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OF 


un[       ms. 


*•*• 


OF 


EDITED   BY 


FREDERICK  J.  FURN1VALL. 


LONDON: 

PUBLISHT  FOR  THE  CHAUCER  SOCIETY 
BY  N.  TRUBNER  &  CO.,  57  &  59,  LUDGATE  HILL. 

1868-1880. 


£0)77. 


[This  Volume  contains  those  Texts  of  Chaucer's  Minor 
Poems  for  which  there  wasn't  room  in  the  Parallel-  or 
Supplementary-Parallel  Texts.  The  Appendix  is  mainly 
of  spurious  Poems.  Othtrs  of  the  kind  will  be  put  into 
another  volume  hereafter.] 


CONTENTS, 


PAQB 

1.  TWO    BITS    OF   THE   PARLAMENT    OP   FOULES            ...  1 

2.  THE      TWO     DIFFERING     VERSIONS      OF      CHAUCER'S 

PROLOGUE   TO    HIS    LEGENDS   OF   GOOD   WOMEN 

3.  AN    ABC                    •••  65 

4.  THE   HOUSE   OF   FAME        ...             ...             ...             ...  79 

5.  THE   LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN     ...             ...              ...  133 

6.  THE    DETHE    OF    BLAUNCHE    THE    DUCHE8SE             ...  213 

7.  THE    COMPLAINT    TO    PITY                  ...                               ...  251 

8.  THE   PARLAMENT    OF   FOULES          ...             ...             ...  263 

9.  TRUTH        ...             ...             ...             ...             ...             •••  289 

10.  ENVOY  TO  SOOGAN          293 

11.  PURSE      ..  295 

APPENDIX. 

1.  THE    BALADE    OF    PYTEE    ...             ...             ...             ...  i 

2.  J)E    CRONYCLE   MADE   BY   CHAUCIER            ...             ...  vi 

3.  TWO    ODD    BITS    OF    CHAUCER'S    TROILUS ix 

4.  THE    TONGUE  xi 


POEMS  ATTRIBUTED  TO  CHAUCER. 


1. 


Cfee  $ahb*  of  fjtee. 


ODD    TKXTfl. 


ii  J)E    BALADE .    OP .    PYTEE.       (ttARL.  MK  78.) 

[7»  Shirley* »  copy  of  the  "  complaint  of  Pitee*  made  by  Geffrey 
Chaucier,"  in  Harl.  MB  78,  leaf  SO  (»ec  Parallel  Texts,  p.  41),  the 
folltnvlng  Stanzas  run  on  from  it.  17  (Par.  Texts,  p.  49)  as  part 
of  tlie  Complaint  (tliough  with  an  extra  mark  on  the  diKuion-line 
between  the  stanzas),  and  are  headlined  accordingly  by  Shirley 
"pe  balade.  of .  Pytee.  By  Chauciers."  In  tJie- MS  almost  every 
final  g  and  t  has  a  curl  to  it,  and  all  the  lines  start  level.'] 

(18) 
IF  Jje  long  nightes  /  whane  euery  creature  /  [on  /ea/8»i 

Shoulde  haue  feyre  /  rest1  in  somwhat  as  be  kynde  / 
Or  ellys  ne  may  Jjeyre  lyve  /  nought  long1  endure  / 

Hit  fallefe  mooste  /  in  to  my  /  woofuH  mynde  /        123 
Howe  I  so  far  /  haue  brought  my  self1  behinde 
J3at  sauf*  )>e  deeth  /  J>er  may  no  thing  me  lisse  / 
So  desespayredf  /  I  am  frome  al  blisse  /  123 

(19) 

1F  Jjis  saame  thought  /  me  lastej>e  til  J?e  morowe  / 
And1  frome  \>e  morowe  forjje  /  til  hit  beo  eve  / 
Jjere  neodepe  me  no .  care  /  for  to  borowe  / 

ffor  boo ]>e  I  haue  /  goode  leyser  and*  goode  leve  /       1 30 
ber  is  no  wight  /  fat  wil  /  me  /  woe  byreve 
To  weepe  enoughe  /  and?  wayllen  al  my  fille  / 
}3e  soore  sparke  of  peyne  /  nowe  doofe  me  spille  /    133 

(20) 
1T  ))is  loue  fat  hafe  me  sette  /  in  suche  a  place  / 

]3at  my  desire  /  wol  neuer  fulfille 

fFor  neyjjer  pitee  /  mercy  /  neyfer  grace  136 

Kane  I.  not  fynde  /  and4  yit  my  sorouful  herf 

if  or1  to  beo  dede  / 1.  cane  hit  nought,  arace  /    [leaf  82,  back] 
)3e  more  I  love  /  J>e  more  she  do]?e  me  smert1  139 

Thorughe  whiche  .1.  see  with  oute  remedye  / 

feat  frome  J>e  deeth  /  I  may  no  wyse  astertf  141 

[?  5  litiet  wanting.    No  extra  IreaTs  in  the  i[S.~\ 

IF  Nowe  sofely.  what  she  hight  /  I  wol  reherse  147 

Hir  name .  is  bounte  /  sette  in  wommanhede/ 

Sadnesse  in  youjje  /  and?  beawte  prydelesse  / 
And1  plesance  /  vnder  gouuernance  and!  dred?  150 


BY   CHAUCIERS.       (HAUL.  MS  78.)  ill 

Hir  surname  is  /  coke  fayre  routhelesse 

J3e  wyse  eknytte  /  vn  to  goode  aventure/ 
)3at  for  I  loue  hir1  /  she  sleetli  me  giltlesse  153 

Hir  love  I  best1  /  and'  shal  whylo  .1  may  diire/ 
H  Bette  fane  my  self* .  an  hundrepe  thousand?  delle  / 
)3ane  al  pis  wo[r]ldes  ricliesse .  or  creature  156 

Nowe  hape  not  love  /  me  bestowed'  weele 

To  love  per  /  I  neuer  slial  haue  parte 
Ellas  /  right  pus  /  is  turned!  me  J>e  wheele  159 

Jpus  am  I  slayne  /  with,  loves  fury  darte 

I  cane  but  love  liir  best/  my  sweete  foo/ 
Loue  hape  me  tauglit  /  no  more  of  his  art? 

But  serue  alwey  /  and'  stynt[e]  for  no  woo/  163 

(21) 

IT  In  my  truwe  l  careful  hert  per  is  /  ['a word croit out] 

So  myche  .  woo  /  and*  so  lytel  blisse  / 

J)at  woo  is  me  /  pat  euer  I  was  bore  /  166 

ffor  al  pat  thing1  /  which"  I  desyre  I  rnisse  / 
And!  al  pat  euer  /  I  wolde  not  /  I-wisse 

Jjat  fynde  I  redy  /  to  me  /  euermore  /  169 

And*  of  al  pis  /  I  not  to  whome  me  pleyne  / 
ffor  she  pat  might  /  me  out  of  pis  bring1  / 
Ne  rechepe  nought1  /  wheper  I  weepe  or  sing1 
So  lytel  reuthe  /  hape  she  vpon  /  my  peyne  173 

(22) 

IT  Ellas  whane  sleeping1  tyme  is  /  loo  panne  I  [a]Avaake  / 
Whane  I  shoulde  daunce  /  for  fere  loo  panne  I  qwaake  / 

[ ]  176 

J)is  hevy  lyff*  I  lede  /  loo  for  youre  saake  / 

Jjaughe  yee  per  of1  /  in  no  wyse  heede  take/  [leafs-s] 

[ no  gaps  in  the  MS.]  179 

Myn  hertes  lady  /  and!  hoole  my  lyves  qweene 
ffor  truwly  durst  .1.  seye  /  as  pat  .1  feele  / 
Me  semepe  /  pat  youre  sweet  hert  of1  steele 
Is  whetted1  nowe  ageyns  me  /  to  keene  /  183 


iv  fB   BALAUE.    OF.    PYTEE.       (llARl.  MS  78.) 

(23) 

IT  My  deere  herf  /  and  best  beloued*  foo  / 

Why  lykefe  you  /  to  doo  me  al  Jjis  woo  / 

What  haue  I  doone  /  fat  greuefe  you  or  sayde  /        186 

But  for  I  seme  /  and1  loue  you  and1  no  moo  / 

And1  whylest  I  lyve  /  I  wol  euer  do  soo 

And!  fer-fore  sweete  /  ne  beofe  not  yuel  apaied*          189 

ffor  so  goode  and!  so  faire  /  as  yee  be  / 

Hit  were  right  gret  wonder  but  yee  Iiadd 
Of  alle  seruantes  /  boof  e  of1  goode  and1  badd! 

And  leest  worthy  of  alle  /  hem  /  I .  am  .  he  /  193 

(24) 

^f  But  neuer  j>e  leese  /  my .  right  lady  sweete  / 
Jjaughe  fat  I  beo  /  vnkonnyng1  and1  vnmeete 

To  seme  as  I  koude  best*  /  ay  your  hyenesse  1 96 

Yit  is  f  er  noon  /  fayner  fat  wolde  I  heete 
Jpane  I  /  to  do  youre  ease  /  or  ellys  beete  / 

What  so  I  wist1  /  fat  were  /  to  youre  hyenesse  /         199 
And!  hade .  I  might1  /  as  goode  as  I  haue  wille  / 

J)anc  shoulde  yee  feele  /  Where  it  were  so  or  noon 
ffor  /  in  f  is  worlde  living1  /  fane  is  f  er  noon  / 
Jjat  fayner  Wolde  /  youre  hertes  Aville  fulfille  /  203 

(25) 

IT  il'or  boof  e  I  loue  /  and*  eke  dreed!  you  so  soore  / 
And1  algates  mote  /  and1  haue  doon  yowe  ful  yoore 

Jjat  better  loued!  is  noon  /  ne  neuer  shal  206 

And  yit*  I  wolde  beseche  you  /  of  no  more  / 
But  leuefe  wele  /  and?  be  not  wrothe  ther  fore/ 

And1  let  me  serue  you  forth  /  loo  J>is  is  al  209 

ffor  I  am  nought  /  so  hardy  ne  so  woode  / 

ffor  to  desyre  /  fat  yee  shoulde  Loue  me  /     [leaf *?„  back] 
ffor  weele  I  wot  /  ellas  fat  may  not  be 

I  am  so  lytel  worthy  /  and!  yee  so  goode  213 


BY    CHAUCIERS.       (llARL.  MS  78.)  V 

(26) 

IT  ffor  yee  bee  oone  J>e  /  worthyest  on  lyve  / 
And?  I  fe  mooste  /  vnlikly  for  to  thryve  / 

Yit  for  al  fis  /  witefe  yce  right  weele  /  216 

Jjat  yee  ne  shoule  /  me  frome  youre  servyce  dryve  / 
Jjat  I  ne  wil  ay  /  with  alle  my  wittes  fyve  / 

Serve  you  truwly  /  what  woo.  so  J>at  I  feelu  /  219 

ffor  I  am  sette  on  yowe  /  in  suche  manere  / 

Jjat  faughe  yee  neuer  wil  /  vpon  me  ruwe  / 
I  moste  you  loue  /  and?  beon  euer  als  truwe  / 
As  any  man  /  can  /  er  may  on  lyve  /  223 

(27) 

IF  But  f  e  more  /  fat  I  loue  you  goodely  free  / 
Jje  lasse  fynde  I  /  fat  yee  loven  me  / 

Ellas  whan  shal  /  j?at  harde  witte  amende  226 

Where  is  nowe  al  /  youre  wommanly  pitee 
Youre  gentilesse  /  and*  youre  debonairtee  / 

"Wil  yee  no  thing1  /  f  er  of  vpon  me  spende  /  229 

And!  so  hoole  sweete  /  as  I  am  youres  al  / 
And?  so  gret  wille  /  as  I  haue  you  to  serve 
Nowe  certes  /  and?  yee  let  me  Jms  sterve  / 

Yit  haue  ye  wonne  /  J>er  on  but  a  smal  233 

(28) 

fFor*  at  my  knowing1  /  I  /  do  nought1  why 
And?  f  is  I  wol  /  beseche  yowe  hertely 

'  That  f  er l  euer  yee  fynde  /  whyles  yee  lyve  /  ^^W 
A  truwer  seruant  /  to  you  /  fane  am  .1.  237 

Leuef e  f  anne  [me]  /  and?  sleef  e  me  hardely 

And?  I  my  deth  to  you  /  wil  al  forgyve  /  239 

And?  if  yee  fynde  /  no  trewer  so  verrayly 

Wolle  yee  souffre  fanne  /  fat  I  fus  spille 
And?  for  no  maner  gilt1  but  my  goode  wille 

Als  goode  were  fanne  /  vntrewc  as  truwe  to  be  /       243 

[End  of  the  fragment.     Rest  of  the  MS  loaf.] 


[Shirley's  MS  Ashmole  59,  leaf  38,  luck] 
2. 

pt  Crrojde  mate  ijj  (t|»acier. 

IT  Here  nowe  folowe  J>e  names  of1  fe  nyene  worshipful- 
lest1  Ladyes  fat  in  alle  cronycles .  and  storyal  bokes  haue 
beo  founden  of  troufe  of*  constaunce  and  vertuous  or  re- 
proched  womanhode  .  by  Chancier1 

/"N  Rete  Rayson  Cleopatre  is  fy  Kyndnesse 

I  -•-  Be  putte  in  mynde  /  and  also  J>yne  hyeness 

^~A    Of  Egipte  qweene  /  and  aifter  pat  Avas  slayne 
J)yne  Anthonye  /  by  Octovyan  .  Jje  Romayne  /  4 

Wit6  gret  richchesse  /  J>ou  made  his  sepulture       //  cieopatre. 
And  affter  him  fee  list  no  lenger  dure 
For  in  a  pitte  witfi  J>ee  serpentes  to  take 
Jjowe  wente  al  naked*  /  so  J?y  defe  to  make  8 

1F  Adryane  whiche .  with  fy  craffty  labour1  //  Adryanc. 

Made  Theseus  to  slee  )>e  Minctawre  / 

And  by  a  threede  /  frome  J>y  faders  prysoun 

Made  him  tescape  /  and  pyne  housbande  bycome  1 2 

By  helpe  of  Fedra  /  ]>y  sustre  J»at  with  him  yeede 

Whitest  fou  slepte  /  and  so  he  qwytte  |>y  meede 

Whefrjoff1  J>e  goddes  /  hade  of  Jjy  pytee  rou]>e  / 

And  to  a  sterre  transfourmed  fee  for  troufe  /  16 


"  fE    CKONYCLE   MADE   BY    CHAUCIEB."  Vli 

H  jjis  noble  qAveene  of  Cartage  .  feyre  Dydo  [leaf  yyj 

Which  of  Pite  .  reSCeyVe<J  EneaS  SO  /  //  Gocle  Dydo  qwene  of  Cartage. 

Affter  frome  Troye  /  with  tempestes  in  f  e  see 

Vnnecj>e  arryved?  /  in-to  hir  cuntree  /  20 

Sheo  made  him  lord?  and  sheo  his  humble  wyve  / 

Wherby  ellas  /  sheo  loste  /  bojje  ioye  and  lyve  / 

For  whane  sheo  wiste  /  fat  he  was  frome  hir  goo 

Vppofi  his  swerde  /  sheo  roof  hir  herte  a-twoo  /  24 

IT  It  is  gret  right  fat  youre  bountee  Lucresse 

Be  putte  in  writing'  /  and  alsoo  jour  goodnesso       '(,/ Home* 

Wyff1  to  J)e  Senatour  /  gode  Collatyne 

Which  thorugh  Jjeiivye  /  of  Eomayne  Torqwyn  /  28 

For  yee  to  him  /  wolde  never  applye  / 

He  ravisshed?  yowe  /  where-off  it  was  pyte 

With  a  Tyraunf  ful  soore  ageinst  youre  wille 

He  caused  yowe  /  for  sorowe  /  youre  selff  to  spy  He          32 

IT  What  noblesse  shewed  fou  Demophofi  Philles 

Whome  to  fine  housbande  qwene  of  Tarce  fou  chas    "  ££8iu 

Comyng  frome  Troye  /  with  tempest  alforblowe 

As  wolde  god  /  fou  hadest  him  wele  eknowe  36 

Soone  he  forgate  f  y  fredame  and  f  y  trouf  e 

Whane  to  his  cuntrey .  /  he  yede  fat  was  rouf e 

Whiche  never  affter  /  for  al  his  heeste  with  fee 

Efft-sones  wolde  mete  /  fat  made  fee  soone  to  dye  40 

11  Borne  nobully  of  Babilloygne  Thesbe 

From  f  e  welle  /  a  lyonesse  made  fee  flee      //Thesbe  of  Babuioigne. 

Where  as  fou  seete  /  Piramus  tabyde 

Ellas  he  foonde  fere  /  by  fat  welle  syde  44 

Blody  f  y  wympuli  /  and  wende  fou  hadest  be  sleyne 

For  which  he  karffe  /  fere  his  hert  atweyne 

Which  whane  fou  saughe  /  fou  woldest  no  lenger  byde 

But  on  his  swerde  /  fyne  hert  did  thorowe  glyde  48 


viii  "J?E   CRONYCLE   MADE   BY    CHAUCIER." 

5T  Woo  is  myne  hert  for  jjec  /  f  ou  Isiphyle  [leaf  39,  lack] 

Qwene  and  ladye  of  /  Leanoun  f  e  yle  t  Wphyie. 

Wheclie  wedded  was  /  to  lasofi  grekessh"  man. 

And  gret  with  chylde  /  lefFt  ]?ee  soone  vppofi  52 

Fro  Medea  when  he  to  Coleos  yeede 

Jjat  for  f  e  pitee  /  I  feele  myn  hert[e]  bleede 

To  thenke  on  al  f  y  sorowe  and  J>y  woo 

Wher  thorughe  fou  dyed  and  jjy  chylde  alsoo  56 

1T  Ypermistra  /  fat  noble  and  truwe  wyff* 

Jjy  faders  prysoun  /  made  fee  to  loese  fy  lyff1  "J^™^™  ** 

Ful  pytously  /  for  fat  fou  wolde  not  flee 

Lyue  fine  husbande  /  as  he  comanded  fee  60 

Whiche  was  f  e  sone  /  of  daun  Danao 

Egistes  brof  er  /  f  y  fader  it  fel  soo 

And  al  was  but  his  owen  fantasye 

J)at  he  his  brof  er  sone  /  went  for  to  dye  64 

IT  J5e  sorowe  f ou  toke  fane  /  0  .  qnene  Alceste l 

TVhane  Sey  se  f  yne  husbande  /  fayled?  fee  of  byheste  "  Jj*  Qwene 

Whome  for  to  fynde  /  f  ou  sought  him  ay  weoping1 

Hit  happende  soo  /  f  ou  saughe  him  dede  fletyng1  68 

Vppon  f  e  see  /  and  to  him  leepe  anoone 

With"  him  to  dye  /  so  woo  was  him  begone 

Where  fat  of  yowe  f  e  goddes  hade  grete  piteo 

And  lyche  seemewes  /  transfourmed?  him  and  fee  .  72 

1  Mistaken  for  Alcyone :  see  The  Dethe  of  Blaunrhc  the  Duck' 
esse. 


IX 


ODD    BITS    OE    CHAUCER. 


3. 
TWO  ODD  BITS  OF 


jjaum's 


1.  One  Stanza  (Book  I,  St.  xci,  Lines  G31-7),  Wise  Men 

learn  by  Fools:   from  Shirley's  paper  MS.  R  3.  20, 
Trin.  Coll.,  Cambr. 

2.  Three  Stanzas  (Book  III,  St.  xxxviii— xl,  Lines  260- 

280),  in  a  Poem,   The  Tongue,  from  a  paper  MS. 
Ff.  i.  6,  Cambr.  Univ.  Library. 


ODD    TEXTS. 


X       W13K   MEN    LKAUN    BY    FOOLS.      SHMUiY's   MS.   It.   3.   20. 


WISE  MEN  LEARN  BY  POOLS. 

St.  XCI.  of  the  First  Book  of  Chaucer's  Troilug. 

[Shirley's  MS.  R.  3.  20,  Trinity  Coll.  Library,  Cambridge.'] 

Pandare  to  Troylus 

IT  A .  whestone  is  no  kerving .  instrument1  1 

And  yifcte .  it  makebe  /  sharpe  kerving  toolis 

If  bow .  wost  ought  /  where  bat  I  haue  miswentt 

Eschuwe .  bow  bat  /  for  suche  thing  to  bee  scoole  is  /        4 

J?us  wyse  men  /  beon  offt  /  ware  by  foolis 

If  bowe  do  so  /  by  witte  is  wele  bewared 

By  his  contrarie .  is  every  thing  declared!  7 

IT  Qui  servit  nequam  /  mercedem  non  capit  equam 
Omnia  qui  querit  /  perdere  dignus  erit 

[Copied  and  read  by  Mr  W.  Aldia  Wriyht.] 


THR   TONGUK.       MS.  Ff.  1.  6,  CAMBR.  xi 

4. 
THE  TONGUE. 

[Cambr.  Univ.  Libr.  MS.  Ff.  1.  6,  leaf  150  has  3  stanza* 
from  Chaucer's  Troilus,  III.  302 — 322.] 

(1) 

Ther  is  nomore  dredfuH  pestelens  /  1 

Than  is  tonge  that  can  flatere  &  fage 
For  with  his  corsyd*  crabbed?  violens  / 
He  enfecteth  folkis  of  euerey  Age  /  4 

Woo  to  tongis  frouward!  of  ther  Langauge 
Woo  to  tongas  false  furyuws  and?  woode  / 
Whiche  of  no  person  neuer  con  say  good  /  7 

(2) 

Wherfor  me  semethe  it  is  wel  syttyng  /  8 

Eueryche  man  other  to  commende 
And  say  the  best  alway  in  reportyng  / 
For  in  wel  saying  noman  may  offende  1 1 

Wherre  men  say  wel  god  wyll  hys  grace  send  / 
Aftyr  men  ben)  men)  most  theyi'  pryse  vp  reyse 
Aftyr  ther1  desarvyng  a-louwe  hem  or  dyspreyse  14 

(3) 

But  wher1  a  thyng  vtturly  is  vnknowe  15 

Lette  no  man  ther  hastely  be  of  sentens 
For  Eyghtful  lugegw  sittyng  on  a  roowe 
Of1  ther  wesdome  and  their*  high  prudens  /    [MMM,  wio  18 
welle  of1  trought  haue  some  evedens  / 
I  mene  aH  suche  as  gouemed'  be  by  grace 
Or  eny  worde  out  of1  therre  lyppys  passe  21 

Ff.  1.  6 


Xii  THE   TONGUE.       MS.  I?f.  1.  6,  CAMBR. 

(4)  (Chaucer's  Troilus,  Book  IIT,  st.  xxxviii,  1.  260-6  *.) 
0  false  tong  so  oftyn  her*  befor*  22 
Hast  thou  made  mony  on  bryght  of1  hewe 

Sey  welaway  the  day  that  I  was  borne 

And  mony  a  maydw  sorowe  for  to  newe  25 

And  for  the  more  part1  al  is  vntruwe 

Thaf  men  of  yelpe  /  &  hit  wer1  browght  to  preve 

Of1  kynde  nonne  Awauntur  ys  to  leve  /  28 

(5)  (Chaucer's  Troilus,  Book  III,  st.  xxxix,  L  267-273.) 
Avauntur  and  a  Iyer  aH  is/  on  29 
And1  thus  I  pose  whoman  grazmteth  me 

Her1  loue  and1  feythe  that  other  wolle  sche  nori) 

And  I  am  eworne  to  holde  hit  secre  32 

I-wys  I  am  a  wauntur  at  the  leste 

And  a  Iyer1  for  I  bi-eke  my  be-heste  34 

(6)   (Chaucer's  Troilus,  Book  III,  st.  ad,  1.  274-280.) 
Now  loke  thou  yf  they  be  ought  to  blame  35 

Suche  inaner  folke  what  I  clepe  hem  what  / 
And  hem  a-vaunte  of  wemen)  and  by  name  / 
That  neuer  yet  be-hyght  hem  this  nor  that  38 

Ne  knewe  hem  more  than)  my  olde  hatte 
No  woundur  is/  so  god  me  sende  hele 
Thowgh  wemen)  drede  \viih  vs  men)  to  dele  41 

(7) 

A  goocJ  god  of1  hys  high"  grace  42 

Lo  what  fortune  is  take  hede 
Wher1  her1  lyketh  sche  marketh  hir  chasse 
Now  most  I  in  servyse  my  lyffe  lede  45 

Bothe  loue  serue  and  eke  drede 
As  he  that1  is  boonde  and  wol  not  be  free 
Ryght  so  farithe  hit  now  by  me/  48 

Explicith/ 

1  In  Morris's  Aldine  edition,  vol.  iv.  237-8.  In  R.  Bell's  edition 
the  lines  are  302-8,  309-15,  316-22.  Dr.  Morris's  printer  has  not 
numberd  the  lines  of  the  Proem  with  those  of  the  Book,  as  he 
should  have  done. 

Ff.  1.  « 


BI'NGAV:    CLAY  ANt>   TAYLOR,    THE   CHAUCER    PRESS. 


PLY-LEAF. 

Jday  not  this  envoyless  Salade  be  Chaucer's,  in  his  4tk  Period  ? 
May  be;  but  isn't?— F.  J.  F.     (Sept.  1879.) 

NEWE  -  FANGELNESSE. 

(rymes  :  -esse,  -ace,  -ene) 

[Cotton  Cleopatra,  D  vii,  vellum,  ab.  1430  A.D.,  leaf  189, 
back.] 

(1) 

Madame,  for  your  newe  fangelnesse,  1 

Manie  a  semaunt  haue  ye  put  oute  of1  grace. 
I  take  my  leue  of  your'  vn-stedfastnesse ;  p  MS.  of  yom-«] 

For  wel  I  wote,  while  ye  to  lyve  haue  space,  4 

Ye  kunnought  loue  ful  half  yeer1  in  a  jnl-^ce, 
To  newe  thinges  your1  lust  is  Euer  so  kene, 
In  sted  of  Blue,  thus  may  ye  were  2  grene.  [2  MS.  were  ai]  7 

(2) 

Kigfit  as  a  Mirrow,  that  nothing  may  enpresse,  8 

But  lightly  as  it  cometh",3  so  mot  it  pace,  [passe  in  MS.] 

So  fareth"  3  your1  love  ;  your  werkes  bereth"  3  witnesse. 
Ther  is  no  feith"  that  may  your1  hert  enbrace  ;  1 1 

But  as  a  wedercok,  that  turneth  3  his  face 
With"  euery  wynd*,  ye  fare,  and  that  is  sene, 
In  sted  of  Bliwe,  thus  may  ye  were  grene.  14 

(3) 

Ye  might  he  shrined*  for  [your]  hrotilnesse  15 

Bettir  thanne  Dalide,  Cresside,  or  Candace,          [MS.  Tandacej 
For  euere  in  Changeng  stondeth  3  your*  sikernesse ; 
That  tacche  may  no  wight  fro  your1  hert  arace  ;  1 8 

Yif  ye  lese  oon,  ye  kunne  wel  tweine  p?/rchace ; 
AH  light  for  somer — ye  wote  wel  what  I  mene — 

In  sted«  of  Blewe,  thus  may  ye  were  grene. 

Explicit 

3  One  syllable, — com'th,  far'th,  ber'th,  turn'th,  stond'th  or  stont. 
CLKOP.  D  vii 


TWO  BITS  OF 


Cjre  Ijarlament  0f 


MS  Hh  4.  12,  Cambr.  Univ.  Libr.,  365  lines. 
Laud  MS  416  (Bodl.  Libr.,  Oxford),  142  lines. 


50    PAR.-TEXT 

2     PARLAMENT   OF   FOULES.     »k.  4.  12,  CAMBR.  UNIT.  LIBR, 


[MSIRi.  4.  12,  Cambr.  Univ.  Libr.,  leaf  94  (vellum  and 
paper,  1 1450-60  A.D.).] 

(1)     \Tlie  Proem.] 

THe  lyfe  so  short  /  the  craft  so  long  to  leme 
The  assay  so  hard  /  so  sharp  the  conquerynge 
The  drefuti  ioy  that  alway  flytt  so  yerne 
AH  thys  mene  I  by  love  /  that  my  felynge         4 
Astownytfi  with  hys  wondrefuH  wirkynge 
So  sore  I-wys  /  that  whan  I  on  hym  thynk 
Not  wotte  I  wele  whedyr  I  flete  or  synk  7 

(2) 

IT  For  aft  be  that  I  know  not  love  in  dede 
!N"e  wote  how  that  he  qwytyth"  folk  hyr  hyre 
3it  happyth  me  fuft  ofte  in  boke  rede 
Of  hys  miraclys  and  hys  cruett  ire  11 

There  rede  I  weft  that  he  wytt  be  lord  and  sire 
I  dar  not  say  hys  strokes  beth"  so  sore 
But  god  save  suche  a  lord  /  I  can  no  more  14 

(3) 

1T  Of  vsage  what  for  lust  what  for  lore 
On  bokis  rede  I  ofte  as  I  ^ow  told 
But  wherfor  I  speke  aft  thys  /  not  yore 
Agone  /  hit  happy d  me  to  be-hold  18 

Vpon  a  boke  I-writte  wtt/i  letters  old 
And  therupon  a  certeyn  thyng  to  lerne 
The  long  day  I  red  fuft  fast  and  ^erne  21 

(4) 

1T  For  owt  of  old  feldys  as  men  sayne 
Comytfi  aft  thys  new  come  from  3ere  to  ^ere  .'. 
And  out  of  old  bokys  in  good  faytfi. 

Corny th"  aft  thys  new  scieus  that  men  lere  25 

But  now  to  purpose  /  as  of  thys  matere 
To  rede  forth"  I  can  me  so  delite 
That  aft  that  day  me  thowglit  hit  but  a  lite  28 


PAR. -TEXT    51 
PARLAMENT    OF   POULES.     LAUD   MS   416.  3 

[Land  MS  416,  formerly  Laud  K.  53  {paper,  1 1460-70,  Sodl.  Libr.), 
leaf  288.  The  English  Veaecius  in  the  MS,  leaf  226,  bk,  is  signed 
"  Scriptws  Rhodo  per  Johannem  Neuton)  die  25  Octobris  1459."] 

Of*  the  assemble  of1  jje  byrdis  on  Seint  Volantins  day. 
[This  title  is  in  the  right  margin,  opposite  st,  3.] 

(1)     [The  Proem.] 

the  lyf*  so  short  the  craft  so  long  to  lerne 
The  assay  so  sharp  so  hard  ])e  conqueryng 
The  dredfuH  ioy  that  aH-wey  slydyj?  so  yern)e 

AH  this  mene  I  by  love  at  my  felyng  4 

Astonyd  with  his  wondirfuH  werkyng 

So  sore  ewys  that  whan  y  on  hym  thynk 

Nought  wote  I  weH  whefer  y  flete  or  synk1  7 

(2) 

For  aH  be  that  I  know  not  love  in  dede 
Nor  wot  how  fat  he  quytith  folk1  her  hyre 
yet  happy th  me  in  bokys  for  to  rede 

Off*  his  myrakyls  and  his  crueH  yre  11 

Ther  rede  I  welle  he  wiH  be  lord  &  syre 
I  dare  not  seyne  his  strokys  ben  so  sore 
But  god  save  suche  a  lord  I  sey  no  more  14 

(3) 

Of*  vsage  what  for  lust  &  what  for  lore 
In  bokys  rede  I  oft  as  y  now  told 
But  wherfor  that  I  speke  ali  is  not  thore 
Ageon  yt  happyd  me  for  to  be-hold  18 

Which  book1  was  wretyn  with  lettvis  old 
And  Jjer-vppon  A  certeyne  thyng  to  lerne 
The  long  day  fuB  fast  y  red  &  yerne  21 

(4) 

For  of*  thise  old  fyldis  as  men  seitfr 
Comyth  aH  this  new  corne  fro  yere  to  yere 
So  out  of1  old  bokys  in  good  feitfi. 

Comyth  aH  this  new  Ciens  fat  men  lere  25 

But  now  to  purpos  as  of1  this  matere 
To  rede  forth  yt  gan  me  to  delyte 
That  aH  J>e  day  me  thought  it  but  a  lyte  28 


52    PAB.-TEXT 

4     PAELAMENT   OF   FOULES.     H?l.  4,.  12,  CAMBR.   UNIV.  LIBS. 

(5) 

IT  This  boke  of  which"  I  make  of  menciofl 
Entillyd  was  alt  there  as  I  shaH  telle  [r«<tf  M,  back] 

Tullitis  of  the  dreme  of  Cipion 

Chapters  seuen  /  it  had  of  heuen  and  helle  32 

And  erthe  and  sowles  that  therein  dwells 
Of  which  as  shortly  as  I  can  hit  trete 
Of  hys  sentence  I  shaH  3ow  say  the  grete  35 

(6) 

IT  First  tellyth"  hit  whan  Cipion  was  come 
In  afFrice  /  how  he  metyth"  massanysse 
That  hym  for  ioy  in  armys  hath"  I-nome 
Than  tellyth"  he  hyr  speche  and  alt  hyr  blysse  39 

That  was  betwene  them  tyH  fe  day  can  mysse 
And  how  hys  auncestre  Affrican  so  dere 
Gan  in  hys  slepe  that  nyght  tyft  hym  appere  42 

(7) 

IT  Than  tellyth"  it  how  that  from  a  sterry  place 
How  affrican  hath"  hym  cartage  shewyd 
And  warnyd  hym  byfore  of  aU  Jn's  grace 
And  said  hym  what  man  leryd  or  lewde  46 

That  louyth"  comyn  profette  weH  I-thewyd 
He  shuld  in  to  a  blisfutt  place  wend 
There  as  ioy  is  wit/i  owtyn  ende  49 

(8) 

IT  Than  axed  he  yf  folk  that  here  be  ded 
Han  lyfe  and  dwellyng  in  a  nojjer  place 
And  affrican  sayd  /  $ee  -wiih  outyn  any  drede 
And  how  owr*  present  worldys  lyvys  space  53 

Ment  but  a  maner  deth"  what  we  trace 
And  rygh"tfutt  folk  shaU  goo  aftyr  they  dye 
To  heven  /  and  shewitft  hym  Galaxie  56 


PAH. -TEXT    53 
PABLAMENT   OF   POULES.      LAUD   MS   416.  5 


(5) 

This  boke  of1  which"  I  make  of1  mencion 
Entitled  was  here  as  I  shaH  teH 
Tullius  of1  the  dreme  of1  Scipion 
Chapiters  vij  yt  had  of*  hevyn  &  haH 
And  erthe  and  sowlis  ther-in  dueli 
Of1  which"  as  shortly  as  I  can  yt  trede 
Of1  his  sentence  I  wylle  yow  seyn  J>e  grete 

(6) 

Fyrst  tellyth"  yt  whan  Scipion  was  come 
In  afferyk1  how  he  metyth"  massanys 
That  hym  for  ioy  in  Armys  hath"  enome 
Than  tellyth"  he  her  speche  &  of1  the  blys 
That  was  bytwyx  hem  tiH  pat  day  gan  mys 
And  how  his  auncetre  Affrycan  son  dere 
Gan  in  his  slepe  that  night  tyH  hym  appere 

(7) 

Than  tellyth"  he  that  from  a  sterry  place 
How  affrykan  hath"  hym  cartage  shewid 
And  warnyd  hym  byforn)  of1  aH  his  grace 
And  seid  hym  what  may  lerid  or  lewid 
That  lovyth"  comyn  profyte  weH  ethewid 
He  shuld  in-to  a  blysfuH  place  wend 
Ther1  as  ioy  is  wzt^-outyn  eny  end 

(8) 

Than  askyd  he  if1  folk1  that  here  ben  ded 
Have  lyf1  and  duellyng  in  A-nothir  place 
Affrycan  seid  ye  witA-owtyn  dred 
And  how  oure  present  lyfis  space 
Ment  but  A  maner  deth"  what  wey  we  trace 
And  rightful!  folk1  shall  gon)  after  they  dye 
To  hevyn  and  shewid  hym  the  galoxie 


32 


35 


[leaf  268,  back] 

39 


42 


46 


49 


53 


56 


54    PAB.-TEXT 

6      PARLAMENT   OF    FOULE8.     Hh.  4.  12,  CAHBR.  UNIV.  LIBR. 

(9) 

1[  Than  shewitfi  he  hym  the  lityH  erthe  pat  here  n» 
At  the  regard  of  hevyns  quantite 
And  aftyr  shewith"  he  hym  the  .ix.  sperys 
And  aftyr  that  the  melodie  herd  he  60 

That  comytfi  of  thilk  sperys  thryse  thre 
That  wellys  of  musik  be  and  melodye 
In  thys  world  here  /  and  cause  of  annonie        li*«f&>^       63 


(10) 

IT  Than  said  he  sythe  erthe  was  so  lite 

And  futt  of  turment  and  of  hard  grace 

That  he  no  shuld  hym  in  thys  world  delite 

Than  told  he  hym  that  in  certayn  ^erys  space  67 

That  euer  sterre  shuld  curwme  into  hys  place 

Ther  he  was  first  /  and  ait  shuld  out  of  mynd 

That  in  thys  world  is  done  of  aH  man  kynde  70 

(11) 

1F  Than  prayed  he  hym  Cipion  to  teH  hym  aft 
The  way  to  come  .  into  that  heuenly  blysse 
And  he  sai'K  /  know  first  thyself  i?nmortatt 
And  loke  ay  besily  that  thow  wirche  &  wysse  74 

To  comyn  profette  /  and  thow  shaH  not  mysse 
To  cum  swyftly  vnto  that  place  dere 
That  swete  of  blysse  is  and  sowlys  clere  77 

(12) 

IT  But  brekers  of  the  lawe  /  the  sothe  to  sayne 

And  licorous  folk  /  aftyr'  they  be  dede 

ShuH  whyrld  abowt  the  world  alway  in  payne 

TyH  many  world  be  passyd  out  of  drede  81 

And  then  for-^euen  aft  ther  wykydl  dede 

Than  sVutt  they  comyn  to  that  blysfuti  place 

To  which"  30  come  god  30  graunt  hys  grace  84 


FAB. -TEXT    55 
PABLAMBNT   OP    FOULES.       LAUD   MS   416.  7 

(9) 

Than  shewid  he  hym  the  lytiH  erthe  fat  here  is 
At  the  reward  of1  the  hevyns  quantyte 
And  aftyr  shewid  he  hym  the  ix  speris 
And  aftyr  that  fe  melody  hard  he  60 

That  comytfi.  of  thilk1  speris  thryes  thre 
That  wellis  of  mvsyk1  bene  &  melody 
In  this  world  here  &  cawse  of1  Armony  63 

(10) 

Than  seid  he  hym  syn  erthe  was  so  lyte 

And  fuH  of*  turment  &  of1  herd  grace 

That  he  ne  shuld  in  this  world  delyte 

Than  told  he  hym  in  short  yeris  space  67 

That  every  sterre  shuld  come  in-to  his  place 

Ther  yt  was  first  and  aH  shuld  out  of1  mynde 

That  in  this  world  is  done  of1  aH  man-kynde  70 

(11) 

Than  praide  hym  Scipion)  to  teH  hym  aH 
The  wey  to  come  in-to  that  hevyn  blys 
And  he  seid  first  know  f  y-self1  in-mortaH 
And  loke  ay  besyly  that  foil  worche  and  wysse  74 

To  comvne  profyt  and  fou  shalt  not  mysse  deaf  289] 

to  come  swyftly  in-to  that  place  dere 
that  fuH  of1  blisse  is  &  of1  sowlis  clere  77 

(12) 

but  brokers  of1  f e  law  sothe  to  seyne 

And  lycorows  folk1  after  that  they  be  ded 

shuH  whyrle  abowte  f e  world  AH-wey  in  peyne 

TyH  many  a  world  be  passid  out  of1  dred  81 

and  than  for-yevyn  aH  her  wyckyd  dede 

Than  shuH  they  come  in-to  fat  blisfuH  place 

To  which"  to  come  god  fe  send  his  grace  84 


56    PAIL-TEXT 

8     PA.RLAKKNT    OF    POULES.     ah.  4.  12,  CAMBB.  UNir.  LIBS, 

(13) 

IT  The  day  gan  faile  /  and  the  derk  nygfct 

That  revyth"  bestys  from  ther  besinesse 

be-rafte  me  my  boke  for  lak  of  lygh~t 

And  to  my  bed  I  gan  me  forto  dresse  88 

fFulfillyd  of  thowgfit  and  besy  heuynesse 

flFor  both"  I  had  thyng  which"  I  nold 

And  eke  I  ne  had  that  thynge  that  I  wold  91 

(14) 

1T  But  finally  my  spirite  at  the  last  p»qr»5,6ac*] 

ffor-wery  of  my  labour  aH  that  day 

To  rest  /  that  made  me  slepe  wondre  fast 

And  in  my  slepe  I  met  as  that  I  lay  95 

How  afirican  rygh"  t  in  the  self  aray 

That  Cipion  hym  sawgh  by-fore  that  tyde 

"Was  comme  /  and  stode  rygfct  at  my  bed  syde  98 

(15) 

V  The  wery  hunter  slepynge  in  hys  bedde 

To  wode  ajene  hys  mynd  gotfi  anone 

The  luge  dremyth"  how  hys  plee  hym  spedde 

The  cartan*  dremyth  how  hys  cartis  gone  102 

The  riche  of  gold  /  the  knygfit  fyghtytfi  Mviih  hys  fone 

The  syke  metyth"  how  he  drynkyth"  of  the  tunne 

The  lover  metytfi  he  hath*  hys  lady  wonne  105 

(16) 

V  Can  I  not  sey  if  that  the  cause  were 

For  I  had  radde  of  affrican  by-forne 

That  made  me  to  mette  that  stode  there 

But  thys  said  he  /  thow  hast  the  so  weft  borne  109 

In  lokynge  of  rnyn  old  bokis  to-torne 

Of  whicfi  macroby  thowght  not  a  lite 

That  sumwhat  of  thy  labour  wold  I  qwite  112 


PAB.-TEXT    57 
PARLAMENT   OF    FOULES.       LAUD   MS   416.  9 

(13) 

The  day  gan  faylyn  &  ]>'  derk1  nignt 

That  revyth  bestis  from  her  busynes 

be-raft  me  my  boke  for  lak1  of*  light 

And  to  my  bed  I  gan  me  for  to  dres  88 

FuH  fyllid  of1  thought  and  besy  hevynes 

For  bothe  I  had  thyng  which  fat  I  nold1 

And  eke  I  ne  had  that  thyng  J>at  I  wold  91 

(14) 

But  fynally  my  spryte  at  )>"  last 

For-wery  of1  my  labour*  aH  J>at  day 

Toke  rest  that  made  me  to  slepe  fast 

And  in  my  slepe  I  met  as  fat  I  lay  35 

How  affrycan  in  that  self*  Aray 

That  Scipion  hym  saw  by-for1  that  tyde 

Was  come  and  stode  right  at  my  beddis  side  98 

(15) 

The  very  hunter  slepyng  in  his  bed 

To  wood  agayne  his  mynd  goth  Anon 

The  lugge  dremyth  how  his  pleis  ben  sped 

The  carter  dremyth  how  his  carte*  gon  102 

The  ryche  of1  gold  j>e  knyght  fight  vritJi  his  fon 

The  syke  met  he  hath  dronk*  of  J>e  ton 

The  lovar  met  he  hath  his  lady  won  105 

(16) 

kan  y  not  seyn  yf1  that  the  cawsis  wer* 

For  I  had  red  of1  aflrycan  be-forn) 

That  made  me  to  mete  pert  he  stode  thei* 

but  thus  seid  he  fou  hast  J>e  so  well  born)    peaf  zss,  tack]   109 

In  lokyng  of1  myn  ol(J  boke  to-torn) 

Of1  which  macroby  rought  not  A  lyte 

That  somdel  of1  thy  labour1  wold  I  quyte  112 


58   PAR. -TEXT 

10  PARLAMENT   OP   FOULE8.     ah.  4.  12,  CAXBR.  UNIV.  LIBR. 

(17)  [Invocation.] 

1T  Citherea  thow  blisfuft  lady  swete 

That  with  thy  firebrond!  dawntyst  whom  thow  lyst 

That  madyst  me  thys  sweuyn  forto  mete 

Be  thow  myn  help  in  thys  /  for  thow  maist  best  116 

As  wisly  as  I  sey  the  north"  northwest 

Whan  I  be-gan  my  sweuyn  for  to  write 

So  }eue  me  mygfct  to  ryme  and  eke  endite  119 

(18)  [TJte  Story.] 

1T  Thys  forsaid?  affrican  me  hent  anone 

And  forth"  with  hym  to  a  gate  browgfit  ifea/oe] 

Ryght  of  a  parke  wallyd  with  grene  stone 

And  oner  the  gate  with  letters  large  I-wrowgfit  123 

Ther  were  verse  I-writyn  as  me  thowght 

On  ethyr  half  of  fuft  gret  difference 

Of  which"  I  shaft  tow  teft  the  playne  sentence  126 

(19) 

IT  Thorowgh  me  men  gone  into  that  blisfuH  place 

Of  hertt's  hele  /  and  dedely  wowndzs  cure 

Thorow  me  /  men  gone  to  the  weft  of  grace 

There  grene  and  lusty  may  shaH  euer  endure  130 

Thys  is  the  way  to  aft  good  aventure 

Be  gladde  thow  rederr*  and  thy  sorow  of  cast 

AH  opyn  am  I  /  passe  in  /  and  spede  the  fast  /  133 

(20) 

11  Thorowgh  me  men  gone  than  spoke  the  oder  syde 
Vnto  the  mortaft  strokes  of  the  spere 

Of  which"  disdayne  and  daunger  is  the  guyde 

There  neuer  tre  shaH  frute  /  ne  leues  bere  137 

Thys  streme  $ow  ledyth"  /  into  the  sorowfuH  were 

There  as  the  fisshe  in  prison  is  aH  drie 

Theschewyng  is  only  the  remedy  •  HO 


PAR. -TEXT    59 
PARLAMENT    OP    FOULES.     LAUD   MS   416.  11 

(17)  [Invocation.'] 

Cythera  fou  blysfuH  lady  swete 

That  wyth  thy  fyrebrond  dawntist  whom  fou  lyste 

That  madyst  me  j»'s  swevyn  for  to  mete 

Be  ye  myn)  help  in  this  for  ye  may  best  116 

As  wysly  as  I  se  the  north"  northwest 

Whan  I  by-gan  my  swevyn  for-to  wryte 

So  yef*  me  might  to  ryme  yt  &  endyte  119 

(18)  [The  Story.] 

This  foreseid  affrican  me  hent  Anon) 

And  forth"  wyth  hym  to  A  gate  brought 

Eight  as  A  park1  wallid  with  grene  stori) 

And  ovyr  the  gate  vriih  letfcis  large  y wrought  123 

Ther1  wer>  versis  wretyn  as  me  thought 

On  either  half1  of1  fuH  grete  dyflerence 

Of1  which  I  shali  you  seyne  ]?e  pleyri)  sentence  126 

(19) 

Thorough"  me  men  gon)  in-to  that  blysfuH  place 

Of1  hertis  hele  and  dedly  woundis  cure 

Thorough  me  men  gon  to  J)e  welle  of*  grace 

Ther*  grene  and  lusty  May  shaft  evir  endure  130 

This  is  the  wey  to  aH  good  aventure 

be  glad  fou  redar  &  thy  sorow  of1  cast 

Allone  am  y  /  passe  in  &  spede  pee  fast  133 

(20) 

Thorogh  me  men  goon)  than  J>at  o]?er  side 

Vnto  the  mortal!  strokys  of1  J)e  spere 

Of1  which  disdayne  &  daunger  is  )>e  gide 

Ther"  nevir  tre  shali  frute  ne  nevir  levis  bere  137 

This  streme  you  ledyth  to  J?e  sorowfuti  were 

Ther  as  fe  fysh  in  preson  is  aH  dry 

The  eschewyng  is  oonly  the  remedy  140 


60    PAR. -TEXT 

12     PARLAMENT   OP   FOULES.     Hh.  4.  12,  CAMBR.  UNIV.  LIBR, 

(21) 

1T  Thys  verse  of  gold  and  blak  Iwrityn  were 

The  which"  I  gan  astounyd  to  be-holde 

ffor  with"  that  one  /  ay  encresyd  my  fere 

And  with  that  other  /  be-gan  myn  hert  bolde  1 44 

That  one  me  hette  /  that  othyr  me  colde 

Noo  witt  had  I  /  for  errour  for  to  chese 

To  entre  /  or  fleen  /  or  me  to  saue  /  or  lese  /  147 

(22) 

IF  ffor  rygfit  as  I  by-twyx  adamantis 

Of  euyn  mygfet  a  pese  of  erne  sette 

N"e  hafe  no  mygh"t  to  moeue  to  /  ne  fro  / 

ffor  that  one  may  hale  /  that  other  lette      [leafse,  back]     151 

fferd  I  that  nyst  whither  me  was  bett 

To  entre  /  or  leve  /  tyB  affrican  my  guyde 

Me  hent  /  s;nd  chofe  in  att  the  gatw  wyde  154 

(23) 

IT  And  said  hit  stant  writyn  in  thy  face 

Thyn  errowr  thowgh"  thow  tell  it  not  to  me 

But  drede  the  not  to  cuwme  into  thys  place 

ffor  thys  writynge  is  no  thynge  ment  by  the  158 

Ne  by  none  /  but  he  luff/s  semaunt  be 

ffor  thow  of  love  hast  lost  thy  tast  I  gesse 

As  a  sikman  hath"  of  swete  and  bittirnesse  161 

(24) 

IF  But  nathelesse  ait  thowh"  J>ou  be  dulle 

$it  that  )>0u  canst  not  do  /  }it  maist  Jjou  see 

ffor  many  a  man  that  may  not  stande  a  puft 

3it  likyth  hit  hym  at  wrastlynge  for  to  be  165 

And  demyth  ^if  wher1  he  do  bet  or  he 

And  )>ou  hadist  knowynge  tendite 

I  shaft  the  shew  mater  of  to  write  168 


PAR. -TEXT    61 
PARLAMENT   OP   FOULES.      LAUD  MS  416.  13 

(21) 

Thise  versis  of1  gold  and  blak1  ywretyw  were 

The  which  I  gan  Astonyed  to  "be-hold  142 

[End  of  MS;  at  least  11  leaves  are  torn  out] 


62    PAB.-TEXT 

14     PABLAMENT    OP    FOULE8.     Hh.  4.   12,  CAMBR.  UNIV.  LIBS. 

(25) 

IF  With  that  myn  hond  in  hys  toke  he  anone 

Of  which  I  comfort  cawt  /  and  went  in  fast 

But  lord  so  I  was  glad  /  and  weH  he-gone 

For  oner  alt  where  myn  eyne  J>at  I  cast  1  72 

"Were  treys  clad  with  leuys  that  ay  shaft  last 

Eche  in  kynd  /  of  colour  fresshe  and  grene 

As  emeraud?  /  that  ioy  was  to  sene  175 

(26) 

IT  The  bilder  oke  /  and  eke  the  worthy  asshe 

The  piler  elme  /  the  cofre  vnto  carione 

The  boxtre  piper  /  holme  to  whippys  lasshe 

The  sailynge  fyrr1  /  cipresse  deth  to  pleyne  /  179 

The  sheter  evy  /  the  aspe  for  chaftis  playne 

The  olyue  of  pese  /  and  eke  the  dronk  vyne 

The  victour  palme  /  the  lawrer  to  dyuyne        Oa/97]     182 

(27) 

1T  A  garden  sawgfi.  I  /  fuft  of  hlossummy  bowes 

Vpon  a  ryuer  /  in  a  grene  mede 

Ther1  as  that  swetnesse  euermore  Inow  is 

Of  flowrys  /  what  blew  ^elow  and  rede  186 

And  cold  weH  stremys  no-thynge  dede 

That  swy??zmyn  fuH  of  smale  fisshys  lyght 

fynys  rede  /  and  scales  siluer  brygfit  1  89 


(28) 

1T  On  euery  bowgfi  the  byrdi's  hercf  I  syng 

With  voyse  of  angeft  in  her  armonye 

Sum  besyed  hem  /  hyr  byrdrs  forth  to  brynge 

The  lytyH  conyes  to  ther  play  gan  hye  193 

And  farther  alt  abowt  I  gan  aspie 

The  dredfuft  roo  /  }>e  buk  /  ]>e  hert  /  J)e  hynde 

Sqwyrellis  /  and  bestis  of  lovys  kynde  196 


PAR. -TEXT    64 
PABLAMENT   OF    FOULES.     nh.  4.   12,  CAMSR.   UNIV.  LIBS,.     15 

(29) 

1T  Of  instrument^  of  strynggw  in  a-corde 

Herd  I  so  play  a  rauesshynge  swetnesse 

That  god  the  maker  of  aft  and  lorde 

~Ne  herde  /  neuer  better  /  as  I  gesse  /  200 

There-w<t/i  a  wynd  vnethe  it  myght  be  lesse 

Made  in  the  leuys  grene  a  noyse  so  softe 

Accordant  to  the  fowlys  songe  a  lofte  203 

(30) 

IT  The  aer*  of  the  place  so  attempred?  was 

That  neuer  was  the  greuance  of  hote  ne  cold1 

There  was  eke  euery  holsura  spice  and!  gras 

Ne  there  may  no  man  there  wax  seke  ne  old  207 

3it  was  there  ioy  more  than  a  thowsand?  fold 

Than  eny  man  can  teft  /  ne  neuer  wold?  it  nygfit 

But  ay  clere  day  /  to  any  mannys  sight  210 

(31) 

IT  Yndyr  a,  tree  besyde  a  weH  I  say  [W97,  tack] 

Cupide  /  owre  lord  his  arows  forge  and  file 

And  at  hys  fote  hys  bowe  ali  redy  lay 

And  hys  dowghter  tempred?  all  JM'S  while  214 

The  hed^s  in  the  weft  /  &  in  hyr  wyle 

She  cowchyd!  hem  aftyr  they  shuld  seme 

Sum  for  to  fle  and  sura  for  to  wownd*  and  kerue  217 

(32) 

IT  Thoo  was  I  ware  of  plesaunce  anone  ryg£t 

And  of  aray  and  love  and  curtesie 

And  of  the  crafte  that  can  and  hath  the  myg&t 

To  done  by  force  a  white  to  done  folye  221 

Disfugurat  was  he  /  I  wyft  not  lye 

And  by  hym  self  vndir  an  oke  I  gesse 

Sawe  I  delice  ]>at  stode  by  lantilnesse  224 


66    PAR. -TEXT 

16     PARLAMENT    OF    FOULES.     Eh.  4.  12,  CAMBB.  UNIV.  LIBR. 

(33) 

1F I  sawgh"  beawte  wiih  outyn  atyre 

And  yowth"  fuH  of  myrth"  and  of  iolite 

ffolehardinesse  and  flatery  and  desire 

Messauge  and  mede  and  other  thre  228 

Her  namys  shaH  not  here  be  tolde  for  me 

And  vpon  pilers  a  spere  longe 

I  saw  a  temple  of  brasse  I-fowndyd  stronge  231 

(34) 

IT  A-bowte  the  temple  daunsyd  aH  way 

"Women  I-now  of  which"  sum  ther  were 

fiaire  of  them  self  /  and  sum  of  hem  wer  gay 

In  kyrtles  aH  dyscheueled?  went  they  there  235 

That  was  hyr  office  aH  way  ^ere  by  }ere 

And  on  the  temple  of  doves  white  and  fayre 

Sawgh"  I  sit  many  a  thowsancP  payre  .  238 

(35) 

1T  By-fibre  the  temple  dore  fuH  sobrely 

Dame  pease  sett  "with  a  curteyne  in  hyr  hond 

And  by  hyr  side  wondyr  discretly 

Dame  pacience  sittynge  there  I  fond!  242 

With  face  pale  vpon  an  hyH  of  sondf 

And  aH-ther1  next  witA-Inne  and  wztA-owt  c/«<^98] 

Byhest  and  art  /  and  of  hyr  folk  a  rowte  .  245 

(36) 

IT  Wit^-in  the  temple  vrith  sikes  hote  as  fixe 

I  herd!  a  swoutfi  /  that  gan  a-bowt  renne 

Which"  sikes  were  engendryd  by  desire 

That  made  euery  autour  for  to  brenne  249 

Of  new  flawme  /  and  weH  aspied1 1  thenne 

That  aH  cause  of  sorowys  that  they  drye 

Come  of  the  bitter  goddesse  lelosie  252 


PAR. -TEXT    68 
PAULAMENT   OF   FOULES.     ////.  4.  12,  CAMBR.   UNIV.  LIBR.     17 

(37) 

IT  The  god  pri'apus  sawgh  I  as  I  went 

Wit/i  in  the  temple  in  souerayn  place  stowde 

In  snche  aray  as  whan  the  asse  hym  shent 

With  crye  by  nygfrt  /  and  with  hys  ceptre  in  honde      256 

ffuH  besily  men  gone  assay  and*  fonde 

Vpon  hys  hede  to  sett  of  sundre  hewe 

Garland?'*1  fuH  of  fresshe  flowrys  newe  /  259 

(38) 

IT  And  in  a  pn'uey  corner  in  disporte 

ffynd  I  venMs  and  hyr  porter  richesse 

That  was  fuH  noble  and?  hauten  of  hyr  porte 

Derk  was  that  place  /  but  aftyrward?  lyghtnesse  263 

I  sawe  a  lite  /  vnethe  it  mygnt  be  lesse 

And  on  a  bedde  of  gold*  /  she  lay  to  rest 

TyH  that  the  hote  svwne  gan  to  west  266 

(39) 

IT  Hyre  gylt  herys  /  with  a  gold  thredo 
Vnbreyden  vntrossyd?  as  she  lay 
And  nakyd  fro  the  brest  to  the  hede 

Men  mygfrt  hyr  see  /  and  sothely  for  to  say  270 

The  remanent  couerd?  weH  vnto  my  pay 
Right  with  a  subteH  couercheife  of  valence 
Ther  was  no  thikker  cloth  of  noo  defence  273 

(40) 

IT  The  place  gaf  a  thowsandw  sauowrs  swete        [/eo/sm,  bnc/.-] 
And  Bachus  god  of  wyne  satt  hyr  be  syde 
And  Ceres  next  that  dotli  of  hungre  bote 
And  as  I  said  /  a  mydd/s  lay  Cupid e  277 

To  whom  on  kneys  two  yong  folk  jjer  cryed? 
To  hym  her  helpe  /  but  thus  I  latt  hyr  lye 
And  farther  in  the  te?/iple  I  gan  aspie  280 

ODD  TEXTS.  2 


70    PAH.-TKXl 

18     PARLAMENT    OP    FOULES.     uh.  4.  12,  CAMBR.  UNIV.  LISR. 

(41) 

1T  That  in  despite  of  Diane  the  chast 

ffull  many  a  bow  I-broke  hynge  on  the  waH 

Of  maydyns  swycfr  as  gan  hyr  tymys  wast 

In  hyr  semice  and  payntyd?  ouer  aH  284 

Of  many  a  story  of  which  I  towche  shaH 

A  fewe  as  of  Calixte  and  Atlante 

And  many  a  may  do  of  which  the  name  I  wante  287 

(42) 

IT  Semiranms  caudate  and  hercules 

Biblis  /  Dido  /  tisbe  and  piranuw 

Tristram  /  Isoud  /  parys  and  achilles 

Elyn  /  cleopatre  /  and  troilus  291 

Cilia  and  eke  the  moder  of  romultt* 

AH  theys  were  paynted?  on  Jjat  oder  syde 

And  aH  hyr  love  and  in  what  plite  they  dyed  294 

(43) 

IT  Whan  I  was  cum  agayne  vnto  the  place 

That  I  of  spake  /  that  was  so  swete  and*  grene 

fforth"  walkyd  I  my  seluen  to  solace 

Tho  was  I  ware  where  that  satt  a  qwene  298 

That  of  lygfit  /  the  somer  sonne  shene 

Passyd  the  sterre  /  ryght  so  ouer  mesure 

The  fayrer  was  than  any  creature  301 

(44) 

1T  And  in  a  land1  vpon  an  hyH  of  flowrys 

Was  sett  thys  noble  goddesse  Nature 

Of  brawnchys  were  her  hawles  and1  hyr  bowrys 

I-wrowte  aftyr  hyr  crafte  and  hyr  mesure          f«»/99]     305 

Nethyr  was  fowle  that  cummyth  of  engendure 

That  there  ne  was  prest  in  hyr  presence 

To  taken  hyr  dome  /  and  gefe  hyr  audience  308 


P All. -TEXT    7 15 
PAULAMENT   OF    FOULE8.     llll.  4,.  12,  CAMSR.  VNIV.  LIBR.     19 

(45) 

IT  ffbr  thys  was  on  saynt  Volantinys  day 

Whan  euery  byrd4  cummytft  there  to  chese  hys  make 

Of  euery  kynd  that  men  thynk  may 

And  that  so  huge  a  noyse  gan  they  make  312 

That  erthe  and  see  /  tree  /  and  euery  lake 

So  fuH  was  that  vnethe  was  ther  space 

ffor  me  to  stonde  /  so  fuH  AVUS  aH  thys  place  315 

(46) 

1F  And  ryght  as  Aleyne  in  the  playnt  of  kynde 

Deuisyth"  Nature  /  of  suche  aray  and  face 

In  swych"  aray  men  mygSt  hyr  there  fynde 

Thys  noble  empr^sse  full  of  grace  319 

Bad  euery  fowle  to  take  hyr  owne  place 

As  they  were  Avont  alwey  fro  jere  to  ^ere 

Saynt  volantyns  day  to  standyn  there  322 

(47) 

IF  That  is  to  say  the  fowle  of  Eaveyne 

Were  hygfcest  sett  /  and!  than  the  fowlys  smale 

That  etyn  as  that  nature  wold  encline 

As  worme  /  or  thynge  of  which"  I  teH  no  tale  326 

But  watirfowlys  sat  lowest  in  the  dale 

And  fowle  that  lyvyth"  by  syde  sat  on  the  grene 

And  that  so  fele  /  that  wondre  was  to  sene  329 

(48) 

IT  There  mygh"t  men  the  ryaH  egle  fynde 

That  with  hys  sharp  loke  peryshyth"  J>e  sonne 

And  other  eglys  of  a  lower  kynde 

Of  which"  the  clerkis  weH  deuisen  konne  333 

Ther  was  the  tirant  with  hys  fedyrs  donne 

And  grey  /  I  mene  the  goshauke  that  doth  pyne 

1  To  byrdys  for  hys  outragiose  rauyne       [lea/m,  back']        336 

L1  The  next  SO  lines  are  muchfae.ed  in  th-e  3IS,  and  doubtful.] 


74    PAR. -TEXT 

20     PABLAMENT    OP   FOULES.     Ilk.  4.   12,  CAMBR.  UNIV.  LISR. 

(49) 

1T  The  gentyH  fawcone  that  with  fote  distreynyth 

The  kyngys  honde  /  the  hardy  sparhawke  eke 

The  qwalys  fro  the  merlion  that  peynyth 

hym  self  fuli  ofte  the  lark  forto  seke  340 

There  was  the  dowue  -with  hyr  eyne  meke 

The  lelowse  swanne  a^enst  hys  deth  that  syngyth 

The  owle  eke  that  of  deth  the  bode  bryngyth  343 

(50) 

IT  The  crane  }>e  gyaunt  -with  hys  trumpys  soun 

The  thefe  )>e  chowgfi  /  and  eke  the  ianglyng  pie 

The  skornyng  laye  the  eglys  foo  heroune 

The  fals  laywynk  full  of  trecherye  347 

The  stare  that  the  counseH  doth  ascrie 

The  tame  ruddok  and  the  coward  kyte 

The  cok  j>e  horloge  of  thorpis  lite  .  350 

(51) 

IT  The  sparow  venws  sonne  the  nyghtyngale 

That  clepyth  forth"  the  fresshe  leuys  new 

The  swalow  moder1  of  the  fowles  smale 

That  maken  hony  of  flowrys  fresshe  of  hew  354 

The  weddyd  turtyl  with  hir  hert  trew 

The  pecok  with  hys  angeH  fedyrs  brygfit 

The  fesaunt  scorner  of  the  cokke  be  nygnt  357 

(52) 

1T  The  wakyr  gose  the  cokkow  ener  vnkynde 

The  popyniay  fuH  of  delecacy 

The  drake  stroyer  of  hys  owne  kynde 

The  stork  wyrker  of  avowtry  361 

The  hote  cormeraunt  of  gloteny 

The  ravyns  and  the  crowys  with  hyr  voice  of  care 

The  thrusteti  old  and  the  frosty  feldfare  .    304 


PAB.-TEXT    76 
PARLAMENT   OP   FOULES.    Hit.  4.  12,  CAMBR.  UNIV.  LIBR.     21 

(53) 
1T  What  shuld  I  say  of  fowlys  euery  kynd  365 

[Rest  of  the  MS  gone.} 


1'.". 


2. 


THE  TWO  DIFFERING  VERSIONS 


OP 

Cjjauter  s  Iflrolope  fa  |is  Iftynftut  of 


The  earlier  version  from  MS  Gg.  4.  27,  Cambr.  Univ.  Libr., 
the  later  version  from  MS  Fairfax  16,  Bodleian  Library. 


*  marks  lines  not  in  the  other  text. 

§  marks  lines  in  the  other  text,  but  materially  alterd. 

f  marks  lines  in  the  other  text  less  materially  alterd. 

Unmarkt  lines  are  in  both  texts  (tho1   sometimes  very  slightly 
changed). 


24 


Prologue  to 
tfje  fLegentoe  of  ffioofc  QEomen.] 

.  Univ.  MS  Gg.  4.  27,  leaf  445.] 


--  Far.  «««».    Gg.  li. 

tThousent  sytliis  haue  I  herd  men  telle   If 

That  there  is  loye  in  heuene  &  peyne  in  helle 
tAnd  I  a-corde  wel  that  it  be  so  3t         3 

But  natheles  this  wit  I1  wel  also  4  c1  wm  corrected'] 
tThat  there  ne  is  non  that  dwellyth  2In  this  cuwtre  5t 
That  eythir  hath  in  helle  or  heuene  I-be  piewr.]    6 
Ne  may  of  it  non  othere  weyis  wytyn  7 

But  as  he  hath  herd  seyd  /  or  founde  it  wrytyn   8  8 

ffor  by  asay  /  there  may  no  man  it  preue  9 

tBut  goddis  forbode  /  but  men  schulde  leue        10t 
Wel  more  thyng  /  than  men  han  seyn  with  eye    1  1 
Men  schal  nat  wenyn  /  euery  thyng  alye  12         12 

§ftbr  that  he  say  it  nat  of  ^ore  a-go  13§ 

§God  wot  a  thyng  is  neuere  the  lesse  so  14§ 

Thow  euery  wyght  ne  may  it  nat  I  se  15 

P  e  con:} 

Bernard  the  monk  ne3  say  nat  al  parde  16    H  Benmrdus  non 

uidit  onvnia 

Thanne  motyn  we  to  bokys  /  that  we  fyncle       17 
Thowrw  whiche  that  olde  thyngis  ben  4In  mynde  [*i  com] 
And  to  the  doctryne  of  these  olde  wyse  1  9 

3euyn  credence  5In  euery  6skylful  wyse  [*i,  *  sky,  con-.]    20 
§And  trowyn  on  these  olde  aprouede  storyis        21  § 
Of  holynesse  /  of  regnys  of  victoryis  22 

Of  loue  /  of  hate  /  of  othere  sundery  thyngis     23 
Of  whiche  I  may  nat  make  rehersyngys  24         24 

And  If  that  olde  bokis  weryn  aweye  25 

I-loryn  were  of  remembrance  the  keye  26 

§Wel  oujte  vs  thanne  on  olde  bokys  leue  27§ 

§  There  as  there  is  non  othyr  a-say  be  preuc          i)8§       28 


25 


[Fairfax  MS  16,  leaf  83.] 

(n  is  printed  for  ri).) 
f  The  prologe  of  .ix.  goode  Wym?nen. 

Op.  lines.  Fx.  linn. 

If     A       thousande  tymes  /  I  haue  herd  telle     f 
2      l\      ther  ys  loy  in  heuene  /  and  peyne  in  helle 
3f-A  —  J^-  and  I  acord  wel  /  that  it  ys  so  t 

4fBut  netheles  yet  /  wot  I  wel  also  t         4 

Sfthat  ther  is  noon  duellyug  /  in  this  contree       *f 

6  That  eythir  hath"  in  heuene  /  or  in  helle  y-be 

7  Ne  may  of  hit  /  noon  other  weyes  witen 

8  but  as  he  hath"  herd  seyde  /  or  founde  it  writen          8 

9  for  by  assay  /  ther  may  no  man  it  preve 

1  OtBut  god  forbede  /  but  men  shulde  leve  t 

1  1  Wel  more  thing  /  then  men  han  seen  with  eye 
12  Men  shal  not  wenen  /  euery  thing  a  lye  12 

13§But  yf  him-selfe  yt  seetfi  /  or  elles  dooth~  § 
14§For  god  wot  /  thing  is  neuer  the  lasse  sooth"  § 
15  Thogh  euery  wight  /  ne  may  it  nat  y-see 


16  Bernards  the  monke/ne  saugh  nat  all  pavdee  J^SSf™™ 

17  Than  mote  we  /  to  bokes  that  we  fynde 

18  Thurgh  which  /  that  olde  thinges  ben  in  mynde 

19  And  to  the  doctrine  /  of  these  olde  wyse 

20  Yeve  credence  /  in  euery  skylful  wise  20 
21§That  tellen  of  these  olde  appreued  /  stories       § 

22  of  holynesse  /  of  Regnes  of  victories 

23  of  loue  of  hate  /  of  other  sondry  thynges 

24  of  whiche  I  may  not  maken  /  rehersynges  24 

25  And  yf  that  olde  bokes  /  were  a-wey 

26  Y-lorne  were  /  of  Remembraunce  the  key 
27§Wel  ought  vs  thanne  /  honouren  and  beleve  § 
28§Tliese  bokes  /  there  we  han  noon  other  preve  §       28 


26      PKOLOGUK    TO    THK   LEGEXDK.       CAMlill.  MS  Off.  4.  27. 

Fx.  li.     Gp.  «. 

§And  as  for  me  thow  that  myii  wit  be  lite  29§ 

On  bokys l  for  to  rede  I  mo  delyte  [>  y  «»•/•.]  30 
And  in  myn  herte  haue  hem  in  reuerence  32 

§And  to  hem  ^eue  swich  hist  &  swich  credence  31  §       32 
§That  there  is  wel  onethe  game  non  33§ 

That  from  myne  bokys  make  me  to  gon  34 

§But  it  be  ofer  vp-on  the  haly  day  35  § 

§0r  ellis  in  the  loly  tyme  of  may  36 §       36 

§Whan  that  I  here  the  smale  foulys  synge  37§ 

And  that  the  flouris2  gyune  for  to  sprywge3  l*^^^yage' 
§ffarwel  myn  stodye  as  lastyrcge  J?at  sesoim  39§  [//445,  «•] 
§Now  haue  I  therto  this  condycyovm  40  40 

That  4  of  alle  the  fkwris  in  the  mede  [« at  cor*-.]  41 
Tha?me  loue  I  most  these  fiourys  white  &  rede  42 
Swyche  as  men  calle  dayesyis  in  oui-e  toun  43 
To  liem  haue  I  so  gret  aff'eccioiw  44  44 

As  I  seyde  erst  whan  comyn  is  tlie  may  45 

That  in  myn  bed  there  dawith  me  no  day          46 
That  I  ne  am  vp  &  walkynge  in  the  mede          47 
tTo  sen  these  flo?ms  a-gen  the  su?me  to  sprede    48f       48 
§Whan  it  vp  ryseth  be  the  morwe  schene  49 

*The  longe  day  thus  walky«ge  in  the  grene          * 


§'And  whan  the  sunne  be-gynnys  for  to  weste  61  § 

§Thanne  closeth  it  &  drawith  it  to  reste  62§       52 

§iSo  sore  it  is  a-ferid  of  the  ny$t  62 
*Til  on  the  morwe  that  it  is  dayis 


PKOLOGUK   TO    THE    LEGENUE.       VAIlit'AX    MS    16.  27 

l.y.  Una.  fx.  linet. 

29§and  as  for  me  /  though  that  I  konne  but  lyte  §       29 

30  on  bokes  for  to  rede  /  I  me  delyte 

32§and  to  hem  yive  I  feyth"  /  and  ful  credence       § 

31  and  in  myn  herte  /  haue  hem  in  reuerence  32 
33§So  hertly  /  that  ther  is  game  noon                     § 

34  that  fro  my  bokes  /  maketli  me  to  goon 

35§but  yt  be  seldom  /  on  the  holy  day  § 

36  §  save  certeynly  /  whan  that  the  monethe  of  May§     36 

37§Is  comen  /  and  that  I  here  the  foules  synge     § 

38  And  that  the  floures  /  gynnen  for  to  sprynge  [leafss,  bk] 

39§Faire-wel  niy  boke  /  and  my  deuocion  § 

40§Now  have  I  thanne  /  suche  a  condicion  §       40 

41  That  of  al  the  floures  /  in  the  inede 

42  Thanne  love  I  most  /  thise  tloures  white  and  rede 

43  Suche  as  men  calleii  /  daysyes  in  her  tovne 

44  To  hem  have  I  /-so  grete  affeccion  44 

45  As  I  seyde  erst  /  whanne  comen  is  the  May 

46  That  in  my  bed  /  ther  dawetfr  me  no  day 

47  That  I  nam  vppe  /  and  walkyng  in  the  mede 
48fTo  seen  this  floure  /  ayein  the  sonne  sprede     f       48 
49  §  Whan  it  vprysith"  /  erly  by  the  morwe  § 

'"That  blisful  sight  /  softneth"  al  my  sorwe  * 
*So  glad  am  I  /  whan  that  I  haue  presence  * 
*0f  it  /  to  doon  it  al  /  reuerence  *  52 

55§As  she  that  is  /  of  al  floures  flour  § 

56tFul-filled  of  al  vertue  /  and  honour  f 

57  and  euere  ilyke  faire  /  and  fressh"  of  he  we 
58§and  I  love  it  /  and  euer  ylike  newe  £       56 

*And  euere  shal  /  til  that  myn  hert  dye 
*al  swere  I  nat  /  of  this  I  wol  nat  lye 
*Ther  loved  no  wight1  /  hotter  in  his  lyve 
*And  whan  that  hit  ys  eve  /  I  renne  blyve  (50 

51§As  sone  as  evere  the  sonne  /  gynneth  weste  § 
52§To  seen  this  flour  /  how  it  wol  go  to  reste  § 
53§For  fere  of  nygftt  /  so  hateth  she  derknesse  § 


28      PROLOGUE    TO    THE    LEGENDE.       CAMRR.  MS   C,g.  4.   27. 

Fx.  li.     Qu.  H. 

§This  dayeseye  of  alle  flouris  flour  53§ 

tffulfyld  of  vertu  &  of  alle  honour  54f       56 

And  eue/'e  I-like  fayr  &  frosch  '  of  hewe  55 

§  As  wel  In  wyntyr  as  in  somyr  newe l  56§  ['— '  corrected] 

§ffayn  wolde  I  preysyn  If  I  coude  a-ryht  67§ 

*But  wo  is  me  it  lyth  nat  in  my/t  myght  66*       60 


tffor  wel  I  wot  that  folk  han  here  be-forn  73f 

Of  makynge  ropyn  &  lad  a-Avey  the  corn  74 

I  come  aftyr  glenywge  here  &  ther  75 

And  am  ful  glad  if  I  may  fynde  an  er  76         64 

tOf  ony  goodly  word  that  they  han  laft  77 1 

tAnd  If  it  happe  me  reherse  eft  78t 
tThat  they  han  2  In  here  frosche  songis  said  79f  [*  i  corrected] 

§1  hope  that  they  wele  nat  ben  euele  a-payed  8()§       68 

§Sithe  it  is  seyd  in  fortheryng  &  honour  81  § 

§0f  hem  that  s  eythir  seruyn  lef  or  flour  82§  [3  e  twr.j 
§ffbr  trusty th  wel  I  ne  haue  nat  vndyr-take 
§  As  of  the  lef  a-gayn  the  flour  to  make 

§Ne  of  the  flow  to  make  a-geyn  the  lef  189§ 

No  more  than  of  the  corn  a-gen  the  shef  190 

ffor  as  to  me  is  lefere  non  ne  lothere  191 

I  am  witholde  jit  w/t/t  neuer  iiothire  192         76 

I  not  ho  seruyth  lef  ne  who  the  flour  193  [^a/4ie] 

§That  nys  nothyng  the  entent  of  myn  labour  194§ 

tffor  this  werk  is  al  of  a-nothyr  timne  195f 

tOf  old  story  er  swich  strif  was  bo-guwne  196f       80 


\  188§       72 


97 

98f       82 


PIIOLOGUE    TO    THE    LEGENDS.       FAIRFAX   MS    16.  29 

Gg.  lines.  F*-  «««• 

*Hire  chere  is  pleynly  sprad  /  in  the  brightnesse    *  64 
*0f  the  sonne  /  for  ther  yt  wol  vnclose  * 

*  Alias  that  I  ne  had  /  englyssh"  ryme  /  or  prose  *  [•««  ee  Gg.] 

59§Suffisant  this  flour  /  to  preyse  a-rygh"t  § 

*But  helpeth"  ye  /  that  han  konnyng  and  myghfr    *  68 
*Ye  lovers  /  that  kan  make  of  Sentment 
*In  this  case  /  oght  ye  be  diligent 
*To  forthren  me  /  somwhat  in  my  labour 
*Whethir  ye  ben  with  the  leef  /  or  with  the  flour  *  72 

61 1  for  wel  I  wot  /  that  ye  han  her-biforne 

62  of  makynge  ropen  /  and  lad  awey  the  corne 

63  and  I  come  after  /  glenyng  here  and  there 

64  and  am  ful  glad  /  yf  I  may  fynde  an  ere  76 
65fOf  any  goodly  word  /  that  ye  han  left*             •  f  [leaf  84] 
66tAnd  thogfi  it  happen  /  me  rehercen  eft                  t 
GTtThat  ye  han  /  in  your  fressfi  songes  sayede           t 
68§For-bereth"  me  /  and  beth"  not  euele  apayede          §  80 
69§Syn  that  ye  see  /  I  do  yt  in  the  honour                 § 
70§of  love  /  and  eke  in  seruice  of  the  flour                   § 

*Whom  that  I  serve  /  as  I  have  witte  or  my  gilt     * 
*She  is  the  clerenesse  /  and  the  verray  lyghfr          *  84 
*That  in  this  derke  worlde  /  me  wynt  and  ledyth"  * 
*The  hert  in  with"  /  my  sorwfull  brest  yow  dredith"  * 
*And  loueth"  so  sore  /  that  ye  ben  verrayly 
*The  maistresse  of  my  witte /a[nd]  no1  thing  I*  p  xsaiterd] 
*My  worde  my  werkes  /  ys  knyt  so  in  youre  bond  *  89 
*That  as  an  harpe  /  obeieth"  to  the  bond  * 

*That  maketfi.  it  sovne  /  after  his  fyngerynge 
*Kygh~t  so  mowe  ye  /  oute  of  myn  hert  bringe        *  92 
*Swicfi  vois  /  ryght  as  yow  lyst  to  laughe  or  pleyfl  * 
*Be  ye  my  gide  /  and  lady  souereyn 
*Aa  to  myn  erthely  god  /  to  yowe  I  calle 
*Bothe  in  this  werke  /  and  my  sorwes  alle  *  96 

97  But  wherfore  /  that  I  spake  to  yive  credence 
98fTo  olde  stories  /  and  doon  hem  reuerence  t 


30     PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGEXDE.       CAMBK.  MS   Gf),  4.  27. 

r. x.  It.      G,j.  II. 

§Is  for  men  schulde  autoriteis  be-leue  99§ 

§There  as  there  lyth  non  othyr  a-say  be  preue    100§       84 

*ffbr  myn  entent  is  or  I  fro  ^ow  fare 

*The  nakede  tixt  in  englis  to  declare 

*0f  manye  a  story  or  ell/s  of  manye l  a  geste  *  p  manye  com j 

*As  autourys  seyn  &  leuytli  hem  If  ^ow  leste       *  88 


§Whan  passed  was  almost  the  rnonyth  of  may   108§       89 
§And  I  hadde  romed  al  the  somerys  day  180§ 

*The  grene  medewe  of  which  that  I  ^ow  tolde      * 
§Vp-on  the  frosche  dayseie  to  be-holde  182§       92 

tAnd  that  the  so/me  out  of  the  souht  gaw  weste  197t 
§And  clothede  was  the  flow  &  gon  to  reste        198§ 
fifor  derknese  of  the  nyht  of  which  sche  dradde  199t 
Horn  to  myn  hous  ful  swiftly  I  me  spadde        200         96 
And  in  a  lytyl  erber  that  I  haue  203 

fl-benchede  newe  with  turwis  frorsche  2I-grawe  204tPi«»r.] 
I  bad3  men  schulde  me  myn  couche  make  205  paeon-.] 
ffor  deynte  of  the  newe  somerys  sake  206  1 00 

I  bad  hem  strowe  flozwis  on  myn  bed  207 

"Whan  I  was  layd  &  hadde  myw  eyen  hid          208 
tl  fel  a-slepe  with-Inne  an  our  or  two  209f 

tMe  mette  .how  I  was  in  the  medewe  tho  210t     104 

*And  that  I  romede  in  that  same  gyse  * 

§To  sen  that  flour4  /  as  36  han  herd  deuyse  212§  *.i.  daieseye 
*ffayr  was  this  medewe  as  thoujte  me  oueral        * 
tWith  flowris  sote  5 enbroudit  was  it  al8  l^tL5— 'cwr.] 

fAs  for  to  speke  of  gomme  or  erbe  or  tre  121f     109 

Comparisouw  may  non  I-makede  be  122 

ffor  it  surmountede  pleynly  alle  odours  123 

tAnd  of  ryche  beute  alle  flourys  1241      112 

fforgetyn  hadde  the  erthe  his  pore  estat  125 

tOf  wyntyr  that  hyw  nakede  made  &  mat          126t 
tAnd  with  his  swerd  of  cold  so  sore  hadde  greuydt 


PROLOGUE    TO    THE    LEGENDS.       FAIRFAX   MS    10.  31 

G(7.  Hnes.  Fx.  linet. 

