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jmtleon  Dft£  J334 


's  totateg 


THE 


7334 


EDITED     BY 

FREDERICK  J.  FURFIVALL 


LONDON : 

PUBLISH!  FOR  THE  CHAUCER  SOCIETY  BY 
N.  TBUBKEK  &  CO.,  57  &  59,  LUDGATE  HILL. 


MDCCCLXXXV. 


TO 

JtODers  of  f^auccr, 

PAST,  PEESENT, 

AND 

TO  COME. 


I  lot 

A3 


LXXIII. 


Way  anci  Sons,  Bungay,  Suffolk. 


FOREWORDS. 

WHEN  thinking  in  1868  what  were  the  six  best  MSS 
of  the  Canterbury  Tales  to  print  in  my  Six-Text  for  the 
Chaucer  Society,  the  Harleian  7334  was  of  course  one  of 
the  first  that  occurd  to  me.  But  as  it  had  been  printed 
twice  by  the  late  Thomas  Wright — in  3  vols.  for  the  Percy 
Society,  and  then  in  cheap  double-column, — then  by  Mr. 
Jephson  for  the  late  Eobert  Bell's  Series  of  English  Poets 
(publisht  by  Jn.  Wm.  Parker),  and  a  fourth  time  by  my 
friend  Dr.  Eichard  Morris  for  George  Bell's  Aldine  Series,1 
I  decided  to  let  these  four  printings  suffice  for  the  Harleian 
7334,  and  so  get  a  fresh  MS  (which  proved  to  be  of  the 
B-type)  into  print  among  my  Six.  It  was  not  a  wise 
decision,  as  there  are  too  many  of  the  Corpus  or  B-type 
already  in  the  Six-Text,  and  I  have  unluckily  filld  up  gaps 
in  the  better  A-type  MSS — Ellesmere,  Hengwrt,  and  Cam 
bridge — with  extracts  from  B-type  ones,  though  in  several 
cases  the  Christchurch  A-type  MS  was  open  to  me.  But 
when  I  started  Chaucer  work,  I  didn't  know  even  the 
little  that  the  course  of  it  has  taught  me.  (Still,  as  in 
vestigation  of  the  niceties  of  Early  English  goes  on,  prob 
ably  no  student  will  blame  me  for  having  printed  one  more 
MS  of  The  Canterbury  Tales.  And  though  collators'  curses 
for  the  amount  of  labour  I've  thrown  on  them  have  already 
fallen  thickly  upon  me,  I  always  assure  these  Balaams 
that  they'll  bless  me  when  their  Avork  is  done.) 

1  Mr.  George  Bell  meant  at  first  simply  to  reprint  Pickering's 
text  of  Chaucer's  Poetical  Works,  but,  on  my  strong  remonstrance 
as  to  its  badness,  Mr.  Bell  agreed  to  engage  Dr.  Morris  to  re-edit 
the  whole  from  MSS. 


VI  FOREWORDS. 

Well,  when  Editors  began  to  edit  Chaucer's  Tales,  and 
wanted  to  know  what  the  reading  of  Harleian  7334  is,  they 
often  found  some  italics  in  Dr.  Morris's  text,  showing  that 
he'd  alterd  his  MS  ;  and  as  his  publisher  wouldn't  let  him 
give  various  readings,  a  reference  to  the  MS  became  neces 
sary.  This  was  a  great  bore,  specially  when  a  man  livd 
in  Germany  or  America.  Moreover,  my  friend  Prof.  Child 
meant  his  foundation-Essay  011  Chaucer's  language  and 
metre  to  be  based  on  the  MS  Harl.  7334,  and  not  on  any 
Editor's  changes  of  it,  whether  right  or  wrong.  So  it 
gradually  became  plain  that  a  simple  print  of  this  MS 
must  be  done  for  the  Chaucer  Society.  And  here  accord 
ingly  it  is.  It  is  as  accurate  as  twice  reading  of  every  line 
with  the  MS  by  me  can  make  it ;  but  no  doubt  little  slips 
have  happend  ;  they  always  will  befall. 

The  MS  is  dear  to  the  soul  of  HENRY  BRADSHAW  and 
all  concernd  in  the  due  order  of  the  Canterbury  Tales,  be 
cause  it  has,  at  the  end  of  the  First  Fragment  of  Group  B — 
the  Man  of  Law's  Tale — the  proper  Man-of'-Law-Shipman 
Link,  which  should  hook  it  on  to  the  Second  Fragment  that 
the  Shipman's  Tale  heads.  No  Shipman's  Tale  and  Frag 
ment  2  however  follow  it — but  instead,  Group  D, — Wife, 
Friar,  Summoner, — then  Groups  E,  F,  G,  C, — and  after 
these,  the  wanting  Second  Fragment  of  B,  though  without 
its  genuine  End-Link. 

The  MS  is  of  an  independent  type,  not  falling  into 
either  the  edited  A-type  or  the  inferior  B-type  to  which 
the  Corpus,  Petworth,  and  Lansdowne  belong,  in  the  main. 
It  is  perhaps,  by  a  few  years,  the  oldest  extant  MS  of  the 
Tales,  and  contains  au  excellent  text,  tho'  its  occasional 
plurals  in  its  and  its  past  tenses  and  participles  in  ud, 
together  with  its  loss  of  608  lines  out  of  Group  F  (lines 
617—1223,  or  8  leaves1  of  the  MS  from  1.  271  of  the 
Squire's  Tale,  all  the  Squire-Miller  Link,  and  then  lines 

1  The  MS  has  thirty-eight  lines  to  a  page,  or  COS  lines  in  the 
16  pages. 


FOREWORDS.  vii 

1_487  of  the  Franklin's  Tale,  p.  354-5  below,  Harl. 
paging),  render  it  less  fitted  for  the  basis  of  a  complete 
edition  of  The  Canterbury  Tales  than  the  fine  illuminated 
Ellesrnere  MS.1  Moreover,  Harl.  7334  sticks  8  spurious 
lines— 2004  b,  c;  2012  b,  G;  2037  b,  c;  2048  b,  c,— 
P-  f  H-T,  int°  tne  Summoner's  Tale,  and  one,  1.  592  (p.  4^) 
into  the  Squire's  Tale.  It  also  has  not  2  lines,  A  252  b,  c, 
in  the  General  Prolog,  p.  8  ;  2  in  the  Cook's  Tale,  A  4375-6, 
p.  127  ;  and  8  at  the  end  of  the  Cook's  Tale,  A  4415—4422, 
p.  128;  7  lines  in  the  Knight's  Tale.  A  2013-18,  p.  58, 
A  2958,  p.  84;  2  lines  in  the  Miller's  Tale,  A  3721-2, 
p.  106  ;  2  in  the  Reeve-Cook  Link  (A  4355,  4358,  p.  125-6  ; 
4  lines  alterd  into  two)  ;  one  line  in  the  Man  of  Law's  Tale, 
B  417,  p.  T<HJ->  and  five  at  the  end  of  the  Man  of  Law's 
End-Link,  B  1186—1190,  p.  ^ ;  thirty  lines  in  the  Wife's 
Preamble,  D  575—584,  605—612,  619—626,  717—720, 
p.  -i-^-ii-r,  ITT;  eight  in  the  Second  Nun's  Tale,  G  155, 
210—216,  p.  iff,  fH;  the  8  genuine  Ellesmere  lines2  in 
the  Franklin's  Tale,  1455-6,  1493-8,  p.  ff^zf,  besides 
leaving  out  2  lines  (2356-7,  p.  -H4)  in  the  Merchant's  Tale/ 
four  (299-300,  305-6,  p.  Hf)  in  the  Doctor-Pardoner  Link, 
two  in  the  Pardoner's  Tale,  C  478-9  (p.  HI) ;  five  in  the 
Shipman's  Tale,  B  1355  (p.  |£*)  and  B  1376-9  (p.  |B) ; 
one  in  Sir  Thopas,  B  1995  (p.  |2f)  •  about  a  dozen  of  prose 
(trebles)  in  Melibe,4  one  stanza  of  8  in  the  Monk's  Tale, 
B  3213-20  (p.  HI-),  four  lines  in  the  Nun's  Priest's  Tale, 
4136-7  (p.  Iff),  4478-9  (p.  £ff),  and  all  its  End  Link, 
16  lines,  (for  which  see  p.  694,)  and  about  23  treble  ones 
in  the  Parson's  Tale  :  see  the  gaps  in  pages  iHg-f  {hf-  as  you 


1  The  Ellesmere  has  not  the  Man-of-Law-Shipman  Link  which 
Harl.  7334  has. 

2  No  other  MS  yet  examind  by  me  has  these  8  lines. 

3  Lines  like  these,  due  to  the  scribe's  jumping  from  one  '  sight ' 
to  the  other,  might  well  have  been  dotted  differently  in  the  print, 
so  as  to  show  the  jump. 

*  B  2252-3  (p.  !£f-),  2264  (p.  f|f),  2432,   2444  (p.  fifrfa, 

2623-4  (p.  Ht-7-)'  Part  of  2646-7  (P-  Ki)>  2708  (P-  fff)»  Part  of 
2726,  2730,  2741  (p.  f f ^ify),  part  of  2854  (ff  *),  3034  (p.  fff ). 


Vlll  FOREWORDS. 

turn  over  the  leaves.  Altogether,  at  least,  760  lines  are 
wanting  in  Harl.  7334  :  a  serious  loss.1  But  on  the  other 
hand,  this  Harl.  7334  puts  lines  1307-8  of  Group  D,  the 
Friar's  Tale,  in  their  right  place,  on  p.  f$£  instead  of  their 
wrong  one  as  lines  1293-5  of  the  Wife-Friar  Link,  on  p.  f|-|. 

That  in  some  cases  the  Harl.  readings  are  not  so  good  as 
those  of  the  Ellesmere,  I  showd  in  my  article  'Recent2  Work 
at  Chaucer '  in  Macmillan's  M agazine  for  March  1874;  but 
I  admitted  that  in  other  instances  the  Harleian  readings 
were  the  better.  Of  the  MSS  which  contain  the  spurious 
'  Tale  of  Gamelyn  '-r-the  A-type  ones  don't — Prof.  Skeat 
found  Harl.  7334  much  the  best.  See  his  Is.  Gd.  edition 
of  Gamelyn  for  the  Clarendon  Press. 

I  once  hoped  to  have  edited  the  Tales  and  all  Chaucer 
either  with  Mr.  Bradshaw  or  alone  ;  but  alas,  what  with  the 
Philological  Soc.,  and  occasional  work  for  its  Dictionary, 
Early  English  Texts  and  Wyclif,  Shakspere  and  his  Quartos 
and  Folios,  Browning  and  Shelley  Societies,  Sculling-Fours, 
Kangaroo  bicycles,  evenings  out,  and  general  laziness,  I 
fear  that  edition  must  be  left  for  some  more  learned  and 
energetic  person  than  myself.  Let  it  suffice  that  the 
Chaucer  Society  has  cleard  the  way  for  the  coming  man. 
I  am  due  now  at  our  Rowing-Club  Dance. 

British  Museum, 
Friday,  Jan.  8,  1886,  7.30p.m.,  under  the  Electric  Light. 

1  The  Harl.  7334  also  has  not  the  (?)  original  but  rejected  End- 
Link  to  the  Clerk's  Tale,  p.  4| -f-#  of  the  Ellesmere  MS. 

2  The  epithet  of  Sir  G.  Grove,  the  then  Editor.    I  wanted  '  late. 


ix 


CONTENTS 

OF   THE    HARLEIAN   MS    7334. 

Six  Text 
Group  pages 

A.  §  1.  General  Prologue1          ...          ...          ...        1 

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

§3.      Knight-Miller  Link 89 

§  4.  Miller's  Tale  (of  Mcholay,  Absolon  and 

the  Oxford-Carpenter's  Wife)         ...      92 

§5.       Miller-Reeve  Link      Ill 

§  6.  Reeve's  Tale  (of  the  Trumpington  Miller 

and  Cambridge  Clerks)       ...          ...    113 

§7.      Keeve-Cook  Link       125 

§  8.  Cook's  Tale  (of  the  London  Victualler's 

Apprentice)  unfinislit^        ...          ...    127 

Appendix  to  Group  A. 
The  Spurious  Tale  of  Gamelyn 


B.  §  1.      Man-of-Law's  Head-Link       129 

§  2.  Man  of  Law's  (Proem  p.  |M  and)  Tale 
(of  Constance  and  her  Boy)  (Pt.  I, 
p.  |;H;  Pt.  II,  p.  -HI;  Pt.  Ill, 
p. -Hi)  .-.  ...  132 

§  3.      Man-of-Law's  End-Link 3       167 

[For  B  §  4—14,  see  p.  -{*?,  and  for 
B  §  15,  see  Appendix  1,  p.  694. 
For  Group  C,  see  p.  ff  ?-.] 

1  It  has  not  the  Friar  lines  252  b,  c  of  the  Hengwrt  MS. 

2  Eight  genuine  lines,  4415 — 4422,  are  left  out  here. 

3  Five  genuine  lines  at  the  end  are  left  out,  1186 — 1190. 


Harl. 

pages 

1 


26 
89 

92 
111 

113 
125 

127 
129 


155 


158 
193 


CONTENTS    OF    THE    HARLEIAN    MS    7331. 


Group 

D.  §1. 

Wife  of  Bath's 

bands,  &c. 
£44} 

Preamble  (of 

less  30  lines 

her  5 
,  p.  ii 

Si 

Hus- 
-fr=fr, 

x-Text 
pages 

334 

Harl. 

pages 

194 

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

most  desire  :  Eule  over  Husbands)      359 

§3.      Wife-Friar  Link1        .........    371 

§  4.  Friar's  Tale2  (of  the  Summoner  being 

carried  off  to  Hell)  ......    372 

§5.       Friar-Summoner  Link  ...          ...    383 

§  6.  Summoner's  Tale  (of  the  Friar  being 
trick  t  by  a  Sick  man  and  a  Lord's 
Squire)  ............  385 


219 
231 


E.  §  1 .       Clerk's  Head-Link      403 

§  2.  Clerk's  Tale  (of  Grisilde)  (Pt.  II,  p.  $»»  ; 
Ft.  Ill,  p. -Hi;  Ft.  IV,  p.  f<f;  I't. 
V,  p.  f!| ;  Ft.  VI,  p.  m  •  Chaucer's 
Envoy,  p.  ^f3)  ...  ...  ...  405 

g  3.       Clerk-Merchant  Link  442 

§  4.  Merchant's  Tale  (of  January  and  May)     443 
§5.       Merchant's  End-Link  ...          ...    476 


245 


262 


264 
301 
302 
335 


F.  §  1.       Squire's  Head-Link 478336 

§  2.  Squire's  Tale  (of  the  Magic  Horse,  &c., 
and  the  Falcon)  unfiuisht*  (Ft.  II, 
p.  m)  ...  479 

(§  3  has  been  torn  out  of  the  MS) 

§  4.  Franklin's  Tale  (of  Dorigen,  Arviragus, 
and  Aurilius  •  less  the  Froem  and 
the  beginning  of  the  Tale,  to  line 
1223,  F,  torn  out  of  the  MS)  ...  514 

1  The  ordinary  lines  G.  1295-6  of  this  Link  which  are  wrongly 
shifted  in  the  Six-Texts,  &c.  (p.  371)  from   The  Friar's  Talc,  of 
which  they  form  lines  G.  1307-8,  p.  ^^,  are  put  in   their  right 
place  on  p.  |||,  by  the  Harl.  MS  7334. 

2  Eight  spurious  lines,  D.  2004   b,  c  ;   2012  b,  c  •   2037  b,  c  ; 
2048  b,  c,  p.  A Q-A=|  are  stuck  into  Harl.  7334. 

3  The  stanzas  of  this  are  in  their  right  order. 

4  The  end  of  what  there  is,  is  out  of  the  Harl.  MS,  as  8  loave.s 


CONTENTS    OF   THE    HARLEIAN    MS    7334. 

Six-Text 

Group  pages 

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

Cecile)         527 

§2.       Second-Nun-Canon's- Yeoman  Link  ...    547 

§  3.  Canon's- Yeoman's    Preamble    (of    Al 
chemy)        ...         ...         ...         ...    552 

§  4.  Canon's- Yeoman's  Tale  (of  the  rascally 

Alchemist  Canon)  ...          ...          ...    560 


C.  §  1.  Doctor's  Tale  (of  Virginia)        303 

§  2.     Doctor-Pardoner  Link l  312 

§  3.  Pardoner's  Preamble  (of  his  Preaching 

and  Tricks)  314 

§  4.  Pardoner's  Tale  (of  the  Three  Eioters2)  318 


B.  §  4.3  Shipman's  Tale  (of  the  Monk  and  the 

Merchant's  Wife) 168 

§5.       Shipman-Prioress  Link          ...          ...  181 

§  6.  Prioress's  Tale  (of  the  little  murderd 

Boy)  182 

§  7.      Prioress-Thopas  Link  190 

§  8.  Chaucer's  Tale  of  Sir  Thopas  (unfinisht)  191 

§  9.      Thopas-Melibe  Link 199 

§  10.  Chaucer's  Tale  of  Melibe  (prose :  englisht 

from  French)          201 

§11.      Melibe-Monk  Link 253 

§  12.  Monk's  Tale4  (of  folk  fallen  from  high 

estate)         256 


Harl. 

pages 

367 

387 


392 


400 


415 
424 


426 
430 


445 

458 

459 
467 
468 
476 

478 
530 

533 


1  Four  lines,  299-300  and  305-6,  are  left  out  in  this. 

2  Dr  Richard  Morris  was  the  first  to  track  this  to  its  source  in 
one  of  the  Buddhist  Jataka  Tales.    He  englisht  it  long  ago  for  me, 
and  mentiond  the  Eastern  source  in  his  article  in  The  Contem 
porary  Review,  May  1881,  p.  728 — 749. 

3  For  B  §  1 — 3  see  Man-of-Law's  Head-Link,  Tale  and  End- 
Link,  p.  -ijf,  above. 

4  The  four  '  modern  instances ' — 1.  Peter  (the  Cruel)  of  Spain, 
2.  Peter  of  Cyprus,  3.  Barnabo  Visconti  of  Milan,  and  4.  Ugolino, 
Count  of  Pisa — are  rightly  put  after  Zenobia,  1.  3564,  p.  f  £  A,  and 
not  at  the  end  of  the  Tale  as  in  the  Ellesmere  and  other  A  MSS, 
p.  500-3  Elles.     But  one  stanza  is  missing,  B  3213-20,  p.  f  f  T- 


Xll 


CONTENTS    OF    THE    HARLEIAN    MS    7334. 


Group 

§13. 


Six-Text  Harl. 
pages  pages 

.    281558 


Monk-Nun's  Priest  Link 
§  14.  Nun's  Priest's  Tale  (of  the  Cock  and  Fox)    283  560 

[For  B  §  15,  The  Nun's  Priest's  End- 
Link,  see  Appendix,  p.  694,  below.] 


H.  §  1.       Manciple's  Head-Link 

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


576 

580 


578 
582 


I.  §  1 .       Blank -Parson  Link 

(Contents  of  the  Parson's  Tale 

§  2.  Parson's  Tale  (a  prose  Treatise  on  Peni 
tence) 

Pt.  I.  Contrition,  p-lif-zf-ff; 
Pt.    II.    Confession   (with   the    Seven 

Deadly  Sins},  p.  Hi-Hi 
Pt.  III.  Satisfaction,  p.  f-^Uf 
Leave-Taking  (Preces  de   Chaucer  es), 


589 
592 

593 


590 
593) 

599 


Appendix  ...  693 

1.  The  Genuine  Nun's-Priest's  End-Link       ...  694 

2.  The    Hymn    of    Chaucer's    Oxford    Clerk 

Nicholas,  Angelus  ad  Virginem  (See  A 
3216,  p.  92) :  Facsimile,  and  prints  of  the 
English  and  Latin  Versions  695 

3.  Woodcuts  of  the  23  Tellers  of  the  Canter 

bury  Tales  from  the  Ellesmere  MS 

4.  Woodcuts  of  6  Tellers  of  Tales  and  6  Alle 

gorical  Figures  from  the  Cambr.  Univ. 
Libr.  MS  Gg.  4.  27 


GROUP  A.    FRAGMENT  I. 

§  1.  GENERAL  PROLOGUE. 
HAELEIAN  MS.  7334  (British  Museum). 


"Han  that  aprille  with  his  schowres  swoote 

The  drought1  of1  Marche  ha})  perced  to  f  e  roote 

And  bathud  euery  veyne  in  swich  licour 

Of1  which  vertue  engendred  is  f  e  flour  4 

whan  ^ephirus  eek1  with  his  swete  breeth 

Enspirud  hath  in  euery  holte  and  heeth 

The  tendre  croppes  and  f  e  ^onge  sonne 

hath  in  the  Ram  his  halfe  cours  I-ronne  8 

And  smale  fowles  maken  melodie 

That1  slepen  al  f  e  night  wif  open  yhe 

So  prikef  hem  nature  in  here  corages 

Thanne  longen  folk1  to  gon  on  pilgrimages  12 

And  palmers  for  to  seeken  straunge  strondes 

To  feme  halwes  kouthe  in  sondry  londes 

And  specially  from  euery  schires  ende 

Of*  Engelond  to  Canturbury  J)ey  wende  16 

The  holy  blisful  martir  for  to  seeke 

That  hem  haf  holpen  whan  fat1  fey  were  seeke 

Byfel  fat1  in  fat1  sesoun  on  a  day 
In  Southwerk1  at1  f  e  Tabbard  as  I  lay  20 

Redy  to  wenden  on  my  pilgrimage 
To  Canturbury  with  ful  deuout/  corage 
At  night  was  come  in  to  fat  hostelrie 
Wei  nyne  and  twenty  in  a  companye  24 

Of*  sondry  folk1  by  auenture  I-falle 
In  felaschipe  and  pilgryms  were  f ei  alle 
That1  toward  Canturbury  wolden  ryde 

CANT.  TALES. HARL.  B 


2    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334. 

The  Chambres  and  pe  stables  weren  wyde  28 

And  wel  we  weren  esud  atte  beste 

And  schortly  whan  pe  sonne  was  to  reste 

So  hadde  I  spoken  with  hem  euerychon 

Thatt  I  was  of*  here  felawschipe  anon  32 

And  made  forward  erly  to  a  Eyse 

To  take  oure  weye  ther  as  I  ^ow  deuyse 

But  natheles  whiles  I  hane  tyme  and  space 

Or  pat1  I  ferj)ere  in  pis  tale  pace  36 

Me  pinkep  it  acordant1  to  resoun 

To  telle  $ow  alle  pe  condicioun 

Of*  eche  of1  hem  so  as  it  semed  me  [/ea/i,6ac*] 

And  which  pey  weren  and  of1  what  degre  40 

And  eek1  in  what  array  pat1  pey  were  Inne 

And  at1  a  knight1  than  wol  I  first1  bygynne 

A  Knight1  per  was  and  pat1  a  worpy  man 
That  from  pe  tyme  pat  he  ferst  bigan  44 

To  ryden  out1  he  louede  Chyualrye 
Trouthe  and  honour  fredom  and  curtesie 
Ful  worthi  was  he  in  his  lordes  werre 
And  perto  hadde  he  riden  noman  ferre  48 

As  wel  in  Cristendom  as  hethenesse 
And  euere  honoured  for  his  worpinesse 
At1  Alisandre  he  was  whan  it  was  wonne 
Ful  ofte  tyme  he  hadde  pe  bord  bygonne  /  52 

Abouen  alle  naciowns  in  pruce 
In  lettowe  hadde  Eeyced  and  in  Ruce 
No  cristen  man  so  ofte  of  his  degre 

In  Gernade  atte  siege  hadde  he  be  56 

At1  Algesir  and  riden  in  Belmarie 
At1  lieys  was  he  and  at1  Satalie 
At1  many  a  noble  ariue  hadde  he  be 

whan  pey  were  wonne  and  in  pe  greete  see  60 

At1  mortal  batailles  hadde  he  ben  fiftene 
And  foughten  for  oure  feith  at  Tramassene 
In  lystes  pries  and  ay  slayn  his  foo 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.     Harleian  7334.     3 

This  like  worjji  knighfr  haclde  ben  also  64 

Somtyme  with  pe  lord  of1  Palatye 

Ageyn  anojjer  hethene  in  Turkye 

And  euereniore  he  hadde  a  souereyn  prys 

And  J>ougfr  he  was  worjjy  he  was  wys  68 

And  of  his  port1  as  meke  as  a  mayde 

he  neuer  ^itt  no  vilonye  ne  sayde 

In  al  his  lyf1  vnto  no  maner  wight1 

he  was  a  verray  perfi^f  gentil  knight  72 

But  for  to  telle  3011  of1  his  array 

his  hors  was  good  but  he  ne  was  nou^t1  gay 

Of1  fustyan  he  wered  a  Gepoun 

Al  by  sinoterud  with  his  haburgeouii)  76 

For  he  was  late  comen  from  his  viage  [/<?«/ 2] 

And  wente  for  to  doon  his  pilgrimage 

With  him  J>er  was  his  sone  a  3ong<  squyer 
A  louyer  and  a  lusty  bachelor  80 

With  lokkes  crulle  as  j?ey  were  layde  in  presso 
Of*  twenty  ^eer  he  was  of  age  I  gesse 
Of1  his  stature  he  was  of1  euene  lengthe 
And  wondurly  delyuer  and  gref  of*  strengthe  84 

And  he  hadde  ben  som  tyme  in  Chiuachie 
In  Flaundres  in  Artoys  and  in  Picardie 
And  born  him  wel  as  in  so  litel  space 

In  hope  to  stonden  in  his  lady  grace  /  88 

Embrowdid  was  he  as  it  were  a  mode  / 
Al  ful  of1  fresshe  floures  white  and  reede 
Syngjnge  he  was  or  flowtynge  al  j?e  day 
he  was  as  fressh  as  is  the  moneth  of1  may  92 

Schort1  was  his  goune  with  sleeues  long1  and  wyde 
wel  cowde  he  sitte  on  hors  and  wel  cowde  he  ryde 
he  cowde  songes  wel  make  and  endite 
lustne  and  eek<  daunce  and  wel  purtray  and  write  96 

So  hote  he  louede  jjatt  by  nightertale 
he  sleep  nomore  pan  do])  a  nightyngale 
Curteys  he  was  lowly  and  seruysable 

B  2 


4    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334. 

And  carf1  byforn  his  fadur  atf  J>e  table  /  100 

Axeman  had  he  /  and  seruantes  nomoo 
At1  j^at1  tyme  for  him  lust1  ryde  soo 
And  he  was  clad  in  coote  and  hood  of1  grene 
A  shef1  of1  pocok1  arwes  bright*  and  kene  104 

vnder  his  belte  he  bar  ful  jjriftily 
wel  cowde  he  dresse  his  takel  ^omanly 
His  arwes  drowpud  nou^fr  wi]>  fetheres  lowe 
And  in  his  hond  he  bar  a  mighty  bo  we  108 

A  not*  heed  hadde  he  wij?  a  brown  visage 
Of*  woode  craft1  cowde  he  wel  al  ]?e  vsage 
vpon  his  arme  he  bar  a  gay  bracer 

And  by  his  side  a  swerd  and  a  bokeler  112 

And  on  Jjaf  o]?er  side  a  gay  daggere 
harneysed  wel  and  scharp  as  poynfr  of1  spere 
A  cristofre  on  his  brest1  of1  siluer  schene  [/^/2,  »«<•*] 

An  horn  he  bar  j>e  bawdrik1  was  of1  grene  116 

A  forster  was  he  sothely  as  I  gesse 

Ther  was  also  a  JSTonne  a  prioresse 
That1  of1  hi^e  smylyng1  was  ful  symple  and  coy 
hire  grettesf  ooth  nas  but  by  seyntt  loy  120 

And  sche  was  clept1/  madame  Englentyne 
Fill  wel  sche  sang1  J>e  seruise  deuyne 
Entuned  in  hire  nose  ful  semyly 

And  frensch"  sche  spak1  ful  faire  and  fetysly  124 

Aftur  J>e  scole  of1  Stratford  atte  Bowe 
For  frensch  of1  Parys  was  to  hire  vnknowe 
At*  mete  wel  I-taughf  was  sche  with  alle 
Sche  leett  no  morsel  from  hire  lippes  fallo  128 

Ne  wette  hire  fyngres  in  hire  sauce  deepe 
wel  cowde  sche  carie  a  morsel  and  wel  keepe 
That1  no  drope  fil  vppon  hire  bresfr 

In  Curtesie  was  sett  al  hire  lest1  132 

hire  ouerlippe  wypud  sche  so  clene 
That  in  hire  Cuppe  was  no  ferjmig  sene 
Of1  grees  whan  sche  dronken  hadde  hire  draught 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harlcian  7334.     5 

Ful  semely  aftur  hir  mete  sche  raught  136 

And  sikurly  sche  was  of  gret  disport* 

And  ful  plesant/  and  amyable  of1  port1 

And  peyned  hire  to  connterfete  clieere 

Of  court*  and  ben  estatlicli  of  manere  HO 

And  to  ben  holden  digne  of1  Reuerence 

But1  for  to  speken  of  hire  conscience 

Sche  was  so  charitable  and  so  pitotis 

Sche  wolde  weepe  if1  fat1  sche  sawe  a  Mous  144 

Caught*  in  a  trappe  if  it  were  deed  or  bledde 

Of1  smale  houndes  hadde  sche  pat1  sche  fedde 

With  rostud  fleissh  and  mylk1  and  wastel  breed 

But1  sore  wepte  sche  if1  oon  of  hem  were  deed  148 

Or  if  men  smot1  it1  wijj  a  ^erde  smerte 

And  al  was  conscience  and  tendre  herte 

Ful  semely  hire  wymple  I-pynched  was 

Hire  nose  streight1  hire  eyen  grey  as  glas  152 

Hire  mouth  ful  smal  and  perto  softe  and  reed         [leaf  si 

But1  sikurly  sche  hadde  a  fair  forheed 

If  was  almost1  a  spanne  brood  I  trowe 

For  hardily  sche  was  not1  vndurgrowe  156 

Ful  fetys  was  hire  cloke  as  I  was  waar 

Of  smal  coral  aboute  hire  arme  sche  baar 

A  peire  of  bedes  gaudid  al  with  grene 

And  Jjer  on  heng1  a  brocfi  of  gold  ful  schene  160 

On  which  was  first1 1-writen  a  crowned  A. 

And  after  pat1  Amor  vincit1  omnia. 

Anothur  Nonne  with  hire  hadde  sche 

That1  was  hire  Chapelleyn  and  prestes  pre  164 

A  Monk1  per  was  a  fair  for  the  maistrie 
An  out1  Rydere  pat1  loved  venerye 
A  manly  man  to  ben  an  abbot  able 

Ful  many  a  deynte  hors  hadde  he  in  stable  168 

And  whan  he  rood  men  might1  his  bridel  heere 
Gyngle  in  a  whistlyng1  wynd  so  cleere 
And  eek1  as  lowde  as  do])  pe  chapel  belle 


6    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleiaii  7334. 

Ther  as  fe  lord  was  keper  of1  fe  selle  172 

The  Reule  of1  seynt1  maure  or  of*  seint1  Beneyt1 

By  cause  fat1  it1  was  old  and  somdel  streyf 

This  like  monk1  leet1  forby  hem  pace 

And  helde  aftur  fe  newe  world  fe  space  176 

he  ^af1  nat1  of1  fat1  text1  a  pulled  hen 

That1  seif  fat1  hunters  been  noon  holy  men 

Ne  fat  a  monk1  whan  he  is  Cloysterles 

Is  likned  to  a  fissche  fat1  is  wathies  180 

This  is  to  seyn  a  monk*  out1  of1  his  cloystre 

But  f  ilke  text1  hild  he  not1  worf  an  oystre  / 

And  I  seide  his  opiniozm  was  good 

what1  schulde  he  studie  and  make  himseluc?*  wood         184 

Vppon  a  book1  in  Cloystre  alway  to  powre 

Or  swynke  with  his  handes  and  laboure 

As  Austyn  byt1  //  how  schal  f e  world  be  serued 

lat1  austyn  haue  his  swynk1  to  him  reserued  188 

Therfore  he  was  a  pricasour  aright1 

Greyhourcdes  he  hadde  as  swifte  as  fowel  in  flight 

Of1  prikyng1  and  of1  huntyng1  for  fe  hare  [ieafs,baeje] 

was  al  his  lust  for  no  cost1  wolde  he  spare  192 

I  saugll  his  sleues  purfiled  atte  hond 

wif  grys  and  that1  f  e  fynest1  of  a  lond 

And  for  to  festne  his  hood  vndur  his  chyn 

he  hadde  of1  gold  y- wrought1  a  curious  pyn  196 

A  loue  knotte  in  f  e  gretter  ende  f  er  was 

His  heed  was  ballid  and  schon  as  eny  glas 

And  eek1  his  face  as  he  hadde  be  anoyiit1 

he  was  a  lord  ful  fat  and  in  good  poynt1  200 

his  eyen  steep  and  rollyng1  in  his  heed 

That1  stemed  as  a  forneys  of1  a  leed 

His  bootes  souple  his  hors  in  gret1  estaf 

Now  certeinly  he  was  a  fair  prelat  204 

he  was  not1  pale  as  a  for-pyned  goost 

A  fat1  swan  loued  he  best1  of1  eny  roost 

His  palfray  was  as  brown  as  eny  berye 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334.     7 

AFrere  ]?er  was  a  wantoun  and  a  merye  208 

A  lymytour  a  f ul  solempne  man 
In  alle  the  ordres  foure  is  noon  fat  can 
So  moche  of1  daliawnce  and  fair  langage 
He  hadde  I-made  many  a  fair  mariage  212 

Of1  jonge  wyramen  aft  his  owne  cost* 
vnto  his  ordre  he  was  a  noble  post1 
Ful  wel  biloued  and  famulier  was  he 

with  Frankeleyns  ouer  al  in  his  cuntre  216 

And  eek1  with  worf  i  woramen  of*  f  e  toun 
For  he.  hadde  power  of1  confessioun 
As  seyde  himself1  more  fan  a  curat 

For  of  his  ordre  he  was  licenciat/  220 

Ful  sweetly  herde  he  confessiozm 
And  plesaunt1  was  his  absoluciown 
He  was  an  esy  man  to  $eue  penance 

Ther  as  he  wiste  han  a  good  pitance  224 

For  vnto  a  poure  ordre  for  to  }eue 
Is  signe  fat1  a  man  is  wel  I-schreue 
For  if1  he  ^af1  he  dorste  make  auawnt 

He  wiste  fat1  a  man  was  repentawnt  228 

For  many  a  man  so  hard  is  of*  his  herte  [wt] 

He  may  not1  wepe  f  ougB.  him  sore  smerte 
Therfore  in  stede  of  wepyng1  and  prayeres 
Men  mooten  3iuen  siluer  to  fe  pore  freres  232 

His  typet1  was  ay  farsud  ful  of  knyfes 
And  pynnes  for  to  3iue  faire  wyfes 
And  certayn  he  hadde  a  mery  noote 

wel  couthe  he  synge  and  pleye  on  a  Eote  236 

Of1  ^eddynges  he  bar  vtturly  J?e  prys 
his  nekke  whit1  was  as  pe  flour  delys 
Ther  to  he  strong1  was  as  a  Champioun 
He  knew  wel  J>e  tauernes  in  euery  toun  240 

And  euery  Ostiller  or  gay  tapstere 
Bet1  fan  a  Ia3er  or  a  beggere 
For  vnto  such  a  worjn  man  as  he 


8    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334. 

Acorded  not1  as  by  his  faculte  244 

To  haue  with  sike  Ia3ars  aqueynta^mce 

It  is  not1  honest  it  may  not*  avaunce 

For  to  delen  with  such  poraile 

But*  al  with  riche  and  sellers  of*  vitaille  248 

And  ouer  al  per  eny  profyt1  schulde  arise 

Curteys  he  was.  and  lowe  of  seruyse 

Ther  was  no  man  no  wher  so  vertuous 

He  was  pe  beste  begger  in  al  his  hous  252 

[ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

For  jjough  a  widewe  hadde  but  oo  schoo 

So  plesaunt1  was  his  In  principio 

^ef  wolde  he  haue  a  ferthing1  or  he  wente 

his  purchace  was  bettur  pan  his  rente  256 

And  rage  he  coupe  and  pleye  as  a  whelpe 

In  loue-dayes  ther  couthe  he  mochil  helpe 

For  per  was  he  not  like  a  cloysterer 

With  a  thred-bare  cope  as  a  pore  scoler  260 

But  he  was  like  a  maister  or  a  pope 

OfH  double  worstede  was  his  semy  cope  / 

That1  rounded  was  as  a  belle  out1  of  presse 

Somwhaf  he  lipsede  for  wantounesse  /  264 

To  make  his  Englissch  swete  vpon  his  tunge 

And  in  his  harpyng1  whan  pat1  he  hadde  sunge 

His  ey^en  twynkeled  in  his  heed  aright1  [?«*/•  4,  &«*] 

As  don  pe  sterres  in  pe  frosty  night1  268 

This  worthi  lymytour  was  called  huberd 

AMarchaunf  was  per  wip  a  forked  berd 
In  motteleye  high  on  horse  he  sat1 

vppon  his  heed  a  Flauwdrisch  beuer  hat/  272 

His  botus  clapsud  faire  and  fetously 
His  resons  he  spak1  ful  solempnely 
Swownynge  alway  the  encres  of1  his  wynnyng1 
He  wolde  pe  see  were  kepud  for  eny  ping1  276 

Bitwixe  Middulburgfi.  and  Orewelle  / 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334.     9 

wel  coujje  he  in  eschange  scheeldes  selle  / 

This  wor]?i  man  f ul  wel  his  witte  bisette 

Ther  wiste  no  man  that  he  was  in  dette  280 

So  estately  was  he  of1  gouernawnce 

with  his  bargayns  and  with  his  cheuysawnce 

For  sothe  he  was  a  worjri  man  with  alle 

Bot  soth  to  say  I  not1  what  men  him  calle  /  284 

A  Clerk1  Jjer  was  of*  Oxenford  also 
That  vnto  logik1  hadde  longe  I-go 
Al  so  lene  was  his  hors  as  is  a  rake 

And  he  was  not1  right1  fat1 1  vndertake  288 

But1  lokede  hoi  we  and  Jxsrto  soburly 
Ful  thredbare  was  his  ouerest  courtepy 
For  he  hadde  nou^t1  geten  hym  ^it1  a  benefice 
Ne  was  not  worj)y  to  hauen  an  office  292 

For  him  was  leuer  haue  at1  his  beddes  heed 
Twenty  bookes  closed  in  blak1  and  reed 
Of  Aristotil  and  of  his  philosophic 

Then  Eobus  Eiche  or  fithul  or  Sawtrie  296 

But1  al  ]?oug6.  he  were  a  philosophre 
3ett  hadde  he  but1  litul  gold  in  cofre 
But  al  jjaf  he  might1  gete  and  his  frendes  sende 
On  bookes  and  his  lernyng1  he  it  spende  300 

And  busily  gan  for  J?e  soules  pray 
Of1  hem  J>at  $af  him  wherwith  to  scolay 
Of1  studie  tooke  he  most1  cure  and  heede 
Not1  oo  word  spak1  he  more  Jjan  was  neede  304 

Al  Jjat1  he  spak1  it1  was  of1  heye  prudence  [w  5] 

And  schort1  and  quyk1  and  f  ul  of1  gret1  sentence 
Sownynge  in  moral  manere  was  his  speche  / 
And  gladly  wolde  he  lerne  and  gladly  teche  308 

A  Sergeant1  of*  la  we  war  and  wys 
That1  often  hadde  ben  atte  paruys 
Ther  was  also  ful  riche  of1  excellence 

Discret/  he  was  and  of1  gret  Eeuerence  312 

He  semed  such  his  wordes  were  so  wise 


10    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334. 

lustice  he  was  fuloften  in  assise 

By  patent1  and  by  pleyn  comissioura 

For  his  science  and  for  his  heih  renown  316 

Of1  fees  and  Robes  had  he  many  oon 

So  gref  a  purchasour  was  per  no  wher  noon 

Al  was  fee  symple  to  him  in  effecte 

his  purchasyng1  might1  nought1  ben  to  hi  m  suspecte       320 

No  wher  so  besy  a  man  as  he  per  nas  / 

And  ^it1  he  semed  besier  pan  he  was 

In  ternies  hadde  caas  and  domes  alle 

That  fro  pe  tyme  pat  kyng1  were  falle  324 

Ther  to  he  coupe  endite  and  make  a  ping1 

Ther  coupe  no  man  pynche  at  his  writyng1 

And  euery  statute  couthe  he  pleyn  by  roote 

He  rood  but1  hoomly  in  a  raedled  coote  328 

Gird  with  a  seynt  of  silk1  wip  barres  smale 

Of  his  array  telle  I  no  lenger  tale 

AFrankeleyn  per  was  in  his  companye  / 
whit1  was  his  berde  as  pe  dayesye  332 

Of1  his  complexiozm  he  was  sangwyn 
wel  loued  he  in  pe  morn  a  sop  of1  Avyn 
To  lyue  in  delite  was  al  his  wone 

For  he  was  Epicurius  owne  sone  336 

That1  heeld  opynyown  pat  pleyn  delyt 
was  verraily  felicite  perfyt1 
An  houshaldere  and  pat1  a  gret  was  he 
Seynt1  lulian  he  was  in  his  cowntre  340 

his  breed  his  ale  was  alway  after  oon 
A  bettre  envyned  man  was  no  wher  noon, 
wipoute  bake  mete  was  neuer  his  hous  tieaf5,bacJc] 

Of1  fleissch  and  fissch  and  pat1  so  plentyuous  344 

Hit1  snewed  in  his  hous  of  mete  and  drynk1 
Of1  alle  deyntees  pat1  men  cowde  pynk1 
Aftur  pe  sondry  sesozms  of1  pe  3eer 

He  chaunged  hem  at  mete  and  at  soper  348 

Ful  many  a  fat  partrich  had  he  in  me  we 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334.    1 1 

And  many  a  brem  and  many  a  luce  in  stewe 

Woo  was  his  Cook*  but  if1  his  sauce  were 

Poynant1  and  scharp  and  redy  al  his  gere  352 

His  table  dormant1  in  his  halle  alway 

Stood  redy  couered  al  Jje  longe  day 

At1  sessions  Jjer  was  he  lord  and  sire 

Ful  ofte  tyme  he  was  knight  of1  pe  schire  356 

An  Anlas  and  a  gipser  al  of1  silk1 

heng1  at  his  gerdul  whit1  as  morne  mylk1 

A  schirreue  hadde  he  ben  and  a  counter 

was  nowher  such  a  worthi  vauaser  360 

AN  haburdassher  and  a  Carpenter 
A  webbe  a  deyer  and  a  Tapicer 
weren  with  vss  eeke  clothed  in  oo  lyuere 
Of1  a  solempne  and  gref  fraternite  364 

Ful  freissh  and  newe  his  gere  piked  was 
Here  knyfes  were  I-chapud  nat1  with  bras 
But1  al  with  siluer  wrought1  ful  clene  and  wel 
here  gurdles  and  here  pouches  euery  del  368 

wel  semed  eche  of1  hem  a  fair  burgeys 
To  sitten  in  a  ^eldehalle  on  ]>Q  deys 
Euery  man  for  Jje  wisdom  J?at  he  can 
was  schaply  for  to  ben  an  aldurman  •  372 

For  Catel  hadde  fey  Inough  and  rente  / 
And  eek1  here  wyfes  wolde  it1  wel  assente  / 
And  elles  certeyn  hadde  J?ei  ben  to  blame 
It  is  right1  fair  for  to  be  clept1  Ma  Dame  376 

And  for  to  go  to  vigilies  al  byfore 
And  han  a  mantel  rially  I-bore 

A  Cook1  J?ei  hadde  with  hem  for  pe  nones 
To  boyle  chiknes  and  J?e  mary  bones  380 

And  poudre  marchawnt  /  tart1  and  galyngale  [ieaf&\ 

wel  cowde  he  knowe  a  drau^t1  of1  londown  ale 
He  cowde  roste  sethe  boille  and  frie 

Make  mortreux  and  wel  bake  a  pye  384 

But1  gret1  harm  was  it  as  it1  semede  mo 


12    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harlcian  7334. 

That1  on  his  schyne  a  mormal  hadde  he 
For  blankmanger  he  made  with  J?e  beste 

ASchipman  was  ]>er  wonyng  fer  by  weste  388 

For  ought1 1  woof  he  was  of  Dertemouthe 
He  rood  vpon  a  rouncy  as  he  cou]?e 
In  a  gowne  of1  faldyng1  to  J?e  kne 

A  dagger  hangyng1  on  a  laas  hadde  he  392 

Aboute  his  nekke  vnder  his  arm  a  doun 
The  hoote  somer  had  maad  his  hew  al  brotm 
And  certeinly  he  was  a  good  felawe 

Fill  many  a  draught  of1  wyn  had  he  drawe  396 

From  Burdeuxward,  whil  ]?at  fe  chapman  sleep 
Of  nyce  conscience  took1  he  no  keep 
If1  pat1  he  foughte  and  hadde  j?e  hei3er  hand 
By  water  he  sente  hem  hoom  to  euery  land  400 

But1  of1  his  craft1  to  rikne  wel  ]?e  tydes 
his  stremes  and  his  dangers  him  bisides 
His  herbergh  and  his  mone  his  lodeuienage 
Ther  was  non  such  from  hulle  to  Cartage  404 

Hardy  he  was  and  wys  to  vndertake 
with  many  a  tempest1  hath  his  berd  ben  schake 
He  knew  wel  alle  J>e  hauenes  as  Jiei  were 
From  Scotlond  to  the  cape  of1  fynestere  408 

And  euery  Cryk1  in  Bretayne  and  in  Spayne 
His  Barge  y-clepud  was  the  Magdelayne 

Ther  was  also  a  Doctour  of1  phisik1 
In  al  J)is  world  ne  was  J>er  non  him  lyk1  412 

To  speke  of1  phisik1  and  of  Surgerye 
For  he  was  groundud  in  astronomye 
he  kepte  his  pacient1  wondurly  wel 

In  houres  by  his  magik1  naturel  416 

wel  cowde  he  fortune  the  ascendent 
Of1  his  ymages  for  his  pacient1 

He  knew  Jie  cause  of1  euery  maladye  [lea/e,  backj 

were  it1  of1  cold  or  hete  or  moyst1  or  drye  420 

And  where  J?ei  engendrid  and  of1  what1  humour 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334.    13 

he  was  a  verrey  parfight1  practisour 

The  cause  I-knowe  and  of  his  harm  )>e  roote 

Anon  he  ^af  J?e  syke  man  his  boote  424 

Ful  redy  hadde  he  his  apotecaries 

To  sende  him  dragges  and  his  letuaries 

For  eche  of1  hem  made  ojnir  to  wynne 

Here  frendschipe  nas  not  newe  to  begynne  428 

wel  knew  he  J)e  olde  Esculapius 

And  deiscorides.  and  eeke  Rusus 

Old  ypocras.  haly  and  Galien 

Serapyou.  Eazis  and  Auycen  432 

Auerrois  damascen  and  Constantyn 

Bernad  and  Gatisden  and  Gilbertyn 

Of  his  diete  mesurable  was  he 

For  it  was  of*  no  super fluite  436 

But1  of  gret1  norisching1  and  digestible 

His  studie  was  but1  litel  on  J?e  bible 

In  sangwyn  and  in  pers  he  clad  was  al 

Lyned  with  taffata  and  with  Sendal  440 

And  3  it  he  was  but  esy  in  dispence 

He  kepte  J>af  he  wan  in  pestilence 

For  gold  in  phisik1  is  a  cordial 

Ther  fore  he  louede  gold  in  special  444 

A  Good  wif1  was  ]>er  of1  byside  bathe 
But  sche  was  somdel  deef  and  Jjat1  was  skajje 
Of*  cloth  makyng1  sche  hadde  such  an  haunt 
Sche  passed  hem  of1  ypris  and  of1  Gaunt  448 

In  al  J>e  parisshe  wyf1  ne  was  ther  noon 
That1  to  J?e  offryng1  byforn  hire  schulde  goon 
And  if1  )?er  dide  certeyn  so  wroth  was  sche 
That1  sche  was  ]?anne  out1  of1  alle  charite  452 

hire  keuerchefs  weren  ful  fyne  of1  grounde 
I  durste  swere  J>ey  wey^ede  ten  pounde 
That1  on  a  sonday  were  vpon  hire  heed 
hire  hosen  were  of  fyn  scarlett  reed  456 

Ful  streyte  y-teyed  and  schoos  ful  moyste  and  newe     Oa/7] 


14    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334. 

Bold  was  hir  face  and  fair  and  reed  of1  heewe 

Sche  was  a  worf  y  womman  al  hire  lyfe 

Housbondes  atte  clnrcbe  dore  badde  sche  fyfe  460 

withouten  of  ur  companye  in  ^outhe 

But1  therof1  needeth  nou^t1  to  speke  as  noutbe 

And  fries  hadde  sche  ben  at1  lerusalem 

Sche  hadde  passud  many  a  st?*aunge  streem  464 

At  Eome  sche  hadde  ben  and  at1  Boloyne 

In  Galice  at1  seynt1  lame  and  at1  Coloyne 

Sche  cowde  moche  of1  wandryng1  by  f  e  weye 

Gattothud  was  sche  sofly  for  to  seye  4G8 

vppon  an  amblere  esely  sche  sat 

wymplid  ful  wel  and  on  hire  heed  an  hat 

As  brood  as  is  a  bocler  or  a  Targe 

A  foot1  mantel  aboute  hire  hupes  large  472 

And  on  hire  feet  a  paire  of1  spores  scharpe 

In  felawschipe  wel  cowde  lawghe  and  carpe 

Of1  liemedyes  of1  lone  sche  knew  par  chaunce 

For  ofH  fat1  art1  sche  knew  fe  olde  daunce  476 

A  Good  man  was  ther  of  Religiozm 
And  was  a  pore  persorw  of1  a  toun 
But  riche  he  was  of1  holy  fought  and  werk1 
He  was  also  a  lerned  man  a  Clerk1  480 

That  cristes  gospel  gladly  wolde  preche 
His  parischens  deuoutly  wold  he  teche 
Benigne  he  was  and  wondur  diligent 

And  in  aduersite  ful  pacient  484 

And  such  he  was  I-proued  ofte  sithes 
Ful  loth  were  him  to  curse  for  his  tythes 
But1  raf  er  wolde  he  3euen  out1  of1  dowte 
vnto  his  pore  parisschens  aboute  488 

Of1  his  offrynge  and  eek1  of1  his  substawnce 
he  cowde  in  litel  f  ing1  han  suffisance 
wyd  was  his  parisch  and  houses  fer  asondur 
But1  he  ne  lafte  not1  for  reyn  ne  fondur  492 

In  siknesse  ne  in  meschief1  to  visite 


GROUP  A.    §  1.   GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334.    15 

The  ferrest1  in  his  parissche  moche  and  lite 

Vppon  his  feet  and  in  his  hond  a  staf1  \ieaf  T,  &ac&] 

This  noble  ensample  vnto  his  scheep  he  3af"  496 

That1  ferst1  he  wroughte  and  after  J)at  he  taughte 

Out1  of1  J>e  gospel  he  jjo  wordes  caughte  / 

And  f)is  figure  he  addid  ^it1  ]>erto 

That1  if1  gold  ruste  what1  schulde  yren  doo  ?  500 

For  if1  a  prest  be  foul  on  whom  we  truste 

No  wondur  is  a  lewid  man  to  ruste ; 

And  schame  it  is  if1  a  prest1  take  kepe 

A  schiten  schepperd  and  a  clone  schepe  504 

wel  oughte  a  prest  ensample  for  to  ^iue 

By  his  clennesse  how  fat1  his  scheep  schulde  lyue 

he  sette  not1  his  benefice  to  huyre 

And  lefte  his  scheep  encombred  in  f  e  myre  508 

And  ran  to  londown  vnto  seynte  poules 

To  seeken  him  a  chaunterie  for  soules 

Or  with  a  brethurhede  be  wijj-holde 

But1  dwelte  at1  hoom  and  kepte  wel  his  f olde  /  512 

So  fat1  J>e  wolf1  ne  made  it  not  myscarye 

He  was  a  scheppotrde  and  no  mercenarie 

And  fough  he  holy  were  and  vertuous 

he  was  to  senful  man  nought1  dispitous  516 

Ne  of1  his  speche  daungerous  ne  digne 

But1  in  his  teching1  discret1  and  benigne 

To  drawe  folk1  to  heuen  by  clennesse 

By  good  ensample  was  his  busynesse  520 

But1  it  were  eny  pm'sone  obstinat1 

what1  so  he  were  of1  high  or  lowe  estat1 

him  wolde  he  snybbe  scharply  for  J?e  nones 

A  bettre  preest  I  trowe  ther  nowher  non  is  524 

he  waytud  after  no  pompe  ne  reuerence 

!Ne  maked  him  a  spiced  conscience  / 

But1  cristes  lore  and  his  apostles  twelue 

he  taught1,  and  ferst1  he  folwed  it1  himselue  528 

"ITTTith  hem  per  was  a  plough  man  his  brojmr 


16    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harlcian  7334. 

That1  hadde  I-lad  of1  dong1  ful  many  a  fojmr 

A  trewe  swynker  and  a  good  was  hee 

Lyuynge  in  pees  and  parfi^t1  charitee  532 

God  loued  he  best*  al  his  trewe  herte  [leaf  9,} 

At1  alle  tymes  pough  him  gamed  or  smerte 

And  J?anne  his  neighebour  right1  as  himselue 

He  wolde  threisshe  and  ]>erto  dyke  and  delue  536 

For  cristes  sake  with  euery  pore  wight1 

wifouten  huyre  if  it1  laye  in  his  might* 

His  tythes  payede  he  ful  faire  and  wel 

Bathe  of1  his  owne  swynk1  and  his  catel  540 

In  a  tabbard  Eood  vpon  a  mere 

Ther  was  also  a  Eeeue  and  a  mellere 
A  sompnour  and  a  pardoner  also 
A  maunciple  and  my  self1  J>er  was  no  mo  544 

THe  mellere  was  a  stout1  carl  for  pe  nones 
Full  big1  he  was  of1  braun  and  eek1  of  boones  / 
That1  preuede  wel  for  ouer  al  J?er  he  cam 
At  wrastlynge  he  wolde  bere  awey  J>e  Earn  548 

He  was  schort1  schuldred  broode  a  Jjikke  knarre 
Ther  was  no  dore  fat1  he  nolde  heue  of1  harre 
Or  breke  it  with  a  rennyng1  with  his  heed 
his  berd  as  ony  so  we  or  fox  was  reed  552 

And  Jjerto  brood  as  jjough  it1  were  a  spade 
vpon  J?e  cop  right1  of1  his  nose  he  hade 
A  werte  and  J>er  on  stood  a  tuft1  of  heres 
Eeede  as  ]?e  berstles  of1  a  souwes  eeres  556 

his  nose-Jmrles  blake  were  and  wyde 
A  swerd  and  a  bocler  baar  he  by  his  side 
His  mouth  as  wyde  was  as  a  gret1  forneys 
he  was  a  Tangier  and  a  golyardeys  560 

And  fat1  was  most1  of1  synne  and  harlotries 
wel  cowde  he  stele  corn  and  tollen  fries 
And  ^et1  he  hadde  a  fombe  of1  golde  parde 
A  whi^t1  cote  and  blewe  hood  wered  he  564 

A  bagge  pipe,  cowde  he  blowe  and  sowne 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334.    17 

And  ferwif  al  he  brought1  vs  out*  of  towne 

AGeutil  maunciple  was  ther  of1  a  temple 
Of1  which  achatours  mighten  take  exemple  568 

For  to  be  wys  in  beyyng1  of1  vitaille 
For  whejjur  fat1  he  payde  or  took1  by  taille 
Algate  he  wayted  so  in  his  acate  [fc«/s,  back] 

That1  he  was  ay  biforn  and  in  good  state  572 

ISTow  is  not  fat1  of1  god  a  ful  fair  grace 
That  such  a  lewed  mannes  wit1  schal  pace 
The  wisdom  of  an  heep  of  lernede  men 
Of*  maystres  hadde  inoo  fan  fries  ten  576 

That1  were  of1  lawe  expert  and  curious 
Of  which  f  er  were  a  doseyn  in  an  hous 
worthi  to  be  stiwardj  of  Eente  and  lond 
Of1  any  lord  fat1  is  in  Engelond  580 

To  make  him  lyue  by  his  propre  good 
In  honour  detteles  but  if1  he  were  wood 
Of  lyue  as  scarsly  as  he  can  desire 

And  able  for  to  helpen  al  a  schire  584 

In  any  caas  fat  mighte  falle  or  happe 
And  ^it1  this  maunciple  sette  here  aller  cappe 

The  Reeue  was  a  sklendre  colerik  man 
his  berd  was  schaue  as  neigh  as  euer  he  can  588 

his  heer  was  by  his  Eres  neigh  I-schorn 
his  top  was  dockud  lyk1  a  preest1  biforn 
Ful  longe  wern  his  leggus  and  ful  lene 
Al  like  a  staff1  ther  was  no  calf1  y-sene  592 

wel  cowde  he  kepe  a  gerner  and  a  bynne 
Ther  was  non  auditour  cowde  on  him  wynne 
wel  wiste  he  by  the  drought1  and  by  f  e  Reyn 
The  ^eeldyng1  of  his  seed  and  of  his  greyn  596 

his  lordes  scheep  his  neet  his  dayerie 
his  swyn  his  hors  his  stoor  and  his  pultrie 
was  holly  in  this  Reeues  gouernynge 

And  by  his  couenawnt  ^af1  fe  Rekenynge  600 

Syn  fat  his  lord  was  .xx*'  $eer  of1  age 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  C 


18    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harlcian  7334. 

Ther  couthe  noman  "bringe  him  in  arrerage 

Ther  nas  baillif1  ne  herde  ne  of  er  hyne 

That1  fey  ne  knewe  his  sleight1  and  his  couyne  604 

They  were  adrad  of  him  as  of*  f  e  deth 

his  wonyng1  was  fill  fair  vpon  an  heth 

wif  grene  trees  I-schadewed  was  his  place 

he  cowde  bettre  fan  his  lord  purchace  608 

Ful  riche  he  was  I-stored  priuely  [/<?<*/ 9] 

His  lord  wel  couthe  he  plese  subtilly 

To  $eue  him  and  lene  him  of*  his  owne  good 

And  haue  a  f  ank1  a  cote  and  eek1  an  hood  6 1 2 

In  3011  fe  he  lerned  hadde  a  good  mester 

he  was  a  wel  good  wriglif  a  carpenter 

This  Eeeue  sat1  vpon  a  wel  good  stot1 

That1  was  a  pomely  gray  and  highte  Scot1  616 

A  long1  surcote  of1  blew  vppon  he  hadde 

And  by  his  side  he  bar  a  Eusty  bladde 

Of  Northfolk1  was  f  is  Eeene  of1  which  I  telle 

By  side  a  toun  men  callen  Ealdeswelle  620 

Tukkud  he  was  as  is  a  frere  aboute 

And  euer  he  rood  the  hynderest1  of1  fe  route 

ASompnour  was  f  er  with  vs  in  fat1  place 
That1  hadde  a  fyr-reed  Cherubyns  face  624 

For  sawceflem  he  was  with  ey^en  narwe 
As  hoot1  he  was  and  leccherous  as  a  sparwe 
"VVif  skalled  browes  blak  and  piled  herd 
Of1  his  visage  children  weren  aferd  628 

Ther  nas  quyk1  siluer  litarge  ne  bremston 
Boras  Ceruce  ne  oille  of  Tartre  noon 
Ne  oynemenf  fat1  wolde  dense  and  byte 
That1  him  might1  helpen  of  his  whelkes  white  632 

!Ne  of1  fe  knobbes  sittyng1  on  his  cheekes 
wel  loued  he  gaiieek1  oynomis  and  ek1  leekes 
And  for  to  drinke  strong1  wyn  reed  as  blood 
Thanne  wolde  he  speke  and  crye  as  he  were  wood          636 
And  whan  that1  he  wel  dronken  hadde  f  e  wyn 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleiaii  7334.    19 

Than  wolde  he  speke  no  word  but*  latyn 

A  fewe  termes  hadde  he  tuo  or  Jjre 

That  he  hadde  lerned  out*  of*  som  decree  640 

No  wondur  is  he  herde  it  al  J)e  day 

And  eek1  30  knowe  wel  how  J}at*  a  lay 

Can  clepe  watte  as  wel  as  can  J?e  pope 

But1  who-so  wolde  in  ojmr  Jnng1  him  grope  644 

Thanne  hadde  he  spent1  al  his  philosophic 

Ay  questio  quid  luris  wolde  he  crye 

He  was  a  gentil  harlot  and  a  kynde  o«/9,  &«<*] 

A  bettre  felaw  schulde  men  nowher  fynde  648 

He  wolde  suffre  for  a  quart1  of  wyn 

A  good  felawe  han  his  concubyn 

A  .xij.  moneth.  and  excuse  him  atte  fulle 

And  pryuely  a  Fynch  eek  cowde  he  pulle  652 

And  if1  he  fond  owher  a  good  felawe 

he' wolde  teche  him  for  to  haue  non  awe 

In  such  a  caas  of1  ]?e  archedekiies  curs 

But1  if*  a  mannes  soule  were  in  his  purs  656 

For  in  his  purs  he  scholde  punyssched  be 

Purs  is  the  Ercedeknes  helle  q?wd  he 

But1  wel  I  woot  he  lyeth  right*  in  dede 

Of1  cursyng*  oweth  ech  gulty  man  to  drede  660 

For  curs  wol  slee.  right1  as  assoillyng*  saueth 

And  also  ware  him  of  a  Significant 

In  daunger  he  hadde  at1  his  owne  assise 

The  $onge  gurles  of*  the  Diocise  664 

And  knew  here  cownseil  and  was  al  here  red 

A  garland  had  he  set1  vpon  his  heed 

As  gret  as  it  were  for  an  ale  stake 

A  bokeler  had  he  maad  him  of  a  cake  668 

With  him  J>er  rood  a  gentil  Pardoner 
Of*  Kounciual  his  frend  and  his  com  per 
That1  streyt1  was  comen  from  J?e  court1  of*  Rome 
Ful  lowde  he  sang  com  hider  loue  tome  672 

The  sompnour  bar  to  him  a  stif*  burdoeoi 

c  2 


20    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334. 

was  neuere  trompe  of  half1  so  gret1  a  souri) 

This  pardoner  hadde  heer  as  3elwe  as  wex 

But  smothe  it  heng1.  as  doth  a  strike  ofH  Flex  676 

By  vrices  hynge  his  lokkes  fat  he  hadde 

And  f  erwith  he  his  schuldres  ouerspradde 

Ful  thenne  it  lay  by  culpons  on  and  0011 

And  hood  for  lolitee  ne  wered  he  noon  680 

For  it  was  trussud  vp  in  his  walet 

Him  fought1  he  rood  al  of  f  e  newe  get1 

Uischeuele  sauf1  liis  cappe  he  rood  al  bare 

Suche  glaryng1  ey3en  hadde  he  as  an  hare  684 

A  vernicle  hadde  he  sowed  on  his  cappe  L 7*0/10] 

His  walet1  lay  byforn  him  in  his  lappe 

Bret1  ful  of1  pardozm  come  from  Home  al  lioot 

A  voys  he  hadde  as  sinal  as  eny  goot  688 

No  berd  ne  hadde  he  ne  neuer  scholde  haue 

As  smothe  it  was  as  it  ware  late  I-schaue  / 

I  trowe  he  were  a  geldyng1  or  a  mare 

But1  of1  his  craft1  fro  Berwyk1  vnto  ware  602 

JSTe  was  f  er  such  another  pardoner 

For  in  his  male  he  hadde  a  pilwebeer 

which  fat  he  saide  was  oure  lady  veyl 

he  seide  he  hadde  a  gobet1  of1  fe  seyl  69.6 

That  seynt1  Petur  hadde  whan  he  wente 

Vppon  f  e  see  til  iliu  crist1  him  hente 

he  hadde  a  cros  of1  latoun  ful  of1  stones 

And  in  a  glas  he  hadde  pigges  bones  700 

But1  with  fise  relives  whanne  fat  he  faiul 

A  pore  pa-rsoun  dwellyng1  vppon  land 

vpon  a  day  he  gat  him  more  moneye 

Than  fat  fe  p«rsoim  gat1  in  monthes  tweye  704 

And  fus  with  feyned  flaterie  and  Tapes 

he  made  f  e  parsoun  and  f  e  poeple  his  apes 

But1  trewely  to  tellen  atte  laste 

He  was  in  churche  a  noble  ecclesiaste  708 

wel  cowde  he  rede  a  lessoun  or  a  story  e 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleiaii  7334.    21 

But1  altherbest1  he  sang1  an  offertorie 

For  wel1  he  whan  fat  song1  was  songe  c1  later  wyst  at  side} 

he  moste  preche  and  wel  affyle  his  tunge  712 

To  wynne  siluer  as  he  right1  wel  cowde 

Therefore  he  sang1  ful  meriely  and  lowde 

N'Ow  haue  I  told  3011  schortly  in  a  clause 
Thestat1  f  array  f  e  nombre  and  eek1  f  e  cause          7 1 G 
why  fat1  assembled  was  f  is  companye 
In  Southwerk1  at1  f  is  gentil  Ostelrie 
That1  highte  f  e  Tabbard  faste  by  f  e  belle 
But1  now  is  tyme  to-jow  for  to  telle  720 

how  fat  we  bare  vs  in  fat1  ilke  night 
whan  we  were  in  that  Ostelrie  alight1 
And  aftur  wol  I  telle  of1  oure  viage  [>a/io,  bitck-~\ 

And  al  fe  remena^nt  of1  oure  pilgrimage  724 

But1  ferst1 1  pray  3011  of1  jour  curtesie 
That1  36  ne  rette  it  naf  my  vilanye 
Though  fat1 1  speke  al  pleyn  in  f is  matere 
And  telle  jou  here  wordes  and  here  cheere  728 

Ne  though  I  speke  here  wordes  propurly 
For  f  is  je  knowen  also  wel  as  I 
who-so  schal  telle  a  tale  aftur  a  man 

He  moste  reherce  as  neigh  as  euer  he  can  732 

Euery  word  if  it  be  in  his  charge 
Al  speke  he  neuer  so  Rudely  ne  large 
Or  elles  he  moot1  telle  his  tale  vntrewe 
Or  feyne  fing1  or  fynde  his  wordes  newe  736 

He  may  not1  spare  fough  he  were  his  brof  ur 
He  moste  as  wel  sey  oo  word  as  anof  ur 
Crist1  spak1  himself  ful  broode  in  holy  writ 
And  wel  $e  woot1  no  vilanye  is  it  740 

Eke  Plato  seith  who-so  fat1  can  him  rede 
The  wordes  mot1  be  cosyn  to  f  e  dede 
Also  I  pray  jou  to  forjeue  it  me 

Al  haue  I  folk1  nat1  set1  in  here  degre  744 

Here  in  f  is  tale  as  fat1  f  ei  schulde  stonde 


22    GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334. 

My  witt1  is  thynne.  36  may  wel  vndurstonde 

GReet*  clieere  made  cure  ost1  vs  euerichon 
And  to  pe  souper  sette  he  vs  anon  748 

He  serued  vs  with  vitaille  atte  beste 
Strong1  was  j>e  wyn  and  wel  to  drynke  vs  leste 
A  semely  man  oure  Ooste  was  wip  alle 
For  to  han  been  a  Marchal  in  an  halle  752 

A  large  man  was  he  with  ey^en  stepe 
A  fairere  burgeys  is  per  noon  in  chepe 
Bold  of1  his  speche  and  wys  and  wel  I-taught1 
And  of*  manhede  lakkede  he  right  naught  75G 

Eke  perto  he  was  right1  a  mery  man 
And  after  soper  playen  he  bygan 
And  spat  of*  myrthe.  among1  opur  pinges 
whan  pat  we  hadde  maad  our  rekenynges  760 

And  sayde  pus.  Lo  lordynges  trewely  [^o/ii] 

3e  ben  to  me  right*  welcome  hertily 
For  by  my  trouthe  if*  pat*  I  schal  not*  lye 
I  ne  saugh  pis  ^eer  so  mery  a  companye  764 

At  oones  in  this  herbergh  as  is  now 
Fayn  wold  I  do  }ow  merthe  wiste  I  how 
And  of*  a  merthe  I  am  right*  now  by  thought1 
To  doon  3ou  eese  and  it*  schal  coste  nought*  768 

3e  goon  to  Caunturbury  god  }ou  speede 
The  blisful  martir  quyte  3ou  ^oure  meede 
And  wel  I  woot/  as  30  gon  by  pe  weye 
3e  schapeii  30 w  to  talken  and  to  pleye  772 

For  trewely  comfort*  ne  merthe  is  noon 
To  Ryde  by  pe  weye  domb  as  a  stooii 
And  perfore  wol  I  make  3ou  disport1  / 
As  I  seyde  erst1  and  do  3011  som  conforf  776 

And  if1  3ow  liketh  alle  by  oon  assent 
jNTow  for  to  standen  at*  my  luggement 
And  for  to  werken  as  I  schal  3011  seye 
To  morwe  whan  36  riden  by  J?e  weye  780 

Now  by  my  fadres  soule  pat  is  deed 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334.    23 

But  36  be  merye  sniytep  of*  myii  heed 

hold  vp  3oure  hond  with-oute  more  speche 

Oure  counseil  was  not  longe  for  to  seehe  784 

vs  poughte  it  nas  nafr  worp  to  make  it  wys 

And  graunted  him  wipoute  more  avys 

And  bad  him  seie  his  verdite  as  him  leste 

LOrdynges  quo])  he  now  herkenep  for  pe  beste  788 

But  taketh  not1 1  pray  ^ou  in  disdayn 
This  is  ]>e  poynt  to  speken  schort1  and  playn 
That1  ech  of  3ow  to  schorte  with  3oure  weie  / 
In  pis  viage  schal  telle  tales  tweye  792 

To  Caunturburiward  I  mene  it  so 
And  homward  he  schal  tellen  opur  tuo 
Of*  auentures  pat1  per  han  bifalle 

And  which  of1  30 w  paf  berep  him  best1  of  alle  796 

That  is  to  seye  pat  tellep  in  pis  caas 
Tales  of1  best1  sentence  and  of1  solas 
Schal  han  a  soper  at1  ^our  alper  cost  oa/ii,&«cA-] 

Here  in  pis  place  sittynge  by  pis  post1  800 

whan  pat  we  comen  ageyn  from  Canturbery 
And  for  to  make  3011  pe  more  mery 
I  wol  my  seluen  gladly  with  3ou  ryde 
Right1  at1  myn  owen  cost1  and  be  joure  gyde  804 

And  who-so  wole  my  luggement1  withseie 
Schal  paye  for  al  we  spenden  by  pe  weye 
And  if1  36  vouche  sauf1  pat  it  be  so 

Telle  me  anoon  wipouten  wordes  moo  808 

And  I  wole  erely  schappe  me  perfore 
This  ping1  was  graunted  and  oure  othus  swore 
with  ful  glad  herte  and  prayden  him  also 
That1  he  would  vouche  sauf1  for  to  doon  so  812 

And  pat1  he  wolde  ben  oure  gouernour 
And  of1  our  tales  lugge  and  reportour 
And  sette  a  souper  at  a  certeyn  prys 

And  we  wolde  rewled  be  at  his  deuys  816 

In  heygh  and  lowe.  and  pus  by  oon  assent 


24    GROUP  A.    §  1.   GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334. 

We  been  acorded  to  his  luggement 

And  J>er-vpon  Jje  wyn  was  fet*  anoon 

we  dronken  and  to  reste  wente  echoon.  820 

wifouten  eny  lengere  taryinge 

A  morwe  whan  fat1  ]>Q  day  bigan  to  sprynge 

vp  roos  oure  Ost1  and  was  oure  althur  cok1 

And  gaderud  vs  to-gidur  alle  in  a  flok1  824 

And  forth  we  riden  a  litel  more  fan  paas 

vnto  fe  waterynge  of1  seint  Thomas 

And  fere  oure  Osf  bigan  his  hors  areste 

And  seyde  lordus  herkenef  if1  3ow  leste  828 

3e  woot1  3oure  forward  and  I  it  3011  recorde 

If1  euesong1  and  morwesong1  acorde 

L°,t  se  now  who  schal  telle  ferst  a  tale 

As  euere  I  moote  drinke  wyn  or  ale  832 

who-so  be  rebel  to  my  luggeme/jt 

Schal  paye  for  al  fat1  by  the  weye  is  spent 

Now  draweth  Cut/  er  fat*  we  forther  twynne 

which  fat1  hath  fe  schortest  schal  bygynne  836 

Sire  knight*  quof  he  maister  and  niy  lord  Ou/i2] 

Now  draweth  Cut.  for  fat  is  myn  acord 

Cometh  ner  qwod  he  my  lady  prioresse 

And  36  sir  Clerk  lat1  be  3our  schamfastnesse  840 

Ne  studieth  nat  ley  hand  to  euery  man 

Anon  to  drawen  euery  wight1  bigan 

And  schortly  for  to  tellen  as  it1  was 

were  it  by  auenture  or  sort1  or  cas  844 

The  soth  is  J?is  the  Cut  fil  to  the  knightf 

Of1  which  ful  glad  and  blife  was  euery  wight 

And  telle  he  moste  his  tale  as  was  resoun 

By  forward  and  by  composickmn  848 

As  30  han  herd  what  needejj  wordes  moo 

And  whan  J>is  goode  man  seigh  Jjat  it  was  so 

As  he  that1  wys  was  and  obedient1 

To  kepe  his  forward  by  his  fre  assent1  852 

He  seyde  syn  I  schal  bygynne  the  game 


GROUP  A.    §  1.    GENERAL  PROLOGUE.    Harleian  7334.    25 

what1  welcome  "be  J>ou  cut1,  a  goddus  name 

Now  lat  vs  ryde  and  herknejj  what  I  seye 

And  with  J?af  word  we  riden  for]?  oure  weye  856 

And  he  "bigan  with  right1  a  merie  cheref 

His  tale,  and  seide  right  in  pis  manere. 

\break  of  one  line  in  the  MS.] 


26     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 


WHilom  as  olde  stories  tellen  vs  [o»  leaf  12] 

Ther  was  a  Duk1  J?at  highte  Theseus  860 

Of1  Athenes  he  was.  lord  and  gouernour 
And  in  his  tyme  swich  a  conquerour 
That1  gretter  was  ther  non  vnder  J>e  sonne 
Ful  many  a  Biche  Contre  hadde  he  wonne  864 

That1  with  his  wisdam  and  his  chiualrie 
He  conquered  al  the  regne  of1  Femynye 
That1  whilom  was  I-cleped  Cithea 

And  weddede  the  queen  Ipolita  868 

And  brought1  hire  hoom  with  him  in  his  Contre 
with  moche  glorie  and  gret1  solempnite 
And  eek1  hire  $onge  suster  Emelye 

And  fus  with  victorie  and  with  melodye  872 

Lete  I  ]?is  noble  duk1  to  Athenes  ryde  / 
And  al  his  Ost1  in  armes  him  biside  [/«»/i2,6ocA.-] 

At1  certes  if  it  nere  to  long1  to  heere 

I  wolde  han  told  $ow  fully  ]je  manere  876 

How  wonnen  was  the  regne  of1  Femenye 
By  Theseus  and  by  his  Chiualrye 
And  of1  J?e  grete  bataille  for  J?e  nones 

By-twix  athenes.  and  amazones  880 

And  how  asegid  was  ypolita 
The  faire  hardy  Quyen  of  Cithea 
And  of1  }>e  feste  that1  was  at1  hire  weddynge 
And  of1  J?e  tempest1  at  hire  hoom  comynge  884 

But  al  jmt  jjing1 1  most  as  now  forbere 
I  haue  god  wot1  a  large  feeld  to  Ere 
And  wayke  ben  j)e  Oxen  in  my  plough 
The  remenawnt  of1  the  tale  is  long1 1-nough  888 

I  wol  not  lette  eek1.  non  of1  al  j)is  rowte 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     27 

lat1  euery  felawe  telle  his  tale  aboute 

And  lat1  see  now  who  schal  pe  soper  wynne  891 

And  ther  I  lafte  I  wolde  agayn  begynne  [6mifr  ofonf  Uite 

This  Duk1  of*  whom  I  make  mencioun 
whan  he  was  comen  almost1  vnto  pe  toun 
In  al  his  wele  and  in  his  moste  pryde 
he  was  war  as  he  cast1  his  ey^e  aside  896 

wher  pat1  ther  kneled  in  pe  hye  weye 
A  companye  of*  ladies  tweye  and  tweye 
Ech  after  other  clad  in  elopes  blake 

But1  such  a  cry  and  such  a  woo  pey  make  900 

That  in  pis  world  nys  creature  lyuynge 
Ther  herde  such  anoper  weymentynge 
And  of1  pat1  cry  ne  wolde  pey  neuer  stenten 
Til  pey  pe  Eeynes  of  his  bridel  henten  904 

what1  folk1  be  ^e  pat1  at1  myn  hom  comynge 
Partourben  so  my  feste  with  cryenge 
Quod.  Theseus,  haue  30  so  gret1  enuye 

Of1  myn  honour  pat1  pus  compleyne  and  eric  908 

Or  who  hath  ^ow  mysboden  or  offendid 
And  tellep  me  if1  it1  may  ben  amendid. 
And  why  pat  $e  ben  clad  pus  al  in  blak*  [^«/i»] 

The  oldest1  lady  of  hem  alle  spak«  912 

whan  sche  had  swowned  with  a  dedly  chere 
That  it  was  routhe  for  to  seen  or  heere 
And  seyde  lord  to  whom  fortune  hap  ^euen 
victorie  and  as  a  conquerour  to  luyen  916 

Nought1  greueth  vs  3oure  glorie  and  honour 
But  we  beseken  mercy  and  socour 
Haue  mercy  on  oure  woo  and  oure  distresse 
Som  drope  of1  pitee  thurgh  $oure  gentilnesse  920 

Vppon  vs  wrecchede  wo??tmen  lat1  pou  falle 
For  cerfcus  lord,  ther  nys  noon  of1  vs  alle 
That1  sche  nath  ben  a  duchesse  or  a  queene 
Now  be  we  Caytifs  as  it  is  wel  seene  92i 

Thanked  be  fortune,  and  hire  false  wheel 


28    GROUP  A.     §  2.    KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 


That1  noon  estat1  assureth  to  ben  weel 
And  certus  lord  to  abiden  ^oure  presence 
1Ther  in  pe  temple  of1  pe  goddesse  Clemence 
we  ban  ben  waytynge  al  pis  fourtenight 
Now  helpe  vs  lord  syn  it  is  in  py  might 
I  wrecclie  which  pat1  wepe  and  waylle  pus 
was  whilom  wyf1  to  kyng1  Capaneus 
That  starf1  at1  Thebes,  cursed  be  pat1  day 
And  alle  we  pat1  ben  in  pis  array 
And  maken  alle  pis  lamentacio?^n 
we  leften  alle  oure  housbondes  at  pe  toun 
whil  pat1  pe  sege.  per  aboute  lay 
And  ^et  pe  olde  Creon  welaway 
That1  lord  is  now  of1  thebes  pe  citee 
Fulfilde  of1  Ire  and  of1  Iniquite 
He  for  despyt1  and  for  his  Tyrannye 
To  do  pe  deede  bodyes  vilonye 
Of1  alle  oure  lordes  which  fat  ben  I-slawe 
Ha))  alle  pe  bodies  on  an  heep  y-drawe 
And  wol  not1  suffren  hem  by  noon  assent1 
Nother  to  ben  y-buried  nor  I-brenf 
But1  make]?  houndes  ete  hem  in  despite 
And  with  pat1  word  withoute  more  respite 
They  fillen  gruf1  and  criden  pitously 
haue  on  vs  wrecched  wommen  som  mercy 
And  lat  oure  sorwe  synken  in  thyn  herte 
This  gentil  duke  doun  from  his  courser  sterte/ 
with  herte  pitous  whan  he  herde  hem  speke 
him  poughte  pat  his  herte  wolde  breke 
whan  he  seyh  hem  so  pitous  and  so  maat1 
That  whilom  weren  of  so  gret  estat1 
And  in  his  armes  he  hem  alle  vp  hente 
And  hem  confortep  in  ful  good  entente 
And  swor  his  oth  as  he  was  trewe  knight1 
he  wolde  do  so  ferforply  his  might 
vpon  pe  tyrazmt  Creon  hem  to  wreke 


928 

a  later  '  here '  in 
margin} 


932 


936 


940 


944 


[leaf  13, 


948 


952 


95G 


900 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     29 

That1  al  ]?e  poeple  of1  grece  scliolde  speke 

how  Creon  was  of*  Theseus  y-serued 

As  he  ]?at  haj>  his  deth  right  wel  deserued  964 

And  right*  anoon  wipoute  eny  abood 

his  baner  he  desplaye))  and  forjj  rood 

To  Thebes-ward,  and  al  his  oost1  bysyde 

No  ner  athenes  wolde  he  go  ne  ryde  968 

NQ  take  his  eese  fully  half1  a  day 

But1  onward  on  his  way  J?at  nyght  he  lay 

And  sente  anoon  ypolita  fe  queene 

And  Emelye  hir  ^onge  suster  schene  972 

vnto  the  toun  of  athenes  to  dwelle 

And  forth  he  ryt  j)er  is  no  more  to  telle 

The  reede  statue  of1  mars  with  spere  and  targe 
So  schynej)  in  his  white  baner  large  976 

That1  alle  |>e  feeldes  gliteren  vp  and  doun 
And  by  his  baner  was  born  his  pynoun 
Of*  gold  ful  riche  in  which  J>er  was  I-bete 
The  Minatour  which  J>at  he  slough  in  Crete  980 

Thus  ryt1  j>is  Duk1  jms  ryt1  ]?is  Conquerour 
And  in  his  oost1  of1  Cheualrie  J?e  flour 
Til  Jiat1  he  cam  to  Thebes  and  alighte 
Faire  in  a  feeld  wher  as  he  jjoughte  to  fighte  /  984 

But1  schortly  for  to  speken  of  J?is  jring1 
with  Creon  which  Jjat1  was  of  Thebes  kyng1 
He  f aught1  and  slough  him  manly  as  a  knight  /       o«/u] 
In  pleyn  bataille  and  putte  his  folk1  to  flight/  988 

And  by  assaut1  he  wan  J>e  Cite  aftur 
And  rente  doun  bo])e  wal  and  sparre  and  raftur 
And  to  J?e  ladies  he  restored  agayn 

The  bones  of1  here  housbondes  Jjat1  were  slayn  992 

To  do  exequies  as  was  j)o  J)e  gyse 
But  it  were  al  to  long1  for  to  cleuyse 
The  grete  clamour  and  Ipe  waymentynge 
which  J>at  ]?e  ladies  made  at1  J>e  brennynge  996 

Of1  )>e  bodyes  and  fe  grete  honour 


30    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

That1  Theseus  the  noble  conquerour 

Doth  to  ]>e  ladyes  whan  J>ey  from  him  wente 

But1  schortly  for  to  telle  is  myn  entente  1000 

whan  pat1  pis  worthy  Duk1  pis  Theseus 

hath  Creon  slayn  and  Thebes  wonne  Jms 

Stille  in  pe  feelde  he  took1  al  night1  his  reste 

And  dide  with  al  pe  centre  as  him  leste  1004 

TO  Ransake  in  pe  cas  of1  bodyes  dede 
hem  for  to  streepe  of  herneys  and  of  wede  / 
The  pilours  diden  businesse  and  cure 

After  pe  bataile  and  discomfiture  1008 

And  so  byfil  pat  in  pe  cas  pei  founde 
Thurgh  girt1  with  many  a  greuous  blody  wounde 
Two  ^onge  knighte  liggyng1  by  and  by 
Bope  in  oon  armes  clad  ful  richely  1012 

Of1  whiche  two  Arcite  hight1  pat1  oon 
And  fat1  opur  knight1  hight1  Palamon 
Nat1  fully  quyk1  ne  fully  deed  pey  were 
But1  by  here  coote  armure  and  by  here  gere  1016 

Heraudes  knewe  hem  wel  in  special 
As  pey  pat  weren  of1  the  blood  real 
Of  Thebes  and  of1  Sistren  tuo  I-born 

Out1  of1  pe  chaas  pe  pilours  han  hem  torn  1020 

And  han  hem  caried  softe  vnto  pe  tente  / 
Of1  Theseus  and  ful  sone  he  hem  sente 
Tathenes  for  to  dwellen  in  prisozm 

Perpetuelly  he  wolde  no  Eaunceoun  1024 

And  pis  Duk1  whan  he  hadde  pus  I-doon       [/<?«/ u,  back} 
he  took1  his  host1  and  horn  he  ryt1  anoon 
with  laurer  crowned  as  a  conquerour 

And  pere  he  lyuej)  in  loye  and  in  honour  1028 

Terme  of1  his  lyf1  what1  wolle  30  wordes  moo 
And  in  a  tour  in  angwische  and  in  woo  * 
This  Palamon  and  his  felawe  arcite 

For  euermo  per  may  no  gold  hem  quyte  1032 

This  passej?  3eer  by  3eer  and  day  by  day 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     31 

Til  it*  fel  oones  in  a  morwe  of1  may 

That  Emelie  fat1  fairer  was  to  seene 

Than  is  J?e  lilie  on  hire  stalkes  grene  1036 

And  fresscher  fan  the  may  with  floures  newe 

For  with  J>e  rose  colour  strof1  hire  hewe 

I  not1  which  was  Jra  fyner  of*  hem  two 

Er  it1  was  day  as  sche  was  wont1  to  do  1040 

Sche  was  arisen  and  al  redy  dight1 

For  may  wole  haue  no  sloggardye  anyghtf 

The  sesoun  prikej?  euery  gentil  herte 

And  make])  him  •  out  of1  his  sleepe  sterte  1044 

And  seith  arys  and  do  fin  obseruance 

This  maked  Emelye  han  remembrance 

To  do  honour  to  May  and  for  to  ryse 

I-clofed  was  sche  fressfr  for  to  deuyse  1048 

hire  ^olwe  heer  was  browdid  in  a  tresse 

Byhynde  hire  bak1  a$erde  long1 1  gesse 

And  in  the  gardyn  at  f  e  sonne  vpriste 

Sche  walkef  vp  and  doun  wher  as  hire  liste  1052 

Sche  gaderej)  floures  party  whyte  and  reede 

To  make  a  certeyn  gerland  for  hire  heede 

And  as  an  aungel  heuenly  sche  song1 

The  grete  tour  fat  was  so  fikke  and  strong*  1056 

which  of1  f  e  castel  was  the  cheef1  dongeoun 

Ther  as  f  is  knightes  weren  in  prisoun 

Of1  which  I  tolde  ^ow  and  telle  schal 

.was  euene  loynyng1  to  fe  gardeyn  wal  1060 

Ther  as  f  is  Emely  hadde  hire  pleyynge 

Bright1  was  f  e  sonne  and  cleer  fat1  morwenynge 

And  Palamon  fis  woful  prisoner  [^a/ir>] 

As  was  his  wone  by  leue  of1  his  gayler  1064 

was  risen  and  romed  in  a  Chambre  on  heigli 

In  which  he  al  fie  noble  cite  seigh" 

And  eek1  jje  gardeyn  ful  of1  braunches  grene 

Ther  as  J>e  fresshe  Emelye  jje  scheene  1068 

was  in  hire  walk/  and  romed  vp  and  doun 


32     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

This  sorweful  prisoner  pis  Palamon 

Gooth  in  pe  chambre  romyng1  to  and  fro 

And  to  himself*  compleynyng1  of1  his  woo  1072 

That1  he  was  born  /  ful  ofte  he  seyd  alas 

And  so  byfel  by  auenture  or  cas 

That1  purgh  a  wyndow  pikke  and  many  a  barre 

Of  Iren  greet1  and  squar  as  eny  sparre  1076 

he  cast1  his  eyen  vpon  Emelya 

And  per  with  al  he  bleynte  and  cryed  .A. 

As  pat1  he  stongen  were  vnto  pe  herte 

And  with  pat1  crye  arcite  anon  vp  sterte  1 080 

And  seyde  cosyn  myn  what1  eylep  pe 

That1  art1  so  pale  and  deedly  for  to  see  / 

why  crydestow  who  hap  pe  doon  offence 

For  goddes  loue  tak1  al  in  pacience  1084 

Oure  prisown  for  it1  may  non  opir  be 

Fortune  hap  ^euen  vs  pis  aduersite 

Som  wikke  aspect  /  or  disposiciown 

Of1  Saturne  by  sum  constellac^m  1088 

Hath  ^euen  vs  pis  alpough  we  hadde  it  sworn 

So  stood  pe  heuen  whan  pat  we  were  born 

we  moste  endure  it  pis  is  pe  schort1  and  pleyn 

This  Palamon  answered  and  seyde  ageyn  1092 

Cosyn  for  sothe  of1  pis  opynyoun 

Thou  hast1  a  veyn  ymaginaciozm 

This  prisown  caused  me  not1  for  to  crye 

But1 1  was  hurt1  right  now  purgh"  myn  yhe  1096 

Into  myn  herte  pat1  wol  my  bane  be 

The  fairnesse  of1  pe  lady  pat1  I  see 

3onde  in  pe  gardyn  rome  to  and  fro 

Is  cause  of1  my  cryyng1  and  my  wo  1100 

I  not1  whepur  sche  be  womman  or  goddesse  /        iieafis,  back} 

But1  Venus  is  it/  sothly  as  I  gesse 

And  per  with  al  on  knees  a  doun  he  fil 

And  seyde  venus  if1  it1  be  ^oure  wil  1104 

3ow  in  pis  gardyn  pus  to  transfigure 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     33 

Biforn  ine  sorwful  wrecclied  creature 

Out1  of1  f  is  prisoun  help  fat  we  may  scape 

And  if1  so  be  oure  destyne  be  schape  1108 

By  eterne  word  to  deyen  in  prisoun 

Of1  oure  lynage  haueth  sum  compassioun 

That  is  so  lowe  y-brougflt  by  Tyrannye 

And  with  fat1  word  Arcite  gan  espye  1112 

wher  as  this  lady  romed  to  and  fro 

And  with  fat1  sight/  hire  beaute  hurt  him  so 

That*  if1  fat1  Palamon  was  wounded  sore 

Arcite  is  hurt*  as  moche  as  he  or  more  1116 

And  with  a  sigh,  he  seyde  pitously 

The  freissche  beaute  sleeth  me  sodeynly 

Of1  hir  that  rometh  Bonder  in  f  e  place 

And  but1 1  haue  hir  mercy  and  hir  grace  1 1 20 

That1  I  may  see  hir  atte  leste  weye 

I  nam  but1  deed  /  ther  nys  no  more  to  seye 

This  Palamon  whan  he  tho  wordes  herde 

Dispitously  he  loked  and  answerde  1124 

whether  seistow  in  ernest1  or  in  pley 

Nay  quof  Arcite  in  ernest1  in  good  fey 

God  helpe  me  so  me  lust1  ful  euele  pleye 

This  Palamon  gan  kny tte  his  browes  tweye  1 1 28 

Hit1  nere  quod  he  to  the  no  gret  honour 

For  to  be  fals  ne  for  to  be  traytour 

To  me  that1  am  thy  cosyn  and  thy  brof er 

I-swore  ful  deepe  and  ech  of1  vs  to  ofer  1132 

That1  neuer  for  to  deyen  in  f  e  payne 

Til  fat1  deeth  departe  schal  vs  twayne 

Neyf  er  of  vs  in  lande  to  hynder  other 

ISTe  in  non  other  cas  /  my  leeue  brofer  1136 

But1  f ou  schuldest  trewly  forf  er  me 

In  euery  caas  and  I  schal  forf  er  f  e  / 

This  was  fyn  othe  /  and  myn  eek1  certayn  [WIG] 

I  wot1  right1  wel  fou  darst/  it1  nat  wifsayn  1140 

Thus  art1  fou  of1  my  counseil  out1  of1  doute 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  D 


34    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

And  now  thou  w  oldest1  falsly  ben  aboute 

To  loue  my  lady  whom  I  loue  and  seme 

And  euere  schal  vnto  myn  herte  sterue  1144 

Now  certes  fals  arcite  j)ou  schal  not  so 

I  loued  hir  first  /  and  tolde  the  my  woo 

As  to  my  counseil  /  and  to  broker  sworn 

To  forthere  me  as  I  haue  told  biforn  1148 

For  which  thou  art  I-bounden  as  a  knight 

To  helpe  me/  if*  it1  lay  in  jn  might/ 

Or  elles  art1  J?ou  fals  I  dar  wel  sayn 

This  Arcite  ful  proudly  spak1  agayn  1152 

Thou  schalt1  quo]?  he  be  rather  fals  pan  I 

But1  jjou  art1  fals  /  I  telle  ]>e  vttirly 

For  paramour  I  loued  hir  first1  J?en  J?ow 

what1  wolf  J>ou  sayn  thou  wost1  it1  not1  }it  now  11 56 

whejjer  sche  be  a  wowman  or  goddesse 

Thyn  is  affeccioun  of1  holynesse 

And  myn  is  loue  as  of  a  creature 

For  which  I  tolde  J)e  myn  aduenture  1160 

As  to  my  cosyn  /  and  my  broker  sworn 

I  pose  J?att  )>ou  louedesf  hire  biforn 

wost1  j?ou  nat1  wel  the  olde  clerkes  saw 

That1  who  schal  }eue  a  louer  eny  lawe  1164 

loue  is  a  grettere  lawe  by  my  pan 

Then  may  be  3eue  /  to  eny  er]?ly  man 

Therfore  posityf1  lawe  and  such  decre 

Is  broke  alway  for  love  in  ech  degree  1168 

A  man  moot  needes  loue  maugre  his  heed 

he  may  nought1  fie  it1  jjough  he  schulde  be  deed 

Al  be  sche  mayde  or  be  sche  widewe  or  wyf 

And  pat1  is  nat1  likly  al  J>y  lyf1  1172 

To  stonden  in  hire  grace  no  more  schal  I 

For  wel  ])ou  wost1  Jjy  seluen  verrily 

That1  J>ou  and  I  been  dampned  to  prisoun 

Perpetuelly  vs  gayneth  no  Raunsoun  1176 

We  stryue  as  doth  the  houndes  for  the  boon         [tea/ IG,  back] 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     35 

They  fougfcte  alday  and  }it*  here  part1  was  noon 
Ther  com  a  kyte  whil  pat*  pey  were  wrope 
That*  bar  awey  the  boon  bitwixe  hem  bope  1180 

And  perfore  at*  the  kynges  court*  my  broper 
Eche  man  for  himself1  per  is  non  other 
Lone  if1  the  list*  for  I  loue  and  ay  schal 
And  sothly  leeue  brother  pis  is  al  1184 

Eke  in  pis  prisoun  moote  we  endure 
And  euery  of1  vs  take  his  auenture 
Gret*  was  the  stryf*  and  long1  bytwixe  hem  tweye 
3  if*  pat1 1  hadde  leysir  for  to  seye  1188 

Buf  to  the  effect*  it*  happed  on  a  day 
To  telle  it  $ow  as  schortly  as  I  may 
A  worpy  Duk?  pat1  highte  Perotheus 

That1  felaw  was  to  pe  dub  Theseus  1192 

Syn  pilke  day  pat*  pey  were  children  lyte 
Was  come  to  Athenes  his  felawe  to  visite 
And  for  to  pley  as  he  was  wont  to  do 
For  in  pis  world  he  loued  noman  so  1196 

And  he  loued  him  as  tendurly  agayn 
So  wel  pey  loued  as  olde  bookes  sayn 

That1  whan  oon  /  was  deed  soply  to  telle 
his  felawe  wente  and  sought*  him  doun  in  helle  1 200 

But*  of*  pat*  story  lyst*  me  nought*  to  write 
Duk*  Perotheus  loued  wel  Arcite/ 
And  hadde  him  knowe  at*  Thebes  3eer  by  $eer 
And  fynally  at*  requeste  and  prayer  1204 

Of*  Perotheus  withoute  any  raunsoun 
Duk*  Theseus  him  leet  out  of*  prisoun 
Frely  to  go  wher  him  lust*  ouer  al 

In  such  a  gyse  as  I  }ou  telle  schal  1208 

This  was  the  forward  playnly  to  endite 
Bitwixe  Theseus  and  him  Arcite 
That*  if*  so  were  pat*  Arcite  were  founde 
Euere  in  his  lyf*  by  daye  night*  or  stounde  1212 

In  eny  centre  of*  pis  Theseus  -; ....  . 

D  2 


36     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

And  he  were  caught1  it  was  acorded  thus 

That4  with  a  swerd  he  scholde  lese  his  heed          I>a/i7] 

Ther  nas  noon  ojjer  remedy  ne  reed  1216 

But1  took1  his  leeue  and  horn  ward  he  him  spedde 

Lete  him  be  war  his  nekke  li}>  to  wedde 

HOw  gref  a  sorwe  suffrejj  now  Arcite 
The  dej>  he  felejj  Jjorugh"  his  herte  smyte  1220 

He  weepeth  weyleth  cryeth  pitously 
To  slen  himself1  he  waytejj  pryuyly 
he  seyde  alias  J?e  day  Jjat1  I  was  born 

Now  is  my  prisoun  werse  J>an  was  biforn  1224 

Now  is  me  schape  eternally  to  dwelle 
Nought1  in  purgatorie  but1  in  helle 
Alias  Jjat1  euer  knewe  I  Perotheus 

For  elles  had  I  dweld  with  Theseus  1228 

I-fetered  in  his  prisoun  for  euere  moo 
Than  had  I  ben  in  blis  and  nat1  in  woo 
Oonly  IpQ  sight1  of1  hir  whom  jjat1  I  serue 
)}ough  Jjat1  I  hir  grace  may  nat1  deserue  1232 

wold  han  sufficed  right1  ynough"  for  me 
O  dere  Cosyn  Palamon  q?«od  he 
]}yn  is  ]?e  victoire  of1  Jns  auenture 

Ful  blisfully  in  prisoun  to  endure  1236 

In  prisoun  nay  certes  but1  in  paradys 
wel  hath  fortune  y-torned  j)e         dys 
That1  haj>  ]>e  sight1  of1  hir  and  I  the  absence 
For  possible  is  /  syn  J>ou  hast1  hir  presence  1240 

Ancl  art1  a  knight"  a  worjji  and  an  able 
But1  by  som  cas  syn  fortune  is  chaungable 
Thou  maist1  to  jjy  desir  somtyme  atteyne 
But1 1  that  am  exiled  and  bareyne  1244 

Of1  alle  grace  /  and  in  so  gret1  despeir 
That1  J>er  nys  water  erthe  fyr  ne  eyr 
Ne  creature  that1  of1  hem  maked  is 

That1  may  me  helpe  ne  comfort  in  Jis  1248 

wel  ought1 1  sterue  in  wanhope  and  distress© 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     37 

Far  wel  my  lyf*  and  al  my  lolynesse 

Alias  why  playnen  folk1  so  in  coinune 
Of1  purueance  of1  god  or  of*  fortune  1252 

That1  ^eueth  him  ful  ofte  in  many  a  gyse       [jtea/n,  back] 
wel  better  fan  f  ei  can  hemself1  deuyse 

SOm  man  desire)?  for  to  haue  richesse 
That  cause  is  ofH  his  morthre/  or  gret1  seeknesse     1256 
And  som  man  wolde  out1  of1  his  prisozm  fayn 
That*  in  his  hous  is  of1  his  mayne  slayn 
Infinite  harmes  ben  in  f  is  mateere 

we  wote  neuere  what  fing1  we  preyen  heere  1260 

we  faren  as  he  fat1  dronke  is  as  a  mows 
A  dronke  man  wot  wel  he  haf  an  hous 
But  he  not1  nat1  which  f  e  righte  wey  is  f  ider 
And  to  a  dronke  man  fe  wey  is  slider  1264 

And  certes  in  f  is  world  so  faren  we 
we  seeken  faste  after  felicite 
But1  we  gon  wrong1  ful  ofte  trewely 

Thus  may  we  seyen  alle  and  namely  I  1268 

That1  wende  haue  had  a  gret  opinioun 
That1  ^if1 1  mighte  skape  fro  prisoun 
Than  had  I  be  in  ioye  and  parfyf  hele 
Ther  now  I  am  exiled  fro  my  wele  /  1272 

Syn  fat1 1  may  not1  se  $ow  Emelye 
I  nam  but  deed  ther  nys  no  remedye 

Vppon  fat1  of  er  syde  Palomon 
whan  he  wiste  fat  arcite  was  agoon  1276 

Such  sorwe  make])  fat1  f  e  grete  tour 
Resowneth  of1  his  grete  3ollyng1  and  clamour 
The  pure  feteres  of1  his  schynes  grete 
weren  of1  his  bitter  salte  teres  wete  1280 

Alias  qwod  he  arcita  cosyn  myn 
Of1  al  oure  strif1  god  woot1  f  e  fruyt  is  fin 
Thow  walkest1  now  in  Thebes  at  f  i  large/ 
And  of1  my  woo  fou  3euest1  litel  charge/  128-1 

Thou  maiste  seen  fou  hast1  wysdom  and  manhede 


38    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Assemble  al  J?e  folk1  of1  oure  kynrede 
And  make  a  werre  so  scharpe  in  }>is  Cite 
That*  by  som  auenture  or  by  som  trete  1288 

))ou  mayst/  hire  wynne  to  lady  and  to  wyf1 
For  whom  pat1  I  most1  nedes  leese  my  lyf1 
For  as  by  wey  of1  possibilite  Or/is] 

Syn  Jjou  art  at1  Jn  large  of1  prisown  free  1292 

And  art1  a  lord  gret  is  ]?in  auantage 
More  fan  is  myn  Jja*  sterue  here  in  a  kage 
For  I  moot  weepe  and  weyle  whil  I  lyue 
with  al  fe  woo  ]?at  prisown  may  me  ^yue  1296 

And  eek1  with  peyne  fat1  loue  me  ^eue}?  also 
And  double])  al  my  peyne  and  al  my  wo 
Ther  with  J?e  fuyr  of1  lelousye  vpsterte 
wifinne  his  brest1  and  hent  him  by  J?e  herte  1300 

So  wodly  /  pat1  lik1  was  he  to  by-holde 
The  box  tree  or  J?e  asschen  deed  and  colde 
Tho  seyde  he  0  goddes  cruel  fat  gouerne 
TJbJs>  wanVfwitih  ftyndyng1  &  wij)  word  eterne  1304 

And  writen  in  ]>e  table  of1  Athamaunte 
3oure  p<3?'lement  and  3oure  eterne  graunte 
what  is  mankynde  more  to  jow  holde 
Than  is  a  scheep  J?at  roukef  in  J>e  folde  1308 

For  slayn  is  man  right1  as  ano]?er  beste 
And  dwellej)  eeli1  in  prisown  and  arreste 
And  ha]?  seknesse  and  greet1  aduersite 
And  ofte  tymes  gilteles  parde  1312 

what  gouernaunce  is  in  ^oure  prescience 
That1  gilteles  tormente])  Innocence 
And  $et  encrece])  this  al  my  penaunce 
That  man  is  bound  en  to  his  obseruaunce  1316 

For  goddes  sake  to  letten  of  his  wille 
Ther  as  a  beste  may  al  his  lust1  fulfille 
And  whan  a  beste  is  deed  he  ne  haj)  no  peyne 
But1  man  after  his  deth  moot1  wepe  and  pleyne  1320 

in  J?is  world  he  haue  care  and  woo 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     39 

wijjouten  doute  it  may  stonde  so 

The  answer  of1  Jns  I  lete  to  diuinis 

But1  wel  I  woof  Jjat1  in  J)is  world  gret  pyne  is  1324 

Alias  I  se  a  serpent1  or  a  Jjeef1 

That1  many  a  trewe  man  ha])  doon  mescheef1 

Gon  at1 'his  large  and  wher  him  lust/  may  turne 

But1 1  moste  be  in  prisoun  Jmrgh"  saturne  1328 

And  eek1  Jjorugfr  luno  lalous  and  eke  wood       [fea/is,  toe*] 

That1  hap  destruyed  wel  neyh  al  ])e  blood 

Of*  Thebes  wi]>  his  waste  walles  wyde  / 

And  venus  sleejj  me  on  fat1  ofer  syde  /  1332 

For  lelousye  and  fere  of1  him  Arcyte 

NOw  wol  I  stynte  of1  Palamon  a  lite 
And  lete  him  stille  in  his  prisoun  dvvelle 
And  of*  arcita  for  pan  wol  I  telle  1336 

The  somer  passe]?  and  J?e  nightes  longe 
Encrescen  double  wise  the  peynes  stronge 
Bothe  of1  J)e  lover  and  J?e  prisoner 

I  noot1  which  hath  J)e  wofullere  cheer  1340 

For  schortly  for  to  sey  Jjis  Palornon 
Perpetuelly  is  dampned  in  prisoun 
In  cheynes  and  in  feteres  to  be  deed 

And  Arcite  is  exiled  vpon  his  heed  1344 

For  eueremo  as  out1  of1  Jmt  centre 
Ke  neuere  mo  schal  he  his  lady  see 
Now  louyeres  /  axe  I  J)is  question 

who  ha])  ]?e  worse  Arcite  or  Palomon.  1348 

That1  on  may  se  his  lady  day  by  day 
But1  in  prisoun  he  moot1  dwelle  alway 
That1  o])er  may  wher  him  lust1  ryde  or  go 
But1  seen  his  lady  schal  he  neuer  mo  1352 

Now  deemeth  as  $ou  luste  36  fat  can 
For  I  wol  telle  for])  as  I  bigan 


40    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Whan  fat  arcite  to  Thebes  come  was 
Ful  ofte  a  day  he  swelde  and  seyde  alas  135G 

Eor  seen  his  lady  schal  he  neuer  mo 
And  schortly  to  concluden  al  his  wo 
So  moche  sorwe  had  iieuer  creature 

That  is  or  schal  whil  fat1  fe  world  wol  dure  "     1360 

his  sleep  his  mete  his  drynk4  is  him  by-raft1 
That  lene  he  wexe  /  and  drye  as  eny  schaft/ 
his  eyen  holwe  /  grisly  to  biholde 

his  hewe  falwe  and  pale  as  asschen  colde  1364 

And  solitary  he  was  and  euer  alone 
And  dwellyng4  al  f  e  night4  making  his  moone 
And  if1  he  herde  song4  or  Instrument/  [/«^i9] 

Then  wolde  he  wepe  he  mighte  nought1  be  stent  1368 

So  feble  were  his  spirites  and  so  lowe 
And  chaunged  so  fat4  no  man  couf  e  knowe 
his  speche  nof  er  his  vois  f  ough  men  it  herde 
And  in  his  gir  for  al  fe  world  he  ferde  1372 

Nought4  oonly  lyke  f  e  louers  maladye 
Of4  hercos  but  raf  er  lik4  manye 
Engendrud  of4  humour  malencolyk1 

Byforne  in  his  selle  fantastyk4  1376 

And  schortly  turned  was  al  vp  so  doun 
Bothe  abyt4  and  eek1  disposicioun 
Of4  him  f  is  woful  louere  daun  arcite 

what4  schulde  I  alway  of4  his  wo  eiidite  1380 

whan  he  endured  hadde  a  3eer  or  tuoo 
In  f  is  cruel  torment  peyne  and  woo 
At4  Thebes  in  his  centre  as  I  seyde 

vpon  a  night4  in  sleep  as  he  him  leyde  1384 

him  fought4  fat  how  f e  venged  god  mercurie  / 
Byforn  him  stood  and  bad  him  to  be  murye 
his  slepy  $erd  in  hond  he  bar  vp  right1 
An  hat1  he  wered  vpon  his  heres  bright  /  1388 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     41 

Arrayed  was  fis  god  as  he  took/  keepe 

As  lie  was  whan  fat1  Argous  took1  his  sleep 

And  seyde  to  athenes  schalt1  f  ou  wencle 

Ther  is  fe  schapen  of*  fy  wo  an  ende  1392 

And  with  f  atf  word  arcite  wook1  and  sterte 

Now  trewely  how  sore  fat  me  smerte 

Quod  he  to  athenes  ri^fc4  now  wol  I  fare 

Ne  for  fe  drede  ofH  deth  schal  I  not  spare  139G 

To  see  my  lady  f  afr  I  loue  and  serue 

In  hire  presence  I  recche  nat  to  sterue  / 

And  with  fat1  word  he  caught1  a  gret  myrour 

And  saugft  f  af  chaunged  was  al  his  colour  1 400 

And  saugh  his  visage  was  in  anof  er  kynge 

And  right*  anoon  it  ran  him  into  myncle 

That1  sef f en  his  face  was  so  disfigured 

Of*  maladie  the  which  he  haf  endured  1404 

he  mighte  wel  if1  fat  he  bar  him  lowe  o«/i9,  back} 

lyue  in  athenes  eueremore  vnknowe 

And  see  his  lady  wel  neih  day  by  day 

And  right1  anon  he  chaunged  his  aray  1 408 

And  clof  ed  him  as  a  pore  laborer 

And  al  alone  saue  oonly  a  squyer 

That1  knew  his  pryuyte  and  al  his  cas 

which  was  disgysed  pourely  as  he  was  1412 

To  athenes  is  he  go  f  e  nexte  way 

And  to  f  e  court  /  he  went  vpon  a  day 

And  at1  f  e  ^ate  he  profred  his  seruyse 

To  drugge  and  drawe  what  so  men  wolde  deuyse          1416 

And  schortly  on  f  is      matier  for  to  seyn 

he  fel  in  office  with  a  Chambirleyn 

The  which  that*  dwellyng1  was  with  Emelye 

For  he  was  wys  and  couthe  sone  aspye  1420 

Of*  euery  sern&unt  which  fat  serued  here 

wel  couf  e  he  hewe  woode  and  water  here  / 

For  he  was  }onge  and  mighty  for  f  e  nones 

And  ferto  he  was  long*  and  bygge  of1  bones  1424 


42     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

To  doon  pat  eny  wight1  can  him  deuyse 

A  }eer  or  two  he  was  in  pis  seruise 

Page  of*  pe  cbambre  of1  Emelye  pe  bright1 

And  Philostrate  he  seide  pat1  he  highf  1428 

But1  half1  so  wel  byloued  a  man  as  he 

Ne  was  per  neuer  in  court1  of1  his  degree 

he  was  so  gentil  of1  his  condiciown 

That1  poruh  out1  al  pe  court1  was  his  renoun  1432 

They  seyde  pat1  it1  were  a  charite 

That  Theseus  would  enhaunsen  his  degree 

And  putten  him  in  worschipful  seruyse 

Ther  as  he  might*  his  vertu  excersise  1436 

And  pus  wipinne  a  while  his  name  spronge 

Bope  of  his  dedes  and  of  goode  tonge 

That  Theseus  hap  taken  him  so  neer 

That  of1  his  Chambre  he  made  him  squyer  1440 

And  ^af1  him  gold  to  mayntene  his  degree 

And  eek1  men  brought  him  out1  of1  his  cowntre 

From  3eer  to  ^er  ful  pryuyly  his  rente  Oa/2o] 

But  honestly  and  sleighly  he  it  spente  1444 

That  no  man  wondred  how  fat1  he  it  hadde 

And  pre  3eer  in  pis  wise  his  lyf1  he  ladde 

And  bar  him  so  in  pees  and  eek1  in  werre 

Ther  nas  no  man  pat1  Theseus  hap  so  derre  1448 

And  in  pis  blisse  lete  I  now  Arcite 

And  speke  I  wole  of1  Palomon  alyte 

IN  derknes  and  orrible  and  strong1  prisoun 
This  seuen  ^eer  hap  seten  Palomown  1452 

Eorpyned  what1  for  woo  and  for  destresse 
Who  felep  double  sorwe  and  heuynesse 
But1  Palamon  pat  loue  destreynep  so 

That1  wood  out1  of1  his  witt  he  gop  for  wo  1456 

And  eek1  perto  he  is  a  prisoner 
Perpetuelly  nat1  oonly  for  a  }eer 
Who  coupe  ryme  in  englisscii  propurly 
His  martirdam  for-sope  it1  am  nat  .1.  1460 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     43 

Therfore  I  passe  as  lightly  as  I  may 

hit  fel  fat  in  f  e  seuenf  e  3eer    in  May 

The  f  ridde  night1  as  olde  bookes  seyn 

That  al  fis  storie  tellen  more  pleyn  1464 

were  it1  by  auenture  or  destene 

As  whan  a  f  ing1  is  schapen  it  schal  be 

That  soone  aftur  f  e  mydnyght  Palamown 

By  helpyng1  of1  a  freend  brak1  his  prisozm  1468 

And  fleeth  f  e  cite  fast1  as  he  may  goo 

For  he  had  3iue  drinke  his  gayler  soo 

Of  a  clarre  maad  of1  certeyn  wyn 

with  nercotykes  and  opye  of1  Thebes  fyn  1472 

That1  al  fat  night1  f  ougfc  fat  men  wolde  him  schake 

The  gayler  sleep  he  mighte  nou^t/  awake 

And  f  us  he  flee]?  as  fast1  as  euer  he  may 

The  night1  was  schort1  and  faste  by  fe  day  1476 

That1  needes  cost1  he  moste  himseluen  hyde 

And  til  a  grone  ther  faste  besyde 

with  dredful  foot1  fan  stalkef  Palomozm 

For  schortly  fis  /  was  his  opynyown  1480 

That1  in  fat1  groue  he  wolde  him  hyde  al  day        iiea/ia,  back-] 

And  in  f  e  night1  fen  wolde  he  take  his  way 

To  Thebesward  his  frendes  for  to  preye 

On  Theseus  to  helpe  him  to  werreye  /  1484 

And  shortelich  or  he  wolde  lese  his  lyf1 

Or  wynnen  Emelye  vnto  his  wyf1 

This  is  f effect1  of1  his  entente  playn. 

