   THE   UNIQUE    MS.  OF  THE  LATE  SIK  THOMAS  PHILLIPPS, 

toitb  |)ntrobxirtion,  ^otcs,  uni)  ('glossary, 

IJY 

EMIL   HAUSKNECHT,  Ph.  D. 


^^-H-rH'^' 


LONDON: 

PUBLISHED    FOR   THE    EAELY    ENGLISH    TEXT    SOCIETY, 
BY  N.  TEUBNEE  &  CO.,  57  &  59,  LUDGATE  HILL. 


MDCCCLXXXI, 


fR 


ES 


XXXVIII. 
BUNGAT  ;     CLAY   AXU    TAYLOK,    THE    CHAUCER   PRESS. 


Ill 


CONTENTS. 


INTRODUCTION         y 

POPULARITY  OP  THE  CARLOVINGIAN  ROMANCES      ...  V 

POPULARITY  OF  THE  FERUMBRAS  POEM       ...      ...  vi 

THE  PROVENCAL  FERABRAS    ...      ...      ...      ...  ix 

i 

TFIE      FIERABRAS      POEM      AN      EXLARGKO      ANT)      RKOAST 

PORTION    OF    THE    OLD    BALAN    ROMANCE   ...              ...  xi 

THE    POEM    OF    THE    DESTRUCTION    DE    ROME       ...             ...  xiii 

MSS.   OF    THE    FRE.N'CH    FIERABRAS             ...              ...              ...  XV 

THE    ENGLISH    SIR    FERUMBRAS,    ITS    SOURCE,    ETC.           ...  Xvi 

THE    POEM    OF    THE    SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON,  ITS    SOURCES, 
ITS      DIFFERENCES      FROM      THE      ORIGINAL     BALAN 

ROMANCE    AND    FROM    THE    ASHMOLBAN    FERUMBRAS  xxii 

DIALECT    OF    THE    SOWDAN            ...              ...              ...              ...  XXxiv 

METRE    AND    RHYMES    OF    THE    SOWDAN                  ...             ...  xl 

DATE    AND    AUTHOR    OF    THE    SOWDAN    ...             ...             ...  xlv 

MS.    OF    THE    SOWDAN      ...              ...              ...              ...              ...  xlvii 

R0XBUR6HE    CLUB    EDITION    OF    THR    SOWDAN    ...             ...  xlviii 


IV  C'ONTKNTS. 

VAGP. 

ADDITIONS  xlix 

Tin:     IIANOVKK     MS.     OV     TIIK     FKKNCII     FIERABRAS    COM- 

I'AHED    WITH    THE    SOWDAN  ...  ...  ...         xHx 

THE     HANOVER    VERSION     COMPARED    WITH     SIR     FERUM- 

JJUAS  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  lii 

SKETCH  OF  THE  STORY liv 

THE  ItuMAUNCE  OF  THE  SOWDONE  OF  BABYLONE 
AND  OF  FEIUJMBRAS  HIS  SONE  WHO  CON- 
QUEREDE  ROME        1 

NOTES  95 

GLOSSARIAL  INDEX  133 

INDEX  OF  NAMES 141 


INTRODUCTION. 


The  exploits  of  Charles  the  Great,  who  by  his  achievements  as 
conqueror  and  legislator,  as  reformer  of  learning  and  missionary,  so 
deeply  changed  the  face  of  Western  Europe,  who  during  a  reign  of 
nearly  half  a  century  maintained,  by  his  armies,  the  authority  of  his 
powerful  sceptre,  from  the  southern  countries  of  Spain  and  Italy  to 
the  more  northern  regions  of  Denmark,  Poland,  and  Hungary,  must 
have  made  a  profound  and  unalterable  impression  in  the  minds  of  his 
contemporaries,  so  that  for  centuries  afterwards  they  continued  to 
live  in  the  memory  of  the  people.  Evidence  of  this  high  pitch  of 
popularity  is  given  by  the  numerous  chansons  de  geste  or  romances, 
■  which  celebrate  the  deeds,  or  are  connected  with  the  name,  of  the 
great  and  valiant  champion  of  Christendom. 

It  is  true  that  the  sublime  figure  of  Charlemagne,  who  with  his 
imaginary  twelve  peers  perpetually  warred  against  all  heathenish  or 
Saracen  people,  in  the  romances  of  a  later  period,  has  been  consider- 
ably divested  of  that  nimbus  of  majestic  grandeur,  which  the  com- 
posers of  the  earlier  poems  take  pains  to  diffuse  around  him. 
Whereas,  in  the  latter,  the  person  of  the  Emperor  appears  adorned 
with  high  corporeal,  intellectual,  and  warlike  gifts,  and  possessed  of 
all  royal  qualities  ;  the  former  show  us  the  splendour  of  Royalty 
tarnished  and  debased,  and  the  power  of  the  feodal  vassals  enlarged 
to  the  prejudice  of  the  royal  authority.  Roland,  in  speaking  of 
Charlemagne,  says,  in  the  Chanson  de  Roland,  1.  376  : — 

"Jamais  n'iert  hum  qui  encuntre  lui  vaillet," 

and  again  the  same  Roland  says  of  the  Emperor,  in  Guy  de  Buiir- 
goyne,  I.  1061  : — 

"  Laissomes  ce  vieilart  qui  tous  est  assotez."  . 
CHARL     ROM.    V.  J 


VI  rorLi.AHH'Y  oi'  tiii':  caui.ovingian  romances. 

This  glorifioalion  of  tlic  great  Christian  hero  took  its  rise  in 
Kirtuoe,  but  soon  spread  into  the  neighbouring  countries,  and  before 
long  Charlemagne  was  celebrated  in  song  by  almost  all  European 
nations.  Indeed,  there  are  translations,  reproductions,  compiliitions 
of  French  Charlemagne  romances  to  be  met  with  in  Italy,  Spain,  and 
Portugal,  as  well  as  in  Scandinavia  and  Iceland.  Even  in  Hungary 
and  Kussia  these  chansons  of  the  Charlemagne  cycle  seem  to  have 
been  known.  ^ 

A  full  account  of  almost  aU  Charlemagne  romances  will  be  found 
in  Gaston  Paris's  exhaustive  work  of  the  Histoire  iwetique  de 
Charlemagne  (Paris,  1865),  and  in  L^on  Gautier's  Epopees  fran^aises 
(Paris,  18G7). 

Of  all  the  Charlemagne  romances,  tbat  of  Fierabras  or  Ferumbras 
has  certainly  obtained  the  highest  degree  of  popularity,  as  is  shown 
by  the  numerous  versions  and  reproductions  of  this  romance,  from  the 
13th  century  down  to  the  present  day. 

"When  the  art  of  printing  first  became  general,  the  first  romance 
that  was  printed  was  a  prose  version  of  Fierahras ;  and  when  the 
study  of  mediaeval  metrical  romances  was  revived  in  this  century,  the 
Fierahras  poem  was  the  first  to  be  re-edited.^ 

The  balm  of  Fierabras  especially  seems  to  have  been  celebrated 
for  its  immediately  curing  any  wound ;  we  find  it  referred  to  and 
minutely  described  in  Florian's  Don  Quichotte,  I.  chap.  10.  The 
scene  of  Fierabras  challenging  to  a  combat  the  twelve  peers  of  France, 
and  of  his  vaunting  offer  to  fight  at  once  with  six  (or  twelve) 
of  them,3  must  also  have  been  pretty  familiar  to  French  readers,  as 
the  name  of  Fierabras  is  met  with  in  the  sense  of  a  simple  common 
noun,  signifying  "a  bragging  bully  or  swaggering  hector."'* 

Eabelais-^  also  alludes  to  Fierabras,  thinking  him  reiiovrned 
enough  as  to  figure  in  the  pedigree  of  Pantragruel. 

In  1833,  on  a  tour  made  through  the  Pyrenees,  M.  Jomard  wit- 


'  Histoire  Poet.,  p.  1.S3-4. 
'  Gautier,  Epopees,  ii.  308. 

'  Cf.   the   French    Fierabras,  1.  84;    Sir  Ferumlras,  1.   102:    Son-done 
1.  1067. 

*  Thus  in  Scarron,  Gigant,  iii. 
'  Pantagruel,  ii.  chap.  1. 


THE    '  FIERABRAS  '    ROMANCE    IN    THE    NETHERLANDS.  vii 

nessed  a  kind  of  liistorical  drama,  represented  by  villagers,  in  which 
Fierabras  and  Balan  were  the  principal  characters.^ 

That  in  our  own  days,  the  tradition  of  Fierabras  continues  to  live, 
is  evident  from  the  fact,  that  copies  of  the  Fierabras  story,  in  the 
edition  of  the  Bihliotheque  Bleue,  still  circulate  amongst  the  country 
people  of  France.'^  There  is  even  an  illustrated  edition,  published  in 
1861,  the  pictures  of  which  have  been  executed  by  no  less  an  artist 
than  Gustave  Dore.  And  like  Oberon,  that  other  mediaeval  hero  of 
popular  celebrity,^  Fierabras  has  become  the  subject  of  a  musical 
composition.  There  is  an  Opera  Fiemhra-s  composed  by  Franz 
Schubert  (words  by  Joseph  Knpelwieser)  in  1823,  the  overture  of 
Avhich  has  been  arranged  for  the  piano  in  1827,  by  Carl  Czerny.'' 

The  different  versions  and  the  popularity  of  the  present  romance 
in  France,  Italy,  Spain,  and  Germany,  having  been  treated  in  the 
Introduction  to  Sir  Ferumhras,  we  need  not  repeat  it  again  here.'"' 
As  to  the  popularity  of  the  Fierabras  romance  in  the  Netherlands, 
the  following  passage  from  Hoffmann,  Horce  Belgicm  (Vratislavise, 
1830),  I.  66,  may  be  quoted  here*^  :  — 

"  Quam  notse  Belgis,  sec.  xiii.  et  xiv.,  variae  variarum  nationuni 
fabulfe  fuerint,  quae  ex  Gallia  septemtrionali,  ubi  originem  copenint, 
translatae  sunt,  pauca  hsec  testimonia  demonstrabunt : —  ....  in 
exordio  Sidraci : — "^ 

'  Dickent  hebbic  de  gone  ghescoudeu, 
die  hem  an  boeken  houden 
daer  si  clene  oerbare  in  leren, 
also  sijn  jeesten  van  heei-en, 
van  Paerthenopeuse,  van  Amidase, 
van  Troijen  ende  van  Fierabrase, 
ende  van  menisrhen  boeken,  die  men  mint 
ende  daer  men  litel  oerbaren  in  vint, 


'   See  tlie  most  interesting  account  of  this  piece  and  its  curious  manner  of 
representation  in  Nistoire  LUteraire  de  la  France,  xvii.  720-21. 

*  Gautier,  Epopees,  ii.  p.  308  ;  and  Histoire  Poetique,  p.  99. 

^  See  Hiton  de  Bonrdeaux,  edd.  Guessard  and  Grandmaison,  p.  xxxviii. 

*  See  G.  Nottebohm,  Tliematisches   Verzeichniss  der  tin  Druck  e  •.Thiene- 
nen  Werke  von  Franz  Schubert.     Wien,  1874. — Op.  76. 

•'*   Cf.  besides,   Histoire  Poetiqne,   pp.   97,   143,   155,   214,    251  ;    Epopees 
fran^alses,  ii.  pp.  307-9  ;  and  the  Preface  of  the  French  edition  of  Fierabras. 

"  See  also  Mone,  Uebersicht  der  niederldndisclten  Volhditeratur  iiltere^ 
Zeit.     TiibiiiKen,  1836.     p.  66. 

'  Cf.  Warton,  Hist,  of  Eng.  Poetry,  1824,  vol.  i.  pp.  147-8. 

b   2 


viii       im:  '  rii:it  miuas     idniwcjio  in   knuland  and  Scotland. 

pndo  dnt  nls  legliene  es  ciule  mere, 
ciulo  aniliTS  en  liebben  ghene  lere, 
(lamio  vechtoii  ende  vrowcn  miiineii 
eiide  livnt  ende  steden  winnen ' — 


"  Xec  rarius  tanguntur  fabuliie  de  Carolo  Magno,  Speculum.  His- 
toriale.  IV.  1.  xxix  (cf.  IMldcrdijk,  Verscheidcnh,  I.  D.  bl.  161-2)  : — 

'Carol  es  meniclnvaerf  beloghen 
in  groten  boerden  ende  in  hoghen, 
alse  boerders  doen  ende  oec  dwase, 
diene  beloghen  van  Fierahrase, 
dat  nie  ghesciede  noch  en  was  .... 
die  scone  walsce  valsce  poeten, 
die  mer  rimen  dan  si  weten, 
belieghen  groten  Gaerle  vele 
in  sconen  worden  ende  bispele 
van  Fierahrase  va7i  Alisandre, 
van  Fv7it  Mautrihle  ende  andre, 
dat  algader  niet  en  was " 

That  the  Fierahras  romance  must  have  been  well  known  and 
highly  popular  in  England  and  Scotland,  may  be  gathered  from  the 
numerous  references  to  this  poem  in  various  Middle  Englisli  works. 

Thus  the  whole  subject  of  the  Fierabras  romance  is  found  in  the 
following  passage,  taken  from  Barbour's  Bruce,  ed.  Skeat,  3,  435  ss., 
where  the  King  is  described  as  relating  to  his  followers  : — 

"  Romanys  off  worthi  Feratnbrace, 
That  worthily  our-commyn  was 
Throw  the  rycht  doiichty  Olywer  ; 
And  how  the  duz  Peris  wer 
Assegj't  intill  Egrj'mor, 
Quhar  King  Lawyne  lay  thaim  befor 
With  inay  thowsandis  then  I  can  say, 
And  bot  elewyn  within  war  thai, 
And  a  woman  ;  and  wa  sa  stad, 
That  thai  na  mete  thar  within  had, 
Bot  as  thai  fra  tliair  fayis  wan. 
Y  heyte,  sua  contenyt  thai  thaim  tli:tn  : 
That  thai  the  tour  held  manlily, 
Till  that  Rychard  off  Normandy, 
Magre  his  fayis,  warnyt  the  king, 
That  wes  joyfull  off  this  tithing  : 
For  he  wend,  thai  had  all  bene  slaynr^. 
Tharfor  he  tiirnyf  in  hy  agayne. 
And  wan  Mantrybill  and  passit  Flagot  ; 
And  syne  Lawyne  and  all  his  flot 
Dispitusly  discumfyt  he  : 
And  deliueryt  his  men  all  fre, 
And  wan  the  naylis,  and  the  sjjer. 
And  the  croune  that  Ihesu  couth  ber ; 


ALLUSIONS    TO    '  FIEKABRAS  '    IN    KNGLISU    WOKKS.  IX 

And  ofE  the  croice  a  gret  party 
He  wan  throw  his  chewalry."  ' 

In  kis  poem  of  Ware  the  Hawk,  Skelton  (ed.  Dyce,  I.  162)  cites 
Syr  Pherumhras  as  a  great  tyrant.  He  also  refers  to  liim  in  one  of 
his  poems  against  Garnesche,  whom  he  addresses  with  the  following 
apostrophe  : — 

"Ye  fowle,  fers  and  felle,  as  Syr  Ferumbras  the  ffreke." 

The  story  of  the  combat  between  Oliver  and  Ferumbras  is  alluded 
to  by  Lyndsay,  in  his  Historie  of  ane  Nohil  and  WaiJ-^eand  Squyer, 
William  Meldrum,  ed.  Hall,  11.  1313-16  :— 

"  Roland  with  Brandwell,  his  bricht  brand, 
Faucht  never  better,  hand  for  hand, 
Nor  Gawin  aganis  Golibras, 
Nor  Olyver  with  Pharambvas." 

The  tale  of  tlie  fortified  bridge  of  Mauntrible  seems  also  to  have 
been  very  well  known  in  England  and  Scotland.  In  the  Complaint 
of  Scotland,  ed.  Murray,  p.  63,  we  find  the  Tall  of  the  Brig  of  the 
Mantrihle  mentioned  among  other  famous  romances.  In  his  lampoon 
on  Garnesche,  Skelton  describes  his  adversary  as  being  more  deformed 
and  uglier  than 

"  Of  Mantryble  the  bryge  Malchus-  the  murryon." 

As  has  already  been  mentioned,  amongst  all  the  Charlemagne 
romances  the  (originally  French)  romance  of  Fierahras  is  remarkable 
as  being  one  of  the  first  that  was  rescued  from  the  dust  of  libraries ; 
and  it  is  worthy  of  note,  in  connection  with  it,  that  the  first  printed 
version  was  not  a  French,  but  a  Provencal  one,  which  was  published 
not  in  France,  the  birtli-place  of  the  romance,  but  in  Germany. 

The  manuscript  of  this  Proven9al  version  having  been  discovered 
by  Lachmann   in    the   Library   of   Prince  Ludwig   von   Oettingen- 

'  It  is  worthy  of  notice  that  the  account  of  the  Fierabras  romance  as 
given  by  Barbour,  may  be  considered,  on  the  whole,  as  identical  with  the  sub- 
ject of  the  French  Fierahras  or  the  English  Sijr  Ferumbras,  but  not  with  the 
Srnvdan,  as  there  is  no  mention  made  of  the  combat  before  Rome,  nnr  any 
trace  of  what  makes  up  the  first  part  of  the  Son-dan.  But  the  spelling  Lawyn 
for  Balan  agrees  with  the  spelling  of  the  same  name  in  the  Sowdan.  As  to 
the  relics  mentioned  in  the  passage  above,  they  differ  from  all  other  versions. 

^  In  the  Soivdari  the  Bridgeward  is  called  Alagolofre  ;  cf.  Index  of  Names. 


\  IIIK    '  J'KOVKNyAL    KKKABKAS. 

W.illiTsteii),'  soiiicwlicro  about  the  year  1820,  tlio  poem  Wcas  pnlt- 
lihhed  in  1829  by  Tinniamul  Bekker.^ 

Knynoimnl,  who  ilrow  attention  to  this  edition  of  the  poem  in  the 
Jonrual  des  Savants,  iMiuch  1831,  supposed  this  Proven5al  version 
to  b(3  the  original. 

Sooji  after  Fauriel  discovered  at  Paris  two  MSS.  of  the  romance 
in  Fren.li.  wwA  a  third  French  MS.  was  found  in  London,^  by  Fr. 
Michfl,  in  1838. 

In  1852  Fauriel  gave  an  account  of  the  poem  in  the  Ilistoire 
Littemire  dc  la  France,  par  les  religieux  henedictins  de  congregation 

de  Saint-Maur continuee  par  des  memhres  de  Vlnstitut,  vol. 

xxii.  p.  196  et  seq.,  where  he  also  investigated  the  question  of  the 
originality  of  the  two  versions,  without  arriving  at  a  final  solution ; 
as  from  the  comparison  of  the  Frejich  and  the  Proven9al  version,  no 
conclusion  as  to  the  original  could  be  drawn  in  favour  of  eitlier  of 
the  two  poems.'* 

As  early  as  1829  Uhland  and  Diez  had  expressed  their  opinion, 
that  in  all  probability  the  Proven9al  poem  was  to  be  looked  upon  as 
a  reproduction  of  some  French  source;*  and  in  1839  Edelestand  du 
M6ril,  in  France,  had  pointed  out  the  French  poem  as  the  original 
of  the  Provencal  version ;  ^  Guessard  in  his  lectures  at  the  Ecole  des 
Chartes,  at  Paris,  had  also  defended  the  same  opinion ;  when  in 
1860,  the  editors  of  the  French  Fierabras'^  finally  and  irrefutably 
proved  the  impossibility  of  considering  the  PioveuQal  poem  as 
anything  but  a  translation  of  a  French  original. 

'  This  JIS.  consisting  of  71  parchment  leaves  in  4to,  with  coloured  initials 
at  the  beginning  of  eacli  rhyme-strophe,  had  furmerl)'  been  in  the  possession 
'•  Majoris  Monaster!!  congregationis  Sancti  Mauri,"  at  Paris.  Having  passed 
through  many  hands  during  the  French  Revolution,  it  tinally  came  to  the 
Library  of  SVallerstein. 

'  Der  Roman  von  Ferabras,  provenzalisch.     Berlin,  1829. 

'  British  Museum,  MS.  Reg.  15.  E.  vi. 

*  Cf.  also  the  Preface  of  the  French  Fierabra?,  p.  iv. 

*  See  Leben  und  Wcrke  der  Troubadours,  by  Friedrich  Diez,  Zwickau, 
1829,  p.  613  note,  and  Berliner  Jahrbiicher  fiir  wissensrhaftUche  Kritik,  18.31. 

*  In  a  footnote  to  his  Hixioire  de  la  Pnesie  scandlnave,  p.  183,  where  he 
Bays : — '•  Le  roman  de  Ferabras,  public  a  Berlin  par  M.  Bekker,  est  .  .  .  evi- 
demment  traduit  du  fran5ais,  et  en  a  conserve  trop  de  formes  et  d'expressions 
pour  avoir  la  moindre  valeur  grammaticale.'' 

'  Fierahras  chanson  de  gcsfe,  edd.  Kroeber  and  Servois,  in  the  collection 
of  the  Ancicns  Poetcs  de  la  France. 


THE    OLD    '  BALAN  '    UOMANCE.  xi 

In  1865,  Gaston  Paris,  in  his  Poetical  Hidonj  of  OlLarlemuyne, 
pointed  out  that  what  we  have  now  of  the  Fierohras  romance  must 
be  looked  upon  as  a  very  diiferent  version  from  the  old  original 
Fierahras  (or  Balan)  romance,  the  former  being  indeed  only  a  por- 
tion, considerably  amplified  and  iu  its  arrangement  modified,  of  the 
old  poem,  the  first  portion  of  which  has  been  lost  altogether.  Gaston 
Paris  had  been  led  to  this  sa})position  by  the  rather  abrupt  opening 
of  the  Fierahras,  which  at  once  introduces  the  reader  in  mcdias  res, 
and  by  the  numerous  passages  of  the  Fierahras,  which  contain  allu- 
sions and  references  to  preceding  events ;  several  of  which,  being 
obscure  and  inexplicable  from  the  context  of  the  Fierahras  itself, 
can  only  be  explained  by  assuming  the  existence  of  an  earlier  poem. 

The  main  subject  of  the  old  Balan  or  Fierahras  romance  may  be 
given  as  follows  : — "  The  Saiacens  having  invaded  Rome  and  killed 
the  Pope,  Chavlemagne  sends,  from  France,  Guy  of  Burgundy  and 
Ei chard  of  ISTormandy  to  the  rescue  of  the  city,  and  follows  himself 
with  his  main  army.  After  a  fierce  combat  between  Oliver  and 
Perumbras,  the  city  is  delivered  from  the  Saracens,  and  a  new  Poj^e 
established."  ^ 

'  For  a  more  detailed  anal3'sis,  see  Hisfnire  Poet.,  p.  251,  and  of.  the 
account  given  of  the  old  Fierahras  or  Balan  romance  by  riiilippe  Mousket, 
ed.  Reiffenberg,  Bruxelles,  vol.  I.  v.  11.  4(5(U— 4716,  which  runs  as  follows:  — 

4o64    Puis  fu  Roume  par  force  prise 

et  la  gent  destruite  et  ocise 

et  li  ajiostoile  ocis 

Castiaus-Mireors  ars  et  pri» 
4i"i(;8    et  toute  la  cite  bruie. 

li  dus  Garins  et  sa  niesnie 

entrerent  en  Castiel-Croisant, 

quar  Sarrasin,  Turc  et  Persant 
4(i72    amenerent  trop  grant  compagiie 

et  devers  Surie  et  d'Espagne  ; 

si  furent  crestien  dolant, 

et  manderent  tot  niaiiitenaMt 
4676    soucours  al  bon  roi  Charlenminiie 

ki  sa  fieste  en  France  deniainne, 

et  11  rois  en  cele  besogne      , 

lor  tramist  Guion  de  Bourgogue, 
4G80    ki  nouviaus  chevaliers  estoit 

et  des  jovenes  enfans  avoit 

(levant  90U  la  couronne  prise. 

et  soucoururent  sans  faiutise 


Xii  TUK    KKENCH    *  FIEU.VliUAS.* 

Of  all  the  events  related  in  the  old  Balan  romance,  there  is  but 
one  which  is  contained  in  the  Fierabras  poem,  viz.  the  combat  be- 
tween Oliver  and  Fcninibras,  and  even  this  has  been  greatly  mot! ified 
in  consequence  of  the  composer's  transferring  the  scene  of  action  from 
Italy  to  Spain.  All  the  other  events  related  in  the  Fierahras,  the 
love  of  Floripas  and  Guy,  the  capture  of  the  twelve  peers,  their 
being  besieged  in  the  castle  of  Agremor,  and  their  deliverance  by 
Charlemagne,  and  the  ultimate  wedding  of  Floripas  and  Guy  are 
altogether  wanting  in  the  original  Fierahras  [Balan]  romance. 

Therefore  Gaston  Paris  was  right  in  saying  that  the  Fierahras 
poem  contained  only  the  second  part  of  the  earlier  poem,  the  first 
part  of  which  had  not  come  down  to  us. 

Now  it  seemed  as  though  this  view,  which  had  been  clearly 

4(>8-l   lor  bon  roi  en  la  tiere  estrange 

u  il  n'orcnt  ni  lin  ni  lange. 

en  France  estoient  revenu 

et  soujourne  et  bien  p6u, 
4688    mais  a  eel  soucours  le  trauiist 

li  rois,  ki  moult  s'entremist, — 

et  si  tramist  de  Norniendie 

Ricart  a  la  ciere  bardie, 
4692    si  re[)rirent  li  Mireour: 

et  dus  Garins  vint  a  I'estour, 

ki  tint  Pavie  en  quite 

B'ot  bien  Castil-Croisant  garde, 
4696    et  Karles  ot  sa  gent  mandee, 

si  vinrent  de  mainte  contree. 

quar  11  lor  faisoit  tant  de  biens, 

qu  'k  ses  amis  ne  faloit  riens. 
4700    si  trest  vers  Rome  li  bons  rois 

et  fist  as  paiens  moult  d'anois. 

dont  se  combati  Oliviers 

a  Fierabras  ki  tant  fu  fiers  ; 
4704    d'armes  Toutra,  si  reconquist 

les  .ii.  barius  qu'a  Rome  prist, 

si  les  gieta  enmi  le  Toirre 

por  90U  que  plus  n'en  peust  boi^-re  ; 
4708   quar  c'est  bausmes  ki  fu  remes 

dont  Ihesu  Cris  fu  embausmes. 

puis  furent  mort  tot  li  paien 

et  mis  en  Rourae  crestiien, 
4712    si  ot  autre  apostoile  fait 

et  Karles  s'en  revint  k  bait, 

si  gratia  Dieu  et  St.  Piere, 

que  recouvree  ot  sa  kaiere, 
4716    soujourner  vint  dont  a  Parise  ... 


THE    '  DESTRUCTION    UE    HOME.  XIU 

demonstrated  and  generally  adopted,  would  have  to  undergo  a 
thorough  modification  on  the  discovery  of  a  new  Fierabras  Manu- 
script in  Hanover.  Professor  Groeber,  having  been  informed  of  the 
existence  of  that  MS.  by  Professor  Tobler,  published  from  it,  in  1873, 
the  poem  of  the  Destruction  de  Rome}  which  in  that  MS.  precedes 
the  Fierahras  romance. ^  In  his  Address  to  the  Assembly  of  German 
Philologists  at  Leipzig,^  the  same  scholar  attempted  to  show  that 
this  poem  represented  the  first  part  of  the  earlier  Balan  romance. 

This  supposition,  however,  can  only  be  accepted  with  reserve, 
and  needs  a  great  modification,  as  by  no  means  all  the  references  to 
previous  events  contained  in  the  Fierahras  receive  explanation  in 
the  Destruction,  although  all  such  previous  events  must  have  been 
narrated  in  the  original  Balan.  Moreover,  one  of  these  allusions 
in  the  Fierahras  is  in  direct  contradiction  to  the  contents  of  the 
Destruction. 

Thus  IL  2237  et  seq.  of  the  Fierahras :  ^— 

"  .i.  chevalier  de  France  ai  lontans  ename: 
Guis  a  nom  de  Borgoigne,  moult  i  a  bel  arme ; 
Parens  est  Karlemaine  et  Rollant  I'adure. 
Des  que  je  fui  a  Romme,  m'a  tout  mon  cuer  embl^, 
Quant  I'amirans  mes  peres  fist  gaster  la  cite, 
Lncafer  de  Baudas  ahatl  ens  ou  lire, 
Et  lui  et  le  ccval,  d'unfort  esjriel  qiiarre," 

where  Floripas  declares  that  she  has  seen  Guy  before  Eome  when 
defeating  Lukafer,  widely  differ  from  the  account  given  in  11.  1355 
et  seq.  of  the  Destruction,  where  Guy  does  not  arrive  at  Eome  until 
after  the  departure  of  Laban's  army  to  Spain, 

In  the  Destruction  no  clue  is  given  which  would  enable  us  to 
explain  why  Charles  should  be  constantly  applying  to  Eichard  in 
the  Fierahras  (11.  112  eif  seq.)  for  information  about  Fierahras,  or  why 
Eichard,  in  particidar,  should  know  more  about  Fierahras  than  any 
one  else.    There  is  no  mention  in  the  Destruction  of  Eichard  chasing 


'   Bomnnia,  ii.  1873,  pp.  1  —  48. 

*  Cf.  Jahrhuchfiir  roinanische  und  englische  Sprache  iind  Literatnr,  edd. 
Leracke,  vol.  xiii.  p.  111. 

^  Printed  in  VerTiandhingen  dcr  28sten  Versavimlvng  deutscher  PhUologe?i 
und  Schnlmcinner  in  Leipzig.     Leipzig,  1873,  p.  209  et  seq. 

*  Corresponding  to  11.  1410  et  seq.  of  the  Ashmole  Fermnhras. 


Xiv       Tin:    •  1H:STKUCT1UN'    COMPAKEU    Willi     llIK    '  BAI,AN  '    KoMANX'IO. 

tlio  lOinir  1).  I'liiv.  him  in  lliu  plain  of  KoiiK',  lu  wliich  event  II.  3708-9 

of  tho  Ficnih-iis^  clearly  refer. 

"  liiclmrs  de  Noi'incmlii'  an  ccuiriige  adur6, 
Qui  cucba  riiinirant  dovaiit  lloinnic  ens  el  pr6." 

riic  allusion  contained  in  1.  2614,'^ 

....•'  Kichart  de  Normondie, 
Cil  qui  ni'ocist  Corsuble  ct  iiiou  oncle  Mautrie," 

ulitM'c  IJiclianl  is  said  to  have  slain  Corsuble  and  Mautrie,  the  uncle 

of  Floripas,  is  not  cleared  up  by  the  Destruction,  as  in  the  three 

passages,  where  Eichard  is  mentioned  there  (11.  246,  288,  541),  he 

does  not  play  an  active  part  at  all,  whereas  from  Mousket's  analysis 

of  the  original  Fierahras  [Balan]  romance,  we  know  how  important 

a  part  Guy  and  Eichard  played  in  the  old  poem.^     There  Eichard 

and  Guy  being  sent  off  by  Charlemagne  as  a  first  succour  to  the 

oppressed   Eomans,  succeeded  in  delivering  Chateau-Miroir,  which 

had  been  seized  by  the  Saracens.     The  story  of  the  combat  around 

Chateau-Miroir,  as  related  in  the  Destruction,  11.  593  ss.,  is  thoroughly 

different,'*  as  besides  other  variations,  there  is  neither  Eichard  nor 

Guy  concerned  in  it. 

Therefore,  as  the  contents  of  the  Destruction  are  not  identical 

with  !Mousket's  analysis  of  the  old  Balan  romance,  and  as  several 

passages  alluding  to  events  previously  described  are  left  unexplained 

in  the  Destruction  ;  and  as  there  is  even  an  instance  of  the  Destruction 

being  in  contradiction  to  the  Fierahras,  the  poem  of  the  Destruction 

de  Rome  cannot  be  said  to  be  identical  with  the  first  part  of  the 

Balan  romance.^ 

'  Cf.  Sir  Fenimhra.%  11.  8192-3. 

*  Cf.  also  1.  2784  and  Sir  Fcrumhras,  11.  18G0  and  2059. 

'  See  above,  p.  xi,  footnote,  and  Histnire  Poetiqve,  p.  251. 

*  Cf.  Gr()el)er,  VerlKunlhtngcn.  pp.  217-18. 

'  The  following  dilierences  between  the  Destruction  and  the  narration  of 
Philippe  Mousket  are  worthy  of  note : — 

(i)  the  combat  around  Cliateau-Miroir  is  described  in  a  different  manner 
in  the  two  poems. 

(ii)  the  scene  of  action,  which  at  the  end  of  the  iJestruction  is  transferred 
to  Spain,  remains,  according  to  Philippe  Mousket,  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Rome  for  the  whole  time. 

(iii)  Guj-  of  Burgundy  and  Piichard  of  Normandy  play  a  most  important 
active  part  before  Rome,  according  to  Ph.  Mousket,  wliereas  in  the  Destruction 
tliis  is  not  the  case. 

Now,  as  to  the  last  two  items,  they  must  have  been  in  the  original  such  as 


THE    MS:^.   OF    TUli    FREXCU    EDITION.  XV 

Thu  Provencal  versiou  and  the  Dedruction  are  each  printed  from 
unique  MSS.,  the  latter  from  the  Hanover  MS.,  the  former  from  the 
"Wallersteiii  MS.  Of  the  French  Fierabras  there  are  seven  MSS. 
known  to  exist. 

a  =  the  MS.  of  the  BibHoth^ue  Rationale  at  Paris,  Supplem. 
fran^.,  No.  180,  which  has  been  followed  throughout  by  the  editors 
of  the  French  Fierabras,  who  in  cases  of  evident  errors  or  lacunaj  of 
this  MS.,  considted  the  three  following  MSS.  : 

h  =  the  MS.  of  the  Biblioth.  Rationale,  Lancelot,  7566  ^■^. 

c  =  the  ]\rS.  of  the  British  Museum,  MS.  Pteg.  15.  E.  vi.i 

d  =  the  MS.  of  the  Vatican  Library,  Regina  1616. 

D  =  the  MS.  in  possession  of  M.  Ambroise-Firmin  Didot,  a  sinidl 
fragment  of  which  has  been  printed  by  Gautier,  Fpopees  fr.  ii.  3  (J  7. 

F  =  the  Escorial  MS.,  a  description  of  which,  together  with  the 
variations,  has  been  given  by  Knust,  in  the  Jahrbuch  fiir  romanische 
imd  englisclie  Sprache  und  Literatur,  vol.  ix.  p.  43  et  seq. 

H  =  the  Hanover  MS.,  which  also  contains  the  Destruction  de 
Rome.  It  has  been  described  by  Professor  Groeber  in  the  Jahrhuch, 
xiii.  p.  111. 

tbey  are  related  by  Ph.  Mousket.  For  only  thus  some  obscure  passages  of 
Fierabras,  of  which  even  the  Destruction  atfords  no  explanation,  are  cleared 
up.     Thus,  Fierabras,  1.  1049, 

"  Pres  fu  du  far  de  Rome,  ses  a  dedens  jetes  " — 

which  is  in  contradiction  to  the  Destruction,  is  explained  by  11.  4705-6  of 
Mousket's  account  (see  above).  Only  Mousket  relates  that  Floripas  has  seen 
Guy  before  Rome  {Fierabrait,  1.  2240  ;  Ashniole  Fer umbras,  1.  1413),  and  that 
Richard  took  part  at  the  combat  there.  Therefore  the  account  as  given  by 
Ph.  Mousket,  agreeing  with  what  must  have  been  the  contents  of  the  old 
original,  is  based  on  a  version  older  than  the  Destruction,  which  exhibits 
significant  differences. 

These  differences  between  Mousket  and  the  Destruction,  as  well  as  the  fact 
that  several  references  to  preceding  events  contained  iu  Fierabras  remain  un- 
explained by  the  Destruction,  were  some  of  the  reasons  which  led  me  in  my 
Dissertation,  pp.  41—49,  to  consider  the  Destruction  as  a  poem  written  by 
another  author  than  that  of  the  Fierabras.  In  order  to  clear  up  the  allusions 
to  preceding  events  contained  in  the  Fierabras,  the  very  beginning  of  which 
necessarily  requires  some  explanatory  account — a  circumstance  which  also 
gave  rise  to  the  '  episode '  of  the  Provenc^-al  version — the  Destruction  was 
composed  as  a  kind  of  Introduction  to  the  Fierabras,  whereby  it  happened 
that  some  allusions  remained  unexplained. 

'  For  a  description  of  this  magnificent  MS.,  see  Sir  Ferumbras,  \k  vi, 
footnote. 


Xvi  Till':    KNCI.ISII    VEUSIONS. 

As  to  tho  English  Fienihms  romances,  there  are  two  versions 
kncnvii  to  exist :  ^  tho  poem  of  Sir  Femmbras  contained  in  the 
Ashmolo  MS.  33  -  and  the  present  poem. 

In  tho  following  we  shall  attempt  to  point  out  the  differences  of 
these  two  versions,  and  to  examine  whether  there  is  any  relationship 
between  the  English  and  the  Erench  poems,  and  if  possible  to  identify 
the  original  of  the  former. 

A  superficial  comparison  of  the  English  poem  of  Sir  Ferumhras 
■with  the  Erench  romance  Fierahras  (edd.  Kroeber  and  Servois)  will 
suffice  at  once  to  show  the  great  resemblance  between  the  two  versions. 
In  my  Dissertation  on  the  sources  and  language  of  the  Sowdan  of 
Babijlone  (Berlin,  1879)  I  have  proved  (pp.  30 — 40)  that  the  Ash- 
molean  Ferumhras  must  be  considered  as  a  running  poetical  trans- 
lation of  a  Erench  original.  Since  Mr.  Herrtage,  in  the  Introduction 
to  his  edition  of  the  Ashmole  MS.  33,  has  also  pointed  out  the  close- 
nt'ss  with  which  the  translator  generally  followed  the  original,  which 
he  believes  to  belong  to  the  same  type  as  tho  Fierahras,  edited  by 
MM.  Kroeber  and  Servois.  "  The  author  has  followed  his  oric;inal 
closely,  so  far  as  relates  to  the  course  of  events  ;  but  at  the  same  time 
he  has  translated  it  freely,  introducing  several  slight  incidents  and 
modifications,  which  help  to  enliven  and  improve  the  poem.  That 
he  has  not  translated  his  original  literally,  is  shown  by  the  fact  that 
the  Erench  version  consists  of  only  6219  lines,  or  allowing  for  the 
missing  portion  of  the  Ashmole  MS.,  not  much  more  than  one-half 
the  number  of  lines  in  the  latter,  and  that  too,  although  he  has  cut 
down  the  account  of  the  duel  between  Oliver  and  Ferumhras  from 
1500  to  800  lines,  by  leaving  out  Oliver's  attempts  at  converting  the 
Saracen,  Charlemagne's  prayers,  &c." 

Now,  in  my  opinion,  we  ought  not  to  lay  too  much  stress  on  the 
fact  that  the  nimiber  of  lines  in  the  two  versions  differs,  as  all  trans- 
lators of  poetical  works,  who  wish  to  follow  their  original  as  closely 
as  possible,  will  easily  be  able  to  render  it  'literally'  as  long  as  they 
Avrite  in  prose.  But  adopting  a  poetical  form  for  their  translation, 
and  still  pursuing  their  intention  of  a  close  rendering  of  their  original, 

'  Cf.  Warton,  Hist,  of  Eng.  Poetry,  ii.  11)7-8. 
*  Edited  for  the  E.  E.  T.  S.  in  1871),  l3y  s!  J.  Herrtage,  B.A. 


THE  ASHMOLE  MS.  AND  THE  FRENCH  POEM.         XVU 

thejr  must  needs  be  more  diffuse,  and  the  consideration  of  rhythm 
and  rhyme  will  compel  them  sometimes  to  abandon  a  quite  literal 
translation,  and  to  be  content  with  a  free  reproduction.  This  is  also 
the  case  with  the  author  of  Syr  Ferumhras,  who,  notwithstanding 
the  many  passages  where  the  French  text  is  not  given  '  literally,' 
must  be  considered  as  a  close  rhymed  translation  of  the  French  poem. 
The  only  liberty  which  we  see  the  English  author  take  sometimes, 
consists  in  contracting  or  amalgamating  together  those  couplets 
similaires,'^  or  strophes  which  contain  repetitions. 

But  not  always  did  the  author  thus  give  up  his  plan  of  render- 
ing his  original  closely :  occasionally  he  has  such  repetitionary  lines 
in  the  same  place  as  the  French  poem,  as,  for  instance,  in  11.  1 30  et 
seq.  corresponding  to  Fierabras,  11.  125  et  seq. 

The  closeness  and  literalness  of  his  translation  is  well  exemplified 

by  his  introduction   in  an  English  dress  of  a  great  many  French 

words  which  are  unknown,  or  at  least  of  a  most  rare  occurrence,  in 

English,  and  which  in  his  translation  are  found  in  the  same  place 

and  context,  Avhere  the  French  text  has  them.     This  will  be  best 

illustrated   by  juxtaposing    the   corresponding   phrases   of   the   two 

versions.  '  - 

Ashmole  Ferumhras.  French  Fierahras. 

312  Hit   ys  rewarded  ous  two  be-  301  'Nous  jiijon   Olivier,  si   I'avons 
twj^ne  }jat  Olyuer  schal  wende  esgarde  Qu'il  fera  ia  bataille 

and  take  \>q  batail  au  paien  defifa^.' 

3.30  Mercy,  quaf;  he  to  kyng  Charles  333  '  As  j)ies  le  roy  se  jete,  mercM  li 

a  priie.' 

3()9  \)i\,i  2)aynede  (ix\'&\,  "ill  ' — dont  vos  Diex  fu  ^;ct<^.«.' 

388  Er  y  remiivie  me  of  Jjis  place  392  '  Ains  que  je  m'en  reniue  .  .  .' 

399  y  chnlenge  wi|3  }je  to  fijt  402  '  —  je  te  voel  calengier ' 

457  Parfay,  ansuerde  erld  O.  449  •Parfoi,A\si  Oliviers  .  .  .' 

533  Jsat  he  ne  .   .  maden  jelde  his  548  'se  Roland  s'i  combat,  ne  faice 
body  to  him  ereaynt  recre'a7it ' 

537  wifj  my  swerd  trenchaunt  553  ' .  .  .  A,  m'espee  trencnnt ' 

538  Sarsyns,  said  erld  0.  554  Sarrazins,  dist  li  quans  .  .  . 
551   long  Toi&xim  four chur 6  579  1\  oi  Venfovrce lire  gvaxxi 
658  a  ful  gret  j)ite,  etc.  586  j'ai  de  toi  grant pUe.  etc. 

'  Cf.  Gautier,  Epojiees  Frangaises,  i.  221. — "  Rien  n'est  plus  frequent,  dans 
la  Chanson  de  Ru'.iuid  et  dans  nos  poemes  les  plus  anciens,  que  la  repetition 
double,  triple  et  meme  quelquefois  quadruple,  de  certains  couplets.  Cette 
vt'()etition  n'a  pas  lieu  dans  lesmemes  termes,  ni  surtoutavec  les  memes  rimps. 
Tout  au  contraire,  la  meme  idee  est  repi'oduite  en  vers  differeuts.  munis 
d'assonances  ou  de  rimes  differeutes." 


Xviii      TllR    ASIIMOLE    MS.  OFTEN    TRANSLATES    THE    FRENCH    POEM. 


T.'il    liiiiie     virri'i/    of     nio,    iantail 

kny^t 
781   to  remiivlf  ]ie  of  |ms  place 
817   lie  was  tnrombred  with  F. 
1122  [?i'y  went  forth  on  &  j)endant 

047  wuii  liiire  sperc  giiniie  iofailc 
984  At  avdbjng  of  an  hulle 
IflOS.  1012  to  resrimrre  \}e  barons 
1016  wel  lonjre  hadde  jjis  chas  ylest 
1058  and    ofjre    rejiqucs    riche    ynovv 

whcnjf  y  have /;/<'«/(;« 
1227  for  to  wyte  wat  \i&y  be  and  hure 

cori/ne  yknowe 
1316  By  an  old  forsake  jeate  of  \>g 

flhfe  anti/pi)jte 
1773  sittynge  on  a  grene  erher 
1974  Florippe  his  dojtre  )>q  cortoyse 

in  cluinihre  J^ar  she  was  In  ]>& 

paleijK  yhurde  noise  and  j^yder 

f^an  she  gas 
2007  Yow  ert  asofid 
2538  a  gret  repref  it  were 
3665  brydel   and    paytrel  and   al   }pe 

gere  wif?  fyn  gold  yharueyssed 

were 
3072  and  ]pe.  king  him  gan  ascrie 
3791   a  gret  did  {^ay  made  fjere 
4541   with  an  hard  crestid  serpentis 

fel 
5753  on  }jan  ston  a  craccliede  and  in 

a  spatte  in  dispit  of  god,  etc. 


1494-5  —  vio-ci   li  a   cri6  :    Gcntix 

horn  .  . 
1515  ja  ]iar  moi  n'i  seri6s  .  .  remvin 
15r>2  Mais  de  ¥.  est  .  .  .  encombr6s 
1696  Cil  s'entornent   fuiant   le  jyen- 

dnnt  d'un  laris 
1712    Quant  les  lances  \or  falcni 
17o4  A  I'avaler  d'un  tertre 
1757  ,  .  les  barons  rcscoiis  .  . 
17G4  Moult  fu  grans  cele  chare 
1806   Et  les  dignes  reliques  dont  il   i 

ad  plcnte 
2067  Lor  couvine  et  lor  estre  enquerro 

et  demander. 
2144  Par  une  gaste  porte  de  viel  ante- 

qn'ife 
2562  .  .  siet  sous  eel  arbre  rame. 
2712  Floripas  la  courtoise  a  le  nou 
escoute 

Puis  issi  de  la  cnmbre,  .  ,  , 

Entresi  cavl  palais  .  . 
2733  .  .  vous  voi  aa.tflte. 
3136  .  .  il  nous  est  7'ej)roure 
4117  Li  estrier  fureut  d'or,  rices  fu  li 

jfoitres 

4126  ...  si  s'est  haut  escries. 
4236  .  .  demainent  grant  doltnir 
4832  vestu  ot  la  pel  d'un  dur  serpent 

cir.ite 
5910  en  desp'tt  de  Ihesu  ens  es  fons 

ecraca. 


Besides  these  undoubted  examples  of  translation,  we  must  Lear 
in  mind  that  there  occur  some  variations  of  readings,  where,  indeed, 
the  author  of  Syr  Ferumhras  seems  to  have  introduced  slight  inci- 
dents and  modiBcations.  But  examining  them  more  closely,  we  shall 
soon  hecome  aware  that  many  of  them  also  point  to  a  French  original, 
which  we  may  sometimes  identify  by  comparing  these  variations  with 
the  readings  of  those  French  MSS.  that  are  already  printed.  Thus, 
the  words  "Jjarto  ys  stede  Jjan  tye])  he,"  1.  91,  render  exactly  a  line 
of  the  Escorial  ]\IS.^ — " son  cheval  aresna  a  I'abricel  rose" — which 
is  omitted  in  1.  9.3  of  i^  (/.  e.  the  French  Fierah7'as,  as  edited  by  MINI. 
Kroeber  and  Servois).^ 

'  The  variations  of  this  MS.  are  printed  in  the  Jahrhtch  dcr  roman.  and 
engl.  Sprachen,  vol.  ix.  pp.  43  ss. 

'  This  edition,  although  printed  from  the  MS.  a,  may  be  said  to  represent 
a  group  (w)  of  four  MSS.,  called  abed  (see  above  xv).     Another  group  (z) 


SIR    FERUMliUAS    AND    THE    ESCORIAL    MS. 


XIX 


The  following  is  another  example  of  A  (=  the  Ashmolean 
Ferumhras)  differing  from  F,  but  agreeing  with  E : 

A.  E. 

175  Ne    lyre   he    no^t    J^ys   day    til  175  ke  il  puisse  tant  vivre  que  cis 

evene  jours  soit  passes 

2131  Adoun  fjaj^  gunne  falle,  A«eZZyM^  2833  Issi    agenolUierent    par    bones 

on  f^e  erthe  stille  ...  &  kusse-  volentez 

dem  evereehone,  etc.  . . .  lis  baissent  les  reliques  . . . 

Notwithstanding  these  resemblances  of  A  to  F,  in  passages  where 
A  differs  from  F,  F  cannot  have  been  the  source  of  A,  as  there  are 
many  instances  where  F  and  F  show  the  same  reading,  whereas  A 
differs  from  both  versions. 

Thus,  A,  1.  340  ei  seq.,  it  is  Duke  Eeyner  who  blesses  his  son,  and 
not  Charles,  as  F  and  F  (1.  357)  have  it. 

The  names  of  Arrenor,  Gwy chard,  Gayot,  and  Angwyree,  given 
il  1.  814,  differ  from  those  which  are  mentioned  in  the  corresponding 
passage  of  F  and  F  (11.  1548-49). 

There  is  no  mention  of  Kargys  being  slain  by  Oliver  (A  880)  to 
be  found  in  F  or  F  (1.  1670-76). 

In  A  1178,  Lcwiasour  advises  the  Soudan  not  to  slay  the  prison- 
ers ;  in  F  and  F  (1.  1948)  the  same  advice  is  given  by  Brulans. 

The  names  of  Lamhroch  and  Golbrant  {A  1616,  1618)  are  not 
found  in  F  and  F,  2424. 

A,  11.  1347-48,  are  wanting  in  F  and  F  (2174). 

is  formed  by  the  MSS.  E  and  D.  Both  groups  belong  to  the  same  type  y. 
Cf.  Groeber,  Die  handschriftliohen  GestalUingen  der  chanson  de  gcste  Fiera- 
bras,  Leipzig,  1869,  p.  27,  where  we  find  the  following  stemina  : 


XX  Tin:  Dinor  and  tur  iianovkii  mss. 

Instead  of  a  giant  (.4  1 700)  we  find  a  giantess  mentioned  in  E 
and  F  (1.  2483). 

Instead  of  lu^Iand  (.4  1793)  it  is  Naymes  who  speaks  first  in  E 
and  y,  2570. 

These  few  instances,  the  number  of  which  might  easily  be  in- 
creased, will  certainly  suffice  to  show  the  impossibility  of  regarding 
E  as  the  original  of  A. 

Only  a  short  passage  of  the  Didot  MS.  has  been  hitherto  printed  ;^ 
therefore  the  arguments  drawn  from  a  comparison  of  A  with  that 
printed  passage  cannot  be  considered  as  altogether  irrefutable  and 
final.     But  as  the  Didot  MS.  belongs  to  the  same  family  of  MSS.  as 

E,  we  may  at  once  presume,  that  as  E  cannot  be  taken  for  the 
original  of  A,  the  possibility  of  the  Didot  MS.  being  the  source  of  A, 
is  not  very  strong.  Besides  it  may  be  stated,  that  no  trace  of  the 
two  additional  lines  (11.  19  and  20^)  v^hich  the  Didot  MS.  inserts 
after  1.  63  of  a  (or  F)  is  found  in  A,  although  this  version  gives,  in 
11.  52  ss.,  a  pretty  close  translation  of  the  corresponding  passage  in  I' 
(11.  50  et  seq.).  This  may  lead  us  to  conclude  that  the  Didot  MS. 
was  not  the  source  of  A. 

Comparing  now  A  with  what  is  known  of  the  Hanover  MS.  of 
Fierahras,^  we  find  A  resembling  to  //  in  the  following  names  : 
Lucafer  (only  once  Lukefer  in  A  2204),  Maragounde  (once  Mari- 
gounde,  A  1364),  Mauhyn  A  =  Maujjyn  H. — A  1700  and  2831, 
which  differ  from  F,  equally  agree  with  H.  In  the  last  case  A  agrees 
also  with  E  (although  ditFering  from  F").  ITow  as  we  know  that  H 
together  with  D  and  E  are  derived  from  the  same  group  z,*  we  may 
perhaps  be  justified  in  regarding  a  MS.  of  the  latter  group  as  the 
original  of  A.  But  a  more  detailed  comparison  of  A  with  //  being 
impossible  at  present,  this  argumentation  wants  confirmation. 

The  impossibility  of  regarding  the  Provencal  version  as  the  source 

'  Epopees  Frangaises,  ii.  307,  and  Cat.  rais.  des  livr.  de  la  bill.  WAmhr. 

F.  Didot,  I,  .S61. 

*  Grceber,  Jlandsrhnftl.  Gestaltvngf>n,  p.  6. 

^  Jahrbuch,  xiii.  p.  Ill,  and  Zeitschrift  fiir  romaniicTie  Philologie,  iv. 
p.  164. 

■•  "Die  Vergleichung  weniger  aus  alien  Hss.  bekannteii  Versen  macbt 
gewiss,  dass  H  niit  D  und  E  aus  der  namlicheu  Quelle  z  geflossen  ist." 
Jahrbuch,  xiii.  113. 


THE    ORIGINAL    OF    THE    ASHMOLE    MS.  XXI 

of  the  Ashmolean  Ferumhras,  is  proved  by  the  fact  that  the  h)iig 
additional  account,  the  'episode'  as  Professor  Groeber  calls  it/  is 
wanting  in  A.  Another  proof  is  given  by  A,  11.  6763  et  seq.,  wliere 
A  agrees  with  F,  but  widely  differs  from  P.^ 

It  seems  superfluous  to  point  out  the  inadmissibility  of  regarding 
the  French  prose  version  as  the  original  of  A,  the  first  edition  of  the 
prose  version  being  of  a  much  later  date  than  the  Ashmole  Ferumhras. 
But  also  that  version  from  which  the  prose  romance  has  been  copied 
or  compiled,  cannot  have  been  the  original  of  A.  For  although  the 
phrase  of  A,  3888 — "  A  skuntede  as  a  bore" — seems  to  contain  some 
resemblance  of  expression  with  the  reading  of  the  prose  Flerahras — 
"  il  commen^a  a  escumer  come  s'il  fust  ung  senglier  eschaufe,"  which 
Caxton  translates — "  he  began  to  scumme  at  the  mouthe  lyke  a 
bore  enchalfed" — the  reading  of  A,  11.  1307  S!r\,  which  greatly  varies 
from  Caxton's  version  (a  translation  of  the  French  prose  Fierahras), 
renders  inadmissible  the  supposition  that  the  original  of  the  French 
prose  version  is  the  source  of  A  .^ 

Having  thus  compared  the  Ashmolean  Fei'umhras,  as  far  as  can 
be  done  at  present,  with  all  existing  versions  of  this  romance,  we 
arrive  at  the  following  conclusions. 

The  Ashmole  Ferumhras  is  a  pretty  close  translation  of  some 
French  version,  which  we  are  at  present  unable  to  identify.  Its 
original  was  neither  of  the  same  family  (?o)  as  the  Fierahras,  edited 
by  MM.  Kroeber  and  Servois,  nor  yet  of  that  of  the  Escorial  version. 
Nevertheless,  the  original  of  Sir  Ferumhras  cannot  have  differed  much 
from  the  common  original,  from  which  these  two  groups  of  MSS.  are 
derived.  To  tliis  original,  called  ?/  by  Groeber,  the  MS.,  from  which 
A  has  been  copied,  appears  to  have  been  more  closely  related  than 
to  the  Provencal  version,  from  which  it  certainly  is  not  derived.  As 
the  liberties  which  the  author  of  Sir  Ferumhras  took  in  translating 
his  original,  consist  only  in  very  slight  modifications,  we  may  con- 

'  Handscliriftl.  Gestalt.,  p.  10. 

*  See  the  note  to  1.  5763  of  Sir  Fcnnnhras,  and  cf.  Fierahras,  5955. 

^  The  number  of  instances  where  A  varies  from  Cs  version  might  easily 
he  increased.  Thus  we  find  A  340  diifering  from  0  52/111  and  from  F  357  ; 
A  814  differing  from  C  79/3  and  from  F  1548;  A  1616  differing  from  C 
102/10  and  from  F  2424  ;  A  1238  differing  from  C  92/5  and  from  F  2083  ; 
A  4652  differing  from  C  171/26  and  from  i'' 4900,  &c. 

CHARL.   ROM.  V.  ,  C 


XXll  TIIK    SOWUO.Nl!:    AM)    SIH    FEUU.M  UKA.S. 

cliule  from  his  closeness  ot  translation  in  general,  tliat  in  those 
pa^ssages  of  .1  which  exhibit  signilicant  deviations  from  the  known 
French  vei-sions,  these  variations  are  not  due  to  the  composer  of 
the  Ashmolean  poem,  but  were  already  to  be  found  in  its  original. 
Therefore  the  Ashmolo  Ferumhras  may  be  considered  as  representing 
by  itself  the  translation  of  an  independent  French  MS.,  which  per- 
haps belonged,  or  at  least  was  nearly  related,  to  the  type  y. 

I  now  come  to  the  consideration  of  the  Soicdan  of  Bahijlone, 
which  the  simple  analysis  given  by  Ellis,^  shows  to  be  an  essentially 
different  work  from  the  Ashmolean  Ferumhras.  Indeed,  whilst  the 
Syr  Ferumhras  represents  only  a  portion  (viz.  the  second  part)  of  the 
original  Fierahras  [or  Balan,  as  Gaston  Paris  has  styled  it],^  the 
Soicdan  approaches  the  original  more  nearly  in  that  it  contains  the 
long  *  introductory  account  '.^  Yox  this  first  part  of  the  Sowdan  (as 
far  as  1.  970),  although  it  cannot  be  considered  as  identical  with  the 
first  portion  of  the  old  Balan  romance,  contains  several  facts,  which, 
however  abridged  and  modified,  show  a  great  resemblance  with  those 
which  must  have  been  the  subject  of  the  lost  portion  of  the  old 
original.  Whereas  the  Ashmolean  Ferumhras  is,  on  the  wdiole,  a 
mere  translation  of  a  French  original,  the  Sowdan  must  be  looked 
upon  as  a  free  reproduction  of  the  English  redactor,  who,  though 
following  his  original  as  far  as  regards  the  course  of  events,  modelled 
the  matter  given  there  according  to  his  own  genius,  and  thus  came 
to  compose  an  independent  work  of  his  own. 

This  point  being  fully  treated  in  my  Dissertation,*  I  need  not 
again  enter  into  discussion  of  it  here.  I  only  mention  that  the  com- 
poser of  the  Soicdan  has  much  shortened  his  original,  omitting  all 
episodes  and  secondary  circumstances  not  necessarily  connected  with 
the  principal  action,  so  that  this  poem  does  not  contain  half  the 
number  of  lines  which  his  original  had,^  and  that  the  proportion  of 
the  diffuse  Ashmolean  Ferumhras  and  the  Soicdan  is  over  five  to  one.^ 

'  Specimens  of  Early  Etiglish  Metrical  Romances,  ed.  Halliwell.  p.  379 
et  seq. 

*  Histoire  Poetlqne,  p.  251  ;  of.  also  Revue  critique  d'llistoire  et  de 
Litterature,  ii.  1869.  p.  121  et  seq. 

^  Cf.  Mr.  Shelley's  Paper  in  Warton,  Hist,  of  Eng.  Poetry,  ii.  197-8. 

^  pp.  17  et  seq.  *  Dissertation,  p.  18. 

'  Introduction  to  Sir  Ferumhras,  p.  xiv. 


THE    'SOWDUNk'    and    THE    'DESTRUCTION.' 


XXHl 


The  subject  of  the  '  introductory  account,'  or  the  first  part  of  the 
Sowdan,  is  nearly  the  same  as  that  of  the  Destruction  de  Rome,  dif- 
fering from  this  poem  only  in  the  oniissioii  of  a  few  insignificant 
incidents  or  minor  episodes,  and  in  greater  conciseness,  which  latter 
circumstances,  however,  enters  into  the  general  plan  of  the  author. 

Indeed,  the  author  of  the  Soudan  seems  to  have  known  th(.' 
Destruction,  as  we  see  from  a  comparison  of  the  two  poems.  Thus 
the  following  instances  show  a  great  resemblance  of  expression  of  tlic 
two  versions : 


Sowdan. 

37  '  With  kinges  xii  and  admyralles 
xiv ' 


77  '  The  Romaynes  rol)bed  us  an  one ' 


75  'to  presente  you  ' 

76  '  a  drift   of  wedir    us  droffe    to 

Rome ' 
110  -An  hundred  thousande' 
128  'To    manace    with    tlie   Cristene 

love ' 

175-76  '  Oure  sheldes  be  not  broke 
nothinge,  Hawberkes,  spere,  ner 
poleyne,  ner  pole ' 

224-27  '  Luliafere,  Kinge  of  Baldas, 
The  countrey  hade  sevchid  and 
sought,  Teu  liousande  maidyna 
fayre  of  face  Unto  tlie  Sowdan 
hath  he  broghte ' 


228  ss.  '  The  Sowdane  commaunded 
hem  anone  That  thai  shulde  al 
be  slayne  .  .  .  He  saide  "  My 
peple  nowe  ne  shalle  With  hem 
noughte  defouled  be" ' 

278  '  He  clepede  his  engynour  Sir 
Mavone ' 

289  '  Mahoundis  benysone  thou  shalt 
haue ' 


420 

1154 

(iSi) 


Destruction. 

'  Ensemble  ou  li  issirent  xv  roi 

corone  Et  xiv  amaceours ' 
'  Bien  i  a  xxx  roi  et  xiv  admire ' 
'xxx  roi  sont  ou  li  et  xiv  ama- 
ceours ' 
1(!3  '  Et  xiv  amaceours' 
115-16    '  De   eels   de    Romenie    que 
m'ont    fait    desrobber.       Tiel 
avoir  m'ont  robbe ' 

119  '  vous  quidai  presenter  ' 

120  '  Uns    vens    nous    fist    i\    Rome 

parmi  le  far  sigler ' 
217   'Par  C  fois  M  payeti ' 
228  '  pour  Frau5ois  nienacier' 
382   '  Et  menace  Franc^ois  pour  faire 

les  loye ' 
546-47  '  Quant  encor  nen  est  lance 
quassee  ne  brusie,  Ne  halbers 
derompus,  ne  fors  targe  percie  ' 
fil.']-19  '  Lucafer  de  Baldas  discent 
al  mestre  tre,  Devant  I'amirail 
vint,  forment  I'a  encline  :  Voy- 
ant  tot  ses  barnages  I'a  I'eschec 
presente,  Moignes,  prestres  et 
lais,  que  sont  enchenee,  Her- 
mites  et  etifants,  a  tous  lor 
poign  lie  ;  As  femmes  et  pucels 
les  OS  fiirent  bende,  Totes  vives 
presentent  par  devant  1 'ad- 
mire.' 
614  '  Maintenant  soient  tot  occis  et 
dpscoup^.  Ne  voii  que  mi 
serjant  en  soient  enconibre.' 

908   '  Sortibrans  a  mande  Mabon  I'en- 

gineor ' 
627  '  Mahon  te  benoie  ' 
925   '  Mahon  te  doint  honor' 

C   2 


\X1V 


THE    'SOWDONE'    and    THE    *  DESTKUCTION. 


2S(i  •  Ami  lilli-  tlu>  (likes  fiisl(>  anooius' 
2Ji;}  •  Men  niyglil  go  even  to  llie  walle' 


:U17  '  Tlie  hethen  withdrowe  hem  tho ' 
:U"   'His  bauer  kiiowe  I  ful  wclle' 

:?;U  '  He  entred  to  (lie  maistre  toure' 

332  'The  firsts  warde  thus  they 
wonne ' 

346-50  'And  Estragot  with  him  lie 
mette  Witli  bores  hede,  blake 
and  donne.  For  as  a  bore  an 
hede  hadde  And  a  grate  mace 
stronge  as  stele.  He  smote 
Savaryz  as  he  were  madde ' 

587  '  Therfore  Gy  of  Bourgoyne  I 
M^•n  owen  nevewe  so  trewe ' 


(547  '  He  smote  of  the  traytours  hede ' 

648  'And  saide  "Gode  gife  him  care, 
Shal  he  never  more  etc  brede, 
All  trai  tours  evel  mot  thai 
fare  " ' 

663  '  Ferumbras  to  Seinte  Petris 
wente ' 

727  '  Thre  hundred  thousande  of  sow- 
deours ' 

743  '  Sir  Gye  aspied  his  comynge, 

He  knewe  the  baner  of  Fraunce, 
He  wente  auoone  ayen  the  Kinge, 
And   tolde   him   of   that   mys- 

chaunce, 
Howe  that  the  cursed  sowdone, 
Hath  brent  Rome  and  bore  the 
relequis  awaye ' 

771  'Wynde  him  blewe  ful  fayre  and 
gode' 

778  '  To  londe  thai  wente  iwis ' 

783  '  Tithinggis  were  tolde  to  Lavan' 

787  '  With  three  hundred  thousand  of 
bacheleris ' 


934  'Si  emi>liroiis  les  fosses' 

yi8  '  K'om  poet  aler  al  nmre' 

952  'K'om   pooit   bicn   au   mur   et 

venir  et  aler' 
i)79  '  Taycn  se  sont  retrait ' 
997  'Jeo  ai  bien  ses  armes  coiiu  et 

avisee ' 
1011  'Tantost  le  mestre  porte  aurons 

moult  bicn  ferme' 
1057  '  Mais  tot  le   premier   bail  out 

Sarasin  poplo ' 
1090-94  'Estragot    le    poursuit,    uns 

geans  dilfaes,  Teste  avoit  com 

senglers,    si    fu    rois    corones. 

El  main  tient  une  mace  de  fin 

ascier    tremp6,     Un     coup    a 

Savariz  desur  le  chef  done  ' 
1179  '  Et  Guiou  de  Bourgoyne  a  a  lui 

apelle.  Fils  est  de  sa  soror  et 

de  sa  parente  :  Cosins,  vous  en 

irres  .  .' 
1236  '  Le  ohief  al  portier  trenche  ' 
1244  '"Diex"   fist  11  •' te  maldie  et 

que  font  engendre,  Kar  trai- 

tour  au   darain    averont    mal 

dehe." ' 
1260  '  Al  moustier  de  saint  Piere  est 

Fierenbras  ales ' 
1403  '  iii  C  mil  chevaliers ' 

11409  '  Guis  parceut  le  baniere  le  roi 
de  saint  Dine,  Encontre  lui 
chevalche,  la  novele  out  cont6 
Come  la  fort  cite  li  payen  ont 
gaste  ;  La  coroue  et  les  clous 
d'iloec  en  sont  robb6  Et  les 
altres  reliques  .  .' 

1425  '  Li  vens  en  fiert  es  voilles  que 

les  a  bien  guies' 
1427  '11  sont  en  terre  entr6' 
1436  '  Les    noveles    en    vindrent    al 

soldan  diifai6' 
1443  'iii  C  mile  Fran9ois' 


Other  instances  of  resemblance  may  be  found  in  the  following 
l^assages : 

^'49-50  =  1)  94-99  ;i  ,Sf  103  =  D  202,  209;  S  119  =  D  385 ; 
S  146  =  Z)  445-46  ;  S  150  =  D  503-4  ;  S  157  =  Z>  509  ;  S  300  = 

'  The  French  text  will  be  found  in  the  Notes,  which  see. 


THE    ORIGINAL    OP    THE    FIRST    PART    OF    THE    '  SOWDONE.'        XXV 

Z>  967  ;  S  303  =  B915;  S  39G  =  D  977  ;  >S'  312  =  D  989  ;  S  340 
=  D  1063;  S3Q0  =  D  1101;  >S  376  =  D  1119,  1121;  >S  377  = 
D  1133 ;  ^  380  =  Z>  1136  ;  /S  699  =  Z)  1379  ;  ^  723  =  Z)  1384, 
&c.,  &c. 

Besides,  there  are  some  names  which  occurring  in  none  of  tlie 
French  versions,  but  in  the  Destruction,  point  to  this  poem  as  to  the 
original  of  the  Soivdan.  Thus  Savaris'^  (;S^  171)  seems  to  be  taken 
from  D  540. 

Asfragot  or  Estragot,  S  346,  4902,  the  name  of  the  giant  by 
whom  Savaris  is  slain,  and  who  is  said  to  be  the  husband  of  Barrock, 
occurs  in  D  1090. 

The  Ascopartes,  a  people  subjected  to  the  Soudan,  are  mentioned 
in  D  98,  426,  but  not  in  i^  or  P. 

King  Lowes,  in  the  context  where  it  occurs  [S  24)  is  clearly  taken 
from  D  9. 

Iffrez,  S  165,  is  perhaps  the  same  as  Geffroi  in  D  1139,  1367, 
1122. 

[^Mounpelers,  S  3228,  occurs  only  in  D  250,  286.] 

Persagyn,  S  1259,  seems  to  be  identical  with  Persagon,  D  162. 

The  form  Lahan  is  only  met  with  in  the  Destruction,  the  Frencli 
and  the  Proven9al  versions,  and  the  Ashmole  Ferumhras  reading 
BalanJ^ 

The  name  of  the  Soudan's  son,  Ferumhras,  is  explained  l)y  the 
form  Fierenhras,  which  occurs  in  D  57,  66,  71,  91,  343,  1210,  1237, 
besides  the  spelling  Fierahras,  which  is  the  only  one  used  in  the 
French,  the  Provengal  and  Caxton's  versions. 

Also  the  phrase  '  eowdan '  seems  to  have  been  derived  from  the 
Destruction  (1.  1436,  'soldan'),  as  it  does  not  occur  in  any  other 
version. 

The  great  number  of  these  resemblances  seem  evidently  to  point 
out  the  Destruction  as  the  original  of  the  first  portion  of  the  Soiodan  ; 
the  few  points  in  which  the  two  versions  differ  not  being  such  as  to 
offer  convincing  arguments  against  this  supposition. 

'  For  these  names,  the  Index  of  Names  may  be  referred  to. 
'  In  some  passages  the  Destruction  shows  also  tlie  spelling  Balan,  but 
Lahan  is  more  common. 


xxvi     iiu'i-KUKxcH  Hi;r\vi;i:N   luii  '  sowdone  '  and  tiiio  '  dkstruction.' 

linlctil  ir,  f.ir  instance,  we  find  a  lot  of  nations,  tlie  names  of 
wliii'li  aiv  not  in  />.  mentioned  by  the  author  of  the  poem  as  belonging 
to  the  8oudan'a  enii)irc,  this  point  can  be  considered  as  irrelevant, 
as  from  many  otlier  instances  we  know  how  fond  many  composers 
of  medi;cval  romances  were  of  citing  geographical  names,  by  the  great 
number  of  which  they  believed  to  show  their  knowledge  in  that 
science.^  Also  the  three  names  of  Saints  (Qwi/iitijn,  Symon,  Fre- 
inond-),  and  the  names  of  five  Saracen  gods  and  of  a  Saracen  bishop,' 
many  of  which,  moreover,  seem  to  be  inserted  only  for  the  sake  of 
rhyme,  cannot  be  regarded  as  being  of  great  consequence  in  establish- 
ing the  source  of  the  Soiodan.  Others  also,  as  (Jlihurn,  Focard, 
Hubert,  Gyndard,  Tamper  (the  last  occurring  twice  as  a  rhyme- 
word),  being  the  names  of  insignificant  characters,  may  be  looked 
upon  as  mere  expletives.  Another  variation  is  Isrez  (11.  625,  641) 
for  Tuhour  {D  1202). 

Besides  these  variations  in  the  names  contained  in  the  two  poems, 
we  find  in  tlie  Sowdan  some  slight  modifications  as  to  the  matter 
related ;  none  of  which,  however,  is  of  so  significant  a  character,  as 
necessarily  to  point  to  some  other  original  than  the  Destruction, 
which  the  very  striking  points  of  resemblance  above  cited  show 
almost  decisively  to  have  been  the  original  of  the  Sowdan.  The  dif- 
ferences in  the  subject-matter  may  be  explained  by  the  tendency  of 
the  poet  to  follow  his  original  only  as  far  as  the  j)rincipal  events  are 
concerned,  but  to  have  his  own  way  in  the  arrangement  of  the  sub- 
ject-matter, and  especially  to  deal  freely  with  secondary  incidents. 

Thus  he  may  have  thought  the  combat  round  Chateau-Miroir — 
wliich,  moreover,  is  related  in  the  Destruction  in  a  rather  obscure  and 
confused  style — to  be  a  rather  episodical  incident,  which  he  had 
better  leave  out  in  his  poem,  as  not  advancing  the  principal  course 
of  events. 

A  similar  explanation  may  be  given  of  the  fact,  that  the  account 
of  Lukafer's  desiring  the  hand  of  Floripas  is  given  on  another  occa- 
sion in  the  Sowdan  than  in  the  Destruction.  In  the  Destruction, 
1.  241,  Lucafer  claims  that  maiden  immcdiatelv  on  arriving  in  the 


'o 


'  See  note  to  1.  1000.  '^  See  note  to  1.  2842. 

^  Dissertation,  p.  20. 


THE    TWELVE    PEEKS.  XXVll 

Soudan's  camp,  as  a  reward  for  liis  having  travelled  such  a  long  way 
in  Laban's  service.  The  poet  of  the  Soiodan  thinking,  perhaps,  that 
this  was  not  a  sufficient  reason  to  justify  such  a  claim,  mentions  this 
incid-jnt  at  another  time,  Avhich  he  may  have  considered  as  more  pro- 
perly chosen  for  demanding  a  reward.  It  is  on  returning  from  a 
victorious  expedition  undertaken  by  Lukafer  that  the  latter  in  the 
Sowdan,  11.  224 — 242,  asks  for  the  hand  of  Floripas, 

As  to  the  following  or  second  part  of  the  Sowdan,  on  the  wliole 
the  same  subject  is  treated  of  as  m  the  Ashmole  Ferumhras.  But 
there  are  many  differences  between  the  two  poems. 

In  the  Sowdan,  1.  1411  et  seq.,  Eoland  is  captured  by  the  Sara- 
cens at  the  same  time  as  Oliver,  and  both  on  being  conducted  before 
Laban  at  once  avow  their  names.  In  the  Ashmole  MS.,  11.  909,  &c., 
Oliver  is  led  away  to  the  Soudan  together  with  Gwylmer,  Berard, 
Geoffrey,  and  Aubray,  whereas  Eoland  is  among  the  French  peei's 
Avhom  Charlemagne  sends  on  a  mission  to  Laban  to  demand  the 
surrender  of  Oliver.' 

The  names  of  the  twelve  peers  do  not  agree  in  both  poems.  In 
the  Sowdan  we  find  the  following  list  (cf.  11.  1653  et  seq.,  and  11. 
1730,  880)  : — Roland,  Oliver,  Duk  Neymes  of  Bavere,  Oger  Danoys, 
Tery  Lardeneys,  Folk  Baliante,  Alei'oyse  of  Loreyne,  Miron  of 
Braban,  Bishop  Turpyn,  Bernard  of  Spruwse,  Bryer  of  Mountez,^ 
Guy  of  Bourgoyne.^ — Richard  of  Normandye,  although  a  most  im- 
portant personage,  is  not  included  amongst  the  Douzeperes.  Kor  is 
Guenelyn  mentioned  as  a  peer  of  France.  Four  of  these  names.  Folk 
Baliant,  Turpyn,  Bernard  of  Spruwse,  Aleroyse  of  Loreyne,  do  not 
occur  at  all  in  the  Ashmolean  Ferumhras.^ 

The  new  game  which  Lucafer  wants  to  teach  Neymes,  is  difi'er- 
ently  described  in  the  two  poems,  there  being  no  mention  made  in 
the  Ashmol.  MS.  (11.  2231  et  seq.)  of  the  thread,  needle,  and  coal,  as 
spoken  of  in  11.  1998—2000  of  the  Sowdan. 

'   See  note  to  1.  IGG.3.  ^  Cf.  note  to  1.  172.3. 

'  Mr.  Herrtage,  in  his  note  to  the  Ashmol.  MS.,  1.  2.59,  reproduces — from 
the  Roxburghe  Club  edition,  Introd.  p.  vi. — the  list  of  the  twelve  ]ieers  in  the 
Frencli  version  of  the  Grenville  copy,  10531,  which  he  erroiieouslj'  takes  for 
that  of  the  Sowdan. 

*  But  there  is  one  "  Alorys  Jpe  erld  uf  Brye,"  meulioned  in  the  Ashni.  MS., 
11.  935,  2842,  4076,  &c. 


XXViii     DIFFKRKNCE    BKIWKEN    TIIIO    *  SOWDONE '   AND    '  SIU    FERUMBIIAS.' 

Ill  the  Soicihi)/,  1.  2507,  Liibim,  binug  engaged  witli  his  gods, 
seizes  the  image  of  !Mahoiind  and  smashes  it.  This  incident  is 
omitted  in  iSi/r  Ferumhras  (11.  3345). 

In  the  Ashmole  MS.,  11.  5760  et  seq.,  Ferumbras  tries  to  persuade 
bis  father  to  become  a  Christian,  whilst  Floripas  urges  Charles  not  to 
delay  in  putting  him  to  death.  In  the  Soiodan,  1.  3156  et  seq.,  there 
is  no  mention  of  either  of  them  interfering  either  for  or  against  their 
father. 

Ashm.  MS.,  11.  130  et  seq.,  differs  greatly  from  the  corresponding 
passage  in  the  Soivdan  (11.  104  7  et  seq.).  In  the  latter  poem  the 
knights  are  pulled  up  from  th(!ir  dungeon  with  a  rope,  whilst  in  the 
former  they  have  their  fetters  taken  off  by  means  of  a  sledge-hammer, 
anvil,  and  tongs,  &c. 

In  the  Soivdan,  1.  3044,  Richard  of  ISTormandy  is  left  back  as  a 
governor  of  Mantrible  ;  in  the  Ashmole  version,  1.  4881  et  seq., 
Eaoul  and  Howel  are  ordered  to  keep  that  place,  whereas  Eichard 
accompanies  Charlemagne  (cf.  1.  5499). 

In  the  Ashra.  MS.,  1.  5209,  Neymes  sees  first  Charles  coming 
with  his  host ;  in  the  Soivdan,  1.  3083,  it  is  Floripas  who  first 
discovers  the  banner  of  France. 

The  prayer  which  Charlemagne,  seeing  Oliver  in  distress,  ad- 
dressed to  Christ,  in  the  Sowdan,  1.  1304  et  seq.,  is  not  mentioned  in 
the  Ashm.  version. 

The  account  of  the  duel  between  Oliver  and  Ferumbras  differs 
considerably  in.  the  two  versions.  In  the  Ashmolean  MS.,  1.  580, 
the  incident  of  Oliver  assisting  Ferumbras  to  arm  (cf.  Sowdan,  1158) 
is  omitted,  and  it  is  not  Oliver  (as  in  the  Sowdan,  1.  1270)  who  is 
disarmed,  but  Ferumbras,  whom  his  adversary  offers  to  accept  his 
own  sword  back  (Ashm.  MS.,  1.  G80). 

In  the  Ashmolean  version,  1.  102,  Ferumbras  offers  to  fight  at 
once  w'ith  twelve  of  Charles's  knights ;  in  the  corresponding  passage 
of  the  Sowdan,  1.  1067,  he  challenges  only  six. 

In  the  Sowdan,  1.  1512  et  seq.,  Floripas  advises  her  father  not  to 
slay  the  captive  peers,  but  to  detain  them  as  hostages  that  might  be 
exchanged  for  Ferumbras.  In  the  Ashm.  MS.,  1.  1178,  it  is  not 
Floripas,  but  Lamasour,  who  gives  that  advice  to  the  amirant. 


THE    'SOWDONe'    and    THE    FRENCH    '  FIERABRAS.'  Xxix 

As  in  many  of  the  variations,  mentioned  just  before,  there  are 
many  omissions  in  the  Ashmole  MS.,  which  are  related  in  the 
Sowdan,  it  becomes  evident  that  the  Ashmolean  version  cannot  have 
been  the  original  from  which  the  Sowdan  Avas  copied,  which  is  also 
proved  by  several  names  occurring  in  the  Soivdan,  but  which  are 
not  to  be  found  in  Si/r  Ferumbras.  Thus,  for  instance,  the  names 
of  Esplard,  Belmore,  Fortib^'ance,  Tamper,'^  do  not  occur  at  all  in  the 
Ashmolean  version,  whereas  other  names  have  quite  a  different  form 
in  the  latter  j)oem.  For  Generyse,  S  1135,  1239,  we  find  Gavin, 
A  216,  443;  Barroclc,  S  2939,  2943,  3022  ^  Am>jotp^,  A  4663; 
Alugolofur,  S  2135,  2881  =  AgoJafre,  A  3831,  4327 ;  and  Lahan  is 
always  spelt  Balan  in  the  Ashmolean  poem,  &c. 

Now  as  there  are  some  passages  where  the  Sowdan,  while  it  differs 
from  the  Ashm.  MS.,  corresponds  with  the  French  Fierabras,  we 
might  be  inclined  to  think  that  poem  to  be  the  original  of  the 
Sowdan.  Thus  Charlemagne's  prayer  and  the  name  of  Bishop  Turpin, 
which  are  omitted  in  the  Ashm.  MS.,  occur  in  the  French  Fierabras. 
But  there  are  several  differences  between  the  Sowdan  and  the  French 
poem. 

In  the  Fierabras,  1.  1933,  the  French  prisoners,  on  being  brought 
before  the  Soudan,  do  not  avow  their  true  names  as  they  do  in  the 
Sowdan,  1.  1498. 

In  the  French  poem,  1.  704,  Oliver  tells  his  adversary  his  name 
before  the  fight  begins ;  in  the  Soivdan,  1.  1249,  he  does  not  confess 
his  true  name  until  they  had  fought  for  a  considerable  time. 

In  the  Fierabras,  1.  1043,  Oliver  drinks  of  the  bottles  of  balm, 
which  is  not  mentioned  in  the  Soivdan,  1.  1190. 

Again,  Fierabras,  11.  1329  ss.,  where  Ferumbras  having  disarmed 
Ohver,  tells  him  to  take  his  sword  back  again,  does  not  agree  with 
IL  1279-82  of  the  Sowdan. 

Instead  of  Floripas  (S  1515),  Bridans  advises  the  Soudan  not  to 
slay  the  prisoners  in  F  1949. 

The  French  knight  slain  at  the  sally  of  the  captives  is  called 
Bryer  in  S  2604,  but  Basin  in  F  3313. 

'  There  is  one  Teinpler  mentioned  in  the  Ashm.  MS.,  1.  2G73.  But  he  is 
not  identical  with  Tamper  of  the  Son-dan,  II.  2641,  2GG7. 


\.\X       UIKFKRKNUE    UETWKICN    THE    SOWDONE    ANU    THE    FIEIIABUAS. 

CoiiciTiiiiij,'  the  sacred  relics  there  is  no  nientiou  made  of  the 
cross  (is  3l'3G)  in  the  French  poem,  and  the  signe,  i.  e.  '  the  shroud 
or  winding-sheet  of  the  Lord'^  {F  6094),  is  omitted  in  the 
Soudan. 

Besides  these  variations  of  tlie  two  versions  there  is  an  incident 
of  ^larsedag  being  killed  liy  Guy,  and  buried  by  the  Saracens 
(»Sf2247 — 2274),  wliich  being  omitted  in  the  Fierabras  proves  that 
the  author  of  the  Soicdan  cannot  have  followed  the  French  poem, 
or  at  least  not  that  version  which  is  edited  by  MjM.  Kroeber  and 
Servois. 

Similarly  there  is  no  mention  made  in  the  French  Fierahras  of 
Bryer  being  charged  to  take  care  of  the  relics  and  of  Charles's 
treasure  {S  3204). 

The  game  of  blowing  burning  coals  is  related  in  Sotvdan,  1, 
1996  ss.,  with  several  details  which  are  wanting  in  the  French 
poem,  1.  2907. 

The  names  also  do  not  always  agree  in  both  A^er.-ions.  Thus  we 
find  Generyse,  S  1139,  for  Garin,  F  438;  Mapijn,  S  2325,  for 
Mauhrun,  F  3046  ;  Alagolofur,  S  2135,  for  Agolafre,  F  4290  or 
Golafre,  F  4267,  4383;  Bryer,  S  2604,  for  Basin,  i^  3313;  Mara- 
gounde,  S  1563,  for  Marahunde,  F  2196;  Boloyne,  S  3238,  for  St. 
Denis,  F  6199;  Barohke,  S  2939,  and  Fsjnard,  S  2145,  are  nut 
mentioned  at  all  in  the  French  Fierabras,  nor  does  Belmore,  S  3122, 
occur  in  the  Fierabras,  either  in  the  corresponding  passage,  F  5867, 
or  elsewhere. 

On  the  fact  that  the  names  of  the  twelve  peers  (see  above,  p.  xxvii) 
differ  in  the  Sowdan  from  those  mentioned  in  the  Fierahras,  too 
much  stress  need  not,  I  think,  be  laid,  as  it  might  be  explained  by 
the  simple  inadvertence  of  the  composer.  The  poet  in  freely  repro- 
ducing his  source,  which  he  generally  followed  pretty  closely  as  far 
as  relates  the  course  of  events,  well  remembered  the  names  of  the 
principal  French  knights ;  but  having  forgotten  those  of  less  im- 
portant characters,  some  of  whom  do  not  appear  again  in  the  poem, 
and  being  obliged  to  fill  up  their  number  of  twelve,  might  have 
placed  any  names  which  he  remembered  having  met  with  somewhere 
'  Greek  aivtuiv.     Cf.  Di.ssrrfation,  jip.  4o--i(). 


THK  '  SOWDONE  '  AND  THK  HANOVER  MS.  XXxi 

as  included  in  ilic  list  of  the  douzeperes.     By  an  oversight  lie  omitted 
to  mention  liiehard,  whom  however  we  see  appear  afterwards.' 

Similarly  the  names  of  Lahan  and  Ferumhras  for  Dalau  and 
Fierahras  afford  no  convincing  proof  of  the  impossibility  of  the  French 
Fierabras  being  the  original  of  the  second  part  of  the  Sowdan,  as 
the  poet,  having  found  those  spellings  in  the  Destruction,  the  source 
of  the  first  portion  of  his  romance,  might  simply  have  retained  them 
for  the  whole  poem. 

But  reviewing  all  the  facts  of  the  case,  and  taking  into  account 
those  passages  which  relate  incidents  omitted  in  the  FierahruH,  and 
which  the  author  of  the  /Sowdan  therefore  cannot  have  taken  from 
that  poem — and  further  taking  into  account  the  several  differences 
between  the  two  versions,  which,  it  may  be  admitted,  generally  speak- 
ing, are  only  slight  ones — the  French  Fierahras,  i.  e.  the  version 
edited  by  ]\I]M.  Kroeber  and  Servois,  which  represents  the  group  w 
(see  before,  p.  xix,  footnote),  cannot  have  been  the  original  of  the 
second  part  of  the  Sowdan. 

Proceeding  now  to  a  compariscm  of  tlie  JSoinlan  Avitli  the  Escorial 
MS./  we  have  not  found  any  passage  Avhere  S  differing  from  F 
agrees  with  F,  as  F  and  F  generally  have  in  those  places  the  same 
reading.  Therefore  the  Escorial  ■  MS.  cannot  be  regarded  as  the 
original  of  the  Sowdan. 

Unfortunately  the  fragment  printed  from  the  Hanover  MS.  is  too 
short  to  allow  of  an  exact  comparison  with  that  version.  We  only 
know^  that  some  names,  the  spelling  of  which  in  the  Soivdan  differs 
from  that  in  the  other  versions,  have  the  same  form  in  the  Hanover 
MS.  as  in  the  Sowdan.  Thus  we  find  the  following  names  agreeing 
in  both  versions  :  Lucafer,  Maragovde,  Maupyn.  Only  instead  of 
Lahan  which  is  used  in  the  Soivdan,  we  read  BaJan.  In  the  frag- 
ment printed  by  Groeber,''  we  find  the  name  of   the  Soudan's  son 

'   See  note  to  1.  2535. 

'  There  being  only  a  small  fragment  printed  of  the  Didot  MS.  (^Epopees 
Fr.  ii.  307),  a  comparison  of  the  Sowdan  with  this  version  is  impossible  at 
present.  But  as  the  Didot  MS.  belongs  to  tl>e  same  grouj:)  as  E,  wliat  results 
from  a  comi)ari.son  of  S  with  E  nuiv  be  assunifd  for  the  Didot  MS. 

'  See  Zcitwhrift  fur  romnnische  PhUologie,  iv.  pp.  164,  170. 

^  Jahrhueh  fur  rovinnlschc  nnd  rnglhchc  Sprache  nnd  IJtenitur,  xiii. 
1).  111. 


XXxii       TlIK    'SOWDONE'    COSirAUEU    WITH    THE    PROVENCAL    VERSION. 

•with  t^'e  same  spelling  as  in  the  Destruction,  Fierenbras,  which  is 
nearer  to  Fenimlu-as  than  Fiet'abras.^ 

This  resemhlance  of  the  names  contained  in  the  two  versions 
miglit  lead  us  to  believe  the  Hanover  MS.  of  Fierahras  to  be  the 
original  of  the  second  part  of  the  Sowdan,  just  as  the  Destruction, 
found  in  the  same  ]\IS.,  is  the  original  of  the  first  part.  But  as, 
according  to  Gaston  Paris,  the  Hanoverian  version  "  is  the  same  as 
the  printed  text,  differing  only  in  slight  variations  of  readings," ^  we 
may  suppose  it  likely  that  in  all  passages  where  the  Sowdan  differs 
from  the  printed  Fierahras,  it  also  differs  from  the  Hanover  MS. 
Nevertheless,  as  the  differences  between  the  Sowdan  and  the  printed 
Fierahras  are,  on  the  Avhole,  not  very  significant ;  for  the  several 
instances  of  omission  in  the  Sowdan,  being  easily  accounted  for  by 
the  general  plan  of  the  poet,  cannot  be  regarded  as  real  variations ; 
and  as  some  names,  the  spelling  of  which  differs  in  S  and  F,  are 
found  to  be  identical  in  S  and  H,  we  might,  perhaps,  be  entitled  to 
think  the  second  part  of  the  Sowdan  to  be  founded  on  a  MS.  similar 
to  the  Hanover  one. 

It  still  remains  for  us  to  compare  the  Soicdan  with  the  Provenjal 
version. 

In  most  cases  where  S  differs  from  F,  it  also  differs  from  P, 
therefore  S  cannot  have  taken  those  variations  of  readings  from  the 
Provengal  poem. 

The  account  of  the  knights  sent  on  a  mission  to  Laban,  in 
S  1663 — 1738,  considerably  differs  from  the  corresponding  passage 
inP  2211  ss. 

In  P  the  scene  of  the  whole  poem  is  placed  in  Spain,  there  is  no 
mention  of  tlie  combat  before  Eome,'  as  in  the  first  part  of  the 
Sowdan. 

The  game  of  blowing  a  coal,  S  1996  ss.,  is  not  mentioned  in  the 
Provencal  version. 

From  these  variations,  taken  at  random  out  of  a  greater  number, 

'  This  example  is  not  very  striking,  as  the  spelling  Ferumhras  may  simply 
have  been  retained  from  the  tirst  part  of  the  poem  ;   see  above,  p.  xxxi. 
^  Syr  Feritmiras,  Introduction,  p.  xiv,  footnote. 
'  See  Handschriftliche  Gestaltuitgen,  p.  14,  and  Dissert.,  p.  29. 


THK    ORIGINAL    OF    THE    '  SOWDONE.'  XXxiii 

it  becomes  evident  tliat  the  Provenyal  poem  has  not  been  the  original 
of  the  Sowdan. 

If  now  we  compare  the  Sowdan  with  Caxtou's  version,  which  we 
know  to  be  simply  a  translation  of  the  French  prose  romance  of 
Fierdbras ;'^  the  few  following  instances  of  differences  between  G  and 
S  will  show  at  once,  that  also  that  version  from  which  the  prose 
romance  was  copied  or  compiled^  cannot  have  been  the  original  of 
the  Sowdan. 

There  are  several  variations  in  the  names  contained  in  the  two 
versions.  Thus  we  find  Ballant  in  C  for  Lahan  in  S ;  Fyerahras  in 
(7  for  Fernmhras  in  S;  Gavin,  G  55/3  =  Generyse,  S  1135;  Amy- 
otfp;  G  176/26  =  Barrokk,  S  1135,  &c.  The  game  of  blowing  a 
coal  is  told  with  more  details  in  S  1998,  and  somewhat  differently 
from  G  118/24;  the  Incident  of  Laban's  seizing  the  image  of 
Mahound  and  smashing  it,  which  is  related  in  S  2507,  is  omitted  in 
G,  &c. 

Looking  back  now  to  our  investigation  concerning  the  original  of 
the  Sowdan,  we  sum  up  what  results  from  it,  in  the  following  resume  : 

Most  probably  the  Destruction  de  Rome  is  the  original  of  the  first 
part  of  the  Soivdcm.  As  to  the  second  part,  Ave  are  unable  to  iden- 
tify it  with  any  of  the  extant  versions.  The  French  Fierahras,  as 
edited  by  MM.  Kroeber  and  Servois,  is  not  the  original,  but  the 
diff'erences  between  the  two  poems  are  not  significant ;  apparently  a 
version  similar  to  the  Hanover  MS.  may  be  thought  to  be  the  original. 

The  Sowdan  is  no  translation,  but  a  free  reproduction  of  its 
origmals  ;  the  author  of  the  Soivdan  following  his  sources  only  as  far 
as  concerns  the  course  of  the  principal  events,  but  going  his  own 
independent  way  in  arranging  the  subject-matter  as  well  as  in  many 
minor  points. 

The  Sowdan  differs  from  the  poem  of  Syr  Ferumhras  in  two 
principal  points  : 

(1)  In  being  an  original  work,  not  in  the  conception,  but  in  the 
treatment  of  the  subject-matter,  whereas  the  Ashmole  Ferumhras  is 
little  more  than  a  mere  translation. 


'  Histoire  Poetiqve,  p.  1.57. 

"^  And  to  which  only  a  few  very  insignificant  additions  were  made  by  the 
author  ;  see  IJist.  Poet.,  p.  99,  bottom. 


XXxiv  THK    niALKOT    OF    TUlO    'SOWDONK.' 

(2)  In  ropivsentinji:,  in  its  first  portion,  the  lirst  jmrt  of  the  old 
Balan  roniauce,  whereas  Sijr  Fcrumbras  contains  only  the  second. 
But  as  that  second  part  of  the  old  Balan  romance  appears  to  be  con- 
siderably modilied  and  greatly  amplified  in  the  Ashmolo  Fcrunihras, 
so  the  first  part  of  the  Soivdan  contains  a  likewise  modified,  but 
much  shortened,  narration  of  the  first  part  of  the  old  Balan  poem,  so 
that  the  Sowdan  has  arrived  to  become  quite  a  different  work  from 
the  original  Balan  or  Fierahras  romance,  and  that  a  reconstruction 
of  the  contents  of  that  old  poein  would  be  impossible  from  the 
Soicdan. 

LANGUAGE  AND  SUMMAEY  OF  GEAMMATICAL 

FORMS. 

As  regards  the  language  of  the  Soivdan,  the  first  point  is  the 
dialect.  Looking  at  the  plurals  of  the  present  indicative  in  -en  or  -n, 
"we  at  once  detect  the  ]\Iidland  peculiarities  of  the  poem.  Thus  we 
find,  1.  1331,  gone  rhyming  with  one,  1.  1010,  goon  :  camalyon,  1.  506, 
gone  :  thav,  1.  17G2,  lyven  :  gyfen,  1.  1816,  hyleven  :  even. 

The  verbal  forms  of  the  singular  present  indicative  and  of  the 
second  person  sing,  preterite  of  weak  verbs  lead  us  to  assign  this 
poem  to  an  East-Midland  writer.  The  2nd  and  3rd  person  singular 
present  indicative  end  in  -est,  -eth ,  and  the  2nd  person  sing,  preterite 
of  weak  verbs  exhibits  the  inflection  -est  :  1.  1202,  goist  :  7noost  ; 
1314,  1715,  Imoicest ;  1344,  troicest ;  1154,  hloivest ;  1153,  saiest ; 
2292,  forget  ist ;  560,  doist  ;  1193,  doistoice ; — 1093,  goth  .-wroth, 
1609  :  loth,  1620  :  doth;  1728,  sleith  :  deth ;  561,  sholdest ;  1244, 
shuldlst ;  603,  madist ;  563,  hadist ;  2219,  askapedlst,  &c. — Twice 
we  find  the  2nd  person  preterite  without  -est  {inade,  wroght)  ;  but  see 
the  note  to  1.  2. 

If,  now,  we  examine  the  phonological  and  inflectional  peculiar- 
ities of  the  Soicdan,  we  find  them  thoroughly  agreeing  with  those  of 
other  East-Midland  Avorks,i  which  still  further  confirms  the  sup- 
position of  the  East-Midland  origin  of  the  poem. 

'  See  Morris's  Preface  to  Genesis  and  Exodus,  Skeat's  Introduction  to 
Haveloeh  the  Dane,  and  Mall's  edition  of  Harrowing  of  Hell  (Breslau,  1871). 


PHONOLOGICAL    PECULIARITIES.  XXXV 

/  or  y,  tlie  desceiulauts  of  original  u  (which  in  Old  Englisli 
[Anglo-Saxon]  had  already  become  y  or  i  in  consequence  of  i-  muta- 
tion or  umlaut) — are  found  rhyming  with  original  i: — 11.  449,  881, 
kyn  :  Mm,  20G0  :  loynne  ;  1657,  fille  :  stiUe  ;  1973,  _7??'6  :  desire,  &c. 
It  must,  however,  be  noted  that  the  rhyme  Iiiny  :  inne  (1.  372)  or 
king  :  tiling  (11.  173,  236)  cannot  be  regarded  as  an  East-Midland 
peculiarity,  because  king,  drihten,  chiklcen,  the  i  of  which  is  a  modifi- 
cation of  original  u,  are  to  be  met  with  in  all  Middle-English  dialects, 
as  has  been  shown  by  Professor  Zupitza  in  the  Anzeiger  fur  deutsches 
Altertum,  vol.  vi.  p.  G. 

Old  English  short  a,  which  is  liable  to  change  into  o,  a])pears  in 
this  poem — 

(1)  always  as  o^  before  n-  combinations  {nd,  nt,  ng)  : — 531, 
strange  :  istonge  ;  31G6,  bronte  :  fonte  ;  214,  amonge  :  lunge,  &c. 

(2)  as  a,  before  the  single  consonants  m  and  n: — 1120,  7iavie  : 
shame,  935  :  same,  1739  :  grame;  785,  1773,  man  :  Lav  an  ;  3125, 
came  :  Lavan  (cf.  2579,  Lavan  :  ta/ie) ;  2160,  came  :  dame,  Sec. — 
The  fact  that  com  (11,  547,  1395,  3095,  &c.)  is  used  as  well  as  cam 
as  sing,  preterite  indie,  need  occasion  no  difficulty  if  we  remember 
that  the  original  short  a  (or  o)  of  cam  (or  com)  had  already  been 
lengthened  into  o  in  the  O.E.  period.^  Came  and  come  as  pret.  sing, 
are  employed  indifferently  in  Chaucer  as  well  as  in  the  Celestin  (ed. 
Horstmann,  Anglia,  i.  56),  which  is  known  to  have  been  composed 
in  the  East-Midland  dialect. 

0  long,  from  O.E.  a,  in  our  poem  has  that  broad  sound  which 
is  peculiar  to  the  East-Midland  dialect.  We  find  it  rhyming 
with — 

(1)  original  6 : — 1025,  wrotlie  :  sothe  ;  801,  goo  :  doo  ;  60,  i7wive  : 
hlowe  ;  325,  so  :  ido,  &c. 

(2)  unchangeable  a  : — 257,  Aufricanes  :  stoones  ;  506,  gon  :  than  ; 
2049,  agoon  :  Lavan,  &c. 

As  many  East-Midland  works  ^  the  Soivdan  has  three  forms  for 
O.E.  far : — thare,  thore,  there,  all  of  Avhich  are  established  by  the 
rhyme  : — 1805,  thure  :  Egremoure  (cf.  0895,  Egremoure  :  tresoure, 
1003,  Agremore  :  more);    12G,  thore  :  lore;    430,   thare  :  sware ; 

'  See  Sweet,  Anglia,  iii.  152.  ^  Cf.  Mall,  Harrowing  of  UM,  p.  18. 


XXXVl  OIIAMMATICAL    PKCULIAltlTJES  :    NOUNS. 

2245,  there  :  chere,  240-4  :  here;  2604,  there  :  were  (wAron),  208  : 
were  (werian),  &c. 

AVe  likewise  find  sore  and  sare^  (O.E.  sare)  : — 11 90,  sore  :  more ; 
166,  sare  :  care ;  1377,  sore  :  thore. 

The  O.E.  diphthongs  ea  and  eo  and  the  O.E.  p  (mutated  from  ea 
or  So)  appear  as  e  in  this  poem  : — 1595,  me  :  see,  632  :  fee,  1339  : 
free,  405  :  he;  1535,  depe  :  slepe ;  1011,  1523,  dere  :  here;  963, 
yere  :  vere,  1257  :  Ohjvere ;  996,  nere  :  were ;  596,  1528,  nede  :  spede ; 
1702,  eke  :  speke  ;  1726,  leke  :  speke  ;  184,  215,  1208,  shelde  :  felde  ; 
2530,  hevene  :  elevene,  &c. 

A  brief  .summary  of  the  grammatical  inflexions  employed  in  the 
poem  will  also  give  evidence  of  a  great  similarity  with  the  forms 
used  by  other  East-Midland  writers,  and  will  serve  to  show  that  the 
language  of  the  Soiodan  agrees  closely  with  that  of  Chaucer. 

In  the  declension  of  substantives  the  only  remnant  of  case- 
formation  by  means  of  inflexions  is  the  ending  used  to  form  the 
Genitive  Singular  and  the  Plural. 

The  genitive  singular  of  nouns  ends  in  es  (sometimes  written  -is 
or  ys)  for  all  genders: — 356,  develes ;  1209,  stedes ;  849,  worldis ; 
1804,  worldes ;  3035,  damrnes ;  1641,  nedes ;  1770,  shippes;  1072, 
faderis. 

Substantives  ending  in  -s  in  the  nominative  case,  remain  un- 
cbanged  in  the  genitive  case: — 1214,  1287,  Ferumbras ;  2006, 
Naymes;  3207,  diaries;  1639,  1350,  Floripas.—Florip,  1.  614,  is 
the  genitive  case  of  Florip>e  or  Florip,  1.  2027,  1571. 

The  nominative  plural  of  all  genders  is  formed  by  -es  {-is,  -ys)  or 
-s : — 919,  knightes,  1947,  2'27  Q,  knight  is  ;  IZ^i,  horses,  1401,  horsys  ; 
429,  2054,  gatis ;  192,  wordes ;  837,  swerdes ;  174,  hedes ;  2289, 
ladies ;  3271,  soules  ;  26,  hokes ;  &OQ,peres ;  297,  tours,  &c.  Examples 
of  a  plural  case  without  s  are  seen  in  thinge,  1.  2,  1709  : — O.E.  \>ivg  ; 
honde,  987,  O.E.  handa,  as  well  as  hondes,  1412,  2568;  frende,  3212, 
O.E.  fr-Qvd,  as  well  as  frendes,  1011,  O.E.  freondas.  Other  plurals 
Avhich  are  equally  easily  explained  by  their  O.E.  forms  are  : — eyen, 
825,  O.E.  eagan;  shoone,  1381,  O.E.  sceon ;  fete,  1403,  O.'E.  fet, 
fote,  1427,  O.Kfotum,  2673,  O.K  foia. 

'   Cf.  Schipper,  Alexivslegenden,  98/121, 


GRAMMATICAL    PECULIARITIES  :    PRONOUNS.  XXXVU 

To  mark  the  difference  between  the  definite  and  indefinite  forms 
of  adjectives  is  a  difficult  task ;  as  the  final  -e  had  in  most  cases 
already  become  silent  in  the  poet's  dialect,  it  seems  probable  that  he 
no  longer  observed  the  distinction. 

The  pronouns  are  the  same  as  in  Chancer  and  in  other  East- 
Midland  poems  : — /,  me,  thou,  the;  he,  hym ;  sche,  her  and  hir ;  it 
and  hit  (cf.  note  to  1.  41) ;  we,  us  ;  ye,  you.  The  plural  of  the  per- 
sonal pronoun  of  the  3rd  person  is  thai  and  he  (cf.  note  to  1.  2698) 
for  the  nominative  case ;  hem,  and  in  some  doubtful  passages  (see 
note  to  1.  88)  thaym  for  the  accusative  case. 

As  in  Chaucer,  the  pronoun  of  the  2nd  person  is  often  joined  to 
the  verb  : — hastow  1680,  maistoio  1826,  shaltow  16G9,  ivoltoio  1727, 
wiltoio  1151,  artow. 19Q7,  kanstovj  2335,  &c. 

Possessive  pronouns  : — myn  and  thyn  are  used  before  vowels  and 
before  h  ;  my,  thy  before  consonants.  Only  once,  1.  90,  viy  is  placed 
before  a  vowel.  His,  hire  and  here;  our,  your;  here  and  (twice, 
623,  1244)  thair. 

The  demonstrative  pronouns  are  this,  these  or  thes  ;  that. 

The  definite  article  the  or  Jje,  is  used  for  all  cases  singular  and 
plural.  But  we  find  besides,  the  following  examples  of  inflexion : — 
tho,  2063,  O.E.  ])«,  and  the  accusative  sing.  Jjo??,  108.  In  1.  2052,  thn 
means  'them,  those'  =  Lat.  eos.  Tha,  1.  2639,  seems  to  be  a  mis- 
take of  the  scribe,  it  is  perhaps  miswritten  for  \)at  (day),  cf.  1.  619. 

Men,  115,  1351,  and  me,  287,  are  used  as  indefinite  pronouns. 
Every che,  every,  everychone  occur  frequently.  Xote  also  ichoon 
2774,  illca  2016;  thi/ke  2644,  eche  1865. 

T7iat  or  ])at,  tcho,  whome  are  used  as  relative  pronouns.  The 
interrogative  pronouns  are  icho  and  ^vhat. 

Verhs.  The  plural  imperative  ends  in  -eth  or  -th,  which,  how- 
ever, Ave  find  frequently  omitted,  as  in  1.  194,  prove  you,  2078 
proveth  ;  2131  sende,  167  sendith ;  telle  1977,  tellyth  1625,  &c. 

The  -n  of  the  infinitive  mood  is  often  dropped,  as  in  Chaucer : — 
274,  1588,  sene  :  bene;  1124,  see  :  tre;  658  :  cite;  600,  he  :  cite  ;  1225  : 
centre;  1411, ,^ee  : cite;  3065, Jlecn  :  men;  1282, s7oo  :mo;  792, sloo7ie  : 
one,  &c. 

The  final  -{e)n  of  past  participles  of  strong  verbs  is  in  most  cases 

CHARL.  BOM.  V,  J 


XXXVlll  GRAMMATICAL    PECULIARITIES:    VKRBS. 

dropped,  as  in  Chaticer : — 317 G  forlorne  :  borne,  32  born,  3011  wonne, 
21  iconnen,  2756  comen  :  nomen,  155  come,  2476  liolpe,  1362  bygote, 
1026  hi  owe,  &c. 

Weak  verbs  form  their  past  participles  in  -ed,  -d,  -et,  4,  mucli  as 
in  Chaucer: — lerned  30-42,  eyde  1648,  toolde  670,  Z^oi^i  111,  fZeZ/e 
526,  displaied  133. 

The  prefix  /-  or  y-  occurs  sometimes,  icome  784,  co7ne  155, 
istonge  533,  t7a/i:e  49,  ^a7i:e?i  1430,  &c. 

The  present  participles  end  in  -inge  and  ande,  as  is  often  the  case 
in  East-Midland  works  : — 2831  prikande-  :  comande,  435  cry  ande, 
924  mal-ande,  3225  mornynge  :  Jcynge,  2399  slepynge  :  lionde,  where 
evidently  slepande  is  the  true  reading. 

As  in  Chaucer  the  2nd  person  preterite  of  strong  verhs  is  some- 
times formed  by  -est  or  -ist,  letist  2167 ;  but  we  find  also  regular 
forms,  as  in  slough  1259,  where,  however,  the  O.E.  e  {doge)  is 
already  dropped. 

The  -en  or  -n  of  the  preterite  plural  and  of  past  participles  is 
commonly  dropped,  ronnen  3007,  ronne  2959,  took  477,  tokene  2621, 
slough  78,  slonghen  401,  ido  327  :  so,  t%c. 

The  -d  in  the  past  participles  and  in  the  preterite  of  weak  verbs 
is  sometimes  omitted,  as  often  happens  in  East-Midland  works. 
Thus  we  find  comforte  2242  and  comforted  312,  commaunde  57  and 
tommaunded  228,  graunte  607,  liste  1132,  list  1966,  discumfite  1464, 
&c.  On  the  same  analogy  Ave  find  light  1125,  1189,  and  lighted 
3109,  ivorth  1203,  and  loorthed  1163. 

As  regards  the  final  -e's,  it  may  be  remarked  that  the  scribe  has 
added  many  final  -e's,  where  the  rules  would  not  lead  us  to  suspect 
them,  and  has  often  given  a  final  -e  to  words  which  in  other  passages 
of  the  poem,  although  similarly  used,  have  no  e : — note  245,  274,  vot 
255,  313;  hoioe  19,  hoiv  275;  undere  61,  under  713;  hide  247,  but 
8;  cooste  202,  coost  3062;  crafte  424,  craft  2335;  ashamede  1295, 
ashamed  558,  &c. 

This  is  due  either  to  carelessness  on  the  part  of  the  scribe,  or 
perhaps  to  the  fact  that  in  the  speech  of  the  copyist  the  final  e's  had 
already  become  altogether  silent,  so  that  finding  many  words  ending 
in  -e  and  not  knowing  its  meaning,  he  considered  it  as  a  mere 


THE    FINAL    -E,    -EN.  XXXIX 

"  ornament  in  writing  "  (Ellis,  Pruminciatmi,  i.  338),  and  sometimes 
added,  sometimes  omitted  it. 

With  respect  to  the  composer  of  the  Soivdan  himself,  there  may- 
be some  doubt  left  whether  in  his  speech  the  final  e  had  become 
altogether  silent,  or  was  still  pronounced  occasionally.  From  the 
following  instances  it  may  be  concluded  with  certainty  that  the  poet 
very  frequently  did  not  sound  the  final  e  : — 757  horjhte  :  noght,  3154 
hat  :  fat,  961  wronge  :  distruccion,  556  onlace  :  ivas ;  cf.  also  1383, 
1611,  2163;  2795  'sjMe  tve  of  Richard,  2999  fonghf,  2093,  859 
hringe,  9,  2547  Tcejite,  834  wente,  142  come,  713  toode. 

In  other  cases  there  is  no  certainty  whether  the  final  e  is  quite 
silent  or  must  be  slightly  pronounced  or  slurred  over,  so  as  to  form 
trisyllabic  measures.  It  must  be  noted,  however,  that  in  supposing 
trisyllable  measures  in  all  these  doubtful  cases,  the  number  of  this 
kind  of  measure  will  increase  to  a  great  amount  in  the  Sowdan. 
Therefore  I  rather  incline  to  think  the  final  e  silent  also  in  the  fol- 
lowing instances: — 2090  defende  this  2-)] ace,  1201  hreke  hath  hake, 
861  cSmefrom  dl,  2119  aske  consaile,  1597  wole  these  tr-aitours,  1783 

•  •  • 

whens  come  ye,  2317  passe  that  hrigge,  1100  ronne  hj/twene,  2997 
■fought  so  Unge,  175  hroke  nothings,  1658  bedde  with  right,  713  grene 
wode  side,  571  home  to  Rome  that  nyght,  1610  the  fdls  jailmir  fedde 
yoiir  jDvisonh-e,  2152  fdls  trartours  of  France,  921  charged  the  yonge 
icith  dl,  380  dboute  midnyghte,  726  sone  to  him,  160  tiviieth  not  one 
[Chaucer  still  pronounces  iinnethe\. 

Nevertheless  there  seems  to  be  some  instances  where  the  final  e 
is  to  be  sounded,  as  in  U.  298,  2790,  1332,  1619,  2740,  592,  2166, 
2463,  1405,  2386,  895,  332,  91. 

Final  en  also  seems  sometimes  not  to  constitute  a  separate  syl- 
lable : — 1365  ivaiten  u2')pon  me,  459  hreken  our  wdllis,  45  slepen  with 
opyne  ^36,  485  comen  hy  the  cost,  2313  diden  it  about,  &c. 

In  all  these  cases  n  had  very  probably  already  fallen  off  in  the 
speech  of  the  poet,  as  the  following  examples  lead  us  to  supj)ose  : — 
178  Wynne  :  him,  1582  dye  :  hiicry,  2309  sliewe  :  frewe,  2107  sle2)e  to 
longe,  861  come  from  dl,  &c. 

As  regards  the  final  es  of  nouns,  the  poet  seems  to  have  observed 
the  same  rules  as  those  followed  by  (Jliaucer  ;  viz.  es  is  sounded  when 

d  2 


xl  METRE    AN1>    VERSIFICATION. 

joined  to  moiuisyllabic  stciud  ;  it  does  not  increase  the  number  of 
syllables  (and  therefore  is  often  spelt  -s  instead  of  -es),  when  the  stem 
lias  two  or  more  syllables : — 197,  277  goddes,  665  7iailes,  445  tentes, 
206S  tenfis,  174,  1799  hedes,  2032,  2868  siverdes,  2327  walles,  1209 
stedcs,  1770  sJiij^pes,  2702  so^ners,  2687,  2591  fdoives,  2660  feloivs, 
2412  maydyns,  647,  1597  fraytours,  2036  orders,  45  lovers,  2612, 
3098  develes,  1072  faderis,  203,  862  soiodons,  881  sarsyns. 

The  final  e*'  of  adverbs  seems  no  longer  to  constitute  a  separate 
syllable:— 2213  hunged'  els  ly,  2786  IZs  had'  he,  2109  e///s  i  may 
singe,  1525  e//c^  »vr  he,  2061  ^/^e/^s,  1783  ;6'//e«5. 

METEE  AND  VEKSIFICATIOK 

The  poem  is  composed  in  four-line  stanzas.  The  arrangement  of 
the  rhyme  is  such  that  the  1st  and  3rd  lines  rhyme  together,  and  the 
2nd  and  4t]i  together,  which  gives  the  following  rhyme-formula  : 
a  h  ah.  The  rhyme-endings  employed  in  one  stanza  do  not  occur 
again  in  the  next  following. 

But  it  must  be  noticed  that  there  seem  to  occur  some  instances 
of  eight-line  stanzas,  one  of  which,  beginning  at  1.  1587,  is  built  on 
the  model  employed  by  Chaucer.  Others  are  arranged  differently. 
Those  beginning  at  11.  1059  and  1219  show  the  rhyme-formula 
ababacac,  in  that  of  1.  1411  the  2nd  and  4th  lines  are 
rhymed  together,  and  the  5th  and  7th,  whilst  the  1st,  3rd,  6th,  8th, 
all  end  with  the  same  rhyme.  The  formula  for  the  stanzas  beginning 
at  11.  807,  879,  1611  is  a  b  a  b  c  b  c  h.  In  the  stanza  of  1.  939  all 
the  pair  lines  are  rhymed  together,  and  the  odd  ones  also,  which  is 
the  only  instance  in  the  poem  of  eight  consecutive  lines  having  only 
two  rhyme-endings,  as  generally  eight  lines  show  four  different  rhyme- 
endings,  and  three  only  in  the  passages  cited  above.  But  the  whole 
stanza  of  1.  939  seems  not  to  be  due  to  the  author;  he  has  very 
probably  borrowed  it  from  some  other  poem.^ 

Turning  now  our  attention  to  the  fact  that  the  lines  occurring 
between  the  Initials  or  Capital  Letters,  which  are  met  with  in  some 
passages  in  the  MS.,  are  often  divisible  by  eight,  we  might  feel 

'  See  note  to  1.  939. 


THE    'sOWDONE'    composed    IN    4-LI\E    STANZAS.  xH 

inclined  to  regard  this  as  an  additional  reason  for  considering  the 
stanza  employed  in  the  Soivdaii  as  an  eight-line  one.  Indeed,  the 
portion  fronr  the  Initial  of  1.  1G79  to  the  next  one  of  1.  1689  might 
be  taken  for  one  single  stanza.  The  24  lines  from  1.  575  (beginning 
with  an  Initial)  to  the  next  Initial  in  1.  598  might  equally  be  con- 
sidered as  three  stanzas,  whilst  there  are  5  times  8  lines  =  5  eight- 
line  stanzas  from  the  Initial  of  1.  2755  to  the  next  Initial  in  1.  2795. 

In  all  these  instances  the  supposition  of  eight-line  stanzas  would 
suit  the  context,  as  is  the  case  also  with  other  passages.  Thus  in  the 
following  cases  it  might  seem  as  though  eight  lines  taken  together 
were  more  closely  connected  and  made  better  sense  than  four  lines, 
e.^.U.  583—598,  1703—1710,  1679—1686,  939—962,  1043—1050, 
244  ss.,  455  ss.,  631  ss.,  1059  ss. 

But,  on  the  other  hand,  it  must  be  born3  in  mind  that  there  are 
also  a  great  many  cases  where,  as  regards  the  sense,  four  lines  can  be 
considered  as  an  independent  whole,  when,  e.  g.,  the  speech  spoken 
by  a  person  is  contained  in  four  lines,  and  the  words  of  another 
person  replying  to  the  first  follow  in  the  next  four  lines.  Very  often 
also  these  next  four  lines  contain  only  a  part  of  the  second  jDcrson's 
reply,  so  that  the  remainder  of  his  reply  falls  into  the  following 
stanza.  This  '  enjambement '  or  continuation  of  the  sense,  and  some- 
times of  the  syntactical  construction  from  one  stanza  to  another,  need 
not,  of  course,  prevent  us  from  admitting  the  supposition  of  eight- 
line  stanzas ;  as,  upon  the  whole,  it  is  met  with  in  all  poems  com- 
posed in  stanzas,  and  as  it  is  frequently  used  in  Le  Morte  Arthur 
(Harleian  MS.  2252,  ed.  Furnivall),  which  is  ^vritten  in  eight-line 
stanzas ;  but  as  there  is  no  instance  known  of  an  eight-line  stanza 
containing  four  different  rhyme-endings,  which  at  this  supposition  it 
would  be  the  case  with  the  Sowdan,  the  eight-line  stanzas  contain- 
ing either  three  rhyme-endings,  as  in  Chaucer,  or  two,  as  in  Le  Morte 
Arthur,  and  as  in  some  passages  of  the  Soivdan  (11.  1691,  1695,  1699, 
1711,  1715),  we  find  Initials  placed  after  four  lines,  I  believe  a 
stanza  of  four  alternately  rhyming  lines  to  be  the  one  intended  by 
the  composer — a  metre  which,  according  to  Guest,  History  of  Eng. 
Rhythms,  ii.  317 — 'must  have  been  well  known  and  familiar  during 
the  fifteenth  century,'     The  few  eight-line  stanzas  quoted  above,  may 


xlii  THK    KIIYMKS    01''    TUK    PUli.M. 

tluMi  lie  owing  cither  to  the  inadvertence  of  the  poet,  who  somewhat 
carelessly  employed  one  of  the  two  rhyme-endings  of  one  stanza  a 
third  and  fourth  time  in  the  following  one,  or,  perhaps  also,  he  inten- 
tionally retained  that  rhyme-ending,  and  he  inserted  eight-line  stanzas 
amongst  those  of  four  verses  as  a  mere  matter  of  variation.  It  is 
perhaps  not  impossible  that  the  retention  of  this  rhyme-ending  was 
not  greatly  felt. 

As  regards  the  rhymes  themselves,  they  are  Ijoth  monosyllabic  or 
masculine  rhymes,  and  dissyllabic  or  feminine  ones.  Frequently  they 
are  used  alternating  with  each  other,  as  in  the  stanzas  beginning  with 
1.  2755. 

Sometimes  we  find  four  feminine  rhymes  occurring  in  an  un- 
broken succession,  as  in  11.  1263-G6.  But  it  must  be  noticed  that 
the  number  of  masculine  rhymes  is  predominant.  Thus  the  stanzas 
beginning  with  11.  3047,  3063,  3123,  1123,  791,  1035,  1271,  1275, 
2019,  1311,  1351,  1463,  &c.,  contain  only  masculine  rhyme-endings. 

The  rhymes  are  not  always  full  and  true  ;  there  occur  many 
imperfect  ones. 

(1)  A  word  in  the  smgular  number  is  often  rhymed  with  a  word 
in  the  plural  number,  Avhich  therefore  has  an  additional  s  (or  es) : — 
797,  tJiinge  :  tidyngys ;  2647,  fyght  :  Intygldes ;  2087,  ligld  : 
knigJdes ;  1455,  cosynes  :  kinge ;  2272,  laye  :  dayes ;  2395,  885, 
Ogere  : peres  ;  2456,  cdle  :  walles ;  2682,  7iede  :  stedes ;  944,  inone  : 
stoones  ;  cf.  also  2376,  wile  :  beguiled.  In  1.  68,  pound  is  :  dromonde  ; 
the  rhyme  becomes  perfect  in  reading  pounde,  as  in  1.  2336,  instead 
of  poundis. 

(2)  Single  n  is  found  rhyming  with  n-  combinations. 

a.  n  :  nd — cf.  814,  yclioon  :  Maliounde ;  912,  pavilone  :  Ma- 
hounde  ;  1201,  crowne  :  Maliounde.  The  rhyme,  162,  Rome  :  houne, 
may  be  explained  in  the  same  manner,  for  houne  stands  for  liowide, 
as  it  is  spelt  in  11.  237,  2377,  935,  1756.1 

/3.  n  :  ng — cf,  2349,  Mapyne  :  endinge ;   86,  Apohjne  :  tithinge  ; 

370,  imie  :  kinge;  1455,  cosynes  :  kinge;  3249,  Genelyne  :  kinge; 

3171,  serpentyne  :  endinge;  959,  distruccion  :  tvvonge. 

'  "  This  elision  of  a  final  d  in  such  woi'ds  as  liond,  lond,  sheld,  held,  &c.,  is 
by  no  means  uncommon  in  ancient  poetry,  and  arises  simply  from  pronuncia- 
tion."— Morris,  Spcdmens  of  Early  English,  320/261. 


THE    RHYMES    OP    THE    POEM,  xliii 

Iji    614,  love  :  voive,  the  second  rliyme  vowe  does  not  contaiu 
tlie  consonant  v. 

(3)  Eliymes  imperfect  as  concerns  the  consonants. 

m  :  n—d.  7G,  Rome  :  one;  1672,  364  :  done;  2443,  366,  come  : 
done  ;  747,  some  :  soudone  ;  1323,  came  :  than  ;  1488,  came  :  ramie  ; 
2128,  f?jme  :  jnjne ;  111,  him  :  unjnne ;  2375,  him  :  tene ;  447,  859, 
him  :  hyn  ;  2004,  hyme  :  slyne  ;  2353,  him  :  inne. 

f  :v — cf.  341,  twelve  :  selve  ;  415,  wife  :  alive  ;  1762,  gyfene  : 
lyvene ;  1912,  (life  :  lyve.  But  in  all  these  cases  the  rhymes  are 
really  perfect,  they  seem  only  imjierfect  in  consequence  of  the  copyist 
writing  indiscriminately /and  v.  Thus  the  rhyme  of  1.  341  reappears 
in  1.  1867,  self :  ticelf  In  1.  2336  we  find  geie,  wliich  is  written  geve 
in  1.  198;  lefe,  \.  764;  safe,  I.  864,  are  spelt  with  v  in  11.  1340, 
1529,  2808. 

I  :  n — cf.  1.  363,  consaile  :  slayne.  Quite  similar  is  1.  1251, 
felde  :  sende. 

2)  :  h — 1.  820,  stoupe  :  strolie.  A  similar  rhyme  occurs  in  Guy, 
1.  10903,  scajnd  :  naJcid. 

d  :  t — 1.  2868,  gyrde  :  sterte  ;  1151,  plete  :  dede. 

d  :  p — 1.  283,  tyde  :  depe.  But  this  rhyme  is  very  probably 
owing  to  the  scribe.     For  dei^e  we  ought  to  read  wide. 

A  single  consonant  rhymes  with  a  double  consonant.  The  only 
certain  instance  occurs  in  1.  311,  tyde  :  chidde.  For  in  11.  312,  317, 
dele  :  welle,  we  might  read  wele,  as  this  word  is  frequently  spelt  in 
the  poem;  cf.  11.  385,  2618,  1173,  1651,  &c.  For  dedde  in  1.  2980 
{rede  :  dedde)  we  may  substitute  dede,  which  occurs  in  1.  2510.  The 
rhyme  glad  :  hadde,  2687,  becomes  perfect  if  we  read  gladde,  which 
is  the  usual  spelling  of  the  word  in  the  poem;  cf.  11.  439,  570,  918, 
&c.  Besides,  I  believe  hadde  to  be  monosyllabic.  Ferre  :  nere 
1.  1575;   in  ].  117  we  find /ere. 

The  rhyme,  1.  2654,  sloughe  :  drowe  can  easily  be  restored  in 
reading  slowe,  which  occurs  frequently,  as  in  11.  2401,  2683,  304, 
2208,  &c.  The  rhyme  ane  :  shafe,  555,  seems  to  be  due  to  some 
clerical  error. 

(4)  Ehymes  imperfect  as  concerns  the  vowels. 

a  :  e — 2803,  gate  :  lete ;  perhaps  we  are  justified  in  rending  late. 


Xliv  THK    KUYMES    OF    THE    POEM. 

cf.  Ilavcloch,  328  ;  1.  2752,  viade  :  dede.  Tlio  rhymes  thare  :  were, 
1383  ;  hare  :  there,  671  ;  Agremare  :  there,  33,  arc  really  perfect 
ones,  as  we  know  the  poet  to  have  used  thare,  there,  and  thore  indis- 
criminately;  cf.  11.  208,  2G04,  430,  1805,  1003;  1.  1436,  ladde  : 
nede ;  2365,  Jadde  :  bedde,  the  author  jirobably  pronounced  ledde. 
For  lefte,  1.  2335  :  craft,  we  may  read  Jafte,  as  is  shown  by  1.  424, 
Infte  :  crafte.  In  11.  1781,  544,  tene  :  than,  the  rhyme  will  be 
improved  by  reading  then. 

a  .-0  (cf.  p.  xxxv) — 504,  thane  .-gone  ;  1143,  1079,  Rolande  :honde; 
133,  sowdone  :  Lavan  (where  we  might  road  sowdan,  as  in  1.  1491) ; 
627,  SQicdane  :  toivne  ;  2527,  1684,  Roidande  :  londe. 

i  iy)  :  e.  This  rhyme  also  occurs  in  Chaucer ;  cf.  Ellis,  Proii.  i. 
272;  see  also  Guy,  p.  xiv. — 1.  21419,  Mm  :  hem;  1299,  dynte  : 
lente;  523,  strike  :  hreke ;  1643,  mylde  :  shelde ;  1263,  togedere  : 
thidere ;  1277,  wejjenlcss  :  ivns ;  344,  shitte  :  mette ;  2538,  hende  : 
ioynde  (read  ivende),  &c. ;  1.  82,  vilane  :  remedye  (read  vilanye,  as  in 
11.  179,  2577)  ;  but  1015,  vilane  :  me,  cf.  Gny,  xi,  i — 813,  sle  : 
curtesye ;  895,  tee  :  lye;  cf.  Ellis,  Pron.,  i.  271. 

The  monophthong  y  is  rhymed  with  a  diphthong,  the  second  part 
of  which  is  y  : — 1.  441,  Sarsynes  :  Romayties ;  2761,  Apolyiie  : 
agayne ;  2105  :  alayne ;  2175  :  eyne ;  2280,  dye  :  waye  (cf.  1582)  ; 
589,  fyne  :  Bourgoyne. 

0  :  ou  (otv). — 1.  1023,  wrothe  :  son/he  (which  is  "m-itten  sothe  in 
11.  2014,  2024,  2246,  2719);  779,  fonde  :  grounde;  260,  clarlone  : 
sovne ;  879,  Hone  :  crowne ;  2780,  malison  :  towne,  &c.  Cf.  also 
1264,  endured  :  covered. 

0  :  e. — 463,  oost  :  best.  The  rhyme  is  restored  in  reading  rest 
instead  of  oost. 

o  :  i. — 1.  966,  sonne  :  hegynne, 

ue  :  ewe. — 1.  2312,  vertrie  :  feice.  But  this  rhyme  cannot  be  ob- 
jected to,  as  "  final  French  u  (as  in  due)  was  diphthongized  into  eu 
in  Chaucerian  English."  ^ 

Other  irregularities  are: — 1.  112,  don-^te  :  roivte ;  1987,  use  . 
house;  1131,  thou  :  lough;  1200,  7noosf  :  goist ;  1730,  dethe  :  sleith. ; 

'  Cf.  Mr.  Nicol's  Paper  in  the  Academy  of  June  23,  1877,  vol.  xi.  p.  564, 
col.  1,  and  Seventh  Annual  Address  of  the  President  to  the  Philol.  Soc.,  p.  2. 


TXIK    DATE    OP    THE    *■  80WDONE.'  xlv 

2136,  pas  :  grace  ;  1611,  teas  :  mace  (in  Avhicli  cases  e  is  silent) ;  931, 
1144,  peris  :  ficrs. 

A  line  or  verse  generally  contains  four  accented  syllables,  separ- 
ated from  each  other  by  one  or  by  two  unaccented  syllables,  so  that 
there  are  some  instances  of  trisyllabic  feet,  as  in  11.  817,  834,  2035, 
2301,  2791,  3020,  3073,  2313,  &c.  In  11.  G92,  695,  two  accented 
syllables  are  put  close  together  without  being  separated  by  an  un- 
accented pne,  which  is  altogether  wanting.  In  some  passages  we  find 
lines  of  three  accented  syllables  alternating  with  those  of  four  accents, 
as  in  11.  575—582,  763—770,  839—846,  871—878,  2287—2290, 
&c.  But  in  most  cases  lines  Avith  four  accents  follow  each  other  in 
an  unbroken  succession,  as  in  11.  1—372,  995—1010,  1026—1029, 
1067—1107,  1147—1154,  1731—1734,  &c. 

A  few  instances  of  verses  with  more  than  four  accented  syllables 
are  also  to  be  met  with  in  the  Sowdan.  They  are  either  due  to  the 
author  and  therefore  intended,  as  in  1.  37,  where  the  poet  almost 
literally  imitates  his  original,^  or  they  may  be  considered  as  due  to 
some  clerical  error,  in  which  case  the  metre  generally  can  be  restored 
by  a  slight  emendation. 

A  verse  has  generally  an  iambic  effect,  that  is  to  say,  the  first  foot 
begins  with  an  unaccented  syllable,  which  is  followed  by  an  accented 
one.  Frequently,  however,  the  first  accented  syllable  is  preceded  by 
two  unaccented  ones,  as  in  11.  41,  75,  127,  151,  367,  849,  1060, 
1815,  1819,  2289,  2758,  &c.  There  are  some  instances  of  the  first 
foot  consisting  of  a  single  (accented)  syllable  only,  the  unaccented 
one  being  altogether  wanting,  as  in  U.  2120,  2288,  2374,  2394,  &c. 

DATE  OF  THE  POEM  AND  NAME  OF  THE  AUTHOE. 

