iege of

X

EDITED

FROM ALL THE KNOWN MANUSCRIPTS AND THE TWO OLDEST EDITIONS,

BY

AXEL ERDMANN, PH.D.

LATK PROFESSOR Or ENGLISH IN THE UNIVERSITY OF UPSALA.

PAET I.— THE TEXT.

LONDON:

PUBLISHED FOR THE CHAUCER SOCIETY BY KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER & CO., LTD.,

DRYDEN HOUSE, 43 GERRARD STREET, SOHO, W.

AND BY HENRY FROWDE, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS,

AMEN CORNER, B.C., AND IN NEW YORK. 1911, for the Issue of 1906.

> V 6

No. 46.

RICHARD CLAT & 8OK8, LIMITED, LONDON AND BCKOA'V

TEMPORARY PREFACE.

§ 1. THE title of the poem. In the colophons of the MSS. and oldest editions we find " Here endeth the destruccioun of Thebes " or " Here endeth the Sege of Thebes." But in later times the poem has most often been spoken of as " The Story of Thebes." In the text Lydgate repeatedly refers to " (the) story " ; but here, with a few exceptions, by "(the) story" he means his Old French original. His own poem he generally mentions as "my tale." As a matter of fact, the question of the title has been decided by Lydgate himself, who* in his Falls of Princes calls our poem "The Sege of Thebes."

Al to declare / me semyth it is no nede, For in the Sege of Thebes ye may Rede The stoory hool / and maad ther mencyoun, etc.

(Mus. Brit. Bibl. Harl. 1766, fol. 49 back.)

§ 2. The Siege of Thebes was written by Lydgate to form an additional link in the famous series of the Canterbury Tales composed by Chaucer. He represents himself as falling in with the pilgrims at their inn in Canterbury, when in mid-April he comes to the town to* perform his vow to St. Thomas for recovery from an illness. He is received in the hall of the inn by the host of the Tabard and invited to join the company of pilgrims in their return journey to London. At sunrise on the following morning they all start off, and before they have ridden a bow-shot from Canterbury' the host turns to Lydgate- and asks him to tell some merry tale. Lydgate obeys, and " My tale I gan anon as 30 shal here" (1. 176). The prologue is, of course, addressed to the readers of the poem. In the tale itself Lydgate tries, by occasional references (11. 182, 322 sq., 1043 sq., 1047 sq., cf. also 4522 sq.), to keep alive the impression that he is speaking to the pilgrims en route.

There is no doubt that the Prologue was the first portion written of the poem. And evidently Lydgate keenly enjoys his idea of com- posing an additional Canterbury Tale, and thus, as it were, taking up and continuing the unfinished work of his admired master. The

vi Temporary Preface.

palpable anachronism involved in this idea did not deter him, and it would not, I suppose, much strike the general reader, nor does it, indeed, essentially diminish the quaint interest of his conceit. But it is ohvious that Lydgate, who was about thirty at the time of Chaucer's death, could not at " nyj fyfty jere of age " (1. 93) have found still remaining at Canterbury the same company of pilgrims with which Chaucer had come there.

§ 3. The poem has 4716 lines. The prologue (11. 1-176), see § 2. The first part (11. 177-1046) tells the story of Edippus and locasta, the second part (11. 1047-2552) the disputes of Ethiocles and Polymytes about the supremacy in Thebes, the third part (11. 2553-4716) the siege and destruction of Thebes.

§ 4. The principal source of Lydgate's Thebes l is an Old French prose romance, derived from the Old French poem Bonian de Thebes. No known version of this prose romance agrees in all particulars with that used by Lydgate. But the version first printed 1500 and re- printed 1858 in the "Collection Silvestre," with the title " Sensuyt le Eoman de edipus fils du roy Layus" (RE), comes very near to Lydgate's original. They differ, however, in some details. In most of these details Lydgate's original corresponded with the somewhat later version of the prose romance represented by that " Hystoire de Thebes" (HT) which is found inserted into a late 15th-century Old French translation, with numerous additions, of Orosius' well-known History of the World. Thus the apparently lost version that formed the basis of Lydgate's Thebes must have held an intermediate position between the two versions just mentioned. But it was decidedly much more closely allied to RE than to HT.

From his Old French source Lydgate has taken about two-thirds of his poem. More than a fourth he has drawn from his own creative imagination or from his general store of knowledge. The rest of the poem, about the twentieth part of the whole, comes partly from the Bible, but principally from such authors as Seneca, Martianus de Capella, Boccaccio, Chaucer.

§ 5. Lydgate treats his original with perfect freedom as regards form, recasting the expressions, enlarging or shortening the tale, not infrequently omitting unimportant particulars. In a few cases Lydgate has left out points the poetic beauty of which would certainly

1 See Koeppel, Lydgate's Story of Thebes. Eine Quellenuntersuchung. Munchen, 1884. Constans, Legende d'Oedipe. Paris, 1881 ; and Roman do Thebes, vol. ii. Paris, 1890.

Temporary Preface. vii

have caught at once the attention of Chaucer. But on the whole it may be said that everything the poem possesses of poetic charm, it owes to Lydgate's work.

The hero of parts II and III is Tydeus, on whom Lydgate lavishes his highest praise. In painting Tydeus' character and extolling his exploits, the author had, no doubt, in his mind's eye England's youthful hero, King Henry V. Here and there in the poem allusions to contemporary political events may be traced (see for inst. § 6).

§6. Lydgate probably began his Thebes in the latter part of 1420. It was finished before the death of Henry V (August 31, 1422). l And it seems safe to assume that the poem had been completed so long before that date that copies of it had been made and circulated. For if it had still been in its author's hands when he learnt the irreparable loss his country had suffered, he would certainly have recast the end of it. In writing 11. 4690-4703, and especially the last lines of this passage : " And charite . . . shal her bryghte bemes sprede ... in dyuers naciouns Forto reforme atwixe Regiouns Pees and quyet, concord and vnyte," Lydgate clearly had in view •certain terms of the treaty of Troyes concluded in May 1420. The 24th paragraph of this treaty says (see Rymer's Foedera, Tom. ix, p. 901) :

Item, ut Concordia, Pax, & Tranquillitas inter pnedicta Franciae & Angliae Regna perpetuo futuris temporibus observenttir, & obvietur Occasionibus & Principiis, ex quibus inter eadera Regna, quod absit, Debata, Dissensiones seu Discordise futuris possent temporibus exoriri, Concordatum est, quod dictus films noster Rex Henricus laborabit, . . . ambo Coronae, scilicet Franciae et Anglise, perpetuo futuris temporibus commanebunt & erunt in una & eadem Persona, viz. sua, etc.

A comparison of the words of this paragraph with 1. 4703 shows at once whence have sprung Lydgate's "Pees and quyet, concord and vnyte." See also the 25th paragraph. Cf. Troy Book, v, 3999-3442. The whole passage 1. 4690 sq. of Thebes resounds with a jubilant note of hopefulness, and could not possibly have been written or issued after England's hopes of a triumphant peace had been so suddenly blighted by the King's death.

§ 7. The Siege of Thebes is written in heroic couplets. It has long been held up as a specimen of unusually bad metre. This censure seemed to be justified by the character — very unsatisfactory

1 Cf. Koeppel 1. c., and Schick, Lydgate's Temple of Glas, 1891. Also H. Bergen, The MSS. and Prints of Lydgate's Troy Book. Bungay, Chaucer Press, 1906.

viii Temporary Preface.

from a metrical point of view — of the old printed texts. The present edition, the text of which is based on the best MS. collated with all the other known MSS., will prove the censure to be unmerited. The live-beat iambic lines of Thebes present the metrical traits peculiar to Lydgate's heroic verse.

§ 8. The great number of MSS. still preserved bears evidence of the popularity once enjoyed by our poem. There are, as far as is now known, 21 MSS. of Lydgate's Thebes in the public and private libraries of England. To this number are to be added the old editions of 1500 (?) and 1561, each of which represents a separate MS. The best MSS. are the Arundel 119 (Brit. Mus.), the Bodley 776, the Additional 18632 (Brit. Mus.), and the MS. belonging to Lord Mostyn, designated by Ar. Bo. Adr M. in the variae lectiones given at the foot of the pages. As basis of the present edition the Arundel MS. has been taken, every deviation from it being marked by asterisks in the text, or, in the case of pause-bars, only mentioned among the vv. 11. The Arundel MS. 119 is a small folio, 10£ x 7f English inches, on vellum, bound in calf,, and contains only the complete text of our poem. It has 80 leaves. The text is written in single columns, and ends on leaf 79 front.

AXEL ERDMANN.

Upsala, April 6, 1911.

IX

LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS AND OLDEST EDITIONS.

1. Adr = Brit. Mus. Additional 18632.

2. Ad2. = Brit. Mus. Additional 5140.

3. Ap. = Brit. Mus. Cotton. Appendix XXVII.

4. Ar. = Brit. Mus. Arundel 119.

5. Ba. = Marquis of Bath's MS. 257 (Longleat).

6. Bo. = Bodley MS. 776.

7. C. = Cambridge University Library, Addit. 3137.

8. Di. = Bodl. Library, Digby 230.

9. Du. = Prince Frederick Duleep Singh's MS. (Old Buckenham Hall).

10. Ej. = Wynken de Worde's edition (1500 ?) 8vo.

11. E2. = in William Thynne's fol. edition 1561 of the works of Chaucer.

12. G. = Mr. J. H. Gurney's MS. (Keswick Hall).

13. I. = The late Sir H. Ingilby's MS. (Ripley Castle), now belonging to

Mr. Lawrence Hod son (Compton Hall).

14. Lj. = Bodl. Library, Laud. Misc. 557.

15. L2. = Bodl. Library, Laud. Misc. 416.

16. Lb. = Lambeth Palace Library, MS. 742.

17. M. = Lord Mostyn's MS. (Mostyn Hall).

18. P. = Magdalen College (Cambridge) Library, Pepys 2011.

19. Ra. = Bodl. Library, Rawlinson C. 48.

20. Ro. = Brit. Mus. Royal 18. D. II.

21. S. = Brit. Mus. Additional 29729 (Stow MS.).

22. Tr = Trinity College (Cambridge) Library, MS. R. 4. 20.

23. T2. = Trinity College (Cambridge) Library, MS. 0. 5. 2.

In the foot-notes the manuscripts and oldest editions are given in the following order (cf. the genealogy in the Introduction) :

Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lt. Lb. M. Di. Adr Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap.

SYNOPSIS OF THE GAPS exceeding two lines, in the manuscripts and oldest editions (the numbers are inclusive) :

Adt. 785—788.

Ad2. 785—788, 4094—4158, 4504 to the end.

Ap. 1681—1746, 3409 to the end.

Ba. 2490—2580, 4432 to the end.

Bo. 1—8, 31—40, 4456—4586.

C. 1—822, 886—951, 1017—1142, 1103— 1468, 1858—1922, 3668—4060,

4386—4515.

Di. 1—153.

x Synopsis of the Gaps in MSS.t etc.

Du. 111—337, 4284—4340, 4459—4572, 4630—4716.

E4. 107—176, 4363—4418.

I. 785—788, 3935—4116, 4582-4676.

JL,. 849—852.

Lb. 65—392, 4597—4658.

M. 147—222.

P. 1669—1672.

Ha. 2099—2294.

Ro. 513—1130, 1987—2400, 3011—3210, 3407—3590, 3989— 4340.

S. 14552— 14591.

Tr 615—726, 1061—1172.

Tj. 2485—2672, 3634—4209. «

Ar. E2. Q. Lj. are complete.

of

Mug. Brit. Bibl. Arundel 119.

Incipit Prologus.

' Han brijte phebus / passed was j?e ram Myd of Aprille / and in-to bole cam, And Satourn) old / with his frosty face In virgyne / taken had his place, Malencolik / and slowgh of mociouw, And was also / in thoposicioiw Of lucina / the mone nioyst and pale, That1 many Shour / fro heuene made avale ; whan Aurora / was in ]>e morowe red, And lubiter / in the Crabbes Hed Hath take his paleys / and his mansions ; The lusty tyme / and loly fressh" Sesou?z whan that Flora /the noble myghty quene, The soyl hath clad / in newe tendre grene,

[leaf 1]

Phebus in ariete. In mid-April,

Satc/Tius in virgins.

12

lubiter in capite cancri.

the jolly fresh season

1-6 cut away in Bo. (7, 8 incomplete, the second half being cut aicay). 1-153 lost in Di. 1-822 lost in C. 1. Whan] Whan that T2. Ba. brijte] om. Tj. Du. LI. Lb. M. Ra. Ba. T2. P. 2. Myd] and myd LI. and] om. Lb. in-to bole] into the bole Tj. Du. LI. Lb. M. Adj. Ad2. Ba. Er S. TQ. P. E2. in the bole Ra. L2. Ro. to the foule I. 3. old] olde Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Adj. Ad2. I.

5. P. E2. Ap. om. L2. Ro. 4. In] In pe Ap. virgyne] virgyn M. P. had] hath Ra. S. has Ba. his place] a p. Lj. 5. Malinkkolik Adj. Melyncolik P. slowe M. slow Adi. sclough S. Ro. slouth Ej. mocioun] mocions LI.

6. thoposicioun] the opposicioun Ada. Ba. T2. P. L2. Ro. opposicioun Ad2. I. the opposicions Lj. 8. many] many a Du. Lj. Ba. P. Shour] shouris Tj. Lb. Ad2. I. shours Adi. fro heuene made] made fro heuene Lb. 10. lubiter] lupyter E^ lupiter E2. 11. paleys] place I. 12. The] That Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. P. and] that P. 13. the noble] that noble P. the lusty Lb. myghty] om. Lb. 14. newe Adi. new Bo. M.

THEBES. B

Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and Pilgrims. [ PROLOG.

with her floures / craftyly ymeynf,

Braunch and bough / wij) red and whit depeynt, 1C

Fletinge J>e bawme / on hillis and on valys :

The tyme in soth / whan Canterbury talys

Complet1 and told* / at1 many sondry stage

Of estatis // in the pilgrimage, 20

Euerich man / lik to his degre,

Some of desporf / some of moralite,

Some of knyghthode / loue and gentillesse,

And some also of parfif holynesse, 24

And some also in soth / of Ribaudye

To make laughter1 / in )>e company e,

(Ech admitted / for non wold other greve)

Lich as the Cook / J>e millere and the Eeve 28

Aquytte hem-silf / shortly to conclude,

Boystously / in her teermes Rude,

whan ]>ei hadde / wel dronken of the bolle,

And ek also / with his pylled nolle 32

The pardowner / beerdlees al his Chyn,

Glasy-Eyed / and face of Cherubyn,

Tellyng1 a tale / to angre with the frere,

her] his Ba. tlie L^. Ro. craftyly] craftly Bo. Ba. Ap. ymeynt] meynt Bo- TiV LI- Lb. M. Ej. E2. 16. wib] om. Ap. [red and whit] white & rede Ro. depeynt >~| dopeynt mitwrittc n Ar. 17. second on] in Ap. om. Adj. I. 18. whan] whanne ^at Lj. Adj. T2. Cauntrebery Bo. Caunterbury M. Kaunterberi Adj. In Ad2. I. 18 v and ;_ 19 are transposed. 19. many] many a Lb. 20. estatis] estate S. tl^e statis Lb. there astates P. the] their Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. M. T2. P. L,,. here Lb. .Zta Ra a inter hand has altered the into ther by adding an r. 21. Euerich] eV,ery Bo. TI. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Ra. Ba. T2. P. E2. man] om. Lg. Ro. lik] lyke Bo. M\ Adj. liclie Lb. 22. desport some] d. and s. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj.

Lb. M. 23. gWillesse] geutilnesse TI. Lj. Lb. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. L2. Ro. Ap. 25. And] om. Ra.\ na. K2. also in soth] eke i. s. Bo. Tv Du. LI.. M. T2. P. in soUi eeke^Lj. in\ sotll] om. L2. Ro. Kibaudye] ribawdrye Lb. Adj. Ad2. 1. Ra. Ba. E}. P. E2. L.,. IVjwed ribaudrye Ro. 26. maken Bo. M. make Adj. 27. Ech] They Ad.2. I. fo\r] om, ^ RO- other greve] ooyr eve Lb. 28. as] om. Lb. millere] mylnere Ro. \ 29. Aquytte] Acquit Ra. L2. Acquite Bo. Du. Lb. Ad2. Ej. S. T2. P. E2. Ro. Ap.v Acquiten M. hemsilf] hem wel Tj. shortly] sothly Ra. to] for to P. 30. boys\tously] boystuously S. 31-40 cut away on back side of the first leaf in Bo (38. mice, 4\n Breteyne is left at the end of the line). 31. droiiken] droukynge Ap. 32. PMled] piled Adj. peled Lb. S. pallid Tj. Du. T2.

ballyd Lj. 33. The pard^pwnei, beerdlees] The berdles pardoner Lj. (taken from

the rvbric, which in this MS. forms tjte preceding line of the column), al] of Ro. 34. Olasy-Eyccl] Glasyne Eyde^ Ro> Giasy eyes EJ. Ed2. Glasy yen P. glasid eyen S. glasy • rede • Du. of]\mnm j^. 35, a] to Q.

when the Canter- bury Tales were told,—

some moral,

some ribald,

like those of The Cook, the Millere, And the Revc.J

also the

If Pardonere, [leaf 1, back]

\

PROLOG.] Lydgates Praise of Chaucer, Flower of Poets.

written by If Chaucer,

40 the Flower of Poets,

As opynly // the storie kan jow lere, 36

word for word / with" euery circuwstauwce,

Echon y write / and put1 in remembrau/zce

By hyrn pat1 was / $if I shal not1 feyne,

Floure of Poetes / thorghout1 al breteyne,

Which" sothly hadde / most1 of excellence

In rethorike / and in eloquence

(Rede his making1 / who list1 the trouthe* fynde)

AVhich" neuer shal / appallen in my mynde, 44

But1 alwey fressh" / ben in my memorye* :

To whom* be ^oue / pris/ houure / and glorye*

Of wel seyinge / first1 in oure language,

Chief Registrer / of pis pilgrimage, 48

Al pat1 was tolde / forjeting1 noght at al,

Feyned talis / nor ping1 Historial,

AVith many prouerbe / diuers and vnkoutfi,

Be rehersaile / of his Sugrid mouth,

Of eche thyng1 / keping1 in substau?*ce

The sentence hool / with-oute variance,

A^yding1 the Chaf / sothly for to seyn,

36. As opynly] As o. as TI. Du. Lb. And o. as Lj. Al o. as M. 37. for]

bi LI. 38. Echon ywrite] Echon writen Tj. Echone wreton M. 39. was] om. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. shal] shuld Ra. Ba. 1^. 40. Poetes] poietys Ro. Ap. thorghout] thorough out L2. throughout E%. thorugh Du. M. Adx. Ra. Ap. thorough Lb. T2. thorgh TI. Ba. P. Ro. through l,i. S. thorugh out of EI. 41. sothly] shortly P. hadde Adx. Ra. T2. had Bo. M. of] om. L2. Ro. 42. In] bothe in Bo. TI. Du. Lx. Lb. M. T2. rethorike] retryk T2. and] and eke Ra (eke added by later hand), second in] om. Ad2. I. 43. Rede] Redeth Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. T2. P. who] whos Bo. Tj. Du. M. who so Lb. Ba. trouthe M. Adj. trouth Ar. Bo. fynde] to finde M. Ra (to added by later hand). 44. Which] ]>at Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. S. 45. alwey] evir 1^. fressh ben Adp fresshe be Bo. M. be fressh T2. freyshely bene Ap. my] om. I. Ro. memorye] memoyre Ar. in my memorye] called Geffray Chawcer byname P (written by a later hand, partly on erasure). 46. whom] who Ar. be] ben Ra. Ba. 3oue] yoven Ba.

yeue Er Ap. geven S. ioye Bo. TJ. Du. LI. Lb. M. Ad2. I. glorye] gloyre Ar. Ap ( : memory). The scribe of P. wrote honoure glorie and pris, the later hand has erased most of pris and written ffame across it. 47. seyinge Adi. saiyng Bo. seieng M. langage G. Bo. 48. Registrer] regestrier Bo. Registerer T2.

Regester Lj. P. regystere Adj. S. Ap. regestire Ro. Registre Ba. regestre A<i2. I. L2. of] in E2. his] his S. 49. Al] Of Ro. footing] forgetyn Lj. Ba. P. at] om. Lg. Ro. 50. talis] tale I. nor >ing] ne thing Adi. Ad2. I. Ro.

no thing L2. nor nothynge Lx. Ba. and thing Lb. 51. prouerbe] prouerbes Lb. Adi. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Er S. P. E2. 52. Sugrid] sugir L2. 53. in]

(who will be always fresh in my memory,)

and told his Tales

52 with his sugard mouth,

>e Bo.

Du. Lt. Lb. M.

P.

55. Voyding] Wyndyng Ad2. I. the] om. Adx. Ad2 for] om. Ra. Ba. L^. Ro. for to seyn] fro the seyne

54. hool] of lobe Ad2. of love I.

I.

2. sothly] softely

4 Lydgate finds Chaucer s Pilgrims at Canterbury. [PROLOG.

from the Pil- grims' meeting

If At be tabard* in Suthwerk, —

on to Canter- bury,—

IT The Hoste. [leaf 2]

Enlumynyng1 / \>e trewe piked greyn Be crafty writinge / of his sawes swete, Fro the tyme / that1 thei deden* mete First the pylgrimes / sothly euerichon, At the Tabbard / assembled on be on, And fro suthwerk / shortly for to seye, To Canterbury / ridyng1 on her weie, Tellync e a tale / as I reherce can, Lich" as the hoste / assigned euery man. None so hardy / his biddyng1 disobeye. And this while"* / that1 the pilgrymes leye

at this time, while the Pil- grims were lodgd At1 Canterbury / wel logged* on and all, there,

I not1 in soth" / what1 I may it1 call, i chanst to enter Hap / or fortune / in Conclusion?*,

the town,

That1 me byfil / to entren into toun, The holy seynt1 / pleynly to visite Aftere siknesse / my vowes to aquyte, In a Cope of blak / and not1 of grene, On a palfrey / slender / long1 / and lene, wifi rusty brydel / mad nat1 for fe sale, My man to-forn / with a voide' male ; which" of Fortune / took1 myn Inne anon

in a black cope,

5T Disory ving of

the Monk.

on a scraggy nag

with a rusty

bridle.

56

60

64

68

72

76

56. Enlumynyng] Elewmynyng L^. piked] pyken Bo. Du. I. T2. ded Ar. dede G. S. diden M. Ad2.

58. cleden Adj.

did Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. Ba. P. E2. L2. Ro. dide T,. Ra. Ev Ap. 59. sothly] om. P. 60. At the] atte Adj. T2. at Tj. M. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. E2. on be on] euery one by one Ad2. I. Between 59 and 60 Lv JMS the rubric : At the Tabard in Southwerk first they met ; in connexion with this, I. 60 has been altered into And ther they assembled one bi oone. 61. And fro] At G. suthwerk Ar. Southwerk Tj. Du. Lr M. T2. L.2. Soujwerk Adi. Sowthwerk Ad2. I. soutwerk Bo. Southewerk Ro. E^ Southwerke Lj. P. Sothwerk Ra. Sothewerk S. Sothwerke E^ Suthwarke Lb. Sothwarke Ba. Ap. shortly] soobli Adt. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 62. on] in Ad2. I. her] the I.

63. tale] take misicrittcn Ar. as] liche as Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. lich Ra.

64. the hoste] thost 1\. Lb. 65-392. gap in Lb. 66. this] in this Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. T2. P. while Bo. Adj. whil Ar. tyme M. pilgrymes] pylgrimage L^.

67. logged] louged Ar. G (cp. 78). logid LI. S. Ro. looged Ad2. lodged E2.

68. not] ne wote l^. Ro. soth] feith Ad2. I. 69. in] as in Ro. 70. entren into Ar. enter into G. entre into L.J. Ro. entre into }>e Bo. and the rest (see Notes). 72. siknesse my vowes] my sykenesse vowes Et. E.J. to aquyte] tacquite Adi. for to aquyte Ra. 73. Cope] Cape G. 74. slender Ar. G. T2. E2. I. slendre Ra. Ba. sklendre Bo. Ta. Du. M. Adj. Ad2. sclendre S. 1^. sclender Lt. Ex. P. sclendire Ro. sklendyre Ap. slender long] longe sklendre Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. T2. P. 75. nisty] a rusty Lj. T0. lusti Adi. mad nat] nat maad Ad]. Ad2. I. P. 76. voide Bo. M. void Adj. 77. which] That Ad?. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. E2. took] took I Ad2. I.

PROLOG.] The Pilyrims Host asJcs Lydgate to sup with them. 5

Wher pe pylgryrnes / were logged eumchon, The same tyme / Her gouernowr, the host1, Stondiug in halle f ful of wynde and bosf, Licfr to a man / wander sterne and fers, Which spak to me / and seide anon, " daura Pers, Daun Domynyk / Dan Godfrey / or Clement1, 3e be welcom / newly into kent1, Thogh 3oure bridel / haue neij>er boos ne belle ; Besechinge 3011 / jjat 30 wil me telle First1 3oure name / and of what1 contre With-oute more* • shorte-ly that1 30 be, That1 loke so pale / al deuoyde of blood, Vpon 3oure hede / a wonder thred-bar hood, Wei araie'd / for to ride late."

I answerde / ' my name was Lydgate, Monk of Bery / nyj fyfty 3ere of age, Come to this toune / to do my pilgranage, As I haue hight1 / I haue* therof no shame.' " Daim lohn," quod he / " wel broke 30 }oure name ! Thogh 30 be soul / beth right1 glad and light ! Preiyng1 3ou / soupe with vs to-nyghtf, And 36 shal haue* / mad at 3oure devis,

80

The Host, the Pilgrims' boss,

If The wordes of the host to the Monk.

welcomd me,

and askt me who I (so pale and seedy) was, and whence I came.

I said I was

If Lydgate

If Monk of Bery,

near 50,

and had come

on pilgrimage.

96 If The wordes of |>e host. [leaf 2, back]

He askt me to sup with his pilgrims,

92

78. Wher] Where as Adr Ad2. I. Ther T2. were logged] loged wern Bo. Du. M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. T2. were] om. Lx. euerichon] echon M. Ad2. Ar. has a second pause-bar after were. 79. Her] the Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. the] here Adv Ad2. Ra. their Ba. S. 80. halle] he halle Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. P. 81. Lich to] Liclie Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Ra. Ba. L2. Ro. sterne] stoor Ra. Ba. 82. Which] That Adv Ad2. I. S. om. Ra. Ba. to me] anone P. and seide anon] anon and seid Lx. 84. welcom Adj. Ra. welcome Bo. T,. M. into] vnto P.

85. neij>er Ar. G. Bo. Tx. LI. M. Ro. nyther Du. nether L2. nouthir Ra. T2. Ap. nober Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S. P. E2. noobr Ba. boos ne belle] liste nor belle Ad2. I. 86. Besechinge G. Adj. Ra. besekyng Bo. Tx. Ad2. I. wil] wolde Adp I. me] om. Ev E2. 87. Joure] of youre Er E2. of] om. Bo. TI. Du. M. Ej. E2. 88. more] mor Ar. G. Ra. L2. 89. al] and G. 91. araied Ad,, arraied M. arayde Bo. ryden Bo. M. ride Adj. 92. Lydgate (Lidgate)] Lidgat Bo. Lydygate Ap. 93. Bery Ar. G. L2. Bury Bo. and all the rest (cp. 131). ny3] nat Ad2. I. 95. haue] ha Ar. alone. I haue therof] therof haue I M. 96. broke] brouke Bo. Tv Du. M. Adp Ad2. I. Ra. E2. 30] bee Bo. om. Ad2. I. 3e 3oure] lie her T2. 97. be] om. Ad2. I. soul Ar. G. Ra. sovl Ad^ sowl S. sole Bo. Du. M. Ad2. L2. E2. Ap. soole Lt. sool I. Ex. T2. Ro. 3e be soul] ye be foull Ba. ye be seke P. it be so Ta. beth] be Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Ad2. I. S. T2. L2. Ro. right] om. Ad2. I. 98. soupe] to soupe Bo. TI. Du. LI. M. Ex. T2. P. E2. to nyght] >is nyght Bo. Tj. Du. Lr M. Ej. T2. E2. L2. Ro (cp. 143). 99. haue] han Ar. alone, mad] om. L2. Ro. 3oure] youre owne Ro. devis] avyce P.

6 The Host gives Lydgate advice as to his Health. [PROLOG.

and ride home with em to- morrow.

He bade me drink nutty ale,

A gref puddyng1 / or a rounde hagys, 100

A Franchemole* / a tansey / or a froyse. To ben a Monk / Sclender is joure koyse ; $e han be seke / I dar myn hede assure, Or late fed / in a feynt pasture. 104

Lift1 vp joure bed / be glad, tak no sorowe ! And 30 shal horn ride with vs to-morowe ! I seye, whan 30 rested han 30111° fille. Aftere soper / Slepe wil do non ille. 108

Wrappe wel 3oure hede / vfiih* clothes rounde aboute ! Strong1 notty ale / wol make* 3011 to* route. Tak a pylow / fat1 30 lye not1 lowe ! 3 if nede be / Spare* not1 to blowe ! 112

To holde wynde /, be myn opynyou??, Wil engendre / Collikes* passiouw And make men to greuen / on her roppys, whan thei han filled / her mawe? ^,tre/her croppys. 116 afnightf "Seed But1 toward* nyght1 / ete sopslenel Kede,

100. rounde] om. P. hagys] hagsr;.<; 5ca. Ba. P. Agys Ro. Ap. hastyng G. 101. Franehniole Ar. Frangcb^nOle G. frankmole Ap. franche myle Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Al. fraunchemr1.- Adj. Ad2. fraunchemule T2. S. Fronchemul I. freunchemule Ba. frauncV«nule Ro. fransmule Ra. franchemele Lg. fraunche- moyle Ej. E2. fraunch'v'Mayle P. 102. ben. Adx. be Bo. Al. sklendre Bo. lY Du. M. sklendyr Lj. Ro. Ap. slendir Ra. I*;. T2. E2. Ba. koyse (coise)] choyse Ba. 103. 'han Ar. Adj. Ad2. I. L%. haue Bo. and'the rest. han] om. M. be] ben L,, Ad2. I. Ba. Ex. S. T2. P. E2. Ro. seke Ar. G. I. Ra. Ba. P. Ro. Ap. sek T?. seek Ad2. seeke Lx. syke Bo. Tx. Du. M. EI. S. L2. sik Adj. sicke E2. ' 104. late fed] late I-fedde T2. lette fede EI. E2. latte fede S. 105. take Bo. Al. Adj. tak] and take P. In Bo. 1. 105 and 1. 106 have been transposed. 106. shal] shul Bo. Tx. Du. Al. Ra. T2. shold Ex. should E2. horn ride] ride horn Adj. Ad2. I. Ar. has a pause-bar after ride. 107. say Bo. M. sey Adj. han Ar. G. Bo. Du. Al. Adj. Ra. haue Ta. Lj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. T2. P. E2. LJJ. Ro. Ap. restid han] haue restid Ad2. I. ; Ar. has a pause-bar after Je. 107 — 176 gap in Ej. 108. Slepe] to slepe Ad2. I. wil do non] woll do you none P. well & do noun L2, 109. wel] om. Adj. Ad2. I. with] om. Ar. G. Ra. Ba. E2. Ap. 110. notty] noppy L2. A p. ; in Lj. notti is by a late hand altered to noppy. mak Ar. make Bo. M. Adj. to] om. Ar. G. Ill — 337 gap in Du. 111. j>atxj and P. lowe] to lowe Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. P. 112. jif] And ill' T2. Spare] Spar Ar. spaar Adx. to] for to L,,. Ko. om. Ra. 114. Wil] It wil Bo. Tj. LI. Al At?,. Ad2. T. T2. P. engendre] gendyr Lx. Collis Ar. G. Bo. TI. LI. Adj. Ra (cc\llyke written in margin by late hand). Ba. T2. Ap. colles P. EJJ. collikes Al \collykcs L2. collyk Ad2. I. collica Ro. colica S. 115. men] om. Bo. to] om. P. greuen] gronyn L2. on] in Adi. Ad2. 1. L2. Ap. on her] om. S. 116. han Bo. Adj. haue M. filled] fylled wele Ro. her mawes and] om. Ro. and her croppys] and croppes Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. L^. 117. fenel] febell T2. venel l^. Rede] I rede Adj. Ad2. ; L,,. and Ro. have sede, I. has seed, from 118.

PROLOG.] The Host tells me how to get a good Night's Eest. 7

Annys / Comyn / or coriandre sede !

And lik as I / pouer haue / and inyght1,

I Charge 3ow / rise nof af Mydnyght, 120

Thogh" itf so be / the moone sfiyne cler.

I wol my-silf / be 3oure Orloger Sly f"

To-morow erly / whan I se my tyme,

For we wol for], / parcel a-fore Pryme, 124

A company / parde / Shal do 3ou good.

What1 ! look vp, Monk / for, by kokkis blood,

Thow shalt1 be mery / who so fat sey nay.

For to-morowe, anoon / as it1 is day, 128

And that1 it1 gynne / in be Estf to dawe, [leaf 3]

Thow shalf be bounde* / to a newe lawe,

At* goyng- oute of Canterbury toune,

And leyn a-side / thy professions. 132

Thow shalt1 not1 chese / nor bi-silf withdrawe,

3if eny myrth / be founder in thy ma we,

Lyk the custom / of this Compenye ;

For non so proude / that1 dar me denye, 136

Knyght nor knaue / Chanon / prest / ne nowne,

118. omitted in I. 118. Comyn] comyng G. coriandre] colyaundre G. Ad2. S. P. collyandir L2. sede] rede Ro. 119. pouer hane] haue p. P. 120. rise] to rise Bo. Tx. M. T2. ; in Ad2. and I. I. 120 is quite altered: I shall ba your herberiowr for this nyht. 121. so be] be so LI. L,. Ro. be] be that P. 122. I wol mysilf] myself wil be Adx. Ad2. I. Orloger Ar. G. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. S. E.2. Ro. orligere Bo. Tj. L^ M. T2. P. orlegere L2. orlagere Ap. our loggere Ba. 124. For] And for Ra. parcel afore] a parcill afforc Ra. parcel bifore Bo. Tx. LI. M. I. L2. a parcel bi-fore Adi. Ad2. parcell or Ba. percas before P. parse aftyr Ap. 125. A company] Accotnpanie E2. And company Ro. Ap. shal] >at shal Bo. Tj. Lj. M. T2. P. jou] no Lj. 126. by] my G. 127. |wv shalt Adj. M.

|>ou shal Bo. who so] who Bo. Tx. LT. M. Ba. T2. P. sey Adj. seith Bo. M. 128. anoon as] as sone as Bo. Tj. Lx. M. T2. anoon whan Ra. Ba. In Ad2. and I. the original 1. 127 is missing and its place is taken by I. 128, which in I. agrees with Ar. Adj., but in Ad2. is altered to : To-morwe anone as sone as hit is day ; a new 1. 128 has been composed : Thow shalt ful wel knowe as I the say Ad2. As thow shalte knowe as I the say I. 129. gynne] begynneth P. to] om. E2. in t>e Est to dawe] into the Est to drawe Ba. 130. Thow shalt] Ye shalt Ba. bounde Bo. M. Adj. bound Ar. to] vnto Ra. P. 131. Canterbury] Caterbury Ar. Cauntrebery Bo. Caunterbury M. Adx. 132. lay Bo. Tx. M. Adi.

a-side] a-doun G. professioun] proffeschoun Lj. 133. nor] ne Bo. Tj. Lx. M. S. T2. P. L2. Ro. 134. myrth Bo. merthe M. Adj. founde?i] founde G. Bo. Tv Ad,. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. E2. om. La. 135. lik Adj. lyke Bo. M. companye G. Bo. 136. non] noon is Bo. Tj. Lx. M. T2. P. proude] bold T2. hardy Ro. that dar] that day T2. me] om. Ad2. 1. 137. nor] ne Lv T2. P. 1^. Ro. prest] om. Adi. Ad2. I. ne] nor I. Ra. Ba. S. Ap.

8 We leave Canterbury at sunrise, to dine at Ospringc. [ PROLOG.

ns every one had to, on the home journey.

If How cure host spak to Dawi

lohn.

Then we had a good supper,

went to bed,

and in the morning

started at sun- rise,

meaning to dine at Ospringe.

When out of the town,

our Host said

' let's liave some fun.' [leaf 3, back]

To telle a talc / pleynly as thei komie,

Whan I assigne / and se tyme opportune.

And for that1 we / our pwrpoos wil contune, 140

We wil homward? / the same' custome vse,

And thow shalf not1 / platly the excuse.

Be now wel war / Stody wel to-nyghtf !

But, for al this •/ be of herte li^f ! 144

Thy wit1 shal be / J)e Sharper and the bet1."

And we anon / were to Soper set1, And serued wel / vnto oure plesaunce ; And sone after / be good gouernaunce 148

Vnto bed goth" euery maner wight*. And touarde morowe / anon as it was light1, Euery Pilgryme / bothe* bet and wors, As bad oure hoste / toke a-non his hors, 152

Whan the so?me / roos in the est1 ful clyere, Fully in purpoos / to come to dynere Vnto Osspryng1 / and breke per our* faste.

And whan we weren / from Canterbury paste 156

Noghtt the space / of a bowe draught1, Our hoost1 in hast / haj> my bridel rauhtf, And to me seide // as it1 were in game, " Come forth, dawn lofin / be your Cmtene name, 160 And latf vs make / some manere myrth or play !

138. pleynly] such Adr Ad2. I. 139. Whan] Whan that Ba. and se] om. Ra. Ba. to se Ad2. I. 139 and 140 omitted in L%. 140. And] om. Ra. Ba. that] om. Bo. TV Lj. M. T2. P. we our purpoos wil] we will o. p. Lj. wil] forth wil M. contune] continen S (:opertune). 141. the same] our Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. In 13o. II. 141 — 146, 150, 151 were nearly obliterated and have been filled in again by a later hand, not always correctly (e.g. shat f. shal 142. new f. now 143). 142. platly] pleinly Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. E2. 143. to-nyght] this nyght L2. Ro. 144. lijt] right light Bo. TV M. T2. P. 146. And] Yf Bo. M. T2. P. to] vnto Ba. were to soper] to soper ver S. 147 — 222 gap in M. 147. vnto] to TV Adj. Ad2. 149. Ar. has a pause-bar after goth. 150. anon, as] as sone as Adi. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. E2. 151. bothe TV bo>e Adj. both Ar. Bo. 152. As] And L.J. Than Ro. oure] be Bo. TI. Lj. T2. P. toke] take L2. Ro. 153. roos] aroos Adx. Ad2. I. T2. om. Ba. the est] thest TV 154. Fully] Ful Bo. T\. Lx. Di. T2. P. to dynere] vnto d. Di. T2. to oure d. Ro. 155. Osprynge Bo. Ospring G. Adi. Hosprenge P. 156. worn Adv were Bo. from] fro Bo. TV LI. Di. Ra. Ba. S. T2. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. om. Adj. Ad,j. I. 158. haast Bo. hast TV Adj. haste Ra. raught] kauht Ra. laght Ba. 160. cristen Bo. Adj. 161. manere] om. Bo. TV LI- Di- Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. or] and P.

PROLOG.] Lydgate agrees to tell the Pilgrims a Tale.

Shet1 3oure portoos / a twenty deuelway ! It* is no disport / so to patere and seie. If wol make ^oure lippes / wonder dreye. Tel some tale / and make ther-of a* lape ! For be my Rouncy / thow shaltf not1 eskape. But preclie not / of non holynesse ! Gynne some tale / of myrth or of gladnesse, And nodde not* / with" thyn heuy bekke ! Telle vs some thyng1 / that1 drawe]) to effecte Only of loye / ! make no lenger lette ! "

And whan I saugh" / it wolde be no bette, I obeyed* / vnto his biddynge, So as the lawe / me bonde in al thinge ; And as I coude / with a pale cheere, My tale I gan / an oil / as 30 shal here.

Explicit1 Prologus. Incipit1 Pars Prima. Per &c.

164

If How oure host bad Daun lohan telle a tale,

not a holy, 168 but a merry one.

172

So I obeyd him,

-.f-f, and began my UO Tale (which is a sad one).

162. Shet] Shot vp Bo. Tx. Lj. Di. P. leve Ad2. I. portoos] portos G. Bo. Di. Ra. P. portas Lx. portes E2. porteis L2. portoys Ba. portewes S. E2. a] on P. in a Ba. 163. It is Tx. Lj. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. T2. L2. Ro. Hit is Bo. P. Is (om. it) Ar. G. E2. Ap. Is it S. no disport] no sporte Lj. T2. none sporte Di. a disport S. so] om. P. to] om. Adj. Ad2. 1. Ra. Ba. seie] to seye Bo. P. so to seye T2. In T2. 163 and 164 are transposed. 164. wonder] om. G. dreye] drye Bo. Ap. 165. therof] herof 1^. a] no Bo. Lv Di. T2. P. L2. Ro. Ap.

om. Ar. G. 166. not] it not Bo. L\. Ra. S. T2. P. E2. Ad^ not it Di. Ba.

167. preche Bo. Adj. holynesse] hevynesse Di. 168. Gynne] Begynne Di. Ap. Gyf Bo. yeve T:. Gyff vs Lv or of] or G. and of Bo. Ta. Lj. Ro. and Di. P. 169. nodde I. nod Bo. Adj. nodde] om. Ad0. with] so with Ro. om. Ap. bekke Ar. G. Lj. Adj. S. E2. beck Ba. Ap. bek Bo. Tj. Ra. T2 P. l^. beke Di. beeke Ro. necke Ad2. I. 170. vs] om. LI. some thyng] merithing Di

(written by later hand, the original reading being effaced), draweb] touchib Di. to] o??!-. G. til Ad2. I. effecte Ar. Lx. Ad2. I. S. P. ft.? Ap. effect Ba. effekke G. Adr effek Bo. Tj. Di. Ra. T2. l^. to effecte] of to speke Ro. In Ar. effecte has been altered by a later hand into effekke. 171. make] and make Bo. TV

Lj. Di. T2. P. L2. Ro. 172 — 176 in Di. almost effaced and partly filled in by a later hand. 172. wolde] woll P. 173. obeyed TV Di. Ra. Ad2. I. P. EQ. L2. Ro. obeyde Ar. G. Bo. LI. S. Ap. obeid Adi. Ba. T2 (cp. 408). 174. So] And L2. Ro. And so G. (with And underdotted). om. Bo. TV Lj. Di. lawe] haue (by later hand) Di. bonde] bounde Lx. S. Ro. allowid Ad2- I. 175.

And] om. Ro. coude] couthe Bo. Tj. Ba. a pale] a ful pale Ro. 176. I gan anon] I began anon Ap. anon I gan S. began P. anon as] so as T2. shal] shul Tr T2. P. may G. om. Ra. here] aftir here P.

10 Lydgate will tell the Tale of the Siege of Thebes. [PT. I.

[leaf 4]

As I am now one of your company,

I will tell you a story of the Siege of Thebes,

a city built by

King Amphion.

How he raisd the walls,

Prima "Pars.

Sirs / quod I '. sith" of jour curtesye* I entred am / in-to $our conipanye, And admitted / a tale for to telle By hym bat1 hajj pouer to co?npelle, I mene our hoste, gouernour and guyde Of $ow echon / ridyng her be-side ; Thogh" that1 my wit1 / barayn be and dul, I wol reherce / a story wonderful, Towchinge the siege / and* destrucciouu Of worthy Thebees / the myghty Eoyal toun, Bylt1 and begowne / of olde antiquite, Vpon the tyme / of worthy J "ne, Be dyligence / of kyng1 Amphiou?z, Chief cause first1 / of his fuudaciouw, For which" his fame / which" neuere shal away, In honure floureth" / jit1 vnto this day, And in story / remembred is and preised.

But how the wallys / weren on heghte reised, If is wonder / and merveil forto here.

180

184

188

177. I] he Adj. curtesye Tx. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ej. S. T2. Ro. E2. curteseye Ar. curteysye I. curtasye Bo. Ba. curtesy Ra. P. L2. cowrtassy Lj. 180. hab pouer] • ower hath Bo. Tx. Di. T2. Ar. has a pause-bar after pouer. 181. Oste Bo. Oost vdj. Ost Tj. Di. host Ra. 182. echon] eueri on Di. 183. that] om.

T2. L. Ro. my] om. S. barayn be] be baryn S. 184. wonderful] full wonderf >1 LI. rijt wonderful Di. 184-194 in Di. are partially effaced and the words filled in, sometimes very incorrectly (e.g. 186, 187, 190), by a later hand. 185. and] of Ar. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 191. fame] name Bo. TI. L^. Di. T2. P. which] >at Bo. TI. La. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. S. T2. om. L2. P. ueuere shal] shal neuer T2. P. Lkj. Ro. 192. vnto] into Bo. Tx. LI. 193. in] om. Ra. preised] preved LI. Ar. has a secoitJ, pause-bar after remembred. 194. weren on heghte] on height were Bo. Tj. Di. on high were Lj. on heghte] on heigh T2. S. in hih Ad2. I. reised] areisid Di. I-reysed Ba. 195. wonder and merveil] merueile and wondre Bo. Tx. LT (marveli;. Di.

PT. I.] Amphion's persuasive Words got Thebes built.

11

you will find in Boccaccio.

How kyng Am- phyou'/i was be first bat bUt the Cyte of Thebes be be swetnesse of his soune.

204 He built the city by the warbles of his harp.

But if 30 list1 / I shal }ow platly lere 196

The maner hool / shortly in sentence,

Vnder support1 / of joure pacience,

As writ* myn auctoiw / and bochas both two,

Rede her bookes / and ^e shal fynde it1 so, 200

How this kyng1 / thys prudent1 Amphyoiw,

With" the swetnesse / and melodious sou?i

* And armonye / of his swete song1

The Cytfe bylt1 / that whilom was so strong1,

Be vertue only / of the werbles sharpe

That he made / in Mercuries harpe,

Of whicfr the strenges / were not1 touched softe,

Wherby the walles / reised weren a-lofte, 208

With"-oute craft1 / of eny rnannys hond, fleaf 4, back]

Fill joor agon / myd of Grekes lond? ;

which is a bing1 / of Poete's told,

Neuere yseyn / neither of jong nor old. 212

IT But, as Bochas / list1 to specific,

Cler expownyng1 / this derke poysye,

II Seith" * Mercurye / god of Eloquence,

jaf, be the myght1 / of heuenly influence, 216

Vnto this kyng1 / at1 His natiuite

Thorgh glade aspectes /, that1 he shulde* be

Most excellent / be craft1 of Eethorik,

That1 in this world4 / was noii to hy?« lik ; 220

Which signyfieth" / to hem that1 ben prudent1,

196. platly] playnly Lj. S. P. 197. shortly] playnly Bo. Tj. Lx. Di. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. platly Adx. Ep T2. E2. sothely P. 200. }e shal] ye shulen 1\.

bou shalt Bo. it] right Ad2. I. 202. With the] Wit his Ra. 203. In Ar.

G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. E2. II. 203 and 204 are transposed. And] Bi Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 204. The] This Di. whilom] some tyme Bo. Tx. Lj. Di. T2. P. L2. Ro. 205. the] his Bo. Tx. Lj. Di. am. Ra. Ba. 206. made] had made Ad2. 1. 208. wern Adj. were Bo. T3. wer Ra. a-lofte Bo. on loft Adj. Ra. 209. honde with e underdotted Ar. 210. Joor ngon] yere agoo Ba. many a yeere ago P. myd] in mydde Di. am yd P. 212. yseyn] seyn Tx. sene T2.

neither] on. Bo. Tv Lj. Di. T0. nor] ne Tx. Adj. Ad2. Ba. S. L2. Ro. nethir P. old] of old Bo. Tj. Lj. Adj". Ev S. T2. 213. Bochas] bookes Ad2. I.

214. Cler] Clerly Bo. Ta. Lj. Di. T2. Clerkely P. this] be Di. L2. 215. Seith] Seth Ar. G. Ap. Sith Adp Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. P. E2. L2. Seith bat Bo. 1\. L!. Di. T2. 217. this] be Bo. ri\. Lx. Di. T2. P. G. 218. shulde Bo.

shuld Ar. 220. this] the I. P. worlde Bo. world AdL. was] ]>er was Adj. Ad2. I. non] Man P. to] vnto T2. P. om. Di. S.

Tf The exposici- ouii of lohn Bochas vpon bis derk poysie.

12 Amphion's Song ivas his crafty Speech, his sweet Words. [PT. I.

The Musycal / the lusty instrument1,

11 I mene the harpe / most melodious,

yove to this kynge / be Mercurius, 224

And his song1 / this auctowr can 30 w teche,

was no thyng1 / but the crafty speche

Of this kyng1 / ycalled Amphioun ;

Wher-by He made / the centres envyrou/z 228

To han such" lust / in his wordes swete,

That* were so plesaunt / fauourable, and mete

IT In her Eerys / that shortly ther was noon

Disobey sauwtt / with the kyng to goon, 232

Wher so euere / that1 hym list assigne.

His cheer / his port1 / was outward* so benygne,

That1 thorgh his styring / and exortacioun

With" hym they went1 / to bylde* first1 this iowi, 236

And forsook / ecch" man his contre,

Be on assent1 / to make this Cyte

Koyal and riche / that1 lich was nowher noon.

And thus the wallis / made of lym and stoon, 240

Were Reysed first* / be syngyng of this kyng1,

lich as Poetys / feyne in her writyng1,

Passyng Rich / and Royal of entaille.

U Her may 30 See / how nayche may avaylle 244

The goodlihed / and lownesse of a kyng1,

222. the lusty] >at lusty Bo. Tj. Di. lusty] listi Adj. 224. yove Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. E2. Ap. youen Bo. T,. M. Di. Ba. T2. P. yeve L2. Ro. geven Lj. S. gone E,. this] he Di. 225. can] gan Ro. 227. this] the P. kyng] om. La. ycalled] ecallid L2. called Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. Ba. S. P. Ro. 230. so] cm. 1^. Ro. plesaunt] om. Bo. Tx. Lj. 11. Di. plesaunt favourable] favourable plesaunt T2. P. 231. Eerys] hertis L:. that] om. P. ther] >at ber Di. ther was] was ther Tj. 233. so] sum Lj. Ra. that] om. Bo. T}. Lj. M. Di. S. P. hym] he S. list] om. T^ assigne] to assigne Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad>2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. P. E2. Ap. 234. outward] after Ar. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. evar S. efte E2. om. G. benyngue with the second n underdottcd Ar. 234. om. in Ad2. I. 235. Thatj What Tx. L^. thorgh] om. P. styring] steringes Adj. strength Ad2. I. strenth Crossed through and sterynge written above by old hand Ap. termys Ra. Ba. ster.nesS. 236. bylde Bo. bildeM. byldAr. Adj. bigge T2. bylte P. first] om. P. this] >e Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 239. and] om. Ad2. I. was nowher] nowhere was Bo. T\. Lj. M. Di. nowher] nevir L2. om. Ea. E2. 241. Reysed first] first reisid M. Di. 244. myche may] moche it may Bo. T1. Lj. M. moche Je may Di. may] om. Ba. 245. goodlihed] goodelihood Ba. and] and the Ba. of fe Adj. Ad2. I. lownesse Ar. G. lowlynesse Bo. and all the other MSS.

If The signiflca- cioun of f>e harpe of Mercure.

Atnphion's song

was his sweet words,

U How kyng Amphion, be mediacion of his soft spech, wan be loue & be hertes of the puple.

whereby he got folk to build him Thebes, of

lime and stone, [leaf 5]

as poets feign.

PT. I.] How a King's Kindness is letter than Ms Frown. 13

H Nota.

1 What availed to a kyng or to a If prince to ben goodly and be- nygne of his port to his puple.

A prince's frown

begets Envy in folks' hearts.

And specealy / in cher and in spekyng1,

To his lyeges / and to bern hjm fayre

In his apport1 / and shewe hym debonayre, 248

And naf to bene / to straunge ne soleyn

In coiitenaimce / outward! / be disdeyn ;

Which" causejj ofte /, who that1 Can aduerte,

Grete hatred / in the puples herte, 252

And ther-vpon •/ priuely wol rowne,

Whan a prynce / doth vp-on hem frowne,

Shortly deme / for al his excellence,

Among1 hem-silf / out of his presence, 256

Euerych conclude / lich" his fantasye.

And thus ful ofte / gendred is Envye

In folke's hertes / of soleynte and pryde,

For swich" as list1 / nat onys loke a-syde 260

To Reward hem / whan they lowe loute.

And ageyn kynde / it1 is • out1 of doute, That1 eny hed / be recorde of the wyse, Shuld the foot1 / of disdeyn despyse 264

Which bere]) hym vp /, who so can take hede, And Susteneth / in his moste* nede As his Pyler / and his sowpowayle.

246. And] An Ar. 248. apport] porte Bo. TV Lx. M. Di. and] and to Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. to Ro. hym] om. Ra. Ba. 249. And] om. Bo. TV Lz. M. Di. nat] ne Bo. TV Lj. nat to bene] to be not T2. P. to straunge] or stronge Ba. to] om. Lj. ne] nor Bo. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. S. Ap. no L2. or Ra. Ba. and Lj. neither T2. 251. ofte] of G. that] so Di. om. P. 252. grete Bo. gret M. Adj. puples Ar. G. puplis TV peples Bo. M. Di. Adj. P. peplis T2. peeplts Ra. pepils L2. pepeles S. pepilis Ro. pepyllys Ap. poeples Ad2. poeplis I. peoples Lj. Ej. E2. 253. priuely wol] whilom L\. wol] wil thei M. Di. wollyn P. 254. vp-on] on Adj. doth vp-on] wol on Ad2. I. 255. Shortly] And shortly Bo. TV Lj. M. Di. T2. P. 256. Ar. has a second pause-bar between out and of. 258. ofte gendred] ofte cngendrid Lj. Ro. 260. loke] to loke Bo. Lx. M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. T2. P. E2. a-syde] on syde Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 262. Ar. has a pause-bar after kynde, a high point after is. And] om. Ro. kynde] om. Ba. out of] withoute M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. withouten Ba. S. 263. eny] the Bo. TV Lt. M. Di. T2. P. 264. shulde Bo. Tv Di. shuld M. Adj. Ra. foot] fete S. stock Ad2. I. 265. bere>] beren M. Di. bere P. who so] whos Bo. TV M. who L,. Di. 266. And] And him Bo. Tr La. M. Di. T2. P. Ashuld G. susteneth] hym susteyneth Bo. Tt. Lx. T2. hym sustenen M. Di. hym susteyne P. susteneth hym Ad2. I. most Ar. Bo. M. Adj. 267. As] And G. As his] As is his Bo. TV Lx. M. Di. And be his P. Pyler] pyllors P. sowpowayle Ar. G. sowpowaylle Ap. sopowayle Ro. suppowaile Bo. M. Adj. Ba. suppo- waille Di. suppouaile Ad2. suppewaile I. suppoayle Ej, E2. supporaylle S. supportaile P (rtai is written by a later hand, on erasure).

1f How j>e poor puple supporten and beren vp J>e estat of a kyng.

1 4 Kind words and looks win a Prince his People's Hearts. [PT. I.

[leaf 5, back]

Note.

«i What the good- lihede of a pn'nce avaylleth to wy/me the hertes of his puple. Kind words and looks get more love than gold and pride.

For fynaly /, ne were* the porayle 268

her berer vp / and Supportaciouw,

Farwel lordshyp / and domynaciouw

Thorgh-oute the world / of euery hegh estat !

Wherfor me seme]? / mor is Fortunatf 272

Of Mercurye / be soote sugred harpe

Than Mars / swercJ / whetted kene and sharpe,

Mor accepted / wijj asspectis goode

Than is this god / with" his lokes woode. 276

For humble speche / wij> glad contenau?zce

May a prynce / sotlily mor avamice

Among1 his puple / Hertes forto wynne

Of inward? loue / which that* wol not twynne, . 280

Than gold / rychesse / pride / or tyranye,

Outher* disdeyne / daurcger / or surquedye.

For of lordes /, as* Clerkes can reporte,

But1 that1* loue / her crowne do supporte, 284

The fyn ys noght* / in conclusioun.

I Take record1 / of kyng1 Amphyou?z,

That1 bylte Thebes be his elloquence

Mor than of Pride / or of violence, 288

j^oble and riche / that1 lik was nowher non,

And thus the walles / mad of lym and stoon

Were reised first1 / be syngyng of this kyng1,

lich" as Poetes / feyn in her wryting1. 292

H But1 sothly ^it1 / Some expositours,

Groundyng hem / vpon olde auctoura,

268. For] And Bo. T,. Lj. M. Di. were Bo. M. Ad^ wer Ar. 269. bercr] beiyng Bo. TV Lj. M. Di. T.2. P. 271. Thorgh-oute] Thoruh Ad^ I. Ra. world] londe Ej. lande Eo. hegh] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 271 and 272 transposed in Adj. Ad.2. I. 274. Than] Thanne is T2. Whau DL whetted] whet Bo. Tj. Lx. M. Di. T2. P. grounde Ro. 277. speche Bo. M. Adj. spech Ra. 280. which that T.J. which all the other MSS. 282. Oyther Ar. G. outher Ro. Other Bo. M. either Adj Ra. disdeyue] this deyne Ra. 283. For] Or Er S. om. Ro. of] Of his Ro. a?] om. Ar. G. Ej. E?. L.2. Ro. Ap. cau] konue Bo. M. Di. kun Tx. 284. But tiiat Adj. Ad.> I. Ra. Ba. E!. S. E.J. L^. That but Ar. G. Bo. Tj. M. Di. T2. P. Ro. Ap. That but if Lj (see Notes), loue] om. Bo. crowne] coroun Tx. do] doth Ba. T2. Ro. to G. om. Adi. Ad.^ I. 285. noght] uat Ar. G. Ap. not Ej. E2. 287. hilt Bo. G. M. Adi. 290. mad] y made T2. om. Bo. wer made Ba. 291. reised first] first reisid M. Di. 293. sothly] shortly Ra. 294. Grouudyng] Groundyn T2. Grounden Bo. Tj. Lx. M. P 294 om. in B;i.

• Ensample of kyng Amphiou/'.

•f How aftere the opynycun of some auctours

IT. I.] Cadmus sets out the site of Thebes with lull's-hide strips. 15

Seyn that1 Cadmvs / the famous olde man, Ful longe afor / this Cite first began And the ground? / of the bielclyng1 sette, And the boundes / be conipas out-niette* With" thong1 ouf-korve / of a boolys hyde, Whych" envyrou?i / strecchij myghte* wyde To get1 Inne londe / a ful large space Wher-vp-on to byld / a dwellyng1 place, And called was the Soyle / Jms geten Inne, U Whyloni Boece / of the bolys skynne. The name after / into Thebes turned. U But Cadmus ther / hath longe not1 soiozwned, lik in Story / as it1 is compyled ; For shortly he from thennys was exiled, Neuer after to dwellen* in this toun, Be the knyghthode of this Amphiouw, Which vp parformeth / riche for the noonys The Cit& Thebes / of myghty square* stonys, As 1 $ow tolde / a litil here to-forn ;

bilt first

be Cite of 296 Thebes-

He cut a bull's hide into strips, 3QQ and enclosed

land as the site of Thebes.

If How J>e contre of Boece toke OA | first his name of OU;t a bolys skyn,

After called [leaf 6] Thebes.

308

312

If How kyng Cadmus was exiled out of Thebes be prow- esse of kynge Amphyowi.

295. Seyn] Seynge P. Cadmvs] Cadicius Bo. Cadinus Adj. I. Tadrnus Ra. Cadimius P. the] bat Bo. Tv Lx. M. Di. Ba T2. famous] om. Ba. T2. 297. And the] And Ba. of the] of Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. E^ S. E2. 298. be compas out Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. E2. Ap. oute by compas Bo. Tj. Lx. M. Di. T2. P. L2. Ro. mette] he mette Ar. Ap. be mette G. In Ar. there is a second pause-bar after compas. 299. thong] a thonge Lj. a whong Ro. out-korve Ar. G. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. S. Ro. Ap. out-corue Bo. Tj. M. L^. outkerue Ej. T2. P. E2. korve out Lj. boolys Ar. bolys M. Adj. bulles Bo. boles Lj. boollys Ro. liyde] side Ex. S. E2. 299 omitted in Ba. 300. myghte Di. Ad2. myght Ar. Bo. M. Adj. wyde] ful wyde Bo. Tj. Lx. M. Di. T2. P. Euyn envyroim streight met full wyde P. 302. "Wher-vp-on] There vpon Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. "T2. P. L2. Ro. Ap. 303. Soyle] place Adj. Ad2. I. bus] om. Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. P. geten] goteu Bo. M. Di. Ad.2. T2. P. 304. Boece] Boete Ra. Boyte Ba. Cyte L2. 305. name] names M. Di. 306. But] And Ro. Cadmus] Cadinus Adv Cadymus P. Thadmus Ad2. Thadinus I. Tadmus Ra. ther hath longe not] hath riot there longe Bo. Tj. M. Di. Ra. Ex. S. T2. E2. P (om. there), hath not long here Adj. Ad.2. I. B:i. In. 1^. hath here not longe Ro. 308. from] om. Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. T2. thennys Ar. thennes Ad,. Ev S. Thebes G. thens Bo. and all the other MSS. he from thennys was] thens he was Di. T^ he was from thens P. from Thebes he was G. In Ar. the pause-bar is between shortly and he. 309. to] for to Ep E.2. dwellen M. Adx. Ad.2. Ra (dwellyn). dwelle Ar. Bo. Tj. I. dwell Ej. E2. In Ar. pause-bar after dwelle. this] the Ej. T2. E2. 310. the] om. Lj. this] kyng M. Di. 311. vp] vpon Ba. riche] richely Jil. Di. riht Ra. right Ba. 312. square G. Bo. M. Adj. squar Ar. In Ro. li 312 reads: The Cite of Thebes with many square s. 313. litil] lyte Bo. Tj. M. Di. Adj. Ej. T2. E2. a litil here] here a litil Ra. Ba. toforn] beforne G. Lj. S.' P. Ap. atforne Ad,2. I.

1C Til not talk longer of Cadmus as my Tale 'II last for 7 miles. [PT. I.

I've now told you all about the building of Thebes,

and won't say more, as my Tale '11 last for 7 miles.

If How J>e lyne of Amphiou/i be disoent was con- veied to kyng layus.

And Cadmus Jms / hath his kyngdam lorn, Sceptre and crowne / and his powere Royal. U Now have I told / vnto 3011 / ground of al, 316

That 30 wel knowe / be Informacioun Cleerly the pith" / and exposiciouw Of this mater / as clerkes can 3011 telle. If were but veyn / lenger for to dwelle, 320

! To tary $ow / as in this matiere, Sith my tale / which that* 36 shal here, Vpon oure waie / wil lasten a longe while, The space* / as I suppose / of vii. myle. 324

And now 30 kuowe* / first how Amphyouw Bylt and began / this Cite and this toun, Regnyng1 ther / long1 aftere, as I rede.

Of hym no more / ; for I wil precede 328

To my purpoos / that1 I first1 began : Nof tellyng here / how the lyne Ean From kyng1 to kyng / be successiou?^, Conveying doun / J>e stok of Amphyou/i 332

Cereously be lyneal* discent; But leue al this /, pleynly of entent To telle' forth /, in booke's as I rede,

IT How layus be p?-ocesse / gan succede 336

To here the Croune / in this myghty LomT, holdyng1 the Sceptre of thebes in his hond, Manly and wys / dnryng1 al his liff.

314. Cadmus] Cadinus Ad^ Thadinus I. Thadmus Ad^ 316. vuto] to Ado. I. T.2. P. Lg. Ro. Ap. om. Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. Ba. ground] the ground Lx. Al. Di. Ba. T2. P.~ 318. pith] path Lj. P. pitche T0. and]&ofKo. exposicioun] thexposicioun Al. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Er S. T2. E.,!" 318 omitted in Ba. 322. Sith] Syn Ra. With Lj. which] om. Bo. TV Lj. M. Di. that] as L,. om. Ba. shal] shul Bo. TV T2. P. 323. oure] youre Bo. TV Lj. M. Di. Ad2. T2. P. wil] it wil Ad2. it wol I. lasten Ap. last Bo. laste M. Adj. 324. The] Into the Ba. space] sp^ce in soth Ar. and all the other MSS. except Ba. space for sothe Ba. as] om. T2. P. L.2. Ro. Ap. suppose] deme Ro. vii.] sex Ro. an EJt 325. knowe Bo. Al. Adj. know Ar. 326. began] gan Lj. this Cite] his cite Ra. Ba. the Cite P. and] furst and P. this toun] his t. Ra. Ba. 327. Eegnyng] And regned Bo. Tj. L,. Al. Di. T2. P. aftere] om. S. 330. lyne] lyn Adv kyn Ad2. I. 332. be] to the G. M. Di. by the E^ E2. 333. Cereously] Curiously P. Coryously I^. lyneal] lyne / al Ar. lyne al G. lyne all S. P. lyne all the Ej. E.J. lyne of Adj. Ad2. I. 335. To telle forth] Now wole I tele Ro.

336. gan] can G. succedej precede Al. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S.

[leaf 6, back]

If Kyng Layus and locasta hys wiff.

PT. I.] Jocasta, the wife of King Layus, conceives a child, Edippus. 17

She is barren.

Layus does sacrifice to get a child.

Layus prays 3 Goddesses to help him.

And locasta / called was his wyff", 340

Ful wo?ttmanly / the story seith certeyn,

For a tyme / thogh she were bareyn,

Tyl Layus / in ful humble wise

To haue a child / dide* Sacrifise, 344

Fyrst to* apollo / in his char so bri^fr,

And lubiter / that1 ha)> so gret1 a myghtf,

Besechyng1 hem / with deuoufr reuerence,

To grauntt only / thorgh her influence, 348

That* his request* / may excecuted be ;

And specially / to Goddesses thre,

He besoughte / Pallas and luno

And Dyane / forto helpe also 352

That1 he be not* defrauded of His bone.

And his preyere / accepted was ful sone, That1 fynaly / thorgh his ryytys olde, Evene lik1 / as his herte wolde, 356

The queene locasta / hath anon conceyued ; Which whan the kyng / fully hath perceyued* He made in hast1 /, hym lyst not1 to abide, Thorgh hys kyngdom / Massageres ryde 360

Fro Coost to Coost1 / the story can devyse, For dyvynoures / and phylosophres wise, For such as weren / famous physiciens And wel expert / Astronomy ens, 364

To Come* in hast / vnto his presence To fynden* out / shortly in sentence,

344. did Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. E*. L.2. Ro. Ap. he dide Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. T2. P. 345. to apollo] tapollo Ar. G. E2. Ap. so] full T2. P. 346. lubiter] to lubiter Bo. T:. Du. Lj. M. Di. T.2. P. gret a] gret Lx. T2. Ra. Ba. moche Ro. 350. to] vnto T2. vnto the P. to the Di. Ra. Ba. Ro. Goddesses] goddesse Di. Ro. goddes Lj. Ba. P. goddys G. Ra. I. 352. And] And eke T2. And to Di. helpe Bo. Adj. helpen M. 356. herte Bo. hert M. Adj. wolde] thinke wolde Ro. 358. fully] om. Ra. Ba. hath] om. Ap, perceyued] conceyued Ar. G. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ap. consitheryd S. 360. kyngdom] kyngdom his L:. Ap. Massageres Ar. G. Messagers Bo. Du. M. Adj. S. Messageris Di. Messengers Lj. Ej. K2. Ap. Messingers Ba. Messangers T2. P. Lo. Ro. Messangeris Tj. Massangers Ra. Massangeers Ad2. I. ryde] to ryde Bo. Tp Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. P. for to ryde Ra. Ba. 8. T2. Ap. 363. weren Bo. wern M. Adj. 365. Come] Corve Ar. G. 366. fynden M. Di. fynde Ar. Bo. and all the otlier MSS.

His wife con- ceives a child.

He sends for diviners to find out the child's fate.

THEBES.

0

18 Astronomers calculate the fate of the child Edippus. [PT. I.

[leaf 7]

11 How the astro- nomyens and the phylisophres of Thebes calked out J>e fate * of Edyppus.

They are to discover it by searching the heavenly mansions, (fee.

INota.

If The cursed

Constellacioun

and iudisposici-

oun of )>e heuene

in J>e natiuyte of

Edyppus.

By Craft1 only / Of Calculacioun,

The Chyldes fate* / and dispositions ; 368

And ther-vpon / to }eve / a lugement1,

The Boot1 y taken* / af the ascendent1,

Trewly sought1 out* / be mynut1 and degre

The silfe* houre / of his natyvyte, 372

Not1 for^ete / the heuenly mansiouws

Clerly Cerched / be smale fracciouws,

First1 be Secoundes / tiers and eke quartes,

On Augrym stoones / and on white caartes 376

ypreued out1 / be diligent1 labour,

In tables correcte / devoyde of al errowr

lustly soghf* / and founde / out1* bothe* twoo,

The jeeres cdllecte* / and expance also, 380

Consydred ek / be good inspecciowz

Euery hour* / and constellaciouw

And eche aspecte / and looke's ek dyuers,

Which were good / and which" also pervers, 384

Wher they were touard / or ellys at debatf,

U happy, welful / or infortunaf.

And fynaly / in conclusyouw,

They founde satourn / in the Scorpiourc, 388

Hevy-chered / malencolik / and loth",

368. fate] face Ar. Lj. Ra. Ap. facte S. disposiciouu] his disposicyon Bo. J>e disposicioun L2. 369. And] A Ar. a] om. Adj. Ad2. I. T2. P. Ro. 370. Root ytake Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Er S. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. rote taken Bo. TV Du. Lj. M. Di. at the] atte TV M. Ra. Ej. S. T2. 371. out] om. G. 372. silfe Di. P. selfe Lx. Ra. Ej. selfFe Ap. sylve Ro. silf Ar. self Bo. T\. Du. M. Adj. Ba. T2. E2. L2. fwll S. first Ad2. I. 375. tiers Ar. G. ters Bo. TV Du. M. Di. A<12. I. Ra. S. T2. teersAdj. Ex. tercesE2. Ro. tercii(sL2. tercyes Ap. eke Bo. Tj. M. Adx. eke] he L2. om. Ra. Ro. quartes] quaters Bo. T2. Ra. Ba. quartercesRo. 376. white] om. G. Ad2. I. caartes] coartes Bo. Tv Du. Lj. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. S. T2. P. coarters Ra. Ba. 379. soght] foght miswritten Ar. sought owte P. out] out of Ar. G. Ba. Ej. S. E2. on I. om. Ad2. bothe Tj. M. Adj. Ra. both Ar. Bo. 380. In Ar. after Jeeres is written expans, but crossed out. collecte] correcte Ar. G. La. Adj. I. Ra. Ba. carect S. correcte (crossed out) comen Ad2. 382. hour] tour Ar. G. 1^. Ap. and] of Bo. 384. second which] om. Bo. Du. P. also] om. Lj. 3So. Wher] Whe>er Lj. P. Whedir Ad2. om. Ba. they were] Wer they Ba. toward] coward Ba. or] om. Lj. ellys] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. Eg. at debat] at )>e bate Lx. 386. welful] wylfull Ra. Ba. Ad2. E2. I*,. Ro. willfull S. or] other M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. S. 387. in] as in Ro. 38£. In the Nota Egyppiis/or Edyppus ; also Egippus in the next Nota ; here also face for fate.

•[Nota.

^ How the fate' of Edippus dis- posed that he shulcle sleen his owne fadere.

PT. I.] To stop his son slaying him, Layus lids Jocasta kill him. 19

And woode* Mars / furious and wrotli,

holdyng his Sceptre / in J?e Capricorn,

The same' houre* / whan this chyld? was born, 392

Venus deie'cte / and Contrarious

And depressed / in Mercuryes hons ;

That the dome / and lugemenf fynal

Of thies Clerkes /, to speke in special, 396

Be Fatal sort1 / which" may not1 be wibdrawe,

That with his swerd? / his fader shal be slawe ;

Ther may no man helpe it1 / nor excuse.

On whiche thyng1 / the kyng1 gan sore muse, And cast1 he wolde / on that other side Agayn her doom / for hym-silf provide, Shape a way / and remedy to-forn,

Biddyng* the queene / whan the chyld were born, 404 Witfr-oute Mercy / or moderly pyte That1 he be ded / : it* may non other be. And in al hast1 / lik as he hath" sent1, She obeyed / his comaundemenf. 408

With" wooful herte / and a pitous loke And face pale / her ^onge sone she toke, Tendre and grene / both of flessh and bonys, To certeyn men / ordeyned for be noonys 412

From poynt to poynt / in al maner* Jring To execute / the biddyng of the kyng.

400 Thinking on this, [leaf 7, back]

Layus bids Jocasta kill her child as soon as it is born.

She gives her boy to men,

390. woode Lx. Ba. wode Bo. Tj. Du. M. wood Ar. Adj. Ra. and] and eke T2. 392. houre Bo. hour Ar. M. Ada. whan] bat Bo. Tj. Du. Lv M. Di. this] the Ra. Ba. I. was] om. Ba. born] Iborn S. 393. deiecte] dyrecte Ej. directe E2. 395. and] and be Bo. Ra. P. 397. sort] force Lj. swart L2. which] bat Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Lb. Ej. T2. P. E2. they Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 398. second his] om. G. 399. helpe it] it helpe" G. 400. whiche Bo. M. which Adx. sore] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Lb. T2. P. gan sore] sore gan Ro. muse] to muse Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Lb. Adj. Ad?. I. T2. P. 402. Agayn Adj. Ayen Bo. M. Ayenste Lb. and gayn G. provide] to provyde Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. T2. 403. Shape] To shape Lv Shapyng Adj. Ad2. I. P. remedy] a remedie Di. to-forn] aforn Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. T2. L2. Ro. beforne Ra. Ba. P. I. be to forn Lb. final Di. 405. moderlys with s underdotted Ar. 406, it] hit Bo. Du. Lb. P. that Ar. bere G. 407. al] om. Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. all the Ad^ I. 408. obeide Bo. obbeied M. obeied Adj. 409. a] om. G. 410. her] she hir Bo. T\. Du. L:. Lb. M. Di. P. 3onge] om. M. Di. sone] childe Du. M. Di. she toke] toke Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. P. 412. To] And Tj. 413. tinge Ar. and 414. kynge Ar (both final e underdotted).

20 The baby Edippus is hung on a tree with holes thru his feet. [PT. I.

They durste not delay if / nor abide, who take him to But to a Forest / that1 stood fer besyde,

a forest to kill J

416

him.

But as he is so beautiful,

they hang him up on a tree, by holes thru his feet.

They took Her wey and faste gan hem spede

The kyngges wille / to parforme in dede,

Havyng1 therof / passyng1 hevynesse.

But whan that1 they / beheelden- the fairnesse 420

Of the Chyld / and excellent* beaute,

In her herte / they hadde grete pyte,

And pleynly cast1 /, among hem was no stryf,

That the child / shulde* han his lif. 424

And anon ful hygh / vpon a tre,

In a place / that no man myght se,

They henge hym vp / the story kan reherce.

But first1 his feet1 / porgh / they gan to perce, 428

And on bowes tendre / tough, and smale,

They knett hym vp / shortly j)is is no tale,

Hym to preserue / from bestys wild1 and Rage.

And after that1 / they* token her viage 432

Toward Thebes / in alle the hast1 they may.