Now  wol  I  torne  vnto  Arcite  agayn.  1488 

That1  litel  wiste  how  nyh  fat1  was  his  care 

Til  fat1  fortune  haf  brought1  him  in  the  snare 

The  busy  larke  messager  of1  May 
Saluef  in  hire  song1  fe  morwe  gray  1492 

And  fyry  Phebus  rysef  vp  so  bright1 
That  f  e  orient  laughef  of1  f  e  light1 
And  \vif  his  stremes  dryef  in  f  e  greues 
The  siluer  dropes  hongyng1  in  fe  leeues  1496 


44    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

And  arcite  f  atf  is  in  f  e  court1  ryal 

With  Theseus  his  Squyer  principal 

Is  risen  and  loketh  on  f  e  mery  day 

And  for  to  doon  his  obseruance  to  May  1500 

Kemembryng*  of1  fe  poynt  of'  his  desire 

he  on  his  courser  stertyng1  as  f  e  fire 

Is  riden  in  to  feeldes  him  to  pleye 

Out  of1  fe  court1  were  it  a  myle  or  tweye  1504 

And  to  f  e  groue  of1  which  fat1  I  }ow  tolde 

By  auenture  his  wey  he  gan  to  holde 

To  make  him  a  garland  of1  fe  greues 

were  it1  of1  woodewynde  or  hawforn  leues  1508 

And  lowde  he  song1  a^ens  fe  sonne  scheene 

May  wif  al  fyn  floures  and  fy  greene 

welcome  be  f  on  wel  faire  freissche  may 

In  hope  fat1 1  som  grene  gete  may  1512 

And  fro  his  courser  wif  a  lusty  herte 

Into  f  e  groue  ful  lustily  he  sterte 

And  in  a  pathe  he  romed  vp  and  doun 

Ther  by  auenture  fis  Palamoztn  1516 

was  in  a  busche  fat1  no  man  might1  him  see 

Ful  sore  afered  of1  his  def  was  he 

No  fing1  ne  knew  he  fat1  it  was  Arcite  00/21] 

God  wot  he  wolde  haue  trowed  it  ful  lite  1520 

But1  sof  is  seyde  goon  ful  many  ^eres 

That1  feld  haf  eyen  and  J>e  woode  haj>  eeres 

It1  is  ful  fair  a  man  to  bere  him  euene 

For  al  day  men  metejj  atte  vnset  steuene  1524 

Eul  litel  woot  arcite  of1  his  felawe 

That  was  so  neih  to  herken  of1  his  sawe 

For  in  fe  busche  he  styntef  now  ful  stille 

whan  fat  arcyte  had  romed  al  his  fille  /  1528 

And  songen  al  J>e  Roundel  lustily 

In  to  a  studie  he  fel  sodeynly 

As  dof  fe8  loners  in  here  queynte  geeres 

Now  in  fe  croppe  /  now  doun  in  fe  breres  1532 


GROUP  A.     $  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     45 

Now  vp  now  doun  as  boket  in  a  welle 

Right1  as  J>e  friday  sojjly  for  to  telle  / 

Now  it  schynej)  now  it1  reynej)  faste 

Eight1  so  gan  gery  venus  ouercaste  15 3C 

The  hertes  of*  hire  folk1  right1  as  hir  day 

Is  grisful  light1  so  chaunge]?  hire  aray 

Selcle  is  J?e  fryday  al  £e  wyke  I-like 

whan  J)at1  arcite  hadde  songe  he  gan  to  sike  1540 

And  sette  him  doun  wijjouten  eny  more 

Alas  q?/od  he  pat1  day  pat1 1  was  bore 

how  longe  luno  thurgh  J>y  cruelte 

wiltow  werreyen  Thebes  )>e  Citee  154-4 

Alias  I-brought1  is  to  confusio?m 

The  blood  royal  of1  Cadme  and  Amphiown 

Of1  Cadynus  /  pe  which  was  J>e  furst1  man 

That1  Thebes  bulde  or  first1  pe  toun  by  gan  1548 

And  of1  pat  Cite  first1  was  crowned  kyng1 

Of1  his  lynage  /  am  I  and  his  ofspring* 

By  verray  line  and  of1  his  stok1  ryal 

And  now  I  am  so  caytyf1  and  so  ]>ral  1552 

That1  he  pat1  is  my  mortal  enemy 

I  serue  him  as  his  squyer  pourely 

And  ^et1  doth  luno  me  wel  more  schame 

For  I  dar  nought1  byknowe  my^  owne  name  1556 

But1  per  as  I  was  wont1  to  hote  arcite  \iraf  v\,  &w*] 

Now  hoote  I  Philostrate  nou^t1  worth  a  myte 

Alias  ))ou  felle  mars  alias  luno 

Thus  ha])  $oure  Ire  owre  lynage  fordo  1560 

Saue  oonly  me  and  wrecchid  Palomown 

That1  Theseus  martyre])  in  prisown 

And  ouer  al  this  to  slee  me  vtterly 

Loue  ha])  his  fyry  dart1  so  brennyngly  1564 

I  stykid  J)orugfc  my  trewe  careful  herte 

That1  schapen  was  my  deth  erst1  J?an  my  scherte 

3e  slen  me  with  3oure  eyhen  Emelye 

3e  ben  }>e  cause  wherfore  fat  I  dye  1568 


46     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Of*  al  f  e  remenant1  of*  al  myn  of  er  care 

Ne  sette  I  nou^t1  f  e  mountaunce  of*  a  tare 

So  fat1  I  couf  e  do  ought1  to  3oure  pleasaunce 

And  with  fat1  word  he  fel  doun  in  a  traunce  1572 

A  longe  tyme  and  aftirward  vpsterte 

This  Palamon  fat  f  ou^te  f  urgh  his  herte 

he  felt1  a  cold  swerd  sodeynliche  glyde 

For  Ire  he  quook/  he  nolde  no  lenger  ahyde  1576 

And  whan  fat  he  haf  herd  arcites  tale 

As  he  were  wood  wif  face  deed  and  pale 

he  sterte  him  vp  out1  of1  f  e  bussches  ])ikke 

And  seyd  arcyte  /  false  traitour  wikke/  1580 

Now  art1  J)ou  hent/  fat1  louest1  my  lady  so. 

For  whom  fat1  I  haue  al  f  is  peyne  and  wo. 

And  art1  my  blood  and  to  my  counseil  sworn 

And  I  ful  ofte  haue  told  fe  heere  byforn  1584 

And  hast1  by-Taped  here  f  e  duke  Theseus 

And  falsly  chaunged  hast1  fy  name  f  us 

I  wol  be  deed  or  elles  fou  schaltf  dye 

)5ou  schalt1  not1  loue  my  lady  Emelye  1588 

Bat1 1  wil  loue  hire  oonly  and  nomo 

For  I  am  Palomon  f  y  mortal  fo 

And  f  ough"  fat1  I  no  wepen  haue  in  f  is  place 

But  out  of1  prisown  am  y-stert1  by  grace  1592 

I  drede  not1  fat1  of er  foil  schalt  dye 

Or  f  ou  ne  schalt1  not1  loue  Emelye 

Chese  which  f  ou  wilt1  for  f  ou  schalf  not1  asterte         [^/22] 

This  arcite  with  ful  despitous  herte  1596 

whan  he  him  knew  and  had  his  tale  herde 

As  fers  as  a  lyoun  pullef  out1  a  swerde 

And  seide  f  us  by  god  f  at*  sittef  aboue 

Nere  it1  fat1  fou  art  sike  and  wood  for  loue  1600 

And  eek1  fat  fou  no  wepne  has  in  f  is  place 

But  out1  of1  prisoun  art1  y-stert1  by  grace 

That1  fou  ne  schuldest1  deyeii  of  myn  hond 

For  I  defye  fe  seurte  and  fe  bond  1604 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     47 

which  pat1  pou  seyst1  I  haue  maad  to  pe 

For  verray  fool  /  penk1  fat1  loue  is  fre 

And  I  wol  loue  hire  mawgre  al  py  might1 

But1  for  pou  art1  a  gentil  parfi^t1  knight1  1608 

And  wenest1  to  dereyne  hire  by  batayle 

hane  heere  my  troupe  to  morwe  I  nyl  not  fayle 

wipouten  wityng1  of1  eny  oper  wight1 

That1  heer  I  wol  be  founden  as  a  knight1  1612 

And  bryngen  harneys  right1  I-nough  for  pe 

And  ches  pe  best1  and  lef1  pe  worst1  for  me 

And  mete  and  drynke/  pis  night1  wil  I  bryng 

Inough  for  pe  arid  clop  for  ]>j  beddyng  1616 

And  if1  so  be  pat1  pou  my  lady  wynne 

And  sle  me  in  pis  wood  pat/  I  am  Inne 

Thou  maist1  wel  haue  py  lady  as  for  me 

This  Palomon  answerep  I  graunt1  it  pe  1620 

And  pus  pey  ben  departed  til  a  morwe 

whan  ech  of1  hem  had  leyd  his  feith  to  borwe 

OCupide  /  out1  of1  al  charite 
0  regne  pat1  wolt1  no  felaw  haue  with  pe  1624 

Ful  sop  is  seyde  /  pat1  loue  ne  lordschipe 
wol  not1  his  ponkes  haue  no  felaschipe 
wel  fynden  pat1  arcite  and  Palamown 

Arcite  is  riden  anon  to  pe  toun)  1628 

And  on  pe  morwe  or  it  were  day  light1 
Ful  priuely  two  harneys  hap  he  dight1 
Bope  sufficaunt1  and  mete  to  darreyne 
The  batayl  in  pe  feeld  betwix  hem  tweyne  1632 

And  on  his  hors  alone  as  he  was  born  \ieafvi,  back] 

he  caryed  al  pis  harneys  him  byforn 
And  in  pe  groue  at1  tyme  and  place  I-sette 
This  arcite  and  pis  Palamon  ben  mette  1636 

Tho  chaungen  gan  here  colour  in  here  face- . 
Eight1  as  pe  honterws  in  pe  regne  of1  Trace 
That1  stondep  in  pe  gappe  with  a  spere 
whan  honted  is  pe  lyoun  or  pe  bere  1610 


48     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

And  here])  him  /  comyng1  in  f  e  greues 

And  brekef  bof  e  f  e  bowes  and  f  e  leues 

And  f  enkef  here  comef  my  mortel  enemy 

wifoute  faile  he  mot  be  deed  or  I  1644 

For  eyf  er  I  mot1  slen  him  at1  f  e  gappe 

Or  he  moot  slee  me  if1  if  me  myshappe 

So  ferden  fey  in  chaungyng1  of*  here  hew 

AS  fer  as  eyfer  of1  hem  ofer  knew  1648 

Ther  nas  no  good  day  ne  no  saluyng1 
But1  streyfr  wif  outen  wordes  rehersyng1 
Euery  of*  hem  helpef  to  armen  ofer 

As  frendly  as  he  were  his  owen  broker  1652 

And  Jeanne  wif  /  here  scharpe  speres  stronge 
They  foyneden  ech  at  ofer  longe 
Tho  it  semed  fat1  f  is  Palomon 

In  his  fightyng1  were  a  wood  lyoun  1656 

And  as  a  cruel  tygre  was  arcite 
And  as  wilde  boores  gonne  fey  smyte 
That*  frof  en  white  as  fome  frof  e  wood 
vp  to  fe  ancle  fey  faught1  in  here  blood  1660 

And  in  f  is  wise  I  lete  hem  fi3tyng'  welle 
And  forf ere  I  wol  of*  Theseus  telle 

The  destyne  mynistre  general 
That1  excused  in  fe  world  ouer  al  1664 

The  purueans  fat1  god  haf  seye  byfora 
So  strong1  it  is  fat  fey  f e  world  had  sworn 
The  contrary  of1  a  f  ing1  by  30  or  nay 

3et  som  tyme  it  schal  falle  vpon  a  day  1668 

That1  fallef  nought1  eft1  in  a  f ousend  $eere 
For  certeynly  oure  appetites  heere 
Be  it  of1  pees  ofer  hate  or  loue  [tea/ 23] 

Al  is  it  reuled  by  fe  sight1  aboue  1672 

This  mene  I  now  by  mighty  Theseus 
That1  for  to  honte  is  so  desirous 
And  namely  f  e  grete  herfr  in  May 
That1  in  his  bed  fer  daweth  him  no  day  1676 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     49 

That  he  nys  clad  and  redy  for  to  ryde 

with  hont/  and  horn  and  houndes  him  byside 

For  in  his  hontyng1  hajj  he  such  delyt 

That*  is  his  ioye  and  his  appetyt  1680 

To  been  him  self1  f  e  grete  hertes  bane 

For  after  may  he  seme]?  now  Dyane 

Cleer  was  f  e  day  as  I  haue  told  or  f  is 
And  Theseus  with  alle  Ioye  and  blys  1684 

with  his  ypolita  f  e  fayre  queene 
And  Emelye  clof  ed  al  in  greene 
On  hontyng1  be  fay  riden  ryally 

And  to  fe  groue  fat1  stood  fer  faste  by  1688 

In  which  fer  was  an  hert1  as  men  him  tolde 
Duk1  Theseus  f  e  streyte  wey  ha]?  holde 
And  to  Jje  launde  he  rydef  him  ful  right* 
There  was  fe  hert1  y-wont1  to  haue  his  flight  1692 

And  ouer  a  brook1  and  so  for]?  in  his  weye 
This  duk1  wol  haue  of1  him  a  cours  or  tweye 
wif  houndes  which  as  him  lust1  to  comaunde 
And  whan  fis  Duk1  was  come  in  to  fe  launde  1696 

vnder  f  e  sonne  he  lokef  right1  anon 
he  was  war  of  arcite  and  Palomon 
That1  foughten  breerne  as  it  were  boores  tuo 
The  brighte  swerdes  wente  to  and  fro  1 700 

So  hidously  fat  with  f  e  leste  strook1 
It1  seemef  as  it  wolde  felle  an  Ook 
But1  what1  fey  were  riufing*  ^it1  he  woot 
This  duk1  wif  spores  /  his  courser  he  srnoot  1704 

And  at1  a  stert1  he  was  bitwix  hem  tuoo 
And  pullid  out  a  swerd  and  cride  hoo 
Nomore  vp  peyne  /  of1  leesyng1  of1  $our  heed 
By  mighty  mars  anon  he  schal  be  deed  1708 

That1  smytef  eny  strook1  fat1 1  may  seen        [feo/tt,  back] 
But1  tellef  me  what1  mestir  men  ^e  been 
That1  ben  so  hardy  for  to  fighten  heere 
wifoute  lugge  or  ofer  officere  1712 

CANT.  TALES.— HA RL.  B 


60    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

As  it  were  in  a  lyste  really 

This  Palamcw  answerde  hastily 

And  seyde  sire  what  nedep  wordes  mo 

we  han  pe  dep  deserued  bope  tuo  1716 

Tuo  woful  wrecches  been  we  and  kaytyues 

That1  ben  encombred  of  oure  owne  lyues 

And  as  pou  art1  a  rightful  lord  and  luge 

NQ  $eue  vs  neyper  mercy  ne  refuge/  1720 

Buf  sle  me  first1  for  seynte  Charite 

But1  sle  my  felaw  eek1  as  wel  as  me 

Or  sle  him  first1  for  pough  pou  knowe  him  lyte 

This  is  py  mortal  fo  pis  is  arcite  1724 

J2afr  fro  py  lond  is  banyscht/  on  his  heed 

For  which  he  haj)  I-serued  to  be  deed 

For  pis  is  he  pat1  come  to  pi  gate 

And  seyde  pat1  /  he  highte  Philostrate  1728 

Thus  hap  he  Taped  pe  many  a  yer 

And  pou  hast1  maad  of  him  py  cheef1  squyer 

And  pis  is  he  pat1  loueth  Emelye 

For  sip  pe  day  is  come  pat  I  schal  dye  1732 

I  make  pleynly  my  confessioun 

Jjat1 1  am  /  pe  woful  Palamozm 

That1  hap  pi  prisown  broke  wikkedly 

I  am  py  mortal  foo  and  it  am  I  1736 

That1  louep  so  hoote  /  Emely  pe  bright1 

That1  I  wol  dye  present  in  hire  sight 

Therfore  I  aske  deep  and  my  luwyse 

But1  slee  my  felaw  in  pe  same  wyse  1740 

For  bope  we  haue  serued  to  be  slayn 

Tiis  worthy  duk1  answerde  anon  agayn 
And  seide  pis  is  /  a  schort1  concluskwn 
3our  owne  moup  by  3our  owne  confesskwn  1744 

hap  dempned  }ou  bope  /  and  I  wil  it  recorde 
It  needep  nou^f  to  pyne  30 w  wip  pe  corde 
3e  schul  be  deed  by  mighty  mars  pe  reede  [/ea/24] 

The  queen  anon  for  verray  wo?rcmanhede  1748 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     51 

Gan  for  to  wepe  and  so  dede  Emelye 
And  alle  f  e  ladies  in  companye 
Great1  pite  was  it  as  it1  Bought*  hem  alle 
That  euere  such  a  chaunce  schulde  falle  1752 

For  gentil  men  f  ei  were  and  of1  gret  estate 
And  noting1  but  for  loue  was  f  is  debate 
And  saw  here  bloody  woundes  wyde  and  sore 
And  alle  fey  cryde  lesse  and  fe  more  1756 

Haue  mercy  lord  vpon  vs  woramen  alle 
And  on  here  bare  knees  anoon  fey  falle 
And  wolde  haue  kissed  his  bare  feet  right  as  he  stood 
Till  atte  laste  aslaked  was  his  mood  1760 

For  pite  rennef  sone  in  gentil  herte 
And  f  ough  he  for  Ire  quok*  and  sterte 
he  haf  it  al  considered  in  a  clause 

The  trespas  of*  hem  bofe  and  here  cause  1764 

And  al-f  ougfr  his  Ire  here  gylt*  accused 
3et*  he  in  his  resoun  hem  bofe  excused 
And  f  us  he  f  ought*  fat*  euery  maner  man 
wol  help  himself*  in  loue  if*  fat  he  can  1768 

And  eek*  delyuer  himself*  out  of*  prisoun 
And  eek1  in  his  hert/  had  compassioun) 
Of1  wo??imen  for  fey  wepen  euer  in  oon 
And  in  his  gentil  hert*  he  fought  anoon  1772 

And  sof ly  he  to  himself*  seyde  fy. 
vpon  a  lord  fat*  wol  haue  no  mercy 
But*  be  a  lyown  bof  e  in  word  in  dede 
To  hem  fat*  ben  in  repentaunce  and  drede  1776 

As  wel  as  to  a  proud  dispitious  man 
That*  wol  maynteyne  fat  he  first  bigan 
That*  lord  haf  litel  of*  discreciown 

That*  in  such  eaas  can  no  diuisiozm  1780 

But*  waytef  pride  and  humblenesse  after  oon 
And  schortly  whan  his  Ire  is  ouer  gon 
He  gan  to  loke  on  hem  with  eyen  blake  and  ligfifr 
And  spak*  fese  same  wordes  al  in  higfit  1784 

E  2 


52    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

The  god  of1  loue  a  benedicite  [leaf  24,  back-] 

how  mighty  and  how  gret  a  lord  is  he 

Agayns  his  might1  f  er  gayneth  non  obstacle 

He  may  be  cleped  a  god  of1  his  miracle  1 788 

For  he  can  maken  at  his  owen  gyse 

Of1  euery  herte  /  as  him  lust1  deuyse 

Lo  her  is  arcite  and  Palomon 

That  quytely  /  were  out  of1  my  prisoun  1792 

And  might1  haue  lyued  in  Thebes  ryally 

And  witen  I  am  here  mortal  enemy 

And  fat1  here  def  lith  in  my  might  also 

And  }ef  haf  loue  maugre  here  ey^en  tuo  1796 

I-brought  hem  hider  bo}?e  for  to  dye 

Now  lokej)  is  nat  fat1  an  heih  folye 

who  may  be  a  fole  if1  fat  he  lone 

Byholde  for  goddes  f  af  sittef  aboue  1 800 

Se  how  fey  blede  be  fey  nought1  wel  arrayed 

Thus  haf  here  lord  f  e  god  of1  loue  hem  payed 

here  wages  and  here  fees  for  here  seruise 

And  jef  wenen  they  to  ben  wise  /  1 804 

That1  semen  loue  for  ought1  fat  may  bifalle 

But1  f  is  is  $ette  /  f  e  beste  game  of1  alle 

That1  sche  for  whom  fey  haue  f  is  lelousye 

11  Can  hem  f  erf  ore  as  moche  fank1  as  me  1808 

Sche  woot1  no  more  of1  al  f  is  hoote  fare 

By  god  fan  wot1  a  Cuckow  or  an  hare 

But1  al  moot-1  ben  assayed  hoot1  or  colde 

A  man  moot1  ben  a  fool  of  er  $ong1  or  olde  1812 

I  woot1  it  by  my  self1  ful  $ore  a-gon 

For  in  my  tyme  a  seruant1  was  I  on 

And  sythen  fat1 1  knewe  of1  loues  peyne 

And  wot1  how  sore  it  can  a  man  destreyne  1816 

As  he  fat1  haf  often  ben  caught1  in  his  lace 

I  3011  for^eue  holly  f  is  trespaoe 

At1  fe  request1  of  |>e  queen  fat  knelef  heere 

And  eek1  of1  Emely  my  sustor  deere  1820 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     53 

And  30  schullen  bojje  anon  vnto  me  swere 

That1  neuer  30  schullen  my  corowne  dere 

Ne  make  werre  on  me  night1  ne  day  [/e«/25] 

But  be  my  freendes  alle  j?at  $e  may  1824 

I  3ou  foi^eue  jjis  trespas  euery  dele 

And  Jjey  him  swore  his  axyng1  euery  dele 

And  him  of1  lordschip  and  of1  mercy  prayde 

And  he  hern  g?-aunted  mercy  and  pus  he  sayde  1828 

TO  speke  of1  real  lynage  and  riches 
Though  Jjat1  sche  were  a  queen  or  a  prynces 
Ilk*  of*  3ow  boj>e  is  worjjy  douteles 

To  wedde  when  tyme  is  but  najjeles  1832 

I  speke  as  for  my  suster  Emelye 
For  whom  36  haue  J)is  stryf1  and  lelousye 
30  woof  3oure  self1  sche  may  not1  wedde  two 
At*  oones  Jjough  30  faughten  euer  mo  1836 

That1  oon  of1  3ow  or  be  him  loth  or  leef1 
he  may  go  pypen  in  an  luy  leef1 
This  is  to  say  sche  may  nought*  haue  bope 
Al  be  36  neuer  so  lelous  ne  so  lojje  1840 

For-Jjy  I  put*  3ou  bothe  in  J>is  degre 
That1  ilk1  of1  3ou  schal  haue  his  destyne 
As  him  is  schape  /  and  herken  in  what1  wyse 
Lo  here  3 our  ende  of1  J>at  I  schal  deuyse  1844 

My  wil  is  ]?is.  for  playn  conclusiown 
wij>outen  eny  repplicaciozm 
If1  J>af  3ou  liketh  tak1  it1  for  J?e  best 

That1  euery  of1  3011  schal  go  wher  him  lest1  1848 

Frely  wijjouten  raunsouw  or  daungeer 
And  Jns  day  fyfty  wykes  fer  ne  neer 
Euerich  of1  3011  schal  bryng1  an  hundred  kiiightes 
Armed  for  lystes  vp  at  alle  rightes  1852 

Al  redy  to  derayne  hir  by  batayle 
And  jnis  byhote  I  3ou  wijjouten  fayle 
vpon  my  trouthe  and  as  I  am  a  knight 
That1  whejnr  of  3ow  bo]?e  ]>at  haj)  might1  1856 


54     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7534. 

This  is  to  seyn  that1  whepir  he  or  pou 

May  wip  his  hundred  as  I  spak1  of  now 

Sle  his  contrary  or  out1  of1  lystes  dryue 

Him  schal  1  3eue  Emelye  to  wyue  1860 

To  whom  pat  fortune  $euep  so  fair  a  grace     [*«<//  25,  back} 

The  lyste  schal  I  make  in  pis  place 

And  god  so  wisly  on  my  sowle  rewe 

As  I  schal  euen  iuge  ben  and  trewe  1864 

^e  schul  non  opir  ende  wip  me  make 

That1  oon  of1  }ow  schal  be  deed  or  take 

And  if*  ^ou  pinkep  pis  is  wel  I-sayde 

Say  $oure  avys  and  holdep  ^ow  a-payde  1868 

This  is  ^oure  ende  and  ^oure  conclusiown 

who  lokep  lightly  now  but1  Palamown 

who  spryngep  vp  for  ioye  but  arcite 

who  coupe  telle  or  who  coupe  endite  1872 

The  ioye  pat  is  made  in  pis  place 

whan  Theseus  hap  don  so  fair  a  grace 

But  down  on  knees  wente  euery  wight 

And  panked  him  with  al  here  hertes  might  1876 

And  namely  pe  thebanes  ofte  sipe 

And  pus  wip  good  hope  and  herte  blipe 

They  taken  here  leue  and  horn-ward  pey  ryde 

To  Thebes  /  wip  olde  walles  wyde  1880 


.........     no  gap  in  the  MS.~\ 

A  Trow  men  wolde  /  it  deme  necligence 
If1  1  for^ete  to  telle  pe  dispence 
Of1  Theseus  pat1  gop  so  busily 

To  maken  vp  pe  lystes  rially  1884 

&  such  a  noble  theatre  as  it  was 
I  dar  wel  say  pat1  in  pis  world  per  nas 
The  circuite  per  was  a  myle  aboute 

walled  of*  stoon  and  dyched  al  wipoute  1888 

Bound  was  pe  schap  in  maner  of  corapaas 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.    55 

Ful  of1  degre  J?e  heigfet1  of  sixty  paas 
That1  whan  a  man  was  set  in  o  degre 
he  letted  nought1  his  felaw  for  to  se  1892 

Estward  J»er  stood  a  gate  of1  marbul  whit* 
westward  such  anojjer  in  opposit/ 
And  schortly  to  conclude  such  a  place 
was  non  in  er]>e  in  so  litel  space  1896 

In  al  ]?e  lond  J?er  nas  no  craftys  man 
That  geometry  or  arsmetrike  can 
Ne  purtreyour  ne  keruer  of1  y mages  [teafze] 

That1  Theseus  ne  ^af1  hem  mete  and  wages  1900 

The  theatre  for  to  maken  and  deuyse 
And  for  to  don  his  right1  and  sacrifise 
he  Estward  haj?  vpon  )>e  gate  aboue 

In  worschip  of1  venus  goddes  of1  loue  1904 

Don  make  an  auter  and  an  oratory 
And  westward  in  £e  mynde  and  in  memory 
Of1  mars  he  ha]?  I-maked  such  an  ojjer 
That  coste  largely  of1  gold  a  fo]?er  1908 

And  northward  in  a  toret1  on  jje  walle 
Of1  alabaster  whit*  and  reed  coralle 
An  oratory  riche  for  to  see 

In  worschip  of1  Dyane  goddes  of1  chastite  1912 

hath  Theseus  I-wrought1  in  noble  wise 
But1  }it/  had  I  forgeten  to  deuyse  / 
The  nobil  keruyng1  and  ]>e  purtretures 
The  schap  Jje  contynaunce  of1  Jje  figures  1916 

That1  weren  in  J)e  Oratories  J>re 

Furst1  in  ]?e  temple  of1  venus  ])ou  may  se 
wrought1  in  pe  wal  ful  pitous  to  byholde 
Thre  broken  slepes  and  £e  sykes  colde  1920 

The  sacred  teeres  and  j>e  waymentyng1 
The  fuyry  strokes  and  Jje  desiryng1 
That1  loues  servaunt^  in  J>is  lyf1  enduren 
The  othes  J?af  by  her  couenant}  assuren  1924 

Plesance  and  hope  desyr  fool-hardynesse 


56     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Beaute  and  3ou]?e  baudery  and  richesse 

Charmes  and  sorcery  lesynges  and  flatery 

Dispense  busynes  and  lelousy  1928 

That1  werud  of1  3010  guides  a  gerland 

And  a  cukkow  sittyng1  on  hire  hand 

Festes  instrument}  carols  and  daunces 

Lust1  and  array  and  al  J>e  circumstaunces  /  1932 

Of1  loue  which  I  rekned  and  reken  schal 

Ech  by  ofer  /  were  peynted  on  J>e  wal 

And  mo  fan  I  /  can  make  of1  menciown 

Tor  sothly  al  fe  mourct  of1  Setherown  1936 

Ther  Yenus  hath  hir  principal  d welly ng1       |>o/26,  back} 

was  schewed  on  f  e  wal  here  portrayng1 

wij?  alle  J?e  Gardyn  and  al  J?e  lustynes 

^Nought1  was  for^ete  fe  porter  ydelnes  1940 

!Ne  Narcisus  fe  fayr  of1  ^ore  agon 

Ne  ^et1  ]?e  foly  of  kyng1  Salomon 

Ne  eek1  fe  strengpe  /  of  him  hercules 

Thenchauntement}  of1  Medea  and  Cerces  1944 

Ne  of1  tnrnus  of  which  Jje  hard  fuyry  corage 

The  riche  Cresus  caytif  in  seruage 

Thus  may  we  see  Jmt1  wisdom  and  riches 

Beaute  ne  sleight1  strengjje  ne  hardynes  1948 

Ne  may  wij>  venus  holde  champ^rtye 

For  as  sche  lust1  ]?e  world  fan  may  sche  gye 

lo  al  J>is  folk1 1-caugRt1  were  in  hire  trace 

Til  fay  for  wo  fuloften  sayde  alias  1952 

Suffice])  J)is  ensample  oon  or  tuo 

And  fough  I  coufe  reken  a  fousend  mo 

The  statu  of1  venus  glorious  for  to  see 

was  naked  fletyng1  in  fe  large  see  1956 

And  fro  fe  nauel  doun  al  couered  was 

with  wawes  grene  as  bright  as  eny  glas 

A  citole  in  hire  right1  hond  hadde  sche 

And  on  hir  heed  ful  semely  on  to  see  1960 

A  rose  garland  ful  swete  and  wel  smellyng* 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     57 

And  abouen  hire  heed  dowues  fleyng* 

Biforn  hir  stood  hir  sone  Cupido 

vpon  his  schuldres  were  wynges  two  1964 

And  blynd  he  was  as  it1  is  often  seene 

A  bowe  he  bar  and  arwes  fair  and  greene 

Why  schuld  I  nou^f  as  wel  telle  3011  alle 
The  portraiture  J>afr  was  vpon  )>e  walle  1968 

wi]>  in  j>e  temple  of1  mighty  mars  Jje  reede 
Al  peynted  was  Jje  wal  in  leng]>  and  breede 
loke  to  J>e  Estres  of1  J>e  grisly  place 

That1  higfrf  ]?e  gref  tempul  of1  mars  in  trace  1972 

In  J?af  colde  and  in  J)af  frosty  regiozm 
Ther  as  mars  ha])  his  souereyn  manciown 
First1  on  j?e  wal  was  peynted  a  foreste  0^/27] 

In  which  J?er  dwelled  neyther  man  ne  beste  /  1976 

wij)  knotty  knarry  bareyn  trees  olde 
Of*  stubbes  scharpe  and  hidous  to  byholde 
In  which  per  ran  as  wymbul  in  a  swougfi 
As  if  were  a  storme  schuld  bersf  euery  bough  1980 

And  downward  on  an  hil  vnder  a  bent  / 
Ther  stood  J>e  tempul  of*  niarcj  armypotent  / 
wrought1  al  of1  burned  steel  of1  which  Centre 
was  long1  and  streyf  and  gastly  for  to  see  1984 

And  ]?er  out/  came  a  rage  of  suche  aprise 
That1  it1  maad  al  J>e  gates  for  to  rise 
The  norjjen  light*  in  at1  }>e  dore  schon 
For  wyndow  on  J>e  walle  was  J?er  noon  1988 

Thorugh  J?e  which  men  might1  no  light  discerne 
The  dores  wer  alle.  ademaunt}  eterne 
I-clenched  ouer  thward  and  endelong/ 
with  Iren  tough  /  and  for  to  make  if  strong1  1992 

Euery  piler  J>e  tempul  to  susteene 
was  tonne  greet  of1  Iren  bright  and  schene 
Ther  saugh  I  fursf  J>e  derk1  ymaginyng1 
Of1  felony  and  al  the  conipassyng*  1996 

The  cruel  Ire  as  reed  as  eny  gleede 


58    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

The  pike-purs  and  eek*  j?e  pale  drede 

The  smyler  wij>  ]?e  knyf1  vnder  his  cloke 

The  schipne  brennyng1  with  )>e  blake  smoke  2000 

The  tresoun  of1  )?e  murperyng1  in  j?e  bed 

The  open  werres  wij>  woundes  al  bibled 

kuttud  with  bloody  knyf1  and  scharp  manace 

Al  ful  of  chirkyng1  was  fat  sory  place  2004 

The  sleer  of  himself  }et  saugh"  I  J>ere 

here  herte  blood  hajj  baj>ed  al  his  here 

The  nayl  y-dryue  in  J>e  schode  a-nygfit 

The  colde  dejj  with  mou)>  gapyng1  vprigfrt  2008 

A-myddes  of1  J>e  tempo!  set/  meschawnce 

wij?  sory  comfort1  and  euel  contynawnce 

I  saugh  woundes  laughyng1  in  here  rage 

The  hunt1  strangled  with  wilde  bores  corage  2012 


no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

The  sowe  freten  J>e  child  right  in  Jje  cradel 

The  cook1 1-skalded  for  al  his  longe  ladel  2020 

Nought*  be]?  forgeten  }>e  infortune  of*  mart 

The  carter  ouer-ryden  wij>  his  cart1 

vnder  )>e  whel  ful  lowe  he  lay  a  doun 

Ther  were  also  of1  mart3  diuisioun  2024 

The  barbour  and  J)e  bowcher  and  Jje  srnytfi 

That1  forge))  scharpe  swerdes  on  his  stith 

And  al  aboue  depeynted  in  a  tour 

Saw  I  conquest  sittyng1  in  gret1  honour  2028 

with  J>e  scharpe  swerd  ouer  his  heed 

hangynge  by  a  sotil  twyne  threed 

Depeynted  was  Jjer  j>e  slaught1  of  lulius 

Of1  grete  Nero  and  of1  Anthonius  2032 

Al  be  J)af  ilke  tyme  J>ey  were  vnborn 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     5$ 

3etf  was  here  deth  depeynted  per  byfoin 

By  manasyng*  of*  marc}  right*  by  figure 

So  was  it  schewed  right*  in  pe  purtreture  2036 

As  is  depeynted  in  sterres  aboue 

who  schal  be  slayn  or  elles  deed  for  loue 

Suffice)?  oon  ensample  in  stories  olde 

[A  break  of  one  line  in  fhe  MS.] 

The  statue  of*  mars  vpon  a  carte  stood 
Armed  and  loked  grym  as  he  were  wood 
And  ouer  his  heed  per  schynep  two  figures 
Of*  sterres  fat  been  cleped  in  scriptures  2044 

That  oon  puella  pat*  o]mr  Eubius 
This  god  of1  arraes  was  arayed  pus 
A  wolf*  per  stood  byforn  him  at  his  feet 
wijj  eyen  reed  and  of*  a  man  he  eet  2048 

wij>  sotyl  pencel  depeynted  was  pis  storie 
In  redoutyng1  of*  mars  and  of*  his  glorie 

NOw  to  J>e  temple  of*  Dyane  pe  chaste 
As  schortly  as  I  can  I  wol  me  haste  2052 

To  telle  }ou  al  pe  descripcioun) 
Depeynted  ben  pe  walles  vp  and  down 
Of*  huntyng1  and  of*  schamefast*  chastite 
Ther  saugh  I  how  woful  Calystope  /  2056 

whan  pat  Dyane  was  agreued  with  here  [wasj 

was  turned  from  a  wo?nman  to  a  bere 
And  after  was  sche  maad  pe  loode-sterre 
Thus  was  it  peynted  I  can  say  no  ferre  2060 

hire  son  is  eek1  aftir  as  men  may  see 
Ther  saw}  I  dyane  turned  in  til  a  tree 
I  mene  nou^t*  pe  goddes  Dyane 

But*  Peneus  doubter  /  pe  whiche  hight  dane  2064 

Ther  saugfc  I  atheon  an  herf  I-maked 
For  vengance  pat*  he  saugfr  Dyane  al  naked 
I  saugfi.  how  pat  his  houndes  han  him  caught* 
And  freten  him  for  pat*  pey  knew  him  naught  2068 

3  it*  I-peynted  was  a  litel  forper  more 


60    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

how  atthalaunce  huntyd  J>e  wilde  bore 

And  Melyagre  /  and  many  anojjer  mo 

For  which  Dyane  wrought*  him  care  and  woo  2072 

Ther  saugh  I  eek*  many  anojjer  story 

The  which  me  list1  not1  drawe  in  to  memory 

This  goddess  son  /  an  hert*  ful  hy  he  seet 

with  smale  houndes  at  hire  feet  2076 

And  vnder-nejje  hir  feet*  sche  had  J?e  moone 

wexyng*  it  was  and  schulde  wane  soone 

In  gaude  greene  hire  statue  closed  was 

wij>  bowe  in  hande  and  arwes  in  a  cas  2080 

hir  ey^en  caste  sche  ful  lowe  adoun 

Ther  Pluto  haj>  his  derke  regioun 

A  womman  trauailyng*  was  hire  biforn 

But  for  hire  child  so  longe  was  vnborn  2084 

Ful  pitously  lucyna  gan  she  calle 

And  seyde  help  /  for  j>ou  mayst*  best1  of*  alle  / 

wel  coujje  he  peynte  lyfly  J?at  it  wrou3t 

wij>  many  a  floren  he  J»e  hewes  bought*  2088 

Now  been  Jrise  listes  maad  and  Theseus  / 

That*  at  his  grete  cost1  arayed  )ms 

The  temples  and  J?e  Theatres  euery  del 

whan  it*  was  don  it1  liked  him  right*  wel  2092 

But*  stynf  I  wil  of*  Theseus  a  lite 

And  speke  of*  Palomori  and  of*  Arcite 

THe  day  approchej?  of*  her  attoumyng*     i>«/28,  &acfrj 
That*  euery  schuld  an  hundred  kni3tes  bryng*      2096 
The  batail  to  derreyne  as  I  ^ou  tolde 
And  til  athenes  her  couenant  to  holde 
hath  euery  of*  hem  brought*  an  .C.  knightes 
wel  armed  for  J?e  werre  at  alle  rightes  2100 

-And  sikerly  )>er  trowed  many  a  man) 
That  /  neuer  si)>J>en  J>at*  )>is  world  bigan 
For  to  speke  of*  knighthod  of*  her  hond 
As  fer  as  god  haj>  maked  see  or  lond  2104 

of*  so  fewe  so  good  a  company 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     61 

For  euery  wight1  Jmtf  louejj  chyualry 

And  wold  his  Jjankes  haue  a  passant  name 

he  preyed  J>af  he  might1  be  of1  J>at  game  2108 

A  wel  was  him  J>at  J>erto  chosen  was 

For  if*  )?er  felle  to  morwe  such  a  caas 

I  knowe  wel  jjatt  euery  lusty  knight/ 

That*  louej)  paramours  and  hath  his  might*  2112 

were  it  in  Engelond  or  elles  where  / 

They  wold  here  Jjankes  wilne  to  be  Jjere 

To  fight  for  /  a  lady  benedicite 

It1  were  a  lusty  sighte  for  to  see  2116 

And  right1  so  ferden  J?ey  with  Palomon 

wi]>  him  Jjer  wente  knyghtes  many  oon) 

Some  wol  ben  armed  in  an  haburgown 

In  a  bright  bresf  plat1  and  a  gypo?m  2120 

And  som  wold  haue  a  peyre  plates  large 

And  som  wold  haue  a  prys  scheld  or  a  targe 

Som  wol  been  armed  on  here  legges  weel 

And  haue  an  ax  and  eek1  a  mace  of1  steel  2124 

Ther  nys  no  newe  gyse  Jjafr  it*  nas  old 

Armed  were  J)ey  as  I  haue  told 

Euerich  after  his  owen  opiniown 

Ther  maistow  se  comyng*  wij>  Palomown  2128 

ligurge  himself1  Jje  grete  kyng1  of  Trace 
Blak1  was  his  berd  and  manly  was  his  face 
The  cercles  of1  /  his  eyen  in  his  heed 

They  gloweden  bytwixe  30! w  and  reed  2132 

And  lik1  a  griff oun  loked  he  aboute  Oa/29] 

with  kempe  heres  on  his  browes  stowte 
his  lymes  greef  his  brawnes  hard  and  stronge 
his  schuldres  brood  his  armes  rounde  and  longe  2136 

And  as  J?e  gyse  was  in  his  contre 
Ful  heye  vpon  a  chare  of*  gold  stood  he 
wi)>  foure  white  boles  in  a  trays 

In  stede  of  cote  armour  in  his  harnays  2140 

wi}>  nayles  30! we  and  bright  as  eny  gold 


62     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

he  had  a  bere  skyn  cole-blak1  for  old 

his  lange  heer  y-kenipfr  byliynd  his  bak* 

As  eny  rauen  fether  it  schon  for  blak*  2144 

A  wrej>e  of1  gold  arm-gretH  and  huge  of1  wight/ 

Vpon  his  heed  set1  ful  of1  stoones  bright 

Of1  fyne  rubeus  and  of*  fyn  dyamaunt} 

Aboute  his  chare  wente  with  white  alaunt^  2148 

Twenty  and  mo  as  grete  as  eny  stere 

To  hunt  at1  J?e  lyozm  or  at1  pe  bere 

And  folwed  him  with  mosel  fast1 I-bounde 

Colerd  of1  gold  and  torett^  fyled  rounde  2152 

An  hundred  lordes  had  he  in  his  route 

Armed  ful  wel  wij?  hertes  stern  and  stout e 

With  arcita  in  stories  as  men  fynde 
The  grcf  Emetreus  £e  kyng<  of4  ynclc  2156 

Vppon  a  steede  bay  trapped  in  steel 
Couered  wi]>  clop  and  of4  gold  dyapred  wel 
Cam  rydyng1  lyk1  /  fe  god  of1  armes  mars 
his  coote  armour  was  of1  a,  do])  of1  Tars  2160 

Cowched  of1  perlys  whyte  round  and  grete 
his  sadil  was  of*  brend  gold  newe  bete 
A  mantelet  vpon  his  schuldre  hangyng 
Bret-ful  of  Rubies  reed  and  fir  sparelyng  .      2164 

His  crispe  her  lik1  rynges  was  I-ronne 
And  Jjatt  was  jalwe  and  gliteryng1  as  fe  sonne 
his  nose  was  heigh  his  eyen  were  cytryne 
His  lippes  rounde  his  colour  was  sangwyn  2168 

A  fewe  freknes  in  his  face  y-spreynd 
Betwixe  3olwe  and  somdel  blak1  y-meynd 
And  as  a  lyoun  he  his  lokyng1  caste  [leaf  29,  MCK] 

Of  fyue  and  twenty  }eer  his  age  I  caste  2172 

his  berd  was  wel  bygonne  for  to  sprynge 
His  voys  was  as  a  trumpe  thunderynge 
vpon  his  heed  he  wered  a  laurer  grene 
A  garlond  freisch  and  lusty  for  to  serie  2176 

vpon  his  hond  he  bar  for  his  delyt 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     63 

An  Egle  tame  as  eny  lylie  whyt1 

An  hundred  lordes  had  he  with  him  J>er 

Al  armed  sauf  here  hedes  in  here  ger  2180 

Ful  richely  in  alle  maner  Binges 

For  trustej)  wel  fat  dukes  Erles  kynges 

were  gadred  in  pis  noble  companye 

For  loue  and  for  encres  of  Chiualrye  /  2184 

Aboute  )>e  kyng1  ]?er  ran  on  euery  part 

Ful  many  a  tame  lyown  and  lepartf 

And  in  J>is  wise  pis  lordes  alle  and  some 

Been  on  the  sonday  to  ]?e  cite  kome  2188 

Aboute  prime  and  in  pe  toun  alight1 

This  Theseus  jns  duk1  pis  wor])y  knight1 

whan  he  had  brought1  hem  in  to  pis  cite 

And  ynned  hem  euerich  at1  his  degre  2192 

he  festep  hem  and  do]?  so  gret  labour 

To  esen  hem  and  do  hem  al  honour 

That  ^it1  men  wene  pat1  no  mannes  wyt/ 

Of1  non  estat1  pat1  cowde  amenden  it/  2196 

The  mynstralcye  pe  seruyce  at  pe  feste 

The  grete  ^iftes  to  pe  most1  and  leste 

The  riche  aray  of1  Thebes  his  paleys 

Ne  who  sat1  first1  ne  last1  vpon  pe  deys  2200 

what  ladies  fayrest1  ben  or  best1  daunsyng1 

Or  which  of1  hem  can  daunce  best1  or  syng1 

Ne  who  most1  felyngly  spekej)  of1  loue 

what1  haukes  sitten  on  J>e  perche  aboue  2204 

what1  houndes  lyen  in  J?e  floor  a-doun 

Of1  al  J)is  make  I  now  no  mencioun 

But1  of1  Reflect1  Jjat1  )?inkej>  me  }>e  beste  / 

Now  comth  }>Q  poynt1  and  herkneth  if1  ^ou  leste  2208 

The  sonday  night1  or  day  bigan  to  springe  [^a/so] 

when  Palomon  ]>e  larke  herde  synge 

Al  Jjough  it1  were  nought1  day  by  houres  tuo 

^it  sang1  J>e  larke  and  Palomon  also  /  2212 

with  holy  herte  and  with  an  heih  corage 


64    GROUP  A.     §  2.    KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

He  roos  to  wenden  on  his  pilgrymage 

Ynto  J>e  blisful  Cithera  benigne 

I  mene  Venus  honorable  and  digne  2216 

Arid  in  here  hour  he  walkejj  for])  a  paas 

Ynto  J?e  lystes  fer  hir  temple  was 

And  doun  he  knelej)  and  wij)  humble  cheer 

And  her  sore  and  seide  as  36  schal  heer  2220 

FAiresfr  0  fairest  /  0  lady  myn  Venus 
Doughter  of  loue  and  spouse  to  Vlcanus 
Thou  glacier  of  J>e  mount/  of1  Citherozm 
For  J)ilke  loue  J>ou  haddesfr  to  adeown  2224 

haue  pite  on  my  bitter  teeres  smerte 
And  tak1  myn  humble  prayer  to  )>in  herte 
Alias  I  ne  haue  no  langage  for  to  telle 
Theffectes  ne  pe  torment}  of1  myn  helle  2228 

Myn  herte  may  myn  hannes  nat  bewreye 
I  am  so  confus  pat  I  may  not  seye 
But  mercy  lady  bright  )>at  knowest  wel 
My  poughtt  and  felesf  what  harm  ]>at  I  f el  2232 

Consider  al  J?is  and  rew  vpon  my  sore 
As  wisly  as  I  schal  for  euermore  / 
Enforce  my  might1  J>i  trewe  seruant1  to  be 
And  holde  werre  alday  wif  chastite  2236 

That1  make  I  myn  avow  so  30  me  helpe 
I  kepe  nat  of1  armes  for  to  ^elpe 
Ne  natt  I  aske  to  morn  to  haue  victorie 
Ne  renoun  in  Jns  caas  ne  Veyne  glorie  2240 

Of1  pris  of1  armes  blowyng1  vp  and  doun 
But1 1  wolde  haue  ful  possessioun) 
Of1  Emelye  and  dye  in  ))i  seniise 

'Fynd  }>ou  ]?e  maner  how  and  in  what*  wyse  2244 

I  recche  nat1  buf  it1  may  better  be 
To  haue  victorie  of1  him  or  he  of1  me 
So  Jjaf  I  haue  my  lady  in  myn  armes  [/<a/30,6act] 

For  Jjougfr  so  be  ]>aV  mars  be  god  of  armes  2248 

And  $e  be  venus  J>e  goddes  of*  loue 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     65 

3oure  vertu  is  so  gret1  in  lieuen  aboue 

Thy  temple  wol  I  worscliipe  eiwmo 

And  on  Jjin  auter  wher  I  ryde  or  go  2252 

I  wol  do  sacrifice  and  fyres  beete 

And  if1  36  wol  naf  so  my  lady  sweete 

Than  pray  I  J?e  to  morwe  with  a  spere 

That1  arcita  me  Jmrgh  the  herte  bere  /  2256 

Thanne  rekke  I  nat1  whan  I  haue  lost1  my  lyf1 

Though  Jjat1  arcite  haue  hir  to  his  wyf1 

This  is  Jjeffect/  and  ende  of1  my  prayeere 

3if*  me  my  love  my  blisful  lady  deere  2260 

whan  thorisoun  was  doon  of1  Palomoii) 

his  sacrifice  he  dede  and  J>at  anoon) 

Ful  pitously  with  alle  circumstances 

Al  telle  I  naf  as  now  his  obseruances  2264 

But1  at1  jje  last1  J>e  statu  of1  venus  schook1 

And  made  a  signe  wherby  J)at  he  took1 

That1  his  prayer  accepted  was  jjat1  day 

For  Jjough  J>e  signe  schewed  a  delay  2268 

3ef  wist1  he  wel  J>at  graunted  was  his  boone 

And  wij)  glad  herte  he  went1  him  horn  ful  soone 

The  jjrid  hour  in  equal  fat1  Palomon 
Bigan  to  Venus  temple  for  to  goon  2272 

vp  roos  J>e  sonne  and  vp  roos  Emelye 
And  to  £e  temple  of1  Dian  gan  sche  hye 
Hir  maydens  jmt1  sche  wij?  hir  jjider  ladde 
Ful  redily  wij>  hem  jje  fyr  Jjey  hadde  2276 

Thencens  /  Jje  clones  and  jjemenant  al 
That  to  jje  sacrifice  longen  schal 
The  homes  ful  of1  meth  as  is  \>Q  gyse  / 
Ther  lakkejj  nou^t1  to  do  here  sacrifise  2280 

Smokyng1  })e  temple  ful  of1  clones  faire 
This  Emelye  wijj  herte  debonaire 
Hir  body  wessch  wij>  wtir  of1  a  welle 

But  how  sche  dide  I  ne  dar  nat1  telle  2284 

But1  it  be  eny  jnng1  in  general 

CANT.  TALES — HARL. 


66     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

And  jef  it  were  a  game  to  here  it  al 

To  him  J>at  meneth  wel  it  were  no  charge 

But  it  is  good  a  man  be  at  his  large  2288 

hir  brighte  her  was  kempt1  vntressed  al 

A  Corone  of1  a  grene  Ok1  cerial 

vpon  hir  heed  was  set1  ful  fair  and  meete 

Tuo  fyres  on  J?e  auter  gan  sche  beete  2292 

And  did  hir  fringes  as  men  may  biholde 

In  state  ofH  Thebes  and  pe  bokes  olde 

whan  kynled  was  ]?e  fyre  wij?  pitous  cheere  / 

vnto  Dyan  sche  spak1  as  ^e  may  heere  2296 

O  chaste  goddes  of1  J>e  woodes  greene 
To  whom  bo]?e  heuen  and  er])e  and  see  is  scene 
Queen  of1  £e  regne  ofH  pluto  derk1  and  lowe 
Goddes  of1  maydenes  pat1  myn  hert  has  knowe  2300 

Ful  many  a  ^eer  /  36  woof  whaf  I  desire 
As  keep  me  fro  J?e  vengans  of1  Jnlk1  yre 
Thaf  atheon  aboughte  trewely 

Chaste  goddesse  wel  wosf  J>ou  pat  I  2304 

Desire  to  ben  a  mayden  al  my  lyf1 
Ne  neuer  wol  I  be  no  loue  ne  wyf1 
I  am  }if  J>ou  wosf  of1  Jri  company 

A  mayden  and  loue  huntyng1  and  venery  2308 

And  for  to  walken  in  J?e  woodes  wylde 
And  noughf  to  ben  a  wyfH  and  be  with  chjdde 
Nou^f  wol  I  knowe  J?e  company  of1  man 
ISTow  helpe  me  lady  sy]mes  ^e  may  and  kan  2312 

For  J?e  formes  J>af  fou  hasf  in  J>e 
And  Palomon  )?af  ha]?  such  loue  to  me 
And  eek1  arcite  J?at  louej)  me  so  sore 

This  grace  I  praye  J>e  wijjoutew  more  2316 

And  sende  loue  and  pees  betwix  hem  two 
And  fro  me  torne  a  wey  here  hertes  so 
Thaf  al  here  hoote  loue  and  here  desire 
Al  here  besy  torment  and  al  here  fyre  2320 

Be  queynf  or  turned  in  anojjer  place 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     67 

And  if*  so  be  f  ou  wol  do  me  no  grace 

Or  if*  my  destyne  be  schapid  so  [/e«/8i,ft«<*] 

That1 1  schal  needes  haue  on  of1  hem  two  2324 

So  send  me  him  fat1  most  desire])  me 

Biholde  goddes  of1  clene  chastite 

The  bitteiwres  fat1  on  my  cheekes  falle 

Syn  f  ou  art1  mayde  and  keper  of1  vs  alle  2328 

My  maydenhode  f  ou  kepe  and  wel  conserue 

And  whil  I  lyue  a  mayde  I  wil  f  e  serue  / 

The  fyres  bren  vpon  f  e  auter  cleer 
whil  Emelye  was  in  hire  preyer  2332 

But1  sodeinly  sche  saugli  a  sighte  queynt1 
For  right1  anon  on  of1  f  e  fyres  queynt 
And  quyked  agayn  and  after  fat1  anon 
That  ofer  fyr  was  queynt  and  al  a-gon  2336 

And  as  it  queynt  it  made  a  whistelyng1 
As  do])  a  wete  brond  in  his  brennyng1 
And  at1  f  e  brondes  end  out*  ran  anoon 
As  it  were  bloody  d ropes  many  oon  2340 

For  which  so  sore  agast1  was  Emelye 
That1  sche  wel  neih  mad  was  and  gan  to  crio 
For  sche  ne  wiste  what1  it1  signifyed 

But1  oonely  for  feere  fus  sche  cryed  2344 

And  wepte  fat/  it*  was  pite  to  heere 
And  J)er-wi]>-al  Dyane  gan  appeere 
wif  bow  in  hond  right1  as  a  hunteresse 
And  seyd  a  doughte?*  stynt1  fyn  heuynesse  2348 

Among1  j)e  goddes  hye  it1  is  affermed 
And  by  eterne  word  write  &  confermed 
Thou  schalt*  be  wedded  vnto  oon  of1  f  o 
That1  haue  for  fe  so  moche  care  and  wo  2352 

But1  vnto  which  of1  hem  may  I  nat  telle 
Far  wel  for  I  may  her  no  lenger  dwells 
The  fyres  which  fat1  on  myn  auter  bren 
Schuln  fe  declare  or  fat  fou  go  hen  2356 

Thyn  aduenture  of1  loue  and  in  f  is  caas 

F  2 


68    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

And  wip  pat1  word  pe  arwes  in  pe  caas 

Of1  pe  goddesse  clatren  faste  and  rynge 

And  for])  sche  went*  and  made  a  vanysschynge  2360 

For  which  this  Ernelye  astoneyd  was  \ieaf  2&\ 

And  seide  what  amountep  pis  alias 

I  put1  me  vnder  py  proteccioun 

Dyane  and  in  pi  disposicioun  2364 

And  hoom  sche  go])  anon  ])e  nexte  way 

This  is  ^effect/  per  nys  no  mor  to  say 

The  nexte  houre  of1  mars  folwynge  J)is 
Arcite  to  pe  temple  walkyd  is  /  2368 

To  f yry  mars  to  doon  his  sacrifise  / 
with  al  pe  rightes  of  his  payen  wise 
with  pitous  herte  and  heih  deuociown 
Eight4  thus  to  mars  he  sayd  his  orisoiw  2372 

0  stronge  god  pat  in  pe  reynes  cold 
Of1  trace  honoured  and  lord  art  pou  hold 
And  hast1  in  euery  regne  and  euery  land 
Of1  armes  al  pe  bridel  in  py  hand  2376 

And  hem  fortunesf  as  pe  lust1  deuyse 
Accept/  of1  me  my  pitous  sacrifise 
If1  so  be  paf  my  ^outhe  may  deserue 

And  pat*  my  might  be  worpi  to  deserue  2380 

Thy  godhed  pat/  I  may  be  on  of  pine 
Then  pray  I  pe  /  to  rewe  on  my  pyne 
For  pilke  peyne  and  pat  hoote  fuyre 

The  which  whilom  pou  brendest  for  desyre  2384 

whan  pat1  pou  vsedest1  pe  gret1  bewte 
Of1  faire  freissche  Venus  pat  is  so  free 
And  haddest1  hir  in  armes  at  py  wille 
And  pough  pe  ones  on  a  tyme  mysfille  2388 

whan  Vlcanus  had  caught  pe  in  his  laas 
And  fand  pe  liggyng1  by  his  wyf1  allaas 
For  pilke  sorwe  pat1  was  in  pin  herte 

haue  reuthe  as  wel  vpon  my  peynes  smerte  2392 

I  am  ^ong1  and  vnkonnyng1  as  pou  wost1 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     69 

And  as  I  trowe  /  wij?  lone  offendid  most1  / 

That*  euer  was  eny  lyues  creature  / 

For  sche  fat  doth  me  /  al  pis  wo  endure  2396 

ISTe  rekkef  nener  whef  er  I  synke  or  flete 

And  wel  I  woof  or  sche  me  mercy  heete 

I  moot1  wif  strengfe  wyn  hir  in  fe  place       rw32,&acA-] 

And  wel  I  wot/  wif  outen  help  or  grace  2400 

Of1  f  e  /  ne  may  my  strengthe  nought1  auayle 

Then  help  me  lord  to  morn  in  my  batayle 

For  f  ilke  fyr  that  whilom  brende  f  e 

As  wel  as  fis  fire  now  brennef  me  2404 

And  do  to  morn  fat1  I  haue  f  e  victorie 

Myn  be  f  e  trauail  al  fin  be  f  e  glorie 

Thy  souerein  tempul  wol  I  most1  honouren 

Of1  any  place  /  and  al  way  most1  labouren  2  108 

In  f  y  plesamice  /  and  f  y  craftes  strong1 

And  in  f  y  tempul  I  wol  my  baner  hong1 

And  alle  f  e  armes  of1  my  companye 

And  euermore  vnto  f  at1  day  I  dye  2412 

Eterne  fyr  I  wol  bifore  f  e  fynde 

And  eek1  to  fis  /  avow  I  wol  me  bynde 

My  berd  myn  heer  fat1  hangeth  longe  a  doun 

That1  neuer  ^it1  ne  felt1  offensioun  2416 

Of1  rasour  ne  of1  schere  I  wol  J?e  3iue 

And  be  }>y  trewe  seruaunt  whiles  I  lyue 

lord  haue  row]?e  vppon  my  sorwes  sore 

jif1  me  Jjy  victorie  I  aske  no  more  2420 

The  preyer  stynt/  of1  Arcita  ]je  strange 
The  rynges  on  ]>e  tempul  dore  fat1  hange 
And  eek1  the  dores  clatereden  ful  fasf 
Of1  which  arcita  som  what1  was  agast1  2424 

The  fires  brenden  on  fe  auter  bright1 
That1  it1  gan  al  J> e  tempul  for  to  light/ 
A  swote  smel  anon  ])e  ground  vp  ^aP 

And  arcita  anon  his  hand  vp  haf1  2428 

And  more  encens  in  to  J>e  fyr  3et  cast 


70    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

with  opir  rightes  and  fan  atte  last1 

The  statu  of1  mars  bigan  his  hauberk1  ryng1 

And  with  fat1  soun  /  he  herd  a  murmuryng1  2432 

Ful  lowe  and  dym  /  and  sayde  f  is  victorie 

For  which  he  3af1  to  mars  honour  and  glorie 

And  f  us  with  ioye  and  hope  wel  to  fare 

Arcite  anoon  /  vnto  his  Inne  is  fare  /  2436 

As  fayn  as  foul  is  of1  f  e  brighte  sonne  [teafss] 

And  right*  anon  such  stryf1  is  bygonne 

For  fat  grauntyng*  in  f  e  heuen  aboue 

Bitwix  venus  and  fe  goddes  of1  loue  24-10 

And  marcz  f  e  sterne  god  armypotentf 

That1  Jupiter  was  busy  it1  to  stenfr 

Til  fat1  f  e  pale  Saturnes  f  e  colde 

That  knew  so  many  of1  auentures  olde  2444 

Fond  in  his  experiens  an  art/ 

That1  he  f  ul  sone  haf  plesyd  euery  part1 

And  sof  is  sayd  eelde  ha]?  grefr  auantage 

In  eelde  is  bofe  wisdom  and  vsage  2448 

Men  may  fe  eelde  af-ren  but  nat1  atf-rede 

Saturne  anon  to  stynte  stryf1  and  drede 

Al  be  if  fat1  /  it1  be  agayns  his  kynde 

Of1  al  fis  stryf1  he  can  remedy  fynde  2452 

My  deere  doubter  venus  qwod  Satourne 

My  cours  fat  haf  so  wyde  for  to  tourno 

haf  more  power  fan  woot1  eny  man 

Myn  is  f e  drenchyng1  in  fe  see  so  wan  2456 

Myn  is  f  e  prisown  in  f  e  derke  cote 

Myn  is  J?e  stranglyng1  &  hangyng1  by  |?e  f  rote 

The  murmur  and  f  e  cherles  rebellyng1 

The  groynyng1  and  fe  pryue  enpoysonyng1  2460 

I  do  vengance  and  pleyn  correctiozm 

whiles  I  dwelle  in  f  e  signe  of1  f  e  lyozm 

Myn  is  f  e  ruen  of1  f  e  hihe  halles 

The  fallyng1  of1  f  e  toures  and  f  e  walles  2464 

Vpon  f  e  mynour  or  f  e  Carpenter 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     71 

I  slowh  Sampsown  in  schakyng1  f  e  piler 

And  myne  ben  f  e  maladies  colde 

The  derke  tresoun  and  fe  castes  olde  2468 

Myn  lokyng1  is  f  e  fadir  of*  pestilens 

Now  wepe  nomore  I  schal  do  my  diligence 

That1  Palomon  fat  is  myn  owen  knight1 

Schal  haue  his  lady  as  fou  him  bihight  2472 

f  ow  marcz  schal  kepe  his  kni^t  jet1  neuer])eles 

Bitwixe  ^ou  \er  moot  som  tyme  be  pees 

Al  be  36  noujt  of  oo  complexkmn  [^a/ss.tacA.-] 

That1  like  day  cause]?  such  diuiskwn  2476 

I  am  f  i  ayel  redy  at1  f  y  wille 

wepe  foil  no  more  I  wol  f  i  lust1  f  ulfille 

Isrow  wol  I  stynfr  of*  f  e  goddes  aboue 

Of1  mars  and  of1  venus  goddes  of1  loue  2480 

And  telle  3ou  as  pleinly  as  I  can 

The  grete  effecte  for  pat1  I  bigan 


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

GBett  was  Jje  fest1  in  Athenus  pat1  day 
And  eek1  pat1  lusty  sesoun  of1  fat1  may  2484 

Made  euery  wi3f  to  ben  in  such  plesaunce  / 
That1  al  the  monday  iousten  )?ey  and  daunce 
And  spende  hit1  in  venus  heigh  seruise  / 
But1  by  J>e  cause  J>at  fey  schuln  arise  2488 

Erly  a  morwe  for  to  see  fat1  fight1 
vnto  feir  rest1  wente  fey  at1  nyght1 
And  on  f  e  morwe  whan  f  e  day  gan  spryng1 
Of1  hors  and  hernoys  noyse  and  clateryng1  2492 

Ther  was  in  f  e  oostes  al  aboute 
And  to  f  e  paleys  rood  f  er  many  a  route 
Of1  lordes  vpon  steede  and  on/palfreys 
Ther  mayst1  fou  see  deuysyng1  of1  herneys  2496 

So  viicowf  and  so  riche  wrought1  &  wel 
Of1  goldsmithry  of1  browdyng1  and  of1  steel 


72    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

The  scheldes  bright  /  testers  and  trappures 

Gold-beten  holmes  /  hauberks  and  cote  armures  2500 

lordes  in  parament}  on  her  coursers 

knightes  of1  retenu  and  eek1  squyers 

Rayhyng1  Jje  speres  and  helmes  bokelyng) 

Girdyng1  ofH  scheeldes  wi]>  layneres  lasyng*  2504 

Ther  as  need  is  /  jjey  were  noting1  ydel 

Ther  fomen  steedes  on  ]?e  golden  bridel  i 

Gnawyng1  and  faste  /  armurers  also 

with  fyle  and  hamer  prikyng1  to  and  fro  2508 

^emen  on  foote  /  and  knaues  many  oon 

wij>  schorte  staues  as  Jjikke  as  J?ey  may  goon 

Pypes  trompes  nakers  and  Clariounes 

pat1  in  J?e  batail  blewe  bloody  sownes  /  2512 

The  paleys  fill  of1  pepvil  vp  and  doun  [feo/si] 

heer  J>re  /  per  /  ten  /  haldyng1  her  questio?m 

Dyuynyng1  of1  pis  Thebans  knightes  two 

Som  seyden  ]ms  /  som  seyd  it1  schal  be  so  2516 

Som  heelde  with  him  with  J?e  blake  beril 

Som  wij?  J>e  ballyd  som  wijj  Jjikke  hered 

Som  sayd  he  loked  grym  as  he  wold  fight1 

he  ha])  a  sparth  of1  .xx*1  pound  ofH  wight  2520 

Thus  was  IpQ  halle  ful  of1  deuynyng1 

Lang1  after  fiat*  j)e  sonne  gan  to  spryng1 

The  gret1  Theseus  /  fat1  of1  his  sleep  is  awaked 

with  menstralcy  and  noyse  pat1  was  maked  2524 

held  jif  )?e  chambre  of1  his  paleys  riclie 

Til  J>af  Thebanes  knj^tes  bo>e  I-liche 

honoured  weren  and  in  to  Paleys  fet 

Duk1  Theseus  was  at1  a  wyndow  set  2528 

Arayed  right1  as  he  were  god  in  trone 

The  pepul  preseth  J?ider  was  ful  sone 

him  for  to  seen  /  and  doon  him  reuerence 

And  eek1  herken  his  hest1  and  his  sentence  2532 

An  herowd  on  a  skaffold  made  a  hoo 

Til  al  J?e  noyse  of1  j)e  pepul  was  I-doo 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     73 

And  whan  he  sawh  J?e  pepul  of1  noyse  al  stille 
Thus  schewed  he  J?e  mighty  dukes  wille  2536 

fTlhe  lord  haj)  of*  his  heih  discreciown 
JL    Considered  pat1  it  were  destrucciown 
To  gentil  blood  to  fighten  in  jris  wise 
Of1  mortal  batail  now  in  ]?is  Emprise  2540 

were  for  to  schapen  J?atf  J>ey  schuld  not1  dye 
he  wol  his  firste  purpos  modifye 
No  man  ]>e?*fore  vp  peyne  of1  los  of1  lyf1 
No  maner  schot1/  ne  pollax  ne  schort1  kny£  2544 

In  to  ]?e  lystes  sende  or  J>ider  bryng1 
Ne  schorte  swerd  for  to  stoke  J)e  bytyng1 
No  man  ne  drawe  ne  bere  by  his  side  / 
Ne  noman  schal  to  his  felawe  ryde  2548 

But1  oon  cours  with  a  scharpe  spere 
Feyne  if*  him  lust1  on  foote  himself1  to  were 
And  he  J?afr  is  at1  meschief1  schal  be  take  /     [zea/34,6a<*] 
And  nat1  slayn  but1  be  brought1  to  ]?e  stake  2552 

That  schal  be  ordeyned  on  eyjjer  syde 
But1  pider  he  schal  by  force  and  per  abyde  / 
And  if1  so  falle  a  cheuenten  be  take 

On  eyjjer  side  or  elles  sle  his  make  /  2556 

No  lenger  schal  pe  turneynge  laste 
God  spede  $ou  go])  for]?  and  ley  on  faste 
wip  long1  swerd  and  wij>  mace  fi$f  3our  fille 
Go]?  now  ^our  way  }>is  is  ]>e  lordes  \ville  2560 

The  voice  of1  ]?e  poepul  touchi]?  heuen 
So  lowde  cried  J?ei  with  mylde  steuen 
God  saue  such  a  lord  ]?at  is  so  good 

he  wilne]?  no  destrucciozm  of1  blood  2564 

vp  go]?  J?e  trompes  and  J?e  melodye 
And  to  ]?e  lystes  ryde  ]?e  companye  / 
By  ordynaunce  ]?urgh  ]?e  cite  large 

Hangyng1  wij?  cloj?  of1  gold  and  not1  wi]?  Sarge  2568 

Ful  lik1  a  lord  J?is  nobul  Duk1  cam  ryde 
These  tuo  Thebans  on  eyper  side 


74    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE     Harleian  7334. 

And  after  rood  J)e  queen  and  Emelye 

And  after  hem  of1  ladyes  anoj)e?-  companye  2572 

And  after  hem  of1  comunes  after  here  degre 

And  Jms  j)ey  passeden  purgn"  J)af  cite 

And  to  J)e  lystes  come  j>ei  by  tyme 

If  nas  nof  ofH  J?e  day  $ef  fully  pryme  2576 

whan  sette  was  Theseus  riche  and  hye 

ypolita  J>e  queen  and  Emelye 

And  o]?er  ladyes  in  here  degrees  aboute 

vnto  J?e  settes  passe])  al  J>e  route  2580 

And  westward  ]>orugli  j)e  ^ates  of1  marf 

Arcite  and  eek1  }>e  hundred  of1  his  part 

with  baners  ys  I-entred  righf  anoon 

And  Jjaf  selue  moment*  Palomon)  2584 

Is  vnder  Venus  Estward  in  faf  place 

with  baner  whyf  and  hardy  cheer  of*  face 

IN  al  J?e  world  to  seeke  vp  and  doun) 
So  euen  wij>oute  Yariacioun  2588 

Ther  nere  suche  companyes  tweye  t/ea/ss] 

For  ther  nas  noon  so  wys  Jjaf  cowpe  seye 
That1  any  had  of1  ojjer  auauntage 

Of1  worthines  ne  staat/  ne  of1  visage  2592 

So  euene  were  ]?ey  chosen  for  to  gesse 
And  in  two  Renges  faire  J>ey  hem  dresse 
And  whan  he  names  I-rad  were  euerychon 
Thaf  in  here  nombre  gile  were  ]>er  noon  2596 

Tho  were  pe  gates  schitf  and  cried  lowde 
Doo])  now  ^our  deuoir  ^onge  knightes  proude 
The  herald3  laften  here  prikyng1  vp  &  doun 
Now  ryngede  J>e  tromp  and  Clariown  2600 

Thor  is  no  more  to  say  buf  Esf  and  wesf 
In  goj)  J>e  speres  in  to  J>e  Resf 
Ther  seen  men  who  can  luste  and  who  can  ryde 
In  go])  J)e  scharpe  spere  in  to  })e  side  2604 

Ther  schyueren  schaftes  vpon  schuldres  Jjyk? 
he  feele])  JjurgR  ])e  herte  spon  J)e  prik1 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     75 

vp  sprengen  speres  on  twenty  foot  on  liiglit 

Out1  goon  pe  swerdes  as  pe  siluer  bright1  2608 

The  helmes  per  to-hewen  and  to-schrede 

Out1  brast1  pe  blood  wip  stoute  stremes  reede 

with  mighty  maces  pe  bones  pay  to-breste 

he  purgh  pe  pikkest1  of1  pe  prong1  gan  preste  2612 

Ther  stomblen  steedes  strong1  and  doun  can  falle  / 

he  rolled  vnder  foot1  as  dop  a  balle 

he  feynep  on  his  foot  wip  his  tronchozm 

And  him  hurtelep  with  his  hors  a  doun)  2616 

He  jmrgh  pe  body  hurt1  is  and  sip  pen  take 

Maugre  his  heed  and  brou^t1  vnto  pe  stake  / 

As  forward  was  right1  per  he  most1  abyde  / 

Anoper  lad  is  on  pat1  oper  syde  2620 

And  som  tyme  clop  Theseus  hem  to  rest1 

hem  to  refreissche  and  drinke  if1  hem  lest1 

Ful  ofte  a-day  haue  pis  Thebans  twoo 

Togider  y-met1  and  wrought1  his  felaw  woo  26  2  i 

vnhorsed  hap  ech  oper  of1  hem  tweye 

Ther  nas  no  Tygyr  in  pe  vale  of1  Galgopleye 

whan  pat1  hir  whelp  is  stole  whan  it1  is  lite    Ueafas,  back} 

So  cruel  on  pe  hunt/  as  is  arcite  2628 

For  lelous  hert1  vpon  pis  Palomon 

No  in  Belmary  per  is  no  fel  lyoun 

That1  hunted  is  or  for  hunger  wood 

Ne  of1  his  prey  desirep  so  pe  blood  2632 

As  Palomon  to  sle  his  foo  arcite 

This  lelous  strokes  on  here  helmes  byte 

Out1  rennep  blood  on  bope  here  sides  reede 

Som  tyme  an  ende  per  is  on  euery  dede  2636 

For  er  pe  sonne  vnto  pe  reste  went 

The  strang1  kyng1  Emetreus  gan  henf 

This  Palomon  as  he  faught1  wip  arcite 

And  his  swerd  in  his  fleissch  he  did  byte  2640 

And  by  pe  force  of1  .xx*1  he  is  take 

Vnj  olden  and  I-drawe  vnto  pe  stake 


76    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

And  in  pe  Eescous  of1  pis  Palomon 

The  stronge  kyng  •  ligurgius  is  born  a  down  2644 

The  kyng1  Emetreus  for  al  his  strengpe 

Is  born  out1  of1  his  sadel  his  swerdes  lengpe 

So  hit1  him  palamon  er  he  were  take 

But1  al  for  nought1  he  was  brought  to  pe  stake  /  2648 

his  hardy  herte  might1  him  helpe  nou^f 

He  most1  abyde  whan  pat1  he  was  caught* 

By  force  and  eek1  by  composiciown 

who  sorwep  now  but1  Palomown  2652 

That1  moot1  no  more  gon  agayn  to  fight1 

And  whan  pat1  Theseus  had  seen  fat1  sight1 

he  cryed  hoo  /  nomore  for  it  is  doon 

Ne  noon  schal  lenger  vnto  his  felaw  goon  2656 

I  wol  be  trewe  luge  and  noi^t1  p«?«tye 

Arcyte  of1  Thebes  schal  haue  Emelye 

That1  ha])  by  his  fortune  hire  I-wonne 

Anoon  per  is  noyse  bygonne  26 CO 

For  ioye  of1  pis  so  lowde  and  heye  with  alle 

If  semed  pat1  pe  listes  wolde  falle 

what1  can  now  fayre  Venus  doon  aboue 

what1  seip  sche  now  what1  do]?  pis  queen  of1  loue  /         2664 

But1  wepep  so  for  wantyng1  of1  hir  wille  [tea/36] 

Til  pat1  hire  teeres  in  pe  lystes  fille 

Sche  sayde  I  am  aschamed  douteles 

Satournus  seyde  doubter  hold  py  pees  2668 

Mars  hap  his  wille  his  knight1  hap  his  boone 

And  by  myn  heed  pou  schalt1  be  esed  soone 

The  tronipes  wip  pe  lowde  mynstralcy 

The  herawdes  pat1  ful  lowde  3olle  and  cry  2672 

Been  in  here  ioye  /  for  daun  arcyte 

But1  herknep  me  and  styntep  but  a  lite 

which  a  miracle  bifel  anoon 

This  arcyte  fersly  hap  don  his  helm  a  down  2676 

And  on  his  courser  for  to  schewe  his  face 

he  priked  endlange  in  pe  large  place 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     77 

lokyng1  vpward  vpon  his  Einelye 

And  sche  agayn  him  cast  a  frendly  y^e  2680 

For  wommen  as  for  to  speke  in  comune 

J)ay  folwe  alle  J>e  fauour  of*  fortune 

And  was  alle  his  cheer  and  in  his  hert 

Out1  of  )>e  ground  a  fyr  infernal  stert1  2684 

From  Pluto  send  at1  J?e  request1  of1  Saturne 

For  which  his  hors  for  feere  gan  to  turne 

And  leep  a  syde  and  foundred  as  he  leep 

And  or  Jjat1  arcyte  may  take  keep  2688 

he  pighfr  him  on  J>e  pomel  of1  J?e  heed 

That1  in  jjaf  place  he  lay  as  he  were  deed 

his  brest1  tobroken  with  his  sadil  bowe 

As  blak1  he  lay  as  eny  col  or  crowe  2692 

So  was  J?e  blood  y-ronne  in  his  face 

Anon  he  was  y-born  out  of*  pe  place 

with  herte  sore  to  Theseus  paleys 

Tho  was  he  coruen  out  of1  his  harneys  2696 

And  in  a  bed  y-brougRt1  ful  fair  and  blyue 

For  }it  he  was  in  memory  and  on  lyue 

And  alway  cryeng1  after  Emelye 

Duk1  Theseus  and  al  his  companye  2700 

Is  cornen  horn  to  Athenes  his  Cite 

with  alle  blys  and  grefr  solempiiite 

Al  be  it  Jjatf  J>is  auenture  was  f alle  \ieafw,  back] 

he  nolde  nought1  discomfort1  hem  alle  /  2704 

Men  seyde  eek1  pat1  arcita  schuld  nought  dye 

he  schal  be  helyd  of1  his  maladye 

And  of1  anoper  ping  pey  were  as  fayn 

That1  of1  hem  alle  per  was  noon  y-slayii  2708 

Al  were  pey  sore  hurt1  and  namely  oon 

That1  wij)  a  spere  was  Jnrled  his  brest1  boon) 

To  o]>er  woundes  and  to  broken  armes 

Some  hadde  salue  and  some  hadde  charmes  2712 

Fermacyes  of1  herbes  and  eek1  saue 

They  dronken  for  j>ey  wolde  here  lyues  haue 


78     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

For  which  Jns  noble  duk1  as  he  wel  can 

Comfortej)  and  honowrej)  euery  man  2716 

And  made  reuel  al  J?e  lange  night1 

vnto  the  strauwge  lordes  as  it  was  right* 

2sre  per  was  holden  to  discomfytyng1 

But*  as  a  lustes  or  as  a  turmentyng1  2720 

For  so)>ly  £er  was  no  discomfiture 

For  fallyng1  is  but1  an  aduenture 

Ne  to  be  lad  wij>  fors  vnto  J)e  stake 

Vn3olden  and  wij>  twenty  knightes  take  2724 

A  pe?-son  allone  wifouten  moo 

And  rent1  for])  by  arnie  foot1  and  too 

And  eek4  his  steede  dryuen  for])  wif  staues 

wij)  foote  men  bo])e  ^einen  and  knaues  2728 

It1  was  aretted  him  no  vylonye 

Ne  no  maner  man  held  it1  no  cowardye 

FOr  which  Theseus  lowd  anon  leet  crie 
To  stynten  al  rancour  and  al  enuye  2732 

The  gree  as  wel  on  o  syde  as  on  o])er 
And  euery  side  lik1  as  oferes  broker 
And  -^af1  hem  ^iftes  after  here  dcgre 

And  fully  heeld  a  feste  dayes  pre  273G 

And  conueyed  ])e  knightes  wordily 
Out1  of1  his  toun  a  iournee  largely 
And  horn  went1  eue?y  man  ]>Q  righte  way 
Ther  was  no  more  but1  far  wel  haue  good  day  2740 

Of1  ])is  batayl  I  wol  no  more  endite  [Jea/s?] 

But1  speke  of1  Palomon  and  of1  arcyte 

SwelleJ)  fe  brest1  of1  Arcyte  and  ])e  sore 
Encresce])  at  his  herte  more  and  more  2744 

The  clofred  blood  for  eny  lechecraft 
Corrumpith  and  in  his  bouk1  1-laff 
That1  noper  veyne  blood  ne  ventusyng 
JSTe  drynk1  of1  herbes  may  ben  his  helpyng1  2748 

Trie  vertu  expulsik*  or  animal 
For  filke  vertu  cleped  natural 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     79 

Ne  may  ]>e  venym  voyde  ne  expelle 

The  pypes  of1  his  lounges  gan  to  swelle  2752 

And  euery  lacerte  in  his  brest1  adown 

Is  schent1  with  venym  and  corrupciown 

Him  gaynejj  nolper  for  to  get1  his  lyf1 

Vomyt1  vp-ward  ne  dounward  laxatif1  /  2756 

Al  is  to-broken  jnlke  regioun 

Nature  ha]?  now  no  dominackmn 

And  certeynly  wher  nature  wil  not*  wirche 

Far  wel  phisik1  go  bere  £e  man  to  chirche  2760 

This  al  and  som  Jiafr  arcyte  moste  dye 

For  which  he  sendejj  after  Emelye 

And  Palomon  ^at1  was  his  cosyn  deere 

Thanne  seyd  he  Jms  as  $e  schul  after  heere  2764 

Naught1  may  j?e  woful  spirit/  in  myn  herte 
Declare  a  poynt1  of1  my  sorwes  smerte 
To  3011  my  lady  Jjat1 1  loue  most1 

But1 1  byquethe  ]>e  seruice  of1  my  gost  2768 

To  ^ou  abouen  euery  creature 
Syn  Jjat1  my  lyf1  may  no  lenger  dure 
Alias  J>e  woo  alias  Jje  peynes  stronge 

That1 1  for  $ou  haue  suffred  and  so  longe  2772 

Alias  J?e  de])  alias  myn  Emelye 
Alias  depm'tyng1  of*  our  companye 
Alias  myn  hertes  queen  alias  my  wyf1 
Myn  hertes  lady  encler  of1  my  lyf1  2776 

what1  is  j)is  world  what1  asken  men  to  haue 
Now  wij>  his  loue  now  in  his  colde  graue 
Allone  wi])oute?z  eny  companye  c/^/37,6ac*] 

Tar  wel  my  swete  far  wel  myn  Emelye  2780 

And  softe  take  me  in  ^our  armes  tweye 
For  loue  of1  god  and  herkne])  what1 1  seye 
I  haue  heer  with  my  cosyn  Palomon 

had  stryf*  and  rancour  many  a  day  I-gon.  2784 

For  loue  of  3ow  and  eek1  for  lelousie  / 
And  lupiier  so  wis  my  sowle  gye 


80     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KXIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

To  speken  ofH  a  seruaunt  proprely 

with  alle  circumstazmces  trewely  2788 

That1  is  to  seyn  troufe  honour  and  knigftthede 

wysdom  humblesse  astaaf.  and  by  kynrede 

Fredam  and  al  fat  longef  to  fat  art 

So  lupiter  haue  of1  my  soule  part1  2792 

As  in  f  is  world  right1  now  ne  know  I  non 

So  worthy  to  be  loued  as  Palomon) 

That1  serueth  3011  and  wol  do  al  his  lyfH 

And  if*  fat1  30  schul  euer  be  a  wyf1  2796 

Forget  not1  Palomon  fat1  gentil  mail) 

And  with  fat1  word  his  speche  faile  gan 

For  fro  his  herte  vp  to  his  brest1  was  come 

The  cold  of1  def  fat1  him  had  ouercome  '2800 

And  ^et1  more  oner  in  his  armes  twoo 

})e  vital  strengf  is  lost1  and  al  a-goo 

Only  the  intellect  wif  onten  more 

That1  dwelled  in  his  herte  sik1  and  sore  2804 

Gan  fayle  whan  f e  herte  felte  deth 

Duskyng1  his  ey^en  two  and  fayled  breth 

But1  on  his  lady  }it  he  cast1  his  ye 

his  laste  word  was  mercy  Emelye  /  2808 

His  spiryt1  chaunged  was  and  wente  fer 

As  I  cam  neuer  I  can  nat1  tellen  wher 

Therefore  I  stynte  I  nam  no  dyuynistre  / 

Of1  soules  fynde  I  not1  in  fis  registre  2812 

Ne  me  list1  nat1  thopynyowns  to  telle 

Of1  hem  f ough  fat  f ei  wyten  wher  fey  dw'elle 

Arcyte  is  cold  ther  mars  his  soule  gye 

Now  wol  I  speke  forf  of1  Emelye  /  2816 

S bright1  Emely  and  howled  Palomon  Oa/38] 

And  Theseus  his  sustir  took*  anon 
Swownyng1  and  bar  hir  fro  f  e  corps  a  way 
what1  helpef  it1  to  tarye  forf  fe  day  2820 

To  telle  how  fat1  sche  weep  bof e  eue  &  morwe 
For  in  swich  caas  wommen  can  haue  such  sorwe 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     81 

whan  pat  here  housbonds  ben  from  hem  ago 

That1  for  pe  more  part  pey  sorwen  so  2821 

Or  elles  fallen  in  such  maladye 

That1  atte  laste  certeynly  pey  dye 

Infynyt1  been  pe  sorwes  and  pe  teeres 

Of1  olde  folk1  fat1  ben  of1  tendre  ^eeres  2828 

So  gret1  a  wepyng1  was  per  noon  certayn 

whan  Ector  was  I-brought  al  freissh  I-slayn 

As  pat1  per  was  for  dep  of1  pis  Theban 

For  sorwe  of1  him  per  weepep  bope  child  and  man        2832 

At1  troye  alias  pe  pite  pat1  was  pere 

Cracchyng1  of1  cheekes  rendyng1  eek1  of1  here 

why  woldist  /  pou  be  deed  pis  wommen  crye 

And  haddest1  gold  ynow3  and  Emelye  2836 

No  man  mighte  /  glade  Theseus  / 

Sauyng*  his  olde  fader  Egens  / 

That1  knew  J>is  worldes  transmutaciown 

As  he  hadde  seen  it  tome  vp  and  down  2840 

loye  after  woo  and  woo  af tir  gladnesse 

And  schewed  him  ensample  and  likenesse 

Right1  as  per  deyde  neuer  man  qwod  he 
That1  he  ne  lyued  in  erpe  in  som  degree  2844 

^it1  per  ne  lyuede  neuer  man  he  seyde 
In  al  Jris  world  pat1  som  tyme  he  ne  deyde 
This  world  nys  but1  a  Jmrghfare  ful  of1  woo 
And  we  ben  pilgryms  passyng1  to  and  froo  2848 

DeJ>  is  an  ende  of1  euery  worldly  sore 
And  oner  al  pis  }itf  seide  he  mochil  more 
To  pis  effect  //  ful  wysly  to  enhorte 
The  peple  pat1  schulde  him  recomforte  2852 

Duk1  Theseus  with  al  his  busy  cure 
Cast1  busyly  wher  pat  pe  sepulture 
Of1  good  arcyte  may  best1  y-maked  be  iieajss,  bade] 

And  eek1  most1  honurable  in  his  degre  2856 

And  atte  last1  he  took1  conclusHwn 
That1  ther  as  first1  Arcite  and  Palomon 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  G 


82    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

hadden  for  lone  pe  batail  hem  bytwene 

That1  in  the  selue  groue  soote  and  greene  2860 

Ther  as  he  hadde  his  amorous  desires 

His  compleynt1  and  for  lone  his  hoote  fyres 

he  wolde  make  a  fyr  in  which  thoffice 

Funeral  he  might1  al  accomplice  2864 

And  leet1  comaunde  anon  to  hakke  and  he  we  / 

The  Okes  olde  and  lay  hem  on  a  re  we 

In  culpowns  wel  arrayed  for  to  brenne 

his  officers  wip  swifte  foot1  pey  renne  2868 

And  ryde  anon  at1  his  comaundeme?it 

And  after  pis  Theseus  hath  I-sent1 

After  a  beer  and  it1  al  ouer  spradde 

wip  clop  of1  golde  pe  richest1  pat1  he  hadde  2872 

And  of1  pe  same  sute  he  clad  arcyte 

vpon  his  hondes  were  his  gloues  white 

Eke  on  his  heed  a  croune  of1  laurer  grene  / 

And  in  his  hond  a  swerd  ful  bright1  and  kene  2876 

He  leyde  him  bare  pe  visage  on  pe  beere 

Ther  wip  he  weep  pat1  pite  was  to  heere 

And  for  pe  poeple  schulde  see  him  alle  / 

whan  it  was  day  he  brought1  he??z  to  pe  halle  2880 

That1  roreth  of1  pe  cry  and  of*  pe  soun 

Tho  cam  pis  woful  Theban  Palomown 

wip  flotery  herd  and  ruggy  asshy  heeres 

In  clopis  blak1  y-dropped  al  wip  teeres  2884 

And  passyng'  oper  of1  wepyng1  Emelye 

The  re w fullest1  of1  al  pe  company e 

In  as  moche  as  pe  semice  schulde  be 

The  more  nobul  and  riche  in  his  degre  2888 

Duk1  Theseus  leet1  forth  pre  steedes  bryng1 

That1  trapped  were  in  steel  al  gliteryng1 

And  couered  wip  armes  of1  dan  arcyte 

Vpon  pe  steedes  that1  weren  grete  &  white  2892 

Ther  seeten  folk1  /  of1  which  oon  bar  his  scheeld         R<«/  39] 

Anoper  his  spere  vp  in  his  hondes  heeld 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     83 

The  f  ridde  bar  with  him  his  bowe  turkeys 

Of1  brend  gold  was  fe  caas  and  eek1  fe  herneys  2896 

And  riden  forth  a  paas  with  sorwful  chere 

Toward  f  e  groue  as  ^e  schul  after  heere 

The  noblest*  of1  f  e  grekes  fat1  f  er  were 

vpon  here  schuldres  carieden  fe  beere  2900 

with  slak1  paas  and  eyhen  reed  and  wete 

Thurgh-out1  f  e  cite  by  f  e  maister  streete 

That*  sprad  was  al  with  blak1  and  wonder  hye 

Right1  of*  fe  same  is  al  fe  stret1 I-wrye  2904 

vpon  f  e  right1  hond  went1  olde  Egeus 

And  on  fat1  of  er  syde  duk1  Theseus 

with  vessels  in  here  hand  with  gold  wel  fyn 

As  ful  of*  hony  mylk1  and  blood  and  wyn  2908 

Eke  Palomon  with  a  gret  companye 

And  after  fat1  com  woful  Emelye 

with  fyr  in  hond  as  was  fat1  tyme  f  e  gyse  / 

To  do  f  office  of1  funeral  smiise  2912 

Hey 3  labour  and  ful  gret  apparailyng1 
was  at  f  e  seruice  and  at1  f  e  fyr  makyng* 
That1  with  his  grene  top  fe  heuen  raughte 
And  twenty  fadme  of1  brede  tharme  straughte  /  2916 

This  is  to  seyn  f  e  boowes  were  so  brode 
Of1  stree  first1  was  per  leyd  fulmany  a  loode 
but1  how  fe  fyr  was  makyd  vpon  higtlte 
Ne  eek1  fe  names  how  J?e  trees  higRte  2920 

As  Ook1  •  fyr  •  birch  •  asp  •  aldir  •  holm  •  popler  • 
wilw.  elm  plane,  assch.  box.  chesteyn  lynde  laurer. 
Mapul.  thorn  •  beech  •  hasil  •  ew  *  wyppyltre 
how  fey  weren  felde  schal  nou^t  be  told  for  me  2924 

Ne  how  fe  goddes  ronnen  vp  and  doun 
Disheryt  of1  here  habitaciown 
In  which  fey  whilom  woned  in  rest/  and  pees 
ISTymphes.  Faunes  and  Amadryes  2928 

Ne  how  f  e  beestes  and  f  e  briddes  alle 
Fledden  for  feere  /  whan  f  e  woode  was  falle  / 

G  2 


84    GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 


Ne  how  pe  ground  agasf  was  of1  pe  light1      !>a/39, 

That1  was  nought1  wont1  to  see  no  sonne  bright1  2932 

Ne  how  pe  fyr  was  coiichid  first1  wip  stree 

And  panne  with  drye  stykkes  clouen  in  three 

And  panne  wip  grene  woode  and  spicerie 

And  Jeanne  wij)  cloth  of*  gold  and  wij)  perrye  2936 

And  gcrlandes  hangyng1  with  ful  many  a  flour 

The  myrre  thensens  wij?  also  gret1  odour 

Ne  how  arcyte  lay  among1  al  pis 

Ne  what1  richesse  /  aboute  his  body  is  2940 

Ne  how  pat1  Emely  as  was  pe  gyse 

Putt1  in  pe  fyr  of1  funeral  seruise 

Ne  how  she  swowned  whan  sche  made  pe  fyre 

Ne  what1  sche  spak1  ne  what1  was  hire  desire  2944 

Ne  what1  iewels  men  in  pe  fyr  po  cast1 

whan  pat1  pe  fyr  was  gret1  and  brente  fast1 

And  how  sum  caste  hir  scheeld  and  summe  her  spere 

And  of1  here  vestimentj  which  pat1  pey  were  2948 

And  cuppes  ful  of*  wyn  and  mylk1  and  blood 

Ynto  J>e  fyr  pat1  brent1  as  it  were  wood 

Ne  how  j?e  gregoys  wip  an  huge  route 

Thre  tymes  lyden  al  pe  fyr  aboute  2952 

vpon  j?e  leffce  hond  with  an  heih  schoutyng4 

And  pries  wip  here  speres  clateryng1 

And  pries  how  pe  ladyes  gan  to  crye 

jN"e  how  patH  lad  was  homeward  Emelye  2956 

Ne  how  arcyte  is  brent1  to  aschen  colde  / 

[    .     .     .     ......     no  gap  in  the  MS. 