George  EUis  attributes  the  present  poem  to  the  end  of  the  four- 
teenth or  beginning  of  the  fifteenth  century.  "  I  think,"  he  says  in 
his  Specimens  of  Early  English  Metrical  Romances,  ed.  Halliwell, 
p.  380,  "  it  would  not  be  difficult  to  prove  from  internal  evidence, 
that  the  present  translation  ^  cannot  be  earlier  than  the  end  of  the 
fourteenth  or  beginning  of  the  fifteenth  century." 

'  See  the  note. 

'  Although  ].  25  says  that  the  story  of  the  Sowdan  "is  written  in  Romance," 


Xlvi       ALLUSION  TO  CHAUCERIAN  VKHSES  CONTAINED  IN  THE  '  SOWDONE.' 

Having  seen  from  the  suminaiy  oi'  gramiuatical  peculiarities  that 
there  is  a  great  similarity  between  the  luiguage  of  Chaucer  and  that 
of  tlie  composer  of  this  romance,  Ave  might  be  inclined  to  consider 
the  latter  as  a  contemporary  of  Chaucer.  From  some  passages  of  the 
SoiC(fmi,  which  seem  to  contain  allusions  to  Chaucerian  poetry,  we 
may  conclude  that  the  poet  must  have  known  the  Canterbury  Tales. 

Thus  11.  42-46:— 

"■\Yhan  Ivviifle  corapro  bofrynneth  to  pryke, 
"Wlian  fl'rith  and  fnlde  woxen  gave, 
And  every  wight  desirith  his  like, 
Whan  lovers  slepen  with  opyn  yje, 
As  Nightingales  on  grene  tre  "... 

appear  to  be  imitated  from  the  Prologue  of  the  Canterhiry  Talcs, 

11.  10—12  :— 

"And  smale  fowlesmaken  melodie. 
That  slepen  al  the  night  with  open  eye, 
So  priketh  hem  nature  in  her  corages." 

Further  on  Ave  remark  in  11.  939-40  : — 

"  0  thow,  rede  Mar:^  Armypotente, 
That  in  the  trende  baye  base  made  ]>y  trone." 

some  traces  of  resemblance  Avith  the  Kniglifs  Tale,  11.  1123-26  : — 

"  And  downward  on  a  hill  under  a  bent, 
There  stood  the  tempul  of  Mar^  armypotent. 
Wrought  al  of  burned  steel,  of  which  thentre 
Was  long  and  streyt,  and  gastly  for  to  see," 

Avhich  may  still  be  compared  Avitli  the  first  lines  of  the  Prologue  of 

Queen  Anelida  and  False  Arcite : — 

"Thou  ferse  God  of  arnies,  Tklars  the  rede, 
That  in  thy  frosty  contre  called  Trace, 
Within  thy  grisly  temples  ful  of  drede, 
Honoured  art  as  patroun  of  that  place."  ' 

Now  the  Prologue  of  the  Canterbury  Tales  and  the  Knighfs  Tale, 
being  written  in  couplets,  or  lines  arranged  in  pairs,  Avere  certainly 
composed  after  1385,^  or  rather  after  1389. ^     From  the  treatment  of 

this  cannot  induce  us  to  consider  our  poem  as  a  mere  translation.  .  It  is,  on 
the  contrary,  a  free  reproduction  of  a  French  original. 

'   Cf.  also  Lindsay's  History  of  Sqiiyer  Meldnim,  1.  390  : 
"  Like  Mars  the  God  Armypotent." 

'  Cf.  Prioress's  Tale,  ed.  Skeat  (Clarendon  Press  Series),  p.  xx ;  and 
Furnivall's  Trial  Forewords,  p.  IIL 

'  Cf.  Chaucer,  ed.  Morris,  i.  205,  footnote. 


THK    lis.   OF    THIC    '  SUWDONE.'  xlvii 

the  final  e's,  which,  contrary  to  Chaucer's  usage,  seem  to  have  "been 
silent  in  a  great  number  of  cases  in  the  poet's  speech,  we  may  further 
conclude  that  the  Sowdan  must  be  somewhat  later  than  the  Canter- 
bury Tales.  Therefore  the  poet  of  the  Sowdan  cannot  have  been 
merely  a  later  contemporary  of  Chaucer ;  I  rather  think  it  to  be  more 
probable  that  he  must  have  lived  some  time  after  him.  This  would 
bring  us  to  the  beginning  of  the  fifteenth  century  as  the  date  of  the 
romance. 

As  to  the  name  and  profession  of  the  poet  nothing  is  known,  and 
we  have  no  clue  whatever  from  the  poem. 


The  present  edition  of  the  Sowdan  is  printed  from  the  unique 
MS.  of  the  late  Sir  Thomas  Phillips,  at  Middle  Hill,  Worcestershire, 
Avhich  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the  Rev.  John  E.  A.  Fenwick, 
Thurlestane  House,  Cheltenham.  Sir  Thomas  Phillips  purchased  the 
MS.  at  Mr.  Heber's  sale.^  The  oldest  possessor's  name  which  we 
find  noted,  is  on  the  reverse  of  the  last  leaf  of  the  Manuscript,  where 
is  written,  "  This  is  John  Eteyes  (or  Ebeye's)  boke,  witnes  by  John 
Staff" — in  a  hand  circa  temp.  Eliz.  or  Jac.  I.  By  some  notes  made 
by  former  possessors  on  the  first  fly-leaf  of  tlie  MS.,  and  by  the 
autograph  names  which  we  find  there,  we  learn  that  Geo.  Steevens 
bought  the  MS.  '^  at  Dr.  Farmer's  Sale,  Friday  June  15,  1798,  for 
1:  10.  0."  On  May  20th,  1800,  it  was  "bought  at  the  Sale  of 
Geo.  Stevens,,  for  3.  4.  6."  by  "  0.  Grah'^'  Gilchrist." 

A  transcript  of  the  MS.  made  by  Geo.  Stevens  had  been  pre- 
sented by  him  to  Mr.  Douce.  This  copy  was  re-transcribed  by  Geo. 
Ellis,  who,  in  1811,  published  some  extracts  with  an  analysis  of  the 
romance  in  the  Specimens  of  Earhj  Emjlisli  Metrical  Romances.^  The 
same  copy  has  been  followed  by  Halliwell,  who  in  his  Dictionofry 
of  Arcli.  and  Prov.  W.,  has  several  quotations^  from  the  present 
romance,  which  he  styles  as  ^^  MS.  Douce,  175." 

'  BiUioilieca  Hchcriana,  Part  xi.  p.  162.     MSS.  Lot  1533. 
*  Ed.  HalliwelK  p.  379  et  seq. 

'  For  instances,  see  the  following  words  : — Atame,  alayned,  ameved, 
assoi'te,  avente,  forcer,  &c. 


xlviii  THE    ROXBUROriE    CLUn    AND    THE    I'RrSENT    EDITION. 

Tlio  poem  of  tlio  Sowdan  was  first  printed  by  the  Eoxbiirglie 
Club  in  1854.^  The  text  of  the  present  edition  dilTers  from  that  of  the 
ciUtio  jyn'iiceps  in  so  far  as  punctuation  is  introduced,  Avhich  is  alto- 
gether disregarded  by  the  IMS.  and  the  Eoxburghe  Club  edition.  In 
some  passages  words  v\diich  have  been  written  as  one  in  the  IMS.  are 
separated  in  the  text;  thus  a  laye,  1.  2G94 ;  a  ras,  1.  645,  are  printed 
instead  of  alaye,  aras.  Sometimes  also  words  written  separately  in 
tlie  MS.  are  united  by  a  hyphen,  as  he-fallc,  14 ;  i-wiss,  71 ;  {-sought, 
725;  with-oute,  841;  a-hide,  818;  a-ferde,  1337,  &c.  These  slight 
deviations  from  the  MS.,  which  are  always  indicated  in  the  foot- 
notes, seemed  advisable  on  account  of  the  great  help  they  afford  the 
reader  in  understanding  the  text.  More  important  emendations  and 
corrections  of  evident  scribal  blunders  and  other  mistakes  are  given 
in  the  foot-notes,  and  will  be  found  explained  in  the  Notes. 

The  Index  of  ]S"ames  will  be  useful  to  those  who  wish  to  compare 
the  Sotcdcm  with  any  other  version  of  the  romance. 

The  Glossarial  Index  contains  besides  the  obsolete  terms  all  those 
words  the  spelling  or  the  signification  of  which  essentially  differs 
from  that  now  accepted.  Words  which  show  only  slight  orthograph- 
ical variations  from  their  modern  form  have  not  been  included,  as  the 
reader  will  have  no  difficulty  in  identifying  them. 


In  conclusion  I  have  the  pleasant  duty  of  acknowledging  the 
invaluable  assistance  which  Professor  Zupitza  at  all  times  readily 
and  freely  gave  me.  My  best  thanks  are  also  due  to  Mr.  Furnivall 
and  to  Mr.  Napier  for  their  kind  advice  and  suggestions,  and  to 
Mr.  Herrtage  for  collating  a  transcript  of  the  poem  with  the  MS. 

Emil  Hausknecht. 
Berlin,  January,  ISSl. 

'  London.     Printed  by  William  Nicol.  Shakspere  Press,  MDCCCLIV. 


xlix 


ADDITIONS. 


Since  the  Introdudion  was  written,  I  have  had  an  opportunity  of 
seeing  the  Hanover  i\IS.  of  the  French  Fierahras.  The  kind  offices 
of  Professor  Koner  exerted  on  my  behalf  secured  me  the  consent  of 
the  Administration  of  the  Eoyal  Hanoverian  Library  to  have  the 
MS.  sent  to  Berlin,  and  their  most  generous  permission  to  consult  it 
freely  in  the  Eeading  Eoom  of  the  University  Library. 

Having  now  compared  the  Sowdan  more  closely  Avith  the  Hanover 
MS.,  I  must  state  that  the  final  result  arrived  at  in  my  investigation 
concerning  the  original  of  the  Sowdan  (cf.  p.  xxxii)  is  in  no  way 
altered. 

As  already  stated  above  (p.  xxxii),  and  as  the  subsequent 
examination  and  the  passages  of  H  quoted  below  will  serve  to 
confirm,  the  Hanover  version  is,  generally  speaking,  the  same  as  the 
printed  version  of  the  Fierahras,  differing  only  in  slight  variations  of 
readings. 

The  names  in  which  S  diff"ers  from  F,  but  agrees  with  H,  are 
already  spoken  of  on  p.  xxxi.  But  there  are  several  others  in  the 
spelling  of  which  //  agrees  with  F,  but  differs  from  *S'.  Thus  we 
find  Balans  or  Balant  in  H  for  Lahan  in  S ;  Guar  in,  H,  leaf  80, 
back,  i^438  =  Generyse,  S  1135  ;  Agolafres,  H,  leaf  81  =  Alagolofer, 
S  2135  ;  Amiotte,  H,  leaf  83,  back  =  Barrolih,  S  2939,  etc. 

As  to  the  subject-matter,  there  are  no  instances  where  S,  differing 
from  F,  agrees  Avith  H.  In  all  points  in  which  S  differs  from  F  we 
find  it  also  differing  from  H. 

Thus  the  game  of  bloAving  a  burning  coal,  in  the  description  uf 


1  TIIR    HANOVER   MS. 

■which  S  slightly  diflors  from  F,  is  related  in  //  with  nearly  the  same 
•words  as  in  F.  As,  besides  the  small  fragment  printed  by  Groebcr  in 
the  JdJirbiich,  xiii,  and  some  few  remarks  in  the  Zeitschrift  fur 
rom.  Phil.,  nothing  is  known  of  the  Hanover  MS.,  the  following 
passages  printed  here  may  serve  to  show  how  little  //  differs  from 
F.  The  game  of  the  coal  {S  1996—2016,  F  2907—2934)  is  thus 
described  in  //,  leaf  58  : — 

"  Veillard,  dist  Lucafer,  vo?/.?  ni  savez  juer, 
\oits  lie  savez  en  F/'ance  lo  gr^nt  charboun  soffler. 
Certes,  ceo  (list  li  dus,  mais  n'en  oie  sofller. 
Et  respont  li  pa3-en  :  Mais  te  feray  mostrer. 
Ly  payen  vait  le  due  an  gr^nt  fowel   moner. 
Q(^«nt  Rollant  Pad  veu,  a  Berard  Tad  niostre 
Ore  p^rres  boiie  jeu  ver  et  esgarder. 
Dahait  qui  ne  laira  ly  et  Nainies  juer. 
Lucafer  se  beysa  pur  un  tison  combrer, 
Trestote  le  plus  ardant  quil  i  poet  trover, 
Par  tiel  air  soffla  le  fu  qil  li  fist  voler. 
Puis  ad  dist  a  Names  '  Ore  vows  coveMj;  soffler.' 
Names  prist  le  tison  qui  bien  se  sout  aider, 
Vers  le  payen  s'en  va  pur  le  tison  softer. 
Pur  ceo  le  fist  ly  dus  qa  ly  se  volt  meller, 
Si  suffla  le  tison  qe  le  fist  allumer, 
Le  barbe  et  le  menton  fist  au  payen  bruler, 
Tres  prt?'my  le  visaie  en  fist  la  flame  virer, 
Qe  par  un  sule  petite  qe  nel  fist  souuiler. 
Q?/«nt  le  voit  ly  payen,  le  sane  quida  deueber. 
II  jette  a  .ij.  ses  maines,  qi  le  quide  frapper, 
Mais  1)'  dus  le  ferry  tres  prt?'my  le  costes, 
Qe  les  oilz  de  la  teste  ly  fist  eu  fu  voler. 
Puys  Tad  pris  par  le  flank,  s'il  voit  en  le  fu  ruer. 
Lichiers,  dist  dus  Names,  Dex  te  poet  mal  doner, 
Tu  me  quidoies  ore  come  fole  cy  trover." 

The  distribution  of  the  relics,  in  which  S  (cf.  note  to  1.  3238) 

differs  from  i^  6195  et  seq.  is  related  as  follows  in  H,  leaf  100  : — 

"    A  U  baron  seint  Dynis  fu  mult  g?'ant  Passemble^ 
XI.     Au  perron  au  lond}'  fu  la  messe  cbantec, 
Illok  fu  la  corone  p«?'tie  et  desseveree, 
L'un  moite  fu  a  saint  Dynis  donee 
Et  un  clow  ansieme/it,  cest  verite  provei?, 
De  la  Corone  fu  un  partie  a  Ais  porte^^, 
A  Compaiguis  est  I'ensigne  en  I'eglise  lionorer, 
Et  les  altres  .ij.  clowes  a  Orliens  fu  enveie^, 
Maint  p?"<'sant  fist  Charls  de  France  la  loie 
Des  saintisnie  reliqes,  Jhe^u  de  maiestes. 
En  I'onur  de  Deu  est  mainte  eglise  fonde/^, 
La  feste  de  lendit  fu  pur  iceo  estoree. 
Jaiaz  videront  cens  ne  taille  donee. 


THE  '  SOWDAN  '  AND  THE  HANOVER  MS.  U 

Ne  tardoit  que  .iiij.  aus  k'Espaigne  fu  gaste^. 

La  fu  la  treison  de  RoUant  po7'|n;iisee, 

Qe  Ganes  le  vendist  a  la  getit  diff;iee, 

Ptiys  fu  as  chiuals  sa  chars  destreiuee, 

Pinables  en  fu  niortz  de  suz  Lyons  en  la  jDre^, 

La  le  vengea  Terris  au  trenchant  del  espee, 

Puys  fu  peudu  amies  par  gulei?  pare^, 

Toutz  iours  vegnent  ti'aitors  a  nial  destines 

Ou  aloiguee  ou  apres  ia  ni  aueront  duree. 

Charles  voit  a  Orliens,  la  chaiicheon  est  tinec 

Au  deu  votis  comniande,  tote  j'ai  ma  chancon  fine. 

De  eels  romance  est  bone  la  tine  et  I'entre^, 

Et  en  mileue  et  partote  qi  hien  I'ad  escoutec 

La  beneiceon  aez  de  Deu  ct  del  v/rgine  honore.     Amen." 

The  mii-acle  (i^6101— G123)i  of  the  glove,  in  which  Charles  had 
placed  fragments  of  the  thorns,  remaining  suspended  in  the  air  for  over 
an  hour,  the  description  of  which  is  omitted  in  the  Sowdan  (cf. 
Dissert.,  p.  29),  is  related  as  follows  in  H,  leaf  99  : — - 

L'EMPii'iZERS  de  France  fist  foremewt  a  loier 
II  a  fait  un  table  sur  .ij.  trestes  lever. 
Et  par  de  sur  un  paille  qui  fu  fait  outre  mer. 
Illok  fist  Charlm  la  corone  aporter, 
Puis  ad  fait  I'arcevesqe  p^rtir  et  deviser, 
Si  ad  fait  les  reliqes  m«lt  hien  envoluper, 
Dedens  son  niestre  cofi'res  les  a  fait  deffermer, 
Et  les  altres  reliqes  qe  il  voudra  aporter. 
Les  petites  espignons  qil  vist  esgruner, 
De  la  saint  corone  qil  tist  demenbrer, 
Trestofce  les  acoillye  nostre  eniperev  ber, 
Et  les  mist  en  son  gant  qanqil  pout  trover. 
Un  chivaler  le  tent  qil  vist  lez  ly  ester, 
Mais  al  ne  I'aperceut  my  qe  nele  oit  parler. 
Charlemayn  retiret  sa  mayne,  si  lesso  le  gant  aler. 
Et  dex  a  fait  le  gant  enmy  I'air  arester 
Tant  que  d  .j.  leue  en  pout  home  hien  aler  ; 
Kar  la  presse  fu  grant,  ne  Ten  puis  remenbrer. 
Charlemayn  coniande  I'ewe  apporter. 
De  son  gant  ly  sovengre  si  quant  il  dust  laver, 
JIais  ne  seet  a  ky  le  comanda  abailier, 
Par  desur  la  gent  le  vist  en  Pair  esteer, 
L'arcevesqe  la  monstre  et  tuit  I'altre  barne. 
Ceo  fu  mult  grant  merveille,  howe  en  doit  hien  prtrlci> 
Charls  a  pris  son  gant,  s'est  assis  au  soper," 

H,  leaf  37,  agrees  with  F,  1,  1043,  in  making  Oliver  drink  of  the 

bottles  of  balm,  which  is  not  mentioned  in  the  Sotvdan,  1.    1190 

(cf.  p.  xxix). 

1  Cf.  Sir  Feruvibras,  185/5988. 


lii  THK    ORIGINAL    OF    TIIK    '  SOWDAN.' 

Similarly  we  fiiul  S  2G04  diireriiig  from  //,  leaf  62,  where  we 
read  Basi/ns  (  =  Basin,  i^  3313)  instead  of  Bryer. 

Again  //,  I.  40,  agreeing  exactly  with  F,  1.  1329  et  seq.,  differs 
from  ^^  1279-82  (of.  p.  xxix). 

Instead  of  Floripas,  S  1515,  it  is  Brulans,  II,  1.  49,  and  F  1949, 
who  advises  the  Soudan  not  to  slay  the  prisoners. 

The  names  of  the  twelve  peers  are  the  same  in  //  as  in  F  (of.  p. 
xxvii) ;  and  the  whole  scene  of  the  peers  being  sent  one  after  the 
other  on  a  mission  to  Laban  (cf.  note  to  1.  16G5  of  the  Soiodan)  is 
described  exactly  alike  in  F  2263—2282  and  in  H,  leaf  51,  back,  with 
the  only  difference  that  the  names  of  the  peers  are  given  in  a 
different  order  in  both  versions,  Eichard  of  JS'ormandy,  who  is  sent 
off  as  the  sixth  in  F,  being  the  second  in  H. 

These  variations  of  S  from  H  clearly  exemplify  the  impossibility 
of  regarding  the  Hanover  IMS.  as  the  original  of  the  Soiodan.  But 
as  on  the  whole  these  differences  are  not  of  a  very  significant  nature, 
and  as,  moreover,  part  of  these  variations  may  perhaps  be  attributed 
to  the  favourite  habit  of  the  author  of  goiiig  his  own  way  in  the 
arrangement  of  the  subject-matter  and  in  some  minor  points,  whereas 
in  the  essential  course  of  the  events  he  strictly  adhered  to  his  source 
(see  above  p.  xxxviii,  and  cf.  note  to  1.  2535) ;  and  as  besides  there 
are  several  names,  the  spelling  of  which  differs  in  F,  agreeing  in  S 
and  H,  I  think  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  the  original  of  the  second 
part  of  the  Soiodan  w^as  a  version  similar  to  the  Hanover  MS. 

If  now  we  compare  the  Hanover  version  with  the  Ashmole 
Ferumbras  more  closely  than  has  been  possible  on  page  xx,  there 
are  some  instances  where  A,  whilst  differing  from  F,  agrees  with  H. 

H.  A. 

If.  27.  Ha  Glout,  dist  Karlemaines,  163.  A  glotnu7i,  saide  ]>Q  Emperer 

If.  27.  Que  puis  vivre  que  cest  jours      175.  Ke  hjve  he  no5t  fjys  day  to  be 

fu  passes  evene 

If.  25,  bk.  Ses  chiuals  ad  reine  h.  un     91.  parto  ys  stede  j^an  tyej^e  he 
arbre  rasmee 
Et  garda  les  leges  totecontreval 
li  pree 

Nevertheless,  the  following  passage  in  which  A  agrees  with  F, 
hut  differs  from  H,  will  at  once  show  the  impossibility  of  regarding 
II  as  the  original  of  A. 


THE    ASUMOLEAN    VERSION    AND    THE    HANOVER    MS.  liu. 

A.  H. 

302.  panne  jjer  come  bifore  Charloun,      If.    28,    bk,     Ataut    se    sunt    drecie 
Gweneloun  and  Harclree.  Guinelons  et  Aloves 

In  other  instances  A  is  found  differing  from  H  as  well  as  from  F. 
Thus  the  name  of  Enfaclioun,  A  4652,  which  is  Effraons  in  F  4900, 
does  not  occur  at  all  in  H,  which  in  the  passage  corresponding  to  F 
4900,  as  well  as  in  that  corresponding  to  i^4913,  reads  Affricons  li 
Geans. 

Again,  in  the  story  of  Myloun,  in  which  A,  1,  2008  et  seq.,  differs 
from  F,  we  find  H  disagreeing  from  F,  2734  et  seq.,  and  from  A  : — 

"Yolez  vo?/,?  qiieor  de  feme  essaier  et  esprover 
Del  riche  due  Milon  \ous  deverez  remenbrer, 
Qe  tant  nori  Galans  qe  ly  fist  adouber, 
Puys  ly  tolly  sa  feile  Gabaen  au  vis  cler, 
L'enfes.Marsilion  en  fist  desherriter. — 
Qaant  I'entent  Floripas,  du  sens  quiila  deueer." — {H,  leaf  56.) 

But  in  most  cases  in  which  F  differs  from  A,  H  agrees  with  F. 

Thus  we  find  Ferumbras  challenging  only  six  French  knights  in 
H,  If.  26,  as  in  F,  84,  105,  instead  of  twelve  in  A,  1.  102. 

In  A,  1.  5204,  Floripas,  swooning  away,  is  upheld  by  Oliver, 
whereas  in  F,  5373,  and  in  H,  If.  90,  it  is  Guy  who  keeps  her  from 
falling. 

For  Hoivel  of  saint  Miloun,  A  5574,  we  read  Huon  de  saint  Lis 
in  F  5792,  and  Hugon  de  saint  Lis  in  //,  If.  95,  bk. 

As  in  F  2912  it  is  to  Berard  that  Eoland  speaks  in  H,  If  57,  bk., 
and  not  to  Olyver,  as  in  A  2234. 

Tliat  Maubyn  scales  the  walls  by  means  of  a  ladder  of  leather 
{A  2406)  is  not  mentioned  in  F  3061,  nor  in  H,  If.  59,  bk. 

In  A  1386  Floripas  gives  Oliver,  who  is  wounded,  a  warm  draught, 
which  heals  every  wound  ;  in  F  2209,  as  well  as  in  H,  If.  51,  it  is  by 
a  bit  of  the  mandrake  plant  that  he  is  healed. 

The  maid-attendant  mentioned  in  A  1238  [chaniberere)  is  a  man- 
attendant  in  F  2083  {clianiberlenc)  and  in  H,  If.  49,  bk.  {chamber- 
lay  n). 

There  is  no  trace  of  the  additional  lines  of  A,  11.  4867 — 4875,  to 
be  found  in  H,  If.  86  bk.,  nor  in  F,  5094. 

Among  the  relics  spoken  of  in  A,  there  is  nowhere  a  mention 
made  of  the  signe.     In   //   we    find    the   signs   always   mentioned 

CHARL.   ROM.  V.  e 


liv  TIIK    OUIGINAL    OF    THE    ASHMOLE    '  I'EIIUMCIJAS.* 

together  with  the  crown  aud  the  nails,  just  as  in  /''.     In  the  passage 

quoted  above  from  //,  If.  100,  and  in  the  line  which  corresponds  to 

F  6094,  we  find  emigne  instead  of  signe  ;  but  ensigne  certainly  must 

be  looked  upon  as  a  clerical  blunder.     In  the  other  passages  in  which 

we  find  "  the  winding  sheet,  or  shroud,  of  the  Lord  "  mentioned  in  H 

it  is  also  called  signe : — 

"  Et  rendrai  la  corone  et  le  signe  honore." 

//,  If.  42  =  F,  1498  ;  and  H,  If.  45,  bk.  =  F,  1805. 
"  Et  les  saintismes  clowes  et  le  signe  honores." — H,  If.  57  =  F,  2829. 

That  the  sigyie  cannot  be  the  "  inscription  of  the  cross "  (cf. 
Introduction,  p.  xxx)  is  proved  by  an  additional  line  of  the  Hanover 
MS.,  in  which  the  Archbishop  is  said  to  have  covered  the  heads  of 
the  French  with  the  signe : — 

'•  Puys  a  trait  I'ensigne  qui  bien  estoit  ovres 
Engenolant  I'ad  ly  Eois  tote  oue  lermes  baisea, 
Plus  flairoit  ducement  que  basiue  enbasines. 
Quant  Franceis  I'ont  veu,  ele  vous  effraes, 
De  pite  et  de  ioy  fu  chescous  enplores. 
L'ercevesqe  le  prist,  mult  fu  bieu  purpenses, 
Ft  nos  Franceis  en  a  les  chefs  envoliipes, 
Puis  le  mist  sur  le  paille  qest  a  or  ernes, 
Od  les  altres  relikes  dont  illi  out  asses." 

H,  If.  98,  corresponding  to  F,  6094  et  seq. 

Abstaining  now  from  citing  any  more  passages  where  H  agrees 
with  F,  but  differs  from  A,  I  think  the  few  quotations  above  will 
suffice  to  show  the  impossibility  of  regarding  the  Hanover  MS.  as 
the  original  of  the  Ashmole  Fe7'umhras,  notwithstanding  that  there 
are  some  resemblances  of  yl  to  77  (cf.  p.  xx).  Therefore  the  result 
arrived  at  on  p.  xxi  as  to  the  original  of  the  Ashmolean  version  is  in 
no  way  altered  by  the  detailed  comparison  of  A  with  H. 


SKETCH   OF  THE   STORY. 

Laban,  the  Soudan  of  Babylon,  who  was  residing  at  Agremore  in 
Spain,  went  to  the  chase  in  a  wood  near  the  sea  (p.  2).  Being  tired 
of  hunting  he  sat  down  under  a  tree,  and,  perceiving  a  ship  drawing 
near  unto  the  shore,  he  sent  one  of  his  men  to  hail  the  vessel  and  to 
inquire  for  news.  The  interpreter  of  the  vessel  informs  the  soudan 
that  the  ship,  freighted  with  a  rich  cargo  at  Babylon  designed  as  a 


SKETCH    OF    THE    STORY  :     THE    SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON,  Iv 

present  to  Laban,  had  been  driven  by  violent  storms  to  the  shore 
near  Eome,  where  the  ship  had  been  robbed,  and  many  of  its  people 
had  been  slain  by  the  Eomans.  He  solicits  the  Soudan  to  revenge 
this  insult.  Laban  promises  to  make  them  pay  dearly  for  it  (p.  3). 
He  convokes  a  war-council,  and  assembles  a  hundred  thousand  men 
and  seven  hundred  sail.  Himself  goes,  with  Ferumbras  his  son  and 
Floripas  his  daughter,  in  a  dromond  richly  adorned  (p.  4).  They  dis- 
embark in  the  haven  of  Eome,  slay  all  Christians,  and  burn  towns, 
abbeys,  and  churches.  The  pope  of  Eome  assembles  his  council  (p.  5). 
Duke  Savaris  is  to  meet  the  Saracens.  "With  ten  thousand  men  he 
draws  near  the  Soudan's  pavilion  on  the  shore  (p.  6) ;  they  slay  ten 
thousand  Saracens.  The  Eomans,  though  masters  of  tlie  field, 
cautiously  retire  within  the  walls  of  the  city.  Lukafer  of  Baldas, 
having  scoured  the  country,  brings  ten  thousand  Christian  maidens 
to  the  Soudan,  who  orders  them  to  be  put  to  death  (p.  7).  Lukafer 
demands  Floripas  for  his  wife,  in  return  for  which  he  promises  her 
father  to  bring  Charlemagne  and  his  twelve  peers  to  the  foot  of  his 
throne.  Floripas  agrees  to  accept  him  when  he  has  fulfilled  his 
promise.  The  next  morning  Lukafer  assaults  the  city,  but  the 
ditches  being  too  deep  (p.  8),  the  Saracens  are  obliged  to  retire. 
On  the  following  day  the  assault  is  renewed,  the  ditches  are,  on 
Mavon's  advice,  filled  with  faggots.  After  a  sharp  conflict,  where 
there  were  ten  thousand  Saracens  slain  by  the  stones  of  the  Eomans, 
the  heathens  are  obliged  to  withdraw  (p.  9).  This  second  repulse 
makes  the  Soudan  almost  mad  with  vexation ;  he  chides  his  gods. 
But  Lukafer  told  him  that  he  had  learned  from  a  spy  that  Savaris 
would,  on  the  following  day,  come  out  again  to  fight  with  them.  He 
now  intended,  when  Savaris  was  engaged  in  the  battle,  to  unfold  a 
banner  made  exactly  like  that  of  the  Eomans,  and  to  attempt,  by  this 
stratagem,  to  be  admitted  within  the  gates.  And  so  it  turned  out : 
the  Eomans  mistaking  him  for  Savaris  returning  from  his  sally,  he 
entered  the  main  tower,  and  slew  all  therein.  Savaris,  noticing  the 
artifice  of  the  enemy,  and  seeing  his  troop  reduced  to  seventy-two 
men,  turned  back,  but  found  the  gate  shut  (p.  10).  Estragot,  a 
black  giant  of  Ethiopia,  slays  him  with  his  steel-mace.  The  Pope 
having  summoned  his  council,  a  senator  suggested  the  necessity  of 

e  2 


Ivi  SKETCH    OF    THE    STOUY  :     TI115    SOWDA^f    OF    BABYLON. 

sending  messengers  to  Chavlemagne  to  ask  his  aid.  They  all  assented, 
and  three  messengers  (p,  11)  left  the  city  by  a  postern  at  midnight; 
they  passed  the  enemy's  camp  "without  being  noticed  by  any  wight- 
On  the  next  morning  Laban  attempted  a  third  assault;  he  commanded 
every  man  to  throw  pikes  and  bills  over  the  walls  to  kill  the 
Romans,  and  ordered  the  ships  to  go  up  the  water  with  their  boats 
bound  to  the  mast,  that  they  might  fight  in  close  combat.  Near  the 
tower  there  stood  a  bulwark,  or  "  bastile,"  which  was  a  strong  defence 
to  the  wall.  It  was  thrown  down  by  stones  hurled  from  an  engine. 
Laban,  growing  protid  from  this  event,  summoned  the  Romans  to 
surrender.  Instead  of  an  answer  a  Roman  hurled  a  dart  at  his 
breast-plate,  but  his  hauberk  shielded  him.  The  Soudan,  more  than 
mad,  charged  Ferumbras  to  destroy  them  all  (p.  12),  and  enjoined 
Fortibrance  and  ]\Iavon  to  direct  their  engines  against  the  walls. 
The  great  glutton  Estragot,  with  his  heavy  mace,  smote  on  the  gates 
and  brake  them  in  pieces.  But  as  he  was  entering  one  of  the  gates, 
they  let  the  portcullis  fall,  which  crushed  him  to  the  ground,  where 
he  lay  crying  like  a  devil  of  hell.  The  Romans  rejoiced,  but  the 
Saracens  grieved.  They  withdrew  to  their  tents,  leaving  behind  the 
corpse  of  Estragot,  whose  soul  went  up  to  Mahound  (p.  13).  The 
Pope  called  all  his  people  to  St.  Peter's  and  proposed  to  them  to 
attempt  a  sally  with  twenty  thousand  men,  to  attack  the  enemy 
before  day-break  within  their  camp,  and  to  leave  ten  thousand  for 
the  defence  of  the  city.  In  the  morning  the  Pope  displayed  the 
banner  of  Rome,  and  after  a  prayer  for  the  preservation  of  the  city, 
they  marched  out.  But  Ferumbras,  going  his  rounds  (p.  14),  noticed 
their  coming,  sounded  the  alarm,  and  drew  up  his  troops.  Then 
began  a  fierce  struggle. .  Ferumbras  slew  Sir  Bryer  of  Apulia  (p.  1 5) 
and  the  worthy  Hubert.  Nine  thousand  heathens  were  killed  and 
eight  thousand  Romans.  Lukafer  destroyed  eighteen  Romans ;  he 
also  slew  Gyndard,  a  senator  of  Rome,  who  had  killed  ten  Saracens. 
Then  came  the  Pope  with  a  great  escort  and  his  banner  before  him. 
Ferumbras,  supposing  him  to  be  the  sovereign  (p.  16),  burst  open  the 
thick  crowd  and  threw  him  down  to  the  ground.  But  having 
opened  his  ventail,  he  saw  his  tonsure,  and  recognized  the  Pope. 
"Fie,  priest,"  he  said,  "what  doest  thou  here  in  the  battle-field  1  < 


SKETCH    OF    THE    STORY  :     THE    SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON.  Ivii 

It  would  be  a  shame  for  me  to  slay  tliee.  Go  home  and  think  of 
thy  choir-service."  The  Pope,  being  glad  to  get  off  so  easily,  retired 
to  Eome  v/ith  five  thousand  men,  fifteen  thousand  being  killed. 
Charlemagne,  having  learned  from  the  messenger  the  great  disaster 
which  had  befallen  the  Romans,  said  he  would  not  desist  until  he 
had  chased  the  Soudan  and  Ferumbras  out  of  Christendom  (p.  17). 
He  gave  ten  thousand  pounds  of  francs  to  his  nephew,  Guy  of 
Burgundy,  and  sent  him  off  with  orders  to  advance  against  the 
Soudan  by  forced  marches.  Himself  would  follow  as  soon  as  possible. 
In  the  mean  time  Laban  reminded  Lukafer  of  his  vaunting  promise 
to  bring  him  Charlemagne  and  his  twelve  peers  in  return  for  his 
daughter  Floripas.  Lukafer  said  he  would  do  all  he  had  promised. 
With  ten  thousa^d  men  he  attacked  the  city  on  one  side,  the  other 
being  assaulted  by  Ferumbras.  The  combat  continued  as  long  as 
daylight  lasted.  At  night  they  retired  to  their  tents  (p.  18).  Tlien 
treason  was  planned  by  Isres,  who  by  inheritance  possessed  the  guard 
of  the  chief  gate  of  the  town.  He  went  to  the  Soudan  and  offered 
to  betray  the  city  on  condition  that  his  life  and  property  should  be 
spared.  The  Soudan  promised  it.  Ferumbras  with  twenty  thousand 
men  went  with  Isres,  but  on  entering  the  gate  he  caused  the  traitor's 
head  to  be  struck  off  by  the  portcullis  and  to  be  carried  on  the  point 
of  a  spear  through  the  city.  "Treason,"  cried  the  peoj^le  (p.  19),  when 
Ferumbras  advanced  into  Rome.  AU  the  streets  were  soon  covered 
with  dead  men.  Ferumbras  went  to  St.  Peter's,  seized  the  relics,  the 
cross,  the  crown,  and  the  nails,  burned  the  whole  city,  and  carried 
away  all  the  treasures  and  the  gold  to  Agremore  in  Spain,  where  the 
Soudan  went  back  to  stay.  Three  months  and  three  days  they  spent 
there  in  great  festivities,  making  offerings  to  their  gods,  and  burning 
frankincense  in  their  honour.  They  drank  the  blood  of  beasts  and 
milk,  and  ate  honey,  and  snakes  fried  Avith  oil  (p.  20).  When  Sir 
Guy,  approaching,  drew  near  Rome,  he  found  the  Avhole  city  in 
flames.  He  grieved  much  that  he  had  arrived  too  late,  and  resolved 
to  wait  there  for  Charlemagne,  and  then  to  tell  him  how  Laban  had 
burnt  the  city,  and  had  sent  the  relics  to  Agremore,  his  principal  town 
in  Spain.  Soon  king  Charles  advanced  to  rescue  Rome  with  liis 
twelve  peers  and  three  hundred  thousand  soldiers  (p.  21).     Roland 


IviU  SKKTOII    OF    THE    STOKV  :     THE    SOWDAN    OV    UABYLON. 

lod  the  vanguard,  Oliver  the  rear,  and  the  king  was  with  the  main 
body.  The  provisions  were  conveyed  by  sea.  Guy,  seeing  the  army 
come,  went  to  meet  the  king,  and  told  him  the  mischief  done  by  the 
Soudan,  who,  moreover,  had  made  a  vow  to  seek  Charles  in  France  in 
order  to  aillict  him  with  grief.  "  He  will  find  me  near,"  said 
Charles,  "  and  shall  pay  dearly  for  it.  Unless  he  consents  to  be 
baptized  (p.  22),  he  shall  never  see  Babylon  again."  They  all  took 
shiji  without  delay.  Propitious  winds  drove  them  into  the  river 
Case,  M'here  they  landed,  thirty  miles  from  Agremore,  and  laid  waste 
the  country.  Laban,  hearing  this  news,  was  astonished  at  Charles's 
presumption  (p.  23).  He  assembled  all  his  barons,  and  charged  them 
to  bring  him  alive  that  glutton  that  called  himself  king  of  France, 
and  to  slay  the  rest  of  his  army.  Ferumbras  went  forth  with  many 
Saracens.  He  meets  with  Eoland.  They  deal  each  other  heavy  strokes. 
Oliver  cuts  off  a  quarter  of  Lukafer's  shield.  The  combat  lasted 
the  whole  day.  Well  fought  the  twelve  peers  (p.  24).  Ferumbras 
charges  Oliver.  King  Charles,  seeing  this,  rides  at  Ferumbras,  and 
strikes  his  helm  with  a  heavy  mace.  Ferumbras  cannot  approach 
him  on  account  of  the  crowd.  Charlemagne  slew  thirty  Saracens 
with  his  sword  Mounjoy.  Lukafer  of  Baldas  encountering  Charles 
told  him  that  he  had  promised  the  Soudan  to  bring  him  Charles  and 
the  twelve  peers.  Charles  strikes  him  on  his  helmet  (p.  25),  but 
Lukafer  is  rescued  by  a  great  throng.  Eoland,  drawing  Durnedale, 
cleared  a  space  around  him,  and  hammered  the  heads  of  the  Saracens. 
So  did  the  other  peers,  and  thirty  thousand  Saracens  were  slain.  At 
night  the  pagans  quit  the  field.  Ferumbras  vows  never  to  desist 
until  he  has  conquered  Eoland  and  Oliver  (p.  26)  and  been  crowned 
king  at  Paris.  Charles  went  to  his  pavilion  and  thanked  God 
and  St.  Mary  of  France.  He  praised  the  elder  knights  for  having 
won  the  victory^  and  exhorted  the  young  ones  to  take  example  by 
them.  They  all  make  merry  and  go  to  supper.  The  Saracens 
address  a  prayer  to  the  red  Mars  Armipotent  (p.  27),  to  grant  the 
Mahometans  the  victory  over  the  Christians  (p.  28).  In  order  to 
recruit  the  late  losses  in  his  army,  the  Soudan  sent  for  his  vassals, 
and  assembled  more  than  three  hundred  thousand  Saracens  at 
Agremore.     He  addressed   them  (p.  29)  in  order  to  increase  their 


SKETCH    OF    THE    STORY  :     Till!;    SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON.  lix 

ardour,  ordered  a  solemn  sacrifice  to  his  gods,  and  charged  Ferumhras 
to  march  with  thirty  thousand  of  his  people  against  the  Christian  king 
(whom  he  wished  to  teach  courtesy),  and  to  slay  all  his  men  except 
Eoland   and    Oliver  (p.  30),  if   they  would   renounce   their   gods, 
Ferunibras  led  out  his  troops ;  until  arriving  near  Charles's  camp,  he 
ordered  them  to  halt  in  a  wood,  and  advanced  with  only  ten  of  his  men 
to  the  camp  of  Charlemagne,  and  offered  to  fight  at  once  against  six 
of  his  peers.    If  he  should  conquer  them,  he  would  lead  them  away  to 
his  father's  hall ;  but  if  he  should  be  conquered,  he  would  be  Charles's 
man.     The  king  sent  for  Eoland  and  ordered  him  to  undertake  the 
combat.     Roland  refuses  (p.  31),  because  Charles  had  praised  the 
old  knights  :  they  might  show  their  prowess  now.     Charles,  vexed, 
smites  Roland  on  the  mouth,  so  that  the  blood  springs  from  his  nose, 
and  he  calls  him  a  traitor.     Roland  draw^  his  sword,  but  the  other 
barons  separate  them  and  try  to  conciliate  them.     Meanwhile  Oliver, 
who  being  sorely  wounded  kept  his  bed,  on  hearing  of  this  dispute, 
had  armed  himself  and  went  to  Charles.    He  reminds  the  king  of  his 
long  services,  in  reward  for  which  he  demands  the  battle.     Charles 
remonstriites  with  him.     But  Oliver  insists  (p.  32).     He  rides  to  the 
forest,  and  finds  Ferumbras  alighted  under  a  tree,  to  a  branch  of 
which  his  steed  was  tied.     "  Arise,"  he  said,  "  I  am  come  to  fight 
with  thee."     Ferumbras,  without  moving,  demands  his  name.     "  I  am 
Generyse,  a   young  knight  lately  dubbed."     Ferumbras  observes  : 
"  Charles  is  a  fool  to  send  thee ;  go  and  tell  him  to  send  me  Roland 
and  Oliver  and  such  four  other  douzeperes.     For  little  honour  were 
it   to  me  to  fight  with  thee."     "  Spare  thy  words,"  replies  Oliver, 
"and  take  thy  arms"  (p.  33).     Ferumbras  is  wrath  and  seizes  his 
helmet,  which  Oliver  assists  him  to  lace.     Ferumbras  thanks  him, 
courteously  bowing  to  him.     They  mount  their  steeds,  and  rushing 
together  like  fire  of  thunder,  they  have  their  lances  broken.     They 
draw  their  swords.     Ferumbras  smites  Oliver  on  his  helmet  so  that 
the  fire  flies.     Oliver  strikes  at  the  head  of  Ferumbras,  breaks  away 
the  circle  of  his  helmet,  and  the  sword  glancing  off  down  his  back, 
he  cuts  off  two  bottles  of  balm  (p.  34),  which  he  throws  into  the 
river.     Ferumbras  tells  him  that  they  were  invaluable  to  a  wounded 
man,  and.  that  he  should  atone  for  their   loss  witli  his  life.     He 


Ix  SKETCH    OK    TlUt;    STOUY  :     THE   SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON. 

strikes  at  Oliver,  who  wards  off  the  blow  with  his  shield,  but  his  steed 
is  killed  under  hiiu.  Oliver  quickly  starts  up  and  tries  to  kill  his 
adversary's  horse,  but  Ferumbras  rides  off  and  ties  it  to  a  hazel. 
"  Yield  thyself  to  me,"  says  Ferumbras,  "  believe  on  Mahound,  and  I 
will  make  thee  a  duke  in  my  country,  and  give  thee  my  sister  "  (p.  35). 
"  Ere  I  yield  to  thee,"  answered  Oliver,  "  thou  shalt  feel  my  strokes." 
They  fight  for  a  considerable  time ;  the  blood  runs  from  both  their 
bodies.  By  mutual  consent  they  stop  to  take  breath.  Ferumbras 
again  asks  Oliver  his  name  and  kin.  "  Thou  must  be  one  of  the 
twelve  peers,  as  thou  fightest  so  well."  "  I  am  Oliver,  cousin  to 
Charlemagne."  "Thou  art  welcome  here,"  says  Ferumbras ;  "thou 
slewest  my  uncle  (p.  3G) ;  now  thou  shalt  pay  the  penaltj''."  The 
fight  coiitinued  the  whole  day.  At  last  Oliver,  smiting  Ferumbras 
upon  the  helmet,  had  his  sword  broken.  He  ran  to  the  steed  at  the 
tree  and  seized  a  sword  that  was  hanging  there,  but  in  turning  on 
Ferumbras,  he  received  a  blow  that  made  him  kneel  down  (p.  37). 
But  he  returns  Ferumbras  a  fearful  stroke.  Charles,  seeing  Oliver  on 
his  knees,  prayed  to  Christ  that  he  might  grant  the  victory  over  the 
pagan.  An  angel  announced  to  him  that  his  prayer  was  heard.  Charles 
thanks  God  (p.  38).  The  fight  begins  again.  Ferumbras  breaks 
his  sword  on  Oliver's  helmet.  He  runs  for  another  and  asks  Oliver 
to  surrender.  But  Oliver  aims  at  him  a  blow  which  cuts  his 
hauberk,  so  that  his  bowels  are  laid  bare.  Ferumbras  implores  his 
mercy,  and  consents  to  be  christened,  his  gods  having  proved  false. 
He  requested  him  to  take  his  hauberk  (p.  39),  to  fetch  his  horse, 
and  to  carry  him  to  his  own  tent.  But  the  Saracens  who  lay 
concealed  in  the  wood  rush  out.  Oliver,  being  surrounded,  sets 
down  Ferumbras  under  an  olive-tree,  and  defends  himself  with  his 
sword,  dealing  the  Saracens  many  a  hard  blow.  Then  Eoland 
rushed  into  the  throng  of  the  enemy  and  slew  many  (p.  40).  His 
horse  being  killed  by  arrows  and  darts,  he  fights  on  foot,  but  his 
sword  breaking,  he  is  taken  and  led  away.  Oliver  rides  to  rescue 
him,  but  his  horse  being  also  killed,  he  is  overpowered  and  bound. 
Both  were  conducted  to  Lukafer  of  Baldas  (p.  41).  Charles  sees 
them,  and  calls  for  a  rescue.  Many  enemies  were  slain  by  the 
French  barons,  but  the  Saracens  had  fled  with  their  prisoners,  and 


SKETCH    OF    THE    STOUY  :     THE    SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON.  Ixi 

Charles  is  obliged  to  turn  back.  Under  a  holm  tree  they  find 
Ferumbras,  whom  the  king  is  going  to  put  to  death.  But  on  his 
requesting  to  be  baptized  Charles  took  pity  on  him  (p.  42),  led  him 
to  his  tent,  and  ordered  a  surgeon  to  attend  him.  He  soon  recovered, 
and  bishop  Turpin  baptized  him  by  the  name  of  Floreyn.  But  he 
continued  to  be  called  Ferumbras  all  his  life.  Afterwards  he  was 
known  as  Floreyn  of  Eome  on  account  of  his  holiness.  Eoland  and 
Oliver  being  brought  to  the  Soudan,  Laban  enquires  their  names. 
They  confess  their  names  (p.  43).  The  Soudan  swears  they  shall 
both  be  executed  the  next  morning  before  his  dinner.  But  Floripas 
advises  him  to  detain  them  as  hostages,  and  to  remember  his  son 
Ferumbras,  for  whom  they  miglit  be  exchanged.  The  Soudan, 
finding  her  counsel  good,  orders  his  gaoler  Bretomayn  to  imprison 
them,  but  to  leave  them  without  food  (p.  44V  At  high  tide  the  sea 
filled  their  dee]3  cells,  so  that  they  suffered  much  from  the  salt  water, 
from  their  wounds,  and  from  hunger.  On  the  sixth  day  Floripas, 
who  was  gathering  flowers  in  her  garden,  heard  them  lament.  Moved 
to  compassion,  she  asks  her  governess  Maragound  to  help  her  in 
getting  food  for  the  prisoners.  Maragound  refuses,  and  reminds 
Floripas  of  her  father's  command.  Floripas,  thinking  of  a  trick, 
called  to  her  governess  to  come  to  a  window  (p.  45)  and  see  the 
porpoises  sporting  beneath.  As  Maragound  is  looking  out,  Floripas 
pushes  her  into  the  flood.  She  then  asks  Bretomayn  to  let  her  see 
the  prisoners.  The  gaoler  threatened  to  complain  to  her  father,  but 
Floripas,  having  seized  his  key-clog,  dashed  out  his  brains.  She  then 
went  to  tell  her  father  she  had  surprised  the  gaoler  feeding  the 
prisoners  (p.  46)  and  promising  to  deliver  them,  Avherefore  she  had 
slain  him.  The  Soudan  gives  the  prisoners  into  her  guard.  She 
now  proceeded  to  the  prison,  asked  the  prisoners  what  they  wanted, 
and  promised  to  protect  them  from  any  harm  (p.  47).  She  let  down 
a  rope,  and  with  her  maidens  drew  up  both,  and  led  them  to  her 
apartments.  There  they  ate,  took  a  bath,  and  went  to  bed.  The 
Soudan  knew  notlimg  of  his  prisoners  being  in  Floripas's  chamber. 
Meanwhile  Charlemagne  tells  Guy  that  he  must  go  to  the  Soudan  to 
demand  the  surrender  of  Eoland  and  Oliver,  and  of  the  relics  of 
Eome.     Naymes  of  Bavaria  represents  that  a  messenger  to  the  Soudan 


Ixii  SKETCH    OF    THE    STORY  :     THF']    SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON. 

(p.  48)  would  certainly  be  slain ;  and  tliat  they  ought  to  be  anxious 
not  to  lose  any  more  besides  Roland  and  Oliver.  Then  said  the 
king :  "  By  God,  thou  shalt  go  with  Guy."  Ogier  the  Dane  remon- 
strates, but  is  ordered  to  go  too.  So  are  Thierry  of  Ardane,  and  Folk 
Ealiant,  Aleroys,  and  Miron  of  Brabant.  Bishop  Turpin  kneels  down 
to  implore  the  king's  mercy,  but  he  must  go  too,  as  well  as  Bernard 
of  Spruwse  (p.  49)  and  Brier  of  Mountdidier.  The  knights  take  leave 
and  start.  About  the  same  time  tlie  Soudan  having  assembled 
his  council,  Sortibrance  and  Brouland  (p.  50)  advise  him  to  send 
twelve  knights,  and  to  bid  Charles  to  give  up  Ferumbras  and  to 
withdraw  from  his  country.  The  knights  are  despatched ;  near 
Mantrible  they  meet  with  the  Christian  messengers.  Duke  Naymes 
enquires  whither  they  intend  to  go  (p.  51).  Having  heard  their 
message,  the  delegates  of  Charlemagne  cut  off  their  heads,  which 
they  take  with  them  to  present  to  the  Soudan  at  Agremore.  Laban 
was  just  dining  when  Kaymes  delivers  his  message  :  "  God  confound 
Laban  and  all  his  Saracens,  and  save  Charles,  who  commands  thee 
to  send  back  his  two  nephews  and  to  restore  the  relics  "  (p.  52).  They 
then  produce  the  heads  of  the  Soudan's  messengers.  The  Soudan 
vowed  a  vow  that  they  should  all  ten  be  hanged  as  soon  as  he  had 
finished  his  dinner.  But  Floripas  recommended  him  to  put  off  his 
resolution  until  a  general  council  of  his  barons  had  determined  on 
the  best  way  to  procure  the  liberation  of  Ferumbras.  Thereupon  the 
Soudan  gives  the  prisoners  into  her  guard.  Floripas  leads  the  knights 
into  her  tower  (p.  53),  where  they  were  glad  to  find  Eoland  and 
Oliver.  They  told  each  other  how  they  had  fared.  After  washing,  they 
dined  off  venison,  bread,  and  Avine.  The  following  day  Floripas  asks 
]S"aymes  his  name,  and  enquires  after  Guy  of  Burgundy,  whom  she 
had  loved  for  a  long  time  (p.  54),  and  for  whom  she  would  do  all 
she  could  for  their  benefit,  and  would  be  baptized  if  he  would 
agree  to  love  her  in  return,  j^aymes  tells  Guy  to  take  her  for  his 
Avife ;  but  Guy  refuses,  as  he  never  Avill  take  a  wife  unless  she  be 
given  him  by  Charles.  But  Eoland  and  Oliver  persuade  him,  so 
that  he  at  last  consents.  Floripas,  holding  a  golden  cup  of  wine 
(p.  55),  kissed  him,  and  requested  him  to  drink  to  her  after  the  fashion 
of  her  country  ;  she  then  would  drink  to  hiui  in  return.     They  all 


SKETCH    OF    THE    STOKiT  :     THE    SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON.  Ixiii 

make  merry,  and  prepare  to  assail  the  Soudan  at  supper  on  tlie  follow 
ing  day.  Meanwhile  Lukafer  comes  to  the  Soudan  and  asks  leave 
to  see  the  prisoners,  in  order  to  know  how  Floripas  guards  them. 
Finding  the  door  locked  (p.  56),  he  burst  it  open  with  a  blow  of  his 
fist,  and  told  them  he  was  come  to  speak  to  them,  and  to  enquire 
after  Charlemagne.  Duke  JSTaymes  answers.  Lukafer  then  asks  what 
amusements  they  have  after  dinner.  ISTaymes  says  :  "  Some  joust, 
some  sing,  some  play  at  chess."  "  I  will  teach  you  a  new  game,"  says 
Lukafer  (p.  57).  With  a  thread  he  fastened  a  needle  on  a  pole  and 
put  a  burning  coal  upon  it.  He  blew  it  at  N"aymes's  beard  and  burnt 
it.  Naymes  waxed  wroth,  and  snatching  a  burning  brand  from  the 
tire  he  smites  at  Lukafer,  and  throws  him  into  the  fire,  where  he  was 
burnt  to  charcoal.  ,  Floripas  applauds  this,  but  points  out  their 
danger,  and  advises  them  to  arm.  At  supper  time  she  goes  to  her 
father  (p.  58).  As  they  were  sitting  at  table,  the  twelve  peers 
rushed  in  and  slew  all  whom  they  met.  Laban,  pursued  by  Oliver, 
jumps  out  of  a  window  on  to  the  sea-shore  and  escaped  without 
injury.  They  killed  all  in  the  castle^  and  then  drew  up  the  bridges 
and  shut  the  gates.  Laban  vowed  a  vow  that  he  would  hang  them 
all  and  burn  his  daughter.  He  sent  to  Mantrible  for  troops  (p.  59) 
and  engines  and  besieged  Agremore.  Floripas  recommends  the  peers 
to  enjoy  themselves.  In  the  morning  the  Soudan  attacks  the  castle, 
but  is  repulsed  (p.  60).  He  accuses  his  gods  of  sleepiness  and  shakes 
them  to  rouse  them  out  of  sleep.  Brouland  tells  him,  as  the  castle  is 
strong  and  well  stored  with  pi:o visions,  the  peers  will  hold  it  very 
long ;  but  if  he  would  send  orders  to  Alagolofer,  the  bridge-keeper 
at  Mantrible,  not  to  allow  any  one  to  pass  without  leave  (p.  61),  they 
would  get  no  assistance  from  Charles  and  die  from  hunger.  Espiard, 
the  Soudan's  messenger,  is  despatched  to  Mantrible,  and  commands 
the  giant  not  to  suffer  any  one  to  pass  the  bridge  (p.  62).  Alagolofer 
drew  four  and  twenty  chains  across  the  bridge.  Meanwhile  the 
Soudan  assaults  the  castle  again,  but  the  twelve  peers  slew  three 
hundred  Saracens  (p.  63).  Laban  threatens  to  hang  them,  and 
utters  imprecations  against  Floripas,  who  returns  them.  He  then 
calls  for  Mavon,  his  engineer,  and  orders  him  to  direct  a  mangonel 
against  the  walls.     Mavon  knocked  down  a  piece  of  the  battlements. 


Ixiv  SKETCH    OF    THE    STORY  :     THE    SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON. 

Roland  and  Oliver  lament;  they  are  comforted  by  Floripas  (p.  64). 
Guy  kills  ]\Iarsedage,  the  king  of  Barbary,  by  throwing  a  dart  at 
him.  The  Saracens  stop  the  attack  to  bury  Marsedage,  and  bewail 
him  seven  nights  and  seven  days.  Then  the  Soudan  more  closely 
blockades  the  castle  (p.  65).  The  provisions  being  exhausted, 
Eoland  complains  of  Charles's  forgetfulness  ;  but  Floripas  cheers  him 
up,  saying  she  possessed  a  magic  girdle,  which  was  a  talisman  against 
hunger  and  thirst  for  those  who  wore  it.  They  all  successively  put 
it  on,  and  felt  as  if  they  had  feasted  (p.  66).  Laban  wondered  at 
their  endurance,  but  at  last  remembering  the  girdle,  he  induced 
IMapin  to  attempt  to  steal  it  at  night.  Mapin  entered  the  chamber 
of  Floripas  (p.  67)  through  a  chimney.  He  finds  the  girdle  and  puts 
it  on,  but  Floripas  perceives  him  and  cries  out.  Eoland  hurries  to 
her  assistance,  cuts  off  Mapin's  head,  and  throws  him  out  through 
the  window  into  the  sea  without  noticing  the  girdle.  Floripas,  seeing 
her  girdle  lost,  is  much  grieved  ;  Roland  comforts  her.  They  agree 
to  attempt  a  sally  to  obtain  food  (p.  68).  In  the  morning  JSTaymes 
and  Ogier  remain  in  the  castle,  while  the  others  start  and  surprise 
the  Saracens  sleeping  in  their  huts.  They  slew  three  hundred,  and 
carried  off  as  much  food  as  they  could  bear  (p.  69).  The  Soudan  is 
enraged  and  is  going  to  burn  his  gods,  but,  appeased  by  his  wise  men, 
he  sacrifices  again,  and  is  assoiled  by  the  priests.  Laban  holds 
council  (p.  70).  A  new  assault  begins,  but  so  many  of  the  assailants 
were  slain  by  the  showers  of  stones  hurled  down  by  the  peers  that 
the  ditches,  are  filled  with  dead  bodies.  The  Saracens  retire.  But 
soon  a  second  attack  ensues.  There  being  no  stoues,  Floripas  gave 
them  her  father's  silver  and  gold  to  cast  amongst  the  assailants.  The 
Soudan  in  alarm  for  his  treasure  gives  up  the  assault  (p.  71).  He  is 
enraged  with  his  gods,  and  smites  Mahound  so  that  he  fell  on  his 
face ;  but  the  priests  induce  him  to  kneel  down  and  ask  forgiveness 
(p.  72).  Meanwhile  Roland  exhorted  Richard  of  JSTormandy  to  go 
on  a  message  to  Charles,  that  he  might  come  to  their  rescue.  They 
all  would,  the  following  morning  before  day-break,  make  an  attack 
on  the  Saracens,  and  meanwhile  he  should  steal  off  in  the  darkness. 
In  the  morning  they  sally  out.  Floripas  and  her  maidens  draw  up 
the  bridges  after  them.    Richard  went  off  towards  Mantrible  (p.  73). 


SKETCH    OF    THE    STORY  :     THE    SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON.  IxV 

The  others  slay  many  Saracens ;  but  Guy,  overpowered  hy  the 
Babylonians,  is  taken  prisoner.  Laban  asks  his  name.  Guy  tells 
him.  He  is  to  be  hanged.  Three  hundred  Saracens  crowding  near 
the  gate  of  the  castle,  attempted  to  prevent  the  other  peers  from 
entering.  A  fearful  struggle  begins  (p.  74),  in  which  Sir  Bryer  is 
killed.  At  last  the  Saracens  take  to  flight.  The  peers  retire  inside 
the  castle,  taking  the  corpse  of  Bryer  with  them.  Floripas  enquires 
after  Guy,  and  on  hearing  of  his  capture,  begins  to  lament  despair- 
ingly. Eoland  promises  to  rescue  Guy  (p.  75).  On  the  following 
morning  Laban  orders  Sir  Tamper  to  erect  a  gallows  before  the 
castle,  where  Floripas  could  see  it.  Guy  is  led  bound.  Roland 
calls  his  companions  to  arms.  They  rush  forth  (p.  76).  Oliver 
cuts  down  Sir  Tamper,  Roland  kills  a  king  of  India,  takes  his  sword 
and  horse,  and  gives' them  to  Guy,  having  unbound  him.  They  slay 
many  Saracens,  and  put  the  rest  to  flight.  Retiring  towards  the 
castle,  they  see  Admiral  Costroye,  and  the  Soudan's  standard-bearer, 
escorting  a  great  convoy,  destined  for  the  sultan,  across  a  field  near 
the  high  road  (p.  77).  Roland  calls  to  them  to  share  the  provisions 
with  them.  Costroye  refuses,  and  is  slain  by  Roland.  Oliver  kills 
the  standard-bearer,  and  the  convoy  is  conveyed  into  the  castle  (p.  78). 
Floripas  thanks  Roland  for  bringing  back  Sir  Guy,  and  proposes 
that  he  shall  choose  himself  a  mistress  from  amongst  her  maidens. 
But  Roland  refuses  to  take  any  that  is  not  a  Christian.  The  Soudan, 
on  hearing  such  bad  news,  again  defies  his  gods,  and  threatens  to 
throAV  them  into  the  flames  (p.  79).  But  bishop  Cramadas  kneels 
before  him  and  appeases  him.  The  Soudan  makes  an  olTering  of  a 
thousand  besants  to  his  gods.  When  Richard  arrived  as  far  as 
Mantrible,  he  found  the  bridge  barred  by  twenty-four  chains,  and 
Alagolofer  standing  before  it.  Determined  not  to  leave  his  errand 
unperformed,  he  knelt  down  and  commended  himself  to  God.  A 
hind  appears  (p.  80)  and  swims  across  the  river ;  Richard  follows 
her,  and  passing  over  in  safety,  hurries  on  to  Charlemagne.  Mean- 
while Genelyn,  the  traitor,  had  advised  Charles  to  retire  to  France, 
because  the  twelve  peers  were  all  slain.  The  king  believed  him,  and 
marched  homeward,  lamenting  for  his  peers.  Richard  overtakes 
him,  and  is  recognized  by  Charles,  who  asks  him  about  the  others. 


Ixvi  SKETCH    OF    THE    STOHY  :     THE    SOWDAN    OF    BABYLON. 

Kicharcl  tells  the  king  how  they  are  besieged  within  the  castle  of 
Agremore,  and  are  waiting  for  his  assistance.  Charles,  vowing 
vengeance  on  Genelyn  (p.  81),  turned  and  marched  to  Agremore. 
Eichard  informed  him  of  the  giant  who  kept  the  bridge,  and  how 
he  had  passed  the  river  by  a  miracle,  lie  proposed  a  plan  that 
twelve  knights,  disguised  as  merchants,  with  their  arms  hidden 
under  their  clothes,  should  pay  the  toll,  and  the  bridge  being  let 
down,  they  should  blow  a  horn  as  a  signal  for  the  others  to  approach. 
They  start  and  arrive  at  Mantrible  (p.  82).  Alagolofer  asks  whither 
they  are  going.  Eichard  says  they  are  merchants  on  their  way  to 
the  Soudan,  and  they  are  willing  to  pay  the  toll.  Alagolofer  refuses 
to  let  them  pass,  and  tells  them  about  the  ten  knights,  who  had 
passed  there  and  done  so  much  mischief  to  the  Soudan ;  therefore 
he  will  arrest  them  all.  Sir  Focard  draws  his  sword  and  smites  at 
him,  Eichard  blows  his  horn,  and  Charles  advances  (p.  83).  Alago- 
lofer fights  them  with  a  great  oak  club.  Eichard  seizes  a  bar  of  brass 
and  knocks  him  down.  Four  men  get  hold  of  him  and  throw  him 
into  the  river.  They  loosened  the  chains ;  but  the  Saracens  assembling 
on  the  walls  of  the  city,  many  Christians  were  slain.  Alagolofer's 
wife,  Barrock  the  giantess,  comes  on  Avith  her  scythe  and  mows 
down  all  -whom  she  meets.  Charles  dashes  out  her  brains  (p.  84), 
and  with  fifteen  knights  enters  the  outer  gate  of  the  town,  thinking 
his  army  would  follow  him.  But  the  gate  was  instantly  closed  upon 
him,  and  his  men  came  too  late.  Charles  was  in  great  danger ;  but 
Genelyn,  seeing  him  shut  in,  exclaimed  that  the  king  and  the  twelve 
peers  were  dead,  and  proposed  to  retire,  as  he  wished  to  be  kmg 
himself.  They  were  going  to  return,  but  Ferumbras  (p.  85)  calls 
him  a  traitor ;  he  rallies  the  French,  and  with  his  axe  bursts  open 
the  gate.  He  chased  the  Saracens  and  rescued  the  king.  Mantrible 
is  taken  with  all  its  engines  and  treasures.  Eichard  found  two 
children  of  seven  months  old  (p.  86),  and  four  feet  high.  They 
were  sons  of  Barrock,  begotten  by  Astragot.  Charles  caused  them 
to  be  baptized,  and  called  the  one  Eoland  and  the  other  Oliver.  But 
they  soon  died  for  want  of  their  mother's  milk  The  king  appoints 
Eichard  governor  of  the  city,  and  hurries  on  to  Agremore  with  his 
army  and  with  Ferumbras   (p.  87).     Laban,  being  told  by  a   spy 


SKETCH    OF    THE    STORY  :     THE    SOWDAN    OP    BABYLON.  Ixvii 

that  Ms  city  was  taken  and  the  bridge-ward  killed,  swears  to  avenge 
him.  He  calls  a  council,  and  charges  his  barons  to  take  Charles 
alive  that  he  might  flay  him.  Charles  approaches.  Floripas  first 
recognizes  the  banner  of  France  and  tells  the  others  (p.  88).  Eoland 
and  all  his  companions  sally  forth  to  meet  Charlemagne.  Laban 
draws  up  all  his  people  in  battle-order.  The  French  make  a  great 
slaughter  of  the  Saracens.  Charles  encounters  the  Soudan ;  he 
unhorses  him,  and  would  have  cut  off  his  head,  but  for  Ferumbras, 
who  requested  that  his  father  might  be  baptized.  The  Saracens, 
seeing  Laban  a  prisoner,  fly ;  but  the  Christians  pursue  them. 
Three  hundred  escaped  to  Belmarine.  Charles  leads  Laban  to 
Agremore.  Floripas  welcomes  her  father  (p.  89),  but  he  is  enraged 
at  seeing  her.  She  then  bids  Charlemagne  welcome,  and  presents 
the  holy  relics  to  him.  Charles  kisses  them,  and  says  a  prayer  ;  he 
then  thanks  Floripas  for  her  assistance  to  his  knights,  and  for  having 
preserved  the  precious  relics.  He  orders  Turpin  to  prepare  a  vessel 
wherein  to  baptize  the  Soudan,  and  to  wash  off  his  sin  in  the  Avater 
(p.  90).  Turpin  leads  Laban  to  the  font,  but  the  Soudan  strikes  at 
him,  spits  on  the  vessel,  utters  invectives  against  all  Christians,  and 
curses  Ferumbras.  Charles  commands  Naymes  to  cut  off  his  head. 
He  is  executed  ;  his  soul  goes  to  hell,  there  to  dance  with  devils. 
Floripas  was  baptized  with  all  her  maidens,  and  was  wedded  to  Guy. 
Charles  divided  Spain  between  Guy  and  Ferumbras  (p.  91),  and  charges 
Sir  Bryer  of  Bretayne  to  take  care  of  the  relics,  and  to  bring  all  his 
treasure  to  Paris.  After  taking  leave  of  Guy  and  Floripas,  Cliarles 
sails  to  Monpilier,  where  he  thanks  God  for  the  victory  (p.  92),  and 
for  the  relics.  He  presents  the  cross  to  Paris,  the  crown  to  St.  Denis, 
the  three  nails  to  Boulogne.  Charles  well  remembered  the  treachery 
of  Genelyn,  and  ordered  him  to  be  drawn  and  hanged  at  M  ontfaucon 
in  Paris  (p.  93). 


EIjc  Eomauncc  of  tlje  ^objtione  of  ^Sabulonc 

ant(  of  JFcrumljras  fjts  Sonc  ixiljo 

Conqucrr k  Borne : 

From  the  unique  MS.  of  the  late  Sir  Thos.  Philli])j»i. 


/""^    Od  in  glorye  of  myghteste  ^  moost, 
m       1    That  al  tliinge  made  in  sapience 
■       M    By  vertue  of  woorde  and  holy  goost, 
\       I    Gyvinge  to  man  grete  excellence, 

^^— ^    And  alle,  fiat  is  in  erthe,  wroght- 
Subiecte  to  man  and  man  to  the, 
That  he  shoulde  with  herte  and  thought 
To  loue  and  serve,  and  noon)  but  the  : 
For  3yfe  man  kepte  thy  co?wmaundemente 
In  al  thinge  and  loued  the  welle 
And  hadde  synnede  in  his  entente, 
Than)  shulde  he  fully  thy  grace  fele ; 
But  for  the  offences  to  God  I-doo?^^ 
Many  vengeaunces  haue  be-falle. 
Wliere-of  I  wole  you)  telle  of  oon), 
It  were  to  moch  to  telle  of  alle. 
While  fat  Rome  was  in  excellence 
Of  alle  Eealmes  in  dignite, 
And  howe  it  felle  for  his  offence, 
Listinythe  a  while  and  ye  shal  see, 
Howe  it  was  woneri)  and  brente 
Of  a  Sowdoii),  that  heathen)  was, 
And  for  synne  howe  it  was  shente  ; 
As  Kinge  Lowes  witnessith  pat  cas, 

'  Read:  myghtes  ^  MS.  doo 

CHARL.   ROM.   V. 


1    God  lias  ordained 
all  tilings  wisely. 


He  has  subjected 
the  earth  to  man, 
and  man  to  God. 


8 


12 


IG 


20 


24 


The  man  who 
keeps  His  ooni- 
mandments  .and 
loves  Hira  well, 

will  feel  His 

grace. 

But  many  who 

offended  Him 

have  felt  His 

veiijreanoe. 

I  will  tell  you  of 

one ;  it  would 

take  too  long  to 

tell  of  .all. 


Listen  to  me,  and 
ye  shall  hear  how 
Rome,  the  former 
mistress  of  all 
nations,  came  to 
fall  by  its  sins, 

and  was  destroyed 
by  a  heathen 
Soudan. 

King  Lewis  has 
borne  witness  to 


B 


LABAN,  TUE  SOUDAN  OF  BABYLON,  UEARS 


thnt  storj',  which, 
wrilton  in  I!o- 
liiauro  aiui  louiul 
ill  wry  olil  i-liro- 
iiirlos  nt  St  Denys 
iu  France,  relates 

how  Labmi,  the 
king  of  Baliylon, 
who  was  born  at 
Ascalon,  con- 
quered a  great 
part  of  Christen- 
dom. 

He  was  holding 
his  court  in  tlie 
city  of  Agromore, 
on  tlie  river 
Flagot, 


with  12  kinss  and 
11  aniirals,  and 
many  wortliy 
barons  and 
kniglits, 


[If  1,  bk] 
when,  in  tlie  time 
between  March 
and  May, 


he  went  to  the 
chase 


in  a  wood  near 
the  sea. 


As  it  is  wry  ten  in  Romaunce 

And  founden  in  bokes  of  Autiquyte 

At  Seinte  Denyse  Abbey  in  l"raunc[c],^ 

There  as  Cronycles  remenibrede  be, 

Howe  Laban,  the  kinge  of  hie  degre, 

And  syi-"  and  Sowdoii)  of  hie  Babiloii), 

Conquerede  grete  parte  of  Christiante, 

That  was  born  in  Askalon). 

And  in  the  Cite  of  Agremare^ 

Vppon  the  Eivere  of  Flagote 

At  Jjat  tyme  he  soiorned  thei''^ 

Fiille  roially,  wel  I  wote. 

With  kinges  xij  and  Admyralles  xiiij, 

AVith  many  a  Baron  &  Kni3tis  ful  boold. 

That  roialle  were  and  semly  to  sene  ; 

Here  worjjynesse  al  may  not  be  told. 

Hit  bifelle  by-twyxte  March  and  Maye, 

Whan  kynde  corage  begynneth  to  pryke, 

Whail  ffrith  and  felde  wexen  gaye, 

And  every  wight  desirith  his  hke, 

Whan  lovers  slepen  withe  opyn  y3e, 

As  Nightyngalis  on  grene  tre. 

And  sore  desire  Jjat  thai  cowde  flye, 

That  thay  myghte  withe  here  louere  be : 

This  worthy  Sowdon  in  this  seson 

Shope  him  to  grene  woode  to  goon, 

To  chase  the  Bore  or  the  Veneson, 

The  Wolfe,  the  Bere  and  the  Bawson. 

He  roode  tho  vppoii  a  fforeste  stronde 

With  grete  rowte  and  roialte. 

The  fau-est,  fat  was  in  alle  fat  londe, 

With  Alanntes,  Ly/nmeris  and  Eacches  free. 

His  huntes  to  chace  he  cowmaunde. 

Here  Bugles  boldely  for  to  blowe, 

To  fere  the  beestis  in  fat  launde. 

*  leaf  wont,.  =  See  the  note. 


28 


32 


36 


40 


44 


48 


52 


56 


OP  THE  CAPTURE  OF  A  SARACEN  SHIP  BY  THE  ROMANS. 


The  Sowdon  woxe  wery  I-nowc  ;  ,    GO 

He  rested  him  vndere  an  holme  tre 

Sittynge  vppon  a  grene  sete 

Seynge  a  Dromonde  com  sailyng  in  y  see 

An  one  he  charged  to  bekyii  him  with  lionde  G4 

To  here  of  him  tidiiiges  newe. 

The  maister  sende  a  man  to  londe, 

Of  diners  langages  was  gode  and  trewe, 

And  saide  "lorde,  this  Dromonde^  GS 

Fro  Babyloyne  comen  is,     , 

That  was  worjje  thousande  poundis, 

As  2  it  mete  with  shrewes  I-wis, 

Charged  with  perle.and  precions  stones  72 

And  riche  pehire  and  spicerye, 

"With  oyle  and  bras  qweynte  for  the  nones 

To  presente  yow,  my  lorde  worthy. 

A  drift  of  wedii-'  vs  droffe  to  Rome,  7u 

The  Eomaynes  robbed  vs  anone  ; 

Of  vs  thai  slowgh  ful  many  one. 

With  sorwe  and  care  we  be  bygone. 

"Whereof,  Jorde,  remedye  80 

Ye  ordeyne  by  youre  Barons  boolde, 

To  wreke  the  of  this  vilane  ; 

Or  certes  oure  blis  is  cookie." 

The  Soudon  hirynge  this  tyfinge,  84 

"With  egre  chere  he  made  a  vowe 

To  Mahounde  and  to  Appolync, 

That  thai  shnlde  by  it  dere  I-nowe, 

Er  that  he  wente  fro  theyme.^  88 

"  "Wliere  be  ye,  my  kinges  boolde, 

My  Barons  and  my  Admyral  ? 

Thes  tidinges  make  myn  herte  coolde. 

But  I  be  venged,  dyen  I  shalle.  92 

Sire  Ferumbras,  my  sone  so  dere. 

Ye  muste  me  comforte  in  this  case  ; 

'  See  the  note.  *  or  Ar  '^  See  the  note. 

B   2 


lieiiig  weary  with 
iiuntinR,  he  sat 
down  under  a 
holm  tree,  and, 

seeing  a  dromond 
sailing  on  tlie  sea, 
he  charged  one  to 
enquire  for  news 
concerning  tlie 
ship. 

The  interpreter  of 
the  vessel  being 
sent  ashore,  in- 
formed the 
soudan,  that  this 
dromond, 
freighted  at 
Babylon, 


with  a  cargo  of 
rich  furs, 
sjjices,  oil,  brass 
and  pearls, 
intended  as  a 
present  to  the 
soudan,  had  been 
driven  by  stress 
of  weather  to 
Rome,  where  they 
had  been  robbed 
by  the  Romans. 


[leaf  S] 
Therefore  he 
solicited  that  the 
soudan  would  take 
revenge  on  those 
who  had  done 
such  villainy 
to  him. 
The  soudan, 
hearing  these 
tidings,  made  a 
vow  to  Mahound 
and  to  Apolyn, 
that  they  sliouhl 
dearly  pay  for  it. 


'  Ferumbras,  my 
son,'  he  said, 
'and  my  da\ighter 
Floripas,  ye  umf>t 


THE   SOUDAN    STARTS    FROM    AGREMORB 


bp  my  ooinfort 
ill  tliiD  ciiso. 


Onler  Sorti- 
braiioo,  my 
counsellor,  to  be 
oalloil  for, 
and  mj-  chancellor 
01  i born, 

and  Espiard  my 
messenger, 
that  be  may  go  to 
Afiira  and  to 
Asia  and  to 
all  the  [irinces, 
who  owe  rae 
allegiance, 
and  command 
them  hastily  to 
assemble  with 
shield  and  lance 
at  Agremore." 


In  a  short  time 
1(10,(100  men  had 
assembled. 


On  the  advice  of 
Lukafer,  king  of 
Baldas, 


the  soudan  also 
brought  together 
700  sail  and  a 

Peaf  4] 
dromond  for 
himself,  for  Fe- 
rumbras  of  Alex- 
andrie,  for  the 

Asiatic  king  of 
Cbaunder  and  for 
Floripas. 

There  were  two 
masters  in  that 
vessel,  and  two 
idols  placed  on 
the  main  top, 
witli  round  maces, 
therewith  to 
menace  the 
Christians. 
The  sails  of  red 
Bendal-silk  were 


^ly  ioye  is  alle  in  tlie  nowe  here 

Ami  in  my  Dogliter  Dame  Floryjias.  96 

Sortybraunce,  my  Counselere, 

Lete  clepe  liim  fortlie  to  counsaile  me, 

And  Oliborne,  my  Chauncelero 

Ami  noble  Clerke  of  hie  degre,  100 

And  Espiarde,  my  niessangere, 

To  goon  to  Assye  and  to  Aufrike, 

To  kinges,  princes  fen^  and  nei', 

Barons,  Admyralls  and  Dukes  frikc,  104 

Comaundinge  hem  vppon  her  legeannce 

To  come  in  al  hast  vnto  me, 

Wei  Armed  with  shelde  and  launse, 

To  Egremoure  J)on  riche  Cite."  108 

In  shorte  tyme  this  message  was  wroghte 

An  hundred  thouusande  on  a  rowte 

That  robbery  w;;s  righte  dere  boght, 

Was  never  none  derrer  withoute?*  doujte.  112 

The  kinge  of  Baldas,  sir  Lukafei'', 

Of  Aufryke  lorde  and  governoure, 

Spake  to  the  Sowdofi,  that  men  myghte  here, 

And  saide  "  sir,  for  thyn  hononr*,  116 

Do  sende  for  shippes  both  fer*  and  nere." 

Carrikes,  Galeis  and  shippes  shene, 

vij  hundred  were  gadered  al  in  fere 

And  a  Dromonde  for  thp  Sowdeii  kene.  120 

Sir  Ferumbras  of  Alisaundre 

In  the  Dromonde  with  him  was, 

Of  Assy  the  kinge  of  Chaundei'^, 

And  his  faire  doghter  Floripas.  124 

Two  maistres  were  in  the  Dromounde, 

Two  goddes  on  hye  seten  thore 

In  the  maister  toppe,  withe  macis  rounde, 

To  manace  with  the  Cristen  lore.  128 

The  sailes  were  of  rede  Sendelle, 

Embrowdred  with  riche  araye, 


TO  INVADE  ROME  WITH  A  GREAT  ARMY. 


"With  beestes  and  breddes  every  dele, 

That  was  right  curious  and  gaye  ; 

The  Arnies  displaied  of  Laban 

Of  Asure  and  foure  lions  of  goolde. 

Of  Babiloyne  the  riche  Sowdofi, 

Moost  myghty  man  he  was  of  moolde, 

He  made  a  vowe  to  Termagaunte, 

Whan  Eome  were  distroied  &  hade  myschaujzce, 

He  woolde  turne  ayen  erraunte 

And  distroye  Charles  the  kinge  of  Fraance. 

Forth  thai  saUed  on  the  flode, 

Tille  thai  come  to  the  haven  of  Eome  : 

The  wynde  hem  served,  it  was  ful  goode. 

Ther  londed  many  a  grymlye  gome. 

Thai  brente  and  slowen,  fat  Cristeu  were, 

Town,  Abbey  and  holy  chirche. 

The  hethen  hade  such  power  there, 

That  moche  woo  gan  thai  there  wircli. 

Tidinggis  came  to  Eome  anone 

Unto  the  Pope,  that  f*  tyme  was, 

That  the  hejjen  came  to  bren  and  sloae. 

This  was  to  hem  a  sory  cas. 

He  lete  cal  his  counsaile  to-geder 

To  wete,  w^hat  was  beste  to  don. 

Anone  as  thai  were  come  peder', 

He  asked  of  hem  al  ful  sone  : 

"Lordinges,  it  is  vnknowne^  to  you, 

That  this  cursed  hathen  Sowdon 

Bre?myth  and  stroyeth  oure  pepul  nowe, 

Alive  he  leveth  vnneth  not  one. 

Seuit  Petir  be  oure  governoure 

And  save  this  worthi  Cite  of  Eome, 

And  Seinte  Poule  be  oure  gydoure 

From  this  cursed  hethen  houne  - ! " 

Ifrej  he  bispake  him  than, 

'  See  the  note.  *  looks  like  hound. 


richly  em- 
broidered with 
132    figures  of  animals 
and  birds. 


Four  golden  lions, 
the  arms  of 
the  soudan  of 
Babylon,  were 
also  displayed 
thereon. 
Laban  made  a 
vow  to  Terma- 
gant, to  destroy 
Rome,  and  after 
that  Charle- 
140    magne. 


136 


Having  disem- 
barked in  the 
haven  of  Rome, 


144 


they  slew  all 
Christians,  and 
burned  towns, 
abbeys  and 
churches. 


148 


The  Pope  of 
Rome,  hearing  of 
the  heathens 
laying  waste  the 
whole  country. 


152 


assembled  his 
council. 


156 


160 


[leaf  5J 


164 


Jeffrez,  a  senator 


b  SAVARIS    LEADS    THE    CIIUISTIAN    THOOPS 

of  Rome,  advised    (Jf  Eome  he  was  a  Senatoure, 

that  worthy  men  ,     • 

shoiiia  bo  sent  to    Auil  saide  "  senditli  some  worthy  man 

Cliarlos  of  Douco      rn      r^i 

France  to  implore  To  Chai'les  kiiige  of  hyc  honoure.  168 

his  assistance.  ^_  ,,  ,-  •  ^       i  ^  •  »- 

He  wolde  you  helpe  with  al  his  myghte, 
That  noble  kinge  of  Dowse  Fraunce." 
nut  Duke Savariz,  "  Cei'tes  "  Quod  Savaris  "  bat  wercn  no  riijhte, 

thinking  tliis  to  .  "^  o         ' 

beawietciied       It  Were  right  a  foule  luyschaunce,  172 

piece  of  timidity, 

lo  sende  to  fat  worthy  kinge. 
as  they  iiad  not      We  have  oure  hedes  yet  al  hole, 

tried  anything  for 

tiiemseives,  Oure  sheldes  be  not  broke  no-thiuge, 

Hawberke,  spere,  ner  poleyne,  nei-  pole.  176 

AVhere-of  shul  we  playfi  to  him, 

That  no  thinge  yet  have  assaide  1 

MecB  uylanye  we  myght  wynne. 

That  for  noght  were  so  sone  afrayed.  180 

asked  for  10,000      Ten  thousaiide  men  delyuere  me  tyte 

men  to  be  put 

under  iiis  Tomorue  next  in-to  the  feelde, 

command.  a      i   t     i     n 

And  1  shall  prove  with  al  my  myghtc 
To  brake  there  bothe  spere  and  shelde."  184 

Vnto  the  Senatours  it  semed  welle, 
His  counsaile  goode  and  honurable. 
This  worthi  Duke  ■rt'as  armed  in  stele 
In  armes  goode  and  profitable  ;  188 

He  bare  a  Chek  of  goulis  clere, 
An  Egle  of  goolde  abrode  displayed. 
With  him  many  a  bolde  Bachelere 
The  next  morning  Tho  spake  Savaryi  with  wordes  on  live  192 

tlie  duke  ad-  ^  _  "^ '  -^ 

dressed  bis  men,     And  saide  "  my  felowcs  alle, 

This  daie  prove  you  men  worthy, 

And  faire  you  al  shal  befaUe. 

Thenke  yat  Criste  is  more  myghty  196 

Than  here  fals  goddis  alle  ; 

And  he  shal  geve  vs  the  victorie, 

And  foule  shal  hem  this  day  bifalle." 
and  directed  them  Forth  than  rode  bat  faire  Ooste  200 

to  tlie  Soudan's 

Willi  right  goode  chere  and  randon, 


AGAINST    THE    SARACENS    AND    CONQUERS    THEM. 


Tille  than  come  ful  nyje  the  cooste. 

Of  the  Sowdons  Pavyloii 

Ferumbras  was  of  hem  ware 

And  sprange  out  as  a  sparkil  of  glede  ; 

Of  Armes  bright  a  sheelde  he  bare, 

A  Doughty  man  he  was  of  dede. 

XV  thousande  came  oute  there 

With  him  at  fat  same  tyde, 

Ayen  the  Eomaynes  for  to  were, 

With  bobaunce,  booste  and  grete  pride. 

The  stoure  was  stronge,  enduryng^  longe  : 

The  Eomaynes  hade  there  the  feelde  ; 

The  Sarysyns  thai  slough  amonge, 

Ten  thousand  and  mo  with  spere  and  sheelde. 

Sauariz  was  wise  and  ware 

And  drowe  towards  fat  Citee. 

His  baner  displaied  with  him  he  bare 

To  releve  with  his  meyne. 

The  Pope  with  his  Senatours 

Thanked  god  fat  tyme  of  glorie, 

That  gafe  hem  fat  day  grete  honours, 

Of  hethen  that  dai  to  have  the  victorie. 

Lukafere,  kinge  of  Baldas, 

The  countrey  hade  serchid  and  sought, 

Ten  thousande  maidyns  faire  of  face 

Vnto  the  Sowdan  hath  he  broghte. 

The  Sowdofi  commanded  hem  anone, 

That  thai  shulde  al  be  slayn. 

Martires  thai  were  eue?*ychon, 

And  therof  were  thai  al  ful  fayne. 

He  saide  "  my  peple  nowe  ne  shalle 

With  hem  noughte  defouled  be, 

But  I  wole  distroie  oner  all 

The  sede  over  alle  Cristiante." 

Tho  spake  lukefere  the  kinge, 

That  hethen  hounde  Baldas, 


pavilion  near  the 
shore. 

[leaf  6] 

204    Ferumbras,  that 
doughty  warrior, 
becoming  aware 
of  them,  led 


208 


15,n00  men 
against  the 
Romans. 


212 


216 


220 


10,000  and  more 
of  the  Saracens 
were  slain,  and 
tho  Romans, 
tluiugli  victorious, 
were  led  back  to 
Rome  by  the 
cautious  Savaris. 

The  Pope  thanked 
God  for  the 
victory. 


224    Lukafer  of  Baldas 
having  scoured 
the  country, 

brought  10,000 
maidens  to  the 
soudan,  who 

228    ordered  them  to 
be  slain. 


232 


23G 


saying,  he  would 
not  have  his 
people  polluted 
by  them,  and  he 
would  destroy 
every  Christian 
seed. 

Lukafer  said  to 
the  soudan : 


THE    NEXT    DAY    LUKAFER    ASSAULTS    THE    CITY, 


"(irant  me  thy 
daiii;lilor  iind  I 
will  brinj;  tlieo 
Clmiloniiiiriio  and 
all  his  twelve 
peers." 


Laban  assented; 
but  Floripas  said, 
she  would  only 
consent  to  be  liis 
darling, 


Peaf7] 


when  he  had 
taken  Charles  and 
the  douzepeers. 


The  next  morning 
the  soudan 
ordered  LnUafer 
to  assault  the 
City  with  30,000 
men. 


The  Saracens, 
finding  the  ditches 
too  deep,  cannot 
pass,  and  are 


obliged  to  return. 


And  saide  "  Sir  Sowdafi,  graunte  me  one  tliinge, 

Tin  doghter  Dame  Florij^as. 

Tlie  kinge  of  Fraunce  I  shal  the  bringe  240 

And  the  xij  dosipers  alle  in  fere." 

The  Sowdan  saide  in  fat  tokenyng*, 

"  I  g?-aunte  the  here,  that  is  so  dere." 

Tho  sayde  Floripe  "  sire,  noon  haste,  244 

He  hath  note  done  as  he  hath  saide. 

I  trowe,  he  speketh  these  wordes  in  waste, 

He  wole  make  bute  an  easy  brayde. 

Whan  he  bryngith  home  Charles  the  kinge  248 

And  the  xij  dosipers  alle, 

I  graunte  to  be  his  derlynge 

What  so  evere  therof  by-falle. 

Than  on  the  morowe  the  Sowdan  252 

Callid  to  him  Lukafei"*  of  Baldas, 

To  assaile  the  Cite  anone : 

"  And  loke  thou  tary  not  in  this  cas  ! 

Thritty  thousande  of  my  menie,  256 

Of  Gallopes,  Ethiopes  and  Aufricanes, 

Take  hem  to  the  walles  with  the. 

Betith  down  wallis,  towris  and  stones." 

Liikafer*  blewe  his  clarion  260 

To  Assemble  the  Sarasyns  fat  tide, 

Where-of  thai  knewe  right  welle  the  soune. 

Thai  made  hem  redy  for  to  ride. 

But  whan  thai  come  to  the  yate,  264 

The  Dikes  were  so  develye  depe, 

Thai  helde  hem  selfe  Chek-mate  ; 

Ouer  cowde  thai  nothir  goo  nor  crepe. 

Lukafei''  in  al  the  haste  268 

Turned  to  the  Sowdan  agayn 

And  saide  "  sir,  it  is  alle  in  Avaste, 

We  laboure  nowe  alle  in  vayne. 

To  depe  and  brode  the  Dikes  bene,  272 

The  Towres  so  stronge  be  with  alle, 


BUT    THE    HEATHENS    ARE    OBLIGED    TO    WITHDRAW. 


That  by  Maliounde  I  can  note  seen, 
How  that  we  shulde  wyne  ther  to  the  walle." 
Who  was  woode  but  the  Sowdofi?  276 

He  reneyed  his  goddis  alle. 
He  clepede  his  'Engynour  sir  mavone, 
To  counsaile  he  did  him  faste  calJe. 
He  tolde  hhn  the  case  of  jjat  myschefe,  280 

How  it  stode  at  that  ilke  tyde. 
Mavon  Gafe  him  counsel  in  breefe 
To  fille  the  Dikes  |jat  were  depe.^ 
Every  man  to  woode  shal  goon,  284 

Fagotis  to  hewe  and  faste  bynde, 
And  fille  the  Dikes'  faste  anoon 
With  alle,  that  we  may  ther  fynde. 
"  Gramercy,  Mavon,"  quod  Laban  than, 
"  Mahoundis  benysone  thou  shalt  haue, 
Of  alle  myn  Ooste  the  wiseste  man^ 
With  counsaile  men  for  to  sane. 
Alle  this  was  done  the  seconde  daye, 
Men  myght  go  even  to  the  walle  ; 
On  every  party  the  ooste  laye, 
Thai  made  assaite'^  then  generalle. 
The  Eomaynes  ronneii  to  the  toures,  296 

Thai  were  in  ful  grete  dowte  ; 
Thai  hade  many  sharpe  shoiu'es, 
Thai  were  assailed  sore  a-bowte. 
Wifis  and  maidyns  stones  thai  bare 
To  the  waUes  than  ful  faste, 
Thai  were  in  grete  drede  and  care ; 
Tlie  men  over  the  wallis  did  caste. 
Thai  slowen  many  a  Sarasyn,  304 

X  thousande^  pepul  of  hem  and  moo. 
The  dale  passed  to  the  fyne, 
The  hethen  witlidrowe  hem  tho. 

Whan  these  tidinges  came  to  laban,  308 

'  Head  '  wide '         "  sic.  ?  assaute.         ^  MS.  M 


The  soudan  calls 
for  his  engineer 
Mavon, 


who  advised  him 
to  fill  the  ditoh 


with  fagots. 


288    Laban  thanks  his 
wise  engineer. 

[leaf  8] 


292    The  following 
day,  the  ditch 
being  filled  with 
fagots,  tlie  city 


was  assaulted 
from  all  quarters. 
The  Romans  ran 
to  the  towers,  and 


a  sharp  conflict 

ensued. 


300    Women  and 

maidens  carried 
stones  which  tho 


men  threw  over 
the  walls. 


10,000  Saracens 
were  slain  and 


the  heathens 
obliged  to 
withdraw. 


10 


LUKAFER    EKTBRS    THE    MAIN    TOWER    OF    ROME. 


Lrxb.in  ohiilcs  liia 
pciila  iiiui  noaiiy 
({rows  mini  with 
vexation. 


But  Lukafer  told 
liini  tliat,  having 
espied  that 


Savaris  would, 
the  foUowinR  day, 
come  out  asain  to 
figlit  with  them, 
lie  would  have  a 
banner  made 
cxaotly  like  his, 
which  when 
Savaris  was  much 
engaged  in  the 
battle,  he  would 
unfold  and  enter 
Rome. 


And  so  it  turned 
out; 


the  Romans  mis- 
taking him  for 
Savaris,  returning 
from  his  sally, 

he  entered  the 
main  tower, 
[leaf  9] 


and  slew  all 
therein. 

Savaris  becoming 
aware  of  the  arti- 
fice of  the  enemy. 


and  seeing  out  of 
10,000  Romans 
no  more  than 
eeventy-two  left, 

turned  back,  but 
found  the  gate 
shut, 


His  godJes  lie  gan  chide. 

He  waxo  both  blake,  pahj  and  Avan, 

He  was  nyje  woode  J)at  same  tyde. 

The  Lulcafer  comfortedo  him  Avelle 

And  saide  "  sir,  be  not  dismayed, 

For  I  have  aspied  everydele, 

Howe  thai  shalle  alle  be  betrayede. 

Sauariz  wole  to  morowe  with  us  fighte, 

His  baner  knowe  I  f ul  wello ; 

I  shal  have  an  othere,  I  you)  plighte, 

Like  to  this  every  dele. 

Whan  he  is  moste  besy  in  bataile, 

Than  wole  I  with  banere  displaiede 

Eide  in  to  Eome  without  faile, 

Thus  shal  thai  al  be  betrayede. 

The  Sowdau  was  glad  of  this  tidinge, 

Hopinge  it  shulde  be  so  ; 

And  even  as  it  was  in  purposynge. 

Eight  so  was  it  aftir  I-do. 

Wenynge  it  hade  be  Sauarye, 

Eelevinge  fro  the  hethen  stoui-*, 

Wenynge  doth  ofte  harme  wit7<oute  lye, 

He  entred  to  the  maister  Toure. 

The  firste  warde  thus  thay  v^o/aie 

By  this  fals  contrevede  engyne. 

Thus  "was  moche  sorowe  bygon, 

Thai  slough  all,  that  were  ther-Tiine. 

AVhan  Sauariz  saugh  this  discomfitui'' 

Of  the  Eomaynes  in  that  tyme, 

And  howe  harde  than  was  here  aventur", 

Of  sorowe  fat  myghte  he  ryme 

Of  X  thousande  men  lefte  no  moo 

But  sexty  men  and  twelfe, 

And  whan  he  sawe  this  myschief  tho, 

He  turned  homewarde  agayn  him  selue. 

By  than  he  founde  the  gate  shite 


31: 


31G 


320 


324 


328 


332 


336 


340 


344 


THE    POPE    DESPATCHES    MESSENGERS    TO    CHARLEMAGNE. 


11 


"With  Sarisyus,  tliat  hade  it  wone  ; 

And  Estraccot  with  liim  he  mette 

"With  bores  hede,  blake  and  donne. 

For  as  a  bore  an  hede  hadde 

And  a  grete  mace  stronge  as  stele. 

He  smote  Sauaryz  as  he  were  madde, 

That  dede  to  grounde  be  felle. 

This  Astrogot  of  Etbiop, 

He  was  a  kinge  of  grete  strength ; 

Ther  was  none  suche  in  Europe 

So  stronge  and  so  longe  in  lengtfi. 

I  trowe,  be  were  a  develes  sone, 

Of  Belsabubbis  lyne,- 

For  ever  be  was  thereto  I-wone, 

To  do  Cristen  men  grete  pyne. 

"V\^ban  tidinggis  came  to  the  [P]opo, 

Til  at  Duke  Sauaryz  was  dede  slayfi, 

Than  to  woo  turned  alle  his  hope  ; 

He  dide  calle  than  to  counsaile 

Alle  the  Senatouris  of  Rome, 

"Wbat  pinge  J?at  myght  hem  most  availe, 

And  wbat  were  beste  to  done. 

Tbo  by-spake  a  wortby  man  of  counsaile, 

An  Erille  of  tbe  Senatouris  : 

"The  best  counsaile,  jjat  I  can 


348 


and  was  slain  1iy 
Estragot,  a  bla<-k 
giant  of  Ethiopia. 


352 


356 


360    After  the  death  of 
Savaris,  the  Pope 


364 


summoned  liis 
council  again. 


368 


372 


Sending  vnto  Charles  the  kinge  ^ 

Certifiynge  bim  by  your  myssangeris 

The  myscbief  fat  ye  are  Inne, 

That  be  come  with  bis  Dosyperys 

To  reskue  Cristiante  fro  this  bejen." 

All  thai  assentede  anone  tberto  ; 

The  le^^res  were  made  in  baste. 

Thre  messageres  we  ordeyn^  tberto, 

Tbat  went  forthe  at  the  laste. 

'  Tilts  line  in  a  much  later  hand.         '  Mead:  were  ordeyned 


0.-7(5 


^/i 


An  earl  of  the 

senatours  sug- 
gested t)ie  neces- 
sity of  dispatch- 
ing messengers  to 
Charlemagne,  im- 
ploring him  to 


come  to 

their  deliverance, 
[leaf  10] 

■  hey  all  assented. 


Three  mesRen- 
gers,  witli  letters 
written  in  haste. 


b; 


12  THE   SARACENS   THROW   DOWN   A   BA8TILE   OF   ROME. 

lea  tiio  city  i\v  a    At  a  postsriie  thai  wente  oute 

imstorii  at  niiii- 

iiiffht,  and  passeii   I'ryvely  aboute  mydnygllt,  380 

tlio  I'liomy's  camp      »       ,  ,     , 

without  beiiiK        And  passed  through  alle  the  route. 

noticed  by  any  ,^j.  ,  •    »-, 

wight.  ^'i  hem  was  war  no  wigut. 

I  Vt  let  we  nowe  the  messangeris  goon, 
And  speke  we  of  Lahan,  384 

'Howe  he  dide  saile  the  Cite  anoon, 
Laban  com-  And  co??imaundid,  bat  every  man 

manded  every 

man  to  throw        Shulde  withe  Pikeys  or  with  bille 

pikes  and  bills 

over  the  walls,  to   The  Wallis  ovei  tlirowe,  388 

kill  the  Romans.  i         i       -r-> 

Ihat  he  myght  the  Eomaynes  kille, 
Playnly  on  a  rowe, 
He  ordered  the      By  Water  he  oideynede  the  shippes  goon, 

ships  to  go  up  the  _ 

water,  with  their    The  bootis  bownden  to  the  maste,  392 

boats  bound  to  .  -i       n    i  •  ^     i 

the  mast, that        Ihat  thai  myght  light  with  hem  anooii, 

they  might  fight      tt        t         p  -i  t        .     ,  i  , 

in  close  combat.      Honde  01  hoiide,  pat  was  Jiere  caste. 
Near  the  tower       To  the  Touie  a  bastile  stode, 

there  stood  a 

bastile  which        An  engyiie  was  I-throwe —  396 

formed  a  principal 

protection  to  the    That  was  to  the  Cite  ful  goode — 

It  was  laid  low  by  And  brake  down  towres  both  hie  and  lowe. 

stones  hurled  rpi  -,        n      .i        ri-, 

from  an  engine.     J-ho  sorowede  alle  the  Oitesyns 

And  were  ful  hevy  than.  400 

Laban,  growing     xho  wox  prowde  the  Sarasyns, 

proud,  summoned  ./       / 

the  Romans  to       And  than  bispake  sire  laban 

surrender. 

And  saide  "  yolde  youe  here  to  me, 
Ye  may  not  longe  endure,  404 

Or  elUs  shall  ye  al  slayil  be, 
By  mahouude  I  you  ensure." 
Instead  of  an         A  Eomayne  drife  a  darte  him  to 

answer,  a  Roman 

hurled  a  dart  at      Aiid  suiote  him  on  the  breste  plate,  408 

his  breast-plate, 

but  his  hauberk     ISTc  liaddc  his  hawbcrke  lasted  tlio, 


shielded  him. 


Mahounde  had  come  to  late. 


The  soudan,  more  Tlio  was  the  Sowdoii  more  ban  wod, 

than  mad,  ■•  ' 

charged  Ferum-     He  Cried  to  Ferumbras,  412 

bras  to  destroy 

them  au,  "  For  Mahouiidcs  loue,  pat  is  so  good, 

Destroye  vp  bothe  man  and  place. 


ESTRAGOT    IS    CRUSHED    BY    A    PORTCULLIS. 


13 


Spare  no  tliinge  that  is  alyvo, 

Hows,  Toiire  ner  Walle,  416 

Beest,  ner  man,  Childe  nere  "Wife, 
Brenne,  slo  and  distroye  alle." 
Tho  Ferunibras  ordeynede  anone 

To  Lende  the  Engynes  to  the  town  420 

And  bete  down  both  Toure  and  stoofi. 
He  cleped  forth  Fortibraunce  and  Mavon 
And  saide  "  be  yonre  Engynes  goode  1 
Shewe  forth  here  nowe  your  crafte  424 

For  Mahoundis  love,  pat  gevith  man  foode, 
That  ther  be  no  Toure  lafte." 
Tho  the  grete  gloton  "Estagote^ 
With  his  myghty  mace  sware 
On  the  Gatis  of  Rome  he  smote 
And  brake  hem  alle  on  thre  thare. 
In  he  entrid  at  the  Gate 

The  Porte-Colis  on  him  thai  lete  falle.  432 

He  wende,  he  hade  come  to  late, 
It  smote  him  through  herte,  lyuer  and  galle. 
He  lai  cryande  at  the  grounde 

Like  a  develle  of  Helle  ;  436 

Through  the  Cite  wente  the  sowne, 
So  lowde  than  gan  he  yelle. 
Gladde  were  al  the  Romaynes, 

That  he  was  take  in  the  trappe,  -       440 

And  sorye  were  al  the  Sarsyns 
Of  jjat  myschevos  happe. 
Sory  was  the  Soudon  than 

And  Ferumbras  and  Lukafei''.  444 

Thai  drowe  hem  tille  her  tentes  than, 
Thai  left  him  ligginge  there.  ■- 

Mahounde  toke  his  soule  to  him 

And  broght  it  to  his  blis.  448 

He  loued  him  wel  and  al  his  kyn, 

'   Estras^ote 


[leafiij 


and  enjoined 
Fortibrance  and 
Mavon  to  direct 
tlieir  engines 
against  tlie  walls. 


The  great  gluttOTi 
Estragot,  with  bis 
4:Zo    heavy  mace, 

smote  on  the 
gates  and  brake 
them  in  pieces. 

But  as  he  was 
entering  one  of 
tlie  gates,  they  let 
the  portcullis  fall, 
which  crushed 
liim  to  the 
ground, 

where  he  lay 
crying  like  a 
devil. 


The  Romans  were 
glad,  but  the 
Saracens  grieved. 


They  withdrew  to 
their  tents,  leav- 
ing behind  the 
corpse  of  Estra- 
got, wliose  soul 
went  up  to 
Muliound. 


14  THE  roPE  ATTEMPTS  A  SALLY. 

Of  fat  inyghte  ho  not  mys. 
The  Poi>o  palled     i\jioEO  tlio  [Pjopc  clide  somofi  allc  ; 

all  liis  people  to 

St.  Peter's,  The  peple  of  the  Cite  came,  452 

To  Seiutc  Petris  he  dido  horn  callo, 

And  thidero  came  every  man. 
nnd  proposed  to     jj^  saido  OH  hie  "  my  Children  dere, 

them  -^  ' 

Ye  woto  wel,  howe  it  is  ;  456 

Ayenst  the  Sarisyns,  fat  nowe  he  here, 
•  "We  mowo  not  longe  endure  I-wis. 

rie:ifi2]         Thay  brekene  oure  Avalles,  oure  Toures  alio 

With  caste  of  his  Engyne.  460 

Therefore  here  amonge  you)  alle 
Ye  shalle  here  counsaile  myne. 
Thai  bene  withdrawe  to  here  Oost,^ 
And  on-armede  thay  hen  alle.  464 

to  attempt  a  sally  Therforo,  mo  thenkoth,  is  heste 

with  20,000  men, 

to  attack  the         To-morowo  orly  on  hem  to  falle. 

enemy  before  day-    .^^     ,  ^,   ,,  , 

break  within  their  We  havo  xxx^  thousaudo  men; 

Twenty  thousande  shal  go  with  mo,  468 

and  to  leave  And  in  this  Cito  love  ten 

10,000  for 

the  guard  of  the     To  govome  tho  comynalto." 
The  senators         The  Senatouris  assentede  sone 

flSSGIltfitl 

And  saide,  heter  myghte  no  man  seyne.  472 

In  the  morning      On  tlio  moTowe  tliis  was  it  done"  ; 

God  hringe  hem  wele  home  agayne. 
the  Pope  dis-        The  Popo  did  ilisplav  than 

played  the  banner 

oi  iiome.  The  hie  baner  of  Rome,  476 

And  he  assoiled  every  man 

Through  gracious  god  in  Dome. 
ami  after  a  prayer  Ho  praide  of  helpo  and  socour* 

for  the  preserva- 
tion of  the  city,      Seinto  Potir  and  Poule  also  480 

And  oure  lady,  fat  swete  floure. 

To  sauo  the  Cite  of  Eome  from  woo. 
they  marched  out.  Forth  thai  ridofi  towardo  the  Oost. 
But  Ferumbra-i,     Ferumbras  romede  a-boute  ;  484 

going  his  rounds, 

Ecad :  reste  *  See  the  note. 


FERDMBRAS  DRAWS  UP  THE  SARACEN  TROOPS. 


15 


He  saw  the  Eomaynes  comen  by  tlie  Cost,i 

Thereof  he  hade  grete  dowte. 

He  blewe  an  home,  of  bras  it  Avas  ; 

The  Sarsyns  be-gon  to  wake. 

"  Arise  vp  "  he  saide  in  aras,^ 

"  We  bene  elles  alle  I-take, 

And  Armes  anone,  every  wiglit, 

To  horse  with  spere  and  shelde  ! 

Ye  may  se  here  a  ferefuH  sighte 

Of  cure  enemyes  in  the  felde. 

Astopars,^  goo  ye  biforne  vs, 

For  ye  be  men  of  myghte ; 

Ethiopes,  Assayne3  and  Askalous, 

Go  nexte  afore  my  sighte. 

My  Fadir  and  I  with  Babyloynes, 

Ho  ■*  shal  kepe  the  rerewarde. 

King  Lukafei''  with  Baldeseynes, 

To  venge  alle,  shalle  have  the  Fowarde." 

The  Eomaynes  aspied,  fat  thai  were  ware 

Of  here  comynge  than, 

And  therfore  hade  thay  moche  care. 

Natheles  on  hem  thai  gon — 

Seinte  Petir  be  here  socoure  ! — 

And  laiden  on  side,  bake  and  bofi. 

There  bigan  a  sturdy  shonre 

Sire  ^Ferumbras  of  Alisaundre  oon,® 

That  bolde  man  was  in  dede, 

Yppon  a  steede  Cassaundre  gaye, 

He  roode  in  riche  Weede. 

Sire  Bryer  of  Poyle  a  Eomayne  to  fraye 

He  bare  through  with  a  spere, 

Dede  to  the  grounde  ther  he  laii 

Might  he  no  more  hem  dere  ! 


488 


discovered  their 
coming, 

sounded 
the  alarm, 


492 


496 


and  drew  up  liis 
troops. 


500 


[leaf  13] 


504 


508 


There  began  a 
hard  struggle. 


612 


Ferumbras  slew 
Sir  Bryer  of 
Apulia 


51G 


'  MS.  Oost  corrected  to  Cost. 
^  See  the  note.  ■*  Mead :  We 

®  See  the  note. 


'  Bead. :  a  ras. 
*  MS.  Berumbras. 


16 


A   GREAT    MANY    AUE    SLAIN    ON    EITIIKR    SIDE. 


and  the  worthy 
Hubert. 


9000  pagans  were 
killed. 


and  8000  Romans, 


Lukafer  destroyed 
ei»;hteen  Romans, 


lie  also  slew 
G.viulani,  a 
senator  of  Rome, 

[leaf  14] 
who  had  slain  ten 
Saracens. 


Then  came  the 
Pope  with  a  great 
guard  and  his 
banner  before 
iiim. 


Ferumbras,  sup- 
posing him  to  be 
the  sovereign. 


That  sawe  Huberte,  a  worthy  man, 

Howe  Briere  was  I-slayu, 

Ferumbras  to  qwite  than 

To  him  he  rode  ful  even. 

Witli  a  spere  vppone  his  sheldc  pah 

Stiily  ganne  he  strike  ; 

The  shelde  he  brake  I-myddis  the  feclde  ; 

His  Hawberke  wolde  not  breke. 

Many  goode  strokes  were  delte. 

Ferumbras  was  a-greved  tho, 

He  smote  with  mayne  and  myghte 

The  nekke  asonder,  the  ventayle  also, 

That  dede  he  sate  vprighte. 

There  was  bataile  harde  and  stronge  ; 

Many  a  steede  wente  ther  a-straye, 

And  leyen  at  the  grounde  I-stonge, 

That  resyn  never  aftyr  that  day, 

IX  thousand  of  the  payens  pride 

That  day  were  slayfl^ 

And  viij  thousande  of  the  Eomaynes  side, 

That  in  the  feelde  dede  lay?ie. 

Lukaf'ere,  Jjat  paynym  proude, 

Slough  Eomaynes  ey3tene, 

Of  werr*  moche  sorowe  he  coude. 

His  strokes  were  over  alle  sene. 

Gyndarde,  a  Senatoure  of  Eome, 

Had  slayne  Sarsenys  ten, 

Tille  he  met  with  the  cursed  gome, 

Lukifere  slough  liim  than. 

Tho  come  the  Pope  with  grete  aray, 

His  baner  to-fore  him  wente. 

Ferumbras  than  gan  to  assaye, 

If  he  myght  that  praye  entente, 

Supposynge  in  this  though[t]e, 

Ther  was  the  souerayne  ; 

He  spared  him  therfore  right  noght, 


520 


524 


528 


532 


536 


540 


544 


548 


552 


FERUMBRAS  ENCOUNTERS  THE  POPE. 


17 


But  bare  him  down  ther  in  jj^  playn. 

Anoofl  he  sterte  on  him  all  ane 

His  Ventayle  for  to  onlace, 

And  saugh  his  crown  newe  shafe, 

A-shamed  thanne  he  was. 

"  Fye,  preest,  god  gyfe  the  sorowe  ! 

What  doist  thou  armede  in  the  feelde, 

That  sholdest  saie  thi  matyns  on  morwe, 

What  doist  thou)  with  spere  and  shelde  ? 

I  hoped,  thou)  hadiste  ben  an  Emperoure, 

Or  a  Cheftayne  of  this  Ooste  liere, 

Or  some  worthy  conqueroure. 

Go  home  and  kepe  thy  Qwer* ! 

Sliame  it  were  to  me  certayne 

To  sle  the  in  this  bataile, 

Therfore  turne  the  home  agayn  !  " 

The  Pope  was  gladde  fer-of  certayne,^ 

He  wente  home  to  Rome  that  nyght 

With  Five  thousande  and  no  more, 

XV  thousande  lefte  in  the  feelde  aplight, 

Full  grete  sorowe  was  therfore. 

"^^Owe  telle  we  of  the  messanger', 

\^  That  wente  to  Charlemayne, 

-i-  ^  Certyfyinge  him  by  lettres  dere, 

Howe  the  Romaynes  were  slayne. 

And  howe  the  Contrey  brente  was 

Vnto  the  Gate  of  Rome, 

And  howe  the  people  song  '  alas/ 

Tille  socoure  from  him  come. 

"  Who  "  quod  Charles,  that  worthy  kinge, 

"  The  Sowdon  and  Ferumbras  ? 

I  nyl  lette  for  no  thinge. 

Till  I  him  oute  of  Cristendome  chace. 

Therefore  Gy  of  Burgoyfi, 

Mynne  owen  nevewe  so  trewe, 

'  Mead :  •  without  faile.* 
CHARL.   ROM.   V. 


556 


burst  open  the 
thick  crowd  and 
threw  Lira  down 
to  the  ground. 

But  seeing  his 
tonsure,  he  waa 
ashamed. 


"  Fie,  priest,"  he 
said,  "  wliat  doest 
560    thou  in  the 
battle-field  ? 


564 


It  would  be  a 
^    shame  for  lue  to 
56b    slay  thee. 

Go  home  and 
tliink  of  thy  choir- 
service  ! " 


572 


576 


The  Pope 
retired  with 
5000  men, 

15,000 
being  killed. 


Charlemagne, 
having  learned 
from  the  mes- 
senger the  great 
disaster  wliidi 
had  befallen  the 
Romans, 


580 


584 


588 


[leaf  15] 
said,  lie 
would  not 
desist  until  he 
had  chased  the 
soudan  and 
Ferumbras  o\it  of 
Christendom. 


18 


THE   SARACENS    AGAIN    ATTACK   TIIR   CITY, 


He  s«vo  1000 
poviiuls  iif  francs 
to  liis  nephew 
Guy  of  Burgundy, 


and  sent  him  off 
with  orders  to 
advance  against 
the  soudan  by 
forced  marches. 


Himself  would 
follow  as  soon  as 
possible. 


Laban 
reminded 
Lukafer  of  his 
vaunting  promise 
to  bring  liira 
Charlemagne  and 
his  douzepeers, 

in  return  for  his 

daughter 

Floripas. 


Lnkafer  said,  he 
would  do  all  he 
had  promised. 


With  10,000  men 
he  attacked  tlie 
city  on  one  side, 

the  other  being 
assaulted  by 
Ferumbras. 

The  combat  con- 
tinues as  long  as 
daylight  lasts. 


At  night  they 
retired  to  their 
tents. 


Take  a  tliausande  poundo  of  Frankis  fyno, 

To  wage  wytfi  the  pepul  newe. 

Take  tliis  with  the  nowe  at  this  tynie, 

And  more  I  wole  sende  the, 

Loke  that  thou  spare  no  hors  ne  shclde, 

But  fat  he  dede  be ; 

And  faste  hye  the  thyderwarde, 

For  I  drede  thay  haue  grete  nede, 

And  I  shalle  come  aftirwarde 

As  faste,  as  I  may  me  spede." 

SPeke  we  of  Sir  Laban 
And  let  Charles  and  Gy  be, 
Howe  he  ordeyned  for  hem  than 

To  Distroye  Eome  Citee. 

"  Sir  Lukafer',  thou  madiste  thi  boost 

To  conquer*  the  Eomaynes 

And  to  bringe  me  the  Ooste 

Of  the  xij  peris  and  Charlemayne. 

Vppofi.  a  condicion  I  graunte  the 

My  doghter,  dere  Dame  Floripas. 

"Wherefore,  I  aske  nowe  of  the 

To  holde  covena«nte  in  this  cas." 

"  That  I  saide  "  quod  Lucafere, 
"To  Mahounde  I  make  a  vowe 

To  done  al  fat  I  hight  the  ther", 
Ye  and  more  than^  for  Florip  love." 
He  ordeyned  assaute  anone  in  haste 
With  X  thousaude  men  and  moo  ; 
And  Ferumbras  at  that  ojjer  side  faste 
Assailed  hem  with  grete  woo. 
The  saute  endured  al  J?at  daye 
From  morowe,  tille  it  was  nyght, 
To  throwe  and  shete  by  euery  waye, 
While  that  hem  endured  the  light, 
Tho  wente  thai  home  to  thair'  tentys, 

'  Sec  the  note. 


592 


59G 


600 


604 


608 


612 


616 


620 


THEY    E:NTER    ROME    BY    TREASON. 


19 


Tille  it  were  on  the  more  we.  624 

Isres  in  his  fals  ententes 

Purposed  treson  and  sorowe. 

He  was  chief  Porter  of  the  Town, 

By  heritage  and  fee  so  he  shulde  be.  628 

He  wente  to  the  Sowdan, 

For  the  riche  Cite  betraye  w'oolde  he, 

And  saide  "  lorde,  gife  me  grace 

For  my  goodes  and  for  me,  632 

And  I  wole  ddijuev  the  tliis  place 

To  haue  and  holde  for  ever  in  fee. 

The  keyes  of  this  riche  Cite 

I  haue  in  my  bandon."  636 

"  That  graunte  I "  quod  Laban  "  the 

I'o  be  free  withoute  raunson." 

Ferumbras  made  him  yare, 

With  XX*'  thousand  men  and  moo, 

With  this  Isres  for  to  fare, 

And  to  Wynne  the  Cite  soo. 

As  sone  as  he  entred  was 

The  chief  Gate  of  alle,  644 

And  alle  his  men  in  aras,^ 

He  lete  the  Portcolys  falle. 

He  smote  of  the  traitourus  hede 

And  saide  "  god  gife  him  care  !  648 

Shal  he  never  more  ete  brede, 

All  traitowrs  evel  mot^  thai  fare  ! 

If  he  myght  leve  and  reigne  here, 

He  wolde  betraye  me  ;  652 

For  go  he  west,  south  or  North, 

Traitowr  shalle  he  never  be." 

He  dide  lete  here  his  hede  on  a  spere 

Through-oute  this  faire  Citee.  656 

'  Treson,  treson '  thai  cried  there, 

Pite  it  was  to  here  and  see. 

'  Head :  '  a  ras.'  *  MS.  met. 

C  2 


leres,  who  pos- 
sessed by  inherit- 
ance the  guard  of 
the  principal  gate, 

[leaf  16] 
planned  treason. 


He  repaired  to  the 
soudan  and 
offered  to  lietray 
the  city  on  condi- 
tion that  his  life 
and  property 
should  be  spared. 


The  soudan  pro- 
mised it. 


Ferumbras  with 
2n,00n  men  went 
610    with  Isres. 


On  enterin;,'  the 
gate, 


he  caused  tlie 
traitor's  liead  (o 
be  struck  olf  l.y 
the  portcullis,  and 


to  be  carried  on 

the  point,  of  a 

spear  through  the 

city. 

"  Treason,"  cried 

the  people  within. 


20 


FEUUMIJllAS    TAKES    THE    RELICS    TO    AOUEMORE. 


and  nil  streets 
weri'  soon  covered 
with  <.le:i>i  men. 

Ferumbras  went 
to  St.  Peter's, 
seized  the  relics, 
the  cross,  the 
crovvu  and  the 
nails, 


[leaf  17] 
burned  the  whole 
city, 

and  carried  away 
all  the  treasures 
and  the  gold  to 
Agremore, 
where  the  soudan 
went  to  stay. 
Three  months 
and  three  days 
they  spent  there 
in  great 
festivities, 
making  offerings 
to  their  gods. 


and  burning 
frankincense  in 
their  honour. 


They  drank  the 
blood  of  beasts 
and  milk,  and 
ate  honey 

and  snakes 
fried  in  oil. 


The  people  fled  by  every  waye, 

Thai  durst  no-where  a-bide. 

The  hye  wey  ful  of  dede  men  laye, 

And  eke  by  every  lanys  side. 

Ferumbras  to  Seinte  Petris  wente, 

And  alle  the  Relekes  he  seased  anoofl, 

The  Crosse,  the  Crown,  the  Nailes  bento ; 

He  toke  hem  with  him  everychone. 

He  dide  dispoile  al  the  Cite 

Both  of  tresoure  and  of  gooldc, 

And  after  that  brente  he 

Alle  Jjat  ever  myght  be  toolde. 

And  alle  the  tresoure  witli  hem  jjai  bare 

To  the  Cite  of  Egremoui''. 

Laban  the  Sowdoii  soiourned  there  ^ 

Thre  monjjes  and  thre  dayes  more 

In  myrth  and  loye  and  grete  solas. 

And  to  his  goddes  offrynge  he  made, 

He  and  his  sone  Sir  Ferumbras 

Here  goddis  of  golde  dide  fade, 

Thai  brente  Frankensense, 

That  smoked  vp  so  stronge, 

The  Fume  in  her  presence, 

It  lasted  aUe  alonge. 

Thai  blewe  bornes  of  bras, 

Thai  dronke  beestes  blood  e. 

Milke  and  bony  ther  was, 

That  was  roial  and  goode. 

Serpentes  in  Oyle  were  fryed 

To  serve  J)*  Sowdoii  with  alle, 

"  Antrarian  Antrarian  "  thai  lowde  cryed 

That  signyfied  '  loye  generalle.' 

Thus  thai  lived  in  loye  and  blis 

Two  monfies  or  thre. 

Lete  we  now  be  alle  this, 

'  See  the  note. 


660 


664 


608 


672 


676 


680 


684 


688 


692 


GUY    AND    CHARLEMAGNE    APPROACH. 


21 


And  of  Gye  nowe  speke  we. 
"TV  "I'D w  speke  we  of  Sir  Gye 

\    That  toward  Eome  hied  with  his  Oost. 
-L.  1  Whan  he  approched  there-to  so  nyje, 
That  he  myght  se  the  cooste, 
Alle  on  a  flame  fat  Cite  was, 
That  thre  myle  al  abowte, 
Ther  durst  no  man,  Jjat  ther  was, 
Come  ny3e  the  Cite  for  grete  dowte. 
That  was  a  sory  Cite  than, 
Sir  Gye  was  in  grete  care, 
Ther  was  nowhere  a  soryer  man. 
For  sorowe  he  sighed  ful  sare, 
And  saide  "  welallas  "^  the  while 
"  For  we  come  ar  to  late, 
For  by  some  treson  or  some  gyle 
Thai  entred  in  at  some  Gate. 
There  is  no  more  but  for  to  abyde, 
Tille  Charles  come,  the  kinge, 
In  this  mede  Vnder  grene  wode  side, 
To  telle  him  of  this  tithinge, 
Howe  Laban  hath  the  Cite  brente 
And  bore  the  Eeliges^  a-waye, 
And  howe  he  hath  hem  to  Spayne  sente 
With  Shippes  of  grete  aray, 
To  Egremour"  his  chief  Cite, 
Ther  to  live  and  ende  ; 
And  manassith  Charles  and  his  baronye. 
God  gife  hem  evelle  ende  ! " 
Kinge  Charles  he  forgate  nought 
To  come  to  reskowe  Eome, 
Alle  his  Do3ypers  were  I-sought, 
Fulle  sone  to  him  thay  come. 
Thre  hundred  thousande  of  Sowdeoures 

'  MS.  is  rubbed,  but  it  loohs  nwre  like  welawai. 
*  Read :  '  reliqes.' 


G96 


When  Sir  Guy 
drew  near  Rome, 
finding  the  whole 
city  in  flames, 


700 


704    he  grieved  much 


708    tliathehad 

arrived  too  late. 


He  resolved  there 
to  wait  for 
712    Charlemagne 


[leaf  18] 

and  then  to  tell 
him,  how  Laban 
had  burnt  the 
city,  and  bad  sent 
tlie  relics  to 
Agremore, 


71G 


720 


his  principal  town 
in  Spain. 


King  Charles 
advanced  to 
724    rescue  Rome  with 
his  douzepeers 


and  300,000 
soldiers. 


22      CHARLES    HEARS    OF    THE    MISCHIEF    DONE    BY    THE    SARACENS. 


Holuiid  led  llio 
vanguard, 

Oliver  the  rear, 


tlie  king  was 


with  tlie  main 
body. 


The  provisions 


were  conveyed  by 


Guy  seeing  them 
come,  went  to 

meet  the  king, 
and  told  him  the 
mischief  done  by 
the  soudan, 


who  moreover 
had  made  a  vow 
to  seek  Charles  in 
France  in  order 
to  afflict  him 
with  grief. 

[leaf  19] 

"  He  will  find  me 
near,"  said 
Charles,  "and 

shall  dearly  pay 
for  it. 


Unless  he 
consents  to  be 
baptized. 


Kinge  Clitirk'S  with  him  elide  lede,  728 

They  were  doughty  in  all  stourys 

And  worthy  meu  of  dede. 

Sir  Eoulande  ])at  worthy  knighte, 

He  ladde  the  Fowarde,  732 

And  Sir  Olyuei'',  that  Avas  so  wighte, 

Gouerned  the  Eerewarde. 

The  Kinge  himselfe  and  his  Baronye, 

With  Dukes  And  Erilles  roialle,  736 

Gouerned  alle  the  medil  partye. 

By  co??zmaundemente  generall 

He  ordeynede  grete  plente 

Of  Flessh  and  Fissh,  brede  and  wyne,  740 

In  shippes  to  saile  by  the  see, 

To  serven  him  ful  wel  and  fyne. 

Sir  Gye  aspied  his  comynge, 

He  knewe  the  baner  of  Fraunce,  744 

He  wente  anoon  ayen  the  kinge 

And  tolde  him  of  J)  at  myschaunce, 

Howe  that  the  cursed  Sowdaii 

Hath  brent  Eome  and  bore  the  Eelekis  awaye,         748 

And  how  he  hath  slayn  alle  and  some, 

That  he  hath  founde  of  Cristeii  faye. 

And  more-over  he  made  his  a-vowe, 

To  seke  kinge  Charles  in  Fraunce  752 

And  do  him  wo  ther  I-nowe. 

"  God  gif  him  mocli  myschaunce  ! " — 

"  A  "  q?iod'  Charles  "  pat  nedith  noght, 

He  shal  fynde  me  nere.  756 

By  god,  pat  dere  me  boght, 

He  shal  by  it  ful  dere. 

I  shalle  him  never  leve  I-wis 

Withinne  walle  ner  witBoute,  760 

I  swere  by  god  and  seinte  Denys, 

Tille  I  have  sought  him  oute  ; 

And  but  if  he  will  Baptised  be 


HE   GOES   OVER   TO    SPAIN. 


23 


And  lefe  his  fals  laye, 

Babyloyne  shal  he  never  see 

For  alle  his  grete  aray. 

Anoon  to  shippe  every  man 

With  vitaile  and  ■with  store, 

Euen  towarde  the  proud  Sawdan 

With-outen  any  more. 

Wynde  him  blewe  ful  fayre  and  goode 

Into  the  Eyver  of  Ga3e, 

Even  over  the  salte  flode 

And  oner  the  profounde  rase. 

XXX  legee3  from  Egremour* 

By  londe  for  south-  it  is, 

And  ther  withoute  any  more 

To  londe  thai  wente  I-wis, 

And  brente  and  sloughen  al  pat  thai  fonde, 

And  stroyed  both  Toure  and  town. 

Thai  lefte  no  thinge  on  grounde, 

That  thai  ne  bete  it  down. 

Tithinggis  were  tolde  to  Laban, 

Howe  Charles  was  I-come 

And  slough  bouth  childe,  wyfe,  man 

And  brente  and  stroyed  alle  and  some 

"With  thre  hundred  thousand  of  Bacheleris, 

That  were  both  stoute  and  gaye, 

And  with  him  al  his  Dosyperis, 

PepiA  of  grete  araye. 

"  And  but  ye  ordeyne  remedy, 

He  wole  you  brenne  and  sloofi, 

Youe  and  youre  riche  Baronye, 

He  wole  leve  a-life  neuere  oofi." 

Whan  Laban  herde  these  tidyngys, 

His  herte  woxe  alle  coolde 

And  saide  "  this  is  a  wonder  tliinge  ! 

Howe  durste  he  be  so  boolde  ] 

LitiU  kennyth  he  what  I  may  doo, 


764 


lie  never  shall  see 
Babylon  again." 


They  all  took 
i-rnn  ship  without 
Too    delay. 


772    Propitious  winds 
drove  them  into 
the  river  Gase, 
where  they 


776 


780 


784 


788 


792 


796 


landed,  30  miles 
from  Agreniore, 


and  laid  waste 
the  country. 


Laban,  heaving 
this  news. 


[leaf  20] 
was  astonished 
at  Charles's 
presumption. 


24 


A    GREAT    lUTTLE    ENSUES. 


He  assembled 
all  bis  barons, 


and  charged  them 
to  bring  him 
alive  that  glutton 
that  called 
himself  king  of 
France, 


and  to  slay  the 
remnant. 


Fcrurabras  went 
forth  with  many 
Saracens. 


He  meets  with 
Roland. 


They  deal  each 
other  heavy 
strokes. 


Oliver  cuts  off  a 
quarter  of 
Lukafer's  shield. 


The  combat 
lasted  the  whole 
day. 


Well  fought  the 
twelve  peers. 


He  drcdith  lue  litil  nowc. 

But  certcs  he  shalle,  ei-*  he  goo, 

To  INIahounde  I  make  a  vowo. 

Sir  Lucafer'  and  Ferumbras 

To  him  dide  he  calle 

And  Mavon  and  Sortebras 

And  his  Barons  alle. 

I  charge  yon  vppoii  youre  legeaunce, 

That  ye  bringe  me  that  gloton, 

That  clepeth  himselfe  kinge  of  Fraiince, 

Hidere  to  my  Pavilon. 

Kepe  him  a-live,  the  remenaunte  sle 

The  xij  Peris  ychoon  ! 

I  shalle  tech  him  curtesye, 

I  swere  by  god  Mahounde." 

Ferumbras  anoon  than 

Arrayed  him  for  to  ride 

With  proude  Sarasyns  many  a  man, 

That  boldely  durst  a-bide. 

Rowlande  met  with  Ferumbras 

And  gafe  him  such  a  stroke 

That  al  astonyed  ferof  he  was, 

It  made  him  lowe  to  stoupe. 

Ferombras  smote  him  agayne 

With  myghte  and  mayw,  with  ire 

That  he  stenyed  alle  his  brayne, 

Him  thought,  his  eyefl  were  alle  on  fyre. 

With  Lucafei'  Oliver'  mette, 

And  hit  him  on  the  sheelde 

A  stroke,  that  was  right  wel  sette ; 

A  quarter  flye  in  the  feelde. 

Thus  thai  hurteled  to-gedere 

Alle  the  lefe  longe  daye, 

Nowe  hider  and  nowe  theder ; 

Mony  an  hors  wente  ther  astraye. 

The  Dosyperis  thay  foughten  wele, 


800 


804 


808 


812 


816 


820 


824 


828 


832 


CHARLES  ENCOUNTERS  FERUMBRAS  AND  LUKAFER, 


25 


Duke  N"eymys  and  Ogei-',  836 

"With  goode  swerdes  of  fyne  stole 

And  so  dide  Gye  and  Syr  Bryei'. 