IT But1 of fortune / thilke same day

with her hound es / serchyng vp and doun,

The hunte's went / of kyng1 poliboura 436

Thorgfi the forest* / game forto fynde,

Some aforn / and some / cam behynde,

415. durst Bo. dorst M. Adj. 416. fer] here Bo. TV Du. Lt. Lb. M. Di. T^ P. Eg. In Ra. and Ba. 416 and 417 are missing ; in Ra. abide 415 is altered to a bode to rhyme with in deede 418. 417. Her] the 1^. Ro. faste] fast bei Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. P. gan] gonne M. Di. T2. 420. that] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ba. T2. P. L2. Ro. behelde Bo. M. Ad^ 422. her] om. Di. herte] hertis Lb. P. they hadde] had they M. Di. 424. That] But that L2. the] thys Ap. om. T2. shulde Bo. TV shuld Ar. M. Adj. Ra. shulde han] haue shold M. Di. shulde playnly haue Ro. pleynly shuld haue Ap. 425. And anon] Anone thes seruantis Ro. ful] om. Bo. T\. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. Rj. fylle 1^. fel Ro. hygh] om. 1^. Ro. 426. a] om. TV Du. T2. E2. that] ther I*,, se] it see Bo. T\. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. E2. 427. They henge hym vp] And hynge this childe Ro. 428. ]>orgh] om. M. Di. Ba. gan] gonne M. T2. begonne Di. can Ba. to] om. Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. first M (sic). >orgh they gan] >ei gan borugh Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. T2. P. R2. 430. shortly] om. I. Ej. >is is no] in Ar. these words have been erased, but are still partly legible ; on the erasure is written to make a. bis is] }>is G. thys Ro. om. Lb. no] the Ad2. P. in Lb. 432. that] om. I^. they] om. Ar. G. Adj. Adg. I. Ej. S. Ap.

token] taken Ej. 436. went Ar. Bo. Du. M. Adx. wente Lb. Di. Ra. wenten TV 438. and some] and some ther Ra. Ba. cam] came Lx. Ao^. Ap. camen Tj. com Lb. come Bo. Du. M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. E2.

[leaf 8]

The same day King Polibon's huntsmen

PT. I.] Edippus is adopted ~by King Polibon of Arcady.

21

And gan serch" / and seke wonder sore

Among* the hilles / and the holtes* hore. 440

And as they Reenge / the trenchis by and by,

They herde a noyse / and a pitous cry

Of thys chyld / hangyng1 on the tre ;

And aft att onys / drowe forto se, 444

And lefte not* til* they han hym founde;

And toke hym doune / and his fete vnbounde,

And bare hym horn / vnto Polybou?z,

Kyng1 of Archadye / the famous Regiouw. 448

And whan that1 he / first1 be chyld' gan See,

Of his woundes / he hadde grete pyte,

To beholde / his tender fete / so blede ;

And called hym / Edippus / as I rede,

which is to seyn /, platly this no phage,

Bored the feete / as in that1 langage.

And first1 the kyng1 in his Royal halle* Made his men / an norys for-to calle, This jonge chylde to foster and to kepe With her Milk / that1 he naf ne wepe ; And his leches / he charged ek also,

Til he were Hool / Her deuer forto do : 460

Fully in purpoos* / for the child was fair, After his day / to maken hym his hayr ; For cause only /, who so taketh hede, Sone hadde he noon / be lyne to succede ; 464

hear the boy's cry,

IT How the hun- tys of kyng Poli- boun fonde the chyld in be forest ' and pre- sented hym to be kynge.

take him down and carry him to King Polibon of Arcady,

452 who calls him 'Edippus' = with bored feet,

456 has him nurst and doctord,

and means to make him his heir.

440. the hilles] hilles P. holtes] haltes Ar. G. 441. they] the Ar. renge Adj. rengen Bo. M. 444. drowe] drowe hem Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. E2. Ap. drewe Ro. drow it Adj. Er. S. drowe thedyr Ra. Ba. Ad2. I. 445. til] to Ar. alone. 447. bare hym horn] hym bare home Du. 449. that he first be chyld] bat he he childe first Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. E2. Bo (om. that), bat be childe he first Lx. that] om. Ap. gan] can Ra. Ba. E2. 450. Of] On Ba. Of his woundes] Off his sore woundes forsothe P. he hadde] had he M. Di. 451. so] om. Ro. 453. this] bis is Bo. Tx. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. T2. P. £5. L2. Ap. phage] fage Lb. T2. P. face Ro. 455. halle] alle Ar. 456. an Ar. a Bo. Tj. M. Ra. 458. he] hyt Adj (seems to be altered from he), it Ad2. I. ne] om. Lv Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. P. L2. Ro. nat ne] ne natt Ap. 460. deuer G. Tx. Adj. Ra. devoire Bo. Du. deuoir M. deueir T2. 461. purpoos] propoos Ar. alone, the] bis Bo. Tlt Du. Lb. M. T2. fair] so faire Lj. 462. hayr with h above the line Ar. 463. who so] whos Bo. Ta. Lj. Lb. M. whos so Di.

22 JEdippus grows up proud, and is askt why he is so. [PT. I.

[leaf 8, back]

Edippus grows up proud and

disdainful.

One day a

boy asks him why he's so proud :

And Whether* that1 he had / a wif or noon,

I fynde not / and therfor laf it goon.

H But by processe / of dayes and of ^eeris,

This Edyppus / among1 his pleying1 feeris 468

was in his port1 / passyng1 f ul of pride,

That* non with hy?tt / myght1 in pees abide.

In hertf he was / so Inly Surquydows,

Malencolik1 / and Contrarious, 472

Ful of despyfr / and of hegh disdeyn,

That no wight1 durste* / shortly hym with-seyn ;

Til on a day / he gan with oon debate

To whoom he hadde / specyaly grete hate, 476

Which" of Eancour / and of hasty tene,

As he that1 myght / His pride not1 sustene,

Gan vpon hym / cruelly abrayde,

And vnto hym felly / thus he saide : 480

" wherto," quod he / "artow so proude of port1,

Contrarie also / euer / in oure disport1,

Froward and felle / lastyng1 euere in oon,

As thow were lord / of vs euericfion, 484

And presumestf fully in wyrchyng,

Lik as thow were sone / vnto the kyng,

And descended / of His Eoyal blood ?

465. Whether] Wher Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ex. S. T2. Ap. om. E^ that] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lt. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. a] om. Ra. Ba. 466. not] hit not P. and] om. L2. Ro. Ap. lat] I late Bo. TT. Du. L,. Lb. M. Di. Adj. T.2. P. E2. Ro. Ap. it] om. T2. 467. by] in Tj. of dayes and of Jeeris] by dayes and by yeres Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. 469. in] of P. his] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. 470. myght in pees] in pees myght M. Di. Lj. P L^. Ro. 471. he was] was he M. Di. so] om. S. 472. and] and eke M. Di. T2. 474. durste Di. Ra. durst Ar. dorst Bo. Tj. M. Adj. shortly hym] him shortli Adj. hym] om. Ad2. I. 476. specyaly grete] grete and odyous Ro. 478. might His pride not] might not his pryde Bo. Tj. Du. 1^. Lb. M. Di. T2. Ap. pride myht nat (his om.) Ra. Ba. Adj. Ad^. I. S. myght not his pres P. 479. cruelly] cruly Lj. truely Ej. abrayde] to abrayde Bo. T,. Du. La. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. E2. abrayde] obreide Adj. chied Ad2. chide I. 480. vnto] to Bo. TI. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ba. L2. Ro. yet to Ad2. I. felly] fully T2. felly thus] thus felly P. 481. artow Ar. Bo. TJ. M. Ra. ertow Adj. art thow Lb. arthow T2. ar tow Du. 485. presumest fully] fully presumest Bo. alone. wyrchyng Ar. werching T2. I. worching Adj. Ad^- Ej. S. werking G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lr M. Di. Ra. Ba. P. E2. Ro. Ap. workyng Lb. 1^. 486. vnto the] vnto oure Bo. Ra. to the I. to a Lb.

PT. I.] Edippus asks King Polibon if he is a King's son. 23

He's not the king's son, but was found in a forest, and should be humble.

[leaf 9]

Edippus is taken aback by this,

But wher so be / thow be wroth or wood, 488

Thow art* no thing /, and thow list take hede,

Appartenyng1 / vnto his kynrede,

But* in a Forest1 / founden and vnknowe,

whan thow were jonge /. therfor bere the lowe ! 492

And vttrely* remembre, $if the lysf,

Thy byrtfi and blood / ar bothe two vnwistf.

This the fyne / shortly / of my tale.

"Wherwith Edippus / gan to wexe* pale, 496

And chaunge also cheer and contenaimce, And gan a-point / in his* remembraunce Word be word / and forgat* right1 no^t1, And felly / mused* / in his owne tho^f, 500

And cast* he wold / with-oute more tarying1 The trouth enquere / of polibouw the kyng1. And whan he saugh / opportune space, And the kyng1 / in a* sycre place, 504

He hym bysoghte / lowly on his kne ' To his request* // benignely* to se, And that he wolde / pleynly / and not1 spare Of his byrtfi / the trewe ground* declare, 508

And make hym sure / of this thyng1 anon ^if he were / his verrey sone or non.

488. But]om. Lj. wher] whether Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. E2. whe her that L!. T2. so be] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. so Ad2. 1. E^ so euer P. thow be] thou Ba. S. L2. 489. and] if Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. E2. thow] >e Adx. Ba. E2. take] to take Ra. 490. kyngrede Ar (g under dotted). After his, Ar. has a second pause-bar. 493. vttrely] vntrely Ar. wittirly Ra. wittrely Ba. remembre] remembre bee Bo. Tj. Du. 1^. Lb. M. Di. S. T2. P. £3. the lyst] bou list La. M. Di. Ra. Ro. 494. and] or Lx. ar bothe two] bothe two am M. Di. ar] om. Lb. two] om. P. 495. This] This is Tj. Du. Lv Lb. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. Lo,. Ro. 496. Edippus] Egippus Ar. wexe Di. Ad2. I. waxe Bo. M. wex Ar. G. Adv 498. gan] gan to Di. T.2. M (tapoynte). a-point] pointe T2. apeinte E2. his] her Ar. G. 498 om. Ba. "499. forgat] foryeteth Lb. fey tied Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. 500. mused] musen Ar. G. Ro. Ap. to muse Adj. Ad^ I. Ej. S. his owne] this and aboue E2. 503. opportune] oportune and L2. Ro. tyme and oportune Lb. In Ra. 1. 503 is perfectly legible (= Ar.), but a later hand has struck through the whole line and written in the margin : and whan yat he had found convenient space. 504. a] om. Ar. G. Ra. Adj. Ad2. I. secre Bo. M. secreet Adj. secrete G. 504 om. Ba. 506. benignely] benignly Ar. G. Du. beningly Adj. Ad2. I. T2. Ro. Ap. 508. trewe Bo. trew M. the trewe ground] the trewe troube Ar. G. Ej. be soth trouthe Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S (sothe undcrdotted by Stow), the treuthe Ro. declare] to declare Lj. Adr Ad^. I. S. Ro. 510. Ar. has a second pause-bar after verrey.

and asks King

Polibon

to tell him about

his birth and

whether he is the

king's son.

24 King Polibon tells Edippus how he was found on a tree. [FT. I.

He conjures Polibon to hide nothing.

So King Polibon tells Edippus how he was found, but that he' 11 one day be King of the Realm.

[leaf 8, back]

Edippus goes to a Temple of Apollo, .

If And Polyboiw / only of gentilles, whan he heheeld / the grete hevynesse Of Edippus / and the wooful peyne, he gan dissimule / and in manere feyne, lik as he had be / verrely his heyre. But1 mor and mor / he falleth in dispeir, And doune on knees / eff a-geyn gan falle, Hym coniuring1 / be the goddes alle To telle trouth / and no thyng1 to hide ; AfFermyng1 ek / he wolde* naf abide Longer with" hym / but1 ryden and enquere, Til tyme he may / the verrey sothe lere In eny part' of hap or of fortune.

And for that1 he / was so inportune In his desire, the kyng1 with-outf abood Ceriously / tolde hym* how if stood, In a Forest1 first / how he* was founde Vpon a tre / be the feet ybounde, And how he caste, in conclusions, To make hym kyng / of that* regiour< Aftere his day / shortly forto telle.

But1 Edippus / wil no lenger dwelle, But1 took lieve / and in hast1 gan ryde To a temple / faste ther be-syde

512

516

520

524

528

532

512. grete Bo. gret M. Adj. 513 — 1130 lost in Ro. 514. in manere] a raaner Bo. TV T2. in a maner Du. Lj. Di. Lb. E2. Ap. manar S. 515. as] om. Ra. Ba. verrely] om. Bo. verry T2. 517. doune on knees eft a-geyn] doune ayen efte on his knees P. doun ayen oft on knees T2. doune ayen on knees E2. doun on knees after ayen 1^. ; dovne eft on knees Bo. TV Du. Iq. Lb. M. doun ofte on knees Di. doun on k[n]ees efte he Adj. Ad2. I. S. down on knees he eft Ra. Ba. (these last thirteen MSS. om. ageyn). gan] gan Edippus Lj. 520. eke Bo. TV M. wolde Lb. Di. Ra. wold Ar. Bo. M. Adj. 521. riden Ra. Adj. ride Bo. TV Lb. M. 522. soth Bo. TV M. Adj. sothe Ra. 523. In] And L,. eny] euery P. Ad2. I. part] partye Ad2. I. of hap] or hap Bo. or of] or Ra. Ba. Adj. Ad2. 526. Ceriously] Curteysly P. hym] om. Ar. G. Ra. Ba. Ex. Lg. Ap. how] hov that Adj. Ad2. I. 527. first] om. L:. P. first how he] hou first he Du. how] hou bat Adj. Ad2. I. P. he] it Ar (from 1. 526). 528. ybounde] bounde Bo. TV Du. L!- Lb. M. Di. T2. 529. And] An Ar. caste in Ar. first written cast1 with a very long tag, then e added on the tag. 531. his] this S. forto] to Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. 532. Edippus] Egippus Ar. wil] wolde S. T2. Lg. E2. Ap. dwelle] ther dwell L,. 533, in hast gan] fast gan to Adx. Ad2. I. 534. fast Bo. faste M. Lb.

PT. I.] Edippus asks Apollo's fiend who he is, & is sent to Thebes. 25

whose statue is in a chariot of gold,

but an unclean spirit is inside it.

Edippus prays to be told of what kin he is.

Of Appollo / in storie as is tolde,

Whos statue / stood / in a char of golde 536

On* wheles four / boornyd bright and shene;

And with-In a spirit / ful vnclene,

Be fraude only / and fals collusiourc,

Answere gaf / to euery question??, 540

Bryngyng1 the puple in ful gret1 enow,

Such as to hym dyden fals honowr

Be Rytys vse'd in the olde dawes

Aftere custome / of paganysmes* lawes. 544

And Edyppus / with ful humble chere,

To Appollo make'd His preiere,

Besechyng1 hym on his knees lowe,

Be some signe / that1 he myghte knowe, 548

Thorg1 Evidence Shortly comprehendyd,

Of what1 kynrede / that1 he was discendyd.

U And whan Edyppus be gret* deuociouw,

Fynysshed hath / fully his orysouw, 552

The fend* anon / with-Innen Invisybte,

With a vois dredful and horrible,

Bad hym in hast1 / taken his viage

Toward? Thebes / wher of his lynage 556

He here'n shal / and be certefied.

And on his way / anon he hajj hym hyed, by hasty lourne / so his hors constreyned

535. is] it is Bo. T:. Du. LJ. Lb. M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra (it crossed out by a later hand). Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. 537. On] Of Ar. G. S. And Lb. and] as golde P.

538. with-In] ther with-yn M. Di. T2. yn hit Adj. Ad2. I. ful] right Lb.

539. collusioun] conclusion S. illusion Bo. Ta. Du. 1*. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. E2. 542. dyden Ar. EJ. diden Bo. Tx. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. deden Lb. T2. dydden P. did Lj. S. E2. L2. dyd Ap. fals] om. Bo. Ad2. I. the false P. 544. custome] be custume Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. G. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. T2. E2. the customs P. paganysme Ar. G. Ap. (see Notes), paganymes Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ej. S. T2. E2. paganyes Ra. Pagayns Ba. paganis P. paynemis L2. 546. To] Vnto Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2. maked Ar. M. Adi. made Bo. Du. maade Ra. maad Tj. maketh G. 547. lowe] ful lowe Ra. 548. that] om. Adj. might Bo. M. Adj. Ra. 549. comprehendit Bo. Du. M. Adj. 550. kynred Bo. M. Adj. kynrede Ra. descendit Bo. Du. M. Adj. 553. The fend] The finde T2. He fond Ar. S. Adj. He founde Ej. Ad2. I. He herde Ra. Ba. anon] a soun Ra. Ba. with-Innen Ar. Adj. S. Ap. withynne Ra. withyn Bo. and the rest, except Edj. that has wymmen. anon with-Innen] with-yn anon M. Di. 554. With a vois] That was both Ra. Ba. 555. haste Bo. M. Adj. taken Adj. take Bo. M.

The invisible Fiend

bids him go to Thebes and there learn his lineage.

26 At a tournay, Edippus unknowingly kills his father Lay us. [PT. I.

[leaf io]

e day j til he haj> atteyned

Vnto* a castel

where his un- known father, King Layus, is holding a Tour- nament.

560

/ and wel aboute walled,

Adiacent1 / be syyt1 of the centre

And pMeynent1* to Thebes the Cyte : 564

IT kyng1 Layvs / beyng1 ther present, \

For-to holde a maner tornemenf

With" his knyghtes / ^ong1 and coraious, 1

And otb.er folkes / that1 were desyrous 568

To preue hem-silf /, shortly for-to telle,

Who by force / other* myght1 excelle,

Or gete a name / thorgh his hegh" prouesse.

Euerich of hem / dyd his bysynesse 572

On hors-bak / and also ek on foote,

Al be that1 some founde ful vnsoote,

Eather a pley of werre' / than of pees ;

Wher Edyppus put hym-silf in prees, 576

As he that1 was / ay redy to debat1,

Enforsyng hym / to entren at the gate, l?h hiffeder of MauSre aH tho / that* hym wolde* lette. £teLUnce at *" ^ And in the Pres / of aventure he mette 580

Kyng1 layvs / and cruelly hym slogh,

Thow the story / writ1 not1 the maner howh",

Ne no wight1 can / of alle the companye

560. hab] haue Lb. hath hym Ra. 561. Vnto a] Vnta Ar. ycalled] called Tj. Di. T2. is called Lg. 562. aboute walled] aboute I-walled Ba. S. aboue iwalled E2. 563. syyt Ar. syet Bo. Tx. M. Di. syght G. sight Ej. T2. L^ cyyt Adj. ryite Ad2. right I. side Lj. the] that M. Di. Adj. Ad^. I. In Ra. 1. 563 reads Wele I-stuffid of al thyng plentye (= Ba.). 564. perteynent Ra. Ej. perceynent Ar. G. parteynent S. pertenent Ba. pertinent Adj. Ad2. I. Ap. apperteinent E2. appertenente T2 P. appertynent Lg. aperteynynge Lj. appar- teynyngTj. Lb. Di. appertenyng Bo. Du. M. 567. corageus Bo. corayus M. curious Adj. Ad2. I. 568. folkes Ar. G. 1^. Ap. folke or folk the rest. 569. preue Lb. La. Ad2. L2. proue Bo. Tj. Du. Adj. Ra. T2. 570. Who] Who that £2. other] oyther Ar. other myght] might other Lj. Ra. Ba. 572. Euerich] eche Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. his] here Lb. 573. also ek] eke also M. also] om. F^. ek] om. Lj. Lb. Di. 574. Al be that] And al be that Ra. Al be hit >at P. Albe though Lb. And by that L2. founde] founde it Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. P. E2. Ap. (see Notes). ful] al Bo. Tj. Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. sor Lj. sone L2. om. Lb. M. Di. 575. pley] pleyer Ar. 577. he] om. Tj. ay] om. Di. Ad2. I. P. 578. entren Bo. Adj. entre M. 579. all tho] all hem T2. of tho Bo. of all thoo Ba. wolde Bo. wold Ar. M. hym wolde] wold him Adj. Ad2. I. S. 582. bogh Bo. though Du. 583. In AT. a pause-bar also after wight.

PT. I.] King Lay us is buried. SJdippus goes on to Thebes.

27

Edippus with- draws in haste.

Be no signe / verrely espye 584

By whos hond / that* the kyng1 was slawe ;

For Edyppus in hast* / gan hym with-drawe

And kept1 hym Coy / of entencioim.

Gref was the noyse / and the pitous soun 588

In the Castel / for slaughter of the kyng1,

Dooel and compleynt / sorowe and wepyng1.

IT But1 for they segh / hevynesse and thoght1 [leaf 10, back]

Ageynes deth • vayleth lit or noghfrj 592

They ordeyne with Ryytys ful Eoyal

For the feste / called / Funeral.

And lik the custom / of the daye's olde,

The corps they brent1 / into asshes colde, 596

And in a vessel / rounde, mad as a bal,

They closed hem in gold and in metal.

And after that did her bysy Cure

In Thebes to make a sepulture, 600

And richely, hem list no lenger lette,

The asshen dide* they enclose and shette.

Of this matere / ther ys* no mor to seyn. But to Edippus / I wil retowme ageyn, 604

Which" hym enhastej) / ay fro day to day Towardes Thebes / in al that1 euere he may, Brennyng in herte / hoot1 as eny fire,

The fyn to knowe / of his fatal desire. 608

IT But, for that he failed / of a Guyde, Out1 of his way / he wente fer be-side,

584. verrely] it verreili Adj. Ra. Ba. T2. E2. P. verily it S. even verily Ad2. I. 586. in hast gan hym] gan hym in hast E2. L2. gan in haste P. in hast] om. Du. with-drawe] to withdrawe Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. T2. S. drawe Ap. 589. slaughter] the skitter Di. 592. Ageynes Ar. G. ageynys Ap. ageyns Bo.

Tj. ayens M. Ageinst Adj. Ej. Ayenst Lb. vayleth] auaileth Du. LJ. M. Di. T2. P. E2. L2. lit Ar. G. lite Bo. E2. 1^. light Lb. litel Tj. Du. LJ. M. Di. Ada. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. Ap. 593. rightes Bo. 594. fest Bo. feste Du. Adj. 596. cors Bo. M. Adj. In Ar. is an underdotted p between they and brent. 599. after that] aftreward Du. 601 and 602 om. in Ad2. I. 602. diden Ra. dide M. Tj. Du. dede Adj. did Ar. Bo. 603. ys] nys Ar. 604. retourne] turne G. Bo. Tj. Du. LJ. Lb. M. Di. Adj. AcL,. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. wil] om. P. 605. ay] om. Du. 606. Towardes Ar. G. Toward Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Adj. in al that euere] in al ]>e hast Adj. Ad2. I. he] om. S. euere he] euereche G. 607. hert Bo. M. Adj. 609. that] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. 610. went Bo. M. Adj.

King Layus's corpse is burnt, and the ashes put in a vessel of gold.

King Layus's ashes are put in a shrine.

Edippua jour- neys in haste towards Thebes.

28 Edippus passes the hill of the Sphinx, a cruel monster. [PT. I.

f The descnp- ciou/i of the foule Monstre.

[leaf 11]

f How Edippus Thorgh a wylde / and a waast contre,

passed by the

Kyii wher the j>y a m0untevn / that1 stood vpon the see, 612

monsnv lay tnat J * I

Spyiuflled Wher that* monstres / of many dyuers kynde

Were conuersaunfr / in story as I fynde ; Amonges* which / sothly ther was on, So Inly cruel / that* no man durst1 gon, 616

For drede of deth / forby that passage. This monstre was so mortal in his rage, which hadde also /, be descn'pciowi, Body and feet1 / of a fers lyouw ; 620

And lik a mayde in soth was hede and face, Eel of his look / and cruel to manace, And odyous of countenaurcce and sight ; IT And as I rede /, Spynx / this moustre highf, 624

Wors than Tygre / dragon / or serpent1. And I suppose / by enchauwtemenfr He was ordeyned / on the hyl tabyde, To sleen aH tho / that1 passeden be-syde, 628

And specially / aH that1 diden* fayle To expowne / his mysty dyvynaile, His problem ek / in wordes pleyn and bare With-oute avys / opynly to* declare, 632

Or with the lif / he myghte not1 eskape. This verray soth" platly and no lape. IF And }if that1 he, be declaraciouw,

3af ther-vpon / cleer exposicknm, 636

He shuld in hast / there was non o]>er mene,

615. Amonge Lb. E-,. Among Ar. and the rest. 615 — 726 lost in Tr 617. forby] forthby Lb. M. T2. P. E2. sothly Di. 619. Ar. has a pause-bar also between hadde and also. 622. Fel] Full P. to] of Di. to his Ad2. I. 623. odyous] hidious Lb. sight] of sight Bo. Du. La. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. 624. I] om. G. 626. by] >at by Du. Adj. Ad^. I. be somme T2r that bi some Lb. bat it be Bo. L,. 627. tabyde G. Adj. to abyde Bo. M. 628. tho] om. T2. Ap. passeden] passid Lj. T2. P. L2. passen Adj. Ad2. I. passeth Lb. be-syde] forthe besyde Lb. T2. per beside P. L2. him beside Ba. 629. diden M. Di. Adj. T2. deden S. dide Du. dede G. did Ar. Bo. Lb. 632. avys] a mysse Ej. opynly] plemly T2. P. fully E2. to] om. Ar. G. Ej. L2. Ap. 633. he] om. G. might Bo. Ad^ Ra. myghty M. 634. This] bis is Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. E!- S. P. E2. L2. The Di. soth Bo. Ada. sothe M. Ra. soth] sothe is Ad2. platly] om. 1^. pleynly Ra. Ba. P. E2. shortly T2. 633 and 634 are transposed in Adj. Ad2. I. 636. Jaf jif G.

The Sphinx slays all passers- by who can't solve the Pro- blem he sets them.

PT. I.] The Sphinx sets Edippus a hard Problem to solve. 29

Sleen this monstre / for al his cruel tene. Ther may of mercy / be / non oper graimte.

But1 of al this Edyppus ignorauwte, 640

This dredful hiH / stondyng on a roche, Er he was war / gan ful nygh" approche, More perilous platly / than he wende. And sodeynly / the monster* gan* descende, 644

To stoppen his way / and letten his passage, Thus abraydyng1 • with a fel corage : IT " I haue in herte Inly gret1 disport1 That1 fortune / hap broghtf the to my sort1, 648

To make a preef* / 3if thow mayst endure, The fatal ende / of this auenture, Set1 at1 a fyn / sothly be daie's olde." And by and by / al the caas hym tolde, 652

Charging1 hym to be wel war and wise, Gete the palme / and bere away the pryse Touchyug1 this thyng1 / sette a-twene vs tweyn, with lyf or deth / which we shal dareyfi. 656

IT And this Monstre / with a despitous chere his problem gan / thus as ^e shal here. IT "Ther is a beest1 merveilous to se, The which" in soth" at1 his natiuyte 660

Is of his mygh.fr / so tender and so grene, That he may hym-silue * nat1 sustene Vpon his fete / thogh he hadde it sworn, But ^if that1 he / be / of his moder born. 664

Edippus is stopt by the Monster, the Sphinx, and charged to solve the Problem he'll be set.

[leaf 11, back]

f Of the problem that Spynx putte to Edippus.

'There's an animal which, at its birth, can't walk.

638. slee Bo. M. 640. of] for Du. Lb. Ra. Ej. 642. er Bo. Lb. or

M. 644. monster] moyster Ar. gan] can Ar. 645. stoppen. letten Bo. Du. M. Ada. stoppyn. letten Lb. stoppyn. lettyn Ea. stoppe. let 1^. 646. Thus] This M. Di. abraydyng] obreidinge Adj. Ad2. I. fel] full P. E2. corage] rage T2. 647. I haue] Seide I haue T2. E2. And seyde I haue P. in herte] in my herte P. I haue in herte] In hert I haue Bo. in herte Inly] inly in hert Ad2. I. Inly] cwi. P. 648. ha]> broght the] hath the broght M. Di. the] om. G. P. 649. a preef] a preest Ar. G. Ad:. Ej. S. 651. sothly] oonly Di. 653. wel] om. L2. 655. a-twene vs] at Ad2. I. 656. or] and G. Ad2. I. which] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 658. gan] bigan Lb. thus] om. Lb. T2. like P. Je shal] yee shul Bo. Lb. Di. T2. P. E2. 659. beest Bo. best M. Ad^ 661. Is] As Bo. 662. hymsilue, of. 710. hymselue Lb. hymselfe Lj. Ra. P. hymsilf Ar. himself Bo. M. Adj. hymsilf nat Ar. T2. E2. L2. Ap. not himself Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. G. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. not hymselfe not P. 664. jif] om. M. Di.

30 The Sphinx's Problem. Edippus denounces the Sphinx. [PT. I.

Then it goes on 4 feet ;

then on 3 ; at last on 2.

Then on 3 again, then on 4,

and finally goes back to the matter it came from.

Solve this, or die.'

Edippus thought over the puzzle,

And afterward.ee / be processe of age,

On foure fete / he make]) his passage ;

After on thre / if I shal not feyne,

And alderlast / he go)) vpright1 on tweyne ; 668

Dyuers of port1 / and wonderful of cherys :

Til, be length / of many sondry ^eeres,

Naturely / he goth ajeyn on thre,

And sith" on foure, it may non oj)er be, 672

And Fynaly / this the trouthe* pleyn,

he retourneth / kyndely ageyn

To the matere / which that* he kam fro.

1T loo / her is al /. my problem is I-do. 676

Muse her-vpon / with-oute werre or stryff

It to declare / or ellis lese thy lyff."

And whan Edyppus / gan this Jnng aduerte, Wei assured in his manly herte, 680

Gan in his wyttt cerchen vp and doun, And of prudence / cast1 in his resouw, Be grete avis / what* thyng this may be ; Seyng also / that1 he may not1 flee, 684

and how ther was / counsel noon ne rede, But* telle trouth / or ellys to be dede.

And be ful good / deliberaciouw

Thus he answerd / in conclusiou?*, 688

' Thowe Spynx ' quod he / ' fals and fraudulent1 ! Thow foule* Monstre / thow dragon, thow serpent1! which" on this hyl / lich as I conceyve, lyst in a-waite / folke's to deceyue, 692

665. aftrewardes Bo. afterward M. Adj. 668. vpright] vpritht Ar. vp-rygh G. 671. Naturely Bo. M. Naturelly Adj. namely Ad2. I. 672. sith] om. Bo. efte P. it] as P. 673. this] }>is is Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. P. E2. La- Ap. trouthe Lb. M. Adj. trouth Ar. Bo. 675. which] om. P. that] om. G. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. Ap. 676. is I-do Ar. G. P. is do Di. Ap. do (om. is) Bo. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. L2. Lo here my

grobleme, is all ido E2. In Ar. a third paiise-bar after problem. 677. without o. withoute M. Adj. 679. gan] can E2. 681. his] om. G. 684. also] allone Di. may] might T2. Ap. not] om. Du. 685. and] om. G. was] nas Ad2. counsel] om. L^. noon] om. Adx. Ad2. I. ne] nor M. Ra. Ej. Ap. o)>er La. to Bo. Du. and I. 686. telle] to telle Du. 688. Thus] This Lb. answerd Bo. M. Adj. Ra. answered Lb. answerid Di. 690. foule] vyle Ar. G. La. Ap. (see Notes'). 691. which Ar. Ap. L2. That Bo. and the rest.

[leafl 2 J

then cald the Sphinx a foul murdering Monster,

PT. I.] Edippus solves the Problem the Sphinx set him.

But1 truste wel / for al thy sleghty wit1, Thy false* fraud e / shal anon be qwyt. Me list not1 nowe whisper neither rowne, But" thy problem / I shal anoii expowne So opynly / thow shalt1 not1 go ther-fro. loo ! this it1 is /. tak good hede therto ! IT Thilke* best1 thow spak of herto-forn, Is euery man / in this world yborn, Which may not1 gon / his lyme's be so softe, Bot1 as his moder / bereth hym alofte In her armes / whan he doth crye or* wepe. And after that1 / he gynneth forto crepe On foure'* feefr in his tendre ^outh, Bexperience / as it1 is ofte kouth, A-forn yrekned / his honde's bothe* two. And by processe / thow mayst consider also With his two fete / for al thy felle tene, He hath a staf / hym-seluen to sustene, And than he goth / shortly vpon thre. And alther-last / as if most nede's be, Voyding1 his staf / he walkej) vpon tweyn : Til it so be / thorgh age / he atteyfi, That1 lust1 of ^outhe wasted be and spent1; Than in his hond / he taketh a potent1, And on thre feet / thus he goth ageyn,

and solvd its Problem.

H How Edippus expounded the problem that Spynx put to hym.

700

every man, who can't walk as a babe, but is carried,

704

708

/rip ' -1"

then on 3, his 2 feet and a stick,

then on 2 feet only.

[leaf 12, back] When he gets older, he takes a staff again, or goes on three feet ;

694. fals Ar. Bo. M. Ad:. 695. In Ar. the pause-bar, in Bo. the high point is put after whisper. 697 in the rubric Egippus. 698. this] thus Ej. it is] is it Ra. Ba. take Bo. M. Adj. tak good hede therto] make goode chere too Ba. thou shalt not goo therfro (repeated from 697) Di. 699. Thilke Bo. Lb. Adj. Thilk Ar. M. This Du. 699 om. Ba. thow] jjat thou L:. herto-forn Ar. G. Lb. E2. Ap. here beforn Bo. Du. M. Di. Adj (er bifern). Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. T2. P. beforn Lx. to-forn L2. 700. worlde Bo. Du. Lb. M. world Adj. T2. yborn] born Bo. Du. Llm Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ex. S. T2. P. 702. alofte] vp alofte Adx. Ad2. I. on lofte Ra. Ba. Lb. 703. or] and Ar. G. Lb. Di. 705. On] On his Adj. Ad2. I. foure Bo. M. Adx. four Ar. 706. Pexperience mis- written Ar. By experience Bo. M. Adj. oft Bo. ofte M. Adj. 707. bothe Lj. M. Adr both Ar. Du. bothe] om. Bo. ben Lb. 709. his] om. Adj. Ad2. I. fel Bo. Du. felle] cruel M. Di. 710. him-selueu Bo. Adj. him-self M. Du. 711. he goth] goth he M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 712. as] om. Ra. it] om. Adj. Ad2. I. most (must)] mot Adj. Ad2. I. Di. 714. thorgh] to Ra.

that Ba. he] bat he Bo. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. S. 717. thre] his Adj. Ad2. I. thus] om. P. he goth] goth he M. Di. Adj. Ad2.

32 Edippus has solved the Problem and will kill the Sphinx. [PT. i.

and at last he crawls on all fours like a child.

When he dies, he goes back to earth.

So your Problem is solved,

and I shall at once kill you.'

I dar afferme / thow maisf it1 not* withseyn, And sone aftere / thorgh his vnweldy myght, By influence / of naturys right1, 720

Bexperience / as ewery man may knowe, Lich a child? / on foure he crepeth" lowe. And for he may no whyle* here soiourne, To erth" ageyn / he most1 in hast* reto?«-ne, 724

Which" he kam fro /, he may it* not1 remewe*. For in this world / no man may eschewe, This verray soth / shortly and no doute, Whan the wheel of kynde cometh aboute, 728

And naturely hath his cours y-Ronne Be circuete / as doth" the shene sonne, That1 man and chyldf / of hegh and lowe estat1, It1 geyneth nat* / to make / mor debat*, 732

His tyme sette / that1 he moste* fyne, Whan Autropos / of malice doth vntwyne His lyve's thred / by Cloto first compowned. Loo / her thy problem / fully is expowned, 736

At1 oure metynge / as I took on honde, To the lawe / that1 thow most nede's stonde And in al hast / of myn hondes deye, But of reson / thow can if ought* withseye.' 740

And so this Spynx / awapyd and amaaf ,

718. dar] dar it Bo. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. maist it] racist Bo. Lb. Ra. it not] not it G. M. Ba. ; in P. I. 718 is: I dar seyne hit ma} not be withseyn. withseyn] withstoude Lx. 721. By experience Bo. M. Ada. 722. lowe] a lowe Du. 723. while Bo. wile Adj. whyl Ar. no whyle here] here no while Bo. Du. M. Adj. 724. in hast] om. Ra. Ba. S. ageyn he most in hast] in hast he must ageyn Lj. in soth he must ageiii Adj. Adg. I. ayen he nmste ayen P. 725. renewe Ar. G. Du. Lx. Lb. S. renue Adt. Ej. T2. remewe Di. Ra. Ba. P. E2. L^ remue Bo. M. remme Ap. rewe Ad2. I. 726. worde Bo. world M. Adj. " 729. y-ronne Bo. Adj. ronne Du. M. Di. 730. circuite Bo. circuyt M. Adj. 732. make Bo. mak Ad^ mor] no G. with him Ad^ Ad^ I. 733. sette] ysette P. is sett Ra. Ba. Ad2. he] om. T2. moste Lb. Di. most Ar. M. Adj. must Bo. Ta. 735. lyves] lyf is Bo. Tj. lyff ys Du. lyffe his Lj. first] om. Ra. Ba. 738. that] om. Bo. Tt. Du. L,. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 740. But] For E^ om. Ad2. I. can] canst L,. Adj. Ad2. 1. Ra. Ba. T2. E2. om. P. ought] owt Lb. oute Ra. not Ad2. I. P. E2. om. Ba. 741. so] thoo T2. P. 1^- Ap. om. £3. amaat] al mat Adj. Ada. !• awapyd and amaat] dismayed and dissolaat Lb. (cp. 742).

PT. I.] Having killd the Sphinx, Edippus reaches Thebes. 33

744 Edippus cuts the Sphinx's head

748

752

756

760

764

[leaf 18]

is well reoeivd at Thebes,

and as the Thebans have only a Queen.

Stood / disamayed / and dysconsolaaf,

With Chier doune-casf / Muet, pale, and ded.

And Edippus anofi smote of the hed

Of this fende / stynkyng1 and vnswete,

And the Contre sette holy in quyete ;

Wherby he hath / such a pris ywonne

That his fame is euery cost1 yronne

Thorgh al the londe / that1 he the monstre hath slawe.

And lyne-right / to Thebes he gan drawe, Wei receyued / for his worthynesse, For his manhode / and his grete* prouesse. And for they segh / he was a semly knyght1, Wei fauoured / in euery ma?znys sight1, And sawh also Thebes the myghty toun, Not1 only they / but al the Eegioun, Wereri destitut / of a gouernoMr, A^eynsf her foon / hauyng* no socour Hem to defende* / but* the queue allon ; Among1 hem-self / makyng1 ful gret mon, For heire was non / as bookes specifie, The Sceptre / or crowne forto occupie : For which the lordes aH be on assent with-Inne the toun / set* a parlemenf , Shortly concludyng / if if myghte ben,

742. disamayed] dismayde Bo. Tj. Lx. Lb. M. Di. P. L%. Ap. all dismaide T2. E2 Ad.2. !• dysconsolaat] dissolaat Eb. desolate P. 743. Muet] om. G. Muet pale and ded] hevy as any lede T2. P. E2. fully dysmaide L>. 744. the] his Bo. L2. Ba. 746. sette holy] holy sette M. Di. T2. holy]"onely Ad2. I. 747. Wherby] "Where Adj. Ad2. I. 748. is euery cost] is in euery cost LJ. M. Di. is in-to e. c. Ad2. 1. euery cost is LQ. Ap. in euery cost is T2. P. E0. yronne] ronne Tj. Lj. M. Di. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. 749. Thorgh] In T2. That ttiurgh P. al] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. that he the monstre hath] >at he hath >e monstre Bo. Tj. >at the monstre was T2. E2 (this for the), the monstre was P. pat J>e monstre is Adj. Ad2. I. 750. And] and as Bo. gan] gan him Bo. Tj. Du. L3. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ra. S. began Ad2. I. drawe] to drawe Ad2. I. Ap. he gan drawe] worthynes Ba (the end of 750 and the whole of 751, except the rhyme-word, om.).

752. grete] om. G. Adlt Ad.2. I. P. E2. rijt Ar. Ra. Ba. EV S. high T2. L2. Ap.

753. sye Bo. M. Adx. a] om. T2. semly] manful M. Di. manly Ba. 754. favoured] y-favored P. euery] eche M. Di. 755. sawe Bo. M. sawh also] also saugh Adj. Ad2. I. se also Lx. 757. weren Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. Ej. were Lj. and the rest. 759. defende Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. defend Ar. 761. heire] there Ad2. I. Ej. S. 762. or] and T2. P. E2. crowne] the crowne Ad0. L.,. forto] to M. Di. Ado. S. P. Eo. L.,. 764. with-Inne] whiche in Bo. 765". might Bo. M. Adj.

THEBES. D

34 Incestuous Marriage is against G-od's Law & ruins folk. [PT. I. they resolve to Prudently to trete with the quene,

ask her to wed *

makpephfinamng. Namely they / that helde hem-silf most sage,

To condescende / be way of Mariage, 768

She to be loyned to this manly knyght,

Passing prudent1 / and famous ek of myght,

Most likly man /, as they can discerne,

The worthy Cyte / to kepen and gouerne. 772

And thorgh counsayl / of the lorde's alle

To her desyre / pleynly / she is falle,

And accorded / with-oute mor tarying,

That of Thebes / Edippus shal be kyng*, 776

[leaf is, back] By ful assent /, was non that* seide* nay.

And tyme set1 / ageyn a certeyn day

Among1 hem-silf / and finaly devysed,

The weddyng1 was / in Thebes solempnyzed 780

Edippus marries Ful W^Yi which nede's most vnthryve, kt>wtag1tr; not Only for he his moder / toke to wy ve,

Vmvist1 of bothe * / he was of her blode,

And ignoraunt /, shortly, how it stode, 784

or that he'd slain That he to-forn hadde his fadere slawe,

his Father.

For which this weddyng1 was ageyn the lawe. God win not And to-for god / is neiber feire ne good.

that blood

touch blood. Nor acceptable / blood to touche blood : 788

Whicfi cause hath ben of gret confusioun In many londe / and many Kegyouw, Grounde and roote / of vnhap and meschaunce,

it leads to The fyn concludyng / alway with vengeaunce, 792

disaster.

As men han seie / by cleer experience ;

766. trete Bo. M. Adj. 767. sage] age G. 769. manly] famous Adv Ad2. 1. om. S. 772. to] om. Adj. kepen Bo. Adj. kepe M. gouerne] to gouerne M. 1*2- 775. taryinge Ar (e underdotted). tareyng Bo. M. tariyng Adj. 777. seide Tx. M. Lb. Ra. seid Ar. Bo. Adj. 781. rialy Bo. M. Roialli Ad3. needis Bo. uedus Adj. 782. he his moder toke] he tok his moder Adj. Ad2. I. 783. bothe Tj. Du. M. Adj. Ra. Ap. both Ar. Bo. Lj. Lb. bothyn 1^. 784. how] hou >at Adv Ad2. I. 785. to-forn Ar. tofore Bo. M. 785 — 788 are missing in Adj. Adg. I. 786. For which] Wherfor M. Di. For which thing Ba. this] >e Di. om. Ba. 790. londe and many] londis and Ad2. I. 792. concludyng alway] alway concludyng G. Ad2. I. 793. seie Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Adx. Ap. seyn L\. Ra. E2. seyen T^ seyne L2- see Ad2. I. seen M. Di. Ej. S. P.

FT. L] Edippus, tho' sinning in ignorance, VMS yuniskt.

35

Herod took his

brother s wife,

thru which

John the Baptist

lost his head. Beware, then,

And holy writ1 / recordeth in sentence How herodes / falsly in his lyff

By violence toke his brother wyf, 796

For she was faire / and plesaunt1 to his sight, And kepte her stille / be force* / Jjorgh his myght, Al be to her1* / he hadde / title noil ; And for her sake / the holy man seynt1 lofin 800

For his trouth / in prison lost1 his hede. Therfor I rede / enery man take hede, Wherso he be Prynce, lorde, or kyng, That he be* war teschewe such weddyng, 804

Er that1 the swerde / of vengeauwce l\ym inanace, lest he lese / hap, fortune, and grace ; Takyng ensample / in al manere thynge Of Edyppus / in Thebes crowned kyng1 ; 808

J rj

Al be that1 he wroght1 of ignomtnee,

Ful derk and blynde / of his woful chau?zce.

And jif vnwist1 / he of Innocence,

As 36 han herde, fil in such offence, 812

For which" he was punished* and brought1 lowe,

What* ar* they worthy that1 her errowr knowe,

And fro the knotte / list1 not1 to abstene

Of such spousale / to god and man vnclene 1 816

I can not1 seyn / nor mor therof devise.

Derueth ^our-silf that1 prudent1 ben and wise,

» i T7-J- /T.J.-U _,- j •

And .Ldippus / hath among1 m mynde,

794. recordeth] recordeth it Bo. Tt. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. 796. toke] take G. his] om. G. brother Ar. Tj. Di. brothre Du. brotheres Lb. brothers Bo. brothres Adt. Ra. brotheiis Ado. I. brothers G. Lj. T2. brothirs L.,. 798. force Bo. Ra. Adx. fors Ar. Tx. jWgh] of M. Di. 799. Al be] All be~b.it Lj. Al though Lb. Eo. hur Ar. hire Bo. hir M. here Ad^ hadde Du. Lb. had Bo. Ada. he hadde title] title had he M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. T2. P. E.2. had he title L[. 804. be] om. Ar. G. teschewe Ar. to eschewe Bo. G. and eschewe Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. P. 805. Ere Bo. Tx. Or Lb. M. Adj. Ra. hym] of Ej. 806. lese Bo. Adj. Ra. lose M. 811. jif] yit Lb. vnwist he] he wist Ad.2. I. And 3if vnwist he] And he vnwetyug and Ra. 812. lian Bo. Adj. haue M. fil] fall Ad2. I. 813. punshed Ar. G. Lb. punysshed Bo. M. Adx. Ra. Ap. 814. omitted in Lb. ar Bo. are T2. er Ar. G. ere Adj. arn M. 815. kuotte Du. Lb. Ra. knott Bo. Tj. M. Adj. abstene] absteyne (: vnclene) Bo. Lb. E2. (: vncleyne) Ra. S. 816. spousale Ar. G. M. spousaile Bo. spousail Ad:. spousales Lb. 817. seyn] seen Ej. nor] ne Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. E2. no Lb. E!. L2. ner P. 819. hath Ar. G. I*,. Ap. haue Bo. TJ. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. hauith T2. among] om. S.

Deaf H]

by Edippus,

who, tho' he sind

in ignorance.

was p

The wedding

36

No Muse was at Edippus's unhappy Wedding. [PT. i.

was unhappy.

None of the Nine Muses was at it,

as they were at Philology's mar- riage in Heaven to Mercury :

see Martianus de Capella.

[leaf 14, back]

Of whom the weddyng1, lik as $e may fynde, 820

Vnhappy was / and passing1 odious, Infortuned / and vngracious.

I am wery mor therof to write.

The hatful processe / also to endyte 824

I passe ouer, fully of ententt ; For ymeneus / was not1 ther present1, Nor lucyna / list1 not1 ther to shyne, Ne ther was none / of the musys nyne 828

By on accord / to make melodye ; For ther song1 not* be heuenly Armonye ^Neither Clyo / nor Calyope,

On of the sustren / in nombre thrie's thre, 832

As they dyde* whan philolegye Ascendid vp hegh aboue the skye To be weddid / this lady virtuous

Vnto hir lord / ]>e god mercurius ; 836

As Marcian ynamed / de Capelle, In his book of weddyng can pu telle, Ther concludyng1 in this mariage

The poete, that1 whilom was so sage, 840

That1 this lady, called sapience, I-wedded was vnto eloquence ; As it1 sat wel, by heuenly pzwueaunce, hem to be ioyned / be knot1 of Aliau?ice. 844

But1 bothe* two, sothly, of en tent1

822. Infortuned] Infortunat Du. Ad2. S. E2. and] and eke M. Di. T2. (in Ra. the later hand has added eke above the line), eke and P. 823. mor therof] therof more M. Di. and therof more Ej. 826. ymeneus] Imnus or Innius Ad.,. I. 827. list Bo. M. Adj. 828. ther] mn. Adj. Ad2. I. musys] Musas E2. 829. omitted in Ba. By on] Of oure Ej. make Bo. M. Ea. maken Adj. 832". On] Non C. T2. P. E2. sustren Ar. Bo. Du. Lb. Adj. T2. sistren TV systryu L.2. sustern Lj. sustres M. Di. sostres C. sistrcs Ra. systers P. in nombre] nombred C. 833. dide TV Du. M. Ex. S. dede Adj. T^ diden C. dyd Ar. Bo. Ra. whan] whan ]>at Adj. Ad2. I. philolegye Ar. Bo. TV Adj. Philologie Di. Ad2. PhilolaieE2. Philoloy C. T2. philolis P (: skies). 834. vp hegh] hi vp Adj. Ad2. I. vp an high Lb. aboue] abou Ar. the] in the Ad2. I. 835. this] thus Ra. to this Adj. L2. to his Ad2. I. 837. As] And as C. P. E2. L2. Marcian] Matrician E^ ynamed] named TV de] be Ap. by P. mn. Adp Ad.,. I. Capelle] Copelle E2. 839. this] his C. TV P. E2. Lo. Ap. 845. bothe Bo. Tj. Adj. M. Ra. C. both Ar. G. T2.

PT. I.] The dread Ghiests at Edippuss Wedding.

37

848 Edippus's wed- ding brought about the ruin of Thebes.

852

856

860

f The Infortunat fi folk J>at weren

at J>e wed-

dynge. •[ Cerberus

1 Herebus

1 Nyght & her thre doghtren

Atf the weddyng* / in Thebes were absent4 ; That1 caused after / grete aduersite. For fynal eende / of that1 solempnyte was sorowe / and woo / and destrucciou??, Vtter ruyne / of this Eoyal toun. Ther may no man helpe it1 nor socoure, For a tyme / in loye / thogh" they floure.

But1 at1 this weddyng1 /, platly forto telle, was Cerberus / Chief porter of helle, And herebus / Fader to hatrede, was ther present1 with his hool kynrede, His wiff also / with her browes blake, And her doghtren / sorow forto make, hydous-chered / and vggely forto see, Megera / and Thesiphonee, Allecto ek / with labour and envie, Drede and fraude / and fals trecherie, Tresoura • pouerte / Indigence, and nede, And cruel deth / in his Rente' Wede, Wrechednesse / compleynt* / and eke Rage, Fer ful pale / derknesse / croked age, Cruel mars / as eny Tygre wood, Brennyng1 Ire / of vnkynde blood, Fraternal hate / depe sett1 the rote, Saue only deth / that1 ther nas no bote, [leaf 15]

846. At the Ar. G. Lx. S. L.2. Ap. Atte Adv Ra. Ej. At (the om.) Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Ba. C. P. E.2. Att Ad2. I. T2. Ad Lb. 848. solennite Adj. 849— 852 omitted in L2. 851. it] 09/1. G. P. nor] ne TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ba. E^ S. T.2. P. Eg. " 853. at this] atte Ej. at his E2. platly] plainly S. C. E2. forto] to Adj. Ad0. I. C. 854. was] were Ra. S. Cerberus] Cerebrus Adj. Ad2. I. Chief porter] a feend Ad2. I. 855. to] vnto Adj. Ra. Ba. S. of C. ; Ad2. and I. omit And herebus, and have I. 855 ffadir and foundour unto hattred. 856". hool Du. hole Bo. Adj. In the rubric beside I. 858 Nyght] Nygh Ar. 860. Megera] Mergera Ba. and] and eke M. Di. Ra. Ba. T2. and also C. Thesiphonee] Tysiphone M. Di. Thesiphonie Ba(:see). Thesyphane P. Thesyffene Ap. 863. pouerte Ar. G. Bo. Lx. Ej. P. pouert Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adp Ra. S. C. T2. E2. 1^. Ap. lindigence Ar. 864. rent Bo.' Tj. M. Adj. 865. compleynt] compleyn Ar. G. eke Bo. Tj. M. Adj. eek Ra. 866. Fer ful pale Ar. G. Ba. fereful pale Bo. and all the rest except L:. and Lb., that have fferdfull pale, derknesse] Dronkenesse E2. croked] and croked Bo. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. L.2. 868. vnkynde Bo. M. vnkynd Adj. 869. deep Bo. depe" M. Adj. 870. only] onelich Du. that] om. G. Ra. Ba. P. L2. nas] was 1\. LV Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. P. L2. Ap. no] non o]>er Lg.

864

868

T Drede f Fraude IT Trecherie IT Tresoun f Pouerte If Indygence •[ Nede UDeth II Cruel Mars

«[ AUe pise folk weren at the wedding of

38 Edippus's Reign in Thebes was prosperous at first. [PT. I.

Edyppus and locasta

Edippus reignd long in Thebes,

had 2 song

and 2 daughters by Jocasta,

and led at first a merry life.

But when Edip- pus was most famous,

Fortune cast him into woe.

One night

Assuryd othes / af the fyn vntrewe :

AH thise folk / weren / atf this weddyng1 newe, 872

To make the towne / desolatt and bare,

As the story / after shal declare.

IT But* ay in Thebes / with his walles stronge

Edyppus regneth / many day and longe. 876

And as myn autour writf / in wordys pleyfi,

By locasta he had sones tweyn,

Ethyocles and also Polymyte

And, invokes / as sondry clerkes write, 880

Doghtres two/ f ul goodly on to se,

Of which* the ton hightf Antygone,

And that* other / called was ymeyne,

Of her beaute / Inly souereyn. 884

Edyppus ay devoyde / of werre and strif , with locasta ladde a mery lyf Tyl fortune / of her iniquyte

Hadde envie / of his prosperite. 888

For whan he shon / most* ricfre in his renou«, From her wheel / she plonged hym a-douw Out* of his loye / into sodeyn wo,

As she is wonte / frowardly to do, 892

And namely hem / that setten her affiau?*ce Of erthly trust1 / in her variau»ce. IT For whan this kyng1 / passing1 of gret myght1, Sat1 with the quene / vpon a certeyn nyght1, 896

Casuelly whan his folk echon Out of his* Chambre sodeynly wer gori,

872. were Bo. Adj. this] be Adj. Ad2. I. 873. the] o m. G. 878. sonnes Bo. sones M. Adj. 879. also] om. Bo. Polymyte] Pollymyte Ad.2. P. 881. ful] 07?i. G. 882. which Di. C. T2. E2. the which Ar. G. Bo. and the rest. the ton] oon Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ea (won). Ba. Ej. S. that one Ad.2. I. C. T2. E2. 883. called was] was called G. 885. ay] om. Adx. Ad2. I. devoyde] devoidid L.2. of] of al Adj. Ad2. I. 886—951 lost in C. 889. his] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 890. From] Fro Bo. T2. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. E!- S. T?. she] he M. plonged] plukkyth L,. 891. his] om. Adj. Ad.,. I. into] into a Di. and to P. 893. setten Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. Lv M. Adj. T2. sefRa. L2. 894. Of] On Bo. Tj. Du. Lv Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. erthly] hertly T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. 895. this] the E2. passing of gret myght Ar. Bo. and all the rest. 898. his] om. Ar. G. Ad2. I. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap.

PT. I.] Jocasta sees the Wound-marks on Edippus's feet.

39

marks'of old*1"5

tleaf 15> back]

and sighs deeply.

He asks why she does so.

Or he was war / locasta gan byholde

The Carectys of his woundes olde, 900

Vpon his fete / enprented wonder depe ;

Turnyng1 her face / brasf out1 forto wepe

So secrely / he myght1 it1 not1 espie.

And she anon / fille into a fantasie, 904

Ay on thys thyng1 / musyng* mor and more,

And in her bed / gan to sighe sore.

And whan the kyng1 / conceyueth her distresse, He gan enquere / of her hevynesse 908

Fully the cause / and occasioure ; For he wil wite / in conclusioura, What1 her eilejj / and why she ferde so.

" My lorde," quod she / " withoute worcles mo, 912 She ^s she Parcel cause / of this sodeyn rage Is for that1 1 in my tender age had a lorde / I-named Layus,

kyng1 of this toune / a man ri^t1 vertuvs, 916

Be whom I hadde / a sone / wonder. fair1, likly tabene / his successour1 and hair1 : But1 by cause / his dyvynowrs tolde

At his birthe / sothly that1 he sholde, 920

3if he haue lyf / be fatal destanye, Sleen his fader / it may non oper be ; For which the king1 / his fate to eschewe, Bad me in hast1 / as hym thoghte dewe, 924

To sle the childe / and haue therof no routh" : And I anon bad with-oute slouth

902. brast] barst Tj. breste E.2. and brast Lj. forto] to Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 905. on] in Lb. thyng] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. mor and] mn. Lb. 907. the kyng] mn. Du. 908. gan enquere] her enquerid L2. enquere Ar. Bo. and all the other MSS. (enquire Ra. enquer S.). 910. witte'Bo. wete G. Lb. Di. S. P. Ap. wite Ar. M. Adj. and the rest. 910 in Ra. reads : Whi she sorwid and maad lamentacioun. 911. ferde] ferd G. Bo. Adj. fere Tj. 912. with-oute Bo. M. with-out Adj. 914. that] om. Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ad:. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 915. I-named] named Tj. 917. sone M. Adj. son Bo. ' 918. likly] like S. tabene Ar. G. to ben 1^. P. E,. to haue Ra. to haue ben Bo. and all the rest. 919. divynours Bo. M. Adj. Ra. 920. birthe M. Adj. birth Bo. 921. destanye Ar. Bo. Du. destenye Ej. destane S. destine Adx. 922. may Ar. G. L.2. Ap. might Bo. and all the rest, shulde P. 924. >ouht Bo. thought M. thoughtc Adj. 926. Ar. has a pause-bar after bad. with-outen Bo. Adj. Ra. withoute M.

bore a son to King Layus,

who was told that the boy

should slay his father.

Layus bade Jocasta kill her babe.

But the men she

40

Jocasta tells Edippus her Baby's stwy, his own. [PT. I.

told to do it,

[leaf 16]

bored the child s feet,

and hung him on a tree.

There, hunters found him.

Of late, Layus was slain

* Certeyn men / vp peyne of lugeruente,

To* execute / the comaundemente 928

Of the king1 / as I gaf hem in charge.

And forth they gon / to a forest1 large,

Adiacent1 / vnto this contre,

Percen his fete / and honge hyra on a tre, 932

Nat1 parfourmyng1 / thexecucioun.

On hym they hadde / such compassioun.

lefte hym ther / and horn resort1 ageyii,

Beyng1 in doute / and in non certeyn, 936

At they re repeire / as they told en alle,

Of this childe / what* afterward' is falle ;

Saue they saide / huntys han hyw founde,

Which lad hym forth / and his feet1 vnbouwde ; 940

But1 to what1 coost1 / they coude not1 declare.

Which parcel is of myn evel fare,

Grounde and cause / of myn hevy chere,

Considred ek the woundes that1 appere 944

Ypon ^oure fete /, and woot1 not1 what1 they mene.

And on thyng / ay / is at myn herte grene,

My lord, alias f but1 of newe date :

kyng Layus / slayen* was but1 late 948

927. Certeyn] To certeyn all the MSS. (IP for To in L2.). men] om. T2. vp] vpon Ba. Ej. S. T2. L.2. (in Ra. vp altered to vpon by the later hand), on Lj. Lb. 928. To execute] Execute Ar. G. Texecute Bo. Tj. To execute[n] all the other MSS. the] the kynges Ba. 929. Of the king] In all thing Ba. I] he Adj. Ad2. I. hem] om. Ad2. I. in] om. Di. 931. vnto] to Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. this] the G. 932. Percen] Perced Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. T2. Persyng P. E,,. L^ Ap. Percen they Ej. honge Ar. Bo. Lb. hange Tj. hangen Ad^ I. heng M. Di. Adj. Ra. Ba. S. T2. E2. hyng Lj. P. L2. Ap. hangynge EJ. hym] om. Adj. Ad2. I. EJ. on] vpon Adj. Ad2. I. 933. parfourmyng Bo. partbrmyng M. Adj. the execucion Bo. M. Adj. 934. had Bo. M. Adj. 935. lefte hym ther] Left ther the child Iig. horn resort] home resorted Bo. LJ. Ra. Ba. resorted home T2. E2. horn thei resorte Ad2. I. restored home P. 937. theyre Ar. Bo. Ti. Du. Lj. Lb. S. £2. L2. Ap. (M. At heir), ther Ad2. hir Di. Ra. T2. here Ad^ Ej. his Ba. repeire] report Ad^ tolden Bo. M. tolde Lb. Ad:. Ra. 938. afterward is falle] aftreward is byfall Bo. Tp Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. £3. after was befalle T2. aftir shulde falle P. 939. Sauf Bo. Saf M. Adp saide Bo. M. seide Adj. 940. lad] had Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. P. haue Lb. 941. to] om. G. coude Bo. M. Adj. 946. on thyng] a nodir Ra. Ba. ay is] is ay Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. at] in G. Ad2. I. P. hert Bo. M. Adj. grene] greve Lj (: mene). 947. newe Bo. Adj. new M. 948. layus Ar. slayen] slayn(e) Ar. and all the other MSS. (see Notes).

PT. I.] Jocasta asks why Edippus came to Thebes. 41

At1 a Castel / nygfi by this centre. when Edippus

' J & » came into the

vpon ^oure comyng1 / into this Cite.

Al this yweied / and rekned into on,

Maketh myn herte / hevy as a ston, 952

So that I can counsel / non / nor Eede."

And with that1 word? the kyng1 lift* vp his hede,

And abrayd? / with sharpe sighe's smerte, Bdippus sighs.

And al this thing1 be ordre / gan aduerte, 956

Ceriously / be good avisement1 ; And by signes / cleer and evident1 Conceyueth wel /, and sore gan repente, If was hym-silf / that1 locasta mente. 960

And whan the Quene /' in manere segh hym pleyn, E&mnLfwhy

By her goddes / she gan hym to constreyne To shewen out1 the cause of his affray, And it1 expowne / and make no delay, 964

Crop and roof / shortly, why that* he Thebefand

Entred first / into that1 contre, whence'

Fro when he kam / and fro what1 regiou??.

But1 he hir1 put* / in dilusioim, 968

As he hadde* done it for the nonys. Til af the* laste / he brak out1 atonys

Vnto the queene / and gan a processe make tekenfUth^s

First1 how he was / in the forest1 take, 972 Pierstfeet'

wounded the feet1 / and so for]? euery thyng1,

Of his Chershing1 / with Polybouw the kyng1, ^f Po"

And hool the cause / why he hym forsoke,

952. hert Bo. M. Adj. 953. nor] ne Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ej. S. P. Eo. Ap. ober L2. 954. that] om. G. left Bo. 955. sharp Bo. M. sharpe Adj." 957. Ceriously] Curiously Du. P. E2. LJ. good] the P. 959. Con- ceyueth] Conceuyd Adx. Ad2. I. 961. In Ar. after the is kr, underdotted. pleyn] feyne Ad2. I. 963. shewen Bo. Adj. shewe M. 964. it expowne] expowne it Bo. 965. Ccrop Ar. 967. Fro when] Fro whens Lb. M. Di. Ad2. I. S. From whense P. E2. kam] come M. Di. Ba. C. P. 968. he] om. G. 969. hadde G. Lb. Di. Adj. had Ar. Bo. Tj. M. Ra. 970. at the laste] at last1 Ar. Tj. Ad2. I. Ba. C. P. E2. atonys] all attonys Ra. Ba (all at oons : for the noons). S. 971. a] to G. 974. his] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. Chershing Ar. G. cherisshyng Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. Di. I. Ra. Ba. T.2. P. Eg. L.2. Ap. cherising Ad:. Ad.2. chersyng M. S. C. chercyng Lb. serchynge E^ with] bat Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. S. of M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. and of Ra. Ba. how Ex. om. G. Polibon Bo. polliboun Ra. Pollibon Adj.

then went to- wards Thebes by Apollo's bidding,

and slew King Layus.

42 Edippus tells Jocasta the Story of his Life and Sins. [PT. i.

And in what* wise / he the weye toke 976

Toward? Thebes / as Appollo bad,

And of fortune / how that he was lad

Wher that1 Spynx / kepte the mounteyn,

And how that he slough also in certeyn 980

kyng1 Layus at the castel gate,

Towardes nyght whan it1 was ful* late,

And how to Thebes that1 he gan hyw spede

To fynden oute / the stok of his kynrede : 984

which vnto hyw gan to wexe* couth";

For by processe / of his grene ^outh"

he fonde out1 wel, be reknyng of his lif,

That1 she was both / his moder and his wif. 988

So that1 al nyght1 and sving on J>e morow A-twene hem* two / gan a newe sorowe : Which vnto me were tedious to telle ; For ther-vpon /'$if I shulde dwelle, 992

A long^space it wolde occupie.

[leaf 17]

t Tragedia But1 2e may reden in a Tragedye

Senece de Edippo

Rege thebanu». Of Moral Senyk fully his endynge,

Seneca's Tragedy His dool, his meschief / and his compleynyng1 996

of Edippus

tells how he How with sorow / andivnweldy age

lost his wits,

This Edippus /^fille into dotage,

lost1 his wit1 / and his worldly delit1,

And how his sones* / had hym in despit1, 1000

And of disdeyn / tok of hym no kepe.

And bookes seyn / his eyen out1 he wepe.

He now finds that Jocasta is his mother as well as his wife.

Both sorrow.

976. waye Bo. way M. Adj. to ke Ar. 978. that] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adlt Ad2. I. Ej. S. P. 979. kept Bo. Adj. kepte M. 980. And] An Ar. how] om. Du. 981. layus Ar. 982. towardes Bo. towardis Du. towardus Adj. toward M. ful] fal Ar. 983. that] ban Bo. Tr Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ado.. I. Ej. S. P. om. G. 984. fynden Bo. Adj. tinde M. 985. Which] For whiche Lb. (from 986) vnto] to C. to om. in all AISS. except Ar. G. Lo. Ap. wexe] wex Ar. G. Du. Lj. L,. Ap. wixe Lb. waxe M. Ra. C. To. wax Ba. couth] vncouth La. 986. grene] gret Ad.2. I. 988. in Ar. a pause- bar also between was and both. 989. that al] al that G. 990. hem Bo. Adj. ham Ar. them Ra. newe Bo. new M. Adj. 992. jif I shulde] yff that I shall Ad.2. 1. shulde Bo. sholde Adj. shold M. 993. wolde Bo. wold M. woold Adj. 994. reden Bo. M. Adj. 997. and] and wel Ad2. I. 999. and his] and Adj. Ad^ I. 1000. how] om. Bo. sonnes Ar. Bo. Du. Lj. Ba. P. E.2. L^. Ap. soues Tj. M. Adj. Ra. C. T.2. soones Lb. in] om. G. 1002. And] And as Du.

PT. I.] Now Edippus died mad, & his corpse was cast into a Pit. 43

And as myn auctozw liketh to devise, As his sones rebuke hym and dispise, 1004

Vpon a day / in a certeyn place Out1 of his hede / his eye'n he gan race, And Cast1 at1 hem /, he can non other bote, And of malice / they trad hem vnder fote, 1008

Fully devoide / both of loue and drede.

And whan Edippus / for meschief was thus dede, with-Inne a pytte / made in the erthe* lowe, Of cruelte / his sones / han hym throwe, 1012

"Wers* than serpent* / or eny tigre wood?. Of Cursid stok / cometh vnkynde bloocfe, As in story / 30 may rede her to-forn ; Al be the Roose* / grow / out1 of a thorn. 1016

Thus of Edippus /, whan he was blynd* and oldf, The wrecched ende / I haue* jou pleynly tolcP.

For which shortly / to man and child I rede To be wel war / and to taken hede 1020

11 Of kyndely ri^t* / and of conscience To do honur1* // and due* reuerence To fader and* moder / of what estat thei be, Or certeyn / ellis / they slml neuere the. 1024

1004. As] and as M. (from 1003). That Di. his] om. M. sonnes Bo. soones Lb. hym] om. Ap. 1007. can] cowde Ad2. I. 1009. devoide Bo. Lb. M. devoyd AdP Ka. 1010. was thus] thus was M. Di. Ra^Ba. P. thus] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. 1011. made] om. Lb. the] om. Di. erthe Ta. Lb. M. Adj. erth Ar. Bp. Du. Within be erthe a pitte made full lowe Lj. 1013. Wers Adj. Ra. L.,. Ap. Wors Lj. Lb. M. Di. S. C. T2. P. E2. Wars Du. Ba. Werre Ar. G. Ej. Were Bo. Wer Tj. Wer wors Ad2. I. than] than a Lb. P. than any Ba. or eny] or Ba. S. 1014. vnkynde Bo. M. Adj. 1015. her] om. Adj. Ad2. I.

1016. rose M. Adx. Roos Ar. Bo. Roose G. a] the G. 1017 — 1142 gap in C.

1017. of] o?3i. Lj. blynd and] om. Di. S. whan .... old] ])at was so bolde Adj. Ad2. I. 1018. haue Bo. Tlt Lb. JVI. Ada. ha Ar. }ou] om. Bo. Di. pleynly] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ap. 1020. wel] om. Adj. Ad2. I. taken Bo. M. Adj. In Ra. and Ba. II. 1017 — 1020 are very much altered, thus:

Thus I haue rehersid al the caas 1017

Off Edippus whens that he was 1018

And the wrechid end wherfore that I rede 1019

Every (eny Ba.) man and child be war and take hede Ra. 1020

1021. and of] and Ad2. I. 1022. honur] nur (misivritten) Ar. due M. Ada.

dewe Bo. diwe Lb. dieu Ar. dew G. om. Ra. Ba. 1023. and] om. Ar. G.

Ap. of] om. Ra. Ba. estat] of state G. 1024. certeyn] certenly Lb. Ej. G.

ellis] om. Ba. certeyn ellis] elles certein Ad:. Ad,. I. Ra. S. shul Ar. Bo. Du.

Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ra. shulen Tj. shall Lv Ad2. S". P. Lg. shuld G. sholde Ex.

the] I-the Lb. Adj. Ba. S.

and tore his eyes out;

and how his corpse was thrown into a pit by his sons.

From cursed stock comes un- natural child.

TNota. *\ How every man oght of dieute to do reuerence to Fader and modere. •f Or ellis ther wil folowe vengeaujice [leaf 17, back]

44 Ills of not honouring Parents. Blean Hill and Vale. [FT. I.

For who that* is not* to hem debonayr

In spech", in port1 / for to trete hem fair,

Hem to obeye / in honeste and drede,

And to cherissfr* / of what they han nede, 1028

I dar afferme / exceptyng* non astatf,

That he shall first1 be infortunatt

In alle his werk / both on see and lond?,

And of what* thyng* that* he take on hond* 1032

Fortune fro ward / to hym and contrayre*,

Waast** of his good /, pleynly and appaire,

Fynde plente / of contek / werre, and striff,

Vnhappy ende / and shortnesse of liff, 1036

And gracelees / of what1 he hath to* do,

Hatrede of god / and of man also.

IF Therfor no man / be herof rekkelees,* But1 make }oure mjiozir of Ethiocles 1040

And his brother / called Polymyte, Which in such thyng1 / gretly* were to wite, As 30 shal here / of hem how it fil.

And whan we ben / descendid doune this hil 1044

And ypassed / her / the lowe vale, I shal begynne the remnant* of my tale.

IF Explicit Prima pars istius Codicilli. 1F Incipit Secunda Pars Eiusdem. Secunda pars.

1028. And] And nem P. E2. cherisshe Tj. Lb. M. cherish Bo. Du. Lr Ad2. T2. cherssh Ar. G. Adj. S. of] hem of Lx. nede] drede Lj. (from 1027). 1031. werk] werkus Lb. on] on >e G. in Lb. 1032. of] after AI. Di. thyng] om. P. that] om. G. Ad2. I. P. he] am. G. take] taketh G. ^ P. on] in S. 1033. Fortune froward] For the tyme forward E2. to hym and] and to hym Ej. contrayre Lb. Ej. P. E2. 1^. contrarye Ar. Bo. and the rest, except S., that has congye. 1034. Waast] Wayst Ar. G. good] godis Lx. K2. and] om. Bo. pleynly and appaire] plenty and appaye S. 1035. fynde Bo. AI. Adj. 1037. to do] at do Ar. G. a do T2. a doo Ap. addo P. he hath to do] that he ha]>e do 1,3. 1038. HadredeAr. Hatered Bo. Hatred AI. Adr hated Di. 1039. Therfor] Ther of G. reklees Ar. G. Bo. Lj. Lb. T2. reklesse Ra. rekeles Tj. Du. 1^. reccheles M. Di. 1042. thyng] thinges E2. caas Lb. gretly] gretlich Ar. were] was Lb. gretly were] wer gretly Ra. Ba. P. 1043. 3e] he G. here Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. M. Adj. Ra. hire Lb. fil Bo. Adj. felle Lb. fel M. fell (:helle) Ra. 1044. And] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ba. T2. P. descendid] con- descended G. this] >e Bo. M. Di. Ad,,. I. G. of this S. 1045. ypassed] epassid La. passed T\. Ao^. I. the] this M. P. lowe Bo. AI. Adj. Ra.

They who don't honour parents,

shall end badly.

Let no man be reckless ; but be you warnd by Edippus's sons.

When we're out of Blean Vale, I'll go on with my Tale.

PT. II.] After Boughton, the Tale goes on. 45

Secunda Pars. [leans

Assed the throp / of1 Bowtotw on be ble, when we'd past

Boughton

By my chilyndre / I gan anon to se, Thorgh be sonne / bat ful cler gan shyne, Of be clok that1 it drogh to nyne ; jj^ near

And saugh" also be siluer dropes shene Of be dewe / lich peeHys* / on be grene, 1052 Vapoured vp in-to the eire* alofte, whan zephyrus / with his blowing1 softe be wedere made lusty / smoth / and feir, And right* attempt / was the hoolsom eir*; 1056

The same hour / aft the hoole* Eoute A1jthe Pilgrims

' rode round me

Of the pylgrymes / rydyng1 round? aboute, wKyTale.011

In my tale / whan I gan procede,

Eehercyng1 forth / as it was in dede, 1060

Whan Edippus / buryed was and graue, £"<* Edippus's

How his sones / the kyngdam for to haue,

, -, -1 /. /i o i , i i . his sons strove

Among1 hem-sill / be iul mortal hate for the Crown.

1047. throp] thorpe LT. Ej. Boughton Bo. Boughten P. Broughton E2. Loughton Ba. on be] of be Tj. vnder be Lx. Ad^. I. vppon P. - 1048. chilyndre] chelandir Ad2. 1. chiklern Ex. childryn L2. chalandre Ra. kalendar Ba. kalender E2. anon] om. Ra. Ba. 1050. clok Ar. Bo. Tj. M. Adi. Ra. Ej. T2. P. Lo. clook Lb. clokke G. clocke Du. Di. E2. that] om. L2. to] toward Ra. 1051. And] An Ar. also] all Ba. J>e] of T2. P. L2. as E2. shene] shyne Lj. and T2 (: grene ; see 1049). shynne Ra (: greene). 1052. Of] And Lb. lich] like the Lb. perelys Ar. perleys G. pereles P. Ap. peerles Bo. perles Adj. 1053. eier Bo. ayr Adj. heire Ar. 1055. lusty smoth] smothe lusti Adj. Ad2. 1055. om. I. 1056. attempre] attemperyd Du. attempred E:. hoolsom] om. Lb. aire Bo. air Adj. heir Ar. 1057. hoole Bo. hool Ar. Adi. 1061 — 1172 lost in Tj. 1063. be ful Ar. G. Lj. P. by full T2. E2. Ap. by fell 1^. by full of Ej. bee ful of Bo. Du. Lb (ben). M (ben). Di (bene). Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S.