Al  thilke  night1  ne  how  pe  grekes  pleye  / 

The  wake  pleyes  kepe  I  nat1  to  seye  2960 

who  wrastlep  best1  naked  wip  oyle  enoyntf 

Ne  who  pat1  bar  him  best1  in  no  disoynt 

I  wol  not1  telle  eek1  how  pat1  pey  ben  goon 

Horn  til  athenes  whan  pe  pley  is  doon  2964 

But*  schortly  to  pe  poyntf  now  wol  I  wende 

And  maken  of»  my  longe  tale  an  ende 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     85 

By  proces  and  by  lengpe  of1  certeyn  3eres 
Al  styntyd  is  pe  mornyng1  and  Jje  teeres  2968 

Of1  ollft  grekys  by  oon  general  assent 
Than  semed  me  ther  was  a  parlement1  [>a/4o.i 

At1  athenes  on  a  certeyn  poynt  /  and  cas 
Among1  pe  whiche  poyntes  spoken  was  2972 

To  han  wip  certeyn  contrees  alliaunce  / 
And  haue  fully  of1  Thebans  obeissance 
For  which  pis  noble  Theseus  anon 

let1  senden  after  gentil  Palomon  2976 

Vnwist1  of1  him  what1  was  pe  cause  and  why 
But1  in  his  blake  elopes  sorwfully 
he  cam  at1  his  comauwdemewt  in  hye 

Tho  seute  Theseus  for  Emelye  2980 

whan  pey  were  sette  and  hussht1  was  al  pe  place 
And  Theseus  abyden  hadde  a  space 
Or  eny  word  cam  fro  his  wyse  brest1 

His  eyen  set1  he  per  as  was  his  lest  2984 

And  wip  a  sad  visage  he  syked  stille 
And  after  pat1  right1  pus  he  seide  his  wille 

The  firste  moeuere  of1  pe  cause  aboue 
whan  he  first  made  pe  fayre  cheyne  of1  loue         2988 
Gret  was  theffect  /  and  heigh  was  his  entente  / 
wel  wist1  he  why  and  what  perof1  he  mente 
For  which  pat1  faire  cheyne  of1  loue  he  bond 
The  fyr  pe  watir  eyr  and  eek  pe  lond  2992 

In  certeyn  boundes  pat1  pey  may  not1  flee 
That1  same  prynce  and  moeuere  eek  quod  he  / 
hap  stabled  in  pis  wrecched  world  a  doun 
Certeyn  dayes  and  duraciown)  2996 

To  alle  pat1  er  engendrid  in  pis  place 
Oner  pe  day  pey  may  nat  pace 
Al  mowe  they  }it  wel  here  dayes  abregge 
Ther  needep  non  auctorite  tallegge  3000 

For  it1  is  preued  by  experience 
But1  pat1  me  lust1  declare  my  sentence 


86     GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Than  may  men  wel  by  pis  ordre  discerne 

That  J)ilke  moeuere  stabul  is  and  eterne  3004 

wel  many  men  knewe  but1  it  be  a  fool 

That1  euery  partye  dyryuep  from  his  hool 

For  nature  ha]?  nat  take  his  bygynnyng1 

Of  no  partye  ne  cantel  of1  a  ping1  oa/4o,^t*]         3008 

But1  of1  a  ping1  fat1  p«/*fytf  is  and  stable  / 

Descendyng1  so  til  it1  be  corumpable 

And  pe?*fore  of1  his  wyse  purueaunce  / 

He  hath  so  wel  biset1  his  ordenaunce  3012 

That1  spices  of1  pinges  and  progressions 

Schullen  endure  by  successions 

And  nat  eterne  be  wipoute  lye 

This  maistow  vnderstand  and  se  at1  ye  3016 

LO  pe  Ook1  pat1  hap  so  long'  norisschyng1 
Fro  tyme  pat1  it  gymiep  first1  to  spring1 
And  as  so  long1  a  lyf1  as  we  may  see 

Set1  atte  laste  wasted  is  pe  tree  3020 

(JOnsiderep  eek1  how  pat1  pe  harde  stoon 
vnder  oure  foot1  /  on  which  we  trede  and  goon 
Sit1  wasteth  if  as  it1  lip  by  pe  weye 

The  brode  Eyuer  som  tyme  wexep  dreye  3024 

The  grete  townes  see  we  wane  and  wende 
Than  may  I  see  pat  al  ping1  hap  an  ende 

OF  man  and  womman  se  we  wel  also  / 
That1  wendep  in  oon  of  pis  termes  two  3028 

That1  is  to  seyn  /  in  ^oupe  or  elles  in  age 
he  moot1  ben  deed  /  pe  kyng1  as  schal  a  page  / 
Sum  in  his  bed  som  in  pe  deepe  see 

Som  in  pe  large  feel  as  men  may  se/  3032 

Ther  helpep  naught1  al  gop  pilke  weye 
Thanne  may  I  see  wel  pat1  al  pirag1  schal  deye 
what1  makep  pis  but  lubiter  pe  kyng1 
The  which  is  prynce  and  cause  of1  alle  thing*  3036 

Conuertyng1  al  vnto  his  propre  wille 
From  which  he  is  dereyned  sop  to  telle  / 


GROUP  A.     §  2.     KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     87 

And  here  agayn  no  creature  of*  lyue 

Of*  no  degre  auaylef  for  to  stryue  3040 

rflhan  is  it  wisdom  as  f  enkej?  me 
J_    To  maken  vertu  of1  necessite 
And  take  it  wel  fat1  we  may  nat1  eschewe 
And  namely  fat1  fat1  to  vs  alle  is  dewe  /  3044 

And  who-so  grucchef  augfrt1  he  dof  folye 
And  rebel  is  to  him  fat  al  may  gye  [W«] 

And  certeynly  a  man  ha])  most1  honour 
To  deyen  in  his  excellence  and  flour  3048 

whan  he  is  siker  of1  his  goode  name 
Than  haj>  he  doon  his  freend  ne  him  no  scliame 
And  gladder  ougfefr  his  freend  ben  of  his  def 
whan  with  honour  is  golden  vp  fe  breth  3052 

Tbanne  whan  his  name  appeled  is  for  age 
For  al  forgeten  is  his  vasselage 
Thanne  is  it  best1  as  for  a  worf  i  fame 
To  dye  whan  a  man  is  best1  of1  name  3056 

The  contrary  of1  al  this  is  wilfulnesse 
why  grucchen  we  why  haue  we  henynesse  / 
That1  good  arcyte  of1  chyualry  f  e  flour 
Departed  is  with  worschip  and  honour  3060 

Out1  of1  f  is  foule  prisozoi  of1  f  is  lyf1 
why  grucchef  heer  his  cosyn  and  his  wyf1 
Of1  his  wel  fare  fat1  louen  him  so  wel 
Can  he  hem  thank1  /  nay  /  god  woot1  neuer  a  del          3064 
That1  bof  e  his  soule  and  eek1  hem  self1  offende 
And  36^  jjey  may  here  lustes  nat  amende 

That1  may  I  conclude  of1  J>is  longe  serye 
But1  aftir  wo  I  rede  vs  to  be  merye  3068 

And  J>anke  lubiter  al  of1  his  grace 
And  or  fat1  we  departe  fro  pis  place  / 
I  rede  fat1  we  make  of1  sorwes  two 

0  parfyt1  ioye  lastyng1  euer  mo  3072 

And  lokef  now  wher  most1  sorwe  is  her-Inne  / 
Ther  wol  we  first1  amenden  and  bygynne  / 


88    GROUP  A.     §  2.    KNIGHT'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

bustyr  quod  he  £is  is  my  ful  assent1 

wi]>  al  thauys  heer  of1  my  parlement1  3076 

That  gentil  Palomon  ^our  owne  knight1 

That1  seruej)  }ow  with  herte  wil  and  might1 

And  euer  ha]?  doon  syn  fyrsfr  tyme  36  him  knewe 

Thatt  36  schul  of1  ^our  grace  vpon  him  rewe  3080 

And  take  him  for  30111  housbond  and  for  lord 

Lene  me  30111-6  hand  for  j?is  is  oure  acord 

let1  see  now  of1  ^our  wo?ftmanly  pite 

he  is  a  kynges  brojjir  sone  pardee  Oa/41,  toe*]         3084 

And  Jxnigh  he  were  a  pore  bachiller 

Syn  he  haj>  serued  3011  so  many  a  3eer 

And  had  for  3011  so  gret1  aduersite 

hit1  moste  be  considered  trustej?  me  3088 

Tor  gentil  mercy  aughte  passe  right* 

Than  seydo  he  Jws  to  Palomon  ful  right1 

I  trowe  J)er  needej?  litel  sermonyng1 

To  make  3011  assente  to  jns  fing1  3092 

Com  neer  and  tak1  3 our  lady  by  Jje  hond 

Bitwix  hem  was  I-maad  anon  )>e  bond 

That  liighte  matrimoyn  or  mariage 

By  alle  ]?e  counseil  and  ]?e  baronage  3096 

And  thus  with  blys  and  eek1  wi]>  melodye 

Ha]j  Palomon  I-wedded  Emelye 

And  god  Jjat1  al  ]ns  wyde  world  ha]?  wrought1 

Send  him  his  loue  ^at1  haj)  it1  deere  I-boughf  3100 

For  now  is  Palomon  in  al  his  wele 

Lyuynge  in  blisse  richesse  and  in  hele 

And  Emely  him  loueth  so  tendirly 

And  he  hir  seruef  also  gentilly  3104 

That1  neuer  wordes  hem  bitweene 

Of1  gelousy  ne  of1  non  o])ir  teene  / 

Thus  endej?  Palomon  and  Emelye 

And  god  saue  al  J?is  fay  re  companye  /  Amew.  3108 

JlEre  ende})  ]?e  knightes  tale 


GROUP  A.   §  3.    KNIGHT-MILLER  LINK.    Harleian  7334.    89 

[No  breed  in  the  MS.] 
^[  And  pus  bygynnep  pe  prologe  of1  pe  myllere 

WHan  pat1  pe  knight1  had  pus  his  tale  I-told 
In  al  pe  route  nas  per  ^ong1  ne  old 
That1  he  ne  seyde  it  was  a  noble  story 
And  worpi  to  be  drawen  in  memory  3112 

And  namely  pe  gentils  euerich  oon 
Oure  host1  po  lowS  and  swoor  so  moot1 1  goon 
This  gop  right1  wel  vnbokeled  is  pe  male  / 
Let1  se  now  who  schal  telle  anoper  tale  3116 

For  trewely  pis  game  is  wel  bygonne  / 
Now  tellep  now  sir  monk1  if1  pat  ^e  konne 
Som  what1  to  quyte  wip  pe  knightes  tale  / 
The  Myller  pat1  for  drunken  was  al  pale  3120 

So  pat*  vnnethe  vpon  his  hors  he  sat  [/««/«] 

he  wold  auale  nowper  hood  ne  hat 
Ne  abyde  no  man  for  his  curtesye 

But1  in  Pilates  voys  he  gan  to  crye  3124 

And  swor  by  armes  and  by  blood  and  bones 
I  can  a  noble  tale  for  pe  noones 
with  which  I  wol  now  quyte  pe  knightes  tale 
Oure  hoost1  saugfi.  wel  how  dronke  he  was  of1  ale          3128 
And  seyde  Eobyn  abyde  my  leue  broper 
Som  bettre  man  schal  telle  vs  first1  anoper 
Abyd  and  let1  vs  worken  priftyly 

By  goddes  soule  quod  he  pat1  wol  nat1 1  3132 

For  I  wol  speke  or  elles  go  my  way 
Oure  host1  answed  /  tel  on  a  deuel  way 
Thou  art1  a  fool  py  witt1  is  ouercome  / 
U  Now  herknep  qwod  pis  myller  al  and  some  3136 

But1  first1 1  make  a  protestaciown 
That1 1  am  dronke  I  knowe  wel  by  my  soun 
And  perfore  if1  pat1 1  mys  speke  or  seye 
wyte  it1  pe  ale  of1  South werk1 1  3011  proye  3140 


90   GROUP  A.   §  3.    KNIGHT-MILLER  LINK.    Harleian  7334. 

For  I  wol  telle  a  legende  and  a  lyf1 
Bothe  of1  a  Carpenter  and  of1  his  wyf1 
how  fat1  f  e  clerk1  haf  set1  f  e  writes  cappe  / 

The  reue  answered  and  seyde  stynt  fi  clappe  /         3144 
let1  be  f  y  lewed  drunken  harlottrye 
It1  is  a  synne  and  eek1  a  greet1  folye 
To  apeyren  eny  man  or  him  defame 

And  eek1  to  brynge  wyues  in  ylle  name  3148 

Thou  mayst1  ynow^  of1  of  er  f  inges  seyn 
This  dronken  Miller  spak1  ful  sone  a-geyn 
And  seyde  leeue  brother  Osewold 

who  hath  no  wyf1  he  is  no  Cokewold  3152 

But1 1  seye  not1  f erfore  fat1  f  ou  art1  oon 
Ther  been  ful  goode  wyues  many  oon 
And  euer  a  f  ousand  goode  agayns  oon  badde 
That1  knowest1  fou  wel  fy  self1  but1  if1  fou  madde         3156 
why  art1  fou  angry  with  my  tale  now  / 
I  haue  a  wyf1  par  de  as  wel  as  thow 
3it  nolde  I  for  the  oxen  in  my  plough  [leaf  4,2,  back] 

Take  vpon  me  more  fan  ynough  3160 

Though  fat1  fou  deme  f  iself1  fat1  f ou  be  oon 
I  wol  bileeue  wel  fat1 1  am  l  oon  L1  a  later  n  prtyixt] 

An  housbond  schal  not1  be  inquisityf1 
Of1  goddes  pryuete  ne  of1  his  wyf1  3164 

So  fat1  he  fynde  goddes  foysoun  fere 
Of1  f  e  remenazmt1  needef  nought1  enquere  / 
what1  schuld  I  seye  but1  fat  f  is  proud  Millere 
he  nolde  his  wordes  for  no  man  forbere  3168 

But1  tolde  his  cherlisch  tale  in  his  manere 
Me  af inkef  fat1 1  schal  reherce  it  heere 
And  f  erfoi  euery  gentil  wight1 1  preye. 
For  goddes  loue  as  deme  nat  fat  I  seye  3172 

Of1  yuel  entent  but1  for  I  moot  reherse 
here  wordes  alle  H  al  be  fey  better  or  werse 
Or  elles  falsen  som  of1  my  mateere 
And  f  erf  or  who-so  list1  it  nat1  to  heere  3176 


GROUP  A.    §  3.   KNIGHT-MILLER  LINK.    Harleian  7334.    91 

Turne  ouer  ]>e  leef1  and  cheese  anoj>er  tale 

For  he  schal  fynde  ynowe  bothe  gref  and  smale 

Of  storial  Jjing1  fat1  touchej?  gentilesse 

And  eek1  more  ryalte  and  holynesse  3180 

Blame])  nat  me  If1  j>af  ^e  cheese  amys 

The  Miller  is  a  cherl  $e  know  wel  J>is 

So  was  J?e  reeue  and  ojnr  many  mo 

And  harlotry  fey  tolden  bo]?e  two  3184 

Auysej)  ^ou  and  put*  me  out  /  of1  blame 

And  men  schulde  nat  make  ernesfr  of1  game 

IlEre  endej)  J?e  prologe  of'  J?e  Miller 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


92     GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 


And  bygywneth  his  tale 


W 


"hilom  fer  was  dwellyng1  at1  Oxenford 
A  riclie  gnof1  that1  gestes  heeld  to  boorde 
And  of1  his  craft1  he  was  a  Carpenter       3189 
wip  him  per  was  dwellyng1  a  pore  scoler 
had  lerned  art1  but1  al  his  fantasye 

was  torned  for  to  lerne  astrology e  3192 

An  cowde  a  certeyn  of1  conclusions 

To  deme  by  interrogacioims 

If1  fiat  men  axed  him  in  certeyn  houres  p  leafts] 

awhan  fat  men  schulcl  han  drought1  or  ellys  schoures  3196 

Or  if1  men  axed  him  what  schulde  bifalle 

Of1  euery  ping  I  may  noi^t1  reken  hem  alle 

This  clerk1  was  cleped  heende  Nicholas 

Of1  derne  loue  he  cowde  and  of1  solas  3200 

And  per  wip  he  was  sleigh  and  ful  priue 

And  lik1  amayden  meke  for  to  se 

A  chambir  had  he  in  his  hostillerye 

Alone  wipouten  eny  compaignye  3204 

Ful  fetisly  I-dight1  with  herbes  soote  / 

And  he  himself1  as  swete  as  is  }>e  roote 

Of1  lokorys  or  eny  Cetewale 

his  almagest1  and  bookes  gret  and  smale  3208 

his  astrylabe  longyng1  for  his  art 

his  augrym  stoones  leyen  faire  a  part1 

On  schelues  couched  at1  his  beddes  heed 

his  presse  I-couered  wip  a  faldyng1  reed  3212 

And  al  aboue  per  lay  a  gay  Sawtrye 

On  which  he  made  a  nightes  melodye 

So  swetely  fat1  al  pe  chambur  rang1 

And  angelus  ad  vM'ginem  he  sang1  3216 

And  after  fat  he  sang1  fe  kynges  note 

Ful  often  blissed  was  his  mery  frote 


GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     93 

And  pus  pis  sweete  clerk1  his  tyme  spente 

After  his  frendes  fyndyng1  and  his  rente  3220 

This  carpenter  had  weddid  newe  a  wyf1 
which  pat1  he  loved  more  pan  his  lyf1 
Of1  ey3teteene  $eer  sche  was  of*  age 

Gelous  he  was  and  heeld  hir  narwe  in  cage  3224 

For  sche  was  wilde  &  }ong1  and  he  was  old 
And  denied  himself1  be  lik1  a  Cokewold 
he  knew  nat  Catozm  for  his  wit1  was  rude 
That1  bad  man  schulde  wedde  his  similitude  3228 

Men  schulde  wedde  aftir  here  astaat1 
For  eelde  and  ^oupe  ben  often  at1  debaatt 
But1  syn  pat1  he  was  brou^t1  in  to  pe  snare 
He  moste  endure  as  opere  doon  his  care  3232 

Fair  was  pe  3onge  wyf*  and  per  wip  al 
As  eny  wesil  hir  body  gent  and  smal  tieafis,  back] 

A  seynt1  sche  wered  barred  al  of1  silk1 
A  barmclop  eek1  as  whit1  as  morne  mylk1  3236 

vpon  hir  lendes  fill  of1  many  a  gore 
whit1  was  hir  smok1  and  browdid  albyfore 
And  eek1  byhynde  on  hir  coler  aboute 
Of1  coleblak1  silk1  wipinne  and  eek1  wipoute  3240 

The  tapes  of1  hir  white  voluper 
weren  of1  pe  same  sute  of  hire  coler 
hir  filet1  brood  of1  silk1  y-set  ful  heye 

And  certeynly  sche  hadd  a  licorous  ey^e  3244 

Ful  smal  y-pulled  weren  hir  brovves  two  / 
And  po  were  bent  as  blak1  as  a  slo 
Sche  was  wel  more  blisful  on  to  see 

Than  is  pe  newe  perionette  tree  3248 

And  softer  pan  pe  wol  is  of1  a  wepir 
And  by  hir  gurdil  hyng  a  purs  of1  lepir 
Tassid  wip  silk1  and  perled  wip  latown 
In  al  pis  world  to  seken  vp  and  doun  3252 

Ther  nys  no  man  so  wys  pat  coupe  penche  / 
So  gay  a  popillot1  or  such  a  wenche  / 


94     GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

For  brighter  was  J?e  smylyug1  of*  hir  hewe 

Than  in  fe  tour  J?e  noble  I-forged  newe  3256 

But*  of1  hir  song1  it1  was  as  lowde  and  3erne 

As  eny  swalwe  chiteryng1  on  a  berne 

Ther  to  sche  cowde  skippe  and  make  game 

As  eny  kyde  or  calf1  folowyng1  his  dame  3260 

hir  mouth  was  sweete  as  bragat1  is  or  meth 

Or  hoord  of1  apples  layd  in  hay  or  heth 

wynsyng1  sche  was  as  is  a  loly  colt1 

long1  as  a  mast1  /  and  vprigfrf  as  a  bolt  /  3264 

A  broch  sche  bar  vpon  hir  loue  coleer 

As  brod  as  is  j)e  bos  of1  a  bocleer 

hir  schos  were  laced  /  on  hir  legges  hey3e 

Sche  was  a  primerole1  a  pigges  ney^e  3268 

For  eny  lord  haue  liggyng1  in  his  bedde    paTutrrbisputinhere] 

Or  ^et1  for  eny  good  ^eman  to  wedde 

.N  ow  sir  and  eft1  sir  /  so  bifel  ]>e  cas 

That1  on  a  day  Jns  heende  Nicholas  [>a/ii]  3272 

Fil  wij)  J?is  3onge  wyf1  to  rage  and  pleye 

whil  pat1  hir  housbond  was  at1  Oseneye 

As  clerkes  ben  ful  sotil  and  ful  queynte 

And  pryuely  he  caught  hir  by  pe  queynte  3276 

And  seyde  I-wis  but  if*  I  haue  my  wille 

For  derne  loue  of1  J?e  lemman  I  spille  / 

And  heeld  hir  harde  by  pe  haunche  boones 

And  seyde  lemman  loue  me  al  at1  ones  3280 

Or  I  wol  dye  as  wisly  god  me  sane 

And  sche  sprang1  out1  /  as  do]?  a  colt/  in  traue 

And  wij>  hir  heed  sche  wried  fast1  awey 

I  seyde  I  wol  nafr  kisse  Jje  by  my  fey  3284 

why  let1  be  qiw&  sche  /  lat1  be  J?ou  nicholas  / 

Or  I  wol  crye  out1  harrow  and  alias 

Do  wey  $our  handes  for  3our  curtesye 

This  nicholas  gan  mercy  for  to  crye  3288 

And  spak1  so  faire  and  prof  red  him  so  faste/ 

That1  sche  hir  loue  him  g?*«unted  atte  laste  / 


GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     95 

And  swor  hir  oth  /  by  seynt1  thomas  of1  kent1 

That1  sche  wol  be  at1  his  comaundement  3292 

whan  fat1  sche  may  hir  leysir  wel  aspye 

Myn  housbond  is  so  ful  of1  lelousie  / 

That1  but1  $e  wayten  wel  and  be  pryue 

I  woot1  right1  wel  I  am  but1  deed  quod  sche  3296 

3e  mostan  be  ful  derne  as  in  f  is  caas 

Ther  of1  ne  care  f  e  nought1  quod  Nicholas 

A  clerk1  ha])  litherly  byset1  his  while 

But1  if1  he  cowde  a  carpenter  bygyle  3300 

And  f  us  fey  ben  acorded  and  I-sworn 

To  wayte  a  tyme  as  I  haue  told  biforn 

Whan  Nicholas  had  doon  f  us  euery  del 
And  thakked  hire  aboute  fe  lendys  wel  3304 

he  kist1  hir  sweet  /  and  take])  his  sawtrye 
And  pleye])  fast1  and  make})  melodye 
Than  fyl  it  fus  /  f  afr  to  J)e  parisch  chirche  / 
Cristes  owen  werkes  for  to  wirche  3308 

This  goode  wyf1  /  went1  on  an  haly  day 
Hir  f orheed  schon  as  bright1  as  eny  day         00/44,  &«<*] 
So  was  it1  waisschen  whan  sche  leet1  hir  werk1 

NOw  fer  was  of1  fat1  chirche  a  parisch  clerk1  3312 

The  which  fat1  was  I-cleped  Absolon 
Crulle  was  his  heer  and  as  fe  gold  it  schon 
And  strowted  as  a  fan  right1  large  and  brood 
Ful  streyt1  and  euene  lay  his  ioly  schood  3316 

his  rode  was  reed  his  ey;en  gray  as  goos 
with  Powles  wyndowes  coruen  in  his  schoos       v 
In  his  hoses  reed  he  went  fetusly 

I-clad  he  was  ful  smal  and  propurly  3320 

Al  in  a  kirtel  of1  a  fyn  wachet1 
Schapen  with  goores  in  f  e  newe  get* 
And  fer  vpon  he  had  a  gay  surplys 

As  whyt1  as  is  fe  blosme  vpon  fe  rys  3324 

A  mery  child  he  was  so  god  me  saue 
wel  couf  e  he  lete  blood  and  clippe  and  schaue 


96     GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

And  make  a  chartre  of1  lond  and  acquitawnce 

In  twenty  manors  he  coude  skip  and  dazmce  3328 

After  pe  scole  of1  Oxenforde  po 

And  wip  his  legges  casten  to  and  fro 

And  pleyen  songes  on  a  smal  rubible 

Therto  he  sang1  som  tyme  a  lowde  quynyble  3332 

And  as  wel  coude  he  pleye  on  a  giterne  / 

In  al  pe  toun  nas  brewhous  ne  tauerne 

That1  he  ne  -visited  with  his  solas 

Ther  as  any  gaylard  tapster  was  3336 

Bot1  sop  to  say  he  was  som  del  squaymous 

Of1  fartyng1  /  and  of  speche  daungerous 

This  absolon  pat1  ioly  was  and  gay 

Go])  wip  a  senser  on  pe  haly  day  3340 

Sensyng1  pe  wyues  of*  pe  parisch  fast1 

And  many  a  lonely  look1  on  hem  he  cast 

And  namely  on  pis  Carpenteres  wyf1 

To  loke  on  hire  him  pought1  a  mery  lyf1  3344 

Sche  was  so  propre  sweete  and  licorous 

I  dar  wel  sayn  if1  sche  had  ben  a  mous 

And  he  a  cat1  he  wold  Mr  hent1  anoon 

This  parisch  clerk1  this  Ioly  Absolon        \ieaf  vs\        3348 
Hap  in  his  herte  such  a  loue  longyng1 
That1  of1  no  wyf1  ne  took1  he  noon  offryng1  / 
For  curtesy  he  seyde  he  wolde  noon 

The  moone  at1  night1  ful  cleer  and  brighte  schoon          3352 
And  absolon  his  giterne  haj>  I-take 
For  paramours  he  seyde  he  wold  awake  / 
And  for  he  go])  iolyf1  and  amerous  / 

Til  he  cam  to  J>e  Carpenteres  hous  3356 

A  litel  after  }>e  cok1  had  y-crowe  / 
And  dressed  him  vp  by  a  schot1  wyndowe  / 
That1  was  vnder  pe  Carpenteres  wal 

,he  syngejj  in  his  voys  gen  til  and  smal  3360 

Now  deere  lady  if1  J>i  wille  be 
I  praye  $ow  pat1  36  wol  rewe  on  me 


GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     97 

Ful  wel  acordyng1  to  his  gyternyng1 

This  carpenter  awook1  and  herde  him  syng1  3364 

And  spak1  vnto  his  wyf1  and  sayde  anoon 

what1  alisown  herestow  not  absolon 

That1  chauntep  pus  vnder  oure  boure  smal 

And  sche  answerd  hir  housbond  per  wip  al  3368 

3is  God  woot1  lohn  I  heere  it1  euery  del 

This  passe])  forth  what1  wil  36  bet1  pan  wel 
Fro  day  to  day  pis  loly  Absolon 

So  wowep  hire  pat  him  is  wo  bigon  3372 

he  wakep  al  pe  night1  and  al  pe  day 
To  kembe  his  lokkes  brode  and  made  him  gay 
he  wowith  hire  by  mene  and  by  brocage 
And  swor  he  wolde  ben  hir  owne  page  /  3376 

he  syngep  crowyng1  as  a  nightyngale 
And  sent1  hire  pyment1  meth  and  spiced  ale  / 
And  wafres  pypyng1  hoot1  out1  of1  pe  gleede 
For  pat1  sche  was  of1  tonne  he  prof  red  meede  3380 

For  som  folk1  wol  be  wonne  for  richesse 
And  som  for  strokes  som  for  gentillesse 
Som  tyme  to  schewe  his  lightnes  and  maistrye 
he  pleyeth  herod}  on  a  scaffold  hye  3384 

But1  what1  avaylep  him  as  in  pis  caas  / 
Sche  louep  so  pis  heende  Nicholas  O«f45,  &a<*] 

That1  absolon  may  blowe  pe  bukkes  horn 
he  ne  had  for  al  his  labour  but1  a  skorn  3388 

And  pus  sche  makep  absolon  hir  ape 
And  al  his  ernest1  tornep  to  a  lape 

Ful  sop  is  pis  prouerbe  it1  is  no  lye 
Men  seyn  right1  pus  alway  pe  ney  slye  3392 

Makep  pe  ferre  leef1  to  be  lop 
For  pougfr  pat  absolon  be  wood  or  wroth 
By  cause  pat1  he  fer  was  from  here  sight1 
This  Nicholas  hap  stonden  in  his  light  3396 

Now  here  pe  wel  pou  heende  Nicholas 
For  absolon  may  wayle  and  synge  alias 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  H 


98    GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

U  And  so  bifeH  it  on  a  Satyrday 

This  Carpenter  was  gon  to  Osenay  3400 

And  heende  Nicholas  and  alisozm 

Acordid  ben  to  pis  conclusiomi 

That1  Nicholas  schal  schapen  hem  a  wyle 

This  sely  lelous  housbond  to  begyle  /  3404 

And  if*  so  were  pis  game  wente  aright 

Sche  schulde  slepe  in  his  arm  al  night 

For  pis  was  hire  desir  and  his  also 

And  right  anoon  wipouten  wordes  mo  3408 

This  Nicholas  no  lenger  wold  he  tarye 

But1  do])  ful  softe  in  to  his  Chambur  carye 

IJope  mete  and  drynke  for  a  day  or  tweye 

And  to  hir  housbond  bad  hir  for  to  seye  3412 

If1  patf  he  axed  after  Nicholas 

Sche  schulde  seye  sche  wiste  nat1  wher  he  was 

Of1  al  pat1  day  sche  saw  him  nat1  with  eye 

Sche  trowed  he  were  falle  in  som  rnaladye  3416 

For  no  cry  pat1  hir  mayden  cowde  him  calle 

he  nolde  answere  for  nought1  pat  may  bifalle 

This  passe]?  for])  al  pat1  ilke  satyrday 
Tha  Nicholas  in  his  chambre  lay  3420 

And  eet1  and  drank1  and  decle  what/  him  leste 
Til  soneday  J)e  sonne  was  gon  to  reste 
1  his  sely  carpenter  ha])  gret  meruaile  [,v«/4C] 

Of1  Nicholas  or  what  ping1  may  him  ayle  3424 

And  seyde  I  am  a-drad  by  seynt1  Thomas 
It1  stondep  nat1  aright1  wip  Nicholas 
God  schilde  pat1  he  deyde  sodeinly 

This  world  is  now  ful  tykel  sikerly  3428 

I  saugh  to-day  a  corps  y-born  to  chirche 
That1  now  on  monday  last1 1  saugh  him  wirche 
Go  vp  quod  he  vnto  his  knaue  anoon 
Clepe  at1  his  dore  and  knokke  wip  a  stoon)  3432 

Loke  how  it1  is  and  telle  me  boldely 
This  knaue  gop  him  vp  ful  sturdily 


GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     99 

And  at1  f  e  chambir  dore  wliil  he  stood 

he  cryed  and  knokked  as  fat1  he  were  wood  3436 

what1  how  what1  do  36  mayster  nicholay 

how  may  $e  slepen  al  f  is  longe  day 

But*  al  for  nought1  he  herde  nat  o  word 

An  hole  he  fond  right*  lowe  vpon  a  boord  3440 

Ther  as  f  e  cat1  was  wont1  in  for  to  creeps  / 

And  at1  fat1  hole  he  loked  in  ful  deepe  / 

And  atte  laste  he  hadde  of*  him  a  sight 

This  nicholas  sat1  euer  gapyng1  vpright1  3444 

As  he  had  loked  on  f  e  newe  moone 

Adoun  he  gof  and  tolde  his  mayster  soone 

In  what1  aray  he  sawh  f  is  ilke  man 

This  carpenter  to  blessen  him  bygan  3448 

And  seyde  now  help  vs  seynte  Frideswyde 

A  man  woot1  litel  what1  him  schal  betyde 

This  man  is  falle  with  his  astronomye 

In  som  woodnesse  or  in  som  agonye  3452 

I  thought1  ay  wel  how  fat1  it1  schulde  be 

Men  schulde  nought1  knowe  of1  goddes  pryuyte 

U  3e  blessed  be  alwey  a  lewed  man 

That1  nat1  but1  oonly  his  bileeue  can  3456 

So  ferde  anof  er  clerk1  with  astronomye  / 

he  walked  in  the  feeldes  for  to  prye 

vpon  fe  sterres  what1  fer  schulde  bi  falle 

Til  he  was  in  a  marie  pit1 1-falle  /  3460 

he  saugh  nat1  fat1  but1  jet1  by  seint1  Thomas  / 

Me  reweth  sore  for  heende  nicholas  [iea/i6,  back'] 

he  schal  be  ratyd  of1  his  studyyng 

If1  fat1  I  may  by  ihu  heuen  kyng1  3464 

Gete  me  a  staf1  fat1 1  may  vnder  spore 

whil  fat1  f ou  Eobyn  heuesfr  vp  f e  dore 

he  schal  out1  of1  his  studyyng1  as  I  gesse 

And  to  fe  chambir  dore  he  gan  him  dresse  /  3468 

his  knaue  was  a  strong1  karl  for  f  e  noones 

And  by  f  e  hasp  he  haf'  it1  vp  at1  oones  * 


100    GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334u 

And  in  pe  floor  pe  dore  fil  doun  anoon 

This  nicholas  sat1  stille  as  eny  stoon  3472 

And  euer  he  capyd  vpward  to  pe  eyr 

This  Carpenter  wende  he  were  in  despeir 

And  hent1  him  by  pe  schuldres  mightily 

And  school  him  harde  and  cryed  spitously  3476 

what1  Nicholas  what1  how  man  loke  a  doun 

A-wake  and  pynk1  on  cristes  passiown 

I  crowche  pe  from  Elues  and  from  wightes 

Ther-with  pe  night-spel  seyde  he  anon  rightes  3480 

On  pe  fonre  halues  of1  pe  hous  abonte  / 

And  of1  pe  preisshfold  ofH  pe  dore  wipoute 

lord  Ihu  crist  and  seynte  bendigfct 

Blesse  pis  hons  from  euery  wikkede  wight1  3484 

for  nyghtes  verray  pe  white  pater-noster 

wher  wonestow  now,  seynte  petres  soster 

And  atte  laste  heende  Nicholas 

Gan  for  to  syke  sore  and  seyde  alias  3488 

Schal  al  pe  world  be  lost1  eft1  sones  now 

This  Carpenter  answerde  what1  seystow  / 

what1  penk1  on  god  as  we  doon  men  pat  swynke 

This  Nicholas  answerde  fette  me  drynke  3492 

And  after  wol  I  speke  in  pryuyte 

Of1  certeyn  ping1  pat1  touchep  pe  and  me 

I  wol  telle  it  non  oper  man  certayn 

This  Carpenter  goj>  forth  and  com))  agayn  3496 

And  brought  of1  mighty  ale  a  large  quart/ 

whan  ech  of1  hem  y-dronken  had  his  part 

This  Nicholas  his  dore  gan  to  schitte 

And  dede  pis  carpenter  doun  by  him  sitte       (y™/i7j     3500 

And  seide  lohan  myn  host1  ful  leue  and  deere 

Thou  schalt1  vpon  J>y  troupe  swere  me  heere  / 

That1  to  no  wight1  pou  schalt1  pis  counsel  wreye 

For  it  is  cristes  counsel  pat1 1  seye  3504 

And  if1  pou  telle  it  man  pou  art  forlore 

For  pis  vengaunce  pou  schalt1  han  perfore 


GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     101 

That1  if1  jjou  wreye  me  J>ou  schalt1  be  wood 

Nay  crist1  forbede  it1  for  his  holy  blood  3508 

Quod  Jjo  Jns  sely  man  I  am  no  labbe 

Though  I  it1  say  I  am  nought1  leef1  to  gabbe  / 

Say  what1  J?ou  wolt1  I  schal  it  neuer  telle  / 

To  child  ne  wyf1  by  him  pat1  harwed  helle  3512 

Now  lohan  quod,  nicholas  I  wol  not1  lye 
I  haue  I-founde  in  myn  astrologye 
As  I  haue  loked  in  fe  moone  bright1 

That1  now  on  monday  nexfr  at1  quarter  night1  3516 

Schal  falle  a  reyn  and  pat1  so  wilde  and  wood 
That1  half1  so  gref  was  neuer  Noes  flood 
This  worlde  he  seyde  more  pan  an  hour 
Schal  ben  I-dreynf  so  hidous  is  ])e  schour  3520 

Thus  schal  mankynde  drench  e  and  leese  his  lyf1 
This  Carpenter  answered  alias  my  wyf1 
And  shal  she  drenche  alias  myn  alisown 
For  sorwe  of1  pis  he  fel  almost1  ado?m  3524 

And  seyde  is  per  no  remedy  in  pis  caas 
whe  313  for  gode  quod  heende  Nicholas 
If1  pou  wolt1  werken  aftir  lore  and  reed 
Thou  maist1  nought1  worke -after  ]>in  owen  heed  3528 

For  Jms  seip  Salomon  fat1  was  ful  trewe 
werke  by  cozmseil  /  and  ]?ou  schalt1  natt  re  we 
And  if1  )?ou  worken  wolt1  by  good  counsail 
I  vndertake  wi]?oute?z  mast1  and  sail  3532 

3ett  schal  I  sauen  hir  and  jje  and  me 
hastow  nat1  herd  /  how  saued  was  Noe 
whan  fat1  our  lord  had  warned  him  biforn 
That1  al  ]?e  world  wi]>  watir  schulde  be  lorn  3536 

3 is  quod.  Jns  Carpenter  ful  3ore  ago 
hastow  nought  herd  quod  Nicholas  also         [fec^ 47,600*] 
The  sorwe  of1  Noe  wijj  his  felaschipe 

That  he  hadde  or  he  gat1  his  wyf1  to  schipe  3540 

him  hadde  wel  leuer  I  dar  wel  vndertake  / 
AtH  j?ilke  tyme  ]?an  alle  his  we]>eres  blake 


102    GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

That1  sche  hadde  a  schip  hir  self*  allone 

And  f erf  ore  wostow  what1  is  besf  to  doone  /  3544 

This  axef  hast1  and  of1  an  hasty  Jnng1 

Men  may  nought1  preche  or  make  taryyng1 

Anon  go  gete  vs  fast1  in  to  Jns  In 

A  knedyng1  trowh  or  elles  a  kemelyn  3548 

For  ech  of1  vs  but1  loke  fat1  fey  be  large 

In  which  fat1  we  may  rowe  as  in  a  barge 

And  haue  f  er  In  vitaille  suffisanfr 

But1  for  o  day,  fy  on  f  e  remenant1  3552 

The  wate?*  schal  aslake  and  gon  away 

Aboute  prime  vppon  f  e  nexte  day 

But1  Robyn  may  not1  wite  of1  f  is  fy  knaue 

Ne  ek1  fy  mayde  Gille  I  may  not1  saue  3556 

Aske  nought1  why  for  f  ough  f  ou  aske  me 

I  wol  nat  tellen  goddes  pryuete 

Sufficeth  f  e  but1  if1  fat  f  y  witt/  madde 

To  haue  as  gret1  a  grace  as  noe  hadde  /  3560 

Thy  wyf1  schal  I  wel  sauen  out1  of1  doute  / 

Go  now  fy  wey  and  speed  f  e  heer  aboute 

And  whan  f  ou  hast1  for  hir  and  f  e  and  me  / 

I-goten  vs  f  is  knedyng1  tubbes  fre  3564 

Than  schalt1  f  ou  hange  hem  in  Jje  roof1  fill  hie 

That  no  man  of1  oure  purueaunce  aspye 

And  whan  J>ou  Jms  hast1  doon  as  I  haue  seyd 

And  hast1  our  vitaille  faire  in  hem  I-leyd  3568 

And  eek1  an  ax  to  smyte  J>e  corde  a-two 

whan  fat1  Jje  water  come]?  pat1  we  may  goo 

And  breke  an  hole  an  hye  vpon  J?e  gable 

In  to  J>e  gardynward  ouer  ])e  stable  /  3572 

That1  we  may  frely  passen  forf  oure  way 

whan  fat1  fe  grete  schour  is  gon  away 

Than  schaltow  swymme  as  mery  I  vndertake 

As  doth  fe  white  doke  aftir  hir  drake  [fca/48]        3576 

Than  wol  I  clepe  how  alisozm  how  Ion. 

[Beoth  merye  for  the  flood  passef  a-non]  [f»  a  lat 


GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     103 

And  fou  wolf  seye  lieyl  maister  nicliolay 

Good  morn  I  see  f  e  wel  for  it  is  day  3580 

And  fan  scliul  we  be  lordes  al  oure  lyf1 

Of1  al  f  e  world  as  noe  and  his  wyfH 

But1  of1  oo  fing1  I  warne  f  e  ful  right1 

Be  wel  auysed  of1  fat1  ilke  nyght  3584 

That1  we  ben  entred  in  to  schippes  boord 

That1  not1  of1  vs  ne  speke  not1  a  word 

Ne  clepe  ne  crye  but1  be  in  his  preyere 

For  it  is  goddes  owne  heste  deere  3588 

Thy  wyf1  and  fou  most1  hangen  fer  a-twynne 

For  fat1  bitwixe  }ou  schal  be  no  synno 

No  more  in  lokyng1  fan  fer  schal  in  dede  / 

This  ordyna?mce  is  seyd,  so  god  me  speede  /  3592 

To  morwe  at1  night1  whan  men  ben  a  slepe  / 

In  to  our  knedyng1  tubbes  wol  we  crepe  / 

And  sitte  fer  abydyng1  goddes  grace  / 

Go  now  fy  way  I  haue  no  lenger  space  3596 

To  make  of1  f  is  no  lenger  sermonyng1 

Men  seyn  f  us  /  send  f  e  wyse  and  sey  no  f  ing1 

Thou  art1  so  wys  it1  iieedcth  nat1  f  e  teche 

Go  saue  oure  lyf1  and  fat1 1  fe  byseche  /  3600 

This  seely  carpenter  gof  forf  his  way 
Ful  ofte  he  seyd  alias  and  weylaway 
And  to  his  wyf1  he  told,  his  pryuete 

And  sche  was  war  and  knew  it1  bett  fan  he  /  3604 

what1  al  this  wente  cast1  was  for  to  seye  / 
But1  naf  eles  sche  ferd  as  sche  schuld  deye 
And  seyde  alias  go  forth  f  y  way  anoon 
help  vs  to  skape  or  we  be  ded  echon  3608 

I  am  f  y  verray  trewe  wedded  wyf1 
Go  deere  spouse  and  help  to  saue  oure  lyf1 
lo  which  a  gret1  fing1  is  aifecciotm 

A  man  may  dye  for  ymaginacozni  3612 

So  deepe  may  impressiown  be  take 
This  seely  Carpenter  bygynneth  quake          !>«/  •«,  &<«*] 


104    GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

him  Jjenke]?  verrayly  ]>af  he  may  se 

Noes  flood  come  walkyng1  as  fe  see  /  3616 

To  drenchen  alisozm  his  hony  deere 

he  weepej?  waylep  he  maketh  sory  cheere 

he  sikej?  with  ful  many  a  sory  swough" 

And  goth  and  geteth  him  a  knedyng1  trough  3620 

And  after  faf  a  tubbe  and  a  kymelyn 

And  pryuely  he  sent1  hem  to  his  In 

And  heng1  hem  in  J>e  roof1  in  pryuete 

His  owne  hond  fan  made  laddres  J?re  3624 

To  clymben  by  Jje  ronges  and  J>e  stalkes 

vnto  )>e  tubbes  hangyng1  in  J>e  balkes 

And  hem  vitayled  bope  trough  and  tubbe 

with  breed  and  cheese  wi]>  good  ale  in  a  lubbe  3628 

Suffisyng1  right1  ynough  as  for  a  day 

But1  or  Jjat1  he  had  maad  al  J)is  array 

he  sent1  his  knaue  and  eek1  his  wenche  also 

vpon  his  neede  to  londown  for  to  go  3632 

And  on  J?e  monday  whan  it1  drew  to  nyght 

he  schette  his  dore  wijjouten  candel  light 

And  dressed  al  pis  ping1  as  it1  schuld  be 

And  schortly  vp  fey  clumben  alle  )>re  3636 

They  seten  stille  wel  a  forlong1  way 

Now  pater  noster  clum  quod.  Nicholay 

And  Clum  quod  Ion  and  Clum  .  quod.  Alisown 

This  Carpenter  seyd  his  deuocioun  3640 

And  stille  he  sitfr  and  byddej)  his  prayere 

Ay  waytyng1  on  ]>e  Eeyn  if1  he  it1  heere 

The  deede  sleep  for  verray  busynesse 

Fil  on  J)is  Carpenter  right1  as  I  gesse  /  3644 

Abowten  courfew  tyme  or  litel  more 

For  trauail  of1  his  goostt  he  gronejj  sore 

And  eft1  he  route]?  for  his  heed  myslay 

Doun  of1  J>e  laddir  stalkej)  Nicholay  3648 

And  alisoun  ful  softe  a  doun  hir  spedde 

wifouten  wordes  mo  J>ey  goon  to  bedde 


GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     105 

Ther  as  pe  Carpenter  was  wont  to  lye 

Ther  was  pe  Reuel  and  pe  melody e  O«/*>]         3652 

And  )ms  lith  alisomi  and  Nicholas 

In  busynesse  of1  myrpe  and  of1  solas 

Til  pat  pe  belles  of1  laudes  gan  to  rynge 

And  freres  in  pe  Chauncel  gan  to  synge  3656 

This  parissch  clerk1  })is  amerous  absolon 
That  is  for  loue  so  harde  and  woo  bygon 
vpon  pe  Monday  was  at1  Osenay 

with  company  him  to  desporte  and  play  3660 

And  axed  vpon  caas  a  cloysterer 
Ful  pryueiy  after  pe  carpenter 
And  he  drough  him  a  part1  out1  of  pe  chirche 
And  sayde  nay  I  say  him  nat  here  wirche  3664 

Syn  satirday  I  trow  pat1  he  be  went 
For  tymber  per  our  abbot1  hath  him  sent/ 
For  he  is  wont1  for  tymber  for  to  goo 

And  dwellen  at1  pe  graunge  a  day  or  tuo  3668 

Or  elles  he  is  at1  his  hous  certayn 
wher  pat1  he  be  I  can  nat1  soply  sayn 

This  absolon  ful  ioly  was  and  light1 
And  thoughte  now  is  tyme  wake  al  nigfrtt  3672 

For  sikerly  I  sawh  him  nought1  styryng1 
Aboute  his  dore  syn  day  bigan  to  spryng* 
So  mote  I  pryue  I  schal  at  Cokkes  crowe 
Ful  pryuely  go  knokke  at  his  wyndowe  3676 

That1  stant1  ful  lowe  vpon  his  bowres  wal 
To  alisoun  pan  wol  I  tellen  al 
My  loue-longyng1  for  ^ef  I  schal  not1  mysse 
That1  atte  leste  wey  I  schal  hir  kisse  3680 

Som  maner  comfort1  schal  I  haue  par  fay 
My  mouth  hap  icched  al  pis  longe  day 
That1  is  a  signe  of1  kissyng1  atte  leste 
Al  nyght1 1  mette  eek1 1  was  at  a  feste  3684 

Ther  fore  I  wol  go  slepe  an  hour  or  tweye 
And  al  pe  night1  pan  wol  I  wake  and  pleye 


106     GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

whan  pat1  pe  firste  cok1  ha])  crowe  anoon 

vp  ryst1  pis  lolyf1  loner  absolon  3688 

And  him  arrayep  gay  at1  poynt1  deuys 

But1  first1  he  chewep  greyn  and  lycoris  [leaf  49,  back] 

To  smellen  swete  or  he  hadde  kempt1  his  heere 

vnder  his  tunge  a  trewe  lone  he  beere  /  3692 

For  per  by  wende  he  to  be  gracious 

he  romej)  to  pe  carpenteres  hous 

And  stille  he  stant1  vnd  pe  schot1  wyndowe  / 

vnto  his  brest1  if  raught/  if  was  so  lowe  /  36 9 G 

And  softe  he  cow  hi]?  with  a  semy  HOI  in 

what1  do  }e  hony  comb  swete  alisoun 

My  fay  re  bryd  my  swete  Cynamome 

Awake  lemman  myn  and  spekej)  tome  3700 

wel  litel  pynke  }e  vpon  my  wo 

That1  for  ^oure  lone  I  swelte  per  I  go 

No  wonder  is  if1  fat1 1  swelte  and  swete  / 

I  morne  as  do))  a  lamb  after  pe  tete  3704 

I-wis  lemman  I  haue  such  loue-longyng1 

That1  like  a  turtil  trewe  is  my  moornyng1 

I  may  not1  ete  no  more  fan  a  mayde  / 

IT  Go  fro  pe  wyndow  lakke  fool  sche  sayde  /  3708 

As  help  me  god  it  wol  not1  be  com  paine 

I  loue  anope?'  and  elles  were  I  to  blame 

wel  bet1  fan  pe  by  Ihu  absolon 

Go  forp  fy  wey  or  I  wol  cast1  a  stoon  3712 

And  let  me  slepe  a  twenty  deuelway 

Alias  qiiod  absolon  and  weylaway 

That1  trewe  loue  was  euer  so  ylle  bysett/ 

))anne  kisseth  me  syn  it  may  be  no  betf  3716 

For  lesus  loue  and  for  pe  loue  of1  me 

wilt1  pou  pan  go  py  wey  per  with  quod  sche 

$e  certes  lemman  quod  pis  absolon 

Than  mak1  pe  redy  quod  sche  I  come  anon  3720 

t 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

This  absolon  doun  sette  him  on  his  knees 


GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     107 

And  seide  I  am  a  lord  at1  alle  degrees  3724 

For  after  f  is  I  hope  f  er  comef  more 

Lemman  f  y  grace  /  and  swete  bryd  f  yn  ore 

The  wyndow  sche  vndyd  and  fat  in  hast1 

haue  doon  quod,  sche  com  of1  and  speed  f  e  fast*  3728 

lest1  fat1  our  neygheboures  f  e  aspye 

This  absolon  gan  wipe  his  mouf  ful  drye  [^«/5o] 

Derk1  was  f  e  night1  as  picche  or  as  a  cole  / 

Out1  atte  wyndow  putte  sche  hir  hole  /  3732 

And  absolon  him  fel  no  bet  ne  wers 

But1  wif  his  mouth  he  kist1  hir  naked  ers 

Ful  sauorly,  whan  he  was  war  of1  f  is 

Abak1  he  sterte  and  fought1  it1  was  amys  3730 

For  wel  he  wist1  a  wowiman  haj)  no  berd 

he  felt1  a  f  ing1  al  rough  and  long1  I-herd 

And  seyde  fy  alias  what1  haue  I  do 

Tehee  quod,  sche  /  and  clapt1  fe  wyndow  to  3740 

And  absolon  goj)  for])  a  sory  paas 

A  berd  a  berd  /  quod,  heende  Nicholas 

By  goddes  corps  f  is  game  goj)  fair  and  wel 

This  seely  absolon  herd  euery  del  3744 

And  on  his  lippe  he  gan  for  angir  byte 

And  to  himself1  he  seyde  I  schal  fe  quyte 

Who  rubbij)  now  who  froteth  now  his  lippes        3747 
wij)  dust  wij)  sand  wij)  straw  wij)  cloth  wij)  chippes 
But1  absolon  fat1  seith  fulofte  alias 
My  soule  bytake  I  vnto  Sathanas 
But  me  were  leuer  fan  alle  f is  toun  quod,  he 
Of1  fis  dispit1  awroken  for  to  be  3752 

Alias  quod  he  alias  I  nadde  bleynt 
his  hoote  loue  was  cold  and  al  I-queynt 
For  fro  fat1  tyme  fat1  he  had  kist1  hire  ers 
Of1  paramours  ne  sette  he  nat  a  kers  3756 

For  he  was  helyd  of1  his  maledye 
Fulofte  paramours  he  gan  detfye 
And  wept1  as  dof  a  child  fat1  is  I-bete 
A  softe  paas  went  he  ouer  fc  strete  /  3760 


108     GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

"Vnto  a  smyth  men  clepitli  daun  Gerueys 

That*  in  his  forge  smythed  plowh  harneys 

He  scharpeth  schar  and  cultre  bysily 

This  absolon  knokkej?  al  esily  3764 

And  seyde  vnto  Geruays  and  J>af  anoon 

what1  who  art1  thou  f  if  am  I  Absolon 

what1  Absolon  what1  J  cristes  swete  tree      t1  a  later  for  ?>  put  here] 

why  ryse  36  so  rathe  benedicite  [leaf  50,  back]         3768 

what1  eylej)  3011  some  gay  gurl  god  it  woof 

hajj  brought1  3011  Jms  vpon  )>e  verytrot1 

By  seinte  noet  /  30  wot1  wel  what  I  mene 

This  absolon  ne  roughte  nafr  a  bene  3772 

Of1  al  jns  pley  no  word  agayn  he  3af< 

Tor  he  hadde  more  tow  on  his  distaf1 

Than  Gerueys  knew  and  seyde  freend  so  deere 

That1  hote  cultre  in  J>e  Chymney  heere  3776 

As  lene  it1  me  I  haue  j>er  wij>  to  doone 

I  wol  it  bring1  agayn  to  J?e  ful  soone 

Gerueys  answerde  /  certes  were  it1  gold 

Or  in  a  poke  nobles  al  vntold  3780 

3e  schul  him  haue  as  I  am  trewe  smyth 

Ey  Cristes  fo1  what  Wll  30  do  j>er  Wij)  C1  a  later  te  is  added-] 

Ther  of1  quod,  absolon  be  as  be  may 

I  schal  wel  telle  it1  ]?e  to  morwe  day  3784 

And  caughte  ))e  cultre  by  £e  colde  stele 

Ful  soft1  out  at  J>e  dore  he  gan  it1  stele  / 

And  wente  vnto  J?e  carpenteres  wal 

he  cowhej?  first1  and  kriokkej)  per  wi]>  al  3788 

vpon  the  wyndow  right1  as  he  dede  er 

This  alisown  answerde  who  is  ther 

That1  knokkest1  so  f  I  warant1  it  a  feef1 

why  nay  quod  he  god  woot1  my  sweete  leef1  3792 

I  am  jjyn  absolon,  O  my  derlyng1 

Of1  gold  quod,  he  I  haue  J>e  brought1  a  ryng* 

My  mooder  3af1  it1  me  so  god  me  saue 

Ful  fyn  it  is  and  ]>erio  wel  I-graue  3796 


GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     109 

This  wol  I  3iue  fe  /  if1  }xm  me  kisse 

This  Nicholas  was  rise  for  to  pysse 

And  fought1  he  wold  amenden  al  fe  Tape 

he  schulde  kisse  his  ers  or  fat  he  skape  3800 

And  vp  f  e  wyndow  dyde  he  hastily 

And  out1  his  ers  puttef  he  pryuely 

Oner  f  e  buttok1  to  haunche  bon 

And  fer  wif  spak1  fis  clerk1  fis  absolon  3804 

Spek1  sweete  bryd  I  wot1  nat  wher  f  ou  art  /. 

This  Nicholas  anon  let1  flee  a  fart1  !>«/5i] 

As  gret  as  it1  had  ben  a  thundir  dent 

And  with  fat1  strook1  he  was  almost1 1-blenf  3808 

And  he  was  redy  with  his  yren  hoot 

And  Nicholas  amyd  f  e  ers  he  smoot 

Of*  gof  f  e  skyn  an  hande  brede  aboute 

The  hoote  cultre  brente  so  his  toute  3812 

And  for  f  e  smert1  /  he  wende  for  to  dye 

As  he  were  wood  anon  he  gan  to  crye 

help  watir  watir  /  help  for  goddes  herte 

This  Carpenter  out  of1  his  slumber  sterte  3816 

And  herd  on  crye  watir  as  he  were  wood 

He  fought1  alias  for  now  comef  Noes  flood 

he  sit1  him  vp  wif  oute  wordes  mo 

And  wif  his  ax  he  smot1  fe  corde  a-two  3820 

And  doun  he  goj>  he  fond  nowthir  to  selle  / 

No  bred  ne  ale  til  he  com  to  f  e  selle/ 

Ypon  J>e  floor  and  fer  aswoun  he  lay 

vp  styrt1  hir  alisoun  and  Nicholay  3824 

And  cryden  out1  and  harrow  in  f  e  strete  / 

The  neyghebours  bofe  smal  and  grete  / 

In  ronnen  for  to  gauren  on  fis  man 

That1  a  swowne  lay  bofe  pale  and  wan  3828 

For  with  f  e  fal  he  brosten  had  his  arm 

But1  stond  he  muste  to  his  owne  harm 

For  whan  he  spak1  he  was  anon  born  doun 

with  heende  Nicholas  and  alisozm  3832 


110     GROUP  A.     §  4.     MILLER'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

They  tolden  euery  man  Jmt  he  was  wood 

he  was  a  gast1  and  feerd  of*  Noes  flood 

Thurgh  fantasie  J?att  of1  his  vanite  / 

he  hadde  I-bought1  him  knedyng1  tubbes  J?re  /  38 36 

And  hadde  hem  hanged  in  J?e  roof1  aboue  / 

And  Jmt1  he  preyed  hem  for  goddes  loue  / 

To  sitten  in  J?e  roof*  par  compaignye 

The  folk1  gan  lawhen  aft  his  fantasye  /  3840 

In  to  £e  roof1  j?ey  kyken  and  J?ey  gape 

And  torne  al  his  harm  in  to  a  lape 

For  what1  so  euer  J?e  carpenter  answerde 

Hit1  was  for  nought1  no  man  his  resoun  herde  [//5i,&*j  3844 

wij?  o))is  greet1  he  was  so  sworn  a  doun 

That*  he  was  holden  wood  in  al  J?e  toun 

For  euery  clerk1  anon  right1  heeld  wij)  o])ir 

They  seyde  fe  man  was  wood  my  leeue  broker  3848 

And  euery  man  gan  lawhen  at1  his  stryf1 

Thus  swyued  was  )>e  Carpenteres  wyf1 

For  al  his  kepyng1  and  his  gelousye 

And  absolon  ha]?  kist1  hir  nej)ir  ye  3852 

And  Nicholas  is  skaldid  in  his  towte 

This  tale  is  doon  and  god  saue  al  J)e  route 

nEre  endeth  j>e  Millers  tale 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


GROUP  A.   §5.   MILLER-REEVE  LINK.   Harleian  7334.    Ill 


IF  And  bygywnej?  J?e  prologe  of1  Jje  Reeue 

Whan  folk1  hadde  lawhen  of1  ]?is  nyce  caas 
Of1  Absolon  and  heende  Nicholas  3856 

Dyuerse  folk1  dyuersely  J>ey  seyde 
But1  for  ]>e  moste  part1  J>ey  lowh"  and  pleyde  / 
Ne  at  ]ris  tale  I  sawh  no  man  him  greue 
But  it1  were  oonly  Osewald  ]>e  Reeue  3860 

By  cause  he  was  of1  Carpentrye  craft1 
A  litel  Ire  is  in  his  herte  is  laft1 
He  gan  to  grucche  and  blamed  it  a  lite 
So  theek1  quod  he  ful  wel  coude  I  J?e  quyte  3864 

with  bleryng1  of1  a  prowd  mylleres  ye 
If1  j>att  me  luste  speke  of1  Ribaudye 

But1  yk*  am  old  me  list*  not1  pley  for  age 
Gras  tyme  is  doon  my  foddir  is  now  forage          3868 
My  whyte  top  write]?  myn  olde  3eeres  / 
Myn  hert  is  al  so  moulyd  a^  myn  heeres  / 
And  }it  I  fare  as  do])  an  open-ers 

That1  ilke  fruyfr  is  euer  lenger  J?e  wers  3872 

Til  it  be  rote  in  mullok1  or  in  stree 
we  olde  men  I.  drede  so  fare  we  / 
Til  we  be  roten  can  we  nat  be  rype 

we  hoppen  alway  whil  }>e  world  wol  pype  3876 

For  in  oure  wil  J?er  stike)>  euer  a  nayl 
To  haue  an  hoor  heed  and  a  greene  tayl 
As  hath  a  leek1  for  Jjough  oure  might1  be  doon 
Oure  wil  desire])  folye  euer  in  oon  3880 

For  whan  we  may  nat1  do  }>an  wol  we  speke  /  Ueaf  &a} 

3etf  in  oure  aisshen  old  is  fyr  I-reke  / 
Foure  gledys  haue  we  which  I  schal  deuyse 
Auantyng1  /  lyyng1  /  angur  coueytise  3884 

This  foure  sparkys  longen  vnto  eelde  / 
Oure  olde  lymes  mo  wen  be  vnweelde  / 


112    GROUP  A.   §5.   MILLEU-REEVE  LINK.   Harleian  7334. 

But*  wil  ne  schal  nat1  fayle  vs  fat1  is  sof 

And  set1 1  haue  alwey  a  coltes  to]?  3888 

As  many  a  }eer  as  it  is  passed  henne 

Syn  fat1  my  tappe  of1  lyf1  bygan  to  renne  / 

For  sikirlik1  wlian  I  was  born  anon 

Deth  drough  fe  tappe  of1  lyfH  and  leetf  if  goon  3892 

And  now  so  longe  /  hajj  f  e  tappe  I-ronne 

Til  fat  almost1  al  empty  is  f  e  tonne 

The  streem  of1  lyf1  now  droppeth  on  f  e  chymbe 

The  sely  tonge  may  wel  rynge  and  cliimbe1  3896 

Of1  wrecchednes  fat1  passed  is  ful  ^oore  p  ?jrst  ciymbe] 

with  olde  folk1  /  sauf1  dotage  is  no  more 

Whan  fat1  oure  host1  had  herd  oure  sermonyng1 
he  gan  to  speke  as  lordly  as  a  kyng1  3900 

And  seyde  what1  amountef  al  f  is  wit 
what1  schul  we  speke  alday  of1  holy  wrytf 
The  deuyl  made  a  Reue  for  to  preche 
Or  of1  a  sowter  schipman  or  a  leche  /  3904 

Sey  for))  f  i  tale  and  tarye  nat1  fe  tyme 
Lo  heer  is  Depford  /  and  it1  is  passed  prime 
Lo  Grenewich  f  er  many  a  schrewe  is  Inne 
It1  were  al  tyme  f  i  tale  to  bygynne  3908 

NOw  sires  quod  f  is  Osewold  f  e  Eeue 
I  pray  jow  alle  //  fat1  noon  of  3ou  him  greeue 
Though  I  answere  and  somwhat1  sette  his  howue 
For  leeful  is  wif  force  force  to  showue  3912 

This  dronken  myllere  haf  I-told  vs  heer 
how  fat*  bygiled  was  a  Carpenter 
Parauenture  in  scorn  for  I  am  oon 

And  by  ^our  leue  I  schal  him  quyte  anoon  3916 

Right1  in  his  cherles  termes  wol  I  speke  / 
I  pray  to  God  his  nekke  mot1  tobreke 
he  can  wel  in  myn  eye  see  a  stalke  \ieafsi,  back] 

But  in  his  owrie  he  can  nought1  seen  a  balke  3920 

HEre  endef  fe  prologe  of1  f e  Keue 
[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


GROUP  A.     §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     113 


And  here  bygynnef  his  tale 


A 


T  Trompyngtown  nat1  fer  fro  Cantebrigge 
Ther  goth  a  brook1  and  ouer  fat  a  brigge  • 
Vpon  fe  whiche  brook1  f  er  stant1  a  melle 
And  fis  is  verray  sof  fat1 1  3011  telle  /       3924 
"  A  meller  was  f  er  dwellyng  many  a  day 

As  eny  Pecok1  he  was  prowd  and  gay 

Pipen  he  coude  and  fissn"  and  nettys  beete 

And  turne  cuppes  wrastle  wel  and  scheete  3928 

Ay  by  his  belt1  he  bar  a  long1  panade 

And  of1  a  swerd  ful  trencha^nt1  was  f  e  blade 

A  loly  popper  bar  he  in  his  pouche 

Ther  was  no  man  for  perel  durst1  him  touche  /  3932 

A  Scheffeld  thwitel  bar  he  in  his  hose 

Kound  was  his  face  and  camois  was  his  nose 

As  pyled  as  an  ape  was  his  skulle/ 

he  was  a  market1  beter  at1  f  e  fulle  3936 

Ther  durste  no  wight1  hand  vpon  him  legge 

That1  he  ne  swor  anon  he  schuld  abegge  / 

A  f  eef1  he  was  for-sof  of1  corn  and  mele 

And  fat  a  sleign"  and  vsyng1  for  to  stele  /  3940 

his  name  was  hoote  deynous  Symekyn 

A  wyf1  he  hadde  /  come  of1  noble  kyn 

The  parsoun  of1  the  toun  hir  fader  was 

with  hire  he  3af1  ful  many  a  panne  of1  bras  3944 

For  fat1  Symkyn  schuld  in  his  blood  allye 

Sche  was  I-fostryd  in  a  Nonnerye 

For  Symkyn  wolde  no  wyf1  as  he  sayde 

But1  sche  were  wel  I-norissched  and  a  mayde  /  3948 

To  sauen  his  estaat1  and  ^omanrye 

And  sche  was  proud  and  pert/  as  is  a  pye 

A  ful  fair  sigTite  was  fer  on  hem  two  / 

On  haly  dayes  bifore  hir  wolde  he  go  3952 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  I 


11  4    GROUP  A.     §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

with  his  typet1  ybounde  aboute  his  heed 

And  sche  cam  aftir  in  a  gyte  of1  reed 

And  Symkyn.  hadde  hosen  of1  j?e  same  /  [fea/ss] 

Ther  dnrste  no  wight1  clepe  hir  but1  ma  dame  /  3956 

was  noon  so  hardy  walkyng1  by  J>e  weye 

That1  with  hir  dorste  rage  or  elles  pleye 

But1  if1  he  wold  be  slayn  of1  Symekyn1 

wij?  panade  or  with  knyf1  or  boydekyn*  3960 

For  gelous  folk1  ben  perilous  eue?*emo 

Algate  pey  wolde  here  wyues  wende  so 

And  eek1  for  sche  was  somdel  smoterlich 

Sche  was  as  deyne  as  water  in  a  dich  3964 

As  ful  of1  hokir  and  of1  bissemare 

hir  thoughte  ladyes  oughten  hir  to  spare  / 

what1  for  hir  kynreed  and  hir  nortelrye 

That1  sche  had  lerned  in  J?e  Nonnerye  3968 

A  doubter  hadden  J?ey  betwix  hem  two 

Of1  .xx*.1  3eer  wijjouten  eny  mo 

Sauyng1  a  child  that1  was  of1  half1  }er  age 

In  cradil  lay  and  was  a  proper  page  /  3972 

This  wenche  Jnkke  and  wel  I-growen  was 

wijj  Camoys  nose  and  ey}en  gray  as  glas  / 

And  buttokkes  brode  and  brestes  round  and  hye 

But1  right1  fair  was  hir  heer  I  wol  nat1  lye  /  3976 

The  parsown  of1  pe  toun  for  sche  was  feir 

In  purpos  was  to  maken  hir  his  heir  / 

Bope  of1  his  catel  /  and  his  mesuage  / 

And  straunge  made  it  of1  hir  mariage  3980 

his  purpos  was  to  by  stow  hir  hye 

In  to  som  worpy  blood  of1  ancetrye 

For  holy  chirche  good  moot1  be  despendid 

On  holy  chirche  blood  pat1  is  descendid  3984 

Therfore  he  wolde  his  loly  blood  honoure  / 

Thougn"  jjat1  he  schulde  holy  chirche  deuoure 

GRet1  soken  had  pis  meller  oute  of  doute 
with  whete  and  malt1  of1  al  ]>e  lond  aboute          3988 


GROUP  A.     §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     115 

And  namely  f  er  was  a  gret  Collegge 
Men  clepe  it1  f  e  Soler  halt  of1  Cantebregge 
Ther  was  here  whete  and  eek1  here  malt1  I-groimde  / 
And  on  a  day  it  happed  on  a  stoimde  /  3992 

Syk1  lay  f  e  mauncyple  on  a  maleclye  Ueafw,  back] 

Men  wenden  wisly  fat1  he  sclmlde  dye 
For  which  f  is  meller  stal  both  mele  &  corn 
A  fousend  part1  more  fan  byforu  3990 

For  f  er  biforn  he  stal  but  curteysly 
But  now  he  is  a  f  eef1  outrageously 
For  which  f  e  wardeyn  chidde  and  made  faro 
But1  ther  of1  sette  f  e  meller  not1  a  tare  4000 

he  crakked  boost1  and  swor  it  was  nat1  so 
Thanne  weren  fere  poore  scoleres  tuo 
That1  dwelten  in  fe  halle  of1  which  I  seye 
Testyf1  fey  were  and  lusty  for  to  pleye  400  i 

And  oonly  for  here  mirf  e  and  reuelrye *       p  the  i  >•«  /«/«•] 
Vppon  f e  wardeyn  bysily  fey  crye 
To  3eue  hem  leue  but  a  litel  stounde  / 
To  go  to  melle  and  see  here  corn  I-grounde  4008 

And  hardily  fey  dursten  ley  here  nekke  / 
The  meller  schuld  nat  stel  hem  half1  a  pekke 
Of1  corn  by  sleigftte  ne  by  force  hem  reuo 
And  atte  last1  fe  wardeyn  ^af1  hem  leue  4012 

lohn  hight1  fat1  oon  and  Alayn  hight1  fat1  of er 
Of1  o  toun  were  fey  born  fat1  highte  Strothir  / 
Fer  in  f  e  north  I  can  nat  telle  where  / 
This  aleyn  makef  redy  al  his  gere  4016 

And  on  an  hors  f  e  sak1  he  cast  anoon 
Forf  gof  aleyn  f  e  clerk1  and  also  Ion 
wif  good  swerd  and  wif  bocler  by  her  side 
lohn  knew  fe  way  fat1  hem  neeclith  no  gyde  /  4020 

And  at1  fe  mylle  fe  sak1  a-doun  he  layth 
Alayn  spak1  first1  al  heil  Syinond  in  faith 
how  fares  fy  faire  dough ier  and  fy  wyf* 
aleyn  welcome  q?/od  Symond  by  my  lyf1  4024 

I  -J 


116     GROUP  A.     §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

And  lohii  also  how  now  what1  do  36  heere 

By  god  quod  lohn,  Symond,  neede  has  na  peere 

him  falles  serue  himself1  fat1  has  na  swayn 

Or  elles  he  is  a  fon  as  clerkes  sayn  4028 

Our  mancyple  as  I  hope  wil  be  deed 

Swa  werkes  ay  f  e  wanges  in  his  heed 

And  therfore  I  is  come  and  eek1  aleyn  \ieaf  ^ 

To  grynde  oure  corn  and  carie  it  /  ham  ageyn  4032 

I  prey  3011  speed  vs  in  al  fat1  36  may 

It1  schal  be  doon  quod  Symkyn  by  my  fay 

what1  wol  36  do  whil  fat1  it*  is  in  hande 

By  god  right1  by  fe  hoper  wol  I  stande  403G 

Quod  lohn  and  se  how  fat1  fe  corn  gas  Inne 

^et1  sawh  I  neuer  by  my  fader  kynne  / 

how  fat1  f  e  hoper  waggis  to  and  fra 

Aleyn  answerde  /  lohn  and  wiltow  swa  4040 

Than  wol  I  be  by-nef  e  by  my  cronn 

And  se  how  fat1  f e  mele  fallys  doun 

In  to  f  e  trough  fat  schal  be  my  desport  / 

For  Ion  in  faith  I  may  be  of1  ^our  sort1  4044 

I  is  as  ille  a  meller  as  ere  30 

This  mellere  smyleth  for  here  nycete 

And  fought1  al  f  is  is  docn  but  for  a  wyle 

They  wenen  fat1  no  man  may  hem  bigile  4048 

But1  by  my  f  rift1  36^  schal  I  blere  here  ye 

For  al  here  sleight1  and  al  here  philosophic  / 

The  more  queynte  knakkes  fat1  fey  make  / 

The  more  wol  I  stele  whan  I  take  /  4052 

In  stede  of1  mele  36^  wol  I  3eue  hem  bren 

The  grettest1  clerkes  bef  not1  wisest1  men 

As  whilom  to  f  e  wolf1  f  us  spak1  f  e  mare 

Of1  al  hert1  art1  ne  counte  I  nat1  a  tare  4056 

Out1  at1  f  e  dore  he  goth  ful  pryuyly 

whan  fat1  he  saugh  his  tyrne  sotyly 

he  lokef  vp  and  doun  til  he  hath  founde 

The  Clerkes  hors  f  er  as  it1  stood  I-bounde  /  4060 


GROUP  A.     §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     11.7 

Behynde  pe  my  lie  vnder  a  leuesel 

And  to  pe  hors  he  gop  him  faire  and  wel 

He  strepeth  of1  pe  bridel  right1  anoon 

And  whan  pe  hors  was  loos  he  gan  to  goon  4064 

Toward  pe  fen  pere  wilde  mares  renne 

For  wip  wihe  /  purgfi  pikke  and  eek1  purgft  penne 

This  meller  goth  agayn  and  no  word  seyde 

But1  doth  his  note  and  wip  J>e  clerkes  pleyde  /  4068 

Til  pat1  her  corn  was  fair  and  wel  I-grounde  iieafst.bwic] 

And  whan  pe  mele  was  sakked  and  I-bounde  / 

This  lohn  go])  out1  and  fynt  his  hors  a-way 

And  gan  to  crye  harrow  and  weylaway  4072 

Oure  hors  is  lost1  aleyn  for  goddes  banes 

Step  on  py  feet1  cum  on  man  al  at  anes 

Aleyn  ^our  wardeyn  hap  his  parfray  lorn 

This  aleyn  al  forgetej)  mele  and  corn  4076 

Al  was  out1  of1  his  niynd  his  housbondrye 

what1  wikked  way  is  he  gan  gan  he  crye 

The  wyf1  cam  lepyng1  inward  wij)  a  ren 

Sche  seyde  alias  ^our  hors  gop  to  J)e  fen  4080 

wi]>  wylde  mares  as  fast1  as  he  may  go  / 

vnpank1  come  on  his  heed  pat1  band  him  so  / 

And  he  J)af  bettir  schuld  han  knyt1  J)e  Reyne 

Alias  quod  lohcra  aleyn  /  for  cristes  peyne  4084 

Leg1  doun  })i  swerd  and  I  sal  myn  alswa  / 

I  is  ful  wigRt1  god  wat1  as  is  a  Ra 

By  goddes  hart/  he  sal  nat1  scape  vs  bathe 

why  nad  pou  put  pe  capil  in  J)e  lathe  4088 

Ilhail  aleyn  by  god  J>ou  is  a  fon 

This  sely  clerkes  speeden  hem  anoon 

Toward  pe  fen  boj)e  aleyn  and  eek1  Ion 

And  whan  J)e  myller  sawh  pat1  pey  were  gon  4092 

he  half1  a  busshel  of1  pe  flour  hap  take 

And  bad  his  wyf1  go  knede  it  in  a  cake 

he  seyde  I  trowe  pe  clerkes  ben  a  ferd 

^et1  can  a  Miller  make  a  clerkes  berd  4096 


118    GROUP  A.     §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

For  al  his  art1/  36  laf  hein  go  here  way 

lo  wher  fey  goon  //  36  lat1  f  e  children  play 

They  get1  hym  nat1  so  lightly  by  my  crown 

This  seely  clerkes  ronnen  vp  and  down  4 1 00 

wif  keep  /  keep,  stand  stand  lossa  ware  derere 

Ga  wightly  f  ou  and  I  sal  keep  him  heere  / 

But1  schortly  til  fat1  it  was  verray  night1  / 

They  cowde  nat1  fough  fey  did  al  here  might1  4104 

here  capil  cacche  it  ran  away  so  fast*  / 

Til  in  a  diche  fey  caught1  /  him  atte  last/ 

wery  and  wete  as  "bestys  in  fe  Reyn  o</55] 

Comth  sely  lohn  and  wif  him  comf  aleyii  4108 

Alias  q?^od  lohn  fat1  day  fat1  I  was  born 

Now  are  we  dryue  til  hef  ing1  and  to  scorn 

Oure  corn  is  stole  men  woln  vs  foles  calle  / 

Bathe  fe  wardeyn  aud  eekH  our  felaws  alle  /  4112 

And  namely  f  e  myller  weyloway 

Thus  pleyneth  lohn  as  he  gof  by  f  e  way 

Toward  f  e  mylle  and  bayard  in  his  hand 

The  myller  sittyng1  by  fe  fyr  he  fand  4116 

For  it1  was  night1  and  forf  er  might1  fey  nought1 

But1  for  f e  lone  of1  god  fey  him  bisought 

As  herberwh  and  of1  ese  as  for  her  peny 

fie  myller  sayd  agayn  if1  fer  be  eny  4120 

Swich  as  it1  is  ^it1  schul  36  haue  ^our  part 

Myn  hous  is  streyt.  /  but1  $e  han  lerned  art/ 

3e  conne  by  argumentes  make  a  place 

A  myle  brood  of1  twenty  foote  of1  space  /  4124 

let  se  now  if1  f  is  place  may  suffyse 

Or  make  it1  rom  wif  speche  as  is  30111  gyse 

Now  Symond  seyde  f  is  lohn  by  seynt1  Cuthberd 

Ay  is  fou  mery  and  fat  is  fair  answerd  4128 

I  haue  herd  say  men  suld  take  of1  twa  f  inges 

Slik1  as  he  fynt1  /  or  tak1  slik*  as  he  bringes 

But1  specially  I  pray  f  e  host1  ful  deere 

Get1  vs  som  mete  and  drynk1  and  mak1  vs  cheere  4132 


GROUP  A.     §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     119 

And  we  wol  paye  trewly  at1  J>e  fulle 

wij>  empty  hand  men  may  na  hawkes  tulle 

Lo  heer  our  siluer  redy  for  to  spende 

This  meller  in  to  toun  his  doughter  sends  4136 

For  ale  and  breed  and  rested  hem  a  goos 

And  band  her  hors  he  schold  no  more  go  loos 

And  in  his  owne  chambir  hem  made  a  bed 

with  schetys  and  with  chalou?is  fair  I-spred  4140 

Nat1  from  his  owen  bed  ten  foot1  or  twelue  / 

his  doughter  had  a  bed  al  by  hir  seine 

Eight1  in  ]?e  same  chambre  by  and  by 

Hit  mighte  be  no  bef  and  cause  why  /  4144 

Ther  was  no  ronimer  herberw  in  J?e  place      [««^65,ft«cft] 

They  sowpen  and  J?ey  speke  hem  to  solace 

And  dronken  euer  strong1  ale  atte  beste 

Aboute  mydnyghf  wente  ]?ey  to  reste  4148 

wel  ha]>  ]>e  myller  vernysshed  his  heed 

Ful  pale  he  was  for  dronken  and  nat  reed 

he  ^oxeth  and  he  speke])  furgh  ]>e  nose  / 

As  he  were  on  ])e  quakke  or  on  ])e  pose  /  4152 

To  bed  he  go])  and  wi}>  him  go])  his  wyf1 

As  eny  lay  sche  light1  was  and  iolyf1 

So  was  his  ioly  whistel  wel  y-wet 

The  cradil  at1  hire  beddes  feet1  is  set  4156 

To  rokken  and  to  3iue  ])e  child  to  souke  / 

And  whan  fat1  dronken  was  al  in  J)e  crouke 

To  bedde  went  the  doi^ter  right1  anon 

To  bedde  go])  aleyn  and  also  Ion  4160 

Ther  nas  no  more  him  needed  no  dwale 

This  meller  haj)  so  wysly  bibbed  ale  / 

That1  as  an  hors  he  snortith  in  his  sleep 

Ne  of1  his  tayl  bihynd  took  /  he  no  keep  41 64 

his  wyf1  burdown  a  ful  strong1 

Men  might1  her  rowtyng1  heeren  a  forlong1 

The  wenche  route])  eek1  par  company e 

Aleyn  fe  clerk1  Jwt  herd  ))is  melodye  4168 


120    GROUP  A.     §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

He  pokyd  lohn  /  and  seyde  slepistow 

Herdistow  euer  slik1  a  sang1  er  now 

Lo  slik1  a  couplyng1  is  betwix  hem  alle 

A  wilde  fyr  vpon  pair  bodyes  falle  4172 

wha  herkned  euer  swilk1  -a  feiiy  ping1  / 

3e  pei  sul  haue  pe  flour  of1  ille  endyng1 

This  lange  night1  per  tydes  me  na  rest1 

But1  ^et1  na  fors  al  sal  be  for  pe  best1  4176 

For  lohn  sayd  he  as  euer  mot1 1  pryue 

If1  pat1 1  may  3one  wenche  sal  I  swyue 

Som  esement  hap  lawe  schapen  vs 

For  lohn  per  is  a  lawe  pat  says  pus  4180 

That  if  a  man  in  a  poynt  be  agreued  T  Q^  ™  *™Jg 

That  in  anoper  he  sal  be  releeued 

Oure  corn  is  stoln  soblv  it1  is  na  nay  rjeafw] 

f     u  i/ 

And  we  haue  had  an  ylle  fitt1  to  day  4184 

And  syn  I  sal  haue  nan  amendemerct 

Agayn  my  los  I  wol  haue  esement  / 

By  godde  sale  it1  sal  nan  oper  be  / 

This  lohn  answerd  /  aleyn  auyse  pe  4188 

The  Miller  is  a  parlous  man  he  sayde 

And  if1  pat1  he  out1  of1  his  sleep  abrayde 

he  mighte  do  vs  bope  a  vilonye 

Aleyn  answerd  I  count  it1  nat1  a  flye  4192 

And  vp  he  roos  and  by  pe  wenche  crepte 

This  wenche  lay  vpright1  and  faste  slepte 

Til  he  so  neih  was  or  sche  might  aspye 

That  it  had  ben  to  late  for  to  crye  4196 

And  schortly  for  to  seye  pey  weren  at  oon 

Now  pley  aleyn  for  I  wol  speke  of1  Ion 

^F  This  lohn  lith  stille  a  forlong1  whyle  or  two 

And  to  him  self1  compleyned  of1  his  woo  4200 

Alias  qitod  he  pis  is  a  wikked  lape  / 

Now  may  I  say  pat  I  am  but1  an  ape 

^et1  hap  my  felaw  somwat1  for  his  harm 

he  hap  pe  myllers  doughter  in  his  arm  4204 


GROUP  A.     §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     121 

he  auntred  him  and  has  his  needes  sped 
And  I  lye  as  a  draf1  sak1  in  my  bed 
And  when  pis  lape  is  tald  anoj?er  day 
I  sal  be  held  a  daf1  a  cokenay  4208 

•vnhardy  is  vnsely  as  men  saith 
I  wol  arise  and  auntre  it  in  good  faijj 
And  vp  he  ros  and  softely  he  wente  / 
vnto  ]?e  cradil  and  in  his  hand  it  hente  4212 

And  bar  it  softe  vnto  his  beddis  feet 
Soone  after  Jns  Jje  wyf1  hir  routyng1  leet  / 
And  gan  awake  and  went  hir  for  to  pisse 
And  cam  agayn  and  gan  hir  cradel  mysse  4216 

And  groped  heer  and  J?er  but1  sche  fond  noon 
Alias  quod  sche  /  I  had  almost1  mys  goon 
I  had  almost1  goon  to  J>e  clerkes  bed 

Ey  bendicite  J?an  had  I  foule  I-sped  4220 

And  for))  sche  go])  til  sche  j)e  cradil  fand      Oa/56,&ac7c] 
Sche  gropith  alway  forther  with  hir  hand 
And  fand  J?e  bed  and  foughte  nat1  but1  good 
By  Cause  J?af  pe  cradil  by  hit1  stood  4224 

Nat1  knowyng1  wher  sche  was  for  it*  was  derk1 
But1  fair  and  wel  sche  creep  in  to  J>e  clerk1 
And  lith  ful  stille  and  wolde  han  caught1  a  sleep 
wij>inne  a  while  lohn  J>e  clerk1  vp  leep  4228 

And  on  this  goode  wyf1  leyj)  on  ful  sore 
So  mery  a  fytt/  ne  hadd  sche  nat1  ful  ^ore 
he  prikej)  harde  and  deepe  as  he  were  mad 
This  loly  lyf1  han  Jns  twey  clerkes  had  4232 

Til  fat1  pe  ]?ridde  cok1  bygan  to  synge 
Aleyn  wax  wery  in  Jje  dawenynge 
For  he  had  swonken  al  J?e  longe  night/ 
And  seyd  far  wel  malyn  my  sweete  wight  4236 

The  day  is  come  I  may  no  lenger  byde  / 
But1  euermo  wher  so  I  go  or  ryde 
I  am  J)in  owen  clerk1  so  haue  I  seel 
Now  deere  lemman  q?«od  sche  go  far  wel  4240 


122     GROUP  A.     §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

But  or  f  ou  go  o  tiling1  I  wol  fe  telle 

whan  fat1  f  ou  wendist1  homward  by  f  e  melle 

Right1  at1  J>e  entre  ofH  f  e  dore  byhynde 

Thou  schalf  a  cake  of1  half1  a  busshel  fynde  4244 

That1  was  I-maked  of1  f  yn  owen  mele 

Which  fat1  I  hilp  myn  owen  self1  to  stele 

And  goode  leminan  god  f  e  saue  and  kepe 

And  wif  fat1  word  almost1  sche  gan  to  weepe  4248 

Aleyn  vprisf  and  fought1  er  fat  it  dawe 
I  wol  go  crepen  in  by  my  felawe 
And  fand  f  e  cradil  wif  his  hand  anon 
By  god  fought  he  al  wrong1  I  haue  I-goon  4252 

My  heed  is  toty  of1  my  swynk1  to  nyghf 
That1  /  makes  me  fat1 1  ga  no^t1  aright1 
I  wot1  wel  by  f  e  cradel  I  haue  mys  go 
lieer  lith  fe  myller  and  his  wyf1  also  4256 

Forf  he  gof  in  twenty  deuelway 
vnto  f  e  bed  fer  as  f e  Miller  lay 

he  wende  haue  crope  by  his  felaw  Ion  [fea/67] 

And  by  f  e  myller  in  he  creep  anon  4260 

And  caught1  him  by  fe  nekke  and  soft1  he  spak1 
And  seyde  Ion  fou  swyneshed  awak1 
For  cristes  sowle  and  here  a  noble  game 
For  by  fat1  lord  fat1  cleped  is  seynt1  lame  4264 

As  I  haue  fries  in  f is  schorte  night1 
Swyued  f e  myllers  doubter  bolt1  vpright1 
whiles  f ou  hast1  as  a  coward  ben  agast1 
3e  false  harlot1  qwod  fis  mellere  hast/  4268 

A  false  traitour  false  clerk1  qwod  he 
Thou  schalt1  be  deed  by  goddes  dignite 
who  durste  be  so  bold  to  disparage 

My  dough ter  fat1  is  com  of1  hih  lynage  /  4272 

And  by  f  e  f  rote-bolle  he  caugRt1  aleyn 
And  he  hent1  him  dispitously  ageyn 
And  on  f  e  nose  he  smot1  him  with  his  fest1 
Doim  ran  fe  blody  streem  vpon  his  brest1  4276 


GROUP  A.     §  6.    REEVE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     123 

And  in  pe  floor  wip  nose  and  moup  to-broke 

They  walweden  as  pigges  in  a  poke 

And  vpon  pay  goon  and  down  pey  goon  anon 

Til  fat1  pe  Millner  stumbled  at  a  ston  4280 

And  doun  he  felle  /  bakward  on  his  wyf1 

That1  wyste  noting1  of1  pis  nyce  stryf1 

For  sche  was  falle  a  sleepe  a  litel  wight1 

wip  Ion  pe  Clerk1  pat1  waked  al  pe  night1  4284 

And  wip  pe  falle  right  out1  of1  slepe  sche  brayde 

help  holy  croys  of*  Bromholme  sche  sayde 

In  manus  tuas  lord  to  J>e  I  calle  / 

Awake  Symond  pe  feend  is  in  pin  halle  4288 

My  herf  is  broken  help  I  am  but  deed 

Ther  lythe  vpon  my  wombe  and  011  my?i  heed 

Help  Symkyn  for  pis  false  clerkes  fight1 

This  lohn  stert1  vp  as  fast1  as  euer  he  might1  4292 

And  grasped  by  pe  walles  to  and  fro 

To  fynde  a  staf1  &  sche  sturt1  vp  also 

And  knewe  pe  estres  bet1  pan  dede  Ion 

And  by  pe  wal  sche  took1  a  staf1  anon  4296 

And  sawh  a  litel  glymeryng1  of1  light1  [ieafw,bac?c] 

For  at1  an  hool  in  schon  pe  moone  light1 

And  by  pat1  light1  she  saugh  hem  bope  two 

But1  sikirly  sche  wiste  nat1  who  was  who  4300 

But1  sche  saugh  a  whit1  ping1  in  hir  ye 

And  whan  sche  gan  pis  white  ping1  aspye 

Sche  wend  pe  clerk1  had  wered  a  volupeer 

And  wip  a  staf1  sche  drough  hir  neer  and  neer  4304 

And  wend  haue  hit1  pis  Aleyn  atte  fulle 

And  smot1  pis  meller  on  pe  piled  sculle 

And  doun  he  gop  and  cryep  harrow  I  dye 

This  clerkes  beeten  him  wel  and  leet1  him  lye  4308 

And  greyth  hem  wel  and  take  her  hors  anon 

And  eek/  here  mele  and  hoom  anon  pey  goon 

And  at1  the  Millen  dore  pey  tok1  here  cake 

Of1  half1  a  buisshel  flour  ful  wel  I-bake  4312 


124    GROUP  A.    §  6.     REEVE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Thus  is  fe  prowde  Miller  wel  I -bete 
And  ha]>  I-losfr  J?e  gryndyng1  of1  fe  whete  / 
And  payed  for  J>e  soper  euerydel 

Of4  aleyn  and  of4  lohn  fiat*  beten  him  wel  4316 

His  wyf<  is  swyued  and  his  doughter  als 
Lo  such  it1  is  a  Miller  to  be  fals 
And  j>erto  Jris  pnmerbe  is  seyd  ful  so]) 
he  far  nat1  weene  wel  fat1  euyl  do])  4320 

A  gylour  schal  him  self1  bygiled  be 
And  god  fat1  sittest1  in  ]>y  mageste 

Saue  al  Jris  compaignie  gret1  and  smale  /  4323 

Thus  haue  I  quit1  ]?e  Miller  in  his  tale  /       H  her1  endej?  J>e 

Eeeues  tale 

[Break  of  one  line  in  the  MS.] 


GROUP  A.    §  7.    REEVE-COOK  LINK.    Harleian  7334.    125 


The  Cook1  of1  lonckwn  whil  f  e  Reeue  spak1 
For  loye  he  fought1  /  he  clawed  him  on  f  e  bak1 
ha  ha  qiiod.  he  /  for  cristes  passiown 

Tliis  meller  ha])  a  scharp  conclusiown  /  4328 

vpon  his  argument  of*  herburgage 
wel  seyde  Salomon  in  his  langage  / 
Ne  bryng1  nat1  euery  man  in  to  fyn  hous 
For  herburgage  by  night1  is  perilous  4332 

wel  aught1  a  man  avised  for  to  be 
whom  fat1  he  brought1  in  to  his  pryuyte  [to*/ 58] 

I  pray  to  god  so  gyf1  my  body  care  / 

3if1  euer  siffe  I  highte  hogge  ofH  ware  4336 

herd  I  better  myller  set1  a  werke  / 
he  hadde  a  Tape  of1  malice  in  f  e  derke  / 
And  f erfore  if*  $e  fouche  sauf1  to  heere 
But1  god  forbede  fat1  we  stynten  heere  /  4340 

A  tale  of1  me  fat1  am  a  pouer  man 
I  wol  $ow  telle  as  wel  as  I  kan 
A  litel  lape  fat1  fel  in  oure  cite 

Cure  host1  seyde  I  graunt  it  the  4344 

Now  telle  on  Roger  &  loke  it  be  good 
For  many  a  pastey  hastow  lete  blood 
And  many  a  lakk1  of1  douer  hastow  sold 
That1  haf  be  twyes  hoot1  and  twyes  cold  4348 

Of1  many  a  pilgrym  hastow  cristes  curs 
For  f y  persly  fey  faren  ^et1  f e  wors 
That1  they  haue  eten  wif  f  e  stubbil  goos 
For  in  fy  schoppe  is  many  a  flye  loos  4352 

Now  goode  /  gentil  Roger  by  f  y  name  / 
But1  3if  I  pray  f  e  be  nought1  wrof  for  game 

[. No  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Thow  saist1  ful  sof  q?wd  Roger  by  my  faith  4356 


126    GROUP  A.    §  7.    REEVE-COOK  LINK.    Harleiaii  7334. 

But1  soth  play  quad  play  as  fie  flemywg*  saith 

[.  JVo  gap  in  the  MS.~\ 

Be  thou  nat1  wroj>  or  we  depart©  her 

Though  fat1  my  tale  be  of1  an  hostyler  4360 

But1  najjeles  I  wol  not1  telle  it1  jit/ 

But1  or  we  departe  it1  schal  be  quyt/ 

And  fer  wij)  al  he  lowli  /  and  made  chere 

And  seyde  his  tale  as  ^e  schal  after  heere  4364 

[No  break  in  Uie  MS.] 


GROUP  A.     §  8.     COOK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     127 


A 


Prentys  dwelled  whilom  in  cure  Citee, 

Of1  a  craft1  of1  vitaillers  was  he 

Gaylard  he  was  as  goldfyncfi.  in  fe  schawe  / 

Broun  as  a  bery  and  a  propre  felawe  4368 

wij?  lokkes  blak1  and  kempt1  ful  fetously 

Dauncen  he  cowde  wel  and  prately 

That1  he  was  cleped  Pe?-kyn  reuellour 

he  was  ful  of1  lone  and  paramour  4372 

As  is  J>e  hony  combe  of1  hony  swete 

wel  were  Jje  wenche  J>af  mighte  him  meete    [>a/ 58,  &«<?//] 

[ 

No  gap  in  the  MS.]          4376 

FOr  whan  per  eny  rydyng1  was  in  cheepe  / 
Out1  of1  ]?e  schoppe  Jnder  wolde  he  lepe  / 
Tyl  he  hadde  al  pat1  sight1 1-seyn 

And  daunced  wel  he  nold  nat1  come  ageyn  4380 

And  gadred  him  a  meyne  of1  his  sort1 
To  hoppe  and  synge  and  make  such  disport1 
And  J?er  J>ey  setten  steuene  for  to  meete 
To  pleyen  atte  dys  in  such  a  strete  4384 

For  in  pe  toun  ne  was  per  no  prentys 
That1  fairer  cowde  caste  a  peyre  dys 
Than  Perkyn  coupe  and  Tperto  he  was  free  / 
Of1  his  dispence  in  place  of1  pryuyte  4388 

That1  fand  his  mayster  wel  in  his  chaffare 
For  often  tyme  he  fond  his  box  ful  bare 
For  such  a  ioly  prentys  reuelour 

That1  hauntep  dys  Eeuel  or  paramour  4392 

his  maister  schal  it1  in  his  schoppe  abye 
Al  haue  he  no  part1  of1  pe  mynstralcye 
For  pefte  and  ryot1  be  conuertyble 
Al  can  pey  pley  on  giterne  and  rubible  4396 


128    GROUP  A.     §  8.     COOK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Reuel  and  troupe  as  in  a  lowe  degre 

They  ben  ful  wroj?  al  day  as  30  may  see 

This  loly  Prentys  with  his  mayster  bood 

Til  he  was  oute  ney^  of*  his  prentys  hood  4400 

Al  were  he  snybbyd  bope  erly  and  late 

And  som  tyme  lad  with  reuel  in  to  Newgate 

But*  atte  laste  his  mayster  him  bythought1 

vpon  a  day  whan  he  his  papyr  sought1  4404 

Of1  a  prouerbe  jjafr  sip  pis  same  word 

wel  bette  is  roten  appul  ouf  of*  hord 

Than  it1  rote  al  J?e  remenaunt/ 

So  fareth  it1  by  a  ryotous  seruaunfr  4408 

hit1  is  ful  lasse  harm  to  late  him  pa- 

Than  he  schend  al  J>e  seruauntes  in  pe  place 

Therfore  his  mayster  ^af*  him  acqueyntawnce 

And  bad  him  go  wij?  sorwe  and  wijj  mesclwmce  4412 

And  jms  ]?e  ioly  p^'entys  had  his  leue  // 

Now  let1  hym  ryot1  al  fie  nighf  or  leue. 

[Lines  4413, 4414/orm  the  last  line  of  the  page  in  the  MS.] 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleiaii  7334.    129 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A. 


[THE  SPURIOUS   TALE   OF   GAMELYK] 

Lltheth  and  lestnej)  and  herknej)  aright    Oa/59]     1 
And  36  schul  heere  a  talkyng1  of1  a  doughty  knight 
Sire  lohii  of1  Boundys  was  his  right*  name 
he  cowde  of/  norture  ynough"  &  mochil  of1  game  4- 
Thre  sones  Jje  knight1  •  pat1  with  his  body  he  wan 
The  eldest1  was  a  moche  schrewe  /  and  sone  he  bygan 
his  breferen  loued  wel  here  fader  /  and  of1  him  were  agast  / 
The  eldest1  desenied  his  f  adres  curs  /  and  had  it  at  Jje  last1  /  8 
The  goode  krn^f  his  fader  lyuede  so  ^ore 
That1  deth  was  comen  him  to  and  handled  him  ful  sore 
The  goode  knight1  cared  sore .  sik1  Jjer  he  lay 
how  his  children  scholde  lyuen  after  his  day  1 2 

he  hadde  ben  wyde  wher  .  but1  non  housbond  he  was 
Al  J>e  lond  ])af  he  had  /  if  was  verrey  purchas 
Fayn  he  wold  if  were  dressed  /  amonges  hem  alle 
Thaf  ech  of1  hem  had  his  parf  /  as  if  mighf  faUe  /          16 
Tho  senf  he  in  to  cuntre  after  wise  knightes 
To  helpe  delen  his  londes  /  and  dressen  hem  to  rightes 
he  senf  hem  word  by  lettxes  /  J?ey  schulden  hye  blyue 
yf1  fey  wolde  speke  with  him  whil  he  was  on  lyue  /        20 

CANT.  TALES. HAUL.  K 


130    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.   Harleian  7334. 

U  Tlio  f  e  knyghtes  herden  /  sik1  fer  he  lay 

hadde  fey  no  reste  nof  er  night1  ne  day 

Til  fey  comen  to  him  fer  he  lay  stille  / 

On  his  def  bedde  .  to  abyde  goddes  wille  24 

J?an  seyde  f  e  goode  knight1  syk1  fer  he  lay 

lordes  I  3011  warne  for  sof  wif  oute  nay 

I  may  no  lengere  lyuen  heer  in  f  is  stounde 

For  furgh  goddes  wille  def  draweth  me  to  grounde          28 

Ther  nas  non  of1  hem  alle  .  fat1  herd  him  aright1 

J3af  fey  hadden  reuf e  of1  fat1  ilke  knight1 

And  seyde  sir  for  goddes  lone  ne  dismay  3011  nought 

God  may  do  bote  of1  bale  fat*  is  now  I- wrought  32 

IT  Than  spak1  fe  goode  knight1  sik1  fer  he  lay 

Boote  of1  bale  god  may  sende  I  wot1  it  is  no  nay 

But1 1  byseke  3011  kni3tes  for  f  e  loue  of1  me 

Gof  and  dressef  my  lond  among1  my  sones  fre  36 

And  sires  for  f  e  loue  of1  god  delef  hem  nat  amys 

And  forgetif  nat1  Gamelyn  my  3onge  sone  fat  is 

Takef  heed  to  fat  on  as  wel  as  to  fat1  of er   [leaf  59,  bacjf] 

Selde  36  see  ony  Eyr  helpen  his  brof  er  40 

U  f  o  leete  fey  f  e  knight1  lyen  fat  was  nought  in  hele  / 

And  wenten  in  to  counseil  his  londes  for  to  dele  / 

For  to  delen  hem  alle  /.  to  oon  fat1  was  her  fought1 

And  for  Gamelyn  was  3ongest1  /  he  schuld  haue  110113 1      44 

Al  f  e  lond  fat1  fer  was  fey  dalten  it  in  two 

And  leeten  Gamelyn  f  e  3onge  wif  oute  lond  go 

And  ech  of1  hem  seyde  to  of  er  ful  lowde 

His  bref eren  might1 3eue  him  lond  whan  he  good  cowde  48 

whan  fey  hadde  deled  f  e  lond  at  here  wille 

fey  come  a3ein  to  f  e  knight1  fer  he  lay  ful  stille 

And  tolden  him  anon-right1  /  how  fey  hadden  wrought1 

And  fe  knight1  fere  he  lay  liked  it1  right1  nought1  52 

Than  seyde  f  e  knight1  /  by  seynt1  Martyn 

For  al  fat1  30  haue  y-doon  3it  is  the  lond  myn 

For  goddes  loue  neyhebours  stondef  alle  stille 

And  I  wil  dele  my  lond  /  after  my  wille  56 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334.     131 

lohem  myn  eldeste  sone  /  schal  haue  plowes  fyue 
That1  was  my  fadres  heritage  whil  he  was  on  lyue 
And  my  myddeleste  sone  /  fyf  plowes  of  lond 
That1  I  halp  for  to  gete  wij?  my  right*  hond  60 

And  al  myn  other  purchas  /  ofH  londes  and  leedes 
J2att  I  byquej?e  gamelyn  /  and  alle  my  goode  steedes 
And  I  byseke  ^ow  goode  men  pat1  lawe  co?me  of1  londe 
For  Gamelynes  lone  Jjat1  my  queste  stonde  64 

Thus  dalte  )>e  knight1  his  lond  by  his  day 
Right*  on  his  de]>  bed  /  sit  J>er  he  lay 
And  sone  aftirward  he  lay  stoon  stille  / 
And  deyde  whan  tyme  com  /  as  it  was  cn'stes  wille         G8 
And  anon  as  he  was  deed  and  vnder  gras  I-graue  / 
Sone  J>e  elder  broker  gyled  J?e  ^onge  knaue 
He  took1  in  to  his  hond  /  his  lond  as  his  leede 
And  Gamelyn  himselfe  /  to  clothen  and  to  feede  72 

He  clothed  him  and  fed  him  yuel  and  eek1  wrofe 
And  leett  his  londes  forfare  and  his  houses  boj?e 
his  parkes  and  his  woodes  /  and  dede  noting1  wel 
And  se])J?en  he  it*  abought1  on  his  faire  fel  76 

So  longe  was  Gamelyn  in  his  broperes  halle         [fca/eoj 
For  J?e  strongest1  of1  good  wil  Jjey  doutiden  him  alle  / 
j)er  was  non  Jjer  Inne  nowjjer  ^ong1  ne  olde 
That1  wolde  wra]j]?e  Gamelyn  were  he  neuer  so  bolde  /     80 
Gamelyn  stood  on  a  day  in  his  broj?e?*es  ^erde 
And  bygan  wij?  his  hond  to  handlen  his  berde 
he  Bought1  on  his  londes  Jjat1  layen  vnsawe 
And  his  faire  Okes  Jjat1  doun  were  I-drawe  84 

his  pa?*kes  were  I-broken  /  and  his  deer  byreeued 
Of1  alle  his  goode  steedes  noon  was  him  byleued 
his  howses  were  vnhiled  /  and  ful  yuel  dighfr 
Tho  Jjoughte  Gamelyn  it  weiite  nought1  aright  88 

Afterward  cam  his  brojjcr  walkynge  Jmre 
And  seyde  to  Gamelyn  is  our  mete  $are  / 
Tho  wrapped  him  gamelyn  and  swor  by  goddes  book1 
Thou  schalt1  go  bake  j?i  self1  /  I  wil  nou^t  be  J>y  cook1       92 

K  2 


132    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334. 

how  brof er  Gamolyn  /  how  answerest1  fou  now  / 

fou  spake  neuer  such  a  word  as  fou  dost1  now  / 

By  my  faith  seyde  Gamelyn  now  me  f  inkef  neede  / 

Of1  alle  fe  harmes  fat1 1  haue  I  tok4  neuer  ar  heede  96 

My  parkes  ben  tobroken  and  my  deer  byreued 

Of1  myn  armure  and  my  steedes  nought  is  me  bileued 

Al  fat1  my  fader  me  byquaf  al  gof  to  schame  / 

And  f erf or  haue  fou  goddes  curs  brofe?'  by  fy  name      100 

Than  byspak1  his  broker  fat1  rape  was  of  rees  / 

Stond  stille  gadelyng1  /  and  hold  right  f  y  pees  / 

Thou  schalt1  be  fayn  for  to  haue  f  y  mete  and  f  y  wede  / 

what1  spekest1  fou  Gamelyn  of1  lond  ofer  of1  leede  104 

Thanne  seyde  Gamelyn  )>e  child  fat  was  ying1 

Cristes  curs  mot1  he  haue  fat1  clepef  me  gadelyng1 

I  am  no  worse  gadelyng1  ne  no  worse  wight1 

But1  born  of1  a  lady  and  geten  of1  a  knight  108 

Ne  durst1  he  nat1  to  Gamelyn  ner  a  foote  go 

But1  clepide  to  hi??z  his  men  and  seyde  to  hem  f  o 

Gof  and  betef  f  is  boy  and  reuef  him  his  wyt  / 

And  lat1  him  leren  anof er  tyme  to  answere  me  bet          112 

Thanne  seyde  f  e  child  ^onge  Gamelyn 

Cristes  curs  mot1  f  on.  haue  brofer  art1  f  ou  myn 

And  if1 1  schal  algate  be  beten  anon  [leaf  GO,  &«<*] 

Cristes  curs  mot1  fou  haue  but1  fou  be  fat1  oon  116 

And  anon  his  brof er  in  fag1  grete  hete 

Made  his  men  to  fette  staues  Gamelyn  to  bete 

whan  fat1  euerich  of1  he??i  /  a  staf1  had  I-nome 

Gamelyn  was  war  anon  fo  he  seigh  hem  come  120 

f  o  gamelyn  seyh  hem  come  /  he  loked  ouer  al 

And  was  war  of1  a  pestel  stood  vnder  a  wal 

Gamelyn  was  light1  of*  foot  /  and  f  ider  gan  he  lepe 

And  drof1  alle  his  brofe?-es  men  right1  on  an  hepe  124 

he  loked  as  a  wilde  lyown  and  leyde  on  good  woon 

Tho  his  brof  er  say  fat1  he  bigan  to  goon  • 

he  fley  vp  in  til  a  loft1  and  schette  f  e  dore  fast1 

Thus  Gamelyn  wif  f  e  pestel  made  hew  alle  agast1  1 28 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334.     133 

Some  for  Gamely nes  loue  /  and  some  for  his  ey^e  / 

Alle  fey  drowe  by  halues  //  J>o  he  gan  to  pley^e  / 

what*  how  now  seyde  Gamelyn  euel  mot*  }e  thee 

wil  ^e  bygynne  contek1  and  so  sone  flee  /  132 

Gamelyn  sought1  his  broker  /  whider  he  was  flowe 

And  saugh  wher  he  loked  out1  /  at  a  wyndowe  / 

Broker  sayde  Gamelyn  com  a  litel  ner 

And  I  wil  teche  Jje  a  play  atte  bokeler  136 

his  broker  him  answerde  and  swor  by  seynt1  Eycher 

whil  J?e  pestel  is  in  fin  hond  I  wil  come  no  neer 

Brof  er  I  wil  make  f  y  pees  /  I  swere  by  cristes  ore 

Cast1  away  fe  pestel  and  wraffe  fe  nomore  /  140 

I  mot1  neede  sayde  Gamelyn  wraffe  me  at1  oones 

For  thou  wolde  make  f  y  men  to  breke  rnyne  boones 

Ne  had  I  hadde  mayn  and  might1  in  myn  armes 

To  haue  I-put1  hem  fro  me  he  wolde  haue  do  me  harmes    144 

Gamelyn  sayde  his  broker  be  f  ou  nought1  wrof 

For  to  seen  f  e  haue  harm  it  were  me  right1  lof 

I  ne  dide  it  noi^t1  brof er  but1  for  a  fondyng1 

For  to  loken  or  feu  were  strong1  and  art1  so  ying1  148 

Com  a  down  fan  to  me  and  graunte  me  my  bone 

Of1  ping1 1  wil  f  e  aske  /  and  we  schul  saughte  sone 

Doun  fan  cam  his  brof er  fat1  fykil  was  and  felle 

And  was  swife  sore  agast1  of1  J>e  pestelle  152 

he  seyde  broker  Gamelyn  aske  me  fy  boone         [/<?«/ 6i] 

And  loke  f  ou  me  blame  but1 1  graunte  sone 

Thanne  seyde  Gamelyn  broker  I-wys 

And  we  schulle  ben  at  oon  fou  most1  me  graunte  fis      156 

Al  fat1  my  fader  me  byquath  whil  he  was  on  lyue  / 

)3ou  most1  do  me  it  haue  31$  we  schul  nat1  stryue  / 

That1  schalt1  JJQU  haue  Gamelyn  I  swere  by  cristes  ore 

Al  Jjat1  J>i  fader  the  byquaj)  J>ough  }?ou  woldest1  haue  more  160 

Thy  lond  J?at  lyj?  laye  ful  wel  it  schal  be  so  we 

And  pyn  howses  reysed  vp  fat1  ben  leyd  so  lowe 

Thus  seyde  J>e  knight1  to  Gamelyn  wi]>  mowthe  / 

And  fought1  eck1  of1  falsnes  /  as  he  wel  coufe  /  164 


134    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334. 

The  king1  Bought1  on  tresown  /  and  Gamelyn  on  noon 
And  went1  and  kist  his  broker  /  and  whan  J>ey  were  at  oon 
Alias  $onge  Gamelyn  nojring1  he  ne  wiste  / 
wij)  which  a  false  tresozm  his  broker  him  kiste  /  168 

Lljjeth  and  lestnej?  and  holdejj  ^our  tonge 
And  }e  schul  heere  talkyng1  of1  Gamelyn  J?e  yonge 
Ther  was  per  bysiden  cryed  a  wrastlyng1 
And  Jjerfor  ]?er  was  sette  vp  a  Earn  and  a  Ryng1  172 

And  Gamelyn  was  in  good  wil/  to  wende  jjerto  / 
For  to  preuen  his  might1  what1  he  cow]?e  do 
Broker  seyde  Gamelyn  by  seynt  Richer 
Thou  most1  lene  me  to  ny^t1  //  a  litel  Courser  176 

That1  is  freisch  to  the  spore  on  for  to  ryde 
I  most1  on  an  Erande  a  litel  her  byside 
By  god  seyd  his  brother  of1  steedes  in  my  stalle 
Go  and  chese  J>e  pe  best1  and  spare  non  of1  alle  180 

Of1  steedes  or  of1  course  J>at  stonden  hem  bisyde 
And  tel  me  goode  broker  whider  J?ou  wolt  ryde 
IT  her  byside  broker  is  cryed  a  wrastlyng1 
And  Iperioi  schal  be  set1  vp  a  Ram  and  a  Ryng1  184 

Moche  worschip  it  were  broker  to  vs  alle 
Might1 1  £e  Ram  and  ])e  Ryng1  bryng1  home  to  ]?is  halle 
A  steede  J?er  was  sadeled  smertely  and  skeet1 
Gamelyn  did  a  paire  spores  fast1  on  his  feet1  188 

he  set1  his  foot1  in  styrop  /  J?e  steede  he  bystrood 
And  toward  j>e  wrastelyng1  ]?e  ^onge  child  rood 
Tho  Gamelyn  J»e  yonge  was  ride  out  at1  )>e  gate    [fca/ei,  6acfr] 
The  fals  kni3t  his  broker  lokked  it  after  J>ate  192 

And  bysoughte  ihu  crist1  Jjat1  is  heuen  kyng1 
he  mighte  breke  his  nekke  in  Jjat1  wrastlyng1 
As  sone  as  Gamelyn  com  ]>er  J>e  place  was  / 
he  lighte  down  of1  his  steede  and  stood  on  J>e  gras  /        196 
And  J>er  he  herd  a  Frankeleyn  wayloway  syng1 
And  bigan  bitterly  his  hondes  for  to  wryng1 
Goode  man  seyde  Gamelyn  why  makestow  ))is  fare 
Is  jjer  no  man  Jmt1  may  ^ou  helpe  out  of1  Jns  care  200 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleiaii  7334.    135 

Alias  seyde  ]ns  Frankeleyn  Jjat1  euer  was  I  bore 

For  tweye  stalworfe  sones  /  I  wene  pat  I  haue  lore 

A  Champiomi  is  in  J)e  place  /  fat1  haj?  I-wrought  me  sorwe 

For  he  ha])  slayn  my  two  sones  /  but1  if1  god  hem  borwe  /  204 

I  wold  ^eue  ten  pound  by  ihu  crist1  and  more 

wij?  J?e  nones  I  fand  a  man  to  handil  him  sore 

Goode  man  seyde  Gamelyn  wilt1  J)ou  wel  doon 

hold  myn  hors  whil  my  man  drawejj  of1  my  schoon  •      208 

And  help  my  man  to  kepe  my  clones  and  my  steede  / 

And  I  wil  in  to  place  go  /  to  loke  if*  I  may  speede  / 

By  god  sayde  pe  Frankeleyn  anon  it  schal  be  doon 

I  wil  my  self1  be  J)y  man  /  and  drawen  of1  ]?y  schoon      212 

And  wende  Jjou  in  to  J?e  place  /  ihu  cn'st1  J>e  speede  / 

And  drede  not1  of1  ])y  clones  nor  of1  ]>y  goode  steede  / 

BArfoot1  and  vngert1  .  Gamelyn  in  cam 
Alle  fat1  weren  in  J)e  place  heede  of*  him  )>ey  nam    216 
how  he  durst1  auntre  him  of1  him  to  doon  his  might1 
That1  was  so  doughty  champkmn  in  wrastlyng1  and  in  fight1 
vp  sterte  ]?e  Champiown  raply  and  anoon 
Toward  ^onge  Gamelyn  /  he  bigan  to  goon  220 

And  sayde  who  is  J?y  fader  and  who  is  J>y  sire 
For  so]?e  ])ou  art1  a  gret1  fool  fat1  J>ou  come  hire 
Gamelyn  answerde  J?e  champiomi  tho 
Jjou  knewe  wel  my  fader  /  whil  he  coupe  go  224 

whiles  he  was  on  lyue  /  by  seint1  martyn 
Sir  lohn  of1  Bozmdys  was  his  name  and  I  gamelyn 
Felaw  seyde  ]>e  champiozm  al  so  mot  I  Jiryue 
I  knew  wel  py  fader  whil  he  was  on  lyue  228 

And  Jnself1  Gamelyn  I  wil  fat1  )>ou  it1  heere         iieaf  02] 
whil  Jjou  were  a  3ong1  boy  a  moche  schrewe  pou  were 
pan  seyde  Gamelyn  and  swor  by  cn'stes  ore 
Now  I  am  older  woxe  pou  schalf  me  fynd  a  more          232 
By  god  sayde  J>e  Champkmn  welcome  mote  J?ou  be 
Come  J)ou  ones  in  myn  hond  schalt1  J?ou  neuer  J?e 
If  was  wel  wifinne  ))e  night1  and  J>e  moone  schon 
whan  Gamelyn  and  ]?e  Ghampio?«n  to-gider  gon  to  goon    236 


136    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Haiieian  7334. 