83§And  that  men  niosten  /  more  tliyng  beleve 

84§Thefl  may  seen  at  eighe  /  or  elles  preve  100 

*That  shal  I  seyn  /  whaime  that  I  see  my  tyme 

*I  may  not  attones  /  speke  in  rymo 

*My  besy  gost  /  that  tmsteth  alwey  newe 

*To  seen  this  flour  /  so  yong  /  so  frcssh  of  hewe      104 

*Constreyned  me  /  with"  so  gledy  desire 

*That  in  mjn  herte  /  I  feele  yet  the  fire 

*That  made  me  to  ryse  /  er  yt  wer  day 
89§And  was  now  /  the  firste  morwe  of  May  108 

*With  dredful  hert  /  and  glad  deuocion 

*for  to  "ben  /  at  the  resureccion 

*0f  this  flour  /  whan  yt  shulde  vnclose 

*Agayne  the  sonne  /  that  roos  as  rede  as  rose  112 

*That  in  the  brest  was  /  of  the  beste  that  day 

*That  a-genores  doghtre  /  ladde  away 


*And  dovne  on  knes  /  anoofl  ryght  I  me  sette 
*  And  as  I  koude  /  this  fressh"  flour  I  grette    [leaf  84,  back] 
*knelyng  alwey  /  til  it  vnclosed  was  117 

*Vpon  the  smal  softe  /  swote  gras 

lOSfThat  was  with  floures  swote  /  enbrovded  al        t 
*0f  swich"  suetnesse  /  and  swicfi  odour  ouer  al         120 

109fThat  for  to  speke  /  of1  go?rane  or  herbe  or  tree  t 

110  Comparison  may  noon  /  y-maked  bee 

111  For  yt  surmouwteth  /  pleynly  alle  odoures 

1 12fAnd  of  riche  beaute  /  of  floures  t  124 

113  For-geten  had  the  erthe  /  his  pore  estate 
114fOf  wyntir  /  that  hem  naked  made  and  mate       t 
115fAnd  witfi  his  swerd  of  colde  /  so  sore  greued     t 


32      PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGENDS.       CAMBB.  MS   V(J.  4.  27. 

Fx.  ti.     Gg.  It. 

tNow  hadde  the  tempre  sonne  al  that J  releuyd1    1 28t 

And  clothede  hym  in  grene  al  newe  a-geyn  129       117 

The  smale  foulis  of  the  seson  fayn     [i-Jcorr.]  130 
tThat  from  the  panter  &  the  net  ben  skapid2  131t  pacw-r.] 

Vp-on  the  foulere  that  hem  made  a-wapid  132       120 

In  wyntyr  &  distroyed  hadde  hire  brod  133 

In  his  dispit  hem  thoujte  it  dede  hem  good  134 

To  synge  of  hym  &  in  here  song  despise  135 

The  foule  cherl  that  for  his  coueytyse  136       124 

Hadde  hem  be-trayed  with  his  sophistrye  137 

This  was  here  song  the  foulere  we  defye  138 

§Some  songyn  on  the  braunchis  clere  139§ 

§0f  loue  &  that  loye  It  was  to  here  140§     128 

tin  worschepe  &  in  preysyng  of  hire  make  141t 

tAnd  of  the  newe  blysful  somerys  sake  142t 


tThat  suwgyn  blyssede  be  seynt  volentyn  145t 

tAt  his  day  I  ches  $ow  to  be  myn  146t     132 

With  oute  repentywge  myn  herte  swete  147 

And  therwithal  here  bekys  gu/me  mete  148 

§The  honour  &  the  humble  obeysauwce  149§     135 

And  after3  dedyn  othere  obseruauwcys  150  p  fur  cow.] 

§Ryht  on  to  loue  &  to  natures  151§ 

*So  eche  of  hem  to  cryaturys 

*This  song  to  herkenyn  I  dede  al  myn  entent      * 

*ffor  why  I  mette  I  wiste  what  they  ment  *         140 


PROLOGUE   TO    THE   LEQENDE.      FAIRFAX   MS    16.          33 
Off.  lines.  Fx.  linet. 

HGfNow  hatfi.  thatempre  sonne  /  aH  that  releued  t     128 

1 1 7§That  naked  was  /  and  clad  y t  new  agayn  § 
118  The  smale  foules  /  of  the  seson  fayn 
119fThat  of  the  panter  /  and  the  nette  ben  scaped  t 

120  Vpon  the  foAveler1  /  that  hem  made  a-whaped          132 

121  In  wynter  /  and  distroyed  hadde  hire  broode 

122  In  his  dispite  /  hem  thoghte  yt  did  hem  goode 

123  To  synge  of  hym  /  and  in  hir  songe  dispise 

124  The  foule  cherle  /  that  for  his  coveytise  136 

125  Had  hem  betrayed  /  with  his  sophistrye 

126  This  was  hire  songe  /  the  foweler*  we  deflye 
127§And  al  his  crafte  /  and  somme  songen  clere  § 
128§Layes  of  love  /  that  loye  it  was  to  here  §     140 
1 29  fin  Avorshipynge  /  and  in  prey  singe  of  hir  make  t 

1 30f  And  for  the  newe  /  blisful  somers  sake  t 

*Vpon  the  braunches  /  fill  of  blosmes  softe  * 

*In  hire  delyt  /  they  turned  hem  ful  ofte  *     144 

131tAnd  songen  /  blessed  be  seynt  valentyne  t 

132tFor  on  his  day  /  I  chees  yow  to  be  myne  t 

133  With-outen  repentyng  /  myn  hert  swete 

134  and  therwith-alle  /  hire  bekes  gonnen  meete  148 
135§Yeldyng  honour  /  and  humble  obeysaunces  § 
136§To  love  and  diden  /  hire  othere  obseruaunces  § 
137§That  longetfi.  on-to  love  /  and  to  nature  § 

*Construeth"  that  as  yow  lyst  /  I  do  no  cure  *     152 

*And  thoo  that  hadde  doon  /  vnkyndnesse  * 

*  As  dooth  the  tydif  /  for  new-fangelnesse  *  [leaf  as] 

*Besoghte  mercy  /  of  hir  trespassynge  * 

*And  humblely  /  songe  hire  repentynge  *     156 

*And  sworen  on  the  blosmes  /  to  be  trewe  * 

*So  that  hire  makes  /  wolde  vpon  hem  rewe  * 
*And  at  the  laste  /  maden  hire  acord 

*A1  founde  they  daunger  /  for  a  tyme  a  lord  *     160 

*Yet  pitee  /  thurgfr  his  stronge  gentil  myght1  * 

*For-gaf  /  and  mad  mercy  passen  ryghf  * 

*Thurgh"  Innocence  /  and  ruled  curtesye  * 

ODD    TEXTS.  3 


34     PROLOGUE  TO   THE  LEQENDE.      CAMBR.  MS  S(J.  4.  27. 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE    LEGENDS.       FAIRFAX  MS   16.          35 
Gff.  Unet.  Fx.  live*. 

*But  I  ne  clepe  yt  nat  /  Innocence  folye  *     164 

*Ne  fals  pitee  /  for  vertuc  is  the  meue 
*As  etike  seith"  /  in  swicli  maner  I  meiie 
*And  thus  thise  foweles  /  voide  of  al  malice       * 
*'Acordeden  to  love  /  and  laften  vice  *     1G8 

*0f  hate  /  and  songe  alle  of  ooii  acorde 
^Welcome  somer  /  oure  gouernour  and  lord        * 
*And  Zepherus  /  and  flora  gentilly  * 

*Yaf  to  the  floures  /  softe  and  tenderly  *     172 

*Hire  swoote  breth'  /  and  made  hem  for  to  sprede  * 
*Ae  god  and  goddesse  /  of  the  floury  merle         * 
*In.  whiche  me  thoght  /  I  myght1  day  by  day     * 
*Duellen  alwey  /  the  loly  monyth  of  May          *     176 
* Witfi-outen  slepe  /  with-outen  mete  or  drynke  * 
*A-dovne  ful  softely  /  I  gan  to  synke  * 

*And  lenynge  on  rnyfi.  elbowe  /  and  my  syde      * 

90§The  longe  day  /  I  shoope  me  for  tabide  §     180 

*For  nothing  ellis  /  and  I  shal  nat  lye  * 

92§but  for  to  loke  /  vpon  the  daysie  § 

*That  men  by  resofi  /  wel  it  calle  may 
*the  daisie  or  elles  the  ye  /  of  day  *     184 

*The  emperice  and  floure  /  of  floures  alle 
*I  pray  to  god  /  that  faire  mote  she  falle 
*And  alle  that  loven  floures  /  for  hire  sake 
71-2§But  natheles  ne  wene  nat  /  that  I  make  §     188 

73§In  preysing  of  the  flour  /  agayn  the  leef  § 

74  No  more  than  of  the  corne  /  agayn  the  sheef 

75  For  as  to  me  /  nys  lever  noon  ne  lother  191 

76  I  nam  with-h olden  yit  /  with"  never  nother  [leaf  85,  back] 

77  Ne  I  not  who  serueth  leef1  /  ne  who  the  flour         193 
78§Wel  browkeii  they  /  her  seruice  or  labour  § 
79tFor  this  thing  is  /  al  of*  another  tonne                 t 
SOtOf  olde  storye  /  er  swiche  thinge  was  be-gonne   f  196 
93t\Vhan  that  the  sonne  /  out  of  the  south"  gan  west  f 
94§And  that  this  floure  gan  close  /  and  goon  to  rest  § 
95fFor  derknesse  of  the  nyght1  /the  which"  she  dred  t 


36      TBOLOGUE   TO    THE   LEGENDE.       CAM£Ii.  Mi>    GQ.  4.  27. 

Fx.  linet.     Off.  linn. 


*Tyl  at  the  laste  a  larke  song  a-boue  *         141 
*I  se  quod  she  the  myjty  god  of  loue 

*Lo  }ond  he  comyth  I  se  hise  wy/?gis  sprede  * 

§Tho  gan  I  loke  endelong  the  mede  21 1§ 

§And  saw  hym  come  &  in  his  hond  a  quene  213§     145 

TClothid  in  ryal  abyte  al  of  grene  214f 

A  frette  of  goold  l  sche  hadde  next  hyre  her  215L'ooa>rr.] 

And  vp-on  that  a  whit  cor  one  sche  ber  216       148 
§With  mane2  flourys  &  I  schal  nat  lye             217§[2nc<»-r.] 

ffor  al  the  world  ryht  as  the  dayseye  218 

I-corounede  is  with  white  leuys  lite  219 
tSwiche  were  the  flourys  of  hire  corene  white    220t       152 

tffor  of  o  perle  fyn  &  oryental  221t  [/«a/447] 

Hyre  white  corouw  was  I-makyd  al  222 
ffor  whiche  the  white  corou«  a-boue  the  grene  223 

Made  hire  lyk  a  dayseye  for  to  sene  2^4       156 

fConsiderede  ek  the  fret  of  gold  a-boue  225 1 

I-clothede  was  this  myhty  god  of  loue  226 

tOf  silk  T-broudede  ful  of  grene  greuys  227t 

§  A  garlond  on  his  hed  of  rose  leuys  228§     160 
*Stekid  al  with  lylye  flourys  newe 
*But  of  his  face  I  can  not  seyn  the  hewe 

§ffor  sekyrly  his  face  schon  so  bryhte  232 
*That  with  the  glem  a-stonede  was  the  syhte       *         164 

§A  furlongwey  I  myhte  hym  not  be-holde  233§ 

§But  at  the  laste  in  hande  I  saw  hyw  holde  234§ 

Tho  fery  dartis  as  the  3  gleedys  rede  235  pie «>«-.] 


PROLOGUE   TO    THE    LEGENDS.       FAIRFAX   MS  16.  37 

Qg.  lino.  Fx.  Una. 

96  Home  to  myn  house  /  ful  swiftly  I  me  sped  200 
*To  goon  to  reste  /  and  erly  for  to  ryse               * 

106§To  seen  this  flour  /  sprede  as  I  deuyse  § 

97  And  in  a  litel  herber  /  that  I  have 

98|that  benched  was  /  on  turves  fressh"  y-grave      f     204 
99  I  bad  men  sholde  me  /  my  covche  make 

100  For  deyntee  /  of  the  newe  someres  sake 

101  I  bad  hem  strawen  floures  /  on  my  bed 

102  Whan  I  was  leyde  /  and  had  myn  eyen  hed  208 
103tl  fel  on  slepe  /  in  with  an  houre  or  twoo           t 
104tMe  mette  how  I  lay  /  in  the  medewe  thoo        t 
144§And  from  a  fer  /  come  walkyng  in  the  mede    § 
106§To  seen  this  flour  /  that  I  love  so  and  drede    §     212 
145§The  god  of  love  /  and  in  his  hande  a  quene     § 
146fAnd  she  was  clad  /  in  real  habite  grene            t 

147  A  fi*et  of  gold  she  had  /  next  her  heer 

148  And  vpon  that  /  a  white  corwne  she  beer  216 

1 49  §  With  flourouns  smale  /  and  I  shal  nat  lye        § 

150  for  al  the  worlde  /  ryghtf  as  a  daysye 

151  Y-corovned  ys  /  with"  white  leves  lyte 

152fSo  were  the  flowrouns  /  of  hire  corovne  white  t     220 
153fFor  of  0  perle  /  fyne  oriental  t 

154  Hire  white  corovne  /  was  I-maked  al 

155  For  which"  the  white  corovne  /  above  the  grene 

156  Made  hire  lyke  /  a  daysie  for  to  sene  224 
157">  Considered  eke  /  hir  fret  of  golde  above 

158  Y-clothed  was  /  this  myghty  god  of  love 
I591ln  silke  enbrouded  /  ful  of  grene  greves  t 

160§In  with  a  fret  /  of"  rede  rose  leves  §     228 

*The  fresshest  syn  the  worlde  /  was  first  bygonne  *  [if  s«] 
*His  gilte  here  /  was  corowned  with  a  sonue        * 
*T-stede  of  golde  /  for  heuynesse  and  wygh"t 
163§Ther\vith"  me  thoghtt  /  his  face  shoon  so  bryglit  §   232 
165§That  wel  vnnethes  /  myght  I  him  beholde          § 

166  And  in  his  hande  me  thoght  /  I  saugh"  him  holde 

167  Twoo  firy  dartes  /  as  the  gledcs  rede 


38  PROLOGUE  TO  THE  LEGENDE.   CAMBR.  MS  Gg.  4.  27. 

Fx.  It.  Off.  «. 

tAnd  aiwzgellych  hyse  wengis  gan  lie  sprede  236 1     168 

And  al  be  that  men  seyii  that  blynd  is  he  237 

t Algate  me  thoi^te  he  myjte  wel  I  se  238t 

ffor  sternely  on  me  he  gan  behold e  239 

So  that  his  lokynge  doth  myn  herte  colde  240       172 

tAnd  be  the  hond  he  held  the  noble  quene  241 1 

Corouned  with  whit  &  clothede  al  in  grene  242 

So  womanly  so  benygne  &  so  meke  243 

That  in  this  world  thow  that  men  wolde  seke  244       176 

Half  hire  beute  /  schulde  men  nat  fynde  245 

tin  on 1  cryature  that  formede  is  be  kynde      246t  E1  °»  ?>"•'] 

§Hire  name  was  2Alceste  the  thebonoyre         276§  [a  A  corr.-. 

tl  preye  to  god  that  euere  falle  sche  fayre  27 7 1     180 

ffor  ne  hadde  confort  been  /  of  hire  presense  278 

I  hadde  be  ded  /  with  outyn  ony  defence  279 

ffor  dred  of  louys  /  wordys  &  his  chere  280 

As  whaw  tyme  is  /  here  aftyr  36  schal  here  281       184 

•f^T  By-hynde  this  god  /  of  loue  vp  on  this  grene  282t 

I  saw  comy/ige  of  ladyis  nynetene  283 

In  ryal  abyte  a  fnl  esy  pas  28  t 

And  aftyr  hem  come  of  wemen  swich  a  tras  285       188 

tThat  syn  that  god  adam  made  of  erthe  286^" 

§The  thredde  part  of  wemen  ne  the  ferthe  287 § 

Ne  wende  I  not  by  possibilite  288  ['/UT.B*] 

tHaddyn  euere  in  this  world  I-be  2891"     192 

And  trewe  of  loue  these  wemen  were  echon  290 

Now  whether  was  that  a  wondyr  thyng  or  non  291 

That  ryht  anon  as  that  they  guraie  espye  292 

This  flour  whiche  that  I  clepe  the  dayseye  293       19G 

fful  sodeynly  they  stywtyn  alle  atonys  294 

And  knelede  a-doun  as  it  were  for  the  nonys  295 

*And  aftyr  that  they  wentyn  in  cuwpas 

*Dauftsynge  aboute  this  flour  an  esy  pas  *         200 

*And  songyn  as  it  were  in  carolewyse 

*This  balade  whiche  that  I  schal  $ow  deuyse  * 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LKGENDE.      FAIRFAX   MS   16.  39 

Gg,  linet.  Fx.  linet. 

168fAnd  aungelyke  /  hys  wynges  saugli  I  sprede    f     23G 
169  And  al  be  that  men  seyn  /  that  blynd  ys  he 
1 70fAl-gate  me  thogh"  t  /  that  he  myghtt  se  f 

171  For  sternely  on  me  /  he  gan  by  hold  e 

172  So  that  his  loking  /  dooth"  myn  hert  colde  240 
173tAnd  "by  the  hande  he  helde  /  this  noble  quene  t 

174  Corowned  with"  white  /  and  clothed  al  in  grene 

175  So  womanly  so  benigne  /  and  so  meke 

176  That  in  this  world  /  thogh"  that  men  [wolde  seke]  244 

177  [Half  of  hire  beaute  /  shulde  men]  nat  fynde 
178 tin  creature  /  that  formed  ys  by  kynde  t 


*And  therfore  may  I  seyfi  /  as  thynketh  me       * 
*This  songe  in  preysyng  /  of  this  lady  fre  *     248 


40     PROLOGUE   TO    THE   LEGEN0K       CAMBR.  MS  GQ.  4.  27. 

(Balade.    1) 

PX.  n.     GO.  a. 
Hyd  absalon  thywne  gilte  tressis  clere  249       203 

Ester  ley  thow  thyw  meknesse  al  a-doura  250 

Hyde  lonathas  al  thyn  frendely  manere  251       205 

Penolope  &  Marcia  catoun  252 

Mak  of  pure  wyfhod  no  cowparisoun  253 

Hyde  $e  ^oure  beuteis  Ysoude  &  Elene  254 

§Alceste  is  here  that  al  that  may  destene  255  §     209 

(2) 

Thyn  fayre  body  lat  it  nat  a-peere  '  p  zmi  e  com]  256       210 
Laueyne  /  &  thow  Lucresse  of  rome  toun         257 
And  Pollexene  that  bou^te  loue  so  dere  258 

Ek  Cleopatre  with  al  thy/i  passioun  259       213 

Hide  }e  ^oure  trouth  in  loue  &  joure  rononw    260 
And  thow  2  tysbe  /  that  hast  for  loue  swich  peyne    [2  y  corr.] 
§Alceste  is  here  that  al  that  may  desteyne          262§     216 

(3) 

Herro.  Dido.  Laodomya  alle  in  fere  2G3       217 

Ek  Phillis  hangynge  for  thyn  demophoun  264 

And  Canace  espied  be  thyn  chere  265 

Ysiphile  bytrayed  with  lasoun  266       220 
Mak  of  ^oure  trouthe  in  loue  no  bost  ne  soun  267 

Nor  y  penny  stre  or  Adriane  ne  pleyne  268 

§Alceste  is  here  that  al  that  may  disteyne  269§     223 


§Whan  that  this  balade  al  I-songyn  was  '27  Q§ 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEQENDE.      FAIRFAX  MS  16.  41 

(Songe,  or  Balade.    1) 

Gff.  lines.  Fx.  linei. 

203  [Hyd  /  Absolon  /  thy  gilte  tresses  clere]  249 

204  IF  Ester  /  ley  thou  thy  mekenesse  /  al  a-downe 

205  Hyde  lonathas  /  al  thy  frendly  manere 

206  Penalopee  /  and  Marcia  /  Catoun  252 

207  Make  of  youre  wifhode  /  no  comparysoun 

208  Hyde  ye  youre  beautes  /  Ysoude  and  Elyene 
209§My  lady  comitfi  /  that  al  this  may  disteyne  §         255 

(2) 

210  IT  Thy  faire  body  /  lat  yt  nat  appere 

211  Lavyne  /  and  thou  lucresse  of  Rome  tovne 

212  And  polixene  /  that  boghten  loue  so  dere 

213  And  cleopatre  /  with"  al  thy  passyon  259 

214  Hyde  ye  your  trouthe  of  love  and  jour  renoura 

215  And  thou  Tesbe  /  that  hast  of  love  suche  peyne 
216§My  lady  comith"  that  al  this  may  disteyne  §  262 

(3)     [In  the  MS  this  Stanza  follows  I.  277] 

217  1F  Herro  /  Dido  /  laudomia  alle  y-fere  263 

218  And  Phillis  hangyng  for  thy  Demophon 

219  And  Canace  /  espied  by  thy  chere 

220  Ysiphile  /  betraysed  with"  lason  266 

221  Maketh  of  your  trouthe  /  neythir  boost  ne  sovne 

222  Nor  ypermystre  /  or  Adriane  ye  tweyne 

223§My  lady  cometh  /  that  al  this  may  dysteyue  §       269 

224§This  balade  may  ful  wel  y-songen  be 
*As  I  have  seyde  /  erst  by  my  lady  free 
*For  certeynly  al  thise  mo  we  nat  suffise  272 

*To  apperen  wyth"  my  lady  /  in  no  wyse         [leaf  se,  back] 
*For  as  the  sonwe  /  wole  the  fire  disteyne 
*So  passeth"  al  /  my  lady  souereyne 

179§That  ys  so  good  /  so  faire  /  so  debonayre§  276 

ISOf.T  prey  to  god  /  that  euer  falle  hire  faire  t 


42     PKOLOGUE  TO   THE   LEGENDE.      CAMlili.  A/5  C//.  4.  27. 

Fx.  li.       Uff.  H. 


*Vp-oii  the  softe  &  sote  grene  gras  *         225 

They  settyn  hem  ful  softely  adoun  301 

§By  ordere  alle  in  cumpas  /  alle  in  verouw  300§ 
tffyrst  sat  the  god  of  loue  &  thanne  this  queene1  f  f'necorr.] 

With  the  white  corone  clad  in  grene  303       229 

And  sithyn  al  the  remenant  by  &  by  304 

fAs  they  were  of  degre  ful  curteysly  305t 

tJS"e  nat  a  word  was  spokyn  in  that  place  306f     232 

tThe  mouwtenau^ce  of  a  furlongwey  of2  space  307f 

§1  lenynge  faste  by  vndyr  a  bente      p  of  com]  308§ 

Abod  to  knowe  what  this  peple  mente  309 

As  stille  as  ony  ston  til  at  the  laste  310       236 

tThe  god  of  loue  on  me  his  eye  caste  31  If 

tAnd  seyde  ho  vestith  there  &  I  answerdc  31 2f 

tVn  to  Ids  axsynge  whan  that  I  hyw  herdo  313f 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGENDE.      FAIRFAX   MS  16.          43 
Go.  Unet.  Fx.  linet. 

181  For  nadde  comfort  /  ben  of  hire  presence 

182  I  hadde  ben  dede  /  withouten  any  defence 

183  For  drede  of1  loves  wordes  /  and  his  chere  280 

184  As  when  tyme  ys  /  her-after  ye  shal  here 
185fBe-hynde  this  god  of  love  /  vpon  the  grene         t 
1861  saugh"  comyng  /  of  ladyes  Nientene 

187  In  real  habite  /  a  f ul  esy  paas  284 

188  And  after  hem  coome  of  wymefi  /  swich"  a  traas 
189fThat  syn  that  god  /  Adam  hadde  made  of  erthef 
!90§The  thirdde  part  of  mankynde  /  or  the  ferthe     § 

101  I$"e  wende  I  not  /  by  possibilitee  288 

192tHad  euer  in  this  wide  /  worlde  y-bee  + 

193  And  trewe  of  love  /  thise  women  were  echon          nota 

194  Now  wheither  was  that  /  a  wonder  thing  or  non 

195  That  rygh~t  anoon  /  as  that  they  gonne  espye          292 

196  thys  flour  /  which"  that  I  clepe  the  daysie 

197  Ful  sodeynly  /  they  sty  ten  al  attones 

198  And  knelede  dovne  /  as  it  were  for  the  nones 

*And  songen  with  0  vois  /  heel  and  honour      *     296 
*To  trouthe  of  womanhede  /  and  to  this  flour    * 
*that  bereth  our  alder  pris  /  in  figurynge  * 

*Hire  white  corowne  /  berytfr  the  witnessynge  * 

227§And  with  that  word  /  a-compas  enviroun          §     300 

226  They  setten  hem  /  ful  softly  a-doufl 

228f  First  sat1  the  god  of  love  /  and  syth"  his  queue     [leaf  87] 

229  With  the  white  corowne  /  clad  in  grene 

230  And  sithen  al  the  remenaurct  /  by  and  by  304 
231tAs  they  were  of  estaat  /  ful  curteysly                -j. 

232 fNe  nat  a  worde  was  spoken  /  in  the  place  -^ 
233tThe  mountaunce  /  of  a  furlong  wey  of  space  ^ 
234§I  knelyng  by  this  floure  /  in  good  entente  §  308 

235  A-boode  to  knowen  what  this  peple  mente 

236  As  stille  as  any  ston  /  til  at  the  last 
237tThis  god  of  love  on  me  /  hyse  eighen  caste       t 
238tAnd  seyde  /  who  kneleth  there  /  and  I  ans\verdef312 
239tVnto  his  askynge  /  whan  that  I  it  herde  t 


44  PROLOGUE  TO  THE  LEGENDE.   CAMBR.  MS  Gy.  4.  27. 

Fx.  It.   Go.  li. 

tAnd  seyde  sere  It  am  I  &  cam  hym  ner  314t     240 

And  salewede  hym.  quod  lie  what  dost  thow  her 
§In  myn  presence  &  that  so  boldely  31 6§ 

tffor  it  were  bettere  worth!  trewely  31 7 1 

§A  werm  to  come  in  rnyw  syht  than  thow  318§     244 

And  why  sere  quod  I  and  it  lyke  ^ow  319 

ffor  thow  quod  he  art  therto  no-thyng  able       320 
*Myne  seruauwtis  ben  alle  wyse  &  honourable     * 
§Thow  art  myn  mortal  fo  &  me  warreyest          322§     248 
And  of  mywne  olde  seruaimtis  thow  mysseyst  323 
And  hynderyst  hem  with  thyii  trans!  acyoun    324 
fAnd  lettist  folk  to  han  deuocyouw  325t 

To  seruyn  me  &  haldist  it  folye  326       252 

§To  troste  on  me  thow  mayst  it  nat  denye          327§ 
fffor  in  pleyn  tixt  it  nedyth  nat  to  glose  328t 

ThoAV  hast  translatid  the  romauns  of  the  rose  329 
That  is  an  eresye  a-geyns  myn  lawe  330       256 

And  makyst  wise  folk  fro  me  withdrawe  331 

*And  thynkist  in  thyn  wit  that  is  ful  cole1         *    [»ecorr.] 
*That  he  nys  but  a  verray  propre  fole  * 

*That  louyth  paramouris  to  harde  &  hote  *         260 

*\Vel  wot  I  ther  by  /  thow  begynnyst  dote          * 
*As  olde  folis  whan  here  spryt  faylyth  *  [//us,  w-] 

*Tha?zne  blame  they  folk  &  wete  nat  what  hem  ealyth  * 
*Hast  thow  nat  mad  in  englys  ek  the  bok  *         264 

§How  that  Crisseyde  Troylis  forsok  332§ 

§In  schewynge  how  that  2  wemen  han  don  mis  2  333§ 

jf-r,.,          ,-,     ,  ,       ,  i   •        I2-1  corr.J       * 

*Bit  natheles  answere  me  now  to  this 

*Why  noldist  thow  as  wel  a-seyd  goodnes  *         268 

*0f  wemew  as  thow  hast  seyd  wekedenes  * 

*Was  there  no  good  matyr  in  thyw  mynde 

*Ne  in  alle  thyne  bokys  ne  condist  thow  nat  fynde  * 

*Sum  story  of  wemen  that  were  goode  &  trewe3  *  P  tn-we  con-.] 

*3is  god  wot  .lx.  bokys  olde  &  newe     [*<«55eFx.]  *         273 

*Hast  thow  thyn  self  alle  ful  of  storyis  grete       * 

*That  bothe  romaynys  &  ek  grekis  trcto  * 


PROLOGUE   TO    THE    LEGENDS.       FAIRFAX   MS   16.          45 
Off.  lines.  rx.  iinei. 

240tAnd  seyde  /  it  am  I  /  and  come  him  nere         t 
241  And  sal  wed  him  /  quod  he  what  dostow  here 
242§So  nygh  myfi  ovne  floure  /  so  boldely  §     316 

243fYt  were  better  worthy  /  trewly  f 

244§A  worme  /  to  neghen  ner  my  flour  /  than  thow§ 

245  And  why  sire  /  quod  I  /  and  yt  lyke  yow 

246  For  thow  quod  he  /  art  ther-to  no-thing  able          320 
*Yt  is  my  relyke  /  digne  and  dely table  * 

248§And  thow  my  foo  /  and  al  my  folke  werreyest§ 

249  And  of  myn  olde  servauntes  /  thow  mysseyest 

250  And  hynderest  hem  /  with"  thy  translacion  324 
25  If  And  lettest  folke  /  from  hire  deuocion              f 

252  [To  serven  me  /  and  boldest  it  folye] 

253§To  serve  love  /  thou  maist  yt  nat  denye  § 

254fFor  in  pleyne  text  /  with~-outen  nede  of  glose  f     328 

255  Thou  hast  [translated]  the  Romaunce  /  of  the  rose 

256  That  is  an  heresy  e  /  ayeins  my  la  we 

257  And  makest  wise  folke  /  fro  me  with-drawe  331 


265  §  And  of  Creseyde  /  thou  hast  seyde  as  the  lyste  §  332 
266§That  maketn'  men  /  to  wommen  lasse  triste         § 


46     PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGENDS.       CAMBR.  MS   Gff.  4.  27. 

Fx.  li.       Co.  U. 

*0f  suwdery  wemen  whiche  lyf  that  they  ledde  *         276 

*And  euere  an  hunderede  goode  a-geyn  on  badde  * 

*This  knowith  god  &  alle  clerkis  ek  * 

*That  vsyn  sweche  materis  for  to  sek 

*"VVhat  seith  Valerye  Titus  or  Claudyan  *         280 

*What  seith  lerome  agayns  louynyan  * 

*How  clene  may  deny  s1  &  how  trewe  wyuys  *    [«»«»•»•.] 

*How  stedefaste  wedewys  durynge  alle  here  lyuys  * 

*Tellyth 2  lerome  &  that  nat  of  a  fewe  p  h  «,«•.]  *         284- 

*But  I  dar  seyn  an  hunderede  on  a  re  we  * 

*That  it  is  pete  for  to  rede  &  routhe  * 

*The  wo  that  they  endure  for  here  trouthe 

§3  ffor  to  hyre  loue  were  they  so  trewe  334§     288 

*That  rathere  than  they  wole  take  a  newe 3  *  p-»  <wr.i 

*They  chose  to  be  ded  in  sundery  wyse  * 

*And  deiedyn  as  the  story  wele  deuyse  * 

*And  some  were  brend  &  some  were  cut  the  hals  *         292 

*And  some  dreynkt  for  thy  woldyw  not  be  fals  * 

*ffor  alle  kepid4  they  here  maydywhed  *  [*pid<wr.i 

*0r  ellis  wedlek  or  here  wedewehed  * 

*And  this  tlwig  was  nat  kept  for  holynesse  *         296 

*But  al  for  verray  vertu  &  clewnesse  * 

*And  for  men  schulde  sette  on  hem  no  lak 

*And  ^it  they  were  hethene  al  the  pak 

*That  were  so  sore  a-drad  of  alle  schame  [/««/«»]  *         300 

*These  olde  wemen  kepte  so  here  name 

*That  in  this  world  I  trowe  men  schal  nat  fynde  * 

*A  man  that5  coude  be  so  trowe  &  kynde  [«*568]*    pt<wr.] 

*As  was  the  leste  woman  in  that  tyde  304 

*What  seyth  also  the  epistelle  of  Ouyde  * 

*0f  trewe  wyuys  &  of  here  labow 

*What  vincent  in  his  estoryal  myrowr 

*Ek  al  te  world  of  autourys  mayst  tow  here  308 

*Cristene  &  hethene  trete  of  swich  matere 

*It  nedyth  nat  al  day  thus  for  to  endite 

*But  $it  I  seye  Avhat  .eylyth  the  to  wryte  * 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGENDS.      FAIRFAX  MS   16.         47 
Off.  linei.  FX.  «„<,„. 


2  88  §  that  tefi  as  trewe  /  as  euer  was  any  steel         §     334 


48  PROLOGUE  TO  THE  LEGENDS.   CAMBR.  MS  Og.  4.  27. 

Fx.  U.   Gg.  U. 

*The  draf  of  story  is  &  forgete l  the  corn  p  gete  com]  *         312 
§Be  seynt  venws  of  whom  that  I  was  born         338§ 
•fAl-thow  thow  reneyist  hast  myn  lay  336f 

§As  othere  olde  folys  manye  a  day  337       315 


§Thow  schalt  repente  it  so  that  it  schal  be  sene  340§ 
§Thawne  spak  Alceste  the  worthy  ere  queene2  341  §  pzntticorr.-] 
And  seyde  god  ry^t  of  jowe  curteysye  342 

3e  motyn  herkenyn  If  he  can  replye  p-»«»rr.]   343 
tA-geyns  these  poyntys  that  30  han  to  hym  3mevid3 
A  god  ne  schulde  not  thus  been,  a-greuyd         345       321 
§But  of  his  dede  he  schal  be  stable  346 

§And  therto  ryjtful  &  ek  mercyable  347§ 

*He  schal  nat  ryghtfully  his  yre  wreke  *         324 

*0r  he  haue  herd  the  tothyr  partye  speke  * 

*A1  ne  is  nat  gospel  that  is  to  $ow  pleynyd          * 
*The  god  of  loue  heryth  manye  a  tale  I-feynyd    * 
ffor  in  ^oure  court  is  manye  a  losenger  352       328 

And  manye  aqueynte  totulowr  acusour  353 

§That  tabowyn  in  3oure  eres  /  many    a  thyng   354§ 
§ffor  hate  or  for  lelous  ymagynyng  355§ 

§And  for  to  han  with  3011  sum  dalyauwce  35  6  §     332 

§Enuye  I  prere  to  god  ^eue  hire  myschaunce      358§ 
§Is  lauender  In  the  grete  court  alway  358§ 

ffor  che  ne  partyth  neythir  nygh  ne  day  359 

Out  of  the  hous  of  Cesar  thus  seyth  dante        360       336 
§Who-so  that  goth  alwey  sche  mote  wante         36 1§ 
tThis  man  to  $ow  may  wrongly  ben  acused     350f  [//«9,  bk] 
There  as  be  ryght  hym  oughte  ben  excusid       351 
§0r  ellis  sere  for  that  this  man  is  nyce  362§     340 

§He  may  translate  a  thyng  in  no  malyce  36 3 § 

§But  for  he  vsyth  bokis  for  to  make  364§ 

§And  takyth  non  hed  of  what  matere  he  take    365§ 
*Therfore  he  wrot  the  rose  &  ek  4  Crisseyde  [*i  <wr.]  *    344 
*0f  innocence  &  nyste  what  he  seyde  * 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGENDE.      FAIRFAX   MS    16.          49 

Off.  linei.  Fx.  linet. 

*0f  thyn  answers  /  avise  the  rygfrt  weel  335 

314tFor  thogli  thou  reneyed  /  hast  my  lay  f 

315§As  other  wrecches  han  doon  /  many  a  day  337 

313§By  seynt  Venus  /  that  my  moder  ys  §     »«'- 

316§If  that  thou  lyve  /  thou  shalt  repenten  this  § 

316§So  cruelly  /  that  it  shal  wele  be  sene  §     34H 

317§Thoo  spake  this  lady  /  clothed  al  in  grene  § 

318  And  seyde  /  god  rygh~t  of  youre  curtesye        [leaf  87,  tack] 

319  Ye  mo  ten  herken  /  yf  he  can  reply  e 

320fAgayns  al  this  /  that  ye  hane  to  him  meved  t     344 
321  A  god  /  ne  sholde  nat  be  thus  agreued 

32  2  §  But  of  hys  deitee  /  he  shal  be  stable  § 

323§And  therto  gracious  /  and  merciable  § 

*And  yf  ye  nere  a  god  /  that  knowen  alle  *     348 

*Thanne  myght1  yt  be  /  as  I  yow  tellen  shalle  * 

337tThis  mane  to  yow  /  may  falsly  ben  accused  t 
338  Ther  as  by  right1  /  him  oughte  ben  excused 

328  For  in  youre  courte  /  ys  many  a  losengeour  352 

329  And  many  aqueynt  totelere  /  accusour 
330§That  tabouren  in  youre  eres  /  many  a  swon  § 
331§Ryghf  aftir  hire  /  ymagynacion  § 

332  §  To  have  youre  daliance  /  and  for  envie  §     356 

*Thise  ben  the  causes  /  and  I  shal  not  lye  * 

333-4§Envie  ys  lauendere  /  of  the  Court  alway  §      not  a 

335  For  she  ne  partetfi  /  neither  nyght  ne  day 

336  Out  of  the  house  of  Cesar  /  thus  seitfi  dante  360 
337§Who  so  that  gootn"  /  algate  she  wol  nat  wante  § 


340§And  eke  parauntere  /  for  this  man  ys  nyce       § 
341§He  myght  doon  yt  /  gessyng  no  malice  § 

342§For  he  vsetfi  thynges  /  for  to  make  §     364 

343§Hyra  rekketfi  noght1  /  of  what  matere  he  take  § 


ODD    TEXTS. 


50      PROLOGUE    TO    THE   LEGENDE.       CAMBR.  MS  Gff.  4.  27. 

Fx.  H.       Gff.  H. 

Or  hym  was  bodyn  make  thilke  tAveye  366 

Of  sum  persone  &  duvste  it  not  with  seye         367 

*fFor  he  hath  wrete  manye  a  bok  er  this  *         348 

He  ne  hath  not  don  so  greuosly  a-mys  369       349 

To  translate  that  olde  clerkis  wryte  370 

tAs  thow  that  he  of  maleys  wolde  endyte  37  If 

tDespit  of  lone  &  hadde  hym  self  I-wrouht  372t     352 
This  schulde  a  ryghtwys  lord  han  in  his  thoi^t  373 

And  not  ben  lyk  tyrauntis  of  lumbardye  374 

§That  vsyn  wilfulhed  &  tyrannye  375 § 

if  or  he  that  kyng  or  lord  is  naturel  376       356 

tHym  oughte  nat  be  tyraunt  &  crewel     377t  W*«, »*, «»« 20] 

As  is  a  fermowr  to  don  the  harm  he  can  378  00/450,  une  19] 

He  muste  thynke  it  is  his  lige  man  379 

*And  that  hym  owith  o  verry  duetee  360 

*Schewyn  his  peple  pleyn  benygnete 

*And  wel  to  heryre  here  excusacyouns 

*And  here  compleyntys  2  &  petyciouns  *    [2 » «orr.] 

*In  due  we  tyme  whaw  they  schal  it  prof  re  364 

This  is  the  sentens  of  the  phily.sophre  381 

A  kyng  to  kepe  hise  lygis  in  iustise  382 

Which  oughtyw  doute  that  is  his  offise  383 

*And  therto  is  a  kyng  ful  depe  I-sworn  368 

*fful  manye  an  hu?^derede  wywtyr  here  be-forn     * 

tAnd  for  to  kepe  his  lordys  hir  degre  384t 

As  it  is  ryght  and  skylful  that  they  be  385 

tEnhaunsede  and  /  honoured  most  dere  386t     372 

ffor  they  ben  half  goddys  in  this  world  here  387 

fThis  schal  he  don  bothe  to  pore  ryche  388t 

Al  be  that  here  stat  be  nat  a-lyche  389 

And  han  of  pore  folk  cowpassioun  390       376 

if  or  lo  the  gentyl  kynde  of  the  lyoun  391 

ffor  whan  a  flye  oifendyth  hym  or  bytith  392  [//*50,&*] 

He  with  his  tayl  awey  the  flye  smytyth  393 

Al  esyly  for  of  his  genterye  394       380 

Hym  deynyth  nat  to  wreke  hym  on  a  flye  395 


PROLOGUE   TO    THE   LEGENDS.      FAIRFAX  MS   16.          51 
Gff.  lines.  Fx.  lines. 

346  Of  him  was  boden  /  maken  thilke  tweye  366 

347  Of  aomme  persone  /  and  duvste  yt  nat  witli-seyo 

*0r  him  repenteth"  /  outrely  of  tliis  *     368 

349  He  ne  hath  nat  doon  /  so  grevously  amys 

350  To  translaten  /  that  olde  clerkes  writefi 

35  It  And  thogh"  that  he  /  of  malice  wolde  enditen  f 
352fDespite  of  love  /  and  had  him-selfe  yt  wroghfrf     372 

353  This  shoolde  a  ryghtwis  lord  /  haue  in  his  thoghf 

354  And  nat  be  lyke  tirauntez  /  of  luinbardye 
355§That  han  no  reward  /  but  at  tyranny e  § 

356  For  he  that  kynge  /  or1  lord  ys  in  naturel  376 

357fHym  oght  nat  be  /  tiraunt  ne  crewel  f 

358  As  is  a  fermour  /  to  doon  the  harme  he  kan 

359  He  moste  thinke  /  yt  is  his  leege  man  [leaf  ssi 


*And  is  his  tresour  /  and  his  gold  in  cofre  380 

365  This  is  the  sentence  of  the  Philosophre 

366  A  kyng  /  to  kepe  hise  leeges  in  Justice 

367  Witfr-outen  doute  /  that  is  his  office 


370fAl  wol  he  kepe  hise  lordes  /  in  hire  degree      t     384 
371  As  it  ys  ryght  /  and  skilful  that  they  bee 
372fEnhaunced  and  honoured  /  and  most  dere        t 
373  For  they  ben  half  goddys  /  in  this  world  here 
374tYit  mote  he  doon  /  bothe  ryghf  to  poore  and  rychef 

375  Al  be  that  hire  estaat  /  be  nat  y-liche  389 

376  And  han  of  poore  folke  /  compassyon 

377  For  loo  /  the  gentil  kynde  of  the  lyofi 

378  For  whan  a  flye  /  offenditfc  him  or  bitetfc  392 

379  He  with"  his  tayle  /  awey  the  fie  smytetR 

380  Al  esely  /  for  of  hys  gentry  e 

381  Hym  deyneth"  not  /  to  wreke  hym  on  a  flye 


52   PROLOGUE  TO  THE  LEGENDE.   CAMBR.  MS  Cg.  4.  27- 

Fx.  K.   Gg.  li. 

As  doth  a  curre  or  ellis  a-nothir  beste  396       382 

In  noble  corage  oughte  ben  areste  397 

tAnd  weyen  eueryth  by  equite  398f     384 

fAnd  euere  han  reward  to  his  owen  degre          399t 
ffor  sire  it  is  no  niaystrye  for  a  lord  400 

To  dampne  a  man  with-oute  answere  or  word  401 
tAnd  for  a  lord  that  is  wol  foul  to  vse  402 1     388 

tAnd  If  so  be  he  may  hym  nat  ascuse  403 1 

tAxith  mercy  with  a  sorweful  herte  404 1 

And  praferyth  hym  ryght  in  his  bare  scherte  405 
To  been  rygh  at  ^oure  owene  lugement  406       392 

Than  ought  a  god  by  schort  avisement  407  i>a/450,  back,  t.  ie] 
Considere  his  owene  honour  &  his  trespace  [^0/449,  back,  i.  21] 
ffor  sythe  no  cause  of  deth  lyth  in  this  cace      409 
3ow  oughte  to  ben  the  lyghtere  merciable         410       396 
Letith  joure  yre  &  beth  sumwhat  tretable        411 
The  man  hath  seruyd  ^ow  of  his  l  konnyg        412[Ikoeom] 
tAnd  fortheryd  joure  la  we  with  his  makyng      413t 
*Whil  he  was  jong  he  kepte  ^oure  estat  400 

*I  not  where  he  be  now  a  renagat 2  *  [2  ia»t  a  «»•»•.] 

§But  wel  I  wot  with  that  he  can  endyte  414§ 

tHe  hath  makid  lewede  folk  to  delyte  41 5 1 

To  seruyn  ^ow  in  preysywge  of  ^oure  name       416       404 
He  made  the  bok  that  highte  the  ho  us  of  fame  417 
And  ek  the  deth  of  Blauwche  the  duchesse       418 
And  the  parlement  of  foulis  as  I  gesse  419 

And  al  the  loue  of  Palamon  &  Arcite  420       408 

Of  thebes  thow  the  story e  is  knowe  lite  421 

And  manye  an  ympne  for  thour  halydayis        422 
That  highty/i  baladis  rourcdelys  &  vyrelayes     423 
tAnd  for  to  speke  of  othyr  besynesse     [fco/450]   42  4 1     412 

He  hath  in  prose  translatid  Boece  425 

*And  of  the  wrechede  engendrywge  of  mankynde  * 
*As  man  may  in  pope  innocent  I-fynde 
And  made  the  lyf  also  of  seynt  Cecile  426       4 16 

He  made  also  gon  is  agret  while  427 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE    LEGENDS.      FAIRFAX  MS   16.  53 

Off.  Knei.  t'x.  linei. 

382  As  dooth  a  curre  /  or  elles  another  best  396 

383  In  noble  corago  /  ought  ben  arest 

384fAnd  weyen  euery  thing  /  by  equytee  t 

385fAnd  euer  haue  rewarde  /  vnto  his  owen  degree  t 

386  For  syr  yt  is  no  maistrye  /  for  a  lorde  400 

387  To  dampne  a  man  /  without  answere  of  worde 
388fAnd  for  a  lorde  /  that  is  ful  foule  to  vse  t 
389fAnd  it  so  be  /  he  may  hym  nat  excuse  1* 
390fBut  asketh"  mercy  /  with  a  dredeful  herte          t     404 
39 1  And  proferetli  him  ryght1  /  in  his  bare  sherte 

332  To  ben  ryght1  /  at  your  owen  lugement 

393  Than  oght  a  god  /  by  short  avysement 

394  Consydre  his  owne  honour  /  and  hys  trespas          408 

395  For  syth"  no  cause  of  dethe  /  lyeth"  in  this  caas 

396  Yow  oghte  to  ben  /  the  lyghter  merciable 

397  letetft  youre  Ire  /  and  beth  sumwhat  tretable 

398  The  man  hath  served  yow  /  of  his  kunnyng  412 
399f  And  furthred  wel  youre  lawe  /  in  his  makyng  t 


402§  Al  be  hit  /  that  he  kan  nat  wel  endite    §     [leaf  ss,  back] 
403tYet  hath"  he  made  /  lewde  folke  delyte  t 

404  To  serve  yow  /  in  preysinge  of  your  name  nota. 

405  He  made  the  book  /  that  hightf  the  hous  of  Fame  417 

406  And  eke  the  deeth"  /  of  Blaunche  the  Duchesse 

407  And  the  parlement  of  foules  /  as  I  gesse 

408  And  al  the  love  /  of  Palainoii  and  Arcite  420 

409  Of  Thebes  /  thogh"  the  storye  ys  knowen  lyte 

410  And  many  an  ympne  /  for  your  halydayes 

411  That  high  ten  balades  /  roundels  /  virelayes 
412fAnd  for  to  speke  /  of  other  holynesse  f     424 
413  He  hath"  in  proce  /  translated  Eoece 


416  And  maade  the  lyfe  also  /  of  seynt  Cecile 

417  He  made  also  /  goon  ys  a  grete  while 


54  PROLOGUE  TO  THE  LEGENDE.   CAMBR.  MS  Gg.  4.  27. 

F x.  li.   Gg.  li. 

Ory genes  vp-on  the  maudeleyne  428       418 

Hyw  ouu^te  now  to  haue  the  lesse  peyne  429 

He  hath  mad  manye  a  lay  &  manye  a  thyng  430       420 

Now  as  30  ben  a  god  &  ek  a  kyng  431 

I  3oure  alceste  whilom  quene  of  trace  432 

I  axe  3ow  this  man  rygh  of  ^oure  grace  433 

That  30  hym  neuere  hurte  in  al  his  lyue  434       424 

fAnd  he  schal  swere  to  ^ow  &  that  as  blyue  435t 

tHe  schal  no  more  agiltyn  in  this  wyse  436t 

But  he  schal  makyn  as  36  wele  deuyse  437 

Of  wemen  trewe  in  louynge  al  here  lyue  438       428 
Wher  so  30  wele  of  maydyn  or  of  wyue      439  iiettf^o,  i,  is] 

And  fortheryn  jow  as  meche  as  he  mysseyde  [fe<tf450,i*,*.i7] 

Or  in  the  rose  or  ellis  in  crisseyde  441 

tThe  god  of  lone  answerede  hire  thus  a-non  442t     432 

Madame  quod  he  it  is  so  longe  a-gon  443 

That  I  3ow  knew  so  charytable  &  trewe  444 

That  neuere  3it  sithe  that  the  world  was  newe  445 

tTo  me  ne  fond  I  neuere  non  betere  than  the  446f     436 

fThat  If  that  I  wele  saue  myn  degre 
I  may  ne  wel  not  warne  3oure  requeste 

t  Al  lyth  in  3ow  doth  with  hym  what  3ow  leste  4491* 

t  And  al  for^eue  with  oute  lengere  space  450t     440 

ifor  who  so  3euyth  a  3ifte  or  doth  a  grace  451 

Do  it  be  tyme  his  thank  is  wel  te  more  452 
And  demyth  30  what  he  shal1  don  therfore  453  p  shai  corrj 

Go  thawke  now  myn  lady  here  quod  he  454       444 

I  ros  and  doun  I  sette  me  on  myn  kne  455 

And  seyde  thus  madame  the  god  a-boue  456 

ffor^elde  3ow  that  36  the  god  of  loue  457 

Han  makyd  me  his  wrethe  to  fo^eue  458       448 

And  3eue  me  grace  so  longe  for  to  leue  459 

That  I  may  knowe  sothly  what  36  be  460 

tThat  han  me  holpyn  &  put  me  in  swich  degre  46  If 

But  trewely  I  wende  as  in  this  cas     [to/ 451]  462       452 

Naught  haue  a-gilt  ne  don  to  loue  trespas  463 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGEXDE.      FAIRFAX  MS   16.          55 
Off.  lines.  px.  lines. 

418  Origenes  /  vpon  the  Maudeleyne  428 

419  Hym  oughte  now  /  to  have  the  lesse  peyne 

420  He  hath"  maade  many  a  lay  /  and  many  a  thinge 

421  Now  as  ye  he  a  god  /  and  eke  a  kynge 

422  I  your  Alceste  /  whilom  quene  of  Trace       nota       432 

423  Y  aske  yow  this  man  /  rygfrt  of  your  grace 

424  That  ye  him  never  hurte  /  in  al  his  lyve 

42 5 f  And  he  shal  sweren  to  yow  /  and  that  blyve    t 
426fHe  shal  neuer  more  /  agilten  in  this  wyse         t     436 

427  But  [he]  shal  maken  /  as  ye  wol  deuyse 

428  Of  woramen  trewe  /  in  lovyng  al  hire  lyfe 

429  Wher  so  ye  wol  /  of  may  den  or  of  wyfe 

430  And  forthren  yow  /  as  muche  as  he  mysseyde        440 

431  Or  in  the  Rose  /  or  elles  in  Creseyde 
432fThe  god  of  love  /  answerede  hire  anoon  t 

433  Madame  quod  he  /  it  is  so  long  agoon 

434  That  I  yow  knewe  /  so  charitable  and  trewe  444 

435  That  neuer  yit  /  syn  that  the  woiide  was  newe 
436fTo  me  /  ne  founde  y  better  noon  than  yee        t 
437tlf  that  ye  wolde  /  save  my  degree  t 

438  I  may  ne  wol  nat  /  werne  your  requeste  448 

439fAl  lyeth  in  yow  /  dooth  wyth  hym  /  as  yow  liste  t 
440fl  al  foryeve  /  withouten  lenger  space  f 

441  For  who  so  yeveth  a  yifte  /  or  dooth  a  grace       [leaf  89] 

442  Do  it  bytyme  /  his  thank  ys  wel  the  more  452 

443  And  demeth  ye  /  what  he  shal  doo  therfore 

444  Goo  thanke  now  my  lady  /  here  quod  he 

445  I  roos  /  and  dovne  I  sette  me  /  on  my  knee 

446  And  seyde  thus  /  rnadame  the  god  a-bove  456 

447  For-yelde  yow  /  that  [ye]  thee  god  of  love 

448  Han  maked  me  /  his  wrathe  to  foryive 

449  And  [gyve  me]  grace  so  long  /  for  to  lyve 

450  That  I  may  knowe  /  soothly  what  ye  bee  4GO 
451fThat  han  me  holpe  /  and  put  me  in  this  degree  t 

452  But  trewly  I  wende  /  as  in  this  cas 

453  Naught1  have  agilt  /  ne  doon  to  love  trespas 


66     PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGENDE.       CAMBR.  MS   Off.  4.  27. 

Fx.  li.       Og.  li. 

ffor  why  a  trewe  man  with  oute  clrede  464       454 

Hath  nat  to  parte  with  a  theuys  dede  465 

tNe  a  trewe  louere  may  '  me  nat  blame         466f  [l  may 
Thaw  that  I  speke  a  fals2  louere  sum  schame  467  p  f»u 
They  aughte  rathere  with  me  for  to  holde         468       458 
ffor  that  I  of  Criseyde  wrot  or  tolde  469 

Or  of  the  rose  what  so  myn  aujtour  mente  3  470  p  t  ««rj 
Algate  god  wot  it  was  myn  entente  471  461 

To  forthere  trouthe  in  loue  &  it  cheryse  472 

And  to  be  war  from  falsenesse  &  from  vice       473 
By  swich  ensaumple  this  was  myn  menynge     474       464 
And  sche  answerde  lat  be  thyn  arguynge          475 
ffor  loue  ne  wele  nat  county rpietyd  be  476 

tin  ryght  ne  wrong  &  lerne  this  at  me  47 7t 

Thow  hast  thyn  grace  &  *  holde  the  ryght  therto  *  [*-*  con-.] 
Now  wole  I  seyn  what  penaunce  thow  schat  do  479  469 
ffor  thyn  .trespace  &  vndyrstonde  it  here  480 

Thow  schalt  whil  thow  leuyst  }er  be  ^ere          481 

tThe  moste  partye  of  thyw  lyf  spende  482f     472 

In  makynge  of  a  gloryous  legende  483 

Of  goode  wemen  maydenys  &  wyues  484 

tThat  were  trewe5  in  leuynge  al  here  lyuys  485t  [s  we  cow.] 
And  telle  of  false  men  that  hem  betrayen  486  476 
That  al  here  lyf  ne  don  nat  but  asayen  487 

How  manye  wemen  /  they  may  don  a  schame  488 
ffor  in  3oure  world  that  is  now  holdyn  game     489 

fAnd  thow  the  lestyth  nat  a  louere  be  490f     480 

Spek  wel  of  loue  this  penaunce  }eue  I  the         491 
And  to  the  god  of  loue  I  schal  so  preye  492 

That  he  schal  charge  hise  seruauwtys  by  ony  weye  493 
To  fortheryn  the  &  wel  thyn  labour  quite         494       484 

fGo  now  thyn  wey  thyra  penauwce  is  but  lyte    495f 


The  god  of  loue  gan  smyle  &  thanne  he  seyde    498 
Wostow  qMocl  he  wh'cr  this  be  wif  or  mayde    499 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGENDE.      FAIRFAX   MS    16.  57 

Off.  lines.  Fx.  lines. 

454  For  why  a  trewe  man  /  withouten  drede  464 

455  Hath  nat  to  parten  /  with  a  theves  dede 
456fNe  a  trewe  louer  /  ogfit  me  not  to  blame  t 

457  Thogh"  that  I  spake  /  a  fals  lovere  son)  shame 

458  They  oghte  rather  with  me  /  for  to  holde  468 

459  For  that  I  of  Creseyde  /  wroot  or  tolde 

460  Or  of  the  Rose  /  what  so  myn  Auctour  mente 

461  Algate  god  woot  /  yt  was  myn  entente 

462  To  forthren  trouthe  in  love  /  and  yt  cheryce  472 

463  And  to  ben  war  fro  falsnesse  /  and  fro  vice 

464  By  swiche  ensample  /  this  was  my  menynge 

465  And  she  answerde  /  lat  be  thyn  Arguynge 

466  For  love  ne  wol  nat  /  countrepleted  be  476 
467tln  ryghtf  ne  wrong  /  and  lerne  that  of  me        t 

468  Thow  hast  thy  grace  /  and  holde  the  ryghf  therto 

469  Now  wol  I  seyn  /  what  penance  thou  shalt  do 

470  For  thy  trespas  /  vnderstonde  yt  here  480 

471  Thow  shalt  while  that  thou  lyvest  /  yere  by  yere 
472fThe  most  partye  /  of  thy  tyme  spende  f 

473  In  makyng  /  of  A  glorious  legende 

474  Of  good  wymmen  /  maydenes  and  wyves  484 
475fThat  weren  trew  in  lovyng  /  al  hire  lyves         t 

476  And  telle  of  fals  men  /  that  hem  bytraien 

477  [That  al  hir  lyfe  ne  do  nat  but  assayen] 

478  How  many  women  /  that  may  doofi  ashame    [leaf  se,  back] 

479  For  in  youre  worlde  /  that  is  now  holde  a  game     489 
480tAnd  thogh"  the  lyke  nat  /  a  lovere  bee  t 

481  Speke  wel  of  love  /  this  penance  yive  I  the 

482  And  to  the  god  of  love  /  I  shal  so  preye  492 

483  that  he  shal  charge  /  his  servantez  by  any  weyc 

484  To  forthren  thee  /  and  wel  thy  labour  quyte 
485tGoo  now  thy  weye  /  this  penaunce  ys  but  ly te  t 

*And  whan  this  book  ys  maade  /  yive  it  the  quene  * 
*0n  my  byhalfe  /  at  Eltham  or  at  Sheene  *     497 

486  The  god  of  love  gan  smyle  /  and  than  he  sayde 

487  Wostow  quod  he  /  wher  this  be  wyf  or  mayde 


58      PROLOGUE    TO    THE    LEUENDE.       CAMBIi.  MS  Gg.  4.  27. 

F. x.  li.        Go.  ti. 

Or  queen  or  cuntesse  or  of  what  degre  600       488 

That  hath  so  lytil  penaurace  jeuyn  the  501 

tThat  hast  deseruyd  sorere  for  to  smerte  502  ['/«!,  wt] 

But  pete  rennyth  sone  in  gentil  herte  503 
That  mayst  thow  sen  sche  kytheth  what  sche  is  504       492 

And  I  answerde  nay  sere  so  haue  I  blys  505 

No  more  but  that  I  se  wel  sche  is  good  506 

That  is  a  trewe  tale  by  myn  hod  507 

Qod  loue  &  that  thow  knowist  wel  parde  508       496 

3if  it  be  so  that  thow  a-vise  the  509 

Hast  thow  nat  in  a  bok  lyth  in  thyw  cheste  510 

The  grete  goodnesse  of  the  queene  Alceste  511 

That  turnede  was  in  to  a  dayesye  512       500 

Sche  that  for  hire  husbonde  ches  to  deye  513 

And  ek  to  gon  to  helle  rathere  than  he  514 

And  Ercules  rescued  hire  parde  515 

And  broughte  hyre  out  of  helle  a-geyn  to  blys  516       504 

And  I  answerde  a-^en  &  seyde  jis  517 

Now  knowe  I  hire  &  is  this  goode  alceste  618 

The  dayes  eye  &  myn  owene  herte  is  reste  519 

Now  fele  I  wel  the  goodnesse  of  this  wif  520       508 

tThat  bothe  aftyr  hire  deth  &  ek  hire  lyf  52 It 

Hire  grete  bounte  doubelyth  hire  renourc  522 

Wel  hath  sche  quit  me  myn  affeccioura  523 

That  I  haue  to  hire  flour  the  dayesye  524       512 

No  wondyr  is  /  thow  loue  hire  stellesye  525 

As  tellyth  Agaton  for  hyre  goodnesse  526 

Hire  white  corouw  berytli  of  it  witiiesse  527 

tffor  al-so  manye  vertuys  hath  sche  528 1     516 

As  smale  floury s  in  hyre  corouw  be  529 

Of  remembrauns  of  hire  &  in  hono?«r  530 

Gibella  made  the  dayesye  &  the  flour  531 

I-Coroned  al  with  whit  as  men  ma  se  532       520 

And  Mars *  $af  to  hire  corone  red  p«nle  533  ['  scon-.] 

In  stede  of  rubeis  set  a-mong  the  white  534 

Therwith  this  queene  wex  red  for  schanie  a  lytc  535 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEQENDE.      FAIRFAX   MS    16.          59 
Gg,  lines.  Fx.  linei. 

488  Or  queene  or  Countesse  /  or  of  what  degre  500 

489  That  hatfi.  so  lytel  penance  /  yiven  thee 
490fThat  hast  deserued  [sorere  for  to  smerte 

491  But  pite  renneth]  soone  in  gentil  herte 

492  That  maistow  seen  /  she  kythetfi.  what  she  ys         504 

493  And  I  answered  nay  sire  /  so  have  I  blys 

494  Na  moore  but  that  I  see  wel  /  she  is  good 

495  That  is  a  trewe  tale  /  by  ruyn  hood 

496  Quod  love  /  and  thou  knowest  wel  pardee  50£ 

497  If  yt  be  so  /  that  thou  avise  the 

498  Hastow  nat  in  a  book  /  lyth"  in  thy  cheste 

499  The  gret  goodnesse  /  of  the  quene  Alceste 

500  That  turned  was  /  in-to  a  daysye  512 

501  She  that  for  hire  housbonde  /  chees  to  dye 

502  And  eke  to  goon  to  helle  /  rather  than  he 

503  And  ercules  /  rescowed  hire  parde 

504  And  broght1  hir  out  of  helle  /  agayne  to  blys         516 

505  And  I  answerd  ageyn  /  and  sayde  yis 

506  Now  knowe  I  hire  /  and  is  this  good  Alceste 

507  The  daysie  /  and  myn  oAvene  hertes  reste 

508  Now  fele  I  weel  /  the  goodnesse  of  this  wyf  520 
509tThat  both  aftir  hir  deth  /  and  in  hir  lyf"       f 

510  Hir  grete  bounte  /  double th"  hire  renon 

511  "Wel  hath  she  quyt  me  /  myn  affeccion 

512  That  I  have  to  hire  flour  /  the  daysye  524 

513  No  wonder1  ys  /  thogh"  loue  hire  stellyfye 

514  As  telleth  agaton  /  for  hire  goodenesse  [leaf  903 

515  Hire  white  corowne  /  berith  of  hyt  witnesso 
516fFor  also  many  vertues  /  hadde  shee  t     528 

517  As  smale  florouns  /  in  hire  corowne  bee 

518  In  remembraunce  of  hire  /  and  in  honoure 

519  Cibella  maade  the  daysye  /  and  the  floure          L^6"* 

520  Y-crowned  al  with  white  /  as  men  may  see 

521  And  Mars  yaf  to  hire  corowne  /  reede  pardee         533 

522  In  stede  of  Eubyes  /  sette  among  the  white 

523  Therwith"  this  queene  /  wex  reed  for  shame  a  lyte 


60  PROLOGUE  TO  THE  LEGENDS.   CAMSR.  MS  Off.  4.  27. 

Fx.  li.   Go.  H, 

Whan  sche  was  preysid  so  in  hire  presence  536       524 

Thawne  seyde  loue  a  ful  gret  neglygewce  537 

§Was  it  to  the  to  write  onstedefast-nesse  538 
*0f  women  sithe  thow  knowist  here  goodnesse    * 
*By  pref  &  ek  by  storyis  here  by-forn     [^0/452]    *         528 

*Let  be  the  chaf  &  writ  wel  of  the  corn  * 

*Why  noldist  thow  han  writyn  of  alceste  * 

*And  latyn  Criseide  ben  a-slepe  &  rest  * 

*ffor  of  alceste  schulde  thyw  wryty/zge  be  532 

§Syn  that  thow  wist  that  calandier  Is1  she  5 42  [Us com] 

§0f  goodnesse  for  sche  taughte  of  fyn  louywge  544 § 

And  namely  of  wifhod  the  lyuynge  545 

And  alle  the  bovmdys  that  sche  anghte  kepe  546       536 

Thyn  lityl  wit  was  thilke  tyine  a-slepe  547 

But  now  I  charge  the  vp-on  thyw  lyf  548 

That  in  thyn2  legende  thow  make  of  this  wif  549pynoorr.] 

Whan  thow  hast  othere  smale  mad  by-fore  550       540 

And  fare  now  wel  I  charge  the  no  more  551 


At  cliopatre  I  wele  s  that  thow  begymie    566   p  that  th  eon-.] 
And  so  forth  &  myn  loue  so  shalt  tow  wywne  567       513 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGENDE.      FAIRFAX   MS    16.          61 
Gff.  lines.  Fx.  linei. 

524  Whan  she  was  preysed  /  so  in  hire  presence  536 

525  Thanne  seyde  love  /  a  ful  grete  necligence 
526§Was  ys  to  the  /  that  ylke  tyme  thou  made       §     538 

*Hyd  Absolon  thy  tresses  /  in  balade        *  [«««*•  210,  p.  40] 
*That  thou  forgate  hire  /  in  thi  songe  to  sette  *     540 

*Syn  that  thou  art  /  so  gretly  in  hire  dette        * 
5  33  §  And  wost  wel  /  that  kalender  ys  shee  § 

*To  any  woman  /  that  wol  lover  bee 
534§For  she  taught  al  the  crafte  /  of  fyne  lovyng   §     544 

535  And  namely  of  wyf  hode  /  the  lyvyng 

536  And  al  the  boundes  /  that  she  oght  kepe 

537  Thy  litel  witte  /  was  thilke  tyme  a-slepe 

538  But  now  I  charge  the  /  vpon  thy  lyfe  548 

539  That  in  thy  legende  /  thou  make  of  thys  wyfe 

540  Whan  thou  hast  other  smale  /  ymaade  before 

541  And  fare  now  wel  /  I  charge  the  namore 

*But  er  I  goo  /  thus  muche  I  wol  the  telle  nota 

*Ne  shal  no  trewe  lover  /  come  in  helle  553 

*Thise  other  ladies  /  sittynge  here  arowe 
*Ben  in  my  balade  /  yf  thou  kanst  hem  knowe 
(273)*And  in  thy  bookes  /  alle  thou  shalt  hem  fynde      556 
*Have  hem  in  thy  legende  /  now  al  in  mynde 
*I  mene  of  hem  /  that  ben  in  thy  knowyng 
*For  here  ben  twenty  thousande  moo  sittyng 
*Thanne  thou  knowest  /  good  wommefi  alle  560 

*And  trewe  of  love  /  for  oght1  that  my  byfalle  [«««289e^] 
*Make  the  metres  of  hem  /  as  the  lest  [leaf  90,  back] 

*I  mot  goon  home  /  the  sonne  drawetfi.  west 
*To  paradys  /  with  al  thise  company e  564 

*And  serve  alwey  /  the  fressn"  daysye 

542  At  Cleopatre  I  wole  /  that  thou  begynne 

543  And  so  forthe  /  and  my  love  so  shal  thou  wynne 
(303)*For  lat  see  now  /  what  man  that  lover  be  568 


02     PROLOGUE   TO   THE   LEGENDE.      CAMUI1.  MS   Gg.  4.  27. 

Fx.  li.       Gg.  It. 


§And  with  that  word  of  slep  I  gan  a-wake        578§     544 
And  ryght  thus  on  myn  legende  gan  I  make    579       545 

Explicit  prohemium 


PROLOGUE   TO   THE    LEGEXDE.       FAIRFAX   MS    16.          63 
Gff.  linet.  Fx.  linen. 

*Wol  doon  so  stronge  a  peyne  /  for  love  as  she 
*I  wot  wel  that  thou  maist  nat  /  al  yt  ryme 
*That  swicfi  lovers  /  dide  in  hire  tyme 
*It  were  to  long  /  to  reden  and  to  here  572 

*Sumch"  me  /  thou  make  in  this  manere 
*That  thou  reherce  /  of  al  hir  lyfe  the  grete 
*After  thise  olde  Auctours  /  lysten  for  to  trete 
*For  who  so  shal  /  so  many  a  story e  telle  576 

*Sey  shortly  or  he  shal  /  to  longe  dwelle 
544§And  witfi  that  worde  /  my  bokes  gan  I  take 
545  And  ryghf  thus  on  my  legende  /  gan  I  make.       579 


C5 

3. 


In  this  hitherto  unidentified  MS.  of  Shirley's,  the  Si  on 
College  paper  MS.  Archives,  2.  23,  ab.  1440  A.D.,  which 
contains  the  much-desired  "  Chauc[er]  "  by  the  side  of  its 
ABC,  the  poem  is  preceded,  as  in  the  other  prose  MSS. 
of  De  Guile  ville's  Lyf  of  Man1,  by  the  following  passage, 
leaf  78  (or  sheet  x,  leaf  8),  back,  2  lines  from  foot  :  — 

"  And?  panne  of  pe  clowde  a  scripture  she  caste  me  and? 
sayde  pus  /Loo  heere  howe  pou  shouldest  pray  hii)  boope 
at  pis  neede  /  [leaf  79]  And?  alweyes  whane  pou  shalf  haue 
semblable  neede  and?  when  in  suche  olde  handes  pou  shalt 
beo  /  ISTowe  reede  it1  anoon  appertelich"  /  and?  byseeche  hir 
devoutlich  and?  with  verray  herf  behoote  hir  pat  wolt  beo 
goode  and  truwe  pilgryme  /  And?  pat  pou  wolt  neuer  goo 
by  waye  /  peere  powe  wenest  for  to  fynde  shrewed?  paas  / 
"N"owe  I  wol  telle  yowe  of  script?/re  I  vndid  if  and* 
vnplyted?  it1  and1  redde  it1  /  and1  maade  at  alle  poyntes  my 
preyer  in  pe  fourme  and?  maner  pat  pe  same  scripture 
conteened?  /  and?  as  Gracedieux  bade  me  /  I  sayde  if  /  pe 
manere  and?  fourne  of  pe  scripture  yee  shoule  heere  /  If* 
pabece  /  yee  conne  weel  /  yee  may  weel  vnderstande  and? 
lightlich  vnderstande  if  if*  if  beo  neede  /  " 

and  is  followd,  on  leaf  81,  back,  by 

WHan  pus  I  hade  made  my  preyer.  to  hir 
pat  is  despencer  to  Gracedieux  I  heef 
my  hande  and?  droughe  my  bourdon)  to 
me  /.  Gracedieux  as  I  haue  tolde  yowe  /  of  hir  goodship 
raughf  if  me  •/  whane  I  hade  if  to  Gracedieux  I  sayde  / 
as  me  thinkepe  righf  nowe  I  fynde  /  pat  it'  yee  wolde  helpe 
me  /  I  shoulde  beo  reysed?  ageyne  /  and?  pat  .  anoone/  I 
shoulde  haue  heele  /  yif*  with  youre  oynemenf  ye  wolde 
enoynte  me  /  weel  I  wot  pat  my  charbouncle  hape  so  weel 
vnbokelde  pe  bocle  /  vnder  which  -yee  weren  bocled?  /  pat 
fredam  she  gylepe  yowe  to  help  peelke  pat  yee  wollen  / 
poughe  pey  beo  deed?  or  hurte/  "  &c. 

1  See  the  extracts  from  4  MSS.  on  the  half-title  to  the  Parallel- 
Texts  of  the  ABC.  The  Supplementary  Parallel-Texts  of  the 
poem  are  from  independent  MSS.  Mr  Fenwick  tells  me  that  there 
are  no  englisht  DeGuilevilles  in  the  collection  of  his  father-in-law, 
the  late  Sir  Thomas  Phillipps,  at  Cheltenham. 


ODD    TKXTS. 


124-125    PAR.-TEXT 

66  AN   A  B  C.       SION   COLLEGE   MS.    (SHIRLEY). 


[Sion  Coll.  MS.,  Arc.  2.  23,  Shirley's,  leaves  79—81,  back.] 
11  Incipit  carmen  secundum  ordinem  literarura  Alphabet!. 

[from  margin]  51  Chauc[er]  H  Devotissima  oracio  [ad] 
Mariam.  pro  omni  ten[tacione]   tribulaciowe  necessitate] 

angustia. 

(1.  A.) 

ALmighty  •  andf  almercyable  qweene  .A.         1 

To  whame  pat  al  /  pis  worlde  fleepe  for  socour  / 
To  haue  releese  of  /  synne  and?  sorowe  and*  teene  / 
Gloryous  virgyne  /  of1  alle  floures  flour  4 

To  pee  I  crye  /  confounded1  in  errour 
Helpe  and1  releef1  /  pou  mighty  debonayre  / 
Haue  mercy  /  on  my  parayllous  langoure  / 
Venqwysed*  me  hape  /  my  cruwel  aduersayre  /  8 

(2.  B.) 

IT  Bountee  so  fixse  /  hape  in  pyne  hert  his  tente    .B.         9 
pat  weele  I  wot1  pou  wolt  his  socour  be  / 
J)owe  canst  not1  weerne  /  him  /  pat  vrith  goode  entenf 
Axepe  pyne  help  /  pyne.  hert  is  ay  so  free  /  12 

Jjou  art  largesse  /  of  pleyne  felicytee  / 
Haven  of  refuyte  /  of  qwyete  and'  of  rest* 
Loo  howe  pat  theeves  /  seven  chasen  me  /    .i.  seven  dediy  synnes. 
Helpe  lady  bright  /  er  pat  my  shippe  to-bresf  16 

(3.  C.) 

IT  Coumfort  is  noon  /  but  in  yowe  lady  desre  /     .C.       17 

For  loo  my  synne  /  and1  my  confusyoun  / 

Whiche  aughten  not1  /  in  py  presence  appeere 

Haue  taken  on  me  /  a  greuous  accyoun  20 

Of  verray  right  /  and1  desperacyoun 

And1  as  by  right  /  pey  might  weel  sousteene  / 

pat  I  were  worpy  /  my  dampnacyoun 

Ner  mercy  of1  yowe  /  blisful  hevens  qweene  /  24 

SIGN    COLLEGE    (SHIRLEY) 


PAR.-TEXT    124-125 
AN   ABC.       BODLEIAN  MS.  638.  67 


[Bodleian  MS.  638,  leaf  204.] 

[Lines  70,  135-6,  168,  show  that  this  ABC  was  not  copied 
from  that  in  Fairfax  16.] 

(1.  A) 

ALmighty  &  almercyable  quene  A       1 

To  whom  aH  this  world  fleith  for  socou1    [>  us.  torn  off] 
To  haue  reles  of  synne  sorwe  &  tene 
Gloriouse  virgyn  of  aH  flouris  floure  4 

To  the  I  fle  confoundid  in  erroure 
Help  &  releue  thou  mighty  debonayre 
Haue  mercy  on  my  perylouse  langoure 
Venquysshid  hath  me  my  crueH  Aduersayre  8 

(2.  B.) 

Bounte  so  fyx  hath  in  thin  hert  his  tent  B       9 

That  weH  I  wote  thou  wolte  my  socoure  be 
Thow  kanst  not  werne  him  that  with  good?  entent 
Askith  thin  help  thin  hert  ys  ay  so  fre  1 2 

Thou  art  largesse  of  pleyn)  Felycite 
Hauen  of  refute  of  quyete  &  of  rest 
Lo  how  that  theuys  sevyn  chasin  me 
Helpe  lady  bright  er  my  shippe  to  brest  1 6 

(3.  C.) 

Comfort  is  non  but  in  you  lady  dere  C     17 

For  lo  my  synne  &  my  confusyon 
Which  ought  not  in  thi  presence  appere 
Han  take  on  me  /  a  greuous  accyon  20 

Of  verray  right1  &  disperacyon 
And  as  bi  right1  thei  myght  weH  sustene 
That  I  were  worthi  my  dampnacyon) 
Xere  mercy  of  you  blisfuH  heuenys  quene  24 

BODLEY 


126-127    PAR.-TEXT 

CS  AN    A  U  0.      SION   COLLEGE   MS.    (SHIRLEY). 

(4.  D.) 

IT  Doute  is  f  er  noone  /  f  owe  qweene  of1  misericorde  /  .D.  25 

fat  f  ou  art  cause  /  of  grace  and  mercy  here  /        Deaf  79,  back] 

God*  vowchedsauP  /  thoroughe  fee  with"  vs  tacorde 

For  certes  lady  /  and1  blisful  moder  deere  /  28 

Weer  no  we  fe  bo  we  /  bent  in  suche  manere  / 

As  if  was  first1  of1  Justice  /  and?  of  Ire  / 

J?e  rightful  noolde  /  of  no  mercy  heere 

But  thoroughe  fee  haue  wee  /  grace  as  wee  desyre  /        32 

(5.  E.) 

H  Ende  haf e  myne  hope  /  of*  refuyt  been  in  fee  .E.       33 
For  here  byforne  /  ful  offtf  in  many  a  wyse  / 
Hastowe  /  to  mysericorde  /  resceyued?  me  / 
But  mercy  lady  /  at  f  e  gret  assyse  /  36 

Whane  we  shal  come  /  byfore  f  e  heghe  lustyce  / 
To  lyteH  fruyt1  /  shal  f  anne  in  me  be  founde 
fat  but  f  owe  or  /  fat  day  me  weel  chastyce  / 
Of  verraye  right  /  my  werk1  wol  me  confounde  /  40 

(6.  F.) 

IT  Fleyng1 1  flee  for  socour  to  fy  tent1  .F.       41 

Me  for  to  hyde  /  frome  tempest1  ful  of*  dreede  / 
Beseching1  yowe  /  fat  yee  yowe  nought  absent1 
faughe  I  beo  wyck1  /  0  help  yit  at  fis  neede  44 

Al  haue  I  beon  a  beest1  /  in  wille  and?  deede 
Yit  lady  f  owe  me  cloof  e  /  with  f  y  grace  / 
f yne  enemy  and1  myn  /  yit  lady  take  heede 
Vn  to  my  deef  e  /  in  poynt  is  me  to  chace  /  48 

(7.  G.) 

*[[  Gloryous  mayde  /  and1  moder  which  fat  euer     .G.       49 
Was  neuer  youre  letter  /  in  eorf  e  neyf  er  in  see 
But  ful  of1  swettnesse  /  and1  of1  mercy  euer  / 
Helpe  fat  my  fader  /  ne  be  not1  wrof e  with  me  /  52 

Speke  f  ou  for  euer  /  I  dare  nought  him  see 
So  haue  I  doone  in  eorf  e  /  ellas  f  e  whyle 
fat  certes  but  /  if  f  ou  my  socour  be 
To  stynke  eterne  /  he  wol  my  gooste  exyle  /  56 

8ION    COLLEGE    (SHIRLEY) 


PAR.-TEXT    126-127 
AX    ABC.       BODLEIAN  MS.  638.  69 

(4.  D.) 

Doute  ys  ther  non  queue  of  miserycorde     [if  204,  bit]     1)     25 
That  thow  nart  cause  of  grace  &  mercy  here 
God  vouchid-sauf  thoroj  the  with  vs  tacorde 
For  certis  cristys  blisfutt  modre  dere  28 

Were  now  the  bow  I-bent  in  such  manere 
As  it  was  first  of  lustyce  &  of  Ire 
The  rightfuli  god  nolde  of  no  mercy  here 
But  thurgh  thee  haue  we  grace  as  we  desyre  32 

(5.  E.) 

Euyr  hath  myn  hope  of  refute  yn  the  be  E     33 

For  here  bifore  fuH  ofte  yn  many  wys 
Vnto  mercy  hastow  receyuid?  me 

But  mercy  lady  at  the  grete  Assyse  36 

When  we  shul  come  bifore  the  high"  lustyse 
So  liteH  good  shaft  then  in  me  be  founde 
That  but  thou  er  that  day  correcte  me 
Of  verray  right  my  werke  wuH  me  confounde  40 

(6.  F.) 

Fleynge  I  flee  for  socoure  to  thi  tent  F     41 

Me  for  to  hide  fro  tempest  fuH  of  drede 
Besechyng1  you  that  ye  you  not  absent 
Though  I  be  wicke  0  help  yit  at  this  nede  44 

AH  haue  I  ben  a  beste  in  witte  &  dede 
Yet  lady  thou  me  clothe  with  thy  grace 
Thyne  enmy  &  myn  lady  take  hede 
Vn-to  my  deth  in  poynt  ys  me  to  chace  48 

(7.  G.) 

Glorious  maide  &  modre  which  that  neuyr   [leaf  2053    G     49 
Were  bittre  nor  in  ertfi  nor  in  see 
But  futi  of  swetnys  &  of  mercy  euyr 

Help  that  my  fadir  be  not  wroth  with  me  52 

Speke  thou  for  I  ne  dar  nat  him  I-se 
So  haue  I  don  in  erth  alias  the  while 
That  certis  but  that  thou  my  socoure  be 
To  stinke  eterne  he  wuH  my  goste  exyle  56 

BOULEY 


128-129    PAR. -TEXT 

70  AN    A  B  C.       SION    COLLEGE   MS.  (SHIRLEY). 

(8.  H.) 