46 Edipiws's Sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, quarrel. [PT. n.

Each lookt to his own interest only.

Neither of Edippus's sons would give way to the other, [leaf 18, back]

so the citizens of Thebes settled that the

elder, Eteocles,

For the crowne / go?me to debate 1064

which of hem / lustly / shal succede,

And the Sceptre / of the toune possede ;

Advertyng nought1 / neither to right1 ne wronge,

But1 eche of hem / to make her partie stronge, 1068

And his querele / proudely to sustene :

From whoos herte's / was devoyded* clene

Of brotherhode / the faithful alliaunce.

Fals Couetise / so made hem at distance, 1072

Fully worchyng1 into destructions

And Euyne / of this noble touii.

So hoote brente the hatred and envie

Of bothe two / thorgh pompous Surquedye, 1076

That1 nowther wolde* / pleynly in a poynf

Other forbern* /, they stod in such disioynte

as thow* they hadde / of berthe* be foreyns.

Tyl of the toune / the noble Citezeyns, 1080

knyghtes, Barounes / with many wor)>i lord,

Shope a way / to niak1 hem of accord,

And to set* hem / in quyete / and in pees.

But1 for his part1 / this Ethiocles 1084

Alegge gan that1 he was first yborii ;

1064. For] And for Bo. Lv Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ea. Ba. S. gonne Ar. Bo. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ad:. I. Ra. Ba. E1% T2. P. E^. gau Lx. Ad2. S. Ap. they gon 1^. to] for to S. P. £3. om. Bo. Ba. debate] bate Ra. 1067. Advertyng] "Hautyng or Hantyng Ra. Ba. nought Bo. not M. Di. nat Ra. Ba. neither to r. ne Ar. G. Bo. LI. Lb. Adj. S. P. E2. neither to r. nor Ra. Ad2. I. neibre to r. no Du. neither to r. ne to Ba. nother to r. ne Ej. nothyr to r. nor Ap. no)>er r. ne' L^. to r. neither to M. Di. to r. nor to T2. 1069. querele Ar. G. quarel Bo. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. quarell Du. T2. 1070. devoyded] devoyden Ar. 1073. worchyng Ar. Bo. Lb. M. Adj. werchyng Eg. werkyng Lv Ra. T2. 1075. hoot Bo. 1076. bothe Bo. 1077. nowther T2. neither Bo. Lb. Adi- Ra. wolde Bo. Lb. wold Ar. Adj. Ra. a] o M. Di. Ra. T2. noo Ba. 1^. 1078. forbern] forborn (miswritten) Ar. for ber G. 1079. As though Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Di. how as Ar. G. Bo. Lb. M. Ej. S. Though as Lj. lik as T«. P. E2. L.2. Ap. berthe Du. birthe M. Ra. berth Ar. Adj. birth Bo. T2. of berthe be] be of birthe M. Di. 1080. Citezeyns Ar. Bo. Lb. Citefeyns Adj. S. Citezens T2. Cetezens 1^. 1081. many Bo. M. many a Adj. 1082. Shope Ar. G. Bo. Lj. Lb. Ra. Ba. T2. P. Eg. Lt. shop Adx. Ad2. Shupe Du. Shopen M. Di. Shape Ap. mak hem of accord] make hem at accord Di. Ad2. I. M (at o corde). make hem a cord Bo. P (accorde). 1085. Alegge gan] Gan alegge Lx. Alegge can S. I^. first] om. Du. yborn Ar. G. Ad^. I. I^. Ap. born Bo. Adj. aiid all the rest.

PT II.] Eteodes, as the elder, is to be croumd first.

47

For which he oghtf of resouw go to-forn In the Cite / to be crowned kyng1, Sith be lawe / ther was no lettyng*. For vnto hym / longeth / the heritage Be discentt / and be title of age.

But1 poly my te / of ful hegh discleyn, Al opynly gaii replie ageyn And for his part1 / seide, in special, Eeson was non / that1 he shuld haue alle Eegaly and domynacioun, And the lordship hooly of the toun, And he right1 nought1 /, out of the Cyte But* lyve in exile / and in pouerte, Ful concludyng1, with-oute feer and dred, Eather than suffre that /, he wil be ded. And thus, alias / thorgh her envious strif , At1 the ende / euerich loste his lif, At1 gret1 mischief / as 30 shal after here.

But1 thylke tyme the lordes al yfere Ful bysily did her dyligence, By gret1 avis / and ful high prudence, To setten hem in quyete and in Eeste ; Conseylyng1 hem pleynly for the beste, To leve her strif / of wisdam and resoun, And condescende / to some conclusions

should be crownd.

1088 IThecontro- uercy of the bre)>eren.

But the younger, Polyneices,

1092

1096

said he'd sooner

die than let his

1100 brother have all

In the end, each kild the other.

1104

1108

[leaf 19]

1086. For which] Wherfore M. Di. T^ of resoun] of rejt Bo. he oght of resoun] of reason he oughte Ej. Ad.2. I. M. Di. Adx (om. he), go] to go G. Lj. S. Lg. Ap. to-forn] be-forn Lj. forn S. L2. Off which a resoun he aughte go aforn P. 1087. crowned] crownyng Bo. 1090. be title] be om. Adx. Ad,. I. 1092. gan] gan to M. Di. T2. P. 1^. 1094. that om. Adj. Ad^ I. he] W Bo. one Du. shuld Ar. Adj. Ea. shulde Lx. Lb. shol Bo. shul Du. 1095. Regaly] Bo the regalye T2. P. E2. Te Regayle LI. Regalite Ad2. and] and eke M. Di. and the T2. 1098. But] om. Ar. G. Er 1^. Ap. lyve] life Ba. secoiid in] om. Ra. 1099. Ful] fully Lj. om. P. E2. with-oute Bo. and] or P. drede Ar (with final e under •dotted). 1100. in Ar. a pause-bar also between suffre and that. 1102. At the ende Ar. G. Du. Atte the ende Ra. atte ende Bo. Adj. T2. at thende Lb. att end Ba. at ende M. Di. euerich] eche Bo. eueryche of hem Lj. lost Bo. loost Lb. 1104. thilke Bo. Adt. thilk M. in feere Bo. in fere G. y-fere M. I-fere Adx. 1105. besily Bo. T2. bisili Adt. did Ar. Bo. diden M. Di. Ad2. S. dede T2. deden Adj. I. 1106. and] of EL high] om. Bo. Du. Lj. 1107. setten Ar. Bo. M. Ad^ Ra. sett Lj. Lb. T2. hem] om. Bo. rest Bo (-.best).

48 Each Brother is to reign for one year alternately. [PT. n.

The Theban lords get them to agree that each brother

shall reign for a year;

and while one

reigns,

the other shall

go away and do

warlike deeds.

"Which to bothe * / myghte most* availe ; That1 fynaly / thorgh her gouernaile, 1112

The lordes alle / beyng< tho present1, They han hem broghtt / to be of on assent1, Of on hert / as brother vnto brother, Euerich of hem / to regnen* after other, 1116

^eer be ^eer / as if cam aboute, So that the ton / shal absent1 hym oute Fully that ^eer, and hym-siluen * guye Be his manhode / and his chyualrye, 1120

f The conuencion haunte hvm-self / in Dedys marcyal :

of the breberen. *

whil his brother / in his See Royal

Holdeth his sceptre / the Cite to gouerne ;

And whan the }eer / his cours hab rowne 3erne 1124

And is come out* /, he shal haue* repair

To Regne in Thebes / lik as lord? and hair,

There to receyue / fully his dignyte ;

whil the tother voideth the Cite, 1128

Paciently / taking1 his auenture

Til* he ageyn / his honure may recure.

Thus entrechaunge euery $ere they shal : The ton ascendeth* / that1 other haj? a fal. 1132

They most obeye of hert1 / and take it we], lich" as the tourn / resortej? of the whel. For this was hool / the composiciou?i Both Eteocies A-twene the bretheren / and conuencioura, 1136

1111. bothe Bo. M. Adj. both Ar. Du. Lb. Ra. T2. myght Bo. M. Adj. Ra. om. G. myghte most] most myght M. Di. T2. 1112. thorg Ar. 1113. alle Bo. M. Adi. tho] ther I. 1116. regne Ar. Bo. Lb. M. Ra. rengne Adi. 1117. Jeer] There Lb. cam] comeM. T2. cometh Di. Ra. Ba. P. E2. 1119. Fully] Full Lb. hym-siluen cp. 710. hym-silf Ar. Bo. Ad^ hymsilfe Ra. Ex. guye Ar. Ra. T2. gye Bo. Adj. 1120. and liis] and (his om.) Bo. 1121. Dedye Ar. marcyal] mercial Bo. Du. 1122. while Bo. M. Adi. 1124. Jeer his] yeres T2. his cours hab ronne] hath ronne his cours M. Di. 3erne] om. P (ronne : governe). 1125. is] om. Lb. is come out] is ended Adj. Ad2. 1. ha Ar. haue Bo. M. han Adj. 1128. whil Ar. while Bo. M. Adj. whyle that E3. the tother Ar. T2. Ap. bat other Bo. M. Ad^ Ra. the other Ej. L2. his brother Lj. voideth] avoydith P. 1130. Til] To Ar. 1131. Thus] This Lb. entrechaunge all the MSS., except entrechaunginge Lb. Di. P. 1132. the ton Ar. G. P. L2. Ro. Ap. bat oon Bo. Du. M. Adn. Ra. T2. ascendeth] descendeth Ar. ascende P. Ro. that other Ar. Bo. Du. M. Adj. Ra. T2. Ap. the other G. the tothir P. L2. Ro. hab] hadde Di. haue P. 1136. A-twene Ar. T2. 1^. Ro. Ap. And twene G. Bitwene Bo. M. Ad^ Ra. and] and be Du. Ra. L2. Ro.

They shall change yearly.

PT. II.]

Polyneices rides from Thebes.

49

[leaf 19, back]

But Eteocles is to reign first.

Ful knet1 vp / be gref avisenient1,

To-for the goddys / be oth of sacrament1,

J^euer after to groche* lie to varye,

But1 a-complissfren. Shortly / and not tarye, 1140

lich as thaccord / enrolled in the toune,

From poynt1 to poynt1 / made menciouw.

But1 alderfirst1 / be reson of his age,

Ethyocles / hadde thauau?itage 1144

To regne aforn / and to were a croune, Polymyte / hym hastyng out1 of toune Duryng1 that 3eer /, it1 may non other be, Whil his brother /sat1 in his Eoyal See 1148

Ful richely vpoii fortunes wheel ; And rode hym forth / armed brijt in stele, This Polymyte / sothly as I rede, Hym-silf allone / on a Ryal Stede, With-oute guyde / al the longe day, Beyng1 aferd / to kepe the heghe* way, In his herte / hauyng1 suspecioure To his brother / of malice and tresouw, 1156

lest1 he pz^rsued / thorgh fals vnkynde* blood To haue hym ded / for couetise of good, That he allon / myghf haue* possessions

1137. be] with G. gret] full Ad2. I. 1139. groch Ar. gruch Lb. grucche Bo. M. gmchche Adj. grutche Ej. a pause-bar in Ar. before ne. 1140. a complisshen Bo. Ra. tacomplisshen M. Adx. to complisshen Di. in Lb. a written, complisshen omitted, with blank space left for it. Shortly] om. Adj. Ad^ I. 1141. as] om. P. Ro. as thaccord] to accorde Ad2. I. enrolled] envolvid Ad2. 1142. From Ar. Du. Adj. Ra. Fro Bo. Lb. M. made] maked M. Di. as made ys P. Ro. S (as added above the line). 1144. hadde thauauntage Ar. hadde the auauntage Di. T2. Ro. had thauauntage Bo. M. had the auauntage C. P. had J>e vauntage Lv L2. had tho the Avauntage Ba (in Ra. the later hand has scrawled some indistinct letters over tho). had tho thauauntage Adr S. had ther to avauntage Ad2. I. 1145. to were] to bere Lb. Ba. to] om. E2. a crowne] be crowne L^ Lb. M. Di. I. S. C. T2. P. E2. Ro. 1146. hym hastyng] haastyng him Bo. Du. La. Lb. E^ him] om. S. 1148. second his] ofm. G. 1149. richely M. Adj. richly Bo. 1150. armed brijt] bright armyd Adj. Ad2. I. in] as G. 1151. This] Thus Ra. So M. Di. 1152. allone Du. AdP alloon Bo. rial M. roial Bo. Adx. 1153. long Bo. M. Adj. 1154. hegh Ar. hye Bo. M. Adj. hihe Ra. 1157. pursued] pursue C. E2. be pursued L\. borgh]ofC. fals] his fals Bo. Du. 1^. Ej. his M. Di. Ada. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. fals and E2. vnkynde Bo. M. Ra. vnkynd Ar. Adi. (in Ra. , by the later hand, vnkynde is crossed out and vnnaturall written above the line). 1159. haue Bo. M. Adv ha Ar. THEBES. E

So Polyneices rides out of Thebes,

suspecting Eteocles,

50

Polyneices comes to a Forest ly the Sea. [PT. II.

to a forest by the sea,

fuU of wild beasts.

[leaf 20]

A tempest rises ;

the rain pours down.

Duryng* his lif / fully of the touii. 1 160

For which in hast* /, havyng* no felawe,

Polymyte a-side gan hym drawe

By a forest1 / loynyng to the See,

knowyng* right* nought1 the syyt of the contre, 1164

Ful of Mile's / and of hegh mounteyns,

Craggy Eoches / and but* fewe playns,

wonder dredful and lothsom of passage,

And ther-with-al / ful of beestis rage ; 1168

holdyng* his way of herte'* no thyng* light*,

Maat* and wery / til* it* drowe to nyghtf.

And al the day / beholdyng* enviroun, He neyther saugfi. castel, toure, ne touw ; 1172

The whiche J)ing* / greued hym ful sore. And sodeynly / the se began to Eore, wynde and tempest* / hidously tarise. The Eeyn doune bete / in ful grisly wise, 1176

That* man and beesf / therof were adrad, And negh for fere* / gan to wexe mad, As it sempte / by the wooful sownes Of Tygres / here's / boore's / and lyounes, 1180

which for refut* / hem-silue * forto saue, Euerich in hast* / drogh vnto his Caue.

But* Polymyte / in this tempest* huge, Alias the while* / fyndeth no refuge, 1184

1161. haast Bo. hast M. haste Adj. 1162. drawe] to drawe M. DL with- drawe C. T2. E2. 1164. syyt Adj. cyet Bo. Du. M. the] >at Adj. Ad2. I. 1165. hegh Ar. hye Bo. 1166. Craggy] Cracchy Ad2. I. roches] roges M. Di. fewe Bo. M. Adi. 1169. herte Adj. Du. hert Ar. Bo. M. 1170. til] to Ar. G. drowe Bo. Lb. drouh Ra. drew Adx. T2. 1171. al the day] alway Bo. 1173. whiche Bo. Du. M. which Tj. Adj. greued] greueth E2. ful] om. Lb. right Adi. T2. 1174. began] gan Bo. Ba. 1175. hidously] sodeinly Di (cp. 1174). tarise Ar. E2. to arise Bo. TI. Adj. Ra. toryseP. ganne ryse Lb. 1176. grisly] grevous Ad2. I. 1177. man and beest] many a beste Eg. were Ar. L2. Ho. om. Tj. was all the rest, adrad] drad Ra. Ba. C. 1178. fer Ar. feer Bo. fere M. Adi. to] om. M. Di. waxe Bo. M. wex Adj. wax Du. 1179. semyd Bo. M. Adi. 1180. Of] As Di (cp. 1179). 1181. refut] resku LT. fortune P. hem-silue Lb. hem-selfe Lj. EI. Ap. hem-silf Ar. T2. hem-self Bo. Du. M. Adi. forto] to Ra. Ba. 1182. haast Bo. hast Du. haste Ad^ 1183. P underdotted, before But Ar: 1184. while Bo. M. Adi. whil Ar.

Polyneices comes to Argos, whose King Adrastus has 2 Daughters. 51

Nor hym to schrowde / saugh nowher no socour

Til if was passed / almost1 mydnyght hour

A large space / that1 the sterres clere,

The clowdes voyde /, in heuene did appere ;

So that1 this knyghtf / out* of the forest1 large

Gan approchen / to the londe of arge,

Seyng a palays myghty of beeldyng1,

Of which Adrastus / called was the kyng*, A manly man / riche and wonder sage, And ronne was / somdel / into -age, Born of the He / which called is Chysoim, And whylom sone / of the kyng* Chalowra ; And for his witt1 /, in story as is koutfi, he chosen was / in his tendre jouth, Of alle Arge / to be crowned kyng1, Chief of alle Grece / by record of wryting1, Not be dissent1 / nor succession?*, But1 al only / of fre eleccioim To* holde of Arge / the sceptre in his hond, As most* worthy / of alle* grekes lond, loued and drad / for wisdam and Justice.

And as the story / pleynly can devise, This worthy kyng1 hadde doghtres two,

Near midnight the clouds oleai off.

1188

IT How Poly- mytes cam into the lond of Arge.

1192 Adrastus is king of Argos,

1196

1200

[leaf 20, back]

1204

and has 2 fair daughters,

1185. Nor] Ne C. P. saugh] safe Ad2. nowher] nothir Ba. om. Ad2. no] om. Du. Adj. Ba. P. nor Ad2. I. 1186. was] om. Du. mydnygh Ar. 1188. clowdes] cloude Du. voyd'e Bo. void Adj. 1190. approchen Bo. M. Adj. the](wi. G. londe] longG. 1191. beldingAdi- byldyng Bo. 1192. the] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 1193. riche] wis Adi. Ad^ I. 1195. which] J>at Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Ej. S. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. C. om. P. called] I-called P. is] om. P. was I. Chysoun Ar. G. T2. L2. Ro. Ap. Chifon C. P. E^ Clysoun Bo. TL Du. L:. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. EL S. Elisoun I. 1196. whylom] som tyme C. T2. E2. L2. Ro. om. P. sone] )>e son Bo. of] to T2. P. vnto Ad9. I. the] om. Lb. Adi. Ad0. I. Chaloun] Claloun Ad2. Thalon Ra. Caloun Ba. called Cholon P. 1197. And for his witt] And is writyn Ra. Ba. in story] om. Ad.,. I. is] it is Lx. M. Di.-Adi. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. Ap. kouth] couthen Ad.,. I. "l200. alle] om. G. 1201. Not] Nor Bo. TI. L:. M. Di. Adi. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. nothir Ad2. I. nor] ne Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ej. P. nother LI. successioun] by s. Ba. Ad2. I. P. 1203. To holde G. Bo. T:. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. A2. I. Be holde Ar. EL S. He helde C. T2 (miswritten helge). P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. Heeld Ra (he added after Heeld above the line). Ba. in his hond] and the Croune P (a different hand has added and Towne with paler ink at the end of 1204). 1204. As] And G.

of alle] in all (om. the) Ad.2. I. of alle the Ar. of the (om. alle) L2. Ro. 1207. had Bo. M. Ad:.

52

H Deyphyle(and) U Adrastus

but no son.

Adrastus hopes to marry his daughters well.

IF The drem of kyng Adrastus of A bor and A lyouw.

But he dreams

that a wild Boar and a Lion shall wed them.

[leaf 21]

Adrastns dreams of his two Sons-in-law. [PT. n.

Passyng* fair / and right1 good also. 1208

It were to longe / her beaute to discryve.

And the eldest* / called was Argyve,

Deyfyle ynamed the seconds. .

And Adrastus, lich as it1 is founde, 1212

This worthy kyng1 / hadde sone non,

To succede / after he be gon ;

For which he was duryng1 al his lyff

Trisf in hert1 / and* passingly pensif. 1216

But1 hool his trust1 / and his hope stod,

Be Aliaunce / of some worthy blood

Brou^t Inne by mene / of his doghtres tweyn,

That* he shal be relesed / of his peyne, 1220

Thorgh recomforfr / of some hie mariage.

And sothly yet* ful high in his corage

He troubled was be occasion

Of a sweuen and a vision, 1224

Shewed to hym / vpon a certeyn nyght.

For as hym thoght / in his inward sight*

whyl he slept /, by cleer inspeccioun,

A wylde boor / and a fers lyouw 1228

Possede shal, thise bestes in her Rage,

His doghtres two / be bond? of mariage

In shorte tyine / with-In a certeyn day ;

which broght his herte / in ful grete affray. 1232

But1 bing1 in soth / thaf destine hath shape,

1211. ynamed] ynamed was G. 1212. lich]'>e kyng L2. is] was LI.

1213. This worthy kyng] In all his lyf L2. had son Bo. had "sone Adj. sone had M. Di. C. T2. sone hadde G. 1214. succede Ar. Bo. and all the rest, except succede and regne LI. after] aftre >at Du. be] is Lj. were Ro. 1216. trist] trysty Ad2. I. and] om. Ar. G. passingly] passyng Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ada. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. P. L^. 1221. marige Ar. recomfort] comfort Adj. Ad^ I- joynynge P. hie] om. I. 1222. yet] right Ar. G. Lb. ful] om. Lb. high] hevy Lb. ofte C. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. Ap. in] of Ad2. I. his] om. I. 1225. Shewde Bo. Du. 1228." wilde Bo. M. Adj. 1229. Possede]

Precede 1^. shal] om. Bo. shul M. Di. C. P. E2. shuld T2. thise La- >ees Bo. these Lb. M. thes Adj. thies Du the EI. her] his Ra. 1230. His] And his L.J. doghtren Bo. be bond] by bounde Lb.

Ro. be bounde T2. by way Lj. Ap. by lawe Ad2. by lond I. hurt I^. of] and Bo. 1233. destanye Bo. Du. destene M. Adi. shaps

(miswritteri) Ar.

PT. II.] Polyneices enters Argos city and goes to the Palace. 53

Her in this world / ful hard is to eskape ; Eke merveylous / a man teschewe his faate.

And Polymyte / of whom I spak late, "With the tempest / bete / and al be-reyned Be grace only / the Cite hath atteyned, 11 "Wher Adrastus / ful statly of degre, Thilke* tyme / helde his Royal see. The troubly nyghtf / myrk, and ful obscure, hath brought1 this knyghtf / only be auenture Thorgh the Cite, enclosed with a wal, Vnto the paleys / chief and p?'mcipal, Wher as the kynge / in his chambre alofte lay in his bed / and slepte wonder softe. Eke alle his folk / hadde her chambres take, lik as Fortune / peraunter hadde shape, The silf e * tyme / be-cause if was so late ; And Casuelly / no porter / at the gate, As it1 hadde* be right for the nonys. And in a porche* / bilf of square stonys, Ful myghtely enarched envyrowz, wher the domys / and plees of the toufi weren execut1 / and lawes of the kyng1, And ther this knyght / without* nior tarying*, Wery and maat / from his stede alight*.

1236 Poljneices

1240

1244

1248

1252

enters Argos city,

and goes to the palace

where Adrastus

and all his folk lie asleep.

The porter is at the gate.

1956 Pplyneices ties his horse up in a porch,

1234. ful] om. Di. hard] herd L2. Ro. is] it is Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. (in Ra. it is added by later hand) Ej. S. T2. P. K2. to eskape] teschape E^. to scape P. S. (the scribe of Ar. first wrote eschewe (see 1235), but underdotted this word and added eskape). 1235. to eschewe Bo. M. teschue Adi. 1237. albe reyned Ar. 1240. Thilke Bo. Adj. Thilk Ar. M. 1241. troubly] trouble Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. Ej. S. C. T2. P. £3. troublid Ra. myrk] merke Lj. P. E2. mark Lb. derke Adi. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. om. L,. ful] om. Adj. Ad2- I. Ra. Ba. £2. obscure] oscure L2. Ro. 1242. hath] That Adj. Ad2. I. S. be] of Ro.

1246. slepte M. slept Bo. Adj. 1247. had Bo. M. Adi. her] om. Bo. the Ro. allherAd2. I. chambres] chambre M. Di. S. Ra. caumbre Ba. 1248. had Bo. M. Adj. 1249. silf Ar. Bo. Lb. M. self Adi. 1250. no] nor G. atte gate Bo. Adi. 1251. hadde Di. Ej. had Ar. Bo. M. hade Adj. (Ar. has a pause- bar after right). 1252. in] om. G. porche Bo. M. Ad!, porch Ar. porte Du. 1253. myghtely] myghti Ad^ Ad.2. 1. 1254. wher] There P. and] and >e Bo. TI. Du. M. Di. Adi. Ra. Ba. EI. S. T2. plees] paleys P. ; in C. : the plees and domes. 1255. execut] executid Lx. Ra. Ba. E2. and] and >e Ad,. Ad.2. I. Ba. 1256. without] with Ar. G. mor] om. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra" Ba. 1257. fro Bo. Adj.

To Polyneices, asleep, comes Tideus of Caledonia. [FT. II.

and sleeps there himself.

Then, in rides a manly knight, [leaf 21, back]

Tideus,

who 's been banisht from Caledonia

Hangynge the rene / in al the hasf he myghtf, vppon his arme / surer hym to kepe, And leyde hym doune / and gan anon to slepe, 1260

As hym sempte / that tyme for the beste. And whil that* he lay thus forto reste, Of aventure / ther cam / a knyghtf ryding1, The worthiest1 in this world lyvyng1, 1264

Curteys, lowly / and right* vertuous, As seith myn autowr / Called Tidyus, Eurous in Armes / and manly in werkyng*, Of his byrthe / sone vnto the kyng* 1268

Of Calydonye / a londe of gret1 renoun. And he, alias / out* of that* Kegiomi Exiled was / for he his* brother sclowe, As Stace of Thebes / writ1 the manere howe, 1272

Al be that1 he / to hym no malys mente. For on a day / as they on huntyng1 wente In a forest* / for herte / and for hynde, So as he stod vnder a grene* lynde, 1276

And Casuelly / lete his Arow Slippe, he slough his broder / called Menalippe, Thorgh mortal sort1 / his honde was begyled : For which / he was / banished* and exiled, 1280

As the lawe / narowe / sette his charge.

1259. surer] sure C. T0. P. E2. Ro. ]>e surer LI. Lb. M. Di. (in Ra. the added by later hand), to] for to"C. T2. P. E2. 1260. leyde] lenyd Ad2. I. 1261. sempte Bo. M. Ad^ 1262. "while Bo. Adr Ra. that] om. M. Di. fit. he] he bat tyme P. (sec 1261). thus] om. P. 1264. The] One the C. P. E2. On of the T2. in this] in be Bo. Tj. Du. Lv Lb. M. Di. Adr Ad.,. I. Ra. Ba. E:. S. T2. of the C. P. £3. 1266. I-called Adj. Tidyus Ar. Bo. Du" Tideus G. Lj. Adj. Lb. Di. Ra. C. L2. ThedeusAdo. I. T2. Tydyus Ej. Tydeus M.S. P. Ro. TydiusTj. 1268. birth Bo. birthe M. Adj. the] a Adj. Ad2. I. 1269. Calydonye Ar. Adj. Ra. Ej. S. Ap. Calidone Ro. Calidoyne Lb. Callidoyne Ad.^ I. E2. Calcidonye Bo. Du. M. Di. Ba. Tj (altered into Calicdonye). Calcidoyne C. T2. Calcidoue LI. Lg. Calcydoun P. (cp. 1405). 1271. his] is Ar. LI. sclowe Ar. (the copyist first wrote slogh, but underdotted this and added sclowe ; cp. 1278). slow G. Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Adj. sloughe P. slew T2. scleughe Ro. 1272. Stace Bo. Lb. Ra. Stas Adj. Stage 1^. Ro. >e Stace Di. thestage C. writ] wrote Du. 1273. that he to hym no malys] that he no malice to hym L2. to hym that he no malyce Ro. Lj. to] on C. T2. at P. ; in M. Di. 1273 and 1274 are transposed. 1275. and for] and G. 1276. Ar. has a paiise-ntroke between vnder and a. grene Bo. M. Adj. gren Ar. 1280. banshed Ar. G. banesshid Bo. banesshed M. Adj. 1281. As]AndDi.

for accidentally shooting his brother Mena- lippus.

He, batterd by the storm,

PT. II.] Polyncices wakes at the Neighing of Tideus's Steed. 55

And for this caas / he cam first to Arge, IT Into the porche / wher polymyte slepe, Of auenture / ere he toke eny kepe, 1284

The same nyghtt hidously beseyii With the tempest1 / of thonder / wynde / and reyn ; And filf also / anoy / and gretf damage, Thorgh the Forest1 holding his passage, 1288

As Polymyte hadde* do to-forn, In peryl ofte / likly to be lorn, "With beestes rage / set1 on euery side, Til of grace with-outen eny guyde 1292

He rode thorgh Arge / the grete myghty toun, Streght1 to the paleys / and the chief dongoun, Lich" as I tolde / wher polymyte lay ; And at4 his comyng / made a gret1 affray, 1296

For he was blynde / forgh derknesse of the nyghf , And hym to gwye* / he ne fonde no lijtf whan he cam lime / of prikef nor of torche, Til he vnwarly / entred the porche, 1300

And wold han take ther / his herbygage.

But1 Polymyte / stertf vp in a rage, Sodeynly awaked / as I rede,

with the nyinge / of his proude stede. 1304

And first1 of al / whan that1 he byhelde A knyght1 y-armed / vpon his brestt a shelde,

1285. hidously] hidiously Lb. 1286. omitted in Ba. With] of C. of] om. Lb. C. T2. wynde] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. P. E2. and] and of K2. 1287. filt Bo. Tj. felt Lb. M. Adj. Ra. also] om. To. anoy] noye M. Di. P. noo Ba. and] om. Ba. and a To. 1289. As] And G. hadde Di. Ej. S. had Ar. Bo. Ta. Lb. Adj. toforn Ar. T0. E.2. L.2. Ro. beforn Bo. and all the rest. 1290. oft Bo. ofte M. Adj. 1292. withoute Bo. M. Ad:. guyde M. gyde Bo. Adi. 1293. grete Bo. gret M. grete] strong Ad3. Ad.,. I. Ra. Ba. S. 1297. ]>orgh] >orugh be Bo. Du. Ba. for Ro. 1298. to] for "to M. Di. gwye TP guyejM. Di. Ba. gwy Ar. G. gye Bo. Du. Adj. guyed Ra. ne] om. Bo. Tj. Du. La. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ado.. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. P. he ne fond no] fonde he no M. Di. fonde] founde 1^. Ba. 1299. cam] come Du. M. Di. C. nor Ar. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. ne Bo. and all the rest. 1300 entred] enterid La. Ap. entrid in Ra. Ro. entred into Ba. C. T2. Eo. 1300. omitted in 1^. 1301. haue Bo. M. take M. taken Bo. Adj. herbygage M. Ada. herbergage Bo. 1302. in] on G.

1304. nying Bo. neieng M. neing Adj. proude Bo. M. proud Adj. proude] om. G. 1305. And] But G. 1306. y-armed] armed M. Di. C. vpon in all the MSS. , except in P. E2. that have and on. brest] hors Di.

rides thru Argos,

[leaf 22]

and into the Porch where Polyneices lies.

Polyneices wakes,

56 Polyneices leaps on his horse and threatens Tideus. [PT. n.

leaps on his horse, and abuses Tideus,

who answers gently,

and says he was driven in by the tempest,

And gan the maner / of his aray aduerte,

Of verrey Ire / vpon his hors he sterte, 1308

And cruelly gan tydinges enquere

Whennys he cam / or what he dede there,

And bad in hast1 / his answer to devise.

And Tydeus, in ful humble wise, 1312

Answerd? ageyn / of verrey gentillesse,

And seid in soth / that1 of hegh distresse,

Of the tempest1 / and the derke nyght1,

he dryven was / lich an erraimt knyght, 1316

Of nede only / and of* necessite

And high constreyntt / of his adversite,

To take loggyng1 / wher so that1 he myghtf ;

And in that1 courte / therfor he alight1 1320

With-oute more*, thenkyng1 non outrage

Nor to no wight1 / noyeng* ne damage.

Than Polymyte / of malys / and hegh pride Tolde hym shortly / he shulde* not1 abide, 1324

Nor logge ther / thogh he had it1 sworn. " For I," quod he / " toke it1 vp to-forii And wil it1 kepe during1 al this nyght*, I seie the platly / maugre al thy myghf." 1328

H Quod Tydeus / 'that is no curtesie

1309. tydinges Ar. G. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. S. tydynge Ej. tithendes Ra. Ba. TediusBo. Tydeus Tj. P. Ap. TidyusDu. Tideus Lx. Lb. C. E2. 1^. Thydeus Ro. Thedeus Tg. enquere] tenquere Adi. Ra- to enquere Ad2. I. Ba. S. 1310. "Whennys Ar. Tj. Adj. M. Whens G. Bo. Du. Lb. Ra. C. T2. cam] come M. Di. Ra. C. Ta. or] and G. La. M. Di. S. P. E^. 1^. Ro. dede Ar. Ra. dide Tv Du. M. did Bo. Lb. Ba. ded G. 1311. bad] bad hym Du. 1313. gentillesse] gentilnesse Lb. Lj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. P. L2. Ro. Ap. 1314. that] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. T2. P. £3. Ro. that he Lb. hegh] full highe T2. Ro. his Ra. Ba. 1315. derke Bo. Adj. derk M. 1317. and of] and Ar. G. C. 1^. Ro. Ap. and great E^. 1318. high constreynt] hih constreynyng Ra. high constrened Ba. him constreined C. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. hije conuersaunt Di. his] gret C. T2. P. E2. 1320. in] om. Du. courte] place Ad2. I. therfor] wherefore Bo. Du. Lb. P. he] om. Du. 1321. more Bo. M. Adj. mor Ar. G. thenkyng Ar. G. Bo. Du. M. Adj. C. binkyng Lj. T2. L^ Ro. non] of any Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. name Du. non outrage] no damage Ro. ; pause-bar in Ar. after thenkyng. 1322. Nor to] Ne to Lb. P. Ner to do M. Di. .no] om. G. noyeng nor Bo. Lj. noyeng ne Du. M. Di. noyeng no Tj. moving ne Ar. mouyngno Adj. Ad^ I. S. mevyngno G. raeuyng noo 1^. P. Ap. meenyng no Ra. Ba. Ej. C. T2. E2 (meaning), no maner Lb. to do no Ro. damage] outrage Ro. 1324. shuld Ar. shold M. Adj. shulde Bo. 1326. toforn Ar. G. T2. Lg. Ro. Ap. beforn Bo. aiid the rest.

1327. kepe Bo. M. Adj. 1329. curtasye Bo. Du. curtesye M. curteisie Adj.

and that he means no harm.

Polyneices de- clares he shan't stay there.

[leaf 22, back]

PT. II.]. Polyneices challenges Tideus. They fight.

has no more right to the porch than he has,

and asks leave to stop.

But Polyneice

says they must fight.

Me to deuoyde / but rather vileynye,

$if $e take hede / that1 seme a gentil knyght1.

And I suppose / je han / no title of right1 1332

To this loggyng1 / be way of heritage,

More than haue I, for alle ^oure fell e rage.

And parde / jifr it1 shal be no desese,

Til to morowe thogh 30 do me ese, 1336

Of gentillesse / only with ^oure leve ;

To suffre me / it1 shal litil greue.'

11 But1 ay the more Tydeus spak faire,

Polymyte was fro ward / and contrayre, 1340

And shortly seide / it1 geyneth not1 to stryve ;

That1 of force he shal devoide blyve,

Or vttrely / a-twen hem bothe two

This thyng1 to Trie' / he most haue ado. 1344

1T And Tydeus, seyng / no bettre mene,

Ful lik a knyght1 / in steel y-armed* clene,

With-ouf abood / faste gan hym spede

"Wonder lyvely / forto take his stede, 1348

And thus thies knyghte's / pompous and ellaf.

For litil cause' / fillen at1 debatf.

And as they ranne to-gider on* horsbak,

Euerich on other / first1 his spere brak. 1352

And after that1 / ful surquedous of pride,

With sharpe swerdes / they to-gyder ryde

Ful yrously / thise myghty champiourcs,

In her fury / lik1 Tygres or lyouws. 1356

1330. vilonye Bo. Du. velonye Di. vilenye Adj. 1334. fel Bo. II. Adj.

1337. with] by Bo. Tx. Du. Lr Lb. M. Di. Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S.

1338. shal] shal you Lo. shal but C. T2. P. E^ Ro. 1339. more Bo. M. Adx. 1340. contrayre] contrarie Du. 1341. not] om. I. 1342. of force] of deuorce Lj. shal] shulde P. 1343. a-twen] bitwene Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. both Bo. bothe M. Adj. om. Lj. 1343 and 1344 omitted in Ad2. and I.

1346. armed Ar. Bo. and all the other MSS. (cp. 1306). clene] brith Lx (: mene).

1347. faste Ad:. fast Bo. M. 1348. Wonder] Wondirly Ba. lyvely] lifli Lj. C. T2. lyghtly Ej. forto] to Ba. C. T2. take] stride E«. bestride C. T2. P. 1350. fillen Bo. Adx. fellen M. 1351. ranne] ronne Lj. Lb."M. Di. C. rydden P. on]orAr. ; in Ar. a pause-bar after they and anotlier after ranne. 1352. Euerich] either C. T2. P. E,. 1^. Ro. first] om. P. his] her Bo. T^ M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. P. spere] speres Ba. Ad2. P. brak] to brak M. T2. 1354. sharpe Bo. Ada. sharp M.

They charge

one another,

break their

spears,

II How Tydeus

and Polymyte

strif for her

loggyng.

and attack with

swords.

58

Adrastus stops Polyneices and Tideus fighting. [PT..II.

[leaf 23] Adrastus wakes.

and sends his men to them.

Adrastus's folk tell him two knights are fighting in his palace.

He comes down,

bids them stop fighting,

takes their swords away, and tells em they're great fools.

And* as they hurtle / that1 all be paleis shoke, kyng1* Adrastus / out1 of his slep awoke, And made in hast1 his chamberleynes calle, And J>orgh the courte / his worthy knyghtes alle, 1360 Comaundyng1 hem to descende and se, And reporte / what1 if myghte be, This wonder noyse / in his courte be nyght. And whan they saugh two strauwge knyghtes fight1 1364 In platys bright1 / and in thikke* maile,* with-oute luge /, they hadde grete nwvaile* ; And disamayed / of this vnkouth Jring1, As they fond / tolde* to the kyng1. 1368

1T And Adrastus / for derknesse of the nyght, From his Chambre / with many torche * light1 Into the courte / is discended down,

AH his meyne / stondyng en-vyrouw, 1372

Of thyes knyghtes having1 ful gret wonder. And of manhode / he put1 hem first1 a-sonder, Hem comaundyng / lich a gentil kyng1, To leuen her strif and sesen of her* fighting1; 1376

And entred Inne with a knyghtly loke, And first1 fro hem / her swerdes both he took,

1357. And] om. in all the MSS. (see 1. 1358 and Notes), hurtle] hurtled Lj. P. LZ. that] am. Ra. Ba. P. 1^. Ro. 1358. kyng] And kyng all the MSS. out] om. Ra. Ba. his] om. G. 1359. chamberleyns Bo. M. Adj. 1362. And]

And to P. And make Lb. reporte Bo. M. Adj. what] what that M. Di. T2. Ro. mighte Adj. might Bo. M. 1364. They] The Ar. two] tho G. 1365. and in] and Adj. Ad2. I. thikke Bo. Tj. Di. Adj. Ra. T2. thik Ar. G. Lb. M. Ba. C. maile] male Ar. 1366. mervaile] mervale Ar. T1. 1367. And] And were E2. disamayed] dismaied Lj. Lb. M. Di. C. T0. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. 1368. As] And

as LJ. Lb. Eo. Lyke as S. fond Ar. G.'Ba. fonde Bo. Du. Tj. Lb. M. Di. Ap. founde Lr Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. To. Eo. l^. Ro. tolde G. C. E2. Ro. Ap. toolde Lb. told Ar. T2. L2. tolde bei Bo. Du. Ej. talde thei Tj. tolden they M. Di. tolde alle Ro. ]> ei tolde Lj. Adi. Ad2. I. Ba. S. to] vnto LJ. T2. om. S. Ro. to the on to Ap. And as they founde hit, tolde hit to be kynge P. As thei we fonde the told to the kyng Ra. 1370. with] went with LJ. many] many a Adj. Ad2. I.

Ra. om. Lj. torche M. Adj. Ra. torch Ar. torches Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Ej. E2. 1373. ful] om. M. Di. S. C. T2. P. E2. 1374. he] om. Lj. P. first] om. Bo.

both Lj. put hem first] first putt hem To. a-sonder] on sender Lj. in sonder Lo.. 1375. gentil] getil (miswritten) Ar. 1376. leuen Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Adj. E2. leeue M. Ra. C. T2. P. L2. Ro. sesen Ar. Ra. P. cessen Ad2. T2. E2. cese Bo. Du. Lb (seese). Lo. (sese). cesse Tj. M. Adj. C. of] om. Ba. her] om. Ar. G. T2. E.J. fighting] fight Ba. 1378. her swerdes both] both her swerdes M. Di. C.

both] om. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. he] om. P.

PT. IL] Polyneices and Tideus submit to Adrastus. 59

Affermyng1 ek, as to his fantasie,

If was a Eage / and a gretf folye 1380

So wilfully / her lyves / to luparte,

with-oute luge / her querel to departe,

And specialy / in the derke* nyght1

Whan neither myght of other han no sight*, 1384

Charging* hem vpon peyne of her lif

To disseuer and styntyn of her strif.

[leaf 23, back]

IT And Tydeus in al the hasf he myghf,

Ful humblely* from his stede alight1. 1388

submits to

And right mekely / with cheer and contenance Adrastus,

Put1 hym hooly in the gouernance

and so does

Of Adrastus / in al maner f ing1. Poiyneices.

And Polymyte / mad ek no tarying1* 1392

To light also / and wolde* not* wibsey

The kyngges biddy ng1 / lowly to obey,

So as hym ought* / with due* reuerence.

And as thei stoode* / both in his presence, 1396

He gan enquere first1 / of her estaatt,

The cause also why they weren afr debaf , ttfemth^the'y

Of her cuntrees / sothly and her age,

I-axed ek / touching1 her lynage, 1400

Be discenf of what1 stok ]>ei were born.

And Tydeus his answer / gaf to-forn ; Tideus my*

Tolde pleynly / and made no lesyng1,

1380. and a] and G. 1382. Inge] a luge Ad2. I. 1383. derke Bo. Adj.

derk Ar. M. 1384. Whan] And whanne T0. myglit] mygh Ar. haue Bo. M. Adj. no Ar. Ap. eny Bo. Tx. Lx. Lb. a M. Di.'Ado. I. Ej. S. To. P. Lo. Ro. no] (>m. Du. Adj. Ra. Ba. C. Eo,. myghte of other han]" of other myght haiie Ej. 1385. Charging] Charching A~r. C. vpon] on Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ex. Ra. vp Ad.,. I. C. P. Eo. Ap. of Adj. Ba. in S. of] on Ra. Ba. her] om. I. C. 1388. humbly Ar. Bo." Tx. Ad^ humbely M. Di. To. humbyly G. humble Lb. Ra. (cp. 1631, 3746). alight] he light Du. 1389" right] righ Ar. 1392. tarying] taryng Ar. 1393. light] ligh Ar. alight Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Ej. hie C. T2. P. highe him Eo. wolde G. Bo. Lb. Di. Adj. wold Ar. M. Ra. C. woll P. wolde itEj. 1395. due Bo. M. Adj. diewAr. dewG. 1396. in Ar. a pause-bar also between thei and stood, stode Bo. Tj.- M. Ra. stoode Lb. stood Ar. G. Adx.

1398. Between also and why in Ar. qui crossed through, weren Ar. G. were Bo. Ada.

1399. cuntrees] cuntree Ad^ Ado. I. and] and of Adj. Ado. I. 1400. I-axed Ar. G. He asked Bo. Tj. Du. La. Lb. M. Adj. Ado. I. Ra. Ej. S. And axed C. T2. P. Ro. Ap. And asked Di. Ba. L2. And asked hem E2. ek Ar. eke Bo. also C. 1403 to 1468 lost in C. 1403. made Bo. M. mad Adj.

60 Polyiieices says he is Jocasta's son. Adrastus knows his Father.

and is banisht. Qf Caledoyn / and rijtful heir1 therto ; And of his exile / the soth he told also, As $e han herde / in the storye rad.

Poiyneices And Polymyte / with cheer and face sad,

vnto Jje kyng / touching1 his centre, Seyde he was born / in thebes J>e Cite,

says Jocasta was And locasta, the grete famous quene,

his mother,

but holds his tongue about his father.

Still, Adrastus knows all about it.

his moder was / with-outen* eny wene.

But* of his fader / whilom kyng* and lord,

For verray shame he spak not* a word,

Only for he / jif I shal not1 feyne,

his fader was / and brother bothe* tweyne :

The which, in soth / he was ful loth to telle.

And eke the kyng1 / wold hyra not1 compelle

Of gentillesse / but1 bad, with-oute blame,

Of his birthe* / forto haue no shame ;

For hool the caas / and maner euery deH,

Touchyng* his kynne / he knewe fe ground ful wel,

lich as it1 was, by ful clier report* ;

Enforsyng1 hyrn forto do comfort*,

with aH his myght* / and his bysy peyne,

This manly kyng* / to the knyghtes tweyne,

And to hem seide'/ aforn hym as they stood,

He wiste wel / fat* of ful worthy blood

They were dyscended / touchy ng* ther kynrede.

And made in hast* / his offi cere's * lede

1403

1412

1420

1424

1428

He has the princes

1404. that] om. T2. E^. Lo. Ro. sone Ar. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Adj. To, sonne Ro. son Bo. Ap. to] vnto Lj. Ra. Ba. T2. P. £5. L^. Ro. on to Ap. 1405. Caledoyn Ar. Caleoyn G. Calidoyne Lb. S. Calidonye Adj. Ej. Calydone Ra. Callidoun Ad2. I. Calcedoyne Bo. M. Di. T2. E2. Lg. Ap. Calcidoyne Du. Calecdoyne TV Calcidonye Lj. Ba. Ro. Calcidon P. fi3tful] right Lj. 1406. his] be Lj. Ej. om. Bo. TV Du. M. Adj. S. solh] cause T2. P. Eo.. Lo. Ro. Ap. 1410. Seyde] Seid bat Lx. J>e] >at Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Ra. S. • 1411. grete Bo. gret M. Adj. 1412. withouten Di. Ej. L.2. withoute Ar. Bo. Du. Lb. M. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. T2. P. without G. TV LJ. E2. 1414. not] neuerM. Di. T2. E2. nat of Ba. a] oo Lb. oon Ba. 1416. bothe Bo. M. Adj. both Ar. 1418. wolde Bo. wold M. Adj. 1420. birth Ar. G. Bo. Ra. birthe TV Lb. M. Adj. forto] to Ra. 1424. Enforsyng] In forthryng Ad2. I. 1426. the] these M. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. Et. S. P. E,,. Lo.. Ro. 1427. aforn] afon Ar. 1428. wist Bo. M. Adj.

weleBo. wilLb. )>at]o?w. Di. ful] fully Ad2. om. Dn. Ej. S. P. worthy] riall Lj. gentyle Ro. 1430. officeres Lb. officeris Di. officers Ar. G. Bo. M. Adj. Ra.

PT. II.] Adrastus sends Polymices and Tideus to his Palace. 61

The straunge knyghtes / beyng1 atf clebat1, Thorgh his paleys / to chambres of estaf, Eche by hym-silf / forto take his ese. And euery Jjing1, in soth, that myghf hem plese, was offred hem / lich to her estates.

And whan they weren / disarmed of her platis, Cusshewes / Greues / and her sabatons, her harneys voyded / and her habergons, TVeyne* mantels / vnto hem wer broght, Frett1 with peerle / and riche stonys, wroght Of cloth of golde / and veluyt cremysyn, Ful richely furred with hermyn, To wrap hem Inne / ageyn the cold<? morowe, After the rage / of her nyghtes sorowe, To take her reste / til* J?e sonne* arise.

And than }>e kyng1 / in ful prudent1 wise, First of alle / was not1 rekkeles J?e knyghtes hertes / for* to sett1 in pees, that* euer after, I dar affernie it wel, Eche was to other trew as eny stele During her lif / both in word and dede, vnder a knotte / bounde of broberhede*. IT And Adrastus / j?e worthy kyng famous, A feeste made / riche and plenteuous,

1139 led to state- rooms.

1436 Tideus and Poly- iieices disarm,

1440

1444

1448

1452

are clad in rich garments

and furd wraps,

and then rest.

Adrastus makes them friends,

and each is then

true to the other.

[leaf 24, back]

Adrastus feasts them,

1435. hem] to hem Lb. M. haue T.2. 1437. Cusshewes Ar. Bo. Tj. M.

Adj. Ra. Cusshews Lx. Cushens Lb. Cusshwes Ba. Cusshens E.2. and her sabatons] solieres and haberions Ra. Ba. 1438. voyded] voyde La. habergons] lambisons Ra. Ba. 1439. Tweyne Ra. Tweyn Ar. G. Bo. T:. Adx. Twey Lb. M. Two T2. mantels Ar. Tj. M. Adj. mantles Ra. mantelles Bo. manteles G. Lb. mantelis To. vnto Bo. M. to Adj. were Adj. wernBo. 1440. Frett M. Adj. Ep E2. Freyt Bo. Tj. S. Freight Lb. peerle (perle) in all the MSS. and] and with P. 1440. omitted in G. 1441. veluet cremesyn Bo. velwet

crimsin Adj. 1442. Ar. has a pause-bar after furred, ermyn Bo. M. Adz.

1443. colde Bo. M. cold Adj. 1444. her] the M. Di. 1445. rest Bo. M. reste Adj. til] to Ar. G. Ba. Ro. sonne Bo. M. Adj. sone Ar. 1447. was] he was E2. not] nothyng Ej. rekkeles Ar. rekeles P. E2. rekelesse Ro. reklesT2. L9. Ap. reccles Lj. reccheles Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adx. AcL>. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. rechles Bo. 1448. for to] to Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. so G. set] serue Ra. Ba. 1450. was to other] to other was P. trew] as trewe Bo. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. T0. L> Ro. 1451. in] their Ba. word] wordes Lj. worke Bo. Tj. Ap. werk M". Di". Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ep S. wark Ba. and] and in M. 1452. knotte G. Bo. Adj. knot M. brotherede Ar. brotherhed G. brothrehede Bo. bretherhed M. Adj. 1454. feste Bo. Adj. fest M. made Bo. M. Adj.

62 Polyneices and Tideus are ckarmd with Adrastus's Daughters.

and sends for his daughters,

who come in like the glad morning star,

heavenly fresh and pleasant to the strangers.

Tideus and Polyneices think the girls celes- tial beings,

To thise knyghtes /, hym-silf ther-af present*.

And after mete / ful goodly he haj? sent, 1456

This noble kyng1 / for his doghters dere,

Of gentyllesse / forto make chere

To the knyghtes / come fro so ferre.

And lik in soth / as lucyfer the sterre 1460

Gladeth the morow / at1 his vprysing1,

So thoo ladies / at her In-comyng4,

With the stremes / of her eye'n clere,

Goodly apport1 / and wommanly manere, 1464

Contenaunce* / and excellent1 fayrnesse,

To alle the court / broghten In gladnesse.

For the fresshnesse* / of Her heuenly cheres

So agreable was to the straun-gers, 1468

At her Entre / that1 in especial*

hem thoghtf it lik a thyng1 Celestial ;

Enhastyng1 hem / in ful knyghtly wise

ageynes hem / goodly to arise. 1472

And as they mette / with humble Contenaunce,

Ful konyngly / did her obseruatmce,

Hem conveying1 / to her sitting-place.

But1 sothly I haue* leyser non nor space 1476

To reherce / and putt in remewbraurcce, Hooly the maner / of her daliaunce. If were to longe / for }ou to abide.

1455. To] -And G. knynghtes Ar. S. has omitted 1455 second half to 1459 second half, so that 1455 reads: To thes knyghtes come for (sic) so fer. 1458. for to] to Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. P. make] make hem Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. P. make hem bothe Lb. 1459. come Ar. G. S. E2. comen Tx. T2. L.2- Ro. com Ap. ycome Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ez. J>at com P. fro] from Lb. Ra. Ro. P. so] om. Ba. 1462. thoo] the Lx. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. thilk M. Di. In-comyng] horn coming Adj. Ad2. I. 1464. apport] of porte Du. Lb. Ad2. I. P. Ap. manere] chere Lj. of manere Ad2. I. 1465. Contenaunce] Con- tenaunces Ar. G. T2. E.,. 1467. fresshnesse] frocchnesse Ar. 1469. her] the Ro. especial] special"Ar. G. Bo. TI. M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. Ap. (cp. 2823). 1470. AT. has a pause-bar after it. 1472. ageyns Bo. ayens M. ageinst Adj. to arise Bo. M. for tarise Adj. for til anise Ad2. I. 1473. humbly G.

1474. konyngly Adj. konnyngly Bo. did Bo. dide M. dede Adx. 1476. haue Bo. M. Adj. ha Ar. nor Ar. Ra. T2. ne Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Ad,. L . 1479. for jou to abide] to you tabide Adj. Acl2. I.

PT. II.] Polyncices & Tideusfall in love with Adrastus's Girls. 63

But wel I woot / that1 the god Cupide,

By influence / of his myghty hon<J

And the feruence / of his firy brond?,

Her metyng1 first1 / fortuned hath so wel,

That1 his arowes* / of gold, and not1 of stiel,

Iperced han / the knyghtes hertes tweyii,

Thorgh the brest1 / with such" a lusty peyii

That* ther abood / sharpe / as spere or lamzce,

Depe yfiched / the poynf of remembrance,

which may not1 / lightly / raced ben away.

And thus in loye / they dryve forth fe day

In Play and Eeuel / for the knyghte's sake.

And towardes nyght1 / they her chambres take

At due* tyme / as her fader bad,

And on her way / the knyghte's han hem lad

Eeuerently vp be many staire ;

Takyng1 lieve / gan anon repaire

To her logging1 / in a f ul statly toure,

Assigned hem / be the harberioure.

And after spice's / pleynly, and the wyii In Coppes grete / wroght1 of gold ful fyii, With-oute tarying1 / to bedde* streght1 they gon. Touchyng1 her reste /, wher thei slepte or noil, Demeth 30 louers / that1 in such nianer thing1 Bexperience han fully knowlecchyng1 ;

1480 and at once [leaf 25]

1484

1488

1492

1496

fall in love with them.

They have games and fun all day,

and then take the ladies to

their tower.

1500

The 2 lovers drink wine,

and go to bed,

but of course can't sleep.

1504

1480. wel I woot] y woot wel Adj. Ad,. I. 1482. firy Bo. fuyri Adj.

fury Du. 1483. fortuned hath] hath fortuned Di. 1484. arowes G. Bo. M. harowes Ar. arwes Adj. gold] om. G (loue added by later hand above the line). steel Bo. TJ. Adj. stel M. G. 1488. yfiched] y-fixed Ej. ficchid Tj. AI. Di. Adj. Ad2 (fixhed). I. Ra (fechchid). Ba. C. S. the] to Ad.2. I. 1491. and] or Bo. knyghtes] kyuges LJ. 1492. towardes Bo. toward Adj. 1493. At] Ad Ar. due Bo. Adj. dieu Ar. dewe G. 1495. many] many a Bo. Du. LJ. Lb. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. EJ. S. T2. P. E.2. Ro. Ap. 1496. Takyng] Taken Ad2. I. lieve Ar. G. leeue Bo. C. leue TJ. Adj. T2. leef AI. here leve Lb. P. gan] gonne M. T.2. and gan Ap. 1498. herbergeoure Bo. herbergour Adj.

herbeioure M. 1500. cuppes Bo. Adj. coupes Ro. grete Bo. AI. Adj. gold] om. G. 1501. to bed Ar. Bo. and all, except to bedde Lb. Ej. S. Ap. to bedde] om. P. to bedde streght] streightto bed Lj. Ra. Ba. Ro. 1502. wher Ar. wheber Bo. whedir Ra. whyther Ro. wer Ad:. 1503. Je] the P. 1504.

by experience Bo. AI. Adj. Ra. han Bo. AI. Adj. Ra. fully] ful Lj. AI. Di. Adj. Ad2- L Ra. Ba. fwlly such S. knowlecchyng Ar. Bo. Adj. knowlachynge Lj. knowliching S. knowlegeynge Ro. knowyng Lb. P. Ap.

64 Adrastus sees his Dream-beasts on the 2 Princes' shields. [PT. II.

Adrastus lies awake,

[leaf 25, back]

doubting whether he shall

wed his girls to Tideus and Polyneices,

because of his Dream of the

Wild Boar and the Lion, p. 52.

For if is naf declared / in my boke.

But1 as I fynde / the kyng1 al nyghtf woke,

Thoghtful in herte / the story specifies,

Musing1 sore / and ful of fantasies ; 1508

First aduerting1 / Jje grete worthynesse

Of this knyghtes / and the semlynesse,

Her lusty jouth / her force / and her manhode,

And how thei weren y-come of Eoyal blode. 1512

Al this he ganne / to reuolue aboute,

Ay in his herte / hauyng* a maner doute,

A-tweue two / hangyng* / in balaunce

where he shulde* / maken an aliauwce 1516

A-twene his doghtren / and the knyghtes tweyn.

For on thyng1 / ay / his herte gan constreyn,

The remembrance / of his avisioun,

Of which to-forn / I made' menciou?^, 1520

Touchyng1 / }>e lyon / and the wilde boor,

It1 nedeth naf / to reherce itf mor,

Casting alway / in his Fantasie,

What1 it1 myghte / cleerly signyfie, 1524

This dirke dreme / ; this was hid arid cloos. But1 on the morowe / Adrastus vp aroos,

And to the temple / the ri^te way he took,

And gan preie / deuoutly on his book 1528

To the goddes / his dreme to specefie. sees these Beasts And they hym bad homward! forto hye, knights"' shields, And to beholde / in the knyghtes sheldys

1506. alnyght Ar, 1512. weren Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. EJ. were (wer) all the rest. ycome Ar. Ap. comen Du. Ra. EJ. C. L2. come all the rest, thei weren ycome] comen thei were C. Royal Ar. Bo. Adj. T2. rj*al C. E.,. full riall Lj. worthy S. Ro. hygh Ap. 1515. A-twene] Bi twene Bo. Tj". Du. L,. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. EJ. S. P. in] in a G. Lj. Ad.,. I. Ra. Ba. E^ C. E2. L^. 1516. where Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. Adj. were G. whe]>er Lx. M. Di. shulde Ta. Du. Lx. Di. Adj. shuld Ar. G. Bo. M. 'raaken A. makyn G. make Bo. Tj. M. Adj. an] any G. Lj. 1517. A-twene Bo. M. Adj. doghtres Bo. doughtres M. Adj. 1520. Of] om. P. which] whome Bo. T?. Du. Lj. Lb. to-forn (to fore)] therfore Ej. I made] made I haue M. Di. made is C. P. E2. makid is T.,. mencioun] a mencion E2. 1522. nedeth] nede Lo. it] om. Lb. Ra. Ba. mor] no more L\. M. Di. C. Tp E2. 1524 and 1525 arc transposed in I. 1526. aroos] rose Ra. Ba. he ros Ad:. Ad* I. 1527. right Bo. M. Adj. 1528. preie] to pi-ay Lb. Ad2. I. on] in Lb. " 1530. forto] to G. 1531. beholde Bo. M. Adj.

Next day he

and they explain his dream,

PT. n] Adrastus sees his Dream-beasts, on the Princes' Shields. 65

The felle beestys / peynted in the feeldys ; 1532

Which shal to hym /, be cleer inspecciowz,

Ful pleynly / make declaraciou?*

Of his dreme / which he hadde in the nyght.

And Adrastus / enhasted hym ful ri^fr 1536

In her Sheldes wisly to beholde.

Wher that he saugh / as the goddes tolde,

In the Sheldes / hangyng1 vpon hokys,

The beestes rage / with her mortal lokys*.

And to p?<rpos, lik as writ1 Bochas,

Polymyte / ful streght1 enbraced was

In the hyde / of a feerce lyouw.

And Tydeus / abouen his haberiouw 1544

A Gypon hadde / hidous / sharpe and hoor,

wroght1 of the bristels / of a wylde boor.

The whiche* beestis / as the story lerys,

wer wroght1 / and bete / vpon her banerys, 1548

Displaied broode* / whan they shulde fight.

wherof the kyng1 / whan he haddo a sight*

Att hys repeir / in herte was ful glad,

And with a face / ful demur and sad 1552 Adrastus

with his lordes, that1 he about hym hadde,

To the temple / he thys knyghtes ladde.

And whan they hadde / with aH circumstau/ices Of Eytys olde / don her obserucrances, 1556

1540 as Boccaccio says.

[leaf 26]

Polyneices's shield has a lion's hide ;

and Tideus's gipon is of wild- boars' bristles.

takes Tideus and Polyneices to the temple,

1532. beestys peynted] peinted bestes Adj. Ad^ I. in] of Du. Adj. Ad2. I. 1535. which] bat Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad0. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. in] on S. C. T2. P. L2. Ap. 1536. enhasted] hasted M. Di. 1537. her] the M.

wisly] wise Lj. auisely T^ 1537 second half to 1539 second half is omitted in Du. Di. and Ej., so that 1537 reads : In her Sheldes hangyng vpon hokes Du. Di. Ej. 1538. that] tha Ar. as LJ. Lb. P. as] )>at Bo. 1539. vpon] vppe in T2. 1540. lokes G. Lb. Ra. L2. Ro. Ap. hokys Ar. Adj. Ad2. Ej. crokes Bo. Tv Du. Lx. M. Di. I. Ba. S. C. T2. P. E2. (see Notes). 1541. writ] wryteth Adj. Ad2. I. S. writh Ra. 1544. abouen Ar. G. Bo. Du. Adj. Ra. T2. aboue Tj. M.

habergon Bo. Adj. habirgoun Tx. 1545. gipon Bo. gepon Adj. gryphoun Ad2. I. had Bo. Adj. cm. Ad2. I. 1546. bristles Adj. brestis Di. wilde Bo. wild Adj. 1547. whiche Bo. which Adj. Ar (in Ar. followed by a pause-bar). lerys] leres (:baners) Bo. Adj. 1548. bete Ar. G. Bo. Tj. M. Adj. Ra. Ej. C. T2. P. E2. beete Ap. bet Du. bett Lj. Lb. betyn 1^. betten Ro. vpon] on Adj. Ad2. I. 1549. Displayed Bo. Displayde Du. brode Bo. Adj. brood Ar. 1555. had Bo. M. Adj. 1556. Of] With M. Di. rytes M. Adj. rightes Bo. Lb. L2. her] his Bo. obseruaunces] observaunce ( : cyrconstaunce) Lj. THEEES. ' F

06 Adrastus feasts, and talks to, Polyneices and Tideus. [PT.

and has a talk with them.

Hom to the court* / they resort1 ageyn. And in an halle / riche and wel beseyn, This worthy kyng1 of herte lyberal, then feasts them Made a feeste / solempne and Royal, 1 560

in his court,

Which" in deyntees* / surly dyd excelle.

But1 if were veyn / euery cours to telle,

her straunge sewes / and her sotyltees.

Ne how they sat1 / lik to her degrees ; 1564

For lak of tyme I laft it* ouerslyde. And after mete / Adrastus toke a-syde

The knyghtes two / and lik a prudent1 man

In sykre wise / thus his tale he gan. 1568

," quod he / "I ne doute it nou^t Jjat it is fressh" / and grene / ay in jour thojt [leaf 26, back] How that1 first* / by goddys ordynauwce,

And after next1 / thorgh fatys purveawzce, 1572

And be workyng1 / of fortunes hond,

How that* $e weren broujt1 into this lond

Bo the* tweyn / But* now this laste* nyght' :

Of whoos comyng1 / I am ful glad and light 1576

First1 in my-self /, shortly to expresse,

whan I considre / and se the liklynesse

Of 3our personys / with the Circumstancys

And hool the maner / of jour gouernancys ; 1580

Seyng1 ful wel /, wherto shuldl I feyne,

3e likly be her-after to atteyn

1558. an] om. Bo. Di. Ra. Ba. E^ beseyn] beseen (:ayen) M. Di. 1560. feest Bo. feste Adj. deyntees Bo. Lb. Adj. deyntys Ar. deyntes M. C. deynteis Lg. Ba. surly] shortly Ro. 1563. and her] and other C. T2. E.2- 1565. lak] lyt lak Ap. Ij they P. lat Ar. Bo. TJ. Adj. E2. letteEj. let P. 1^. leteLb. Ro. leet Ad2. it] om. Ar. G. Bo. TV P. E^. Ap. ouerslyde] slide L2. Ro. 1567. and] om. M. Di. 1568. In] and in Bo. T\. Lj. M. Di. secre G. Bo. Lb. M. T2. Ap (cecre). secret Adj. Ra. Ej. Ro. secrett S. thus] and thus C. this IA he gan] began Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. he began Ra. Ba. 1569. ne] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. it] om. P. 1570. it] om. Bo. Ad2. P. is] om. Ra. ay] om. Tj. Lb. M. Di. Ad2. S. T2. P. Lg. Ro. Jour] my P. In M. the illuminated capital S of I. 1569 having been cut away, the first letters 0/1570 and 1571 are gone, together with the words And after in I. 1572. 1571. goddys] the goddis Ra. 1572. thorgh] bi Adj. Ad^. I. honde with a dot under e in Ar. 1574. How] Whw G. 1575. Bothe Bo. Adj. Both Ar.

laste Adj. last Ar. Bo. 1578. liknesse G. 1579. with] and Di. the] alle Ra. Ra Circumstancys] Circumstaunce (:governannse) P. 1582. likly] lik Ada. Ad2.

PT. n] Adrastus will give his Daughters & Land to the Princes. 67

To* grete estat / and* habundaimce of good,

Thorgh joure birth / and jour" Royal blood ;

$e may not* fayle / but1 je haue wrong1,

For ^e are bothe* manly / and right1 strong1.

And forto sette ^oure hertes mor at1 reste

My purpoos is / I hope for the beste,

So that* in ^ou be no variance,

To make a knotte / as be allyauwce,

Atwixe* jow and my doghtres two,

$if ^oure hertes / accorde wel therto.

IT And for I am fully in dyspeyr

To succede for to ban an heir1,

Therfor }e shal han possessions,

Duryng1 my lyf / of half this Regiouw,

Forthwith* in hond? / and hool after my day.

Ther is no man / that* therto shal sey nay.

And sothly after / whan that* I am graue,

Eche of ^ow / shal his party haue

Of this kyngdam, as I haue provided ;

This to seyn / it* shal be devyded

A-twen ^ow two, euerich to be crowned,

3oure pourparties / be equyte compowned

So egally / in euery mannys sight1,

That1 ech" of $ow / reioyse shal his ryght1.

And by $our wit / 30 shul the lond amend,

And of manhode / knyghtly it diffend?

Ageyn oure enmyes / and oure mortal fon.

1 584

1588

1592

As Tideus and Polyneices are

Adrastus pro- poses that

they shall wed his daughters,

have half his land during his

1596 life>

and all after.

1600

1604

[leaf 27]

Eaoh shall have an equal share,

1608 fid defend the land against its foes.

1583. To] The Ar. G. Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. and] of Ar. G. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. ET. S. habundaunce Ar. G. Bo. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. T2. abundance C. 1^. 1584. and Jour] and Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Ra. Ba. C. P. 1586. bothe Adj. both Ar. Bo. 1587. mor at reste] atte mor reste Adj. Ad2. I. 1591. Atwix Lb. Ra. Atwixt Ar. G. Bo. Tv Atwixte Adj. Atwene M. T2. Bitwex Ad2. Bitwixe I. 1592. accord Bo. accorden Adj. wel] woll Ad9. 1594. for to] to Bo. Ba. an] anyRa. 1596. half] haufe S. al Di. this] my C. T2. P. E2. 1597. Forth with G. Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. C. forwith Ar. Di. Fourth with all T2. 1599. whan] om. C. that] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adx. Ra. Ba. P. 1602.

This] This is G. Du. Lj. Lb, Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. C. T2. P. E.,. L2. Ro. That is M. Di. 1603. A-twen Ar. Bo. Tx. M. Adj. Ra. Betwene Lj. Lb. Atwix Ba. euerich Bo. euery Ra. eche M. Adj. 1607. shul Bo. shal Adj. Ra. 1609 oure enmyes] enemyes Bo. your enemyes M. Di. Ra. Ba. C. T2. and oure] and youre Lj. M. Di. Ba. C. T2.

68

Tydeus accepts Adrastus' s offer.

[FJ\

They shall reign ;

Adrastus will abdicate,

hunt, and

take his ease.

And for the dates / passed ben and gem Of my desyres / and my lusty ^outh", I am fal set* / forto make' koutli That1 je shal han / lik myn opynyoim, The gouernaiwce / of this Kegioun. To this entente / me semeth" for the beste, 3e to gouevne / and I to lyve in reste, Fully to folowe / the lust of my desyris, Hunte and hauke / in wodes and Kyverys whan so euer / I haue* therto plesauwce, And for to han / non other attendance Vnto no thing1 / but1 vnto myn ese. For which shortly / }if it agre and plese That1 1 haue seid / to 3ou / that1 be so \vis, And be according1 / vnto ^oure avis, Delaieth not1 / but1 in wordes pleyfi, What1 ^ow semeth / gif answere ageyn."

And whan Adrastus / hadde his tale fyned, Tydeus / with hed / ful lowe enclyned, As he that was / a verray gentyl knyght, With al his power / and his fulle* myght Ful humblely / thankede* the kyng1 Touchyng1 his profre of so high" a thyng1. And for his parte / seide he wolde assente Fully of herte /, neuere to repente, To aH that1 euer the kyng1 ha]? sayd.

1611. and my] and of my Ad2. I. 1612. ful] om. T2. forto] to Ra. Ba. P. make] make it Bo. Tx. Du. Lt. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. E2. 1613.

han Bo. haue M. Adj. 1614. The] The hool C." hool the T2. this] >e Bo. this my P. al this E2. 1616. I] me Lj. L.2. ; in Ra. a later hand has altered Je to gouerne into that ye shold rule. 1619. I haue (ha Ar.) therto] ther-to I haue M. Dj. 1621. Vnto no] To no M. Di. vnto myn] to myn Adj. Ad2. I. 1622. For which] Wherfore M. Di. T2. it] ye P. 1624. be] it be Bo. Tj. Du. Lt. Lb. Ra. Ba. be it Adj. Ad2. I. S. by L.2. vnto] to P. 1625. Delaieth] Delayeth it M. Di. Ba. L2. 1626. What] That L^. Ro. gif] yeueth M. Di. 1628. ful] om. Bo. Adj. Ad2. I. with hed ful lowe] ful low with hed M. Di. 1630. and his] and Adv Ad2. I. ful Ar. Bo. Adj. 1631. humblely Ar. Ap. humbeli Lj. M. Di. Adj. P. humbly Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ad2. Ej. S. C. T2. Eo. Lo. Ro. thankede] thanked Ar. and all the other MSS. except bankyng Bo. P. (sec Notes). 1632. his] be G. 1633. seide he] he seide he G. Ad^ I. In P. assent has been erased and be content written by a later hand with paler ink. 1635. that euer] that euer that S. Lg. Ro. Ap. the] om. S. sayde (e underdotted) Ar. (see Notes).

Tideus

[leaf 27, back] accepts Adras- tus's offer,

1612

1616

1620

1624

1628

1632

PT. E] Polyneices chooses Argeia ; and Tideus,

69

and so does Polyneices,

who, by Tideus's courtesy,

chooses Argeia,

while Tideus takes Deiphyle.

Adrastus sum- mons his lords to the wedding of his daughters ;

And Polymyte / was also wel apayd, 1636

In the story / as it1 is conprehendid.

And so they ben / bothe* / condescendyd

The kyngges wille / to fulfille in dede

From poyntt to poyntt / and ther-vpon precede, 1640

wherso euer / that1 they Wynne or lese.

And Tydeus / made / his brother chese, Of gentillesse and of curtesye,

which that1 was / most / to his fantasye 1644

Of the sustren / for to han to wive. And he in soth / chosen hath argyve, which eldest was / ful woramanly to se. And Tydeus / tok than* Deyphylee, 1648

Of her beaute / most1 souereyn excellent.

And Adrastus / thorgh-oute his lond! hath sent For his lorde's / and his baronage,

To be present1 / atH the mariage 1652

Of the knyghtes / and make no lettyng1. And they echon • cam at1 his bidding1, In goodly wyse / meke and ful benygne, Ageyn the day / that he dide assigne. 1656

And thyder cam ful many lusty knyghtH, Ful wel beseyn / and many lady bri^t1, From euery Coosf / and many frecssh" sqwyer", jje Story seith / and many comunere, 1660

1636. apayde (e underdotted) Ar. 1638. bothe Bo. Adj. both Ar. 1641. wherso] wher Adx. Ad2. I. that] om. Du. 1642. chese] to chese M. Di. Ba. 1643. Of] As of Ada. Ad* I. S. gentillesse Ar. G. Bo. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ad^ I. Ej. C. T2. gentilnesse TV Lj. Ad2."Ra. Ba. S. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. 1644. that] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. was] ys P. was iriost] most was C. 1645. sustren Bo. Adj. sistren Tj. T2. systerne P. 1646. And] An Ar. 1647. which] That Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. eldest] oldest Lo. Ro. ful] om. P. wommanly] wounderly L2. to se] of sight Ro (see 1648). ' 1648. tok than] than tok Adj. Ad2. I. C. tok Ar. G. P. E2. L2. Ap. taken hath T2 ; in Ro. 1. 1648 rends And Tedeus choes Deiphyle ful right. Ar. has a second pause-bar of ter tok. 1650. thorgh-oute] thorgh M. Di. 1651. For] Of G. 1652. at the] at her Adj. Ad2. I. 1653. the] >ese Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ro. thes two S. knyghtes] knyttes Ar. 1654. cam Bo. come M. Ad1.

1655. ful] om. G. 1657. ful]om. G. 1657 and 1658. many] many a Du. Lj. Lb. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. S. E2. L2. Ro. 1659. many] many a Du. Lj. Lb. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. S. E2. L2. Ro. 1660. "many] many a Du. Lj. Lb./Adj. Ad2. I. C. T2. E2. L2. Ro. many a freshe S. many a gode P. comunere Ar. Ad{. E2. Ap. comoner Bo. Du. Ra. Ad2, comounerel. comyner Tj. Lj. Lb. Ba. Ej. S./*T2. P" L2. Ro. comener M. Di. C.

and they and their ladies come.

70 The Weddings of the Princes. Eteocles is trembled. [PT. H

[leaf 28]

But I really can't describe

all the feasting and love-making that went on.

The news of the marriage

reaches Eteocles in Thebes,

and troubles him.

To byholde the grete Kyalte

And the maner / of thys solempnyte.

But1 to telle / arl the circumstances Of lustes / Keuel / and the dyuers daunces, 1664

The feestes riche /, and the gyftes grete, The pryv6 sighes / and the feruent hete of louys folk / brennyng1 as the glede, And devyses / of many sondry wede, 1668

The touches stole / and the* amerous lookes, By sotyl craft1 / leyd oute* lyne and hokes, The lalous folk / to traysshen and begyle In their away ft / with many sondry wile : 1672

Al this in soth / descryven I ne can.