Ferumbras  was  euer  a-bowte 

To  fyghte  witli  Olyvere, 

And  Olyuer*  -with-oute  dowte 

Leyde  on  with  goode  chore. 

Kinge  Charles  saugh  Ferumbras, 

To  him  fast  he  rode 

And  it  on  the  helmo  with  his  mace, 

That  stroke  sadlye  abode. 

Ferumbras  Avas  woode  for  woo, 

He  myght  for  prees'  come  him  to  848 

For  no  worldis  thinge,  that  myght  be  tho. 

Kinge  Charles  anoon^  loye  outo-drowe, 

And  with  his  owen  hondo 

XXX"  Sarseynys  ther  he  slowe,  852 

That  laie  dede  vppone  the  sonde ; 

Many  of  hem  therfore  made  joy  Inowe. 

Sir  Lncafere  of  Baldas, 

He  presed  to  Charles  sone,  856 

And  saide  "  Sir,  with  harde  grace, 

What  hastowe  here  to  done  t 

I  bohight  Laban  to  bringe  the  to  him 

And  the  xij  peris  alle  ;  860 

Now  shaltowe  come  from  al  thy  kyn 

Into  the  Sowdans  halle. 

Yelde  the  to  me  "  he  saide, 

"  Thy  life  shaUe  I  safe."  864 

A  stroke  on  him  than  Charles  layde  ; 

He  made  tho  Paynym  to  rafe. 

He  smote  him  on  the  holme 

With  mown-Ioyo,  his  gode  brondc.  868 

Ne  hadde  he  be  reskued  than,        ' 

He  hade  slayn  him  with  his  honde. 

'  A  modern  hand  has  written  in  the  margin  "  Mount." 


[leaf  21] 

840    Ferumbras 

charges  Oliver. 


King  Charles, 
seeing  this,  rides 
844    on  to  Ferumbras, 

and  strikes  bis 
lielm  with  his 
heavy  mace. 


Ferumbras 
cannot  approach 
liim  oil  account 
of  the  crowd. 


Charlemagne 
with  his  sword 
Mounjoy  slew  30 
Saracens. 


Lukafer  of 
Baldas, 
encountering 
Charles, 


told  him  tliat 
he  had  promised 
tlie  soudan  to 
bring  him 
Charles  and  the 
douzepeers. 


Charles  strikes 
him  on  his 
helmet. 


2G 


THE   SARA'  ENS    QUIT   THE    FIELD. 


but  Lukafor  is 
rosouod  by  a 
great  throng. 


Roland,  drawing 
Durendale, 
oleaied  a  space 
around  liim  and 


hammered  tlie 
heads  of  the 
Saracens. 

[leaf  22] 

So  do  the  other 
peers, 


and  30,000 
Saracens  were 
slain. 


At  night  the 
Pagans  quit  the 
field. 


Ferumbras  vows, 
never  to  desist 


Than  came  Balde3yn3  witli  throngo 

To  reskue  there  here  lorde,  872 

And  nubens  with  hem  amonge 

And  Turkes  by  one  accorde. 

Tho  Roulande  Durnedalo  oute-drowe 

And  made  Eomme^  abowte.  876 

XL  of  hem  ther  he  slowe, 

Tho  were  thai  in  greto  dowte. 

Eoulande  as  fiers  as  a  lion 

With  Durnedale2  tho  dinge  880 

Vppon  the  Sarsyns  crowne, 

As  harde  as  he  myght  flynge. 

Duke  Neymys  and  Sir  Olyuei-', 

Gy  and  Alloreynes  of  Loreyne,  884 

And  alle  the  noble  xij  Peris, 

Oger'  and  Bryer"  of  Brytayne, 

Thai  foughten  as  feythfully  in  J?at  fight, 

The  feelde  ful  of  dede  men  laye.  888 

XXX"  thousande,  I  you  plight, 

Of  Sarsenys  ther  were  slayii. 

Al  thinge  moste  haue  an  ende, 

The  nyghte  come  on  ful  sone,  892 

Every  wighte  retoumed  to  wende  ; 

Ferumbras  to  his  men  gan  gone 

And  saide  "  oure  homes  blowe  we. 

This  day  haue  we  a  ful  ille  afraye,  896 

To  sale  the  south  and  not  to  lye, 

Oure  goddis  holpe  vs  not  to  daye, 

What  devel  pat  ever  hem  eilith. 

This  bataile  Avas  so  sharpe  in  faye,  900 

That  many  a  man  it  wailyth. 

Shalle  I  never  in  herte  be  glade  to  daye, 

Till  I  may  prove  my  myghte 

With  Eoulande,  that  proude  ladde,  904 

Or  with  Olyuei'',  that  is  so  lighte, 

'  See  the  note.  '^  Insert :  '  gan.' 


CHARLES    PRAISES    THE    OLD    KNIGHTS. 


27 


That  evel  liath  vs  ladcle ; 

And  in  Paris  be  crowned  kinge 

In  despite  of  hem  alle, 

I  wole  leve  for  no  thinge 

What  so  evere  byfalle. 

Kinge  Charles  with  grete  honour* 

"Wente  to  his  PavUon  ; 

Of  the  treyumple  he  bare  the  flour' 

In  dispite  of  Mahounde. 

Almyghty  God  and  Seynte  Denyse 

He  thanked  ful  ofte  sithe 

And  oure  lady  Marie  of  Paris, 

That  made  hem  gladde  and  blitB. 

He  recomendide  the  olde  Knightes, 

That  pat  daye  hade  the  victorye, 

And  charged  the  yonge  with  al  her  myghtes 

To  haue  hem  in  memorye  ; 

For  worthynesse  wole  not  be  hadde, 

But  it  be  ofte  soughte, 

Ner  knighthode  wole  not  ben  hadde, 

Tille  it  be  dere  boghte. 

"  Therfore  ye  knightes,  yonge  of  age, 

Of  oolde  ye  may  now  lere, 

Howe  ye  shaUe  both  hurle  and  rage 

In  felde  with  sheelde  and  spere. 

And  take  ensample  of  the  xij  Peris, 

Howe  thai  have  proved  her  myght, 

And  howe  thai  were  both  wight  and  fiers 

To  wynnen  honourys  in  righte. 

These  hethen  houndes  we  shal  a-tame 

By  God  in  magiste. 

Let  us  make  myrth  in  goddis  name 

And  to  souper  nowe  goo  we." 

OThow,  rede  Marj  Armypotente, 
That  in  the  trende  baye  base  made  J)y  trone, 
That  god  arte  of  bataile  and  regent 


unless  lie  Iio 
crowned  king  at 
908    Paris. 


912 


Charlea  went  to 
his  pavilion  and 


thanked  Qod 


916 


and  St.  Mary  of 
France. 


Ho  praised  the 
elder  knights  for 
920    having  won  the 
victory  and 
exhorted  the 
young  ones 


924 


[leaf  23] 


928 


932 


to  take  an 
example  by  them. 


936 


They  make  merry 
and  go  to  supper. 


Prayer  addressed 
^    to  the  red  Mars 
JiU    Armipotent, 


28 


SPRING   IS   THE   TIME   OP   LOVE. 


to  grant  the 
Mahometans  the 
victory  over  the 
Christians. 


In  the  spring  of 
the  year 


Oeaf  24] 


man  ouglit  to 
sliow  Ills 
manhood 


and  to  think  of 
love. 


For  none  can  be  a 
good  warrior, 
unless  he  knows 
how  to  love. 


And  rulist  alle  that  aloue, 

To  whom  I  profrc  precious  present, 

To  the  makande  my  moone 

With  herte,  body  and  alle  myn  entente, 

A  crown  of  precious  stoones, 

And  ho  we  to  the  I  gyfe 

Withouten  fraude  or  engyne, 

Yppofi  thy  day  to  make  offerynge. 

And  so  shal  I  ever,  while  fat  I  live, 

By  righte  fat  longith  to  my  laye, 

In  worshipe  of  thy  reverence 

On  thyn  owen  Tewesdaye 

With  myn-*,  aloes  and  Frankensense, 

Vppon  condicion  that  thou  me  graunte, 

The  victorye  of  Cry  sty  n  Dogges, 

And  that  I  may  some^  hem  adaunto 

And  sle  hem  down  as  hogges, 

That  have  done  me  distruccion 

And  grete  disherytaunce 

And  eke  slayn  my  men  witJi  wronge. 

]\Iahounde  gyfe  hem  myschaunce  !  " 

1]^  the  semely  seson  of  the  yere, 
Of  softenesse  of  the  sonne. 
In  the  prymsauns  of  grene  vere, 
Whan  floures  spryngyn  and  bygy?ine. 
And  alle  the  floures  in  the  frith 
Freshly  shews  here  kynde. 
Than  it  is  semely  therwyth, 
That  manhode  be  in  mynde  ; 
For  corage  wole  a  man  to  kitB, 
If  he  of  menske  haue  mynde. 
And  of  loue  to  lystyn  and  lithe, 
And  to  seke  honur*  for  fat  ende. 
For  he  was  neue^-e  gode  werryour*, 
That  cowde  not  loue  a-ryght ; 

'  Head :  '  sone.' 


944 


948 


952 


956 


960 


964 


968 


972 


976 


THE    SOUDAN    RALLIES    HIS    TROOPS. 


29 


For  loue  hath  made  many  a  conqueroui'' 

And  many  a  worthy  knighte. 

This  worthy  Sowdan,  though  he  hejjeu  wer*, 

He  was  a  worthy  conqueroui'' ; 

Many  a  contrey  with  shelde  and  spere 

He  conquerede  wyth  grete  honoure. 

And  his  worthy  sone  Ferumbras, 

That  kinge  was  of  Alisaundr", 

And  Lucafei"'  of  Baldas, 

That  cruel  kinge  of  Cassaundi^, 

That  wroughten  wonders  yfith  here  honde 

With  myghte  and  mayne  for  to  fyghte, 

And  over-ride  mony  a  manly  londe, 

As  men  of  Armes  hardy  and  wighte. 

The  Sowdan  seyinge  this  myschief, 

How  Charles  hade  him  a-greved, 

That  grevaunce  was  him  no  thinge  lese,^ 

He  was  ful  sore  ameved. 

He  sente  oute  his  bassatoures 

To  Eealmes,  provynces  ferr*  and  ner*, 

To  Townes,  Citeis,  Castels  and  Tours, 

To  come  to  him  ther"  he  were, 

To  Inde  Maior  and  to  Assye, 

To  Ascoloyne,  Venys,  Frige  and  Ethiope, 

To  Nubye,  Tiu'kye  and  Barbarye, 

To  Macedoine,  Bulgai-'  and  to  Europe. 

Alle  these  people  was  gadred  to  Agremore, 

Thre  hundred  thousand  of  Sarsyns  felle, 

Some  bloo,  some  yolowe,  some  blake  as  more, 

Some  horible  and  stronge  as  devel  of  helle. 

He  made  hem  dvinke  Wilde  beestes  bloode, 

Of  Tigre,  Antilope  and  of  Camalyoii, 

As  is  here  vse  to  egre  here  mode, 

Whan  fai  in  werre  to  battayle  goon. 

He  saide  to  hem  "  my  frendes  dei^. 

As  my  trust  is  alle  in  you, 

'  Head:  'lefe.' 


Tlie  somlan  was 
you    conqueror; 


Ferumbras  and 


984 


Lukafer  vvronglit 


988 


wonilers  witli 
tlieir  hands. 


992 


996 


The  soudan  sent 
for  his  vassals. 


1000 


and  assembled 
more  than  300,000 
1004    Saracens 

at  Agremore. 


[leaf  25] 


1008 


1012 


IXe  addressed 
them  in  order 


30 


THE    SARACENS    SACUIFICE    TO    THEIH    GODS. 


to  increase  their 
ardour, 


ordered  a  solemn 
saciifice  to  his 
gods. 


and  charged 
Ferumbras 


to  march  with 
80,000  of  his 
people 


against  the 
Christian  King, 
whom  he  wished 
to  teach  courtesy, 

[leaf  26] 
and  to  slay 
all  his  men 
except  Roland 
and  Olive  , 


On  tliese  Frenche  dogges,  that  bene  here, 

Ye  moste  avenge  me  no  we. 

Thai  have  done  me  vilanye, 

]\Iikille  of  my  people  have  thay  slayn. 

And  yet  more-over  thay  manace  me 

And  drive  me  to  my  contrey  agayn ; 

Wlierefore  I  wole  at  the  bygynnynge 

To  Mahounde  and  to  my  goddis  alle 

Make  a  solempne  offerynge  ; 

The  better  shall  it  vs  byfalle. 

The  laste  tyme  thai  were  "wrotlie, 

We  hade  not  done  oure  dute. 

Therefore  to  saye  the  southe  "  .... 

There  were  many  hornys  bio  we, 

The  preestes  senden  thikke  I-nowe 

Goolde,  and  silver  thikke  thai  throwe, 

"With  noyse  and  crye  thai  beestes  slowe, 

And  thought  to  spede  Avel  I-nowe  ; 

And  every  man  his  vowe  he  made 

To  venge  the  Sowdan  of  his  tene. 

Here  goddis  of  golde  thai  wex  alle  fade. 

The  smoke  so  grete  was  hem  bitwene. 

Whan  alle  was  done,  the  Sowdan  than 

Charged  Ferumbras  redy  to  be 

On  the  morowe,  ere  day  began, 

To  ride  oute  of  fat  Cite 

With  xxx"  thousande  of  Assiens, 

Frigys,  Paens  and  Ascoloynes, 

Turkis,  Indeis  and  Venysyens, 

Barbarens,  Ethiopes  and  JMacidoynes, 

"  Bringe  him  to  me,  that  proude  kiiige ; 

I  shal  him  teche  curtesye, 

Loke  that  thou  leve  for  nothinge 

To  sle  alle  his  other  maj'^ne, 

Safe  Rouland  and  Olyuere, 

That  bene  of  grete  renowne, 


lOlG 


1020 


1024 


1028 


1032 


1036 


1040 


1044 


1048 


FERUMBRAS   CHALLENGES    6   CHRISTIAN    KNIGHTS   TO   SINGLE   COMBAT.    31 


If  thai  wole  reneye  her^  goddis  thei'' 
And  leven  on  myghty  Mahouiide." 

FErumbras  with  grete  araye 
Rode  forthe,  Mahounde  him  spede, 
Tille  he  came  ny^e  ther'  Charles  lay 
By  syde  in  a  grene  mede.  j 

In  a  woode  he  buskede  his  men 
Prively  that  same  tyde, 
And  with  his  felowes  noon  but  ten 
To  kinge  Charles  he  gan  ride 
And  said  "  sir*  kinge,  that  Arte  so  kene, 
Upon  trwes  I  come  .to  speke  with  tlie, 
If  thou  be  curteis,  as  I  wene, 
Thou  wolte  graunte  a  bone  to  me, 
That  I  mighte  fight  vppofi  this  grene, 
"With  Eouland,  Olyvere  and  Gye, 
Duke  Neymes  and  Oger*  I  mene. 
Ye  and  Duke  Eicharde  of  l^ormandye, 
"With  al  sex  attones  to  fight. 
My  body  I  profr"  here  to  the 
And  requyre  the,  kinge,  thou)  do  me  right. 
As  thou  art  gentille  Lord  and  fre ; 
And  if  I  may  conquere  hem  in  fere, 
To  lede  them  home  to  my  Faderis  haUe ; 
And  if  thai  me,  I  graunte  the  here, 
To  be  thy  man,  body  and  alle. 
The  kinge  Answered  with  word?s  mylde 
And  saide  "  felowe,  pat  nedith  nought, 
I  shaUe  fynde  of  myfi  a  Childe, 
That  shal  the  fynde  that  thou  hast  sought." 
The  kinge  lete  caUe  Sir  Eoulande 
And  saide  "  thou  most  with  this  man  fight, 
To  take  this  bataile  here  on  honde, 
Ther-to  God  gyfe  the  grace  and  myghte  !  " 
Eoulande  answered  with  woordis  boolde 
And  saide  "  Sir,  have  me  excused'  !  " 


1052 


1056 


if  tliey  would 
renounce  their 
gods. 

Ferumbraa  led 
out  his  troops  ; 


until  arriving 
near  Charles's 
camp,  he  ordered 

them 

to  halt  in  a  wood. 


and  advanced 
with  only  ten  of 
his  men  to  the 
carup  of 
Charlemagne, 


lOGO 


1064 


and  offered  him 
to  fifflit  at  once 
against 

Roland,  Oliver, 
Guy,  Duke 
Naymes,  Ogier 
the  Dane,  and 
Richard  of 
Normandy. 


1068 


1072 


1076 


If  he  should 
conquer  thorn,  ho 
would  lead  tliem 
away  to  his 
father's  hall ; 
if  he  should  bo 
conquered, 
he  would  be  his 
man. 


The  king  sent 
for  Roland  and 
lOoO    ordered  him  to 
undertake  the 
combat. 


Roland  refuses. 


1084 


32 


ROLAND   UEFUSES   TO    UNDERTAKE   THE    COMBAT. 


becAuso  Charles 

Imd  praised  the 

[leaf  27] 
oM  knights. 


"  Jlay  they  show 

their  valour 

now." 

Cliarles,  vexed, 

smites  K.ilaiid  on 

the  mcmtli, 

EG  tliat  tlie  blood 

springs  from  his 

nose,    . 

and  he  calls  him  a 

traitor. 


Roland  draws  liis 
sword. 


but  the  other 
barons  separate 
them 


and  try  to  con- 
ciliate them. 


Meanwliile  Oliver, 
who,  being  sorely 
womided,  kept  his 
bed,  on  hearing 
of  this  dispute, 
liad  armed  him- 
self and  went  to 
Cliarles. 

He  reminds  hiin 
of  liis  long 
services,  and 
demands  the 
battle. 


Charles  remon- 
strates with  him. 


But  Oliver 
insists. 


Ho  saide,  certeynly  he  ue  wolde  ; 

The  bataile  vttirly  he  refused. 

"  The  laste  day  ye  preised  faste 

The  ooldc  knightes  of  hei'^  worthynes.  1 088 

Let  hem  goon  forth,  I  haue  no  haste, 

Thai  may  goo  shewen  her*  prowes." 

For  that  worde  the  kinge  was  wrothe 

And  smote  him  on  the  mouthe  on  hye,  1092 

The  bloode  at  his  nose  oute-goth, 

And  saide  "  traitowr,  thou  shalte  a-bye." 

"  A-bye"  quud  Koulande  "  wole  I  noughte. 

And  traitoz<r  was  I  never  none,  109G 

By  pat  lord,  Jtat  me  dere  hath  bought !  " 

And  braide  oute  Durnedale  pev'  anone. 

Ho  wolde  haue  smyten  the  kinge  thei-', 

Ne  hadde  the  barons  ronne  bytwene  ;  1100 

The  kinge  with-drowe  him  for  fei'' 

And  passed  home  as  it  myght  beste  bene. 

The  Barons  made  hem  at  one 

With  grete  prayer"  and  instaunce,  1104 

As  every  wrath  moste  over-gone. 

Of  the  more  myschiefe  to  make  voydaunce. 

Olyuere  herde  telle  of  this. 

That  in  his  bedde  laye  seke  sore.  1108 

He  armede  him  ful  sone  I-wisse, 

And  to  the  kinge  he  wente  withoute  more 

And  saide  "  Sir  Kinge,  a  bone  graunte  me 

For  aUe  the  servyse,  that  I  haue  dune,  1112 

To  fight  with  pat  kinge  so  free 

To  morue  day,  ere  it  be  none." 

Charles  answered  to  Olyuer*  : 

"Thou  arte  seke  and  woundede  sure,  lllG 

And  thou  also  my  cosyn  dere, 

Tlierfore  speke  thereof  no  more." — 

"  Sir  Kinge  "  he  saide  "  I  am  alle  hoole, 

I  aske  you  this  bone  in  goddis  name."  1120 


OLIVER    GOES    TO    FIGHT    WITH    FERUMBRAS. 


33 


"Certes"  he  saide  "  I  lioldc  the  a  fole, 

But  I  praye,  god  sheelde  the  fro  shame." 

Forth  he  rideth  in  that  Forest, 

Tille  he  gan  Ferumbras  see,  1124 

Where  he  was  light  and  toke  his  rest, 

His  stede  renewed  til  a  grene  tre. 

" Sir"  he  saide  "reste  thou)  wele  ! 

Kinge  Charles  sente  me  hidui-*.  1128 

If  thou  be  curteys  knighte  and  lele, 

Eise  vp  and  let  vs  fight  to-geder." 

Ferumbras  sate  stille  and  loudi. 

Him  liste  not  to  rise  oute  of  the  place. 

"  My  felowe  "  qiiod  he  "  what  arte  thou  I 

Telle  me  thy  name  for  goddis  grace." 

"  Sir  "  he  saide  "  Generyse, 

A  yonge  knighte  late  dobbet  newe." 

"  By  Mahounde  "  qitod  he  "  thou  arte  not  wyse, 

For  thy  comyng  shaltowe  sore  rewe, 

I  holde  Charles  but  a  foole 

To  sonde  the  hider*  to  me,  1140 

I  shaU  the  lerne  a  newe  scole, 

If  thoue  so  hardy  to  fighte  bo. 

I  wende,  he  wolde  haue  sende  Eoulande, 

Olyuei-'  and  iiij  mo  Dosyperys,  1144 

That  hade  bene  myghty  men  of  honde 

Bataile  to  a-bide  stronge  and  fiers. 

With  the  me  liste  no  playe  begynne. 

Ride  agayii  and  saye  him  soo  !  1148 

Of  the  may  I  no  worshype  wynne, 

Though  I  slough  the  and  such  V  mo." 

"  Howe  longe"  qnod  Olyuei-'  "wiltowe  plete? 

Take  thyn  armes  and  come  to  me,  1152 

Ajid  prove  fat  thou  saiest  in  dede, 

For  boost  thou  blowest,  and  fenkes^  me." 

Whan  Ferumbras  herde  him  speke  so  wcl, 

'  Head :  '  as  thenketh.' 
OHARL.  ROM.  V.  D 


Oliver  ritlos  to  tlio 
forest, 
and  finds 
Ferumbras 
alighted  under  a 
tree,  to  a  branch 
of  wliich  his 
steed  was  tied. 


"Arise,"  he  said, 
"  I  am  come  to 
fight  with  thee." 
[leaf  28] 


Ferumbras, 
without  moving, 
1132    demands  his 
name. 


"  I  am  Generys,' 
says  Oliver,  "a 
oG    young  kniKlit 
lately  dubbed." 


Fenimliras 
observes, 
"Cliarlcs  is  a 
fool  to  send  thee. 


Go  and  tell  him  to 
send  me  Roland 
and  Oliver,  and 
such  four  other 
douzepeers. 
For  little  honour 
were  it  to  me  to 
fight  with  tlioe." 
"  Spare  thy 
words,"  says 
Oliver,  "  and  take 
thy  arms." 


34 


OLIVER    LAYS    HOLD    OF    THE    BOTTLES    OF    BALM, 


Feiumbi'as  is 
wrath  and  seizes 
his  lieliuct, 


which  Oliver 
assists  him  to 
lace. 

Fornmbras 
thanks  him, 
courteously 
bowing  to  him. 
Tliey  mount  their 
steeds. 


rush  together 
like  fire  of 

[leaf  29] 
thunder,  and 
have  their  lances 
broken. 


They  draw  tlieir 
swords. 


Ferumbras  smites 
Oliver  on  his 

helmet 


RO  that  the 
fire  flies. 
Oliver  strikes  at 
the  head  of 
Ferumbras, 

breaks  away  the 
circle  of  liis 
helmet, 

and  the  sword 
glancing  off  down 
his  back,  he 

cuts  off  two 
bottles  of  balm, 


He  caught  his  hehne  in  grete  Ire, 
That  wroght  was  of  goode  fyne  stele 
With  Perlis  pight,  Hubeis  and  Saphire. 
Olyuer*  halpe  him  it  to  onlase  ; 
Gilte  it  was  alio  abowte. 
Ferumbras  Ranked  him  of  his  grace 
And  curteisly  to  him  gan  lowte. 
Thai  worthed  vp  on  here  stedes, 
To  luste  thai  made  hem  preest, 
Of  Armes  to  shewe  her*  myghty  dedis 
Thai  layden  here  speres  in  a-reeste, 
To-geder  thai  ro?inen  as  fire  of  thonder*, 
That  both  here  Launces  to-braste. 
That  they  seteii,  it  was  grete  wonder  ; 
So  harde  it  was,  f)at  thay  gan  thresto. 
Tho  drowefi  thai  oute  here  swordes  kene 
And  smyten  to-geder  by  one  assente. 
There  thai  hittefi,  it  was  wele  sene  ; 
To  sle  eche  other  was  here  entente. 
Syr  Ferumbras  smote  Olyuei'' 
Vppon  the  helme  righte  on  hye 
With  his  swerde  of  metel  cler', 
That  the  fyre  he  made  oute-flye. 
Olyuer'  him  hitte  agayn  vpoii  the  hede 

^  the  hede  than  fulle  sore, 
He  carfe  awaye  with  myght  and  mayue 
The  cercle,  that  sate  vppon  his  crown. 
The  stroke  glode  down  by  his  bake, 
The  Arson  he  smot  ther  awaye 
And  the  botelle.s  of  bawme  withoute  lake, 
That  uppone  the  grene  ther  thai  laye, 
That  were  trussed  by-hynde  him  faste. 
Tho  Ferumbras  was  fuU  woo  ; 
Olyuer'  light  adowii  in  haste, 
The  botellis  he  seased  both  two, 

'  Blank  in  3IS.     See  the  note. 


1156 


IIGO 


1104 


11G8 


1172 


1176 


1180 


1184 


1188 


I 
I 


THROWS    THEM    INTO    THE    RIVEK,    BUT    HAS    HIS    HORSE    KILLED.    35 


Hg  threwe  hem  iiito  tlie  Eivor  than 

As  ferr'  as  he  myghte  thro  we.  1192 

"  Alas  "  quod.  Femmbras  "  what  doistowe/  manne  1 

Thou  art  wocle,  as  I  trowe. 

Thai  were  worth  an  C  m\  pouncle 

To  a  man,  pat  were  wounded  sore.  1196 

Ther  was  no  p?'ecioso?<?*  thinge  vppon  grounde, 

That  myghte  helpe  a  man  more. 

Thou  shalt  abye  by  Mahounde, 

That  is  a  man  of  myghtes  moost.  1200 

I  shall  breke  both  bake  and  crown 

And  sle  the,  ther  .thou  goist," 

Tho  Olyuei"*  worth  vp  agayii, 

His  swerde  he  hade  oute  I-drawe.        -  1204 

Ferumbras  him  smote  with  mayne 

And  mente  to  haue  him  slawe. 

He  smote  as  doth  the  dinte  of  fondir ; 

It  glased  down  by  his  sheelde  ■  1208 

And  carfe  his  stedes  neke  a-sonder, 

That  dede  he  fille  in  the  felde. 

Wightly  Olyuei""  vp-sterte 

As  Bacheler,  doughti  of  dede,  -  1212 

With  swerde  in  honde  him  for  to  hirte 

Or  Ferumbras  goode  stede. 

That  Ferumbras  aspied  welle, 

He  rode  a-waye  than  ful  faste  121G 

And  tiede  him  to  a  grene  hasel, 

And  come  ayen  to  him  in  haste 

And  saide  "nowe  yelde  the  to  me  ! 

Thou  maiste  not  longe  endure  ;  1220 

And  leve  on  Mahounde,  Jjat  is  so  dei'',^ 

And  thy  life  I  shalle  the  ensure.^ 

Thou  shalt  be  a  Duke  in  my  conti'', 

And  men  haue  at  thyii  oweii  wille.  ■      1221 

To  my  Sustir  shaltowe  wedded  be, 

'  3IS.  deistowe,         *  Head  :  '  free.'         '  31 S.  ensuce. 

D  2 


which  he  throws 
into  the  river. 


Ferumbras  tells 
him  that  tliey 
were  invaluable 
to  a  wounded 
man,  and  that  ho 


should  atone 

for  their  loss  with 

his  life. 


He  strikes  at 
Oliver,  who 
wards  off  tlie 
blow  with  his 
shield,  but  his 
steed  is  Idlled 
under  him. 

[leaf  30] 


Oliver  quickly 
starts  up  and 
tries  to  kill  his 
adversary's  horse, 


but  Ferumbras 
rides  off 
and  ties  it  to  a 
hazel. 


"Vield  Hiyaolfto 
me,"  saj's 
Ferumbras ; 

"  believe  on 
Maliound,  and  I 


will 

make  thee  a 
duke  in  my 
country 
and  give  thoo 
my  sister." 


3G 


THEY    TAKE    BREATH.       OLIVER   DECLARES    HIS    NAME. 


"  Eic  I  yield  to 
llicc,"  answered 
Oliver,  "  thou 
slialt  feel  my 
strokes." 

They  fight  for  a 

considerable 

time 


the  Wood  ran 
from  both  their 
bodies.    By 
mutual  consent 
they  stop  to  take 
breath. 


Ferumbras  asks 
Oliver 
again  his 
name  and  kin. 


"  Thou  must  be 
one  of  the  douze- 
peers,  as  thou 
fightest  so  well." 


"  I  am  Oliver, 
cousin  to 
Charlemagne." 
Deaf  81] 


"  Thou  art 
welcome  here," 
says  Ferumbras ; 


"thou  Blewest  my 
uncle. 


It  wurc  pite  the  for  to  spillc  !  " 

"  "Better  "  quod  Olyuei'^  "  shul  we  dele, 

By  God  that  is  in  magiste,  1228 

And  of  my  strokes  shaltow  more  fele, 

Er  I  to  the  shalle  yelde  me." 

Thai  smeten  togedcr  witB  egre  mode, 

And  nathir  of  othire  dradde ;  1232 

Thai  persed  her*  hauberkes,  that  were  so  goode, 

Tille  both  thayr  bodyes  bladde. 

Thay  foiighteii  soo  longe,  jjat  by  assente 

Thai  drewe  hem  a  litil  bysyde,  1236 

A  litil  while  thaym  to  avente, 

And  refresshed  hem  at  jjat  tydo. 

"Generis"  qiwd  Ferumbras, 

"As  thou  arte  here  gentil  knighte,  1240 

Telle  me  nowe  here  in  this  place 

Of  thy  kyii  and  what  thou)  hight ; 

Me  thenkith  by  the  now  evermore, 

Thou  shuldist  be  one  of  the  xij  peris,  1244 

That  maiste  fighte  with  me  so  sore, 

And  arte  so  stronge,  worthy  and  fiers." 

Olyuere  answered  to  hym  agayfi : 

"  For  fei''  I  leve  it  not  ontoolde,  1248 

My  name  is  Olyuere  certayn, 

Cousyn  to  kynge  Charles  the  boolde, 

To  whonie  I  shalle  the  sende 

Qwikke  or  dede  this  same  daye,  1252 

By  conqueste  here  in  this  feelde, 

And  make  the  to  renye  thy  laye." 

"  0  "  qiiod  Ferumbras  thaii  to  Olyuer", 

"  Welcome  thou)  arte  in-to  this  place,  1256 

I  have  desyrede  many  a  yere 

To  gyfe  the  harde  grace. 

Thou  slough  myu  uncle  Sir  Persagyuc, 

The  doughty  kinge  of  Italye,  1260 

The  worthyeste  kinge  fat  lyued  of  men, 


OLIVER    RECEIVES    A    HEAVY    BLOW.  37 

By  Maliouiide,  thou  shalt  abye  !  "  now  tnou  shait 

pay  tlie 

The  thai  dongen  faste  to-gedei'  penalty  i " 

Wliile  the  longe  day  endured,  1204  The  fight 

continued  the 

]N"owe  hither'  and  nowe  thider* ;  whole  day. 

Fro  strokes  wyth  sheekles  here  bodies  fai  couered. 

And  at  the  laste  Olyuei''  smote  him  so  At  last  Oliver, 

smitins 

Vppofi  the  helme,  fat  was  of  stele,  1268  Ferumbras  upon 

„^,      ,    ,  .  Ill-,  '''18  helmet,  has 

ihat  his  swerde  brake  m  two,  hisswoi-a 

Tho  wepen  had  he  nevere  a  dele. 

Who  was  woo  but  Olyuere  than  1 

He  saugh  noone  other  remedy.  1272 

He  saide  "  sir*,  as'  thou)  arte  gentile  man. 

On  me  nowe  here  haue  mercy. 

It  were  grete  shame  I-wis, 

And  honur*  were  it  noon,  1276 

To  sle  a  man  wepenles  ; 

That  shame  wolde  never*  goon." 

"  Nay  traitoM?',  thou  getiste  noon. 

Hade  I  here  an  hundred  and  moo  !  1280 

Knele  down  and  yelde  the  hero  anoon. 

And  eles  here  I  woole  the  sloo." 

Olyuer*  saugh,  it  wolde  not  be. 

To  truste  to  moch  in  his  grace.  1284 

He  ranne  to  the  stede,  fat  stode  by  the  tre,  He  ran  to  the 

steed  at  the  tree 

A  swerde  he  raught  in  fat  place,  and  seized  a 

sword  that  was 

That  was  trussed  on  lerumbras  stede,  hanging  there; 

Of  fyne  stele  goode  and  stronge.  1288 

He  thought  he  quy te  ^  Ferumbras  his  mede. 

Almoost  hadde  he  abyde  to  longe ; 

For  in  turnynge  Ferumbras  him  smote,  [ieafs2] 

That  stroke  he  myghte  welle  fele,  1292  Ferumbras  he 

T,  1  1  111  received  a  blow 

It  come  on  iiym  so  hevy  and  hoote, 

That  down  it  made  hym  to  knele.  that  made  him 

kneel  down. 

Tho  was  Olyuei''  sore  ashamede 

And  saide  "  thou  cursed  Sarasyne,  1296 

"  See  the  note. 


38 


CHARLES    PRAYS    TO    GOD. 


But  Oliver 
letiinis  liim 
fearful  stroke. 

Charles,  seeing 
Oliver  on  his 
kuees, 


prayed  to  Christ 


that  he  might 
grant  the  victory 
over  the  Pagan. 


An  angel 
announces  liini. 


that  his  prayer 
was  heard. 


Charles  thanks 
God. 


[leaf  83] 


Thy  proude  pride  shall  be  atamcd, 
By  God  and  by  seinte  Qwyntyno. 
Thou  hast  stole  on  me  that  dyntc, 
I  shall  quytc  the  thyfi  hire."  1300 

A  stroke  than  Olyuei-'  him  lente, 
That  hym  thought  his  eyeii  wer*  on  i\v'. 
Kinge  Charles  in  his  pavilon  was 

And  loked  towarde  pat  fyghte  1304 

And  saugh,  howe  fiers  Ferumbras 
Made  Olyuere  knele  down  right. 
Wo  was  him  tho  in  his  herte ; 

To  Ihesu  Criste  he  made  his  mone  ;  1308 

It  was  a  sight  of  peynes  smerte, 
That  Olyuere  kneled  so  sone  : 
"  0  Lord,  God  in  Trinite, 

That  of  myghtis  thou)  arte  moost,  1312 

By  vertue  of  thy  maieste 
That  alle  knoweste  and  woste, 
Lete  not  this  hethen  man 

Thy  seriiawnte  ouercome  in  fyght,  131G 

That  on  the  bileve  ne  kan, 
Ihesu,  liOrde,  for  thy  myghte ! 
But  graunte  thy  man  the  victory e, 
And  the  Paynym  skomfited  to  be,  1320 

As  thou  arte  Alrayghty  God  of  gloryo  ! 
Nowe  mekely,  Lorde,  I  pray  to  the." 
To  Charles  anoone  an  Aungel  came 
And  broght  him  tidingges  sone,  1324 

That  God  had  herde  his  praier"  than 
And  graunte  him  his  bone. 
Tho  Charles  thanked  God  aboue^ 
With  herte  and  thought,  worde  and  dede,  1328 

And  saide  "  blessed  be  thou),  lorde  almyghty,i 
That  helpiste  thy  seruawnte  in  nede." 
These  Champions  to-gedir  thai  gone 
' — '  See  the  note. 


FBRUMBRAS    BEING    WOUNDED    CRIES    MERCY. 


39 


"VVitli  strokes  grete  and  eke  sure, 

Eclie  of  hem  donge  otliir  on, 

AUe  the  while  thai  myghte  eudiii-', 

Ferumbras  brake  his  swerde 

On  Olyueris  helme  on  hye. 

Tho  wexe  he  ful  sore  a-ferde  ; 

He  ranne  for  an  othir  redyly 

And  saide  "  Olyuere,  yelde  the  to  me 

And  leve  thy  Cristefi  laye. 

Thou  shalte  have  alle^  my  kingdomo  free 

And  alle  aftir  my  daye." 

"  Fye,  Saresyne  "  quod  Olyuere  than, 

"  Trowest  thou,  that  I  were  wode, 

To  forsake  him,  fat  made  me  mail 

And  boght  me  with  his  hert  blode." 

He  raught  a  stroke  to  Ferumbras, 

On  his  helme  it  gan  down  glyde, 

It  brast  his  hawberke  at  fat  ras 

And  carfe  hym  throughe-oute  his  syde, 

His  bare  guttis  men  myght  see  ; 

The  blode  faste  down  ranne. 

"  Hoo,  Olyvere,  I  yelde  me  to  the, 

And  here  I  become  thy  man. 

I  am  so  hurte,  I  may  not  stonde, 

I  put  me  alle  in  thy  grace. 

My  goddis  ben  false  by  water  and  londo, 

I  reneye  hem  alle  here  in  this  place,^ 

Baptised  nowe  wole  I  be. 

To  Ihesn  Crist  I  wole  me  take, 

That  Charles  the  kinge  shal  sene,^ 

And  alle  my  goddes  for-sake. 

Take  myn  hawberke  and  do  it  on  the, 

Thou  shalte  haue  fuH  grete  nede. 


1332 


Tlioy  begin 
again. 


1336 


1340 


Ferumbras 
breaks  his  sword 
on  Oliver's 
helmet. 

He  runs  for 
another  and  asks 
Oliver  to  sur- 
render. 


1344 


But  Oliver 
aims  at 
lo48    Ferumbras  a 

blow  which  cuts 
his  hauberk,  so 


1352 


1356 


that  Ills  bowels 
are  laid  bare. 


Ferumbras 
implores  his 
mercy,  and 


consents  to  be 
christened,  his 
gods  having 
proved  false. 


1360 


He  requested 
1304    hauberk,  to 


'  Prohably  an  error  for  'half.' 

'  In  the  iiuirgin  the  Scribe  adds  : — 'The  merci  Ladi  helpe.' 

*  See  the  note. 


40 


THE    SARACENS    RUSH    OUT    OF    THE    WOOD. 


fotch  his  horse. 


and  to  carry  him 
to  his  own  tent, 
[leaf  SI] 


But  the  Saracens, 
who  lay  concealed 
in  the  wood,  rusli 
out. 


Oliver,  being 
surrounded,  sets 


down  Ferumbras 
under  an  olive- 
tree,  and  defends 
himself 
with  his  sword, 


dealing  the 
Saracens  many  a 
hard  blow. 


Tlien  Roland 
rnslied  into  the 
throng  of  the 
enemy  and  slew 
many; 


X  tliousande  Saresyns  waiten  vppou  mo, 

And  tlierforo  go  take  my  stede. 

Lay  me  to-fore  the,  I  the  praye, 

And  lede  me  to  thy  tonte.  13G8 

Hye  the  faste  forth  in  thy  way, 

That  the  Saresyns  the  not  hente." 

A-nooii  it  was  done,  as  he  ordeynode, 

And  faste  forth  thai  ryden.^  1372 

The  Saresyns  anone  assembled, 

For  to  haue  with  hem  foghten. 

Ferumhras  saugh  the  feelde  there 

Of  Sarsynes  fidly  filled  ;  1376 

Of  Olyvere  dradde  he  ful  sore. 

That  Saresyns  shulde  him  hane  killed. 

He  praide,  that  he  wolde  let  him  down 

"  Vndir  yonde  Olyfe  tree,  1380 

For  if  ye  cast  me  down  here,  with  hors  shooil  ^ 

AUe  to-treden  shalle  1  be." 

He  priked  forth  and  layde  him  thar',2 

Out  of  the  horses  trase,  1384 

And  with  his  swerde  by-gan  him  wei"*, 

For  amonge  hem  alle  he  was. 

A  Saresyn  smote  him  with  a  spere, 

That  it  brake  on  pecis  thro  ;  1388 

His  hauberke  myght  he  not  dei-*, 

So  stronge  and  welle  I-wroght  was  ho. 

He  hit  pat  Saresyns  with  his  swerde 

Through  the  helme  in-to  the  brayne.  1392 

He  made  an  other  as  sore  aferde, 

He  smote  of  his  Arme  with  mayne. 

But  than  come  Eoulande  ■with  Durnedale 

And  made  way  him  a-bowte.  1396 

He  slowe  hem  down  in.  the  vale, 

Of  him  hade  thai  grete  dowte. 

The  prees  of  Saresyns  was  so  stronge 

'  Read :  '  soghten.'  * — *  See  the  note. 


ROLAND    AND    OLIVER    ARE    MADE    CAPTIVES. 


41 


A-boute  Eoulancle  that  tyde. 

Thai  sloughefi  his  horsys  with  thronge, 

And  dartis  throweii  on  every  syde. 

Whan  Eoulande  was  on  his  Fete, 

Than  was  he  woo  with-alle.        ( 

Many  of  hem  he  f elte  yete 

And  dede  to  grounde  made  hem  falle. 

At  the  last  his  swerde  brake, 

Than  hadde  he  wepyn  noon, 

As  he  smote  a  Saresyns  bake 

A-sundre  down  to  the  Arson. 

Tho  was  he  caught,,  he  myght  not  flee, 

His  hondes  thai  bounden  faste 

And  lad  him  forth  to  here  Cite, 

And  in  depe  prison  they  hem  caste. 

Olyuer^  sawe,  howe  he  was  ladde, 

A  sorye  man  than  was  he ; 

Him  hadde  leuer  to  haue  bene  dede 

Than  suffren  that  myschief  to  be. 

Smertly  aftire  he  pursued  tho, 

To  reskue  his  dere  brother. 

The  prees  was  so  grete,  he  myghte  not  so. 

It  myghte  be  no  othir. 

Be  he  was  cowfe  ^  by  verr"  force 

With  LX  of  Astopartes.2 

Thai  hurte  him  foule  and  slough  his  hors 

With  gauylokes  and  wyth  dartis. 

Yet  on  foote,  ere  he  were  foolde, 

He  slough  of  hem  fiftene. 

He  was  not  slayfi,  as  god  woolde, 

But  taken  and  bounded  ^  with  tene. 

Tho  were  taken  to  Lucafei'', 

The  proude  kinge  of  Baldas, 

Both  Roulande  and  Olyuei''. 


1400 


his  horse  being 
killed  by  arrows 
and  darts, 

ho  fights  on  foot, 


1404 


1408 


but  lug  sword 
breaking, 

[leaf  35;] 


he  is  taken 


1412 


and  led  away. 


1416 


1420 


Oliver  rides 
to  rescue  him, 


1424 


but  his  horse 
being  also  killed. 


1428 


ho  is  overpowered 
and  bound. 
Both  were 
conducted  to 
1432    Lukafer  of 
Baldas. 


'  Read:  'cauglite.' 

^  Miswritten  for 


^  Ascopartcs. 
'  boundcre.' 


42 


CUAULES    FINDS   FliUUMliUAS. 


Charles  sees 

them, 

anil  culls  for  a 

rescue. 

Many  enemies 
were  slain, 

but  the  Saracens 
had  fled  witli 
their  prisoners, 
and  Cliarles  is 
obliged  to  turn 
back. 

Under  a  holm  tree 
they  find 
Ferumbras, 


[leaf  36] 


whom  he  is 
going  to  put  to 
death. 


But  on  his 
requesting  to  be 
baptized. 


Charles  took  pity 
with  him, 


Gladdc  was  he  of  that  cas. 

Kingo  Charles  was  in  herte  woo, 

"When  he  saughe  his  neuewes  so  ladde,  143Q 

He  cried  to  the  Frenslimeii  tho  : 

"  Eeskue  we  these  knyglites  at  node." 

The  kynge  himselfe  slough  many  one, 

So  dede  the  Barons  bolde.  1440 

It  wolde  not  bene,  thai  were  agon, 

!Magre  who  so  Avoolde. 

The  Saresyns  drewe  hem  to  here  Cite, 

Kinge  Charles  turned  agayne.  1444 

He  saugh  under  an  holme  tre. 

Where  a  knight  him  semed  lay  slayn. 

Thederward  he  rode  with  SAverde  in  honde. 

Tho  he  saugh,  he  was  alyve  ;  1448 

He  lay  walowynge  vppon  the  sonde 

With  blody  woundes  fyve. 

"  What  arte  thow  1 "  quod  Charlemayne, 

"  Who  hath  the  hurte  so  sore  ? "  1452 

"  I  am  Ferumbras  "  he  saide  certayn, 

'*  That  am  of  hetheii  lore." 

"  0  fals  Saresyn  "  quod  the  kinge, 

"  Thou  shalte  have  sorowe  astyte  ;  1456 

By  the  I  haue  lost  my  two  Cosynes, 

Thyn  hede  shalle  I  of-smj^te." 

"  0  gentil  kinge  "  quod  Ferumbrase, 

"  Olyuere  my  maister  me  hight  1460 

To  be  Baptised  by  goddis  grace, 

And  to  dyeii  a  Cristen  knighte. 

Honui''  were  it  noon  to  the 

A  discoumfite  man  to  slo,  1464 

That  is  conuerted  and  Baptized  wolde  be 

And  thy  man  bycomen  also." 

The  kinge  hade  pite  of  him  than, 

He  toke  him  to  his  grace  1468 

And  assyned  anoon  a  man 


ROLAND  AND  OLIVER  ARE  BROUGHT  TO  THE  SOUDAN. 


43 


To  lede  him  to  his  place. 

He  sende  to  him  his  surgyne 

To  hele  his  woundes  wyde.  1472 

He  ordeyned  to  him  such  medycyii, 

That  sone  myght  he  go  and  ryde. 

The  kinge  commaunded  bishope  Turpyn 

To  make  a  fonte  redye, 

To  Baptise  Feriimbras  ferin 

In  the  name  of  god  Almyghtye. 

He  was  Cristened  in  jjat  welle, 

Floreyne  the  kinge  alle  him  calle, 

He  forsoke  the  foule  feende  of  helle 

And  his  fals  goddis  alle. 

JSTought  for  than  Ferumbras 

Alle  his  life  cleped  was  he. 

And  aftirwarde  in  so??ime  place, 

Floreyne  of  Rome  Cite. 

God  for  him  many  myracles  shewect, 

So  holy  a  man  he  by -came, 

That  witnessith  both  lerned  and  lewde, 

-The  fame  of  him  so  ranne. 

"T^'^Owe  for  to  telle  of  Eoulande 

V    And  of  Olyuere,  that  worthy  wos,i 
--L 1  Howe  thai  were  brought  to  y  Sowdafl 
By  the  kinge  of  Boldas. 
The  Sowdan  hem  sore  affrayned, 
What  ])at  here  names  were. 
Eouland  saide  and  noght  alayned  : 
*'  Syr  Eoulande  and  sire  Olyuere, 
Nevewes  to  Kinge  Charles  of  Fraunce, 
That  worthy  kinge  and  Emperoure,  1500 

That  nowe  are  takyn  by  myschaunce 
To  be  prisoneres  here  in  thy  toure." 
"  A,  Olyuei'',  arte  thou  here  1  . 
That  haste  my  sone  distroyede,  1504 


led  him  to  his 
tent,  and  ordered 
a  surgeon  to 
attend  him. 


He  soon 
recovered, 


1476 


and  bishop  Turpin 
baptised  him, 
1480    by  tlie  name  of 
Floreyn. 


But  he  continued 
to  be  called 
1484    Ferumbras  all  his 
Ufe. 

Afterwards  he 
was  known  as 
Floreyn  of  Rome 


1 488    on  account  of  his 
holiness. 


Roland  and 
Oliver  being 
1492    broushttothe 
Soudan,  Laban 
enquires  their 
names. 


149G 


They  confess 
tlieir  names. 


44 


ROLAND    AND    OLIVEU    ARE    IMPRISONED. 


The  Soudan 
swears  tlioy  shall 
hotli  be  executed 
the  next  morning 
before  his  dinner. 


But  Floripas 
advises  liini  to 
detain  them 
as  hostages,  and 


to  remember  his 

son  Fcranibras, 


for  whom  they 
might  be 
exchanged. 


The  Soudan  finds 
her  comisel  good, 


[leaf  38] 


and  orders  his 
gaoler  Bretomayn 
to  imprison 
them, 

but  to  leave  thcni 
without  food. 


And  Rouland  that  arte  his  fere, 
Tliat  so  ofte  me  hath  anoyed. 
To  Mahounde  I  make  a  vowe  here, 
That  to  morue,  ere  I  do  cte,  1508 

Ye  shuUe  be  slayn  both  qwik  in  fere, 
And  lives  shalle  ye  bothe  lete." 
Tho  saide  maide  Florepas  : 

"  My  fader  so  dereworth  and  der',  1512 

Yc  shulle  be  avysed  of  this  cas, 
How  and  in  what  manere 
]\Iy  brothir,  |)at  is  to  prison  take. 

May  be  delyuered  by  hem  nowe,  1516 

By  cause  of  these  two  knightes  sake, 
That  bene  in  warde  here  with  you). 
Wherefore  I  counsaile  you),  my  fader  dere, 
To  have  mynde  of  Sir  Ferumbras.  1520 

Pute  hem  in  youre  prison  here, 
Tille  ye  haue  better  space. 
So  that  ye  haue  my  brother  agayn 
For  hem,  Jjat  ye  haue  here  ;  1524 

And  certeyn  elles  wole  he  be  slayn, 
That  is  to  you  so  lefe  and  dere." 
"  A,  Floripp,  I-blessed  thou  bee, 

Thy  counsaile  is  goode  at  nede,  1528 

I  wolde  not  leve  my  sone  so  free, 
So  Mahounde  moost  me  spede, 
For  al  the  Realme  of  hethen  Spayne, 
That  is  so  brode  and  large.  1532 

Sone  clepe  forth  my  gaylo?w  Bretomayne, 
That  he  of  hem  hackle  his  charge, 
"  Caste  hem  in  your  prison  depe, 

Mete  and  drinke  gyfe  hem  none,  1536 

Chayne  hem  faste,  fat  thay  not  slepe  ; 
For  here  goode  dales  bene  a-gone." 
Tho  were  thay  cast  in  prison  depe^ ; 
'  Bead:  '  dirke.' 


FL0RIPA8    COMPASSIONATES    THEIR    SUFFERINGS. 


45 


Every  tyde  the  see  came  inne. 

Thay  myght  not  see,  so  was  it  myrke, 

The  watir  wente  to  her  chynne. 

The  salte  watir  hem  greved  sore, 

Here  woundis  sore  did  smerte. 

Hungir  and  thurste  greved  heme  yet  more, 

It  wente  yet  more  nere  here  herte. 

"Who  maye  live  withoute  mete  1 

vj  dayes  hadde  thay  right  none, 

Ner  drinke  that  thay  myght  gete, 

Bute  loked  vppon  the  harde  stone. 

So  on  a  daye,  as  God  it  wolde, 

Floripas  to  hir  garden  wente, 

To  geder  Floures  in  morne  colde. 

Here  maydyns  from  hir  she  sente, 

For  she  herde  grete  lamentacion 

In  the  Prison,  that  was  ther  nye  ; 

She  supposed  by  ymagynacion. 

That  it  was  the  prisoners  sory. 

She  wente  her*  neri^  to  here  more, 

Thay  wailed  for  defaute  of  mete. 

She  rued  on  hem  anooii  ful  sore. 

She  thought,  how  she  myght  hem  beste  it  gete. 

She  spake  to  her  Maistras  Maragounde, 

Howe  she  wolde  the  prisoneres  fede. 

The  develle  of  helle  hir  confounde, 

She  wolde  not  assente  to  pat  dede, 

But  saide  "  Damesel,  thou  arte  woode, 

Thy  Fadir  did  vs  aUe  defende, 

Both  mete  and  drinke  and  otliere  goode 

That  no  man  shulde  hem  thider  sende." 

Floripe  by-thought  hir  on  a  gyle 

And  cleped  Maragounde  anoon  riglit, 

To  the  wyndowe  to  come  a  while 

And  se  ther  a  wonder  syght  : 

"  Lokc  oute  "  she  saide  "  and  see  a  fori-' 


1540    At  high  tide  the 
Rea  filled  their 
deep  cells. 


1544 


They  suffered 
much  from  the 
salt  water,  from 
their  wounds,  and 
from  hunger. 


1548    On  tlio  sixth  d.iy, 


1552  Floripas,  who  was 
gathering  flowers 
in  her  garden, 


1556 


heard  them 
lament. 


1560 


1564 


1568 


1572 


Moved  to 
comijassion, 

she  asks  her 
governess  Mar.a- 
gound  to  help  her 
in  getting  food 
'for  the  prisoners. 

Maragound 
refuses,  and 
reminds  Floripas 
of  lier  father's 
command. 

[leaf  39] 


Floripas,  thinking 
of  a  trick, 
called  to  her 
governess  to  como 
to  a  window  and 


46 


FLORITAS    KILLS    THE    GAOLER. 


see  tlie  porpoises 
Bportinp  bciieatli. 
Marai^ouiid 
looking  out,  is 
pushed  into  tlie 
flood. 


Floripas  asks 
Bretomayn  to  lot 
her  see  the 
prisoners. 


The  gaoler 
threatened 
to  comijlain  to 
her  father. 


but  Floripas, 


having  seized  his 
key-clog, 

dashed  out  his 
brains. 


She  then  went  to 
tell  her  father, 
[leaf  40] 

she  had  surprised 
the  gaoler  feeding 
the  prisoners  and 


Tho  Porpais  pley  as  thay  were  wode."  1576 

Maragounde  lokedo  oute,  Floripo  come  nei-* 
And  shofed  hire  oute  in  to  the  flode. 
"  Go  there  "  she  saide  "  the  devel  the  spede  ! 
My  counsail  shaltowe  never  biwry.  1580 

Who  so  wole  not  helpe  a  mail  at  nede, 
On  evel  deth  mote  he  dye  !  " 
She  toke  with  hire  maidyns  two, 

To  Britomayne  she  wente  hir  waye  1584 

And  saide  to  him,  she  moste  go 
To  viseten  the  prisoneris  that  daye, 
And  saide  "  sir,  for  alle  loues, 

Lete  me  thy  prisoneres  seen.  1588 

I  wole  the  gife  both  goolde  and  gloues. 
And  counsail  shalle  it  beeii." 
Brytomayne  that  laylor  kene 

Answered  to  hir  sone  agayne  1592 

And  saide  "  Damesel,  so  mote  I  then, 
Than  were  I  worthy  to  be  slayfi. 
Hath  not  youre  Fader  charged  me, 
To  kepe  hem  froin  every  wyght  ?  *  1596 

And  yet  ye  wole  these  trayto?<rs  see  1 
I  wole  goo  telle  him  Anooii  right." 
He  gan  to  turne  him  anone  for  to  go, 
To  make  a  playnte  on  Floripas.  1600 

She  sued  him  as  faste  as  she  myghte  go, 
For  to  gif  him  harde  grace. 
With  the  keye  cloge,  fat  she  caught. 
With  goode  wille  she  maute^  than,  1604 

Such  a  stroke  she  hym  ther'  raught. 
The  brayne  sterte  oute  of  his  hede  f)an. 
To  hire  Fader  forth  she  goth 

And  saide  "  Sire,  I  telle  you  here,  1608 

I  saugh  a  sight,  that  was  me  loth, 
Howe  the  fals  lailowr  fedde  your  prisonei-', 
'  Mead :  '  mente.' 


THE    SOUDAN    GIVES    THE    PRISONERS    INTO    HER    GUARD. 


47 


And  how  the  covenf<?/nte  made  was, 

Whan  thai  shulde  delyuered  be  ; 

Wherefore  I  slough  him  with  a  mace, 

Dere  Fadir,  forgif  it  me  !  "         ; 

**  My  doghtir  dere,  that  arte  so  free,^ 

The  warde  of  hem  now  gif  I  the. 

Loke,  here  sorowe  be  evere  newe, 

TUle  that  Ferumbras  delyuered  be." 

She  thanked  her  Fadere  fele  sithe 

And  toke  her  maydyns,  and  forth  she  goth, 

To  the  prisone  she  hyed  hire  swyth. 

The  prison  dore  vp  she  dothe 

And  saide  "  sires,  what  be  ye, 

That  make  here  this  ruly  moone  ? 

What  you)  lakkith,  tellyth  me ; 

For  we  be  here  nowe  alle  alone." 

Tho  spake  Eoulande  with  hevy  chere 

To  Floripe,  that  was  bothe  gente  and  fre, 

And  saide  "  lo,  we  two  caytyfes  here 

For  defaute  of  mete  dede  moste  be. 

vj  dayes  be  comyn  and  goon, 

Sith  we  were  loked  in  prison  here, 

That  mete  nor  drinke  hade  we  nooii 

To  comforte  with  oure  hevy  cher*. 

But  woolde  god  of  myghtes  moost, 

The  Sowdoii  wolde  let  vs  oute  goon, 

We  to  fight  with  alle  his  Ooste, 

To  be  slayii  in  feelde  anoofi. 

To  murthir  men  for  defaute  of  mete, 

It  is  grete  shame  tille  a  kinge ; 

For  every  man  most  nedes  ete, 

Or  eUis  may  he  do  no  thinge." 

Tho  saide  Floripe  with  wordes  mylde, 

"  I  wolde  fayne,  ye  were  now  here, 

From  harme  skath''  I  wole  you  shelde, 

Read:  '  trew.'  *  Read:  '  liarnie  &  Kk.athe. 


1612 


promising  to 
deliver  them; 


wlieielbre  slie  Iiad 
slain  liim. 


1616  Tlie  Soudan  gives 
the  prisoners  into 
her  guard. 


1620    Slienow 

proceeded  to  the 
prison, 


1624 


asked  tlie 
prisoners  what 
they  wanted, 


1628 


1632 


1636 


1640 


1644    snd  promised  to 
protect  tliem 
from  any  liarm. 


is 


OHAULES    DKSrATCUKS    GUY    TO    THE    SOUDAN. 


She  let  down  a 
rope, 

[leaf  41] 

and  drew  up  both. 


and  led  them  to 
her  apartments. 


There  they  ate, 
took  a  bath, 

and  went  to  bed. 


The  Soudan  knew 
notliing  of  his 
prisoners  being 
in  Floripas' 
chamber. 


Meanwhile 
Charlemagne 


tells  Guy  that 

lie  must  go 

to  the  Soudan  to 


demand  the 

surrender  of 

Koland  and 

Oliver, 

and  of  the  relics 

of  Rome. 


Naymes  of 
Uavaria  repre- 
sents that  a 
messenger  to  the 
Soudun  should 


Ai\d  gife  you  meto  witli  right  godc  cliei"'." 

A  roj^e  to  hem  she  letc  do^A'n  goon, 

That  aboven  was  teyde  faste. 

She  and  hir  maydyns  drewe  ]jer  vppon, 

Tille  vp  thay  hadde  hem  at  the  last. 

She  led  hem  into  here  chambir  dere, 

That  arrayed  for  hem  was  right  wele, 

Both  Eoidande  and  Olyvere, 

And  gafe  hem  there  a  right  gode  mele. 

And  whan  thay  hadde  etefi  alle  her  fille, 

A  bath  for  hem  was  redy  there, 

Ther-to  thay  went  fid  fayre  and  stille, 

And  aftyr  to  bedde  with  right  gode  chei''. 

Now  Floripas  chamber  is  here  prisone, 

Withouteii  wetinge  of  the  Sowdon  ; 

Thai  were  ful  mery  in  that  Dongeon, 

For  of  hem  wiste  man  never  oone. 

N'ow  lete  we  hem  be  and  mery  make, 

Tille  god  sende  hem  gode  delyueraimce. 

Aftir  the  tyme,  fat  thay  were  take, 

What  did  Charles,  the  kinge  of  Fraunce, 

Ther-of  wole  we  speke  nowe, 

Howe  he  cleped  forth  Sir  Gy 

And  saide  "  on  my  message  shaltowe, 

Therfore  make  the  faste  redy, 

To  bidde  the  Sowdeii  sende  me  my  Nevewes  both 

And  the  Eeleqes  also  of  Eome  ; 

Or  I  shal  make  him  so  wroth, 

He  shall  not  wete  Avhat  to  done. 

And  by  J)at  god,  J»at  hath  me  wroght, 

I  shal  him  leve  Towre  ner  Town. 

This  bargaii  shal  so  dere  be  bought 

In  dispite  of  his  god  Mahomi." 

DUke  Neymes  of  Bauer'  vp  stert  than 
And  saide  "  Sir,  hastowe  no  mynde, 
How  the  cursed  Sowdail  Laban 


1648 


1G52 


1656 


1660 


1G64 


1668 


1672 


1676 


1680 


TUE  OTHERS  REMONSTRATE,  BUT  MUST  GO  TOO. 


49 


A! 


1090 


Alle  messengeris  doth  he  shende  'i 

Ye  haue  lost  inowe,  lese  no  mo 

Onworthily  Olyuer*  and  Eoulande."  1684 

"  By  god,  and  thou  shalt  with  him  go. 

For  al  thy  grete  brode  londe." 

THo  Ogere  Danoys,  J)at  worthy  man, 
"  Sir  "  he  saide  "  be  not  wroth  !  1688 

For  he  saith  south." — "  go  thou)  than  ! 
By  Gode  thou  shalte,  be  thou)  never  so  loth." 
Sire  "  quod  Bery  Lardeneys, 
"  Thou)  shalte  hem  se  never  more." —  1G92 

-"  Go  thou  forth  in  this  same  rees, 
Or  it  shalle  the  repente  ful  sore." 

Folk  Baliante  saide  to  the  kinge, 
"  Liste  ye  youre  Barons  to  lese  1  "- 
"  Certis,  this  is  a  wondir  thinge  ! 
Go  thou  also,  thou)  shalte  not  cliese  ! " 

ALeroyse  rose  vp  auone 
And  to  the  kinge  {jan  gan  he  speke 
And  saide  "  what  thinke  ye,  sir,  to  done  1 " — 
"  Dresse  the  forth  with  hem  eke  !  " 

"Iron  of  Brabane  spake  an  worde 
And  saide  "Sir,  thou  niaiste  do  Jjy  wille.    1704 
-Knowist  thou  not  that  cruel  lorde. 
How  he  wole  thy  Barons  spille  1 " — 
"  Trusse  the  forth  eke,  sir  Dasaberde, 
Or  I  shalle  the  sone  make  !  1708 

For  of  all  thinge  thou  arte  aferde, 
Yet  arte  thou)  neyther  hurte  ner  take." 

BTsshope  Turpyn  kneled  adowfl 
And  saide  "  lege  lorde,  mercy  !  " 
The  kinge  him  swore  by  seynt  Symoii : 
"  Thou  goist  eke,  make  the  in  hast  redye  ! " 

BEruarde  of  Spruwse,  jjat  worthy  knyght, 
Saide  "  sir,  avyse  you)  bette, 
Set  not  of  youre  Barons  so  light, 


m: 


1712 


171G 


certainly  be 
slain ; 

and  tliat  they 
ought  to  be 
anxious  not  to 
lose  any  more 
besides  Rouland 
and  Oliver. 
Then  said  the 
[leaf  42] 
king,  'By  god, 
lliou  slialt  go 
witli  Guy.' 
Ogier  the  Dane 
remonstrates,  but 
is  ordered  to 
go  too. 

So  are  Thierry 
of  Ardane 


and  Folk  Baliant, 


Aleroys 


1700 


and  Miron  of 
Brabant. 


Bishop  Turpin 

kneels  diiwn  to 

implore  the  king's 

mercy, 

but  he  must  go 

too, 

as  well  as 
Bernard  of 
Spruwse 


CHARL.   ROM.  V. 


S 


50  THE   SOUDAN   ASSEMBLES   HIS    COUNCIL. 

Tliou  luaiste  haue  nede  to  hem  yette." — 
"  Thou  shalte  goon  eke  for  alio  thy  boost, 
Haue  done  and  make  the  fast  yare  !  1720 

Of  my  nede  gyfe  thou)  no  coost, 
Thcr-of  haue  thou  right  no  care  !  " 
and-Rricrof         TT^  I^J^i''  of  Mounte3,  fat  marqwy^  boldc, 
"""  ""*'■  Was  not  aferde  to  him  to  spoke.  1724 


b: 


To  the  kinge  sharply  he  toldo, 
[leaf  43]         His  witto  was  not  worth  a  leke  :. 

"  Woltowe  for  Angre  thy  Barons  sende 
To  pat  Tiraunte,  )jat  alle  men  sloith]  1728 

Or  thou  doist  for  ))at  ende, 
To  bringe  thy  xij  pores  to  the  deth." 
The  kinge  was  wroth  and  swore  in  halle 
By  him,  pat  boght  him  Avith  his  blode  :  1732 

"  On  my  messange  shall  ye  gon  alle  ! 
Be  ye  never  so  wroth  or  wode." 
The  knights  take    Thay  toke  horo  lef 0  and  forth  thay  yede, 

leave  and  start.        -r,  -i     i         ^  i  •       j.  I'-'ir 

It  availed  not  agayne  him  to  sayne.  woo 

I  pray,  god  gif  hem  gode  spedc  ! 
Ful  harde  it  was  to  comeii  agayn. 

'Owe  let  hem  passe  in  goddis  name, 


K 


The  Soudan  %|  And  spoko  we  of  tlio  Sowdon,  1740 

assembled  his  ^  i  •  p  i  • 

councu.  ^  1  Howe  he  complayned  him  of  his  grame, 

And  what  that  he  myght  beste  done. 
Sortibrance  and      "  Sortybrauwnco  and  Bronlando^"  seyde  he, 

Brouland  •■,  -,       i>   ^^  i  tr  a  4 

"Or  counsail  ye  be  fulle  wyse.  1744 

How  shal  I  do  to  avenge  me 
Of  kinge  Charles,  and  in  what  wyse  1 
He  bronnyth  my  Toures  and  my  Citees, 
And  Burges  he  levethe  me  never  ooii.  174S 

He  stroieth  my  men,  my  londe,  my  fees. 
Thus  shalle  it  not  longe  goon. 
And  yet  me  greveth  most  of  alle. 
He  hath  made  Ferumbras  renay  his  laye.  1752 

'  See  the  note. 


HE    DESPATCHES    XII    MESSENGERS    TO    CHARLES. 


51 


Therfore  my  counselors  I  calle, 

To  remedy  this,  howe  thay  best  maye. 

For  me  were  lever  that  he  were  slayn, 

Thane  he  a  Cristen  hounde  shiilde  be, 

Or  with  Wolfes  be  rente  and  slayn, 

By  Mahounde  myghty  of  dignyte." 

To  answerde  Sortybraunce  and  Broulande 

And  saide  "  gode  counsaile  we  shal  yon)  gyfen, 

If  thoue  wilte  do  aftyr  covena?mte, 

It  shal  you)  profit,  while  you)  Ij'ven. 

Take  xij  knightis  of  worthy  dede 

And  sende  hem  to  Charles  on  message  nowe. 

A-raye  hem  welle  in  roial  wede, 

For  thy  honour*  and  for  thy  prowe. 

Bidde  Charles  sende  thy  sone  to  the 

And  voyde  thy  londe  in  alle  haste, 

Or  ellis  thou  shalt  him  honge  on  a  tre, 

As  hye,  as  any  shippes  maste." 

"  Nowe  by  Mahounde  "  quod  Laban, 

"  This  counseil  is  both  trewe  and  goodo, 

I  shalle  him  leve  for  no  man 

To  parforme  this,  though  he  wer*  woode." 

He  did  his  lettris  write  in  haste. 

The  kuightes  were  called  to  goo  ferwith. 

That  thay  hy3e  hem  to  Charles  faste 

Ajid  charke^  hym  vppon  life  and  lithe. 

Forth  thai  ride  towarde  Mantrible  fian. 

In  a  medowe,  was  fayre  and  grene, 

Thai  mette  with  Charles  messageris  ten. 

Duke  JS'eymes  axed  hem,  what  thai  wolde  mene. 

And  saide  "  Lordynges,  whens  come  ye  1     . 

And  whider  ye  are  mente,  telle  vs  this  tyde." 

"  Froin  the  worthy  Sowdon  "  than  saide  he, 

*'  To  Charles  on  message  shalle  we  ride, 


1756 


advise  him 


17G0 


1764 


17G8 


to  send  12 
knis'its,  and  to 
bid  Cliarles 


[leaf  4 1] 

to  give  vip 
Feruinbras  and  to 
witlidraw  from 
liis  country. 


1772 


1770 


Tlie  knights  are 
dispatclicd. 


1780 


Near  M.antrihle 
they  meet  witli 
tlie  Cliri.stian 

messengers. 


Duko  N.aymcs 
1  no  A    '"1""'*'^  wliitlier 
1 7  o4    they  intend  tc  go. 


Sic  in  MS.     Query — '  charge.' 


E  2 


52 


TUB    PEERS   KILL   THE    SOUDAN  S    MESSENGERS. 


Having  lioard 
their  message. 


the  delegates  of 
Charles 
cut  off  their 
heads,  whiih  they 
take  with  tliem 
to  present  to  the 
Soudan  at 
Agremore. 


[leaf  45] 
The  Soudan  was 
just  dining. 


Naymes  delivers 
his  message : 

'God  confound 
Liiban  and  all 
his  Saracens, 
and  save  Cluivles, 


who  commands 
thee  to  send  back 
his  two  nephews 
and  to  restore 
the  relics.' 


Euel  tithyngges  we  sballo  him  tello, 

Fio  Laban,  that  is  lorde  of  Spayne.  1788 

Farewele,  felowes,  we  may  not  dwelle." 

"  A-byJe  "  qMod  Gy  "  and  turne  agayne, 

We  wole  speko  with  you),  er  ye  goon, 

For  we  be  messengeris  of  his.  1792 

Ye  shal  aby  everichone, 

So  God  brynge  me  to  blis." 

Anoon  here  swerdes  oute  thay  brayde 

And  smoten  down  right  al  a-boute.  1796 

Tille  the  hetheii  were  down  layde, 

Thai  reseyued  many  a  sore  cloute. 

Thai  smyten  of  here  hedes  alle, 

Eche  man  toke  one  in  his  lappe.  1800 

Fal  what  so  euer  byfalle, 

To  the  Soudon  wole  they  trappe. 

Tille  thai  come  to  Egremoure, 

Thai  stynte  for  no  worldes  thinge  ;  1804 

Anone  thai  fonde  the  Sawdafi  tliore, 

At  his  mete  prondely  sittynge, 

And  |5at  maide  fair*  Dame  Floripas 

And  xiiij  princes  of  grete  price  1808 

And  kinge  Lukafei*'  of  Baldas, 

Thas  was  both  bolde,  hardy  and  wyse. 

Doughty  Duke  Neymes  of  Bauei^ 

To  the  Sowdone  his  message  tolde  1812 

And  saide  "god,  pat  made  heveii  so  cler', 

He  sane  kinge  Charles  so  bolde 

And  confounde  Laban  and  all  his  men, 

That  on  Mahounde  byleved,i  1816 

And  gife  hem  evel  endinge  !  amen. 

To  morue,  longe  er  it  be  even, 

He  commaundith  the  vppon  thy  life 

His  I^evewes  home  to  him  sende,  1820 

And  the  Eeliges^  of  Eome  withnute  strife  ; 

'  Read:  '  byleven.'  '^  Bead:  'reliqes.* 


THE    PEERS    ARE    IMPRISONED    IN    FL0R1PA8    TOWER. 


53 


And  ellis  getist  thou  an  evel  ende  ! 

xij  lurdeynes  mette  vs  on  the  waye ; 

Thai  saide,  thay  come  streight  fro  the. 

Thai  made  it  both  stoute  and  gay ; 

Here  hedi's  here  maistowe  see. 

Thai  saide,  thai  wolde  to  Charles  goon, 

Evel  tidingges  him  to  telle. 

Loo  here  here  heddis  euerychoue, 

Here  soulis  bene  in  helle." 

"  0  "  qrcod  Lavane  "  what  may  this  be, 

To  suffi-*  this  amonge  my  knightes  alle  ] 

To  be  rebuked  thus  here  of  the 

At  mete  in  myn  oweii  halle  ! 

To  Mahounde  myghty  I  make  a  vowe, 

Ye  shall  be  hanged  alle  ten, 

Anoon  as  I  have  eten  I-nowe, 

In  presence  of  alle  my  men." 

Maids  Floripas  answered  tho 

And  saide  "  my  derworth  Fadir  der" ! 

By  my  counsaile  ye  shal  not  so, 

Tille  ye  haue  your  Barons  alle  in  fer*, 

That  thai  may  se  what  is  the  best. 

For  to  delyuere  my  brother  Sir  Ferumbras. 

And  aftirward,  if  jjat  ye  liste, 

Ye  may  gife  hem  ful  evel  grace." 

"  Gramercy,  doghter,  thou  saieste  welle, 

Take  hem  alle  into  thy  warde. 

Do  feter  hem  faste  in  Iren  and  stele 

And  set  hem  in  strayjte  garde. 

Thus  was  I  neuer  rebukede  er  nowe ; 

Mahounde  myghty  gyfe  hem  sorowe  ! 

Thay  shalle  be  flayn  and  honged  on  a  bowe, 

Longe  ere  tyme^  to  morowe." 

Florip  toke  these  messangeris 

And  ladde  lu  m  vp  in-to  here  toui'', 

'  Jtead :  '  I  dyne.'     See  the  note. 


1824 


1828 


They  then 
produce  the  lieads 
of  the  Soudan's 
messengers. 


1832 


1836 


1840 


1844 


The  Soudan 
vowed  a  vow 
that  they  should 
all  ten  be  hanged 
as  soon  as  he  had 
finished  his 
dinner. 

But  Floripas 
recommended 
him  to  put  off  his 
resolution,  until 
a  general  council 
of  his  bavons  had 
determined  on  the 
best  way  of  the 
liberation  of 
Ferurhbraa. 


1848 


[leaf  46] 

The  Soudan 
gives  them  into 
her  guard. 


1852 


Floripas  leads 
the  itnights  into 
1856    her  tower,  where 


r)4 


FLOIUPAS    ENQUIRES    AKTER    GUY. 


tlicy  wore  glad  to 
fliij  Roland  and 
Oliver. 


They  told  each 
other  how  they 
luul  tared. 


After  washing, 


they  dined  o(T 

venison, 

bread  and  wine, 


and  then  went  to 
sleep. 

The  following 
day,  Floripas  asks 
Naymes  his 
name. 


and  enquires 
after  Guy  of 
Burgundy, 
[leaf  47] 


wliom  she  had 
loved  for  a  long 
time,  and  for 


There  thai  founde  two  of  here  feris. 

Thay  thanked  thereof  god  of  honoure. 

Tho  sayde  Duke  Neymys  of  Bauei'* : 

"Gladde  men  we  be  no  we  here^  1860 

To  fynde  Roulande  and  Olyuei'' 

In  helthe  of  bodye  and  of  goode  chei-'." 

Thai  kissed  eche  other  with  herte  gladde 

And  thanked  god  of  his  grace  ;  1864 

And  eche  toolde  othir,  howe  thay  sped  hadde, 

And  howe  thay  come  in-to  that  place 

By  helpe  of  mayde  Florip  hire  self, 

"  God  kepe  hir  in  honoure  !  1868 

For  thus  hath  she  brought  vs  hider  alle  twclfe, 

To  dwelle  in  hir  owen  boure." 

Tho  thay  wessh  and  wente  to  mete, 

And  were  served  welle  and  fyne  1872 

Of  siiche  goode,  as  she  myght  gete, 

Of  Venysoil,  brede  and  gode  wyne. 

There  thai  were  gladde  and  wel  at  ease ; 

The  Soudon  ne  wist  it  noght.  1876 

Aftyr  thay  slepe  and  toke  her  ese, 

Of  no  man  than  thay  ne  roght. 

On  the  morowe  Florip,  that  mayde  fre, 

To  Duke  Neymes  spake  in  game  :  1880 

"  Sir  gentil  knight,"  tho  saide  she, 

"  Telle  me,  what  is  your  name." 

"  Whi  axe  ye,  my  lady  dere, 

My  name  here  to  knowe  allel "  1884 

"  For  he^  spake  with  so  bolde  chere 

To  my  Fadir  yestirdaye  in  his  halle. 

Be  not  ye  the  Duke  of  Bui'goync,  sir  Gy, 

NeveAve  unto  the  kinge  Charles  so  fre  1 "  1888 

"Noe,  certes,  lady,  it  is  not  I, 

It  is  yondir  knight,  pat  ye  may  see." 

"  A,  him  have  I  loved  many  a  day  ; 

'  Sic  in  MS.     Mead:  'ye.' 


GUY    CONSENTS   TO   TAKE   HER   FOR   HIS   VflFii. 


55 


And  yet  kiiowe  I  him  noght. 

For  Lis  loue  I  do  alle  tliat  I  maye, 

To  cliere  you)  witli  dede  and  thouglit. 

For  his  love  wille  I  cristenede  bo 

And  lefe  Mahoundes  laye. 

Spekith  to  him  nowe  for  me, 

As  I  you)  truste  maye ; 

And  but  he  wole  graunte  mo  his  loue, 

Of  you)  askape  shalle  none  here. 

By  him,  fat  is  almyghty  aboue, 

Ye  shalle  abye  it  ellis  ful  dere." 

Tho  wente  Duke  Neymes  to  Sir  Gye 

And  saide  "  This  ladye  loveth  the, 

For  thy  loue  she  maketh  us  alle  merye. 

And  Baptizede  wole  she  be. 

Ye  shalle  hir  take  to  your  wedded  wife. 

For  alle  vs  she  may  saue." 

"  By  God  "  quod  Gye  "  Jjat  gafe  me  life. 

Hire  wole  I  never  haue, 

Wyle  I  neuer  take  hire  ner  no  woman, 

But  Charles  the  kinge  hir  me  gife. 

I  hight  him,  as  I  was  trewe  man, 

To  holdeil  it,  while  I  lyve." 

Tho  spake  Roulande  and  Olyuei*, 

Certyfyinge  him  of  her*  myschefe, 

Tellinge  him  of  the  parellcs,  fat  fay  in  wer*, 

For  to  take  this  lady  to  his  wedded  wife. 

"But  thou)  helpe  in  this  node, 

We  be  here  in  grete  doute. 

Almyghty  god  shalle  quyte  thy  mede, 

EUes  come  we  nevere  he??nys  oute." 

Thus  thay  treted  him  to  and  fro  ; 

At  the  laste  he  sayde,  ho  Avolde. 

Floripas  thay  cleped  forth  tho ; 

And  brought  fourth  a  Cuppe  of  golde, 

Ful  of  noble  myghty  wyne, 


1892 


1896 


whom  she  would 
do  all  slio  could 
for  their  benefit, 

and  would  be 
baptised, 


if  he  would  agree 
to  love  her  in 
1900    return. 


1904   Naymes  tells  Gay 


1908 


to  take  her  for 
his  wife. 


but  Guy  refuses. 


as  he  never  will 
take  a  wife, 
1912    unless  she  be 
given  him  by 
Charles. 


Kouland  ami 
^  „  ,  _    Oliver  persuaded 
1916   him, 


1920 


1924    so  that  he  at 
last  consented. 


Floripas,  holding 
a  golden  cnp  of 
wine, 


5G 


LUKAFER    VISITS    THE    PRISONERS. 


[loaf48J 


kissed  hira, 

and  requested 

liim  to  drink  to 

her  after  tlio 

fasliion  of  her 

country. 

She  also  drinks  to 

liim. 


They  all  make 
merry. 


For  the  following 
day 


they  all  prepare 
to  assail  the 
Soudan  at  supper. 

Lukafer  comes 
to  the  Soudan 
and  asks  leave  to 
see  the  prisoners, 
in  order  to  know 
the  manner  of 
their  aetention. 


Finding  the  door 
locked,  he  burst  it 


And  saide  "  my  loue  and  my  lorde, 

Myn  herto,  my  body,  my  goodo  is  thyn," 

And  kissed  him  with  that  worde, 

And  "  sir  "  she  saide  "  drinke  to  me, 

As  the  Gyse  is  of  my  londe  ; 

And  I  shalle  drinke  agayn  to  the, 

As  to  my  worthy  hosbonde." 

Thay  clipped  and  kissed  both  in  fere 

And  made  grete  Joye  and  game, 

And  so  did  alle,  that  were  ther', 

Thai  made  ful  mery  alle  in  same. 

Tho  spake  Floripas  to  the  Barons  boolde 

And  saide  "  T  haue  armur'  I-nowe ; 

Therfore  I  tel  you),  what  I  wolde. 

And  fat  ye  dide  for  your  prowe. 

To  morue,  whan  my  Fadir  is  at  his  souper*, 

Ye  shalle  come  in  alle  attonys  ; 

Loke  ye  spare  for  no  fere, 

Sle  down  and  breke  both  bake  and  bones  ; 

Kithe  you)  knightis  of  hardynesse  ! 

Ther  is  none  helpe,  but  in  this  wyse. 

Then  moste  ye  sheweii  youre  prowes, 

And  Wynne  this  Castel  in  this  guyse." 

Thai  sayden  alle,  it  was  welle  saide. 

And  gladde  thay  were  of  this  counsaile. 

Here  armur*  was  forth  layde. 

At  souper  the  Sowdon  to  assaile. 

Kinge  Lucafere  prayde  the  Sawdofi, 

That  he  wolde  gif  him  lysence, 

To  the  prisoners  for  to  goon. 

To  see  the  maner  of  her  presence. 

He  gafe  him  lefe,  and  forth  he  wente 

Vp  vnto  Floripas  Toure. 

To  asspie  the  maner  was  his  entenf, 

Hem  to  accuse  agayne  honours. 

Whan  he  come,  he  founde  the  dore  fast  I-stoke, 


1928 


1932 


1936 


1940 


1944 


1948 


1952 


1956 


1960 


HE  TEACHES  THEM  A  NEW  GAME.  57 

He  smote  tliere-on  with  his  fist,  1964  open  with  a  blow 

of  his  fist. 

That  the  ban''  begaii  to  broke. 

To  make  debate,  wel  him  list. 

"  Who  artowe  "  q;^od  Floripas  ^ 

"  pat  maketh  her"  such  araye  ^  1 "  1968 

"I  am  kinge  Lucafere  of  Baldas,  -  [ieaf49] 

The  Sowdon  sente  me  hidir  in  faye  j 

To  seen  his  prisoneris  is  my  desire 

And  speke  with  hem  every chon,  1972  Hetoidthem 

that  he  was 

To  talke  with  hem  by  the  fire  come  to  speak  to 

And  speke  of  dedis  of  Armes  amonge." 

Tho  saide  Duke  IsTeymes  "  welcome  be  ye 

To  us  prisoners  here  1  1976 

What  is  your  wille,  nowe  telle  ye ; 

For  we  be  men  of  feble  chere." 

"  I  woolde  wete  of  Charles  the  kinge,  and  to  enquire 

after 

What  man  he  is  in  his  contre,  1980  chariemagne. 

And  what  meyne  he  hath,  and  of  what  thinge 

He  rekyneth  moost  his  dignyte." 

Duke  i^eymes  saide  "an  Emperoure  DukeNaymes 

And  kinge  he  is  of  many  a  londe,  1984 

Of  Citeis,  Castels,  and  many  a  Toure, 

Dukes,  Erles,  Barons  bowynge  to  his  honde." 

"  But  saye  me,  felowe,  what  is  your  vse, 

To  do  in  conti'  aftyr  the  none.  1988  He  tiienaska 

.  „  ,  vvliat  amusements 

And  what  IS  the  custome  01  your  hous,  they  iia.e  after 

Tille  men  to  souper  shalle  gone  ?  " 

"  Sir,  somme  men  iouste'^  with  sper*  and  shelde,  Naymessays, 

-/-^i  !•  1  ir\r\'\    'Some  joust,  some 

And  somme  men  Carol  and  smge  gode  songes,         1992  sing,  some  piay  at 

Cll6SS  * 

Some  shote  with  dartis  in  the  feelde, 

And  somme  play  at  Chesse  amonge." 

"  Ye  bene  but  foulis  of  gode  dissporte  ; 

I  wole  you)  tech  a  newe  play.  1996  '  i  wiu  teach  you 

.    ,  .  a  new  game,'  says 

Sitte  down  here  by  one  assorte,  Lukafer. 

'  These  two  lines  are  written  as  one  in  the  MS, 
«  MS.  iuste. 


58 


LUKAFEB    IS    ROASTED    TO    CHARCOAL. 


With  a  thread  Iio 
fastened  a  needle 
on  a  pole  and 
put  a  burning 
coal  upon  it. 


Ho  blew  it  at 
Naymes's  beard 
and  buiiit  it. 


Naymes  waxed 
wroth,  and 

[leaf  50] 
snat^liing  a 
burning  brand 
from  the  fire 

he  smiles  at 
Lukafer  and 
throws  him  into 
the  fire, 


where  he  was 
roasted  to  ^ 
charcoal. 

Floripas 
applauds  this. 


but 

points  out  their 

d.inger, 


and  advises  them 
to  arm. 

At  supper  time 
she  goes  to  her 
father. 


And  better  myrthe  never  ye  saye." 
Ho  teyde  a  tredde  on  a  pole 

AVith  an  nedil  tlier-on  I-fest,  2000 

And  tlicr  vppon  a  qwili'  cole. 
He  bade  every  man  blowe  his  blast. 
Duke  Neymes  hade  a  long  berde, 

Kinge  Lucafei-'  blewe  even  to  hym,  2004 

That  game  hade  he  never  before  lered. 
He  brent  the  her"  of  N'eymes  berde  to  the  skyne. 
Duke  Neymes  than  gan  vrex  wroth, 
For  he  hade  brente  his  berde  so  white  2008 

To  the  Chymneye  forth  he  goth 
And  caught  a  bronde  him  with  to  smyte. 
With  a  goode  wille  he  him  smote, 
That  both  his  eyeii  bresten  oute.  2012 

He  caste  him  in  the  j&re  al  liote ; 
For  sothe  he  hadde  a  right  gode  cloute. 
And  with  a  fjTe  forke  he  helde  him  doune, 
Tille  he  were  rosted  to  colis  ilkadele.  2016 

His  soule  hade  his  god  Mahoufl. 
Florip  bade  him  warme  him  Avele. 
"  Sires  "  tho  saide  Floripas, 

"  Entendith  nowe  al  to  me  !  2020 

This  Lucafei''  of  Baldas 
Was  a  lorde  of  grete  mayhe. 
My  Fadir  hade  him  euer  yn  chei'' 
I  teUe  you  for  sothe  every  dele,  2024 

He  wolde  anoon  aftyr  him  enquer*. 
And  therefore  loke,  ye  arme  you  weH  !  " 
Florip  wente  in,  as  the  maner  was, 
To  here  Fadir  at  souper  tyme.  2028 

i^o  man  spake  worde  of  kinge  Baldas, 
Ner  no  man  knewe  of  his  sharp  pyne. 
The  xij  peris  armed  hem  wel  and  fyne 
With  swerdes  drawe  and  egr*  chere.  2032 

While  thay  mery^  drinkyng"  the  wyne 
'  Ilismrittcn  for  '  were '  1 


THE  PEERS  TURN  THE  SARACENS  OUT  OF  THE  CASTLE. 


59 


And  sittinge  alle  at  here  soupei''. 
Thai  reheted  the  Sowdon  and  his  Barons  alle 
And  madeii  orders  wondir  fast,  2036 

Thai  slowe  down  alle,  J?at  were  in  the  halle, 
And  made  hem  wondirly  sore  a-gast. 
Oljvere  egerly  sued  Laban 

With  swerd  I-drawe  in  his  honde.  2040 

Oute  at  the  wyndowe  lepte  he  Ipan 
Yppoii  the  salte  see  stronde,^ 
And  he  skaped  away  from  hime, 

But  woo  was  he  ferfore,  2044 

That  he  went  awaye  with  lyfn 
To  worche  hem  sorowe  more. 
Eoulande  than  came  rennynge 

And  axed,  where  was  Laban.  2048 

Olyuere  answerede  moornynge 
And  saide,  howe  he  was  agoon. 
Tho  thai  voided  the  Courtes  at  the  last 
And  slowen  tho,  that  wolde  a-byde,  2052 

And  drewe  the  briiiige  and  teyed  it  fast. 
And  shitte  the  gatis,  that  were  so  wyde. 
Laban,  that  by  the  ebbe  escaped  c, 
Of  harde,  er  he  come  to  londe,  2056 

He  alle  astonyed  and  a-mapide,^ 
For  sorowe.  he  wronge  both  his  honde 
And  made  a  vowe  to  Mahounde  of  myght, 
He  wolde  that  Cite  wynne  2060 

And  never  go  thens  by  day  nor  nyght, 
For  foo,  for  frende,  ner  for  kynne. 
"  And  tho  traytouris  will  I  do  honge. 
On  a  Galowes  hye  with-oute  the  gate ;  2064 

And  my  Doghter,  fat  hore  stronge, 
I-brente  shal  be  there-ate. 
To  maimtryble  he  gan  sende  anoon 
Aflir  men  and  tentis  goode,  2068 

'  3IS.  strowde.  "  Bead :  '  a-wapide.' 


As  tlicy  were 
sittiiif,'  at  table, 
the  twelve  peers 
rushed  In  and 
slew  all  whom 
they  met. 


Lab.an,  pursued 
by  Oliver, 


jumps  out  of  a 
window  on  to  the 
sea-shore  and 
escaped 


without  injury. 


[leaf  51] 


They  killed  all  in 
the  castle. 


and  then  drew  up 
the  bi'idges  and 
shut  tlie  gates. 


Laban  vowed  a 
vow 


that  he  would 
luuiff  them  all 


and  burn  his 
daughter. 


He  sent  to 
Mantril)le  for 
troons  and 


GO 


THE   SOUDAN    BESIEGES   THE    OASTLE. 


engines. 


and  besieged 
Agreraore. 


Floripas  recom- 
mends the  peers 


to  enjoy  them- 
selves. 


[leaf  52] 


In  the  morning 
the  soudan 
attaclia  the 
castle. 


but  is  repulsed. 


And  Engynes  to  throwo  with  stooii 
And  goode  armui''  many  foolde. 
The  sege  he  did  le\  en  a-bowte 

On  every  side  of  tliat  Cite.  2072 

To  "wallis  "vvith  Engynes  thai  gan  rowte, 
To  breke  the  Toures  so  fre. 
Tho  saide  Florip,  "  lordingg^s  goode, 
Ye  bene  biseged  in  this  toure,  2076 

As  ye  bene  ■wight  of  mayne  and  moode, 
Proveth  here  to  saue  youre  honour*. 
The  toure  is  stronge,  drede  you)  nought, 
And  vitayle  we  have  plente.  2080 

Charles  wole  not  leve  you)  vnsought  j 
Truste  ye  welle  alle  to  me. 
Therefore  go  we  soupe  and  make  merye, 
And  takith  ye  alle  your  ease  ;  2084 

And  XXX*'  maydens  lo  here  of  Assyne,^ 
The  fayrest  of  hem  ye  chese. 
Take  your  sporte,  and  kith  you)  knyghte^, 
Whan  ye  shalle  haue  to  done  ;  2088 

For  to  morowe,  when  the  day  is  light, 
Ye  mooste  to  the  wallis  goon 
And  defende  this  place  with  caste  of  stoon 
And  Avith  shotte  of  quarelles  and  darte.  2092 

My  maydyns  and  I  shaH  bringe  goode  wone, 
So  eueryche  of  us  shalle  here  hir  parte." 
On  morowe  the  Sowdon  made  assaute 
To  hem,  that  were  Avith-Inne,  2096 

And  certes  in  hem  was  no  defaute. 
For  of  hem  myght  thay  nought  wynne. 
Here  shotte,  here  cast  was  so  harde, 
Thay  durste  not  nyjhe  the  walle.  2100 

Thay  drowen  hem  bakwarde, 
Thay  were  beteii  over  alle. 
King  Laban  turnede  to  his  tentes  agayfl, 
'  Read:  'Assye.' 


HE    ASKS    BROULAND  S    ADVICE. 


61 


He  was  nere  wode  for  tene,  2104 

He  cryede  to  Mahounde  and  Apolyne 

And  to  Termagaunte,  jjat  was  so  kene, 

And  saide  "  ye  goddes,  ye  slepe  to  longe, 

Awake  and  helpe  me  nowe,  2108 

Or  eUis  I  may  singe  of  sorowe  a  songe, 

And  of  mournynge  right  I-nowe. 

"Wete  ye  not  wele,  that  my  tresoure 

Is  alle  witli-inne  the  walle  1  2112 

Helpe  me  nowe,  I  saye  therfore, 

Or  ellis  I  forsake  you)  alle. " 

He  made  grete  lamentacion, 

His  goddis  byganne  to  shake.  2116 

Yet  that  comfortede  his  meditacion, 

Supposinge  thay  didde  awake. 

He  cleped  Brenlande  to  aske  counsaUe, 

What  was  beste  to  done,  2120 

And  what  thinge  myght  hiin  moste  avayle, 

To  Wynne  the  Cite  sone. 

"  Thou  wotist  welle,  pat  alle  my  tresour* 

Is  there  in  here  kepinge,  2124 

And  my  doughter,  fat  stronge  hore, 

God  yif  her  evelle  endyng' !  " 

"  Sir  "  he  saide  "  ye  knowe  welle, 

That  Toure  is  Avondir  stronge.  2128 

While  fay  haue  vitayle  to  mele, 

Kepen  it  thay  wole  fulle  longe. 

Sende  to  Mauntreble,  your*  cheif  Cite, 

That  is  the  keye  of  this  londe,  2132 

That  non  passe,  where  it  so  be, 

With-oute  youre  speciall  sonde, 

To  Alagolofur",  fat  geaunte  stronge, 

That  is  wardeyne  of  fat  pas,  2136 

That  no  man  passe  that  brigge  alonge, 

But  he  have  special  grace. 

So  shalle  not  Charles  with  his  meyne 


He  accuses  his 
gods  of  sleepiness, 
and  shakes  them 
to  wake  up. 


[leaf  53] 
Brouland  tells 
him, 

as  tlie  castle  is 
strong  and  well 
stored  with  pro- 
visions, the  peers 
will  hold  it  very 
long; 


but  if  he  would 
send  orders  to 
AlagohitVe,  the 
bridge-keeper  at 
Mantrible, 
not  to  allow  any 
one  to  pass 
without  leave. 


62 


ESriARD    IS    DESPATCHED    TO    MANTRIBLE. 


they  wouUl  got  no 
assistance  from 
Charles, 
and  die  from 
hunger. 


Espiard  is 
despatched  to 
Mautrible, 


and  commands 
the  giant 


not  to  suffer  any 
one  to  pass  the 
bridge. 


Reskowo  than  Agramoure.  2140 

Than  thay  shalle  enfamyched  he, 
That  shalle  hem  rewe  ful  sore." — 
**  Mahoundis  hlessynge  have  thou)  and  myne, 
Sortybraunce,  for  thy  rede." —  2144 

"  Espyarde,  messangei-*  myne, 
In  haste  thou  most  the  spede        .^^         '^^v,^ 
To  my  Cite  Mavntreble,  '^■-  • 

To  do  my  message  there,  2148 

To  Alogolofi'',  Jsat  giaunte  orrihlo. 
Bydde  him  his  charge  wele  lere, 
And  tel  him,  howe  that  the  last  daye 
Ten  fals  traytoM?*s  of  Fraunce  2152 

Passed  by  that  same  waye 
By  his  defaute  with  myschaunce, 
Charginge  him  vppoii  his  hede  to  lese, 
That  no  man  by  the  brigge,i  215G 

Be  it  rayne,  snowe  or  freze, 
But  he  his  heede  down  Hgge." 
Espiarde  spedde  him  in  his  waye, 
Tille  he  to  Mauntrible  came,  2160 

To  seke  the  geaiinte,  ther  he  laye 
On  the  banke  bysyde  the  Dame, 
And  saide  "  the  worthy  Sowdofi, 

That  of  alle  Spayn  is  lorde  and  su'>,  2164 

Vppoii  thy  life  commaundeth  the  anoon, 
To  deserue  better  thyn  hire. 
The  laste  day  thou)  letist  here  passe 
Ten  trattoures  of  douse  Fraunce.  21 G8 

God  giife  the  evel  grace. 
And  hem  also  moche  myschaunce  ! 
He  charged  the  vppon  life  and  detfi, 
To  kepe  this  place  sikerlye  ;  2172 

Wliile  in  thy  body  lastetB  the  breth, 
Lctte  noon  enemye  passe  ther'-bye." 

'  See  the  note. 


ALAGOLAFRE   BARRICADES    THE    BRIDGE. 


G3 


Alagolofiu'  rolled  his  yeJa 

Aud  smote  with  his  axe  on  the  stone  2176 

And  swore  by  Termagaunte  and  Apolyne, 

That  ther-by  shulde  passe?i  never  one, 

But  if  he  smote  of  his  hede, 

And  brought  it  to  his  lorde  Laban, 

He  wolde  never  ete  no  brede, 

'Nere  never  loke  more  on  man. 

xxiiij"  Cheynes  he  didde  ouer-drawe, 

That  noo  man  passe  myght, 

Neyther  for  loue  nere  for  awe, 

1^0  tyme  by  daye,  nere  by  nyghte. 

"  Go,  telle  my  lorde,  I  shaUe  it  kepe  ; 

On  payne  of  my  grete  heede  2188 

Shalle  ther  no  man  goo  ner  crepe, 

But  he  be  take  or  dede." 

This  geaunte  hade  a  body  longe 

And  hede,  like  an  libarde.  2192 

Ther-to  he  was  devely  stronge, 

His  skynne  was  blake  and  harde. 

Of  Ethiope  he  was  bore. 

Of  the  kinde  of  Ascopartes, 

He  hade  tuskes,  like  a  bore, 

An  hede,  like  a  liberde. 

Laban  nolde  not  forgete 

The  saute  to  renewe,^ 

To  Wynne  the  Toure,  he  wolde  not  lete. 

Here  trumpes  lowde  thay  blewe. 

Every  man  wente  to  the  walle. 

With  pikeys  or  with  bowe.  2204 

Thai  made  assaute  generalle. 

The  walles  downe  to  tlirowe. 

But  thay  with-inne  bare  hem  soo, 

Thay  slowe  of  the  Saresyns  iij  hundred'.  2208 

Thay  wroghtoii  hem  both  care  and  woo, 

'  These  two  lines  are  written  as  one  in  tin;  MS. 


5180 


Abgolafrc  drew 
2 1-  chains  across 
2184    tlic  bridge. 


2196 


The  soudan 

assaults  the 

2200    castle  again. 


[leaf  55] 


but  the  12  peers 
slay  300  Saracens. 


64 


MAVON  BATTERS  TUE  CASTLE. 


Lftbnn  threatens 
to  liiiiis  tliem,  and 
utters  impreca- 
tiuns 


against  Floripas, 
who  returns 
them. 


The  soudan  calls 
for  Mavon,  his 
engineer,  and 
orders  him  to 
direct  a  mangonel 
against  the  walls. 

Mavon  knocked 

down 

a  piec«  of  the 

battlements. 


Roland  and 
Oliver  lament ; 


they  are  com- 
forted by 
Floripas. 


Vppon  her  fightinge  tliay  wondride. 
Tho  cryed  Labafl  to  hem  on  hye, 

"  Traytowrs,  yelde  you)  to  me,  2212 

Ye  shall  be  hongede  els  by  and  bye 
Vppon  an  hye  Galowe  tree." 
Tho  spake  Morip  to  the  Sowdon 

And  sayde  "  thou  fals  tyraunte,  2216 

Were  Charles  come,  thy  pride  wei''  done 
Nowe,  cursede  myscreaunte. 
Alas  !  that  thou  ascapediste  soo 

By  the  wyndowe  vppon  the  stronde.  2220 

That  thy  nek"  hade  broke  a-tvvoo  ! 
God  sende  the  shame  and  shonde  !  " — 
"  A  !  stronge  hore,  god  gife  the  sorowe  ! 
Tho[u]  venemouse  serpente.  •  2224 

Withe  wilde  horses^  thou)  shalt  be  drawe  to  morowe, 
And  on  this  hille  be  brente, 
That  al  men  may  be  wai-"  by  the, 

That  cursed  bene  of  kynde.  2228 

And  thy  love  shalle  honged  be, 
His  hondes  bouwde  him  byhynde." 
He  called  forth  Mavoil,  his  Engynoui^, 
And  saide  "  I  charge  the,  2232 

To  throwe  a  magnelle  to  yon  tour*, 
And  breke  it  downe  on  thre." 
Mavon  set  vp  his  engyne 

With  a  stoon  of  .vj.  C  wight,  2236 

That  wente  as  even  as  eny  lyne, 
And  smote  a  Cornell  down  right. 
Woo  was  Eoulande  and  Olyuer", 

That  fat  myschief  was  be-falle,  2240 

And  so  were  alle  the  xij  peres  ; 
But  Florip  than  comforte  hem  alle  : 
"  Sires  "  she  saide  "  beith  of  goode  chere  ! 
This  Toure  is  stronge  I-nowe.  2244 

'  See  the  note. 


MARSEDAGE    IS    KILLED    AND    BURIED,  b3 

He  may  cast  twies  or  tliries  or  lie  hit  ayen  fer,^  [leaf  56] 

For  sotlie  I  telle  it  you). 

Marsedage,  the  roialle  kinge, 

Rode  in  riche  weede,  2248 

Fro  Barbary  cowimyiig, 

Vppofi  a  sturdy  stede, 

Cryinge  to  hem  vppon  the  walle  : 

"  Tray towris,  yelde  you)  here  !  2252 

Brenne  you  alle  ellis  I  shalle, 

By  myghty  god  luhytei''." 

Gy  aspied,  that  he  came  nei'',  Guy  kiiis 

Marsedajre  the 

A  darte  to  hime  he  threwe  ful  even.  225G  king  of  naibary, 

1  D     !•  ■       p  by  throwing  a 

lie  smote  Jura  throwe  herte  &  liver  in  ler.  dart  at  him. 

Dame  Floripe  lough  with  loude  stevefi 

And  saide  "  Sir  Gye,  my  loue  so  free, 

Thou  kanste  vrelle  hit  the  prikke.  22G0 

He  shall  make  no  booste  in  his  contre  ; 

God  giffe  him  sorowe  thikke  ! " 

Whan  Labafi  herde  of  this  myschief, 

A  sory  man  was  he.  22G4 

He  trumped,  his  mene  to  relefe  ;  They  stop  the 

attack 

For  to  cease  that  tyme  mente  he. 

Mersadage,  kinge  of  Barbarye, 

He  did  carye  to  his  tente,  2268  '     "^ 

And  beryed  him  by  riglit  of  Sarsenye  to  bury  Marse- 

With  brennynge  fire  and  riche  oynemente, 

And  songe  the  Dirige  of  Alkaron, 

That  bibill  is  of  here  laye,  2272 

And  wayled  his  detli  everjchon,  ami  bewail  him 

7  ilaysaiul  niglita. 

vij  nyghtis  and  vij  dayes. 

AnOOn  the  Sowdon,  south  to  say,  Then  the  soiulan 

more  closely 

Sente  iij  hundrid  of  knightis,  227G  bioeUades  tiie 

mil-  castle. 

To  kepe  the  brigge  and  the  waye  -         • 

Onto  of  that  CastiL  vightis, 

That  noon  of  hem  shulde  issue  oute,  .     . 

'  See  the  note.  ... 

CHARL.  ROM.  V.  F 


fi6 


PLORIPAS    PRODUCES    A    MAGIC    GIRDLE. 


[ic;ir  r.7] 

Tlie  provisions 
being  exhausled. 


Roland  complains 
of  Charles's 
forgetfuliiess ; 


bat  Floripas 
clieers  him  up, 


saying  she  pos- 
sessed a.  magic 
girdle  which  was 
a  talisman 
agaiu-t  hunger 
and  thirst  for 
those  who  wore 
it. 


They  all  suc- 
cessively put  it 
on  and  felt  as  if 
they  had 
feasted. 


To  feche  vitayle  by  no  waye.  2280 

He  charged  hem  to  wacche  wel  aH  abowte, 

That  thay  for-famelid'  mygbt  dye. 

Thus  thay  kepte  the  place  vij  dayes, 

Tille  alle  hire  vital] e  was  ny3e  spente.  2284 

The  yates  thai  pas  the  streyte  weyes. 

Tho  helde  thai  hem  with-in  I-sheiite. 

Tho  spake  Eoulande  with  hevy  cliere 

Woordes  lamentable,  2288 

"Whan  he  saugh  the  ladies  so  whijte  of  ler', 

Faile  brede  on  here  table, 

And  saide  "  Charles,  thou)  curteys  kinge, 

Why  forgetist  thou)  vs  so  longe?  2292 

This  is  to  me  a  wondir  thinge  ; 

Me  think ith,  thou  doiste  vs  grete  wronge, 

To  let  vs  dye  for  faute  of  mete, 

Closed  thus  in  a  dongeon.  2296 

To  morowe  wol  we  asaye  what  Ave  koii  gete. 

By  god,  that  beritlie  the  crowil." 

Tho  saide  Floripas  "  sires,  drede  noghte 

For  noon  houngr^  that  may  befalle.  2300 

I  knowe  a  medycyne  in  my  thoughte 

To  cmforte  yoxO  with  alle. 

I  have  a  girdil  in  my  Forcei'', 

Who  so  girde  hem  ther-with  aboufe,  2304 

Hunger  ner  thirste  shal  him  neuer  dere. 

Though  he  were  vij  yere  with-oute." 

"  O  "  quod  Sir  Gy  "  my  loue  so  trewe, 

I-blessed  mote  ye  be  !  2308 

I  pray  you),  that  ye  wole  us  alle  hit  shewe, 

That  we  may  hane  oure  saule. 

She  yede  and  set  it  forth  anoon, 

Thai  proved  alle  the  vertue,  2312' 

And  diden  it  aboute  hem  euerychou. 

It  comforted  alle  both  moo  and  fewe. 

As  thai  hade  bene  at  a  feste. 


MAPyN    ENTERS    FLOUXPAS     CHAMBER. 


67 


So  were  thay  alle  wele  at  ease,  2316 

Thus  were  thai  refresshed  both  moost  &  lest 

And  weren  bifore  in  grete  disese. 

Laban  wondred,  how  thai  myght  endur' 

With-outen  vitaile  so  longe,  2320 

He  reiue?/ibred  him  on  Floripas  senctui'', 

And  of  the  vertue  so  stronge. 

Tho  wiste  he  welle,  that  thi'ogh  farayne 

Might  he  hem  never  Wynne,      ~  2324 

He  cleped  to  him  fals  Mapyne, 

For  he  coude  many  a  fals  gynne  : 

He  coude  scale  Castel  and  Toure 

And  over  the  walles  wende.  2328 

"  Mapyne  "  he  saide  "  for  myn  honoure, 

Thou  mooste  haue  this  in  mynde  : 

That  hore,  my  doghter,  a  girdil  hath  she, 

From  hounger  it  savyth  heih  alle,  2332 

That  wonnen  may  thay  never  be. 

That  foule  mote  hir  bifalle  ! 

Kanstowe  gete  me  that  gyrdill  by  craft, 

A  thousande  pounde  than  shal  I  gefe  the  ;  2336 

So  that  it  be  there  not  lefte,i 

But  bringe  it  hithir*  to  me. 

Thou)  kanste  see  by  nyghte  as  welle 

As  any  man  doth  by  daye.  2340 

Whan  thay  bene  in  here  beddes  ful  stiH, 

Than  go  forth  thider  right  in  thy  waye. 

Thou  shalt  it  in  here  Chamber  fynde. 

Thou  maist  be  thereofe  sure."  2344 

**  Sir,  there-to  I  wole  me  bynde, 

If  my  life  may  endure." 

Forth  wente  this  fals  Mapyne 

By  nyght  into  the  Toui'' —  2348 

God  gife  him  evel  endinge  ! — 

Euen  in  to  Floripas  bour*. 

'  Read:  'lafte.' 

P   2 


L:iban  wondered 
;il.  tlieii'  eudur- 
;liioe, 

iiut  at  last 
reiiiembering  the 
^'inlle, 

[leaf  58] 


he  induced 
Mupjne 


to  attempt  to 
steal  it  at  night. 


Mnii.vne  entered 
llie  chamber  of 
Kloripas  throi.j^li 


68 


MAPYN    WITH    THE    GIRDLE    IS    THROWN    INTO    THE    SEA. 


a  chimney ; 


he  fiiuls  the 
girdle  and  puts 
it  on, 


but  Floripas 
perceives  him 

and  cries  out. 


Roland  hurries 
to  her  assistance, 
[leaf  o'J] 


cuts  off  Mapine's 
head,  and  throws 
liim  out  tinough 
tlie  window 
without  noticing 
the  girdle. 


Floripas,  seeing 
her  girdle  lost, 
is  much  grieved; 


Roland  comforts 
her. 


They  agree  to 
attempt  a  sally 
to  obtain  food. 


By  a  Cliemney  he  wente  inno ; 

Fulle  stilly  there  he  soughte  it,  2352 

He  it  founde  and  girde  it  aboute  him, 

And  aftyr  ful  dere  he  boght  it ; 

For  by  the  light  of  a  lampe  thei'' 

Floripas  gan  him  aspye,  2356 

Alle  a-frayed  oute  of  hir  slepe  for  fere, 

But  lowde  than  gan  she  crye 

And  saide  "  a  thefe  is  in  my  boure, 

Eobbe  me  he  wole  or  sloo."  2360 

Ther-with  come  Eouland  fro  liis  toiu-* 

To  wete  of  hir  woo. 

He  founde  ]\Iapyne  bysyde  hir  bedde, 

Stondinge  amased  for  drede,  2364 

To  the  wyndowe  he  him  ladde,i 

And  there  he  smote  of  his  hedde, 

And  caste  him  oute  in-to  the  see. 

Of  the  gyrdille  was  he  not  wai'' ;  2368 

But  whan  he  wist,  the  girdel  hade  he, 

Tho  hadde  he  sorowe  and  care. 

Floripe  to  the  Cheste  wente 

And  aspyed,  hire  gyrdel  was  goon,  2372 

"  Alas  !  "  she  saide,  "  alle  is  it  shente  ! 

Sir,  what  haue  ye  done?  ^' 

He  hath  my  girdel  aboute  hym. 

Alas  !  jjat  harde  while  !  2376 

A  rebelle  hounde  doth  ofte  grete  tene ; 

Howe  be  we  alle  begilede." 

Tho  spake  Eoulande  with  cher*  boolde, 

"Damesellel  beytli  noughte  aferde  !  2380 

If  any  vitaile  be  aboute  this  hoolde, 

We  wole  hem  wynne  withe  dinte  of  swerde. 

To  morowe  wole  wee  oute-goon 

And  assaye,  howe  it  wole  it  be.  238'1 

I  make  a  vowe  to  god  alone, 

'  See  the  note. 


THE    PEERS,    SURPRISING    THE    SARACENS,    OBTAIN    PROVISIONS.       69 


Assaile  hem  wole  we  ! 

And  if  thay  haue  any  mete, 

Parte  "withe  hem  wole  Ave. 

Or  elles  strokes  thay  shal  gete 

By  God  and  seynte  Mary  myn  avoui'' !  ^ 

In  the  morne,  er  the  larke  songe, 

Thai  ordeynede  hem  to  ride 

To  the  Saresyns,  Jjat  hade  so  longe 

Leyen.  hem  besyde. 

Duke  Neymes  and  Oger* 

Were  ordeynede  to  kepe  the  place. 

The  X  othir  of  the  xij  peres 

"VVente  oute  to  assaye  hei'e  grace. 

Thay  founden  hem  in  h)gges  slepynge, 

Of  hem  hade  thay  no  thought. 

Thai  sloweii  down  pat  came  to  honde, 

Mahounde  availed  hem  noghte. 

In  shorte  tyme  the  ende  was  made, 

Thay  ten  slough  iij  hundred  thei''. 

Tho  founde  thai  vitaile,  thay  were  glad, 

As  moche  as  thay  myghte  home  bei-". 

Duke  Neymes  and  Ogei'',  that  kept  the  toui-*. 

Say  hem  with  here  praye. 

Thai  thanked  god  hye  of  honoure, 

That  thai  spedde  so  J)at  day. 

Thay  avaled  the  brigge  and  lete  him  yn, 

Florip  and  here  maydyns  were  gladde, 

And  so  were  thay,  that  were  with-yn  ; 

For  alle  grete  hounger  thay  haddc 

Thai  eteii  and  dronken  right  I-nowe 

And  made  myrth  ever  amonge. 

But  of  the  Sowdoii  laban  speke  we  nowe, 

Howe  of  sorowe  was  his  songe. 

WHan  tidyngges  came  to  him,    ■ 
That  his  men  were  slayti, 
And  howe  thai  hade  stuffed  hem  also  ^ 
'  See  the  note. 


2r.88 


In  tlie  moining 


2392 


Naymes  and 
Ogier  remain  in 
2396    the  castle, 

the  others  start 


and  snrprise  the 
Saracens  still 
2400    sleeiiing  in  their 
huts. 


[leaf  60] 


2404    They  slew  son 

and  carried  off  as 
much  food  as 
tliey  could  bear. 


2408 


2412 


M- 


2416 


.'420 


70 


THE   SOUDAN    IS    KNRAGKD    WITH    HIS    GODS. 


The  soiuliiii  is 


and  is  suing  to 
burn  liis  gods, 


Peaf  GIJ 

but,  appeased  by 
his  wise  men. 


he  sacrifices 
again, 

and  is  assoiled  by 
the  priests. 

Laban  holds 
council. 


With  vitaile  in  agayne, 

For  sorowe  he  woxe  nere  wode. 

He  cleped  Brenlande  and  Sortybraunce,  2424 

And  tolde  hem  with  angry  mode 

Of  his  harde  myschaunce. 

"  Remedye  ordeync  me, 

Ye  be  chief  of  my  counsaile  ;  2428 

Tliat  I  of  hem  may  vengede  be, 

It  shalle  you  bouth  availe. 

0  ye  goddes,  ye  faile  at  nede, 

That  I  have  honoured  so  longe,  2432 

1  shalle  you)  brefi,  so  mote^  I  spede, 
In  a  fayre  fyre  ful  stronge  ; 
Shalle  I  neuer  more  on  you)  bileve, 

But  renaye  you)  playnly  alle.  2436 

Ye  shalle  be  brente  this  day  er  eve, 
That  foule  mote  you)  befalle  ! " 
The  fire  was  made,  the  goddes  were  broglit 
To  have  be  caste  ther'-inne.  2440 

Tho  alle  his  counsaile  him  by-soiight. 
He  shulde  of  Jjat  erroure  blynne, 
And  saide  "  Sir,  what  wole  ye  done  1 
Wole  ye  your  goddis  for-sake  1  2444 

Vengeaunce  shalle  than  on  you)  come. 
With  sorowe,  woo  and  wrake  ! 
Ye  moste  make  offrynge  for  youre  offence, 
For  drede  of  grete  vengeaunce,  2448 

With  oyle,  mylke  and  ffrankencense 
By  youre  prestis  ordynaunce." 
Tho  he  dide  here  hem  in  ayen, 

And  to  hem  made  dewe  offerynge.  2452 

The  prestis  assoyled  him  of  fat  synne, 
Ful  lowly  for  him  prayinge. 
Tho  he  cleped  his  counselers 

Brulande  and  Sortybraunce,  2456 

'   3IS.  mete. 


THE    PEERS    THROW    LABAN's    GOLD    AT    THE    ASSAILANTS. 


71 


Axynge,  howe  lie  myght  destroye  the  xij  peres, 

That  Mahounde  gife  hem  myschaunce. 

Thay  cowde  no  more  ther-on, 

But  late  saile  ayeii  the  toure.  2460 

With  XX*'  thousande  thai  gan  gon. 

And  bigowne  a  newe  slioure 

To  breke  down  the  Walles, 

With  mattokes  and  with  pike,  2464 

Tille  iiij  hundred  of  hem  alle 

Lay  slayne  in  the  dike.  * 

So  stronge  was  the  cast  of  stoone. 

The  Saresyns  drewe  hem  abakke,  2468 

Tille  it  was  at  hye  none  ; 

Tho  goMne  thay  ayeii  to  shake. 

Tho  fayled  hem  cast,  )jat  were  with-inne ; 

Tho  cowde  thai  no  rede,  .  2472 

For  stoone  was  ther  noone  to  wynue. 

Tho  were  thay  in  grete  drede. 

Than  saide  Florij?,  "  beith  not  dismayde  ! 

Ye  shalle  be  hoipe  anoon.  2476 

Here  is  syluer  vessel  and  now,"^  she  sayde, 

"  That  shulle  ye  prove  goode  woon." 

She  set  it  forth,  thay  caste  oute  faste 

Alle  that  came  to  honde.  2480 

Off  siluer  and  goolde  vessel  thay  made  waste 

That  wast 2  down  vppon  the  sonde. 

Whan  thai  saugh  that  roial  sight, 

Thai  leften  alle  here  dede  ;  2484 

And  for  the  tresoure  thay  do  fight, 

Who  so  myghte  it  awey  lede. 

Tho  the  Sowdon  wexe  nere  wodo, 

Seinge  this  tresoure  thus  dispoyled',  2488 

That  was  to  him  so  dere  and  goode 

Laye  in  the  dike  thus  defouled'. 

He  bade  that  thai  shulde  leue 

'  11  now.  "  Bead:    'went.' 


A  new  assault 

begins. 


but  the  ditches 
are  filled  with 
assailants,  who 
were  slain  by  the 
showers  of  stonea 
hurled  down  by 
the  peers. 
The  Saracens 
retire. 

A  second  attack 

ensues. 

Tliere  being  no 

stones, 


Floripas  gave 
them  her  father's 
silver  and  gold 
to  cast  amongst 
the  assailants. 

[leaf  62] 


The  soudan  in 
a'arm  for  his 
treasure 


gives  up  the 
assault. 


THE    SOUDAN    ASKS    HIS    GODS*    FORGIVENESS. 


lie  is  enrasjcd 
with  liis  gods, 


and  smites 
Maliound 


so  tliat  he  fell  on 
bis  face ; 


but  the  priests 
induce  him 


[leaf  63] 


to  kneel  down 
and  ask  forgive- 
ness. 


Aiid  turne  hem  agayne  in  haste.  2492 

He  wente  home  tille  his  teiite  than 
With  grete  sorowe  and  mournyng^  mode. 
To-fore  liis  goddis  whan  he  came, 
He  cryed,  as  lie  were  wode  :  249G 

"  0  fals  goddis,  that  y^  both, 
I  have  trustid  to  longe  youro  mode. 
We^  were  levei-'  to  suffi'^  dede. 

Than  lif  this  life  here  lenger  nowe.  2500 

I  halie  almoste  loste  the  breth, 
xij  fals  trayto2«rs  me  overe-lede, 
And  stroyen  alle  fat  I  haue. 

Ye  fals  goddis,  the  devel  youe  spede  !  2504 

Ye  make  me  nowe  for  to  rave ; 
Ye  do  fayle  me  at  my  nede." 
In  Ire  he  smote  Mahounde, 

That  was  of  goolde  fulle  rede,  2508 

That  he  fille  down  to  the  grounde, 
As  he  hade  bene  dede. 
Alle  here  bisshopes  cryden  oute 

And  saide  "  Mahounde,  tliyn  ore  ! "  2512 

And  down  to  the  erthe  wcle  lowe  thay  loute, 
Howlynge  and  wepynge  sore, 
And  saide  "  Sire  Sowdon,  what  haue  ye  done  1 
Vengeaunce  shalle  on  the  falle,  2516 

But  thou)  repente  the  here  anone." 
"  Ye  "  quod  he  "  I  shrewe  you)  alle  !  " 
Thai  made  a  fyre  of  frank'encense 

And  blewen  homes  of  bras,  2520 

And  casten  in  milke  hony  for  the  offence. 
To-fore  Mahoiindes  face. 
Thay  coimsailed  Laban  to  knele  a  down 
And  aske  forgevenes  in  that  place.  2524 

And  so  he  didde  and  hade  pardon 
Throgh  prayere  and  specialle  grace. 

1  ?  Me. 


RICHARD    STARTS    ON    MESSAGE    TO    CHARLES. 


73 


Then  ^  this  was  done,  pan  sayde  Eoulande 

To  his  Felowes  xj  :  2528 

*'  Here  may  we  not  longe  holde  londe, 

By  God  that  is  in  haven. 

Therefore  sende  we  to  Charles,  the  kingc, 

That  he  wolde  reskowe  vs  sone  ;  2532 

And  certyfye  him  of"  oure  stray3te  heinge. 

If  ye  thinke,  it  be  to  done. 

Richard  of  Normandye,  ye  most  goon, 

I  holde  you)  both  wyse  and  hende.  2536 

And  we  shalle  tomorowe,  as  stil  as  stoofi, 

The  Saresyns  a- wake,  er  ye  wynde.  - 

And  while  we  be  mooste  bysy  in  oure  werke, 

And  medel  with  hem  alle  in  fere,  2540 

Stele  ye  a-waye  in  the  derke ! 

And  spede  you  faste,  ye  were  there  !  " 

On  the  morowe  aftii'  the  daye 

Thay  were  armede  ful  ryghte,  2544 

Thai  rode  forth  stilly  in  here  way, 

God  gouerne  hem,  mooste  of  myght  ! 

Floripe  and  here  maydyns  kept  the  toui'' 

And  woonde  vp  the  brigges  on  liye,  2548 

And  prayde  god,  to  kepe  here  paramoui'', 

The  Duke  of  Burgoyne,  S^V  Gye. 

She  preyde  to  Eouland,  er  he  wente, 

To  take  goode  hede  of  him,  2552 

That  he  were  ney])er  take  nere  shente, 

As  he  wolde  her  loue  wynne. 

On  thay  set  with  herte  stronge 

And  alle  hem  sore  afrayed.  -  2556 

Richard  the  whiles  away  he  wronge, 

Thile^  thai  were  alle  dismay ede. 

Towarde  the  Mountrible  he  hyed  him  faste. 

To  passe,  if  that  he  myghte.  2560 

Thedir  he  came  at  the  laste. 

'  ?'When.'  *  ^m<?.-  'wende.'  3  y  >  ^hi: 


Meanwhile 
Roland 


exhorted  Richard 
of  Normandy  to 
go  on  message  to 
Charles,  that  he 
might  come  to 
their  lescue. 

They  all  would 
the  following 
morning,  before 
day  break,  make 
an  attack  on  the 
Saracens,  aiid 
meanwhile  he 
should  steal  off  in 
the  darkness. 


In  the  morniiif' 


they  sally  out. 


Floripas  and  her 
maidens  draw  up 
the  bridges  after 
them. 


Richard  went  off 

towards 

Mantrible. 


[leaf  64] 


e.' 


f* 


GUY    IS    MADE    ridSONER. 


The  others  slay 
niiiiiy  Saracens ; 


but  Guy, 
overpowered  by 
the  Rabylonians, 
is  taken 
prisoner. 


Laban  asks  his 
name. 

Guy  tells  him. 


He  is  to  be 
hanged. 


.300  Saracens 
crowding  near 
the  gate  of  tlie 
castle, 

attempted  to 
prevent  the  otl-.er 
peers  from 
entering. 


A  feajrfiil,  struggle 
begins. 


God  kepe  liim  for  his  mocB  myglit  1 

Ilis  xij  ^  felowes  besyed  hem  soo 

That  many  of  hem  thay  sloiighe.2 

Gye  slows  the  kinge  of  Bahyloyne  tho ; 

The  Babyloynes  of  his  hors  him  drowe, 

And  with  force  him  drowe  there 

And  boiinde  his  hondes  ful  fast. 

A  newc  game  thai  gan  him  lere, 

For  in  depe  prison  thfiy  him  caste. 

But  Laban  wokle  him  first  se, 

To  wete  what  he  was. 

"  Telle  me  thy  name  nowe  "  quod  he, 

"  Thy  songe  shalle  be  *  alas.' " — 

"  Sire  "  he  saide  "  my  name  is  Gye, 

I  wole  it  never  forsake. 

It  were  to  me  grete  vilanye 

An  othir  name  to  take." — 

"  0  fals  traytowr  "  quod  Laban, 

"  My  doghtir,  Jjat  stronge  hore, 

Hath  me  for-sake  and  the  hath  tan, 

Thou)  shalte  be  honged  therfore." 

Eoulande  made  grete  moone. 

It  wolde  noon  other  be. 

Homwarde  thai  gan  goon, 

.iij.c  Saresyns  ther  saye  he, 

That  kepte  the  pace  at  the  brigge-ende, 

Armed  wel  in  goode  araye, 

That  thai  sholde  not  in  wende. 

But  be  take  or  slayfi  J)at  daye. 

Eoulande  to  his  felowes  saide  : 

"  Beth  alle  of  right  gode  chere  ! 

And  we  shal  make  hem  alle  afrayde, 

Er'  we  go  to  oure  soupere." 

There  byganne  a  bykeringe  bohle 

Of  X  Bachelers  that  tyde, 

'   ?  xj.  ^  See  the  note. 


2564 


25G8 


2572 


2576 


2580 


2584 


2588 


2592 


2596 


BRYER    IS    SLAIN. 


76 


Agayne  iijc  men  I-tolde, 

That  durste  riglite  wel  a-byde. 

Tho  was  Durnedale  set  a  "werke, 

XL  of  hethen  he  sloughe,  2600 

He  spared  nejjer*  lewde  ner  clerke, 

And  Floripas  thei''-of  loughe. 

The  shotte,  the  caste  was  so  stronge, 

Sjrr  Bryer  was  slayn  there 

With  dartes,  gauylokes  and  speres  longe, 

xx"  on  hym  there  were. 

Eoulande  was  avoo  and  Olyuer*, 

Thay  slougheri  alle  that  thai  mette.  2608 

Tho  fiedde  the  Turkes  alle  for  fe:^, 

Thay  durste  no  longer  lette 

And  saide,  thai  wef*  no  men, 

But  develis  abroken  onte  of  helle,  2612 

"  .iij.  hundred  of  vs  agayn  hem  ten. 

Oure  lorde  Mahounde  hem  qwelle  ! 

XL  of  vs  here  be  ascaped, 

And  hardde  we  be  bistadde," —  2616 

"  Who  so  wole  of  hein  more  be  iaped, 

I  holde  him  worsse  than  madde." 

Tho  Roulande  and  Olyuer' 

Maden  grete  woo  and  sorowe,  2620 

And  token  the  corps  of  Sir  Bryere 

And  beryed  it  on  the  morowe. 

Floripe  asked  Roulande  anoone 

"  Where  is  my  loue  Sir  Gye  1 " — 

"Damesel"  he  saide  "  he  is  goon, 

And  therfore  woo  am  I." — 

"  Alas  "  she  saide  "  tlian  am  1  dede, 

Nowe  Gye  my  lorde  is  slayn, 

Shall  I  neuer  more  ete  brede 

Tills  that  I  may  se  him  agayn." — 

"  Be  stille  "  qtiod  Roulande  "  and  haue  no  cai"', 

We  shal  h.^Tn  haue  ful  wele.  2632 


[leaf  65] 


2604    Sir  Bryer  i« 

killed. 


At  last  the 
Saracens  take  to 
flight. 


The  peers  retire 
inside  the  castle, 
taking  the  corpse 
of  IJryer  with 
them. 

2624    Floripas  enquires' 
after  Guy, 


and  on  hearingf 
of  his  capture, 
2oJo    begins  to  lament 
despairingly. 


Roland  promiset 
to  rescue  Guy. 


m 


GUY    IS    GOING    TO    BE    HANGED, 


[leaf  66] 


On  the  following 
morning  Laban 
orders  Sir 
Tamper  to  erect 
a  gallows 
before  the  castle, 
where  Floripas 
could  see  it. 


Guy  is  led 
bound. 


Roland  calls  his 
companions  to 
arms. 


Th^  rri^  forth. 


Tomorowe  wele  we  thidorward  far* 

"With  spere  and  shelde  of  stele. 

But  Ave  bringe  him  to  this  Tour'- 

Leeve  me  ellos  no  more —  2636 

With  victory e  and  grete  honour', 

Or  thay  shalle  abye  it  ful  sore," 

On  the  niorowe,  whan  tha  dayc  was  clere,  " 

Laban  ordeynede  Gye  honged  to  be.  2640 

He  cleped  forth  Sir  Tampere 

And  badde  him  do  make  a  Galowe  tre,  : 

"  And  set  it  even  by-fore  the  tonr'. 

That  Jjilke  hore  may  him  see ;  2644 

For  by  lord  Mahounde  of  honour*. 

This  traito?/r  there  shalle  honged  be. 

Take  withe  the  .iij.  hundred  knightes 

Of  Ethiopis,  Indens  and  Ascopartes,  2648 

That  bene  boolde  and  hardy  to  fight 

With  Wifles,  Fauchons,  Gauylolcesi  and  Dartes; 

Leste  fat  lurdeynes  come  skulkynge  oute, 

For  ever  thay  haue  bene  shrewes.  26.53 

Loke  eche  of  hem  haue  such  a  clo^^te, 

That  thay  neuer  ete  moo  Sewes." 

Forth  thay  wente  with  Sir  Gye, 

That  bounde  was  as  a  thefe  faste,  2656 

Tille  thay  come  the  towr*  ful  nye  ; 

Thai  rered  the  Galowes  in  haste. 

Roulande  perceyued  here  doynge 

And  saide  "felows,  let  armes^  !  2660 

I  am  ful  gladde  of  here  comynge, 

Hem  shall  not  helpe  her  charmes." 

Oute  thai  riden  a  wele  gode  spede,  -^ 

Thai  ix  towarde  hem  alle.  2664 

Florip  with  here  maydyns  toke  gode  hede, 

Biholdinge  over  the  tour'  walle. 

Thai  met  first  with  Sir  Tainpei"', 


JUS.  Gamylokes. 


H^ad  :  '  as  annes.' 


BUT    IS    RESCUED    BY    ROLAND    AND    OLIVER. 


7f 


God  gife  him  evelle  fyne  !  2668 

Such  a  stroke  lente  hym  Olyuei'', 

He  clefe  him  down  to  the  skyne. 

Eouland  bare  the  kinge  of  Ynde 

Ther  with  his  spere  frome  his  stede.  2672 

•iiij.  fote  it  passed  his  bak  byhynde, 

His  herte  blode  Jiei-*  didde  he  blede. 

He  caught  the  stede,  he  was  ful  goode, 

And  the  swerde,  fat  the  kinge  hadde,  2676 

And  rode  to  Gye,  there  he  stode, 

And  onbounde  hym  and  bade  him  be  gladde. 

And  girde  him  with  that  goode  swerde, 

And  lepen  vppoii  here  stedes.  2680 

"  Be  thou  "  he  saide  "  righte  nought  a-ferde, 

But  helpe  vs  wightly  at  this  nede." 

An  hundred  of  hem  sone  thay  slowe 

Of  the  beste  of  hem  alle ;  2684 

The  remenawnte  a-way  fast  thay  flowe, 

That  foule  motte  hem  byfalle  ! 

Eouland  and  his  Felowes  were  glad 

That  Gye  was  safe  in  dede.  2688 

Thay  thanked  god,  that  thay^  him  hadde 

Gyfen  thaye^  such  grace  to  spede. 