The  champiown  caste  tomes  to  Gamelyn  fat1  was  p?'esf 

And  Gamelyn  stood  stille  and  bad  him  doon  his  best1 

Thanne  seyde  Gamelyn  to  f  e  Champioun 

Thou  art1  fast1  aboute  to  brynge  me  a  down  240 

ISTow  I  haue  I-proued  many  tomes  of1  f  yne 

Thow  most1  he  seyde  prouen  on  or  tuo  of1  myne 

Gamelyn  to  f  e  Champiown  $ede  smartly  anon 

Of1  alle  f  e  tomes  fat  he  cowf  e  he  schewed  him  but1  oon   244 

And  kast1  him  on  f  e  left1  syde  fat1  f  re  ribbes  tobrak1 

And  f  erto  his  oon  arm  fat1  ^af1  a  gret  crak1 

Thanne  seyde  Gamelyn  smertly  anoon 

Schal  it1  be  holde  for  a  cast1  or  elles  for  noon  .  248 

By  god  seyd  f  e  Champkmn  whef  er  fat1  it  bee 

he  fat  comes  ones  in  fin  hand  schal  he  neuer  fee 

Than  seyde  f e  Frankeleyn  /  fat  had  his  sones  fere 

Blessed  be  fou  gamelyn  fat  euer  fou  bore  were  252 

The  Frankleyn  seyd  to  f  e  Champiown  of1  hi?/j  stood  hi»i  noon 

This  is  yonge  Gamelyn  fat  taughte  f  e  f  is  pleye  t6^6 

A3ein  answerd  the  Champiozm  fat  liked  no  f  ing1  weH 

he  is  a  lifer  mayster  and  his  pley  is  ri}^  fell  256 

Sif  I  wrastled  first1  /  it  is  I-go  fill  ^ore 

But  I  was  neuere  my  lyf1  handled  so  sore 

Gamelyn  stood  in  f  e  place  allone  wif  oute  serk1 

And  seyd  if1  fe?-  be  eny  mo  lat1  hem  come  to  werk1         260 

The  Champiozm  fat1  peyned  hi?ft  to  werke  so  sore 

It1  semef  by  his  continaimce  fat  he  wil  nomore 

Gamelyn  in  f  e  place  /  stood  as  stille  as  stoon  • 

For  to  abyde  wrastelyng1  but1  fer  com  noon  264 

Ther  was  noon  with  Gamelyn  wolde  wrastle  more  / 

For  he  handled  f  e  Champkwn  so  wonderly  sore  / 

Two  gentil  men  fer  were  fat1  yemede  f  e  place       [wea,  back] 

Comen  to  Gamelyn  god  ^eue  him  goode  grace  268 

And  sayde  to  him  do  on  /  f  yn  hosen  and  f  y  schoon 

For  sof  e  at  f  is  tyme  f  is  feire  is  I-doon  • 

And  fan  seyde  Gamelyn  so  mot1 1  wel  fare  / 

I  haue  nought1  3et  haluendel  sold  vp  my  ware  /  272 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harlcian  7334.    137 

Tho  seyde  pe  Champiown  so  brouk1 1  my  sweere 

he  is  a  fool  pat1  per  of*  beyep  /  pou  sellest1  it  so  deere 

Tho  sayde  pe  Frankeleyn  pat1  was  in  moche  care 

Felaw  he  seyde  /  why  lakkest1  J)ou  his  ware  /  276 

By  seynt1  lame  in  Galys  pat1  many  man  hap  sought1 

3ett  it  is  to  good  cheep  pat1  pou  hast1 I-bought1 

Tho  pat1  wardeynes  were  of1  fat1  wrastlyng1 

Come  and  broughte  Gamelyn  pe  Earn  and  pe  Eyng1       280 

And  seyden  haue  Gamelyn  pe  Eyng1  and  pe  Earn 

For  pe  best1  wrasteler  pat1  euer  here  cam  • 

Thus  wan  Gamelyn  pe  Earn  and  pe  Eyng1 

And  wente  wip  moche  ioye  home  in  pe  mornyng1  284 

His  broker  seih  wher  he  cam  with  pe  grete  rowte  / 

And  bad  schitte  pe  gate  and  holde  him  wipoute 

The  porter  of1  his  lord  was  ful  sore  agast1 

And  stert1  anon  to  fe  gate  and  lokked  it  fast  288 

NOw  lithe])  and  lestnejj  bofe  3011^  and  olde 
And  36  schul  heere  gamen  of*  Gamelyn  }?e  bolde 
Gamelyn  com  Jjerto  for  to  haue  comen  In  . 
And  panne  was  it  I-schef  faste  wi]>  a  pyn  292 

Than  seyde  Gamelyn  porter  vndo  J?e  yate 
For  many  good  mannes  sone  stondej)  Jjer-ate 
Than  answerd  J>e  porter  and  swor  by  goddes  berd 
Thow  ne  schalt1  Gamelyn  come  in  to  )>is  ^erde  296 

Thow  lixt1  sayde  Gamelyn  so  browke  I  my  chyn 
he  smot1  Jje  wyket1  wij>  his  foot1  and  brak1  awey  J>e  pyn 
The  porter  seyh  J?o  it  might1  no  better  be 
He  sette  foot1  on  erjje  he  bigan  to  flee  300 

By  my  faij>  seyde  Gamelyn  fat1  trauail  is  I-lore 
For  I  am  of1  foot1  as  light  as  J?ou  Jjougli  Jjou  haddest  swore 
Gamelyn  ouertook1  J?e  porter  and  his  teene  wrak1 
And  gerf  him  in  Jje  nekke  pat1  pe  bon  tobrak1  304 

And  took1  him  by  pat1  oon  arm  and  prew  him  in  a  welle  [//.  63] 
Seuen  fadmen  it  was  deep  .  as  I  haue  herd  telle  / 
whan  Gamelyn  pe  yonge  pus  hadde  pleyd  his  play 
Alle  pat1  in  pe  3erde  were  drewen  hem  a  way  308 


138    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334. 

J?ey  dredden  him  ful  sore  for  werkes  fat  he  wro^te 

And  for  f  e  faire  company  fat1  he  fider  broughte 

Gamelyn  3ede  to  f  e  gate  /  and  leet1  it  vp  wyde 

he  leefr  in  alle  maner  men  fat  gon  in  wold  or  ry de          312 

And  seyde  36  be  welcome  wif  outen  eny  greeue  / 

For  we  wiln  be  maistres  heer  /  and  aske  no  ma?z  leue  / 

3estirday  I  lefte  /  seyde  ^onge  Gamelyn  • 

In  my  broker  Seller  .v.  tonne  of*  wyn  316 

I  wil  not1  fat1  f  is  compaignye  parten  a-twynne  / 

And  36  wil  doon  after  me  while  eny  sope  is  frynne 

And  if1  my  broker  grucche  or  make  foul  cheere  319 

Of  er  for  spense  of  mete  or  drynk1  fat1  we  spenden  heere  / 

I  am  cure  catonr  /  and  bere  oure  aller  purs  / 

he  schal  haue  for  his  grucchyng*  seint1  maries  curs 

My  brof  e?*  is  a  nyggozm  /  I  swer  by  cristes  ore 

And  we  wil  spende  largely  fat1  he  haf  spared  }ore  /       324 

And  who  fat  make]?  grucchyng1  /  fat1  we  here  dvvelle 

he  schal  to  f  e  porter  in  to  f  e  draw-welle 

vij.  dayes  and  .vij.  nyght1  Gamelyn  held  his  feste 

with  moche  myrj)  and  solas  /  fat1  was  J?er  and  no  cheste  /  328 

In  a  litel  toret  his  brother  lay  I-steke 

And  sey  hem  wasten  his  good  but  durst1  he  not1  speke 

Erly  on  a  mornyng1  on  fe  viij?  day 

The  gestes  come  to  Gamelyn  and  wolde  gon  here  way    332 

Lordes  seyde  Gamelyn  /  wil  36  so  hye 

Al  f  e  wyn  is  not1  36^  y-dronke  so  brouk1 1  inyn  ye 

Gamelyn  in  his  herte  was  he  ful  wo 

whan  his  gestes  took1  her  leue  from  him  for  to  go  336 

he  wold  fey  had  lenger  abide  /  and  fey  seyde  nay 

But1  bitaughte  Gamelyn  god  and  good  day 

Thus  made  Gamelyn  his  fest1  /  and  brought1  it  wel  to  ende 

And  after  his  gestys  took1  leue  to  wende  340 

LIthef  and  lestnef  and  holdef  3oure  tonge 
And  36  schul  heere  gamen  of1  Gamelyn  f  e  3onge  / 
herknef  lordynges  and  lestenef  aright1  [leafes,  back] 

whan  alle  gestes  were  goon  how  Gamelyn  was  dight      344 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334.    139 

Al  Jje  whil  J>afr  Gamelyn  heeld  his  niangerye 

his  bro]?er  fought1  on  him  be  wreke  /  wijj  his  treccherie 

Tho  Gamelyns  gestes  were  riden  and  I-goon 

Gamelyn  stood  allone  frendes  had  he  noon  348 

Tho  after  ful  soone  wifinne  a  litel  stouwde 

Gamelyn  was  I-take  and  ful  hard  I-boiwde 

For]?  com  ]?e  fals  knight1  outt  of1  J>e  selleer 

To  Gamelyn  his  broker  he  3ede  ful  neer  352 

And  sayde  to  Gamelyn  who  made  J>e  so  bold 

For  to  stroye  my  stoor  of1  myn  houshold 

Broker  seyde  Gamelyn  wraffe  J?e  right1  nou^t1 

For  it  is  many  day  I-gon  siffen  it  was  bo^f  356 

For  broker  )>ou  hast1  I-had  by  seynf  richer    . 

Of1  xv.  plowes  of1  loiid  J>is  .xvj.  $er 

And  of1  alle  ]>e  beestes  fou  hast1  forjj  bred 

That  my  fader  me  biquath  on  his  deth  bed  360 

Of1  al  J)is  xvj.  ^eer  I  3eue  J?e  J?e  prow 

For  Jje  mete  and  fe  drynk1  fat1  we  haue  spended  now  / 

Thanne  seyde  }>e  fals  kny^t1  euel  mot  he  the 

Herkne  broker  Gameljn  what*  I  wol  ^eue  fe  364 

For  of  my  body  broker  geten  heir  haue  I  noon 

I  wil  make  J>e  myn  heir  I  swere  by  seinfr  lohn 

far  ma  foy  sayd  Gamelyn  and  if1  it  so  be 

And  J>ou  J?enke  as  J>ou  seyst1  god  ^elde  if  J?e  368 

JSTo  Jjing1  wiste  Gamelyn  oF  his  brojjeres  gyle 

Therfore  he  him  bigyled  in  a  litel  while 

Gamelyn  seyde  he  o  thing/  I  J?e  telle 

Tho  Jjou  Jjrewe  my  porter  in  pe  draw-welle  372 

I  swor  in  J>af  wra]?J)e  and  in  Jjatf  grete  moot* 

That1  jjou  schuldesf  be  bounde  bofe  hand  and  foot 

Therfore  I  ]>e  biseche  brother  Gamelyn 

Laf  me  nought1  be  forsworn  brojjer  art1  J?ou  myn  376 

lat1  me  bynde  J)e  now  bofe  hand  and  feet1 

For  to  holde  myn  avow  as  I  j>e  biheet 

Broker  sayde  Gamelyn  also  mot  I  J?e 

Thou  schalt1  not1  be  forsworen  for  jje  loue  of  me  380 


140    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334. 


Tho  made  pey  Gamelyn  to  sitte  might1  he  nat1  stonde 

Til  pey  had  him  bounde  bope  foot1  and  honde  / 

The  fals  knight*  his  broper  of1  Gamelyn  was  agasf 

And  sent1  aftir  feteres  to  feteren  him  fast1  384 

His  broker  made  lesynges  on  him  per  he  stood 

And  told  hem  pat1  comen  In  pat1  Gamelyn  was  wood 

Gamelyn  stood  to  a  post1  bounden  in  pe  halle  / 

Tho  pat1  comen  in  per  loked  on  him  alle  /  388 

Euer  stood  Gamelyn  euen  vpright1 

But1  mete  ne  drynk"  had  he  non  neiper  day  ne  night 

Than  seyde  Gamelyn  broper  by  myn  hals 

NOAV  I  haue  aspied  pou  art1  a  party  fals  /  392 

had  I  wist1  pat1  tresozm  pat1  pou  haddest1  y-ftmnde 

I  wolde  haue  3eue  pe  strokes  or  I  had  be  bownde  / 

Gamelyn  stood  bounden  stille  as  eny  stoon' 

Two  dayes  and  two  nightes  mete  had  he  noon  396 

Thanne  seyde  Gamelyn  pat1  stood  y-bo^nde  stronge  / 

Adam  Spencer  me  pinkp  I  faste  to  longe 

Adam  Spencer  now  I  byseche  pe 

For  pe  mochel  loue  my  fader  loued  pe/  400 

yf1  pou  may  come  to  pe  keyes  lese  me  out1  of1  bond 

And  I  wil  parte  wip  pe  of1  my  free  lond 

Thanne  seyde  adam  pat1  was  pe  Spencer 

I  haue  serued  py  broper  pis  xvj.  ^eer  404 

If1  1  leete  pe  goon  out1  of1  his  bour 

he  wolde  say  afterward  I  were  a  traytoiw 

Adam  sayde  Gamelyn  so  brouk1  1  myn  hals 

pou  schalt1  fynde  my  broper  atte  laste  fals  408 

Therfor  broper  adam  louse  me  out1  of1  bond 

And  I  wil  parte  wip  pe  of1  my  free  lond 

vp  swich  a  forward  seyde  adam  I-wys 

I  wil  do  pe?*to  al  pat1  in  me  is  412 

Adam  seyde  Gamelyn  al  so  mot1  1  pe 

I  wol  hold  pe  couenawnt1  and  pou  wil  me 

Anon  as  adames  lord  to  bedde  was  I-goon 

Adam  took1  pe  keyes  and  leet1  gamely  n  out1  anoon  416 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleiau  7334.    141 

He  vnlokked  Gamelyn  bof  e  hand  and  feet1 

In  hope  of1  auauncemerct1  fat1  he  him  byheet1 

Than  seyde  Gamelyn  Ranked  be  goddes  sonde      [lea/st,  lack] 

Now  I  am  loosed  bofe  foot1  and  honde  /  420 

had  I  now  eten  and  dronken  aright 

Ther  is  noon  in  f  is  hous  schnlde  bynde  me  f  is  night1 

Adam  took*  Gamelyn  as  stille  as  ony  stoon 

And  ladde  him  into  spence  rapely  and  anon  424 

And  sette  him  to  soper  right1  in  a  priue  stede 

he  bad  him  do  gladly  and  Gamelyn  so  dede 

Anon  as  gamelyn  hadde  eten  wel  &  fyn 

And  ferto  y-dronke  wel  of1  f  e  rede  wyn  428 

Adam  seyde  Gamelyn  what1  is  now  f  y  reed 

wher  I  go  to  my  broker  and  girde  of1  his  heed 

Gamelyn  seyde  adam  it  schal  not1  be  so 

I  can  teche  fe  a  reed  fat1  is  worf  fe  two  432 

I  wot1  wel  for  sof  e  fat1  fis  is  no  nay 

we  schul  haue  a  mangery  right1  on  sonday 

Abbotes  and  pn'ours  many  heer  schal  be 

And  ofer  men  of1  holy  chirche  as  I  telle  f  e  /  436 

Thow  schalt1  stonde  vp  by  f  e  post1  as  f  ou  were  hond-fast/ 

And  I  schal  leue  hem  vnloke  awey  fou  may  hem  cast1 

whan  fat1  fey  haue  eten  and  waisschen  here  hondes 

Thou  schalt1  biseke  hem  alle  to  bryng  f  e  out  of1  bondes     440 

And  if1  fey  wille  borwe  f  e  fat1  were  good  game 

Then  were  f  ou  out  of1  prisozm  and  I  out1  of1  blame 

And  if1  euerich  of1  hem  say  vnto  vs  nay 

I  schal  do  anof er  I  swere  by  fis  day  444 

Thou  schalt1  haue  a  good  staf1  and  I  wil  haue  anof  er 

And  cristes  curs  haue  fat1  oon  fat1  failef  fat1  of  er 

3e  for  gode  sayde  Gamelyn  I  say  it  for  me 

IP  I  fayle  on  my  syde  yuel  mot  I  f  e  448 

If1  we  schul  algate  assoile  hem  of1  here  synne 

warne  me  brof  er  ad«m  whan  I  schal  bygynne 

Gamelyn  seyde  ad&rn  by  seynte  charite 

I  wil  warne  f  e  byforn  whan  fat  it1  schal  be  452 


142    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334. 

whan  I  twynk1  on  f  e  loke  for  to  goon 

And  cast1  awey  f  e  feteres  and  com  to  me  anoon* 

Adam  seide  Gamelyn  blessed  be  fy  bones 

That1  is  a  good  counseil  ^euyng1  for  fe  nones  456 

If  fey  werne  me  fanne  to  brynge  me  out1  of1  bendes   o>a/65] 

I  wol  sette  goode  strokes  right1  on  here  lendes 

Tho  f  e  sonday  was  I-come  and  folk1  to  f  e  feste  / 

Faire  fey  were  welcomed  bofe  lest1  and  meste  460 

And  euer  as  fey  atte  halle/  dore  comen  In* 

They  caste  f  eir  eye  on  ^onge  Gamelyn 

The  fals  knight1  his  broker  ful  of1  trechery 

Alle  fe  gestes  fat1  fer  wer  atte  mangery  464 

Of1  Gamelyn  his  brof  e?1  he  tolde  hem  with  mouf  e 

Al  f  e  harm  and  f  e  schame  fat  he  telle  couf  e 

Tho  fey  were  serued  Of1  messes  tuo  of er  fre 

Than  seyde  Gamelyn  how  serue  30  me  468 

It1  is  nou^t1  wel  serued  by  god  fat  al  made 

That1 1  sytte  fastyng1  and  of  er  men  make  glade 

The  fals  knight1  his  brof er  f er  fat1  he  stood 

Tolde  alle  his  gestes  fat  Gamelyn  was  wood  472 

And  Gamelyn  stood  stille  and  answerde  nought1 

But  adames  wordes  he  held  in  his  fought  / 

Tho  Gamelyn  gan  speke  dolfully  wif  alle  / 

To  fe  grete  lordes  fat1  saten  in  fe  halle  476 

lordes  he  seyde  for  cristes  passiown 

helpef  brynge  Gamelyn  out1  of1  prisoim 

Than  seyde  an  abbot1  sorwe  on  his  cheeke 

he  schal  haue  cristes  curs  and  seynte  maries  eeke  480 

That1  f  e  out1  of1  priso?m  beggef  of  er  borwe 

But  euer  worthe  hem  wel  fat1  dof  f  e  moche  sorwe 

After  fat1  abbot  fan  spak1  anofer 

I  wold  fin  heed  were  of1  fough  f  ou  were^  my  brof  e?*       484 

Alle  fat1  f  e  borwe  /  foule  mot  hem  falle 

Thus  fey  seyde  alle  fat1  were  in  f  e  halle 

Than  seyde  a  pnour  yuel  mot1  he  f ryue 

It1  is  moche  skafe  boy  fat1  foil  art1  on  lyue  488 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334.    143 

Ow .  seyde  Gamelyn  so  brouk1 1  my  bon 

Now  I  haue  aspyed  Jjat1  freendes  haue  I  non 

Cursed  mot1  he  wor]?e  bo]>e  fieisch  and  blood 

That1  euer  do  Pr/our  or  abbot  ony  good  492 

Adam  ])e  Spencer  took1  vp  J?e  c\o}> 

And  loked  on  Gamelyn  and  say  J>afr  he  was  wroth 

Adam  on  J)e  pantry e  litel  he  fought1  /  [leaf 65,  back] 

But1  tuo  goode  staues  to  haH  dore  he  brou^t  496 

Adam  loked  on  Gamelyn  and  he  was  war  anoon 

And  cast*  awey  J>e  feteres  and  he  bigan  to  goon 

Tho  he  com  to  adam  he  took1  Jjat1  oo  staf1 

And  bygan  to  worche  and  goode  strokes  3af1  500 

Gamelyn  cam  into  J?e  halle  and  )>e  spencer  bo)>e 

And  loked  hem  aboute  as  J>ey  had  be  wroj>e 

Gamelyn  sprenge])  holy  water  wi)?  an  Oken  spire  ./ 

That1  some  pat1  stoode  vpright1  fel  in  J?e  fire  504 

Ther  was  no  lewede  man  pat1  in  pe  halle  stood 

That1  wolde  do  Gamelyn  eny  ping1  but1  good 

But1  stood  besyde  and  leet1  hem  bope  werche 

For  pey  hadde  no  rewpe  of1  men  of1  holy  cherche  508 

Abbot1  or  priour  monk1  or  Chano?m 

That1  Gamelyn  ouertok1  anon  pey  3eeden  doun 

Ther  was  non  of1  hem  alle  pat1  wij?  his  staf1  mette 

That1  he  made  him  ouerprowe  and  quyt1  him  his  dette    512 

Gamelyn  seyde  adam  for  seynte  charite 

Pay  large  lyuerey  for  j?e  loue  of1  me 

And  I  wil  kepe  J)e  dore  so  euer  here  I  masse  / 

Er  J?ey  ben  assoyled  jjere  schan  noon  passe  516 

Dowt1  J?e  nought1  seyde  Gamelyn  whil  we  ben  in  feere 

kep  ))ou  wel  ]>e  dore  /  and  I  wol  werche  heere 

Stere  J>e  good  adam  and  lat  J>er  noon  flee 

And  we  schul  telle  largely  how  many  \er  be  520 

Gamelyn  seyde  adam  do  hem  but  good 

Jpey  ben  men  of1  holy  chirche  /  draw  of1  hem  no  blood 

Saue  wel  J»e  croune  and  do  hem  non  hannes 

But1  brek1  bofe  her  legges  and  sijjfen  here  armes  524 


144    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334. 

Thus  Gamelyn  and  adam  wrouglite  right1  fast1 

And  pleyden  wif  f  e  monkes  and  made  hem  agast1 

Thider  fey  come  rydyng1  iolily  wif  swaynes 

And  horn  a^en  fey  were  I-lad  in  cartes  and  in  waynes    528 

Tho  fey  hadden  al  y-don  fan  seyde  a  gray  frere 

Alias  sire  abbot1  what1  dide  we  now  heere 

Tho  fat1  comen  hider  it  was  a  cold  reed 

vs  hadde  ben  better  at1  home  wij)  water  and  breed          532 

Whil  Gamelyn  made  ordres  of  monkes  and  frere  /      Oa/66] 

Euer  stood  his  brof  er  and  made  foul  chere  / 

Gamelyn  vp  wif  his  staf1  fat1  he  wel  knew 

And  gert/  him  in  fe  nekke  fat1  he  ouerfrew  536 

Alitel  aboue  f  e  girdel  f  e  Riggebon  tobarst/ 

And  sette  him  in  }>e  feteres  f  er  he  sat1  arst1 

Sitte  f  er  brof  er  sayde  Gamelyn* 

For  to  colyn  fy  blood  as  I  dide  myn  540 

As  swif e  as  fey  hadde  /  I-wroken  hem  on  here  foon 

They  askeden  watir  and  wisschen  anoon. 

what1  some  for  here  loue  and  some  for  awe  / 

Alle  fe  S6>ruant3  serued  hem  of1  f  e  beste  lawe  /  544 

The  scherreue  was  f  ennes  but1  a  fyue  myle 

And  al  was  y-told  him  in  a  litel  while 

How  Gamelyn  and  adam  had  doon  a  sory  rees 

Bounden  and  I-wounded  men  a^ein  fe  kinges  pees         548 

Tho  bigan  sone  strif1  for  to  wake  / 

And  f  e  scherref1  aboute  Gamelyn  for  to  take  / 

NOw  lythef  and  lestnef  so  god  31^  $ou  goode  fyn 
And  36  schul  heere  good  game  of1  ^onge  Gamelyn  552 
Tour  and  twenty  ^onge  men  fat1  heelden  hem  ful  bolde 
Come  to  f  e  schirref1  and  seyde  fat  fey  wolde  / 
Gamelyn  and  adam  fetten  away 

The  scherref1  3af  hem  leue  sof  as  I  3011  say  556 

They  hyeden  faste  wold  fey  nought1  bylynne  / 
Til  fey  come  to  f  e  3ate  f  er  Gamelyn  was  Inne 
They  knokked  on  f  e  gate  f  e  porter  was  ny 
And  loked  out  at1  an  hoi  as  man  fat1  was  sly  560 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harlslan  7334.    145 

The  porter  hadde  byholde  hem  a  litel  while  / 

he  loued  wel  Gamelyn  and  was  aclrad  of1  gyle 

And  leet1  J>e  wyket1  stonden  y-steke  ful  stylle 

And  asked  hem  wifoute  whafr  was  here  wille  564 

For  al  f  e  grete  company  Jmnne  spak*  but  oon 

Vndo  fe  gate  porter  and  lat  vs  in  goon 

Than  seyde  j?e  porter  so  brouke  I  my  chyn 

30  schul  sey  3our  erand  er  36  comen  In  568 

Sey  to  Gamelyn  and  adara  if1  here  wille  be 

we  wii  speke  wij>  hem  wordes  two  or  fre 

Felaw  seyde  f  e  porter  stond  fere  stille  [reafw,  lack] 

And  I  wii  wende  to  Gamelyn  to  witen  his  wille  572 

In  went  f  e  porter  to  Gamelyn  anoon 

And  seyde  sir  I  warne  3ou  her  ben  come  30111'  foon 

The  scherreues  meyne  ben  atte  gate  / 

For  to  take  3011  bofe  schul  30  na  skape  /  576 

Porter  seyde  Gamelyn  so  moot  I  wel  jje  / 

I  wii  allowe  f  e  f  y  wordes  whan  I  my  tyme  se 

Go  agayn  to  f  e  3ate  and  dwel  wif  hem  a  while 

And  f  ou  schalt1  se  right1  sone  porter  a  gyle  580 

Adam  saycle  Gamelyn  looke  J)e  to  goon 

we  hatie  foomen  atte  gate  and  frendes  neuer  oon 

It1  ben  f  e  schirrefes  men  fat1  hider  ben  I-come  / 

They  ben  swore  to-gidere  fat1  we  schul  be  nome  /  584 

Gamelyn  seyde  ad«m  hye  f  e  right1  blyue  / 

And  if1 1  faile  f  e  jns  day  euel  mot1 1  f  ryue 

And  we  schul  so  welcome  f  e  scherreues  men 

That1  som  of1  liem  schul  make  here  beddes  in  fe  den      588 

Atte  posterne  gate  Gamelyn  out  went1  / 

And  a  good  cart  staf1  in  his  hand  he  hente 

Adcmi  hente  sone  anof  er  gret1  staf1 

For  to  helpe  Gamelyn  and  goode  strokes  33^  592 

Adam  felde  tweyne  and  Gamelyn  felde  f  re 

The  of  er  setten  feet1  on  erf  e  and  bygonue  fle 

what1  seyde  adani  so  euer  here  I  masse 

I  haue  a  draught1  of1  good  wyn  /  drynk1  er  $e  passe  /      596 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  L 


146    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334. 

Nay  by  god  sayde  pay  /  py  drynk1  is  not1  good 

If  wolde  make  marines  brayn  to  lien  in  his  hood 

Gamelyn  stood  stille  and  loked  him  aboute 

And  seih  pe  scherreue  come  with  a  gret1  route  /  600 

Adam  seyde  Gamelyn  what1  be  now  ]>j  reedes 

Here  com})  pe  scherreue  and  wil  haue  oure  heedes 

Adam  sayde  Gamelyn  my  reed  is  now  J)is 

Abide  we  no  lenger  lest1  we  fare  amys  604 

I  rede  fat1  we  to  wode  goon  ar  pat1  we  be  fou^de 

Better  is  vs  per  loos  pan  in  town  y-bounde  / 

Adam  took1  by  pe  hond  }onge  Gamelyn 

And  euerich  of1  hem  tuo  drank1  a  draught1  of1  wyn  •        608 

And  after  took1  her  coursers  and  wenten  her  way        \ieafsi] 

Tho  fond  pe  scherreue  nest1  but  non  ay 

The  scherreue  lighte  a-do?/n  and  went1  in  to  pe  hallo  / 

And  fond  pe  lord  y-fetered  faste  wip  alle/  612 

The  scherreue  vnfetered  him  sone  and  pat1  anoon 

And  sent1  after  a  leche  to  hele  his  rigge  boon 

LEte  we  now  pis  fals  knight1 .  lyen  in  his  care 
And  talke  we  of1  Gamelyn  and  loke  how  he  fare   616 
Gamelyn  in  to  pe  woode  stalkede  stille 
And  adam  pe  Spenser  liked  ful  ylle  / 
Adam  swor  to  Gamelyn  by  seynt1  Richer 
Now  I  see  it1  is  mery  to  be  a  Spencer  620 

That  leuer  me  were  /  keyes  for  to  bere  / 
Than  walken  in  pis  wilde  woode  my  clothes  to  tere  / 
Adam  seyde  Gamelyn  dismaye  pe  right1  nought1 
Many  good  mannes  child  in  care  is  I-brought1  624 

And  as  pey  stoode  talkyng1  bopen  in  feere  / 
Adam  herd  talkyng1  of1  men  and  neyh  hi???,  pought1  pei  were 
Tho  Gamelyn  vnder  pe  woode  loked  aright1 
vij.  score  of1  ^onge  men  he  saugh  wel  a  digRt1  628 

Alle  satte  atte  mete  compas  aboute  / 
Adam  seyde  Gamelyn  now  haue  we  no  doute 
After  bale  comep  boote  purgh  g?*ace  of1  god  almight1 
Me  pynkep  of1  mete  and  dryuk1  pat1 1  haue  a  sight          632 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELY^.    Harleian  7334.    147 


Adam  lokede  po  vnder  woode 
And  whan  lie  seyh  mete  he  was  glad  ynougfi. 
For  he  hopede  to  god  for  to  haue  his  deel 
And  he  was  sore  alonged  after  a  good  meel  636 

As  he  seyde  pat1  word  pe  mayster  outlawe 
Saugh  Gamelyn  and  adam  vnder  woode  schawe  / 
}onge  men  seyde  pe  maister  by  pe  goode  roode 
I  am  war  of1  gestes  /  god  send  vs  non  but  goode  640 

3onder  ben  tuo  3onge  men  wonder  wel  adight1 
And  parauentwre  per  ben  mo  /  who-so  loked  aright 
Arise])  vp  30  ^onge  men  and  fettep  hem  to  me  / 
If  is  good  pat1  we  witen  what1  men  pey  bee  /  644 

Vp  per  sterten  seuene  /  fro  pe  dyner 
And  metten  with  Gamelyn  and  adam  Spenser 
whan  pey  were  neyh  hem  pan  seyde  pat  oon          Oa/67,  back] 
3eldeth  vp  ^onge  men  ^our  bowes  and  3our  floon  •  648 

Thanne  seyde  Gamelyn  pat  yong1  was  of1  elde 
Moche  sorwe  mot  he  haue  pat1  to  $ou  hem  }elde  / 
I  curse  non  oper  but1  right1  my  selue 

))ey  ^e  fette  to  $ow  fyue  panne  36  be  twelue  /  652 

Tho  pey  herde  by  his  word  pat1  might  was  in  his  arm 
Ther  was  non  of1  hem  alle  /  pat1  wolde  do  him  harm  . 
Buf  sayd  vnto  gamelyn  myldely  and  stille 
Com  afore  our  maister  and  sey  to  him  py  wille  656 

yonge  men  sayde  Gamelyn  by  ^our  lewte 
what1  man  is  $our  maister  pat1  30  wip  be 
Alle  pey  answerde  wipoute  lesyng1 

Oufe  maister  is  I-crouned  of1  outlawes  kyng<  660 

Adam  seyde  Gamelyn  gowe  in  cristes  name  / 
he  may  neyper  mete  ne  drynk1  werne  vs  for  schame  / 
If1  pat1  he  be  heende  and  come  of1  gentil  blood 
he  wol  3eue  vs  mete  an  drynk1  and  doon  vs  som  good     664 
By  seynt1  lame  seyd  adam  /  what1  harm  pat1  I  gete  / 
I  wil  auntre  to  pe  dore  pat  I  hadde  mete 
Gamelyn  and  adam  wente  forp  in  feere 
And  pey  grette  pe  maister  pat1  pey  founde  pere  668 

L  2 


148    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harlcian  7334. 

Than  seide  f  e  niaister  kyng1  of1  outlawes 

what1  seeke  $e  $onge  men  vnder  woocle  schawes 

Gamelyn  answerde  f  e  kyng1  wif  his  croune  / 

lie  moste  needes  walke  in  woode  fat1  may  not  walke  in  tovvne/ 

Sire  \ve  walke  not1  heer  noon  harm  for  to  do  G73 

But1  if1  we  meete  wij>  a  deer  to  scheete  ferto  / 

As  men  fat1  ben  hungry  and  mow  no  mete  fynde 

And  ben  harde  bystad  vnder  woode  lynde  G76 

Of1  Gamelynes  wordes  f  e  maister  hadde  rouf  e  / 

And  seyde  }e  schal  haue  ynough  haue  god  my  trouf  e  / 

he  bad  hem  sitte  f  er  adoun  for  to  take  reste  /     [»  ?  MS.  eite] 

And  bad  hem  ^te  and  drynke  and  fat1  of1  fe  beste  /     G80 

As  fey  sete  and  eeten  and  dronke  wel  and  fyn  • 

Than  seyd  fat1  oon  to  fat1  of er  /  f is  is  Gamelyn . 

Tho  was  f  e  maister  outlawe  in  to  coimseil  nome 

And  told  how  it  was  Gamelyn  fat1  fider  was  I-come  /  G84 

Anon  as  he  herde  how  it1  was  bifalle  Oa/es] 

he  made  him  maister  vnder  him  oner  hem  alle  / 

wifin  f  e  fridde  wyke  him  com  tydyng4 

To  f  e  maister  outlawe  fat1  fo  was  her  kyng1  G88 

That1  he  schulde  come  horn  his  pees  was  I-made 

And  of1  fat1  goode  tydyng1  he  was  f o  ful  glad 

Tho  seyde  he  to  his  3onge  men  sof  for  to  telle  / 

Me  ben  comen  tydynges  I  may  no  lenger  dwelle  /          GO 2 

Tho  was  Gamelyn  anon  wif  oute  taryyng* 

Made  maister  outlawe  and  crouned  her  kyng1 

U  Tho  was  Gamelyn  crouned  kyng1  of1  outlawes 

And  walked  a  while  vnder  woode  schawes  GOG 

The  fals  knight1  his  brof  er  was  scherreue  and  sire 

And  leet1  his  brof  er  endite  for  hate  and  for  Ire  / 

Tho  were  his  bonde-men  sory  and  nof  ing1  glade 

whan  Gamelyn  her  lord  wolues-heed  was  cryed  &  made    700 

And  sente  out1  of1  his  men  wher  fey  might1  him  fynde 

For  to  seke  Gamelyn  vnder  woode  lynde  / 

To  telle  him  tydynges  how  f  e  wynd  was  went* 

And  al  his  good  reued  and  his  men  schent  704 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334.     149 

U  whan  pey  had  him  founde  on  knees  pey  hem  sette  / 

And  a-doun  wip  here  hood  and  here  lord  grette  / 

Sire  wrappe  3011  nought*  for  pe  goode  roode  / 

For  we  haue  brought4  $ou  tydynges  but1  pey  be  nat  goode  708 

Now  is  py  broker  scherreue  and  hap  pe  baillye 

And  he  hap  endited  pe  and  wolues-heed  do})  pe  cr/e 

11  Alias  seyde  Gamelyn  pat1  euer  I  was  so  slak1 

pat  I  ne  hadde  broke  his  nekke  po  his  Rigge  brak1         712 

Go])  gretej)  hem  wel  myn  housbondes  and  wyf1 

I  wol  ben  atte  nexte  schire  haue  god  my  lyf1 

Gamelyn  came  wel  redy  to  pe  nexte  schire/ 

And  per  was  his  broker  bo])e  lord  and  sire  /  716 

Gamelyn  com  boldelych  in  to  pe  moot1  halle 

And  put  a  doun  his  hood  among1  )>e  lordes  alle 

God  saue  $ou  alle  lordynges  fat1  now  here  be 

But1  Brokebak1  Scherreue  euel  mot1  pou  pe  /  720 

why  hast1  ])ou  do  me  pat1  schame  and  vilonye  / 

For  to  late  endite  me  and  woluesheed  me  crye 

Tho  fought1  pe  fals  knight  for  to  ben  awreke        [?«*/•  6$  &««*] 

And  leet1  take  Gamelyn  most1  he  nomore  speke  724 

Might1  per  be  nomore  grace  but  Gamelyn  atte  last1 

was  cast1  in  to  prisown  and  fetered  ful  fast1 

Gamelyn  hap  a  broper  pat1  highte  sir  Ote 

As  good  a  knight1  and  heende  as  mighte  gon  on  foote    728 

Anon  per  3ede  a  messager  to  pat1  goode  knight 

And  told  him  altogidere  how  Gamelyn  was  dight1 

Anon  as  sire  Ote  herde  how  Gamelyn  was  a  dighfr 

he  was  wonder  sory  was  he  no  ping*  light*  732 

And  leef  sadle  a  steede  and  pe  way  he  nam 

And  to  his  tweyne  breperen  anon  right1  he  cam 

Sire  seyde  sire  Ote  to  pe  scherreue  po  / 

we  ben  but1  thre  brepe?*en  schul  we  neuer  be  mo  736 

And  pou  hast1  y-pn'soned  pe  best1  of1  vs  alle  / 

Swich  anoper  broper  yuel  mot1  him  bifalle 

Sire  Ote  seide  pe-fals  knight1  lat1  be  pi  curs  / 

By  god  for  py  wordes  he  schal  fare  pe  wurs  740 


150    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harlcian  7334. 

To  f  e  kynges  prisoun  anon  he  is  y-nome 

And  f  er  he  schal  abyde  til  f  e  lustice  come  / 

Par  de  seyde  sir  Ote  better  it  schal  be 

I  bidde  him  to  maymp?-jfs  fat1  f  ou  graunt1  him  me          744 

Til  f  e  nexte  sittyng1  of1  delyueraunce 

And  f  anne  lat1  Gamelyn  stande  to  his  chaunce 

Broker  in  swich  a  forthward  I  take  him  to  the  / 

And  by  f  i  fader  soule  fat1  fe  bygat1  and  me  748 

But1  if1  he  be  redy  whan  f  e  lustice  sitte  / 

Thou  schalt1  bere  fie  luggemerct  for  al  f  i  grete  witte 

I  graunte  wel  seide  sir  Ote  fat1  it1  so  be 

Let1  delyuer  him  anon  and  talc1  him  to  me  /  752 

Tho  was  Gamelyn  delyuered  to  sire  Ote  his  broker 

And  pat1  night1  dwelleden  fat  on  wif  fat  of  er 

On  f  e  morn  seyde  Gamelyn  to  sir  Ote  fe  heende 

Brof  er  he  seide  I  moot4  /  forsothe  fro  fe  wende  756 

To  loke  how  my  ^onge  men  leden  here  lyf1 

whether  fey  lyuen  in  loie  or  elles  in  stryf1 

By  god  seyde  sire  Ote  /  fat  is  a  cold  reed 

Now  I  see  fat  al  fe  cark1  schall  fallen  on  myn  heed        760 

For  whan  f e  lustice  sitte  and  f ou  be  nought1 1-fozmde 

I  schal  anon  be  take  and  in  fy  stede  I-bounde  /         [>a/69] 

Brof  er  sayde  Gamelyn  dismaye  f  e  nought 

For  by  seint  lame  in  gales  fat1  many  man  haf  sought1    764 

If1  fat1  god  almighty  hold  my  lyf1  and  witt 

I  wil  be  f  er  redy  whan  f  e  lustice  sitt 

Than  seide  sir  Ote  to  Gamelyn  god  schilde  fe  fro  schame 

Com  whan  f  ou  seesf  tyme  /  and  bring1  vs  out1  of1  blame  /  768 

LIthef  and  lestnef  and  holdef  3011  stille  / 
And  30  schul  here  how  Gamelyn  had  al  his  wille  / 
Gamelyn  wente  a^ein  vnder  woode  Eys 
And  fond  fere  pleying1  3onge  men  of1  prys  772 

Tho  was  3onge  Gamelyn  glad  &  blif  e  ynougfi 
whan  he  fond  his  mery  men  vnder  woode  bough 
Gamelyn  and  his  men  talked  in  feere  / 
And  fey  hadde  good  game  here  maister  to  heere  776 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334.    151 

They  tolden  him  of1  auentures  fat  fey  hadde  fownde  / 

And  Gamelyn  hem  tolde  a3ein  how  he  was  fast1 1-bounde 

whil  Gamelyn  was  outlawed  had  he  no  cors 

There  was  no  man  fat1  for  him  ferde  f  e  wors  780 

But1  abbotes  and  priours  monk1  and  Chanozm 

On  hem  left1  he  no  f  ing1  whan  he  might1  hem  nom 

whil  Gamelyn  and  his  men  made  merf  es  ryue 

The  fals  knigfrf  his  broker  yuel  mot1  he  fryue  /  784 

For  he  was  fast1  about1  bo)>e  day  and  of  er 

For  to  hyre  f  e  quest1  to  hangen  his  broker 

Gamelyn  stood  on  a  day  and  as  he  biheeld 

The  woodes  and  fe  schawes  in  fe  wilde  feeld  788 

he  fought1  on  his  broker  how  he  him  beheet1 

That1  he  wolde  be  redy  whan  f  e  lustice  seet 

he  f  oughte  wel  fat  he  wolde  wif  oute  delay 

Come  afore  fe  lustice  to  kepen  his  day  792 

And  seide  to  his  3onge  men  dightef  }ou  ^are  / 

For  whan  f  e  lustice  sitt1  we  moote  be  fare  / 

For  I  am  vnder  borwe  til  fat1 1  come  / 

And  my  brofer  for  me  to  prisoun  schal  be  nome  /          796 

By  seint1  lame  seyde  his  $onge  men  and  f  ou  rede  f  erto 

Ordeyne  how  it  schal  be  and  it  schal  be  do  / 

whil  Gamelyn  was  comyng1  f  er  f  e  lustice  sat/ 

The  fals  knight1  his  brofer  format1  he  nat1  fat1  [>a/69,  &ac/r]  800 

To  huyre  f  e  men  on  his  quest1  to  hangen  his  brofer 

ThougR  he  hadde  nought1  fat1  oon  he  wolde  haue  fat*  of  er 

Tho  cam  Gamelyn  fro  vnder  woode  Eys 

And  broughte  wif  him  /  his  3onge  men  of1  prys  804 

II  I  se  wel  seyde  Gamelyn  f  e  lustice  is  sette 

Go  aforn  adam  and  loke  how  it  spette  / 

Adam  went1  in  to  f  e  halle  and  loked  al  aboute 

he  seyh  fere  stonde  lordes  gret  and  stoute  /  808 

And  sir  Ote  his  brofer  fetered  wel  fast1 

Jpo  went1  adam  out1  of1  halle  as  he  were  agast1 

Adam  said  to  Gamelyn  and  to  his  felaws  alle 

Sir  Ote  stant1 1-fetered  in  fe  moot1  halle  812 


152    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334. 

3onge  men  seide  Gamelyn  pis  $e  heeren  alle 

Sir  Ote  stanf I-fetered  in  J>e  moot  halle 

If1  God  31^  vs  grace  wel  for  to  doo 

lie  schal  it1  abegge  pat1  broughte  pertoo  816 

Thanne  sayde  adam  pat  lokkes  hadde  hore  / 

Cristes  curs  most1  he  haue  pat1  him  bond  so  sore 

And  J»ou  wilt1  Gamelyn  do  after  my  red 

Ther  is  noon  in  pe  halle  schal  bere  a-wey  his  heed          820 

Adam  seyde  Gamelyn  we  wilne  nought1  don  so  / 

we  wil  slee  pe  giltyf1  and  lat1  pe  oper  go 

I  wil  in  to  pe  halle  /and  wip  pe  Justice  speke  / 

On  hem  pat1  ben  gultyf1 1  wil  ben  a-wreke  824 

lat1  non  skape  at  pe  dore  take  ^onge  men  ^eme  / 

For  I  wil  be  Justice  pis  day  domes  to  deme 

God  spede  me  pis  day  at1  my  newe  werk* 

Adam  com  on  ivith  me  /  for  pou  schalf  be  my  clerk*      828 

His  men  answereden  hi??^  and  bad  him  doon  his  best1 

And  if  pou  to  vs  haue  neede  pou  schalf  fynde  vs  presti 

we  wiln  stand  e  with  pe  whil  pat1  we  may  dure 

And  but  we  werke  manly  pay  vs  non  hnre  /  832 

yonge  men  seyde  Gamelyn  so  mot1 1  wel  pe 

As  trusty  a  maister  ^e  schal  fynde  of1  me  / 

Right1  pere  pe  justice  sat1  in  pe  halle 

In  wente  Gamelyn  amonges  hem  alle  836 

IT  Gamelyn  leet/  vnfetere  his  broper  out1  of1  beende 

Thanne  seyde  sir  Ote  his  broper  pat1  was  heende      Oa/7o] 

Thou  haddest1  almost1  Gamelyn  dwelled  to  longe 

For  pe  quest1  is  oute  on  me  patt  I  schulde  honge  840 

Broper  seyde  Gamelyn  so  god  ^if1  me  good  rest* 

This  day  pey  schuln  ben  hanged  pat1  ben  on  py  quest1 

And  pe  Justice  bope  pat1  is  Tugges  man 

And  pe  scherreue  bope  purgft  him  it*  bigan  844 

Than  seyde  Gamelyn  to  pe  lustise 

Now  is  py  power  y-don  pou  most1  nedes  arise 

Thow  hast1  $euen  domes  pat1  ben  yuel  dight1 

I  wil  sitten  in  py  sete  an  dressen  hem  aright1  848 


APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334.    153 

The  lustice  sat1  stille  and  roos  nought1  anoon 

And  Gamelyn  cleuede  his  cheeke  boon 

Gamelyn  took1  him  in  his  arm  and  no  more  spak1 

But1  frew  him  ouer  f  e  barre  and  his  arm  tobrak4  852 

Durste  non  to  Gamelyn  seye  but1  good 

For  fered  of1  f  e  company  fat  wif  oute  stood 

Gamelyn  sette  him  doun  in  f  e  Justices  sete  / 

And  sire  Ote  his  brofer  by  him  /  and  adam  at  his  feet1  856 

•whan  Gamelyn  was  I-set1  in  f  e  Justices  sete 

herknef  of1  a  bourde  fat  Gamelyn  dede  / 

he  leet1  fetre  ])e  lustice  and  his  fals  brofer 

And  dede  hem  come  to  f  e  barre  fat1  oon  wif  fat*  of<?r    860 

Tho  Gamelyn  hadde  f  us  y-doon  had  he  no  rest 

Til  he  had  enquered  who  was  on  f  e  quest1 

For  to  deme  his  brofer  air  Ote  for  to  honge  / 

Er  he  wiste  which  fey  were  he  foughte  ful  longe  864 

But  as  sone  as  Gamelyn  wiste  wher  fey  were 

he  dede  hem  euerichone  fetere  in  feere  / 

And  bringen  hem  to  f e  barre  and  sette  hem  in  rewe  / 

By  my  faif  seyde  fe  lustice  fe  Scherreue  is  a  schrewe  868 

Than  seyde  Gamelyn  to  f  e  lustise 

Thou  hast1  y-^eue  domes  of1  f  e  wors  assise 

And  fe  .xij.  sisours  fat1  weren  of1  f  e  queste  / 

They  schul  ben  hanged  f  is  day  so  haue  I  reste  872 

Thanne  seide  f  e  scherreue  to  3onge  Gamelyn  • 

Lord  I  crie  f  e  mercy  brof  er  art1  f  ou  myn 

Therfore  seyde  Gamely  haue  f  ou  cn'stes  curs 

For  and  f  ou  were  maister  yi  I  schulde  haue  wors  [*/7o,  •*]  876 

For  to  make  schortf  tale  and  no^fr  to  tarie  longe 

he  ordeyned  him  a  queste  of1  his  men  so  stronge 

The  lustice  and  f  e  scherreue  bof  e  honged  hye 

To  weyuen  wif  ropes  and  wif  f  e  wynd  drye  880 

And  f  e  .xij.  sisours  sorwe  haue  fat1  rekke 

Alle  fey  were  hanged  faste  by  f  e  nekke  / 

Thus  ended  f  e  fals  knight1  wif  his  treccherie 

That1  euer  had  I-lad  his  lyf1  in  falsnes  and  folye  884 


154    APPENDIX  TO  GROUP  A.    GAMELYN.    Harleian  7334. 

He  was  hanged  by  J)e  nek1  and  nou^t1  by  J?e  purs 

That1  was  J?e  meede  Jjat1  he  had  for  his  fadres  curs 

Sir  Ote  was  eldest1  and  Gamely n  was  3  ing1 

jjey  wenten  wij>  here  freendes  euen  to  J?e  kyng*  888 

They  made  pees  wij>  J?e  kyng1  of1  pe  best1  assise 

The  kyng1  loued  wel  sir  Ote  and  made  him  lustise 

And  after  j?e  kyng1  made  Gamelyn  boj?e  in  Est1  and  west 

Chef1  Justice  of1  al  his  fre  forest1  892 

Alle  his  wighte  ^onge  men  £e  kyng1  for^af*  here  gilt1 

And  sitthen  in  good  office  J>e  kyng1  hem  hath  I-pilt1 

Thus  wan  Gamelyn  his  lond  and  his  leede  895 

And  wrak1  him  of1  his  enemys  and  quyt1  hem  here  meede 

And  sire  Ote  his  brojw  made  him  his  heir 

And  siJ)J3en  wedded  Gamelyn)  a  wyf1  bo]?e  good  and  feyr 

They  lyueden  to-gidere  /  whil  J)at  crist1  wolde 

And  si]?en  was  Gamelyn  grauen  vnder  molde  900 

And  so  schal  we  alle  may  fer  no  man  fle 

God  bryng1  vs  to  J?e  loye  fat1  euer  schal  be  /  A  M  E  N 

[ Tlte  rest  of  the  page,  eleven  lines,  1's  blank  in  the  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    129 

GROUP  B.  §  1.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  HEAD-LINK.  Harleian  7334.  155 


GROUP  B.    (FRAGMENT  II.) 

§  1.    MAN  OF  LAWS  HEAD-LINK. 
HARLEIAN  MS.  7334  (British  Museum). 


Owre  Hoste  sawH  pat1  pe  brighte  sonne  [lea.fn] 

The  arke  of1  his  artificial  day  ha])  I-ronne 
The  fourpe  parti  of1  half1  an  hour  and  more  / 
And  pough  he  were  nat1  depe  in  lore  4 

he  wist1  it  was  J>e  prettenpe  day 
Of1  april  pafr  is  messanger  to  may 
And  sawe  wel  pat1  pe  schade  of1  euery  tree 
was  in  pe  lengthe  pe  same  qwantite  8 

That1  was  pe  body  erecte  pat*  caused  it 
And  perfore  by  pe  schadwe  he  took1  his  wit1 
That1  Phebus  which  pat1  schoon  so  fair  and  bright1 
Degrees  was  .xlv.  clombe  on  hight1  12 

And  for  pat1  day  as  in  pat1  latitude 
Hit1  was  ten  of1  J>e  clokke  he  gan  conclude  / 
And  sodeynly  he  plight1  his  hors  aboute 

LOrdynges  quod  he  I  warne  }ou  al  pe  route  16 

The  fourjje  party  of1  Jns  day  is  goon 
Now  for  j)e  loue  of1  god  and  of*  seint1  Ion 
lese]?  no  tyme  as  forjje  as  ^e  may 

lordynges  ]?e  tyme  passe])  night1  and  day  20 

And  steli])  fro  vs  what1  pryuely  slepyng1 
And  what1  Jmrgfr  necligence  in  oure  wakyng1 
As  do])  fe  streem  pat1  tornej)  neuer  agayn 
Descendyng1  fro  pe  mounteyn  in  to  playn  24 

wel  can  senek1  and  many  philosopher 
Bywaylen  tyme  more  pan  gold  in  cofre 
For  losse  of1  catel  may  recouered  be  / 
Butt  losse  of1  tyme  schendeth  vs  q?tod  he  28 


130    SIX-TEXT 

156  GROUP  B.  §  1.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  HEAD-LINK.  Harlcian  7334. 

It1  wil  nat1  come  agayn  wipoute  drede 

Komore  pan  wol  malkyns  maydenhede 

whan  sche  had  lost1  it  in  hir  wantownesse  / 

let1  vs  nat1  mowlen  pus  in  ydelnesse  32 

Sir  man  of1  lawe  q?«?d  he  so  haue  36  Llisse 
Telle  vs  a  tale  anon  as  forward  ys 
3e  be  submitted  purgh  our  fre  assent/ 
To  stonden  in  pis  cas  at1  my  luggement  36 

Acquytep  }ow  and  holdep  joure  byheste  / 
Than  haue  36  doon  3our  deuour  atte  leste 

HOst1  qwod  he  depardeux  I  assent*  [7e«/7i,&ac/r] 

To  breke  forward  is  nat1  myn  entent/  40 

Byheste  is  dette  and  I  wol  holde  fayn 
Al  my  byhest1 1  can  no  better  sayn 
For  such  lawe  as  a  man  ^eueth  anoper  wight1 
he  schuld  him  selue  vsen  hit1  by  right1  44 

Thus  wol  oure  text1  but  napeles  certeyn 
I  can  right1  now  non  oper  tale  seyn 
That1  Chaucer  pey  he  can  but1  lewedly 
On  metres  and  on  Rymyng1  certeynly  48 

Hap  seyd  hem  in  such  englisch  as  he  can 
Of1  olde  tyme  as  knowep  many  man 
And  3if  he  haue  no^t1  sayd  hem  leeue  brother 
In  0  bok1  he  hap  seyd  hem  in  anoper  52 

Eor  he  hap  told  of1  louers  vp  and  dozm 
J\loo  pan  Ovide  made  of1  menciown 
In  his  Epistelles  pat1  ben  so  olde 

what1  schuld  I  tellen  hem  syn  pey  be  tolde  /  56 

In  3oupe  he  made  of1  Coys  and  alciown 
And  sippe  hap  he  spoke  of1  euerychon 
These  noble  wyfes  and  pese  louers  eeke 
who-so  wole  his  large  volume  seeke  60 

Cleped  pe  seintes  legendes  of1  Cupide 
Ther  may  he  see  pe  large  woundes  wyde 
Of1  lucresse  and  of1  Babikwn  Tysbee 
The  sorvve  of1  Dido  for  pe  fals  Enee  64 


SIX-TEXT    131 

GUOUP  B.  §  1.  MAN  OF  LAW'S  HEAD-LINK.  Harleian  7334.  157 

The  tree  of  philles  for  hir  demephon 

The  pleynt1  of1  Dyane  and  of1  Ermyon 

Of1  Adrian  and  of1  ysyphilee 

The  barren  yle  stondyng1  in  J>e  see  /  68 

The  dreynt1  leander1  for  hir  Erro 

The  teeres  of1  Eleyn  and  eek1  )>e  woo 

Of1  bryxseyde  and  of1  ledomia 

The  cruelte  of1  J>e  queen  Medea  72 

The  litel  children  hangyng1  by  f>e  hals 

For  )>ilke  lason  pat1  was  of1  lone  so  fals 

0  ypermystre  penollope  and  alceste  / 

3oure  wyfhood  he  comendeth  wij>  ]>e  beste  7C 

But1  certeynly  no  worde  write])  he  [AW/ 72] 

Of1  Jjilke  wikked  ensample  of1  Canace 

Thaf  loued  hir  owen  broker  synfully 

On  whiche  corsed  stories  I  seye  fy  80 

Or  elles  of1  Tyro  appoloneus 

how  pat1  pe  cursed  kyng1  Anteochus 

Byreft1  his  doughter  of*  hir  maydenhede 

Thaf  is  so  horrible  a  tale  as  man  may  reede  84 

whan  he  hir  prew  vpon  pe  pament1 

And  perfore  he  of1  ful  auysement 

wolde  neuer  wryte  in  non  of1  his  sermoz/ns 

Of1  such  vnkynde  abhominackmns  88 

Ne  I  wol  non  reherse  if1  fat1 1  may 

But1  of  my  tale  how  schal  I  do  J)is  day 

Me  were  loth  to  be  lykned  douteles  / 

To  muses  pat  men  clepen  Pyerides  92 

Methamorphoseos  wot1  what1 1  mene 

But1  najjeles  I  recche  nat  a  bene 

They  I  come  after  him  with  hawe-bake  / 

1  speke  in  prose1  and  let1  him  rynies  make  9G 
And  wij?  Jjat1  word  he  wi]>  a  sobre  cheere 

Bygan  his  tale  as  30  schal  afte/*  heere     11  Explicit1  p?*ologws 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 
1  Was  Melibe  first  meant  for  the  Man  of  Law  ? 


132    SIX-TEXT 

158    GROUP  B.   §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Harlcian  7334. 


[The  Proem} 

incipif  fabula  / 

0    Hateful  harm  condicion  of*  pouert1     [on  leaf  m   99 
wi]?  Jmrst1  wif  cold  wijj  honger  so  confoundyd 
To  asken  help  it  schamej)  in  fin  hert 
If1  foil  non  aske  wij>  neede  so  art  foil  woundyd 
That1  verray  neede  vnwrappef  al  f  y  wou?ides  hyd 
Maugre  fyn  heed  foil  most1  for  Indigence 
Or  stele  or  begge  or  borwe  fy  dispence  105 

Ihow  blamest  crist  and  seyst1  ful  bitterly  106 

he  mys  departef  nches  temporal 

And  fyn  neyhebour  f  ou  wytes  synfully 

And  seyst1  fou  hast1  to  litel  and  he  haj)  al  109 

Parfay  seystow  som  tyme  he  rekne  schal 

whan  J?afr  his  tayl  schal  brennen  in  ]>e  gleede 

For  he  nought1  helpej?  J?e  needful  in  his  neede  112 

IlErkneJj  what1  is  J)e  sentens  of1  ]?e  wyse  113 

Bet1  is  to  dye  fan  haue  indigence 

Thy  selue  neyghebour  wol  ]?e  despyse  veafn,bacK} 

If1  jjou  be  pore  far  wel  j>y  reuerence  116 

^et1  of1  jje  wyse  man  takH  ])is  sentence 

Alle  J?e  dayes  of1  pore  men  be  wikke  / 

Be  war  J?erfore  or  J>ou  come  to  jjat1  prikke  /  119 


]?ou  be  pore  J?y  broker  hatej)  J?e  120 

And  alle  Jjy  frendes  flee}?  fro  J>e  alias 
O  Eiche  marchawnd}  ful  of1  wele  be  36 
O  noble  prudent1  folk*  as  in  J>is  cas  123 

3oure  bagges  be})  nat  f  uld  wi]?  ambes  aas 
But*  wi))  sys  synk1  jjat1  renne])  on  $our  chaunce 
At1  crystemasse  wel  mery  may  30  daunce  126 


SIX-TEXT    133 

GROUP  B.   §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    159 

5e  seeke  land  and  see  for  ^our  wynnynges  127 

As  wyse  folk1  as  36  knowe  alle  J?astates 

Of1  regnes  /  36  be  fadres  of1  tydynges 

Of*  tales  bope  of1  pees  and  of1  debates  /  130 

I  were  right1  now  of1  tales  desolat 

Nere  Jmfr  a  marchaunf  gon  siJ>J>en  many  a  ^ere  / 

Me  taught  a  tale  which  36  schal  after  heere  133 


134    SIX-TEXT 

160   GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 


[The  Tale] 

IN  Surrie  dwelled  whilom  a  companye     [o»  v 72, 6*]      134 
OfH  Chapmen  riche  and  perto  sad  and  trewe 
That1  wyde  where  sent1  her  spy  cere 

dopes  of1  gold  and  satyn  rich  of1  he  we  /  137 

her  chaffar  was  so  prifty  and  so  newe 
That1  euery  wight1  had  deynte  to  chaffare 
wip  hem  and  eek*  to  selle  hem  of1  here  ware  /  140 

Now  fel  it1  pat1  pe  maystres  of1  pat*  sort1  141 

han  schapen  hem  to  Rome  for  to  wende 

•were  it  for  chapma^hode  or  for  disport1 

Non  oper  message  nolde  pey  pider  sende  /  144 

But1  came  hemself1  to  Rome  pis  is  pe  ende 

And  in  such  place  /as  pought1  hem  auanntage 

For  here  entent1  pey  tooke  her  herburgage  147 

boiourned  naue  pese  marchamit}  in  pe  toim  148 

A  certeyn  tyme  as  fel  to  here  plesaunce 

But1  so  bifell  pat1  pexcellent  renoun 

Of1  pemperoures  doughter  dame  Custawnce  151 

Reported  was  with  euery  circumsta^mce 

vnto  pese  surrien}  marchaunt3  in  such  wyse         tiea/m 

Fro  day  to  day  as  I  schal  3011  deuyse  /  154 

jhis  was  pe  comyn  voys  of1  euery  man  155 

Oure  emperour  of1  Rome  god  him  see 

A  doughter  hap  pat1  sip  pe  world  bygan 

To  Rekne  as  wel  hir  goodnes  as  hir  bewte  /  158 

Nas  neuer  such  anoper  as  was  sche 

I  prey  to  god  hir  saue  and  susteene 

And  wolde  sche  were  of1  al  Europe  pe  queene  161 


SIX-TEXT    135 

GROUP  B.    §  2.   MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334.    161 

In  hire  is  hye  bewte  wifoute  pryde  162 

3owf  e  wifoute  grefhed  or  folje 

To  alle  here  werkes  vertu  is  hire  gyde  / 

humblesse  haf  slayne  in  hir  tyrrannye  /  165 

Sche  is  myrour  of*  alle  curtesye  / 

hir  herte  is  verrey  chambre  of  holynesse 

hir  hond  mynistre  of1  fredom  and  almesse  168 

And  al  fis  voys  is  sof  as  god  is  trewe  169 

But1  now  to  purpos  let:  vs  turne  a3ein 

These  marchant^  haue  don  fraught1  here  schippes  newe  / 

And  whan  fey  haue  J)is  blisful  mayde  seyn  •  172 

Home  to  Surrey  be  fey  went1  a^ein  / 

And  doon  here  needes  as  fey  haue  don  ^ore 

And  lyuen  in  wele  I  can  3011  say  no  more  /  175 

Now  fel  it1  fat1  fese  marchawnt}  stooden  in  grace  /         176 

Of1  him  fat1  was  f e  Sowdan  of1  Surrye 

For  whan  fey  come  fro  eny  straunge  place  / 

he  wolde  of1  his  benigne  curtesye  179 

Make  hem  good  cliere  and  busily  aspye 

Tydynges  of1  sondry  regnes  for  to  lere/ 

The  wordes  fat1  fey  mighte  seen  and  heere  /  182 

Among1  ofer  finges  specially  183 

These  marchaunt}  him  told  of1  dame  Constazmce 

So  gret1  noblesse  in  ernest1  so  ryally 

That1  fis  Sowdan  haf  caught1  so  gret1  plesa?mce  186 

To  haue  hir  figure  in  his  remembraunce 

And  al  his  lust1  and  al  his  besy  cure 

was  for  to  loue  hir  whiles  his  lyf1  may  dure  189 

Par  auenture  in  filke  large  booke  /  190 

which  fat1  is  cleped  fe  heuen  I- write  was      [feo/73,  &«<?*] 
wif  sterres  whan  fat1  he  his  burf e  took1 
That1  he  for  loue  schulde  haue  his  def  alias  j  193 

OANT.  TALES. HAUL.  M 


136    SIX-TEXT 

162    GROUP  B.    §  2.   MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

For  in  J>e  sterres  clerere  J)en  is  glas  / 

Is  wryten  god  woof  who-so  cowjje  it  rede 

The  dej?  of1  euery  man  wifouten  drede  196 

sterres  many  a  wynter  jjer  byfore  197 

was  write  }>e  dej?  of1  Ector  and  Achilles  / 
OfH  Pompe  lulius  er  fey  were  I-bore  / 
The  stryf  of  Thebes  and  of  Ercules  /  200 

Of  Sampson  Turnus  and  of  Socrates 
The  dejj  butt  mennes  wittes  ben  so  dulle  / 
_    _  That1  no  wight1  can  wel  rede  it  at1  J)e  fulle  203 

Jhis  sowdan  for  his  pryue  counseil  sent1  204 

And  schortly  of  J>is  mater  for  to  pace  / 

he  ha]j  to  hem  declared  his  entent1 

And  seyd  hem  certeyn  but1  he  might1  haue  grace  /          207 

To  haue  Constance  wijrinne  a  litel  space 

he  nas  but1  deed  and  charged  hem  in  hy^e 

To  schapen  for  his  lyf  som  remedye  210 

Uyuerse  men  dyuers  Jnnges  seyde  211 

The  argumentes  casten  vp  and  doun 

Many  a  subtyl  resoun  for]}  fey  leyden 

They  spekyn  of  magike  and  of  ambusiown  214 

But1  finally  as  in  conclusion 

They  can  nought1  seen  in  Jjat  non  auauntage 

Ne  in  non  o]>er  wey  saue  in  mariage  217 

1  han  sawgli  jjey  J?er  in  such  difficulte  218 

By  wey  of  resown  to  speke  it1  al  playn  • 

By  cause  jjat1  jjer  was  such  dyuersite  / 

Bitwen  here  boj>e  lawes  as  J?ey  sayn  221 

They  trowe  Jjat1  no  cristen  prmce  wold  fayn 

wedden  his  child  vnder  our  lawe  swete  / 

That1  vs  was  taught1  by  mahoun  oure  prophete  /  224 


SIX-TEXT    137 

GROUP  B.   §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    163 

And  lie  answerde  rafer  fan  I  lese  225 

Constance  I  wol  be  cristen  douteles  / 

I  moot1  be  heres  I  may  non  of  er  cheese  / 

I  pray  3011  haldeth  30111  arguments  in  pees  /  228 

Sauef  my  lyf1  and  be]?  nat1  recheles  /  [<w  74] 

Go))  getef  hire  fat1  haf  my  lyf4  in  cure  / 

For  in  fis  wo  I  may  no  lenger  dure  /  231 

What*  needef  gretter  dilatackmn  232 

I  say  by  tretys  and  ambassatrye 

And  by  f  e  popes  mediaciown 

And  al  fe  chirche  and  al  f  e  chyualrye  /  235 

That1  in  destrucciown  of1  mawmetrye 

And  in  encresse  of1  cristes  lawe  deere  / 

They  ben  acordid  as  36  schal  after  heere/  238 

How  fat1  fe  Soudan  and  his  baronage  239 

And  alle  his  lieges  schuld  I-crystned  be  / 

And  he  schal  haue  Constance  in  mariage/ 

And  certeyn  gold  I  not*  what1  qwantite  242 

And  f erfore  founden  fey  suffisant1  seurte 

This  same  acord  was  sworn  on  euery  syde/ 

Now  fair  Constance  almighty  god  fe  guyde  /  245 

^  ow  wolde  som  men  wayten  as  I  gesse  246 

That1  I  schulde  tellen  al  fie  puruyawnce  / 

That1  femperour1  ofH  his  gret1  noblesse  / 

Haf  schapen  for  his  doughter  dame  Constaunce  /  249 

wel  may  men  knowe  fat1  so  gret1  ordynawnce 

May  no  man  telle  in  so  litel  a  clause  / 

As  was  arrayed  for  so  high  a  cause  /  252 

Bisschops  ben  schapen  with  hir  for  to  wende  253 

lordes  ladyes  and  knightes  of1  renoun 
And  of er  folk1  ynowe  f is  f is  is  f e  ende 
And  notefied  is  Jmrgh  out  fe  toun  256 

M  2 


138    SIX-TEXT 

164   GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 

That1  Query  wight1  wip  gref  deuociown 
Schulde  preye  crist  pat1  he  pis  mariage 
Receyue  in  gree  and  spede  pis  viage  259 

J  he  day  is  come  of*  hire  departyng1  260 

I  say  pe  woful  day  pat1  pan  is  come 

That1  per  may  be  no  lenger  tarry yng1 

But1  forpeward  pey  dresse  hem  alb  &  some  /  263 

C^stance  pat1  with  sorwe  is  ouercome 

Ful  pale  arist1  and  dressep  hir  to  wende  / 

For  wel  sche  saugh  per  nas  non  oper  ende  266 

Alias  what1  wonder  is  it/  pough"  sche  wepte  oo/74,&«<*]  267 

That1  schal  be  sent1  to  straunge  naciozm 

Fro  freendes  pat1  so  tenderly  hir  kepte  / 

And  to  be  bounde  vndur  subiecckmn  270 

Of1  oon  sche  knew  nat1  his  condickmn 

Housbondes  ben  al  goode  and  han  be  ^ore 

That1  knowen  wyfes  I  dar  say  no  more  /  273 

Jt  ader  scne  seid  py  wrecched  child  Costauwce  -  274 

Thy  3onge  doughter  fostred  vp  so  softe  / 

And  36  my  rnooder  my  souerayn  plesaiwce 

Ouer  al  ping1  outaken  crist  on  lofte  /  277 

Constawnce  3our  child  hir  recomaundeth  ofte 

Vnto  ^our  grace  /  for  I  schal  in  to  Surrye 

Ne  schal  I  neuer  see  3ou  more  wip  ye  280 

Alias  vnto  pe  barbre  naciosm  281 

I  most1  anoon  /  sepens  it1  is  3  our  wille 

But1  crist1  pat1  starf1  for  our  redempciozm 

So  3eue  me  grace  his  hestes  to  fulfille  /  284 

I  wrecched  wowman  no  fors  pey  I  spille  / 

wommen  ben  born  to  praldam  and  pena?mce 

And  to  ben  vnder  mannes  gouerna?mce  287 


SIX-TEXT    139 

GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    165 

I  trowe  aft  Troye  whan  Firms  brak1  JJG  wal  288 

Or  yleon  jmt1  brend  Thebes  J)e  Citee 

Ne  at1  Rome  for  J>e  harme  Jmrgfi.  hanibal 

That1  Romayns  han  venquysshed  tymes  J>re  291 

Nas  herd  such  tender  wepyng1  for  pite 

As  in  pe  Chambur  was  for  hir  partyng1 

But1  for]?  sche  moot1  whefer  sche  weep  or  syng  29  4 

0  firste  meuyng1  cruel  firmame?zt  295 

with  Jn  diurnal  swougfi.  Jiat1  crowdest1  ay 

And  hurlest1  al  fro  Est1  to  Occident 

That1  naturelly  wold  hold  anojier  way  298 

Thyn  crowdyng1  sette  Jje  heuen  in  such  array 

At1  )>e  bygyTinyng1  of1  J?is  fiers  viage 

That1  cruel  marc}  haj)  slayn  J)is  marriage  301 

Infortunat  ascendent  tortuous  302 

Of1  which  )>e  lordes  helples  falle  alias 

Out1  of1  his  angle  in  to  ]>e  derkest1  hous 

0  .  Mari}  atte^ere  as  in  jns  caas  [^cr/?5]         305 

0  feble  moone  vnhappy  been  ]>i  paas  / 

Thou  knettesf  ]?e  ]?er  Jjou  art1  nat1  receyued 

Ther  J)ou  were  wel  fro  ]>ennes  artow  weyued  308 

Inprudent1  Empe?-our  of1  Rome  alias  309 

was  J>er  no  philosopher  in  al  py  toun 

Is  no  tyme  bet1  ]?an  ofer  in  such  caas 

Of1  viage  is  J>er  noon  elecciown  312 

Kamly  to  folk1  of1  heigh  condiciown 

Nought1  whan  a  roote  is  of1  a  birthe  I-knowe 

Alias  we  ben  to  lewed  and  eek1  to  slowe  /  315 

[xTo  Shipe]  is  brought1  Jris  woful  faire  mayde  /       P  ia»d  f"" 

Solempnely  with  euery  circumstaunce  / 

Now  Ihu  crist1  so  be  wij?  ^ou  sche  sayde  / 

Ther  nys  nomor  but"  far  wel  fair  Custazmce  319 


140    SIX-TEXT 

166    GROUP  B.   §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harlelaii  7334. 

She  peyneth  hire  to  make  good  contienamice 

And  for]?  I  lete  hire  sayle  in  pis  manere  / 

And  tome  I  wol  a^ein  to  my  matiere  /  322 

Ihe  moder  of1  pe  Sawdan  ful  of1  vices  323 

Aspyed  haj>  hir  sones  playn  entent/ 

how  he  wol  lete  his  olde  sacrifices 

And  right*  anoon  sche  for  hir  counseil  sent*  326 

And  pey  ben  come  to  knowe  what*  sche  ment 

And  whan  assembled  was  jus  folk*  in  fere 

Sche  sette  hir  doun  and  sayd  as  36  schal  heere  /  329 

Lordes  q?^od  sche  $e  knowen  euerichon  330 

how  pat*  my  sone  in  poynt*  is  for  to  lete 

The  holy  lawes  of1  our  alkaron 

3e  ben  goddes  messangere  makamete  /  333 

But1  oon  avow  to  grete  god  I  hete 

The  lyf*  schuld  raper  out*  of1  my  body  stertf 

Or  makametes  law  go  out*  of*  myn  hert*  336 

What  schal  vs  tyden  of*  pis  newe  lawe  337 

But*  praldam  to  oure  body  and  penaunce 

And  afterward  in  helle  to  be  drawe  / 

For  we  reneyed  mahourcd  oure  creau?zce  340 

But*  lordes  wol  30  maken  assurauwce 

As  I  schal  say  assentyng*  to  my  lore 

And  I  schal  make  vs  sauf*  for  euermore      [/ea/75,6a<*]      343 

They  sworen  and  assenten  euery  man  344 

To  lyf*  wip  hir  and  dye  and  by  hir  stonde 

And  euerich  in  J>e  beste  wise  he  can 

To  strengjjen  hir  schal  al  his  frendes  fonde  347 

And  sche  ha]?  Emperise  take  on  honde 

which  36  schul  heere  pat1  I  schal  deuyse  / 

And  to  hem  alle  sche  spak1  in  Jjis  wyse  /  350 


SIX-TKXT    141 

GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harlelan  7334.    1G7 

\V  e  schul  first1  feyne  ous  cristendom  to  take  351 

Cold  watir  schal  nat1  greue  vs  but  a  lite  / 

And  I  schal  such  a  fest1  and  Eeuel  make  / 

That*  as  I  trow  I  schal  Jje  Sowdan  quyte  354 

For  fough  his  wyf1  be  cristned  neuer  so  white 

Sche  schal  haue  need  to  waissche  away  jje  rede 

They  sche  a  font  of1  watir  wij)  hir  lede  357 

0  Sowdones  root1  of1  iniquite  358 

Virago  J>ou  Semyram  J)e  secounde 

0  serpent  vnder  feminite 

Lyk1  to  ]?e  serpent1  deep  in  helle  I-bozmde  301 

0  feyned  womman  alle  J>at'  may  confounde 

Vertu  and  Innocence  Jjurgh  j?y  malice  / 

Is  bred  in  J>e  as  nest1  of1  euery  vice  301 

0  Satan  enuyous  syn  Jnlke  day  3G;3 

That1  Jjou  were  chased  fro  oure  heritage 

wel  knewest1  J>ou  to  wowinen  J?c  olde  way 

Thou  madest1  Eue  to  bryng1  vs  in  scruage  308 

Thou  wolt1  fordoon  ])is  cristeu  mariagc 

Thyn  instrument  so  weylaway  ])c  while 

Makestow  of1  wo??imen  whan  ]>ou  wolt1  bygtle  371 

This  Sawdones  whom  I  Jras  blame  and  wary  372 

let  pryuely  hir  counseil  gon  his  way 

what1  schuld  I  in  j>is  tale  lenger  tary 

Sche  ride])  to  J>e  Soudan  on  a  day  375 

And  seyd  him  J>at  sche^  wold  reney  hir  lay 

And  cristendam  of1  prestos  handes  fonge 

Eepentyng1  hir  sche  hethen  was  so  longe  378 

tysechyng1  him  to  doon  hir  J>att  honour  379 

That1  sche  most1  haue  Jje  cristen  men  to  feste  / 
To  plesen  hem  I  wil  do  my  labour  r'««/7C] 

The  sawdan  seith  I  wol  do  at1  ^our  heste  382 


142    SIX-TEXT 

168   GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harlcian  7334. 

And  knelyng1  pankep  hir  of1  pat1  requeste 
So  glad  he  was  he  nyst  nat  what1  to  seye 
Sche  kyst1  hir  sone  and  horn  sche  go])  hir  weye  385 


[PART  IL] 

Anyued  ben  pe  cristen  folk*  to  londe  /  386 

In  Surry  with  a  gref  solempne  route 

And  hastily  pis  soudan  sent1  his  sonde 

First1  to  his  moder  and  al  pe  regne  aboute  389 

And  seyd  his  wyf1  was  comen  out1  of1  doute 

And  preyej)  hir  for  to  ride  a^ein  pe  queene 

The  honour  of1  his  regne  to  susteene  /  392 

Gret1  was  pe  prees  and  riche  was  tharray  393 

Of1  Surriens  and  Komayns  mette  in  feere 

The  rnoodur  of1  pe  Sowdan  riche  and  gay 

Eeceyued  hir  with  al  so  glad  a  cheere  396 

As  eny  modir  might1  hir  doughter  deere 

And  to  pe  nexte  Citee  per  bysyde 

A  softe  paas  solempnely  pay  ryde  399 

.N  ought1  trow  I  )>e  triumphe  of1  lulius  400 

Of1  which  J>at  lukan  make])  moche  bost* 

was  ryaller  ne  more  curious 

Than  was  thassemble  of*  pis  blisful  oosf  403 

But1  J)is  Scorpiozai  pis  wikked  goosf 

This  Sowdones  for  al  hir  flateryng1 

Cast1  vnder  pis  ful  mortally  to  styng*  406 

The  Sawdan  com])  himself1  sone  after  J)is  407 

So  really  J>at*  wonder  is  to  telle 

And  welcome])  hir  wij)  ioy  and  blys 

And  pus  with  myrth  and  ioy  I  let1  hem  dwelle  410 


SIX-TEXT    143 

GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harlcian  7334.    169 

The  fruyt1  of1  Jjis  matier  is  fat1  I  telle 

whan  tyme  com  men  f  ought  it  for  fe  best 

That1  reuel  stynt1  and  men  goon  to  her  rest1  413 

I  he  tyme  com  J>e  olde  Sowdonesse  414 

Ordeyned  haj)  jris  fest1  of1  which  I  told 
And  to  pe  feste  cristen  folk1  \\Qin  dresse 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.]  417 

Ther  men  may  fest1  and  realte  byholde 
And  deyntes  mo  /  pan  I  can  of1  deuyse 
But1  al  to  deere  pey  bought*  if  ar  pey  ryse  [teafiQ,  lack]  420 

0  sodeyn  wo  pat1  euer  art1  successour  421 

1T  To  worldly  blis  spreynd  is  wip  bitternesse  / 

The  ende  of1  oure  ioye  of1  oure  worldly  labour 

wo  occupieth  pe  fyn  of*  oure  gladnesse  424 

herken  pis  counseil  for  thyn  sikernesse 

vpon  pyn  glade  dayes  haue  in  pi  mynde 

The  vnwar  woo  fat1  cometh  ay  bihynde  427 

Jb  or  schortly  for  to  tellen  at  o  word  428 

The  Sawdan  and  pe  cristen  euerichone 

Ben  al  to-hewe  and  stiked  atte  bord 

But1  it1  were  Dame  Constaunce  allone  431 

This  olde  Sowdones  pis  cursed  crone 

ha])  wip  hir  frendes  doon  |)is  cursed  dede 

For  sche  hir  self1  wold  al  ]?e  centre  lede  434 

Ne  per  was  surrien  noon  /  )?at  was  conuerted  435 

That1  of*  pe  counseil  of1  J>e  Sawdon  woot 

That1  he  nas  alto-hewe  or  he  asterted 

And  Constaunce  haue  fey  take  anon  foot-hoot1  438 

And  in  a  schippe  /  steleres  god  it  woot 

They  haue  hir  set1 .  and  bad  hir  lerne  to  sayle 

Out1  of*  Surry  a^einward  to  ytaile  441 


144    SIX-TEXT 

170   GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

A  certein  tresour  fat1  sche  pider  ladde  442 

And  sof  to  sayn  vitaile  gret1  plente 

They  haue  hir  ^euen  and  elopes  eek1  sche  hadde 

And  for]?  sche  saylef  to  pe  salte  see  445 

0  my  Constaunce  ful  ofH  benignite 

0  Emperoures  ^onge  doughter  deere 

he  fat1  is  Lord  of1  fortun  be  fi  steere  448 

bche  blessef  hir  and  with  ful  pitous  voys  449 

Vnto  f  e  croys  of1  crist1  fan  seyde  sche 

O  cler  o  welful  auter  holy  croys 

Hood  of1  fe  lanibes  blood  ful  of*  pite  452 

That1  wissli  f e  world  fro  old  iniquite 

Me  fro  f  e  feend  and  fro  his  clowes  keepe 

That1  day  fat  I  schal  drenchen  in  f  e  deepe  455 

Victorious  tre  protecciozm  of1  trewe  456 

That1  oonly  were  worthy  for  to  bere 

That1  kyng1  of1  heuen  with  his  woundes  newe       [>«/  77J 

The  white  lamb  fat  hurt1  was  with  a  spere  459 

Flemer  of1  feendes  out  of1  him  and  here  / 

On  which  fy  lymes  feithfully  extenden 

Me  kepe  and  ^if1  me  might1  my  lyf1  to  menden  462 

Peres  and  dayes  flette  fis  creature  463 

Thurghout  f  e  see  of1  Grece  in  to  f  e  strayte 

Of1  Marrok1  as  it  was  hir  aduenture  / 

O  many  a  sory  mele  may  sche  bayte  466 

After  hir  deth  ful  /  ofte  may  sche  wayte 

Or  fat1  f  e  wilde  wawe  wol  hir  dryue 

Vnto  fe  place  fer  as  sche  schal  arryue  469 

Men  migliten  aske  why  sche  was  nou^f  slayn  470 

Ek1  at1  f  e  fesU  who  might1  hir  body  saue 

And  I  answered  that1  demaunde  agayn 

who  saued  Daniel  /  in  thorrible  Caue  473 


SIX-TEXT    145 

GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OP  LAW'S  TALE.    Harlelan  7334.    171 

That1  euery  wight1  sauf1  he  mayster  or  knane 

was  wif  f  e  lioun  frete  or  he  asfcerte 

No  wight1  but1  god  fat1  he  bar  in  his  herte  476 

God  lust1  to  schewe  his  wondurful  miracle  477 

In  hir  for  sche  schuld  seen  his  mighty  werkes 

Crist1  which  fat  is  to  euery  harm  triacle 

By  certeyn  menes  ofte  as  knowen  clerk es  480 

Doth  f  ing1  for  certeyn  ende  fat  ful  clerk1  is  // 

To  mannes  witt  /  fat1  for  our  ignoramice 

!Ne  can  nought1  knowe  his  prudent  puruyaunce  483 

Now  sith  sche  was  nat1  at1  f  e  fest1 1-slawe  /  484 

who  kepte  hir  fro  drenching1  in  f  e  see  / 

who  kepte  lonas  in  f  e  fisches  mawe 

Til  he  was  spouted  vp  at  ISTiniue  487 

wel  may  men  knowe  it  was  no  wight  but  lie 

That1  kept1  f  e  pepul  Ebrayk1  fro  her  drenchyng1 

wij>  drye  feet1  /  furghout  f  e  see  passyng1  490 

Who  haclde  foure  spirit}  of1  tempest1  491 

That1  power  han  to  noyen  land  and  see 

Bof  e  norf  and  souf  and  also  west1  and  Est1 

Anoyef  neyf  er  londe  /  see  ne  tree  /  494 

Sofly  f e  comawnder  of1  fat1  was  he 

That1  fro  f  e  tempest1  ay  f  is  wo?7iman  kepte    [ieafn,  back] 

As  wel  when  sche  awok1  as  when  sche  slepte  497 

Wher  mignt1  fis  womman  mete  and  drinke  haue  /         498 

Thre  $er  and  more  /  how  lastef  hir  vitaille 

who  fedde  f  e  Egipcien  marie  in  f  e  Caue 

Or  in  desert1  no  wight1  but1  crist1  saun$  faile  501 

Fyf1  f  ousand  folk1  /  it1  was  a  gret  meruaile/ 

wif  loues  fyf1  and  nssches  tuo  to  feede 

God  sent1  his  foysoun  at1  her  grete  neede  504 


146    SIX-TEXT 

172    GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

oclie  dryuep  forp  in  to  oure  Occean  505 

Thurghout1  oure  wilde  see  til  atte  last* 

vnder  an  holte  pat  men  nempne  can 

Per  in  Xorthu??iberland  pe  wawe  hir  cast*  508 

And  in  pe  sand  pe  schip  styked  so  fast1 

That1  pennes  wold  it  nou$tt  in  al  a  tyde 

The  wille  of*  cristt  was  fat1  sche  schold  abyde  511 

I  lie  Constabil  of1  /  pe  caste!  dowi  is  fare  /  512 

To  se  pis  wrak1  /  and  al  pe  schip  he  sought1 

And  fond  pis  wery  wo?ranan  ful  of1  care 

And  fand  also  pe  tresour  pat1  sche  brought1  515 

In  hir  langage  mercy  sche  bisought1 

The  lif1  out1  of1  her  body  for  to  wynne 

hir  to  delyuer  of1  woo  pat1  sche  was  Inne  /  518 

A  maner  latyn  corupt1  was  hir  speche  519 

But1  algates  /  per  by  sche  was  vnderstonde 

The  constabil  whan  him  lust1  no  lenger  seche 

This  woful  wowrnan  broughte  he  to  londe  /  522 

Sche  knelep  doun  and  thanketh  goddes  sonde 

But1  what1  sche  was  sche  wolde  no  man  seye 

For  foul  ne  faire  /  pough  sche  scholde  deye  525 

oche  was  sche  seyd  so  mased  in  pe  see  526 

That1  sche  forgat1  hir  mynde  by  hire  trowpe  / 

The  constable  had  of1  hir  so  gret1  pitee 

And  eek1  his  wyf1  pey  wepeden  for  routhe  529 

Sche  was  so  diligent1  wipouten  sloupe  / 

To  serue  and  plese  euer  in  pat  place 

That1  alle  hir  louen  pat1  loken  on  hir  face  532 

Ihe  Constable  and  dame  hermegyld  his  wyf1  533 

To  telle  $ou  playne  in  peynes  bope  were  [fc«/78j 

But  hermegyld  loued  Constance  as  hir  lyf1 
And  Constance  hap  so  long1  herberwed  pere  536 


SIX-TEXT    147 

GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleiaii  7334.    173 

In  orisown  wijj  many  a  bitter  teere  / 

Til  ihu  hajj  conuerted  Jjurgfi.  his  grace 

Dame  hermegyld  Jje  Constables  wif1  of*  Jje  place  539 

In  al  Jje  lond  no  cristen  men  durst*  route  540 

Al  cristen  men  ben  fled  from  fat  contre 

Thurgh  payens  Jjat  conquered  al  a-boute  / 

The  places  of1  Jje  north  by  land  and  see  543 

To  wales  fled  Jje  cristianite 

Of1  olde  britowns  dwellyng1  in  Jjis  yle  / 

Ther  was  hir  refut1  for  Jje  mene  while  546 

But/  }it  nere  cristen  britowns  so  exiled  547 

That1  Jjer  /  nere  some  in  here  pryuite  / 

honoured  crist1  and  hejjen  men  bygiled 

And  neigh  Jje  Castel  such  Jjer  dwellid  Jjre  550 

That1  oon  of1  hem  was  blynd  and  might  nat1  se  / 

But  if*  it  were  wijj  eyen  of1  his  mynde 

wijj  which  men  seen  after  Jjat  Jjey  ben  blynde  553 


was  Jje  sonne  as  in  someres  day  554 

For  which  J>e  constable  and  his  wif  also 
And  Constaunce  had  take  Jje  righte  way 
Toward  Jje  see  a  forlong1  wey  or  two  557 

To  pleyen  and  to  Romen  to  and  fro 
And  in  Jjat/  walk1  the  blynde  men  Jjey  mette 
Croked  and  olde  with  eyen  fast1  y-schette  560 

In  name  of1  crist1  /  cryed  Jjis  old  britown  561 

Dame  hermegyld  ^if1  me  my  sight  a3eyn 

This  lady  wax  affrayed  of1  Jje  soun 

lest1  Jjat1  hir  houseband  schortly  to  sayn  564 

wold  hir  for  ihu  cristes  loue  haue  slayn 

Til  Constawnce  made  hir  bold  and  bad  hir  werche 

The  wil  of*  crist1  as  doubter  of1  holy  chirche  567 


148    SIX-TEXT 

174   GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Ihe  Constable  wax  abaisshed  of1  fat  sight1  568 

And  sayde  what  amountef  al  f  is  fare 

Constazmce  answered  /  sir  it  is  cristes  might 

That1  helpeth  folk1  out1  of1  fe  feendes  snare  /  571 

And  so  ferforf  sche  gan  hir  lay  declare/         tfeafis,  lac*] 

That1  sche  f  e  Constable  er  fat1  it1  was  Eue 

Conuerted  and  on  crist1  made  him  bileue  574 

Ihis  Constable  was  no  fing1  lord  of1  fe  place  575 

Of1  which  I  speke  f  er  he  Constance  fond 

But1  kept1  it  strongly  many  a  wynter  space 

vnder  alia  kyng1  of1  Northimberlond  578 

That1  was  f ul  wys  and  worf  y  of1  his  hond 

A^ein  f  e  scottes  as  men  may  wel  heere 

But1  tourne  a}ein  I  wil  to  my  mateere  581 

uatan  fat1  euer  vs  waytef  to  begile  /  582 

Sawe  of1  Consta^mce  f e  persecuciozm 

And  cast1  anoon  how  he  might1  quyt1  hir  while  / 

And  made  a  301^  knight1  fat1  dwelt1  in  f  e  toun  585 

Loue  hir  so  hoot  of1  foul  affecciown 

That1  verrayly  him  f  ou^t1  he  schulde  spille 

But1  he  of*  hire  /  oones  had  his  wille  588 

He  wowith  hir  but1  it1  avaylef  nought1  589 

Sche  wolde  do  no  synne  by  no  weye 

And  for  despyt  /  he  compassed  in  his  fought1 

To  maken  hir  a  schamful  def  to  deye  592 

he  wayteth  whan,  f  e  Constable  was  aweye 

And  pryuyly  vpon  a  nyght1  he  crepte 

In  hermyngyldes  chambre  whil  sche  slepte  /  595 

Wery  forwaked  in  here  Orisoun  596 

Slepef  Constaunce  and  hermyngyld  also 

This  knight1  f  urgh  Satanas  temptaciown 

Al  softely  is  to  fe  bed  y-go  599 


SIX-TEXT    149 

GROUP  B.    §2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    175 

And  kutte  pe  prote  of1  hermegild  a  two  / 

And  leyd  pe  bloody  knyf/  by  dame  Constawnce 

And  went1  his  way  pat1  god  $eue  him  meschaunce  602 

Sone  after  com]?  pis  Constable  horn  agayn  603 

And  eek1  alia  pat1  was  kyng1  of1  pat1  lond 

And  say  his  wyf  dispitously  I-slayn 

For  which  ful  oft1  /  he  wept1  and  wrong1  his  hond  606 

And  in  pe  bed  pe  blody  knyf1  he  fond 

By  Dame  Custazmce  alias  what1  might*  he  say 

For  verray  woo  /  hir  witt1  was  al  a- way  609 

To  king1  Alia  was  told  al  pis  meschaunce         [W7»]       610 

And  eek/pe  tyme  and  wher  and  eek1  J)e  wyse 

That  in  a  schip  was  founden  jus  Constaunce 

As  here  bifore  30  haue  herd  me  deuyse  /  613 

The  kinges  hert1  of1  pite  gan  agrise 

whan  he  sangh  so  benigne  a  creature 

Falle  in  disese  and  in  mysauenture  616 

For  as  pe  lonib  toward  his  dep  is  brought  /  617 

So  stant1  pis  Innocent1  bifore  pe  kyng1 

This  false  knight1  pat1  ha])  pis  tresoun  wrought1 

Berep  hir  an  hand  pat  sche  hath  don  Jns  ping1  620 

But1  neuer  pe  les  per  was  gret1  mornyng1 

Among1  pe  people  and  seyn  pey  can  not1  gesse 

That1  sche  had  doon  so  gret1  a  wikkednesse  623 

For  pey  han  seyen  hir  so  vertuous  624 

And  louyng1  hermegyld  right1  as  hir  lyf1 

Of1  pis  bar  witnesse  euerich  in  pat1  hous 

Saue  he  pat1  slow}  hermegyld  with  his  knyf1  627 

This  gentil  kyng1  hap  caught1  a  gref  motyf1 

Of1  his  witnesse  and  pought/  he  wold  enquere 

Deppere  in  pis  cas  a  troupe  to  lere  630 


150    SIX-TEXT 

176   GROUP  B.   §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Harlclan  7334. 

Alias  Constaunce  fou  ne  has  no  cliampiomi  631 

Ne  fighte  canstow  nat1  so  welaway 

But1  lie  fat1  for  oure  redempciown 

Boude  Sathan  and  ^it1  lif  f  er  he  lay  634 

So  be  f y  stronge  champiozm  fis  day 

For  but  crist1  vpon  f e  miracle  kythe 

withouten  gilt1  foil  schalt1  be  slayn  as  swithe  637 

oche  set1  hir  doun  on  knees  and  fan  sche  sayde  638 

Immortal  god  fat1  sauedesf  Susanne 

For  false  blame  and  foil  mercyful  mayde 

Mary  I  mene  doughter  of1  seint1  Anne  641 

Bifore  whos  child  aungeles  syng1  Osanne 

If  I  be  gultles  of1  fis  felonye 

My  socour  be  for  elles  schal  I  dye  644 

Ilaiie  $e  not1  seye  sonityme  a  pale  face  645 

Among1  a  prees  of1  him  fat1  haf  be  lad 

Toward  his  def  wher  him  geynef  no  grace  / 

And  such  a  colour  in  his  face  haf  had       [/<?«/ 79,  &«<*]       648 

Men  mighte  knowe  his  face  was  so  bystad 

Among1  alle  f  e  faces  in  fat  route 

So  stant  Constance  and  lokef  hire  aboute  /  651 

0  queenes  lyuyng1  in  prosperite  652 

Duchesses  and  30  ladies  euerychon 

hauef  soni  reuf  e  on  hir  aduersite 

An  emperoures  doughter  stond  allon  655 

Sche  nath  no  wight1  to  whom  to  make  hir  moon 

O  blod  ryal  fat1  stondest1  in  fis  drede  / 

Ferre  be  fy  frendes  at  fy  grete  neede  /  658 

This  Alia  kyng1  haf  sucli  compassioun  659 

As  gentil  hert/  is  f  olfild  of1  pile 

That1  from  his  eyen  ran  f  e  water  doun 

Now  hastily  do  fech  a  book1  qwod  he  /  662 


SIX-TEXT    151 

GROUP  B.    §  2.   MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    177 

And  if*  Jjis  knight1  wil  swere  how  jjat1  sche  / 

This  womman  slow}  jett  wol  we  us  avyse 

whom  pat1  we  wille  schal  be  oure  iustise  665 

A.  britozm  book*  I-write  wij>  euazmgiles  666 

was  fette  and  on  jris  book1/  he  swor  anoon 

Sche  gultif1  was  and  in  pe  mene  whiles 

An  hond  him  smot1  vpon  Jje  nekke  boon  669 

That1  doun  he  fel  anon  right1  at1  a  stoon 

And  bo]>e  his  yen  brast1  out1  of1  his  face 

In  sight1  of1  euery  body  in  pat1  place  672 

A  vois  was  herd  in  general  audience  673 

And  seist1  pou  hast1  disclaundred  gulteles 

The  doughter  of1  holy  chirche  in  hire  presence 

Thus  hastow  doon  &  ^it1 1  holde  my  pees  676 

Of1  pis  meruaile  agast1  was  al  pe  prees 

As  inased  folk1  pey  stooden  euerychon 

For  drede  of1  wreclie  saue  Custaurcce  allon  679 

Grret1  was  pe  drede  and  eek1  J)e  repentaunce  680 

Of1  hem  pat1  hadden  gret  suspecckmn 

vpon  pe  sely  Innocent1  Custaunce 

And  for  J>is  miracle  in  conclusio?^n  683 

And  by  Custaunces  mediaciozm 

The  kyng1  and  many  o]?er  in  fe  place 

Conuerted  was  /  thanked  be  cristes  grace  [tea/so]  686 

This  false  knight1  was  slayn  for  his  vntroujje  /  687 

By  luggement1  of1  Alia  hasty ly 

And  ^it1  Custawnce  haj?  of1  his  de)j  gref  roujje 

And  after  pis  ifius  of1  his  mercy  690 

Made  alia  wedde  ful  solempnely 

This  holy  mayde  pat1  is  bright1  and  schene  / 

And  pus  haj)  crist1 1-maad  Constance  a  queene  693 

CANT.  TALES. — HAUL.  N 


152    SIX-TEXT 

178   GROUP  B.   §  2.   MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

But1  who  was  woful  ifH  I  schal  not1  lye  /  694 

Of1  pis  weddyng1  but*  Domegild  and  po 

The  kynges  mooder  ful  of*  tyrannye 

hir  pough't1  hir  cursed  herte  brasfr  a-two  697 

Sche  wolde  nat  hir  sone  had  I-do  so 

hir  pough't1  despyte  /  fat1  he  schulde  take 

So  straunge  a  creature  vnto  his  make  700 

Me  lust1  not1  of*  pe  cafH  ne  of1  pe  stree  701 

Make  so  long1  a  tale  as  of*  pe  corn 

what1  schuld  I  telle  of1  pe  realte 

Of1  mariage  /  or  which  cours  gop  biforn  704 

who  bloweth  in  a  trompe  or  in  an  horn 

The  fruyt1  of1  euery  tale  is  for  to  seye 

They  ete  &  drynk1  /  and  daunce  /  and  synge  &  pleye     707 

Ihey  gon  to  bed  as  it  was  skile  &  right1  708 

For  pough  pat1  wyfes  ben  ful  holy  pinges 

They  moste  take  in  pacience  a  night1 

Such  maner  necessaries  as  ben  plesynges  711 

To  folk1  that1  han  I-wedded  hem  wip  rynges 

And  haluendel  her  holynesse  ley  a  side 

And  for  pe  tyme  it1  may  non  oper  betyde  714 

On  hire  he  gat1  a  knaue  child  anoon  715 

And  to  a  bisschope  &  a  Constable  eeke 

he  took1  his  wyf1  to  kepe  whan  he  is  goon 

To  scotlondward  his  f corner  for  to  seeke  718 

"Now  faire  Custawnce  pat1  is  so  humble  &  meeke 

So  long  is  goon  wip  childe  til  pat1  stille 

Sche  held  hir  chambre  abidyng1  goddes  wille  721 

The  tyme  is  come  a  knaue  child  sche  bere  722 

Maurius  atte  funstone  men  him  calle 
This  Constabil  dop  come  forp  a  messager       [leaf  so.&a c*] 
And  wrot1  to  his  kyng1  pat1  cleped  was  Alle  725 


SIX-TEXT    153 

GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    179 

how  J>afl  )?is  blisful  tydyng1  is  bifalle 

And  o]?er  Jringes  spedful  for  to  seye 

he  takejj  ]?e  lettie  and  for]?  he  go]>  his  weye  728 

This  messanger  to  doon  his  auauntage  729 

vnto  }>Q  kynges  moder  he  go]j  ful  swipe 

And  salueth  hire  /  fair  in  his  langage 

Ma  dame  qwod  he  36  may  be  glad  and  blijje  732 

And  Jjanke  god  an  hundred  fousand  sij>e 

My  lady  queen  ha])  child  wijjouten  doute 

To  ioye  and  blis  of*  al  ]?e  reame  aboute  735 

Lo  heer  )>e  le^res  sealed  of1  Jjis  jring1  736 

That*  I  mot1  bere  with  al  jje  hast1  I  may 

If1  $e  wole  ought1  vnto  $oure  sone  ]>e  kyng1 

I  am  3oure  seruaunt1  bojje  night1  and  day  739 

Doungyld  answerde  as  now  J>is  tyme  nay 

But  here  al  nyght1  I  wol  j)ou  take  |)y  rest1 

To  morwen  I  wil  say  J>e  what1  me  lest1  742 

i 

This  messanger  drank1  sadly  ale  and  wyn  743 

And  stolen  were  his  letfaes  pryuely 

Out1  of1  his  box  whil  he  sleep  as  a  swyn 

And  countrefeet1  Jjey  were  subtily  746 

Ano)>er  sche  him  wroot1  ful  synfully 

vnto  Jje  kyng*  direct/  of1  J»is  matiere 

Fro  his  Constable  as  ^e  schul  after  heere  749 

The  le^re  spak1  J>e  queen  delyuered  was  750 

Of1  so  orryble  and  feendly  creature 

That1  in  jje  castel  noon  so  hardy  was 

That1  eny  while  dorste  Jwin  endure  /  -  753 

The  mooder  was  an  Elf1  by  auenture 

Bycome  by  charmes  or  by  sorcerie 

And  euery  man  hatij?  hir  companyne  756 


154    SIX-TEXT 

180   GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Wo  was  Jjis  kyng1  whan  he  )>is  letter  had  sein  757 

But*  to  no  wight*  he  told  his  sorwes  sore 

But1  of1  his  owen  hand  he  wrot1  agayn  . 

welcome  ]>e  sond  of1  crist1  for  eueremore  760 

To  me  fat1  am  now  lerned  in  his  lore 

lord  welcome  be  J?y  lust1  and  Jjy  pleasaunce          [>a/8i] 

My  lust1  I  putte  al  in  pyn  ordinaunce  763 

Kepeth  J>is  child  al  be  it  foul  or  fair  764 

And  eek1  my  wyf1  vnto  myn  horn  comyng1 

Crist1  whan  him  lust1  may  sende  me  an  hair 

More  agreable  ]>an  Jris  to  my  likyng1  767 

The  le^re  he  seleth  pryuyly  wepyng1 

which  to  J?e  messager  he  took1  ful  sone 

And  for)?  he  goth  }»er  nys  no  more  to  done  770 

0  messager  fulfild  of1  dronkenesse  771 

Strong1  is  )jy  bre]?  )>y  lymes  faltren  ay 

And  ]>ou  bywreyest1  alle  sykernesse 

Thy  mynde  is  lorn  )>ou  ianglest1  as  a  lay  774 

Thy  face  is  torned  al  in  a  newe  array 

Ther  drunkenesse  regnej?  in  eny  route 

Ther  is  no  counseil  hid  wij?outen  doute  777 

0  Domegyld  I  haue  non  englisch  digne  778 

vnto  J?y  malice  and  J?y  tyrannye 

And  Jjerfor  to  ]?e  feend  I  )>e  resigne 

let1  him  endyten  of1  J)i  treccherie  781 

Fy  mannyssch  fy  .0.  nay  by  god  I  lye 

Fy  feendly  spirit1  for  I  dar  wel  telle 

Though  ]?ou  here  walke  J>y  spirit1  is  in  helle  784 

Ihis  messanger  com))  fro  )?e  kyng1  agayn  785 

And  at1  }>e  kinges  modres  court1  he  light1 

And  sche  was  of1  Jris  messenger  ful  fayn 

And  plesej?  him  in  al  J?af  euer  sche  might1  788 


SIX-TEXT    155 

GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    181 

he  drank*  and  wel  his  gurdel  vnderpigfrtt 

he  slepej)  and  he  fare]?  in  his  gyse 

Al  nyghtt  vnto  J?e  sonne  gan  arise  791 

lift*  were  his  le^res  stolen  euerichon  792 

And  countrefeted  lettres  in  Jjis  wise 

The  kyng1  comawndej)  his  constable  anon 

vp  peyne  of«  hangyng1  of1  an  hei$  lustise  795 

That1  he  schulde  suffre  in  no  maner  wyse 

Constaunce  in  his  regne  for  to  abyde 

Thre  dayes  and  a  quarter  of1  a  tyde  798 

But1  in  J>e  same  schip  as  he  hir  fond  799 

hire  and  hir  ^onge  sone  and  al  hire  gere         tieafsi,baek] 

he  schulde  putte  and  crowde  fro  J>e  londe 

And  charge  hire  pat*  sche  neuer  eft'  come  J?ere  802 

•0.  my  Constaunce  wel  may  J>y  goostt  haue  fere 

And  slepyng1  in  J>y  drem  ben  in  penaunce 

•whan  Domegyl  cast*  al  J>is  ordynaunce  /  805 

Ihis  messanger  a-morwe  whan  he  awook1  806 

vnto  J?e  castel  held  ]>e  nexte  way 

And  to  J?e  constable  he  J>e  le^re  took1 

And  whan  Jjat1  he  J?e  pitous  lettre  say  809 

Ful  ofte  he  seyd  alias  and  welaway 

Lord  crist1  quod  he  how  may  J>is  world  endure 

So  ful  of1  synne  is  many  a  creature  812 

0  mighty  god  if1  J>att  it  be  py  wille  813 

SeJ>  ]?ou  art*  rightful  iugge  how  may  J>is  be  / 

That1  ]>ou  wolf  suffre  Innocent}  to  spille  / 

And  wikked  folk1  regne  in  prosperite  816 

*0  good  Constance  alias  so  wo  is  me 

Thaf  I  moot1  be  J?y  tormentour  or  deye 

On  schamful  dejj  Jjer  is  non  o]?er  weye  819 


156    SIX-TEXT 

182   GROUP  B.    §  2.   MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Harleiau  7334. 

Wepyng1  bope  ^ong1  &  olde  in  al  fat1  place  820 

whan  pat1  J>e  kyng1  pis  corsed  lettre  sent* 

And  Constance  with  a  dedly  pale  face 

The  fayre  day  toward  hir  schip  sche  went  823 

But  neuerpeles  sche  take]?  in  good  entent 

The  wil  of*  cn'sf  /  and  knelyng1  on  pe  grounde 

Sche  sayde  lord  ay  welcome  he  py  sonde  826 

lie  pat1  me  kepte  fro  pe  false  blame  827 

whil  I  was  on  pe  lond  amonges  }ou 

He  can  me  kepe  from  harm  &  eek*  fro  schame 

In  pe  see  al  pough  I  se  nat1  how  830 

As  strong1  as  euer  he  was  he  is  right1  now 

In  him  trust1 1.  &  in  his  mooder  deere 

That1  is  to  me  my  sayl  and  eek*  my  steere  /  833 

Hir  litel  child  lay  wepyng1  in  hir  arm  834 

And  knelyng1  pitously  to  him  sche  sayde  / 

Pees  litle  sone  I  wol  do  pe  noon  harm 

wip  pat1  hir  kerchef1  of  hir  hed  sche  brayde  837 

And  ouer  his  litel  y^en  sche  it  layde  [/<?«/ 82] 

And  in  hir  arm  sche  lullith  it1  wel  faste 

And  vnto  heuen  hir  ey3en  vp  sche  caste  840 

Moder  quod  sche  and  mayde  bright1  marie  841 

Sop  is  Jjat1  Jmrgh  wo/wmannes  eggement 

Mankynde  was  lorn  and  dampned  ay  to  dye 

For  which  J?y  child  was  on  a  cros  torent  844 

Thyn  blisful  ey^en  sawh  al  J>is  torment 

Then  nys  J?er  noon  comparisozm  bitwene 

Thy  wo  and  any  woo  may  nat1  sustene  847 

ihow  saugli  j)y  child  I-slaw  byfor  Jjyn  yen  848 

And  ^it1  now  lyuej)  my  litel  child  par  fay 

Now  lady  bright1  to  whom  alle  woful  cryen 

Thou  glory  of1  wo?7?manhod  J?ou  faire  may  851 


SIX-TEXT    157 

GROUP  B.    §  2.   MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    183 

Thou  heuen  of1  refute  brighte  sterre  of*  day 
Eewe  on  my  child  jjat1  of1  jjyn  gentilnesse  / 
Rewest1  on  euery  synful  in  destresse  854 

0  Htel  child  alias  what1  is  Jn  gilt  855 

That1  neuer  wroughtest1  synne  as  •$&#  par  de 

why  wil  J?yn  harde  fader  han  j?e  spilt 

0.  mercy  deere  and  Constable  seyde  sche  858 

And  let1  my  litel  child  here  dwelle  with  Jje 

And  if1  }>ou  darst1  not1  sauen  him  for  blame  / 

So  kys  him  oones  in  his  fadres  name  861 

Iher  wij)  sche  loked  bakward  to  J>e  lond  862 

And  seyde  far  wel  housbond  rewjjeles 

And  vp  sche  rist1  and  walkej)  down  Ipe  stronde 

Toward  pe  schip  hir  folwep  al  J?e  prees  865 

And  euer  sche  preyej?  hir  child  to  hold  his  pees 

And  took1  hir  leue  and  wi))  an  holy  entent 

Sche  blessejj  hire  and  to  J>e  schip  sche  went  868 

Vytailled  was  J)e  schip  it  is  no  drede  869 

Abundauntly  for  hire  ful  longe  space 

And  o]?er  necessaries  J>afr  schulde  nede 

Sche  had  ynow$  heryed  be  criste^  grace  872 

For  wynd  and  water  almighty  god  purchace 

And  bryng1  hir  horn  I  can  no  bettre  say 

But1  in  pe  see  sche  dryuej)  for])  hir  way  875 


[PART  HI.] 