But* wel wote I / the newe fame ran, This mene while* / with ful swiff passage Vnto Thebes / of this manage. 1676

And by report1 trewe and not1 yfeyned, The soune therof the eere's hath atteyned, Myn auctowr writ* /, of Ethyocles,

Touchy ng1 thonowr / and the gretf encres 1680

Of Poly my te / heghly magnytied, And how that* he / newly was allyed With Adrastus / in the londe of Arge. The whiche thyng1 / he gretly gan to charge, 1 684

1661. Ryalte Bo. roialte Adj. 1663. telle Ar. Bo. telle or tell all the other MSS. all] of Bo. 1667. In Ar. of stands before the column ; the copyist hadfrst written The, which is undcrdotted. loues Bo. M. Adj. T2. louyng G. C. folk] flok Lb. 1669—1672 omitted in P. 1669. stole Ar. Bo. and all the other MSS., except scole (sic) LJ. L^. and sutill Ra. sotill Ba. (cp. 1670). be amerous Bo. Tj. M. Ra. thamerous Ar. amerous Adj. Ad2. auervous I. lookes] look (: hook) Ra. Ba. 1670. doun Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra". Ba. Ej. S (adoun). oute Bo. Tj. Du. LJ. Lb. M. Di. C. T2. E.2. L.,. Ro. Ap. lyne] lines E2. bi lyne Adj. Ad2. I. 1671. lalous Ar. lelous Bo. Adj. gelous M. ; in Lb. is an empty space between The gelious folke and bigyle ; the copyist was unable to decipher his original, or else this original presented a gap in this line. 1672. their Bo. Adj. 1673. discryuen Bo. Adj. descryve M. 1674. wote I] I wote M. Di. 1675. while Bo. M. Adj. whil Ar. 1676. this] this ilke M. thilke Di. the Adj. Ad2. this bje C. Ro. this noble Ra. Ba. 1677. y-feyned Bo. feyned M. Adj.; Ar. has a pause-bar after trewe. 1678. theres Ad:. ther Ad2. I. 1680. be honour Bo. M. thonour Adj. 1681—1746 lost in Ap. 1682. how] om. Bo. C. T2. P. E.,. 1684. the] om. C. he gretly gan] lie gan gretly G. gretly he gan M. Di. Adj. Ada. I • Ei- c-

PT. I.]

Etcocles fears Polyneices will attack him.

71

Dredyng1 Inly / that1 this mariage Shal after turne / vnto his damage, Sore* musyng1 / and castyng1 vp and dorm The grete pouer / and the hegh renouw Of Adrastus / the which of grekes land? Hadde al the power / sogef to his hand1 : Lest1 that1 he / for Polymytes sak wold vpon hyni / a newe werre make, But1 }if that1 he, lik the conuenciowz, At1 tyme sette / delyuered the touw To his broder / by bond of oth* I-sworn*, Be couenauntes* / assured her to-forn, 3if je remembre / late as I $ou told1 : which he was nat / in pwrpos forto hold, But1 from his heste / Caste forto varye. And ther-vp-on list1 no lenger tarye, Lich his desiie / to shape remedyes.

And first1 he sente for his next1 allies In whoom he hadde / most1 his affiau?ice, For his lorde's / that1 hadde goue?-naur«ce Of his kyngdom / to come to hyra anon. And whan they weren present1 euerichon, he seide pleynly /, wenyng1 for his best1, That1 his hert1 / shal neuer lyve in rest1, But1 in sorowe / and in a maner drede,

Bteocles thinks that, backt by 1688 Adrastus,

[leaf 28, back] Polyneices will 1692 attack him,

unless he resigns his crown at the end of his 1st year.

1696

1700

So he sends for his allies and lords,

1704

and tells em he can never rest

1708

1685. Dredyng Inly] Inly dredyng T2. Inly] oonly Lb. gretly C. 1686.

Shal] Shuld L.2. after] after tyme C. P. E.,. afterward T2. turne Ar. Bo. and all the rest, vnto] into Bo. Tt. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ej. to Ra. Ba. C. T2. P. E2. 1687. Sore Bo. M. Adj. Sor Ar. 1690. Hadde al] All had T2. had of Bo. soget] subiecte Lv to] vnto M. Di. Ba. 1692. make] take G.

1693. Jif] om. M. Di. of L2. lik] lyk to Bo. TV Du. Lx. Lb. Adt. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. 1694. deliuert Adj. 1695. bond] boondis Lb. of oth Ba. Ra (of om.). C. T2. P. E.2. Ro. of o]>er L2. of both Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Lv Ad2. S. of bothe M. Di. Adx. I. E:. I-sworn Ra. Ba. Ej. besworn Ar. G. be sworn S. sworn Bo. and the rest. 1696. couenauntes] couauntes Ar. her] hir Bo. beforn Bo. M. Adj. 1699. heste Bo. Ad^ cast Bo. caste Adj. 1700. tarye] to tarye Bo. Tr Ej. S. ; in Ar. a pause-bar after list. 1703. he] om. Ra. had Bo. Adx. his] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ev S. Ro. most his] his most E2. 1704. had Bo. Adj. 1706. weren ~&n/(with a pame-bar after weren). were Adj (Ar. and Adj. have no pause-bar in this line). 1707.

wenyng] om. L^ his] the Lb. M. Di. Elt C. T2. P. £3. Ro./ 1708. lyve in] haue Du. 1709. in a maner Ar. Ad2. I. and the rest, cxccptfa. inancre in Adj.

72 Eteodes is exhorted to be True, and keep his Oath. [PT. U

tin his brother Tvl his brother / outrely be dede ;

is dead. * .

That1 he in Thebes / in his Royal sete Myghtf allone / regnen in quiete ; 1712

he mente hym-silf1 / shortly, and non other, Vnperturbed / of Polymyte his brother.

And at this counsayl / diuers of entent1, But three sorts of H I fynde writ1 / thre folkes were present1. 1716

men are present.

Some in soth / that1 feithful were and trewe, And some also / that can chaunge of newe, And other ek / that1 be-twixe* tweyn Couertly kowde / vnder colour feyn. 1720

[leaf 29] fl^he firste seide, abouen* alle* thyng

If Gomendacioun

of Trouthe. JL Ti'outhe* shulde* / longe to a kyng1,

The first tells r\c i, • ji / j_i i • i i

Eteocies that a Of his word? / not1 be variable,

lie?8' But pleyn / and hool / as a Centre stable. 1724

IT For trouthe* first* / with-outen* eny wene, Is Chief Pyler / that1 may a kyng* sustene,

U Nota. jn i0ye and honour / for to lede his lyff.

ifhowteouthig ]por trouth whilom / hadde a prerogatiff, 1728

preferred in the '

As of Esdre / the book can specyfie, and Recor(j i take / of pradenf Neemye,

That* worthy kyngges / for al her grete pride,

Wyn / and wymmen / ben ek set1 a-syde, 1732

1710. vtterly be Bo. M. be vtterli Adj. Ad2. 1. 1712. alone Adx. alloon Bo. regne Bo. Ad^ 1715. this] his Lb. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. E2. at this counsayl] at her comynge P. 1716. written G. 1717. were faithful G. 1718. can Bo. conneAdj. can chaunge] change konne M. Di. 1719. other] some other G. eke Bo. Adj. that] om. 1^. Ko. be-twix Ar. Ba. Ro. betwixe Ra. betwixt P. La. betwene Bo. Tj. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adr Ad2. I. Ej. S. C. T2. E2. between Du. tweyn] ]>o tweine Ad^ them both tweyne Ad2. them tho tweyn I. 1720. kowde vnder colour Ar. Bo. Adj. vnder colour koude M. Di. 1721. aboue al Ar. Bo. M. Adj. abouen alle Ra. 1722. Trouthe Bo. M. Ad^ Trouth Ar. Tj. Lb. Ra. shulde Bo. Tj. Lb. Adj. shuld Ar. M. Ra. longe Ar. Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Adj. long Ra. to] vnto T2. E2. Ro. til Ad2. I. 1723. be] to be Lj. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. T2. P. variable] veriable Lj. 1724. Centre] Countre Lx. 1725. trouthe Bo. M. Adj. trouth Ar. withoute Ar. Bo. Adj. M. withouten Di. 1730. Neomye Ad2. I. Ba. 1731. That] What Ad2. kyngges] kyng Bo. Du. L;. Lb. Adx. Ra. Ba. E}. S. her] his Lj. 1732. and] a Ar. ek] also Lg. Ro. ; in Adt. Ej. S. 1732 is omitted; Ad^ and I. instead of wyn and wymmen have haue bene put doun ; in Ra. after 1730 the space of one line is left blank, and then follows, making three lines for the two 1731 and 1732 : AfForiie kyngis wemen and wyu That worthi kyng for al ther grete pride Leid hym doun and put on a side. Ba. has no blank line ; after 1730 follow the same three lines as in Ra. , only with wyfe/or wyn and on syde/or on a side (sec Notes).

PT. II] Many Kings have been overthrown ~by Falseness.

73

With ali her pouer / and domynaciouw,

havyng1 reward? / in comparisons

To trouthes niyght1 / and trouthes worthynesse.

For as Esdre / pleynly / doth expresse, 1736

Who taketh hede /, in the same place,

Be* the Influence / sothly / and the grace

Of trouthe allon / this olde ]S"eemye

Gat* hym licence / to reedifie 1740

The wallys newe / of lerusalem.

Which trouth is tresour / chief of euery rewme,

For Salamon writ1 / how that1 thynges tweyne,

Trouth / and mercy / lynked in a cheyne, 1744

Preserve a kyng1 / lik to his degre,

From al meschief / and aduersite.

Alias therfor / that1 eny doublenesse,

Variauwce or vnsicrenesse, 1748

Chaunge of word? / or mutabilite*,

fraude / or deceyte / or vnstabilet6 *,

Shuld in a kyng1 / han domynacioun,

To causen after / his destrucciou??. 1752

Of kyngges / redeth the story doune be rowe,

And seth / how many / han ben ouerthrowe

Thorgh her falshede / fro* fortunes whel*.

For vnto god /it* pleseth neuer a del, 1756

A kyng to ben / double of entent1 ;

For it1 may happe / that the world is blent1

Truth Is above all.

By truth, Nehe- miah got leave to rebuild the walls of Jeru- salem.

«; Trouth and mercye pr«s«ruen a kyng from al aduergyte.

If Chaunge nor doublenesse shal n°t oei»i akyng.

[leaf 29, back]

See how many kings have been overthrown by falseness !

1734. reward] no reward Ad2. I. comparisoun Bo. Tj. comparacion Du. 1735. To trouthes] To trouth his P. The trouthes Ej. and] om. Ej. and troutlies] and his Ad^ Ad2. 1. 1738. Be the] The in all the MSS. 1742. trouth] om. C. P. £5. 1*2. tresour] om. Ro. chief] om. M. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. S. T2. euery] all the T2. rewme Tj. reme Bo. Lb. Adj. reem M. reame T2. Ro. realme Ej (: lerusalem). 1743. For] om. Ro. writ] writeth Ba. how] om. Ra. Ba. thynges] kynges Lj. L2. 1748. vnsikernesse Bo. 1749. mutabilite] mutablite Ar. 1750. or] outher M. Di. vnstabilite C. T2. L2. Ro. vnstablete Ar. G. ynstabilitee Bo. and all the other MSS. 1753. redeth Du. redith Adx. rede Bo. 1754. And] om. L2. seethM. see Bo. Adj. 1755. Thorgh] For Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. her] his L2. Ro. fro] for Ar. Ra. Ba. (in S. for is underdotted and the iisual abbreviation of and ivritten above it), borugh Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. whel] wel Ar. 1756. it] om. Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. L\. Lb. Ap. it pleseth] plesith it M. Di.

74 Eteodes wouldn't be True, and so destroy d Thebes. [PT.

God sees all.

Tho' Truth may for a time be darkend,

it will shine clear at last.

Jt is the pre- server of kingdoms.

Kings should keep their troth.

But, by Eteo- cles's falsness, Thebes was destroyd.

[leaf 30]

Ful ofte sith / be sleghtf of her werkyng1.

But1 this the trouthe* / god see]? eue?y thyng1 1760 Eight1 as it is / for ther may be no cloude To-forn his sight1 / trouthe* forto shrowde. U It may be clipsed / and derked be disceyte, By fals engyne / liggyng in a-weyte, 1764

As a serpent1 / forto vndermyne ; But1 at the last* / it1 wol clerly shyne, Who that1 seith nay /, shew his brijte bemes. For if in soth / of kyngdames and of Reawmes 1768 Is berer vp / and conseruatrice From al Meschief / sothfast1 mediatri'ce To god aboue / who so list1 to se,

To kepe a kyng1 / in Prosperite 1772

On euery side / as I afferme dar.

For which 30 kyngges and lorde's beth Avel war 3our bihestes / lustly forto holde !

And* thenk how Thebes / with his walles* olde 1776 Distroied was / platly / this no les, For doublenesse / of Ethiocles, Which his puple / after sore abouhf : Only for he nat1 by counsel! wroght1 1780

Of hem that1 wern / bothe trewe and wis :

1759. sith] sight L,. sleght Bo. Du. sleight Adj. sleith TV scleghet Ro. be sleght] by cause M. Di. her] om. Adx. Ad2. I. working Bo. Adj. wyrkynge P. Ro. workyng Ad2. walking T2. 1760. this] this is TV Du. Lj. Lb. Adj. I. trouthe Bo. M. Adj. trouth Ar. euery] al M. Di. 1762. trouth Bo. troube Adx. M. 1763. clipsed] eclipsid Adj. 1764. liggyng] liyng Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. P. 1765. trouth is written by the same hand to the right of the line in Du (red ink), and Lb (black ink). 1766. at] a Ar. ; to explain it, the copyist of Ar. has written -I- trouth with black ink to the right of the line. 1767. Who that] Whos Bo. Lb. M. Di. "Who so Du. who TV Lij. seith] say M. Di. L.,. Ro. Ap. nay] nay nay M. shew] and shewe M. Di. C. T.2. P. R2. bright Bo. M. Adj. 1768. rewmes Bo. remes M. Ad,. 1769. Is] His Ra. P. And his Lx. conseruatrice] conservatiff Lj. 1770. Fro Bo. M. Adj. For Adj. I. 1772. Prosperite] gode prosperite M. Di. long prosperite T.2. 1774. je] >e Bo. T... I. om. Lj. E^ P. beth Ar. Du. T.,. be Bo. T,. M. Adj. Ra. C. we]] om. Lv Lb. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. P. 1776. And] I Ar. Ra. Ba. S. thenk] )>inke Lj. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. Ro. thenketh C. £3. thynckyth L... T.,. P. walles] wal Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Ej. S. Ap. 1777. this] bis is Du. Lb. Di. Ra. Ba. P. Eo. La. 1778. For] For the Lt. M. Di. Adt. Ad2. I. Ej. C. T., P. E2. Ro. doubleuesse] doublenesses T0. Eo. 1781. wern Ar. Bo. M. Adj. C. Ro. weren TV Du. Lb. Di. Ra. were E!. S. T.,. P. L-j. bothe M. Adj. both Bo.

PT.

End of Eteocles' first year's reign in Thebes.

75

He gave up Truth,

5T the counsayl of Flatareres. and followd those who bade him stick to Thebes

and let his brother whistle for it.

1796 Eteocles decides

hym lyst1 nat1 worchen / after her devys ;

But1 lefte trouthe / and sette his fantasye

To be gouerned / by fals flaterye *, 1784

IF That1 bad hym thenke* / how he was a knyghfr,

And to holde of force /, more* than of* right1,

Duryng1 his lyf / lordship of the toun,

And not1 to lese his possessioun 1788

For no bond /nor heestes mad toforii ;

But1 lete his brother / bio wen* in an horn,

Wher that hym lyst1 / or pypen in a red.

This was the counsail / platly and be Eeed 1792

Of swich" as liste nat1 / to seyn the soth",

But1 falsly flater / with her wordes smoth".

IT And whan they hadde / hool her tale fyned,

Ethyocles / fully is enclynyd,

Who so euer ther-atf / laugh or wepe,

lik1 her counsayl • possession/a to kepe,

who that1 sey nay / or gruche ther-ageyn ;

hym to contrarye / he thoght1 was but1 veyn.

But1 in this whyle* hath the shene soraae The twelue signes / round? aboute Eonne Sith Ethiocle / be lust1 rekenyng1*, In Thebes was crowned / lord and kyng1, holdyng1 the sceptre / and the dyademe ; That1 be resouw / as it1 wolde seme, The tyme was f ul complet1 / and the space, ls ended,

1782. worchen Bo. Adj. worche M. werke T2. devys] avise Ad.2?/ 1. 1783. lefte Bo. Adj. 1784. flaterye Bo. Adj. flatrye Ar. 1785. tbfenke Bo. M. thenk Ar. Ad^ 1786. And] om. Tj. to holde] tolde Di. to sh/flde Ej. more Bo. Tj. M. nior Ar. om. C. than of] than Ar. G. Ap. 1789. bond] bondes Bo. nor Ar. Ra. ne Bo. M. Adj. T2. heestes] heste Ra. Ba. to/Torn Lb. aforne M. Ej. beforn Bo. Adj. Ra. T2. 1790. his] youre Lj. blo/en G. Bo. Tx. Lb. M. Ej. Ap. blowe Ar. Adj. Ra. C. T2. 1793. Swich Ar. .Bo. Du. siche TV Soche E2. Suche all the rest, as] >at Bo. Tj. Du. Lv M. Di. .&. S. C. T2. 1795. hool her tale] holy her tale M. Di. Ba. C. hool the tale,Lb. her hole tale P. talle whole S. her tale holy T2. fyned] Ifynid S. feyned (: enclyned) Da. Ba. 1799 and 1800 omitted in Du. 1800. hym to] Or holdeth the P. contrarye] contraire Ra. Ba. E2. he] him Ba. E2. L2. they Ro. om/Lb. Di. was] it was Ha. Ba. L.,. Ro. 1801. while Bo. Adx. Ra. whyl Ar. liath] om. Adj. Ad2. I. shene Ad^ "sheen Bo. 1802. The] Th Ar. twelve] XII Bo. Adj. round] hath Adt. Ad2. I. 1803. Ethiocle Adj. Ethiocles Bo. rekenyng Bo. Adt. reknyng Ar. 1805. and the] and M. Di.

to stick to his crown.

1 CAA IT How the jeer was come out that Ethiocles regnyd. His first year's reign in Thebes

1804

76 Polyneices consults Adrastus on his Claim to Thebes. [PT. IT

togiveupgthe Of couenawnte / he shulde voide his place, 1808

ne°c™, to P°ly" And Polymyte ek / his ioz«-ne make

Toward1 Thebes /, pocessiouw to take

Of due* title / But1 he hadde wronge :

Which thoghtt in soth" / the $eer was wonder longe 1812

Of his Exil / er it1 kam aboute.

And for he hadde / in hert1 a manere doute

Lest1 in his broder / ther wer falshed* found'

Taquyte hym-silf / lik as he was bound1, 1816

U To Adrastus / he gan declar his herte,

Beseching1 hyra / this mater* to aduerte,

And ther-vpon / to jiue a counsayl sone,

Touchyng1 his right1 / what1 was best1 to done, 1820

wher it1 was bet1 to gon / or to abyde,

Or liche a knyght1 manfully to Eyde

hym-silf allone / and make no massage,

For to Chalauwge / his rightful heritage 1824

with-Inne Thebes / outher * be pees or stryf ,

And ther-vpon / to luparte his lif.

Thus was he set1 / for al his ferce brother.

But1 Adrastus / sothly / thoght1 a-nother 1828

Bet1 was to sende / than hyjra-silf to gon

Lest he were trapped among his mortal foil ;

Havyng1 his brother / suspecte in this cas

That1 be fraude / or be some fallas, 1832

He wolde* werk / to his destrucciouw,

[leaf 80, back]

who, doubting his brother,

asks Adrastus

to advise him whether he shall sit still

or claim Thebes ,

Polyneices may be trapt

1808. voide] leve Adj. I. 1809. Polymyte Ar. Bo. M. Adj. Ka. iourney Bo. iornay M. Adj. 1811. due Bo. Adj. dieu Ar. G (in the margin due is written by late hand), had Bo. Adj. 1812. was] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. C. T2. Ro. wonder] om. Ra. Ba. S. oner Lb. passynge Ro. 1813. er Bo. or M. Adj. 1815. falshede Bo. Adj. falsed Ar. 1816. to acquyte Bo. Adj. 1819. 2'hecopyist of AT. has first written counsayl good, then underdottcd good and added sone. 1820. was] were Di. Ba. C (where), was best] best was

Ra. Ba (wer). 1821. wher Adj. C. Wheber Bo. Lb. M. was] were Adv C. abyde] byde C. 1828. message Bo. M. Adj. 1825. oyther Ar. Ap. either

Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Ej. K.,. aythre Ba. outher Ra. C. Ro. other Lb. Adj. T2.

LJ. om. P. be] with TvVdV Ad2- L Ra- Ba- 1827- feers Bo- M- Adv 183L this] be Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lbf Ad^ Ra. Ba. E,. S. 1832. or be] or M. Di. Ad,. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. P. C (other for or). or ellis Ro. 1833. He] How he Lt. wolde Bo. Lb. Adj. wold Ar. M. T2. wolde werk] werke wolde Adj. Ad2. I.

PT. Ii] Tideus resolves to claim Thebes for Polyneices.

77

3 if lie wer hardy e to entren in-to tows.

For which he bad hyw / prudently tak hede,

Ful concludyng1 / how it* was mor spede 1836

That1 some other be / to Thebes sent,

To apparceyve fully the entent1

1[ Of Ethiocle / outward* / be some signe,

And wher that1 he / his crouwe* wil resigne

For thilke* jeer /, lik as he made his ootfi :

And whan he knewe / how his pwrpoos goj>

Ther-vpon to werken / and precede.

Thus Adrastus / wisely gan hym rede. U And whil they trete / vpon this inatere, Tydeus with a manly chere Saide* vttrely / for his broder sake, This massage / he wold? vndertake with hool thempris / of thenbassyat, wer it1 wilful / or infortunat1 : He wil not1 spare / what* so that1 betide. U But Adrastus / on the tojjer syde, And Polymyte / in conclusions, Weren contrarye / to that opynyouw, And seide sothly / as hem thoghte right1, Sith that1 he was / so wel / a preue'd knyghtt 1856

And discended of so worthy blood,

if he goes to Thebes :

he must send some one else there.

1840

1844

1848

1852

[leaf 31]

Tideus at once

undertakes to

go.

If Tydeus took

vpon hym to don

\>e massage of

Po"

Adrastus and Polyneices

1834. entren Ar. G. Ex. Ro. Ap. entre Bo. and the rest, into] in G. om. Ra. Ba. tounAr. Ro. the toun Bo. and the rest. 1836. Ful] Fully Lj. P. E^ was] were M. Di. C. T2. P. E.2. mor] moste Lb. was mor] more were Di. spede] uedeC. 1839 and 1840 transposed in I. 1840 omitted in S. wher] whether Lb. M. Di. P. if Ra. Ba. E9. his] the P. crowne Bo. M. Adj. croure Ar. wil (wol)] wolde Lj. M. Di. L.2. Ro (walde). 1841. thilke Adj. Ra. bilke Bo. thilk Ar. M. C. T2. 1^. be ilke Lx. ylke S. 1843. worken Bo. M. 1845. trete Ar. Bo. Tx. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. vpon] of Adj. Ad2. I. 1846. manly] manful Di. ful manly LJ.

T2. 1847. Saide] Sade Ar. 1849. whith Ar. thempris] emprise M. Di.

he enbassyat Bo. thenbassyat M. Adj. 1850. wer it] whether it were M. Di. Whether hit be Lb. wilful Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. LT. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba, Ex. P. Ro. Ap. welful Ad:. Ad2. I. S. C. T2. E2. L2. or] other C. infortunat] fortunat Di. 1851. what so that] what so Bo. Du. Lb. M. C. T2. P. L2. whatsoeuer E2. what so hym La. 1852. bat other Bo. M. Adj. 1853. Polymyne Ar. 1856. Sith] Syn Ra. that] om. Ro. so wel a preued Ar. G. Tj. Lj. Lb. C. T2. L.2. Ro. Ap. so wel a proued Du. M. Di. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. so wel approved a Ad2. I. so well a priued E2. so well a preferred P. so well a prowd S. a gentil Bo (so wel om.).

78 Tideus rides to Thebes, and (joes to the Palace, [PT. E

[leaf 31, back] Tideus rides

That1 they nolde / for non

For aH Thebes / with the regalye,

Put his body / in such lupartie. 1860

But1 aH this thyng1 / auayled hew* rijt1 nojt1 ; For he wol forth / how dere that1 it be bo3f, Takyng1 lieve / first1 of aH thestatys, And armed hym in Mayle / and sure platys, 1864

And Shope hym forth / vpon his lourne. f The sorowe of wno made sorowe / but1 Deyphyle,

Devphile whan J r J

Coward Thebes w^n Bitter teeres / dewed al her face,

Ful ofte sith / swownyng in the place, 1868

Trist and mowrnyng / in her blake* wede,

Whan she saugh / that1 he took his stede ;

So inwardly gan encres* her mone,

Seyng1 her lord1 / so ride forth" allone 1872

Vpon his way / this worthy Tydeus.

And in al hast1, the story telleth vs, He spedde hym so, makyng* no delayes, That1 in space / of a fewe daies 1876

The heghe ioures of Thebes / he gan se, And entred is / into the Cite, Wisly enqueryng1 / wher the Paleys stood ; And lik a knyght1 / thidere streght1 he* rood, 1880

Markyd ful wel / in many mannys sight1, lich" Mars / hym-silf /, in stiel y-armed* bright1, Til he atteyned hath the chief1 dongouw,

goes to the wher as the kyng1 / helde his mancyouw. 1884

And thorgh" the paleys / with a knyghtly look

and into the j^ th(j ^ /( ^ ^^ w&y he ^^

1858 — 1922 lost in C. 1861. hem Bo. G. M. Adj. hym Ar. om. Ra. auayled hem] he sette by Ad2. I. 1862. that] om. M. Di. Ra. Ba. 1864.

armed] armeth G. sure] in sure M. Di. 1866. The rubric begins with Who mad sorowe, but these three words have been crossed out with red ink. 1869. blake Bo. blak Ar. M. Adj. 1871. So] She M. gan encres(e)] encres gan Ar. G. T2. Eg. Ap. gan encressen Ba. gan tencresen Ra. gan to in-crease S. 1872. ride] ridyng LI. M. Di. T2. E2. 1876. in space] in J>e space Adj. Ad2. I. T2. E2. 1^. Ro. a fewe] fewe Adj. Ada- I. T2. P. E2. 1877. gan] gan to G. 1878. the] om. Du. 1880. streght he] he streght Ar. G. Bo. Du. Tj. Lb. 1882. y-armed] I-armed Ap. armed Ar. Bo. and all the other MSS. (cp. 1306, 2618). 1883. Ar. has a pause-bar between atteyned and hath. 1884. Wher as] ther as Bo.

to Thebes,

PT. i:]

Tideus meets Eteocles and his Lords.

79

lords>

1892

1896

1900 themspeak8t° [leaf 32]

"

From his stede / whan he lighte douii,

Not afered / but hardy as lycmn, 1888

Wher as the kyng1 / with lordes a gref route

In the halle sittyng1 / rounde aboute,

he entrecl Inne / most manful of corage,

To* execute / the fyn of his* massage.

And as hym thou^f / conuenient1 and due

Ful kormyngly / he gan the kyng salue

Kequiring1 hym /, of kyngly excellence,

In goodly wise /to* jeve hym audience,

And not1 disdeyne / neither in port1 ne cheer,

Sith he was Come / as a massagere

From Polymyte / his owne brodere dere;

Gynnyng1 his tale / thus, as ^e shal here.

" Sir*," quod he, " vnto your worthynesse

My purpoos is breefly to exp?'esse

Theffecte only, as in sentement1,

Of the massage why that1 I am sent1.

It1 were in veyn / longe processe forto make.

But1 of my mater / the verrey ground' to take,

In eschewyng of prolixite,

And voyde away / al superfluyte,

Sith }otire-silf best1 ought1 to* vnderstond*

The cause fully / that we han on hond?,

And ek conceyve / J?entent of my menynge,

Of rightwisnesse / longgyng1 to a kynge : 1912

First1 considred /, jif that1 $e tak hede,

1887. whan] whan >atLb. lighte M . Adlt lightBo. a-li3te Di. T2. dounjado^n M. Di. Adr Ad2. 1. P. E2. Ro. 1888. affered Bo. a ferd Adj. as] as a Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adx. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. Ro. 1892. to execute Bo. TV M. Adj. Texecute Ar. his] this Ar. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 1894. Ful konnyngly] Iful konnyng G. 1895. kyngly] knightly Bo. Lv T2. P. kyndely Du. 1896. to] om. Ar. Ap. 1898. Come Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. T2. Ar. has a pause-bar also between was and Come, messagere Adj. messangere Bo. Tj. M. 190Q. Gynnyng] Begynnyng Lj. S. Ap. his] a P. thus as] as thus Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 1901. Sir only in P. and Ro. (re-inserted), omitted in all the other MSS. ,\Q in Ar. is a two-line capital. In Ra. the late corrector has written 0 king at the beginning of the line.) 1903. only] hooly T2. P. E2. Ro. Ap. 1908. And] to Di. 1909. to] om. Ar. Adj. Ap. 1911. conceyve] to knowe Di. toucheinge P. my] the 1^ Ro. menynge] comyng Di. 1913. that] om. G. Ad2. I.

1904 Tideus did h«

1908

Tideus reminds

Eteocles

80 Tideus reminds Etcocles of his Oath, & bids him keep it. [FT.

of his agreement

that he should reign for one year only, and then give place to Poly- neices,

[leaf 82, back]

*j The request but Tideus mad in be name of Polymyt vnder the title of be Conuencioun.

who now re- quires him to keep his oath.

Truth should , "9 more

whan Edippus / the olde* kyng1 was dede,

ho\v that jour-silf / and joure brother blyve

For the croune / contagiously gan stryve 1916

As mortal foon / by ful gret1 hatrede,

which" of jow two / shulde* first1 succede :

Til that1 je were / be meenys reconcyled,

3e to regne / and he to be exiled 1920

Out1 of this towne / for a jeeres space,

And than ageyn / resorte to his place,

To regne as kyng1, and je to voyden oute,

So as jour tourne / be processe kam aboute ; 1924

Euericn" of jow / paciently tendure

Thenterchaungyng1 / of his Auenture,

Who were put1 out1 / or stood in his estat1,

Ther-vpon to make no debat1, 1928

Lich the Couenamtt / and conuenciowi,

Enrolled vp / by lordys of this touw,

Which of reson may not1 be denyed.

And sith" je han / a jeer / y-occupied, 1932

1F Poliuiytes / requerej) jow of rijt1,

Taqwite jou / lik1 a trewe knyght1,

In eschewyng1 of mortal werre and strif ;

Sith je han had '. a Prerogatif 1936

As eldest1 brother / forto regne aforfl :

And thenketh eke / how that1 je ar sworn

jour oth to kepe / and make no tarying1,

Holy aduerting / lien" a prudent1 kyng1, 1940

That* trouth is mor / in conparisouw,

x'1914. olde Bo. M. Adx. old Ar. 1916. gan Bo. Ad2. gonne Adj.

stryve] to striue Adj. Ad2. 1918. shulde Bo. shuld Ar. 1919. that] om.

Adt. Ad.j. 1921. Out]om. Lt. this] his Lb. jeeres] yere Bo. Du. 1922. ageyn] anoon Di. resorte] resorten P. to resorte Adj. Ad2. I. to] vnto M. Di. into T2. E2. his] ]>is L2. Ro. Ap. 1923. as] as a Lb. C- P. to voyden] voiden Bo. to voide Lx. Ej. S. L^. Ro. to be voided T2. 1925. to endure Bo. M. Adj. tendur G. 1926. J>e entrechaungyng Bo. Adj. thenterchangyng M.

1927. Who] Whos M. Di. put out] pacient Bo. his] om. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I.

1928. Ar. has a pause-bar after make. 1930. this] be Bo. M. Di. Adj. Ba. T2. P. E2. 1932. y-occupied Bo. M. Adj. 1933. requireth Bo. M. Adj. 1934. Taqwite] to acquite Bo. M. Adj. and the rest, lik] as S. C. T2. P. E2. 1941. That] The Ar. G.

PT. I.] Eteocles at first dissembles and remonstrates.

81

Than aH the tresour / of ^our1 Kegyoiw,

Mor acceptable / vnto god and man

Than aH richesse / that* $e rekne kan. 1944

Wherefor in hasf / and laf ther be no slouthe,

Quyteth ^our-silf / Justly of $our trouthe

Vnto ^oure brother / avoyding1 this Cyte,

And lat1 hym regnen / in his Kyalte, 1948

U The croune of Thebes / a $eer to occupie.

Than wol al Grece / preise and magnyfie

joure hegh renovw / and may sey non other

But* ^e han quytt1 ^ou / lustly to $our brother. 1952

This hool theffecte / of al that I wil seyn,

Answer expectaunt1 / what ^e list* sende ageyfi."

Whan Tydeus / hadde told! his tale, Ethiocles, trisf / and wonder pale, 1956

his conceyt first* in maner* hath refreyned, Dyssimulyng1 / vnder colour feyned, Shewyng1 a cheer / in maner debonayre, To his ententt / wonderly contrayre, 1900

Inward* in herte / wood and furious, Turnyng1 his face / towarde Tydeus, he gan abraid! / and at the last1 oufr-brak, And euen thus / vnto hym he spak. 1964

^T " I haue* gret mervaile /" quod he, " in my thoghf Of the massage / which* that1 thow hast1 broghtt, That* my brother / as thow hast1 expownyd,

to a king than treasure.

Eteocles should then quit Thebes,

and let Poly- neices reign his year.

Eteoclea turns pale

and dissembles.

[leaf 83]

f The answer of Ethiocles.

He wonders

that Polyneices wants Thebes,

1943. vnto] both to M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 1944. all Ar. G. Ej. C. T2. Ap. al be Bo. and the rest. G . has omitted, of 1. 1 946 the words silf lustly of your trouthe, and of 1. 1947 Unto youre, and reads : Quyteth your brother, etc. 1947. avoyding] voidyng Lj. Lb. M. Di. this] the P. 1948. regne Bo. M. Adj.

1952. Je] om. Bo. Je hau quytt] ye acquite C. T2. £5. 1^. Ro. that ye aquyte P. ye haue (om. quytt) Ra. Ex. S. Ap (beginning of line is burnt), that ye haue Ba.

1953. This] This is Bo. Tv Du, Lv Lb. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. P. L.2. Ro. hool] om. Ba. Ro. the hole P. of] and Bo. om. P. al] om. Lb. P. I] om. Du. 1955. had Bo. M. Adj. hadde told] told had M. Di. Ra. Ba., 1957. first] om. P. L2. in maner] in a maner Ar. G. Bo. M. Di. in maner first hatli C. 1958. dissymelyng Bo. M. disimelingAdj. 1959. a] om. M. Di. 1961. herte] in h. G. 1963. abraid] to biaid G. 1964. vnto] to Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. he spak] lie gan to spake (sic) Ra. 1965. I ha Ar. I haue Bo. Adj. In a G. 1966. woch for which Ar. which] om. S. that] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. C. P. broght] I -brought Ej.

THEBES. G

82 Eteocles hoped for help from Polyneices, not banishment. [PT. t

seeing that he has so much in Argos.

Bteocles

says he hoped Polyneices would have helpt him,

not wanted to banish him into poverty.

[leaf 33, back]

Desyreth so / in Thebes to he crownyd, 19G8

Havynge reward! / to the habundance,

The grete plente / and the suffisaunce

That1 he hath nowe / with the kyng of Arge :

That* me semeth / he shuld lityl charge 1972

To han lordship / or domynacioun

In the boundis / of this lytyl toura,

Sith he regneth / so fresshly in his flours,

Surmountyng1 / aH his predecessours 1976

Be newe encres / thorgh fortunis myght1 ;

wherof in hert1 / I am right1 glad and light1 :

Fully trustyng1 / }if I hadde nede

To his helpe, that1 with-oute drede 1980

Kk a brother than* I shuld! hyra fynde

To meward feithful, trewe, and kynde :

Supposing1 pleynly euermor

Of this regne / he set / but1 lityl stor, 1984

Nor cast1 hym not* / for so short1 a while

As for a ^eer, his brother to exile,

To lyve in pouerte / and gret1 distresse.

he wol not1 suffre it1 / of his high* noblesse. 1988

It1 were no token as of brotherhede *,

But1 a signe rather of hatrede,

To interrupts my possessions

Of this litil pore Kegiou??." 1992

Al that1 he spak /, who that1 couth aduerte, Of verrey scorn, Eooted in his herte ;

1972. That] as Bo. Tj. Du. Lt. LI.. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. that as M. Di. he] bat he Bo. T,. Du. Lj. Adj. Ad.,. I. Ej. S. 1977. thorgh] of A-lj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. be C. T2. 1978. right] mil. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. 1979 and 1980 are

transposed in Adj. Ad2- I. Ba. S. 1979. jif] if |>at LI. Adv Ad2. though Ro.

1981. than] that Ar. G. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. than I shuld] than sholde I Adlt shold I (than om. ) Ad.2. I. 1982. To meward] To me ware Bo. feithful] feith- fully Bo. Tj. Ad,. Ej. sothefull Ba. trewe] om. Ra. B;i. S. 1986. to] forto G. his] me his Ad2. I. 1987 — 2400 lost in Ro. 1987. pouerte Lb. M. pouertee

£5. pouert Bo. and] and in Lb. C. P. E.2. L2. Ap. 1988. high] gret Ar. G.

Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. (see 1987). 1989. brotherede Ar. 1991. my] of

my Bo. Tj. Du. Ej. S. me of my Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. 1992. Of] as Ho. litil] litil and poure M. Di. litil pore] pore litil Ad,. Ad.2. I. S. Of this litil] And put from this Ra. Ba, 1993. second that] om. G, Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S.

PT. I.] Eteocles says hell never give up Thebes to Polyneices. 83

As if sempte /, the story can 3011 teche, By the surplus / sothly of his speche : H He myghte nat1 no lenger hym refreyne But1 platly seide / " as a-twene vs tweyne, I raene thus / Polymytes and me, Ther is* no bonde / nor no surete, Nor feith y-made / that1 may hyw avaylle, As he cleymeth / to haue* the gouernaylle Of this Cite, nowther ^ere nor day. For I shal lette hym, sothly, }if I may, That* he shal not1 be title of no bond!, Reioysse in Thebes / half a foot1 of* londe. IT late hym kepe aH that1 he hath wonne ! For I pwrpoos / as I haue* begonne, To regne in Thebes / enforth al my lyve, Maugre al* hem / that* ther-ageynes stryve, And in despit1 / of his frendes aH, Or the counsaylle / that1 hym list1 to calle. lat1 hym be sur /, and knowe* this right1 wel, his manacyng1 I drede* neuer a del. And sikerly, as to my devis,

1996

2000

2004

And he flatly declares that

Polyneices shan't have 6 inches of land- in Thebes,

2008 as he, Eteocles, means to reign there all his life.

2012

As to Tideus,

1995. sempte Ar. T2. sempt C. L2. semed Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. semeth Ej. 1997. nat] om. C. T2. E2. no] om. LJ. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. nat no longer hym] not him no lenger Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Ej. not hym longer Lj. M (lenger). Di (lenger). him nat leuger than Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba (longer). S. refreyne] restreyn Ba. E2. 1999. I] In G. mene Adj. meen Bo. 2000. is] nys

Ar. L2. no bond] nother bond M. Ad2. I. Ra. neither bond Adj. Ba. S. noon o]>er bonde Di. nor no] nor (no om.) Bo. Tj. Du (ner). Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2 and I (nouthir). Ra. Ba. Ej (nother). S. C. T2. P. E2. ne (no om.) Lb. surete Lj. Ra. T2. suerte Bo. M. Adj. E2. surte Tj. 2001. y-made Bo. made M. om. Di. 2002. haue Bo. M. Adj. ha Ar. 2003. nowther • nor Ar. Ad2. Ra. nouther • nee T2. L2. neither • ne Bo. Tj. Adj. nor • ne M. Di. Jere] nyght G 2004. shal] will f 2. lette] mn. Bo. sothly] trevvly T2. om. P. }if] and Lb. 2005 and 2006 omitted in Ad2. I. 2005. be title of no] bi no title of Adj. Ra Ba. 2006. of] om. Ar. Ra. L2. 2007. kepe Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Adj. Ra (keep). C. T2. P. E,. L2. Ap. all] om. C. T2. P. E2. L2. 2009. enforth Ar. G. Bo. Tx. Du. M. Di. C. T2. P. Ap. hens forth Lj. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra (henforth). Ba. Ej. S. E2. 1^. forth Lb. lyve Ar. Ap. E2. lyf Bo. Tj. M. Di. Adj. C. P. L2. life Ba. Ej. S. liff Lb. Ad2. I. T2. Du. liffe Lj. Ra. 2010. al] of Ar. G. >ere ageyns Bo. ]>er ayen Adj. there ayenst Lb. }>er ageyne wil Lj. stryve Ar. C. P. E2. Ap. stryf Bo. M. Di. Adj. T2. stryfe Ba. Ej. striff Lb. Ad2. I. Du. striffe Lj. S. 2012. hym] he G. to] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Ej. 2013 and 2014 omitted in Ad2. I. 2013. knowe Bo. M. know Ar. Adj. 2014. manassyng Bo. M. Adj. drede Bo. Adj. dredAr. I drede] drede 1 M. Di. 2015. as to> as at Bo. vnto M. Di. C. as vnto Ba. my devis] myn avis Tj. Ej.

Eteocles is surprised at the presumption of Tideus. [PT.

Eteocles is sur- prised at his presumption in bringing Poly- neices's message.

[leaf 34]

While Eteocles lives,

It1 scheweth wel / that* thow Avere not wis,

But1 suppn'sed with a manere rage,

To take on the / this surquedous massage,

And presume / to do so hegh offence,

So boldely / to speke in my presence.

But1 al yfere / avayle* shal right1 noghf.

For the tyding1* / that1 thou hast* ybroght1,

Shal vnto hym / be but1 disencrees.

He better were * / to ha ben in pees,

Than of foly / and presumpcioim

Ageynes me / to seke occasiouw.

For whil I lyve / and thereto her myn hond!,

As I seide erst1 / he wynneth her no lond*,

whyl the walles* / of this toune may stond*.

For Fynaly I do the vnderstoncB

That1 they shal first1 / be bete doune ful lowe,

And alle the toures / to the erth" ythrowe,

Er he in Thebes / haue eny thynge ado.

Lo ! her is al / . retowne and sey him so ! "

Whan Tydeus saugh the feruent1 Ire Of the kyng1 / with angre set a-fire, Ful of despit1 / and malencolye ; Conceyuyng1 eke / the grete felonye

2017. supprised] supprisyng Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. suppressed C. P. £3. supposing Ra. Ba. S. 2020. So] And G. boldely M. Adj.

boldly Bo. 2021 and 2022 omitted in Ad2. I. 2021. yfere] in fer Ra. availe Bo. M. avayl Ar. Adj. 2022. dyding Ar. tidyng Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. S. G. tithyng Ra. Ba. tidyngis Lj (>i for the). Ej. C. T2. P. 1^. tithynges Eg. (Ap. burnt to that), ybroght Ar. T2. Ap. bmght Bo. G. and the rest. 2023. vnto hym be] be vnto hym Du. But alle shal be vnto hym disencrees Ad2. I. (see 2021). 2024. were Bo. M. Adj. wer Ar. to haue ben Tv Du. Lj. Lb. Adj. to ha be Ra. to habene M. to hauen Bo. Ex. 2025. and] and of Ad2. I. 2026. ngeyns Bo. Adj. ayens M. 2027 and 2028 omitted in Ad2. I. 2029 and 2030 are transposed in Tj. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. Ej. S. 2029. while Bo. M. Adj. whyl Ar. While that C. walles Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. wallis G. watt Ar. Lb. La. Ap. walle Bo. Lx. M. Di. Ej. P. wal C. E2. 2030. Fynaly]

plninly C. T2. P. E2. 1^. vnderstond] to vndrestonde Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ev S. C. T2. 2031. bete] fylled G. 2032. alle the] alle Du. to the erth Ar. Du. Lj. M. Adj. T2. to therthe Tr Lb. to the yearth E;,. vnto the erthe Bo. to erthe Ra. Ba. ythrowe] throwe Tt. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. C. P. 2033. Er Bo. Or Tj. M. C. ado Ar. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. at do G. to do Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. E,. S. 2037. and] and of Lj. Ra, Baf S. C. T2. E2. 2038. velonye G. M. D,

Polyneices shall have nothing to do with Thebes.

Tideus is silent

2020

2024

2028

2032

2036

PT. r.] Tideus brands Eteocles as faithless, and a Liar. 85

In his apport, lik as he wer wood ;

This worthy knyght1 a lityl while* stood, 2040 a while,

Sad and demur / or oght1 he wolde seyn.

But* at1 the laste thus he spak aeeyn. but then tells

Eteocles

1F " Certes," quod he / " I conceyve of newe

Aboute the, thy counsel is vntrewe, 2044

I dar if seyii and vowen at* the best*,

•vr i jj f -n e i f ji i i he is unfaithful.

JNor thow art* not1 feithful ot thy behest1, Theknyghtiy

Stable of thy word / that1 thow hast seid to-foiii, g5£? ageyn of

But1 deceyveable / and falsly ek forsworn, 2048

And ek periur / of thyn assured ooth".

v But1 wher so be / that1 thow be lief or lotfi, Tideus sa>'s

I seye the shortly / hold if for no fage, [leaf 34' backl

Al shal turn / vnto thy damage, 2052

Trust* it1 wel / and in ful cruel wyse. Alle Grekes londe / shal vpon the ryse,

To ben avenged / and manly to redresse Eteocles,

The gref vntrouth / and the hegh falsnesse 2056

Which that1 thow hast1 / ageyn thy brother wroght1. It shal ful dere / after this be bought1. And verrely in dede, as thow shalt1 lere,

kyng^ Adrastus / wil medle in* this matere, 2060 ^ a^^ord*

And alle the lordes / about1 hywi envyroujj, That1 bounde ben / to his subieccioun ; Prynces / Dukes / and many a noble Knight1, In sustenyng1 / of thy brotheres right1, 2064

Shal on a day / with" sper and with sheld*. wm make war

on him,

Ageynes the be gadered in a feldl,

2039. appor Ar. 2040. while Bo. M. Adj. whil Ar. 2041. or Bo.

Adj. saien (: ayen) M. seyn (: ageyn) Di. 2042. thus] this Lb. he spak] spak he Adj. Ad2. I. Ka. Ba. spak] seide C. T2. P. E2. 2043. of] om. Di. 2045. voweu] vowe it C. T.2. E2. L^. Ap. avowen Lx. Lb. avowe it S. wele avov Ba. at the best] at the lest Ar. G. Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. E!. S. Ap. at the last (: beheste) Ra. 2046. Nor] Ne Lb. E2. om. P. not] om. Ev Nor thow art not] nor thou nert also Adj. nor thou art nat also Ad2. I. 2050. wher Ar. whejer Bo. that] om. M. Di. 2051. the] it Ad2. I. 2052. turn Ar.. tome Bo. tourne Adj. turne Ra. vnto] to Ra. 2054. ryse] arise M. Di. C. T2. E2. 2056. vntrouthe M. Adj. vntrouth Bo. 2057. ageyn] vnto Adj. Ad2. Ka. Ba. S. thy my Ra. Ba. 2060. medle iu] medle of Ar. 1^. Ap. 2062. bounde Bo.

bounden M. Adj. Ad2. I. to] vnto Adj. Ad2. I. " 2063. many a] many M. Di. 2066. Ageyiis Bo. Adj. ayens M. gadert Bo. M. Adj.

86

Tideus upbraids, threatens, and defies Eteodes. [PT. L.

and prove him false.

God will punish him.

In Polyneices's name, Tideus defies Bteocles. [leaf 35]

Tideus calls on the Theban lords

knyghtly to preue / al be on assent1,

Thaf thow art1 fals / and double of entent1, 2068

Of thy promys / atteynf and ek outrayed.

And leue me wel if shal not1 be delayed,

But1 in al hast1 / execute in dede.

lik thi desert1 / thow shalt1 haue* thy mede. 2072

For god aboue / of his right wisnesse,

Swich" open wrong1 / shal in hast1 redresse,

And of his myght1 / al sucfi collusiowz

Reforme ageyn / and al extorsiouw. 2076

For this the fyn / falshede shal not1 availe*,

Ageynes* trouth / in feeld* to hold batayle*.

Wrong1 is croked / bothen halt1 and lame.

And here anon / in my brotheres name, 2080

As I that1 am next1 of his * alye

In his querel / I shortly the deffye,

Fully avysed / with al myn hool entent1.

And 36* lordes / that1 ben her* present1, 2084

I 3ow requere / of ^our worthynesse,

To saye trouth / and to ber wittnesse,

whan tyme come]?* / lustly to recorde

How 3our) kyng1 / falsly can discorde 2088

From his heest1 / of fals variau?ice.

And thenk how 36 / of* feith" and lygaurcce

Ar bounde echon / 30 may not1 go ther-fro,

2067. to] it to Adv proue Bo. M. Adj. 2068 and 2069 transposed in I. 2071. al] al the Ex. P. all with second 1 underdotted Ar. execute] executid Lb. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2072. haue Bo. Adj. ha Ar. 2073. aboue Bo. M. Adj. Ra. abouen Ba, of] and C. To. P. E.2. 2074 omitted in Adj. here, inserted at the bottom of the column after 2096 ; replaced in Ad.2. and I. by quite a new line : This mateer off rilit shall redresse. open] opon Ar. vpon Bo. 2075. conclusioun G. 2077. this] \>i$is Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. P. L.2. availe] vaile Ar. G. Eo, Lo, Ap. 2078. Ageyn Ar. Bo. M. Adj. in feeld] om. Ar. G. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. L.2. Ap. to hold] to haue Bo. to take Ra. Ba. batayle] no liatayle Ar. G. Ap. any batail Ra. Ba. 2079. bothen Ar. bothe Bo. both Adj. 2081. As] And P. I that] that I L2. next of his allie Ra. Ba. his next alye Ar. Bo. and all the rest (see Notes). 2082. In] On Ra. Ba. I] om. Adj. Ad.,. I.

the] CM/I. I. 2084. And] All Lj. ye lordes] the lordes Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. La. M. Di. Ra. Ev S. T.2. her] ther Ar. G. Ej. S. 2086. say trouthe Bo. 2087. cometh Bo. M. comj> Ar. 2088. falsly] iustlyM. Di. (see 2087). can] ganne To. 2090. thenk] thenkith C. T2. P. how] on howe P. E... of feith] on feith Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. P. ; (cp. 2646).

PT. &] Tideus calls on the Thebans to support Polyneices.

87

Forto obeye / and seme, bothe* two, This nexte jeer / now anon folowyng1, As to jour lord / and jour1 trewe kyng1, U Polemytes / thogfr he be now absent1, By lust accord? / niaad in parlemeuf, At1 joure devis / which sitten her a-rowe, Engrosed vp / as it1 is wel knowe, And enrolled / only for witnesse In joure regestres / to voyden al falsnesse, That non of 3011 / vary may of newe Fro that1 1 saye* • / but1 he be vntrewe. For which I rede / jour-silf to acquyte. Laf no tynie / lenger / 30 u respit1, But1 at1 onys / with-oute mor tarying1, Of manly force / fetteth horn jour1 kyng1, Maugre his foon /, lik as je ar boundc, And lat1 in jow / slouthe* non be founde, To put1 hym lustly* in pocessiouw This my consayl in conclusions."

Whan Tydeus / hadde his massage saide, lik to the charge / that1 was on hy??z laide As he that1 list1 / no lenger / ther soiowrne, Fro the kyng1 / he gan his face tourne, Nat* astouned / nor in his hertf afferde ; But1 ful proudly / leyde hond on his swerde,

2092 to obey Poly- neices the next year,

2096 as they agreed

2100

2104

and at once fetch him honiej as their king.

2108

2112

[leaf 35, back]

Tideus turns, and goes

2116 IT How manly

2092. both Ar. Bo. Adj. 2093. next Bo. Adj. folowyng Bo. folvvinge Adj. 2098. vp] was yp E.2. wel] right well Ex. is wel] wele be Di. knowe] I-knowe Ra. S. 2099 in Tj. is almost wholly cut away. 2099 — 2294. in Ra. the original four leaves are lost and new ones, ivith modernizing alterations of the text, supplied by the same hand that has made several alterations in other parts of the poem. Ra. is put within brackets, when quoted in this part of the poem ; (2099 in Ra. reads : Aud eke enrolled for to bear wytiiesse). 2100. voyden] aroiden Adj. Ad2. I. 2102. Fro Ar. Tj. Du. I. P. L>. Ap. From Lj. Ad.2. E2. For (see 2103) Bo. Q. M. Di. Adj. (Ra.) Ba. Ej. S. C. T.2" Of Lb. say Ar. Bo. M. Adj. but] but yf Ej. Kj. om. Lv (except : Ra.) he be] yee be Bo. Ta. Du. L^ Lb. M. Di. S. Adj. Ada. f. (Ka.) Ba. 2103. your-self Bo. M. Adj. to acquite Bo. acquite Adj. 2106. fetteth Bo. Tj. Adx. fecchith Lj. Lb. M. fetteth horn] (fet home agayn Ra.) 2108. slouthe

Tj. M. C. slouth Ar. Bo. Adj. slouthe non] no slouth Bo. Ad.,. I. Ej. S. P. E.^ (And lett in you no slothfastnes be founde Ra. ) 2109. lustly] lustyly Ar.

2110. This is Bo. M. Adj. 2111. Ar. has a second pause-bar after hadde. 2113. he] him Adj. Ado. I. Ba. S. that] om. S. he that list] bat list he Di. ther] om. S. P. no lenger ther] bere no lenger Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. soiourne] to soiourne Ad^ Ba. 2115. astonyed Bo. M. astoneid Adj.

88

Tideus leaves Thebes. Eteocles is furious. [PT. 1.

Tydeus de- parte[d] from pe kyng.

Tideus rides

towards Argos.

Eteocles is furious.

He bids his Chief Constable

pursue Tideus

And iu despitf / who that1 was lief or loth",

A sterne pas / thorgh the halle he goth",

Thorgh-ouf the courte / and manly took his stede,

And out? of Thebes / faste gan hyra spede, 2120

Enhastyng1 hyra / til he was at1 large,

And sped hym forth / touard? the londe of arge.

U Thus leue I hyra / ride forth" a while,

whilys that* I retourne ageyn my style 2124

Vnto the kyng* which in the halle stood

Among1 his lordes / furious and wood,

In his herte / wroth / and euel apayd

Of the wordes that1 Tydeus had* said ; 2128

Specialy / havyng1 remembraurcce

On the proude dispitous diffiaunce

Whilys that1 he sat* in his Eoyal See ;

Vpon which" he wil auenged be 2132

Ful cruelly, what* euere that* befalle.

And in his Ire / he gan to hyra calle

Chief constable / of his Chyualrye,

Chargyng1* hym / faste* for to hye 2136

with al the worthy Choys* of his housholde,

which as he knewe most1 manful and most bolde,

In al hasfr Tydeus to swe

To-forn or* he out1 of his lond? remwe, 2140

2117. was] were Adj. Ad2. I. 2118. sterne Adj. stern Bo. M. 2119. Thorgh-out] Thorugh Adj. Ad2. I. C. P. E2. manly] om.. Ba. 2120. fast Bo. M. faste] manly Adj. Ad.2. I (see 2119). 2121. In G. til he was at large 2121 and And sped hym 2122 are omitted, and the two remaining half lines made into one line. 2123. ride] ridyng Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. (Ra.) Ba. S. C. T.J. P. E2. L.2. a while Bo. M. Adj. awhile Ar. 2124. (and 2131) whilys Ar. whiles M. whils Bo. Du. While Adj. 2125. which Ar. >at Bo. M. Adj. 2127.

apayed with e underdottcd Ar. 2128. the] (those same Ra.) wordes] worde LJ. Di. Tydeus] he Adj. Ad2. he he I. had] hath Ar. G. Lb. Di. Ad2. I. P. J^. 2129. (Ra: Inspeciall hauynge in). 2130. the proude] the proude and M. Di. (Ra. The stout and proude d. d. ) dispititous Ar. 2132. which] be which Lj. (Ra.) wil] wolde Adj. Ad2. I. (Ra.) Ba. C. T2. P. £3. L,,. auenged] venged Bo. 2133. what euere that] what that euere M. C. G. what so euere Di. what euere Adj. Ad2. I. euere] euel Du. 2136. Charchyng Ar. faste Lb. M. fast Ar. Bo. Adj. 2137. al] om. Lb. worthy] om. P. choys (chois, choyse, choise)] Chooce Ar. choose G. chose Ej. C. chosyn L> 2138. which] Such Lb. C. T2. P. E2. L.J. Ap. as] bat Adj. Ad0. I. Ba. S. om. M. Di. manful] manly S. second most om. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ba. S. C. T2. P. K2. L2. 2139. al] al the Bo. Lj. Ad^ I. C. P. to] for to C. Tjj. P. Kj. 2140." or Bo. M. Adj. ar Ar. om. Tj.

Ff. L] JUteocles sends Fifty Knights to kilt Tideics.

89

[leaf 36] and slay him.

Fifty knights ride to waylay him.

IT How falsly Ethyoeles leyde a busshment in the way to haue slayn Tydeus.

Vp peyn of lyf / and lesyng1 of her hede,

With-oute mercy / anon that1 he be dede.

And of knyghtes / fyfty weren in nombre,

Myn autoM/- seith /, vnwarly hy??i tenconibre 2144

Armed echon in mayle and thikke* stiel,

And ther-with-al // yhorsed wonder wiel.

At1 a Posterne / forth they gan to ryde

By a geynpath / that1 ley oute a-side, 2148

Secrely / that1 no man hem espie,

Only of tresouw / and of felonye.

They haste hem forth / al the longe day,

Of cruel malys / forto stoppe his way, 2152

Thorgh a forest1 / aH of on assent1,

Ful couartly to leyn a busshement1

Vnder an hill / at1 a streite passage,

To falle on hym at1 mor aucwntage, 2156

The same way / that1 Tydeus gan drawe,

At1 thylke mount1 / wher that1 Spynx was slawe.

He nothing1 war / in his opynyouw,

Of this conpassed / conspiracies, 2160

But1 Innocent1 / and lich a gentyl knyght1,

Rood ay forth / til* that1 it drowe to nyghfl,

Sool by hym-silf / with-oute companye,

havyng no man / to wisse hy?/& or to* gye. 2164

IT But1 at1 the laste / liftyng1 vp his hede,

2141. Vp] Vjion Lj. Ad2. I. Ba. Er S. Oou Lb. peyn of] am. Ad2. I. and]o??t. Adj. 2143. And] am. P. of] of thes Ba. weren Ar. Lb. (Ra.) Ej. E2. werne Ap. were Bo. Tj. M. Adj. 2144. tencombre M. Adj. to encombre Bo. 2145. thikke Lb. Di. Ad2. I. (Ra.) Edg. thik Ar. Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. M. Adj. Ba. Ev S. C. P. L2. theke Ap. tlieti'k T2. 2146. yhorsed] horsed M. Di. wonder] am. Adj. Ad0. I. 2147. At] And G. And at Ad2. I. posterne M. Adj. postern Bo. gan] gonne M. Di. to] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 2154. couertly C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. (Ra.) couartly Ar. I. couarly G. cowardly Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ej. S. vnwardlye Ba. to] for to M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. C. T2. P. E2. leyn] hym G. 2155. at a] of Adt. Ad.,. I. 2156. falle] fallen E2. 2157.

way] day Di. 2158. At] And L.,. thilke Lb. Adj. thilk Bo. Tj. be ilke Lj. pat P. the S. that] om. Bo. Tj". Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ex. S. C. T2. was] wer Ba. 2162. (He rode styll forth Ra.) til that] tyll that I. Ap. (Ra.) to that Ar. G. til Bo. and all the rest. 2164. wisse] wyseEj. E2. wisshe S. L2. wysche Ap. or] ne M. Di. S. nor Adx. Ad.2. I. T2. G. nothir Ap. to nYe] gje Ar. Adx. Ad2. I. Ba. C. T2. P. E2. L2. (hys waye for hyni to gvye Ra.) 2165. at be laste Lb. Di. atte laste Adj. atte last Bo. at last M. liftyug] heuing Adj. Ad2. I. (by lyftynge Ra.)

Tideus rides on

innocently,

but at last sees

90 Tideus slays the Theban Leader, & fights the rest of the Fifty. [PT. H

armd men.

[leaf 36, back]

How Tydeus outrayed fifty

knyghtes |>at lay in a-wayt for hym.

He puts his spear in rest,

and kills the TUeban leader.

The rest attack him.

He fights all.

Toward! Eue / he gan taken hede ;

Mid of his way • rijf as eny lyne,

jjoghf he saugh / ageyn j)e mone shyne 2168

Sheldes fressh / and plates borned bright*,

The which environ / casten a gret1 lyghtt ;

ymagynyng1 / in his fantasye

Ther was treson / and conspiracy e 2172

w roughf by the kyng1 / his iowrn^ forto lette.

And of al that* / he no thyng* ne sette, But1 wel assured / in his manly herte, list1 naf onys / a-syde to dyuerte, 2176

But1 kepte his way /, his sheld vpon his brest1, And cast1 his spere / manly in the rest1. And the firste platly / that he mette, Thorgh the body / proudely he hym smette, 2180

That* he fille ded • chief mayster of hem aH ; And than at1 onys / they vpon hym falle On euery part* / be compas envyroun. But1 Tydeus / thorgh his hegh renoun, 2184

His blody swerde / lete / about4 hym glyde, Sleth" and kylleth / vpon euery side In his Ire and his mortal tene,

That* mervaile was he myghte so sustene 2188

Ageyn hem aH / in euery half besette. But1 his swerde was so sharpe whefete,

2166. EuV| evyn Ba. heuene Adj. Ad2. I. taken] to take C. T2. P. 2167. Mid] In myfl Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. Amydde P. In myddes Lb. In mynde Ej. his] be Bo. way Ar. Bo. M. Adj. eny] a Ba. L2. 2170. The whicl^1 whiche Lb. casten Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. Ej. casted M. Adj. S. caste Di. C. T2. P. E2. L2. environ casten] cast environ Lb. 2173. forto] to M. Di. 21V I. he no thyng] nothing he Ba. L2. ne Ar. Ap. ne om. G. Bo. and all the rest. (And for all that he nothyng thereof sett Ra.) 2178. the] his Tj. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ba. Ej. S. (ryght manly in >e r. Ra.) 2179. first Bo. Adj.

2180. proudely] om. Adj. Ad2. I. myghtly Lx. smertly L2. prudently S.

2181. fell Bo. M. Adj. 2182. than] with bat Adj. Ad2. I. they] bei gan Bo. 2184. hegh] gret Ad.,. I. om. Lb. 2186. Sleth] Slowe Lb. kylleth] kylled Ej. styketh Ad0. I. " (That he dothe slee and kyll Ra.) 2187. and] and in Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Ej. S. 2189. in Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lr Adt. Ad2. I. Ba. Ev S. E2. on Lb. M. and the rest. half] parte Lb. Adj. Adr,. I. Ba. S. C. To. P. 2190. whetto Ar. G. Tj. Lj. M. Di. (Ra.) C. T2. P. E2. Ap. y- whette Bo. Du. Lb. Ad^ A<J2. I. Ba. Ex. S. 1^.

FT. L]

Tideus defends himself in a narrow Pass.

91

Tideus is beaten to the ground,

but gets up,

seizes a narrow pass,

and defends himself, [leaf 37]

That1 his foomen fonde ful vnsoote.

But1 he, alias ! / was mad / alight* a-foote, 2192

Be force grounded in ful gretf distresse ;

But1 of knyghthod and of gref prouesse

Vp he roos, maugre aH his foon,

And as they cam, he slogh hem oon be on, 2196

lik1 a lyoun / rampaimt in his rage.

And on this hille / he fond a narow passage,

which" that1 he took / of ful high prudence ;

And liche a boor stondyng1 at his* diffence, 2200

As his foomen / proudly hym assaylle,

vpon the pleyn / he made her blode to Raylle

Al envirou/2, that1 the soyl wex rede,

Now her now ther / as they fille dede, 2204

That1 her lay on / and ther lay two or thre.

So mercyles / in his cruelte

Thilke day he was vpon hem founde.

And attonys / his enemyes to confounde, 2208

wher as he stood / this myghty champioure, Be side he saugh / with water turned dou??, An huge ston / large / rounde and squar ; And sodeynly / er that1 thei wer war, 2212

As if hadde leyn / ther for the nonys, Vpon his foon / he rolled it at onys, That1 ten of hem / wenten vnto wrak,

2191. foomen] foon Ex. fonde Bo. M. C. G. founde Tj. Adx. founden LI. founde it E2. Ba. (dyd fynde hyt Ra.) (it not in Ar. G. Bo. or the rest). fnl] well Lb. vnsoote] vnswoote Bo. Tj. Du. Lj (ounswote). vnswhete Lb. vnswette Ex. 2192. alias] najjeles L2. he alias] alas he Lb. mad] om. EP alight M. Di. light Ar. Bo. and all the rest, a-foote Ar. G. S. Ap. on foote Bo. and all the rest, except on fete Lb. Ej. 2193. ful] om Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. gret] sore Lo. (Ra.) 2194. and of] and Ad^ Ad2. I. 2198. this] the Di. P. narow

Adj. narowe Bo. narwe Ad.,, streit Ba. (strayght Ra. ) 2200. his] om. Ar. G. T2. P. L2. Ap. (ystandyng at defence Ra.) 2202. her] >e Di. 2203. enviroun] newe y-ronne P. wex] waxe Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Ba. Ej. S. (J. T2. E2. was Lj. (A. e. so that t. s. waxte r. Ra. ) rede] al red Adj. Ad.,. I. S. 2204. they] om. Ad2. I. fille Ar. fillen Bo. Du. Lb. Di. Ad^ Ej. tiln C. fill P. Ap. felleu TV M. S. E2. fallen Ba. T2. (dyd fallen Ra.) felle one Ad2. fe! oon I. 2205. second lay om. Ba. 2206. in] than in Adj. Ad.,. I. Ba. S. (thus in hys crueltie Ra.) his] his fers Ej. here Lb. 2207. Thilke Bo. Adx. Thilk M. vpon] on Ad^ Ado. I. 2211. An] And Ar. 2213. had Bo. M. Ad,, leyn Ar. Bo. M. Ad2. C. ley Ad,. 2214. it] om. Bo. 2215. wenten Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. M. Adj. T2. went Lj. Ad2. I. L2. vnto] to Adj. Ad.2. I. Ba. S. C. T.,. (then wenteu vnto Ra.)

He rolls a huge stone

down on his foes, kills ten,

02 Tideus kills all but One of his Fifty Theban pursuers. [PT. U.

and then all

the 50 but one.

This one knight Tideus kept,

to tell Btcocles

[leaf 37, back] how his fellows had sped.

IF Hou trouth with lityl multi-

And the remnauwt amased drogh a-bak ; 2216

For on / by on / they wente to meschaimce.

And fynaly / he broghte to outrauwce

Hem euerychon / Tydeus, as blyve,

That1 non but1 on / was* left1 of hem* alyue ; 2220

hym-silf yhurfr / and ywounded kene,

Thurgh his harneys / bledyng on the grene.

The theban knyghtes / in compas rouwde aboute

In the vale / lay* slayenj* aH the route, 2224

which pitously / ageyn the mone gape ;

For non of hem, shortly, myghf eskape,

But1 dede echon / as thei han deserued,

Saue on excepte / the which was reserued 2228

By Tydeus / of intenciouw,

To the kyng / to make relaciouw

how his knyghtes / han on her iowrne sped,

Euerich of hem / his lyf leff for a wed, 2232

And at1 the metyng1 / how they han hem born :

To tellen al / he sured was and sworn

To Tydeus / ful lowly on his kne.

By which ensample / $e opynly may se 2236

Ageynes* trouthe* / falshed hath no myghf. Fy on querilis / naf grounded vpon rijf,

2216. drowe Bo. drewe Du. drowen Adj. Ad^ I. 2217. In Ar. there is a bar also before the second on, put there to distinguish the numeral on from the preposition. 2217. wente Adj. went Bo. Ad2. I. wen ten M. Di. In Adj. 2220 precedes 2219, but the copyist has observed his mistake, and corrected it by writing a before the latter and b before the former line ; in Ado.. I. the lines arc right. 2220. was not found in any MS. (see Notes), hem] ham Ar. 2221. yhurt] hurt M. Di. C. ywounded] wounded C. 2224. vale] valey Lj. Lb. E2. lay] om. Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. (Ra.) Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. P. E.,. U. Ap. slayn(e) all the MSS. all the] all the hole Ba. T2. E2. 2227. lian] had Ba. S. it han Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Ej. it hadde Ad^ Ad2. I. had it M. Di. 2228. the] om. M. Di. which Adj. whiche Bo. M. 2229. of] of this Adj. Ado. I. Ej. S. C. E2. of his Ba. for this T2. (of good Ra.) 2230. To] Vnto Adj. Ad2. I. (Ra.) Ba. S. T2. 2231. spedde with de undc.rdotted Ar. 2232. Euerich] Eche M. Di. C. To, his lyf left] lefte his lyf La, (tharlifhatheleftRa.) for a] for Ap. to Ba. (Ra.) L2. 2234. tellen] telle Lj. C. P. L2. tell hym S. he] howe he P. sured] assured M. Di. Ba. C. T2. P. E2. om. Tj. and cwi. Tj. 2236. opynly] oonly Lb. om. S. (playnly Ra.) ?e opynly may] openly ye may M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ex. C. T2. P. R2. 2237.

Ageyn Ar. Bo. Adj. trouthe Adx. trouth Ar. Bo. 2238. Fy] Figh E.,. qiunels Bo. quarells Adj. quarellis Lb. querilis Ar. a quarell S. T.2. P. nat grounded vpon] grounded nat on Adj. Adg. I. (Ra.) Ba. S.

PT. it] Bleeding and weary, Tideus rides into Lycurgus* land. 93

with-oute which* / may be no victorye*.

Therfor ech man / haue* this in memorye*,

That1 gret1 pouer / shortly to conclude,

Plent6 of good / nor moche* multitude,

Scleight1 or engyne / fors / or felonye,

Arn to feble / to holden Chanpartye

Ageynes* trouthe* / who that1 list1 take hede.

For at1 the ende falshede may not1 spede

Tendure longe / ^e shul fynde if thus.

Record I take of worthy Tydeus,

which with his hand / thorgh trouthes excellence,

Fyfty knyghtes / slogh in his dyffence,

But1 on except1 / as I late* tolde,

Sworn and assured with his honcle vpholde,

The kyng1 tenforme / how they wern atteynf.

And Tydeus, of bledyng1 wonder feynfr, Maat1 and wery / and in gret1 distresse, And ouerleyd / of verray feblenesse ; But1 as he myght1 / hym-silue tho sustene, He took his hors / stondyng1 on the grene, Worthed vp / and forth he gan to ryde An esy pas / with his woundes wyde. And Sothly / 31^ in his opynyoura he was alway / affered of tresourc. But1 anguysshous / and ful of bysy peyne He rode hyra forth / til he did atteyne Into the bowndes / of lygurgus lond, A worthy kyng1 / and manly of his hond.

tude hath euere in the fyn vie- 2240 tory of falshede.

2244

2248

2252

2256

2260

The rest of the 50 Tideus slew

Tideus, tho' bleeding and weary, .

mounts his horse and rides away.

[leaf 38]

2264

Tideus rides into the land of King Lycurgus,

2239. which] woch Ar. whom G. victoyre (: rnemoyre 2240) Ar. 2240. ech] euery Lb. haue Bo. M. Adj. ha Ar. 2242. moche Bo. M. Adj. moch Ar. 2243. Sleight Bo. and all, except Scleight Ar. Ej. fors or] force of Ba. (force ekeorRa.) 2245. Ageyns Ar. Bo. ageinst Adr troupe Adj. trouth Ar. Bo. 2247. To endure Bo. M. Adj. longe Bo. M. Adj. 2250. sloweM. Adj. slewe Bo. 2251. late Bo. M. Adj. Ej. C. layf Ar. (as I have latly tolde Ra.) 2253. tenforme Adj. to enfourme Bo. to enforme M. 2254. wonder] was wonder Du. 2257. hym-silue Ar. G. Ap. hymselfe Ej. S. (Ra.) him-self Bo. and the rest. tho] to G. Ad:. Ad.2. I. Ba. Ej. S. so Lj. Di. hym-silue tho] tho hymself C. T2. P. E2. L2. (he gan hym-selfe Ra.) 2258. Stondyng] (yat stode vppon Ra.). 2259. "Worthed vp] worchid vp (sic) S. (And vpp he lyght Ra.) to] om. Ad2. I. 2262. aferde Bo. Adj. 2263. anguysshous Bo. M. anguissous Adj.

94

Tideus rides into the Castle Garden,

[FT.

sees a castle,

If How Tydeus, al forwounded, cam into ligur- gus lond.

rides into its garden,

And he ful paal / only for lak of blood,

Tydeus saugh / wher / a castel stood, 2268

Strong* and myghty / belt1 vpon a roche,

Touard? which / he faste gan approche,

Conveyed thider / be clernesse of the ston,

That* be nyghf ageyn the inoone* shon, 2272

On heghe* toures / with crestes marcyul.

And loyneauwf / almosf to the wal

was a gardyn / lityl out1 be syde,

Into which / Tydeus gan ride, 2276

Of aventure / be a gate smal.

And ther he fond / forto rekne al,

A lusty herbere / vnto his devis,

Soote and fressh" /*lich~ a paradys, 2280

Verray heuenly / of inspecciown.

And first1 of al / he alyghte doim, The goodly place / whan that* he byheltf, And fro his nek / he voyded hath his sheld1, 2284

Drogh the brydyl / from his horses hede, let1 hym goon /, and took no maner hede, Thorgh the gardyn / that1 enclosed was, Hym to pasture / on the grene* gras. 2288

In Adj. 2268 precedes 2267, but the copyist has marked tlie lines with b and a ; Ad2. and I. are right. 2269. bilt Bo. M. Adj. bildid L2. bylde P. (ybylt Ra.) Strong bilt and niighti Adj. Ad2. I. vpon] in L.2. 2270. which] whome Bo. Tj. Du. LJ. Lb. M. Di. Ba. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S (horn). (the whyche Ra.) faste Adj. Et. fast Bo. M. he faste gan] fast he gan M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. he gan fast L2. 2271. Conveyed M. Adj. Conveid Bo. 2272. ageyn] by M. Di. mone Bo. M. moone Adj. moon Ar. 2273. hegh Ar. hye Bo. M. his Lb. S. )>e Adj. Ad2. I. 2274. loyneaunt Ar. I*j. Ap. ioynyng Bo. and all fie rest, except loyned Ba. (adioynynge Ra.) 2275. lityl] a litil G. Di. I. 2276. which] whome Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. ye which S. (the whiche tho Ra.) gan] streight gan C. ride] to ride Lb. Ad,. Ad2. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. £2. 2278. rekeue Bo M. Adj. 2280. Soote Ar. Lb. Ba. S (Sotte). C. T2. P. L2. Ap. (Full soote Ra.) Swote Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Sweet Bo. Ej. E.7. lich a] lich to a Adj. lyke to Ad2. I. (much lyke Ra. ) (2281 and 2282 omitted mRa.) 2282. alyjt G. alighte M. Di. alight Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. lighte Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. P. lyghted Ej. doun] a-down Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. P. £3. 1^. 2284. he] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. C. P. voyded favoidid Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad^ I. Ba. Ej. S. hath] had Bo. Di. thanne T2. 2285. drowe Bo. Du. M. Adj. drewe £3. And drewe P. Drawe Ej. (And gote Ra.) the] his Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. horses Ar. (Ra. ) horsys Ap. hors Bo. and all the rest. 2288. pasture Bo. M. Adj. 2288 and 2290. grene M. Adj. gren Ar. green Bo.

dismounts,

lets his horse loose,

PT. L]

lies on the grass, and rests till Sunrise.