As  thay  wente  towarde  the  Tour", 

A  litil  bysyde  the  hye  waye,  2692 

Thai  saugh  comynge  with  grete  vigoui'* 

An  hundred  vppoii  a  laye.^ 

Costroye  ther  was,  the  AdmyraH, 

With  vitaile  grete  plente,  2696 

And  the  stondarte  of  the  Sowdon  Eoial. 

Towarde  Mauntrible  rideii  he, 

.iiij.  Chariotes  I-charged  with  tlessh  and  brede, 

And  two  other*  with  wyne,  2700 

Of  divers  colouris,  yolowe,  white  and  rede. 

And  iiij  Somers  of  spicery  fyne. 

'  See  the  note.  *  MS.  '  alaye.'     See  the  note. 


Oliver  cuts  down 
Sir  Tamper ; 

Roland  kills  a 
king  of  India, 


tal;es  his  sword 
and  horse, 

Deaf  67] 

and  gives  them 
to  Guy, 

having  unbound 
him. 


They  slay  many 
Saracens,  and  put 
tlie  rest  to 
Uight. 


Retiring  towards 
the  casLle, 


they  see  admiral 
Costroye 


and  the  soudan's 
standard-bearer 
escorting  a 
great  convoy, 
destined  for  the 
Bultaii,  across  a 
held  near  the       ., 
high  road. 


78 


THE  PEERS  LAY  HOLD  OP    A  CONVOY. 


Roland  calls  to 
thera 


to  Bhare  tlie 
provisions  witli 
thera. 


Costroye  refuses, 


[leaf  68] 


and  is  slain  by 
Roland. 


Oliver  kills  the 
Btandard-bearer. 


The  convoy  is 
conveyed  into  the 

castle. 


Tlio  saiele  Eoulaude  to  Olyuei'' : 

"  With  these  meyne  moste  we  shifte,  2704 

To  haue  parte  of  here  vitaQes  hei'', 

For  therof  us  nedith  by  my  thrifte." — 

"  Howe,  sires  "  he  saide  "  god  you  see  ! 

We  pray  youe  for  youre  curtesye,  2708. 

Parte  of  your  Vitaile  graunte  me, 

For  we  may  nother  borowe  ner  bye." 

Tho  spake  Cosdroye,  that  Admyrul, 

"  Ye  gete  none  here  for  noght.  2712 

Yf  ye  oght  chalenge  in  speciaH, 

It  most  be  dere  I-bogiit." — 

"  O  gentil  knightes  "  quod  Olyuere, 

"He  is  no  felowe,  pat  wole  haue  alle."  2716 

"Go  forth"  quod  the  stondart,  "thou)  getist  noon  here, 

Thy  parte  shalle  be  fulle  smalle." — 

"Forsoth"  quod  Eoulaude  "and  sliift  we  wole, 


Gete  the  better,  who  gete  maye  ! 

To  parte  with  the  nedy  it  is  gode  skille, 

And  so  shalle  ye  by  my  faye." 

He  rode  to  the  Admyral  with  his  swerde 

And  gafe  him  suche  a  cloute, 

No  wonder  thogh  he  were  aferde. 

Both  his  ey^eii  braste  oute. 

Olyuere  met  withe  the  proude  stondarde, 

He  smote  him  through  the  herte. 

That  hade  he  for  his  rewarde  ; 

That  wounde  gan  sore  smerte. 

Thai  were  slayn,  that  wolde  fight 

Er  durste  bikure  abyde. 

Thai  forsoke  her  parte  anoon  right, 

It  lefte  alle  on  that  on  side. 

Forth  thai  dreweii  jjat  vitaile 

Streight  in-to  the  Toure. 

There  was  no  man  durst  hem  assayle, 

Fur  drede  of  here  vigour. 


2720 


2724 


2728 


2732 


2736 


THE    SOUDAN    DEFIES    HIS    GODS. 


n 


Floripe  liem  resceyved  with  honoui'* 

And  thanked  Eoulande  fele  sythe, 

Tliat  she  saugh  Gye  hir  paramoui-', 

That  wolde  she  him  qwite  and  kithe. 

Thai  etefi  and  dronken  and  made  hem  gladde, 

Hem  ueded  ther  aftyr  fulle  sore 

Of  suche,  as  god  hem  sente  hade, 

I-nowe  for  iiij  moon})es  and  more. 

Florip  saide  to  Eoulande  than, 

"  Ye  moste  chese  you  a  love^ 

Of  alle  my  maydyns,  white  as  swaii." — 

Q?<od  Eouland  ''jjat  were  myscheve  ; 

Oure  lay  wole  not,  jjat  we  with  youe  dele, 

Tille  that  ye  Cristyii  be  made ; 

Ner  of  your  play  we  wole  not  fele, 

For  than  were  we  cursed  in  dede." 

"Ik 'T' Owe  shall  ye  here  of  Laban. 

%    Whan  tidyn^ges  to  hun  wei''  comefi, 
-1-  1  Tbo  was  he  a  fulle  sory  man. 
Whan  he  herde,  ho  we  his  vitaile  were  nomen, 
And  howe  his  men  were  slayne, 
And  Gye  was  go  safe  bein  froo, 
He  defyed  Mahounde  and  Apolyne, 
lubiter,  Ascarot  and  Alcaron  also. 
He  co??2maundede  a  fire  to  be  dight 
With  picche  and  Brymstoii  to  brefl. 
He  made  a  vowe  with  alle  his  myght, 
"  Thai  shal  be  caste  ther-Inne  ! " 
The  prestes  of  hei-'  la  we  ther-on. 
Thai  criden  oute  for  drede 
And  saide  "  alas,  what  wole  ye  done  % 
The  worse  tbau  moste  ye  spede  ! " 
The  Sowdon  made  a  grete  othe 
And  swore  by  his  hye  trone. 
That  though  hem  were  never  so  loth, 

'  Bead  :  '  leve.' 


2740    KlcHipas  tliaiiks 
Ki>laiHl  I'or 
bring: 
Guy, 


2744 


2748 


2752 


275G 


and  proposes  that 
lie  shall  choose 
liimseUa 
niisliess  from 
amongst  her 
maidens. 
But  Roland 
refuses  to  take 
any  that  is  no 
Christian.  '  .„, 


The  soudan,  on 
bearing  such  bad 
news, 


27G0  [leaf  69] 

agam  defies  his 
gods, 


and  threatens  to'Y 
throw  them  into  .,- 
2764    thellaraes.. 


2708 


2772 


.1 


80 


RICHAKU    ARRIVES    AT    MANTRIBLE. 


But  bisliop 
Craiiiadas  kneels 
lieforc  him  and 
appeases  him. 


The  soudan 
makes  an  offering 
of  1000  besants  to 
his  gods. 


When  Richard 
arrived 
as  far  as 
Mantrible,  he 
[leaf  70] 
found  the  bridge 
barred  by  24 
chains,  and 
Alagolafre 
standing  before 
it. 


Determined  not 
to  leave  his 
errand 

unperformed, 
he  knelt  down 
and  commended 
himself  to  God. 

A  hind  appears 


Thai  sholde  be  brente  Ichoii. 

Tho  came  the  bisshope  Cramadas 

And  kiieled  bifore  the  Sowdon,  2776 

And  charged  him  by  the  hye  name  Sathanas, 

To  saven  his  goddes  ychofl  : 

"  For  if  ye  brenne  youre  goddes  hei'', 

Ye  wynnyn  her  malison,  2780 

Than  wole  no  man  do  yon)  chei'', 

In  feelde,  Cite,  nei"*  in  town." 

The  Sowdon  was  astonyed  fan 

And  gan  him  sore  repente  2784 

Of  the  foly,  that  he  by  gan, 

And  els  hade  he  be  shente. 

A  thousande  of  Besauntes  he  offred  J>aym  to. 

By  counsail  of  sir  Cramadas,  2788 

To  please  with  his  goddys  tho. 

For  fere  of  harde  grace.  i ' 

The  Sowdone  co?nmaunded  euery  daye 

To  assaile  the  toui''  with  caste.  2792- 

But  thay  with-in  gafe  not  an  Eye,  / 

For  thai  wroghte  in  wast. 

~^^Owe  speke  we  of  Pdchardc  of  Normandy, 

\    That  on  message  was  sente,  2796 

-1-  1  Howe  he  spede  and  his  meyne. 
Whan  he  to  ^launtrible  wente, 
He  founde  the  brigge  Ichayned  sore ; 
xxiiij*'  were  ouere-drawen.  2800_ 

Alagolofure  stode  there  by  fore,  ' 

That  many  a  man  hade  slawene. 
Whan  Eichard  saugh,  ther  was  no  gate, 
But  by  flagot  the  flode,  2804 

His  message  wolde  he  not  lete  ; 

His  hors  was  both  bigge  and  goode.  J 

He  kneled,  bisechinge  god  of  his  grace, 
To  save  him  fro  myschiefe.  2808 

A  white  hende  he  saugh  auuon  in  fat  place, 


RICHARD    CROSSES    THE    RIVER    AND    OVERTAKES    CHARLES. 


81 


That  swam  ovei-'  the  cliffe. 

He  blessed  him  in  godis  name 

And  folowed  the  same  waye  2812 

The  gentil  hende,  Jjat  was  so  tame, 

That  on  J?at  othir  side  gan  playe. 

He  thanked  god  fele  sythe, 

That  him  hade  sente  comforte.  2810 

He  hied  him  in  his  message  swij:c. 

To  speke  with  Charles  his  lorde. 

But  I  shalle  you)  telle  of  a  trayto//r, 

That  his  name  was  called  Genelyne,  2820 

He  counselled  Charles-  for  his  honour* 

To  tiirne  homewarde  ageyn. 

He  saide  "the  xij  peres  bene  alle  dede, 

And  ye  spende  your  goode  in  vayne,  2824 

And  therfore  doth  nowe  by  my  rede, 

Ye  shalle  see  hem  no  more  certeyfi." 

The  kinge  bileved  fat  he  saide, 

And  homwarde  gan  he  fare.  2828 

He  of  his  xij  Dosiperes  was  sore  dismayed, 

His  herte  woxe  right  fulle  of  cai-". 

Eycharde  of  Xormandy  came  prikande 

And  hertly  to  ride  begane.  2832 

Kinge  Charles  aspyed  him  comande  ; 

Ho  commaunded  to  abide  euery  man. 

"  What  tidinggesl"  quod  the  kinge  to  Eicharde, 

"  Howe  fare  my  felowes  alle  1 "  28.3G 

"  My  lorde  "  he  saide  "  god  wote,  f  ul  harde, 

For  thai  be  byseged  with-in  ston-walle, 

Abydynge  youre  helpe  and  your  socoui-', 

As  men  ]5at  haue  grete  nede.  2840 

For  Ihesues  lone,  kinge  of  honoui-, 

Thiderward  ye  you)  spede  !  " 

"  0  Genelyne  "  quod  the  kingo, 

"  N'owe  knowe  I  thy  treson,  2844 

I  shalle  the  qwite,  be  seynte  Fremounde, 


and  swims 
across. 


Rieliiinl  follows 
her,  and,  p;vssino 
over  in  safely. 


hurries  on  to 
Charlemagne. 


JIc  iiiwliile 
Genelyn,  the 
traitor,  had 
advised  Charles 
to  retire  to 
Fi'anee, 
because  the  12 
jieers  were  all 
slain. 


The  king 
believed  him,  and 
marched  home- 
ward, lamenting 
for  his  peers. 


Richard  overtakes 
him,  and  is 
recognised  by 
Charles, 


who  asks  him 
about  the  others. 


Richard  tells  the 
king,  how  they 
are  besieged 
within  the  castle, 
and  are  waiting 
for  his  assistance. 


Charles,  vowing 
vengeance  on 

[leaf  71] 
Genelyn, 


i/ 


/ 


CHARL.   ROM.   V, 


82 


CHARLES    MARCHES    TO    AGUliMORE. 


Whafi  this  viage  is  don." 
turned  and  The  kiiige  turned  him  ageyii, 

to  Agremore.        And  alle  his  Ooste  him  with, 

Towards  Mountrible  certeyne. 

And^  graunte  him  gree  and  grith  ! 

Richarde  him  tolde  of  that  place, 

Howe  stronge  it  was  I-liolde 
Richard  informed  With  a  geaunte  foule  of  face, 

})ini  of  the  giant,  . 

wiio  kept  the        The  Driggo  hath  chayned  many  folde  ; 

"  "*'  The  River  was  both  depe  and  brode, 

Ther  myght  no  man  over-ryde. 
"  The  last  tyme  that  I  over-rode, 
By  myracle  I  passed  Jjat  tide. 
Therfore  sir,  I  shal  you)  telle, 
Howe  ye  mote  governe  you)  here. 
In  yonde  wode  ye  moste  dwells 
Priuely  in  this  maner". 
And  xij  of  vs  shalle  vs  araye 
In  gyse  of  stronge  marchauntes, 
And  fille  cure  somers  withe  fog  and  haye. 
To  passe  the  brigge  Currauntes. 

their  arras  hidden  Wb  shalle  be  armed  vnder  the  cote 
With  goode  swerdes  wele  I-gyrde, 
We  moste  paye  tribute,  wele  I  wote, 
And  elles  over  we  may  not  sterte. 
But  whan  the  chaynes  be  lete  down 
Ouer  ther  for  to  passe. 
Than  wole  I,  fat  ye  come  on, 
In  haste  to  that  same  place. 
Whan  I  see  tyme  for  to  come, 

should  blow  a        Than  shalle  I  my  home  blowe. 

horn  in  i 

as  a  signal  for  tiie  Loke,  ye  be  redy  alle  and  some, 
approach.  For  that  sliaH  ye  welle  knowe." 


2848 


2852 


2856 


and  how  he  had 
passed  the  river 
by  a  miracle. 


He  proposed  a 
plan, 


that  12  knights 
disguised  as 
merchants,  with 


28G0 


2864 


under  tlieir 
clothes, 

should  pay  the 
toll, 

and  the  bridge 
being  let  down 


2868 


2872 


2876 


They  start  and 
arrive  at 
Mantrible. 


Forth  thay  wente  in  fat  araye 
To  Mountrible,  that  Cite. 

'  Read:   'God.' 


2880 


THE    liRIDGEWARD    OF    MANTUIBLE    REFUSES    TO    LET    THEM    PASS.       83 

Alagolof ui''  to  hem  san  seye,     -  Aiagoiafre  asks 

®  o  .;    '  ^  whitlier  lliey  are 

"  Felawes,  "wheder  "wole  yeV  •  going- 

Eicharde  spake  to  the  geaunte 

And  saide  "  towarde  the  Sowdofl,  2884  uichard  says, 

they  are  mer- 

With  dyufelrs  chaflfer'  as  trewe  marchaunte,  ciiants  on  titeir 

way  to  tlie 

We  purpose  for  to  goon,  soudan, 
To  shewen  him  of  pellui''  and  Gryse,^ 

Or  frays  of  Perse  ImperyaUe,  2888         deaf  72] 

We  wole  the  yefe  tribute  of  assaye  a.uHhey  are 

•'  ''  willing  to  pay  the 

To  passe  by  lycence  in  especyaH."  t°"- 

"  Licence  gete  ye  noon  of  me  ^  Aiagoiafre 

°         -^  '  refuses  to  let 

I  am  charged  that  noone  shaH  passe,  2892  them  pass, 

For  X  lurdeyns  of  Fraunce  were  hei'' :  an.i  teiisthei 

''  about  tlio  10 

God  yefe  hem  evell  grace  !  knigiits, 

Thay  passed  this  way  to  Egramoui'' ;  who  had  iiassed 

there  and  done  so 

Thay  haue  done  the  Sowdon  grete  tene,  2896  much  mischief 

to  the  Soudan  ; 

Thay  have  wonne  his  toure  and  his  tresoiii'*, 

And  yet  holde  thai  it,  I  wene. 

Wherfor",  felawes,  I  arest  you)  alle,  therefore  he  win 

arrest  them  :ill. 

Tille  I  knowe,  what  pat  ye  bene."  2900 

Sire  Focarde  brayde  oute  his  swerde  with-alle,  sir  Focard  drxAs 

his  sword  and 

Wei  sore  he  gan  to  tene 

And  saide  "  fye  on  the  Sarasyne  ! 

For  alle  thy  grete  harde  hede  2904 

Shaltow  never  drinke  water  ner  wyne, 

By  god  !  thou  shalte  be  dede." 

He  smote  at  him  with  egre  chere  smites  ai  him. 

But  he  gafe  thereof  right  nought.  2908 

"  Alas  "  quod  Richard  "  thou  combrest  vs  hei-", 

By  god,  that  me  dei''  hath  boghte." 

The  cheynes  yet  wei^  alle  faste, 

The  geaunte  wexe  nere  wode,  2912 

Richard  blewe  his  home  in  haste,  Riciiard  blows 

That  was  both  shrille  and  goode. 

Kinge  Charles  hied  him  anoofi  and  ciiaries 


Mead :  '  gray.'  '  See  the  note. 

G   2 


advances. 


84 


ALAGOLAPRE  AND  BARROCK  ARE  SLAIN. 


Alagolafre  fights 
them  with  a 
great  oak  chib. 


Richard  seizes  a 
bar  of  brass 
and  knocks  him 
down. 


[leaf  73] 

i  men  get  hold  of 
him 


and  throw  him 
into  the  river. 


They  loosened 
the  chains ; 


but,  the  Saracens 
assemblinj;  on 
the  walls  of  the 
city,  many 
Christians  were 
slain. 

Alagolafre's  wife, 
Barrock  the 
giantess,  comes 
on  with  her 
scythe  and  mmvs 
down  all  whom 
she  meets. 


Charles  dashes 
out  her  brains. 


Towarde  the  brigge  so  longe  ; 
The  Geaunte  faught  with  hem  alone, 
He  was  so  harde  and  stronge. 
Witli  a  Clogt  of  an  Oke  he  faught, 
That  was  wele  bound  with  stele. 
He  slough  al  |jat  evei'  he  raught, 
So  stronge  was  his  dinte  to  dele. 
Eichard  raught  him  witR  a  barr*  of  bras, 
That  he  caught  at  the  gate. 
He  brake  his  legges,  he  cryed  "  alas  " 
And  felle  alle  chek'-mate. 
Loude  than  gan  he  to  yelle  ; 
Thay  herde  him  yelle  through  fat  Cite, 
Like  the  grete  deveUe  of  helle, 
And  saide  "  Mahounde,  nowe  helpe  me  !  " 
iiij  men  him  caught  ther*. 
So  hevy  he  was  and  longe. 
And  cast  him  ouer  in-to  the  rivei-'. 
Chese  he,  whither^  lie  wolde  swymme  or  gong* ! 
Anoou  thay  brast  the  Chaynes  alle, 
That  ouer  the  brigge  were  I-drawe. 
The  Saresyns  ronnen  to  the  walle. 
Many  Cristeii  men  were  thei-*  I-slawe. 
Than  came  forth  Dam  barrot,  the  bolde, 
"With  a  sithe  large  and  kene, 
And  mewe  a-down  as  Jjikke  as  shepe  in  folde, 
That  came  byforne  hir  by-dene. 
This  Barrok*  was  a  geaunesse, 
And  wife  she  was  to  Astragote, 
She  did  the  Cristeii  grete  distresse, 
She  felled  downe  alle  fat  she  smote. 
There  durst  no  man  hire  sithe  abyde. 
She  grenned  like  a  develle  of  helle. 
Kinge  Charles  with  a  quarel  fat  tide 
Smote  hir,  that  she  lowde  gan  yelle, 

»  ?  <  whether.' 


2916 


2920 


2924 


i 


2928 


2932 


2936 


2940 


2944 


2948 


CHARLES    IS    SHUT    IN    IxV    THE    TOWN. 


85 


Euer^  the  founte  througli-oute  the  hrayfi; 
That  cursede  fende  fille  down  dede. 
Many  a  man  hade  she  there  slayfi, 
Might  she  never  aftyr  ete  more  brede  ! 
Charles  entred  in  the  firste  warde 
With  XV  knightis  and  no  moo  ; 
Of  hym  his  oste  toke  no  garde, 
He  wende  his  oste  hade  entred  also. 
The  Sarysyns  ronne  to  the  gate, 
And  shet  it  wonder  faste. 
Charles  men  come  to  late ; 
Tho  was  Charles  sore  agaste. 
Betwene  two  wardes  he  was  shit, 
Defende  he  him  if  he  can  ! 
The  Sarysyns  with  him  thay  mette, 
Grete  parel  was  he  in  than. 
Tho  Genelyne  sale,  the  kinge  was  inne 
And  the  yates  faste  I-stoke, 
Ther  myght  no  man  to  him  wynne. 
So  was  he  faste  with-inne  I-loke, 
To  his  frendes  he  gan  speke 
And  saide  "  the  kinge  is  dede. 
And  alle  xij  peres  eke. 
On  peyne  "  said  he  "  to  lese  myre  hede, 
Let  vs  hye.to  Fraunce  warde  ! 
For  I  wele  be  crownede  kinge, 
I  shalle  yon)  alle  wele  rewarde, 
For  I  wole  spare  for  no  thinge." 
Anoon  thay  assented  to  Genelyne, 
Thay  saugh,  ther  was  no  bette?-  rede. 
The  Frenssh  men  drewe  hem  al  ayene, 
Thay  wende  the  kinge  hade  bene  dedde. 
Tho  Ferumbras  with  his  meyne  than 
Came  for  to  seke  the  kinge, 
And  saugh  hem  turne  euery  man  ; 
'  Read :  '  over.' 


2952 


and  witli  15  ♦^ 

knights  enters  the 
2956    outer  gate  of  llie 
town, 


tliinking  his 
army  would 
follow  him. 


2960 


2968 


2973 


2976 


2980 


2984 


But  tlie  gate  was 
Instantly  closed 
upon  him,  and  his 
men  came  too 
late. 


2964 


Charles  wa-  in 
great  danger ; 


but  Genelyn, 
seeing  him  shut 


[leaf  71] 
exclaimed  that 
the  king 
and  the  12  peers 
were  dead,  and 
proposed  to 
retire, 

as  he  wished  to 
be  king  himself. 


They  are  going  to 
return, 

but  Ferumbras 


86 


CUAKLES    IS    RESCUED    BY    FERUMBRAS. 


calls  him  a 
traitour, 

rallies  tho 
French, 


and  with  his  axe 
bursts  open  the 
gate. 


He  chased  the 
Saracens  and 
rescued  the  king. 


Mantrible  is 
taken, 


[leaf  7S] 

with  all  its 
engines  and 
treasures. 


Richard  found 
2  children  of  7 
months  old  and 


llim  thought,  it  was  a  woiidir  thing*. 
"  Wliere  is  the  kiuge  1 "  qiiod  Ferumbias. 
Quod  Genelyne  "with-in  the  walle,  2988 

Shaltowe  neuer'  more  seen  liis  face  !  " 
"  God  gyf  the  an  y vel  falle  ! 
Turne  agayne,  thoii)  traytoure  ! 

And  helpe  to  reskowe  thy  lorde.  2992 

And  ye,  sires,  alle  for  your*  honour' !  " 
Thay  turned  agayne  with  that  worde. 
Ferumbras  with  axe  in  honde, 

Myghtyly  brake  up  the  gate,  2996 

Ther  myght  laste  him  noon  yron  bonde, 
He  hade  nei-'-honde  I-come  to  late. 
The  kinge  hadde  fought  so  longe  with-ynne, 
That  onnethe  myght  he  no  more.  3000 

Many  ther  were  abouteii  him, 
His  men  were  wounded  ful  sore. 
Ferumbras  came  with  gode  spede. 
He  made  the  Sarasyns  to  fle.  3004 

He  reskowed  the  kinge  at  his  nede, 
XL  Sarasyns  sone  killed  he. 
Thai  ronnen  a-weye  by  every  side. 
Thai  durste  nowher*  rowte.  3008 

In  shorte  tyme  was  failed  her  pride, 
Thay  caught  many  a  sore  cloute. 
That  Cite  was  wojine  that  same  daye. 
And  every  tour*  ther-ynne  3012 

Of  Mountreble,  fat  was  so  gaye. 
For  alle  hei^  soubtile  gynne, 
Fulle  of  tresom-*  and  richesse. 

Of  Siluer  and  goolde  and  peri-",  3016 

And  clothes  of  goolde,  wroght  of  Saresynes, 
Of  riche  aray  and  roialte. 
Eicharde,  Duke  of  Normandy, 

Founde  ij  Children  of  .vij.  monjjes  oolde,^  3020 

'  See  the  note. 


HE    HURRIES    ON    TO    AGREMORE, 


87 


xiiij  fete  longe  wei'^  thay, 
Thay  wer'  Barrakes  so?«ies  so  boolde  ; 
Bygote  thay  wer*  of  Astragot. 

Grete  joye  the  kinge  of  he??i  hade.  3024 

Hethen  thay  wer'  both,  wele  I  wote, 
Therfore  heifi  to  be  cristenede  he  bade. 
He  called  pat  one  of  hem  Eoulande, 
And  that  other  he  cleped  Olyuei'' :  3028 

"  For  thai  shalle  be  myghty  men  of  honde." 
To  kepen  hem,  he  was  fulle  chere. 
Thay  myght  not  leve,  her  Dam  was  dede  ; 
Thai  coude  not  kepe  hem  forth.  3032 

Thai  wolde  neyfer  ete  butter  nere  brede, 
Ifer  no  men^  was  to  hem  worthe. 
Her"  Da?remes  mylke  they  lakked  ther*, 
Thay  deyden  for  defaute  of  here  dam.  3036 

Kinge  Charles  made  hevy  cher', 
And  a  sory  man  was  than. 
The  kinge  lete  ordeyne  anooii, 
The  Cite  to  be  gouerned' 
Of  the  worthyest  of  hem  ychon, 
That  weren  of  werr*  best  lerned'. 
Duke  Eicharde  of  ISTormandy, 
He  was  made  cliief  gouernour' ; 
And  ij  C  with  him  in  hys  company 
To  kepe  the  brigge  and  tour*. 
Forth  he  rode  to  laban  than, 
With  his  Ooste  and  Sii-*  Ferumbras. 
A  spye  to  the  Sowdoii  fast  ran 
And  tolde  him  al  that  cas, 
How  Charles  was  come  with  his  ost, 
And  Mountrible  hade  he  wonne,  3052 

"  Alagolofur  slayja  is  for  alle  his  host, 
This  game  was  evel  begoii." 
"WHiane  laban  herde  of  his  comynge, 
'  Bead:   'mete.' 


■t  feet  higli. 

They  were  sons 
of  liarrock, 
begotten  by 
Astragot. 


Cliarles  caused 

tliem 

to  be  baptized, 

and  called  the 

one  Roland  and 

the  other  Oliver. 


But  they  soon 
died 


for  w.-int  of  their 
mother's  ir.ilk. 


3040 


Th  ■  king 
appoints  Richard 
3044    governor  of  the 
city, 


and  hurries  on  to 
Agremore  with 
3048    lli.^  army  and 

with  Ferumbras. 


88  I'LOIUPAS    KEOOGNISES    THK    FRENCH    BANNER. 

Him  tliouglxt  his  lierte  gaii  breke.  3056 

[loaf  76]        "  Shalle  I  never  be  Avitlioute  moornynge, 
Tille  I  of  liim  be  wreke." 
He  co9;imauuded,  to  blowe  his  Claryons 
To  assemble  alle  his  Ooste.  30G0 

His  counsaile  to  him  he  lete  calle 
i-;ib;in,  beins  told  And  tolde,  how  Icinge  Charles  was  in  bat  coost, 

by  a  spy  that  his  _  ' 

oity  «as  taken       Hadde  womie  Mountrible  and  slayn  his  men 

and  the  bridge-  ■,     ^•   ^  x. 

wanikiiicd,  "And  dishirytn  to  disheryte  me,  3064 

And  proudely  manessith  me  to  fleen, 
Or  drive  me  oute  of  this  contre. 
Me  mervaylythe  moch  of  liis  pride. 
By  Mahounde,  moost  of  myght !  3068 

Ye  and  my  sone  withe  him  doth  ride, 
To  the  develle  I  hem  bedi^ht. 


^o-" 


sH-eui-d  to  aveii-e    Bnt  I  be  venget  of  hem  both 

liim. 

And  honge  hem  on  a  tree,  3072 

To  myghty  INIahonnde  I  make  myne  othe, 
Shalle  I  never  Joyfulle  be. 
He  calls  a  council,  Tlicrfore  I  cliavge  you)  in  alle  wj^se 

and  charges  his        rni     j  j  i  n       j    i  i       _ 

barons  to  take        i'lfit  tliay  be  taken  or  slayn.  30/6 

Charles  alive  that     m  i     n      x  ^  , 

he  might  flay         iliane  shalle  i  py/me  heme  at  my  gyse 

And  don  hem  alle  qwike  be  flayii." 
Charles  Qn  the  morowe,  whan  it  was  day, 

•approaches. 

Kinge  Charles  Avas  in  the  felde,  3080 

Byfore  Agremoui-'  in  riche  aray 
On  stede  with  spei'  and  sheelde. 
Fioripas  first         Floripe  lay  on  the  tour*  on  hye 

recognises  the 

banner  of  France    And  knewe  the  banei*  of  Fraunce.  3084 

To  Eoulande  she  gan  faste  crye 

Tidynges  of  goode  cbaunce  : 
and  tells  the         "  Kinge  Charles  is  comen  and  Ferumbras, 

others.  ' 

Here  baners  both  I  do  see,  3088 

With  alle  her  oste  yonder"  in  fat  place  ; 
Welcome  to  vs  thay  alle  be." 
Eoulande  and  Olyuere 


CHARLES    DISMOUNTS    LABAN    AND    LEADS    illM  TO    AGREMORE.       89 

Arayed  hem  for  to  ride  ;  3092  Uoiund  mid  aii       "^ 

liis  companions 

And  here  felawes  alle  in  fer\  saiiy  fonii  to 

-^                                   _                     ,  meet  Cliarle- 

lo  Charles  thay  gon  that  tyde.  mague. 

Laban  come  forth  with  his  mayne,  Laimn  draws  up 

all  his  people 

Saresyns,  that  were  ful  felle,  3096 

Turkes,  Indens,  and  Arahye  ^ 

Ye  and  of  the  Ethiopes  like  the  develes  of  helle. 

There  were  stronge  wardes  setts  [leaf"?] 

By  ordynaunce  of  dyuers  batayle.  3100  in  bat  tie-order. 

Whan  thay  to  geder  were  met, 

Eythir  othir  sore  gan  assayle. 

Ther  were  Saresyns  al  to-hewe  ;  The  French  make 

-   1     ^  great  slaughter 

Eonlande  sloughe  many  one.  3104  otthesaracens. 

Thay  lay  so  thikke  dede  on  rewe, 

That  onnefe  myghte  men  ride  or  goon. 

Kinge  Charles  met  with  Lahan  ciiaries            ^ 

And  bare  him  do"\vn  of  his  stede,  3108  soudan, 

He  lighted  down  and  ceased  him  than, 

He  thought  to  qwite  him  his  mede. 

He  brayde  oute  Mowiijoye  wyth  gode  wiUe 

And  wolde  have  smeten  of  his  hede,  3112  and  would  have 

cut  off  his  head, 

Ferumbras  prayde  him  to  abyde  stille,  butforFerumbras, 

_                                       1    T     1  ^''''°  requested 

To  crysten  him,  er  he  wer  dede.  that  his  father 

The  Saresyns  saughe  Laban  take,  baptized. 

Thay  fleddeii  away  f  ulle  faste.  3116  seeing  Laban' 

Lenger  durste  thay  no  maistryes  make,  .ujusonei. 

Thai  were  so  sore  agaste. 

The  Cristen  hem  chased  to  and  fro,  but  the  christians 

As  a  guehounde  doth  the  hare.  3120 

.iij.  c.  ascaped  with  moche  woo,  :wo  escaped  to 

Helmarine. 

To  Belmore  gan  thay  far*. 

Kinge  Charles  ladde  Laban                      •  cimries  leads 

Laban  to 

In-to  Agremoui'  Cite.  3124  Agremore. 
And  whan  fat  he  thei^  came 
A  ful  sory  man  was  lie. 

Floripas  wel- 

His  doghter  welcomed  him  comes  her  father, 


90 


FLOUIPAS   BRINGS    OUT    THE   SACRED    RELICS. 


but  he  is  enraged 
at  seeing  lier. 


She  then  bids 
Cliarleniagne 
welcome, 

and  presents  the 
holj'  relics  to 
hiiu. 


[leaf  78] 

Charles  kisses 
them, 
and  says  a 
prayer ; 


he  then  thanks 
Floripas  for  her 
assistance  to  his 
knights, 

and  for  having 
preserved  the 
precious  relics. 

He  orders  Turpin 
to  prepare  a 
vessel, 

wherein  to  bap- 
tize the  Sou.lan 


and  to  wash  off 
his  sin  in  the 
water. 


With  right  gode  chei-'.i  3128 

He  loked  on  liir  al  grymme, 

As  he  wode  wroth  Avei-', 

And  saide  "  fye  on  the,  stronge  hore, 

Mahounde  confoundc  the  !  "  3132 

Charles  saide  "  here-of  no  more, 

But  let  us  nowe  mery  be  !  " — 

"  Sir  "  she  saide  thanne, 

"  Welcome  ye  be  into  this  toui-* !  3136 

Here  I  presente  to  you,  as  I  can, 

Eelikes  of  grete  honour'. 

That  were  at  Eome  I-wonnen 

And  broght  into  this  halle.  3140 

That  game  was  evel  bygownen. 

It  sithen  rewed  us  alle," 

Kinge  Charles  kneled  adown 

To  kisse  the  Eelikes  so  goode,  3144 

And  badde  ther*  an  oryson 

To  that  lorde,  fat  deyde  oil  rode. 

And  Ranked  Moripe  with  al  his  herte, 

That  she  hade  saued  his  meyne  3148 

And  holpe  hem  oute  of  peynes  smerte 

And  kepte  the  Eelekes  so  fre. 

Kinge  Charles  did  calle  bisshope  I'urpyn 

And  bade  him  ordeyne  a  grete  fat,  3152 

To  baptyse  the  Sowdofi  yne  ; 

"  And  loke  what  he  shalle  hat. 

Unarme  him  faste  and  bringe  him  ner', 

I  shal  his  godfader  be.  3156 

Fille  it  fulle  of  water*  clei'', 

For  Baptysed  shalle  he  be. 

Make  him  naked  as  a  Childe, 

He  moste  plunge  ther-inne.  3160 

For  now  most  he  be  meke  and  mylde, 

And  I-wassh  awaye  his  synne." 

'   TJiese  t7V0  lines  fire  written  as  one  in  the  MS. 


LABAN    IS    SLAIN,    AND    FLORIPAS    WEDDED    TO    GUY. 


91 


Turpyii  toke  him  by  the  honde 

And  ladde  him  to  the  fonte. 

He  smote  the  bisshope  with  a  bronde 

And  gaf  him  an  evel  bronte. 

He  spitted  in  the  water  cler' 

And  cryed  oute  on  hem  alle, 

And  defied  alle  fat  cristen  wer*. 

That  foule  mote  him  by-falle  ! 

"  Ye  and  thou),  hore  serpentyne. 

And  that  fals  cursed  Ferumbras, 

Mahounde  gyfe  hem  both  evel  endyng*, 

And  almyghty  Sathanas  ! 

By  you  came  all  my  sorowe. 

And  al  my  tresure  for-lorne. 

Honged  be  ye  both  er  tomoroAve  ! 

In  cursed  tyme  were  ye  born." 

Ferumbras  saide  to  the  kinge, 

"  Sir,  ye  see,  it  wole  not  be, 

Lete  him  take  his  endynge. 

For  he  loueth  not  Cristyante." 

"  Duke  Neymes"  quod  Charles  tho, 

"  Loke  fat  execucion  be  don, 

Smyte  of  his  hedde  !  god  gyfe  him  woo  ! 

And  goo  we  to  mete  anoone." 

It  was  done  as  the  kinge  commaunde. 

His  soule  was  fet  to  helle, 

To  daunse  in  Jjat  sory  lande 

With  develes,  fat  wer*  ful  felle. 

Dame  Florip  was  Baptysed  than 

And  here  maydyns  alle. 

And  to  Sir.Gye  I-maryed. 

The  Barons  honoured  hir  alle. 

Alle  the  londe  of  Spayne 

Kinge  Charles  gyfe  hem  two. 

To  departe  bitwyxt  hem  twaync, 

Ferumbras  and  Gy  also. 


Turpiii  leads 
_  _  Laban  to  tlie 
olb4    font, 

but  the  Souilaii 
strikes  at  hiui, 


spits  on  tlie 
vessel, 
3168    utters  invectives 
against  all 
Christians, 


3172    and  curses 
Ferumbras. 


3176 


3180 


3184 


3188 


3192 


3196 


Charles  com- 
mands Naynies 
to  cut  off  liis 
liead. 

i  leaf  79] 


He  is  executed  ; 

his  soul  goes  to 

lifll, 

there  to  dance 

with  devils. 


Floripas  was 
baptized  with  all 
her  maidens, 
and  wedded  to 
Guy. 


Charles  divided 
Spain  between 
Guy  and 
Ferumbras, 


00 


CHARLES    RETURNS    TO    FRANCE. 


mill  charges  Sir 
Hryer  of 
liretiiyne  to  take 
care  of  the  relics, 

and  to  bring  all 
liis  treasure  to 
Paris. 


After  takinsr 
leave  of  Guy  and 
Floripas, 


he  sails  to  Moun- 
peler, 

[leaf  80] 
where  he  thanks 
God  for  the 
victory, 


Aud  so  thay  livede  in  ioye  and  game, 
And  bretliern  both  thay  wei'', 
In  pees  and  ■weri^  both  I-same, 
Ther"  durste  no  mail  hem  dei''. 
Kinge  Charles  turned  home  agayfi 
Towarde  his  contir, 
He  charged  Sir  Bryei''  of  Bretayne 
His  tresourei"*  for  to  be  : 
To  kepe  the  Eelikes  of  grete  pvis 
And  his  other  tresoui-', 
And  bringe  hem  safe  to  Parys, 
There  to  a-bide  in  store. 
He  saide  "  farewell,  Sir  Ferumbras, 
Ye  and  Gye,  my  dere  freiide  ! 
And  thy  wyf  Dame  Floripas  ! 
For  to  Fraunce  nowe  wole  I  wende. 
Be  ye  togeder  as  breth[e]rn  both  ! 
No  man  ye  nedith  to  drede, 
Be  ye  nevere  to-gedere  wrotli, 
But  eyther  helpe  othir  at  his  nede. 
Vysityth  me,  whan  ye  haue  space  ; 
In-to  Fraunce  makith  your  disporte, 
God  wole  you  sende  the  better  grace, 
In  age  to  do  me  comforte." 
Thai  toke  leve  of  the  kinge. 
With  ful  hevy  chei"'. 
And  turned  agayn  both  mornynge. 
With  wepynge  water  clei''. 
Kinge  Cliaiies  with  the  victory 
Sailed  to  ]\Iounpeleres, 
And  thanked  almyghty  god  in  glorye, 
That  he  hade  saued  his  Dosiperes, 
And  fende  him  of  the  Saresynes 
The  hyer  honde  to  have. 
For  alle  here  strenghe  ^  and  her*  Engynes 
'  Bead:  ' streng^he.* 


3200 


3204 


3208 


3212 


3216 


3220 


3224 


3228 


3232 


GENELYN    IS    HANGED    AT    PARIS. 

The  Eelikes  of  Rome  to  saue. 

At  oure  lady  of  Parys 

He  ofFred  the  Crosse  so  fre  ;  3236 

The  Crown  he  offred  at  seynte  Denyse, 

At  Boloyne  the  nayles  thre. 

AUe  his  Barons  of  him  wer"  gladd, 

Thai  gafe  him  grete  presente. 

For  he  so  wele  hade  I-spedde, 

Thay  did  him  grete  reuerence. 

The  kinge  hade  wel  in  mynde 

The  tresone  of  Genelyne, 

Anoofi  for  him  he  dide  sende 

To  yefe  him  an  evel  fyne  : 

"  Thou  traito?<r  unkynde  "  qiiod  the  kynge, 

"  Eemembrist  thou)  not  how  ofte  3248 

Thou  hast  me  betrayed,  Jjou  fals  Genelyne  1 

Therfore  thoiie  shalt  be  honged  on  lofte  ! — 

Loke  that  the  execucioii  be  don, 

That  throgh  Parys  he  be  drawe,  3252 

And  honged  on  hye  on  laomit  FawcoS, 

As  longeth  to  traytonres  by  laAve ; 

That  alle  men  shall  take  hede, 

What  deth  traytoj^rys  shall  fele,  3256 

That  assente  to  such  falshede, 

Howe  the  wynde  here  bodyes  shal  kele." 

Thus  Charles  conquered  Laban, 

The  Sowdon  of  Babyloyne,  3260 

That  riche  Rome  stroyed  and  wan 

And  alle  the  brode  londe  of  Spayn. 

^ [an]d  of  his  Barons 

......     .[hi]s  pride  3264 

eh'gons 

pat  tyde 

......     .on  Charles  soule 

.s  also  3268 

*  A  pornei-  of  the  leaf  torn  off. 


93 


and  for  the  rcliRs. 

He  presents  tlie 
cross  to  P;iiis, 


the  Crown  to  St. 

Denis, 

the  three  nails  to 

Boulogne. 


3240 


Charles  well 
_  .  remembered 
3J44    the  treachery  of 

Oenelyn, 


and  ordered  him 
to  be  drawn  mid 
hanged  at 
Montfaucon  in 
Paris. 


Thus  Charles 
conquered  the 
Soudan  of 
Babj'lone. 


p^ 


94  CONCLUSION. 

Peter  and  Poule 

[leaf  81]        God  lete  hem  never  wete  of  woo  ! 

But  brynge  here  soules  to  goode  reste  ! 
That  were  so  worthy  in  dede.  3272 

Qoa  sive  joy  to      And  gvf  vs  iove  of  the  beste, 

all  who  read  tliis  °''  "^  ' 

roinanoe.  That  of  here  gestes  rede  ! 

Here  enditlie  the  Romaunce  of  the  Sowdon 
of  Babyloyne  and  of  Ferumbras  his  sone 
who  conquerede  Rome,  And  Kynge  Charles 
off  Fraunce  withe  xij.  Dosyperes  toke  the 
Sowdon  in  the  feelde  And  smote  of  his 
heede. 


95 


NOTES. 


Page  1,  line  1.  mygJiteste,  evidently  an  error  of  the  scribe  for  myghies, 
cf.   11.    1635,   1312,  3068,  2546,  1200,  2059 ;    and   Sijr  Ferumbras,   1. 

^'l"*  "Nov  help  hem  Jjb  hej  kyng  of  hevene, 

pat  art  of  mhtet,  most." 

God  in  glorie  occurs  again  in  1.  3229  ;  cf.  the  French  expression 
Damedeu  de  glore ;  Fierabras  2332. 
p.  1,  1.  2.  jnade  and  wroght  in  1.  5  are  the  2nd  person  sing,  preterite, 
which  in  all  other  instances  in  this  poem  ends  in  -est.  But  perhaps 
we  might  suppose  a  change  of  person  here,  and  regard  made  and 
wroght  as  the  third  person.  For  examples  of  the  change  of  person 
see  Syr  Ferumbras,  11.  2719,  4393,  and  Guy  of  Warwick,  ed.  Zupitza, 
1.  2324. 

p.  1,  1.  7.  shidde  to  love ;  to  before  an  infinitive,  governed  by  an 
auxiliary  verb,  is  pretty  common  in  Middle  English  works.  See 
Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  1925. 

p.  1, 1.  9.  3?//e.  This  is  the  only  instance  of  3  being  written  in  the  present 
poem  at  the  beginning  of  a  word,  ■^ife  is  written  if  in  all  other 
passages  of  the  poem,  cf.  11.  560,  651,  763,  and  1061,  etc.  As  to  the 
pronunciation  of  j  in  tlie  middle  of  a  word,  it  is  doubtful,  whether  it 
had  still  preserved  its  ancient  guttural  sound,  or  not,  as  the  same 
words  are  written  sometimes  with  it  and  sometimes  without  it,  and 
are  often  made  to  rhyme  with  words  in  which  ^  or  gli  would  be 
etymologically  incorrect ;  e.  g.  nye,  which  is  spelt  ny^e  in  1.  2284, 
rhymes  with  Gye,  in  1.  2657.  We  even  find  whi-^te,  in  1.  2289,  instead 
of  white  (1.  2008  :  smyte).    At  the  end  of  a  word  j  has  the  sound  of  s. 

p.  1, 1. 13.  idoone.  The  prefix  i-,  O.E.  ge-,  sometimes  occurs  in  this  poem, 
but  more  frequently  it  is  not  written ;   see  Introduction,  p.  xxxviii. 

p.  1,1.  14.  cf.  1.  2516. — 11.  1 — 14  may  be  said  to  contain  the  moral  of 
the  whole  poem,  which  we  know  the  romance  writers  to  be  very  fond 
of  placing  at  the  beginning  of  their  works.  "  La  moralite  de  tout  un 
poeme,"  says  Leon  Gautier,  in  his  Epopees  Franqaises,  I.  233,  "  est 
quelquefois  exprim^e  dans  ses  premiers  vers." 


96  NOTES   TO    pp.  ],  2,  II.   16 — 29. 

p.  1,  1.  10.     moch  =  much  (as  in  1.  754)  is  the  usual  spelling  in  this 

pocui.     We  likewise  find  merJie,  1.  179,  and  viUdlle,  I.  1016. 
p.  1,  1.  19.     his  refers  to  Rome. 

p.  1,  1.  22.      Laban,  the  father  of  Ferunibras,  is  styled  sowdan  only  in 
this  poem^  and  once  in  the  Destruction  de  Rome,  1.  1436  : 

"  Les  noveles  en  vindrent  al  soldan  diffaie." 
The  French,  tlie  Provencal  and  the  English  version  of  Sir  Ferumbras 
all  agree  to  call  him  amyral  or  amirans. 
p.  1,  1.  24.      The  mention  of  King  Louis  and  of  the  abbey  of  St.  Denis 
(1.  27)  seems  to  be  an  imitation  of  the  Destruction,  I.  7  et  seq.  : 
"  Le  chanclion  est  perdue  et  le  rime  fausee, 
Mais-  .  .  li  rois  Louis,  dont  I'alrae  est  trespasses 
— Ke  11  fache  i^ardon  la  verge  honoree — 
Par  lui  et  pav  Gautler  est  I'estoire  aunee 
Et  le  chanchon  drescie,  esprise  et  alumee 
A  saitit  Di/nis  de  France  premierement  trovee." 
St.  Denis  also  occurs  in  the  beginning  of  the  French  Fierahras,  1.  4  : 

"  A  i^aint  Denis  en  France  fu  11  raules  trouv^s." 
Cf.  besides  note  to  1.  20.  witnessith  =  attests,  testifies ;  cf.  Stratmann, 
p.  645.  It  occurs  again  in  1.  1489. 
p.  2,  1.  25.  Rojnaunce,  the  French  or  Romance  language.  We  often 
find  the  authors  of  romances,  both  of  translations  and  of  imitations 
from  the  French,  referring  to  the  original ;  cf.  Syr  Eglamour  ofArtoys, 
sign.  r!i  1  :  «  jjjg  Q^y,-^  jj^other  there  he  wedde. 

In  Eomaunce  as  we  rede." 
Again,  fol.  ult.  :  "  In  Romaunce  this  cronycle  is." 

[Quoted  by  Warton,  Histori/  of  English  Poetry,  II.  146,  footnote.] 
p.  2,  1.  20.  holces  of  antiqvyte.  This  is  to  be  regarded  as  one  of  those 
frequent  assertions  of  the  authors  of  these  poems,  who  in  order  to 
give  more  credit  to  their  tales,  thought  it  necessary  to  affirm  their 
antiquity  and  celebrity  in  old  times.  Cf.  Gautier,  Ejjujk  Fr.,11.  87  : 
"  II  fut  de  bon  ton  d'annoncer,  au  commencement  de  chaque  poeme, 
qu'on  avait  trouve  la  matiere  de  ce  poeme  dans  quelque  vieux 
manuscrit  latin,  dans  quelque  vieille  chronique  d'abbaye,  surtout 
dans  les  manuscrits  et  dans  les  chroniques  de  Saint-Denis.  On  se 
donnait  par  la  un  beau  vernis  de  veracite  historique.  Plus  les 
trouverent  ajoutaient  aux  chansons  primitives  d'affabulations  ridicules, 
plus  ils  s'ecriaieut  :  '  Nous  avons  trouve  tout  cela  dans  un  vieux 
livre.'" 

p.  2,  1.  27.      Seinte  Denyse  is  the  genitive  depending  on  abbey. 

p.  2,  ].  28.  there  as  =  where,  or  where  that.  See  Koch,  Englische 
Grammatilc,  II.  §  511. 

p.  2,  1.  29.  Laban.  So  the  father  of  Ferumbras  is  called  in  the 
Destruction  de  Rome,  where  only  in  six  passages  (11.  891,  899,  1110, 
1194,  1174,  981)  we  find  the  form  Balan,  which  is  the  only  one  used 
in  the  French  Fierahras,  \n  the  Provencal  version,  and  in  the  English 


NOTES   TO    p.  2,  11.  31 — 49.  97 

Syr  Ferumhras.    —  of  hie  degre  ;  this  kind  of  expletive  occujh  a,i^ain 
ill  1.  100  :  clei'k  of  hie  digre  ;  cf.  also  1.  1G8  :  hiwj  of  hie  honoav. 
p.  2,  1.  31.       Cristiante  ==  the    company    of   Christians,    the    countries 
inhahited  by  Christians,  cf.  11.  235,  374.      It  signifies  "  the   religion 
taught  by  Christ"  in  1.  3182.      Cristiante  and   Chrislendorii  are  used 
promiscuously  in  Middle  English  writers. 
p.  2,  1.  33.      Agremare  :  there.      The  rhyme  becomes  perfect  by  reading 
Agremore  :  ihore,  which  we  find  in  I.  1805  ;   cf.  also  1.  1003  Agremare  : 
more  (i.  e.  negro),  and  11.  672,  775,  2140,  2895. 
p.  2,  1.  34.      Flagot,      See  Index  of  Names,  s,  v.  Flagot,  and  cf.  note  to 

1.  1723. 
p.  2,  1.  37.     This  line  is  too  long,  nevertheless  it  seems  to  be  correct  as 
it  stands,  clearly  imitated  from  several  passages  of  the  Destruction  de 
Rome. 

1.  420.     "  Ensamble  ou  li  issircnt  xv  roi  corone.     Et  xiiii  amaceours  .  ." 
1.  lir)5.     "Bien  i  ad  xxx  roi«  et  xiiii  amaceours." 
1.  689.     "xxx  roi  sent  ou  li  et  xiiii  amaceourr'," 
I.  163.     "  Et  xiiii  amaceours." 

p.  2,  1.  41.      hit  instead  of  it  is  found  again  in  1.  2309  ;   in  all  the  other 

instances  it  is  spelt  as  in  modern  English. 
p.  2,  1.  42.      ■pryhe,  to   spur  a  horse,  to  excite,  to  spur  or  to  stimulate. 
It  is  O.K.  prieian,  which   occurs  in  .^Elfric's  Grannnar,  ed.  Zupitza, 
p.  174  (ptingo  =  ic  pricige).    This  and  the  following  line  are  imitated 
from  Chaucer  ;  cf.  C.  T.  Prologue,  11.  10,  11,  and  see  Introduction,  p.  xlvi. 
Kynde  =^  naturalis,  ingennus  ;   Lynde  wit  =  common  sense.      Kynde 
is  O.E.  cynde  (Modern  English  kind). 
p.  2,  1.  73.     frith  means  "forest,"  or  more  correctly  "enclosed  wood.'' 
The  original  sense  o'i  forest  is  "  unenclosed  wood  "  (see  Diez,  Etymol. 
Worterhuch,  I.  185).      Stratmanu,   Diet.   p.  228,  s.  v.  fri^,   seems  to 
be   right   in   connecting  _/h7/i  with    O.E.  fri^,  freo^o  =  pax,  tutela, 
saeptum.      Morris,  AUit.  Poems,  Glossary,  derives  it  from   the  Gaelic 
frith,      "frith  is  still   used   in   Provincial  English,   meaning  unused 
pasture-land,  brushwood  "  (Ilalliwell). 
p.  2,  1.  45.     y-^e  (O.E.  eagum)  :  fye  (O.E.   flcogan).     With  regard   to 
the  power  of  3,  see  the  note  to  1.  9,  and  cf.  the  spelling  eyen  in  11.  826, 
1302,  2012. 
p.  2,  1.  46.      ire  may  be  singular  (O.E.  ireowe)  as  well  as  plural   (O.E. 

treoivuni). 
p.  2,  1.  49.     The  following  lines  (49 — 53)  correspond  with  11.  94—100 
of  the  Destruction,  which  run  as  follows'f* 

"Li  admirals  d'Espaigne  s'est  ales  desporter 
As  puis  sur  Aigremore.  avec  li.  M.  Escler  ; 
La  fist  ses  ours  salvages  a  ses  hommes  berser. 
La  veissies  meint  viautre,  maint  brachet  descouplcr, 
Payeiis  et  Ascopars  as  espees  jouer, 
Coure  par  le  marine  et  cliacicr  inaint  songler, 
Maint  ostour  veisies  et  maiut  falcon  vuler.'' 
CHARL.   ROM.   V.  '  U 


98  NOTES   TO   pp.  2,  3,  11.  50 — 08. 

p.  2,  1.  50.     sliopc,  literally  "shaped  :  "  he  shape  him,     ..^  g,. 

ready,  he  planned,   devised,  intended."     The  phrase  is  of  frequent 

occurrence  in  Chaucer, 
p.  2,  1.  52.     baioson,  badger.     For  the  use  of  badgers,  see  Skeat's  note 

to  Sjjccimens  of  Eixjlish  Literature,  p.  383. 
p.  2,  1.  56.      Alaunts,    a    kind    of  large    dogs    of    great    strength   and 

courage,  used  for  hunting  the  wolf,  the  bear,  the  boar,  &c.      Cf. 

'•  Aboute  his  chare  wente  white  alauiitu 
Twenty  and  mo,  as  grete  as  any  stere, 
To  liuute  at  the  lyouu  or  at  the  here." 

Chaucer,  ed.  Morris,  II.  66/1290. 

According  to  Diez  (Etymol.  Worterb.,  I.  12,  s.  v.  "  alano  ")  alaunts 
means  "  Albanian  dogs."  Lymmeris,  "  blood-hounds."  Ilalliwell 
quotes  the  following  passage  :  "  A  dogge  engendred  betwene  an 
hounde  and  a  niastyve,  called  a  lynimer  or  a  niongrell."  Lymmer  is 
the  French  liinier,  O.Fr.  liemier,  which  etyniologically  means  a  dog 
that  a  courser  leads  by  a  lime,  i.  e.  a  thong  or  leash.  Lime  is  the 
same  word  as  French  lien,  a  leash  ;  Latin  lif/amcn.  Lymmer  is 
preserved  in  Modern  English  limer,  a  "  lime-hound." 

p.  2,  1.  56.  Rache  and  brache  are  both  retained  in  the  modern  speech  ; 
rache  seems  to  be  particularly  used  in  Scotland.  "  Brache  is  said  to 
signify  originally  a  bitch  hound  —  the  feminine  of  rache,  a  foot- 
scenting  dog"  (Morris,  Gawayne,  Gloss,  p.  89).  Rache  is,  according 
to  Stratniann,  O.Icel.  rakki ;  brache  is  O.Fr.  braqzie,  M.H.Ger. 
braccho.  Cf  also  Halliwell's  Diet.  s.  u.  "  brach."  The  French  racm/^e 
is  etyniologically  connected  with  rache ;  see  Diez,  Etym.  Worterb., 
II.  407. 

p.  2,  1.  57,  commaunde  for  commaunded  (1.  228),  formed  on  the  same 
analogy  as  cnmforte  (1.  2242)  for  comforted  (11.  312,  2117),  aZi^  for 
cdighted ;  gerde  {or  girded  ;  graunte  (I.  607)  hv  graimted,  etc. 

p.  2,  1.  59.  fere,  O.E.  fcBran  (Mod.  Eng.  fear),  is  an  active  verb,  mean- 
ing "  to  frighten,  to  terrify."  It  is  still  found  in  this  sense  in 
Shakespeare. — launde  :  commaunde.  The  very  sauie  rhyme  occurs 
again  in  1.  3189,  where  launde  is  spelt  lande.  The  rhyme  need  not 
cause  any  difficulty,  cf.  Guy,  p.  xi.  k.  Or  must  laumh-he  taken  here 
for  lande  =  saltus  ?     Cf.  Morris,  Gloss,  to  Allit.  Poems,  s.v.  launde. 

p.  3,  1.  62.  set,  means  "seat,  sedes  "  ;  O.Icel.  set,  O.H.G.  sez,  M.H.G. 
sits.  This  stanza  as  it  stands  seems  to  be  incorrect,  there  being  no 
rhyme  to  sete ;  possibly  a  line  has  been  lost  after  1.  63. 

p.  3,  1.  67.  The  subject  of  the  sentence  is  wanting.  For  more 
instances  see  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  1.  10.  It  is  to  be  observed  that 
for  the  most  part  the  subject  wanting  is  of  the  same  person  as  the 
object  of  the  preceding  sentence. — he  loas  god  and  trew  of  divers 
langages  =  "  he  well  knew,  understood  them  perfectly." 

p.  3,  1.  68.  dromonde  :  poundis.  Read  dromounde  (which  occurs  1. 
125)  ;  pounde  (see  1.  2336). 


NOTES   TO    p.  3,  11.  69 — 93.  99 

p.  3,  1.  G9.  We  fiiiil/yo  and  from  in  tliis  poem.  Butli  belong  to  the 
Midland  dialect.  Fro  is  confirmed  by  the  rhyme  fro  :  so  (I.  2760). 
It  is  derived  from  the  Scandinavian /ra;  Mod.  Eng.  has  retained  it 
in  "  froward,"  and  in  the  phrase  "  to  and  fro."  The  same  word 
enters  as  a  prefix  into  composition  in  O.E.  compounds,  as  fr-ettan, 
etc.  Bahyloyne,  tlie  author  pronounced  Bubyloyne  as  well  as 
Bahylnne  (either  rhyming,  cf.  11.  30,  3260). 

p.  3,  1.  74.      qioeynte,  "  famous,   excellent,"   cf.    Skeat,  Etyraol.  Diet,  p. 
482,  s.  V.   quaint,     for  the  nonea,  "  for  the  nonce,  for  the  occasion." 
Cf.    Zupitza's    note    to    Guy,  612 ;    it    is   often    used   as   a   kind    of 
■  expletive. 

p.  3,  1.  75.  to  presente  you.  The  Destruction  de  Home  has  :  "  vous  qui- 
dai  presenter." 

p.  3,  1.  76.  French  :  "  Uns  vens  nous  fist  k  Rome  parmi  le  far  sigler." 
Destr.  1.  120. 

p.  3,  1.  77.      Cf.  Destr.  11.  115-16.      See  Introduction,  p.  xxiii. 

p.  3,  1.  78.      About  the  rhyme  Rome:  one,  see  Introduction,  p.  xliii, 

p.  3,  1.  79.  bygone,  "  afflicted,  pressed  hard  ;  "  literally  it  means, 
"overrun,  covered."     Cf.  Shakespeare,  Julius  Ccesar»' 

"  Even  such  a  one, 
So  pale,  so  spiritless,  aud  woe-begone." 

p.  3,  1.  82.  viiane  :  remedye.  Read  vilanye,  as  in  1.  2577,  where  it  rhymes 
with  Gye,  see  Introduction,  p.  xliv,  and  Ellis,  Pronunciation,  I.  271. 

p.  3,  1.  83.  colde,  used  here  and  in  1.  91  in  nearly  the  same  sense  as 
in  the  expressions  collected  by  Zupitza,  in  his  note  to  Guy,  1149. 

p.  8,  1.  84.  tithynrje.  So  with  th  in  11.  1787,  714,  783;  in  11.  65,  91, 
149,  324,  etc.,  we  read  tidinge.  There  are  several  instances  where  d 
and  th  in  the  middle  of  a  word  seem  to  be  promiscuously  used  in  this 
poem  ;  as  hithire  1.  1265,  hider  1869  (cf.  also  dogdir  2580,  and  doghter 
96,  124,  etc.). 

p.  3,  1.  86.  Mahounde,  Appolyn  and  Termagant  are  the  principal 
deities  (cf.  11.  2105,  2177,  2761)  of  the  Mahometans,  who  were 
considered  as  pagans  =  payews  (11.  535,  1040)  or  iKtynym  (11.  539,  866, 
etc.).  Other  idols  of  the  Saracens  are  mentioned  in  II.  2761-2  of  the 
Sowdonc.  Compare  also  Gautier's  note  to  1.  8,  of  his  Edition  critique 
de  la  Chanson  de  Roland,  and  Skeat,  Prioress's  Tale  (Clarendon  P.S.), 
161/2000. 

p.  3,  1,  88.  theyme  instead  of  hem  occurs  only  three  times  in  the  poem 
(11.  88,  1237,  2787).  There  must  be  some  corruption  here,  as  there  is 
no  rhyme  to  theym.  Tlie  last  stanza  ends  at  1.  87,  and  the  next  one 
begins  at  1.  89.  As  far  as  the  sense  is  concerned  we  could  easily  do 
without  this  line  ;  it  ought  perhaps  to  be  regarded  as  spurious. 

p.  3,  1.  93.  Ferumhras  is  spelt  differently  in  the  different  versions  of  the 
romance.  In  the  Soivdan  we  always  find  Ferumhras,  in  the  Ashmole 
MS.  Ferumhras  and  Fyrumhras.  He  is  called  Fierahras  in  the  French, 

u  2 


100  NOTES   TO   p.  4,,  11.  99 — 124. 

Frrahras  in  tlic  I'roveiifal  version  ;  the  Destruction  has  Fierahras, 
l>iit  more  frequently  Fier&nbras.  In  Caxton's  Life  of  Charles  the 
Great  his  name  is  Fyerahnis,  Skelton  lias  Phermnhras,  Lyndsay 
Pharamhras,  and  in  Barbour's  Bruce  we  read  Feramhrace ;  see 
Introductinn,  pp.  xxv  and  xxxii. 

p.  4,  1.  99.  Olihoiii.  This  name  does  not  occur  in  any  otlier  version 
of  this  poem.  The  same  is  the  case  with  regard  to  Efspiarcl,  1.  10.3. 
None  of  the  French  versions  gives  any  name  to  the  Soudan's 
messenger.  In  the  Ashmole  MS.  1.  3823,  the  messenger  is  called 
Ilali/ngryas. 

p.  4,  1.  102.  Assye  =  Asia.  This  name  docs  not  occur  in  the  other 
versions  of  the  poem  ;   cf.  note  to  1.  1000. 

p.  4,  1.  103.     Cf.  the  Destruction,  1.  202 : 

"  Par  tote  la  tene  sent  li  baron  maude  " 
ferre  and  7iere,  cf.  11.  117, 996,  and  the  note  to  1.  528  of  Si/r  Ferumhras. 

p.  4,  1.  104.  fi'ike,  "quick,  bold,"  O.K.  free.  See  Stv  atmann,  Dictionca-y, 
p.  225. 

p.  4,  1.  108.      j)on.     Compare  Introduction,  p.  xxxvii. 

p.  4,  1.  109.  The  passage  is  not  clear.  Perliaps  there  is  some  corrup- 
tion here  and  we  ought  to  7-ead  :  rmon  rowte,  "assembled  quickly, 
immediately";  rowte  would  then  be  the  preterite  formed  on  the 
analogy  of  lighte,  graunte,  commaunde,  etc.    See  Introduction,  p.  xxxviii. 

p.  4,  1.  110.     Destruction,  1.  217  : 

"  Par  C  fois  M  payen." 

p.  4,  1.  112.      dow^te  :  route.      See  IniroducHon,  p.  xliv,  and  note  to  1.  9. 

p.  4,  1.  113.  Lucafer  is  the  name  of  the  Saracen  King  in  all  the 
versions  of  this  romance  but  in  the  Freiicli  one,  where  with  the 
single  exception  of  one  passage  (1.  2242  Lucafer) ,\\.g  is  always  called 
Lui'vfer,  cf.  Introd.  p.  xx. 

p.  4,  1.  114.  lorde  and  governoure.  This  repetition  of  the  same  idea 
by  two  synonymous  words,  tlie  one  of  English  and  the  other  of 
French  origin,  is  very  common  in  M.E.  writers.  Thus  we  read  in 
this  poem,  1.  21G4  lorde  and  sire,  1.  225  scrchld  and  sought,  11.  3199, 
1936  joye  and  game,  1.  742  lad  and  fine. 

p.  4,  1.  118.  A  carrik  was  a  kind  of  large  ship,  called  Crtrara  in  Italian, 
carraca  in  Spanish  and  ruriuguese,  carraque  in  French,  hraecke  in 
Dutch.  The  etymology  is  not  clear.  See  Dicz,  Elyuiol.  Worterh.,  I. 
112.  Halliwell  has  '  carrach,  a  Spanish  gallcmi.  Sonicfiines  English 
vessels  of  great  value  and  size  were  so  called.' 

p.  4,  1.  119.     Destruction,  1.  385  : 

"Par  vii  fois  sont  C  mil,  si  I'estoire  iie  nient." 

p.  4,  1.  124.  his  faire  daughter  Floripas.  Fli)ripas  is  described  as 
follows  in  the  Destruciion,  11.  252-262  : 

"  Aitant  es  vous  la  bele  ou  11  n'oufc  qu'ensulgnier 
Vestue  d'uu  diapre,  oiike  ne  vi  taut  elder, 


in  a  word. 

p- 

5,  1.  132. 

p- 

5,  1.  146. 

p- 

5,  ].  150. 

NOTES   TO   pp.  4 — 6,  11.   128--173.  101 

Ses  crins  siir  ses  epaules  plus  lusoienfc  cFor  mier, 
Sa  char  out  bele  et  blanke  plus  que  noifs  en  fevrier, 
Les  oes  avoit  phif?  noirs  que  f;ilcon  montenier, 
Et  le  colour  vermaile  con  rose  do  rosier, 
La  bouche  bien  seant  et  douce  pour  baisier, 
Et  les  levres  vermailes  come  flour  de  peskier ; 
Les  mameles  out  dures  corn  pomme  de  pomnier, 
Plus  sont  blanches  que  noifs  que  cliiet  apres  fevrier; 
Nuls  bom  ne  porroit  ja  sa  grant  bealte  preisier." 

Compare  also  the  French  Fierahras,  II.  2007,  et  scq. 
p.  4, 1.  128.     This  line  is  clearly  imitated  from  the  Destruction,  11.  331-2  : 
"En  sa  main  .i.  baston  que  contremont  b;iilie, 
Et  manace  Fran(,'ois  pour  faire  les  loye." 

Cf.  Introduetinn,  p.  xxiii. 
p.  5,  1.  131.      hreddes,  "birds"  ;   I  and  r  very  often   change  their  place 
Thus  we  find  toorlde  and  tvrolde,  crafti  and  carfti,  etc. 
sowdon  and  sowdan  are  used  promiscuously  in  the  rhj-iues. 
Destruction,  11.  445-6  : 

"  N'i  remeigne  chastels,  dongeous  ne  fermete 
Moustiers  ne  abbeie  que  ne  soit  embrase." 

Compare  the  Destruction,  II.  503-4  : 

"  L'apostoile  de  Rome  ad  la  novele  oie 
Ke  payen  sont  veuu  els  iilains  de  Romanie." 

p.  5,  1.  157.     unknoivne  makes  no  sense.     Perhaps  we  ought  to  read 
yknowne  or  not  unknoivne.     In  the  Destruction,  11.  509-513 — 
"  Seignours,  ke  le  feromes,  f ranke  gent  segnorie  ? 
Li  admirals  d'Espaigne  a  no  terre  seisie  ; 
II  en  out  ja  gastee  une  moulc  grant  partie : 
Au  bref  terme  serra  ceste  terre  exillie  ; 
Qui  bon  consail  saura  vienge  avant  si  nous  die." 

p.  5,  1.  IGO.  unneth,  O.E.  unm^e,  "uneasily,  scarcely."  Chaucer  lias 
unnethe,  the  final  e  being  almost  always  sounded.  See  Introduction, 
p.  xxxix. 

p.  5,  1.  163.      gydoure  evidently  means  "guide,  conductor,  commander." 
p.  5,  1.  164.      houne  =  hounde.      On  the  clition   of  final  d,   see   Skeat, 

Specimens  of  Earli/   English,   320/261,   and  Preface   to  Eaveloh,    p. 

XXXV  ii. 

p.  5,  I.  165.  Ifre-}^.  There  is  no  person  of  this  name  in  any  other 
version.  Perhaps  this  Ifres  may  be  identical  with  Jcffroi,  mentioned 
as  a  senator  of  Rome  in  the  Destruction  (II.  1122,  1139,  1367). 

p.  6,  1.  170.  About  the  phrase  "douce  France  "  compare  Leon  Gauticr's 
note  to  1.  15  of  his  Edition  critique  de  la  Chanson  de  Roland. 

p.  6,  1.  171.  Savaris.  The  author  has  found  this  name  in  the  Destruc- 
tion, 1.  540. 

p.  6,  I.  173.  Kinrje :  thinge.  In  my  dissertation  on  the  language  and 
the  sources  of  the  Sowdan  of  Babylon,  p.  4,  bottom,  I  have  shown 


102  NOTES   TO    pp.  6 — 8,  11.   175 — 247. 

tliat  i  or  //,  wliicli  corrcspoiuls  to  O.E.  y,  the  umlaut  of  «,  rliyiiicd 
with  original  i  in  this  poem,  which  proves  that  the  author  wrote  in 
the  East  ]\lidhjnd  dialect.  But  among  the  examples  collected  there 
(p.  6),  I  ought  not  to  have  cited  kiiuje,  because  tliis  word  is  not 
peculiar  to  the  East  Midland  speech,  but  occurs  with  tlie  same  form 
in  all  dialects.      See  Introduction,  p.  xxxv, 

p.  6,  11.  175-6  are  imitated  from  the  Destruction,  II.  546-7.  See  Intro- 
duction, p.  xxiii. 

p.  6,  1.  176.  ner,  the  common  form  for  nor  (267,  163.3)  in  this  poem. 
'■'■  Polaynes  are  knee-pieces  in  a  suit  of  armour.  This  term  for  genouil- 
leres  is  found  in  the  household  book  of  Edward  I."  (Morris,  Glossary 
on  Sir  Gaioayne,  s.  v.  polaynes). 

p.  6,  1.  181.  tyte,  "soon,  quick."  The  editor  of  the  Roxburghe  Club 
edition  of  the  Soivdan  curiously  confounds  tyte  with  tightly  = 
"  adroitly,"  occurring  in  Shakespeare,  Jiferry  Wives,  I.  3.  Tyte  is 
derived  from  O.Icel.  titr,  "  creber,"  tlie  neuter  of  which  titt,  used 
adverbially  means  "  crebro,  celeriter."  See  Stratmann,  p.  561, 
s.  V.  tid. 

p.  6,  1.  189.  Chelc  =  "  cotton,  linen  or  woollen  cloths,  woven  or  printed 
in  checkers."      (Latham,  Dictionary,  1876.) 

p.  6,  1.  191.  A  line  seems  to  be  wanting  here.  There  is  no  rhyme  to 
displayed. 

p.  6,  1.  201.  randon,  "  rapidity,  force."  About  the  etymology  see 
Diez,  Etym.  Worterbuch,  I.  342,  and  Skeat,  Etym.  Diet. 

p.  7,  1.  202.      than  seems  to  be  an  error  for  thay. 

p.  7,  1.  214.  Sarysyns.  There  are  several  spellings  of  the  name  of 
this  people  in  the  poem  :  Sarsyns,  Sarsenys,  Sarisyns,  Sarasyns. 

p.  7,  1.  222.  that  day  occurs  again  in  1.  223.  The  author  probably 
only  wrote  it  once  ;  the  repetition  is  most  likely  due  to  the  scribe. 

p.  7,  1.  224.  The  following  lines  are  imitated  from  the  Destruction^ 
11.  613-619  ;  see  Introduction,  p.  xxiii. 

p.  7,  1.  228.      The  French  text  {Destruction,  1.  624)  has  : 

"  Maintenant  soient  tot  occis  et  descoupe. 
Ne  voil  que  mi  serjant  en  soient  encombre." 

p.  8,  1.  247.  The  original  meaning  of  hrayde  is  "  start,  blow,"  but 
this  makes  no  sense  here,  nor  can  it  mean  "  a  boast,"  as  the  editor  of 
the  Roxburghe  Club  edition  explains  it.  But  Mid.  Eng.  hrayde,  as 
well  as  O.E.  brcegd  or  hreyd,  often  signifies  "deceit,  craft,  a  cunning 
trick,  a  fraudulous  contrivance,  a  stratagem  or  artifice."  See  Matzner's 
Worterh.  and  Halliwell's  Diet.  This,  I  think,  is  also  the  meaning  of 
brayde  in  1.  247.  Floripas  has  been  engaged  to  Lukafer  who  had 
promised  the  Soudan,  her  father,  to  bring  the  emperor  Charlemagne 
and  all  his  twelve  peers  to  the  foot  of  his  throne,  in  return  for  the  hand 
of  his  daughter.  Floripas,  not  at  all  enamoured  of  the  king  of  Baldas, 
but  obeying  the  will  of  her  father,  said  she  would  only  agree  to 


NOTES    TO   pp.  8 — 10,  11.  257 — 312.  103 

accept  him  when  he  liad  fulfilled  these  conditions.  But  she  does  not 
believe  that  Laban  tiiinks  of  ever  fulfilling  them,  she  is  persuaded 
that  those  words,  those  promises  made  by  Laban,  are  only  a  hraycle, 
i.  e.  a  stratagem  or  artifice  devised  by  him  in  the  hope  of  winning 
her  hand  before  the  performance  of  his  promise.  This  signification 
of  hraide  has  been  retained  in  the  Mod.  Eng.  adjective  braid,  '^crafty, 
deceitful." 
p.  8,  1.  257.  The  Ethiojies,  "Ethiopians,"  are  not  mentioned  in  the 
other  versions  of  this  romance.  (Jii  the  rhyme  Aufricanes  :  alones 
of.  Introduction,  p.  xxxv. 

p.  9,  1.  278.     Destruction,  1.  9U8  : 

"  Sortibrans  a  mande  Mabon  rengineor." 
p.  9,  1.  283.      depe :  tyde.      The  rhyme  becomes  perfect  if  we  read  wide 

instead  of  depe. 
p.  9,  1.  28G.     French  text  gives,  I.  934  : 

"  Si  emplirons  les  fosses." 
p.  9,  1.  289.     Cf.  Destruction,  1.  G27.      "  Mahcn  te  benoie,"  and  1,  925, 

"  Mahon  te  doint  honour." 
p.  9,  1.  293.     Men  inyglU  go  even  to  the  walle,  compare  the  Destruction, 

'•  «^1°  •  "K'om  poet  aler  al  mure." 

and  1.  958  : 

"  K'om  pooit  bien  au  mur  et  veuir  et  aler." 
p.  9,  1.  295.      assaile,  evidently  a  mistake.      Eead  assaute,  as  in  I.  2205. 
p.  9,  1.  298.     sJiour,  "  fight,  attack."     See  Zupitza's  note  to  Gui/,  1.  9206. 
shcirpe  shoures,  as  in  the  Destruction  of  Troy,  1.  6804,  "  sharp  was  the 
shoure."     Cf,  also  1.  950  of  this  poem,  "  bataile  was  sharpe." 
p.  9,  1.  300.      stones  thai  hare,  etc.     Destrtiction,  1.  967  : 

"  Ces  dedens  ou  grans  pieres  tirent  grant  lapide." 
p.  9,  1.  303.      French  text  gives  (1.  975)  : 

"  Maintes  pieres  del  mur  ont  contreval  rue." 
p.  9,  I.  306..    In  the  Destruction,  1.  977  : 

"  L'asalt  dureit  eel  jour  jusque  a  la  nutee," 
p.  9,  1.  307.      French  :   "  Payen  se  sout  retrait."     Destruction,  I.  979. 
p.  10,  1.  311.      For  tyde  :  chidde  see  Introduction,  p.  xliii. 

p.  10,  1.  312. 

"  Lucafer  li  traitre  traison  ad  pense, 
Qu'il  se  contrefera  les  armes  del  cite  ; 
Et  tote  si  pense  sont  a  Labam  demonstre. 
'  Sire  admirail  d'Espaigne,'  ceo  dist  li  diffaies, 
'  La  cite  est  moult  fors,  et  Fran9ois  sont  doute  ; 
lis  defendront  le  mur,  ja  mais  n'iert  entre, 
Que  par  une  voidie  que  jeo  ai  porpense. 
II  ad  dedens  un  conte  de  mult  grant  crualte, 
Savaris  ad  a  non,  est  de  grant  parente  ; 
Chescon  jour  il  s'en  ist,  s'est  oue  nous  melle, 
De  la  gent  dieffae,  mainte  teste  a  coupe." — Destr..  11.  986-96. 


104  NOTES   TO    PI).    10 — 12,  II.  317 — 380. 

p.  10,  1.  ;;17.      Destruction,  1.  997. 

"  J'ai  bien  conu  ses  armes  et  les  ai  avise." 
p.  10,  1.  331.     Destruction,  1.  1011  : 

'*  Tantost  le  mestre  porte  aurons  moult  bicn  ferine." 
p.  10,  1.  332.     Destruction,  1.  1057 : 

"  Mais  tot  le  premier  bail  ont  Sarrasin  poeple." 
p.  10,  1.  336.     discui7ifiture,  "defeat."     Sec  below,  note  to  1,  1320, 
p.  10,  1.  339.     r?/me,  "to  speak  loudly,  to  cry."     O.E.  Jiranan  or  hri}nuin. 

See  Stratmann,  p.  322. 
p.  10,  1.  340.     French  text  (1.  1063)  : 

"  De  V.  M.  ne  remendrent  que  iiiC  sans  fausser." 
See  note  to  1.  67. 
p.  10,  1.  341.      twelfe  :  sclve  ;  /and  v  very  often  stand  for  one  another, 

see  Introduction  on  p.  xliii. 
p.  10,  1.  344.  shite:  melte.  See  Elh's,  Pronunc,  I.  272,  and  Introduc- 
tion, on  p.  xliv.  Cf.  also  11.  2054,  2963,  2960.  by  than  =  then ;  see 
Matzner's  Worterh.  p.  217(2). 
p.  11,  1.  346.  Estragot  or  Astragot.  This  name  is  not  to  be  found  in 
the  other  versions,  it  only  occurs  in  the  Sowdan  and  in  the  Destruc- 
tion ;  cf.  Dcstr.  1.  1090-4: 

"  Estragot  le  poursuit  iins  geans  diffales 

Teste  avoit  com  seuglers,  si  fu  rois  coronas. 
El  main  tient  .i.  mace  de  fin  ascier  trempe, 
Un  coup  a  Savaris  desur  le  chef  done." 

p.  11,1.  360.     French  text  reads : 

"  Et  la  novele  en  ont  I'apostoile  contc." — Destr.  1.  1101. 
consaile  :  slcnjne.     See  Introduction,  p.  xliii. 
See  above,  1.  78. 

erille  is  not  derived  from  the  Erse,  as  the  editor  of  tlie 
Roxburglie  Club  edition  supposes.  It  is  simply  another  spelling  for 
erle,  which  occurs  in  1.  1986,  O.E.  eorl,  Mod.  Eng.  carl. 
p.  11,  1.  369.  There  must  be  a  gap  of  some  lines  here  ;  between  this 
and  the  following  line  a  space  has  been  left  of  about  the  width  of  one 
line  ;  1.  370  is  written  in  a  much  later  hand. 
p.  11,  1.  376.  lettres  translates  the  French  "  li  brief  "  {Destr.  1,  1121), 
in  haste  =  French  "  isnelement  "  (Destr.  I.  1119). 

p.  11,  1.  377.     loe  ordeyne  makes  no  sense.      Read  ivere  ordeyned,  as  in 

1.  2396.     Cf.  the  Destruction,  1.  1133  : 

"  Tot  troi  sont  coiement  de  la  cite  hastes." 
p.  12,  1.  379.     at  a  posferne.     On  the  posterns  compare  Skeat,  >^;ec.  of 

Eng.  Literature,  359,  165. 

p.  12,  1.  380.      ahoute  mydnyghte.     French:   "Tote   la  nuit  alerent  ou 
la  lune  clart4."     Destr.  1.  1136. 


p- 

11,  1.  363. 

p- 

11,  1.  364. 

p- 

11,  1.  368. 

NOTES   TO   pp.  12 — 15,  11.  394 — 510.  105 

p.  12,  1.  394.  honde  of  honde,  "  hand  to  liand." — In  the  Glossary  of  the 
Roxburglie  CJub  ed.  we  read  :  "Cast.  Wherewithal  to  throw,"  This 
is  the  sense  o^  cast  in  1.  2471  ;  but  it  occurs  with  two  other  meanings. 
In  1.  .'^94  cast  signifies  "  device,  plot,  intention,"  as  often  elsewhere. 
In  11.  4G0,  2091,  2099,  24G7,  2603,  2792,  it  means  "  the  act  of  throw- 
ing, the  throw." 

p.  12,  1.  400.     hemj,  "afflicted,  sorrowful."     So  in  11.  3037,  3224. 

p.  13,  1.  427.  Estagote,  miswritten  for  Estraf/ote,  cf.  11.  346,  352,  and 
Destr.  1.  1090.      brake  on  three,  cf.  II.  2234,  i388,  1269. 

p.  13,  1.  441.     Sarsyns  :  Romaynes.     See  Introduction,  p.  xliv. 

p.  14,  1.  464.  cost  does  not  rhyme  with  besie.  Both  the  sense  and  the 
rliyme  will  be  improved  if  we  read  rest  for  oost. 

p.  14,  1.  473.  As  it  stands,  tlie  line  makes  no  sense.  This  is  written 
indistinctly  in  the  MS.,  so  that  we  may  read  either  this  or  thus ; 
the  sense  requires  tlie  latter,  which  I  think  is  the  true  reading.  Or 
else  we  may  keep  this  and  write  idone  instead  of  it  done, 

p.  15,  1.  488.     aras.     Read  a  ras,  and  see  notu  to  1.  1349. 

p.  15,  1.  491.  and  armes  makes  no  sense,  as  we  are  hardly  entitled  to 
take  armes  for  the  2nd  person  plural  imperative  ;  which  in  this 
poem  always  ends  in  -eth.  See  Introduction,  p.  xxxvii.  I  think  wo 
must  change  and  into  as.  For  the  explanation  of  the  phrase  '•  as 
armes,"  see  note  on  1.  2660. 

p  15,  1.  495,  The  Ascopars  or  Ascopartes  are  mentioned  in  the 
Destruction  as  the  subjects  of  the  Soudan.  The  name  of  this  people 
is  not  to  be  found  in  any  other  version.  Asiopars  is  merely  a  clerical 
error  for  Ascopars,  which  may  be  easily  accounted  for  by  remembering 
that  in  the  MSS.  the  characters  c  and  t  are  very  often  formed  almost 
alike.  The  true  spelling  Ascopars  is  found  in  11.  2196,  2648 ;  cf.  also 
the  Destruction,  11,  98,  426,  Nothing  is  known  of  the  origin  and  the 
home  of  the  Ascoparts.  That  they  must  liave  been  men  of  great  bodily 
strength  follows  from  1.  496,  "  for  ye  be  men  of  mighte,"  and  1. 
2645,  "  that  bene  boolde  and  hardy  to  fighte,"  Compare  also  what 
is  said  about  them  by  Donne,  in  his  first  satire  : 

"  Those  Askaparts,  men  big  enough  to  throw 
Charing-cross  for  a  bar." 

It  is  worthy  while  to  note  that  a  giant,  called  Askapard,  occurs  in 
the  romance  of  Sir  Bevis  of  Hamptoun.  See  Ellis,  Meir.  Romances, 
ed.  Halliwell,  p.  263. 

p.  15,  1.  500.  Ho  is  evidently  a  mistake  for  toe.  rere-warde,  "  rear- 
guard;  "  the  van  is  called  foicarde,  11.  502,  732,  the  main  body  the 
inedyl  partye,  1,  735, 

p,  15,  1,  504,      than  :  gon.      See  Introduction,  p,  xxxv. 

p.  15,  1.  510.  con  makes  no  sense.  I  suspect  the  reading  of  this  and 
the  following  stanza  is  quite  corrupt.  If  11.  510  and  511  should 
belong  to  different  stanzas,  the  enjambement,  or  continuation  of  the 


10(3  NOTES   TO   pp.  15,  16,  11.  514 — 532. 

sense  from  one  stanza  to  another,  wonld  bo  unusually  strong.  I  am 
therefore  inclined  to  think  that  originally  a  stanza  began  at  1.  510, 
and  tliat  there  is  a  line  wanting  after  1.  509,  which  contained  the 
rhyme  to  hon  (I.  608).  The  scribe  noticing  the  absence  of  rhyme 
tried  to  restore  it  himself.  Adding  oon  to  1.  510,  he  made  it  rhyme 
witli  hon  (I.  508).  Having  thus  destroj^od  the  rhyme  of  II.  510  and 
512  {AUsmmdre :  Caf^suumlrc,  as  in  1.  984),  he  added  gaye  to  1.  512, 
which  now  rliymed  to  1,  514,  where  he  still  added  tofraijc.  In  order 
to  get  a  rhyme  to  1.  518,  he  changed  in  1.  516  tlie  original  laye 
(:  Romaync)  into  Ian  ("he  ceased,  stopped"),  and  wrote  "to"  the 
grounde  instead  of  "o«"  (cf.  1.  1186)  or  "a/"  (cf.  11.  533,435)  the 
gronnde,  connecting  thus  these  words  with  1.  515,  whereas  originally 
they  belonged  to  (here  he  laye,  or — as  there  also  may  have  been 
adtled  by  the  scribe — to  he  laye.  If  now  we  read  with  inuyne  instead 
o^ful  evene,  in  1.  521,  we  get  a  perfect  rhyme  to  1.  519;  1.  520  having 
lost  its  rhyming  line,  he  made  it  rhyme,  by  adding  than  to  1.  522, 
wliich  originally  rhymed  to  1.  524.  Now  to  get  a  rhyme  to  1.  .524  he 
composed  and  inserted  himself  1.  526.  Therefore  I  think  the  original 
reading  of  these  two  stanzas  ran  as  follows  : 
510  Sir  Ferumbras  of  Alisaundre 

That  bolde  man  was  in  dede, 
Uppon  a  steede  Cassaundre 
He  roode  in  riche  weede. 
614  Sir  Brj'er  of  Poyle  a  Romayne 

He  bare  through  with  a  spare  ; 
Dede  on  the  ground  [there]  he  laye, 
Might  he  no  more  liem  dere. 
518  That  saw  Huberte,  a  worth j'  man, 
Howe  Briere  was  islayne, 
Ferumbras  to  quite  than 

To  him  he  rode  with  mayne. 
522  With  a  spere  uppone  his  shelde 
Stiffly  gan  he  strike  ; 
The  shelde  he  brake  iraiddis  the  feelde, 
His  hawberke  wolde  not  breke. 
526  Ferumbras  was  agreved  tho,  &c. 

On  the  rhyme  Hornayne  :  laye  (1.  514)  cf.  11.  536,  890. 
p.  15,  1.  514.       Bryer   of  Poyle  does   not   occur   in   any   of  the   other 
versions. 

p.  15,  1.  516.      Ian,  preterite  of  lin,  "to  cease;"   more  common  in  the 

compound  hlin,  contracted  from  *  he-lin. 
p.  15,  1.  517.     might  heno  more  hem  dere.     On  the  order  of  words,  cf.  11. 

2954,  649,  24.35. 

p.  16,  1.  520.     qivite,  "to  requite,  reward,  retaliate,  pay  off."    See  below 

note  to  1,  780. 
p.  16,  1.  531.     On  stronge  (O.E.  Strang)  :  istonge  (O.E.  gestungen),  see 

Introduction,  p.  xxxv. 
p.  16,  1.  532.     astraye,  "out  of  the  right  way  or  proper  place,  running 


NOTES   TO    pp.  16 — 19,  11.   541 — 650.  107 

about  without  guidance."      O.French  cstraier^  which   is  derived  from 
Latin  ex  slrada,  see  Diez,  Etym.  Worterb.  I.  4U2  ;  II.  296. 

p.  16,  1.  541.  toerre,  "  war,"  seems  to  owe  its  origin  to  the  French 
yuerrc,  as  it  is  not  found  in  O.E.  It  appears  for  the  first  time  in  tiie 
Saxo7i  Chronicle, — he  coude,  "  he  knew,  had  endured."  See  Miitzner's 
Grrammatik,  II.  262. 

p.  17,  1.  555.  It  is  evident  tliat  all  «?;emust  be  a  corruption.  Perhaps 
the  conjecture  of  the  editorof  the  Roxb.  Club  edition,  supposing  aWva/e 
to  be  the  true  reading,  may  be  right.  But  he  is  certainly  wrong  to 
identify  this  ra/e  with  the  rafe  in  1.  866,  which,  being  tlie  infinitive 
mood  of  a  verb,  cannot  be  taken  for  an  adjective  or  adverb,  which 
the  sense  seems  to  require  in  1.  555.  Ilalliwell,  s.  v.  Raff,  gives : 
"  in  raff  =  speedily."  There  is  a  Danish  adjective,  rap,  "  brisk, 
quick."     Cf  Skeat,  Etym.  Diet.  s.  v.  raffle  and  rap. 

p.  17,  1.  570.  certaine  spoils  tlie  rliyme.  The  rhyme  becomes  perfect 
if  we  read  without  fade ^  as  in  1.  322. 

p.  17,  1.  573.  apliyht,  "on  plight,  on  my  woid."  See  Zupitza's  note 
to  Gv^y,  1.  8541.      It  is  often  used  as  an  expletive. 

p.  17,  1.  580.  ^oho  tlie  soivdan,  etc.  =  who  is  the  Sovvdan.  The  verb  of 
the  sentence  is  wanting ;  cf.  note  to  1.  2156. 

p.  17,  1.  587.      French  text  gives  : 

"  Et  Guion  de  Bourgoyne  ad  a  lui  appele 
Fils  est  de  sa  soror  et  de  sa  parente 
Cosins,  vous  en  irres.   .  ." 

Bestr.  11.  1179,  et  seq. 

p.  18,  1.  613.  hight  =  {\)  "was  called,"  (2)  "  promised,"  (3)  "  called  " 
(partic.  past).  It  is  the  preterite  tense  of  haien,  hoten,  or  hat  (1.  3154). 
Cf.  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  1.  169. 

p.  18,  1.  614.  than  seems  to  be  a  corruption,  and  I  think  must  be  left 
out.  Florip  is  the  genitive  of  Florip,  which  occurs  as  a  nominative 
in  11.  2075,  1527.  There  is  another  nominative  Floriptas  which  forms 
the  genitive  Floripas,  11.  1659,  2350. 

p.  19,  1.  625.  Isres,  the  name  of  the  "  chief  porter  of  the  town,"  who 
betrayed  the  city,  only  occurs  in  the  Sowdan  ;  in  the  Destruction  the 
same  treachery  is  committed  by  Tabour,  D.  1203. 

"  Uns  traitre  del  cit  que  del  porte  out  les  cles." 

p.  19,  1.  636.  handon,  literally  **  proclamation,"  means  "power,  dis- 
posal."    See  Skeat,  Etym.  Diet.  s.  v.  abandon. 

p.  19,  1.  647.     French  : 

"  Le  chief  al  portier  trenche,"  Destr,  I.  1236. 

p.  19,  1.  648.      In  the  Destr.  I.  1244-5  : 

"  Dieux  "  fist  11  "  te  maldie,  et  que  t'oot  engendre, 
Ear  traitour  au  darain  averont  mal  dehe." 

p.  19,  1.  650.  met,  a  mistake  for  mot,  which  we  find  in  11.  1582,  2334, 
3170. 


108  NOTES   TO   pp.  20 — 22,  11.  663 — 744. 

p.  20,  1.  GG3.     Cf.  the  Destr.  1.  1260  : 

"  Al  moustier  de  saint  Piere  est  Fierenbras  al6s." 

p.  20,  1.  665.  the  crosse,  the,  crotvn,  the  nuiles  bente.  Tlie  relics 
mentioned  in  tlie  Destruction  are  tlie  crown  of  thorns,  the  cross,  tlio 
nails,  and  the  "  signe/'  wliich,  as  I  have  shown  in  my  Dlssertatidn 
(pp.  45,  46),  does  not  moan  "  inscription  of  the  cross,"  but  is  tlie 
Greek  aivlCjy,  and  signifies  "the  shroud,  or  winding  sheet,  of  the 
Lord,  suaire,  sudatorium."  In  the  French  Flerahras,  as  well  as  in 
Syr  Ferumhras,  no  mention  is  made  of  the  cross. 

p.  20,  1.  673.      thare  instead  of  there  would  improve  the  rhyme.      See 

Introduction,  p.  xxxv. 
p.  20,  1.  678.     fade,  O.E.  fadian,  "  dispose,  suit."     Stratmann,  p.  187. 

p.  20,1.  679.  frankcncense  :=■  "pure  incense."  Compare  Skeat, ^<?//rt. 
Diet. 

p.  20,  1.  686.  roial^  "  excellent."  Cf.  "  i-oial  spicerye,"  Chaucer,  ed, 
Morris,  III.  135/142. 

p.  21,  1.  699.     Alle  on  aflame  that  cite  was ;  cf.  the  French  : 

"  Kant  il  vindrent  a  Rome  si  virent  luy  porte  oueree 
La  flambe  en  la  cite  moult  granment  alumee. 
Pour  grant  chalour  qu'i  fu  n'i  povoient  entrer." 

(Bcstr.  1).  1378-80.) 
p.  21,  1.  723.     The  Destruction,  11.  1384—1408,  has  : 

"  Si  dirrai  de  Charlon,  le  fort  roi  corone. 
De  par  totes  ses  terres  avoit  ses  gens  niande, 
N'i  remest  dus  ne  quiens  ne  baron  el  regue, 
Qu'il  assemble  ne  soient  a  Paris  la  cite. 
Quant  11  i  furent  tons  venu  et  ajouste, 
L'emperere  de  France  en  halt  en  ad  parle  : 
'  Seignotirs,  or  escoutes,  si  vous  dirrai  verte, 
Li  admirails  d'Espaigne  a  no  pais  gaste 
Et  oue  lui  CM  sarrazin  diftaie. 
II  out  ensegie  Rome,  m'admirable  cite, 
Tot  le  pais  entour  ont  il  pour  voir  robbe  ; 
Si  jeo  ne  les  soccour  tot  Tauront  il  gaste.' 
'  Sire,'  firent  li  prhices,  '  a  vostre  volonte  : 
Nous  ne  vous  failliromes  tant  que  poons  durer.' 
Adonc  en  ad  11  rois  grant  joie  demene. 
Quant  si  gent  furent  prest  a  complir  son  pense, 
Adonc  s'en  est  li  i"ois  eralment  aprestes 
Et  si  firent  li  contes  de  France  le  regne. 
Quant  sont  appareillie  si  sont  enchcmine  : 
iii  C  mil  chevaliers  ad  li  rois  el  barue 
Oliviers  porte  sa  baneer  que  ben  leu  ad  guie, 
Rollans  fu  eu  arriere,  li  vassals  adures. 
De  soccoure  Guion  s'en  est  li  rois  hastes. 
Tant  ont  il  nuit  et  jor  cbivalche  et  erre, 
Qu'il  sont  en  Romenie,  n'i  ont  reine  tire." 

p.  22,  1.  7  14.     He  hnewe  the  baner  of  France.     The  French  text  has  : 


NOTES   TO   pp.  23 — 25,    11.  766 — 836.  109 

"Guis  parceut  le  baniere  le  roi  de  saint  Dine, 
Encontre  lui  chevalche,  la  novele  ont  conte, 
Come  la  forte  cite  li  payen  out  gaste  : 
La  corone  et  les  clous  d'iloec  en  sent  robbe 
Et  les  altres  reliques.   .  ." 

ji.  23.  1.  766.  for,  "  notwithstanding,  in  spite  of,"  So  also  in  I. 
2904. 

p.  23,  1.  771.     Dcstr.,  1.  1425: 

"  Li  vens  en  fiert  es  voiles  que  les  a  ben  guies." 

p.  2.3,  1.  776.     far  south,  "  forsooth,"  cf.  11.  2014,  897,  2024,  1025,  2246. 

p.  23,  1.  778.      French  :  "  il  sont  en  terre  entre." 

p.  23,  1.  779.  fande :  grounde.  fande  is  spelt  fanmde  in  11.  1857,  3020, 
344,  2353,  2363.  ' 

p.  2.3,  1.  780.  s<roye/7i  ^ ''destroy  etli."  "Compounds  of  Romance 
origin,  the  first  part  of  which  is  a  preposition,  or  words  derived  from 
such,  often  mutilate,  or  even  entirely  drop  the  preposition  "  (Zupitza's 
note  to  Guy,  1.  576).  Thus  we  have  sail,  1.  385,  ^  "  assail ; " 
longeth,  1.  3254,  =  "  belongeth  ;"  skomfiled,  1.  1320,  =  "  diskomfited," 
11.  336,  1464  ;  quitfi,  1.  520,  =  "  requite"; "  perceived,  1.  2669,  =  "  aper- 
ceived;"  saut,  11.  619,  2200,  =  "  assaut,"  1.  615;  ginne,  1.  2326,  = 
"  enginiie,"  I.  333  ;  playne,  1.  177,  =  "  complayn  ;  "  shaped,  1.  2049,  =:= 
"askaped,"  1.  2218. 

French  :   "  iiiC  mile  Francois." 

ycJioon  :  Mahounde.      See  Introduciion,  p.  xlii. 

stroke  :  stoupe.      See  Introduction,  p.  xliii. 

stenyed,  "  stunned,"  not  from  O.Fr.  estaindre,  as  the 
editor  of  the  Uoxb.  Chib  ed.  suggests,  but  from  O.E.  siunian,  "  per- 
cellere,  stupefacere."     See  Stratmann,  p.  540. 

24,  1.  835.  Observe  the  subject  expressed  twice  ;  cf.  11.  723,  1031, 
1682,  1814,  2331. 

25,  1.  836.  Neymes.  This  celebrated  hero  has  been  especially  famous 
by  the  advices  and  counsels  of  whicli  even  in  matters  of  greatest 
difficulty  he  was  never  at  a  loss.  "Tel  conseiller  n'orent  onques  li 
Franc,"  i.  e.  the  French  had  never  such  a  counsellor.  This  passage 
of  the  romance  of  Aspremont  may  be  looked  upon  as  containing  the 
portrait  of  Neymes  as  we  find  him  described  in  all  poems.  The  story 
of  his  l)irth  and  youth  is  in  the  romance  of  Auhri  le  Bourgoing.  He 
was  the  son  of  Gasseliu,  king  of  Bavaria.  Cassile,  an  usurper,  is 
about  to  seize  the  throne  and  to  kill  the  young  Neymes,  when 
Ciiarlemagne  comes  to  his  lielp  and  re-establishes  the  legitimate 
inheritor. 

25,  1.  836.  Ogier  Danoys  (cf.  1.  1687)  is  one  of  the  twelve  peers  in 
this  poem.  His  life  is  contained  in  the  French  poem  of  the 
*■' C/irv(tllrrie  Ogier"  by  Raimbert  de  Paris.  According  to  that 
romance  Ogier  had  been  delivered  in  his  youth  to  Charlemagne  as 


p.  23,  1. 

787. 

p.  24,  1. 

812. 

p.  24,  1. 

820. 

p.  24,  1 

820. 

1 1  0  NOTES   TO   pp.  25,  26,  11.  845 — 875. 

a  pledge  to  secure  tlie  discharge  of  the  tribute  whicli  iiis  fatlmr 
Gcffroi,  king  of  Denmark,  was  bound  to  pay  to  the  emperor.  The 
French  ambassadors  having  once  been  insulted  by  Geffroy,  Charle- 
magne swears  to  make  Ogier  pay  with  his  life  the  offence  done  by 
his  father,  and  Ogier  is  going  to  be  executed  when  the  emperor, 
following  the  urgent  requests  of  messengers  arrived  from  liouje, 
suddenly  starts  to  deliver  this  city  from  the  Saracens.  On  this 
expedition  the  French  army  is  hard  pressed  by  the  enemy,  but  Ogier 
bj'^  his  eminent  prowess  and  valour  enables  Charles  to  enter  Rome, 
lie  now  is  pardoned  and  becomes  the  favourite  of  the  emperor. 
Several  years  afterwards  Ogier's  son  Baudouinet  is  slain  bj'  Chariot, 
the  son  of  Charlemagne,  as  they  were  quarrelling  about  a  party  of 
chess.  Ogier,  in  order  to  revenge  his  son,  goes  as  far  as  to  attack 
Charlemagne  himself,  but  on  the  point  of  being  taken  a  prisoner,  he 
escapes  and  flees  to  Didier,  king  of  Lombardy.  Charles  makes  war 
ou  Didier,  and  after  a  long  struggle  Ogier  is  taken  and  imprisoned  at 
Reims,  where  lie  is  going  to  be  starved,  when  a  sudden  invasion  of  the 
Saracens  obliges  Charlemagne  again  to  have  recourse  to  the  courage 
and  valour  of  the  Dane.  Ogier  delivers  France  by  slaying  the  giant 
Brehus.  To  reward  him  for  the  service  done  to  his  country,  Charles 
gives  him  the  county  of  Hainaut,  where  afterwards,  as  the  poem  tells 
us,  he  died  in  the  renown  of  holiness. 

p.  25,  1.  845.      it  =  "  hit."     Cf.  note  to  1.  41. 

p.  25,  1.  847-50.  These  four  lines  seem  to  be  incorrect.  As  they  stand, 
the  three  iirst  lines  are  rhymed  together,  and  there  is  no  rhyme  to 
the  fourth.  The  diction  of  the  whole  passage,  which  cannot  be  said 
to  be  ungrammatical,  is  nevertlieless  wanting  in  precision  and 
exactness. 

p.  25,  1.  866.     rafe  =  rave. 

p.  25,  1.  8G8.  Moun-joye  is  the  name  of  Charlemagne's  sword  in  this 
poem  (cf.  11.  3111,850),  whereas,  according  to  all  other  romances,  the 
emperor's  sword  was  called  Joyeuse.  Mounjoie  or  Montjole  was  the 
name  of  the  French  standard  ;  it  was  likewise  used  as  the  battle-cry 
of  the  French,  cf.  Ficrabms,  1.  1703,  and  Syr  Ferumhras,  11.  2285, 
2652,  4577,  4727.  The  sword  Joyeuse  had  been  forged  by  the 
celebrated  Weland   or  Galand,  as  we  read  in*  the   French  Fierabras, 

1.  635  :  <<Et  Guhiiis  fist  Floberge  ji,  I'acier  atrempe, 

Hauteclere  et  Joiousc,  ou  moult  ot  dignite  ; 
Cele  thit  Karlemaines  longuenieut  en  certc." 

Compare  Gaston  Paris,  Histoire  Poellque,  p.  374. 
p.  26,  1.  875.  Durnedale.  This  renowned  sword  was  forged  by  the 
famous  Galand  or  Weland.  The  Frencli  Flcrahras  (1.  645)  is  tlio 
only  romance  which  attributes  it  to  Munifican.  It  had  been  given 
by  Charlemagne  to  Roland  as  the  best  of  his  warriors.  As  to  the 
exploits  achieved  with  it.  Roland  enumerates  them  himself  in  that 
celebrated    passage,    where    in    his    death-hour    he    tries    to    break 


NOTES   TO   pp.  26,  27,  U.  876 — 930.  Ill 

Durnedale  to  prevent  it  from  falling  into  tlie  liantls  of  the  Saracens 
{Chanson  de  Roland,  11.  231G-2337).  Tlie  steel  blade  of  this  sword 
has  been  highly  praised  for  its  extraordinary  liardness.  It  had  been 
tried  by  Charlemagne  himself  on  that  "  perron,"  or  steel  block  before 
the  emperor's  palace  in  Aix-la-Chapelle  (see  Histoire  Poelique,  p. 
370).  Durnedale  proved  good  as  well  as  Alinace,  the  sword  of 
Turpin.  But  Courtain,  Ogier's  sword,  was  then  shortened  by  half  a 
foot.  According  to  1.  1407  of  the  Sowdan,  Durnedale  broke ;  but 
this  incident  has  been  mentioned  nowhere  else.  Cf  Syi'  Ferumbras, 
1.  997,  and  Merabras,  1.  1740. 

p.  26,  1.  876.  romme,  spelt  also  rome,  rowme,  roum,  is  Mod.  E.  room, 
O.E.  rinn,  "spatiuni." 

p.  26,  1.  880.  dinge ;  read  gan  dinge.  Dinge  is  the  infinitive  mood, 
but  the  sense  requires  a  preterite  tense.  The  preterite  of  dinge  is 
dong,  dongen,  whiclr  occurs  in  1.  1263.  But  as  dinge  cannot  be 
altered  here,  on  account  of  the  rhyme,  the  passage  is  easily  corrected 
by  adding  gan  =  "  he  began  to  strike,  he  struck." 

p.  26,  1.  884.  Allorei/nes  of  Loregnes  and  Alerogse  (1.  1G99)  are  probably 
identical.  Then  AUoreynes  would  be  an  error  of  the  scribe,  who 
having  already  the  following  Loreynes  in  his  mind  wrote  AUoreynes 
instead  oi'  A  lleroyse. 

p.  26,  1.  900.      in  fay  =  '' truly,"  fay  =  ''(a\{.h,    truth."     O.Fr.  /«    or" 
feid,  Lat.  fdes. 

p.  26,  1.  904-5.      Cf.  Chanson  de  Boland,  11.  1903-4  : 

"  Kollanz  est  proz  e  Oliviers  est  sages, 
Ainbedui  unt  merveillus  vassalage." 

p.  27,  1.  913.  I  cannot  tell  what  Ircyumple  means,  or  whether  it  be  a 
conuption. 

p.  27,  1.  939.  This  kind  of  prayer  or  apostrophe  addressed  to  the  God 
of  War  is  certainly  taken  from  another  Englibh  work,  which  I  am 
unable  to  trace,  but  which  must  have  been  much  known  at  the  time 
of  our  author,  as  we  find  it  referred  to  in  different  authors.  That  it 
has  been  taken  from  another  poem  is  proved  by  some  phrases  of  this 
prayer  which  are  somewhat  obscure  or  rather  unintelligible  here,  and 
which  we  certainly  sliould  be  able  to  explain  if  we  knew  the  original 
context  in  which  they  occurred.  Then  the  form  hase  (1.  940)  is 
somewhat  suspicious,  as  it  is  the  only  instance  of  the  2nd  person 
singular  present  dropping  the  t,  which  it  has  always  in  this  poem. 
The  arrangement,  too,  of  the  following  stanzas  differs  from  that 
generally  observed  in  the  Smvdan.  If  we  consider  our  poem  as 
composed  in  eight-line  stanzas  (but  see  Introduction,  p.  xl)  we 
mostly  find  the  1st  and  3rd  lines  rhyming  together,  flicii  the  2nd  and 
4tli,  the  5th  and  7th,  and  finally  the  6th  and  8tii,  so  that  four 
different  rhyme-endings  are  necessary  to  one  stanza.  It'  now  wo 
consider  the  stanza  from  1.  9;>9  to  946,  we  only  have  two  rliyme- 
endings,  all   the   pair  lines   rhyming   together,  and    all   tlie  odd    ones 


1 1  2  NOTES   TO   pp.  27,  28,  11.  939 — 966. 

together.  In  II.  947  to  950  the  1st  and  4th  iliyine  together,  whilst 
the  2nd  and  3rd  are  paired  off  together. — 11.  939-941  we  find  alluded 
to  in  Chaucer,  see  Introduction,  p.  xlvi,  and  the  Prioress's  Tale,  ed. 
Skeat  (Clarendon  Press),  p.  xvii.  Compare  also  Lindsay,  The  Historic 
of  Squyer  Meldrum,  1.  390  : 

"  Like  Mars,  the  God  Armipoteat." 

p.  27,  1.  939.  rede  Mars.  "  Boeaccio  uses  the  same  epithet  in  the 
opening  of  his  Teseide  :  '  0  rubiconde  Marte.'  Rede  refers  to  the 
colour  of  the  planet."     Morris,  note  to  Knight^s  Tale,  1.  889. 

p.  27,  1.  940.  Baye  never  means  "  sword,"  as  the  editor  of  the 
Roxburghe  Club  ed.  renders  it,  nor  does  this  translation  make  any 
sense  here  at  all ;  haye  signifies  "  a  wide,  open  room  or  space  in 
a  building."  See  Miitzner's  Worterbuch,  p.  164.  Morris,  in  the 
Glossary  to  the  Alliterative  Foems,  has  "  bay  =^  recess.  The  original 
meaning  seems  to  be  opening  of  any  Jeind.  Cf.  bay,  space  in  a 
building  between  two  main  beams."  Halliwell,  s.  v.  bay,  has  :  "A 
principal  compartment  or  division  in  the  architectural  arrangement 
of  a  building."  It  appears  to  be  etymologically  the  same  word  as 
Ital.  haja,  French  baie,  "  bay,  gulf,  liarbour,"  the  French  baie  being 
equally  used  for  "opening  of  any  kind."  The  Catalan  form  for  baie 
is  badia,  which  corresponds  to  the  verb  budar,  meaning  "  to  open." 
See  Diez,  Etym.  Worterb.  I.  46.  Bay  is  retained  in  the  Mod.  E. 
compound  "  bay-window."  Cf.  also  the  French  "  la  bee  d'une  feneslre," 
cited  by  Carpentier-Ducange,  s.  v.  beare.  With  regard  to  the 
signification  of  irende,  the  editor  of  the  Roxb.  Club  ed.  wrongly 
guessed  again  in  explaining  it  as  "drawn"  or  "trenchant,  cutting." 
Trende  means  "  turned,  bent,  vaulted  in  the  form  of  an  arch."  See 
Halliwell,  p.  887,  and  Stratmann,  p.  572,  s.  v.  trenden  (==  "  volvere  "). 
But  I  am  at  a  loss  how  to  explain  why  Mars  is  said  to  have  put  up 
his  throne  in  an  arched  recess,  or  compartment,  of  a  building. 

p.  28,  1.  957.      some,  a  clerical  error  for  sone. 

p.  28,  1.  965.  prymsauns  of  grene  ■?;«-e  :=:  "  the  earliest  days  of  green 
spring  "  (Glossary  to  the  Eoxb.  Club  ed.).  This  may  be  the  sense ; 
but  what  is  the  literal  meaning  ot  prymsauns  ?  If  we  had  prymtauns, 
cr  prymtuunce,  we  might  be  inclined  to  take  it  for  a  corruption  of 
French  printemps,  as  we  find  pastaunce  or  pastance  corrupted  from 
.  2}asse- temps.  (See  Skeat,  Spec,  of  Eng.  Literature,  4:60/149  and  427/ 
1096.)  Cf.  also  the  Romaunt  of  the  Rose,  11,  3373-74  :  "  At  prime 
temps.  Love  to  manace,  Ful  ofte  I  have  been  in  this  caas."  Or  is 
j)rymtauns  perhaps  a  clerical  error  for  enirauns  or  entraunce  ?  This 
would  then  make  us  think  of  such  passages  as  the  following  one  : 

"  Che  f  II  on  niois  de  mai,  a  Vcntree  d'e.ste, 
Que  florissent  oil  bos  et  verdissent  oil  pre." 

Merabras,  11.  6094-5. 

p.  28,  1.  966.      spryngyn,  the  only  instance  of  the  3rd  person  present 
pluia!  ending  in  -yn  (for  the  common  -en').      This  perha[)s  is  due  to 


NOTES    TO    pp.  28—31,  11.  973 — 1067.  113 

the  scribe  thinking  already  of  the  following  yn  in  hagynne.  But  it 
must  be  stated  that  the  whole  passage  is  rather  obscure.  Neither  the 
meaning  of  springyn  and  hegynne  nor  the  connection  of  1.  966  with 
the  following  lines  is  very  clear.  Floures  occurring  twice  looks  also 
somewhat  suspicious.  Moreover,  these  two  stanzas  do  not  well  suit 
the  context  and  might  easily  be  done  without ;  they  are  evidently 
borrowed  from  some  other  poem.  Observe  besides  the  alliteration  in 
/loures,  /rithe,  /reshly, 

p.  28,  1.  973.  lithe,  "  to  hear."  O.Icel.  hly^a,  "  auscultare."  !:trat- 
mann,  s.  v.  hlipen,  p.  315. 

p.  29,  1.  993.  lese  miswritten  for  lefe,  which  sense  and  rhyme  require, 
and  which  occu  s  in  11.  832,  1526. 

p.  29,  1.  995.      bassatours  (?)  =  "  vavassours,  vavasors." 

p.  29,  1.  999.  Inde  Major.  The  meaning  of  Major  is  not  clear.  Of. 
besides  Chanson  de  Roland,  ed.  Gautier,  Glossarial  Index,  s.  v.  Major. 
Compare  also  Desb'.  1.  690 :  terre  Majour. 

p.  29,  1.  1000.  The  great  number  of  geograpnical  names  contained  in 
these  two  lines  is  probably  due  to  the  favourite  habit  of  medifieval 
romance  writers,  who  thought  that  they  showed  their  geographical 
knowledge  by  introducing  long  strings  of  names.  Thus  we  find  in 
Web.  Rom.  II.  1.  632  et  seq.,  the  names  of  sixteen  towns  mentioned 
in  fourteen  lines,  all  of  which  are  said  to  have  been  visited  by 
Richard  the  Lion-hearted.  Again  in  the  same  poem,  11.  3679,  et  seq., 
we  find  the  names  of  thirteen  countries  occurring  in  ten  lines.  Cf. 
also  Kmg  Alls.,  Web.  Rom.  I.  11.  1440  and  1692.  Often,  too, 
geographical  names  seem  to  be  inserted  on  account  of  the  rhyme,  as 
Chaunder  in  1.  123,  and  Europe  in  1.  1001. 

p.  29,  1.  1008.  Cama/^o??,  "meaning,  probably,  the  camelopardalis.  The 
blood  of  a  cameleon  would  go  a  very  little  way  towards  satisfying  a 
thirsty  Saracen"  (Ellis,  Mdr.  R.  387).  Perhaps  also  the  poet  did 
not  know  much  of  either  of  these  two  kinds  of  animals,  and  all  he 
wished  was  to  cite  an  animal  with  some  outlandish  name. 

p.  30,  1.  1025.  southe:  tvrothe.  The  spelling  sothe  occurs  in  11.  2014, 
2024,  2246,  2719.  There  must  be  a  lacuna  of  one  or  more  lines  here. 
Tiie  rhyme-word  to  dule  (1.  1024)  is  wanting ;  the  context  also 
evidently  shows  that  11.  1025  and  1026,  as  they  stand  together,  make 
no  sense.  It  is  worth  while  to  add  that  the  next  five  lines,  contrary 
to  the  common  usage  of  our  poem,  are  all  rhymed  together. 

p.  30,  1.  1040.  Observe  Paens,  i.  e.  "  pagans,"  used  as  a  proper  name 
here  ;  cf.  the  Destr.  1.  98,  and  Fierabras,  1.  5673. 

p.  31,  1.  1051.  For  a  description  of  Ferumbras,  compare  Fierabras,  11. 
578  et  seq.,  and  11.  611  et  seq.,  and  Syr  Ferumbras,  1.  550. 


p- 

35,  1.  1060.      trives  =  trues,  truce. 

p- 

31,  1.  1067.     sex.     So  in  the  French  Fierabras,  I.  84 

"  Ja  n'en  refuserai.  par  Mahoni.  jusqu'il  vi." 

CHARL.   ROM.    V. 

114  NOTES   TO   pp.  31,  32,  11.  1071 — 1096. 

In  the  English  Firumbras,  1.  102,  wo  road  : 

"  And  l^oj  K'l"  coine  ttvdue,  \>e  bcsto  of  ]>y  fered, 
I  will  ku)>e  on  hem  my  mijt,  &  dyngen  hem  al  to  douste." 
p.  31,1.  1071.     in  fere  ="  together."    fere,  literally  "  ono  who  fares 
with  one,"  means  "  a  travelling  companion,  a  comrade,  a  mate ;  a 
company."     O.E.  {ge-)fera. 
p.  31,  1.   1074.     man  ^  "  bondman,  subject,  vassal."     So  in  11.   1354 

1466. 
p.  31,  1.  1077.     Mlde,  "  young  knight,  young  man."     See  Skcat's  note 

to  Sir  Thopas  {Clarendon  Press),  162/2020. 
p.  31,  1.  1084.     Cf.  the  French  text : 

"  Sire,  ce  dist  Rollans,  chertes,  tort  en  aves, 
Car,  par  icel  seigneur  Ki  Dix  est  appeles, 
Je  vauroie  moult  miex  que  fuissies  desmenbres 
Ke  jou  en  baillasse  armes  ne  ne  fuisse  adobes. 
Hier  quant  paien  nous  vindrent  i\  I'i.ssue  des  gues 
L.  mile  furent,  a  vers  helmes  jesmes. 
Grans  cans  en  soustenimes  sur  les  escus  bandes ; 
Oliviers  mes  compaigus  i  fu  le  jour  navres. 
Tout  fuissons  descoufit,  c'est  fines  verites, 
Quant  vous  nous  secourustes  e  vos  riches  barnes, 
Et  paien  s'en  tournerent  les  frains  abandonues. 
Quant  fumes  repairie  as  loges  et  as  tres, 
Puis  te  vantas  le  soil',  quant  tu  fus  euivres, 
Que  li  viel  chevalier  c'avoies  amene 
L'avoient  moult  miex  fait  que  li  joule  d'asses, 
Asses  en  fui  le  soir  laidement  rampon6s." 

(11.  144-161.) 

Compare  also  Syr  Ferumhras,  11.  144-163 
p.  32,  1.  1088.      of  =  "  on  account  of." 

p.  32,  1.  1092.  According  to  most  of  the  old  romances  Eoland  was 
invulnerable.  He  never  lost  any  blood  by  a  wound  but  on  the 
occasion  when  he  was  beaten  by  Charlemagne 

"  For  trois  goutes  sans  plus,  quant  Charles  par  irour 
Le  feri  de  sou  gant  que  le  vireut  plousour." 

See  Histolrc  Poelique,  p.  264. 

The  French  text  (11.  166-170)  runs  as  follows : 

"  Karles  trait  son  gant  destre,  qui  fu  k  or  pargs 
Fiert  le  comte  Eollant  en  travers  sur  le  nes ; 
Apres  le  caup  en  est  li  sans  vermaus  voles. 
Eollans  jete  le  main  au  branc  qui  est  letres  ; 
Ja  en  ferist  son  oncle  se  11  n'en  fust  ostes." 
p.  32,  1.  1094.     abye,  "  to  pay  for,  suffer  for."     In  Mod.  Eng.  alye  is 
corrupted  into  abide.     See  Morris,  Gloss,  to  Chaucer  (Clarend.  Press), 
s.  V.  aboughte. 
p   32   1    1096.      Double  negatives  like  never  none  are  pretty  common  in 
'  mediaeval    writers.       Cf.  in  the  Sowdan,  11.   1876,  2181,  2199,  2279, 
2305. 


NOTES   TO   pp.  32 — 34,  11.   1103 — 1164.  115 

p.  32,  1.  1103,  at  one,  "  of  one  mind,  agreement."  Cf.  Kimj  Horn,  ed. 
Lumby,  1.  925  : 

"  At  on  he  was  \i\\>  \>e  king." 

Hence  Mod.  Eng.  atone,  "  to  set  at  one,  to  reconcile."  See  Zupitza'a 
note  to  Guy,  1.  5308. 

p.  32,  1.  HOG.  to  mahe  voydaunce,  tlie  same  as  to  voide,  1.  1768  =  "  to 
quit,  to  depart  from,  to  get  rid  of," 

p.  32,  1.  1110.  wilhoute  more  =  "  without  delay,  immediately."  7nore 
is  O.E,  mura,  comparative  to  micel ;  it  is  not  the  Latin  more.  See 
Ziipitza's  note  to  Gu>/,  1.  719, 

p.  33,  1.  1120.  renewed,  "tied."  Fr.  renouer,  from  nceud  =  'Lsii.  nodius. 
It  is  to  be  distinguished  from  renewed  =  "  renovated,"  which  occurs 
in  1.  2200. 

p.  32,  1.  1128.     hidur  is  spelt  hider  in  11.  810,  833,  etc. 

p,  32,  1.  1135.  Gcnei-yse.  In  the  other  versions  Olyver  calls  himself 
Garin.     See  Introduction  on  p.  xxxiii. 

p.  32,  1.  1141.  leme,  "  to  teach."  See  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  1.  6352. 
scole,  O.E.  scol,  Mod.  Eng.  school,  means  here  "  style,  or  manner  of 
fighting."  It  must  not  be  confounded  with  schole,  O.E.  scolu,  "  troop, 
band,"  Mod.  Eng.  slioal.     Cf.  also  The  Song  of  Roland,  129/786. 

p.  33,  1,  1145.  myghty  men  of  honde.  So  in  1.  3029.  The  same  phrase 
occurs  in  M. H.G.  "  ein  belt  ze  sinen  handen,"  which  is  explained  as 
meaning,  "  a  hero  [or  one  who  becomes  a  hero]  by  the  strength  of 
his  hands  or  arms."  See  JJinicke's  note  to  Blterolf,  5078,  and 
Grinmi's  Grammatllc,  IV.  727  note.  The  expression  seems  to  be 
originally  French  ;  cf.  Meon,  Fabliaux,  III.  478  :  "  clievaliers  de  sa 
main";  Itenard,  ed.  Martin,  1.  21409:  '' proedom  de  sa  main.'" 
Cf.  also  Roman  des  Eles,  ed.  Scheler,  1.  433,  where  main  is  wrongly 
explained  by  the  editor, 

p.  33,  1.  1151.  plete,  "  plead."  The  rhyme  leads  us  to  suppose  that 
the  author  pronounced  plcfie,  which  indeed  is  the  more  common 
form. 

p.  33,  1.  1154.  and  makes  no  sense  here,  thenJccs  must  also  be 
incorrect,  the  3rd  person  present  singular  always  terminating  in  -elh 
in  this  poem,  and  not  in  -es.  Read  as  thenketh  me  ;  thenketh  me 
occurs  in  1.  465. 

p.  34,  1.  1158.  ^>^5r7i<,  "pitched,  fixed."  The  infinitive  mood  is  picchcn ; 
cf.  O.Dutch  piclcen,  O.Icel.  j^ikka,  "  pungere,  pangere," 

p.  34,  1.  1159.  In  the  French  Fierahras,  1.  606  et  scq.,  Oliver  also 
assists  the  Saracen  to  put  on  his  gear.  This  point  is  not  mentioned 
in  the  Ashmolean  version,  see  Introduction,  p.  xxviii. 

p.  34,  1.  1163.  vjorthed  up,  "  became  up,  got  up,  mounted,"  It  is  the 
past  tense  of  the  verb  ivorthen,  O.E.  locor^an,  "to  become,"  Another 
past  tense  of  thi«  verb  is  ivorth,  1,  1204. 

p   34,  1.  1164.    areest,  or  arest  =  "a  rest,  or  support  for  the  spear  when 

I  2 


IIG  NOTES   TO   pp.  34 — 36,  11.  1167 — 1250. 

couclied  for  the  attack  "  (Morris).    Originally  =  "  stoppage,  waiting, 
.  readiness."     Cf.  Miitzner's  Wurterbuch,  p.  107. 
p.  34,  1.  1167.     asjire  of  thondcr,  cf.  d'mte  of  thondir  in  ].  1207. 
p.  34,  1.  11G8.      to-hraste,  "burst  in  pieces."     The  prefix  to-,  answering 
to  Germ,  zer-^  has  the  force  of  "  in  twain,  asunder." 

p.  34,  1.  1170.     threste,  O.E.  \)rcestan,  "  premere,  trudere."     The  author 

probably  pronounced  thraste,  which  will  improve  the  rhyme. 
p.   34,   11.    1179-80.     upon  the  licde  (blank   in   ]\IS)  tU  hede.     This  is 
evidently  a  mistake  of  the  scribe  ;  sore,  1.  1180,  too,  wliich  does  not 
rhyme  with  crowne,  is  probably  miswritten  for  sone.     The  rhyme  as 
well  as  the  context  shows  that  the  true  reading  is  : 
"  Olyver  him  hitte  again 
Upon  the  hede  than  fulle  sone 

He  carfe  awaye  with  myght  and  mayne 
The  cercle  that  sate  uppon  his  crowne." 

p.  34,  1.  1182.  About  the  cercle,  see  Demay,  Le  Costume  de  guerre, 
p.  132.  "Non  seulement  le  cone  du  heaume  (helme)  est  horde  par  ce 
cercle,  mais  il  est  parfois  renforce  dans  toute  sa  hauteur  par  deux 
aretes  placees  I'une  devant,  I'autre  derriere,  ou  par  quatre  bandcs  de 
m^tal  ornementees  (de  verroteries),  venant  aboutir  et  se  croiser  a  son 
sommet." — crowne  means  the  "  tonsure  of  the  head,"  then  topically 
"  tlie  skull  or  head." 

p.  34,  1.  1185.  the  hotteles  of  hawme  are  not  mentioned  anywhere  else 
in  the  Sowdan  ;  the  other  versions  tell  us  that  the  balm  contained  in 
those  vessels  was  the  same  as  that  with  which  Christ  was  anointed. 
Cf.  Syr  Ferumbras,  11.  510 — 517  ;  and  see  Introduction,  p.  vi  and  xxix. 

p.  34,  1.  1191.  the  river.  According  to  the  oldest  version  of  the  poem 
the  whole  combat  took  place  on  the  shore  of  the  Tiber,  near  Eome. 
See  Introduction,  pp.  xi  and  xxxii.      Cf  Fierahras,  1.  1049  : 

"  Pres  fu  du  far  de  Rome,  ses  a  dedes  jetes," 
and  Phili2)pe  Moushet,  I.  4705-6  : 

"  Les  .11.  barius  qii'a  Rome  prist. 
Si  les  gieta  enmi  le  Toivre." 

In  the  Sowdan  as  well  as  in  the  Ashmole  MS.  there  is  no  mention  of 
Oliver's  drinking  of  tlie  balm  before  throwing  it  into  the  water,  wliich 
both  the  Provencal  and  the  French  versions  tell  us  he  did,  Cf. 
Fierabras,  11.  1031 — 1048,  and  the  Proven9al  version,  11.  1335^ 
et  seq. 

p.  35,  1.  1210.    file,  "  fel." 

p.  35,  11.  1221.     dere  spoils  the  rhyme.     Read  "/ree." 

p.  36,  1.  1250.  Cousyn  to  King  Charles,  cf.  1.  1117.  In  11.  1499  and 
1671  Oliver  is  said  to  be  nephew  to  Charlemagne.  He  was  the 
son  of  Renier  de  Gennes,  who  according  to  Sir  Ferumbras,  1.  652  : 
"  Y  am  Charlis  emys  sone  " — was  the  uncle  of  Charlemagne.  In  the 
poem    Girar  de   Viane  we  find  Oliver   among  the   enemies  of  the 


NOTES   TO    pp.  36 — 38,  11.  1258 — 1320.  117 

Emperor  and  fighting  with  Eoland  in  close  combat  ;  they  are  at 
length  stopped  by  divine  interposition.  Then  began  a  close  friend- 
ship which  lasted  till  their  death  at  Roncesvaux.  Oliver's  sister 
Aude  was  betrothed  to  Roland.  See,  besides,  Si/r  Ferumhras,  11. 
422,  1297,  1305,  1354. 

p.  36,  1.  1258.     harde  grace,  "  misfortune,"  cf  1.  2790. 

p.  36,  1.  1259.  Persacjyn.  This  name  does  not  occur  in  any  other 
version  again,  except  in  the  Destruction,  where  one  Persagon  appears 
in  the  list  of  the  Saracen  barons.  But  it  is  not  stated  there  that  he 
is  uncle  to  Ferumbras ;  cf.  besides  Fierabras,  11.  2614,  2784. 

p.  37,  1.  1263.     Observe 'the  four  consecutive  feminine  rhymes. 

p.  37,  1.  1277.  The  scene  as  related  here  widely  differs  from  that 
described  in  the  Ashmolean  version.  In  the  Soivdone,  Oliver  gets 
hold  of  the  sword  wliich  is  "  trussed  on  Ferumbras's  stede."  In  the 
Ashmolean  poem  it  is  not  Oliver  who  is  disarmed,  but  Ferumbras, 
and  Oliver  allows  him  to  pick  up  his  weapon  again.  This  in  itself 
furnishes  us  an  argument  for  conjecturing  that  the  author  of  the 
Soivdon  did  not  follow,  or  even  know  of,  the  Ashmolean  version.  In 
the  French  poem,  as  well  as  in  the  Proven9al,  it  is  likewise  Oliver 
who  is  disarmed.  If  in  those  poems  we  find  mentioned  besides  that 
Ferumbras  offered  his  enemy  to  take  up  his  sword  again — an  incident 
not  related  in  the  Soivdan — we  do  not  consider  this  to  disprove  our 
supposition  that  the  French  version  was  the  source  of  the  Sowdan,  as 
we  may  consider  our  author  in  this  case  simply  to  have  adhered  to 
his  favourite  practice  of  shortening  his  original  as  much  as  possible, 
so  far  as  no  essential  point  is  concerned.  Cf  the  French  Ficrabrati, 
11.  1289—1346. 

p.  37,  1.  1286.      saught  is  a  misprint  for  raught. 

p,  37,  1.  1289.  He  thought  he  quyte.  quyte  may  be  explained  as 
standing  for  quyted,  or  else  he  must  be  changed  into  to  :  He  thought 
to  quyte,  the  latter  reading  is  perhaps  preferable.  We  find  in  1.  3110  a 
passage  agreeing  almost  exactly  with  this. 

p.  38,  1.  1298.  Qwyntyn.  The  name  of  this  Saint  does  not  occur  in 
any  other  version  of  our  romance. 

p.  38,  1.  1308.  There  is  no  mention  made  of  this  prayer  in  the 
Ashmolean  version,  the  Soivdan  here  (II.  1308 — 1340)  agrees  again 
with  the  French  Fierabras,  11.  1164 — 1244  (and  with  the  Proven9al 
poem,  1.  1493,  et  seq.),  with  tlie  only  difference,  that  the  prayer  wliich 
Charlemagne  addressed  to  God,  in  order  to  bestow  the  victory  upon 
the  Christian  hero,  is  much  longer  in  F,  and  is  stuffed  with  so  many 
details  of  the  Scripture,  that  in  some  way  it  may  be  regarded  as  a 
succinct  account  of  the  whole  life  of  the  Lord. 

p.  38,  1.  1320.  skomfited  =  discomfited,  1.  1464.  It  is  formed  by  the 
same  analogy  as  stroyeth  =  destroyeth.  See  note  to  1.  780.  The 
substantive  discumfiture,  O.Fr.  desconfiture,  occurs  in  1.  336  ;  the  same 


118  NOTES   TO   pp.  32 — 40,  U.  1327 — 1383. 

word,  without  prefix,  is  found   in   M.H.G.,  cf.   Kudnin,  ed.  Martin, 

'      '      "do  si  heten  gerne  die  porten  zuo  getan 

do  niuosten  si  daz  lernen  durch  schumjihentiuren  verlan." 