Alia  }>e  kyng1  com))  horn  soon  after  }>is         [leaf  »z,  back]  876 

vnto  J)e  Castel  of1  J?e  which  I  tolde 

And  askej)  wher  his  wyf1  and  his  child  ys 

The  Constable  gan  aboute  his  herte  colde  879 


158    SIX-TEXT 

184   GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

And  playnly  al  )>e  maner  he  him  tolde 

As  30  han  herd  /  I  can  telle  it  no  better 

And  schewed  J?e  kynges  seal  and  his  letter  882 

And  seyde  lord  as  ^e  comawided  me  883 

vp  peyne  of*  dejj  so  haue  I  do  certayn 

This  messager  tormented  was  til  he 

Moste  biknowe  and  telle  it1  plat1  and  playn  *  886 

Fro  nyght  to  night  in  what1  place  he  had  layn  * 

And  Jms  by  witt/  and  subtil  enqueryng1 

ymagined  was  by  wham  Jris  gan  to  spryng*  889 

Ihe  hand  was  knowen  £at*  J?e  lettr&  wroot  890 

And  al  J>e  venym  of*  ])is  cursed  dede 

But1  in  what  wyse  certeynly  I  noot 

Theffect*  is  Jns  J?at*  alia  out  of*  drede  893 

his  moder  slough  as  men  may  pleynly  reede  / 

For  J)at*  sche  traytour  was  to  hir  ligeaunce 

Thus  ende]?  olde  Domegild  wi)>  meschaunce  896 

Ihe  sorwe  )>at/  J>is  alia  night  and  day  897 

Makjj  for  his  wyf*  and  for  his  child  also 

Ther  is  no  tonge  J?at*  it  telle  may 

But*  now  I  wol  vnto  Custaunce  go  900 

That*  fleetetj)  in  j>e  see  in  peyne  and  wo 

.V.  }eer  and  more  as  like]?  cristes  sonde 

Er  J>att  hir  schip  approched  vnto  londe  903 

Vnder  an  hethen  castel  atte  last1  904 

Of1  which  J>e  name  in  my  text1  nou3t*  I  fynde 

Constawnce  and  eek1  hir  child  J>e  see  vpcast1 

Almighty  god  Jjat1  saueth  al  mankynde  /  907 

Haue  on  Constawnce  and  on  hir  child  som  mynde 

That1  fallen  is  in  hethen  hond  eft1  sone 

In  poynt1  to  spille  as  I  schal  telle  $ou  soone  910 


SIX-TEXT    159 

GROUP  B.    §  2.   MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334.    185 

Doun  fro  J>e  Castel  com]?  jjer  many  a  wight1  911 

To  gawren  on  Jjis  schip  and  on  Constazmce 

But1  schortly  fro  J>e  castel  on  a  night1 

The  lordes  sty  ward  God  }iue  him  meschaunce     iieafss]  914 

A  Jjeef1  fat  had  reneyed  oure  creaunce 

Com  in  to  schip  alone  and  seyd  he  scholde 

hir  lemman  be  whejrir  sche  wold  or  nolde  917 

Wo  was  J)is  wrecched  womman  J?o  bigoon  918 

hire  childe  criej?  and  sche  pytously 

But1  blisful  mary  hilp  hir  right1  anoon 

For  wif>  hir  strengj>e  wel  and  mightily  921 

The  theef1  fel  ouer  boord  al  sodeinly 

And  in  pe  see  he  drenched  for  vengaunce 

And  Jms  ha])  crist1  vnwemmed  kept1  Constance  924 

0  foule  lust/  0  luxurie  lo  Jnn  ende  /  925 

Nought1  oonly  Jjat1  JJQU  feyntest1  mannes  mynde 

But1  verrayly  j>ou  wolt1  his  body  schende 

The  ende  of1  jjyn  werk1  or  of1  Jjy  lustes  blynde  928 

his  compleynyng1  how  many  may  men  fynde 

That1  nought1  for  werk1  som  tyme  but/  for  Jjentent1 

To  doon  his  synne  ben  eyjjer  slayn  or  schent  /  931 

How  may  ])is  weyke  wowman  han  J?e  strengfe  932 

hir  to  defende  a^ein  J>e  renegat1 

O  Golias  vnmesurable  of1  lengpe 

how  mighte  dauid  make  J?e  so  mate  935 

So  song1  and  of1  armure  so  desolate 

how  dorst1  he  loke  vpon  ]>yn  dredf ul  face 

wel  may  men  seyn  it1  nas  but  goddes  g?-ace  938 

Who  ^af1  ludith  corage  or  hardy nesse  /  939 

To  slen  him  Olefernes  in  his  tent 

And  to  delyue?*en  out1  J»e  wrecchednes 

The  peple  of1  god  I  say  in  j>is  enteut1  942 


160    SIX-TEXT 

186    GROUP  B.   §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

That1  right1  as  good  spiryte  vigor  sent 

To  hem  and  saued  hem  out  of1  meschaunce  / 

So  sent  he  might1  and  vigor  to  Constawnce  945 

Forth  golp  hir  scbip  Jwrghout  J>e  narwe  mouth"  946 

Of*  lubalter  and  Septe  dryuyng  ay 

Somtyme  west1  som  tyme  north  and  south 

And  somtyme  Est1  ful  many  a  wery  way  949 

Til  cristes  mooder  blessed  be  sche  ay 

hajj  schapen  Jmrgh  hir  endeles  goodnesse 

To  make  an  ende  of1  hir  heuynesse  \_ieafss,  back]  952 

Now  let1  vs  stynt1  of1  Constance  but1  a  frowe  953 

And  speke  we  of  /  J)e  Romayn  Emperour 

That1  out1  of1  Surrye  haj?  by  le^res  knowe 

The  slaughter  of1  cristen  folk1  and  deshonour  956 

Doon  to  his  dorter  by  a  fals  traytour 

I  mene  J>e  cursed  and  wikked  sowdenesse 

That1  at1  J>e  fest1  leet1  slee  bope  more  and  lesse  959 

Jj  or  which  J)is  Emperour  hajj  sent1  anoon  960 

his  senatours  with  real  ordynaunce 

And  ofer  lordes  got  wot1  many  oon 

On  surriens  to  take  high  vengaunce  963 

They  brenne  /  sleen  /  and  bringen  hem  to  meschawnce 

Ful  many  a  day  but1  schortly  J)is  is  fende 

homward  to  Rome  pey  schapen  hem  to  wende  966 

Ihis  Senatour  repayrej)  wij?  victorie  967 

To  Romeward  saylyng1  ful  really 

And  mette  fe  schip  dryuyng1  as  seijj  J)e  story 

In  which  Constance  sittejj  ful  pitously  970 

No  Jjing1  ne  knew  he  what1  sche  was  ne  why 

Sche  was  in  such  aray  /  sche  nolde  seye 

Of1  hire  astaat1  al  fough  sche  scholde  deye  973 


SIX-TEXT    161 

GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334.    187 

He  bryngef  hir  to  Rome  and  to  his  wyf<  974 

he  ^af1  hir  and  hir  $onge  sone  also 

And  wif  f  e  Senatour  lad  sche  hir  lyf< 

Thus  can  our  lady,  bryngen  out1  of1  woo  977 

woful  Constance  and  many  anof  e?'  moo 

And  longe  tyme  dwelled  sche  in  fat1  place 

In  holy  werkes.  as  euer  was  hir  grace  /  980 

The  Senatoures  wif1  hir  aunte  was  981 

But1  for  al  fat1  sche  knew  hir  neuer  more 

I  wol  no  lenger  taryen  in  J>is  cas 

But*  to  kyng1  Alia  which  I  spak1  of1  $ore  /  984 

That1  for  his  wyf1  wepef  and  sikef  sore  / 

I  wol  retorne  /  and  lete  I  wol  Constaunce 

vnder  fe  Senatoures  gouernawnce  987 

Kyng1  alia  which  fat1  had  his  mooder  slayn  988 

vpon  a  day  fel  in  such  repentaunce  / 

That1  if1  1  schortly  telle  schal  and  playn  [/««/84] 

To  Rome  he  come])  to  receyue  his  peuau?tce  991 

And  putte  him  in  f  e  popes  ordynazmce 

In  heigh  and  lowe  and  ihu  crist1  bysought1 

his  wikked  werkes  fat1  he  wrought1  994 


Ihe  fame  anon  Jmrgh  Rome  toun  is  born  995 

how  alia  kyng1  schal  come  in  pilgrymage 

By  herberiour^  fat  wenten  him  biforn 

For  which  J>e  Senatour  as  was  vsage  998 

Rood  him  a3ein  and  many  of1  his  lynage 

As  wel  to  schewen  his  magnificence 

As  to  doon  eny  kyng1  a  reuerence  1001 

Gretf  cheere  dof  fis  noble  Senatour  1002 

To  kyng1  Alia  and  he  to  him  also 

Euerich  of1  hem  doj>  ofer  gret1  honour 

And  so  bifel  fat1  on  a  day  or  two  1005 


162    SIX-TEXT 

188    GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

This  Senatour  is  to  kyng1  Alia  go 

To  festf  and  schortly  if1 1  schal  not  lye 

Constances  sone  /  went  in  his  companye  1008 

com  men  wold  seyn  at1  request1  of1  Custaunce  1009 

This  Senatour  haf  lad  f  is  child  to  feste 

I  may  not  telle  euery  circumstazmce 

Be  as  be  may  fer  was  he  atte  leste  1012 

But  soth  it  is  right1  at1  his  modres  heste 

Byforn  hem  alle  duryng1  fe  metes  space 

The  child  stood  lokyng1  in  fe  kynges  face  1015 

Ihis  alia  kyng1  haf  of1  fe  child  gret1  wonder  1016 

And  to  f  e  Senatour  he  seyd  anoon 

whos  is  fat1  faire  child  fat1  stondef  Bonder 

I  not1  qwod  he  by  god  and  by  seynt1  Ion  1019 

A  moder  lie  haf  but  fader  haf  he  non 

That  I  of1  woot1  and  schortly  in  a  stounde 

he  told  Alia  how  fat1  fis  child  was  founde  /  1022 

But  god  woot  quod,  fis  senatour  also  1023 

So  vertuous  a  lyuer  in  my  lyf1 

Ne  saugh  I  neuer  such  as  sche  nomo 

Of1  worldly  wo??zman  mayden  or  of1  wyf1  1026 

I  dar  wel  say  sche  hadde  leuer  a  knyf1 

Thurghout1  hir  brest1  fan  ben  a  woraman  wikke    \ieaf M.bacJt] 

Ther  is  no  man  can  bryng1  hir  to  fat1  prikke  1029 

Now  was  fis  child  as  lik*  vnto  Custawnce  1030 

As  possible  is  a  creature  to  be 

This  alia  haf  J>e  face  in  remembraunce 

Of  Dame  Custaunce  and  f  er  on  mused  he  1033 

If1  fat1  f e  childes  mooder  were  ought1  sche 

That1  is  his  wyf1  and  pryuely  he  hight1 

And  sped  him  fro  fe  table  fat1  he  might*  1036 


SIX-TEXT    163 

GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    189 

Par  fay  Bought*  he  fantom  is  in  myn  heed  1037 

I  ought1  to  deme  of1  righful  luggemercf 

That1  in  J>e  salte  see  my  wyf1  is  deed 

And  afterward  he  made  Jus  argument  1040 

what1  woot1 1  wher  crisf  ha])  hider  sent 

My  wyf1  by  see  as  wel  as  he  hir  sent 

To  my  centre  fro  Jjennes  J>att  sche  went1  1043 

And  after  noom  home  wij)  J?e  senatour  1044 

Goth  alia  for  to  see  ]>is  wonder  chaunce 

This  Senatour  doj>  alia  gretf  honour 

And  hastely  he  sent  after  Custaunce  1047 

But1  trustejj  wel  hir  luste  nat1  to  daunce  / 

whan  Jjat1  sche  wiste  wherfore  was  Jjat1  sonde 

vnnethes  on  hir  feet/  sche  mighte  stonde  /  1050 

Whan  alia  saugh  his  wyf  fay  re  he  hir  grette  1051 

And  wepte  J?ati  it1  was  rewjje  to  se 

For  at1  ]?e  firste  look1  he  on  hir  sette 

he  knew  wel  verrely  Jjat1  it  was  sche  1054 

And  for  sorwe  as  domb  sche  stant  as  tre 

So  was  hire  herte  schett1  in  his  distresse 

whan  sche  remembred  his  vnkyndenesse  1057 

Twies  sche  swowned  in  his  owen  sight1  1058 

he  wept1  and  him  excuse]?  pitously 

Now  god  qwod  he  and  alle  his  halwes  bright* 

So  wisly  on  my  soule  haue  mercy  1061 

That1  of*  ^oure  harm  as  gulteles  am  I 

As  is  maurice  my  sone  so  lyk1  ^oure  face 

Elles  J>e  feend  me  fecche  out  of1  }>is  place  /  1064 

Long  was  J>e  sobbyng1  and  Jje  bitter  peyne  1065 

Or  Jjat1  here  woful  herte  mighte  cesse  [fca/85] 
Gret1  was  J)e  pite  for  to  here  hem  pleyne 

Thurgh  whiche  playnt}  gan  here  wo  encresse  1068 


164    SIX-TEXT 

190   GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

I  pray  3011  alle  my  labour  to  relesse 

I  may  not1  telle  al  here  sorwe  vnto  morwe 

I  am  so  wery  for  to  speke  ofH  £e  sorwe  /  1071 

But1  fynally  whan  Jjat1  the  so])  is  wist1  1072 

That1  alia  gilteles  was  of1  hir  woo 

I  trowe  an  hundred  tymes  jjey  ben  kist 

And  such  a  blys  is  J)er  bitwix  hem  tuo  1075 

That1  sane  J?e  ioye  Jmt1  lastej)  eueremo 

Ther  is  noon  lyk1  pat1  eny  creature 

ha])  seyn  or  schal.  whil  Jjat1  J?e  world  may  dure  1078 

I  ho  prayde  sche  hir  housbond  meekely  1079 

In  J?e  relees  of1  hir  pytous  pyne 

The  he  wold  preye  hir  fader  specially 

That1  of1  his  maieste  he  wold  enclyne  1082 

To  vouche  sauf1  som  tyme  with  him  to  dyne 

Sche  preye])  him  eek1  he  schulde  by  no  weye 

Vnto  hir  fader  no  word  of1  hir  seye  1085 

Som  men  wold  seye  J>af  hir  child  Maurice  1086 

Do])  his  message  vnto  J?e  Emperour 

But1  as  I  gesse  alia  was  nat  so  nyce 

To  him  J)af  is  so  souerayn  of1  honour  1089 

As  he  ])at  is  of1  cristes  folk1  ]>e  flour 

Sent  eny  child  but  it  is  best1  to  deeme 

he  went1  himsilf1  and  so  it  may  wel  seme  /  1092 

Ihis  Emperour  ha])  graunted  gentilly  1093 

To  come  to  dyner  as  he  him  bysought1 

As  wel  rede  I  he  loked  besily 

vpon  J>e  child  and  on  his  doubter  Bought1  1096 

Alia  go])  to  his  In  and  as  him  ought* 

Arrayed  for  J)is  fesfr  in  euery  wyse 

As  ferforth  as  his  coimyng*  may  suffise  109.9 


SIX-TEXT    165 

GROUP  B.   §  2,   MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334.    191 

The  morwe  cam  and  alia  gan  him  dresse  1100 

And  eek1  his  wyf1  f  e  Empe?*our  for  to  meete 

And  for  fey  ryde  in  ioye  and  in  gladnesse  / 

And  whan  sche  saugh  hir  fader  in  fe  streete  1103 

Sche  light1  a  doun  and  falle]?  him  to  feete      [feaf8&,  back] 

Fader  quod,  sche  ^our  ^onge  child  Constance 

Is  now  ful  clene  ou  of1  $our  remembraunce  1106 

I  am  ^our  doughter  Gustaunce  qwod  sche  1107 

That1  whilom  30  haue  sent1  vnto  Surrye 

It1  am  I  fader  fat1  in  f  e  salte  see 

was  put1  alloon  and  dampned  for  to  dye  1110 

Now  goode  fader  mercy  I  3011  crye 

Send  me  no  more  vnto  noon  hethenesse 

But1  f  anke  my  lord  her  of1  his  kyndenesse  1113 

Who  can  f  e  pytous  loye  telle  al  1114 

Bitwix  hem  fre  sif  fey  be  )ms  I-mette 

But1  of1  my  tale  make  an  ende  I  schal 

The  day  go])  fast1 1  wol  no  lenger  lette  1117 

This  glade  folk1  to  dyner  fey  ben  sette 

In  ioye  and  blys  at1  mete  I  let1  hem  dwelle 

A  fousand  fold  wel  more  fan  I  can  telle  .  1120 

This  child  Maurice  was  sif  fen  Emperour  1121 

I-maad  by  f  e  pope  and  lyued  cristenly 

To  cristes  chirche  dede  he  gret1  honour 

But1 1  let1  al  his  story  passen  by  1124 

Of1  Custaunce  is  my  tale  specially 

In  olde  Eomayn  gestes  men  may  fynde 

Maurices  lyf1 1  bere  it  nought1  in  mynde  1127 

This  kyng1  alia  whan  he  his  tyme  say  1128 

with  his  Constaunce  his  holy  wyf1  so  swete 

To  Engelond  fey  com  f e  righte  way 

wher  as  fey  lyue  in  ioye  and  in  quyete  1131 


166    SIX-TEXT 

192    GROUP  B.    §  2.    MAN  OF  LAW'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 

But  litel  whil  it  last1  I  3011  bilieete  ' 

Toy  of1  pis  world  //  for  tyme  wol  not1  abyde 

Fro  day  to  night1  it  chaungeth  as  pe  tyde  1134 

Who  lyued  euer  in  such  delyt1  a  day  1135 

That1  him  ne  meued  eyper  his  conscience 

OfH  Ire  or  talent*  /  or  som  maner  affray 

Enuy  or  pride  or  passiown  or  offence  1138 

I  ne  say  but1  for  pis  ende  pis  sentence 

But1  litel  whil  in  ioye  or  in  plesaunce 

lastep  pe  blis  /  of1  alia  with  Custaunce  1141 

1  or  deth  pat1  takp  of1  heigh"  &  low  his  rent     [leafw]     1142 

whan  passed  was  a  $eere  as  I  gesse  / 

Out1  of1  pis  worlde  /  kyng1  alia  he  hent1 

For  whom  Custauns.  hap  ful  gret1  heuynesse  /  1145 

Now  let1  vs  pray,  pat1  god  his  soule  blesse  / 

And  dame  Custaunce  fynally  to  say 

Toward  pe  toun  of1  Rome  gop  hir  way  1148 

lo  Rome  is  come  pis  nobil  creature  1149 

And  fynt1  hir  freendes  per  bope  hool  &  sound 

Now  is  sche  skaped  al  hir  auenture 

And  whanne  sche  hir  fader  had  I-founde  1152 

Doun  on  hir  knees  fallep  sche  to  grounde 

wepyng1  for  tendirnes  in  herte  blithe 

Sche  heried  god  an  hundred  pousand  sithe  1155 

In  vertu  and  in  holy  almesdede  1156 

They  lyuen  alle.  and  neuer  a  spndre  wende 

Til  dep  departe  hem  pis  lyf1  pey  lede 

And  far  now  wel  my  tale  is  at  an  ende  1159 

Now  ihu  crist1  pat1  of1  his  might1  may  sende  / 

loy  after  wo  gouerne  vs  in  his  grace  / 

And  keep  ous  alle.  pat1  ben  in  pis  place  /  1162 


SIX-TEXT    363 

GROUP  D.  §  2.  WIFE  OF  BATH'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334,  223 

Toward  pis  like  daunce  I  drough  ful  jerne  / 

In  hope  paf  som  wisdom  sclmld  I  lerne  / 

Buf  certeynly  er  I  com  fully  pere 

Vanysshid  was  pis  daunce  he  nyste  where  /  996 

No  creature  saugh  he  paf  har  lif1 

SaufH  on  pe  greene  he  saugh  sittyng1  a  wyf1  / 

A  fouler  wighf  per  may  no  man  deuyse 

A3ens  pe  knight*  pis  olde  wyf1  gan  ryse  1000 

And  sayder  sir  knight1  heer  forth  lith  no  way 

Tel  me  what1 .  ^e  seekyn  by  ^our  fay 

Pa?'  aduentwre .  it1  may  pe  better  be  / 

Thise  olde  folk1  can  mochil  ping1  quod  sche  1004 

My  lieue  modir  quod  pis  knight1  certayn 

I  am  but1  ded  but1  if1  paf  I  can  sayii 

what1  ping1  is  if.  paf  wowimen  most1  desire 

Coupe  }e  me  wisse .  I  wold  wel  quyfc  ^our  huyre  /         1008 

Plight1  me  py  trouth.  her  in  myw  hond  quod  sche     [^99,  H-] 

The  nexte  j^ing1  faf  I  require  J?e 

Thou  schalt1  it  doo  if1  it  be  in  Ipj  migfif 

And  I  wol  telle  it  J?e  er  it  be  nighf  1012 

haue  her  my  troupe  quod  J?e  knight1  T  graunte 

Thanne  quod  sche  I  dar  me  wel  auaunte 

Joy  lif1  is  sauf1  for  I  wol  stonde  j)er  by 

vpon  my  lif1  J>e  queen  wol  say  as  I  1016 

lef  se  which  is  ])e  proudest1  of1  hem  alle 

))af  werith  on  a  couerchief*  or  a  calle 

))af  dar  say  nay  of1  ping1  I  schal  J>e  teche 

lef  vs  go  forth  wijjouten  more  speche  1020 

Tbo  rowned  sche  a  pistil  in  his  eere 

And  bad  him  to  be  glad  and  haue  no  fere 

whan  pay  ben  comen  to  pe  courf  pis  knight 

Sayd  he  had  holde  .  paf  day  paf  he  highf  1024 

Al  redy  was  his  answer  as  he  sayde 

Ful  many  a  noble  wyf1  and  many  a  mayde 

And  many  a  wydow  for  paf  pay  ben  wyse 

The  queen  hirself1  sittyng1  as,  a  lustise  1028 


364    SIX-TEXT 

'224:  GROUP  D.   §  2.  WIFE  OF  BATH'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

Assemblid  ben  his  answer  for  to  hiere 

And  afterward  f  is  knight1  was  bode  appiere 

To  euery  wight1  comaundid  was  cilence 

And  fat1  fe  knight1  schuld  telie  in  audience  1032 

what1  f  ing1  fat1  worldly  wo??zmen  louen  best1 

IF  Jpe  knight1  ne  stood  not1  stille  as  dof  a  best1 

But1  to  f  e  questiozm  anoon  answerde 

wif  manly  voys  fat  al  the  court1  it  herde  1036 

My  liege  lady  generally  quod  he 

wowmen  desiren  to  haue  soueraynte 

As  wel  ouer  hir  housbond  as  ouer  hir  loue 

And  for  to  be  in  maystry  him  aboue  1040 

This  is  f  e  most1  desir  f  ough  ^e  me  kille  / 

Do]?  as  $ow  list1  I  am  heer  at1  ^our  wille 

In  al  f  e  court  ne  was  per  wyf1  ne  mayde 

Ne  wydow  fat1  contraried  fat1  he  sayde  1044 

But1  sayden  he .  was  worf  y  haue  his  lif1 

And  wif  fat1  word  vp  start1  fat  olde  wif1 

which  fat1  f e  knight1  saugh  sittyng1  on  f e  grene     [tea/  100] 

Mercy  quod  sche  my  soueraigne  lady  queene  1048 

Er  fat1  ^our  court1  departe  dof  me  right1 

I  taughte  f  is  answer  vnto  f  e  knight1 

For  which  he  plighte  me  his  trouf  e  there 

The  firste  fing1  fat1  I  wold  him  requere  1052 

he  wold  it1  do  if1  it1  lay  in  his  might1 

Bifore  f  e  court1  fen  pray  I  f  e  sir  knight1 

Quod  sche  fat1  f ou  me  take  vnto  f y  wif 

For  wel  fou  wost1  fat1  I  haue  kept1  fy  lif1  1056 

If1  I  say  fals  sey  nay  vpon  fy  fey 

This  knight1  answerd  alias  and  waylawey 

I  wot1  right1  wel  fat1  such  was  my  byhest1 

For  goddes  loue  as  chese  a  ne  request1  1060 

Tak1  al  my  good  and  let  my  body  go 

ISTay  quod  sche  fan  I  schrew  vs  bof e  tuo 

For  f ough  fat1  I  be  foule  old  and  poure 

I  nolde  for  ai  fe  metal  ne  for  fe  oure  1064 


SIX-TEXT    365 

GROUP  D.  §  2.  WIFE  OF  BATH'S  TALE.  Horleian  7334.   225 

That1  vnder  erthe  is  graue  or  lith  aboue 

But1  I  \ y  wife .  were  and  eek1  f  y  loue 

My  loue  quod  he .  nay  nay  .  my  dampnaciown 

Alias  fat1  eny  of1  iny  naciozm  1068 

Schuld  euer  so  foule  disparagid  be 

But/  al  for  nought1 .  f  e  ende  is  f  is  fat1  he 

Constreigned  was .  he  needes  most  hir  wedde 

And  takith  his  wyf1  and  gof  wif  hir  to  bedde  1072 

IT  Now  wolden  som  men  say  par  aduenture 

That1  for  my  necgligence  I  do  no  cure 

To  telle  ^ow  f  e  ioye  and  tharray 

That1  at1  fat1  fest1  was  maad  fat  ilke  day  1076 

To  which  J>ing*  schortly  answeren  I  schal 

And  say  f  er  nas  feste  ne  ioy  af  al 

Ther  nas  but1  heuynes  and  mochil  sorwe 

For  priuely  he  weddyd  hir  in  a  morwe  1080 

And  aklay  hudde  him.  as  do])  an  oule 

So  wo  was  him  his  wyf1  loked  so  foule 

Gret1  was  f  e  wo .  f  e  knight1  had  in  his  fought 

whan  he  was  with  his  wyf1  on  bedde  brought1  1084 

He  walwith  and  he  torneth  to  and  fro          [fc«/ioo,  &</<*] 

his  olde  wyf1  lay  smylyng1  euer  mo 

And  sayd  o  deere  housbond  benedicite1        C1  MS.  tmdicite] 

Fareth  euery  knight1  wij>  his  wyf1  as  ^e  /  1088 

Is  ))is  fe  lavve  of1  king1  arthures  hous 

Is  euery  knight1  of1  his  }ms  daungerous 

I  am  }our  oughne  loue  /  and  ^our  wyf1 

I  am  sche  fat1  hath  sauyd  }our  lyf1  1092 

And  certes  ne  dede  I  ^ow  neuer  vnrighf 

why  fare  30  fus  with  me  fe  firste  night1 

^e  fare  lik1  a  man  fat1  had  left1  his  wit/ 

what1  is  my  gulf,  for  godes  loue  tel  me  it  1096 

And  it1  schal  be  amendid  if1  fat1  I  may 

Amendid  quod  f  is  knight1  alias  nay  nay 

It1  wol  nought1  ben  amendid  neuer  mo 

Thow  art1  so  lofly  and  so  old  also  1100 

CANT.  TALES. HARL.  o 


366    SIX-TEXT 

226  GROUP  D.  §  2.  WIFE  OF  BATH'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

And  f  erto  comen  of*  so  lowh  a  kynde 

That  litil  wonder  is  f  ough  I  walwe  and  wynde 

So  wolde  god  myn  herte  wolde  brest1 

Is  fis  quod  sche  f  e  cause  of1  $our  vnrest1  i  1104 

3e  certeynly  quod  he  no  wonder  is 

Now  sire  quod  sche  I  couf  e  amende  al  fis 

If1  fat1  me  list1  er  if  were  dayes  fre  / 

So  wel  ^e  mighte  bere  }ow  to  me  11 08 

But1  for  36  speken  of1  such  gentilesse 

As  is  descendit1  out1  of1  old  richesse 

Therfor  schuld  ^e .  ben  holden  gentil  men) 

Such  arrogaunce.  is  not1  worth  an  hen  1112 

lok  who  fat1  is  most1  ve?ituous  alway 

Priue  and  pert1  and  most1  entendif  ay 

To  do  f  e  gentil  dedes  fat1  he  can 

Tak1  him  for  f  e  grettest1  gentil  man  1 1 1 G 

Crist1  wol  we  clayme  of1  him  oure  gentilesse 

Nought1  of1  oure  eldres  for  our  gret1  richesse 

For  f  ough  fey  ^iue  vs  al  her  heritage 

For  which  we  clayme  to  be  of1  high  parage  1120 

3  it1  may  fay  not1  biquef e  for  no  fing* 

To  noon  of1  vs  so  vertuous  lyuyng1 

That1  made  hem  gentil  men  y-callid  be  [leaf  101] 

And  bad  vs  folwe  hem  in  such  degre  1124 

wel  can  f  e  wyse  poet1  of1  Florence 

That1  hatte  Daunt1  speke  of1  fis  sentence  / 

Lo  in  such  maner  of1  rym  is  Dauntes  tale 

Ful  seeld  vprisith  by  his  braunchis  smale  /  1128 

Prowes  of1  man .  for  god  of1  his  prowesse 

wol  fat1  we  clayme  of1  him  our  gentilesse 

For  of1  our  auncestres .  we  no  f  ing1  clayme 

But1  temporal  f  ing1  fat1  men  may  hurt1  and  mayme       1 132 

Ek1  euery  wight1  wot1  fis  as  wel  as  I 

If1  gentiles  were  plaunted  naturelly 

Vnto  a  certayn  lignage  doun  f  e  line 

Priue  ne  apert/.  fay  wolde  neuer  fine  1136 


SIX-TEXT   367 

GROUP  D.  §  2.  WIFE  OF  BATH'S  TALE.  Harlcian  7334.  227 

To  don  of*  gentilesce  pe  fair  office     . 
Thay  might1  nought1  doon  no  vileny  or  vice 
Tak1  fuyr  and  ber  it1  in  pe  derkesf  hous 
Bitwixe  pis.  and  pe  mozmt  Cankasous  1140 

And  let1  men  schifc1 .  pe  dores  arid  go  penne 
^it1  wol  pe  fuyr  as  fair  and  lighte  brenne 
As  twenty  pousand  men  might1  it1  biholde 
his  office  naturel  ay  wol  it  holde  1144 

vp  peril  on  my  lif1  til  fat1  it  dye 
her  /  may  36  se  wel  how  pat  genterye 
Is  nought1  annexid  to  possessiown 

Sithins  folk1  ne  doon  her  operaciown  1148 

Alway  as  doth  pe  fuyr  lo  in  his  kynde 
For  god  it  wot1  men  may  ful  often  fynde 
A  lordes  sone  do  schame  and  vilonye 
And  he  pat1  wol  haue  pris  of1  his  gentrie  1 152 

For  he  was  boren  of1  a  gentil  hous 
And  had  his  eldres  noble  and  vertuous 
And  nyl  himselue .  doo  no  gentil  dedis 
Ne  folw  his  gentil  aunceter  pat*  deed  is  1156 

he  is  nought1  gentil  be  he  duk1  or  erl . 
For  vileyn  synf ul  deedes  make])  a  cherl . 
For  gentilnesse  nys  but1  renome 

Of1  Jjin  auncestres  for  her  heigh"  bounte  1160 

which  is  a  straunge  ping1  to  py  persone         [fea/ioi.&aefr] 
Thy  gentilesce  comep  fro  god  alioone 
Than  comp  oure  verray  gentilesse  of1  grace 
It1  was  no  ping1  biquethe  vs  wip  oure  place  1164 

Thinkep  how  nobil  as  saith  Valerius 
was  pilke  tullius  hostilius 
That1  out1  of1  pouert  /  ros  to  high  noblesse 
Redith  Senek/.  and  redith  eek/  Boece.  1168 

Ther  schuln  ^e  se  expresse  pat1  no  dred  is 
Jpat1  he  is  gentil  pat  dop  gentil  dedis 
And  perfor  lieue  housbond  I  conclude 
Al  were  it  thaf  myn  auncetres  wer  rude  1172 

Q  2 


368    SIX-TEXT 

228  GROUP  D.  §  2.  WIFE  OF  BATH'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

3  it1  may  fe  highe  god  and  so  hope  I 

Graunte  me  grace  to  lyue  virtuously 

Than  am  I  gentil  whan  fat1 1  bygynne 

To  lyue  vertuously  and  weyuen  synne  1176 

And  f  er  as  36  of  povert1  me  repreue 

The  heighe  god  on  whom  fat1  we  bilieue 

In  wilful  pouert1  ches  to  lese  his  lif1 

And  certes  eue/y  man .  mayden  or  wif1  1 1 80 

May  vnderstonde  fat1  Ihtf  heuen  king1 

Ne  wold  not1  chese .  a  vicious  lyuyng1 

Glad  pouert  is  an  honest1  f  ing1  certayn 

This  wol  Senek1  and  ofer  clerkes  sayn  1184 

who  fat1  holt1  him  payd  of1  his  pouert 

I  hold  him  riche .  al  had  he  nou^t  a  schert1 

he  fat1  coueitith  is  a  pore  wight 

For  he  wold  haue  fat1  is  not1  in  his  might1  1188 

But1  he  fat1  noi^t1  haf .  ne  coueyteth  nou^t/  to  haue 

Is  riche  al  f  ough  36  hold  him  but  a  knaue 

Verray  pouert1  is  synne  proprely 

luuenal  saith  of1  pouert1  merily  1192 

U  The  pore  man  whan  he  gof  by  f  e  way 

Bifore  f  e  theues  he  may  synge  and  play 

Pouert1  is  hateful  and  as  I  gesse  / 

A  ful  gret  brynger  out1  of1  busynesse  /  1196 

A  gret1  amender  eek1  of1  Sapiens 

To  him  fat  takitli  it  in  paciens 

Pouert1  is  f  is  al  f  ough  it  seme  elenge  [>«/ 102] 

Possessiozm  fat1  no  wight1  wil  chalenge  1 200 

.*.  Pouert1  ful  often  whan  a  man  is  lowe 

Makith  him  his  god  and  eek1  himself/  to  knowe 

. '.  Pouert1  a  spectacle  is  as  f  inkith  me 

j^urgh  which  he  may  his  verray  frendes  se  1204 

And  f erfor  sir  syth  fat1  I  $ow  nought1  greue 

Of1  my  pouert1  no  more  36  me  repreue 

//  Now  sir  of1  elde  30  repreue  me 

And  certes  sir  fough  noon  auctorite  1208 


SIX-TEXT    369 

GROUP  D.  §  2.  WIFE  OF  BATH'S  TALE.  Harlcian  7334.  229 

were  in  no  book1  30  gentils  of*  honour 

Sayn  J?at*  men  schuld  an  old  wight  doon  fauour 

And  clepe  him  fader  for  ^our  gentilesse 

And  certes  I  schal  fynden  as  I  gesse  1212 

Thau  drede  3011  nought*  to  ben  a  cokewold 

Now  J>er  ])at*  36  sayn  I  am  foul  and  old 

For  filth e  and  elde  also  mot1  I  the 

Ben  grete  wardeyns  vpon  chastite  /  1216 

But1  natheles  sith  I  knowe  30111'  delyfr 

I  schal  fulfille  ^oure  worldly  appetyfr 

Chese  now  quod  sche  oon  of*  J>ese  Binges  tweyo 

To  haue  me  foul  and  old  til  fiat  I  deye  1220 

And  be  to  }ow  a  trewe  humble  wyf* 

And  neuer  ^ow  displease  in  al  my  lyf* 

Or  elles  30  wol  haue  me  3ong*  and  fair 

And  take  3our  auenture  of*  jje  repair  1224 

)}at*  schal  be  to  3our  hous  by  cause  of  me 

Or  in  som  o]>er  place  may  wel  be 

Now  chese  3our  seluen  whethir  Jmt*  3ow  likith 

This  knight*  auysith  him  and  sore  sikith  1228 

But*  atte  last*  he  sayd  in  ]?is  manere 

My  lady  and  my  loue .  and  my  wif*  so  deere 

I  putte  me  in  3our  wyse  gouernawnce 

Chesith  30111'  self*  which  may  be  most*  pleasa^nce          1232 

And  most*  honour  to  3ow  and  me  also 

I  do  no  fors  ]>e  whejjer  of  fe  tuo 

For  as  3ow  likith  it*  suffisith  me 

Than  haue  I  gete  of*  3ow  J?e  maystry  qiiod  sche  /          1236 

Sith  I  may  gouern  and  chese  as  me  list/       [^a/io2,6ac^] 

3e  certis  wyf*  quod  he  I  hold  it  best* 

kys  me  quod  sche  we  ben  no  lenger  wro]?e 

For  by  my  troujje .  I  wol  be  to  3ow  bofe  1240 

This  is  to  say  30  bojje  fair  and  good 

I  pray  to  god  J?at*  I  mot*  sterue  wood 

But/  I  be  to  3ow  also  good  and  trewe 

As  euer  was  wyf1  sij)f>en  ]?e  world  was  newe  1244 


370    SIX-TEXT 

230  GROUP  D.  §  2.  WIFE  OF  BATH'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

And  but/  I  be  to  morow  as  fair  to  seen 

As  eny  lady  emperesse  or  queen 

That1  is  bitwixe  thest1  and  eek1  J?e  west1 

Doth  by  my  lyf1.  right1  euen  as  ^ow  lest1  1248 

Cast1  vp  ]?e  cortyns  and  look1  what1  J)is  is 

And  whan  £e  knyght1  saugh  verrayly  al  J)is 

That1  sche  so  fair  was  and  so  ^ong1  Jjer  to 

For  ioye  he  hent1  hir  in  hir  armes  tuo  1252 

his  herte  bathid  in  a  bath  of1  blisse 

A  thousand  tyme  on  rowe  he  gan  hir  kisse 

And  sche  obeyed  him  in  euery  jring1 

That1  mighte  doon  him  pleisauns  or  likyng1  1256 

And  Jms  ]?ay  lyue  vnto  her  lyues  end 

In  parfyt1  ioye  and  ihu  crist1  vs  sende 

housbondes  meke  ^onge  and  freissche  on  bedde 

And  grace  to  ouerbyde  hem  fat1  we  wedde  1260 

And  eek1 1  pray  to  Ihu  schort1  her  lyues 

That1  wil  nought1  be  gouerned  after  her  wyues 

And  old  and  angry  nygardes  of1  despense 

God  send  hem  sone  verray  pestilence  /  1264 

IT  Here  endith  ]>e  wif1  of1  Bathe  hire  tale 
[No  break  in  ihe  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    371 

GROUP  D.    §  3.    WIPE-FRIAR  LINK.    Harleian  7334.    231 

IT  Here  bygyraneth  J>e  prologe  of1  Jje  Freres  tale 

THis  worthy  lymytour  Jjis  noble  Frere 
he  made  alway  a  lourynge  cheere 
vpon  the  sompno?«' .  but1  for  honeste  / 
No  vileyns  worde.  ^it1  to  him  spat  he  1268 

But1  atte  last*  he  sayd  vnto  ])e  wyf1 
Dame  quod  he .  god  ^iue  $ow  good  lyf1 
3e  han  her  touchid  al  so  mot1  I  the 

In  scole  matter  gret1  difficulte  1272 

3e  han  sayd  mochel  Jjing1  right1  wel  I  say  [leaf  103] 

But1  dame  right1  as  we  ryden  by  ])e  way 
Vs  needej?  nou^t1  but1  for  to  speke  of1  game  • 
And  lete  auctorites  in  goddes  name  1276 

To  preching1  and  to  scoles  of1  clergie  / 
But1  if1  it1  like  to  J)is  company e  / 
I  wil  $ow  of1  a  sompnour  telle  a  game 
Par  de  36  may  wel  knowe  by  Jje  name  1280 

That1  of1  a  sompnour  may  no  good  be  sayd 
I  pray  }ow  pat1  noon  of1  $ow  be  euel  a-payd 
A  Sompnour  is  a  renner  vp  and  doun 
wij)  maundemetttj  for  fornicaciown  1284 

And  is  y-bete  at1  euery  tounes  eende  / 
Our  oste  spak1  /  a  sir  $e  schold  been  heende  / 
And  curteys  as  a  man  of1  $our  estaat1 

In  company  we  wol  haue  no  debaatf  1288 

TelleJ?  ^our  tale  and  let1  J>e  sompnoz^-  be 
Nay  quo}?  J)e  sompnour  let  him  say  to  me 
what*  so  him  list1  whan  it1  comej>  to  my  lof 
By  god  I  schal  him  quyten  euery  grot1  1292 

I  schal  him  telle  which  a  gret1  honour 
Is  to  ben  a  fals  flateryng1  lymytour        ^Lihe^\fthls^°Text's0\lal!/ 
And  his  offis  I  schal  him  telle  I-wis 

Our  host1  answerd  and  sayd  Jje  sompnou/*  ]>is  1296 

And  after  ]ns  he  sayd  vnto  )>e  Frere 
Telle])  for])  $our  tale  my  maister  deere 
[No  gap  in  the 


372    SIX-TEXT 

232    GROUP  D.     §  4.    FRIAR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 


11  Narrat . 

'hilom  per  was  duellyng1  in  my  countre 
An  erchedeken  a  man  of1  gret1  degre  1300 

That1  boldeiy  did  exeeuciozm 
In  punyschyng1  of*  fornicaciozm 
Of1  wicchecraftf  and  eek1  of1  Bauderye 
Of1  diifamacioun  and  auoutrie  /  1304 

Of*  chirchereues  and  of1  testamentes 

Of1  contractes  and  of1  lak1  of*  sacraments 

And  eek1  of1  many  anoper  cry  me          ^29?!  i!T1^S  m^'a«eed>  °* 

which  nedip  not1  to  reherse  at1  pis  tyme  1308 

Of1  vsur  and  of1  Symony  also 

But1  certes  lecchours  did  he  grettest1  woo . 

Thay  schulde  synge  if*  pay  were  hent1  [/«^ios,6act] 

And  smale  ty]?ers  pay  were  fouly  schenf  1312 

If1  eny  pe?-soun  wold  vpon  hem  plcyne 

Ther  might1  astert/  him  no  pecunial  peyne 

For  smale  types  and  for  smal  offrynge 

he  made  pe  poeple  pitously  to  synge  1316 

For  er  pe  bisschop  caught1  him  in  his  hook* 

J?ay  weren  in  pe  archedeknes  book* 

And  hadde  purgh  his  iuredicciown 

Power  to  haue  of1  hem  correcciown  1320 

he  had  a  sompnour  redy  to  his  hond 

A  slyer  boy  was  noon  in  Engelond 

Ful  priuely  he  had  his  espiaile 

That1  taughte  him  wher  he  might1  auayle  1324 

he  coupe  spare  of1  lecchours  oon  or  tuo 

And  techen  him  to  four  and  twenty  mo 

For  pough"  pis  sompnour  wood  were  as  an  hare 

To  telle  his  harlottry  I  wol  not1  spare  1328 


SIX-TEXT    373 

GROUP  D.     §  4.     FRIAR'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     233 

For  we  ben  out1  of*  here  correcciouu 

Thay  haue  of*  vs  no  iurediccioun 

Ke  neuer  schul  to  terme  of*  alle  her  lyues 

Peter  so  been  pe  wowimen  of1  pe  styues  1332 

Thay  be])  I-put1  out*  of1  oure  cures 

Pees  with  meschaunce  and  wip  mesauentures 

J?us  sayd  our  host1  and  let1  him  telle  his  tale  / 

Now  tellep  for])  al  pough  pe  sompnou?*  gale  1336 

Ne  spare]}  nought1  myn  owne  maister  deere 

))is  false  peef1  pe  sompnour  quo])  pe  frere./ 

Had  alway  bawdes  redy  to  his  hond 

As  eny  hauk1  to  lure  in  engelond  1340 

J)afr  told  him  al  pe  secre  pat1  pay  knewo 

For  here  acqueintaunce  was  not1  come  of1  newe 

))ay  were  his  approwoz^-s  priuely 

He  took1  himself*  a  gret  profyt1  per  by  1344 

His  maister  knew  nat1  alway  what*  he  wan 

wipoute  maundement/  a  lewed  man 

He  coupe  sompne  vp  peyne  of1  cristes  cure 

And  pay  were  glad  to  fille  wel  his  purs./  1348 

And  make  him  grete  festis  atte  nale  /  Oa/iot] 

And  right1  as  ludas  hadde  purses  smale  / 

And  was  a  tlieef1.  right1  such  a  peef1  was  li»3 

his  maister  had  not1  half1  his  duete  1352 

he  was  if  I  schal  3iue  him  his  laude . 

A  peef1  a  sompnour  and  eek1  a  baude . 

And  he  had  wenches  at1  his  retenue 

That1  whepir  pat1  sir  Kobert1  or  air  hughe  1356 

Or  lak1  or  Kauf1  or  who-so  pat1  it  were 

That1  lay  by  hem  pay  told  it  in  his  eere 

Thus  was  pe  wenche  and  he  of1  oon  assent 

And  he  wold  fecche  a  feyned  maundement  1360 

And  sompne  hem  to  chapitre  bope  tuo 

And  pyle  pe  man  and  let1  pe  wenche  go 

Than  wold  he  sayn  I  schal  frend  for  py  sake 

Don  strike  pe  out1  of1  oure  letfres  blake  1364 


374    SIX-TEXT 

234    GROUP  D.     §  4.     FRIAR'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

The  par  no  more  as  in  pis  cas  trauayle 

I  am  py  frend  per  I  pe  may  avayle 

Certeynly  he  knew  ofH  bribours  mo 

Than  possible  is  to  telle  in  ^eres  tuo  1368 

For  in  pis  world  nys  dogge  for  pe  bowe 

Jpat1  can  an  hurt1  deer  from  an  hoi  y-knowe 

Bet1  pan  pis  sompnowr  knew  a  leccheour 

Or  auoutier  or  ellis  a  paramour  1372 

And  for  pat1  was  pe  fruyt1  of1  al  his  rent1 

Therfore  per  on  he  set1  al  his  entent1 

And  so  bifel  pat1  oones  on  a  day 

This  sompno?«r  euer  way  ting1  on  his  pray  1376 

Eod  forth  to  sompne  a  widew  and  old  ribibe 

Feynyng1  a  cause  for  he  wolde  bribe 

And  happed  pat1  he  say  bifore  him  ryde 

A  gay  ^eman  vnder  a  forest1  syde  1380 

A  bow  he  bar  and  arwes  bright1  and  kene 

He  had  vpon  a  courtepy  of1  grene 

An  hat1  vpon  his  heed  wip  frenges  blake 

Sir  quod  pis  sompnour  heyl  and  wel  oner  take  1384 

welcome  quod  he  and  euery  good  felawe 

whider  ridestow  vnder  pis  grene  schawe 

Sayde  pis  ^iman  wiltow  fer  to  day  o«/iot,  back] 

This  sompnour  answerd  and  sayde  nay  1388 

Her  faste  by  quod  he  is  myn  entent 

To  ryden  for  to  reysen  vp  a  rent 

That1  longith  to  my  lordes  duete 

Artow  pan  a  bayely  quod  he  /  1392 

He  durste  not1  for  verray  filth  and  schame 

Sayn  pat1  he  was  a  sompnowr  for  pe  name 

De  par  dieux  quod  pe  ^eman  lieue  broper 

Thou  art1  a  bayly.  and  I  am  another  1396 

I  am  vnknowen  as  in  pis  centre 

Of1  pin  acqueintance  I  wol  praye  pe 

And  eek1  of1  broperheed  it1  $ow  lest1 

I  haue  gold  and  siluer  in  my  chest1  1 400 


SIX-TEXT    375 

GROUP  D.     §  4.     FRIAR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     235 

If1  that1  f  e  happe  come  in  to  oure  schire 

Al  schal  be  fin  right1  as  f  ou  wolf  desire 

Graunt1  mercy  quod  f  is  sompnour  by  my  faith  / 

Euerich  in  otheres  hond  his  trouthe  laith  1404 

For  to  be  sworne  bref eren  til  fay  deyeii 

In  daliaunce  for]?  fay  ride  and  pleyen 

This  Sompnour  which  fat1  was  as  ful  of1  iangles 

As  ful  of1  venyni  ben  fese  wery-angles  1408 

And  euer  enquering1  vpon  euery  f  ing1 

Brof  er  quod  he  wher  now  is  3our  dwellyng1 

Anof  er  day  ifH  fat1  I  schuld  ^ow  seeche 

This  3iman  him  answerd  in  softe  speche  1412 

Broker  quod  he  fer  in  f  e  norf  centre 

wher  as  I  hope  somtyme  I  schal  f  e  se 

Er  we  depart1 1  schal  f  e  so  wel  wisse 

That1  of1  myn  hous  ne  schaltow  neuer  misse  1416 

Now  broker  quod  f  is  sompnoz^r  I  ^ow  pray 

Teche  me  whil  fat1  we  ryden  by  f  e  way 

Syn  fat1  36  ben  a  baily  as  am  I 

Som  subtilte  as  tel  me  faithfully  1420 

In  myn  office .  how  fat1 1  may  wynne . 

And  spare  not  for  consciens  or  for  synne  / 

But  as  my  brof  er  tel  me  how  do  36 

Now  by  my  trouthe  brothir  myn  sayd  he  /  1424 

As  I  schal  telle  fe  a  faithful  tale  (7«*/io5] 

My  wages  ben  ful  streyt1  and  eek1  ful  smale 

My  lord  to  me  is  streyt1  and  daungerous 

And  myn  office  is  ful  laborous  1428 

And  f erfor  by  extorciozms  I  lyue 

For  sof  I  take  al  fat1  men  wil  me  3iue 

Algate  by  sleighte  or  by  violence 

Fro  3er  to  3er  I  wynne  my  despence  1432 

I  can  no  better  telle  faithfully 

Now  certes  quod  f  is  sompnour  so  fare  I 

I  spare  not1  to  take  god  it  woot 

But  if1  it1  be  to  heuy  or  to  hoot1  1436 


376    SIX-TEXT 

236     GROUP  D.     §  4.     FRIAR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

what1  I  may  gete .  in  counseil  priuely 

No  more  consciens  of1  pat1  haue  I 

Nere  myn  extorcions  I  might1  not  lyuen 

Ne  ofH  such  iapes  I  wil  not1  be  schriuen  1-440 

Stomak1  ne  conscience .  know  I  noon 

I  schrew  pes  schriftefadres  euerychoon 

wel  be  we  met1  by  god  and  by  seint1  lame 

But1  leue  broker  telle  me  py  name  1444 

Quod  pis  sompnow  in  pis  mene  while 

This  jeman  gan  a  litel  for  to  smyle 

Bro])ir  quod  he  woltow  pat1  I  pe  telle 

I  am  a  feend  my  dwellyng1  is  in  helle  1448 

And  her  I  ryde  about1  my  purchasyng1 

To  wite  wher  mew  wol  jiue  me  eny  fiiig1 

My  purclias  is  peffect  ofH  al  my  rent 

loke  how  pou  ridest1  for  pe  same  entent/  1452 

To  wynne  good  pou  rekkisf  neuer  how 

Right1  so  fare  I  for  ryde  I  wolde  now 

vnto  pe  worldes  ende  for  a  pray 

A  quod  pe  sompnour  benedicite  what1  30  say  1456 

I  wende  36  were  a  jeinan  trewely 

36  han  a  mannes  schap  as  wel  as  I 

haue  je  a  figure .  pan  determinate 

In  helle  per  $e  ben  in  jour  estate  /  1460 

JSray  certeynly  quod  he  per  haue  we  non 

But1  whan  vs  likith  we  can  make  vs  on 

Or  ellis  make  30 w  seme  pat1  we  ten  schape  [/ca/io5;&act] 

Som  tyme  like  a  man  or  like  an  ape  1464 

Or  lik1  aungel  can  I  ryde  or  go 

It1  is  no  wonder  ping1  pough  it  be  so 

A  lousy  iogelour  can  decyue  pe 

And  parfay  jit  /  can  I  more  craft1  pan  he  1468 

1F  why  quod  pis  sompnow  ryde  je  pan  or  goon 

In  sondry  wyse  and  no^t1  alway  in  oon 

For  quod  he  we  wol  vs  in  such  forme  make 

As  most1  abil  is .  oure  pray  to  take  /  1472 


SIX-TEXT    37) 

GROUP  D.     §  4.     FRIAR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     237 

what1  makith  ^ow  to  haue  al  Jns  labour 

Ful  many  a  cause  lieue  sir  sompnour 

Sayde  j?is  feend .  but1  al  Jjing1  hath  a  tyme 

)}e  day  is  schort1  and  it1  is  passed  prime  1476 

And  3  it*  ne  wan  I  no  Jnng1  in  }>is  day 

I  wol  entente  to  wynnyng1  if1  I  may 

And  not1  entende  oure  Jnnges  to  declare  / 

For  broker  myn  J?y  wit1  is  al  to  bare  1480 

To  vnderstond  al  j?ough"  I  told  hem  J?e 

For  but1  jjou  axid .  whi  laboure  we  / 

For  som  tyme  we  ben  goddis  instrume?ztes 

And  menes  to  don  his  comaiiftdementes  1484 

whan  Jjat1  him  list1  vpon  his  creatures 

In  diuers  act .  and  in  diuers  figures 

wifouten  him  we  haue  no  might1  certeyn 

If1  Jjat1  him  liste  .  stonde  J?er  ageyn  1 488 

And  som  tyme  at1  our  prayer  haue  we  leeue 

Only  J?e  body  and  not1  J>e  soule  greue  / 

witnes  on  lope  whom  we  dide  ful  wo 

And  somtyme  haue  we  might1  of1  boj?e  tuo  1492 

This  is  to  say  of1  body  and  soule  eeke 

And  som  tyme  be  we  suffred  for  to  seeke 

vpon  a  man  and  doon  his  soule  vnrest/ 

And  not1  his  body  and  al  is  for  J>e  best1  149G 

whan  he  wijwtondith  oure  temptackwn 

It1  is  a  cause  of1  his  sauacioem 

Al  be  it1  so .  it  was  nought1  oure  entent 

he  schuld  be  sauf1.  but1  Jmt1  we  wold  him  hent  1500 

And  som  tyme  we  *  ben  seruawnt1  vnto  man        [/<?a/io6] 

As  to  therchebisschope  seynt1  Dunstan 

And  to  thapostolis  seruaunt1  was  I 

3 it1  tel  me  quod  pe  sompnour  faithfully  1504 

Make  36  $ow .  newe  bodies  alway 

Of1  element3  .  J?e  fend  answerde  nay 

Som  tyme  we  feyne .  and  somtyme  we  ryse 

wi]>  dede  bodies,  in  ful  wonder  wyse  1508 


378    SIX-TEXT 

238    GROUP  D.     §  4.     FRIAR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.. 

And  speke  renably .  and  as  fair  and  wel 

As  to  pe  Phitonissa  dede  Samuel 

And  ^it1  wol  somme  say .  it1  was  not1  he 

I  do  no  fors.  of1  30111  diuinite  1512 

But1  oon  ping1  warne  I  pe  I  wol  not1  iape . 

)}ou  wilt1  algates  wite  how  we  ben  schape . 

Thow  schalt1  her  afterward  my  broker  deere 

Com  wher  pe  nedith  no  ping1  for  to  leere  1516 

For  thou  schalt1  by  pin  oughn  experience 

Conne  in  a  chayer  reden  of1  pis  sentence 

Bet1  J>an  viVgile  wliils  he  was  on  lyue  / 

Or  Daunt1  also  /  now  let1  vs  ryde  blyue  1520 

For  I  wol  holde  company  with  pe 

Til  it1  be  so  fat1  pou  forsake  me 

Nay  quod  pe  sompnour  pat1  schal  nought1  betyde 

I  am  a  ^iman  pat1  knowen  is  fid  wyde  1524 

My  troupe  wol  I  hold  as  in  pis  caas 

For  pough  pou  be  pe  deuyl  Sathanas 

My  troupe  wol  I  holde .  to  pe  my  broper 

As  I  am  swore .  and  ech  of1  vs  to  oper  1528 

For  to  be  trewe  breperen  in  pis  caas 

For  bope  we  goon  abouten  oure  purchas 

Tak1  pou  pi  part1  and  pat1  men  wil  pe  }yuen 

And  I  schal  myn  pus  may  we  bope  lyuen  1532 

And  if1  eny  of1  us .  haue  more  pan  oper 

Let1  him  be  trewe .  and  part1  it  wip  his  broper 

I  graunte  quod  pe  deuel  by  my  fay  / 

And  wip  pat1  word  pay  riden  forth  her  way  1536 

And  right1  at1  pentryng1  of1  a  townes  ende  / 

To  which  pis  sompnour  schope  him  for  to  wende 

Thay  seigh  a  cart1  that1  chargid  was  with  hay       |>a/io6,&acfr] 

which  pat1  a  carter  drof1  forp  in  his  way  /  1540 

Deep  was  pe  way  for  which  pe  carte  stood 

This  carter  smoot1  and  cryde  as  he  wer  wood 

hay t1 .  brok1 .  hayt1 .  scot1 .  /  what1  spare  ^e  for  pe  stoones 

J)e  fend  quod  he.  jow  fech  body  and  bones  1544 


SIX-TEXT    379 

GROUP  D.     §  4.     FRIAR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     239 

As  ferforthly  as  euer  wer  36  folid 

So  moche  wo  as  I  haue  with  3ow  tholid 

The  deuyl  haue  al  bo)>e  ca'rt1 .  and  hors  and  hay 

This  sompnowr  sayde  her  schal  we  se  play  1548 

And  ner  J>e  feend  he  drough  as  nou$tt  ne  were 

Ful  priuely  and  rouned  in  his  eere 

herke  ray  broper  herke  by  J)i  faith 

Ne  herest1  nought*  jjou.  what1  ]>e  carter  saith  1552 

hent1  it  anoon  *  for  he  ha])  ^iuen  it  J?e 

boj>e  hay  and  caples  and  eek*  his  cart1  p«rde 

U  Nay  quod  ])e  deuyl  god  wot1  neuer  a  del 

It1  is  nought1  his  entente  trustith  wel  1556 

Ask1  it1  jnself*  ifH  J>ou  not1  trowist1  me 

Or  ellis  stint1  a  while  and  J>ou  schalt1  se 

This  carter  thakketh  his  hors  vpon  the  croupe 

And  J>ay  bygon  to  drawen  and  to  stowpe  1560 

hayt1  now  quod  he  ther .  Iftu  cn'sf  3ow  blesse 

And  al  his  hondwerk1  bojje  more  and  lesse 

That1  was  wel  twight1  myn  oughne  lyard  boy 

I  pray  god  sane  J>y  body  and  seint  loy  1564 

Now  is  my  cart1  out1  of1  jje  sloo  par  de 

Lo  broker  quod  J>o  feend  what1  told  I  J?e 

Her  may  30  seen .  myn  owne  deere  broker 

The  carter  spak1  oon  Jnng1.  and  Jxmgfrt1  anojjer  1568 

Let1  vs  go  forth .  abouten  our  viage 

hier  wynne  I  nojnng1  vpon  cariage 

whan  J>att  Jmy  comen  som  what1  out  of1  toune 

This  sompnour  to  his  brojjir  gan  to  roune  1572 

Brothir  quod  he .  her  wonyth  an  old  rebekke 

That1  had  almost1 .  as  lief1  to  leese  hir  necke  / 

As  for  to  3iue  a  peny  of1  hir  good 

I  wolf1  pens  pougft  Jmt1  sche  go  wood  1576 

Or  I  wol  somone  hir  to  oure  office  [leafw] 

And  3if  god  wot*  I  know  of1  hir  no  vice 

But1  for  Jjou  canst1  not1  as  in  J)is  contre 

wynne  J?y  cost1  tak/  her  ensample  of1  me  1580 


380    SIX-TEXT 

2 -to    GROUP  D.     §  4.     FRIAR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Tins  sompnour  clapped  at1  J>e  widowes  gate 

Com  out1  quod  he  jjou  olde  viritrate 

I  trowe  )>ou  hast1  som  frere  or  prest1  wij?  jje 

who  clappith  Jier  sayd  jris  widow  benedicite  1584 

God  saue  ^ow  sir .  what1  is  ^our  swete  wille 

I  haue  quod  he .  a  somonawnce  of1  a  bille 

vp  payne  of1  cursyng1  loke  }>at  Jjou  be 

To  morwe  biforn  our  erchedeknes  kne  1588 

To  answer  to  J?e  court  of  certeyn  Binges 

Now  quod  sche  Ihu  cn'st1  and  king1  of  kinges 

So  wisly  helpe  me  as  I  ne  may 

I  haue  ben  seek1  and  J>af  ful  many  a  day  1592 

I  may  not1  goon  so  fer  quod  sche  ne  ryde 

But1 1  be  deed  so  prikith  it1  in  my  syde 

May  I  nat1  aske  a  lybel  sir  Sompnour 

And  answer  jjer.  by  my  procuratour  1596 

To  suche  ping1  as .  men  wol  oppose  me 

3is  quod  J)is  sompnour.  pay  anoon  let1  se 

Twelf1  pens  to  me  and  I  \>Q  wil  acquite 

I  schal  no  p?-ofyt1  haue  per-by  but1  lite  1600 

My  mayster  hath  Jje  profyt1  and  not1  I 

Com  of1  and  let1  me  ryden  hastily 

3if  me  my  twelf1  pens  I  may  no  lenger  tary 

Twelf1  pens  quod  sche .  now  lady  seinte  mary  1604 

So  wisly  help  me .  out1  of1  care  and  synne 

}2is  wyde  world .  Jjough  Jnif  I  schulde  wynne 

Ne  haue  I  not  *  xij  •  pens  wi]?inne  myn  hold 

3e  knowen  wel  pat1  I  am  pore  and  old  1608 

kithe  3oure  almes  on  me  pore  wrecche 

Kay  j)an  quod  he .  J?e  foule  fend  me  fecche 

If1 1  Jjexcuse  Jjough  ])ou  schalt1  be  spilt1 

Alias  quod  sche  god  wot1  I  haue  no  gilt1  1612 

Pay  me  quod  he .  or  by  J?e  swet1  seint1  Anne 

As  I  wol  bere  away  f>y  newe  panne 

For  dette  which  J>ou  owest1  me  of1  old          Ueaf  107,  &<«*] 

whan  jjat1  J>ou  madest*  jjin  housbond  coke  wold  1616 


SIX-TEXT    381 

GROUP  D.     §  4.     FRIAR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     241 

I  payd  att  horn  for  J>i  correccioun 

Thou  lixt1  quod  sclie  by  my  sauaciomi 

Ne  was  I  neuer  er  now  wydow  ne  wyf* 

Somound  vnto  jour  court/  in  al  my  lyf  1620 

Ne  neuer  I  was  but1  of1  my  body  trewe 

vnto  f>e  deuel  rough  and  blak1  of1  hiewe 

3iue  I  ]>y  body  and  ]>e  panne  also 

And  whan  j)e  deuyl  herd  hir  curse  so  1624 

vpon  his  knees  he  eayd  in  J)is  manere 

"Now  mabely  rnyn  owne  modir  deere 

Is  J)is  jour  wil  in  ernest1  J>at/  je  seye 

J)e  deuel  quod  he  fecche  him  er  he  deye  1628 

And  panne  and  al  but1  he  wol  him  repente 

Kay  olde  stof  J>af  is  not/  myn  entente  / 

Quod  Jjis  sompnotjr  to  repente  me 

For  eny  J)ing»  )>atf  I  haue  had  of1  J>e  1632 

I  wold  I  had  J>y  smok<  and  euery  cloth 

Now  brojjir  quod  j?e  deuyl  be  not1  wro]? 

Thy  body  and  J?is  panne  is  myn  by  right 

Thou  schalf  wi]3  me  to  helle  jit  to  night  1636 

wher  J)ou  schalt1  knowen  of1  our  priuete 

More  jjan  a  maister  of1  diuinite 

And  wi])  jjat1  word  Jie  foule  fend  him  hente 

Body  and  soule  he  wij)  ]?e  deuyl  wente  1640 

wher  as  j>e  sompnowrs  han  her  heritage 

And  god  Jjat1  maked  after  his  ymage 

Mankynde  saue  and  gyde  vs  alle  and  some 

And  leene  Jris  sompnour  good  man  to  bycome  1644 

lordyngs  I  couj?  han .  told  jow  quod  J?e  frere 

had  I  had  leysir  for  J)is  sompnour  here 

After  J>e  texf  of  crisf  powel  and  Ion 

And  of*  ojjer  doctours  many  oon  1648 

Such  peynes  fafr  our  herte  might1  agrise 

Al  be  if  so  no  tonge  may  deuyse  / 

Though  J>af  I  raighft  a  j>ousand  wynter  telle 

The  peyn  of1  jjilke  cursed  hous  of  helle  1652 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  E 


382    SIX-TEXT 

242     GROUP  D.     §  4.     FRIAR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

But1  for  to  kepe  vs  fro  j?afr  cursed  place  [>a/ ios] 

wakijj  and  prayeth  ihu  for  his  grace 

So  kepe  vs  fro  J)e  temptour  Sathanas 

herknith  jris  word,  be]?  war  as  in  J>is  cas  1656 

The  lyoun  syt1  in  his  awayfr  alway 

To  slen  J)e  Innocent1  if1  pat*  he  may 

Disposith  ^oure  hertes  to  wij^stonde 

The  fend  J?afr  wolde  make  $ow  Jjral  and  bonde  /  1660 

He  may  not1  tempte  ^ow  oner  ^our  might1 

For  crist1  wol  be  ^our  champioz^n  and  knight1 

And  prayeth  Jjat1  cure  sompnoz^1  him  repente 

Of1  his  mys  dede .  er  pat1  fe  fend  him  hente.  1664 

IF  Here  endith  J?e  frere  his  tale 

[No  break  in  the  MS.} 


SIX-TEXT    383 

GROUP  D.  §  5.  FRIAR-SUMMOXER  LINK.  Harleian  7334.  243 


11  And  here  begynneth  f  e  sompnour  his  prologe 

ris  sompnour  in  his  styrop  vp  he  stood 
vpon  f  e  Frere  his  herte  was  so  wood 
That1  lyk1  an  aspen  leef/  he  quok1  for  Ire 
lordyngs  quod  he.  but1  oon  fing1  I  desire  1668 

I  ^ow  biseke  fat*  of1  30111*  curtesye 
Syn  36  han  herd  fis  false  frere  lye 
As  suffrith  me  I  may  my  tale  telle 

This  frere  bosteth  fat1  he  knowith  helle  1672 

And  god  it1  wot1 .  fat1  is  litil  wonder 
Freres  and  feendes  been  but1  litel  asonder 
For  pardy  ^e  han  often  tyme  herd  telle  / 
how  fat1  a  frere  rauyscht1  was  to  helle  1676 

In  spirit  ones  by  a  visiozm 
And  as  an  aungel .  lad  him  vp  and  down 
To  schewen  him  f e  peynes  fat1  f er  were 
In  al  fe  place  saugh  he  not1  a  frere  1680 

Of1  of  er  folk*  he  saugh  ynowe  in  wo 
vnto  f  is  aungel  spak*  f  is  frere  f  o 
Now  sire  quod  he  han  freres  such  a  grace 
That1  noon  of1  hem  schal  comen  in  fis  place  1684 

3is  quod  fis  aungil  many  a  mylioun) 
And  vnto  Sathanas  he  lad  him  doun 
And  now  haf  sathanas  saith  he  a  tayl 
Broder  fan  of1  a  Carrik1  is  fe  sayl  1688 

hold  vp  fy  tayl  f  ou  Sathanas  quod  he          [fca/ios,  fiact] 
Schew  forth  f  yn  ars  and  let  f  e  frere  se 
wher  is  f  e  nest1  of1  freres  in  fis  place 
And  er  fan  half1  a  forlong1  way  of1  space  1692 

R   2 


384   SIX-TEXT 

244  GROUP  D.  §  5.  FRIAR-SUMMONER  LINK.  Harleian  7334. 

Right*  so  as  bees  swarmen  out*  of*  an  hyue 

Out1  of1  J>e  deueles  ers  }>ay  gonne  dryue 

Twenty  J?ousand  freres  on  a  route 

And  ]?orugh  out1  helle  swarmed  al  aboute  1696 

And  comen  as  fast*  as  Jjay  may  goon 

And  in  his  ers  J>ay  crepen  euerich  oon  • 

he  clappid  his  tayl  agayn  and  lay  ful  stille 

This  frere  whan  he  loked  had  his  fille  1700 

Vpon  )>e  torment*  of1  Jns  sory  place 

his  spirit*  god  restored  of1  his  grace 

vnto  his  body  agayn  and  he  awook* 

But*  najjeles  for  fere  ^uV  he  quook*  1704 

So  was  ])e  deueles  ers  }it  in  his  mynde 

That*  is  his  heritage  of  verray  kynde/ 

God  saue  }ow  alle  sane  ])is  cursed  frere 

My  prolong*  wol  I  ende  in  J?is  rnanere  1708 

[No  break  In  the  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    385 

GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    245 


IT  Narratt 

LOrdyngs  J>er  is .  in  Engelond  I  gesse 
A  mersschly  lond  called  holdernesse 
In  which  £er  went1  a  lymytour  aboute 
To  preche  and  eek  to  begge  it*  is  no  double    1712 
And  so  bifel  it .  on  a  day  J>is  frere 
had  preched  at1  a  chirch  in  his  manere 
And  specially  abouen  euery  fing1 

Excited  he  J>e  poepul  in  his  preening*  1716 

To  trentals  and  to  3iue  for  goddis  sake 
wher  that1  men  mighten  holy  soules  make 
Ther  as  diuine  seruys  is  honoured 

Nought1  J?er  as  it  is  wasted  and  deuoured  1720 

Neither  if  needejj  not1  for  to  be  ^me 
As  to  possessioneres  j>af  mow  lyue 
Thanked  be  god  in  wele  and  abundaunce 
Trentals  sayd  he  delyuereth  fro  penaunce  1724 

her  frendes  soules  as  wel  eld  as  ^onge 
3e  whanne  Jmtt  pay  hastily  ben  songe 
Nought1  for  to  hold  a  presf  iolif1  and  gay  [&?<// 100] 

he  syngith  not1  but1  oon  masse  in  a  day  1728 

Delyuerith  outt  quod  he  J?e  soules 
Ful  hard  it1  is  wij>  fleischhok*  or  with  oulcs 
To  ben  y-clawed .  or  brend  or  I-bake 

Now  speed  30  w  hastily  for  cristes  sake  1732 

And  whan  Jjis  frere  had  sayd  al  his  entent 
with  Qui  G\im  pafre .  for])  he  went 
whan  folk1  in  chirch  had  ^iue  him  what1  hem  lest1 
he  went1  his  way  no  lenger  wold  he  rest'  1736 


386    SIX-TEXT 

246    GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

with  scrip  and  pyked  staf1  y-touked  hye 

In  euery  hous  and  gan  to  pore  and  prye 

And  beggyd  mele  or  ehese  or  ellis  corn 

his  felaw  had  a  staf1  typped  with  horn  1740 

A  payr  of1  tablis  al  of»  yuory 

And  a  poyntel  y-polischt1  fetisly 

And  WToot'  ]>Q  names  alway  as  he  stood 

Of1  alle  folk1  that1  ^af1  him  eny  good  1744 

Ascaunce  pat1  he  wolde  for  hem  preye 

3if*  vs  a  busshel .  whet1  or  malt1  or  reye 

A  goddes  kichil  or  a  trip  of1  chese 

Or  elles  what1  30 w  list1  we  may  not1  chese  1748 

A  goddes  halpeny  or  a  masse  peny 

Or  ^if1  vs  of1  ^oure  braune  if1  36  haue  eny 

A  dagoun  of1  ^our  blanket1  leeue  dame 

Oure  suster  deer,  lo  her  I  write  ^our  name  1752 

Bacoun  or  beef1  or  such  Jung1  as  we  fynde 

A  stourdy  harlot1  ay  went  hem  by  hynde 

That4  was  her  hostis  man  and  bar  a  sak* 

And  what1  men  ^af1  hem  layd  it1  on  his  bale*  1756 

And  whan  j?at  he  was  out  atte  dore  anoon 

lie  planed  out  pe  names  euerychoon 

That1  he  biforn  had  writen  in  his  tablis 

He  serued  hem  wij?  nyfles  and  wijj  fablis  1760 

Nay  ]>er  J)ou  lixfr  jjou  sompnom*  sayd  ]?e  frere 

Pees  quod  our  host1  for  cristes  moder  deere 

Tel  for]?  Jjy  tale  and  spare  it1  not  at  al 

So  thriue  I  quod  pe  sompnour  so  I  schal  1764 

So  long1  he  wente  hous  by  hous  til  he  \ieaf  109,  &OCA-] 

Cam  til  an  hous  jjer  he  was  wonf  to  be 

Eefresshid  mor  pan  in  an  hundrid  placis . 

Syk*  lay  j>e  housbond  man  whos  fat1  jje  place  is .  1768 

Bedred  vpon  a  couche  lowe  he  lay 

Deus  hie  quod  he  0  thomas  frend  good  day 

Sayde  J)is  frere  al  curteysly  and  softe  / 

O.  Thomas  god  3eld  it1  30 w  ful  ofte  1772 


SIX-TEXT    387 

GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    247 

haue  I  vpon  Jris  bench  I-fare  ful  wel 

her  haue  I  eten  many  a  mery  mel 

And  fro  jje  bench  he  drof1  away  jje  cat1 

And  layd  a-doun  his  potent1  and  his  hat1  1776 

And  eek1  his  scrip  and  set1  him  soft1  a-doun 

his  felaw  was  go  walkid  in  pe  toun 

Forth  with  his  knaue  to  }>e  ostelrye  / 

wher  as  he  schop  him  Jjilke  night1  to  lye  1780 

0  deere  maister  quod  Jje  seeke  man 
how  haue  36  fare  sijjjje  inarch  bygan 

1  saygh  }ow  noujtt  Jris  fourtenigftt1  or  more 

God  wot1  quod  he  labord  haue  I  ful  sore  1784 

And  specially  for  Jjy  saluaciozm 

haue  I  sayd  many  a  precious  orisoun 

And  for  rnyn  o]?er  frendes  god  hem  blesse  / 

I  haue  to  day  ben  at1  your  chirche  at1  messe  1788 

And  sayd  a  sermown  after  my  simple  wit1 

Nought1  al  after  J?e  text1  of1  holy  wrytt 

For  it1  is  hard  for  ^ow  as  I  suppose 

And  Jjerfor  \ril  I  teche  }ow  ay  Jje  glose  1792 

Glosyng1  is  a  ful  glorious  Jnng1  certayn 

For  letter  slej)  so  as  we  clerk  es  sayn 

))er  haue  I  taught1  hem  to  be  chariteable 

And  spend  her  good.  j?er  it  is  resonable  1796 

And  Jjer  I  seigh  our  dame  wher  is  sche  / 

3ond  in  jje  ^erd  I  trowe  fat1  sche  be 

Sayde  jjis  man .  and  sche  wil  come  anoon 

IT  Ey  mayster  welcome  be  $e  by  seint1  loftn  1800 

Sayde  Jjis  wyf1  how  fare  $e  hertily 

J?e  frere  arise))  vp  ful  curteysly 

And  hir  embracith  in  his  armes  narwe  [^a/no 

And  kist1  hir  swete .  and  chirkith  as  a  sparwe  f  1804 

with  his  lippes  dame  quod  he  right1  wel . 

As  he  Jjat1  is  $our  senwmt1  euerj  del 

Thankyd  be  god  Jjat1  3ow  ^af1  soule  and  lif1 

31^  saugh  I  not1  })is  day  so  fair  a  wyf1  1808 


388    SIX-TEXT 

248    GROUP  D.    §  6.   SUMMONEB'S  TALE.    Harleian  7331 

In  al  pe  chirche  god  so  saue  me . 

3e  God  amend  defautes  sir  quod  sche  / 

Algates  welcome  be  }e  by  my  fay 

Graunt1  mercy  dame  pis  haue  I  found  alway  1812 

But1  of1  ^our  grete  goodnes  by  ^oure  leue 

I  wolde  pray  $ow  pat1  30  30  w  not1  greeue 

I  wil  wip  Thomas  speke  a  litel  prowe 

These  curates  ben  ful  negligent1  and  slowe  1816 

To  grope  tendurly  a  conscience 

In  schrift1  and  preening1  is  my  diligence 

Study  in  petres  wordes  and  in  poules 

And  walk1  and  fissche  cristen  mennes  soules  1820 

To  3elde  Ilm  crist1  his  propre  rent 

To  spreden  his  word  is  al  myn  entent 

Now  by  3  our  leue  o  deere  sire  quod  sche 

Chyd  him  right1  wel  for  seinte  trinite  1824 

he  is  as  angry  as  a  pissemyre 

Though  fat1  he  haue  al  )>at  he  can  desire 

Though  I  him  wrye  on  night1  and  make  him  warm 

And  ouer  him  lay  my  leg1  oper  myn  arm  1828 

he  groneth  lik1  our  boor  that1  lith  in  sty . 

Othir  disport1  of1  him  right1  noon  haue  I 

I  may  please  him  in  no  maner  caas . 

0  Thomas  leo  vows  dy  Thomas  Thomas.  1832 
This  makp  pe  feend  .  pis  moste  ben  amendid 

Ire  is  a  ping1  pat1  highe  god  defendid 

And  per  of1  wold  I  speke  a  word  or  tuo 

Now  maister  quod  pe  wyf1  er  pat1 1  go  /  1836 

what1  wil  ^e  dyne .  I  wil  go  per  aboute 

Now  dame  quod  he  leo  vous  dy  saun^  doute 

haue  I  not1  of1  a  capoun  but*  pe  lyuere 

And  of1 3our  softe  brede  but1  a  sehiuere  1840 

And  after  pat1  a  rostyd  pigges  heed  iieafm,i>ac?c] 

But1  pat1 1  wold  for  me  no  best1  were  deed 

Than  had  I  wip  jow  homly  suffisaunce 

1  am  a  man  of1  litel  sustinaunce  1844 


SIX-TEXT    389 

GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    249 

My  spirit  hap  his  fostryng1  on  pe  bible  / 

fte  body  is  ay  so  redy  and  penyble 

To  wake  fat1  my  stomak*  is  destroyed 

I  pray  30  w  dame  pat1  $e  be  not1  anoyed  1848 

For  I  so  frendly  }o\v  my  counseil  schewe 

By  I  nold  not1  telle  it  but1  a  fewe  / 

Now  sir  quod  sche  but1  o  word  er  I  go 

My  child  is  deed  wipinne  pise  wykes  tuo  1852 

Soon  after  pat1  30  went1  out1  of1  pis  toun 

his  deth  saugh  I  by  reuelaciotm 

Sayde  pis  frere  at1  hoom  in  oure  dorter 

I  dar  wel  sayn  er  pat*  half1  an  hour  1856 

After  his  deth .  I  seigfr  him  born  to  blisse 

In  myn  auysioun  so  god  me  wisse . 

So  did  our  sextein .  and  our  fermerere 

That1  han  ben  trewe  freres  many  a  ^ere  I860 

J}ay  may  now  god  be  thanked  of1  his  lone 

Maken  her  lubile .  and  walk1  alloone 

But1  vp  I  roos  and  al  our  couent1  eeke 

With  many  a  teere  trilling1  on  my  cheeke  •  1864 

Te  deu??z  was  our  song*  and  no  ping*  ellis 

wipouten  noys  or  clateryng1  of*  bellis 

Saue  pat1  to  crist1 1  sayd  an  orisoun 

Thankyng1  him  of1  my  reuelackwn  1868 

For  sire  and  dame  trustith  me  right1  wel 

Our  orisouns  ben  more  effectuel 

And  more  we  se  of1  goddis  secre  pinges 

Than  borel  folk1  alpough  pat1  pay  ben  kinges  1872 

we  lyue  in  pouert1  and  in  abstinence 

And  borel  folk1  in  riches  and  dispence 

Of1  mete  and  drink1  and  in  her  ful  delyt 

we  han  al  pis  worldes  delit1  in  despytt  1876 

lazar  and  Diues  lyueden  diuersely 

And  diuers  guerdown  hadde  pay  perby 

who-so  wol  praye.  faste .  and  be  clene.  !>«/iii] 

And  fatte  his  soule  and  make  his  body  lene  1880 


390    SIX-TEXT 

250    GEOUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 

we  faren  as  saitli  papostil  clop  and  foode 

Suffice])  vs  .  pough  pay  ben  not1  goode 

The  clennes  and  pe  fastyng1  of1  vs  freres 

Makith  pat1  crist1  acceptith  cure  prayeres  1884 

lo  moyses  fourty  dayes  and  fourty  night1 

Fasted  er  pat1  pe  highe  god  of1  might1 

Spak1  wip  him  in .  pe  mount  of1  Synay 

with  empty  wombe  fastyng1  many  a  day  1888 

Receyued  he  pe  lawe  pat1  was  writen 

with  goddis  fynger  and  holy  wel  30  w 

In  moimft  oreb  or  he  had  eny  speche 

with  highe  god  pat1  is  oure  lyues  leche  1892 

He  fastid  and  was  in  contemplaciown 

A  roil  pat1  had  pe  temple  in  gouernaciown 

And  eek1  pe  oper  prestes  euerychoon 

In  to  pe  temple  whan  pay  schulden  goon  1896 

To  preye  for  pe  poeple  and  doon  seruise 

Thay  nolden  drinken  •  in  no  maner  wise  / 

No  drynke  which  pat1  dronke  might1  hem  make  / 

But1  per  in  abstinence  prey  and  wake  1900 

lest1  pat1  pay  dedin .  tak1  heed  what1  I  say 

But1  pay  ben  sobre  pat1  for  pe  pepul  pray 

war  pat1  I  say  no  mor .  for  it1  suffisith 

Oure  lord  Ihu  as  oure  lore  deuysith  1901 

^af1  vs  eusampil  of1  fastyng1  and  prayeres 

))erfore  we  mendinazmt}  we  cely  freres 

Ben  wedded  to  pouert1  and  to  continence 

To  charite  •  humblesse  and  abstinence  1908 

To  persecuciozm  for  rightwisnesse 

To  wepyng1  misericord  and  clennesse 

And  perfor  may  36  seen  pat1  oure  prayeres 

I  speke  of1  vs  we  mendeaunts .  we  freres  1912 

Ben  to  pe  hihe  god  mor  acceptable 

Than  3oures  with  ^our  festis  at1  3our  table 

Fro  paradis  first1  if1 1  schal  not1  lye 

was  man  out1  chaced  for  his  glotonye  1916 


SIX-TEXT    391 

GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    251 


And  chast1  was  man  in  paradis  certeyn         [*«tfin,  &<«*] 

But  now  herk/  thomas  .  what  I  schal  pe  seyn 

I  ne  haue  no  tixt1  of*  it  as  I  suppose  / 

But1  1  schal  fynd  it  in  a  maner  glose  /  1920 

That1  specially  our  swete  lord  ifrtf 

Spak1  pis  by  freres  whan  he  sayde  pus 

Blessed  be  pay  pat1  pouer  in  spirit  ben 

And  so  forp  in  pe  gospel  $e  may  seen  1924 

whejjer  it1  be  likir  cure  professiown 

Or  heris  pat1  swymmen  in  possessiown 

Fy  on  her  pomp  and  on  her  glotenye 

And  on  her  lewydnesse  I  hem  defye  1928 

Me  pinkith  pay  ben  lik1  louynian 

Fat1  as  a  whal  and  walken  as  a  swan 

Al  vinolent1  as  botel  in  pe  spence 

her  prayer  is  of4  ful  gref  reufrence  1932 

whan  pay  for  soules  sayn  pe  psalm  of  dauid 

lo  boef1  pay  say  .  Cor  meum  eructauit 

who  folwith  cristes  gospel  and  his  fore 

But1  we  pat1  humble  ben  and  chast1  and  pore  1936 

werkers  of1  goddes  word  and  auditours 

Ther-for  right1  as  an  hauk1  vpon  a  sours 

vpspringeth  in  to  paer  right1  so  prayeres 

Of1  charitabil  and  chaste  busy  freres  1940 

Maken  her  sours  to  goddis  eeres  tuo 

Thomas  thomas  so  mote  I  ryde  or  go 

And  by  Jjat1  lord  pat1  clepid  is  seint1  lue 

Ner  Jjou  oure  broper  schuldestow  neuer  priue  1944 

In  oure  chapitre  pray  we  day  and  night1 

To  crist1  pat1  he  pe  sende  hele  and  might1 

Thy  body  for  to  welden  hastily 

God  wot1  quod  he  per-of1  nought1  feele  1  .  1948 

As  help  me  crist1  as  I  in  fewe  ^eeres 

haue  spendid  vpon  many  diuers  freres 

Ful  many  a  pound  3^  fare  I  neuer  pe  bet1 

Certeyn  my  good  haue  I  almost1  byset/  1952 


392    SIX-TEXT 

252    GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Far  \vel  my  gold  for  it1  is  almost1  a  go 

The  frere  answerd  //  0  thomas  dostow  so 

what1  needith  ^ow  dyuerse  freres  seche  [/<?a/ii2] 

what1  needith  him  fat1  haf  a  parfyf  leche  /  1956 

To  sechen  of  ir  leches  in  f  e  toun 

3oure  inconstance  is  30111x3  confusiown 

holde  30  fan  me  or  oure  conent 

To  praye  for  ^ow  insufficient  1960 

Thomas  fat1  iape  is  not1  worth  a  myte 

3oure  malady  is  for  we  haue  to  lite 

If  A  31116  fat1  couent1  half*  a  quarter  otes 

A  3iue  fat1  couent1  four  and  twenty  grotes  1964 

A  31116  fat1  frere  a  peny  and  let1  him  go . 

Nay  nay  thomas .  it1  may  nought1  be  so 

what1  is  a  ferthing  worth  depart1  in  tuelue 

lo  ech  fing1  fat1  is  ooned  in  himselue  1968 

Is  more  strong1  fan  whan  it1  is  to-skatrid 

Thomas  of1  me  f  ou  schalfr  not1  ben  y-flatrid 

Thow  woldist1  haue  our  labour  al  for  nought 

The  hihe  god  fat'  al  this  world  hath  wrought1  1972 

Saith  fat1  a  werkmara  is  worf y  his  hyre 

Thomas  110113^  of1  3our  tresor  I  desire 

For  my  self1 .  but1  for  that1  oure  couent/ 

To  pray  for  3ow  is  ay  so  diligent  1976 

And  for  to  buylden  cristes  holy  chirche 

Thomas  if1  36  wil  lerne  for  to  wirche  / 

Of1  buyldyng1  vp  on  chirches  may  36  fynde 

If1  it  be  good  in  thomas  lyf<  of1  ynde  1980 

3e  lye  her  ful .  of1  anger  and  of1  Ire 

wif  which  f e  deuel  set1  30111*  hert1  on  fuyre 

And  chyden  her  f  e  holy  Innocent1 

3our  wyf1  fat1  is .  so  meke  and  pacient  /  198-4 

And  f e?-for  trow  me  thomas  if1  foil  list1 

Ne  stryue  nought1  wif  f  y  wif1  as  for  f  i  best1 

And  ber  f  is  word  away  now  by  f  y  faith 

Touchinge  such  fing1  lo  fe  wise  man  saith  1988 


SIX-TEXT    393 

GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMON  ER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    253 

H  wipinne  pin  lions  be  pou  no  lyoun 

To  py  subiects .  do  noon  oppressioun 

Ne  make  pyn  acqueyntis  fro  pe  fle 

And  ^it1  thonms  eftsons  I  charge  pe  /  1992 

Be  war  for  hir  pat1  in  py  bosom  slepith          [/«« 7112,  back] 

war  for  pe  serpent  fat1  so  priuely  crepith 

vnder  pe  gras  and  styngith  priuely 

Be  war  my  sone  and  werk1  paciently  1996 

For  twenty  pousend  men  han  lost1  her  lyues 

For  stryuyng1  wip  her  lemmans  and  her  wyues . 

Now  syns  36  han  so  holy  and  meeke  a  wif1 

what1  nedith  }ow  thomas  to  make  strif1  2000 

Ther  nys  I-wis  no  serpent1  so  cruel 

when  men  trede  on  his  tail  ne  half*  so  fel 

As  wowiman  is  when  sche  ha])  caught1  an  Ire 

Vengeans  is  panne .  al  pat1  pay  desire  2004 

Schortly  may  no  man  by  rym  and  vers    [Spurious]    2004ft 

Tellen  her  thoughtes  pay  ben  so  dyuers  [       „       J    2004  c 

Ire  is  a  ping1  oon  pe  grete  of  seuene 

Abhominable  to  fe  god  of*  heuene 

And  to  himself1  it  is  destrucciown 

This  euery  lowed  vicory  or  pa?*soun  2008 

Can  say  how  Ire  engendrith  homicide 

Ire  is  in  soth  executour  of1  pride 

I  coujje  of1  Ire  seyn.  so  moche  sorwe 

My  tale  schulde  laste  til  to  morwe  2012 

Ire  is  ]?e  grate  of1  synne  as  saith  )?e  wise   [Spur mis]    2012& 

To  fle  J?er  fro  ech  man  schuld  him  deuyse  [       „       ]   201 2  c 

And  Jjer-for  pray  I  god  boj>e  day  and  night1 

An  Irous  man  god  send  him  litil  might1 

It1  is  greet1  harm .  and  also  gret1  pite 

To  set1  an  Irous  man  in  high  degre  2016 

IT  whilom  ]?er  was  an  Irous  potestate 

As  seith  senek1  pat1  duryng1  his  estaat*  / 

vpon  a  day  out/  riden  knightes  tuo 

And  as  fortune  wolde  right1  as  it1  were  so  2020 

That1  oon  of*  hem  cam  home  pat1  o]?er  noi^t1 

Anoon  J?e  knight1  bifore  the  iuge  is  brou^f 

That1  sayde  pus .  pou  hast1  py  felaw  slayn 

For  which  I  deme  pe  to  deth  certayn  2024 


394    SIX-TEXT 

254    GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334,, 

And  to  anothir  knight1  comaundid  he  / 

Go  lede  him  to  f  e  deth  I  charge  f  e  / 

And  happed  as  fay  wente  by  fe  weye  Oa/ns] 

Toward  fe  place  fer  he  schulde  deye  2028 

The  knight1  com  which .  men  wend  hadde  be  deed 

Than  f oughten  fay  it1  were  f  e  beste  reed 

To  lede  hem  bof  e  to  f  e  iuge  agayn) 

Thay  say  den  lord  fe  knight1  ha])  not1  slayn  2032 

his  felaw  lo .  heer  he  stout1  hool  on  lyue 

3e  schal  be  deed  quod  he  so  mote  I  friue 

That1  is  to  sayn  bof  e  oon .  tuo .  and  f  re 

And  to  fe  firste  kny^t1  right1  fus  spak1  he  2036 

I  deme  f  e  f  ou  most1  algate  be  deed 

Than  foughte  fay  it1  were  fe  beste  rede   [Spurious]    2037 b 

To  lede  him  forj>  in  to  a  fair  mede  [       „        |    203 ~c 

And  quod  f  e  iuge  also  f  ou  most1  lese  fin  heed 

For  f  ou  art1  cause  why  fy  felaw  deyth 

And  to  fe  fridde  felaw  pus  he  seith  2040 

Thou  hast1  nought1  doon  fat1 1  comaundid  f  e 

And  fus  he  let1  don  sle  hem  alle  f  re 

Irous  Cambises  was  eek1  dronkelewe 

And  ay  delited  him  to  ben  a  schrewe  2044 

And  so  bifel  a  lord  of1  his  meigne 

That1  loued  vertues  and  eek/  moralite 

Sayd  on  a  day  bitwix  hem  tuo  right1  fus 

A  lord  is  lost1  if1  he  be  vicious  2048 

An  Irous  man  is  lik1  a  frentik1  best1          [Spurious]    2048/> 

In  which  fer  is  of1  wisdom  noon  arrest1    [       „       ]     2048c 

And  dronkenes  is  eek1  a  foul  record 

Of  any  man  and  namly  of1  a  lord 

Ther  is  ful  many  ey^e  and  many  an  eere 

Awaytand  on  a  lord  and  he  not1  where  2052 

For  goddes  loue  drynk1  more  attemperelly 

wyn  makith  man  to  lese  wrecchedly 

his  mynde  and  eek  .  his  lymes  euerichoon 

The  reuers  schaltow  seen  quod  he  anoon  2056 

And  proue  it1  by  fin  owne  experience 

That1  wyn  ne  dof  to  folk1  non  such  offence 

Ther  is  no  wyn .  byreueth  me  my  wit 

Of1  hond  of1  foot1  ne  of1  myn  ey$e  sight1  2060 


SIX-TEXT    395 

GROUP  D.   §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    255 


And  for  despyt*  he  dronke  moche  more 

An  hundrid  part1  Jmn  he  had  doon  byfore 

And  right*  anoon  Jns  irous  cursid  wrecche  / 

Let1  })is  knightes  sone  anoon  biforn  him  fecche  2064 

Comaundyng*  hem  J?ay  schuld  biforn  him  stonde 

And  sodeinly  he  took1  his  bowe  on  honde 

And  vp  ]?e  streng1  he  pulled  to  his  eere 

And  wij)  an  arwe  he  slough  J?e  child  right1  ]?ere  2068 

Now  whejnr  haue  I  a  sikur  hond  or  noon 

Quod  he  is  al  my  mynde  and  might*  agoon 

hath  wyn  byreuyd  me  myn  eye  sight* 

what*  schuld  I  telle  Jje  answer  of1  ]>e  knight  2072 

his  sone  was  slayn  J?er  is  no  more  to  say 

Be  war  Jperfor  .  wij>  lordes  how  30  play 

Syngith  placebo  .  and  I  schal  if1  1  can 

But1  if1  it1  be.  vnto  a  pore  man  2076 

To  a  pore  man  men  schuld  his  vices  telle 

But1  not1  to  a  lord  J>ey  he  schuld  go  to  helle 

lo  Irous  Cirus  Jnlke  Percien 

how  he  destruyed  £e  ryuer  of1  Gysen  2080 

For  fat*  an  hors  of*  his  was  dreynt  \>er  Inne  . 

whan  Jjat*  he  wente  Babiloyne  to  wynne 

he  made  J>at*  J>e  ryuer  was  so  smal 

J)at*  wowmen  mighte  wade  it  ouer  al  2084 

lo  what*  sayde  he  "pat*  so  wel  teche  can 

Ne  be  no  felaw  .  to  an  irous  man 

No  with  no  wood  man  walke  by  pe  way 

lest*  j?e  repent  I  wol  no  lenger  say  2088 

Now  thomas  leue  broker  leue  J)in  Ire 

Thow  schalt1  me  fynde  as  iust*  as  is  a  squire 

Thyn  anger  doth  fe  al  to  sore  smerte 

hald  not*  ]?e  deueles  knyf*  alway  at*  Jjyn  herte  2092 

But*  schewe  to  me  al  J>y  confessiown 

Nay  quod  J>is  syke  man  by  seyrit  symown 

I  haue  ben  schriuen  ]>is  day  of*  my  curate 

I  haue  him  told  holjy  al  myn  estate/  2096 


396    SIX-TEXT 

256    GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Nedith  no  more  to  speken  of1  it  saith  he  / 

But1  if  me  list1  of  myn  humilite . 

3if  me  pan  of  py  good  to  make  our  cloyster        [>a/m] 

Quod  he  for  many  a  muscle  and  many  an  oyster  2100 

ha]j  ben  oure  foode  our  Cloyster  to  arreyse 

whan  oper  merc  han  ben  ful  wel  at1  eyse 

And  jit1  god  wot1  vnnethe  pe  foundeme;^ 

Parformed  is  ne  of  oure  pauyment1  2104 

Is  nought*  a  tyle  jit1  wipinne  our  wones 

By  god  we  owe  jif  fotirty  pound  for  stones 

Now  help  Thomas  for  him  pat1  harewed  hello 

Or  elles  moote  we  oure  bookes  selle  2108 

And  jif  jow  lakke  oure  predicaeioira 

Thanne  gop  pe  world  al  to  destruccio?m 

For  who-so  wold  vs  fro  J)e  world  byreue 

So  god  me  saue  Thomas  by  joure  leue  2112 

he  wolde  byreue  out1  of  pis  world  pe  sonne 

For  who  can  teche .  and  werken  as  we  conne 

And  J)is  is  not1  of  litel  tyme  quod  he 

But1  sippen  Elye  was  her  or  ele  2116 

han  freres  ben  fynde  I  of  record 

In  charite  I-panked  be  oure  lord 

Xow  Thomas  help  for  seynte  charite 

A-doun  he  sette  him  anoon  on  his  kne  2120 

This  sike  man  wex  welneigh  wood  for  Ire 

he  wolde  pat1  pe  frere  had  ben  on  fuyre 

with  his  fals  dissimulackmn 

Such  ping1  as  is  in  my  possessioun  2124 

Quod  he  pat1  may  I  jeue  -$ow  and  noon  oper 

3e  sayn  me  pus  how  pat1  I  am  jour  broper 

3e  certes  quod  pe  frere  trusteth  wel 

I  took1  our  dame  pe  letter  vnder  oure  sel  2128 

I^"ow  wel  quod  he  and  som  what1  schal  I  jiue 

Vnto  jour  holy  couent  whils  pat1 1  lyue 

And  in  pyn  hond  pou  schalfr  if  hane  anoon 

On  pis  condicio&n  and  oper  noon  2132 


SIX-TEXT    397 

GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    257 

That1  pou  depart1  it1  so  my  deere  broker 

That*  euery  frere  haue  as  moche  as  oper 

Thy  schaltow  swere  on  J>y  professiown 

wipouten  fraude  or  cauillaciown  2136 

I  swere  if  quod  pis  frere  vpon  my  faith        [/ca/iu,6ac*] 

And  per-with  his  hond  in  his  he  laith 

Jo  her  myn  hond  in  me  schal  be  no  kk 

Now  panne  put*  pyn  hond  doun  at  my  bak  2140 

Sayde  pis  man  and  grope  wel  byhynde 

Bynethe  my  buttok*  pere  schaltow  fynde 

A  ping*  pat*  I  haue  hud  in  priuete 

A  pought*  )>is  frere  j)at  schal  go  with  me  /  2144 

And  doun  his  hond  he  launched  to  pe  clifte 

In  hope  for  to  fynde  per  a  ^ifte 

And  whan  pis  syke  man  felte  Jris  frere 

Aboute  his  tuel  grope  per  and  heere  2148 

Amyd  his  hond  he  leef  pe  freere  a  fart 

Ther  is  no  capul  drawyng*  in  a  cart* 

That*  might*  haue  let*  a  fart*  of*  such  a  soun 

The  frere  vpstart*  as  doth  a  wood  lyoun  2152 

A  false  cherl  quod  he  for  goddes  bones 

This  hastow  in  despit*  don  for  J>e  noones 

Thou  schalt*  abye  pis  fart*  if*  pat*  I  may 

his  meyne  which  pat*  herd  of*  pis  affray  2156 

Com  lepand  In  and  chased  out*  pe  frere 

And  forth  he  go}?  wij>  a  foul  angry  cheere 

And  fat*  his  felaw  pere  lay  his  stoor 

he  lokid  as  it  were  a  wylde  boor  2 ICO 

And  grynte  with  his  tee])  so  was  he  wroth 

A  stordy  paas  doun  to  J>e  court*  he  goth 

wher  as  J>er  wonyd  a  man  of*  gret*  honour 

To  whom  }>af  he  was  alway  confessour  2164 

This  worjjy  man  was  lord  of*  Jjat  /  village 

This  frere  com  as  he  were  in  a  rage 

wher  pat*  pis  lord  saf  etyng*  at*  his  bord 

Vnnepe  might*  pe  frere  speke  a  word  2168 

CANT.  TALES — HARL.  8 


398    SIX-TEXT 

258    GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 

Til  atte  last1  he  sayde  god  ^ow  se 

This  lord  gan  loke  and  sayde  benedicite 

What1  frere  lolin  what1  maner  world  is  Jns  / 

I  se  wel .  Jmt1  som  Jjing1  is  amys  2172 

3<3  loke  as  J?ough  )?e  woode  were  ful  of1  J?euys 

Sit1  doun  anoon  and  tel  me  what1  30111  gref1  is 

And  it1  schal  ben  amendit  if1  Jmt1 1  may  [leaf  115] 

I  liaue  quod  he  had  a  despifr  to  day  2176 

God  3elde  30 w  a-doun  in  ^oure  vilage 

That1  in  J?is  world  is  noon  so  pore  a  page/ 

That1  he  nold  haue  abhominaciozm 

Of1  Jmt4  I  haue  receyued  in  ^oure  toun  2180 

And  3et  ne  grenith  me  no  Jnng1  so  sore 

As  Jrat1  J)is  elde  cherl  wijj  lokkes  hore 

Blasphemed  haj>  our  holy  couent1  eeke 

Now  maister  quod  Jns  lord  I  }ow  biseke  2184 

No  maister  sir  quod  he  but  seruitour 

Jjoiigh  I  haue  had  in  scole  such  honour 

God  likith  not1  Jmt  Eaby  men  vs  calle 

Neither  in  market  neyther  in  ^our  large  halle  2188 

No  fors  quod  he  tellith  me  al  ^our  greef 

]2is  frere  sayd  sire  an  odious  meschief1 

This  day  bytid  is  to  myn  ordre  and  to  me 

And  so  par  consequens  to  ech  degre  2192 

Of4  holy  chirche  god  amend  it  soone 

Sir  quod  J:e  lord  36  wot1  what1  is  to  doone 

Distempre  30 w  nought1  36  ben  my  confessour 

3e  ben  J?e  salt1  of1  J)erJ?e  and  sauyour  2196 

For  goddes  loue  3oure  pacience  30  holde 

Tel  me  3 our  greef1  and  he  anoon  him  tolde 

As  36  han  herd  bifore  30  wot1  wel  what1 

The  lady  of1  Jmt1  hous  ay  stille  sat1  2200 

Til  sche  had  herd  what1  J?e  frere  sayde 

Ey  goddes  moodir  quod  she  blisful  mayde 

Is  J?er  ought1  elles  tel  me  faithfully 

Ma  dame  quod  he  how  Jjynke jow  J?erby  2204 


SIX-TEXT    399 

GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    259 

how  pat1  me  pynkith  quod  sche  so  god  me  speede 

I  say  a  cherl  ha])  doon  a  cherles  deede 

what*  schuld  I  say  god  let1  him  neuer  ]>& 

His  syke  heed  is  full  of1  vanyte  2208 

I  hold  him  in  a  maner  frenesye  / 

Ma  dame  quod  he  I-wis  I  schal  not1  lye 

But1  I  in  opir  wise  may  be  wreke 

I  schal  defame  him  ouer  al  wher  I  speke  2212 

The  false  blasfememowr  pat1  chargid  me        [leaf  us,  back] 

To  parten  pat1  wil  not  departed  be 

To  euery  man  yliche  wip  meschazmce 

The  lord  sat1  stille  as  he  were  in  a  traunce  2216 

And  in  his  hert1  he  rollid  vp  and  doun 

How  had  pis  cherl  ymaginaciown 

So  schewe  such  a  probleme  to  pe  frere 

Neuer  eft1  er  now  herd  I  of1  such  matiere  2220 

I  trowe  pe  deuel  put1  it  in  his  mynde 

In  ars  metrik  /  schal  per  no  man  fynde 

Biforn  Jns  day  of1  such  a  questiown 

who  schulde  make  a  demonstracio?/n  2224 

That1  eue?y  man  schuld  haue  a  lyk1  his  part1 

As  of1  a  soun  or  of1  a  sauour  of1  a  fart1 

0  nyce  proude  cherl  I  schrew  his  face 

lo  sires  quod  pe  lord  wip  harde  grace  2228 

who  euer  herde  of1  such  a  ping1  er  now 

To  euery  man  y-like  tel  me  how 

It  is  impossible  it  may  not1  be 

Ey  nyce  cherl  god  let1  him  neuer  pe  2232 

The  romblyng*  of  a  fart1  and  euery  soun 

Nis  but1  an  aier  reuerberacioun 

And  euer  it1  wastith  lyte  and  lyfr  away 

Ther  nys  no  man  can  deme  by  my  fay  /  2236 

If1  pat1  it1  were  departed  equally 

what1  lo  my  cherl  what1  lo  how  schrewedly 

vnto  my  confessour  to  day  he  spak1 

1  hold  him  certeinly  demoniak1  2240 

S    2 


400    SIX-TEXT 

260   GROUP  D.    §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 

Now  etith  30111  mete  and  let1  f  e  cherl  go  play  / 
Let  him  go  honge  himself1  on  deuel  way  / 


[The  Solution  of  the  "Problem*"  by  the  Lord's  Sguire. 
No  break  in  the  MS.] 