95

And Tycleus / mor he vie than is led,

Vpon the herbe's / grene',* whit1, and red,

As hym thoughts / that1 tyme for the best1

he leid hym doune / forto tak his rest1,

Of werynesse / desirous to slepe,

And non awaytt / his body forto kepe ;

And with dremes / grocched euer among1,

Ther he lay / til* the larke song1

with notes newe / hegh vp in the ayr,*

The glade morowe / rody and right1 fayr,

Phebus also, casting1 vp his bemes,

The heghe* hylles / gilte with his stremes,

The syluer dewe / vpon the herbe's rounde ;

Ther Tydeus lay vpon the ground,

At1 the vprist1 / of the shene svnne,

And stouttderaele* / his grene* woundes rvnne

Round' about1 / that the soyl was* depeynf

Of the grene / with the rede meyntf.

And euery morowe / for hoolsomnesse of eyre*, Lygurgws doghter / maked her repeyr, Of custom ay / among the flowre's newe In this gardyn / of many dyuerse hwe, Swich loye hadde /, forto taken hede, On her stalkes / forto sen hem sprede, In the Allures / walking1 to and fro.

And whan she hadde a litil while* goo

leaf 38, back] 2292 lies on the grass,

2296

2300

and dreams till the lark sings

and the sun rises ;

2304

2308

2312

but his wounds

bleed.

^J Hou Ligurgus

doghter fond

Tydeus sleping

in the herber,

al forwounded.

To this garden,

daily comes

Lycurgus'.s

daughter.

2293. desirous] desiringe P. to] for to Ad2. I. P. (Ra.) 2294. forto] to Adj. Ad.2. I. 2295. grocched Ar. Du. M. Ap. grucchid Bo. Tx. La. Lb. Di. Ba. C. T2. gruchchid Ra (grutched by later hand), grutched Ej. gruggid L^. grudged E.2. grughynge P. grucche S. om. Adj. Ad.2. I. 2295 is found twice in Ra., first written by the later hand as the last line on the back side of the fourth new leaf (see 2099), then as the first line of the following original leaf. 2296. Ther] grucching here Adx. Ad2. I. Til] to Ar. G. 2297. newe] om. Bo. hayr Ar. G. 2300. hegh Ar. hye Bo. Adj. gilt Bo. gilted Adj. glistred Ad2. I. 2303. shene Adj. sheen Bo. shene svnne] sune shene S. 2304. stoundemele Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ra. C. Ta. P. stoundemell Ba. E2. Ap. stoundmele Ar. Bo. L1. Adj. Ej. L.2. in that while Ad2. I. And swmdell his wondes ron grene S. grene AI. Adj. gren Ar. green Bo. 2305. that] om. Lb. was] om. Ar. G. Ej. C. T& P. 1^. Ap. (E.2.). 2306. Of] Was of E2. with the] with Ra. Ba. C. meynt] y-tneynt Ad^ Ad^. I. Ra. Ba. P. The rubric of Ar. has Barurgus for Ligurgus. 2307. heyre Ar. G. 2308. maked Ar. G. C. T2. Ap. made (maad) Bo. and the other MS S., except did make E.2. 2314. while Bo. Adj. whil Ar.

96 Lycurgus's Daughter wakes the sleeping Knight. [PT. fcr

She sees a sleeping knight

his steed,

and his blood, [leaf 39]

She touches him gently

He starts up,

her-self allone* / casting* vp her sight1,

She byheld? / wher an armed knyghfr 2316

lay to rest1 hym / on the herbes colde ;

And hym besyde / she gan ek byholde

his myghty stede / walkyng1 her and ther.

And she anon / fille in a maner fer, 2320

Speceally whan she saugh" the blood

Sprad al the grene / aboute ther she stood.

U Butt at1 the laste / she kaughfr hardynesse,

And wommanly / gan her forto dresse 2324

Toward! this knyghf, havyng a manere drede

And gret1 doute lest1 that1 he were dede.

And of her wille / sothly this was chief,

That1 she thoughts forto male* a prief 2328

how that* it1 stood / of this man, ful ofte.

And forth she gooth / and touched hy?ra ful softe, Ther as lie lay / with her hondes smale. And with a face dedly / bleyk1, and pale, 2332

lich as a man adawe'd / in a swogh", Vp he sterf / and his swer<? he drogh", Nat1 fully out* / but put1 it vp ageyfi Anon as he hath the lady seyn, 2336

Beseching hir1 / only of her grace, To han pit6 / vpon his trespace, And rewe on hyw of her wowmanhede. For of affray / he was falle in drede 2340

lest1 he hadde / assayled ben of newe Of the thebans / preued ful vntrewe ;

2315. allone Bo. allon Ar. 2322. al] on Adj. A<32. I. C. T2. P. Kj. ther] where M. Di. La. she] he Lj. om. P. 2324. gan] she gan Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. her] om. Ba. forto] to S. 2328. forto] to Adj. A(i2. I. Ra. Ba. S. prief Ar. E2. preef Bo. M.> Adj. preif L2. prefe Lb. Ba. ; Ar. has aprief. 2329. of] with G. 2331. Ther] Wher C. T2. E^ L^ Ap. And her Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2333. as] om. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. adawed in] dawed in Ej. adawed" of Lb. that dawed of Adj. that dawith of Ad2. I. 2334. Vp he steri] He vpsterte C. T2. Eg. second he] om. Lb. Adj. Ad0. I. Ra. Ba. C. T2. P. £3. L^. drogh] out drowe Adj. Ad2. I. 2335. but] om. Bo. 2340. of] om. Ra. Ba. fallen G. M. Di. C. T2. Ba. falle Ar. Bo. and the rest. in a drede Ar. with a underdottcd. 2341. had] om. M. Di. he hadde assayled ben] lie hadde be assailed Adj. Ad2. I. S. E2. assayled he hadd be Ba. he assayled hadde be C. of] om. Lo. 2342. preued M. proued Bo. Adj. proude and I.

and begs her to pity him.

PT. II.] Lycurgus's Daughter promises to see Tideus righted. 97

For dred of which he was so rekkeles, Ful humblely / hym gelding1 to the pes, Tryst* in hym-silf / he passed hadde his boundes. And whan that1 she saugh" his mortal woundes, She hadde routh / of verrey gentyllesse Of his desese / and of his distresse, And bad he shulde / no-thing1 be dismayd, Nor in herte sorouful nor affrayd?, Disconfort1 hym in no maner thing1. " For I," quod she / " am doghter to the kyng1, Callyd lygurge / which gretly me delyte Euery morowe / this gardyn to visyte ; It1 is to me so passingly disport1." " Wherfor," quod she / " beth of good comfort1 ; For no wight her / touchyng1 ^our1 viage, Shal hynder ^ou / nor do 3ow no damage. And 3if 30 list1 / of al $our auentwre The pleyne* trouth / vnto me discure, I wil in soth / do my bysynesse To reforme / $oure greuous hevynesse with al my myght1 / and hool my dylygence ; That I hope of 3oure gret offence 30 shal han helpe in 3our> aduersite. And, as ferforth / as it1 lith in me,

2344

2348

She bids him not fear ; .

[leaf 39, back]

2352 yshe is the King's Daughter ;

IT How worn- manly the lady 2356 acquythirto Tydeus in his

2360

2364

no one shall hurt him ;

she will see him righted.

2343. recheles M. Adj. rechles Bo. 2344. hnmblely Ar. Ap. humbely

Adj. Di. T2. humbly Bo. and the rest, hym Jelding Ar. Adj. Ad2. I. T2. E2. Ap. yeldyng him Bo. Du. G. and the rest, the] om. Ba. 2346. that] om. Du.

2348. and of] and Adj. Ad2. I. C. E2. and for LP distresse] grete distresse Lb.

2349. shulde Bo. Adj. shold M. no thing be Ar. G. Du. L:. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. L2. Ap. be no bing Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Di. Ad2. I. T2. P. E2. not be nothing C. dismayd] disamayed Ad^. 2350. Nor . nor] Nor . ne Bo. Tj. M. Di. Ba. Nor . nother C. Ne . nor Lb. Ne . ne Lj. herte Adjt hert Bo. sorouful] ferful Adx. Ad2. I. 2353. which Ar. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. }>at Bo. and the rest. 2354. morowe] mornyng Lb. Ba. morwnyng Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. this] the Ra. Ba. to] forto Adj. 2355. so] om. P. passingly] passyng Lj. Ad2. I. P. 2356. beth] byth Ej. C. be S. be ye M. Di. 2358. hynder] nat hynder Ra. Ba. nor] ne Bo. Tj. Lb. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. E2. }ow no] om. Ra. Ba. no] om. G. 2360. pleyne Lj. Ra. Ad2. I. pleyn Ar. Bo. M. Adj. vnto Ar. G. C. T2. E2. L2. Ap. to Bo. and the rest. 2362. refourme Bo. reforme M. Adj. 2363. hool my Ar. G. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. myn hool Bo. and the rest (my whole S. ). 2365. shal Ar. Bo. Ra. Ea. shul M. Adj. C. aduersite] gret aduersite Adj. Ad2. I.

TBEBES. H

98

Lycurgus's Daughter takes Tideus to a Chamber. [PT. II.

Tideus trusts her.

Tideus tells Lycurgus's daughter all his story.

•f Hou Tydeus was refresshed in the castcl of the lady.

[leaf 40]

She takes him to a soft bed,

unarms him,

Trusteth right1 wel / 30 shul no faute fynde."

And whan he saugh / that1 she was so* kynde, 2368

So woramanly / so goodly, and benygne

In al her poorf / be many dyuers signe,

He vnto hir* / be ordre wold not1 spare

his auenturis / fully to declare, 2372

In Thebes first1 touching1 his massage,

And at* the hil / of the woode* Rage,

Of his woundes / and his hurte's sore

(It were buf veyn / to reherce if mor) 2376

By and by he told her euery del,

The which in soth / she liked neuere a del,

But* hadde routh and compassiou?^

Of his meschief / wroghfr be fals tresouw : 2380

Byddyng in hastt / that1 he shuld hir* swe,

And wommanly /, as her thoghte dwe,

To a chambre / she ladde hym vp alofte,

Ful wel beseyn /, ther-in a bed right1 softe 2384

Eichely abouten apparayled

With cloth of gold /, al the floor yrayled

Of the same / both in length and brede.

And first this lady / of her woramanhede, 2388

hir* wymmen badde / as goodly as they kan,

To be attendauwt1 on this wounded man.

And whan he was vnarmed to his sherte,

2367. shul Ar. M. Adj. shal Bo. 2368. that] om. G. she] om. Du. so G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. om. Ar. Bo. and all the rest, that he was kynge E1. 2369. so goodly] goodly Lb. benygne] so benigne Bo. Tr Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ada. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. 2370. many] many a Du. Adj. Ad2. I. 2371. wold] wol Adj. Ad2. I. 2374. atte the hil G. L2. at hill Ba. E2. al the hil Ar. Bo. and all the rest, except )>e hille Lj. all be wholl S. (see Notes}, wode Bo. M. wood Ar. Adj. of the woode] of all )>e woode Lx. of the woodie E2. of the worthy P. and the wood Ad2. I. 2375. and his] and of his Bo. and Ex. 2379. hadde M. had Bo. Di. Adj. routhe M. routh Bo. Adj. 2381. Shewe Lb (: dewe). 2384. Ful wel beseyn] om. Ad2. I. ther-in] where inne Ad2. I. bed] bed was Ad2. I. right] ful Ra. S. 2385. abouten] aboute Bo. Lx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 1^. Ap.

Richely abought aparaylid for the nones P. (the last three words added with paler ink by later hand). 2386. of gold] om. C. yrayled Ar. G. C. T2. E2. Ap. 1^ (eraylid). arayed Bo. Tx. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ra. S. Et (I-rayed). Du (raied). Ba (auarrayhed). trayled Adj. Ad2. I. 2386 omitted in P ; the later hand has loritten in the margin: With Curtont & hangynge Of Arras golde and stonys. 2389. they Ar. G. C. T2. P. £3. 1^. Ap. she Bo. and all the rest. 2391. whan] om. Bo.

PT. ii.] She has Tideus cared for, but he will not stay with her. 99

She made first* wassh his woundes smerte, 2392

And serche hem wel / with dyuers instruments,

And made* fette / sondry oynementes,

And leches ek / the beste she koude fynde,

Ful craftely to staunche hem / and to bynde. 2396

And euery thing1 / that1 may do hym ease

Taswage his peyn / or his woo tapese,

Was in the courte / and in* the Castel sought1,

And by her byddyng / to his chambre brought. 2400

And for his sake / she hath after sent1

For swich" deyntees / as wern cowuenyent1,

Moost nutn'tyf / be phisikes lore,

hem that1 wern syk / or wounded / to restore, 2404

Makyng her wymmen / ek to taken kep

And wayt1 on hym / anyghtes whan he slep,

And be wel war / that1 no thing1 asterte

That was or myghf be / lusty to his herte. 2408

U And with al this / she preie'd hym abyde

Til he were strong1 / and myghty forto ride,

In the castel to pley hym / and disporte,

And at1 ley sere / horn ageyn resorte 2412

whan he myght1 by welde hym at his large.

But1 al for nought1 / : he wil horn to Arge, Toke his lyeve on the nexte day,

With-out1 abood / to hast1 hym on his way, 2416

lowly thonkyng1 / vnto her goodnesse

washes and dresses his wounds,

gives him dainties,

and bids her women watch him.

Tideus, tho askt to stop at Lycurgus's castle, [leaf 40, back]

will go home to Argos.

2392. wassh Bo. wasshe M. Adj. In Ar. a pause-bar after wassh. 2394. made Bo. M. Adj. mad Ar. fette M. Adj. fett Bo. 2395. leches] leche T2. she] bat she Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. 2396.

Ful] And ful Adj. Ad2. I. Ka. Ba. to staimche hem] to staunchen hem Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. did hem staunch Ra. Ba. to bynde] binde Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2396 omitted in P., but And caused theym his woundes to bynde written in the margin by later hand. 2398. Taswage Ar. To aswage Di. 1^. to swage Bo. and the rest. tapese Ar. Bo. and all, except to apese S. P. L^. to pese Ap. Lj. To swage his wo & peyne to pease Lj. 2399. courte] centre Ad2. I. in the Castel] in om. Ar. Ba. Ap. 2404. hem] to hem Adj. Ad^ I. wern Ar. were Bo. and the rest, to restore] sore Tj. Adj. Ad2. I. 2409. preied Ar. praide Bo. M. Ra. praid Adr. abyde] to abide Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. 2413. bywelde] biwilde Di. S. beweldy Lb. welde Ba. at his] to his Bo. at Lb. 2415. nexte Ad^ nexste Di. next Bo. 2417. thonkyng] towchyng T2. vnto] to P. hir of Ad2. I. goodnesse] greet goodnesse M. DL goodlynesse T2. worthynesse Ro.

100

Tideus returns to Argos, to his Wife.

[PT. II.

II Hou Tydeus repeyred hy»i to Arge al for- woundyd.

Of her fredam / and bountevous largesse,

So wo??imanly that* hir1 list taken* hede

Hym to refressh in his grete nede, 2420

Beheestyng1 hir1 / with al his fulle* myght1,

He wolde* be hir seruaunf / and hir knyghf,

Whyl he leueth, of what1 she wold hym charge.

And forth he rood / til he cam to Arge 2424

In ful gref hast1 / and wolde nowher dwelle. But* what* shuld? I rehercen owther telle Of his repeir / the coostes or the pleyns, The craggy Roches / or the hegh mounteyns, 2428

Or al the maner / of his hoom-comynge, Of the metyng* / or* the welcomynge, Nor the loye / that1 Adrastus made,

His wife clasps Nor how his sustre / and his wif were glade ? 2432

Nor how that1 they /, wherto* shuld I write,

him in her arms. Enbraced hym / in her Armes white,

Nor the gadryng1 / about* hym / and the pres Nor of the sorowe / that Polymytes 2436

Mad in hym-silf / to sen hym so forwouwded,* his greuous hurtes / his soorys / ek vnsouwded, His dedly look / and his face pale ? (Of alle this / to gynne a newe tale 2440

[leaf 4i] It were in soth" / a maner ydylnesse)

2418. and] and of hir Bo. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ej. S. and her Tj. Lj. largesse] largenes Lj. and largenesse (sic) T2. 2419. tak Ar. Adj. take G. Lj. and the rest, except to take Bo. T,. Du. M. Di. (cp. 2311). 2420. refressh (refresshe) Ar. and all. 2421. Beheestyng Ar. Ra. Behestyng Bo. Ba. Ap. By-hestyng G. Bihotyng Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. Ej. S. C. T2. P. E^ Be-hetyng Lj. I. Besechyng L^. Ro. ful (full) Ar. G. Bo. and all, except hoi Adj. hoole Ad^ I. 2422 and 2423. wolde Bo. M. Adj. wold Ar. wyl G. and hir] and Ra. knyght] trewknyghtM. Di. Ba. C. Ta. P. E2. 2426. what] wherto M. Di. owther Ar. Bo. other M. Adj. or more Ad^ I. 2427. his] Jris Bo. or] o}>er Adx. 2430. or] nor Ar. G. C. T2. Eg. 1^. Ro. Ap. or the] or of >e Bo. Tj. Du. L,. M. Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 4- 2431- Nor] For Di. Ba. Ne L!. Lb. 2432. Nor] Ne Lj. Lb. P. and] ne Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ej. T2. P. nor Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. L^. or Ra. Ba. E^ were] was T2. P. 2433. Wherto] Wherfor Ar. write] it write Ba. In Adj. AcLj. I. Ra. Ba. S. the second halves of 2433 and 2434 are transposed, that of 2434 being tacked on to the former half of 2433 and vice versa. 2435. N"or] Ne Lb. P. hym] om. Bo. and] nor Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. TL%. L2. ne Ej. P. or Eg. in Ra. Ba. 2436. of] om. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. P. £3. sorowe] gret sorwe C. 2437. so] om. S. P. E^. 1^. forwounded] soor wounded Ar. G. Du. M. Di. Ada. Ad2. I. Ea. S. P. E2. sor forwoundid 1^.

Polyneices grieves to see him wounded.

PT. II.]

Adrastus's Doctors soon cure Tideus.

Nor how hym-silf in ordre did expresse

First1 how that1 he in Thebes hath hym born,

Nor how the kyng1 / falsly was forsworn,

Nor of the awayt1 / nor tresouw that1 he sette,

whan fyfty knyghtes / on the way hym mette,

As 36 han herd? / al the manere howe,

With-oute which / my tale is long1 ynowe.

IT But Adrastus / made* men to seche

In euery Coost1 / for many diuerse leche,

To come in hast1 / and make no tarying1,

Vpon a peyne / be biddyng1 of the kyng1,

To don her craft* / that1 he wer recured

And of his force / in euery part assured.

And they echon / so her konnyng1 shewe

That1, in space / of a dale's fewe,

He was al hool / maad of his siknesse.

Tho was ther loye f and tho was ther gladnesse

Thorgh-out1 the courte / and thorgh-out1 al the touw.

For euery man / hath swich" opynyouw

In Tydeus / for his gentyllesse,

For his manhood and his lowlynesse,

That1 he was holde / the moste famous knyghfr

And best* byloued / in euery mawnys sight*

Thorgh-oute grece / in euery Regiouw.

But1 now most1 1 / make a digression n, To telle shortly / as in Sentement1, Of thilke knyght / that1 Tydeus hath sent1 Into Thebes / only to declare The grete meschief / and the euel fare

2444

2448

Adrastus gets doctors

2452

2456 wh° s°on cure Tideus,

to every one's delight.

2460

2464

But I must now turn to

2468 the knight

whom Tideus sent to Thebes.

2444. Nor] And P. was] is Adj. om. Ad2. I. 2445. the awayt Ar. Bo. M. thawaite C. be waite Di. await (om. the) Adj. Ad2. I. 2449. made Bo. Adj. maad Ar. 2455. konnyng] konnynges Bo. Tj. Du. L,.. Lb. M. EJ. 2456. space] the space C. a dates fewe] dayes fewe Tj. LJ. Lb. Adj (daies a fewe). Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. C. P. L.2. Ro. 2457. al hool] alhool Ar. hole Tx. 2458. and Ar. G. C. T2. P. E2. Ap. om. Bo. and the rest. ther . ther] her . her . L2. Ro. 2459. and thorgh-out] and thorgh M. Adj. 2462. his manhood] manhod of him Adj. Ad2. I. and his] and Adj. Ad2. I. 2463. moost Bo. most M. Adj. moste Du. Di. I. 2466. Ar. has a second pause-bar after make, digressioun] disgressioun I. 2468. thilk Adj. tliilke Bo. 2470. gret Adj. grete Bo. 2471 in Ar. begins with In w Vnto, the first two underdotted.

102 Eteocies is furious when he finds Tideus has slain his Knights.

[leaf 41, back] Vnto the kyng1 / how it is befalle,

The opyn trouth / of his knyghtes alle, 2472

Eteocies, on \io\t Tideus hath slayn hem euerychon.

hearing that

his 50 knights That1, sauf hym-silf / ther eskaped non :

were slain,

which was reserued / from sheding1* of his blood, The kyng1 to telle pleynly how it stood. 2476

And whan he hadde rehersed euery poynt1, is nearly mad Ethiocles stood / in such disioynt1

with rage.

Of hatful Ire thafr he wex nye wood. Eteocies And in his tene / and his felle mood, 2480

Of cruel malys / to the knyghtf he spak, says his knights And felly seide* / that1 it was for lak

were cowards,

Only of manhood / thorgh her cowardys, If HOW Ethiocles That thei wern slayn / in so mortal wyse. 2484

was asstonyed

Sa£theofeMs " And hanged be he / highe* by the nekke knyghtes. That, of ?our deth / or of ^our1 slaughter Eekke,

Or 3ou compleyn / outher* on or aH,

Of the meschief / that is }owe befaH. 2488

I do no force / that1 non of 3011 asterte.

But1 fye vpon $our false * couard* herte, to let one man That on knyghfr hath, thorgh his hegh renouw,

kill 50 of em. J6

Brought $ow aH into* confusiouw, 2492

Ful graceles / and ful vnhappy to."

The survivor ., -yr j> j 1.1 • i T.JJ u -u • ii • *

answers that -Nay, quod this knyght1, " it1 is no-thing* so.

2475. which Ar. G. 0. P. &,. 1^. Ro. Ap. That Bo. and the rest, from (fro)] for Di. Ba. sheding] the sheding Ar. G. 2478. stood] stood thaime Adj.

Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. S. 2479. that] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Kj. wex Ar. G. Lb. Di. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. E2. Ro. waxe Bo. M. Du. Adj. Ex. S. C. T2. L^. wyxe Ap. waxte Lj. was Tj. nye] nere Ba. 1^. Ap. 2480. and] and in Lv Lb. Di. Adj. Ad,j. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. £3. La. Ro. felle Ar. Bo. M. fel Ad^ ful Ra. felle] om. S. 2482. seide Ad^ Bo. seid Ar. 2485—2672 lost in T2. 2485. be he] he be Ba. highe E2. hye Bo. M. Adj. high Ar. highe] om. S. hanged] y-honged Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2486. of Jour deth] your deth Ad^ Ad2. I. 2487. outhre Bo. other M. Di. othreDu. oytheAr. 2488. is Jowe] is on you M. Di. now is Lj. befall] fall Lb. 2489. that] though Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. though >at Adj. asterte] astart (:hert) S. 2490—2580 lost in Ba. 2490. fals coward Ar. M. Adj.

fals cowarde Bo. 2491. That] Tha Ar. on] of o with of underdotted Adj. of oo Ad2. I. hath] om. Bo. T,. Du. Lv Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. L^. Ro. hegh] om. Ra. E^ renoun] resoun Ra. 2492. Brought] hath brought Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ej. S. into Tv Du. Lv Adr Ad2. Ra. S. in Ar. G. Ej. P. E.J. Ap. to Bo. Lb. M. Di. I. I^. Ro. vnto C. 2494. nothing] not Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S.

PT. II.] The Survivor of Eteocles's fifty Knights kills himself. 103

It1 is thyn vnhappe / pleynlv, and not oures, Eteocies him-

self That1 so many worthy werreoures, 2496

Which al her lif / neuer hadde shame,

Except this quarel / taken in thy name,

That grounded was / and rooted on falssenesse :

This was cause / in verray sikernesse, 2500 was the cause of

their mishap :

Of our1 vnhappe / I woof wel, and non other, deaf 42]

And the vntrouthe* / don vnto thy brother,

And that* thow were / so opynly forsworn :

A parcel cause why that1 we wer lorn 2504

was fals brekyng1 / of thyn assured oth." he broke his

And tho the kyng1 / almost1 mad for wroth, In pwrpoos was forto slee this knyght1, Oonly for he seide to hyrn right1, 2508

The which alias / both at eue and morowe, This knight,

in a fit of sorrow

Supprised was / with a dedly sorowe, and despair,

Renewed ay, in his remembrawnce,

With the pitous / and vnhappy chauwce 2512

Of the meschief / and mysauentwre,

Touching1 the deth / and disconfittwe

Of his feeres / and of hym-silf also :

That1 the shamfast1 / in-portable wo 2516

So frat1 on hym / with such a mortal stryf

That1 he was wery / of his owne lif ;

Hent1 a swerc? / and a-side sterte, drives a sword

into his own

And rove hym-silf euen to the herte, 2520 heart-

2495. pleynly] om. Adx. Ad^ I. S. pleynly and] and pleynly Ra. 2497. had Bo. 2499. on] in Bo. L^ Ej. 1^. Ap. and rooted on] vpon Adj. Ad^ I. 2500. -cause] the cause Du. L:. Adj. Ad2- I. Ra. sikernesse] sewernesse S. sothnesse C. P. E2. 2502. vntrouth Ar. Bo. 2504. A] And Lb. C. P. E.2. Ro. Ap. parcel] percell Ej. E2. that] om. M. Di. lorn] forlorn Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adx. Ra. Er S. E2. Ap. 2508. to Ar. G. Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. Lb. vnto M. and the rest,. 2509. in Ar. above which is ivritten i. miles in smaller letters, both] om. M. Di. 2512. pitous] poyntes G. 2513. and] and the G. I. 2514. and] and the Du. Lj_. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ej. S. P. of the I. 2515. his] alle his Ad^ Ad2 I. feeres Ar. Bo. feers M. Adj. felowes S. second of om. S. Ro. silt'] am. Du. Ada- 2516. importable Bo. M. Adx. 2517. So] om. Ro. frat]

frett Lj. M. Di. S. Sat Ro. was E2. that L.2- on] om. M. Di. Ad2. hym] om. Ad?. 2519. Hent] He hent G. Lj. Ra. C. Hent he hath E^ Tburgh the whiche he hent P. Toke he S. a-side] a-sid Adj. asiden Lx. om. P. sterte] a-sterte Di. a-start S. 2520. roue Bo. M. rof Adx. And the poeple nad be ta ryven thoruh (therewith I.) his herte Ad2. I.

104 The corpses of the slain Knights are burnt and buried. [FT. II.

The friends of the dead knights

want to take vengeance on Eteoc.les,

but the lords

[leaf 42, back] quiet them.

The corpses

are brought to Thebes,

burnt, and buried.

11 The kyng1 hym-silf / beyng1 tho present1 ;

That* the rumour / and the noys is went1

Thorgh-oute Thebes /of* the woode* rage,

Be swich as weren* / loyned by lynage 2524

To the knyghtes / slayen* at1 the hille ;

That1 aH atonys / of oon herte and wille,

They wold han ryse / thorgh-out1 the Cite,

Vpon the kyng1 / avenged forto be, 2528

Which of her deth / was chief occasiouw.

But1 the barouws / and lordes of the touw Ful busy wern / this Rumowr to dysesse, Of high prudence / to stynten and appese, 2532

In quyete / euery thyng1 to sette.

And after that1 the bodyes horn they fette Of the knyghtes / lik as 30 han herde, Aforn yslawe' / with the blody swerde 2536

Of Tydeus / ful sharpe whet1 and grounde. And in the felde / so as they hem founde, Only of loue / and affecciouw,

Solempnely* they broght1 hem into touw. 2540

And, lik the maner / of her rytis olde, They weren first1 brent / into Asshes colde, Euerich buryed / lich to his degre.

2521. beying Ar. beyng tho] tho being Adj. so beyng Ad2. I. 2522. The] om. Lj. rumour] Iniurye I. is] am. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. it Lj. Ra. 2523. Thorgh- oute] Thorgh C. P. E2. Thrugh-oute all Ej. of] and Ar. G. Lt. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. La. Ro. Ap. wode Bo. M. Ad^ wood Ar. 2524. wern Ar. Bo. M. Adj. 2525. slayen] slayn(e) all the MSS. 2527. ryse Ar. G. Ap. C. rysen Bo. Tj. M. Adj. Ej. resen Ra. arisen ~E^. thorgh-out] thorugh M. Di. P. thrugh-oute all Ej. 25'28. forto] to haue Adj. Ad2. I. 2530. lordes] be lordes Bo. Tj. Lb. M. I. Ej. S. C. 2531. besy Bo. M. Ad?. discese Bo. M. Adj. 2534. the bodyes horn they] home be bodies they M. Di. 2535. herde] redde Ad2. I. 2536.

yslawe Ar. G. Bo. Du. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ap. eslaw L2. slawe Ta. M. Di. slayn C. yslayne P. E^ 2537. sharpe Ar. Du. Lb. P. sharp Bo. G. Tj. M. Adj. Ra. C. K2. W R°- whet] whittid Ra. ; S has Iwhett full sharp and grounde. 2538. so] om. Lb. Ad2. I. 2539. and] and of Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. C. P. £3. Lg. 2540. Solempnely Lb. Di. Ad^ I. Ra. Ej. Eo. L2. Ap. solennely Adg. solempnly G. Bo. Du. M. Lx (solempnye). Solemply Ar. Tj. S. C. P. Ro. into] into be Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ra. S. C. Lo. to the Lb. Ad2. I. Ej. P. E2. 2541. lik] lik to Adj. Ad2. I. her] the M. Di. C. L.2. rytes M. rightes Bo. right L2. 2542. were Bo. M. Adj. 2543. Euerich] And euerich Adj. Ad.2. I. And eche one E.J. Euery man Lb. buryed] I-buryed Ej. Eg.

PT. II.] Destruction is coming to the Thebans' King and Region. 105 Lo her kalendys / of aduersite, 2544 Ruin is to fail

on king and

Sorowe vpon sorowe / and destruccioim, realm,

First1 of the kyng1 / and att the Regyoim ;

For lak oonly / lik as I $ow tolde,

That1 biheestes / trewly wern not1 holde : 2548 as troth was not

kept.

be Firste grounde / and Eoote of this Ruyne,

As the story / shal clerly determyne,

And my tale / her-after shal ^ow lere,

$if that jow list1 / the remenaiwf for to here. 2552

IF Explicit1 Secunda pars Joh" Lydgate

IF Incipitf pars Tercia

2544. kalendys] >e kalendes Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. P. E?. is )>e kalendes Lj. 2546. and] and after Lb. all] om. Bo. of S. Ro. the] his Li. 2548. were Bo. M. Adj. 2549. ]>e] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. ; in Ar. )>e is written before the line, first Bo. M. Adj. Ra. 2552. that] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lr Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. C.

106 Appeal to Mars. Adrastus resolves to conquer Thebes. [PT. in.

[leaf 43]

Why, Mars,

were you so wroth with men of Thebes,

whose city was

burnt thru hate,

from Original Sin?

King Adrastus resolves to con- quer Thebes.

He calls a parliament

IF Tercia Pars.

0 Cruel Mars / ful of malencolye, 2553

And of thy kynde hoof / combust1, and drye, (As the sperkles* / shewen fro so ferre, By the stremes / of )>' rede sterre, In thy spere / as if aboute goth) what1 was cause / that1 thow were so wroth" with hem of Thebes'? / thorgh whoos feruenf Ire The Cite brent1 and was sette a-fyre, As bookes olde / wel reherce konne, Of Cruel hate / rooted and begvnne, And engendred /, the story maketh mynde, Oonly of blood / corrupt1 and vnkynde, Bynfeccioura / called Orygynal, Causyng1 a strif / dredful and mortal, Of which the meschief / thorgh al grece Ran.

And kyng Adrastus / alderfirsf began, which hath hym cast1 / a conquest1 for to make vpon Thebes / for polymytes sake, In knyghtly wise / ther to preve his myght1, Of ful entent1 / to recure his right1. And first1 of al he sette a parlemenf,

2556

2560

2564

2568

2572

2554. thy] om. Bo. G. C. be Lj. 2555. spercles Bo. Tj. Du. Ej. S. sparkles M. Ad^ and the rest, except sperkes Ar. G. I. fro so ferre] from the fire Ra. 2556. $i Ar. G. thy L.2. Ro. Ap. the Bo. and the rest. 2557. thy] be Lt. Adj. I. Ra. La- 2558. cause] be cause Di. 1^. Ro. that] om. Ra. P. L2. Ro. 2560. The] Te Ar. brent and was] was brent and Adx. Ad^. I. brent was and Lb. E^. a-fyre] on fyre Du. Lj. Lb. Ra. E2. 1^. 2565. Bynfeccioun] By enfeccion Du. Bo (enfencioun). M. Tj. Adj. 2569. Which] That Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Adg. I. Ra. Ej. S. hath] om. Lj. forto] to M. Di. 2571. his] her Adj. Ad2. I. ther S. 2572. recure] rekouere Du.

TT. in.] Adrastus's Lords prepare for the Theban Expedition. 107

And hath his le^res / and massageres sent

Thorgh-oute Grece / to many sondry kyngges,

hem to enhast / and? make no lettyngges. 2576

And rounde about1 /, as maad is menciouw,

he sent also / to many Regyouw

For Prynces / Dukes / lordys, and barouws,

To taken vp / in Citees and in touws, 2580

And chesen out1 / the moste liklyesf,

And swich as weren* / preue'd for the best*

As of manhode / and sende* hem vp ecfron,

And in her hoiide / receyve her pay anon, 2584

with Adrastus to Thebes forto ryde.

And tho lorde's / that1 with hym abyde In houshold stille / han her leve take, To ryden horn / her retenue to make 2588

In ther contrees / as they wern of degre, To stuffen hern / and taken vp meyne And make hem stronge / with knyghtes and squyers, with speres / bowes / and with ablasters, 2592

In al the hast1 possible / that1 they may, And to retourne / in their1 best1 aray, At1 ternae' sette, ful manly to be seyn,

of kings,

dukes, lords, etc.

[leaf 43, back]

All are to go to Thebes with Adrastus.

If The grete pwr-

ueau/ice of kyng

Adrastus touard

Thebes.

The court-lords

go home for

men and arms,

to muster soon

2575. Thorgh-oute] Thorugh Bo. M. Di. C. P. E2. Grece] alle Grece Ad2. I. to] vnto Adj. Ad2. I. many] many a Ra. kyngges] kyngxRa. kyngges in Ar. was first written kynggs, then e put above the line between g and s, with the usual mark of insertion (two converging strokes) under the line. 2578. to] into Adv Ad2. I. many Ar. Bo. Ta. M. Ej. Ro. Ap. many a Du. Lj. Di. and the rest. 2581. chesen Ar, G. Bo. M. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. chese Di. S. L2. Ro. to chesen C. E2. to chese P. the] om. Adj. Ad2. I. most Ar. G. M. Adj. moost Bo. moste Du. Ra. Ba. liklyest] semblyeste Ro. 2582. swich] which G. weren Tj. Lb. I. wern Ar. G. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. wcryn Ra. were Bo. and tJie rest, preued] proued Bo. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. C. 2583. As] And Adx. Ad2. I. sende E!. S. C. P. E2. send Ad.2. I. savde Ar (seems to be altered from saide). sande Bo. Du. G. sonde Di. soude Tj. M. sovde Lb. sowde L.2. Ap. sowede Ro. sonded Adj. sowdid Ra. Ba. wage I(1. hem] om. Ad2. I. 2586. And] And how Lx. tho Ar. G. C. Eg. 1^. Ro. Ap. be Bo. and the rest. 2589. ther Ar. Ro. beir Bo. their Tj. Du. Ba. Ej. L2. Ap. the Ra. P. her M. and the rest. 2590. stuffen] sustene C. P. E2. and] and to Ra. Ba. S. C. to Lj. M. Di. E!. P. E2. L2. Ro. taken Ar. Ad2. I. Ap. make S. take Bo. and the rest. meyne] money Ba. 2592. second with] om. Lj. M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. C. P. E2. ablasters Ar. Bo. arblasters Adx. Ra. Ro. alblastyrs Ap. arblastreres Lb. Ad2. Ba. arblastres Ex. S. arwblasters M. arowblasters C. Ar. has a bar also between with and speres. 2594. to] om. Di. Ba. retourne Ar. Bo. and all. their Ar. Ba. S. L2. Ap. Ro (ther). her Bo. and the rest. 2595. At] At the Lb.

108 T/te Kings wJw sliare in Adrastus's Expedition. [PT. ill.

To-forn Arge / mostren in a pleyn. 2596

U And as I rede / ful worthy of degre

Thider cam first1 / protonolope,

The which was, be recorde of wryting1,

Of Archada / sone to the kyng1. 2600

II And ful prudent found! in werre and pees

Ther came also / the kyng1 Cylmythenes.

H And as I fynde / ful famous of renoun

Thyder cam ek / the kyng1 ypemedouw. 2604

H And passing1 aH / of knyghthode and of name,

And excellyng / by worthynesse of fame,

The noble kyng / callyd Campaneus,

kam ek to Arge / the story telleth vs, 2608

Proued ful wel / and hadde ryden ferre.

II And thider kam the kyng1 Melleager,

IT Kyng Genor ek / that1 helde his Eoyal sete,

Myn Autour seijj / in the lond! of Crete ; 2612

IT Kyng1 Laeris and the kyng1 Pyrrus *,

And ek the kyng1 / called Tortolanus.

And renomed in many regyouw

at Argos.

The kings who come are Pro- tonolope,

Cilmithenes,

Ipomedon,

Capaneus,

Meleager, etc.

[leaf 44]

T[ The kynggcs and princes that cam with Adrastus.

2596. mostren Ar. Du. Adj. moostre M. moustren Ej. mustren Tj. mustre Ra. moustren Bo. mostren] to mvster Lj. Adj. Adg. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. Lj. Ro. in] on Ra. Ba. P. L.2. Ro. a] be L2. Ro. 2598. protonolope] Prothonolope Bo. Lb. M. Adj. C. Ap. Prothonolphe Lj. partonolope P. protholonope I. Protholope Du. drothonolope S. 2599. whiche Bo. M. which Ar. Adj. 2600. Archada Ar. G. Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Lb. Archadye M. Adj. Archedie L2. Archade Ra. E2. to] vnto Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. P. E2. 2602. Cylmythenes Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. M. Di. Adj. Adg. I. Ej. S. Cylmythenees Ro. Sylmythenes Lg. Clymythines La. Cilmychenes C. Ap. Gilmichenes £2. P.

Thilmythenes Ra. Thillmethenes Ba. Ypomedoun Lb. M. C. P. E.J. L* Ro. Ap.

Ipomodoun Di. Loymedon Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S. Epimidoun Lj. Opimodon Ra. Opymodoun Ba. ->f Epemedotin I. 2607. Campaneus] Capaneus Adj. of

Capaneus Ad2. I. Cimphaneus Ra. 2608. vs] bus G. C. 2609. Proued Ar. Bo. M. Adj. Preued Ap. Provyn 1^. Provided Lj. and] om. M. had Bo. M. Adj. hadde] hath Tj. and hadde ryden ferre] in many a degre Ra. in many agree Ba. 2610. And] om. Ra. Ba. kam] come eke M. Di. Ra. Ba. C. Melleager] Melliager Lb. Melleagerre Du. Melliacher P. Melergerr L2. Melliagre Ra. Melliogree Ba. 2611. Genor] tenor Ra. Ba. Gover 1^. Ro. sete] Cite Ra. Ba. se C. Eg. 2612. seib] telleth Lb. Crete] grete Tj. Ra. Ba. grece P. E^ 2613. Laeris Ar. G. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ej. L2. Layerys Bo. Layeres Ro. laerus Ra. Adj. Ad2. I. S. Laierus Ba. layers Ap. loeris C. E.2. loers P. lacris Lb. Pyrrus] of Pyrrus Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. pernonne P (altered, mi erasure). 2614. called] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. Tortolanus] Tortalanus Ad^

Tortolonus £2- tortolomus C. Tortolonyus Ro. Tortelows Lo. Tartalonne P. 2615. renomed] wel renomed M. Di. many] many a Du. Lj. Lb. P. E.2.

Cilmynthees Lb. Cylmytheus G. 2604. ypemedoun A.r. G. Bo. Tj. Du.

Tideus sends to Chalcedon for Warriors. Thebans join him. 109

Ther cam the kyng / ynamed palemou?i, 2616

Oft assayed / and found! a manly knyght,

That1 with hym broght1 / in steel y-armed* bright1,

Ful many worthy / out1 of his cuntre.

IT And Tideus / most1 knyghtly forto se, 2620 Tideus sends

That1 manly man / that* noble werreyour,

As he that1 was / of worthynesse flour,

Maister and myrour / by prouesse of his hond,

hath sent1 also into the niyghty lond 2624

Of Calcedoyne / of which" he was hayr, into Chalcedon

That* is a kyngdam / bothe* riche and fayr,

Chargyng1 his counsale / and officers also,

In al the hast1 / that1 it1 may be do, 2628

To seken out1 / the beste werreyours, for its best

Of famous knyghtes / and preued sawd yours,

Thorgh al the lond / and layde on hem this charge

With-oute aboode / forto come to arge. 2632 to come to

And they obeye / ful* lowly his biddyng1,

Enhastyng1 hem /and made * no lettyng1,

But1 spedde hem fast1 / vppon her iourne.

And fro Thebes / the myghty strong Cite, 2636 From Thebes

kam doune knyghtes / with many another man, Maugre the kyng1 / to helpe* what they Can, Considred first1 / his falshed and tresouw, Ymeued only / of trouth and of resoun, 2640

2616. Ther] Thider Lj. Eo. ynamed] named Lb. C. I-callid Lj. ecallid 1^. called M. Di. Ad2. I. E2. Ro. palemoun] Palamon Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. L2. Polemon Ej. Palemeoun G. 2617. assayed Ar. Tj. M. Adj. EJ." assaid Bo. G. Du. Lj. Ra. Ap. found] I-found Ej. 2618. y-armed] armed Ar. Bo. and the rest. 2622. flour] be flour Du. I. 2624. into] to Adj. Ad2. I. 2625. Calcedoyne] Calcydoyne Du. Adj. Ad^ Calcydoun L2. Calcfdonye I. Ro. Calydonye Ej. of which] wherof Ej. 2626. kyngdom Bo. M. Adj. bothe Bo. M. C. both Ar. Ra. om. Adj. Ad2. 1. 2627. counseile Bo. 2628. haste Bo. hast M. Adj. 2629. seken] seke S. L2. beste Lb. Ap. best Bo. Tj. M. Adj. worthy Di. werriours Bo. werriouris Tj. warreiours Ra. 2630. preued Ar. Tj. Du. P. Ap. proude Ba. best L2. Ro. proued Bo. and the rest, sawdyours Ar. Ej. Ap. soudeours Bo. M. Adj. 2631. al] om. C. this] be Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 2633. obeye Ar. Bo. and the rest, except obeyd Lj. Ra. Ba. P. obeied Adj. Ad2. I. ful] shal Ar. G. Bo. TJ. Du. M. Di. Ej. S. all Ra. Ba. om. Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. lowly] om. M. Di. Ej. Ar. has a second pause-bar after shal. 2634. mad Ar. make M. Di. 1^. made Bo. and the rest. 2635. fast Bo. M. Adj. 2636. myghty strong] stronge and myjty Di. 2638. helpe M. Adj. help Ar. Bo.

110 The Flower of Grecian Chivalry are in Adrastus'sArmy. [PT. ill.

to help Poly- neices,

[leaf 44, back]

as they are bound by oath to do.

In Adrastus's army is the flower of the Chivalry of Greece.

To tell youNall their new and quaint arms \

2644

1T Polymytes / as they were sworn of jore,

To his Croune / Justly to restore :

And whan they weren at1 large out1 of the toun,

Vnto Arge / they be descendid doun,

And, lik her oth* / and her assurauwce,

As they wern bounde / only of lygeaunce,

To hym they Cam / in ful lowly wise,

Eedy to don / what* hym list1 devise. 2648

And whan he hadde / her trouthe * ful conceyued, He hath to grace / goodly hem receyued, Assignyng1 hem / her place mydde the hoste, Assembled ther / from many diuerse coste : That1 fynaly / in this companye ygadred was / the floure of Chyvalrye Ychosen out1 of al grekes lond The most1 knyghtly / and manful of her hond ; That1 1 trowe, sith the world began, Ther was not1 seyn / so many manly man, So wel horsed / with sper and with" sheld, To-gydre assembled / sothly, in a feld*.

Ther men may see many straunge guyses Of Armyng1 newe / and vncouth devyses, Euery man / after his fantasye ; That ^if I shuld? / in ordre specific Euery pes / longyng1 to armure, And ther-vpon / do my bysy cure,

2652

2656

2660

2664

would be a day's T,. • .1 / -i j •• i

work, It1 wer in soth / almost a dayes werk ;

\

2641. they] om. Bo. 2642. crowne Bo. M. Adj. to] hym M. Di. E0. hym to C. 2644. Vnto Ar. G. C. P. E2. And to L2. Ro. Into Bo. and the rest. " 2645. lik] om. Bo. oth] both Ar. and her] and Tv 2646. bounde Ar. Bo. M. Adj. Ra. boundyn 1^. 2647. Cam] cause M. Di. 2648. Redy] godely C. Lowly E2. what] that Ra. hym] it M. Di. list] om. S. hym list] he wold L^. Ro. devise] to devise Tj. Du. Lx. M. Di. Ej. S. 2649. hadde] hath Adt. Ad2. I. trouthe Tv M. trouth Ar. Bo. Adx. ful] wel Bo. 1^. Ro. fully Du. Lj. M. Di. C. 2650. goodly hem] hem goodly Adj. Ad2. I. them godly S. 2653. fynaly] fully M. Di. this] his 1^. Ro. 2654. ygadred] Ther gadred 1^. Ro. gaderd C. M. 2655. Ychosen] Ichose Lb. Chosen Tx. C. Ichosen was Ra. al] the Lb. 2656. manful] manly M. Di. 2659. with sper] and with spere Adj. Ad2. I.

second with om. Adj. Ad^ I. Ba.\ 2661. may] might Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. C. P. £3. mowe Lb. men may] myhte men Ra. Ba. gyses Bo. M. Adj. 2662. of Armyng newe] or armour^ new Du.

\

PT. in.] Adrastus pays and feeds his Soldiers well.

Ill

And the termes also ben to derk, 2668

To reherce hem clerly and to Eyme : I passe ouer / only for lak of tyme.

And telle I wil / forth of her loggyng1, How Adrastus / the noble worthy kyng1, Hath euery lord / lik to his degre, Eeceyued wel / with-Innen his Cyte : And ther they hadde / lik to her plesaunce, Of what nedeth / fulsom habundaunce, 2676

For man and hors / plente of Vitaylle ; Comaundyng1 / that1 no thyng1 ne faylle That1 alle thise noble worthy werreoures, Both high and lough" • and poore* soudeoures, 2680

Iserued weren of that1 they hadde nede. For Adrastus / prudently took hede, Ful lik a kyng / touching4 her terme-day, That1 thei to-forn / wer serued of her pay. 2684

He was so free / hym list1 no thyng restreyn ; And no man hadde cause to compleyii For hunger / thrust / nor for Indygence.

And in a prince / if is ful gref offence, 2688

As clerkes seyn / and a gref repreef, Suffre his puple / lyven at mescheef. If is ful hevy / and greuous in her thoghf 3if he habound? / and they han righf noghf. 2692

he may nof both / possede good and herte, He to be riche / and Seen his puple smerte.

so I leave it alone.

2672 Adrastus gives

[leaf 45] every one good lodging,

and food for man and horse.

1 What vayleth a kyng to payen his puple trewly her sowde.

No one could complain.

It's a great reproach to a prince to be full

and leave his folk empty.

2668. also ben] ben also Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Ex. bethe also P. to] so LJ. Ad2. I. Ba. E2. Ro. 2669. clerly] pleynly Ro. and to] into Adj. Ad2. I. 2673. euery] euery worth! Ra. lik] logged lik Adj. Ad2. I. 2674. with-Innen Ar. G. Ap. withynne Tv Lb. Ad2. I. Ra. T2. with-in Bo. M. Di. Adj. Ba. Ej. S. C. P. E2. L2. Ro. in-to Lj. his] the Ra. C. T2. P. E2. 2676. what] what that Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. P. what theim Ba. S. fulsom] fwll S. 2678. that] there that Adj. Ad2. I. that ther Ra. Ba. ne] ther S. om. Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. 2679. noble] om. P. worthy] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. 2680. poure M. pore Du. poor Ar. poer Bo. pour Adj. 2681. Iserued] Serued M. Di. had Bo. M. Adj. 2684. wer serued] serued \vern M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. 2686. hadde cause Ar. Adj. had cause Bo. cause had M. 2687. thursf Bo. M. Adj. 2690. Suffre] To suffer Lj. S. P. E2. Ro. lyuen] liue E2. Ro. J^ (lyf). to lyven Lx. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. C. to lyue M. Di. S. P. at] in I. L2. in a S.

112

Kings must give freely if they wish to be loved. [FT. in.

Thought is free.

[leaf 45, back] Let kings be liberal,

or his people '11 fail him.

He must banish stinginess ;

•: Hou Loue Vayle}> mor a kyng than gold or gret richesse. then he'll win his people's love,

which is more than gold.

He may the body / of power wel constreyne,

But* her herte / hath a ful long1 Reyne, 2696

Maugre his myght1 / to louen at her large.

Ther may no kyng1 / on hertes sette a charge,

Nor hem coarten* / from her lyberte.

Men seyn ful ofte / how that1 thouht1 is fre. 2700

For which eche prince / lord / and gouernour,

And specialy euery Conquerour,

Lafr hym be war / for al his hegh noblesse,

That* bounte, Fredom / plente, and largesse, 2704

Be on accord / that they his brydel lede,

Lest1 of his puple / whan he hath most1 nede,

He be defrauded / ; whan he is but1 allone,

Than is to late forto make his mone. 2708

But1 in his courte / lat hym first1 devise

To exile scarshed and couetise ;

Than is he likly / with fredam ^if he gynne,

loue of his puple / euermore to wynne, 2712

To regne long1 in honure, and contune

Ay to encresse / be fauour of fortune,

And his ennemyes manly to oppresse.

For loue is mor / than gold or gret richesse ; 2716

Gold faileth ofte / loue* wol abyde

2695. power] pore Adj. poore Ad2. I. Ej. poor Ea. poer Ba. the power Lx. povert S. He may wel be body of pore c. Adj. Ad2. I. He may the poore body well e. Lb. wel] om. Ro. 2696. herte Adj. hert Bo. M. 2697. louen] lyven Ad2. I. her] their L2. there Ro. om.. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. 2699. Nor] Ne Lb. E2. L.2. Ro. Nere P. coarten Bo (by

correction ; the & is quite different from the usual form). Ba. C. T2. E^. Ap. coarte P. Ro. coart 1^. coharten Ra. coherten Ar. Adg. coerten G. cohercen Tj. Du. Lb. Adj. I. Ej. coercen M. Di. coverten Lj. to bynd S. from] for Lx. 2701. For which] Wherfore M. Di. Adj. Ra. Ba. S. T2. Wher Ad2. I. eche] eche one S. euery Lb. lord] om. C. 2703. hegh Ar. G. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. om. Bo. and the rest. 2705. on Ar. oon Bo. M. Ra. one Ej. T2. Ap. om. Adv Ad-j. I. in Ar., between his and brydel, is written plei, but this is both crossed through and underdotted. 2708. is] is it Adj. Adg. I. S. C. it is Tv Ba. T2. his] om. Ad2. I. 2710. scarshed] scarste Lx. Ad\. scarsete Ad2. 1. scarstye Ro. scarnesse C. and] and eke M. and foule Di. and fals Ra. Ba. 2711. is he] he is Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. is £2- likly] like Di. gynne] begynne Ad2. I. S. P. 2713. and] to P. L2. Ro. contune] continue Bo. Du. Ra. Ba. T2. contunew S. contenu Ap. 2714. Ay] As Tj. euer C. of] and Bo. Du. Ad2. I. Ra. or Lb. 2714 om. in G. 2717. loue] gold Ar. and loue Du. but love P. E.

Greece ready for war against Thebes. Eteocles takes counsel. 113

For lyf or deth / be a lordys syde ;

And the tresour / shortly, of a kyng1

Stondeth in loue / abouen* alle* thyng1. 2720

Farwel lordshipe / bothe* morowe and Eve

Specially / whan loue taketh his leve !

And who so list4 / a merour forto make

Of kyngly f red am / lat1 hym ensample take 2724

Of Adrastus / the manly kyng famous,

So liberal and sb bountevous

Vnto his puple / at1 al tymes found! :

Which" mad hym strong1 / his foomen to confound*; 2728

And loue only / his enmyes to werreye,

Alle grece made his bidding1 to obeye, ^ ^Jj5 reteoce

Of oon accord / knyghtly be his side, gfflifcbS

Al attones / to Thebes forto ryde, 2732

For tavenge / sith they were so strong1, tleaf 461

The gret1 Iniurye / and the inportable wrong*

Don to his sone / and his next1 allye,

As 30 to-fom / han herd me specifie. 2736

But1 while* Grekes / rest1 a whil in pees, I will resort1 / vnto* Ethiocles : in Thebes,

Eteocles

which* in Thebes warly hath espied,

Be his frendes / as he was certefied, 2740

Of the Grekys / hooly the ordinauwce,

Her pwrpoos ek / and her purueauwce,

And therof had in herte a manere drede.

And first1 he took his counsayle and his rede 2744 of^s lords'6

2719. the] om. Adv Ad2. I. 2720. aboven alle] aboue al (all, alle) Ar. Bo. and all the other MSS. 2721. bothe M. Ra. bof>e Tv both Ar. Bo. bothe at Adj. Ad2. I. 2733. For tavenge Ar. G. Bo. Tx. M. Di. Adj. Ev S. C. E2. For to avenge Du. L:. Ra. Ba. Ad2. I. P. L^. For to veuge Ap. For the avenge T2. 2734. second the om. Di. C. E2. Ro. Ap. 2735. Don to] Vnto C. T2. P. E2. sone] sone Polymytes Ap. and] and to Lb. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. P. E2. allye] om. Ba. 2737. But] om. Ro. whil Ar. while Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ej. C. T2. Ro. Ap. whiles Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. P. £3. 1^. whils Ra. rest a whil] areste a whyle Ej. a while rest T2. rest a time E2. in P. 2737, as the bottom line of leaf 44 back, reads But whiles Grekes reste a while in pece ; it is inadvertently repeated as top line of leaf 45 front, in a slightly altered shape : But whyle that Grekes reste a whyle in pese. 2738. resort] ayen resorte T2. me resort Ad2. I. vnto] to Ar. E:. L2. Ap. 2739. which in] with Inne Ar. G. Ej. with in Adj. Ad2. I. S. The whiche in Lb.

THEBES. I

114

Eteodes prepares Thebes against Attack. [PT. in.

as to his defence.

If How Ethiocles made hy /,/ strong ageyn pe comyng of be Grekes.

He sends to his friends,

masks his walls, and mans em with soldiers.

Eteocles

gives great gifts to knights [leaf 46, back]

and lords,

to help him.

He lays in store of flesh and fish,

Of the lordis / and barons / of the toun,

And of the wisest* / of his Kegiouw,

How he myghte maken resistance,

Manfully / to stonden / at diffence, 2748

To be so strong1 / that1 ther wer no doute.

And in the contrees / adiacentt aboute,

And ek also in foreyn Regiouws,

He hath withhold / aH the Champiouws ; 2752

And ther-vpon / he sent1 out1 his espies

And his frendes and his next1 allies

And alle the worthy / dwellyng1 envirouw,

3ong / fressh / and lusty / he gadred into touw ; 2756

Maskowede his wallys / and his heghe* tours,

And stuffed hem / with manly sowdeours.

Hound aboute / he sette many Gonnys,

Grete and smale / and some large as tonnys ; 2760

And, in his hasty / passing1 feruent1 hete,

He spent1 his tresour J and gaf gif tes grete

Vnto knyghtes / and worthy men of name ;

And ouermore* / to encres his fame, 2764

he $af to lordes / luellis many-fold,

Clothes of Veluet / of Damask, and of gold,

To gete hym herte's / sothly, as I rede,

To helpe hym now in his grete nede. 2768

And prudently pwrveied / hym to-forn

Of flessh and fissh" / and of wyn and corn.

2745. the] his L2. lordis Ar. lordes Bo. and the rest. barons] of be barouns Bo. Tj. Du. M. EJ. be Barons Adj. Ad2. I. S. 2746. his] J>is Bo. the Adj. Ad2. I. Ro. 2749. so] om. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. wer] be Di. Ap. 2752. He] om. Ro. withhold Ar. withholde Bo. M. Adj. 2753. sent] sende Lb. his] om. Bo. espies] spies Ra. 2756. Jong fressh and lusty] younge lustie and fresh Ba. into] to Lb. P. E2. toun] the toun Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. C. T2. P. £3. Ap. 2757. Maskowede Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. Ro. Mascewyd T. E2. Mascawed P. Maskowes Ap. Mannyd 1^. his] om. Lj. hye Bo. M. Adj. hegh Ar. heghe] om. E2. 2758. manly] many Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. Ap. (ep. 2759). 2760. some Ar. som Bo. and some] om. Tj. as] at Bo. 2764. ouermore M. Adj. C. T2. G. ouermor Ar. euer more Bo. and the rest. 2765. luellis Ar. Tj. Lb. iewelis T2. iowellis 1^. Ro (lowewelles). luels Bo. Du. Adj. Jewels M. luellis] yeftes C. 2768. his] this Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. 2769. hym] om. Bo. 2770. and of] and M. Di.

PT. in.] Eteocles will resist Polyneices. Adrastus s Parliament. 115

Sette his Capteyns / erly / and ek1 late

with ful grefr stuf strong1 at euery gate. 2772

And mad also be workmen / that1 were trewe,

Barbykans / and bulwerkes newe,

Barreris / cheynys / and diches wonder depe ;

Makyng his Voufi the Cite forto kepe 2776

Whil he lyueb / despit of aH his foon.

And by his goddys of metal and of ston,

Ful ofte he swoor / both of herte and thouhf,

That1 it shal first1 / ful dere* be abouht1, 2780

And many a man with pollex, swerd, and knyff

To-for this toune / shal first lese his liff,

And ther shal ek / many sydes blede,

Or his brother pessibly possede

The toune in pees / licfi as Grekes wene.

But* at1 the ende / the trouthe* shal be sene,

lat hym be war and wel to-forn provyde !

For Adrastus / on that other side. For his party was not1 necligent1, But1 on a day / helde a parlement1, AH his lordes sittyng1 enviroun,

To dryve shortly / a pleyn conclusiouw 2792

And vp tapoynt1 / the fyn of ther entente.

But1 some thoughts / ful expedient1, Or they procede / to wirke* be thavice

and builds new bulwarks.

He swears that

many shall die

2784 before his

brother shall win Thebes.

2788 Adrastus

holds a parlia- ment.

[leaf 47]

2771. capiteyns Bo. M. Adj. erly and ek] bobe erly and Adv Ad2. I. 2773. werkmen M. werke men Bo. workmen Adj. 2774. bulwerkes Bo. bolewerkes M. bolwerkes Adj. 2775. Barreris S. Barrers Tj. Du. M. Adj. Ra. Barreyrs Ro. Berrers T^ Berrours Lg. Barres Bo. Ej. Barrys Ap. 2776. vowe Bo. M. vov Adr " 2777. all] om. M. Di. 2780. dere M. Adj. der Ar. Bo. ful dere be] be full dere Ba. P. be Ra. C. ben Ba. M. Adj. abouht Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. Adj. I. Ej. y-bought Lb. M. Di. T2. E2. Ap. bought Lx. and the rest. 2781. pollax Bo. M. Adj. 2782. lese] leue Adj. Ad2. I. 2784. Or] Or

that C. T2. P. £3. For G. pesibly Bo. Adj. Ra. peisibly M. pesible G. possibly E2. Ap. Ba. possede] shal possede Lj. 2785. Grekes] ]>e grekes G.

2786. trouthe M. Adj. trouth Ar. Bo. 2789. party] parte Ej. Ba. necligent] negligent Bo. Tx. Du. M. Ad2. S. C. T2. E2. 2790. helde] he held Adv Ad^. I- Ra. Ba. S. a] his E2. parlement] parlyamente Ej. P. 2793. vp] vpon S. tapoynt Ar. Bo. M. to appoynte Du. Di. thapoint Adj. Ej. the appoynt Ad2. I. the point Ra. >e poynt S. 2795. wirke Bo. wirk Ar. werke M. Adj. thavys M. Adj. be avice Bo.

116 Adrastus sends for the wise Bishop Amphiorax. [PT. ill.

It is thought best to go by the advice of the wise old bishop,

Amphiorax.

If How the bys- shope Amphiorax was sent for to come to |>e Grekes.

He knew the secrets of the Gods,

and could tell how things should end.

He knew that if the Greeks went to war,

Of on that1 was ful prudent1 and right1 wyce 2796

And circumspecte / in his werkes alle,

A worthy bisshop / into age falle,

And Called was, sothly / by his name

Amphiorax / of whom the grete fame 2800

Thorgh al the londe / bothen est1 and south,

Amonges* Grekes / passingly was kouth" ;

A man, in soth / of olde antiquyte

And most1 acceptid of auctorite, 2804

First be resou/i of his high" estat1

And ek for he was so fortunat1

In his werkes, and was also secre

with the goddys, knowyng* her pryvete : 2808

By graunf of whom / as booke's specifye,

He hadde a spirit / of trewe prophecye,

And cowde aforn ful opynly dyvyne

Thyngges begonne / how they shulde* fyne, 2812

And eke, be craft1 / of Calculaciouw,

3iue* a dome / of euery questions;

And hadde in magik / grete experience,

And fynde cowde / be heuenly influence 2816

And by mevyng1 / of pe heghe* sterrys,

A fynal doome of Contek and of Werrys ;

And wiste* wel, as his goddys tolde,

that1, $if Grekes / forth her iowrne holde, 2820

It1 turne* shulde* platly /, this no fage,

2796. ful] om. Adj. Ad2. I. right S. right] om. Ad^ Adg. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. T2. P. E2. ful Ro. wys Bo. M. Adj. 2801. londe] landes E2. bothen Ar. Bo. Du. botlie Tj. M. Adj. both Lj. 2802. Among Ar. Bo. M. Adj. Grekes] the Grekes E2. L2. Ro. Ap. passingly] passyng Lj. S. P. passingly was] was passingly Adj. was passyng Lj. S. ; in Ad2. and I. 2802 reads Most wytty callid / in euery mannys mouth. 2806. Ar. has a pause-bar after was. 2807. and] om. C. P. was also] also was C. secre] secret L2. Ro. P. S. 2808. pryvete] pryvet L2. 2812. shulde Bo. sholde Adj. shuld Ar. shold M. 2814. yeue Bo. M. Adj. }if Ar. 3ef G. dome] iudgment S. 2816. cowde] he coude Adj. Ad2. I. 2817. mevyng] meanyng Ej. >e] om. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. hegh Ar. hie M. Adj. om. Bo. 2819. wist Ar. Bo. M. Adj. his] om. Bo. JKJ Ad^ Ad2. I. P. here Di. 2820. Grekes] the Grekes G. P. Grekes forth her iourne] the iournay forth by Grekes Adx. the iornee forth off the Grekes Ad2. I. 2821. turne Bo. tome M. Adt. turn Ar. shulde Bo. sholde Ad4. shuld Ar. shold M. this Ar. M. his is Bo, Di.

PT. III.] Amphiorax, foreseeing ill, hides himself.

117

[leaf 47, back]

If The prpph[e]eie of Amphiorax. most of its Kings would be slain,

and he himself devourd alive.

To save his life, he hides himself,

and asks his wife to keep him secret.

To grefr meschief / and to gret1 damage

Of hem ychon / ; and in especial

The inoste parte / of the blood Eoyal 2824

Thorgh al Grece, it1 may not1 be withdrawe,

In this viage shortly shal be slawe ;

And 3if hym-silf / with the Grekes wente,

Who that1 euer wepte hym / or byniente, 2828

This was the fyn / and may nat1 be socoured,

Of the erth / he shulde* be deuoured,

Quyk as he was, he knewe it in certeyn.

And for he saugh ther was non ober geyn 2832

To saue his lif / nor no* bef diffence, Than vttrely withdrawen his presence ; IF Preying1 his wiff / for hym to provide, 3if he wer sought1 / that1 she wold? hym hide, 2836

And wo?»manly / for to kepe hym cloos, And of trouth concelen his pwrpoos ; For al his trust* / touchyng1 his greuawnce, was fully sette / in hir pwrvyance. 2840

I hope to god / that1 he thar not1 drede Of no deceyt1 / in hir* wowmanhede. She was so trewe / as wommen ben ecnon, And also cloos / and mwetf as a ston, 2844

That1 she ne wold / as the matier stood, Discuren hym / for no worldly good.

2822. To gret] In-to Adx. I. Vn-to the Ad.2. and to] and Adj. Ad2. of I. moste M. moost Bo. Adj. parte Ar. Bo. Du. M. Ba. Ej. P. Ap. part T Ra. S. C. T2. I*,. Ro. partie Di. Ad^ Ad,. I. blood E0. of] right of E2. Jif hym-silf with] of him why £3. the]"om. AdT. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. C. P. wepte] bewepte P. 2830. erth Ar. Bo. erthe M. Adj. shulde Bo. Adj. shuld Ar. shold M. 2832. he saugh] t>e soothe Lb. 2833. saue] haue TV no] to Ar. G. bet] better- Ra. Ba. S. Lj. Ro. 2834. vttrely] Covertly P (on erasure, apparently written by the same hand as the text), withdrawen] to withdrawen Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. Ra. Ej. to withdrawe Tx. M. Di. Ba. S. C. T2. P. E2. 2838. concelen Ar. Tx. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. conseleyn G. councelen Ej. S. console L2. couuseilen Bo. conseylyn Ap. conceyle Ro. conceling Ba. C. T2. councelyng Lj. P. conceiling E0. 2841. that] om. Bo. he] the Ra. him Ba. om. Du. thar] that S. there E2. ther-of Lb. nede Ej. dar Tj. L2. M. Di. I. C. L2. dare T2. P. Ap. 2842. no] om. Lb. 2843. echon] euerychon Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. 2844. mwet altered from muet Ar. mvvet Du. mewet Bo. muyt M. Adj. 2845. matier] mille E2. 2846. Discuren] Diskevir L2. Ro. Disceyven Ad2. Dyscry S. no worldly] al the wordles Adj. alle the worldis Ada- I.

At first, she does so,

2824. j. Lb. 2827. 2828. sholde

118

Amphiorax's Wife tells where he is hiding. [PT. in.

[leaf 48] «f How the wif of Amphiorax of conscience to saue her both discured her husbond. but on being put to her oath,

she sadly tells them where Amphiorax is,

in a tower.

Amphiorax was a fool to trust his secret to his wife.

1T But1 fynaly / the Grekes, of entent1,

In al his drede / han* for this bisshop sent1; 2848

Thogii if was long1 / er they myghf hym fynde,

For cause his wif / was to hy?rc so kynde,

That1 ful seurly / hath lokked vp his cors.

But1 for she hadde a maner of remors 2852

In hir-silf / grevyng1* her conscience,

Dreding1 to falle / in ful grete offence,

Lesfr her soule / were in peryl lorn,

whan she be oth* / compelled was and sworn ; 2856

They requeryng1 / jif she coude telle

wher her lord? the bisshop shulde* dwelle :

Which to discure / hir herte was ful loth,

Til tyme she gan / remembren on her oth"*, 2860

And coude a trouth / of Custom not1 denye

And hadde also gret1 conscience to lye,

Wonder hevy / with a sorowful face,

Maugre hir lust1 / taught1 hem* to the place 2864

wher as he was / shet1 vp in a toure,

Al alone' / havyng1 no socour.

They falle on hym / or that1 he was war,

And sette hym vp / in a ful riche Char. 2868

A fool he was / to lupard? his lif Forto discure his counsel to his wif ; And $it she was ful sory for his sake, Specially / whan she saugh hym take. 2872

Bot1 1 hope / that1 her hevynesse

2848. his] this Ad2. I. S. Adj (t underdotted). her L2. han Bo. M. Adj. G. hath Ar, this Ar. Ad2. I. C. T2. E2. be Bo. G. and the rest. 2849. was] were Adj. Ad2. I. 2853. grevyng] gervyng Ar. 2854. falle Ar. Bo. M. Adj. fal Du. 2856. oth] hoth Ar. 2857. They] there Ev requeryng] required Bo. P. requyryng her L:. conde] wolde P. 2858. shuld Ar. Bo. shold M. Adj. 2860. her] the M. Di. hoth Ar. 2862. hadde] om. Bo. she had Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. had sche S. gret] om. M. Di. a grete Ad2. I. as gret S. to] for to Ho. 2864. hem] hym Ar. 2865. wher as] Wher bat Di. shet Ra. shitte Bo. M. shut Ad,. 2866. Al] om. Ba. 2867. falle] fell Lj. Ej. E2. They falle on hym] Alias Amphimorax Ro. that] om. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T.,. P. Ro. was] were Ad.2. I. 2868. And sette hym vp] Is take and sett Ro. 2869. fool] grete fool Ej. yeoparde Ex. Eo. lupart Bo. iuparte M. T2. iubarte P. iuparten Adj. C. iupertin S. 2871. she was] was she M. Di.

PT. in.] Amphiorax tells the Greeks the Evils to Gome. 119

Gan asswage fill sone, by processe,

In short* tyme / whan that1 he was gon.

Ther is no tempest1 / may last1 eue?-e in on. 2876

11 But1 this bissliope / be verrey force and myght,

Vnto Grekes / conveyed was ful right,

This hoore* gray / in his char syttyng1.

And they ful glade* / wern of his comyng1, 2880

havyng1 a trust1 / and ful opynyou??

That1, thorgh cause and occasiou?i

Of his wisdani / and his sapience

And by vertue / of his hegh presence, 2884

They shuld eschewe / al aduersit&

Possible to falle / as in her lourne.

And, as the story / fully hath devised, Ful circumspect1 / and rihf wel avised, 2888

he hath pronounced / in the Parlernenf, To-forn the lorde's / and the president1, his Cleer conceyte / in verray sikernesse, Nat* entryked with no doublenesse, 2892

her dysemol daies / and her fatal houres, Her auenturys / and her sharpe shoures, The froward? soorf / and the* vnhappy stouwdys, The compleyntes / of her dedly woundys, 2896

The wooful wrath / and the* contrariouste Of felle Mars / in his cruelte, And howe, by mene / of his gery mood, and how

2874. asswage] taswage M. C. E^ to aswage Di. to swage T2. P. 2875. that] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. he] she C. T2. 2876. tempest] tempest that TV Du. LJ. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. P. may last] last may Adj. Ad2. I. S. lastith Ra. Ba. euere] ay M. 2&78. Grekes] the Grekes TV Du. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. P. 1^. Ro. 2879. hoore Bo. hore Ad^ toor Ar. M. char] chair Ba. 2880. glad Ar. Bo. M. Adr 2882. That] om. C. T2. P. E2. cause] be cause Lj. T2. E2. 2884. hegh] om. Ra. Ba. P. presence] prescience C. P. E2. prudence Bo. TV Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. 2885. eschewe Ar. Bo. Adj. eschu M. 2886. falle Ar. Bo. Adj. fall M. fallen C. 2888. riht wel] a wele G. 2892. entryked] entrikled Du. 2893. dysemol Ar. TV Du. disemoll Lx. S. dismoll Lb. dysmol M. Adj. dysmole Ex. C, T^ L2. dysmele Bo. dysemele Ro. disemale E2. 2895. soort] sortes Ap. sette P. and] of Lj. the] om. Ar. G. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. here Adj. Ad2. I. Pta. Ba. S. 2897. the] om. Ar. G. L2. Ap. contrariouste] contrariocite altered from contrariousites Lo. contrauersite Di. contrauerse Ej. 2899. gery M. Adj. ghery Bo.

He was taken to the Greeks,

who hoped, by his advice,

[leaf 48, back]

to avoid ad- versity.

But he told eir plainly

of their coming disasters,

1 20 Amphiorax urges Adrastus not to invade Thebes. [PT. in.

ail the best Ther shal be shadde / al the worthy blood 2900

blood of Greece

would be shed. Of the Grckes / if may not* ben eschewed, If her purpoos be execute / and swed. " Ther is no more' / this shal be the fyn : The hegh" noblesse shal drawe to declyne 2904

Of Grekes blood / in meschief, sorowe, and woo : And with al this / I my-silf also, As my fate hath a-forn disposyd,

Depe in the grounde / 1 shal be enclosed, 2908

And lokked vp / in the dirke* vale Of cruel deth." / lo ! this was the tale That1 the bisshope / to Adrastus tolde, Hym courasayllyng1 / his pzwpos to withholds, 2912

In eschuyng1 of mor meschief and sorowe. For alle his goddis he took vnto borowe, 3if )>e Thebans / and }>e grekes mete, The fyn berof shal be so vnswete 2916

Jjaf alle grece after shal if rewe ; warnyng1 hem / $if bei the meschief knewe That shal folowe / which no man may lette, Thei wold abstene / a siege forto sette 2920

Vnto Thebes / and her pwrpoos leve.

with whos wordes / the lordes gan hem greve, And ther-Inne hadde'* / but ful smal delif, And euerechon / of hertly hegh" despif, 2924

They abrayde / and seide he was vntrewe, A controover / of prophecies newe, And ek also / for al his longe berde,

2900. Ther] The Ar. 2901—2904 omitted in Du. 2902. execute] executed Adj. Ad2. I. S. swed] shewid Lj. served P. 2909. dirk Ar. derke Bo. Adj. derk M. 2914. vnto] to T2. P. E.J. 1^. Ro. 2916. so] ful Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ail2. I. S. om. Lj. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. P. vnswete] vnsette S (: mette).

2919. which Ar. G. C. T2. P. E2. I^- Ro. Ap. om. Lb. bat Bo. and the rest.

2920. Thei] The Ar. 2922. whos]"ivhiche Adj. Ad2. I. Tg. gan] gonne M. Di. T.J. hem] om. M. Di. 2923. hadde T2. had Ar. Bo. M. Adj. om. Di. but] om. Lj. Adj. Ad9. I. P. ful] om. Lb. 2924. euerechon] eueriche Lb. P. 2926. A] And a G". P. E2. Ro. And I. Ap. controover Ar. Bo. Du. M. Adj. Ra. Ba. C. contreuer Di. T2. P. E2. contryver G. T,. L,. Ad2. I. Ex. S. 1^. Ro. contrevor Lb. contrarye Ap. 292"? omitted inAd2. and I. ; 2928 in Adj. and Ad2. inserted after 2934, in I. omitted altogether (see Introduction). 2927. ek also] also eke Ad^ al] om. G. Bo. Tj. Du. "l^- Lb. Adt. Ra. Ej. S. C. T2. P.