The  Italian  noun  is  sconfitta,  and  the  verb  sconfiggcre. 

p.  32,  1.  1327.      God   ahoue  does  not  rliymo  with  lord  almighty.      The 
rhyme  is  easily  restored   if  we  read  of  might  (cf.  1.  2059)  for  ahoue, 
and  if  we  change  almighty  into  ahnighte,  so  that  we  have  : 
1.  1327.      "  Tho  Charles  thanked  God  of  niyghte." 
1.  1329,      "  And  saide,  '  blessed  be  thou,  lord  almyghtc.'  " 
The  adjective  almi-^t  is  of  frequent  occurrence  in  Mid.  Eng.  writers. 
So  in  Allif.  Poems,  I.  497  :   "  in  sothful  gospel  of  god  alinyjt;  "  Syr 
Ferumhras,   1.    3580,  "  God  almy3te  :    sijte ; "    ibid.   1.   3815,    "  god 
almy^t  :   wyjt." 

p.  39,  1,  1349.  cas  is  an  erratum  for  ras. — "  Has,  shave."  "  Rees 
1693,  evening."  These  explanations  given  by  the  editor  of  the 
Roxb.  Club  ed.  are  wrong.  Has  and  rees  being  both  derived  from 
O.E.  rws,  "  impetus  cursus,"  are  indiscriminately  used  in  three  mean- 
ings :  (1)  "  onset,  assault ;  "  (2)  "  course,  run,  rush,  haste,  hurry  ;  " 
(3)  "  space,  time,  occasion."  The  last  signification  is  well  shewn 
by  the  following  passages  : 

"  Hitlastejj  but  a  Intel  rees." 

(a.  MttT/denlwd,  1,  26.) 

"pat  ys  to  seye  upon  a  rees, 
Stynkyng  Saxone,  be  on  pees." 

{Arthur,  ed.  Furnivall,  1.  525.) 

In  the  Soii-dan  ras  or  rees  means  (1)  "time,  instant,  occasion,"  11. 
1349,  1693  ;  (2)  "  rush,  hurry,  haste,"  11.  645,  489.  ra.se,  1.  774  = 
"  current  in  the  sea,"  the  same  word  as  the  preceding  ras  and  rees, 
meaning  properly,  "  a  narrow  rush,  or  violent  current  of  water."  See 
Morris,  Chaucer's  Prologue  (Clarendon  Press),  s.  v.  reyse.  Cf.  the 
French  expressions,  "raz  de  mer,"  "  raz  de  courent,"  "  raz  de  maree," 

p.  39,  1.  1361,     sene:  he.     Read  se  as  in  11,  1124,  658,  1826. 

p.  40,  1.  1372.  ryden,  which  does  not  rhyme  with  foghten,  is  evidently 
a  clerical  error.  I  suppose  soghten  to  be  the  true  reading.  For 
examples  of  soght  =  "came,  went,  moved,"  see  Zupitza's  note  to 
Guy,  1.  7151,  and  Skeat's  Glossary  to  Specimens,  s.  v.  socht. —  There 
is  still  another  corruption  in  this  passage,  as  assembled  does  not 
rhyme  with  ordcyned. 

p.  40,  1.  1380.  Note  the  transition  from  the  indirect  to  the  direct 
speech. 

p.  40,  1.  1381.  As  it  stands,  the  line  is  too  long  and  spoils  the  rhythm. 
The  words  "  if  ye  cast  me  dovvne"  can  be  dispensed  with. 

p.  40,  1.  1383.  thare :  were  (O.E.  weriau).  The  rhyme  is  easily 
restored  by  reading  there  instead  of  thare,  cf,  11.  2G04,  2404,  2245, 
etc.    and  see  Introduction,  j)  XXXV, 


NOTES   TO    pp.  41 — 43,  il.   1410- -1475.  119 

p.  41,  11.  1419-22.  Observe  the  weak  rhymes  alternating  with  the 
strong  ones. 

p.  41,1.  1420.  brother  means  ''brother-in-law."  Oliver's  sister  Aude 
was  Eoland's  intended  bride.  Perhaps  also  brother  may  be  taken 
here  in  sense  of  "  brother  in  arms,"  as  in  most  romances  we  find 
lloland  and  Oliver  mentioned  as  a  couple  of  true  friends  united  by 
the  most  tender  ties  of  comradeship.  Besides,  Oliver  was  highly 
indebted  to  Roland,  who  had  rescued  him  when  he  had  been  made  a 
prisoner  after  his  duel  with  Ferragus. 

p.  41,  1.  1423.  cowthe  miswritten  for  caiKjhte,  which  we  read  in  11. 
1411,  1G03. 

p.  41,  1.  1424.     Ascopartes  is  the  correct  form.      See  note  on  1.  495. 

p.  51,  1.  1427.  foolde  cannot  be  "  earth"  here,  for  which  the  editor  of 
the  Roxburghe  Club  ed.  takes  it.  Foolde  is  the  participle  past  of 
fealdcn,  "  to  fold,  plicare."  It  means,  "  folded,  bent  down,  fallen." 
This  seems  also  to  be  the  sense  offolde  in  the  following  passages  : 

Layimon,  23983-4  : 

"pa  feol  Frolle 
folde  to  grunde." 


Jbid.  11.  27054-G 


Ibid.  II.  20057-GO 


"  Eomanisce  veollen 
fiftene  hundred 
foldea  to  grunden." 


"  he  jjohte  to  quellen 
pe  king  on  liis  [seode 
&  his  folc  valden 
volden  to  gruude." 
Cf.  Siratmann,  p.  194. 

41,  1.  1433.  Roland  and  Olyver  are  taken  prisoners.  Tliis  incident 
is  differently  related  in  the  other  poems.  There  Roland  is  not  taken 
at  all,  but  seat  afterwards  among  the  messengers  to  the  Soudan's 
court.  Together  with  Oliver  four  knights  are  taken,  viz.  Gwylmer, 
Berard,  Geoffrey  and  Aubry,  who  all  are  carried  away  by  the  flying 
Saracens  in  spite  of  the  efforts  of  Roland  and  Ogier. 

42,1.  1451.  what  =  '' who."  See  Koch,  Fng.  Gr.  II.  §  339,  and 
Skeat's  note  to  Piers  the  Plowman  (Clarendon  Press),  113/19.  So  in 
II.  1133,  1623. 

42,  1.  1456.  astyte  has  nothing  to  do  with  the  Latin  asiutus  with 
which  the  editor  of  the  Roxb.  Club  ed.  apparently  confounds  it  in 
explaining  it  as  "  cunningly  devised."  Astyte  means  "  at  once, 
immediately,  suddenly";  see  Morris,  Glossary  to  Allit.  Poems.  It 
is  a  compound  of  the  simple  word  tyte,  "  soon,  quickly,"  which  see 
above,  1.  181. 

43,  1.  1475.  Tiirpyn.  The  name  of  the  archbishop  is  not  mentioned 
in  the  Ashmolean  version.  Tlie  French  text,  11.  1836-40,  runs  as 
follows  : 


1-0  NOTES    TO    pp.  43 — 47,  U.   1183 — 1G19. 

"  Karlos,  nostre  empereres,  en  est  en  pi§s  lev6s, 
II  apela  Milon  et  Turpin  I'alosfis, 
Dcus  rices  arcevesques  de  moult  grant  saintetfi: 
Faites  moi  tost  uns  fons  beneir  ot  sacrer ; 
Je  woel  que  cis  rois  soit  bauptizies  et  leves." 

Cf.  also  the  Provenjal  poem,  1.  1899,  et  seq. 
p.  43,  1.  1483.     nought  for  thane  ^  "  nevertheless,"  cf.  Koch,  Eng.  Gr. 
II.  p.  473. 

p.  43,  1.  148G.    Rome  is  a  corruption  of  Roye,  as  follows  from  the  French 

Fierahrcis,  1.  1851  : 

"  C'est  sains  Florans  de  Eoie,  ce  dist  I'auctorites." 

Cf.   the   Ashmole  Ferumbras,  1.   1087,  and    Groeber,   Zeitschrift  fur 

romanische  Philologie,  IV.  p.  167. 
p.  43,  1.  1495.     affrayned^  which  must  not  be  confounded  with  affraycd, 

as  the  editor  of  the  Roxburghe  Club  ed.  does,  means  "  asked,  inquired." 

It  is  the  compound  oi  freynen  ox  fraynen,  O.E.  frlgnan,  "to  ask." 

Goth,  fraihnan.      Germ,  fragen. 
p.  43,  1.  1497.      allayned,  "  concealed."     The  simple  verb  lay7ie  (from 

Icel.  leyna,  cf.  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  1.  2994)  is  still  retained  in  the 

Scottish  dialect,  with  the  sense  of  "  to  hide."     Cf.  also  Morris,  AliU. 

Poems,  Gloss,  s.  v.  layned. 

p.  43,  1.  1498.  In  the  other  poems  the  prisoners  do  not  tell  their  true 
names  ;  see  Introduction^  pp.  xxvii  and  xxix  ;  and  cf.  Syr  Ferumhras, 
1.  1167. 

p.  43,  1.  1499.  Roland  is  nephew  to  Charlemagne  on  his  mother's  side. 
See  note  to  1.  1888,  and  cf.  the  Ashmole  Ferumhras,  1.  2066.  For 
Oliver,  see  above,  note  to  1.  1250. 

p.  44, 1.  1515.  In  the  Sowdan  Floripas  herself  advises  Laban  not  to  slay 
his  captives,  but  to  imprison  them.  In  the  other  versions  it  is  one  of 
the  barons  who  gives  the  same  advice.     See  Introduction,  p.  xxviii. 

p.  44,  1.  1538.  depe :  myrhe.  The  rhyme  will  be  restored  by  reading 
dirhe  or  derhe  instead  of  depe.     device  occurs  in  1.  2541. 

p.  45,  1.  1604.  maute.  "In  Old  French  mauie  is  malice."  Gloss,  to 
Roxburghe  Club  ed,  I  do  not  know  whether  maui^  exists  in  O.Fr,, 
but  even  if  it  did,  it  would  make  no  sense  here.  I  feel  sure  maute 
is  a  corruption  of  mynte  or  mente  (cf.  1.  1784),  the  preterite  of  minten 
or  menten  =  "  to  aim  a  blow,  to  strike,"  from  O.E.  myntan,  "  to 
intend,  to  purpose."  See  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  1.  6579,  and  Morris, 
Allit.  Poems,  s.  v.  mynte.      Cf.  also  Syr  Ferumbras,  1.  5587  : 

"  pan  Charlis  a  strok  till  hym  gan  mynte; 
Ac  hj^m  faylede  of  ys  dynte, 

for  fjat  swerd  hym  glente  .   .   ." 

p.  47,  1.  1615.      trew  instead  oi  free  will  restore  the  rhyme.     The  same 

rhyme  trewe :  newe  occurs  in  11.  67,  588. 
p.  47,  1.  1619.     fele  slthe,  "many  a  time,  often."     So  in  11.  2740,  2815. 

Cf.  ofle  sit  he,  1.  916. 


NOTES   TO   pp.  47—49,  11.   1624 — 1698.  121 

p.  47,  1.   1G24.     ruhj,   O.E.    hreowlic  =  "  rueful,   sorrowful,  inourufu], 

piteous." 
p.  47,  1.  1645.      Jiarme  sJcathe  makes  no  sense.     Eead  harme  <&  slcathe, 

which  occurs  in  Gen.  and  Exod.  1.  2314  : 

"  <5is  sonde  hem  overtake^  raiSe  ' 

And  bicalleiS  of  harme  and  sca^e." 

p.  48,  1.  1665.  In  the  French  Fierabras  (as  well  as  in  the  Ashmolean 
version)  it  is  Roland  whom  Cliarlemagne  addresses  first  (see  above, 
note  to  1.  143.o) ;  he  tells  him  that  he  must  go  on  a  mission  to 
demand  the  surrender  of  Oliver  and  his  companions.  Upon  which 
Naymes  and  the  otlier  twelve  peers  remonstrate,  hut  are  all  sent  to 
Laban  one  after  the  other,  just  as  in  the  Sowdan.  In  the  Provencal 
poem  it  is  only  Guy  who  protests.  Cf.  11.  2263-2282  of  the  French 
Fierabras  : 

"Eollant  regarda  tost,  si  I'a  araisonne  : 

Biaus  nes,  ce  dist  li  rois,  trop  sui  per  vous  ires  ; 

Vous  movres  le  matin,  a  Aigremore  ires  ; 

Si  dir6s  I'amirant,  gardes  ne  11  celes, 

Eende  moi  la  courone  dout  Dix  fu  courones 

Et  les  autres  reliques  dont  je  sui  moult  penes ; 

Et  en  apres  demant  mes  chevalier  meubre.n; 

Et  se  il  ne  le  fait  si  que  deviseres, 

Dites  jel  ferai  pendre  par  la  goule  k  un  trefs, 

En  destre  le  menrai  com  .1.  larron  prove, 

Ne  troverai  putel  ou  11  ne  solt  passe."  etc. 

p.  48,  1.  1668.      Cf.  Fierabras,  11.  2309-2321,  and  Syr  Fericmbras,  1.  148G- 

1493. 
p.  49,  1.  1683.      lese,  "lose."     So  in  1.  2655  and  1696,  where  it  rhymes 

with  chese,  which  occurs  again  in  11.  2748,  2934. 
p.  49,  1.  1687.     French  text  gives  (11.  2297,  et  seq.)  : 

"  Ogiers  11  boins  Danois  s'en  est  leves  en  pies  : 
Sire  drois  emperere,  pour  amour  Dieu.  oies: 
Bien  sal  se  11  i  vont  ja  n'en  revenra  pies. 
Avoec  ires,  dlst  Karles,  par  les  ex  de  mon  clef  : 
Or  1  seres  vous  .v.  qui  porteres  mes  bries." 

p.  49,  1.  1691.  Bery  must  be  miswritten  for  Terry^  as  we  find  Terris 
d'Ardane  in  the  French  Fierabras^  1.  2290,  and  Terry  of  Ardane  in 
Syr  Ferumbras,  1.  1469.  According  to  1.  3187  of  Sir  Ferumbras, 
Thierry  is  the  father  of  Berard  (Bryer)  of  Mountdidier.  Cf.  the 
French  text,  11.  2290-96  and  Syr  Ferumbras,  II.  1468-1473. 

p.  49,  1.  1693.     7res,  "time,  occasion."     See  note  to  1.  1349. 

p.  49,  1.  1695.  Folk  Baliant  is  not  mentioned  in  any  other  poem  o£ 
our  roTnance.      See  Introduction,  p.  xxvii. 

p.  49,  1.  1698.  chese,  O.E.  ceosan,  Mod.  E.  choose.  It  here  means  "  to 
be  free  to  choose"  : — "You  shall  not  be  free  to  choose,"  "you  shall 
have  no  choice,"  "you  shall  do  what  you  are  ordered."  See 
Matzner's  remark  [in  his  Worterb.,  p.  562,  s.  v.  che<tsen'\  to  Ilalliwell, 
Diet.  p.  250. 


1  22  NOTES   TO   pp.  49,  50,  11.   1G90 — 1723. 

p.  49,  1.  1G99.     Alcroyse.     See  note  to  1.  884. 

p.  49,  1.  1711.  Turinjn.  There  was  a  real  bishop  of  this  name,  who, 
according  to  the  Gallia  Christiana,  held  the  see  of  Reims  from  a. p. 
75.3  to  794.  As  we  find  him  described  in  the  romances,  Turpin  was 
tliG  very  type  of  a  knight-bisliop.  In  the  poem  of  Aspremont,  lie 
bears  before  tlic  Clnistian  army  the  wood  of  the  true  cross  which  in 
liis  liands  beams  with  briglitncss  like  tlie  sun.  In  the  romance  of 
the  Enfances  Ogier  it  was  he,  into  whose  custody  Ogier  was  given, 
when  lie  had  been  made  a  prisoner  after  his  revolt,  in  company  with 
the  king  of  Lombardy,  against  Charlemagne  (see  above,  note  to 
1.  85G),  and  wlio,  notwithstanding  the  order  of  Charles  to  have  Ogier 
starved  to  death,  kept  the  Dane  alive,  who  afterwards,  when  the 
Saracens  invaded  France,  proved  a  great  help  to  the  Christian  arms. 
As  we  read  in  tlie  Chanson  de  Roland,  11.  2242ss,  Tiu-pin  met  his 
death  at  Roncesvaux,  but  according  to  the  Chronicle  of  Turpin,  he 
survived  the  disaster  of  Roncesvaux,  and  was  saying  mass  for  the 
dead,  when  he  saw  the  angels  carrying  the  soul  of  Roland  up  to 
heaven.  But  from  Gaston  Paris's  Essay  Be  Pseudo-Turpino  we  know 
this  chronicle  to  be  an  apocryphical  book  written  by  two  monks  of  the 
eleventh  and  twelfth  century. 

p.  49,  1.  1717.  set  not  of  youre  barons  so  light  =  "  do  not  count, 
consider  them  so  little."  Cf.  "  to  take  one  so  lighte,"  in  Syr 
Ferumhras,  11.  114,  156. 

p.  50,  I.  1721.  gyfe  no  coost  has  the  same  meaning  as  give  no  tale  = 
"  make  no  account,  do  not  miud."  See  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  8143. 
Cf.  also  Sowdan,  1.  2793,  and  Syr  Ferumhras,  1.  5847,  101,  4975 ;  and 
also  11.  173,  1578. 

p.  50,  1.  1723.  Bryer  of  Mounte^  or  Berard  de  Montdidier  was 
celebrated  for  his  gallantries  and  attentions  to  the  ladies : 

"  D'ardimen  vail  Eotlan  et  Olivier 
E  de  domnei  Berart  de  Mondesdier." 

i.  e. — "  In  prowess  I  am  equal  to  Rolland  and  to  Oliver,  in  matters 
of  love  to  Berart  of  M."  says  the  troubadour  Peire  Vidal  in  his  poem 
Dragoman  seiner;  cf.  also  Fierabras,  11.  2125-7  : 

"  Je  ne  sai  cui  vous  estes,  car  ne  vous  puis  viser, 
Mais  je  cult  c'as  pucieles  sives  moult  bieu  juer, 
En  cambre  sous  cortine  baisier  et  acoler." 

See,  besides,  Syr  Ferumhras,  11.  422,  1297,  1305,  1354.  This  Bryer 
of  Mountes  must  be  the  same  as  the  one  slain  in  a  sally  of  the 
twelve  peers,  11.  2G04,  2622,  because,  according  to  1.  1723,  it  was  he 
who  was  among  the  peers  sent  on  a  mission  to  the  Soudan.  There  is 
one  Bryer  of  Brytaine  occurring  in  1.  886,  whom  one  might  be 
inclined  to  think  identical  with  Bryer  of  Mountes,  as  in  1.  886  he  is 
cited  together  with  the  other  peers.  But  since  we  find  him  again  as 
the  treasurer  of  Charlemagne  (1.  3205),  tliis  is  impossible,  unless  we 
suppose  the  mention  of  Bryer  in  1.  3205  to  be  owing  to  the  absent- 


NOTES   TO    pp.  50 — 55,  11.  1743 — 1892.  123 

minrtedncss  of  the  author,  who  may  be  accused  of  a  similar  inad- 
vertency with  regard  to  Rychard  of  Normandy  ;  cf.  note  to  1.  2797, 
and  Index  of  Names,  s.  v.  Flagot. 

p.  50,  1.  1743.  Bronland.  The  true  reading  is  Bronland,  as  shewn  by 
Fierahras,  11.  1549,  5174,  &c.  ;  Destruction,  11.  1240-159,  441,  and 
Soivdan,  11.  1759,  2456.     Tlie  Ashmole  MS.  has  Bruyllant. 

p.  51,  1.  1751.  thane  =  "  thane  that."  See  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  992, 
p.  363. 

p.  51,  1.  1778.  charke  hardly  makes  sense  here.  It  is  perhaps  a 
clerical  error  for  charge,  "  to  command,  to  order."  The  sense  would 
then  be,  "  and  to  tell  him  the  Soudan's  strict  orders  which  by  peril  of 
death  (;=  ujjon  life  and  lithe)  Laban  recommended  him  to  obey." 

p.  51,  1.  1779.      pen  instead  of  pan  would  improve  the  rhyme. 

p.  62,  1.  1788.  lorde  of  Spayne.  Cf.  the  French  expression,  "  amirans 
d'Espaigne,"  which  we  find  so  often  used  in  the  Destruction. 

p.  52,  1.  1802.  trappe  is  Mod.  Eng.  trape,  which  is  used  in  the  sense  of 
"  to  traipse,  to  walk  sluttishly."  Halliwell  hus  "  trapes  =  to  wander 
about." 

p.  62,  1.  1816.  hyleved.  Rhyme  and  sense  will  be  improved  by  reading 
hyleven. 

p.  53,  1.  1854.     tyine  makes  no  sense  here.     Perhaps  we  ought  to  read 
I  dyne;  cf.  11.  1508,  1114,  1837,  and  Syr  Ferumhras,  1.  5021  : 
''  0[7er  elles  jsoo  shalt  l^j'u  hefd  forgon, 
To  morweu,  or  y  wil  dyne." 

Fierahras,  1.  1914 : 

"  Ja  mais  ne  mengerai  si  sera  aesmembres.' 
See  also  Guy,  1.  3695. 
p.  64,  1.  1888.     Syr  Gy,  nevew  unto  the  king  Charles.     Cf.  Fierahras,  11. 
340G-8  : 

"  On  m'apele  Guion,  de  Borgoigne  fui  ncs, 
Et  fils  d'une  dcs  filles  au  due  Millon  d'Aingler, 
Cousin  gerraain  Reliant,  qui  tant  fait  a  douter." 

Duke  Milon  d'Anglers  was  brother-in-law  to  Charlemagne,  whose 
sister  Berte  was  Milon's  wife  and  mother  to  Roland.  Cf.  Philippe 
Mnusket,  1.  2706-8  : 

"  S'ot  Charles  une  autre  sereur, 

Bertain  :  cele  prist  h  seigneur 

Milon  d'Anglers,  s'en  ot  Eollant." 
If,  therefore,  in  the  passage  quoted  above  from  Fierahras,  Guy  is  said 
to  be  the  grandson  of  Milon,  he  must  have  been  the  grand-nephew 
of  Charlemagne,  and  nephew  to  Rollant.  As  we  learn  from  the 
French  poem  of  Guy  de  Bourgoyne,  Guy's  father  was  Samson  of 
Burgundy.  Cf.  besides,  Histoire  Poetique,  p,  407,  and  Syr  Ferumhras, 
11.  1922,  2091,  1410,  etc. 

p.  55,  1.  1892.     And  yet  Jcnowe  T  him  nogJit.     Floripas  has  already  once 


124  NOTES    TO   pp.  55 — 69,  11.  1927 — 2036. 

seen  Guy  when  lie  was  defeating  Lukafer  before  Rome  ;  of.  Flerubras, 
11.  2237-2245  : 

".i.  chevalier  do  France  ai  lontans  ename 
Guis  a  nom  de  Borgoigne.  moult  i  a  bcl  arm6  ; 
Parens  est  Karlemaine  et  Hollant  I'adur^. 
Des  que  je  fui  ;\  Romme,  m'a  tout  mon  cuer  embl6,* 
Quant  I'amirans  mes  peres  fist  gaster  la  cite, 
Lucafer  de  Baudas  abati  ens  ou  pr6, 
Et  lui  et  le  ceval,  d'un  fort  espial  quarre, 
Se  cis  n'est  mes  maris,  je  n'arai  liomme  ue  ; 
Pour  lui  voel  je  croire  ou  roi  de  saiiite  maiste." 

See  also  Si/i'  Ferumhras,  11.  2073-2087.  Our  line  does  not  necessarily 
imply  a  contradiction  to  the  French  text,  as  on  the  former  occasion 
she  probably  saw  the  duel  from  a  great  distance,  when  the  latter'a 
features  were  hidden  by  his  helmet.  Tliat  she  really  did  not 
recognize  him  follows  from  the  following  passage  of  Fierahras,  1, 
2800,  et  seq. 

"  Je  aim  en  douce  France  .i.  leger  baceler." 
— "  Dame,  comment  a  uom  ?  "  ce  dist  lloUans  11  her. 
Et  resjiont  la  puciele  :  "  ja  le  m'orres  nommer  ; 
Guis  a  nom  de  Borgoigne,  moult  i  a  bel  arme." 
— "  Par  mon  cief"  dist  Eollans  "a  vos  ex  le  vees 
N'a  pas  entre  vous  deus  iiii  pies  mesures." 
Besides  there  are  numerous  instances  to  be  met  with  in  mediaeval 
poetry  of  persons  enamoured  of  some  one  they  had  never  seen : 

"  Ans  no  la  vi  et  am  la  fort " 
says  Guilhelm  de  Poitiers  in  speaking  of  his  lady  (Mahn,  WerJce  der 
Troubadours,   p.   3).      Cf.    also   Rits.  Rom.   II.    19,   and    Web.   Rom. 
II.  131. 
p.  55,  1.  1927.     myghty  seems  to  mean   "excellent,   delicious,"  rather 

than  "  heavy." 
p,  67,1.  1974.     amonge,  "every    now   and    then,  from    time    to    time, 
occasionally."     See  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  2301.     It  is  often  used  as 
a  kind  of  expletive, 
p.  57,  1.  1995.    fouUs,  "  fools,  foolish."     Cf.  the  French  text : 

"  Par  Mahoun,  dist  li  rois,  trestout  sontfol  prove." 
p.  57,  1.  1996.      There  is  no  mention  made  of  this  game  in  the  Pro- 
veu9al  poem.      It  is  described  here  even  more  explicitly  than  in  the 
French  Fierahras,  11.  2907—2932.      Cf.  also  Syr  Ferumhras,  11.  2230— 
2251. 
p.  57,  1.  1997.      assorte  =  "assembly,   company;"  by   one   assorte  = 
"in  one  company"  (HalliwcU).      It  seems  to  be  connected  with  sort 
=  "set,  assemblage,"  see  Skeat,  Specimens  of  E.  E.,  425/999 
p.  58,  1.  2000.     i-fest :  blast.     Perhaps  we  ought  to  read  i-fast. 

p.  59,  1.  2036.  madcn  orders.  I  do  not  know  the  exact  meaning  of  this 
expression.  Perhaps  it  may  be  taken  with  the  same  sense  as  the 
Mod.  H.  Germ,  phrase  =^  "  ordnung  schaffen,"  which  literally  means 


NOTES   TO   pp.  59 — 64,  11.  2045 — 2238.  125 

*'  to  set  in  order,  to  put  matters   straight,"  but  is  often  used  in  the 
sense  of  "  to  clear  away,"  or,  "  to  remove  or  despatch." 

p.  59,  1.  2045.  that  he  loente  awaye  with  lym  =  "  that  he  had  escaped 
with  (his  limbs,  or  having)  his  limbs  safe  and  sound,  hjme,  O.E. 
lim.,  Mod.  Eng.  Umh. 

p.  59,  1.  2052.  tlio  =■  O.E.  })«,  "  those,  them,"  it  is  used  as  a  definite 
article  in  1.  2063. 

p.  59,  1.  2057.  ainajnde,  miswritten  for  awapide  (Herrtage),  "  astounded, 
bewildered."  Cf.  Stratmann,  p.  10. — Matzner,  Wurterbuch,  p.  150, 
connects  it  with  Goth,  afhvapjan,  "  to  suffocate."  We  find  m  written 
for  w  several  times  in  our  poem ;  thus  we  read  gamyloJces  for  gawy- 
lohes  in  1.  2650,  and  romme  for  rowme  in  1.  876. 

p.  60,  1.  2085.  Assyne.  The  rhyme  shows  that  Assyc  is  the  true 
reading.     Assye  occurs  in  11.  102,  123. 

p.  60,  1.  2093.  ivone,  "heap,  plenty."  O.Icel.  wan.  See  Zupitza's  note 
to  Guy,  p.  444. 

p.  61,  1.  2119.  Brenlande.  It  ought  to  be  Brevland  ov  Brouland  ;  see 
above  note  to  1.  1743. 

p.  61,  1.  2120,     The  first  foot  in  the  line   consists  of  the  single  word 
'  what.      Thus  in  11.  2288,  2374,  2394,  etc. 

p.  62,  1.  2145.  Espyarde.  This  name  only  occurs  in  this  poem.  In 
Syr  Ferumbras,  1.  3824,  the  messenger  sent  to  the  bridge-keeper  is 
called  Malyngryas.  There  is  no  name  mentioned  in  the  French 
Fierabras,  1.  4265. 

p.  62,  1.  2156.  That  no  man  hy  the  brigge.  There  is  no  verb  in  the 
sentence.  Perhaps  we  ought  to  read  that  no  man  passe  by  the  brigge, 
or,  that  no  man  passe  the  brigge. 

p.  63,  1.  2191.  Cf.  the  description  of  the  giant  in  Fierabras,  11.  4740-- 
4755,  and  Syr  Ferumbras,  11.  4435 — 4441. 

p.  63,  1.  2199.     nolde  not.     See  note  to  1.  1096. 

p.  64,  1,  2225.  The  line  is  too  long.  Wilde  can  be  dispensed  with, 
and  instead  of  horses  we  may  read  hors  ;  cf.  Skeat,  Gloss,  to  Prioress's 
Tale  (Clarendon  Press),  s.  v.  hors. 

p.  64,  1.  2233.  a  magnelle,  "  a  mangonel,"  an  ancient  military  engine 
used  for  battering  down  walls  (Halliwell).  Magnelle  is  the  O.Fr. 
Mangonel,  or  Mangoneau,  the  Italian  mangancllo  (=  "  arbalist,  cross- 
bow ").  The  latter  is  the  diminutive  form  of  mangano,  "  a  sling  ;  " 
Greek,  fxayyavov.     See  Diez,  Etyni.  Wurlcrb.,  I.  261. 

p.  64,  1.  2238.  Cornel  or  camel,  Fr.  camel,  Mod.Fr.  crhieau,  "  battle- 
ment, pinnacle."  Literally  it  means,  "  a  piece  carved  out,"  i.  e.  ot 
the  wall  on  the  top  of  a  building  ;  the  French  verb  cameler  or 
creneler  signifying,  "  to  carve  out,  to  jag,  to  notch."  Camel  is 
derived  from  Latin  crena  (See  Diez,  Gramm..,  I.  14),  which  means  "  a 
notch,  a  cut,  an  incision"  {Diez,  Ftyni.  Worterb.,  II.  26G).  Thus 
camel   came  to  denote  a  battlement  or  indented  parapet ;  or  more 


126  NOTES   TO   pp.  65 — 68,  U.  2245 — 2351. 

exactly  it  was  applied  to  those  parts  of  the  wall  projecting  upwards 
between  the  openings  or  embrasures.  It  was  one  of  these  projecting 
portions  that  was  here  knocked  down.  Cf.  also  Syr  Ferumbras,  1. 
3314. 

p.  65,  1.  2245.  The  line  is  too  long.  Perhaps  or  he  hit  may  be  dis- 
pensed with. 

p.  65,  1.  2247.  The  episode  of  Marsedag  being  slain  by  Guy  is  not 
found  in  any  other  poem  of  this  romance. 

p.  65,  1.  2271.  Alkaron,  "the  Koran,"  al  is  the  Arabic  article.  There 
is  a  god  named  Alcaron  occurring  in  1.  2762. 

p.  66,  1.  2282,  dye:  waye.  See  1.441.  /o?/ameZiVZ  =  "  famished, 
starved  to  death."  I  am  not  aware  of  any  other  instance  of  this 
word.  Halliwell  has  "  famele  =  to  be  famished."  The  prefix  for- 
has  intensive  or  augmentative  power;  it  is  particularly  used  in  past 
participles.      See  Matzner's  Gruinmatik,  P.  542. 

p.  66,  1.  2290.  faile  is  the  infinitive  mood  =  "  to  be  wanting,  to 
become  deficient."  "  Roland  seeing  the  ladies  white  and  pale  (with 
hunger)  and  (seeing)  the  bread  wanting  on  their  table  spoke  some 
words  of  lamentation,"  etc. 

p.  66,  1.  2303.  forcere,  "  chest,  coffer."  For  the  etymology  see 
Diez,  Wbrterh.,  II.  31,  s.v.  forziere. 

p.  66,  1.  2309.  As  it  stands  the  line  is  too  long.  As  yon  and  that  may 
be  dispensed  with,  we  ought  perhaps  to  read,  /  pray  ye  toole  us  alle 
it  shelve. 

p.  66,  1.  2310.  saule,  "  fill,  hunger  satisfied  to  repletion."  The  rhyme 
shows  that  the  last  syllable  is  accentuated.  Therefore  it  cannot  be 
derived  from  the  French  soid  (Gloss,  to  Eoxb.  Club  ed.),  but  from 
soiilee. 

p.  66,  1.  2311.  yech  =  "went."  Not  from  O.E.  eode,  but  from  ge- 
eode.  See  Znpitza's  note  to  Guy,  1.  60,  and  Skeat,  Piers  the  Plowman 
(Clarendon  Press),  94/40. 

p.  66,  1.  2312.  vertue  :  fewe  ;  the  rhyme  is  perfect,  see  the  Abstract  of 
Mr.  Nicol's  paper  in  the  Academy  of  June  23,  1877  (vol.  xi.  p.  564, 
col.  1). 

p.  66,  1.  2313.     We  must  scan  this  line  thus  : 

And  diden  it  aboute  hem  everychon. 

-en  in  diden  is  mute ;  see  Introduction,  p.  xxxix. 
p,  67,  1.  2326.     giiine  =  "  engin,  contrivance,  trick."     See  note  to  1. 

780. 
p.  67,  1.  2337,      lefte.     Tiie  rhyme  shows  that  the   author  pronounced 

lafte,  which  we  find  in  1.  426. 
p   68,  1.  2351.      Cf.  Fierahras,  11.  3046—3097.     In  the  Provengal  poem 

Maubyn  or   Malpi,  as  he  is  called  in  Provenfal,  enters  the  room   by 

means  of  a  charm  which  makes  the  door  open  itself: 


NOTES   TO   pp.  (58 — 73,  11.  2365 — 2538.  127 

"  Vengutz  es  al  fossat,  pres  de  la  tor  cayrarla. 
Tantost  iutret  dedins  cuendainens  a  celada, 
Venc  a  Tus  de  la  cambra :   si  la  trobet  tancada. 
Et  a  (lit  son  conjur  :  tota  s'es  desfermada." 

11.  2757-60. 

p.  68,  1,  2365.  The  rhyme  is  restored  if  we  read  ledde  instead  of  laddc. 
See  1.  1651. 

p.  69,  1.  2390.  By  God  and  seynte  Mary,  myn  avour.  I  think  the 
words  myn  avoure  are  due  to  the  scribe,  not  to  tlie  author,  as  they 
spoil  the  rhythm.  So  we  get  Mary  :  we.  ^'his  rliyme,  although 
not  perfect,  is  of  no  rare  occurrence  in  Mid.  Eng.  works,  see  Introduc- 
tion, p.  xliv.  As  to  the  spelling  of  avour  I  am  not  aware  of  any 
other  instance  of  this  form  of  the  word.  There  is  a  form  avyoiore 
cited  by  Halliwell.  Besides,  avoury  and  avoioery,  which  he  quotes 
under  different  heads,  are  perhaps  only  different  spellings  of  the  same 
word. 

p.  69,  1.  2399.  slepinge  must  be  altered  into  slepandc  in  order  to  restore 
the  rhyme.  The  author  employed  -and  and  -ynge  as  terminations  of 
tlie  present  participle.      See  Introduction,  p.  xxxviii. 

p.  69,  1.  2421.     also  belongs  to  1.  2422. 

p.  70,  1.  243.3.  so  mete  I  sjjede,  "  as  I  may  succeed."  See  Znpitza's 
note  to  Guy,  1.  615. 

p.  71,  1.  2477.  and  now  is  perhaps  niiswritten  for  inow  ;  cf.  the  French 
text,  I.  3803  : 

"  Tant  y  a  plates  d'or,  nus  ues  porroit  nombrer." 

p.  71,  1.  2482.  wast  gives  no  sense.  Perhaps  we  ought  to  read 
loent. 

p.  72,  11.  2491 — 2502.  The  arrangement  of  the  stanzas  seems,  as 
regards  the  rhymes,  to  be  incorrect. 

p.  72,  1.  2507.  In  the  Ashmole  Ferumhras  this  episode  of  the  Soudan 
breaking  the  image  of  Mahound  is  omitted.  In  the  French  text  he 
only  threatens  to  make  him  cry,  as  soon  as  he  gets  hold  of  him,  but 
he  is  rebuked  by  Sorbrance  telling  him  that  Mahomet  being  over- 
tired with  guarding  the  treasure  has  only  fallen  asleep  Cf.  Fierabras, 
11.  3820—3829. 

p.  72,  1.  2512.  ore,  O.E.  dr,  "  mercy,  favour."  Tliyn  ore  =  "  grant 
us  thy  favour,"  "have  mercy  upon  us,"  or,  "with  thy  favour." 

p.  73,  1.  2535.  Eichard  of  Normandy  appearing  here  as  in  the  French 
Fierabras,  among  the  twelve  peers  besieged  by  the  Soudan,  witliout 
having  been  mentioned  before  in  the  number  of  the  knights  sent  on 
a  mission  by  Charles,  furnishes  us  with  an  argument  in  support  of  our 
supposition  that  the  French  Fierabras  was  the  source  of  our  poem. 
See  Introduction,  p.  xxx,  and  of  Fierabras,  11.  3957 — 3994,  and  Syr 
Ferumbras,  1.  4921. 

p.  73,1.  2538.  wynde :  hcnde ;  wende  which  occurs  in  1.  2328  would 
improve  the  rhyme. 


128  NOTES  TO  pp.  73—77,  11.  2549 — 2698. 

p.  73,  1.   2549.      paramour   =    "  object    of  chivalrous    affection    and 
devotion." 

p.  73,  1.  2557.     loronye,  preterite  of  toringe,   "  to  press  well  out,  force 
one's  way." 

p.  73,  1.  2558.     Does  thile  stand  for  vMle,  as  thm,  1.  2527,  seems  to  bo 
niisvvritten  for  lohen  ?     Or  is  thile  =  the  while  ? 

p.  74,  1.  2564.     sloughe  :  drowe.     Read  slowe,  as  in  11.  2401,  2683,  304, 
2208,  etc. 

p.  75,  1.  2597.     itolde,  "  in  number,"  see  Zupitza's  note  to  Gtiy,  1770. 

p.  75,  1.  2614.      quell  =  "  kill,"  which  occurs  in  1,  3006. 

p.  75,  1.  2616.     bistadde,  "  hard  bestead,  greatly  imperilled." 

p.  75,  1.  2617.     japed,  "  mocked,  tricked,  laughed  at."     Connected  with 
Icel.  gabba,  "  to  mock." 

p.  76,  1.  2639.      tha.     See  Introduclion,  p.  xxxvii. 

p.  76,  1.  2651.     lurdeyn,  Mod.  Eng.  lurdan,  wliich  is  said  to  be  the  Fr. 

lourdin  (diminutive  of  lourd).    Regarding  it  as  a  corruption  of  *'  lord 

Dane  "  is  a  mere  joke  : 

"  In  every  house  lord  Dane  did  then  rule  all, 
Whence  laysie  lozels  lurdaues  now  we  call." 

Mirrour  for  Magistrates,  p.  588. 

p.  76,  1.  2654.     sewes.     See  Skeat,  Prioress's  Tale,  p.  280. 

p.  76,  1.  2660.      let  amies  makes  no  sense.      Read  as  amies — As  armrs 

=  Fr.  aux  arines,  "  to  ai-ms,"  is  of  pretty  frequent  occurrence  in 

Mid.  Eng.    poems;    see    Matzner's    Worterb.,  p.   112.     Cf.    also    Si/r 

Ferumbras,  1.  2933  : 

'•  As  amies,"  jsanne  cride  Rolond, 
*'  As  armes  everychone  !  " 

Cf.  ibidem,  1.  4125.      So  we  read  in  the  Destruction,  1.  1460  ; 

"  Ore  as  armes,  seignours,  franc  chevalier  membre." 
Perhaps  we  ought  to  read  as  armes  also  in  1.  491,  where  the  reading 
and  armes   is   somewhat    suspicious,  since   armes,  if  we  regard  and 
armes  to   be   the   true  reading,  would  be  the    only  instance  of   the 
imperative  plural  ending  in  -es  (instead  of  -eth)  in  the  Sowdan. 

p.  77  1.  2689.  Thay  thanked  God  that  thay  him  hadde  Gyfe  thaye 
suche  grace  to  spede.      These  lines  are  corrupt.      I  propose  to  read  : 

"  Thay  thanked  God  that  hem  hadde 
Gyfen  suche  grace  to  spede." 

p.  77,  1.  2694.     alaye,  written  as  one  word  in  the  MS.,  must  be  divided 
into  two,  a   being   the   indefinite    article,  and    laye   meaning   "  un- 
ploughed  ground,  field,  pasture,  meadow."     Mod.   Eng.  Icy,  lea,  lay 
See  Stratmann,  s.  v.  le^e,  p.  356. 

p.  77,  1.  2698.  he,  "  they."  This  is  the  onlj'-  instance  of  he  instead  of 
the  common  thay.  But  he,  which  is  further  confirmed  by  the  rhyme, 
must  certainly  be  attributed   to   the  author;  thay  occurs  only  once 


NOTES    TO    pp.   78  —  81,  H.   270(5—2810.  129 

(1.  ;)(r21)  as  a  iliyiue,  but  the  rhyme  is  not  a  good  one,  and  there  also 
it  wouUl  be  preferable  to  read  lie. 

p.  78,  1.  270G.  hy  my  thrifte,  the  sanie  as  "so  mote  y  thryve,"  or,  "so 
mote  y  spede  "  ^  "as  (verily  as)  I  may  thrive,"  "in  truth." 

p.  78,  1.  2707.     see  ;  of.  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  163. 

p.  78,  1.  2719.  wole  :  shille.  The  rhyme  shows  that  vxda  cannot  be 
due  to  the  author;  we  must  read  wille  (or  luelle  which  occurs!.  2633). 

p.  78,  1.  2732.  hikure  or  bykerinr/e,  1.  2559  =  "  fight,  battle,  skirmisli." 
Er  durste  hikure  abide.  The  suliject  is  wanting,  see  note  to  1.  67.  Or 
is  there  any  corruption  in  this  line  ?  Perhaps  we  ought  to  read  : 
"  Lenger  durste  [thay]  no  bikure  abyde."     Cf.  II.  3117,  2610,  2947. 

p.  79,  1.  2748.  love.  The  rhyme  requires  leef  ov  leeve.  leef,  O.E.  leaf, 
means  "dear,  beloved."  For  examples  of  Zee/"  being  used  as  a  sub- 
stantive, see  Stratmann,  p.  359. 

p.  80,  1.  279.3.  eye,  "  egg:'  See  Koch,  Enrj.  Gr.  II.  §  582,  and  compare 
the  French  phrase  "  valoir  un  a3uf  pele." 

p.  80,  1.  2797.  and  his  meyne.  This  must  be  a  mistake  of  the  author 
himself.  According  to  1.  25.57,  Richard  had  ventured  alone  on  a- 
mission  to  Charlemagne.  There  is  no  mention  whatever  made 
afterwards  that  he  was  joined  by  any  one  ;  the  other  poems  likewise 
state  that  Richard  was  without  any  companion. 

p.  80,  1,  2805.      lete  :  gate.      The  rhyme  requires  late. 

p.  81,  1.  2810.  cliffc.  Here  the  author  of  the  Sou-dan  goes  so  lar  in 
shortening  his  original  as  to  be  wholly  unintelligible.  Indeed,  any 
reader,  not  comparing  these  lines  with  corresponding  passages  in  the 
French  poem,  will  be  left  without  any  clue  to  what  cliff  is  here 
intended  to  mean.  From  the  French  Fierabras  we  know  tliat  the 
water  of  the  river  was  very  deep  and  broad,  and  that  the  banks  were 
exceedingly  steep  and  almost  inaccessible.      Cf.  Fierahras,  11.  4349  : 

"  Et  volt  I'augue  bruiant,  le  flot  parfont  et  16." 
I.  4358  :  "  La  rive  en  est  moult  haute,  bien  fait  a  redouter."     Cf.  also 
the  Provencal  poem,  11.  3733,  et  seq.: 

"  Richart  reganla  ravgua.  que  fe  mot  a  duptar, 
E  fo  grans  e  preoiida,  que  no  y  aiiza  intrar, 
E  la  riba  fou  auta  de  C pes  ses  gaber." 

Now  it  was  by  means  of  a  twofold  myracle  that  the  Christian  knight 
was  enabled  to  cross  the  river  : 

(1)  The  waters  suddenly  increased   and   rose  so  as  to   reach  the  very 
top  of  the  b.anks  ;   cf.  Fierabras,  11.  4365-69: 

'•Or  oies  quel  vertu  Diex  i  vaut  demonstrer 
For  le  roi  Karlemaiue,  qui  tant  fait  a  douter. 
An^ois  que  on  eust  une  liuee  ale, 
Vei'ssies  pi  Flagot  engroissier  et  enflcr, 
Que  i)ar  drsmis  la  rice  eommcnre  a  scrondrr." 

Provencal,  II.  3741-45: 

CH.\RL.   KOM.   V.  K 


130  NOTES   TO    p.   81,  11.  2811 — 2820. 

"  Ara  )»oiletz  auzir,  si  in  voletz  escoutar  : 
Tan  bela  meravillia  li  vole  dieus  demostrar 
Per  lo  bon  rey  de  Fraiisa  que  el  vole  tant  aniar  ; 
Ans  uu  trag  de  balesta  pogues  lunhs  honi  anar, 
Pogratz  vezer  Flagot  sus  la  riba  montar." 

(2)  A  deer  appears  and  sliows  Richard  the  way  across  the  river  to 
the  top  of  tlie  opposite  bank. 

"  Atant  es  vous  .i.  cerf,  que  Diex  i  fist  aler, 
Et  fu  blans  conime  nois,  biaus  fu  il  resgarder. 
Devant  le  ber  Kichart  se  prent  k  demostrer, 
Devant  lui  est  tantost  ens  en  Flagot  entr^s. 
Li  dus  voit  Sarrazins  apr^s  lui  aroutes, 
S'il  ot  paour  de  mort  ne  fait  a,  demander. 
Apres  le  blauce  bisse  commencha  ^  errer 
Tout  ainsi  com  ele  vait,  lait  le  ceval  aler; 
Et  li  ciers  vait  devant,  qui  bien  s'  i  sot  garder, 
D'autre  part  k  la  rive  se  pi-ent  k  ariver." 

Cf.  also  tlio  Provengal  version,  11.  3751-54: 

"  Apres  la  blanca  bestia  laycha  '1  destrier  anar. 
E  lo  cer  vay  denan,  que  1  saup  mot  ben  guizar, 
De  I'autra  part  de  I'aygua  I'a  fayt  ben  aribar, 
E  dieus  a  fat/t  Flagot  en  son  estat  tor  nary 

Tliis  bank  which  formerly  was  steep  and  inaccessible,  but  is  now 
covered  with  water,  is  called  cliff  hy  our  poet.  In  the  Ashinolean  poem 
the  lirst  miracle  is  not  mentioned  ;  cf.  Syr  Feruinhras,  11.  3943,  et  seq, 

p.  81,  1.  2811.  he  blessed  him  in  Godis  name.  The  phrase  occurs  also 
in  Syr  Ferumhras,  1.  3961,  but  is  not  to  be  found  in  the  French  text. 
Mr.  John  Shelley  (in  liis  paper  printed  in  the  Annual  Report  and 
Transactions  of  the  Plymouth  Institution,  IV.  i.  71)  took  this  phrase 
as  a  proof  that  the  original  of  the  Soiodan  could  not  have  been  the 
French  poem.  But  it  must  be  stated  tliat  as  in  the  Soicdan,  1. 
2807,  so  in  the  French  version  Richard  is  said  to  have  addressed  a 
prayer  to  God  : 

"  Escortrement  commence  Jhesu  ^  reclamer  : 
Glorieus  sire  pere,  qui  te  laissas  pener 
En  la  crois  beneoite  pour  ton  pule  sauver, 
Garisies  hui  men  cors  de  mort  et  d'afoler, 
Que  je  puisse  Karlon  mon  message  conter." 

Fierabras,  11.  4360-04. 

If  now  we  consider  that  some  lines  back  (I.  4093)  the  French  poem 
expressively  states  that  Richard  seeing  himself  hard  pressed   by  tlie 
Saracens,  signed  himself  with  the  sign  of  the  cross — 
"  Lors  a  leve  sa  main,  de  Jhesu  s'est  signies" 
an  incident  wiiich   at  that  moment  is  omitted   in  the   Sowdan — we 
think  ourselves  entitled  to  regard  this  proof  as  not  very  convincing. 

p.  81,  1.  2820.  Ganclon,  one  of  Charlemagne's  officers,  who  by  his 
treachery  was  the  cause  of  the  defeat  of  Roncesvaux,  the  death  of 
Roland,    etc.,    for   which    he    was    torn    to   deatli    by    horses.     For 


NOTES   TO    pp.  81 — 88,  11.  2845 — 3084.  131 

several   centuries  bis   name   was  a  synonymous   word    with    traitor. 

Ganelo  =  Germ.  WenJdlo. 
p.  81,  1.  2845.      Fremounde  cannot  be  the  true  reading,  as  it  does  not 

rhyme  witli  hinge.      Besides  Fremounde  does  not  occur  again  in  the 

poem.      Perliaps  we  ought  to   read  Qwijnhjne,  as  in   1.  1298.      In  the 

corresponding  passage  of  the  French  Fierahras  (1.  4G25)  it  is  to  St. 

Denis  that  Charles  swears  ;   cf.  also  Syr  Ferumhras,  1.  4289. 
p.  82,  1.  2850.     And  makes  no  sense.     Read  "  God." 
p.  83,  1.  2887.      (jryse  :  assaije.      We  get  a    perfect   rhyme   if  we   read 

gruTj  instead  of  ffryse.      Halliwell,  s.  v.  "gray,"  has:   ''the  skin   or 

fur  of  a  badger." 
p.  83,  1.  2891.     As  it  stands,  the  line  does  not  rhyme  with  1.  2893:.    The 

rhyme  will  be  restored  if  we  read  : 

'^  Lycence  grte  yc  noone  nere,''''  or  perhaps 
"  Lyccnce  gete  yc  of  me  nere,'^ 

nere  meaning  ne'er^  never,  as  in  Guy,  10550  and  10716. 
p.  84,  1.  2939.     The  name  of  the  giantess  is  Amiette  or  Amiote  in  the 

other  poems. 
p.  84,  1.  2941.     This  line  is  too  long;  as  ]pikke  may  be  omitted. 
p.  84,  1.  2942.      bydene,  "  immediately,  all  at  once."      On  the  etymology 

see  Znpitza's  note  to  Gny,  2408. 
p.  85,  I.  2981.      ayene    means  "back."     So    in   Genesis  and  Exodns,  1. 

■•■^•^ '  •  "  And  bodem  hem  and  tagten  wel 

c5at  here  non  wente  agen." 
Again,  1.  o2b7  :    "go  quo^en  he  '  wende  agen, 

An  Israel  folc  lete  we  ben.' " 

p.  86,  1.  3020.  As  it  stands,  this  line  does  not  scan  well.  Perhaps  we 
may  read  month  instead  of  nionthes,  and  childre  instead  of  children, 
and  scan  the  line  thus  : 

Found  two  childre  of  .seven  month  oolde, 

p.  87,  1.  3021.  thay  :  Normandy.  The  rhyme,  though  imperfect,  can- 
not be  objected  to  ;  but  as  the  rhyme  e  :  y  (i)  is  frequently  employed 
by  our  author  (see  Introduction,  p.  xliv),  and  was  of  rather  common  use 
about  that  period  (see  Ellis,  Pronunciation,  I.  271),  we  might  incline 
to  the  supposition  that  he  is  the  true  reading.      Cf.  besides  1.  2698. 

p.  87,  1.  3034.  mene  makes  no  sense.  Perhaps  we  ought  to  read  : 
mele,  "  food." 

p.  87,  1.  3044.  In  the  French  poem,  1.  5108,  Hoel  and  Riol  arc 
appointed  governors  of  Mantrible,  whereas  Richard  goes  on  with 
Charles  and  commands  one  of  the  divisions  of  his  army  (I.  5.577). 
Cf.  Syr  Ferumhras,  1.  5G43. 

p.  88,  1.  .W62.      coost,  "country,  region."     See  Matzner's  Wurterh.,  487. 

p.  88,  1.  3084.  In  the  Fierahras,  1.  5374,  it  is  Naymes  who  first 
recognizes  the  banner  of  France  ;   cf.  Syr  Ferumhras,  1.  5209. 

K    2 


132  NOTES   TO    pp.  89 — 95,  11.  3n98      .'5271. 

p.  89,  1.  301)8.  of  the  Ethiopes  =  "  some  of  the  Etiiiopiaiis."  This 
may  be  regarded  as  an  example  of  the  partitive  use  of  of.  Cf. 
Zupitza's  note  to  Guy,  1961. 

p.  89,  1.  3103.  altn  hewe  must  be  more  correctly  written  al  lo-hewe  ; — 
to-,  as  a  mere  pretix  (signifying  "  in  twain,  asunder,  apart"  =  Germ. 
zer)  belongs  essentially  to  the  verb  ;  tlie  intensive  adverb  al  (  = 
'•'  utterly,  omniiio,")  used  before  verbs  beginning  not  only  with  to-, 
but  also  before  other  prefixes,  still  further  strengthens,  and  belongs 
to,  the  whole  expression.      So  al  to-treden,  1.  1382,  fo-braste,  1.  11 68. 

p.  89,  1.  3122.     Belmore.     Perhaps  identical  with  Belmarine. 

p.  90,  1.  3130.  irode-ioroth,  "  madly  angry."  Cf.  Skeat,  Specimens  of 
Earhj  Eng.  Lit.,  80/37. 

p.  90,  I.  3141.     game,  "  sport,  joke,  aflfair." 

p.  90,  1.  3154.      hal,  "  be  called."     See  note,  1.  613. 

p.  91,  1.  3164.  bronde,  "  sword."  In  the  next  line  bronte  means  "  blow, 
stroke." 

p.  91,  1.  3189.      lande:  commaunde.     See  note,  1.  59. 
p.  91,  1.  3191.     The  rhyme  is  spoiled.      Perhaps  than  must  be  transposed 
so  that  we  get  the  rhyme  baptysed  :  imaryed. 

p.  92,  1.  3210.  there  to  abide  in  store  =  "  to  be  kept  in  store  "  ;  cf. 
Skelton,  ed.  Dyce,  I.  162,  221. 

p.  92,  1.  3227.      victory  =  "  booty,  spoils  of  victory,  trophy." 

p.  92,  ].  3232.      the    hyer    honde    to    have  ^  "  to    have    conquered    or 

vanquished."     The  same  phrase  is  found  in  M.  H.  G.  ;  cf.  Hartmann's 

Iwein,  ed.  Lachmann,  1.  1537-8  : 

"  Vrou  Minne  nam  die  obern  hant, 
daz  si  in  viene  unde  bant." 

p.  93,  1.  3236.  In  the  French  Fierahras,  1.  6082,  et  seq.,  and  in  the 
Proveufal  poem,  1.  5067,  et  seq.,  the  relics  are  distributed  as  follows: 
Part  of  the  crown  and  one  nail  to  St.  Denis,  and  "  li  siynes"  the 
winding-sheet  of  the  Lord,  to  Compiogne.  There  is  no  mention 
made  of  the  cross  in  the  French  poem  (see  note  to  1.  6G5)  ;  cf.  Introd. 
pp.  1  and  liv. 

p.  93,  1.  32.53.  According  to  the  Chanson  de  Roland,  Ganelon  has 
been  drawn  and  quartered  in  a  field  near  Aix-la-Chapelle. 

p.  94,  1.  3254,  By  laioe,  cf.  Syr  Ferumbras,  1.  307  :  "  As  for  traytours 
^af  Jje  lawe."  On  this  law  compare  Leon  Gautier's  note  to  1.  3736  of 
the  Chanson  de  Roland. 

p.  95,  1.  3274.  The  French  poem  ends  with  the  assertion  of  the  poet 
(or  the  scribe)  that  whoever  has  well  listened  to  this  romance  will 
find  every  part  of  it  good  and  excellent,  the  opening,  the  middle,  and 
tlie  end  : 

"  De  cest  roumant  est  boine  et  la  fin  et  I'eniree, 
Et  enmi  et  partout,  qui  bien  I'a  escout^e." 


133 


GLOSSARY. 


O.E,  =  Old  English  or  Anglo  Saxon.         O.Fr.  =  Old  French. 
32/1094  =  page  32,  line  1094. 


Abye,  32/1094,  vh.  to  pay  for,  ex- 
piate.    O.E.  abycgau. 
adaunte,    28/957,    vh.    to    subdue, 

Fr.  dauter,  donter,  dompter. 
aferde,  39/1337,  pp.  afraid.     O.E. 

afserde. 
affrayned,    43/1495,    pt.  s.    asked. 

O.E.  frignan. 
afraye,    26/896,     sh.    disturbance, 

fight, 
agreved,    29/992,    pp.    aggrieved. 

Fr.  aggrever. 
alayned,  43/1497,  pt.  s.  concealed, 

dissembled.     Icel.  leyna. 
alle  and  some,  22/749,  altogether, 

every  one. 
almiht,  38/1329,  adj.     See  note. 
ameved,  29/994,  pp.  moved, 
amonge,  57/1994,  adv.  in  the  mean 

time,  now  and  then,  sometimes. 

See  note  to  1.  1974. 
aplight,  17/573,  adv.  certainly,  in- 
deed.    See  note. 
areeste,  34/1166,  sh.  rest,  support. 

O.Fr.  arrest. 
arson,   41/1410,   sh.  pommel.      Fr. 

aryon. 
aspied;    10/314,    pp.    espied.      Fr. 

espier. 
assaye_,    83/2889,    sh.    value.      Fr. 

essai. 
assorte,     57/1997,     sh.     assembl}^ 

comjiany.     See  note. 
assoyled,  70/2455,  pt.  pi,  absolved. 


astraye,  16/532,  adv.  out  of  the 
right  way,  roving  about  without 
guidance. 

astyte,  42/1456,  adv.  immediately. 

asure,  5/134,  sh.  azure. 

atame,  27/935,  vh.  to  tame,  sub- 
due.    O.E.  atamian. 

atone,  32/1103,  agree. 

attones,  31/1067,  at  once. 

avente,  36/1237,  vh.  to  take  breath.. 
Fr.  venter. 

avoure,  69/2390,  sh.  protection, 
protectress. 

avyse,  49/1716,  vh.  to  consider,  ad- 
vise with  one's  self.     Fr.  aviser. 

awapide,  59/2057,  pp.  astounded, 
bewildored.     See  note. 

ayene,  85/2981,  adv.  back. 

Bandon,  19/636,  sh.  disposal, 
bassatours  (?),  29/995,   sh.   vavas- 

sors. 
bawson,  2/52,  sh.  badger, 
baye,    27/940,    sh.    recess,    niche. 

See  note. 

beckyn,    3/04,    vh.    beckon.       O.E. 

beacnian. 
bedight,  88/3070,  vh.  to  dispose,  to 

surrender,  to  send  forth, 
behight,    25/859,   jyf.  s.    promised. 

O.E.  heht. 
bende,  13/420,  rlt.  to  direct. 
bciite,  20/()()5,  <i(lj.  bent,  crookod. 


131 


GLOSSARY. 


benysone,  9/289,  sh.  blessing.     Fr. 

bouoisou. 
bette,  49/1 7 IG,  udr.  better, 
bikuie,  78; 2732,  sb.  skirmish, 
bispake,  5/1G5,  pt.  s.  spoke  witb. 
bistadde,     75,261(5,   ])]>.    placed   in 

peril,  hardly  bestead.     Cf.  O.E. 

stseiScSan.     Dan.  bestede. 
biwry,  46/1580,  vh.  betray.     O.E. 

biwregan. 
bloo,  29/1005,  adj.  blue.    Icel.  blar. 
blyuue,  70/2442,  vh.  to  cease,  stop, 

O.E.  belinnan. 
bobaunce,  7/211,  sh.  boasting, 
boure,  54/1870,  sh.  a  lady's  apart- 
ment, boudoir.     O.E.  bur. 
bowe,  53/1853,  sb.  bough,  branch. 

O.E.  bog. 
braide,  32/1098,  pt.  s.  drew.     O.E. 

brtegd. 
brayde,    8/247,    sb.    craft,    deceit, 

artifice.     See  note. 
breddes,    5/131,    sb.    birds.      O.E. 

bridas. 
broke,  57/1965,  vb.  to  break, 
bronte,  91/3166,  sb.  blow, 
buskede,  31/1055,  pt.  s.  prepared, 

arrayed.     Icel.  buask. 
by,  3/87,  vb.  buy,  pay.     O.E.  byc- 

gan. 
bydene,      84/2942,      immediately. 

Origiiudly  mid  eue.     See  note. 
bygone,    3/79,   pp.    afflicted.       See 

note. 
bykeringe,  74/2595,  sh.  skirmish, 
by  than,  10/344.     See  note. 

Camalyon,  29/1008,  sh.  camel- 
leopard.     See  note. 

carrikes,  4/118,  a  kind  of  large 
ship.     See  note. 

caste,  12/394,  sh.  plan,  stratagem  ; 
60/2091,  the  throwing;  71/2471, 
missile.     See  note  to  1.  394. 

ceased,  89/3109,  pt.  s.  seized. 

chaffer,  83/2885,  sh.  merchandise. 
O.E.  ceap,  faru. 

charke,  51/1778,  vh.  t)  creak, 
crack.     See  note. 


chok,  8/189,  sb.  a  checkered  cloth. 

chere,  6/201,  sh.  demeanour,  be- 
haviour, humour. 

chere,  80/2781,  sh.  friendliness, 
willingness. 

chere,  87/3030,  adj.  pleased,  merry. 

chese,  49/1698,  vh.  to  be  fi-ee  to 
choose.     O.E.  ceosan. 

clepeth,  24/809,  pr.  s.  calls. 

clipi^ed,  o6/\9'3o,  jjt.  jd.  embraced, 
hugged.     O.E.  clyppan. 

clog,  46/1603,  sb.  "  truncus," 
block. 

cloute,  58/2014,  sh.  blow. 

combrest,  83/2909,  jjr.  s.  encum- 
berest.     Fr.  combrer. 

coost,  50/1721,  sh.  regard,  account. 
See  note. 

Cornell,  64/2238,  sb.  shaft  of  a 
pinnacle  or  battlement.  O.Fr. 
caruell.  See  'note  to  1.  2238,  and 
compare  Du  Cange,  s.  v.  quarn- 
ellus  :  ' '  pinna  muri  per  quam 
milites  jaculantur." 

coude,  16/541,  pt.  s.  knew. 

counsail,  46/1590,  secret. 


Defouled,  7/233,  jjp.  poUuted.     Cf. 

O.E.  fylan,  fulian. 
delte,  16/526,  2U^-  dealt, 
dere,  92/3202,  vh.  to  harai,  injure. 

O.E.  derian. 
derke,  73/2541,  adj.  dark, 
dewe,  70/2452,  adj.  due. 
dight,    79/2763,  pp.    dressed,  pre- 
pared.    O.E.  dihtan. 
dinge,   26/880,    vh.  to  dash,   beat. 

Cf.  Icel.  dengja. 
dirke,  44/1539.     See  note. 
dobbet,  33/1136,  iJj9.  dubbed.    O.E. 

dubban.     Fr.  dober. 
dome,  14/478,  sb.  glory, 
don,    88/3078,    vh.    cause,    order 

O.E.  don. 
donne,  11/347,  adj.  dun. 
dowte,  9/297,  sh.  fear, 
dradde,  36/1232,  pt.  s.  feared.     Cf. 

O.E.  on-dra'dun. 


GLOSSARY. 


1:^5 


ciresse,  49/1702,  vh.  to  direct  one's 
self,  go,  start.     Fr.  dresser. 

dromonde,  3/63,  sb.  vessel  of  war. 

dute,  30/1024,  sh.  duty.  Deriv.  of 
due,  dewe.     Fr.  deu. 

Egre,  29/1009,  vh.  to  excite,  to 
urge. 

eke,  20/(562,  adv.  also.     O.E.  eac. 

engyn,  28/948,  s6.  a  skilful  contriv- 
ance.    Fr.  engin. 

ensample,  27/931,  sb.  example. 

entente,  16/550,  vh.  to  turn  one's 
attention  to,  to  try  to  get,  to 
attempt. 

entente,  28/945,  sb.  meaning,  will, 
mind. 

erille,  11/368,  sb.  earl. 

erraunte,  5/139,  quick,  immedi- 
ately. 

eye,  80/2793,  sh.  egg.     O.E.  eeg. 

Fade,    20/678,    vb.   to    dispose,    to 

arrange,  to  set  up  (?). 
fade,  30/1033,  adj.  weak,  faint, 
faste,  32/1086,  adv.  much,  greatly, 
fat,   90/3152,   sb.    vat,    tub.      O.E. 

fset. 
fauchon,    76/2650,   sb.  a  sword   or 

falchion, 
faye,  26/900,  vb.  truth,  faith, 
fele,  47/1619,  <(dj.  many 
felle,  29/1004,  adj.  fierce,  furious, 
felte,    41/1405,    pt.    s.    made   Ml, 

killed, 
fende,  92/3231,  j)}^.  defended,  pro- 
tected, granted, 
fere,  36/1248,  sb.  fear.     O.E.  fser. 
fere,   44/1505,   sb.  comjianion.     In 

fere,  31/1071,  together, 
fere,  2/59,  vb.  to  terrify, 
ferre,  4/103,  adv.  far. 
fet,  91/3188,  pp.  fetched, 
fille,  35/1210,  pt.  s.  fell, 
fleen,  88/3065,  to  flay.    O.E.  fl'an. 
folde,  71/1427,  2?2?.  felled,  knocked 

down, 
forcere,  66/2303,   sb.   che^t,  colTor 

O.l'^'.  forcier. 


for-famelid,  66/2282,  pP-  entirely 
famished. 

foule,  77/2686,  vb.  foul  luck,  mis- 
chance. 

fowarde,  15/502,  22/732,  sb.  van- 
guard. 

frankensense,  20/679,  sb.  an  odor- 
ous resin,  pure  incense. 

fraye,  15/514,  vb.  to  frighten,  at- 
tack. 

frike,  4/104,  adj.  quick,  bold, 
active. 

frith,  2/43,  sb.  enclosed  wood. 

froo,  79/760,  prep.  from. 

fyne,  9/306,  sb.  end. 

Game,  90/3141,  sb.  affair  ;  92/3199, 

pleasure.     O.E.  gamen. 
gan,  ll,/549,  pi.  s.  began, 
gavylok,    41/1426,   sb.   a   spear  or 

javelin.     O.E.  gafoluc. 
gcaunesse,  84/2943  (?),  sh.  giantess. 
geder,  45/1553,  vh.  to  gather.    O.E. 

gfedrian. 
glased,  35/1208,  pf.  s.  glided.  O.Fr. 

glacier.     See   Zupitza's  note    to 

Ouij,  1.  5067. 
glede,    7/205,    sb.    a  glowing  coal, 

ember.     O.E.  gled. 
god,   3/67,   adj.  versed  in,   master 

of. 
gome,  5/144,  sb.  man.    O.E.  guma. 
gonge,   84/2934,    vb.   to   go.     O.E. 

gongan. 
goulis,     6/189,    sb.    gules,    a    red 

colour.     Fr.  geules. 
gray,  83/2887,  sZ>.  the  fur  of  a  gray, 

or  badger.     O.E.  groig. 
gree,    82/2850,    sb.    grace,    favoiu'. 

Fr.  gre.     Lat.  gratum. 
grenned,    84/2948,  pi    s.    grinned, 

roared.     O.E.  grenniau. 
grevaunce,  29/993,  sb.  grievance, 
greved,    45/1543,    2jt.    s.    grieved, 

molested,  troubled. 
grith,    82/2850,    sh.    peace,    agree- 
ment.    O.E.  griiS. 
gryse,    83/2887,  sh.   a  kind  of  fur. 

Fr.  gris. 


136 


GLOSSARY. 


guttis,    39/1351,    sh.   guts.      O.E. 

gut. 
gydoure,  5/163,  sh.  leader,  guide, 
gyune,  67/2326,  sb.  enginne,  con- 

trivauce. 

Harde,  59/2050,  }4.  s.  beard, 
hat.  90'3154,  vb.  to  be  called.    O.E. 
liatan. 

be,   77/2698,  ^jn)«.   nominut.   tbay. 

O.E.  bi. 
beede,    62/2158,    sb.    bead.      O.E. 

beafod. 
bende,  73/2536,  lulj.  gentle,  polite. 

O.E.  bendig. 

hennys,  55/1922,  «cZr.  hence.     O.E. 
beonan. 

hente,    40/1370,    vh.    hold,     take. 

O.E.  hentan. . 
hie,  14/455,  sb.  haste, 
bight,     18/613,    pt.     s.    promised ; 

36/1242,  art  called.     O.E.  heht. 
houde  of  bonde,    12/394,  in  close 

fight, 
hoole,  32/1119,  adj.  whole,  sound. 

O.E.  hal. 
hurle,     27/929,     vb.    to   jostle,    to 

strike.     A  contraction  of  hurtle. 
burteled,    24/831,    jd-   P^-    clashed 

against,  jostled.     Frequentative 

oi  hnrt.     Pr.  hurter,  heurter. 
bye,  32/1092,  sb.  haste. 

I-fast,  58/2000,  fixed. 

ilkadele,  58/2016,  every  part.    O.E. 

tfelc,  dsel. 
ilke,  9/281,  adj.  same.     O.E.  ylca. 
inowe,  25/854,  adv.  enough.     O.E. 

genoh. 
ishente,    66/2286,    p^).    destroyed. 

O.E.  ge-scended. 
istoke,  56/1963,  |jjj.  shut  up,  fast- 
ened.     Erom    steken.      O.L.G. 

stecan. 
istonge,  16/533,  pjy.  stung,  pierced. 

O.E.  stungen. 
it,  25/845,  vb.  to  hit.     Icel.  bitta. 
iwis,  3/71,  adv.  certainly,  indeed. 

O.E.  gewiss. 

iwone,  11/358,  adj.  accustomed. 


Japed,  75/2617,  pp.  mocked, 
laugbod  at.     O.Icel.  gabba. 

jou.ste,_  57/1991,  vb.  to  joust,  fight. 
Fr.  j  ouster. 

Kele,    93/3258,    vb.   to   keel,   cool. 

O.E.  celan. 
kind,  63/2196,  sb.  race,  family, 
kitbe,  28/971,  vb.  to  show,  manifest. 

O.E.  cySan. 
kon,  66/2297,  j^fs.  pi.  can. 
kynde,  28/968,  sb.  nature,  temper, 
kynde,  2/42,  adj.  natural,  inborn. 

Lan,  15/516,  pt.  s.  ceased,  stopped. 

O.E.  lan. 
late,   71/2460,  pf.  jjI.    let,    caused, 

ordered.  O.E.  let,  l;eton. 
launde,  2/59,  sb.  i>ark,  lawn, 
laye,  77/2694,  sb.  lea,  field.     O.E. 

leah.     Of.  Water- Zoo. 
laye,  28/951,  sb.  law.     O.E.  lagu. 
layne,    16/538,   p<.  pi.    lay.     O.E, 

b'egon. 
lefe,    23/763,    vb.    leave,   abandon, 

forsake.     O.E.  befan. 
lefe-long,  24/832,  adj.  long,  tedious, 
legee^,  23/775,  leagues.     Fr.  lieue. 

O.Fr.  legue.     Lat.  leuca. 
leke,  50/1726,  sb.  leek.     O.E.  leac. 
lele,  33/1129,  adj.  leal,  loyal.     Fr. 

leal, 
lenger,  72/2500,  compar.  longer, 
lere,     66/2289,     sb.     countenance, 

complexion.     O.E.  hleor. 
lere,  74/2569,  vb.  to  teach, 
lered,  58/2005,  pp.  learned, 
lerne,  33/1141,  vb.  to  teach, 
lese,   49/1683,  vh.    to  loose.     O.E. 

leosan. 
lette,  17/585,  v6.  leave  ofi";  74/2610, 

to  put  a  stop  to,  hinder,  tarry. 

O.E.  lettan. 
leve,     23/794,     vb.     leave.       O.E. 

lajfan;  30/1045,  omit,  neglect, 
leve,     19/651,     vb.    live,     remain. 

O.E.  gelyfan. 
leven,   31/1050,  vb.   believe.     O.E. 

lefan. 


GLOSSARY. 


137 


lewde,  75/2601,  sh.  laymen,  un- 
learned.    O.E.  Uewed. 

light,  26/905,  adj.  active,  nimble. 

light,  33/1125,  pp.  alighted.  -O.E. 
lihtan. 

lithe,  81/1778,  sh.  limb,  member. 
O.E.  li«. 

logges,  69/2399,  sh.  huts.     Fr.  loge. 
longith,  28/951,  2<?'s.  s.  belongeth, 

becomes, 
loute,   72/2513,   vh.   to   stooji,   bow 

down.     O.E.  lutan. 
lowly,  70/2454,  adv.  Ioav,  not  loud, 
lurdeynes,     76/2651,     sh.    lurdau, 

lout.     Fr.  lourdin. 
lym,  59/2045,  sh.  limb. 
lyued,  66/1261,  pt.  pi.  lived. 

Magre,  42/1442,  pre}},  in  spite  of. 
maistryes,  89/3117,  sh.  pi.  mastery, 

proof  of  skill,  combat, 
manly,  29/989,  adj.  brave, 
mayne,  16/528,  sh.  main,  strength, 
me,  9/287,  sh.  men,  peoj^le,  one. 
meche,    6/179,    adj.   much.      O.E. 

mycel. 
mede,  31/1054,  sh.  meadow.     O.E. 

mted. 
mede,    37/1289.     sh.    meed,     pay. 

O.E.  med. 
medel,  73/2540,  vh.  meddle.    O.Fr. 

mesler,  mestler. 
m.en,  4/115,  sh.  men,  people,  one. 
m.enske,    28/972,     sh.    manliness, 

honour.     O.E.  mennisc. 
mente,  51/1784,  vh.  to  aim  at,  to 

intend   to    go.       O.E.     inyntan. 

See  note  to  1.  1604. 
mervaylyth,  88/3066,  prs.  s.  mar- 
vels,   wonders.       Of.    Fr.    mer- 

veille. 
mete,  47/1633,  sh.  food,  repast, 
meyne,   7/219,   sh.  host,   company, 

retinue.     O.Fr.  maisniee. 
mikille,  30/1016,  adj.  many.     O.E. 

mycel. 
moche,  15/505,  adj.  much, 
mode,   29/1009,   sh.  mind,  temper, 

courage.     O.E.  mod. 


moolde,  5/136,  sh.  earth,  worth. 
O.E.  molde. 

moone,  28/944,  sh.  moan,  com- 
plaint.    Of.  O.E.  m^nau. 

more,  23/777,  delay.  See  note  to  1. 
1110. 

more,  29/1005,  sh.  moor,  Maurian. 

mot,  19/650,  vh.  may. 

myghty,  56/1927,  adj.  See  the 
.  note. 

myrke,  45/1541,  adj'.  dark.  O.E. 
my  ice. 

Natheless,   15/506,  adv.  neverthe- 
less, 
nather,  36/1232,  adj.  nother. 
ner,  13/416,  conj'.  nor. 
nere,  22/756,  adv.  near, 
nerehond,  86/2998,  adv.  almost, 
noght,  43/1497,  adv.  not. 
noght,  78/2712,  sh.  nothing, 
none,  32/1114,  sh.  ndon. 
nones,  3/74,  sh.  nonce,  occasion, 
nothinge,  6/175,  not  at  all. 
nothir,  8/267,  conj.  neither. 

nought  for  than,  43/1483,  never- 
theless. 

ny],  17/585,  prs.  s.  will  not.  O.E. 
iiyle. 

Of,  32/1088,  prp.  on  account  of. 

oght,  78/2713,  sh.  aught. 

onarmede,  14/464,  unarmed. 

onnef^e,  89/3105,  adv.  scarcely. 

onworthily,  49/1634,  adv.  unuse- 
fully. 

orders,  59/2036.     See  the  note. 

ore,  72/2512,  sh.  mercy,  favour. 
O.E.  4r. 

orfrays,  83/2888,  sh.  gold  embroid- 
ery.    Lat.  Aurifrisum. 

overlede,  72/2502,  vh.  to  domineer 
over,  to  oppress. 

Parelles,    55/1917,    sh.   pi.    perils. 

Fr.  peril, 
paynym,  16/539,  sh.  pagan, 
peilure,    83/2887,    sb.    fur.      O.Fr. 

pelure.  • 


138 


GL0S8ART. 


jiiglit,  34/1158,  pp.  pitched,  fixed, 
pinne,    88/;5()77,     vh.    to    torment. 

O.E.  i)inaii. 
playn,  6/177,  vb.  to  complain, 
plete,  33/1151,  vb.  plead,  prattle. 

From  Fr.  plot,  plaid. 

plight,  26/889,  ^)rs.  s.  promise, 
assure. 

jjoleyne,  6/176,  sb.  pully-i)ieces, 
knee-armour. 

praye,  16/550,  sb.  press,  crowd. 

prees,  40/1399,  sb.  crowd,  struggle. 
Fr.  presse. 

preest,  34/1169,  a<ij.  ready.  Fr. 
prest. 

prik,  81/2831,  vb.  to  spur  a  horse, 
to  ride. 

prikke,  65/2260,  sb.  a  piece  of  wood 
in  the  centre  of  the  target.  See 
Halliwell's  Diction,  s.  v.  preke. 

prove,  6/183,  vb.  to  try. 

prowe,  51/1766,  sb.  profit,  advan- 
tage, honour.     Fr.  prou. 

prymsauns,  28/965  (?).  See  the 
note. 

Quod,  32/1095,  prt.  s.  quoth. 

qwelle,  75/2614,  vb.  to  kill.  O.E. 
cweUan. 

qwere,  17/566,  sb.  quire,  choir- 
ser^dce. 

qweynte,  3/74,  adj.  excellent,  ele- 
gant. O.Fr.  coint.  Lat.  cogni- 
tus. 

qwike,  58/2001,  adj.  alive,  burning. 
O.E.  cwic. 

qwite,  16/520,  vb.  to  requite,  to 
reward. 

Eacches,   2/56,    sb.    setting    dogs, 

pointers, 
rafe,    25/866,   vb.   to  rave.       O.Fr. 

raver.     Span,  rabiur.     Lat.   ra- 

biare. 

ras,  39/1349,  sb.  instant,  occasion. 

See    the    note.       19/645,    hurry, 

haste, 
rase,  23/774,  sb.  rush,    channel  of 

the  sea. 


I  raught,   46/1605,   prt.    s.    reached, 
aimed  at,  struck.     0.1'].  raihte. 
redo,  85,2980,   sb.   counsel,  advice. 
O.E.  rM. 

rees,  49/1693,  sb.  time,  occasion. 

rehete,  59/2035,  vb.  to  cheer. 

rekyueth,  57/1982,  prs.  s.  reckons, 
deduces. 

releve,  7/219,  vb.  to  rally, 
renew,    33/1126,    vb.    to   tie.      Fr. 
renouer. 

renew,  63/2200,  vb.  to  renovate,  to 

recommence.     Renew. 
resjTi,  16/534,  jjrs.  ptl.  rise, 
rew,  89/3105,  sb.  row,  order.    O.E. 

new. 

roght,  54/1878,^^.2)?.  recked,  cared. 
O.E.  rob  ton. 

roial,  20/686,  51/1765,  adj.  exqui- 
site, distinguished;  71/2483,  de- 
Hghtful.     Of.  1.  2247. 

rome,  14/484,  vb.  to  walk  about. 
See  Stratmann,  s.  v.  ramen,  p. 
452. 

romme,    26/876,    sb.    room,   space. 

O.E.  rum. 
rowte,  2/54,  sb.  company,  host, 
rowte,  60/2073,  vb.  to  assemble    n 

a  comi:)any,  to  throng,  to  rally, 
ruly,   47/1624,   adj.   rueful.      O.E. 

hreowlic. 
ryme,   10/339,    vb.   to  cry   out,    to 

moan. 

Saile,  12/385,  vb.  to  assail. 

same,  all  in  s.,  56/1938,  alto- 
gether. 

sare,  21/706,  adv.  sorely,  sadly, 
saule,  66/2310.     See  the  note. 
saute,  18/61  *,  sb.  assault. 

saye,  58/1998,  pt.  pi.  saw.  O.E. 
s^gon. 

scole,  33/1141,  vb.  style,  manner, 
sede,  7/235,  sb.  seed, 
seke,  32/1116,  adj.  sick. 

semely,  2/39,  adj.  seemly,  comely, 

beautiful, 
sendelle,  4/129,  sb.  a  kind  of  rich 

thin  silk. 


GLOSSARY. 


139 


set,  49/1717,  vh.  to  consider,  esti- 
mate, 
eete,  3/62,  sh.  a  seat. 

sewes,  76/2054,  sh.  juices,  delica- 
cies.    O.E.  seaw. 

seyiie,  14/472,  vh.  to  speak. 

shente,  1/23,  2^P-  destroj-ed. 

sliifte,  78/2704,  vh.  to  divide,  to 
share.     O.E.  sciftaii. 

shonde,  64/2222,  sh.  disgrace,  igno- 

ininj^     O.E.  sceaud. 
shoon,    40/1381,    sh.    shoes.      O.E. 

sceon,  sceos. 
shope  him,  2/50,  x)t.  s.  got  himself 

ready  to,  arrayed  himself, 
shoure,  15/509,  sh.  fight, 
shrew,  72/2518,  vh.  to  curse, 
shrewes,      76/2652,      sh.      wicked 

beings, 
sikerlye,  62/2172,  adv.  surely, 
sith,  47/1632,  conj.  since. 

sithe,  47/1619,  sh.  pi.  times.  O.E. 
si<5. 

skajied,  59/2043,  j)t.  s.  escaped. 

skath,  47/1645,  sh.  loss,  damage, 
ruin.     Cf.  O.E.  scea^au. 

skomfited,  38/1320,  pp.  discomfited. 
O.Fr.  desconfire. 

skulkyng,  76/2651,  prs.  p.  lurking, 
breaking  forth  from  a  hiding 
place. 

smerte,  38/1309,  adj.  smart,  pun- 
gent. 

smertly,  41/1419,  adv.  smartly,  at 
once. 

socoure,  15/507,  sh.  succour,  assist- 
ant. 

soghten,  40/1372,  pt.  pi.  moved  on, 
rode.     See  the  note. 

solas,  20/675,  sh.  relief,  recreation, 
pleasure.  O.Fr.  solaz.  Lat. 
solatium. 

somcr,  77/2702,  sh.  a  sumpter 
horse.  Fr.  sommier.  Cf.  Diez, 
FJym.  Did.  I.,  p.  364,  s.  v.  sal- 
ma. 

sonde,  61/2134,  sh.  message,  order. 

sore,  2/47,  adv.  very  much,  eagerly. 

sore,  33/1138,  adv.  sadly. 


sowdeoures,  21/727,  sJi.  soldiers, 
hirelings.  Lat.  solidarius.  Cf. 
Fr.  soudard,  soudoye. 

spede,  70/2433,  vh.  thrive. 

spille,  36/1226,  vh.  to  destroy. 
O.E.  spillan. 

stenyed,  24/825,  pt.  s.  shook,  as- 
tounded. 

Steven,  65/2258,  sh.  voice.  O.E. 
stefn. 

stondart,  78/2717,  sh.  standard- 
bearer.     Fr.  etendard. 

store,  23/768,  sh.  provision. 

store,  92/3210,  sh.  stock,  j^reserva- 
tion,  keei^iug. 

stoure,  7/212,  sh.  battle,  tumult. 

stoute,  53/1825,  adj.  proud,  boast- 
ing. 

stronde,  2/53,  sh.  strand,  shore, 
stroyeth,  5/159,  2)''s.  s.  destroyeth. 
stynte,  52/1804,  pt.  pi.  stopped, 
sue,   40/1601,   vb.    to  follow.      Fr. 

suivre. 
sware,  13/428,  adj.  heavy, 
swyth,   47/1621,   adv.    quick,   fast. 

O.E.  swi-Se. 

Tan,  74/2581,  jjp.  taken. 

tene,  30/1032,  sb.  grief,  anger,  in- 
sult, injury.     O.E.  teona. 

tene,  83/2902,  vh.  to  vex,  to  wax 
wroth.     O.E.  tynan. 

teyde,  48/1648,  pjx  tied. 

tha,  76/2039.      See  the  note.      ■ 

thane,  51/1756,  than  that. 

then,  46/1593,  vh.  to  prosper. 
O.E.  peon. 

thikke,    30/1027,    adj.    numerous, 

jilentiful,  plenty, 
threste,    34/1170,    vh.    to    thrust, 

shake,  totter, 
thrifte,  78/2706,  sh.  thriving,  pros- 

peritj^  success.     O.Icel.  prift. 
tho,  59/2052,  pron.  those,  them, 
tho,  59/2063,  art.  the,  those, 
tho,  2/53,  adv.  then.     O.E.  ^a. 
thronge,      41/1401,      sh.     thrusts, 

throwing  of  arrows. 


MO 


GLOSSARY. 


tobraste,  34/1168,  pt.pl.  burst,  or 
broke  in  ])ieces.  O.E.  (toboerst) 
tuburstoii. 

tobow'o,  89 '3103,  pp.  hewn  to 
pieces.     O.E.  to-beawen. 

tokenyng,  8;'242,  sh.  news,  intelli- 
gence. 

totreden,  40/1382,  p^P-  crushed, 
trodden  down. 

trappe,  52/1802,  vh.  to  go.  Of.  Ger. 
trijipeln,  E.  trip,  O.Fr.  treper. 

tred.lo,  58/1999,  sh.  thread.  O.E. 
pKi-d. 

trende,  27/940,  pp.  tui'ned,  vaulted. 

treted,  55/1923,  yt.  pi.  treated, 
pressed.     Fr.  traiter. 

trewe,  3/67,  adj.  a  thorough  master 
of,  a  trustworthy  interpreter  of. 

treyumple,  27/913  (?) 

trowe,  8/246,  vh.  to  believe. 

trusse,  49/1707,  vh.  to  pack  off,  to 
be  off. 

trwes,  31/1060,  sh.  truce. 

tyte,  6/181,  adj.  soon,  quickly, 
fast. 

Unneth,  5  160,  adv.  scarcely. 

Vere,  28/965,  sh.  spring. 

vertue,  66/2312,  sh.  magic,  power. 

viage,  82/2846,  sh.  voyage,  journey. 

victory,  92/3227,  sh.  booty. 

voydance,  32/1106,  sh.  relinquish- 
ment, deliverance. 

voyde,  51/1768,  vb.  to  give  up, 
abandon,  leave. 

Wage,  18/590,  vh.  to  hire,  pay. 

ware,  7/204,  ailj.  aware. 

waste,  8/246,  in  =  in  vain. 

wende,  92/3214,  vh.  to  turn,  go. 
( ).E.  weiidan. 

wende,  85/2958,  pi.  s.  thought, 
O.E.  wende. 

wene,  31/1061,  vl>.  to  think. 

were,  7/210,  vh.  to  defend,  to  pro- 
tect, to  fight.     O.E.  werian. 

werre,  16/511,  sh.  war. 


wery,  3/60,  adj.  weary,  fatigued, 
wessh,  54/1871,  pt.  pi,  washed, 
wcte,  94/3270,  ch.  to  know, 
what,  47/1623,  2^^071.  =  who. 
willo,   76/2650,   sb.  a  kind  of  axe. 

O.E.  wifel,  "  bipcnnis." 
wight,  27/933,  adj.  nimble,  active. 

8w.  vi(j,  active. 

wii'ch,    5/148,   vb.  to  work,  to  do. 

O.E.  wj'rcan. 
wiste,  48/1662,  pt.  s.  knew, 
wode,  9/276,  adj.  mad,  furious, 
wode- wroth,    90/3130,    adj.    madly 

angry.     O.E.  wod  and  wra^. 
wone,   60/2093,    sh.   lot,   quantity. 

Icel.  wan. 
worche,   59/2046,  vb.  to   work,    to 

do.     O.E.  wyrcan. 

worthed  up,  34/1163,  pt.  s.  got  up, 
mounted. 

wote,  2/36,   pi's,   s.   know.      O.E. 

wat. 
wotist,  61/2123,  prs.    s.    knowest. 

O.E.  wast, 
wrake,     70/2446,    sb.    persecution, 

mischief,      destruction.         O.E." 

wracu. 
wreke,  88/3058,  j)p-  wreaked,   re- 
venged, 
wrong,     73/2557,    pt.     s.    pressed, 

forced  his  waj',  hurried  off.  O.E. 

wringan. 
wyne,  9/275,  vb.  get,  attain.     O.E. 

wiunan. 

Yare,    19/639,    adj.    ready.       O.E. 

gearu. 
yates,    66/2285,    sb.    gates.      O.E. 

gatu. 
yede,   66/2311,  jjI  s.  went.     O.E. 

ge-eode. 
yolde,     12/403,    vh.    yield.       O.E. 

gieldan,  jq^.  golden 
yolowe,  29/1005,  adj.  yellow.   O.E. 

geolo. 

pilke,    76/2644,  p?'ow.    such,    yon. 

O.E.  l^ylc. 
)7on,  4/108,  art.  the.     O.E.  K>iie. 


141 


INDEX  OF  NAMES. 


Agremare,  Agremour  or  Egre- 
mour,  a  town  iu  Spain  situated 
on  the  river  Flagot.  The  soudan 
is  hohliug  his  court  there  (L  33), 
when  he  hears  of  the  injuries 
done  to  his  subjects  by  the 
Romans.  Having  destroyed 
Rome,  he  returns  to  Agremor 
(1.  672)  [not  to  Morimonde,  as 
in  the  Destruction,  1.  1351,  and 
in  Fitrabras,  1.  27].  At  Agremor 
the  twelve  peers  ai-e  imprisoned 
and  besieged.  Syr  Ferumhras 
reads  E(jrenioy(jne,  Eyremoun, 
A(jremoun. 

Alagolofur,  a  Saracen  giant, 
warden  of  the  bridge  of  Man- 
trible  ;  11.  2135,  2881,  2149,  2175, 
28U1,  3053.  In  Syr  Ferumhras, 
1.  3831,  etc.,  he  is  called  Agola- 
fre.  In  the  French  poem  of 
Fierabras  we  find  Agolafre  and 
Golafre. 

Alcarox,  1.  2762,  a  Saracen  deity  ; 
cf,  note  to  1.  2271. 

Aleroyse,  1.  1699,  one  of  the 
twelve  peers  ;  cf.  note  to  1.  884. 

Alisauxdre.  Ferumbras  is  called 
King  of  Alisaundre,  U.  510,  984. 
Cf.  Bestr.  71,  1237,  1315.  Fiera- 
bras, 50,  66,  538,  etc.  Ashmole 
Ferumbras,  53,  88,  etc. 

Appolyn,  one  of  the  Mahometan 
deities.     See  note  to  1.  86. 

Arabye,  1.  3097.  Cf.  Desfr.  75  ; 
Fierabras,  3160,  4096. 

AscALo:Nr.  Laban's  birthplace,  1. 
100,  and  subject  to  him.  This 
name  does  not  occur  in  any 
other  version. 

AscAROT,  1.  2762,  a  Mahometan 
god.  Occurring  in  none  of  the 
other  versions. 

AscoPARS,  see  note  to  1.  495. 

ASKAXOUS,  1.  497. 

ASSAYNES,  1.  497. 


AssiENS,  11.  1039,  2085.  In  this 
poem  only  the  last  three  nations 
are  mentioned  as  being  included 
among  Laban's  subjects. 

AssYE,  1.  102,  123,  1000.  See 
note  to  1.  1000.  ' 

AsTRAGOT,  or  EsTRAGOT,  a  Saracen 
giant  who  kills  Sabaris,  11.  346, 
352.  He  is  slain  by  the  portcullis 
let  down  by  the  Romans,  1.  432. 
He  was  husband  to  Barrock,  the 
giantess  of  the  bridge  of  Man- 
trible,  11.  3944,  4902.  Cf.  Destr. 
1090.  Not  iu  Fierabras  nor  in 
the  Ashmolean  version.  See 
note  to  1.  346. 

AUFRIKE,  11.  102,  114.  Aufri- 
canes,  1.  257,  part  of  the  soudan's 
dominions.  Cf.  Syr  Ferumbras, 
1.  5465,  Destr.  76,  Fierabras, 
4913. 

Babilon,  see  note  to  1.  69  ;  cf. 
Destr.  78,  204,  85;  Fierabras,  51 ; 
Syr  Fcr.  53. 

Baldeseynes,  501,  871.  Occur- 
ring in  no  other  version ;  cf. 
besides  Martin's  note  to  Kudrun, 
161,  2,  and  perhaps  Fierabras, 
2873,  4721  Balogue  =  Balagucr 
(Ballegarium,  Valaguaria)  near 
Lerida  in  Spain. 

Barbarye,  1.  1001,  mentioned 
oulv  in  this  poem. 

Barbok,  U.  2939,  2950,  3022,  a 
giantess,  wife  to  Astragot,  slain 
by  Charles.     See  note  to  1.  2939. 

Belmore,  does  not  occur  in  the 
other  versions ;  see  note  to  1. 
3122. 

Belsabub,  1.  357,  occurs  only  in 
this  poem. 

Bernard  of  Spruwse  (?  Prussia) ; 
1715,  one  of  the  twelve  knights. 
See  Iidrodudion,  p.  xxvii. 

BuLOYXE,  3238.     Charles  presents 


1^2 


INUKX    OF    NAMKS. 


the  nails  to  that  place.     See  note 
to  1.  3236,  and  cf.  Fierabras,  1. 

BiiETOMAYN,  Laban's  gaoler  at 
AuTtMuor,  11.  1533,  lo91,  slain  by 
Floiipas,  1.  1(506.  This  name  is 
spelt  '  Brutamont '  in  Fierabras, 
'  Brytamoun  '  in  Syr  Ferumbras. 
It  is  not  to  bo  met  with  in  the 
Distrudion. 

BiloULAND,  chief  counsellor  to 
Laban.     See  note  on  1.  1743. 

Bryer  of  Brytatn,— of  Moun- 
tez;  see  note  to  1.  1723. 

Bryer  of  Poyle,  a  Eoman  knight, 
slain  by  Ferumbras  ;  see  note  to 
1.  514. 

BuLGARE,  1.  1002.  Occurring  in 
no  other  poem. 

Cassaundre,  11.  986,  512,  town 
belonging  to  Lukafer.  This 
name  is  not  found  in  the  other 
versions. 

Charles,  Charlemayne,  the  French 
king. 

Chaunder,  1.  123,  a  town  in  Asia ; 
only  mentioned  here.  See  note 
to  1.  1000. 

Cosdroye  escorts  a  convoy  des- 
tined for  the  soudan  ;  he  is  slain 
by  Eoland  ;  cf.  note  to  1.  2695. 

Cramadas,  a  Saracen  bishop,  11. 
2775,  2788.  Not  found  in  the 
other  versions. 

Curraitntes,  the  bridge  near 
Mautrible,  1.  2866.  This  name 
occurs  only  in  this  poem. 

Dasaberde,  1.  1707,  (?)  mentioned 

only  here. 
Denys,  U.  27,  61,  etc.     Occurring 

in  all  versions. 
DuRXEDAEE,  Roland's  sword ;  see 

note  to  1.  875. 

EspiARD,  1.  Ill,  Laban's  messen- 
ger ;  cf.  note  to  1.  2145. 

Ethiopes,  subject  to  Laban.  See 
note  to  1.  257. 

Europe,  1.  1002.  Mentioned  only 
in  this  poem. 

Ferumbras,  see  note  to  1.  93, 


Flagot,  the   river   on  which  the 

city  of  Mantrible  with  its  famous 
bridge  is  situated,  cf.  11.  2559, 
271)8,  2855,  etc.,  and  Fierabrug, 
11.  7348,  4886,  etc.  When  the 
twelve  peers  besieged  in  Agre- 
mar  send  Richard  of  Normandy 
to  Charlemagne  to  ask  his  aid, 
Richard  is  said  to  have  started 
in  the  direction  of  Manti'ible, 
1.  2559 ;  but  finding  the  bridge 
blocked  up  and  guarded,  1.  2799, 
he  is  obliged  to  swim  across  the 
water, '  Flagot  the  flode,'  1.  2804. 
Charlemagne  being  informed  of 
the  distress  of  his  peers,  starts 
towards  Mantrible,  1.  2849,  and 
having  first  taken  it  and  left 
Richard  there  with  two  hundred 
knights,  1.  3044,  he  continues  his 
march  against  the  soudan  at 
Agremar,  1.  3047.  Whence  it  is 
clear  that  Agremar  cannot  be 
situated  on  the  river  Flagot,  as 
is  stated  in  1.  34  ;  a  mistake 
evidently  owing  to  an  oversight 
on  the  part  of  the  poet.  Cf. 
besides,  note  to  1.  1723. 

Floreyn  of  Rome,  name  given 
to  Ferumbras  after  his  baptism  ; 
see  note  to  1.  1486. 

Florip,  Florypas;  see  note  to  1. 
614.  In  the  Ashm clean  ver- 
sions we  find  Flory-ppe,  a  spelling 
which  does  not  occur  in  any  of 
the  French  poems.  But  once 
we  find  Flvripes  in  Fierabras,  1. 
2035. 

FocARD,  1.  2900,  one  of  the  Chris 
tian  knights  who  struck  at  the 
bridge-keeper  of  Mantrible  when 
he  refused  to  let  them  pass.     The 
name  occurs  only  in  this  poem. 

Folk  B^vliajjt,  1.  1695,  one  of  the 
twelve  peers.  Only  found  in 
this  poem. 

FORTIBRAUNCE,  1.  422,  one  of  the 
Soudan's  engineers.  Only  oc- 
curring in  this  poem. 

Fraunce.  Charles  is  called  king 
of  dowse  Fraunce,  cf.  Fierabras, 
2103;  Syr Feruinbras,Vim.  This 
phrase  does  not  occur  in  the 
Destruction. 


INDKX    01'    NAMES. 


143 


Fremounde,  a  saint;  see  note  to 
1.  2845. 

Fjuge,  1.  1000;  Frigys,  1.  lOiO. 
Part  of  the  soudan's  dominions, 
not  mentioned  in  the  other  ver- 
sions. 

Gallopes,  1.  251,  mentioned  only 
in  this  jDoem. 

Ga^e,  a  town  in  Sjiain,  where 
Charlemagne  lands  his  troops. 
The  name  is  found  only  in  this 
poem  (in  rhyme),  1.  772. 
'Gexelyn,  a  French  knight,  noto- 
rious for  his  treachery.  He 
advised  Charles  to  leave  Spain 
and  to  return  home,  urging  that 
the  twelve  peers  must  be  dead  at 
Agremor,  since  no  news  arrived 
from  them,  1.  2.S20.  When  in 
assaulting  Mantrible  he  saw 
Charles  shut  in  in  the  city,  he 
treacherously  proclaimed  the 
king  to  be  dead,  and  ordered  the 
French  to  return  to  France, 
where  he  hoped  to  be  crowned 
king.  But  he  was  rebuked  by 
Ferumbras  (11.  2970-2991).  For 
his  treason  he  is  hanged  and 
drawn  at  Montfaucon  in  Paris 
(11.  3244-3254). 

Generyse,  U.  1139,  1239,  is  the 
name  Oliver  gives  himself  when 
asked  by  Ferumbras.  The 
French  Fierahras  and  the  Ash- 
mole  Ferumbras  have  Gariu  in- 
stead. 

Gy  of  Bourgoyne,  see  note  to  11. 
1888,  1892. 

Gyxdard,  1.  543,  a  Roman  senator 
who  kills  ten  Saracens.  He  is 
slain  by  Lukafer.  Occurring 
only  in  this  poem. 

Hubert,  1.  518,  a  Eoman  knight, 
slain  by  Ferumbras.  Not  men- 
tioned in  the  other  versions. 

Iffrez,  a  Eoman  senator  who 
advises  to  send  to  Chai'les  for 
help.     See  note  to  1.  165. 

Ixde,  1.  999.  Not  mentioned  in 
the  other  poems.  Cf.  note  to  1. 
999. 


IsRES,  625,  641,  the  chief  j^orter  of 
Some,  who  treacherously  de- 
livers the  keys  to  the  Saracens. 
See  note  to  1.  625. 

Jubyter,  U.  2254,  2762,  a  Saracen 
god,  mentioned  only  in  this 
poem. 

Laban,  see  note  to  1.  29. 

Lowes,  occurring  in  the  Sowdan 
and  the  Destruction,  but  not  men- 
tioned in  the  other  versions.  See 
note  to  1.  24. 

Lukafer  of  Baldas,  see  note  to 
1.  113.  Once,  1.  236,  this  name 
is  spelt  Lukefere. 

Macedoyne,  1.  1002.  Occurring 
only  in  this  poem. 

Mahound,  see  note  to  1.  86. 

Mapyn,  1.  2326,  introduces  him- 
self into  the  bed  -  chamber  of 
Floripas  to  steal  the  fatal  girdle. 
In  the  French  poem,  1.  3046,  he 
is  called  Maubrun  d'  Agremolee  ; 
in  the  Ashmolean  version  Mau- 
byn  of  Egremolee,  1.  2385.  Cf. 
Introduction,  pp.  xx,  xxx,  xxxi. 

Maragonde,  the  name  of  Flori- 
pas's  governess,  1.  1563.  Spelt 
Morabunde  in  the  French 
poem.  See  Introduction,  p^j. 
xxx,  xxxi. 

Marie,  11.  917,  2390;  cf.  Destr.  11. 
374,  564  ;  Fierahras,  11.  285,  815  ; 
»%r  Ferumbras,  11.  5177,  5451. 

^Lvrsedag,  king  of  Barbarye,  oc- 
curs only  in  this  poem.  See  note 
to  1.  2247. 

Mauxtrible,  a  town  in  Spain  on 
the  river  Flagot  (see  above)  with 
a  bridge  ;  cf.  al.so  Destr.  211,  and 
Fierahras,  1867,  etc. 

Mavon,  U.  278,  422,  2230,  Laban's 
engineer ;  spelt  Mabon  in  the 
Destr.  11.  908,  941,  and  in  Fiera- 
hras, 1.  3735.  The  name  does 
not  occur  in  the  Ashmole  MS. 

MiRON  OF  BRiUJANE,  one  of  the 
twelve  peers,  occurring  only  in 
this  poem,  1.  1703. 

MoNTFAWCON,  1.  3253.  Not  found 
in  the  other  versions. 


144 


INDEX    OF    NAMKS. 


MouNPELERS,  after  having  con- 
quered the  soudan,  Charlemagne 
sails  from  Spain  to  Mounpeler, 
1.  322S.  Tho  name  does  not 
occur  in  the  Fie ra bras,  -where 
the  king  returns  to  France  in  an 
eight  days'  journey  (11.  6164 — 
61ST).     Ct'.  Destr.  11.  2o0,  286. 

MowxJOYE,  see  note  to  1.  868,  and 
cf.  the  Song  of  Boland,  128/7-16. 

Neymes  of  Baveue,  one  of  the 
twelve  peers,  see  note  to  1.  836. 

Nubexs,  1.  873,  NuBYE,  1.  1001,  a 
people  subject  to  the  soudan. 

Oger  Danoys,  one  of  the  twelve 
peers,  see  note  to  1.  836. 

Oliborn,  1.  99,  the  soudan's  chan- 
cellor; only  found  in  this  poem. 

Olyver,  one  of  the  twelve  peers ; 
see  note  to  1.  1250. 

Paris,  L  917  ;  see  note  to  1.  3254. 
Persagyn,  a   king  of  Italy,   and 

uncle   to   Ferumbras,    slain    bv 

Oliver,  L  1259.     In  the  Dastr.  \. 

162,  we  find  one  Parsagon  men- 
tioned among  the   peers  of  the 

soudan's  empire.     See  note  to  1. 

1259. 
Perse,  1.  2888,   cf.    Destr.   11.    77, 

421.     Fierabras,  1640,  1713. 
Seint  Peter,   11.   161,  480,   etc., 

the  saint ;   cf.  Fierabras,  1.  1261  ; 

Syr  Ferumhras,  1.  3756;  Destr.  1. 

501. 
Ceint  Peter,  1.  453,  the  cathedral; 

cf.    Fierabras,    1.     57 ;    Destr.    1. 

1109. 
Seint   Poul,   11.     163,    3269,    the 

saint ;     cf.     Syr    Ferumbras,     1. 

3756  ;  not  mentioned  in  the  other 

poems. 
PoYLE,   1.    514,    ?   Apulia ;    found 

only  in  this  poem ;  cf.  note  to  1. 

1000. 

QwYNTYN,  1. 1298,  a  saint  by  whom 
Ferumbi'as  swears;  see  note  to 
1.  2845. 


IvRiiARi)  OF  Normandy,  see  notes 

to  11.  2535,  2795,  3044. 
Romayne,    1.    77,    inhabitant    of 

Rome. 
Ro.>[E,  1.  17. 
EouLAND,   see   note   to    11.    1499, 

1888. 

Sathanas,  1.  2777,  a  Saracen  god. 

Savaris,  1.  171,  a  duke  of  Rome 
who  leads  the  Roman  trooj)s 
against  the  Saracens.  He  is 
slain  by  Estragot  (1.  346).  He 
also  occurs  in  the  Destr.  de  Home. 
In  the  French  Fierabras  appears 
a  French  knight  Savaris,  1. 
1699. 

SoRTYBRAUXCE,  the  chief  coun- 
cillor of  the  soudan. 

Spayn,  1.  717,  belonging  to  the 
soudan's  dominions.  It  is  tho 
scene  of  the  principal  action 
narrated  in  this  poem,  as  indeed 
the  only  part  where  the  scene  is 
laid  elsewhere  is  that  describing 
the  destruction  of  Rome. 

Symon,  a  saint  by  whom  Charles 
swears,  1.  1713. 

Tamper,  a  name  peculiar  to  this 
poem.  He  erects  a  gallows  be- 
fore Agremore  castle  to  hang 
Guy,  1.  2641. 

Termagant,  1.  137,  a  Saracen 
deity ;  cf.  note  to  1.  86.  Sjjelt 
Ternagant  in  Syr  Ferumbras, 
Tervagant  in  the  French  Fiera- 
bras. 

Tery  Lardeneys,  one  of  the 
twelve  peers  ;  see  note  to  1.  1691. 

TuRKES,  1.  874,  cf.  Fierabras,  128, 
1641,  3767.  Syr  Ferumbras,  5433, 
5677. 

TuRPYN,  the  French  bishop  who 
baptizes  Ferumbras,  1.  1475. 
This  name  does  not  occur  in  the 
Ashmole  MS. 

Veny'S,  subject  to  Laban  ;  see  note 
to  1.  1000.  Mentioned  only  in 
this  poem. 


BUNGAY:     CLAY    AND    TAYLOll,    THE    CHAUCER   PKESS. 


Ul\t  Winll  4  3^4  (Jjoitjieaii 


WITH    THE     FRAGMENTS    OF 


^olanb   nab   Utrnitgu 


AND 


mmi 


€xU-d  Strits.     Jlo.  XXXIX. 

1882. 


BEELIN:  ASHER  &  CO.,  53  MOHEENSTEASSE. 

NEW  YOEK :  C.  SCEIBNER  &  CO. ;    LEYPOLDT  &  HOLT. 

PHILADELPHIA :  J.  B.  LIPPINCOTT  &  CO. 


/      IfA^U^-*^  i^f^l-UL-^ 


THE 
ENGLISH   CHARLEMAGNE   ROMANCES. 


PART   VI. 


©lie  ®aill  of  %^\\\  (i[0ili|(|ar 

(ABOUT   1475   A.D.) 
(FROM  THE   UNIQUE   COrY   OF   LEKPJREUIK'S  EDITION   OF  1572) 


WITH     THE    FRAGMENTS    OF 


§lalantr  aub  ITcrnaxfu 


AND 


ucl 


(FROM   THE  UNIQUE  AUCHINLECK   MS.,  ABOUT  1330  a.d.) 


RE-EDITED    FROM    THE    ORIGINALS, 

ixiit!)    Introtfuctiou,  l^otes,   anti    ffilossarg, 


BY 


SIDNEY  J.  IT.  IIERRTAGE,  B.A., 

EDITOR  OP  "SIE   FERUMBRAS,"    "THE   SEGE   OFF  MEtATNE,"   "THE  LTF  OF 
CHARLES  THE   GRETE,"  THE   "  CATHOHCON   ANGLICUM,"   ETC. 


LONDON: 

PUBLISHED   FOE   THE  EARLY  ENGLISH  TEXT  SOCIETY, 
BY  K.  TEtJBXER  &  CO.,  57  &  59,  LUDGATE  HILL. 


MDCCCLXXXir. 


(t'Xirn   Scrus. 

XXXIX. 


BVNGAY  :  CLAY  AND  TAVLOU,  THK  CHAUCER  PKE&S. 


INTRODUCTION. 

Rauf  Coil-^ear,  p.  v.  Roland  and  Vernaffu,  p.  vii,  xiv. 

Otuel,  p.  vii,  xiii,  xv. 

The  present  part  of  the  Early  English  Text  Society's  series  of 
Charlemagne  Eomances  contains  three  pieces,  all  unique,  and  all  only 
once  before  printed.  The  first  piece,  "  The  Taill  of  Uauf  Coil3ear," 
is  here  reprinted  from  the  only  known  copy  existing,  which  was  dis- 
covered in  the  Advocate's  Library  in  Edinburgh  in  1821.  JSTo tiling 
whatever  is  known  of  the  author  of  the  poem.  He  certainly  lived 
before  1500,  for  Dunbar,  in  his  address  to  the  king,  refers  to  the 
"taill"  as  follows:— 

"  Qiihen  servit  is  all  urler  man, 
Geiitiil  and  semple  off  every  clan, 
Kvne  of  Rauf  Colyard  and  Johne  the  Eeif, 
Katliing  I  get,  na  confjueis  can. 
Excess  of  thought  dois  one  mischeif." 

And  Douglas,  in  his  "  Palice  of  Honour,"  written  in  the  year  1501, 
also  couples  Rauf  Coil3ear  and  John  the  Reeve — 

"  I  saw  Raf  Coli/eav  with  lies  thrawin  brow, 
Craibit  Johne  the  Reif,  and  auld  Cowkelpis  Low." 

The  copy  in  the  Advocate's  Library  was,  as  will  be  seen  from  the 
colophon,  printed  in  1572  at  St.  Andrews,  by  Robert  Lekpreuik. 
The  "taill"  begins  on  leaf  A  ij,  and  occupies  fourteen  pages.  The 
subject  is  one  which  appears  to  have  been  a  favourite  one  in  all 
ages.  The  idea  of  a  king  disguising  himself,  in  order  to  mix  freely 
amongst  his  subjects  without  being  recognized,  Avhatever  his  motive, 
has  frequently  recommended  itself  to  English  ballad-makers.  Thus 
we  have  the  ballads  of  "  The  King  and  the  Miller  of  Mansfield," 
"  King  Henry  and  the  Soldier,"  "  King  James  I.  and  the  Tinker," 
"  King  William  III.  and  the  Forester,"  "  King  Alfred  and  the  Shep- 
herd," "  King  Edward  IV.  and  the  Tanner,"  "  King  Henry  VI 11.  and 
the  Cobbler,"  and  the  oldest  of  all,  "  John  de  Reeue,"  or  "  John  the 


VI  INTRODUCTION. 

Reeve,"  a  Lalhul  written  in  the  opinion  of  Prof.  Hales  about  the 
middle  of  the  15ih  century,  but,  according  to  Mr.  Wriglit,  in  tin; 
latter  part  of  the  14th  century.  It  was  certainly  written  after  1377 
and  before  1461.^ 

The  fact  that  Charles  the  Great  and  his  "  Duchepeiris "  are 
introduced  into  the  poem,  and  that  the  scene  is  laid  partly  on  a  wild 
moor  near  Paris,  and  partly  in  Paris  itself,  would  lead  to  the  con- 
clusion that  it  had  a  French  origin  ;  but  there  are,  probably,  no  real 
grounds  for  such  a  conclusion.  The  number  of  French  idioms  is  far 
fewer  than  we  should  expect  to  find  in  a  translation  or  adaptation  ; 
those  which  do  occur,  e.  g.  'pardie,  in  fay,  hone  fay,  are  nearly  all 
colloquial,  and  such  as,  from  the  intercourse  between  the  two  countries, 
might  well  be  familiar  to  a  native  of  Scotland. 

The  poem,  as  pointed  out  by  Dr.  Irving,^  begins  in  a  similar 
manner  to  the  "  Awnturs  of  Arthur."  ^  Both  are  written  in  13-line 
alliterative  stanzas,  the  only  dilference  being  in  the  scheme  of  rimes, 
which  in  the  "Awnturs"  is  abahababaccca,  and  in  "Pauf  Coiljear," 
ahahahabcdddc.  For  this  reason  Dr.  Irving  conjectured  that  possibly 
the  two  poems  are  by  the  same  hand.  In  all  probability  the  poem  is 
quite  original,  the  reference  to  an  authority,  "as  the  buik  sayis," 
1.  355,  being  nothing  more  than  one  of  those  phrases  which  the  authors 
of  romances  so  frequently  inserted  in  order  to  give  a  fictitious  air  of 
authenticity  to  their  conijiositiuns.*  Whoever  the  author  was,  he 
deserves  credit  for  the  really  quaint  humour  witli  Avhich  he  has 
worked  out  his  subject.  It  is  impossible  to  say  exactly  when  the 
poem  was  first  written,  since  "  the  whole  orthography  has  been 
assimilated  to  that  of  the  16th  century,"  and  in  its  j^resent  shape 
belongs  to  what  Dr,  Murray  defines   as  the  "Middle  Period"  of 

'  It  is  reprinted  in  full  by  Prof.  Hales  and  Mr.  Furnivall  iu  "Bishop 
Percy's  Folio  MS."  1868,  vol.  ii.  pp.  550—50-1.  My  own  belief  is  that  it  was 
written  not  later  than  1400.  I  do  not  think  the  use  of  such  a  construction  as 
"  thou  had  wedded  lohn  daughter  reeue,"  that  is,  the  daughter  of  John  the 
Eeeve,  came  down  so  late  as  1450  ;  though  common  iu  the  14th  centuiy.  See 
examples  in  note  to  p.  41,  1.  154,  below. 

=  ••  History  of  Scottish  Poetry,"  ed.  J.  A.  Carlyle,  M.D.  Edinburgh,  1801, 
,p.  88—93. 

^  Printed  for  the  Camden  Society  in  "  Three  Metrical  Pioniances,"  pp.  1 — .30. 

■*  See  Dr.  Hauskuecht's  note  to  the  '  Sowdone  of  Babyloue,'  1.  26.  But  ia 
this  case  it  may  mean  that  the  service  was  done  as  the  book  directs. 


INTRODUCTION.  VU 

Lowland  Scotch.^  Probabl-y  we  shall  not  be  far  wrong  in  assigning 
it  to  the  middle  of  the  second  half  of  the  15tli  century. 

The  description  of  the  deadly  duel  between  Rauf  and  the  Saracen 
is  a  really  comical  burles(|ae  of  the  combats  described  in  Sir 
Ferumbras,  Otuel,  &c.,  and  we  may  be  pardoned  for  entertaining  a 
slight  suspicion  that  the  promise  of  the  hand  of  Joanna  in  the  one 
case,  and  of  Belesent  in  the  other,  had  probably  more  to  do  with 
the  conversions  of  the  Saracens  than  either  the  arguments  of  lioland, 
or  the  descent  of  the  dove  on  the  head  of  Otuel. 

The  second  and  third  poems  contained  in  the  present  part  are 
printed  from  the  celebrated  Auchinleck  ]\IS.  They  were  printed, 
but  far  from  correctly,  for  the  Abbotsford  Club  in  1836,  together 
with  a  fragment  of  a  romance  of  Alexander,  contained  in  the  same 
MS.^  In  both,  the  first  letter  is  always  separated  from  the  second 
by  a  pretty  wide  interval.  Both  are  unfortunately  defective,  having 
been  mutilated  for  the  sake  of  the  illuminations  which  have  been 
torn  out.  "  Ilouland  and  Vernagu  "  has  not,  however,  suffered  much  : 
the  loss  at  the  beginning  probably  only  amounting  to  eight  lines. 
"  Otuel "  has  fared  worse,  having  lost  eight  lines  near  the  beginning, 
and  probably  a  leaf  at  the  end.  The  two  poems  were  analyzed  by 
Ellis,  the  first  i;nder  the  title  of  "  Roland  and  Ferragus,"  the  second 
under  that  of  "Sir  OtueL"^  Of  the  latter,  he  says  that  "a  second 
MS.,  in  sixdined  stanzas,  is  in  the  possession  of  W.  Fillingham,  Esq. 
The  style  of  this  is  much  more  languid  and  feeble,  resembling  pretty 
nearly  the  diction  of  the  romance  which  we  have  just  examined 
["  Eoland  and  Ferragus  "].  It  has,  however,  the  merit  of  completing 
the  story,  and  of  furnishing  a  paraphrase  of  Turpin's  Chronicle  from 
the  period  of  the  death  of  Ferragus  to  the  battle  of  Eonces'^^alles." 
This  MS.  has  been  lost  sight  of,  and  I  have  not  been  able  to  gain 
any  information  as  to  its  whereabouts.  I  therefore  here  reprint 
Ellis's  analysis  of  that  part  of  it  which  forms  the  continuation  to 
"  Otuel." 

•  "Dialect  of  the  Southern  Counties  of  Scotland,"  1873,  p.  57. 

^  "  Ancient  Metrical  Romances,"  fi-om  the  Auchinlech  MS.  Edinhurgh, 
1836,  pp.  i — xxvii,  84. 

*  "  Specimens  of  Early  English  Metrical  Romance,"  1805,  vol.  III.  pp. 
283—355. 


via  INTRODUCTION. 

"  In  the  continuation  of  the  story,  Otuel  appears  to  be  almost  for- 
gotten, though  his  name  occurs  two  or  three  times  towards  the  end  of 
the  romance,  for  the  sole  purpose,  as  it  should  seem,  of  justifying  its 
title.  I  have  already  observed  that  suoh  a  continuation  would 
scarcely  deserve  notice,  but  that  it  presents  us  with  the  concluding 
scene  in  Turpin's  history,  the  battle  of  Roncesvalles. 

Charles,  having  thus  terminated  the  campaign  of  Lombardy,  led 
his  unsuccessful  rival  to  Paris,  Avhere  Garsic,  convinced  that  it  was 
out  of  the  power  of  Mahomet  or  Apolyn  to  obtain  for  him  sucli  terms 
as  he  might  secure  by  eml)racing  Christianity,  consented  to  be  bap- 
tized by  the  hands  of  archbishop  Turpin.  Soon  after  this,  Charles 
received  intelligence  that  Ibrahim  king  of  Seville,  having  united  his 
forces  with  those  of  the  king  of  Cordis,  was  encamped  near  that  city  ; 
he  therefore  collected  an  army  with  all  possible  expedition,  and 
inarched  to  attack  them.     He  found  them 

'  With  batayles  stern  ten  ; 
Tlie  first  waren  foot-men 

That  grisliche  were  of  cheer  ; 
With  hair  they  were  be-hong, 
And  beardys  swithe  long, 

And  homes  in  bond  bare.' 

These  ugly  troops  were  also  provided  with  numberless  bells  and 
other  sonorous  instruments,  which,  added  to  the  hideous  shouts  and 
yells  with  which  they  advanced  to  the  attack,  produced  a  discord 
truly  diabolical.  It  will  readily  be  believed  that  tlie  valorous  knights, 
who  formeil  the  van  of  the  Christian  army,  were  very  little  disturbed 
either  by  the  abominable  features,  or  by  the  grotesque  gesticulations, 
or  by  the  dissonant  noises  of  these  uncouth  antagonists  :  but  their 
horses,  who  were  perfectly  unprepared  for  an  encounter  with  such 
musicians  in  masquerade,  utterly  refused  to  approach  them,  and,  Aviien 
roused  by  the  sfiur  from  tlie  lethargy  of  astonishment  into  which 
they  had  been  plunged  by  the  unexpected  sight,  suddenly  dispersed 
in  all  directions,  and,  charging  tlie  French  infantry  wilh  the  rapidity 
of  lightning,  threw  them  into  confusion;  alter  Avhieh,  communicating 
the  panic  to  the  body  of  reserve,  they  hurried  the  astonished  Charle- 
magne, together  with  his  twelve  peers,  several  miles  from  the  field  of 
battle. 

The  infantry,  having  at  length  gained  a  commanding  eminence, 
were  easily  rallied,  because  they  could  not  run  much  further ;  but  it 
was  not  till  late  in  the  evening  that  they  were  joined  by  the  cavalry, 
when  the  king  commanded  them  to  pitch  their  tents.  On  the  follow- 
ing morning  he  gave  orders  that  the  ears  of  all  the  horses  in  the  army 
should  be  carefully  stopped  with  wax,  and  that  they  should  at  the 
same  time  be  hood-winked  ;  after  which  he  marched  forward  in  good 
order  to  meet  the  enemy.  The  Saracens  were  now  repulsed  in  their 
turn  ;  but  maintained  an  obstinate  conflict  in  defence  of  their  sacred 


INTRODUCTION.  IX 

standanl,  ^vliich  Avas  caiTiecI  in  a  car  drawn  ])y  twelve  oxen.  On  tlii.^ 
occasion,  Charlemagne  exhibited  the  greatest  heroism,  and,  tlra\viiig 
his  good  sword  Joyeuse,  rushed  into  the  midst  of  his  enemies,  forced 
his  way  to  the  standard,  cnt  in  two  the  long  and  massive  spear  on 
wliich  it  was  reared,  and  shortly  after  clove  the  skull  of  the  ferocious 
Ibrahim,  the  tyrant  of  Seville.  Eight  thousand  Saracens  fell  in  this 
})attle  ;  and  on  the  following  day  the  king  of  Cordes,  who  had  e.sca])ed 
into  the  city,  was  forced  to  surrender,  and  to  do  homage  to  Charles, 
after  promising  to  renounce  his  former  creed,  and  to  embrace  tlie 
doctrines  of  Christianity. 

Immediately  after  this  victory,  the  French  army  Avas  called  off  to 
repress  the  inroads  of  the  king  of  Navarre  ;  and  on  this  occasion  tlie 
])ious  Charles  was  gratified  by  a  fresh  mii-acle.  It  is  well  known  that 
tliDSe  who  die  in  battle  against  the  infidels  are  rewarded  by  the  crown 
of  martyrdom ;  and  if  this  were  not  a  matter  of  course,  it  was  in  the 
present  case  secured  by  the  express  promise  made  by  St.  James  to 
Charles  in  his  sleep.  Kow  the  good  king  wished  to  know  how  many 
of  his  knights  were  predestined  to  lose  their  lives  on  this  occasion, 
and  prayed  to  heaven  that  his  curiosity  might  be  satisfietl.  Accord- 
ingly, the  intended  victims  were  all  marked  with  a  red  cross  on  their 
shoulder ;  but  Charles,  finding  their  number  much  greater  than  he 
expected,  and  wishing  to  obtain  a  cheaper  victory,  left  them  all 
behind  in  a  place  of  security,  attacked  the  enemy,  gained  tlie  battle, 
and  returned  without  loss.  In  the  mean  time  those  for  whom  he  was 
thus  solicitous  had  all  expired  ;  and  thus  did  the  good  king  learn 
that  it  is  useless  to  oppose  the  designs  of  Providence. 

Having  at  lenj^'th  secured  the  submission  of  Spain,  by  distributing 
all  his  conquests,  either  amongst  his  own  friends  or  amongst  those  of 
his  benefactor  St.  James,  Charlemagne  became  desirous  of  returning 
into  France ;  but  feeling  some  uneasiness  at  leaving  behind  him  two 
Saracen  kings,  named  Marsire  and  IJaligand,  wdio  then  resided  at 
Saragossa,  he  despatched  an  amljassador  to  inform  them  that  they 
must  immediately  consent  to  be  baptized,  or  else  pay  him  tribute. 
Tlie  ambassador  whom  he  ciiose  for  ihis  mission  was  the  c(debrated 
Guines  or  Ganelon,  whose  duty  to  his  sovereign,  and  to  his  country 
was  soon  overpowered  by  a  present  of  thirty  soniers  (beasts 'of  burthen) 
laden  with  gold  and  silver,  which  the  artful  Saracens  offered  to  hiiu 
on  condition  of  his  undertaking  to  lead  the  French  army  into  the 
defiles  of  the  forest  of  lioncesvalles. 

And  thritti  steerles  with  gold  fine, 
To  Charles  sent  that  Sarrazin, 

All  they  were  white  as  flour ; 
And  an  hundred  tuns  of  wine, 
That  was  both  good  and  fine, 

And  swithe  fair  coloiir.' 

'  Gasruin,  in  his  translation  of  Turpin,  adds  to  this  present  a  thousand 
beautiful  damsels,  "pour  en  faire  i\  leur  voulente,"  and  further  e.Kjjlaius  to  us 


X  INTROJJUCTION. 

At  the  same  time  they  permitted  Ganeloii  to  make,  iu  their  name, 
whatever  promises  he  might  think  necessary  for  the  purpose  of  pre- 
venting any  suspicions  in  the  mind  of  Charlemagne. 

Tlie  traitor  executed  his  commis.sion  with  great  address,  and  sug- 
gested such  a  disposition  of  the  French  army  as  insured  the  destruc- 
tion of  Rohmd  and  of  all  his  companions.  Charles  in  person  com- 
manded one  half  of  the  army,  and  was  suffered  to  pass  the  mountains 
unmolested,  and  to  descend  into  the  o[)en  country  ;  hut  no  sooner  had 
Eoland,  wlio  conducted  the  second  division,  advanced  into  the  forest 
of  Roncesvallcs,  than  he  found  himself  attacked  on  all  sides  by  the 
Saracens,  who  had  been  previously  posted  on  every  eminence,  and 
had  concerted  every  measure  for  the  surprise  of  the  Christians. 
Eoland,  as  might  be  expected,  made  a  desperate  resistance,  and,  being 
assisted  by  all  the  best  knights  of  France,  nearly  annihilated  the  first 
body  of  his  assailants  ;  but  the  Saracens  continued  to  receive  constant 
reinforcements,  Avhile  the  Christians  were  exhausted  by  fatigue  and 
hunger.  Constantine  of  Rome,  Ogier  le  Danois,  Eeynuld  de  Mon- 
tauban,  Sir  Bertram  the  standard-bearer,  and  many  others  of  less 
note,  after  performing  prodigies  of  valour,  were  successively  slain. 
Olivier,  covered  with  wounds,  was  at  lengtli  overpowered,  and 
Eoland,  after  singly  cutting  his  way  through  the  enemy,  perceived 
that  all  hopes  of  retreat  were  lost,  and  that  nothing  remained  for  him 
but  to  seek  for  an  opportunity  of  dying  honourably  in  the  field. 

After  wandering  for  some  time  in  the  forest,  he  discovered  a  single 
Saracen,  whom  he  secured  and  bound  to  a  tree  ;  after  which  having 
gained  an  eminence  from  whence  he  could  discover  the  situation  of 
the  enemy,  he  sounded  his  ivoiy  horn,  collecteil  round  him  a  small 
number  of  his  fugitive  soldiers,  and,  returning  with  them  to  his 
prisoner,  unbound  him,  and  promised  him  life  on  condition  that  he 
should  point  out  to  them  the  person  of  king  Marsire.  The  Saracen 
readily  obeyed,  and  showed  him  the  king  mounted  on  a  bay  charg(>r, 
and  bearing  a  golden  dragon  on  his  sliield  ;  upon  which  Eoland, 
setting  spurs  to  his  horse,  dashed  through  the  surrounding  guards, 
and  with  one  blow  clove  his  enemy  to  the  saddle-bows.  Ealigand 
collected  the  remain^  of  the  Saracen  army,  and  retreated  to  Saragossa. 

Eoland,  now  covered  with  wounds,  and  beginning  to  suffer  severely 
from  fever  and  from  thirst,  dismounted  from  his  horse,  lay  down  under 
a  tree,  and,  drawing  his  good  sword  Durindale, 

'  Tlio  he  began  to  mal<e  his  moan, 
And  fast  loolied  tliereiipou, 
As  he  it  held  in  his  lioiid. 

the  real  cause  of  the  terrible  disaster  which  befel  the  Christians.  "  Mais  pour 
autant  que  les  gens  de  I'ost  s'estoient  enyvres,  les  nuits  prec6dentes,  du  viu  des 
Sarrazins  que  Ganelon  avoit  ameue,  aucuus  avoient  commis  le  peche  de  forni- 
cation avec  las  femmes  Sarrazines,  et  aultres  femmes  chretieuues  de  France." 
Cap.  20. 


INTRODUCTION.  XI 

"O  sword  of  great  iiiiglit, 

"  Better  bare  never  no  kniglit, 

"  To  win  with  no  loud  ! 
"Thou  hast  y-he  in  many  hafayle, 
"That  never  Sarrazin.  sauns  fayle, 

"Ne  might  thy  stroiie  withstond, 
"  Go  !  let  never  no  Payniin 
"Into  batayle  bear  liini. 

"After  the  death  of  Roland! 
"  O  sword  of  great  powere, 
"In  tliis  world  n'  i.s  iioii,i;lit  thy  peer, 
"  Of  no  metal  y-wrought  ; 
"All  Spain  and  Gal  ice 
"  Through  grace  of  God  and  thee,  y-wis, 

"  To  Christendom  ben  brought. 
"  Thou  art  good  withouten  blame  ; 
"  In  thee  is  graven  the  holy  name 

"  That  all  things  made  of  nought !  "  ' 

After  these  Avords  he  rose,  and,  exerting  his  whole  force,  struck 
the  sword  against  a  rock  in  hopes  of  breaking  it :  but  Duriudale  sunk 
deep  into  the  solid  stone ;  and  wln-n  he  had  with  some  difficulty- 
drawn  it  out,  he  found  the  edge  uninjured. 

The  dying  hero  now  blew  his  ivory  horn,  in  hopes  of  drawing 
round  him  some  friends,  if  any  such  had  escai^ed  from  the  battle,  to 
■whom  he  might  consign  his  sword,  and  who  might  join  with  him  in 
prayer  during  his  last  moments.  No  one  appeared.  He  made  a 
second  effort,  and  with  such  violence  that  he  burst  the  horn,  and  at 
the  same  time  so  distended  all  his  veins  that  his  wounds  began  to 
bleed  most  abundantly^  and  soon  reduced  him  almost  to  extremity. 
The  sound  of  this  blast  was  distinctly  heard  in  tlie  army  of  Cliarle- 
magne,  who  wished  to  return  in  search  of  his  nephew,  but  was  per- 
suaded by  Ganelon,  that  Roland  could  be  in  no  danger,  but  was  most 
probably  amusing  himself  by  hunting  in  the  forest.  It  brought, 
however,  to  Koland,  two  of  his  companions,  Sir  Baldwin  and  Sir 
Terry,  who  having  escaped  the  general  slaughter,  had  been  hitherto 
wandering  thr(nigh  the  forest,  and  whom  he  sent  in  search  of  some 
water;  which,  however,  they  were  unaijle  to  find.  In  the  mean  time 
a  Saracen,  coming  by  chance  to  the  spot  where  the  hero  lay,  endeav- 
oured to  carry  off  Durindale ;  but  Roland,  suddenly  starting  up, 
Avrenched  the  sword  from  his  hand,  killed  him  with  one  blow,  and 
fainted  Avith  the  exertion  :  so  that  Sir  Baldwin,  finding  him  appa- 
rently lifeless,  laid  him  with  great  care  across  his  horse,  took  care  of 
his  sword  and  horn,  and  conducted  him  to  an  ailjoining  valley,  where 
the  hero,  recovering  his  senses,  had  lime  to  make  a  very  long  prayer 
before  he  expired ;  when  his  soul  was  immediately  carried  up  to 
heaven  by  a  troop  of  angels. 