Now  stood  f  e  lordes  squier  at  f  e  bord 

That1  carf1  his  mete  and  herde  word  by  word  2244 

Of*  al  f  is  f  ing1  which  fat1  I  of1  haue  sayd 

My  lord  quod  he  be  36  nou^t1  euel  payd 

I  couf  e  telle  for  a  gowne  cloth 

To  3ow  sir  frere  so  fat1  30  be  not1  wroth  2248 

How  fat1  f  is  fart1  euen  /  departed  schuld  be 

Among1  3our  couent1  if1  I  comaunded  be 

Tel  quod  fe  lord  and  fou  schalt1  haue  anoon      [>a/ii6] 

A  goune  cloj)  by  god  and  by  seint1  lohn  2252 

My  lord  quod  he  whan  fat1  f  e  wedir  is  fair 

wijjoute  wynd  or  pertourbyng1  of1  ayr 

let1  bring1  a  large  whel  in  to  f  is  halle 

But1  pat1  it1  baue  his  spokes  alle  2256 

Twelf1  spokes  hath  a  cart  whel  comunly 

And  bring1  me  .  xij  .  freres  wit1  36  why 

For  f  rettene  is  a  couent1  as  I  gesse  / 

3our  noble  confessour  her  god  him  blesse  2260 

Schal  parfourn  vp  ]>Q  nombre  of1  f  is  couent1 

Thanne  schal  fay  knele  doun  by  oon  assent1 

And  to  euery  spokes  ende  in  f  is  manere 

Ful  sadly  lay  his  nose  schal  a  frere  2264 

3our  noble  confessour  fer  god  him  saue 

Schal  hold  his  nose  vprighf  vnder  fe  naue 

Than  schal  f  is  churl  with  bely  stif1  and  tought1 

As  eny  tabor  hider  ben  y-broughf  2268 

And  sette  him  on  fe  whele  of1  fis  cart1 

vpon  f e  naue  and  make  him  lete  a  fart 

And  30  schul  seen  vp  peril  of1  my  lif1 

By  verray  proef1  fat1  is  demonstratif1  2272 


SIX-TEXT    401 

GROUP  D.   §  6.    SUMMONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    261 

That*  equally  ]>e  soun  of1  it  wol  wende  / 

And  eek1  )>e  stynk*  vnto  J?e  spokes  ende 

Saue  Jjatf  j)is  worjjy  man  }our  confessour 

By  cause  he  is  a  man  of*  gretf  honour  2276 

Schal  haue  J?e  firste  fruyt1  as  resoun  is 

The  noble  vsage  of1  freres  is  ]>is 

The  worthy  men  of*  hem  first1  schal  be  serued 

As  certeynly  he  haj>  if  wel  deserued  2280 

he  hath  to  day  taught1  vs  so  mochil  good 

with  preching1  in  )>e  pulpit1  fer  he  stood 

That1 1  may  vouche  sauf1 1  say  for  me 

He  hadde  J?e  firste  smel  of1  fartes  fre  2284 

And  so  wold  al  his  couent1  hardily 

he  berith  him  so  fair  and  holily 

The  lord  ]?e  lady  and  ech  man  sauf  ]?e  frere 

Sayde  fan  lankyn  spak1  in  j)is  matiere  2288 

As  wel  as  euclide  or  elles  protholome  [leafiw,  back] 

Touchand  J?e  clerk1  ]?ay  sayd  fat1  subtilte 

An  higB.  wyt1  made  him  speken  as  he  spak1 

he  nas  no  fool  ne  no  demoniak1  /  2292 

And  lankyn  haj)  I-wonne  a  newe  goune 

My  tale  is  don .  we  ben  almost1  at1  toune . 

IT  Here  endith  the  sompnowrs  tale 

[No  Irealt  in  the  MS.] 


403    SIX-TEXT 

262    GROUP  E.    §  1.    CLERK'S  HEAD-LINK.    Harleian  7334. 


GROUP  E.    FRAGMENT  VI. 

§  1.    THE  CLERK'S  HEAD-LINK. 
HARLEIAN  MS,  7334  (British  Museum). 


IT  And  here  bygynnetli  pe  Clerk1  of1  Oxenford  prologe 

Sir  clerk1  of1  Oxenford  our  hoste  sayde 
3e  ryde  as  stille  and  coy  as  do])  a  mayde  / 
were  newe  spoused  sittyng1  at1  a  bord 

This  day  ne  herd  I  of*  3our  mouth  a  word  4 

I  trowe  36  study  aboute  som  sophime 
But1  Salomon  saith  euery  ping1  hath  tyrae 
For  goddis  sake  as  beth  of1  better  cheere 
It1  is  no  tyme  for  to  stody  hiere  8 

Tel  vs  soni  mery  tale  by  }our  fay 
For  what1  man  is  entred  vnto  play 
he  moot1  nedes  vnto  pat1  play  assent1 

But1  prechith  not1  as  freres  doon  in  lent1  1 2 

To  make  vs  for  our  olde  synnes  wepe 
]Sre  pat1  py  tale  [  *  ]  tale  make  vs  for  to  slepe     ]  J?y  »eratc&t  out 
Tel  vs  som  mery  ping1  of1  aduentures 

3oure  termes  ^our  colours  and  ^our  figures  16 

keep  hem  in  stoor  til  so  be  pat1  30  endite 
high  style  as  whan  pat1  men  to  kynges  write 
Spekith  so  playn  at1  pis  tyme  we  3ow  pray 
That1  we  may  vnderstonde  pat1  36  say  /  20 

This  worpy  clerk1  benignely  answerde  / 
Sir  host1  quod  he  I  am  vncler  3our  3erde 
3e  haue  of1  vs  as  now  pe  gouernawnce  / 
And  perfor  wol  I  do  30 w  obeissawnce  '21 


SEX-TEXT    404 

GROUP  E.    §  1.    CLERK'S  HEAD-LINK.    Harleian  7334.    263 

Als  fer  as  resoun  asldth  hardily 
I  wil  $ow  telle  a  tale  which  Jmt1  I 
lerned  at1  Padowe  of1  a  worjry  clerk1 

As  prouyd  by  his  wordes  and  his  werk1  28 

he  is  now  deed  and  nayled  in  his  chest1 
Now  god  3iue  his  soule  wel  good  rest* 
Fraunces  petrark1  J)e  laureate  poete  [>«/ii7] 

highte  ))is  clerk/,  whos  rethoriqwe  swete  32 

Enlumynd  al  ytail  of1  poetrie 
As  linian  did  of1  philosophic 
Or  lawue  or  other  art1  particulere 

But1  deth  jmt1  wol  not1  suffre  vs  duellen  heere  36 

But1  as  it1  were  a  twyncling1  of1  an  ye 
hem  boj?e  haj)  slayn  and  alle  schul  dye 
But1  forth  to  telle  of1  this  worj>y  man 

That1  taughte  me  J?is  tale  as  I  first1  bigan  40 

I  say  Jjatt  he  first1  with  heigh  stile  enditith 
Er  he  J?e  body  of1  his  tale  writith 
A  proheme  in  the  which  descriuith  he 
The  mounde  and  of1  Saluces  J)e  contre  44 

And  spekith  of1  appenyne  ]?e  hulles  hye 
That1  ben  ]?e  boundes  of1  al  west1  lombardye 
And  of1  mount1  vesulus  in  special 

wher  as  J)e  poo  out1  of1  a  welle  smal  48 

Takith  his  firste  springyng1  and  his  sours 
Tfrat1  estward  ay  encresceth  in  his  cours 
To  Emyl-ward  *  to  ferard  and  to  venise 
Thje  which  a  long1  Jnng1  were  to  deuyse  52 

And  trewely  as  to  my  luggement 
Me  thinkith  it1  a  ]jing?  Impey-tinent1 
Saue  jjat1  he  wold  conueyen  his  matiere 
But1  J?is  is  ]je  tale  which  Jiat1  ^e  schuln  heere  56 

1T  Explicit  prohemiMm 

[No  break  in  the  MS.  here,  or  between  the  Stanzas  following.'] 


405    SIX-TEXT 

264    GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 


IT  Incipif  narrare 

Ter  is  at1  J>e  west  /  ende  of1  ytaile  57 

Doun  at1  j?e  root1  of1  vesulus  J>e  colde 
A  lusty  playn  abundawnt  of1  vitaile 
wher  many  a  tour  and  toun  J>ou  maist1  byliolde . 
That1  foundid  were  in  tyme  of1  fadres  olde .         61 
And  many  anothir  deli  table  sight1 
And  Saluces  Jns  noble  con  tray  highf  63 

A  marquys  whilom  duellid  in  Jjat1  lond  64 

As  were  his  worjiy  eldris  him  bifore 
And  obeisaunf  ay  redy  to  his  hond 
were  alle  his  liegis  bothe  lesse  and  more       \ieaf  in,  back] 
Thus  in  delyt1  he  lyueth  and  hath  don  3ore  68 

Biloued  and  drad  Jmrgh  fauour  and  fortune 
Bofe  of1  his  lordes  and  of*  his  comune  70 

I  her  with  he  was  as  to  speke  of1  lynage  71 

The  gentileste  born  of1  lumbardye 

A  fair  persone .  and  strong1  and  $ong1  of1  age 

And  ful  of1  honour  and  of1  curtesie 

Discret1  ynough"  his  contre  for  to  gye  75 

Sauynge  in  som  ping*  he  was  to  blame 

And  wautier  was  J)is  3onge  lordes  name  77 

T  blame  him  thus  that1  he  considered  nought  78 

In  tyme  comyng1  what1  mighte  bityde 

But1  on  his  lust1  present1  was  al  his  Jjoiigfit 

As  for  to  hauke  and  hunte  on  euery  syde 

wel  neigh  al  o]nr  cures  let1  he  slyde  82 

And  eek1  he  nolde  Jjat1  was1  [ l  ]  J>e  worst1  of1  al   >  >e  was  mw«* 

wedde  no  wyf1  for  no  ping1  fat1  might1  bifal  84 


SIX-TEXT    406 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     265 

Only  pat1  poynt1  his  poeple  bar  so  sore  85 

That1  flokmel  on  a  day  to  him  fay  went1 

And  oon  of1  hem  that1  wisest*  was  of1  lore 

Or  elles  fat1  f  e  lord  wolde  best1  assent 

That1  he  schuld  telle  him  what1  his  poeple  ment1  89 

Or  ellis  couf  e  he  schewe  wel  such  matiere 

he  to  fe  marquys  sayd  as  36  schuln  hiere  91 

(J  noble  marquys  .  ^oure  humanite  92 

Assureth  vs  and  3iueth  vs  hardynesse 

As  ofte  as  tyme  is  of1  necessite 

That  we  to  30  w  may  telle  oure  heuynesse 

Acceptith  lord  now  .  of1  3010-  necessite  96 

That  we  with  pitous  hert1  vnto  ^ow  playne 

And  let1  ^oure  eeris  my  vois  not*  disdeyne  98 

And  hane  I  nouglit1  to  doon  in  jus  matere  99 

More  pan  anof  er  ma?i  hap  in  pis  place  / 

3it  for  as  moche  as  36  my  lord  so  deere 

han  alway  schewed  me  fauour  and  grace 

I  dar  fe  better  ask1  of1  }ow  a  space  /  103 

And  audience  to  asken  oure  request/ 

And  36  my  lord  to  doon  right1  as  3ow  lest1         [^a/ns]     105 


For  certes  lord  so  wel  vs  likith  3ow  106 

And  al  3our  werk1  and  euer  han  doon  fat1  we 

Ne  couf  en  not1  deuysen  how 

we  mighte  lyue  more  in  felicite 

Saue  oon  ping1  lord  if1  fat1  3our  wille  be  110 

That1  for  to  be  a  weddid  man  3ow  list/ 

Than  were  3our  peple  in  souereign  hertes  rest  /  112 

Bowith  30111  neck1,  vndir  fat1  blisful  30k1  113 

Of1  souereignete  .  nought1  of1  seruise 

which  fat1  men  clepe  spousail  or  wedlok1 

And  thenkith  lord  among1  3  our  f  oughtes  wise  / 


407    SIX-TEXT 

266    GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.    Harleian  7331 

how  Jjafr  our  dayes  passe  in  sondry  wyse  117 

For  pough  we  slepe  or  wake  or  rome  aboute 

Ay  fleth  J?e  tyme  itt.wil  no  man  abyde.  119 

And  though  3our  grene  ^oufe  floure  as  }it  120 

In  crepith  age  alway  as  stille  as  stoon 

And  deth  manasith  euery  age  and  smyt1 

In  ech  estat1  for  ]?er  ascapith  noon 

And  as  certeyn  as  as  we  knowe  euerychon  124 

That1  we  echuln  deye  as  vncerteyn  we  alle 

Ben  of*  J?afr  day  fat1  dej)  schal  on  vs  falle  126 

Acceptith  thanne  of1  vs  Jje  trewe  entent  127 

That  neuer  }it/  refusid  ^oure  hest1 

And  we  wil  lord  if1  Jjatt  $e  wil  assent 

Chese  $ow  a  wyf1  in  schort1  tyme  atte  lest 

Born  of1  }>e  gentilest1  and  fe  heighesfr  131 

OfH  al  ]?is  lond  so  fatf  it1  oughte  seme 

honour  to  god .  and  }ow  as  we  can  deme  133 

Deliuer  vs  out1  of*  al  JM'S  busy  drede  134 

And  tak1  a  wyf1  fo  hihe  goddes  sake  / 

For  if1  it1  so  bifel  as  god  forbede 

That1  Jrurgli  3our  dej?  ^our  lygnage  schuld  aslake 

And  Jjaf  a  straunge  successour  schuld  take  138 

3our  heritage.  0.  wo  were  vs  on  lyue 

wherfor  we  pray  }ow  hastily  to  wyue  140, 

Her  meeke  prayer,  and  her  pitous  chere  141 

Made  J>e  marquys  for  to  han  pite 

3e  wolde  quod  he .  myn  owne  poeple  deere      Oa/ns,  &«c*] 

To  J>atf  I  neuer  erst*  )>oughf  constreigne  me .    . 

I  me  reioysid  of1  my  liberte  145 

That1  selden  tyme  is  f ounde  in  manage 

Ther  I  was  fre  I  mot1  ben  in  seruage  147 


SIX-TEXT    408 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     267 

But*  natheles  I  se  of1  3011  J?e  trewe  entent1  1 48 

And  trust1  ;vpon  ^our  witt1  and  haue  doon  ay 

wherfor  of1  my  fre  wil  1  wil  assent/ 

To  wedde  me  as  soon  as  euer  I  may 

But1  J?er  as  $e  haue  profred  me  to  day  152 

To  chese  me  a  wyf1  I  wol  relese 

That1  choys  and  pray  30  w  of1  fiat/  prof  re  cessu  /  154 

1  or  god  if  woof  Jjaf  childer  ofte  been  155 

vnlik1  her  worthy  cldris  hem  bifore 

Bounte  come])  al  of1  god  nought1  ofH  J>e  strecn 

Of1  which  thay  ben  engendrid  and  I-bore 

I  trust1  in  goddis  bounte  and  J^erfure  159 

My  mariage  and  myn  estat1  and  rest1 

I  him  bytake  .  he  may  doon  as  him  lest1  161 

Let*  me  aloon .  in  chesyng1  of1  my  wif1  162 

That1  charge  vpon  my  bale1  I  wil  endure 

But1 1  3ow  pray  and  charge  vpon  3our  lyfH 

That1  wyf1  Jjat1  I  take  36  me  assure  / 

To  worschip  /  whil .  fat1  hir  lif1  may  endure  166 

In  word  and  werk1.  bope  heer  and  euery  where  / 

As  sche  an  Emperoures  doughter  were  168 

And  forthermor  Jms  schul  30  swer  fat  30  169 

Ajeins  my  chois  schuln  neuer  grucche  ne  stryue 

For  sins  I  schal  forgo  my  liberte 

At1  $our  request1  as  euer  mot1 1  J^riue 

Ther  as  myn  herf  is  set1  per  wil  I  wyue  173 

And  but  30  wil  assent1  in  such  manere 

I  pray  spek1  no  more  of1  J>is  matiere  175 

AVith  hertly  wil .  J>ay  sworen  and  assentyn  176 

To  al  ])is  Jjing1  fer  sayde  no  wight1  nay 
Bysechyng1  him  of1  grace  er  fat1  J?ay  wentyn 
That1  he  wol  graunten  hem  a  certeyn 


409    SIX-TEXT 

268    GHOUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Of4  his  spousail  as  soone  as  euer  ho  may  180 

For  jit4  alway  J?e  peple  som  what1  dreddo  [w  no] 

lest4  that4  the  marquys  wolde  no  wyf4  wodde  182 

Ho  graunted  hem  a  day  such  as  him  lest4  183 

On  which  ho  woldo  bo  weddid  sicurly 

And  sayd  he  dedc  al  JMS  at4  her  requesto 

And  "pay  with  humble  hert4  fill  buxomly 

knelyng4  vpon  her  knees  ful  reuercntly  187 

him  jjanken  alle  and  j)u,s  juy  liaue  an  endo 

Of4  her  entent4.  and  horn  a3oin  J>ay  wendo  189 

And  her  vpon  he  to  his  officeris  190 

Comaundith  for  tlie  fuste  to  purueye 

And  to  his  priue  knightes  and  nquyeres 

which  charge  }af4  as  him  list4  on  hem  leye 

And  thay  to  his  comaundemewt1  obeye  /  194 

And  och  of4  hem  doth  his  diligence 

To  doon  vnto  fo  feste  reuerenco  196 

IT  Explicit  prima  pars . 
[No  more  Itrealc  in  tlic  MSJ\ 

~m  "ITOught4  fc;r  fro  J>ilko  place  honurablo  197 

\^     wher  as  this  marquys  Hchop  his  mariage 
-1-  1     Tlier  stood  a  thrope  of4  siglito  delitable 
In  which  J>at  pore  folk^  ofH  jjat4  vilage 

hadden  her  bestos  and  her  hcrburgage  /  201 

And  after  her  labour  took4  her  sustienawnce 
After  the  ertho  jaf4  hem  abundaunce  203 

Among4  this  pore  folk1  there  duelt4  a  man  204 

which  jut4  was  holden  porest4  of4  hem  alle 

But4  heigho  god  som  tyme  sende  can 

his  grace  vnto  a  litel  oxe  stalle 

lanicula  men  of4  J)at  throop  him  calle  /  208 

A  doughter  had  he  fair  y-nough  to  sight1 

And  Criaildes  fis  jonge  doughter  hight1  210 


SIX-TEXT    410 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7331     269 

But*  for  to  spoke  of*  hir  vertuous  beauto  211 

Than  was  sclio  oon  J>e  fayrest*  vnder  sonne 

For  porcly  I-fostered  vp  was  sche 

No  licorous  lust*  was  in  his  body  ronne 

wel  ofter  of*  J>e  vvello  ])an  of*  Jjo  tonne  215 

She  dronk*  and  for  sclie  woldo  vertu  please 

Scho  knew  wel  labour  but*  noon  ydel  ease  217 

But*  jjough  J)is  maydon  tender  were  of*  age  [feo/ua,  back]  218 

$et*  in  J>G  brost*  of*  her  virginito 

Ther  was  enclosed  rype  and  sad  corrago 

And  in  gret*  reuerence  and  charite 

Hir  olde  pore  fader  fostred  sche  /  222 

A  fewo  scheep  spynnyng*  on  J>e  fold  sche  kept* 

Scho  nolde  not*  ben  ydel  til  scho  slept  224 


whan  scho  com  horn  scho  woldo  bryngo  225 

wortis  or  ojjor  herbis  tyines  of  to 
The  which  sclie  schred  and  seth  for  hir  lynyng* 
And  made  hir  bed  ful  hard  and  no  Jung1  softo 
And  ay  scho  kept*  hir  i'adres  lif1  on  lofto  229 

with  euery  obeissanco  and  diligonco 
That1  child  may  do  to  fadres  reuerence  231 

Vpon  Grisildes  J>e  pore  creature  232 

Ful  ofte  sithes  J)is  marquys  set*  his  ye 

As  ho  on  huntyng*  rood  par  aucnture 

And  whan  it  fel  he  mighto  hir  espyo 

he  not*  with  wantoun  lokyng*  of*  folye  236 

his  ey^cn  cast*  vpon  hir  but*  in  sad  wyse 

vpon  hir  cheer  he  wold  him  oft*  aviso  238 

Gomendyng*  in  his  hert*  hir  wowmanhede  239 

And  eek*  hir  vertu  passyng*  any  oj^er  wiglit 
Of*  so  jong*  ago  as  wel  in  cheer  as  dede 
For  Jjough  J)e  poeple  haue  no  gret  insight1 


411    SIX-TEXT 

270     GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

In  vertu  he  considereth  aright1  243 

Hir  bounte  and  desposed  pat1  he  wolde 

wedde  hir  oonly  if1  euer  he  wedde  scholde  245 

Jhe  day  of1  weddyng1  cam  but1  no  wight1  can  246 

Telle  what1  wowman  it  schnlde  be  / 

For  which  meruayle  wondrith  many  a  man 

And  sayden  whan  pay  were  in  priuete 

wol  nought1  our  lord  $iti  leue  his  vanite  250 

wol  he  not1  wedde  alias  alias  pe  while 

why  wol  he  pus  himself1  and  vs  bigyle  252 

But1  natheles  pis  marquys  hap  doon  make  253 

Of1  gemmes  set1  in  gold  and  in  asure 

Broches  and  rynges  for  Grisildes  sake  / 

And  of1  hir  clothing1  toot  he  pe  mesure  [Ym/i2'0 

"By  a  mayde  y-lik1  to  hir  of1  stature  257 

And  eek1  of1  oper  ornamentes  alle  / 

That1  vnto  such  a  weddyng1  schulde  falle  /  259 

The  tyme  of1  vndern  of1  pe  same  day  260 

Approchith  pat1  pis  weddyng1  schulde  be  / 

And  al  pe  palys  put1  was  in  array 

Bope  halle  an  chambur .  ylik1  here  degre 

houses  of1  office  stuffid  with  plente  264 

Ther  maystow  se  of1  deynteuous  vitayle 

That1  may  be  founde  as  fer  as  lastith  Itaile  /  266 

1  his  real  marquys  really  array d  267 

lordes  and  ladyes  in  his  compaignye 

he  which  vnto  pe  feste  were  prayed 

And  of1  his  retenu  pe  bachelerie 

with  many  a  soun  of1  sondry  melodye  271 

vnto  pe  vilage  of1  which  I  tolde 

In  pis  array  pe  right1  way  han  pay  holde  273 


SIX-TEXT    412 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     271 

Grysild  of1  J>is  god  wot1  fill  Innocent  /  274 

That1  for  hir  schapen  was  al  Jns  array  / 

To  fecche  water  at1  a  welle  is  went/ 

And  cometh  horn  as  soone  as  sche  may 

For  wel  sche  had  herd  sayd  fat1  like  day  2 TS 

The  marquys  schulde  wedde  and  if*  sche  miglit 

Sche  wold  haue  seyen  som  what  of  fat1  sight1  280 

oehe  sayd  I  wol  with  ofer  maydenes  stonde  /  281 

That1  ben  my  felawes .  in  oure  dore  and  see  / 

The  marquys  and  ferfore  wol  I  fonde  / 

To  don  at1  horn  as  soone  as  it  may  be 

The  labour  which  fat1  longeth  vnto  me  285 

And  fanne  may  I  at1  ley  sir  hir  byholde 

And  sche  fe  way  in  to  fe  castel  holde  /  287 

And  as  sche  wold  ouer  f  e  f  reisshfold  goon  288 

The  marquys  cam  and  gaii  hir  for  to  calle 

And  sche  set1  doun  her  water-pot1  anoon 

'Bisides  f  e  f  reischfold  of1  f  is  oxe  stalle  / 

And  doun  vpon  hir/  knees .  sche  gan  falle  292 

Arid  with  sad  countenazmce  knelith  stille 

Til  sche  had  herd  what1  was  fe  lordes  wille  o«/ 120,  &ac/,-]  294 

Ihis  fougfrtful  marquys  spak1  vnto  fis  mayde  295 

Ful  soberly  and  sayd  in  J>is  man  ere 

wher  is  3our  fader  Grisildes  he  sayde 

Arid  sche  with  reuerence  and  humble  cheere 

Sayde  lord  he  is  al  redy  heere  /  299 

And  in  sche  goth  wijjouten  lenger  let1 

And  to  J>e  marquys  sche  hir  fader  fet1  301 

He  by  J)e  hond  fan  takith  J)is  olde  man  302 

And  sayde  Jms .  whan  he  him  had  on  syde  / 
lanicula  I  neither  may  ne  can 
lenger  J?e  plesauns  of1  myn  herte  hyde 


413    SIX-TEXT 

272    GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

If*  fat*  36  vouche  sauf1  what1  so  betyde  /  306 

Thy  doughter  wil  I  take  er  fat1  1  wende 

As  for  my  wyf1  vnto  hir  lyues  ende  /  308 

I  how  louesf  me  I  wof  if  wel  certeyn  309 

And  art1  my  faithful  liege  man  I-bore  / 

And  al  J>at  likith  me  I  dar  wel  sayn 

If  likith  f  e  .  and  specially  f  erf  ore 

Tel  me  faf  poynf  .  as  36  haue  herd  bifore  313 

If*  f  af  f  ow  wolf  vnto  faf  purpos  drawe  / 

To  take  me  as  for  fy  •  sone  in  la  we  315 

The  sodeyn  caas  fe  man  astoneyd  J>o  316 

Thaf  reed  he  wax  abaischf  and  al  quakyng1 

he  stood  vnnefe  sayd  he  wordes  mo 

Buf  oonly  jns  .  lord  quod  he  my  willyng1 

Is  as  30  wol  a3ensf  3oure  likyng1  320 

I  wol  no  Jnng1  36  be  my  lord  so  deere 

Righf  as  3ow  lisf  gouernith  fis  matiere  322 

3  if  wol  I  quod  Jris  markys  softely  323 

Thaf  in  fy  chambre  I  and  ]?ou  and  sche  / 

haue  a  collacioun  and  wostow  why 

For  I  wol  aske  if1  if  hir  wille  be 

To  be  my  wyf  and  reule  hir  after  me  327 

And  al  J)is  schal  ben  doon  in  J>y  presence 

I  wol  nought1  speke  ouf  of1  J?yn  audience  329 


in  J>e  chamber  whil  fay  were  aboute  330 

her  tretys  which  as  36  schul  after  hiere 
The  poeple  cam  vnto  fe  hous  wif  oute  [fca/m] 

And  wondrid  hem  in  how  honesf  manere 
And  tendurly  sche  kepf  hir  fader  deere  334 

Buf  outerly  grisildes  wonder  mighf 
For  neuer  ersf  ne  saugh  sche  such  a  sigfcf  336 


SIX-TEXT    414 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     273 

No  wonder  is  ]>ough  Jmt1  sclie  were  astoned  337 

To  seen  so  gret1  a  gest1  come  in  to  pat1  place  / 

Sche  neuer  was  to  suche  gestes  woned 

For  which  sclie  loked  with  ful  pale  face  / 

But1  schortly  Jns  matiere  forth  to  chace  341 

These  arn  J>e  wordes  J>att  J?e  marquys  sayde  / 

To  this  benigne  verray  faithful  mayde  343 

Grisyld  he  sayde  36  schul  wel  vnderstonde  /  344 

If  liketh  to  3our  fader  and  to  me 

That1 1  3ow  wedde  and  eek1  it1  may  so  stonde 

As  I  suppose  36  wil  fat1  it  so  be  / 

But1  J?ese  demaundes  aske  I  first1  quod  he  /  348 

That1  sith  it1  schal  be  doon  in  hasty  wyse 

wol  30  assent1  or  elles  3ow  auyse  /  350 

1  say  Jns  be  36  redy  with  good  hert/  351 

To  al  my  lust1  and  pat  I  frely  may 

As  me  best1  liste .  do  3ow  laughe  or  smertt 

And  neuer  36  to  gruch  it1  night1  ne  day 

And  eek1  whan  I  say  30  30  say  not1  nay  355 

Neyther  by  word  ne  frownyng1  contenaunce 

Swer  J>is  and  here  swer  I  oure  alliaunce  357 

Wondryng4  vpon  Jns  word  quakyng1  for  drede  358 

Sche  sayde  lord  vndigne  and  vnworthy 

I  am  to  thilk1  honour .  pat1  30  me  bede 

But1  as  36  wil  3our  self1  right1  so  wol  I 

And  here  I  swere  pat1  neuer  wityngly  362 

In  werk1  ne  thought1 1  nyl  3ow  disobeye 

For  to  be  deed  pough  me  were  loth  to  deye  364 

Ihis  is  ynough  Grisilde  myn  quod  he  /  365 

And  forth  goth  he  wip  a  ful  sobre  chere 
Out1  at1  pe  dore  and  after  pat  cam  sche 
And  to  J?e  pepul  he  sayd  in  pis  manere  * 

CANT.  TALES. HARL.  T 


415    SIX-TEXT 

274    GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

This  is  my  wyf1  quod  he  pat1  stondith  heere  369 

honoureth  hir  and  loueth  hir  I  }ow  pray         [ieafizi,bacic] 
who  so  me  loueth  per  is  no  more  to  say  371 

!And  for  pat1  no  ping1  of  hir  olde  gere  372 

Sche  schulde  brynge  vnto  his  hous  he  bad 

That1  wo??imen  schuld  despoilen  hir  right1  fere 

Of1  which  pese  ladyes  were  nought1  ful  glad 

To  handle  hir  clones  wher-in  sche  was  clad  376 

But1  natheles  pis  mayde  bright1  of*  hew 

Fro  foot1  to  heed  pay  schredde  han  al  newe  378 

Hir  heeres  han  pay  kempt1  pat1  lay  vntressed  379 

Ful  rudely  and  with  hir  fyngres  smale 

A  coroun  on  hir  heed  pay  han  I-dressed 

And  set1  hir  ful  of"  nowches  gret1  and  smale 

Of1  hir  array  what1  schuld  I  make  a  tale  /  383 

Vnnethe  pe  poeple  hir  knew  for  hir  fairnessc  / 

whan  sche  translated  was  in  such  richesse  /  385 

I  his  marquis  hap  hir  spoused  with  a  ryng1  386 

Brought1  for  pe  same  cause  and  pan  hir  sette 

ypon  an  hors  snow-whyt1  and  wel  axnblyng1 

And  to  his  palys  er  he  lenger  lette 

with  ioyful  poeple  pat1  hir  ladde  and  mette  390 

Conueyed  hire  and  pus  pe  day  pay  spende 

In  reuel  til  pe  sonne  gan  descende  392 

And  schortly  pis  tale  for  to  chace  393 

I  say  pat1  to  pis  newe  marquisesse 

God  hath  sche  wed  fauour  and  sent1  hir  of1  his  grace 

That1  it1  semyd  not1  by  liklynesse 

That1  sche  was  bom  and  fed  in  rudenesse  397 

As  in  a  cote  or  in  an  Oxe  stalle 

Butt  norischt1  in  an  emperoures  halle  399 


SIX-TEXT    416 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     275 

To  euery  wight1  sche  waxen  is  so  deere  400 

And  worschipful  fat1  folk4  f  er  sclie  was  born 

And  from  hir  burthe  knew  hir  $er  by  $ere 

Vnneth  trowed  fay  but1  dorst1  ban  sworn 

That1  to  lanicle  of1  which  I  spak1  biforn  404 

Sche  doughter  were  .  for  as  by  coniecture 

Hem  fought1  sche  was  anofer  creature  406 

For  f  ough  fat1  euer  vertuous  was  sche  407 

Sche  was  eneresed  in  such  excellence  [leaf  122] 

Of1  thewes  goode  i-sett  in  high  bounte 

And  so  discret  and  fair  of  eloquence 

So  benigne  and  so  digne  of1  reuerence  411 

And  couf  e  so  f  e  poeples  hertt  embrace 

That1  ech  hir  louef  fat1  lokith  in  hir  face  413 

.Nought1  oonly  of*  Saluce  in  fe  toun  414 

Puplissched  was  f  e  bounte  of1  hir  name 

But1  eek1  byside  in  many  a  regioun 

If*  oon  sayd  wel  anof  er  sayd  f  e  same 

So  sprad  of1  hire  heigh  bounte  fe  fame  /  418 

That1  men  and  wowmen  as  wel  $ong1  as  olde 

Gon  to  Saluce  vpon  hir  to  byholde  420 

ihis  waiter  louly .  nay  but1  really  421 

weddid  with  fortunat1  honestete 

In  goddes  pees  lyueth  ful  esily 

At1  home  and  outward  grace  ynough  haf  he 

And  for  he  saugh  fat  vnder  low  degre  425 

was  ofte  vertu  y-hid  f  e  poeple  him  helde 

A  prudent1  man  and  fat1  is  seint1  ful  selde  427 

Nought1  oonly  fis  Grisildes  furgh  hit1  witte  428 

Couthe  al  f  e  feet1  of1  winy  humblesse  / 
But1  eek1  whan  fat  f  e  tyme  required  it* 
The  comun  profytf  couthe  sche  redresse 

T  2 


417    SIX-TEXT 

276    GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Ther  nas  discord  rancour  ne  heuynesse  /  432 

In  al  fat1  lond  fat1  sche  ne  couf  e  appese  / 

And  wisly  bryng1  hem  alle  in  rest1  and  ese  434 

I  hough"  fat1  hir  housbond  absent1  were  anoon  435 

If1  gentil  men  or  of  er  of1  hir  contre 

were  wroth  sche  wolde  brynge  hern  at  0011 

So  wyse  and  rype  wordes  hadde  sche 

And  luggement1  of1  so  gret1  equite  439 

That1  sche  from  heuen  sent1  was  as  men  wende  / 

Poeple  to  saue  and  euery  wrong1  to  amende  441 

.Nought1  longe  tyme  after  fat1  f  is  Grisilde  442 

was  wedded  sche  a  doubter  haf  I-bore 

Al  had  hir  leuer  han  had  a  knaue  childe 

Glad  was  f  is  marquis  and  fe  folk1  f erf ore 

For  though  a  mayden  child  come  al  byfore  /     [//-i22,w]   446 

Sche  may  vnto  a  knaue  child  atteigne 

By  liklihed  and  sche  nys  not1  bareigne  448 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 
5T  Incipit1  Tercia  pars. 

Ther  fel  as  fallith  many  tymes  mo  449 

whan  fat1  f  is  child  haf  souked  but1  a  fro  we 
This  marquys  in  his  herte  longith  so 
Tempte  his  wyf1.  hir  sadnesse  for  to  knowe 
That1  he  ne  might1  out1  of1  his  herte  fro  we  453 

This  meruaylous  desir  his  wyf1  tassaye 
Now  god  wot1  he  fought1  hir  to  affray  e  455 

He  had  assayed  hir  ynough  bifore  456 

And  fond  hir  euer  good  what1  needith  it/ 

hire  to  tempte .  and  alway  more  and  more 

Though  som  men  prayse  it1  for  a  subtil  wit1 

But1  as  for  me  I  say  that1  euel  it1  sit1  460 

Tassay  a  wyf1  whan  fat1  it  is  no  neede 

And  putte  hir  in  anguysch  and  in  dreede  462 


SIX-TEXT    418 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     277 

r  or  which  pis  marquis  wroujtt  in  pis  manere  463 

he  com  aloone  a  night1  per  as  sche  lay  / 

wip  sterne  face  and  with  ful  trouble  cheere 

And  sayde  pus  Grisild  quod  he  pat1  day  / 

pat1 1  3ow  took1  out1  of1  3our  pore  array  /  467 

And  putte  $ow  in  estat1  of1  heigh"  noblesse 

3e  haue  not1  pat1,  forgeten  as  I  gesse  /  469 

I  say  Grisild  pis  present1  dignite  470 

In  which  pat1  I  haue  put1  ^ow  as  I  trowe 

Makith  $ow  not1 .  forgetful  for  to  be 

pat1 1  30  w  took1  in  pore  estat1  ful  lowe 

For  eny  wele  36  moot1  ^our  selue  knowe  /  474 

Tak1  heed  of1  euery  word  pat/  I  $ow  say  / 

Ther  is  no  wight1  pat1  herith  it1  but1  we  tway  /  476 

ye  wot1  3our  self1,  how  36  eomen  heere  477 

In  to  pis  hous  it1  is  nought1  long*  ago 

And  pough  to  me  pat1 36  be  leef1  and  deere 

vnto  my  gentils  36  be  no  ping1  so 

Thay  seyn  to  hem  it  is  gret  schame  and  wo  481 

For  to  ben  subiect/ .  and  ben  in  seruage  / 

To  the  pat1  born  art1  of1  a  smal  village  [/«*/ 12:5]         483 

And  namely  syn  py  doughter  was  I-bore  484 

These  wordes  han  pay  spoken  douteles 

But1 1  desire  as  I  haue  doon  byfore 

To  lyue  my  lif1  with  hem  in  rest1  and  pees 

I  may  not1  in  pis  caas  be  reccheles  488 

I  moot1  do  with  py  doughter  for  pe  best/ 

Not1  as  I  wolde  but1  as  my  pepul  lest1  490 

And  jif  god  wot  pis  is  ful  loth  to  me  491 

But1  napeles  wipoute  3oure  witynge 

wol  I  not1  doon .  but1  pis  wold  I  quod  he  / 

That1 36  to  me  assent1  as  in  pis  ping1  / 


419    SIX-TEXT 

278    GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Schew  now  30111  paciens  in  $our  wirching*  495 

J)af  J>ou  me  hightest1  and  swor  in  ^on  village 

That1  day  J?af  maked  was  oure  mariage  497 

Whan  sche  had  herd  al  ])is  sche  noi^t1  ameeuyd  498 

Ney^er  in  word  in  cheer  or  countenaunce 

For  as  it1  semed  sche  was  nought*  agreeued 

She  sayde  lord  al  lith  in  }our  plesaunce 

My  child  and  I  with  hertly  obeisaunce  502 

Ben  ^oures  al .  and  $e  may  saue  or  spille 

3our  oughne  ]?ing*.  werkij)  after  ^our  wille  /  504 

1  her  may  no  fing1  so  god  my  soule  saue  505 

liken  to  }ow  jmt1  may  displesen  me 

T$G  I  desire  no  fing1  for  to  haue 

Ne  drede  for  to  lese  saue  oonly  30 

This  wil  is  in  myn  hert1  and  ay  schal  be  509 

]STo  length  of1  tyme  or  dej?  may  J>is  deface  / 

Ne  chaunge  my  corrage  to  oper  place  /  511 

(jlad  was  this  marquis  of  hir  answeryng1  512 

But1  jif  he  feyned  as  he  were  not1  so 

Al  dreery  was  his  cheer  and  his  lokyng1 

whan  jjat1  he  schold  out1  of1  fe  Chambrc  go 

Soon  after  ]>is  a  foiiong1  way  or  tuo  516 

he  priuely  haj)  told  al  his  en  tent 

vnto  aman .  and  vnto  his  wyf1  him  sent1  518 

A  maner  Sergeant1  was  J>is  priue  man  519 

The  which  Jjaf  faithful  oft1  he  founden  hadde 

In  Jjinges  grete.  and  eek1  such  folk  wel  can      \ieaf  \^,  i>ac^ 

Don  execuciozm  in  Jringes  badde 

The  lord  knew  wel  Jjat1  he  him  loued  and  dradde  523 

And  whan  jris  sergeant1  wist1  his  lordes  wille 

In  to  J)e  chamber  he  stalked  him  ful  stille .  525 


SIX-TEXT    420 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7331     279 

Ma  dame  he  sayd  36  most1  for^iue  it*  me  526 

Though  I  do  ping1 .  to  which  I  am  constreynit1 . 

3e  ben  so  wys  Jmt1  f ul  wel  knowe  36 

J)att  lordes  hestes  mow  not1  ben  I-feynit1 

Thay  mowe  wel  biwayl  it1  or  compleyn  it/  530 

But1  men  moot1  neede  vnto  her  lust1  obeye 

And  so  wol  I  fer  is  no  more  to  seye  532 

Ihis  child  I  am  comaundid  for  to  take  /  533 

And  spak1  no  more .  but1  out  J>e  child  he  hent1 

Dispitously  and  gan  a  chiere  make 

As  j?ough  he  wold  han  slayn  it  er  he  went1 

Grisild  moot1  al  suffer  and  al  consent1  537 

And  as  a  lamb  sche  sitteth  meeke  and  stille  / 

And  let1  J)is  cruel  sergeant1  doon  his  wille  539 

Suspecious  was  J>e  defame  of1  J>is  man  540 

Suspect1  his  face .  suspect1  his  word  also  / 

Suspect1  ]je  tyme .  in  which  he  Jjis  bigan 

Alias  hir  doughter  pat1  she  loued  so 

Sche  wend  he  wold  han  slay  en  it  right  Jjo  544 

But1  napeles  sche  neyjjer  weep  ne  siked 

Conformyng1  hir  to  fat  J?e  marquis  liked  546 

But1  atte  last1  speke  sche  bigan  547 

And  mekely  sche  to  jje  sergeant1  preyde 

So  as  he  was  a  worfy  gentil  man 

That1  she  most1  kisse  hir  child  er  fat1  it1  deyde 

And  on  hir  arm  Jris  litel  child  sche  leyde  551 

wijj  f  ul  sad  face .  and  gan  ]?e  child  to  blesse 

And  lullyd  it1  and  after  gan  it1  kesse  /  553 

And  pus  sche  sayd  in  hir  benigne  vois  554 

Far  wel  my  child  I  schal  J>e  neuer  see  / 
But1  sith  I  J?e  haue  marked  wijj  Jje  croys  / 
Of1  filke  fader  blessed  mot1  }>ou  be 


421    SIX-TEXT 

280    GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

That*  for  vs  deyde  vpon  a  cros  of*  tre  558 

Thy  soule  litel  child  .  I  him  by  take  [fca/m] 

For  pis  night*  schaltow  deyen  for  my  sake  /  560 

I  trowe  pat*  to  a  norice  in  J)is  caas  561 

It*  had  ben  hard  pis  rewthe  for  to  see 

wel  might*  a  moder  pan  haue  cryed  alias 

But*  napeles  so  sad  stedefast*  was  sche 

J?af  she  endured  al  aduersite  565 

And  to  pe  sergeant*  mekely  sche  sayde  / 

Haue  her  agayn  3our  litel  3onge  mayde  567 

Goth  now  quod  sche  and  dop  my  lordes  lieste  568 

But*  o  ping*  wil  I  pray  }ow  of*  3our  grace 

)3af  but*  my  lord  forbede  jow  atte  leste 

Burieth  pis  litel  body  in  som  place 

That*  bestes  ne  no  briddes  it*  to-race  /  572 

But*  he  no  word  wil  to  pe  purpos  say  / 

But*  took*  pe  child  and  went*  vpon  his  way  574 

Ihis  sergeant*  corn  vnto  pis  lord  agayn  575 

And  of*  Grisildes  wordes  and  hir  cheere 

He  tolde  poynt  for  poynt*  in  schort  and  playn 

And  him  presentith  with  his  doubter  deere 

Som  what*  pis  lord  hath  rewthe  in  his  manere  579 

But*  napeles  his  purpos  huld  he  stille  / 

As  lordes  doon  whan  pay  woln  haue  her  wille  581 

And  bad  pe  sergeazmt*  pat*  he  priuely  582 

Scholde  pis  childe  softe  wynde  and  wrappe  / 

with  alle  circumstaunces  tendurly 

And  cary  it  in  a  cofre  or  in  his  lappe 

Vpon  peyne  his  heed  of*  for  to  swappe  586 

That*  no  man  schulde  knowe  of*  pis  entent 

Ne  whens  he  com .  ne  whider  pat*  he  went  588 


SIX-TEXT    422 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     281 

But  at1  Boloyne  to  his  suster  deere  589 

That1  J>ilke  tyme  of*  panik1  was  Cozmtesse 

He  schuld  it1  take  and  schewe  hir  J)is  matiere 

Byseching1  her  to  doon  hir  busynesse 

This  child  to  fostre  in  alle  gentilesse  593 

And  whos  child  ]>at  it  was  he  bad  hir  hyde 

From  euery  wight1  for  ought  J>att  mighte  bytycle  595 

The  sergeant1  go])  and  ha])  fulfild  ])is  Jring1  596 

But1  to  ])is  marquys  now  retourne  we  [ieo /m.&acfc] 

For  now  go])  he  ful  fast1  ymaginyng1 

If1  by  his  wyues  cher  he  mighte  se 

Or  by  hir  word  apparceyue  J)at  sche  600 

were  chaunged .  but  he  hir  neuer  cou])e  fynde 

But1  euer  in  oon  y-like  sad  and  kynde  /  602 

As  glad  as  humble  as  busy  in  seruise  /  603 

And  eek1  in  loue  as  sche  was  wont1  to  be 

was  sche  to  him  in  euery  maner  wyse  / 

~NQ  of1  hir  doughter  nou^t1  o  word  spak1  sche 

~NoiL  accident/  for  noon  aduersite  607 

was  seyn  in  hir  ne  neuer  hir  doughter  name 

NG  nempnyd  sche .  in  ernest1  ne  in  game  609 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 
IT  Incipit .  Quarta  pars. 

])is  estaat1  J)er  passed  ben  foure  $er  610 

Er  sche  wij>  childe  was .  but1  as  god  wolde 
A  knaue  child  sche  bar  by  }?is  waltier 
Ful  gracious  and  fair  for  to  biholde 
And  whan  J>af  folk1  it/  to  his  fader  tolde  614 

Nou^fr  oonly  he .  but1  al  his  contre  merye 
was  for  ])is  child  and  god  J>ay  pank1  and  herie     616 

VT  hen  it1  was  tuo  $er  old  and  fro  fe  bresf          617 
Departed  fro  Bis  noris  vpon  a  day 
This  markys  caughte  $it  another  lest1 


423    SIX-TEXT 

282  GROUP  E.  §  2.  CLERK'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

To  tempt1  his  wif1  3  if  after  if1  he  may 

0  needles  was  sche  tempted  in  assay  621 

But1  weddid  men  ne  knowen  no  mesure 

whan  pat1  pay  fynde  .  a  pacient1  creature  623 

"Wyf1  quod  pis  marquys  30  han  herd  er  pis  624 

My  peple  sekly  berith  oure  mariage 

And  namly  syn  .  my  sone  y-boren  is 

ISTow  is  it1  wors  pan  euer  in  al  our  age 

The  murmur  slej>  myn  hert  and  my  corrage  628 

For  to  rnyn  eeris  comep  pe  vois  so  smerte 

pat1  it1  wel  neigh  destroyed  hap  myn  herte  .  630 

Now  say  pay  pus  whan  wauter  is  a  goon  631 

Than  schal  pe  blood  of1  lanicula  succede 

And  ben  our  lord  for  oper  haue  we  noon  • 

Suche  wordes  saith  my  poeple  out/  of1  drede  /      cwia-vj 

wel  ought1  1  of1  such  murmur  taken  heede  635 

For  certeynly  I  drede  such  sentence 

pay  not  pleynly  speke  in  myn  audience  /  637 


I  wolde  lyue  in  pees  if1  fat1  1  might1  638 

wher  for  I  am  disposid  outrely 

As  I  his  suster  seruede  by  night 

Right1  so  pynk1  I  to  serue  him  priuely 

This  warn  I  3ou  pat1  36  not1  sodeinly  642 

Out1  of1  3our  self1  for  no  ping1  schuld  outraye 

Bep  pacient  and  per  of1  I  30  w  pray  644 

I  haue  quod  sche  sayd  pus  and  euer  schal  645 

I  wol  no  ping1  ne  nil  no  ping1  certayn 

But1  as  3ow  list1  .  nought1  greueth  me  at  al 

Though  pat1  my  doughter  and  my  sone  be  slayn  . 

At1  3our  comaundeme?^  pis  is  to  sayne  649 

I  haue  no  had  no  part  of1  children  twayne 

But1  first1  syknes  and  after  wo  and  payne  /  651 


SIX-TEXT    424 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     283 

2je  ben  oure  lord  doth  with  30111*  owne  ping1  652 

Eight1  as  3ow  list1  axith  no  red  of  me 

For  as  I  left1  at  horn  al  my  closing1 

whan  I  first1  com  to  3ow  right1  so  quod  sche 

Left1 1  my  wille  and  my  liberte  /  656 

And  took1  ^our  closing1,  wher  for  I  ^ow  preye 

Do))  3oure  plesaunce  .  I  wil  ^oure  lust1  obeye  658 

And  certes  if1 1  hadde  prescience  659 

3our  wil  to  knowe .  er  $e  3oure  lust1  me  tolde 

I  wold  it  doon  wipoute  negligence 

But1  now  I  wot1  3our  lust1  and  what1  36  wolde 

Al  3our  plesaunce  ferm  and  stable  I  holde  663 

For  wist1  I  pat1  my  deth  wold  don  $ow  ease 

Eight1  gladly  wold  I  deye  30 w  to  please  665 

Ueth  may  make  no  comparisown  666 

vnto  ^our  loue  and  whan  pis  marquys  say 

The  Constance  of1  his  wyf1  he  cast1  a  doun 

His  ey3en  tuo  and  wondrith  pat1  sche  may 

In  pacience  suffre  al  pis  array  670 

And  forth  he  gop  with  drery  countenaunce 

But  to  his  hert1  it1  was  fill  gret1  plesazmce  [tea/ 125,  &ocjt]    672 

Ihis  Igly  sergeaunt  in  pe  same  wise  673 

That1  he  hir  doughter  fette .  right1  so  he 

Or  worse  if1  men  worse  can  deuyse 

hath  hent  hir  sone  pat  f  ul  was  of1  beaute 

And  euer  in  oon  so  pacient1  was  sche  677 

That1  sche  no  cheere  made  of1  heuynesse 

But1  kist1  hir  sone .  and  after  gan  him  blesse  679 

Saue  pis  sche  prayed  him  if1  pat1  he  mighte  680 

her  litel  sone  he  wold  in  eorpe  graue 
His  tendre  lymes  delicate  to  sight 
From  foules  and  from  bestes  him  to  saue 


425    SIX-TEXT 

284     GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

But1  sche  noon  answer  of1  him  mighte  haue  684 

he  went*  his  way  as  him  no  ping1  ne  rougtit 

But1  to  Boloyne  he  tenderly  it  brought  686 

This  marquis  wondreth  euer  J>e  lenger  pe  more  687 

vpon  hir  pacience .  and  if1  pat1  he 

Ne  hadde  soply  knowen  per  bifore 

Jpat1  parfytly  hir  children  loued  sche 

he  wold  haue  wend  pat1  of1  som  subtilte  691 

And  malice  or  of1  cruel  corrage 

That1  sche  had  suffred  pis  wip  sad  visage  693 

But1  wel  he  knew  pat1  next1  himself1  certayn  694 

Sche  loued  hir  children  best1  in  euery  wise 

But1  now  of1  wommen  wold  I  aske  fayn 

If1  pese  assayes  mighten  not  suffice 

what1  coupe  a  stourdy  housebonde  more  deuyse  698 

To  prove  hir  wyfhode  and  her  stedefastnesse  / 

And  he  contynuyng  euer  in  stourdynesse  700 

But  per  ben  folk1  of1  such  condiciozm  701 

That1  whan  pay  haue  a  certeyn  purpos  take 

Thay  can  nought  stynt1  of1  her  entencio?m 

But1  right  as  pay  were  bounden  to  a  stake  / 

j}ay  wil  not1  of1  her  firste  purpos  slake  705 

Eight1  so  pis  rnarquys  fullich  hap  purposed 

To  tempt1  his  wyf1  as  he  was  first  disposed  707 

He  wayteth  if1  by  word  or  countenaunce  708 

That1  sche  to  him  was  chaunged  of1  corage 

But  neuer  coupe  he  fynde  variaunce  Oa/i26] 

Sche  was  ay  oon  in  hert  and  in  visage 

And  ay  pe  ferper  pat1  sche  was  in  age  /  712 

The  more  trewe  if1  pat1  it  were  possible  / 

Sche  was  to  him  and  more  penyble.  714 


SIX-TEXT    426 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     285 

Jj  or  which  it1  seinyd  fis  fat  of1  hem  tuo  715 

J)er  nas  but  oo  wil  for  as  waiter  lest/ 

The  same  plesa^mce  was  hir  lust  also 

And  god  by  thanked  al  fel  for  f  e  best/ 

Sche  schewed  wel.  for  no  worldly  vnresfr  719 

A  wyf1  as  of1  hir  self1  no  f  ing1  ne  scholde 

wylne  in  effect1 .  but*  as  hir  housbond  wolde  721 

.[he  sclaunder  of1  waiter  ofte  and  wyde  spradde  722 

That1  of1  a  cruel  hert1  he  wikkedly 

For  he  a  pore  womman  weddid  hadde 

hath  morthrid  bof  e  his  children  priuely 

Such  murmur  was  among1  hem  comunly  726 

No  wonder  is  for  to  f  e  peples  eere 

Ther  com  no  word .  but1  fiat1  fay  mortherid  were  /          728 

For  which  wher  as  his  peple  fer  by  fore  729 

had  loued  him  wel  f  e  sclaunder  of1  his  diffame 

Made  hem  fat1  fay  him  hatede  f erfore 

To  ben  a  mordrer .  is  an  hateful  name 

But1  naf  eles  for  ernest1  or  for  game  733 

he  of1  his  cruel  purpos  nolde  stente 

To  tempt1  his  wyf1  was  set  al  his  entente  735 

Whan  fat1  his  doughter  twelf1  ^er  was  of1  age  736 

he  to  fe  court1  of1  Eome  in  suche  wise 

Enformed  of1  his  wille  sent  his  message 

Comaundyng  hem .  such  bulles  to  deuyse 

As  to  his  cruel  piwpos  may  suffise  740 

how  fat1  f e  pope  as  for  his  peples  reste 

Bad  him  to  wedde  anofer  if1  him  leste  742 

I  say  he  bad  fay  schulde  countrefete  743 

The  popes  bulles  makyng1  menciown 
That1  he  haf  leue  his  firste  wyf1  to  lete 
As  by  f  e  popes  dispensaciown 


427    SIX-TEXT 

286     GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

To  stynte  rancour  and  discencioun  747 

Bitwix  his  peple  and  him  pus  sayd  pe  bulle     [««#•  126,  &«*<?*] 
The  which  pay  han  publisshid  atte  fulle  /  749 

Ihe  rude  poepel  as  it1  no  wonder  is  750 

wende  f ul  wel  pat1  it  had  be  right1  so 

But1  whan  pese  tydynges  come  to  Grisildis 

I  deeme  pat1  hir  herte  was  ful  wo 

But1  sche  y-like  sad  for  euermo  754 

Disposid  was  J)is  humble  creature 

Thaduersite  of*  fortun  al  tendure  756 

Abydyng1  euer  his  lust1  and  his  plesaunce  757 

To  whom  pat1  sche  was  }iue  hert  and  al 

As  to  hir  verray  worldly  suffisaunce 

But1  schortly  if1 1  pis  story  telle  schal 

This  marquys  writen  hap  in  special  761 

A  letter  in  which  he  schewith  his  entent 

And  secrely  he  to  Boloyne  it  sent  /  763 

To  therl  of1  panyk/  which  pat1  hadde  po  764 

weddid  his  suster  prayd  he  specially 

To  brynge  horn  a3ein  his  children  tuo 

In  honurable  estaat1  al  openly 

But  oon  ping1  he  him  prayde  outerly  768 

That1  he  to  no  wight1  pough  men  wold  enquere 

Schuld  not1  tellen.  whos  children  pay  were  770 

But1  say  pe  mayde.  schuld  I-weddid  be  771 

vnto  pe  markys  of*  Saluce  anoon 

And  as  pis  eorl  was  prayd  so  dede  he 

For  at1  day  set1 .  he  on  his  way  is  goon 

Toward  Saluce  and  lordes  many  oon  775 

In  riche  array  pis  mayden  for  to  guyde 

hir  3onge  broper  rydyng1  by  hir  syde  777 


SIX-TEXT    428 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     287 

Arrayed  was  toward  hir  mariage  778 

This  freisshe  may  al  ful  of1  gemmes  clere 

hir  broker  which  fat1 .  seuerc  }er  was  of1  age 

Arrayed  eek1 .  ful  freissh  in  his  manere  / 

And  thus  in  gref  noblesse  and  with  glad  chere  782 

Toward  Saluces  schapyng1  her  iournay 

Fro  day  to  day  pay  ryden  in  her  way  784 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 
1T  Incipit  pars  Quinta . 

AMong1  al  pis  after  his  wikked  vsage        o«/i27]     785 
This  marquis  3  it  his  wif1  to  tempte  more 
To  pe  vttrest1  proef1  of1  hir  corrage 
Fully  to  han  expe?-iens  and  lore 

If1  pat1  sche  were  as  stedefast  as  byfore  789 

He  on  a  day  in  open  audience 
Ful  boystously  hap  sayd  hir  pis  sentence  791 

Certes  Grisildes  I  had  ynough  plesaunce  792 

To  haue  ^ow  to  my  wif1  for  30111*  goodnesse 

And  for  3oure  troupe  and  for  ^our  obeissaunce 

Nought*  for  3our  lignage  ne  for  3our  richesse 

But1  now  know  I  in  verray  sothfastnesse  /  796 

That1  in  gret  lordschip  if1 1  wel  auyse  / 

Ther  is  gret1  seruise  in  sondry  wyse  /  798 

I  may  not1  do  as  euery  plough  man  may  799 

My  poeple  me  constreignith  for  to  take 

Anoper  wyf1  and  certeyn  day  by  day 

And  eek1  pe  popes  rancour  for  to  slake 

Consentith  it  pat1  dar  I  vndertake  803 

And  trewely  pus  moche  I  wol  3ow  say 

My  newe  wif1  is  comyng1  by  pe  way  805 

Be  strong  of1  hert  and  voyde  anoon  hir  place  806 

And  pilke  dower  pat1  36  broughten  me 
Tak1  it1  agayn  I  graunt1  it  of1  my  grace 


429    SIX-TEXT 

288     GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Ketourneth  to  ^our  fadres  hous  quod  he 

No  man  may  alway  haue  prosperite  810 

with  euen  hert1 1  rede  30 w  endure 

The  strok1  of1  fortune  or  of1  aduenture  812 

And  sche  agayn  answerd  in  pacience  813 

My  lord  quod  sche  I  wot1  and  wist/  alway 

how  pat1  bitwixe  ^our  magnificence 

And  my  pouerte  no  wight1  can  ne  may 

Make  comparison  it1  is  no  nay  817 

IF  I .  ne  held  me  neuer  digne  in  no  manere 

To  ben  }our  wyf1  ne  jitt  ^our  Chamberere  819 

And  in  pis  hous  per  36  me  lady  made  /  820 

The  highe  god  take  I  for  my  witnesse 

And  al  so  wisly  he  my  soule  glade 

I  neuer  huld  me  lady  ne  maistresse  /  [leaf  127,  back] 

But1  humble  seruaunt1  to  ^our  worthinesse  824 

And  euer  schal  whil  pat/  my  lyf1  may  dnre 

Abouen  euery  worldly  creature  826 

lhat1  $e  so  longe  of1  ^our  benignite  827 

han  holden  me  in  honour  and  nobleye 

wher  as  I  was  not1  worthy  for  to  be 

That1  ponk1  I  god  and  $ow  to  whom  I  preye 

For^eld  it1  }ow  per  is  more  to  seye  831 

vnto  my  fader  gladly  wil  I  wende 

And  with  him  duelle  vnto  my  lyues  ende  /  833 

Iher  I  was  fostred  as  a  child  ful  smal  834 

Til  I  be  deed  my  lyf1  ther  wil  I  lede 

A  widow  clene  in  body  hert  and  al 

For  sith  I  ^af1  to  }ow  my  maydenhede 

And  am  3 our  trewe  wyf1  it  is  no  drede  838 

God  schilde  such  a  lordes  wyf1  to  take 

Anoper  man  to  housbond  or  to  make  840 


SIX-TEXT    430 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     289 

And  of1  3our  newe  wif1 .  god  of1  his  grace  841 

So  graunte  }ow.  wele  and  prosperite 

For  I  wol  gladly  ^elden  hir  my  place 

I  which  J?atH  I  was  blisful  wont1  to  be 

For  sith  if  liketh  $ow  my  lord  quod  sche  845 

That4  whilom  were  al  myn  hertes  reste 

That1 1  schal  gon.  I  wil  go  whan  3ow  leste  847 

But1  Jjer  as  36  profre  me  such  dowayre  /  848 

As  I  ferst1  brought1 .  it1  is  wel  in  my  mynde 
It1  were  my  wrecchid  clones  no  Jring1  faire 
]3e  whiche  to  me  were  hard  now  for  to  fynde 

0  goode  god .  how  gentil  and  how  kynde  852 
3e  semed  by  ^our  speche  and  ^our  visage 

That1  day  ]?at  maked  was  our  mariage  854 

But1  sojj  is  sayd  algate  I  fynd  it  trewe  /  855 

For  in  effect1 .  it/  proued  is  on  me 

loue  is  nought1  old .  as  whan  Jjat1  it  is  newe/ 

But1  certes  lord  for  noon  aduersite  / 

To  deyen  in  Jje  caas  it  schal  not1  be  /  859 

Jjat1  euer  in  word  or  werk1  I  schal  repente 

That1 1  30 w  3afH  myn  hert1  in  hoi  entente  [^0/1283  861 

My  lord  30  wot1  fat1  in  my  fadres  place  862 

3e  dede  me  strippe  out1  of1  my  pore  wede 

And  richely  me  cladden  of1  3our  grace 

To  3ow  brought1 1  nought1  elles  out1  of1  dreda, 

But1  faith  and  mekenes  and  maydenhede  /  866 

And  her  agayn  my  clojjyng1 1  restore 

And  eek1  my  weddyng1  ryng1  for  euer  more  868 

The  remenant1  of1  30111  jewels  redy  be  /  869 

wij)in  3our  ohambur  dore  dar  I  saufly  sayn 
,ked  out1  of1  my  fadres  hous  quod  sche  / 

1  com  and  naked  moot1 1  torne  agayn 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  U 


431    SIX-TEXT 

290     GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Al  3our  pleisa?ms.  wold  I  fulfille  fayn      ,  873 

But1  3itf 1  hope  it  be  not  joure  entent 

That1  I  smocles  out  of1  30111'  chambre  went  875 

2je  coupe  not1  doon  so  dishonest1  a  ping1  876 

J?af  pilke  wombe  in  which  3011?  children  leye 

Schulde  byforn  pe  poeple  in  my  walkyng1 

Be  seye  al  bare  wher-fore  I  jow  pray 

let  me  not1  lik1  a  worm  go  by  pe  way  /  880 

Ilemembre  jow  myn  oughne  lord  so  deere  / 

I  was  30111'  wyf1 .  pough  I  vnworpy  were  882 

\V  herfor  in  guerdo?m  of1  my  maydenhede  883 

which  pat1  I  brought1  and  nought1  agayn  I  bere 

As  voucheth  sauf1 .  as  3eue  me  to  my  meede 

Such  a  smokH  as  I  was  wont  to  were 

That1  I  per  with  may  wrye  pe  wombe  of1  here  /  887 

J^at1  was  3our  wif1  and  here  take  I  my  leue 

Of1  3ow  myn  oughne  lord .  lest1  I  3ow  greue  889 

The  smok1  quod  he  pat1  pou  hast1  on  py  bak1  890 

let1  it1  be  stille  and  ber  it  for])  wi]j  ]?e 

But1  wel  vnnethes  Jjilke  word  he  spak1 

But1  went1  his  way  for  routhe  and  for  pite 

Byforn  J?e  folk1  hir  seluen  strippith  sche  /  894 

And  in  hir  smok .  wij?  heed  and  foot  al  bare 

Toward  hir  fader  house  forth  is  sche  fare  896 

The  folk1  hir  folwen  wepyng*  in  hir  weye  897 

And  fortune  ay  J?ay  cursen  as  pay  goon 

But/  sche  fro  wepyng1  kept1  hir  eyen  dreye     [ieafm,baek] 

Ne  in  pis  tyme  word  ne  spak1  sche  noon 

hir  fader  pat1  pis  tyding1  herd  anoon  901 

Cursed  pe  day  and  tyme  pat1  nature 

Schoop  him  to  ben  a  lyues  creature  903 


SIX-TEXT    432 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     291 

For  out  of*  doute  fis  olde  fore  man  904 

was  euer  in  suspect*  of*  Lir  mariage 

For  euer  he  deemed  sith  fat1  it  bigan 

That*  whan  f  e  lord  fulfilled  had  his  corrage 

him  wolde  f  inke  fat1  it  were  disparage  908 

To  his  estate .  so  lowe  for  to  light1 

And  voyden  hire  as  sone  as  euer  he  might1  910 

Agayns  his  doughter  hastily  quod  he  911 

For  he  by  noyse  of1  folk1  knew  hir  comyng1 

And  wif  hir  olde  cote  as  it  might1  be  / 

he  couered  hir  ful  sorwiully  wepynge 

But1  on  hir  body  might1  he  it1  nou^t1  bringe  915 

For  rude  was  f  e  cloth .  and  sche  mor  of1  age 

By  deyes  f ele .  fan  hir  mariage  917 

Ihus  with  hir  fader  for  a  certeyn  space  918 

Dwellith  pis  flour  ofH  wifly  pacience 

That1  neyther  by  her  wordes  ne  by  hir  face 

Byforn  pe  folk1  nor  eek1  in  her  absence 

Ne  schewed  sche  that1  hir  was  doon  offence  922 

Ne  of1  hir  highe  astaat1  no  remembrazmce 

Ne  hadde  sche.  as  by  hir  countenazmce  924 

JSo  wonder  is  for  in  hir  gret1  estate  925 

hir  gost1  was  euer  in  playn  humilite 

Ne  tender  mouth  noon  herte  delicate 

Ne  pompe .  ne  semblant1  of1  realte 

But  ful  of1  pacient1  benignite  929 

Discrete  and  prideles  ay  honurable  / 

And  to  hir  housbond  euer  meke  •  and  stable  931 

Men  speke  of1  lob .  and  most1  for  his  humblesse  /•          932 
As  clerkes  whan  hem  lust1  can  wel  endite 
Namely  of1  men .  but1  as  in  sothfastnesse 
ftougll  clerkes  prayse  wowmen  but1  a  lite 

U    2 


433    SIX-TEXT 

292    GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

]5er  can  no  man  in  humblesse  him  acquyte  936 

As  wommeu  can .  ne  can  be  half1  so  trewo  [/«»/i29] 

As  wowmen  ben .  but1  it1  be  falle  of1  newe  938 

[No  Irealt  m  the  MS.] 

Fro  boloyne  is  pis  erl  of1  panik  y-como  939 

Of  which  pe  fame  vp  sprong*  to  more  and  lasse 

And  to  pe  poeples  eeres  alle  and  some 

was  couth  eek1  pat1  a  newe  marquisesse 

he  wip  him  brought1  in  such  pomp  and  richesse  943 

That1  neuer  was  J)er  seyn  with  mannes  ye 

So  noble  array  in  al  west1  lombardye  945 

Ihe  marquys  which  pat1  schoop  and  knew  al  pis  946 

Er  pat1  pis  erl  was  come  sent1  his  message  / 

After  pilk1  cely  pore  Grisildis 

And  sche  wip  humble  hert1  and  good  visage 

Not  with  so  swollen  hert1  in  hir  corrage  950 

Cam  at1  his  hest1 .  and  on  hir  knees  hir  sette 

And  reuerently  and  wyfly  sche  him  grette  952 

(jrisild  quod  he .  my  wil  is  outrely  953 

This  mayden  pat1  schal  weddid  be  to  me 

Keceyued  be  to  morwe  as  really 

As  it  possible  is  in  myn  lions  to  be 

And  eek1  pat1  euery  wight1  in  his  degre  957 

haue  his  estaat1  in  sittyng1  and  seruyse 

In  high  plesaunce  as  I  can  deuyse  959 

1  haue  no  womman  suffisant  certeyne  9GO 

The  chambres  for  tarray  in  ordinance 

After  my  lust1  and  perfor  wold  I  feyne  / 

That1  pin  were  al  such  maner  gouernawnce 

Thow  knowest/  eek1  of1  al  my  plesaunce  964 

Though  pyn  array  be  badde  and  ille  byseye 

Do  pou  py  deuer  atte  leste  weye  966 


SIX-TEXT    434 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     293 

Nought1  oonly  lord  fat1 1  am  glad  quod  sche  /  967 

To  don  ^our  lust1 .  but1 1  desire  also  / 

3ow  for  to  serue  and  plese  in  my  degre 

wif  oute  feynyng1  and  schal  euer  mo 

Ne  neuer  for  no  wele  ne  for  no  wo  97 1 

Ne  schal  f  e  gostt  wif  inne  myn  herte  stente  / 

To  loue  30 w  best1  wif  al  my  trewe  enterit  973 

And  wif  fat1  word  sche  gan  fe  hous  to  dight  974 

And  tables  for  to  sette  and  beddes  make      \ieaf  129,  back] 

And  peyned  hir  to  doon  al  fat1  sche  might 

Preying1  f  e  chamberers  for  goddes  sake 

To  hasten  hem  and  faste  swepe  and  schake  978 

And  sche  f  e  moste  seruisable  of1  alle  / 

haf  euery  chamber  arrayed  and  his  halle  /  980 

Abouten  vndern  gan  fis  lord  alight  981 

Jjat1  with  him  brought  f  ese  noble  children  tweye 

For  which  f  e  peple  ran  to  se  fat1  sight1 

Of1  her  array  so  richely  biseye 

And  fan  at1  erst1  amonges  hem  fay  seye  985 

That1  waiter  was  no  forf  f ough  that1  him  lest 

To  chaunge  his  wyf1.  for  it  was  for  fe  best1  /  987 

t  or  sche  is  fairer .  as  fay  demen  alle  /  988 

Than  is  Grisild  and  more  tender  of1  age 

And  fairer  fruyt1  bitwen  hem  schulde  falle 

And  more  plesaunt1  for  hir  high  lynage 

hir  brofer  eek1.  so  fair  was  of1  visage  992 

That1  hem  to  seen  f  e  peple  haf  caught1  plesamicc 

Comending1  now  fe  marquys  gouernamice  994 

(J  stormy  poeple .  vnsad  and  euer  vntrewe  995 

And  vndiscret1  and  chaungyng1  as  a  fane 
Desyryng1  euer  in  rombel  fat  is  newe 
For  lik1  f  e  moone  ay  wax  }e  and  wane 


435    SIX-TEXT 

294     GROUP  E.     §  2:     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Ay  ful  of*  clappyng1  dere  ynough  a  lane  999 

^oure  doom  is  fals  ^our  constazmce  yuel  preuith 

A  ful  gret1  fool  is  he  that1  on  }ow  leeuith  1001 

Thus  sayde  saad  folk  in  fat  Citee  1002 

whan  fat1  fe  poeple  gased  vp  and  do/m 

For  fay  were  glad  right1  of  f e  nouelte 

To  han  a  newe  lady  ofH  her  totin 

No  more  of1  fis  now  make  I  mencicmn  100G 

But1  to  Grisildes  agayn  wol  I  me  dresse 

And  telle  hir  Constance  and  hir  busynesse  /  1008 

r'ul  busy  was  grisild  in  euery  fing1  1009 

That1  to  f  e  feste  was  appertinent 

Right1  nought1  was  sche  abaissht1  of1  hir  closing1 

Though  it  were  ruyde .  and  som  del  eek1  torent 

But1  wif  glad  cheer  to  fe  }ate  is  sche  went        [teafisn]   1013 

with  of  er  folk1  to  griete  f  e  marquisesse 

And  after  fat  doth  forth  hir  busynesse  /  1015 

With  so  glad  chier  his  gestes  sche  reccyudh  1016 

And  so  connyngly  euerich  in  his  degre  / 

That1  no  clef  ante  no  man  aparceyueth 

But1  ay  fay  wondren  what1  sche  mighte  be 

That1  in  so  pouer  array  was  for  to  se  1020 

And  couf  e  such  lionow  and  reuerence 

And  worthily  fay  prayse  hir  prudence  1022 

In  al  fis  mene  while  sche  ne  stent  1023 

This  mayde  and  eek1  hir  brother  to  comendc 

with  al  hir  hert1 .  in  ful  buxom  entent 

So  wel  fat1  no  man  couf  e  hir  pris  amende 

But1  atte  last1  whan  fat1  fese  lordes  wende  1027 

To  sitte  doun  to  mete  he  gan  to  calle  / 

Grisild  as  sche  was  busy  in  his  lialle  1029 


SIX-TEXT    436 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     295 

Grisyld  quod  he  as  it  were  in  his  play  1030 

how  likith  pe  my  wif1  and  hir  beaute 

Right1  wel  my  lord  quod  sche  for  in  good  fay 

A  fairer  saugh  I  neuer  noon  pan  sche 

I  pray  to  god  3iue  hir  prosperite  1034 

And  so  hope  I .  pat1  he  wol  to  30 w  sende 

Plesaunce  ynougli  vnto  3our  lyues  ende  /  1036 

On  ping1  warn  I  3ow  and  biseke  also  /  1037 

That1  36  ne  prike  wip  no  tormentynge 

J?is  tendre  mayden  as  30  haue  do  mo 

For  sche  is  fostrid  in  hir  norischinge 

More  tendrely  and  to  my  supposyuge  /  1041 

Sche  coupe  not1  aduersite  endure 

As  coupe  a  pore  fostrid  creature  1043 

And  whan  pis  waiter  saugh  hir  pacience  1044 

hir  glade  cheer  and  no  malice  at1  al 

And  he  so  oft1  had  doon  to  hir  offence 

And  sche  ay  sad .  and  constant  as  a  wal 

Continuyng1  euer  hir  Innocence  oueral  1048 

This  sturdy  marquys  gan  his  herte  dresse 

To  Rewen  vpon  hir  wyfly  stedefastnesse  /  1050 

Ihis  is  ynough  Grisilde  myn  quod  he        iicafm,bacjti  1051 

Be  now  no  more  agast1  ne  yuel  apayed 

I  haue  thy  faith  and  py  benignite 

As  wel  as  euer  woraman  was  assayed 

In  gret1  estate  and  propreliche  arrayed  1055 

Now  knowe  I  dere  wyf1  py  stedefastnesse 

And  hir  in  armes  took1  and  gan  hir  kesse  1057 

And  sche  for  wonder  took1  of1  it1  no  keepe  1058 

Sche  herde  not1  what1  ping1  he  to  hir  sayde 
Sche  ferd  as  sche  had  stert1  out1  of1  a  sleepe 
Til  sche  out1  of1  hir  masidnesse  abrayde 


437    SIX-TEXT 

296     GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Grisild  quod  he  by  god  pat1  for  vs  deyde  1062 

Thou  art*  my  wyf1  ne  noon  o]>er  I  haue 

Ne  neuer  had  as  god  my  soule  saue  1064 

J  his  is  my  doughter  which  J>ou  hast1  supposed  1065 

To  be  my  wif1  J>afr  oper  faithfully 

Schal  be  niyn  heir  as  I  haue  ay  purposed 

Thow  bar  hem  in  J>y  body  trewely 

At1  Boloyne  haue  I  kept1  hem  priuely  1069 

Tak1  hem  agayn  for  now  maistow  not1  seye 

That1  J)ou  hast1  lorn  noon  of1  J>y  children  tweye  1071 

And  folk1  pat1  oper  weyes  han  seyd  of1  mo  1072 

I  warn  hem  wel  J>af  I  haue  doon  J?is  deede 

For  no  malice  ne  for  no  cruelte 

But1  for  tassaye  in  ]>e  j>y  wommanhede 

And  not1  to  si  en  my  children  god  forbede  107G 

But1  for  to  kepe  hem  priuely  and  stille 

Til  I  Jry  purpos  knowe  and  al  f>y  wille  1078 

Whan  sche  Jns  herd  a  swoned  dozm  sche  fallith  1079 

For  pitous  ioy .  and  after  her  swownyng1 

Sche  bothe  hir  ^onge  children  to  hir  callith 

And  in  hir  armes  pitously  wepyng1 

Embraseth  hem  and  tenderly  kissyng*  1083 

Ful  lik1  a  moder  with  hir  salte  teris 

Sche  bathis  bo]?e  hir  visage  and  hir  eeris  1085 

0  SUch  a  pitoUS  Hng1  it1  Was  to  See1  [i  This  line  is  repeated 

in  the  MS.,  but  lias 

hir  swownyng1  and  hir  humble  vois  to  heere   been  scratch t  out.] 

Graunt1  mercy  lord,  god  thank1  it  3ow  quod  sche  [/<?«/ mj 

That1  ^e  han  kept1  my  children  so  deere 

Now  rek1 1  neuer  to  be  deed  right1  heere  1090 

Sith  I  stond  in  $our  loue  and  in  jour  grace 

No  fors  of1  deth  ne  whan  my  spirit  pace  1092 


SIX-TEXT    438 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     297 

0  tender  deere .  ^onge  children  myne  1093 

3oure  woful  moder  \vende  stedefastly 

That1  cruel  houndes  or  som  foul  vermyne 

had  eten  ^ow  but1  god  of1  his  mercy 

And  30111'  benigne  fader  tenderly  1097 

hath  doon  $ow  kept1  and  in  pat1  same  stounde 

Al  sodeinly  sche  swapped  doun  to  grounde  /  1099 

.And  in  hir  swough  so  sadly  holdith  sche  1100 

hir  children  tuo .  whan  sche  gan  hem  tembrace 
That1  with  gret1  sleight1  and  gret1  difficulte 
The  children  from  her  am  pay  gonne  aracc 

0  many  a  teer .  o  many  a  pitous  face  .  1101 
Doun  ran  of1  hem  pat1  stooden  hir  bisyde 

Vnnethe  aboute  hir  mighte  pay  abyde  1106 

Waltier  hir  gladith  and  hir  sorwe  slakith  1107 

Sche  rysith  vp  abaisshed  from  hir  traunce 

And  euery  wight1  hir  ioy  and  feste  inakith 

Til  sche  hath  caught1  agayn  hir  eontinaunce 

wauter  hir  doth  so  faithfully  plesaunce  1111 

That1  it  was  daynte  for  to  see  pe  cheere 

Bitwix  hem  tuo .  now  pay  be  met1  in  feere  1113 

ihese  ladys  whan  pat1  pay  her  tyme  say  1114 

han  taken  hir  and  in  to  chambre  goon 

And  strippen  hir .  out1  of1  hir  rude  array 

And  in  a  cloth  of1  gold  pat1  brighte  schon 

with  a  coroun  of1  many  a  riclie  stoon  1118 

vpon  hir  heed  pay  in  to  halle  hir  brought 

And  per  sche  was  honoured  as  hir  ought  1120 

1  hus  hath  pis  pitous  day  a  blisf ul  eiide  1121 
Tor  euery  man  and  wowman  doth  his  might 

This  day  in  mirth  and  revel  to  despende 
Til  on  pe  welken  schon  pe  sterres  bright 


439    SIX- TEXT 

298     GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

For  more  solempne  in  euery  mannes  sight1  1125 

This  feste  was  and  gretter  ofH  costage  yea/ isi,  back] 

Than  was  fe  reuel  of*  hir  mariage  /  1127 

Jc  ul  many  a  301'  in  heigh  prosperite  1128 

lyuen  Jjese  tuo  in  concord  and  in  rest1 

And  richeliche  his  dougliter  marled  he 

vuto  a  lord  on  of1  fe  worthiest1 

Of1  al  ytaile  and  fanne  in  pees  and  rest1  1132 

His  wyues  fader  in  his  court1  he  kepith 

Til  fat1  fe  soule  out1  of1  his  body  crepith  1134 

IJis  sone  succedith  in  his  heritage  1135 

In  rest1  and  pees .  after  his  fader  day 

And  fortunat1.  was  eek1  in  manage 

Al  put1  he  not1  his  wyf1  in  gret1  assay 

This  world  is  not1  so  strong1  it  is  no  nay  1139 

As  it1  ha])  ben  in  olde  tymes  ^ore 

And  herknith  what1  fis  auctor  saith  f erf ore  1141 

This  story  is  sayd  nat1  for  fat  wyues  scholde  1142 

Folwe  Grisild .  as  in  humilite 

For  it  were  importable  fough  fay  wolde 

But1  for  fat1  euery  wight1  in  his  degre 

Schulde  be  constant,  in  aduersite  1146 

As  was  Grisild  .  therfore  Petrark1  writeth 

This  story  which  wif  high  stile  he  enditeth  1148 

For  swich  a  wowunan  was  so  pacient  1149 

vnto  a  mortal  man  wel  more  vs  oughte 

Eeceyuen  al  in  gre  fat1  god  vs  sent1 

For  gret1  skil  is  he  proue  fat1  he  wroughte 

But1  he  ne  temptith  no  man  fat1  he  boughte  1153 

As  saith  seint1  lame  if1  he  his  pistil  rede 

he  prouith  folk1  al  day  it  is  no  drede  1155 


SIX  TEXT    440 

GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     299 

And  suffrith  vs  as  for  our  exercise  1156 

wip  scharpe  scourges  of1  aduersite 

Ful  ofte  to  be  bete  in  soiidry  wise 

Nought1  for  to  knowe  oure  wille  for  certes  lie 

Er  we  were  born,  knew  al  our  frelte  1160 

And  for  oure  best*  is  al  his  gouernawnce 

Leet1  vs  panne  lyue  in  vertuous  suffra?mce  1162 

But1  oo  word  lordes  herkneth  er  I  go  1163 

It1  were  ful  hard  to  fynde  now  a  dayes 

As  Grisildes  in  al  a  toun  pre  or  tuo 

For  if1  pat1  pay  were  put1  to  such  assayes 

The  gold  of1  hem  hap  now  so  badde  alayes 

with  bras  pat1  pough  pe  coyn  be  fair  at1  ye 

hit1  wolde  raper  brest1  in  tuo  pan  pi  ye  1169 

For  which  heer  for  pe  wyues  loue  of1  bathe  1170 

whos  lyf1  and  alle  ofH  hir  secte  god  meyntcne 

In  high  maistry  and  elles  were  it1  scathe 

I  wil  with  lusty  herte  freisch  and  grene 

Say  30  w  a  song1  to  glade.  30 w  I  wene  1174 

And  lat1  vs  styntt  of*  ernestful  matiere 

herknith  my  song1,  pat1  saith  in  pis  mane  re  /  1176 

[No  Ircak  in  the  MS.] 


1T  Lenvoye.  de  Chaucer. 

/"N  Kisild  is  deed  and  eek1  hir  pacience  1177 

I  -•-  And  bothe  at1  oones  buried  in  Itayle 

\^n    For  whiche  I  crye  in  open  audience  /  1179 

No  weddid  man  so  hardy  be  to  assayle 

his  wyues  pacience  in  hope  to  fynde 

Grisildes  for  in  certeyn  he  schal  fayl  1182 


441    SIX-TEXT 

300     GROUP  E.     §  2.     CLERK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

0  noble  wyues  ful  of1  heigh  prudence  /  1183 

let1  noon  humilite  30111  tonges  nayle 

Ne  laf  no  clerk1  haue  cause  or  diligence  1185 

To  write  of1  $ow  a  story  of1  such  meruayle  / 

As  of1  Grisildes  pacience  and  kynde 

Lest1  Chichiuache  }ow  swolwe  in  hir  entraile  1188 

rolwith  Ecco  fat1  hoklith  no  silence  1189 

But1  euer  answereth  at1  fe  countretayle 

Be])  nou^t1  bydaffed  for  30111'  Innocence  1191 

But1  scharply  talc1  on  ^ow  fe  gouernayle 

Empryntith  wel  f  is  lessoun  in  }our  mynde 

For  comun  p?'0fyf  sith  it  may  auayle  1194 

^e  archewyues  stondith  at  defens  1195 

Syn  30  ben  strong1  as  is  a  greet/  Chamayle 

Ne  suffre  not1  fat1  men  ^ow  don  offens  1197 

And  sclendre  wydewes  felle  as  in  batayle 

Beth  egre  as  is  a  Tyger  ^ond  in  Inde 

Ay  clappith  as  a  mylle  I  3ow  counsaile  1200 

Ne  drede  hem  not1,  do  hem  no  reuerence   [leaf  rw,  back]  1201 

For  f  ough  fin  housbond  armed  be  in  mayle 

The  arwes  of1  fy  crabbid  eloquence  1203 

Schal  perse  his  brest1  and  eek  his  aduentayle  / 

In  gelousy  I  rede  eek1  f  ou  him  bynde 

And  fou  schalt  make  him  couche  as  doth  a  quayle       1206 

Jf1  fou  be  fair  per  folk1  ben  in  presence  1207 

Schew  fou  fy  visage  and  fin  apparaile 
If1  fou  be  foul  be  fre  of1  fy  despense  1209 

To  gete  f e  frendes  do  ay  f y  trauayle  / 
Be  ay  of1  chier  as  light1  as  lef1  on  lynde  / 
And  let1  hem  care  and  wepe  and  wry-rig*  and  wayle       1212 

Explicit. 


SIX-TEXT    442 

GROUP  E.  §  3.  CLERK-MERCHANT-LINK.  Harlcian  7334.  301 


IF  here  bygynneth  }?e  prologe  of  ]>e  marchamzdis  tale . 

WEpyng1  and  wailyng1  care  and  oj?er  sorwe 
I  knowe  ynough  boj>e  on  euen  &  on  morwe 
Quod  j)e  marchazmd .  and  so  doon  o]?er  rao 
That  weddid  ben  I  trowe  J>afr  it  be  so  1210 

For  wel  I  woof  it1  fareth  so  with  me 
I  haue  a  wyf .  J>e  worste  pat1  may  be 
For  J>ough  ])e  feend  to  hir  y-conpled  were 
Sche  wold  him  oner  macche  I  dar  wel  swere  1220 

what1  schuld  I  30  w  reherse  in  special 
hir  high  malice .  sche  is  a  schrewe  at1  al 
Ther  is  a  long1  and  a  large  difference 

Betwix  Grisildes  grete  pacience  1224 

And  ofH  my  wyf  J)e  passyng1  cruelte 
were  I  vnbounden  also  mot  I  the 
I  wolde  neuer  eft1  come  in  J?e  snare 

we  weddid  men  lyue  in  sorwe  and  care  1228 

Assay  who-so  wil  and  he  schal  fynde  / 
That1 1  say  soth  by  seint  Thomas  of  Imle 
As  for  J)e  more  part1 .  I  say  not  alia 

God  schilde  Jjat1  it  scholde  so  byfalle  /  1232 

A  good  sir  host1.  I  haue  y-weddid  be 
Thise  monthes  tuo  and  more  not  par  de 
And  ^it1 1  trowe  he  Jjat1  al  his  lyue 

wyfles  haj?  ben  ]>ough  j>at  men  wold  him  riue  1236 

vnto  j?e  hert1  ne  couj;e  in  no  manere  / 
Tellen  so  moche  sorwe  as  I  now  heere  [/m/issj 

Cou]?e  telle  of1  my  wyfes  cursednesse  / 
No  quod  our  osfrf  marchaunf  so  god  30 w  blesse  1240 

Sin  ^e  so  moche  knowen  of1  j^at1  art 
Ful  hertily  tellith  vs  a  part1 
Gladly  quod  he  of  myn  oughne  sore 
For  sory  hert1 1  telle  may  na  more  1244 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.] 


443    SIX-TKXT 

302    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 


IT  Narrat1 

hilom  for  was  duellyng1  in  lombardy 
A  worfy  knigntt  fat1  born  was  of1  pauy 
In  which  he  lyued  in  gret1  prosperite 
And  fourty  $er.  a  wifles  man  was  he  1248 

And  folwed  ay  his  bodily  delyt1 
On  wo?? mien,  ther  was  his  appeiyt1 

As  doon  f ese  fooles  fat/  ben  seculere 

And  whan  fat1  he  was  passed  fourty  ^ere  1252 

were  it1  for  holyness  or  for  dotage 

I  can  not1  say .  but1  such  a  gret1  corrage 

hadde  f  is  knight1 .  to  ben  a  weddid  man 

That1  day  and  night,  he  dof  al  fat1  he  can  125G 

Taspye  vvher  fat1  he  mighte  weddid  be 

Praying1  our  lord  to  graunte  him  fat1  he 

Might1  oones  knowen  of1  fat1  blisful  lif1 

J^at1  is  bitwix  an  housbond  and  his  wyf1  1260 

And  for  to  lyue  vnder  fat1  holy  bond 

with  which  god  first1 .  man  to  wowman  bond 

Noon  of  er  lif1  said  he  is  worth  a  bene 

For  wedlok1  is  so  holy  and  so  clene  1264 

That1  in  f  is  world  it  is  a  paradis 

Thus  sayd  f  is  olde  knight1  fat1  was  so  wys 

And  certeinly  as  soth  as  god  is  king1 

To  take  a  wyf1.  is  a  glorious  fing/  1268 

And  namely  whan  a  man  is  old  and  hoor 

Than  is  a  wyf1  f e  fruyt1  of1  his  tresor 

Than  schuld  he  take  a  ^ong1  wif1  and  a  fair 

On  which  he  might1  engendre  him  an  hair  1272 


SIX-TEXT    444 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    303 

And  lede  his  lyfH  in  mirthe  and  in  solace 

wher  as  pese  bachileres  synge  alias 

whan  pay  fynde  eny  aduersite 

In  lone  which  is  but  childes  vanite  [leaf  is?,,  back]   1276 

And  trewely  it  sit  wel  to  be  so 

That*  bachilers  haue  ofte  peyne  and  wo 

On  brutil  ground  pay  bulde  brutelnesse  / 

)3ay  fynde  whan  pay  wene  sikernesse  1280 

Thay  lyue  but  as  a  brid  oper  as  a  best1 

In  liberte  and  vnder  noon  arrest 

Ther  as  a  weddid  man  in  his  estate 

lyuith  his  lif1  busily  and  ordinate  1284 

vnder  pe  ^ok1  of*  mariage  I-bounde 

wel  may  his  herte  in  ioye  and  blisse  abounde  / 

For  who  can  be  so  buxom  as  a  wyf1  / 

who  is  so  trewe  and  eek1  so  ententyf1  1288 

To  kepe  him  seek  and  hool  as  is  his  make 

For  wele  or  woo  sche  wol  him  not1  forsake  / 

Sche  is  not1  wery  him  to  loue  and  seme 

Theigh  pat1  he  lay  bedred.  til  pat1  he  sterue  1292 

And  ^ef  som  clerkes  seyn  it  is  not  so 

Of1  whiche  theofrast/  is  oon  of1  po 

what1  fors  Jjough.  theofrast1 .  liste  lye 

Ne  take  no  wif1  quod  he  for  housbondrye  1296 

As  for  to  spare  in  houshold  py  dispense 

A  trewe  seruawnt1  doth  more  diligence 

Jty  good  to  kepe  pan  pin  oughne  wif1  / 

For  sche  wol  clayme  half1  part  in  al  hir  lif  1 300 

And  if1  pat1  pou  be  seek  so  god  me  saue 

))yne  verray  frendes  or  a  trewe  kiiaue 

wol  kepe  pe  bet1  •  pan  sche  pat1  waytith  ay 

After  py  good  and  hath  doon  many  day  1304 

And  if1  pat1  pou  take  a  wif1  be  war 

Of1  oon  peril .  which  declare  I  ne  dar . 

This  entent1  and  an  hundrid  sipe  wors 

writith  pis  Mas  ther  god  his  bones  curs  1308 


445    SIX-TEXT 

304    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

But  take  no  keep  of1  al  such  vanite 

Deny  theofrast1  and  herkne  me 

A  wyf1  is  goddes  ^ifte  verrayly 

Al  oper  maner  ^iftes  hardily  1312 

As  landes  rentes  pasture  or  comune 

Or  oper  moeblis  ben  ^iftes  of1  fortune  [Vea/mj 

That1  passen  as  a  schadow  on  a  wal 

But'  dred  not/  if1 1  playnly  telle  schal  1316 

A  wyf1  wil  last  and  in  pin  hous  endure 

wel  lenger  pan  pe  lust/  p«?*  aduenture 

Mariage  is  a  ful  gret1  sacrament 

he  which  ha])  no  wif  I  hold  him  schent  1320 

he  lyueth  helples .  and  is  al  desolate 

I  speke  of1  folk/  in  seculer  estate 

And  herken  why  I  say  not1  pis  for  nought1 

The  wo??iman  is  for  mannes  help  I-wrought1  1324 

The  heighe  god  whan  he  had  adam  maked 

And  saugh  him  aloone  body  naked 

God  of1  his  grete  goodnes  sayde  Jeanne 

Let  vs  now  make  an  helpe  to  ]>is  manne  1328 

lyk1  to  himself/,  and  pan  he  made  Eue 

her  may  }e  see .  and  here  may  36  preue 

That1  wyfH  is  mannes  help  and  his  comfort1 

his  paradis  terrestre  and  his  desport1  1332 

So  buxom  and  so  vertuous  is  sche  / 

Thay  mosten  neede  lyue  in  vnite . 

O  fleisch  fay  ben .  and  on  blood  as  I  gesse 

haue  but1  oon  hert1.  in  wele  and  in  clistresse  /  1336 

.  \  A  wyf1  f  a  seinte  mary  benedicite 

how  might1  a  man  haue  eny  aduersite 

That1  hap  a  wyf1 .  certes  I  can  not  say 

The  ioye  pat1  is  betwixen  hem  tway  1340 

Ther  may  no  tonge  telle  ne  herte  pink 

If1  he  be  pore  sche  helpith  him  to  swynk1 

Sche  kepith  his  good  and  wastith  neuer  a  del 

And  al  pat1  her  housbond  list1,  sche  likith  it  wel          1344 


SIX-TEXT    446 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    305 

Sche  saith  nought1  oones  nay  whan  he  saith  30 

Do  f  is  saith  he .  al  redy  sir  saith  sche 

O  blisful  ordre  o  wedlok1  precious 

Thou  art1  so  mery  and  ek1  so  vertuous  1348 

And  so  comendid  and  approued  eek1 

That1  euery  man  fat1  holt1  him  worth  a  leek1 

vpon  his  bare  knees  ought1  al  his  lyf1 

Thanken  his  god  fat1  him  haf  sent  a  wif1  [tea/m.&acfr]  1352 

Or  pray  to  god  oon  him  for  to  sende 

To  be  with  him  vnto  his  lyues  ende  / 

For  fan  his  lyf1  is  set1  in  sikernesse  / 

he  may  not1  be  deceyued  as  I  gesse  /  135G 

So  fat1  he  worche  after  his  wyfes  red 

))an  may  be  boldely  bere  vp  his  heed 

Thay  ben  so  trewe  and  also  so  wyse 

For  whiche  if1  fou  wolt  do  as  fe  wyse  1360 

Do  alway  so  f  e  wowman  wol  f  e  rede 

lo  how  fat1  lacob  as  f  e  clerkes  rede 

By  good  counseil  of1  his  moder  Eebecke 

Band  fe  kydes  skyn  about1  his  sones  nekke  1364 

For  which  his  fader  benesozm  he  wan 

Lo  ludith  as  f  e  story  telle  can 

By  wys  counseil  sche  goddes  poepel  kept* 

And  slough  him  oliphernus  whil  he  slept1  1368 

Lo  abygaille  by  good  cownseil  how  sche  / 

Sauyd  hir  housbond  Nacab  whan  fat1  he  / 

Schold  han  ben  slayn  And  loke  after  also 

By  good  counseil  deliuered  out1  of1  wof  1372 

J?e  poeple  of1  god.  and  made  him  mandoche 

Of1  Assure  enhaunsed  for  to  be 

Ther  nys  no  f  ing  /  in  gre  sup^'latif1 

As  saith  Seneca  aboue  an  humble  wyf  1376 

Suffre  fy  wyues  tonge  as  Catoun  byfr 

She  schal  comaunde  and  fou  schalt1  suffre  it 

And  }it  sche  wil  obeye  of1  curtesye 

A  wif1  is  keper  of1  fin  housbondrye  1380 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  X 


447    SIX-TEXT 

306    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

wel  may  J>e  sike  man  \vayle  and  wepe 

Ther  as  per  is  no  wyf1  pe  hous  to  kepe 

I  warne  pe  ifH  wisly  pou  wilt*  wirche 

lone  wel  py  wyf1  as  crist1  doth  his  chirche  1384 

IF  pou  louest1  piself1  pou  louest1  py  wyf1  / 

]Sro  man  hatith  his  neissch  but  in  his  lif  / 

he  fostrith  it1  and  perfore  warne  I  pe 

Cherissh  py  wif1 .  or  pou  schalf  neuer  the  1388 

housbond  &  wif1  what*  men  iape  or  pleye 

OfH  worldly  folk1  holden  pe  righte  weye  yeafiss] 

Thay  ben  so  knyt1  per  may  noon  harm  bytyde 

And  nameliche  vpon  pe  wyues  syde  1392 

Tor  which  Jns  January  of1  which  I  tolde 

Considered  hath  Inwith  his  dayes  olde  / 

The  lusty  lif*  the  vertuous  quiete 

That1  is  in  raariage  hony-swete  1396 

U  And  for  his  frendes  on  a  day  he  sent 

To  tellen  hem  theffect1  of1  his  entent 

wij?  face  sad .  he  haf  hem  this  tale  told 

he  sayde  frendes  I  am  hoor  and  old  1400 

And  almost*  god  woof  af  my  pittes  brinke 

vpon  my  soule  som  what1  most1  I  Jjynke 

I  haue  my  body  folily  dispendid 

Blessed  be  god  that1  I  schal  be  amendid  1404 

For  I  wil  be  certeyn  a  weddid  man 

And  pat1  anoon  in  al  ]>Q  hast1  I  can 

vnto  som  mayde  fair  and  tender  of1  age  / 

I  pray  ^ow  helpith  for  my  mariage  1408 

Al  sodeynly  .  for  I  wil  not1  abyde 

I  wil  fonde  tespien  on  my  syde 

To  whom  I  may  be  weddid  hastily 

But1  for  als  moche  as  36  ben  mo  than  1 .  1412 

3e  schul  rather  such  a  ping1  aspien 

j?an  I  and  wher  me  lust1  best1  to  allien 

But1  oo  ping1  warne  I  30  w  my  frendes  deere  / 

I  wil  noon  old  wyf1  haue  in  no  manere  /  1416 


SIX-TEXT    448 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    307 

Sche  schal  not1  passe  •  sixtene  $er  certayn 

Old  fleisch  and  ^ong1  fleisch  fat1  wold  I  haue  ful  fayn 

Bet1  is  quod  he  a  pyk1  fan  a  pikereH 

And  bet1  fan  olde  boef1  is  tendre  vel  1420 

I  wil  no  wo?ftman  twenty  301  of1  age 

It1  nys  but1  bene  straw  and  gret1  forage 

And  eek1  f  ese  olde  wydewes  god  it  woot1 

Thay  can  so  moche  craft1  of1  wades  boot  1424 

So  moche  broken  harm  whan  fat  hem  list1 

That1  wif  hem  schuld  I  neuer  lyuen  in  rest1 

For  sondry  scolis  maken  subtil  clerkes 

womman  of1  many  a  skile  half1  a  clerk1  is   [wi35,6<w*]  1428 

But1  certeyn  a  $ong1  f  ing1  may  men  gye 

Right1  as  men  may  warm  wax  with  hondes  plye 

wher  for  I  say  $ow  plenerly  in  a  clause 

I  wil  noon  old  wyf*  han  right1  for  fat1  cause  H32 

For  if1  so  were  I  hadde  so  meschauuce 

ftat1  I  in  hir  couf  e  haue  no  plesaunce 

Than  schuld  I  lede  my  lyf1  in  aduoutrie 

And  go  streight1  to  fe  deuel  whan  I  dye .  1436 

"Ne  children  schuld  I  noon  vpon  hir  geten 

3etf  were  me  leuer  houndes  had  me  eten 

J)an  fat1  myn  heritage  schulde  falle 

In  straunge  hond  and  fus  I  telle  ^ow  alle  1440 

I  doute  not .  I  wot1  f  e  cause  why 

Men  scholde  wedde .  and  forf ermor  woot  I 

Ther  spekith  many  man  of1  mariage 

That1  wot1  nomore  of  it  fan  wot1  my  page  1444 

For  whiche  causes  .  man  schuld  take  a  wyf1 

If1  he  ne  may  not1  chast1  be  by  his  lif1 

Take  him  a  wif1  with  gret1  deuociozm 

By  cause  of1  lawful  procreaciown  1448 

Of1  children  to  f  onour  of1  god  aboue 

And  not1  oonly  for  paramour  and  for  loue . 

And  for  fay  schulde  leccherye  eschiewe 

And  $eld  oure  dettes  whan  fat  it  is  due  1452 

X   2 


449    SIX-TEXT 

308    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Or  for  £at  ilk1  man  schulde  helpen  oj?er 

In  meschief1  as  suster  schal  to  J?e  broker 

And  lyue  in  chastite  f ul  heuenly 

But1  sires  by  30111  leue  ]?at  am  not  I  1456 

For  by  Ranked  I  dar  make  auaunt 

I  fele  my  lemys  stark1  and  suffisazmt 

To  doon  al  Jjatt  a  man  bilongeth  vnto 

I  wot1  my  selue  best1  what1 1  may  do  1460 

H  Though  I  be  hoor  I  fare  as  do])  a  tree  NGM 

That1  blossemith  er  j^at1  J?e  frnyt1 I-waxe  be 

A  blossemy  tre  is  neither  drye  ne  deed 

I  fele  me  no-wher  hoor  but1  on  myn  heed  1464 

My n  herte  and  my  lymes  ben  as  greene . 