Amphiorax himself

will be kild.

He urges Adrastus not to fight Thebes,

[leaf 49]

for all Greece shall rue it.

The Argive lords abuse Amphiorax,

PT. in.] The Greeks abuse Amphiorax. Youth is rash. 121

An olde Dotard / a coward, and aferde ;

And of Eancour / gonne* to diffye

Both his kalkyng1 / and his astronomye,

And shortly seide / bei took therof non hede,

Ne wil no-thyng1 / gouerne hem after1 his rede.

This was the clamowr / and noyse, in euery cost,

Of hegh and lough" / borgh-out all the hoost,

And specialy / of the sowdeours,

And of lordes / regnyng in her flours,

And of thestates / effectuely, I mene,

which of age / were hut tendre and grene,

That1 han* not1 hadde / by martys Influence,

Of the werre / gret1 experience.

IF her, ^if $e list1 / ^e may considre and Se

Of conceytes ful grete diuersyte,

How that 3outh / no peril cast1 a-forn

Til he by* meschief / sodeynly be lorn*,

Wher as age / provydeth / eue?y thing

Or he bygynne / to casten the endyng1.

IT ^outh is gouernyd / be a large Eeyne

To renne forth, and can hym not reffreyn,

But* of hede / set on al attonys,

As he that1 hurtleth / ageynes harde stonys

2928 call him an old dotard,

and say they'll not follow his 2932 advice,

specially the

2936

young folk.

2940

But Youth [leaf 49, back]

2944 is rash,

^T How age and jouth ben of 2948 oiuerseopynyons

runs its head against stones,

2929. gonne Di. Adj. C. P. E2. Ro. gon M. T2. gan Ar. Bo. and the rest. to] hym to Ad2. hym I. diflye Di. T2. defye Bo. M. Adj. 2930. his] for his Ad2. of his I. kalkyng] calkeling written on erasure with blacker ink Adj. calcling E2. calculyng Lb. talkyng Ad2. I. 2932. no-thyng] in no thyng S. after] by C. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. Ap. 2933. Ar. has coste with the final e crossed out with a vertical stroke. 2935. sowdeours] poure soudeours C. T2. P. E2. 2936. lordes] yong lordes S. regnyng Bo. reynyng M. Lb. her] om. Ej. hygh Ap. 2939. ha Ar. Ap. haue Bo. M. han Adj. hathe P. by] of E2. martys] MertysLj. MarcesE2. 2940. werre] warresT2. verreyLj. very P. gret]fulgret Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2942. conceytes] coueiting C. T2. P. E2. ful] om. Lb. C. T2. E2. off P. diuersyte] aduersite Lb. Di. Ad.2. I. T2. P. E2. Ap. 2943. How] And hou C. T2. no] in Ra. cast] castith Ra. Ba. L2. 2944. Til] to Du. he by (G. Ta. L,. Lb.)] he Ar. by Bo. M. Di. he in C. T2. P. E.,. 1^. Ro. Ap. hie Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. >e E^ S. lorn G. Bo. Lj. Lb.> M. Di. C. T2. P. Eg. L2. Ro. forlorn Tj. born Ar. Du. Adj. Ao^. I. Ra. Ex. S. Ap. beforn Ba. 2945. thinge with e underdotted in Ar. 2948. renne Ar. Tj. M. ren Bo. Du. ronne Ba. S. sterte £3. hym not] not him Bo. Tl. Du. Lx. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. 2949. of hede] on hede Ra. Ba. P. set] settith Ra. Ba. 2950. hurtleth] hurtyllyth L2. ageyne Bo. ayen M. ageyn Adj. hard' altered to harde in Ar. harde] the haule Ta. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. Ro.

and rushes into enterprises that fail,

while Age looks ahead.

122 Age and Youth contrasted. Folly oft beats Wisdom. [PT. in-

Broseth hym-silf / vnwarly and parbraketh".

But1 age experte / no thyng1 vndertaketli 2952

But1 he to-forii / be good discreciouw,

Make a due examynaciomz

How it1 wil tourne / outlier* to badde or good.

IT But1 jouth, as fast* / as stered is the blood, 2956

Taketh emprises of hasty wilfulnesse,

loye atf the gynnyng1 / the ende is wrechednesse.

11 The olde, prudent1 / in al his gouemauftce,

Ful longe a-forn / maketh purueaimce ; 2960

But jouth alias be counsail wil not wyrke,

For which ful ofte / he stumbleth in the dyrke.

Thus selde is seyne / the trouthe* to tmnyne,

That1 age and ^outhe* / drawe be o lyne. 2964

And wher that1 foly hath domynaciovw, Wisdam is putte / into subiecciou?*, lik as this bysshop /, with al his hegh prudence, For cause he myghte haue* / no audience, 2968

AH his wisdam / and his profecye Of the Grekes / was holden* but folye. For thogh Plato / and wise Socrates, Moral Senek / and Diogenes, 2972

Albumasar / and prudent1 Tholomee, And Tullius / that1 hadde souereynte

H How that wig- dam wijj-oute supportacioim avayleb lit or nojt

[leaf 50J

2951. Brosyth Ro. Bruseth Bo. Adj. Brisith M. Breseth P. vnwarly and] and vnwarly C. T2. P. E2. 2953. be] of Bo. Tj. Du. Lr M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. I a. Ej. S. as Lb. 2954. Make] makitli Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. C. makyng S. due] full due T2. dewe discrete Ro. 2955. oyther Ar. either Bo. M. other Adj. ouber Di. 2957. emprises M. Adj. enprises Bo. 2958. at the Ar. at Bo. M. atte Adj. gynnyng] begenyng S. Begynnynge P. 2960. maketh] doth make Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2961. wirke Bo. Ad2. Ra. werke M. Ad2. I. 2962. oft1 altered to ofte in Ar. dirke Adj. derke Bo. M. And that makith him / full ofte to smerte Ad^ I. 2963. trouthe M. Adx. trouth Ar. Bo. termyne] determyne Lb. P. 2964. youthe Bo. M. Adx. jouth Ar. drawe Bo. Adj. draw M. drawen C. 2967. this] be La. I. S. P. L<>. Ro. his] this M. al his] full P. hegh] om. G. Ra. Ba. C. 2968. he] bat he Du. Ar. has a pause-bar also between myghte and ha. haue Bo. M. Adj. ha Ar. Ap. 2969. second his] om.- Lb. Ra. Ba. S. 2970. Of the Grekes] om. Ra. Ba. halden Ar. holden Bo. M. Adj. was holden] holden was Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. Was rekned ther but in (into Ba.) folye Ra. Ba. 2971. wise Ar. "wys Bo. M. Adj. 2973. Albumasar Ar. Bo. M. Albimasar Adj. Albemosar P. Albimaser Ro. Albumager Ap. Tholomee] thelome C. 2974. hadde Adj. had Bo. M.

PT. ill.] Amphiorax is taken with the Greeks' Expedition. 123

whylom in Rome / as of elloquence :

Thogh aH tliise /, shortly in sentence,

were a-lyve / most1 konnyng1 and experte,

And no man list / her counsel to aduerte,

NOT of her sawe's / forto taken hede,

What rnyght1 availle / and it1 cam to nede 1

For wher prudence / can fynde no socour

And prouidence / haueth no favour,

Farwel wisdam / farwel discreciou?^,

For lakke only / of supportaciou?*.

For vnsupported / with his lokkes hore,

Amphiorax / sighen / gan ful sore

With hede enclynyd / and many evyl thouhfr,

whan that" he sauhe his couwsayl stood for nought1.

For vttrely / the grekes, as I tolde,

han fully cast* / her lourne for to holde,

Made hem redy / and gonnen to hosteye

Toward* Thebes / the Cyte to werreye ;

And in Grece / wil no lenger tarye,

And forth with hem / Amphiorax they carye,

Sette in his Char / with a doolf ul herte,

Whan he wist1 / he myghte not* asterte

Of his fate / the disposiciouw.

And hosteying1 / into the Eegiou?i

Of lygurgus / Grekes gan approche

A sondy londe / with many Craggy roche.

2976

2980

2984

2988

2992

2996

What's the good of wise men's advice

if folk won't follow it?

Amphiorax grieves that his advice is not taken.

The Argives and their allies start for Thehes

with Amphiorax.

They go thru a sandy desert,

2979. forto] wold Ra. Ba. 2980. What] whan Ra. myght] shuld it Ra. Ba. availle Ar. and all. and] if Tj. M. Di. Ra. whan Ba. 2982. pronidence] providence Ra. Ba. prudence G. Adj. Ad2. I. haueth Ar. G. T2. Ap. hath Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. Adj. Ra. Ba. ^. S. E2. L2. Ro. haue M. Di. Ad2. I. C. fyndith P. 2987. and] with P. om. Ba. many] many an Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. E2. evyl] heuy M. Di. Ad2. I. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. Ap. 2988. that] om. M. Di. P. L2. Ro. he sauhe] om. Ra. Ba. stood] stonde Bo. Du. Ej. S. 2990. fully] ful Adj. Ad2. I. for to] to Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. holde] iholde E2. 2991. redy] ostry Lj. gonnen Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Ev C. T2. gonne M. Di. Ad^ Ra. P. E2. L2. Ro. gan Lx. gonnen hem Ap. gan hem Ad2. I. goon Ba. to] forto P. E2. hosteye] hostrye Lj. hastye Ad2. I. hasty L2. haste P. 2992. to] forto T2. P. werreye] verreye Lj. werry 1^. werre (: hostee) Lb. waste P. 2995. char Tj. M. Adj. chare Bo. Ra. (X T2. chair Ba. doolful] dulfull Ra, woful Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. 2997. the] his Bo. Du. Lb. Ej. and Tj. om. P. 3000. many a Bo. M. Ad^

124 The, Greeks run short of water. Tideus searches for it. [PT. in.

[leaf 50, back]

and find no

water.

«f }>e grete mes-

cnief |>at Crrekes

hadde for watere.

But1 al the way, sotlily, bat bei gon,

For hors nor man / water was \>er non :

So drye* weren the vales and the pleynys.

For al bat jeere / they hadden had no reynys 3004

But1 f ul gref drouhfr / as mad is mencioiw ;

And al the londe / Cerchyng1 envirouw

They nowther fonde / welle nor* Eyver

hem to refressh / nor water that1 was cler, 3008

That1 they alias / no refuf ne konne.

So inportable / was the shene sonne,

So hoot1 on hem / in feldes wher they leye,

That* for meschief / man and hors gan deye, 3012

Gapyng1 f ul drye / vpward into south ;

And some putten / her swerdes in her mouth"

And sperys hedes /, in story as is told,

Taswage her thirst1 / with the yren cold ; 3016

And of his lif / f ul many on dispeyred

In this meschief / and horn ageyu repeyred :

Tyl on a day / worthy Tydeus,

And with hym ek the kyng1 Cainpaneus, 3020

Of pzwpoos rood / Jjorgh-oute the centre

3 if they myght1 eny water* See,

Fro Coost to cost / bothe* fer and ner;

Til of fortune / they entred an herber, 3024

with trees Shadowed for the so?me Shene,

Ful of floures* / and of herbe's grene,

3001. |>at] as M. Di. Adj. I. 3002. nor] am. Bo. ne Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. T2. P. E.2. 1^. Ro. was >er] fond bei Adj. Ad2. I. 3003. drye Bo. M. Adj. dry Ar. vales] valeyes Bo. Ro. valeis C. L2. 3004. had] om. M. Di. 3007. nowther Ar. neither Bo. Adj. Ra. ne M. fonde Ar. Bo. M. founde Adj. nor Ra. no Ar. ne Bo. Adj. neither M. 3008. nor Ar. M. ne Bo Adj. 3009. That] But Bo. Tr LJ. Lb. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. refut] refuge Lj. ne konue] konne Lj. they ne konne Lb. fynde konne Ra. can fynd Ba (: son). 3010. importable Bo. M. Adj. 3010—3210 lost in Ro. 3011. in Ar. , before leye, is written lay but crossed through. 3013. into] into \>e Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ka. Ba. S. C.'T2. P. E^. Ap. in ])e Adj.' Ad2. I. 3014. some M. Adj. som Bo. oqn. S. putten Bo. M. Adj. 3015. is] it is Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. 3016. thirst M. thurst Bo. Adj. ; in Ar. colde with K under dotted. 3016 om. in G. 3017. ful] om. Bo. 3018. hom]hanDu. 3022. Jifj yf that C. mijte Adj. might Bo. M. eny] ony where Adj. Adg. 1 . 3023. bothe M. Adj. both Ar. Bo. 3024. they] he Ad2. I. 3026. floures Bo. M. Adj. Hours Ar. floures and of erbes M. Di. E.,. herbes and of floures Ar. Bo. and the rest.

Men suck their spear heads

of cold iron.

Tideus and Ca- paneus

ride out to search for water.

They enter a garden,

PT. ill.] He finds the lady Tpsiphyle, & tells her the Greeks' want. 125

Wonder hoolsom / both of syyt and ayr* ;

Ther-Inne a lady / which passingly was fayr, 3028

Sittyng as tho / vnder a laurer tre ;

And in her Armes / a litil child hadd she,

Ful gracious / of loke and of visage,

And was also / wondre tendre of age, 3032

Sone of the kyng1 / born forto succede,

Called ligurgus / in story as I rede,

Whoos hertly loye / and worldly ek disport1,

Al his myrthe* / plesaiwce, and conforf 3036

Was in this child? / of excellent1 fayrnesse.

And this lady / Myrour of seinlynesse, Al sodeynly as she cast vp her sight And on his stede / sauh an armed knyghf, 3040

Gretely abasshed / gan anon remwe. But Tideus after gan to swe And seyde / " sustir / beth no-thyng dismayed,1 In 3oure-silf displesed nor affrayed ! 3044

For we ar come / only to pis place }ow to biseche / of mercy and of grace, Vs to socour / in oure grete nede,

Declaring $ou how it stonf in dede : 3048

her faste by / almost1 / at1 the hand, The worthiest1 of al Greke's land!, Kyngges, Prynces /be* logged in the feld?,

in which is a lady Ipsiphyle,

with a child,

[leaf 51]

son of King Ly- curgus.

The lady moves away.

If how Tideus co;,-pleyned to be lady in the herber for water.

Tideus tells her what distress the Argives are in

3026. om. in Ap. 3027. syyt Ar. sijt Di. Adj. siht Ra. Ad2. I. sight Bo. and the rest, ayr] hayr Ar. I. Ea. Ej. P. 3028. which Ar. >at Bo. M. Ad:. om. Lb. passingly] passyng G. Lx. Ad.2. I. S. passandli Ra. Ba. was] om. Lb. was and Lx. passingly was] was passyng Ad2. I. S. 3029. laurer] layry Bo. laury Tx. Du. M. laure Lb. Ex. E^. laurell Lx. S. 3033. of] to G. Lx. vnto P. forto] to G. Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. C. T2. P. E2. 3035. hertly] herty S. hertes £3. worldly] worthy Ad2. I. om. Ra. Ba. ek] om. S. P. 3036. myrth Ar. murthe Bo. merthe M. merth Adj. 3041. abasshed Bo. abaysshed M. baisshed C. anon remwe] renne a-weye faste Ad2. I. 3042. swe] swe in haste Ad2. I. 3043. sustre Bo. Adj. soster M. syster Ex. Ap. beth Ar. Du. Adj. bith Bo. M. C. be Di. 3045. ar Bo. M. arn Adj. come Ar. Bo. M. Adj. 3047. socour Ar. Adx. socoure Bo. M. grete Bo. gret M. Adj. 3048. Jou] to you Ba. S. how] om. T0. stont Ar. Adx. stant Bo. M. stondith Ad^ I. L.2. 3049. fast Bo. M. Adj. 3050. al] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Grekes] srece S. 3051. Kyngges Prynces] knyghtes and squyers Lb. be Bo. Adj. ben M. beth Ra. both Ba. ly Ar. G. logged] loggyng Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Adj. Ad2 I. Ba. E. S.

for want of water,

126 Tideus asks Ipsiphylefor Water for the Greeks. [PT. in.

And many other / with pollex / speer and shek?, 3052

which in meschief / peryl, and gref dre<J,

For want1 of water / ar likly to be ded.

For ther was non / of hegh nor lowgh degre

In art our host1 /, now passed daie's thre, 3056

That1 drank alias / excepting1 non estatf ;

Our viage / is so infortunatf :

Preying* jow / of wommanly pyte,

Benygnely* / and graciously to se 3060

how of Grece aH Jje Chyualrye

Of her lyue's / stont1 in lupartie ;

That $e Avoid / of wommanhede telle

^if je knowe* Ryver / spryng1, or welle, 3064

Specially / now in al oure Care,

Of gentillesse vnto vs declare.

lo f her is alle / jif $e list1 to here,

That1 1 wol seyn / myn owne suster dere." 3068

And whan this lady / Inly vertuous, The conpleynt1 herde / of worthy Tydeus, Of verrey pyte / chauwgeth cher and hewe, And in her herte / vpon her woo gan re we, 3072

And ful goodly / seyng his distresse, Seyde vnto hym '. in al his hevynesse, " Certes," quod she / " 3 if I were at1 large Touching1 this child! / of which" I haue charge, 3076

I shuld in hast1 / of al that* doth ^ow greve

3052. pollax Bo. M. Adj. polax Lj. L^. speer] om. C. T2. P. E2. and] and with C. T2. P. E.J. with pollex speer and sheld] with spere pollax and sheld Adj. Ad2I. 3054. want] faute Lb. ar] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ba. S. likly] like L2. S. P. ar likly] likli been Ha. 3055. before hegh in Ar. so is crossed through. 3057. excepting Ar. P. L^ Ap. I excepte E.2. except Bo. and the rest. 3058. Ar. has a second pause-bar between is and so. 3060. Benygnely Tx. Lx. Ada. Ra. C. Benygnly Ar. Du. M. benyngly Bo. Benyngnely Adv Benyngenely P. to] for to Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Ex. S. 3062. stont] stonden C. stand Ad2- I. 3064. knowe] knewe Ar. G. Lj. Ra. S. Ap. 3065. al] om. C. T2. 3068. That] What Ra. om. Ba. I wol (wold G. 1^.)] we wol Tj. Lj. Ad2. I. ye wol Bo. Du. Lb. Adj. Ej. S (wold), ye wil uow M. Di. will ye Ra. Ba. owne] om. Bo. 3070. com- pleynt Bo. M. Adj. 3071. verrey] womanly P. chaungeth] chaungid G. Lj. cher] hide Lx. 3072. vpon] on Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. P. her] his P. £3. 3076. of which] of whom Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. which C. P. £3. that T2. charge] the charge Ap. in charge C. T2. P. E2. 3077. al] om. Du.

[leaf 51, back] and begs her to tell him where some is.

•f How the ladye taught Tydeus to the welle. The Lady says

that if it were not for the child

PT. in.] Ipsiphyle guides Tideus to a Well and a River. 127

she'd guide them to a River near.

The Lady lays the child

in the herbs,

[leaf 52]

To my pouer / helpen to releve,

Only of routh / and compassiouw,

And leue / al other / occupacioim, 3080

Conveye* ^owe / and be ^oure trewe guyde

To a Eyver / but1 lityl her be syde.

But* I dar not1 / so moche me assure

This litil child* / to put1 in auenture. 3084

I am so ferdf ul / from it1 to departe.

But1 for ^oure sake / yet* I shal iuparte

My lif, my deth / of trewe affeccioura,

To provyde / for ^our sauaciouw." 3088

Took the child? / and laide if in her lappe,

And richely in clothes / gan it1 wrappe,

And Couched it1 / among1 the herbes soote,

And leyde aboute / many hoolsom roote 3092

And floures ek / bothe* blewe and rede.

And supprised / with a mauer drede

with Tideus / forth / anon she wente,

As she in trouthe* / that no treson mente, • 3096

And on hir way / wolde * neuere dwelle

Til she hym brouht / to a right1 faire welle

And ta Eyvere / of water ful habounde.

3378. helpe(n)] helpen you M. Di. helpe you E2. to helpen Lj. to releue] and releue E2. to my releve Ad2. * 3079. Only of routh] Of routhe only T2. and] and of TV Lb. Ad2. I. E2. 3081. Conveye Bo. M. Adv Convey Ar. trewe Bo. trew M. Adj. 3082. but] but a Ra. Ba. a Lx. Di. Ad2. I. P. om. Adj. T2. lityl] om. TV 3083. moche Bo. M. Adj. so moche me] me so moche Bo. 3085. ferdful Ar. G. Bo. Tv Du. Lx. Ba. L2. ferful M. Adj. and the rest, except aferde P. it] him Ba. 3086. yet C. P. E2. L2. Ap. om. T2. that Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Elt S. now Bo. TV Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. I] om. Tj. shal] om. Ej. I shal] shal I Bo. Du. L:. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. C. I will T2. woll I Lb. iuparte] in parte Ex. do parte E2. 3091. herbes] leues G. 3092. leyde] om. Lb. aboute] aboute it Lx. Lb. Ra. Ba. aboute him Adj. Ad0. I. many Lb. M. Adj. Ba. C. T2. many an Bo. TV Di. Ad2. I. Ra. P. E2. L2. " 3093 omitted in P. 3093. eke Bo. M. Adj. bothe Bo. M. Adv both Ar. 3094. supprised] supprised it Ra. Ba. she suppressid P. maner] maner of E2. 3095. forth] om. S. forth anon] anoon forth Bo. Ad2. I. Ba. wente] yede P (written on erasure, by later hand, which has also added in the right-hand margin And hfc w* a full good Entente, to rhyme with 3096). 3096. As] And Ba. trouthe Bo. M. Adj. troutb Ar. that] om. Lj. Adj. Ado,. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. 3097. on] in M. Di. Ej. S. C. T., way Ar. Bo. M. Ad:. wolde] wold Ar. wolde she Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ev S. dwelle] reste ne dwelle P. 3098. brouht Ar. Bo. M. broughte Adj. to] vnto P. right] om. Lx. P. a right faire] right a faire Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. T2. 3099. ta Ar. to Ra. Ba. a Lb. to a Bo. and the other MSS. of water] "om. Bo. ful] right Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. G.

and takes Tideus to the River.

1 28 The Greek troops rush to the River, drink and lathe. [PT. in

He sends to Adrastus,

and all the host nin to the River.

Some drink sensibly ; some too violently,

and fall dead. Some bathe.

[leaf 52, back]

But* who was glad / and who was tho locounde 3100 But* Tydeus / Seyng the Eyver ! which in al hast1 / sente his messager To Adrastus / and bad hym naf abide, But* doune descends / to the Eyver-syde 3104

with al his host1 / recur forto haue At1 this Eyver / her lyues forto saue. And bei enhast* hem / makyng non abood, Att attonys / to the Eyver rood* 3108

Forto drynke* / ; bei hadde so gret1 lust1 Of appetit* / forto staunche her thrust*. And some dronk / and fonde it1 did hem good ; And some wern / so feruent1 and so wood 3112

Vppon the water / that1 in sikernesse, Thorgh vndiscret1 / and hasty gredynesse, Out1 of mesur / the watere so J>ei drynke That* they fille ded / euene vpon the brynke ; 3116

And some naked / into J>e Eyvere ronne, Only for hete / of the somer sonne, To bathen hem /, the water was so cold ; And some also / as I haue* $ow told, 3120

I mene tho that1 prudent1 wern and wise, The water drank / in mesurable wyse, That* of be thrust* / they haue* to-forn endured They were refresshed / fully and recured. 3124

And Grekes than / of hegh and lowe degre,

The Argives pitch their tents

3100. But] And L^ glad] tho glad S. and] om. Ra. was tho] was Tx. Adj. Ad2. I. 3101. Seyng] seyng wel Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 3102. hast M. haste Bo. Adj. 3104 omitted in Ba. 3105 and 3106 are in Ba. contracted into one line: With all his oste recure their lives to save. 3105. Ost Adj. boost Bo. 3107. bei] this Ej. enhast] enhasted C. P. Eg. hasted T2. in haste Ad2. I. L%. hem] om. Di. Ad2. I. P. ]>er Lg. makyng] and made Ba. made P. 3108. to] vnto C. rood] hood Ar (the copyist having written abood, erased the a but forgot to alter the b into r). 3109. drynke Bo. M. Adj. drynk Ar. lust (:3110. thrust) Ar. Du. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. E2. 1^. lust (:thurst) Bo. Tj. Lt. Lb. M. C. Ap. list (: thurst) Adj. lyst (: thirst) Ad2. list (: thrist) I. lust (: fyrste) G. 3110. Of] and C. forto] and forto Ra. Ba. 3112. Ar. has a pause-bar also between some and wern. 3114. Thorgh] That throgh Ba. 3116. euene] om. Ra. Ba. 3119. bathen hem] bathem for Lj. bathen hem ther Ad2. I. the] )>at Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. water] om. Ad2. so] om. Tj. 3120. some] sure Ad.2. I. ha Ar. haue Bo. M. Adj (also 3123). }ow] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 3121. mene M. Adj.

meen Bo. 3123. thurst Bo. M. thrust Du. Di. Adj.

PT. in.] The Greeks thanle Ipsiphyle for her kindness. 129

For high" profit1 / and gret1 commodite,

Compas the Ryuere / cristalyn of sighte, on the river-

bank. Of oon accorde / they her tentys pyhte 3128

To rest hem ther / in relees of her peyne, Only the space / of a day or tweyne.

And whylys Grekes / vpon the Ryuer1 lay, This Tydeus / vpon the same day 3132

Ful knyghtly / hath don his diligence, This 3onge lady / with gret1 reverence,

To Adrastus / goodly to presente : Adrastus

At whoos corny ng1 / J>e kyng hym-silve wente 3136

Ageynes * hir* / she fallyng doun on knees,

AH thestates present1 and degrees and his lords

Of Grekes lond /, absent1 was naf on ; And in his Arme's / took hir* vp anon, 3140

Thanking1 hir* / of her bysynesse, thank the lady.

Ipsiphyle,

Of hir1 labour / and her kyndenesse,

Behotyng1 hiij / lik as he was holde,

If eny thyng1 pleynly that she wolde 3144

That* he may don / she shuld if redy fynde.

And Grekes aH /, the story maketh mynde,

Of thestatys / beyng1 tho present1,

Thanked Mr / with al her hool entenf, 3148

For refresshyng / don to many Grek ;

And for her part1 / they biheght1 her ek, and promise

that they'll do

With her body / and goode's bothe* two, anything for her

she tells them

What1 her list1 / comaunde hem forto do, 3152 t°d°-

3128. they her] here her Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. AdP Ada. I- &a- Ba. Ev ther S. ther is T2. pyhte (pight Tj. Du. Lb. M. Adj. T9. )] were pight Bo. have they pight S. 3131. whiles M. Adj. whils Bo. whan Ra. Ba. 3136. hym-silve Ar.

him-silfBo. him-self M. Adj. 3137. Ageyns Ar. Bo. M. Ayeyns Adr 3138. thestates Bo. M. Adv ; Ar. has a pause-bar before present. 3141. of] and of Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S. her] her gret M. Di. Ra. Ba. 3142. Of hir] And of hir Du. and] and of M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. 3142 om. G. 3143.

Behotyng] Behetyng Lj. BehytyngL2. Beseching Ba. 3145. shuld] shal Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. 3147. testates Bo. M. Adj. 3149. refresshyng Ar. G. C. T2. P. L2. Ap. J>e refresshing Bo. and the rest (fresshingE2). many Ar. G. T2. L2. Ap. many a Bo. and the rest. 3150. part M. Adj. Ra. parte Bo. partie Ba. S. behight Bo. M. AdP hiht Ra. they biheght] behightynge P. 3151. bothe M. Adj. both Ar. Bo. 3152. comaunde hem] hem comande Adj. S. hem] om. Du. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. forto] to Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. om. Adx.

THEBES. K

130

Why Ipsiphyh had to leave her own Land. [PT. in.

Ipsiphyle says sho had

to leave her land because she wouldn't agree to join other women

in killing all the men,

[leaf 53] To be redy platly / and naf faille.

And her myn autour / make]) rehersaille That1 bis lady / so faire vpon to se,

Of whom be name was Isyphile, 3156

To Adrastus told /, as 36 may rede, Lynealy / the stok / of her kynrede, Whilom how she / a kyngges doghter" was : Rehersyng1 hym / hooly al the cas, 3160

First1 why bat1 she / out1 of her centre wente, Shortly for she wolde * not1 assente To execute / a conspiraciouw,

Mad by the wymmen / of that1 Regioun, 3164

A thyng con tray r / and ageyn al right1, That eche of hem / vpon a certeyn nyght1, Be on accord / shal warly taken kepe, Fader / brother / and husbond in her slepe, 3168

With knyves sharpe / and rasoures* kene Kytt her throtes / in that1 mortal tene ; Vnto this fyn /, as bochas telle can,

In al that1 londe / be not1 founde a man), 3172

But1 slayn echon / to bis conclusiouw That1 wymmen / myght1 han domynaciouw In fat kyngdam / to regne at liberte And on no partie / Interrupted be. 3176

But for bis lady / passing1 debonayre, To Jris mordre / was froward? and contrayre, saved her father, Kept1 her fader / fat1 he was not1 slawe

But1 fro J>e deth / preserued and wibdrawe, 3180

3155. so faire vpon] full faire on Ba. 3156. Isyphile] Isophilee £3. 3160. hym] to him C. T2. E2. to her P. hooly al the] al the hole C. Ta. P. £3. holly J>e trew S. 3161. why] how C. T2. P. Eg. that] om. C. Ba. 3162. wolde Bo. wold Ar. M. Adx. 3164. the] om. Du. 3165. contrayr Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Di. E2. Ap. contrarie Du. Lj. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. E2. S. C. T2. P. I^. and] om. E2. 3167. on] om. Ra. shal warly] warly shal Adj. Ad2. I. S. T2. warlishuld Ra. Ba. warly] verraly Du. veryly P. taken Ar. takyn Ap. take Bo. G. and the rest. 3168. husbond Ar. S. L.J. husbondes G. Bo. and all the other MSS. in her] while bei Adj. Ado. I. 3169. rasours Ar. Bo. M. Adx. rasoures Lj. 3170. kitte Bo. M. Ad^ kutte C. 3172. al] om. M. Di. founde] lefte Tj. 3174. domynacioun] J>e domynacyon Adj. 3175. in Ar. before In, is A crossed through. 3176. on] in Lb. C. partie] parties E2. parte Ra. 3178. mordre] matere E2. was froward and] frowarde was and M. Di.

so that women might rule.

Ipsiphyle

PT. ill.] Ipsiphyle is in charge of Lycurgus's Son.

131

For which, alias ! / she fledde fe centre,

And of a pyrat1 / taken in the see,

To kyng lygurgus / brouht1 In al her drede.

And for her trou)> / and her wowimanhede 3184

To hir he took / his jonge child to kepe,

which in the herber / allone* she left1 slepe

whan Tydeus / she broghte to the welle.

And by lason / some bookis telle 3188

That1 this lady / hadde sones two, whan that1 he / and hercules also Toward Colchos / by hir" contr6 Cam For tacomplyssh" / J>e conquest1 of the Earn. 3192

But who that1 lyst1 / by and by to se The story hool / of this* ysyphyle, Hir fadres name / of which also I wante*, Thouh" some seyn / he named was Thoante, 3196

And some boke's • vermes ek hym* calle : But1 to knowe / J>e auentures^alle Of J>is lady • Isyphile the faire,

So feithful ay / and inly debouayre, 3200

Lok on the book / that1 Ioh~n Bochas made Whilom of wo?nmen / with rethorikes glade, And directe / be ful souereyn style

To fayre* lane / the queen of Cecile. 3204

Rede ther the rubrich / of ysiphyle,

fled,

was captured,

[leaf 53, back] taken to Ly- curgus, and had charge of his boy.

H ysypnyle. If yon want to see Ipsiphyle's story,

look in Boc- caccio's Book of Illustrious Women.

3181. fledde Bo. fled M. Adx. 3184. trouthe M. Adj. troub Ar. Bo. and] and for Lj. Ad2. her] om. Bo. wwrananhede Tj. M. Adj. wymman- hede Bo. 3185. To] T Ar. yong Bo. M. yonge Adj. child] sone M. Di. 3186. Which in] That in T2. Withynne Ea. Ba. therber Tj. M. C. the herber Bo. Adj. Ra. allone Bo. M. Adx. allon Ar. she] om. Bo. Tj. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. left] lete L2. allone she left] she left allone G. T^ P. E2. slepe] aslepe Lj. Ad2. I. S. Ap. to slepe G. M. Di. Adr Ra. Ba. T2. P E2. 3187. brought Bo. Adj. 3188. som bokes Bo. M. Adj. 3192. tacomplissh

Bo. M. Ad^ 3193. to] for to Adj. Ad2. I. 'E,. 3194. of Ar. G. C. T2. P. Eo. L2. Ap. of bis Eo.andtfie rest. -6195. wante] wente Ar. E,. S. wont Tj. Lb. write E2. 3196. som Bo. M. Ad^ som Men I. P. Thoante] Thorite E^ 3197. vermes] Vermos E2. L2. Vormes P. Sermes Ad2. I. hym] hem Ar. 3203. ful] om. Ra. Ba. 3204. faire Bo. M. Adj. fayr Ar. lane] Ihan Ba. the] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. Vnto Jane the fayr quene of Cedle T2. 3205. Rede] Redeth P. rubrich Ar. G. S. Ap. Rubrik C. T2. E^ Rebrike P. rubrissh Bo. and the rest.

132 Lycurgus's Son is poisond and kild by a Serpent. [PT. in.

Of her trouth / and her hegh bounte, Ful craftily conpiled for her sake.

And whan that1 she haj) her lieue take 3208

Of Adrastus /, homward! in her weye Tydeus gan hyr to conveye, To* the gardyne / til* she is repeyred. But1 now, alias ! my mater disespeyred 3212

Of alle loye / and of alle* welfulnesse, And destitute / of myrth and alle gladnesse, For now of woo / gynne ]>e sharpe shoures. For this lady / fond1 among the flowres 3216

her litil child? / turned vp be face, Slayn of a serpent1 / in be selue place, hyr taile* burly d / with skalis siluer-shene. The Venym / was / so persyng1 and so kene, 3220

So perilous ek / the mortal violence Caused, alias ! / thorgh her long absence : She was to slouh / homward1 forto hie. But* now can she / but wepe, wayle, and crye ; 3224

Now can she nouhf / but1 sighen and compleyn And wof ally wryng4 her handys tweyn, Dedly of look / pal of face and chore ; And gan to rende / her gilte* tresses clere, 3228

She is taken back to the

garden by Tideus,

[leaf 54]

and finds Lycur- gus's boy dead, If How be child was slayn wib the Serpent, poisond by a serpent.

Ipsiphyle tears her hair,

3206. trouthe Bo. and Ar. G. Ra. Ba. T2. P. Lj. Ap. and of Bo. and the rest. hegh] om. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. T2. P. E2. 3207. compiled Bo. 3208. that] om. S. hab her lieue] her leve hath E2. P. 3210. gan] gan godely M. Di.

3211. To] Til Ar. G. Lb. Ba. gardeyn Bo. M. Adj. til] to Ar. G. that Ba.

3212. is despeyred G. is dispayred Ad2. I. C. T2. P. E2. Ro. dispeired Adj. S. ys disapayred L1. disespeyred Ar. Bo. and the rest. 3213. second alle] om. Ar. G. L2. Ro. Ap. welfulnesse Ar. G. Tj. Adj. Ra. C. L2. Ro. Ap. wilfulnesse Bo. and the rest (in P. wilfulnesse IMS been erased, and replaced by gladnesse by a later Jtatul). 3214. of myrth] of all myrth Lj. E2. and alle] and of all Lb. and of M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. C. and Adj. Lg. Ro. • And restitute of all hevynesse P (the last word written by later Jutnd, on erasure). 3215. gynnen Bo. M. Adj. gynneth Di. beginne E2. 3216. fond] found Lv Lb. Et. T2. P. L^. Ro. hath founde E0. 3217. litil] om. S. be] his Ba. the fight (sic) T2. 3218. >e selue Ar. Ap. the selfe L,. Di. I. E2. P. E2. Ap. the self Bo. G. Tj/Du. Lb. M. Adj. Ad.2. C. T2. the same Ba. S. L2. Ro. 3219. hyr] hy Ar. His Ro. Ap. taile Bo. M. Ad-,, tail Ar. burlyd] burled vp P. Curlyde Ro. 3224. now] nought 1^. can] gane Ro. wepe wayle and crye] waile wepe and crye M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. C. P. wayle] om. Lrj. 3225. Now can she nouht] But nov she can nought Adz. Ad2. I. Ra. Now can she Lj. Nought can she L2. Nowe can P. but] om. Ap. sighen] wayle L0. 3227. face] hir face S. 3228. gilt Ar. Bo. M. Adj. gylty P. clere] of here S."

PT. III.] Ipsiphyle thinks she will be slain for her neglect. 133

And ofte sitfr she gan to seyn, " alias !

0 wooful wrech / vnhappy in this cas, What1 shal I don / or whider may I tourne 1

For pis the fyn / }if I her* soiourne, 3232

1 woof right1 wel / I may it1 not1 eskape The pitous fate / pat1 is for me shape.

Socour is non / nor ther may be non red, ^yg she must

die, as, by her

lich my desert1 / but1 that1 1 mot1 be ded ; 3236 neglect,

For thorhe my slouth / and my neclygence

I haue, alias ! don so gret1 offence

That1 my gilt1 /, I may it1 natf excuse,

Shal to the kyng1 / of treson me accuse. 3240

Thorgh my defaute / and slouthc* bothe* two,

His sone is ded / and his heir also, Lycurgus'a heir

is kild.

which he loue'd mor than al his good : [leaf 54, back]

For tresour non / so nygh his herte stood, 3244

Nor was so depe '/ graue / in his corage :

That1 he is likly to fallen in a Eage

whan it1 is so, myn odyous offence

Reported be vn to his audience ; 3248

So inportable shal be his hevynesse.

And wel woot1 1 / in verrey sothf astnesse, The Queen too

That1, whan the quene* / hath this ping1 espied, To myn excus / It may nat1 be denyed, 3252

3229. sith] sithes Ba. sythis L9. she] om. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. she gan to] gan she Bo. TV Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad* I. Ha. Ba. Ej. S. 3231. may Ar. £3. Ap. shal Bo. and the rest, tourne] gone P (: soiorne). 3232. om. in Ba. 3232. bis] bis is Bo. TV Du. Lx. Lb. Ra. S. P. L2. Ro. the] om. Ra. her] ther Ar. Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ej. ?if I her] of my S. 3233. right] it M. Di. P. Ro. it] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. not] no Bo. 3235. is] is there M. Di. Ad^. I. C. T2. P. E2. nor] ner Bo. Du. Ra. Ba. S. P. ne TV M. Di. C. T2. E2. nother Lb. for Ro. ther] om. E2. may be] is TV none other E2. red] drede T\. ; Ar. has rede with the final e underdotted. 3236. that] om. L^. Ro. mot] mvtt Ap. most Lj. C. Ro. must Ba. S. P. 1^. 3237. slouthe M. Adj. slouth Bo. necligence Ra. negligence Bo. M. Adj. 3238. so] to C. T2. P. E2. 3239. Ar. has a,

second pause-bar after it. 3241. slouthe M. Adj. slouth Ar. Bo. bothe M. Adj. both Ar. Bo. 3242. in Ar. after is is an 1, underdotted. 3243. which] Which that P. loued] loueth Ej. 3244. hert Bo. Adj. 3246. he] om. Lb. fallen Ar. G. Lj. Ra. Ba. C. T2. E2. Ap. falle Bo. Tx. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S. P. L2. Ro. likly to falle] fall lykly P. in a] in such a Adj. Ad2. in such I. 3251. quene (queen Bo.)] king Ar. G. Ad:. Ad2. 1. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. P. E2. this bing] om. Bo. bing] om. TV Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. hath this ting] this thing hath C. T2. this hath Lb.

134

Ipsiphyle appeals to Tideusfor help.

[PT. ill.

will be revenged on her,

and demand her death.

She runs back to the Greeks.

Ipsiphyle tells Tideus

that a serpent has kild Lycur- gus's boy, and that she is in peril.

[leaf 55]

Tidens promises to help her,

I doute it1 not* / tlier geyneth no pyte,

With-out1 respit1 / she wil avenged be

On me, alias ! / as I ha deserued ;

That1 fro the deth / I may not1 be p?vserued 3256

Nowther be bille / ne supplicacioim ;

For the rage / of my transgressioim

Requereth deth / and non other mede."

And thus, alias ! she, quaking in her drede, 3260

Non other helpe / nor remedy e'* kan, But1 dreyntf in sorow / to ]>e Grekes Ean, Of hertly woo / face and chere disteyned And her chekes with vvepyng al bereynyd, 3264

In hir1 affray / distracte and furious. To-forn alle / she cam to Tydeus, And fille on knees / and gan her compleynt mak, Tolde pleynly / that* for grekes sake 3268

She mot1 be ded / and shortly in suhstauwce Rehersing1 hym the grete of her greucmnce : First1 how be traynys of a fals serpent1 The child was slawe / whil she was absent1 ; 3272

In what disioynte / and peril that* she stood.

And whan that* he her meschief vnderstood, Vnto hire ful knyghtly he behihfr

To help and portlier / al that1 euere he myghf, 3276

hir pitous woo / to styuten and appese. And forto fynde / vnto hir1 dissesse Hasty confort1, he went1 a ful grefr pas

3264. she] he Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. wil] shall Tj. 3257. Nowther]

Neither Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. bille] wille Di. ne] ne by Lb. Adj. Ad2. Ba. nor Ra. nor bi I. C. T2. E2. 3260. she] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. quaking] quakith Ad2. P. L^. Ro.

3261. remedy Ar. remedie Bo. M. Adj. 3262. dreynt] dreynct Lb. drant S. adreynt P. sorow] sorw M. C. teres Adj. Ad2. I. 3268. Tolde] And tolde E2. LJJ. Ro. grekes] ]>e grekes Lb. S. 3270. hym] om. Bo. the grete] the greef Ra. the chefe Ba. the grounde E2. the grete cause P (cause of her Grevance written ly a later hand, on erasure), of her] om. Adj. Ad,,. I. 3271. First how] How first Du. 3272. slawe] slayn Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. E,. S. E2. L.J. Ro (sclayne). 3273. disioyute] distresse Ad2. distreyat I. 3274. he] Tydeus Ro. Ap. And wh;iu he herd that rnischefe and vndrestoode Ba. 3278. i'yude Ar. Bo. and the rest, except fynd S. L3.

PT. ill.] The Greeks will appeal to Lycurgusfor Ipsiphyle. 135 To Adrastus / and told hy?ra al the cas 3280 andteiis

Adrastus,

Of ))is vnhappy / wooful aventure,

Besecliing hym to don his bysy cure,

As he was bound? / of equyte and ri^tf,

And aduerten / and to han a sijt* 3284

How she qwit her to Grekes her to-forn

whan they wer likly / forto haue* be lorn,

The socour voide of her womnanhede :

For which he most1 of knyghthod taken hede 3288

To remedien J)ls vnhappy thing1.

And Adrastus / lik a worthy kyng1 who resolves to

aid Ipsiphyle.

Taquytt hym-silf /, the story make]) myn(J,

To thys lady wille natf be founc? vnkynd, 3292

Neither for cost1 / nor for no travaylle,

But1 bysy was / in al J>af myghfr availle

To hir socour / considered alle J>ingg&>-,

And by thavice / of alle J>e worthy kyngges 3296 The Greeks

r\c n u- i j / i. • v. J J AU agree to appeal

Of Grekes lond / Jjei be accorded thus, to Lycurgus.

Prynces, Dukes / and worthy Tydeus, To hold her way / and al at onys ryde To lygurgus / dwelling ther be-syde, 3300

Of on ententt / }if they may purchace In eny wise / forto gete grace

For this lady, Called ysiphile ; [leaf 55, back]

They wold assaye* $if it1 myghte be. 3304

And to his paleys ful ryal bylt1 of ston,

3283. he] om. Du. 3284. And] om. P. aduerten] aduert L.,. Ro. to aduerten M. Di. P. T2. eke aduertise E>. and to] and T2. 3286. whan] That Lb. C. T.,. P. E.2. La. Ro. Ap. they] om. Lb. P. forto] to M. Adj. Ad0. I. S. C. T2. E2. L". elles to Lb. P. ha Ar. C. Ap. haue Bo. M. Adj. lorn] forlorae Lb. M. Di. C. T2. L.J. 3288. For] Of Bo. Du. 3292. thys] thy Ar. Ap. Ar. has a paitse-bar after wille. 3293. Neither . nor Ar. Bo. Du. L,. Lb. Ra. Nother . nor E2. C. T2. L2. Ap. Neither . ne T^ Ba. S. P. E2. Nouther . ne Ro. Neither . neither Adx. Neithir . nouthir Ad2. I. Nor . nor M. Di. for] om. Ba. no] om. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C." T2. P. 1^. Ro. 3295. his] J>eyre Lb. considered] considreth Ado. I. considre S. concydere Ro. 3298. and] and with hem Lb. C. T.J. P. £2. L2. Ap. worthy] om. Lb. T2. P. £3. Ap. 3299. al] om. Du. al at onys] altonys Ar. 3304. assaye Bo. Ad], assay Ar. M. 3305. his paleys] bis place Lj. ful ryal bylt] full rially bylt Lb. E2. ryght ryally bild S. for royallie bilt Ba. roiall bylte P. wel bilded Ad.,. I. bilte Lt. of stone] of lyrue and stone Lv P.

136

Lycurgus promises the Greeks Rooms, [PT. ill.

The Greeks ride to Lycur- gus's palace.

U Ho-w Adrastus a, >.ii all thestatis of Grekis proiden lygurgus for Jje lif of ysyphile.

He welcomes them,

and is delighted that they've come.

He'll put the lords in rooms,

The worthy Grekes / cam ryding1 euerichon,

Euery lord ful fresshly on his stede.

And lygurgus / example of manlihede, 3308

Anon as he knewe of her comyng1,

Taquyt1 hym-silf / lich a gentil kyng1,

Ageyn hem went1 / to mete hem on the way,

Ful wel byseyn / and in fill good array, 3312

Beceyvyng1 hem with a ful kyngly chere.

And to Adrastus seid, as je shul here,

U "Cosyn*,'' quod he / and gan hym to enbrace,

" }e be welcome / to joure owne place, 3316

Thankyng1 hertly to jour* hegh" noblesse

That1 so goodly / of jour1 gentillesse

Towardes me / je list1 jou to acquite,

$oure-silf J)is day / jour cosyn to visite, 3320

In this castel to take joure loggyng1 ;

That1 neuer* jit1 / I was so glad of thyng*

In* al my lif / and therto her my troutli.

And ouermore* / ther shal be no slouth" 3324

That1 the Chambres / and the large tours

Shal be delyuered / to jour herberiows ;

That1 euery lord / as he is of degre,

Vnto his loggyng1 / shal assigned be. 3328

}oure officeres* / laf hem-silf * devise

3308. example] ensaumple Tj. Lj. of] for Ra. Ba. S. manlihede] manhede Lx. Ad2. Ra. Ba. Ro. P (altered to manhode by late hand), manhode Lb. 3309. knewe] kneuh Ra. knoweth Ba. 3310. Taquyt Bo. Adj. To quyte M. To acquyte Ra. 3312. Ful wel] Right wel M. Di. in] in a Bo. Lb. C. T2. ful] ryght Ap. om. Lb. P. £3. good] riche Ro. array] ray C. ful good] a gret G. 3313. with] in C. T2. ful] om. G. Tj. kyngly Ar. Tj. M. Ra. Ej. T2. l^. Ro. knightly Bo. G. and the rest. 3314. Ar. has a pause-bar after Adrastus. 3315. Cosyn] Cosy Ar. Ra. enbrace Bo. Adj. embrace M. 3317. hegh] om. Ra. Ba. 3318. goodly] om. I. Jour] your hie Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. S. your good hih I. your gret C. 3319. Towardes Ar. Bo. and all, except Toward Ba. C. Jou] now you Bo. nowe Ro. not l^. om. S. to] so Lb. Ra. Ba. to acquite] taquyte Bo. M. Ex. 3322. That] For Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. I was] was I Tj. Lj. That I was so glad ncuere yet of thing Adj. I. Ad.2 (yit nevir). 3323. In] An Ar. And Ej. 3324. ouermore Tt. M. Di. Adj. I. G. Ro. ouermor Ar. more over Lj. AoLj. euer more Bo. and the rest. 3328. shal assigned Ar. G. L2. Ro. Ap. assigned shal Bo. and the rest. 3329. officeres Lb. officers Ra. oih'cers Ar. Bo. Tj. M. Adj. hemself Bo. Lb. M. Adj. them-self L2. hym-silf Ar.

PT. III.] Tents and Food. But they ask for something more. 137

3if the howsyng1 / may largely suffise

To jow and ^cmres / strecchen and atteyn,

That1 noii estaafr / haue* cause to co?npleyn. 3332

And alle ^our1 hoost1 / logged her be-syde, [leaf 50]

which in Tentys / vpon sou abide, and feed their

men in tents.

laf hem fette / be myn auctorite,

Vitayle ynoh / her in my Cite. 3336

And alle that1 may socour hem or saue,

And, at1 a word /, al that1 eue?-e I haue

Is ful and hool / at1 $our comaufidemenf."

II Quod Adrastus / " that1 is nat1 our1 en tent1, 3340 Adrastus says

!N"or on no parte / cause of oure comyng1.

For we be come al for anober thyng1, they want an-

other gift, A certeyn gift1 / of $ou to requere,

Benygnely / }if 30 list1 to here, 3344

which may Greke's / passyngly availle,

Of our* request / sif* that1 se nat1 ne faille, but daren't

name it till he

which we dar not / opynly expresse, promises to

with-oute that1 30 wold / of gentillesse, 3348

3oure graunt1 aforn / conferme and ratefye. Than wer we bold / it1 to specify e."

3330. howsyng] haunsinge Lb. houshold Ba. may largely] largely may Lb. T2. P. ELj. Ro. largely] large Ra. 3331. youres M. Adj. yours Bo. 3332. non]onyLb. any]?, ha Ar. Ap. Laue Du. M. Adj. Ra. hath Bo. 3333. 3our] his Du. hooste Bo. Ra. Ost Adj. logged] om. Ba. 3334. which in] Within Ra. Ba. I*,. Ro. in Tentys] ententifly Lb. T2. P. E2. C (intentifly). vpon] om. Ra. Ba. "abide] to abide Ra. Ba. S. L2. Ro. 3336. ynogh Bo. ynow M. y-nov Adv 3337. socour Ar. socoure Bo. M. Adj (the final e added above the line by the same hand), socour hem Ar. L2. Ro. Ap. hem socoure Bo. G. and the rest, or] and Di. S. P. 1^. Ro. 3338. a Ar. o Bo. M. Adj. 3339. ful] fully Ba. 3341. on] in EJ. S. of Ba. om. Tx. Lb. M. Ad^ I. C. T2. P. E,. no] oon Ba. parte Ar. Bo. Du. Di. Adj. P. E2. Lj. part T\. Lx. Lb. M. S. C. T2. parti Ra. partye G. Ba. Ej. om. Ad^ I. on no parte] percele Ro. 3344. Benygnely Bo. M. Ad>2. I. beningly Adj. 30 M. Ad^ I. C. you Bo. Adj. 3345. passyngly] passyng G. Lj. Ba. 3346. our . ye Tr Du. Ad2. I. S (Stowe has written yowr but crossed out y). jour . 30 Ar. G. Bo. M. Di. Adj. Ej. our . we Lb. Ra. Ba. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. your Lj (om. 30 or we) (see Notes). request Bo. M. Adj. 3if that (in no AfS. )] that Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ej. S. yf Lb. Ra. Ba. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. that yf Ad2. I. 30 nat ne] nat ye Adj. nat ne faille] not fayle G. Lb. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. 1^. Ro. not vs fayll S. do not faile E2. may not fayle Lx. 3348. Ar. has a pause-bar also after with-oute. 3e] we T2. wold] wil C. Eg. gentillesse] your gentillesse E2. gretnesse Ba. 3350. specifye] especifie Bo. Du.

138

Lycurgus is told of his Boy's Death.

[PT. III.

Lycurgus says he'll give em anything but his life,

his son and his wife.

[loaf 56, back)

and says the King's son

has been stung to death by a serpent.

Quod lygurgus / " what-euer thyng1 it* be, Nouhtf exceptid / but* only pingges thre : 3352

U The first1 is this / if touche* naf my lif, My jonge sone, pleynly, nor my wyf ; Take al my good / or what* je list1 provyde Of my tresour / and sette J>ies thre a-syde, 3356

Al the surplus / I count1 nat1 af a myte."

Than Adrastus / astounyd was a lyte whan lygurgus / in conclusions,

Of his sone / made excepciouw. 3360

And whilis they / entreten Jms yfere, Ther cam forth on / with a wooful chere, Of face and look / pal and no-thing1 rede, A-lowde crieth / " the kynges* sone is dede, 3364

Alias the whyl ! / that* whilom was so fayr, After lygurgus / born forto ben hayr ; The which, alias ! / hath 3olden vp the bretn, Of a Serpent1 / stonge to the deth" 3368

And with his woundc* / newe*, fressh and grene, In therber lith / that pite is to seue, And hath so leyne / almost* al this day ; "

3351. what-euer thyng Ar. Ap. 1^. Ro. what bing euer Bo. and the rest, except what thyngo bat euer P. what bat euer thyng G. 3352. exceptid] except G. Ad2. I. Ba. Lj. 3353. is this it] is jmt L2. touche M. Ap. touch Ar. Ra. touchith Bo. Du. Adj. E]. Lg. Ro. 3354. yonge Ada. yong Bo. M. om. 0. nor] ne Bo. Tj. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ej. S. P. nother C. and Du. Lo, Ro. 3355. ye Bo. M. you Adj. 3357. surplus] surpluys To. surplice Lb. remnont P. count] compte Eo, covyte 1^ at] om. Di. I. C. T2." P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. 3358. astonyed M. astoneied Adj. astoned T2. stunyed Bo. Lb. Ra. Ba. was] not L.J. Ro. 3361. whilis Tj. whiles Adj. while M. whils Bo. whil Ra. om. Du. entreten bus Ar. G. Ro (entrete). Ap (entrete). bus entreten Bo. Du. Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. entretid thus L2. thus entretiden Tj. treten thus M. Di. trete thus Lb. C. T2. P. £2. infeerBo. 3362. Ther] om. Ro. cam Bo. come M. Adj. a]ora. Lb. P. wooful] ful woful Adj. Ad2. I. rewful Ba. sorful C. dvedful To. 3363. and look] of loke Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 3364. A-lowde] and a-loude Bo. And lowde G. Lb. Di. Adv Ad2. I. C. P. E2. 1^. Ro. Ap. crieth] cried Ra. Ba. C. T2. kynges M. Adx. kynges Bo. kyng Ar. 3366. forto ben Ar. G. Tj. Du. Lj. Ra. Ej. S. Ap. to haue ben Bo. forto have be Ba. to ben M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. C. T2. P. £3. Lg. Ro. to Lb. hayr] his heir Adj. Ad2. I. S. E2. 3368. stonge Ap. stong T2. E2. L^. stongyng I. stongen Bo. G. and the rest, to] vnto Bo. TI. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ada. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. T2. E^ the] om. Di. 3369. wounde Bo. Adj. wound Ar. M. woundis Ra. Ba. newe Tj. Ej. new Ar. M. Adj. now ]5o. ncwc fressh] fresh new Ra. Ba. L2. Ro. 3370. lith] om. T2. that] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. E!. S. pite] pitous Ra. is] it is S. to] om. Du. 3371. leyen Bo. layn"M. Adj. lien Ba.

PT. III.]

Lycurgus laments ; his Queen swoons.

139

That whan lygurgus / herde* this affray, 3372

And wist his child Avas ded and hath no mo,

Lytil wonder / thogh that1 he were wo.

For sodeynly / the inportable smerte

Kan anon / and hent1* hyra by the herte 3376

That, for constreyntt / of his dedly peyne,

Thorgh-oute he felte koruen euery veyne.

The rage gan myne in hyra so depe

That* he can not1 but* sighe* / sobbe, and wepe. 3380

And with the noyse / and lamentaciou» The qwen distrauht1 / is descendid douw. And whan she knewe / the* ground of al this sorowe, hit4 neded * her no teere's / forto borowe 3384

But1 twenty tyme ny* vpon a rowe A-swoune she fille / vnto J?e grounds lowe ; And stounde-mele * / for this hegh meschauwce, Stille as ston / she lyggeth in a Traunce. 3388

U And whan the child? / into the courte was brouht1 To-fore lygurgus / alias ! I wite hym nought1, Vpon the cors / with a mortal face, he Fil atonys / and gan it to embrace, 3392

Lycurgus weeps for his sou's death.

H The aorow }>at )>e kyng ligurg-us made for the deth of his child and

the lamenta- ciou/i of the queue.

His queen

swoons,

and lies in a

trance.

The boy's corpse

is brought in.

3372. That] Than Ra. Ba. AndLb. L2. Ro. But S. E2. herde Bo. Adj. herd-Ar. M. harde Ej. T2. this]al bis Adj. Ad2. 1. Ra. S. of this Ba. affray] om. Ba. 3373. wist] wist than Tv hath Ar. Ap. hat G. had Bo. and all the other MSS. 3374. that] mn. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. P. he] his hert S. were] was T2. Eg. Ap. 3376. hcnte Lb. Ad}. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Er S. C. T2. P. E.J. L2. Ro. rent Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lr M. Di. Ap. 3379. myne] gynne L^. gyne Ro. in hym] on hym Lb. M. Di. 0. T2. hym Ra. 3380. can] coude E2. not] om. Ra. sighe M. Adj. sigh Ar. Bo. om. T2. sobbe] om. Ad2. I. L2. sighe sobbe and wepe] sobbe sighe and wepe Lb. Ba. P. E^ sorwe sighe and wepe C. 3382. distraulit] distracte Ro. 3383. And] om. L2. Ro. the] mn. Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. C. T2. Ap. sorowe] sorw M (:borw). 3384. neded Du. Lb. M. Di. P. E2. Ap. nede Ar. Bo. Ej. nedeth Tr and the rest, her no] hir nat Adj. nat hir Ad2. I. forto] to S. T2. 3385. tyme] tymes Lv Ba. S. om. Ad2. I. ny Bo. Ta. M. nygh Lj. nyje Di. by Ar. G. Adj. I. Ej. S. Ap. be Ad2. bi and bi Ra. Ba. om. Lb. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. a rowe] A throwe Ro. 3386. A-swoune] Aswound E2. vnto] to Lb. M. Di. C. T2. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. vpon Ba. grounde Bo. M. ground Adj. erthe Lb. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. 3387. stound-mele Ar. Adr stoundemele Bo. stoundemel M. 3388. ston] a stoon Di. Ad.,. Ra. Ba. S.

lyggeth Ar. Bo. Tj. Ap. lyeth M. aiid the rest. 3389. And] But E0. the child] it Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. this Ba. into the] into Bo. Du. E2. the child into the courte was] into the court it was Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba (this), it into the court was I. Ex. into be court was it S. 3391. the] pat Lb. 3392. it] om. Ba. to embrace M. to eubrace Bo. Adj. teubrace Tx.

140

Lycurgus's dead Son is luricd.

[PT. III.

[leaf 57] Soore * Grype / and ageyn vpsterte ;

That* whan Adrastus / gan this thyng1 aduerte, Of kyngly routh / and compassioun The Greeks weep From his eyen / the teeres fille doun 3396

too.

Ek kyngges / Dukes, that1 aboute* stood,

Only of pite /' which is in gentyl blood,

No power hadde / the water to restreyn

That1 on her chekes / doune bygan to reyn. 3400

But1 al a day / wolde* not1 suffise Alle her sorowes / in ordre to devise, First* of the kyng1 / and of the quene also : To tellen aH / I shulde* neuer ha do, 3404

Not in the space / almost1 of an hour. But whan the stormes / and J>e sharpe* shour Of her wepyng1 / was somwhat1 ouo-goii, The lytil cors / was grauen vnder ston. 3408

11 And Adrastus / in )>e same tide lygurgus took / a litil out aside, And ful wisely / with his prudent1 spech", The qwene* present1 / gan hym forto tech" 3412

That* so to sorowe / avaylle may right1 noght1, To mordre hym-silf / with his owne thouhf,

3393. Soore Lb. Sore Bo. M. Adj. Soor Ar. to gripe Bo. and all, except Grype Ar. G. Lj. Ro. Ap. 3394. That] Than Ta. Ad2. I. E2. Ro. tbyug] om. Ba. Ej. gan this thyng] this thyng gan Lb. C. T2. P. E2 (can). aduerte] advart S (: vpstart). 3395. kyngly] kyndly Di. knyghtly Lg. routhe Bo. M. Adt. ruthe Lg. 3396. the] there Ej. doun] a-doun Du. Lb. Di. I. C. T2. E2.

3397. kyngges] princes M. Di. Dukes] and dukes Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. aboute Bo. M. Adj. about Ar. 3398. of] for Ra. om. S. which Ar. G. 1^. Ro. Ap. )>at Bo. and the rest. in] of Ra. Ba. om. Ap. 3399. water] teeres Lb. Adj. Adg. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. restreyn] constreyne 1^. 3400. her] om. Bo. bygan] gan Adv Ad2. I. Ex. S. Ra. Ba (can), to] om. Ra. Ba. 3401. aday Ar. the day Ra. Ba. wolde Bo. wold Ar. M. Adj. wyll L-j. 3403. second of] om. Lb. M. Di. Ad2. I. Ra. S. C. T2. P. E2. Ap. kyng . quene] quene . kyngesRo. 3404. tellen] telleLb. P. S. Ro (tele), shulde Bo. shuld Ar. shold M. Adj. taAr. Ad2. I. Ra. haue a Di. haue JBo. and the rest. 3406. sharpe Bo. sharp Ar. M. Adj. teary E2. om. Ra. Ba. 3407 to 3590 lost in Ro. 3407. in Ar. before ouergon is written fo, underdotted. 3408. graueii] om. Ad.2. I. vnderston Ar. ston] a ston Adj. Ad2. I. 3409 to the end of the poem lost in Ap. 3410. a litil] a lite Bo. Du. M. Di. om. Lx. a litil out] oute a litil C. 3412. qwen Ar. Bo. M. Adj. gan] thus gan C. forto] to C. om. S. 3413. so] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 3414 in Adj. is omitted at its right place and stands at the bottom of col. 2 of leaf 25, front ; in the original of Ad2. and I. it has been replaced by a new line composed to rhyme ^vith 3413, viz. But best remedie / to put it out of thouht. 3414. hym-silf] them -self S. with] in Ra. S.

I should never have done, if I tried to describe their sorrow.

The boy is buried.

Adrastus re- minds Lycurgus and his wife

PT. in.] Adrastus reminds Lycurgus that all folk must die. 141

Sith loos of cleth / no man may recure

Thogh he in woo / pe?'petuelly endure ; 3416

Al helpeth nat1 / whan the soule is go.

"And our lif her, who taketh* hed ther-to,

Is but1 an exile / and a pilgrymage,

Ful of torment1 / and of hitter Eage, 3420

Lieh" a See • rennyng to and fro,

Swyng an ebbe / whan the flood is do,

Lytil space abidyng* at1 the fulle :

Of whos soiour / the pope ^euej) no hulle. 3424

For* kyng< is non, nor* duk, nor Emperour,

That1 may hym shroude / ageyn be fatal shour

Of cruel deth / whan hym list1 manace

To marke a man with his mortal mace. 3428

Than geyneb nat1 to his sauaciouw

Neyther Fraunchyse / nor protecciouw,

And lit1 / or noghf / may helpen in this caas

Sauffecondit1 / or Supersedyas. 3432

For in this world! / who so look a-right1,

Is non so gret1 / of power nor of myght1,

Noon so riche / shortly/ nor so bold

But* he' mot1 dey / outher* 3ong) or old. 3436

And who in ^outhe* / passeth bis passage,

he is eskaped / al the woode* Eage,

Al sorowe and trouble / of this present1 lyff,

•f Ageynes deth may be no recur, that our life is but a pil- grimage ;

[leaf 57, back]

that no one can avoid death :

all must die :

and those who die young are saved from sorrow.

3415. Sith] Sayth La. Such Ra. Sith loos of deth] Ayenst dethe Lb. C. T2. P. E2. no man may] may be no Lb. C. T2. P. E2. recure] recover P (: endure). 3418. who] whos C. who so P. thus E2. taketh] take Ar. G. T2. P. 3422. do] go Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. Ad2. Ra. Ba. S. C. 3423. the copyist of Ar. first wrote falle, but underdotted it, and added fulle. 3424. in Tt. pope yeueth no bulle has been erased ; the words are, however, still legible. 3425. For Lb. Ad2. P. E2. Nor Ar. Bo. and the rest, except ne T2. is non] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. Ba. S. non] om. M. Adj. Ej. nor duk] duk Ar. G. L:. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. ne duk S. no Duk Ra. nor Emperour] ne Emperoure Lj. Lb. Ej. P. E2. \22. 3426. That] om. Ad2. I. hym] om. Adj. may hym shroude] hym may shroude L2. May nat shroude Ad2. I. ]>e] hat L\. Di. his Lb. C. T& P. £3. om. Ra. Ha. shour] houre Lx. our L2. 3429. sauacioun] saluacioun Du. E2. 3432.

Saufcondit Adj. saufconduyt Bo. Saff-condite Lb. Saue-conduyte ET. either saufconduyt M. Di (saufcondit). 3433. whos luketh Bo. who lokith M. Adj. 3436. But Lj. But that Lb. Ad2. I. S. P. That Ar. Bo. and the rest, he] om. Adj. Ad2. I. mot] most Lj. Lb. Ex. S. P. E2. 1^. oyther Ar. eyther Bo. M. other Adj. outher C. 3437. Jouth Ar. Bo. " 3438. wode Bo. M. wood Ar. Adj.

So Lycurgps and his wife should take in patience what the Gods send.

Adrastus then begs mercy for Ipsiphyle,

[leaf 58]

•who has not

offended

wilfully.

142 Adrastus begs Lycurgus to forgive Ipsiphyle. [PT. in.

Repleneshiid * with contek / werre and stryff, 3440

which seeld or neuere / stonfr in Suerte.

"\Yher-for best1 is, as semeth vnto me,

No man gruche* / but, of hegh prudence,

The sonde of goddis / tak in pacience. 3444

And 30 that ben so wis / and manly to,

^oure-silf to drowne in torment1 and in woo

For loos of thyng1 / jif * that 30 list to se,

which in no wise may recured be, 3448

Is grett foly and vndiscrecciouw."

And thus Adrastus / hath conveyed doun The substaunce hool / of that1 he wolde seye : Til that he fond / a tyme forto preye 3452

Conuenyentt / for ysyphilee, Bysechyng hym forto han pite Of J>att she hath offended his highnesse, Not1 wilfully / but1 of reklesnesse : 3456

First1 J>af he wold* / his doorues so * dy vide, Mercy preferre / and sette * right1 a-side, At the* request1 and preier of hem alle, Of this vnhappe / and meschief that" is falle 3460

3440. Kepleneshed] Repleveahed Ar. G. repleuessed Bo. Repleuisshed C. Re- pleuysshed or Replenysshed M. Di. Adj. T2. Replesshed Ad2. I. Ra. replenshed Tj. Replenyshed Du. Lb. and the rest. 3441. suerte Bo. M. surte Adj.

3442. as] om. Ra. Ba. semeth] it semeth Lb. M. Di. C. T2. P. E^. vnto] to M. C. om. Lb. Di. S. T2. P. E2. 3443. grucche Bo. M. Adj. grucch Ar. gnige S. grugge L^. to grucche T2. hegh] his S. L^. 3444. sonde] wyll S. goddis Ar. G. C. T2. god Bo. and the other MSS. of goddis tak] or god he take E2. tak] take yt 1^. 3446. Jour-silf Ar. Lb. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. youre lyf Bo. and the rest. torment] tornament L:. tournement Ej. your-self to tunnent in anguysh and in wo 1^. 3446 and 3447 om. in Ra. and Ba. ; in Ra. 3445 reads : And ye that been so wis and manli to se, and is followed by 3448 : Sith in no wise recouered it may be ; in Ba., between 3444 and 3450 are three lines, viz. : Sith in noo wise recoverd it may bee And ye that bei? so wise and so manlie to see Itt is grete perell foly and one destruccioun. 3447. Jif that (in no MS. )] that Ar. G. Ex. S. if Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. C. J»t yf Adj. Ad2. 1. and Lb. T2. P. £3. 1^. om. Lj. to] om. Adj. Ad^ I. 3448. which] That C. T.J. P. E2. recured] recouerid Ad2. 1. Ra. Ba. P. L^. may recured] recured may Adj. Ej. S. C. T2. recouerid may Ad2. I. 3449. Is] It is Bo. Tj. Du. Lr M. Di. Adj. Adg. I. Ra. Ba. S. 3453. for] for faire M. Di. T2. for worthi Ra. Ba. 3455. }>at] what Ba. offended] om. Bo. Tj. Du. La. M. Di. Ej. S. his] om. Ra. this S. highnesse] hevenesse S. 3456. reklesnesse Bo. M. rekelsnesse Adj. 3457. so] to Ar. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ev S. om. Ra. Ba. dyvide] devoide (: aside) I. Ba. deuoiid Ra. 3458. sette Adj. M. set Ar. Bo. 3459. At )>e Du. Lj. P. 1^. Atte Bo. Tj. Adj. Ra. Ej. S. C. At Ar. and the rest. 3460. that is] so Ra. Ba. falle] befalle Bo. Tx. Du. Lx. M. Di. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2.

FT. III.]

The Serpent or Ipsiphyle must be kild.

143

Ey hasty Rigour / nat1 to do vengeaurcce, But1 thynk aforn / in his purvyauwce, who to wreches / doth mercy / in her drede, Shal mercy fynde / whan he hath most1 nede : And sith he hatli power, myght1, and space, Lat hym tak this lady / to his grace, For lak of routhe* / that1 she nat1 ne dye. U But1 tho the quene / gan agayn replye And platly seide / as in this matere, Avayleth not1 requeste / nor preyere, Pyte, Mercy / nor remyssyouw, But1 jif if be / by this condiciourc That1 the serpent1, cause of al ])is sorowe, Thorgh her labour / lay his hed to borowe. This is fynal / and vtter recompense To fynde grace' / for her gret1 offence, Or ellis Shortly / sheede* blood for blood.

And whan Grekys her answer vnderstood, Al of accord / in her beste wise, Took on hem / this auenturous emprise, For loue only / of Ysyphylee ; And gan to ryde / envyron ]>e contre, By hille's, vales / Roches, and ek Caue's,

He who does mercy, shall 3464 find nierey.

Let Ipsiphyle be forgiven.

3468 UHowthequen

wil algate han |'C Berpent dede.

3472

3476

3480

But the Queen says,

either the ser- pent or Ipsiphyle must die.

The Greeks hunt for the Serpent.

[leaf 58, back]

3461. nat] and nat Adj. Ad-j. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S vengeaunce] no vengaunce M. Di. 3465. sith] syn Ra. he hath] ye haue Ra. Ba. myght] and myght Ra. 3466. Lat hym tak] That ye will tak Lv Receyveth Ra. Ba. to] vnto Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. T2. into ELj. his] youre Ra. Ba. om. Lx. Ad2. I. 3467. routhe Bo. M. Adj. routh Ar. natJnovAdj. now Ad2. 1. fc>. nat ne] now nat Ra. ne] om. Bo. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. 1^. she nat ne] ne nat thus E2. 3468. tho] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. 3470. request Bo. M. Adj. nor Ad^ ne Bo. M. 3471. nor M. ne Bo. neither Adj. 3473. That] But 'Jo. Tj. Du. L^ M. Di. S. But if Ej. the] this 1^. bis] om. Lb. C. P. 3474. Thorgh] For Ad,. Ad0. I. her Ar. Ra. L2. their Ba. his Bo. and the rest, lay] leyde Ad2. I. 347"5. fynal] finaly Bo. Du.,Ra. the final Di. vtter] the vtter M. Di. 3476. her] his Bo. Du. 3477. ellis] els L^. om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. M. Di. Adj. Ad,j. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. Shortly] sothly Tj. sheed Ar. shede Bo. M. Ad^ shedde P. first bloood Ar. 3478. And] om. Ra. Ba. Grekys] J>e Grekes Bo. Tj. \. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S. her] this Ra. her answer] this Adj. Ad^. I. 3479. Al] om. Lb. C. T2. P. E2. accord (Ar. G. La. L2.)] oon accorde Bo. and the rest. 3480. auenturous] auentures Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ej. S. C. T2. P. L^. aventours Ad2. I. 3481. loue] the loue T2. of] of this Ra. Ba. 3482. gan Bo. gon M. Ad,. 3483. vales] valeys C. vayles T2. vales Roches] roches vales Adj. Ad.2. I. ek] om. E2.

144 The Serpent is shot, and Ipsiphyle is forgiven. [PT. in.

Parthonolope If How partho- nolope saugh jie Serpent finds it,

In dychis dirk1 / and in olde gravis, 3484

By euery cooste / cerchyng1 vp and doun :

Til af the last1 / ful famous of renoiw,

The worthy knyghf / parthonolope

was the first1 / that1 happed for * to Se 3488

This hydous Serpent1 / by a Eyver-side,

Grett and horrible / stern and ful of pride,

Vndere a Rocche * / by a banke lowe ;

And in al hast1 / he bentf a sturdy bowe, 3492

And ther-In sette an arowe* fyle'd kene,

And thorgh the body / spotted blew and grene,

Ful myghtily he made if forto Glyde,

Henf* out* a swerde / hongyng1 be his syde, 3496

Smoof of his hede / and anon it hent

And ther-with-al gan the Quene present1,

wherthorgh her sorowe parcel gan aswage.

And thus, of prowesse / and of hegh corage, 3500

This manly man / parthonolope hath reconciled faire Isyphilee Vnto grace' / fully of fe Quene,

Hir* Ire avoided* / and her olde tene. 3504

And by Adrastus mediacioun, Kyng lygurgus / graunted a pardouw To this lady, that1 from al daunger fre, She was restored to her liberte, 3508

3484. dirk Ad?. derke Bo. derk M. 3486. atte last Bo. Adj. at last M. 3487. knyght] king Adj. Ad2. I. 3488. happed] happonde Lb. happenyde P. for to Lb. C. T2. E2. to Ar. Bo. and the rest. 3491. roche Bo. M. Rocch Ar. roch Adj. banke Bo. bank M. Adj. 3492. al] al the Ad^ I. bent] hente Di. Ba. Ej. C. T2. 1*3. 3493. a narowe Ar. 3496. The line begins with And in all the MSS. except Ar. G. 1^. Hent out] Rent out Ar. G. Bo. Tj. 'Du. Lr Ex. 1^. 3499. her sorowe] om. Lb. C. T2. P. E2. parcel] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. gan] she gan E2. aswage] tasswage E2. to aswage Lb. Ra. P. to swage C. T2. 3500. and of] and Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. S. C. 3501. parthonolope] this prothonolope C. this Parthonolope T2. E2. 3504. avoided Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. L2. avoiden Ar. G. Adt. auoyed EI. voyded Lb. C. T2. E2. voyde P. olde] om. G. Ra. Ba. 3f«04 in Ad3. is omitted at its right place, and stands at the bottom of the second column of thcpage, after I. 3522 ; in Ad2. and I. it has been replaced by a new line, to rhyme with 3503, viz. Off' the offence / of hir pardouned to bene. 3507. that] om. Lb. M. Di. C. T2. P. E2. daunger] damag S. in Ba. I. 3507, which is the bottom line of leaf 38 bade, stops at To this ladie th ; after th a few letters seem to be erased, but most of the latter half of 3507 has never been written, the vellum being quite untrnvhed here.

shoots it,

cuts off its head, gives it to the Queen,

and reconciles Ipsiphyle to her.