IT  He  wowchedsauff1  telle  him  as  was  his  wille  /   .H.       57 
Bycome  a  man  /  to  haue  oure  allyaunce  / 
And1  with  his  precyous  bloode  /  he  wroote  pe  bille 
Vpon  pe  crosse  /  as  general  acquytaunce  /  60 

To  euery  penytent  /  in  ful  creaunce  / 
And4  per  fore  lady  bright  /  pou  for  vs  pray 
fane  shalt  powe  boope  /  stynt1  al  oure  grevaunce  / 
And4  make  oure  foo  /  to  faylen  of  his  praye  /  64 

(9.  I.) 

If  I  wote  it  weel  /  pou  wolt  boon  oure  socoure  /  [if  so]  .1.     65 
pou  art  so  ful  of1  bountee  in  certein 
For  whane  a  soule  fallepe  in  errour  / 

py  pytee  goope  /  and!  haalepe  him  ageyne  68 

panne  makest1  pou  /  his  pees  with"  his  souereyn 
And?  bringesf  him  /  out  of  pe  crooked?  strcete 
Who  so  pe  louejje  he  shal  not1  loue  in  veyn 
pat  shal  he  fynde  /  as  J>e  lyf1  shal  lete  72 

(10.  K.) 

IF  Kalendiers  enlumyned?  beon  pey  .K.       73 

J?at  in  J?is  worlde  /  beon  lighted4  with  py  name  / 
And1  who  so  goope  to  you  /  Jje  right  wey 
Him  thar  not*  dreede  /  in  soule  to  be  laame  /  76 

Nowe  qweene  of  coumforf  sith  Jjou  art  J?at  saame  / 
To  whome  I  seeche  /  for  my  medecyne  / 
Late  not1  my  foo  /  my  wownde  no  more  vntaame  / 
Myne  heele  in  to  J>yne  hande  al  I  resigne  80 

(11.  L.) 

IT  Lady  J>y  sorwe  /  ne  cane  I  nought  pourtraye       .L.       81 
Vnder  pe  crosse  /  ne  his  greuous  penaunce  / 
But  for  youre  boojjes  /  penaunce  I  yowe  praye  / 
Late  nought'  /  oure  aldres  foo  /  make  his  bobaunce  /       84 
Jjat  he  haj>e  in  his  lystes  /  of1  meschaunce  / 
Convict  /  pat  yee  bope  /  haue  bought  so  deere  / 
As  I  sayde  erst  pou  grounde  of1  oure  substaunce 
Contynue  on  vs  /  py  pitous  eyen  cleere  /  88 

SIGN    COLLEGE    (SHIRLEY) 


PAH. -TEXT    128-129 
AN   ABC.      BODLEIAN  MS.  638.  71 

(8.  H.) 

He  vouchid  sauf  teH  him  as  was  his  wiH  II     57 

Bicome  a  man  as  for  oure  alliaunce 
And  with  his  blode  he  wrote  the  biH 
Vpon  the  Crois  as  generaH  acquytaunce  60 

To  enery  penytent  in  futi  creaunce 
And  therfor  lady  bryghtt  /  thou  for  vs  prey 
Than  shaltow  both  stynt  AH  greuaunce 
And  make  oure  Foo  to  failen  or  his  prey  G4 

(9.  I.) 

I  wote  it  well  thou  wolt  ben)  oure  socoure  I     65 

That  art  so  fuH  of  bounte  yn  certeyn) 
For  when)  a  soule  fallith  in  erroure 

Thi  pite  goth"  &  halith  him  A-geyn)  68 

Then  makistow  his  pes  with  his  souyreyn) 
And  bringest  him  out  of  drede 
Who  so  the  louyth  he  shall  not  loue  in  veyn) 
That  shall  he  finde  when  he  the  life  shall  lete  72 

(10.  K) 

Kalendrys  enlumyned*  beth  thei         [leaf  205,  back]        K     73 
That  yn  this  worlde  beth  lighted?  with  thi  name 
And  who  so  gooth  to  you  the  right  wey 
Him  thar  nat  drede  in  soule  to  be  lame  76 

Now  quene  of  comforte  sith  thou  art  fat  same 
To  whom  I  sech  for  my  medycyne 
Lat  not  my  fo  no  more  my  wounde  entame 
Min  hele  into  thin  honde  aH  I  resigne  80 

(11.  L.) 

Lady  thi  sorwe  kan  I  not  portrey  L     81 

Vndir  the  Crois  ne  his  greuous  penawnce 
But  for  youre  both  peynes  I  you  prey 
Lat  not  oure  aller  fo  make  his  bobavnce  84 

That  he  hath  in  his  listes  of  myschaunce 
Conuycte  that  ye  both  han  bought  so  dere 
As  I  seide  erste  thou  grounde  of  our  substaunce 
Contynew  in  vs  thi  pitouse  yen  clere  88 

BODLEY 


130-131    PAU.-XKXT 

72  AN    ABC.       SION   COLLEGE    MS. 

(12.    M.) 

IT  Moyses  f  at  saughe  /  f  e  busshe  with  flaumbes  red!  .M.    89 

Brennyng1  of  whiche  /  fat  neuer  oon  stroke  bread! 

Was  signe  of  fyne  /  vnwemmed!  maydenhed! 

fou  art  f  e  busshe  /  on  which  f  er  gan  descende  92 

f  e  hooly  gooste  /  jje  which  fat  moyses  wende 

Hade  beon  on  fuyre  /  and?  f  is  was  in  fygure  / 

Nowe  lady  frome  f  e  fuyre  /  fou  vs  defende  / 

Which  fat  in  helle  /  eternally  shal  dure  /  96 

(13.  ff.) 

IT  Xoble  pryncesse  /  fat  neuer  hadest  pere  /          .N".       97 
Certes  if1  any  coumforf  in  ous  be  / 
J3at  coruef  e  of  fee  /  fou  Crystes  moder  deere 
We  haue  noon  of  er  /  melodye  or  glee  /  100 

Vs  to  reioyse  /  in  oure  aduersytee  / 
Xe  advocatf  noon  /  fat  dare  f anne  preye  / 
For  vs  and'  fat  /  for  litel  hyre  as  yee  /  [leaf  so,  back] 

fat  helpen  for  /  an  Aue  mary  or  twey  104 

(14.  O.) 

1T  0  verraye  light  /  of  eyeghen  fat  beon  blynde    .0.     105 
O  verraye  loustf  of1  labour  and1  distresse 
0  tresorer  of  bountee  /  to  mankynde 

Yee  whome  god!  cheesse  /  to  moder  for  humblesse          108 
Frome  his  ancylle  /  he  made  yowe  maystresse 
Of1  heven  ande  eorf  e  /  oure  bille  vp  to  beede 
Jpis  worlde  awaytef  e  /  euer  on  f  y  gooduesse  / 
For  fou  ne  faylest  /  neuer  wight  at  neede  /  112 

(15.  P.) 

11  Pourpose  I  haue  /  some  tyme  for  to  enquere  /  .P.     113 
Wherfore  and?  why  /  f  e  hooly  gooste  f  e  sought  / 
Whane  Gabryelles  voyce  /  come  vn  to  f  yne  ere  / 
He  not  to  werre  vs  /  suche  a  wonder  wrought  /  116 

But  for  to  saue  vs  /  fat  he  syf en  bought 
))ane  neodef e  vs  /  no  wepen  for  to  haue  / 
But  oonly  f  er  /  we  did  not1  /  as  vs  aught1 
Do  penytence  •/  and1  mercy  axe  and!  haue  /  1 20 

SION    COLLEGE    /SHIRLEY) 


PAR.-TEXT    130-131 
AX    ABC.       BODLEIAN  MS.  638.  73 

(12.    M.) 

Moyses  that  saugh  the  bussh  with  flambes  reel?         M     89 

Brennynge  of  which"  ther  neuyr  a  styk  brende 

Was  signe  of  thin  vnwemyd  maydinhed? 

Thou  art  the  bussh  011  which  ther  gan  discende  92 

The  holi  goste  which  that  Moyses  wende 

Had  ben  a  fire  &  this  was  yn  ffigure . 

]Srow  ladi  fro  the  fire  thou  vs  defende 

Which  that  in  heH  enternally  shall  dure  96 

(13.  N.) 

NobuH  princesse  that  neuyr  hadist  pere      [le.ifeooj      ^     97 
Certis  if  any  comforte  yn  vs  be 
That  comyth  of  the  cristys  modre  dere 
We  han  non  othir  melody  or  gle  100 

Vs  to  reioise  in  oure  aduersite 
Ne  aduocate  non  that  wuH  &  dar*  so  prey 
For  vs  &  that  for  so  liteH  hire  As  ye 
That  helpin  for  An  Aue  Marye  or  twey  104 

(14.  0.) 

0  verry  light1  of  yen  that  ben  blinde  0     1 05 

0  very  lust  of  laboure  &  distresse 
0  tresorere  of  bounte  to  mankinde 

The  whom  god  ches  to  modre  for  humblesse  108 

From  his  Ancille  he  made  the  mastresse 
Of  heuin  &  erth  oure  bill  vp  for  to  bede 
This  worlde  awaiteth  euyr  on  thi  goodnesse 
For  thou  ne  failest  neuyr  wight  At  neede  112 

(15.  P.) 

Purpos  I  haue  som  tyme  for  tenquere  P     113 

Wherefor  &  whi  the  holi  goost  J>e  sought 
When  gabriellys  vois  caine  co  thin  ere 
He  not  to  werre  vs  such  a  wondir  wrought  116 

But  for  to  saue  vs  that  he  sithin  bought 
Than  nedith  vs  no  wepne  vs  to  saue 
But  oonly  ther  as  we  did  not  as  we  ougnt 
Do  penitence  &  mercy  axe  &  haue  1^0 

BODLEY 


132-133    PAR.-TEXT 

74  AN    ABC.      SION  COLLEGE   MS.    (SHIRLEY;. 

(16.  Q.) 

IF  Q  weene  of1  coumfort1  yit  whenne  I  me  betlienk*  .Q.     121 
Jjat  I  agilt  haue  /  booj>e  offf  him  and!  fee  / 
And!  fat  my  soule  /  is  worthy  for  to  synke 
EUas  I  kaytyff"  whider  may  I.  flee  /  124 

Who  shal  vn  to  Jjy  sone  my  meene  bee  / 
Who  but  f  y  self1  */  fat  art  of  pyte  welle 
fou  hast1  more  routhe  /  of1  oure  aduersytee 
Jjanne  in  f  is  worlde  /  might  any  tung  telle  1 28 

(17.  R) 

IT  Redresse  me  moder  /  and?  fowe  me  chastise       .R.     129 
For  certaynly  /  my  faders  chastysing1 
fat  dar  I  nought  /  abyden  /  in  no  wyse  / 
So  hidous  it  is  /  fe  rightful  rekennyng1  132 

Moder  of  whome  /  oure  mercy  gan  to  spryng1 
Beof  e  yee  my  luge  /  ande  eeke  my  soules  leeche 
For  euer  in  yowe  /  is  pitee  aboundyng1 
To  yche  fat  wol  /  of1  pitee  yowe  byseeche  136 

(18.  S.) 

11  Soof  e  is  f  at  god!  /  ne  grauntef  e  no  pitee  .S.     137 

With  outen  fee  /  for  god!  of*  his  goodnesse 
Foryivef e  noone  /  but  it  lyke  vn  to  fee  / 
He  haf  e  f  ee  made,  vicayre  and!  maystresse        [leaf  si]      140 
Of1  al  f  e  worlde  and!  eeke  •  gouuerneresse  / 
Of*  heven  and!  he  repressefe  his  iustice  / 
Affter  f  y  wille  /  and!  f  erfore  in  witnesse  / 
He  hafe  fee  corouned!  in  so  ryal  a  wyse  /  144 

(19.  T.) 

IT  Temple  deuoute  /  fer  god!  hafe  his  wonnyng1     .T.     145 
Fro  whiche  '  f eos  misbyleued!  depryued?  beon 
To  yowe  my  soule  /  penytenfr  I  bring^  / 
Eesceyuefe  me  /  I  ne  cane  no  firfer  fleen  148 

With  thornes  venymous  /  0  •  heven  qweeu 
For  which  f  e  eorf  e  /  acursed!  was  fill  yoore  / 
I1  am  soore  wownded!  as  yee  may  weel  seen  [>.#•*<  AS] 

))at  I  am  loste  /  hit  smertefe  me  so  soore  /  152 

SIGN    COLLEGE    (SHIRLEY) 


PAR.-TEXT    132-133 
AN    ABC.       BODLEIAN  MS.  638.  75 

(16.  Q.) 

Quene  of  comforte  yit  when  I  me  thinke   [if  2oe,bk]    Q     121 
That  I  agilte  haue  both  him  &  the 
And  that  my  soule  ys  worth!  for  to  stynke 
Alias  I  kaityf  whidir  may  I  fle  124 

Who  shaH  vnto  thi  son  my  mene  be 
Who  but  thi  self  that  art  of  pite  weH 
Thou  hast  more  routfi  on  owre  aduersyte 
Than  in  this  world  might1  any  tonge  teH  1 28 

(17.  R) 

Redresse  me  modir  &  me  chastyse  •  K     129 

For  certis  my  fadrys  chastysynge 
Dar  I  nat  a-bide  in  no  wyse  • 

So  hidouse  is  his  rightful!  rekenynge  132 

Modir  of  whom  oure  mercy  gan  to  sprynge 
Beth  ye  my  luge  &  eke  my  soulys  leche 
For  euyr  in  you  ys  pite  haboundynge 
To  euerych  that  wuH  of  pite  you  besecfi  136 

(18.  S.) 

Soth  is  that  he  ne  grauntyth  no  pite  S     137 

Without  the  for  god  of  his  goodnesse 
Foryeuith  non  but  it  like  vn-to  the 

He  hath  the  made  vikayre  &  maistresse  *       140 

Of  aH  this  worlde  &  eke  gouernesse 
Of  heuyn  &  he  repressith"  his  lustyse 
Aftyr  thi  wiH  &  therfor  in  wytnesse 
He  hath  the  corownyd  yn  so  riaH;  wyse  144 

(19.  T.) 

Temple  deuoute  there  god  hath  his  wonynge  Pf  207]    T    145 
Fro  which  this  mysbileuyd*  depryued  ben) 
To  you  my  soule  penitent  I  brynge 
Eeceyue  me  I  kan  no  ferthir  flen) 
With  thornes  venymous  I  heuyn  quene 
For  which  the  erth  acursid  was  fuH  yore 
I  am  so  woundid  as  ye  may  weH  sene 
That  I  am  loste  almoste  it  smert  so  sore  152 

BODLEY 


134-135    PAR.-TEXT 

76  AN    ABC.       S/OJV    COLLEGE   MS.    (  SHIRLEY;. 

(20.  V.) 

If  Virgyne  fat  art*  so  noble  of*  apparayle  /  .V.     153 

And?  ledest  vs  /  in  to  f  yne  heghe  toure  / 
Of  paradys  /  f  ou  me  wisse  and!  counsayle 
Howe  I  may  haue  /  fy  grace  and!  fy  socoure  /  156 

Al  haue  I  beon  in  filthe  /  and!  in  errour  / 
Lady  vn  to  fat  courte  /  f  ou  me  adlourne  / 
fat  cleped!  is  f  y  benche  /  0  /  fresshe  floure 
feer  as  fat  mercy  euer  /  shal  seiourne  /  160 

(21.  X.) 

f  Xpc.1  fy  sone  /  fat  in  fis  worlde  alight  .X.     161 

Vpon  f  e  crosse  /  to  souffre  his  passyoun         L'  citriitu^ 
And!  eeke  suffred!  /  fat  longeus  his  hert  pight 
And?  made  his  hert  bloode  /  to  renne  adovne  /  164 

So  was  it  al  /  for  my  saluacyoun  / 
And!  I  to  him  am  fals  /  and!  eeke  vnkynde 
And?  yit  he  wol  /  not  my  dampnacyoun 
J3is  thank1 1  you  /  socour  of1  al  man  kuynde  /  168 

(22.  Y.) 

H  Ysaac  /  was  figure  /  of*  his  deefe  certayne         .Y.     169 
]?at  so  ferforf e  /  his  fader  wolde  obeye 
J?at  him  ne  rought  /  no  thing*  to  be  slayne 
Right  so  fy  sone  lysf  as  a  lambe  to  dye  /  172 

Nowe  lady  ful  of1  mercy  I  yowe  preye 
Sith  he  is  mercy  /  mesured?  so  large  / 
Be  yee  not*  skant  /  for  alle  we  sing*  and!  seye  / 
J?at  yee  beon  frome  /  vengeaunce  ay  oure  taarge  /          176 

(23.  Z.) 

IT  Zacharye  yowe  clepefe  /  fe  open  welle  .Z.     177 

To  wasshe  synf uH  /  soule  oute  of1  his  gilt*  Deaf  si,  back] 

Jjer  fore  fis  lesson  /  aught  I  weel  to  telle  / 
fat  neer  fy  tendre  hert  /  we  weren  spilt1  180 

Nowe  lady  sith"  f  ou  canstt  and!  eeke  wilf 
Beo  to  f  e  seede  of*  Adam  mercyable  / 
So  bring*  vs  to  fat  Palays  fat  is  by  It1 
To  penytentes  /  fat  beon  to  mercy  able  /  184 

SION    COLLEGE    (siIJRLEY) 


PAB.-TEXT    134-135 
AN    ABC.       BODLKIAX   MS.   638.  77 

(20.  V.) 

Virgine  that  Art  so  noble  of  Apparayle  V     153 

That  ledist  vs  in-to  the  hie  toure 
Of  paradise  thou  me  wisse  &  counsayle 
How  I  may  haue  thi  grace  &  thi  socoure  156 

Al  haue  I  ben  in  .fylth  &  yn  erroure 
Ladi  vnto  that  contre  thou  me  Adiourne 
That  clepid  is  thi  bench  of  fressh  floure 
Ther  as  that  mercy  euyr  shaH  soiourne  160 

(21.  X.) 

Xpc1  thi  sone  that  in  this  worlde  alight    [»CArt»te»]    X     161 
Vpon  a  Crois  to  suffre  his  passion) 
And  eke  suffrid  that  longeus  his  hert  pightf 
And  made  his  hert  bloode  to  renne  A-doun)  164 

And  aH  was  this  for  my  saluacioun) 
And  I  to  him  am  fals  &  eke  vnkynde 
And  yit  he  wuH  not  my  dampnacyoun) 
This  thanke  I  you  socoure  of  all  mankynde  •  1 68 

(22.  Y.) 

Ysaac  was  signe  of  his  deth  certeyn    [leaf  207, back]     Y     169 
That  so  ferforth  his  fadir  wolde  obeye 
That  him  ne  rought  no  thinge  to  be  sleyn 
Eight  so  thi  sone  list  as  lambe  to  dey  172 

Now  ladi  ful  of  mercy  I  you  prey 
Sith  he  his  mercy  mesurid?  so  large 
Be  ye  not  skant  for  al  we  synge  &  sey 
That  ye  ben  fro  vengeaunce  Ay  oure  targe  176 

(23.  Z.) 

Zakary  you  clepith  the  opin  weH  /     177 

To  wassh  sinfuH  soule  out  of  his  gilte 
Therfor  this  lesson  ought  I  weH  to  teH 
That  nere  thi  tendre  hert  we  were  spilte  180 

Now  ladi  sith  thou  kanst  &  wilte 
Ben  to  the  sed  of  Adam  mercyabuH 
Bringe  vs  to  that  paleis  that  is  bilte 

To  penitentis  that  ben  to  mercy  Abull  184 

BODLEY         Explicit 


78 


Through  the  bad  practise  of  sending  copiers  to  see  out 
lying  MSS.  that  I  ought  to  have  lookt  at  myself,  I  lost 
till  to-day,  Dec.  3, 1877,  the  privilege  of  seeing  the  best  MS. 
evidence  yet  produced,  that  the  A  B  C  is  Chaucer's  work. 
Not  suspecting  that  this  Sion  College  MS.  was  one  of 
Shirley's,  I  did  not  examine  it  at  first,  but  began  copying 
from  it  the  prose  passage  before  the  ABC.  When  I 
came  on  the  two  beo's  for  be,  I  said  to  myself,  "  Shirley, 
by  Jove ! "  and  then  I  recognized  his  hand,  saw  his  star 
before  his  capital  A,  his  flourishes  at  the  foot  of  the  page, 
his  side-notes,  head-lines,  r,  &c.  I  turnd  to  the  first  leaf 
left  of  the  MS.,  leaf  3  of  sheet  .j.,  beginning  "  any  yssing1 
a  burdon.  I  began  to  seeke"  (p.  4,  1.  15,  ed.  Bradshaw 
and  Wright,  Eoxb.  Club,  1869),  and  of  course  found  the 
wonted  "per  Shir[ley]  "  ;  and  then  on  leaves  4,  5,  12,  25, 
"  note  per  Shir[ley],"  on  18,  back,  "  Shirley  /."  The  first 
"per  Shir[ley]"  is  headed  by  "behold,"  the  "note  per 
Shir[ley]"  on  p.  12  is  folio wd  by  "discord1  of  n[ature  &] 
grace  dieux";  and  other  side-notes  occur,  as  leaf  12, 
"nature  spek[ethe] ;"  leaf  12,  back,  "  [nature  slpekethe  to 
gracedieux ; "  leaf  13,  "yit  nature  to  gr[ace  dieux]  ; "  leaf  13, 
back,  "  [D]ame  Gracedieux  [speke]J>e  agein  to  nature  / " ; 
leaf  38,  " prouerbium,"  (to  the  text  "soft1  men  fare  goone/";) 
leaf  58,  "Heere  be  [debate  of]  be  Eaven  [&  be]  Fox;" 
leaf  74,  "  Behold  /  " ;  leaf  77,  "  Videte ; "  leaf  87,  "  //  j?e 
fr[  ]  [Fyen[  ]"  (to  "Adonay  kyng  of  Justice",  in  the  text). 
The  MS.  ends  on  leaf  93,  back,  sheet  .xij.  leaf  7,  with  the  6th 
line  of  "  [Ca]pm.  .x."  and  the  words  "  I  wol  gyf  fee  /  neuer 
J>e  leesse  so  michil  avauntage  bowe  shalt  haue  of*  me  /  if1 
Jwu  /."  (p.  203,  1.  8,  Eoxb.  Club.)  The  last  leaf,  8,  of 
sheet  xij.  is  wanting.  The  MS.  is  in  Shirley's  small  close 
hand,  not  his  free  one  of  the  Additional  MS.  Anelyda 
already  autotyped  for  the  Society  in  Part  I.  A  facsimile 
of  the  front  of  leaf  79  of  this  Shirley  Sion-College  MS., 
Archives,  2,  23,  will  be  given.  The  MS.  is  wrongly  letterd 
at  the  back  "  Pilgrimage  of  the  Soule"  One  of  the  Head 
lines  inside  is  "  be  pilgrymage  humayne."  The  MS.  now 
contains  93  leaves,  paper,  injurd  a  little  by  damp. 


The  Headlines  to  the  A  B  C  in  the  MS.  are  : — 

leaf  79,  ^[  The  Devoute  dytee.  of  oure  Ladye 
„    79,  bk,  80,  ^f  A  devoute.  .Dytee.     *f  Of  oure  Ladye  Marye 
„    80,  bk,  81,  ^  A.  devoute.  thing,     \  To  oure.  .Ladye 
„    81,  bk,  ^f  A  devoute  prayer  to  oure  lady 


79 


4. 


180    PAR. -TEXT 

80  THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       I'EPYS    2006. 


THE  HOUSE  OF  FAME. 

[Pepys  2006.     Magd.  Coll.  Cambr.  p.  91.] 

g       Od  twrne  vs  euery  drem  to  gode 

For  it  is  wonder  thynge  by  J)e  rode 

To  my  wytt  what  causeth  sweuenes 

On  the  morows  or  on  euenes  4 

And  why  the  effecte  foloweth  of  some 
An  of  som  it  shal  neuer  come 
Why  that  is  a  vision 

and  why  this  is  a  reuelacz'on  8 

Why  this  a  dreme  why  fat  a  sweuene 
And  not  to  eutwy  man  lyche  euene 
Why  this  a  fauntom  why  they  oracles 
I  not  but  tho  so  of  this  myracles  1  2 

The  causes  knoAveth  bet  then  y 
Defyne  he  for  I  certeynly 
Ne  can  hem  not  ne  neuer  thenke 

To  besy  my  wytt  for  to  swynke  16 

To  know  of  here  significacions 
The  gendres  neyfer  ne  distances 
Of  y  Tymes  of  hem  ne  J>e  causes 

Or  why  this  is  more  then  Jwt  cause  is  20 

As  yef  folkes  complexions 
Make  hem  drem  of  reflexions 

Or  elles1  thus  as  oj>e?-  seyne  f1  MS.  eH] 

For  Y  grete  feblenes  of  here  breyn  24 

by  absenes  or  by  sekenes 
Preson  stoe  or  grete  distres 


PAR. -TEXT    181 
THE   HOUSE   OF   FAME.      PEPYS  2006.  81 

Or  ellis  by  dysordynaunce 

Or  naturaH  accustumaunce  28 

That  some  men  ben  to  corious 

In  study  or  malencolous 

Or  thus  so  inly  ful  of  drede 

That  no  man  may  hym  bote  rede  32 

Or  elles  That  deuoc*on 

Of  some  and  contemplac^on 

Causeth  sweche  drernes  oft 

Or  that  the  crueH  lyf  vnsoft  36 

These  ilk  whiche  louers  leden 

Thapen  hopen  or  muche  or  dreden 

That  purely  her  impressions  [leaf  92,  coi.i] 

Causeth  hem  have  visions  40 

Or  yef  that  spirites  han  the  myght 

To  maken  folk  for  to  drem  on  nyght 

Or  yef  the  soule  of  pn?pre  kynde 

Be  so  perfite  as  men  fynde  44 

That  it  wote  that  is  to  come 

And  That  he  warneth  alle  and  somme 

Of  eueryche  of  her  auentures 

By  avysions  or  by  figures  48 

But  that  our  flessh  ne  hath"  no  myght 

To  vnderstond  it  a  ryght 

For  it  is  warned*  to  derkely 

But  why  the  cause  is  not  wote  y  •  52 

WeH  wurth  of  this  thynge  Clerkes 

That  treten  of  Jwt  and  of  o^er  werkes 

For  y  of  non  opyneon 

Nil  as  nowe  make  mencion)  56 

But  only  That  the  holy  rode 

Turne  vs  euery  dreme  to  gode 

For  never  syth  I  was  borne 

Ne  no  man  els  me  beforne  60 

Mette  y  trow  stedefastly 

So  wonderful  a  drem  as  dede  y 

PEPYS 
ODD  TEXTS.  6 


182    PAR.  -TEXT 

82  THE   HOUSE    OF   FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

t       He  tenthe  day  now  of  decembre 

The  whyche  as  y  can  now  remembre  64 

Iwutt    [      ......... 

..........     no  gap 

[Invocation.] 

in  MS.]  make  inuocacion) 

Wyth  a  devoute  special  devocon)  68 

Vn  to  Jje  god  of  help  a  non 

That  dwelleth  in  a  Cave  of  stone 


Vp  on  a  strem  That  commyth  fro  leeto 
That  is  a  node  vnswete  &'!JCVe. 

Besyde  a  folk  that  men  clepen  Cimerye 
Ther  slepyth  ay  this  god  vnmery 
"Wyth  his  slepy  thowsand  sones 

That  alle  wey  to  slepe  her  won  is  76 

And  to  this  god  That  y  of  rede 
Pray  [y]  that  he  wul  me  spede 
My  sweuene  for  to  tell  I-ryght 

Yef  euery  drem  stond  in  his  myght  80 

And  he  that  mover  is  of  alle  [p.  92,  col.  2] 

That  is  and  was  and  e\ier  shalle 
So  yef  hem  Toy  pat  hit  here 

Of  alle  that  they  drem  to  yere  84 

And  for  to  stond  al  in  grace 
Of  here  loves  or  in  what  place 
That  hem  were  levest  for  to  stand 

And  shild!  hem  from  poue/te  and  sliond  88 

And  from  euery  vnhappe  and  desese 
And  send  hem  that  may  hem  plese 
That  taketh  well  and  scorneth  nought 
Ne  it  mysdeme  in  here  thought  92 

Thurgh  malicious  intencon) 
And  he  through  presumpcon) 
Or  hate  or  scorne  or  through  enuye 

Despyte  or  Tape  or  felonye  96 

PEPYS 


PAR.-TEXT    183 
THE   HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PBPYS   2006.  83 

Mysdem  it  pray  I.  The  gode 
Dreme  he  bare  fote  drem  he  shode 
That  euery  harm  fat  eny  man 

Hath  hadd  seth  Jje  work?  began  100 

BefaH  hym  \er  of  or  he  sterve 
And  graunt  that  he  may  it  ful  deserve 
Loo  wyth  suche  conclusion) 

As  hadd  of  his  vision)  104 

Cresus  that  was  kynge  of  lyde 

That  he  vpon  gebot  dyede1      [l  MS.  dye,  with  curl  for  d*.] 
This  prayer  shall  he  have  of  me 

I  am  no  better  in  cherite  108 

n       OW  herkeneth  as  I  have  yow  seide 
what  J)at  y  mette  or  y  •  abreide 

[Story.] 

Of  Decembre  the  tenthe  day 

Whenn  it  was  nyght  to  slep  I  lay  112 

Eyght  \er  as  y  was  wont  to  don 

And  fell  on  slep  wonder  son 

As  he  fat  was  wery  for-go 

On  pilgrymage  myles  two  116 

To  the  Cors  seint  leonard? 

To  make  lyth  jjat  was  hard! 

But  as  .y.  slept  me  mette  I  was  [p.  93,  coi.  ij 

Wyth  in  a  Temple  ymade  of  glas  1 20 

In  wheche  ther  weren  mo  ymages 

Of  gold'  stondyngtf  in  diners  stages 

And  mo  ryche  tabernacles 

And  wyth  perte  mo  pynacles  124 

And  mo  ryche  portretures 

And  queynt  maner  of  figures 

Of  gold?  werki's  thenn  y  saw  euer 

For  certeignly  I  nust  neuer  128 

Were  that  I  was  but  wel  wust  I. 

It  was  of  venus  redely 

PEPVS 


184    PAR.-TKXT 

84  THE   HOUSE    OP   FAME.       PEPTS   2006. 

The  temple  for  in  purtreiture 

I  sawgh  a  non  hir  figure  1 32 

Naked  fletynge  in  a  see 

And  also  on  hede  pardee 

Her  roosgarland  [ 

.     .     .     no  gap  in  MS.]  on  her  hede  136 

Her  dowues  and  Dam  Cupido 
Her  blynd  sone  and  Vlcano 
That  in  his  face  was  ful  brown 

But  y  romed1  vp  and  doune  140 

I  fond  that  on  a  was  \>er  was 
Thus  wreten  on  a  table  of  bras 
I  wold1  synge  now  and  y  can 

The  armes  and  also  Jje  man  144 

That  first  come  thurgft  hes  desteyne 
Futyf  of  troye  countree 
In  ytalle  wyth  full  muche  pyne 

Vn  to  the  strondes  of  lauyne  148 

And  tho  be-gan  the  story  a  non) 
As  I  shall  tell  yow  eche  on 
First  sawgh  y  J>e  destruccon) 

Of  Troye  through  J)e  grek  synon  152 

Wyth  his  fals  forswerynge. 
And  his  cher  and  his  lesynge 
Made  the  hors  brought  in  to  Troye 

Thurgh  wheche  Troians  lost  alle  her  Toy  156 

And  aftwr  this  was  graved  alas 

How  Ilion  assailed  was  [p.  t«,  col.  aj 

And  wonun  and  kynge  Pryamis  slayne 
And  Plite  his  sone  certayne  160 

Dispitously  of  Daun)  Pirrus 
And  next  that  saugh  y  how  venus 
When  at  she  saugh  the  casteH  brend 
Dowen  from  the  heven  she  can  descende  164 

And  Badde  her  sone  Eneas  flee 
And  how  he  fledd  and  how  fat  he 
PEPYS 


PAR.-TEXT    185 
THE   HOUSE    OP    FAME.       PEPYS   2006.  85 

Escaped  was  from  alle  the  prees 

And  toke  his  fadur  Anchises  168 

And  bare  hym  on  his  bakk  a  wey 

Cryyngfi  alas  and  welewey 

The  wheche  Anchises  in  hys  hand 

Bare  the  Goddes  of  the  lande  172 

Thilk  that  vnbrenned!  were 

And  saugh  y  nex  in  alle  this  fere 

How  Crusa  dame  Eneas  wyf 

Wheche  fat  he  loved1  as  hys  lif  176 

And  her  yonge  sone  lulo 

And  eke  Ascanius  also 

Fledden  eke  wyth  drery  chere 

That  is  was  pite  for  to  here  180 

And  in  a  forest  as  they  went 

And  at  attowmynge  of  a  wente 

How  Crusa  was  y-lost  alas 

That  deede  not  I  how  she  was  184 

How  he  hir  sought  and  how  hir  gost 

Badde  hym  to  flee  the  Grekes  host 

And  seide  he  most  in  to  Itaille 

As  was  his  desteyne  scmns  faille  188 

That  it  was  pite  for  to  here 

When  he  spirite  gan  apere 

The  wordes  that  to  hym  she  seide 

And  for  to  kepe  her  sone  hym  prayed  192 

Ther  saugh  I  graven  eke  how  he 

Hys  fadwr  eke  and  his  menye 

With"  his  shippes  gan  to  saylle 

[A  line  wanting  in  the  MS.]  196 

As  streight  as  that  they  myght  goo  [P.  94,  col.  i] 

Ther  saugh  I  eke  J?e  cruel  luno 
That  art  dam  lubiter  wyf 

That  hast  hated  al  thy  lif  200 

Alle  the  Trogeans  blode 
Renne  and  Crye  as  thow  wer  wode 
PEPTS 


186    PAR. -TEXT 

86  THE    HOUSE    OP    FAMK.       PEPYS   2006. 

On  Eloes  the  god  of  wyndes 

To  Blowen  out  of  alle  kyndes  204 

So  lowde  that  he  shaft  drenohe 
lord  lady  Grome  and  wenche 
Of  alle  the  Trogeans  nacion 

Wyth  owt  eny  of  hem  sauacon)  208 

Ther  saugfi  I  suehe  tempest  aryse 
That  euery  hert  myght  gretely  agryse 
So  seen  it  peynted?  on  the  waH 

That  saugh  I  eke  graven  wyt/mlle  212 

Yenus  how  ye  my  lady  dere 
Wepynge  wytfi  full  woful  chere 
Praynge  lubiter  on  hye 

To  save  and  kepe  that  navie  216 

Of  that  Trogean  Eneas 
Seth  jjat  he  here  son  was 
Ther  saugh  loues  and  Venus  kysse 

And  graunted!  of  the  tempest  lisse  220 

Ther  saugh  I  how  the  tempest  stynte 
And  ho  wytft  alle  peyn  he  wente 
And  priuely  toke  a  Biuage 

In  to  the  countre  of  cartage  224 

And  on  the  morow  hoo  that  he 
And  a  knyght  that  hight  Achatee 
Metten  wyth  Venus  that  day 

Goynge  in  a  queynt  Aray  228 

As  she  hadd  be  an  hunteresse 
Wyth  wynd  blowynge  vp  on  her  tresse 
How  Eneas  began  hym  to  pleyn 

Whenn  he  knew  hir  of  his  peyn  232 

And  how  his  shippes  dreynt  were 
Or  els  I-lost  he  nyst  where 

How  she  gan  hym  confort  thoo  [p.  w,  col.  2] 

And  badd  hym  to  cartage  goo  236 

And  ther  he  shuld  his  folk  fynde 
That  in  the  see  weren  left  be-hynde 
PEPYS 


PAR. -TEXT    187 
THE   HOUSE   OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2000.  87 

And  shortly  of  this  thynge  to  passe 

She  made  Eneas  so  in  grace  240 

Of  Dido  quene  of  that  countree 

That  shortly  for  to  tellen  shee 

Be-cam  his  love  and  lete  hym  do 

Alle  that  weddynge  longeth"  to  244 

What  shuld?  I  speke  more  queynte 

Or  peyn  me  my  wordes  for  to  peynte 

To  spek  of  love  it  witt  not  be 

I  can  not  of  J>at  faculte  248 

And  eke  to  tellen  of  the  maner 

How  that  they  furst  aqueynted!  were 

It  were  a  longe  proces  to  telle 

And  ouer  longe  for  yow  to  dwell  252 

Ther  saugh  I  grave  how  Eneas 

Told1  to  Dido  euery  cas 

That  hym  tyed  vpon  the  see 

And  a£iur  graven  was  how  J?at  she  256 

Made  of  hym  shortly  at  a  worde 

He  lif  her  love  here  lust  her  lorde 

And  dede  to  hym  alle  reuerence 

And  leydf  on  hym  alle  dispence  260 

That  any  woman  myght  do 

Weneynge  alle  hit  hadde  be  so 

As  he  her  swore  and  hertly  denied8 

That  he  was  gode  for  he  suche  senied*  264 

Alas  what  harme  doth  aparence, 

When  it  is  fals  in  existence 

For  he  to  here  a  Traytow  was 

Wher  for  she  slough  his  self  alas  268 

Loo  how  a  woman  doth  a  mys 

To  love  hym  that  vnknowen  is 

For  eny  trust  lo  how  thus  it  f aretfr  tp.  95,  col.  i] 

T>  is  not  alle  gold?  that  glaretB  272 

For  also  browke  I  myn  hede 

Thor  may  be  vndre  godely-hede 


188    PAH.-TEXT 

88  THE    HOUSE   OP   FAME.      PKP7S   2000. 

Couered  mony  a  slierowyde  vyce 

Ther  for  be  no  wyght  so  nyce  276 

To  take  a  love  only  for  chere 

Or  for  speche  or  for  frendely  maner 

For  thus  shal  euery  womant  fynde 

[ 280 


no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

And  swere  how  that  she  is  vnkynde  284 

Or  fals  or  prevey  dowble  was 

Alle  thus  sey  I  be  Eneas 

And  Dido  and  here  nece  lost 

That  loved*  alle  to  son  a  gost  288 

Ther  for  I  will  sey  o  proverbe 

That  he  fat  fully  knoweth  j)e  herbe 

May  safly  ley  it  to  his  yee 

"Wyth  owten  drede  that  is  no  lye  292 

But  lat  vs  speke  of  Eneas 

How  he  betrayed1  her  alas 

And  left  hir  ful  vnkyndely 

So  when  she  al  say  \iiurly  296 

That  he  wold1  her  of  trowth  faille 

And  wynd  fro  his  in  to  Itaille 

She  be-gan  to  wrynge  her  handes  two 

Alas  quod  she  what  myn  hert  is  woo  300 

Alas  is  euery  man  thus  trewe 

That  euery  yere  wull  have  a  new 

If  it  so  longe  tym  endure 

Or  ellis  thre  peraventure  304 

And  thus  of  on  he  wuH  have  fame 

In  magnifyynge  of  his  Name 

A  no\>er  for  frenshyp  seyth  hee 

And  yet  shaft  J>e  thrydde  bee  308 

That  be  takyn  for  delite 

Lo  or  els  for  senguler  profyte 

PEPYS 


PAR.-TUXT    189 
THB   HOUSE    OF   FAME).       PEPYS   2006.  89 

In  suehe  wordes  gan  compleyne  [p.  of>,  eo\.  2] 

Dido  of  here  grete  peyn  312 

As  me  mette  redely 
None  ofer  auctour  alege  y  • 
Alas  quod  she  my  swete  herte 

Have  pyte  of  my  sorows  smerte  316 

And  slee  me  not  go  not  a  wey 
0  woful  Dido  waleawey 
Qwod  she  to  hir  selven  thoo 

0  Eneas  what  witt  ye  do  320 

0  that  love  ne  -your  bounde 
That  ye  have  sworen  wyth  jour  ryght  hande 
Ne  my  cruel!  deth"  quod  she 

May  hold2  yow  still  wyth  me  324 

0  havetfi  of  my  deth  pyte 
Iwis  my  dere  hert  ye 
Knoweth  futt  wel  Ipat  neuer  yet 

As  ferforth  as  oner  I  had  wytte  328 

A-gilt  yow  in  thought  ne  dede 
O  men  have  ye  suche  godlyhede 
In  speche  and  neuer  a  dele  in  trowthe 
Alas  that  eue?*  hadde  rowth  332 

Ony  woman  on  a  fals  man 
Now  I  see  well  and  tellen  can 
We  wretched?  women  can  no  art 

For  certegn)  for  J>c  more  part  336 

Thus  we  be  served  euerychon 
How  sore  ye  men  kan  grone 
A  non  as  we  have  yow  resceyved! 

Certeygnly  we  be  disceyved!  340 

For  though  jour  love  lest  a  seson 
Wate  vp  on  the  conclusion 
And  eke  how  J>e  determyne 

And  for  }>e  more  paH  defy  en  344 

0  waillewey  that  I  was  born 
For  thurgh  yow  is  my  name  I-lorne 
PEPYS 


190    PAR.-TBXT. 

90  THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

And  rnyn  attes  rede  and  songe 

Oner  alle  this  lond  in  euery  tonge  348 

O  wykked  fame  for  f  er  nys  [P.  w,  col.  11 

No  thynge  so  swyft  lo  as  she  is 

0  sith  euery  thynge  is  wyst 

Though  it  be  couered  \vyth  fe  myst  352 

Eke  though  I  myght  endure  euer 

That  I  have  don  recouer  I  neuer 

That  I  ne  shall  be  seid  alas 

I-shamedf  ben  through  Eneas  356 

And  fat  I  shal  thus  luged  be 

Lo  ryght  as  she  hath  now  she 

Wull  donn  eft  sones  hardely 

Thus  seith  fe  puple  prively  360 

But  fat  is  donn  it  not  to  don 

But  alle  hir  compleynynge  ne  liir  inofl 

Certeign)  availleth  not  a  stree 

And  whenn  she  wist  sothly  he  364 

Was  forth  in  to  his  shippes  gon 

She  in  to  her  chambre  went  a  non 

And  called  ouer  her  suster  Anne 

And  began  her  to  compleyn  than  368 

And  seid  fat  she  fe  cause  was 

That  she  so  loved  alas 

And  thus  con[s]ailed*  she  hir  to 

But  what  whenn  this  was  seid  and  do  372 

She  rofe  hir  silven  to  fe  herte 

And  so  dyed  through  fe  wonde  sinerte 

But  all  maner  how  she  dyed 

And  alle  fe  maner  how  she  seide  376 

Who  so  to  know  hath  it  in  purpos 

Eede  Virgil  in  Eneydos 

Or  Y  Epistil  of  Guide 

What  fat  she  wrote  or  fat  she  dyed  380 

And  nere  it  wer  to  longe  to  endite 

By  god  I  wold?  it  here  write 

PEPYS 


PAR. -TEXT    191 
THE   HOUSE   OF   FAME.      PEPYS    2006.  91 

But  waillewey  ]je  harm  and  rowth 

That  hath  betydd  for  suche  vntrowth  384 

As  men  may  oft  in  bokes  rede 
And  alle  day  it  is  yet  in  dede 

That  for  to  then  ken  it  teen  is  [p.  w,  coi.  2] 

Lo  Demephon  Duk  of  Athenis  388 

How  he  forswor  hym  falsely 
And  trased2  Phillis  wikkedly 
That  kynges  daughter  was  of  Tarce 

And  falsly  gan  his  term  passe  392 

And  whenn  she  wyst  fat  he  was  fals 
She  hynge  hir  selve  by  J)p  hals 
For  he  hadd  don  hir  suche  vntrowth 

Lo  was  not  this  a  wo  and  rowth  396 

Eke  loke  how  fals  and  recheles 
Was  to  Breiseida  Achilles 
And  parus  to  oenone 

And  lason  to  Isephele  400 

And  eft  lason  to  medea 
And  hercules  to  Dionira 
For  he  left  her  for  yolee 

That  made  hym  kache  his  dethe  pardee  404 

How  fals  was  ek  Teseus 
That  as  the  story  telleth  vs 
How  he  betrayed  Adrian  e 

The  Devel  be  his  sowle  bane  408 

For  hadd  he  lauged  or  hadd  he  lowrod! 
He  most  a  ben  alle  devowred! 
Yef  that  Adrian  had  not  be 

And  for  she  hadd  of  hym  pite  412 

She  made  hym  fro  J>e  deth  eschape 
And  he  mad  hir  a  ful  fals  Tape 
For  aftur  this  wyt/i  in  a  whyle 

He  loft  her  slepynge  wyt/z  in  an  He  416 

Desert  alon  wytTt  in  )>e  see 
And  stal  a  wey  and  lete  hir  be 
PEPYS 


192    PAR. -TEXT 

92  THE   HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

And  tok  his  suster  Phedra  tho 

Wyth  him  and  gan  to  ship  go  420 

And  yet  he  hadd  to  her  swere 

On  alle  fat  euer  he  myght  swere 

That  so  fat  she  saved  hym  his  lif 

He  wold1  have  taken  hir  to  his  wyf  424 

For  she  desyred  no  thynge  Els 

In  certeign  as  the  boke  vs  telles  [p.  97,  col.  i] 

But  to  excuse  Eneas 

Fulleche  of  his  grete  trespas  428 

The  boke  seith  sauntz  faille 

Bad  hym  go  in  to  Itaille 

And  leven  Affrikes  regiown 

And  Dido  and  hir  faire  towne  432 

Tho  I  saugh  grave  ho  to  Itaille 

Dame  Eneas  is  gon  to  saille 

And  how  the  tempest  al  be-gan 

And  how  he  lost  his  steresman  436 

Wheche  fat  f e  stere  or  he  tok  kepe 

Smote  ouer  the  bord  lo  how  he  slepe 

And  also  saugh  I  how  sibille 

And  Eneas  besyde  an  He  440 

To  hell  wenten  for  to  see 

His  fad^r  Anchises  fe  free 

How  he  f  er  found  pallunurus 

And  also  Dido  and  Deiphebus  444 

And  eueryche  turmeni  eke  in  hett 

saugh  he  wheche  no  tonge  can  tell 

Whiche  ho  so  listeth  to  know 

He  most  reden  mony  a  row  448 

On  Virgil  or  on  Claudian 

Or  Daunt  that  it  tellen  can 

Ther  saugh  eke  alle  fe  arevaille 

That  Eneas  hed  mad  in  to  Itaille  452 

And  wyth  Kynge  latyn  his  trete 

And  alle  f e  Batailles  fat  hee 

PEPT8 


PAR. -TEXT    193 
THE   HOUSE   OF   FAME.      PEPYS   2006.  93 

Was  at  hym  silf  and  alle  his  knyghtes 

Or  he  hedd  alle  I- won  hys  ryghtes  456 

And  whan  he  twrnus  reft  his  lif 

And  when  lauyna  to  his  wyf 

And  alle  J)e  mervelows  signals 

Of  the  goddes  celestials  460 

How  magre  luno  Eneas 

For  alle  hir  fiyght  and  compas 

Acheved!  alle  his  auenture  [p.  97,  coi.  2] 

For  lubiter  toke  on  hym  Cure  464 

At  the  preyer  of  Venus 

The  I  prey  alle  wey  save  us 

And  vs  ay  of  owure  sorows  light 

When  I  hadd  alle  seyn  this  sight  468 

In  this  noble  temple  thus 

Ay  lord  thought  I  fat  madest  vs 

Yet  saw  I  neuer  suche  noblesse 

Of  y mages  nor  suche  richesse  472 

As  I  saw  graven  in  this  chirche 

But  not  wote  I  who  ded  hem  wirche 

£Te  wher  I  am  ne  in  what  countree 

But  now  I  gon  out  and  see  476 

Right  at  J3e  wiked!  yf  I  can 

Seen  owghwer  eny  sterynge  man 

That  wald!  have  telled!  wher  I  am 

When  I  owte  of  j)e  dere  I-cam  480 

I  fast  abowte  me  be-held? 

Then  saugh  I  but  a  large  felde 

As  ferre  as  I  euer  myght  see 

Wyth  out  town  eny  howse  or  tree  484 

Or  busshes  or  gras  or  ered  lande 

For  alle  the  feld!  was  but  of  sande 

As  smal  as  man  may  see  at  ye 

In  the  desert  of  libie  488 

Ne  I  ne  maner  of  creature 

That  ys  formed1  by  nature 

PEPYS 


194    PAR. -TEXT 

94  THE    HOUSE    OP    FAME.       PKPYS   2006. 

Ne  saugh  I  me  to  rede  or  wysse 

O  Crist  thought  I  fat  art  in  blisse  492 

From  fauntom  and  Illucion 

Me  save  and  wyth  devocon 

Myn  yeen  to  )>e  heven  I  cast 

Tho  was  I  ware  lo  at  the  last  496 

That  fast  by  j>e  sonnen  an  hie 

As  ken  myght  I  wytA  myn  yee 

Me  thought  I  saw  an  Egle  sore 

But  that  it  semed!  muche  more  [p.  »s,  cd.  i]  500 

Thenn  I  hadd  eny  Egle  I-seyen 

This  it  as  soth  as  deth  certeign 

It  was  of  gold?  and  shoon  so  bright 

That  neuer  saugh  man  suche  a  sight  504 

But  yf  Y  heven  hadd  I-wonne 

Alle  new  of  gold?  an  o\>er  sonne 

So  shon  the  Egles  fethres  bryght 

And  sone  downward  gan  it  light  508 

[BOOK  II.] 
[Proem.] 

n       Ow  herkeneth  euery  mane?1  man 
That  eny  maner  of  englissli  can 
And  listeth"  of  my  dreme  to  lere 

For  at  J)e  first  shall  ye  here  512 

So  sely  and  dredfull  a  vision 
That  I  say  ne  Cipion 
Ne  kynge  nabugodonosor 

Pharo  Turnus  ne  Eleanor  510 

Ne  metten  suche  a  drem  as  this 
Now  faire  blessull  O  Cipris 
So  be  my  fauo?/r  at  this  Tyme 

That  ye  me  to  endite  and  J>yme  520 

Helpeth  that  in  Par-Naso  dwelle 
By  Elicon)  the  Clere  welle 

PEPYS 


PAR.  -TEXT    195 
THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS    2006.  95 


[Invocation,] 

0  thought  That  wrot  alle  J?at  I  mette 

And  in  J>e  tresorie  it  sette  524 

Of  myn  brayn  now  shal  men  see 

If  eny  vertu  in  the  be 

To  tellen  alle  my  dreme  a  right 

kyth  thyn  engyn  and  thy  myght  528 


[Story.] 

This  egle  of  wheche  I  now  have  told! 

That  shon  of  fethres  alle  of  gold? 

Wheche  J?at  so  hye  gan  to  sore 

I  gan  be-holdene  mor  and  more  532 

To  seen  her  beaute  and  the  wonder 

But  neuer  was  \er  dynt  of  thonder 

!N"e  that  thyng0  that  men  can  foudre 

That  smyte  sonne  a  Towre  to  poudre  536 

And  in  his  swyft  cowniynge  brende 

That  so  swyth  can  downward  descende 

As  this  fowle  when  I  behild? 

That  I  arowme  was  in  the  feld?  [p.  98,  col.  2]  540 

And  wyth  his  grym  pawys  strenge 

Wyt/i  yn  his  sharpe  navies  longe 

Me  fleynge  at  a  swap  he  hynte 

And  wyth  his  sours  ay  en  vp  he  wcnte  544 

Me  carynge  in  his  clawes  starke 

As  lightly  as  I  hadd  be  a  larke 

How  hye  I  can  not  tell  yow 

For  I  cam  vp  I  nuste  neuer  how  548 

For  so  astoyned!  and  assweued! 

That  euery  vertu.  In  me  heuede 

What  wyth  his  sours  and  my  drede 

That  alle  my  felynge  gan  to  dede  552 

For  why  it  was  a  grete  affray 

Thus  I  longe  in  hys  clowes  lay 

PEPYS  ' 


196    PAR. -TEXT 

96  THE   HOUSE   OP  FAME.      PEPYS  2006. 

Till  at  the  last  he  to  me  spake 

In  mannes  voyce  and  seide  awake  556 

And  seide  be  not  agast  so  for  sham 

And  caled  me  by  my  name 

And  for  I  shuld!  bet  abreyde 

Me  me  a  wake  to  me  he  seyde  560 

Eight  in  J>c  same  voice  and  steven 

That  vseth  oon  that  I  cann  neme 

And  wyth  that  voyce  soth  for  to  seyn 

Me  mynd  cam  to  me  agayn  564 

For  it  was  godely  seid  to  me 

So  as  it  neuer  wont  to  be 

And  here  wyt/i  alle  I  gan  to  stere 

As  he  me  in  his  fete  bere  568 

Till  that  he  feld?  that  I  hadd  hete 

And  felt  eke  tho  myn  hert  beete 

And  tho  gan  he  me  to  disport 

And  wyth  lentil  wordes  to  counfort  572 

And  seide  twyes  seint  Marie 

Thow  art  a  noyes  thynge  for  to  karie 

And  no  thynge  nedeth  it  pardee 

For  al  so  wys  god  helpe  me  576 

As  thow  no  harme  shalt  have  of  this 

And  this  cas  j?at  betid  J?e  is 

Is  for  thy  lore  and  for  thy  prowe  [p.  99,  coi.  i] 

Lette  se  darst  thow  loke  yet  nowe  580 

Be  ful  ensured  bodely 

I  am  thy  frend  and  perwyth  I. 

Gan  for  to  wondre  in  my  mynde 

0  god  quod  I  that  madest  alle  kynde  584 
Shall  I  non  oj>e>-  wyse  dye 

Wher  loues  wil  me  stellyfye 
Or  what  thynge  may  this  signifie 

1  am  neper  Enok  ne  Helye  588 
Ne  Romulus  ne  Ganemede 

That  were  bor  vp  .as  men  rede 
PEPTS 


PAB.-TEXT    197 
THE   HOUSE   OF   FAME.      PEPYS   2006.  97 

To  heven  wyt/i  Dam  lubiter 

And  made  the  godde  Boteler  592 

Lo  this  was  tho  my  fantasie 

But  he  that  bare  me  can  aspie 

That  I  so  thought  and  seide  this 

Thow  demest  of  thi  self  amys  596 

For  loues  is  not  \er  abowte 

I  dar  Y  wel  put  ful  out  of  dowte 

To  make  of  Y  ye^  a  sterre 

But  or  I  bere  the  muche  ferre  600 

I  will  the  tell  what  I  am 

And  whyfe?1  thow  shalt  and  why  I  cam 

To  do  this  so  ]?at  thow  take 

Gode  hert  and  not  be  for  fere  quake  604 

Gladely  quod.  I  now  well  quod,  h 

First  I  fat  in  my  feete  have  J)e 

Of  whom  thow  hast  a  fer  an  wondre 

I  am  dwellynge  wjih  the  god  of  thondre  608 

Wheche  men  callen  lubiter 

That  doth  me  fleen  fuli  oft  ferre 

To  do  alle  his  cowmandement 

And  for  this  cause  he  hath  me  sent  612 

To  Jje  herk  now  be  thy  trowth 

Certeign)  he  hath  of  the  rowth 

That  thow  hast  so  truly 

Longe  served*  entetyfly  616 

His  blynde  nevew  Cupido  IP-  99,  coi.  21 

And  faire  Venus  al  so 

Wytfi  owt  eny  gwerdon  euer  yet 

And  neyerlesse  hast  sett  thy  wytt  620 

Alle  though  fat  in  thyn  hede  ful  litil  is 

To  make  bokees  songes  or  ditees 

In  Eyme  or  ellis  in  Cadence 

As  thow  best  canst  in  reuerence  •;:!  I 

Of  love  and  of  his  servant  eke 

That  han  his  servyce  sought  and  seke 

PEPYS 

ODD  TEXTS.  7 


198    PAB.-TEXT 

98  THE   HOUSE   OF   FAME.       PKPYS   2006. 

And  peynest  the  to  pryes  his  art 

Alle  though  thow  heddest  neuer  part  628 

Where  fore  as  al-so  god  me  blisse 
loues  halt  hys  grete  humblisse 
And  verin  eke  fat  wult  make 

A  nyght  ful  oft  thyn  hede  to  ake  632 

In  thy  stodie  so  thow  writest 
And  euennore  of  love  enditest 
In  honowr  of  hym  and  parysyngfi 

And  in  his  folkes  furthrynge  636 

And  in  hir  mater  alle  deuysest 
And  not  hym  ne  his  folke  despysest 
Alle  though  fow  maist  go  in  J>e  daunce 
Of  hem  that  hym  list  not  avaunce  640 

Wherfor  as  I  seide  I-wys 
lubiter  considereth  well  this 
And  al  so  beaw  sir  of  of  er  thynges 

That  is  that  hast  no  tydynges  644 

Of  Loves  folke  If  the  be  gladde 
Ne  of  of  ne  thynge  els  fat  god  made 
And  not  only  fro  fer  countree 

That  no  Tydynges  corny th  to  fe  648 

But  of  thy  verrey  neybores 
That  dwelleth  alle  most  at  thy  dores 
Thow  herest  nef  er  fat  ne  this 

For  when  this  labour  don  al  is  652 

And  hast  I-made  alle  thy  rekenynges 
In  stede  of  rest  and  of  new  thynges 

Thow  gost  home  to  thyn  howse  a  non)  [p.  100,  coi.  i] 

And  also  dombe  as  a  ston  656 

Thow  settest  at  anof er  boke 
Till  fully  daswed*  is  thy  loke 
And  levest  thus  as  an  hermyte 

Alle  though  thyn  abstenance  is  lite  660 

And  therfor  loues  thrugh  his  grace 
Will  fat  I  shal  bere  the  to  a  place 
PEPYS 


PAR. -TEXT    199 
THE   HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006.  99 

"Wheche  that  hete  the  Howse  of  fame 
To  do  the  somme  disport  and  game  664 

In  some  recompensacion 
Of  thy  grete  labour  and  devocon 
That  thow  hast  hedd  lo  causeles. 

To  Cupido  the  recheles  668 

And  thus  this  god  for  his  merite 
Will  vfjth  some  maner  thynge  Jje  quyte 
So  fat  fow  wilt  be  of  gode  chier 

For  trust  wel  that  thow  shalt  here  672 

Whenn  we  he  comen  Iper  I  say 
Mo  wondre  thynges  I  dar  wel  lay 
And  of  loves  folk  mo  tydynges 

Both  soth  sawes  and  lesynges  676 

And  mo  loves  new  be-gonne 
And  longe  I  served  love  is  wonne 
And  mo  loves  casuelly 

That  been  betidd  no  man  wote  why  680 

And  as  a  blynd  man  sterteth  an  hare 
And  more  lolite  and  wellfaire 
Whyll  fat  the  fynden  love  of  stele 

As  thenketh  men  and  oueral  well  684 

Mo  discordes  mo  lolasies 
Mo  mwrmures  and  mo  novelries 
And  also  mo  dissimilacons 

And  eke  feyned!  reparacona  688 

And  mo  berdes  in  two  howres 
Wytfi  owten  eny  rasowr  or  sisoMrs 
I-made  fen  greynes  ben  of  sendes 

And  eke  mo  holdynge  in  handes  692 

And  also  mo  renouelances 
Of  old*  foreleten  aqueyntances 

Mo  lovedayes  and  mo  acordes  [p.  100,  coi.  e] 

Than  on  instromentes  ben  cordes  696 

T    «...     no  gap  in  the  MS.] 
Then  euer  comes  weren  in  granges 
PEPYS 


200    PAR. -TEXT 

100  THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.      PEPYS   2006. 

Vnneth  may  thow  trowen  this 

Quoth  he  ne  helpe  me  god  as  wysse  700 

Quod  I  no  why  quoth  he  for  it 

Were  impossible  to  my  wytt 

Though  fame  hadd  alle  J>e  pites 

In  alle  a  rewame  and  al  aspies  704 

How  J?at  yet  he  shuld?  here  alle  this 

Or  they  aspyen  it  0  this  is  yis 

Quoth  he  to  nie  that  can  I  prove 

By  reson  wurthy  for  to  love  708 

So  that  thow  yeve  thyn  aduertence 

To  vnderstonde  my  sentence 

First  shalt  J>ow  heren  wher  she  dwelletfi 

And  so  thyn  own  booke  telleth  712 

His  palais  stondeth  as  I  shal  say 

Eight  even  amyddes  of  the  way 

Betwyxen  heven  erth  and  see 

That  whoso  euer  in  alle  the  three  716 

Is  spoken  in  prtve  or  apert 

The  wey  ]>er  to  is  so  smert 

And  stant  eke  in  so  lust  a  place 

That  euery  sownne  mot  to  it  pas  720 

Or  what  so  commyth  from  eny  tonge 
Be  it  rowned*  red  or  songe 

Or  spoken  in  suerte  or  drede 

Certeign  it  mot  thefer  nede  724 

Now  herken  well  for  why  I  wille 

Tellen  the  a  propre  skylle 

And  a  wurthy  demonstracon 

In  myn  ymaginacon  728 

Geffrey  thow  wotest  wel  this 

That  euery  kynd  fat  is 

Hath  a  kyndly  stede  ]>er  he 

May  best  in  hyt  conformed!  be  732 

Vn  to  whyche  place  euery  thynge 

Trugh  his  kyndely  enclynynge 
PEFYS 


PAR. -TEXT    201 
THE   HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006.  101 

Moveth  for  to  com  to  [p-  wi»  c°i- 1] 

Then  Jjat  it  is  awey  ]>er  froo  736 

As  thuse  lo  thow  maist  al  day  see 

That  eny  thynge  that  hevy  be 

As  ston  or  lede  or  thynge  of  wyght 

And  here  it  neuer  so  hye  on  hyght  740 

Lete  go  thyn  hand  it  falleth  downe 

Ryghtt  so  sey  I  by  fyre  or  sowne 

Or  smoke  or  oper  thynges  light 

Alle  wey  they  seke  vpward?  on  hight  744 

Light  thynges  vpwarde  and  dowmvard!  charge 

Whil  euer  of  hem  be  at  her  large 

And  for  this  cause  J?ou  maist  well  see 

That  euery  ryuer  on  to  J>e  se  748 

Enclyned?  is  to  go  by  kynde 

And  by  these  skilles  as  I  fynde 

Hath  fisshes  dwellynge  in  node  and  see 

And  trees  eke  on  Erth  be  752 

Thus  euery  thynge  by  his  reson) 

Hath  his  propre  mancion) 

To  wheche  he  seketh  to  repaire 

Ther  as  it  shulde  not  apaire  756 

Lo  this  sentence  is  knowen  kowth 

Of  euery  philosopre  mowthe 

As  Arestole  and  Daun  platon 

And  oj>er  clerkes  monicion  760 

And  to  conferme  my  reson 

Thow  [wotest]  well  ]>at  speche  is  sowne 

Or  els  no  man  myght  it  here 

Now  herk  what  I  will  the  lere  764 

Sown  is  not  but  eire  1-broken 

And  euery  speche  that  is  poken 

Lowd  or  prive  fowle  or  faire 

In  his  substaunce  is  but  an  eire  768 

Por  as  a  flame  is  but  lighted'  smoke 

Right  so  is  sown  eire  Ibroke 

PEPTS 


202    PAR.-TEXT 

102  THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

But  this  may  be  in  mony  wyse 

Of  whiche  I  wil  Jje  devyse  772 

As  sown  commes  of  pipe  or  herpe 

For  whenn  a  pipe  is  blowen  sharpe  [p.  101,  coi.  23 

The  Eire  is  twyst  wyth  violence 

And  rent  lo  this  is  my  sentence  776 

Eke  when  men  harpes  strynges  smyte 

Whefer  it  be  muche  or  lite 

Lo  wyth  the  stroke  J)e  Eire  to-breketfi 

And  righ  so  breketh  it  when  men  speketfc  780 

Thus  wotest  thow  wele  what  thynge  is  speche 

Now  hens  furth  I  wul  the  teche 

How  euery  speche  noys  or  sowne 

Throw  his  multiplicacon  784 

Though  is  were  pipe  or  mowse 

Mote  nedes  come  to  fames  howse 

I  prove  it  thus  take  hede  now 

by  experience  for  yef  thow  788 

Throw  in  a  water  now  a  ston 

Wei  wotest  Jjou  it  will  make  anon 

A  litil  roundel  as  a  cercle 

Parauentur  as  brode  as  a  couercle  792 


no  gap  in  the  MS.]  796 

Broder  then  hym  silf  was 

And  thus  frome  roundel  to  compas 

Echo  abowte  ofer  goynge 

Causeth  of  ofer  sterynge  800 

And  multiplyynge  euermo 

Til  it  be  so  ferre  go 

That  it  at  both  brynkes  be 

All  though  thow  mow  not  it  see  804 

Above  it  goth  yet  alle  wey  vndre 

Al  though  jjou  -thynk  it  a  gret  wondre 

PEPYB 


PAR.-TEXT    203 
THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PBPYS   2006.  103 

And  who  so  seith  of  trewtfr  I  varie 

Bidd  hym  prove  the  contrarie  808 

And  right  thus  euery  worde  I-wys 

That  lowde  or  prive  spoken  is 

Moveth  furst  in  J>e  Eire  abowte 

And  of  his  movynge  out  of  dowte  812 

Ano)>er  Eire  anon  is  moved? 

As  I  have  of  the  water  proved! 

That  euery  cercle  causeth  o$er 

Eight  so  of  eire  my  leve  brother  816 

Eueryche  eire  in  ofer  stereth 

More  and  more  and  speche  vp  bereth  [p.  102,  coi.  i] 

Or  voys  or  noys  or  word*  or  sowne 

Ay  through  multiplicacon  820 

Til  it  be  at  the  howse  of  fame 

Take  it  on  hernest  or  in  game 

Now  have  I  told'  J)e  if  thow  have  mynde 

How  speche  or  sown  of  pore  kynde  824 

Enclyned?  is  vpward!  to  move 

This  maist  thow  fele  wel  by  prove 


828- 


832 


836 


840 


FEPYS 


204    PAR. -TEXT 

104  THK   HOUSE    OF    FAME.      PEPYS   2uO«. 


844 


848 


852 


856 


860 


110  gap  in  the  MS.]  864 

ha  a  quod  he  lo  so  I  can 

Lewdely  to  a  leAvde  man 

Speke  and  shew  hym  suche  skylles 

That  he  may  shak  hem  by  Jje  billes  868 

So  palpable  the  skilles  be 

But  telle  me  Jus  now  I  praye  \>e 

How  thenkest  J)e  myn  concluson 

A  goode  persuacon  872 

Quoth  I  and  like  to  be 

Eight  so  as  fou  hast  proved  me 

Be  god  qwod  he  and  as  I  leve 

Thow  shalt  have  yet  or  it  is  eve  87G 

Of  euery  word  of  this  sentence 

And  pj'ove  by  experience 

PEPTS 


PAR. -TEXT    205 
THE   HOUSE    OF   FAME.       PEPYS   2006.  105 

And  wyth  thyn  Ere  heren  welle 

Top  and  taille  euery  dele  880 

That  euery  worde  fat  spoken  is 
Comes  in  to  fames  howse  I-wisse 
As  I  have  seide  what  wult  f  ou  more 

And  wyth  this  worde  vprer  to  sore  884 

He  gan  and  seid  by  seint  lame 
~No  will  we  speken  alle  of  game 
How  farest  thow  now  quod  he  to  me 

Wei  quod  I  now  se  quod  he  888 

By  J?i  trowth  yond  a  downe 
Wher  fat  f  ou  knowest  eny  towne 
Or  howse  or  eny  of  ei-  thynge 

And  whenn  f  ou  hast  of  oght  knowynge  892 

Loke  fat  f  ou  warne  me 
And  I  a  non  shal  tell  the 

How  f  ou  art  now  f  er  fro  fp.  102,  coi.  2] 

And  I  a  down  to  loken  tho  896 

And  beheld1  feldes  and  pleynes 
And  now  hilles  and  now  mounteynes 
No  valeys  now  forestes 

And  now  vnneth  grete  bestes  900 

No  riuers  now  grete  Citees 
No  townes  now  grete  trees 
No  shyppes  saylynge  in  f e  see 

But  thus  son  in  a  whil  he  904 

Was  flowen  fro  f e  gronde  so  hye 
That  alle  the  world?  as  to  myn  eye 
No  more  semed!  fen  a  prikke 

Or  els  was  the  Eire  so  thikk  908 

That  I  myght  not  it  decerne 
~Wjth  fat  he  speke  to  me  as  yerne 
And  seide  seyst  f  ou  eny  token 

Or  ought  thow  knowest  yonder  down  912 

I  seide  ney  ne  wondre  nys 
Quoth  he  for  neuer  half  so  hye  as  this 
PEPTS 


206    PAR. -TEXT 

106  THE   HOUSE   OP   FAME.      PZl'YS  2006. 

Nas  Alisaundre  ne  Macedo 

Ne  J)c  kynge  Daune  Cupie  916 

That  say  in  Dreme  point  devis 

Hell  and  heven  and  paradise 

Ne  eke  J>e  wryght  Dedalus 

Ne  his  child!  nyse  Icarus  920 

That  flie  so  hye  fat  f e  hete 

His  wynges  malt  and  he  fel  wete 

In  myd  the  see  and  Iper  he  dreynt 

For  whome  was  made  a  grete  compleynt  924 

No  twrne  vpward!  quod  he  thy  face 

And  he-hold?  this  large  space 

This  Eire  bote  loke  thow  thow  ne  he 

A-dradd  of  them  fat  thow  shalt  se  928 

For  in  this  region  certeyn 

Dwelleth  mony  a  Citesyn 

Of  wheche  fat  speketh  Daun)  plato 

Thes  ben  the  the  airesshe  bestes  loo  932 

And  tho  say  I.  alle  the  meyne 

Both  goon  and  also  flee.  CP-  w8.  o01-  V 

Lo  quoth  he  cast  vp  thyn  ye 

Se  yondre  lo  the  Galaxie  936 

The  wheche  men  clep  fc  mylky  wey 

For  it  is  whyt  and  some  pa;fay 

Callen  it  Watlynge  strete 

That  onis  was  brent  wyt/i  hete  940 

Whenn  f e  sonnes  son  fe  rede 

That  hight  pheton  waldf  lede 

Algate  his  fadur  cart  and  gye 

The  cart  hors  can  well  aspye  944 

That  he  cowd  no  gouernaunce 

And  goome  for  to  lep  and  daunce 

And  bere  hym  vp  and  now  downe 

Till  at  he  say  the  Scorpion)  948 

Wheche  fat  in  heven  a  signe  is  yet 

And  he  for  fer  lost  his  wytte 

PEPYS 


PAR. -TEXT    207 
THE   HOUSE   OF   FAME.      PMPYS   2006.  107 

Of  that  and  lete  reynes  gori) 

Of  this  hors  and  they  anon  952 

Gan  vp  to  monte  and  down  descends 

Till  both  eire  and  Erth  brende 

Till  lupiter  lo  at  the  last 

Hym  slow  and  from  J>e  cart  cast  956 

Lo  is  it  not  a  grete  mischanche 

To  let  a  fole  have  gouemaunce 

Of  thynges  that  he  can  not  demen 

And  wyth  this  word  soth  for  to  seyn  960 

He  gan  allewey  vpper  to  sore 

And  gladed  me  fen  more  and  more 

So  faithfully  to  me  spake  he 

Tho  gan  I  luk  vndre  me  964 

And  behild?  the  Airessh  bestes 

Clowdes  mystes  and  Tempestes 

Snawes  hailes  reynes  and  wyndes 

And  alle  the  engendrynge  in  her  kyndes  968 

And  alle  they  wey  thrugh  whiche  I  cam 

0  god  quod.  I  Jjat  made  Adam 

Muche  is  thy  myght  and  thy  nobtesse  [p- 103,  coi.  23 

And  tho  thought  vpon  Boyes  972 

That  writte  a  thought  may  fle  so  hye 

Wyth  fethres  of  Philosophic 

To  passen  eueryche  Element 

And  whenn  he  hath  so  fer  Iwent  976 

Then  may  he  se  behynd  his  bake 

Clowde  and  alle  that  I  of  spake 

Tho  gan  I  waxe  in  a  were 

And  seyd  I  wote  wel  I  am  here  980 

Whefer  in  body  or  in  goost 

1  not  Iwys  but  god  thow  wost 
For  more  clere  entendement 

Nadde  he  me  neuer  yet  Isent  984 

And  thought  I  on  Marcian 
And  eke  on  anteclaudian 

PEPT8 


208    PAR. -TEXT 

108  THE   HOUSE    OP   FAME.      PEPYS   2006. 

That  soth  was  here  descn'pcon 

[.     .     .          .     .     no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  988 

As  fer  as  I  saw  J)e  preve 

And  ]>er  for  I  can  hem  beleve 

Wyth  that  the  Egle  gan  to  crye 

lat  "be  quod  he  thy  fantasy e  992 

"Wult  J?ou  here  of  sterres  ought 

Nay  certegnly  quod  [he]  ryght  nought 

And  why  quod  I  for  I  am  olde 

Elles  woldf  I  the  have  toltf  996 

Quoth  he  sterres  names  lo 

And  alle  J)e  hevens  signes  to 

And  wheche  they  be  no  fors  quod  I. 

Yis  pardee  quod  he  wost  J>ou  why  1000 

Whenn  thow  redest  poetrie 

How  the  goddes  can  stellifie 

Brid  fissh  or  hym  or  here 

As  the  Eaven  and  other  1004 

Or  axiones  harp  fyne 

Castor  polex  or  Delphyn 

Or  athlauntres  doughtres  seven 

How  alle  these  as  sette  in  heveii  1008 

For  though  fou  have  hem  oft  in  honde  [p.  104,  coi.  i] 

Yet  nost  thow  where  they  stonde 

No  fors  quod  I  it  is  no  nede 

As  well  I  leve  as  god  me  spede  1012 

Hem  that  that  wrtten  of  this  matere 

As  though  I  knew  her  places  here 

And  eke  they  shy n  en  here  so  bright 

I  shuld1  shenden  alle  my  sight  1016 

To  loke  on  hem  ]>at  may  wel  be 

Quoth  he  and  so  furth  bare  he  me 

A  whyle  and  tho  he  gan  to  crye 

That  neuer  herd  I  thynge  so  hie  1020 

Now  vp  thyn  hede  for  it  is  well 

Seint  Julian  lo  bon  hostelle 

PEPTS 


PAR.-TEXT    209 
THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.      PEPYS   2006.  109 

Se  here  the  howse  of  fame  lo 

Mayest  j?ow  not  here  that  I  do  1024 

What  quod  I .  Jje  grete  soune 

Qz<od  he  that  rombleth  vp  ande  down 

In  fames  howse  full  of  Tydynges 

Both  of  faire  spece  and  of  ofyer  thynges  1028 

And  of  fals  and  soth  compouned? 

Herken  well  it  is  not  rowcede 

Herest  thow  not  the  grete  sough 

Yis  pardee  quod.  I  well  I-nough  1032 

And  what  sown  is  it  like  quod  he 

Pete?'  betynge  of  J)e  see 

Qwod  I  ayenst  )>e  roches  old?  holow 

When  tempestes  doth  her  shippes  swolow  1036 

And  \>ai  a  man  stant  owt  of  dowte 

A  myle  thens  and  here  it  rowte 

Or  ellis  like  the  humblynge 

Aitur  the  Clappe  of  a  thonderynge  1040 

Whenn  loues  hath  the  Eire  Ibete 

But  it  doth  for  fere  swete 

Nay  drede  y  not  ]> er  of  quod  he 

It  is  no  thynge  \ai  will  beteii  \>e  1044 

Now  shalt  have  no  harme  truly 

And  wyth  this  word1  both  he  and  T . 

And  nygh  the  place  aryvedl  were 

As  men  myght  cast  wyth  a  spere  [p.  104,  col.  2]         1048 

I  nyst  how  bot  in  a  strete 

He  sette  me  fayre  on  my  fete 

And  seide  walk  forth  a  pace 

And  tell  thyn  aventure  and  cas  1052 

That  thow  shalt  fynd  in  fames  place 

Now  quod  he  while  we  have  space 

To  speke  or  that  I  fro  the 

For  the  love  of  god  tell  me  1056 

In  soth  that  I  will  of  the  lere 

yef  this  noyse  that  I  here 

TEPYS 


210    PAR. -TEXT 

110  THE    HOUSE   OP   FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

Be  as  I  have  herd  the  tell 

Of  folk  that  forth  in  erth  dwelle  1060 

And  here  in  the  same  wyse 

As  I  the  herd  or  this  devyse 

And  that  her  lyves  body  nys 

In  alle  that  howse  \>at  yonder  is  1064 

That  maketh  alle  this  lowde  fare 

No  quod  he  be  seint  Clare 

And  also  wis  god  help  me 

But  o  thynge  I  will  warn  the  1068 

Of  the  wheche  thow  wult  have  wonder . 

Lo  to  J)e  howse  of  fame  yonder . 

Thow  wost  how  commyth  euery  speche 

It  nedeth  not  the  to  teche  1072 

But  vnderstonde  ryght  well  this 

Whenn  eny  speche  I-cowmen  is 

Vn  to  that  paleis  a  non  right 

It  weyth  liche  pe  same  wyght  1076 

Wheche  that  the  word  in  erth  spak 

Be  he  clothed  red  or  blak 

And  hath  so  verrey  his  liknys 

That  spake  Jf  word  that  thow  wul  gys  1080 

That  it  the  same  body  be 

Man  or  woman  he  or  she 

And  is  not  this  a  wonder  thynge 

Yis  quod  I  tho  by  heuenes  kynge  1084 

And  wyth  pis  word  fare  wel  quod  he 

And  here  I  will  a-bide  the 

And  god  of  heven  send  the  grace  [P  105,  col.  1 1 

Some  gode  to  lern  in  this  place  1088 

And  I  of  hym  toke  leve  a  nofi 

And  gan  forth  to  the  paleis  gofi 


PEPYS 


PAR. -TEXT    211 
THE   HOUSE   OF   FAME.      PEPYS   2006.  Ill 


[BOOK  III.] 

[Invocation] 

0  god  of  science  and  of  light 
Apollo  thurgfr  thy  grete  myght 

This  litil  last  boke  thow  now  gye 

Not  that  I  will  for  maistrye  1094 

Her  art  poetical  be  shewed? 

But  the  ryme  is  so  lewed? 