Archbishop  Turpin  was,  at  this  moment,  saying  mass  for  the  souls 
of  the  deail,and  distinctly  heard  the  songs  of  these  angels,  who  were, 
however,  too  distant  to  be  seen  :  but  at  the  same  time  he  discovered 


Xll  INTRODUCTION. 

ami  interrogated  a  troop  of  black  fiends,  who  were  flj'ing  to  liell  with 
the  soul  of  king  Marsire,  and  who  reported  to  him  the  death  of 
EoLmd,  which  he  instantlj'-  notified  to  Charlemagne. 

The  good  king  instantly  set  oft'  toAvards  Eoncesvalles,  and  being 
met  by  Sir  Baldwin,  who  confirmed  the  deposition  of  the  devils,  was 
conducted  by  him  to  the  body  of  Roland,  over  which  he  swooned  two 
or  three  times,  and  uttered  many  learned  but  tedious  lamentations.^ 
He  then  prepared  for  vengeance ;  and,  having  first  prayed  to  Heaven 
that  the  sun  might  be  stopped  for  him,  as  it  had  formerly  been  for 
Josua  (a  favour  wliich  was  readily  granted  to  him),  led  his  army 
against  Saragossa,  where  Beligand  had  found  a  retreat.  In  this  battle, 
Sir  Turpin  distinguished  himself  by  many  acts  of  extraordinary 
valour,  as  did  also  Sir  Ilugon,  Sir  Thibaut,  Charlemagne,  and  Otuel, 
of  whom  we  have  long  lost  sight,  but  who  is  now  brought  forward 
for  the  purpose  of  killing  Perigon,  king  of  Persia,  whilst  Turpin  has 
the  honour  of  destroying  the  treacherous  Baligand.  Sixty  thousand 
Saracens,  it  seems,  were  slain  in  this  long  and  murderous  day  ;  after 
which  Charles  returned  to  the  fatal  field  of  Roncesvalles ;  where  Sir 
Terry,  having  formally  accused  Ganelon  of  causing  the  destruction  of 
the  French  army,  and  having  proved  his  cliarge  in  single  combat,  that 
traitor  was  condemned  to  be  hanged,  and  then  torn  into  quarters  by 
four  horses.     Having  thus  revenged  the  death  of  his  nephew, 

'  Charlj'S  took  his  knights, 
And  went  to  Roland,  anon  rights. 

With  swithe  great  dolour  ; 
Eolandys  body  he  let  dight, 
With  myrrh  and  balm  anon  right, 
With  swithe  good  odour.' 

"  Pvouland  and  Vernaga "  can  claim  credit  for  little  more  than 

being  a  fair  translation  or  adaptation  of  the  Chronicle  of  the  pseudo- 

Turpin,  as  will  be  seen  from  a  comparison  with  the  Latin  version,  of 

which.  I  reprint  the  chapter  containing  the  account  of  the  duel  of 

Eoland  and  A^ernagu,  or  Ferragus.    In  1.  328  the  translator  expressly 

refers  to  his  Latin  original,  and  in  1.  481  he  evidently  assumes  it  to 

have  been  ^vritten  by  Turpin  himself. 

'  Though  these  lamentations  are  insuilerable  in  tlie  drawling  stanzas  of  our 
English  translator,  they  are  not  unentertainiug  in  the  old  French  of  Gaguin. 
"  o'le  bras  dextre  de  mon  corps  !  I'honneur  des  Gaules  !  I'espee  de  clievalerie  ! 
Hache  inilexible,  haubergeon  incorruptible  et  heaulme  du  salut !  Compare  a 
Judas  Machabeus  par  ta  valeur  et  prouesse,  ressemblant  ^  Sanson,  et  pareil  a 
Jonatas  tils  de  Saul  par  la  fortune  de  ta  triste  mort !  O  chevalier  tres  aspre  et 
bien  enseigne  a  combattre  !  fort  plus  fort,  et  tres  fort !  genie  roj-al !  destruc- 
teur  des  Sarrazins !  des  bons  Chrestiens  defenseur  !  le  mur  et  deffence  des 
eleves  !  le  ferme  baston  des  orphelins  et  veuves !  la  viande  et  refection  des 
pauvres!  la  revelation  des  eulises  !  langue  sans  avoir  menti  es  jugemens  de 
toutes  choses,"  &c.  (chap.  xxiv.).     (See  Charles  the  Grcte,  pp.  2i0-l.) 


>  INTRODUCTION.  Xlll 

"  Ofcuel,"  oil  the  othei"  hand,  is  written  witli  a  considerable 
amount  of  spirit  and  aniuuitidu.  It  is  connected  with  "  lioiiland 
and  Vernagu"  by  the  conchidiiig  hues  of  the  latter,  the  "  Sege  of 
Melayne  "  coming  in  as  an  interlude  between  the  two.  It  dill'ers  in 
so  many  respects  from  "  Koland  and  Otuell "  that  the  relations  of 
the  two  may  be  compared  to  those  of  the  "  Sowdone  of  Babylone" 
and  "  Sir  Ferumbras."  It  is,  in  fact,  not  a  translation  so  much  as 
an  adaptation  or  reproduction,  the  author  not  considering  himself 
confined  to  a  strict  following  of  his  text,  but  free  to  modify,  add,  or 
omit  at  pleasure.  In  its  opening  it  agrees  with  the  Middlehill  MS. 
of  "  Otinel,"  rather  than  the  Vatican  MS.,  for  while  the  latter  gives 
the  time  of  Otuel's  appearance  as  "  a  Pasques,"  the  former  says  :  "  90 
fu  le  jor  dunt  11  Innocent  sunt."  In  "  Eoland  and  Otuell,"  1.  193,  as 
in  "  Otinel,"  Otuel  agrees  to  surrender  his  sword  to  Eoland ;  but  in 
the  present  version  it  will  be  seen  that  he  indignantly  refuses. 
"  Roland  and  Otuell "  again  omits  the  passage  describing  the  death 
of  Arapater  (Erpater)  at  the  hands  of  Otuel  (see  note  to  1.  1129), 
which  is  briefly  related  in  "Otuel,"  11.  1111—1122.  Nothing  is 
said  in  "  Otuel "  about  Ogier's  reception  and  treatment  by  Clarel's 
mistress,  in  which  "Eoland  and  Otuell"  follows  closely  the  account 
in  "  Otinel,"  and  both  omit  his  torture  by  her  on  hearing  of  the 
death  of  Clarel.  The  positions  of  Eoland  and  Oliver  in  the  episode 
described  in  st.  cxvii  of  "  Eoland  and  Otuell  "  are  reversed  in  "  Otuel," 
U.  1399 — 1416.  Tlie  details  of  the  final  general  engagement  differ 
very  considerably,  but  "  Eoland  and  Otuell  "  follows  "  Otinel  "  more 
closely  than  does  "  Otuel."  It  appears  then,  on  the  whole,  that 
"  Eoland  and  Otuell "  is  a  tolerably  close  translation  of  a  French 
version  of  "  Otinel,"  which  was  not,  however,  identical  with  the 
"Otinel,"  edited  by  MM.  Guessard  and  Michelant,  while  "Otuel" 
is  a  free  adaptation  or  reproduction  of  another  version,  differing  in 
some  minor  details,  but  how  far  it  is  impossible  to  say,  owing  to  the 
loose  open  manner  in  which  the  author  of  the  English  poem  has 
treated  his  subject.  In  1.  706  he  refers  to  "romaunse"  as  his  authority, 
but  this  may  be  simply  for  the  purpose  of  gaining  credit  for  his  work. 

The  following  are  the  principal  dialectal  peculiarities  of  "Eoland 
and  Vernagu"  and  "Otuel." 


XIV  INTRODUCTION. 

In  the  former  the  pronouns  are — 

S.                                       '  P. 

12                    3  12  3 

X  I  y  ich.         )50U.  lie  liye  (IIG)  it,  we.         30.         he  (70)  fai. 

G  mi  mill.        J)i.  his.  her. 

J)  me.  him. 

A  me.                J?e.  him  it.  39.         hem. 

Ichadel  (768)  and  ich  (208,  286)  =  same,  very,  are  noticeable. 

The  genitives  of  nouns  end  in  -es,  except  pin  (396) :  lointer  (5) 
is  plural  as  in  A.S.,  and  so  also  ni-^t  (366,  389). 

In  verbs  the  infinitive  ends  in  -en,  but  the  n  is  generally  dropped. 
"We  have  resten,  gon,  hen  (and  also  he),  slen.  Three  times  we  have 
au  ending  in  -?/  or  -i,  answereij  (764),  precliy  (156),  send  (358)  :  yse 
occurs  once  (789). 

'  In  the  present  indicative  we  have  one  instance,  woni  (166),  of  an 
ending  in  -i.  In  the  second  person  singular  we  have  coined  (162) 
and  winnes  (164)  :  the  ending  in  the  third  person  singular  is  -ih,  and 
with  one  exception,  don  (202),  the  same  ending  is  used  throughout 
in  the  plural. 

Bit  for  hiddeth  occurs  once  (56),  and  we  have  instances  of  the 
coalescence  of  the  first  personal  pronoun  with  the  verbs,  idiot  (767), 
ichil  (2,  430),  and  ichaue  (396,  732) ;  the  second  personal  pronoun  is 
frequently  attached  to  the  verb,  as  liadestow  (514),  astow  (781). 
In  the  preterite  the  plural  ending  is  -en,  but  the  n  is  generally 
omitted. 

The  plural  imperative  ends  in  -e\).  Only  one  present  participle 
occurs,  slepeand  (623). 

In  the  past  participles  the  ending  of  weak  verbs  is  t,  of  the 
strong  verbs  -en,  but  the  n  is  sometimes  omitted.  The  prefix  i-  or  y- 
(A.S.  ge)  is  generally  used:  thus  we  have  y-meten,  y-schapen,  y-sen, 
y-hore,  and  y-horn,  y-founde,  y-corn,  y-lievd :  forlore  and  forlorn  also 
occur. 

Of  inflections  of  the  article  we  have  one  instance,  "  ]ian  Jjridde 
day"  (691),  which  survived  perhaps  as  a  kind  of  formula:  "jse 
nende"  occurs  in  L  389,  and  "  jje  neue  "  in  1.  581. 

In  "  Otuel "  the  following  forms  occur  in  the  pronouns  : — 


INTRODUCTION.  XV 

S.  P. 

1                 2  3  12             3 

N  i,  ich,  ihc.  Jjou,  Jjou.  He,  ho  (1097),     we.   30.         pel. 

30(1001). 

G  mi,  min,  pi,  pin  his,  hise.                      joure.  here, hare  (1078). 

myn 

D  me.  pe.  him.                                          ham  (918),  hem. 

A  me.  Jje,  te.  him.                      us.  30U.      hem,ham  (1660). 

Hit  is  used  (103,  384)  referring  to  masculine  nouns,  as  in  "  Sir 
Ferumbras"  :  beie  for  both  occurs  once  (529). 

In  verbs  the  ending  of  the  infinitive  is  generally  -en,  but  the  -71 
is  at  times  omitted  :  thus  we  have  hahhen,  hahhe,  and  haaen,  gon  and 
go,  sene,  seen  and  se,  slen  and  de,  hen  and  be,  &c. 

In  the  present  indicative  the  second  person  singular  ends  in  -est, 
but  once  we  have  tou  wille :  the  third  person  singular  ends  in  -ep. 

In  the  plural  the  first  and  third  persons  end  in  -en,  the  -n  being 
sometimes  omitted. 

The  second  person  ends  in  -ep,  except  in  1.  2,  where  we  have 
toillen,  and  in  1.  613,  where  we  have  liahben.  The  termination  is 
omitted  in  IL  614  and  979. 

Rit  for  rideth,  halt  for  holdeth,  and  hytit  for  hetideth,  occur  once 
each.  There  is  no  instance  of  this  coalescence  of  the  first  personal 
pronoun  wdth  the  verb,  but  the  second  is  sometimes  found  attached 
on  to  its  verb  as  dostoii,  and  the  third  in  one  instance,  taket  (210). 

In  the  preterite  the  second  person  singular  ends  in  -est,  and  the 
third  person  plural  in  -en,  the  n  as  usual  being  frequently  omitted. 

The  plural  imperative  ends  in  -ep. 

The  present  participle  ends  in  -ing  or  ->/ng,  except  in  one  instance, 
Jleinde  (1460). 

The  past  participles  of  the  weak  verbs  end  in  -t,  of  the  strong  in 
-en,  the  -n  being  frequently  omitted.  The  prefix  i-  or  y-  is  omitted 
as  often  as  it  is  used  :  thus  we  have  i-comen,  comen,  and  come,  i-he  and 
ben,  y-gon,  gon,  and  go  (1012).  We  find  also  lorn,  i-loren,  and  lose 
(1398). 

The  following  instances  of  plurals  of  nouns  in  -n  occur  :  foon  (64), 
honde.n  (174),  sinnen  (394),  gamen  (710),  steeden  (1007),  and  eien 
(1100)  :  hond  occurs  in  1.  916. 


XVI  INTRODUCTION. 

The  verbs  have,  will,  wid,  and  be  have  negative  forms  :  nist, 
nult,  nold,  nas,  nelle,  nere,  7iis,  nahbe,  &c. 

Adverbs  in  -Iche  occur  in  11.  34G,  365,  5o9-G0  and  1158,  &c. 

In  11.  317  and  1528  we  have  perhaps  an  instance  of  the  tendency 
to  drop  the  t  of  the  second  person  of  verbs  which  is  frequent  in  the 
"  Bestiary"  and  "  Genesis  and  Exodus."  (See  Dr.  Morris'  Introd.  to 
the  latter,  p.  xviii.) 

The  use  of  m  for  /,  as  hul  for  hill,  whuche  for  which,  il'c,  is  not 
uncommon. 

A  consideration  of  these  forms  and  peculiarities  leads  to  the  con- 
clusion that  the  poems  were  written  by  an  East-lNIidland  scribe,  who 
from  some  reason  or  other  Avas  acquainted  with  Southern  literature. 

"With  regard  to  the  date  of  composition  of  the  poems  the 
Auchinleck  MS.,  from  which  they  are  here  reprinted,  is  generally 
ascribed  to  c.  1330  a.  d.  ;  but,  were  such  not  the  case,  so  far  as 
"  Eoland  and  Yernagu "  and  "  Otuel "  are  concerned  I  should  feel 
disposed  to  assign  a  somewhat  later  date. 

I  am  indebted  to  Dr.  Murray  for  the  collation  of  "  Eauf  Coil3ear  " 
with  the  original,  and  also  for  numerous  hints  and  suggestions  as  to 
the  poem,  and  to  Mr.  Furuivall  for  information  as  to  John  de  Eeeue. 

Finchley,  N. 

Christmas,  1882. 


xvu 


APPENDIX. 

DE  BELLO   FERRACUTI   GIGANTIS,  ET  DE 
OPTIMA   DISPUTATIONE   ROLANDI.i 

Statimvero    iiunciatum    est    Carolo,    quod    apud  News  hiivinu 

.  .  reached  Charles 

Nageram,  Gigas  nomine  Ferracutus,  qui  fuit  de  genere  that  Ferragus, 

,  .        ^       .  ....    a  Saracen  giant, 

Goliad,  aduenerat    de    oris    Syrite,   qnem  cum  viginti  wasatNagera 

millibus  Turcorum  Babylonis  Admiraldus  ad  bellandum  FJ.endfknfght' to 

Carolum  regem  niiserat.    Hie  vero  lanceam  aut  sagittam  '"'^'*'  ''''"''"'*' 

aiit  spatham  non  formidabat,  vim  quadraginta  fortium 

possidebat.     Quapropter  Carolus   ilico  Nageram  adit, 

Mox  vt  eiiis  aduentum  Ferracutus  agnouit,  egressus  ab 

vrbe,  singulare  certamen,  scilicet  vnum  militem  contra 

alteram,  petiit.     Tunc  mittitur  ei    i)iimum    a    Carolo 

Ogerius  Dacus  :  quem  mox  vt  solum  Gigas  in  campo  ogior  is  first  sent 

against  liira. 

aspexit,  suauiter  iuxta  ilium  vadit,  et  ilico  eum  bracnio 
dextro  cum  omnibus  suis  armis  amplexatus  est,  et 
deportans  ilium,  cunctis  videntibus.  in  oppidum  suum 
leuiter,   quasi   esset    vna   mitissima   ouis.     Erat    enim  But  the  sar.a<-en 

lifts  liim  easily 

statura  eius  quasi  cubitis  duodecim,  et  facies  eius  longa  with  one  iiami 

and  carries  liiiu 

quasi  vnius  cubiti,  et  nasus  illius  vnius  palmi  mensurati,  off. 

et  brachia  et  crura  eius  quatuor  cubitorum  erant,  et  digiti 

eius  tribus  palmis.     Deinde  niisit  ad  eum  causa  bel-  Then  Rainahi  is 

"  sent,  but  he  too 

landi  Carolus  Rainaldum  de  Alba  Spina,  et  gigas  detulit  meets  with  tiie 

same  fate, 

ilium  solo  bracbio  illico  in  carcerem  oppidi  sui.    Deinde  as  also  do 

.  Constantine  and 

mittitur  Constantinus  rex  Roraanus  et  Olivenus  comes,  oiiver,  wiiom 

'  De  Vita  Caroli  ]Magni  et  Rolandi  Historia  Joanni  Turpino, 
Archiepiscopo  Ramensi  vulgo,  tributa.  Ed.  A.  Sebastiauo 
Ciarapi.     Florence,  1822,  ch.  xviii,  pp.  39-49. 

CHARL.  ROM.   Vll.  b 


Xviii  APPENDIX. 

Fcrragus  carries     et  ipsos  simul,  viuiiu  ad  dexterain,  et  alium  ad  Iteuam, 

off,  one  ill  each         .  i         m         -r-v    •      i  -^i.       j.  •    ■    j.- 

),,„„i.  Ill  carcerem  retrusit.     Dcinde  mittuntur  vigmti  pugna- 

Je"e'n  in'lwiis,  tores,  scilicet  duo  insimul  separatim,  et  illos,  similiter 
rr.^uirso'tiT;aair  carcere  niancipauit.  His  itaque  inspectis,  Carolus, 
aieafraiaotthe     cuiictis   iiisuper  admiraiitibus,  neminem   postea  ausus 

Saracen.  ^  '  -^ 

At  last  Roland       est  mittcrc    ad  expugnandum  eum.     Rolandus  taraen 

cliallenges  him,  .  ,.  .        x  -l         ^     n-  l 

but  Ferragns  lifis    vix  inipctrata   licentia   a   rege,    accessit    ad  bigantem 

saddle.'  °  "^        bellatorem.     At  ipse  Gigas  rapuit  eum  sola  manu  dex- 

tera,  et  misit  eum  ante  se  super  equum  suum.     Cumque 

Roland  catches      illum    porturc't   versus  oppiduui,   Eolandus,    resumptis 

him  by  the  chin,  _  .  ,      •        -r^         •  n  •        -i 

and  they  both        viriLus  suis,  et  lu  Domuio  coiitisus  ampuit  eum  per 

mentum,  et  statim  euertit  eum  retro  super  equum,  et 

ceciderunt  ambo  simul  de  equo  prostrati  solo  :  statim- 

They  mount  que  eleuautur  k  terra  ambo  pariter,  et  ascenderunt  equos. 

begin  to  fight.        lllico    Eolandus,    spatha   propria  euaginata,  Gigantem 

Roland  occidere    putans,    equum    eius    solo  ictu   per   medium 

Feiragus-  horse,     trucidauit.     Cumque  Ferracutus  pedes  esset,  spathamque 

euaginatara  manu  tenens    ei   nimias   minas  intulisset, 

Rolandus  sua  spatlia  in  brachio,  quo    spatham    suam 

Gigas   tenebat,  ilium  percussit,  et  minime   eum  laesit, 

.ind  aftern-ards       sed  spatham  eius  6  manu  excussit.     Tunc  Ferracutus 

knocks  his  sword        ,     , .  .  .  ,  i  -r>    i         i 

out  of  his  hand,  gladio  amisso,  percutere  putans  pugno  clauso  Kolandum, 
Ferragus  with  his  eius    equum   in   fronte    percussit,   et   lajsit,    et    statim 

fist  lulls  Roland's  ....  -r-v-  ■  IT-  i.  Tj- 

i,oi.se,  equus    obut.     Denique    sine  gladiis   et    pedites  vsque 

and  they  fight  on    ad  nonam  pugnis  et  lapidibus  debellarunt.     Die  vero 

aduesperascente  impetravit  trebas  Ferracutus  a  Rolando 
when  they  leave  vsque  In  crastinum.  Tunc  disposuerunt  inter  se,  vt  die 
res'ume^Te"duei  crastiiia  ill  bello  siiie  equis  et  lanceis  ambo  conuenirent, 
next  day.  ^^   coiicessa  pugua  ex   vtraque  parte,  vnusquisque  ad 

Next  morning  pi'opiium  remeauit  liospitium.  Crastina'  vero  die, 
Fe^rra'^uf armed  sumiiio  diluculo  separatim  vcnerunt  pedites  in  canipo 
IVid^Roirild  with  bclli,  sicut  disposituiii  fuerat :  Ferracutus  tamen  secum 
ajo^ig,  crooked      ^ttulit    spatliam,   sed    nihil    ei    valuit,  quia    Rolandus 

baculum  quemdam  retortum  et  longum^  secum  detulit, 

^    Ed.  lii;nuui 


EXTRACT    FROM    TUIU'IN  S    HISTORY    OF    CBAPJ.KS.  XIX 

cum  quo  tota  die  ilhiiu  percussit,  et  minimi  Ife^it  enm. 

Percussit  et  eum  cum  niagnis  et  rotundis  lapidibus,  qui  Roiami  attneks 

the  Sai'ai'L-H  with 

in  campo  alnmdantes  erant,  Vt^que  ad  meridiem,   illo  bis  stones,  hut  to 

no  purpose. 

sjepe  consentiente,  sed  eum  nullo  modo  lajdere  potuit. 

Tunc  impetratis  a  Eolando  trebis,   Ferracutus   somno  At  noon  Fcn-agus 

is  drowsy, 

prajgrauatus    coepit    dormire  :    Rolandus  ver6,   vt    erat  aua  Rdmui  lets 

.    .     ,       .  T  T  .  T,  .  liii'i  liave  a  sleep, 

luuenis  alacer,  misit  lapidem  ad  caput  eius,  vt  libentius  piaein-  a  stone 

dormiret.     JSTullus  enim  Cliristianorum  ilium  tunc  occi- 

dere  audebat,  nee  ipse  IJolandus  ;  nam  talis  erat  inter  eos 

institutio,  quod  si  Cliristianus  Saraceno,  vel  Saracenus 

Chrisliano    daret  trebam,   nullus  ei   iniuriam   faceret ; 

et  si  aliquis  trebam  datam  ante  diffidentiam  frangeret, 

statim  interficeretur.      Ferracutus  itaque  postquani  satis  when  he  wakes 

U])  Fenaijus  tells 

dormiuit  euigilauit,   et   sedit  iuxta  eum   Rolandus,   et  Roiaud  that  he 

...  .        can  be  woiuuled 

ccepit  eum  mterrogare,  qualiter  ita  lortissimus  et  duns-  ouiy  in  the  navel : 
simus  habebatur,   qui   avt  gladium  aut  baculum   non 
formidabat.    Per  nullum  locum  Vulnerari,  inquit  Gigas,  and  afterwards 

asks  him  his 

possum  nisi  per  vmbilicum.     Loquebatur  ipse  lingua  name  and  family. 

Hispanica,    quam    Eolandus    satis    intelligebat.      Tunc 

Gigas  coepit  Eolandum  adspicere  et  interrogare  eum, 

dicens  :  "Tu  autem  quomodo  vocarisl  "     "  Eolandus," 

inquit,  "  vocor."     "Cuius  generis,"  inquit  Gigas,  "  es,   Roi.and  s.ays  i-.e  is 

a  Fienohman, 

qui  tani  fortiter  me  expugnas  1 '      "  Francorum  genere  and  Fenagus 

.  !>        »      T-i  •         ^'''^'^  what  is  the 

orumdus,    mquit  riolandus,  '  sum.      At  J^erracutus  ait :  tuith  of  tiie 

"Cuius  legis  sunt   Francil"     Et  Eolandus:   "  Chris- 

tianse    legis    Dei    gratia    sumus,    et    Cliristi    imperils  Roland  says  thoy 

are  Christians. 

subiacemus,  et  pro  eius  fide  in  quantum  possuraus, 
decertamus."  Tunc  jiaganus  audito  Cliristi  nomine 
ait:    "  Quis   est  ille   Cliri.stus,   in  queni    crodis  T'     Et  "Whoisciuist:-" 

.  .  .  .       .  asks  Ferragus. 

Eolandus, '' Films  Dei  Patris,    mquit,  "qui  ex  virgme  Roland  says, 

nascitur,  cruce  patitur,  sepulchro  sepelitur,  et  ab  infcris  who  was' bo™  oi' a 

tertia  die  resuscitatur,  et  ad  Dei  Patris  dexteram  super  u"e"e'ross'rand' 

coelos  regreditur."     Tunc  Ferracutus,  "  Nos  credimus,"  !|s,.e,ui'e,i  hito 

inquit,  "quia  creator  coeli  et  terra3  vnus  est  Deus,  nee  ll'jj^f'.'.'j.^^., 

filium  habuit  nee  patrem  :  scilicet  sicut  a  nullo  geiier-  Fei"s"s,"Ood  is 

•■^  °  one.  how  tlien  ran 

atur,  ita  neminem  genuit  :  Ergo  vnus  est   Deu.=:,  non  iiei^eU'ree:-'" 

h  2 


XX 


AITKNinX. 


Rol;uul  says,  " 
is  One  God  ill 
Three  Persons 


He 


"Then,"  says 
Ferras;us,  "  there 
must  be  three 
Gods,  not  one 
God." 

"  No,"  says 
Roland,  "  thongli 
there  are  three 
coeternal  and 
coequal  persons 
in  tlie  Tiinity, 
tliere  is  but  one 
God. 


As  in  a  harp 
when  played  are 
three  tilings, 
skill,  strings,  and 
the  hand,  and  yet 
there  is  but  one 
liarp : 

and  as  in  the  sun 
are  three  things, 
heat,  brightness, 
and  whiteness, 
and  yet  only  one 
sun, 


so  in  God  are 
three  persons,  but 
one  God." 
"Now  I  under- 
stand," says 
Ferr.igus,  "but 
how  could  God  be 
born  ?  " 
"As  Adam," 
replies  Roland, 
"was  born  of 
none,  so  the  Son 
of  God  was  born 
of  none,  but 
begotten  by  God 
himself." 


triuus."  "Verum  dicis,"  inquit  Eolandus,  "quia  vnus 
est:  sed  cum  dicis,  Triuus  nou  est,  in  fide  claudicas. 
Si  crcdis  in  Patrem,  crede  et  in  Filio  eius,  et  in  Spiritu 
sancto.  Ipse  enim  Dcus  et  Pater,  Filius,  et  Spiritus 
sanctus  est,  vnus  Dens  pernianens  in  tribus  personis." 
"Si  Patrem,"  inquit  Ferracutus,  "dicis  esse  Deum, 
Filium  Deum,  Spiiitum  sanctum  Deum  :  ergo  tres  Dii 
sunt,  quod  absit,  et  non  vnus  Deus."  "  jSTequaquam," 
inquit  Eolandus,  "  sed  vnum  Deum  et  trinum  prsedico 
tibi,  et  vnus  est,  et  trinus  est.  Totse  tres  personse 
coseternae  sibi  sunt  et  copequales.  Qualis  Pater,  talis 
Filius,  talis  Spiritus  sanctus  ;  in  personis  est  proprietas, 
in  essentia  est  vnitas,  et  in  niaiestate  adoratur  sequali- 
tas.  Trinum  Deum  et  vnum  angeli  adorant  in  coelis. 
Et  Abraham  tres  vidit,  et  vnum  adorauit."  "  Hoc 
ostende,"  inquit  Gigas,  "  qualiter  tria  vnum  sint." 
"  Ostendam  etiam  tibi,"  inquit  Eolandus,  "  per  humanas 
creaturas :  Sicut  in  citliara,  cum  sonat,  tria  sunt,  ars 
scilicet,  cliordje,  et  manus,  et  vna  cithara  est;  sic  in 
Deo  tria  sunt.  Pater,  et  Filius,  et  Spiritus  sanctus,  et 
vnus  est  Deus.  Et  sicut  in  amygdala  tria  sunt,  corium 
scilicet,  nucleus,  et  testa,  et  vna  tamen  amygdala  est : 
sic  tres  personse  in  Deo  sunt,  et  vnus  Deus  est.  In  sole 
tria  sun.t,  candor,  splendor,  et  calor,  et  tamen  vnus  sol 
est.  In  rota  plaustri  tria  sunt,  medium  scilicet,  bracliia, 
et  circulus,  et  tamen  vna  rota  est.  In  temetipso  tria 
sunt,  corpus  scilicet,  membra,  et  anima,  et  tamen  vnus 
homo  es.  Sic  in  Deo  et  vnitas  et  trinitas  esse  per- 
hibentur."  "  N"unc,"  Ferracutus  inquit,  "  trinum  Deum 
et  vnum  esse  intelligo  :  sed  qualiter  Pater  Filium 
genuit,  ut  asseris,  ignoro."  "  Credis,"  inquit  Eolandus. 
"quod  Deus  Adam  fecit  1"  "Credo,"  inquit  Gigas. 
"  Quemadmodum,"  inquit  Eolandus,  "  Adam  a  nullo 
generatus  est,  tamen  filios  genuit :  sic  Deus  Pater  a 
nullo  generatus  est,  tamen  Filium  ineffabiliter  ante 
omnia  tempora  diuinitus,  prout  voluit,  genuit  a  semet- 


F,XTR\f'T    FROM    TUUPIN'S    HISTORY    OF    OIIARI.RS.  XXI 

ipso."     Et  Gii^as,  "Placent,"  iii(|uit,  "  niihi  quae  rlicis,  •■  Rut  how  conW 

^  .  God  become 

sed  qualiter  homo  effectus  est  qui  Deus  erat,  penitus  man,"  asUs 

Ferragus,  "  and 

ignoro."  "  lUe,"  inquit  Rolandus,  "  qui  coelum  et  terram  be  b„iM  of  a 
et  omnia  creauit  ex  nihilo,  ipse  fecit  humanari  Filium  in 
virgine  sine  seniine  humano,  spiramine  sacro  suo." 
"In  hoc,"  inquit  Gigas,  "lalioro  qualiter  sine  humano 
seniine,  vt  asseris,  uascitur  de  virginis  vtero."  Et 
Eolandus  ait:  "Deus  qui  Adam'  sine  semine  alterius  "God,"  replies 

.     .  Roland,  "  wlio 

formauit,  ipse    Filium   suum  sine  semine  hommis   de  created  Adam  of 

„      .  .  1      -rx         -n    i  -i.  •  notliinff,  could 

virgme  nasci  fecit,  et  sicut  de  JJeo  ir'atre  nascitur  sme  easily  cause  his 

,  .  ,  rri   T      Son  to  be  born  of 

matre,  sic  ex  matre  nascitur  sine  nomine  patre.      ialis  a  virgin,  for  sucii 

-         ,  .  -i-N  )i        >i-\T  1  T     )i     •  'J.     rf  ought  to  be  tlie 

eniin    decet   partus    Deum."     •' Valde,     mquit   Gigas,  i,ufth  of  God.- 

"  erubesco,  quoniodo  virgo  sine  homine  genuit."    "  Ille," 

inquit  Eolandus,  "qui  fabse  gurguglionem  et  arboris 

et  glisci    facit   gignere    vermem,   et    multos   pisces   et 

vultures,  et  apes  et  serpentes,  sine  masculo  semine  facit 

parere   prolem,    ipse    virginem   intactam  absque  virili 

semine  facit  gignere  Deum  et  hominem.      Qui  primum 

hominem  sine  alterius  semine,  vt  dixi,  fecit,  facile  potuit 

facere,  vt  Filius^  homo  factus  de  virgine  sine  masculo 

concubitu    nasceretur."       "Bene,"    inquit   Ferracutus,  "This may weii 

be,"  says 

"  potest  esse,  quod  de  virgine  natus  fuerit :  sed  si  Filius  Ferragus,  "but 

how  could  God 

Dei  fuit,  nuUatenus,  vt  asseris,  m  cruce  mori  potuit.  die?" 
Nasci,  vt  dicis,   potuit,  sed  si  Deus   fuit,  nequaquam  "in  that  he  was 

I J    bnrn  man  he 

mori  potuit ;  Deus  enim  nunquam  moritur.'       "Bene,     could  die,"  replies 

.     ,         .      .  •  .     -^     Roland. 

inquit  Eolandus,  "  dixisti,  qui  de  virgme  nasci  potuit, 
ecce  verus  homo  natus  fuit.  Sed  quia  natus  est  vt 
homo,  igitur  mortuus  est  vt  homo,  quia  qui  nascitur, 
moritur.  Si  credis  natiuitati,  igitur  crede  passioni, 
simul   et    resurrectioni."      "  Quomodo,"   inquit   Ferra-  "But  how  could 

he  rise  again 

cutus,  "  credendum  est  resurrectioni  ]  "     "  Quia,"  inquit  from  ,\enih  ? " 

asks  Ferragus. 

Eolandus,  "  qui  nascitur,  moritur ;  et  qui  moritur,  tertia 

die   viuiticatur,"     Tunc    Gigas,  audito    verbo,   miratus  "Not  only  ue," 

says  Koiand, 

est  multum,  dixitque  ei,  "  Eolande  cur  tot  verba  inania 


Ed.  Filium 


XXU  ArPENDIX. 

"but  also  all  t)ie    pvofci's  ?     Iiiipossibile    cst,    vt    lioiuo   mortuus,   deiiuo 

de:ni  from  the  .  i  n    •  •       t->    t         i 

bPi;iiinin,<,'oithe     ad  vitaiii  rcsurgat.        "iSou  solum,    mquit  Kolandus, 

world  must  rise        ,,t\    ■     t■^■  '  i.-  -t  *-• 

aii.i  loceive  the  Dci  luiiis  a  iiiortuis  resuiTexit,  verum  etiain  oinnes 
deeas,\viictiier  homiuGS  qui  I'uere  ab  initio  vsque  ad  linem,  sunt  rusur- 
goot  01   .u.  recturi  ante  eius  tribunal  ct  acccpturi  nifn-itorum  suorum 

stipendia,  prout  gessit  vnusquisque  sine    bonuni,  sine 
As  the  grain  of      malum.     Ipse  Deus  (|ui  niodicaui  arborem  in  sublime 

Corp.  dies  and  n      •  ■  • 

rises  again  as         cresccrs  fecifc,   st  grauuui    frumenti  mortuum  in  terra 

wheat,  so  all  must  ,       n     ,  •     ■  £        i.- a  i"      -j. 

rise  again  fiom  putreiactum  reuiuiscere,  crescere  ac  iructiricare  lacit, 
ille  cunctos  propria  carne  et  spiritu  de  morte  ad  vitam 
resuscitare  in  die  nouissimo  faciet.      Leonis  mysticam 

Does  not  the  lion    tibi  adsuuiG.     Si  die  tertio   leo    catulos   suos  mortuos 

bring  its  dead  iit  ..i  •  ^  •         •  •      t\  -r> 

whelps  to  liie         hanlielitu   sue   vmincat,  quid   ruiraris    si    Deus   rater, 

breath,  Filiuni    suuni    die    tertia    a  mortuis  resuscitauit  1    nee 

iiouum  tibi  debet  videri,  si  Dei  Filius  ad  vitam  rediit, 

cum  multi  mortui  ante   eius  resurrectionem  ad  vitam 

and  did  not  lediissent.     Si  Helias  et  Elisseus  facilfe  defimctos  resus- 

Elijah  and  Elisha  -r->  i  •  •         • 

raise  many  from     citaverunt,  facilius  Deus  Pater  Filium  resuscitauit :  et 

the  dead  ?     How       .  . 

easy  then  for  God  ipse  qui  mortuos  pluves  autc  resuirectionem  siiam  susci- 

Son?"  tavit  facile  a  mortuis  resnrrexit,  et  k  morte  nuUateniis 

teneri  potuit,  ante  cuius  conspectum  mors  ipsa  fugit,  ad 

cuius  vocem   mortuorum    pbalanx   resnrrexit."     Tunc 

"Yes,"  says  Ferracutus,  "satis,"  inquit,  "cerno  qupe  dicis,  sed  qualiter 

Ferragus,  "  but  .  -, .     .      .  .  ,,        n  ^^^     ii 

how  could  he  coelos  penctrauit,  vt  dixisti,  prorsus  ignoro.  ilie, 

heav"li?''  inquit  Rolandus,  "  qui  de  coelis  descendit,  polos  facile 

dowVfr'oln'^'"*  asccudit :  qui   facile   per  senietipsura  resnrrexit,  facile 

KoUn'd""'^^ouw  Pol^s  penetrauit.     Exempla  multarum   rerum    tibi  as- 

easiiy  return  sumc :    vide    rotam    molendini    quantum    ad   ima   de 

thitlier.  ■■■ 

supernis    descendit,    tantum    de    infiniis    ad    sublimia 
ascendit.     Auis  volans  in  acre  quantum  ascendit,  tan- 
As  the  sun  sets  in  tum  desdfendit.     Tii  ipse,  si  forte  de  quodam  descend- 

the  west  and  rises  t      • 

again  in  the  isd  luoiite,  bene  potes  iterum  redire  vnde  descendisti. 

Sol  ab  Oriente  lieri  surrexit,  et  ad  Occidentem  occubuit, 
hodie  in  eodem  loco  surrexit.     Vnde  ergo  filius  Dei 

"Now,"  says         vcuit,  illuc  rediit."     "Tali  igitur  pacto,"  inquit  Ferra- 

Ferragus,  "we  .  l    ^  a  i 

will  fight  for  the     cutus,  "  tecuui  puguabo  ;   quod   si  vera  est  lisec   tides 


EXTRACT    FROM    TURPIN's    HISTORY    OF    CHARLES.  Xxiii 

(inam  asscris,   ecro   victus  sun;   et   si  memlax   est,    tu  gioryofour 

^  faiths." 

victus  sis ;  et  sit  gcnti  vict;ie  iugiter  opprobrium, 
victorious  autem  laus  et  decus  in  a3uum."  "  Fiat," 
inquit  Eolandus,  "  ita."     Bellum  ex  vtroque  corrobo-  Roland  attacks 

Fenagus,  who, 

ratur,  et   illico  Eolandus   paganum  aggreditur.     Tunc  with  a  strike  of 

his  swoiil,  cuts 

Ferracutus  eiecit  ictuin  spatha  sua  super  Rolandura,  sed  RoiamVs  staff  in 

.  .        .  two,  and  then 

ipse    Eolandus    saltavit    ad   Iseaam,    et    accepit   ictura  throws  iiim  on 

spathse  in  baculo  suo.     Interea  abscisso  baculo  Eolandi,  faiia  on  iiim. 

irruit  in  eum  ipse  Gigas,  et  ilium  arripiens  leuiter  incli- 

nauit  subter  se  ad  terram.     Statitn  agnouit  Eolandus, 

quod  tunc  nullo  modo  euadere  poterat,  coepit  igitur  im-  Roland  prays  for 

help  to  God,  ami, 

plorare  auxilium  filiuiu  beatse  Marise  semper  virginis,  et  contriving  to  turn 

.  .  himself,  stabs 

erexit  se  Deo  iuuante  paulatim,  et  reuoluit  eura  subter  se,  Ferragus  in  tiie 

.  navel  and  escapes. 

et  adiunxit  manum  suam  ad  niucronem  eiu?  et  punxit 
eius  parumper  per  vmbilicum,  et  euasit  ab  eo.  Tunc 
excelsa  voce  coepit  Deum  suam  Gigas  inuocare,  dicens  : 
"jMahumet,    Mabumet,    Deus    meus,    succurre    mibi,  Tiie  sarnren 

calls  on  liis  gods 

quia  morior  !     Et  statim  ad  banc  vocem  concurrentcs  for  help, 

-'■  _  _  and  his  country- 

Saraceni  rapuerunt  eum,  portantes  manibus  suis  versus  men  come  out  to 

rescue  him, 

oppidum.    Eolandus  vero  iam  incolumis  ad  suos  redierat.  but  tiicy  are 

attacked  by  the 

Illico  Cliristiani  Saracenos  qui  Ferracutum  deferebant  cinistians'and 

.     .  defeated,  and  the 

in   oppidum,  quod  erat    super  vrbem   ingenti   impetu  city  taken, 
ingrediuntur.     Sicque  Gigas  perimitur,  vrl)s  et  castra 
capiuntur,^  et  pugnatores  a  carcere  eripiuntur, 

•    I  Ell.  urbem  et  castrum  capitiir. 


3^4  ^o\l3tn\. 


CHARL.   ROM,   VII.  B 


The  Taill  of 
RAUF     COIL^EAR. 


lu  the  cheiftyme  of  Chaiiis,  that  chosiii  Chiftane,  in  the  reign  of 

mi     •     p  1  p  p  Charles  [the 

Thair  fell  ane  ferlyfull  flan  withiu  thay  fellis  wide,     Great], 
Quhair  Empreouris  and  Erlis  and  vther  mony  ane 

Turnit  fra  Sanct  Thomas  befoir  the  jule  tyde. 
Thay  jjast  vnto  Paris,  thay  proudest  in  pane,  5 

With  mony  Prelatis  &  Princis,  that  was  of  melde  Ue  and  his  retinue 
pryde ; 
All  thay  went  with  the  king  to  his  worthy  wane, 

Ouir  the  feildis  sa  fair  thay  fare  be  his  syde. 
All  the  worthiest  went  in  the  morning ; 

Baith  Dukis  and  Duchepeiris,  10 

Barrounis  and  Bacheleiris, 
Mony  stout  man  steiris 
Of  town  with  the  King. 


rode  out  into  tlie 
country. 


they  were  over- 
taken 


And  as  that  Ryall  raid  ouir  the  rude  mure,  On  the  wUd  moor 

Him  betyde  ane  tempest  that  tyme,  hard  I  tell,     15 

The  wind  blew  out  of  the  Eist  stiflie  and  sture. 
The  deip  durandlie  draif  in  mony  deip  dell ; 

Sa  feirslie  fra  the  Firmament,  sa  fellounlie  it  fure 
Thair  micht  na  folk  hald  na  fute  on  the  heich  fell 

In  point  thay  war  to  parische,  thay  proudest  men  and  hy  a  fearful 

tempest, 

pure,  20 

In  thay  wickit  wedderis  thair  wist  nane  to  dwell. 
Amang  thay  myrk  Montanis  sa  madlie  thay  mer. 
Be  it  was  pryme  of  the  day, 
Sa  wonder  hard  fure  thay 
That  ilk  ane  tuik  ane  seir  way, 
And  sperpellil  full  fer. 


which  dispersed 
them 


25    hi  all  direotloni. 


B  2 


UAUF    COIL3EAK. 


The  King  wont 
astray. 


no  one  knew 
whillier ; 


he  wandered  over 
the  mountains, 
[A  ij,  back] 


till  it  drew  near 
night. 


iLliaud  wedJeris  uf  tliL'  eist  draif  on  sa  fast, 

It  all  to-blaisterit  and  blew  that  thairin  Laid. 
Be  thay  disseuerit  siudrie,  niidmorne  was  past ; 

Tliair  Avist  na  Kuiclit  of  tliQ  Court  quhat  way  tha 
King  raid.  30 

He  saw  thair  was  na  Letter  bot  God  at  the  last, 
His  steid  aganis  tlie  stornie  staluartlie  straid ; 
He  Cachit  fra  the  Court,  sic  was  his  awin  cast, 

Quhair  na  body  was  him  about,  be  hue  mylis  braid. 
In  thay  Montauis,  I-wis,  he  wox  all  will,  35 

In  wickit  wedderis  and  wicht, 
Aniang  thay  Montanis  on  hicht : 
Be  that  it  drew  to  the  nicht 
Tlie  Kyng  lykit  ill. 


In  this  evil  plight 


he  meets  a  churl, 
witli  a  mare 
bearing  two 
paniers. 


whom  he  accosts 
and  learns  that  he 
is  Rauf  the  Collier 


who  lived  some 
seven  miles  off. 


44 


Euill  lykand  was  the  Kyng  it  nichtit  him  sa  lait,      40 

And  he  na  harberie  had  for  his  behufe ; 
Sa  come  thair  ane  cant  Carll  chachand  the  gait. 

With  ane  Capill  and  twa  Creillis  cuplit  abufe. 
The  King  carpit  to  the  Carll  withouten  debait, 

"  Schir,  tell  me  thy  richt  name,  for  the  Eude  lufe  : " 
He  sayis,  "  men  callis  me  Eauf  Coil3ear,  as  I  weill  wait ; 

I  leid  my  life  in  this  land  mith  mekle  vnrufe, 
Baith  tyde  and  tyme,  in  all  my  trauale  ; 
Hine  ouir  seuin  mylis  I  dwell, 
And  leidis  Coilis  to  sell,  50 

Sen  thow  speris,  I  the  tell 
All  the  suith  hale." 


"  Sa  mote  I  thrife,"  said  the  King,  "  I  speir  for  nane  ill ; 

Thow  semis  ane  nobill  fallow,  thy  answer  is  sa  fyne." 

Rauf  is  disposed     "  Forsouth,"  Said  the  Coil3ear,  "  traist  quhen  thow  will, 

e  sur  y,  ^^^  ^  ^^^^^  ^^^^  ^^  ^^  nocht  swa,  sum  part  salbe  thyne." 

but  the  King         "Mary,  God  forbid!"  said  the  King,  "that  war  bot 

deprecates  a  i    ,-n     i  ^^^ 

quarrel,  lytlli  sklil  ] 

Baith  myself  and  my  hors  is  reddy  for  to  tyne  : 


slielter. 


RAUP    COILJEAR.  O 

I  jjray  the,  bring  me  to  sum  rest,  the  woddir  is  sa  schill,  an.i  i)ef;s  Ruuf  to 

coMiiuct  him  to 

For  I  defend  that  we  fall  in  ony  fechtino.  60  some  place  of 

I  had  melcill  mair  nait,  snm  freindschip  to  find  ; 
And  gif  thow  can  better  than  I, 
For  the  name  of  Sanct  luly, 
Thow  bring  me  to  sum  barbery, 

And  leif  me  not  behind  !  "  65 


"  I  wait  na  worthie  harberie  heir  neir-hand 

For  to  serue  sic  ane  man  as  me  think  the  : 
!N"ane  bot  mine  awin  house,  maist  in  this  land,  Rauf  knows  of 

none  but  liis  own 

Fer  furth  in  the  Forest,  amang  the  fellis  liie.  [a  iij] 

With  thy  thow  wald  be  payit  of  sic  as  thow  fand,     70  forest, 
Forsuith  thow  suld  be  wel-cum  to  pas  hame  with  me,  to  which  tiie 

stranger  i3 

Or  ony  vther  gude  fallow  that  I  heir  fand  welcome. 

Walkand  will  of  his  way,  as  me  think  the ; 
For  the  wedderis  ar  sa  fell,  that  fallis  on  the  feild," 

The  King  was  blyth  quhair  he  raid,  75  'fiio  King  eai^eriy 

expresses  liis 

Of  the  grant  that  he  had  maid,  gratitude, 

Say  and,  with  hert  glaid, 
"  Schir,  God  30W  for3eild  ! " 

"  'Na  !  thank  me  not  ouir  airlie,  for  dreid  that  we  threip,  but  is  cut  short 

^     by  Rauf, 

For  I  haue  seruit  the  jit  of  lytill  thing  to  rufe ;      80 
For  nouther  hes  thow  had  of  me  fyre,  drink,  nor  meit,    «i'"  '''>'«  iiim 

wait  till  he  has 

Nor  nane  vther  eismentis  for  trauellouris  beliufe.  cause: 

Bot,  micht  we  bring  this  harberie  this  nicht  weill  to 
help. 

That  we  micht  with  ressoun  baith  thus  excuse, 
To-morne,  on  the  morning,  quhen  thow  sail  on  leip,  85  "Tiiankyou" 

•  1  1  1  T     •  ^^'"  come  more 

Pryse  at  the  parting,  how  that  thow  dois  ;  suitably  when  he 

For  first  to  lofe,  and  syne  to  lak,  Peter !  it  is  schame."  morning. 
The  King  said,  "  in  gud  fay, 
Schir,  it  is  suith  that  je  say." 
Into  sic  talk  fell  thay,  90 

Quhill  tliay  war  ncir  hame. 


RAUF    OOILJEAR. 


Arrived  at  the 
CuUier'8  house, 


he  peremptorily 
summons  his 
wife, 


and  she,  ever  in 
awe  of  the  Cliurl, 


welcomes  them 
both. 


To  tlie  Coiljearis  hous  baith,  or  tliay  wald  blin, 

The  Carll  had  Cunning  weill  quhair  the  gait  lay  : 
"  Vndo  the  dure  beliue  !  Dame,  art  thow  in  ? 

Quhy  Deuill  makis  thow  na  dule  for  this  euill  day  ? 
For  my  Gaist  and  I  baith  cheueris  with  the  chin,      96 

Sa  fell  ane  wedder  feld  I  neuer,  be  my  gude  fay  !  " 
Tlie  gude  wyfe  [was]  glaid  with  the  gle  to  begin — 
For  durst  scho  neuer  sit  summoundis  that  scho  hard 
him  say — 
The  Carll  was  wantou?i  of  word,  and  wox  wonder  wraith. 
All  abaisit  for  blame,  101 

To  the  Dure  went  our  Dame, 
Scho  said,  "  Schir  ^e  ar  welcome  hame, 
And  3our  Gaist  baith." 


[A  iij,  back] 


He  orders  her  to 
kindle  a  noble 
fire. 


and  cook  two 
Capons, 


while  he  sends  the 
horses  to  stable. 


"Dame,  I  haue  deir  coft  all  this  dayis  hyre,  105 

In  wickit  wedderis  and  weit  walkand  full  will ; 
Dame,  kyith  I  am  cu???.min  hame,  and  kendill  on  anc 
fyre; 
I  trow  our  Gaist  be  the  gait  hes  fame  als  ill. 
Ane  Eyall  rufe  het  fyre  war  my  desyre. 

To  fair  the  better,  for  his  saik,  gif  we  micht  win 
thair-till;  110 

Knap  doun  Capounis  of  the  best,  but  in  the  byre, 

Heir  is  bot  hamelie  fair,  do  beliue,  Gill." 
Twa  cant  knaifis  of  his  awin  haistelie  he  bad  : 
"  The  ane  of  30W  my  Capill  ta, 
The  vther  his  Coursour  alswa  ;  115 

To  the  stabill  swyith  36  ga." 
Tha?j  was  the  King  glaid. 


At  the  door  the 
King  stands  to 
let  the  Collier 
pass  first ; 


The  Coiljear  gudlie  in  feir,  tuke  him  be  the  hand, 
And  put  him  befoir  him,  as  ressoun  had  bene  ; 

Quhen  thay  come  to  the  dure,  the  King  begouth  to 
stand,  I'iO 

To  put  the  Coil3ear  in  befoir,  maid  him  to  mene. 


RAUF   COIL3EAR.  7 

He  said,  "  thow  art  vncourtes,  that  sail  I  warrand  !  " 

He  tyt  the  King  be  the  nek,  twa  part  in  tene,  but  Ranf  pushed 

.  liim  in  by  the 

"  Gif  thow  at  bidding  suld  be  boun  or  obey  sand,  neck. 

And  gif  thow  of  Courtasie  couth,  thow  hes  for3et  it 
clene !  125 

ITow  is  anis,"  said  the  Coiljear,  "kynd  aucht  to  ereip,    reproaching  him 

_^  ,,.       .  .  with  his  want  of 

►Sen  ellis  thow  art  vnknawm,  breeding. 

To  mak  me  Lord  of  my  awin  ; 
Sa  mot  I  thriue,  I  am  thrawin, 

Begin  we  to  tlireip."  130 

Than  benwart  thay  3eid,  quhair  brandis  was  bricht,         in  they  go. 

To  ane  bricht  byriiand  fyre,  as  the  Carll  bad. 
He  callit  on  Gyliane  his  wyfe,  thair  Suppei  to  dicht :     an^  ^^^^  c^i's  for 

Supper, 

"  Of  the  best  that  thair  is,  help  that  we  had, 
[ 135 

no  break  in  the  old  edition.'\ 

Eftir  ane  enill  day  to  haue  ane  mirrie  nicht,  af^er  their 

toilsome  journey. 

For  sa  troublit  with  stormis  was  I  neuer  stad. 
Of  ilk  airt  of  the  Eist  sa  laithly  it  laid, 

3it  I  was  mekle  willar  than,  140 

Quhe?^  I  met  with  this  man."  [a  uij] 

Of  sic  taillis  thay  began, 
QuhiU  tliQ  supper  was  graid. 

Sone  was  the  Supper  dicht,  and  the  fyre  bet, 

And  thay  had  weschin,  I-wis,  the  worthiest  was  thair : 
"  Tak  my  wyfe  be  the  hand  in  feir,  withowtin  let,  146  He  orders  his 

guest  to  lead  his 

And  gang  begin  the  buird,"  said  the  Coil3ear.  wife  and  begin 

.  the  board; 

"  That  war  vnsemand,  forsuith,  and  thy  self  vnset : 

The  King  profferit  him  to  gang,  and  maid  ane  strange  when  the  latter 

.  makes  some 

lair,  hesitation, 

"  Now  is  twyse,"  said  the  Carll,  "  me  tliink  thow  hes 
for3et!"  150 

He  leit  gyrd  to  the  King,  withoutin  ony  mair,  the  churi  with  a 

sudden  blow 

And  hit  him  vnder  the  eir  with  his  richt  hand,  under  the  ear 


8 


RAUP   COIL^EAU. 


sends  him  to  the 
floor. 


Quhill  he  stakkerit  tliair  with  all 
Half  the  breid  of  the  hall ; 
He  faind  neuer  of  ane  fall, 
Quhill  he  the  eird  fand. 


155 


Rauf  repeats  his 
order. 


inina!^'"^ ''""'  ^®  ^^^^^  ^^  stoutly  agane— vnsis  micht  he  stand— 
For  anger  of  that  outray  that  he  had  thair  tane. 
He  callit  on  Gyliane  his  wyfe,  "  ga,  tak  him  by  the  hand, 
And  gang  agane  to  the  bnird,  quhair  je  suld  air  haue 
gane."  160 

"  Schir,  thow  art  vnskilfull,  and  that  sail  I  warrand  ; 
Thow  byrd  to  haue  nurtour  aneuch,  and  thow  hes 
nane; 
Thow  hes  walkit,  I  wis,  in  mony  wyld  land, 

The  mair  vertew  thow  suld  haue,  to  keijD  the  fra  blame ! 
Thow    suld   be   courtes   of  kynd,   and   ane   cunnand 
Courteir.  165 

Thocht  that  I  simpill  be, 
Do  as  I  bid  the, 
The  hous  is  myne,  pardie, 
And  all  that  is  heir." 


and  bids  him  do 
as  he  is  bid. 


lie  is  master  of 
his  own  house ! 


The  King  thinks     The  king  said  to  him  self,  "  this  is  ane  euill  Ivfe,    170 

he  was  never  ./      ' 

so  treated :  ^it  "was  I  ueuer  in  my  lyfe  thus-gait  leird ; 

And  I  haue  oft  tymes  bene  quhair  gude  hes  bene  ryfe. 
That  maist  couth  of  courtasie,  in  this  Christin  eird. 
Is  nane  so  gude  as  leif  of,  and  mak  na  mair  stryfe. 
For  I  am  stouischit  at  this  straik,  that  hes  me  thus 
steird."  175 

In  feir  fairlie  he  foundis,  with  the  gude  wyfe, 
Quhair  the  Coiljear  bad,  sa  braithlie  he  beird. 
does  as  he  is  bid,    Quheu  he  had  done  his  bidding,  as  him  gude  thocht, 

Down  he  sat  the  King  neir. 
And  maid  him  glaid  &  gude  cheir,  180 

And  said,  "  ^e  ar  welcum  heir, 
Be  him  fh&t  me  bocht." 


[A  iiij,  back] 


but  in  fear 


which  mollifies 
Raiif. 


RAUP    COIL3EAR. 


9 


cheer 


Q  alien  tliay  war  seruit  and  set  to  the  Suppar,  At  supper 

Gyll  and  the  gentill  King,  Charlis  of  micht, 
Syne  on  the  tother  syde  sat  the  Coil3eai',  185 

Thus  war  thay  marschellit  but  mair,  &  matchit  that 
nicht. 
Thay  brocht  breid  to  the  buird,  and  braun  of  ane  bair,  f'ere  was  good 

And  the  worthyest  wyne,  went  vpon  hicht ; 
Thay  Beirnis,  as  I  wene,  thay  had  aneuch  thair, 

Within  that  burelie  bigging,  byrnand  full  bricht.  190 
Syne  enteris  thair  daynteis,  on  deis  dicht  daj'ntelie ; 
Within  that  worthy  wane 
Forsuith  wantit  thay  nane. 
With  blyith  cheir  sayis  Gyliane, 

"  Schir,  dois  glaidlie."  195 


tliey  wanted  for 
nothing. 


The  Carll  carpit  to  the  King  cumlie  and  cleir  : 

"  Schir,  the  Forestaris,  forsuith,  of  this  Forest, 
Thay  haue  me  all  at  Inuy,  for  dreid  of  the  Deir ; 

Thay  threip  that  I  thring  doun  of  the  fattest. 
Thay  say,  I  sail  to  Paris,  thair  to  conipeir  200 

Befoir  our  cumlie  King,  in  dule  to  be  drest ; 
Sir  manassing  thay  me  mak,  forsuith,  ilk  3eir, 

And  jit  aneuch  sail  I  haue  for  me  and  ane  Gest. 
Thairfoir  sic  as  thow  seis,  spend  on,  and  not  spair." 

Thus  said  gentill  Charlis  the  Mane  205 

To  the  Coiljear  agane  : 
"  The  King  him  self  hes  bene  fane, 
Sum  tyme,  of  sic  fair." 


Rauf  says  the 
King's  foresters 
threaten  liim  on 
account  of  the 
royal  Deer  wliich 
he  kills, 


but  he  will  have 
as  many  as  lie 
wants  in  spite  of 
them. 


Charleniaijne 
remarks  that  the 
King  himself  has 
on  a  time  been 
ghid  of  such 
cheer. 


Of  Capounis  and  Cu?mingis  they  had  plentie, 

With  wyne  at  thair  will,  and  eik  Vennysoun  ;      210  [b  j] 

Byrdis  bakin  in  breid,  the  best  that  may  be ; 

Thus  full  freschlie  thay  fure  into  fusoun. 
The  Carll  with  ane  cleir  voce  carpit  on  he, 

Said,  "Gyll,  lat  the  cop  raik  for  my  bennysoun,         Rauf  bids  ws  wif« 

send  the  Cup 

And  gar  our  Gaist  begin,  and  syne  drink  thow  to  me ;  round.  ^ 


10 


RAUF    COIL3EAR. 


Supper  ended, 


tliey  return  to  the 
fireside. 


Sen  lie  is  ane  stranger,  me  think  it  rcssoun."        216 
Tliey  drank  dreichlie  about,  tliay  wosche  and  thay  rais ; 
The  King  witli  ane  blyith  cheir 
Thankit  the  Coil3eir ; 

Syne  all  the  thro  into  feir  220 

To  the  fyre  gais. 


R:iuf  tells  many 
tales, 


aiul  at  last  asks 
his  guest 
where  he  lives. 


"  With  the 
Queen,"  is  the 
answei'. 


Quhen  they  had  maid  thame  eis,  the  Coil3ear  tald 

Mony  sindrie  taillis  efter  Suppair. 
Ane  bricht  byrnand  fyre  was  byrnand  full  bald ; 

The  King  held  gude  countenance,  and  company  bair, 
And  euer  to  his  asking  ane  answer  he  ^ald ;  226 

Quhill  at  the  last  he  began  to  frane  farther  mair, 
"  In  faith,  freind,  I  wald  wit,  tell  gif  ^e  wald, 

Quhair  is  thy  raaist  wynning  1 "  said  the  Coiljear. 
"Out  of  weir,"  said  the  King,  "  I  wayndit  neuer  to  tell ; 
"With  my  Lady  the  Quene  231 

In  office  maist  haue  I  bene. 
All  thir  3eiris  fyftene, 

In  the  Court  for  to  dwell." 


"What  is  your 
office  with  her  ?  ' 


"  A  gentleman 
of  her  hed- 
cl  I  amber. 


Wy  name  is 
Wymond  of  the 
Wardrobe. 


If  you  will  come 
to  court 

[B  j,  back] 

I  will  find  you 
good  sale  for 
your  fuel." 


"  Quhat-kin  ofl&ce  art  thow  in,  quhen  thow  art  at  hame, 
Gif  thow  dwellis  with  the  Quene,  proudest  in  pane  ]  " 
"  Ane  Chyld  of  hir  Chalmer,  Schir,  be  Sanct  Jame, 

And  thocht  my  self  it  say,  maist  inwart  of  ane ; 
For  my  dwelling  to  nicht,  I  dreid  me  for  blame." 
"  Quhat  sail  T  call  the,"  said  the  Coil3ear,  "  quhe/^ 
thow  art  hyne  gane  1"  240 

''  Wymond  of  the  Wardrop  is  my  richt  Fame  ; 

Quhair  euer  thow  findis  me  befoir  the,  thi  harberie  is 
tane. 
And  thow  will  cum  to  the  Court,  this  I  vnderta, 
Thow  sail  haue  for  thy  Fewaill, 
For  my  sake,  the  better  saill,  245 

And  onwart  to  thy  trauaill, 
AVorth  ane  laid  or  twa." 


RAUF   COIL3EAB.  11 

lie  said,  "  I  haue  na  knawleJge  quliair  the  Court  lyis,     Raur does  not 

^  know  wliere  the 

And  I  am  wonder  wa  to  cum  quhair  I  am  vnicend.      comt  is, 
"  And  I  sail  say  tliee  the  suith  on  ilk  syde,  I  wis,   250 

That  thow  sail  wit  weill  aaieuch  or  I  fra  the  wend  : 
Baith  the  King  and  the  Queue  meitis  in  Paris  but  is  told,  and 

DrGS*>Gi_l  to  C01I16 

For  to  hald  thair  ^\Ae  togidder,  for  scho  is  efter  send. 
Thair  may  thow  sell,  be  ressoun,  als  deir  as  thow  will 
prys ; 
And  3it  I  sail  help  the,  gif  I  ocht  may  amend,     255 
For  I  am  knawin  with  Oflficiaris  in  cais  thow  cum  thair. 
Haue  gude  thocht  on  my  Name, 
And  speir  gif  I  be  at  hame, 
For  I  suppois,  be  Sanct  Jame, 

Thow  saU  the  better  fair."  260 

"Me  think  it  ressoun,  be  the  Eude,  that  I  do  thy  red,    He  agrees: 

In  cais  I  cum  to  the  Court,  and  knaw  hot  the  ane ; 
Is  nane  sa  gude  as  drink,  and  gang  to  our  bed,  and  tiiey  drink 

and  retire. 

For  als  far  as  I  wait,  the  nicht  is  furth  gane. ' 
To  ane  preuie  Chalmer  beliue  thay  him  led,  265 

Quhair  ane  burely  bed  was  wrocht  in  that  wane ; 
Closit  with  Courtingis,  and  cumlie  cled. 

Of  the  worthiest  wyne  wantit  thay  nane. 
The  Coil^ear  and  his  wyfe  baith  with  him  thay  jeid,       TiieOoiiiir  ami 

his  wife  see  liim 

To  serue  him  all  at  thay  mocht,  270  to  bed. 

Till  he  was  in  bed  brocht. 
Mair  the  King  spak  nocht, 
Bot  thankit  thame  thaiv  deid. 

Vpoun  the  morne  airlie,  quhen  it  was  day.  Early  in  the 

mnrnins;, 

The  King  buskit  him  sone,  with  scant  of  Squyary.       the  King  dresses, 

-iir      1   •  1    ffT       1  •         Ti  TW/>     witliout  help  of 

Wachis  and  Wardroparis  all  war  away,  270  attendants. 

That  war  wont  for  to  walkin  mony  worthy. 
Ane  Pauyot  preuilie  brocht  him  his  Palfray,  [» ij] 

rm        T7- •  111  r>     1  lie  nionnts  his 

ihe  King  thocht  lang  of  this  lyfe,  and  lap  on  in  hy  ;  paifray, 
Than  callit  he  on  the  Carll,  ancnt  quhair  lie  lay,      280  and  awakens  Kauf 


12  RAUF    COIL3EAR. 

to  take  his  leave.        For  to  tak  his  leif,  than  spak  he  freindly. 

Than  walkiunit  thay  baith,  and  hard  he  was  thair  _: 
The  Churl  would  The  Carll  start  vp  sone, 

fain  detain  him,  •.   i  •        .         i      j 

And  prayit  him  to  aoyde  none  : 
"  Quhill  thir  wickit  wedderis  be  done       285 
I  red  nocht  je  fair." 

but  the  King  says  "  ga  mot  I  thriue,"  said  the  King,  "me  war  laith  to  byde ; 

he  must  go  to  his 

duties.  Is  not  the  morne  ^uie  day,  formest  of  the  ^eir  ] 

Ane  man  that  Office  suld  beir  be  tyme  at  this  tyde, 
He  will  be  found  in  his  fault,  that  wantis  foroutin 
weir.  290 

I  se  the  Firmament  fair  vpon  ather  syde, 

I  ^vill  retm-ne  to  the  Court,  quhill  the  wedder  is  cleir ; 
He  wants  to  pay     Call  furth  the  gude  wyfe,  lat  pay  hir  or  we  ryde, 

the  good-wife,  .,         _,  i>        t      ^     •    tt 

For  the  worthie  harberie  that  1  haue  tundm  heir, 
but  the  Collier       "  Lat  be,  God  forbid,"  the  Coiljear  said,  295 

scouts  the  idea.  ■      i     i  r>  r-n       t 

"  And  thow  01  Chariis  cumpany, 
Cheif  King  of  Cheuahy, 
That  for  ane  nichtis  barbery 
Pay  suld  be  laid." 

The  guest  presses   "  3ea,  sen  it  Is  sa  that  thow  will  haue  na  pay,  300 

him  then  to  i        /^ 

bring  a  load  of  Cum  the  mome  to  the  Court,  and  do  my  counsall : 

fuel  to  the  Court,     -t-vt  n  it-  i-i  i  i  t    ^ 

Dehuer  the,  and  bring  ane  laid,  and  mak  na  delay, 
Thow  may  not  schame  with  thy  Craft,   gif  thow 
tliriue  sail. 
Gif  I  may  helf  the  ocht  to  sell,  forsuith  I  sail  assay, 

And  als  my  self  wald  haue  sum  of  the  Fewall."    305 
"  Peter  !  "  he  said,  "  I  sail  preif  the  morne,  gif  I  may, 
Tiie  Collier  will  To  bring  Coillis  to  the  Court,  to  se  qiihen  thay  sell  sail. " 

coals  seu.  "  Se  that  thow  let  nocht,  I  pray  the,"  said  the  King. 

"  In  faith,"  said  the  Coiljear, 
"  Traist  Weill  I  salbe  thair,  310 

For  thow  will  neuer  gif  the  mair 
So  mak  ane  lesing." 


RAUF   COIL3EAR.  13 

"  Bot  tell  me  now  lelely  qiihat  is  tliy  richt  name  1  [b  ij,  back] 

I  will  forjet  the  morne,  and  ony  man  me  greif."  assmea  himself 

"  Wymond  of  the  Wardrop,  I  bid  not  to  lane  ;        315  name,^  "^^ 
Tak  gude  tent  to  my  name,  the  Court  gif  thow  will 
preif." 
"  That  I  haue  said,  I  sail  hald,  and  that  I  tell  the  plane  ; 
Quhair  ony  Coil3ear  may  enchaip  I  trow  till  encheif." 
Quhen  he  liad  grantit  him  to  cum,  than  was  the  King 
fane,  319 

And  withoutin  ony  mair  let,  than  he  tuke  his  leif.       Hauf  lets  him  go, 
Then  the  Coiljear  had  greit  thocht  on  the  cuwnand  he 
had  maid ; 

Went  to  the  Charcoill  in  hy,  and  prepares  his 

charcoal  for  the 

To  mak  his  Chauffray  reddy ;  morrow. 

Agane  the  morne  airly 

He  ordanit  him  ane  laid.  325 

The  lyft  lemit  vp  beliue,  and  licht  was  the  day ; 

The  King  had  greit  knawledge  the  countrie  to  ken.     The  King  soon 

met  Sir  Roland 

Schir  Eolland  and  OHuer  come  rydand  the  way,  and  sir  oiiver, 

With  thame  ane  thousand,  and  ma,  of  fensabill  men  with  a  thousand 

men 

War  wanderand  all  the  nicht  ouir,  &  mony  ma  than  thay 
On  ilk  airt  outwart  war  ordanit  sic  ten,  331 

Gif  thay  micht  heir  of  the  King,  or  happin  quhair  he  lay ;  in  search  of  uim. 
To  Jesus  Christ  thay  pray  that  grace  thame  to  len. 

Als  sone  as  Schir  Eolland  saw  it  was  the  King, 

He  kneillit  doun  in  the  place,  335  Giad  were  they 

to  find  him ! 

Thankand  God  ane  greit  space, 
Thair  was  ane  meting  of  grace 
At  that  gaddering. 

The  gentill  Knicht,  Schk  Eolland,  he  kneillit  on  his  kne, 

Thankand  greit  God  that  mekiU  was  of  micht ;    340  They  thank  God, 

Schir  Oliuer  at  his  hand,  and  Bischoppis  thre, 

Withoutin  co??imounis  that  come,  and  mony  vther 
Knicht. 


14 


RAUF    COILJEAR. 


and  pass  into 
Paris; 


Bishop  Turpiii 
meets  tliom  in 
solemn  pro- 
cession. 

[B  iij] 


Tliere  was  a 
service  at  St 
Denis, 


Than  to  Paris  tliay  pas,  all  that  Cheualrie, 
Betuix  none  of  the  day  and  3ule  nicht ; 
The  gentill  Bischop  Turpinc  cummand  thay  se,        345 
With  threttie  Conuent  of  Preistis  reuest  at  ane  sicht, 
Preichand  of  Prophecie  in  Processioun, 
Efter  thame  baith  far  and  neir 
Folkis  following  in  feir, 
Thankand  God  with  gude  cheir  350 

Thair  Lord  was  gane  to  toun. 

Quhen  thay  Princis  appeirit  into  Paris, 

Ilk  Eew  Eyallie  with  riches  thame  arrayis. 
Thair  was  Digne  seruice  done  at  Sanct  Dyonys, 

With  niony  proud  Prelat,  as  the  bulk  sayis.  355 

Syne  to  Sujjper  thay  went,  within  the  Palys ; 

Befoir  that  mirthful!  man  menstrallis  playis  ; 
Mony  wicht  wyfis  sone,  worthie  and  wise. 

Was  sene  at  that  semblay  ane  and  twentie  dayis, 
With  all-kin  principall  plentie  for  his  plesance,        360 
Thay  callit  it  the  best  ^ule  than, 
And  maist  worthie  began, 
Sen  euer  King  Charlis  was  man, 
Or  euer  was  in  France. 

Than  vpon  the  morne  airlie,  quhen  the  day  dew,      365 
The  Coil^ear  had  greit  thocht  quhat  he  had  vnder  tane ; 
the  Collier  loaded  He  kest  twa  Creillis  on  ane  Ca2:)ill,  with  Coillis  anew, 

his  mare,  _^^ 

Wandit  thame  with  widdeis,  to  wend  on  that  wane. 
"  Mary,  it  is  not  my  counsall,  but  jone  man  that  je  knew. 
To  do  30W  in  his  gentrise,"  said  Gyliane  ;  370 

"Thow  gaif  him  ane  outragious  blaw,  &  greit  boist  blew; 
In  faith  thow  suld  haue  bocht  it  deir,  &  he  had  bene 
allane. 
For  thy,  hald  30W  fra  the  Court,  for  ocht  that  may  be ; 
3one  man  that  thow  outrayd 
Is  not  sa  simpill  as  he  said ;  375 

who  reirembers  Thairuu  mv  lyfe  dar  I  layd, 

her  husband  s  ^      ^  j     ^ 

8"ffbiow,  That  sail  thow  heir  and  se." 


followed  by 
Yule  festivities. 


Early  next 
morning 


and  in  spite  of 
his  wife's 
forebodings, 


IIAUP    COIL3EAU.  15 

"  3ea,  Dame,  haue  nane  dreid  of  my  lyfe  to  day  ;  insists  upon 

Lat  me  wirk  as  I  will,  the  weird  is  mine  awin.  wierT''^  "^ 

I  spak  not  out  of  ressoun,  the  suth  gif  I  sail  say,     380 

To  Wymond  of  the  Wardrop,  war  the  suith  knawin.      [^  isj,  tack] 

That  I  haue  hecht  I  sail  hald,  happin  as  it  may.  He  win  keep 

y-^    T  •  T  ^  ■  r.  ^'^  promise, 

Quhidder  sa  it  gang  to  greif  or  to  gawin."  happen  what 

He  caucht  twa  Creillis  on  ane  capill,  &  catchit  on  his  way  ™"^' 

Ouix  the  Daillis  sa  derf,  be  the  day  was  dawin.    385 

The  hie  way  to  Paris,  in  all  that  he  mocht.  He  takes  the  road 

cheerily  to  Paris, 

With  ane  quhip  in  his  hand, 
Cantlie  on  catchand ; 
To  fulfill  his  cunnand, 

To  the  Court  SOcht.  390    and  the  Court. 


Graith  thocht  of  the  grant  had  the  gude  King,  The  King 

.         .  remembers  the 

And  callit  Schir  Eolland  him  till,  and  gaif  command-  bargain, 

and  calls  Sir 
ment,  Roland, 

(Ane  man  he  traistit  in,  maist  atour  all  vther  thing,         moor°road, 
That  neuerwald  set  him  on  assay  withoutin  his  assent,) 

"  Tak  thy  hors  and  thy  harnes  in  the  morning ;        395 
For  to  watche  weill  the  wayis,  I  wald  that  thow  went, 

Gif  thow  meitis  ony  leid  lent  on  the  ling, 

Gar  thame  boun  to  this  Burgh,  I  tell  the  mine  Intent,  and  if  he  sees 

any  one  whatever, 

Or  gyf  thow  seis  ony  man  cumming  furth  the  way, 

Quhat  sumeuer  that  he  be,  400 

Bring  him  haistelv  to  me,  to  bring  Mm  to 

°  -^  the  hall. 

Befoir  none  that  I  him  se 
In  this  hall  the  day." 

Schir  Holland  had  greit  ferly,  and  in  hart  kest  sir  Roland 

wonders  much 

Quhat  that  suld  betakin,  that  the  King  tald.        405 
Vpon  solempnit  3ule  day,  quhen  ilk  man  suld  rest,  at  tins  Christmas 

errand. 

That  him  behouit  neidlingis  to  watche  on  the  wald, 
Qulien  his  God  to  serue  he  suld  haue  him  drest. 

And  syne,  with  ane  blyith  cheir,  buskit  that  bald, 
Out  of  Paris  proudly  he  preildt  full  prest ;  410  but  goes  as 

^  commanded; 

In  till  his  harnes  all  haill  his  hechtis  for  to  hald, 


16 


RAUF    C0IL3EAn. 


and  watches  the     Hc  vmbekcst  the  counti'ie,  outwith  the  toun. 

He  saw  na  thing  on  steir, 
Nouther  fer  nor  neir, 
Bot  the  feildis  in  feir, 
Daillis  and  doun. 


415 


[B  iiij]         He  huit  and  he  houerit  quhill  midmorne  and  mair, 

About  mid-morn 

Behaldand  the  hie  hilHs  and  passage  sa  plane ; 
the  Collier  comes    Sa  saw  lie  quhair  the  Coiljear  come  with  all  his  fair, 

With  twa  Creillis  on  ane  CapiU ;   thairof  was  he 
fane.  420 

He  followit  to  him  haistely,  amang  the  holtis  hair, 
For  to  hriiig  him  to  the  king,  at  bidding  fuU  bane, 
whom  he  accosts,   Courtesly  to  the  Knicht  kneillit  the  Coil3ear, 

And  Schir  Eolland  him  self  salust  him  agane, 
Syne  bad  him  leif  his  courtasie,  and  boun  him  to  ga ;  425 
He  said,  "withoutin  letting, 
Thow  mon  to  Paris  to  the  King ; 
Speid  the  fast  in  ane  ling. 
Sen  I  find  na  ma." 


and  orders  to 
come  with  him  to 
the  King. 


The  Collier 
demurs : 


In  faith,"  said  the  Coil3ear,   "  jit  was    I 


neuer  sa 

nyse ;  430 

Schir  Knicht,  it  is  na  courtasie  commounis  to  scorne  : 

Thair  is  mony  better  than  I,  cummis  oft  to  Parys, 

That  the  King  wait  not  of,  nouther  nicht  nor  morne. 

he  will  fight  first.   For  to  towsill  me  or  tit  me,  thocht  foull  be  my  clais, 

Or  I  be  dantit  on  sic  wyse,  my  lyfe  salbe  lorne."  435 
"  Do  way,"  said  Schir  Holland,  "  me  think  thow  art  not 
wise, 
I  red  thow  at  bidding  be,  be  all  that  we  haue  sworne  ; 
And  call  thow  it  na  scorning,  bot  do  as  I  the  ken, 
Sen  thow  has  hard  mine  Intent : 
It  is  the  Kingis  commandement,  440 

At  this  tyme  thow  suld  haue  went 
And  I  had  met  sic  ten." 


Sir  Roland 
questions  his 
sanity, 


and  insists. 


RAUF    COIL3EAR.  17 

"  I  am  bot  ane  luad  man,  tliat  thow  lies  heir  met ; 

I  liaue  na  myster  to  matche  witli  maisterfuU  men. 
Fairand  ouir  the  feildis,  Fewell  to  fet,  445  The  Coiiier 

.ilnd  oft  fylit  my  feit  in  mony  fouU  fen  ; 
Gangand  with  laidis,  my  goueniing  to  get. 

Thair  is  mony  Carll  in  the  countrie  thow  may  nocht 
ken; 
T  sail  hald  that  I  haue  hecht,  bot  I  be  hard  set, 

To   Wymond    of   the   Wardroj),    I    wait    full    weill      [Biiij.back] 

to  Wymond  of 
quhen."  450    the  wardrobe; 

"  Sa  thriue  I,"  said  Rolland,  "  it  is  mine  Intent  but  Roland  says 

he  shall  go  to  the 

That  nouther  to  Wymond  nor  Will  Kingarst. 

Thow  said  hald  nor  hecht  till, 
Quhill  I  haue  brocht  the  to  fulfill 

The  Kingis  commandment."  465 

The  Carll  beheld  to  the  Knicht,  as  he  stude  than  ;  The  chmi  IuoKs 

He  bair  grauit  in  Gold,  and  Gowlis  in  grene,  knay : 

Glitterand  full  gaylie  quhen  Glemis  began, 

Ane  Tyger  ticht  to  ane  tre,  ane  takin  of  tone. 
Trewlie  that  tenefull  was  trimland  than,  4G0 

Semelie  schapin  and  schroud  in  that  Scheild  schene ; 
Mekle  worschip  of  weir  worthylie  he  wan, 

Befoir,  into  fechting  with  mony  worthie  sene. 
His  Basnet  was  bordourit,  and  burneist  bricht  his  basnet 

With  stanes  of  Beriall  cleir,  465  with  precious 

Dyamountis  and  Sapheir, 
Riche  Rubeis  in  feir, 
Reulit  full  richt. 


His  plaitis  properlie  picht  attour  with  precious  stanis, 
And  his  Pulanis  full  prest  of  that  ilk  peir ;  470 

Greit  Graipis  of  Gold  his  Greis  for  the  nanis. 
And  his  Cussanis  cumlie  schynand  full  cleir. 

Bricht  braissaris  of  stcill  about  his  arme  banis,  his  armour 

Blandit  with  Beriallis  and  Cristallis  cleir, 

CHARL.   ROM.  VI T.  C 


18 


RAUF   COIL3EAR, 


and  accoutre- 
ments. 


Ticlit  ouir  with  Thopas,  and  trow  lufo  atanis  ; 

The  teind  of  his  lewellis  to  tell  war  full  tcir. 
His  Sadill  circulit  and  set,  richt  sa  on  ilk  syde ; 
His  brydill  bellisand  and  gay, 
His  staid  stout  on  stray. 
He  was  the  Kyallest  of  array, 
On  Ronsy  micht  ryde. 


175 


480 


and  wonders  if 
he  is  as  manly 

[Cj] 
as  well  made. 


Sir  Roland, 
impatient, 
bids  him  throw 
off  the  load  and 
come  on. 


Of  that  Ryall  array  tliat  Rolland  in  raid 

Eauf  rusit  in  his  hart  of  that  Eyall  thing  ; 
"  He  is  the  gayest  in  geir,  that  euer  on  ground  glaid ; 

Haue  he  grace  to  the  gre  in  ilk  lornaying.  485 

"War  he  ane  manly  man,  as  he  is  weill  maid, 

He  war  full  michtie,  with   magre  durst  abyde  his 
meting." 
He  bad  the  Coil3ear  in  wraith  swyth  withoutin  baid. 

Cast  the  Creillis  fra  the  Capill,  and  gang  to  the  King. 
"  In  faith,  it  war  greit  schame,"  said  the  Coil3ear ;  490 
"  I  vndertuk  tha^  suld  be  brocht, 
This  day  for  oclit  that  be  mocht ; 
Schir  Knicht  that  word  is  for  nocht 
That  thow  Carpis  thair  ! " 


and  not  detain 
him  half  the  day 
here. 


It  is  the  King's 
command. 


"  Thow  huifis  on  thir  holtis,  and  haldis  me  heir,      495 

Quhill  half  the  haill  day  may  the  hicht  haue." 
"  Be  Christ  that  was  Cristinnit,  and  his  Mother  cleir, 

Thow  sail  catche  to  the  Court  that  sail  not  be  to  craue. 

It  micht  be  preisit  preiudice,  bot  gif  thow  suld  compeir. 

To  se  quhat  granting  of  grace  the  King  wald  the  gaif." 

''  For  na  gold  on  this  ground  wald  I,  but  weir,         501 

Be  fundin  fals  to  the  King,  sa  Christ  me  saue  !  " 
"  To  gar  the  cum  and  be  knawin,  as  I  am  command, 
I  wait  not  quhat  his  willis  be, 
Not  he  namit  na  mair  the,  505 

'Nov  ane  vther  man  to  me, 
Bot  quhome  that  I  fand." 


UAUF    COIL3EAR.  19 

"  Tliow  fand  me  fechand  nathini!"  tlmL  fullowit  to  feid,    TiieCuiUer 

T  -i-pTii  1  1  v^  uiulauutfil 

I  war  auo  iiue  gii  1  lied,  and  land  nanc  affray  : 
Bot  as  anc  lauch-full  man,  my  laidis  to  laid,  510 

That  leifis  with  mekle  lawtie  and  laubour  in  fay. 
Be  the  Mother  and  tlie  Maydin  that  maid  vs  remeid, 

And  thow  mat  me  ony  mair,  cum  efter  quhat  sa  may, 
Thow  I  sail  dyntis  deill,  quhill  ane  of  vs  be  deid,  tincatons  lum 

with  dints  for  liis 

For  the  deidis  thow  hes  me  done  vpon  this  deir  day."  interference, 
Mekle  merwell  of  that  word  had  Schir  Eolland  ;     .516 

He  saw  na  wappinnis  thair,  at  which  sir 

.  Roland, 

That  the  Coiljear  bair,  seeing  no 


weapons. 


Bot  ane  auld  Buklair; 

And  ane  roustie  brand.  520 


"  It  is  lyke,"  said  Schir  Rolland,  and  lichtly  he  leuch,        [c.j,i)aoki 

laughs  lightly. 

"  That    sic  ane    stubill    husband    man  wald  stryke 
stoutly  j 
Thair  is  mony  toun  man,  to  tuggill  is  full  teuch, 

Thocht  thair  brandis  be  blak  and  vnburely ; 
Oft  fair  foullis  ar  fundin  faynt,  and  als  f reuch.        525  He  objects  to 

I  defend  we  fecht  or  fall  in  that  foly ; 
Lat  se  how  we  may  disseuer  with  sobernes  aneuch, 

And  catche  crabitnes  away,  be  Christ  counsall  I. 
Quhair    winnis    tliat   Wymond   thow    hecht    to    meit  and  learning  that 

Wymond  dwells 

to  day?" 

"  With  the  Quene,  tank!  he  me  ;  530  with  the  Queen, 

And  thair  I  vndertuke  to  be, 

Into  Paris  Pardie,  '"  Paris, 

Withoutin  delay." 

"And    I    am   knawin   witli    the    Quene,"   said    Schir  he  says  he  is 

himself 
Holland,  acquainted  with 

,,.,.,    tlie  Queen, 

"  And  With  mony  byrdis  m  hir  Bowrc,  be  buikis  and  and  her  lauies. 

bellis ;  535 

The  King  is  into  Paris,  that  sail  I  warrand. 

And  all  his  aduertance  that  in  bis  Court  dwellis. 

c  2 


•20 


RAUF    CO  1 1.3 EAR 


Since  Uie  C'i)Uiei' 
is  on  Ilia  way  to 
Couit  he  will 
trust  him, 
on  a  pledge. 


Rauf  will  give 
no  pledge, 


but  bids  Roland 
get  out  of  the  way 
(rink),  or  he  shall 
rue  it. 


[CijJ 


Sir  Roland  takes 
liis  leave. 


jNIc  tluu'tli  luuie  naiu;  iiuy  of  luyiie  craml, 

For  me  think  tliow  will  be  thair  efter  as  tliow  tcllis  ; 
Bot  gif  I  fand  the,  forrow  now  to  keip  my  cunnand." 
"Schir  Knicht,"  said  tliQ  Coiljear,  "thow  trowis  nie 
neuer  ellis,  541 

Bot  gif  sum  suddand  let  put  it  out  of  delay  ; 
For  that  I  hecht  of  my  will, 
And  na  man  threit  me  thair  till. 
That  I  am  haldin  to  fulfill,  '  545 

And  sail  do  quhill  I  may." 

"  3ea,  sen  thow  will  be  thair,  thy  cunnandis  to  new, 

I  neid  nane  airar  myne  erand  nor  none  of  the  day." 
''  Be  thow  traist,"  said  the  Coil^ear,  "  man,  as  I  am  trew, 
I  will  not  haist  me  ane  fute  faster  on  the  way ;  550 
Bot    gif    thow    raik  out  of   my  renk,  full    raith    sail 
thow  rew, 
Or  be  the  Eude  I  sail  rais  thy  Kyall  array ; 
Thocht  thy  body  be  braissit  in  that  bricht  hew, 
Thow  salbe  fundin  als  febil  of  thy  bone  fay." 
Schir  Rolland  said  to  him  self,  "this  is  bot  foly      555 
To  striue  with  him  ocht  mair  : 
I  se  Weill  he  will  be  thair." 
His  leif  at  the  Coil3ear 
He  tuke  lufesumly. 


but  the  Collier       "Be  Cliiist !  "   said  the  Coil^ear,  "that  war  ane  foull 
scorne,  560 

That  thow  suld  chaip,  bot  I  the  knew,  that  is  sa 
schynand ; 
For  thow  seis  my  weidis  ar  auld,  and  all  to-worne, 
Thow  trowis  nathing  thir  taillis  that  I  am  telland. 
challenges  him  to   Bring  na  Beimis  vs  by,  bot  as  we  war  borne, 
Ihefe Txtlay!  And  thir  Blonkis  that  vs  beiris,  thairto  I  mak  ane 

bland,  565 

That  I  sail  meit  the  heir  vpon  this  mure  to  morne, 
Gif  T  be  haldin  in  lieill — and  thairto  my  hand — 


RAUF    COIL3EAR.  21 

Sen  that  we  haue  na  laiser  at  this  tyme  to  ta."  when  iic  win  iiavc 

_  ,  leisure  to  tackle 

In  ane  thourtour  way,  iiim. 

Seir  gaitis  pas  thay,  570 

Baith  to  Paris  in  fay ; 
Thus  partit  thay  twa. 

The  geutill  Knicht,  Schir  Rolland  conic  rydanJ  full  sirRoiami 

returns  to  the 
SOne,  Kitif,', 

And  left  the  Coiljear  to  cum,  as  he  had  vndertane  ;    coiiier  to  follow. 
And  quhen  he  come  to  Paris  the  hie  Mes  was  done, 

The  King  with  mony   cumly  out  of  the   Kirk  is 
gane. 
Of  his  harnes  in  hy  he  hynt  withoutin  hone,  577 

And  in  ane  Eob  him  arrayit  richest  of  ano  ; 
In  that  worschipfull  weid  he  went  in  at  none, 

As  he  was  wont,  with  the  wy  that  woildit  the  wane, 
On  fute  ferly  in  feir,  formest  of  all.  581 

Eicht  Aveill  payit  was  the  King  The  King  is  giad 

to  see  the  kniijlit, 

Of  Schir  Eollandis  cumming  ; 
To  speir  of  his  tything 

Efter  him  gart  call.  585 

The  King  in  counsall  him  callit,  "  cum  hidder,  Schir 
Knicht ! 
Hes  thow  my  bidding  done,  as  I  the  command  ?  "       and  asks  if  ho  has 

done  ills  bidding  : 

"  In  faith,"  said  Schir  Rolland,  "  I  raid  on  full  richt,      sirUuiand 

explains 

To  watch  wyselie  the  wayis ;  tliat  I  sail  warrand.  [Cij.'back] 

Thair  wald  na  douchtie  this  day  for  lornay  be  dicht ; 

Fairand  ouir  the  feildis  full  few  thair  I  fand  ;      591 
Saif  anerly  ane  man  that  semblit  in  m}^  sicht,  that  he  has  seen 

ihair  was  na  leid  on  lyie  lent  m  this  land. 
"  Quhat  kin  a  fallow  was  that  ane,  Schir,  I  the  pray  1 " 
"  Ane  man  in  husband  weid.  595 

Buskit  busteously  on  breid  ; 
Leidand  Coillis  he  Jeid  save  a  poor  man 

conveying  coals. 

To  Paris  llie  wav." 


•>•> 


RAUF    COIL3EAR. 


Tlio  Kiiicr 
rei>i-o;K"lie9  liiiii 
I'oi-  not  biiiigiiig 
thai  poor  man. 


Sir  Rolaiul 
hastens  out, 


and  meets  a 
porter, 


"  Quliy  lies  ihow  not  that  liusbaud  broclit,  as  I  the 
bad  1 
I  dreid  me,  sa  he  dantit  the,  thow  durst  not  with  him 
deill."  GOO 

"  In  faith,"  said  Schir  EoUand,  "  gif  that  he  sa  had, 

That  war  full  hard  to  my  hart,  and  I  ane  man  in  heill." 
He  saw  the  King  was  engreuit,  and  gat  furth  glaid. 

To  se  gif  the  Coiljearis  lawtie  was  leill :  004 

"  I  suld  haue  maid  him  in  the  stour  to  be  full  hard  stad, 

And  I  had  witten  that  the  Carll  wald  away  steill ; 
J>o[t]  I  trowit  not  the  day  that  he  wald  me  beget." 
As  he  went  outwart  bayno, 
He  met  ane  Porter  swayne 
Cummaud  raith  him  agayne,  610 

Fast  fra  the  3et. 


"  Quhair  gangis  thow,  Gedling,  thir  gaitis  sa  gane  1 " 
who  says  that  a  "  Be  God,"  Said  the  Grome,  "  ane  gift  heir  1  geif ; 

I  deuise  at  the  ^et  tliair  is  ane  allane, 

Bot  he  be  lattin  in  beliue,  him  lykis  not  to  leif.  615 
cUimouring  to  be    With  ane  Capill  and  twa  Creillis  cassin  on  the  plane, 

let  in  at  the  _,  -i  .     -r-,   t        i  ■      •     i  t  » 

palace  gate.  To  cuni  to  this  Palice  he  preissis  to  preit. 

"  Gif  thow  hes  fundin  that  Freik,  in  faith  I  am  fane  ; 

Lat  him  in  glaidly,  it  may  not  engreif. 
Bot  askis  he  eirnestly  efter  ony  man  V  620 

Than  said  the  Gedling  on  ground  : 
"  3g,  forsuith  in  this  stound, 
Efter  ane  Wymound 
In  all  that  he  can," 


Sir  Roland  bids 
the  porter 


[C  iijj 
admit  him 
quickly  to  seek 
for  Wyinond. 


"Pas  agane,  Porter,  and  let  him  swyith  in,  625 

Ainang  the  proudest  in  preis,  plesand  in  pane. 

Say  thow  avt  not  worthy  to  Wymond  to  win, 
Bid  him  seik  him  his  self,  gif  thair  be  sic  ane." 

Agane  gangis  Schir  Eolland,  quhair  glc  suld  begin, 
And  the  ^aip  ^eman  to  the  ^et  is  gane ;  6.30 


RAUF    COIL3EAK.  23 

Eubraissit  the  bandis  beliue  or  that  he  wald  blin, 
Syne  leit  the  Avy  at  liis  will  wend  in  the  wane. 
"  Gang  seik  him  now  thy  self,"  he  said  vpon  hicht :        ^''^  I'uitei- 

-^  A  admits  Rauf, 

"  My  self  lies  na  lasair 

Fra  thir  ^ettis  to  fair."  635 

''  Be  Christ,"  said  the  Coil3ear, 
"  I  set  that  bot  licht." 


"  Gif  tliow  will  not  seik  him,  ray  awin  self  sail :  who  bias  uim 

T-iTi  />  •  •flip-  mind  his  mare 

For  I  haue  oft  tymes  swet  m  seruice  full  fair.  and  load, 

Tak  keip  to  my  Cap  ill,  that  na  man  him  call,  640 

Quhill  I  cum  fra  the  Court,"  said  the  Coiljear. 
"  My  laid  war  I  laith  to  lois,  I  leif  the  heir  all ; 

Se  that  thow  leis  thame  not,  bot  3eme  thame  full  jair." 
In  that  hardy  in  hy,  he  haiket  to  that  hall,  while  he  looks 

-r-i  TT  1      •  />  J  tr    '°''  ^Vymond, 

For  to  Wit  gif  Wyraondis  wynnmg  was  thair.       645  wiio  bade  him 

•  •  1       1       T     1  !•  •  come. 

He  arguit  with  the  Ischar  ofter  than  anis, 
"  Schir,  can  thow  ocht  say 
Quhair  is  "Wymond  the  day  1 
I  pray  the,  bring  him  gif  thow  may 

Out  of  this  wanis."  650 

He  trowit  that  the  wy  had  wittin  of  Wymond  he  wend, 

Bot  to  his  raifand  word  he  gaue  na  reward ; 
Thair  was  na  man  thairin  that  his  name  kend,  Nobody  knows 

.  .    .  the  name, 

Thay  countit  not  the  Coil3ear  almaist  at  regaird. 
He  saw  thair  was  na  meiknes  nor  mesure  micht  mend, 
He  sped  him  in  spedely,  and  nane  of  thame  he  spaird  ; 
Thair  was  na  fyue  of  thay  Freikis,  that  micht  him  f  ui'th  tut  iiie  Coiucr 
send, 
He  socht  in  sa  sadly,  quhill  sum  of  thame  he  saird. 
He  thristit  in  throw  thame  thraly  with  threttis.  [ciij,  back] 

Quhen  he  come  amang  thame  all,  660  pushes  sturdily 

forward, 

3it  was  the  King  in  the  hall. 
And  mony  gude  man  with  all, 
Vngaiie  to  the  meit. 


24 


RAUF    COILJEAR. 


to  where  the  Kiiii;  Thocht  he  had  socht  sic  ane  sicht  all  this  seuin  ^eir, 

Sa  solempnit  ane  semblie  had  he  not  sene ;  665 

The  hall  was  properly  apperrellit  and  paiutit  but  jtuir, 

Dyamountis  full  dantely  dentit  betwene. 
It  was  semely  set  on  ilk  syde  seir, 

Gowlis  glitterand  full  gay,  glemand  in  grene, 
in  a  splendid  hall    Flowris  with  Flourdelycis  formest  in  feir,  670 

With  mony  fiamand  ferly  ma  than  fyftene. 
The  rufe  reulit  about  in  reuall  of  Eeid, 
Rois  reulit  Ryally, 
Columbyn  and  Lely  ; 

Thair  was  ane  hails um  barbery  675 

Into  riche  steid. 


With  Dosouiis  to  the  duris  dicht,  quha  sa  wald  deme, 
with  au  dainties,        With  all  diuers  danteis  dicht  dantely  ; 
Circidit  with  siluer  semely  to  sene, 

Selcouthly  in  seir  he  was  set  suttelly.  680 

Blyth  byrdis  abufe,  and  bestiall  full  bene, 
Fyne  fouUis  in  Fyrth,  and  Fischis  with  fry ; 
and  adornments.    The  llure  carpit  and  cled,  and  couerit  full  clene, 
Cummand  fra  the  Cornellis  closand  quemely. 
Bricht  Bancouris  about  browdin  ouir  all,  685 

Greit  Squechonis  on  hicht, 
Anamalit  and  weill  dicht, 
Reulit  at  all  richt 


Endlang  the  hall. 


689 


Rauf  would  Cain 
see  Wymond 


[Ciiij] 
and  get  away. 


"  Heir  is  Ryaltie,"  said  Rauf,  "aneuch  for  the  nanis, 

With  all  nobilnes  anournit,  and  that  is  na  nay ; 
Had  I  of  Wymond  ane  Avord,  I  wald  of  thir  Avanis, 

Fra  thu-  wyis,  I-wis,  to  went  on  my  way  ; 
Bot  I  mon  3it  heir  mair  quhat  worthis  of  him  anis, 

And  eirnestly  efter  him  haue  myne  E  ay."  695 

He  thristit  in  tlirow  threttie  all  atanis, 

Quhair  mony  douchtie  of  deid  war  loynit  that  day. 


RAUF    COIL3EAR.  25 

For  he  was  vubiucly,  on  bak  thay  him  hynt ;  Afier  many 

rebuffs 

As  he  gat  ben  throw,  and  shoves, 

He  gat  niony  gieit  schow  ;  700 

Bot  he  was  stalwart,  I  trow, 
And  laith  for  to  stynt. 

He  tliristit  in  throw  tliame,  and  thraly  can  thring, 

Fast  to  the  forniest  he  foundit  in  feir  :  704 

ISune    besyde    him    he    gat    ane    sicht    of   the    Nobill  iie  catches  sight 

.  of  the  King, 

Iving,  anil  cries, 

**  Yon  is 

"^one  is  Wymond,  I  wait,  it  worthis  na  weir;  wymond! 

I  ken  him  weill,  thocht  he  be  cled  in  vther  clething,       i  know  him  in 

T1-P1  111T  1  1-  fT/-.-i    *"y  clothes : 

In  clais  01  clene  gold  kythand  ^one  cleir.  708 


Quhen  he  harbreit  with  me,  be  half  as  he  is  heir,         but  lie  is  grander 

than  he  led  me 

In  faith  he  is  of  mair  stait,  than  euer  he  me  tald.  to  expect!" 

Allace,  that  I  was  bidder  wylit ! 
I  dreid  me  sair  I  be  begylit ! " 
The  King  preuilie  smylit,  The  King  smiles 

at  his  surpiise. 

Quhen  he  saw  that  bald.  715 

Thair  was  seruit  in  that  saill  Seigis  semelie, 
Mony  Sen3eorabill  Syre  on  ilk  syde  seir ; 
AVith    ane    cairfull    countenance    the    Coiljear    kest  Rauf  casts  his  eye 

on  the  Queen, 

his  E 

To  the  cumly  Queue  courtes  and  cleir  : 
"  Dame,  of  thy  glitterand  gyde  haue  I  na  gle,  720 

Be  the  gracious  God  that  bocht  vs  sa  deir ; 
To  ken  Kingis  Courtasie,  the  Deuill  come  to  me. 

And  sa  I  hope  I  may  say,  or  I  chain  heir.  and  says  if  ho  can 

once  escape, 

Micht    I    cliaip    of    this    chance,    that    changes    my 


cheir, 


Thair  suld  na  man  be  sa  wyse,  725  nomanshaii 

entice  him  here 

To  gar  me  cum  to  Parise,  again! 

To  hike  quhair  the  King  lyis, 
In  faitli,  this  seuin  3i'ir  !  " 


26 


nAUF    COIL3EAR. 


[Ciii,j,li;icl<] 
Hul  wlieii  Uicy 
leave  the  table, 
the  Kiii^  relates 
his  lulveiilure, 


.iiid  the  Collier's 
behaviour. 


IJauf  quakes, 


Quliun  worthie  had  weschin,  and  fra  the  Luirdis  went, 

Thay  war  for-wonderit  I  wis  of  thair  wyse  Lord ; 
The  King  fell  in  carping,  and  tauld  his  Intent,        731 

To  niony  gracious  Grome  he  maid  his  record. 
How  the  busteous  Beirne  met  him  on  the  bent, 

And  how  the  Frostis  war  sa  fell,  and  sa  strait  ford. 
Than  the  Coil3ear  quoke  as  he  had  bene  schent,      735 

Quhen  he  hard  the  suith  say  how  he  the  King  schord. 


aud  wishes  rather  '<  Grcit  God  !  gif  I  War  now,  and  thy  self  with  all, 

tliat  he  had  the  °  'J  ' 

King  alone  on  Vpon  the  mure  quhair  we  met, 

the  moor — or  the 
best  of  his 
Knights. 


Baith  all  suddandly  set, 
Or  ony  Knicht  that  thow  may  get 
Sa  gude  in  thy  hall  ! " 


740 


The  lords  laugh 
loud: 


the  Knights  bid 
liLiMK  him. 


"God  forbid!" 
quoth  the  King ; 


"he  shall  be 
knighted 
himself! " 


Thir  Lordis  leuch  vpon  loft,  and  lystinit  to  the  King, 

HoAV  he  was  ludgeit  and  led,  and  set  at  sa  licht ; 
Than  the  curagious  Knichtis  bad  haue  him  to  hing, 

"  For  he  hes  seruit  that,"  thay  said,  "  be  our  siclit." 
"  God  forbot,"  he  said,  "  my  thank  war  sic  thing     746 
To  him  that  succourit  my  lyfe  in  sa  euill  ane  nicht  ! 
Him  semis  ane  stalwart  man,  and  stout  in  stryking, 

That  Carll  for  his  Courtasie  salbe  maid  knicht. 
I  hald  the  counsall  full  euill  that  Cristin  man  slais, 

For  I  had  myster  to  haue  ma,  751 

And  not  to  distroy  tlia 
Tha[t]  war  worthie  to  ga 
To  fecht  on  Goddis  fais  !  " 


He  dubs  him  on     Befoir  mouy  worthie  he  dubbit  him  Knicht,  755 

the  spot,  T     •        1  1    •     1     1 1 

Dukis  and  digne  Lordis  m  that  deir  hall. 
"  Schir,  se  for  thy  self,  thow  semis  to  be  wicht ; 

Tak  keip  to  this  ordour,  ane  Knicht  I  the  call ; 
To  mak  the  manly  man,  I  mak  the  of  raicht, 
assigns  him  a  Ilk  3eir  tlire  hundreth  pund  assigne  the  I  sail.     760 

revenue,  .  i  •ii      •   i 

and  promises  the    And  als  tho  uixt  vacaut,  be  rcssonabill  ncht, 

next  vacant  fief  ■■       i?  i      •  -4.  ^  m 

Ihat  liapnis  in  i^-anco,  quhair  sa  euer  it  lall, 


IIAUF    COIL^EAR.  27 

Forlaltour  ov  I'rc  wairtl,  that  first  cummis  to  hand,  [dj] 

,    ,       1      •      1        •      1  Ml  tliat  ciiines  into 

I  git  the  licir  hentaljiUy,  iiis  iiauds. 

Sa  that  I  heir,  quhcn  I  hauc  hy,  7G5 

That  thow  be  funJiii  reddy 
With  Birny  &  brand." 

"  It  war  my  will,  worthy,  thy  schoiie  tliat  thow  wan,      He  desires  him  to 

.  ...  win  liis  spurs, 

And  went  with  thir  weryouns  wythest  m  weir ; 
Heir  ar  curagious   Knichtis,  suppois   thay   the   nocht 
ken, 

For  thy  simpill  degre  that  thow  art  in  heir.  771 

I  beseik  God  of  his  grace  to  niak  the  ane  gude  man, 

And  I  sail  gif  the  to  begin  glitterand  geir." 
Ane  Chalmer  with  Armour  the  King  gart  licht  than        "ims  lum, 

.mil  gives  liiui 

Betaucht  to  ane  Squyar,  and  maid  him  keipeii'.  co  squires, 

With  clois  Armouris  of  steill  for  that  stout  Knicht, 
Sextie  Squyaris  of  fee, 

Of  his  retinew  to  be  ;  -is » letinue. 

That  was  ane  fair  cumpany 

Schir  Eauf  gat  that  nicht.  780 


Vpon  the  morne  airly,  Schir  Eauf  wald  not  rest,  Early  next 

morning 

Bot  in  Ryall  array  he  reddyit  him  to  ryde  ;  sir  Ruuf  setsoir 

For  to   hald   that    I   liaue  hecht,    I    hope   it    be   the 
best, 
To  3one  busteous  Beirne  that  boistit  me  to  byde. 
Aniang  the  Gal3art  Gromis  I  am  bot  ane  Gest,         785 

I  will  the  ganandest  gait  to  that  gay  glyde ; 
Sail  neiier   Lord   lauch  on   loft,   quhill  my  lyfe  may 
lest, 
That  I  for  liddernes  suld  leif,  and  leuaiid  besyde. 
It  war  a  no  graceles  gude  that  I  war  cummin  to, 

Gif  that  the  King  hard  on  hicht  790 

That  he  had  maid  ane  carll  Knicht 
ximang  thir  weryouris  wicht, 
And  docht  nocht  to  do." 


28  U.VUF    C0IL3EAR, 

Vpoii  aiic  rude  liuusy  lie  ruscliit  out  of  toun  ; 

In  aue  Eyall  array  ho  rytlis  full  riclit ;  79.") 

to  tiie  moor  whore  i^^njn  to  tlio  Moiitaiio  lie  iiKud  liiiu  fuIl  IjOUll, 

lie  had  ohalloiigeu  ' 

[i),j,  bacU]  Quliair  he  hadtrystittoixieit  Schir  Kolland  tlie  Knicht. 

Derfly  ouir  Daillis,  discouerand  the  doun, 

Gif  ony  douchtie  that  day  for  Toniayis  was  dicht. 
He  band  liis  hloidv  to  aiie  husk  on  the  l)rcnt  hroun, 

Syne  baid  be  the  bair  way  to  hald  that  he  had  hecht. 
Quhill  it  was  neir  time  of  the  day  that  he  had  thair  bene, 
Tiiere  he  remains  He  lukit  ane  lytill  him  fra, 

oil  tlie  look  out. 

He  sa  cummand  in  thra 

The  maist  man  of  all  tha,  805 

till  he  sees  That  euer  he  had  sene. 


a  Knight  on  a        Ane  Kniclit  Oil  aue  Canieill  come  cantly  at  hand, 

Camel  advancing  . 

towards  him.  With  ane  curagious  countenance,  and  cruell  to  se  ; 

He  semit  baldly  to  abyde  with  Birny  and  with  brand, 
His  blonk  was  vnburely,  braid  and  ouir  hie.         810 
Sir  Rauf  prepares  gcliir  liauf  reddvit  him  sone,  and  come  rj^dand, 

for  the  onset, 

Ami  in  the  roAvme  of  ane  renk  in  fewtir  kest  he ; 
He  seiniit  fer  fellonar  than  first  quhen  he  him  fand. 
He  foundis  throw  his  forcenes  gif  he  miclit  him  se. 
and  they  rush        ]{(.  straik  the  steid  with  the  spurris,  he  sprent  on  the  bent ; 

together  with 

terrible  force.  Sa  hard  ane  coui's  maid  tliay,  81 G 

Both  their  steeds  That  baitli  tliair  hors  deid  lay, 

Their  speiris  in  splenders  away 
Abufe  thair  heid  sprent. 

and  on  foot,  Tlius  war  thay  for  thair  forcynes  left  on  fute  baith, 

Thay  sture  hors  at  that  straik  strikin  deid  lay  than  ; 
Thir  riche  restles  renkis  ruschit  out  full  raith, 
they  renew  the  Cleikit  out  twa  swordis  and  togidder  ran. 

Kest  thamc  with  gude  Avill  to  do  vther  skaith, 

Bair  on  thair  basnetis  thay  Beirnis  or  thay  blan.  825 
bothioaUito         Haistely  hewit  thay  togiddir,  to  leif  thay  war  laith 

lose  the  gree.  ■,  ■         ^         ■       ^  ^ 

To  tyne  the  worschip  oi  wcir  that  thay  air  wan ; 


RAUF    COIL3EAR.  29 

N"a  for  clout  of  vincussing  tliay  went  nocht  uway. 
Thus  ather  vtlier  can  assaill 
With  swordis  of  mettaill ;  830 

Thay  maid  ane  lang  battaill  a  long  hour  they 

Ane  hour  of  the  day. 

Thay  liard  harnest  men,  thay  hewit  on  in  haist ;  [D'J] 

Thay  "wortliit  heuy  with  heid,  and  angerit  with  all ; 
Quhill  thay  had  maid  thame  sa  mait,  thay  fail3e  almaist,  tin  botii  grow 

Sa  laith  thay  war  on  ather  part  to  lat  thaii  price  fall. 
The  riche  restles  men  out  of  the  renk  past,  837 

Forwrocht  with  thair  wapnis,  and  euill  rent  with  all ; 
Thair  was  na  girth  on  the  ground,  (|uhill  ane  gaif  the 
gaist ; 

"^'T'l'ne  efter  ^eilding,"  on  ilk  sydc  thay  call.         840  As  each  cries, 

r,i.-i-.c  1  11-  Ti  -pii-T  "Now,  tliiiik  of 

Schir  Kauf  caucht  to  cule  him,  and  tak  mair  01  the  licht,  yielding :  ■■ 
He  kest  vp  his  Veseir, 
With  ane  Cheualrous  cheir, 
Sa  saw  he  cimimand  fidl  neir  Raufcspi^-s 

another  Kniglit 

Ane  vther  kene  Knicht.  845  coming. 


"  Now,  be  the  Eude  !  "  said  Schir  Rauf,  "  I  repreif  the  !   He  taunts  his  toe 

with  broken  faith, 

Thow  lies  brokin  conditioun,  thow  lies  not  done  riclit : 
Thow  hecht  na  bakheir  to  bring,  bot  anerly  we  ; 

Thairto  I  tuik  thy  hand,  as  thow  was  trew  Knicht."    who  was  to  meet 

him  alone. 

( )n  loud  said  the  Sarajine,  "  I  heir  the  now  lie  !       850  "Thouiiest," 

.  .  ,       .   ,  says  the  Saracen ; 

Befoir  the  same  day  I  saw  the  neuer  with  sicht ; 
Now   sail   thow  think    it    richt    sone,   thow  hes   met  "  i  never  saw 

thee  before." 

with  me, 
Gif  Mahoim  or  Termagant  may  mantene  my  micht." 
Schir  Rauf  was  blyth  of  that  word,  &  blenkit  with  his  Blithe  is  Rauf  to 

find  his  foe  is  a 
face  j  Saracen. 

"  Thow  sayis  thow  art  ane  Sarajine'?  855 

Now  thankit  be  Drichtine, 
That  ane  of  vs  sail  neuer  hine, 
Vndeid  in  this  place." 


30 


RAUF    COIL3EAR. 


Neither  intoii.u     Tliaii  said  llic  Sui'rt^inc  to  Schir  Rauf  succudrously, 

to  let  the  other  -ii-  ii.,i,ji  ^,^    ^     i^    n      -,r-n 

go  alive;  "  1  liauc  lui  lykiug  to  lyltj  to  hit  tliG  With  luie.      800 

He  gaue  ane  braid  with  liis  brand  to  the  Beirne  by, 

Till  the  blude  of  his  browis  brest  out  abufe. 
The  kene  Knicht  in  that  steid  stakkerit  sturely, 
The  leuth  of  ane  rude  lu-aid  he  gart  him  remufe. 
they  close  in  witii  Schir  Eauf  ruschit  vp  agane,  and  hit  him  in  hy  ;     865 
Thay  preis  furth  properly  thair  pithis  to  prufe. 
Ilk  ane  a  schort  knyfe  braidit  out  sone ; 
In  stour  stifly  thay  stand, 
With  twa  knyfis  in  hand  ; 
With  that  come  Schir  Eolland  870 

As  thay  had  neir  done. 


[Dij,  hiK-k] 
short  knives; 


and  calls  on  the 
Saracen  to 


when  Sir  Roland    The  geutill  Kuicht  Schic  Eolland  come  rydand  ful  richt, 

rides  forward,  ■,  ■      r>       i  •     -n,  i  it  t     i 

parts  them.  And  ruschit  fra  his  Eunsy,  and  ran  thame  betwene  : 

He  sayis,  "  thow  art  ane  Sara3ine,  I  se  be  my  sicht, 

For  to  confound  our  Clu-istin  men,that  counteris  sa  kene. 
Tell  me  thy  name  tyte,  thow  trauelland  Knicht !     876 

Fy  on  thy  fechting  !  fell  lies  thow  bene ; 
Thow  art  stout  and  Strang,  and  stalwart  in  fecht ; 
Sa  is  thy  fallow  in  faith,  and  that  is  weill  sene. 
In  Christ  and  thow  will  trow,  thow  takis  nane  outray." 
"  Forsuith,"  the  Sara3ine  said,  881 

"  Thy  self  maid  me  neuer  sa  affraid 
That  I  for  souerance  wald  haue  praid, 
ISTa  not  sail  to  day. 


accept  Christ. 


But  the  Saracen 
is  not  driven  to 
that  yet, 


and  defies  them 
both  at  once. 


Sir  Roland 
disdains  the 
unfair  play. 


but  again  calls 
on  him  to  forsake 
Mohammed, 


"  Brief  me  not  with  30ur  boist,  but  mak  30U  baith  boun, 

Batteris  on  baldly  the  best,  I  30W  pray."  886 

"Na,"  said  Schir  Eolland,  "that  war  na  resoun, 

I  trow  in  the  mekle  God,  that  maist  of  michtis  may. 
The  tane  is  in  power  to  mak  that  presoun. 

For  that  war  na  wassalage  sum  men  wald  say ;  890 
I  rid  that  thow  hartfuUy  forsaik  thy  Mahoim  ; 

Fy  on  that  fouU  Feind,  for  fals  is  thy  fay  ! 


RAUF    COIL3EAR.  31 

Hccuui  Christin,  Schir  Knicht,  and  ou  Christ  call ;  and  iiocomc  a 

Christian  Knight. 

It  is  my  will  thow  comiert, 
This  wickit  waiid  is  hot  aue  start —  895 

And  haiie  him  halely  in  hart 
That  maker  is  of  all." 


"  Schir  Rolland,  I  rek  noclit  of  thy  Rauingis  ;  The  saracen  twits 

Thow  dois  hot  reuerance  to  thame  that  rekkis  it 
noclit ; 
Thow  slane  hes  oft,  thy  self,  of  my  Counsingis,       900 

Soudanis  and  sib  men,  that  the  with  schame  socht.  [Diij] 

Now  faindis  to  haue  fauour  with  thy  fleichingis,  defies  him, 

Now  haue  I  ferlie,  gif  I  fauour  the  ocht ; 
We  sail  spuil3e  30W  dispittously  at  the  nixt  springis, 

Mak  30W  biggingis  full  bair,  bodword  haue  I  brocht. 
Chace  Charlis  30ur  King  for  out  of  France  ;  906  an.i  sives  him  a 

challenge  to  Kiii^' 

Fra  the  Chane  of  Tartaric,  Chaiies  from  the 

1  1   T  T  Khan  of  Tartary. 

At  mm  this  message  wald  1  be, 
To  tell  him  as  I  haue  tauld  the^ 

Withoutiii  plesance."  910 

"  Tyte  tell  me  thy  name,  it  seruis  of  noclit ; 

36  Sara3eins  ar  succuderus  and  self  willit  ay, 
Sail  neuer  of  sa  sour  ane  brand  ane  bricht  fyre  be 
brocht. 
The  Feynd  is  sa  felloun  als  fers  as  he  may."         914 
"  Sa  thriue  I,"  said  the  Sara3ine,  '*  to  threip  is  my 
thocht, 
Qulia  waitis  the  Cristin.  with  cair,  my  cusingis  ar  thay ; 
My  name  is  Magog,  in  will  and  I  mocht.  His  own  name  is 

To  ding  thame  doun  dourly  that  euer  warin  my  way. 
For  thy  my  warysoun  is  full  gude  at  hame  quhair  I  dwel." 

"  In  faith,"  said  Schir  Eolland,  920  sir  Roiami  again 

*'  That  is  full  cuill  wyn  land 
To  haue  quliill  thow  ar  leuand, 
Sine  at  thine  end  hell. 


32 


tries  to  c  invert 
him, 


RAUF    OOIL3EAR. 

"  AV;iltl  tliiiw  I'cniucrl  )lic  in  liy,  aiul  cuucr  llic  of  sin, 
Thow  sulil  lianc  mair  prolitc'  and  inekle  parclonn  ; 


Dame  Jane 
of  Aiijou, 


Willi  the  bait  of     Eichc  Doucliereis  seii"  to  Lc  sGsit  in,  92G 

rich  (liU'hies, 

During  (juliill  day  dawis,  that  neuer  will  gang  doun  ; 
a  worthy  wife,       Wed  ane  worthic  to  wyfe,  and  weild  hir  with  win, 
Ane  of  the  riche  of  our  Kealme  be  that  ressoun  ; 
Tlie  gentill  Duches,  Danio  lane,  that  claimis  be  hir  kin 
Angcos  and  vther  landis,  with  mony  riche  toun.  931 
Thus  may  thow,  and  thow  will,  wirk  tlie  best  wise, 
I  do  the  out  of  dispair. 
In  all  France  is  nane  so  fair 
Als  scho  is,  appeirand  air  935 

To  twa  Douchereis." 


heiress-apparent 
of  two  duchies. 


[D  iij.back] 
The  Saracen 
recks  nought  of 
these  attractions. 


but  since  the 
Christian  God 
is  so  good. 


he  will  believe  on 
him, 

and  Christ  his 
son. 


"  I  rek  nocht  of  thy  riches,  Schir  Eolland  the  Knicht," 

Said  the  rude  Sara3ine  in  Eyall  array, 
"  Thy  God  nor  thy  Grassum  set  I  bot  licht  ; 

Bot  gif  thy  God  be  sa  gude  as  I  heir  the  say,       940 
I  will  forsaik  Mahoun,  and  tak  me  to  his  micht, 

Euer  mair  perpetuallie  as  he  that  mair  may. 
Heir  with  hart  and  gude  will  my  treuth  I  the  plicht, 

That  I  sail  lelely  leif  on  thy  Lord  ay. 
And  I  beseik  him  of  Grace,  and  askis  him  mercy,    945 
And  Christ  his  Sone  full  schene. 
For  I  haue  Christin  men  sene. 
That  in  mony  angeris  hes  bene, 

FuU  oft  on  him  cry."  949 

Sir  Roland  thanks  "  I  thank  God,"  Said  Eollaud,  "  that  word  lykis  me  ! 

And  Christ  his  sweit  Sone,  that  the  that  grace  send." 
Thay  swoir  on  thair  swordis  swyftlie  all  thre. 

And  coniseruit  thame  freindis  to  thair  lyfis  end, 
Euer  in  all  trauell,  to  leif  and  to  die. 

Thay  Knichtis  caryit  to  the  court,  as  Christ  had  thame 
kend.  955 

The  King  for  thair  cumming  maid  game  and  gle, 
With  mony  mirthfnll  man  thair  mirthis  to  mend. 


all  three, 

on  their  swords, 

become  sworn 

brothers, 

and  proceed  to 
court. 


The  King 
celebrates  the 
event. 


IIAUP    C0IL3E\R.  33 

Digne  Bischoppis  that  day,  that  clouchtic  gart  bring,       Bishops 

administer  tlie 

And  gaue  him  Sacramenlis  seir,  sacraments, 

And  callit  him  Schir  Gawteir,  960  name  iiim  sir 

Walter, 

And  sine  the  Duches  cleir  ana  wed  iiim  to 


He  weddit  with  ane  ring. 


tlie  Ducliess. 


D- 


Than  Schir  Rauf  gat  rewaird  to  keip  his  Knichtheid  :     sir  Ranf  s 
Sic  tythingis  come  to  the  King  within  thay  nyne  niclit,  approved. 
That  the  Marschell  of  France  was  newlingis  deid  ;  965  and  he  made 

mar(?olial  of 

Richt  thair,  with  the  counsall  of  mony  kene  Knicht,  France. 
He  thocht  him  richt  wortliie  to  bydo  in  his  steid. 

For  to  weild  that  worschip  worthie  and  wicht. 
His  wyfe  wald  he  nocht  forget,  for  dout  of  Goddis  feid.  Hedniy  sen.is 

for  his  wife. 

He  send  efter  that  hende,  to  leif  thame  in  "icht,  970 
Syne  foundit  ane  fair  place  qiihair  he  met  the  King,       and  on  the  si.ot 

wliere  he  met 

Euer  mair  perj)etually,  the  King, 

In  the  name  of  Sanct  luly,  founds  a  hospice 

.  in  name  of  St. 

That  all  that  wantis  harbery,  juiy. 

Suld  haue  gestning.  975 

Finis. 


Imprentit  at  Sanc/tandrois  be  Robert  Lekpreuik 
Anno  1572 


CHARL.   ROM.   VII.  D 


35 


l0ulaiul  and  ^crniiKit. 


D  2 


37 


31l0ulanb  anlJ  2Ftrnagu. 


For  he  it  seije  wi]?  sijt. 

[Fol.  263,  col.  I.] 

Now  bigin  ichil  of  him, 

Of  charls  fat  was  stout  &  grim, 

Now  will  I  tell  of 
Charles,  the  stout 
and  grim, 

&  tel  30U  al  fat  ri3t. 

4 

U  An  hundred  winter  it  was  and  fre, 

Sejjen  god  dyed  opon  pe  tre, 

Jjat  charls  fe  king 

7 

Hadde  al  framice  in  his  hond, 

King  of  Franje, 

Danmark  &  Inglond, 

Denmark,  and 

Wifouten  ani  lesing, 

10 

England, 

Lorein  &  lombardye, 

"Was  til  his  bidding ; 

13 

&  emperour  he  was  of  rome, 

and  Emperor  of 

&  lord  of  al  christendome, 

Kome. 

j)an  was  he  an  hei3e  lording. 

16 

Tn  fat  time  was  an  emperonc 
JL  In  costentin  of  gret  honour, 

Constantius  was 
then  Einperor  of 
Constantinople, 

Co?2stansious  he  liijt ; 

19 

God  he  loued  &  alle  his, 

&  hated  hem  fat  dede  amis, 

Wif  al  his  mi3t. 

22 

In  speyii,  fo  fer  was  a  king, 
A  stern  man  wif  outen  lesing, 

and  Ehraliim 
King  of  Spain. 

}?at  werred  03ain  f  e  ri^t. 

25 

Ebrahim  was  his  name, 

Wide  sprong  his  riche  fame, 

He  was  a  dou3ti  kni3t. 

28 

38 


ROULAND    AND    VERNAGU. 


He  persccutod 
tlie  Christians, 


and  pxileil  the 
Piilriarch  of 
Jerusalem, 


wlio  complained 
to  Constantins. 


Great  was  the 
Emperor's  grief. 


In  his  grief  he 
prayed  to  Jesus, 
[fol.  2C3,  col.  2.] 


who  sent  an  angel 
with  a  message 


to  invoke  the  aid 
of  Charlemagne. 


Never  so  glad  had 
the  Emporor 
been. 


IT  Alio  pat  leued  in  godes  lawe, 
He  lete  hem  bo|je  lioug  &  drawe, 

J?o  jjat  he  mi3t  of  take  ; 
&  pe  patriark  of  ierusalem 
Out  of  lond  he  dede  him  flom, 

Al  for  godes  sake. 
j)Q  patriarke  was  ful  wiis, 
&  to  ))emperour  he  -went  y-wis, 

His  mone  for  to  make, 
Hon  fe  king  ebrahim 
Out  of  lond  exiled  him, 

Wijj  michel  wer  &  wrake. 

H  King  costance  jjemperour 
Made  swipe  gret  dolour 

For  pis  tidinges, 
Ihii  crist  bisoujt  he, 
Almijti  god  in  trinite, 

King  of  al  kinges, 
He  sende  him  grace  hhn  to  slo, 
Jjat  had  y-wrou^t  so  michel  wo, 

&  slawe  godes  ginges, 
&  sone  so  he  had  pe  bon  y-hede, 
An  angel  lijt  doun  in  pat  stede, 

Sz  pis  bode  him  bringes. 

H  )5e  angel  seyd  to  pemperour, 
"  Wele  pe  gretep  pi  saueour, 

Ihu,  ful  of  mi3t, 
&  bit  pe  sende  wip  michel  anour, 
After  charls  pe  co??.querour, 

He  is  a  douhti  kni^t. 
He  schal  pe  help  in  batayl, 
&  sle  pe  sarrazin  wipouten  fail, 

]5at  dop  ojain  pe  rijt." 
Jjemperour  Avas  glad  &  blipe, 
&  ponked  god  fele  sipe. 

His  hert  nas  neuer  so  lijt. 


31 


34 


37 


40 


43 


46 


49 


52 


55 


58 


61 


64 


CHARLES    MARCHES    TO    CONSTANTINOPLE. 


39 


H  Four  pQ  best  he  sent  of  hem, 
)3at  on  hi3t  dauid  of  ierusalem, 

&  Samuel  al  so, 
Ion  of  naples  "vvas  anojser, 
Ysac  hi^t  pe  ferjj  bi'ojjer, 

Jjider  he  gan  go. 
He  "went  to  fe  palais  of  rome, 
&  bi-for  sir  charli[s]  come 

&  told  hbn  of  her  wo ; 
Jjai  toke  him  pe  letter  &  kist  his  hand, 
Swiche  was  pe  lawe  of  pe  land, 

&  schal  ben  euer  mo. 

H  Charls  wepe  for  fat  dede, 
When  he  herd  pe  letter  rede, 

&  hete  an  hei3eing, 
Al  pat  mi3t  armes  here, 
Kniif  or  scheld,  swerd  or  spere, 

Men  schuld  bi-for  him  bring. 
)3ai  busked  hem  &  made  he?;^  yare, 
To  costentin  for  to  fare, 

Wijjouten  ani  lesing. 
]5empe?*our  was  glad  y-wis, 
&  vnderfenge  wij)  miche  blis, 

Sir  charls  pe  king. 

H  Riche  iuels  wifouten  lesing, 
Sir  costance  pe  king 

Bifor  sir  charls  he  broujt ; 
Sauage  bestes  for  j^e  nones. 
Gold  &  siluer,  &  riche  stones, 

Ac  pev  of  nold  he  nou3t : 
He  bi-sou3t  him  of  more  honour. 
Of  ihii  our  saueour, 

Jjat  al  ])is  warld  ha);  wrou3t, 
Joat  he  on  su  fired  passioun, 
Of  pe  croice  &  of  pe  croun, 

\)er  of  he  him  bi-sou3t. 


He  sent  four 
envoya  witli  a 
letter 


67 


70 


to  Charles  at 
Rome. 


73 


76 


Charles  was 
grieved, 


79 


and  ordered  all 
who  could  bear 
arms  to  assemble. 


82 


and  then  march  to 
Constantinople.     yC, 


85 


88 


91 


[fol.  26S,  back, 
col.  1.] 
Constantius  pre- 
sented Charles 
with  jewels, 


94 


and  other 
honours. 


97 


100 


40 


ROULANU    AND    VEENAGU. 


He  showed  him 
the  holy  relics, 


llie  very  odour  of 
which  cured 
three  hundred 
sick  people. 


There  were  the 
holy  crown, 
the  arm  of  St. 
Simeon, 


a  piece  of  the 
cross, 


our  Lady's  smock, 
the  rod  of  Aaron, 


the  spear  of 
Longinus, 


and  one  of  the 
nails. 


Charles  prayed 
for  a  proof  of 
the  relics. 


and  the  place  was 
filled  with  a 
heavenly  light. 

[fol.  263,  back, 
col.  2.] 


10  M  jpemperour  his  wil  dede, 

&  ladde  him  to  J)c  holy  stede, 

)3ere  Jje  relikes  ware ; 
jjer  com  swiche  a  swete  odour, 
}3at  neuer  ^ete  so  swete  sauour, 

N'o  feld  J)ai  neuer  are ; 
Of  pe  smal  fat  was  so  swote, 
J?re  hundred  sike  hadde  her  bote, 

&  cast  were  out  of  care, 
fan  broujt  fai  for])  pe  holy  croun, 
&  pe  arme  of  seyn  simoun, 

Bi-foru  hem  alle  fare. 

11  U  &  a  parti  of  fe  holy  crosse, 
}?at  in  a  cristal  was  don  in  clos, 

&  godes  clofeiug. 
Our  leuedi  smok  f'  hye  had  on, 
&  pe  3erd  of  araon, 

Forf  fai  gun  bring, 
&  a  spere  long  &  smert, 
|5at  longys  put  to  godes  hert, 

He  gaf  charls  pe  king ; 
&  a  nail  long  &  gret 
J3at  was  y-driue  f urch  godes  fet, 

Wif  outen  ani  lesing. 

12  IT  When  charls  had  reseiued  fat  fing, 
He  bisou3t  ihu,  heuen  king, 

To  sende  him  mi^t  &  space, 
For  to  wite  f e  sof e  fere, 
3if  f  e  relikes  verray  were, 

Er  he  f  ennes  pase. 
}3an  decended  a  li3tnesse, 
Doun  rijtes  fram  f e  heuen  blis, 

In  fat  ich  place, 
]5at  f  ai  wenden  alle  y-wis, 
Jpai  hadde  ben  in  paradys, 

So  ful  it  was  of  grace. 


103 


lOG 


109 


112 


115 


118 


121 


124 


127 


130 


133 


136 


ST,  JAMES    APPEARS    TO    CHARLES    IN    A    VISION. 


41 


13     IF  J;;ii  tok  leue  at  Jjemperour, 
&  Jjonked  him  of  gret  honour, 

&  to  aise  in  gascoyn  went ; 
\)ev  he  duelled  siker  apli3t. 
So  he  biheld  opon  a  nijfc, 

Vp  to  fe  firmament, 
A  way  of  sterres  he  sei3e  y-wis, 
Out  of  spaine  in  to  galis, 

As  red  as  brond  Jjat  brent. 
He  bi-sou3t  god  in  trinite 
To  sende  him  grace  wite  wat  it  be, 

Wi|)  wel  gode  entent. 