Adrastns par- dons Ipsiphyle,

PT. in.] Lycurgus was King of Thrace and friend to Falamon. 145

In his paleys / al her lif to dwelle.

Thogh lohn Bochas / be co?itrarie telle :

For this autowr affermej) /, out1 of dred

That1, whan this child / was by the serpent ded, 3512

She durste not1 / for her gret1 offence

!Neuer after comen in presence

Of lygurgus /, but1 of intenciouw

Fledde anon / out1 of that1 Kegiowz ; 3516

Att1 herte she took / the childes deth so sore.

what1 fille of hir * / I fynde * can no more

Than 36 han herd1 / aforn me specifye.

And the kyngdain / but1 jif bookys lye, 3520

Of lygurgus / was ycalled Trace. And, as I rede in an other place, He was be same myghty Champiouw, To Athenes / that1 kani with Palamomz 3524

Ageyne his brother / that1 called was arcyte, Lad in his chaar / with foure* boolys whyte, Vpon his hed / a wreth of gold1 ful fyn. And I fynd ek1 / how bachus, god of wyii, 3528

with this kyng1 / was whilom at debat1, Only for he / pompous and Elaf , Destruccioun / dide* to his vynys,

tho' Boccaccio saya she never

[leaf 59] dared face Ly- curgus,

but fled from

*| "Sotn de Li- gurgo Rege traccee.

Lycurgus came

to Athens with

Palamon against

Arcite.

(See Chaucer's

Knight's Tale.)

•| Bachus decs vini.

As he destroyd Bacchus's vines,

3509. his] hir Bo. Tj. Lv M. Di. Ad1; Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. >is G. 3510. lohn Bochas be contrarie] the contrarie lolm Bokas Ba. telle] do telle Ad2. I- 3511. a pause-bar -in Ar. also before affermed. 3512. this] the Lb. Di. Ba. C. T2. P. E2. L<2. was by the serpent] bi the serpent was Adj. (this serpent Ad2. I.) Ra. (with the Ba.) S. ded] om. M. 3514. comen Ar. to come'M. Di. Adj. S. come Bo. and the rest, in] into the Ra. Ba. to the Ad2. I. 8515. intencioun] pitous intencioun Ra. Ba. 3517 and 3518 transposed in Adj. Ad2. I. 3518. hur Ar. fynde Bo. M. Adi. fynd Ar. fynde can] can tell Ba. 3519. Than] But that Ra. Ba. herd] hard T2. aforn me] me aforn Bo. Tj. Du. LT. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ex. S. P. Lg. me to-fore G. han herd aforn] before haue herd Ra. Ba. specifye] especefie Tj. Du. to specifye S. 3520. but] om. P. jif] om. Bo. Tv Du. Lr M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. lye] do nat lye P. 3521. ycalled Ar. G. Adx. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. L^. called Bo. and the rest. was ycalled] called was Lb. T2. E2. that called was P. 3524. To Athenes that] bat to Attens S. kam] wente Adi. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. 3526. Lad] Mad Lb. T.,. P. Yled E0. And Di. I. foure Lv four Ar. ; Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Ad^ C. P. E2. have IIII. ; T2. has II. 3529. was whilom] whilom was Adr Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. at debat] at bate Lb. at be bate Lx. 3531. dide Tj. M. dede Lb. Adj. did Ar. Bo. vnto M. Di. Ad2. I. T2. to Ar. Bo. and the rest.

THEBES. L

146 Boccaccio next to Petrarch. Adrastus leaves Lycurgus. [PT. III. and put water And for he first1 / sett1 allay on wynys, 3532

in winCj

Meynte water / whan they were to strong1, the God broke And this Bachus / for the grete wron£?

his limbs

anddrowndhim. Brak his lymys / and dreynt1 hym in ]>e See.

Of lygurgus / $e gete no more of me. 3536

H But1 the trouth / jif 30 lyst1 verryfie,

Rede of goddes / the Genologye,

lynealy / her kynrede be degrees,

I-braunched out1 / vpon twelue trees, , 3540

Mad by Bochas / decertaldo called,

Among1 Poetys / in ytaille stalled,

Next1 Fraunceys Petrak / swyng1 in certeyn.

Now vnto Grekys / I wil retourne ageyn, 3544

To telle forth shortly, $if I konne, Of her Iourn& / that1 they haue * begonne : how Adrastus / hath his lieve* take Of ligurgus / with his browe's blake ; 3548

And departyng, with seynt1 Ioh"n to borowe, Mad his wardes / on the nexte morowe So wel beseyn / so inyghty, and so strong, Wonder eiiy / whan fe larke* song1, 3552

With a trompet1 / warned euery man To be redy / in al the hast1 they kan, Forto reniwe / and no letting1 make.

IF Nota de xii arboribi(.t in libro Bochacii de genealogia bartm. See Boccaccio on the Genealogy of the Gods.

He was next poet to Petrarch.

[leaf 59, back]

Adrastus takes leave of Ly- cuigus.

3532. sett] oin. C. allay] alaies Adj. Ra. Ba. Alies Ad2. I. sett allay] allay sette Ej. allayes sett Ea. Ba. on] in Bo. S. 1^. of G. 3533. Meynte M. Ad!. Meynt Bo. water] with water E2. whan Ar. G. Lb (when). C. T2. P. E^. Lg (when). bere Bo. where TI. and the, rest-. to] so La. Di. Ea. om. Ba. 3534. this] thus Lb. S. .p. Bachns Ar. Bo. M. Ada. Bacus Tj. bakes Lb. Bochas E2. the gretc] giete Ra. Ba. bat stronge M. Di. 3535. lymys M. lymes Bo. limes Adi. iemes S. dreynt] drouned C. 3537. verrylie] to verrifie Bo. Du. Adj. to specific Ad2. I. 3538. Rede Bo. M. redith Adj. goddes] the goddes Ad2. I. of goddes the] the goddes of Ba. genoologye Adj. genalogye Bo. Geuealogie M. genelagye Di. Genelogie Ad2. geneologie S. 3540. vpon] on Ra. of Ba. 'XII 'Bo. twelfAdj. 3541. decertaldo Ar. Bo. M. Adi. Decertalde Ra. Ba. de cretaldo I. 3542. Itaille Bo. Italye M. Adj. 3545. forth shortly] shortly forth Adj. 3547. lief Ar. leeue Bo. leue M. Adj. G. take] itake Ra. Ba. Ad2. I. 3549. departyng] departed Ra. Ba. lohn Ar. Bo. M. Adj. Ion C. lohan E.-,. borowe Bo. borw M. Adj. 3550.

omitted in Ba. 3551. myghty] my^tely Di. 3552. larke Bo. Adj. lark Ar. M. 3553. warned] warue Ad3. Ad2. I. 3554. they] he Adr Ad2.

I. Ba. 3555. remue Bo. M. Adj.

PT. ill.] The Greeks besiege Thebes. The Thebans watch them. 147

to Thebes,

and pitch their tents.

The Thebaus

And so they han / the righte way I-take 3556 Adrastus and

his Greeks march

Touardf Thebes / the grekiis euerychon,

That1 such a nombre / gadred into on,

Of worthy knyghtes neuere aforn was seyn,

whan they in fere / monstred in a pleyn. 3560

And they ne styntf by non occasiou/i

Til they be come euen a-for the toura,

And pighf her tentys / proudly, as I rede,

Vnder the wallys / in a grene* mede. 3564

IT And whan the * thebans / were besette aboute,

The manly knyghtes / wold han* yssyd oute

And haue* scarmosshed / in her lusty pride,

With her foomen / on the toper side. 3568

But1 be byddyng1 / of Ethiocles

Alle J>ilke* nyght / fei kepte hem-silf in pes,

Be cause only / that1 it was so late,

With gret1 awayt1 / set at* euery gate, 3572

Men of Armys / al the nyght1 wakyng1

On the wallys / be byddyng1 of be kyng,

Lest1 per were / treynys or tresourc.

And on the tours / and in the Chief Dongouw 3576

he sette vp men / to make mortal sowns

with brasyn hornys / and loude Clarions,

Of ful entent1 / ]>e wacches forto kepe,

In his warde / that1 no man ne slepe. 3580

And Grekys proudly / al be longe nyght1

kyndled* fyrys / and maad ful gret lyght1, The Greeks

3556. right Bo. M. Adj. way Bo. M. Adj. weye Di. om. Lb. I-take Ar. Lb. L,. take Bo. mid the oilier MSS. 3560. in fere] yfere C. T^ to-gidre Ra. Ba. monstred Bo. mostred M. monstred] mostren LI. Adj. moustren Ad.2. I. Ej. mustren Ra. were moustred E.2. to mustre S. in] on Lj. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. 3564. a] the M. Di. grene Bo. M. Adi. gren Ar. grete Du. 3565. whan] whan bat Bo. om. Lj. the Thebans] Thebans Ar. L2. besette] sett all S. 3566. hau Bo. Adj. an Ar. haue M. " 3567. haue Bo. M. Adx. ha Ar. scarmysshed Bo. Adj. scarmesshed M. scyrmysshed Ad2. Lg. lusty] hasty Lb. C. P. E2. L2. 3568. bat othre Bo. M. Adx. 3570. jrilke Bo. bilk Ar. M. Adv 3571 aiid 3572 are transposed in Adi. Ad2. I. 3576. on] in M. Di. Ad2. 1. C. in] on Ba. om. Lb. Ra. S. Adj. Ad.2. I. P (om. the). 3577. to] ta Ar. 3578. brasen Bo. 3580. ne] om. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. ; in Adj. ne is written, but it has been underdotted with black ink and crossed with red, ink ( ~ the rubric ink). 3581. long Bo. M. Adj. 3582. kyndled] kyndle Ar/ kyndly ^. fyrys] fuyre Lb. ful] om. S.

keep quiet,

but watch at the gates, [leaf 60]

and blow horns

to keep the watchers awake.

148 The Greeks ravage the Country round Thebes. [PT. in.

lie all round Thebes.

U The Forey bat f>e Grekis made in be centre about Thebes.

The Greeks plunder the Tlii 'bun land,

kill all the game,

and collect all the fodder.

Sctte vp loggyng1 / vpon euery Syde

lik as they sliuld / euer ther abyde, 3584

Coinpas the toune / ther was no voide space

But1 al besette / her foomen to mauace.

And whilys they afor Jje Cit6 laye,

On eue?y cost4 / they sent1 out1 to forraye, 3588

Brent« townes / thorpes and vilages, with grete ravyn makyng1 theyr pillages, Spoyle / and robbe / and brou^te* hom vitaille And al maner soortes / of bestaylle, 3592

Shop / and neett / and in her cruel rage with houndes slowe / al that* was sauage. Hertt and hynde* / bothe buk and doo, The blake* beer / and J>e wilde Eoo, 3596

The fatte swyn / and be tusshy* boor, Karying1 al hom / for the greke's stoor, whete and wyn / for her auawntage, Hay and Otys / fodder / and forage. 3600

With J>is kalendis / as hem thynke * dwe, Grekys gan / the thebans to Salwe,

3583. loggyng] loggynges Du. 8584. shulde Bo. shuld M. Ad^ 8585. space] place M. Di. 3587. whiles M. Adj. whils Bo. aforn Bo. M. be- fore Ad^ tofore Ej. 3588. On] In Bo. Lj. Di. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. S. And C. sent] sett Ra. Ba. S. settyn L2. out to] out to the Ej. vn-to the P. a S. in Ar. after out is tho, underdotted; to is written above the line, with the usual mark of insertion. 8589. Brent Bo. M. Adx. Brynd S. thorpes Bo. M.

Adj. throppes Du. thruhuppis Ad2. thruhupys I. 3590. ravyn Ar. G. Bo. Du. M. Adj. C. raven Lb. raveyn Tx. Di. Ra. T2. ravyne Ej. raveyne Lj. I^. ravenne P. rauing E.2- theyr Ar. her Bo. M. Adj. om. Lj. 3591. first and] om. Ro. Spoyle and robbe] Spoylid and robbed P. Spoyll and robery S. broughte Adj. brought Ar. Bo. M. hom] hem Bo. Du. Ad2. I. them S. 3592. soortes Bo. Tj. Ra. sortes Du. M. Adj. £3. stoore Lb. P. bestaylle] bestial 1 Ba. in P. 3592 reads : And all maner store, to strength be batayle. 3593. Ar. has a bar also between and and neet. her] om. Bo. 3594. with houndes Woundes Lj. .witA woundes Lb. slowen C. slowe Ar. Bo. slow M. Adj. slough Du. Lj. sfleughe Ro. slayne Lb. To. P. E2. 3595. hynde] ynde Ar. buk Bo. M. bookke Adj. 3596. blake Bo. Adj. blak Ar. M. wilde Bo. wild M. Adj. 3597. fatte Adj. fat Bo. M. tusshy Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Adj. Ra. Lg. Ro. tussky Ad2. C. T2. P. E2. tuskyd Lb. trusshy Ar. G. tussy I. 3598. Karying] Bryngenge Ro. L^ hom] hem Bo. 3601. this Bo. these M. Adj. be Lj. E2. hem] theim Ba. S. Ro. bey Lj. Lb. Ada. ?• thynke] thynk Ar. Ej. ]>inke Lr Adv Ad2. I. thenke Bo. Tj. Di. S. thenk Du. M. them G. thought Lb. and the rest. 3602. Grekys Ar. G. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ad0. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. Lj. Ro. pe Grekes Be. Lb. Adj. C. T2. P. E2. gan] om. Bo. konne M. come Di. the thebans] thebaus Ta. to] om. G. Adj. I. C. E2.

PT. in.] Different opinions on the War raisd among the Thebans. 149

Mynistring1 hem / occisiones* felle, ]3e sege sette /, shortly forto telle, Of ful entent1 / in their hatful pryde, For lif or deth / ther-vpon tabide, who so euer / ther-with be a-greued, Til they fully / her pz^rpoos haue acheued ; Ther may therof / be make'd no releee. And of al* this / ful war / Ethiocles Gan in party / gretly to* mervaille whan that* he saugh / fe grete apparaylle Of the Grekes / ])e Cite rounde aboute ; And in hym-silf hadde a maner doute, Now at1 the poynt / what* was best1 to do. For thilke* tyme / it1 stood with hym so That1 to some abidyng* in J)e tou/i he hadde in herte / gret1 suspecioun list1 toward1 hym / that1 they were vnstable, And to his brother / in party fauorable ; For in the Cite / ther was variance, which vnto hym was a gret1 nieschauwce ; For in his nede / shortly / he ne wiste Vpon whoom / fat1 he myghte triste ; For they wer not1 / alle of oil entent1 : For which he hath / for his counsale sent1,

(leaf 60, back]

3G04 They mean to press the siege

to the death.

Eteocles

ia in doubt what to do.

He knows some Thebans favour Polyneices.

3620 1J The variauHce in Thebes among

hem-silf.

3608

3612

3616

3624

Eteocles asks the advice of

3603. Mynistring]Mustrynge Lb. AtLj. I. P. L2. occisiones] occasions (occasiouns) Ar. Bo. and all the other MSX. (cf. 4204 and see Notes). 3605. her Bo. M. Adj. 3606. to abide Bo. M. Adj. ' 3607. ther-with] herwith Lb. P. theratte E2. 3608. Ar. has another pause-bar after they. 3609. maked] made LJ. Adj. Ad-j. I- Ra- Ea- S. P. £3. Eo. om. 1^. 3610. al M. Di. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ko.

om. Ar. Bo. and the rest. And of al this] Of this and Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. Of bis Lj. And all this while Ro. ful war] ful weel war Ra. C. full wele war was Ba. full warre was Lj. Lb. Ad.2. I. was ware P. 3611. Gaii] Wheche ganne Lb. P. to Lb. T2. P. E2. L.J. Ro. om. Ar. Bo. and the rest. 3612. that] om. Lb. M. Di. C. T2. P. E2. grete Bo. gret M. Adj. grete] om. Du. 3614. in] om. Ra. Ba. hadde] he had Adj. Ad2. I. 3615. atte poynt Bo. Adj. at poyut M. all the poyiit Lb. 3616. thilke Bo. Adj. thilk Ar. M. that S. 3617. Ar. has a pause-bar after abidyug. 3619. list Ar. G. lest Bo. M. Adj. Ra. (see Notes), toward hym] to him ward Adj. to hym Ad2. I. him] om. Lb. that] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ra. Ej. P. 3621. the] J>is Di. ther] tho Ba. om. Adj. Ada. I. 3622. which] that C. T2. P. E2. vnto] to T.2. a] om. P. Ro. 3623. his] >is Bo. nede] herte Ad2. I. 3624. might Bo. M. Adj. sholde Ad2. I. wiste : triste Ar. Adj. wist : tiist Bo. M. wiste : truste C. 3620. For which] •\Vherfore M. Di. T2. E2. Ro. he hath] hathe he Ra.

150 In the TJtelan Council, some say ' Fight' others 'Yield.' [PT. in.

his lords

and his mother

Jocasta.

[leaf 61]

Al his- lordcs / and the oldii Quene, which as he dempte / were* pur and clene, Hool of on herte / and nof variable, Of ol(J experf / and alvvay founde stable ; Requeryng1 hem / be-cause they were wys, Al openly to tellen • / ther avis Wher if wag bef / pleynly, in her sight1, "With his brother / to treten or to fighf . And some gaf / a ful blunf sentence, which hadde / of werre / non experience : Seyde if was besf /, and naf ben afford, To trye his righf / manly with J?e Swerd. And some also / thaf wer moor prudenf, Spak vnto hym / by good avisemenf And lisf naf spare* / buf their conceyte tolde how hif was besf / his couenamit forto holde, And to parforn / his heeste mad to-forn To his brother / lich" as he was sworn ; So thaf his word /, the wors to mak hym spede, Be naf founde / varianf fro the dede, For non hatred / rancour, neyther pryde. And tho / the queene* / took hym out aside, Tolde hym pleynly / if was ful vnsittyng1 Swich" doublenesse / to fynden in a kyng*,

3628. w&ich] Suche Lb. C. T2. P. E2. dempte] deemyd Ad2. I. S. deputed Ra. deputith Ba; were] that were Ar. E2. pure] true S. were pure] pure were M. in Lj. a^d Ro. 3628 is much altered: Which that his hert most wold deme Which in Affect he demyd shulde seme Ro. 3630. and] in Du. 3632.

Some say ' Fight ' ;

some,

' Keep your promise to your brother.'

II The word of j?e qwene looasta to £thiodes. Jocasta fakes Eteocles aside,

3628

3632

3636

3640

3644

3648

Di. L2.

ther Ar. her Bof>- M. Adj. 3633—4209 gap in T2. 3633. Wher] Whedre Bo. Lj. Lb. M. Di' Ra- Ba. S. P. was Ar. Bo. Ta. Du. Lr were Lb. and the rest. bet] better Lx. Lb. l?*a- S. P. E2. Ro. 3635. And] om. Ra. ful] om. Bo. Adi. Ad2. I. 3637. anv^ na' ben] an^ no)>iDg be Lx. and nat to be Ra. nat to be Ad2. I. C. nat be Ad,v 3638- tryel trete Ro- ^ Ar- c- ^- Lz- a G- Lb- Ba. P. his Bo. and the reset; 3639. wer Ar. were Bo. M. Adj. 3640. vnto] to M. Di. 3641. spare Bo^ ^- ^i- 8Par -^r- t^ie^r -^r- ^°- ^i- ^er ^- 3642. couenaunt] couenantes M. tPi- forto] to M. Di. Adj. Ra. S. E2. 3643. to] om. C. parforn Ar. Bo. T .' \) parfourne Du. parforme G. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. C. parfourme I. Ra. Ba. L .' RoXo performe Lr S. P. perfourme Ej. E2. heest M. Adj. heste Bo. 3644. AW1^ ^° esc^ewe in all wise to be forsworn Ra. Ba. 3645. to make hym] make hv. m *° ^2- 8Pe(ie] fare Lb. P. And if he purpos trewlie to spede Ba. Ra*. 3\6<!46- *^e dede] your dede Ra. Ba. noo dede Ej. in P. 3646 reads : Tolde hym fiiL, 1 pleynety (so as tney dare). 3648. queen Ar.

Bo. quene M. Ad, out i \C\P\ 1 vnside Ra. C. E2. L,. Ro. 0in.lBo. and Ihi '

3650'

on side Ba.

3649. ful Ar. G.

PT. in.] Queen Jocasta advises her son Eteodcs to do Right. 151

And seide hym ek / al-thoh" he were strong1,

To his brother / how he dide* wrong1, 3652

"As al the toune / wil record!, in dede,

And here * witnesse / 31! if kam to nede.

Wherfor laf vs shape another mene

In this matere / whil that1 it1 is grene, 3656

Or this quarel /, gonne of volunte,

Turne / in the fyn / to mor aduersite.

For $if if be / darreyned be bataylle,

who tresteth mosf / may ful likly faille. 3660

And if is foly / be shorf avisemenf,

To putte a strif / in martys lugemenf.

For hard if is / whan a luge is wood.

To tref aforn hyin / with-ouf loos of blood. 3664

And jif we put our mater* / hool in Marte,

which with the swerd! / his lawe's doth coarte,

Than may hif happe / wher 30 be glad or loth,

Thow and thy brother / shal repente both ; 3668

And many a-nojjer / thaf is her presenf,

Of joure trespas / thaf ben Innocenf ,

And many thousand / in cas shal compteyn

For the debaf / only of $ow tweyn, 3672

And for 3our strif / shal fynde ful vnsoote.

" And for thow arf gynnyng, ground*, and, Eoote

and reminds him of his wrong- doing.

[leaf 61, back] II How perilous it is to be go- vernyd by (short auisement in)* any querel. Jocasta tells Eteocles

that, as he's the wrong-doer,

3651. al-thoh] bough Bo. Lj. 3652. how] haue Du. dide Bo. M.

dede Adj. did Ar. 3654. omitted in Lb. P. ; in Lb. the line is left blank ; in P. 3655 follows immediately on 3653 ifi, the column, while a later hand has written with much paler ink in the' right-hand margin: Contrarye to bat was agreid. 3654. here Bo. Adj./G. ber Ar. M. 3if] whan Ad2. I. cam Bo. come M. Adj. 3656. that] om. Ra. Ba. S. it] orn. G. S657. Or] Er Tj. Ra. Ba. E,. Of S. gonne] begonp S. gynne Ra. Ba. gone P. thus gone E.2. goo Lb. o"f] to Lb. P. 3660./tristeth Bo. M. trustith Adj. most] om. Lb. P. ful] om. Lb. Ex. P. likly] Rightly Lr Lb. P. E2. 3663. a] be P. 3665. ^if] om. M. Di. put our mater/ Lb. C. P. E2. I*j. Ro. puter Ar. putte G. put it Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. ML. I. Ra. Ba. Ev S. hool] holy M. Di. Ra. Ba. in] on Ad!. Marte] Mart Ad2. I. Ra. 1^. Mars Lj (:coars) ; in the rubric, after by, the rest of the line is blank ; supplied from Du. 3666. which] that Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. the] his Lb. P. Ro. his lawes] his lawe Lx. be lawe Adr Ado. I. Ra. Ba. S. 3667. loth] wroth M. S. C. E2. L2. Ro. 3668—4060 (jap in C. 3670. Of] That of Ro. that] om. Ro. they S. ben] bethe L2. beyng S. Innocent] verry Innocent Lb. P. E.2. ful innocent Ro. 3673. shal] shul Bo. Tt. Du. Lv Ra. ye -ihall P. ful] hit P. om. Ra. Ba. 3674. gynnyng] begynnyng Ad.2. I. gynner M. Di. Ra. Ba. P. E2. begynnere Lb.

152

Jocasta urges Etcodcs to give way to Polyncicss. [PT. ill.

lie '11 have to account for all who die in the war.

Peace and war,

life and death, hang in the balance.

He's at the stake,

and must fight or treat.

[leaf 62]

Jocasta tells

Of this Iniurie / and this gref vnrighf, To the goddys / that1 herof han a sight*, Thow shalf accountys / and a reknyng make For alle tho / that1 persshyn for Jji sake. And now the cause / dryven is so ferre, Sodeyn pees / outher* hasty werre Moot1 folwe anon / ; for the fatal chaunce Of lif and deth / dependeth in balauwce. And no man may / be no craft restreyne That1 vpon on* / platly of this tweyne The soort1 mot1 falle / lik as it1 doth tourne, Who so euer lawgh / or ellys mxmrne. And thow art1 dryve / so narowe to Jje stake That1 thow rnayst1 nat1 / moo delayes make, But1 fight1 or tret1 / this quarel forto fyne ; By non engyn / thow canst / it1 not1 declyne. And hasty cas /, as folk seyn that1 be wys, Redresse / requereth by ful short avys : For trete longe / now avaylleth noght1. For to the poynt1 / sothly thou art* brouhf , Outher* to kepe thy pocessiouw Or in al haste / devoyde / out1 of this touw, wher thow therwith / be wroth or wel apayd."

" Now note wel / al that1 1 haue* sayd, And by my counsayl / wisly condescende Wrong1, wrouhf of olde / newly to amende.

3G80

3684

3688

3692

3696

3700

3676. herof] therof S. theron Ba. a] om. Adr Ad2. I. 3678. pershen M. perisshen Bo. Adj. 3680. Sodeyn] Sodeinly E2. oyther Ar. outher Ro. other L2. either Bo. Adj. or Tj. M. Lb. or ellys Lj. Di. 3681. Mote Bo. Adj. Most M. Di. S. fatal] final Adj. Ad2. I. 3682. and] or Di. in] in a Tj. Ad2. I. S. 3684. That] om. I. on] om. Ar. G. platly] playnely P. planly S. this] hem Adj. Ad2. I. you Lb. P. E2. 3686. Who so] Who that M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Who so >at Di. S. Whcs that Ej. euer] euer therof Lb. P. euer ther-at £3. om. Di. or ellys (Ar. G. Ro. )] other Bo. Tj. Lx. Ad^ Ad2. I. S. either M. Di. or Du. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ex. P. E2. 1^. 3688. nat moo] no mo L?. nat no Ad2. P. L2. Ro. not no more Di. not no mo S. 3691. And] An M. Di. 3693. For Ar. G. Lg. To (om. For) Ro. For to Bo. and the rest, long Adi. longe Bo. M. avaylleth] avayleth |>e Lb. 3695. Oyther Ar. Outher Bo. Eyther M. Adj. 3696. al] om. M. Di. 3697. wher Ar Bo. M. Adj. whether Lb. Ra. therwith] om. Ta. P. herwith Ra. Ba. wel] euelo Di. P. Ro. 3698. al] om. Ad2. ha Ar. haue Bo. M, Adr haue the Ad2. I. lio. to the have Ra. Ba.

PT. in.] Eteocles insists on remaining King of Thebes. 153

The tyme is come / it1 may be non other, wherfor in haste / trete with thi brother And ageyn hym / make no resistence, But to thy lordys / fully ^iue* credence : 33y whoos counsayl / sith they be so sage, late Polymyte / reioyse his heritage. And that1 shal turne / most to thyn avail, loo ! her is hool / the fyn of our couftsail." IT And shortly tho / for verrey Ire wroth",' Tliouh he therto / froward! was and lotfi, Accorded is /, heryng1 al the prees, 3if he algate shal trete for a* pes, It moste be / by this condiciouw That1 he wol han / the domynaciouw First1 in chief / to hym-silf reserued, As hym thouhf / he hadde wel disserued, And saue to hy?n / hool the souereynte ; And vnder hym / in Thebes )>e Cite he to graunte / with a right1 good cher, Polymytes / to regne for a $er, Than tavoyde* / and not1 resoort1 ageyn : For mor to cleyme / was nat1 but* In veyn. This wold he don / only for her sake, And other-wise / he wil non ende make with the Grekys / what* fortune euere falle.

And fynally / among1 his lordys alle Ther was not* on / of hih" nor lowgh estaf,

3704

3708

3712

3716

Eteocles

topive Poly- neices his inheritance.

Eteocles is wroth,

but agrees to treut for peace if he may

remain King, and Polyneices

3720 reign under him for a year.

[leaf 62, back]

3724 If not, he'll fight.

No Theban lord •will propose this :

3702. haste . trete Bo. with] well with Ej. 3704. ?if Ar. Jyf G. Dn. gytie Bo. yeue M. Adv 3708. hool] all Ro. hool the fyn] the fyn hoi Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. our] my Ro. 3709. verrey] om. E.J. Ire] ire and S. P. L2. Ko.

wroth] wrath P. wroght Ba. 3710. he] om. Lb. therto] herto E2. and] or Ej. 3712. he] Je Di. algat Bo. he algate shal trete] algate entrete he. shal Ad2. I. he algate trete shal G. a pes Lb. M. Di. P. E2. 1^. Ro. pes Ar. Bo. and the rest. 8713. most M. Adj. musteEj. mot Bo. Lb. L2. 3716. wel] it wel Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. EL S. E2. 3717. And saue] Po sone Lb. And sole P. to] vnto Ra. Ba. hool] holy Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. 3719. a right good] rijt a goode Di. 3721. tavoide Bo. Tx. M. Adr Ra. E2. to avoyde Du. Lj. Lb. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. S. P. avoyde Ar. G. Ej. Ro. to voide L2. 3722. nat] om. M. Di. Ad2. I. P. nat but] all but E0. In veyn] Inveyn Ar. veyn Adr S. 3723. This] Thus Bo. Du. L^ M. Di.~Adr Ra. Ba. Er S. L.,. her] his Pia. Ba. 3725. the] om. Lb. M. Di. P. E2.

1 5-4 Jocasta and her Daughters go to Adrastus & Polyneiccs. [PT. ill.

so Jocasta will.

Jocasta and her <da lighters,

Antigone and Isinene,

ride to King Adrastus,

who welcomes her.

Polyneices

kisses her and his sisters.

Jocasta

That1 wolde* gon / on this ambassyat1 3728

Out1 of the toune / nouthcr for bet1 nor wors ;

Til locasta / made sadyl her hors,

And cast1 her-silf / to gon for this trete,

To make an ende / 3 if it1 wolde be. 3732

And this was don / the morowe right1 be tyme, Vpon the houre* / whan if droli to pryme. And with hyr went1 / hyr ^onge dohtres tweyne, Antygone / and the feyr ymeyne, 3736

Of hyr meyne / ful many on aboute, At* the gate / she was conveyed oute, And of pwpos / she made first1 hir went1 On hors-bak / to kyng1 Adrastus tent1, 3740

He and his lordys / beyng1 al yffere. And they receyve hyr / with a right1 glad chere, Shewyng1 hyr / lik to hir degre,

On euery half / ful gret1 humanyte, 3744

Polymytes / rysyng1 fro his place, And humblely / his moder gan enbrace, Kyssede hyr / and than Antigone,

And ek ymeyne / excellyng1 of bewte. 3748

And for that1 they / passyngly were faire, Gref was the pres / concours, and repaire Of the ladyes forto han a sight1.

And locasta / procedeth anon ryght1 3752

3728. wolde Bo. wold Ar. M. Adj. Ra. on] vpon Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. in T^ Lj. this] his Lj. om. Ex. ambassyat Ar. M. Adj. embassiate Bo. enibassate Ba. bassate Ej. 3729. for] om. Ad^ Ad.2. I. L2. nor Ar. nc Bo. M. Adj. ne for Ba. wors] wers (: hors) Ra. Ba. Ad.,. 3731. for] on Lb. M. Di. Adi. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. P. E2. this] the Ro. 3734. "houre Bo. M. hour Ar. Ad^ 3735. yong Bo. M. Adj. 3737. on] her Ro. 3738. At the Ar. Atte Bo. Adj. At M. conveyed M. conveyde Bo. Adj. 3741. al] there M. Di. 3742. receyve] resseyvid Lj. Lb. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. a] om. Ej. S. right] full Lj. om. M. Di. Ad2. I. P. a right] right a T2. Lb. Adj. glad] om. Ra. goocle Ba. 3743. Shewyng] Sewyng Bo. Suing Ej. 3746. humblely Ar. G. humbely Llt Di. Adj. Ej. P. humbly Bo. and the rest. 3747. Antigone] Antigon Lb. 3748. ek] om. G. M. Di. Ej. thenue Lb. than P. excellyng of] excellynge in Lb. excellent of G. Ba. Ej. Eo. of excellent P. bewte] beute anon Lb. 3749. that] om. Lb.

M. Di. Adj. Ad2. passyngly were] were passyngly Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. were passyng Lj. were passandli Ra. Ba. wer so passyng S. were so excellent P (so on erasure). 3751. the] bo Bo. Tj. forto] to Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba.

PT. ill.] Ticleus rejects Eteoclcs's terms. Poly neices must le King. 155

To Adrastus / hir1 mater to pwrpose, And gan to hym / opynly disclose Theutent1 and wift of Ethiocles, And by what1 mene he desireth pes, To hym reserued /, as she gan specific, The honour hool / and the regalye, with Sceptre and Croune fro hyrn not devyded, But1 hool to hym / as he hath provided ; U And Polymyte, be this condiciouw, Vnder hym to regnen / in the toun As a Soget1, be suffrau??ce of his brother. But1 the Greke's / thouhten al another, And Specyaly worthy Tydeus, Pleynly affermyng it1 shuld nat1 be thus : For he wil haue / no condiciouws, But1 sette a-Syde / att excepcioujzs, Nothyng1 reservid / as in special, But1 hool the lordship, Eegalye, and al, Polymytes it fully to possede, In Thebes Crowned / ve?Tayly in dede, As Eightful kyng1 / putte in pocessiou?z, lich the Couenauntys and conuenciou?z Imad of olde / assuryd, and asselyd, " which shall not1 now of nwe be repelyd, But1 stable and hool / in his strengthe* stonde. And lat1 hym so platly vndyrstonde ! And first that1 he devoyde hym out1 of tou?z,

[leaf 63]

proposes Eteo- cles's terms :

3756

that he shall remain King,

3760

and Polyneices reign under him.

3764

Tifleus rejects

them.

If The answer

of Tydeus.

3768

Tideus says

Polyneices must be crownd 3772 King in Thebes,

3776

and Polyneices must leave the town.

3754. opynly] specially Lb. P. disclose Ar. G. M. Ba. Ej. S. P. L^ to disclose Bo. cnid the rest. 3755. Ar. has a pause-bar after Thentent. 3757. reseruyd Bo. M. Adj. reserue E2. she] he L2. gan] can Du. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ea. Ej. 3758. The honour M. thonour Bo. Adj. hool] holde Du. 3759. with Sceptre] That Septor P. 3760. hool] holy M. Di. holde Du. 3763. suffraunce] soveraunce Ba. 3768. in Ar. after all, is ce, underdottcd. 3769. special] especiall Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 3771. in Ar. it is added above the line with the iisual mark. 3773. As] And T:. La. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. E.2. Rightful] rihtfulli Ra. putte] putte hym Tj. 3775. luiad] Maad Tv asselyd] enseled Adj. Ad2. I. E2. I-selid Ra. Ba. S. Ro. essealed Ej. 3776. newe Bo. new M. AdT. "3777." strengthe M. Adj. strength Ar. Bo. trouth Ba. 3778. so platly] platly soo Lb. P. E2. so pleynly Bo. S. 3779. first that he] hastli Ra. hastelie Ba. hym] om. Lv P. Ro. toun Ar. G. Bo. Lb. Adj. E.2. L,. the toun TV and the rest of the MSS.

150 The Greeks insist on Eteoclcs resigning to Pulyncices. [PT. ill.

And delyuere the Sceptre / and the Croun 3780

To his brother / and mak1 therof no more.

And shortly ellys If shal be bouht1 ful sore

Or this mater brought be to an ende.

For Grek is non / that* shal hennys wende 3784

Or that* our right1 / which is vs denyed,

with lif or deth / darreyned be and tryed :

we wil not1 arst fro this towne remewe.

" And jif hym lyst / al this thyng1 eschwe 3788

And al meschief / styntyn and appese, To either part1 / he may do gref ese : Thus I mene / for his aucmntage,

Delyuer vp hool / the trewe herytage 3792

To his brother / for a jeer tendure. And Grekys shal fully hym assure, By what1 bonde that1 hy??i list1 devise, The jeer complef /, in our beste wise 3796

To hym delyuer / ageyn pocessiouw with-oute strif / or contradicciouw. And to this fyn / lustly hold* vs to.

" And 3if it1 falle / that1 he wil nat so, 3800

Lat1 hym not1 wayte / but1 only after werre. The hour is come / we wil it1 not1 differre. 1T lo ! her is al / and thus 30 may reporte To hym ageyn / whan that je resorte ; 3804

Fro which apoynt1 / we cast1 vs not1 to varye."

3780. delyuere] deliuere vp Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 3782. shortly ellys] cllis shortly M. Di. 3784. Grek is non Ar. G. Ro. Grek is j?er noon Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. P. C-rekis is £er non Lj. Ea. Grckes be ther none E2. Grekys non ther L2. Grek is here noon Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. that] om. L2. shal] shull E2. hennes Bo. he.ns M. Ad^ 3785. which] that P. E.,. vs] so Adj. Ad3. I. om. Du. denyed] deveyd Ba (: treid). 3787. wil not Ar. ne wol Bo. M. Adv erst Bo. M. Adj. 3788. this thyng eschwe Ar. G. Lb. P. E2. I*,. Ro. this to eschue Bo. and tlie rest. 3790. part M. Adj. parte Bo. 3791. mene M. Adj. meen Bo. 3792. true Bo. trew M. Adj. 3793. ajeer Ar. to endure Bo. M. Ad^ 3794. shal] shul Lb. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. P. om. Lj. 3796. best Bo. M. Adj. 3797. pocessioun] in possessioun Ra. Ba. 3799. holdc

Bo. M. hold Adj. hald Ar. 3802. it] om. M. Di. wil] shal Ba. 3805. Fro] For G. Di. Ba. apoynt Ar. TV Lb. M. Di. Ej. Ro. a poynt Bo (with a middle point after a). Du. Ra. o point Adj (with the usual point on each side of o, to mark the numeral). oon poynt Ba. on poynt S. poynt Lz. Ad2. I. P. Lg. appointment E.,. (sec Notes). Ar. his a pause-bar also after which.

[leaf 63, back]

No Greek will depart till this is done.

If Eteocles

will give up Thebes for a year,

the Greeks will guarantee him

possession of it again.

If not, he must light

FT. III.] Jocasta tries to appease the Greeks. A Tiger appears. 157

And }it to hym / Amphiorax contrarye Ful pleynly saide, in conclusion??, This fyn shal cause a destruccioun Of hem echon / 3 if it forth procede To be parfcmrmed / and execute in dede. But1 thilke tyme for al his elloquence He had in soth / but4 lytyl audience. For wherso euer / he ment1 / good or ille, kyng1 Adrastus / bad hym to be stille. ^1 And tho locasta / as wisdom did hyr tech", humble of her port1 / with ful softe spech", Gan seke menys / in hyr fantasye }if she myght1 the Ire modefye Of the Grekes / to make hem to enclyne In eny wise / hyr rancour forto fyne. She dyd hyr dever / and hir bysy cure.

But1 tho byfel a Avonder aventure, Cause and ground / of gref confusiouw, Grekys perturbyng1 / and also ek the toiuz, And it* to telle / may me not asterte. For Avhich a whil / my styett I mot1 dyuerte, And shortly telle' /, by descripciouw, Of a Tigre dwellyng in the tourc, which fro a kyngdam / besyden adiacent1, Out1 of Egipte / was to Thebes sent1 : the* whiche* beestt by record* of scripture

Amphiorax

says war '11 be death to every

3808 one;

3812

3816

3820

3824

3828

but few listen to him.

Jocasta tries

to modify the Greeks' anger.

But a wonderful event happens.

sent from Egypt to Thebes.

For] om.

M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. Er S."

(: stylo). 3815. did hyr] om. Ra.

3806. Amphiorax] Amphorax Bo. 3807. Ar. lias a pause-bar after pleynly. 3808. cause Bo. M. Ad1. Ar. has a pause-bar between fyn and shal. 3810. parfourmed Bo. parformed Adj. 3811. thilke Bo. Adj. thilk M. 3813. wherso] whej>er_so LJ. Lb. E2. what so M. he] it Bo. Tj. Dn. Lj. ment] mene Adj. Ad2. I, or ille] evele Ro can her Ba. 3816. her] om. Adj. Ad2. I.

softo Bo. soft M. Adj." " 3821. deuoir Bo. M. devour Adj. 3824. par- tnrbyng Bo. Adj. perturbling M. pertourbing E2. also Ar. G. S. 1^. Ro. om. Bo. and the rest. 3825. it] yit Ad2. I. to] om. Ej. may] it may Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. Ro. I may E2. L2. me] om. Ad2. I. E2. L2. may me not] may not me M. Di. Adj. Ba. Ej. S." may not he Ra. 3826. while Bo. M. Adj. stile Bo. M. Adj. 3829. besyden Ar. Bo. Tj. Adj. Ad2. I. E:. S. Ro. besidyn L2. besident E2. by syen G. beside Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. besides Lb. P. 3831. whiche Bo. M. which Ar. Adj. (see Notes).

158

The wondrous tame Tiger of Thebes. [PT. in.

The tiger is savage,

•with a lion's

body,

a greyhound's

head,

red eyes,

and spotted skin.

[leaf 64, back]

This tiger at Thebes was tame,

never did any damage,

and used to amuse Eteocles.

Is most1 swiff / as of his nature, 3832

And of kyndf also most1 sauage,

And most1 cruel / whan he is in his rage,

And, as Clerkys make mencioure,

He of body / resembleth the lyoura, 3836

And lik a greyhoundl / the mosel and the hed,

And of Eyen / as eny fyret1 red,

Ek of his Skyn /, wryten as I fynde,

lich" a parcter / conue?'sanf in ynde, 3840

with al maner hwys and colours ;

And is ful oft1 / disceyued with merours

By fraude of huntys / and fals apparence

Shewyd in glas / with-outen existence, 3844

whan his kyndles / arn be sleight* ytake*,

And he deceyued / may no rescus make.

And lik a lombe / was this Tygre tame, Ageynys kynde /, rnyn autour writ1 the same. 3848

H And this beest1, mervaillous to se, was sent1 to * ymeyne and antigone : which" vnto hem / dide* gret1 confort1, And Cowde playe / and make good* disport1, 3852

lik a whelp / that is but1 3ong1 of age ; And to no wight dide* no damage, No mor in soth / fan doth a litil hound ; And it1 was worth many hundred pound 3856

Vnto the kyng1 /, for ay in his greuazmce

3832. of] »;o Ba. his] hie oune Adv Ad2. I. 3833. of] of his M. Di. Ej. also] om. M. Di. 3836. the Ar. Lb. P. E2. l^. Ro. a M. Di. to a Bo. and the rest. 3837. greyhounde Bo. grehond M. grehound Adx. mosel M. Adj. rausel Bo. mozoll P. 3838. of] the M. Di. eien M. Adj. yen Bo. as eny] lyke A Ro. fyret Ar. G. feret Ikj. ferete Ro. fyre Bo. and all the rest (see Notes). 3841. hewes Bo. Adr hues M. 3845. arn Ar. Ej. L2. aron Lb. ar Bo. and the rest, sleight Bo. M. Adj. sleightes E2. take] y-take Bo. Du. La. Adj. Ad^ I. Ej. S. 3846. deceyued] destreined E^ rescus Ar. Bo. M. Adj.

reskewe Ad2. I. no rescus] no recours Lb. uat receute Ba. 3848. ayeris

Bo. Adj. 3850. to] om. Ar. G. (Lb.) P. L2. Ro. and] vnto Lb. 3851. did Ar. Bo. M. dede Adr 3852. good Lb. M. Di. P. E2. gret Ar. Bo. and the rest (cf. 3851). 3854. did Ar. Bo. dide M. dede Adj. 3856. was] om. Du. many] many an Du. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ad2. I. S. E2. L,. many a L]. Ej. hondred M. hundreth Bo. hondert Adj. 3857. in Ar. before for, an crossed through.

PT. ill.] This Tiger, the Greeks kill. Thebans try to avenge it. 159

Ther was no ping1 / did hym mor plesaunce,

That* for no tresour / it myght1 not be bought1.

For whan that1 he was pensif or in thought1, 3860

If putt hym out of his hevynesse.

And thilke* tyme /, the story doth expresse, That1 locasta treted* for a pes, This tame Tygre / in party rekkeles, 3864 NOW it runs out

of the gates.

Out1 at1 the gates / in sight of many a man,

Into the felde / wildely* out ran,

And Casuelly rennyng to and fro,

In and oute, as doth a tame Eoo ; 3868

Grekys weny/zg1 that1 wer aong1 of age, The Greeks,

thinking it wild,

That1 this Tygre / hadde be sauage, And Cruelly besettyng al the place Kound! aboute / gan hym to enchace 3872 hunt it

and kill it.

Til he was ded / and slay en* in the feld. [leaf GOJ

The slauhter of whom whan Jjat1 they byheld,

The proude Thebans / which on the wallys stood,

They ronne doune ful furious and wood, 3876 The Thebans

wenyng he had / be slayen* of despitf.

Takyng1 her hors / with-oute mor respit1,

Fully in pwrpos / with Grekys forto fighte,

The Tigres deth / tavengen $if they myghte. 3880

And out1 they rood / with-oute gouernaylle, sally out

And ful proudly / Grekes gan assaylle,

And of hatred / and ful hegh desdayne

3858. did] }>at did Lb. Ra. Ba. P. E.2. 1^. Ro. 3859. it] he Bo. myght] may Ra. Ba. not] om. Ra. Ba. be] ha be M. Di. 3860. whan that] om. Ra. that] om. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. 3861. putt] putted Ad^ 3862. thilke Bo. Ad:. thilk Ar. M. 3863. tretid Bo. M. Adj. treded Ar. 3864. rekles Bo. M. Adj. 3865. Out at] Out of Bo. Tx. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. Ro. gates] gate M. Di. 3866. wildely Bo. M. Adj. wildly Ar. 3867. rennyng Bo. Adj. ryniiyng Du. ronnyng S. 3870. had Bo. M. Adj. 3873. slayen] slayn Ar. Bo. and all. ded and slayen] slayn and ded M. Di. 3874. slauhter] deth E\. ]>at] om. M. Di. Ra. Ba. 3875. which] that M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. Ro. 3876. ronne] rann Ba. Kj. renne Ad2. I. ronne doune] began to wexe P. ful] om. Bo. Lb. P. 3877. had] om. E.2. slayen] slayn Ar. Bo. and all. of] in Lb. Ar. has a second pause-bar after be. 3879. in purpos] purposed Lb. P. 1S^. Grekys] the grekes M. Di. S. forto] to M. Di. Ba. S. 3880. tavengen M.

Adj. to avengen Du. to vengen Bo. 3882. Grekes] the Grekes Ro. gau] gon M. Di. E.2. om. Lj. assayle] thei saile Ra,

160 Many men are slain. The Thcbans are driven back. [PT. in.

and slay the

Greeks who kild the tiger.

With them are Bteocles

and King Tremor.

Many on both sides are slain.

[leaf 65, back]

IT The manhod of Tydeus.

Tideus drives the Thebans back to their city.

Fyl vpon hem / that1 han the tygre slayne, 3884

And cruelly qwitten hem her mede,

That1 many Greke / in the grene mede,

By the force / and the grete myght1

Of her Foomen, lay slayen* in )>is fight1. 3888

The Tigres deth / so dere they aboughto,

So mortally the* Thebans* on hem wroughte

That1 al the host1, in the feld liggyng1,

was astounyd / of this sodeyn thyng1. 3892

And in this whil, of Eancour rekkeles, Out1 of Thebes rood Ethiocles, And with hym ek / the worthy kyng1 Tremour, Of his hond a noble werreour, 3896

That1 made Grekes to forsak her place, And to her tentys / gan hem to enchace. And myd the feld / as J?ei to-gyder mette On hors-bak / with speres sharpe* whette 3900

Of verray hate / and of* envious pryde, Ful many on was ded on outher syde. 1T The whiche* thyng1 / whan Tideus espieth*, wood as lyoura / to hors-bak he hieth", 3904

As he that1 was neuer a del afferd! ; But ran on hem / and met1 hem in the beret, And Maugre hem / in his cruelte,

he made hem fleen / horn to her Cite, 3908

hem pwrsuyng1 / of ful cledly hate,

3885. quitten Bo. Adt. quyt M. quyten I. Ad2. gan quiten Ra. 3886. many Bo. M. many a Adr 3887. grete Bo. Ad,, grot M. 3888. slayen] slayn A. and all, except dede Ro. bis Ar. G. Lb. P. E2. 1^. Ro. om. Lj. the Bo. and the rest. 3890. the Thebans] Thebanys Ar. Thebans Lb. P. E2. L2. Ro. 3891. Ar. has alle, with le underdotted. 3892. a-stonyed Bo. a-stoned M. Adj. 3893. whil] wise E2. rekles Bo. M. Adj. rechelese Lb. 3895. ek] om. Lb. Ej. P. with hym ek] eke with hym Lx. kyng] om. Lj. Tremour] Treuour or Trenour Bo. 3896. honde in Ar., with e underdotted. hondis Lb. 3897. That made] To make Di. made] make Bo. 3898. to enchace] enchace Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Adr Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. 3900. sharpe Bo. sharp Ar. M. Adp sharpely E2 whette] y whette P (but y wli written by later hand, on erasure}. 3901. and of] and Ar. Bo. ami all. 3902. Ful] om. Ad,. A<12. I. 3903. whiche Bo. M. which Ar. Adj. espieth] espeth Ar. 3904. lyoun] a leon Lj. Lb. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. P. E2. L2. to] on Ro. he] om. Bo. Tj. Lr M. Di. Adj. Adg. I. Ba. Ej. S. hieth] hyede Ro.

PT. III.] Polyneiccs recalls the Greeks, 'but the War has begun. 1G1

That1 many on / lay slaycn* at the gate,

Gapyng1 vprightys / with her woundys wyde ;

That1 vttrely / they durste not* abyde 3912

To-for the swerd? of this Tydeus.

he was on hem so passing1 furius,

So many theban / he roof vnto the herte

That1 whan locasta / the slauhtre gan adueHe, ' 3916 Jocasta begs

Polyneices

H Polymytes / she gan prey ful fayre *° re^u the

To make Grekis / horn ageyn repayre,

And that1 they wolden styntyn to assaylle

For thilke* day / and cessen her bataylle. 3920

At1 whoos requests / pleynly and preyere,

And at1 Reuerence / of his moder dere,

Polymytes, her herte to conforte, He does so.

Grekes made / horn ageyn resorte 3924

And Tydeus to stynten of his chas.

And they of Thebes hasting1 a gref pas, Ful trist1 and hevy / ben entred into tour*.

And for the Tygre, in conclusions, 3928 This tiger-busi-

ness begins the As 36 han herd / first1 began this stryff, war.

That1 many theban / that1 day lost1 his lyff

And recuiiees / hath jolden vp the bretR,

In thavengyng1 / of the tygres doth. 3932

And al this while / duely as she ought1, [leaf 66]

fe queue locasta / humblely besought1

3910. slaien Adj. slayn Ar. and all the rest, at the Ar. atte Bo. Adj. at M. 3911. vprightys Ar. G. Bo. Tv Du. M. Di. Adj. I. Ej. Ro. vpright Lj. and the rest. 3913. To-for] Ther for Ej. S. this] om. Lb. Ad2. I. worthy P. 3915. many M. Adx. many a Bo. theban] Thebans Lb. Ra. P. E2. roof] rood Adg. I. vnto] to G. Lb. M. Di. Ej. P. E2. 3917. she gan prey] she preie gan P. E2. L2. Ro. to pray she gan Lb. ful] right Adx. Ad2. I. 3919. wolde G. Bo. Adj. wil M. wolden styntyn] stynten wolde Ad2. I. 3920. bilke Bo. Adj. thilk Ar. M. that S. P. day] tyme Lb. P. E2. cessen M. Adj. cesen Bo. ceassen E2. cheson Lb. P. her] of M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 3921. preyeiro Ar. 3922. at Ar. M. atte Bo. Adj. at be Lb. Di. P. 3924. horn] hem G. Bo. Du. I. he Ad2. made horn] made he horn Lb. P. resorte] to resorte G. M. Ad2. I. 3925. to] om. Ad^ Ad2. Ra. Ba. S. stynten] styntith Ad2. styntyng I. 3926. hasting] enhasting M. Di. 3927. into toun Ar. G. L2. Ro. be toun Adj. Ad2. I. vnto the toun S. in-to >e toun Bo. and the rest. 3929. herd] herd me Adj. Ad2. I. began] gan Adx. Ad2. I. this] the Tj. Lx. Lb. Ra. Ba. P. E2. 3930. That] But E2. 3931. recurlees] reklesli Ra. Ba. S. golden] yeuen E2. 3932. In] Of E2. thavengyng] the avengyng Lj. Lb. Ad2. I. Ba. S. P. L2. Ro. 3934. humblely Ar. hmnbely LI- M. Di. Adlt P. humbly Bo. aiid the rest. THEBES. M

162

Jocasta returns to Thebes.

[PT. in.

to make peace ;

but he will

do it only on Tideus's terms.

Jocasta goes back to Thebes.

King Protho- nolope rides with Ismene,

and in his heart pledges his troth to her.

Kyng1 Adrastus / only of his grace,

Some raene way / wisly to purchace 393G

To make a pees / atwene the bretheren tweyii,

And the trete / so prudently ordeyne,

On eifer party / that1 no blood be shad.

And this Adrastus / avise and ri^t* sad, 3940

For Grekis party / answer gaf anon

That1 other ende / shortly gete* she non,

licfi as the lordis / fully ben avisyd,

Than Tydeus hath aforn devisyd. 3944

1F And whan she saugh if may non oj>er be,

She lieve tok / and horn to the Cyte

She is repeired /, hauyng1 to hyr Guyde

Polymytes Rydyng1 be her syde. 3948

And Tideus ladde Antigone,

And of Archadye / prothonolope,

The worthy kyng1, did his bysy peyne

To ben attendauwf / vpon fair ymeyne, 3952

Whos hert1 she hath / to her servise luryd :

And he ageyn hath purtraied and fyguryd

Myd of his bresf /, which lightly may not passe,

Hooly the feturis / of her fresshly face. 3956

Hym thouht1 she was so faire a creature ;

And though that1 he durst1 hym not1 discure,

3 it in his hert / as ferforth as he kan,

He hath avowed / to ben) her trwe man, 3960

vnwist to hir / pleynly and vnknowe

3935 to 4116 lost in I. 3936. wisly Ar. M. Ad^ wisely Bo. Ra. onely Ad2. 3938. trete] tretye Du. tretise L,. so] om. Adr Ad2. 3939. in Ar. between On and eiber, is an underdotted A. 3940. this] thus Ra. P. E2. avise Ar. G. Avised Lb. P. E2. Ro. fullwyse L2. wise Bo. and the rest (wis Adj. Ra.). 3941. anon] he none Du. 3942. gete Bo. Tv Du. Lj. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. Ej. L,,. getys Ar. G. gate Lb. Ra. Ba. S. P. E2. Ro. 3943. fully] om. Adj. Ad2. 3944 is omitted in Ba. 3944. Than Ar. G. Du. Di. Adj. Ad2. L2. Ro. As Lb. P. bat Bo. and the rest, hath aforn] aforne hath G. Ro. 3953. to] in P. servise] hert S. 3955. which Ar. G. Lb. P. E^ L2. Ro. bat Bo. and the rest, lightly may] likly many G. 3956. of her] and the P. her] his La. fresshly] fressh La. Lb. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. S. P. 3958. durst hym not Ar. G. Lb. Ra. Ej. L2. Ro. dorst not him Bo. and the rest, exccjrt P. ; in P. 3958 is erased, and on the erasure a later hand has written with paler ink : So plesaunt and so comely of fayture. 3959. Jit] And yit Ad2. That P. 3960. trewe Bo. trew M. Adj.

PT. III.] Tideus will not risk an entry into Thebes.

163

3964

[leaf 66, back]

Jocasta and her daughters enter Thebes.

The Greeks take leave.

How he was marked with Cupides bowe, with his Arwe / sodeynly werreyed. And to the jate / the ladyes conueyed Ben entred In / for if drow* to eve, Grekys of hem taking1 tho her leve ; Thogh some of hem wer sory to departe, $if of wisdam / they durste not1 iuparte Vnder a conduit1 / to entren into toun, lest1 it turned to her confusion.

Thoufi some bookes / the contrarye seyn : But1 myn Autour / is platly ther-ageyn, And affermeth / in his opynyoun, That Tydeus / of hegh discreciouw, Of wilfulnesse / nor of no folye, Ne wold as tho put in lupartie Nowther hym-silf / nor non of his ferys.

And the ladyes / with her heuenly cherys, Angelik / of look / and contenance, Lich" as it1 is / put1 in remembrance, At1 her entryng1 from Grekys into tou/?, Polymytes / of gret1 affecciou??, The quen bysouhte / thilke* nyght not1 fyne For tasseye jif she myght1 enclyne Ethiocles, of conscience and ryghf,

3965. Ben] And bethe P. drowe Bo. droweth Ar. drow M. 1^. drough Adr G. drewe Ej. E2. it] to Ro. drow to eve] drewe night to eve Lb. drew nye Eve P. drewe to night Ro. 3966. taking tho] tho takyng Ra. P. tho taken Ba. taken han Lv taking tho her leve] ther leve toke right Ro. 3969. conduit Ar. G. Bo. M. condit Adj. conduct Lj. entren Bo. M. entre Lb. entere Ro. entyr Lg. into toun Ar. G. Ro. in the totin Lg. vnto the toun S. in-to be toun Bo. and the rest. 3970. turned] turne Ra. Ba. to] vnto M. Di. 3972. platly] pleynly Lb. S. P. playne Lj. E2. 3973 and 3974 omitted in Du. 3975 and 3976 transposed in Du. 3975. wilfulnesse] wofullnes Lr nor of no] or of no Ra. Ba. neither of M. Di. nere off P. nor of high Ro. more of G. 3976. as tho] as then S. 3977. nor] ner Bo. Du. ne M. Adj. 3978. the] tho Bo. her] om. Ad2. Ex. heuenly] hevy S. 3981. Grekys] be Grekes Du. Lb. P. into toun Ar. G. L%. Ro. into be toun Bo. Tx. Du. LT. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. Er P. Eg. vnto be town S. 3982 in Adj. and Ad2. begins with fro Grekes,

which is left out of 3981. 3982. Polymytes] Pollimite besoujte Di. 3983. bysouhte] besought bat E^ om. Di. bilke Bo. Adx. this Ar. that M. Di. S. om. P. nyght] om. Lb. P. not fyne] ne fyne M. not to fyne S. not for to fyne P. bat she ne fyne Di. nat feine Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. 3984. tasseye Ar. to assay Bo. Ej. to assaie M. Ad^ tassaiu E.>

3968

3972 My author is clear,

that Tideus

3976 would not risk lives by entering Thebes.

3980

Polyneices begs Jocasta

3984 to try and make Bteocles keep his word.

164 Jocasta in vain urges Eteodes to keep Faith. [PT. in.

The Greeks go back to their tents.

[leaf 67]

Jocasta tells Eteocles that

they despise his offer,

and hold to his old agreement.

She advises him to keep it.

But he is

resolvd not to.

To kepc couenaimf / as he hath behighf

Ful 3010 agon / with the surplusage,

List1 the contrarie* / tourne to damage, 3988

First1 of hym-silf / and many an ofer mo.

And thus fro Thebes / grekys ben ago To her Tentys / and rest1 hem al that nyghf. And Lucyna / the mone,shon ful bright1 3992

with-Inne Thebes / on the chief dongourc, whan locasta made relaciouw Vnto the kyng1 / and told1 hyw al the Guyse, How that1 Grekys vttrely despyse 3996

his profre made be fals collusiouw ; Only excepte / the conuenciouw, Of old engrocyd by gref p?wvyance,

which is enrollyd / and put1 in remembrance, 4000

Vpon which they fynaly wil reste : hym cou?zsaillinge /, hir thouhte for the beste, To conforme hym / to that1 he was bounde, lysfr in the fyn / falsnesse hym confounde. 4004

But1 al hir couwsayl / he set1 it at no prys, he dempt1 hym-silf / so prudent1 and so wys ; For he was wilful / and he was indurat1, And in his hert / of malyce obstynaf , 4008

And outtrely / avise'd in his Jjouht1, with-Inne Thebes / his brother get right1 nouhf.

3988. List Ar. G. lest Bo. M. Adx. Ra. contrarie G. Bo. Tv Du. L,. Lb. M. Adr Ad2. Ra. Ej. S. P. L2.'Ro. contrayre Ar. E2. tonrne] come E2. 3989 to 4340 gap in Ro. 3989. of] on Bo. Du. Lv Ad,. Ad2. Ej. and] and sith of M. Di. and syth on E:. an] om. Ba. Ex. mo] Man P (:agoo). many an o)>er mo] many mo M. Di. 3990. thus] om. Lj. grekys Ar. Lj. L%. be grekes Bo. and the rest, ben ago] be go Adj. Ad2. gan goo Ba. 3991. rest] om. Ra. that] be Lj. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. 3996. Grekys] be Grekes Du. Ej. 3997. his] A Lj. collusioun] conclusion Lj. 3999. engroced Bo. engrosed M. Adj. 4001. they fynaly wil Ar. Lb. P. E2. L.J. fynaly bei wil Bo. and the rest (wold Ad2. ), except bei will fynally G. 4002. counsaillinge Ar. M. counceilling Adj. conselyng Bo. bought Bo. M. boujte Adj. 4003. conforme] confourme Tj. conferme Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. confyrme S. hym] om. Ba. 4004. lyst Ar. lest Bo. M. Adj. the] om. Du. 4005. it] Ar. G. Tj. Lb. Ra. E2. 1^. om. Bo. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ba. Ex. S. P. at no prys] att nouht Ra. Ba. 4006. and so wys] in thouht Ra. Ba. 4007. and he was] and Lb. Adj. Ad.,. Ra. Ba. S. P. 4008. Ant Ar. 4009. vtterly Bo. M. Ad,. 4010. with-iii Bo. M. Adj.

The Greeks take the Field. Amphiorax sinks down to Hell. 165

And in his Errour / Jras I lete* him* dwelle.

And of Grekis / forth I wil 3011 telle, which al that1 nyght1 kepte hem-silue cloos. And on the morow / whan Tytan vp aroos, They arinyd hem / and gan hem redy make, And of assent* / han the felde I-take, With the Thebans / that1 day, out1 of doute, Forto fighten / jif they yssen oute. IT And Adrastus / in ful thrifty wise, In the feld? / his wardys / gan devise, As he that1 was / of aH deceytes war. And richely I-armyd* / in his char Amphiorax cam with his meyne, Ful renomyd of antiquite, And wel expert1 / be-cause he was old. And whil that1 Grekys, as I haue jou told, wer bysiest1 her wardys to ordeyne, Myd of the feld / bifyl a cas sodeyne, Ful vnhappy / lothsom, and odyble ; For liche a thing1 / fat1 wer invisible, This olde* bisshop / with char and hors certeyn Disaperyd / and no mor was seyne. Only of fate / which no man can repelle, jje erth" opnede / and he fille doun* to helle, with aH his folk / fat1 vpon hym abood. And sodeynly / the grounde on which he stood Closyd ageyn / and to-gydre shette,

Next morning

the Greeks take the fleld.

4012

4016

4020

Amphiorax comes out in 4024 [leaf 67, back] his chariot,

4028

^ How Amphio- rax fll doune into helL

4032 but the earth opens ;

he falls into Hell;

4036 and the earth closes.

4011. his] hir Bo. lete Bo. M. Adlt lote Ar. late Du. him] hem Ar. 4012. Grekis] >e Grekes Du. E^ I] om. Bo. }ou] om. Ra. Ba. 4013. kepte M. kept Bo. Adj. hem-silue Ar. hem-self Bo. M. Adx. 4014. Tytan] tiban Lb. bey Lx. vp aroos] vp he rose Bo. vp ros Lx. Ba. Lg. 4016. of] of oon L0. of assent han] han of assent Ra. Ba. I-take Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Lj. Lb. Di. Adj. Ad,j. Ba. Ej. S. P. £3. L2. take Du. M. Ra. 4018. yssen Ar. Bo. M. Adj. issue Ba. Ex. E2. 4022. And] Full Ba. I-armyd] armyd Ar. Bo. and all the other MSS. in his] him in Bo. char] chaire E2. cheare S. 4024. Ful] Full richelie Ba. renomyd Ar. Bo. renomed M. Adj. renoumed E0. of] of old Ra. Ba. 4026. Grekys] be Grekes Du. 4028. bifyl Ar. befel Bo. M. ther fel Adj. Ad.2. fill Ra. Ba. 4031. olde Bo. Adj. old Ar. M. 4034. opnede Ar. opned M. Adjt openyd Bo. openeth Ej. fille] went P. L2. doun] om. Ar. G. L,. 4036. on which he stood Ar. L2. that they on stode Lb. P. that he on rode E.2. bat he on stode Bo. and the rest (vpon Lv Ad2).

166 AmpMorax is sent to Hell for his false Idolatry. [PT. in.

The Devil paid him his wages,

for his idolatry, [leaf 68]

necromancy and astronomy.

Amphiorax's sinking into Hell

j>at* neuer after Grekis with hym mette.

And thus the devel / for his old outrages,

lich" his decerfr, paied hym his wages. 4040

For he ful lowe / is discendid dou?i

Into the dirk and blake* Regyoura

wher that1 Pluto* / is crown yd and ystallyd

with his quene / proserpina I-callyd. 4044

with whom this bisshop / ha]) made his* mansiouw

Perpetually / as for his guerdouw.

H lo here the mede / of ydolatrie,

Of Rytys old / and of* fals mawmetrye. 4048

lo 5 what auayllen Incantaciourcs

Of exorsismes / and coniurisourcs ;

what1 stood hym stede his Nigromancye,

Calculaciouw / or astronomy e ; 4052

what1 vaylled hym / the heuenly manciouns,

Diuerse aspectis / or constellaciourcs ?

The ende / is natt / hot1 sorowe and meschaunce,

Of hem J>at setten / her outre affiaunce 4056

In swiche* werke's supersticious,

Or trist1 on hem / : he is vngracious. Record! I take, shortly forto telle,

Of this bysshop / sonken dourc to helle, 4060

whos wooful ende / about1 in eue?-y cost1

Swich a Kumowr / hath maked in the host*

4038. Grekis] J>e Grekes Da. 4040. paied Ar. Bo. Lb. paid Adj. quyt M. Di. 4042. dirk Ar. derke Bo. M. Adj. blake Bo. blak Ar. M. Adj. 4043. wher] whor Ar. wher that] Where as TJ. Di. Pluto Tj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. P. Plyto Ar. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. £3. Plito G. Lj. Plato Bo. Du. Kj. ystallyd] stalled Tj. Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. 4045. his] is Ar. Adj. 4048. and of] and Ar. Lb. P. E2. Lg. of Ad2. mawmetrye] mawmatrie Bo. mawmentrie Ra. Ba. 4050. and] and of Bo. Tj. L:. M. Di. S. coniurisouns] coniuracions S. congurasons L2. 4051. stood hym stede Ar. G. Bo. Tj. M. Di. Ra. Ej. S. 1^. stode in stede Lb. Adj. Ad2. P. E2. stode hym in stede Du. Lx. Ba. Nigromancye] nygramancye Bo. Ba. Ej. nigrimansies Lb. 4053. vailed Bo. M. availed Adj. 4054. or] or the Ra. Ba. and Tj. of Di. 4055. not Bo. nat Du. noght Adj. 4056. outtre G. vttre Bo. vtter M. Adj. affiaunce] assurance S. 4057. suche Bo. M. swich Ar. such Adj. which G. 4058. trist Ar. Bo. M. trust Du. Adj. treste Lb. on] of Ij^ 4061. about] don Lb. doun C. done P (altered to down by later fiand, but done perfectly legible under it). 4062. hath maked] maked hath M. Di. hath maad Tx. Lb. Ba. Ej. S. C. £3.

PT. Hi.] The Greeks all fear that they may go to Hell too. 167

That1 the noys / of this vnkouth thyng1

Is yronne / and come to the kyng1, 4064

how this vengeau?ice / is vnwarly falle.

And he anon / made a trumpet calle

Alle his puple / out1 of the felcJ ageyn ;

And euerychon / assembled on a pleyn 4068

To-fore the kyng1 / and also rounde abouto.

Euery man / of his lyf in doute, makes ail the

. . . Greeks fear for

Ful pitously / gan to irowne ana loure, their own lives.

list1 that* the grounde hem alle wil deuouro 4072

And Swalowen hem / in his dirke* kave ;

And they ne can / no recur hem to save.

For nouther force / nor manhode may availle

In swiche meschief / the valewe of a maylle. 4076

For he that1 was wisest1 / and koude most1 As their wisest

To serche and seke / thorgh-out1 al the host1,

Amphiorax / whan that1 he lest1 wende,

To helle is sonken / and coude hym not1 diffende, 4080 ftag gone to Hell

/m , . , , ? • ^\ so suddenly,

(To hym the tyme vnknowen and vnwisf )

In whom whilom was al J>e Grekis tristf,

her hoole * conf ort1 / and her affiaunce. [ieaf es, back

But aH attonys / for this sodeyn chauwce 4084

And this meschief / they gan hem to dispeire, despair,618

4063. vncouth Bo. Adlt vncouthe M. 4064. Is] hath Ba. yronne] ronne Tx. C. yronne and] om. S. come] ycome Bo. Du. Ra. Ba. Ej. to] vnto Lb. S. C. E2. ; in Ar. thekyng, but the words separated by a vertical stroke. 4065. this] the Ba. veniance C. vnwarly] vnwardly Ej. sodenly C. 4068. on Ar. Bo. Du. Lj. E1. in Tj. L.2. vpon Lb. and the rest, a] om. P. 4070. Euery] Eneryche Lb. C. P. E2. in] stoode in Ba. tho stood in Ra. 4071. Ful] And ful Ra. Ba. gan] gonne M. Di. to] om. S. frowne] sorowe Lb. C. P. E2. 4072. list Ar. lest Bo. M. Adj. that] om. Ra. alle Ar. al Bo. M. om. Adj. wil] wold M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. E2. 4073. swalowen Bo. swoluen M. Adj. swelwen E2. swolowe Lb. P. in] in-to Ad^ C. derke Bo. Adj. dirk Ar. derk M. 4074. ne] om. Ba. can] konne M. Di. C. E2. to] forto Ba. 4075. force nor manhode] manhod ne fors Lj. may Ar. G. Lb. Ba. C. P. 1^. hem may Bo. Tj. Du. may hem L^ M. Di. Adv Ad2. Ra. Ej. S. doeth E2. 4079. whan that Ar. G. L2. whan (om. that) Bo. and the rest, he] hym Di. 4080. coude] can Adj. Ad.2. Ej. not] om. Du. 4081. vnknowen Ar. G. M. Adj. vnknowe Bo. 4082. al] om. Du. 4083. hole Bo. hool Ar. Adj. M. affiaunce] assurance S. 4084. this] his Ba. om. Du. Ad,2. chaunce] myschaunce Ba. 4085. gan] gonne M. Di. hem] om. Lb. P. to Ar. G. Lb. C. E2. L2. om. P. al Bo. and the rest, in Ra. Ba. the second half of 4085 reads: seide.in wordee fair.

168 The Thebans mock the Greeks. Adrastus s Council. £PT. in.

and want to go home.

The Tlicbans chair the Greeks,

Horn to Greco / that they wil repeyre. This was the pwpoos / of hem euenchon.

And on the wallys / of Thebes lay her fon, 4088

Reioysing1 hem / of this vnhappy cure, wenyng therby / gretly to recure. And on her toures* / as they loken oute, They on Grekys / enviously gan shoute, 4092

And, of despitt / and gret enmyte, Bad hem foolys / gon horn to her contre, Sith they han lost1 / her conforf and socour*, her false* prophete / and her dyvynour : 4096

wherthorgh / her partie / gretly is apeyryd. And in this wise / Grekys disespeyryd, Dempte pleynly / be tokens evidente, This cas was falle / by som enchauwtementf, 4100

By wichecraft* / or by* fals sorcery e, Ageynes* which may be no remedye, Tristy diffence / helpe*, nor socour.

And whan Adrastus herde* this clamour, 4104

he bysy was ageyn this pe/turbauwce To provyde / some maner chevysaunce. And to hym calleth / such cou?isayl as he wiste, For lyf or deth / thaf he myghte tryste, 4108

Requeryng1 hem / but1 in wordys fewe, In this meschief / her mociou?i to shewe,

4086. wil] wold M. Di. Ra. Ba. 4089. Reioysing] Reioisshinge Di. cure] eur Lb. M. Ra. vre LJ. Ad2. P. E^ vr L2. cure Ba. owre S. 4090. wenyng] Sownyng E2. gretly] om. Ad2. recure] to haue recure M. Di. 4091. toures Bo. M. Ad^ tours Ar. 4092. Grekys] the Grekes Du. Lj. gan] gon Tj. Lb. M. Di. C. shoute] to shoute Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. C. E2. 1^. 4093. despit and gret] gret dispit and Adj. Ad2. Ba, S. gret despit and of Ra. enmyte Ar. Adj. ennemyte Bo. enemyte M. envite LJ. L2. 4094 to 4158 lost in Ad2. 4095. lost] om. Ba. socour Du. Lb. Adj. Ad2. Ba. C. P. E2. L2. her socour Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ej. S. 4096. fals Ar. Bo. M. Adj. 4098. Grekys] be Grekes Du. E2. disespeyred] dispeired Adj. S. E2. 4099. tokens Bo. M. toknes Adx. 4101. wicchecraft M. Adj. wichcraft Ar. wycche-crafte Bo. or] and E2. by] om. Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Ra. Ba. S. L2. fals] om. Lb. S. C. P. E2. in Ar. before wichcraft is wh, underdotted. 4102. Ageyns Ar. Bo. M. Adj. may be] be may Ba. 4103. helpe Bo. help Ar. M. Adj. 4104. herde Bo. Adj. herd Ar. M. 4105. this] the Adj. 4106. chevysaunce Adj. chevisshaunce Bo. 4107. such counsayl] om. C. he] om. Lb. P. him Adj. wiste] list Adj. 4108. inyght Bo. M. Adj. 4109. but in] bouten Bo.

who think that witchcraft works against them.

Adrastus sum- mons his Council

to devise

PT. in.] The Council advise vigorous Carrying-on of War. 169

And declare by good avisemenfr

What* to Grekys / was most* expedient1, 4112

To remedyen /, and make* no delay,

The vn couth noyse / and the gretf affray

That* Grekys made / with clamour inportune,

And newe / and newe / euere in on con tune. 4116

H And they that* wern / most* manly and most1 wise,

Shortly saide / it wer a cowardyse,

The hegh emprise / that* they han vndirtake

For dred of deth / so sodeynly forsake. 4120

If wer to hem / a perpetuel shame

And outre hyndryng1 / vnto grekys name ;

And better it1 wer / to euery werreyour

Manly to deye / with worship and honour, 4124

Than lik a coward / with the lyf endure.