It  made  it  sumwhat  agreable 

Though  sume  vers  faill  in  a  silable  1098 

And  that  I  do  no  diligence 

To  shew  craft  but  sentence 

And  yef  devyn  vertu  thow 

Wult  help  me  shew  now  1102 

That  in  myn  hede  Ime/ked*  is 

Lo  that  is  for  to  moven  this 

The  howse  of  fame  for  to  discryve 

Thow  shalt  se  me  go  as  blive  1106 

Vn  to  Jje  next  lawre  y  see 

And  kysse  it  for  it  is  thyn  tree 

Now  entreth  in  to  my  brest  anon 

[Story] 

When  I  was  frome  the  Egle  gon  1110 

1  gan  behold?  vp  on  this  place 
An  certeign  or  I  ferper  pas 

I  wull  yow  alle  Y  snaP  devyse 

Of  howse  of  Cite  and  of1  the  wyse  1114 

How  I  gan  to  the  place  approche 

That  stant  vpon  so  hie  a  roche 

Hyer  stant  non  in  spayen 

But  vp  I  clame  wy ih  al  my  peyne  1118 

And  though  to  clymbe  it  greved  me 

yet  I  ententif  was  to  se 

PEPTS 


212    PAR. -TEXT 

112  THE    HOUSE    OP   FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

And  for  to  power  wounder  low 

yef  I  kowde  eny  wyse  know  1122 

What  maner  ston  this  roche  was 
For  it  was  liohe  alymde  glas 
But  Jjat  it  shewen  mor  clere 

But  of  what  congeled  matere  1126 

It  was  I  nust  redely  r»  !•*,  coi-  *] 

But  at  the  last  aspyed  I . 
And  fownde  that  it  was  euerychedele 
A  roche  of  Ise  and  not  of  stele  1 1 30 

Thought  I  by  seint  Thomas  of  Kent 
This  were  a  feble  fowndement 
To  bilden  on  a  place  so  hie 

He  aught  hym  to  glorifie  1134 

That  here  on  bilt  so  god  me  save 
Tho  saw  I  alle  ])e  half  I-grave 
Wyth  famous  folkes  names  fele 

That  I-ben  in  muche  wele  1 1 38 

And  her  fames  wyde  blowe 
But  wel  onethes  myght  I  knowe 
Any  le^res  for  to  rede 

Here  names  by  for  out  of  drede  1 142 

They  weren  al  most  ouerthowed!  so 
That  of  the  \etttes  on  or  to 
"Was  molt  awey  of  euery  name 

So  vnfamous  was  wax  her  name  1146 

But  men  say  what  may  ener  last 
Tho  can  I  in  myn  hert  cast 
That  they  wer  mult  awey  wytA  hete 

And  not  a  wey  wyth  stormes  bete  1150 

For  on  fat  oj?er  syde  I  say 
On  this  hill  J>at  northward?  lay 
How  it  was  wrete  ful  of  names 

Of  folk  f>at  hedd  a  fer  grete  fames  1 154 

Of  old?  tym  and  yet  j?ey  were 
As  fressh  as  men  -had  wryte  hem  there 
PEPYS 


PAR. -TEXT    213 
THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006.  113 

The  silf  day  or  that  owre 

That  I  on  hem  gan  to  pore  1158 

But  wel  I  wyst  what  it  made 

It  was  conserved?  wyth  the  shadde 

Of  a  Castel  that  so  stode  on  hyght 

Alle  the  writen  that  I  sygh"  1162 

And  stode  eke  in  so  cold1  a  place 

That  hete  myght  it  not  deface 

Tho  gan  I  on  this  hille  to  gon 

And  found  on  the  coppe  a  woon  1166 

That  alle  the  men  that  ben  on  live  [P.  ioe,  col.  i] 

Ne  han  the  konnynge  to  discryve 

The  beaute  of  that  ilke  place 

Ne  cowde  cast  the  compace  1170 

Suche  an  o]>er  for  to  make 

That  myght  of  Beaute  be  his  make 

N"e  so  wonderly  T-\vrought 

That  it  astoynedf  yet  my  thought  1174 

And  maketh  alle  my  witt  to  swynke 

On  this  castel  for  to  thenke 

So  J>at  the  grete  beawte 

The  cast  craft  and  curiosite  1178 

!Ne  can  I  not  to  yow  devyse 

My  witt  may  not  suffice 

But  netherles  alle  JJP  substaunce 

I  have  yet  in  my  remembraunce  1182 

For  why  me  thought  by  seint  Giln 

Alle  was  of  a  ston  of  berile 

Both  the  Castel  and  the  Towre 

And  eke  the  halle  and  euery  bowre  1186 

"Wyth  owten  peces  or  loynynges 

But  mony  sotell  compassinges 

Babeweuries  and  pennactes 

Ymageries  and  Tabernactes  1190 

I  saw  eke  and  ful  of  wyndowes 

As  flates  fallen  in  grete  snowes 

PEPYS 

ODD  TEXTS.  8 


'214:    PAR.-TEXT 

114  THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PKPYS   2006. 

And  eke  in  eue/y  of  eche  penacles 

Weren  soiidry  habitactes  1194 

In  wheche  stonden  alle  wyth  owten 
Ful  the  Castel  alle  abowten 
Of  alle  maner  of  menstralys 

And  Gestours  that  tellen  talles  1198 

Both  of  wepynge  and  of  game 
And  of  alle  that  longeth  vn  to  fame 
There  herd  I  pley  on  an  harpe 

That  sowned  well  and  sharpe  1202 

And  Oxphevs  full  craftely 

And  on  his  syde  fast  by  [P.  ioe,  coi.  z] 

Satte  the  harper  Orion 

And  Eaycides  Chyron  1206 

And  ojjer  harpers  mony  on 
As  the  Bretwr  Glaskyrion 
And  smale  harpers  wyih  her  gleys 

Sett  vnder  hym  in  diuers  seys  1210 

And  gon  on  hem  vpwartl  to  gape 
And  counterfetedf  hem  as  an  ape 
Or  as  craft  counterfetecP  kynde 

Tho  saw  I  hem  be  hynde  1214 

A  fer  fro  hem  as  by  hem  sulf 
Mony  thowsancF  tyme  twelf 
That  made  lowde  mynstraleys 

In  Cornumuse  or  Chalemyes  1218 

And  mony  o]>cr  maner  pipe 
That  craftely  here  gonne  pipe 
Both  in  dowced  and  eke  in  rede 

That  ben  at  festes  wytft  the  brede  1222 

And  mony  a  floit  and  litelynge  home 
And  pipes  made  of  grete  corne 
As  have  these  litil  herd  Gromes 

That  kepen  bestes  in  the  bromes  1 226 

Ther  saw  I  then  an  Citherns 
And  of  Athenes  Dan  presentus 
PEPYS 


PAR. -TEXT  215 
THE  HOUSE  OF  FAME.   PEPYS  2006.        115 

The  Marcia  that  lost  her  skyn 

Both  in  face  body  and  chyn  1230 

For  that  she  wold?  envyen  lo 

To  pypen  bet  then  Apollo 

There  saw  I  Eke  famous  old?  and  yonge 

Pipers  of  the  Duche  tonge  1234 

To  lern  howes  daunces  sprynges 

Reyjjs  and  the  stronge  thynges 

Tho  saw  I  and  in  an  olper  place 

Standynge  in  a  large  space  1238 

Of  hem  that  makeii  blody  sown 

In  Trompe  beme  and  Clarion 

For  in  fight  and  blodesheddynge  [p.  107,  col.  i] 

Is  vsed  gode  clarionynge  1242 

Ther  herd  I  Trompe  messenus 

Of  whom  That  speketh  Virgilius 

There  herd  I  loab  Trompe  also 

Theodonas  and  olper  mo  12 4  (J 

And  alle  that  vsed!  clarion 

In  Castel  lyon  and  Aragon 

• 

That  in  her  tymes  famows  were 

To  lercen  saw  I  Trumpyn)  there  1250 

Ther  saw  I  sitte  in  her  sees 

Pleynge  vpon  olper  lees 

Wheche  I  can  not  nemene 

Mo  then  stems  ben  in  heven  1254 

Of  whiche  I  nyl  as  now  not  rym 

For  ese  of  yow  and  losse  of1  Tym 

For  tym  I-lost  that  knowe  ye 

Be  no  wey  recouered?  may  be  1258 

There  saw  I  pley  Geogeleos 

Magisciens  and  Tregetours 

And  Fetonisses  and  Charmeresses 

Old*  wyches  and  sorseresses  12G2 

That  vsen  exorsisacions 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

PEPYb 


216    PAR. -TEXT 

116  THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

And  Clerkes  that  konnen  well 

Alle  this  magik  naturel  1266 

That  daftly  doth  her  ententes 

To  make  a  certegn  ascendentes 

Smages  lo  thourgh  suche  magyk 

To  make  a  man  hole  or  seke  1270 

Ther  saw  I  J>e  Quen  medea 

And  Cirtes  Eke  and  Caliophia 

Ther  saw  I  Hermes  Ballenus 

Llymote  and  Eke  Symon  magus  1274 

Ther  saw  I  and  knew  hem  by  name 

That  by  suche  art  don  men  fame 

Ther  saw  I  colle  Tregikwr 

Vpon  a  Table  of  Cicomow  1278 

Pley  an  vncowth  thynge  to  telle  [p- 107,  col.  2] 

Y  saw  hym  Carie  a  wynd  mylle 

Vnde?-  a  walshnot  shale 

What  shuld?  I  make  A  lengw  tale  1282 

Of  alle  the  puple  that  I  say 

From  hens  vn  to  domys  day 

When  I  hadd  alle  this  folk  behold? 

And  founds  me  loose  and  not  hold?  1286 

And  eft  I  mused  lengwr  a  whyle 

Vp  on  the  wall  of  BiriH 

That  shon  full  lighter  fen  a  glas 

And  made  wel  more  fen  it*  was  1290 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

As  kynd  thynge  of  fame  is 
I  gan  forth  romen  til  I  founde 

The  Castel  yat  on  myn  right  honde  1294 

Wheche  so  wel  carven  was 
That  neuer  suche  anofer  nas 
And  yet  it  was  be  auenture 

Iwrought  as  oft  as  by  Cure  1298 

It  nedeth  yow  for  to  telle 
To  make  yow  to  lengt/r  dwelle 
PKPYS 


PAK.-TKXT    217 
THE   HOUSE   OF    FAMK.       PAFrfl   2006.  117 


Of  these  yates  florysynges 

Ne  of  corapases  ne  of  kervenges  1302 

He  how  the  hackynge  in  Masours 
As  corbettes  and  ymagyryes 
But  lord  so  feyre  it  was  to  shewe 

For  it  was  alle  of  gold'  be-hew  1  306 

But  in  I  went  and  J>«t  a  non 
There  mett  I  cryynge  uiony  oon 
A  larges  a  larges  vp  hold!  weft 

God  save  the  lady  of  thys  pele  1310 

Our  own  lentil  lady  fame 
And  hem  that  willith  to  have  a  name 
Of  vs  thus  herd  I  cryen  alle 

And  fast  cowmen  out  of  halle  1314 

And  shoke  nobles  and  sterlynges 
And  I-crowned?  wer  as  kynges 

"Wyth  crownes  wrought  full  of  lesynges  [P.  ios,  coi.  i] 

And  mony  reban  and  moy  fyuges  1318 

"Were  in  here  clothes  truely 
Tho  at  the  last  aspyed?  y 
That  pwrsevauntes  and  herawdes 

That  cryen  riche  iblkes  lawdes  1322 

It  weren  alle  and  euery  man 
Of  hem  as  I  yow  tell  kan 
Hedd  on  hem  throw  a  vesture 

Wheche  men  clepe  a  cote  armure  1326 

Enbrowdrede  wonderliche  riche 
Alle  though  they  nere  nought  Ilyche 
Bot  not  will  I  so  mot  I  thryve 

Be  a  bowte  to  discryve  1330 

Alle  these  Armes  what  they  weren 
That  they  thus  on  here  coles  beren 
For  it  to  me  wer  impossible 

Men  myght  make  of*  hem  a  bible  1334 

Twenty  fote  thykk  as  I  trowe 
For  certeign  who  so  kowde  know 
TEPYS 


218    FAR. -TEXT 

118  THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

Myght  jjer  alle  fe  Armes  se 

Of  famous  folk  J>at  had  Ibe  1338 

In  Awfryke  Ewrope  And  Assie 

Sith  first  lo  Chiualrie 

Lo  how  shukf  I  tell  alle  this 

Ne  of  the  halle  eke  what  nede  is  1342 

To  tellen  yow  fat  every  wall 

Of  it  and  flore  and  rofe  vryih  alle 

Was  plated1  half  a  fote  thikk 

Of  gold  and  that  nas  no  thynge  wikk  1346 

But  for  to  prove  in  alle  wyse 

As  fyne  as  Doket  of  Venyse 

Of  wheche  to  lite  alle  in  my  powche  is 

And  they  wer  sett  as  thikk  as  owches  1350 

Full  of  the  fynest  stones  faire 

That  men  reden  in  the  lapidarie 

As  gresses  growen  in  a  mede  [p.  io«,  coi.  2] 

But  it  wer  alle  to  longe  to  rede  1354 

The  names  and  Jjerfore  I  passe 

But  in  this  riche  lusty  place 

That  famous  halle  called'  was 

Ful  muche  pres  of  folk  \>er  nas  1358 

Ne  gronynge  for  to  muche  pres 

But  alle  on  high  vpon  a  deiees 

Satt  on  a  se  EmpmaH 

That  made  was  of  A  Kubye  1362 

"Wheche  a  Carbuncle  is  I-called? 

I  saw  perpetually  I-stalled? 

A  fcmynyne  creature 

That  neuer  formed*  by  nature  1366 

Suche  anofer  thynge  I  say 

For  alderfurst  soth  for  to  say 

Me  thought  that  she  was  so  lite 

That  the  length  of  a  cubite  1370 

Was  lengw  then  she  semedf  be 

But  thus  sone  in  a  while  she 

PEPTS 


PAR. -TEXT    219 
THE   HOUSE   OP   FAME.       PEPYS   2006.  119 

Her  silf  tho  wonderly  streght 

That  wyth  her  fete  she  J>e  erth  right  1374 

And  wyth  her  hede  she  towcheJ*  heven 

Ther  as  shynygh  the  sterres  seven 

And  jjer-to  yet  as  to  my  wytte 

I  saw  as  grete  a  wonder  yet  1378 

Vpon  her  yeen  to  be-hold 

But  certaign)  I  hem  neuer  tolde 

For  as  fele  yeen  hadd  she 

As  fedres  vp  on  fowles  be  1382 

Or  weren  on  the  bestes  fowre 

That  goddes  trone  can  honour 

As  wrytyth  Ihon  in  J>e  Apocalyps 

Her  here  J)«t  was  owiidy  and  Crysps  1386 

As  borned?  gold?,  shon  as  for  to  see 

And  soth  to  tellen  also  she 

Hadde  also  fele  stondynge  Eres  [P.  109,  coi.  i] 

And  tonges  as  on  an  best  ben  heres  1390 

And  on  her  fete  waxen  saw  I 

Partrige  wynges  redely 

But  lord  the  perry  and  j)e  ryches 

I  saw  sittynge  on  y  goddes  1394 

And  the  hevenly  melodye 

Of  songes  fuH  of  Armonye 

I  herd  abowte  her  trone  I-songe 

That  alle  the  paleis  walle  ronge  1398 

So  songe  the  myghty  muse  she 

That  cleped?  is  Caliope 

And  her  seven  sustren  eke 

That  in  her  fates  semen  meke  1402 

And  euennore  eternally 

The  songe  of  fame  as  tho  herde  I 

Heriede  be  thow  and  thy  name 

Goddes  of  renoun  and  of*  fame  1406 

Tho  was  I  war  lo  at  the  last 

As  myn  yeen  gan  vp  cast 

PEPYS 


220    PAR. -TEXT 

120  THE   HOUSE    OF    FAMK.       I'El'YS   2006. 

That  this  like  noble  quene 

On  her  shuldres  gan  susteygn  1410 

Both  armes  and  the  name 

Of  Thoo  that  had  large  fame 

Alisaundre  and  Ercules 

That  wyth  a  shert  hys  lyf  les  1414 

And  thus  fownde  I  sittynge  this  goddes 

In  nobley  honowr  and  riches 

Of  wheche  I  stynt  a  while  now 

Other  thynges  to  tellen  yow  1418 

Thoo  saw  I  stond  on  J»°  o\er  syde 

Streight  dow  to  j>e  deris  wyde 

From  the  dese  mony  a  pylere 

Of  metal  that  shon  not  ful  clere  1422 

But  though  they  weren  of1  no  riches 

Yet  they  weren  made  for  gret  noblesse 

And  in  hem  grete  sentence 

And  folk  of  grete  and  digne  reuerence  1426 

Of  wheche  I  will  to  telle  yow  founde  [p.  ios>,  ooi.  2} 

Vp  on  a  pyler  saw  I  stonde 

Alderfirst  lo  ther  I  sigh 

Vpon  a  piler  stond  on  highe  1430 

That  was  of  lede  and  yren  fyne 

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

The  Ebraik  losephus  J>e  old 

That  of  lewes  Gestes  tol<*  1434 

And  Bare  vp  on  hys  shuldres  hie 

The  fame  vp  of  the  Jewry 

And  by  hym  \er  stoden  seven 

Wyse  and  worthy  for  to  nemene  1438 

To  helpen  l  hym  bar  vp  the  charge  [l  ? »».  heipeir) 

It  was  so  hevy  and  so  large 

And  for  they  writen  of  Batailles 

As  well  as  of  ofer  merveilles  1442 

Ther  for  was  lo  this  piler 

Of  wheche  I  yow  tell  here 

PEPYS 


I' AH. -TEXT    221 
THE    HOUSE   OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006.  121 

Of  leede  and  yren  both  I-wys 

For  yren  Martis  metall  is  1446 

Wheche  fat  god  is  of  bataille 

And  the  leede  wyth  owten  faille 

Is  lo  the  metalle  of  Saturne 

That  hath  ful  large  wil  to  turnv  1450 

To  stondynge  forth  on  euery  rowe 

Of  hem  wheche  I  fat  cowde  know 

Though  I  be  ordre  hem  not  telle 

To  makeii  yow  to  longe  to  dwelle  1454 

These  of  wheche  I  gonn  rede 

Ther  saw  I  stond  owt  of  drede 

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

That  poynted  was  alle  endelynge  1458 

With  Tygres  blode  in  euery  place 

The  Tolofan  fat  hight  Stace 

That  bare  of  Tebes  vp  f e  name 

Vp  on  his  shuldres  and  fe  same  1462 

Also  of  Cruell  Achilles 

And  by  hym  stode  wythowten  lees 

Full  wonder  high  vp  on  o  pilere 

Of  yren  he  the  gret  Onier  [P.  no,  col.  i]  1 466 

And  wyth  his  Darus  and  Titus 

Be  fore  and  eke  he  Lullius 

And  Guydo  eke  de  Columpny 

As  Englisshe  Gaunfride  eke  Iwys  1470 

And  Eche  of  these  as  I  have  loye 

"Was  besy  for  to  ber  up  Troy 

So  hevy  was  f  er-of  the  fame 

That  for  to  ber  it  was  no  game  1474 

But  yet  I  can  ful  wel  aspye 

Be  twyx  hem  was  a  litill  envye 

Ofer  seide  fat  Omer  made  lies 

Feynynge  in  hys  postreys  1478 

And  was  to  Grekes  fauorable 

Therfore  helcf  he  it  but  fabte 

PEPTS 


222    PAR. -TEXT 

122  THE    HOUSE   OF    FAME.       PSPYS   2006. 

Tho  sey  I  stond  on  a  piler 

That  was  of  Tynnydf  yren  clere  1482 

The  latyn  poete  Virgile 

That  hath  bore-vp  a  longe  whyle 

The  fame  of  plus  Eneas 

And  next  on  a  piler  was  1486 

Of  Coper  Venus  clerk  Ovyde 

That  hath"  sowen  wounder  wyde 

The  grete  godd  of  love  his  name 

And  Ther  he  bare  vp  well  his  name  1490 

Vp  on  this  piler  al  so  hie 

As  I  myght  see  it  wyth  myn  ye 

For  wheche  this  hall  of  wheche  I  rede 

Was  wax  on  hie  length  and  brede  1494 

Wei  more  by  a  thowsand  dele 

Than  it  was  erst  that  saw  I  weft 

Tho  saw  I  on  a  piler  by 

Of  yren  wrought  full  sternely  1498 

The  grete  poete  Daun)  Lucan 

And  on  hys  shuldrys  bare  vp  yan 

As  hie  as  I  myght  see 

The  name  of  lulius  and  Pompie  1502 

And  by  hym  stoden  alle  these  Clerkes  [p  iio.coi.  2] 

That  wrytten  of  Homes  myghty  werkes 

That  yef  I  wold1  her  names  telle 

Alle  to  longe  must  I  dwelle  1506 

And  hem  vn  a  piler  stode 

Of  Sulpwr  liche  as  he  wer  wode 

Daun)  Claudian  seth  for  to  telle 

That  bare  vp  alle  the  fame  of  helle  1510 

Of  pluto  and  of  proserpyne 

That  quen  is  of  the  derk  pyne 

What  shuld!  I  more  telle  of  this 

The  halle  was  aUe  ful  I-wys  1514 

Of  hem  \ai  writen  olde  Geestes 

As  ben  on  trees  Rokes  nestes 


PAR.-TEXT    223 
THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006.  123 

Wer  all  these  Gestes  for  to  here 

But  it  is  a  ful  confuse  matere  1518 

That  they  of  wryte  and  how  fey  hight 

But  while  that  I  behild!  ]>at  sight 

I  herde  a  noyse  aprochen  blive 

That  fareth  as  been  don  in  an  hive  1522 

Ayenst  her  tyme  of  owt  co/mnynge 

Eight  suche  a  maner  mwrnmrynge 

For  alle  the  world?  semed  me 

Tho  gan  I  loke  abowte  me  and  see  1526 

That  J?er  come  entrynge  in  to  J>"  halle 

A  right  grete  company  wyth  alle 

And  fat  of  sondry  regions 

Of  alle  kynnes  condicd'ons  1530 

That  dwelle  in  erth  vuder  the  mone 

Pore  and  riche  and  al  so  sone 

As  they  wer  com  in  to  y  hall 

They  gonue  wy  on  knewys  down  fall  1534 

Be-for  this  ilke  noble  quene 

And  seid  graunt  vs  lady  shen 

Iche  of  vs  of  thy  grace  a  bone 

And  some  of  hem  she  graunted  sone  153H 

And  some  she  warned  well  and  faire 

And  some  she  graunted'  the  contrarie 


......     no  gap  in  the  MS.]  1542 

What  Iper  grace  was  y  nyst  [p.  in.coi.  i] 

For  of  these  folk  full  wel  I  wyst 

They  hadd  gode  fame  eche  deserved? 

Alle  though  they  wer  dyue/'sly  served'  1546 

Right  as  hir  sustre  Daun  fortune 

Is  wont  to  serve  in  common 

Now  herken  how  she  gan  to  pey 

That  gonne  her  of  her  grace  pray  1550 

And  yet  lo  alle  this  companye 

Seiden  soth  and  not  a  lie 

PEPYS 


224    PAR.-1EXT 

124  THE    HOUSE   OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2008. 

Madame  seid  J>ey  we  be 

Folk  \>at  her  besechen  the  1554 

That  thow  graunt  vs  now  gode  fame 

And  lette  oure  werkes  have  gode  name 

In  ful  recompensacon 

Of  gode  werkes  yef  vs  renon  1558 

I  warne  yow  quod  she  a  non 

Ye  gete  of  me  gode  fame  non)        » 

Be  god  and  J)er-for  go  your  wey 

Alace  quod  they  and  welewey  1562 

Tell  vs  what  your  Cause  may  be 

For  me  list  not  it  quod  she 

No  wyght  shal  speke  of  yow  I-wys 

Gode  ne  harme  ne  fat  ne  this  1566 

And  wyth  J>at  worde  she  gan  to  calle 

Her  masynger  that  was  in  halle 

And  bad  J>«t  he  shuld?  fast  gon 

Vpon  peyn  to  blyude  a  non  )570 

For  Eolus  the  god  of  wynde 

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

And  bid  hym  brynge  his  Clarion) 

That  is  ful  diuers  of  his  sowne  1574 

And  it  is  cleped  clere  lawde 

WytA  wheche  he  wont  is  to  herawde 

Hem  that  me  list  I-preysed?  be 

And  al  so  bid  hym  how  )>«t  he  1578 

Brynge  eke  his  o]>er  Clarion) 

That  hight  skaunder  in  euery  town  Cp-i".coi.i] 

In  wheche  he  wont  is  to  do  fame 

Hem  J?at  me  list  and  do  hem  shame  1582 

This  Masynger  gan  fast  to  gon 

And  fownd  wher  in  a  Cave  of  ston 

In  a  countrey  that  hight  Crase 

This  Eolus  wyth  hard  grace  1 586 

Helde  the  wyndes  in  destres 

And  gan  hem  onder  hym  to  presse 

I'EPYS 


PAK.-TEXT    225 
.THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006.  125 

That  they  gan  as  the  beres  rore 

He  bounde  and  pressed!  hem  so  sore  1590 

This  Masynger  gan  fast  crye 
Eyse  vp  quod  he  and  fast  hye 
Till  thow  at  my  lady  be 

And  take  thy  clarions  eke  wyt/z,  the  1594 

And  spede  the  fast  and  he  a  non 
Toke  to  a  man  fat  hight  Tryton) 
Hys  Clarion  to  beren  tho 

And  lete  a  certeign  wynd  go  1598 

That  blew  so  hidewsly  and  hye 
That  it  left  not  a  skye 
In  alle  the  walkyn  longe  and  brode 

This  Eolus  no  wher  a-bode  1602 

Till  he  was  com  at  fames  fete 
And  eke  f e  man  that  Tryton  hete 
And  ]>er  he  stode  as  stil  as  ston 

And  her  wyth  alle  \er  cam  a  non  160G 

An  olper  huge  compayne 
Of  olde  folk  and  gan  to  crye 
Lady  graunt  vs  now  gode  fame 

And  let  oure  werkes  have  'fat  name  1610 

Now  in  honour  and  lentilnes 
And  also  god  jour  sowle  bles 
For  we  ban  well  deserved!  it 

Ther  for  is  right  fat  we  ben  quyte  1614 

As  thrive  I  quod  she  ye  sh&1  faile 

Gode  werkes  shal  not  yow  availle  [p.  112,  col.  i] 

To  have  of  me  god  fame  as  now 

But  wote  ye  what  I  graunt  yow  1618 

That  ye  shul  have  a  shrewer?  name 
And  wykked  loose  and  werse  fame 
Though  ye  gode  loos  have  wel  deserved 
Now  goth  jour  wey  for  ye  ben  served  1622 

And  thow  Daun)  Eolus  quod  she 
Take  forth  thy  Trompe  a  non  lette  se 
PEPYS 


226    PAR. -TEXT 

126  THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

That  is  I-cleped  slaundre  light 

And  blow  her  loos  fat  euery  wyght  1626 

Speke  of  hem  harme  and  shrewedenes 
In  stede  of  gode  and  wurthynes 
For  thow  shalt  trompe  alle  the  contrarie 
That  they  have  don  wel  an  faire  1630 

Alace  thought  I  what  Auentures 
Have  the  sory  Creatures 
That  they  amonge  alle  \>e  prees 

Shuld!  thus  be  shamed  gilteles  1634 

.But  what  it  must  nedes  be 
What  dede  this  Eolus  but  he 
Toke  owt  his  blak  Trompe  of  Bras 

That  fowler  then  the  devill  was  1638 

And  gan  this  Trompe  for  to  blowe 
As  alle  the  world1  shuld  oue?-throwe 
Through  owte  enery  region 

Went  his  fowle  trompes  sowne  1642 

As  swyft  as  a  pelet  owt  of  a  gonne 
Whenn  fire  is  in  to  it  ronne 
And  suche  a  smoke  gan  owt  wende 

Owt  of  his  fowle  trompes  ende  1646 

Blak  bloo  grevysshe  swartisshe  rede 
As  doth  whenn  men  mult  lede 
Lo  alle  on  hye  from  the  twelle 

And  iper-io  oo  thynge  saw  I  wclle  1650 

That  the  furthir  fat  it  ranne 
[T]he  gveter  waxen  it  be-gan 

As  doth  the  Riuer  from  a  welle  rp.  112,  coi.  2] 

And  it  stanke  as  the  pitt  of  helle  1654 

Alace  this  was  her  shame  I-ronge 
And  gilteles  on  euery  tonge 
Tho  cam  /  the  thryd  •  companye 

And  gan  vp  to  )>"  deis  hye  1658 

And  down  on  kneys  thay  fell  a  nori 
And  seiden  they  'ben  euerychon 
PEPYS 


PAR. -TEXT  227 
THE  HOUSE  OF  FAME.   PEPYS  2006.        127 

Folk  ]>at  hail  ful  trewly 

Deserved?  fame  rightfully  1662 

And  pray  that  it  myght  be  know 
Eight  as  it  is  and  forth  I-blow 
I  graunt  qwod  she  for  now  me  list 

That  now  your  god  werkes  ben  wyst  1666 

And  yet  ye  shul  have  better  loos 
Eight  in  despite  of  alle  jour  foos 
Then  wurthy  is  and  that  a  non 

Let  now  qwod  she  thy  trompe  gon  1670 

Thow  Eolus  that  is  so  blak 
And  owte  thyn  olper  trompe  take 
That  hight  Lawde  and  blow  it  so 

That  through  ]>e  world?  her  fame  go  1674 

Alle  esyly  and  not  to  fast 
That  it  be  knowen  at  the  last 
Ful  gladely  lady  myn  he  seide 

And  owt  his  trompe  of  gold'  he  breyde  1678 

A-non  and  sett  it  to  his  mowth 
And  blew  it  Est  west  and  sowth 
And  north  as  lowd  as  eny  thonder 

That  euery  wyght  have  of  it  wonder  1682 

So  brode  it  ran  or  at  it  stynt 
And  certes  alle  the  breth  J>at  went 
Owt  of  his  Trompe  mowth  it  smyllcd* 
As  men  a  pitteful  of  bawm  heled'  1686 

Amonge  a  basket  ful  of  Eoses 
This  fauow  dede  he  to  her  loses 

And  right  Wyth  this  I  gan  aspye  [p.  us,  coi.  i] 

Ther  cam  the  foreth  company  1690 

But  certeign  they  were  wonde?-  fowe 
And  gonne  to  stond  on  a  rowe 
And  seiden  certes  lady  bright 

We  haven  do  well  wyth  alle  oure  myght  1694 

But  we  ne  kepen  have  no  fame 
Hide  oure  werkes  and  oure  name 
PEPYS 


228    PAH.-TEXT 

128  THE   HOUSE   OF    FAME.      PEPYS   2006. 

For  goddes  love  for  certes  we 

Han  certeign)  do  it  for  bonite  1698 

And  for  no  maner  o^er  thynge. 

I  graunt  you  alle  your  askynge 

Quod  she  let  alle  your  werkes  be  dede 

Wyth  J>at  about  I  twmed  niyn  hede  1702 

And  see  anon  J)t's  furst  rowte 

That  to  this  lady  gan  lowte 

And  down  a  non  on  knees  falle 

And  her  tho  by-sowghten  alle  1.706 

To  hide  her  gode  werkes  eke 

And  seide  they  yefe  not  a  leke 

For  fame  ne  suche  renoun 

For  they  for  contemplacon)  1710 

And  Goddes  love  hadd  it  wrought 

!Ne  of  fame  wold!  they  nowght 

"What  qwod  she  be  ye  wode 

And  wene  ye  to  do  gode  1714 

And  for  to  have  of  that  no  fame 

Have  ye  despite  to  have  my  name 

Nay  ye  shull  be  euerychon 

Blow  thy  trompe  and  )>at  a  non  1718 

Qwod  she  thow  Eolus  I  hote 

And  ryngd  these  folkes  werkes  by  note 

That  alle  the  world*  may  of  it  here 

And  gan  blow  her  loos  so  clere  1722 

In  his  gilde  Clarion) 

That  through  the  world?  went  J>*  sown 

And  so  kyndely  and  eke  alle  soft 

[.     .     .     .     no  gap  in  the  MS.]  1726 

Tho  cam  the  sixt  company 

And  gan  fast  to  fame  crye  [P.  us,  coi.  21 

Eight  verely  in  this  manere 

They  seiden  nie>-cy  lady  dere  1730 

To  tell  certeign  as  it  is 

We  have  do  nejwf  Jjat  ne  this 

PEPYS 


PAR.-TEXT    229 
THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   200C.  129 

Bat  Idil  alle  cure  lif  be 

But  nejrerles  we  preyen  the  1734 

That  we  may  have  so  god  a  fame 

And  grete  renoun  and  knowen  nam 

As  they  that  have  don  noble  gestes 

And  eshued?  alle  her  bestes  1738 

As  wel  of  love  as  ofer  thynge 

Alle  was  vs  neuer  broche  ne  rynge 

!N~e  elles  ought  fro  women  sent 

Ne  ones  in  her  hert  I-ment  1 742 

To  make  vs  only  frendely  chere 

But  mowght  temen  vs  vp  on  bere 

Yet  lete  vs  to  f>e  puple  seme 

Suche  as  the  world'  may  of  vs  dome  1746 

That  wommen  loved  vs  for  wode 

That  shal  do  vs  as  muche  gode 

And  to  oure  hert  as  muche  availe 

To  countre  pese  ese  and  travaile  1750 

As  we  hadd  wonne  wyth  labore 

For  that  is  dere  bowght  labotw 

At  ragarde  of  oure  grete  ese 

And  yet  ye  must  vs  more  plese  1754 

Lete  vs  behold?  eke  ^erto 

Wurthy  wyse  and  gode  also 

And  riche  and  happy  vn  to  love 

For  goddes  love  that  sittith  above  1758 

Though  we  may  not  the  body  have 

Of  women  yet  so  god  me  save , 

Lete  men  blaw  on  vs  the  name 

Sufnceth  that  we  have  the  fame  1762 

I  graunt  quod  she  be  my  trowth 

Now  Eolus  wyth  outen  slowth" 

Take  out  thy  trompe  of  gold'  quod  she 

And  blow  as  they  have  asked  me  1766 

That  euery  man  wene  hem  at  ese 

Though  they  go  in  bad  lese  [P.  lu,  col.  i] 

PEPY8 

ODD    TEXTS.  U 


230    PAU.-TKXT 

130  THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

This  Eolus  gan  it  so  blow 

That  through  the  world*  it  was  knowe  1770 

Tho  com  the  vij  rowte  a  non 
And  fele  on  knees  euerychon 
And  seide  lady  graunt  vs  sone 

The  same  thynge  the  same  bone  1774 

That  these  next  folke  have  don 
Fye  on  yow  quod  she  eue/ychon 
Ye  masty  swyne  ye  Idil  wreches 

Ful  of  Eoten  slow  tecche  1 778 

What  fals  theves  wher  ye  woold? 
Ben  famous  goode  and  no  thynge  nold 
Deserve  why  ne  neuer  thought 

Man  rather  yow  to  hangyn  ought  1782 

For  ye  ben  like  the  slepy  catte 
That  wold?  have  fisshe  but  wost  J?ou  what 
He  will  no  thynge  wete  his  clowes 

Evill  thrift  com  on  your  lowes  1786 

And  on  myn  yef  I  it  graunt 
Or  do  fauour  yow  to  a-vaunt 
Thow  Eolus  thow  kynge  of  Trace 

Go  blow  this  folk  a  sory  grace  1790 

Q?jod  she  a  non  and  wost  thow  how 
As  I  shal  tell  the  right  now 
Sey  these  ben  they  that  wolden  honowr 
Have  and  do  no  kynnes  labo?w  1794 

And  do  no  good  and  yet  hem  lawde 
That  men  wende  that  bele  Tsawde 
Ne  cowde  hem  nowt  of  love  werne 

And  yet  she  grynt  at  a  quyrne  1798 

Is  alle  to  gode  to  ese  her  hert 
This  Eolus  a  non  vp  stert 
And  Wyt/i  his  blak  Clarion 

He  gan  to  blasyn  owt  a  sown)  1802 

As  lowde  as  bellyth  wynde  in  helle 
And  eke  fer  wyt7i  soth  to  telle 
PEPTS 


PAIl.-TEXT    231 
THE    HOUSE   OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006.  131 

This  sown  was  as  ful  of  lapes 

As  euere  mows  wer  in  Apes  [p.  114,  coi.  2]         1 806 

And  that  went  alle  the  world  abowte 
That  euery  wyght  gan  on  hein  showte 
And  for  to  laugh  as  they  wer  wode 

Suche  gam  fownde  they  in  her  hode  1810 

Tho  cam  anofer  company 
That  hadd  I-doon  J>e  trecherye 
The  harme  the  grete  wikkednes 

That  euery  hert  cowde  gesse  1814 

And  prayed  her  to  have  gode  fame 
That  she  nold?  do  hem  ne  shawme 
But  yeve  hem  loos  and  gode  renoun 

And  do  it  blow  in  Clarioun  1818 

Nay  wys  quod  she  it  were  a  wyse 
Alle  be  J>e»*-in  be  no  Justice 
Me  list  not  do  it  nowe 

The  nys  nyl  I  not  graunte  yow  1822 

Tho  cam  Jw  crepynge  in  a  rowte 
And  gan  clappe  alle  abowte 
Euery  man  vp  on  \>e  crowne 

That  alle  the  hall  gan  to  sowne  1826 

And  seide  lady  leve  and  dere 
We  ben  suche  folk  as  ye  may  here 
To  tell  alle  the  tale  a  right 

We  ben  shrewes  euery  wyght  1830 

And  have  delit  in  wikkednes 
As  goode  folk  have  in  godnes 
And  loie  to  ben  knowen  shrewes 

And  ful  of  vice  and  wikked  thewes  1834 

Wher  fore  we  pray  yow  on  a  rowe 
That  oure  fame  be  suche  I-know 
In  alle  thynge  suche  as  it  is 

I  graunt  it  yow  quod  she  Iwys  1838 

But  what  art  fou  that  seyst  J)is  tale 
That  werest  on  thyn  hose  a  pale 
PEPYS 


232    PAR. -TEXT 

132  THE    HOUSE    OF    FAME.       PEPYS   2006. 

And  on  thy  tipet  suche  a  bell 

Ma  Dam  quod  he  soth  to  tell  1842 

I  am  that  ilk  shrew  I  wys 

[Pepys  2006  Fame  ends  Hie  Mars  follows.] 


PEPi'3 


133 


5. 


ie  Jwnb  0f 


FROM 

ADDITIONAL  MS.  28,617,  British  Museum  (has 
lost  20  leaves);  all,  from  line  513  to  the  end, 
1.2723;  less,lines 610-807, 1106-1305, 1802-1851, 
2111-2125,  2136-2151  p.  134-212 

MS.    Ff.     1.    6,     University    Library,     Cambridge. 

THISBE  only p.  139-149 

EAWLINSON  MS.  C.  86,  Bodleian  Library. 
DIDO  only  p.  149-173 


273-279    PAR.-TEXT 

134         LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 


THE  LEGEND  OP  GOOD  WOMEN. 

[Addit.  MS.  28,617,  Brit.  Mus.  (paper),  leafl,  incomplete: 
begins  at  line  513  and  lias  lost  9  oilier  leaves.] 

[There's  a  kind  of  H  at  tfte  end  of  every  line.~] 

She  that  For  hire  housbonde  chees  to  dye  [leaf  i]    513 

And  eke  to  goon  to  helle  rather  thanwe  he 

And  hercules  Rescowed?  hire  parde 

And  brouht  oute  off  helle  ageyne  to  blysse  516 

And  I  answerde  ayen  And  seyde  yisse 

Now  knowe  I  hire  And  ys  this  goode  Alceste 

The  deyesye  And  myn  owne  hertys  Eeste 

Now  Feele  I  weH  the  goodnesse  off  this  wyff  520 

And  that  both  affter  deeth  and  in  hire  lyff 

Hire  grete  bounte  doubleth  her1  Renouri 

"WeH:  hath"  she  quytte  me  myne  ASecciotm 

That  I  have  tyl  hire  Floure  the  Deyesye  524 

No  wondir  ys  thoufi  loue  hire  stellyfye 

And  as  tellith"  Agatoon  For  hire  goodnesse 

Hire  white  Corovne  berith"  off  hit  wytnesse 

For  also  many  vertues  hadde  she  528 

As  smale  Floures  in  hire  Corovne  be 

In  remembrazmce  off  hire  and  in  honour 

Cybella  made  the  deyse  and  the  Flour 

I-Corovned?  al  with  with"  white  as  men  may  se  532 

And  Mars  thanne  to  hire  Corovne  Eede  parde 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    280-281 
LEGEND   OP   GOOD    WOMEN.       ADD1T.  MS.  28,617.         135 

In  stede  off  Rubyes  sette  amdnge  the  white 

Ther  with"  she  wexe  rede  For  shame  [  ]yte 

whanrce  she  was  preysed  so  in  hire  presence  536 

Thanrce  seyde  love  a  FuH  grete  necligence 

Was  yt  to  the  that  ylke  tyme  thow  made 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.] 
Hyde  Absolon  thy  Tresses  in  Bal[ade] 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.] 
And  thow  Forgate  hire  in  thy  songe  to  sette  [leaf  i,  back]  540 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Syn  that  thow  art  so  gretely  in  hire  dette 
And  wyste  so  wett  that  kalendre  ys  she 
To  any  womwmn  that  wole  lover  be 

For  she  tauht  alle  the  Craffte  off  ffyn  lovynge  544 

And  namely  off  wyffhoode  the  lovynge 
And  alle  the  bowndes  that  she  ouht  kepe 
Thy  lytyl  wytte  was  thilke  tyme  a-slepe 
But  now  I  Charge  the  vpon  thy  lyff  548 

That  in  thy  legende  thow  make  on  this  wyff 
whanwe  other  smale  ben  made  byfore 
And  Fare  now  weH  I  charge  the  nomore 
But  or  I  goo  thus  myche  I  wole  the  telle  552 

Ne  shaft  no  trewe  lover  komen  in  helle 
Thes  other  ladyes  sytten  here  a  Eowe 
B[en  i]n  thy  Balade  yiff  thow  kanst  hem  knowe 
And  in  thy  bookes  thow  shalt  hem  ffynde  556 

Have  hem  now  in  thy  legende  alle  in  mynde 
I  mene  off  theym  that  ben  in  thy  knowynge 
For  here  ben  .xx  .M1.  and  moo  syttynge 
Thanwe  thow  knewest  goode  woramen  alle  560 

And  trewe  off  love  For  aunt  that  may  befalle 
Make  thy  Metres  off  thaym  as  the  leste 
I  mote  goo  home  the  soraie  drawith"  west 
To  Paradys  with  alle  this  Companye  564 

And  serve  ay  weH  the  Fressh  deyesye 
At  Cleopatre  I  wole  at  thow  begywne  [leaf  2] 

ADDIT.  28,617 


282-283    PAR.-TEXT 

136         LEGEND   OP    GOOD   WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

And  so  Forth  and  my  love  shaltow  wynne 

For  latte  se  now  what  man  that  lover  be  568 

Wole  do  so  stronge  a  peyne  in  love  as  she 

I  wote  weH  thow  mayst  nat  alle  Eyme 

That  suche  lovers  dydden  in  her*  tyme 

It  were  to  longe  to  reden  and  to  here  572 

Suffyseth  me  thow  make  in  this  manere 

That  thow  rehersse  off  alle  theyre  lyff  the  grete 

Affter  that  thes  olde  Auctours  lysten  trete 

For  Avho  so  shaft  so  many  a  storye  telle  576 

Say  shortly  or  he  shaH  to  longe  duelle 

And  with  that  worde  my  bookes  gan  I  take 

And  riht  thus  on  my  legende  ga?me  I  make 


.  Inctptt *  iesenfca .  Cleopatrge , 

AFter  the  deetfi  off  Tholome  the  kyng  580 

That  alle  Egipte  hadde  in  his  governyng 
Regned*  his  Quene  Cleopataras 
Tyl  on  a  tyme  byfelle  there  suche  a  caas 
That  out  off  Rome  was  sent  a  senatour  584 

Forto  conquere  Regnes  and  honour  [leaf  2,  back] 

Vnto  the  tovne  off  Rome  as  was  vsa?/nce 
To  haue  the  world  e  at  theyre  obeyssawnce 
And  sothe  to  seyne  Antoniws  was  his  name  588 

So  felle  yt  as  Fortune  hym  oufit  a  shame 
whawne  he  was  Fallen  in  prosperyte 
Rebelle  vnto  the  tovne  off  Rome  was  he 
And  over  alle  this  the  sustre  off  Cesar  592 

He  leffte  hire  Falsly  er  she  was  war 
And  wolde  algatys  haue  a  nother  wyff 
For  which  he  toke  with  Rome  and  Cesar  stryff 

ADDIT.   28,017 


PAR. -TEXT    284-285 
LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADD1T.  MS.  28,617.         137 

Natheles  For  sothe  this  ylke  senatour  596 

was  a  Futt  worthy  werreour 

And  off  his  deeth"  hit  was  FuH  grete  damage 

But  love  hadd?  brouht  this  man  in  such"  a  Eage 

And  hym  so  narwe  bounden  in  his  laas  600 

For  the  love  off  Cleopataras 

That  alle  the  worlde  he  sette  at  no  value 

Hym  thoufit  ther  was  no  thing  to  hym  so  due 

As  Cleopataras  Forto  love  and  serve  604 

Hym  rouBt  nouht  in  Armys  Forto  sterve 

In  the  defence  off  hire  and  off  hire  Rifrt 

This  noble  queue  loved!  so  this  knyht 

Thurh"  his  deserte  and  his  Chiualrye  608 

As  certeynly  but  yiff  that  bookes  lye 

He  was  off  persone  and  off  gentyllesse  610 

[4  leaves  gone  Jtere.] 


ADDIT.  28,617 


138 
[4  leaves  out  of  the  Addit.  MS.  28,617,  British  Museum.] 


PAR. -TEXT    290-291 
LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ATS.  F/.  1.  6,  CAMS.         139 


[II.] 

[THE  LEGEND  OF  THISBE.] 
[MS.  Ff.  1.  6  (paper),  University  Library,  Cambridge.] 

A      t  babilone  whilom)  fil  it  fus  [leafei] 

the  wych"  towne  the  quene  Semirairms 
Let  dychene  ali  a-boute  &  waHys  make  708 

FuH  hey  of  arde  /  tylys  wele  y-bake 
There  were  dwellyng*  yn  f  is  nobuH  townc 
Towe  lordys  wych"  fat  were  of  grett  renow[re]e 
And  woned?  fo  ny  on  a  grene  712 

That  f  er  nas  but  a  ston)  whaH  hym)  be-twene 

As  Oft1  in  grett  tOWnyS  yS  f e  WOn)  [>  ft  and  at  are  the  same] 

And?  soth"  to  seyne  that  one  mare  had'  a  son) 

Of  aft  fat  londe  one  of  the  lysteys[t]e  716 

That  oudur  had?  a  dowtwr  the  feyrest 

That  estwhard?  in  f "  worlde  whas  f°  dwellyng1 

The  name  of  eyuerych"  gane  to  ondur  spryng1 

Be  wemera  fat  were  neyghburys  a-bowte  720 

For  in  fat  contre  hit  J>8  out  of  dowte 

Meydyns  ben)  y-kepet  for  lalouse 

FuH  stryte  leyst  any  downe  sum  foyly 

fis  yong1  mare  whas  callyd'  peyramws  724 

Thesbe  het  fe  meydon)  Naso  seyth"  fus 

And1  Jms  be  report  whas  hur  name  y-schoue 

That  as  fey  wex  yn)  age  wax  here  luffe 

And1  Serteyne  as  be  reson)  of  here  age  728 

The  mygh"t  haue  ben)  be-twex  hem  maryage 

But  fat  here  fadurs  nold*  not  it  sent 

And?  bovvth"  in  luffe  y-lych"  sore  fey  brent 

That  none  of  aH  here  frendys  mygh"t  hyt  lett    [ifw.bk]    732 

And*  preuely  some  tyme  fat  fey  mette 

CAMS.   Ff.   1.   6 


292-293    PAR.-TEXT 

140        LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.       MS.  ff.   1.  6,  CAMB. 

Be  slyetfe  &  spekene  some  of  here  dyseyre 

As  owre  the  glede  attur  f*  feyre 

For-bede  a  luflfe  &  it  tene  so  wode  736 

This  waH  wych"  fat  be-twex  hym)  both"  stode 

Whas  clouen)  a  tow  ryght  fro  f e  cope  a  down 

Of  olde  tymys  *  of  his  fundacion) 

But  fat  fis  clyfte  was  so  narowe  &  lyte  740 

Hit  was  noyght  a  seyndyr  noygftt  a  myte 

But  wat  f 9  fat  luffe  can)  noyght  a-speye 

The  lufferys  towe  yf  fat  I  shall  not  ley 

The  funden)  fyrst  fis  lyteH  narowe  clyfte  744 

And1  wtt7i  a  sowne  as  softe  as  any  schryft 

The  lett  here  wordys  thoro  fe  clyft  passe 

And!  tolden)  wyH  fat  fey  stoden)  in  the  plase 

Here  compleynt  of  luflfe  and*  here  woo  748 

And1  euery  tyme  when)  fey  dorst  so 

Yp-one  fat  on)  syde  of  fat  whaH  stode  he 

And!  on  fat  oudwr  syde  stode  tesby 

The  swette  sowne  of  oudwr  to  reyseue  752 

An:J  fus  here  whardeyns  wold*  fey  dysseyue 

AnrP  euery  day  this  whatt  wolcf  fey  threte 

And'  wyssch"  to  goo?  hit  were  done  bete 

Thus  wold!  fey  seyne  a  las  fow  wykkyd?  whaH  756 

Thurgli  thyne  envye  towe  lestest  vs  aH 

"Why  nylt  fou  cleue  or  fallone  a  downe  [leaf  es,  back] 

Or  at  the  lest  but  fou  woldust  so 

Yet  woldest  but  onus  lat  vs  mete  760 

Or  onus  fat  we  myght  kysson)  swe^ 

Than  were  we  couered?  of  owre  cams  colde 

But  naytheles  yet  be  we  to  f e  holde 

In  as  mych  as  fou  stifferest  for  to  gone  764 

On  re  wordus  thurgh~t  fi  lyme  &  eyke  fy  stone 

Yet  are  we  wit/i  fe  weH;  apayde 

And  when)  f  is  yduH  wordus  were  seyde 

The  colde  whaH  fey  wold!  kysse  of  stone  768 

And*  take  here  leyue  &  forthe  fey  wolden)  gone 

CAMB.  Ff.    1.   6 


PAR. -TEXT    294-295 
LEGEND    OF   GOOD   WOMEN.       MS.  ff.  1.  6,  CAMB.        141 

And!  f  is  whas  gladly  in  f  e  euenen)  tyde 

Or  wondur  erly  leyst  mew  hit  a-spyde 

And?  long  tyme  fey  wrowte  in  fis  manere  772 

Tyl  on)  a  day  whan)  phebus  gane  to  clere 

Aurora  wyth"  f  e  stremws  of  his  hete 

Had?  dryude  vp  f  e  dewe  of  erbus  swete 

Vn-to  fis  clyft  as  hit  whas  won)  to  be  776 

Come  pyramws  &  aftwr  come  tesbe 

And1  plyghton)  trowthe  fully  in  fey 

fat  ylke  same  nyght  to  stelone  a  wey 

And?  to  be-geyle  here  whardeyns  euerychona  780 

And'  forth"  out  of  f  e  Syte  for  to  gone 

And?  for  f  e  feldus  bene  so  browde  &  wyde 

For  to  mete  in  a  plase  at  o  tyde 

fey  sett  merke  here  metyng1  schuld?  be       [leaf  65,  back]       784 

There  kyng*  nynus  whas  grauene  vndur  a  tre 

For  olde  penyms  fat  Idoles  heried? 

Vsen  tho  in  feldus  to  ben  bered? 

And?  fast  be  f is  geyne  whas  a  weH  788 

And?  schorthly  of  fis  tale  to  teli 

J?i9  conant  was  a-fermed?  wondur  fast 

And?  long1  hyin)  thowght  fat  J)e  sone  last 

J?at  hit  nere  gone  vndur  Jje  goyng1  down  792 

Thys  tesby  hath  so  grett  affecciotm 

And'  so  grett  hast  piram?<s  to  se 

That  wen)  sche  myght  see  here  tyme  myght  be 

Att  nyght  sche  stale  a  wey  preuyly  796 

Wytfi  here  fase  wympuld?  Sothly 

Alle  here  frendus  for  to  saue  here  thawght  trwthe 

Sche  asse  for-sake  &  fat  f!s  rewth" 

That  euer  womraan  wold1  be  so  trewe  800 

To  tryst  a  maw  but  sche  hyin)  loettur  knewe 

And'  to  the  tre  sche  gose  a  fuH  good?  pase 

For  loue  made  hyr  so  ardy  in  fat  case 

And'  be  fat  wett  a  downe  can)  sche  hyr  a-dresse  804 

Alas  tho  come  a  wylde  lyones 

CAMB.  Ff.    1.  6 


296-297    PAH. -TEXT 

142         LEGEND   OP   GOOD    WOMEN.      ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.  : 

[Additional  MS.  28,617,  British  Museum.] 

To  drynken  off  the  welle  there  she  satte  [leaf  3]      808 

And  wha?ine  that  Tesbe  hadde  espyed!  thatte 

She  roos  witli  a  drery  herte 

And  in  a  kave  with"  dredefuH  Foot  she  sterte 

For  by  the  Mone  she  sawe  yt  weH  with"  alle  812 

And  as  she  rarme  hire  wymple  lette  she  Falle 

And  tooke  noon  hede  so  sore  she  was  awhaped? 

And  eke  For  gladde  that  she  was  escaped! 

And  thus  she  sytteth"  and  derkyth"  wondre  sty  lie  816 

whanrce  that  this  lyonesse  hadde  dronke  hire  Fylle 

Aboute  the  welle  gawne  she  Forto  wende 

And  riht  anooii  the  wymple  ga?me  she  Fynde 

And  with"  hire  blody  mouthe  yt  att  to-Eente  820 

whanne  this  was  done  no  lengere  wolde  she  stente 

But  to  the  wodde  hire  way  thawne  hath"  she  nome 

And  at  the  laste  this  Pyramus  ys  kome 

But  aH  to  longe  at  home  alias  was  he  824 

The  Mone  shone  And  he  myht  weH  se 

And  in  his  way  as  that  he  kome  FuH  Faste 

Hys  eyen  to  the  grownde  a  dovne  he  caste 

And  in  the  sonde  as  he  byhelde  adovii)  828 

He  seye  the  steppes  broode  off  a  lyo?m 

And  in  his  herte  he  sodeynly  agroos 

And  pale  he  wex  and  ther  with"  his  heere  aroos 

And  nere  he  kome  and  Fourcde  the  wymple  torn)  832 

Alias  quod  he  the  day  that  I  was  born)  (leaf  s.  back] 

This  oon  nyht  wole  vs  lovers  bothe  slee 

How  shulde  I  aske  mercy  off  Tesbee 

whamze  I  am  he  that  haue  yow  slayne  Alias  836 

My  hydynge  hath  yow  slayne  in  this  caas 

Alias  to  bydde  A  wowman  goon  be  nyfit 

In  place  where  as  perylle  Fallen  myht 

And  I  so  slowe  alias  I  ne  hadde  be  840 

Here  in  this  place  a  Furlonge  way  or  ye 

ADDIT.   38,617 


PAR. -TEXT    296-297 
LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.       MS.  F/.  1.  6,  CAMS.        143 

Out  of  f  wode  wyth  out  more  a  rest 
Wyth  bloudy  mowth  of  stranglyng4  of  a  best 
To  drynkene  of  ]>°  weH  \er  as  sche  aste1        \}»ate}          308 
And'  when)  fat  tesby  had*  a-spyde  that 
Sche  rose  vp  wyth"  a  drewri  hert 
And?  in  a  caue  wyth"  drydfuH  foot  sche  sterte 
For  be  fe  mone  sche  sey  hit  welle  wytA  aH  812 

And'  as  sche  rane  here  wymputt  lett  sche  fatt 
And*  toke  no  hed?  so  sore  sche  whas  a-wapede 
And'  eyke  for  glad?  fat  sche  whas  esc-aped? 
And'  fus  sche  setthe  &  erkyth  wondur  steH  816 

When)  f  is  lyones  had?  drenkyne  here  feH 
A-boute  f  o  weH  gan)  sche  for  to  wend' 
And  ryght  a-none  fe  wympuH  gan)  sche  fynd? 
And?  wyth  here  bloudy  mouth  hit  aH  to-rent  820 

Whan)  f  is  was  done  no  lenger  sche  ne  stent 
But  to  fo  wode  here  wey  then)  hath  sche  nome 
And'  at  f  °  last  f  is  pyramws  ys  come 

But  aH  to  long1  alias  at  home  whas  he  824 

The  mone  schone  &  he  myght  wele  y-see 
And'  be  hys  wey  as  he  come  fuH  fast 
Hys  eyen)  a  downe  to  the  erth  he  cast 
And?  in  J>e  sonde  as  he  be-helde  a  downe  828 

He  saye  J>°  steppus  broude  of  a  lyon) 
And'  in  hys  hert  sodenly  he  a-grose 
And1  pale  he  wex  fe?--wyth  hys  here  a-rose 
And?  nere  he  come  &  fonde  jf  wymputt  tome  832 

Alias  quod?  he  the  day  fat  I  whas  borne 
Thys  o  nyght  wold'  vs  louers  bothe  slee 
How  schuld?  I  aske  mercy  of  you'  tesby 
Whan)  I  am)  he  fat  hath  you'  slayn)  alias  836 

My  bydyng1  hath  you'  slayne  in  f i8  case 
Alias  to  byddone  a  woma?i  go  be  nyght 
In  plase  f er  as  pereli  fallen  myght 

And?  I  so  slou1  alias  I  had*  ne  be  [leaf  ee,  back]  840 

Here  in  f is  plas  a  furlong1  wey  or  sche 
CAMB.  rf.  i.  6 


298-299    PAR. -TEXT 

144        LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

Now  what  Lyoun  that  be  in  this  Foreste 

My  body  mot  hem  rente  or  what  beeste 

That  wylde  ys  gnawen  mote  he  myn  herte  844 

And  with"  that  worde  he  to  the  wymple  sterte 

And  kyste  yt  offte  and  wepte  on  yt  Futi  sore 

And  seyde  wymple  alias  there  is  na  mare 

But  thow  shalt  Fele  as  well  the  bloode  off  me  848 

As  thow  haste  Felte  the  bledynge  off  Tesbe 

And  with"  that  worde  he  smote  hym  to  the  herte 

The  bloode  out  off  the  wounde  as  broode  sterte 

As  water  whamae  the  conduyt  brokyn  ys  852 

Now  Tesbe  which"  that  wyst  nat  off  this 

But  syttyng  in  here  drede  she  thount  thus 

Yiff  hit  so  Falle  that  my  Pyramus 

Be  komen  hedir  and  may  me  nat  Fynde  856 

He  may  me  holde  Fals  and  eke  vnkynde 

And  oute  she  komyth"  and  affter  hym  gan  espyen 

Bothe  with"  hire  herte  and  with"  hire  eyen  [leaf*] 

And  thouht  I  wolle  hym  tellen  off  my  drede  860 

Bothe  off  the  Lyonesse  and  alle  my  dede 

And  at  the  last  hire  lyeff  thanrce  hath"  she  Fownde 

Betynge  his  heeles  vpon  the  grounde 

Al  blody  and  ther  with  aH  abak  she  sterte  864 

And  lyke  the  wawes  quappe  ga?me  hire  herte 

And  pale  as  Box  she  was  in  a  throwe 

Avysed!  hire  and  gan  hym  weH  to  knowe 

That  hit  was  Pyramus  hire  herte  dere  868 

Who  kouthe  wryte  swych"  a  dedly  Chere 

Hath  Tesbe  now  and  how  here  heere  she  Rent 

And  how  she  gawne  hire  sylff  to  turmente 

And  how  she  lyeth"  an  swowneth"  on  the  gromide  872 

And  how  she  wepte  off  Teeres  Fulle  his  wownde 

And  medlyth"  she  his  bloode  with  his  compleynt 

How  with  his  bloode  hire  selff  ganne  she  peynt 

How  clippeth"  she  the  deede  corps  alias  876 

How  doth  this  wofuH  Tesbe  in  this  caas 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR.-TEXT    298-299 
LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.       MS.  Ff.   1.   6,  CAMS.     .  145 

Nowe  what  lion)  fat  be  in  fis  forest 

My  body  mote  rent  or  what  best 

That  wyld?  fis  gnawen)  mut  my  hert  844 

And?  -wyth  fat  word?  he  to  f e  wympuH  starte 

And?  kyst  it  oft  &  weppet  on)  it  fuH  sore 

And?  sayd?  wympuH  alias  \er  is  nomore 

But  f  ou  shali  fele  as  well  f°  bloude  of  me  848 

As  f  ou  as  felcJ  f°  blod?  of  tesby 

And?  wyth  fat  word1  he  smet  hym)  to  f e  hert 

The  bloude  out  of  f e  wond?  as  brod?  start 

As  watwr  wan)  fat  fe  condyth"  broken)  fis  852 

Nowe  tesby  wycfi  wyst  no  thyng1  of  fis 

But  settyng1  in  here  drede  sche  thuth"  f  us 

Yf  it  so  faH  fat  my  none  pyramws 

be  comon)  hiddwr  &  may  me  not  fynd?  856 

He  may  hold?  me  false  &  eke  on)-kynd? 

And1  out  sche  comthe  &  aftur  hym)  sche  can)  aspye 

BotB  wyth  hyr  hert  &  eke  wyt^  hyr  ee 

And?  thought  I  wyH  hym)  teH  of  aH  my  drede  860 

Both"  of  f e  lyones  &  aH  my  dede 

And2  at  f°  last  here  luffe  fere  as  sche  fond? 

Betyng1  vryih  his  helys  vnto  f  e  grond? 

AH  blody  &  fer-wyth"  a-bakke  sche  sterte  864 

And?  lyke  f  o  quays  quakyng1  here  hert 

And1  pale  as  box  sche  was  in  a  throwe 

A-vysed!  here  &  gan)  hym  wele  to  knowe 

That  it  was  peramws  here  hert  dere  [leaf  67]  868 

Woo  cowde  wryte  wych"  a  dely  schere 

Hath"  tesby  nowe  &  howe  her  here  sche  rent 

And1  howe  sche  gan)  here  seluen)  to  terment 

And1  houe  sche  lyth"  &  suownyth"  on)  fe  grond1  872 

And?  howe  sche  weppet  of  teres  fuH  hys  wond1 

And8  medulth  sche  his  blode  vry\,h  here  complynt 

How  wyth  his  bloude  here  selue  gane  sche  paynt 

Howe  klepet  sche  fe  dede  corse  alias  876- 

Houe  doth"  fis  wofuH  tesby  in  this  case 

CAMB.  Ff.   1.  6 
ODD    TEXTS.  10 


300-301    PAR.-TEXT 

146         LEGEND    OP   GOOD   WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

How  kysseth"  she  his  Frosty  mouthe  so  colde 
Who  hath"  don)  this  and  who  hath"  ben  so  bolde 
To  sleen  my  lyeff  /  0  speke  my  Pyramus  880 

I  am  thy  Tesbe  that  the  callyth  thus 
And  ther  with  aH  she  lyffted!  vp  his  heede 
This  wofuli  man  that  Fully  was  nat  deede 
On  hire  he  caste  his  hevy  deedly  eye  884 

Whan  we  that  he  herde  the  name  off  Tesbe  crye      Deaf*,  back] 
And  dovn)  ageyn  and  yeldith"  vp  the  goost 
Tesbe  rysith  vp  with"  oute  noyse  or  boost 
And  sauh  hire  wymple  and  his  empty  seetft  888 

And  eke  his  swerde  that  hym  hath  done  to  deeth" 
Tha?me  spak  she  thus  thy  wofuH  hande  qwod  she 
Is  stronge  ynouh  in  swich  a  werke  to  me 
For  love  shaH  yeve  me  strenth  and  hardy nesse  892 

To  make  my  wounde  large  ynouh  y  gesse 
I  wole  the  Folwen  deede  and  I  wole  be 
Felawe  and  cause  eke  off  thy  deeth  qwod  she 
And  thow  that  no  thyng  save  the  deeth"  only  896 

Miht  the  Fro  me  departe  trewly 
Thow  shalt  no  more  now  departe  Fro  me 
Tharene  Fro  the  deeth  For  I  wole  goo  with"  the 
And  now  yee  wrecched?  lelous  Fadres  oure  900 

We  that  whylom  wern  children  youre 
We  pray  yow  that  with  outen  more  envye 
That  in  oone  grave  we  moten  lye 

Syn  love  hath  brouht  vs  to  this  pitous  ende  904 

As  Eihtwyse  god  to  euery  lover  sende 
That  lovyth  trewly  more  prosperyte 
Tha/me  euere  hadde  Pyramus  and  Tesbe 
And  latte  no  gentyl  womman  hire  assure  908 

To  putten  hire  in  suche  an  aventure 
But  god  Forbede  but  yiff  a  woman  kan 
Ben  as  trewe  and  lovynge  as  a  Man 

And  For  my  part  I  shaH  anoon  yt  kythe  Deaf  51      912 

And  with  that  worde  his  swerde  she  toke  as  swythe 
ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    300-301 
LEGEND   OF   GOOD   WOMEN.       MS.  F/.  I.   6,  CAMS.        147 

Howe  kyssethe  sche  his  fursty  mowtfr  so  colde 

Howe  hath  done  f  is  &  hath  bene  so  bolde 

To  slene  my  loufe  o  speke  my  pyramws  880 

I  am  f '  tesby  fat  f  e  calluth  f  us 

And?  f  er-wyt/i-aH:  sche  lyftud!  vp  his  hed? 

J)is  wofuli  man  fat  was  not  fully  dede 

Wen)  he  herd?  f°  name  of  tesby  crye  884 

On  here  he  cast  his  hone  dely  ey 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Tesbe  ryseth"  wyth-outon)  noyse  or  bost 

And?  her  wympuH  &  hes  emty  schethe  888 

And1  eke  his  sword?  fat  hath"  him)  done  to  dethe 

jpan)  spake  sche  f  us  my  wofuH  hand!  quod  sche 

His  strong1 1-noght  in  sycfi  a  werke  to  me 

For  luffe  shaH  gyffe  strynth  &  hardynes  892 

To  make  my  wond?  large  e-nogh"t  I  gesse 

I  wyH  f  e  foloue  dede  &  I  wyH  be 

Feloue  &  case  eke  of  thy  deth"  quod  sche 

And?  fan  fat  nothyng1  saue  deth  only  96 

Myght  the  fro  me  part  truly 

[ line  out  of  the  MS.] 

Than  fro  f°  deth  for  I  wiH  go  wyth  the  [leaf  67,  back] 

And?  now  the  wrycchyd?  lalous  fadurs  owrs  900 

We  fat  were  whylomws  we  chyldren  your1 

We  prayn  you'  wy^,-outon)  moreenuye 

fat  in  one  graue  we  motton)  both  lye 

Syn  loufe  hath  browt  vs  to  fis  petiws  ende  904 

And1  ryghtfuH  god  to  euery  louere  send? 

That  louethe  truly  more  prosperyte 

Than  euer  had'  pyram?/s  &  tesby 

And?  let  no  gentelwomarc  hyre  assure  908 

To  putton)  hyre  in  sych  auenture 

But  god  for-bede  but  a  womaw  kane 

.Be  as  trewe  &  louyng4  as  a  man 

And1  for  my  parte  y  shaH  a-norc  hit  ryght  912 

And?  w?/t7i  fat  word?  his  swerde  sche  toke  as  syutho 

CAMS.  Ff.   ]..   6 


302-303    PAR. -TEXT 

148        LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617, 

That  wanne  was  off  hire  lovis  bloode  and  hoote 

And  to  the  herte  she  hire  syluen  smote 

And  thus  ys  Tesbe  and  Pyramus  agoo  916 

Off  trewe  men  I  Fynde  but  Fewe  moo 

In  alle  my  bookes  sauff  this  Pyramus 

And  therfore  have  I  spokyn  off  hym  thus 

For  yt  ys  deynte  to  vs  Men  to  Fynde  920 

A  man  that  kan  in  love  be  trewe  and  kynde 

Heer  may  he  seen  what  lover  that  hem  be 

A  woman  darre  and  kan  love  as  well  as  he 


[m.] 
Jhmpit .  legafta  /  JBtoom* .  Cartagte  *  Eegtne  J 

GLorye  and  Honour  Yirgyl  Mantean  924 

Bere  thy  name  and  I  shaH  as  I  kan 
Folwe  thy  lanterne  as  thow  goost  byforn) 
How  Eneas  was  to  Dydo  Forsworn) 

In  thyne  eneyde  And  naso  wole  I  take  928 

The  tenoure  and  the  grete  effectes  make 
Whawne  Troye  broufet  was  to  the  destrucctown      [leaf  s,  back] 
By  Grekes  sleyfit  and  namly  by  Synown 
Feynyng1  the  hors  offred!  vnto  Mynerwe  932 

Thurh  which"  many  a  Troian  must  sterve 
And  Ector  hadde  affter  his  deetfi  appiered? 
And  Fyre  so  woode  yt  myfit  nat  ben  stiered! 
In  alle  the  noble  Toure  off  ylyown  936 

That  off  the  Citee  was  the  Chieff  dongown 
And  alle  the  Cuntre  was  so  lowe  ybroufit 
And  Pyramus  the  kyng  Fordon  and  noufit 
And  Eneas  was  Charged1  by  Venus  940 

To  Fleen  away  /  he  toke  Ascanius 
That  was  his  so/me  in  his  ri&t  hande  and  Fledde 
And  on  his  bak  he  bare  and  with"  hym  ledde 
ADDIT.  -28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    302-303 
LEGEND  OF  GOOD  WOMEN.    CAMB.  Ff.  1.  6;   &  RAWL.  C.  86.     149 

That  warme  was  of  hyr  luffys  blode  &  hote 

And!  to  J>°  herte  sche  hyr  sylfe  smotte 

And*  Jms  his  pyranms  &  tesbe  a  go  916 

Of  so  trewe  men)  I  fynd?  but  fewe  mo 

In  aH  my  bokys  saue  fis  pyramws 

And!  )>er-fore  I  haue  spoken)  of  hym)  Jms 

For  hit  is  dente  of  syche  men  to  fynd4  920 

A  man  J>at  gan)  in  luffe  be  trewe  &  kynd? 

Here  may  30  seen)  whate  louere  so  he  be 

A  woman  dar  &  kan)  as  wele  as  he 

Explicit  Pyramws  &  tesbe 

Nomew  scriptoris  nicholaus  plenus  amoris. 

[III.] 
[Rawl.  MS.  G.  86,  leaf  113  ;  paper:  late  \Wi  cent.] 

the  complaynte  of  Dido        [*»  « later  *a»<rj 

Glorie  and  honowre  VirgiH  Mantuain  /  Lidgate. 

Bere  thi  name  &  I  shali  as  I  can) 
Folow  thi  laten)  as  thoii  goist  beforn)  / 
How  Enyas  was  to  Dido  for-Swron)  (sic)  / 
In  thi  Supporte  ovide  &  naso  wiH  I  take  /  928 

The  tenour*  and  the  grete  effecte  make  / 
When)  troy  was  brought  to  distraction)  / 
By  grekys  slyght  &  namely  by  Synon  / 
Feinyd*  the  horse  offird?  vnto  Manerve  /  932 

Throw  whiche  many  a  Trogian)  dide  stryve  / 
And  Ector  had  after  his  Deith"  append'  / 
And  a  fire  so  wode  it  niyght  not  be  sterid?  / 
In  alle  the  nobiH  toure  of1  Ilion)  [leaf  us,  back;  936 

That  of*  the  Citie  was  the  Cheyf1  Dungeon)  / 
And  aH  the  Contrey  was  so  low  I-brought  / 
And  PiramMs  the  kyng  brought  to  nougfrt  / 
And  eneas  was  chargid?  by  Venus  /  940 

To  fleyn)  awey  he  toke  askaneus 
That  was  his  sone  in  his  right  hande  &  fledde  / 
And  on)  his  bake  he  bare  &  forth  he  ledde  / 

CAMB.  Ff.  1.   6;    &    RAWL.  0.  80 


304-305  PAB.-TEXT 

150    LEGEND  OP  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

His  olde  Fadir  cleped1  Ancliises  944 

And  by  the  way  his  wyff  Creusa  he  lees 

And  mekyl  sorwe  hadde  he  in  his  mynde 

Or  that  he  kouth"  his  Felysshipe  Fynde 

But  at  laste  whawne  he  hadde  hem  Founde  948 

He  made  hym  redy  in  a  certeyn  stounde 

And  to  the  see  he  gan  hym  FuH  Fast  hye 

And  sayllith"  Forth"  with"  alle  his  companye 

Towardes  ytaylle  as  wolde  his  destynee  952 

But  off  his  aventures  in  the  see 

Ne  nys  nat  to  purpos  Forto  speken  off  here 

For  hit  accordyth"  nat  to  this  matere  Deaf  6] 

But  as  I  seyde  off  hym  and  off  Dydo  956 

ShaH:  be  my  Tale  that  I  have  y-do 

So  longe  he  sayllect  in  the  Salte  See 

Tyl  in  Lybye  vnneth"  arryved!  he 

With  shippes  seven  and  no  more  navye  960 

And  gladde  was  he  to  londe  Forto  hye 

So  was  he  with  the  Tempest  al  to-shake 

And  whanwe  that  he  the  haven  hadde  ytake 

He  hadde  a  knyht  was  called?  Acchates  964 

And  hym  off  alle  his  Felysshipe  he  chees 

To  goon  with  hym  the  cuntre  For  tespye 

He  toke  with  hym  no  more  Companye 

But  Forth  they  goon  and  leffte  the  Shippes  Kyde          968 

Hys  Feer  and  he  with  outen  eny  guyde 

So  longe  he  walkyth  in  this  wyldernesse 

Tyl  at  the  laste  he  mette  an  hunteresse 

A  Bowe  in  hande  and  Arwes  hadde  she  972 

Hire  clothes  wern  kutted?  to  the  kne 

But  she  was  yitt  the  Feyrest  creature 

That  euere  was  Fourmed?  by  nature 

And  Eneas  and  Acchates  she  grette  976 

And  thus  she  to  hem  spak  as  she  hem  mette 

Sawe  yee  quod  she  as  yee  haue  walked?  wyde 

Eny  off  my  sustren  walke  yow  bysyde 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    304-305 
LEGEND    OP    GOOD    WOMEN.       MS.  11AWL.  C.  86.  151 

His  olcJ  fader  /  CaUid?  Anchises  /  944 

And  by  the  wey  his  wiff*  Crusa  he  leese 

And  Much"  sorow  had  he  in  his  mynde  / 

Or  that  he  Coude  his  felishippe  fynde  / 

But  at  the  last  when)  he  had*  them  founde  /  948 

He  made  hym)  redy  on)  a  Certeyn)  stovnde  / 

And  to  the  see  he  Covde  hym)  fast  hye  / 

And  saillyd1  forth"  with  aft  hys  Company  / 

Toward!  ItayU  as  was  his  destine  /  952 

But  his  auenture  on)  the  see  / 

Is  not  to  purpos  to  sepke  (sic)  of*  here 

for  it  acordith"  nat  to  my  Matiere  / 

But  as  I  said*  of  hym)  and  of1  Dido  /  956 

Er  I  go  ferther  and  or  I  haue  adoo  / 

So  longe  he  sailid?  in  the  salt  see  / 

TiH  at  libie  vnnetfi  arivitn"  he  / 

With  Shippes  viijne  &  with  no  more  nave  /  960 

And  glade  was  he  to  lond  forto  hye  / 

So  was  he  with  tempest  at  to  shake  / 
And  when)  that  he  the  hauyn)  had1  I-take  / 

He  had?  a  .  kyng&t  (sic)  that  was  Callid?  Achates  964 

And  hym)  of*  aft  his  felishipe  he  chees 

To  goo  with  hym)  &  this  land1  forto  aspie  / 

He  toke  with  hym)  no  more  Company  / 

But  forth"  they  gone  &  leten)  the  shippes  ride  /  968 

His  fere  and  he  wM-outyn)  eny  gyde  / 

So  long  he  walkyth"  yn  the  wildernesse  / 

That  at  the  last  thej  mete  an)  hunteresse  / 

A  .  Bow  in  hamJ  &  arowes  had  she  /  [leaf  iu]          972 

Her  Clothes  Com)  to  hiij  kney  / 

But  she  was  yet  the  fayrest  creature  / 

That  euer  was  maide  by  nature  / 

Eneas  and  achates  she  grett  976 

And  thus  to  them)  spake  as  she  them)  mete  / 

Sawe  ye  as  ye  walkyd?  wyde 

Any  of1  my  sistres  walkyng  you  by-side  / 
BAWL.  c.  86 


306-307  PAR.-TEXT 

152    LEGEND  OF  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

"With"  eny  wylde  Boor  or  other  Beeste  [leaf  e,  back]     980 

That  they  haue  hunted!  in  the  Foreste 

I-tukked?  vpe  with"  Arwes  in  theyr*  Caas 

Nay  sothely  lady  quod?  this  Eneas 

But  be  thy  beaute  as  thenkytfi  me  984 

Thow  myttest  neuere  erthely  woraman  be 

But  Phebus  suster  artow  as  I  gesse 

And  yiff  so  be  thow  be  a  goddesse 

Haue  mercy  on  oure  labour  and  on  cure  woo  988 

I  nam  no  goddesse  sothely  quod  she  thoo 

Tor  maydens  walken  in  this  Cuntre  heere 

With"  Arwes  and  with"  Bowe  in  this  manere 

This  ys  the  Regne  off  Lybye  there  yee  bene  992 

Off  which"  ys  Dydo  lady  and  quene 

And  shortly  tolde  hym  alle  thoccaczouw 

why  Dydo  kome  in  to  that  Eegioun 

Off  which"  as  now  me  lyst  nat  to  Ryme  996 

Hyt  nedyth  nat  yt  nere  but  losse  off  tyme 

For  this  ys  alle  and  somme  yt  was  Venus 

Hys  owne  Moder  that  spak  with  hym  thus 

And  to  Cartage  she  badde  he  shulde  hym  dyfit  1000 

And  vanysshed?  anoon  oute  off  his  syfrt 

I  kouthe  Folwe  worde  For  worde  virgil 

But  yt  shulde  lasten  al  to  longe  whil 

This  noble  quene  that  cleped?  was  Dydo  1004 

That  whilom  was  the  wyff  off  Scytheo 

That  Fayrer  was  thawne  the  briRt  sonne  Deaf  7] 

This  noble  tovn)  off  Cartage  hath"  begonne 

In  which"  she  Eegneth  in  so  grete  honour  1008 

That  she  was  holde  off  alle  quenes  the  Flour 

Of  gentyllesse  of  Fredam  of  beaute 

That  weH  was  hym  that  myfit  hire  onys  se 

Off  kynges  and  off  lordes  so  desired?  1012 

That  alle  the  worlde  hire  beaute  hatfi  yffyredl 

She  stode  so  weH  in  euery  wyhtes  grace 

Whawne  Eneas  was  komen  to  that  place 

ADDIT.   28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    306-307 
LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.       MS.  BAWL.  C.  86.  153 

Whit  any  wild1  Bore  ar  any  wyld?  best  /  980 

That  they  haue  huntyd?  in  this  forest  / 
I-tuckyd?  vp  with  arows  in  a  case 
Nay  sothely  lady  quod  Eneas  / 

But  "by  thy  beaute  as  thynkyth  me  /  984 

Thou  Mig&est  neuer  erly  woman)  be  / 
But  phebus  sustre  thow  art  I  gesse  / 
Or  ellys  I  trowe  thow  art  a  goddesse  / 
Haue  mercy  on)  oure  laboure  &  woo  /  988 

I  am)  no  goddesse  sothely  quod  she  thoo  / 
For  Maydeyns  walkyn)  in  this  Contrey  here  / 
"With  aroweys  and  with  Bowes  In  this  manere  / 
This  ys  the  Eegion)  of1  libie  /  ther  ye  bene  /  992 

Of1  Dido  ys  a  lady  and  a  quene 
And  shortely  she  told?  them)  the  occasion) 
Why  Dydo  com)  yn-to  that  Eegion)  / 
Of*  whiche  as  now  me  list  not  reyne  /  996 

For  truly  it  were  but  losse  of1  tyrue  / 
For  this  is  all  and  sunne  it  is  Venus 
His  owyn)  moder  that  spake  to  hym)  thus  / 
And  to  Cartage  she  bade  he  shuld?  hym)  dight  /  1000 

And  than)  vanyshyd?  anon)  oute  of1  hys  sight  / 
I  coude  folow  worde  for  worde  Virgile  / 
But  it  shuld?  last  aH  to  longe  a  whyle  / 
This  noble  quene  that  clepid?  was  dido  1004 

That  wiff*  was  whilom)  of1  Citheo  / 

That  sure  was  £7ian)  the  Bright  sonne  /  Oaf  in,  back] 

This  noble  Towne  of  Cartage  hath"  be-gomze 
In  whiche  she  Eeigned?  yn  grette  honoure  /  1008 

And  she  was  holden)  of1  aH  quens  flower 
Of1  gentilnesse  /  fredom)  &  of1  Beuate  (sic) 
Yet  well  was  hym)  that  hir1  myght  ones  see  / 
Of*  kynges  and  of1  lordes  she  was  desyred?  /  1012 

So  that  aH:  the  world?  hir  beuaute  had?  fired?  / 
She  stode  so  weH  /  yn  euery  whyghtes  grace  / 
And  whan)  that  eneas  was  Comen)  to  the  place  / 
BAWL.  c.  86 


308-309    PAR.-TEXT 

154        LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

Vnto  the  maystre  Temple  off  the  tovn)  1016 

Ther  Dydo  was  in  hire  devocion 

FuH  pryvely  his  way  thawne  hath"  he  nome 

Whawne  he  was  in  the  large  Temple  kome 

I  kan  nat  say  yiff  hit  be  possyble  1020 

But  Venus  hadde  made  hym  Invysible 

Thus  seyth  the  book  with"  oute  eny  les 

And  whanne  this  Eneas  and  Acchates 

Hadden  in  this  Temple  ben  ouere  alle  1024 

Thawne  Fonden  they  depeynted?  on  a  walle 

How  Troye  and  alle  the  londe  destroyed!  was 

Alias  that  I  was  born  quo<J  Eneas 

Thurh"  oute  the  worlde  oure  shame  ys  kydf  so  wyde     1028 

Now  yt  ys  peynted?  on  eue>y  syde 

How  we  that  whilom  wem  in  prosperyte 

Ben  now  dysclandred?  and  in  suche  degre  [leaf  7,  back] 

Noo  lenger  Forto  lyve  I  ne  kepe  1032 

And  with  that  worde  he  brast  out  to  wepe 

So  tendirly  that  Eouthe  yt  was  to  seene 

This  Fresshe  lady  off  the  Citee  quene 

Stode  in  the  Temple  in  hire  estate  Realle  1036 

So  Eichely  and  eke  so  Fayre  with"  alle 

So  yonge  so  lusty  with  hire  eyen  glade 

That  yiff  that  god  that  hevene  and  erthe  made 

Wolde  haue  a  love  For  beaute  and  goodnesse  1040 

And  womanhede  and  trouthe  and  semelynesse 

Whome  shulde  he  loven  but  that  lady  swete 

Ther  nys  no  womman  to  hym  halff  so  mete 

Fortune  that  hath  the  worlde  in  governazmce  1044 

Hath  sodeynly  brou&t  Inne  so  newe  a  chawnce 

That  neuere  was  ther  so  Fremde  a  caas 

For  alle  the  company  off  Eneas 

Which  that  he  wende  haue  lorne  in  the  See.  1048 

Arryve(J  ys  nat  Ferr  From  that  Citee 

For  which  the  grettest  off  his  lordes  some 

By  aventure  ben  to  the  citee  kome 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR.-TEXT    308-309 
LEGEND   OF   GOOD   WOMEN.       MS.  RAWL.  C.  86.  155 

Vnto  the  Maister  temple  of1  the  toune  1016 

There  Dido  was  in  hir1  deuocion)  / 

Full  preuely  his  wey  £Aan)  hath"  he  nom)  / 

When)  he  was  In  the  Temple  I-com)  / 

I  can)  not  sey  yf*  it  were  possible  /  1020 

But  that  Venus  had  made  hym)  visible  / 

Thus  saith"  this  boke  /  wM-oute  any  lea  / 

And  when)  thise  Eneas  and  achates  / 

Had  ben)  in  the  Temple  ouer  aH  /  1024 

Then)  founde  they  depeyntid?  on)  a  waH 

How  Troy  and  aH  the  land  distroyd!  was 

Alas  that  he  was  Born)  said*  Eneas  / 

Throw  oute  the  world?  our*  shame  is  knowyn)  so  wyde  / 

Now  is  it  here  peyntyd?  vpon)  Query  syde  /  1029 

"We  thai  wereyn)  in  most  prosperite 

Be  now  disc^awjndred?  &  in  suche  degre    [MS.  discu'dred'] 

No  lenger  for  to  leuyn)  I  ne  kepe  /  1032 

And  whit  thai  werde  anon)  he  gan)  to  wepe  / 

So  tenderly  thai  it  was  routhe  to  see  / 

This  lady  Freshe  &  of1  the  Cetie  quene  / 

Stode  yn  the  Temple  /  in  hir*  estate  riaH  /  1036 

So  richely  &  eke  so  fare  wttft-aH  / 

So  yonge  so  lusty  *wiih  hir1  ei^en)  glade  / 

That  yff1  goode  that  heuyn)  made  / 

"Wolde  haue  a  loue  for  Beaute  and  goodnesse  /  [leaf  iis]  1040 

And  womanhede  trouth"  &  sembines  / 

There  ys  no  woman)  to  hym)  half1  so  mete  / 

Whom)  shuld?  he  haue  but  this  lady  swete  / 

fortune  thai  hath  worlde  in  gouernaunce  /  1044 

hath  sondely  wrouth  so  new  a  chaunce  / 

TAat  neuer  was  thera  a  more  straunge  Case  / 

For  aH  the  Company  of  Eneas  / 

Whiche  he  had  went  to  haue  lorn)  yn  the  see  /  1048 

Arriuyd?  ben)  not  ferr*  from)  thai  Citie  / 

Of*  whiche  the  gretest  of1  his  lordes  sun) 

By  auenture  /  to  the  sam)  Cite  ben)  Com) 
RAWL.  c.  86 


310-311    PAR. -TEXT 

156        LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDI1.  MS.  28,617. 

Vnto  the  same  Temple  Forto  seke  1052 

The  quene  and  off  hire  sokour  to  beseke 

Swych"  Kenown  was  ther  sprongen  off  hire  goodnesse 

And  whanne  they  hadden  tolde  alle  theyre  destresse 

And  alle  theyre  Tempest  and  theyre  harde  caas  1056 

Vnto  the  quene  .thamie  appered!  this  Eneas  [leaf  sj 

And  openly  byknewe  that  yt  was  he 

Who  hadde  loye  thawne  but  his  meyne 

That  hadde  Fouwde  theyr1  lorde  and  governour  1060 

The  quene  sauh"  they  dydde  hym  suche  honour 

And  hadde  herde  affter  off  Eneas  or  tho 

And  in  hire  herte  hadde  Eouthe  and  woo 

That  euere  swich"  a  noble  man  as  he  1064 

Shulde  ben  dysherited*  and  in  suche  degre 

And  sauh  the  man  that  he  was  lyke  a  knyRt 

And  sufficeaunt  off  persone  and  off  myht 

And  lyke  to  ben  a  verrey  gentyl  man  1068 

And  weH  his  wordes  he  be-sette  kan 

And  hadde  a  noble  vysage  For  the  noones 

And  Formed!  weli  off  Brawnes  and  boones 

And  affter  Venus  hadde  he  suche  Fayrenesse  1072 

That  no  man  myfit  be  halff  so  Fayre  I  gesse 

And  weU  a  lorde  he  semyd?  Forto  be 

And  For  he  was  a  straunger  somwhat  she 

lyked1  hym  the  bette  as  god  do  boote  1076 

To  somme  Folke  off  newe  thing  ys  swoote 

Anoon  hire  herte  hath"  pyte  off  his  woo 

And  with  that  pyte  love  kamme  Inne  also 

And  thus  For  pytee  and  For  gentyllesse  1080 

He  moste  be  Keffresshed  off  hys  dystresse  [leaf  s,  back] 

She  sayde  certys  that  she  sory  was 

That  he  hath  hadde  suche  perylle  and  sucfi  caas 

And  in  hire  Frendely  speche  in  this  nianere  1084 

She  to  hym  spak  and  seyde  as  ye  may  here 

Be  nat  ye  Venus  sorane  and  Anchises 

In  goode  Feyth"  alle  the  worshipe  and  encres 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    310-311 
LEGEND    OP   GOOD    WOMEN.       MS.  KAWL.  C.  86.  157 

And  vnto  the  same  Temple  for  to  seche  /  1052 

The  said  quene  and  hir1  socour*  to  seche  / 

Suche  renowyri)  was  spoke  of1  hir*  goodenesse  / 

And  they  had  tolde  aH  thir1  distresses  / 

And  aH  Tempest  &  thir1  harde  Gas  /  1056 

Vnto  the  quene  apperid?  Eneas  / 

And  openly  they  knew  it  was  he  / 

"Who  had  ioie  But  att  his  meyne  / 

That  thei  had  founde  thir1  lorde  &  gouernour*  1060 

The  quen)  Saw  how  they  did  hym)  suche  honour1 

And  had  herd?  of1  Eneas  more  than)  mow 

And  yn  hir>  herte  she  had  than)  rought  &  woo  / 

That  ever  any  suche  a  nobrH:  man)  as  he  /  1064 

Shulde  he  deserite  &  be  in  suche  degree  / 

And  Saw  the  man)  was  like  a  kynght  (sic)  / 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.] 