14:     II  &  in  ]3e  Jjoujt  jjat  he  was  in, 
Jjer  com  a  voice,  &  spac  to  him, 

AVi])  a  milde  steuen, 
"  James  ])e  apostel  bi  crist, 
lones  brojjer,  pe  wangelist, 

Godes  deciple  of  heuen, 
)?at  god  bad  prechy  on  pe  se. 
For  J)i  herodes  lete  me  sle, 

j)ev  of  y  f»e  neuen, 
Mi  body  lijj  in  galis, 
Bi3ond  speyne  for  sofe  y-Avis, 

Jurnays  mo  fian  seuen. 

15     II  For  pi  me  wondrejj  wijjoutere  fail, 
]?at  )jou  comest  nou3t^  to  do  batayl, 

}5at  lond  for  to  winne, 
&  3if  Jjou  winnes  fat  lond  y-wis, 
Y  schal  jje  bring  in  to  j^at  blis, 

J5er  ich  woni  inne. 
Al  ))at  me  sekep  more  &  lesse, 
Schal  haue  for-3euenes 

Of  her  dedeli  sinne. 
Now  wende  &  do  as  y  Jje  sede, 
&  in  batayl  Jjou  schalt  spede. 

When  jjou  it  will  biginne. 


Charles  returned 

to  Gascony, 


and  one  night 
saw  a  line  of  stars 
pointing  towards 
Galieia. 


139 


142 


145 


148 


And  the  voice  of 
James  the 
151     Apostle, 


154 


157 


wliom  Herod  liad 
killed, 


told  him  how  his 
body  lay  in 
Galieia,  seven 

inn    il'iys' journey 

loU    away, 


163 


['  written  over 
tlie  line.] 


and  that  lie  was  to 
go  and  rescue  it ; 


166 


169 


172 


for  winch  he 
sliould  have  for- 
giveness of  all  his 


42 


ROULAND    AND    VERNAQU. 


Tlie  line  of  staia 
bctolicncd  tliiil 
Cliarles  slioulil 
ciiiuiuer  all  tlie 
touiilry. 


[fol.  26 1,  col.  1.] 


[>  MS.  lameis.] 

Thrice  did  tlie 
vision  appear, 


and  Charles 
started  with  a 
large  army. 


First  he  laid 
siege  to  Pam- 
piloun  for  six 
months, 


but  could  not 
win  it. 


Charles  prays  to 
God  to  enable  him 
to  win  the  city. 


and  immediately 
the  walls  fall 
down. 


IG     U  }3e  way  of  sterres  bitoknej)  y-wis, 
)?at  of  spaine  &  of  galis 

)3ou  shalt  "be  co?zquerer ; 
Lorain  &  lombardye, 
Gascoyne,  bayouii,  &  pikardye, 

Sclial  be  in  fi  pouwer." 
\)\xs  com  J)e  apostel  lames,^ 
)5ries  to  cbarls,  &  seyd  pis, 

)pat  was  so  stoute  &  fer. 
Now  wendejj  cbarls  wifi  bis  ost 
Into  speyne  wijj  micbel  bost, 

As  3e  may  forward  bere. 

17  H  )?e  fu'st  cite  was  pampiloun, 
)pat  was  a  swipe  noble  toun, 

|5at  cbarls  gan  asayl ; 
&  sex  monepes  be  it  bi-lay  apli3t, 
)?at  noting  winne  be  it  no  mi3t, 

For  alle  bis  batayle. 
For  pe  walles  so  strong  were, 
He  no  nii3t  bane  non  entre  pere 

Wi))  outen  ani  fayl, 
}3er  Avere  mani  strong  gines, 
&  fele  pousand  of  sarazines, 

Swipe  bey3e  of  parail. 

18  H  ])an  praid  cbarls  to  god  of  beuen, 
"  Lord,  be  seyd,  bere  mi  steiien, 

Astow  art  ful  of  mi3t, 
Sende  me  grace  pis  cite  to  winne, 
&  sle  pe  sarrazins  ber  inne, 

)5at  don  03ain  pe  ri3t." 
po  felle  pe  walles  of  pe  cite, 
Cbarls  entred  wip  bis  meyne, 

Als  a  douliti  lviii3t, 
&  purcb  pe  miracle  pat  was  pere, 
Ten  pousand  sarrazins  cristned  were, 

In  pat  icb  ni3t. 


175 


178 


181 


184 


187 


190 


19: 


196 


199 


202 


205 


208 


CHARLES    OVERRUNS    THE    WHOLE    OF    SPAIN. 


43 


19  H  &  jjo  pat  nold  noii^t  cristned  be, 
He  lete  hem  hong  opou  a  tre, 

Er  he  jjeunes  pase. 
j)\is  chaiis  fiurch  spayn  gan  gon, 
&  wan  jje  cites  eurichon, 

Al  Jjurch  godes  grace. 
Where  he  com  in  ani  erd, 
Ich  man  was  of  him  aferd, 

j)ixt  loked  on  his  face. 
l3e  names  of  eueri  cite 
}?at  he  wan,  y  schal  tel  ^e 

Er  ich  hennes  pase. 

20  H  Visim,  lameche,  &  sumy, 
Colomuber,  luche,  &  vrry, 

Brakare  &  vimaraile, 
Compostel,  a  cite  grete, 
AuriUan  &  tullet, 

Jpat  strong  is  to  asayl ; 
Golddelfagar  &  salamencha, 
Vline,  canayls,  madris,  al  swa 

Calatorie  &  lestoyl, 
Medinacel,  an  heije  cite, 
Segouus  fie  grete,  &  salamenchc, 

Gramie  &  sturgel, 

21  H  Godian  &  emerite, 

Bourg  in  spaine,  jj*  nis  nou^t  lite, 

A  swifie  noble  toun ; 
Nasers  &  majjed, 
Carion  &  vrpaled, 

&  oche  of  gret  renoun  ; 
Burbagalle,  a  castel  al  so, 
Costant,  petros,  &  oj5cr  mo, 

Bayet  &  pampiloun, 
Ventos  iii  Jje  grene  vale, 
Caparre,  eustorge,  &  entale, 

Gascoine  &  bayoun, 


211 


Then  Charles 
inurehed  through- 
out Spain, 


214 


217 


and  took  every 
city: 


220 


[fol.  264,  col.2.] 


223 


amongst  tliem 
Compos  tella, 


226 


Salamanca, 
Madiiil, 


229 


Segovia, 


232 


Godian, 


235 


238    Oche, 


241    Pampiloun, 


244    Bayonnc, 


•u 


ROULANU    AND    VliRNAGU. 


22 


Portugal  and 

Sarogossa, 

Granada, 


Seville,  Auon, 


and  many  others. 


At  Aeon  lay  23 

Torquas,  the  dis- 
ciple of  St.  James, 


at  whose  tomb 
many  miracles 
were  wrought. 

[fol.  264,  back, 
col.  1.] 


The  whole  of  24 

Spain  did  Cliarles 
win. 


till  he  came  to 
Lucerne,  wliich 

withstood  him  a 
whole  year. 


H  Toutor,  a  strong  castel, 
Laudulif  &  portingal, 

Burnam  &  saragouns,  247 

Granad  &  satyne, 
Costaunce  &  deine, 

Teragon  &  valouns,  250 

Leride,  acoun,  &  siuile, 
Cliarls  wan  in  a  while, 

Agabie  &  vrens,  253 

Quaramelide,  gibalderie, 
Barbaster,  vice,  &  almarie, 

Agabie  &  sisens.  25 G 

U  Acoun,  J>at  y  spak  of  ere, 
Seyn  lames  deciple  li])  jjere, 

pat  hat  seyn  torquas  ;  259 

A  swiJ3e  fair  oliif  tre 
Beside  his  toumbe  men  may  se, 

)5at  springe]?  ]?urch  godes  grace ;         262 
Opon  his  fest  in  mid  may, 
Jjer  on  is  front  of  gret  noblay, 

Bope  more  &  lasse  ;  265 

&  who  fat  sekej)  hem  verrament, 
At  pe  day  of  iuggement, 

Schal  se  godes  face.  268 

A  lie  jje  londes  fat  were  in  spayne, 
Wif  dint  of  swerd  wan  charlmain, 

Portingale  &  lauers  ;  271 

Landuluf  &  chastel, 
Bigairs,  bastles,  &  londes  fele, 

Moys  &  nauers.  274 

AUe  Jje  londes  he  wan  3ern, 
Til  he  com  to  lucern, 

So  stout  he  was  &  fers,  277 

&  tvelmone])  he  it  bilay  aplijt, 
&  noting  win  he  it  mi3t. 

For  al  his  dusse-pers.  280 


CHARLES    CURSES    THE    TOWNS    WHICH    RESIST    HIM. 


45 


25  H  J)o  preyd  charls  to  god  abone, 
Jjat  he  him  sent  grace  sone, 

\)e  cite  for  to  winne. 
Jjo  fel  fe  walles  adoun  ri3tes, 
King  charls  entred  wi|)  his  knijtes, 

|5urch  fiat  ich  ginne  ; 
Charls  acurssed  pat  cite, 
&  ventos,  &  caparre,  &  deneye, 

For  her  dedeli  sinne  ; 
Deserd  pai  were  after  jjan, 
}pat  neuer  sejjjjen  no  cristen  man, 

No  durst  com  ))er  inne. 

26  IT  For  charls  curssed  J)o  lucern, 
Also  tite  \)Q  toun  ganbern, 

&  schal  don  euer  mo ; 
&  of  fe  smoc  of  fat  toun, 
Mani  take])  Jjer  of  pusesoun, 

&  dyej)  in  michel  wo  ; 
&  fer  ]?e  ojjer  pre  cites  stode, 
Be])  waters  red  of  helle  flode, 

&  fisches  ther  in  al  bio  ; 
&  who  J)at  wil  nou^t  leue  me. 
In  spaine  men  may  \ie  sojie  y-se, 

Who  Jjat  wil  j)ider  go. 

27  H  &  while  charls  was  in  Jiat  stede, 
A  fair  miracle  god  for  him  dede, 

Er  he  gan  ])ennes  wende  ; 
Braimches  of  vines  charls  sett, 
In  marche  mone})  wif  outen  lett, 

As  was  fie  ri3t  kende  ; 
&  amorwe  grapes  fiai  here, 
Eed  &  ripe  to  kerue  fiere. 

For  paners  pai  gun  sende  ; 
And  for  paners  fiai  crid  J)o, 
3ete  men  clcpej)  ])e  cite  so, 

&  schal  to  f)e  warldes  ende. 


Then  prayed 
Cliai'lcs  again, 


283 


286 


and  again  tlie 
walls  fell  down. 


And  Charles 
cursed  that  town 
and  others, 


289 


80  that  none 
could  live  in 
them. 


292 


295 


298 


301 


and  the  waters 
became  red  like 
hell-flood,  and  the 
fishes  black,  as 
you  may  see  to 
this  day. 


304 


307 


310 


313 


And  God  showed 
Charles  a  miracle, 


[fol.  264,  back, 
col.  2.] 
for  in  Maroli  the 
vines  bare  ripe 
gnapes,  more  than 
they  could  carry. 


316 


46 


ROULAND    AND    VERNAGU. 


All  the  towns  in       28 
Spiiin  Churles 
won  back, 


and  destroyed  all 
the  Saracen's 
iUoIs. 


A  statue  had 
Mahoun  made 
with  great  craft, 


and  in  it  put 
many  fiends 
to  protect  it. 


29 


30 


for  that  statue 
would  fall  when 
a  king  brought 
Spain  to 
Christianity. 

Charles  overthrew 
that  statue. 


and  with  the 

spoils  built 
churches. 


IT  Clotlonius  fe  ilrst  cristcii  king, 
&  clotayrs  wij?  outuii  losing, 

King  dagabers  &  pipin,  319 

"Won  mani  tonnes  in  spaine, 
Ac  pe  gode  charlmain, 

Wan  it  al  wip  gin  :  322 

Alle  pG  maumetes  i?i  spaine  were, 
)5at  were  Jie  sarrazins  leue  &  dere. 

King  cliarls  &  turpin,  325 

]5ai  destroyd  jjurch  godes  nii3t, 
Sum  Jjurch  miracle  &  sum  Jjurch  fi^t, 

So  seyt  pe  latin.  328 

IT  &  an  image  of  gret  pouste, 
Stode  on  a  roclie  bi  fe  se, 

In  pe  gilden  lond  ;  331 

His  name  Avas  salanicodus, 
As  a  man  y-schapen  he  wes, 

&  held  a  glaive  an  hond,  334 

Mahoun  maked  him  wip  gin, 
&  dede  mani  fendes  Jjer  in, 

As  ich  vnderstond,  337 

For  to  susten  pe  ymage, 
&  sett  liim  on  hei3e  stage, 

For  no  man  nold  he  wond.  340 

IT  j)e  face  of  him  was  turned  soujje  ri3t. 
In  her  lay  the  sarrazins  founde  apli3t 

Of  iubiter  &  mahoun  ;  343 

J;at  when  y-born  were  Jie  king, 
)3at  schuld  spaine  to  cristeu  bring, 

pQ  ymage  schuld  falle  adoun  ;  346 

Charls  dede  fat  ymage  falle, 
&  wan  in  spaine  J>e  cites  aUe, 

Bofe  tour  &  toun  ;  349 

&  wi])  Jje  tresour  Jjat  he  wan  Jjere 
Mani  a  chirche  he  lete  arere, 

)5at  was  of  gret  renoun.  352 


OF    A    MIRACLE    WHICH    HAPPENED    AT    BAYONNE. 


47 


31  H  )?e  first  chirche  for  sop  y-wis, 
"Was  seyn  lames  in  galis, 

]?at  he  lete  arere,  355 

WiJ)  an  hundred  clianouns  &  her  pnour, 
Of  seynt  ysador  fie  co?^fessou^, 

For  to  serui  fere  :  358 

&  in  aise  a  chapel, 
Of  lim  &  ston  y-wT0U3t  fid  wel, 

Of  werk  riche  &  dere,  361 

&  seyn  lames  at  burdewes, 
&  on  at  tolous,  anojjer  at  anevaus, 

&  mo  as  36  may  here.  364 

32  /""^harls  duelled  siker  apli3t, 
\y   Jjre  mones  &  fourten  ni^t, 

In  bayoun  wiJ?  his  ost,  367 

)3er  fel  a  miracle  of  a  kni3t, 
Wiche  pat  was  to  dejj  y-dijt, 

J5urch  J5e  holy  gost ;  370 

Sir  romain  for  sojje  he  hijt, 
Er  he  dyd  he  hadde  his  ri3t, 

Wi|)  outen  ani  host ;  373 

On  of  his  frendes  he  cleped  hi?n  to  : 
"  Y  schal  dye  it  is  so, 

Ful  wele  Jjou  it  wost.  376 

33  IF  Mine  clones  p<xt  ichaue, 

)5er  wij)  pat  y  be  brou3t  in  graue, 

WiJ)  mete  &  drink  &  li3t,  379 

&  sel  min  hors  on  hei3eing 
Pouer  clerkes  sauters  to  sing, 

j)ev  to  pat  it  be  di3t ;  "  382 

&  when  he  hadde  y-seyd  pus  stille, 
Also  it  was  godes  wille, 

J)an  died  pe  kni3t,  385 

j)Q  hors  was  seld  wip  oxxten  duelinges, 
For  to  hundred  schillin^es, 

&  put  it  vp  apli3t.  388 


[fol.  265,  col.  1.] 
Fii'fit  ho  built  a 
chui-ch  to  St. 
James  in  Galicia, 


and  a  chapel  at 
Aix, 


and  churches  at 
Bordeaux, 
Tolouse,  and 
elsewhere. 


While  Charles 
was  at  Bayoniie, 


a  mn'acle  hap- 
pened to  a  knight. 


Sir  Romain. 


On  his  death-bed 
he  bequeathed  his 
horse  to  be  sold 
and  the  money 
given  to  the 
church. 


His  executor  sold 
it  for  two  hundreo 
shillings,  and 
kept  the  money. 


48 


ROULAND   AND    VERNAQU. 


At  the  end  of  a 
montli  llic  knif^lit 
appeared  to  his 
executor, 


[fol.  2G5,  col.  2.] 


and  told  him  he 
should  go  to  liell 
for  his  dishonesty. 


In  the  morning 
tlie  executor  told 
his  dream. 


and  while  he  was 
telling  it,  devils 
came  and  carried 
him  off. 


At  last  his  body 
was  found  at 
Navern, 


his  soul  had  gone 

to  hell. 


Such  shall  be  the 
fate  of  all  false 
executors. 


34:     ^  &  at  \>c  ncndc  of  fritti  nijt, 
To  his  seketour  com  pe  dec!  kni3t, 

&  seyd  in  J)is  maner  : 
**  Mi  soule  is  in  heuen  blis, 
For  J)e  lone  of  min  almis, 

|?at  y  sett  here  ; 
&  for  ]jou  hast  at-hold  min, 
Jjritti  days  jchaue  ben  i?«  pin, 

Jjat  wel  strong  were, 
Paradis  is  graunted  me, 
&  in  fat  pain  fou  schalt  be, 

J3at  ich  was  in  ere." 

35  H  )3e  ded  fus  in  his  way  went, 
&  he  awaked  verrament, 

&  wonder  hadde  apli3t ; 
&  amorwe  his  sweuen  he  told. 
To  erls  &  to  barouns  bold, 

To  squiers  &  to  kni^t : 
&  amonges  hem  alle, 
As  jjai  stoden  in  Jje  halle, 

Jjer  com  a  windes  flijt, 
&  fele  fendes  J3*  were  swift, 
&  beren  him  vp  in  to  fe  lift, 

&  held  him  Jjere  four  ni3t. 

36  H  Seriau??ce  J^e  bodi  sou3t, 
Ac  jjai  no  mi3t  it  finde  nou3t, 

Four  dayes  no  more. 
Fro  bayoun  he  went  wij)  his  ost, 
&  Jjurch  nauern  wif  miche  host, 

Joe  bodi  fiai  founde  J)ore, 
J5er  Jje  fendes  had  let  him  felle, 
&  here  his  soule  in  to  helle. 

To  hard  paines  sore. 
So  schal  eueri  sekatour, 
)5e  dedes  gode  abigge  wel  sour, 

}5at  hye  bi-nimej)  jje  pore. 


391 


394 


397 


400 


403 


40G 


409 


412 


415 


418 


421 


424 


A    DESCRIPTION    OF    CIIAULKS    AND    HIS    HABITS. 


49 


37  "l^T*"'[w]  late  we  be  of  j^is  fing, 
J_  1     &  spake  of  charles  fe  l^ing, 

)5at  michel  was  of  mijt, 
Of  his  lengjje  &  his  brede, 
As  Jje  latin  ous  sede, 

Ichil  3011  rede  ari3t ; 
Tventi  fete  he  was  o  lengjje, 
&  al  so  of  gret  strengfe, 

&  of  a  stern  sight, 
Blac  of  here  &  rede  of  face, 
Whare  he  com  in  ani  place, 

He  was  a  douhti  kni^t. 

38  H  Four  times  in  fe  ^ere, 
On  his  heued  he  here, 

j)e  holy  croiin  of  ))orn, 
At  ester,  at  wissontide, 
&  at  seyn  iames  day  wijj  pride, 

&  in  3ole  as  god  was  born. 
&  atte  jje  mete  in  jje  halle, 
Among  his  kni3tes  alle, 

A  drawe  swerd  him  biforn, 
}?is  was  pe  maner  ay, 
&  schal  be  til  domesday, 

Of  emperour  y-corn. 

39  II  &  whare  he  slepe  ani3t, 
Wei  wise  he  was  &  wi3t, 

&  douted  of  tresoun, 
An  hundred  kni3tes  hi7n  kept, 
)5at  non  of  hem  no  slept, 

}?at  were  of  gret  renoun, 
Sz  eueri  du3ti  kni3t 
Held  a  torche  li3t, 

&  a  naked  fauchoun. 
)5us  king  charls  lay, 
Wij)  his  ost  mani  a  dai, 

In  ])&  cite  of  pampiloun. 

CHARL.   ROM.  VH. 


427 


Now  will  I  tell 
you  of  Charles. 


430 


He  was  20  feet 
in  height, 


433 


436 


451 


454 


457 


400 


with  black  hair 
and  a  ruddy 
complexion. 


Four  times  in 
the  year, 


439 


442 


445 


448 


at  Easter, 
Whitsuntide, 
[fol.  265,  back, 
col.  1.] 
St.  James's  d.ay 
and  Christmas, 
he  wore  at  his 
table  tlie  holy 
crown  of  tliorns. 


When  he  slept  100 
kniglits  guai'ded 
him, 


each  with  a  torch 
and  a  drawn 
sword. 


50 


ROULA.ND    AND    VERNAQU. 


One  ilay  camo  -iO 

tidings  to  Cliarlos 
of  a  doughty 
kniglit  called 


Vernagu, 


who  had  coine  to 
fight  with  him. 


41 


He  was  40  feet  iii 
height ; 

his  face  4  feet 
across, 

and  his  shoulders 
15  feet. 


He  was  a  loath- 
some sight  and  as 
black  as  pitch. 


[fol.  265,  back, 
col.  2.] 
He  challenged 
Charles  or  any  of 
his  knights 
to  fight. 


Charles  was 
astonished, 


42 


for  never  had  he 
seen  any  so  grim. 


H  &  on  a  day  com  tiding, 
Vnto  cbarls  the  king, 

Al  of  a  donliti  knijt, 
"Was  comen  to  nasers  : 
Stout  he  was  &  fers, 

Vernagu  he  hijt ; 
Of  babiloun  J)e  soudan 
Jjider  him  sonde  gan, 

WiJ)  king  charls  to  fi^t, 
So  hard  he  was  to  fond, 
)5at  no  dint  of  brond, 

No  greued  him  apH3t. 

H  He  hadde  tventi  men  strengjje, 
&  fourti  fet  of  lengjje, 

jjilke  panim  hade, 
&  four  fet  in  \)g  face, 
Y-meten  in  fe  place, 

&  fiften  in  brede, 
His  nose  was  a  fot  &  more, 
His  browe  as  brestles  wore, 

He  fat  it  sei3e  it  sede, 
He  loked  lopeliche, 
&  was  swart  as  piche, 

Of  him  men  mi3t  adrede. 

Charls  com  to  nasers 
WiJ)  his  dusse  pers. 

To  se  |3at  painim. 
He  asked  wi])  outen  fayl. 
Of  king  charls  batayl. 

To  fl3t  03aines  him  : 
Charls  wonderd  fo, 
When  he  sei3e  him  go, 

He  bi-held  him  ich  alim, 
For  se]3})en  he  was  y-bore. 
He  no  hadde  y-sen  bifore, 

ISTon  pat  was  so  grim. 


463 


46G 


4G9 


472 


475 


478 


481 


484 


487 


490 


493 


496 


VERNAGU    DEFEATS    OGIER,    REYNAI^D,    AND    OTHERS. 


51 


43  H  Sir  oger  fe  danais, 
A  knijt  fill  curtays, 

To  liiin  first  was  y-sent ; 
&  at  his  coming, 
Vernagu  an  hey3eing, 

Ynder  his  arm  him  hent, 
Y-armed  as  he  was, 
He  toke  him  in  pe  plas, 

&  to  J)e  castel  he  went  : 
Sir  oger  schamed  sore, 
Him  o-Jjou^t  ])at  com  jjore, 

&  held  him  foiile  y-schent. 

44  U  Eeynald  de  aubejjpine 
Was  sent  to  J>at  sarrazin. 

He  seriied  him  al  so  ; 
&  seyd  to  charlmain, 
"  Sir,  j)o  jjou  won  spain, 

Hadestow  non  better  Jjo  ? 
So  mahoun  me  3iue  rest, 
03ain  ten  swiche  ]>e  best, 

To  fi3t  ich  wold  go." 
Sir  costentin  of  rome, 
&  J)erl  of  naimtes  come. 

To  fi^t  wi|)  bo|)e  to. 

45  H  &  vernagu  bar  bofe, 

'No  were  fai  neuer  so  ■\vroJ)e, 

To  nassers  castel, 
Vnder  ai])cr  arm  on. 
As  stille  as  ani  stou, 

Mi3t  J)ai  nou3t  wif  him  mele. 
j)o  charls  sent  ten, 
Al  so  he  seriied  his  men, 

Mi3t  no  man  wij?  him  dele. 
Charls  bi-Jjoii3t  ]>o, 
3if  he  sent  mo, 

It  were  him  wrojjor  hclc. 


Ogier  first 
essayed, 


499 


but  Vernagu  took 
him  under  his 
arm, 


502 


505    'i"<l  walked  off 
with  him. 


508 


Reyiiald  was 
the  next, 

511    but  he  was  served 
in  the  same  way. 


514 


517 


520 


After  him 
Costentin  and  tlie 
Earl  of  Nantes 
came  out  at  once. 


but  Vernagu 
carried  them  off, 


523 


one  under  each 
ann. 


526 


529 


532 


Then  Charles  sent 
10  at  once, 
but  they  all  were 
treated  iri  the 
[fol.  2CG, 
col.  1.] 
same  way. 


52 


ROULANI)    AND    VERNAGU. 


Then  Roland  4C 

asked  leave  to 
fight  Veriiagu ; 


and  Charles 
gi-anted  hira 
leave. 


47 


Vernagu  picked 
him  out  of  his 
saddle, 


but  Roland  felled 
him  to  the 
ground. 


48 


They  drew  their 
swords, 


and  Roland  cuts 
Vernagu's  horse 
in  two. 


Then  Vernagu 
killed  Roland's 
horse. 


Roland  fe  gocle  kni3t, 
\)o  bad  leue  to  lijt, 

03ain  pat  painim, 
King  charls  seyd,  "  nay, 
Jjou  no  sclialt  nou3t  bi  pis  day, 

He  is  to  stout  &  grim." 
So  long  he  him  bad, 
)3at  leue  of  him  he  hadde. 

Eouland  armed  him, 
&  com  anon  ri3t 
In  to  Jie  feld,  to  fijt 

O^ain  pat  sarrazin. 

H  &  at  his  coming  pare, 
Sir  vernagu  was  ware 

&  tok  him  vnder  his  hond, 
Out  of  his  sadel  he  gan  him  here, 
&  on  his  hors  swere 

He  set  roulond : 
&  rouland  smot  him  so, 
j)at  vernagu  po 

Vnto  pe  grounde  wond. 
&  when  pe  cristen  80130  pis, 
J5at  vernagu  fallen  is, 

)5ai  ponked  godes  sond. 

H  )5ai  lopen  opon  her  stede, 
&  swerdes  out  pai  brede, 

&  fi^t  pai  gun  po. 
Eouland  wip  durindale, 
Brewe  him  miche  bale, 

&  carf  his  hors  ato  : 
When  vernagu  was  o  fot, 
He  no  coupe  no  better  hot, 

To  rouland  he  gan  go, 
In  pe  heued  he  smot  his  stede, 
)5at  ded  to  grounde  he  3ede, 

0  fot  pan  were  pai  ho. 


535 


538 


541 


544 


547 


550 


553 


556 


559 


562 


565 


568 


ROLAND    AND    VEUNAGU    FIGHT    A    WHOLE    DAY    LONG. 


53 


49  H  A  fot  ))ai  tok  pe  fi^t, 
&  vernagu  a  nou  ri^t, 

His  swerd  he  had  y-lore. 
Eouland  wi])  al  his  iii[i3t, 
He  stired  him  as  a  kni3t, 

&  yaf  him  dintes  sore. 
Til  it  was  ogain  pe  none, 
J3us  fiai  layd  opon, 

Ay  til  })ai  weri  wore  : 
Douk  rouland  sone  he  fond, 
}3at  wi))  no  dint  of  brond, 

He  slou^  him  neuer  more. 

50  11  When  it  com  to  pe  neue, 
Vernagu  bad  leue, 

To  resten  of  f»at  fi^t : 
Eouland  him  trewfe  3af, 
So  he  most  bring  a  staf, 

After  his  wil  y-di3t ; 
Vernagu  graunted  wel 
&  went  to  her  hostel 

"When  fat  was  nijt. 
Amorwe  wifi  outen  fail, 
Jjai  com  to  pe  batayl, 

Ai|)er  as  douhti  knijt. 

51  U  Sir  rouland  brou3t  a  staf 
}3at  king  charls  him  3af, 

}?at  was  long  &  newe, 
J3e  bodi  of  a  3ong  oke. 
To  3if  Jjer-wijj  a  stroke, 

He  was  tou3  &  trewe. 
&  wij)  fat  gode  staf, 
Wel  mani  dintes  he  3af 

Vernagu  pe  schrewe. 
&  at  fe  non  ai)li3t, 
J?ai  gun  auofer  fi3t, 

&  stones  to  gidcr  frewe. 


They  fought  on 
foot. 


571 


574 


[fol.  2CG,  col.  2] 


577 


580 


but  Rohmd  could 
not  hurt  him 
with  a  swoi'J. 


583 


586 


At  even  Vernagu 
proposed  to 
adjiiurii  the  fiKht 
till  the  next  day. 

Roland  agreed  on 
condition  that  he 
might  bring  a 
staff  as  his  arm. 


589 


592 


595    So  next  day  he 
brought  a  young 
oak, 


598 


with  which  he 

belaboured 

Vernagu. 


601 


P(\,    Then  Ihey  took  to 
"'J*    stones. 


54 


ROULAND    AND    VERNAGU. 


Their  helmets  and 
shields  were 
broken  to  pieces. 


Vernagu,  feeling 
tired,  asked  leave 
to  liave  a  sleep. 


Roland  agreed, 
and  promised  not 
to  touch  him  in 
his  sleep. 

[fol.  266,  back, 
col.  1] 


Vernagu  went 
to  sleep, 


and  snored  like  a 
wild  boar; 


so  Roland  brought 
a  great  stone  and 
pl.aced  it  under 
his  head  for  a 
pillow. 


52  IT  Gode  rappes  for  J)e  nones, 
Jjai  ^auen  wijj  fe  stones, 

Jjat  sete  swifo  sore  ; 
Jjat  helme  &  heye  targe, 
}3urch  her  strokes  large, 

J3er  AviJ)  fai  broken  wore. 
&  vernagu  at  jjat  cas, 
So  sore  asleped  was, 

He  no  mi3t  fi3t  no  more  : 
At  rouland  leue  he  toke, 
J3at  time,  so  seyt  Jie  boke. 

For  to  slepe  fore. 

53  U  Eoland  ^af  leiie  him. 
For  to  slepe  Avele  afin, 

&  rest  him  in  fat  stounde, 
&  seyd  fat  he  nold, 
For  fe  cite  ful  of  gold 

Be  f er  wif  y-founde, 
Slepeand  to  slen  a  knijt, 
J5ei  fat  he  had  in  fi^t, 

3if  him  defes  woimde. 
j3o  vernagu  lay  adoun, 
To  slepe  he  was  boun, 

J?ere  opon  f  e  grounde. 

54  H  &  vernagu  rout  fore, 
As  a  wild  bore, 

])o  he  on  slepe  was  : 
To  him  rouland  gan  gon, 
&  tok  f  e  gretest  ston 

J5at  lay  in  fat  place. 
He  leyd  vnder  his  heued  y-wis 
For  him  fou3t  it  lay  amis. 

To  lowe  at  fat  cas. 
&  vernagu  vp  stode. 
He  stard  as  he  were  wode. 

When  he  awaked  was, 


607 


610 


613 


616 


619 


622 


625 


628 


631 


634 


637 


640 


VERNAQU    QUESTIONS    ROLAND    ABOUT    HIS    BIRTH    AND    FAMILY.       55 


55  IT  Vernagii  asked  anon, 

"  Who  leyd  fis  gret  ston, 

Vnder  min  heued  so  1 
It  no  mi3t  neuer  be, 
Bot  jif  he  were  a  knijt  fre. 

Wist  ich  who  it  were, 
He  schuld  be  me  leue  &  dere, 
[A^o  gap  in  the  MS.'] 

)5ei  Jjat  he  were  mi  fo." 
Qua])  rouland,  sikerly, 
"  Certes  it  was  y. 

For  ])at  Jjou  rot  so. 

56  ^  &  when  jjo  me  louest  miche, 
I^ow  tel  me  sikerhche, 

Whi  Jjou  art  so  hard, 
}Jat  no  fling  may  fe  dere, 
Knif,  no  ax,  no  spere, 

No  no  dint  of  sward." 
Quajj  vernagu  sikerly, 
"  'So  man  is  harder  fan  y, 

Fram  fe  nauel  vp  ward, 
For-J)i  y  com  hider  y-wis, 
To  fi3t  wij)  king  charlis, 

WiJ)  \q  hore  bard." 

57  IF  Vernagu  to  rouland  sede, 
"  Al  so  jji  god  fe  spede, 

Whare  were  jJou  y-born  %  " 
"  In  fraunce,  bi  seynt  austin. 
King  charls  cosyn, 

Our  kinde  lord  y-corn. 
AYe  leuej)  opon  ihii, 
)5at  is  ful  of  vertu, 

}5at  bare  fie  croun  of  Jjorn. 
&  3e  leuefi  in  fio  fende, 
For-fii  wifi  outen  eude, 

3e  schul  be  for  lorn." 


643 


Vernagu  won- 
dered greatly  at 
this  act  of 
courtesy, 


646    and  asked  who 
did  it. 


649 


652 


655 


Roland  asked  the 
Saracen  how  it 
was  he  couUl  not 
hui't  him. 


658 


601 


Vernagu  told  him 
that  only  in  tlie 
navel  was  he 
vulnerable. 


[fol.  266,  back, 
col.  2] 


664 


"Where  wert 
thou  born  ?  " 
667    asked  Vernagu. 

Roland  told  him, 


670 


673 


676 


and  how  he  was  a 
believer  in  Jesus 
Christ. 


56 


ROULAND  AND  VERNAQU. 


Vemagu  asked         58 
who  Jesus  was. 


Roland  answered, 
"  The  king  of 
Paradise, 


wlio  was  born  of  a 
virgin. 


suffered  for  man- 
kind on  the  cross. 


59 


rose  on  the  third 
day  from  death  to 
life. 


and  ascended  into 
heaven,  one  God 
in  Three 
Persons." 


"  How  could  he  be    60 
one  and  three  ?  " 
asked  Vemagu. 


[fol.  267,  col.  1] 
Roland  answers : 
"  As  in  a  harp  are 
three  things, 
wood,  and  strings, 
and  sound,  so  in 
God  are  three 
persons : 


11  &  when  Jjat  vemagu 
Y-herd  speke  of  iliu, 

He  asked  wat  man  he  was.  679 

Sir  rouland  seyd,  "  he  is 
j)e  king  of  paradys, 

&  lord  ful  of  gras,  682 

In  a  naaiden  he  was  bore, 
To  bigge  fat  was  forlore, 

As  Sonne  passej)  furch  fe  glas,  685 

&  dyed  opon  \>e  rode, 
For  our  alder  gode, 

&  nou3t  for  his  gilt  it  nas  :  688 

U  &  suffred  woundes  fine, 
&  ros  fram  ded  to  Hue, 

Jpan  pridde  day  ;  691 

&  fet  out  adam  &  eue, 
&  mo  Jjat  were  hij?i  leue, 

Fram  helle  for  so)5e  to  say,  694 

&  sitt  in  trinite, 
0  god  in  persones  thre ; 

Swiche  is  our  lay."  697 

IF  Vernagu  seyd  Jjo, 
"  It  no  mi3t  neuer  be  so, 

])ev  of  y  sigge  nay.  700 

IF  Hou  mi^t  it  euer  be, 
)5at  he  were  on  &  thre  1 

Tel  me  now  jje  skille."  703 

Roidand  })an  sede, 
"  Al  so  god  me  spede, 

3is  wi)5  a  gode  wille.  706 

As  fe  harp  has  j^re  pinges, 
Wode  &  soun  &  streuges, 

&  mirjie  is  fier  tille,  709 

So  is  god  persones  Jjre, 
&  holeliche  on  in  vnite, 

Al  ))ing  to  ful-fille.  712 


ROLAND    EXPLAINS    THE    MYSTERIES    OF    TllK    CURISTIAX    FAITU.       0 1 


Gl     H  &  as  Ipa  senile  hap  finges  pro, 
Hete  &  white  on  to  sc, 

&  is  ful  of  li3t, 
So  is  god  in  trinite, 
Ynite  &  mageste, 

&  lord  ful  of  mi3t. " 
Qua])  vernagu,  "  now  y  se, 
Hou  he  is  god  in  persones  jjre, 

!N^ow  ich  wot  Jjat  ri^t, 
Ac  hou  fat  he  biconi  man, 
The  lord  |)at  ]3is  world  wan, 

}3er  of  no  haue  y  no  si3t." 

62  H  Qua])  rouland,  "he  fat  ous  boujt, 
&  al  fing  maked  of  nou^t, 

Wele  mi3t  he  be  so  hende, 
J)at  he  wald  sende  his  sone, 
In  a  maiden  for  to  wone, 

Wip  outen  ma72nes  kende." 
Qua])  vernagu,  "saunfayl, 
)?er  of  ichaue  gret  meruail, 

Hou  mi3t  he  frani  hir  wende, 
Hou  mi3t  he  of  hir  be  bore, 
}5at  was  a  maiden  bi  fore, 

Y  no  may  nou3t  haue  in  mende." 

63  1i  Eouland  seyd  to  vernagu, 
"  Mi  lordes  fader  ihii, 

Is  so  michel  of  mi3t, 
J3at  he  made  sonne  &  se, 
&  fisches  in  pe  flod  to  be, 

Bofe  daye  &  ui3t : 
Wele  may  he  fan,  as  y  pe  er  seyd, 
Ben  y-bore  of  a  maide, 

^YiJ)  outen  wem  apli3t." 
Qua])  vernagu,  "  it  may  wele  be, 
Ac  hou  he  dyed  y  no  can  nou3t  sc, 

Tel  me  now  fat  ri3t. 


Ami  as  in  the  sun 
are  heat,  brifjlit- 
ness,  ami  light,  so 


715 


is  the  Trinity  in 
Unity." 


718 


721 


"Now  I  under- 
stand," said 
Vernagu ;  "  but 
liow  could  God 
bet;ome  man  ?  " 


724 

"God,"  said 
Roland,  "  who  is 
Alraifflity,  sent 
His  Son  to  be  born 
727    man  of  a  Virgin  ?" 


730 


733    "  How  could  a 
Virgin  bear  a 
child  ?  "  asked 
Vernagu. 

736 


739 

"God,  who  made 
sun  and  sea, 

742    night  and  day, 
could  easily  do 
that,"  replied 
Roland. 

745 

"That  might  well 
be,"  said 
Vernagu ; 
"  but  how  could 

748  God  die, 


58 


ROULAND    AND    VERNAGU. 


[fol.  267,  col.  2] 
and  rise  again  ?  " 


"  Only  the  man- 
hood died,"  Ruid 
Roliind,  "  the 
godliead  lived 
always. 


And  so  must  we 
all  at  the  day  of 
judgment  rise, 


and  give  account 
of  our  lives." 


"  But  how  did  He 
ascend  into 
heaven  ?  "  said 
Vernagu. 


"  As  the  sun 
which  sets  in  the 
west  rises  again 
in  the  east, 

so  did  He  ascend 
into  heaven." 


64  H  For  i  nist  neuer  no  man, 
)5at  aros  after  pan, 

When  pat  he  ded  was,  751 

&  jif  he  godes  sone  were, 
He  no  mi3t  nou3t  dye  pore  : 

Tel  me  now  pat  cas."  754 

Quap  rouland,  "y  schal  tel  pe. 
His  bodi  slepe  vpon  pe  tre, 

&  pe  pridde  day  aras,  757 

His  godhed  Avaked  euer  &  ay, 
&  to  helle  tok  pe  way, 

&  bond  satanas.  760 

65  H  So  schiil  Ave  al  arise, 
&  of  pe  dome  agrise, 

Atte  day  of  iuggement,  763 

&  answerey  for  our  dede, 
pe  gode  &  pe  quede, 

Hon  Ave  our  liif  haue  spent."  766 

Quap  vernagu,  "  now  ichot  wel, 
Hou  he  aros  ichadel, 

&  haue  in  min  entent  769 

Ac  hou  he  stey3e  to  heuen, 
Y  no  can  nou3t  neuen, 

No  wite  verrament."  772 

6Q     H  )5an  seyd  rouland, 

"  0  vernagu,  vnderstand, 

Herken  noAv  to  me.  775 

}5at  ich  lord  pat  Avip  his  mi^t, 
In  a  maiden  a-li3t, 

Y-born  for  to  be,  778 

As  pe  Sonne  aros  in  pe  est, 
&  decended  in  pe  west, 

Astow  mi3t  now  se,  781 

Ri3t  so  dede  god  almi3t, 
Mounted  in  to  heuen  h3t, 

&  sit  in  trinite."  784 


AN  ANGEL  APPEARS  AND  ENCOURAGES  ROLAND. 


59 


G7     H  Quaj)  verimgu,  "now  icli  wot, 
5our  cristen  lavve  eueri  grot, 

Now  we  wil  fijt. 
Whejjer  lawe  better  be, 
Soue  we  schul  y-se, 

Long  ar  it  be  ni3t," 
Eouland  a  dint  him  ^af, 
Wi]3  his  gode  staf, 

)3at  he  kneled  aplijt, 
&  vernagu  to  him  smot, 
&  carf  liis  staf  fot  hot, 

Euen  ato  ari3t. 

68  H  ))o  rouland  kneld  adoun, 
(fe  maked  an  orisoun, 

To  god  in  heuen  li3t, 
&  seyd,  "  lord  vnder  stond 
Y  no  fi^t  for  no  lond, 

Bot  for  to  saue  pi  ri^t, 
Se??de  me  now  mijt  &  grace, 
Here  in  Jjis  ich  place, 

To  sle  jjat  fonle  wijt." 
An  angel  com  ful  sone, 
&  seyd  "  herd  is  Jii  bone, 

Arise  rouland  &  fi3t, 

69  IF  &  sched  pe  schrewes  blod, 
For  he  nas  neuer  gode, 

Bi  lond  no  bi  se  : 
J3ei  alle  prechours  aline, 
To  cristen  wald  him  schriue, 

Gode  nold  be  neucr  be." 
When  rouland  herd  jjat  steuen, 
He  stirt  him  vp  ful  euen, 

&  fau^t  wij)  hert  fre  ; 
Strokes  bi  sex  &  seuen, 
Togider  Jiis  knijtcs  3cucn 

)3at  niani  man  mi3t  y-se. 


787 


"  Now,"  said 
Vernagu,  "  I 
umlcrstand  your 
religion  every 
whit:  let  us  try 
whose  religion 
God  will  prevail.' 


790 


793 


796 


Tliey  then  re- 
sumed tlieir  fight, 
[fol.  2G7,  back, 
col.  1] 
and  Vernagu  cut 
Koland's  staff  in 
two. 


Roland  I'ell  on  his 
knees,  and  jirayeJ 
God  for  help  to 
overcome  the 
799    Saracen. 


802 


805 


An  angel  soon 
appeared,  and 
bade  him  arise, 


808 


and  slay  the 
infidel. 


811 


814 


817 


Roland  started 
up,  and  laid  on 
strokes  by  six  and 
seven. 


820 


00 


ROULAND    AND    VERNAQU. 


70 


Soon  he  cut  off 
the  Saracen's  lert 
arm. 


hut  Vernas" 

hit  him  so  sore  on 
the  liead 


that  had  it  not 
heen  for  his 
helmet  lie  had 
been  killed, 


[fol.  267,  back, 
col.  2] 


71 


but  with  one  blow 
he  cut  Vernagu's 
shield  in  two. 


and  with  the  next     /  2 
stroke  gave  him 
his  death  wound. 


Vernagii  called  on 
liis  gods  for  lielii, 


II  IloulanJ  \vi])  outen  dueling, 
jJurcli  mijt  of  lieuen  king, 

Vernagu  he  smot,  823 

])at  fie  left  arm,  &  pe  scheld 
Fel  for])  in  to  J?e  feld, 

Frani  fat  painim  fot  hot :  826 

His  arm  J)o  he  had  lore, 
Swife  wo  him  was  Jjer  fore 

&  fast  he  fau3t  y  wot.  829 

He  smot  rouland  on  pe  croun, 
A  strok  wij)  his  fauchoun, 

)5at  purch  fe  helme  it  bot.  832 

U  No  hadde  ben  fie  bacinet, 
}?at  pe  strok  wiJ?  sett, 

Rouland  hadde  ben  aqueld.  835 

j5o  sarrazin  sayd  aswife, 
"  Smite  ich  eft  on  sijje 

])i  liif  is  boujt  &  seld."  838 

Eouland  answerd,  "  nay. 
Mine  wor|)  fe  rafier  pay, 

Bi  god  fat  al  fing  weld  ;"  841 

&  wij)  a  strok  ful  large. 
He  clef  fe  sarrazins  targe, 

J3at  half  fel  in  fe  feld.  844 

H  &  at  anofer  venov, 
Eoland  smot  vernagu, 

]?at  he  fel  doun  to  grounde,  847 

&  rouland  wiJ)  durindale 
;af  him  strokes  fale, 

&  his  defes  wounde.  850 

J5e  paynem  crid,  "help,  mahoun, 
&  lubiter  of  gret  renoun, 

)5at  be))  so  michel  of  mounde,  853 

As  3e  be])  mi3t-ful  helpe])  me, 
J3at  ich  mijt  y-venged  me 

Of  J)is  cristen  hounde."  85 G 


ROLAND    SLAYS    VERNAGU    AMIDST    GREAT    REJOICINGS. 


61 


73  H  Eouland  I0113  for  jjat  cri, 
&  syd,  "  mahoun,  fikerly, 

No  may  pe  help  nou^t : 
No  lubiter,  no  apolin, 
No  is  wor|)  fe  brust  of  a  swin, 

In  hert  no  in  ^01131." 
His  ventail  he  gan  vn-lace, 
&  smot  of  his  heued  in  Tpe  place, 

&  to  charls  it  brou3t : 
\)o  Jjonked  he  god  in  heuen, 
&  mai'i  wi]7  milde  steuen, 

\)at  he  so  hadde  y-wrou3t. 

74  H  &  al  ]je  folk  of  pe  lond, 
For  onour  of  roulond, 

)ponked  god  old  &  3ong  : 
&  3ede  a  procesioun, 
"WiJ)  croice  &  gomfaynoun, 

&  salue  miri  song, 
Bo])e  widowe  &  wiif  in  place, 
pus  Jjonked  godes  grace, 

Alle  J)o  Jjat  speke  wi])  tong. 
To  otuel  also  3erri, 
J3at  was  a  sarrazin  stern, 

Ful  sone  Jjis  word  sprong. 


Init  Roland  only 
mocked  liini. 


859 


862 


Then  he  out  off 
his  head  and  took 
ouO    it  to  Charlemagne, 

who  thanked  God 
and  Maiy. 


868 


871 


Then  tliere  was 
general  thanks- 
giving in  honour 
of  Roland. 


874 


8/7    Soon  the  tiding 
of  Vernagu's 
death  reached 
otuel. 

880 


63 


Sllte  |ioi«aiire  of  (Diud. 


THE   ROMANCE   OF   OTUEL. 


G5 


©tutl 

\_The  numbers  in  iracltcts  in  the  margin  refer  to  the 
corresponding  lines  of  "  Roland  and  Otuel."1 

'Erknefi  bo]5e  3inge  &  olde, 
)?at  willen  lieren  of  batailles  bolcle, 
&  36  wolle  a  while  duelle, 
Of  bolde  batailles  ich  ■wole  30U  telle,  4 
j)a,t  was  sumtime  bitwene 
Cristine  men  &  sarrazins  kene. 


[fol.  268,  col.  1] 


H  J3ere  was  sumtime  a  king  in  france, 

A  dou3ty  man  wij?  spare  &  launce, 

&  made  sarazins  ful  tame, 

King  charles  was  his  name, 

&  was  born  in  seint  denys, 

!N'ou3t  bote  a  litel  fram  parys, 

&  was  a  wol  treu  kni3t, 

&  meintenede  cristendom  ari3t. 

H  In  his  time,  a  king  per  was, 
An  hejjene  J)at  vncristned  was, 
|3at  was  king  of  lumbardie, 
&  was  y-hoten  king  garsie. 
Marsile  was  his  al  so, 
&  manie  ojjer  londes  mo. 
A  swi|)e  gret  lord  he  was, 
In  his  time  non  suych  per  nas. 
On  ihu  crist  ne  leuede  he  nou3t, 
\)at  him  hadde  so  dere  a-bou3t. 
He  leuede  al  in  maumettrie, 
&  for-sok  god  &  seinte  marie. 
In  alle  londes  jjere  he  wente. 
He  SI0U3  al  fiat  euere  he  hente, 

CHARL.   ROM.   VII. 


8 


Hearken  all, 
young  and  old, 


and  I  will  tell  you 
of  the  wars 
between  the 
Christians  .and 
Saracens. 

Once  there  was  a 
doughty  king  of 
France,  Charles,  a 
true  knight, 


12 


16 


in  whose  time  was 
a  heatlien  king  of 
Lombardy, 


named  Garsie. 


20 


24 


A  great  lord  he 
was, 


but  he  believed 
not  on  Jesus 
Christ, 


28 


GG 


OTUEL. 


and  liis  whole 
thousl't  "'iis  to 
destroy  Chiisti- 
auity. 


Never  in  all 
heathenilom  was 
there  so  great  a 
king  : 
[fol.  268,  col.  2] 


when  he  held  his 
parliament, 


fifteen  kings  came 
at  his  couiniund, 
and  swore  to  join 
in  war  on 
Charles, 


for  he  was  the 
greatest  of  Chris- 
tian kings. 


On  Childermas- 
day  Charles  with 
his  douze-percs 
went  towards 
Paris. 


)5at  wolde  on  ihu  crist  bileue, 
&  tok  ]>e  lond  to  his  byheue  : 
ISTi^t  &  day  it  was  his  pout, 
To  bringe  cristendom  to  nout. 

H  In  he)5enesse  per  nas  no  king, 
}3at  ne  he].[d]  of  him  sum  ping, 
Or  dude  him  omage  or  feute. 
Suich  a  mi3ty  king  was  he, 
Alle  pei  scholden  to  him  bouwe. 
He  Avas  lord  of  londes  ynowe, 
&  3it  he  pou^te  wit  maistrie, 
Habben  al  cristendom  to  gye  : 
Al  cristendom  more  &  lasse, 
He  pou3te  to  maken  hepennesse. 

^  Whan  he  wolde  hauen  a  parlement, 

peve  com  to  his  comaundeme?it, 

To  helpen  hym  wit  alle  pinges, 

Fiftene  hepene  kinges  : 

&  alle  pei  were  togidere  sworn, 

J)at  cristendom  scholde  be  lorn, 

&  maden  alle  here  ordenau?zce. 

To  Averren  uppon  pe  king  of  France, 

For  pei  herden  alle  tidinges, 

)5at  he  was  chef  of  cristene  gynges, 

&  pe  king  wiste  it  wel. 

ISTou  schulle  3e  here  hou  it  bifel, 

H  Hit  was  on  childermasse  day, 
Sop  to  segge  wip  outen  nay, 
J5at  king  charles  of  sein  denys, 
AVente  him  to  ward  parys. 
Hise  duzze  peres  wit  him  he  nam, 
&  muche  poeple  to  him  kam, 
&  token  alle  here  consail  pare, 
])at  pei  woklen  wip  alle  fare. 


32 


3G 


40 


44 


48 


52 


56 


[39.] 


60 


OTUEL    ARRIVES    ON    AN    EMBASSY    TO    CIIAULES. 


76 


Into  Marsile  riden  and  gon,  [46] 

&■  werren  fere  wi])  godes  foou,  64 

&  hadden  set  a  certein  day, 

To  wenden  fider  wijj  outen  delay : 

Bote  ar  fei  j^iderward  ferden, 

Suiclie  tydinges  fei  lierden,  68 

Of  a  sarasin^  dou3ti  &  good, 

)3at  a-moeuede  al  here  blod. 

7  H  \)ev  com  a  sarazin  ful  of  rage,  [55] 
Fram  king  garsie  in  message,  72 
In  to  paris  pe  Avei  lie  nam, 

&  to  fe  kinges  paleis  he  kam. 

Otuwel  his  name  was, 

Of  no  man  a-fered  he  nas, 

Into  pe  paleis  po  he  cam,^ 

A  skwier  be  fe  hon[d]  he  nam, 

&  seide  :  "  ich  am  comen  her, 

Kyng  garsies  messager, 

To  speke  wij?  charles,  king  of  J)is  lo?id, 

&  wij)  a  knijt  Jjat  heet  Roulo?al, 

&  a  nojjer  hatte  oliuer, 

Kni^tes  holden  wipouten  peer  :  84 

}3ose  fire  ich  biseche  pe, 

Jjat  Jjou  telle  me  whiche  Jjei  be." 

8  *[I  )5e  skwier  J)0U3te  wel  by  sijt, 
}3at  Otuwel  was  a  doujti  kni3t, 
&  for  he  was  in  message  come, 
Bi  fe  bond  he  hauej)  him  nome, 
&  ladde  him  m  to  pe  halle. 

Among  pe  grete  lordes  alle,  92 

&  fere  fei  stoden  oppon  her  feet. 
He  schewede  him  where  pe  king  seet, 

'   MS.  sazasin. 

•  This  line  is  twice  written  in  the  MS.  ;  at  the  end  of  fol. 
268,  col.  2,  as  above,  and  at  the  beginning  of  p.  268  back, 
col.  1,  In  to  }3e  palais  l^o  he  cam. 

F   2 


On  his  way  he 
heard  of  a 
doughty  Saracen, 


named  Otuel, 


[fol.  268,  baok, 
col.  1.] 


30    w''0  "'^s  sent  as 
a  messenger  from 
Garsie,  to  Cliarles 

Roland, 

and  Oliver. 


Otuel  is  led  by  a 
squire  into 
88    Cliarles'  presence 


68 


OTUEL. 


He  went  directly 
up  to  Chailcs, 


without  any  fear, 


and  said  before 
them  all : 
"Garsie,  my  lord, 
defies  thee,  and 
curses  thee ! " 


And  Roland 
he  challenged 
to  meet  him  in 
the  field  in  single 
combat. 


[fol.  268,  back, 
col.  2.] 


&  tau3te  him  liou  he  scholde  knowe, 
)jere  Jjei  seten  oppou  a  rowe, 
Eoulond  &  olyuer, 
&  ]je  godde  knijt  ogger. 

U  Anon  as  otiiwel  hadde  a  sijt 
Of  charles  pat  was  king  &  kni3t, 
For  eye  of  no  nia/i  he  ne  leet, 
Bote  wente  to  him  Ipeve  he  seet. 
Hit  was  Jie  boldeste  sarazin, 
]5at  euere  forte  drinke  win, 
&  ])at  was  sene  wif  oute  lesing. 
\)o  he  spak  wi])  charles  fe  king. 
He  seide  to  him  amydde  his  halle  : 
"  Sire  king,  foule  mote  pe  falle, 
)3ou  art  a-boute  for  to  greue 
Mahoun  J?at  we  onne  byleue, 
Jjere  fore  haue  Jiou  maugre, 
So  J)e  gretejj  garsie  bi  me, 
}3at  me  haue]?  in  message  sent, 
To  seggen  his  comaundement. 
&  fou,  Eoulond,  fat  art  his  kni3t, 
'Novl  ich  knowe  fe  be  si3t, 
May  icli  mete  pe  in  f e  feeld, 
Wi)?  fi  spere  &  wi]j  fi  scheld, 
Ich  wole  wyte,  so  mote  Ich  jje, 
Ei3t  bytwene  me  &  te."^ 


9G 


100 


104 


[93] 


108 


112 


[109] 


116 


120 


1  (Eight  Hues  lost  in  consequence  of  the  cutting  out  of  the 
illumination  at  the  beginning  of  the  poem.  These  eight  lines 
were  on  the  back  of  the  illumination.) 


ESTUT    ATTEMPTS    TO    SLAY    OTUEL,    BUT    ROLAND    SAVES    HIM.        G9 
10       U 


"  )?at  Jjou  makest  offe  ))is  host, 

Tel  me  nou  ^ei  fou  wost."  [l^^] 

Qua])  otuwel,  "so  mote  ich  fe, 

I  nelle  1101131  hele  for  eie  of  Jjc.  124 

It  was  oppon  a  weddenesdai, 

In  aueril  be-fore  Jje  may, 

King  garsie  fe  weie  nam, 

To  J)e  Cite  of  rome  he  cam,  128 

Twenti  fousende  was  pe  sawe, 

J5at  were  fare  of  sarazin  lawe  : 

Corsouse  m[i  swerde  ful]  harde  fel, 

&  bot  fere  Freinche  flechs  fol  wel."  132 

11  IT  Estii^t  of  leggers,  a  freinshe  kni^t, 
He  sterte  op  anon  rijt, 

&  kypte  anon  in  his  hond 

A  gret  muche  fir  brond,  [1^^]  1^6 

&  to  otuwel  a  strok  hadde  ment, 

Sc  Eoiilond  hj-nani  him  J^e  dent. 

12  ^  )?anne  seide  charles  pe  king, 

"Ich  for  bede  oppon  alle  ping,  140 

j)at  noman  be  so  wood. 

For  to  don  hym  oper  pan  good, 

A  kinges  messager  for  he  is, 

He  ne  schal  habbe  non  harm,  i-wis."  144 

13  ^  "Sire  king,"  qiiap  otuwel,  "be  mi  blod, 
&  aiii  of  hem  be  so  wod, 
To  drawe  to  me  swerd  or  knif, 

Certes  he  schal  lesen  his  lif."  148 

14  ^  ]?e  kinges  kni3tes  hadden  tene, 
Of  otuwel  wordes  kene  ; 
Wip  pat  word  anon  ri3t, 

Op  starte  a  freinsche  kni3t,  152 

Bihinden  otuwel  he  cam. 


Said  Otuel, 

"I  will  tell  thee. 


It  was  ill  April 
that  Garsie  with 
20,000  men  came 
to  Rome, 


where  with  my 
swoi'i.!  I  slew  full 
many 
Frenelimen." 

Estut,  a  French 

knight, 

aims  a  stroke  at 

Otiiel  with  a 

brami, 


but  Roland 
warded  it  off. 


Charles  .also 
interposed  to 
protect  liim, 


but  Olucl  defies 
tliem  all. 


The  French 
knights  are 
enraged, 


70 


OTUEL. 


and  one  seizes 
Otuel  by  the 
liead, 


[fol.  269,  col.  1.] 
and  attempts  to 
lull  liini  witrli  a 
knilc. 


Otuel  draws  his 

sword, 

and  slays  him. 


The  French  press 
round  Otuel  to 
avenge  their 
comrade, 


but  Otuel 
tlireatens  them, 
and  orders  them 
to  sit  down. 


&  be  pe  hod  otuwel  nam,  [165 

&  braid  wij)  so  grct  11113!, 

&  braid  adon  fat  hepene  knijt,  156 

&  anon  out  wijj  a  knif, 

&  wolde  haue  reued  him  his  lif , 

&  jjat  sarazin  otuwel, 

"Was  i-armed  swijje  wel,  160 

J3at  he  ne  dede  him  nou3t  bote  good, 

Ne  drou3  of  his  bodi  no  blood. 

15  U  He  starte  op  &  was  wrof, 

To  ligge  longe  him  was  lo]j,  1 64 

&  Corsouze  his  brond  he  drou3,  [175] 

&  pG  kinges  knijt  he  SI0U3, 

&  amang  hem  alle  he  stood, 

&  lokede  as  he  were  wood.  168 

J3e  kinges  kni3tes  were  agramed, 

&  su??zme  of  hem  were  aschamed, 

\)at  otuwel  in  Jje  halle, 

SI0U3  a  kni3t  among  hem  alle,  172 

&  bi-gunnen  op  to  stonden, 

&  )3on3te  to  leggen  on  him  honden. 

16  ^  Otuwel  jjer  of  was  war, 

&  in  his  herte  it  him  bar,  176 

)5at  fei  nere  a-boute  no  good, 

&  seide  to  hem  jjere  he  stod  ; 

"Bi  pe  louerd  fire  mahoun,  [170] 

Kni3tes  i  rede  3e  sitten  a-doun.  180 

For  3ef  ani  of  30U  so  hardi  be, 

Jjat  any  strok  munte])  to  me, 

Mahoun  mi  god  ich  here  for-sake 

3ef  he  sschal  euere  ordres  take,  184 

Of  ani  opev  bisschopes  hond, 

Bot  of  Corsouze  mi  gode  brond." 

17  J)ei  be-helden  otuwel  alle, 

Kni3tes  &  skwieres  in  pe  halle,  188 


CHARLES    CALLS    ON    OTUEL    TO    GIVE    UP    HIS    SWOKD. 


71 


Charles  forbids 
any  to  touch  the 
Saracen, 


at  which  all  are 
glad. 


Jjer  nas  non  J)at  fere  stood,  They  aii  think 

Otuel  must  be 

j)at  lie  wende  otuel  were  wod,  mad. 

&  euere  lie  held  his  swerd  y-dra\ve, 

&  3af  nou3t  of  hem  alia  an  hawe.  192 

King  charles  stood  vprijt, 

&  comau??dede  a  non  ri3t, 

J;at  no  man  sscholde  be  so  wod,  L-^^^] 

To  do  Jje  messager  nou3t  hote  good.  196 

18  IT  Kni3tes  &  sweines  i??.  J?e  halle, 
Were  wol  glade  per  of  alle, 
pat  ]>e  king  so  bad, 

For  mani  of  hem  was  sore  adrad,  200 

&  pei  wij)  drowen  hem  echone,  [foi.  269,  coi.  2.] 

&  euere  stod  otuwel  al  one, 

&  biheld  hem  as  Jjei  3ede, 

3ef  ani  him  wolde  strok  dede,  204 

19  H  }?anne  seide  charles  fe  king  : 

"  Bi  god  J)at  made  alle  ping,  [182] 

Sarasin,  nere  J)ou  messager, 

Wroper  hele  come  pou  her,  208 

I  rede  pou  3eld  op  jji  brond, 

&  taket  out  of  f>in  bond." 

20  H  Quap  otuwel,  pat  sarazin, 
"Bi  mahoun,  pat  is  louerd  inyn, 
I  nelle  take  it  out  of  min  bond 
To  noman  of  al  pi  lond, 
J3at  is  per  inne  geten  &  bore, 
Jpat  wind  pou  hauest  ilore."  216 

21  IT  "Sarasin,"  quap  roulond, 
"  Tak  me  pi  swerd  in  myn  bond, 
&  iche  wole  saue  pe  bi  mi  blod, 
Sschal  noman  do  pe  nou3t  bote  good,  220 
&  whan  pou  art  redi  to  fare 
For  sopc  pi  swerd  sschal  be  3are."        [191] 


Charles  calls  on 
him  to  surreiulor 
his  svvonl, 


212    but  otuel 

declares  he  will 
give  it  up  to  no 
man. 


Roland  offers  to 
take  charge  of  it, 
and  ])romises  that 
none  shall 
interfere  with 
hira. 


72 


OTUEL. 


Otucl  refuses, 
and  advises  him 
to  keep  away 
from  him. 


Charles  asks 
Otuel  what  his 
message  is. 


Otuel  s.iys  he  lias 
been  sent  by 
Garsie, 


to  bid  Charles  to 

forsake 

Christianity, 

he  and  all  his 

men, 

and  believe  in 

Mahomet, 

and  become 

vassals  of  Garsie. 


[fol.  2G9,  back, 
col.  1.] 


That  if  he  will 
not  do  so, 
Garsie  will  give 
all  his  lands 
to  Olecent  of 
Sclavonia. 


The  douzeperes 
declare  that 
France  must 
never  be  given  up. 


22  U  Qua]?  otuwel  }?e  saraziii ; 

"  Bi  mahoun,  jjat  is  louerd  min,  224 

J?au;  ich  liadde  skwieres  twehie, 

Ich  wole  bere  m>n  svverd  mi  selue. 

Holte  0  roum  !  ich  Avolde  rede, 

&  Jjanne  dostou  a  god  dede."  -228 

23  U  "  Saraziu,"  quap  charles  Jjb  king, 
"  Let  ben  al  ))i  fretning. 

Tel  me  nou  alle  &  some 

In  what  message  artou  come."  232 

Otuwel,  pat  noble  knijt, 

Answerede  a  non  ri^t : 

"  Hider  me  sente  king  garsie,  [205] 

Spaine  is  his,  an[d]  lu??ibardie,  236 

&  manye  londes  name-coufe, 

pat  i  ne  mai  nou3t  nemne  wij)  moujje ; 

Bi  me  he  sente  pe  to  segge, 

}3ou  sscholdest  cristendom  a-legge,  240 

&  maken  Jiine  men  in  eche  toun, 

For  to  leuen  on  fire  malioun, 

&  J)0u  &  alle  Jjine  barous  bolde, 

Of  him  36  sschulle  3oure  londes  holde,  244 

Jjanne  mijtou  amenden  ^if  jjou  wilt, 

J?at  Jjou  hauest  mahou?2  agult : 

&,  certes,  bote  it  so  bi-falle, 

Garsie  wele  3iue  ])ine  londes  alle,  248 

To  decent  of  esclauenye^ 

J)e  kinges  sone  of  Ermenie, 

pat  hauejj  his  .o.  doubter  to  wif, 

J?at  he  louej)  as  his  lif ;  252 

Jjous  sschall  all  pi  murjje  a-dmm, 

Bote  |50u  leue  on  sire  mahoun." 

24  H  \)e  diizze  pieres  answerede  po  :  [253] 

"  Certes,  while  we  moun  ride  &  go,  256 

Fraujjse  sschal  he  neuere  3iue, 


OTUEL  SNEERS  AT  CHARLES :  ROLAND  CHALLENGES  HIM. 


73 


To  iioiuan  while  we  moiin  liue. 

Sire  king,  his  wille  nou  Jjou  wost, 

Let  asemblen  al  fin  ost, 

&  let  vS  upon  garsie  wen  den, 

Alle  hise  londes  for  to  sschenden ; 

Of  wordes  ))at  he  haue])  ispeke, 

For  so)?e  we  reden  you  be  a-wreke."    [258]  264 

25     ^1  "  Certes,  sire  king,"  qua])  otuwel, 

"  ]?ine  freinsche  knijtes  kane  3elpe  wel, 

&  whan  fei  hej)  to  werre  ibroujt, 

}?anne  be  Jjei  ri^t  nou^t.  2C8 


26  IT  }?au3  pon  bringe  wij)  sscheld  &  spere 
Al  pat  euere  may  wepene  here, 

To  werren  vpon  [k]ing  garsie, 
Certes  alle  ]jei  sscholden  deie. 
&  Jjou  art  king,  &  old  kni3t, 
&  hauest  iloren  al  fi  mi3t, 
&  in  ])i  3ink]5e,  tak  god  hede, 
}5ou  nere  neuere  dou3ti  of  dede." 

27  H  jpo  was  J)e  king  was  a-gramed, 
&  alle  hise  duzze  peres  asschamed, 
Jjat  otuwel,  jjat  hejjene  knijt, 
Tolde  of  hem  alle  so  li3t. 


260    and  call  on 

Charles  to  march 
at  once  against 
Gursie. 


"Certes,"  said 
Otuel  to  Charles, 
"these  knights 
can  yelp  well, 
but  do  little, 


272 


276 


and  you  yourself 
are  old  and 
feeble, 

and  even  when 
young  you  were 
no  doughty 
knight." 

Tliey  are  all 
ashamed  and 
annoyed  at  Otuel's 
insolence, 


280 


28     ^  Roulond  bi  fe  king  stood, 
&  ameuede  al  his  blod, 
&  seide  in  WKij)])e  a  non  ri3t, 
To  otuwel  Jiat  hepene  kni3t ; 
"  To  werren  on  garsie  3ef  we  fare, 
In  bataille,  and  i  mete  fie  fare, 
&  i  may  mete  pe  ari3t, 
Bi  ihii  fat  is  ful  of  mi3t, 
pon  ne  sschalt  neuere  after  fat  day, 
Despice  freinchs  man,  3ef  ich  may." 


[292] 


284 


288 


and  Holand 
declares  that  if 
ever  he  meets 
otuel  in  figlit, 
he  will  show  liiui 
what  a  French 
knight  can  do. 

[fol.  2fi9,  hn-M, 
col.  2.] 


74 

Otuel  laughs. 


and  saj's  he  is 
quite  ready  at  any 
moment. 


Roland  accepts 

the  challenge, 


and  Otuel 

proposes  the  next 
day  for  the  duel. 


Roland  is  willing, 


and  they  plight 
their  words  to 
each  other. 

Charles  is  pleased 
with  Otuel, 


and  declares  that 
if  he  will  be 
baptized  he  will 
make  liim  a  rich 
man, 


300 


304 


OTUKL. 

29  H  "  Ou3,"  quaf  otuwel  &  Icu^, 

"  Wherto  makestou  it  so  touj,  292 

To  Jiretc  me  in  ano))cr  loud, 

Xain  ich  [nou3t]  here  at  Jsin  hond,       [303] 

3ef  fou  liauest  wille  to  li3te, 

Whan  euere  fou  wolt  let  Ipe  dijte,  296 

&  Jjoii  sschalt  findo  me  redi  dijt, 

In  fe  feld  to  bide  fi3t." 

30  ^  **Bi  god,"  qua])  roulond,  "ich  wolde  be  3are 
Y/han  ich  wiste  to  finde  fe  fare, 
&  euele  mote  he  friue  &  \>e, 
)?at  ferst  faille))  of  me  &  te." 

31  IF  "  3e  leuo  3a,"  qua])  otuwel  J)o, 
"  Wheper  so  faille))  of  us  two, 
Ich  wole  finde  mahoun  to  borwe, 
Ich  wile  be  redi  erliche  to  morwe." 

32  IT  Qua])  roulond,  par  he  stod  on  grounde, 
"  Selpe  me  gode."  feere  ifounde 
Ei3t  be  fore  ))e  kinges  Eien, 
j)at  alle  ])e  kinges  kni3tes  seien, 
Ei))er  o])er  his  trew])e  pli3te, 
Vppon  morwen  for  to  fi3te. 

33  IF  King  diaries  stod  al  stille, 
&  biheld  his  gode  wille, 
&  seide,  "  it  is  harm,  iwis, 
pat  ))0U  nost  what  fullaut  is  ; 
3ef  ))ou  woldes  follaut  take, 
&  pine  false  godes  for  sake, 
Iche  ATolle  make  the,  so  mote  ihc  J)e, 
&  ton  wille  bleue  wip  me, 
A  riche  man  in  mi  lond, 
J5at  ich  wille  sikere  ])e  on  hond." 

34  H  Otuwel,  pat  hardi  kni3t, 
Answerde  a  non  ri3t : 


308 


312 


316 


320 


324 


OTUEL    TELLS    CHARLES    OF    UIS    RANK    ANU    FAMILY. 


75 


"  Cristes  cors  v^jpon  his  lieucd, 

Jjat  me  radde  such  a  red, 

To  forsake  mi  god  mahun  : 

I  nelle  noujt  leue  thi  false  sarmon."  328 

35  H  )5au3  otiiwel  speke  outrage, 
For  he  was  comen  ou  message. 
King  charles  fat  was  heende  and  god, 

"Noble  soffre  him  habbe  nou3t  bote  god,         332 

Bote  seide  to  hitn  a  non  rijt : 

"  Be  pou  skwier,  be  fou  kni3t, 

Tel  me  3ef  thi  conseil  is  nome. 

Of  what  linage  fou  art  come."  336 

36  ^  Otuwel  answerde  Jjis  ; 
"  A  kinges  sone  ich  am,  iwis, 
So)j  to  segge  &  nou^t  to  lye, 
Ich  am  J)e  kinges  cosin  garsie, 
Fernagu  myn  eem  was, 
)?at  neuere  ouer-comen  nas, 
Sir  roulond  Jji  cosin  him  slou^, 

|jere  fore  wole  rise  wo  inou^,  344 

j)evG  fore  ich  desire  so  moche, 

To  fi3te  wij)  roulond  sikerliche. 

Ich  wille  to  morewen  in  fe  day, 

Awreken  his  dej)  3ef  ich  may, 

Nou  he  hauej)  iseid  his  sawe, 

j)at  he  ne  niai  him  nou3t  wij)  drawe, 

J5at  we  schule  bojie  fi3ten  ifeere. 

Nou  ich  wille  jjat  J)0u  it  here, 

Min  Ernes  deJ)  ich  [wille]  a-wreke. 

Or  myn  herte  sschal  to-breke." 

37  H  King  charle[s]  gan  to  meuen  his  bled, 

Bot  nafeles  he  was  hende  &  good,  356 

&  nolde  for  hise  wordes  he3e, 
Don  olucl  no  vileinie. 


but  Otiiel  Willi  a 
curse  indignantly 
refuses. 


Charles  asks  him 
of  liis  rank  and 
family, 
[fol.  270,  col.  1.] 


Otuel  says  he  is 
a  king's  son, 


340    cousin  to  Garsie, 

and  nephew  to 
Verna<,'u  whom 
Roland  had  slain. 


348    '""'  whose  death 
he  wished  to 
avenge. 


352 


Charles  is  vexed 

at  his  insolence. 


hut  as  he  is  an 
ambassador 


76 


OTUKL. 


lie  gives  him  in 
cliarge  to  Rayner 


to  be  treated  with 
all  honour  due  to 
his  rank. 


Bote  comaiu/dede  a  noii  a  swein, 
Gon  seclien  him  his  chauwiberlein, 
A  3ing  kni3t  ant  nou3t  old, 
J3at  was  wel  norssched  &  bold ; 
&  seide  to  him,  "  sire  Eeiner, 
Tak  here  J)is  messeger, 
&  to  his  in  saueliche  him  lede, 
)jat  for  no  Avord  ne  for  no  dede, 
J?at  he  hauej)  don  &  seid, 
)3at  no7i  hond  he  on  him  leid  ; 
&  loke  that  he  be  wel  idi^t, 
&  onoured  als  a  kni3t." 


[321]  360 


364 


368 


Rayner  conducts 
Otuel  to  his 
lodgings. 


Cliai'les  cannot 
sleep  all  night, 

[ful.  270,  col.  2.] 

fearing  that  Otuel 
may  kill  Roland. 


38     U  j)G  chamberlein  a  non  dede, 
Als  pe  king  him  hadde  ibede, 
&  ladde  him  horn  to  his  in ; 
&  Avhan  he  was  iconien  in, 
He  tok  his  leue  the  chamberlein, 
&  wente  to  fe  king  a3ein. 
Littel  slep  Jie  king  ]jat  ni3t, 
For  ferd  of  roulant  J>at  gode  kni3t 
Of  fe  bataille  he  hadde  inome, 
Leste  he  were  ouer-come, 
For  pe  king  hadde  sein  fol  wel, 
Jje  kuntenau?2se  of  otuel  : 
pe  king  wiste  wel  a  fin. 
Hit  was  a  bold  sarazin. 
For  he  sau3  hit  wel  by  si3t, 
\)o  he  sau3  him  slen  his  kni3t. 


372 


376 


380 


384 


In  the  morning 
Charles, 


acconipauiod  by 
Uolanil  and  his 
knights, 


39     U  On  morwe  Jjo  fe  dai  sprong, 
&  Jie  larke  bi-gan  hire  song, 
King  charles  wente  to  cherche, 
Godes  werkes  for  to  werche. 
Roulond,  his  cosin,  wijj  him  3ede, 
Of  godes  help  jjat  hadde  nede, 


388 


[330] 


392 


AFTER   MASS    THE    NEXT    DAY    ROLAND    AND    OTUEL    MEET. 


/  i 


Jpei  -wenten  a  non  to  here  masse, 
For  here  sinnen  sscholde  be  pe  lasse. 

40     IT  j)o  J)e  masse  was  iseid,  [337] 

&  Jje  uesteme?it  doun  ileid, 
\)e  king  &  roulond  ifere, 
Weute  forjj  as  36  moun  here, 
Ei3t  to  fe  paleis  3ate, 
&  founde  houinge  J)er  ate 
Otuel,  armed  and  idi3t, 
Al  redi  to  bide  fi3t. 
j3o  seide  fat  sarazin  ; 
"  Sire  king,  where  is  ])i  cosin, 
Eoulond  Jjat  his  trujje  pli3te,  [3^1] 

)5at  he  wolde  wij)  me  fi3te  1 
He  was  f 0  fol  heie  of  mod, 
Is  he  nou  ilete  blod." 


go  to  hear  mass. 


396 


After  mass  they 
all  go  out  to  the 
palace  gate, 


400 


where  they  fiiul 
otuel  ready  and 
waiting  for  them. 


404    He  asks  where 
Roland  is. 


408 


41  IF  Roulond  stod  &  al^  herde, 
Hon  otuel  toward  him  ferde, 
&  answerde  a  non  ri3t : 

"  By  ihii,  Jjat  is  fol  of  mi3t, 

jftin  heued  sschal  fele  vnder  jjin  hood, 

J?at  i  nam  nou3t  laten  blood." 

42  H  "  "Wel-come  be  Jjou,"  quaf  otuwel  J)0, 
&  turnde  his  stede  &  made  him  go, 

&  to  J)e  place  J)0  rod  he, 
J?ere  fe  bataiUe  sscholde  be. 
Al  a-boute  fie  Avater  ran, 
Jjer  was  nojjer  man  ne  wimman, 
)?at  mi3te  in  riden  no  gon. 
At  no  stede  bote  at  on  ; 
&  fere  otuwel  in  rood, 
No  lengere  he  ne  a-bood. 

43  IT  Roulond  fat  dou3ti  kni3t. 
Was  fol  hasteliche  idi3t. 


[»  MS.  al  &] 


412    Roland  declares 

he  will  soon  show 
liim  what  he  can 
do. 


416  They  all  ride  to 
tlie  place  chosen 
for  the  fight ; 


it  is  a  field 
surrounded  by 
420    water  except  in 
one  place, 
at  which  Otuel 
rides  in  first, 


424 


[fol.  270,  b.ack, 
col.  1.] 


but  Roland  is  in 
such  a  hurry 


78 


OTUEL. 


when  be  sees 
Otuel  waiting  for 
him, 


that  he  makes  his 
horse  swim  across 
the  river. 


&  his  stede  he  bi-strod, 

&  no  lengere  he  ne  abood, 

Er  fie  dai  i-don  it  were, 

)3er  jjei  sschoUen  fi^ten  ifere. 

Anon  als  roulond  be-heeld, 

Otuwel  houede  in  fe  fee][d], 

Eoulond  was  so  egrc  to  fi^te, 

j)at  for  al  pe  worLl  he  ne  mi3te 

Abide  to  riden  in  at  fe  3ate, 

j)eve  otuwel  rod  in  ate, 

He  jjoute  J>e  nekste  weie  to  ride, 

&  no  lengere  he  nolde  a-bide, 

He  smot  his  stede  wij?  spores  bri:?te, 

&  wi])  help  of  godes  nii3te, 

Ouer  pe  water  pe  stede  swam, 

&  to  londe  saf  he  cam. 


428 


432 


436 


440 


At  once  they 
charge, 


their  horses  fall, 

but  they 
tliemselves  are 
not  hurt. 


Tliey  draw  their 
swords. 


Roland  aims  a 
stroke  at  Otuel, 


who  dodges  it. 


44  H  Anon  ri^t  als  roulond 

Hadde  ikau3t  Ipe  druj^e  lond,  444 

Gret  enuye  was  ham  be-twene,  [451] 

pei  riden  to-gedire  wij?  speres  kene, 

}5at  were  steue  &  noujt  longe  j 

&  J)e  kni3tes  were  boj)  stronge,  448 

&  smyten  eifer  in  oferes  sscheld, 

)5at  bojje  hors  fellen  in  fe  fold, 

&  risen  a3ein  op  from  \>e  grounde, 

&  bojje  kni3tes  were  hole  &  sounde.  452 

45  U  j5o  fie  stedes  were  risen  bofe, 
J?e  kni3tes  woxen  bof)  fol  wrofe, 
&  drowen  swerdes  ate  laste, 

&  eifer  hu3  on  ofer  faste.  456 

Roulond  to  otuwel  smot 

A  strok,  ))at  fol  sore  bot. 

He  wolde  haue  smiten  otuwel, 

&  he  blenkt  swifie  wel,  460 

&  roulond  smot  Jje  stede  broun,  [466] 


ROLANDS    AND    OTUEL  S    HORSES    ARE    BOTH    KILLED. 


&  clef  Ipe  heuecl  al  adouu, 
&  Jje  stede  fel  to  grounde, 
Bot  otuwel  was  hoi  &  sounde.  464 

46  H  Eoulond  was  hende  &  good  of  wille, 
&  liouede  oppon  his  stede  stille, 

To  smiten  made  he  semblant  non, 

Er  otuwel  was  risen  &  gon.  468 

47  IT  "  Eoulond,"  quajj  otuwel,  "  what  was  Jje? 
Art  tou  blynd,  mijtou  noujt  se 

Wil  ich  oppon  mi  stede  sat  1 

"WTii  sscholde  mi  stede  habbe  that?  472 

It  hadde  be  more  honour  to  fe, 

For  sope  to  habbe  i-smite  me." 

48  IT  "  Ou3,"  qua])  roulond,  "  blame  me  nou^t, 
Bisengeme,  ihc  habbe  i-foujt.  476 
Otuwel,  ich  hadde  yment, 

)?at  Jjou  sscholdest  haue  ifeled  J»at  dent, 

Ich  hadde  wel  leuere,  so  mote  ich  fe, 

Otuwel,  habbe  3ouen  it  pe."  480 

49  II  Otuwel  was  wro])  his  stede  was  slawe, 
&  wijj  his  swerd  he  bar  i-draue. 

He  smot  to  roulond  wij?  good  wille, 

pat  [hjouede  oppon  his  stede  stille.  484 

)?at  he  hadde  roulond  ment, 

&  he  failede  of  his  dent, 

&  smot  roulondes  gode  stede, 

)5at  neuere  eft  on  ev'pe  he  ne  3ede.        [478]  488 

50  IT  Otuwel  jjoute  on  errore  deede, 
])o  he  hadde  slawe  his  stede, 
Hou  roulond  houede  stille  as  ston, 

Til  he  was  risen  &  gon  ;  492 

&  he  stod  al  stille, 

&  leet  roulond  risen  at  wille, 

&  seide,  "  roulond,  so  mote  ich  fe, 

Jpat  strok  ich  mente  to  pe,  496 


and  the  sword 
cleaves  tlie  head 
of  his  horse. 


Roland  wails  for 
Oluel  to  get  up. 


[Ibl.  270,  back, 
col.  2.] 


Otuel  abuses  him 
for  killing  his 
horse. 


"  By  Saint 

James,"  says 
Roland,  "  I  mcunt 
the  stroke  for 
you." 


Otuel  in  a  rage 
smites  at  Rolaml, 


but  misses  him, 

and  kills  his 
horse  instead. 


Otuel  gives 
Roland  time  to 
get  up, 

and  declares  he 
meant  the  stroke 
for  hira, 


80 


OTUEL. 


not  for  his  horse. 


They  fight  fiercely 
on  foot. 


Cliarles  prays  to 
God,  to 
save  Roland. 

Roland,  finding 
that  Otuel  is  a 
strong  knight, 


and  smites  hard, 
[fol.  271,  col.  1.] 


offers  him 
Beleeent,  the 
king's  daughter, 
in  marriage, 
if  he  will 
become  Christian. 


Otuel  declares 
nothing  will  make 
him  renounce  his 
religion. 


The  fight  is 
renewed. 


&  nou  it  is  on  ))i  stede  istuiit, 
Let  nou  stonde  dwit  for  dunt." 

51  H  )?o  fei  sien  non  ojjer  bote, 

\)ei  wenten  to-gideve  al  on  fote,  500 

&  strokes  3eden  bi-twene  bam  so  kene, 
])at  pe  far  sprong  out  bi-twene. 

52  IT  King  cbarles  wifi  bise  kni^tes  bolde,   [486] 
Was  come  fe  bataille  to  bi-holde,  504 
&  bi-sou3te  god  fol  of  mi3t, 

He  sscbolde  saue  roulond  bis  knijt. 

53  IF  Boj^e  knijtes  were  gode  &  stronge, 

&  fou3ten  to  gider  swifte  longe,  508 

Eoulond  was  a  bende  kni3t, 

&  feled  jjat  otuwel  smot  ari3t, 

&  Jjat  my3t  was  in  bis  arm, 

&  Jjoute  to  sauen  Mm  iram  harm,  512 

&  seide,  "  otuwel,  let  J)i  fi3t, 

&  leue  on  ibu  fill  of  mi3t, 

&  ich  wele  ben  at  acent, 

}5at  ]30u  sscbalt  wedde  beleeent,  [521]  516 

)5e  kinges  dou3ter,  mi  nese  fat  is  ; 

I  rede,  otuwel,  ]?at  ftoii  do  ])is." 

54  IT  Qua))  otuwel  to  roulond, 

"  Wbil  mi  swerd  is  in  min  bond,  520 

Al  jji  precbing  is  for  nou3t. 

Hit  ne  cam  neuere  in  my  jjout. 

Me  ne  stant  nou^t  of  fe  swicb  awe, 

J?at  fou  sscbalt  make  me  reneie  mi  lawe,        524 

For  to  wedde  beleeent ; 

So  nis  nou3t  mi  wille  iwent." 

55  IT  \)o  pei  ne  mi3te  nou3t  acente, 

A3ein  to  bataille  pei  wente,  528 

&  fou3ten  barde  to-gidere  beie  ; 
Neueron  of  oj^er  ne  stod  eie. 


CHARLES    BEGINS    TO    FEAR    FOR    ROLAND  S    LIFE. 


81 


5G     ^  lioulond  bi-gau  to  meueii  bis  blood, 

j)at  otuwel  so  longe  stood,  532 

&  for  tene  vp  mfi  J)e  brond, 

])at  be  bar  in  bis  bond, 

&  in  J)e  beued  he  foute  to  redde 

Otuwel,  bote  nou3t  he  ne  spedde.  536 

Otuwel  starte  o  side, 

&  lette  fie  swerd  bi  him  glide, 

&  roulond  wi|)  fie  swerdes  end, 

Eei3te  Otuwel  oppon  ])e  lende  ; 

Als  he  wolde  pe  dent  fle,  [552] 

Otuwel  fel  on  kne. 

57  IT  Otuwel  a-sschamed  was, 

)3at  he  knelede  oppon  fe  gras,  544 

&  for  anger  his  herte  gan  sswelle, 

&  {)0U3te  roulonde  for  to  quelle ; 

In  the  heued  he  hadde  him  nient, 

Bote  roulond  bleinte  for  \)e  dent,  548 

As  swete  ihu  crist  wolde, 

)5at  roulond  pere  deie  ne  sscholde. 

Bi  side  pe  heued  pe  dent  wente, 

&  fe  hauberk  he  to-rente,  552 

Fram  pe  hepe  bon  an  hei3, 

)3at  alle  fe  pece  out  flei3. 

58  H  King  charles  sau3  pere  he  stood, 

&  was  fol  dreri  in  his  mood,  [574]  556 

&  was  swijje  sore  afri3t. 

To  lese  roulond  his  gode  kni3t. 

For  otuwel  smot  so  hete?'liche, 

j)Q  king  wende  sikerliche,  560 

Jjat  roulond  sscholde  been  ylore, 

&  was  a  sori  man  Jjere  fore. 

59  IT  As  \)e  king  stod  in  doute. 

He  spak  to  his  folk  aboute,  564 

&  seide  to  alle  jjat  Jjere  were ; 

CHARL.   ROM.   VII.  G 


Roland  witli  all 
his  mis,'lit  aims  a 
stroke  at  Otuel's 
head, 


but  Otuel  starts 
to  one  side, 

and  tlie  sword 
wounds  him  in 
540    the  thigh, 


so  that  otuel  fal 
on  his  knee. 


He  is  soon  up, 


imd  makes  a  cut 
at  Roland's  licad, 


but  misses  it, 
and  cuts  a  s,'rpal 
piece  oft'  his 
hauberk. 


[fol.  271,  col.  2.] 


Chiirles  begins  to 
fear  t;reatly  that 
he  will  lose 
Roland, 


82 


OTUEL. 


and  lie  bids  all 
liis  kiiit;lits  to 
kneel  ami  pray 
for  an  end  of  the 
duel,  and 


the  convci'sion 
of  Otuel. 


They  do  so, 


and  immediately 
a  white  dove 
descends  from 
heaven  and  settles 
on  Otuel's  head. 


Otuel  at  once 
leaves  otf  fighting, 


and  says  he  will 
accept  Roland's 
offer. 


and  will  become  a 
Christian. 


Roland  gladly 

agrees. 


[fol.  271,  back, 
col.  1.] 


"  Lordingcs,  doth  as  icli  30U  lore, 

Sitte  echo  man  oppon  his  kne, 

&  biddeth  t'^  god  in  trinite,  568 

For  his  grace  &  for  hise  mi3tes, 

Sende  seijtnesse  bi-tweno  fo  kni3tes 

&  jiue  otuwel  wille  to  day, 

For  to  reneien  his  lay."  572 

GO     IT  Euerichone  fei  token  here  red, 
&  deden  as  fe  king  ham  bed, 
To  ih'u  crist  Jjei  deden  here  bone, 
&  swete  ih'u  herde  ham  sone.  [578]  576 

A  whit  coluere  Jjer  cam  fle, 
}pat  al  J>e  peple  mitten  se, 
On  otuweles  heued  he  li3te, 
\)OY\i  Jje  uertu  of  godes  mi^te.  580 

&  otuwel,  pat  dou3ti  kni3t, 
Wi]5-drou3  him  anoon  ri3t 
Fram  roulond,  &  stod  al  stille, 
To  fi3te  more  he  ne  hadde  wille,  584 

&  seide,  "  Eoulond  pou  smitest  fol  sore,   [582] 
Wijj-drau  fin  bond  &  smi3t  na  more. 
3ef  J)ou  wolt  holden  pat  f>ou  me  het, 
J?at  i  sschal  wedde  pat  maiden  swet,  588 

j)e  kinges  dou3ter,  belesent. 
For  sope,  pan  is  mi  wille  went, 
3ef  i  sschal  wedden  pat  faire  may, 
Ich  wille  bileuen  oppon  pi  lay,  592 

&  alle  myne  godes  forsake, 
&  to  30ure  god  ich  wille  take."  [585] 

61  H  Roulond  likete  pat  word  fol  wel, 

&  answerede  otuwel ;  596 

'*  I  ponke  it  ih'u,  fal  of  mi3t, 
}?orou  wham  pat  g?vi',ce  is  in  pe  li3t." 

62  IT  Otuel  caste  of  his  bond 

Corsouse,  his  gode  brond,  600 


OTUEL    CONSENTS    TO    BECOME    A    CHRISTIAN. 


83 


63 


64 


65 


66 


&  roulond  his  also, 

&  to-gidere  Jjei  gune  go. 

Eyther  for-3af  ojjer  his  loj), 

I^as  non  of  hem  wi))  ojjer  wrojj,  604 

Bote  clippe  &  kusse  eyfer  ojjer,  [588] 

As  ei)3er  hedde  been  ojjeres  brojjer. 

II  King  charles  rood  pidere  a  non, 

&  kni^tes  wij?  him  many  on.  608 

Anon  as  he  fider  cam, 

Bi  J)e  hon[d]  roulond  he  nam, 

&  seide,  "  roulond,  for  godes  Erjje, 

Hon  is  Jje  and  fis  man  iwurjiel  612 

So  harde  strokes  as  36  habben  jiue, 

Hit  is  wunder  pat  36  line." 

IF  "Sire,"  qua]?  roulond,  ''we  be])  al  sounde, 

Nojjer  of  vs  ne  haueth  wou/ide.  [598]  616 

Otuwel  hauej)  his  conseil  nome, 

]3at  he  wile  cristene  by-come, 

&  ich  habbe  granted  bi  30ure  acent, 

}3at  he  sschal  wedde  belecent."  620 

IT  "  Certes,"  quaj)  charles  fo, 

"  Nou  ])ou  wolt  pat  it  be  so, 

I  grante  wel  pat  it  so  be, 

For  whi  pat  he  wille  dwelle  wip  me.  624 

Jpanne  hadde  ich  pe  &  oliuer, 

Otuwel,  &  gode  ogger. 

In  all  pe  world  in  lenkpe  &  brede, 

Jjer  nis  king  pat  nolde  me  drede."  628 


They  both  throw 
down  tlieir 
swords, 
and  embr.ice 
each  other, 
and  walk  off 
together. 


Charles  with  his 
knights  ride  to 
meet  tliein, 


and  asks  wliat 
has  happened. 


Roland  tells  him 

that  Otuel  has 

agreed  to  become 

Christian, 

if  he  may  marry 

Belicent. 


Charles  agrees  at 
once. 


IT  \)e  king  took  otuwel  a  non, 
&  to  his  paleis  made  him  gon, 
&  makeden  murpe  &  meloudie. 
Of  alle  maner  of  menestrausie, 
For  pe  miracle  pat  was  wrou3t, 
}5at  otuwel  hadde  iturnd  his  pou^t. 


They  all  return  to 
the  palace. 


and  make  great 
CQO  ''<^.i"''='"S  for  the 
00^    conversion  of 

otuel. 


G  2 


84 


OTUEL. 


Oil  the  morrow 
tliey  coiuiuct  him 
to  church, 

where  he  is 
biiptised  by 
Turpiii. 


Charles  then 
offers  him  his 
diiughter ; 

[fol.  271,  back, 
col.  2.] 

but  Otuel  declares 
he  will  not  marry 
her  until  the  war 
is  over, 


and  Garsie  a 
prisoner  or  slain. 


Charles  is  greatly 
pleased. 


He  calls  a  council 
of  his  douzeperes. 


to  advise  whetlier 
they  shall  attack 
Garsie  at  once  or 
wait  till  spring. 

They  advise  him 
to  wait. 
During  all  the 
winter  Charles 
makes  prepara- 
tions for  the 
campaign. 


G7     H  On  moruen  po  jjc  day  was  bn3t, 

Jjei  ladden  to  churchc  fat  noble  knijt,  G3G 

Bisscliop  turpin  was  bisschop  Jjo, 
He  follede  him  }jat  day  &  nammo. 

G8     H  \)o  otuwel  liadde  follaujt  nome,       [G13] 

&  to  pa  kingges  pees  was  come,  G40 

j)Q  king  beed  him  his  doujtcr  a  nou, 
&  feire  iondes  mani  on. 

69  H  Otuwel  to  jje  king  saide, 

"  Sire,  keep  me  wel  fat  inaide,  644 

For  sofe  ich  nele  hire  neuere  wedde, 

'No  neuere  wif  hire  go  to  bedde, 

Er  jji  werre  to  fe  ende  be  brou^t, 

&  sum  what  of  fi  wille  wrou3t,  648 

"Whan  king  garsie  is  slawe  or  take, 

}5anne  is  time  mariage  to  make."  [660] 

70  IT  Quajj  king  charles  to  otuwel ; 

"  Kou  i  se  ])ou  louest  me  wel,  652 

&  3ef  i  leue,  so  mote  I  fe, 

j3ou  Tie  sschalt  nou^t  lese  fi  loue  on  me." 

71  IT  j5o  leet  fe  king  asemblen  a  non, 

Alle  hise  duzze  peres  echon.  656 

"Lordinges,"  he  seide,  "what  is  30ure  red,  [663] 

King  garsie  seif,  i  sschal  be  ded, 

&  as  36  habbef  iherd  segge, 

He  penkef  cristendara  to  legge,  660 

Wheper  wole  we  wenden  oppon  Imn  anon, 

Ofer  abide  til  winter  be  gon  V 

\)e  duzze  peres  acentenden  fer  to, 

To  bide  til  winter  were  i-do,  664 

&  alle  winter  fe  king  of  Frau?ico, 

Lette  maken  his  purueianse. 

Al  pat  winter  at  hom  he  bod,  [685] 


&  in  somer  to  werre  he  rod. 


668 


CHARLES    STARTS    ON    HIS    CAMPAIGN    AGAINST    GARSIE. 


85 


Now  I  will  tell 
you  of  tlie  war 
with  Gai'sie. 


In  the  following 
April  Charles  sets 
out  on  his 
campaign  towards 
Lombardy. 


LOrdinges,  boj^e  3inge  &  olde, 
Her[k]nef)  as  we  formest  tolde, 
IIou  Jje  werre  was  fol  hy3e, 
Bitwene  king  chaiies  &  king  garsie.  672 

Anon  as  winter  was  ygon, 
Jje  king  a  semhlede  his  host  a  non, 
&  mochel  peple  cam  to  his  hond  [G97] 

Out  of  niani  diuerse  lond.  676 

Aueril  was  comen  an  winter  gon,        [721] 
&  Charles  tok  Jje  weie  a  non, 
&  drou^  hi?/i  to  ward  lu??^bardie, 
To  werren  oppon  king  garsie.  680 

}3ere  was  set  wij?  outen  faille 
Certain  day  of  bataille. 

72  If  Anoon  as  charles  was  icome, 
Nij  honde  far  fe  bataille  was  nome,  684 
In  a  mede  a  non  rijt 
\)e  kinges  pauilons  were  ipi^t, 
Vnder  an  luil  basides  a  riuerc, 
&  bi-fel  as  36  moun  here.                                  688 
Fol  ni3  ])G  water  jje  king  lay, 
Of  bataille  for  to  a-bide  his  day, 
&  vppon  pat  ojier  side, 

He  mi3te  seen  hise  eneniis  ride,  692 

&  Jjere  nas  brugge  ne  forde  non, 
|?at  man  mi3te  oner  riden  ne  gon. 

73  H  King  charles  J?at  gode  kni3t, 
Tok  carpenters  a  non  ri3t, 
&  lette  make  a  brugge  a  non, 
}5at  men  mi3ten  oucr  gon,  [755] 

74  IT  }?o  jje  brugge  was  al  3are, 

)3at  men  mi3ten  ouer  fare.  700 

Hit  bitidde  vppon  a  day,  one  d.iy  early 

Wil  charles  in  his  bed  lay, 


The  tents  are 
pitched  under  a 
hill, 

near  a  ri  ver, 
[fol.  272,  col.  1.] 


over  which  was 
neither  bridge 
nor  ford. 


C)d(j    Then  Charles 

causes  a  bridge  to 
be  made. 


86 


OTUEL. 


Rolaml,  Oliver, 
and  Ogier  cross 
the  river  in 
scaroli  of 
adventures. 


The  same  day 
four  kings  of 
Garsie's  army, 


Turabeles, 


BalEamun, 


Astawai-d,  and 


Clarel, 


were  out  riding, 
hoping  to  meet 
witli  some  of  the 
French  kniglits, 


but  especially 
with  Roland. 


[fol.  272,  col.  2.] 


))at  roulond  aii[d]  oliuer, 

&  Jje  gode  kni3t  oger,  704 

Ouer  pc  brugge  J)ei  wenten  ifeere, 

Auntres  for  to  sen  &  here.  [763] 

&  J)o  ]jei  ouer  passed  were, 

Such  auntres  ])ci  funden  pere,  708 

For  al  jje  good  vnder  sonne, 

J3ei  nolde  habben  fie  gamew  bi-gonne. 

75     IT  Of  garsies  oft  foure  hejjene  kinges, 

Wenten  for  to^  here  tidinges,  712 

For  alle  cas  Jjat  mijte  bitide, 

Wei  i-armed  bataille  to  bide. 

Here  foure  names  ^e  moun  wite, 

As  we  finden  in  romauwse  write,  716 

7G     IT  Turabeles  hatte  Jje  to  king, 

A  stout  sarazin,  wijj-outen  lesing  ; 

77  H  J3at  ofer  balsamun  het, 

A  werse  man  jede  now  on  fet ;  720 

78  IF  Astavvard  was  pe  friddes  name. 
He  louede  werre  &  hatede  game  ; 

79  H  )3e  ferjje  king  hijte  Clarel,  ^ 

}?at  neuere  3ite  ne  dede  wel.  724 

As  pei  riden  alle  yfere, 

j)at  on  seide  as  30  moun  here  ; 

"Mahoun  leeue  ous  3it  abide,  [793] 

In  to  Fraunce  fat  we  moun  ride,  728 

&  ich  mijte  roulond  mete, 

Al  wij)  wrajjjje  ich  wolde  him  grete  : 

Jjat  traitour  he  SI0U3  mi  brojjer, 

Ne  gete  ich  neue[r]  eft  such  a  nojjer."  732 

80  H  Eoulonde  herde  &  oliuer, 
&  \>e  gode  kni3t  ogger, 

Hou  Jjei  speken  hare  wordes  hi3e, 

'  MS,  te.         *  MS.  Clar,  the  rest  of  the  word  being  erased. 


ROLAND,  OLIVER,  AND    OGIER    ARE    ATTACKED    BY    FOUR    KINGS.       87 

736 


&  Jiratteu  rouloud  to  die  ; 
&  roulond  was  so  ny^, 
)3at  alle  foure  kinges  he  573. 

81     IF  "Felawes,"  qua})  rouland  a  non, 
"  Ich  am  war  of  oure  fon, 
\)ei  bef>  foure,  And  we  bote  pre, 
Dajjeit  liabbe  fat  hem  fie  ; 
'Non  we  habben  fonndeu  game, 


82 


83 


84 


Gawe  to  hem  a  godesname  ! " 


IF  Anon  as  clarel  ham  syj, 
He  seide,  "  oure  enemys  be))  nyj, 
Ich  se  bi  here  cuntenaunse, 
)pei  be))  cristene  men  of  fram^ce. 
Charles  ost  li))  here  bi-side. 
In  pauilons  bataille  to  bide, 
&  ))ese  help  of  hise  men,  i-wis, 
Jjerfore  mi  reed  is  jjis,^ 
J?at  we  hasteliche  to  ham  ride, 
&  loke  whe))er  fei  wole  abide." 

IF  Wi))  fat  word  ))e  kinges  a  non, 
Touchede  here  stedes  &  made  hem  gon, 
&  toward  fe  cristene  kni3tes  per  riden, 
&  Jiei  doujtiliche  a-biden. 


Roland  sees  them, 


740 


and  points  them 
out  to  hia 
companions. 


744 


Clarel  espies  the 
Prencli  knights, 


748 


752    and  proposes  to 
attack  them, 
[1  MS.  istis] 


which  they  do. 


756 


II  Astaward  wif  roulond  mette, 

Nou^t  he  ne  spak,  ne  him  ne  grette,   [811]  760 

Bot  smot  him  wi))  his  spere  anon, 

Jjorou  ))e  sscheld  he  made  hit  gon. 

&  roulondes  spere,  y-wis. 

Was  wel  betere  than  was  his,  764 

To  astawardes  herte  hit  jede, 

&  caste  him  doun  of  his  stede, 

"  Aris,"  qua))  roulond,  "&  tak  pe  bet, 

At  this  time  pon  art  i-let."  768 


Astaward  engages 
Koland, 


but  is  slain  by 
him. 


88 


OTUEL. 


Ogier  charges  at 
Curabeles, 

and  bears  him 
down. 


[fol.  272,  back, 
col.  1.] 
Oliver  and 
Balsamum 
engage, 


and  Oliver  cuts 
the  Saracen's 
neck  across. 


Olarel  charges  at 
Roland, 


and  uuborses 

him, 

and  disables  his 

horse. 


Ogier  unhorses 
Clarel, 


85  ^  Curabeles  no  lengere  ne  a-bood, 
To  god  ogger  a  uou  he  rod  ; 
Ogger  was  a  strong  kuijt, 

&  rod  to  him  wip  gret  niijt,  772 

&  bar  a-don  hors  &  pak, 
&  Jje  sarazins  nekke  to-brak. 

86  U  Balsamum  &  oliuer,  [823] 
Eyjjer  nei^ede  oper  ner  ;  776 
Jpo  balsamu??i  bi-gan  to  ride, 

Oliuer  nolde  no  lengere  a-bide  ; 

He  pingde  his  stede  wi]j  spores  kene, 

&  smot  a  strok  pat  was  sene,  780 

He  ne  mijte  po  no  bette  do, 

Bote  gurde  Jie  nekkebon  otwo. 

87  H  pus  roulond  &  oliuer, 

&  pe  gode  kni3t  ogger,  784 

Slouwen  fe  he]?ene  kinges  jjre, 

&  jit  nolde  noujt  clarel  lie  : 

To  pQ  duk  roulond  he  rood, 

&  roulond  his  strok  a-bod.  788 

For  wrapjje  hise  felaus  were  isleiu, 

He  rood  to  roidond  Avijj  gret  mayn, 

&  bar  a  spere  greet  &  long ; 

&  the  sarazin  was  strong,  792 

&  in  the  sadel  sat  faste, 

&  roulond  to  grounde  he  kaste.  [S3 4] 

Wijj  \>e  fal  jje  steede  a  noon, 

To-barst  fat  o  sschanke  bon,  796 

Roulond  vppon  his  feet  stood, 

&  ne  hadde  noujt  bote  good. 

88  IF  Ogger  sauj  fol  wel  \)o, 

Jjat  roulondes  hors  was  a- go,  800 

Ogger  fiat  was  doujti  of  dede, 

Smot  doun  clarel  of  his  stede. 

Oliuer  tok  Jje  stede  a  non,  [840] 


CLAREL    SURRBNDEaS    TO    THE    FRliLVCn    KNIGHTS. 


89 


li'  to  roulond  ha  gan  gon. 

"  Eoulond,  haue  pis,"  qua]?  oliuer, 

"  J5is  fe  sente  good  ogger, 

&  clarel  he  hauej)  to  grou?ide  ijjrowe, 

For  he  brou3te  pe  so  lowe." 

89  IF  Rouland  fat  hadde  his  stede  ilore, 
}3onkede  hem  bofe  )jer  fore, 

&  wos  pe  gladdeste  man  vnder  so?me, 
}5at  he  hadde  an  hors  i-wonne. 

90  H  Clarel  vppon  his  feet  stood, 
&  faujt  as  he  were  wood, 

On  none  manner  he  nolde  fle, 
Bot  fau3t  ajc'in  hem  alle  thre. 

91  IT  J?e  Jjre  kni3tes  were  fol  stronge, 

He  ne  mi3te  nou3t  dure  ajein  ham  lo?2ge, 

&  seide  to  hem  alle  Jjre, 

"  Lordinges,  let  me  o  Hue  be  : 

To  3011  it  were  lutel  honour,  [850] 

To  sle  me  Jjat  nabbe  no  socour." 

To  fi3te  more  he  for-sook, 

&  roulond  his  swerd  he  tok  ; 

Roulond  was  hende  &  nou3t  forsok, 

&  of  clarel  his  swerd  he  tok. 

92  IT  "  King  clarel,"  qua])  ogger, 
"  Worfi  vp  bi-hinden  me  her." 
j3o  was  king  clarel  glad, 

For  to  do  ]5at  ogger  bad, 

&  was  stalewor])e  &  lijt, 

&  lep  vp^  a  non  ri3t, 

]po  wente??  J)ei  forp  wi]3-outen  targing, 

&  Jioute  presente  diaries  Jje  king, 

Wi})  clarel  fiat  fei  hadden  i-nome, 

&  hopeden  to  ben  welcome. 

&  of  here  weie  ])ei  were  let, 

&  swijjc  harde  }3ei  were  met :  [858] 


804    whoso  liorse 

Oliver  seizes  iuul 
brings  to  Roland. 


808 

Roland  tluinks 
thcui  botli. 


812 


Clarel  will  not  tly, 
but  stands  liis 
ground  against  all 
three. 


81G 


[fol.  272,  back, 
col.  2.J 
O  JU    He  soon  sur- 
renders, 


824    ''*"<i  gives  up  Ilia 
sword  to  Roland. 


Ogier  bids  Clarel 
get  up  behind 
828    I'im: 


832  '"'■  iioi^s  so, 

and  they  start 
honiew.ards, 

1  MS.  vt 


836 


90 


OTUEL. 


liut  liiul  the  way 
beset  by  Saracens. 


Ogier  suggests  to 
slay  Clarel, 
as  they  cannot 
escape  with  bim, 


but  Roland  and 
Oliver  will  not 

agree, 


and  Oliver  then 

suggests  to  let 
him  go, 


[fol.  273,  col.  1.] 


which  they  do. 


}5ei  sien  of  garsies  men  a  feerd, 

Bojje  wijj  spero  &  wij)  swerd,  840 

Bitwen  hem  &  fe  pauiloun, 

Jjere  pei  sscholden  wcnden  a-doun, 

})ei  ne  mi3te  skapeu  in  neuere  a  side, 

}3oru  out  hem  Jjei  mosten  ride.  844 

93  H  "  Felawes,"  quaf  ogger  \)o. 
To  roulond  &  oliuer  bo, 

"  Ich  wene  er  we  hom  come, 

Clarel  ous  worjj  bynome ;  .  848 

Lordinges,  what  is  nou  joure  red, 

Wole  Ave  smiten  of  his  hed  1 " 

94  H  Qua])  roulond,  "so  mote  ich  pe, 

At  fat  red  nel  ich  noujt  be."  852 

'  No  ich  noper,"  quat  oliuer, 
"  Bi  fe  louerd  sein  Eicher, 
On  Hue  i  rede  we  leten  him  go, 
&  ne  do  we  him  na??2more  wo.  856 

Such  cas  may  fallen  in  sum  neede, 
He  mai  quiten  vs  oure  mede." 

95  U  "  Bi  god,"  quajj  ogger,  "  pat  is  so]), 

&  where  he  do,  or  he  ne  doJ»,  860 

Hit  where  sschame  to  ous,  iwis. 

To  sslen  a  man  fat  golden  him  is  : 

I  rede  we  leteu  him  gon  his  wey,        [867] 

For  we  moten  tenden  to  a  nofer  pley."  864 

96  H  Alle  fre  pei  were  at  on, 
&  leten  clarel  on  Hue  gon. 
Clarel  nolde  no  lengere  a-bide. 

He  ne  askede  non  hors  onne  to  ride,  868 

Bote  on  fote  dede  him  go, 

&  leuede  hem  pare  in  muchel  wo. 

97  H  "  Nou,  lordinges,"  qua))  ogger 

To  Koulond  &  to  oliuer,  872 


ROLAND  AND  HIS  COMPANIONS  ARE  ATTACKED  BY  SARACENS.   91 


Roland  says  tlie 
same, 


"  Ich  Wole  triste  to  my  SSWerd,  Ogler  declares  he 

means  to  fifjlit  his 

&  fonde  forto  passe  Jjis  f erd.  way  home. 

Icli  hope,  foru  help  of  godes  mi3t, 

To  se  mi  lord  charles  jjis  iii3t.  87  G 

3ef  ani  sarazin  wij)  eie, 

ComeJ)  to  lette  me  of  mi  weie, 

Selp  me  god  &  ))is  day, 

He  sschal  abugge,  3ef  ich  may."  880 

98  iT  "  ISTou,"  qua])  roulond,  ))at  doujti  kai3t, 
"  &  ich  wille  helpe  ]ie  bi  mi  mi3t ; 
I  nele  to  day  bi  sein  martin, 

3ilde  me  to  no  sarazin."  884 

99  U  Qua])  oliuer,  "  so  mote  ich  })e,  andsodoesouvcr, 
In  mani  peril  ich  habbe  ibe, 

&  yef  ich  faille  at  ])is  nede, 

God  ne  lete  me  neuere  eft  spede  ;  888 

I  nele,  3ef  god  halt  me  sound, 

To  day  3elde  me  to  non  hound." 

100  H  }5ei  markeden  hem  alle  ])re, 
To  him  fat  J)olede  dej)  on  tre,  892 
&  no  lengere  J)ei  ne  abiden, 
Ano?2  in  to  ])e  ferde  ])ei  riden.              [889] 

101  HA  sarazin  wi])  roulond  mette, 
&  of  his  weie  roulond  lette ;  896 
He  cam  out  of  al  ])e  here, 
&  bar  to  roulond  a  gret  spere  : 
A  bold  kni3t  pat  hatte  byoun, 
An[d]  roulond  bar  him  a-doun. 

102  H  Oliuer,  ])at  was  his  bro])er, 
He  mette  wi])  a  no])er, 
A  dou3ti  kni3t,  an  he]3ene  man, 
A  strong  jjef  ])at  heet  bassan.  904 
Oliuer  was  horsed  wel, 
&  bare  a  spere  keno  &  fel, 


and  they  charge 
into  the  Saracens. 


Ryoun,  a  Saracen, 
attacliis  Roland, 


900    but  is  shain  by 
him. 


Oliver  charges 
Bassan, 


92 


OTUEL. 


[fol.  273,  col.  2.] 
and  rides  him 
down  ; 

wliile  Ogiort-uts 
down  aiiotluM' 
named  Moter. 


Thus  the  Freneh 
knights  exert 
tliemselves, 


and  make  great 
slaughter 
amongst  the 
Saracens. 


Then  Karmel  of 
Tabaile  rallies  his 
men. 


and  charges  at 
Ogier, 


whom  ho  wounds 
and  unhorses, 


&  smot  him  rijt  vinlci  jjc  sschulJ, 

|?at  fere  he  lay  amidJe  pe  feld.  908 

103  ^  &  jje  gode  kni^t  ogger, 
Mette  wif)  on,  pat  heet  moter, 

&  wolde  him  liabbc  doun  i-bore, 

&  ogger  was  wrop  far-fore,  912 

&  smot  pG  sarazin  so  sore, 

\)at  he  ne  spak  neuere  more. 

104  ^  Oliuer,  ogger,  &  Roulond, 

Amo)?g  J)e  sarazins  stureden  here  hond,  916 

j3oru  help  of  god  fat  is  a-boue, 

j^at  ham  hadde  fat  grace  i-30ue. 

jporou  fe  ferd  as  f ei  Eiden, 

Alle  fat  here  strokes  a-biden,  920 

Jjei  were  maimed,  for  euere  more. 

Jpe  dou3ti  kni3te3  f  ei  smiten  so  sore, 

)jat  wif -inne  a  litel  stounde, 

\)ei  felden  mani  on  to  grounde.  924 

105  *[1  jpo  cam  a  soudan,  stout  &  firs, 
On  of  garsies  duzze  peers, 

jjat  hatte  karmel  of  tabarie  ;  [895] 

Oppon  f  e  Sarasins  he  gan  crie,  928 

"  Recreiede  kni3tes,  whi  nele  30  fi3te, 

Traitours,  feues,  where  [is]  3oure  mi3te] 

It  is  sschame  bi  god  mahon, 

J3at  oure  folk  goon  fus  a  doun."  932 

106  ^  Wif  fis  word,  carmel  a  non 
Pingde  his  stede  &  made  him  gon, 
&  rood  to  ogger  in  fat  hete, 

&  f  oute  he  sscholde  his  lif  for-lete  ;  936 

&  was  strong,  &  ful  of  tene, 

&  smot  sore,  &  fat  was  sene. 

He  smot  ogger  in  f  e  sscheld, 

]3at  ogger  lay  amidde  fo  feld,  940 


OGIER    IS    UXnORSED    AND    WOUNDED. 


93 


Sore  he  fel  oppon  jje  grounde, 
&  hadde  a  f ol  luj^er  wonde. 

107  ^  j)o  duk  roulond  |jat  sey3, 

For  wra)?})e  he  was  wod  wel  ny^, 
^^  for  wrajjjje  smot  him  so  sore, 
)5at  lie  ne  spak  neuere  eft  more. 

108  IT  \)o  cam  anwe  of  niibie, 
On  of  kinges  kni3tes  garsie, 
&  felde  oliuer  to  grounde, 

Bote  he  ne  3af  him  neuere  a  wounde. 

109  II  Eoulond  was  fol  wroj)  wij)  alle, 
po  he  sau3  oliuer  falle, 

&  anawe  of  nubie  he  smot, 

J?at  neuere  eft  crouste  he  ne  hot. 

110  ^  Oliuer  ros  ap  fram  pe  grounde, 
Al  hoi  wiJ)-outen  wonde, 

&  a  non  his  stede  he  nam, 
&  to  roulond  sone  he  cam. 

111  H  |?o  was  roulond  fol  fawe, 
}5at  oliuer  was  nou3t  isslauwe, 
\)o  fiei  were  to-gidere  imet. 
J?o  were  Jjei  harde  biset, 
Amang  sarasins  fat  were  kene, 
&  jjei  smiten  sore  for  tene. 

112  H  Whil  roulond  fau3t  &  oliuer, 
Heuere  stode  pe  gode  ogger, 

&  hadde  lorn  his  gode  stede, 
&  his  wounde  gan  faste  blede  ; 
&  3it  he  fau3t  fere  he  stod, 
&  leide  on  as  he  were  wod. 

113  H  Whil  ogger,  fat  dou3ti  kni3t, 
A3enes  sarazins  stod  in  fi-^t, 
Oppon  a  stede  Clarel  come  driue, 
))at  ogger  halp  to  sauen  o  line, 


944 


but  is  liiniself  cut 
down  liy  Kdlaml. 


Tlien  Ahwe  of 
Nabia  uiilioi-ses 
948    Oliver, 


952 


956 


[fol.  273,  bade, 
col.  1.] 


and  he,  too,  is 
slain  by  Rolaml. 


Oliver  is  soon  iiji 
again. 


960 


They  two  fight 
hard. 


964 


but  O^ier  cannot 
help  them  much 
t/OO    for  his  wound. 


972 


Clarel  comes  up, 


9t 


OTUEL. 


recognizes  Osier, 
ami  advises  him  to 
surrcmier  to  liiin, 

[1  MS.  come] 


)3orou  cunseil  of  roulond  &  oliuer, 

<fe  a  non  he  knuj  ogger,  976 

"  Ogger,"  he  seide,  "  hit  is  my  red, 

3ilte  to  me^  or  |)ou  art  ded;  [952] 

j3ou  holpe  to  sauG  mi  lif  a  day, 

Ich  wole  sauen  J) in,  3 ef  I  may."  980 


114  II  Ogger  sauj  wel  wij)  his  Eye 
J3at  he  was  in  point  to  deye, 

and  ogier  does  so.  &  to  clarel  he  gan  gon, 

&  tok  hi??i  his  swerd  a  non. 

115  H  Clarel  nas  no  wedded  man, 
Clarel  hadde  a  fair  lemman, 
l?at  was  hoten  aufanye, 

&  was  born  171  Ermenie. 


984 


988 


Clarel  sends  Ogier 
in  charge  of  two 
Unights  to  his 
mistress. 


116 


[fol.  27.3,  back, 
col.  2.] 


They  do  so. 


H  Clarel,  anon  ri3tes, 

Clepede  to  him  two  kni^tes, 

&  seide  to  hem  anon  ; 

"  To  mi  le?nman  3e  schullc  gon,  [956]  992 

&  segge  fat  ich  sente  hire  Jjis  kni3t, 

&  fat  his  wounde  be  heled  ari3t ; 

&  god  hede  to  him  nome, 


To  sauen  him  til  mi  to-come." 


996 


117 


[962] 


1000 


Roland  and 
Oliver  at  last  have 
to  fly. 


^  pe  knijtes  deden  as  he  hem  bad, 

To  his  le??^man  he  was  lad, 

}?at  was  hoten  aufanye, 

J?at  was  kinges  dou3ter  garsie, 

&  30  was  glad  of  pat  present, 

To  do  clareles  comaundement. 

Eoulond  &  oliuer  fou3ten, 

}?at  of  here  Hues  nou3t  ne  rou3ten. 

Jjei  hadden  fou3ten  ouer  my3te, 

j)ei  ne  mi3te  no  lengere  dure  to  fi3te, 

An[d]  a  non  turnden  here  steeden, 

&  flow  en  for  fei  ne  my3te?^  nou3t  speden.    1008 


1004 


OTUEL  DECLARES  HE  WILL  GO  IN  SEARCH  OF  ROLAND  AND  OTHERS.  95 

118       U  To  OtUWel  it  was  told,  Meanwhile  Otuel 

hears  tliat  Rolaiid, 
)3at  roulond  fat  was  bold,  Oliver,  and  Ogier 

Oliuer  &  ogger  bo, 

"Were  ouer  pe  water  go.  1012 


had  crossed  the 
river. 


119  IT  Otuwel  a  non  ri3tes,  He  arms  himself 

and  his  men, 

Leet  armew  Mm,  &  alle  hise  kni^tes;  [1024] 

])o  he  was  armed  &  wel  i-di3t, 

He  wente  to  ]je  king  a  non  ri3t,  1016  goes  to  diaries, 

&  seide,  "  sire,  i  dwelle  to  longe, 

Eoulond,  oliuer,  an  ogger  fe  stronge, 

Oue[r]  Jje  water  alio  pre, 

Be])  went  for  envie  of  me,  1020 

To  loke  wher  Jjei  mi3ten  spede, 

To  don  any  dou3ti  deede, 

Among  fe  sarazins  bolde  : 

&  i  sscbolde  be  couward  hoolde,  1024 

jjer  fore  i  nele  no  lengere  abide ;  and  declares  ins 

intention  of  going 

To  sechen  hem  ich  wole  ride.  to  find  and  help 

them. 

J)au9  ))ei  habben  envie  to  me, 

Ich  wille  for  fe  lone  of  J)e,  1028 

Fonden  whofer  i  mi3te  comen, 

1  To  helpen  hem  ar  }?ei  weren  inomen.  ['  ms.  xe] 

&  3if  hem  any  harm  bytit, 

Let  ham  witen  hare  oune  wit."  1032 

1 20  H  Qua])  Jie  king,  "  par  charite,  charies  begs  to 

lose  no  time, 

Otuwel,  ich  biseche  })e,  but  go  at  once. 

For  godes  loue  hi3e  pe  bliue, 

&  fonde  to  sauen  hem  o  liue,  1036 

Er  fei  be  slawe  or  nome, 

&  ])e  sschal  sone  socour  come." 

121  H  Otuwel  no  lengere  ne  abood,  [foi.  274,,  coi.  1.] 
Anon  his  stede  he  bi-strood,                          1040  otueiandhis 

men  at  once  start 

&  alle  hiss  knijtes  bi  his  side,  toward  the  ford, 

&  toward  fe  ferd  he  gan  to  ride.  [1029] 


on 


OTUEL. 


122 


and  Charles  orders 
liis  men  to  arm. 


Otuel  sees  Rohuul 
and  Oliver  flying: 


lie  rides  to  them, 
and  bids  them 
turn  back  on  tlie 
Saracens, 


which  they  do. 


Otuel  asks  after 
Ogier : 


they  tell  him  he  is 
a  prisoner. 


Otuel  calls  on 
tliem  to  go  with 
him  to  rescue 
Ogier 


They  all  ride  back. 


123 


124 


125 


126 


H  A  no»  as  otuwel  was  aoon, 

j)e  king  Icet  di3te  his  host  a  non,  1044 

After  otuwel  to  wende, 

As  a  god  king  &  hende. 

H  As  otuwel  bi-gan  to  ride, 

He  lokede  a-bouten  in  eche  side,  1048 

&  he  sau3  ate  laste, 

Where  Eoiilond  fley3,  &  olixier  faste. 

Otuwel  touchede  his  stedes  side,        [1039] 

&  a3ein  hem  he  gan  ride,  1052 

&  seide,  "  turne))  a3ein  a  non, 

&  helpejj  to  wreke  3on  on  3oure  fon  ; 

])ei  sschuUe  abugge,  so  mote  ich  fe, 

)5at  makejj  30U  so  faste  fie."  1056 

IF  j)o  J)ei  herden  otuwel  speken, 

)?at  fei  sscholden  ben  a-wi'eken, 

\)o  were  fei  ferchs  to  fi3te, 

&  tournden  a3ein  &  were  fol  li3te.  10 GO 

^  "Lordinges,"  qua])  otuwel  J)o, 

"  "VYhuder  is  god  ogger  go  1 " 

&  |)ei  answereden,  sikinge  sore, 

"  For  sojie,  we  ne  sien  him  nou3t  3ore,         1064 

"We  ne  witen  where  he  is  by-come, 

Wliefer  he  is  islawe  ofier  nome." 

H  "  AUas  !  alias  !  "  quajj  otuwel, 

"  )5is  tiding  likej)  me  nout  wel ;  1068 

Sire  charles,  my  lord  Ipe  king, 

Wole  be  sori  for  fis  tiding. 

For  godes  loue,  hie  we  bliue, 

&  loke  we  whofier  ogger  be  a  liue."  1072 

Otuwel  &  oliuer, 
&  Eoulond  fat  dou3ti  bacheler, 
Wij)  a  feir  compaignye, 
l3ei  bigunuen  for  to  hie,  1076 


THE    SARACENS    FLY,    BUT    ARE    RALLIED    BY    CLAREL. 


97 


127 


128 


129 


130 


Toward  king  garsies  host, 
For  to  a-baten  of  hare  host. 

IF  Jjere  was  a  sarazin  strong, 
}?at  bar  a  brod  swerd  &  a  long, 
&  was  hoten  encu??ibrer, 
&  bigan  to  nei^en  hem  ner, 
Oppon  a  muche  blak  stede  ; 
&  otuwel  took  of  him  hede, 
&  of  his  armes  hadde  a  si3t, 
&  knu3  him  a  non  ri3t : 
&  no  lengere  he  ne  abod, 
Otuwel  to  him  rood, 
&  bar  him  doun  hors  &  man, 
)3iis  otuwel  gamen  bi-gan. 


1080 


A  Saracen, 
Encumbrer, 
[fol.  274,  col.  2.1 


1084 


[1055] 


1088    is  borne  down  by 
duel. 


^  Estu^t  of  legers,  a  noble  knijt, 

J5at  wij)  otuwel  cam  to  fi3t,  1092 

Bar  a  spare  of  tre,  fol  fin, 

&  smot  a  bold  sarazin. 

In  to  pe  bodi  jjoru  J?e  sscheld, 

&  })ere  he  lay  det  in  J)e  feld.  1096 

Oliuer  ho  slou^  a  nofer, 

&  Jie  ferjje  roulond  his  brojjer. 

IF  )5o  fe  freinche  knijtes  seien, 

j)e  sarasins  fallen  wip  hare  eien,  1100 

))ei  nolden  fo  no  lengere  abide, 

]pei  smiten  to  in  Eche  side, 

&  felden  sarazins  faste, 

&  |)ei  flowen  ate  laste.  1104 

^  King  clarel  made  hem  torne  ajein, 

Oppon  cristene  men  to  lein,  [^124] 

&  he  leide  on  faste, 

&  jje  Jjef  ate  laste,  1108 

Slou  dromer  of  aleraaine  ; 

Jjat  rue  fol  sore  J>e  king  charlemaine 

CHARL.  ROM.  VII.  H 


while  Estuglit 
slays  another, 


and  Oliver  and 
Roland  two 
more. 


Soon  they  make 
the  Saracens  fly. 


Clarel  rallies 
them. 


and  slays  Dromer. 


98 


OTUBL. 


Krpater,  king  of 
IiKlin, 


smites  Otuel ; 


but  Otuel  cleaves 
him  in  two. 


Tlie  Frencli  press 
on, 


[fol.  274,  back, 
col.  1.] 


and  at  last  the 
Saraceus  fly. 


Night  comes  on ; 


they  leave  off 
fighting. 


and  in  the  morn- 
iiifr  Clavcl  comes 
with  a  flag  of 
truce, 


1116 


1120 


1124 


131  H  Erpater  king  of  yndo  was, 
He  cam  yvip  a  mase  of  bras,  1112 
&  otuwel  on  pe  helm  he  rei3te, 
So  harde  fat  al  fie  heued  to-queijte. 

132  H  Qua})  otuwel,  "  so  mote  y  ])e, 
Ich  ne  Jjoute  nau3t  boruwe  jjat  strok  of  fe ; 
Bi  min  heued  vnder  myn  hat, 
I  nele  nou3t  longe  ouwe  fe  ]?at.' 
Otuwel,  wij)  a  fauchoun, 
Cleef  him  al  fe  heued  a-doun, 
&  he  fil  vnder  his  horse  feet. 
Quaf  otuwel,  "  pat  Ich  Jje  bi-heet." 

133  ^  )?o  was  otuwel  fol  of  mood, 
&  fau3t  as  he  were  wood. 
Al  )?e  kinges  ost  a  non, 
Foleuweden  otuwel  Echon, 
Eoulond  &  oliuer, 

&  maden  a  foul  larder.  1128 

J5e  kni3tes  leiden  on  so  faste. 
J3e  sarazins  flouwen  ate  laste. 

134  11)30  nei3ede  it  toward  eue, 

j)o  moste  ]je  ost  bileue,  [1129]  1132 

&  dwellen  fere  al  fat  ni3t. 

Til  on  morwe  fe  dai  was  bri3t. 

\)o  fe  ost  was  wif  drawe. 

To  resten  hem,  as  is  fe  lawe. 

King  clarel  kam  in  fourme  of  pees, 

Wij)  tweie  felawes,  mo  ne  lees. 

Toward  charles  ost,  fe  king, 

For  to  wyten  a  tiding  : 

&  otuwel  a3ein  him  wente. 

To  wite  who  hhn  fidere  sente. 

135     H  )5anne  sei-Ie  king  clarel, 

To  fe  dou3ti  otuwel,  [1136]  1144 


1136 


1140 


CLAREL    CHALLENGES    OTUEL    TO    SINGLE    COMBAT. 


99 


"  Kni3t,"  he  seide,  "  so  mote  jjou  jje, 

Tel  me  what  pi  name  be, 

))ou  art  so  doii3ti  man  of  dede, 

&  mani  a  knijt  hauest  mated  blede,  1148 

Ich  wolde  fol  fain  hi  myn  Eye, 

Bringe  ]?i  name  to  ]>&  king  garsie." 

136  U  "  Bi  god,  felawe,"  qnap  otuAvel, 

"Er  fiis  pou  kneuwe  my  name  fol  wel,         1152 

So  god  sschilde  me  fram  sschame, 

Otuel  is  my  cristine  name  : 

Mahun  ich  habbe  for  sake, 

&  to  ih'u  ich  habbe  me  take."         [1143]  1156 

137  ^  "  Alias  !  "  qua)5  clarel,  "  whi  destou  so? 
So  wrecheliche  haneston  do. 

^it  i  rede^  jjou  turne  ])i  mood, 

&  leef  on  mahoun,  ore  fou  art  Avod,  11  GO 

&  ich  wole  pese,  3ef  J)ou  wilt, 

)?at  ]3ou  hauest  garsie  a-gult." 

"Fi3,"  quaf)  otuel  ])o, 

"  On  mahoun  &  on  garsie  bo.  1164 

Bi  him  ])at  maude  adaw  &  eue, 

Y  nele  neuere  oppon  30U  leue. 

Bi  ih'u,  fat  is  fol  of  mi3t, 

&  ich  may  mete  him  arijt,  1168 

Jjere  sschal  no  sarazin  skape  oliue, 

j)at  ich  may  hente,  so  mote  ich  Jjriue." 


and  asks  Otuel 
his  name. 


Otuel  tells  him, 
anil  liow  he  is 
now  a  Christian. 


Clarel  begs  him  to 
recant, 

L'  MS.  rere] 


but  Otuel  scorns 


and  threatens 
liim. 


138     H  "  Otuwel,"  quajj  clarel  J30, 

"  Were  we  su??iware,  bitwene  vs  two, 
Bi  mahoun,  Jjat  ich  onne  bileue, 
Oppon  ])i  bodi  ich  wolde  preue, 
J?at  mahoun  may  mo  miracles  make, 
J?an  he  fat  foil  art  to  itake  : 
He  nis  nou3t  half,  be  mi  croun, 
So  mi3ty,  as  is  sire  mahoun." 