As  laurer  Jmrgh  pe  3eer  is  for  to  seene  o/ise] 

And  synnes  36  han  herd  al  myn  entent 

I  pray  30  w  to  my  wille  36  assent1  1468 

Diuerse  men  diuersly  him  tolde 

OfH  mariage  many  ensamples  olde 

Some  blamed  him  some  praised  it1  certayn 

But1  atte  laste  schortly  for  to  sayn  1472 

As  alday  fallith  altercaciozm 

Bitwixe  frendes  in  despitesow-n 

Ther  fel  a  strif1  bitwen  his  bretheren  tuo  Note 

Of1  which  jjat1  oon  was  clepid  Placebo  1476 

lusthms  so))ly  cleped  was  ]?at  oj^er 

Placebo  sayde  .o  .  January  broker 

Ful  litel  need  had  36  my  lord  so  deere 

Counseil  to  axe  of1  eny  Jjat1  is  heere  1480 

But1  J>afr  30  ben  so  ful  of1  sapience 

That1  3ow  ne  likith  for  3our  heigh  prudence  / 

To  wayue  fro  }>e  word  of1  Salamon 

This  word  said  he  vnto  vs  euerychoon  1484 

werk/  al  Jring1  by  counsail  pus  sayd  he  / 

And  J)anne  schaltow  nought1  repente  ]>e 

But1  ]?ough  Jiat1  Salamon  speke  such  a  word 

Myn  owne  deere  broker  and  my  lord  1 488 


SIX-TEXT    450 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    309 

So  wisly  god  bring1  my  soule  at1  ese  and  rest 

I  holde  ^our  oughne  counseil  is  J?e  best/ 

For  broker  myn  of*  me  tak1  jns  motif1 

I  haue  now  ben  a  court1  man  al  my  lyf1  1492 

And  god  wot1  pough" .  fiat1  I  vnworjjy  be 

I  haue  standen  in  ful  gret  degre 

Abouten  lordes  in  ful  gret1  estat 

3itt  had  I  neuer  with  noon  of1  hem  debaat  1496 

I  neuer  hem  contraried  trewely 

I  wot1  wel  Jjat1  my  lord  can  more  )>an  I 

what1  jjat1  he  saith  I  hold  it  ferm  and  stable 

I  say  J)e  same  or  elles  Jjing1  semblable  1500 

A  ful  gret1  fool  is  eny  counselour  note 

Jpat1  seruith  any  lord  of1  high  honour 

jjat1  dar  presume  or  oones  J>enken  it  / 

That1  his  counseil  schuld  passe  his  lordes  wit1  Kns6,wt]  1504 

Nay  lordes  ben  no  fooles  by  my  fay 

3e  haue  }our  self1  y-spoken  heer  to  day 

So  heigh"  sentens  so  holly  and  so  wel 

Jjat1 1  consente  and  conferme  euery  del  1508 

3our  wordes  alle .  and  ^oure  oppinioun 

By  god  J>er  is  no  man  in  al  ]>is  toun 

!N"e  in  ytaile  coupe  better  haue  sayd 

Crist1  holdith  him  of1  f>is  ful  wel  a-payd  1512 

And  trewely  it1  is  an  heigh  corrage 

Of1  any  man  Jmt1  stopen  is  in  age  / 

To  take  a  song1  wyf1  by  my  fader  kyn 

3our  herte  hongith  on  a  ioly  pyn  1516 

Doth  now  in  |?is  matier  right1  as  $ow  lest1 

For  fynally  I  hold  it1  for  fe  best1 

lustinus  pat1  ay  stille  sat1  and  herde  / 

Bight1  in  |>is  wise  he  to  placebo  answerde  /  1520 

Now  brother  myn  be  pacient1 1  $ow  pray 

Syns  $e  haue  sayd .  and  herknith  what1 1  say 

Senec1  amonges  o]?er  wordes  wyse 

Saith  jjat1  a  man  aught1  him  wel  auyse  1524 


451    SIX-TEXT 

310    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 

To  whom  he  ^iueth  his  lond  or  his  catel 

And  syns  I  aught1  auyse  me  right1  wel 

To  whom  I  31116  my  good  away  fro  ine 

wel  more  I  aught1  avised  for  to  be  1528 

To  whom  I  31110  my  body  for  alwey 

I  warn  3ow  wel .  it1  is  no  childes  pley 

To  take  a  wyf1  wif  oute  avisement1 

Men  most1  enquere  fis  is  myn  assent  1532 

wher  sche  be  wys  or  sobre  or  dronkelewe 

Or  proud  or  of  er  way  a  schrewe 

A  chyder  or  a  wastour  of1  fy  good 

Or  riche  or  pore  or  elles  man  is  wood  1536 

Al  be  it  so  fat  no  man  fynde  schal 

Noon  in  J)is  world  fat1  trottith  hool  in  al 

Neytlier  man  ne  best1  such  as  man  can  deuyse 

But*  natheles  it  aught1  ynough  suffise  1540 

wif  any  wyf1  if1  so  were  fat1  sche  hadde 

Mo  goode  thewes  fan  hir  vices  badde  [wis?] 

And  al  fis  askith  leyser  to  enquere 

For  god  woot1  I .  haue  weped  many  a  tere  1544 

Ful  priuely  syns  I  haue  had  a  wyf1 

Prayse  who  so  wil  a  weddid  mannes  lif1 

Certes  I  fynd  in  it  but1  cost1  and  care 

And  obseruaunce  of1  alle  blisses  bare  1548 

And  3it  god  woot1  myn  neighebours  aboute 

And  namely  of1  wo?ftmen  many  a  route 

Sayn  fat1  I  haue  f  e  moste  stedefast  wyf1  / 

And  eek1  fe  meekest1  0011  fat1  berith  lyf1  1552 

But1  I  woot1  best1  wher  wryngith  me  my  scho  ™ta 

3e  may  for  me  right1  as  3ow  liste  do 

Auysith  3ow  36  ben  a  man  of1  age 

how  fat1  36  entren  in  to  mariage  1556 

And  namly  with  a  3ong1  wif1  and  a  fair 

By  him  fat  made  water  eorf  e  and  air 

The  3ongest1  man  fat1  is  in  al  fis  route 

Is  busy  ynough  to  bring1  it  wel  aboute  1560 


SIX-TEXT    452 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    311 

To  haue  his  wif1  alloone  trust! tli  me 

3e  schul  not1  please  hir  fully  $eres  pre 

This  is  to  say  to  doon  hir  ful  plesaunce 

A  wyf1  axith  ful  many  an  obseruaunce  1564 

I  pray  3ow  pat1  36  be  not1  euel  apayd 

\vel  quod  pis  January  and  hastow  sayd 

Straw  for  py  senec1  and  for  py  prouerbis 

I  coneyte  nought1  a  panyer  ful  of1  herbes  1568 

Of*  scole  termes  wiser  men  pan  pow  / 

As  I  haue  sayd  assenten  her  right1  now 

Vnto  my  purpose  .  placebo  what1  say  30 

I  say  it  is  a  cursed  man  quod  he  /  1572 

That1  lettith  matrimoigne  sicurly 

And  with  Jjat  word  pay  rysen  vp  sodeinly 

And  ben  assented  fully  pat1  he  scholde 

Be  weddid  whan  him  lust1,  and  wher  he  wolde  1576 

The  fantasy .  and  pe  curious  busynesse 

Fro  day  to  day .  gan  in  pe  soule  impresse 

Of1  January  aboute  his  manage 

Many  a  fair  schap  and  many  a  fair  visage  [leafisi,  lack]  1580 

Ther  passith  porugh  his  herte  night1  by  night 

As  who  so  took1  a  mirrour  polissched  bright1 

And  set1  it1  in  a  comun  market  place 

Than  schuld  he  se .  many  a  figure  pace  1584 

By  his  mirour  and  in  pe  same  wise 

Gan  January  in  his  Bought1  deuyse 

Of1  may  dens  which  pat1  duellid  him  bisyde 

he  wist1  not1  where  pat1  he  might1  abyde  1588 

For  pough  pat1  oon  haue  a  beaute  in  hir  face 

Anoper  stant1  so  in  pe  poeples  grace 

For  hir  sadnesse  and  hir  benignite 

That1  of1  pe  poeple  grettest1  vois  had  sche  1592 

And  som  were  riche  and  hadde  badde  name 

But1  napeles  bitwix  ernesf  and  game 

he  atte  last/  appoynted  him  anoon 

And  let1  al  oper  fro  his  herte  goon  1596 


453    SIX-TEXT 

312    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 

And  ches  hir  of*  his  oughne  auctorite 

For  loue  is  blynd  al  day  and  may  not  se/. 

And  whan  he  was  in  to  bedde  brought 

He  purtrayed  in  his  hert1  and  in  his  fought  1600 

Hir  freische  beaute  and  hir  age  tendre 

Hir  myddel  srnal  hir  armes  long1  and  sclendre 

Hir  wise  gouernazmce  hir  gentilesse  / 

Hir  wowmanly  beryng1  and  hir  sadnesse  1604 

And  whan  fat  he  on  hir  was  condescendid 

him  fought  his  chois  mighte  nought1  ben  amendid 

For  whan  fat1  he  himself1  concludid  hadde 

Him  fough  ech  ofer  mannes  wyf1  so  badde  1608 

That1  impossible  it  were  to  repplie 

Agayn  bis  choys  f  is  was  his  fantasie 

his  frendes  sent  he  to  at1  his  instaunce 

And  prayed  hem  to  doon  him  fat  plesaunce  1612 

That1  hastily  fay  wolde  to  him  come 

he  wold  abrigge  her  labour  alle  and  some 

Kedith  no  more  for  him  to  gon  ne  ryde 

he  was  appoynted  fer  he  wold  abyde  /  1616 

Placebo  cam  and  eek1  his  frendes  soone  / 

And  althirfirst1 .  he  bad  hem  alle  a  boone  Oa/iss] 

That1  noon  of  hem  noon  argume?^tis  make  / 

Agayn  fe  purpos.  which  fat1  he  had  take  1620 

which  purpos  was  plesaunt  to  god  sayd  he  / 

And  verray  ground  of1  his  prosperite 

He  sayd  fer  was  a  mayden  in  f e  toun 

which  fat1  of1  beaute  hadde  gret1  renoun  1624 

Al  were  it  so  sche  were  of1  smal  degre  / 

Suffisith  him  hir  trouth  and  hir  beaute  / 

which  mayde  he  sayd  he  wold  haue  to  his  wyf1 

To  lede  in  ease  and  holinesse  his  lyf1  1628 

And  fanked  god-  fat1  he  might1  haue  hir  al 

That1  no  wight1  his  blisse  parten  schal 

And  preyed  hem  to  laboure  in  f  is  neede 

And  schapen  faf  he  faile  not1  to  speede  1632 


SIX-TEXT    454 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    313 

For  fan  he  sayd  his  spirit1  was  at*  ease 

Than  is  quod  he  no  fing1  may  nie  displease  / 

Sane  oon  Jring1  prikkith  in  my  conscience  / 

The  which  I  wil  reherse  in  30111  presence  1636 

I  haue  herd  sayd  quod  he  ful  ^ore  ago 

Ther  may  no  man  haue  parfyf  blisses  tuo 

This  is  to  say  in  erthe  and  eek1  in  heuene 

For  fough  he  kepe  him  fro  fe  synnes  seuene  /  1640 

And  eek1  from  ylk1  a  braunche  of1  f  ilke  tre 

^it1  is  f  er  so  parfy  felicite 

And  so  gret1  ease  and  lust1  in  mariage 

That1  euer  I  am  agast1  now  in  myn  age  1644 

That1 1  schal  lede  now  so  mery  a  lyf1 

So  delicat1  wif  oute  wo  and  stryf1 

That1  I  schal  haue  myn  heuen  in  erthe  heere 

For  sith  fat1  verrey  heuen  is  bought1  so  deere  1648 

with  tribulacioem  and  gret  penau^ce 

how  schuld  I  f  anne  fat  Hue  in  such  plesazmce 

As  alle  wedded  men  doon  with  her  wyues 

Come  to  blisse  ther  crist1  eterne  on  lyue  is  1652 

This  is  my  drede  and  ^e  my  bref eren  tweye 

Assoilith  me  f  is  questkmn  I  $ow  preye 

lustinus  which  fat1  hated  his  folye 

Answerd  anoon  right1  in  his  iaperie  yeafm,  back}  1656 

And  for  he  wold  his  longe  tale  abrigge 

he  wolde  noon  auctorite  alegge 

But1  sayde  sir .  so  ther  be  noon  obstacle 

Ofer  fan  fis  god  of1  his  high  miracle  1660 

And  of1  his  mercy  may  so  for  }ow  wirche 

That1  er  }e  haue  ^our  rightes  of1  holy  chirche 

3e  may  repente  of1  weddid  maw.nes  lyf1 

In  which  ^e  sayn  fer  is  no  wo  ne  stryf1  1664 

And  elles  god  forbede  but  he  sente 

A  weddid  man  grace  him  to  repente 

wel  ofte  rather  fan  a  sengle  man 

And  f  erf  or  sire  fe  beste  reed  I  can  1668 


455    SIX-TEXT 

314    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Dispaire  30  w  nought1  but*  haue  in  ^oure  memorie 

Paraduenture  she  may  be  30111-  purgatorie 

Sche  may  be  goddes  mene  and  goddes  whippe         nota 

Than  sclial  ^our  soule  vp  to  heuen  skippe  1672 

Swyfter  pan  do]?  an  arwe  out  of1  a  bowe 

I  hope  to  god  her  after  36  slmln  knowe 

That*  per  nys  noon  so  gret1  felicite 

In  mariage  ne  neuermor  schal  be  1676 

pat1  :;ou  schal  lette  of1  3our  sauaciou^ 

So  pat1  30  use  as  skile  is  and  resoun 

The  lustes  of1  3our  wyf1  attemperely 

And  pat1  36  please  hir  not  to  amorously  1680 

And  pat1  36  kepe  jow  eek1  from  oper  synne 

My  tale  is  dooii .  for  my  witt1  is  pynne 

Bep  not1  agast1  her  of1  my  broper  deere  / 

But1  let1  vs  waden  out  of1  pis  matiere  1684 

The  wif1  of1  Bathe  if1 36  lian  vnderstonde 

Of1  mariage  which  36  han  now  on  honde 

Declared  hath  ful  wel  in  litel  space 

Fareth  now  wel  god  haue  sow  in  his  grace  1688 

And  with  pat1  word  pis  lustinus  and  his  broper 

Han  tak1  her  leue  and  ech  of1  hem  of1  oper 

And  whan  pay  saugn"  pat1  i  most  needis  be 

Thay  wroughten  so  by  sleight1  and  wys  trete  1692 

That1  sche  pis  mayclen  which  pat/  Mayus  highfr 

As  hastily  as  euer  sche  might  |>a/i«9] 

Schal  weddid  be  vnto  pis  lanuarie 

I  trow  it  were  to  longe  }ow  to  tarie  1696 

If1  I  3ow  tolde  of1  euery  scrit  and  bond 

By  which  pat  sche  was  feoffed  in  his  lond 

Or  for  to  herken  of1  hir  riche  array 

But1  finally  y-comen  is  pat1  day  1700 

That1  to  pe  chirche  bope  ben  pay  went 

For  to  receyue  pe  holy  sacrement1 

Forth  comth  pe  preost  with  stoole  about  his  necke 

And  bad  hir  be  lik1  Sana  and  Eebecke  1704 


"SIX-TEXT  456 
GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    315 

In  wisdom  and  in  trouth  of1  mariage 

And  sayd  his  oriscmns  as  is  vsage  / 

And  crouched  hem  and  bad  god  schuld  hem  blesse  / 

And  made  al  secur  ynowgh  with  holinesse  1708 

Thus  ben  fay  weddid  wij)  Solempnite 

And  atte  fest1  sittith  he  and  sche 

with  othir  worfy  folk1  vpon  the  deys 

Al  ful  of1  ioy  and  blis  is  that1  paleys  1712 

And  of*  Instrumentz  and  of*  vitaile 

The  moste  deinteuous  of*  ytaile 

Biforn  hem  stood  such  Instruments  of1  soun 

That1  Orpheus  ne  of*  Thebes  Amphiozm  1716 

Ne  maden  neuer  such  a  melody e 

At1  euery  cours  ther  cam  loud  menstralcye 

That1  neuer  tromped  loab  for  to  heere 

Ne  he  Theodomas  ^it1  half1  so  cleere  /  1720 

And  Thebes  whan  the  cite  was  in  doute 

Bachus  jpe  wyn  hem  schenchith  al  aboute 

And  venus  laughith  vpon  euery  wight 

For  lanuary  was  by  come  hir  knight/  1724 

And  wolde  bothe  assay  en  his  corrage  / 

In  liberte  and  eek/  in  mariage 

And  with  hir  fuyrbrond  in  hir  hond  aboute 

Daunceth  bifore  J>e  bryde  and  al  J>e  route  1728 

And  certeynly  I  dar  right1  wel  say  ]?is 

Imeneus  fat1  god  of1  weddyng1  is 

Seigfi.  neuer  his  lif1  so  mery  a  weddid  man 

holde  fy  pees  thow  poete  marcian  [leaf  iwt  back]  1732 

That1  writest1  vs .  fat1  ilke  weddyng1  merye 

Of1  hir  philologie  and  he  mercurie 

And  of1  f>e  songes  that1  the  muses  songe 

To  snial  is  bofe  fy  penne  and  eek1  J>y  tonge  1736 

For  to  descriue  of1  "pis  mariage 

whan  tender  ^outhe  ha]?  weddid  stoupyng*  age 

Ther  is  such  rnirthe .  fat1  it  may  not1  be  write 

Aseaieth  it  3our  self1  fan  may  30  wyte  1740 


457    SIX-TEXT 

316    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

If1  fat1  I  lye  or  noon  in  f  is  mateere 

May  us  fat1  sit1  with  so  benigne  a  cheere  / 

Hir  to  bihold  it  /  semed  fayerye  / 

Queen  ester  loked  neuer  with  such  an  ye  1744 

On  assure  so  meke  a  look1  haf  sche 

I  may  not1  }ow  deuyse  al  hir  beaute 

But  thus  moche  of1  hir  beaute  telle  I  may 

That1  sche  was  lyk1  fe  brighte  morvv  of1  may  1748 

Fulfild  of1  alle  beaute  and  plesaunce 

This  lanuary  is  rauyscht1  in  a  traunce 

At1  euery  tyme  he  lokith  on  hir  face 

But1  in  his  hert1  he  gan  hir  to  manace  1752 

That1  he  fat1  night1  in  armes  wold  hir  streyne 

Harder  fan  euer  paris  did  Eleyne 

But1  natheles  }it  had  he  gret1  pite 

That1  filke  night  offenden  hir  most1  he  /  1756 

And  fought1  alias  .0.  tendre  creature 

Now  wolde  god  30  mighte  wel  endure 

Al  my  corrage .  it1  is  so  scharp  and  keene 

I  am  agast1 36  schul  it  not1  susteene  1760 

For  god  forbede  fat1 1  dede  al  my  might 

Now  wolde  god  fat1  it  were  woxe  night 

And  fat1  f e  night1  wold  stonden  euermo 

I  wold  fat1  al  fis  poeple  were  a  go  1764 

And  fynally  he  doth  al  his  labour 

As  he  best1  mighte  sauyng1  his  honour 

To  hast1  hem  from  f  e  mete  in  subtil  wise 

The  tyme  cam)  fat1  resoun  was  to  ryse  1768 

And  after  fiat1  men  daunce  and  drynke  fast 

And  spices  about1  fe  hous  fay  cast1  \icafuo] 

And  f  ul  of1  ioy .  and  blis  is  euery  man 

Al  but1  a  squier  that1  night1  Damyan  1772 

which  karf1  tofor  f  e  knight1  ful  many  a  day 

he  was  so  rauyssht1  on  his  lady  may 

That  for  f  e  verray  peyne  he  was  nigh  wood 

Almost1  he  sweltf  and  swowned  as  he  stood  1776 


SIX-TEXT    458 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S'  TALE.    Harleian  7331    317 

So  sore  hap  venus  hurt1  him  wip  hir  brond 

As  patt  sche  bar  it  daunsyng1  in  hir  bond 

And  to  his  bed  he  went1  him  hastily 

No  more  of*  him  as  at1  pis  tyme  telle  I  1780 

But1  per  I  lete  him  now  his  wo  compleyne 

Til  freisshe  may  wol  rewen  on  his  peyne  / 

0  perilous  fuyr  pat1  in  pe  bed-straw  bredith  Auctor 

0  famuler  fo  pat1  his  seruice  bedith  1784 

0  seruaunt1  traitour  false  homly  hewe 

lyk1  to  pe  nedder  in  bosom  vntrewe  / 

God  schild  vs  alle  from  3  our  acqueintance  / 

0  January  dronken  in  plesaunce  1788 

OfH  mariage  se  how  py  damyan 

Thyn  oughne  squier  and  py  borne  man 

Entendith  for  to  do  pe  vilonye  / 

God  graunte  pe  pin  homly  fo  espye  1792 

For  in  pis  world  nys  worse  pestilence  / 

Than  homly  foo  .  alday  in  py  presence 

Parfourmed  hap  pe  sonne  his  ark*  diourne 

No  lenger  may  pe  body  of1  him  soiourne  1796 

On  thorisonte .  as  in  latitude 

Night1  with  his  mantel  pat1  is  derk1  and  rude 

Gan  ouersprede  themesperie  aboute 

For  which  departed  is  pe  route  1800 

Fro  January  with  Junk1  on  euery  side  / 

hoom  to  her  hous  lustily  J?ay  ryde 

wher  as  ]>ay  doon  her  Jnnges  as  hem  leste 

And  whan  pay  seigh  her  tyme  J>ay  goon  to  reste  /         1804 

Soone  after  pat1 .  pis  hasty  lanuarie 

wold  go  to  bed .  he  wold  no  lenger  tarie 

he  drinkith  ypocras  clarre  and  vernage  / 

Of1  spices  hote  to  encre  his  corrage  liea/uo,  back]  1808 

And  many  a  letuary  had  he  ful  fyn 

Such  as  )>e  cursed  monk1  daun  Constantin 

Hath  writen  in  his  book1  de  coitu 

To  ete  hem  alle  he  nas  no  ping1  eschieu  1812 


459    SIX-TEXT 

318    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

And  to  his  priue  frendes  pus  sayd  he 

For  goddes  loue  as  soon  as  it  may  be 

let1  voyden  al  pis  hous  in  curteys  wise 

And  pay  han  doon  right1  as  he  wold  deuyse  1816 

Men  drinken  and  pe  trauers  drawe  anoon 

The  bruyd  was  brought1  abedde  as  stille  as  stoon 

And  whan  pe  bed  was  with  pe  prest1  I-blessid 

Out1  of*  pe  chambre  hap  euery  wight1  him  dressed          1820 

And  January  ha])  fast/  in  armes  take/ 

His  freisshe  may  /  his  paradys  his  make 

He  lullith  hir  he  kissith  hir  fill  ofte 

with  pikke  bristlis  on  his  berd  vnsofte  1824 

lik1  to  pe  skyn  of1  houndfiscli  scharp  as  brere 

For  he  was  schaue  al  newe  in  his  manere 

He  rubbith  hir  about1  hir  tendre  face 

And  sayde  pus  alias  I  mot1  trespace  1828 

To  3ow  my  spouse .  and  $ow  gretly  offende  / 

Er  tyme  come  pat1  I  wol  doun  descende 

But1  napeles  considerith  pis  quod  he 

Ther  nys  no  werkman  what1  so  euer  he  be  1832 

Jpat1  may  bope  werke  wel  and  hastily 

This  wol  be  doon  at1  ley  sir  parfitly 

If  is  no  fors  how  longe  fat  we  pleye 

In  treAve  wedlock1  coupled  be  we  tweye  1836 

And  blessed  be  pe  30k1  pat1  we  ben  Inn 

For  in  actes  we  mow  do  no  synne 

A  man  may  do  no  synne  with  his  wif1 

~NQ  hurt1  himseluen  wij)  his  ouglme  knyf1  1840 

For  we  han  leue  to  play  vs  by  pe  lawe 

Thus  laborith  he  til  pat1  pe  day  gan  dawe 

And?  pan  he  takith  a  sop  in  fyn  clarre 

And  vpright1  in  his  bed  pan  sittith  he  1844 

And  after  pat1  he  song1  f ul  lowd  and  clere 

And  kissed  his  wyf1  and  made  wantoun  cheere  [fca/ui] 

he  was  al  coltissch  ful  of1  ragerye 

And  ful  of1  iargoun  as  a  flekked  pye  1848 


SIX-TEXT    460 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7331    319 

The  slakke  skyn  about1  liis  nekke  slake]? 

whil  pat1  he  song1 .  so  chauntep  he  and  craketh 

But1  god  wot1  what1  pat1  may  Bought1  in  hir  hert  / 

whan  sche  him  sangh  vp  sittyng1  in  his  schert1  1852 

In  his  night1  cappe  and  with  his  nekke  lene 

Sche  praysith  nought1  his  pleying1  worth  a  bene 

Than  sayd  he  pus  my  reste  wol  I  take 

Now  day  is  come  I  may  no  lenger  wake  1856 

And  doun  he  layd  his  heed  and  sleep  til  prime 

And  afterward  whan  pat1  he  saugh  his  tyme 

Yp  riseth  January  but1  freissche  may 

Holdith  hir  chamber  vnto  pe  fourpe  day  1860 

As  vsage  is  of1  wyues  for  pe  best1 

For  euery  labour  som  tyme  moot1  haue  rest1 

Or  elles  longe  may  he  not1  endure 

This  is  to  say.  no  lyues  creature  1864 

Be  it1 .  fissch  or  brid .  or  best1  or  man 

Now  wol  I  speke  of1  woful  damyan 

That1  languyssh  for  loue  as  $e  schuln  here 

Therfore  I  speke  to  him  in  pis  manere  1868 

IT  I  say .  0  sely  damyan  alias  Auctor 

Answere  to  my  demaunde  as  in  pis  caas 

how  schaltow  to  py  lady  freissche  may 

Telle  py  woo .  sche  wol  alway  say  nay  1872 

Eek1  if1  pou  speke  sche  wol  py  woo  bywreye 

God  be  pin  help  I  can  no  better  seye 

This  seke  damyan  in  venus  fuyr 

So  brennith  pat1  he  deyeth  for  desir  1876 

For  which  he  put1  his  lyf1  in  aduenture 

No  lenger  might1  he  in  pis  wo  endure 

But1  priuely  a  penner  gan  he  borwe 

And  in  a  letter  wrot1  he  al  his  sorwe  1880 

In  maner  of1  a  compleynt1  or  of1  a  lay 

vnto  his  faire  freissche  lady  may 

And  in  a  purs  of1  silk1  heng1  on  his  schert 

he  hap  it1  put1  and  layd  it  at  his  hert1          Oa/ui,&acA-]  1884 


461    SIX-TEXT 

320   GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

IT  The  moone  fat1  anoon  was  f  ilke  day 

That1  January  had  weddid  freische  may 

In  tuo  of1  taure  was  in  to  Cancre  gliden 

So  long1  hath  mayus  in  hir  chambre  abiden  1888 

As  custom  is  vnto  f  ese  nobles  alle 

A  bryde  schal  not1  eten  in  f  e  halle 

Til  dayes  foure .  or  f  re  dayes  atte  lest1 

I-passed  ben.  fan  let1  hir  go  to  fe  fest1  1892 

The  fourthe  day  complet  fro  noon  to  noon 

whan  fat1  f  e  heighe  masse  was  I-doon 

In  halle  sitte .  f  is  lanuary  and  may . 

As  freissch  as  is  fe  brighte  someres  day  1896 

And  so  bifelle  fat1  f  is  goode  man 

Kemembrid  him  vpon  f  is  Damyan 

And  sayde  seinte  mary  how  may  f  is  be 

That1  Damyan  entendith  not1  to  me  1900 

Is  he  ay  seek1  or  how  may  f  is  bityde 

his  squiers  which  fat1  stoode  f er  bisyde . 

Excusid  him  by  cause  of*  his  syknesse 

which  letted  him  to  dooii  his  busynesse  1904 

Noon  of  er  cause  mighte  make  him  tarie 

That1  me  forthinkith  quod  f  is  lanuarie 

he  is  a  gentil  squyer  by  my  trouf  e 

If1  fat1  he  deyde  it1  were  harm  and  routhe  1908 

he  is  as  wys  discret1  and  eek*  secre 

As  any  man  I  wot1  of1  his  degre 

And  ferto  manerly  and  seruy  sable 

And  for  to  be  a  thrifty  man  right1  able  1912 

But1  after  mete  as  soon  as  euer  I  may 

I  wol  myself1  visit  him  and  eek1  may 

To  doom  him  al  f  e  comfort1  fat1 1  can 

And  for  fat1  word  him  blessed  euery  man  1916 

That1  of1  his  bounte  and  his  gentilesse 

he  wolde  so  comfort1  in  seekenesse 

his  squyer .  for  it1  was  a  gentil  deede 

Dame  quod  fis  lanuary  tak1  good  heede  1920 


SIX-TEXT    462 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    321 

At*  after-mete  30  wif  ^our  wo??2men  alle  / 

whan  30  ban  ben  in  chambre  out1  of*  fis  halle     [^<//u2] 

That*  alle  ^e  goo  to  se  fis  Damyan 

Doth  him  desport1.  he  is  a  gen  til  man  1924 

And  tellith  him  fat1  I  wil  him  visite 

Haue  I  no  f  ing1 .  but1  rested  me  a  lyte  / 

And  spedith  ^ow  faste  for  I  wol  abyde 

Til  fat1  ^e  slepe  faste  by  my  syde  1928 

And  with  fat1  word .  he  gan  vnto  him  calle 

A  squier  fat1  was  marchal  ofH  his  halle 

And  told  him  certeyn  finges  what1  he  wolde 

This  freissche  may  hath  straight1  hir  wey  I-holde          1932 

wijj  alle  hir  wo?wmen  vnto  Damyan 

Doun  by  f  e  beddes  syde  sat1  sche  fan 

Comfortyng1  him  as  goodly  as  sche  may 

This  damyan  whan  fat1  his  tyme  he  say  1936 

In  secre  wise  his  purs  and  eek1  his  bille  / 

In  which  f  atH  he .  I-writen  had  his  wille 

Ila])  put1  in  to  hir  hond  wif  outen  more 

Saue  fat1  he  siketh  wonder  deepe  and  sore  1940 

And  softely  to  hir  right  Jms  sayd  he  / 

Mercy  and  fat1  $e  not1  discouer  me 

For  I  am  deed  if1  fat1  J)is  f  ing1  discouered  be 

J}is  purs  in  hir  bosom  hud  had  sche  1944 

And  went1  hir  way  ^e  gete  no  more  of1  me 

But  vnto  lanuary  comen  is  sche 

Jpat1  on  his  beddes  syde  sit1  ful  softe  / 

And  takith  hir  and  kissith  hir  ful  ofte  /  1948 

And  layd  him  doun  to  slepe  and  fat1  anoon 

Sche  feyned  hir  as  fat  sche  moste  goon  • 

Ther  as  36  woot1  fat1  euery  wight1  moot/  neede 

And  whan  sche  of1  fis  bille  haf  taken  heede  /  1952 

Sche  rent1  i  al  to  cloutes  atte  laste 

And  in  to  fe  priuy  softely  it  cast/ 

who  studieth  now  but  faire  freissche  may 

A-doun  by  olde  lanuary  sohe  lay  1956 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  Y 


463    SIX-TEXT 

322    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334 

That1  slepith  til  fat* .  f  e  coughe  ha])  him  awaked 

Anoon  he  prayde  stripen  hir  al  naked 

he  wold  of*  hir  he  sayd  haue  som  plesaunce 

hir  clothis  dede  him  he  sayde  som  grevawnce  [7/142,  &*•]  1960 

And  sche  obeieth  be  hir  lief1  or  loth 

But  lest*  that1  precious  folk  be  with  me  wroth 

how  fat1  he  wroughte .  I  dar  not1  telle 

Or  whef  ir  it  semed  him  paradys  or  helle  1964 

But1  here  I  lete  hem  werken  in  her  wise 

Til  euensong1  rong  and  fan  fay  most1  arise 

whe])ir  it1  be  by  desteny  or  aduenture 

were  it  by  influence  or  by  nature  1968 

Or  by  constellaeiown  fat1  in  such  estate 

The  heuen  stood  fat1  tyme  fortunate 

As  for  to  putte  a  bulle  of1  venus  werkis 

For  alle  fing1  hath  tyme  as  seyn  fese  clerkis  1972 

To  eny  wo??iman  for  to  gete  hir  lone 

I  can  not1  say  but1  grete  god  aboue  / 

Jpat1  knowith  fat  noon  acte  is  causeles 

He  deme  of1  al.  for  I  wil  holde  my  pees  1976 

But1  soth  is  fis  how  fat1  fis  freisshe  may 

hath  take  such  impressioun  fat  day 

Of1  pite  of1  f  is  sike  damyan 

That1  from  hir  herte  sche  ne  dryue  can  1980 

The  remembra?mce  for  to  doon  him  ease  / 

Certeyn  fought1  sche  .  whom  fat1  f  is  f  ing1  displease 

I  rekke  not1  for  her  I  him  assure 

To  loue  him  best1  of1  eny  creature  /  1984 

Though  he  no  more  hadde  fan  his  scherte 

Lo  pite  renneth  soone  in  gentil  herte 

heer  may  36  see  how  excellent  fraunchise 

In  wowman  is .  whan  fay  narow  hem  auyse  1988 

Som  tyraunt1  is  as  f er  ben  many  oon 

That1  haf  an  hert1  as  hard  as  is  a  stoon 

which  wold  han  lete  steruen  in  f  e  place 

wel  rather  fan  han  graunted  him  her  grace  1992 


SIX-TEXT    4G4 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    323 

And  hem  reioysen  in  her  cruel  pride 

And  rekken  nou^t*  to  ben  an  homicide 

U  This  gentil  may  fulfillid  of  pite 

-Right1  of  hir  hond  a  letter  maked  sche  /  1996 

In  which  sehe  grauntith  him  hir  verray  grace 

Ther  lakkid  nought*  but  oonly  day  and  place      [wi«] 

\vher  )>at  sche  might1  vnto  his  lust1  suffise 

For  it1  schal  be  right*  as  he  wol  deuyse  2000 

And  whan  sche  saugh  hir  tyme  vpon  a  day 

To  visite  Jris  daniyan  go])  May 

And  subtilly  J)is  lettre  doun  sche  thruste 

Vnder  his  pylow .  rede  it  if  him  luste  2004 

Sche  takith  him  by  pe  hond  and  hard  him  twiste 

So  secrely  J)at*  no  wight1  of  hit1  wiste 

And  bad  him  be  al  hool  and  for})  sche  wente 

To  lanuary  whan  jjat*  he  for  hir  sente  2008 

vp  ryseth  Daniyan  J?e  nexte  morwe 

Al  passed  was  his  siknes  and  his  sorwe  / 

He  kembith  him .  he  pruneth  him  and  pyketh 

he  doth  al  J>afl  vnto  his  lady  likith  2012 

And  eek<  to  lanuary  he  goth  as  lowe  / 

As  euer  did  a  dogge  for  )>e  bowe  / 

He  is  so  plesaunf  vnto  euery  man 

For  craft1  is  al.  who  so  J>af  do  it  can  2016 

That1  euery  wight  is  fayn  to  speke  him  good 

And  fully  in  his  lady  grace  he  stood 

Thus  lete  I  damyan  about*  his  neede 

And  in  my  tale  forth  I  wol  precede  2020 

Some  clerkes  holden  fiat1  felicite 

Stant1  in  delit  and  Jjerfor  certeyn  he 

This  noble  lanuary  with  al  his  might1 

In  honest1  wise  as  longith  to  a  knight*.  2024 

Schop  him  to  lyue  ful  deliciously 

his  housyng*  his  array  as  honestly 

To  his  degre  was  maked  as  a  kynges 

Amonges  oj?er  of  his  honest*  fringes  2028 

Y    2 


465    SIX-TEXT 

324:    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

he  made  a  gardyn  walled  al  wip  stoon 

So  fair  a  Gardyn  wot1  I  no  wher  noon 

For  out1  ofH  doute  I  verrely  suppose 

That1  he  pat1  wroot1  pe  romauns  of1  pe  Rose  2032 

~Ne  coupe  of1  hit1  pe  beaute  wel  deuyse 

Ne  Pirapus  ne  might1  not1  wel  suffise 

Though  he  be  god  of1  gardyns  for  to  telle  / 

The  beaute  of1  pe  gardyn  and  pe  welle        iieafiut.bacje]  203G 

That1  stood  vnder  a  laurer  alway  green  e 

Ful  ofte  tyme  he  pluto  and  his  queene 

Preserpina  and  al  pe  fayerie 

Desporten  hem  and  maken  melodye  2040 

Aboute  pat1  welle  and  daunced  as  men  tolde 

This  noble  knight1  pis  January  pe  olde 

Such  deynte  hap  in  it1  to  walk1  and  pleye 

That1  he  wold  no  wight1  suffre  here  pe  keye  2044 

Saue  he  himself1  for  of1  pe  smale  wyket1 

he  bar  alway  of1  sillier  a  smal  cliket1 

wip  which  whan  pat1  him  list1  he  it  vnschette 

And  whan  he  wolde  pay  his  wyf1  hir  dette  /  2048 

In  somer  sesoun  p  icier  wold  he  go 

And  may  his  wyf1  and  no  wight1  but1  pay  tuo 

And  pinges  which .  pat1  weren  not1  doon  in  bedde 

he  in  pe  gardyn  parformed  hem  and  spedde  2052 

And  in  pis  wise  many  a  mery  day 

lyued  pis  January  and  freische  may 

But1  worldly  ioye  may  not1  alway  endure 

To  January  ne  to  no  creature  205 G 

U  0  sodeyn  hap .  0  pou  fortune  vnstable          nota  hene 

lyk1  to  pe  scorpiomi  so  desceyuable 

J^at1  flaterest1  with  pin  heed  whan  pou  wilt  stynge 

Thy  tayl  is  dep  purgh  pin  enuenymynge  2060 

O .  britel  ioye .  o  sweete  venym  queynte 

0  monster  pat1  so  subtily  canst1  peynte 

Thyn  jiftes  vnder  hiew  of1  stedfastnesee 

That  pou  desceyuest1  bope  more  and  lesse  /  2064 


SIX-TBXT    466 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    325 

why  hastow  lanuary  pus  deceyued 

That1  haddist  him  for  py  f ulle  frend  receyued 

And  now  pou  hast1  byreft1  him  bope  his  yen 

For  sorw  of1  which  desire th  he  to  dyen  2068 

Alias  pis  noble  lanuary  fre 

Amyd  his  lust1  and  his  prospmte 

Is  woxe  blynd  and  pat1  al  sodeynly 

he  wepith  and  he  weyleth  pitously  2072 

And  per  with  al  pe  fuyr  of1  lalousye 

lest1  pat1  his  wif1  schuld  falle  in  som  folye  [^«/H4] 

So  brent1  his  herte .  pat1  he  wolde  fayn 

That1  som  man  bope  hir  and  him  had  slayn  2076 

For  neyper  after  his  deth  nor  in  his  lyf1 

Ne  wold  he  pat1  sche  were  lone  ne  wyf1 

But1  euer  lyue  as  wydow  in  clothes  blake  / 

Soul  as  pe  turtil  pat1  lost1  hap  hir  make  2080 

But1  atte  last1  after  a  moneth  or  tweye 

his  sorwe  gan  as  wage  sop  to  seye 

For  whan  he  wist1  it  may  noon  oper  be  / 

he  paciently  took1  his  aduersite  2084 

Saue  out1  of1  doute  he  may  not1  forgoon 

That1  he  nas  lalous  euermore  in  oon 

which  lalousie  it  was  so  outrageous 

That1  neyper  in  halle .  ne  in  noon  oper  hous  2088 

Ne  in  noon  oper  place  neuer  pe  mo 

he  nolde  suffre  hir  to  ryde  or  go 

But1  if1  pat1  he  had  hond  on  hir  alway 

For  which  ful  ofte  wepeth  freische  may  2092 

That1  loueth  Damyan  so  benignely 

That1  sche  moot1  outher  deyen  sodeinly 

Or  elles  sche  moot1  han  him  as  hir  lest1 

She  waytith  whan  hir  herte  wolde  brest1  2096 

vpon  pat1  oper  syde  Damyan 

Bicomen  is  pe  sorwfulleste  man 

That1  euer  was  for  neyther  night  ne  day 

Ne  might1  he  speke  a  word  wip  fressche  may  2100 


467    SIX-TEXT 

;>26    GROUP  E.    §  4.   MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

As  to  his  pwpos  of1  no  such  matiere 

But1  if*  fat1  January  most*  it  heere 

That1  had  an  hond  vpon  hir  euermo 

But1  nafeles  by  writyng  to  and  fro  2104 

And  priue  signes  wist1  he  what*  sche  ment/ 

And  sche  knew  eete  f  e  fyn  of1  his  entent 

IF  0  January  what  might1  it  fe  auaile 

If1  f  ou  might1  see .  as  fer  as  schippes  saile  2 1 08 

For  as  good  is .  "blynd  deceyued  be  / 

As  to  be  deceyued  whan  a  man  may  see 

Lo  argus  which  fat1  had  an  hundred  eyen 

For  al  fat1  euer  he  coufe  poure  or  prien.      [wi-it,  &<«*]  2112 

3etf  was  he  blent  as  god  wot1  so  ben  moo 

That1  weneth  wisly  fat1  it  be  nought1  so 

Passe  oner  is  an  ease  I  say  no  more 

This  freissche  may  fat1 1  spate  of1  so  jore  2116 

In  warm  wex  hath  ernprynted  fe  clikef 

That1  January  bar  of1  f  e  smale  wiket/ 

with  which  in  to  his  gardyn  ofte  he  went 

And  damyan  fat  knew  al  his  entent4  2120 

The  cliket1  counterfeted  priuely 

Ther  nys  no  more  to  say  but  hastily 

Som  wonder  by  fis  cliket  schal  betyde 

Avhich  ^e  schal  heeren  if1  30  wol  abyde  2124 

1F  0  noble  Ouyde  wel  soth  saistow  god  woot 

what1  sleight1  is  it/  f  ough  it  be  long  &  hoot1 

That1  he  nyl  fynd  it  out  in  som  manere 

By  Piramus  and  Thesbe  may  men  leere  2128 

Though  fay  were  kept1  ful  longe  streyt  ouer  al 

Thay  ben  accorded  rownyng1  furgh  a  wal 

Ther  no  wight1  couf e  han  found  out1  swich  a  sleight 

But1  now  to  purpos  er  fat1  dayes  eyghtf  2132 

were  passid .  er  f  e  moneth  of1  luyl  bifille 

That1  January  haf  caught1  so  gret1  a  wille 

Thorugh  eggyng1  of1  his  wyf1  him  for  to  pleye 

In  his  gardyn  and  no  wight1  but1  we  tweye  2136 


SIX-TEXT    468 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    327 

That1  in  a  morwe  vnto  pis  may  saith  he  / 

Eys  vp  my  wif1 .  my  loue .  my  lady  fre  / 

The  turtlis  vois .  is  herd  my  douue  swete 

The  wynter  is  goon,  with  his  raynes  wete  2140 

Come  forth  now  with  .  pin  ey^en  columbine 

how  fairer  ben  py  brestes  pan  is  pe  wyne 

The  gardyn  is  enclosed  al  aboute 

Com  forth  my  swete  spouse  out*  of*  doute  2144 

Thow  hast1  me  wounded  in  myn  liert1  .  o .  wyf1 

No  spot1  of1  pe  knew  I  in  al  my  lif1  / 

Com  forth  and  let1  vs  /  take  oure  desport  / 

I  dies  pe  for  my  wyf1  and  my  comfort  2148 

Such  olde  lewed  wordes  vsed  he  / 

On  damyan  a  signe  made  sche  O«/ii5] 

That1  he  schuld  go  .  biforn  with  his  cliket1 

This  damyan  pan  ha]?  opened  pe  wiket1  2152 

And  in  he  stert1  and  pat1  in  such  manere  / 

That1  no  wight1 .  it1  mighte  see  nor  heere 

And  stille  he  seet1  vnder  a  bussch  anoon 

This  January  is  blynd  as  is  a  stoon  2156 

with  Mayus  in  his  hond  and  no  wight1  mo 

In  to  his  freische  gardyn  is  ago 

And  clappid  to  pe  wiket1  sodeinly 

Now  wyf1  quod  he  her  nys  but  $e  and  I  2160 

pat1  art1  })e  creature  pat1  I  best1  loue 

For  by  pat1  lord  pat1  sit  in  heuen  aboue 

leuer  ich  had  to  dyen  on  a  knyf1 

Than  pe  offend e  deere  trewe  wyf*  2164 

For  goddes  sake  penk1  how  I  pe  chees 

Nougnt1  for  no  coueytise  douteles 

But1  oonly  for  pe  loue  I  had  to  pe 

And  pough  pat1 1  be  old  and  may  not  se  2168 

Beeth  trewe  to  me  and  I  wol  telle  $ow  why 

Thre  pinges  certes  schul  $e  wynne  per  by 

First1  loue  of1  crist1  and  to  ^our  self1  honour 

And  al  myn  heritage  toun  and  tour  2172 


469    SIX-TEXT 

328    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

I  3iue  it1  3ow  makith  chartres  as  ^ow  leste 

This  schal  ben  doon  to  morw  er  sonne  reste 

So  wisly  god  my  soule  bringe  in  blisse 

I  pray  ^ow  first  in  couenasmt  30  me  kisse  2176 

And  f  ough  fat1  I  be  ialous  wyt1  me  nought 

3e  ben  so  deep  emprinted  in  my  fought1 

ftat1  whan  fat1  I  considre  3  our  beaute 

And  fer  wif  al  fe  vnlikly  eelde  of1  me  2180 

I  may  nought1  certes  f  ough  I  schulde  dye 

Forbere  to  ben  out1  of1  ^our  companye 

For  verray  loue  f  is  is  wif  outen  doute 

Now  kisse  me  wyf1  and  let1  vs  Rome  aboute  2184 

This  freissche  may  whan  sche  his  worde  herde 

Benignely  to  January  answerde  / 

But1  first1  and  forward  sche  bigan  to  wepe 

I  haue  quod  sche  a  soule  for  to  kepe  [leafu^bacV]  2188 

As  wel  as  36  and  also  myn  honour 

And  of1  my  wifhod  f  ilke  tendre  flour 

which  fat1 1  haue  ensured  in  ^our  hond 

whan  fat1  fe  presto  to  }ow  my  body  bond  2192 

wherfor  I  wil  answer  in  f  is  manere 

By  f  e  leue  of1  ^ow  my  lord  so  deere 

I  pray  to  god  fat1  neuer  dawe  f  e  day 

That1 1  ne  sterue  as  foule  as  womman  may  2196 

If1  euer  I  do  to  my  kyn  fat  schame 

Or  elles  I  empaire  so  my  name 

That1 1  be  fals  and  if1 1  do  fat  lak 

Doth  strepe  me  and  put  me  in  a  sak1  2200 

And  in  f  e  nexte  ryuer  do  me  drenche 

I  arn  a  gentil  womman  and  no  wenche 

why  speke  36  thus .  but  men  ben  euer  vntrewe 

And  wo?mnen  han  reproef1  of1  30  w  euer  lie  we  2204 

3e  haue  noon  of  er  contenaunce  I  leue  / 

But1  speke  to  vs  of1  vntrust1  and  repreue 

And  with  fat1  word  sche  saugh  wher  clamyan 

Sat1  in  fe  buissh  and  coughen  sche  bigan  2208 


SIX-TEXT    470 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    329 

And  wij>  hir  fyngres  signes  made  sche 

That1  damyan  schuld  clymb  vpon  a  tre  nota 

That1  charged  was  with  fruyt/  and  vp  he  went/ 

For  verrayly  he  knew  al  hir  entent1  2212 

And  euery  signe  pat1  sche  coiithe  make 

wel  bet1  ]>an  January  hir  oughne  make 

For  in  a  letter  sche  had  told  him  al 

Of*  pis  matier  how  he  worche  shal  2216 

And  pus  I  lete  him  sitte  vpon  pe  pirie 

And  January  and  may  romynge  mirye 

1T  Bright  was  pe  day  and  bliew  pe  firmament 

Phebus  hap  of1  gold  his  stremes  down  I-sent  2220 

To  gladen  euery  flour  with  his  warmnesse 

he  was  fat1  tyme  in  ge?rcmes  as  I  gesse 

But1  litel  fro  his  declinaciown 

Of1  Caker.  loues  exaltaciown  2224 

And  so  bifel  fiat  brighte  morwen  tyde 

That1  in  pat  gardyn  in  pe  ferther  syde  /  lie*/  ue] 

Pluto  that1  is  kyng1  of1  fayerye 

And  many  a  lady  in  his  cornpaignie  2228 

Folwyng1  his  wif1  pe  queene  preserpine 

Ech  after  oper .  as  right1  as  a  lyne 

whil  pat1  sche  gadred  floures  in  pe  mede 

In  claudian  $e  may  pe  story  rede  2232 

how  in  Jris  grisly  carte  he  hir  fette 

This  king1  of1  fayry  pan  adoun  him  sette  / 

vpon  a  bench  of1  turues  freissh  and  greene 

And  right1  anoon  pus  sayd  he  to  his  queene  /  2236 

5T  My  wyf1  quod  he  per  may  no  wight1  say  nay 

Thexpe?iens  so  preueth  euery  day 

The  tresoun  which  pat1  womman  doth  to  man 

Ten  hundrid  Jjousand .  tellen  I  can  2240 

Notable  of1  $our  vntrouth  and  brutelnesse 

O .  Salamon  wys  and  richest1  of1  richesse  / 

Fulfild  of1  Sapiens .  and  of1  worldly  glorie  / 

Ful  worpy  ben  J>y  wordes  to  meuiorie  2244 


471    SIX-TEXT 

330   GROUP  E,    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

To  euery  wight1  fat1  wit  and  resown  can 

Thus  praysith  he  3if  f  e  bounte  of1  man 

Among*  a  f  ousand  men  pti  fond  I  oon 

But  of*  wommen  alle  fond  I  noon  2248 

Thus  saith  f  e  king  fat1  knoweth  30111  wikkednesse 

And  Ih#  filius  Sirac  /  as  I  gesse  / 

.N"e  spekith  of  }ow  but1  selde  reiierence 

A  .  wilde  fuyr  and  corrupt1  pestilence  2252 

So  falle  vpon  ^our  bodies  31^  to  night1 

Ne  se  36  not1  f  is  honurable  knight1 

By  cause  alias  fat1  he  is  blynd  and  old 

his  owne  man  schal  make  him  cokewold  225G 

loo  wher  he  sittt .  f  e  lecchour  in  f  e  tre 

Now  wol  I  graunten  of1  my  maieste  / 

Unto  f  is  olde  blinde  worf  y  knight1 

j^at1  he  schal  haue  a3ein  his  ey^en  sight1  22GO 

whan  fat1  his  wyf1  wol  do  him  vilonye 

Than  schal  he  knowe  al  her  harlotrye 

Bofe  in  reproef1  of1  her  and  o]jer  mo 

3e  schal  quod  prcserpine  and  wol  36  so        \ieaf  m, iacj<]  22G4 

Now  by  my  modres  sires  soule  I  swere 

That1 1  schal  3iue  hir  suffisaunt1  answere  / 

And  alle  wowwnen  after  for  hir  sake 

That1  jjough  fay  be  in  any  gult1 1-take  22G8 

with  face  bold  fay  schul  hemself1  excuse 

And  bere  hem  doun  fat1  wolde  hem  accuse 

For  lak/  of1  answer  noon  of1  hem  schal  dyen 

Al  had  a  man  seyn  a  fing1  wif  bofe  his  yen  2272 

3it  schul  we  wymmen  visage  it  hardily 

And  wepe  and  swere  and  chide  subtilly 

So  fat1  36  men  schul  ben  as  lewed  as  gees 

what1  rekkith  me  of/  3our  auctoritees  2276 

I  wot1  wel  fat1  f is  lew  f is  Salamon 

Fond  of1  vs  wo???men  fooles  many  oon 

But1  f ough  he  ne  fond  no  good  wo???man 

3etf  haf  fer  founde  many  anof er  man  2280 


SIX-TEXT    472 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    331 

wowmen  f  ul  trewe .  ful  good  and  vertuous 

witnesse  on  hem  pat1  duelle  in'cristes  hous 

with  martirdom  pay  proued  her  constaunce 

The  romayn  gestes  eek1  make  remembraunce  2284 

Of1  many  a  verray  trewe  wyf1  also  • 

But1  sire  be  nought1  wrath  al  be  it  so 

Though  pat1  he  sayd  he  fond  no  good  wowmian 

I  pray  $ow  tak1  ]>&  sentens  ofH  J>e  man  2288 

he  mente  Jms  fat1  in  souereign  bounte 

Nis  noon  but1  god  pat1  sit1  in  trinite 

Ey  for  verrey  god  pat  nys  but  oon 

what1  make  ^e  so  moche  of1  Salamon  2292 

what1  pough  he  made  a  temple  goddes  hous 

what1  pough  he  were  riche  and  glorious 

So  made  he  eek1  a  temple  of1  fals  godis 

How  might1  he  do  a  ping1  pat  more  forbod  is  2296 

Par  de  als  fair  as  }e  his  name  emplastre 

he  was  a  lecchour  and  an  ydolastre 

And  in  his  eelde  he  verraily  god  forsook1 

And  if1  god  ne  had  as  saip  pe  book1  2300 

I-spared  him  for  his  fadres  sake  he  scholde 

Haue  left1  his  regne  raper  pan  he  wolde  [Vea/u?] 

I  sette  right1  nought1  of1  pe  vilonye 

That  }e  of1  wo?mnen  write  a  boterflie  2304 

I  am  a  womman  needes  most1 1  speke 

Or  elles  swelle  til  myn  herte  breke 

For  syn  sche  sayd  pat1  we  ben  iangleresses 

As  euer  hool  I  moote  brouke  my  tresses  2308 

I  schal  not1  spare  for  no  curtesye  / 

To  speke  him  harm  pat1  wold  vs  vilonye 

Dame  quod  pis  pluto  be  no  lenger  wroth 

I  3me  it1  vp  but/  sith  I  swere  myn  oth  2312 

That1 1  wil  graunte  him  his  sight1  agein 

My  word  schal  stonde  I  warne  30  w  certeyn 

I  am  a  kyng1  it1  sit1  me  nought1  to  lye 

And  I  quod  sche  a  queen  of1  faierie  2316 


473    SIX-TEXT 

332    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

hir  answer  schal  sche  haue  I  vndertake 

Let1  vs  no  mo  wordes  her-of1  make 

For  soth  I  wol  no  lenger  }ow  contrarie 

v  Now  let1  vs  turne  agayn  to  lanuarye  2320 

That1  in  J)is  gardyn  with  f  is  faire  may 

Syngef  ful  merier  fan  f  e  papiniay 

3ow  loue  I  best1  and  schal  and  of  er  noon 

So  long1  about1  fe  aleys  is  he  goon  2324 

Til  he  was  come  agaynes  filke  pirie 

wher  as  f  is  damyan  sittith  ful  mirye 

On  heigh  among1  fe  freische  leeuys  greene 

This  freissche  may  fat1  is  so  bright1  and  scheene  2328 

Gan  for  to  syke  and  sayd  alias  my  syde 

Now  sir  quod  sche  for  ought1  fat1  may  bityde 

I  most1  han  of1  f  e  peres  fat  I  see 

Or  I  moot1  dye  so  sore  longith  me  2332 

To  eten  of1  f  e  smale  peris  greene 

Help  for  hir  loue  fat1  is  of1  heuen  queene 

I  telle  ^ow  wel  a  wo?^man  in  my  plyt1 

May  haue  to  fruyt  so  gret1  an  appetyt1  2336 

J^at1  sche  may  deyen .  but1  sche  it  haue 

Alias  quod  he  fat1  I  nad  heer  a  knaue 

That1  couthe  clymbe  alias  alias  quod  he 

For  I  am  blynd.  36  sire  no  fors  quod  sche  o«/H7,&ac*]  23-10 

But1  wolde  36  vouche  sauf1  for  goddes  sake 

The  piry  inwith  30111'  armes  for  to  take 

For  wel  I  woof  fat1  36  mys-truste  me 

Than  schold  I  clymbe  wel  y-nough  quod  sche  2344 

So  I  my  foot1  might1  set1  vpon  3our  bak1 

Certes  quod  he  f  er  on  schal  be  no  lak1 

Might1  I  3ow  helpe  wif  myn  herte  blood 

he  stoupith  doun  and  on  his  bak1  sche  stood  2348 

And  caught1  hir  by  a  twist1  and  vp  sche  goth 

ladys  I  pray  3ow  fat1  36  be  not1  wrof 

I  can  not  glose  I  am  a  rude  nian 

And  sodeinly  anoon  fis  damyan  2352 


SIX-TEXT    474 

GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    333 

Gan  pullen  vp  }>e  smok1  and  in  he  throng 
And  whan  Jjat1  pluto  /saugh  J)is  grete  wrong1 
To  January  he  $&£  his  sight1  agayn 

[ 2356 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Ne  was  per  neuer  man  of1  Jring1  so  fayn 

But1  on  his  wif1  his  Bought1  was  euermo 

Vp  to  Jje  tree  he  kest1  his  ey3en  tuo  /  2360 

And  seigh  Jjat1  damyan  his  wyf1  had  dressid 

In  which  maner  it  may  not1  ben  expressid 

But1  if1 1  wolde  speke  vncurteisly 

And  vp  he  ^af1  a  roryng1  and  a  cry  2364 

As  doth  J>e  moder  whan  Jje  child  schal  dye 

Out1 .  help .  alias .  harrow .  he  gan  to  crie 

0  stronge  lady  stoure  what  dos  ]?ow 

And  sche  answerith  sire  what1  eylith  ^ow  2368 

haue  paciens  and  reso^m  in  ^our  mynde 

1  haue  3ow  holpen  on  boj?e  3our  eyen  blynde 
vp  peril  of1  my  soule  I  schal  not1  lyen 

As  me  was  taught1  to  hele  with  3  our  yen  2372 

was  noting1  bet1 .  for  to  make  }ow  see 

Than  stroggle  wij?  a  man  vpon  a  tree 

God  woot  I  dede  it  in  ful  good  entent 

Stroggle  quod  hef  $e  algat1  in  it  went  2376 

God  3iue  30  w  bojje  on  schames  deth  to  dyen 

He  swyued  ]je .  I  saugh  it  wij)  myn  yen 

And  elles  be  I  honged  by  J?e  hals 

Than  is  quod  sche  medicine  fals  [/eo/us]  2380 

For  certeynly  if1  Jjat1  30  mighten  see 

3e  wold  not1  say  tho  wordes  vnto  me 

3e  han  som  glymsyng1  and  no  parfyt  sight1 

I  se  quod  he  as  wel  as  euer  I  might1  2384 

Thankid  be  god  wij?  bojje  myn  yen  tuo 

And  by  my  trouth  me  fought  he  did  J>e  so 

3e  .  mase .  inase .  goode  sire  quod  sche 

This  Jmnk1  haue  I  for  I  haue  maad  3ow  see  2388 


475    SIX-TEXT 

334    GROUP  E.    §  4.    MERCHANT'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Alias  quod  sclie  fat1  euer  I  was  so  kynde 

Now  dame  quod  lie  let1  al  passe  out  of1  mynde 

Com  doun  my  leefH  and  if1  I  haue  myssayd 

God  help  me  so  as  I  am  euel  appayd  2392 

But1  by  my  fader  soule  I  wende  haue  seyn 

how  fat1  fis  damyan  had  by  f  e  leyn 

And  fat1  f  y  smok1  had  layn  vpon  f  y  brest 

3e  sire  quod  sche  30  may  wene  as  30 w  lest/  2396 

But  sire  a  man  fat1  wakith  out1  of1  his  slep 

He  may  not1  sodeynly  wel  take  keep 

vpon  a  f  ing1  ne  seen  it1  parfytly 

Til  fat1  he  be  adawed  verrayly  2400 

Right1  so  a  man  fat1  long1  ha)>  blynd  I-bc 

!N"e  may  not1  sodeynly  so  wel  I-se 

First1  whan  f  e  sight1  is  newe  comen  agayn 

As  he  fat1  haf  a  day  or  tuo  I-sayn  2404 

Til  fat1  3our  sight1  y-stablid  be  a  while 

Jjer  may  ful  many  a  sighte  3ow  bigile 

Bef  war  I  pray  3ow  for  by  heuen  king1 

Ful  many  man  wenith  for  to  se  a  fing1  2408 

And  it1  is  al  anof er  fan  it/  semeth 

he  fat1  mys  conceyueth  he  mys  demetli 

And  wif  fat1  word  sche  leep  doun  fro  f e  tre 

This  lanuary  who  is  glad  but  he  2412 

he  kissith  hir  and  clippith  hir  ful  ofte 

And  on  hir  wombe  he  strokith  hir  ful  ofte 

And  to  his  paleys  horn  he  hath  hir  lad 

Now  goode  men  I  pray  3ow  to  be  glad  2416 

Thus  endith  her  my  tale  of1  lanuarye 

God  blesse  vs  and  his  moder  seinte  marie  /   AmeN. 

11  Here  endith  the  marchawntes  tale 
[Small  break  in  MS.] 


S1X-TRXT    476 

GROUP  E.  §  5.  MERCHANT'S  END-LINK.  Harleian  7334.  335 


Ey  goddes  mercy  sayd  our  hoste  ]>o 
Now  such  a  wyf1  I  pray  god  keep  me  fro  2420 

lo  \vhiche  sleightes  and  subtilitees 
In  wommeu.  ben  for  ay  as  busy  as  bees 
Ben  fay  vs  seely  men  for  to  desceyue 

And  from  a  soth,.  euer  wol  f»ay  weyue  2424 

By  this  marchaimdes  tale  it  proueth  wol 
But1  douteles  as  trewe  as  eny  steel 
I  haue  a  wyf1  J>ough  fat1  sche  pore  be 
But1  of1  hir  tonge  a  labbyng1  schrewe  is  sche  2428 

And  ^if  sche  hath  an  heep  of1  vices  mo 
Ther-of1  no  fors  let1  alle  such  finges  go 
But1  wite  30  what1*  in  counseil  be  it  seyd 
Me  rewith  sore  I  am  vnto  hir  teyd  2432 

And  if1 1  scholde  reken  euery  vice 
which  Jjat1  sche  hath  I-wis  I  were  to  nyce 
And  cause  why .  it  schuld  reported  be 
And  told  to  hir  of1  som  of1  Jris  nieyne  2436 

Of1  whom  it1  needith  not1  for  to  declare 
Syn  wommen  connen  oute  such  chaffare 
And  eek1  my  witte  suffisith  nought1  Jjerto 
To  tellen  al  wherfor  my  tale  is  do  2440 

[No  gap  in  the  MS.] 


478    SIX-TEXT 

336    GROUP  F.    §  1.   SQUIRE'S  HEAD-LINK.   Harleian  7334. 


GROUP  F.    FRAGMENT  VII. 

§  1.     THE  SQUIEE'S  HEAD-LINK. 
HARLEIAN  MS.  7334  (British  Museum). 

IT  Sir  Squier  com  for]? .  if  fat1  ^our  wille  be 
And  say  vs  a  tale  for  certes  30 
Connen  f  er-on  as  moche  as  ony  man 
51  Nay  sire  quod  he .  but1 1  wil  say  as  I  can 
wif  herty  wil .  for  I  wil  not  rebelle 
Against1  3  our  wille .  a  tale  wil  I  telle 
Haue  me  excused  if1  fat1 1  speke  amys 
My  wil  is  good .  and  ferto  my  tale  is  this . 

H  Her  endith  fe  prologe 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


SIX  TEXT    479 

GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     337 


1F  And  her  bygynneth  J?e  Squyeres  tale 


A 


T  Sarray  in  J?e  lond  of1  Tartary          [7«a/u9] 
Ther  dwelled  a  kyng1  Jjatt  werryed  russy 
Thurgh  which  ])er  deyed  many  a  doughty  man 
This  nobil  kyng1  was  cleped  Cambynskan      1 2 
"  which  in  his  tyme  was  of1  so  gret1  renoiw 

That1  Jjer'nas  nowher  in  no  regiozm 

So  excellent  a  lord  in  alle  jnng1  / 

Him  lakked  nought1  Jjaf  longed  to  a  kyng  1 6 

As  of1  J>e  secte  ofH  which  fat1  he  was  born 

he  kept1  his  lawe .  to  which  he  was  sworn 

And  ferto  he  was  hardy  wys  and  riche  / 

And  pitous  and  lust1  alway  yliche  20 

Soth  of1  his  word  benign  and  honurable 

Of1  his  corage  as  eny  centre  stable 

^ong1  freisch  and  strong1  in  armes  desirous 

As  eny  bachiler  of1  al  his  hous  24 

A  fair  person  he  was  and  fortunat1 

And  kepte  so  wel  his  real  astat 

That1  ]?er  was  no  wher  such  a  ryal  man 

This  noble  kyng1  J)is  tartre  f>is  Cambynskan  28 

hadde  tuo  sones  by  Elcheta  his  wyf1 

Of1  which  ]>e  eldest/  highte  Algaryf1 

That1  o)>er  was  I-cleped  Samballo 

A  doughtei0  had  ]?is  worth!  king1  also  32 

That1  Congest1  was  and  highte  Canace 

But1  for  to  telle  }ou  al  hir  beaute 

It1  lith  not1  on  my  tong1  ne  my  connyng* 

I  dar  nou^t1  vndertake  so  heigh  a  J^ing1  36 

CANT.  TALES. — HAUL.  Z 


480    SIX-TEXT 

338     GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Myn  englissh  eek1  is  insufficient 

he  moste  be  a  Rethor  excellent 

That  coii}>  his  colours  longyng1  for  )>at<  art1 

If1  he  schold  hir  discryue  in  eny  part  40 

I  am  non  such  I  mot1  speke  as  I  can 

And  so  bifel  it1  Jjaf  Jns  Cambynskan 

hajj  twenty  wynter  born  his  dyademe 

As  he  was  wont  fro  3er  to  ^er  I  deme  44 

he  leef  J?e  fest1  of1  his  natiuite  : 

Don  cryen  Jmrgh  Sarray  his  Cite 

The  last1  Idus  of1  march  after  £e  }eer  [/«»/ 119, />«<*] 

Phebus  J?e  sonne  was  loly  and  cleer  48 

For  he  was  neigh  his  exaltaciown 

In  marc}  face  and  in  his  mansiown 

In  aries  fe  colerik1  J?e  hote  signe 

Ful  lusty  was  the  wedir  and  benigne  52 

For  which  J>e  foules  a^ein  pe  sonne  scheene 

what1  for  j>e  sesoun  &  for  J?e  ^onge  greene 

Ful  lowde  song1  in  here  affecciozms 

hem  semed  haue  geten  hem  protecciowns  56 

A^ens  ]?e  swerd  of1  wynter  kene  and  cold 

This  Cambynskan  of1  which  I  haue  told 

In  royal  vesture  sittyng1  on  his  cleys 

with  dyadem  ful  heigh  in  his  paleys  GO 

And  held  his  fest1 .  solempne  and  so  riche 

That1  in  J>is  world e  was  J>er  noon  if  liche 

Of1  which  if1  I  schal  tellen  al  |)array 

Than  wold  it1  occupie  a  someres  day  C4 

And  eek1  it1  needi))  nou^t1  for  to  deuyse 

At1  euery  cours  ]?e  ordre  and  J)e  seruyse 

I  wol  nat1  tellen  of1  her  straunge  sewes 

~Ne  of1  her  swannes  ne  here  herozm-sewes  68 

Ek1  in  Jjafr  lond  as  tellen  knightes  olde 

Ther  is  som  mete  J>af  is  ful-deynte  holde 

That1  in  }>is  lond  men^  recch  of1  it  but  smal 

Ther  is  no  man  it  may  reporten  al  72 


SIX-TEXT    481 

GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     339 

I  wol  not1  tarien  3011  for  it  is  pryme 

And  for  if  is  no  fruyf  "but1  los  of1  tyme 

vnto  my  pu.rpos .  I  wol  haue  my  recours 

That1  so  bifelle  after  pe  pridde  cours  76 

whil  pat1  pe  kyng1  sit  pus  in  his  nobleye 

herkyng1  his  mynstralee  her  Binges  pleye 

Byforn  him  atte  boord  deliciously 

In  atte  halle  dore  al  sodeynly  80 

Ther  com  a  knight  vpon  a  steed  of1  bras 

And  in  his  hond  a  brod  myrour  of1  glas 

Vpon  his  thomb  he  had  of1  gold  a  ryng1 

And  by  his  side  a  naked  swerd  hangyng*  84 

And  vp  he  rideth  to  pe  heyghe  bord  [fea/iso] 

In  al  pe  halle  ne  was  per  spoke  a  word 

For  meruayl  of1  pis  knight1  him  to  byholde 

Ful  besily  J)ey  wayten  3ong1  and  olde  88 

This  straunge  knight1  pat1  cam  pus  sodeynly 

Al  armed  sauf1  his  heed  ful  richely  f 

Salued  the  kyng1  and  queen  and  lordes  alle 

By  ordre  as  pey  seten  in  to  halle  /  92 

with  so  heigh  reuerens  and  obseruaunce 

As  wel  in  speche  as  in  contynaunce  / 

That1  Ewen  with  his  olde  curtesyo 

They  he  come  a^ein  out1  of1  fay  rye  96 

Ne  coupe  him  no^t1  amende  wip  no  word 

And  after  pis  biforn  pe  highe  bord 

he  with  a  manly  vois  sayd  his  message 

After  pe  forme  vsed  in  his  langage  100 

wipouten  vice  of1  sillabil  or  letter 

And  for  his  tale  schulde  seme  pe  better 

Accordawnt1  to  his  wordes  was  his  cheere 

As  techeth  art1  of1  speche  hem  pat  it  leere  104 

Al  be  it  pat1 1  can  nat1  sowne  his  style 

Ne  can  nat1  clymben  ouer  so  heigfr  a  style  / 

3  it1  say  I  pis  as  to  comun  entent 

Thus  moche  amounteth  al  pat  euer*  he  menf  108- 

Z    2 


482    SIX-TEXT 

340    GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

If1  it1  so  be  fat1  I  haue  it1  in  mynde  / 

U  he  sayd  f  e  kyng1  of1  Arraby  and  yynde 

My  liege  lord  on  f  is  solempne  day 

Saluteth  3ou  as  he  best1  can  or  may  112 

he  sendeth  3011  in  honour  of1  ^our  feste 

By  me  fat  am  redy  at  al  his  heste 

This  steede  of*  bras  fat1  esily  and  wel 

That1  can  in  the  space  of1  o  day  naturel  116 

This  is  to  say  in  four  an  twenty  houres 

wher-so  $ou  lust1  /  in  droughf e  or  in  schoures 

Eeren  pur  body  in  to  euery  place 

To  which  3our  herte  wilnef  for  to  pace  120 

wif  outen  warn  ofH  3ou  f  urgh  foul  and  fair 

Or  if1  3ou  lust1  to  flee  as  hei3  in  fair 

As  dof  an  egle  whan  him  list1  to  sore  [/«*/ 150,6^] 

This  same  steede  schal  bere  3ou  euermore  /  124 

wif oute  harm  til  36  be  f  er  3ou  leste 

Though  fat  36  slepen  on  his  bak1  or  reste 

And  torne  a3ein  with  wryf  ing1  of1  a  pyn 

he  fat  it  wrought1  cowfe  ful  many  a  gyn  128 

he  way  ted  many  a  constellaciozm 

Er  he  had  do  f  is  operaciown 

And  knew  ful  many  a  seal  and  many  a  bond 

^[  This  mirour  eek1  fat1  I  haue  in  myn  hond  132 

haf  such  a  mighte  /  fat  men  may  in  it  see 

when  f  er  schal  fall<?  eny  aduersite 

Vnto  3our  regne  vnto  30111'  self1  also 

And  openly  who  is  3our  frend  or  fo  136 

And  ouer  al  f  is  if1  eny  lady  bright1 

hath  set  hir  hert1  on  eny  maner  wi^ht1 

If1  he  be  fals  sche  schal  his  tresown  see 

his  newe  loue  and  his  subtilite  140 

So  openly  fat1  f  er  schal  nofing1  hyde 

wherfor  a3eins  f  is  lusty  somer  tyde 

This  mirour1  and  fis  ryng1  fat1  36  may  see 

he  haf  send  to  my  lady  Canacee  144 


SIX-TEXT    483 

GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     341 

3ouii>  excellente  doughter  fat1  is  lieere 

IT  The  vertu  of1  f  is  ryng1  and  30  \vol  heere  f 

Is  f  is  /  fat1  who .  so  lust1  it  for  to  were 

vpon  hir  thomb  /  or  in  hir  purs  to  bere  148 

Ther  is  no  foul  /  fat1  fleeth  vnder  f  e  heuen 

That1  schal  vnderstonden  his  steuen . 

And  know  his  menyng1  openly  and  pleyn 

and  answer  him  in  his  langage  a^eyn  152 

And  euery  gras  .  fat1  growef  vpon  roote 

Sche  schal  eek1  know  /  to  whom  it1  wol  do  boote 

Al  be  his  woundes  nener  so  deep  and  wyde 

IT  This  naked  swerd  fat1  hangef  by  my  syde  156 

Such  vertu  hath  fat1  what  man  fat1  it1  smyte 

Thurghout1  his  armur  it  wol  kerue  and  byte 

were  it  as  f  ikke  as  a  braunched  ook1 

And  what1  man  is  I- wounded  with  fe  strook1  1GO 

Schal  neuer  be  hool  /  til  fat1  3011  lust1  of1  grace     [>«/ iruj 

To  strok1  him  wif  f  e  plat1  in  f  ilke  place  i 

Ther  he  is  hurt1 .  f  is  is  as  moche  to  seyn 

3e  moote  with  fe  platte  swerd  a^ein  164 

Stroke  him  in  f  e  wound  and  it1  wol  close  / 

This  is  f  e  verray  soth  wif  outen  glose  / 

It1  failleth  nought1  whil  it  is  in  3our  hold 

And  whan  fis  knight1  fus  had  his  tale  told  168 

he  rit  out1  of1  f  e  halle  and  doun  he  liglit1 

his  steede  which  fat1  schon  as  sonne  bright1 

Stant1  in  f  e  court1  as  stille  as  eny  stoon 

This  knight1  is  to  his  chambre  lad  anoon  •  172 

he  is  vn  armed  and  to  mete  I-sett1 

This  present}  ben  ful  richely  I-fett1 

This  is  to  sayn,  the  swerd  and  the  myrrour 

And  born  anon  vnto  fe  highe  tour  176 

with  certein  officers  ordeynd  f  erfore 

And  vnto  Canace  f  e  ryng1  is  bore  f 

Solempnely  ther  sche  syt1  atte  table 

But1  sikerly  wif  outen  eny  fable  180 


484    SIX-TEXT 

342    GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

The  hors  of1  bras  pat1  may  nat  "be  remcwed 

It*  stant1  as  if  were  to  the  ground  I-glewed 

Ther  may  no  man  out1  of1  pe  place  it1  dryue 

For  noon  engyn  of1  wyndyng1  or  polyue  •  184 

And  cause  why  for  fey  can  no^t1  pe  craft* 

And  pe?ior  in  the  place  pei  haue  it1  laft 

Til  pat1  pe  knight  hap  taught  hem  pe  manere 

To  voyden  him  as  ^e  schul  after  heere  188 

Greet  was  pe  pres  pat1  swarmed  to  and  fro 

To  gauren  on  pis  hors  fat1  stondetft  so 

For  it  so  wyd  was  and  so  brod  and  long 

So  wel  proportioned  to  be  strong1  192 

Eight  as  it  were  a  steed  of1  lumbardye 

Ther-to  so  horsly  and  so  quyk1  of1  ye 

As  it  a  gentil  poyleys  courser  were 

For  certes  fro  his  tayl  vnto  his  eere  19G 

Nature  ne  art  ne  coupe  him  nou^t1  amende 

In  no  degre  as  al  pe  poeple  wende 

But1  euermore  her5  moste  wonder  was  [/«qnw,  &«<*] 

How  pat1  it1  coupe  goon  and  was  of1  bras  200 

It1  was  of1  fayry  as  pe  poeple  semed 

Diuerse  peple  .  diuersly  pey  denied 

As  many  hedes  as  many  wittes  been 

They  murmured  as  dop  a  swarm  of1  been  204 

And  made  skiles  after  her  fantasies 

Rehersyng1  of1  pe  olde  poetries 

And  seyden  it1  was  I-like  ]?e  pagase  .i.  equus  pegasezi* 

The  hors  pat1  hadde  wynges  for  to  fle  /  208 

Or  elles  it1  was  pe  grekissch"  hors  Synon 

That1  broughte  troye  to  destrucciown 

As  men  may  in  pe  olde  gestes  rede  / 

Myn  hert1  quod,  oon  is  euermor  in  drede  212 

I  trow  som  men  of1  armes  ben  perinne 

That1  schapen  hem  pis  cite  for  to  wynne 

It1  were  good  /  pat1  such  ping1  were  knowe  / 

Anoper  rowned  to  his  felaw.lowe  /  216 


SIX-TEXT    485 

GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     343 

And  sayde  it  lyth  for  it*  is  raf  er  lik* 

An  apparence  maad  by  som  magik* 

As  logelours  pleyen  at1  f  is  festes  grete 

Of*  sondry  foughtes  fus  fey  langle  and  treto  220 

As  lewed  peple  demeth  comunly 

Of*  f  inges  fat  ben  maad  more  subtily 

Than  fey  can  in  her  lewednes  compreliendo 

They  deemen  gladly  to  the  badder  ende  224 

And  som  of*  hem  wondred  of*  fe  mirrour 

That1  bom  was  vp  in  to  f  e  maister  tour 

How  men  might*  in  hit  suche  f  inges  se 

Anofe/-  answerd  and  sayd  it  might*  wel  bo  228 

Naturelly  by  composiciozms 

Of*  angels  and  of*  heigh  reflexiozms 

And  sayde  fat1  in  Home  was  such  oon 

They  speeke  of*  al-ceyt*  and  Vitilyon  232 

Of*  aristotle  /  fat*  writen  in  her  lyues 

Of*  queynte  myrrours  and  prospectyues 

As  knowen  fey  fat*  han  her  bokes  herd 

And  ofer  folk1  haue  wondred  on  fe  swerd  236 

That*  wolde  passe  forughout*  euery  fing*  [/««/i52] 

And  fel  in  speche  of*  Thelophus  f  e  kyng* 

And  of*  achilles  for  his  queynte  spere 

For  he  coufe  with  hit*  bofe  hele  and  dere  240 

Eight*  in  such  wyse  as  meft  may  wif  f  e  swerd 

Of*  which  right*  now  36  haue  $our  seluen  herd 

They  speeken  of*  sondry  hardyng*  of1  metal 

And  speken  of*  medicines  f  er  wif  al  244 

And  how  and  whan  it  schulde  harded  be  / 

which  is  vnknowe  /  algat*  vnto  me  / 

Tho  speeken  fey  of*  Canacees  ryng* 

And  seyden  alle  /  fat*  such  a  wonder  fing*  248 

Of*  craft*  of*  rynges  herd  fey  neuer  noon 

Sauf*  fat*  he  moyses  and  kyng1  Salamon) 

Had  a  name  of*  connyng*  in  such  art1 

Thus  seyen  fe  peple  on  euery  part1  252 


486    SIX-TEXT 

344    GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

But1  najjeles  som  seiden  J?at  it  was  / 

wonder  Jmig1  to  make  of1  feme  glas  / 

And  ^it1  is  glas  noi^t1  like  aisschen  of*  feme 

But1  for  J?ey  han  I-knowen  it1  so  feme  256 

Therfor  cesseth  her  ianglyng1  and  her  wonder 

And  sore  wondred  som  of1  cause  of1  Bonder 

On  ebbe  and  flood  on  gossomer  and  on  myst1 

And  on  alle  Jnng1  til  J?at  J>e  cause  is  wist1  260 

Thus  langlen  Jjey  and  demen  and  deuyse 

Til  Jjat1  )>e  kyng1  gan  fro  his  bord  arise 

Phebus  hath  lost1  J>e  angel  merydyonal 
And  }it/  ascendyng1  was  a  best1  roial  264 

The  gentil  lyozm  wif  his  adryan 
whaii  Jjat1  Jjis  gentil  kyng1  Jns  Cambynskan 
Eos  fro  his  bord  ]?er  as  he  sat1  ful  hye 
Biforn  him  goth  ful  lowde  menstralcye  268 

Til  he  cam  to  his  chambre  of1  Parement3 
Ther  as  J?er  were  diuers  instrument} 
That1  is  y-like  an  heuen  for  to  heere 

U  Now  dauncen  lusty  Ven?*s  children  deere  272 

For  in  jje  fissch .  her  lady  sat1  ful  hey^e 
And  lokej)  on  hem  with  a  frendly  ey^e  / 
This  noble  kyng1  is  set1  vpon  his  troue  / 
This  straunge  knight  is  fet  to  him  ful  sone  [toi/i52,&at*]  276 
And  in  the  daunce  he  gan  with  Cauace  / 
her  is  J?e  reuel  and  ]>Q  iolyte 
That1  is  not1  able  a  dul  man  to  deuyse 
he  most1  haue  knowe  loue  and  his  seruise  /  280 

And  ben  a  festly  man  as  freisch  as  may 
That1  schulde  3011  deuyse  sucji  array 
who  couthe  telle  3011  J>e  forme  of1  daunce  i 
So  vncouth  and  such  a  freisch  co^mtinau?^ce  284 

Such  subtil  lokyng1  of1  dissimilynges 
For  drede  of1  lalous  folk1  apparceyuynges 
No  man  but  launcelet1  and  he  is  deed 
Therfore  I  passe  oue?-  al  J>is  lustyheed  288 


SIX-TEXT    487 

GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     345 

A  say  no  more  but1  in  J>is  lolynesse  / 

I  lete  hem  til  men  to  soper  hem  dresse 

The  styward  byt1  £e  spices  for  to  hye 

And  eek1  ])e  wyn  in  al  pis  melody e  292 

Thes  vsschers  and  ]>es  squyers  ben  agon 

The  spices  and  J?e  wyn  is  come  anoon) 

They  eet1  and  drank*  and  whan  Jns  had  an  ende  / 

vnto  fe  temple  as  resozm  was  J>ey  wende  /  296 

The  seruise  doon  J>ey  and  soupen  al  by  day 

what1  needeth  3011  to  rehersen  her  array 

Ech  man  wot1  wel  pat1  a  kynges  feste 

hath  plente  to  ]>e  lest  and  to  the  meste  300 

And  deyntees  mo  fan  ben  in  my  knowyng* 

And  after  soupe?*  goj>  J?is  noble  kyng1 

To  see  J?is  hors  of1  bras  wij>  al  his  route 

Of*  lordes  and  of1  ladyes  al  aboute  /  304 

Swich  wondryng1  was  J?er  on  Jns  hors  ofH  bras 

That1  seth  Jns  grete  siege  of1  troye  was  / 

Ther  as  men  wondred  on  an  hors  also 

!N~e  was  per  such  a  wondryng1  as  was  J?o  308 

But1  fynally  fe  kyng1  asked  j?e  knight 

The  vertu  of1  Jns  courser  and  J)e  might1 

And  prayd  him  tellen  of1  his  gouernaunce 

The  hors  anoon  gan  for  to  trippe  and  daunce  312 

whan  ]>e  knight1  leyd  hand  vpon  his  rayne 

And  sayde  sir  J>er  is  nomore  to  sayne  [^0/153] 

But1  whan  3011  lust1  to  ryde  any  w  here  / 

$e  moote  trille  a  pyn  stant  in  his  ere  316 

which  I  schal  telle  3011  bitwen  vs  two 

$e  moste  nempne  him  to  what1  place  also 

Or  what1  countre  }ou  luste  for  to  ryde 

And  whan  30  come  J>er  ^ou  lust1  abyde  320 

Bid  him  descende  and  trille  anojjer  pynne 

For  Jjer  in  lith  ]>e  fet1  of1  al  j)e  gynne  / 

And  he  wol  doun  descend  and  do  30111-  wille 

And  in  pat1  place  he  wol  abyde  stillc  3;>4 


488    SIX-TEXT 

346     GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Though  al  J>e  world  had  J?e  contrary  swore 

he  schal  nat1  thennes  be  I-j>rowe  ne  bore 

Or  if  3011  lust1  to  bid  him  fennes  goon 

Trille  ))is  pyn  and  he  wol  vanyssh  anoon  328 

Out1  of1  ]>e  sight1  of1  euery  maner  wight* 

And  come  a^ein .  be  it1  by  day  or  night 

whan  fat1  ^ou  lust1  to  clepen  him  a^ayn 

In  such  a  gyse  as  I  schal  ^ow  sayn  332 

Bitwixe  $ou  and  me  and  Tperfoi  soone 

Byd  whan  ^ou  lust1  fer  nys  nomor  to  doone 

Enformed  when  ]>c  kyng1  was  of*  J?e  knight1 

And  had  conceyued  in  his  wit  aright1  336 

The  maner  of1  fe  forme  and  al  Jris  Jnng1 

Ful  glad  and  blith  Jns  noble  doughty  kyng1 

Repeyryng1  to  his  reuel  as  biforn 

The  bridel  is  vnto  J?e  tour  I-born  340 

And  kept1  among1  his  lewels  leef1  and  deere 

The  hors  vanyscht1  I  not1  in  what  manere 

Out1  of1  her  sight1 36  get1  nomore  of1  me 

But1  Jms  I  lete  him  in  his  iolite  344 

This  Cambinskan  his  lordes  festeyng1 

Til  wel  neigh  J?e  day  bigan  to  spryng* 

Explicit1  prima  pars  // 

[No  break  in  the  MS.} 

Incipit1  secunda  pars 

The  norice  of1  digestiozm  J?e  sleep 
Gan  to  him  wynk1  and  bad  of1  him  take  keep        348 
That1  merthe  and  labour  wol  haue  his  reste 
with  a  galpyng1  mouth  he  him  keste 
And  sayd  J)at  it1  was  tyme  to  lye  doun          [/*«/•  153,  &«<*] 
For  blood  was  in  his  dominacioun)  352 

Cherische])  natures  jjanne  quod  he 
They  Jmnkyn  him  galpyng1  by  two  and  J>re 
And  euery  wight1  gan  drawe  him  to  his  rest1 
As  sleep  hem  bad  J>ey  took1  it1  for  J?e  best/  356 


SIX-TEXT    489 

GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     347 

here  dremes  schul  not  now  be  told  for  me 

Ful  were  here  heedes  of1  f  umosite 

That1  cause]?  drem  of1  which  per  is  no  charge  / 

They  slepen  til  it  was  prime  large  /  360 

The  moste  part1  but1  it1  were  Canace 

Sche  was  ful  mesurable  as  wo?ftmen  be 

For  of1  hir  fader  hap  sche  take  hir  leue 

To  go  to  reste  soon  after  it  was  eue  /  364 

hir  luste  not1  appalled  for  to  be 

Ne  on  pe  morwe  vnfestly  for  to  se  / 

And  kept1  hir  firste  sleep  and  pan  awook1 

For  such  a  loye  sche  in  herte  took1  368 

Bope  of1  hir  queynte  ryng1  and  hir  myrrour 

That1  twenty  tyme  chaunged  hire  colour 

And  in  hire  sleep  right1  for  impressiozm 

Of1  hir  myrrour  sche  had  a  visiown  372 

wher-for  er  pat1  pe  sonne  vp  gan  glyde  / 

Sche  cleped  vpon  her  maistresse  beside  / 

And  sayde  pat1  hire  luste  for  to  ryse 

These  olde  wommen  pat1  ben  gladly  wise  376 

As  is  here  maystresse  answered  hir  anoon 

And  sayd  madame  whider  wold  30  goon 

Thus  erly  for  folk1  ben  alle  in  reste  / 

I  wil  qwod  sche  aryse  for  me  leste  380 

No  lenger  for  to  slepe  and  walke  aboute 

hir  maistres  clepeth  wommen  a  gret  route  / 

And  vp  pey  risen  a  ten  oper  a  twelue 

vp  rysep  fresshe  Canace  hir  selue  384 

As  rody  and  bright  as  is  pe  3onge  sonne 

That1  in  pe  Earn  is  ten  degrees  I-ronne 

Non  heiher  was  he1  whan  sche  redy  was       ['  first,  'sche'j 

And  forth  sche  walked  esily  a  pas  388 

Arayed  after  pe  lusty  sesou?i  soote  Oa/isii 

lightly  for  to  play  and  walke  on  foote 

Nought1  but1  wip  fyue  or  six  of1  hir  meyne 

And  a  trench  fer  in  pe  park1  gop  sche  /  392 


490    SIX-TEXT 

348     GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

The  vapour  which  pat1  of*  pe  erthe  glud 

Make])  pe  sonne  seme  rody  and  sot* 

But1  napeles  it1  was  so  fair  a  sight1 

That1  it1  made  olle  here  liertes  for  to  light1  396 

what1  for  pe  sesoun  what1  for  pe  mornyng1 

And  for  pe  foules  pat1  sche  herde  syng1 

For  right1  anoon  sche  wiste  what1  pey  menf 

Right1  by  here  song1  and  knew  al  here  entent1  /  400 

U  The  knotte  why  pat1  euery  tale  is  told 

If1  that1  it1  be  taryed  til  lust1  be  cold 

Of1  hem  pat1  han  hit  after  herkned  ^ore 

The  sauour  passeth  euer  lenger  pe  more  404 

For  fulsomnes  of1  pe  prolixite 

And  by  pis  same  resown  thinketh  me 

I  schulde  to  pe  knotte  coiidescende  / 

And  make  of1  hir  walkynge  sone  an  ende  *  408 

A-rnyddes  a  tree  for-druye  as  whit  as  chalk* 

As  Canace  was  pleyyng1  in  hir  walk1 

There  sat1  a  faukoiw  ouer  hir  heed  ful  hye 

Jjat1  with  a  pitous  vois  bigan  to  crye  412 

I-beten  hadde  sche  hir  self1  so  pitously 

That1  al  the  woode  resowned  of1  hire  cry 

wip  bope  hir  wynges  to  pe  reede  blood 

Ran  endelong1  pe  tree  per  as  sche  stood  416 

And  euer  in  oon  sche  cried  and  schryght1 

And  wip  hir  bek1  hir  selue  so  sche  pight* 

That1  per  nys  tigre  non  ne  cruel  beste 

That1  dwellep  eyper  in  wood  or  in  foreste  420 

That1  nold*  han  wept1  if1  pat  he  cowde 

For  sorw  of1  hir  sche  schrightf  alwey  so  lowde 

For  per  nas  neuer  }it  no  man  on  lyue 

If1  that1  he  coupe  a  faukouu  discriue  424 

That1  herd  of1  such  anoper  of1  fairnesse 

As  wel  of1  plumage  as  of1  gentillesse 

Of1  schap  of1  al  pat1  might1 1-rekened  be          [leaf  ist,  back] 

A  faukown  pe/*egryn  pan  semed  sche  428 


SIX-TEXT    491 

GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     349 

Of1  fremde  lond  and  euer  as  sche  stood 

Sche  swowned  now  and  now  for  lak*  ofH  blood 

Til  wel  neigli  sche  fallep  fro  pe  tre 

This  faire  kynges  dough ter  Canace  432 

That1  on  hir  fynger  bar  pe  queynte  ryng1 

Thurgh"  which  sche  vnderstood  wel  euery  ping1 

That1  eny  foul  may  in  his  lydne  sayn 

And  coupe  answer  him  in  his  lydne  agayn  43G 

ha])  vnderstonde  what1  pe  faukown  seyde 

And  wel  neigh  almost1  for  rewthe  sche  deyde 

And  to  pe  tree  sche  goth  ful  hastily 

And  on  pis  faukouw  lokcp  pitously  440 

And  held  hir  lappe  a-brod  for  wel  sche  wist1 

The  faukown  moste  falle  fro  pe  twist1 

whan  pat  it  swowned  next1  for  lak1  of1  blood 

A  long  while  to  wayten  hir  sche  stood  444 

Til  atte  last1  sche  spak1  in  pis  manere 

Vnto  ))e  hauk1  as  30  schul  after  heere 

U  what1  is  pe  cause  if1  it  be  for  to  telle 

That  36  ben  in  pat1  furyaH  peyne  of1  helle  448 

Qwod  Canace  vnto  pis  hank1  aboue 

Is  pis  for  sorwe  of1  deth  or  elles  loue 

For  as  I  trowe  pis  ben  causes  tuo 

That1  causen  most1  a  gentil  herte  wo  452 

Of1  oper  harm  it  needep  nou^t1  to  speke 

For  36  ^our  self1  vpon  ^our  self1  awreke 

which  pat1  preuej)  wel  pat1  either  Ire  or  drede 

Mote  ben  enchesozm  of1  ^our  cruel  dede  456 

Sith  pat1 1  see  noon  oper  wight1  $ou  chace 

For  loue  of1  god  so  clop  3our  selue  grace 

Or  what  ben  3our  helpe  for  west1  ner  Este 

Ne  saugh  I  neuer  er  now  no  bryd  ne  beste  460 

That1  ferde  with  himself1  so  pitously 

3e  sle  me  with  30111  sorwe  so  verrily 

I  haue  of*  3011  so  gret1  compassiown 

For  goddes  loue  com  fro  pe  tree  a  doim  464 


492    SIX-TEXT 

350     GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 


And  as  I  am  a  kynges  dough  ter  trewe 

If1  pat1  I  verrayly  pe  cause  knewe 

Of1  j  our  disese  if1  it1  lay  in  my  might1 

I  wold  amenden  it1  if*  fat1  I  might1  468 

Als  wisly  help  me  grete  god  of1  kynde 

And  herbes  schal  I  right1  ynowe  fynde 

To  helen  with  :$our  hurtes  hastyly 

Tho  schright1  pis  faukoim  more  pitously  472 

Than  euer  sche  did  and  fil  to  ground  anoon 

And  lay  a-swowne  deed  as  eny  stoon 

Til  Canace  hath  in  hir  lap  y-take 

vnto  pat1  tyme  sche  gan  of1  swowne  slake  /  476 

And  after  pat1  sche  gan  of1  swown  abreyde 

Eight1  in  hir  haukes  lydne  thus  sche  seyde 

That1  pite  renneth  sone  in  gentil  hert1 

Felyng1  his  similitude  in  peynes  smerte  480 

Is  proued  alday  as  men  may  see 

As  wel  by  werk1  as  by  auctorite 

For  gentil  herte  kepeth  gentillesse  / 

I  see  wel  pat1  ^e  haue  on  my  distresse  484 

Compassiozm  my  faire  Canace 

Of1  verray  wommanly  benignite  / 

That1  nature  in  ^our  principles  hap  set1 

But  noon  hope  for  to  fare  pe  bet  488 

But1  for  to  obeye  vnto  3our  herte  fre 

And  for  to  make  o  there  war  by  me 

As  by  pe  whelp  chastised  is  pe  lyoun 

And  for  pat1  cause  and  pat1  conclusiozm  492 

whiles  jjat1  I  haue  a  leyser  and  a  space 

Myn  harm  I  wil  confessen  er  I  pace 

And  whil  sche  euer  of1  hir  sorwe  tolde 

That1  oper  wept1  as  sche  to  water  wolde  /  496 

Til  pat1  J>e  faucozm  bad  hir  to  be  stille  / 

And  with  a  sighhe  /  ]?us  sche  sayd  hir  tille 

1T  Ther  I  was  alias  pat1  ilke  day 

And  fostred  in  a  Roch  of1  marble  gray  500 


SIX-TEXT    493 

GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334,     351 

So  tendrely  that1  noting1  eyled  me  / 

I  wiste  not1  /  what1  was  aduersite 

Til  I  coupe  flee  ful  heigh  vnder  pe  sky         Oz/iss.&ae/r] 

Tho  dwelled  a  tercelet1  me  faste  by  504 

That1  semed  welle  of*  alle  gentillesse 

Al  were  he  ful  of1  tresown  and  falsnesse 

It1  was  I- wrapped  vnder  humble  cheere 

And  vnder  heewe  of*  troupe  in  such  manere  508 

Vnder  plesaunce  and  vnder  besy  peyne 

That1  no  wight1  wende  pat1  he  coupe  feyne 

So  deep  in  greyn  he  deyed  his  colours 

Right1  as  a  serpent  hut1  him  vnder  floures  512 

Til  he  may  see  his  tyme  for  to  byte 

Right1  so  pis  god  of1  loue,  pis  ypocrite 

Dop  so  his  sermonys  and  his  obseruaunce/ 

vnder  subtil  colour  and  aqueyntaunce  516 

That1  sowneth  vnto  gentilesse  of1  loue 

As  in  a  thombe  is  al  pe  faire  aboue 

And  vnder  is  pe  corps  whiche  pat1  $e  wot 

Such  as  was  pis  Ipocn'te  bope  cold  and  hot  520 

And  in  this  wise  he  serued  his  entent 

That1  sauf1  pe  feend  noon  wiste  what  he  ment 

Til  he  so  long1  had  weped  and  compleyned 

And  many  a  }eer  his  seruice  to  me  feyned  524 

Til  pat1  myn  hert  to  pitous  and  to  nyce 

Al  Innocent  of1  his  crouned  malice 

For-fered  of1  his  deth  as  poughte  me 

vpon  his  othes  and  his  sewerte  528 

Graunted  him  loue  vpon  pis  condieiozm 

That1  euermo  myn  honour  and  my  renoun) 

were  saued  bope  pryuy  and  apert 

This  is  to  sayn  pat1  after  his  desert  532 

I  3af)  him  al  myn  hert1  and  al  my  pought 

god  woof  and  he  pat1  oper  weye  nought 

And  took1  his  hertt  in  chaunge  of1  myn  for  ay 

But1  sop  is  sayd  go  sipens  many  a  day  536 


494    SIX-TEXT 

352     GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

A  trew  wight1  and  a  theef1  fenketh  noi^t1  oon 

And  when  he  saugh  j)e  pyng1  so  fer  I-goon 

That  I  graunted  him  fully  my  lone  / 

In  such  a  wyse  as  I  haue  sayd  aboue  /  540 

And  $euen  him  my  trewe  herf  as  fre  [ten/iscj 

As  he  swor  he  ^af1  his  herte  to  me  / 

Anon  J>is  Tigre  ful  of  doublenesse 

Fil  on  his  knees  with  so  gret1  deuoutenesse  544 

wij?  high  reuerence  and  as  by  his  chore 

So  lyk1  a  gentil  loner  of1  manere 

So  rauysched  as  it  semede  for  loye 

That  neuer  lason  ne  Parys  of*  Troye  548 

lason  certes  ne  noon  ofer  man 

Si])  lameth  was  fat1  alfer  first1  bygan 

To  louen  two  as  vvriten  folk1  biforn 

Ne  neuer  si])  })e  firste  man  was  born  552 

Ne  eoufe  man  by  twenty  pousand  part 

Contrefete  J?e  sophemes  of1  his  art 

Ne  were  worfy  to  vnbokel  his  galoche 

Ther  doublenes  of1  feynyng1  schold  approche  556 

Ne  so  cou])e  fankyn  a  knight  as  he  did  me 

His  maner  was  an  heuen  for  to  see 

To  eny  wo??zman  were  sche  neuer  so  wys 

So  peynteth  he  and  kembeth  poynt  deuys  560 

As  wel  his  wordes  as  his  continaunce 

And  I  so  loued  him  for  his  obeisaunce 

And  for  ])e  trouthe  I  denied  in  his  herte 

That1  if1  so  were  fat1  eny  fing1  him  smerte  564 

And  were  it  neuer  so  litel  and  I  it1  wist1 

Me  fought1  I  felte  deth  at1  myn  herfr  twist1 

And  schortly  so  ferforth  fis  fing1  went1 

That1  my  wil  was  his  willes  instrument  568 

This  is  to  say  my  wille  obeied  his  wille 

In  alle  ])ing<  as  fer  as  resown  fille 

kepyng1  J>e  bou^des  of1  my  worschip  euer 

Ne  neuer  had  I  Jring1  so  leef*  ne  leuer  572 


SIX-TEXT    495 

GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     353 

As  him  god  woof  ne  neuer  schal  nomo 

This  laste  lenger  fan  a  $eer  or  two 

Thaf  I  supposed  of1  him  noughf  but  good 

Buf  fynally  atte  laste  fus  if  stood  576 

Thaf  fortune  wolde  f  af  he  moste  twynne 

Out  of1  f  e  place  which  f  af  I  was  Inne 

wher  me  was  wo  it  is  no  questio?4n  /  [/<?a/i56,  &a<#] 

I  can  naf  make  of1  it  descripciozm  580 

For  o  f  ing1  dar  I  telle  boldely 

I  know  whaf  is  fe  peyne  of1  deth  f erloy 

which  harm  I  felf  for  he  ne  mighte  byleue 

So  on  a  day  of1  me  he  took  his  leue  584 

So  sorwful  eek1  f  af  I  wenf  verrayly 

Thaf  he  had  feled  als  moche  as  I 

whan  f  af  I  herd  him  speke  and  saugh  his  hewe 

Buf  naf  eles  I  foughf  he  was  vntrewe  588 

And  eek1  faf  he  schulde  repeire  a^eyn 

wif  inne  a  litel  while  sof  to  seyn 

And  resown  wold  eek1  faf  he  moste  go  :  for  his  honour 

Wher-for  I  wold  nof  ben  ayein  his  honour  [spurious]   592 

Than  I  made  vertu  of1  necessite 

And  took1  if  wel  sef  ens  it  moste  be 

As  I  besf  mighf  I  had  for  him  my  sorwe 

And  took1  him  by  fe  hand  seinf  lohn  to  borwe  596 

And  sayde  fus  /  lo  I  am  ^our  al 

Bef  such  as  I  haue  be  to  $ou  and  schal 

whaf  he  answerd  it  needef  naf  to  reherse 

who  can  besf  say  fan  he,  who  can  do  werse  //  600 

whan  he  haf  al  wel  sayd  fan  haf  he  doon 

Therfor  bihouef  him  a  ful  long1  spoon 

Thaf  schal  ete  wif  a  feend  fus  herd  I  say 

So  atte  lasf  he  moste  forf  his  way  604 

And  forth  he  fleeth  til  he  cam  f  er  him  leste 

whan  it  cam  him  to  purpos  for  to  reste 

I  trow  he  hadde  f  ilke  texf  in  mynde 

That  alle  fing1  repeyryng1  to  his  kynde  608 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  2    A 


496    SIX-TEXT 

354    GROUP  F.     §  2.     SQUIRE'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Glade]?  himself1  ]ms  sey  men  as  I  gesse 

Men  louen  of1  kynde  newefangilnesse 

As  briddes  doon  ]?afr  men  in  cage  feede 

For  J?eigh  Jjou  night1  and  day  take  of  hem  heede  612 

And  straw  her  cage  faire  and  soft1  as  silk1 

And  ^eue  hem  sugre  hony  breed  and  mylk1 

3efr  right1  anoon  as  his  dore  is  vppe 

he  with  his  feet1  wil  sporne  down  his  cuppe  616 


And  to  J?e  wode 


[Eight  leaves  are  here  missing  from  the  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    514 

GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    355 


[Brit.  Mus.  Harl.  7334  begins  again,  leaf  157.]; 

lasse  J?an  a  pousand  pound  he  wolde  nought1  haue         1224 

NQ  gladly  for  J>atf  somme  he  wolde  not  goon 

Aurilius  wij>  blisful  hertt  anoon 

Answerde  pus .  fy  on  a  J?ousand  pound 

This  wyde  world  which  J>af  men  say  is  round  1228 

I  wold  it  }iue  if1 1  were  lord  of1  it/ 

This  bargeyn  is  ful  dryue  for  we  ben  knyt 

3e  schal  be  payed  trewly  by  my  trou]?e  / 

But1  lokej)  now  for  necligence  or  sloujje  1232 

3e  tarie  vs  heer  no  lenger  J?an  to  morwe  / 

Kay  quod  j)is  clerk1  haue  her  my  faith  to  borwe 

To  bed  is  goon  aurilius  whan  him  leste 

And  wel  neigh  al  night1  he  had  his  reste  1236 

2   A   2 


515    SIX-TEXT 

356    GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

what1  for  his  labour  and  his  hope  of1  blisse 

His  woful  hert1  of1  penaunce  had  a  lisse  / 

vpon  j?e  morwe  whan  J>afr  it  was  day 

To  breteigne  take  J>ei  J)e  righte  way  1240 

Aurilius  and  ]ns  magicien  bisyde 

And  ben  descendid  Jjer  }>ay  wol  abyde 

And  f>is  was  as  pese  bookes  me  remembre 

The  colde  frosty  seisozm  of1  Decembre  1244 

Phebus  wax  old  and  hewed  lyk1  latoutt 

That1  in  his  hoote  declinac^m 

Schon  as  fe  burned  gold  with  stremes  bright1 

But1  now  in  Capricorn  a-down  he  light1  1248 

wher  as  he  schon  ful  pale  I  dar  wel  sayn 

The  bitter  frostes  with  J?e  sleet1  and  rayn 

Destroyed  ha]?  J?e  grene  in  enery  ^erd 

lanus  sit1  by  ]>e  fuyr  wij?  double  berd  1252 

And  dry nke])  of1  his  bugle  horn  J>e  wyn 

Biforn  him  stont1  ]?e  braun  of1  toskid  swyn 

And  Nowel  crie]?  euery  lusty  man 

Aurilius  in  al  Jmt1  euer  he  can  1256 

Do]?  to  his  maister  chier  and  reuerence 

And  peyne])  him  to  doon  his  diligence 

To  bringen  him  out1  of1  his  peynes  smerte 

Or  wij)  a  swerd  J^at1  he  wold  slytte  his  herte  1260 

This  subtil  clerk1  such  rou]?e  had  of1  ]?is  man 

That1  night1  and  day  he  spede]?  him  fat1  he  can  [>a/i57,  ftacfr] 

To  wayte  a  tyme  of1  his  conclusiown 

This  is  to  say  to  make  Illusioun  1264 

By  such  an  apparence  of1  iogelrio 

I  can  no  termes  of1  astrologie 

That1  sche  and  euery  wight1  schold  wene  and  saye 

That1  of1  Breteygn  pe  rokkes  were  a  waye  1268 

Or  elles  J>ey  sonken  were  vnder  Jje  grounde 

So  atte  last1  he  ha])  a  tyme  I-founde 

To  make  his  iapes  and  his  wrecchednesse  / 

Of1  such  a  supersticious  cursednesse  / 


SIX-TEXT    516 

GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    357 

His  tables  tollitanes  for])  he  brought 

Ful  wel  corrected  ne  J?er  lakked  nought1 

Neijjer  his  collect  ne  his  expans  yeeres 

"Ne  his  rootes  ne  his  o])er  geeres  /  1276 

As  ben  his  centris  &  his  argumentis 

And  his  proporcionels  comienientis 

For  her  equaciowns  in  euery  jjing1  / 

And  by  his  ])re  speeres  in  his  worching1  1280 

he  knew  ful  wel  how  for  alltiath  was  schoue 

For  J)e  heed  of1  jnlk1  fixe  aries  aboue 

That1  in  Jje  fourjje  speere  considred  is 

Ful  subtilly  he  calkild  al  Jns  1284 

whan  he  had  founde  his  firste  manciown 

He  knew  j)e  remenazmt1  by  proporciozm 

And  knew  ]>Q  arisyng1  of1  Jns  moone  wel 

And  in  whos  face  and  terme  and  euery  del  1288 

And  knew  ful  wel  J)e  moones  manciown 

Acordaunt1  to  his  operacioun 

And  knew  also  his  other  obseruaunces 

For  suche  illusiowns  and  suche  meschazmces  1292 

As  hethen  folk1  vsed  in  ])ilke  dayes 

For  which  no  lenger  maked  he  delay es 

But1  Jmrgh  his  magik1  for  a  wike  or  tweye 

It1  semed  Jjat1  ]?e  rokkes  were  aweye  1296 

Aurilius  which  ^et1  dispayred  is 

wher  he  schal  haue  his  loue  or  fare  amys 

Awayte])  night1  and  day  on  ]?is  miracle 

And  whan  he  knew  Jjaf  J?er  was  noon  obstacle  [Zm/i58]  1 300 

That1  voyded  were  fese  rokkes  euerich  oon 

Doun  to  his  maistres  feet1  he  fel  anoon 

And  sayd  I  wrecched  woful  aurilius 

Thanke  ^ou  lord  and  my  lady  Venus  1304 

That1  me  han  holpe  fro  my  cares  colde  / 

And  to  }>e  temple  his  way  for])  he  haj)  holde 

wher  as  he  knew  he  schold  his  lady  se 

whan  he  saugh  his  tyme  anoon  right1  he  1308 


517    SIX-TEXT 

358    GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

with  dredful  hcrt  and  with  ful  humble  cheere 

Salued  ha])  his  owne  lady  deere 

My  souerayn  lady  quod  f  is  wof  ul  man 

whom  I  most1  drede  and  loue  as  I  can  1312 

And  lowest*  were  of1  al  f  is  world  displese  / 

Nere  it  fat1  I  for  ^ou  haue  such  desese  / 

That1 1  most1  deye  her  at1  ^oure  foot1  anoon 

Nought1  wold  I  telle  how  me  is  wo  bygoon  1316 

But1  certes  oufer  most1  I  dye  or  pleyne 

3e  sleen  me  gulteles  for  verrey  peyne 

But1  of1  my  def  f  ough  fat  36  haue  no  rouf  e 

Auyseth  ^ow  or  fat1  36  breke  3our  trouf©  1320 

Repentef  3ow  for  f  ilke  god  aboue 

3e  me  sleen  by  cause  fat1 1  3ou  loue 

For  madame  wel  30  vvoot1  what/  36  han  bight1 

Nat1  fat1 1  chalenge  eny  fing1  of1  right1  1324 

Of1  3ow  my  souerayn  lady  but1  3oure  grace 

But1  in  a  gardyn  3onde  at1  such  a  place 

3e  wot1  right1  wel  what1  36  byhighte  me 

And  in  myn  hond  3our  troufe  plighte  30  1328 

To  loue  me  best1  god  woot/  30  sayde  so 

Al  be  fat1 1  vnworthy  am  f erto 

Ma  dame  I  speke  it  for  thonowr  of1  3ow 

More  fan  to  saue  my^  hertes  lif1  right1  now  1332 

I  haue  do  so  as  36  comaunded  me 

And  if1  36  vouche  sauf1  30  may  go  se 

Dof  as  3011  list1  haue  3oure  byheste  in  mynde 

For  quyk1  or  deed  right1  Jjer  30  schul  me  fynde  1336 

In  3ow  lif  al  to  do  me  lyue  or  deye 

But1  wel  I  wot1  fe  rokkes  ben  aweye  [leaf  15$,  back] 

he  takef  his  leue  and  he  astoned  stood 

In  alle  hir  face  nas  oon  drop  of1  blood  1340 

Sche  wend  neuer  haue  be  in  such  a  trappe 

Alias  quod  sche  fat1  euer  f  is  schulde  happe 

For  wend  I  neuer  by  possibilite 

That1  such  a  monstre  or  merueyl  mighte  be  /  1344 


SIX-TEXT    518 

GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    359 

If  is  agayns  j?e  proces  of1  nature 

And  horn  sche  go]?  a  sorwful  creature 

For  verray  fere  vnnej^e  may  sche  go 

Sche  wepep  wayleji  al  a  day  or  tuo  1348 

And  swownejj  Jjat1  it  rou]?e  was  to  see 

But1  why  it  was  to  no  wight1  tolde  sche 

For  out*  of1  toune  was  goon  aruegarius 

But1  to  hir  self1  sche  spak/  and  sayde  Jms  1352 

wijj  face  pale  and  with  ful  sorwful  chiere 

In  hir  compleignt  as  30  schul  after  Mere 

IT  Alias  quod  sche  on  J?e  fortune  I  pleyne 

That1  vnwar,  wrapped  me  hast1,  in  j?y  cheyne  1356 

Fro  which  tescape  woof  I  no  socour 

Sane  oonly  dej>  or  elles  dishonour 

0  >n  of1  fiese  tuo  bihoueth  me  to  chese  / 

But1  nafeles  36^  haue  I  leuer  leese  1360 

My  lif1  J?an  of1  my  body  to  haue  schame 

Or  knowe  my-selue  fals  or  lese  my  name  / 

And  with  my  de]j  I  may  be  quyt1  I-wys 

Hath  per  not1  many  a  noble  wyf  er  )>is  /  13G4 

And  many  a  mayden  slayn  hir-self  alias 

Kaj?er  }?an  with  her  body  doon  trespas  / 

3is  certeynly  lo  stories  beren  witnes 

whan  Jmtty  tiraunt}  ful  of1  cursednes  1368 

hadde  slayn  phidon  in  athenes  atte  fest 

Thay  comaunded  his  doughtres  to  arest 

And  bryngen  hem  biforn  hem  in  despit 

And  naked  to  fulfille  her  foule  delyt1  1372 

In  her  fadres  blood  J>ey  made  hem  daunce 

vpon  J?e  pauyment1  god  ^eue  hem  meschaunce 

For  which  Jjese  woful  maydens  ful  of1  drede 

Raper  j?an  £ey  wolde  lese  her  maydenhede      [fca/i59]     1376 

They  priuely  ben  stert1  in  to  a  welle  / 

And  drenched  hemselfen  as  Jje  bookes  telle 

IT  They  of1  mecene  leet1  enquere  and  seeke  / 

Of1  lacidomye  fifty  maydenes  eeke  /  1380 


519    SIX-TEXT 

360    GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

On  which  fay  wolden  doon  her  leccherie 

But*  was  f  er  noon  of  al  fat1  company e 

was  slayn  and  wif  a  good  entente 

Ches  rafer  for  to  deye  fan  to  assente  1384 

To  ben  oppressed  of*  hir  maydenhede 

why  schuld  I  fan  to  deyen  ben  in  drede 

H  Lo  eek  f  e  Tyraunt/  aristoclides 

That1  loued  a  mayden  heet*  Stimphalides  1388 

whan  fat  hir  father  slayn  was  on  a  night 

vnto  dyanes  temple  gof  sche  right 

And  henf  f  e  yrnage  in  hir  hondes  tuo 

Fro  which  ymage  wold  sche  neuer  go  1392 

No  wight1  might*  of1  hit/  hir  hondes  race 

Til  sche  was  slayn  right*  in  f  e  selue  place 

Now  sif  fat*  maydens  hadde  such  despit 

To  ben  defouled  with  mannes  foul  delit  1396 

wel  aught*  a  wif*  rather  hirself*  to  sle 

Than  be  defouled  as  it  thenkef  me 

U  what*  schal  I  seyn  of*  hasdrubaldes  wyf* 

That  at  Cartage  byraft*  hir-self*  fe  lyf*  1400 

For  whan  sche  saugh  fat*  Romayns  wan  fe  toun 

Sche  took*  hir  children  alle  and  skipte  a  doun 

In  to  f  e  fuyr  and  dies  rafer  to  deye 

Than  eny  rornayn  dide  hir  vilonye  1-404 

U  Haf  nought*  lucresse  slayn  hirself*  alias 

At*  Rome  whanne  sche  oppressid  was 

Of*  tarquyn  for  hir  fought*  it*  was  a  schame  / 

To  lyuen  whan  sche  hadde  lost*  hir  name  1 408 

H  The  seuen  maydens  of*  milifie  also 

han  slayn  hemself*  for  verray  drede  and  wo 

Rafer  fan  folk*  of*  Gawle  hem  schulde  oppresse 

Mo  fan  a  thousand  stories  as  I  gesse  1412 

Couf  e  I  now  telle  as  touching1  f  is  matiere 

1T  whan  habradace  was  slayn  his  wif*  so  deere    [fca/i59,6acA] 

hir-seluen  slough  and  leet*  hir  blood  to  glyde  / 

In  habradaces  woundes  deepe  and  wyde  /  1416 


SIX-TEXT   520 

GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    361 

And  seyde  my  body  atte  leste  way 

Ther  schal  no  wight*  defoulen  if1  I  may 

whatH  schold  I  mo  ensamples  her  of1  sayn  .     . 