And  like  to  be  a  very  gentilman)  /  1068 

And  weH  hys  worde  he  be-sett  Can)  / 
And  had  a  nobile  visage  for  the  nones  / 
And  fourmyd?  well  of1  Fleshe  &  bones  / 
And  after  Venus  he  had1  suche  farenesse  /  1072 

That  no  man)  myght  be  so  fare  I  gesse  / 
And  wele  a  lorde  he  semyd  for  to  be  ./  [leaf  115,  back] 

And  for  he  was  straung  sun)  what  she  / 
lykyd?  hym)  the  better1  as  god  doith"  bote  /  1076 

For  to  seme  folke  /  new  aquytaunce  is  swote 
A  none  here  herte  had  a  pece  of  his  woo  / 
"Whit  that  pyte  /  loue  Cam)  In  also  / 

And  thus  for  pite  and  for  genttilnesse  /  1080 

Eefreshe  she  wold  hym)  of*  his  distresse  / 
She  said?  Certys  that  sory  she  was  / 
That  he  had  suche  pereH  and  Gas  / 

And  yn  hir1  frendely  speche  in  this  maner  1084 

She  to  hym)  spake  &  •  said  as  ye  may  here  / 
Be  ye  not  Venus  sone  and  Anchises  / 
In  good  faith  aH  the  worships  &  encres  / 
KAWL.  c.  86 


312-313    PAR.-TEXT 

158        LEGEND    OP   GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

That  I  may  goodely  doofi  yow  ye  shaH  have  1088 

Youre  shippes  and  youre  meyne  shaH  I  save 

And  many  a  gentyl  worde  she  spak  hym  to 

And  komanded!  hire  Messagers  Forto  goo 

The  same  day  with"  oute  Fay  lie  1092 

Hys  shippes  Forto  seke  and  hem  vitaylle 

Full  many  a  beeste  she  to  his  shippes  sent 

And  with"  the  wyn  gawne  hym  present 

And  to  hire  Eealle  paleys  she  hire  spedde  1096 

And  Eneas  al  way  with"  hire  she  ledde 

What  nedyth"  now  the  Feste  to  dyscryve 

He  neuere  better  at  ese  was  in  his  lyve 

FuHe  was  the  Feste  off  deyntes  and  Eichesse  1100 

Of  Instruments  off  songe  and  off  gladnesse 

And  many  an  Amerous  lokynge  and  devys 

This  Eneas  ys  komen  into  Paradys 

Oute  off  the  swolow  off  helle  and  thus  in  loye  1104 

Kemembrith"  hym  off  his  estate  In  Troye 

To  daunsyng1  chamnbres  [catchwords  at  foot] 

[a  leaf  (C  i)  gone  here;  next  leaf  (9,  C  ii)  mostly  gone.] 


ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    312-313 
LEGEND    OF   GOOD   WOMEN.       MS.  RAWL.  G.  86.  159 

That  I  may  do  ye  shall  haue  /  1088 

Youre  shippes  &  your  meyn)  I  shaH  saue  / 
And  Many  a  gentill  worde  she  spake  hym)  to  / 
And  Coramandid  her  Messengres  anon)  to  goo  / 
That  sam)  Day  wttAouten)  fayle  /  1092 

His  shippes  to  seche  to  stuffe  &  to  vitaylle  / 
FuH  Many  a  best  shippes  she  sent 
And  with  the  wyn)  Can)  hem)  present  / 
And  to  hir1  paleys  she  hir*  spede  /  1096 

And  Eneas  allwey  with  hir1  she  lede  / 
What  neditfi  then  the  fest  to  discryve  / 
He  neuer  better  at  ease  was  in  his  lyve 
Full  was  the  fest  of1  Deynte  &  of*  Eichesse  /  1100 

Of1  Instruments  songes  &  gladnesse  / 
And  Many  an)  amerous  &  deuise  / 
And  Eneas  is  in  Comyri)  to  parodise  / 
Owte  of*  the  sorow  of1  helle  to  lioe  (sic)  /  1104 

Ne  remembreth"  hym)  of1  his  estate  in  troy 
To  Daunsynge  Chambres  fuH  of1  paramentes  / 
Of1  riche  Beddis  &  of1  pauementes  leaf  ne] 

This  eneas  is  ledde  after  mete  1108 

And  with  the  quene  whan  he  hade  sete  / 
And  Spices  partidf  &  the  wyn)  a-gone  / 
Into  his  Chamber  he  was  lede  anone 

To  take  his  ease  &  for  to  take  his  reste  /  1112 

With  aft  his  folke  to  don)  what  hym)  lest  / 
There  ne  was  a  Cou[r]sour>  weH  brideH  anone  / 
Ne  stede  for  the  lustis  wel  to  gone  / 

Ne  large  palfrey  esy  for  the  nones  /  1116 

Ne  lueH  forto  ffyH1  of1  riche  stones  /  P  fail  alter*  to  fyii] 

Ne  rubie  none  that  shynyth"  by  nyght 
Ne  Sackes  fuH  of1  gold!  of1  large  wygh"t  / 
Ne  lentyle  hauke  facon)  ne  herone  /  1120 

Ne  hounde  for  herte  or  wilde  dere  / 
Ne  Coupe  of1  golde  with  faire  florins  bet 
That  In  the  lande  of1  libie  mygfit  be  get  / 
BAWL.  c.  86 


314-315    PAR. -TEXT 

160        LEGEND    OP   GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 


Off  whicfi  ther  gan  to  breden  suche  [leaf 9]         1156 

That  sely  Dydo  hatfi  now  swich"  d 
with"  Eneas  hire  newe  geste  to  d 
That  she  hath"  loste  hire  hewe  a 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAB.-TEXT    314-315 
LEGEND   OF    GOOD    WOMEN.      MS.  RAWL.  C.  86.  161 

But  that  Dido  hath"  to  eneas  sent  1124 

AH  eke  is  paide  that  he  hath"  spent  / 

Thus  gafe  this  honorable  quene  her  gyfte*  all  / 

As  she  that  Can)  in  fredom)  passen)  aH 

Eneas  eke  sothely  \n'tA-o uten)  lese  /  1128 

Hathe  sent  to  his  shippe  by  achates  / 

After  his  so?me  &  after  Biche  thinges  / 

Bothe  Sceptre  clothes  Broches  &  Eynges  / 

Sum  for  to  were  &  sume  for  to  present  1132 

To  her  that  aH  thise  nobiH  thynges  sent  / 

And  bad  his  sone  how  that  he  shuld!  make  / 

The  presenter  &  to  the  querc  he  it  take  / 

Kepaired!  is  this  Achates  agayn)  1136 

And  Eneas  is  ffuH  blithe  &  fayne  / 

forto  se  his  yong  sone  askanius  / 

But  neuertheles  our  Auctor  tellitR  vs 

That  Cupide  that  is  goddes  of1  loue  /         [leaf  ne,  back]    1 140 

At  the  prayer  of1  hir1  fader  aboue 

Had  the  likenesse  of1  this  chyld  I-take  / 

This  nobile  quene  enamoured?  to  make  / 

On)  Eneas  but  as  of1  that  scripture  /  1144 

Be  as  be  may  I  take  of1  it  no  Care  / 

But  soth"  is  this  the  quene  hath"  such"  chere  / 

Vnto  the  Chyld  that  wonder  it  was  to  here  / 

And  for  the  present  that  his  fader  sent  1148 

She  thankyd*  hym)  oft  in  fuH  entent  / 

Thus  the  quene  in  plesaunce  &  in  ioye  / 

With  aH  the  newe  lusty  folke  of1  Troye  / 

And  of1  the  Dedys  hath"  she  no  more  enquire  H  1 152 

Of*  Eneas  as  thus  the  story  leuid! 

Of1  Troy  but  aH  the  longe  day  ther1  twey  / 

Entendid  to  Speke  eythir*  to  othir1  &  play 

Of1  whiche  ther  gan)  bredyn)  afyre  /  ]  156 

That  sely  Dido  hath  now  suche  a  desyre  / 

With  Eneas  now  her  gest  to  dele  / 

So  that  she  hath  lost  her  fresh"  hew  &  hole  / 

RAWL.  C.   86 
ODD    TEXTS.  11 


316-317    PAR. -TEXT 

162        LEGEND   OF   GOOD   WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617 

Now  to  theft'ecte  now  to  the  1 160 

"Why  I  have  tolde  this  story e 

Thus  I  begynne  yt  Felle 

Whanne  that  the  Moone 

This  noble  quene  vn  1164 

She  syketfi  sore  and 

She  wakith"  we 

As  done  thes  lo 

And  at  the  1  1168 

She  made  h 

Now  der 

That 

This  1172 

Fo 


ffecte  what  shulde  I  more  seye  [leafo,  back]  1180 
alle  to  do  me  lyve  or  deye 
e  as  she  that  koutn  hire  goode 
ufit  and  somedel  yt  witfistode 

so  longe  a  sermonyDge  1184 

maken  Eehersynge 
t  be  witfistonde 

ng  wole  yt  wonde 

he  see  1188 

hire  meyne 
ode  and  kene 
quene 

o  1192 

[3  lines  under] 


ADDIT.  28)617 


PAB.-TEXT    316-317 
LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       MS.  RAWL.  C.  86.  163 

And  to  the  effecte  now  &  the  frute  of<  aft  /  1160 

Why  I  haue  tolde  this  story  &  tellith"  shaH 

Thus  I  be-gynne  it  feH  vpon)  a  nyght 

When)  that  the  mone  vp-reisid?  had?  hir  light 

This  nobiH  quene  onto  hir*  rest  went  /  1164 

She  syghed?  sore  &  gan)  hur>  self1  turment 

She  waikith"  she  walieth"  she  makyth"  many  a  sighe  / 

As  doitfi  this  louers  as  I  haue  hard?  said!  / 

And  at  the  last  vnto  hir1  suster  Anne  1168 

She  made  her  mone  &  Right  thus  gan)  she  say  / 

Now  dere  sustir1  myn)  what  may  it  be 

That  me  a  gasteth"  yn  my  dreme  quod  she 

This  new  Trogian)  is  so  in  niy  thought1  1172 

For  that  me  thinkith"  he  is  so  wiH  I-wrought 

And  eke  so  likely  for  to  beii)  a  man) 

And  ther  with"1  so  mekyH  good  he  can)  /  [leaf  117] 

That  aft  my  liff  &  loue  is  in  his  cure  /          p  MS.jint  yes  whit] 

Haue  ye  not  herde  liym)  teH  his  auenture  / 

Now  sertes  anne  /  yf  ye  rede  me  / 

I  wold?  fayn)  to  hym)  I-wedid  be  / 

This  is  effecte  what  shuld  I  more  sey  1180 

In  hym)  litfi.  ali  to  do  me  leve  or  dey  / 

Her  suster  Anne  as  she  that  Coude  Mr1  good  / 

Seid  as  she  tough  &  what  whit-stode  / 

But  herof*  was  betwen)  hem)  so  longe  a  talkyng  /          1184 

The  whiche  were  to  long  to  make  of  rehersyng  / 

But  finally  it  may  not  be  w^tA-stonde 

Loue  weli  I-loue  for  nothing  witt  it  wonde  / 

The  dawnyng  vprist  in  the  see  /  1188 

This  Amorus  quene  charged?  her*  meyne  / 

The  nettes  dresse  the  Speres  brode  &  kene  / 

Ou)  huntyng  wold?  this  lusti  Freshe  quene  / 

So  prikyd?  her  this  new  loly  woo  /.  1192 

To  hors  aH  ben)  these  lusty  folkys  goo  / 

Vnto  the  Courte  hondes  ben)  I-brought  / 

And  vpon)  Coursers  as  Swyft  as  any  bought 

BAWL.  C.   8(j 


318-319    PAIL-TEXT 

164        LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

[1  leaf,  C  iii  gone  ;  C  iv,  a  scrap  of  the  margin  of  luaf  1 0 
contains  only  a  few  letters  beginning  lines  1271 — 1:J80 
of  Dido.] 


A  DOIT.  28,817 


PAR. -TEXT    318-319 
LEGEXD    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       MS.  RAWL.  C.  86.  165 

Her  yong  kyngfites  houen  aH  a-boute  /  1196 

And  of*  hir1  gentilwomen)  eke  an)  huge  route  / 

And  vpon)  a  thicke  palfrey  pap[er]  white  / 

With  SadeH  rede  embrauded  with  delite  / 

And  of1  gold  the  Bares  emboced!  hie  /  1200 

Sate  Dido  aH  in  gold?  and  in  perry e 

And  she  as  faire  as  is  the  Bright  more  / 

That  helith"  folke  aH  fro  nyghtes  sorow  / 

And  on)  a  •  Coursour1  sterklyng  as  the  fire  /  1 204 

A  man)  niyght  turne  hym)  with  a  liteH  wyre  / 

Ther  Sat  Eneas  like  phebus  to  deuise  / 

So  was  he  arrayd?  freshly  yn  the  new  gyse  / 

The  fomy  BrideH  -with  the  bitte  of  gold!  /  1208 

Gouernith  his  hors  as  hymVself1  wold?  / 

And  forth"  this  nobiH  quene  doith  ride  /  [leaf  in,  back] 

To  hunten)  with  this  new  Trogen)  by  hir*  syde  / 

The  herd  of*  herttes  •  is  founden)  a-none  /  1212 

With  hay  go  bett  prike  lette  gone  / 

Whethir1  the  lion)  cum  or  the  Bere  / 

That  I  myght  ones  mete  hym)  with  a  spere 

This  seyne  thes  yong  kynghtes  &  vp  they  kylle  1216 

The  wyld?  Bestes  &  haue  hem)  at  thir*  wiHe  / 

Amonge  aH  this  to  Roumbelyn)  can)  the  heuyn)  / 

The  thounder  rored!  with  a  grysly  stevyn)  / 

And!  doun)  Cam)  the  rayn)  &  the  light  so  fast  1220 

With  hedowse  fire  that  sore  ben)  agast 

This  nobiH  quene  &  also  hir1  meyne  / 

That  iche  of1  them)  was  glade  awey  to  flye 

And  sothely  from)  the  tempest  hem)  to  saue  /  1224 

She  flede  her  self*  vnto  a  liteH  Caue  / 

And  with  her  went  this  Eneas  also  / 

I  note  yf  with  them)  went  any  moo  / 

Myn)  auctow  Makyth"  of1  them)  no  mencion)  1228 

And  here  be-gan)  the  first  affeccion)  / 

Be-twen)  hem)  ij  this  was  on)  the  first  Morowe  / 

Of1  this  gladnesse  &  the  gynnynge  of1  hir1  sorow  / 

RAWL.  0.  86 


166 


[Leaves  C  Hi,  C  iv,  are  out  of  the  Addit.  MS.  28,617, 
Brit.  Mus.] 


PAR.-TEXT    320-321 
LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.       MS.  RAWL.  C.  86.  167 

For  ther  had?  Eneas  hym)  kelid?  so  /  1232 

And  told*  hir*  aH  his  hert  &  woo  / 
And  sowreyn)  is  to  hir1  fuH  depe  to  be  trwe  / 
For  weH  for  woo  &  chaunge  her  for  no  newe  / 
And  as  a  fals  lover  so  weH  can)  playii)  /  1236 

That  sely  Dydo  rewed?  on)  his  payn) 
And  toke  hym)  for  hir*  hosbonde  &  becam)  his  wiff1  / 
For  euer  more  whiH  them)  last  liff1  / 

And  after  this  when)  the  tempest  stynte  /  1240 

With  Mirth"  as  they  com)  home  they  went  / 
The  wykyd?  fame  vp-rose  that  anone 
How  Eneas  hath"  with  the  queen)  I-gone 
Vnto  the  Caue  &  demeden  what  hem)  list  /  1244 

And  when)  the  Kyng  that  larbast  he  it  wist    [leaf  us] 
As  he  that  euer  louyd!  her  as  his  liffe  / 
And  wowid?  •  her  to  haue  her  to  his  wiff1  / 
Suche  sorow  /  he  makitn"  &  suche  chere  /  1248 

It  were  grete  routh"  &  pite  to  here  / 
But  in  loue  aH  day  it  happith"  so  / 
That  on)  shaH  lawh"  at  anothir's  wo  / 

Now  hauheith"  (sic)  Eneas  yn  his  loey  •  1252 

And  hath"  more  Eichesse  than  euer  he  had  in  troy  / 
0  sely  women  fuH  of*  Innocence  / 
FuH  of1  pyte  trouth"  &  gode  Concience  / 
What  Maith  you  fake  men  to  trusten)  so  /  1256 

for  to  haue  suche  Eouth  of1  ther  feinyd?  woo  / 
And  haue  so  many  old  samples  her1  be-forn)  / 
Se  ye  not  aH  how  thei  haue  be  for-sworyn)  / 
Where  se  ye  one  be  he  ne  hath"  lost  her  liff*  /  1260 

Or  ben)  vnkynde  /  or  don)  her  sum  myscheyf1  / 
Or  pyled  her  or  bosted  he  of1  hes  dede  / 
Ye  may  as  welle  it  dalyse  as  I  may  se  / 
Take  hede  now  of1  this  worthy  lentilmari)  12G4 

This  Trogian)  that  her  so  welle  plese  can) 
That  fayned?  •  hym)  so  trwe  &  obesyng  / 
So  gentiH  and  so  prime  yn  his  doyng  / 
RAWL.  c.  86 


322-323    PAR.-TEXT 

108        LEGEND    OP    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,G17. 


[Letters  of  leaf  G  iv.] 


1272 


127G 


1280 


ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR.-TEXT    322-323 
LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       MS.  EAWL.  C.  86.          169 

And  Can)  So  weH  do  his  obseruaunce  /  1268 

To  her  at  feestes  and  at  daunces  / 
And  when)  she  goith"  to  the  temple  &  agayn)  / 
And  fasten)  tyl  haue  seyn)  his  lady  / 

And  beren)  hers1  deuise  for  hir  sake  /     c1  alter  A  to  hys]     1272 
Woot  ye  not  •  what  &  songes  wold?  he  make  / 
lustyng  and  doyng  of1  armes  many  thynges  / 
Send  her  lethes  br[o]ches  and  rynges  / 
Now  /  herkenith"  how  his  lady  he  hath"  seniyd!  1276 

There  as  he  was  like  to  haue  ben)  stervyd?  /   [if  us,  bk] 
For  hunger  and  for  myshyfF  in  the  see  / 
Desolate  and  flede  from)  hys  owyn)  contrey  / 
And  all  hys  folke  vriih  tempest  aH  to  driven)  /  1280 

She  hath"  her  Body  &  her  Eeame  yevyn)  / 
In-to  his  handes  .  tlier  as  she  mygh"t  haue  ben)  / 
Of1  othex  lande  then)  of1  Cartage  a  quen)  / 
And  to  haue  leuyd?  In  ioye  wolle  ye  more  /  1284 

This  Eneas  thai  was  so  depe  I-swore  / 
Is  wery  of1  his  Craft  w/t/i-in  a  throwe  / 
The  hote  ernest  is  ower  blowe  / 

And  preuely  he  doith"  his  shippis  digfit  1288 

And  shapith"  hym)  to  stele  awey  by  nyght 
This  Dido  hath"  suspecion)  of*  this 
And  thought  weH  it  was  amysse  / 

For  yn  hys  Bede  he  lieth"  aft  nyght  &  sighith  1292 

She  askith"  a-none  what  hym)  mysliketfc 
My  dere  herte  whiche  I  loue  most  / 
Certes  quod  he  this  nyght  my  faders  gost  / 
hath"  ym  my  slepe  me  so  sore  trument  /  1296 

And  eke  mercurie  /  this  message  hath  present 
That  nedys  to  the  conquest  of1  ItayH  / 
My  Desteny  ys  sone  forto  sayH 

For  whiche  me  thinkyth"  bresten)  myn)  herte  /  1 300 

There  with  his  false  terys  oute  they  sterte  / 
And  takyth"  hir1  vrith-In  his  armes  two  / 
Is  that  yn  ernest  quor?  she  wiH  ye  goo  / 
UAWL.  c.  86 


324-325  PAR.-TEXT 

170    LEGEND  OP  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 


Ye  wole  nat  Fro  youre  wyff  thus  Foule  Fleene  [leaf  113 

I  am  a  gentyl  woman  and  eke  a  queue 

That  I  was  born  Alias  what  shaH  I  do  1308 

To  telle  in  shorte  this  noble  quene  Dydo 

She  seketh"  halowes  and  doth  sacrefyce 

She  kiielith  crieth  that  routhe  ys  to  devyse 

Conjure th  hym  and  profreth  Forto  be  1312 

Hys  thralle  his  serucmut  in  the  leste  degree 

She  FaUith  hym  to  Foot  and  swowneth  there 

Dyssheuel  with"  hire  briht  heere 

And  seyth"  haue  mercy  late  me  with  yow  ryde  13 1C 

Thes  lordes  which"  that  wonen  me  bysyde 

"Wolen  me  dystroye  only  For  youre  sake 

And  ye  wole  me  now  to  wyff  take 

As  ye  haue  sworne  thawne  wole  I  yeve  yow  leve          1320 

To  slene  me  with  jour  swerde  now  sone  at  eve 

For  tharene  yitt  shaH  I  deyen  as  youre  wyff 

I  am  with  childe  and  gyff  my  childe  his  lyff 

Mercy  lorde  haue  pyte  in  youre  thouht  1324 

But  alle  this  avayllith  hire  riht  nouht 

For  on  a  nyht  slepynge  he  lete  hire  lye 

And  stale  a  way  vnto  his  companye 

And  as  a  Tray  tour  Forth  he  gamie  to  say  lie  1328 

Towarde  the  large  cuntre  off  ytaylle 

And  thus  hath  leffte  Dydo  in  woo  and  pyne 

And  wedded?  there  a  lady  that  hiht  Lauyne  [leaf  11,  back] 

A  Clothe  he  leffte  and  eke  his  swerde  standyng  1332 

Whamze  he  Fro  Dydo  stale  in  hire  slepyng 

Eiht  at  hire  beddys  heede  so  ganne  he  hye 

Whanwe  that  he  stale  a  way  to  his  navye 

Which"  Clothe  whanwe  sely  Dydo  gawne  awake  1336 

She  hath"  yt  kyst  FuH  offte  For  his  sake 

And  seyde  0  swete  cloth  whil  lubiter  yt  lest 

Take  my  soule  vnbynde  me  off  this  vnrest 

AJ)DIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    324-325 
LEGEND   OF    GOOD    WOMEN.      MS.  RAWL.  C.  86.  171 

haue  ye  not  Sworn)  to  wiff1  me  to  take  /  1304 

A-las  what  woman)  of1  me  wiH  you  make  / 
I  am)  a  gentilwoman)  and  a  quene  / 
Ye  wiH  not  from)  thus  fowle  fleyn)  / 

That  I  was  born)  Alas  what  shaH  I  Doo  /  1308 

To  tell  yn  shorte  this  nobiH  quene  dido 
She  sekyth"  halowes  she  doith"  sacrifice  /  [leaf  119] 

She  knelith"  CrietR  that  routh"  is  to  devise  / 
Coniureth  hym)  &  proferyth  hym)  to  be  1312 

His  tharle  his  seruaunt  in  the  lowest  degree 
She  fallyth  doune  to  hys  fote  &  Swunoieth"  tJiere  / 
AH  vnatired?  with  her  Bright  here  / 

And  said?  haue  mercy  &  lete  me  with  you  yde  /  1316 

The  lordes  that  dwellyn)  here  by  side  / 
Willen)  me  distroy  only  for  jour  sake  / 
And  ye  will  me  for  your1  wiff1  take 

As  ye  haue  sworn)  thard  I  gyve  you  leue  /  1 320 

for  to  slee  me  with  jour  swerde  sone  at  eve  / 
for  thaid  shaH  I  die  as  your  owyn)  wiff1 
I  am)  with  chylde  &  gyve  my  chyld  hys  lyff1  / 
Mercy  lorde  &  haue  yn  your  thought  1324 

Butt  aH  thise  petius  complayntes  avayleth"  nought 
for  yn  a  nyght  sore  slepyng  he  lete  her  lye  / 
And  from  her  falsly  stale  to  his  Company 
And  as  a  false  tray  tour1  fourth  he  can)  saile  /  1328 

Towarde  the  large  Contray  of1  ItaiH 
And  thus  he  left  Dido  in  sorow  &  in  payn) 
And  wedded  thex  a  lady  Callyd?  lavyn)  /  1331 

A  clofe  he  left  be-hynde  hym)  &  his  sworde  standing1 
When)  he  from)  Dido  stale  awey  in  her  slepyng1 
Eight  at  his  beddys  hede  so  can)  he  hye  / 
Whan)  he  stale  awey  to  his  Nauye  / 

Whiche  clofe  when)  sely  dido  dide  awake  /  133G 

She  dide  it  kysse  fuH  oft  for  his  sake  / 
And  said!  o  swete  cloj>e  /  whieH  lubyter  it  lest  / 
Take  my  Sowle  &  vnbynd  me  of1  this  vnrest 
RAWL.  c.  86 


326-327  PAR.-TEXT 

172    LEGEND  OF  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

I  have  FulfyllecJ  off  Fortune  alle  the  Course  1340 

And  thus  Alias  witfi-outen  his  socourse 

Twenty  tyms  y-swownedl  hath"  she  thawne 

And  whawne  that  she  vnto  hire  sustre  Anne 

Compleynec?  hadde  off  which"  I  may  nat  write  1344 

So  grete  Routhe  I  have  /  yt  Forto  endyte 

And  hadde  hire  norice  and  hire  sustre  goone 

To  Fecchen  Fyre  and  other  thyng  anoone 

And  seyde  that  she  wolde  sacrefyce  1348 

And  whawne  she  myfit  hire  tyme  weH  espye 

Vpofi  the  Fyre  off  sacrefice  she  sterte 

And  with  his  swerde  she  roffe  hire  to  the  herte 

But  as  myn  Auctour  seytli  yitt  thus  she  seyde  1352 

Or  she  was  hurte  byforfi  or  she  deyed! 

She  wrote  a  lettre  anoon  that  thus  bega?me 

Riht  so  qM0<J  she  as  the  white  swarane 

Ageyns  his  deeth"  begynneth"  Forto  synge         [leaf  12]     1356 

Rih"t  so  to  yow  I  make  my  Compleynynge 

Nat  that  I  trowe  to  getyn  yow  ageyne 

For  weH  I  wote  that  yt  ys  alle  in  veyne 

Syn  that  the  goddes  ben  contrarye  vnto  me  1360 

But  syn  my  name  ys  lost  thurh"  yow  q^od!  she 

I  may  weH:  lese  a  worde  on  yow  or  a  lettre 

Al  be  hit  I  shaH  be  neuere  the  bettre 

For  thilke  wynde  that  blewe  jour  shippe  away  1364 

The  same  wynde  hath"  blowe  away  youre  Fay 

But  who  so  wole  alle  this  lettre  haue  in  mynde 

Rede  Ovyde  and  in  hym  ye  shuH  yt  Fynde 


ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    320-327 
LEGEND   OF   GOOD   WOMEN.      MS.  RAWL.  C.  86.  173 

I  haue  fulfild?  of1  fortune  aH  the  cours  /  1340 

And  thus  alas  WitA-oute  hys  Socours  / 

xxu  tymes  Sowuned  hath"  she  thati  [leaf  119,  back] 

And  when)  that  she  vnto  hir*  suster  Anne  / 

Complaynned!  •  had  of  whiche  I  may  not  write  /          1344 

So  gret  routh  I  haue  for  to  endite 

And  bad  her  now  rise  &  to  her  suster  gou)  / 

To  feche  fire  and  othir1  thing  anone  / 

And  said?  that  she  wold  sacryfie  /  1348 

And  when)  hir*  tyme  she  myght  wele  aspie 

Vpon)  the  fire  of*  sacrifice  she  stert  / 

And  -with  hys  Swerd!  smote  her  self1  to  the  hcrt  / 

And  as  myri)  auctoui*  /  seitfi  thus  she  said?  /  1352 

Er  she  was  hurt  be-fore  &  or  she  deide  / 

She  wrote  a  le^re  a  non)  &  thus  it  began)  / 

Right  soo  qwod  she  as  the  whit  Sawan)  (sic) 

A-yenst  her  deth"  beginneth"  for  to  syng  /  1356 

Eight  So  to  you  I  make  my  complanyng  / 

Not  for  that  I  know  to  getyn)  you  agan) 

For  weft  I  woot  that  it  were  yn  veyii) 

Sithe  that  the  goddes  ben)  contrary  to  me  1360 

But  sitli  my  name  ys  lost  /  Throw  oute  q?/od  she  / 

I  may  lese  on)  you  a  worde  or  a  letter  / 

aH  be  it  I  shaH  be  rieuer  the  better 

For  #iilke  wynde  that  Blew  your  shipe  awey  1364 

That  sam)  wynde  hath  brought  jour  faith"  awey  / 

But  who  wiH  haue  aH  this  letter  yn  mynde  / 

Rede  ovide  &  In  hym)  ye  shaH  it  fynde  / 

Explicit  the  complant  of*  Dido  / 


RAWL.  C.  86 


328-329  PAK.-TEXT 

174    LEGEND  OF  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 


[IV.] 

Inctpit  legentJa  .  gsepjjtle  &  .  Jftefcee  *  JHarter1  : 


THow  Eote  off  Fals  lovers  Duke  lason)    SJ 
Thow  slyfi  devourer  and  confusion)      iffifacTpit!/*6*' 
Off  lentyft  wymraan  gentyft  Creatures 
Thow  madest  thy  Eeclaymynge  and  thy  leures 
To  ladyes  off  thy  stately  Apparauwce  1372 

And  off  thy  wordes  yfforsed?  with"  plesaunce 
And  off  thy  Feyned?  trouthe  and  thy  manere         Deaf  12,  back] 
With"  thyn  obeyssauwce  and  humble  Chere 
And  with"  thy  Countrefeted!  peyne  and  woo.  1376 

Ther*  other  Falseden  oon  thow  Falsedest  twoo 
And  ofte  swore  thow  that  thow  woldest  deye 
For  love  whawne  thow  ne  Feltest  maladye 
Save  Foule  delyce  which"  at  thow  callest  love  1380 

Yiff  that  I  lyve  thy  name  shaft  be  shove 
In  Englyssh"  that  thy  seeyte  shaft  be  knowe 
Have  at  the  lason)  now  thyn  horn)  ys  blowe 
But  certes  yt  ys  bothe  Eouthe  and  woo  1384 

That  love  with  Fals  lovers  werkith  so 
For  they  shaft  haue  Aveft  bettre  chere 
Thanwe  he  that  hath  bouht  his  love  Fuft  dere 
Or  hadde  in  Armes  many  a  blody  Boxe  1388 

For  euere  as  tendre  a  Capon  etyth"  the  Foxe 
Thouh  he  be  Fals  and  the  Foule  betrayed! 
As  shaft  the  goode  man  that  therfore  payed 
Alle  have  he  to  the  capown  skylle  and  riht  1392 

The  Fals  Fox  wole  haue  his  parte  at  nyht 
On  lason)  this  ensample  ys  weft  yseene 
By  ysyphyle  and  Medea  the  quene 

In  Tessalye  and  Guydo  telly  th  thus  1396 

There  was  a  kyng  that  hiht  Pelleus 
That  hadde  a  brother  which"  that  hiht  Esons 
And  wha/me  For  age  he  mylit  vnnethe  goone 

ADDIT.  28,617 


'    PAR. -TEXT    330-33 1 
LEGEND   OP   GOOD   WOMEN.       AUDIT.  MS.  28,617.         175 

He  gaff  vnto  Pelleus  the  govern yng  Deaf  is]     1400 

Off  alle  his  Eegne  and  made  hym  lorde  and  kyng 

Off  which"  Esone  this  lasone  getyn  was 

That  in  his  tyme  in  alle  that  londe  there  nas 

Nat  swich  a  Famous  knyht  off  gentyllesse  1404 

Off  Fredam  off  strenth  and  off  lustynesse 

Affter  his  Fadris  deeth"  he  bare  hym  so 

That  there  nas  noon)  that  lyst  to  ben  his  Foo 

But  dydde  hym  alle  honour  and  companye  1408 

Off  which"  this  Pelleus  hath"  grete  envye 

Ymagynynge  that  lasone  myht  be 

Enhaunsed?  so  and  putte  in  suche  degree 

With  love  off  lordes  off  his  Eegiown  1412 

That  From  his  Eegne  he  may  be  putte  adovn) 

And  in  his  wytte  a  nyht  compassed'  he 

how  lasone  myht  best  destroyed?  be 

with  oute  sklaundre  off  his  compassemeut  1416 

And  at  the  laste  he  toke  avysament 

That  to  senden  hym  into  sonme  Ferr  cuntre 

There  as  this  lasone  may  destroyed'  be 

This  was  his  wytte  al  made  he  to  lasone  1420 

Grete  chere  off  love  and  off  affeccioun 

For  drede  lest  his  lordes  hit  espyed! 

So  ffel  yt  so  that  as  Fame  renneth  wyde 

Ther  was  such  tydynges  ouere  aH  and  such"  loos  1424 

That  in  an  yle  that  called?  was  Calcos  [leaf  is,  back] 

By  yonde  Troye  Estwarde  in  the  see 

That  ther  Inne  was  a  Earn  that  men  may  se 

That  hatS.  a  Flees  off  golde  that  shone  so  briht  1428 

That  nowhere  was  there  such  a  nother  siht 

But  yt  was  kepte  al  way  with"  a  dragoura 

And  meny  other  merveylles  vpe  and  donn 

And  with"  two  Booles  maked!  alle  off  Bras  1432 

That  spy t ten  Fyre  and  mych  thyng  there  was 

But  this  was  eke  the  tale  natheles 

That  who  so  wolde  wynnen  thilke  Flees 

ADDIT.  28,617 


332-333  PAK.-TEXT 

176    LEGEND  OF  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

He  muste  both  or  he  yt  wynne  myht  1436 

With"  the  Booles  and  with"  the  Dragoura  Fyht 

And  kyng  Otes  lorde  was  off  that  yle 

This  Pelleus  hethou&t  vpon  this  wyle 

That  he  his  Nevew  lasone  wolde  enhorto  1440 

To  sayllen  to  that  lande  hym  to  dysporte 

And  seyde  N"evew  yiff  yt  myht  be 

That  swich"  worships  myht  Fallen  the 

That  thow  this  Famous  Tresor  myhtest  wynne  1444 

And  brynge  hit  my  Eegiozm  with"  Inne 

Hyt  were  to  me  grete  plesauwce  and  honour 

Thawne  were  I  holden  to  quyte  thy  labour 

And  alle  the  coste  I  wole  my  sylff  make  1448 

And  chese  what  Folke  thow  wylt  with  the  take 

Latte  se  now  darstow  take  this  vyage 

lasone  was  yonge  and  lusty  off  Corage 

And  vndertoke  to  done  this  ylke  empryse         peafu]    1452 

Anoon  Argus  his  shippes  kan  devyse 

with"  lasone  went  the  stronge  Hercules 

And  many  a  nother  that  he  with  hym  chees 

But  who  so  askyth"  who  ys  with"  hym  goon  1456 

Latte  hem  goo  rede  Arganautikon 

For  he  wole  telle  a  tale  longe  ynouh" 

Philotetes  anoon  the  saylle  vpe  drouh" 

Whamze  that  the  wynde  was  goode  and  gan  hym  hye  1460 

Out  off  his  Cuntre  callyd?  Thessalye 

So  longe  he  sayllyd  in  the  salte  see 

Tyl  in  the  yle  off  Leonon  arryved?  he 

Alle  be  this  nat  Eehersed?  off  Guydo  1464 

Yitt  seyth  Ovyde  in  his  Epistles  so 

And  in  this  yle  lady  was  and  quene 

The  Fay  re  yonge  ysiphile  the  shene 

That  whilom  Thoas  douhter  was  the  kyng  1468 

Ysiphile  was  goon  in  hire  pleyng 

And  romynge  on  the  see  clyves  by  the  see 

Vnder  a  Banke  anoon  espyed?  she 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    334-335 
LEGEND   OF    GOOD    WOMEN.      ADD1T.  MS.  28,617.         177 

Where  lay  the  shippe  that  lasone  gan  arryve  1472 

And  off  hire  goodnesse  adovne  she  sent  blyve 

To  wetyn  that  yiff  eny  straunge  wylit 

With"  Tempeste  thedyr  were  yblowe  a  nyht 

To  done  hym  sokour  as  was  hire  vsawnce    [leaf  H,  back]  1476 

To  Forthern  euery  wyfit  and  to  do  plesa?mce 

Off  verrey  bounte  and  off  Courteysye 

This  Messager  adovne  ga?me  hym  hye 

And  Fonde  lasone  and  Hercules  also  1480 

That  in  a  Cogge  to  londe  were  ygoo 

Hem  to  Eefresshen  and  to  take  the  heyre 

The  morwenyng  attempre  was  and  Fayre 

And  in  his  way  this  Messager  hem  mette  1484 

FuH  konnyngly  thes  lordes  tho  he  grette 

And  dydde  his  Message  askyng  hem  anoon 

Yiff  they  were  broken  or  ouh"  t  woo  begoon 

Or  hadde  nede  off  loodman  or  off  vytaylle  1488 

For  off  sokour  they  shulde  no  thyng  Faylle 

For  yt  was  vttorly  the  quenys  wylle 

lasone  answerde  mekely  and  stylle 

My  lady  quod1  he  I  thanke  hertly  1492 

Off  hire  goodenesse  vs  nedith"  trewly 

No  thyng  as  now  but  that  we  wery  be 

And  komen  Forto  pleyen  oute  off  the  see 

Tyl  that  the  wynde  be  bettir  in  oure  wey  1496 

This  lady  romyth"  by  the  clyffe  to  pley 

With"  hire  meyne  endelonge  the  stronde 

And  Fyndeth  this  lasone  and  this  other  stoiv.le 

In  spekyng  off  this  thing  as  I  yow  tolde  1500 

This  Hercules  and  this  lasone  gan  beholde  [leaf  is] 

How  that  the  quene  yt  was  and  Fayre  hire  grette 

And  an5on  rih~t  as  they  with"  this  lady  mette 

She,  toke  heede  and  knewe  by  here  manere  1504 

By  here  Array  by  wordes  and  by  chore 

That  yt  were  gentyl  men  off  grete  degree 

And  to  the  casteH  with  hire  ledyth"  shec 

ADDIT.  28,617 
ODD    TEXTS.  12 


336-337  PAR.-TKXT 

178    LEGEND  OF  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

Thes  straunge  Folke  and  doth"  hem  grete  honour          1508 

And  askytfi  thaym  off  travaylle  and  off  labour 

That  they  haue  suffredf  in  the  salte  see 

So  that  with"  Inne  a  day  twoo  or  three 

She  knewe  be  folke  that  in  his  shippes  be  1512 

That  yt  was  lasone  Fulle  off  Renovme 

And  hercules  that  hadde  the  grete  loos 

That  souhten  tha ventures  off  Calcos  1515 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.} 

For  they  ben  worthy  Folke  with"  oute  lees  1518 

And  namely  moste  she  spak  with"  hercules 

To  hym  hire  herte  bare  that  he  shulde  be  1520 

Sadde  wyse  trewe  and  off  wordes  avysee 

"With"  outen  eny  other  Affecctown 

Off  love  or  other  evyH  ymagynaciown 

This  hercules  hath"  This  lasone  preysed?  1524 

That  to  the  sonwe  he  hath"  vp  Beysed! 

That  halff  so  trewe  a  man  ther  nas  off  love 

Vnder  the  the  Cope  of  hevene  that  ys  above 

And  he  was  wyse  hardy  secree  and  Riche  [leans,  back]  1528 

And  thes  three  poyntes  ther  was  noon  hym  lyche 

Off  Freedom  passed!  he  and  lustyheede 

Alle  thoo  that  lyven  or  be  deede 

Therto  so  grete  a  gentyl  man  was  he  1532 

And  off  Thessaylle  lykly  kyng  to  be 

There  nas  no  lak  but  that  he  was  agaste 

To  love  and  Forto  spoke  shamefaste 

hym  hadde  lever  hym  sylff  to  mordre  and  dye  1536 

Tha/me  men  shulde  hym  a  lover  Espye 

As  wolde  god  I  hadde  y-yeve 

My  bloode  and  Flessh"  so  that  I  myh"t  leve 

With"  the  noones  that  he  hadde  or  where  a  wyff  1540 

For  his  estate  For  suche  a  lusty  lyff 

Leden  she  shulde  with  this  lusty  knySt 

And  alle  this  was  compassed?  on  the  nyht 

ADDIT.  28,G17 


PAK.-TEXT    338-339 
LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.          179 

Betwixen  lasone  and  this  hercules  1544 

Off  thes  twoo  ther  was  a  shrewed?  lees 

To  koine  to  hovs  vpone  an  Innocent 

Forto  doote  this  quene  was  theyij  entent 

And  lasone  ys  as  koye  as  ys  a  Mayde  1548 

He  lokyth  pytously  but  noufit  he  sayde 

But  Frendely  thane  he  to  hire  counseyllers 

Yifftes  grete  he  gaffe  and  to  hire  Officers 

And  wolde  god  I  leyser  hadde  and  tyme  1552 

By  processe  alle  theyre  wowyng  Forto  Byrne  [leaf  16] 

But  in  this  hovs  yiff  eny  Fals  lover  be 

Riht  as  hym  sylff  now  doth"  so  dydde  he 

With"  Feynyng  and  with"  euery  sotyH  dede  1556 

Yee  gete  no  more  off  me  but  ye  wole  Rede 

ThorygenaH  that  tellith"  alle  this  caas 

The  somme  ys  this  that  lasone  weddyd?  was 

Vnto  this  quene  and  toke  off  hire  substauwce  1560 

What  so  hym  lyst  vnto  his  purveaunce 

And  vpon  hire  bygatte  children  twoo 

And  drouh"  vpe  his  sayle  and  sauh"  hire  neuer  mo 

A  lettre  sent  she  hym  certeyne  1564 

which"  were  to  longe  to  writen  or  to  Feyne 

And  hym  reprovith  off  his  grete  vnirouthe 

And  prayeth"  hym  on  hire  to  haue  somme  routhe 

And  on  his  children  twoo  she  seyde  hym  thys  1568 

That  ben  lyke  off  alle  thynges  yvys 

To  lasone  sauff  they  kouthe  nat  begyle 

And  prayed?  god  yt  were  longe  whyle 

That  she  that  hadde  hire  herte  reffte  hire  Fro  1572 

Muste  Fynden  hym  vntrewe  also 

And  that  she  muste  both"  hire  children  spylle 

And  alle  thoo  that  suffred*  hym  haue  his  wylle 

And  trewe  to  lasone  was  she  euere  hire  lyff  1576 

And  euere  kepte  hire  chaste  as  For  his  wyff 

And  neuere  hadde  she  loye  at  hire  herte     [leaf  ie,  back] 

But  dyecJ  For  his  love  in  peynes  smerte 

ADDIT.  28,617 


340-341    PAB.-TBXT 

180        LEGEND   OF   GOOD   WOMEN.      ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

To  Calcos  komen  ys  this  Duke  lasone  1580 

That  ys  off  love  devourer  and  Dragone 

As  matere  apperitfi.  For  me  al  way 

And  From  Forme  to  Forme  yt  passen  may 

Or  as  a  swolle  that  were  botmeles  1584 

Bint  so  kan  Fals  lasone  haue  no  pees 

Forto  desyren  thurh"  his  Appetyte 

To  done  with  gentyH  wymmen  his  delyte 

This  ys  his  luste  and  his  Felicyte  1588 

lasone  ys  Komed?  Forthe  in  to  the  Gitee 

That  whilom  cleped?  was  laconytos 

That  was  the  Maistre  tovn)  off  alle  Colcos 

And  hath"  ytolde  the  cause  off  his  komyng  1592 

Vnto  Oetes  off  that  Cuntre  kyng 

Praynge  hym  that  he  moste  done  his  assay 

To  gete  the  Flees  off  golde  yiff  that  he  may 

Off  which"  the  kyng  assentytfi  to  his  boone  159G 

And  doth"  hym  honour  as  yt  was  to  doone 

So  Ferforth  that  his  douhter  and  his  heyre 

Medea  which"  that  was  so  wys  and  Feyre 

That  Feyrer  saufi  there  neuere  man  with  eye  1600 

He  made  hire  to  done  with  lasone  companye 

Atte  mete  and  satte  by  hym  in  the  halle 

Now  was  lasone  a  semly  man  with  alle 

And  lyke  a  lorde  and  hadde  a  grete  Kenoiw    [leaf  17]     1604 

And  off  his  looke  as  EyaH  as  a  Lyou?z 

And  goodly  off  his  speche  and  Famylyer 

And  koude  off  love  alle  the  Craffte  plener 

With  oute  booke  with"  euerych  observaunce  1608 

And  as  Fortune  hire  auht  a  Foule  meschau?ice 

She  wexe  Enamoured?  vpon)  this  Man 

lasone  quodl  she  For  auht  I  se  or  kan 

As  off  this  thyng  the  which  ye  ben  aboute  1612 

ye  and  your  sylff  y  putte  in  huge  doute 

For  who  so  wole  this  Aventure  acheve 

he  may  nat  weH  astertcn  as  I  love 

A1DIT.  28,017 


r AII. -TEXT  342-343 

LEGEND    OP    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.          181 

"With  outen  deeth  but  I  his  helpe  be  1616 

But  natheles  yt  ys  my  wylle  qwod?  she 

To  Forthren.  yow  so  that  ye  shaH  nat  dye 

But  tourne  sounde  home  to  youre  Thessalye 

My  riht  lady  quod'  this  lasone  thoo  1620 

That  ye  haue  off  my  deeth"  or  off  my  woo 

Eny  rewarde  and  done  me  this  honnour 

I  woote  weH  that  my  myht  ne  my  labour 

May  nat  deserve  yt  in  my  lyffes  day  1624 

God  thanke  yow  ther1  as  I  ne  kan  ne  may 

youre  Man  I  am  and  lowlich"  yow  beseche 

To  be  myn  helpe  with"  outen  more  speche 

But  certes  For  my  deeth  shaH  I  nat  spare  1628 

Thoo  gan  this  Medea  to  hym  declare  Oa;  n,  back] 

The  perylle  off  this  caas  From  poynt  to  poynt 

And  off  his  bataylle  and  what  dysioynt 

He  mote  stonde  off  which"  no  Creature  1632 

Save  only  she  ne  myht  his  lyff  assure 

And  shortly  to  the  poynt  Forto  goo  . 

They  ben  accorded  FuH  bytwix  hem  twoo 

That  lasone  shaH  hire  wedde  as  trewe  knyh~t  1636 

And  terme  ysette  to  kome  sone  at  nyht 

Vnto  hire  Chambre  and  make  there  his  othe 

Vppon  the  goddes  that  he  For  leeff  ne  lothe 

N"e  sholde  hire  neuere  Falsen  nyht  ne  day  1640 

To  ben  hire  housbonde  while  he  ly  ve  may 

And  she  that  From  his  deeth  hym  savyd?  here 

And  here  vpon  at  nyht  they  mette  yffere 

And  doth  his  othe  and  goth  with  hire  to  bedde  1644 

And  on  the  morwe  vpward'  he  hym  spedde 

For  she  hath  tauht  hym  how  he  shaH  nat  Fayle 

The  Flees  to  wynne  and  stynt  his  batayle 

And  saved?  hym  his  lyff  and  his  honour  1648 

And  gate  hym  a  name  as  a  Conquerour 

And  thurh"  the  sleyht  off  hire  enchaz^ntement 

Now  hath  lasone  the  Flees  and  home  ys  went 

ADDIT.  28.617 


344-345  PAR.-TEXT 

182   LEGEND  OP  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

with  Medea  and  Tresoures  FuH  grete  woone  1652 

But  vnwyst  off  hire  Fadire  she  ys  goone 

That  affterward?  hath"  brouht  hire  to  myscheff 

To  Thessalye  with  Duke  lasone  hire  lieff  [leans] 

For  as  a  Traytour  he  ys  From  hire  ygoo  1656 

And  with  hire  leffte  yonge  children  twoo 

And  Falsly  hath  he  betrayed'  hire  Alias 

As  euere  in  love  a  Theeff  a  Traytour  he  was 

And  wedded1  yitt  the  thridde  wyff  anoon  1660 

That  was  the  douhter  off  kyng  Creon 

This  ys  the  mede  off  love  and  guerdon 

That  Medea  resseyved?  off  lason 

Riht  For  hire  trouthe  and  For  hire  kyndenesse  1664 

That  loved8  hym  better  thanwe  hire  sylff  y  gesso 

And  laffte  hire  Fadire  and  hire  heritage 

And  off  lasone  this  is  the  vasselage 

That  in  his  dayes  nas  neuere  noon  Founde  1668 

So  Fals  a  lover  goyng  on  the  grounde 

And  therfore  in  hire  lettre  thus  she  seyde 

First  whanwe  she  off  his  Falsnesse  hym  vpbreyde 

Why  lyked?  me  thy  yelow  heere  to  se  1672 

More  thawne  the  boundes  off  myn  honeste 

Why  lyked?  me  thy  youthe  and  thy  Feyrnesse 

And  off  thy  tunge  the  Infynyte  graciousnesse 

0  haddest  thow  in  thy  conquest  deede  ybe  1676 

FuH  mekyH  vntrouth  hadde  there  dyed1  with"  the 

WeH  kan  Ovyde  hire  lettre  in  vers  endyte 

Which  were  as  now  to  longe  For  me  to  write. 


ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    346-347 
LEGEND   OF   GOOD    WOMEN.      ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.        183 


[V.] 

Enctmt  *  SUaenfca  *  3Lutrtcte  *  i&ome *  Jlartirts  t 

[leaf  18,  back] 

NOw  mote  I  seyn  the  Excellyng  off  Kynges  1680 

Off  Eome  For  hire  horryble  doynges 
Off  the  laste  kyng  callyd!  Torquenyus 
As  seyth  Guydo  And  Tytus  Lyuyus 

But  For  that  cause  telle  I  nat  this  storye  1684 

But  Forto  preysen  and  drawe  to  memorye 
The  verrey  wyff  off  the  verrey  Lucresse 
That  For  hire  wyf hode  and  hire  stedfastnesse 
Nat  only  that  thes  payens  hire  comende  1 688 

But  he  that  cleped!  ys  in  oure  legende 
The  grete  Austyn  hath"  grete  compassion) 
Off  this  Lucresse  that  starffe  off  Rome  tovn) 
And  in  what  wyse  I  wole  but  shortly  trete  1692 

And  off  this  thing  I  touche  but  the  grete 
Wha?me  Ardea  beseged?  was  aboute 
With  Eomayns  that  sterne  were  and  stoute 
FuH  longe  leyn  in  the  see  and  lytyl  wrouhten  1696 

So  that  they  wern  halff  ydeH  hem  thouhten 
And  in  his  pleye  Torquenyus  the  yonge 
Gan  Forto  Tape  For  he  was  liht  off  tonge 
And  seyde  hit  was  riht  an  ydeH  lyff  [loarw]     1700 

No  man  dydde  more  there  thawne  his  wyff 
And  latte  vs  speke  off  wyffes  that  ys  best 
Preyse  euery  man  his  owne  as  hym  lest 
And  with"  oure  speche  latte  vs  ese  oure  herte  1704 

A  knyht  that  hih"t  kalatyn  vpe  sterte 
And  seyde  thus  nay  sire  yt  ys  no  nede 
To  trowen  vpon  the  worde  but  on  the  dede 
I  have  a  wyff  quod  he  that  as  I  trowe  1 703 

Is  holden  goode  off  alle  that  euere  hire  knowe 
Go  we  to  nyht  to  Rome  and  we  shuH  se 
Torquenyus  answerde  that  lykyth"  me 

ADDIT.  28,617 


348-349    PAR. -TEXT 

184        LEGEND   OF   GOOD    WOMEN.      ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

To  Koine  be  they  komen  and  Fast  hem  dint  1712 

To  Calatyns  hovs  and  dovn)  they  lint 

Torquenyus  and  eke  this  Calatyne 

The  housbande  knewe  the  Esters  weH  a  Fyne 

And  FuH  pryvely  to  the  hovs  they  goone  1716 

For  porter  at  the  gate  was  there  noone 

And  at  a  chambre  dore  they  abyde 

This  noble  wyff  satte  by  hire  beddys  syde 

Dyscheuele  For  off  malice  she  ne  thaunt  1720 

And  soffte  wolle  oure  booke  seyth  she  wroulit 

To  kepe  hire  From  slouthe  and  ydelnesse 

And  badde  hire  seruauntz  done  here  besynesse 

And  asketn  hem  what  tydynges  here  yee  1724 

How  seyth  men  off  the  sege  how  shaft  yt  be          [leaf  19,  back] 

God  wolde  the  walles  werri  Falle  adovn) 

Myn  housbonde  ys  to  longe  out  off  this  tovn) 

For  which  the  drede  doth  me  so  smerte  1728 

That  with"  a  swerde  yt  styntes  to  myn  herte 

Whawne  I  thenke  on  that  sege  or  off  that  place 

God  save  my  soule  I  pray  hym  For  his  grace 

And  there  with  aft  fuH  tendirly  she  wepe  1732 

Off  hire  werke  she  toke  no  more  kepo 

But  mekely  she  lete  hire  eyen  Falle 

And  thilke  semblaurct  sat  hire  weft  with  alle 

And  eke  hire  teeres  Fulle  off  honeste  173G 

Embeseleo?  hire  wyffly  chastyte 

Hire  contenawnce  ys  to  hire  herte  dygne 

For  they  accordeii  both  in  d,de  and  sygne 

And  with  that  worde  hire  housbonde  Colatyn  1740 

Er  she  was  off  hym  warr  kome  stertyng  Inne 

And  seyde  drede  the  nat  For  I  am  here 

And  she  anoon  vp  roos  with  blysfuH  chere 

And  kyssec?  hym  as  off  wyffes  ys  the  woone  1744 

Torquenyus  this  proude  kyngis  sone 

Conceyved?  hath"  hire  beaute  and  hire  chere 

Hire  yelow  heer  hire  wordes  and  hire  manere 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAB.-TEXT    350-351 
LEGEND   OF   GOOD   WOMEN.       ATiDIT.  MS.  28,617.         185 

Hire  hewe  and  how  she  hath"  compleynec?  1748 

And  be  no  Craffte  hire  beaute  was  nat  Feyned! 

And  kauht  to  this  lady  suche  a  desire 

That  in  his  herte  he  brente  as  eny  Fyre  [leaf  20] 

So  woodly  that  his  wytte  was  aH  Forgetyn  1752 

For  weH  thouht  he  she  wolde  nat  begetyn 

And  ay  the  more  he  was  in  despeyre 

The  more  he  coveytyth  hire  and  thoufit  hire  Feyre 

His  blynde  luste  was  alle  his  Coveytynge  ]  756 

And  mornec?  whanwe  the  brydde  beganne  to  synge 

Vnto  the  Sege  he  komyth"  FuH  pryvely 

And  by  hym  sylfF  he  walkyth  sobirly 

The  ymage  off  hire  al  way  recordyng  newe  ]  760 

Thus  laye  hire  heer  thus  Fressh"  was  hire  hewe 

Thus  satt  thus  spak  thus  span  this  was  hire  chere 

Thus  Fayre  she  was  and  this  was  hire  manere 

Alle  this  conceyte  his  herte  hath  now  ytake  1764 

And  as  the  see  with"  Tempest  al  to-shake 

That  affter  whanne  the  storme  ys  aH  agoo 

Yutte  wole  the  watire  quappe  a  day  or  twoo 

Eiht  so  thouh"  hire  Fourme  were  absent  1768 

The  plesauwce  off  hire  Fourme  was  present 

But  natheles  nat  plesaunce  but  delyte 

Or  an  vnrihtfuH  talent  with"  dyspyte 

For  maugre  hire  she  shaH  my  lemman  be  1772 

Happe  helpith"  hardy  man  al  way  quod  he 

What  ende  that  I  make  hit  shaH  he  so 

And  girte  hym  with"  his  swerde  and  gan  to  goo 

And  Foth  he  Eyte  tyl  he  to  Borne  ys  kome    [if  20,  bk]    1776 

And  aH:  allone  his  way  he  hath  ynome 

Vnto  the  hovs  off  Colatyn  FuH  Eiht 

Dovne  was  the  son?ze  and  day  hath"  lost  hire  liht 

And  Inne  he  kome  vnto  a  pryve  halke  1780 

And  in  the  nyht  Ful  theeffly  gan  he  stalke 

For  euery  wiht  was  to  his  Eeste  broufit 

Ne  no  wiht  hadde  off  Tresone  such  a  thouht 

ADD1T.  28,617 


352-353  PAR.-TEXT 

186    LEGEND  OF  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

Were  yt  be  wyndow  or  be  other  gynne  1784 

"Witfe  swerde  ydrawe  shortly  he  kome  Inne 

Ther  as  she  lay  this  noble  wyff  Lucresse 

And  as  she  wooke  hire  bedde  she  Felte  presse 

What  beeste  ys  that  qwod  she  that  weyth"  thus  1788 

I  am  the  kyngis  sonne  Torquenyus 

Quod  he  /  but  and  thow  crye  or  noyse  make 

Or  yifif  there  eny  creature  a-wake 

Be  that  god  that  Fourme<J  man  on  lyve  1792 

This  swerde  thurh"  thyn  herte  shaft  I  Ryve 

And  there  with"  al  into  hire  throte  he  sterte 

And  sette  the  poynt  al  sharpe  vpon  hire  herte 

No  worde  she  spak  she  hath"  no  my  fit  therto  1796 

What  shaH  she  seyn  hire  wytte  is  al  agoo 

RiM  as  a  wolff  that  Fyndetfi  a  lambe  allone 

To  whome  shaH  she  compleyne  and  make  mone 

What  shaH  she  Fyfit  with  an  hardy  knyftt  1800 

Well  wote  men  that  a  woman  hath"  no  myht 

[A  leaf,  D  iii,  gone  here.] 


ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT  35i-355 

LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.         187 


Be  as  be  may  quod  she  off  Forgevynge         [leaf  21  j        1852 

I  wole  nat  haue  Forgyffte  For  no  thyng 

But  prevely  she  kaufit  Fortli  a  knyff 

And  ther  with"  aH  she  reffte  hire  selff  hire  lyff 

ADDIT.  28,617 


356-357    PAR. -TEXT 

188        LEGEND   OF   GOOD   WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,017. 

And  as  she  Felle  adovn)  she  caste  hire  looke  1856 

And  off  hire  clothes  yitt  she  heede  tooke 

For  in  hire  Fallyng  yitte  she  hadde  kare 

lest  that  hire  Feet  or  swicfi  thyng  lay  bare 

So  weH  she  loved  clennesse  and  eke  trouthe  1860 

Off  hire  hadde  alle  the  tovne  off  Rome  Routhe 

And  Brutes  by  hire  chaste  bloode  hatfi  swore 

That  Torquyn  shulde  ybanysshed!  be  therfore 

And  alle  his  kynne  and  lete  the  puple  calle  1864 

And  openly  the  Tale  he  tolde  hem  alle 

And  openly  lete  carye  hire  on  a  Beere 

Thurfi  alle  the  tovn)  that  men  may  se  and  here 

The  horryble  dede  and  hire  Oppressions  1868 

Ne  neuere  was  ther  kyng  in  Rome  tovn) 

Syn  thilke  day  And  she  was  holden  there 

A  seynt  and  euere  hire  day  ys  halwed  dere 

As  in  they  re  lawe  And  thus  endith"  Lucresse  1872 

The  noble  wyff  as  Titus  berith"  wytnesse 

I  telle  yt  For  she  was  off  love  so  trewe 

For  in  hire  wylle  she  chaMnged?  For  no  newe 

And  in  hire  stable  herte  sadde  and  kynde  1876 

That  in  thes  wymmen  men  may  al  day  Fynde      [leaf  21,  back] 

Ther  as  they  caste  hire  herte  there  it  d'uellitfi 

For  weH  I  wote  that  Crist  hym  sylff  tellith" 

That  in  IsraeH  as  wynde  as  ys  the  londe  1889 

That  so  grete  Feyth"  in  alle  that  he  ne  Fo.nde 

As  in  a  womman  And  this  ys  no  lye 

And  as  off  men  looke  ye  what  Tyrauntryo 

They  done  al  way  assay  hem  who  so  leste  1884 

The  trewest  ys  Full  broteH  Forto  treste 


ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    358-359 
LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.         189 

[VI.] 

:  Snctptt .  3Legentia .  ^tortane  *  Jtettm . 

Igue l  Infernal  Minos  off  Crete  Kyng  p  «c] 

Now  komyth  thy  boot  now  komystow  on  the  Rynge 
Nat  For  thy  sake  wryte  I  only  this  story e  1888 

But  only  Forto  clepe  ayeyn  vnto  Memorye 
Off  Theseus  the  grete  vntrouthe  in  love 
For  which"  the  goddes  off  the  hevene  above 
Ben  wroth"  and  wreche  haue  taken  For  thy  synne         1892 
Be  reede  For  shame  now  I  thy  lyff  begymie 
Minos  that  was  the  myh"ty  kyng  off  Crete 
That  hadde  an  hundred!  Citees  stronge  and  grete 
To  scole  hath"  sent  his  sonne  Androgeus        [leaf  22]        1896 
To  Athanes  off  which  yt  happed?  thus 
He  was  slayne  lernynge  Phylosophye 
Bith"  in  the  Citee  nat  but  For  Envye 

The  grete  Minos  off  the  which"  I  speke  1900 

hys  sonny s  deeth  ys  koinyn  Forto  wreke 
Alcytote  he  bysegith  harde  and  longe 
Buat 2  natheles  the  Walles  ben  so  stronge  [2  «<?] 

And  Nysus  that  was  kyng  off  that  citee  1904 

So  chiualrous  that  lytyl  dredith  he 
Off  Minos  nor  off  his  Oost  toke  no  cure 
Tyl  on  a  day  by-Felle  an  Aventure 

That  Nysus  douhter  stoode  vpon  the  walle  1908 

And  off  the  siege  sauh"  the  maner  alle 
So  happed!  yt  that  at  a  scarraysshyng 
She  caste  hire  herte  on  Minos  the  kyng 
For  his  beaute  and  For  his  chiualrye  1912 

So  sore  that  she  wende  Forto  dye 
And  shortly  off  this  processe  Forto  pace 
She  made  Minos  wynnen  thilke  place 
So  that  the  citee  was  alle  at  his  wylle  1916 

To  save  whom  hym  lyst  or  ellys  spylle 

ADDIT.  28,617 


360-361    PAR. -TEXT 

190        LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADD1T.  MS.  28,617. 

But  wykkedly  he  quytte  hire  kyndenesae 

And  lete  hire  drenche  in  sorwe  and  dystresse 

Nor  that  the  goddes  hadde  off  hire  pytee  1920 

But  that  tale  were  to  longe  as  now  For  me  Deaf  2-2,  back] 

Athanes  wanne  this  kyng  Minos  also 

And  Alcytote  and  other  tovnes  moo 

And  this  theffecte  that  Minos  hath  so  dryven  1924 

Thaym  off  Athanes  that  they  mote  hym  yeven 

Fro  yere  to  yere  theyre  owne  children  dere 

Forto  he  slayne  riht  as  ye  shaH  here 

This  Minos  hath"  a  monstre  a  wykkedf  beesto  1928 

That  was  so  crueH  that  with  oute  Reste 

Whanrce  that  a  man  was  brouht  in  his  presence 

He  wolde  hym  ete  there  helpith"  no  dyffence 

And  enery  thridde  yere  with"  oute  dovte  1932 

They  casten  loot  as  yt  kam  ahovte 

On  ryche  on  pore  he  muste  his  sonne  take 

And  off  his  childe  he  muste  present  make 

To  Minos  /  to  save  hym  or  to  spylle  193G 

Or  latte  his  beeste  devoure  hym  at  his  wylle 

And  this  hath"  Minos  done  ri6t  in  despyte 

To  wreke  his  sowne  was  sette  alle  his  delyte 

And  maken  off  Athanes  his  Thralle  1940 

Fro  yere  to  yere  while  that  he  lyven  shalle 

And  hoome  he  saylles  whawne  the  tovn)  ys  wonne 

The  wykkecJ  custume  ys  so  longe  yronne 

Tyl  that  off  Athenes  the  kyng  Egeus  1944 

Mote  senden  his  owne  sonne  Theseus 

To  ben  devoured!  syth"  grace  ys  ther  noon 

Syth"  that  the  loote  ys  Fallen  hym  vpon  [leafw] 

And  Forth  ys  ladde  this  wofuH  yonge  knyh"t  1948 

Vnto  the  Court  of  kyng  Minos  FuH  Riht 

And  in  a  prisoura  Fetred!  caste  ys  he 

Tyl  thilke  tyme  he  shulde  Freten  be 

Wei  maystow  wepe  0  wofuH  Theseus  1952 

Thow  art  a  kyngis  sonne  and  dampned1  thus 

ADDIT.   28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    362-363 
LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.      ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.         191 

Me  thenkytfi  this  that  thow  were  depe  yholde 

To  whom  that  saved?  the  From  cares  colde 

And  yiff  now  eny  wowman  helpe  the  1956 

Weft  oufitestow  hire  servauwt  Forto  be 

And  ben  hire  trewe  lover  yere  by  yere 

But  now  to  tourne  ageyn  to  my  matere 

The  Toure  there  this  Theseus  ys  Inne  thro  we  1960 

Dovne  in  the  Botme  depe  and  wonder  lowe 

was  loynynge  to  the  walle  to  a  Foreyne 

As  yt  was  longyng  to  the  sustren  tweyne 

Off  Minos  that  in  theyre  chambre  grete  1964 

Dwelten  above  towarde  the  maystre  strete 

Off  Athanes  in  loye  and  in  solace 

Note  I  nat  how  yt  happed*  per  caas 

As  Theseus  compleyned'  hym  by  nyht  1968 

The  kyngis  douhter  that  Adryan  hyh"t 

And  eke  hire  sustre  Freda  herden  alle 

Hys  compleynt  as  they  stode  on  the  walle 

And  looked'  vpon  the  briht  Moone         [leaf  23,  bach]         1972 

Hem  lyst  nat  to  goon  to  bedde  so  soone 

And  off  his  woo  they  hadde  compassioiw 

A  kyngis  sonne  to  be  in  suche  prisoun 

And  ben  devoured?  thouht  theym  grete  pytee  1976 

Tharme  Adrian  spak  to  hire  sustre  Free 

And  seyde  Freda  leve  sustre  deere 

This  wofuH  lorde  somze  may  ye  nat  here 

How  pytously  compleynyth"  he  his  kynne  1980 

And  eke  this  pore  estate  that  he  ys  Inne 

And  giltles  now  certes  this  ys  routhe 

And  yiff  ye  wole  assenten  be  my  Trouthe 

He  shall  ben  holpyn  how  so  that  we  doo  1 984 

Freda  answerde  ywys  me  ys  as  woo 

For  hym  as  euery  I  was  For  eny  man 

And  to  his  helpe  the  beste  rede  that  I  kan 

Is  that  we  done  the  layler  prevely  1 988 

To  kome  and  speke  with"  vs  hastely 

ADDIT.  28,617 


364-365    PAB.-TEXT 

192        LEGEND    OF   GOOD   WOMEN.      ADD1T.  MS.  28,617. 

And  doon)  this  wofuH  man  with"  hym  to  koine 

For  yiff  he  may  this  monstre  ouevkome 

Thanne  -were  he  quytte  ther  nys  noon)  other  boo  to        1992 

lat  vs  wel  taste  hym  at  his  hertis  Eoote 

That  yiff  so  be  that  he  a  wepne  have 

where  that  he  darr  his  lyff  to  kepe  and  save 

Fyhten  with"  this  Feende  and  hym  defende  1996 

For  in  prison)  there  he  shall  descende 

Ye  wote  well  that  the  beeste  ys  in  that  place  [leaf  2*] 

That  ys  nat  derke  and  there  ys  Rome  and  space 

To  welde  an  axe  &  swerde  a  staffe  or  knyff  2000 

So  that  me  thenkith  he  shulde  haue  his  lyff 

Yiff  that  he  be  a  man  he  shalle  do  so 

And  we  shuH  make  hym  balles  and  eke  also 

Off  wex  and  Towe  that  wharciie  he  gapith  Fasto  2004 

Into  the  beestes  throte  he  shaH  hem  caste 

To  slake  his  hunger  and  encombre  his  teeth 

And  riht  anooii  whanwe  Theseus  seeth 

The  beeste  achokecB  he  shaH  on  hym  leepe  2008 

To  sleen  hym  or  they  komen  more  to  kepe 

This  wepen  shaH  the  Gayller  or  that  tyde 

FuH  prevely  with  Inne  the  prison)  hyde 

And  For  the  hovs  ys  ykrynkelyd  to  and  Fro  2012 

And  hath  so  queynte  wayes  Forto  goo 

For  yt  ys  shapen  as  the  mase  y-wrouht 

Therto  have  I  a  Remedye  in  my  thoufit 

That  be  a  clewe  off  twyne  as  he  hath  goon)  2016 

The  same  way  he  may  retourne  anoori) 

Folwyng  al  way  the  threde  as  he  hath  kome 

And  wharene  that  he  this  beeste  hath  ouerkome 

Thanne  may  be  Fleen  away  oute  off  this  drede  2020 

And  eke  the  Gayllere  may  he  with  hym  lede 

And  hym  avau«ce  at  home  in  his  Cuntree 

Syn  that  so  grete  a  lordys  sonne  ys  he 

This  ys  my  rede  yiff  that  he  darr  yt  take    [leaf  2*,  back]   2024 

What  shulde  I  longer  sermon  off  yt  make 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    366-367 
LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.         193 

The  GayUer*  komyth"  and  with"  him  Theseus 

"Wha?me  thes  Maydens  ben  accorded?  thus 

Dovne  hym  sette  Theseus  on  his  kne  2028 

The  rih~t  lady  off  my  lyff  quod  he 

I  sorowfuH  man  y-dampned?  to  the  deetfi. 

For  yow  whils  that  me  lastyth  lyff  or  breetfi. 

I  wole  nat  twynne  affter  this  aventure  2032 

But  in  youre  service  thus  I  wole  endure 

That  as  a  wrecche  vnknowe  I  wole  yow  serve 

For  euere  mo  tyl  that  myn  herte  sterve 

Forsake  I  wole  at  home  myn  heritage  2036 

And  as  I  seyde  ben  off  youre  contre  a  page 

Yiff  that  ye  vouchesauff  that  in  this  place 

Yee  graunte  me  to  haue  so  grete  a  grace 

That  I  ne  have  nat  but  my  mete  and  drynke  2040 

And  For  my  sustenance  yitt  wole  I  swynke 

Eiht  as  yow  lyst  that  Minos  ne  no  wylit 

Syn.that  he  saut  me  neuere  with  eyen  siRt 

No  no  man  ellys  shaH  me  konne  espye  .       2044 

So  slely  and  so  weft  I  shaH  me  guye 

And  me  so  weH  dysfigure  and  so  lowe 

That  in  this  worlde  ther  shaH:  me  no  man  knowe 

To  haue  my  lyff  and  to  haue  presence  2048 

Off  yow  that  done  to  me  this  Excellence        [leaf  25] 

And  to  my  Fadir  shaH  I  sende  here 

This  worthy  man  that  now  ys  youre  gayllere 

And  hym  so  xdwerdon  that  hym  shaH  weH  be    ['  «c]    2052 

One  off  the  gretteste  men  off  my  Contre 

And  yiff  I  durste  yt  seyn  my  lady  briht 

I  am  a  kyngis  sonne  and  eke  a  knyfit 

As  wolde  god  that  yiff  yt  myht  be  2056 

Yee  wern  in  my  cuntre  alle  three 

And  I  with  yow  to  bere  yow  companye 

Thanwe  shulde  ye  seen  yiff  that  I  theroff  [l]ye 

And  yiff  I  profre  yow  in  lowe  manere  2060 

To  ben  youre  page  and  serven  yow  riht  here 

ADDIT.  28,617 
ODD    TEXTS.  13 


368-369    PAR.-TKXT 

194:        LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

But  I  yow  serve  as  lowly  in  that  place 

I  pray  to  Marce  to  yeve  me  suclie  grace 

That  shamys  deeth"  there  mote  on  me  Falle  2064 

And  deeth  and  poverte  vnto  my  Frendes  alle 

And  that  my  spyryt  be  nyht  mote  goo 

Affter  my  deeth"  and  walke  to  and  Froo 

That  I  mote  off  Traytour  haue  a  name  2068 

For  which"  my  spyryt  goth  to  do  me  shame 

And  yitf  I  euere  clayme  other  degree 

But  ye  wouchesauff  to  gyff  yt  me 

As  I  have  seyde  a  shamys  deeth"  mote  I  dye  2072 

And  mercy  lady  I  kan  nat  ellys  seye 

A  semly  knyht  was  Theseus  to  se  peaf25,  back] 

And  yonge  but  off  twenty  yere  and  three 

But  who  so  hadde  yseyn  his  contenauwce  2076 

He  wollde  haue  wepte  For  Eouth"  off  his  penawice 

For  which  this  Adryan  in  this  manere 

Answerde  hym  to  his  profre  and  his  chere 

A  kyngis  sonne  and  eke  a  knyht  qwod!  she  2080 

To  been  my  seruawnt  in  so  lowe  degre 

God  shelde  yt  For  the  shame  off  wywrnen  alle 

And  leene  me  neuere  suche  a  caas  be-Falle 

But  sende  yow  grace  and  sleyht  off  herte  also  2084 

Yow  to  defende  and  knyhtly  sleen  youre  Foo 

And  leene  here  affter  I  may  yow  Fynde 

To  me  and  to  my  sustre  heere  so  kynde 

That  I  repent  nat  to  yeve  yow  lyff  2088 

Yitt  were  yt  bettre  that  I  were  your  wylf 

Syn  that  ye  been  as  gentyl  borne  as  I 

And  haue  a  Eeavme  heere  Fast  by 

Thanwe  that  I  suffred?  yow  giltles  to  sterve  2092 

Or  thawne  I  lete  yow  as  a  page  to  serve 

Hit  ys  no  profre  as  vnto  youre  kynrede 

But  what  is  that  at  man  wole  nat  do  For  drede 

And  to  my  sustre  syn  that  yt  ys  so  2096 

That  she  mote  go  with"  me  yiff  that  I  goo 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    370-371 
LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.         195 

Or  ellis  suffre  deetfi.  as  weH  as  I 

That  ye  vnto  youre  sonwe  as  trewly 

Done  hire  be  weddyd  at  your  home  komynge  [leaf  26]    2100 

1'his  ys  the  FynaH  ende  off  alle  this  thinge 

ye  swere  yt  here  on  alle  that  may  be  sworne 

yee  lady  myn  quo<$  he  or  ellys  to-torne 

And  havitfi.  heere  off  myn  herte  bloode  to  borwe          2104 

And  that  I  be  with"  the  Minatour  to-morwe 

yiff  that  ye  wole  yiff  I  hadde  knyff  or  spere 

I  wolde  yt  laten  oute  and  theron  swere 

For  thewne  at  erst  I  wote  ye  wole  me  leve  2108 

Be  Mars  that  ys  the  chieff  off  my  beleve 

So  that  I  myh"t  levyn  and  nouht  Faylle 

To  morwe  Forto  taken 

I  wolde  n  2112 

Tyl 


And  to  hire  sustre  seyde  In  this  manere    [leaf  26,  back] 

Al  sofftely  /  now  sustre  myn  quod  she 

Now  betfc  we  duchesse  bothe  ye  and  I 

And  sykerec?  to  the  Eegales  off  Athanes  2128 

And  bothe  here  affter  lykly  to  be  quenes 

And  savyd!  From  his  deeth"  a  kyngis  sonwe 

As  euere  off  gentyH  wymmen  ys  the  wonne 

To  save  a  gentyl  man  emforthe  hire  myht  2132 

In  honest  cause  and  namely  in  his  Biht 

ADDIT.  28,617 


372-373    PAR.-TEXT 

196        LEGEND    OF   GOOD   WOMEN.      ADDIT.  US.  28,617. 

Me  thenke  no  wyfit  oufit  vs  heroff  blame 
Ne  beereu  vs  therfore  an  evyH  name 

this  matere  Forto  make  2136 

ke 


And  off  his  wyffis  Tressour  he  gan  yt  charge    Deaf  87] 

A[nd]  toke  his  wyff  and  eke  hire  sustre  Free  2152 

And  eke  the  Gayllere  and  with"  theym  alle  three 

Is  stoole  a  way  oute  off  the  londe  by  nyht 

And  to  the  cuntre  off  Ennopye  hem  dyfit 

There  as  he  hadde  a  Frende  off  his  knowynge  2156 

There  Festen  they  there  dansen  they  and  synge 

And  in  his  Armes  hath"  this  Adryane 

That  off  the  beeste  hath"  kepte  hym  From  his  bane 

And  gate  hym  there  a  newe  Barge  anoone  2160 

And  off  his  cuntre  Folke  a  grete  woone 

And  takith"  his  leve  and  hamward?  sayllith  he 

And  in  an  yle  amydde  the  wylde  see 

There  as  duelled1  Creature  noone  2164 

Save  wylde  beestes  and  that  FuH  many  oone 

He  made  his  Shippe  a  lande  Forto  sette 

And  in  [this]  yle  halff  a  day  he  lette 

And  s[eyde  that  on]  the  londe  he  muste  hym  Eeste     2168 

Hys  maryners  done  riht  as  hym  leste 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR.-TEXT    374-375 
LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.      ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.         197 

And  Forto  telle  shortly  in  this  caas 

Wha?me  Adryane  his  wyff  a  slepe  was 

For  that  hire  sustre  Fayrer  was  thawne  she  2172 

He  takith"  hire  in  his  honde  and  Forth  goth"  ho 

To  shippe  and  as  a  Traytour  stale  his  way 

While  that  this  Adryan  on  slepe  lay 

And  to  his  Cuntreward?  he  sayllyth  blyve   [leaf  27,  backj  217G 

A  twenty  devyH  way  the  wynde  hym  dryve 

And  Fonde  his  Fadire  drenchid!  in  the  see 

Me  lyste  no  more  speke  off  hym  parde 

Thes  Fals  lovers  poyson)  be  theyre  bane  2180 

But  I  wole  turne  ageyn  to  Adryane 

That  ys  with"  slepe  For  werynesse  y-take 

FuH  sorowfully  hire  herte  may  a-wake 

Alias  For  the  myn  herte  hath  pytee  2184 

Eiht  in  the  dawnyng  awakitfi  she 

And  gropith"  in  the  bedde  and  Fonde  riht  noufit 

Alias  quo$  she  that  euere  was  I  wroufit 

I  am  betrayed1  and  hire  heere  to-Rente  2188 

And  to  the  stronde  barefoot  Fast  she  wente 

And  cryed?  Theseus  myn  herte  swete 

Where  be  ye  that  I  may  nat  with  yow  mete 

And  myht  thus  with"  beestes  been  yslayne  2192 

The  holowe  Rokkes  answerde  hire  agayn[e] 

No  man  she  sauh"  and  yitt  shyned?  the  [Moone] 

And  hyh"  vpofi  a  Rokke  she  went  soone 

And  sauh  his  barge  sayllyng  in  the  see  2196 

Colde  wexe  hire  herte  and  riht  thus  seyde  she 

Meker  thewne  ye  Fynde  I  thes  beestes  wylde 

Hadde  he  nat  sywne  that  hire  thus  begylede 

She  Cryed*  0  turne  ageyn  For  Routhe  and  sy?me          2200 

Thy  barge  hath  nat  alle  his  meyne  with  Inne 

Hire  kevercheff  vpofi  a  pole  vp  styketh"  she 

[Ask]aunce  he  shulde  hyt  weH  y-se  [leaf  28? 