[fol.  274,  back, 
col.  2.] 
1172    Clarel  oliallenges 
liim  to  single 
combat, 


1176 


n  2 


100 


OTUEL, 


which  Otuel 
readily  accepts. 


Clarel  proposes  to 
figlit  tlie  next 
morning, 

if  he  can  trust  to 
have  fail'  play. 


Otuel  promises 
none  shall  touch 
him  save 
himself. 


on  which  Clarel 
agrees. 


Early  next  morn- 
ing Clarel  comes 
to  the  fight  ready 
armed. 


Charles  and  his 
knights  come  out 
to  see  liim. 


139  ^  Qua|)  otuwel,  "bi  godes  mijte, 

Clarel,  mi  truj)e  icli  pe  pli3te,  1180 

"Whan  euere  J)ou  wolt,  hit  schal  be, 
Euele  mote  he  Jiriue  fat  fle." 

1 40  IT  Qua])  clarel,  a  non  ri3t : 

"  Bi  mahoim,  pat  is  fol  of  mijt,  1184 

Woltou  sikere  me  on  hond, 

Jpat  no  maw  of  king  charles  lond, 

Schal  do  me  no  vileynie. 

By  Jje  dea)j  ]5at  isschal  deye,  1188 

Mi  conseil  is  a  non  inome, 

To  morue  erliche  ich  wille  come." 

141  IT  Quaj5  otuwel,  "ne  doute  Jje  nou3t. 

Bi  god,  Jjat  al  pe  world  hauej)  AVT0U3t,  1192 

&  fe  de]3  pat  isclial  deie, 

j3ou  ne  sschalt  hente  no  vileinie, 

Of  no  man  of  king  charles  lond, 

Bote  ri3t  of  myn  oune  hond  :  1196 

Bi  him,  pat  made  leef  &  bou3, 

Jjer  offe  pe  sschall  pinken  ynou3." 

Quap  clarel,  "  po  do  pi  best, 

To-morwe  pou  sschalt  finde  me  prest."  1200 

142  H  )?us  pe  were  pere  hope  at  on,        [1164] 
Er  pei  wolden  o  twinne  gon. 

Eyper  oper  his  trewepe  pli3te 

Oppon  Morwen  for  to  fi3te.  1204 

143  f  On  moruwen  po  pe  day  sprong, 
Clarel  pe  king  pou3te  long 

To  pe  pauiloun  til  he  cam, 

To  holde  pe  day,  pat  he  nam  :  1208 

Oppon  a  stede  wel  idi3t 

He  cam  fol  redi  to  bide  fi3t.  [1212] 

144  IT  King  charles  wip  hise  kni3tes  bolde, 
Comen  out  clarel  to  bi-holde,  1212 


CLAREL    MOCKS    CHARLES,   WHO    WANTS    TO    FIGUT    WITH    HIM.      101 


Hou  he  com  al  redi  di3t, 
Boldeliche  to  bide  i33t. 

145  IF  Clarel  was  bold  on  his  bond, 

For  [OJtuwel  sikerede  hiin  on  bond, 

Jjat  no  man  of  fleclis  &  blood, 

Ne  sscholde  doon  bim  nou3t  bote  good, 

Bot  bem  selue  tweien  fi3te, 

&  liabbe  pe  maistrie  wbo  so  mi3te. 

j3o  was  clarel  fol  trist, 

For  to  segge  what  bim  lust. 

146  II  King  diaries  was  an  old  man, 
&  clarel  bede  Jjer  offe  nam, 

&  seide,  "  cbarles,  Jjou  art  old, 

Wbo  made  ]>&  nou  so  bold. 

To  werren  oppon  king  garsie, 

|?at  is  cbeef  of  al  painie  1 

Al  paynime  be  baued  in  wold, 

J?ou  dotest,  for  ]jou  art  so  bold,"      [1252] 

147  H  King  cbarles  waryfede  anon  ri3t, 
}?at  clarel  tolde  of  bim  so  li3t, 

&  badde  iment  J)o  fol  wcl, 

To  babben  ifou3ten  wij)  clarel : 

&  bad  fetten  bis  armure  bri3t, 

&  wolde  armen  bim  a  non  ri3t ; 

&  seide  in  wrajjpe,  "  by  godes  mi3te, 

Ich  mi  self  wole  wi])  bim  fi3te." 

148  IT  Eonlond  bi  fe  king  stood, 
&  bi-gan  to  meuen  bis  mood, 
&  sede  to  jje  king  a  non, 

"  )?ou  bauest,  sire  king,  mani  on, 

Gode  dou3ti  kni3tes  of  deede, 

To  fi3te  pi  self  Jjou  ne  bauest  no  nede." 

149  ^  "  God  sscbilde,  sire,"  fj^ua]?  oliuer, 
"  Hit  sscbolde  springe  fer  or  ner, 


[fol.  275,  col.  1.] 

1216    Clarel,  relying  on 
Otuel's  word, 
has  no  fear, 


1220 


1224 


1228 


and  mocks  at 
Charles  for  daring 
at  his  age  to  war 
on  Garsie, 
the  chief  of  all 
heathendom. 


1232 


Charles  is 
enraged. 


1236 


and  w.inta  to  fight 
him  himself  J 


1240 


but  Roland  says 
there  are  plenty  of 
otliers  ready  to 
fight  for  him. 


1244 


Oliver  also 
protests ; 


102 


OTUEL. 


but  Clmrlea  is 
obstinate, 


until  Otuel  says 
he  lias  challenged 
Clarel, 


[fol.  275,  eol.  2.] 


because  on  the 
previous  day  he 
had  denied  God. 


Charles  g^ives  way 


and  Otuel  arms. 


and  rides  out  to 
meet  Clarel. 


To  putte  ]jin  oune  bodi  to  fijt, 
&  liauest  so  niani  a  clou3ti  lvui3t." 


1248 


150  H  King  Charles  swor  his  of, 
&  bi-gan  to  Avexe  wro]), 

&  seide,  "  for  ou3t  fat  man  may  speke, 

Miself,  ich  wile  ben  on  him  wreke."  [1260]  1 252 

151  IT  "A!  sire,"  qua])  otuwel  fo, 
"  For  godes  lone  sei  nou3t  so, 
Ich  &  he  bej)  trufe  pli3te, 

J5at  we  sschole  to-gidere  fi3te,  [1263]  1256 

&  ich  wole  telle  fe,  wi])  oute  faille, 
Where  fore  we  habbe  taken  batailie. 

152  H  He  wolde  habbe  maked  me  3usterday, 

To  habbe  reneied  my  lay,  1260 

&  seide,  J»at  ich  was  ilore 

&  god  nas  nou3t  of  marie  bore  : 

&  seide,  algate  he  wolde  preue, 

Jpat  ich  am  in  mis  beleue,  1264 

J?ere-fore  he  profrejj  him  to  fi3t. 

To  wite  whefer  is  more  of  mi3t, 

Ih'u,  fat  is  louerd  min. 

Or  mahoun  &  apolyn.  1268 

Jjous  we  habbef  fe  batailie  inome, 

&  bofe  we  bef  iswore  to  come." 

153  IF  Quaf  fe  king  charles  fo, 

"  Otuwel,  whan  it  is  so,  1272 

Tak  f  e  batailie  a  godes  name, 

&  ih'u  schilde  fe  f ram  sschame  ! " 

Otuwel,  fat  noble  kni3t, 

Lette  armen  him  a  non  ri3t,  1276 

&  his  gode  stede  bistrod, 

&  no  lengere  he  ne  abood, 

Bote  to  f e  stede  he  rood  fol  ri^t, 

)5ere  clarel  houede  to  bide  fi3t,  1280 


CLAREL    AND    OTUEL    ENGAGE    IN    SINGLE    COMBAT. 


103 


154  H  Anon  as  otuwel  was  icome 
Here  conseil  was  a  non  inonie, 
No  lengere  pei  ne  abiden, 
Ano?i  ri3t  togidere  J)ei  riden, 
Noon  ojjer  nas  ham  bitwene, 
Bote  gode  stronge  speres  &  kene. 
!Nas  neuer  nofer  of  ofer  agast, 

&  eifer  sat  in  bis  sadel  fast, 

Jjat  bojje  stedes  ^cden  to  grounde, 

&  pe  kni3tes  weren  al  sounde  ;         [1301 J 

&  bofe  stedes  wenten  for]), 

|3at  on  sou]?,  fat  ofer  norj) ; 

\)G  kni^te  on  fote  to-gidere  ^ede, 

An  droAven  hare  swerdes  gode  at  nede, 

Ne  sparede  ]jei  nou^t  pe  swerdes  egge  ; 

Ey))er  on  opev  bi-gan  to  legge. 

155  II  f)ei  were  bojje  swi])e  stronge, 
&  fou3ten  to-gidere  swij)e  longe. 
King  clarel  was  wel  ne3  wood, 
J5at  otnwel  so  longe  stood  : 

In  gret  "wraj'fe  otuwel  he  smot, 

&  his  swerd  fellicbe  bot, 

&  jjau  pe  swerd  [nere]  neuere  so  good, 

):e  gode  helm  it  wi))-stood. 

Bote  otuwel  astoneied  was, 

Jpere  he  stood  vp  on  pe  gras. 

156  II  Quajj  otuwel,  "  so  mote  ich  go, 

He  ne  louede  me  nou3t,  pat  smot  me  so, 
Ich  warne  pe  wel,  so  mote  ich  pe, 
j3ou  sschalt  habbe  as  good  of  me." 

157  ^  Otuwel,  for  wrapj^e,  a  non 
Arei3te  him  on  pe  cheke  bon ; 
Al  fie  fel  of  fat  was  fare, 

&  made  his  tef  al  bare.  [1320] 


1284    The  fight  at  once 
begins. 


1288 


They  are  both 
unliorsed. 


1292 


ami  they  continue 
the  fight  on  foot. 


1296 


Clarel  gets  angry, 


1300 


1304 


and  stuns  Otuel 
with  a  blow  on 
the  helmet. 

[fol.  275,  back, 
col.  1.] 


1308 


otuel  says  he  will 
return  as  good. 


1312    'in'i  bares  Clarel's 
clieek. 


104 


OTUEL. 


158 


and  mocks  liim 
for  showing  liiB 
teeth. 


159 


Cliirel  smites  him 


on  the  crown. 


but  with  one 
stroke  Otuel  kills 
him. 


Charles  is 
delighted, 

and  makes  Otuel 
an  earl, 


and  there  is  great 
rejoicing  through- 
out the  army. 


[fol.  275,  back, 
col.  2.] 


160 


161 


162 


163 


H  ]?o  otuwel  sau3  is  clieke  Lon, 

He  3af  clarel  a  skorn  a  non, 

&  seide,  "  clarel,  so  mote  J)ou  fe, 

Will  scheuwestou  pe  tej?  to  me, 

I  nam  no  toj)  drawere, 

j3ou  ne  sest  me  no  cheine  here." 

H  Clarel  felede  him  wou/ided  sore, 
&  was  maimed  for  euere  more, 
An  smot  to  otuwel  wi))  al  his  mi3t ; 
&  otuwel,  Jjat  dou3ti  kni3t, 
Wi])  his  swerd  kepte  Jie  dent, 
Jjat  clarel  him  hadde  iment, 
&  yit  pe  dent  glood  adoun, 
&  smot  otuwel  oppon  jje  croun. 

IT  Qua])  otuwel,  "  hi  godes  ore, 
Sarazin  fou  smitest  fol  sore, 
Sufen  Jii  herd  was  ischaue 
Jjou  art  woxen  a  strong  knaue." 

U  Otuwel  smot  clarel  Jio, 
0  strok  &  na»imo, 
j)at  neuer  eft  Avord  he  ne  spak, 
&  so  otuwel  his  tene  wrak. 


1316 


[1323] 


1320 


1324 


1328 


1332 


[1339]  1336 


H  po  was  diaries  glad  ynou3, 
pat  otuwel  king  clarel  SI0U3, 
&  3af  otuwel,  Ipat  dou3ti  kni3t, 
A  god  Erldam  })at  selue  ni3t. 
Al  ])at  in  pe  ost  was, 
Maden  murfie  &  solas, 
Jjat  otuwel  hadde  so  higunne, 
&  hadde  so  fe  maistri  wonne ; 
Al  ])at  mi3t  ouer  al  ])e  ost, 
J5ei  maden  al  per  ioye  most. 

IT  }5er  cam  a  messager  &  browjte  tiding. 
To  garsie  ])at  riche  king, 


1310 


1344 


1348 


GARSIE  VOWS  VENGEANCE  FOR  THE  DEATH  OF  CLAREL. 


105 


jpat  otuwel,  his  cosiii  in  lawe, 
Hadde  king  clarel  i-slawe. 

164     H  j3o  garsie  it  vnder-3at,  [1345] 

He  was  swijje  sori  for  ^at. 
&  for  wrajjpe  jjere  he  stood, 
Corsede  hise  godes,  as  he  were  wood, 
&  seide,  "  alias  &  walawo  ! 
jN^ou  is  gode  clarel  go. 
Certes  myn  herte  it  wile  to-breke, 
Bote  ich  mowe  clarel  a-wreke." 


The  news  is  told 
to  Garsie, 


1352 


who  vows  1 
for  it. 


1356 


165  IT  )po  lette  garsie  asemlen  a  non, 
Alle  hise  sarazins  echon,  1360 
&  jjou^te  ])oru  out  alle  ping 

To  hen  a-Avreken  on  charles  king, 

&  on  his  cosin  otuwel ; 

&  on  him  self  pe  wreche  fel.  1364 

166  H  King  charles  herde  be  a  spye, 
}5at  garsie  firatte  him  to  die, 
&  he  a-semblede  hise  kni3tes  echon, 
&  sede  to  hem  alle  a  non, 
"Lordinges,  garsie  jjinkej)  to  ride, 
For  sojje  i  nele  no  lengere  a  bide." 
Jpe  king  armede  him  a  non, 
&  alle  hise  kni3tes  echon, 
j)e  king  gurde  him  wij?  his  swerd, 
&  wente  him  self  wijj  his  ferd. 

167  ^  Ifte  king  cam  stilleliche  wi])  his  ost, 

&  garsie  cam  wi|)  gret  host,  1376 

j5o  J)e  ostes  nei3eden  nie3, 

Jjat  eijjer  ost  ojjer  sie3. 

Out  of  garsies  ost  cam  ride, 

A  turkein  fat  was  ful  of  prude ;  1380 

168  IT  Eoulond  was  good  &  hende,         [1381] 
&  a3enes  him  gan  wende. 


He  summons  all 
his  men. 


Charles  is  tokl  of 
this  by  a  spy, 


1368 


and  arms  all  his 

iO  I  Z    and  sets  out  to 
meet  Garsie. 


Wlien  the  two 

armies  come  in 

Bight  of  each 

other, 

a  Turk  rides  out 


106 


OTUEL. 


aiui  charges 
Roland, 


who  loses  one 

Btirrup. 


[fol.  27C,  col.  1.] 
Rolaiul  Willi 
Durimlal  cuts 
liiin  down. 


\)G  tourkein  no  lengore  nabod, 

To  rouloud  a  non  lie  rood,  1384 

&  gurde  roulond  wifi  a  spere, 

)5at  wel  cou))e  a  strok  bere ; 

&  as  dou3ti  as  lie  was, 

His  0  stirop  lie  las.  1388 

1G9     H  Eoulond  was  a-scliamed  farfore, 
J?at  lie  hadde  liis  stirop  lore, 
&  wiji  doreiidal,  pat  was  good, 
He  smot  pe  tourkein  oppon  J)e  hood,  1392 

&  he  sey  donn  of  his  stede  ; 
So  rowlond  quitte  him  his  niede. 
Qua])  roulond,  "  ]?at  ich  Ipe  biheet, 
j)ou  iiult  na  more  stenden  on  Ipi  feet;  1396 

Min  o  stirop  pou  madest  me  tine, 
Nou  hauestou  lose  bojje  Jjine."         [1392] 

H  )?er  cam  a  nojjer  stout  sarazin, 

Jpat  was  armed  wel  a  fin,  1400 

J3at  hi3te  myafle  of  bagounde, 

&  wij)  a  litel  stounde 

He  made  his  stede  swijje  to  goon, 

&  smot  oliuer  a  noon  1404 

jjorou  out  al  his  armure  bri3t. 

He  woundede  sore  fat  gode  knijt. 

171     ^  Eoulond  sau3  be  contenauuse,      [1400] 

His  bro])er  was  hurt  wif  Jje^  launce  ;  1408 

His  wardecors  a  non  he  fond, 
&  tok  a  spere  out  of  his  bond, 
&  made  his  hors  make  a  sturt. 
To  him  fat  hadde  his  broker  hurt ;  1412 

and  kills  Myafle.  &  toucliede  him  wif  fc  speres  ord, 

Jjat  neuere  eft  he  ne  spak  word ; 
&  tok  myafles  stede  a  non, 
&  sette  oliuer  fer  on.  1416 


Another  Saracen,        170 


Myafle, 


wounds  Oliver. 


[1  MS.  le] 

Roland  comes  to 
his  aid, 


A    GENERAL    ENGAGEMENT    FOLLOWS,  107 

172  ^  )5cre  was  a  noLle  sarnzin, 

A  king  bat  heet  galatyn,  Gaiatyn  next 

rides  out, 

&  cam  "wijj  a  compainie, 

&  bigan  faste  to  hie.  1420 

Otuwel  was  war  of  fat, 

Oppon  his  stede  fere  he  sat, 

Hon  king  galatin  cam  wip  wille, 

Cristene  men  for  to  spille.  1424 

Wijj  fe  spores  fe  stede  he  nam, 

To  galatyn  fe  king  he  kam. 

borou  be  bodi  he  him  bar,  but  is  at  once 

^  killed  by  Otuel. 

&  bad  he  scholde  eft  be  war  1428 

Of  such  a  strok,  whan  it  kam. 

Non  ofer  hede  of  him  he  ne  nam, 

Bote  rood  forf  oppon  his  stede, 

&  leet  Jje  sarazin  ligge  &  blede.  1432 

173  U  |?o  smiten  bo  ostes  to-gidere  a  non.  Then  ensues  a 

general  engage- 

&  fou3ten  faste  &  good  won  :  ment. 

&  to-daschsten  many  a  scheld,  [foi.  276,  coi.  2.] 

Mani  a  bodi  lay  in  fe  feld.  1436 

174  IT  bo  cam  oner  be  doune  ride,  a  reinforcement 

'  of  1000  Saracens 

An  hefene  king,  fol  of  prude,  come  up; 

&  brow3te  wif  him  al  ferche  fo, 

A  jjousende  sarazins  &  mo,  1440 

&  fou3ten  faste  a  good  stounde, 

&  felden  cristene  men  to  grounde. 

175  HA  doujti  bachelor  cam  ride, 

Oppon  king  charles  side,  [1429]  1444 

A  3ong  kni3t,  fat  sprong  furst  berd,^  P  ms.  herd.] 

Of  no  man  he  nas  aferd; 

Fine  huHdred  men  wib  him  he  brou3te,  tut  five  hundred 

young  French 

Jpat  of  hare  lif  litel  fei  rou3te  :  1448  knights 

Nas  non  twcnti  winter  old, 

&  echon  was  dou3ti  man  &  bold. 


108 


OTUEL. 


soon  put  them  to 
flight. 


Coursabex  meets 
them  flying, 


[1  MS.  herd.] 
and  rallies  them, 


He  haddc  ichoseii  hciu  fol  wide, 

Bolde  men  bataillo  to  bide.  1452 

)3ei  fou3ten  faste  yvi])  iiine  a  stounde, 

&  brou3ten  sarazins  to  grounde  : 

J5ei  were  bolde  &  foujten  faste, 

j)e  sarazins  flouwen  ate  laste.  1456 

Roulond  &  oliuer  hulpen  wel, 

&  jje  doujty  otuwel. 

176     H  Coursabex,  jje  king,  cam  po, 

&  mette  fleinde  a  pousend  &  mo,  1460 

"  Traitours,"  quajj  coursabex,  fe  king,  [1450] 

"  Certes  fis  is  a  foul  ])ing, 

J5at  je  scliule  fie  for  ferd  : 

Traitours,  tourne]?  a3ein  fe  herd,^  1464 

Tournejj  a3ein  alle  \vi]j  me, 

&  we  wole  make  pe  freinche  fle." 

j)ovLS  coursabex  him  self  allone, 

Made  tourne  liem  a3ein  eclione.  1468 


but  a  young 
French  knight 


unhorses 
Coursabex 

and  takes  him 
prisoner. 


[fol.  276,  back, 

col.  I.] 


Then  all  the 
Saracens  again 
begin  to  fly. 


177  H  )?e  3inge  kni3t  fiat  was  so  bold, 
liijt  nou  fat  icli  offe  habbe  told, 
Wif  coursabex  wel  sone  he  mette, 
&  wij)  his  swerd  a  non  he  sette 
Such  a  strok  oppon  his  croun, 
J3at  of  his  stede  he  fel  a  doun. 

J?e  3inge  kni3fc  to  him  cam, 
&  coursabex  o  Hue  nam, 
&  sente  him  charles  j>G  king. 
j)o  was  he  glad  of  fat  tiding. 

178  H  ])o  fe  tourkeins  seien  alle, 
J?at  coursabex  was  falle, 

&  cristene  men  smite  sore, 
J3ei  flouwen  &  nolde  fi3te  na  more. 
&  ])e  gode  3inge  knijt, 
Suwede  &  leidon  doun  ri3t. 


1472 


1476 


[1489] 


1480 


1484 


THE    SARACENS    ARE    UTTERLY    ROUTED. 


109 


Jjere  ne  halp  nou3[t]  sire  mahoxin, 
j)e  tourkeins  jeden  faste  a-doun. 

179  H  )?o  kam  poidras  of  barbarin, 
&  \vi))  him  mani  a  sarazin. 
Poidras  oppon  the  ^u^ge  kni3t 
Leid  on  wijj  al  his  mi3t, 

&  here  men  to-gidere  huwen, 
&  hejjene  homes  faste  blevven  ; 
Poidras  &  J)e  3inge  kni3t, 
Bitwene  hem  was  strong  fi3t, 
Poidras  hadde  pe  more  mayn, 
&  hadde  wel  nei^  pe  kni3t  slain. 

180  H  Otuwel,  pat  dou3ti  kni3t, 
Was  war  of  pat  a  non  ri3t. 
Otuwel  no  lengere  nabood, 
To  poidras  a  noon  he  rood, 
&  smot  poidras  of  barbarin, 

Jjat  fere  he  lay  as  a  stiked  swin. 


1488 


Poidras  attacks 
Charles's  young 
knight, 


1492 


1496    and  nearly  slays 
him. 


1500    but  Otuel  sticks 

Poidras  like  a  pig. 


l&l     IT  Otuwel  rood  \7i  to  Jje  feerd, 

&  leide  on  faste  mid  his  swerd.  1504 

Eoulond  &  oliuer, 

Ne[i]3edeni  otuwel  ner, 

&  jje  berdles  knijt, 

&  slowen  sarazins  a-doun  ri3t.  1508 

182     IT  King  garsie  herde  wij)  inne  a  stounde, 
Hou  hise  men  3eden  to  grounde  : 
King  garsie  hadde  a  conseiler, 
&  a  non  he  took  him  neer,  1512 

&  seide  to  him,  "  sire  arperaunt, 
A3enes  otuwel  myn  herte  stant, 
Jpat  pous  hauejj  reneid  his  lay, 
&  slej)  mine  men  ni3t  &  day.  1516 

Sire  arperant,  what  is  pi  reed  [1513] 

J3at  pe  pef  traitour  nere  ded  ? 


otuel  and  the 

beardless  kniijht 
make  great  havoc 
among  tlie 
Saracens. 

[I  MS.  Ne  3eden] 


Garsie  consults 
Arperaunt  how 
tliey  are  to  kill  or 
take  Otuel. 


110 


OTUEL. 


Arperaunt  says  it 
can  never  be  done 
while  Kolnnd  is 
alive. 


[fol.  276,  back, 
col.  2.] 


Garsie  tells 
Baidolf  to  attack 
the  Flench. 


Baidolf  says  he  is 
ready  if  Garsie 
will  support  him. 


Certes  fraunce  liadde  be  wonnen, 

Ne  liaddo  his  tresoun  be  bigunnen."  1520 

183  IT  "  King  garsie,"  qua}?  arperaunt, 
"  Ei  malioun  fat  3on(ler  stant, 

Al  )3e  wliile  pat  roulond 

Mai  bere  durendal  in  his  bond,  1524 

&  oliiier  lit  by  his  side, 

For  no  J>ing  ))at  may  betide, 

)5ou  ne  schalt  neuere  otuwel  winne. 

For  nou3t  pat  euere  pou  kans  biginne."        1528 

})o  was  garsie  wel  ny^  wood, 

For  wrapfie  on  molde  pere  he  stood. 

184  H  ])eve  was  an  alfrikan  gent, 

]?at  hatte  baldoif  of  aquilent,  1532 

King  garsie  seide  to  him  anoon  ; 

"  Certes,  Baldoff,  pou  most  goon, 

&  take  wij)  pe  kni3t  &  swein, 

&  tourne  pe  cristene  men  a3ein  ;  1536 

&  ich  mi  self  wole  after  come, 

&  helj^e  pat  otuwel  were  nome." 

185  IT  Quap  baldoif,  "  bi  sire  mahun, 

Louerd,  we  wole  don  what  we  moun,  1540 

&  com  pou  after  &  tak  hede, 

Wuche  maner  pat  we  spede, 

&  3ef  pou  sest  pat  nede  be, 

Com  &  help  us  er  we  fle,  1544 

For  whan  an  ost  to  fii3t  is  went. 

Bote  socour  come,  it  is  schent." 

186  IT  Baidolf  took  his  compainie, 

&  to  pe  bataille  he  gan  heye^  1548 

&  wip  inne  a  litel  stounde, 

Hard  bataille  pei  habben  i-founde. 

187  IF  Otuwel,  dou3ti  of  dede, 

Where  pei  comen  he  took  hede,  1552 


OTUEL    AND    KARNIFEES    ENGAGE    IN    SINGLE    COMBAT. 


Ill 


&  no  longere  he  no  bood, 

Bote  Lasteliche  to  ham  he  rood. 

Eoulond  &  oliuer, 

Neijeden  otuwel  ner,  1556 

&  ]je  gode  ^inge  kni3t, 

Jpat  Avas  so  dou3ti  man  in  631. 

\)o  pei  foure  weren  ifere, 

po  mi3te  men  seen  &  here  '  15G0 

Harde  strokes  dele  (fe  di3te, 

&  wij)  sarazins  boldeliche  fi3te. 

188  H  ]5er  cam  out  of  garsies  ost, 

A  man  pat  made  muche  host,  15G4 

A  king  ))at  hatte  karnifees, 
&  muchel  onour  jjere  he  les. 

189  H  per  kam  a  kni3t  of  agineis, 

A  bold  man,  &  a  conrteis,  1568 

&  wijj  carnifees  he  mette, 

&  wende  Carnifees  to  lette  : 

King  karnifees  him  haue])  istunt, 

&  SI0U3  him  ate  forme  dunt.  1572 

J30  karnifees  hadde  pous  do. 

He  wende  to  seruen  ham  alle  so ; 

190  IF  Otmvel  no  lengere  na-bood, 
To  karnifees  a  non  he  rood  ; 
Karnifees  knu3  otuwel, 
By  hise  arnies  swij^e  wel, 
&  seide  to  Jje  gode  gome, 
"  For-sworne  J)ef,  artou  come  1 " 
"  Bi  mahoun,"  qua})  karnifees, 
"  J?ou  schalt  hoppen  heuedles." 

191  H  Otuwel,  wi])  oute  targing, 

Answerede  karnifees  J»e  king,  1584 

"  Bi  sein  game,  ich  ne  habbe  nou3t  munt, 
pa  Jiou  schalt  3iue  me  jjat  dunt." 


Otucl  rides  out  to 
meet  him, 

followed  by 
Rolaml,  Oliver, 


and  the  young 
knight. 


[fol.  277,  col.  1.] 


Karnifees  slays  a 
knight  of  Agineis. 


1576    Otuel  rides 

forward  to  engage 
him. 


1580    Karnifees  knows 

Otuel, 


112 


OTURL. 


and  attacks  him, 


anil  cuts  ofr  part 
of  his  sliield, 


but  Otuel  witli  one 
blow  kills  him. 


The  Saracens  are 
panic-stricken. 


and  flee. 


[fol.  277,  col.  2.] 


pursued  by  Otuel 
and  Roland. 


[1  MS.  sm5me.] 
Muny  of  them  are 
drowned. 


['  MS.  mananie.] 


}3ci  nolden  no  longero  al)ide, 
Ano?'«  to-gidere  Jiei  gundo  ride  : 
Karnifees  smot  otuwel, 
Biside  jjc  lieuod  fe  strok  fel, 
A  corner  of  otuweles  scheld 
He  gurde  out  amidde  fe  feld. 

192  11.Qua]5  otuwel,  "  good  it  wite, 
}3at  strok  was  wel  ismite. 
Nou  Jjou  schalt,  bi  seint  martyn, 
Preuen  a  strok  of  myn." 
Otuwel  karnifees  smot, 
Wi]3  Corsouse  ]3at  wel  l3oot, 
}3at  karnifees  sou3te  ])e  ground, 
Eos  he  neuere  eft,  hoi  ne  sound. 

193  IF  )?o  jje  sarazins  wisten  alle, 
J3at  karnifees  was  ifalle, 
&  |)at  he  nolde  na  more  arise, 
j)o  bigan  ham  alle  to  agrise  : 
For  in  al  garsies  feerd, 
Nas  such  a  man  to  handle  a  swerd. 
j3o  tournde  ))ei  to  flijt, 
J3e  sarazins  a  non  rijt. 

194  H  j)o\\s  fe  gode  otuwel, 
&  roulond  ]:at  was  good  &  snel, 
J?oru  fe  help  of  godes  mi3t, 
Maden  ]>&  sarazins  tourne  to  fli3t, 
J?rou  swete  ih'u  cristes  grace, 
&  pei  suweden  faste  f»e  chasse. 
j)e  sarazins  were  so  a  dredde. 
In  to  Jje  water  manye  fledde, 
Summe  swu??ime^  &  su?nme  sunke, 
&  coold  water  ynou3  fei  drunke, 

195  nnil  Eoulond  &  oliuer  fe  gode,    [1543] 


1588 


1592 


1596 


1600 


1604 


1608 


1612 


1616 


T 


In  manie^  harde  stoures  stode. 


1620 


OGIER    WITH    THE    HELP    OF    A    SQUIRE    ESCAPES    FROM    PRISON.      113 


Godde  ogger  in  p?7soun  lay, 

Eojje  bi  ni3t,  &  eke  be  day, 

Herkneji,  what  hede  good  to  him  nam, 

&  hou  he  out  of  p?7soun  kam.  1G24 

196  IF  Seuene  hefene  kni3tcs  bolde, 
Ogger  was  bi-taken  to  holde, 
&  Jje  foure  ogger  slou^, 
&  3it  he  skapede  wel  inou^.  1628 

197  H  )pere  was  a  noble  skuier, 
]?at  wij)  queintize  halp  ogger. 
Swijje  py-meliche  &  stille 

He  broujte  ogger,  to  his  wille, 

His  swerd  &  his  armure  bri^t, 

&  ogger  armede  liim  a  non  rijt. 

j)o^  he  hadde  on  his  gode  wede, 

\)e  squier  broujte  him  a  good  stede. 

Ogger  no  lengere  ne  abood, 

j)G  goodde  stede  he  bistrood,  [1551] 

\)G  squier  was  armed,  &  wel  idi3t, 

&  hadde  a  good  hors  &  a  li3t ;  1640 

&  also  stille  as  a  ston 

J3e  squier  lep  to  horse  a  non, 

&  to  jre  porteres  windou  he  kam, 

&  in  his  hond  his  mase  he  nam,  1644 

&  oppon  fie  windou  he  schof, 

Jjat  J)e  windou  al  to-drof. 


Meanwhile  Ogger 
lies  in  prison, 


guarded  by  seven 
knights. 


of  wliom  he  sl.iys 
four. 


1632    A  squire  brings 
him  liis  arms, 


[1  MS.  i>e] 
163G    and  a  liorse. 


They  ride  off 
secretly. 


The  squire  breaks 
the  porter's 
window. 


198  U  Hit  was  abouten  mid  ni3t, 
&  the  porter  was  a-fri3t, 

&  asked  a  non,  who  was  jjare, 
&  who  makede  al  jjat  fare. 

199  ^  "  Porter,"  qua])  ]>e  squier  \>o, 

'  Vndo  ))e  gate  &  let  us  go. 
We  here  tellen,  bi  sire  mahoun, 
)?at  cristene  men  goon  alle  a  doun, 

CilARL.   RuM.   VII. 


1648 


1652 


The  porter 
demands  who  is 
there. 

[fol.  277,  back, 
col.  I.] 


lU 


OTUEL. 


Tlie  squire  says 
they  are  going  to 
help  their  com- 
panions afjainst 
the  French. 


Tlie  porter  opens 
the  gate. 


and  they  riJe  all 
that  night  till 


they  find  Roland 
and  Oliver. 


&  icli  &  mi  felawes  i\vi&, 

We  wole  witen  liou  it  is,  1G5G 

&  3ef  we  ani  good  winue, 

For  soJ)e  ]3ou  schalt  parten  Jjer  inne." 

&  he  dude  op  ]3e  3ate  wide, 

&  lette  ham  bofe  out  ride,  1660 

&  steek  a3ein  \)q  gate  fast, 

&  Jjere  fei  sien  ogger  last. 

200  IT  Ogger  rood  al  fat  nijt. 
Til  on  Jje  morewen  jje  day  was  bri3t ;  1G64 
Jjat  neuere  his  feet  comen  on  grow??de, 
Er  he  hadde  his  felawes  founde. 

201  U  }?o  rouloud  &  oliuer 
Weren  war  of  gode  ogger,  1668 
)5ei  were  fol  glad  of  Jjat  si3t,             [1558] 
&  Jjonkeden  ili'u  fol  of  mi3t. 

202  H  );o  roulond  &  oliuer, 
Adden  imet  wij)  gode  [Ogger]  1672 
j)ei  were  also  fous  to  fijt. 
As  euere  was  a  foul  to  flijt ; 
&  wenten  in  to  Jje  bataille  a  non, 
&  fou3ten  faste  &  good  won,  1676 
&  made  fe  sarazins  a-gaste, 
&  otuwel  nas  nou3t  Jie  laste. 

203  ^  ])o  alle  foure  weren  if  ere, 
Jjar  nere  none  strokes  dere,  1680 
\)o  dou3ti  kni3tes  smiten  so  sore, 
As  J)au3  Jiei  ne  hadden  nou3t  fou3te«  3ore, 
}5at  wi])  inne  a  litel  stounde, 
Sarazins  3eden  alle  to  grounde.  1684 

204  U  King  garsie  toke  god  hede, 
Hou  his  folk  to  grou?zde  3ede, 

King  Garsie  flees.  &  no  lengere  he  ne  abood, 

Toward  his  pauilons  he  rood.  [1565]  1688 


Then  all  fight  the 
Saracens, 


and  kill  nearly  all 
of  them. 


GARSIE    IS    TAKEN    PRISONER    AXD    BEGS    FOR    MERCY.  \15 

205  IT  &  otuwel  a  noon  by-held,  otuei  sees  iiim, 
J5ere  he  rod  in  Jje  feld, 

&  warende  fore  a  non  bo  »"<'  teiis  the 

others. 

Rouloiid  &  oliuer  bo,  1692 

&  ogger  J5at  dou3ty  kni3fc, 

pat  king  garsie  was  tornd  to  flijt. 

bo  roulond  &  oliuer,  [foi.  277,  back, 

col.  2.] 
&  \)G  godc  kni3t  ogger,  1696 

Sien  where  king  garsie  rood, 

jper  nas  non  Jjat  lengere  a-bood, 

Hasteliche  \)e  wey  ]?ei  nonien,  Thej  all  pursue 

&  to  king  garsie  Jjei  comen.  1700 

206  U  King  garsie  was  a-fered  to  deyn, 

&  bi-gan  mersi  to  Crie,  Garsie  cries  for 

&  seide,  for  so})e  fat  he  wolde 

Of  king  diaries,  his  lond  holde,  ITO-t 

&  ben  at  eche  prt?-lement, 

Eedi  at  his  comauMderaent. 

207  ^  King  garsie  seide  f)is, 

"  For  his  loue  jjat  ^oure  good  is,  1708 

Take]?  nio  on  line,  &  sle  me  noujt. 

Leet  mi  lif  be  for-boujt, 

&  let  me  as  a  pr^soun  goon 

Bi-fore  king  charles  a  noon,  [1573]   1712 

&  don  him  omage  wij)  myn  hon[d],  and  offers  to  do 

To  holden  of  him  al  mi  lond."  diaries. 

208  ^  jpanne  seide  otuwel, 

)5at  was  doLijti  knijt  &  snel,  1716 

To  roulond  &  to  oliuer, 

&  to  fe  gode  kni3t  ogger, 

"  IS'ou  he  hauej)  ]jis  3ift  i3iue,  Atotuei's 

'  suggestion  they 

I  rede  pat  we  laten  him  line.  1720  spare  uis  uie, 

Bi-fore  fe  king  he  schall  be  brou3t, 
For  gode,  we  nulle  slen  him  nou3t ;  " 


IIG 


OTUEL. 


and  lead  him 
before  Charles. 


Otuel  presents 
liim  to  the  king. 


An  jjei  acenteden  ferto, 

&  seiden,  "  it  wile  be  wel  ido,"  172-t 

&  wi])  outen  any  targing, 

}?ei  ladden  him  bi-fore  fe  king. 

209     H  )5anne  seide  otuwel,  fiat  gode  knijt, 

To  king  diaries  a  non  ri3t,  1728 

"  Sire,"  lie  seide,  "  her  is  garsie, 

}3at  sumtime  Jjratte  Jje  to  die, 

He  wile  nou,  ^if  fii  wille  be, 

Do  fe  omage  &  feaute,  1732 

&  ben  at  pi  comau?idement ; 

&  at  eche  parlement, 

Al  redi  at  fin  bond, 

&  hold  en  of  pe  al  his  lond,  1736 

&  for  his  lond  rente  3iue, 

"VViJj  J)e  noiie  he  mote  Hue." 


[End  of  MS.] 


NOTES    TO    pp.  3 — 9,  U.  23 — 209.  117 


NOTES. 


p.  3,  1.  23.      "  be  "  :   by  tlie  time  tliat :  so  in  1.  38. 

p.  4,  1.  45.      "  for  tlie  Rude  lufe"  :  for  the  love  of  the  cross. 

p.  4,  1.  46.      "  Raiif  Coiljear  "  :   tliat  is  Ralph  the  charcoal-burner. 

p.  4,  1.  50.      "  Coilis  "  :  charcoal. 

p.  5,  1.  63.  St.  Julian  was  the  patron  of  travellers.  Thus  in  the 
Ancren  Rlvde,  p.  350  :  "  Heo  iuinded',  iwis,  sein  Julianes  in,  ]jet 
weiuerinde  men  jeorne  scched'."  Chaucer  says  of  the  Franklin  that, 
*' Seynt  Julian  he  was  in  his  contre."  Prol.  340.  See  Mr.  Furnivall's 
note  in  his  edition  of  Aivdeley  and  Hurman,  p.  xxix  ;  Dr.  Morris' 
note  on  the  passage  quoted  above  from  Chaucer,  Chambers'  Book  of 
Days,  II.  388;  Brande,  Popular  Antiquities,  ed.  Hazlitt,  I.  303,  &c., 
and  compare  1.  973  below.  In  "  John  de  Reeue,"  1.  170,  the  Reeve 
promises  to  give  the  king  and  his  two  companions  lodging  for  the 
night,  and  adds 

"soo  that  yee  take  itt  thankefiuUye 
in  gods  name  and  S'.  lollye, 
I  aske  noe  other  pay." 

And  again,  1.  572,  the  guests  when  leaving  on  the  following  morning 
"  thanked  god  &  S\  lolly e.:' 
p.  5,  1.  8G.  "  Pryse  at  the  parting"  :  that  is,  don't  praise  too  soon  or 
till  the  entertainment  is  over.  The  same  expression  occurs  in  the 
Gesta  Romanorum,  ch.  xii.  p.  39,  1.  20,  where  the  original  Latin  is 
a  fine  laudatur  opus.  See  further  in  my  note  to  the  passage. 
p.  6,  1.  96.      I  do  not  understand  the  word  chin. 

p.  7,  1.  147.  "begin  the  buird":  take  the  chief  seat  at  the  table. 
Compare  Chaucer  C.  T.,  Prol.  52.  In  "John  de  Reeue"  the  Reeve 
bids  the  king  "  begin  the  disli  (dais),"  and  again,  John  when  told 
to  "  begin  the  bord,"  "  att  the  bords  end  he  sate  him  downe,"  1.  824. 
p.  9,  1.  209.  Compare  the  supper  provided  by  lohn  de  Reeue  for  his 
guests  : 

"  By  then  came  in  red  wine  &  ale 
the  bores  head  into  the  hall, 

then  sheild  with  sauces  seere  ; 
Capons  both  baked  and  rosted, 
woodcockes,  venison,  without  host 
&  dish  nieeate  dight  tfull  deere. 
Swannes  they  had  piping  hott, 
Coneys,  curleys,  well  I  wott, 

the  crane,  the  hearne,  in  ffcre, 
pigeons,  partrid[g]es,  with  spicfrye, 
Elkes,  ffloures,  with  ffrotrerye." 


118  NOTES    TO    pp.   11 — 40,  11.  202  — 106. 

p.  11,  I.  2b2.      "the  atie  "  :  tliee  aluue. 

p.  12,  1.  290.    He  will,  witlioiit  doubt,  be  found  to  blame  who  is  absent. 

p.  12,  1.  306.      "Peter!"     A  common  exclamation.      See   Prof.  Skeat's 

note  to  P.  Ploirman,  C.  viii.  182. 
p.  14,  1.  355.     "As  the  buik  says."     See  Introduction, 
p.  14,  1.  300.      "but  pne  man  that  ^e  knevv,"&c,,  unless  you  know  that 

man  ;   to  put  yourself  at  his  disposal  or  mercy. 
p.  15,  1.  379;      "The  fate  will  be  mine  alone." 
p.   16,  1.  436.     "Do  way!"     So  in   Giuj   of  Warwick,   ed.   Turnbull, 

9844  :   ^^  Do  way,  leue  sir,  seyd  Gij." 
p.  18,  1.  499.      "It  might  be  set  down  to  your  harm." 
p.  20,  1.  537.      "  me  tharth  "  :  I  need,  jjar  =  O.E.  Jjearf,  Ger.  darf,  was 

in  Mid-English  used  both  as  a  personal  and  impersonal  verb.      Comp. 

"  the  ]!ar  not  drede."      Guy  of  Wancich,  1.  6770,  and  "  Of  no  wepon 

he  \iar  not  dowte,"  ibid.  \.  6830. 
p.  20,  1.  640.      I  do  not  understand  this  line. 

p.  23,  1.  664.      "They  thought  the  charcoal-burner  hardly  worth  look- 
ing at." 
p.  24,  1.  681.      "  bestiall  "  ;  one  of  the  few  words  which  appear  to  bear 

out  the  theory  of  a  French  origin  of  the  poem. 
p.  24,  1.  693.      Read  "  Fra  thir  wyis,  I-wis,  to  went  on  my  way." 
p.  26,  ].  745.      "  He  has  deserved  that,  in  our  opinion." 
p.  26,  1.  746.      "god   forhot  "  :   See   Calhol.  Anylicuin,  s.  v.   Forbott,   p. 

137,  and  note  to  Seye  of  MfJayne,  1.  406. 
p.  27,  1.  768.      "  thy  schone  that  thow  wan."      See  Prof.  Zupitza's  note 

to  Guy  of  Warwich,  1.  436. 
p.  29,  1.  835.      "Mait":  Fr.   mat.      See   Sir  Ferumhras   Glossary,  and 

Seye  of  Mdayne,  note  to  1.  1284. 
p.  30,  1.  864.      "The  lenth  of  ane  rude  braid,"     Com'paYQ  Sir  Ferumbras, 

I.  971. 

p.  30,  1.  866.      "pithis":  see  the   Catholicon,  s.  v.   Pythe,  p.  282,  and 

note. 
p.  30,  1.  888.      "  that  maist  of  miclitis  may  "  :   a  common  exoression  in 

the  old  romances, 
p.  32,  1.  941,      "  Angeris  "  :   See  the  Catholicon,  s.  v. 
p.  32,  1.  955.     "  caryit "  :  hastened.      See   instances  in   note   to  Roland 

and  Otuel,  1.  1555. 
p.  53,  1.  973.      "sanct  July  "  :  see  note  to  1.  63  above, 
p.  39,  1.  79.      "  an  hei^eing  "  :  at  once.      The  same  phrase  occurs  again, 

II.  380,  501. 

p.  39,  1.  98,  99.  Probably  these  lines  should  be  transposed  :  the 
meaning  being,  he  besought  him  for  the  crown  and  the  cross,  on 
which  Christ  suffered  death. 

p.  40,  1.  105.      Compare  Sir  Ferumhras,  I.  5955. 

p.  40,  1.  106.  To  feel  was  used  of  any  of  the  senses  not  necessarily  of 
touch.  Thus  in  Gesta  Romanorum,  p.  313,  we  read  of  houndsyecZji^ 
a  smell,  as  here.      See  note  to  Fule  in  Cothol.  Aiiylicuin. 


NOTES   TO    pp.  40—41,  11.   130 — 278.  119 

p.  40,  1.  130.  "  longys " :  Longiiuis :  see  Prof.  Skeat's  note  to  P. 
Plowman,  C.  xxi.  82. 

p.  41,  1.  137.  "at";  of.  Compare  "he  riom  rsed  cet  his  nionnen." 
Lazamon,  1648,  and  "  mai  he  no  leue  at  here  taken."  Genesis  and 
Exodus,  '2G97. 

p.  41,  1.  140.      "  he  "  :  tliat  is  Charles. 

p.  41,  1.  141.  Here  bei^iiis  the  life  of  Charles,  written  by  the  Pseudo- 
Turpin.      "opon  a  nijt  "  :   Lat.  per  singular  nodes  scepe  perspiceret. 

p.  41,  1.  154.  For  the  construction,  see  Prof.  Slteat's  notes  to  P. 
Plowman,  C.  ix.  16,  xvi.  131,  and  Prof  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy  of 
Warwick,  1.  503,  and  Sir  Ferumbras,  1.  753,  and  note.  Compare  p. 
93,  1.  948  below. 

p.  41,  1.  155.      "on  jje  se  "  :  Lat.  super  mare  Galileoi. 

p.  42,  1.  173.      "way  of  sterres  "  :   Lat.  caminum  stellarum. 

p.  42,  1.  188.      "sex'":   Lat.  trihus. 

p.  43,  1,  221.  The  Pseudo-Turpin  gives  the  names  as  follows:  "In 
Galletia,  Visiinia,  Lamego,  Dunia,  Coimbria,  Lirgo,  Aurenias,  Irattudo, 
Midonia,  Buchara,  (metropolis  civitas  sanctge  Marite,)  Unarana,  Crunia, 
Compostella  :  in  Hispania,  Anchala,  Godolfaria,  Taubamanca,  Uzaeda, 
Ulmos,  Canalias,  Madriz,  Marquada,  Talavera  :  Medicina  coeli,  quae 
est  urbs  excelsa  :  Berlanga,  Osnia,  Seginitia,  Segovia,  quse  est  Magna 
Avila,  Salamanca,  Sepulvega,  Tolleta,  Calatana,  Badagotet,  Eger, 
Godiano,  Enuta,  Altamora,  Palencia,  Liicena,  Ventosa,  quae  dicitur 
Carcesa,  qufc  est  in  valle  viridi,  Capaiia,  Austega,  Ovetinn,  Legio, 
Carrina,  Duca,  Nageras,  Calacina,  Urantia,  Galathi,  Miranda,  Tutela, 
Sanagotia,  quae  dicitur  CsBsaraugusta,  Pampilonia,  Baiona,  lacca, 
Osca,  in  qua  XC  turres  esse  solent,  Barbastra,  Terragoa,  Lerida,  Tortosa 
oppidum  fortissimum,  Barbagalli  oppicbim  fortissimum,  Carmone  op. 
fort.,  Aurelia,  op.  fort.,  Algaleti  url)s,  Adania,  Inispalida,  Excalona, 
Horamalagne  .  .  .  Satina,  Granata,  Sibil ia,  Corduba,  Abula,  Acintiua 
in  qua  jacet  beatus  Torquatus  Christi  confessor,  beati  Jacobi  cliens, 
ad  sepulcrum  ciijus  arbor  olivse  divinitus  fiorens  miris  fructibus 
onustatur  per  unumqiiemque  annum  in  solemnitate  ejusdem,  ii.  id. 
Madii."  Caxton  in  his  Charles  the  Grete,  III.  i.  2,  judiciously  oinit.s 
the  greater  number. 

p.  44,  1.  264.  "front":  an  evident  mistake  for  fruit:  see  above,  and 
compare  Caxton  :   "  whyche  dyd  here  rype  fru^'t." 

p.  44,  1.  271.  "  Portingale  &  laaers "  :  Lat.  tellus  Porto- gallorum, 
tellus  Alavarum. 

p.  44,  1.  272.  "  Landulof "  :  Lat.  Alandaluliorum  tellus:  "  Chastel  "  : 
tellus  Castellanoruni. 

p.  44,  1.  273.  "  Bigairs  "  :  Lat.  Biscaiontm  tellus.  "  Bastlcs  "  :  tellus 
Baseloruin. 

p.  44,  1.  274.  "  Moys  &  nauers "  :  Lat.  tellus  Muurorum,  tellus 
Navanorum. 

p.  44,  1.  278.  "  tvelinone})  "  :  Lat.  trium  mensium  spatio.  Caxton  : 
"  foure  monetlies."      Probably  for  <£•  we  should  read  an. 


1-0  NOTES   TO    pp.  45—50,  11.   290 — 464. 

p.  45,  1.  2n0.      Lat.   est  inhahitata  usque    in    hndleiituia    diem.      In    the 

Latin  tlie  names  appear  as  Lacena,  Ventnsa,  Canhm,  Adania. 
p.  45,  1.  294.      "  ganhern  "  :   tlie  Rciilie  appears  tn  liave   mistaken  these 

two  words  for  one,  as   tliough   tliere  was  another  town   "  ganbern  "  ; 

the  meaning  of  course   is  that  Charles  at  tlie  same  time   burnt  the 

town  of  Lucerne, 
p.   45,   \\.   296-3U1.      The   Latin    only  says:   quidam   est  f/urf/es,  qui  a 

trilnis  annis  in  medio  ejus  [Lucerne]  surrexit,  in  quo  vtagni  jnsces  el 

nigri  habenlur.      Compare  Caxton. 
p.  45,  1.  30().      "A  fair  miracle":  there  is  no  reference  to  this   in  the 

Pseudo-Turpin. 
p.  45,  1.  314.      "  And  because  they  called  so  for  baskets  these  men  still 

call  the  city  Paners,  and  will  to  the  world's  end." 
p.  46,  1.  317.      "Clodonius":  Lat.  Clodoveus. 
p.  46,  1.  318.      "  clotayis  "  :  Lat.  Lotharius. 
p.    46,    11.    320-322.       Lat.    partim     Hi^paniam     acquisiveranf,   partim 

dimiserunt,  sed  hie  Carolus   totam  Ilispaniam  suis  lemporibus  subju- 

gavit. 
p.  46,  1.  328.     See  Introduction  :  and  compare  1.  429. 
p.  46,  1.  331.      "  pe  gilder  lond":    Lat.   in  terra    Alandabuf,   and    so 

Caxton. 
p.  46,  1.  332.      "  salanicodus  "  :   Lat.  Salameadis.      Cader  dicitur  proprie 

locus  in   quo   est   Sulam,   in    lingua   arabica  Deus  dicitur.      Caxton  : 

"  Salancadys."  which  is  the  truest  reading. 
p.  47,  1.  356.      Lat.  antistitem  et  canonicos  secundum  beati  Isidori  episcopi 

et  confessoris  regulam  instituit. 
p.  47,  ].  362.      "  burdewes  "  :   Lat.  apud  urbem  bulnrensem. 
p.  47,  1.  363.      "anevaus"  :  Lat.  urben  qua  vulgo  dicitur  Axa. 
p.  47,  1.  366.      "  pre  mones  &  fourten  ni^t  "  :   Caxton  :  "  thre  yere." 
p.  47,  1.  371.      "Sir  roniain  "  :   Lat.  Romaricus, 
p.  47,  1.  380.      "on  hei^eing"  :  see  note  to  1.  79. 
p.  47,  1.  387.      "  to  hundred  schillinges  "  :   Lat.  centum  solidis. 
p.  47,  1.  388.      The  subject  (the  false  executor)  is  omitted, 
p.  48,  1.  389.      "  pe  nende  "  :  ::^  at  then  ende  or  atten   ende,  the  end  : 

compare  atle  nale   =   at   the    ale-house   (P.   Plowman,  c.  viii.   19). 

See  Prof.  Skeat's  note  to  P.  Ploivman,  c.  i.  43. 
p.  48,  1.  396.      "in  pin  |?at  wel  strong  were"  :   Lat.  in  tartareis pcmis. 
p.  48,  1.  422.      See  note  to  Gcsta  Romanorum,  ch.  liii.  p.  372,  1.  24. 
p.  49,  1.  425.      11.  425-461   are  not  in   the  Pseudo-Turpin  :  their  place 

being  taken  by  a  long  account  of  the  struggle  between  Charles  and 

Aigoland,  which  is  given  by  Caxton  in   his  lyf  of  Charles  the  Grete, 

Bk.  III.,  pt.  i.  11.  5—10  inclusive,  pp.  208-220,  ed.  1880-1881 
p.  49,  1.  431.      Caxton,   Bk.   L,  pt.   ii.  c.  3  (pp.  267,  ed.  1880-1881)  is 

rather  vague,   as  he  says  "  the   lengthe   ot"  h^'s  persone   conteyned 

eyght  feet  after  the   mesure  of  his  feet,  which  were  merueyllously 

long" — and  so  the  Latin, 
p.  50,  1.  464.      "  nasers  "  :   Lat.  Nngcram. 


NOTES   TO    p.  50 — 61,  11.  406—874..  121 

p.  50,  1.  46G.      "  Vernague  "  :  Lat.  Ftrracutus.      Caxton  :   Feragus  ;  one 

of  "  the  generacion  of  golias." 
p.  50,  11.  473,  474.     The  scribe  has  reversed  the  nunibers,  for  in  1.  473, 

for  "  tventi  "  :    Caxton  reads,   "  foiirty,"  and  so  the   Latin  ;    and   in 

1.  474  the  Lat.  has  viyind,  and  Caxton,  "  twelue  cubytes." 
p.  50,  1.  476.      Caxton  saj-s,  "  a  cnln-te  brode,"  and  so  the  Latin. 
p.  51,  1.  501.      "an  hey^eing  "  :  Lat.  ilUco  :  Caxton,  "without  raakyng' 

of  ony  seniblaunte  of  warre." 
p.  51,  1.  509.      "  Reynald  de  aubejjpiue"  :  Lat.  Rainadas  de  albo  spino  : 

Caxton,  "  Raynold  daulbepyn." 
p.  51,  1.  518.      According  to  the  Latin  it  was  Constanilnus,  rex  romanus 

et  OUverius  comes  that  were  next  sent  out  to  oppose  Vernagu  :  Caxton 

gives  the  names  as  "  Constayn  of  Rome  &  therte  Noel." 
p.  51,1.525.      A    common    expression:    compare   "  al    so    stille   als    a 

ston."     Havelok,  928.      See  also  Otuel,  1.  1641. 
p.  51,  1.  537.     Compare  Sir  Ferumbras,  1.  521  and  note. 
p.  51,  1.  560.      See  note  to  Sir  Ferumbras,  1.  988,  and  Dr.  Hausknecht's 

note  to  the  Sowdone  of  BabyUme,  1.  875. 
p.  51,  1.  564.      He  knew  of  no  better  help  or  resource. 
p.  53,  1.  581.      "  to  pe  neue  "  :  to  the  evening  :  Lat.  usque  ad  nonam. 

See  note  to  1.  389  above. 
p.  53,  1.  585.      There    is   no   mention   in   either  the   original    Latin   or 

Caxton  of  an  agreement  that  Roland  was  to  be  armed  with  a  staff 

instead  of  a  sword. 
p.  53,  1.  588.      The  pronoun  when  the  subject  is  frequently  omitted  :  see 

Prof  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy  of  Warioick,  1.  10. 
p.  53,  1.  593.      "  a  staf "  :  &c.,  Lat.  bacidum  quemdam  retortum  et  lignum 

(read  longmn)  serum  detulit. 
p.  54,  1.  612.      "  asleped  "  :  compare  Sir  Bevys,  1697  : 

"  He  wex  asleped  wonder  sore, 
He  mighte  ride  no  further  more  : 
He  reinede  his  hers  to  a  cliesteine, 
And  telle  aslepe  vpon  the  plelne." 

"  To  redeem  that  which  was  lost." 
A  common  simile  in  mediasval  theological  writers. 
See  note  to  1.  154  above. 

"  fot  hot  "  :    on   the   sp(;t.   instantly,   hastily.      Compare 
Ciiaucer,  il/rm  of  Laices   Tale,  A?)9>  :   "  Custance  han   thy  take  anon, 
foot-hot."     The  form  hot  fot,  witli  the  same  meaning,  occurs  in  the 
Debate  of  the  Body  and  Soul,  I.  481,  and  full-hote  in  Guy  of  Warvnck, 
6063,  6498,  6656,  &c. 
p.  60,  1.  826.      See  note  to  1.  795. 
p.  60,  1.  855.      "  me"  :  no  doubt  a  mistake  for  "be." 
p.  61,  1.  861.      "  brust  "  :   apparently  the  only  instance  of  this  form. 
p.  61,  1.  872.      "a":  on,  in. 

p.  61,  1.  874.      Perhaps  we  should  insert  &  before  niiri  :  "  with  salve  ! 
and  meny  song." 


p- 

54,  1.  684. 

p- 

54,  1.  685. 

p- 

57,  1.  738. 

p. 

69,  1.  795. 

122  NOTES   TO   p[).  61 — 78,  11.  878 — 447. 

p.  01,  1.  878.     Sec  Introtluction. 

p.  66,  1.  52.      "  gyug;cs"  :   nations,  peoples.      A.S.  {jrnge,  Ice],  genr/i. 

p.  06,  1.  55.      "  cliilderniasse  day."     See  Introduction,  p.  xiii,  and  note 

to  Roland  and  Oluel,  1.  080. 
p.  68,  1.  103.      "  Hit"  :  so  in  Sir  Ferumbras,  11.  1981,  3114,  3183,  it  is 

nsed  referring  to  raales,  even  in  the  plural, 
p.  08,  1.  109.      "fou  art  a-boiite  "  :  tlion  art  trying.      See  the  Cafholicon 

Aiif/licum,  s.  V.  to  Beabowteward,  and  adtlitional  note,  p.  xxviii. 
p,  08,  1.  120.      "  to  "  :   the  same  form  occurs  again,  1.  302. 
p.  09,  1.  135.      "  kypte  "  :  seized,  caught  up.      Icel.  Icippa. 
p.  09,  1.  130.      Probably   we    should    read    either    *'  a    muche   gret    fir 

brond,"  or  "a  gret  muchel  fir  brond." 
p.   70,  1.   170,     "it   him    bar":  I    do    not    exactly   understand   these 

words. 
p,  70,  1.  182.     See  Prof  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy  of  WamicJc,  6579. 
p.  70,  1.  184.      The  meaning  is  that  he  would  give    him  the  tonsure 

with    his   sword   in   such   a    manner   that   he   would   never   be   able 

to  receive  it  from  any  bishop. 
p.  71,  1.  192.      Compare  "  al  nas  wur])  an  hawe."      Robert  of  Gloucester, 

p.  524,      For  similar  expressions  see  note  to  Sir  Ferumbras,  1.  5442. 
p,  72,  1.  227.      "  Holte  o  roum  "  :  stand  off,  keep  your  distance.      So  in 

the  Toicneley  Mysteries,  p.  235  :  "  stand  on  roume." 
p.  72,  1.  231.      "all  &  some  "  :   fully,  completely. 
p.  72,  1.  239.      Compare  Sir  Ferumbras,  1.  1808,  and  note. 
p.  72,  1.  251.      The  sone   of  the   king   of  Armenia  :   see  note  to  p.  41, 

].  154. 
p.  72,  1.  280.      "Thought  so  little  of  them." 
p.  73,  1.  290.      "  ^ef  ich  may"  :   as  far  as  lies  in  my  power.     The  phrase 

occurs    frequently   in    Guy    of   Warwick :    see   the   editor's   note   to 

1.  983. 
p.  74,  1.  308.      There   is   evidently  some   corruption    here,   though   the 

meaning  is  plain  enough. 
p.  74,  1.  319,     The  forms  ich  and  ihc  are  used  indiscriminately  in  this 

poem. 
p.    76,   1.    325,      "  Cristes   cors "    comes    strangely   from    the   lips    of  a 

Saracen. 
p.  70,  1.  340.      See  note  to  p.  41,  1,  154  ;   and  note  to  Roland  and  Oluel, 

].  313. 
p.  70,  1.  348.      See  note  to  1.  290,  above, 
p,  77,  1,  377.      "  slep  "  :  this  strong  form  of  the  verb  is  not  unusual  ;  see 

instances  in  Stratmaim. 
p.  77,  1.  384.      See  note  to  1.  103. 
p.  78,  1.  394.      "For":   in  order  that, 
p.  78,  1.  400.     "  houinge  "  :  see  Prof  Zupitza's  note  to  Guy  of  Warwick 

0338. 
p.  78,  1.  437.      "  nekste :  "  nearest,  shortest. 
p,  78,  1,  447.      "  steue  "  :  strong,  stitf.      The  word  is  not  couiuion. 


p- 

79,  1.  4:GG. 

p- 

79,  1.  476. 

p- 

79,  1  485. 

p- 

79,  1.  491. 

p- 

79,  1.  495. 

NOTES    TO    p.   79 — 91,  II.  466 — 904.  12.3 

See  note  to  1.  400. 

Evidently  there  is  a  corruption  here. 

See  Prof.  Ziipitza's  note  to  Guy  of  Warwick,  1.  6579. 

See  note  to  p.  51,  1.  525. 

"so  mote  ich  pe"  :   as  I  may  thrive.      An  expression  of 

very    frequent    occurrence.       See    Prof.    Zupitza's    note    to    Gut/    of 

Warivlck,  1,  615. 
p.  80,  1.  517.     "  nese  "  :  here,  equal  to  cousin  :  nephew  and  niece  were 

used,  like  cousin,  vaguely  for  different  degrees  of  relationship.      See 

CathoUcon  Anglicum,  s.  vv.  Neae  and  Nevowe. 
p.  80,  11.  523,  530.     See  note  to  Sir  Fcrumbras,  1.  408. 
p.  80,  1.  529.      "  beie  "  :   both.     So  in  Mobert  of  Gloucester,  47.     "  |)at 

.  .  .  ^onge  were  Z*eje." 
p.  80,  11.  595,  596.     That  word   pleased   Roland  well,  and   he  answered 

Otuel :   on  the  omission  of  the  subject  pronoun  compare  p.  51,  I.  588, 

above,  and  Sege  of  Melayne,  1.  27. 
p.  83,  1.  603.     "  lop  "  :   here   seems  to   mean  enmity,  but  the  general 

meaning  is  hurt,  injury. 
p.  83,  1.  605.     They  embraced  and  kissed  each  other,  as  if  each  had 

been  the  other's  brother. 
p.  83,  1.  612.      What  has  happened  to  you  and  this  man  ? 
p.  83,  1.  631.      The  subject  pronoun  J)ei  is  omitted, 
p.  84,  1.  638.      "nammo"  =  no  more,  no  others.      Cf.  1.  1334. 
p.  84,  1.  640.      And  had  become  reconciled  to  the  king. 
p.  84,  1.  661.      Compare  the  corresponding  passage  in  Bu land  and  Oluel, 

1.  671. 
p.  85,  1.  677.      "  Averil   was  comen  &   winter   gon  "  :      In  Roland  and 

Otwl,  "one  |je  forthirmoste  daye  of  auerille,"  1.  721. 
p.    86,    1.    717.      "Turabeles":     called    in    1.    769,    below,    Curacies, 

and     in     Roland    and    Otuel,    1.     785,     Cursabill,    and     in     1.     817, 

Corsabohin. 
p.   87,   1.   742.      "  DaJ?eit "  :    an    interjection    or    imprecatif)n  with    the 

meaning  of  curses  on  !   cursed  !   ill   betide  !      It  occurs  frequently  in 

Mid.   English    romances,   &c.      See    for    instance   Sir    Tristram,   pp. 

Ill,  191  ;   Havelok,  29G,  3uO,  926,  &c.  ;  Horn   Childe,  p.  290;   Seven 

Sages,  2395  ;   Owl  and  Nightingale,  1.  99,  &c.      AVitii  the  line  compare 

Macbeth,  v.  7  :   "  Danmed  be  liim  that  first  cries,  hold,  enough  !  "  and 

1.  1182,  below. 
p.  87,  1.  752.      Perhaps  we  should  read  "  it  is." 
p.  88,  1.  792.      "&":   this  is  frequently  used  throughout  the  poem,  in 

the  sense  of  but:  compare  1.  8o7. 
p.   89,   1.   828.      Compare  the  Sowdone    of   Babylone,  1.    1163:    "Thai 

worthed  vp  on  here  sted'es." 
p.  90,  1.  867.      *'  were  at  on  "  ;  agreed  ;  were  of  one  mind, 
p.  91,  1.  891.      "  markeden  "  :  signed  with  the  cross. 
p.  91,  1.  904.      "jjcf":    conmionly   used  as  a   title   of   opprobrium   or 

contempt. 


124  NOTES   TO   Y>P.  92 — 114,  11.  926 — 1710. 

p.  92,  1.  926.      "dn^^e   peers:"     See    note   to   Sir    Ferumhras,    1.    197. 

Here  tlie  meaning  appears  simply  to  be  a  chosen  kniglit. 
p.  93,  1.  948.      "On   of  kinges  kni^tes  garsie  "  :  one  of  the  knights  of 

King  Garsie.     See  note  to  p.  41,  I.  154.     Compare  ].  1000. 
p.  93,  1.  980.     See  note  to  1.  290,  above. 
p.  94,  1.  1000.      See  note  to  1.  948. 
p.  94,  1.  1001.      "jo":    tlie   same  form   occnrs   in   the   Onnulum,  115; 

Pnlit.  Religious  and  Love  Songs,  iii.  79  and  84. 
p.  95,  1.  1032.      Compare  Sir  Ferumhras,  5127,  "  wjt  Jiat  J)e  seine,  syr 

Amyrant":  and  the  Sege   of  Melayne,  W.  555  and   698,  and  Song  of 

Roland,  1.  638. 
p.  96,  1.  1065.      We  know  not  what  has  become  of  him.     See  Prof. 

Skeat's  note  to  P.  Plounnan,  B.  v.  651. 
p.  99,  1.  1161.     "I  will  make  peace  or  reconciliation  for  that  in  which 

you  have  offended  against  Garsie." 
p.  100,  1.  1182.      Compare  1.  742,  and  note. 
p.  100,  1.  1201.      For  ")3e"  read   "  |5e[i]."      "at  on":    agreed,   of  one 

mind.      See  Prof.  Znpitza's  note  to  Gug  of  Warwick,  1.  5308. 
p.  103,  1.  1307.      "so  mote  ich  go":   a  phrase  of  frequent  occurrence  in 

the  old  romances.      See  numerous  instances  in  Prof.  Zupitza's  note  to 

Guy  of  Warwick,  1.  2572. 
p.  104,  1.  13-0.      as  a  sign  of  business  or  profession  of  a  barber-surgeon. 
p.    106,  1.   1408.      "  le "  :   apparently  inserted   by  the   translator   inad- 
vertently. 
p.  109,  11.  1505-1508.     Compare  11.  1555-1558. 
p.   112,   I.    1588.      "gunde":   a    curious    form,   being  really   a   double 

preterite, 
p.  112,  1.  1619.      "Til":  while. 
p.  113,  1.  1645.     "And  he  pushed  the  window  open,  so  that  it  flew  all 

to  pieces." 
p.  114,  1.  1673.     "Fous":    probably  we  should   read  fresch  or  frechs. 

Cf.  11.  1059  &  1439. 
p.  114,  1.  1680.      I  do  not  quite  understand  this  line, 
p.    114,    ].    1710.      So    in   Ayenbite,   p.    78:    "hi   coujjen    hire    zennen 

vorheggc^ 


125 


GLOSSARIAL  INDEX. 


Abaisit,  6/101,  x^P-  afraid,  terri- 
fied. O.Fr.  esbaliir  =  to  frighten, 
from  baer  =  to  open  tlie  mouth,  to 
cry  baa  or  bo 

A-bou^t,  65/24,  v.pt.  s.  redeemed 

Abufe,  4/43,  adv.  on  top,  above 

Abiigge,  91/880,  V.  suffer,  pay 
for 

Aduertance,  1 9/53 7,  sh.  retinue, 
attendants 

Agramed,  7O/169,  j^l^-  annoyed, 
enraged 

Agrise,  58/762,  v.  to  fear,  to  be 

afraid 
Agult,     72/246,    2^P-     offended, 

committed  against 
Air,  8/160,  adv.  before,  ere  this 
Airar,  2O/548,  adv.  earlier,  sooner 

Airlie,  5/79,  adv.  early,  soon. 
A.  S.  ea?-lic 

Airt,  7/139,  *''•  quarter,  or  point 
of  the  compass.  Gaelic  a/r(l=Si 
quarter  of  the  compass,  arc!,  high 

Alder,  Aldre,  56/687,  «•  of  all : 
our  alder  =:  of  all  of  us 

A-legge,    72/240,    V.    lay    down, 

lay  aside 
A-li3t,  58/'j'j'j,  v.pt.  s.  came  down, 

descended 

Anamalit,  24/687,  adj.  enamelled 

Anent,  II/280,  adv.  opposite 

Anerly,  2I/592,  adv.  only 

Aneiich,  8/162,  adv.  enough, 
sufficiently 


Angeris,  82/941,  sh.  ^jZ.  trouble, 
misery,  suffering 

Anis,  7/126,  one's 

Auour,  38/56,  s.  honour,  rever- 
ence 

Anournit,  24/691,  j^P-  adorned, 
decorated 

Apli^t,     41/140,     adv.     indeed, 

certainly 
Appeirandair,  82/935,  *^-  heiress- 

a|)pareut 

Apperrellit,  24/666,  2U^-  decor- 
ated, furnished 

Aqueld,  6O/835,  v.2)t.  s.  killed 

Are,  40/106,  adv.  before 

Arei3te,  IO8/1312,  v.pt.  s.  reached 

to,  struck 
Asleped,     54/6o2,     adj.     sleepy, 

drowsy 

A.ssay,  1 5/394,  sb.  trial,  attempt. 
Fr.  essai 

Atanis  1 8/47 5,  adv.  at  once 

Ather,  1 2/291,  adj.  either,  each 

Atour,  15/393,  adv.  over,  above 

Attour,  17/469,  adv.  around 

Awin,  4/33,  adj.  own.  A,S.  dgen 
from  a^an  =  to  possess 

Bacheleiri.s,  8/ii,  sb.  j^^-  young 
warriors  who  had  not  yet  received 
knighthood 

Baid,  I8/488,  sh.  delay;  28/8oi, 
vb.  pt.  t.  waited ;  4/28.  vb.  pt.  t, 
stayed,  were 


12G 


QLOSSARIAI,    INDEX. 


Bail',  2S/8oi,  mlj.  open;  1 7/45 7, 
vb.  pf.  t.  wore,  bare;  9/187,  sh. 
wild  boar 

Bakhcir,  29/848,  ah.  supporter, 
backer,  second 

Bald,  15/409,  sb.  bold,  daring 
inau 

Bancouris,  24/685,  sb.  pi.  cover- 
ings for  benches 

Band,  28/8oo,  vh.  x>t.  s.  bound, 

tied 
Bandis,     23/631,    sh.    pi.    bolts, 

fastenings 

Bane,  1 6/42  2,  adj.  ready 

Banis,  1 7/474,  s6.  pi.  bones 

Basnet,  1 7/484,  sh.  small  helmet, 
O.Fr.  bassinet,  dimin.  of  bassin.  = 
a  hehnet  in  the  shape  of  a  basin 

Batteris,  30/886,  vh.  imp)er.  figlit, 
strike 

Bayne,  22/6o8,  adv.  readily,  act- 
ively 

Be,  15/385,  adv.  before,  by  the 
time  that 

Becum,  31/893,  vh.  imper.  be- 
come 

Beed,  84/641,  v.  p)t,  s.  offered 

Beget,  22/607,  vb.  deceive 

Begouth,  6/120,  vb.  pt.  t.  began, 
was  abont  to 

Begylit,  25/713,  pp.  deceived, 
tricked 

Behufe,  4/41,  sh.  advantage,  bene- 
fit 

Beie,  8O/529,  a.  both 

Beir,  1 2/2 89,  vb.  hold 

Beird,   8/177,   vb.   pt.   t.   roared, 

shouted.     A.S.  {ge)-bcera>i 
Beirnis,  9/189,  sb.  pi.  people,  lit. 

children.     Sc.  bairns 
Beliue,    6/94,    adv.    quickly,    at 

once.     O.E.  bi  life  =  with  life 
Bellisand,   I8/478,    adj.   elegant. 

Fr.    belle,   used    adverbially,    and 

seant  =  becoming 


Bennysoun,    9/214,  ^^>-   blessing, 

benison 
Bent,   26/733,    sb.    moor,   heath. 

Ger.  binse  =^  rusii,  bent  grass 

Benwart,  7/13 1,  adv.  inwards, 
towards  tlie  interior  of  the  house 

Beriall,  1 7/465,  sb.  beryl 

Bestiall,  24/68 1,  sb.  animals, 
cattle.     Fr.  bestiall 

Bet,  7/144,  p>p.  made  better, 
made  up.     A.y.  betan 

Betakin,  1 5/405,  vh.  mean,  be- 
token 

Betaucht,  27/775,  *"^-  committed, 
given  in  charge.     A.S.  bitcecan 

Betuix,  14/344,  jjre^j.  bet\veen. 
A.S.  beticeox 

Bid,  13/315,  vh.  p-.  i.  desire, 
wish 

Biddeth,  82/568,  imp.  pi.  pray, 
beg 

Bigge,  56/684,  v.  to  buy,  re- 
deem 

Bigging,  9/190,  sb.  house,  build- 
ing 

Bileue,  9I/1132,  v.  leave  off 

Birny,  27 /"jS^,  sh.  corslet 

Blan,   28/825,  vh.  pit.    t.   ceased, 

stopped.     A.S.  blinnan 
Bland,   2O/565,  sh.    engagement ; 

probably  an  error  for  band 

Blandit,     1 7/47 5,    pp.     blended, 

mixed 
Blenkit,  29/854,  i'6.j;^.  t.  glanced, 

looked 
Blenkt,    78/460,    v.   pt.    s.    gave 

away 
Bleue,  74/320,  V.  remain,  abide 
Blin,  6/92,  vh.  stop,  rest 
Bliue,  95/1035,  adv.  quickly 

Blonk,  28/800,  sb.  steed.  Plan- 
chaz,  eq/ais  pallidus  hodie  blank. 
Schilter.  Thus  blonk  may  have 
originally  meant  merely  a  white 
horse.  Fr.  blanc  cheval. — Jamieson. 


GLOSSARIAL    IXPEX. 


127 


Blyth,  5/75,  (I'lJ.  pleased,  glad 

Bocht,  8/182,  vh.  2)t  t.  bought, 

redeemed 
Bode,  38/52,  s.  message 
Bodword,  3I/905,  sb.  warning 
Boist,     14/371,   sh.    threatening, 

abuse;  30/885,a-6.  boasting,  boasts 
Boistit,  27/784,  vh.pt.  t.  boasted 
Bone,    59/807,   s.    a    prayer,    a 

petition 
Bordourit,  1 7/464,  PP-  "bordered, 

encircled 
Borwe,  74/305,  s.  a  security.  Fhide 

Malioim  to  bonce  =  bring  Mahomet 

as  my  security 
Botgif,  20/551,  unless 
Bonn,   7/124,  adj.   ready.     Iccl. 

buuin,    pp.   of   l)H(t  =  io    prepare; 

I6/425,  vb.  get  ready,  prepare 
Bowre,  I9/535,  s.  palace,  chamber. 

A.S.  bur 
Braid,  30/86 1,  sh.  stroke  ;  28/8 10, 

adj.  broad ;  4/34,  around,  about 
Braidit,  3O/867,  vh.  pt.  t  drew. 

A.S.  bredan 

Braissaris,  17/473»  ^h-  1'^-  Y^™" 
braces.  In  ancient  armour  pieces 
between  the  elbow  and  the  top  of 
the  shoulder,  fastened  together  l)y 
straps  inside  the  arms.  Fr.  brassard, 
brassart 
Braissit,  2O/553,  i^p.  enveloped, 
covered.     Fr.  [em^brasser 

Braithlie    8/177,   adv.    violently, 
loudly 

Brand,  I9/520,  sb.  sword.     A.S. 
brand,  brond 

Brandis,    7/131,    sb.    pi.    brands, 
logs  of  wood 

Braun,  9/187,  sb.  brawn 

Breid,  8/154,  sb.  breadth,  width; 

.  9/187,  sb.  bread 

Brent,  28/8oo,  adj.  steep 

Brief,  30/88 5,  vb.  imper.  [1] 


Broun,     28/8oo,    sb.    pi.    rising 

ground,  hill 
Browdin,  24/685, p^?.  embroidered 
Browis,   3O/S62,  sb.    pi.    brows. 

A.S.  brtia,  pi.  of  bni 
Brust,  6I/861,  s.  a  bristle 
Buird,    7/147,  sb.  the   board    or 

table,  hence  =  meal.     A.S.  bord 
Buklair,  19/5 19,  sb.  buckler 
Burelie,  9/190,  adj.  rough,  rustic 
Burneist,  1 7/464,  pp.  burnished, 

polished.     Fr.  brmiir 
Busk,    28/800,   sb.    bush,    small 

tree 
Busked,   39/83  ;  Buskit,  1 5/409, 
vb.  pf.  t.  got  ready,  prepared.  Icel. 
biiasi,  —  to  prepare   oneself,  from 
bua  =  to  prepare 
Busteous,    26/733,    adj.    rough, 

burly.     Welsh  bw//st 
Busteously,  2I/596,  adv.  roughly 
Byde,  27/784,  vh.  meet,  await 
Bynome,     9O/848,     pp.      taken 

away  from 
Byrd,   8/162,  impers.  vb.   it  be- 
hoved, it  became 
Byrdis,  I9/536,  sb.  pi.  ladies;   9/ 

211,  5^.  pl.  birds,  fowls 
Byre,  6/1 11,  sb.  cowhouse 
Byrnand,  7/132,  pr.  p.   burning. 
AS.  brennan 

Cachit,  4/33,  vb.  pt.  t.  wandered, 
went  astray.     O.Fr.  cachier 

Call,  23/640,  vh.  drive  away 

Can,   22/624,   vb.  pr.  t.  knows; 
25/703,  vb.  pt.  t.  began 

Cant,  4/42,  adj.  lively,  active 

Cantlie,    1 5/388,    adv.    actively, 
briskly 

Capill,  4/43,  6-^.  horse.     Lat.  ca- 
balliis 

Carll,   4/42,   sh.    churl,    country- 
man.    A.S.  ceorl 


128 


GLOSSARIAL    INDEX. 


Carpit,  4/44,  vh.  i^f.  t.  spoke. 
Cf.  Eng.  chirp 

Carpit,  24/683,  VP-  carpeted 

Cassin,  22/6 16,  pr.  p.  cast  off, 
broken 

Cast,  4/33,  sh.  lot,  chance 

Catcliit,  15/384,  vh.pt.t.  started, 
liastened 

Cauclit,  15/384,  vh.  pt.  t.  threw 
up,  placed;  29/841,  tried,  wished 

Chachand,  4/42,  pr.  p.  chachand 
the  gait  =  pursuing  his  course. 
O.Fr.  chachier 

Chaip,  20/561,  vh.  escape.  Fr. 
eschapper 

Chahner,  27/774,  sh.  chamber 

ChaulTray,  I3/323,  sh.  merchan- 
dise 

Cheiftyme,  3/i,  sh.  reign 

Cheir,  8/180,  «Z^.  welcome ;  29/ 
843,  mien 

Cheualrous,  29/843,  '^f?/'-  chival- 
rous, knightly 

Cheueris,  5/96,  vh.  pr.  t.  shiver 

Childermasse  day,  66/55,  ^^-  ^^^^ 
Holy  Innocents'  Day 

Chin,  5/96,  sh.  [?] 

Circulit,    1 8/47 7,  p)P-    encircled, 

set  round 
Clais,    1 6/434,    sh.  pi.     clothes, 

dress 
Cled,  24/683,  p/?.  covered 

Cleikit,  28/823,  t;&.  j^t.  t.  snatched. 

A.S.  gelceccaii ;  cf.  Eng.  clutch 
Cleir,  1 8/49 7,  adj.  pure,  spotless 

Clene,    7/125,    adv.    completely, 

quite 
Clippe,  83/605,  vh.  embrace 
Clois,  27/776,  adj.  close-fitting 

Closand,  24/684,  V'-  V-  closing 
in,  fitting 

Coft,  6/105,  l^P-  laought.  Ger. 
kaufen  =  to  buy 


Coillis,  4/50,  sh.p}.  coals,  that  is, 
charcoal 

Columbyn,  24/674,  sh.  columbine 

Conimounis,  1 6/431,  sh.pl.  com- 
mon people 

Compeir,  9/200,  vh.  appear 

Conseruit,  32/946,  vh.  pt.  t.  es- 
tablished 

Conuert,     3I/894,    vh.    be    con- 
verted 
Cop,  9/214,  *^'  cup,  glass 
Cornellis,  24/684,  *^-  V^-  corners 

Counsingis,  3I/900,  sh.  pi.  rela- 
tions 

Counteris,  30/8 7  5,  vh.  pr.  t.  en- 
counter, contend 

Coursour,  6/1 15,  sh.  steed 

Courtes,  25/719,  adj.  courteous 

Courtingis,  II/267,  sh.  pi.  cur- 
tains.    O.Er.  cur  tine,  cortine 

Couth,  7/125,  vh.  pt.  t.  didst 
know,  understood.  A.S.  cunnan, 
pt.  t.  ic.  cur&e 

Cral)itnes,  I9/528,  s&.  quarrelling, 
ill-temper 

Craue,  1 8/498,  vh.  ask.  Be  to 
crane  =  be  a  question  of  asking 

Creillis,  4/43,  sh.  pi.  panniers, 
baskets,  creels 

Cristallis,  1 7/47 5,  sh.  pi.  crystals 

Crouste,  93/954,  sh.  crust 

Cule,  29/841,  vh.  cool 

Cumlie,  9/196,  ado.  courteously 

Cunnand,    8/165,   <^"^i-   sensible; 

13/321,  sb.  covenant,  promise 
Cunning,  6/93,  sh.  knowledge 
Cunningis,  9/209,  sh.  pi.  rabbits 

Cuplit,  4/43,  p>p).  coupled,  tied  to- 
gether 

Cusingis,   31/916,  s?>.  J9Z.  friends. 

See  Counsingis 
Cussanis,  I7/472,  sh.pl.  armour 

for  the  thiglis 


GLOSSARIAL    INDEX. 


129 


Daillis,  15/385,  sh.pl.  dales 
Dantely,  24/66;,  adv.  daintily 

Dantit,    1 6/435,  PP-   fi'ightened, 

daunted.    O.Fr.  danter.   Lat.  doiiii- 

tare 
Dawin,  I5/385,  i^r.  p.  dawning, 

breaking 
Daynteis,  9/191,  sb.  j^l-  dainties, 

delicacies 
Debait,     4/44,    sh.      hesitation, 

delay 
Defend,   5/6o,  vh.  p>'-   t.   forbid, 

object 

Deill,  19/514,  vb.  deal,  give 

Deip,  3/17,  sb.  m 

Deir,  II/254,  adv.  dearly;  19/ 
515,  adj.  wild 

Deis,  9/1 9 1,  sb.  table.     Fr.  dais 
I^eme,  24/677,  vb.  examine 
Dentit,  24/667, 7?2'-  s®^;  inlaid 
Derf,  15/385,  adj.  bold,  hardy 
Derfiy,  28/798,  adv.  boldly 

Deuise,    22/614,   ^'^-    P^'-   i-   say, 

tell 
Dew,   14/365,  vb.  pt.  t.  dawned. 

A.S.  dagian 

Dicbt,    ll'i-ZZi   ^^-    prepare,    get 

ready 
Digne,  I4/354,  adj.  Avorthy,  noble 
Ding,  31/918,  vb.  strike,  smite 

Discouerand,  28/798,  pr.  p.  ex- 
ploring 

Dispair,  32/933,  adj.  unequal, 
unsuitable 

Dispittously,  3I/904,  ado.  de- 
spitefuUy 

Disseuer,  1 9/5  2  7,  vh.  separate, 
part 

Doclit,  27/792,  vh.  pt.  t.  could, 
was  able 

Dois,  5/86,  vh.  pr.  t.  farest 

Dosouris,  24/676,  sh.  pi.  canopies 

Douchereis,  32/926,  sb.pl.  duchies 

Cn.\RL.   ROM.   VII. 


Dduchtie,  2I/590,  adj.  valiant, 
doughty  man.     A.S.  dohtlg 

Dourly,  31/918,  adv.  hardily, 
sternly 

Draif,  3/17,  vh.  pt.  t.  drove 

Dreichlie,  IO/217,  adj.  slowly,  as 
denoting  long  continuance  (Jamie- 
son) 

Drest,  9/201,  lyp.  treated 

Drichtine,  29/856,  sh.  Our  Lord, 
A.S.  drichten 

Drupe,  78/444,  a.  dry.  Prohably 
we  should  read  druje  or  druj^e 

Dubbit,  'l%li^c^,vb.pt.t.  dubbed, 

created 
Duchepeiris,    3/io,    sh.    pi.     the 

douzepers,    or    twelve    Peers    of 

Cliarlemagne 

Dale,  9/201,  sb.  sorroAV,  mourning 

Durandlie,  3/17,  adv.  continually, 
without  intermission 

Duris,  24/677,  *'^-  P^-  doors 

Dwelling,  IO/239,  sh.  absence, 
delay 

Dyamountis,  1 7/466,  sb.  pi.  dia- 
monds 

Dyntis,  1 3/5 14,  sh.  pi.  blows 

E,  24/695,  ^^'-  ^y^j  attention 
Eem,  75/341,  s.  uncle 
j  Eie,  69/124,  ''^-  fsar,  dread,  awe 
Eir,  7/152,  6-^.  ear 
Eird,  8/156,  sb.  ground,  floor 
Eis,  1 6/2 2 2,  sb.  case,  comfort 
Eismentis,  5/82,  sh.  pi.  comforts 
Ellis,  7/127,  adv.  otherwise,  else 

Enbraissit,     23/631,    vb.     pt.    t. 

opened,  undid 
Enchaip,  1 3/3 18,  vh.     See  note. 

Encheef,  1 3/308,  vb.  achieve,  ac- 
complish, succeed 

Engreif,  22/619,  vh.  be  displeas- 
ing, annoy 

K 


130 


GLOSSAKIAI.    INDliX. 


Engreiiit,  22/603,  pp.  vexed,  an- 
noyed 

Erd,  43/215,  s.  a  country,  district 

EiTore,  79/489, «.  former,  previous 

Eye,  68/101,  s.  fear,  dread,  awe 

Fail3e,  29/835,  ^^-  V^-  *■  fell,  fainted 
Faind,  8/155,  '^^-  P^-  t-   feigned, 
pretended 

Faindes,  31/go2,  vb.  pr.  t.  pre- 
tend, feign 

Fair,  6/1 12,  sh.  fare,  food;  12/ 
286,  vh.  to  travel,  journey;  1(5/ 
419,  sb.  accompaniments,  baggage 

Fairand,  1 7/445,  P^'-  P-  travelling 

Fairlie,  8/176,  adj.  wonderfully 

Fais,  26/754,  sh.  fiiitli,  truth 

Fallow,  5/72,  sb.  fellow,  coui- 
paniou 

Fand,  5/72,  vh.  pt.  t.  found,  met 

Fane,  9/207,  f^dj.  glad 

Fame,  6/108,  pp.  fared 

Fay,  5/88,  sh.  faith,  truth 

Fechand,  1 9/508,  pr.  p.  fetching, 
carrying 

Fechtine,  5/6i,  sh.  quarrelling 

Fechting,  1 7/463,  sh.  battles, 
fisjiitino: 

Fee,  27/777,  s^-  property.  Lat. 
jjecus 

Feerd,  9O/839,  s.  company,  troop 

Feid,   33/969,  sh.  anger,  enmity. 

Eug.  feud 
Feildis,  3/8,  sb.  pi.  fields 
Feir,  8/176,  sh.  fear 

Feir,  IO/220,  in  feir  or  into  feir 
=r  together,  in  company 

Feirslie,  3/i8,  adv.  fiercely 

Feld,  6/97,  vh.  pt.  t.  felt,  ex- 
perienced ;  40/106,  perceived,  ex- 
perienced 

Fell,  3/2,  vh.  pt.  t.  happened, 
occurred 


Fl'IHs,    3/2,    sh.   wild   and    rocky 
hills 

Fc'llonar,  28/813,  '^'■'^h  fiercer 

Fellounlie,  3/i8,  adv.  fiercely, 
wildly 

Fensabill,  1 3/3  2  9,  adj.  fighting, 
sufRcieut  for  defence 

Ferche,  96/105,  a.;  IO7/1439, 
fresh.     A.S. /m-« 

Ferd,  9I/874,  IO5/1374,  a  com- 
pany, a  troop 

Ferd,  IO8/1463,  s.  fear;  95/1042, 
s.  ford 

Ferly,  1 5/404,  sh.  wonder,  aston- 
ishment 

Ferlyfull,  3/2,  adj.  wonderful, 
fearful 

Fet,  17/445,  vh.  fetch,  procure 

Fewaill,  IO/244,  sh.  fuel 

Fewtir,  28/8 12,  sh.  a  rest  for  a 
spear 

Fischis,  24/682,  sh.pl  fishes 

Flaraand,  24/671,  adj.  sparkling 

Flan,  3/2,  sh.  storm,  tempest. 
Icel.  fiuna 

Fleichingis,  3I/902,  sh.pl.  flatter- 
ing promises 

Flem,  38/33,  ^'-  ''•  t'O  banisli,  to 
drive  out 

Flourdelycis,  24/670,  sh.  pil.  fleur- 
de-lis 

Flure,  24/683,  .ih.  floor 

F'ullaut,  74/316,  s.  ;  fullau3t, 
81/639,  Baptism 

Follede,    84/638,    v.  pt.    s.    bap- 
tised 
Forbot,  26/746,  vb.  impr.  forbid 

i'or-boujt,  115/1710,  p)a.  par. 
ransomed,  redeemed 

Forcenes,  28/814,  sh.;  forcynes, 
2S/820.  fierceness 

Ford,  26/734,  sh.  way,  road 

F'orestaris,  9/197,  sh.  p)l.  foresters, 
keepers 


GLOS.SARIAL    IXDEX. 


131 


Forfiiltour,   2G/763,   sJ).   u    forfi-i- 

ture 
Forlete,    92/936,    v.    take    away, 

destroy 
Formest,  1 2/288,  adj.  first,  chief 
Foroulin,  II/290,  prep,  without 
Forrow,  2O/539,  vb.  '?  repent 

Forwrocht,  2'J/838,  pp.  tired  out 
with  working,  or  figlitiug  with 
tlieir  weapons 

For3eild,   5/78,  vh.   imp.   reward, 

repay 
Forget,  7/125,  pp.  forgotteii 
Foul  lis,  19/525,  sb.  j)l-  Wrds 

Foundis,  8/176,   vb.  pr.  f.  goes, 

walks 
Frane,  IO/227,  vb.  enquire,  ask 
Freik,  22/6i8,  vb.  man,  fellow 
French,  19/5 2 5,  '^'■'^i-  ^'^'^^^'  ^y^i^^ 
Fule,  19/509,  f<b.  fool 
Fundin,  1 2/294,  pp.  found,  met 

with 
Fnre,  3/8,  vb.  pf.  t.  went,  rode 
Fusoun,  9/212,  sh.  abundance 
Fute,  3/19,  .-ib.  foot,  foothold 

Fylit,    17/446,    vb.   i)t.    t.    have 

dirtied,  defiled 
Fyrth,  24/682,  sb.  an  enclosure 
Fyue,  23/657,  num.  five 

Ga,  6/1 19,  vb.  imp.  go 
Gaif,  1 8/500,  vb.  give,  grant 
Gais,  10/221,  vb.  pr.  f.  go,  proceed 

Gaist,  6/96,  sb.  guest;  29/839, 
sb.  the  ghost,  life 

Gait,  4/42,  sb.  course,  way 

Galjart,  27/785,  adj.  sprightly, 
active 

Ganandest,  27/786,  adj.  nearest, 
shortest 

Gane,  IO/240,  2'>P-  gone,  de- 
parted; 2-2/6i2,  adv.  quickly, 
hastily 


Gangand,  1 7/447,  J"'-  I'-  g<ji"g> 
travelling 

Gar,  5/215,  vb.  impr.  cause,  make 

Gart,  21/585,   vb.  vt.   t.   caused, 

ordered 
Gawin,  1 5/383,  s&.  gain,  advantage 

Gay,  ^l/'jSS,  sb.  observation,  at- 
tention (Janiieson) 

Gedling,   22/6i2,  ab.  perhaps  =; 

gadling  =  a  lazy  fellow 
Geir,  1 8/484,  sb.  gear,  dress 
Gestning,  33/975,  sb.  hospitality 
Gif,  15/397  ;  gyf,  I5/399,  cuiij.  if 
Gift,  22/613,  sb.  message 
Ginges,  38/49,  sb.  pi-  people 
Ginne,  48/286,  sb.  a  contrivance, 

a  stratagem,  a  plan 
Girth,  29/839,  sb.  safety,  refuge 

Glaid,  5/77,  adj.  glad,  joyful  ; 
22/603,  ado.  quickly,  quietly  ;  18/ 
484,  vL  pt.  t.  walked,  moved 

Glaive,  46/334,  sb.  a  weajion  con- 
sisting of  a  long  cutting  blade  at 
the  end  of  a  lance 

Gle,  6/98,  sb.  work 

Glemis,  1 7/458,  sb.  )>1.  gleams, 
sun-rays 

Gome,  111/1579,  sb.  man 

Gomfaynoun,  6I/873,  sb.  a  ban- 
ner, a  standard.  See  note  to  Sir 
Ferumhras,  1.  774 

Gouerning,  17/447,s/>.  livelihood, 
support 

Gowlis,  17/457,  sb.  gules,  in 
heraldry  red 

Graid,  7/143,  pp-  getting  ready, 
being  prepared 

Graipis,  17/471,  sb.  pi.  ]  balls, 
lumps 

Graith,  1 5/391,  adj.  earnest 

Grant,  I5/391,  sb.  promise,  bar- 
gain 

Grantit,  13/3 19,  VP-  pi'0™is^'^l> 
engaged 

K    2 


i;52 


GLOSSARIAL    INDEX. 


Grassum,  32/939,  sh.  compensa- 
tion, reward  :  lit.  "  the  sum  paid 
to  a  landlord  by  a  tcuaut,  at  the 
entry  of  a  lease,  or  by  a  new  heir 
to  a  lease  or  fou"  (Jamicson). 
A.S.  ffrrrx/ima  =  compensation 

Grauit,  1 7/45 7,  mfj.  carved 

Gre,  1 8/485,  sb.  prize,  superiority 

Greis,  1 7/471,  sb.  greaves 

Grief,  13/314,  vb.  trouble,  vex 

Gromis,  27/787,  sb.  2)1.  men 

Gudlie,  G/118,  adj.  kindly 

Gyde,  25/720,  sb.  attire,  dress 

Gye,  66/40,  vb.  rule,  govern 

Gynges,  66/52,  sb.  pi.  peoples 

Gyrd,  7/1 5 1,  sh.  a  stroke,  blow 

Haiket,  23/644,  't-'^'-  I'f-  f-  walked 
slowly,  sauntered 

Haill,  15/411,  adj.  whole 

Hailsum,  24/675,  '^"U-  becoming, 
noble 

Hair,  1 6/421,  adj.  cold,  keen 

Haist,  20/550,  vb.  haste,  hurry 

Haistely,  28/826,  adv.  hastily 

Hald,  3/19,  vb.  hold,  keep 

Hale,  4/52,  adj.  whole,  entire 

Halely,  3I/896,  adv.  Avholly,  en- 
tirely 

'    Hamelie,     6/1 12,    adj.    homely, 
poor 

-  Happin,     I3/332,      vb.     happen 
upon,  fall  ill  with 

Harberie,  4/41  ;  barbery,  5/64, 
sb.  refuge 

Harbreit,  20/710,  vb.  pt.  t.  lodged 

Hard,  I2/282,  cb.  pt.  t.  heard 

Harnes,  I5/395,  sb.  arms,  accou- 
trements 

Harnest,  29/8 33,  adj.  armed,  in 
armour 

Hartfully,  30/ 891,  adv.  heartily, 
with  the  whole  heart 


Hecht,  15/382,  ^)^j.  promised 

Ilechtis,  15/411,  sb.  pi.  orders, 
engagements 

Heet,  91/904,  v.  pf.  s.  was  named 

lleich,  3/19,  adv.  high,  steep 

Heid,  29/834,  sh.  heat:  heuy 
with  heid  =  oppressed  with  tiic 
heat 

llcill,  20/567,  s/j.  health:  haldin 
in  hcill  =  in  possession  of  good 
health 

Help,  5/83  [1] 

Heir,  5/72,  adv.  here 

Heijeing,  39/79,  sh.  hurrying, 
haste  :  an  hei^eing  =  at  once,  in 
haste,  without  delay 

lielf,  12/304,  sb.  assist,  help 

Hende,  33/970,  adj.  noble,  gentle,     ^ 

kind 
Here,      9I/897,      sb.      company, 

troop 

Hes,  5/81,  vh.  pr.  t.  hast 

Het,  6/109,  '"(/'•  li*Jt 

Heterliche,  8I/559,  ado.  fiercely 

Hew,  20/553,  sh.  culoitr 

Hicht,  4/37,  sb.  on  hicht  =  on 
high,  lofty;  I8/496,  height:  the 
day  may  haue  the  hicht  =i  may 
reach  its  turning-point,  i.  e.  noon 

Hie  mes,  2I/575,  High  mass 

Hine,  29/857,  adv.  hence  :  "  f=all 
neuer  hine  "  is  equivalent  to  "  shall 
never  leave,  or  depart " 

Holtis,  IG/421,  sb.  pi.  high, 
barren  ground 

Hone,  21/577,  sb.  delay 

Houerit,  1 6/4 17,  vl).  pit.  /.waited 
about 

Huifis,  1 8/495,  ^^^-  P^'-  ^'  tarry, 
delay 

Huit,  1 6/41 7,  sh.  pA.  t.  pau.^ed, 
stopped  :  the  same  as  honed 

Husband,  2I/595,  adj.;  22/599, 
sb.  farnier'Sj  country 


GLOSS  A  RIAL    LXUEX. 


133 


II113,  78/456,  1-&.  ^jf.  6>.  hewed,  cut     LniM,  7/139,   rh.  pt.    1.   lai<l  on 


Hy,  13/322,  sb.  haste,  speed 

Hynt,  21/577,  vh.pt.  t.  took:  of 
he  liyut  =  he  took  off;  25/698,  bit, 
struck 

Ifeere,  70/351,  adv.  together 
Iloren,  73/2  74,  ^7p.  lost 
Inwart,  IO/238,  adj.  intimate 
Ipi^t,  85/686,  pp.  pitched 

Ischar,  22/646,  si),  usher,  door- 
keeper 

Ithand,  4/27,  adj.  constant,  un- 
ceasing 

I-wis,  4/35,  adv.  in  truth,  cer- 
tainly 

Tornay,  2I/590,  sb.  comhat,  a  day 
of  battle 

lornaying,    1 8/485,    &h.    combat, 

contest 
Jurnays,   41/i6o,  eh.  pi.  a  day's 

journey 

Keip,  23/640,  sh.  attention,  care  : 
take  keip  ■=■  look  after 

Keipeir,  27/ "]"]$,  sh.  keeper,  super- 
intendent 

Kend,  23/653,  vh.  pt.  t.  knew 

Kendill,  6/107,  '-■^-  ^'"^'-  kindle, 
light 


blew  ;  10/247,  sb.  load 

Laiser,  21/568,if/>.  leisure,  time 

Laith,  12/287,  adj.  loth, unwilling 

Laithly,  7/139,  adv.  vilely,  disa- 
greeably 

Lak,    5/87,    vb.    depreciate,   find 

fault 
Lane,  1 3/3 15,  vh.  hide,  conceal 

Lap,   11/279,   ^^''-  P^-   i-    leaped, 

mounted 
Las,  IO6/1388,  f&.  [>t.  s.  lost 
Lattin,  21/615,7:*/?.  allowed,  let 

Lauhour,    1 9/5 11,   sh.   toil,   hard 

work 
Lauch,  27/787,  vh.  laugh 
Lauch-full,  19/5 10,  adj.  loyal 
Lawtie,  19/51 1,  A'i.  loyalty,  fidelity 
Leid,  15/397,  sh.  person 
Leidis,  4/50,  vh.  pjr.  t.  draw,  carry 
Leif,  12/281,  sh.  leave,  farewell 
Leifis,  10/511,  vh.  pr.  t.  lives 
Leif  of,  8/174,  vh.  leave  off,  cease 
Leip,  5/85,  rh.  mount 
Leird,  %j\ix,pp.  taught 
Leis,  23/643,  vh.  lose 

Lelely,     32/944,     adv.     loyally, 
faithfully 

Lely,  24/674,  sh.  lilies 

Lcmit,  13/326,  vh.pt.  t.  lightened, 


brightened 


Kene,  30/8 63,  adj.  daring 
Kerue,  45/312,  vh.  to  cut 

Kest,   14/367     vh.  j>f.   f    threw,  \  Len7i 3/333   ^b-  give,  grant 
placed;    I0/404,    revolved,    won-  ;         '       />JJJ'         o      >& 
dered,  meditated  j  Lende,  8I/540,  sh.  the  loin 

Knaifis,    6/1 13,   sh.  pi.    knaves,  |  Lent,   I5/397,   adj.  slow,  slowly 


servants 


travelling 


Knap,    6/1 1 1,    vb.    imp.    knock     Losing,  12/312,6^5.  a  lie 


down 
Kyith,  6/107,  vb.  imp.  know 

Ivypte,  69/135,  ^■^'-  l'^-  ^-  caught 
up,  seized 

Kythand,  25/708,  pr.  p.  appear- 
ing, in  sight 


Let,  20/542,  sh.  hindrance 
Leuch,  19/531,  sh.  pt.  t.  laughed 
Leuand,  21  l-j^2>,  pr.  p.  living 
Leue]),  bblbTi,  vh.  pr.  t.  helieve 
Liddernes,  27/788,  sh.  cowardice 

K  2 


134 


GLOSSAKIAL    INDEX. 


Ijng,  I6/42S,  ^V^  lino  :  in  anc 
ling  =  in  one  line,  that  is,  straight 
on  without  stopping;  I5/397, 
heath,  moor 

Lofe,_  4/45,  sb.  love;   5/87,    vb. 

praise 
Lois,  23/642,  vb.  lose 
L0U3,  74/291,  vb.  pt.  s.  laughed 

Ludgeit,  26/743,  2^).  lugged, 
dragged 

Lufesmnly,  2O/589,  adv.  plea- 
santly 

Lujjer,  93/942,  ado.  bad,  danger- 
ous 

Lyft,  13/326,  sb.  firmament,  sky 

Lykand,  4/40,  adj.  pleased,  satis- 
fied 

Lykis,  32/943,  vb.  pr:  t.  pleases 

Lykit,  4/39,  vb.  pt.  t.  pleased 

Lystinit,  26/742,  vb.  j)f.  f.  lis- 
tened 

Magre,  1 8/48 7,  sb.  difficulty 

Maid,  6/1 2 1,  vb.pt.  t.  caused 

Maisterfull,  1 7/444,  <''(/'•  power- 
ful 

Mait,  22/835,  '^'(^J-  fatigued.  See 
Glossai-y  to  Sir  Fer umbras,  s.  v.  Mat 

Mantene,  29/853,  vb.  maintain, 
support 

Marscliellit,  5/iS6,  pjy.  arranged 

Mat,  19/513,  vb.  annoy,  interfere 
with 

Matchit,  9/186,  2'>P-  paired 
Maumetes,  46/323,  sb.  pi.  idols 
Maumetrie,  65/25,  ^^^-  idolatry 
May,    82/591,   sb.   a  maid;    30/ 
888,  vb.  pr.  t.  can  do,  is  powerful 
Meiknes,  26/655,  *^-  niodesty 
Meit,  5/81,  sb.  food,  meat 
Meitis,  15/397,  vb.  pr.  t.  meet 

Mend,  32/957,  vb.  increase,  aug- 
ment 


Mene,  6/121,  vb.  to  complain 

Mer,  3/22,  vb.  pt.  t.  put  them 
into  confusion 

Mettaill,  29/830,  sb.  mottle,  ex- 
cellence 

Midmornc,  4/29,  sb,  the  middle 
of  the  morning 

Mirrie,  1 1 12,1,  adj.mevTj,  pleasant 

Mocht,  1 8/49  2,  aux.  vb.  might 

Mon,  1 6/42  7,  vb.  pr.  t.  must 

Mote,  4/53,  aux.  vb.  may 

Mounde,  6O/853,  sb.  power,  lit. 
protection.  "  A  kniglit  of  mochel 
mounde."  —  Launfal,  597.  A.S. 
mund 

Mure,  3/14,  sb.  moor,  heath 

Myrk,  3/22,  adj.  dark,  murky 

Myster,  26/751,  sb.  desire,  need; 
17/444,  science,  craft,  art 

Nait,  5/61,  sb.  need 

Namit,  I8/505,  vd).  pt.  t.  named, 
mentioned  by  name 

Nanis,  17/471,  adv.  for  the  nanis 
■=■  for  the  occasion,  for  the  nonce 

Neidlingis,  I5/407,  adv.  needs,  of 
necessity 

]S"ende,  48/389,  sb.  end.  J5e 
uende  =  pen  ende  =  the  end 

Neue,  53/581,  sb.  eve.  ])e  neue 
=  pen  eue  =  the  eve.  Compare 
Nende 

New,  20/547,  vb.  renew 

Newlingis,  33/965,  adv.  recently, 
lately 

JSTiclitit,  4/40,  vb.  pt.  t.  became 
night,  or  dark 

Xon,  53/602,  adj.  none;  1 4/344, 
sb.  noon 

Noy,  20/538,  sb.  annoyance,  hin- 
drance 

Nurtour,  8/162,  sb.  education, 
manners 

Nyse,  1 6/430,  adj.  foolish,  silly 


GLOSSARIAL    INDEX. 


135 


Obeysand,  7/124,  adj.  obedient 

Ocht,  11/255,  anything,  aught 

Officiaris,  II/256,  sh.  pi.  olHcers, 
attendants 

Onwart,  IO/246,  adv.  onward,  in 

addition  to 
Ord,  IOG/1413,  sJ>.  end,  point 

Ordanit,  1 8/3 2 5,  sh.  pt.  t.  got 
ready,  prepared 

0-fiou3t,  bl/c^oj,  vh.  jd.  s.  it  re- 
pented.    A.S.  o/pi/nca?i 

0-twinne,  IOO/1202,  adv.  apart 

Outray,  8/1 51,  sh.  indignity,  in- 
sult, ill-treatment.     Fr.  outrage 

Outwart,  13/331,  adv.  outwards, 
forward 

Outwith,  \^j\\2,  prep,  outwards 
from,  beyond 

Pane,  8/5,  sh.  pagandom,  heathen- 
dom 

Pardie,  8/168,  ejac.  Pardieu,  by 
God 

Parische,  8/20,  vh.  perish 

Pas,  5/71,  vh.  go,  travel 

Pauyot,  11/278,  sh.  The  meaning 
is  not  clear,  but  it  seems  to  mean 
"  a  little  page,"  from  1Va\.  juigt/etto 
(Jamieson). 

Payit,  5/70,  adj.  pleased,  satisfied 
Peir,  24/666,  sh.  an  equal,  a  match 
Picht,  17/469,  pp).  studded 
Pingde,  88/779,  vh.pt.  t.  spurred 
Pi  this,  30/166,  sh.  2)1.  strengths 

Plaitis,  17/469,  sh.  pi.  plate- 
armour 

Plane,  1 8/3 17,  adv.  plainly, 
clearly 

Plesance,  81/910,  sJ>.  joking 

Plicht,  82/943,  vh.  plight,  pledge 

Point,    8/20,  sh.    in   point  =  on 

the  point  of 
Preichand,  1  •4/347,  j;/\  ^j.  telling, 

preaching 


Preif,  12/306,  vh.  prove,  try 
Preikit,  1 5/4 10,  vh.  pt.  t.  rode 
Preisit,    1 8/499,  PP-    considered, 

reckoned 
Preissis,  22/617,  vh.pr.  ?*.  presses, 

insists 
Preistis,  1 4/346,  sh.  pi.  priests 

Presoun,  8O/889,  sh.  prisoner.  See 
note  to  Sir  Ferumbras,  1.  1000 

Prest,  15/410,  adv.  readily, 
quickly 

Preuie,  II/265,  adj.  private, 
separate 

Price,  29/836,  sh.  prize 

Principall,  1 4/3 60,  adj.  the  great- 
est, the  finest 

Pryme,  8/23,  sh.  six  o'clock  in  the 
morning 

Pulanis,  1 7/470,  sh.  pi.  greaves 

Quede,  58/765,  adv.  bad,  wicked 
Queintize,  11 8/1620,  sh.  cunning 
Quemely,  24/684,  adv.  closely 
Quhair,  8/3,  adv.  where,  when 
Quhat,  4/30,  pr.  j).  which,  what 
Quhat-kin,  IO/235,  what  kind  of 

Quhatsumeuer,    1 5/400,  of  what 

kind  soever 
Quhen,  4/55,  adv.  whenever 
Quhidder,  I5/383,  whether 
(^)uhill,  5/91,  adv.  until 
Quhip,  15/387,  sh.  whip 

Quhome,  1 8/507,  ^>r.  whom, 
whomsoever 

Quhy,  6/95,  adv.  why 

Quoke,  26/735,  ^^-  P^-  ^-  shook, 
trembled 

Raid,  3/14,  vb.pt.  t.  rode 

Raifand,  28/652,  adj.  raving, 
foolish 

Raik,  9/214,  '''^'-  P'l-ss  round 

Rais,  10/217,  vh.  pt.  t.  arose 


136 


GLOSS.VRIAL    IXUEX. 


Kaith,  20/551,  adr.  quickly,  soou 

Rauviugis,  3I/898,  sh.  pi.  ravings, 

foolish  words 
Eed,    12'2S6,  vh.   pv.  t.   advise, 

recommend 

Eed,  11/261,  sh.  advice 

Reddjdt,  21It%i,  vh.  p)t.  t.  pre- 
pared, made  ready 

Eegaird,  28/654,  sh.  notice,  atten- 
tion :  countit  at  recraird  =  thousrht 
■worth  notice 

Eek,  31/898,  vh.  pi',  f.  reckon, 
think,  value 

Eemeid,  19/5 12,  sh.  remedy,  satis- 
faction 

Eemnfe,   2O/864,  sh.  move,  give 

away 
Eenk,  IO/551,  sh.  way,  course 
Eenkis,  28/822,  sh.  pi.  strong  men 

Eepreif,  29/846,  vh.  jjr.  t.  reprove, 

blame 
Eestles,  28/822,  adj.  eager 

Eeuest,  1 4/346,  2:)p).  clothed, 
arrayed 

Eeulit,     17/468,    pp.     arranged; 

21/672, 2U^-  painted,  marked 
Eew,  14/353,  sh.  street;   28/551, 

vb.  rue,  repent 

Eeward,  28/652,  sh.  regard,  at- 
tention 

Eid,  88/891,  vh.  p7'.  t.  advise, 
counsel 

Eob,  21/578,  sh.  robe 

Eois,  24/673,  •*^-  roses 

Eonsy,  1 8/481,  sh.  a  hack,  riding 
horse 

Eot,  55/652,  vh.  pit-  t.  snored 

Eoustie,  19/520,  adj.  rusty 

Eout,  54/629,  vh.  pit.  t.  snored. 

A.S.  Imdan 
Eou3ten,    1 4/1004,    '^'^-   pt.    pi. 

recked,  cared 
Eowme,    28/8 12,   sh.   a  spot,  or 

place 


Eubeis,  1 7/467,  sh.  pi.  rubies 

Eude,  4/45,  sh.  the  cross 

Eufe,  5/80,  sh.  rest,  ease ;  6/109, 
adj.  rough  ;  24/'672,  roof,  ceiling 

Eunsy,  28/794,  sh.  a  hack,  riding 
horse.     See  llonsy 

Eusit,  1 8/483,  vh.  pt.  t.  wondered, 
admired 

Ey;Ul,    3/14,    adj.   royal  person, 

i.  e.  king 
Eyally,  24/673,  ^*'^^-  J'oyally 
Eyfe,  8/172,  adj.  plentiful 

Sa,  3/8,  adv.  so 

Sadly,      28/658,      adv.      firmly, 

steadily 
Sail),    10/245,   sh.   sale,   market; 

25/716,  alj.  hall,  saloon 

Saird,  28/658,  vh.  pt.  t.  hurt 

Salbe,  4/56,  shall  be 

Salust,  1 6/4  2  4,  vh.  p)t.  t.  saluted 

Sapheir,  1 7/466,  sh.  sapphires 

Sayand,  5/'j'j,  j))'.  p).  saying 

Scant,  11/275,  sh.  lack,  need 

Schapin,  1 7/461,  pp).  shaped 

Scheild,  1 7/461,  sh.  shield^ 

Schene,  1 7/461,  adj.  shining, 
glittering    . 

Schill,  5/59,  adj.  chill,  cold 

Schir,  4/44,  sh.  sir 

Schone,  27/768,  sh.  pi.  lit.  shoes, 
here  =  spurs 

Schord,  26/736,  vh.  pt.  t.  threat- 
ened, scolded,  abused 

Schow,  25/700,  sh.  shove,  push 

Schroud,  1 7/461,  p)p.  covered, 
protected 

Seigis,  25/^16,  sh.pl.  seats 

Sei3tnes3e,  82/570,  sh.  reconcilia- 
tion 

Seik,  22/628,  vh.  seek,  look  for 

Seimit,  28/813,  vh.  pt.  t.  seemed 


GI.OSSARIAL    INDKX. 


1    O' 

1  ■>  I 


Seir,  3/25,  ojJJ.  JifTerent 

Selcouthly,    24/68o,     adv.     curi- 
ously, strangely 

Semblay,    14r/359)   ^^-    assembly, 


mcetmg 


Seinelie,  I7/461,  adv.  becomingly 

Sen,  4/51,  co)fj.  since,  as 

Sen^eorabill,  25/717,  adj.  lordly, 
seignorial 

Seriaunce,  48/413,  sh.  jd. 
soldiers  :  those  who  served.  Lat. 
sercientem,  ace.  of  serviens^  pr.  p.  of 
sercio  =  to  serve 

Seruit,  9/183,^^.  served 

Sesit,  Z^lgzS,  pp.  invested  witli 

Set,   23/637,    vh.  2W.   t.  reckon, 

consider 
Sey,  10()/i393,  vh.  pt.  t.  tell 
Sib,  31/901,  adj.  related 
Sic,  4/33,  adv.  so,  such 
Sikinge,  96/1063,  pr.  p.  sighing 

Sindrie,    4/29,   adv.    in   different 

directions ;    IO/223,    adj.    sundry, 

various 
Sir,  9/202,  adv.  frequent,  many 
Sit,  6/99,  vh.  disregard,  disobey 
Skaith,  28/824,  sh.  hurt,  injury 
Skill,  4/57,  s^A  reason,  sense 
Slane,  3I/900,  /;^>>.  slain 
Sobernes,   I9/527,  sh.    quietness, 

peace 
Solempnit,   1 5/406,  adj.  solemn, 

sacred 
Soudanis,  3I/901,  sh.  pi.  sultans 

Souerance,  3O/883,  sh.  mercy,  suf- 
ferance 
Spaird,    23/656,   vh.  pt.   t.   ques- 
tioned, enquired  of 
Speid,  1 6/428,  vh.  speed,  hasten 
Speir,  4/53,  vh.j^r.  t.  ask,  enquire 
Speris,  4/51,  vh.  pr.  t.  askest 

Sperpellit.  3/26,  vh.  pt.    t.    were 
dispersed 


Splenders,  28/814,  ■^^'-  P^-  splinters 
Sprent,  2S/815,  vb.  p>t.  t.  sprang, 

leaped 
Springis,  3I/904,  sh.  spring 
Spuil3e,  31/904,  vh.  spoil,  ruin 

Squechonis,    24/686,    sh.  pi.   es- 
cutcheons 
Squyary,  II/275,  sh.  attendants 
iStad,  22/605,  j)jx  bested,  pressed 

Stakkerit,  8/153,  vh.  pt.  t.  stag- 
gered 

Staluartlie,  4/32,  adv.  bravely, 
courageously 

Start,  31/895,  *^-  ^  moment,  a 
brief  space 

Stede,  302/1279,  sh.  place 

Steek,  114/1661,  vh.  pt.  t.  barred 

Steill,  17/474,  sh.  steel;  22/6o6, 

vb.  steal 
Steir,   I6/413,  sh.   stir:  on  steir 

=  astir,  moving 
Steird,  8/175,  pp.  stirred,  aroused 
Steiris,  3/i2,   vh.   pr.   t.   hastens, 

starts 
Steuen,  59/815,  si),  a  voice 
Stonischit,  ^liTS,PP-  astounded, 

astonished 
Stound,     22/622,    sh.     moment, 

minute 
Stour,  30/868,  sh.  fight,  contest 

Straid,    4/32,    vh.  i>t-   i-   moved, 

struggled 
Straik,  8/175,   ■'^^'-   blow,   stroke; 

28/815,  vb.  pt.  t.  struck,  smote 
Strait,  26/734,  adj.  narrow 
Stray,    I8/479  :    %  on    stray    = 

astride 
Stubill,  19/522,  or?;',  little,  sturdy 
Stude,  17/456,  vh.  pt.  t.  stood 
Sture,  3/16,  adj.  rough,  strong 
Stynt,  25/702,  vh.  stop 
Succuderus,  31/9 12,  «(^y.  arrogant, 

presumptuous 


138 


GLOS.SA1UAI.    INDEX. 


Succudionsly,  3O/859,  adr.  arro- 
gantly, liaiiglUily 

Suddaml,  2O/542, ar/y'.  unexpected, 
unforeseen 

Suith,  4/52,  sh.  truth,  soolli 

Suniinoundis,  6/99,  sh.  pi.  orders 

Suppois,    11/259,    ^^'  W-   t-   ai'i 
sure,  warrant 

S Wayne,  22/609,  sh.  man 

Svvere,  52/549,  sh.  the  neck 

Swoir,    32/945,  vh.  pt.  t.  swore, 
took  an  oath 

Swyith,  6/116,   adv.   quickly,  at 
once 

Syne,    6/185,    «'^*'-    then,     after- 
wards 

Sy3)  8 "/TsSj  745>  ^^-  pt-  t-  saw 

Ta,  21/568,  sh.  take 

Taillis,  10 1 22^,  sh.'pl.  tales,  stories 

Tak,  32/941,  vh.  surrender,  give 
up 

Takin,  1 7/459,  *^^-  token,  sign 

Tane,    3O/889,    the   tane  :=  one  : 

for  that  aue  =  that   one;    8/158, 

pp.  received 

Targing,    89/833,     sh.    tarrying, 
delay 

Teind,  1 8/47  6.  sh.  tithe,  tenth  part 

Teir,  1 8/47 6,  adj.  tiresome 

Tene,  7/123,  sh.  anger 

Tenefull,  1 7/460,  adj.  awful 

Tent,  13/316,  sh.  notice,  attention 

Teuch,  19/523,  adj.  tough,  strong 

Thairin,  4/28,  adv.  therein,  in  it 

Thairun,  1 4/3 7 6,  adv.  thereon,  on 
that 

Tliarth,  2O/538,  vh.  im2:)ers.  ought, 
it  behoves 

Thay,  3/2,  art.  those 

Thocht,  8/166,  though,  although  ; 
8/178,  vh-  pf.  t.  seemed,  appeared 
good  to  him 


Thopas,  1 8/470,  .s7>.  topaz  stones 

]5orte,    68/104,   ''•^^-  pt.   s.   ought. 
A.  8.  \>earf 

Thourtour,    2I/569,     adj.    cross, 
transverse 

Tlira,  28/804,  >i^>-  eagerness,  speed 

in  thra  =  eagerly,  speedily 
Tliraly,  23/659,  ^^^v.  eagerly 

jpratten,  87/736,  v.  pt.  pi.  threat- 
ened 

Thrawin,  7/129,  adj.  out  of  temper 
Threip,  5/79,  vh.  quarrel,  fall  out ; 
9/199,  vb.pr.  t.  declare  constantly 
Threttie,  1 4/345,  num.  adj.  thirty 
Threttis,  23/659,  ^^-  pl-  threats 
Thrife,  4/53,  vh.  tlirive,  jirosper 
Thring,  9/199,  ^h.  thrust,  shoot 

Thristit,  23/659,  '^^-  pt-  t-  thru.st 
himself,  pushed 

Throw,  25/699,  '^^dv.  eagerly 

Thus-gait,    8/1 71,    ado.   thus,   in 
this  manner 

Ticht,  17/459,  pp.  tied 

Til,  112/1619,  ^0".)-  while 

Tine,  IO6/1397,  vh.  lose 

Tit,  1 6/434,  vh.  drag 

Tite,  45/294,  adv.  soon:  also  tite 
=  at  once 

To~bIaisterit,  4/28,  vh.  pt.  t.  blew 
furiously 

To-come,     94/996,     sh.     coming, 
arrival 

To-drof,  113/1646,   V.  pt.  s.  hew 
in  pieces 

To-morne,  5/85,  adv.  to-morrow 

To-queijte,  98/i  1 14,  v.  pt.  s.  shook 

To-worne,    2O/562,  pp.   worn   to 
pieces 

TowslII,  1 6/434,  vh.  use  or  handle 

roughly 

Traist,  i'%S,vh.  Imp.  trust, believe; 

20/548,  adj.  trusting,  confident 
Trauale,  4/48,  sh.  work,  labour 


GLOSSARIAL    INDEX. 


139 


Trauellouris,  5/82,«/).  pi.  travellers 

Trew    lufe,     I8/475,    ^  true-love 

knots 
Trimland,  1 7/460,  pr.  ^?.  trembling 

Tri.st,    101/1221,    adj.    contiJeut, 

bold 
Tuggill,  19/523,  vh.  struggle, strive 
Tuik,  3/2  5,  W&.  pt.  t.  took,  followed 
Turnit,   3/4,   vh.  pt.    t.  returned, 

started  back  from 
Trow,  30/880,  vh.  believe 

Tyne,    4/58,    vh.   to    be    lost,  to 
perish;  28/827,  to  lose 

Tyt,  7/123,  vh.  x)t.  t.  took,  seized 

Tyte,    30/876,   adv.    quickly,    at 

once 
Tything,     21/584,    d>.     tidings, 

report 

Vmbekest,  16/4.i2,vh.pf.f.  looked 

round,  cast  his  eyes  round 
Vnburely,  19/5  2  4,  "'^'i-  I'o^^g^^ 
A^ncourtes,    7/i2  2,    adj.    uncoiir- 

teous 
Vndeid,    29/858,  adj.   alive,  un- 

killed 
Vnderfenge,    39/87,   v.  pd.  s.   re- 
ceived 
Vnderta,   IO/243,    vh.  p)r.  t.   en- 
gage, promise 
Vnder-3at,  IO5/1351,  v.  pt.  s.  un- 
derstood 
Vneis,  8/157,  ado.  scarcely 
Vngane,  23/663,  jjp.  not  yet  gone 
Vnkend,  II/249,  adj.  unknown 
Vnknawne,  7/127,  adj.  ignorant 
Vnrufe,  4/47,  sh.  trouble,  toil 

Vnsemand,  7/148,  adj.  improper, 

laiseemly 
Vther,  3/3,  adj.  other 
Venov,  GO/845,  sh.  an  encounter 
Veseir,  29/842,  sh.  vizor 

Vincussing,  29/82  8,  vh.  vanquish- 
ing, conquering 


Wa,  11/249,  ''"U-  unwilling,  sorry 

Wachis,  11/276,  sh.  lol.  watch- 
men, guards 

Waird,  27/763,  sb.  ftite,  destiny, 
chance 

Wait,  4/46,  vh.  pr.  t.  know 

Wald,   15/407,  ><}>.  moor,  downs, 

wolds 
Walkand,  5/73,  pr.  p.  travelling, 

walking 
Walkin,  II/277,  vh.  awake 

Walkinnit,     1 2/282,     vh.    pt.    t. 

woke  up,  awoke 
Wan,     17/462,    vh.  2)t.    t.    won, 

gained 
Wandit,  1 4/360,  vh.  pt.  t.  wound 

round,  ';ied 
Wane,  3/7,  sh.  palace,  dwelling 

Wantoun,  G/ioo,  adj.  free,  (juick. 
O.E.  wiin/uwcii^=  ill-educated,  from 
trail — prefix,  signifying  uvint,  and 
A.S.  togen,  educated,  pp.  of  teon 

Wapnis,  29/838;  wappinis,  19/ 
517,  slj.jil.  weapons,  arms 

Wardecors,  IO6/1409,  sh.  a  body- 
guard :  hence,  au  attendant,  a 
squire 

Wardroparis,      II/276,      sh.     pi. 

keepers  of  the  wardrobe 
Warysoun,  3I/919,  sh.  reward 

Waryjjcde,  IOI/1231,  v.  pt.  s. 
?  cursed  or  was  annoyed 

Wassiilage,  30/8 90,  vh.  action  be- 
coming a  knight,  a  great  achieve- 
ment 

Wayndit,  IO/230,  vh.  2)t.  t.  cared, 

liked 
Wedderis,  3/2 1,  sh.  pit.  weather, 

storm 

Weidis,  20/562,  sh.  p)l.  clothes 
Weild,  32/926,  sh.  enjoy,  possess 

Weildit,  21/580,  vh.  jjt.  t.  ruled, 

was  master  of 
Weill,  4/46,  adv.  well 

Weir,  12/290,  25/706,  sh.  doubt; 
10/230,  hesitation 


140 


GLOSSAUIAL    KNDKX. 


"Wi'inl,  15/379,  sh.  fate,  destiny 
"Writ,  6/ro6,  adj.  wet 

AVom,  57/745,  sh.  a  stain.  Com- 
pare Sir  Fcr  Kill  bras,  1.  5725 

Weryouris,  27/769,  sh.  j^I.  war- 
riors, fighting  men 

Wescliin,  7/14^,  pp.  washed 

Wicht,  4/36,  adj.  rough,  boister- 
ous ;  27/792,  valiant,  douglity 

"Wickit,  3/20,  adj.  boisterous, 
tempestuous 

Widdeis,  1 4/368,  sh.  pi.  ropos 
made  of  twigs  of  willow 

"Will,  4/35,  adj.  lost,  astray 

Willar,  7/140,  adj.  more  lost, 
astray 

"Win,  6/1 10,  vh.  sueceed  ;  22/627, 
vb.  find  out,  seek  ;  82/928,  ab. 
pleasure,  enjoyment 

"Winnis,  I9/529,  vh.  pr.  f.  dwells, 

lives 
"Wirk,  32/932,  vh.  work,  act 

"Wise,  1 6/436,  adj.  in  one's  senses, 

sane 
"Wist,  3/21,  vh.pt.  f.  knew 

"Wit,    95/1032,    sh.    blame;     10/ 

228,  vb.  know,  be  informed 
"With  thy,  5/70,  providetl,  if 
"Witten,  22/606,  p2^.  known 
"Wold,  101/1228,  sb.  power,  rule. 

So  in  Sir  Feriimbras,  1.  33i  ;  and 

Perceval,  2006  : 

"  That  had  those  loudis  in  tcolde." 
Wond,  46/340,  vh.  turn,  move 
AVorsehip,  28/827,  ^^-  prize,  glory 
"Worthis,  24/694,   vh.  p)r.   t.   has 

become,  there  is 
"Worthyest,  9/i88,  adj.  finest,  best 
"Wosehe,  IO/217,  vh.  pt.  t.  washed 
"Wox,  4lT,^,vh.  Jit.  t.  became,  was 
"Wraith,  6/100,  adj.  angry,  wrath 
"Wrake,  38/40,  sb.  destruction 


"Wreehe,  IO5/1364,  sh.  ruin, 
calamity 

Wroclit,  11/266,  pp.  made,  pre- 
pared 

"Wrol^erhele,  5I/532,  sh.  an  ill 
fate,  ruin 

"Wy,  21/580,  sh.  men,  nobles 

Wylit,   25/712,  pp.  beguiled,  se- 
duced 
Wyn,  31/921,  1  pleasant 

Wynning,  IO/229,  sb.  dwelliiig, 
residence  :  thy  maist  wynning  =z 
thy  usual  residence 

AYythest,  27/-j6g,  adj.. most  vali- 
ant, mightiest 

Yare,  39/83,  <^"^'^^-  ready 
Y-corn,  49/448,  2^P-  chosen 
Y-schent,  5I/508,  p^;.  disgraced 

3af,  7l/ig2,2>l.  s.  gave  (a  thought) 

5aip,  22/630,  adj.  crafty,  cunning 

)air,  22/643,  f<^^^-  earnestly,  care- 
fully 

3ald,  10/226,  vb.  pt.  t.  gave,  re- 
turned 

jarne,  29/840,  vh.  imp)er.  think, 
consider 

3ed,  20/547;  ^"^^,7 1x2,1, vh.  pl.t. 

went,  proceeded 
5eir,  9/202,  vb.  year 

3eman,  22/630, «&.  servant,  attend- 
ant 
3ern,  44/275,  <^'^^'-''  readily,  easily 
3erne,  23/643,  ^^-  ^aVq  care  of 
3et,  22/611,  t'&.;    3ettis,   23/635, 

sb.  pi.  gate,  entrance 
3ilte,  94/978,  imp.  sb.  yield 

3ole,  49/442,  sZ^.  yule-tide:  Christ- 
mas 

3one,  25/708,  adv.  yonder 

3ule  tyde,  3/4,  sh.  Christmas 


CI.AV    AND   TAVLCR,    i  IIAIX  tR    PKi'-S,    DL'NOAY. 


PR  Early  English  Text 

1119  Society 
E5  cP^bli cations 3 

no. 38-39  Extra  series 


PLEASE  DO  NOT  REMOVE 
CARDS  OR  SLIPS  FROM  THIS  POCKET 

UNIVERSITY  OF  TORONTO  LIBRARY 


aECULATE  AS  MONOGRAPH 


w 


■mm 


■.:i>,TOX-li\^^i; 


ISiiB 


**■:"!'; 


m 

m