For onys shamyd / hard is to recure

his name ageyn / of what estafr he be.

And sith Grekes / of old antiquyte, 4128

As of knyghthode /, who so list1 tak hod,

Ben so famous / and so renomed,

^if now of newe / the shyning1 of her Fame

Eclipsid were / with eny spotte of blame, 4132

It1 were a thyng1 vncouth forto here,

the best remedy

for this trouble.

[leaf 69]

They say it would be cow- ardice to give up their enter- prise :

soldiers had better die

than live as cowards.

Adrastus's Council say that as Greeks of old were so faind

4112. was Ar. G. 1^. were Bo. and the rest, most] more Ba. 4113. make Bo. M. Adj. mak Ar. ; Ar. has delaye with the final e under dotted. 4114. vncouth Bo. Adj. vncouthe M. 4115. clamour] labour M. Di. inportune Bo. Adv im- portune M. 4116. And newe and uewe Ar. Lb. P. and now and now Bo. and the rest, except now and S. euere in on] neuer in on Ba. in euer P. contuiie] contynue Bo. Du. Lb. S. 4117. first most] more Ba. ; btfore most is an under- dotted w in Ar. second most] om. Lb. M. Di. Adj. I. Ba. S. C. P. Ej. 4118. wer] was Adj. I. a cowardyse Ar. G. Lb. C. P. E2. L2. a grete cowardise Bo. and the rest. 4119. The hegh emprise Ar. G. Lb. C. P. E2. L2. The emprise Bo. and the rest, that] om. P. 4119 and 4120 are transposed in I. 4120. so] om. Ra. forsake] to forsake Lb. C. P. E.2. 4122. And] An Lj. at Bo. Du. Tj. outre Ar. G. vtter Lj. Lb. C. P. L2. our Bo. Du. Tx. M. Di. Adj. Ej. S. after E2. in I. grete Ra. Ba. vnto] to >e Lb. C. P. E2. 4123. better] bet C. to] vnto Adj. I. Ra. Ba. S. for P. om. Lb. 4125. endure] to endure Di. I. S. tendure Adj. Ra. Ba. 4128. sith] sith that E2. Grekes] be Grekes Du. old] so old Adj. I. 4129. who so] whos M. C. take Bo. M. Adj. tak Ar. 4130. renomed Ar. Bo. renomede M. Adj. (in P. a later hand has altered renomed to ivuomyd, but the original spelling is perfectly legible), renomed] worth! of deede E... 4132. euy spotte of blame] spot of oiiy shame _M. Di.

170 The Greeks resolve to fight till Thebes is laid low. [PT. in.

Of whoes renovm / the bemes $it ben clere Thorgh al the world? / wher as they han passyd, And ben not1 ^if / dyrkyd nor diffacyd, 4136

By no report1 / nouther on se ne londe thyng1 to forsake / that1 they tok on honde. " And by example / of our progenitours,

as conquerors, Jjaf whilom wern / so manly conquerours, 4140

To-forn that1 we into Grece wende, Of thyng1 bygon / lat1 vs make an ende, [leaf 69, back] And parte naf / nor Seuere from this tourc

th«y now will • -i i i

not leave Thebes Til if be brouht1 to destruccioure,

wallys / tourres / Crestyd and batailled

And for werre strongly apparaylled,

Be first1 doune bete / that* no thyng1 be seyn, tm it's laid low, But* al to-gyder / with the erthe* pleyn 4148

Be lowe* leyde / or that1 we resorte : so that folk That1 afterward / men may of vs reporte.

may say " what

th«y began, they That* we bygan / we knyghtly han achieuyd

Vpon our foon /, with worship vnrepreuyd." 4152

This was the counsaylle / shortly, and thavis TO this, an the Of the Grekys that1 manly wern and wys,

Greeks agree.

That1 neuere aforn wer markyd with no blame,

And specialy / swich as drede* Shame, 4156

And fully caste / what1 fortune euer tyde,

On her pwrpoos / to the ende abyde,

That1 on no part1 / her honure not apalle.

4136. ?it] on. Lb. Ra. Ba. P. derked Bo. M. derket Adj. dirket Du. diffased Bo. defaced M. Adi. to faced Lb. 4137. nouther] om. M. Di. on se] in see Lb. P. by see Ba. ne] ne on Bo. Tx. Du. M. Di. Ej. nor Lj. Adj. I. Ra. S. C. Ea- 4139. example M. ensample Bo. Ad^ 4142. begon M. begonne Bo. bygonne Adj. 4143. parte nat] nat departe Adj. I. 4144. to] vnto Bo. Tlt Du. M. Di. Adj. I. Ra. Ba. S. into Lx. 4145. Crestyd] crestes Lb. crestes P. and crestes E2. and batailled] Enbatayled P. E.2. 4146

omitted in Ba.. 4147. that] and Adj. I. 4148. erthe Bo. M. Adj. erth Ar. 4149. lowe Bo. low Ar. M. Adj. 4149 omitted in G. 4151. knyghtly] kyndely Du< 4154. the] om. Ra. Ba. 4155. wer markyd] marked were Lb. Adj. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. Eg. no] om. Adj. I. E2. 4156. specialiche Du. M. Di. drede Adj. dred Ar. Bo. drad M. dredde Di. 4157. tyde] betyde Du.

4159. part M. Adj. parte Bo. her] om. Lb. not] ne L1. doith P. apalle Ar. appalle Bo. Ad^ enpalle Lb. P. her honure not apalle] to the e M (here M. stops short, leaving the line unfinished; cp. the preceding line), what so euere falle Di.

PT. ill.] The Greeks choose a Diviner to succeed Amphiorax. 171

And to this cou/zsaille / Grekys, on and alle, 4160

Ben condescendyd / and, for mor happy sped,

In sted of hym / that1 was so late ded,

Amphiorax / buryed / depe in helle,

That1 koude whilom / to the Grekys telle 4164

Of thyngges hid / how if shal falle, aforn :

In stede of whom / now they han hym lorn,

They casten hem / wisly to purchace

Some prudent1 man / to occupye his place, 4168

That1 in swich thyng / myght1 hem most1 availle

Thorgh mystery of his dyvynaylle,

By craft1 of sorte / or of profecye,

3if eny swich they couden out espye. 4172

And among1 al /, her pwrpoos to atteyne, As I fynde / they han chosyn tweyne, Most renomed / of hem euerychon.

And Menolippus / callyd was the ton, 4176

And Terdymus / ek the tother highte. And for he hadde most1 fauozjr in her sighte, This Terdymus / was chosen and p?*eferryd. And in* her choys / Grekys han not1 erryd ; 4180

For whilom he / lernyd / his emprise Of his maister / Amphiorax the wyse, And was disciple / vndyr his doctrine. And of entent1 / thaf he shal termyne 4184

Vnto Grekys / thynges that* shal falle, *As a bisshop mytred in his stalle,

IT How Grekes chosen hem / a new dyvynour in stede of Am- phiorax.

[leaf 70]

Of the two candi- dates proposed, Melanippus and Terdimus, the latter, who was Amphiorax's

Eupil, is chosen y the Greeks in his place.

Terdimus is made a Bishop.

4161. for] om. SI. Di. Ev mor] om. Lb. P. happy] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. for mor happy sped] after beste redde E.2. 4164. koude whilom to the Grekys] whilom to Grekes coude Adj. Ad.2. I. 4165. shal falle aforn] sholde be beforn Ad2. I.

4166. In stede of whom] In whos stede C. 4169. hem] om. Ra. Ba. 4170.

mystery M. mysterie Bo. Ad^ 4172. espye Bo. Adx. aspye M. 4176. Menolippus Ar. Bo. Menalippus SI. Adj. Slenelappus P. J>at oon Bo. M. Adj. one Du. 4177. Terdymus Ar. Bo. SI. Adx. Therdymus G. Tredimus Lb. C. P. E.2. Terdinus Ad2. Tardynyus Ej. >at othre Bo. SI. Adj. 4179. was chosen] chose was Adj. Ad.2. I. chosen was Ra. Ba. 4180. in] om. Ar. G. Ej.

choys] chose Ba. Grekys] the Grekes SI. Di. S. 4181. his] this Adj. Ado. I. 4184. termyne] determyne P. 4184. om. in G. 4186. As Lb. C. P. ~E.>. And as Ar. Bo. and all the rest. a]om. Ej.S. mytred M. Adj. myterd Bo.

172

The Thebans sally met, and are driven back. [PT. ill.

They* don for him* / in many, vncouth wyse

In the temple / to goddys sac/v'fise; 4188

And thus conformed* / and stallyd in his Se,

A fewc daye's / stood / in his degre,

After his mayster / with ful gret1 honour,

Of Grekys chose / to be successozm 4192

And al this tyme /, in story as is told, Ful gret1 meschief / of hungre, thrust*, and cold1; And of Thebans / as they -issen oute, lay many on / slayen* in the route 4196

On outlier part1 /, of fortune as they mette : her mortal swerdys / wer so sharpe whette. U And Tydeus among hem of the toun Fro day to clay / pleyeth J>e lyouw 4200

So cruelly, wher so that* he rood, That Theban non / aforn his face abood. He made of hem, thorgh his high renown, So gret1 slaughter / and occisiouw* 4204

That1 as the deth / fro his swerd they fledde, And who cam nexte / leid his lyf to wedde. He qwitte hym-sylf / so lik a manly knyghtf That* wher he went1 / he putte hem to the flight1, 4208 And maugrfe hem, in his cruelt^ He droff hem horn / into her Cite, hem purswyng1 / proudly to the gate :

4187. They doon for hym Lb. C. P. E2. Don >ei for him Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Don for him Adj. Ad,j. I- Ra- Ba (fro)- Ei- s- Don for .hem Ar- G- LZ- vncouth Ar. Bo. Adj. I. vneouthe M. sondry Ad^ wise] guyse Ba. 4188. to] to do Ad.2. I. goddys] the goddes M. Di. C. ' 4189. conformed] conformed Ar. confirmed Ba. E2. stallyd] stabled Eg. 4190. A fewe] And few Lj. by fele Bo. Tj. Du. And fele Adj. Ra. Ba. And fell Elt S. And many Adg. 1. 4192. chose Bo. M. chosen Adj. 4194. thrust Ar. thurst Bo. thorst M. Jnrst Adx. 4196. slayn Ar. Bo. and all tlie rest, the route] the grete route Ra. 4197. outlier Ar. either Bo. M. Adj. 4198. sharp Bo. M. Adj. 4200. pleyeth] he pleyeth Ad.2. I. 4201. wher so that] that where so Adj. Ad.2. I. where so euer P. where so euer J>at Lb. 4204. occisioun Ba. Ad.2. I. S. E2. occasioun Ar. Bo. and the rest (in P. altered to occisioun by a later hand) ; in Tj. occasioun is underlined, and occisioun written in the right margin by a later hand; cf. 3603. 4205. fro] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. 4206. who] who Vat S. nexte] nyghe S. leid] left S. lyf] hede Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. E,. S. 4207. so] om. Ad2. I. so lik a manly] lik so manly a Adj. 4208. the] om. Lb. Adj. Ad0. I. Ra. P. 4210. droff T2. drofe Bo. droi' M. Adj. droue E.2. 4211. hem] And Bo.

The Thebans suffer ;

some are slain.

Tideus

[leaf 70, back]

slays many Thebaus,

and drives others back into the city.

PT. III.] Tideits, the best of the Greeks, is slain by a Bolt.

173

But one day *T How pitously Tydeus was slayn with a quarell.

That1 vnto hyin / they bar so dedly hate 4212

That1 they hem caste / by sleyhf or some engyn,

To bryngyn hym / vrnvarly to hys fyfi ;

And leyde awayf / for hym day and nyght1.

But1 0. alias ! / this noble manly knyghtt, 4216

Ypon a day / as he gan hem enchace,

And mortally / made hem lose her place

And sued hem / almost1 to the toun,

That1 cause was of his destrucciouw. 4220

For on, alias ! / that1 on the wallys stood,

which al that* day / vpon hym abood,

With a quarel / sharpe heded for his sake,

Markede hym with a bowe of brake, 4224

So cruelly, makynge non arestf

Tyl it1 was passyd bothe * bak and brest.

"VVherthorgh, alias ! / ther was non o]>er red

Nor leche-craftf* / but* that1 he mot1 be ded, 4228

Ther may therof be maked non delayes.

And }it was he / holdyn / in his dayes

The beste knyght1 / and most manly man,

As myn Autour / wel reherce kan. 4232

But1 for al that1 was ther no dyffence

Ageyn the strok / of dethys violence.

And Bochas writ1 / er he was fully ded,

he was by Grekys / presentyd with be hed 4236

Of hym that1 gaf / his laste fatal wounde :

And he was callyd /, lik as it1 is founde,

Menolippus /, I can non other telle.

4213. sleyht] sum sleight S. crafte LJ. or some] or by some Bo. Tj. or S. of Lj. P. 4214. bryngen Bo. M. bring Adj. vnwarly] warly Bo. Du.

to] vnto Ba. E2. 4216. But] That Ad2. I. ; the low point after 0 is in Ar. 0] om. Lb. Ad2. I. P. 4222. that] the M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. 4226. bothe Bo. Adx. M. both Ar. 4228. Nor] ne Adj. Ad^ I. E2. leche-craft Bo. M. lech-craft Ar. Adj. but that he Lj. Lb. Ra. Ba. P. L2. but lie C. T2. that he Ar. G. Bo. Du. M. Di. Ej. S. E.J. that he ne Tj. Adj. Ad2. I. mot] must Ra. Ba. S. P. 4229. maked Ar. "Lb. C. T2. E2. L2. made Bo. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ad.2. Ba. Ej. S. P. maad Tj. Adj. I. Ra. Ther may be mad ther-of Adj. Therof may be maade Ad,. I. 4230. he] om. T2. 3it was he] vet he was Lb. P. E.,. 4231. best Bo." M. Adj. 4237. gaf] ga"f hym Lj. was Lb. last Bo. M. laste Adj. 4238. callyd] y-called Adj. S. is] was Bo. (in L^. is written above was, which is crossed out}.

a Theban crossbow-man

shot and kild him.

Tho' he was the best of the Greeks,

[leaf 71]

he couldn't with- stand Death.

174 Fortune frowns on the Gh'eeks. Eteocles rides to the Front. [PT. in.

«• He that slogh

Tydeus was

callyd Meno-

lippus.

King Parthono-

lope was also

slain,

and Ypomedon.

Fortune frownd on the Greeks.

Eteocles

rides forth

[leaf 71, back] to fight Poly-

U But1 thilke* day / Thebans wex so felle 4240

Vpon Grekys / that1 vnder her Cyte

The manly kyng1 Parthanolopfc

Islayen* was / euene afor the gatys ;

And ther also, Armyd bright1 in platys, 4244

The famous kyng / callyd ypomedouw,

The same day /, as mad is menciouw,

On hors-bak / manly as he faughf,

At1 the brigge / euene vpon the draught1, 4248

Besette with pres / casuelly was drownyd.

And thus fortune / hath on Grekys frownyd

On euery syde / thilk vnhappy day.

But* al the maner / tellen I ne may 4252

Of her fightyng1 / nor her slaughter in soth,

Mor to declare / than myn Autowr doth".

But thilke'* day / I fynde / as je may sen, whan Phebus / passyd was* merydyen 4256

And fro the south / westward gan hym drawe, his gylte tressys / to bathen in the wawe, U The Theban kyng1 / felle Ethyocles, Kote of vnreste / and causer of vnpes, 4260

The slauhter of Grekys / whan that1 he beheld*, Armyd in steel / he kam out1 in-to feld1, Ful desirous / in that1 sodeyn hete Polymytes / at1 good leyser to mete, 4264

4240. thilke Bo. Adj. thilk Ar. M. Thebans] Thebanx Bo. Du. waxe Bo. M. Ad^ 4241. her] the Ad^ Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. S. 4243. Islayen] Islayn Ar. G. Bo. Du. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. E^ slayn Tr L,. Lb. M. Di. C. 1*2- 4244. ther also] also >ere Du. 4248. At the Ar. Atte Bo. Ad2. At M. brigge Ar. Bo. M. Ad^ bregge Ad2. brugge 1^. bridge E.2. At the brigge euene] Att briggis eend Ra. Ba. euene] om. Ra. Ba. vpon] above P. 4250. frowned] froned Bo. 4251. thilk] thik Ar. 4253. nor] ne Lj. M. her] of her Lb. M. Di. P. of S. 4255. thilke Bo. Adt. thilk Ar. M. 4256. whan] Whanne that Tg. passyt! was] was passyd Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. C. E2. I^. was] om. P. merydyen] the meridien Ra. Ba. S. 4257. gan] can Eg. hym] om.

Adx. AcLj. I. 4258. gilt Bo. M. Adj. 4260. causer] cause Lb. P. vnpes]

vnhappes Ej. In Du. the second half of 4260 (and causer of vnpes) and the first tioo words of 4261 (The slauhter) are omitted, and the remnants of the two lines joined into one line. 4261. Grekys] the Grekis Lb. P. peple Di. that] om. Ad^ Ady I. Ra. Ba. S. 4262. out] om. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. in-to] in

Ba. of P. feld Ar. G. J>e felde Bo. and all the rest. 4263. sodeyu Bo. M. Ad^ sodeyne Di.

PT. III.]

Polyneices kills his brother Eteocles.

175

Syngulerly / with hym to han ado.

For in this world / he hatede no man so ;

he sat1 so nygh / emprented in his herte.

whoos comyng1 out1 / his brother gan aduerte 4268

Vpon his stede / in the oppositt,

And hadde ageynward! / also grett delytt

To meten hym / }if fortune assente.

Thenvious fyr / so her hertys brente 4272

with haate Cankered / of vnkynde blood.

And lik two Tygres / in her rage wood,

with speerys sharpe / grounde for the nonys,

So as they ranne / and mette both attonys, 4276

Polymytes / thorgh platys, mayle, and sheeld

Eoof hym thorgh-out / and smette hym in-to feld!.

But1 whan he sauh" / the stremys of his blood

Eaylle about* / in maner of a flood, 4280

Al sodeyuly / of compassiouw,

From his coursere / he alighte dotm,

And brotherly, with a pitous face,

To saue his lyf / gan hym to vnbrace*, 4284

And from his wounde / of newe affecciouw,

Ful bysy was / to pulle out* the trunchourc,

who is ready to meet him.

Eteocles and Polyneices attack one an- other.

f How euerich of theThebanbreth- eren slogh other to-forn |>e Cyte. Polyneices runs Eteocles thru,

and then dis- mounts

to pull his spear out of his brother.

4265. to] forto Ra. Ba. ado] at do Ba. to do Lb. do C. 4266. worlde Bo. 4267. emprented Bo. M. enprented Adj. enprintid Di. In G. the second half of 4267 and the first half of 4268 are omitted: He sat so nygh out his brother gan aduerte. 4269. stede M. Adj. steed Bo. 4270. hadde] om. Bo. 4271. Ar. has tometen, with a vertical stroke between the two words, assente] will assente E2. 4272. Thenvious Bo. M. Adj. 4273. with] Whiche T2. ]L Whiche of P. haate Ar. hete Bo. hate M. Adj. and the rest. cankred Bo. M. Adx. Cankered] was cancred E2. om. P. of] and of P. 4275. sharpe Bo. sharp ^ M. Adp grounde Bo. ground M. Adx. grounden Ra. Ba. speerys sharpest*, sharpe sperys Ba. T2. 4276. ranne] ronne M. Di. renne T2. rood Ad2. 1. arj2. I. om. Ra. Ba. and ne T2. mette Bo. M. Adj. mete Lb. mette both] h-. Bo. mette Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 4277. thorgh] with Ra. Ba. platys] plate T- (into). M. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. C. T2. P. platys mayle] mayle plate P. 4278. Roof M. Ad^ Bo. Rof M. Adj. thorgh-out] thoroh Adx. Ad2. I. Ba. T2. smette A~4324. was] sinete Bo. Du. bar Adx. Ad2. I. smote Tj. and the rest, hym] om. R^ Ar. M. Ad^ to] in T2. feld Ar. G. C. >e feld Bo. and the rest. 4280. raile Bo. JV£d2. I. Ba. L2. as Ad2. I. 4281. Al] And Ba. Ra (And written above Al, which isf. Bo. Tx. Adj. sodeynly] sodenliche M. Di. of] meeued of Ra. Ba. 4282. courj, aryvinge Lb. Adj. coursour Bo. coursar L2. alighte] light G. Du. Lb. M. E. BO. M. Adx. at doun Ar. Lj. Ex. C. a-doun Bo. G. and the rest. 4284. unbra^. entailes Ad2. I. Ez. S. C. E2. umbrace Bo. embrace Ar. enbrace G. Lx. Lb. ^eroun L2. gestran P. L2. 4286. out] om. Ar. G. Ra. Ba. L2.

N

On which Eteocles

stabs Polyneices to the heart :

[leaf 72] so both die.

The Thebans mourn their king's death.

176 Eteocles kills his brother Polyneices. [PT. ill.

Of loue only / handlyng hyrn ryght softe.

Butt O / alias ! whil he lay alofte, 4288

Ful yrously / Ethiocles the felle,

Of al this sorowe / verraye sours and welle,

his brother smoott vnwarly to the herte : 4292

which al her lyf / hadde be so wrothe. And thus the Thebans / were yslawe * bothe Att the entr6 / euene aforn the koun.

But1 Grekys / tho / ben availled douw 4296

Outt of the feld! / the worthy knyghtys alle. And in Thebes / loud* / as eny shalle, The Cry aroos / whan her kyng was ded. And to the gatys / armyd foot and hed, 4300

Outt of the touw / cam many proud Theban. And some of hem / vpon the wallys ran And gan to shoute / that1 pit6 was to here. And they with-outt / of her lyf in were, 4304

with-oute confortt // or consolacioun, Disespeyred / ronne* horn to the toura And Grekys folowen after att the bak, Thatt many on / that1 day / goth to wrak. 4308

4287. handlyng] handeled M. handlid Di. holding Ba. S. ryght] ful G. Lb. M. Ad,. Ad,,. I. Ra. Ba. S. 4288. 0] om. Ad^. I. one E2. alofte] on loft Ra. Ba. P. 4289 and 4290 omitted in Ad^ and I. ; in Ad,, these two lines are omitted in their right place, but written in the bottom margin of the page a little bit below the column. 4291. smert Bo. M. Ad,, sinarte E^ 4292. smoot] roff Lb. C. TS. P. E2. vnwarly] vnwardly £,. hert Bo. M. Ad,, harte E.J. 4293. had Bo. M. Ad,. 4294 omitted in Ba. 4294. Ar. has a bar also between the and Thebans. the] these P. om. Ra. Thebans] Thebanx Bo. T,. yslawe Bo. £3. yslowe Ar. slawe T, (weren s.). Lb. M. Di. Ad,. C. yslayn T2 (y. were). L2. n Lj. Ad,,. I. Ra. E,. S. P. 4296. tho] thus S. availed Bo. avaled M. 4298. And] om. £3. in] in-to Ad,. Ad2. I. Thebes] Thebans Ra. Ba. ,. M. Di. C. T2. P. lowde Ad^ I. L^. londe E,. lond Ba. S. lande £3. land Ar. G. L,. Ad,, om. Ra. as eny] as in eny L,. as euere \.A>. I. Ra. Ba. S. as soche thing E2. shalle] shralle T^ shall fall 4299. Cry] Cytee E,. whan] bat L,. 4303. gan] gon M. DL omitted in Ra. 4304. wib-oute Bo. M. lyf in altered in P.

- ind to lyfes. in were] in weer Ad^ in wyre Lb. in werre L,. first two words Adi Ej T in fer r^. 4306. Disespeyred] Dispeired L,. Lb. M. lines joined into o. c P j^ LZ> Dessapeyryd S. Disepeired T2. ronne Bo. T,. M. om. Ad,. Ada. I. _c ^ E2. runne LJ. ran Lb. Ad?. I. Ba. S. P. Lo. room Ar. of P. feld A, Ra. Ba> c. vnto S. 4307. after] om. Bo. T2. " at the Ar.

,. Ad^. nnappes E,.

Ba.

Ad,, sodeyne Di.

j atte her ^

PT. III.] Hideous Noise. Furious Fight at the Gates of Thebes, 177

Many Greeks were shot.

The noise of the guns was hideous.

At the gates

the Thebans fight the Greeks

[leaf 72, back]

with dagger, sword

And as her foomen / proudely hem assaylle

Ful many Grek* / thorgh platys and thorgh maylle

was shette thorgh-outf, pressyng at1 the wallys,

And betyn of / with grete rounde ballys, 4312

That* her lay on •/ and another Bonder.

And the noyse, hydouser* than thonder,

Of gonne-shofr and of* Arblastys ek,

So loude oufr-ronge / that1 many worthy grek 4316

Ther lost1 his lyf / ; they wern on hem so felle.

And at1 the gatys /, shortly forto telle, As Grekys prees / to entren J>e Cyte, They of Thebes / in her Cruelte 4320

with hem mette / ful furious and wood, And mortally / as they ageyn hem* stood, Men myghte sen / sperys Shyuere a-sonder, That1 to byhold / it was a verray wonder 4324

how they foyne / with daggers and with swerdys, Thorgh the vyser / amyng** at1 the berdys, Percyng1 also / thorgh the rownde Maylles, Kent* out* peces / of ther aventaylles, 4328

That nouhf availleth / the myghty Geseran,

4309. And] Ans Ar. 4310. Grek Ra. Ba. C. T0. Grekys Ar. Bo. and the rest. thorgh] thorgh-oute M. Di. platys] plate M. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. C. T2. P. Eg. second thorgh] om. Lr Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. E2. 4311. was] were Lb. M. Di. P. shette Ar. shet G. Bo. 'i\. Lb. Ej. C. T2. E2. shot Lv M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. S. P. L2. shoten Ra. Ba. borugh-oute Bo. M. borhout Adj. ; in Ar. (also in Bo.) there is a pause-bar dividing thorgh and out. thorgh- out] thoruh Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. at the Ar. atte Bo. Adj. at M. to the Ba. 4312. grete Bo. Ad!, gret M. rounde Bo. round Adj. M. 4313. her] ther Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. 4314. hydowser L2. hydousher Ar. G. more hid-ms Bo. and the rest, thondei] be thondur Bo. G. Tj. Ba. 4315. Of gonne-shot] Of gret strokes S. and of Lx. Lb. C. T2. P. E2. and Ar. Bo. and the rest. Arblastys Ar. Bo. M. Adj. Arblastres Lb. Arowblasters Lj. arowblastes C. 4319. As] Atte Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. prees] pressen M. Di. presen Et. T2. E2. to entren Ar. Bo. Adj. to entre M. to entyrn L2. to cuter in S. in entryng to Ra. Ba (into). 4320. Cruelte] fel cruel te M. Di. T2. 4322. ham Ar. hem Bo. M. Adt. 4323. mijte Adj. might Bo. M. a-sonder] iri-sovndre Ba. 4324. was]

were Lj. a] om. G. Bo. Lx. Ad2. I. verray] grete T^ 4325. foyne Ar. M. Adt. fuyne Bo. foyned Lb. feyne Ej. fyn S. second with] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. L2. 4326. Torgh Ar. vyser Bo. Adj. vysour M. hamyng Ar. G. Bo. TI- Adt. Ra. amyng M. aymeng C. awmynge Di. E2. arniyng T^ aryvinge Lb. hauing Lt. Ad2. Ba. Ej. S. hangyng I. L2. at the Ar. atte Bo. M. Adz. at Ej. E2. Li2. at] om. Lb. 4328. aventaylles] ventaylis L.J. entailes Ad2. I. 4329. Geseran Ar. gesseran M. Adx. gesserou Bo. gesseroun L2. gestran L,. E!.

THEBES. N

178 All the Knights of Greece and Thebes are slain. [PT. in.

and spear.

Men are trodden underfoot.

The cries of the dying are loud.

How al the gentyl blood of grece and Thebes was distroyed on / o • / day.

Of the Greek

lords,

only Adrastns

and Capaneus

live.

The Thebans bar their gates,

Thorgh brest1 / and nekke / that the sperys Ean.

her wepnys wern / so sharpii grounde and whet1,

In ther arrnure / that1 ther was no let1. 4332

For ther laye on / troden vnder foote,

And Bonder* / on / percyd to the herte roote.

Her lith on ded / and ther another lame.

This was / the play / and the mortal game . 433G

Atwene* Thebans / and the Grekys provide,

That1 the swowys / and the crye's loude

Of hem that1 lay / and golden vp the goosf,

was herd ful fer / aboute in many cost*. 4340

U And at1 the gatys / and sayllyng of J?e wal

Islayen* was / al the blood Eoyal,

Both of the touw / and of Grekys lond,

And aft the worthy knyghtys of her hond*. 4344

And of lordys /, 31 f I shal not1 feyne,

On Grekys syde / alyve wer but tweyne,

Kyng1 Adrastus / and Cainpaneus.

That1 day to hem / was so vngracius. 4348

And for Titan / westryd was so lowe That1 no man myghf vnnethys other knowe, Tho of the touw / shet1 her gatys faste

4330. nek Bo. brest and nekke] nekke and brest Lb. Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. T2. P (corrected from brest and nek), that] so Lt. sperys] myghty speres Ej. Ran Ar. M. Adj. ron Bo. 4331. wepenes Bo. wepens M. wepons L^. sharp Bo. M. Adj. grounde and whet] whet and ground M. grounde and] om. Lb. P. grounde] y-grounde (om. and whet) Di. 4332. ther was no let] no let was found M. Di. they were nat lette C. T2. 4333. vnder foote] vnder be foote Adj. I. 4334. Jonde Ar. G. yondre (yonder) Bo. and the rent, on] a-nothir S. P. percyd] pressid Ad2. I. peresed Ba. herte Adx. hert Bo. M. vnto the rote (om. herte) T2. 4337. A-twene Adj. M. Atwen Ar. Bo. Atwix Ha. Betwix Ba. Bitwene 1^. Thebaus] Thebanx Bo. Tj. Adj. the Thebans S. 4338. That] om. Bo. swowys] swoughes Lb. P. E2. swoes M. swounes Ej. showghtes Lj. showes I*;. sowtesS. swerdes Bo. 4340. many Ar. many a Bo. 4341. at the Ar. atte Bo. Adj. at M. and] om. Lb. of L2. sayllyng] assailing Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. saylynges L^. soylinge Lb. sawtyng Lj. om. P. of be] atte Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. on the G. L2. before the P. 4342. Islayen] Islayn Ar. Bo. and all, except Slayn La. M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. C. 4343. Grekys] be Grekes Lj. Di. Ra. Ba. S. £3. Ro. 4345. ?if] om. Ro. in Ra. 4345 reads: And of the sothe if I shall nat feyne ; in Ba : If I shall nat in sothe feyn. 4348. vngracius] gracious Di. 4349. westryd] westward Bo. Ra. Ba. westryd was] was westrid Ad^ I. 4351. Tho of the toun] Thei of the toun Bo. L2. These of be toun L:. Of the toun thei Lb. C. T2. P. E2. her] pe S. P. shet her gatys] shotte her gonnys Ra. Ba (govnes).

PT. III.] Eteocles is buried, mournd "by his Mother and Sisters. 179

with barrys rounds / maked forto laste, 4352

In which no wight1 kerve may nor hewe. [leaf 73]

And Adrastus / with a grekys fewe Eepeyred is horn vnto his Tent1,

And al that* nyght1 / ne wastyd hath and spent1 4356 For his vnhappe / in sofowe compleynyng1.

And they in Thebes / the next* day swyng1 and next day

J bury Eteocles.

her devoyre did / and her bysy cure,

To ordeyne and make / a sepulture 4360

For her kyng1 / yslayen* in the feeld ;

And offred vp his baner and his sheld,

His helme / his sword?, and also his penourc,

Ther-Inne of gold1 / I-betyn a dragouw, 4364

high in the temple / that1 men myghte sen.

And locasta / that1 infortunyd quene. His mother

and sisters

her sones deth / soore * gan compleyne ; mourn him.

And also ek / her 3onge doghtres tweyne, 4368

Both ymeyne / and Antigonee,

Cryden and wepte / that1 pyte was to se.

But1 to her sorowes / that1 was non refut1.

And thus the Cite / bar / and destitut1, 4372

havyng no wight1 to gouern hem ne* guye : No one is left to

rul6 in j. zi6 DCS.

For ded and slayn / was al the Chyualrye, And no wight1 left" almost1 in be touw

4352. barrys] ballis Ra. Ba. round Bo. M. Adj. made Bo. M. Adj. 4353. may] might M. Di. 4354. a grekys fewe] Greke8 a fewe Lj. Ad,. Ad2. I. S. Grekes fewe Lb. P. a knightis fewe T2. 4356. that] )>e Lj. he] om. Adj. Ad2. I. wastyd hath] hasted E^. Ro. 4357. in sorowe] and sorw Adx. Ad^. I. Du. 4358. nexte Adx. next Bo. M. 4359. dide M. dede Bo. Ad^ ' 4361.

yslayeii] yslayn Ar. G. Ej. Ro. alayn Bo. and the oilier MSS. 4362. and]

an Ar. 4363 to 4418 gap in Ex., one leaf (I 1) being lost. 4363. His helme his swerd] His swerd his helme M. Di. 4364. Ther-Inne of gold] ther in

golde Bo. I-betyu] beten Bo. Du. M. Di. S. C. P. y-bete L2. a] om. Ba. 4365. might Bo. M. Adx. 4366. that] the Lb. M. Di. C. T2. P. E,,.

infortunyd Ar. G. L2. infortunat Bo. and the rest. 4367. sore Bo. M. Adj.

soor Ar. 4368. also ek] eke also M. Di. Adr Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. yong Bo. M. Adj. om. Du. 4369. Antigonee] fair Antigone Ra. Ba. antygon Lb.

4370. to se] to se on Lb. 4371. sorowes] sorownesse Lb. that] om. Adj. Ad2. I. ther Lj. Di. Ba. E0. 4373. to gouern hem] hem to gouerne Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. Ro. ne] nor Ar. and G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. 4374. and] an Ar. Adj. 4375. left] om. Bo. Tv Du. Lv M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.

S. Ro. left almost] almost left T2. in \>e touii] in al )>e toun Adj. Ad2. I.

180

/i old Tyrant, Cleon, is elected King of Thebes. [PT. in.

[leaf 73, back]

v How creaurtt ]>e oldt Tyraunt was chosen kyng of Thebes.

Oreon is elected King by Parlia- ment.

The Thebans swear allegiance to him.

Adrastus sends

To regne vpon* hem / by successioun. 4376

U Buf for they saugh / and tokyn also hed,

with-oute jris / that* they hadde an hed

In the Cyte / fei may not1 dure longe :

For though so be Comownerys be stronge 4380

with multitude / and have no goueraaylle

Of an hed /, ful lytyl may avaylle :

Therfor they han vnto her socour

ychosyn hem a newe gouernour, 4384

An olde Tyraunt1 / J>af call yd was Creon,

Ful acceptable / to hem eumchon,

And crownyd hyw / with-oute mor lettyng1,

To regne in Thebes / and to ben her kyng1, 4388

Al-thogh* he hadde no title by discentf

But by* fre choys* / made in parlemenF.

And ther to hyw, lik as it is founde,

By her lygeatwco / of newe they wer bounde, - 4392

For to be trewe / whyl the Cite stood,

To hym only / with body and with good.

Thus they wer sworn / and suryd euerichon ;

And he ageynward / to saue hem from her foon, 4396

And hem dyffende / with al his fulle* myghf,

And meynten hem / in al manere ryghf .

This was thacord / as in sentemenf.

And in this while* hath Adrastus sent1 4400

4376. vpon] on Ar. G. Lb. C. T2. P. E.2. L2. vp Ro. hem] om. Ro.

4377. tokyn also] toke also M. Di. C. also toke P. takyn also Ra. also taken Ba.

4378. that] om. Ar. G. hadde] han Ra. Ba. haue Ad^ I. C. 4379. dure] endure Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Adj. I. Ra. Ba. S. Ro. 4380. so be] hit so be Lb. C. Eg. com oners Adj. cominers M. communes Lj. comouns Ra. Ba. Ad2. I. commynis S. Comownerys (Ar. G. C. P. 1*2.)] bat comonus Lb. E.2 (commons), be comoners(e£c-)Bo. and the rest, stronge] so strong Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. Ra. Ba. S. Ro. 4382. lytyl] lite Lb. M. Adj. C. T2. Eg. may] it may Lb. M. Di. Ba. S. C. T.2. £2. Ro. 4383. Therfor] Ther Du. Lr han] om. Adr Ad,,. I. Ra. Ba. S. (cf. 4384). 4384. ychosen Ar. Bo. Adj. chosen M. hem] han Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. anewe Ar. a newe Bo. a new M. Adj. 4386 to 4515 gap in C. 4389. Al they Ar. L2. As bough Bo. Ami al though M. Di. And thouh I. Al though Adj. G. and the rest. 4390. by] om. Ar. G. Bo. T,. Du. Lj. Ad,. S. Ro. choys] loys Ar. made] emade L%. in] a E.2. 4392. her] high Ba. 4397. al] om. Adj. fulle] ful Ar. Bo. and all. 4398. maynten Tj. Du. Lj. mayntene Bo. M. Adj. al manere] al manere of Lv S. all their Ba. 4400. while Bo. M. Adj. whil Ar.

FT. ill.] All the Gh'ecian Ladies in black come to Argos. 181

From the Siege of Thebes the Cyte home to Greece

the news of the

A woundyd knyght1 horn to his centre,

Thorgh al Grece / pleynly to declare

Al pe slaughter and the evyl fare 4404

Of worthy Grekys, ryghf as it* is falle,

And how that1 he hath lost1 his lordys alle slaughter of

. . , . his lords.

Att1 mor meschief / pan eny man can moutn.

And whan this thyng1 / was in grece couth, 4408

Fyrstf to Argyve / and Deyphylee, The Grecian

And to the ladies / ek in the centre And of provynces / aboute hew adiacent1, They come dou?« /, al be on assent*, 4412

Worthy queenys / and with hem ek duchessys, [leaf 74]

And other ek / that1 callyd were contessys, And alle the ladyes / and wymmen of degre Ben assembled / in Arge the Cyte. 4416 f HOW allege

J ladyes of Grece*

lik as I rede /, and alle in clothes blake: .

toward Thebes.

That1 to byholdl / the sorowe that1 they make, mourn.

It* were a deth / to eny man alyve.

And $if I shulde* / by and by descryve 4420

Ther tendre wepyng1 and ther wooful sownys, her complayntys / and lamentacions, her ofte swounyng* / with facys ded and pale, Ther-of I myghte make a newe tale, 4424

4401. in Siege the first e is written above the line, with the usual mark of insertion Ar. 4402. to] into Lj. Ra. Ba. 4405. worthy] be worthi Bo. Tj. Du. LJ. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. T2. Ro. whiche E.2. om. Ra. Grekys] knightes M. Di. 4407. Att] And Ra. eny] om. Ba. mouth] tell S. 4408. whan] whan that T2. thyng] om. Ba. was in grece] in grece was Adj. Ad2. I. T2. couth] knowne well S. 4409. and] and to Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. S. T2. E2. 4410. to] om. Du. 4411. provyuces in Ar. corrected from provinces. 4412. come M. Adj. cam Bo. al be on] by oonlie Ba. 4413. ek] om. LJ. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. Rj. 4415. wymmen Bo. M. wommen Adj. 4417. in the rubric Ar. has Grce. 4419. a] om. Ad2. I. eny] many Ba. alyve] on lyve Lj. Lb. Ra. Ba. P. Ad2. I. 4420. jif] om. Du. shulde Lb. shuld Ar. Bo. sholde Adj. shold 5l. descryve] bescryue Bo. 4421. Ther . ther Ar. Their . her Bo. Their . her Da. Ther . her M. Her . her Adj. sownys] swowns Bo. bale EJ. Ro. 4422. and] and her Bo. Tj. Du. LJ. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. and her lamentacions] om. Ej. Ro. 4423. ofte Bo. M. Adj. her ofte] With ofte Lb. P. Of her Lj. swounyng] sownyng I*,, swounynges Lb. Adj. Ad2. sownes Lj. her ofte swounyng] om. Ej. Ro., w/tich two MSS. thus make one line out of the former half of 4422 and fho latter half of 4423. facys] her faces Tj. face Lb. P. 4424. might Bo. M. Adj.

182 The Greek Ladies will go to ^Thebes to mourn their Lords. [PT. ill.

They gather

Almost a day / $ow to occupye.

And as myn Autowr / doth clerly certifie, Thurgh-oute Grece / from arl be Kigiouns Outf of Cities / and of Eoyal touns 4428

Cam alle the ladies / and wymmen of estat1, Ful hevy-cheryd / and disconsolate, To this assemble /, afom as I ^ou tolde, In pwrpoos fully / her lournd forto holde 4432

Toward Thebes / thys sorwful creaturys, Ther to bywaylle / her wooful auenturys, Taquyte hem-silf / of trouth in wowmanhede To her lordys / which in the felcJ lay dede. 4436

And as the story / liketh to declare, Al this Iourn6 / they went1 on foote bare, lik as they hadde / gon on pylgrymage, In tokyn of mowrnyng* / barbyd be visage, 4440

Wympled echofi / and in burnetf weedys. Nat1 in charys / drawen forth with stedys, Nor on palfreys blake nowther white, The Sely wy?nmen koude hem not1 delite 4444

To hold her way /but barfote forth they \rente, So feithfully / euerichon they ment, Thorgh hevynesse* / diffacyd of her hwe. And as I fynde, they weryn alle trvve. 4448

IT Now was not1 bat1 / a wonder forto se

4426. doth clerly] clerely doth Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. Ro. certifie] specifye Bo. Ada. Ada. I. Ra. Ba. S. 4427. Grece] all Grece Lb. P. from] in Lt. be] om. Lb. Ra. Ba. T2. P. E«. 4428. Citees Bo. M. Adv the citees

Ad2. I. Ta. second of (Ar. S. Eo.. L2.)] othre Du. om. Bo. and the rest. 4429. Came Bo. Come M. Adx. Comen Ba. the] om. Ro. 4431. To] In Ba. 4432 to the end lost in Ba. 4432. In] I Er Ro. om. Bo. T,. M. Di.

purpoos] Purposed Ta. M. Di. 4433. Toward Bo. M. Towardes Adj. 4435. of trouth in Ar. Bo. M. Ra. Ej. S. P. in troube of Adj. Ad2. I. of trouth and E2.

4438. lourne] meyne S. on toote Bo. Tj. Ra. T2. L2. oil foot M. Adj. on fete Lb. they went on foote bare] the women went foot bare Ad2. I (wcuten).

4439. had Bo. M. Adj. 4440. barbyd he visage*] barfote the vyage Lli. 4441. in] with Ad2. burnet] moornyng Ad2. I. 4442. in] with Ad.,. I. charys] Chaires Eo.. with] nor with Ad2. I. 4443. nowther Ar. neithre Bo. Adj. nor M. 4445. To hold her way] Her way to hold in ese Adj. Ado. I. forth] om. Ad^ Ado. I. E,. Ro. 4447. Ar. has hevnesse. 4448. weren Adj. wern Bo. M. alle M. al Bo. they weryn alle] euerychon were G. 4449. bat] bis Bo. a] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. a wonder] a woiidyr thynge Lb. P. forto] to Ta. P.

to journey to Thebes,

to bewail their dead lords.

They travel barefoot,

in dark gar- ments,

[leaf 74, back]

and are all true.

PT. ill.] The Greek Ladies reach Adrastus's Tent near Thebes. 183

1452

It's a strange thing that in 1000 or 2000 women, none

was a snai"-

So many trewe / out1 of a cuntre, Attonys gadryd / in a companye, And feithful alle /, bookys can not1 lye, Both in her port1 / and inward! in menyng1 1 Vnto my doom / if was an vncouth thyng1, Among1 a thowsand wymen outher tweyne To fynden noon / that1 kowde in herte feyne. It* was a mervaylle / nat1 ofte seyn aforn. For seelde / in feldys / groweth eny corn But1 jif some wede / spryng1 vp per-among1. Men allay e* wynys / whan they be to strong1; But1 her trouth was meynte wijj non allayes, They were so trewe / founde at1 alle assayes.

And they ne stynt1 / vpon her ioztme Tyl that1 they cam Jjer as* they wolde be, wher Adrastus /, wrytyn as I fynde, lay in his Tent1 / al of colour ynde ; Gretly mervaylyd* / whan that1 he biheld The notnbre of hem / sprad thorgh al be Clad aft in blak / and barfoot1 euerychon. Out1 of his Tent1 / he dressy d? hym anon, Vpon his hand / the kyng1 Campaneus * ; Ful trisf in herte / and face right1 pitous,

4450. trewe Bo. Adj. trew M. trew women Ra. out] om. Ra. a Ar. o Bo. M. Adj. oon Lb. Ra. 4451. gadred Bo. gadert M. Adz. a Ar. Bo. M. o Adj. 4452. alle M. Ad^ al Bo. can Bo. konne M. 4453. her]

om. Adj. Ad2. I. S. T2. port] thoght G. menyng] her mening G. Adj. Ra. S. her meevyng I. her moornyng Ad2. 4455. outher Bo. or M. Adj. 4456 to 4586 lost in Bo. 4456. To fynden Ar. Tx. Du. Lb. E^ Not to finde E.,. To fynde Lj. and the rest, noon Ar. Ra. Lo. nat one Adj. Ad2. I. in on S. oon Tj. and the rest, hert Tj. M. Adx. kowde in herte] coude not in herte Di. P. cowde in hert nat Ra. 4457. ofte Tv Ad^ oft M. seyn Ar. Tv M. Di. T2. l^. sen j. and the rest ; in Ar. the y of seyn is added over the word with the tisual mark

4459 to 4572 lost in Du. 4460. allaye (alaye)] laye Ar. G.

to Ar. M. Di. om. G. Tx. and the rest. 4461. non] om. Ra. trew M. Adj. 4463. stynte Lt. M. Adj. 4464. Tyl]

Alle Ad2. that] om. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2- I- cam Ar. come M. Ad1. her as] )>er Ar. G. Di. E.,. 1^. where Lb. P. wolde Ar. wolde Adj. wold M. wol Lb. Ar. has a pause-bar between they and cam. 4467. Gretly] And gretely Lb. P. E2. mervaylyd] amervaylyd Ar. G. Tj. T2. 1^. biheld] behilde (: felde) Lb. Di. 4468. sprad] ysprad L^. thorgh] in Adj. Ad2. I. om. Lx. Lb. P. al] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. S. 4469. all] om. Di. Ra. 4471. The] am. Ad^ Ad.2. I. Ra. S. Companeus Ar. Campaneus G. M. Ad2. Capaneus Ad,. 4472. trist] tristiRa. face] of face M. Di. right] ful Lb. P. pitous] pituous Lb. pyteous Ej.

4460

The Grecian ladies roach 4464 Adrastus's tent.

4468

He and Cam- paneus meet 44/2 them.

of insertion. may allaye T2. 4462. trewe Ra.

184 The Greek Ladies mourn. Their Husbands' corpses can't be buried.

Ageyn the wommen / forth they went1 yfere.

And to byhold* / the wooful hevy chere, The wooful cryes / also, whan they mette, The sorful sighys / in her brestys shette, 4476

The teerys newe / distillyng on her facys, And the swownyng1 / in many sondry placys, whan they her lordys / alyve not1 ne founde, But1 in the feeld? / thorgh-girt1 with many wounde, 4480 lay stark vpri^tes * /, pleynly to endite, with dedly eyen / tournyd vp the white, who made sorowe / or felt1 her herte Ryve For hir lorde / but1 the faire Argyve? 4484

who can now wepe / But1 DeyphyleeJ Tydeus / for she ne myghte se ? whoos constreywtys * were so f el and kene That1 Adrastus myghte not1 sustene 4488

To byholde the ladyes so eompleyne, wisshing1* his herte / parted wer on tweyne. 1T And ^if, alias ! / bothen* eve and morowe, 0 thyng1 ther was / that1 doubled al her sorowe, 4492 That Old Creon / fader of fellonye, Ne wolde* suffre, thorgh his Tyrannye, The dede* bodies / be buryed nowther brente,

4473. forth] om. Adj. Ad2. I. forth they went] went forth P. yfere] in feere Lz. Lb. Di. Ra. S. E^. 4476. sorful Ar. M. sorghful Ad?.

sorowful LP woful Lb. P. ferful S. sighes] sightes Lb. S. brestys] brest Di. hertis Lj. shette] shent S (: mett). 4478. the] so E2. sondry] om. Adj. Ad2. I. placys] place (: face) Ad2. I. 4479. her lordys alyve] on lyve her lordis Lj. not] om. S. ne] om. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. P. L^. 4480. in] on L2. thurgh P. thorgh-girt] thorgh-gert M. gyrte P. many] om. Di. many a Lj. Lb. Ad2. I. Ra. S. E.J. La- 4481. stark] straught E2. vprijt Ar. Tt. Adj. M. and all. 4483. herte] om. Ad^. I. 4484. the] om. Ad2. I. 4485. who] And who Adj. Ad2. I. But who Ra. S. can] ganne M. T2. now] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 4486. Tydeus for] For Tideus bat Lt. ne myghte] myght nat M. Di. P. se] fele Ej. Ro (both the copyists pronounced : D£yphyle). 4487. constreyntys] constretys Ar. G. Tx. S. constreytcs L.J. conipleyutis Ad2. fel and] om. Ex. Ro. 4488. myghte not] ne myght nat M. Di. myght it not Ra. S. myght not hym G. 4490. whisshing Ar. his] her Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. Ro. hert Tj. M. hertes Adj. Ad2. 1. Ra. S. parted] coruen Lb. T2. P. Eg. corvid L2. wer] om. Lj. Ad2. I. S. on tweyue] atweyne Lb. S. T2. P. in tweyne Lj. Adj. Ra. E2. L2. 4491. And] But Tj. Lj. M. Di. Ad^ Ad.^. I. Ra. Ej. S. P. 1^. Ro. both Ar. Adj. bothe Tj. M (cp. 2801). eve] even Llt Lb. Ad.,. I. S. E2. 4492. al] om. Ad2. I. 4493. Old Ar. olde M. Adj. 4494. wolde Adv wold Ar. M. 4495. The] Tho Ra. ded Ar. M. Adj. dede Lb. Ra. be buryed] to buried\be Adr to be buried Ad2. I. brente] y-brente Lb. Ej. Ro.

[leaf 75]

They sigh and swoon

when they see their dead lords,

face upwards.

Delphi le weeps for Tideus.

5 How creon wil not suffre the bodies nowther to be buryed nor brent

Creon leaves

PT. III.] The Greek Ladies wait till Theseus comes.

185

But* with becstis and houndys to be rente.

', , , u , , , , -.

he made hem aft / vpon an hepe be leyde. wherof the wymmen trist1 and evyl apeyde, For verray dool, as it was no wonder, her hertys felt* almost ryve a-sonder. U And as my mayster Chaucer1 list1 endite, Al clad in blak / with her wymples whyte, With gretf honour / and due* reuercnce, In the temple / of the goddesse Clemence They abood the space / of fourtenyghtf Tyl Theseus / the noble worthy knyghf, Duk of Athenys / with his Chyvalrye Repeyred horn / out1 of Ferny nye, And with hym ladde / ful feir vpon to sene, Thorgh his manhod / ypolita the quene, And her suster / callyd Emelye.

and whan thies wo??imen / gorcne first espye This worthy Duk / as he cam rydynge, Kyng1 Adrastus /, hem alle conveyinge, The wommen brouhtf vnto his presence, which hym bysoughf / to jive hem audience. And ail attonys swownyng in the place, Ful humblely / preiden* hym of grace To rewe on hern / her harmys to redresse. But1 jif $e list* / to se the gentyllesse Of Theseus / how he hath hym born,

4496 the corpses to

betornbyd«>«s.

4500

AS Chaucer says,

[leaf 75, back]

4504 the ladies stay in the Temple

4508

4512

till Theseus comes with

Hippolita and Emily.

4516 They pray Theseus

to redress their grievance.

4520

I.

bei felte Di. ryve] reyue I. a-sonder] on sounder Lv

4498. wherof] Ther-of M. Di. \Vherfbre S. wymmen AdT. wommen M. trist] were trist Adj. Ad2. I. trist and] o/ti. Lb. P. evyl] well Lx. ben evel Lb. were evell P. 4999. as] om. Tj. Lx. M. Di. Adj. Ad.,

Ra. E!. S. Ro. 4500. felt Tx. M. Adj.

Ej. Ro. almost ryve] riue almost Adj. Ad2.

in sender Ro. ; Ar. has a pause-bar after almost. 4501. my mayster]

myn auctour M. Di. Chaucer] om. Tx. 1^. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. Ro. endite Ar. G. L2. to endyte Tx. and the rest, except forto eudite Ad2. I. 4503. due] dieu Ar. 4504 to the end lost in Ail2. 4505. abood] bode E2. fourtenyght Ar. Lb. P. fourten night M. Di. A'dj. fortynyght Tj. "E^. Ro. fortyn nyght S. fortnyght Ra. Lg. a fortenyjt Lj. E2. fourtene uightes T2. 4508. horn] hem E2. Femynye] Femenye P. femeuy Lt. L.J. feuiyne To. femene S. 4512. these M. hise Di. Adj. wy?Hmeu JVI. Adj. gon M.

gan Adj. gonne first] first gan E2. 4514. alJe] om. Adj. I. 4515. vnto Ar. T2. P. E^ into Lb. to Tj. and the rest. 4518. humbly M. Adx. hunibely Di. preide Ar. and all.

186

Theseus kills Creon and routs his Army. [PT. in.

t How the fynal destruccioun of Thebes is GO//I- pendeously re- hersyd i»i }>e knyght« tale.

Theseus, as Chaucer says, comforts the Grecian widows.

[leaf 76]

lie goes to Thebes,

slays Creon,

and puts his host to flight. (Some say the

women beat down the walls of Thebes,

and that Jo- casta and her daughters

3 if 30 remembre / 30 han herde if to forn

\vel reliersycl / at Depforth in the vale,

In the bygynnyng1 / of the knyghtys tale : 4524

IT First1 how that* he / whan he herd he?w speke,

For vejTay routhe* felt* his herte / breke ;

And her sorowys / whan he gan adue/te,

From his courser / doun anon he sterte, 4528

Hem confortyng1 in ful good entente,

And in his Armys he hem aH vp hente.

The knyghtys tale / reherseth eue/y del

Fro poyntf to poynf / $if je looke* wel, 4532

And how this Duk / with-oute more abood,

The same day / toward Thebes rood,

Ful lik in soth / a worthy conqueroz^r,

And in his hoostt / of Chyualrye the flow. 4536

And fynally, to spekyn of thys thing,

with old Creon / that1 was of Thebes kyng1,

how that* he faught1 / and slough hym lik a knyghf,

And aH his host* / putte vnto the nyghtt. 4540

II }it, as some auctours make menciou^,

Or Theseus entred into touw,

The women first with pikkeys and with mallys,

with gretf labour / bete' douw the wallys. 4544

And in her writyng also as they sayn,

Campaneus / was on the wallys slayn,

with cast1 of ston / he was so ouerlade ;

For whom Adrastus / such a sorowe made 4548

That1 no man myghtf reles hym of his peyne.

And locasta /, with her doghtres tweyne,

4522. je] as ye E2. haue Tj. M. Ad,, herde] hard Ra. T2. Ro. 4523. Depford M. Ad!. Depworth P. 4524. bygynnyng] gynnyng Di. 4525. that] om. Adj. I. he] om. I. 4526. routh Ar. Adj. pite I. 4528. hejsterte Ar. 4530. he] he gan Ra. 4532. loke Tj. M. Adj. look Ar. loke hit Lb. C. IV P. E2. 4540. the] om. Adj. I. Ej. S. 4541. jit] And C. make] maken Tj. Adj. 4542. into] vnto S. toun Ar. G. L2. he touu Tlt and the rest. 4543. pykoys M. Adj. pekois E2. pikes S. 4544. bete M. beteu Adj. 4547. ston] stoones Lb. E2. over-ladde Lj. S. ouerlayde Lb. T2. over-throwe P. ouerlade Ar. Tj. M. Adj. atid therest. 4548. such a] suchTj. Lj. M. Di. Adj. I. Ra. Ej. S. Ro. made] brayde Lb. made such a sorwe P. 4549. That] Tat Ar. no man] no bing Adj. I. myght] may Lb. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. reles hym] hyin reles Ej. T2. Ro. hym of] om. S.

PT. ill.] Theseus destroys Tlicbes. The Giwlc Lords are buried. 187

Ful woofully oppressyd of her cherys, To Athenus wer sent1 as prysonerys. What1 fil of hem more / can I not1 seyn.

But* Theseus /, myn Autoitr writ certeyii, Out1 of the feld / or he fro Thebes wente, He bete it1 downe / and the howsys brente, The puple slough / for al her crying1 loude, Maad her wallys / and her towrys protide Eounde aboute /, euene vpon a rowe, with the Soyle / to be laide* ful lowe That1 nou^t was left1 / but the soyle al bare. And to the wommen / in reles of her care, The bony s of her lordys / that1 were slayii This worthy duk / restoryd hath agayfi. ^ But1 what1 shuld I / any lenger dwelle The olde* Ryytys / by and by to telle, Nor thobsequies / in ordre to devise ; Nor to declare / the manere and the Guyse how the bodyes / wer to Asshes brent1, Nor of the gommes / in the flaumbe spent1, To make the ayre* / s wetter of relees, As f raunc encence / Mirre and Aloes ; Nor how the wo?nmen / round? aboute stood, Some with my Ik / and some also with blood, And some of hem with vrne's made of gold, whan the asshes fully weren made cold, Tenclosyn hem of gret1 affecciouw And bern hem horn / into her Kegiouw ;

4552 were sent to Athens.)

Theseus levels Thebes with the ground.

4556

4560

[leaf 76, back]

IT HO^ Duk The- seus delyuered to the ladies the bodyes of her lordys.

I shan't describe the burning of the bodies,

45G8

4572

or the gold urns that the ashes 4576 of some were put in,

4553. of] vpon P. more Ar. G. Lb. C. Tg. P. E.2. 1^. om. Tj. and the rest, can I] I can Tj. I. P. (sec Notes). 4558. second her] om. Adj. I. 4559. aboute M. Adx. 4560. lade Ar. 4563. bonys] bodyes Lb. M. Di. C. T.2. P. E.,. (see Notes}, her] the C. P. 4565. what] om. L2. any lenger Ar. G. Lb. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. ban lenger Lj. M. Adj. I. Ex. S. Ro. lenger thanne Tj. Ra. lenger now Di. 4566. olde M. Adj. old Ar. 4567. Nor] For Di. the obsequies M. Adj. 4568. Nor] Ner Lb. nethir P. to] om. G. Lb. Eg. and] nor T.>. ne Lb. gyse M. Adj. 4570. Nor] Ne Lb. Di. P. in] of Di. flaume"T1. M. Adj. E,. tlamme G. Ej. T.2. flame S. flawmes Ra. 4571. ayr M. Adj. hayre Ar. 4572. fraiik eucense M. Adj. and] om. Adx. 4574. and] om. Adj. I. 4576. were M. Adj. 4577. To enclosen Ad1. To enclose M. gret] ful gret C. 4578. bern Ar. bere Ad^ borne M. DL

1SS Theseus returns to Athens, and the Argives to Argos. [PT. ill.

And liow that other / ful dedly of her loke,

For loue only / of the bonys tooke, 4580

Hem to kepe / for a remenibraiwce :

That* to reherce / euery obseruau??ce

That1 was don / in the fyre's bright1,

or the games, The waku-playes / duryng1 al the nyghf, 4584

or wrestling, Nor of the wrastlyng / to telle poynf be poynt1,

Of hem that weren* / nakyd and enoywf,

how eueriche other lugge gau and shake ; or the taking ]>^or how the wowmen han her leve take 4588

leave of Theseus.

Of Theseus / with ful grefr humblesse, Thankyng1 hyni of his worthynesse That1 hym lysfr vpon her woo to rewe ; And how that1 he, his fredam to renewe, 4592

[leaf 77] with the wowtmen, of his hegh largesse,

ypartyd hath / ek of his Eichesse ; Theseus goes f And how this Duk Thebes ek forsoke

to Athous.

And to Athenys / the righte waye* tooke, 4596

with laurer crownyd / iu signe of victorye, And the palme of conquest1 and of glorye, Did his honur / duely to marte ;

And how the wymmen wepte whan they departe* 4600 with kyng1 Adrastus / hoin ageyn to Arge : Kyn? Adr^tus Xo tellyn al. it* wer to gret1 a charge,

•w ith the lady es *

a^7nto Arge ^ Anti ek also> as 3e slial vnderstonde,

At1 the gynnyng I took no mor on honde 4604

Be my promys, in conclusioiw, But1 to reherce the destrucciouw

4582 to 4676 lost in I. 4582. reherce Ar. aiwL all. 4585. Nor] No Lb. P. of] for G. the] om. Ro. wrastlyng] wrestlyng Ko. wrostelyng Lj. vvraxling S. to] om. C. to telle] telliiig T2. E2 L2. om. Lb. P. 4586. wern Ar. M. vveren Di. were Adj. 4588. han M. haue Bo. Adj. 4589. ful] om.

Adj. Ra. P. 4592. that] om. Ra. to Ar. G. Lb. C. T2. P. E.2. L2. gan Bo. and the rest. 4594. yparted] And parted Di. Parted T\. C. 4596.

right Bo. M. Adj. weye Tj. Ra. Ej. E2. way Ar. Bo. M. Adj. righte waye] way right he Adj. right wey he P. 4597 to 4658 lost in Lb. 4598. secoiul ot] om. Ra. Ej. Ro. 4600. wepte M. wept Bo. Adj. they] he L2. departe] parte Ar. G. T2. P. E.,. 4601. Arge] Arche L,. 4602. it] om. Ar. G. L2. a] om. T^ T2. 4603. shal Ar. Adj. shul Bo. M. sholde Ej. Ro. 4004. At the Ar. Atte Adj. At Bo. M. gynnyng] Bygynnynge P. L.,. took] take Bo. Du. Ra. P.

Adrastus dies. Thebes destroy d 400 years before Rome founded. 189

Of myghty Thebes / shortly, and no more.

And thus Adrastus, with his lokkys hore, Stille abood in Arge his Cyte Vnto his ende / : 36 gete no more of me, Sauf, as myn aucto?//- / liketh to compyle, After that he lyued but* a while ; For he was old er the siege gan, And thought1 and sorowe so vpon hy??? ran ; The which in soth shortyd hath his dayes. And, tyme sette, deth make]? no delayes, And al his loye / passid was and gon, For of his lordys / alyve was not* on But slayn at Thebes /, $e knowen al the cas.

and whan this kyng / in Arge buryed was Ful Ryaly / with gref solempnyte, If was acountyd /, in bookys $e may Se, II Four hundred $eer /, as mad is menciouw, To-foor the beelding* / and fundaciou/i Of gret1 Rome / so Ryal and so large, whan the ladies / departyden* from Arge To her contres / ful tresf and desolaf. lo f her the fyn / of contek and debaf . Lof her the myghf of Mars the fro ward* sterre. Lo '. what* if is ' for-to gynne a werre. U How if concludeth / ensample }e may se First1 of Grekys / and next1 of the Cyte :

4608 Adrastus stays in Argos,

4612

but the trouble of the Siege shortens his life.

4616 He dies,

4620 and is buried.

[leaf 77, back] CCCC 5ere to-fore )>e fundaciou;! of Rome -was Thebes destroyed.

4624

4628

4632 Thebes.

4608. his] om. Bo. 4609. his] the G. 4613. gan Ar. G. C. T2. LJ.

began Bo. and the rest. 4614. sorowe Bo. sorw M. Adj. 4616. And

tyme] atte tyme Ad,, deth] om. P. 4617. al] om. Du. passid was] is passed Adj. 4619. slayn at Thebes] atte Thebes slayn Adj. al] om. Adj. 4620. in Arge] om. Adj. 4621. ryally Bo. M. royally Adj. 4622. acountyd

Ar. Adj. accountyd Bo. acomptiu Lj. counted M. Je may] as ye may Lj. Ad,. 4623. hundred Adj. hundreth Bo. hondred M. CCCC yere C. 4624. belding Bo. Adj. bildyng M. 4625. grete Bo. gret M. Adj. the grete P. ryal Bo. M. roial Adj. hye P. Royally Ej. Ro. second so] om. Adj. 4626. departyden] partyd Ar. G. departyd Bo. and all the other MS8. (sec Notes). 4627. tryst Bo. Adj. 4628. contek] contecte Lj. and] of Di. 4629. second the] bat Lj. froward Ar. G. C. T2. P. £5. L^ mighti Bo. and all the rest. 4630, forto Ar. G. M. Di. Ra. to Bo. and the rest, gynne] begynne Lj. S. C. T0. P. Eo. L2. 4632. Grekys] be Grekes Bo. L,. E2. next] sith G. Adj. S. C. T2. P. E.2. sithen Ra. the] this Adj. the Cyte] Thebes be Cyte Lj. P. the Thebans cite Eo.

190 Grecian Worthies are all slain. All Folk suffer in War. [PT. III.

«[ The worthy blood of Grece •was distroyed at the siege «n</ the Cyte fynaly brouht to nought

In war,

high and low, both suffer.

1 Bellona is god- desse of bataill.

[leaf 78]

Both sides are damaged by war.

For owther parte / hath matcre to conpleyiie.

And in her strif / 36 may se thyngges tweyne :

IT The worthy blood of al grece spilf ,

And Thebes ek /, of Amphion first bylf , 4636

With-oute Recur / brouht1 vnto Ruyne

And with the soyle made pleyn as a lyne,

To wyldernesse turnyd / and desert*,

And Grekys ek / falle into pouerf , 4640

Both of her men / and also of her good ;

For fynaly / al the gentyl blood

was shad out1 ther /, her wound ys wer so wyde,

To los fynal vnto outher syde. 4644

For in the werre is non excepcioure Of hegh estaf / nor lowfi condicioura, But1 as fortune / and fate, both yffere, List1 to dispose / with her double chere, 4648

And Bellona* / the goddes in hir char Aforn provydeth / ; wherfor ech man be war Vnavysed / a werre to bygynne.

For no man woof who shal lese or wynne. 4652

And hard it is whan eyther party leseth. And douteles / nowther of hem cheseth That1 they most1 / in al swich mortal rage, Maugre her lust1 /, felyn gref damage. 4656

If may naf be by ma?mys myghf restreyned. And werre in soth / was neuer first ordeyned

4633. owther Ar. eyther Bo. M. Adj. parte] partie Di. hath] om. Di. hath matere] mater hath M. 4635. grece] grekes S. 4636. first] om.

Adj. 4638. soyle Bo. M. soil Adj. a] ony C. T2. P. £3. 4639.

wydernesse Ar. wildernesse Bo. 4640. ek] om. Al. Di. falle Ar. Bo. M. Adj. fallen Ra. S. P. 1^. full Lj. broujte Di. into] in Adj. to Ha. 4641. also] om. Adj. 4644. To los fynal vnto] vn-to gret los of Adj. outher Ar.

eyther Bo. M. Adj. )>e tother G. every S. P. 4649 and 4650 are transposed in M. Di. 4649. Bellona] Belliona Ar. G. 4650. wherfor Ar. G. T2. Eo. L2. )>er-fore Bo. and the rest, ech] euery C. T2. P. E^ 4652. woot] om. Ra. lese M. Adj. lees Bo. 4653. And hard it is] Ne wot and hard is Ra. whan] where P. eyther Ar. Bo. M. euery P. party Bo. part M. eyther party leseth] bobe parties leseth Adj. Ra. S. 4654. nowther Ar. Bo. Adj. neither M. nowther of hem ] ne]>er party P. 4655. swich] sewyth G. rage] rache M.

4656. lust M. Adj. list Bo. felyn Ar. C. T2. R,. L2. fallyn in G. fall to P. folowe Bo. and the rest.

PT. in.] War begun in Heaven thru Lucifer. Envy rules now. 191

But1 for synne folkis to chastyse.

And as the byble / trewly kan devyse, 4660 «f HOW that

•> I werre byganne

Hegh in heuene / of Pryde and Surquedye, *riaS sur-he

Lucyfer, fader of Envie, £«£c of Lu'

The olde Serpent* /, he levyatlian,

Was the first* / that1 euer werre gan : 4664

Whan Michael /, the heuenly Champiouw,

with his Feerys / venqwisshyd the Dragon??,

And to helle / cast1 hym downe ful lowe.

The whiche serpent1 hath the Cokkyl sowe 4668 1 lorn™

Thorgh al erth / of envye and debaf, Bnyy rulcs now"

That1 vnnethys / is ther non estat1,

with-oute stryf / can lyve in Charite.

For euery man / of hegh and lough degre, 4672

Envyeth now / that1 other shulde thryve.

And ground? and cause / why that1 men so stryvc, j^I^nMtton

Is coveytise / and fals Ambitious,

That1 euerich wold han domynacioura 4676

Ouer other, and trede hym vndyr foote :

which of al sorowe / gynnyng1 is and Kootc. oTalfev™0*8

And Crist' recordyth / — red luk * and 30 may se — For lak of love / what1 meschief ber shal be. 4680 f Sureet eens

contra ge/ttem,

For .0. puple / as he doth devyse, Luoe xxi°-

Agayn anojwr / of hate shal aryse.

And after tellith what1 dy visions [leaf 78, back]

4659. for synne Ar. G. Ra. Ej. S. L2. Ro. for synful Bo. Tj. Lj. Lb. M. Di. (Adj.) C. T2. P. E2. folkis] folke LI. Lb. C. T2. P. sinful folkes for to Adj. 4661. in the rubric Ar. has pde and suuquedye. 4662. om. in P (a later liaiul has written in the margin : ffirste ye shall vndirstonde and se). 4662. fader] the fader C. that fader T2. Envie] al enuye C. cursed envie Adj. 4663. olde Bo. he] the Ra. 4664. the] ]?o Bo. euer] om. S. werre] syn M. Di. gan Ar. began G. Bo. and the rest. 4666. venquisshed Bo. M. Adj. Feerys] felowes S. 4668. whiche Bo. M. which Adj. Cokkyl Ar. kokkel Bo. Adj. kocle M. cockal Ra. in Ar. before serpent is ko, underdotted. 4669. Torgh Ar. al erth] al the erthe Adi. S. E2. 4670. vnnethys] vnnethe Lb. vnneth P. non] ony Tj. Lb. M. Di. eny Adr any P. estat] stat M. Di. astate Lb. P. 4673. shold M. shal Bo. 4674. that] om. Ra. S. stryve] scryue ET. Ro. 4675. Ambicioun] abusion Adj. 4676. haue Bo. M. Adj.

4677. Ouer] Of G. 4678. sorowe Bo. sorw M. Adj. gynnyng] gynner M. Di. 4679. Crist Bo. M. Adj. Christ E2. hike G. C. P. L2. luce T2.

loke Lb. looke E2. bok Ar. ]>e boke Bo. and the rest. 4680. what] om. Adv I. ]>er shal] shal )>er Bo. Tx. Adi. I. S. 4681. puple Ar. G. peple Bo. M. people Ej. E2. Ro.

192 Your War shall cease, and 'Love ami Peace shall spread. [PT. ill.

Strife starts

But War

shall cuasi! ;

Lovo shall

spreiul.

Christ, who is God

and man,

lot us pray Him,

Ther shal be / atwixe* regyou»s, Eumche bysy / other to oppresse. And al swicli strif /, as he berth wytnesse, Kalendys ben /, I take his word to borowc, And a gynnyng* / of meschief and of sorowe : Men haue if founde / be expmence. But1 the venyra / and the violence Of strif, of werre / of contek, and debatf, That make]) londys bare and desolaf, Shal be prescript and voyded out of place, And Martys swerd1 / shal no more manace, Nor his spere * / greuous to sustene, Shal now no more* / whettyd* be so kene, Nor he no more* / shal his hauberk shake. But1 loue and pees / iu hertys shal awake, And charite /, both in length and brede, Of newe shal her bryghte beemys sprede Thorgh grace / only f in dyuers naciou??s, Forto reforme / a-twixe* Regyou«s Pees and quyef / concord? and vnyte. And he that1 is / both on / and two / and thre, Ek thre in on / and souereyn lord of pes, Which in this exil / for our sake ches, For loue only / our troubles to termyne, For to be born / of a pur virgyne : ^r And lat vs prey / to hym that1 is most good,

4688

4692

461)6

4700

4704

4708

4684. be] om. I^. atwix Ar. Ra. a-twene Bo. M. Adj. betwyxt L2. bctwene Lb. 4686. berth Ar. bereth Bo. berith M. Adj. 4687. ben] thei ben C. borowe Bo. borw M. Adx. 4689. haue Bo. han M. Adj.

it] om. Bo. 4690. venym] venom M. Adj. 4691. of werre of contek] of contek of werre Adr I. S. coutek werre Ra (both of om.). and] and of E2. 4693. be] om. Ra. S. proscripte Ar (with e undcrdotted). be prescript] prescript be Adj. I. voyded] voide Llt Lb. P. voiden Ra. 4694. Martys] mars S.

swerd] swerdes E2. 4695. spere Bo. M. Adj. sper Ar. 4696. now] om. IV Di. Ra. C. T2. more Bo. M. mor Ar. Adj. whettyd] whtyd Ar. 4700.

bright Bo. M. Adj. 4702. reforme M. Adj. refourme Bo. a-twix Ar. G. a-twene Bo. M. Adj. Lb. atween Ra. bytwene L2. 4703. first and] om. Ad-,. I. 4704. he] om. Bo. S. is] om. I. both] om. Lb. L2. both on] on both S. second and] om. LI. Lb. M. Di. Adj. I. Ra. S. C. T2. P. E2. L2. 4706. sake] loue C. ches] these Ej. Ro. 4707. For] om. I. loue] om. A'dj. I. troubles] trouble- nesse Adj. trouble I. to] for to do I. 4708. pur] clene G. 4709. to] om. Adi. I.

Let us pray Christ to give us Peace here, and Heaven hereafter. 193

Which for mankynde shadde his herte blood,

Thorgh byseching* / of that heuenly quene, thru MS Mother,

"Wyff and moder and a Mayde clene, 4712

To sende vs pes / her in this lyf present1, [leaf 79]

And of oure synnys / parfitf amendemenf, here "

And loye eternal / whan we hennes* wende. and joy here-

after.

Of my tale / thus I make an ende. Explic^. 4716

Here endeth the destruccioiw of Thebes.

4710. Which Ar. G. Lt. Ra. L2. Ro. >at Bo. and the rest, mankynd! Ar. L.2- mankend G. mankinde 41. Adj. and the rest, except man-kvn Bo. Tj. shadde Ar. shad Bo. M. Ad^. shed Ej. S. Ro. herte Tv hert Bo. M. Adj. precious S. 4711. byseching] >e besechyng Bo. Lj. Lb. Di. P. that] the P. 4712. first and] om. P. a] om. Lb. M. Adj. I. Ra. S. C. T2. P. E.J. Mayde Ar. Bo. Tx. Ra. Ej. L^. Ro. mayden G. La. and the rest. 4714. amedement Ar. 4715. hennes Bo. Adj. hennys 1^. hens Ar. M. 4716. Of] And of Lb. Adx. I. C. Tg. P. E2. G (the u-hole line supplied by a late hand, see Introduction). M. and T3. add Deo gracias.

TH23ZS,

- - ^,-U.- •

c^v^-JK o

PR Chaucer Society, London

1901 cPubli cations-,

A3 ser. 2

S MONOGRAPH

UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO LIBRARY