And  hym  Reme??ibre  that  she  was  behyndo  2204 

And  turne  ageyn  and  [on]  the  stronde  hire  Fynde 

ADDIT.  28,617 


376-377    PAR. -TEXT 

198        LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.      ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

But  aft  For  nouht  his  wey  lie  ys  y-goone 

Adovne  she  Felle  a-swone  vpon  a  stoone 

And  vpe  she  Eyst  and  kysseth"  in  alle  hire  care  2208 

The  steppes  off  his  Feet  there  he  hath"  Fare 

And  to  hire  bedde  rifit  thus  she  spekith"  thoo 

Thow  bedde  quo<$  she  that  hast  resseyvedf  twoo 

Thow  shalt  answere  off  twoo  and  nat  off  oone  2212 

Where  ys  the  gretter  partye  a-way  goone 

All  [as]  where  shaH  I  wrecchec?  wifit  bekome 

For  thouh"  so  [be]  that  boote  here  kome 

Hoome  [to  my  c]untre  darre  I  nat  For  drede  2216 

I  kon  my  sel[ven]  in  this  caas  nat  Rede 

What  shuld  [I]  more  telle  hire  compleynynge 

It  ys  to  l[ong  i]t  were  an  hevy  thynge 

In  hire  E[pistle]  Naso  tellyth  alle  2220 

But  shortly  to  the  ende  telle  I  shalle 

The  goddes  haue  hire  holpen  For  pytee 

In  the  sygne  off  Taurus  men  may  se 

The  stones  off  hire  Crovne  shyne  clere  2224 

I  wole  no  more  speke  off  this  matere 

But  thus  this  Fals  lover  gawne  begyle 

Hys  trewe  IOVP.  the  devyH  quyte  his  whyle 


[VIL] 

:  Encqrit  *  legentia  *  ^jilomene, 


THow  yever  off  the  Formes  that  hast  wroufit          2228 
The  Fayre  worlde  and  bare  yt  in  thy  thoufct 
Eternally  thow  thy  werke  began 
Why  madestow  vnto  the  sclaundre  off  Man 
Or  aH  be  hit  /  yt  was  nat  thy  doynge  2232 

As  For  that  Fyne  to  make  swiche  a  thinge 
Why  suffrest  thow  that  Tereus  w[as]  bore 
That  ys  in  love  so  Fals  and  For[swore] 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR-TEXT    378-379 
LEGEND    OP   GOOD    WOMEN.      ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.         199 

That  Fro  this  worlde  vp  to  the  Firs[t]  hevene  2236 

Corrur/ipeth"  whawne  that  Folke  his  n[am]e  nevene 

And  as  to  me  so  grysly  was  his  [ded]e 

That  whanrae  that  I  in  his  Fou[le  storjye  Eede 

Myn  eyen  wexen  Foule  and  sor[e  alsoo]  2240 

Yitt  laste  the  venyme  off  so  longe  agoo 

That  yt  Infectyth"  hym  that  wole  be-holde 

The  storye  of  Tereus  the  whiche  I  tolde 

Off  Trace  was  he  lorde  and  kynwe  to  Marte  2244 

The  CrueH  god  that  stant  with"  bloody  darte 

And  wedded?  hadde  he  with"  a  blysfuH  chere 

Kyng  Pandyones  douhter  Fayre  and  dere 

That  hint  Progne  Floure  off  hire  Cuntree  2248 

Thouh"  luno  lyst  nat  at  the  Feste  to  be  [leaf  29] 

NQ  ymeneus  that  god  off  weddyng  ys 

But  at  the  Feste  redy  ben  y-wys 

The  Furies  three  with"  they  re  mortal!  bronde  2252 

The  Owle  aH  nyh"t  aboute  the  balkes  wonde 

That  prophete  ys  off  woo  and  off  meschauwce 

This  Eeveli  ffuH  off  songe  and  ffuH  off  dauwce 

laste  Fourtenyth"  or  lytyH  lasse  225G 

But  shortly  off  this  story  fforto  passe 

For  I  am  werye  off  hym  Forto  telle 

Fyve  yere  his  wyff  and  he  togedre  duelle 

Tyl  on  a  day  she  ganwe  so  sore  longe  .1.  languendo 

To  seen  hire  sustre  that  she  sauh"  nat  longe  2261 

That  For  desire  she  nyst  what  to  say 

But  to  hire  housbonde  ganne  the  Forto  pray 

For  goddis  love  that  she  must  oonys  goone  2264 

Hire  sustre  Forto  se  and  kome  anoone 

Or  ellys  but  she  moste  to  hire  wende 

She  prayde  hym  he  wolde  affter  hire  sende 

And  th"is  was  day  by  day  hire  prayere  2268 

With"  alle  humblesse  of  [wif]  hode  worde  and  chere 

This  Tereus  lete  ma[ke  his]  shippes  yare 

And  into  Grece  hym  sylff  ys  Forth"  y-Fare 

ADDIT.  28,617 


380-381    PAR. -TEXT 

200         LEGEND    OP    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

Vnto  his  [father]  in  la  we  gawne  he  preye  2272 

To  vouchesauff  that  For  a  moneth"  or  tweye 

That  Philomene  his  wyffis  sustre  myfrt 

On  Proigne  hys  wyff  but  onys  haue  a  syh~t  [leaf  20,  back] 

And  she  shatt  koine  anoon  ageyn  anoone  2276 

My  sylff  with"  hire  I  wole  both  kome  and  goone 

And  as  myn  hertys  lyff  I  wole  hire  kepe 

This  olde  Pandeone  the  kyng  gan  wepe 

For  tendernesse  off  herte  Forto  leve  2280 

Hys  douhter  goon  and  Forto  yeve  hire  leve 

Off  alle  this  worlde  he  lovyth"  no  thyng  so 

But  at  laste  leve  hath"  she  to  goo 

For  Philomene  with  salte  teeres  eke  2284 

Ganne  off  hire  Fadire  grace  Forto  seke 

To  seen  hire  sustre  that  she  lovith"  so 

And  hym  enibraceth  with  hire  Armes  twoo 

And  ther  with  aH  so  yonge  so  Fayre  was  she  2288 

That  wha??ne  that  Tereus  sauh  hire  beaute 

And  off  Array  that  ther  was  noone  hire  lyche 

And  yitt  off  beawte  was  she  twoo  so  Riche 

He  keste  his  Fyrye  herte  vpon  hire  so  2292 

That  he  wylle  haue  hire  how  so  yt  goo 

And  with  his  wyles  kneled*  and  so  preyde 

Tyl  at  the  last  Pandeone  thus  seyde 

Now  sonwe  qwod*  he  that  [art]  to  me  so  dere  2296 

I  the  bytake  my  yonge  douhtere  heere 

That  berith  the  keye  off  alle  myn  herttys  lyff 

And  grete  [yow]  weH  my  douhter  and  [thy]  wyff 

And  giffe  hire  leve  somme  tyme  Forto  pleye  2300 

That  she  may  seen  me  onys  or  I  deye 

And  sothely  he  hym  hath  made  Riche  Feste  [leaf  so] 

And  to  his  Folke  the  moste  and  eke  the  leste 

That  with  hym  kam  he  yaff  hem  gyfftes  grete  2304 

And  hym  conveyth  thurh"  the  maystre  strete 

Off  Athanes  and  to  the  see  hym  brouht 

And  turneth  home  no  malice  he  ne  thouht 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR.-TEXT    382-383 
LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.         201 

The  Cores  pullen  Forth  the  vessel!  Faste  2308 

And  in  to  Trace  arryveth"  at  the  laste 

And  vp  in  to  a  Foreste  he  hire  ledde 

And  in  to  a  Cave  pryvely  hym  spedde 

And  in  this  derke  Cave  yiff  hire  leste  2312 

Or  leste  nat  he  badde  hire  Forto  Eeste 

Off  which"  hire  herte  agroos  and  seyde  thus 

"Where  ys  my  sustre  brother  Tereus 

And  ther  with"  alle  she  wepte  tendirly  2316 

And  quooke  For  Feere  pale  and  pytously 

Riht  as  the  lambe  that  off  the  wolff  ys  beten 

Or  as  the  Colver  that  off  the  Egle  ys  smeten 

And  oute  off  his  Clawes  Forth  escaped!  2320 

yitt  yt  ys  a-Ferde  and  a-whaped? 

Lyst  yt  be  hente  effte  so[ne]s  so  that  she 

But  vtterly  yt  may  noon  other  be 

By  Force  hath  this  Traytour  done  a  dede  2324 

That  he  hath  reffte  hire  off  hire  maydenhede 

Maugre  hire  heede  by  strenth"  and  by  myfit 

Loo  here  a  dede  off  men  and  that  a  Riht 

She  crieth  suster  with  Futt  lowde  stevene  [leaf  so,  back]  2328 

And  Fadire  deere  and  helpe  me  god  off  heveno 

Alle  helpith  nat  and  yitt  this  Fals  theeff 

Hath  done  this  lady  a  more  myschieff 

For  Feere  she  sholde  hys  shame  crye  2332 

And  done  hym  haue  an  opne  velanye 

And  with  his  SAverde  hire  tunge  off  kerff  he 

And  in  a  casteH  made  hire  Forto  be 

FuH  prevely  in  a  pry  son©  euere  more  2336 

And  kepte  hire  to  his  vsage  and  to  his  store 

0  sely  Phylomene  woo  ys  thyn  herte 

Huge  ben  thy  sorwes  and  wondre  smerte 

God  wreke  the  and  sende  the  thy  boone  2340 

Now  yt  ys  tyme  I  make  an  ende  soone 

This  Tereus  ys  to  his  wyff  ykome 

And  in  his  Arraes  hath  his  wyff  ynome 

ADDIT.  28,617 


384-385  PAR.-TEXT 

202    LEGEND  OF  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

And  pytously  he  wepte  and  shoke  his  heede  2344 

And  swore  to  hire  he  Fonde  hire  sustre  deede 

For  this  sely  Progne  hath  swich"  woo 

That  nyh  hire  sorowfuH  herte  breste  atwoo 

And  thus  in  teeres  latte  [I]  Progne  duelle  2348 

And  off  hire  sustre  Forth  wole  I  telle 

This  w[ofu]H  lady  lerned?  hadde  in  youthe 

So  that  she  werkyn  and  embrowden  kouthe 

And  weven  in  the  stole  the  Radenore  2352 

As  hit  off  wyramen  hath  ben  wouen  yore 

And  sothely  Forto  seyn  she  hadde  hire  Fylle  [leaf  si] 

Off  mete  and  drynke  and  Clothyng  at  hire  wylle 

She  kouthe  eke  rede  and  weft  ynouh  endyte  2356 

But  with  a  penne  koude  she  nat  wryte 

But  lettres  kawne  she  weven  to  and  Froo 

So  that  by  the  yere  was  alle  agoo 

She  hadde  woven  in  a  stamyn  large  2360 

How  she  was  brouht  From  Athenes  in  a  Barge 

And  in  a  Cave  how  that  she  was  brouht 

And  alle  the  thinge  that  Tereus  hath  wrouht 

She  wove  yt  weH  and  wrote  the  storye  above  2364 

How  she  was  served!  For  hire  sustre  love 

And  to  a  knawe  a  Kynge  she  yaff  anoone 

And  preyde  hym  by  sygnes  Forto  goone 

Vnto  the  quene  and  beren  hire  that  clothe  2368 

And  be  sygnes  swore  many  an  othe 

She  shulde  hym  yeve  what  she  geten  myht 

This  knave  anoone  vnto  the  quene  hym  dyht 

And  toke  yt  hire  and  alle  the  manere  tolde  2372 

And  whanne  that  Progne  hath  this  thinge  beholde 

No  worde  she  spak  For  sorwe  and  eke  For  Rage 

But  FeynecJ  hire  to  goon  on  Pylgrymage 

To  Bacus  Temple  and  in  a  lytyH  stounde  2376 

Hire  dumbe  sustre  syttyng  hath  she  Founde 

Wepynge  in  the  Castell  hire  alloone 

Alias  the  woo  the  compleynt  and  the  moons 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    386-387 
LEGEND    OP   GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.         203 

That  Progne  vpon)  hire  sustre  maketfr      [leaf  si,  buck]      2380 

In  Armes  eueryche  off  hem  other*  taketh" 

And  thus  I  late  hem  in  here  sorwe  duelle 

The  rerananawzt  ys  no  charge  to  telle 

Tor  this  ys  alle  and  somme  thus  was  she  served?  2384 

That  neuere  harme  ne  gylte  ne  deserved1 

Vnto  this  crueH:  man  that  she  off  wyst 

Yee  may  be  warr  off  men  yiff  that  yow  lyst 

For  al  be  that  he  wole  nat  For  shame  2388 

Doone  so  as  Tereus  to  lese  his  name 

Ne  serve  yow  as  Murdrer  or  a  knave 

FuH  lytyH  while  shutt  ye  trewe  hym  have 

That  wole  I  seyn  al  were  he  now  my  brother  2392 

But  yt  so  be  that  he  may  haue  a  nother 


[VHL] 

:  Enctptt  *  Icflentia : 

BY  prove  as  well  as  by  Auttoryte 
That  wykked!  Fruyt  komytn"  off  wykkedf  tree 
That  may  ye  Fynde  yff  that  yt  lyke  yow  2396 

But  For  this  ende  I  speke  this  caas  as  now 
To  tellen  yow  off  the  ffals  Demophone 
In  love  a  Falser  herde  I  neuere  noone 
But  yiff  hit  were  his  Fadir  Theseus  [ie«f  *i]         2400 

God  For  his  grace  From  such"  oon  kepe  vs 
Thus  thes  wymmen  pray  en  that  hit  heere 
Now  to  theffecte  tourne  I  off  my  matere 
Dystroyed  ys  off  Troye  the  Citee  2404 

This  Demephone  kome  sayllyng  in  the  see 
Towarde  Athanes  to  his  Paleys  large 
With"  hym  kome  many  a  shippe  and  many  a  barge 
Fulle  off  Folke  off  whicn  FuH  many  oone  2408 

Is  wounded?  sore  and  syke  and  woo  begoone 

ADDIT.  28,617 


388-389    PAR.-TEXT 

204        LEGEND   OF    GOOD   WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

And  they  haue  at  the  Siege  longe  yleyne 
Behynde  hym  kome  a  wynde  and  eke  a  Reyne 
That  shoofF  so  sore  his  saylle  myh"t  nat  stande  2412 

Hym  were  lever  than  alle  the  worlde  ha  lande 
So  hunteth"  hym  the  Tempest  to  and  Froo 
So  derke  yt  was  he  kouthe  nowhere  goo 
And  with"  a  wawe  brokyn  was  his  steere  2416 

His  shippe  was  rente  so  lowe  in  such"  manere 
That  the  carpenter  kouthe  yt  nat  amende 
The  see  be  nyh~t  as  eny  Torche  brende 
For  woode  and  possith"  hym  now  vp  now  dovn  2420 

Tyl  Neptyne  hath"  off  hym  compassioun 
And  Tetes  Thorus1  Triton  and  they  alle  P«fc] 

And  made  hym  vpofi  a  lande  to  Falle 
Wheroff  that  Philles  lady  was  and  quene    [leaf  sz,  back]   2424 
Lygurges  doufiter  Fayrer  on  to  seene 
Thanwe  ys  a  Floure  ayen  the  briht  sonne 
Vnnethe  ys  Demephonfi  to  londe  y-wonne 
"Wayke  and  wery  and  his  Folke  Forpyned?  2428 

Off  werynesse  and  also  enfamyned? 
And  to  the  deeth"  he  was  almost  ydryve 
Hys  wyse  Folke  to  conseyH  haue  hym  yeve 
To  seken  helpe  and  sokoure  off  the  quene  2432 

And  loken  what  his  grace  myht  beene 
And  make  in  that  lande  somme  chevy sauwce 
To  kepen  hym  Fro  woo  and  Fro  meschaurace 
For  syke  he  was  and  almast  at  the  deeth"  2436 

Vnnethes  mySt  he  speke  or  drawe  his  breetfi 
And  lyeth"  in  Eodopya  hym  Forto  Eeste 
Whawne  he  may  walke  him  thoufit  yt  was  the  beste 
Vn  to  the  Courte  to  seken  For  sokour  2440 

Men  knewe  hym  weH  and  dydde  hym  honour 
For  off  Athenes  Duke  and  lorde  was  he 
As  Theseus  his  Fadir  hadde  y-be 

That  in  his  tyme  was  off  grete  Kenoura  2444 

Noone  so  grete  in  alle  the  Regioura 
ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR-TEXT    390-391 
LEGEND   OF   GOOD   WOMEN.      ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.        205 

And  lyke  his  Fadire  off  Face  and  off  stature 

And  Fals  off  love  yt  kome  hym  off  Nature 

As  doth"  the  Fox  Keynard?  the  Foxis  sowne  2448 

Off  kynde  he  kouthe  his  olde  Fadris  womie 

With"  outen  lore  as  kan  a  drake  sywmrae  [leafss] 

Whawne  yt  ys  kauht  and  caryec?  to  the  brywme 

This  honnourable  Philles  doth"  hym  chere  2452 

Hire  lykith"  weft  his  porte  and  his  inanere 

But  For  I  am  agrucched!  heere  be-forne 

To  write  off  hem  that  ben  in  love  Forsworne 

And  to  haste  me  eke  in  my  legende  2456 

Which"  to  perfourme  god  me  grace  sende 

Therfore  I  passe  shortly  in  this  wyse 

Yee  haue  weft  herde  this  Theseus  devyse 

In  the  betraysynge  off  Fayre  Adryane  2460 

That  off  hire  pytee  kepte  hym  From  his  bane 

At  shorte  wordes  Kiht  so  Demophone 

The  same  way  the  same  paath  hath  goone 

That  dydde  his  Fals  Fadire  Theseus  2464 

For  vnto  Philles  hath"  he  sworne  thus 

To  wedden  hire  and  hire  his  trouthe  pliht 

And  pykecf  off  hire  alle  the  goode  he  myht 

Whawne  he  was  hole  and  sounde  and  hadde  his  Eyst  2468 

And  doth  with  Philles  what  so  hym  lyst 

As  well  kouthe  I  yiff  that  me  lyst  soo 

Tellen  alle  his  doynge  to  and  Froo 

He  seyde  to  his  cuntre  muste  he  say  lie  2472 

For  there  he  wolde  hire  weddyng  apparaylle 

As  Felle  to  hire  honour  and  his  also 

And  openly  he  tooke  his  leve  thoo 

And  hath  hire  sworn)  he  wole  not  soiourne     [ifss,  bk]    2476 

But  in  a  moneth"  he  wolde  ayen  retourne 

And  in  that  lande  lete  make  his  ordenawnce 

As  verrey  lorde  and  toke  thobeyssa?mce 

Wele  and  homly  and  his  shippes  dyh"t  2480 

And  home  he  gooth  the  next  way  he  myht 

ADDIT.  28,617 


392-393  PAR.-TEXT 

206    LEGEND  OF  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

For  vnto  Philles  yitt  kome  he  nouht 
And  that  hath"  she  so  harde  and  sore  yboufet 
Alias  that  as  the  stories  vs  Recorde  2484 

She  was  hire  owne  deeth"  with  a  corde 
Whanwe  that  she  seye  that  Demephone  hire  trayed? 
Bote  to  hym  wrote  she  and  Fast  prayed! 
He  wolde  komen  and  hire  delyuere  off  peyne  2488 

As  I  reherse  shaft  a  worde  or  tweyne 
Me  lyst  nat  wouchesauff  on  hym  to  swynke 
Ne  spenden  on  hym  a  penne  Fulle  off  ynke 
For  Fals  in  love  he  was  rifit  as  his  syre  2492 

The  devel  sette  theyr  soules  bothe  on  Fyre 
But  off  the  lettre  off  Philles  wole  I  write 
A  worde  or  twey  al  thouh"  yt  be  but  lyte 
Thyn  Oostesse  quod  she  0  Demophon)  2496 

Thy  Philles  whicfi  that  is  so  woo  begoon 
Off  Rodopey  vpon  yow  mote  compleyne 
Over  the  terme  sette  bitwix  vs  tweyne 
That  ye  ne  holden  forwarde  as  ye  seyde  2500 

Youre  anker  whicfr  ye  in  oure  haven  leyde  [leaf  34 1 

Hyblt  vs  that  ye  wolde  komen  oute  off  doute 
Or  that  the  Moone  went  onys  aboute 
'But  tymes  Foure  the  Moone  hath"  hidde  hire  Face       2504 
Syn  thilke  day  ye  went  From  this  place 
And  Foure  tymes  lifit  the  worlde  ageyne 
But  for  alle  that  yiff  I  shulde  sothely  seyne 
Yitt  hath"  the  Streme  off  Cyteys  nount  brount  2508 

Fram  Athenes  the  shippe  yitt  kome  yt  noufit 
And  yiff  that  ye  the  terme  Rekne  wolde 
As  I  or  as  a  trewe  lover  sholde 

I  pleyne  nat  god  wote  tofore  my  day  2512 

But  alle  hire  lettre  writen  I  ne  may 
Be  ordre  For  yt  were  to  me  a  charge 
Hire  lettre  was  rih"t  longe  and  therto  large 
But  here  and  there  In  Ryme  I  have  yt  leyde  2516 

Ther  as  me  thount  that  she  weH  hath"  seyde 

ADDIT.  28,617 


PAR. -TEXT    394-395 
LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADD1T.  MS.  28,617.         207 

She  seyde  thy  saylles  komyth"  nat  ageyue 

Ne  to  thy  worde  ther  ys  no  Fey  Certeyne 

Bote  I  wote  why  ye  komen  nat  quod  she  2520 

For  I  was  off  my  love  to  yow  so  Free 

And  off  the  goddes  that  ye  haue  swore 

Yiff  here  vengaimce  Falle  on  yow  therfore 

Ye  be  nat  suffisauwt  to  bere  the  peyne  2524 

To  muche  I  trusted1  I  may  weli  seyne 

Vpon  youre  lynage  and  youre  Fayre  tonge  ['.eafsi,  backj 

And  on  youre  Teeres  Falsly  oute  wronge 

How  kouthe  ye  wepe  so  by  Craffte  quod1  she  2528 

May  there  suche  teeres  yffeyned!  be 

Now  certes  yiff  ye  wole  haue  in  memorye 

It  oufit  to  be  to  yow  but  lytyH  glorye 

To  haue  a  sely  Mayde  thus  betray de  2532 

To  god  quod:  she  pray  I  and  ofte  ha  prayde 

That  yt  moste  be  the  grettest  pride  off  alle 

And  moste  honour  that  euere  shaH  yow  bef alle 

That  whanne  thyn  olde  Auncestres  ypeynted!  be  2536 

In  which"  men  may  thayre  worthynesse  se 

The?ine  pray  I  god  how  peynted?  be  also 

That  Folke  may  reden  Forby  as  they  goo 

Lo  this  ys  he  that  with"  his  Flaterye  2540 

Betraysed?  hath  and  done  hire  vylanye 

That  was  his  trewe  love  in  thouht  and  dede 

But  sothely  off  oon  poynt  yitt  may  they  rede 

That  ye  be  lyke  youre  Fadire  as  in  this  2544 

For  he  begyled?  Adryane  y-wys 

With"  suche  an  Arte  and  with  suche  subtylite 

As  thow  thy  selven  hast  begyled1  me 

As  in  that  poynt  aH  thouh"  yt  be  nat  Fayre  2548 

Thow  Folwist  hym  certeyn  and  art  his  hayre 

But  sen  thus  synfully  ye  me  begyle 

My  body  mote  ye  se  with  Inne  a  while 

Rifit  in  the  havene  off  Athenes  Fletynge        [leaf  ss]       2552 

with"  oute  sepulture  or  Buryynge 

ADDIT.  2?,617 


396-397    PAR. -TEXT 

208         LEGEND    OF    GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

Thouh"  ye  ben  harder  thanne  ys  eny  stoone 

And  whawne  this  letfae  was  Forth  ygoone 

And  knewe  how  broteH  and  how  Fals  he  was  2556 

She  For  despeyre  Fordydde  hire  selff  alias 

Suche  sorwe  hath"  she  For  she  besette  hire  so 

Be  warre  ye  wywmen  For  youre  subelle1  woo  ['»<«] 

Sen  yitt  this  day  men  may  ensemple  se  2560 

And  trustetfi  as  in  love  no  man  but  me 


[IX.] 

:  Enctptt  .  Eegentia  .  gpermgstre  : 


IN  Grece  whylom  werne  Brethren  twoo 
Off  which"  that  oon  was  callyd?  Danoo 
That  many  a  sonne  hath  off  his  body  wowne  2564 

As  suche  Fals  lovers  offten  tyme  kowne 
Amonge  his  sownes  alle  there  was  oone 
That  aldermoste  he  loved?  off  euerychoone 
And  whawne  this  Childe  was  borne  this  Danoo  2568 

Shope  hym  a  name  and  callyd?  hym  Lyno 
That  other  brother  callyd?  was  Egyste 
That  was  off  love  as  Fals  as  hym  lyste  [leaf  ss,  back] 

And  many  a  douhter  hadde  he  in  his  lyff  2572 

Off  which  he  gate  vpcn  his  riht  wyff 
A  douhter  deere  and  dydde  hire  calle 
Ypermystra  yongest  off  hem  alle 

The  whiche  Childe  off  hire  natiuite  2576 

To  alle  thewes  goode  borne  was  she 
And  lyked?  to  the  goddes  or  she  was  borne 
That  off  the  sheeff  she  shulde  be  the  corne 
The  wordes  that  we  clepen  destyne  2580 

Hath  shapen  hire  that  she  mot  nedys  be 
Pietous  sadde  wys  Trewe  as  stele 
As  to  thes  wy?nmen  yt  accordeth  wele 

ADDIT.  28,017 


TAH.-TEXT    398-399 
LEGEND    OF   GOOD    WOMEN.       ADDIT*  MS.  28,617.         209 

For  thouh"  that  Venus  yeff  hire  grete  beaute  2584 

With"  lupyter  compovned?  so  was  she 

With  Conscience  trouthe  and  drede  off  shame 

And  off  hire  wyffhode  Forto  kepen  hire  name 

This  thouht  hire  was  Felicite  as  heere  2588 

The  Eede  Mars  was  that  tyrne  off  yere 

So  Feble  that  his  malice  hath"  hym  Eaffte 

Repressed?  hath  Venus  his  CrueH  Craffte 

And  with"  Venus  and  other  oppression?*  2592 

Off  honeste  Mars  ys  venynie  ys  a  dovn) 

That  ypermystra  darre  nat  handle  a  knyff 

In  malyce  thoufi  she  shulde  lese  hire  lyff 

But  natheles  as  hevyne  gan  has  tourne  2596 

Twoo  badde  espectes  hat  she  off  Satourne  [leaf  36] 

That  made  hire  dyen  in  prison) 

As  I  shali  affter  make  menczon 

To  Danoo  and  Egistes  also  2600 

And  thouh"  so  be  that  they  wern)  brother  twoo 

For  thylke  tyme  Mars  spared?  no  lynage 

It  lyked?  hem  to  maken  a  maryage 

Bytwixen  ypermystre  and  hym  lynoo  2604 

And  casten  swich"  a  day  yt  shall  be  do 

And  FuH"  accorded?  was  yt  vtterly 

The  array  ys  wrouh"t  and  the  tyme  Fast  by 

And  thus  Lyno  hath"  off  his  Fadris  brother  2608 

The  douhter  wedded'  and  eche  off  hem  other 

The  torches  brewnyng  and  the  lampes  brifrt 

The  sacrefices  ben  FuH:  redy  dyh"t 

Thensence  oute  off  the  Fyre  reketh  swote  2612 

The  Floure  the  leeff  ys  Rent  vpe  by  the  Rote 

To  maken  gerlondes  and  crovnes  hye 

Fulle  ys  the  place  off  Mynstralcye 

Off  songes  Amerous  off  Mariage  2G16 

As  thilke  tyme  was  the  pleyne  vsage 

And  this  was  in  the  paleys  off  Egiste 

That  in  his  hovs  was  lorde  as  hym  lyste 

ADDIT.  28,617 
ODD    TEXTS.  14 


400  401    PAR. -TEXT 

210        LEGEND    OP   GOOD    WOMEN.      ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

And  thus  that  day  they  dryven  to  an  ende  2620 

The  Frendes  take  leve  and  home  they  wende 

The  nyfct  ys  komen  the  Bryde  shaH  go  to  bedde  [leafse,  backi 

Egiste  to  his  chambre  Fast  hym  spedde 

And  pryvely  lete  his  douh~ter  calle  2624 

Whanne  that  the  hovs  voyde  was  off  hem  alle 

He  lokitfi.  on  his  douh'ter  with  gladde  chere 

And  to  hire  he  spak  as  ye  shaH  affter  here 

My  riht  douh'ter  Tresour  off  myn  herte  2628 

Syn  First  that  day  that  shapen  was  my  sherte 

Or  by  the  Fatale  Sustren  hadde  my  doome 

So  nyh"  myn  herte  neuere  thinge  ne  kome 

As  thow  ypermystra  douh'ter  dere  2632 

Take  hede  what  I  thy  Fadir  seyth"  the  here 

And  wirke  afftir*  thy  wyser  euere  moo 

For  alderfirst  douhter  I  loved?  the  so 

That  alle  the  worlde  to  me  nys  halff  so  leeff  2636 

That  I  wolde  rede  the  to  no  myschieff 

For  alle  the  goode  vndii*  this  colde  Moone 

And  what  I  mene  yt  shaH  be  seyde  riht  soone 

"With  protestaci'on  as  seyne  thes  wyse  2640 

That  but  thow  do  as  I  shaH;  devyse 

Thow  shalt  be  deede  by  him  that  alle  hath"  wrouht 

At  shorte  wordes  thow  ne  skapest  nouht 

Out  off  my  paleys  or  that  thow  be  deede  2644 

But  thow  consente  and  wirke  affter  my  Eeede 

Take  this  to  the  For  FuH  conclusion) 

This  ypennystre  caste  hire  eyen  dovn) 

And  quooke  as  doth  the  leeff  off  Aspees  grene    [leaf  37]  2648 

Deede  wexe  hire  hewe  and  lyke  asshes  to  sene 

And  seyde  lorde  and  Fadir1  alle  youre  wille 

Affter  my  myht  god  wote  I  shaH  Fulfylle 

So  hit  be  to  me  no  Confusiown  2652 

I  nyl  quod  he  haue  noone  Excepc/own 

And  oute  he  kauht  a  knyff  as  Rasour  kene 

Hyde  this  quod  he  that  yt  be  nat  sene 

ADDIT.  28,'317 


PAR.-TEXT    402403 
LEGEND   OP   GOOD   WOMEN.       ADDIT.  MS.  28,617.        211 

And  wha?me  thyn  housbonde  ys  to  bedde  ygoo  265G 

while  that  he  slepith  kutte  his  throte  atwoo 

For  in  my  drenies  yt  ys  y-warned!  me 

How  that  my  nevew  shaH  my  baane  be 

But  which"  I  not  wherfore  I  wole  be  seker  2660 

yiff  thow  say  nay  we  twoo  shaH  haue  byker 

As  I  have  seyde  by  hym  that  I  have  sworne 

This  ypemaystre  hath  nyh"  hire  wytte  forlorns 

And  Forto  passen  harmeles  Fro  that  place  2664 

She  grantyth"  hym  there  nas  noone  other  grace 

And  there  with  att  a  costrete  takith  he 

And  seyde  heroff  a  drauht  or  twoo  or  three 

yeve  hym  to  drynke  whawne  he  gooth  Eeste  2668 

And  he  shaH:  slepe  as  longe  as  euere  the  leste 

The  narbolykes  and  Epies  ben  so  stronge 

And  goo  thy  way  lest  hym  thenke  to  longe 

Out  komyth"  the  Bryde  with"  Ful  sobre  chere  2672 

As  off  thes  Maydenes  offte  hit  ys  the  manere        [leaf  37,  back] 

To  Chawmbre  ys  brouht  with"  Revett  and  songe 

And  shortly  lyst  this  tale  be  to  longe 

This  lyno  and  she  ben  brouht  to  Bedde  2676 

And  eufiry  wiht  oute  off  the  doore  hym  spedde 

The  nyht  ys  wasted!  and  he  Felle  A-sleepe 

Full  tendirly  bygywneth  she  to  wepe 

She  ryst  hire  vpe  and  dredefully  she  quaketh"  2680 

As  dothe  the  Braunche  that  Zepherus  shaketfi 

And  hussht  were  alle  in  Argone  that  citee 

As  colde  as  eny  Froste  now  wexith  she 

For  pytee  by  the  herte  streyneth  hire  so  2684 

And  drede  off  deeth"  doth  hire  so  muche  woo 

That  thryes  dovn)  she  Felle  in  this  weere 

She  ryseth  vpe  and  stakereth  here  and  there 

And  on  hire  hondes  Faste  lokith"  she  2688 

Alias  and  shaH  myn  handes  bloody  be 

I  am  A  Mayde  And  as  by  Nature 

And  by  my  semblawnt  and  my  vesture 

ADDIT.  28,617 


404-405  PAK.-TEXT 

212    LEGEND  OF  GOOD  WOMEN.   ADDIT.  MS.  28,617. 

Myii  handes  ben  nat  shapen  For  a  knyff  2692 

As  Forto  Eeven  a  man  From  his  lyff 

What  devyft  have  I  with"  this  knyff  to  do 

And  shaH  I  have  my  throte  kutte  a  twoo 

Thawne  shaH  I  bleede  alias  and  me  shende  2696 

And  nedys  coste  this  thing  must  haue  an  ende 

Or  he  or  I  muste  nedys  lese  oure  lyff 

Now  certes  quod  she  sen  I  am  his  wyff  [leaf  ss] 

And  hath"  my  Feytfi  yitt  ys  yt  bette  For  me  2700 

Forto  be  deede  in  wyffly  honeste 

Tha/me  ben  a  Traytour  levyng  in  my  shame 

Be  as  he  may  For  ernest  or  For  game 

He  shaH  awake  and  ryse  and  goon  his  way  2704 

Out  at  this  goter  er  that  yt  be  day 

And  wepte  FuH  tendyrly  vpon  his  Face 

And  in  hire  Armes  gan  hym  to  embrace 

And  hym  she  roggeth"  and  awakith"  soffte  2708 

And  at  a  wyndow  lepe  From  the  loffte 

whamze  she  hath"  warned*  and  done  hym  bote 

This  lyno  swyth"  was  and  lih~t  off  Foote 

And  From  his  wyff  ramie  a  FuH  goode  paas  2712 

This  sely  womman  ys  so  wayke  alias 

And  helpeles  so  that  er  she  Ferre  wente 

Hire  crueH  Fadire  dydde  hire  hente 

Alias  lyno  why  art  thow  so  vnkynde  2716 

Why  ne  haddestow  Kemembred!  in  thy  mynde 

And  taken  hire  and  ladde  hire  Forth"  with  the 

For  whanwe  she  sauh"  that  goon  away  was  he 

And  that  she  myfit  nat  so  Fast  goo  2720 

Ne  Folwe  hym  she  satte  dovn  rifit  thoo 

Tyl  she  was  take  and  Fetred?  in  prisoun 

This  Tale  ys  seyde  For  this  conclusiou?z 
/ 

[unfinishf] 


ADDIT.  28,617 


213 


6. 

\)t  letk  0f  llmmck 

O       Cv      o  C>  r> 

(A.D.  1369) 

FEOM  BODLEY  MS.  G38. 


[In  Note  1,  p.  34,  of  my  Trial-Forewords,  I  said, — relying  on 
the  examination  of  the  two  MSS.  by  a  Chaucer-friend — that  this 
Bodley  638  was  copied  from  the  Fairfax  16.  Further  comparison 
of  the  two  MSS.  has  led  me  to  doubt  this  as  regards  Chaucer's 
BlawncTie.  Compare  these  differences  : — 

F.  to  fore,  190;        swete  hert,  206;       Ful,  324;      fille,  374  ; 
B.  byfore  swete  And  was 

F.  how,  514;          791-2  in;  place,  806; 

B.  where  not  in  chambre 

F.  memoyre,  yvoyre,  945-6 ;  she  koude,  1012. 

B.  memorye,  Ivorye  that  she  was 

And  so  I  now  print  the  Bodley  copy,  tho'  it  is  very  close  to  the 
Fairfax ;  I  suppose  from  the  same  original.] 


PAR. -TEXT    1 
DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY  MS.  638.  215 


\Bodley  MS.  638  (paper  quires  in  vellum  covers,  al>.  1450), 
leaf  110,  lack.} 

[11)  is  for  n  :  tlte  light  dot  at  the  end  of  many  lines 
is  not  printed.] 

The  boke  of  the  Duchesse 

Ihaue  grete  wondir  be  this  light 
how  that  I  leue  for  day  ne  nygfit 
I  may  not  slepe  wel  nygh  nought 
I  haue  so  many  an  ydeH  thought.  4 

Purely  for  defaulte  of  slepe 
That  bi  my  trouth  I  take  no  kepe 
Of  no  thinge  how  hit  comytli  or  goth 
Ne  me  nys  no  thinge  leue  nor  loth  8 

Al  is  I-lich  good!  to  me 
loye  or  sorwe  wherso  it  be 
For  I  haue  felynge  yn  no  thynge 

But  as  it  were  a  mased!  thynge  12 

Alway  yn  poynte  to  falle  a  domi) 
For  sorwefuH  ymagynaciouii) 
Is  alwey  holely  yn  my  mynde 

And  weH  ye  wote  a-geyns  kynde  1G 

Hit  Avere  to  lyuen  yn  this  wyse 
For  Nature  wolde  nat  suffyse 
To  non)  erthly  creature 

Nat  longe  tyme  to  endure  20 

Without  slepe  &  be  yn  sorwe 
And  I  ne  may  ne  nyght  ne  morwe 
Slepe  &  this  Melancolye 

[Lines  24 — 96  are  left  out] 

BODLEY    638 


4    PAR.-TEXT 

216  DETHE    OP   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY  MS.  638. 

Had  such  pite  &  such  routft  [icafiii]       97 

To  rede  hir  sorwe  that  be  my  troutfi 

I  ferde  the  worse  aH  the  morwe 

Aftir  to  thinkyn  on  hir  sorwe  100 

So  when  this  ladi  koude  her1  no  worde 

That  no  man  myght  fynde  hir  lorde 

Futt  ofte  she  swownyd  &  sayd?  alias 

For  sorwe  futi  nygh  wood!  she  was  104 

Ne  she  koude  no  rede  but  oon) 

But  doune  on  kneys  she  sate  a-non) 

And  wepte  that  pite  was  to  her1. 

A  mercy  swete  ladi  dere  108 

Quoth  she  luno  hir  goddesse 

Help  me  owte  of  this  distresse 

&  yeue  me  grace  my  lorde  to  se 

Sone  or  wite  wher'-so  he  be  112 

Or  how  he  fareth  or  in  what  wyse 

And?  I  shal  make  yowe  sacrifyse 

And?  hoolly  yourys  bicome  I  shaH 

With  good  wyH  body  herte  &  aH  116 

And  but  thou  wolte  this  ladi  swete 

Send?  me  grace  to  slepe  &  mete 

In  my  slepe  som  certeyn)  sweuyn) 

Wher'-thorgS  that  I  may  know  euyn)          [leaf  in,  back]     120 

Whethir  my  lorde  be  quyk1  or  ded? 

With  that  worde  she  henge  doun)  the  hed? 

And  feH  a  swowne  as  colde  as  ston) 

Hir  women  kaught  hir  vp  a-non)  1 24 

And  brought  hir  in  bed?  aH  nakyd? 

And  she  forwepid?  &  forwakyd? 

Was  wery  &  thus  the  ded?  slepe 

FyH  on  hir  or  she  toke  kepe.  128 

Thorgh  lune  that  had?  herd?  hir  bone 

That  made  hir  to  slepe  sone 

And  as  she  praid?  right  so  was  done 

Indede  for  luno  right  anone  132 

EODLEY    638 


PAR. -TEXT    5 
DETHE   OP   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY   MS.  638.  217 

Callid!  thus  hir  messagere 

To  do  hir  erande  &  he  come  nere 

When  he  was  come  she  bade  him  thus 

Goo  bet  quoth  luno  to  Morpheus  136 

Thou  knowist  hym  weH  the  god'  of  slepe. 

Now  vndirstonde  weH  &  take  kepe 

Sey  thus  on  my  halue  that  he 

Go  faste  yn-to  the  grete  se  140 

And  bid  him)  that  on  aH  thynge 

That  he  take  vp  Seys  body  the  kynge 

That  lith  fuH  pale  &  no-thinge  rodye  fleafm] 

Bid?  him)  crepe  yn-to  the  body e  144 

And  do  hit  goon)  to  Alchyon) 

The  quene  ther*  she  lieth  allone 

And  shew  hir  shortely  it  ys  no  nay 

How  hit  was  dreynte  this  othir1  day  148 

And  do  the  body  speke  right  so 

Eight  as  it  was  wonyd*  to  do 

The  whiles  that  it  was  a-lyue 

Goo  now  faste  &  hye  the  blyue  152 

This  Messanger*  toke  leue  &  wente 

Vpon  his  wey  &  neuyr  ne  stente 

Tyl  he  came  to  the  derke  valey 

That  stante  bitwyx  Eochis  twey  156 

Ther*  neuyr  yet  grew  corne  ne  gras 

NQ  tre  ne  nought  that  ought  was 

Beste  ne  man  ne  nought  ellys 

Sauff  ther  were  a  few  wellys  160 

Came  rennynge  fro  the  cliffes  a  douu) 

That  made  a  dedly  slepynge  soun) 

And  ronnen  doun  right  bi  a  Cave  [leaf  112,  back] 

That  was  vndir  a  rocke  I-graue  164 

A  mydde  the  valey  wondir  depe 

Ther*  thes  goddis  lay  &  slepe 

Morpheus  &  Eclympasteyre 

That  was  the  god1  of  slepis  eyre  1G8 

BODLEY    638 


6   PAR.-TEXT 

218  DETHE   OP  BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY  MS.  638. 

That  slepe  &  did!  non)  othir1  werko 

This  Caue  was  also  as  derke 

As  helle  pittc  ouyr  al  aboute 

Thei  had!  good!  leysar  for  to  route  172 

To  enuye  who  myght  slepe  beste 

Som  henge  her  chynne  vpon)  her  breste 

And  slept  vpright  her  hed!  I-hyd! 

And  som)  lay  nakid?  yn  her  bed?  17G 

And  slepe  whiles  the  dayes  laste 

This  Messaged  come  fleyng1  faste 

And  cried  0  howe  a-wake  a-non) 

Hit  was  for  nought  ther  hero?  hym)  non)  180 

A-wake  quoth  he  who  lithe  here 

And  blew  his  home  right  yn  her  ere 

And  cried  awakith  wondir1  hye  [learns] 

This  god!  of  slepe  with  his  on)  ye  184 

Caste  vp  &  axyd!  who  clepith  ther* 

Hit  am  I  quoth  this  Messaged 

luno  bade  thou  sholdist  gon) 

And!  tolde  him)  what  he  shulde  don)  188 

As  I  haue  tolde  you  her*  by  fore 

Hit  is  no  nede  reherse  it  more 

And  went  his  wey  when  he  had1  seyde 

A-non)  this  god1  of  slepe  abreyde  192 

Out  of  his  slepe  &  gan  to  goon) 

And  did1  as  he  had  bede  him)  doon) 

Toke  vp  the  dreynte  body  sone 

And  bare  it  forth  to  Alchy one  19G 

His  wife  the  quene  ther*  as  she  laye 

Right  euyn  a  quater1  bifore  daye 

And  stode  right  at  his  beddys  fete 

And  called1  hir  right  as  she  hete  200 

Bi  name  &  seide  my  swete  wife 

A-wake  let  be  youre  sorweful  life 

For  yn  youre  sorwe  ther  lith  no  rede 

For  certys  swete  I  am  but  dede  20 1 

BODLEY    638 


PAR.-TEXT    7 
DBTHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY  MS.  638.  219 

ye  shul  me  neuyr  on  lyue  I-se 

But  good  swete  that  ye 

Bury  my  body  for  such  a  tyde 

ye  mow  it  fynde  the  se  bisyde  208 

And  far1  wel  swete  &  my  worldes  blysse 

I  pray  god  youre  sorwe  lysse 

To  liteH  while  owre  blisse  lastctR 

With  that  hir  yen  vp  she  castetfi.  212 

And?  saw  nought  alias  quoth  she  for  sorwe 

And  deyde  within)  the  thridde  morwe 

But  what  she  seyde  more  yn  that  swowe 

I  may  not  teH  you  as  nowe  216 

Hit  were  to  longe  for  to  dwelle 

My  firste  matere  I  wul  you  telle 

Wherfor  I  haue  tolde  you  this  thinge 

Of  Alchion  &  Seys  the  kynge  220 

For  thus  much"  dar  I  say  weH 

I  had  be  doluyn)  euery  deft 

And  ded  right  thorgh  defaulte  of  slope 

If  I  ne  had  red*  &  take  kepe  224 

Of  this  tale  nexte  bifore  [leaf  iuj 

And  I  wul  teH  you  wherfore 

For  I  ne  myght  for  bote  ne  bale 

Slepe  or  I  had?  red?  this  tale  228 

Of  this  dreynte  Seys  the  kynge 

And  of  the  goddis  of  slepynge 

When  I  had?  red1  this  tale  weH 

And  ouyrlokyd?  hit  euerydeH  232 

Me  thought  wondyr  if  it  wer1  so 

For  I  had  neuyr  herd1  speke  eij  tho 

Of  no  goddis  that  koude  make 

Men  to  slepe  ne  for  to  wake  236 

For  I  ne  knew  neuyr  god?  but  oon) 

And  yn  my  game  I  seyd?  anon) 

And  yit  me  lust  right  euyli  to  pleye 

Eathir  then  that  I  shulde  deye  2-10 

BODLEY    638 


8    PAR-TEXT 

220  DBTHE   OP   BLAUNCHE. 


BODLEY   MS.  638. 


Thorogh  defaulte  of  slepyng1  thus 
I  wold!  yeue  thilke  Morpheus 
Or  his  goddesse  daime1  luno 
Or  som)  wight  ellys  I  ne  rought  who 
To  make  me  slepe  &  haue  som)  reste 
I  wol  yeue  him)  the  aldirbeste 
yefte  that  euyr  he  a-bode  his  lyue 
And  her*  on  warde  right  now  as  blyuo 
yif  he  wul  make  me  slepe  a  lyte 
Of  downe  of  pure  dowuys  whyte 
I  wuH  yeue  hym  a  fedir  bedde 
Kayed!  with  golde  &  right  wel  cledde 
In  fyne  blak1  Satyn  de  owter*  mere 
And  many  a  Pylowe  &  euery  here 
Of  cloth  of  Raynes  to  slepe  softe 
Him  thar  not  nede  to  torne  ofte 
And  I  wuH  yeue  him)  al  that  fallys 
To  a  chambre  &  al  his  hallys 
I  wolde  do  peynte  with  pur1  golde 
And  tapite  hem)  fuH  many  folde 
Of  oo  sute  this  shal  he  haue 
If  I  wiste  where  wer*  his  Caue 
If  he  kan  make  me  slepe  sone 
As  did?  the  goddesse  quene  Alchione 
And4  thus  this  ilke  god!  Morpheus 
May  wynne  of  me  mo  fees  thus 
Than  euyr  he  wanne  &  to  luno 
That  is  his  goddesse  I  shali  so  do 
I  trow  that  she  shall  holde  hir  payde 
I  had  vnneth  that  worde  I-sayde 
Eight  thus  as  I  haue  tolde  it  you' 
That  sodeinly  I  nyste  how 
Such  a  luste  a-non)  me  toke 
To  slepe  that  right  vpon  my  boke 
I  fyl  a  slepe  &  therwith"  euyn) 
Me  mette  so  ynlye  swete  a  sweuyn) 

BODLEY    633 


[l  or  danncj 

244 


252 

250 
2GO 
264 

[leaf  11 5] 

268 
272 
276 


PAE.-TEXT    9 
DETHB   OF   BLAUNCHE.      EODLEY  MS.  638.  221 

So  wondirfuH:  that  neuyr  yitte 
I  trow  no  man)  had?  the  witte 
To  konne  wel  my  sweuyn  rede 

No  not  Joseph  withoute  drede  280 

Of  Egipte  he  that  red1  so 
The  kynges  metynge  Pharao 
No  more  then  koude  the  leste  of  vs 

Ne  not  skarslye  Macrobeus  284 

He  that  wrote  aH  thauysion) 
That  he  mette  kynge  Cipyon) 

The  no  We  man  the  Aufrykan)  [leaf  us,  bat*] 

[Blank  line  in  the  MS.]  288 

I  trow  a  rede  my  dremys  euyri) 
Lo  thus  it  was  this  was  my  sweuyn 

Me  thought  thus  that  it  was  May 
And  yn  the  dawnynge  I  lay  292 

Me  mette  thus  yn  my  bedde  aH  nakyd? 
And1  lokyd?  forth  for  I  was  wakyd? 
"With  smale  fowlys  a  grete  hepe 

That  had?  afrayed!  me  out  of  my  slepe   .  296 

Thorogh  noyse  &  swetnesse  of  her  songe 
And?  al  me  mette  thei  sate  a-monge 
Ypon  my  chambre  rofe  withoute 

Vpon  the  tyles  ouyr-al  a-boute  300 

And  songe  euerych  yn  his  wyse 
The  moste  solempne  seruyse 
By  note  that  euyr  man  I  trowe 

Had1  herde  for  som  of  hem  songe  lowe  304 

Som  hygh"  &  al  of  oon  accorde 
To  telle  shortely  at  oo  worde 
Was  neuyr  herd?  so  swete  a  steuyn) 

But  it  had1  be  a  thinge  of  heuyn)  308 

So  mery  a  sowne  so  swete  entewnys 
That  certys  for  the  towne  of  tewnys 

I  nolde  but  I  had1  herde  hem  synge  [leaf  no] 

For  al  my  chambre  gan  to  rynge  312 

BODLEY    638 


10    PAR. -TEXT 

222  DKTHE   OP   BLAUNCHE.       DODLEY   MS.  638. 

Thorogh  syngenge  of  her  Armonye 

For  Instrument  nor  melodye 

was  nowgher*  herde  yet  half  so  swete 

Nor  of  Accorde  halfe  so  mete  310 

For  ther  was  non)  of  hem  that  feyned! 

To  synge  for  eche  of  hem  hym  peyned? 

To  fynde  oute  mery  crafty  notys 

Thei  ne  sparyd?  not  her  throtys  320 

And1  soth  to  seyn)  my  chambre  was 

Ful  weH  depeyntyd?  &  with  glas 

"Wer*  all  the  wyndowys  weH  I-glasyd1 

And?  clere  &  not  an  hole  I-crasyd?  324 

That  to  biholde  hit  was  grete  loye 

For  holely  aH;  the  storye  of  Troye 

was  yn  the  glasynge  I-wrought  thus 

Of  Ector  &  of  kynge  Pryamus  328 

Of  Achilles  &  of  kynge  lamedon) 

And1  eke  of  Medea  &  of  lason) 

Of  Parys  Eleyne  &  of  Lauyne 

And1  al  the  wallys  with  colourys  fyne  332 

were  peyntyd?  both  texte  &  glose  [leaf  ne,  back] 

And  al  the  Eomaunce  of  the  Rose 

My  wyndowys  were  shette  echone 

And  thorogh  the  glasse  the  sonne  shone  336 

Vpon  my  bed?  with  bright  bemys 

With  many  glade  gyldye  stremys 

And  eke  the  walkyn  was  so  fay  re 

Blew  bryght  clere  was  the  Ayre  340 

And  ful  attempre  forsoth  it  was 

For  nothir  to  colde  nor  hote  it  was 

Ne  yn  aH  the  walkone  was  a  clowde 

And  as  I  lay  thus  wondyr  lowde  344 

Me  thought  I  herde  a  hunte  blowe 

Tassay  his  home  &  for  to  knowe 

Whethir  it  were  clere  or  hors  of  sowne 

And  I  herd'  goynge  both  vp  &  downe  348 

.    BODLEY   638 


PAR.-TEXT    11 
DETHE  OF  BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY  MS.  638.  223 

Men  hors  houndys  &  otliir  thynge 

And  al  men  speke  of  huntynge 

How  thei  wolde  sle  the  harte  with"  strengnt 

And  how  the  hart  had1  vpon  lengfct  352 

So  much  embosyd!  I  not  now  what 

Anon  right  when  I  herde  that 

How  that  thei  wolde  on  huntynge  goon  [leaf  m] 

I  was  right  gla<J  &  vp  a-noon)  356 

Toke  my  hors  &  forth  I  went 

Oute  of  my  chambre  I  neuyr  stent 

Tyl  I  come  to  the  felde  withoute 

Ther1  ouyrtoke  I  a  grete  route  360 

Of  huntys  &  eke  of  Foresters 

With  many  relayes  &  lymers 

And  hied!  hem  to  the  fforeste  faste 

Ano?  with  hem  so  at  the  laste  364 

I  askyd?  oon  ladde  a  lymere 

Say  felow  who  shall  hunte  here 

Quoth  I  &  he  answeryd?  a-geyn) 

Syr  themperowr'  Octouyeri)  368 

Quoth  he  &  is  her*  fast  by 

A  goddis  half  yn  good  tyme  quoth  I 

Go  we  faste  &  gan  to  ryde 

when  we  kame  to  the  fibrestys  syde  372 

Euery  man  did1  right  a  non) 

As  to  huntynge  was  to  don) 

The  mayster  hunte  a-non  fote  hote 

with  a  grete  home  blywe  iij  mote  376 

At  the  vncowplynge  of  his  houndys 

Within  a  while  the  herte  f ounde  ys  [leaf  117,  back] 

I  halwid  &  rechasyd?  faste 

longe  tyme  &  so  at  the  laste  380 

This  hert  Bused*  &  stale  a-way 

Fro  aH  the  houndys  a  preuy  way 

The  houndis  had!  ouyrshotte  hym  aH 

And!  were  vpon  a  defaulte  I-fatt  384 

BODLEY    638 


12    PAR. -TEXT 

224  DETHB    OP   BLAUNCHE.       SODLEY  MS.  638. 

Therwith  the  hunte  wondir  fasto 

Blew  a  fforleigne  at  the  laste 

I  was  go  walkyd?  fro  my  tre 

And  as  I  went  ther  came  by  me  388 

A  whelpe  that  fownyd?  me  as  I  stode 

That  had  I-folwyd?  &  koude  no  goo(J 

Hit  come  &  crepte  to  me  as  lowe 

Eight  as  it  had*  me  I-knowe  392 

Hild?  douii)  his  hed?  &  ioyned?  his  erys 

And'  leyde  all  smoth"  doun  his  herys 

I  wolde  haue  kaugh"t  it  &  a-non) 

Hit  fled?  &  was  fro  me  gon)  39 G 

And  I  him  folwid?  &  it  forth  went 

Doun  bi  a  flowrye  grene  wente 

FuH  thicke  of  gras  f  uH  softe  &  swete 

With  flourys  fele  feyre  vndirfote  peafiis]  400 

And  liteH  vsyd?  hit  semyd?  thus 

For  both  flora  &  zepherus 

Thei  two  that  make  flourys  growe 

Had'  made  her  d welly nge  there  I  trowe  404 

For  it  was  on  to  be-holde 

As  though  therth"  ercuye  wolde 

To  be  gayer  than  the  heuyn) 

To  haue  mo  flourys  swich"  seuyn)  408 

As  yn  the  walkene  sterrys  be 

Hit  had*  forgete  the  pouerte 

That  wyntyr  thorgh"  his  colde  morwys 

Had?  made  it  suffer*  &  his  sorwys  412 

AH  was  forgete  &  that  was  sene 

For  aH  the  wood'  was  waxyn)  grene 

Swetnesse  of  dewe  had?  made  it  wexe 

Hit  is  no  nede  eke  for  to  Axe  4 1 G 

Wher1  ther  wer1  many  grene  greuys 

Or  thikke  of  trees  so  fuH  of  leuys 

And  euery  tre  stode  by  hym-selue 

Fro  othir  wel  ten  fete  fro  othir  twelue  -120 

BODLEY    638 


PAK.-TEXT    13 
DETHE    OF    BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY   MS.  638.  225 

So  grete  treis  so  huge  of  strength 

Of  fourty  fyftye  fedrne  length" 

Clene  withoute  bowgh  or  stykke  [leaf  us,  back] 

with  croppys  both  &  eke  as  thykke  424 

They  were  not  an  ynche  a  sondre 

That  hit  was  shad  we  ouyr  aH  vndre 

And  many  an  herte  &  many  an  hynde 

Was  "both"  bifore  me  &  bi-hynde  428 

Of  ffownys  Sowrys  bukkys  Doys 

"Was  fuH  the  wode  &  many  Roys 

And1  many  Squyrellys  that  sete 

Full  high"  vpon  the  treys  &  ete  432 

And  yn  her  maner1  made  ffestys 

Shortly  it  was  so  fuH  of  bestys 

That  though"  Argus  the  noble  counter1 

Sete  to  rekne  yn  his  Counter1  436 

And  rekne  with  his  ffygurys  ten) 

For  by  the  ffygures  mow  ali  ken) 

If  thei  be  crafty  rekne  &  noumbre 

And  teH  of  euery  thynge  the  novmbr1  440 

yit  shulde  he  fayle  to  rekne  euyn) 

The  wondrys  me  mette  yn  my  sweuyn) 

But  forth  they  romyd*  right  wondr1  fasto 

Doune  the  wood?  so  at  the  laste  444 

I  was  ware  of  a  man  yn  blake 

That  sete  &  had'  turnyd?  his  bake  [leafim] 

To  an  Oke  a  huge  tre 

lorde  thought  I  who  may  that  be  448 

What  ayleth  him)  to  sytte  here 

A-non  right  I  wente  nere 

Than  founde  I  sitte  euyn  vpright 

A  wondir  wel  farynge  knyght  452 

By  the  maner  me  thought  so 

Of  good  muchiH  &  yonge  ther-to 

Of  the  age  of  foure  &  twenty  yere 

Ypon  his  berde  but  liteH  here  466 

BODLEY  638 
ODD  TEXTS.  15 


14    PAR. -TEXT 

226  DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.      EODLEY   MS.  638. 

And  he  was  clothid?  aH  yn  blakc 
[  stalkid  euyn  vnto  his  bake 
And  there  I  stode  as  styH  as  ought 

That  soth  to  sey  he  saw  me  nought  460 

For  whi  he  henge  his  het?  a  doun 
And  with  a  dedly  sorwefuH  soun 
He  made  of  Byrne  x  vers  or  twelue 

Of  a  complaynt  to  him)  selue  464 

The  moste  pite  the  moste  routfi 
That  euyr  I  herde  for  by  my  trouth" 

hit  was  grete  wondir  that  Nature  [leaf  119,  back] 

Might  suffre  any  creature  468 

To  haue  such  sorwe  &  be  not  ded? 
Full  pitouse  pale  &  nothinge  red? 
He  seide  a  lay  a  maner  songe 

"VVithoute  note  withoute  songe  472 

And  it  was  this  for  fuH  weH  I  kan) 
Eeherse  it  right  thus  hit  bigan) 
ll  haue  of  sorwe  so  grete  wone 
That  ioye  gete  I  neuyr  none  476 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.     The  supposed  line  here  was  my  mi^talte.'} 
Now  that  I  se  my  lady  bright 
Which  I  haue  louyd  with  aH  my  myght 
Is  fro  me  ded  &  is  a-goii)  480 

IT  Alias  detfi  what  ayleth"  the 

That  thou  noldist  haue  takin  me 

When  thou  toke  my  lady  swete 

That  was  so  feire  so  fressfi  so  fre  484 

So  good  that  men  may  weB  se 

Of  aH  goodnesse  she  had1  no  mete 

IT  Whan  he  had  made  thus  his  complaynte 

His  sorwfuH  herte  gan  faste  faynte  488 

And  his  spirytes  woxyn  dede 

The  blocP  was  fled1  for  pure  drede  [i.af  120] 

Doune  to  his  herte  to  make  him  warme 

For  weB  it  felid1  the  herte  had!  harme  492 

BODLEY    638 


PAR. -TEXT    15 
DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY  MS.  638.  227 

To  wite  whi  eke  it  was  a-drad? 

Be  kynde  &  for  to  make  it  glad1 

For  it  ys  membre  princypaH 

Of  the  bodye  &  that  made  aH  496 

His  hewe  chaungid?  &  wex  grene 

And  pale  for  there  no  blod!  is  sene 

In  no  maner  lyme  of  his 

Anon  therwith  when  I  saw  this  500 

He  ferde  thus  euyl  there  he  sete 

I  wente  &  stode  right  at  his  fete 

And  grette  him  but  he  spake  nought 

But  arguyd*  with  his  owne  thought  504 

And  yn  his  wytte  disputydf  faste 

Whi  &  how  his  life  myght  laste 

Him  though  his  sorwys  were  so  smerte 

And  lay  so  colde  vpon  his  herte  508 

So  thorogh  his  sorwe  &  heuy  thought 

Made  him  that  he  herde  me  nought 

For  he  had  welnygh  loste  his  mynde  [leaf  1:0,  back] 

Though  Pan  that  nlen  clepe  the  god?  of  kynde  512 

Were  for  his  sorwis  neuyr  so  wroth" 

Bat  at  the  laste  to  seyn)  right  soth 

He  was  ware  of  me  where  I  stode 

Bifore  him  &  did*  of  myn  hode  516 

And  had  I-grette  him  as  I  beste  koude 

Debonayrely  &  nothynge  lowde 

he  seide  I  prey  the  be  not  wroth 

I  herde  the  not  to  seyn  the  soth  520 

Ne  I  saw  the  not  syr  trewlye 

A  good  sir  no  fors  quoth  I 

I  am  right  sory  if  I  haue  ought 

Distourblid  you  oute  of  youre  thought  524 

Foryeue  me  if  I  haue  mystake 

yis  thamendis  is  light  to  make 

Quoth  he  for  ther  lith  non  therto 

Ther  is  no  thinge  mysseide  nor  do  528 

BODLEY    638 


1C    PAR. -TEXT 

228  DETUE   OF    I3LAUNCHE. 


BODLEY  MS.  638. 


loo'  how  goodly  spake  this  knygnt 

As  hit  had!  ben  an  othir  wight 

He  made  it  nouthir  tough"  ne  queynte 

And  I  saw  that  &  gan  maqueynte  peaf  1213  532 

With  him  &  fonde  him  so  tretable 

Eight  wondir  skilfuH  &  resonable 

As  me  thought  for  aH  his  bale 

A-non  right  I  gan  fynde  a  tale  536 

To  him  to  loke  wher  I  myght  ought 

Haue  more  knowynge  of  his  thought 

Sir  quoth  I  this  game  ys  dofi 

I  holde  that  this  herte  be  gon  540 

This  huntys  kun  him  noughere  se 

I  do  no  fors  therof  quoth  he 

Mi  thought  is  there-on  neuyr  a  deH 

Be  oure  lorde  quoth  I*  y  trow  yow  weH  544 

Eight  so  me  thinketh"  bi  youre  chere 

But  syr  o  thinge  wuH  ye  here 

Me  thinketh  yn  grete  sorwe  I  you  se 

But  certys  syr  if  that  ye  548 

"Wolde  oughte  discure  me  youre  woo 

I  wolde  as  wys  god  helpe  me  so 

Amende  it  if  I  kan  or  may 

ye  mow  preue  hit  by  assay  552 

For  be  my  trouth  to  make  you  hool  [leaf  121,  back] 

I  wuti  do  aH  my  powere  hoot 

And  tellith  me  of  youre  sorwys  smerte 

Perauenture  it  may  ese  your1  herte  556 

That  semyth  fuH  seke  vndir  your*  syde 

With  that  he  lokyd*  on  me  a-syde 

As  who  seith  nay  that  woH  not  be 

Graunte  mercy  good  frende  quoth  he  5 GO 

I  thanke  the  that  thou  woldist  so 

But  it  may  neuyr  the  rathir  be  do 

No  man  may  neuyr  my  sorwe  glade 

That  makith  my  hew  to  faH  &  fade  564 

BODLEY    638 


DETHB    OF    BLAUNCHE. 


PAR. -TEXT    17 
BODLEY  MS.  638.  229 


And  hath  rayn  vndirstondyng1  lome 

That  mo  is  woo  that  I  was  borne 

May  nought  make  my  sorwis  slyde 

Nought  att  the  remedyes  of  Ouyde 

Ne  Orpheus  god  of  melodye 

Ne  Dedalus  witli  his  playes  slye 

Ne  hele  me  may  no  Phisycyen 

Nought  ypocras  ne  Galyen 

Me  is  woo  that  I  leue  owrys  twelue 

But  who-so  wuft  assay  hym-selue 

Whethir  his  herte  kan  haue  pite 

Of  any  sorwe  lat  hym  se  me 

I  wrecfi  that  deth  hatn"  made  aH  nakyd? 

Of  aH  blysse  that  euyr  was  makyd? 

I- worth  worste  of  aH  wyghtys 

That  hate  my  dayes  &  my  nyghtys 

My  lyfe  my  lustys  be  me  loth" 

For  aH  welfare  &  I  be  wroth" 

The  pure  deth  ys  so  fuH  my  foo 

That  I  wolde  deye  hit  wuH  not  so 

For  when  I  folwe  it  hit  wuHf  fle 

I  wolde  haue  hym  hit  nyH  not  be 

This  is  my  peyne  withoute  red? 

Alwey  dyenge  &  be  not  ded? 

That  Thesiphus  that  lyth  in  heH 

May  not  of  more  sorwe  teH 

And  who-so  wiste  ali  be  my  troutfi 

My  sorwe  but  he  had1  routh" 

And?  pite  of  my  sorwys  smerte 

That  man  hath  a  fendely  herte 

For  who-so  seith  me  firste  on  morwe 

May  seyn  he  hath  mette  with  sorwe 

For  I  am  sorwe  &  sorwe  ys  I 

Alias  &  I  wuli  teH  the  why 

My  sorwe  ys  turnyd?  to  pleyiienge 

And  aH  my  laughtre  to  wepynge 

BODLET    638 


5G8 


572 

[leaf  122] 


57G 


580 


588 
592 

[teaf  122,  back] 

596 
600 


18    PAR. -TEXT 

230  DETHE   OP   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY  MS.  638. 

My  glad  thoughtys  to  heuynesse 

In  trauayle  ys  myn  Idylnesse 

And  eke  my  reste  my  wele  ys  wo 

My  good!  ys  harme  &  euyr-mo  G04 

In-to  wrath  ys  turnyd!  my  pleyenge 

And  my  delyte  yn-to  sorwynge 

Myn  hele  ys  turnyd?  yn-to  sekenesse 

In  drede  ys  aH  my  sikyrnesse  608 

To  derke  ys  turnyd!  aH  my  lygnt 

My  wytte  ys  f olye  my  day  ys  nygfit 

My  loue  ys  hate  my  slepe  ys  wakynge 

My  myrth"  &  melys  ys  fastynge  612 

My  corctynaunce  ys  nycete 

And  all  abawyd  wher'-so  I  be  [leaf  123] 

My  pes  yn  pledynge  &  yn  werre 

Alias  how  myght  I  fare  werre  616 

My  boldnesse  is  turnyd  to  shame 

For  fals  Fortune  hath  pleyde  a  game 

At  the  chesse  with  me  alias  the  while 

The  trayteresse  fals  &  fuH  of  gyle  620 

That  aH  bihotith  &  no-thinge  halte 

She  geth  vpright  &  yit  she  is  halte 

That  bagith  foule  &  lokith  feire 

The  dispitouse  debonayre  624 

That  skornyth  many  a  creature 

An  ydole  of  fals  portrayture 

Is  she  for  she  wuH  sone  varyen 

She  ys  the  Mowstrys  hed!  I-wryen  628 

As  filth  ouyr  I-strawyd?  with  flourys 

Hir  moste  woorship  &  hir  flourys 

To  lye  for  that  ys  hir  Nature 

withoute  feith  lawe  or  mesure  632 

She  ys  fals  &  cuyr  laughynge 

With  oon  ye  &  that  othir  wepynge 

That  ys  brought  vp  she  sette  aH  doun 

I  likne  hir  to  the  Scorpyoun  [leaf  iw,  back]  630 

BODLEY    638 


PAE.-TEXT    19 
DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY  MS.  638.  231 

That  ys  a  fals  flaterynge  beste 

For  with  his  hed?  he  makyth"  feste 

But  al  amydde  his  flaterynge 

With  his  tayle  hit  wuH  stynge  640 

And  envenyme  &  so  wuH  she 

She  ys  thenuyouse  chary te 

That  ys  ay  fals  &  semyth"  wele 

So  tiirnyth  she  hir  fals  whele  644 

A-boute  for  hit  ys  nothynge  stable 

Now  by  the  fyre  now  at  the  table 

For  many  oon  hath"  she  thus  I-blent 

She  ys  pley  of  enchauntement  648 

That  semyth  oon  &  ys  not  so 

The  fals  thefe  what  hath  she  do 

Trowist  thou  by  oure  lorde  I  wuH  the  sey 

At  the  chesse  with  me  she  gan  to  pleye  652 

With  hir  fals  draughtys  dyuerse 

She  stale  on  me  &  toke  my  Ferse 

And  when  I  saw  my  Fers  a-waye 

Alias  I  kouth  no  lengyr  pleye  [leaf  124]  656 

But  seide  fare  weli  swete  I-wys 

And1  fare  weH  aH  that  euyr  ther  ys 

Therwyth"  Fortune  seide  cheke  her* 

And  mate  yn  the  myd?  poynte  of  the  chekere  660 

With  a  powne  erraunte  alias 

FuH  craftyer  to  pleye  she  was 

Than  Athalus  that  made  the  game 

Fyrst  of  the  chesse  so  was  hys  name  664 

But  god  wolde  I  had  onys  or  twyes 

I  koude  &  knowe  the  lupardyes 

That  koude  the  Greke  Pyttagoras 

I  sholde  haue  pleyde  the  bet  at  ches  668 

And  kepte  my  fers  the  bet  ther-by 

And  though  wherto  for  trewlye 

I  holde  that  wyssh  not  wortR  a  stre 

I  had  be  neuyr  the  bet  fur  me  672 

BODLEY    638 


20    PAR.-TEXT 

232  DETHE   OP   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY  MS.  638. 

For  Fortune  kan  so  many  a  wyle 

Ther  be  but  few  kan  hir  begyle 

And  eke  she  ys  the  las  to  blame 

My-self  I  wolde  haue  do  the  same  676 

Be-fore  god  as  I  be  as  she  [leaf  m,  back] 

She  ought  the  more  excusyd  be 

For  this  I  sey  yet  more  therto 

Had  I  be  god  &  myght  haue  do  680 

My  wylle  when  she  my  Fers  kaught 

I  wolde  haue  drawe  the  same  draught 

For  also  wys  god  yeue  me  reste 

I  dar  wel  swere  he  toke  the  beste  684 

But  thorogh  that  draught  I  haue  lorne 

My  blisse  alias  that  I  was  borne 

For  euyrmore  I  trowe  trewlye 

For  att  my  wylle  my  luste  holelye  688 

Is  turnyd  but  yet  what  to  done 

Be  owre  lorde  it  ys  to  dey  sone 

For  no  thinge  I  leue  it  nought 

But  lyue  &  deye  right  yn  this  thought  692 

For  ther  nys  planete  in  Fyrmament 

Ne  yn  eyre  ne  yn  erth  non  Element 

That  thei  ne  yeue  me  a  yefte  echon 

Of  wepynge  when  I  am  allone  696 

For  when  that  I  avyse  me  weH  peanas] 

And  bethenke  me  euerydeti 

How  that  ther  lytfi  yn  rekenynge 

In  my  sorwe  for  no  thynge  700 

And  how  ther  leuyth  no  gladnesse 

May  glade  me  of  my  dystresse 

And  how  I  haue  loste  my  suffysaunce 

And  therto  I  haue  no  plesaunce  704 

Then  may  I  sey  I  haue  right  nought 

And  when  aH  this  fallith  yn  my  thought 

Alias  then  am  I  ouyrcome 

For  that  ys  done  ys  not  to  come  708 

BODLEY    638 


PAR. -TEXT    21 
DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY  MS.  638.  233 

I  haue  more  sorwe  then  Tantale 

And  when  I  herd?  this  tale 

^T  Thus  pitousely  as  I  you  teH 

Vimetfi  myght  I  lengur  dweli  712 

Hid  did  myn  herte  so  much  woo 

A  good  sir  quoth  I  sey  nat  so 

Haue  som  pite  on  youre  Nature 

That  formyd  you  to  creature  716 

Eemembre  yow  of  Socrates  [leaf  125,  back] 

ffor  he  ne  countyd  that  iij  streys 

Of  nought  that  Fortune  koude  do 

No  quoth  he  I  kan  not  so  720 

"Whi  so  good  syr  yis  parde  quoth  I 

]N"e  nought  so  for  trewlye 

Though  ye  had  loste  the  Fersys  twelue 

And  ye  for  sorwe  mordryd*  your'-selue  724 

Ye  sholde  he  dampnyd  yn  this  cas 

By  as  good  ryght  as  Medea  was 

That  slough  hir  childryn  for  lason 

And  Phillys  also  for  Demophofi.  728 

Henge  hir-self  so  welawaye 

For  he  had  broke  hys  terme  daye 

To  come  to  hir  an-othir  rage 

Had  dido  the  quene  of  Cartage  732 

That  slough  hir-self  for  Eneas 

was  fals  which  a  fole  she  was 

And  Ecquo  dyed'  for  Narcysus 

Nolde  not  loue  hir  &  right  thus  736 

Hath  many  an  othir  folye  don  [leaf  120] 

And  for  Dalida  died'  Sampson 

That  slough  hym-self  with  a  pylere 

But  ther*  is  no  man  a  lyue  here  740 

wold  for  a  fers  make  this  woo 

whi  so  quoth  he  it  ys  not  soo 

Thou  woste  fuH  lyteH  what  ]?ou  menyst 

I  haue  loste  more  then  thou  wenyst  744 

BODLEY    638 


22    PAR.-TEXT 

234  DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY  MS.  638. 

lo  she  fat  may  be  quoth  I 

Good  syr  teH  me  aH  hooly 

In  what  wise  how  whi  &  wherfor 

That  ye  han  thus  youre  blysse  lore  748 

Blithly  quoth  he  com  sytte  a-doun 

I  teH;  it  the  vp  a  condicyoun 

That  thou  shalt  holely  with  aU  thi  wytte 

Do  thyn  entente  to  herkne  hit  752 

yis  syr  swere  thi  trouth  therto 

Gladly  do  then  holde  her1  lo 

I  shal  right  blithly  so  god  me  saue 

Holely  with  aH  the  witte  I  haue  756 

Here  you  as  weH  as  I  kan  [leaf  ize,  back] 

A  goddis  half  quoth  he  &  bigan 

Syr  quoth  he  sith  first  I  kouth" 

Haue  eny  maner  wytte  fro  youth"  760 

Or  kyndely  vndirstondynge 

To  comprehende  yn  any  thynge 

what  loue  was  yn  myn  owne  wytte 

Dredles  I  haue  euyr  yitte  764 

Be  tributarye  &  yeue  rente 

To  loue  hooly  with  good  entente 

And  throgh"  plesaunce  bicome  his  thraH 

with  good!  wyH  body  herte  &  aH  768 

AH  this  I  putte  yn  his  seruage 

As  to  my  lorde  &  did!  homage 

And  fuH  deuoutely  I  preyed  him)  to 

He  shulde  bisette  myn  herte  so  772 

That  hit  plesaunce  to  him  were 

And  wurshipe  to  my  lady  dere 

And  this  was  longe  &  many  a  yere 

Or  that  myn  herte  was  set  owghere  776 

That  I  did  thus  &  nyste  why  peam?] 

I  trow  hit  came  me  kyndely 

Perauentur*  I  was  therto  moste  able 

As  a  white  waH  or  a  table  780 

BODLEY    638 


PAR. -TEXT    23 
DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY  MS.  638.  235 

For  it  is  redy  to  kach"  &  take 

AH  that  men  wuH  theryn  make 

Whethir  that  so  men  wuH  portrey  or  peynte 

Be  the  werkys  neuyr  so  queynte  784 

And  thilke  tyme  I  ferde  right  so 

I  was  able  to  haue  lernyd*  tho 

And  to  haue  konde1  as  weH  or  bettre  porkonde] 

Perauentre  othir  Arte  or  lettre  788 

But  for  loue  kame  firste  yn  my  thought 

Therfor  I  forgate  it  nought 

c 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  792 

For-whi  I  toke  hit  of  so  yonge  age 

That  malyce  had  my  corage 

Nat  that  tyme  turnyd  to  no-thynge 

Thorgh"  to  mochiti  knowlachynge  796 

For  that  tyme  youth  my  mastres 

Gouemyd  me  yn  Idylnes 

For  it  was  yn  my  first  youth" 

And  tho  fuH  liteH  good  I  couth"  [leaf  m,  back]  800 

For  att  my  werkys  were  flyttynge 

That  tyme  &  aH  my  thought  varyenge 

AH  were  to  me  I-lich  good1 

That  I  knew  tho  but  thus  it  stood1  804 

IT  Hit  happyd!  that  I  kame  on  a  day 

In-to  a  chambre  there  that  I  say 

Trewly  the  feyrest  company 

Of  ladyes  that  euyr  man  with  y  808 

Had  seen  to-gedris  yn  on  place 

ShaH  I  clepe  it  happe  othir  grace 

That  brought  me  there  nay  but  fortune 

That  ys  to  lye  fuH  comvne'  812 

The  fals  trayteres  paruers 

God  wolde  I  koude  clepe  hir  wers 

For  now  she  worchith  me  fuH  woo 

And  I  wuH  teH  sone  whi  so  816 

BODLEY    638 


24    PAR. -TEXT 

236  DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY  MS.  638. 

Amonge  thes  ladies  thus  echofi 

Soth  to  seyn  I  saugfi  oofi 

That  was  like  non  of  the  rowte  peaf  128] 

For  I  dar  swer1  withoute  dowte  820 

That  as  the  somorys  sonne  bright 

Is  fayrer  clerer1  &  hath  more  light 

Than  eny  othir  planete  in  heuyn 

The  mono  or  the  sterrys  seuyfi  824 

For  aH  the  worlde  so  had?  she1 

Surmountyd  hem  aH  of  beaute' 

Of  maner  &  of  comlynesse 

Of  stature  &  of  so  weH  set  gladnesse  828 

Of  goodlihed?  &  so  well  beseye 

Shortly  what  shaH  I  sey 

By  god  &  bi  halwys  twelue 

Hit  was  my  swete  right  aH  hir-selue  832 

She  had  so  stedfast  countenaunce 

So  noble  porte  &  meyntenaunce 

And  loue  that  had  weH:  herde  my  bone 

Had  espyed  me  thus  sone  83 G 

That  she  fuH  sone  yn  my  thought 

As  help  me  god  so  was  I  kaught  Deaf  123,  back] 

So  sodeynly  that  I  ne  toke 

No  maner  counsel!  but  at  hir  loke  840 

And  at  myn  herte  for-whi  hir  yen 

So  gladly  I  trow  myn  herte  syen 

That  purely  tho  myn  owne  thought 

Seide  it  were  bettre  to  serue  hir  for  nought  844 

Then  with  an  othir  to  be  weH 

And  it  was  soth  for  euerydett 

I  wuH  a-non  right  tefl  the  why 

I  saw  hir  daunce  so  comelyly  848 

Carole  &  synge  so  swetely 

Laugh  &  pley  so  womanly 

And  loke  so  debonayrely 

So  goodly  speke  &  so  frendly  852 

BODLEY    638 


PAR. -TEXT    25 
DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY  MS.  638.  237 

That  certys  I  trow  that  euyrmore 

Nas  seyn  so  blisfuH  A  tresore 

For  euery  here  on  hir  hed? 

Soth  to  seyn  it  was  not  red?  856 

Ne  nouthir  yolwe  ne  browne  it  nas  [leaf  129] 

Me  thought  moste  like  it  was 

And  which  yen  my  lady  had? 

Debonayre  good?  glad!  &  sad?  860 

Symple  of  good  mochyli  nought  to  wyde 

Therto  hir  loke  nas  not  a-syde 

Ne  ouyrtwert  but  bisette  so  weH 

Hit  drewgh  &  toke  vp  euerydeH  864 

AH  that  on  h[i]r  gan  beholde1 

Hir  eyen  semyd  a-non  she  wolde 

Haue  mercy  folys  wendyn  soo 

But  it  was  neuyr  the  rathir  doo  868 

Hit  nas  no  countrefetyd  thynge 

Hit  was  hir  owne  pure  lokynge 

That  the  goddesse  Dame  Nature 

Had  made  hem  opyfi  by  mesure  872 

And  cloos  for  were  she  neuyr  so  glad1 

Hyr  lokynge  was  not  foly  sprad? 

Ne  wyldly  though  that  she  pleyd? 

But  euyr  me  thought  hir  yen  seide         [leaf  129,  back]         876 

Be  god  my  wrath  ys  aH  foryeue 

Therwith  hir  luste  so  weH  to  leue 

That  dulnysse  was  of  hir  a-drad? 

She  nas  to  sobre  ne  to  glad?  880 

In  aH:  thinges  more  mesure 

Had  neuyr  I  trowe  creature 

But  many  oon  with  hir  loke  she  liert 

And  that  sate  hir  fuH  lyte  at  hert  884 

For  she  knew  no  thinge  of  her  thought' 

[ a  line  blank  in  the  MS.] 

Algate  she  ne  rought  of  hem  a  stre* 

To  gete  hir  loue  no  nerre  was  he  888 

BODLEY    638 


26    PAR. -TEXT 

DETHE   OP   BLAUNCHE.      EODLEY   MS.  638. 

That  wonyd  at  home  that  he  yn  ynde 
The  formest  was  alwey  behynde' 
But  good*  folke  ouyr  aH  othyr 

She  louyd  as  man  may  do  his  brothyr  892 

Of  which  loue  she  was  wondyr  large 
In  skylfuH  placys  that  bere  charge- 
But  which"  a  visage  had  she  therto' 

Alias  myn  hert  ys  wondyr  woo  896 

That  I  ne  kan  diskryuen  hit  [leaf  iso] 

Me  lakkyth  both  englissh"  &  wyt 
For  to  vndo  hit  at  the  f  uH 

And  eke  my  spyritz  be  so  duB  900 

So  grete  a  thynge  for  to  deuyse 
I  haue  no  wytte  that  kan  suffyse 
To  comprehende  hir  beaute 

But  thus  much  dar  I  sayn  that  she  904 

was  white  rody  fressh"  &  lyuely  he\vyd< 
And  euery  day  hir  beaute  newyd? 
And  neygh  hir  face  was  aldirbest 

For  certys  Nature  had  such"  lest  908 

To  make  that  feyre  that  trewly  she' 
was  hir  chief  Patrone  of  beaute' 
And  chief  ensample  of  aH:  hir  werke' 

And  monstre  for  be  hit  neuyr  so  derke-  912 

Me  thinketh  I  se  hir  euyr-mo 
And  yet  more-ouyr  though"  aH  tho 
That  euyr  leuyd  were  now  a-lyue 

Ne  sholde  a  founde  to  dyskryue  916 

In  aH  hir  face  a  wyckyd  sygne  [teaf  iso,  back] 

For  it  was  sad  symple  &  benygne 
And  which  a  goodly  softe  spech" 

Had  that  swete  my  lyues  lech"  920 

So  frendly  &  so  weH  I-groundyd1 
Vp  aH  reson  so  weH  I-foundyd! 
And  so  tretable  to  aH  good1 
That  I  dar  swer1  weH  bi  the  rood?'  B24 

BODLEY   638 


PAR. -TEXT    27 
DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY   MS.  638.  239 

Of  Eloquence  was  neuyr  founde' 

So  swete  a  sownynge  facounde' 

iN"e  trewar  tongyd  ne  skornyd  lasse* 

Ne  bet  koude  hele  that  by  the  masse  928 

I  dorste  swere  though"  the  Pope  it  songe' 

That  ther  was  yit  neuyr  thorogh  hir  tonge' 

Man  ne  woman  gretly  harrnyd?' 

As  for  hir  was  aH  harme  hyd!'  932 

Ne  lasse  flaterynge  yii  hir  worde' 

That  purely  hir  symple  recorde* 

was  founde  as  trew  as  any  bonde- 

Or  trouth  of  any  mannys  honde'  936 

Ne  chide  she  koude  neuyr  a  deH  [leaf  isi] 

That  knowitfi  aH  the  worlde  fuH  weH 

But  such  a  fayrnesse  of  a  necke' 

Had  that  swete  that  bon  ne  brecke*  940 

Nas  ther  non  sene  that  myssate* 

Hit  was  white  smoth  streigfit  &  pure  flatte 

Withoute  hole  or  caneH  bon 

As  be  semynge  had  she  non  944 

Hir  throte  as  I  haue  now  memorye 

Semyd  a  rounde  towre  of  Ivorye 

Of  good  gretnesse  &  nought  to  gret 

And  good1  fayre  white  she  het  948 

That  was  my  ladyes  name  ryght 

She  was  both  fayre  &  bryght 

She  had  not  hir  name  wronge' 

Eight  fayre  shuldrys  &  body  longe  952 

She  had  &  Armys  euery  lyth" 

Fattyssh"  Flesshy  not  gret  therwitfi 

Eight  white  hondys  &  nayles  red?" 

Eounde  brestys  &  of  good  brede'  [hafm.backj     956 

Hir  hypes  were'  A  streigh[t]  flatte  bake* 

I  knyw  on  hir  non  othir  lake 

Nat  aH  hir  lymes  wer*  pur*  sewynge 

In  as  ferre  as  I  had  knowynge  960 

BODLEY    638 


28    PAR. -TEXT 

240  DETHE    OP    BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY   MS.  638. 

Therto  she  koude  so  weft  pley 

Whan  that  hir  lust  that  I  dar  sey 

That  she  was  like  to  torche  bright 

That  euery  man  may  take  of  lyght  964 

I-nough  &  hit  hath  neuyr-the-lesse 

Of  maner  &  of  comlynesse* 

Right  so  ferde  my  lady  dere* 

ffor  euery  wight  of  hir  manere-  968 

Might  each"  I-nough"  if  that  he  wolde 

If  he  had  yen  hir  to  beholde* 

ffor  I  dar  swere  weft  if  that  she 

Had  a-monge  ten  thousande  be-  972 

She  wold  a  be  at  the  leste- 

A  chieff  Merroure  of  aft  the  feste* 

Though  thei  had?  stonde  yn  a  rowe  [leaf  1323 

To  menys  yen  koude  haue  knowe  976 

ffor  wher  so  men  had  pleyd?  or  wakyd? 

Me  thought  the  felishipe  as  nakyd? 

"Withoute  hir  that  sawgh  I*  onys 

As  A  crowne  withoute  stonys  980 

Trewly  she  was  to  myn  ye 

The  soleyfi  ffenyx  of  Arabye 

ffor  ther1  leuyth  neuyr  but  oofi 

Ne  such  as  she  ne  know  I  noon  984 

To  speke  of  goodnesse  trewly  she 

Had  asmuch"  Debonayrete 

As  euyr  had  Hestre  yn  the  bible4 

And  more  if  more  were  possible1  988 

And  soth  to  seyn  therwithaH 

She  had  a  wytte  so  generaH 

So  hole  enclyned  to  aH  good? 

That  aft  hir  wytte  was  sette  by  the  Rood?*  992 

with-oute  malyce  vpon  gladnesse 

And  therto  I  saugh  neuyr  yet  a  lesse  [leaf  isa,  back] 

Harmef uH  then  she  was  yn  dede 

I  sey  not  that  she  ne  had  knowynge  996 

BODLEY    038 


PAR-TEXT    29 
DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY  MS.  638.  241 

what  liarme  was  or  ellys  she 

Had  koude  no  good  as  thenkyth"  me 

And  trewly  for  to  speke  of  trouth" 

But  she  had  had*  it  had  be  routh"  1000 

Therof  she  had  so  much"  hir  dele* 

And  I  dar  seyn  &  swer1  it  wele 

That  trouth  him-self  ouyr  aH  &  aH 

Had  chose  his  manere  pryncypaH  1004 

In  hir  that  was  his  restynge  place 

Therto  she  had  the  moste  grace 

To  haue  stedfast  parseueraunce 

And  esy  attempre  gouernaunce  1008 

That  euyr  I  knew  or  wyste  yitte 

So  pure  suffraunt  was  hir  wytte 

And  reson  gladly  she  vndyrstode'/ 

Hit  folwyd?  weH:  that  she  was  good1  [leafiss]     1012 

She  vsyd  gladly  to  do  weH 

Thes  were  hir  maners  euery  deH 

Therwith  she  louyd  so  weH:  right 

She  wronge  do  wolde  to  no  wight  1016 

No  wight  myght  do  hir  no  shame 

She  louyd  so  weH:  hyr  owne  name 

Hir  lust  to  holde  no  wight  yn  honde 

Ne  be  thou  syker  she  wolde  not  fonde  1020 

To  hold  no  wight  in  balaunce 

By  half  worde  ne  by  contenazmce 

But  if  men  wolde  vpon  hir  lye' 

Ne  send  men  yn-to  walakye  1024 

To  sprewse  &  yn-to  Tartarye 

To  Alisaundre  &  yn-to  Turkye 

And  byd  hym  faste  a-non  that  he 

Goo  hoodies  yn-to  the  drye  see  1028 

And  come  horn  by  the  carrenare 

And  sey  syr  be  now  right  ware 

That  I  may  of  you  here  seyn 

Wurshipe  or  that  ye  come  a-geyfl  [leaf  m,  bacio     1032 

BODLEY  638 
ODD  TEXTS.  16 


30    PAR. -TEXT 

242  DBTHB   OF   BLAUNCHE.      SODLEY  MS.  638. 

She  ne  vsyd  no  such  knackys  smale 

But  wherfor  that  I  tett  my  tale 

Right  on  this  same  that  I  haue  seyde 

•was  hooly  aH  my  loue  leyde  1036 

For  certys  she  was  that  swete  wyfe 

My  suffysaunce  my  luste  my  lyfe 

Myn  hape  myn  hele  &  aH  my  blysse 

My  worldys  welfare  &  my  godesse  1040 

And  I  hooly  hyres  euerydeH 

By  oure  lorde  quoth"  !•  I  trow  you  weH 

Hardely  youre  loue  was  weH  bisette 

I  not  how  ye  rnyght  haue  do  bette  1044 

Bette  ne  no  wyght  so  well  quoth  he 

I  trow  hit  weH  syr  quoth  I'  Parde 

Nay  leue  it  weH  syr  soo  do  I 

I  leue  you  weft  that  trewly  1 048 

You  thought  that  she  was  the  beste 

AH  to  beholde  the  aldyrfayrest  [i«af  is*] 

who- so  had  lokyd*  hir  with  youre  Eyen 

with  myn  nay  aH  that  hir  seyen  1052 

Seyde  &  swore  hit  was  soo 

And  though  thei  ne  had*  I  wolde  thoo 

Haue  louyd  louyd?1  best  my  lady  fre  P«fc] 

Though  I  hade  had?,  aft  the  beaute  1056 

That  euyr  had'  Alcypyades 

And  aH  the  strength  of  Ercules* 

And  therto  had  the  worthynesse 

Of  Alysaundre  &  aH  the  Rychesse  1060 

That  euyr  was  yn  babyloyne 

In  Cartage  or  yn  Macedoyne 

Or  yn  Rome  or  yn  Nynyve 

And  to  also  as  hardy  be  1064 

As  was  Ector  so  haue  I  ioye 

That  Achilles  slough  at  Troy 

And  therfor  was  he  slayn  also 

In  a  temple  for  both  two  1068 

BODLEY    638 


DETIIE   OF   BLAUNCHE. 


PAR.-TEXT    31 
BODLEY  MS.  638.  243 


Were  slayn  he  &  Antylegyus 
And  so  seith  Dares  ffrygyus 
For  loue  of  Poloxena' 
Or  befi  as  wys  as  Mynerva 
I  wolde  euyr  withoute  drede 
Haue  louyd  hir  for  I  must  nede* 
Nede'  nay  trewly  I  gabbe  now 
bought  nede  &  I  wuH  teH  how 
fFor  of  good  wyH  myn  hert  it  wolde 
And  eke  to  loue  hir  I  was  holde 
As  for  feyrest  &  the  beste 
She  was  as  good?  so  haue  I  reste 
As  euyr  was  Penolope  of  grece 
Or  as  the  noble  wyfe  Lucrece 
That  was  the  beste  he  tellith"  thus  / 
The  Romayne  Tytus  Lyuyvs 
She  was  as  good?  &  no-thinge  lyke 
Though  hir  storyes  be  Autentyke 
Algate  she  was  as  trewe  as  she 
But  wherfore  that  I  teH  the* 
when  I  first  my  lady  say 
I  was  right  yonge  soth"  to  say 
And  fuli  grete  nede  I  had?  to  lerne' 
when  my  herte  wolde  yerne 
To  loue  it  was  a  gret  empryse 
But  as  my  wytte  koude  best  suffyse 
Aftyr  my  yonge  childly  wytte 
withoute  drede  I  besette  hytte 
To  loue  hir  yn  my  beste  wyse 
To  do  hir  wurshipe  &  the  seruyse 
That  I  koude  tho  be  my  trouth" 
withoute  feynynge  outhir  slouth" 
For  wondir  fayne  I  wolde  hir  se 
So  mochil  hit  amendid  me* 
That  whan  I  saugh  hir  first  a-morwe 
I  was  warshid  of  aH  my  sorwe 

BODLEY    638 


[leaf  134,  back] 


1072 


1076 


1080 


1084 


[leaf  135] 


1088 


1092 


1096 


1100 


32    PAB.-TEXT 

244  DBTHE   OF    BLAUNCHE. 


SODLEY  MS.  638. 


Of  alday  af tyr  tyH  it  were  cue  D«*f  iss. 

Me  thought  no  thinge  myght  me  greue 

Were  my  sorwys  neuyr  so  smerte 

And  yet  she  sytte  so  yn  myn  herte 

That  by  my  trouth  I  nolde  nought 

For  aH  this  worlde  oute  of  my  thought 

Leue  my  lady  no  trewly 

Now  by  my  trouth  syr  quoth  I 

Me  thinketh  ye  haue  such  a  chaunce 

As  shryfte  withoute  repentaunce 

Repentaunce  nay  fy  quoth  he 

Shold  I  now  repente  me 

To  loue  nay  certys  than  wer*  I  weH 

wers  then  was  AchetofeH 

Or  Antenore  so  haue  I  ioye 

The  traytor  that  betraysed  Troye 

Or  the  fals  Genellon 

He  that  purchasyd1  the  treson 

Of  Rowland  &  Olyuere 

Nay  while  I  am  a-lyue  here 

I  nyH  foryete  hir  neuyr  mo  [leaf  ise] 

Now  good  syr  quoth  I  thoo 

Ye  haue  weH  tolde  me  her*  bifore 

It  ys  no  nede  reherse  it  more 

How  ye  saugh  hir  first  &  where 

But  wolde  yo  teH  me  the  manere 

To  hir  which  was  youre  firste  spech 

Therof  I  wolde  you  besech 

And  how  she  knew  fyrst  your*  thought 

whethir  ye  louyd  hir  or  nought 

And  tellith  me  eke  what  ye  haue  lore 

I  herd  you  teH  her*  bifore 

ye  he  seyde  thou  noste  what  thou  menyst 

I  haue  loste  more  then  thou  wenyst 

what  losse  ys  that  quoth  I  tho 

NyH  she  not  loue  you  ys  hit  so 

BODLEY    P38 


1108 


1112 


1110 


1120 


1124 


1128 


1132 


1136 


PAB.-TEXT    33 
DETHE   OP   BLAUNCHE.      SODLEY  MS.  638.  245 

Or  hatie  ye  ought  don  a-mys  / 

That  she  hath  lefte  you  ys  hit  this 

For  godys  loue  teH  me  all  / 

Before  god  quoth"  he  &  I  shaft  [leaf  ise,  back]  1144 

I  sey  right  as  I  haue  seyde 

On  hyr1  was  all  my  loue  leyde 

And  yet  she  nyst  it  not  neuyr  a  deH 

Nought  longe  tyme  leue  it  weH  1 1 48 

For  be  right  siker  I  durste  nought 

For  aH  this  worlde  teH  hir  my  thought 

Ne  I  wolde  haue  wrathyd  hir  trewly 

For  wostow  whi  she  was  lady  1152 

Of  the  body  she  had  the  herte 

And  who  hath"  that  may  not  asterte 

But  for  to  kepe  me  fro  ydylnesse 

Trewly  I  dyd  my  besynesse*  1156 

To  make  songys  as  I  best  koude 

And  ofte  tyme  I  songe  hem  lowde 

And  made  songys  thus  a  grete  dell 

Att-though  I  koude  not  make  so  weH  1160 

Songys  to  know  the  Arte  aH 

As  koude  Lamekys  /  son  TubaH 

That  fonde  out  fyrste  the  Arte  of  songe  Oaf  m] 

For  as  his  brotherys  hamerys  ronge  1 164 

Vpon  his  Anuelet  vp  &  doun 

Therof  he  toke  the  fyrste  soun 

But  Grekys  seyn  Pyctagoras  / 

That  he  the  fyrst  fynder  was  /  1 168 

Of  the  Arte  Aurora  tellith"  so 

But  therof  no  fors  of  hem  two 

U  Algatys  songys  thus  I  made 

Of  my  felynge  myn  herte  to  glade  1172 

And  lo  thus  was  althyr  fyrste 

I  not  wher  it  were  the  fyrst 

Lorde  it  makyth"  myn  herte  light 

when  I  thenke  on  that  swete  wygfit  1176 

BODLEY    638 


34    PAR.-TEXT 

246  DETHE   OP   BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY   MS.  638. 

That  ys  so  semely  on  to  se 

And  wyssh"  to  god  it  mygfit  so  be 

That  she  wolde  holde  me  for  hir  knygfit 

My  lady  that  ys  so  feyre  &  bryght  [leaf  m,  back]  1180 

Now  haue  I  tolde  the  sotfi.  to  say 

My  firste  songe  vpon  a  day 

I  be-thought  me  what  woo 

And?  sorwe  that  I  suffryd?  thoo  1184 

For  hir  &  yet  she  wyste  it  nought 

Ne  teH  hir  durste  I  not  my  thought 

Alias  thought  I  y  kan  no  rede 

And  but  I  tett  hir  I  am  but  deo?  1188 

And  if  I  tefi:  hir  to  sey  right  soth" 

I  am  a-drad!  she  wuH  be  wroth 

Alias  what  shaH  I  then  doo 

In  this  debate  I  was  so  woo  1192 

Me  thought  myn  hert  brast  a-tweyn 

So  at  the  laste  soth"  to  seyn 

I  bethought  me  that  Nature 

Ne  formyd  neuyr  yn  creature  1196 

So  much  beaute  trewly 

And  bounte  withoute  mercy 

In  hope  of  that  my  tale  I  tolde  [leafiss] 

With  sorwe  as  that  I  neuyr  shulde  1 200 

For  nedys  &  mawgre  myn  Hed? 

I  moste  haue  tolde  hir  or  be  ded? 

I  not  weH  how  that  I  biganne 

FuH  euyH  reherse  hit  I  kan  1204 

And  eke  as  help  me  god1  wit/i-att 

I  trow  hit  was  yn  the  dysmaH 

That  was  the  .x.  woundys  of  Egypte 

For  many  a  worde  I  ouyrskypte  1208 

In  my  tale  for  pure  fere* 

Lest  my  wordys  mys-sette  were 

With  sorwefuH  herte  &  woundys  de3 

Softe  &  quakynge  for  pure  drede1  1212 

BODLEY    638 


PAR. -TEXT    35 
DETHE   OP   BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY   MS.  638.  247 

And  shame  &  styntynge  yn  my  tale 

For  ferde  &  myn  hewe  aH  pale 

FuH  ofte  I  wex  both  pale  &  red? 

Bowynge  to  hir  y  henge  the  hed?  [leaf  iss,  back]  1216 

I  durste  not  onys  loke  hyr  on 

For  wytte  maner  &  aH  was  gon 

I  seyde  mercy  &  no  more 

Hyt  nas  no  game  it  sate  me  sore  1220 

So  at  the  laste  sotB  to  seyn 

When  that  myn  herte  was  come  a-geyri) 

To  telle  shortely  aH  my  spech"' 

with  hool  herte  I  gan  hir  besecfi.  1224 

That  she  wolde  be  my  lady  swete 

And  swere  &  gan  hir  hertely  hete 

Euyr  to  be  stydfast  &  trew 

And  loue  hir  alwey  fresshly  new  1228 

And  neuyr  odyr  lady  haue 

And  aH  hir  wurshipe  for  to  saue 

As  I  beste  koude  I  swore  hir  this 

For  yourys  ys  aH  that  euyr  ther  ys  1232 

For  euennore  myn  herte  swete 

And  neuyr  to  fals  you  but  I  mete* 

I  nyl  as  wys  god  help  me  so  peaf  139] 

And  when  I  had  my  tale  I-do  1236 

God  wote  she  Acountyd?  not  A  stre 

Of  aft  my  tale  so  thought  me 

To  teH  shortly  ryght  as  hit  ys 

Trewly  hir  Answer1  it  was  this  1240 

I  kan  not  now  weH  countrefete 

Hir  wordis  but  this  was  the  grete 

Of  hir  Ansuere  she  seyde  nay 

AH  outerly  alias  that  day  1 244 

The  sorwe  I  suffryd?  &  the  woo 

That  trewly  Cassandra  that  soo 

Bewayled?  the  destructyon 

Of  Troy  &  of  Ilyon  1248 

BODLEY   638 


36    PAR. -TEXT 

248  DETHE    OF   BLAUNCHE.      BODLEY  MS.  638. 

Had  neuyr  such  sorwe  as  I  tho" 

I  durst  no  more  say  ther-to 

For  pure  fere  but  stale  a- way 

And  thus  I  lyuecB  fuH  many  a  day  1252 

That  trewly  I  had  no  nede 

Ferthir  then  my  beddys  hede 

Neuyr  a  day  to  sech  sorwe  [leaf  139,  back] 

I  fonde  it  redy  euery  morwe  1256 

For-whi  I  louycJ  hir  yn  no  gere 

So  hit  bifeH  an  othir  yere 

I  thought  onys  I  wolde  fonde 

To  do  hir  knowe  &  vndirstonde  1260 

My  woo'  &  she  weH  vndirstode 

That  I  ne  wilned!  no  thinge  bat  goode 

And?  wurshipe  &  to  kepe  hir  name 

Ouyr  aH  thinges  &  drede  hir  shame  1264 

And  was  so  besy  hir  to  serue 

And  pite  were  I  shulde  sterue 

Sith  that  I  wylned  non  harme  I-wys 

So  when  my  lady  knewe  ali  this  1268 

My  lady  yaf  me  aH  holely 

The  noble  yefte  of  hir  mercy 

Sauynge  hir  wurshipe  by  aH  weyes 

Dredeles  I  mene  non  othir  weyes  1272 

And  therwith"  she  yaf  me  a  rynge 

I  trow  it  was  the  first  thynge 

But  yf  myn  hert  was  I-waxe  [leaf  no] 

Glad!  that  ys  no  nede  to  axe  1276 

As  help  me  god  I  was  as  blyue 

Reysed  as  fro  deth  to  lyue 

Of  aH  hapys  the  Aldirbest 

The  gladest  &  the  moste  at  reste  1280 

For  trewly  that  swete  wight 

Whan  I  had  wronge  &  she  the  rigfit 

She  wolde  alwey  so  goodly 

Foryeue  me  so  debonayrely  1284 

BODLEY    638 


PAR  .-TEXT    37 
DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY  MS.  638.  249 

In  aH  my  youth"  yn  aH  chaunce 

She  toke  me  yn  hir  gouernaunce 

Therwith"  she  was  alwey  so  trewe 

Owre  ioye  was  euyr  I-liche  newe  1288 

Owre  hertis  werew  so  euyn  A  payre 

That  neuyr  nas  that  on  contrayre 

To  that  othir  for  no  woo' 

For  such"  I-lich"  thei  suffrid  tho  1292 

00  blisse  &  eke  oo  sorwe  both" 
I-lich"  thei  were  both  glad?  &  wrotfr 

AH  was  vs  oon  withoute  were  peafuo,  back] 

And  thus  we  leuyd  fuH:  many  a  yer1  1296 

So  weH  I  kan  not  teH  how 

Syr  quoth"  I  wher1  is  she  now 

Now  quoth  he  &  stynte  A-non 

Therwith  he  wex  as  deo?  as  ston  1 300 

And  seid?  Alias  that  I  was  bore 

That  was  the  losse  that  her'-bifore 

1  tolde  the  that  I  had?  lorne 

Bethenke  how  I  seide  her1  beforne  1304 

Thow  wost  ful  liteH  what  thou  menyst 

I  haue  loste  more  then  thou  wenyst 

God  wote  Alias  right  fat  was  she* 

Alias  sir  how  what  may  that  be  1308 

She  ys  ded?'  Nay  yes  be  my  trouth" 

Is  that  your*  losse  bigod?  it  ys  routli 

And  with"  that  worde  right  a-non 

They  gan  to  strake  forth"  aH:  was  don  1312 

For  that  tyme  the  harte  huntynge 

With  that  me  thought  that  this  kynge  Deafui] 

Gan  homeward!  for  to  ryde 

Vn-to  a  place  was  ther  bisyde  1316 

Which  was  from  vs  but  a  lyte 

A  longe  CasteH  with  wallys  white 

Be  seynt  lohn  on  a  riche  hyft 

As  me  mette  but  thus  it  fyH  1320 

BODLEY    638 


38    PAR. -TEXT 

250  DETHE   OF   BLAUNCHE.       BODLEY  MS.  638. 

Right  thus  me  mette  as  I  you  teH 

That  yn  the  Casteti  ther  was  a  beH 

As  it  had  smyte  owrys  twelue 

Therwith"  I  a- woke  my-selue1  1324 

And  fonde  me  lyenge  yn  my  bed 

And  the  boke  that  I  had  reef 

Of  Alchyone  &  Seys  the  kynge 

And  of  the  godys  of  slepynge  1 328 

I  fonde  it  in  myn  honde  fuH  euyn 

Thought  I  this  ys  so  queynte  a  sweuyfi 

That  I  wuH  be  processe  of  tyme 

Fonde  to  put  this  sweuyn  yn  ryme  1 332 

As  I  kan  best  &  that  a-non 

This  was  my  sweuyn  now  hit  ys  don 

Explicit  The  Boke  Of  the  Duchesse./    IL  p] 
p  IL  (after  Duchesse.)  ] 


BODLE7    638 


251 


7. 

Cwiplahit  to 


FROM 

1.   HAKLEIAN  MS.  7578. 
2.  THE  MAEQUIS  OF  BATH'S  LONGLEAT  MS.  258. 

The  original  Contents  of  the  latter  MS.  are  given  on  the  back 
of  the  last  leaf,  147,  thus  :  — 

(1)  Litera  directa  Cupidmis  amatorilws  [Hoccleve's;  printed}. 

(2)  Vnum  Carmen. 

(3)  Templum  Vitreuw  (leaf  1-32)  [Lydgate's  Temple  of  Glas  ; 
printed}. 

(4)  De  folio  &  flore  '.     ['  The  Flower  and  Leaf,'  formerly 

attributed  to  Chaucer  ;  often  printed.} 

(5)  Exclamatio    martis    (imperf.,    If    49-54)    [CHAUCER'S  : 
printed  in  the  Supplementary  Parallel-Texts,  p.  143-152.] 

(6)  Exclamatio  de  morte  pietatis  (leaf  55-57)  [CHAUCER'S: 
printed  here,  p.  253]. 

(7)  Congregacio  domin&rum  (leaf  58-75).     [The  Assemble  of 

Ladyes.     "For  Septembre  at  the  falling  of  the  leaf;" 
printed  in  Stone's  and  the  black-letter  Chaucer  s.} 

(8)  Exclamatio  Anelide  contra  Arcite  (If  76-84)  [CHAUCER'S  : 
printed  in  the  Supplementary  Parallel-Texts,  p.  39-56]. 

(9)  PtfHiamentum  Auium  (If  85-101)  [CHAUCER'S  :  printed 

in  the  Supplementary  Parallel-Texts,  p.  2*]. 

(10)  De  oculo&corde  (leaf  102-119):  [printed  by  WynTtyn  de 
Worde  and  the  Roxburghe  Club}. 

(11)  La  bele  dame  sans  mercy  (leaf  120-136)  [often  printed}. 

(12)  De  Eustico  &  Aui  (leaf  137-147)  [Lydgate's  '  Chorle  & 
Byrde';  often  printed}. 

1  First  printed  by  Speght  in  1598.  The  spelling  and  other 
peculiarities  of  this  print  should  be  compard  with  those  of  the 
remaining  poems  in  Lord  Bath's  MS.,  including  Chaucer's  here. 


40-41    PAR. -TEXT 

252         THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO   PITE.      HAUL.  MS.  7578. 


THE  COMPLAINT  TO  PITY. 

[Harl  7578  (vellum),  leaf  13,  back.] 

(1)  [The  Proem.] 

[P]   itee  that1 1  Haue  sought  so  yoore  1 

"With  herte  sore  ful  of  heuy  peine 

That  in  this  worlde  was  no  wight  woer 
With  oute  the  deth  and  if  I  shal  not  fayne  4 

My  purpose  was  to  pitee  for  to  compleyne 
Vppon  the  cruel  tyranye 
Of  loue  /  that  for  my  trought  doith  me  dye  7 

(2)  [The  Story.] 

And  whan  that  I  by  lenth  of  certaine  yeres  8 

Hadde  euere  in  oon  /  a  tyme  sought  to  speke 

To  pite  I  raniie  /  al  be-spreynt  with  teeres 

To  p[r]eyen  hir  on  cruelte  me  wreke  1 1 

But  er  I  might  with  any  worde  oute  breeke 

Or  tellen  any  of  my  paynes  smerte 

I  fonde  her  dede  and  buried  in  an  herte  14 

(3) 

A  downe  I  felle  /  whanne  that  I  saugh  J>e  herse  15 

Deede  as  stone  while  that  the  swough  laste 
But  vp  I  Eoos  with  coloures  wel  diuerse 
And  piteouslye  on  her  myne  eyen  caste  18 

And  nere  the  corse/  I  gan  to  presen  faste 
And  for  the  soule  I  shope  me  for  to  praye 
I  was  but  lorne  there  was  noon  othre  waye.  21 

HARL.  7378 


PAR.-TEXT    40-41 
THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO   PITE.      LONGLEAT  MS.  268.      253 


THE  COMPLAINT  TO  PITY. 

[The  Marquis  of  Bath's  Longleat  MS.  258,  paper  and 
vellum,  ab.  1460,  ?ea/55.] 

(1)     [The  Proem.] 

p     ite  that  I  haue  sought  so  yore  agoo       peafss.pai*/-]  1 
With  hert  sore  and  ful  of  besy  payne 
That  in  this  worlde  was  neuer  wight  so  woo 

Withoute  deth  and  if  I  shal  not  fayne  4 

My  pourpos  was  to  pite  to  complayne 

Vpon  the  Cruelte  and  Tyrannye 

Of  loue  that  for  my  trouthe  doitfi.  me  dye  7 

(2)     [The  Story.] 

And  that  by  lengfi  of  certayn  yeres  8 

Hade  euer  in  oon  sought  a  tyme  to  speke 

To  pite  Kanne  al  dispreynt  with  teres 

To  praien  hir*  of  cruelte  me  a-wreke  11 

But  or  I  might  wit/4  any  worde  oute  breke 

Or  telle  hir*  any  of  my  paynes  smart 

I  founde  hir*  dede  and  buried  in  an  hart  14 

(3) 

Downe  I  felle  whan  I  aawe  the  herse  15 

Dede  as  a  stoofi  while  the  sowne  me  last 
But  yp  I  Eose  with  colour*  ful  diuerse 
And  pituously  on  hir*  myn  yen  I  cast  18 

And  nerrer  the  Corps  I  gan  prese  fast 
And  for  the  soule  I  shope  me  to  pray 
I  was  but  lorne  there  was  no  more  to  say  21 

LONGLEAT   258 


42-43   PAR.  -TEXT 

254          THE   COMPLBYNTE   TO    PITE.      1IARL.  MS.  7578. 


Thus  ame  I  slayne  sith  that  pitee  is  dede  22 

Alas  that  day  /  that  euere  shulde  falle 

What  maner  man  /  dar  nowe  heue  vp  his  hede 

To  whom  shal  any  sorowful  harte  calle  25 

Nowe  crueltee  hath  caste  to  sleen  vs  alle 

In  ydel  hope  folkes  nedles  of  payne 

Sith  sheo  is  and  to  whome  we  shulle  vs  compleyne.         28 

(5) 

But  yet  encresith  me  this  wondre  newe  29 

That  none  wight  woote  that  sheo  is  dede  but  I 
So  many  a  man)  that  in  her  tyme  here  knewe 
And  yet  sheo  deide  not  sodeynlye  32 

For  I  haue  sought  her  ful  besyly 
Sith  first  I  hadde  witte  or  any  mynde 
But  sheo  was  dede  /  or  that  I  coude  her  fynde  35 

(6) 

A-bouten  the  herse  theer  stoden  loustelye  36 

With-oute  any  woo  as  thought  mee 
Bounte  pleased  weli  amed  and  rechelye 
And  fressh  beute  luste  and  lolite  39 

Assured  maner  touglit  and  honeste 
Wisdam  astate  dreede  and  gouernaunce 
Confetered  both  by  honde  and  assuraunce  42 

(7) 

A  Compleynt  hadde  I  write  in  my  honde  [leaf  H]     43 

For  to  haue  pitee  /  to  putte  as  a  bille 
But  whanne  I  alle  thise  companye  fonde 
That  rather  wolde  euery  cause  spille  46 

Thanne  do  me  helpe  I  holde  my  compleynt  stille 
For  to  fat  folk  with-oute  any  fayle 

With-oute  pitee  may  no  bille  a-vaile  49 

HARL.  7678 


PAR. -TEXT    42-43 
THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO   PITS.      LOXGLEAT  MS.   268.       255 

(4) 

Thus  am  I  slayne  sitfi.  that  pite  is  dede         [leaf  55,  back]     22 
Alas  that  day  that  euer  it  shulde  falle 
What  manere  man  darre  now  holde  vp  his  hede 
To  whom  shal  now  any  sorowful  hert  calle  25 

Now  Cruelte  hath"  cast  to  slee  vs  alle 
In  ydeH  hope  folke  redelesse  of  payne 
Sithe  she  is  dede  to  whom  shul  we  complayne  28 

(5) 

But  yet  encressith  me  this  wondre  newe  29 

That  noo  wight  wote  that  she  is  dede  but  I 
So  many  men  as  in  hir1  tyme  hir*  knewe 
And  yet  she  died  so  soudenly  32 

For  I  haue  sought  hir>  euer  ful  besily 
Sithe  I  hade  first  witte  or  mynde 
But  she  was  dede  or  I  cowde  hir1  fynde  35 

(6) 

AbougSt  Mr1  herse  there  stoden  lustly  36 

Withoute  any  moo  as  thought  me 
Bounte  perfit  wille  armed  and  Eichely 
And  fresshe  beaute  lust  and  lolyte  39 

Assured  manere  youg  and  honeste 
Wisdam  estate  drede  and  gouernaunce 
Confetered  bothe  by  bonde  and  aliaunce  42 

(7) 

A  Complaint  Hade  I  writen  in  myn  hande  [leaf  56,  vtiium\  43 
To  haue  put  to  pite  as  a  bille 
But  I  al  this  companye  there  founde 

That  rather  wold  al  my  cause  spille  46 

Than  doo  me  halpe  /  I  hilde  my  playnt  stille 
For  that  folke  withoute  any  fayle 
Withoute  pite  there  may  noo  bille  availle  49 

LONGLEAT    '268 


44-45    PAR.-TEXT 

256          THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO    PITE.       HAUL.  MS.  7578. 

(8) 

Thanne  leuo  I  alle  thise  vertues  saue  pite  50 

Kepinge  the  corse  as  ye  haue  herde  me  sayne 
Coufetered  by  bonde  of  crueltee 

And  both  assented  whanne  I  shalle  be  slayne  53 

And  I  haue  putte  vp  my  compleint  a-gaine 
For  to  my  foos  my  bille  I  dar  not  shewe 
The  effecte  of  matere  seith  thus  in  wordes  fewe  56 

(9)  [The  Bill  of  Complaint.}     (Tern  I.  1) 

U  Hombleste  of  herte  hiest  of  reuerence  57 

Benyngne  floure  corone  of  vertues  alle 

Scheweth  vnto  youre  souueraine  excellence 

Youre  seruaunt  if  I  durst  my  silfe  so  calle  60 

His  mortal  harme  whiche  he  is  in  falle 

And  not  al  oonly  for  his  euel  fare 

But  for  youre  renoune  as  that  I  shal  declare  63 

(10)  (1.2) 

It  standeth  thus  youre  contrarie  cruelte  64 

Alied  ys  to  yonde  youre  regalie 

Vnthr*  coloure  of  wommanly  beawte 

For  men  shul  nat  knowe  her  tyrannye  67 

With  bounte  gentilnesse  and  curtesie 

And  hath  depriueth  you  of  youre  place 

That  hight  bewte  apportenaunt  of  grace  70 

(11)  (L3) 

For  kendelich  be  youre  heritage  right  7 1 

Ye  been  annexed  euer  to  bounte 

And  verely  ye  outhen  do  youre  might 

To  helpen  trouthe  in  his  aduersite  74 

Ye  beeth  also  the  corowne  of  beeute 

And  certes  and  if  ye  wante  in  his  waye 

The  worlde  is  lorne  /  ther  is  no  more  to  saye  77 

HABL.  7578 


PAR. -TEXT    44-45 
THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO    PITE.      LONGLEAT  MS.   258.      257 

(8) 

Than  leue  al  vertues  sauf  oonly  pite  50 

Keping  the  Corps  as  ye  haue  harde  me  saiene 
Confedered  by  bounde  and  by  Cruelte 
And  be  assented  whan  I  shal  be  slayne  53 

And  I  haue  put  vp  my  complaint  agayne 
For  to  my  foes  my  bille  I  darre  not  shewe 
Theffecte  of  whiche  saitB  thus  in  wordis  fewe  56 

(9)     [The  Bill  of  Complaint.}     (Tern  I.  1) 

Humblest  of  hert  highest  of  Eeuerence  57 

Benigne  floure  crowne  of  vertues  alle 

Shewith  vnto  youre  Eoial  excellence 

Youre  seruazmt  if  I  me  durst  so  calle  60 

His  mortal  harme  in  whiche  he  is  falle 

And  nought  al  oonly  for  his  euyl  fare 

But  for  youre  Eenown  as  he  shal  declare  63 

(10)  (1.2) 

It  standith"  thus  that  youre  contrary e  cruelte  Deaf  se,  back]  64 

Alied  is  ayeinst  youre  Eegallyte 

Vndre  colour*  of  womanly  beaute 

For  men  shuld  not  knowe  hir1  Tirannye  67 

With"  Bounte  gentilnesse  and  curtesye 

And  hath"  depreued  you  of  your1  place 

That  is  high  bounde  appertenaunte  to  your  grace  70 

(11)  (1-3) 

For  kyndely  by  your1  heritage  Eight1  71 

Ye  be  anmexed  euer  vnto  bounte 

And  verrily  ye  aught1  doo  your1  might1 

To  helpe  Trouthe  in  his  aduersite  74 

Ye  be  also  the  Crowne  of  beaute 

And  certis  if  ye  want  in  these  twayne 

This  worlde  is  lore  there  is  nomore  to  saiene  77 

LONGLEAT  258 
ODD  TEXTS.  17 


46-47    PAR. -TEXT 

258          THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO   PITE.       HARL.  MS.  7578. 

(12)     (Tern  II.  1) 

Eke  what  availeth  maner  of  gentilnesse  78 

With  youre  beninge  and  faire  creature 

Shal  cruelte  been  now  oure  gouernesse 

Alas  what  herte  may  that  endure  81 

Wherfore  but  ye  the  rather  take  cure 

To  breeke  these  persones  alliaunce 

Ye  sleeth  hem  that  beeth  of  youre  obeisaunce  84 

(13)  (II.  2) 

And  further  overe  if  ye  suffre  this  [leaf  u,  back]     85 

Youre  renoune  is  for-do  with  a  throwe 

Ther  shal  no  man  wete  what  paine  is 

Alias  that  euere  youre  renoune  shulde  be  so  lowe  88 

Ye  beith  also  fro  youre  heritage  throwe 

By  cruelte  that  ocupieth  youre  place 

And  we  despeired  that  seken  to  youre  grace  91 

(14)  (II.  3) 

Haue  mercy  oon  me  therfor  Vertoues  Queene  92 

That  you  haue  sought  so  treuly  and  so  yoore 

Lette  some  streme  of  youre  light  on  me  be  seeno 

That  loueth  and  dreedeth  you  euer  lenger  more  95 

For  soith  for  to  saye  I  bere  the  sore 

And  thaugh  I  be  not  konnynge  for  to  pleyne 

For  godis  loue  haue  mercy  oon  my  peyne.  98 

(15)     (Tern  III.  I) 

My  paine  is  this  that  what  so  I  desire  99 

That  haue  I  nought  /  ne  non  thinge  like  { erto 

And  euer  set  desire  my  herte  on  fyre 

Eke  on  that  other  side  /  wher  so  I  goo  102 

What  manere  thinge  /  that  may  encreso  woo 

That  haue  I  redy  vnsouth  euery  where 

Me  lakketh  but  my  deth"  /  and  thanne  my  beere  105 

HARL.  7578 


PAR.-TEXT    46-47 
THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO    PITE.      LONGLEAT  MS.   258.       259 

(12)     (Tern  II.  1)    . 

Eke  \vhat  availleth"  manere  of  gentilnesse  78 

Withoute  you  benigne  Creature 

Shal  Cruelte  be  your"  gouernesse 

Alas  what  hert  may  it  long  endure  81 

Wherfore  but  ye  rather  take  cure 

To  breke  that  perilous  aliaunce 

Ye  slee  theim  that  ben  vndre  yowr  obeissaunee  84 

(13)  (II.  2) 

And  further  ouer  if  ye  suffre  this  [leaf  57,  veiium]     85 

Youre  Renown  is  for-doo  in  a  throWe 

There  shal  no  man  wite  what  pite  is 

Alas  that  euer  your1  Renown  is  falle  so  lowe  88 

Ye  be  also  fro  your*  heritage  I-throwe 

By  Cruelte  that  occupieth"  join  place 

And  We  dispaired  that  seken  yowr  grace  91 

(14)  (II.  3) 

Haue  mercy  on  me  thou  heremus1  quene      [>  or  herenius]     92 

That  thou  haue  sought1  so  tenderly  and  so  yore 

Lete  summe  streme  of  light1  on  me  be  sene 

That  loue  and  drede  you  eue?-  lenger  the  more  95 

For  sothely  for  to  saien  I  bere  so  sore 

That  though  I  be  not  co/myng  for  to  playne 

For  goddis  loue  haue  mercy  on  my  payne  98 

(15)     (Tern  III.  1) 

My  payne  is  this  that  what  I  desire  99 

That  haue  I  not  ne  noo  thing  like  thereto 

And  euer  settetfi  desire  myn  hert  on  fire 

Eke  on  that  other  side  where  so  I  goo  102 

What  manere  thing  that  may  encresse  my  woo 

That  haue  I  redy  vnsought  euery  where 

Me  laketh  but  detli  /  and  than  my  bere  105 

LONGLEAT   258 


48-49    PAR. -TEXT 

260          THE    COMPLEYNTE    TO   PITE.       EARL.  MS.  7678. 

(16)  (III.  2) 

What  nedeth  hit  shewe  parcelles  of  my  peyne  106 

Sith  euery  woo  that  herte  may  be-thenke 

I  suffre  and  yet  y  dar  not  to  you  compleine 

For  wele  I  wote  though  I  wake  or  winke  109 

You  reccheth  not  /  whethre  1  flete  or  synke 

Yette  neuer  the  lees  /  my  trough"  I  shal  susteyne 

Vnto  my  deth  and  that  shal  well  be  seyne  112 

(17)  (III.  3) 

This  is  to  seye  I  wol  be  youre  euere  113 

Though  ye  me  slee  by  cruelte  youre  foo 

Algates  my  sprete  shal  neuere  disseuere 

Fro  youre  seruice  for  any  paine  or  woo  116 

Nowe  pite  that  I  haue  sought  so  yore  agoo 

Thus  for  youre  deith  I  may  wel  wepe  and  pleyne 

"With  herte  sore  /  and  ful  of  besy  peyne  119 


HARL.  7578 


PAR. -TEXT    48-49 
THE    COMPLEYNTE    TO    PJTE.       LONGLEAT   MS.    258.       261 

(16)  (III.  2) 

What  nedith  to  shewe  parcelles  of  my  payne       [leaf  57,  back] 

Sith"  euery  woo  that  hert  may  bethynke 

I  suffre  and  yet  I  darre  not  to  you  playne 

For  wel  I  wote  though  I  wake  or  wynke  109 

Ye  Rekke  not  whether  I  flete  or  synke 

And  nethelesse  yet  my  trouthe  I  shal  susteyne 

Vnto  my  dethe  and  that  shal  wel  be  sayn*  112 

(17)  (III.  3) 

This  is  to  saien  I  wol  be  euere  113 

Though"  ye  me  slee  by  cruelte  you?  foo 

Algate  my  spirit  shal  neuer  disseuere 

Fro  youre  seruice  for  any  payne  or  woo  116 

Sithe  ye  be  yet  dede  alas  that  it  is  soo 

Thus  for  youre  dethe  I  may  wel  wepe  &  playne 

With  hert  sore  and  ful  of  besy  payne  119 

Here  endith  thexclamacion 
of  the  dethe  of  pite 

[Follows :   "  the  boke   of  Assemble   De    Dames,"  leaves 

58—75. 

beg. :  "  In  Septembre  at  the  falling  of  the  leef." 

ends :  "  Rede  weft  my  dreme  for  now  my  tale  is  doon. 

Here  enditfi  the  boke  of 
Assemble  De  Dames."] 


LONGLEAT    258 


263 


8. 


FROM 

PEPYS  MS.  2006. 

(For  a  dozen  other  MSS.  of  this  Poem  see  the  Parallel-Text 
and  Supplementary  Parallel-Text  editions  ;  and  for  two 
other  Bits  of  it,  pages  1-21  above.) 


PAU.-TEXT    50-51 
PARLAMENT   OF    FOULES.      FEPYS  MS.   2006.  265 

The  parlament  of  fowles. 

[Pepys  MS.  2006  (paper),  p.  127,  in  hand  B, 
ab.  1440-50  AD.] 

[667  lines  out  of  694.     g1  is  for  g  with  an  upcurl] 

(1)     [The  Proem.] 
[T]        He  lif  so  short  the  craft  so  long1  to  lurne       [page  127] 

The  assay  so  harde  so  sharpe  the  conqueryng* 
The  dredeful  loye  alle  wey  that  slitte  so  yerne 
Alle  this  raene  I  by  love  that  my  feelyng*  4 

Astoyneth  wyth  his  wonderful  werkyng" 
So  sore  I-wis  that  whan  I  on  hym  thynk 
Ne  wote  I  well  whej>er  I  flete  or  synke  7 

(2) 

^T  For  alle  be  that  I  know  not  love  in  dede 
!N"e  wote  how  he  quyteth  folk  her  hyre 
Yet  happeth  me  ful  oft  on  bokes  for  to  rede 
Of  his  myractes  and  of  his  cruel  Ire  1 1 

The  rede  I  well  he  wul  be  lord  and  syre 
I  dar  not  sey  his  stroken  ben  so  sore 
But  god  save  swyche  a  lorde  I  say  no  more  1 4 

(3) 

IT  Of  vsage  what  for  lust  what  for  looro 
On  bokes  red  I  oft  as  I  yow  tolde 
But  why  I  speke  alle  this  not  yore 

Agoone  it  happed  me  to  be-holde  18 

Vpon  a  boke  wrytten  wyth  letters  old 
And  \er  vpon  a  certeigne  thyng1  to  lerne 
The  lang1  day  ful  fast  and  yerne  21 

(4) 

IT  For  oute  of  olde  feldes  as  men  seith 
Cometh  alle  this  new  corne  fro  yer  to  yere 
And  oute  of  olde  bokes  in  gode  feith 

Cometh  alle  these  newe  science  J>at  men  leere  25 

To  rede  forth  it  gan  me  delite 
But  now  to  pwrpos  of  this  matere 
That  alle  the  long*  day  me  thought  but  lite  28 

PEPYS   2006 


52-53    PAR. -TEXT 

266  PAELAMENT   OF    FOULES.      PEPYS   MS.   2006. 

(5) 

IT  This  boke  of  whyche  I  make  menctown 
Entitled  was  alle  ther  as  shal  I  telle 
Tulius  of  the  drem  of  Cipiown 

Chapitrees  sevene  it  had  of  heven  and  helle  32 

And  erth  and  sowles  fat  \er  in  dwelle 
Of  wheche  as  shortly  as  I  can  trete 
Of  his  sentence  I  wil  yow  sey  J>e  grete  35 

(6) 

IT  First  telleth  it  whan  Cipion  was  come 
In  aufrike  how  he  meteth  massanyse 
That  hym  for  loy  in  armes  hath  I-nome 
Than  telleth  he  hir  speche  and  alle  the  blisse    {page  i»j    39 
That  was  betwen  hem  til  the  day  gan  mysse 
And  how  his  Aunct?/r  Affrican  so  deere 
Gan  in  his  slope  that  nyght  to  hym  apere  42 

(7) 

IF  Than  telleth  that  from  a  sterry  place 
How  Affrican  hath  hym  cartage  shewde 
And  warned  hym  be-for  of  alle  his  grace 
And  seide  hym  what  man  lered  of  lewed  46 

That  loveth  comyn  profite  wel  I-thewed 
He  shal  in  to  a  blesful  place  wende 
Ther  loye  is  wyth  outen  eny  ende  49 

(8) 

IF  Than  axed  he  yf  folk  that  her  ben  dede 
Han  lif  and  dwellyng1  in  eny  ofer  place 
And  Affrican  seide  ye  wyth  owten  eny  drede 
And  how  owre  present  now  lives  space  53 

Ment  but  a  maner  deth  what  wey  we  trace 
And  rightful  folk  shal  gon  afiur  they  dey 
To  heven  and  shewed  hym  the  Galaxie  56 

PEPYS   2006 


PAR,. -TEXT    54  55 
PARLAMENT   OF   FOULES.      PKPYS  MS.   2006.  2G7 

(9) 

H  Thenn  swede  he  hym  the  litil  erth  that  here  is 
At  regarde  of  the  hevenes  quantite 
And  aftwrwarde  shewed  he  hym  the  nyne  speres 
Aud  aftwr  that  J>°  molodye  herdo  he  60 

That  cometh  of  thilk  speres  thryes  thre 
That  welles  of  musik  ben  and  melodye 
In  this  world  here  and  cause  of  Armonye  G3 

(10) 

IT  Thann  seide  he  to  hym  syn  erth  was  lite 

And  ful  of  towrment  and  of  hard  grace 

That  he  ne  shuld  hym  in  this  world  delite 

Thenn  told  he  hym  in  certeyn  yeres  space  G7 

That  euery  sterre  shuld!  com  in  to  his  place 

Ther  it  was  first  and  alle  shuld  out  of  mynd 

That  in  this  world  is  doon  of  all  mankynde  70 

(11) 

U  Thenn  preyed  hym  Scipion  to  tell  hym  alle 
The  wey  to  come  in  to  hevenes  blisse 
And  he  seide  first  know  thy  self  Immortale 
And  loke  ay  besyly  that  thow  werche  and  wyse  74 

To  comyn  profite  and  thow  shalt  not  mysse 
To  com  swyftely  vn  to  \>at  place  dere 
That  ful  of  blis  is  and  of  sowles  cleere  77 

(12) 

IT  But  brekers  of  J>e  law  soth  to  seyn 

And  licorous  folk  etftur  fat  they  ben  dede 

Shul  whirle  abowte  the  wonlel  all  wey  in  peyn 

Till  many  a  world1  be  passed  out  of  drede       [page  129]       81 

And  thenn  foryeven  all  her  wykked  dede 

Thenn  shul  they  com  in  to  fat  blissed  place 

To  the  wheche  to  com  god  send  fe  grace  84 

PEPYS   2006 


56-57    PAR. -TEXT 

268  PARLAMENT   OF   FOULES.       PEPYS   MS.   2006. 

(13) 

f  The  day  gan  fallen  and  f e  derk  nyght 

That  reueth  bestes  from  here  besynesse 

Beraft  me  my  boke  for  lake  of  light 

And  to  my  bed  gan  I  me  for  to  dresse  88 

Fulfilled  wyth  thought  and  besy  hevynesse 

For  both  I  hadd  that  thyng1  that  [I]  ne  wolde 

And  eke  I  ne  had  that  thyng1  that  I  wolde  91 

(14) 

IT  But  fynally  my  spyrite  at  the  last 

For  wery  of  my  labour  alle  fat  day 

Toke  rest  that  made  me  to  slepe  fast 

And  in  my  slepe  I  mett  as  I  lay  95 

How  AfFrican  in  that  silf  aray 

That  Cipion  hym  saugh  be-for  fat  tyde 

Was  come  and  stode  at  my  beddes  syde  98 

(15) 

IT  The  wery  hunter  slepyng1  in  his  bede 

To  wode  ayen  his  mynde  goth  a-non 

The  luge  dremeth  how  his  plees  ben  spede 

The  Carter  dremeth  how  his  cart  is  gon  102 

The  ryche  of  gold  the  knyght  fyghteth  wyth  his  foon) 

The  sike  mette  he  hath  dronk  of  the  tonne 

The  loner  meteth  that  he  hath  his  lady  wonne  105 

(16) 

IF  Kan  I  not  seyn  yf  that  the  cause  were 

For  I  had  rende  of  Affrican  be  forne 

That  made  me  to  mette  fat  he  stode  f  er 

But  thus  seide  he  thow  hast  fe  so  well  born  109 

In  lokyng1  of  myn  old  boke  to-torne 

Of  wheche  Macrobye  rought  not  a  lite 

That  somdel  of  thy  labowr  will  I  the  quyte  112 

FEPYS   2006 


PAR. -TEXT    58-59 
PARLAMENT    OF   FOULES.       PEPYS   MS,   2006.  269 

(17)  [Invocation.] 

1T  Citliera  thow  blesful  lady  swete 

That  wyth  thy  firebronde  dauntest  whom  thow  list 

That  madest  me  this  sweuen  for  to  mete 

Be  thow  myn  help  in  this  for  fou  maist  best  116 

As  wysely  as  I  saugh  \>e  north  northwest 

When  I  gan  my  sweuen  for  to  write 

So  yef  me  myght  to  rym  and  to  endite  119 

(18)  [TJie  Story.] 

IT  This  forseid  Affrican  one  hynt  vp  a-non) 

And  furth  wyth  hym  to  a  gate  me  brought 

Eyght  of  a  park  walled  wyth  grene  ston  [page  iso] 

And  ouer  the  gate  wyth  letters  large  I- wrought  123 

The  wer  vers  I-wryten  as  me  thought 

On  eyj>er  syde  of  full  grete  difference 

Of  wheche  I  shal  sey  the  pleyn  sentence  12G 

(19) 

IT  Thught  me  men  goon  in  to  J>at  blesful  place 

Of  hertes  hele  and  dedely  woundes  cure 

Thurgh  me  men  gon  to  the  well  of  grace 

There  grene  and  lusty  may  shal  euer  indure  1 30 

This  is  Y  wey  to  all  gode  auenture 

Be  glad  ]>0u  redar  and  thy  sorow  of*  cast 

A-lone  am  I  passe  in  and  sped  J)  fast  133 

(20) 

5T  Thurgh  me  men  gon  J>en  spake  J)e  o]>er  syde 

Vn  to  the  mortal  strokes  of  J)e  spere 

Of  wheche  desdeyn  and  daunger  is  J>p  gyde 

Ther  neuer  tree  shal  frute  ne  leves  bere  137 

This  strem  yow  ledeth  to  the  sorovvful  were 

Ther  as  the  fishe  in  person  is  alle  drye 

The  eschuyng*  is  oonly  the  reme[dye]  l        p  dye  in  a  later  hand] 

PEPYS   2006 


60-61  rA 

270  PARLAMENT    OP    FOULES.      PEPYS   MS.   2006. 

(21) 

IT  Thyse  vers  of  gold  and  blak  I-writen  were 

The  wheche  I  gan  astoned!  to  be-holde 

For  wyth  oon  encresed  al  my  fere 

And  wyth  fat  of  er  be  gan  myn  hert  bolde  144 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.] 
No  wytt  had  I  for  errowr  for  to  chese 
To  entre  or  fleen  or  me  to  save  or  lese  147 

(22) 

1T  For  right  as  betwyx  adamandes  two 

Of  euen  myg1  a  pece  of  Iren  sette 

Ne  hath  no  myght  to  moven  to  ne  fro 

For  what  fat  on  doth  hale  f e  ojjer  lette  151 

Ferd  I  fat  nust  whef  er  me  wer  bette 

To  entre  or  leve  /  til  Affrican  my  gyde 

Me  hent  and  shof  in  at  f e  gates  wyde  154 

(23) 

1T  And  seid  it  stant  writen  in  thy  face 

Thyn  errowr  though  thow  tel  it  not  to  me 

But  drede  f e  not  to  com  in  to  this  place 

For  this  wrytyng1  is  no  thyng1  ment  by  the  158 

E"e  by  non  but  he  loves  servant  be 

For  f  ou  of  love  hast  lost  f  °  tast  I  gysse 

As  a  sik  man  hath  of  swete  and  biternesse  161 

(24) 

If  But  natheles  al  though  fat  fou  be  dull 

It  that  thow  canst  not  do  yet  rnayst  thow  see  [p«se  isi] 

For  mony  a  man  that  may  not  stand  a  pulle 

Yet  liketh  it  hym  at  wrastlyng1  for  to  be  165 

And  demeth  yet  whether  he  do  bett  or  he 

And  yef  thow  haddest  konnyng*  to  endite 

I  shal  the  shew  matere  of  to  wryte  168 

PEPYS    2006 


PAR. -TEXT    62-63 
PARLAMENT   OF   FOULES.       PEPYS   MS.   2006.  271 

(25) 

II  Wyth  that  myn  hand  in  his  he  tok  a-non 

Of  wheche  I  counfort  caught  and  went  in  fast 

But  lord  so  I  was  gladd  and  wel  be-goon 

For  oner  alle  where  that  I  myn  yen  cast  172 

Were  trees  clad  wyth  leef  that  euer  shal  last 

Eche  in  his  kynde  of  colour  fresh  and  grene 

As  emerawde  that  loie  it  was  to  seene  175 

(26) 

IT  The  bildar  ek  and  eke  the  hardy  Asshe 

The  pyler  Elm  the  coofre  to  careyn 

The  boxtre  pypar  /  holme  to  whippes  laighshe 

The  seylyng1  firre  the  Cipres  deth  to  pleyn  179 

The  sheter  ew  the  aspe  for  shaftes  playn 

The  Olyf  of  pees  and  eke  the  drounken  vyne 

The  Victor  palme  the  lawrer  to  deyne  182 

(27) 

IF  A  gardyn  saugh  I  ful  of  blosmy  bowes 

Vpon  a  reuer  in  a  gren  mede 

Ther  as  J»at  swetnesse  euennore  I-now  is 

Of  flowres  whyte  blew  yelow  and  rede  186 

And  cold  welstremes  and  no  thyng*  dede 

That  swymmyn  full  of  smal  fishes  lite 

Wyth  fynnes  rede  and  scales  as  siluer  bright  189 

(28) 

If  On  euery  bowgh  birdes  herd  I  syng< 
"Wyth  voys  of  angel  in  her  Armonye 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.] 

The  litil  conyes  to  her  pley  can  hie  193 

And  forther  abowte  I  gan  aspye 
The  dredfull  Eoo  J>  bokk  ]f  hert  Jf  hynde 
Svvyrels  and  o\er  moo  small  bestes  of  lentil  kynde        196 

PEPYS    2006 


64-65    PAR. -TEXT 

272  PABLAMENT    OF   FOULES.       PEPYS   MS.   2006. 

(29) 

^T  Instrumentes  of  strynges  of  acorde 
Herd  I  so  pley  and  reveshyng1  swetnesse 
That  god  Jjat  maker  is  of  all  and  lorde 
Ne  herd  he  neuer  as  I  gysse  200 

Ther  wyth  a  wynde  vnneth  it  myght  be  lesse 
Made  in  the  leves  grene  a  noys  soft 
IT  Acordyng*  to  ]>e  birdes  soong<  a  loft          [page  iss]          203 

(30) 

1T  The  Eyr  of  that  place  so  a-tempre  was 

That  neuer  per  was  greuaunce  of  hoot  ne  colde 

Ther  was  eke  euery  holsom  spyce  and  gras 

No  man  may  \er  was  seke  ne  olde  207 

yet  ther  was  more  loie  a  thowsand  folde 

Then  eny  man  can  tell  ne  neuer  it  per  wold  nyght 

But  ay  be  cler  day  to  eny  mannes  sight  210 

(31) 

H  Vnd?ir  a  tree  besyde  a  well  I  say 

Our  cupide  his  arows  forge  and  fyle 

And  at  his  fote  his  bow  alle  redy  lay 

And  wylle  his  doghter  tempred  all  this  whyle  214 

The  hedes  in  J>e  well  and  wyth  hir  wyle 

She  cowched  hem  aftwr  as  they  shuld  serve 

Some  for  to  sle  and  som  to  wound  and  karve  217 

(32) 

1f  Tho  was  I  war  of  plesaunce  a-non  right 

And  of  the  aray  lust  and  curtesye 

And  of  the  craft  that  can  and  of  p°  myght 

To  doon  by  force  a  wyght  to  do  folie  221 

Differed  was  she  I  will  not  lye 

And  by  hym  silf  vndwr  a  nok  I  gysse 

Saugh  I  delite  that  stode  wyth  lentilnesse  224, 

PEPYS    2006 


PAR. -TEXT    66-67 
PARLAMENT   OP   FOULES.      PEPYS   MS.   2006.  273 

(33) 

1F I  saugh  beaute  wyth.  owten  eny  atyre 

And  yough  full  of  game  and  lolite 

Fulhardenesse  flatterie  and  desyre 

Messangers  and  niede  and  o]>er  iij 

Her  names  here  shul  not  be  told  for  me 

And  vpon  pylers  grete  of  laspre  long1. 

I  saugh  a  temple  of  bras  I-fownded  strong1.  231 

(34) 

^T  Aboute  J)e  temple  daunsed  all  wey 

Women  I-now  of  wheche  ther  som  were 

Fayre  of  hem  self  and  som  of  hem  wer  gay 

In  kyrtels  all  discheuele  went  they  there  235 

That  was  hir  office  all  wey  fat  be  yere 

And  ]>"  temple  of  dowues  whyte  and  faire 

Saugh  I  sittyng1  mony  a  thowsand  paire  238 

(35) 

IF  By-for  the  temple  doore  ful  sobrely 

Dam  pees  satt  wyth  a  curtil  in  her  honde 

And  by  hir  syde  wonder  discretely 

Dann)  pacience  sittyng1  ther  I  founde  242 

"Wyth  face  pale  vpon  an  hill  of  sonde  [page  iss] 

And  alder  next  wyth  in  and  ek  wyth  out 

By  host  /  and  Art  and  of  her  folk  a  rowte  245 

(36) 

IF  Wyth  in  the  temple  of  sikes  hote  as  fire 

I  herd  a  sowgh  that  gan  abowte  renn 

Whyche  sikes  wer  engendre  wyth  desyre 

That  made  euery  auter  for  to  brenn  249 

Of  new  flames  and  well  espyed  I  thenn 

That  all  the  cause  of  sorow  that  they  drey 

Come  of  the  bitter  goddesse  lelousye  252 

PEPTS  2006 
ODD  TEXTS.  18 


68-69    PAU.-TEXT 

274  PARLAMENT   OP   FOULES.      PEPYS   US.   2006. 

(37) 

IF  The  god  priapus  saugli  I  as  I  went 

"VVyth  in  the  temple  in  a  souereyn  place  stonde 

In  suche  aray  as  when  the  asshe  hym  shent 

Wyth  crye  by  nyght  and  his  ceptre  in  his  honde  256 

Full  besyly  men  gan  assay  and  founde 

Vpon  his  hede  to  sette  of  syndre  hyew 

Garlandes  full  of  fresshe  flowres  new  259 

(38) 

1f  And  in  a  pryvy  corner  of  disport 

Found  I  Venus  and  hir  porter  rychesse 

That  was  full  hawten  of  her  port 

Derk  was  the  place  but  afterward!  lightnesse  263 

I  saugh  a  lite  vnneth  it  myght  be  lesse 

And  in  a  bed  of  gold  she  lay  to  rest 

Till  at  the  hote  sonn  be-gan  go  west  266 

(39) 

IT  Her  gilde  heeres  wyth  a  golden  threde 

I-bownde  wer  entressed  as  she  lay 

And  naked  fro  the  brest  vn-to  the  hede 

Myght  men  hir  see  and  sothely  for  to  say  270 

The  remanaunt  couerd  was  wel  to  my  pay 

Ryght  wyth  a  sotill  coueryche  of  valence 

Ther  was  no  thikker  cloth  of  no  defence  273 

(40) 

IF  The  place  yaf  a  thowsand  sauoars  swete 

And  bachus  god  of  wyn  satt  hir  be  syde 

And  Ceres  next  that  doth  honger  bote 

And  as  I  seyde  a  myddes  lay  Cipride  277 

To  whom  on  knees  \er  two  yong1  folkes  cryede 

To  ben  her  help  but  thus  I  let  hir  lye 

And  former  in  the  temple  I  gan  espye  280 

PEPYS   2006 


PAR. -TEXT    70-71 
PARLAMENT   OF   FOULES.       PEPYS   MS.    2006.  275 

(41) 

IT  That  in  dispite  of  Diane  the  chast 

Pull  mony  a  vow  I-broke  hong*  on  the  walle  [page  isi] 

Of  maydone  swyche  as  can  her  tyin  wast 

In  hir  seruice  and  peynted  oner  alle 

Of  mony  a  storie  wheche  I  towche  shalle 

A  fewe  as  of  Calixte  and  athalante 

And  mony  a  mayde  of  wheche  the  name  I  wante  287 

(42) 

IT  Simiranus  Candace  and  hercules 

Byblis  Dido  thesbe  and  pyramws 

Trestrem  I-sawde  paris  and  AchiHes 

Elene  Cleopre  and  Troiles  291 

Silla  and  eke  the  modMr  of  Eomulus 

Alle  these  weren  peynted!  on  the  oper  syde 

And  alle  her  love  and  in  what  plite  they  dyed  294 

(43) 

IF  Whan  I  was  comen  ayen  in  to  the  place 

That  I  of  spak  I  was  so  swote  of  grene 

Forth  walked  I  tho  my  self  to  solace 

Tho  was  I  war  wher  ther  sat  a  quene  298 

That  as  of  light  the  somer  sonne  shene 

Passeth  the  sterr  so  oner  mesure 

She  fairer  was  thenn  eny  creature  301 

(44) 

1T  And  in  a  land  vpon  a  hille  of  flowres 

Was  sette  this  noble  goddes  nature 

Of  braunches  wer  hir  halles  and  hir  bowres 

I-wrought  aftur  hir  craft  and  hir  mesure  305 

N"e  \er  nas  fowle  that  cometh  of  engendrure 

That  ther  ne  were  prest  in  hir  presence 

To  tak  hir  dome  and  yeve  hir  audience  308 

PEPYS    2006 


72-73    PAIL-TEXT 

276  PARLAMENT    OF    FOULES.      rEPYS   MS.   2006. 

(45) 

IF  For  this  was  on  seint  Valentynes  day 

When  euery  fowle  cometh  Iper  to  chese  hir  make 

Of  euery  kynd  that  men  thynk  may 

And  that  so  huge  a  noyse  gan  they  make  312 

That  erth  and  see  and  tree  and  euery  lake 

So  full  was  that  vnneth  was  per  space 

Eor  me  to  stonde  so  full  was  all  j?e  place  315 

(46) 

IT  And  ryght  as  Aleyn  in  Jje  pleynt  of  kynde 

Devyseth  nature  of  suche  aray  and  face 

In  sweche  aray  men  myght  hir  per  fynde 

This  noble  Emprice  ful  of  grace  319 

Badd  euery  fowle  to  make  her  own  place 

As  they  weren  I-wont  alle  wey  fro  yer  to  yer 

Seint  Volentynes  day  to  stonden  per  [page  135]         322 

(47) 

IT  That  is  to  seye  the  fowles  of  Eaveyn 

Wer  hyest  I-sett  and  then  the  fowles  smale 

That  eten  as  that  nature  wold  enclyne 

As  worme  or  thyng*  of  whyche  I  tell  no  tale  326 

But  water  fowle  satt  lowest  in  p"  dale 

But  fowle  that  lyveth  by  sede  sat  on  p*  grene 

And  that  so  fele  that  wondre  it  was  to  seen)  329 

(48) 

IT  Ther  myght  men  the  ryaH  Egle  fynde 

That  wyth  his  sharp  lok  perseth  pe  sonne 

And  oper  Egles  of  lower  kynde 

Of  whyche  clerkes  well  devyse  konne  333 

Ther  was  ]>e  Tyraunt  wyt&  his  fethres  donne 

And  gray  I  mene  pe  goshawk  ]>at  doth  pyne 

The  birdes  for  his  owtragious  Ravyne  336 

PEPYS    2006 


PAK.-TEXT    74-75 
PARLuUlENT   OF   FOULES.      PEPYS   MS.   2006.  277 

(49) 

f  The  lentill  fawkon  that  wytli  his  fete  distreyneth 

The  kynges  honde  the  hardy  spe?-hawk  eke 

The  quayles  foe  the  Merleyn  that  peynetfr 

Hym  self  full  oft  the  lark  for  to  seke  340 

Ther  was  the  dowen  wyth  hir  yeen  meke 

The  lelous  swan  a-yenst  his  deth  J?at  syngetfi. 

The  Owle  eke  that  of  detli  bode  bryngeth.  343 

(50) 

IT  The  crane  the  giant  wyth  his  trompes  sown 

The  theef  the  chougn'  and  eke  J)e  langlyng1  pye 

The  scornyng1  lay  and  the  Elys  foo  herotm 

The  fals  lapewynk  full  of  trecherye  347 

The  stare  that  alle  councell  can  be-wrey 

The  tame  Ruddok  and  )>e  coward'  kyte 

The  coke  that  orlege  is  of  thropes  lite  350 

(51) 

IT  The  sparow  Venus  sonne  the  nyghtyngalle 

That  clepeth.  forth"  the  fressh  leves  newe 

The  swalow  that  morthrer  is  of  J>e  fowles  smale 

That  maken  hony  of  flowres  fresshe  of  hewe  354 

The  wedded  turtill  wyth  hir  hert  trewe 

The  pecok  wyth  his  angels  fethres  bright 

The  fesaunt  scorner  of  J>e  cok  by  nyght  357 

(52) 

1T  The  waker  gose  J)e  kokkow  ener  vnkynde 

The  popynjay  ful  of  delicacye 

The  drake  streyer  of  his  owen  kynde 

The  stork  the  wreker  of  avowtrye  Lpageise]  361 

The  hote  cormeraunt  of  glotonye 

The  Ravens  the  crowes  wyth  her  voyce  of  care 

The  throstel  olde  the  frosty  feldfare  304 

I'EPYS   2000 


76-77    PAR. -TEXT 

278  PAHLAMENT    OF    FOULES.      PEPYS  MS.   2006. 

(53) 

51  What  shuld?  I  seyn  of  fowles  eue?y  kynde 

That  in  this  world?  have  fethres  and  stature 

Men  myght  in  fat  place  assembled  fynde 

Be-for  fat  noble  goddes  of  nature  368 

And  eche  of  hem  dede  his  besy  cure 

Benyngly  to  chese  or  to  take 

By  his  acorde  his  formel  and  his  make  371 

(54) 

IT  But  to  the  point  nature  held4  on  hir  honde 

A  formel  Egle  of  shap  the  lentilest 

That  euer  she  a-mong1  her  werkes  fonde 

The  moost  benynge  and  the  godelyest  375 

In  her  was  euery  vertu  at  her  rest 

So  ferforth"  fat  nature  hir  self  had  blysse 

To  loke  on  hir  and  oft  hir  beek  to  kysse  378 

(55) 

•U  Nature  the  wirker  of  fe  almyghty  lorde 

That  hote  cold?  hevy  light  most  and  drye 

Hath  knytt  by  even  nowmbre  of  acorde 

In  esy  vois  be-gan  to  spek  and  sey  382 

Fowles  take  hede  of  my  sentence  I  yow  pray 

And  for  yow  ese  in  forthryng1  of  your  nede 

As  fast  as  I  may  I  will  me  spede  385 

(56) 

IT  Ye  knowen  well  how  fat  seint  Valentyns  day 

By  my  statut  and  thurgh  my  gouernaunce 

Ye  com  for  to  chese  and  flee  a-wey 

Wyth  jour  makes  as  I  prik  yow  wyth"  plesaunce  389 

But  natheles  my  rightfull  ordynaunce 

May  I  not  let  for  all  this  world1  to  wynne 

That  he  fat  most  is  wurthy  shal  be-gynne  392 

PEPYS    2006 


PAB.-TEXT    78-79 
PARLAMENT   OP   FOULE3.       PEPYS   MS.    2006.  279 

(57) 

IT  The  tercel  Egle  as  \at  ye  know  well 

The  fowle  rial  aboven  yow  in  degree 

The  wyse  and  J?e  wurthy  secre  true  as  stele 

The  wheche  I  have  I-formed(  as  ye  may  see  396 

In  euery  wyse  and  part  as  it  best  liketh  me 

It  nedeth  not  his  shap  yow  to  devyse 

He  shall  first  chese  and  speken  on  his  gyse  399 

(58) 

IT  And  aftw?*  hyrn  by  ordre  shall  ye  chese 

Miur  jour  kynd?  eueryche  as  yow  liketB 

And  as  jour  happ  is  shall  ye  wynn  or  lese 

But  whiche  of  you  J>«t  lovetti  moost  entriketfi.  403 

God  send  hym  hir  that  sorest  for  hym  syketh"  [page  iw] 

And  ther  wytfi  alle  the  terceH  gan  she  caHe 

And  seide  my  son  the  choise  is  to  yow  faHe  406 

(59) 

IF  But  natheles  in  this  condiczotm 

Moot  be  the  choise  of  eueryche  fat  is  here 

That  she  agree  to  his  elecczoMn. 

Who  so  be  he  that  shall  ben  his  feere  410 

This  is  owre  vsage  allwey  fro  yer  to  yere 

And  who  so  that  may  at  this  tyme  have  his  grace 

In  a  blesfuH  tym  he  come  in  to  this  place  413 

(60) 

IF  Wyth  hede  enclyned  and  wyth  humble  cheere 

This  rial  tercel  spak  and  taried  nought 

On  to  my  souerayn  lady  and  not  my  feere 

I  chese  and  chese  wyth  will  hert  and  thought  417 

The  forme[l]  on  yowre  hand  so  well  I-wrought 

Whose  I  am  and  euer  will  hir  serve 

Do  what  hir  list  to  do  my  live  or  sterve  420 

PEPYS   2006 


80-81    PAR. -TEXT 

280  PARLAMENT   OF    FOULES.       PEPYS   MS.    2006. 

(61) 

IT  Besechyng*  liir  of  mercy  and  of  grace 

As  she  that  is  my  lady  soueraigne 

Or  lette  me  dye  present  in  this  place 

For  certes  long*  may  I  not  live  in  this  peyne  424 

For  in  myn  hert  is  coruen  euery  veyne 

Havyng1  reward  oonly  for  my  troutfi 

My  dere  hert  have  on  my  wo  som  routfi  427 

(62) 

IT  And  yef  I  be  founde  to  hir  ontrue 

Disabeisant  or  wilfutt  necligent 

Avauntowr  or  in  proces  love  a  newe 

I  pray  to  god  this  be  my  lugement  431 

That  wyth  this  fowles  I  be  all  to-rent 

That  Dke  day  Jrat  euer  she  me  fynde 

To  hir  vntrewe  or  in  my  gilt  vnkynde  434 

(63) 

1T  And  syn  that  noon)  loveth  hir  so  well  as  I 

Alle  be  that  she  neuer  of  love  me  be-hette 

Thann  ought  she  on  me  have  mercy 

For  ofer  bonde  can  I  noon  on  hir  knette  438 

For  neuer  for  no  wo  shaft  I  ne  shaft  lette 

To  serven  hir  how  ferr  fat  she  wende 

Say  what  ye  list  my  tale  is  at  an  ende  441 

(04) 

1T  Eight  as  the  fresshe  redrose  newe 

Ayenst  the  somer  sonne  colored  is 

Eight  so  for  shame  all  wax  gan  hir  hiewe 

Of  this  forme  when  she  herd  this  445 

She  nether  answerd  weH  ne  seid  a  mys 

So  sore  abassed  was  she  til  Ipai  nature 

Seide  dough ter  drede  yow  not  I  yow  assure  448 

PEPYS   2006 


PAR.-TEXT    82-83 
PARLAMENT   OP   FOULES.      PEPYS   MS.   2006.  281 

(65) 

1T  A  nolper  terceH  Egle  spak  a-none  [page  issj 

Of  lower  kynde  and  saide  that  shuld  not  be 

I  love  hir  bett  than  ye  do  be  seint  Ihone 

Or  att  the  leest  I  love  hir  as  weH  as  ye  452 

And  lengw  have  served  hir  in  my  degree 

And  yeve  she  wolde  have  loved  for  long1  lovyng1 

To  me  alone  hadd  be  the  guerdonyng1  455 

(66) 

IF  I  dar  well  say  yef  she  me  fynd  fals 

Vnkynde  Tangier  or  rebeH  eny  wyse 

Or  lelous  do  me  hongen  by  J)e  hals 

And  but  I  bere  me  in  hir  servyce  459 

As  well  as  eny  wyght  can  me  devyse 

Fro  point  to  point  hir  honour  for  to  save 

Take  she  my  lif  and  alle  gode  I  have  462 

(67) 

IT  The  thridde  terceH  egle  answerd!  thoo 

Now  syrys  ye  seyn  the  litil  leyser  here 

For  euery  fowle  cryeth"  owt  to  be  a  goo 

Forth  wyth"  his  make  or  wyth  his  lady  deere  466 

And  eke  nature  hir  self  ne  wiH  not  here 

For  taryyng1  not  half  that  wold?  sey 

And  but  I  speke  I  moot  for  sorow  dey  469 

(68; 

1T  Of  long1  servyse  auaunt  I  me  no  thyng1 

But  as  possible  is  me  to  dey  to  day 

For  wo  as  he  that  hath  be  langwysshyng1 

This  twenty  wynter  and  as  well  happen  may  473 

A  man  may  serven  bett  and  moore  to  pay 

In  half  a  yere  al  though"  it  wer  no  moore 

Than  some  men  done  that  han  served  fuH  yore  476 

PEPYS   2006 


84-85    PAH. -TEXT 

282  PARLAMENT   OP   FOULES.       PEPYS   MS.   2006. 

(69) 

IT  I  sey  not  this  by  me  for  I  ne  kan 
Do  no  servise  that  may  my  lady  plese 
But  I  dar  weH  sey  that  I  am  hir  truest  man 
As  to  my  dome  and  faynest  woltJ  hir  plese  480 

At  short  wordes  till  that  deth"  me  sese 
I  wiH;  be  hyres  wheper  that  I  wake  or  wynke 
And  euer  true  in  aHe  that  hert  may  bethynke  483 

(TO) 

H  Of  aHe  my  list  syn  J?at  I  was  lorn 
So  lentil  plee  of  love  or  o]>er  thyng1 
Ne  herd  neuer  no  man  me  be-forne 

But  who  ]>at  hadd  leyser  and  konnyng*  487 

For  to  reherce  hir  cher  and  hir  spekyng* 
And  from  the  morow  gan  this  speche  last 
Till  downward?  went  the  sonne  wonder  fast  490 

(71) 

IF  The  noyse  of  the  fowles  for  to  be  deliuerec? 

So  lowde  rong1  have  do  and  latt  vs  wende 

That  weH  wend  I  the  wod  hadd  aHe  to-shevered?       [page  iso] 

Come  of  they  crey  alas  ye  wuH  vs  shende  494 

Whann  shaft  jour  cursed!  pledyng1  have  an  ende 

How  shuld!  a  luge  ether  partie  leve 

For  ye  or  nay  wyth  outen  eny  preve  497 

(72) 

H  The  goos  the  dook  the  cukkow  aHe  so 

So  cryed  keke  keke  cukkow  quek  quod?  hye 

That  thurgh  myn  heres  the  noys  went  tho 

The  goos  seid  alle  this  is  not  wurth  a  flye  501 

But  I  can  shape  her-of  a  remedye 

And  wull  say  my  verdit  fair  and  swytt 

For  water  fowles  who  wul  be  wroth"  or  blytfc  50i 

PEPYS   2006 


PAR. -TEXT    86-87 
PABLAMENT   OF   FOULES.      PEPYS   MS.   2006.  283 

(73) 

IT  And  I  for  the  wormes  fowle-seid  the  foule  cukkow 

For  I  wull  of  myn  own  autorite 

For  the  coinyn  spede  take  on  me  J>e  charge  now 

For  to  delyuer  vs  is  grete  charite  508 

Ye  may  abyde  a  whylle  yet  parde 

Quoth  the  turtill  yef  it  be  jour  Witt 

A  wyght  may  speke  hym  wer  as  god  be  stille  511 

(74) 

1T I  am  a  sede  fowle  oon  the  wurthyest 

That  wote  I  well  and  litil  of  konnyng1 

But  beter  is  a  wyghtes  tonge  do  rest 

Thenn  entremet  hym  of  suche  doyng1  515 

Of  wheche  he  can  nether  rede  ne  syng1 

And  who  so  it  doth  fuH  fowll  hym  self  acloyeth 

For  office  vncomytted  full  oft  anoyeth"  518 

(75) 

IT  Nature  whyche  that  all  wey  hadd  an  here 

To  the  mormore  of  lewdenes  be  hynde 

Wyth  fawkon)  vois  seid  hold  jour  tonge  there 

And  I  shal  sone  I  hope  it  councell  fynde  522 

Yow  for  to  deleuer  and  fro  this  noyse  vnkynde 

I  luge  of  euery  flok  men  shal  oon  caH 

To  seyn  the  verdit  for  yow  fowles  alle  525 

(76) 

1f  Assented  was  to  this  conclusion 

The  birdes  alle  and  Jje  fowles  of  Eavyne 

Han  chosen  first  by  pleyn  elecczotm 

The  tercelet  of  the  fawkone  to  diffyne  529 

Alle  her  sentence  and  as  hym  list  to  termyne 

And  to  nature  hym  gonnen  to  present 

And  she  accepte  hym  wyth  glade  entent  532 

PEPYS   2006 


88-89    PAR. -TEXT 

284  PABLAMENT   OP   FOULE8.       PEPYS   MS.  2000. 

(77) 

1T  The  tercelet  seid  that  in  this  manere 

FuH  hard  were  it  to  prove  by  resown 

Who  loveth"  best  this  lentiH  formeli  here 

For  euery  hath"  suche  replicaciown  [pageiw]  536 

That  by  skyles  may  noon  be  brought  a  downe 

I  can  not  see  that  argumentz  avaiHe 

Thann  semyth  it  per  most  be  bataiHe  539 

(78) 

IT  Alle  redy  quoth  these  egles  tercels  tho 

]N"ay  syres  quoth  he  yef  I  durst  it  say 

Ye  do  me  wrong1  my  tale  is  not  I-do 

For  syres  taketh  it  not  a  gref  I  pray  543 

I  may  not  gon  as  ye  wuH  in  this  wey 

Oures  is  the  voice  that  han  the  charge  in  honde 

And  to  the  luges  dome  ye  mooten  stonde  546 

(79) 

U  And  )>er-for  pees  I  say  as  to  my  wytte 

Me  woldf  thynk  how  fat  the  worthyest 

Of  knygthod  and  lengest  had  vsed  it 

Moost  oft  astate  of  blode  the  lentilest  550 

Were  sittyng1  for  hir  yf  J>at  hir  lest 

And  of  the  three  she  wote  hir  self  I  trowe 

Wheche  that  he  be  for  it  is  light  to  knowe  553 

(80) 

IT  The  water  fowles  han  her  hedes  leyde 

To-gedre  and  of  short  avysement 

Whann  eueryche  hadd  his  large  golee  seide 

They  seyde  sothly  all  by  oon  assent  557 

How  that  the  goose  wyth  hir  faukon  lent 

That  desyreth"  to  pronuwce  oure  nede 

Shall  telle  oure  tale  and  prey  to  god  hir  spede  560 

PEPYS   2006 


PAR. -TEXT    90-91 
PART..A.MENT   OP   FOULES.       PEPYS   MS.   2006.  285 

(81) 

IT  And  for  the  water  fowles  tho  began 

The  goose  to  speke  and  in  hir  kakelyng1 

She  seid  pees  now  take  hede  euery  man 

And  herkeneth"  weHe  a  reson  I  shall  forth  bryng*  564 

My  wytt  is  sharpe  I  love  no  taryyng*. 

I  sey  I  rede  hym  though  he  wer  my  broker 

But  she  wuH  hym  let  hym  love  anoper  567 

(82) 

II  Here  is  a  parfit  reson  of  a  goose 
Quoth  the  sparhauk  neuer  mote  she  the 
Lo  suche  is  to  have  a  tonge  loose 

Now  p«rde  foole  yet  were  it  bett  for  the  571 

To  had  hold  thy  pees  than  shewede  thy  nysete 

It  lith  not  in  his  wytt  ne  in  his  wille 

But  soth  is  seide  a  fole  can  not  be  stille  574 

(83) 

IT  The  laughtre  aroose  of  lentill  fowles  alle 

And  right  a-non  the  seede  fowles  chesen  hadd 

The  turtiH:  true  and  gan  hym  to  hir  calle 

And  preyde  hir  to  sey  fe  soth  sadde  578 

Of  this  matere  and  what  she  radde 

And  she  answerd!  that  pleynly  hir  entent 

She  wold!  shew  and*  sothly  what  she  ment       [page  un     581 

(84) 

^T  Nay  god  forbede  a  lover  shuld?  chaunge 

The  turtiH:  seyde  and  wox  for  shame  alle  rede 

Though  his  lady  be  euermore  strange 

Yet  lett  hym  serve  hir  tiH  he  be  dede  585 

Forsoth  I  preyse  not  the  gosse  rede 

For  though  she  dyad  I  wuH  non  ojjer  make 

I  wuH  be  hyres  till  that  deth  do  me  take  588 

PEPYS    2006 


92-93    PAR. -TEXT 

286  PARLAMENT   OF   POULE8.      PEPYS   MS.   2006. 

(85) 

1T  WeH  boreded  quotfe  the  dook  by  myn  hate 

That  allwey  men  shuld!  love  causelese 

Who  can  a  reson  fynde  or  witt  in  that 

Daunseth  he  merye  that  is  menstrelles  592 

Who  shul(J  recche  of  hym  that  is  reccheles 

Yet  quek  quoth"  the  goose  it  weH  and  fayre 

Ther  be  mo  sterres  in  heven  god  wot  fen  a  paire  595 

(86) 

IT  Now  fye  churll  quoth  the  lentill  tercelet 

Owt  of  the  donghiH  come  ]>at  worde  fuH  right 

Tow  canst  not  see  whyche  thyng1  is  well  be-sett 

Thow  fairest  by  love  as  owles  do  by  nyglit  599 

The  day  hem  blent  futt  weH  they  se  by  nyght 

Thy  kynde  is  of  so  lowe  wretchedenes 

That  what  love  is  thow  canst  nether  see  ne  gesse  602 

(87) 

f  Tho  gan  the  cukkow  putt  hym  furtfi  in  prees 

For  fowle  that  eteth"  worms  and  blyve 

So  I  quoth  he  may  have  my  make  in  pees 

I  recche  not  how  long1  ye  stryve  606 

Latt  eueryche  of  hem  be  soleyn  alle  her  lyf 

This  is  my  redd  sith  they  may  not  a-corde 

This  short  lesson)  nedeth"  ye  not  recorde  609 

(88) 

IF  Ye  have  the  glotone  filled  I-nowgh  his  paunche 

Than  as  we  weH  seid  the  merleyn 

Thow  mortherer  of  the  heysugge  on  y  braunche 

That  brought  the  f urth  thow  rowthf uH  glotown.  613 

Live  thow  soleyn  wormes  corrupciown 

For  no  force  is  of  lake  thy  nature 

Go  lewde  be  thow  the  whyle  J>e  worlf?  endure  616 

PEPTS    2006 


PAR. -TEXT    94-95 
PARLAMENT   OP   POULES.       PEPYS   MS.    2006.  287 

(89) 

11  Now  pees  qwod'  nature  I  comaunde  here 

For  I  have  her  all  your  opynyotm 

And  yet  in  effecte  be  we  neuer  J>e  nere 

But  fynally  thys  is  my  conclusiozm  620 

That  she  hir  self  shall  have  hir  elecciotm 

Of  whom  hir  list  who-so  be  wroth  or  blytfi. 

Hym  that  she  cheseth  he  shall  hir  have  as  swytfr          623 

(90) 

IT  For  sith  it  may  not  here  discussed  be  [page  1*2] 

Who  lovetfi  hir  best  as  seide  the  tercelet 

Than  wuH  I  don  this  favour  to  hir  fat  she 

shal  have  ryght  hym  on  whom  hir  hert  is  sett  627 

And  he  hir  that  his  hert  hath"  on  hir  knett 

This  luge  I  nature  for  I  may  not  lye 

To  noon  estat  I  have  none  o]>er  ye  630 

(91) 

IT  But  as  for  counceH  for  to  chese  a  make 

Yef  I  wer  reson)  thenn  wold?  I 

CounceH  yow  the  riaH  TerceH  take 

As  seid  the  tercelet  ful  skylfully  634 

As  for  the  lentilest  and  moost  wurthy 

"Wheche  I  haue  wrought  so  well  to  my  plesaunce 

That  to  yow  it  ought  to  be  a  sufficiaunce  637 

(92) 

IT  Wyth  dredefull  voice  this  formel  answered' 

My  rightful!  lady  goddesse  of  nature 

Soth  it  is  that  I  am  euer  vnder  jour  yerde 

As  is  eueryche  other  creature  641 

And  most  be  yowrs  the  whyle  I  may  endure 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.~\ 
And  myn  en  tent  yow  wiH  I  say  right  sone  644 

PEPYS   2006 


96-97    PAR.-TEXT 

288  PARLAMENT   OP    FOULES.      PEPYS  MS.   2006. 

(93) 

H  I  graunt  it  yow  quod!  she  a-non 

This  formet  egle  spak  in  this  degree 

Almyghty  quene  tiH  this  yere  be  doon 

I  aske  respite  for  to  avyse  me  648 

And  ahur  J>at  my  choise  to  have  att  free 

This  is  alle  and  some  that  I  will  speke  and  sey 

Ye  gete  no  more  of  me  all  though  ye  do  me  dye  651 

(94) 

IT  I  witt  not  serve  Venus  ne  Cipride 

For  sotfi  as  yet  be  no  maner  wey 

Now  syn  it  may  not  in  ojjer  wey  betide 

Quoth  nature  here  is  no  more  to  sey  655 

Thann  wold  I  these  fowles  wer  a-wey 

Eche  wyth  his  make  for  taryyng1  lengur  here 

And  seid  hem  thus  as  ye  shuli  after  here  658 

(95) 

IT  To  yow  speke  ye  terceletes  quoth"  nature 

Beth'  of  gode  hert  and  serveth"  alle  thre 

A  yere  is  not  so  long1  to  endure 

And  eche  of  yow  peyne  hym  in  his  degree  662 

For  to  do  weH  for  god  wote  quyt  is  she 

For  yow  this  yere  what  aftwr  shaH  be-falle 

This  entremetes  is  dressed  fro  yow  alle  665 

(96) 

1T  And  whann  this  werk  is  brought  to  an  ende 

To  euery  fowle  nature  yaf  his  make  667 

[The  rest  is  wanting.'] 


PEPYS    2000 


C  r  u  t  L 

r>  7 
TWO  SCOTTIFIED  TEXTS, 

PROM 

MS.  AECH.  SELD.  B.  24  (BODLEIAN  LIBRARY), 

AND 

MS.  KK.  1.  5  (CAMBR.  UNIV.  LIBRARY), 

WITH 

AN  ENGLISH  TEXT  FROM 
MS.  203,  CORPUS  CHRISTI  COLLEGE,  OXFORD. 


ODD    TEXTS.  19 


408409    PAH.-TKXT 

290  TRUTH.       MS.  AnCH.  SKLD.  B.  24. 

TRUTH. 

[Arch.  Seld.  B.  24  (Bodl.  Libr.),  paper,  ?  A.D.  1488,1  If  119.] 

(1) 

FLee  from  the  pres  and  duell  with  suthfastnesse          1 
Suffice  vnto  thy  gude  /  thocfr  It  be  small 
For  hurde  hath  hate  /  and  clymyng  tikkilnesse 
Pres  hath  Inuye  /  and  wele  is  blent  oure  all  4 

Sauoure  nomore  than  the  behove  schall 
Do  wele  thy  self/  that  othem  folk  canst  rede 
And  treuth  the  schall  deliuer  /  this  is  no  drede  7 

(2) 

Payne  the  nocAt  all  crukit  to  redresse  8 

In  trust  of  hir  thai  turnyth  as  a  ball 
Grete  rest  stant  In  lytill  besynesse 

Be  warr  also  to  spume  againe  an  nail  1 1 

Stryve  nochi  as  croke  doith  with  the  wall 
Daunt  thy  self  fat  dauntist  othen's  dede 
And  treuth  the  schall  deliuer  this  is  no  drede  14 

(3) 

Quhat  the  Is  sent  /  ressaue  In  bowsunznesse  15 

The  wrastlyng  of  this  warld?  askith  a  fall 
here  nys  no  home  /  here  nys  bot  wildernesse 
Furth  furth  pilgrym  /  furth  beste  out  of  thy  stall  18 

Luke  vp  on  hie  /  and  thank  thy  god  of  all 
Wayue  thy  lust/-  and  lat  thy  goste  the  lede 
And  treuth  the  schall  deliuer  this  is  no  drede  21 

Explicit  Chauceres  counsaling 

1  At  the  end  of  a  spurious  poem,  "  DEuise  prowes  and  eke  hu- 
mylitee,"  the  copier  adds,  on  leaf  120  : 

"  Q»«d  Chaucer  quhen  he  was  rycht  auisit " 

"  Natiuitas  principis  nostri  Jacobi  quarti  anno  domini  Mmo  iiije 
Ixxij"  xvij  die  mensis  marcij  videlicet  In  festo  sancti  patricij 
oonfessori*  In  monasterio  sancte  crucis  prope  Edinburgh." 

{James  IV  of  Scotland  ruldfrom  July  11,  1488,  till  he  fell  at 
Fiodden  on  September  9,  1513.] 

ARCH.  SELD.  B.  24 


I'AH.-TEXT    408-40'J 
TRUTH.       MS.  Kk.  1.  5,  CAUBR.  291 

TRUTH. 

[Cambridge  University  Library  MS.,  Kk.  1.  5,  pa per, 
db.  1450-60,  leaf  4,  back.} 

(1) 
Fie  fra  the  pres  and  duell  with  suthfastnes  1 

Suffice  one-to  thi  gud  Jjocht  It  be  small 

ffore  hurde  haith  halt  and  clymyng  tykilnes 

Pres  haith  enwy  and  weill  is  blynd  our  all  4 

Sauore  no  more  thane  the  behufe  schall 

Dant  thi  self  that  dante's  vtheris  deid 

and  treuch  the  sail  deliuer  that  is  no  dreid  7 

(2) 

Payne  the  nocht  al  crukyt  to  Eedres  8 

In  trust  of  hire  that  turnyth  as  a  ball 
ffore  gret  rest  stant  in  lytill  besynes 

also  be  war  to  spwrne  agane  an  all  1 1 

Stryf  noc/it  as  doith  the  crok  with  the  wall 
Wayue  thi  lust  and  lat  thi  gost  the  leid 
and  treuch  the  sal  deliue?1  that  is  no  dreid  14 

(3) 

That  the  Is  sent  Eesaue  in  bouxumnes  [leafs]  15 

The  werslyng  of  this  warld  askis  a  fall 
Here  is  no  home  here  nys  bot  wyldyrnes 
ffurth  pylgrum  furth  best  out  of  thi  stall  18 

lyft  wp  thyne  Ene  and  thank  thi  god  of  all 
Eeull  thi  self  that  vthir  folk  can  Eeid 
And  treuche  the  sail  deliuyr  that  is  no  dreid  21 


Kk.  i.  5 


408-4U9    FAB. -TEXT 

292  TRUTH.       CORPUS   CHRISTI   COLLEGE   MS.    203. 


TRUTH. 

[Corpus  Christi  College  MS.  203  (vellum,  5  oy  3J  in., 
?  ab.  1440),  page  22  :  read  by  Mr.  G.  Parker.} 

Prouerbiura  Scogan). 

(1) 
1T  Fie  fro  the  pres  and  dwell  wyth"  sothfastnes  1 

Suffyse  vn-to  thy  good  yef  hit  be  small 

For  hord!  hathe  hate  and  clymbyng1  tykelnes 

Pres  hath  envye  and  welle  ys  blent  ouer  aH  4 

Sauour  no  more  then  the  behowfe  schaH 

Eede  weH  thy-selfe  that  othyr*  men  canst  rede 

And  trewth"  the  schaH  delyuer*  hit  ys  no  drede  7 

(2) 

H  N"e  study  not  yche  croked1  to  redres  8 

In  truste  of  hur1  that  turnetfi  as  a  batt 
Meche  rest  standeth  in  lytyH  besynes 
ISre  stomble  not  thy  fotte  ayene  a  naH  1 1 

Stryve  not  as  dotfr  the  croke  ayne  the  waH 
Daunte  well  thy-selfe  that  dauntesf  odres  dede 
And  treutfi  the  schaH  delyuer  hit  is  no  drede  14 

(3) 

U  That  the  is  sent  receyue  in  buxumnesse  15 

The  wrastlyng1  of  this  world1  axeth"  a  faH; 

Here  ys  no  home  her1  is  but  wyldyrnesse 

Forth  fortft  wrecchyde  best  out  of  thy  statt  18 

Lyfte  vp  thy  hert  and  thanke  thy  god  of  Att  [page  23] 

And  wayue  thy  lust  and  let  thy  gost  the  lede 

And  treuthe  the  schali  delyuer  hit  ys  no  drede  21 

[Follows :  Prouerbium  E.  Stokys  (a  Tern) 

1.  1,  &  21.     Se  meche  sey  lytyH  and  lerne  to  suffre  in 

tvmo] 

CORPUS 


293 


10. 

to  Stargan 


FROM 


CAXTON'S  TEXT,  CAMBE.  TOIV.  LIBEAEY. 
(For  three  other  MSS.  of  this  Poem  see  the  Parallel-Texts.) 


421    PAH. -TEXT 

294  ENVOY   TO    8COGAN.      CAXTOtfs   TEXT. 


[Caxton's  Text.     Cambr.  Univ.  Libr.,  leaf  24,  hack.} 

[Only  21  lines  out  of  49.] 
Thenuoye  of  chaucer  to  skegan  [leaf  «*] 

(1)     (Tern  I.  1) 

To  broken  ben  the  statutes  hye  in  heuen  peaf2*,back] 

That  create  were  /  eternally  tendure 

Syn  that  I  see  /  the  bright  goddis  seuen 

Mowe  wepe  and  wayle  /  and  passion  endure  4 

As  may  in  erthe  a  mortal  crature 

Alas  frowhens  /  may  this  thing  precede 

Of  whiche  errour  /  I  dye  almost  for  drede  7 

(2)  (1.2) 

By  worde  eterne  why  lorn  was  it  shape  8 

That  fro  the  fyfthe  cerkle  /  in  no  manere 

Ne  myghte  of  teris  down  escape 

But  now  so  wepeth  venus  in  her  spere  1 1 

That  with  her  teris  /  she  wil  drenche  vs  here 

Alas  scogan  /  this  is  for  thyn  offence 

Thou  causest  this  deluge  of  pestilence  1 4 

(3)  (1.3) 

Hast  thou  not  said  in  blaspheme  of  J>e  goddes  15 

Thurgh  pryde  or  thurgh  thy  grete  rekelesnes 

Suche  thing1  /  as  in  }>e  lawe  of  loue  forbode  is 

That  for  thy  lady  /  sawe  not  thy  distres  18 

Therfore  thou  yaf  her  up  at  mighelmes 

Alas  scogan  of  olde  folke  ne  yonge 

"Was  neuer  erst  scogan  blamed  for  his  torage  L'l 

\T1ie  rent  of  the  book  is  gone.\ 


CAXTON 


295 


11. 


|  n  r  s  t. 

C  AX  TON'S     TEXT, 

FROM 
THE   UNIQUE   COPY  IN   THE   CAMBR.  UNIV.  LIBRAEY. 

(for  »ix  othsr  MSS.  of  this  Poem  see  the  Parallel-Text.) 


296  PURSB.       CAXTOrfs    StS.,    CAMBR. 

PURSE. 

[Camb.  Univ.  Libr.     Caxton,  1477-78  A.D., 

[Read  by  Mr.  Bradshaw.~\ 
The  compleint  of  chaucer  vnto  his  empty  purse 

(1) 

To  you  my  purs  /  and  to  none  other  wight  1 

Compleyne  I  for  ye  be  my  lady  dere 
I  am  sory  now  /  that  ye  be  light 

For  certes  /  ye  now  make  me  heuy  chere  4 

Me  were  as  lief  /  be  leyd?  vpon  a  here 
For  whiche  /  vnto  your  mercy  thus  I  crye 
Be  heuy  agayn  /  or  ellis  mote  I  dye  7 

(2) 

Now  vouchesauf  /  this  day  or  yet  be  nyght  8 

That  I  of  yow  /  the  blisful  sowne  may  here 
Or  see  your  colour  like  the  sonne  bright 
That  of  yelownes  had?  neuer  pere  1 1 

Ye  be  my  lyf  /  ye  be  my  hertes  stere 
Quene  of  confort  /  and  of  good?  companye 
Be  heuy  agayn  /  or  ellis  mote  I  dye  14 

(3) 

Now  purs  that  be  to  me  my  lyues  light  15 

And?  saueour  /  as  doun  in  this  world?  here 
Out  of  this  toun  helpe  me  by  your  might 
Syn  that  ye  wil  not  be  my  tresorere  18 

For  I  am  shaue  /  as  nyghe  as  ony  frere 
But  I  pray  vnto  your  curtoisye 
Be  heuy  agayn  /  or  ellis  mote  I  dye  21 

Thenuoye  of  chaucer  vnto  the  kynge 
0  conquerour  of  brutes  albyon  22 

Whiche  that  by  lyne  /  and?  fre  elecciofi 
Ben  veray  kynge  /  this  to  yow  I  sende 
And?  ye  that  may  /  alle  harmes  amende 
Haue  mynde  vpon  my  supplicacion  26 

Explicit  #*#* 

CAXTOX 


on 


OF 


fljtatqrs  Jfthtor 


CONTENTS. 


PAGE 

1.  THE  COMPLEYNTE  TO  PITE  (Phillipps  MS.  9053)        9 

2.  ANELIDA  AND  AROITE  :  THE  COMPLAINT  (Phillipps 

MS.  9053)  17 

3.  TRUTH  (1.  Phillipps  MS.  8299  ;  2.  Hatton  MS.  73  ; 

3.  MS.  Arch.  Seld.  B.  10)          25 

4.  LACK  OP  STEDFASTNESS  (Hatton  MS.  73)  ...     31 

5.  FORTUNE  (MS.  Arch.  SeltL  B.  10)  35 

6.  PURSE  (Phillipps  MS.  9053)        41 

APPENDIX. 

I.  THE  BALADE  OP  PITE,  from  the  Phillipps  MS. 
9053.  (See  The  Appendix  to  the  Odd  Texts  of 
Chaucer's  Minor  Poems,  p.  1.  This  copy  has  the 
unique  last  Stanza)  ...  ...  ...  ...  46 

II.  ROUNDELS  (MERCILESSE  BEAUTE  :  Pepys  MS.  2006)  51 


(Date  of  issue,  Mar.  1891.) 


j$0re 


OF 


(tymtps 


EDITED    BY 


F.  J.  FURNIVALL,  M.A.,  HON.  DR.  PHIL. 


LONDON : 
PUBLISHT  FOR  THE  CHAUCER   SOCIETY 

BY    KEGAN   PAUL,   TRENCH,  TEUBNEE   &  CO., 
57  &  59,  LUDGATE  HILL. 

1886. 


Jirst  Strut,  £0.  LXXVII. 


R.  CLAY    &  SONS,    LIMITED,    LONDON   &   bl'NGAY. 


FOKEWOKDS. 

AFTER  I  finisht  the  Odd  Texts  of  Chaucer's  Minor 
Poems  in  1880,  I  copied  five  more  at  Cheltenham  in  1882 
from  the  Phillipps  MS.  9053,  and  Mr.  George  Parker  sent 
me  four  from  the  Bodleian.  I  put  them  aside  in  the  hope 
that  others  would  turn  up,  and  forgot  all  about  them  till 
Prof.  Skeat  sent  me  his  excellent  edition  of  the  Minor 
Poems  on  Dec.  20,  1888.  His  admission  of  the  Harleian- 
78  copy  of  the  continuation  of  the  Pity  as  genuine, 
reminded  me  that  I  had  another  copy  of  it  from  the 
Phillipps  MS.,  and  this  showd  (as  Prof.  Skeat  pointed 
out)  a  unique  last  verse.  It  became  therefore  advisable  to 
print  the  laid-by  copies ;  and  here  they  are. 

No  doubt  the  7\Yy-continuation — here  cald  by  Shirley's 
name  for  the  whole  poem  '  The  Balacle  of  Pitee ' — ought  to 
be  printed  as  three  separate  poems :  1.  in  7-line  stanzas, 
2.  in  terza-rima,  imperfect,  3.  in  10-line  stanzas ;  but  as 
they  are  all  on  the  same  subject,  and  the  MSS.  run  them 
into  one  another,  there  is  no  great  harm  in  keeping  them 
under  one  head,  in  separate  sections. 

When  I  first  printed  the  Harleian  copy  in  our  Odd 
Texts  Appendix,  pp.  ii.-v.,  it  seemd  to  fall  off  so  towards 
the  end  that  I  didn't  feel  sure  that  it  was  Chaucer's,  nor 
did  Hy.  Bradshaw.  But  as  the  two  MSS.  of  it  give  it  to 
Chaucer,  and  both  are  evidently  from  a  Shirley  copy,  or 
transcripts  of  one,  and  its  rymes  keep  Chaucer's  laws,  we 
may  well  hold  this  poem  genuine,  independent  of  our  wish 
to  make  it  so,  on  account  of  its  witness  to  Chaucer's  try  at 
Dante's  terza-rima. 


FOREWORDS. 


The  three  Roundels  from  the  last  page  of  the  Pepys 
MS.  2006,  which  our  friend  Prof.  Skeat  has  kindly 
printed  at  the  end  of  the  Appendix  here,  I  am  willing  to 
accept  as  Chaucer's,  because  of  their  merit  and  their 
Chaucer  ring.  The  Newe-Fawjlenesse  which  I  printed  on 
the  fly-leaf  to  my  Odd  Texts  Appendix,  I  still  maintain  is 
not  Chaucer's.  Nor  can  I  acknowledge  as  genuine  either 
of  the  other  supposititious  poems — An  amorous  Compleint, 
p.  218 ;  Balade  of  Compleint,  p.  222— which  Prof.  Skeat 
has  admitted  into  his  edition  of  Chaucer's  Minor  Poems.1 
There  is  no  external  evidence  for  them;  no  MS.  gives 
them  to  Chaucer;  and  the  internal  evidence  of  worth  is 
against  them,  for,  tho'  they  observe  his  rymes,  they  are 
neither  characteristic  of  him  nor  good  enough  for  him. 
"VVe  cannot  admit  as  valid  the  canon  that  all  lyric  poems 
which  do  not  transgress  Chaucer's  laws  of  ryme,  final  c, 
csesura,  &c.,  and  use  his  phrases,  are  his.  I  hope  Prof. 
Skeat  '11  bunk  these  spurious  things  out  of  his  second 
edition. 

British  Museum,  5  Nov.,  1890. 


P.S.  As  I  forget  whether  I've  heretofore  printed  the 
reasons  which  made  me  in  1882  give  up  The,  Mother  of 
God  as  Chaucer's,  and  assign  it  to  Hoccleve,  I  state  them 
now. 

The  only  MS.  of  the  poem  I  saw  myself,  Arch.  Seld.  B  24 
(Scotch),  gave  it  to  Chaucer.2  So  did  the  Advocates'  Library, 
Edinburgh,  MS.  18,  2,  8.3  The  poem  was  so  much  better 
than  Hoccleve's  long  and  dreary  englishing  of  De  Reyimine 

1  He  prints  Newe-Fanglenesse  by  its  old  title  in  Stowe's  edition, 
'Against  Women  unconstaunt,'  p.  135. 

2  Parallel  Texts,  p.  144,  col.  2. 

3  Parallel  Texts,  p.  139,  col.  3  ;  p.  144,  col.  3.     But,  as  Bra<l- 
shaw  always  allowd,  the  evidence  of  Scotch  MSS.  attributions  to 
Chaucer  is  not  worth  much.     See  the  Hunterian  Society's  print  of 
the  Bannatyne  MS.     See  also  Skeat's  Minor  Poems,  p.  xliii,  line  1, 
and  p.  xxxv,  the  lower  half. 


FOREWORDS. 


Principis  that  I  didn't  think  The  Mother  of  God  could  be 
his ;  still,  it  was  not  characteristic  of  Chaucer,  had  not  his 
mark,  and  had  one  non-Chaucer  ryme;  honoitre,  ctire, 
11.  64,  66.  But  in  the  Canterbury  Tales,  we  find  armour 
with  a  double  form  (see  New  Engl.  Diet.} — cote-armures, 
trappures,  Knight's  Tale,  72/2499,  and  cote-armour,  flour, 
Sir  Thopas,  196/2057 ; — also  in  the  Venus,  which  I  hold 
genuine,  aventure,  honoure  (vb.),  11.  22-3.  As  the  Oxford 
and  Edinbro  MSS.  said  it  was  Chaucer's,  Hy.  Bradshaw  and 
I  accepted  it.  I  did  not  see  the  Phillipps  MS.  of  the  Mother 
of  God  when  its  copy  was  printed  in  our  Parallel  Texts. 
Dr.  J.  A.  H.  Murray  kindly  copied  it  for  me.  But  when 
I  got  to  Cheltenham  in  1882,  and  took  up  the  Phillipps 
MS.,  I  saw  it  was  one  of  Hoccleve's  presentation  copies, 
in  the  same  hand — his  own,  I  hold — as  his  Durham  MS., 
and  his  Ashburnhani  MS.,  with  the  double  curve  of  a 
B  inside  his  W,  &c.  I  had  therefore  to  admit  that  the 
MS.  evidence  was  in  favour  of  Hoccleve  being  the  author 
of  The  Mother  of  God.  On  reading  the  Virgin  and  other 
short  religious  poems  in  the  Phillipps  MS.,  and  later  in 
the  Ashburnham  one,  I  found  them  far  better  than  Hoc 
cleve's  long  De  Reyimine,  so  that  he  might  well  have 
written  The  Mother  of  God,  which  I  before  thought  he 
hadu't  wit  for.  Therefore,  his  own  copy  giving  him  the 
poem,  it  not  fitting  chronologically  into  Chaucer's  works, 
and  its  having  a  ryme  which  was  his  and  not  Chaucer's, 
besides  being  more  like  his  work  than  Chaucer's,  I  was  glad 
to  withdraw  my  former  opinion, — given  before  I'd  seen 
Hoccleve's  three  presentation  MSS., — and  to  acknowledge 
The  Mother  of  God  as  his. 


1. 

fcphpfe  to  |)iie. 

PHILLIPPS   MS.  9053. 


PAR. -TEXT    40-41 
THE    COMPLEYNTE    TO    PITE.      PIHLLIPPS   MS.  9053.          11 


THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO   PITE. 

[Phillips  MS.  9053  paper,  1  ab.  1450,^?.  91 :  alterd  copy 
of  Shirley's  Harleian  78,  Parallel-Text,  p.  41,  with  his 
abominable  'vertuous'for  'Herenus'  =  Erinnyes,  in  I.  92.] 

And  now  here  folwith  A  complaynt1  of1  pite  made  bi 
Geffray  Chaucier  the  Aureaf  Poete  that1  euer  was 
founde  in  oure  vulgar  to  fore  his  dayes 

(1) 

Ite  whiche  that*  I  have  .  sought*  so  yoer  1 

p    With"  hert  sore  .  ful  of1  besy  peyne 

That1  in  this  world!  .  was  no  wightf  woer 
"Without  the  deth"  .  and  if1  T  shal  naf  feyne  4 

My  pzwpos  was  .  of1  pite  for  to  pleyne 
And  eke  vpon  .  the  cruel  tirannye 
Of  love  that1  for  my  trowth"  .  doth"  me  to  dye  7 

(2) 

IT  And  whan  that1 1  hethynk1 .  of1  certayn  yeeris  8 

Had  euer  in  oon  .  a  tyme  sought1  to  speke 
To  pite  I  ran  .  albe-spreynt1  with"  teris 
To  preyen  hir  .  on  cruelte  me  wreke  1 1 

But1  or  I  myghtf  .  with"  any  word  out1  broke 
Or  tellen  any  .  of1  my  peynes  smerf 

I  fonde  pite  ded  .  and  buryed  in  an  hertf  14 

(3) 

II  And  downe  I  fel  .  whan  I  sigh  the  herse  [p.  02] 
Ded?  as  ston  .  while  that1  the  swough  last1 

But1  vp  I  rose  .  with  colours  wel  diuerse 

And  pitously  .  myn  Ten  on  hir  cast1  18 

And  nere  the  corpse  .  I  come  to  presen  fast 

And  for  the  soulc  .  1  shope  me  for  to  prey 

Me  thought1  me  lorn  .  ther  was  no  nothir  wey  21 


42-43    PAR. -TEXT 

12         THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO   PITE.       riHLLIPPS   MS.  9053. 

(4) 

U  Thus  am  I  slayne  .  sitfi  that1  pite  is  dec!  22 

Alias  the  day  .  that1  euer  if  shuld  befalle 
What*  maner  man  .  dar  now  heve  vp  his  hede 
To  whom  shal .  my  sorowful  hert1  cal  25 

Now  cruelte  hath"  cast* .  to  slen  vs  al 
In  Idel  hope  we  live  .  redles  of1  peyne 
Sith"  she  is  ded* .  to  whom  shul  we  compleyne  28 

(5) 

U  Thus  am  I  slayn  .  sith"  that1  pite  is  ded1  truly1  29 

But  yet1  encresith  me  .  this  wonder  nuwe  >  truly  added 

That  no  wight1  wot1  hir  ded  .  but1  only  I 
So  many  a  man  .  that1  in  hir  tyme  hir  knewe  32 

,And  yit1  she  dyed  nat1 .  al  so  sodainly 
For  I  have  sought1  hir  .  f ul  busily  \tome  tpuriou*. 

Sith  first1 1  had  wit1 .  of1  mannes  mynde 
But1  she  was  dede  .  or  that  I  cowde  hir  fynde  36 

(6 

U  Abowte  hir  hers  .  stooden  there  boistously  37 

Without1  makyng1  dole  .  as  thought1  me 
Bounte  .  Parfite  .  wele  arayed  and  Eichely 
And  fressh"  beaute  .  lust1  and  lolite  40 

Assured1  maner  .  thought"  and  honeste 
Wisdam  estate  .  drede  and  gouernauns 
Considred  both"  .  by  hand  and  assurauns  43 

(7) 

//  A  compleynt1  had  I .  writen  in  myn  hand1  44 

Fo[r]  to  have  putte  .  to  pite  as  a  biH 
But1  whan  I  al  this  .  company  ther  fond1 
That1  rather  wolden  .  al  my  cause  spiH  47 

Than  do  me  help  .  I  hield!  my  compleyut1  stiH 
For  to  the  folkes  .  without1  any  faile 
Withouten  pite  .  ne  may  no  bil  availe  50 


PAR. -TEXT    44-45 
THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO   PITE.      PH1LLIPPS   MS.  9053.          13 

(8) 

H  Than  leve  I  al  these  vertues  sauf*  pite  51 

Kepyng*  the  hers  .  as  ye  have  herd  me  seyne 

Confidred  al  .  by  band?  of1  cruelte 

And  bien  assented  .  that1 1  shalbe  slayne  54 

So  thanne  I  put1 .  my  compleynt1  vp  ageyne 

For  to  my  foomen  .  my  bil  I  durst1  naf  shewe 

Theffect1  of1  the  mater  .  was  this  at1  wordes  fewe  57 

(9)     [The  Bill  of  Complaint.]     (Tern  I.  1) 

11  Humblesse  of1  herf  .  highest*  of1  reuerence         £hthe°w«'leynt 

Benyngne  floure  .  corowne  of1  vertues  al 

Shewith"  vnto  youre  .  souerayn  excellence 

Youre  sernauut  yif1 1  durst* .  my  self1  so  cal  61 

His  mortal  harme  .  whiche  he  is  in  fal 

And  naf  alonly  .  for  his  evil  fare 

But1  for  youre  Eenowne  .  as  I  shal  declare  64 

(10)  (1.2) 

IT  It1  standith  thus  .  yowre  contrarie  Cruelte  65 

Alyed  is  .  agensf  youre  Eegalye 

Vnder  the  colow  .  of  wommanly  beaute 

For  men  shuld!  naf  .  loo  knowe  hir  tirannye  68 

With  bounte  Gentillesse  .  and  curtesie 

And  hath  deprived  yow  .  now  of1  your  place 

That  highf  beaute  .  aportenaunf  to  grace  71 

(11)  (1.3) 

U  For  kyndely  bi  youre  .  heritage  and  right1  72 

Ye  beth  annexed  .  euer  to  beaute 

And  verraily  ye  oughten  .  do  youre  myghf 

To  helpe  trowth  .  in  his  adue?-site  75 

Ye  beth  also  .  the  corowne  of1  beaute  [p.  94] 

And  certes  .  if1  ye  want1  in  this  wey 

The  world!  is  lorn  .  ther  is  110  more  to  scy  78 


40-47    PAR. -TEXT 

14         THE    COMPLEYNTB   TO    PITE.       PHILLIPPS   MS.  9053. 

(12)  (Tern  II.  I) 

U  Eke  what*  availith"  .  inaner  or  gentillesse  79 

With  yow  benygne  .  and  faire  creature 

Shal  cruel  te  be  now  .  oure  gouerneresse 

Alias  .  what*  hert*  .  shal  may  that1  endure  82 

Wherfor  but*  ye  .  the  rather  taken  cure 

To  breke  of1  thoo  pe/-sones  alliaunce 

Ye  slen  theym  .  that1  bien  of*  yowr  obeisaunce  85 

(13)  (II.  2) 

U  And  further  ouer  .  if1  ye  suffren  this  86 

Youre  renoun)  is  fredom  .  that1  with  a  throwe 

Ther  shal  no  wight*  wete  .  what1  peyne  is 

Alas  that1  youre  renoune  .  shuld?  be  so  lowe  89 

Ye  bien  than  .  from  your  heritage  I-throwe 

By  cruelte  .  that*  occupieth  your  place 

And  we  dispaired  .  that*  sechen  to  youre  grace  92 

(14)  (II.  3) 

U  Have  mercy  on  me  .  ye  vertuous  qwene  93 

That1  yow  have  sought1 .  so  trewly  .  and  so  yoore 

Lete  the  streame  of*  youre  light1 .  on  me  be  sene 

That1  lovith  and  dredith  yow  .  ay  lengger  the  more          96 

The  soth  for  to  sey  .  I  bere  the  hevy  peyne 

And  though  I  be  nat*  konnyng* .  for  to  pleyne 

For  goddis  love  .  have  mercy  on  my  peyne  99 

(15)  (Tern  III.  1) 

U  My  peyne  is  this  .  that1  what1  so  I  desire  100 

That*  have  I  nought* .  ne  nought*  that1  lith  therto 

And  eu«>'  settith  desire  .  myn  hert*  on  fyre 

Eke  on  that1  other  side  .  where  so  I  go  103 

What*  inaner  thyng1 .  that*  may  encrese  my  wo 

That*  have  I  redy  .  vnsought*  euery  where 

Me  lakkith  but*  my  dcth  .  and  than  my  bere  106 


PAR.-TEXT    48-49 
THE   COMPLEYNTE   TO    PITE.       riHLLIPPS   MS.  9053.          15 

(16)  (III.  2) 

U  What1  neditfi  it1 .  sliewe  parcels  of*  my  peyno  107 

Sith  euery  woo  .  that1  herfr  may  bethynk1  [p.  95] 

I  souffre  and  yifr  .  I  dar  naf  to  yow  pleyne 

For  wele  I  wote  .  although"  I  wake  or  wynke  110 

Ye  recchen  naf  .  whether  I  fleete  or  synk1 

Yif  neuertheles  .  my  trowth"  I  shal  sustene 

Vn-to  my  deth"  .  and  that1  shal  wele  be  sene  113 

(17)  (III.  3) 

U  This  is  to  sey  .  I  wil  be  youres  euere  114 

Though"  ye  me  slee  .  bi  cruelte  as  a  foo 

Algates  my  spirit1 .  shal  neuer  disseuer 

From  yozw  seruice  .  for  any  peyne  or  woo  117 

Now  pite  that1 1  haue  sought1  so  yore  agoo 

Thus  for  yowre  deth  .  I  may  wele  wepe  and  pleyne 

With  herfr  sore  .  al  ful  of1  besy  peyne  120 

[The  Balade  of  Pite  printed  in  the  Appendix,  p.  42-6, 
runs  on  here,  as  if  it  were  part  of  this  Compleynte.] 


17 


2. 

ih  anb 

(THE    COMPLAINT    ONLY.) 
PHILLIPPS  MS,  8299. 


MORE   ODD    TEXTS. 


PAR. -TEXT    1GO-161 
ANELIDA    AND   ARCITE.       PHILLIPPS   MS.  8299.  19 


ANELIDA  AND  AECITE. 

THE    COMPLAINT. 

\Phillipps  MS.  8299,  (about  the  middle.     2  leaves  vellum, 
1  paper,     al.  1450  A.D.).] 

(31)     (Compleint  1.     Proem.) 

So  thirlitfr  with"  the  poynte  of  remembraunce  Deaf  A]  211 
The  Swerde  of*  sorowe  y-whett  with"  fals  plesaunce 
My  herte  bare  of*  blys  and  blak*  of*  hewe 
That  Turnyd  is  in  to  quakyng  al  my1  daunce     l  MS.  aimy 
My  sewertee  in  to  a  wapped  countenaunce  215 


162-163    PAR. -TEXT 

20  ANELIDA    AND    ARCITE.       PHILLIPPS   MS.  8299. 

Sith"  it  auailleth  not  for  to  be  true 

For  who  so  truyst  is  it  shaH  hir  rue 

That  semcth"  love  and  doth"  her  obseruaunce 

Alway  till  oon  and  chaunge  it  for  no  newe  219 

(32)  (Compleint  2;  Movement  I.  1.) 

I  vvote  my  self*  as  wele  as  any  wijht        [leaf  A,  back]         220 

For  I.  lovid  oon  with"  aH  my  hert  and  myght 

More  than  my  self*  an  hundretli  M1  sith       [Mi  =  thousand  j 

And  callid  hym  myii  hertes  day  and  my  knyght 

And  was  aH  his  als  fer  as  it  was  right  224 

And  whan  that  he  was  glad  than  was  I  blith 

And  his  disese  was  my  deth"  as  swyth" 

And  he  agayne  his  trouth"  hath  me  plight 

For  euermore  his  lady  me  to  kyth" 

(33)  (Compleint  3  ;  Movement  I.  2.) 

!N"owe  is  he  fals  alias  and  causeles 

And  of1  my  woo  he  is  so  rewtheles 

That  with"  oute  worde  hym  lust  not  dayn) 

To  bryng  a-gayne  my  sorowfuH  hert  in  pes 

For  he  is  thaught  vp  in  another  lees 

And  as  hym  lust  so  laghes  he  at  my  payn) 

And  I  canne  not  my  wofuH  hert  refreyu) 

For  to  loue  hym  alvvey  neuer  the  lesse 

[ ]  237 

(34)  (Compleint  4;  Movement  I.  3.) 

And  shaH  I  playn)  alias  the  harde  stounde 

Vnto  my  foo  that  gaue  myne  hert  a  wounde 

And  yet  desyreth  that  my  herme  be  more 

Ye  certeys  for  that  shaH  euer  be  founds 

None  other  helpe  my  sores  forto  sounde 

My  disteyn)  hath"  happed?  so  f  utt  yore 

I  woH  no  nother  medicyne  ne  lore 

I  woH  be  euer  as  I  was  ons  bounde 

That  I  haue  said?  be  said  for  euermore  246 


PAR. -TEXT    164-165 
ANELIDA   AND    ARCITE.       PHILLIPPS   MS.  8299.  21 

(35)  (Compleint  5  ;  Movement  I.  4.) 

Alas  where  is  becomyn)  your1  gentilnesse  247 

Youre  wordis  fuH  of*  pleassaunce  and  humblenesse 

Your*  obseruaunce  on  so  low  mautre 

And  your1  awaityng  and  yo?tr  besynesse 

Yppon)  me  that  ye  callidl  your  maistresse  251 

Your*  souerayne  lady  of  this  worlde  is  here 

Alasse  is  there  now  nother  worde  ne  chere 

Ye  witsauf1  vpon)  myn)  heuynesse  Deaf  B] 

I-wys  yowr  loue  I  by  it  aH  to  dere.  255 

(36)  (Compleint  6;  Movement  I.  5.) 

No  we  certes  swete  yf1  that  ye  256 

Thus  causeles  decaused*  be 

Of1  my  dedely  aduersite 

Youre  namely  resoune  hath  it  to  respite  259 

To  sle  your1  frende  and  namely  me 

That  neuer  yet  in  no  degre 

Offendid1  you  as  wysely  he 

That  aH  wot  of1  wo  my  sowle  quyte  263 

But  for  I  Was  SOO  playn)  Ersite  [Shirley's  Harl.  7S33  has  1.  26t-8, 

1      «  his  other  MSS.  not.] 

In  aH  my  werkes  muche  and  liteH 

And  so  besy  you  to  delyte 

Myne  honoure  sauf1  meke  kynde  &  free  267 

IT  Therfore  ye  put  on  me  this  wite 

And  of1  my  sorowe  reche  not  a  myte 

If1  that  the  svverde  of1  payne  bite 

My  wofuH  hert  thurgh"  yowr  cruelte  271 

(37)  (Gompleint  7  ;  Movement.  I.  6.) 

My  swete  foo  win  do  ye  so  for  shame  272 

Thynke  ye  that  forthered*  be  yo?<r  name 

To  love  anew  and  be  vntrue  nay 

And  put  you  in  sclaundre  newe  and  blame 

And  do  me  aduersite  and  grame  276 


166-167    PAR. -TEXT 

ANELIDA   AND   ARCITE.       PHILLIPPS   MS.  8299. 

That  loueth  you  most  god  wel  ]>on  woost  alwey 

Nowe  turne  agayne  and  yet  be  playn  som  day 

And  than  shaH  this  that  nowe  is  mysse  be  game 

And  aH  foryeuen  whiH  that  I  lyuen  may  280 

(38)     (Compleint  8 ;  Movement  II.  1.) 

Lo  hert  myne  aH  this  you  for  to  sayne  281 

As  whether  shaH  I  pray  or  els  playne 

"VVhiche  is  the  way  and  do  you  to  be  true 

For  owther  mot  I  haue  you  in  my  chayn 

Or  with"  the  deth  ye  mot  depart  vs  twayn  285 

There  be  no  nother  mene  weys  new 

For  so  wisly  on  my  soule  god  rue 

Als  veraily  ye  sle  me  with"  the  payn 

That  may  ye  see  vnfeynyd  on  my  hue  289 

(39)  (Compleint  9;  Movement  II.  2:  left  out,  as  in 
Shirley's  MSS.,  Parallel-Texts,  p.  166-7,  Supplementary 
Text,  p.  52-3.) 

[ 290 


294 


..............  ]  298 

(40)     (Compleint  10  ;  Movement  II.  3:  4  &  5  rymes  in  ede.) 

And  shaH  I  pray  and  weyueii  womanheede  [leaf  B,  back]    299 
Nay  rather  dye  than  do  so  fowle  a  dede 
To  aske  mercy  causeles  what  nede 


..............  303 

But  if1  that  I  to  you  may  no  nother  wayes  bede 

For  myn  excuse  a  skorne  shaH  be  my  mede 

Your*  chere  floureth"  but  yt  wol  not  scde 

FuH  longe  agoo  me.  ought  have  taken  hede  307 


PAR. -TEXT    168-1 69 
ANELIDA   AND    ABCITE.       PHILLIPPS   MS.  8299.  23 

(41)  (Compleint  11 ;  Movement  II.  4.) 

For  yf1 1  myght  haue  you  to  myne  agayii  308 

I  myght  als  wele  kepe  Aprile  fro  rayn 
As  to  liolde  you  and  make  you  stidfaste 

0  myghty  god  of1  treuth"  souerayn 

Where  is  the  trouth  of*  man  who  hatfr  yt  slayn  312 

For  who  thaym  louyth"  shaH  fynde  J>aim  as  faste 

Als  in  a  tempest  is  a  roten  maste 

Is  that  a  tame  beste  Jjat  is  ay  fayn 

To  flee  a- way  whan  yt  is  leest  agast  316 

(42)  (Compleint  12  ;  Movement  II.  5.) 

Mercy  swete  yf  I  myssaye  317 

Haue  I  ought  spoken  oute  of1  fe  way 

1  not  my  wit  is  half1  away 

I  fare  as  doth"  J?e  song  of1  Chauntplui*  320 

For  nowe  I  playne  and  nowe  I  play 

I  am  so  mased  that  I  deye 

Arsite  hath  born  away  the  keye 

Of1  ali  my  worldly  good  aueutur*  324 

In  att  this  world1  ther*  is  no  creator* 

Wakyng  in  more  discomfitur* 

Than  I  ne  more  sorowe  endur* 

For  if1 1  slepe  a  forlong  or  twey  328 

Euer  thynketh"  me  that  your*  figur* 

Before  me  standes  in  a^ur* 

To  profir  and  nowe  ensur* 

To  be  true  vnto  me  tiH  ye  deye    •  332 

(43)  (Compleint  13  ;  Movement  II.  6.) 

This  long  nyght  this  wondre  sight  I  drye  333 

And  on  the  day  for  thilk1  affray  I  dye 

And  of1  aH  this  my  swete  I-wis  ye  ne  reche 

And  neuer  moo  myn  eyen  two  ben  drye 

But  to  your*  ruth"  and  to  your*  truth  I  crye  [leaf  c,  paper]    337 


170-171    PAR.-TEXT 

24  A^ELIDA   AND    ARCITE.       PHILLIPPS   SIS.  8299. 

But  welea.wey  fuH  fer  be  thay  to  fecho 

Thus  holdeth"  me  my  destcnye  o  wreche 

And  mo  to  rede  out  of1  this  drede  or  gye 

Ne  may  my  wit  so  \veeke  is  yt  not  streche  341 

(44)     (Compldnt  14;  Conclusion.) 

Than  ende  I  thus  sith"  I  can  do  no  more  342 

I  yeve  yt  vp  for  nowe  and  euermore 

For  shaH  I  neuer  put  efte  in  balaunce 

My  sykernes  ne  lern  of1  loue  the  lore 

But  as  the  swanne  as  I  haue  harde  say  yor1  346 

Ageyns  his  deth  syngeth  his  penawnce 

So  syng  I  here  my  destany  and  chaunce 

How  that  Arcite  Anelida  so  sore 

Hath"  ther-led  with"  the  poynt  of"  remembraunce  350 

[There  is  no  45£7i  Stanza  in  Continuation.] 

Here   endeth"    the   compleynt  of1   Anelida   the  Queue   of1 
Hermenye  vpon  fals  Arcite  of1  Thebees. 


25 


3. 


1.   PHILLIPPS   MS.   8299.         2.    HATTON   MS.   73. 
3.    MS.  ARCH.   SELD.   B.   10. 


PAR. -TEXT    408-409 
TRUTH.      PUILLIPPS   MS.  8299.  27 


TRUTH. 

[Phillipps  MS.  8299  (at  the  end  of  Chaucer's  Tale  of 
Grissilde,  written  on  as  Part  of  the  Tale).] 

[And  let  hym)  care  wepe  wryng  and  wayle] 

(1) 

Fie  from  the  prees  and  dweH  m't/a  sotlifastnesse  1 

Suffise  the  thyne  owne  though"  it  be  smaH 
For  horde  hath"  hate  and  clymbyng  tykylnesse 
Prees  hath  envye  and  wele  blente  ouer  aH  4 

Favour*  nomore  than  thou  behove  shaft 
Eewle  weft  thy  self*  bat  other  forkw  canst  rede 
And  treuth  the  shaH  delyuer  it  is  no  drede  7 

(2) 

Tempest  the  not  aH  croki's  to  redresse  8 

In  trust  of1  her  that  turnyth"  as  a  bait 

Muche  wele  stondeth  in  litiH  besynes 

Be  ware  therf ore  to  spurne  ayenst  an  aH  [2nd  leaf]       1 1 

Stryv  not  as  doth  to  Crokke  with  the  waH 

Daunte  thy  self1  that  dauntist  an  opers  dede 

And  treuth  the  shaH  delyuer  it  is  no  drede  14 

(3) 

That  the  is  sente  receyue  in  buxumnesse  15 

The  wrastlyng  of1  the  worlde  askith"  a  faH 
Here  is  noon  home  here  nys  but  wyldernesse 
Forth  pylgryme  forth  .  forth  best  oute  of1  by  staH  18 

Knowe  thy  contrey  loke  vp  thanke  god  of1  aH 
Holde  the  high  wey  and  let  thy  goste  the  lede 
And  treuth  shaH  the  delyuer  it  is  no  drede  2 1 

Explicit,  &c. 

[This  MS.  follows  the  4  best— Par. -Text  407 — in  reading  Tem 
pest  for  peyne  in  1.  8  ;  Knome  thy  contrey  for  Loolte  vp  on  luje  iu 
1.  19  ;  and  Holde  the  high  ivey  for  Wnyve  ]>l  lust  in  1.  20 ;  but  it 
varies  from  the  two  main  classes  of  the  MSS.  by  leaving  out  \4ng 
and  its  variant  good  in  1.  2  ;  and  reading  '  S'ulfise  the  thyne  otcnvj 
a  unique  half-line,  I  believe.] 


408-409    PAR.-TRXT 

28  TRUTH.       IIATTON  MS.    73. 

TRUTH. 

[Hatton  MS.  73,  leaf  118,  back  (Bodl.  Libr.).] 

Good  conseylle. 

(1) 

FLe  fro  the  prees  And  dwelle  with  sothfastnesse  1 

Suffise  vn-to  thi  good!  though"  it  be  smal 
For  hoord?  hath  hate  .  And  clymbynge  tykulnesse 
Prees  hath  enyye  .  And  wele  is  blent  otier1  al  4 

Sauour*  no  mor11  than)  the  bihoue  shal 
Do  wele  tin-self  that  other'  folk  canst  rede 
And  trouthe  the  shal  delyuer1  it  is  no  drede  7 

(2) 

IT  Peyne  the  nat  alle  crokede  to  redresse 
In  traste  of  hir1  that  turneth  as  a  bal 
Gret  reste  stondeth"  in  litle  bisinesse 

be-waij  also  to  spurne  a-geynst  an  al  11 

Stryf  nat  as  doth  the  crok  with  the  wal 
Daunte  tin-self  that  dauntest  others  dede 
And  trouthe  the  shal  delyuer1  it  is  no  drede  14 

(3) 

IT  That  the  is  sent .  receyue  yn  buxumnesse  15 

the  wrastelyngge  with  the  world?  axseth  a  fal 
Her1  is  non  home  her1  is  but  wildernesse 
Forth  pilgryme  forth  .  forth  beest  out  of  thi  stal  18 

Loke  vp  an  hie  And  thank  god!  of  al 
Weyve  thi  luste  And  lete  thi  goost  the  lede 
And  trouthe  the  shal  delyuere  it  is  no  drede  21 

1  The  curls  of  r}  really  mean  e  in  this  copy. 


r.\n. -TEXT  408409 

TRUTH.       MS.  ARCH.  SELD.  S.  10.  29 


TIMJTH. 

[MS.  Arch.  Seld.  B.  10,  leaf  (at  end  of  Harding' a  Chronicle, 
p.4:of*  The  Prouerbes  of  Lydyate ') :  Bodl.  Libr.] 

Ecce  bonuw  consiliu??i  galfridi  chaucers  ccwtra 
fortunam. 

(1) 

FLe  from  the  prece  &  dwett  with  sothfastnes.  I 

Syffyse  vnto  thy  god  thoughe  it1  be  smaH. 
For  hoorde  hathe  hate  &  clymbynge  tykilnes. 
Prece  hathe  enuye  &  welle  is  blent  ouer  all.  4 

Sauoure  110  more  than  the  behoue  shall. 
Eule  thy-selfe  that*  other  folke  canst1  rede. 
And  trouthe  the  shall  delyuer  it1  is  no  drede.  7 

(2) 

Payne  the  not1  eche  crokecl  to  redresse.  8 

In  truste  of  her  that*  turneth  as  a  ball. 
Grete  rest1  /  stonde  in  HtiH  bcsynes 

Beware  also  to  sporne  agaynst1  a  wall.  11 

Stryue  not1  as  dothe  a  code  with  a  wall 
Daunt  thy-self  that1  dauntestf  other  dede. 
And  trouthe  the  shall  delyuer  it  is  no  drede.  14 

(3) 

That1  the  is  sente  receyue  it  in  buxumnes.  15 

The  wrastlynge  of  this  worlde  askethe  a  fall. 
Here  is  non  home  /  here  is  but  wyldernes. 
For  the  pylgrym  for  the  beste  oute  of  the  stall.  18 

Loke  vp  on  hyghe  an[cl]  thanke  oiire  lorde  of  all. 
Weye  thy  luste  and  let  thy  gooste  the  lede. 
And  trouthe  shall  the  delyuer  if  is  no  drede.  21 


31 


4. 

Jack  of  Sicbfastes. 

HATTON   MS.  73. 


PAR. -TEXT    434-435 
LACK   OP   STEDFASTNESS.       NATION  MS.   73.  33 


LACK  OE  STEDEASTNESS. 

[Hatton  MS.  73,  leaf  119.     (Bodl.  Libr.).] 

These  baladdis  were  send!  to  the  kyng1. 

(1) 

Sumtyme  this  world?  was  so  stedefast  And  stable  1 

that  marenes  word!  was  obligacioun) 
But  now  it  is  so  fals  And  disceyvable 
that  word!  and  dede  as  in  conclusioun)  4 

ben  no  thyng1  on  for  turned?  vp  so  doun) 
Is  al  this  world?  for  mede  and  wilfulnesse 
that  al  is  lost  for  lak  of  stedefastnesse  7 

(2) 

U  What  maketh"  this  world?  to  be  so  variable  8 

but  lust  that  folk/s  han)  in  discensioun) 
For  now  adayes  a  man  is  holde  vnable 
but  yf  he  can)  by  som)  collusioun)  11 

Do  to  his  neyghbur1  wrong1  or  oppressioun) 
What  causeth"  that  but  wilful  wrecchednesse 
that  al  is  lost  for  lak  of  stedefastnesse  14 

(3) 

U  Trouthe  is  put  doun)  resoun)  is  holde  fable  15 

Vertu  hath  now  no  domynaciouii) 
Pyte  exiled?  no  man  is  mercyable 

thurgh"  couetyse  is  blent  discrecioun)  18 

the  world?  hath  mad?  a  peraiutacioun) 
Fro  ryghtf  to  wrong1  fro  trouthe  to  fikulnesse 
that  al  is  lost  for  lak  of  stedefastnesse  21 

MORE   ODD   TEXTS.  C 


436-437    PAR. -TEXT 

34  LACK    OF   STEDFASTNESS.      HATTON   MS.    73. 

//  Lenvoy  // 

U  0  .  prince  desyre  to  be  honurable  22 

Cherysshe  thi  folk  .  and  liate  extorciouii) 

Suffre  no  thyng*  that  may  be  repfoueable 

to  thyn)  estate  don)  in  thi  region n)  25 

Shewe  forth  thi  sword*  of  castigacionn) 

Drede  god!  .  do  lawe  .  lone  trouthe  and  right  wesnesse 

And  dryue  thi  peple  a-gayn)  to  stedefastnesse.  28 


35 


5. 

Jfwtme, 


MS.   ARCH.    SELD.    B.   10. 


PAR.-TEXT    440-441 
FORTUNE.       MS.   ARCH.  SELD.  B.  10.  37 


FORTUNE. 

[MS.  Arch.  Seld.  B.  10,  at  end  of  Har ding's  CJironide, 
and  p.  2  of  '  The  Prouerbes  of  LydgateJ  BodL  Libr.] 

Paupertas  coiiqiieritur  super  fortunam. 

(1) 

THis  wredchid  \vo[r]lde  ia  transmutacio?m.  1 

As  weHe  /  and  wo  /  now  pore  /  &  now  /  honowr. 
Withouten  ordre  /  or  wyse  dyscrecyon. 
Gouernede  ys  by  fortunes  erroure.  4 

But*  neuertheles  /  the  lacke  of  her  fauoure. 
Ne  may  not*  do  me  /  synge  thoughe  fat  I  dye. 
I'ay  toutz  p«-du  mon  temps  et  mon  labour. 
For  fynally  /  fortune  I  defye.  8 

(2) 

Yet  me  lefte  the  syghtt  of  my  reason.  9 

To  knowe  frende  fro  fo  in  my  myrroure. 
So  moche  hath  yet'  thy  turnynge  vp  and  downe. 
I-taught1  me  to  knowe  in  an  houre.  12 

But1  treuly  no  fors  of  thy  reddoure. 
To  hym  that1  on  hym-selfe  hathe  maystry. 
My  suffysaunce  shall  ba  my  socoure. 
For  fynally  fortune  I  defye.  16 

(3) 

0  socrates  thou  stedfastf  charnpyon.  17 
She  myght1  neuer  be  thy  tormentoure. 

Thou  neuer  dreddesf  her  oppressyon. 

N"e  in  her  chere  founde  thou  no  fauoure.  20 

Thou  knewe  well  /  the  deceyte  of  her  coloure. 

And  that*  her  moste  worship  is  to  lye. 

1  know  her  eke  /  a  fals  dyssymuloure. 

For  fynally  fortune  I  dyffye.  24 


442-443    PAB.-TKXT 

38  FORTUNE.       MS.  ARCH.  SELD.  B.  10. 

(4)     Puer.     Fortuna  ad  paupertatem. 
No  man  is  wretch cde  but  hym  selfe  it  wene.  25 

And  he  that*  hathe  hym-self  hathe  suffysaunce. 
Why  saystf  thou  than  I  am  to  the  so  kene. 
That1  hast1  thy-self  oute  of  my  gouernaunce.  28 

Say  thus  gramercy  of  thyne  haboundaunce. 
That  thou  hast1  lent1  /  or  this  thou  shalt  not*  stryue. 
What  wotest1  thou  yet  hou  I  will  the  auaunce. 
And  eke  thou  haste  /  thy  best*  frende  alyue.  32 

(5) 

I  haue  the  taught*  /  dyuysyoun  betwene.  33 

Frende  of  effecte  /  and  frende  of  countenaunce. 
The  nedeth  not  /  the  gall  of  non  hen. 
That  cureth  eyen  /  duk  for  penaunce.  36 

Nowe  seyst1  thou  clere  /  that1  were  in  yngnoraunce. 
Yet1  holde  thyn  anker  /  and  yet1  thou  maystt  aryue. 
There  bounte  bereth  /  the  keye  of  my  substaunce. 
And  eke  thou  hasf  thy  best1  frende  alyue.  40 

(6) 

How  many  haue  I  refusede  to  sustene  4 1 

Syth  I  the  fosterede  /  haue  in  my  pleasaunce. 
Wylte  thou  than  make  /  A  statute  on  thy  queue.      [p.  s] 
That1 1  shall  be  ay  at1  thyne  ordynaunce.  44 

Thow  borne  arte  in  my  reygne  of  varyaunce. 
Aboute  the  whele  with  other  must1  thou  dryue. 
My  lore  is  better  than  thy  wycked  gouernaunce. 
And  eke  thou  hast1  thy  best1  frende  alyue.  48 

(7)    Paupertas  ad  fortunam. 

Thy  lore  I  danipne  .  it1  is  aduersyte.  49 

My  frende  /  mayst1  thou  not1  rene  blynde  goddes 
And  that1 1  frendes  knewe  /  I  thanke  it1  the. 
Take  them  agayne  /  let1  them  go  lye  on  presse.  52 

The  negardes  /  kepynge  theyre  ryches. 
Pronostyke  is  /  her  toure  thou  wylt1  assayle. 
Wyckede  appetyte  /  cometh  a  before  sykenesse. 
In  generall  this  rule  may  not1  fayle.  56 


PAR. -TEXT    444-445 
FORTUNE.       MS.  ARCH.  SELD.  B.  10.  39 

(8)  Fortuna  ad  paupertatem. 

Thow  pynchest1  af  my  mutabilitc.  57 

For  I  the  lente  a  droppe  of  my  rychesse. 

And  nowe  me  lykethe  to  withdraws  me. 

Why  sholdesf  thou  my  royallte  oppresse.  60 

The  se  may  ebhe  /  and  flowe  more  and  lesse. 

The  skye  hathe  myghf  /  to  shyne  rayne  and  hayll. 

Eight*  so  may  I  stowe  my  britylnesse. 

In  generall  this  rule  may  not1  fayll.  64 

(9)  Paupertas  ad  fortunam. 

So  execucion  of  the  inageste.  65 

That1  all  puruayeth  of  his  ryghtwysnes. 

That  same  thynge  fortune  clepe  ye. 

Ye  blynde  bestes  /  full  of  rudenesse.  68 

The  heuen  hathe  properte  of  sykernesse. 

This  worlde  hathe  euer  /  restles  trauayll. 

Thy  last1  day  is  ende  of  jnyne  intresse. 

In  generall  I  this  rule  may  not  fayle.  72 

Fines. 

[Folloivs: — Ecce  bonuw  consilium  galfridi  chaucers  contra 
fortunam.     Printed  above,  p.  29.] 


41 


6. 

inrse. 

PHILLIPPS    MS.   9053. 


PAR. -TEXT    448-449 
I'UUSE.       PUILLIPrft   MS.    9053.  43 


PUESE. 

[Phillipps  MS.  9053.     Paper,  1  ab.  1450,  page  31.] 
Chaucer  [in  Jn.  Stoivs  hand], 

(1) 

0  yow  my  purse  .  and  to  nonother  wight*  1 
fr    Compleyne  I  .  for  yow  [are]  my  lady  deere 

1  am  so  sory  that1  ye  bien  light1 

For  certis  .  but  if*  ye  make  me  hevy  chiere  4 

Me  were  as  lief  .  to  be  leyde  011  biere 

For  whiche  .  vnto  yowre  mercy  thus  I  crye 

Beth"  hevy  ageyne  .  or  ellis  must1 1  dye  7 

(2) 

If  Now  fouchesauf1  this  day  .  or  if  be  nyghtf  8 

That  I  of1  yow  .  the  blisful  sowne  may  here 

To  se  youre  coloure  .  as  the  sonne  bright1 

That1  of1  yowre  eye  .  lownesse  hath"  no  peere  1 1 

Ye  bien  my  light1 .  ye  be  myn  hertis  feere 

Qwene  of1  comfort1 .  and  of1  company 

Beeth"  hevy  ageyn  .  or  ellis  must1  I  dye  14 

(3) 

If  Now  purs*e  that1  betn  to  me  my  lyf*  my  light1  15 

And  souerayne  lady  downe  .  in  this  world?  here 
Out  of1  this  towne  .  help  me  thurgh"  youre  myghfr 
Sith"  that1  ye  wil  nat1  .  be  my  tresorere  18 

For  I  am  shave  as  nygfr  .  as  any  frere 
For  whiche  .  vnto  youre  mercy  I  crye 
Bieth  hevy  ageyne  .  or  ellis  must1 1  dye  21 

Thus  farr  is  printed  in  Chauce[r]  fol.  320.  vnder  yc  name 
of  Tho:  Occleeue.  / 

[Lydgate's  '  Alias  fortune  .  alias  what1  haue  1  gilt1,'  is  added 
as  a  continuation  of  Chaucer's  Poem,  as  in  Harl.  2251, 
Par.-Text  449,  col.  3.] 


45 


1.  THE  BALADE  OF  PITEE  (Phillipps  MS.  9053)  with  a  unique 

final  stanza. 

2.  ROUNDELS  (Pepys  MS.  2006). 


46 


I.     THE   BALADE  OF  PITE. 

(Phillipps  MS.  9053,  If.  95,  where  it  is  written  in  stanzas — 1st  lines 
are  markt  ^[ — as  part  of  the  Complcynte  to  Pite  printed  above, 
p.  11 — 15.  All  the  lines  start  level  in  the  MS.,  but  are  inset 
here,  to  show  the  structure  of  the  poem.  This  copy  is  from 
one  of  Shirley's  :  cp.  Elas,  1.  51.  For  the  other  Shirley  copy, 
Harl.  78,  see  our  Odd  Texts  of  Cluiuccr's  Minor  Pocmx,  A  p- 
pendix,  p.  ii— v.) 

(I.  7 -line  Stanzas,  1 ) 

U  The  longe  nyghtis  .  whan  euery  creature  1 

Shuld?  have  theyr  rest* .  in  somvvhat*  be  kynde 
Or  ellis  ne  may  theyr  lif1 .  nought1  longe  endure 
If  fallith"  most1 .  in  to  my  wooful  mynde 
How  I  so  fer  have  brought1 .  my  self1  behynde  5 

That*  sauf1  the  deth"  .  ther  may  nothyng*  me  lisse 
So  dispaired  I  am  .  from  al  blisse  7 

(I.  2) 
11  This  same  thought1 .  me  lastitfi  til  the  morow  8 

And  from  the  morow  .  furth"  til  it1  be  Eve 
There  nedith"  me  .  no  care  for  to  borow 

For  both  I  have  gode  leyser  .  and  goode  love 
Ther  is  no  wighf  .  thafr  wil  my  wo  bireve  12 

To  wepe  Inough"  .  and  wailen  al  my  fiH 
The  sore  spark1  of*  peyne  .  now  doth  me  spiH  14 

(3)     [II.   Terza  Rima,  1] 

[ -iH] 

H  This  love  that1  hath"  me  set1 .  in  suche  a  place 
That*  my  desire  .  wil  neuer  fulfill  17 


THE    BALADE    OP    PITE.       PHILLIPPS   MS.  9053.  47 

For  neither  pite  .  mercy  .  neyther  grace  .  [p.  96] 

Can  I  naf  fynde  .  and  yif  my  sorowful  herf 

For  to  be  dede  .  I  can  if  naf  arace  20 

The  more  I  love  .  the  more  she  doth"  me  smerf 

Thurgh"  whiche  .  without1  remedy e 
That1  from  the  dethe  .  I  may  in  no  wise  asterf  23 


(4)     [II.   Term  Mima,  2] 

11  Now  sothly  what1  she  highf  .  I  wil  reherce  24 

Hir  name  is  bounte  .  set1  in  wommanhede 
Sadnesse  in  yowtfi  .  and  beaute  prideles 
And  plesaunce  .  vnder  goutfrnaunce  and  drede  27 

Hir  surname  ie1  eke  .  faire  rowtheles  c1  so  in  MS.,  for  f«] 

The  wise  I-knyf .  vnto  goode  aventure 

Thaf  for  I  love  hir  .  she  sleeth"  me  giltles  30 

Hir  love  I  best* .  and  shal  while  I  may  dure 

H  Better  than  my  self1 .  an  hundred  thousand  dele 
Than  al  this  worldis  .  riches  or  creature  33 

Now  hath  naf  love  .  me  bestowed  wele 
To  love  there  .  I  neuer  shal  haue  part* 

Elas  right*  thus  .  Is  turned  me  the  whele  36 

Thus  am  I  slayn  .  with"  loves  fury  darf 

I  can  but1  love  hir  best* .  my  swete  foo 
Love  'hath  me  taught1 .  nomore  of  his  art1  39 

But*  serve  al  wey  .  and  stynt1  for  no  woo  40 


(5)     [III.  Ten-line  Stanzas,  1] 

U  In  my  trewe  careful  hert .  there  is 
So  moche  woo  .  and  so  litel  blisse 

That1  woo  is  me  .  that1  euer  I  was  bore  43 

For  al  thyng*  whiche  I  desire  I  mysse 
And  al  that1  euer  I  wold?  naf  Iwisse 

That  fynd!  I  redy  .  to  me  eumnore  46 

And  of1  al  this  I  nof  to  whom  me  pleyne 

For  she  thaf  myghf  .  me  ouf  of*  this  bryng1 
Ne  recchith"  nought1 .  whether  I  wepe  or  synge 
So  litel  rowth"  .  hath  she  vpon  my  peyne  [p.  97]          50 


48  THE   BALADE   OF    PITE.      PIIILLIPPS   MS.  9053. 

(6)  (III.  2) 

U  Elas  whan  slepyng1  tyme  is  .  lo  than  I  wake 
Whan  I  shulci  daunce  .  for  feere  lo  than  I  qwake 

[• ]  53 

This  hevy  liff1 1  leede  .  loo  for  yowre  sake 
Though  ye  therof1 .  in  no  wise  heede  take 

[ no  gaps  in  the  MS.]  56 

Myn  hertis  lady  .  and  hole  my  lives  qwene 

For  trewly  durst1 1  sey  .  and  that1 1  fele 

Me  semeth  that1  jour  sweete  herf  of1  steele 
Is  whetted  now  .  ayens  me  to  kene  60 

(7)  (III.  3) 

U  My  dere  herf  .  and  best1  be-loved  foo 
Why  likith"  yow  .  to  do  me  al  this  woo 

What*  haue  I  don  .  that1  grevitfi  yow  or  saide  63 

But1  for  I  serve  .  and  love  yow  and  no  mo 
And  while  I  live  .  I  wil  euer  do  soo 

And  therfor  sweete  .  me  beth"  naf  evil  apayed!  66 

For  so  goode  and  so  faire  .  as  ye  be 

If  were  right1  grete  wonder  .  but1  ye  had? 

Of1  al  seruauntis  .  both  of  goode  and  bad1 
And  lest*  worthy  of1  al  hem  .  I  am  he  70 

(8)  (III.  4) 

U  But1  neuertheles  .  my  right1  lady  swete 
Though"  that1  I  be  vnkonnyng1  and  vnmeete 

To  serve  as  I  kowde  .  ay  yowre  hienesse  73 

Yit1  is  ther  non  fayner  .  that1  wolde  I  heete 
Than  I  to  do  youre  ease  .  or  ellis  beete 

What1  so  I  wist1 .  that1  were  to  your  hyenesse  76 

And  had  I  myght1 .  as  goode  as  I  haue  wil 

Than  shuldf  ye  feele  .  where  it  were  so  or  non 

For  in  this  world! .  than  livyng1  is  ther  non 
That1  fayner  wolde  .  youre  hertis  wil  fulfil  80 


TIIK    BALADE    OF    PITE.       PIIILLIPI'S   MS.  9053.  49 

(9)  (III.  5) 

H  For  botli  I  love  .  and  eke  drede  yo\v  so  sore  [p.  98] 

And  algatis  mote  .  and  have  yow  don  ful  yoore 

That*  bettir  loved!  is  .  non  ne  neuer  shal  83 

And  yif  I  wold'  besechen  yov  of1  nomore 
But*  lovith"  wele  .  and  beth"  natf  wrotli  thnrfore 

And  lete  me  seme  yow  forth"  .  lo  this  is  al  86 

For  I  am  natf  so  hardy  .  ne  so  woode 

For  to  desire  .  that  ye  shuld?  love  me 

For  wele  I  wote  .  ela-s  that*  wil  naf  be 
I  am  so  litel  worthy  .  and  ye  so  goode  90 

(10)  (III.  6) 

For  ye  be  oon  .  the  worthyesf  on  lyve 
And  I  the  most1  vnlikly  .  for  to  tliryve 

U  Yif  for  al  this  .  witeth"  ye  right1  wele  93 

That1  ye  ne  shul  me  .  from  youre  service  dryve 
That1 1  ne  wil  ay  .  with"  al  my  wittes  fyve 

Serve  yow  triewly  .  what*  wo  so  that  I  fele  96 

For  I  am  sette  on  yow  .  in  suche  manere 

That1  though"  ye  neuer  wil  .  vpon)  me  rewe 

I  must*  yow  love  .  and  bien  euer  als  triew 
As  any  man  can  .  or  may  on  live  [here]  100 

(11)  (III.  7) 

U  Butt  the  more  that*  I  love  .  yow  goodly  free 
The  lasse  fynd  I  .  that1  ye  loven  me 

Elas  whan  shal  that*  .  hard  witte  amend!  103 

Where  is  now  .  al  your  wommanly  pite 
Youre  gentilnesse  and  your  debonarite 

"Wil  ye  nothyng*  therof1  .  vpon  me  spende  106 

And  so  hoole  swete  .  as  I  am  yowres  al 

And  so  grete  wil .  as  I  haue  yow  to  serve 

Now  certis  .  and  ye  lete  me  thus  sterve 
Yet1  have  wonne  theron  .  but1  a  smal  [p.  oo]  1,10 

MOKE    ODD    TEXTS.  D 


50  THE    BALADE    OF    PITE.       PHILLIPPS  MS.  9053. 

(12)     (III.  8.) 

U  For  at1  my  knowyng1 .  I  do  naf  why 
And  this  I  wil  beseche  .  yo\v  hertily 

That  there  cue?1  ye  finde  .  whiles  ye  live  113 

A  triewer  s0ruawnf  to  yow  .  than  am  I 
Lovetti  thanne  .  and  sle  me  hardily 

And  [I]  my  deth"  to  yow  .  wil  al  forgyve  116 

And  if1  ye  fynde  no  trewer  .  so  verily 

Wil  ye  suffre  than  .  that  I  thus  spil 

And  for  no  maner  gilt1 .  but*  my  goode  wil 
Als  goode  were  tluinne  .  vntriewe  as  triewe  triewly        1 20 

(31)     (Unique  final  stanza,  III.  9) 

U  But*  I  my  lif1  and  detli  .  to  yow  obey 
And  witfi  right  buxum  hert1 .  holy  I  prey 

As  youre  most1  plesure  .  so  doth  by  me  123 

For  wele  leuer  is  me  .  liken  yow  and  dye 
Than  for  to  any  thyng1 .  or  thynk1  or  say 

That1  yow  myght1  ottenden  .  in  any  tyme  126 

And  therfor  swete  .  rewe  on  my  peynes  smert1 

And  of1  your  grace  .  grauntith  me  som  drope 

For  eliis  may  me  last1 .  no  blisse  ne  hope 
!N"e  dwelle  withyn  .  my  trouble  careful  hert1  130 

Explicit  Pyte 
dan  Chaucer  Lauceire  (?) 


51 


II.    ROUNDELS  (MERCILESSE  BEAUTE).1 

(From  MS.  Pepys  2006,  p.  300  and  last.) 

[I.   Captivity.] 

Yowre  two  yen  woH  sle  me  sodenly 

I  may  the  beaute  of  them  not  sustene 

So  wondeth  it  thorow  out  my  herte  kene 

And  but  jour  word?  wiH  hcleii  hastely  4 

Mi  hertis  wound*  while  that  it  is  grene 

Yowr  yen  &c.     [=  two  first  lines.'] 

Vp-on  my  trouth  I  sey  yow  feithfully  8 

That  ye  ben  of  my  liffe  and  deth  the  quene 

For  with  my  deth  the  trouth  shalbe  sene 

Your  yen  &c.     [=  three  first  lines.] 

[II.  Rejection.] 

So  hath  yowre  Beaute  fro  yowr  herte  chaced? 

Pitee  that  me  nauailleth  not  to  pleyn 

For  danger  halt  youre  mercy  in  his  Cheyne  16 

Giltless  my  deth  thus  han  ye  me  pz«-chaced 

I  sey  yow  soth  me  nedeth  not  to  fayn 

So  hath  jour  Beaute  &c.     [=  lines  14,  15.] 

Alas  J>at  nature  hath  in  yow  compased  21 

So  grete  beaute  pat  no  man  may  atteyii 

To  mercy  thougli  he  sterue  for  the  peyn 

So  hath  jour  beaute  &c.     [=  lines  14,  15,  16.] 

[III.  Escape.] 

Syu  I  fro  loue  escaped'  am  so  fat 

I  neuere  thenk  to  ben  in  his  prison  lene  28 

1  No  title  in  MS.     The  words  '  Mercilesse  Beaute '  occur  in  the 
Index  to  the  MS.,  with  reference  to  this  jweni; — W.  W.  Skeat. 


52  MERCILESSE   BEAUTE.       PEPYS   MS.  2006. 

Syn  I  am  fre  I  Counte  hym  not  a  bene 

He  may  answers  &  sey  this  and  that 

I  do  no  fors  I  speke  ryght  as  I  mene  31 

Syn  I  fro  loue  &c.     [=  lines  27,  28.] 

Love  hath  my  name  Istrike  out  of  his  sclat 

And  he  is  strike  out  of  my  bokes  Clene 

For  Q\ier  mo  this  is  non  o\>er  mene  36 

Syn  I  fro  loue  &c.     [=  lines  27,  28,  29.] 

Explicit. 

N.B.  The  copy  printed  by  Percy  (Regies  of  Ancient 
Poetry,  Series  the  Second,  Book  I),  though  taken  from 
this  MS.,  abounds  in  errors.  Not  counting  expansions  of 
contractions,  &c.,  his  errors  are  as  follows  : — 1.  Youre ;  eyn 
will.  3.  wendeth.  4.  words.  5.  My.  6.  Youre  two 
eyn  will  sle  me  sodenly  (where  the  MS.  has  only  Yowr 
yen  &c.,  and  is  here  right  in  making  yen  follow  Your 
immediately).  14.  youre  beauty;  chased.  15.  n'availeth. 
16.  daunger.  17.  have;  omits  me;  purchased.  21.  com 
passed.  24.  youre.  28.  nere  think e.  31.  speak.  36.  P. 
suggests  ther  for  this  (probably  he  is  right ;  but  he  omits  to 
give  the  reading  this). — W.  W.  Skeat. 


K    CLAY    &   SONS,    LIMITED,   LONDON    &    BUNCiAT. 


PR 
1901 

A3 

no.    23, 

60,   77 


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