Seffen  so  many  han  hemseluen  slayn  .     .  1420 

wel  raf  er  fan  fey  wolde  defouled  be  / 

I  wol  conclude  fat1  it  is  best  for  me 

To  slen  myself1  fan  be  defouled  f  us 

I  wol  be  trewe  vnto  aruegarius  1424 

Or  rather  sle  myself1  in  som  manere 

As  dede  Democionis  doi^ter  deere 

By  cause  sche  wolde  nought1  defouled  be  / 

0  cedasus  if  is  ful  gretf  pite  1428 

To  reden  how  f y  doughteren  dyed  alias 

That1  slowe  hemself1  for  suche  maner  caas 

As  gret1  a  pite  was  it1  or  wel  more 

The  theban  mayden  fat1  for  nichonore  1432 

hir-seluen  slough  right1  for  such  maner  wo 

Anof  er  Theban  mayden  dede  right1  so 

For  oon  of1  macidone  had  hir  oppressed 

Sche  with  hire  def  may deuhede  redressed  1436 

what1  schal  I  sayn  of1  Mceratis  wif1 

That1  for  such  caas  biraff  hir  self1  hir  lyf1 

how  trewe  eek*  was  cito  alcebiades 

his  loue.  fat1  rather  to  dyen  ches  1440 

Than  for  to  suffre  his  body  vnburied  be 

Lo  which  a  wif1  was  alceste  quod  sche 

what1  saif  omer  of1  good  penolope 

Al  grece  knowef  of1  hir  chastite  1444 

Par  di  of1  laodomya  is  writen  f  us 

That1  whan  out1  of*  Troye  was  Protheselaus 

No  lenger  wol  sche  lyue  after  his  day 

The  same  of1  noble  porcia  telle  I  may  1448 

wif  oute  brutes  kynde  sche  my^fr  not  lyue 

To  whom  sche  had  al  hool  hir  herte  $yue 

The  parfyf  wyfhod  of1  artemesye 

honoured  is  furgfi  al  fe  Barbaric  [fea/ieoj  1452 


521    SIX-TEXT 

362    GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

0  thena  queen  py  wifly  chastite 
To  alle  wyues  may  a  mirour  be 

[    .     .     .     no  gap  in  the  MS. :  these  lines  are 

.-    ...     .         known  only  in  the  Ellesmere  MS.]          1456 

Thus  playned  Dorigen  a  day  or  tweye 

Purposyng1  euer  fat1  sche  wolde  deye 

But1  napeles  vpon  pe  thridde  night1 

horn  cam  arueragus  pis  worpy  knight1  1460 

And  asked  hir  why  pat1  sche  wept1  so  sore  / 

And  sche  gan  wepe  euer  lenger  pe  more 

Alias  quod  sche  pat1  euer  was  I  born 

Thus  haue  I  sayd  quod  sche  pus  haue  I  sworn  1464 

And  told  him  al  as  36  han  herd  biforn 

It1  nedej)  nought1  reherse  it  you  no  more 

U  This  housbond  wip  glad  chiere  in  good  wise 

Answerd  and  sayde  as  I  schal  ^ou  deuyse  1  468 

Is  per  aught1  elles  Dorigen  but  pis 

Nay  nay  quod  sche  god  me  so  rede  &  wis 

This  is  to  moche  and  it  were  goddes  wille 

3e  wyf1  quod  he  lot1  slepe  fat1  may  be  stille  1472 

It1  may  be  wel  peraunter  ^et1  to  day 

3e  schal  }our  troupe  holden  by  my  fay 

For  god  so  wisly  haue  mercy  on  me 

1  hadde  wel  leuer  I-stekid  for  to  be  1476 
For  verray  loue  which  I  to  $ou  haue  / 

But1  if1  30  scholde  3our  troupe  kepe  and  saue 

Troupe  is  fe  heighest1  ping1  fiat  men  may  kepe 

But1,  wi j>  pat  word  he  gan  anoon  to  wepe  1 480 

And  sayde  I  $ow  forbede  vp  peyne  of1  dej) 

That1  neuer  whil  J?e  lasteth  lyf1  or  breth 

To  no  wight1  telle  pou  of1  pis  auenture 

As  I  may  best1 1  wil  my  woo  endure  1484 

Ne  make  no  contenawnce  of1  heuynesse 

ftat1  folk1  of1 3ou  may  deme  harm  or  gesse 

And  for  he  cleped  a  squyer  and  a  mayde 

Gop  forp  anoon  wip  Dorigen  he  sayde  1488 


SIX-TEXT    522 

GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    363 

And  bryngej?  hir  to  such  a  place  anoon 

Thay  take  her  leue  and  on  her  wey  J>ey  gon 

But1  pay  ne  wiste  why  sche  Jnder  went 

He  nolde  no  wight1  tellen  his  entent  {leaf leo,  back]  1492 


1496 

no  gap  in  the  MS. :  these  lines  are 
.     .     .     .         Jcnoivn  only  in  the  Ellesmere  MS.] 
This  squyer  which  pat1  hight1  aurelius 

On  dorigen  pat  was  so  amerous  1500 

Of*  aduenture  happed  hire  to  mete 
Amyd  pe  toun  right1  in  pe  quyke  strete 
As  sche  was  boun  to  goon  pe  wey  forp-riglit1 
Toward  pe  Gardyn  per  as  sche  had  hight1  1504 

And  he  was  to  pe  gardynward  also  / 
For  wel  he  spyed  whan  sche  wolde  go 
Out1  of1  hir  hous  to  eny  nianer  place 

But1  pus  pay  mette  of1  aduenture  or  grace  1508 

And  he  salueth  hir  \\ith  glad  entent 
And  askith  hire  whiderward  sche  went/ 
And  sche  answered  half1  as  sche  were  mad 
vnto  pe  gardyn  as  myn  housbond  bad  1512 

My  troupe  for  to  holde  alias  alias 
Aurilius  gan  wondren  on  Jjis  caas 
And  in  his  hert1  had  gret1  compassiown 
Of1  hire  and  of1  hir  lamentaciown  1516 

And  of1  Arueragus  pe  worpy  knigRtf 
That1  bad  hir  hold  al  pat1  sche  hadde  higRf 
So  loj?  him  was  his  wif1  schuld  breke  hir  troupe 
And  in  his  hert1  he  caught1  of1  this  gret1  roujje  1520 

Consideryng*  Jje  best1  on  euery  syde 
That1  fro  his  lusf  ^et1  were  him  leuer  abyde 
Than  doon  so  higfi  a  cheerlissch  wrecchednesse 
Agayns  fraunchis  of1  alle  gentilesce  1524 


523    SIX-TEXT 

364    GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

For  which  in  fewe  wordes  sayd  he  Jms 

Madame  saith  to  $our  lord  arueragus 

That1  sif  I  se  his  grete  gentilesse 

To  }ou.  and  eel?  I  se  wel  $our  distresse  1528 

That*  him  were  leuer  haue  schame  and  fat1  were  rouj)e  / 

Than  36  to  me  schulde  breke  ^oure  troupe 

I  haue  wel  leuer  euer  to  suffre  woo 

Than  I  departe  fe  loue  bytwix  30  w  tuo  1532 

I  3ow  relesse  madame  in  to  3010-  hond 

Quyt1  euery  seurement  and  euery  bond 

That1  36  han  maad  to  me  as  her  biforn 

Sith  filke  tyme  which  fat1  36  were  born  [>o/i6i]  1536 

My  troupe  I  plight1  I  schal  }ow  neuer  repreue 

Of1  no  byhest1  and  her  I  take  my  leue 

As  of1  f  e  trewest1  and  f  e  beste  wif 

That1  euer  }it  I  knew  in  al  my  lyf«  1540 

But1  euery  wyf1  be  war  of1  hir  byhest 

On  Dorigen  remembref  atte  lest 

Thus  can  a  squyer  doon  a  gentil  dede 

As  wel  as  can  a  knyght1  wifouten  drede  1544 

Sche  f  ankej)  him  vpon  hir  knees  al  bare  / 

And  hoom  vnto  hir  housbond  is  sche  fare  / 

And  told  him  al  as  36  han  herd  me  sayd 

And  be  36  siker  he  was  so  wel  a-payd  1548 

That1  it  were  impossible  me  to  write 

what  schuld  I  lenger  of1  jjis  caas  endite 

Arueragus  and  Dorigen  his  wif* 

In  souereyn  blisse  leden  for])  here  lyf*  1552 

Neuer  eft1  ne  was  J>er  anger  hem  by t wen 

he  cherisschej)  hir  as  J?ough  sche  were  a  queen 

And  sche  was  to  him  trewe  for  euermore  / 

Of1  ]>ese  tuo  folk1  36  gete  for  me  nomore  /  1556 

IF  Aurilius  ]?at  his  cost1  ha]>  al  forlorn 

CurseJ)  Jje  tyme  fat  euer  he  was  born 

Alias  quod  he  alias  fat1 1  byhight1 

Of1  pured  gold  a  thousand  pound  of1  wight1  1560 


SIX-TEXT    524 

.GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    365 

vnto  J>is  philosophre  how  schal  I  doo 

I  se  no  more  but*  J?af  I  am  for-doo 

Myn  heritage  moot1 1  needes  selle  / 

And  ben  a  begger  her  may  I  not1  duelle  1564 

And  schamen  al  my  kynrede  in  Jns  place 

But1  I  of1  him  may  gete  better  grace 

But1  naj^eles  I  wol  of*  him  assay 

At1  certeyn  dayes  3eer  by  $er  to  pay  1568 

And  J?anke  him  of1  his  grete  curtesye 

My  troupe  wol  I  kepe  I  wol  noujt1  lye 

with  herte  soor  he  go]?  vn  to  his  cofre 

AncVbroughte  gold  vnto  j)is  philosophre  1572 

The  value  of1  fyf*  hundred  pound  I  gesse 

And  him  bysecheth  of1  his  gentilesce  [kqnei,  &<*<*] 

To  graunte  him  dayes  of*  J>e  rememunt 

Aiiclsayde  maister  I  dar  wel  make  auaunf  1576 

I  fayled  neuer  of1  my  troufe  as  }it 

For  sikerly  my  dettes  schal  be  quyt 

Towardes  ^ow  how  j>at  euer  I  fare 

To  goon  a  begge  in  my  kurtil  bare  1580 

But*  wolde  ^e  vouche  sauf1  vpon  seurte 

Tuo  $er  or  )>re  for  to  respite  me 

Than  were  I  wel  for  elles  most1 1  selle 

Myn  heritage  J>er  is  nomore  to  telle  1584 

5T  )}is  philosophre  sobrely  answerde  / 

And  seyde  Jms  whan  he  Jjese  wordes  herde 

Haue  I  not1  holden  couenaunt  vnto  Jie  f 

^is  certes  wel  and  trewely  quod  he  /  1588 

Hastow  nou^t  had  J>y  lady  as  J?e  liketh 

No  no  quod  he  and  sorwfully  he  sike)) 

what1  was  J?e  cause  tel  me  if1  Jjou  can 

Aurilius  his  tale  anoon  bygan  1592 

And  told  him  al  as  }e  han  herd  bifore 

If  needejj  natt  to  3011  reherse  if  more 

he  sayde  arueragus  of1  gentilesse 

had  leuer  dye  in  sorwe  and  in  distresse  1596 


525    SIX-TEXT 

366    GROUP  F.    §  4.    FRANKLIN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Than  )>at  his  wyf1  were  of1  hir  troupe  fals 

The  sorwe  of1  Dorigen  he  tolde  him  als 

how  loj>  hir  was  to  ben  a  \vikked  wikked  wyf1 

And  pat1  sche  leuer  had  han  lost1  hir  lyf1  1600 

And  pat1  hir  troupe  sche  swor  Jmrgh  Innocence 

Sche  neuer  erst1  hadde  herd  speke  of*  apparence 

That1  made  me  han  of1  hir  so  gret  pyte 

By  cause  hir  housebond  sente  hir  to  me  1604 

And  right  as  frely  sent*  I  hir  to  him  agayn 

)?is  is  al  and  som  per  is  no  more  to  sayn 

The  philosopher  answerde  leue  broper 

Euerich  of1  $ow  dede  gentilly  to  oper*  1608 

Thow  art1  a  squyer  and  he  is  a  knight 

But1  god  forbede  for  his  blisful  might1 

But1  if1  a  clerk1  coupe  doon  as  gentil  dede 

As  wel  as  eny  of1  3011  it  is  no  drede  [/«a/i62]  1612 

Sire  I  relesse  pe  py  pousond  pound 

As  pou  right1  now  were  crope  out  of1  pe  ground 

lsre  neuer  er  now  ne  haddest1  knowen  me 

For  sire  I  wol  not  take  a  peny  of1  pe  1616 

For  al  my  craft1  ne  nought1  for  my  trauayle  / 

Thou  hasfr  y-payed  wel  for  my  vitayle  / 

It1  is  ynough  and  far  wel  haue  good  day 

And  took1  his  hors  and  forp  he  go])  his  way  1620 

51  Lordynges  pis  questiown  wolde  I  axe  now  / 

which  was  J?e  moste  free  as  jnnketh  ^ow 

Kow  tellejj  me  or  pat1 1  ferper  wende  / 

I  can  no  more  my  tale  is  at  an  ende  /  1624 

II  Here  endeth  J>e  Frankeleynes  tale 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    527 

GROUP  G.    §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    367 


IT  And  here  bygynneth  J?e  Secownde  Nounes  tale  / 
[No  gap  in  the  MS.~\ 
[THE  PROEM.} 

(1) 

W  •  WKe  minister  and  J>e  norice  vnto  vices  1 

^  which  J?af  men  clepe  in  englisch  ydelnesse  / 
The  porter  at1  J?e  gates  is  of*  delicis 
To  eschiewe  and  by  her  contrary  hire  oppresse 
m       That1  is  to  say  by  leful  besynesse  /  5 

wel  oughte  we  to  do  al  oure  entente 
Lest1  J?att  J>e  fend  Jmrgh  ydelnesse  vs  hente  /  7 

(2) 

For  he  Jjat1  wij>  his  Jjousand  cordes  slye  /  8 

Continuelly  vs  wayteth  to  byclappe/ 
whan  he  may  man  in  ydelnes  espye  / 
He  can  so  lightly  cacche  him  in  his  trappe  / 
Til  ]?af  a  man  be  henf  right1  by  )>e  lappe  /  12 

He  is  nou^fr  war  ]>Q  fend  haj)  him  in  honde  / 
wel  oughte  we  wirche  and  ydelnes  wij>stonde  /  14 

(3) 

And  Jjongh  men  dredde  neuer  for  to  deye  15 

3ef  seen  men  wel  by  reso?m  douteles 

That*  ydelnes  is  roten  sloggardye 

Of*  which  J)er  come])  neuer  good  encres 

And  sin  J>af  slouj)  her  holdej)  in  a  lees  19 

Oonly  to  sleep  and  for  to  ete  and  drynke 

And  to  deuoure  al  J>af  oj?er  swynke  21 


528    SIX-TEXT 

368   GROUP  G.   §  1.   SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 


And  for  to  put*  vs  from  such  ydelne  22 

That1  cause  is  of1  so  gret1  confusioun 

I  haue  her  doon  my  faithful  busynes  [leafiez,  back] 

After  pe  legende  in  translacioun 

Eight1  ofH  pis  glorious  lif1  and  passiouri)  26 

Thou  with  pi  garlond  wrought1  wip  rose  and  lylye 

The  mene  I  mayde  and  martir  cecilie  28 

(5) 

And  Jjou  pat1  flour  of*  vz'rgines  art  alle  /  innocacfo  ad  marian  29, 
Of1  whom  pat1  Bernard  lust1  so  wel  to  write  / 
To  pe  at1  my  bygynnyng*  first1  1  calle 
Thou  comfort1  of1  vs  wrecches  do  me  endite 
Thy  may  denes  dep  pat1  whan  purgh  hire  merite  33 

Theternal  lif1  and  of1  pe  feend  victorie 
As  man  may  after  reden  in  hir  storie  35 

(6) 

I  hou  mayde  and  moder  doughter  of1  pi  sone  /  36 

Thow  welle  of*  mercy  synful  soules  cure 
In  whom  pat1  god  of1  bountes  chees  to  wone 
Thou  humble  and  heyh"  ouer  euery  creature 
Thow  nobelest1  so  ferforp  oure  nature  40 

That1  no  disdeyn  pe  maker  had  of1  kynde  / 
his  sone  in  blood  and  fleissh"  to  elope  and  wynde  /  42, 

(7) 

Wipinne  pe  cloyster  of1  pi  blisful  sydes  43 

Took1  mannes  schap  pe  eternal  loue  and  pees 
That1  of1  pe  trine  compas  lord  and  guyde  is 
whom  erpe  and  see  and  heuen  out  of1  relees 
Ay  herien  and  pou  virgine  wemmeles  47 

Bar  of1  py  body  and  dwellest1  mayden  pure 
The  creatour  of1  euery  creature  /  49 


SIX-TEXT    529 

GROUP  G.    §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harlclan  7334.    3G9 

(8) 

Assembled  is  in  fy  magnificence  50 

with  mercy  goodnes  and  with  such  pitee 
That1  f  ou  fat  art  f  e  soune  of1  excellence 
But  oonly  helpistt  hem  fat1  prayen  f  e 
But1  often  tyme  of1  fy  benignite  54 

Ful  frely  er  fat1  men  fin  help  biseche 
Thou  gost1  biforn  and  art  her  lyfes  leche  /  5G 

(9) 

Now  help  fou  meke  and  blisful  faire  mayde  /  57 

Me  flemed  wrecche  in  f  is  desert1  of*  galle 
Thenk1  on  f  e  wo?nman  canace  fat1  sayde 
That1  whelpes  ete  some  of*  f  e  crorames  alle 
That1  from  her  lordes  table  ben  I-falle  /  6  1 

And  fougfi.  fat1  1  vnworthy  sone  of1  Eue  [^/i6s] 

Be  synful  /  3ettt  acceote  my  bileue  63 

(10) 

And  for  Jjat1  faith  is  deth  wipouten  werkis  64 

So  for  to  werken  ^iue  me  witt  and  space  / 

That*  I  be  quit1  fro  Jiennes  fat1  most1  derk1  is 

0  Jjou  fat1  art1  so  fair  and  ful  of1  grace  / 

Be  myn  aduocat1  in  fat  hihe  place  /  68 

Ther  as  wif  oute?z  ende  is  songe  Osanne 

Thou  cn'stes  moder  doubter  deere  of1  Anne  70 


And  of1  f  i  ligfct1  my  soule  in  pn'soun  light1  7  1 

That1  troubled  .is  by  f  e  contagiown 

Of1  my  body  and  also  by  f  e  wigRt 

Of  euerich  lust1  and  fals  affeceioun 

0  heuen  of1  refuyt1  0  sauaciown  75 

Of1  hem  fat1  ben  in  sorwe  and  in  destresse  / 

JNow  help  for  to  my  werk1  I  wil  me  dresse  /  77 

CANT.  TALES.  -  HARL.  2    B 


530    SIX-TEXT 

370   GROUP  G-.   §  1.   SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 

(12) 

yet1  pray  I  3011  fat  reden  fat  I  write  /  78 

For^eue  me  fat?  I  doo  no  diligence 

This  ilke  story  subtilly  to  endite 

For  bof  e  haue  I  f  e  wordes  and  sentence 

Of1  him  fat*  at1  f  e  seintes  reuerence  82 

The  story  wroot1  and  folwen  hir  legende  / 

And  pray  $ow  fat1  ^e  wol  my  werk'  amende  /  84 

(13)  [THE  TALE.] 

1  irst1  wol  I  $ow  f  e  name  of1  seint  Cecile  85 

Expoune  as  men  may  in  hir  story  se  / 

It1  is  to  say  on  englisch  heuenes  lilie 

For  pure  chastenesse  of1  virginite 

Or  for  sche  witnesse  liadde  of1  honeste  89 

And  grene  of1  conscience  and  of*  good  fame  / 

The  soote  sauour  lilie  was  her  name  91 

(14) 

(Jr  cecile  is  to  say  f  e  way  of1  blynde  /  92 

For  sche  ensample  was  by  way  of1  techynge 

Or  elles  Cecily  as  I  writen  fynde 

Is  ioyned  by  a  maner  of*  conioynynge 

Of*  heuen  and  lya  and  here  in  figurynge  96 

The  heuen  is  sette  for  fought1  of1  holynesse  / 

And  lya  for  hir  lastyng1  besynesse  /  98 

(15) 

Cecili  may  eek1  be  seyd  in  f  is  manere  /  99 

wantyng1  of*  blyndnes  for  hir  grete  light       [wusMocAj 

Of1  sapience  and  of1  filke  fewes  cleere  / 

Or  elles  lo  fis  maydenes  name  bright 

Of1  heuen  and  loos  comes  of1  which  by  right1  103 

Men  might1  hir  wel  f  e  heuen  of1  peple  calle  / 

Ensample  of1  goode  and  wise  werkes  alle  105 


SIX-TEXT    531 

GROUP  G.    §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harlcian  7334.    371 

(16) 

Jj  or  leos  peple  in  englissfr  is  to  say  106 

And  righ  as  men  may  in  J?e  heuen  see 

The  sonne  and  moone  and  sterres  eue?*y  way 

Right*  so  men  gostly  in  J>is  mayden  free 

Seen  of*  faij)  J?e  magnanimite  /  110 

And  eek1  jje  clernes  hool  of*  sapience 

And  sondry  werkes  bright1  of1  excellence  112 


And  right1  so  as  J>ese  philosofres  wryte  113 

That*  heuen  is  swyft1  and  round  and  eek1  brennyngo 

Eight1  so  was  faire  Cecily  J?e  whyte 

Ful  swyft1  and  besy  euer  in  good  werkynge  / 

And  round  and  hool  in  good  pmeuerynge  117 

And  brennyng1  euer  in  charite  ful  bright1 

Now  haue  I  ^ow  declared  what1  sche  hight  119 

(18) 

This  mayden  bright1  Cecilie  as  hir  lyf1  saij>  120 

was  comen  of1  Romayns  and  of1  noble  kynde  / 

And  from  hir  cradel  vp  fostred  in  fe  faijj 

Of1  crist1  and  bar  his  gospel  in  hir  mynde 

Sche  neuer  cessed  as  I  writen  fynde  124 

Of  hire  prayer  and  god  to  loue  and  drede 

Byseching1  him  to  kepe  hir  maydenhede  126 

(19) 

And  whan  ]>is  mayde  schuld  vnto  a  man  127 

Y-wedded  be  .  Jjat1  was  ful  3ong1  of1  age 
which  fat1  1-cleped  was  walirian 
And  day  was  comen  of*  hir  manage 

Sche  ful  deuout  and  humble  in  hir  currage  131 

vnder  hir  robe  of1  gold  jjat1  sat1  ful  faire 
Hadde  next1  hir  fleissH  I-clad  hir  in  an  heire  133 

2  B  2 


532    SIX-TEXT 

372    GROUP  G.   §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

(20) 

And  whil  pe  organs  made  melodie  /  134 

To  god  alloon  in  herte  pus  sang1  sche  / 

0  lord  my  soule  and  eek1  my  body  gye 

Vnwemmed .  lest1  pat  I  confounded  be  / 

And  for  his  loue  pat  deyde  vpon  a  tre  Oa/i&t]       138 

Euery  secound  or  pridde  day  sche  faste 

Ay  biddyng1  in  hire  orisouns  ful  faste  /  140 

(21) 

ilie  nyght1  cam  and  to  bedde  most1  sche  goon  141 

with  hir  housbond  as  oft1  is  pe  manere 
And  priuely  to  him  sche  sayde  anoon 

0  swete  and  wel  biloued  spouse  deere  / 

Ther  is  a  counseil  and  36  wold  it  heere  /  145 

which  pat1  right1  fayn  I  wold  vnto  $ou  saye 

So  that1  36  swere  36  schul  it  not1  bywraye  147 

(22) 

Valirian  gan  fast/  vnto  hir  swere  148 

That1  for  no  caas  ne  ping1  pat1  mighte  be 
he  scholde  neuer  mo  bywreye  hire 
And  panne  at1  erst1  pus  sayde  sche 

1  haue  an  aungel  which  pat1  louep  me  152 
That1  wip  gret1  loue  wher  so  I  wake  or  slepe 

Is  redy  ay  my  body  for  to  kepe  154 

(23) 
[. No  gap  in  the  MS.]  155 

Iff1  36  me  touche  or  loue  in  vilonye 

he  right1  anoon  wil  sle  3ou  wip  pe  dede 

And  in  3oure  3oupe  pus  schulde  36  dye 

And  if1  pat1 36  in  clene  loue  me  gye  159 

he  wol  3ow  loue  as  me  for  3our  clennesse  / 

And  schewe  to  }ou  his  ioye  and  his  brightnesse/  161 


SIX-TEXT    533 

GROUP  G.    §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    373 

(24) 

Yalirian  corrected  as  god  wolde  /  162 

Answerde  agayn  if1 1  schal  truste  pe  / 

Let1  me  pat  aungel  se  and  him  biholde 

And  if1  pat1  if  a  verray  aungel  be  / 

Than  wol  I  doon  as  pou  hast1  prayed  me  166 

And  if*  pou  loue  anoper  man  forsope 

Eight1  wip  pis  swerd  pan  wol  I  slee  3011  hope  /  168 

(25) 

Cecilie  answerd  anoon  right1  in  pis  wise  169 

If4  pat1  30 w  list1  pe  aungel  schul  36  see 

So  that1  36  trowe  on  crist1  and  ^ou  baptise 

Go])  forp  to  Via  apia  quod  sche  / 

That1  fro  pis  toun  ne  stant1  but  inyles  pre  173 

And  to  pe  pore  folkes  pat  per  duelle 

Saith  hem  right1  pus .  as  pat1 1  schal  3011  telle  /  175 

(26) 

Telle  hem  I  cecilie.  $ow  vnto  hem  sent  176 

To  schewen  }ow  pe  good  vrban  pe  olde  /      o*/i «,»oc»] 

For  secre  needes  and  for  good  entente  / 

And  whan  pat1  36  seint1  vrban  han  byholde  / 

Tel  him  pe  wordes  which  pat1 1  to  $ow  tolde  /  180 

And  whan  paf  he  hap  purged  3ou  fro  synne 

Than  schul  36  se  pat1  aungel  er  36  twynne  /  182 

(27) 

Yalirian  is  to  pe  place  y-goon  183 

And  right1  as  him  was  taught1  by  his  lernynge 

He  fond  pis  holy  old  vrban  anoon 

Among1  pe  seyntes  buriels  lotynge 

And  he  anoon  wipoute  taryinge  187 

Did  his  message  and  whan  pat1  he  it  tolde 

vrban  for  ioye  his  handes  gan  vp  holde  189 


534    SIX-TEXT 

374   GROUP  G.   §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

(28) 

Ihe  teres  from  his  ey^en  let1  he  falle  190 

Almy^ty  lord  0.  ihu  crist1  quod  he  / 

Sower  ofH  chaste  counseil  herde  of1  vs  alle 

The  fruyt1  of1  Jnlke  seed  of1  cliastite 

That1  J>ou  hast1  so  we  to  Cecilie  tak1  to  f  e  194 

loo  lik1  a  busy  bee  wif  outen  gyle  / 

The  seruej)  ay  fin  owne  fral  Cecile  196 

(29) 

For  filke  spouse  fat1  sche  took1  right1  now  197 

Ful  lyk1  a  fers  lyoun  sche  sendef  here 

As  meek1  as  euer  was  eriy  lamb  to  3ow 

And  wif  fat1  word  anoon  f  er  gan  appere  / 

An  old  man  clad  in  white  clones  clere  201 

That1  had  a  book1  wi]>  lettres  of1  gold  in  honde  / 

And  gan  to-forn  Valirian  to  stonde  /  203 

(30) 

Valirian  as  deed  fyl  doun  for  drede  204 

whan  lie  him  say  /  and  he  him  vp  hente  J?o 
And  on  his  book1  right1  Jms  he  gan  to  rede  / 
0  lord,  o  feith  oon  god  wifoutera  mo 

On  c?*istendom  and  oon  fader  of1  alle  also  208 

Abouen  alle  and  ouer  alle  euery  where 
[ 210 

(31) 

211 


215 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

And  pope  vrban  him  cristened  rign't1  fere  217 


SIX-TEXT    535 

GROUP  GK    §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    375 

(32) 

Valirian  go])  home  and  finf  Cecilie  218 

wijjinne  his  chambre  with  an  aungel  stonde  / 

This  aungel  had  of'  Eoses  and  of*  lilie 

Corounes  tuo  J)e  which  he  bar  in  honde 

And  first1  to  Cecilie  as  I  vnderstonde  [fm/ies]     222 

he  ^af1  fat1  oon  and  after  can  he  take  / 

That1  o]?er  to  valerian  hir  make  224 

(33) 

Wij)  body  clene  and  wijj  vnwemmed  Bought1  225 

kepej?  ay  wel  Jjese  corounes  J?re 

Fro  paradys  to  3011  I  haue  hem  brought1 

Ne  neuer  moo  ne  schul  Jjey  roten  be 

"Ne  leese  here  soote  sauour  trustej)  me  229 

]STe  neuer  wight1  schal  seen  hem  wij>  his  ye 

But/  he  be  chast1  and  hate  vilonye  231 

(34) 

And  J)ou  valirian  for  fou  so  soone  232 

Assentedisf  to  good  counseil  also 

Say  what1  J>e  list1  and  ]>ou  schalt1  haue  J)i  boone 

I  haue  a  broker  quod  Valirian  J:o 

That1  in  J)is  world  I  loue  no  man  so  236 

I  pray  $ow  pat1  niy  broker  may  haue  grace 

To  knowe  J>e  troupe  as  I  doo  in  )>is  place  238 

(35) 

The  aungel  sayde  god  liketh  ]>y  request1  239 

And  boj>e  with  ]>e  palme  of1  martirdom 

3e  schullen  come  vnto  his  blisful  feste  / 

And  with  fat1  word  tiburce  his  broker  com 

And  whan  J>atf  he  )>e  sauour  vndernom  243 

which  J>af  )?e  roses  and  J>e  lilies  cast1 

wijjinne  hir  hert1/  he  gan  to  wondre  fast  /  245 


536    SIX-TEXT 

376    GROUP  G.   §  1.   SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 

(36) 

And  sayde  I  wondre  pis  tyme  of*  pe  ^er  246 

wliennes  pat1  soote  sauour  come))  so 

Of1  Rose  and  lilies  pat1  I  smelle  her 

For  pough  I  had  hem  in  myn  hondes  tno 

The  sauour  might*  in  me  no  depper  go  250 

The  swete  smel  pat  in  myn  hert1  I  fynde 

Hath  chaunged  me  al  in  anoper  kynde  252 

(37) 

\  alirian  sayd  tuo  corouns  haue  we  253 

Snow  why  ft  and  rose  reed  pat1  schinen  cleere  / 

whiche  pat1  pine  ey^eri  han  no  might  to  see  / 

And  pou  smellest1  hem  purgh  my  prayere 

So  sclialf  pou  seen  hem  my  lieue  bropere  deere  257 

If1  so  be  pou  wilt1  wipouten  sloupe 

Bilieuen  aright1  and  knowen  verray  trouthe  /  259 

(38) 

lyburce  answerde  says  pou  pus  to  me        yea/ies,  back]     260 

In  sopenes  or  in  drem  I  lierkne  pis 

In  dremes  quod  valirian  han  we  be 

Vnto  pis  tyme  broper  myn  I-wys 

As  now  at1  erst1  in  troupe  oure  duellyng1  is  264 

how  wost  pou  pis  quod  tyburce  and  in  what1  wise 

Quod  valirian  J?atH  schal  I  pe  deuyse  266 

(39) 

Ihe  aungel  of1  god  hap  me  troupe  y-taughf  267 

which  pou  schalf  seen  if1  pat  pou  wilt1  reneye 

The  ydols  and  be  clene  and  elles  nou3t 

And  of1  pe  miracles  of1  pese  corones  tweye 

Seynf  ambrose  in  his  prefas  list1  to  seye  271 

Solempnely  pis  noble  doctour  deere 

Coniendep  it  and  sai)>  in  pis  maneere  273 


SIX-TEXT    537 

GROUP  G.    §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    HarleiaE  7334.    377 

(40) 

I  he  palme  of1  martirdom  for  to  receyue  /  274 

Seynf  Cecilie  fulfilled  of1  goddes  $ifte 

The  world  and  eelv*  hir  chamber  gan  sche  weyue  / 

witnes  tyburces  and  Cecilies  schrifte 

To  whiche  god  of*  his  bounte  \volde  schifte  278 

Corounes  tuo  of*  floures  wel  smellynge 

And  made  his  aungel  home  pe  croune  brynge  280 

(41) 

Ihe  mayde  haj)  brought  J)is  men  to  blisse  aboue  /          281 

The  world  ha))  wist  what1  it  is  worj)  certeyn  _ 

Deuocioun  of1  chastite  to  loue 

Tho  schewed  him  Cecilie  al  open  and  pleyn 

That1  alle  ydoles  nys  but*  fing1  in  veyn  285 

For  f>ay  ben  doumbe  and  ferto  fey  ben  dene 

And  charge])  him  his  ydoles  for  to  leue  287 

(42) 

yf  ho  so  trowej)  not1  fis  a  best1  he  is  288 

Quod  tyburce  if1  fat1 1  schal  not1  lye 
And  sche  gan  kisse  his  brest4  fat/  herde  fis 
And  was  ful  glad  he  couf  e  troupe  espye 
This  day  I  take  j)e  for  myn  allye  292 

Sayde  J)is  blisful  faire  mayde  deere  / 
And  after  Jmt1  sche  sayde  as  30  may  heere  294 

(43) 

Lo  right1  so  as  J)e  lone  of1  crist/  quod  sche  295 

Made  me  J)y  brotheres  wyf1  right  in  ])at  wyse 

Anoon  for  myn  allye  heer  take  I  J)e  / 

Sin  J)at  j)ou  wilt1  thyne  ydoles  despise  [^a/i66] 

Go  with  ])i  broker  now  and  ])e  baptise  299 

And  make  )>e  clene  so  fat1  j)ou  mowe  biholde 

The  aungeles  face  of1  which  Jjy  broj?er  tolde  301 


538    SIX-TEXT 

378   GROUP  G.   §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TA.LE.   Harlcian  7334. 

(44) 

Tyburce  answerde  and  sayde  broker  dere/  302 

First*  tel  me  whider  I  schal  and  to  what1  man 

To  whom  quod  he  /  com  forth  with  good  cheere  / 

I  wol  f  e  lede  vnto  f  o  pope  vrban 

Til  vrban  broker  myn  quod  valirian  306 

Quod  tyburce  wilt1  f  ou  me  fider  lede  / 

Me  fenkef  fat1  it  were  a  wonder  dede  /  308 

(45) 

Ife  menist*  f  ou  nat*  vrban  quod  he  }>o  309 

That1  is  so  ofte  dampned  to  be  deed 

And  wonef  in  halkes  alway  to  and  fro 

And  dar  no^t1  oones  putte  forf  his  heed 

Men  schold  him  brenne  in  a  fuyr  so  reed  313 

If1  he  were  founde  or  if*  men  might1  him  spye 

And  we  also  to  bere  him  cornpanye  315 

(46) 

And  whil  we  seken  filke  diuinite  316 

That1  is  I-hyd  in  heuen  priuely 

Algate  I-brent1  in  f  is  world  schal  we  be 

To  whom  Cecilie  answerde  bodyly 

Men  mighten  wel  and  skilfully  320 

This  lyf1  to  lese  myn  oughne  dere  brother 

If1  fis  were  lyuyng1  oonly  and  noon  ofer  322 

(47) 

But1  fer  is  better  lif*  in  ofer  place  323 

That*  neuer  schal  be  lost*  drede  f  e  nou^tf 

which  goddes  sone  vs  tolde  f  urgh  his  grace 

The  fadres  sone  fat1  alle  J?ing*  hath  wrought 

And  al  Jrat*  wrought*  is  wij)  a  skilful  fought*  327 

The  gosf  fat  fro  f e  fader  gan  precede 

haf  sowled  hem  wifouten  eny  drede  329 


SIX-TEXT    539 

GROUP  GK    §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harlcian  7334.    379 


(48) 

By  word  and  miracle  hihe  goddes  sone  330 

whan  he  was  in  pis  world  declared  heere  / 

That1  per  was  oper  lyf*  per  men  may  wone  / 

To  whom  answerde  Tyburce  of1  suster  deere 

NG  seydest*  pou  right  now  in  pis  manere  334 

Ther  nys  but*  oo  god.  o  .lord,  in  sopfastnesse 

And  now  of*  pre  how  maystow  bere  witnesse    Knee,**]    336 

(49) 

That1  schal  I  telle  quod  sche  er  fat1 1  go  337 

Eight1  as  a  man  hap  sapiences  pre 

Memorie  eyen  and  intellect  also 

So  in  oo  being1  in  diuinite 

Thre  persoiies  may  per  right*  wel  be  341 

Tho  gan  sche  him  f  ul  besily  to  preche  / 

Of*  cristes  come  and  of*  his  peynes  teche  /  343 

(50) 

And  many  pointes  of*  his  passiown  344 

how  goddes  sone  in  pis  world  was  wipholde 

To  doon  mankynde  pleyn  remissiown 

That*  was  I-bounde  in  synne  and  cares  colde  / 

Al  pis  ping*  sche  vnto  Tyburce  tolde  /  348 

And  after  pis  thiburce  in  good  entente 

wip  valirian  to  pope  vrban  he  wente  /  350 

(51) 

That*  panked  god  and  wip  glad  herf  and  ligfif  351 

he  cristened  him  and  made  him  in  pat  place  / 

Parfyt*  in  his  lernynge  goddes  knygfrf 

And  after  pis  thiburce  gat*  such  grace  / 

That*  euery  day  he  say  in  tyme  and  space  /  355 

The  aungel  of*  god  and  euery  maner  boone  / 

That*  he  god  asked  /  it  were  sped  ful  soone  357 


540    SIX-TEXT 

380   GROUP  G.    §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

(52) 

IT  were  ful  hard  by  ordre  for  to  sayne  358 

how  many  wondres  Ifcc  for  hem  wroughte 

But1  atte  last1  to  tellen  schort1  and  playne  • 

The  sergeant}  of1  J?e  toun  of1  Koine  hem  soughte 

And  hem  byforn  almache  jje  prefect  broughte  362 

which  hem  apposed  and  knew  alle  here  entente 

And  to  J>e  ymage  of1  lubiter  hem  sente  364 

(53) 

And  saide  who-so  wil  not1  sacrifise  365 

Swope  of  his  heued  )>is  my  sentence  heere 

Anoon  fese  martires  fat1  I  }ou  deuyse 

Oon  maximum  fat1  was  an  officere  / 

Of1  f  e  prefectes  and  his  counceilere  /  369 

hem  hent1 .  and  whan  he  for]?  f  e  seyntes  ladde 

liim  self1  he  wept1  for  pite  fat1  he  hadde  /  371 

(54) 

AYhan  maxima*  had  herd  fe  seintes  lore  372 

he  gat1  him  of1  his  tormentoures  leue 

And  bad  hem  to  his  hous  wifoutew  more  [ieafi&7] 

And  with  her  preching1  er  fat  it  were  eue 

Thay  gonne  fro  ]>Q  tormentoures  to  reue  376 

And  fro  maxime  and  fro  his  folk1  echoone 

The  false  faith  to  trowe  in  god  alloone  378 

(55) 

Cecilie  cam  whan  it  was  waxen  night1  379 

with  prestis  fat1  hem  cristenid  alle  in  feere  / 

And  afterward  whan  day  was  waxen  light 

Cecilie  hem  sayde  with  a  ful  stedefast1  chere  / 

Now  cristes  owne  kny$tes  leef1  and  deere  383 

Cast*  al  away  jje  werkes  of1  derknes 

And  armith  $ou  in  armur  of1  brigfctnes  385 


SIX-TEXT    541 

GROUP  GK    §  1.   SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    381 

(56) 

^e  han  forso]>e  y-doon  a  greet  batayle  /  386 

3oure  cours  is  doon  301110  faith  han  30  conserned 

Go]?  to  J>e  coroun  of1  lyf1  fat  may  not  fayle  / 

The  rightful  iugge  which  fat1  30  han  serued 

Schal  3eue  it  3ow  as  36  han  it  deserued  390 

And  whan  f  is  f  ing1  was  sayd  as  I  deuyse 

Men  ladde  hem  for]?  to  doon  fe  sacrifise  /  392 

(57) 

But/  whan  fey  were  to  fe  place  y-brou3^  393 

To  telle  schortly  f  e  conclusiozm 
They  nolde  encense  ne  sacrifice  right1  nought1 
But1  on  her  knees  fey  setten  hem  adown 
wif  humble  herfr  and  sad  deuocio^^n  397 

And  leften  bofe  her  heedes  in  J)e  place 
here  soules  wenten  to  j?e  king*  of1  grace  /  399 

(58) 

Ihis  maximus  Jjat1  say  ])is  king1  betyde  /  400 

wij?  pitous  teeres  tolde  it  anoon  right1 

That1  he  here  soules  sangh  to  heuen  glyde 

with  aungels  ful  of1  clernes  and  of1  light1 

And  with  his  word  conuerted  many  a  wight1  404 

For  which  almachius  dede  him  so  bete 

with  whippes  of1  leed  til  he  his  lif1  gan  lete  /  406 

(59) 

Cecilie  him  took1  and  buried  him  anoon)  407 

By  Thiburce  and  valirian  softely 

wijrinne  hire  berieng1  place  vnder  Jje  stoon 

And  after  Jjis  almachius  hastily 

Bad  his  ministres  fecchen  openly  411 

Cecilie.  so  fat1  sche  might1  in  his  presence   [wieT.&^eA-;) 

Doon  sacrifice  and  lubiter  encense  /  413 


542    SIX-TEXT 

382    GROUP  G.   §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    HarMon  7334. 

(60) 

But  pey  conuerted  at*  hir  wise  lore  414 

wepten  ful  sore  and  ^auen  ful  credence 

Vnto  hir  word  and  cryden  more  and  more 

Crist  goddes  sone  wif>outen  difference 

Is  verray  god  pis  is  al  oure  sentence  /  418 

That1  hap  so  good  a  seruaunt  him  to  seme 

This  with  oon  vois  we  trowen  pough  we  sterue  420 

(61) 

Almachius  fat1  herd  of*  pis  doynge  421 

Bad  fecchen  Cecilie  pat1  he  might1  hir  se 

And  alper  first1  lo  pis  was  his  axinge 

what  maner  wo?mnan  art1  pou  quod  he 

I  am  a  gentil  womman  born  quod  sche  425 

I  axe  pe  quod  he  though  pe  it  greue 

Of1  pi  religiown  and  of1  ]?i  byleue  /  427 

(62) 

^e  han  bygonne  IOUY  questio?^n  folily  428 

Quod  sche  pat*  wolden  tuo  answers  conclude  / 

In  oo  demaunde  30  axen  lewedly 

Almache  answerde  to  pat1  similitude 

Of1  whens  comep  pin  answering1  so  rude  432 

Of1  whens  quod  sche  whan  sche  was  I-freyned 

Of1  conscience  and  good  faith  vnfeyned  434 

(63) 

Almachius  sayde  takestt  pou  noon  heede  /  435 

Of1  my  power  and  sche  answerde  him  pis  / 

^oure  might1  quod  sche  ful  litel  is  to  drede  / 

For  euery  mortal  mannes  power  nys 

But1  lyk1  a  bladder  ful  of1  wynd  I-wis  439 

For  with  a  nedeles  poynt1  what1  it  is  blowe  / 

May  al  pe  bost1  of  it  be  layd  ful  lowe  /  441 


SIX-TEXT    543 

GROUP  G.   §  1.   SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    383 

(64) 

Ful  wrongfully  bygan  pou  quod  he  /  442 

And  ^ef  in  wrong1  is  py  perseueraunce 

wostow  nongh  how  onre  mighty  princes  fre 

han  pus  comaunded  and  maad  ordinaunce 

That  euery  cristen  wight1  schal  haue  penaunce  /  446 

But1  if1  pat1  he  his  cristendom  wipseye 

And  goon  al  quyt1  ifH  he  wil  it  reneye  /  448 

(65) 

1F  Secure  princes  erre  as  ^oure  nohleye  dop  449 

Quo])  po  Cecilie  and  with  a  wood  sentence  /       [/«a/i68] 

3e  make  vs  gulty  and  it  is  nou^t1  sop 

For  30  pat1  knowen  wel  oure  Innocence 

For  as  moche  as  we  doon  reuerence  /  453 

To  crist1  and  for  we  here  a  cristen  name 

36  putten  on  vs  a  crym  and  eek1  a  blame  /  455 

(66) 

But1  we  pat1  knowen  pilke  name  so  456 

For  vertuous  we  may  it  not1  wipseye 

Almache  sayde  cheese  oon  of1  pese  tuo 

Do  sacrifice  and  cristendom  reneye 

pat1  J?ou  mow  now  eschapen  by  pat1  weye  460 

Af  which  J?e  holy  blisful  faire  mayde  / 

Gan  for  to  laughe  and  to  J?e  lugge  sayde  /  462 

(67) 

0  lugge  confus  in  pis  nycete  463 

wilf  pou  pat  I  refuse  Innocence 

To  make  me  a  wikked  wight1  quod  sche  / 

lo  he  dissimulep  heer  in  audience 

he  starith  and  woodith  in  his  aduertence  467 

To  whom  almachius  sayde  vnsely  wrecche  / 

Ke  wostow  nought1  how  fer  my  might*  may  strecche       469 


544    SIX-TEXT 

384   GROUP  G.   §  1.   SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.   Harleian  7334. 

(68) 

Han  nought1  our  mighty  princes  to  me  y-^iuen  470 

3e  bothe  power  and  eek1  auctorite 

To  make  folk1  to  deyen  or  to  lyuen 

why  spekestow  so  proudly  fan  to  me 

I  speke  not1  but*  stedefastly  quod  sche  474 

Nought1  proudly  for  I  say  as  for  my  syde  / 

we  haten  deedly  filke  vice  of1  pryde  476 

(69) 

And  if1  fou  drede  nou}t  a  so])  to  heere  477 

Than  wol  I  schewe  al  openly  by  right 

That1  fou  hast1  maad  a  ful  greet1  lesyng1  heere 

Thou  saist1  f  y  princes  han  I-jiue  f  e  might 

Bofe  for  to  sleen  and  eek1  to  quike  a  wight1  481 

Thou  fat  ne  maist1  but1  oonly  lif1  byreue 

Thou  hast1  noon  of  er  power  ne  no  leue  483 

(70) 

But1  fou  maist1  sayn  fi  pr/nces  han  fe  maked  484 

[Minister  of1  def  for  if1  fou  speke  of1  moo 

Thow  liest1  for  f  y  power  is  ful  naked 

Do  way  fy  lewednes  sayd  almachius  f  o 

And  do  sacrifice  to  oure  goddes  er  fou  go  [ieafiGs,bac^     488 

I  recche  nought1  what1  wrong1  fat  fou  me  profre  / 

For  I  can  suffre  it  as  a  philosophre  490 

(71) 

But1  filke  wronges  may  I  not1  endure      .       ,\    ••;•>-,•    491 
That1  fou  spekis  of1  oure  goddis  her  quod  he 
Cecilie  answered.  0  nice  creature 
Thou  saydest1  no  word  sins  fou  spak1  to  me  / 
That1 1  ne  knew  f  er-wif  f y  nicete  /  495 

And  fat1  fou  were  in  eue?y  maner  wise  / 
A.lewed  officer  a  vein  lustise/  497 


SIX-TEXT    545 

GROUP  Gr.    §  1.   SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    385 

(72) 

Ther  lakketh  no  fing1  to  fin  outer  eyen  498 

That*  f  ou  art1  blynd  for  fing1  fat  we  seen  alle 

That1  it  is  stoon  fat1  men  may  wel  aspien  / 

That  ilke  stoon  a  god  f  ou  wilt1  it  calle  / 

I  rede  f  e  let1  fin  hond  vpon  it  falle  /  502 

And  tast1  it  wel  and  stoon  foil  schalt1  it  fynde 

Sif  fat1  fou  seest  /  not1  wif  fin  ey^en  blynde  504 

(73) 

IT  is  a  schame  fat  f e  poeple  schal  505 

So  scorne  f  e  and  laughe  at1  f  i  folye  / 

For  comunly  men  woot1  it  wel  ouer  al 

That1  mighty  god  is  in  his  heuen  hye 

And  f  ese  ymages  wel  f  ou  mayst1  espie  509 

To  f  e  ne  to  hemself1  may  nought1  profyte 

For  in  effect1 .  fey  ben  noi^t1  worf  a  myte  511 

(74) 

1  hise  wordes  and  such  of  er  sayde  sche  512 

And  he  wax  wrof  and  bad  men  schold  hir  lede 

horn  to  hir  hous  /  and  in  hir  hous  quod  he  / 

Brenne  hir  right1  in  a  bath  of1  flarames  rede  / 

And  as  he  bad  right1  so  was  doon  f  e  dede  /  516 

For  in  a  bath  fay  gonne  hir  faste  schetten 

And  nygftt1  and  day  great1  fuyr  fey  vnder  betten  518 

(75) 

Ihe  longe  night1  and  eek1  a  day  also  519 

For  al  f  e  fuyr  and  eek1  f  e  baf  es  hete 

Sche  sat1  al  cold  and  felte  of  no  woo 

Hit1  made  hir  not1 .  oon  drope  for  to  swete 

But1  in  fat1  bath  hir  lif1  sche  moste  lete  523 

For  he  almachius  with  ful  wikke  entente 

To  sleen  hir  in  f  e  baf  his  sondes  sente  525 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  2    0 


546    SIX-TEXT 

386    GROUP  G.    §  1.    SECOND  NUN'S  TALE.    Haileian  7334. 

(76) 

Thre  strokes  in  J>e  nek  he  smof  hir  J>o  [lea/m]     526 

The  tormentowr  but'  for  no  maner  chaunce  / 
he  might1  nou^t1  smyte  hir  faire  necke  a-tuo  / 
And  for  )?er  was  Jjat1  tyme  an  ordinawnce 
That1  no  man  scholde  do  man  such  penawnce  530 

The  ferjje  strok1  to  smyten  softe  or  sore  / 
This  tormentour  ne  dorste  do  no  more  /  532 

(77) 

But1  half1  deed  with  hir  nekke  coruen  there  533 

he  laft1  hir  lye  and  on  his  way  he  went 
The  cristen  folk1  which  pat1  about1  hir  were  / 
wij>  scheetes  han  J?e  body  ful  faire  y-hent 
jjre  dayes  lyued  sche  in  Jns  torment1  537 

And  neuer  cessed  hem  J?e  faith  to  teche  / 
That1  sche  had  sufficed  hem  sche  gan  to  preche  539 

(78) 

And  hem  sche  ^af1  hir  moebles  and  hir  ping1  540 

And  to  pe  pope  Vrban  bytook1  hem  po  / 
And  sayd  I  axe  pis  of1  heuen  kyng1 
To  haue  respit1  pre  dayes  and  no  mo 

To  recomende  to  $ow  er  pat1 1  go  544 

These  soules  lo  and  pat1 1  mighte  do  wirche 
heer  of1  myn  hous  perpetuelly  a  chirche  546 

(79) 

Seynt1  vrban  wip  his  Dekenes  priuely  547 

The  body  fette  and  buried  it  by  nighte  / 
Among1  his  o]?er  seyntes  honestely 
hir  hous  J>e  chirch  of1  seynt1  Cecily  3it  highte 
Seynt  vrban  halwed  it  as  he  wel  mighte  551 

In  which  in  to  Jris  day  in  noble  wyse 
Men  doon  to  crist1  and  to  his  seint1  seruise  /  553 

Here  endeth  J?e  secounde  Nonne  hir  tale  of1  j?e  lif1  of  seint 

Cecilie 

[No  break  in  ike  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    547 

GROUP  G.  §  2.  2"D  NUN-CAN. -YEO.  LINK.  Harlcian  7334.  387 


And  here  bygynneth  pe  tale  of  pe  Chanouns  ^eman 
IT  prologus 

W^han  ended  was  pe  lif/  of1  seynt  Cecile 
Er  we  fully  had  riden  fyue  myle 
At/  Boughtown  vnder  blee  vs  gan  atake 
A  man  fiat1  eloped  was  in  clones  blake  557 

And  vnder  fat1  he  had  a  whit1  surplice 
his  hakeney  pat1  was  a  pomely  grice 
So  swete  pat1  it  wonder  was  to  se 

It1  semed  he  hadde  priked  myles  pre  /  561 

The  hors  eek1  pat1  his  3yman  rood  vpon         [leafm.bacic] 
So  swette  pat  vnnepes  might*  he  goon 
Aboute  pe  peytrel  stood  Jje  foom  ful  hye 
he  was  of1  foom  as  flekked  as  a  pye  565 

A  male  tweyfold  on  his  croper  lay 
If  semed  pat  he  caried  litel  array 
And  light1  for  somei  rood  pis  worpy  man 
And  in  myn  herte  wondren  I  bigan  569 

what1  Jjat1  he  was  til  j>af  I  vnderstood 
how  pat1  his  cloke  was  sowed  vnto  his  hood 
For  which  whan  I  long1  had  auysed  me  / 
I  demed  him  som  chanoun  for  to  be  573 

his  hat1  heng1  at1  his  bak1  doun  by  a  laas 
For  he  had  riden  more  pan  trot1  or  paas  / 
He  had  I-pryked  lik1  as  he  were  wood 
A  cloote  leef1  he  had  vnder  his  hood  577 

For  swoot1  and  for  to  kepe  his  heed  from  hete 
But1  it  was  ioye  for  to  se  him  swete 
His  forhed  dropped  as  a  stillatorie 

were  ful  of1  plantayn  and  of1  peritorie  581 

2  c  2 


548   SIX-TEXT 

388  GROUP  G.  §  2.  2"D  NUN-CAN. -YEO.  LINK.  Harleian  7334. 

And  whanne  pat1  he  was  com  he  gan  to  crie 

God  saue  quod  he  pis  ioly  compaignye/ 

Fast1  haue  I  priked  quod  he  for  ^our  sake  / 

By  cause  pat1 1  wolde  3011  atake  585 

To  ryden  in  pis  mery  companye  / 

his  3eman  eek1  was  ful  of1  curtesye  / 

He  seid  sires  now  in  pe  morwe  tyde  / 

Out*  of  3our  ostelry  I  saugh  3011  ryde  /  589 

And  warned  heer  my  lord  and  my  souerayn 

which  pat1  to  ryden  with  }ow  is  ful  fayn 

For  his  desport/  he  loueth  daliaunce 

Frend  for  py  warnyng1  god  ^eue  pe  good  chaunce  593 

Sayde  oure  host1  for  certes  it  wolde  seme 

Thy  lord  were  wys  and  so  I  may  wel  deme 

he  is  ful  iocound  also  dar  I  leye 

Can  he  ought1  telle  a  mery  tale  or  tweye  597 

with  which  he  glade  may  pis  companye 

who  sire  my  lord  /  36  36  /  wipoute  lye  / 

He  can  of1  merthe  and  eek1  of  lolite  Oa/noj 

Not1  but1  ynough  also  sir  trustep  me  601 

And  36  him  knewe  /  as  wel  as  do  I 

36  wolde  wonder  how  wel  and  priftily 

he  coupe  werke  and  pat1  in  sondry  wise 

he  hap  take  on  him  many  sondry  emprise  /  G05 

which  were  ful  hard  for  eny  pat1  is  heere 

To  bririge  aboute  but1  pay  of1  him  it1  leere  / 

As  homely  as  he  ryt1  amonges  3ow 

If1 36  him  knewe  it1  wolde  be  ^oure  prow  609 

3e  nolde  nought1  forgon  his  aqueyntazmce 

For  rnoche  good  I  dar  lay  in  balaunce 

Al  pat1  haue  in  my  possessioun 

he  is  a  man  of1  heigh"  discressiown  613 

I  warne  3ow  wel  he  is  a  passyng1  man 

IT  wel  quod  our  oost/  I  pray  pe  tel  me  pan 

Is  he  a  clerk  /  or  noon  tel  what1  he  is 

Nay  he  is  gretter  pan  a  clerk1 1-wisf  617 


SIX-TEXT    549 

GROUP  G.  §  2.  2ND  NUN-CAN. -YEO.  LINK.  Harleian  7334.  389 

Sayde  pe  ^yman  and  in  wordes  fewe  / 

Ost1  and  of*  his  craft1  somwhat1  I  wil  $ou  schewe 

I  say  my  lord  can  such  subtilite 

But1  al  his  craft1  $e  may  nought1  wite  of  me  /  621 

And  somwhat1  helpe  I  }it  to  his  worchynge 

That1  al  pis  ground  on  which  we  ben  ridynge 

Til  pat1  we  comen  ro  Caunterbury  toun) 

he  coupe  al  clene  turnen  vp  so  doun  625 

And  paue  it  al  of1  siluer  and  of1  gold 

And  whan  pis  ^ernan  hadde  Jms  I-told 

vnto  oure  oost1  /  he  seyde  benedicite 

This  is  wonder  merueylous  to  me  629 

Syn  pat  pis  lord  is  of1  so  heigh  prudence 

By  cause  of1  which  men  schuld  him  reuerence  / 

That1  of1  his  worchip  rekkep  he  so  lite 

his  ouer  slop  it1  is  not1  worp  a  myte  633 

As  in  effect/  to  him  so  mot  /  I  go 

It1  is  al  bawdy  and  to-tore  also 

why  is  pi  lord  so  slottisch  I  pe  preye 

And  is  of1  power  better  clopis  to  beye  /  637 

If1  pat1  his  dede  accorde  with  py  speche  /     [leaf  \w,  back] 

Telle  me  pat1  and  pat1 1  pe  biseche  / 

IF  why  quod  pis  ^yman  /  wher-to  axe  ^e  me 

God  help  me  so  for  he  schal  neuer  pe  641 

But1 1  wol  nought1  avowe  pat1 1  say 

And  perfor  kep  it  secre  I  $ou  pray 

he  is  to  wys  in  faith  as  I  bileue 

That1  at1  is  ouer-don  it  wil  nou3f  preue  /  645 

a  right1 .  as  clerkes  sein  it  is  a  vice 

wherfore  in  pat1 1  holde  him  lewed  and  nyce 

For  whan  a  man  hap  ouer  greet  a  witte 

Ful  ofte  him  happeth  to  mysvsen  itte  649 

So  doth  my  lord  and  pat1  me  greuep  sore 

God  it  amende  I  can  say  now  nomore 

Ther-of1  no  fors  good  ^eman  quod  oure  Ost1 

Syn  of*  pe  connyng1  of1  pi  lord  pou  wost1  653 


550    SIX-TEXT 

390  GROUP  G.  §  2.  2ND  NUN-CAN. -YEO.  LINK.  Harlcian  7334. 

Tel  how  he  do])  I  pray  ]?e  hertily 

Sin  Jjat1  he  is  so  crafty  and  so  sly 

wher  duellen  ^e  if1  it1  to  telle  "be 

In  pe  subarbes  of  a  toun  quod  he  /  657 

lurking1  in  hirnes  and  in  lanes  blynde 

wher  as  J>ese  robbours  and  peues  by  kynde  / 

holden  here  prive  ferful  residence 

As  pay  Jjaf  dor  nou^t1  schewen  her  presence  /  661 

So  faren  we  if1 1  schal  say  Jje  so]?e 

Now  quod  oure  ost1  ^it1  let1  me  talke  tojje 

why  artow  discoloured  on  J?y  face 

Peter  quod  he  god  }iue  it  harde  grace  665 

I  am  so  vsed  in  J>e  fuyr  to  blowe 

That1  it  haj)  chaunged  my  colour  I  trowe 

I  am  not1  wont1  in  no  mirour  to  prie 

But  swynke  sore  and  lerne  to  multiplie  669 

we  blondren  euer  and  pouren  in  J?e  fuyr 

And  for  al  J?af  we  faile  of1  oure  desir 

For  euer  we  lacken  oure  conclusiozm 

To  moche  folk1  we  ben  illusiown  673 

And  borwe  gold  be  it  a  pound  or  tuo 

Or  ten  or  twelue  or  many  sommes  mo 

And  make  hem  wenen  atte  leste  weye  Oa/mj 

That1  of1  a  pound  we  conne  make  tweye  677 

Jit  is  it  fals  and  ay  we  han  good  hope 

It1  for  to  doon  and  after  if  we  grope  / 

But1  Jjat1  science  is  so  fer  vs  biforn 

we  mowen  nou^t1  al  J?ougli  we  had  it  sworn  681 

It1  ouertake  it  slyt1  away  so  fast1 

It1  wol  vs  make  beggers  atte  last1 

Whil  ]?is  ^eman  was  J?us  in  his  talkyng* 

This  chanoun  drough  him  ner  and  herd  al  Jnng1  685 

which  Jjat1  jjis  ^iman  spak1  for  suspecciown 

Of1  mennes  speche  euer  hadde  J>is  chanown 

For  Catown  saif  J>af  he  J>at  gulty  is 

Demej)  al  Jring1  be  spoke  of1  him  I-wis  689 


SIX-TEXT    551 

GROUP  G.  §2.  2ND  NUN-CAN. -YEO.  LINK.  Haileian  7334.  391 

By  cause  of1  pat1  /  he  gan  so  neigh  to  drawe 

his  jeman  pat1  he  herde  al  his  sawe  / 

And  pus  he  sayd  vnto  his  jeman  po 

Hold  now  pi  pees  and  spek1  no  wordes  mo  693 

For  if*  pou  do  pou  schalt1  if  deere  abye 

Thow  sclaundrest1  me  here  in  pis  companye 

And  eek  discouerest1  pat1  pou  schuldest  hide 

3e  quod  oure  ost  tel  on  what  so  bytyde  697 

Of*  alle  pis  thretyng1  recche  pe  nought  a  myte 

In  faijj  quod  he  no  more  do  I  but  lite 

And  whan  pis  chanoun  seih  it  wold  not  be 

But  his  jeman  wold  telle  his  priuete  701 

He  fledde  a  way  for  verray  sorwe  and  schame 

A  quod  pis  jeman  her  schal  arise  game 

Al  pat1  I  can  anoon  now  wol  I  telle 

Sin  he  is  goon  pe  foule  feend  him  quelle  705 

For  neuer  her  after  wol  I  wip  him  meete 

For  peny  ne  for  pound  I  wol  byheete 

he  J?af  me  broughte  first1  vnto  J>af  game 

Er  pat1  he  deye  sorwe  haue  he  and  schame  709 

For  it  is  ernest  to  me  by  my  fayth 

That1  fele  I  wel  what1  so  eny  man  saith 

And  jet1  for  al  my  smert1  and  al  my  greef 

For  al  my  sorwe  and  labour  and  mescheef1  713 

I  coupe  neuer  leue  it  in  no  wise  [7ea/i7i,6acJt] 

Now  wolde  god  my  wyt1  mighte  suffise 

To  tellen  al  pat1  longep  to  pat1  art/ 

But1  napeles  jet1  wil  I  telle  jou  part1  717 

Sin  pat1  my  lord  is  goon  I  wol  nought1  spare 

Such  ping1  al  pat1 1  knowe  I  wol  declare 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


552    SIX-TEXT 

392  GROUP  G.  §  3.  CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.  Haileian  7334. 


W 


[THE  PREAMBLE.} 

IT  Narratt 

"Ith  pis  Chanouw  I  duelled  haue  seuen  $er 
And  of1  his  science  am  I  neuer  pe  ner      721 
Al  pat1 1  hadde  I  haue  lost1  per  by 
And  god  wot/  so  ha]?  many  mo  pan  I  / 
Ther  I  was  wont  to  be  right1  freisch  and  gay 

Of1  closing1  and  of1  oper  good  array  /  725 

Now  may  I  were  an  hose  vpon  myn  heed 

And  where  my  colour  was  bope  freissch  and  reed 

Now  it  is  wan  and  of  a  leden  hewe 

who-so  it  vsep  sore  schal  he  rewe  729 

And  of1  my  swynk1  ^ef  blended  is  myn  ye 

Lo  such  auauntage  it  is  to  multiplie 

That1  slydynge  science  had  me  made  so  bare  / 

That1 1  haue  no  good  wher  fat1  euer  I  fare  733 

And  jif  I  am  endetted  so  per  by 

Of1  gold  I  haue  borwed  trewely 

That1  whil  I  lyue  I  schal  it  quite  neuer 

lat1  euery  man  be  war  by  me  for  euer  737 

what  maner  man  pat1  caste])  him  perto 

If1  he  continue  I  holde  his  prift1  I-do 

For  so  help  me  god  per  by  schal  he  not  wynne 

But  empte  his  purs  and  make  his  wittes  pynne  741 

And  whan  he  purgfi  his  madnes  and  folye  / 

Hap  lost1  his  owne  good  in  ieupardie  / 

Than  he  excitep  oper  men  per-to 

To  leese  her  good  as  he  himself1  hap  do  745 

For  vnto  schrewes  ioye  it  is  and  ese  / 

To  haue  here  felawes  in  peyne  and  desese  / 


SIX-TEXT    553 

GROUP  GK  §  3.  CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.  Harlcian  7334.  393 

Thus  was  I  oones  lerned  of*  a  clerk  / 

Of*  pat1  no  charge  I  wol  speke  of1  oure  werk1  749 

whan  we  ben  ]?er  as  we  schul  exercise 

Oure  eluyssh  craft1  we  seme  wonder  wyse 

Oure  termes  ben  so  clergeal  and  queynte  /          [leaf  in] 

I  bio  we  J>e  fuyr  til  J?at/  myn  herte  feynte  /  753 

what*  schulde  I  telle  ech  proporcioun 

Of1  Jnnges  which  Jjafr  we  werke  vp  and  doun 

As  an  fyue  or  six  ounces  may  wel  be  / 

Of1  siluer  or  som  oper  quantite  757 

And  besy  me  to  telle  }ow  J?e  names 

Of1  Orpiment1  brent1  bones  yren  squames 

That1  in  to  poudre  grounden  ben  ful  smal 

And  in  an  erthen  pot/  how  fat1  put1  is  al  761 

And  salt1  y-put1  in  and  also  paupere 

Biforn  these  poudres  fat1 1  speke  of1  heere 

And  wel  I-couered  wij>  a  lamp  of1  glas  / 

And  of1  moche  o]?er  Jung1  what1  J>af  J?er  was  765 

And  of1  j>e  pot1 .  and  glas  enlutyng1 

That1  of*  ]?e  aier  mighte  passe  no  ping* 

And  of1  J)e  esy  fuyr  and  smert1  also 

which  pat1  was  maad  and  of1  ]?e  care  and  wo  769 

That1  we  hadde  in  oure  matiers  sublymynge 

And  amalgamynge  and  calcenynge 

Of1  quyksiluer  y-clept1  mercury  crude  / 

For  alle  oure  sleightes  we  can  nought1  conclude  /  773 

Oure  orpiment  and  sublyment  mercuric 

Oure  grounde  litarge  /  eek1  on  pe  porfurye 

Of1  ech  of1  J?ese  of1  ounces  a  certayn 

Nat1  helpej)  vs  oure  labour  is  in  vayn  777 

!Ne  eek1  oure  spirites  ascenciown 

]STe  eek1  our  matiers  Jjat1  lyn  al  fix  a  doun 

Mo  we  in  oure  werkyng1  vs  no  Jring1  auayle 

For  lost1  is  al  oure  labour  and  trauayle  781 

And  al  J)e  cost1  on  twenty  deuelway 

Is  lost1  also  which  we  vpon  it  lay 


554    SIX-TEXT 

394  GROUP  GK  §  3.  CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.  Harleian  7334. 

Ther  is  also  ful  many  anojjer  J>ing» 

That  is  to  oure  craft1  appertenyng1  785 

Though  I  by  ordre  hem  here  reherse  ne  can 

By  cause  fat1 1  am  a  lewed  man 

3etf  wil  I  telle  hem  as  J>ey  come  to  mynde  / 

Though  I  ne  conne  nought1  sette  hem  in  her  kynde  /     789 

As  bol  armoniak1  verdegres  boras  {.leaf  172,  back] 

And  son  dry  vessels  maad  of1  erfe  and  glas 

Oure  vrinals  and  oure  descensories 

Viols  Croslets .  and  sublimatories  793 

Concurbites  and  alembikes  eeke 

And  opere  suche  deere  ynough  a  leeke 

Nat1  needith  it1  to  rehersen  hem  alle 

watres  rubisyng1  and  boles  galle  797 

Arsnek1  Sal  armoniak1  and  brirnstoon 

And  herbes  coupe  I  telle  eek1  many  oon 

As  Egrimoigne  Valirian  and  lunarie, 

And  ojjer  suche  if1  J>at  me  list1  to  tarie  /  801 

Oure  lanipes  brennyng1  boj?e  night1  and  day 

To  bringe  abouta  oure  craft1  if1  fat1  we  may 

Oure  fournies1  eek1  of1  CalcinacioMn  L1  or  fom-mes] 

And  of1  watres  albificaciown  805 

Vnslekked  lym  salt1  and  glayre  of1  an  ey 

Poudres  dyuers  aissches  dong1  pisse  and  cley 

Cered  poketts .  Sal  petre  vitriole 

And  dyue?-s  fuyres  maad  of1  woode  and  cole  /  809 

Salt1  tartre .  alcaly  and  salt1  preparaf 

And  combust  matieres .  and  coagulat 

Cley  maad  wij>  hors  or  mannes  her  and  oyle 

Of1  tartre  alym .  glas  .  berm  wort1  and  argoyle  813 

Resalgar  and  oure  matiers  enbibing* 

And  eek1  of1  oure  matiers  encorporing1 

And  siluer  citrinaciown 

Oure  cementynge  and  fermentaciown  817 

Oure  yngottes  testes  and  many  mo 

I  wol  3ou  telle  as  was  me  taught1  also 


SIX-TEXT    555 

GROUP  G.  §  3.  CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.  Harlcian  7334.   395 

The  foure  spirit^  and  Jje  bodies  seuen 

By  ordre  as  ofte  herd  I  my  lord  neuen  821 

The  firste  spirit1  quyksiluer  called  is 

The  secound  orpiment1  pe  ]>ridde  I-wis 

Sal  armoniac1 .  and  Jje  f  er]>e  bremstoon 

The  bodies  seuen  eek1  lo  hem  heer  anoon  825 

Sol  gold  is  and  luna  siluer  we  prepe 

Mars  yren .  Mercurie  quyksiluer  we  clepe 

Saturnus  leed  and  lubiter  is  tyn  iiea/ns] 

And  Venus  coper  by  my  fader  kyn  829 

This  cursed  craft1  who  so  wol  excercise 

he  schal  no  good  han  fiat1  may  him  suffise  / 

For  al  J)e  good  he  spendej?  J>er  aboute 

he  lese  schal  J>er  of1  haue  I  no  doute  /  833 

who-so  pat1  list/  outen  his  folye 

let1  him  come  for])  and  lerne  multiplie 

And  euery  man  that1  ha]?  ought1  in  his  cofre 

Let1  him  appiere  and  wexe  a  philosofre  837 

Ascauns  fat1  craft1  is  so  light1  to  lere  / 

Nay  nay  god  wot1  al  be  he  monk1  or  frere 

Prest1  Chanozm  or  eny  o]>er  wight1 

Though  he  sit1  at1  his  book1  bope  day  and  night  841 

In  lernyng1  of1  pis  eluysch  nice  lore 

Al  is  in  vayn  and  parde  moche  more 

Is  to  lerne  a  lewed  man  pis  subtilte 

Fy  spek1  not1  perof1 .  for  it1  it1  wil  not1  be  845 

Al  coupe  he  letterure  or  coupe  he  noon 

As  in  effect1  he  schal  fynd  it  al  oon 

For  bope  tuo  by  my  sauaciown 

Concluden  in  multiplicacioun  849 

I-liche  wel  whan  fay  han  al  y-do  / 

This  is  to  sayn  pay  fayle  bope  tuo 

Set1  format1 1  to  moche  rehersayle 

Of1  watres  corosif1  and  of1  lymayle  853 

And  of1  bodyes  mollincaciozm 

And  also  of1  here  enduracioun 


556    SIX-TEXT 

396  GROUP  G.  §  3.  CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.  Harleian  7334. 

Oyles  ablucicmn  and  metal  fusible  / 

To  tellen  al  wold  passen  eny  bible  857 

That1  owner  is  wherfore  as  for  f  e  best1 

Of1  alle  f  ese  names  now  wil  I  me  rest/ 

For  as  I  trowe  I  haue  $ow  told  ynowe 

To  reyse  a  feend  al  loke  he  neuer  so  rowe  /  861 

A  nay  let1  be  f  y  philosophre  stoon 

Elixir  clept1 .  we  sechen  fast1  echoon 

For  had  we  him  fan  were  we  syker  ynougll 

But1  vnto  god  of1  heuen  I  make  avow  865 

For  al  oure  craft1  whan  we  han  al  y-do         [tea/ ns,  lack] 

And  al  oure  sleight1  he  wol  not1  come  vs  to 

He  ha])  I-made  vs  spende  moche  good 

For  sorwe  of1  which  almost1  we  wexen  wood  869 

But  fat  good  hope  crepef  in  oure  hert1 

Supposing1  euer  J)ough  we  sore  smerte  / 

To  ben  relieued  by  him  afterward 

Supposing1  and  hope  is  scharp  and  hard  873 

I  warne  3ou  wel  it1  is  to  seken  euer 

That1  future  temps  haf  made  men  disseuere 

In  trust  f  erof1  from  al  fat1  euer  fey  hadde  / 

3ett  of1  fat1  art1  fay  co?me  nou^tt  wexe  sadde  /  877 

For  vnto  hem  it  id  a  bitter  swete 

So  semef  it1  for  nad  fay  but1  a  scheete 

which  fay  mighte  wrappe  hem  in  a  night 

And  a  bak1  to  walke  Inne  by  day  light1  881 

They  wolde  hem  selle  and  spenden  on  f is  craft1 

Thay  can  nought1  stinte  til  no  f  ing1  be  laft1 

And  euermore  wher  fat1  euer  fey  goon 

Men  may  hem  knowe  by  smel  of1  bremston  885 

For  al  f  e  world  fay  stynken  as  a  goot1 

her  sauour  is  so  rammyssch  and  so  hoot1 

That1  f  ough  a  man  fro  hem  a  myle  be  / 

The  sauour  wol  infecte  him  trustef  me  889 

Lo  f  us  by  smellyng1  and  by  f  redbare  array 

If1  fat1  men  list1  f  is  folk1  fey  knowe  may  / 


SIX-TEXT    557 

GROUP  G.  §  3.  CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.  Harleian  7334.  397 

And  if1  a  man  wol  aske  hem  priuely 

why  fay  ben  closed  so  vnfriftily  893 

Right1  anoon  fay  rounen  in  his  eere  / 

And  say  if1  fat1  fay  espied  were 

Men  wold  hem  slee  by  cause  of*  here  science 

Lo  Jms  fis  folk1  by  tray  en  Innocence  897 

Passe  oner  ]>is  I  go  my  tale  vnto 

Er  fan  f  e  pot1  be  on  f  e  fuyr  y-do   ' 

Of1  metals  with  a  certeyn  quantite 

My  lord  hem  tempref  and  no  man  but  he  901 

Now  he  is  goon  I  dar  say  boldely 

For  as  men  sayn  he  can  doon  craftily 

Algate  I  wot1  wel  he  haf  such  a  name  [leaf  174] 

And  ^et1  ful  ofte  he  rennef  in  blame  905 

IT  And  wite  36  how  ful  ofte  it  happef  so 

The  pot1  tobrekef  and  far  wel  al  is  goo 

These  metals  been  of1  so  gret  violence  / 

Oure  walles  may  not1  make  hem  resistence  909 

But1  if1  fay  were  wrought1  of1  lym  and  stoon 

Thay  percen  so  and  f  urgh  f  e  wal  fay  goon 

And  some  of1  hem  synken  in  to  f  e  grounde/ 

Thus  haue  we  lost1  by  tymes  many  a  pounde  913 

And  some  are  skatered  al  f  e  floor  aboute 

Some  lepe  in  to  f  e  roof1  wif  outen  doute 

Though"  fat1  f  e  feend  nought1  in  oure  sight1  him  schewe  / 

I  trowe  fat1  he  wif  vs  be  fat1  schrewe  /  917 

In  helle  wher  fat1  he  is  lord  and  sire 

Nis  f  er  no  more  woo  ne  anger  ne  Ire  / 

whan  fat1  oure  pot1  is  broke  as  I  haue  sayd 

Euery  man  chyt1  and  halt  him  euel  a  payd  921 

Som  sayd  it  was  long1  on  f e  fuyr-makyng* 

Some  sayde  nay  it  was  on  f  e  blowyng1 

Than  was  I  ferd  for  fat  was  myn  office  / 

Straw  quod  fe  fridde  /  36  been  lewed  and  nyce  925 

It1  was  nou^t1  tempred  as  it  oughte  be  / 

Nay  quod  f  e  ferf  e  stynt1  and  herkne  me  / 


558    SIX-TEXT 

398  GROUP  G.  §  3.  CAN.-YEOM.  PREAMBLE.  Harleian  7334. 

By  cause  oure  fuyr  was  nought1  y-maad  of1  Beech 

That1  is  fe  cause  and  ofer  noon  so  feech  929 

I  can  not1  telle  wher-on  it1  was  long1 

But1  wel  I  woot  gret  stryf1  is  vs  among1 

What1  quod  my  lord  f  er  is  no  more  to  doone  / 

OfH  fese  pmles  I  wol  be  war  eft1  soone  /  933 

I  am  right1  siker  fat1  f  e  pot1  was  erased 

Be  as  be  may  be  30  no  f  ing1  amased 

As  vsage  is  let1  swoope  f  e  floor  as  swif  e 

Pluk1  vp  3our  hertes  and  be))  glad  and  blif  e  937 

The  mullok1  on  an  heep  I-swoped  was 

And  on  f  e  floor  y-cast1  a  caneuas 

And  al  f  is  mulloc1  in  a  syue  I-f  rowe  / 

And  sifted  and  y-plukked  many  a  fro  we  941 

Par  de  quod  oon  somwhat1  of1  oure  metal      iieafiu.bacw 

$&#  is  f  er  heer  f  ough  fat1  we  haue  nought  al 

And  f  ough  f  is  ping1  myshapped  haf  a  now 

Anofer  tyme  it  may  be  wel  ynow  945 

Vs  moste'  putte  oure  good  in  aduenture 

A  marchaun  /  par  de  may  not1  ay  endure 

Trustef  me  wel  in  his  prosperite 

Somtyme  his  good  is  drowned  in  J?e  see  /  949 

And  som  tyme  come])  it1  sauf*  vn-to  fe  londe  / 

Pees  quod  my  lord  Jje  nexte  tyme  I  wol  fonde  / 

To  bringe  oure  craft1  al  in  anoper  plyte 

And  but1 1  do  sire  let1  me  haue  J>e  wyte  953 

Ther  was  defaute  in  som  what1  wel  I  woot1 

Anofer  sayde  }>e  fuyr  was  ouer  hoot1 

But1  be  it  hoot1  or  cold  I  dar  say  Jris 

That1  we  concluden  euermor  amys  957 

we  faile  of1  fat1  which  fat1  we  wolden  haue 

And  in  oure  madnesse  euermore  we  raue 

And  whan  we  ben  togideres  euerichon 

Eueriche  man  semef  a  Salamon  961 

But1  al  f ing1  which  fat1  schinef  as  f e  gold  / 

Is  nought1  gold  as  fat1 1  haue  herd  told 


SIX-TEXT    559 

GROUP  GK  §3.  CAN. -YEOM.  PREAMBLE.  Harlelan  7334.   399 

Ne  euery  appel  pat1  is  fair  at1  ye 

Ne  is  not*  good  what1  so  men  clappe  or  crye  965 

Right1  so  lo  fareth  it1  amonges  vs 

He  Jjafr  seme])  wisest1  by  lesus 

Is  most1  fool  whan  it/  come])  to  ]>e  preef1 

And  he  jjat1  semeth  trewest1  is  a  Jjeef1  969 

That1  schul  $e  knowe  er  J?a  I  fro  ^ow  wende  / 

By  pat1 1  of1  my  tale  haue  maad  an  ende  / 

\No  break  in  the  MS.] 


560    SIX-TEXT 

400  GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'s-YifoMAN's  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 


[THE   TALE.] 

Ther  is  a  chanown  of1  religiown 

Amonges  vs  wold  infecte  al  a  toun  973 

Though  it  as  gret1  were  as  was  Niniue 

Rome  alisaundre  troye  and  oper  pre  / 

liis  sleight1  and  his  infinite  falsnesse  / 

Ther  coupe  no  man  writen  as  I  gesse  977 

Though  pat1  he  mighte  lyuen  a  pousand  ^eer 

Of*  al  pis  world  of1  falsheed  nys  his  peer 

For  in  his  termes  he  wol  him  so  wynde  [^0/175] 

And  speke  his  wordes  in  so  sleygh  a  kynde  981 

whan  he  comune  schal  wip  eny  wight* 

That1  he  wil  make  him  dote  anoon  right1 

But1  it  a  feend  be  as  himseluen  is 

Ful  many  a  man  hath  he  bygiled  er  this  985 

And  wol  if1  pat/  he  lyue  may  a  while  / 

And  ^et1  men  ryde  and  goon  ful  many  a  myle  / 

Him  for  to  seeke  and  haue  his  aqueintaunce  / 

Nought1  knowyng1  of1  his  false  gouernaunce  989 

And  if1  3ow  list1  to  ^eue  me  audience 

I  wol  it  telle  here  in  ^oure  presence 

But1  worschipful  chano?ms  religious 

Ne  demep  nought1  pat1 1  sclaundre  ^oure  hous  993 

Al  pough  my  tale  of*  a  chanoun  be  / 

Of1  euery  ordre  som  schrewe  is  par  dee  / 

And  god  forbede  paf  al  a  companye 

Schulde  re  we  a  singuler  mannes  folye  997 

To  sclaundre  }ow  is  no  ping<  myn  entent/ 

But1  to  correcten  pat1  is  mys  I-mentt 


SIX-TEXT    561 

GROUP  GK  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.   401 

This  tale  was  not1  oonly  told  for  ^ow 

But*  eek1  for  o]?er  moo  $e  woof  wel  how  1001 

That*  among1  criste  apostles  twelue  / 

Ther  was  no  tray  tour  but1  ludas  himselue 

Than  why  schulde  J?e  remenaunt1  haue  a  blame 

That  gul teles  were  by  }ow  I  say  jje  same  1005 

Saue  oonly  )>is  if1  ye  wol  herkene  me 

If*  any  ludas  in  ^oure  couent1  be 

Remewe  him  by  tyme  I  ^ow  rede  / 

If*  schame  or  los  may  causen  eny  drede  /  1009 

And  be]?  no  Jnng4  displesed  I  $ou  pray 

But1  in  ]?is  caas  herkenejj  what1 1  say       1T  Narrat 

IJST  londown  was  a  prest1  an  annueler 
That1  Jjer  In  duelled  hadde  many  a  $er  1013 

which  was  so  plesaunt1  and  so  seruisable  / 
Ynto  pe  wyf1  wher  as  he  was  at  table 
That1  sche  wolde  suffre  him  no  jnng1  for  to  pay 
For  bord  ne  closing1  went1  he  neuer  so  gay  1017 

And  spendyng1  siluer  had  he  right1  ynough"  [wi75,6a<*] 
Ther-of1  no  force  I  wol  precede  as  now 
And  telle  forjj  my  tale  of1  J>e  chanoun 
That1  brought  Jns  prest1  to  confusioun  1021 

This  false  chanown  cam  vpon  a  day 
Vnto  J?e  piestes  chambre  wher  he  lay 
Biseching1  him  to  lene  him  a  certeyn 

Of1  gold  and  he  wold  quyt1  hit1  him  ageyn  1025 

Lene  me  a  mark1  quod  he  but1  dayes  J>re  / 
And  at1  my  day  I  wil  it  quyte  j>e  / 
And  if1  so  be  J>at  J>ou  fynde  me  fals 

Anojjer  day  hong/  me  vp  by  J?e  hals  1029 

This  prest1  him  took1  a  mark1  and  Jjat1  as  swithe 
And  Jris  Chanown  him  J>ankid  ofte  sijje 
And  took1  his  leue  and  wente  forj>  his  wey 
And  atte  Jmdde  day  brought1  his  money  /  1033 

And  to  J?e  prest1  he  took1  Jjis  gold  agayn 
wher-of1  j)is  prest1  was  wonder  glad  and  fayn 

CANT.  TALES— HARL.  2    D 


562    SIX-TEXT 

402  GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

Certes  quod  he  no  fing1  annoyef  me 

To  lene  a  man  a  noble  or  tuo  or  }>re/  1037 

Or  what1  J?ing/  were  in  my  possession 

whan  he  so  trewe  is  of1  condiciozm 

That1  in  no  wise  he  breke  wol  his  day 

To  such  a  man  I  can  neuer  say  nay  1041 

what1  quod  jris  chanozm  schold  I  be  vntrewe  f 

Nay  J>af  were  jnng1 1-fallen  of1  J?e  newe  / 

Troupe  is  a  Jung1  fat1 1  wol  euer  kepe  / 

Ynto  fat1  day  in  which  fat1 1  schal  crepe  1045 

In  to  my  graue  and  elles  god  forbede  / 

Bilieueth  Jus  as  siker  as  3our  crede  / 

God  f  ank1  I  and  in  good  tyme  be  it1  sayd 

That1  fer  was  neuer  man  30^  euel  a-payd  1049 

For  gold  ne  siluer  f  afr  he  to  me  lent 

!Ne  neuer  falshed  in  myn  herfr  I  ment 

And  sire  quod  he  now  of1  my  priuete 

Syn  30  so  goodlich  haue  be  vnto  me  1053 

And  kyf  ed  to  me  so  gret1  gentilesce 

Som-what1  to  quyte  wif  3oure  kyndenesse 

I  wil  }ow  schewe  and  if1  }ow  lust/  to  lere 

[ll  wil  3ow  teche  pleynly  the  manere1] 

how  I  kan  werken  in  philosophic 

Takith  good  heed .  36  schul  seen  wel  at1  ye 

That1 1  wol  doon  a  maystry  er  I  go 

3e  quod  J>e  prest1.  30  sire  and  wol  36  so  1061 

Mary  Jjer  of1  I  pray  3ow  hertily 

At1 3oure  comaundemewt1  sire  trewely 

Quod  Jje  chanoun  and  elles  god  forbede 

Lo  how  ])is  feef1  coufe  his  seruise  beede  /  1065 

Ful  soth  it  is  fat1  such  profred  seruise 

Stynkej)  as  witnessen  Jjese  olde  wise 

And  jjat1  ful  soone  I  wol  it  verefye  / 

In  fis  chanown  roote  of1  al  treccherie  1069 

That1  euermor  delit1  ha])  and  gladnesse  / 

Such  feendly  foughtes  in  his  herfr  empresse 


SIX-TEXT    563 

GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.  403 

How  cristes  poeple  he  may  to  meschiefH  bringe 

God  kepe  vs  from  his  fals  dissimilynge  /  1073 

what*  wiste  J)is  prest/  wij)  whom  Jjat1  he  delte 

Ne  of1  his  harm  comyng1  he  no  jnng1  felte 

O  seely  prest1 .  o  sely  Innocent  / 

wi]>  coueytise  anoon  ]?ou  schalt1  be  blent/  1077 

0  graceles  ful  blynd  is  jjy  conceyt 

No  Jung1  art1  ]>ou  war  of1  J>e  deceyt1 

•which  ]>at  J?is  fox  I-schapen  haj)  to  fe 

his  wily  wrenches  y-wis  ]>ou  maistf  not1  fle  1081 

wherfor  to  go  to  J>e  conclusiown 

That1  referreth  to  J>y  confusiozm 

Vnhappy  man  anoon  I  wil  me  hie  / 

To  tellen  J?in  vnwitte  and  J)y  folye  /  1085 

And  eek1  J)e  falsnesse  of1  fat1  oper  wrecche  / 

Als  ferforjj  as  my  connyng1  wol  strecche  / 

This  Chanoun  was  my  lord  36  wolde  weene 

Sire  osfr  in  faith  and  by  Jje  heuen  queene  /  1089 

It1  was  anoj>er  chanoun  and  not1  he 

That1  can  an  hundred  fold  more  subtilte 

he  hath  bitrayed  folkes  many  tyme  / 

Of1  his  falnes  it  dullith  me  to  ryme  1093 

Euer  when  I  speke  of1  his  f alshede  /  [>«/  no,  ba  •*] 

For  schame  of1  him  my  cheekes  wexen  reede/ 

Al  gates  ]?ay  bygynne  for  to  glowe  / 

For  reednes  haue  I  noon  ri^t/  wel  I  knowe  /  1097 

In  my  visage  for  fumes  diuerse 

Of1  metals  which  36  han  me  herd  reherse 

Consumed  and  wasted  han  my  reednesse 

Now  tak*  heed  of1  ]ris  chanowns  cursednesse  /  1101 

Sir  quod  he  to  J>e  prest1  let1  $our  man  goon 

For  quyk1  siluer  ]?at/  we  it  hadde  anoon 

And  let1  him  bringe  ounces  tuo  or  thre  / 

And  whan  he  come))  as  faste  schul  30  see  /  1105 

A  wonder  Jjing*  which  30  saugfi  neuer  er  ))is 

Sire  quod  J>e  prest1  it  schal  be  doon  I-wis 

2    D    2 


564    SIX-TEXT 

404  GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

He  bad  his  seruaunt1  fecche  him  his  f  inges 

And  he  al  redy  wax  at  his  biddynges  1109 

And  went1  him  forth  and  com  anoon  agayii 

wif  f  is  quyk  siluer  schortly  for  to  sayn  / 

And  took*  f  ese  ounces  f  re  to  f  e  chanown 

And  he  it  layde  faire  and  wel  a  doun  1113 

And  bad  f  e  seruaunt1  coles  for  to  bringe 

That/  he  anoon  might1  go  to  his  werkynge 

The  coles  right1  anoon  weren  I-fett1 

And  f  is  chanoun  took1  out  a  croselett1  1 1 1 7 

Out1  of1  his  bosom  and  schewed  it  f  e  prest 

This  instrument  quod  he  which  fat  f  ou  sest 

Tak  in  fin  hond  and  put  f  iself1  f  er  Inne  / 

Of1  fis  quyksiluer  an  vnce  and  her  bygynne  1121 

In  f  e  name  of1  crist  to  wax  a  philosophre  / 

Ther  ben  ful  fewe  whiche  fat1  I  wol  profre 

To  schewe  hem  f  us  moche  of  my  science 

For  30  schul  seen  heer  by  experience  1125 

That1  f  is  quiksiluer  I  wol  mortifye 

Eight1  in  ^oure  sight1  anoon  wif outen  lye  / 

And  make  it  as  good  siluer  and  as  fyn 

As  fer  is  any  in  ^oure  purs  or  myn  1129 

Or  elles  wher  and  make  it  malleable  / 

And  elles  holdeth .  me  fals  and  vnable  / 

Amonges  folk  for  euer  to  appeere  /  [>a/m] 

I  haue  a  ponder  heer  fat1  cost1  me  deere  1133 

Schal  make  al  good  for  it  is  cause  of1  al 

My  connyng1  which  fat1  I  3011  schewe  schal 

Voydith  3oure  man  and  let1  him  be  f  er  oute 

And  schet1  fe  dore  whils  we  ben  aboute  1137 

Oure  priuetee  fat  no  man  vs  aspye  / 

whiles  we  werken  in  f  is  philosophic  / 

Al  as  he  bad  fulfilled  was  in  dede  / 

This  ilke  seruaunt1  anoon  right1  out  $ede  /  1 1 4 1 

And  his  maister  schitte  f  e  dore  anoon 

And  to  here  labour  speedily  f  ai  goon 


SIX-TEXT    565 

GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.   405 

This  prest/  at1  f  is  cursed  chanoims  biddyng1 

Vppon  f  e  f  uyr  anoon  sette  f  is  f  ing1  1145 

And  blew  f  e  fuyr  and  busied  him  ful  fast/ 

And  ))is  chanoun  in  to  f  e  croslet1  cast1 

A  pouder  noot1  I  wher-of1  fat1  it  was 

I-maad  ouj>er  of1  chalk*  oufer  of1  glas  1149 

Or  som  what*  elles  was  no^tt  worj)  a  flye 

To  blynde  wif  f  is  prest1  and  bad  him  hye 

These  coles  for  to  couchen  al  aboue  f 

The  croislet/.  for  in  tokenyng1 1  fe  loue  1153 

Quod  f  is  chanoun  fin  oughne  handes  tuo 

Schal  wirche  al  f  ing1  which  fat  schal  be  do 

Graunt1  mercy  quod  f  e  prest1  and  was  ful  glad 

And  couchede  coles  as  fe  chanoun  bad  1157 

And  whil  he  besy  was.  f  is  feendly  wrecche 

This  false  chanoun  f  e  foule  feend  him  fecche 

Out1  of1  his  bosom  took1  a  bechen  cole 

In  which  ful  subtilly  was  maad  an  hole  /  1161 

And  f  er-In  put1  was  of1  siluer  lymayle  / 

And  vnce  and  stopped  was  wif  oute  fayle 

This  hole  with  wex  to  kepe  pe  lymail  In  / 

And  vnderstondith  fat  Jns  false  gyn  1165 

was  not1  maad  ]?er  but1  it1  was  maad  bifore 

And  ofer  Jjinges  I  schal  telle  more  / 

Her  afterward  which  J?af  he  with  him  brought1 

Er  he  com  Jjere  to  bigyle  him  he  J?ouglit  /  1169 

And  so  he  dede  er  fay  wente  atwynne          [wm.ftc**] 

Til  he  had  torned  him  coufe  he  nought  blynne  / 

It1  dullej)  me  whan  fat1 1  of1  him  speke  / 

On  his  falshede  fayn  wold  I  me  wreke  /  1173 

If1 1  wist1  how  but1  he  is  heer  and  fere 

he  is  so  variant1  he  byt1  no  where  / 

But1  takef  heed  now  sires  for  goddes  loue 

He  took1  his  cole  of1  which  I  spak1  aboue  /  1177 

And  in  his  hond  he  bar  it  priuely 

And  whiles  f  e  preste  couched  bysily 


566  SIX-TEXT 

406  GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

The  coles  as  I  tolde  ^ow  er  pis 

This  chanoun  sayde  freend  36  doon  amys  1181 

This  is  not*  couched  as  it  oughte  be 

But1  soone  I  schal  amenden  it  quod  he  / 

Now  let1  me  melle  per  with  but  a  while  / 

For  of1  3ow  haue  I  pitee  by  seinf  Gile  1185 

3e  been  right1  hoot  /  I  se  wel  how  36  swete 

haue  heer  a  cloj)  and  wype  a-way  pe  wete 

And  whiles  pat  pis  prest1  him  wyped  haas 

This  chanoun  took1  his  cole  I  schrewe  his  faas  1189 

And  layd  it  abouen  on  pe  mydward 

Of1  pe  croslet/  and  blew  wel  afterward 

Til  pat1  pe  coles  gonne  faste  brenne 

Now  3eue  vs  drinke  quod  pe  chammn  penne  /  1193 

Als  swipe  al  schal  be  wel  I  vndertake 

Sitte  we  doun  and  let1  vs  mery  make  / 

And  whan  pe  chanoun s  bechene  cole  / 

was  brent1  al  pe  lymail  out1  of1  pe  hole  1197 

In  to  pe  crosselet1  anoon  fel  a  doun 

And  so  it  moste  ncedes  by  resoun 

Sins  it  so  euen  aboue  couched  was 

But1  per  of1  wist1  pe  prest1  no  ping1  alias  1201 

He  denied  alle  pe  colis  I-liche  goode 

For  of1  pe  sleight1  he  no  ping1  vnderstood 

And  whan  pis  alcamister  saugfr  his  tyme 

Eys  vp  sire  prest1  quod  he  and  stonde  byme  1205 

And  fo  I  wot1  wel  Ingot1  haue  36  noon 

Goth  walkith  forth  and  brynge  a  chalkstoon 

For  I  wol  make  it  of1  pe  same  schap  iiea/ns] 

That1  is  an  Ingold  if1 1  may  haue  hap  /  1209 

And  bringe  with  }ou  a  bolle  or  a  panne 

Ful  of1  water  and  30  schul  wel  se  panne  / 

how  pat1  oure  besynes  schal  happe  and  preue 

And  3it  for  36  schul  haue  no  mysbileeue  1213 

Ne  wrong1  conceyt1  of1  me  in  ^oure  absence 

I  ne  wol  nought1  ben  out1  of1  3oure  presence  / 


SIX-TEXT    567 

GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.  407 

But  go  with  3011  and  come  wip  3011  agayn 

The  chambur  dore  schortly  for  to  sayn  1217 

Thay  opened  and  schette  and  wente  forp  here  weye 

And  forth  with  hem  pey  caryed  ])e  keye  / 

And  comen  agayn  wipouten  eny  delay  / 

what1  schuld  I  tary  al  pe  longe  day  1221 

he  took*  pe  chalk/  and  schop  it  in  pe  wise  / 

Of1  an  Ingot1  as  I  schal  3ow  deuyse  / 

I  say  he  took1  out1  o£  his  oughne  sleeue 

A  teyne  of  siluer  euel  mot1  he  cheeue  1225 

which  pat1  was  but1  an  vnce  of1  wight1 

And  take))  heed  now  of1  his  cursed  slight1 

he  schop  his  Ingot/  in  lengpe  and  in  brede  / 

Of1  ])is  teyne  wipouten  eny  drede  1229 

So  sleighly  pat1  pe  prest1  it  nought1  aspyde 

And  in  his  sleeue  agayn  he  gan  it  hyde  / 

And  fro  pe  fuyr  he  took1  vp  his  mateere  / 

And  in  to  pe  Ingot1  put1  it1  with  mery  cheere  /  1233 

And  in  to  pe  watir  vessel  he  it  cast1 

whan  pat1  him  list  and  bad  pis  prest  as  fast1 

Loke  what1  per  is  put  in  pin  hond  and  grope 

Thou  fynde  per  siluer  schal t1  as  I  hope  /  1237 

what1  deuel  of1  helle  schold  it  elles  be  / 

Schauyng1  of1  siluer  siluer  is  par  de 

He  putte  in  his  hond  and  tok1  vp  a  teyne 

Of1  siluer  fyn  and  glad  in  euery  veyne  i  1241 

was  pis  prest1  whan  he  saugh  it  was  so 

Goddes  blessyng1  and  his  modres  also 

And  alle  halwes  haue  36  sire  chanown 

Seyde  pe  prest1  and  I  her  malisoun  1245 

But1  and  30  vouche  sauf1  to  teche  me  iieafns,  bac^ 

This  nobil  craft1  and  pis  subtilite 

I  wil  be  3oure  in  al  pat1  euer  I  may 

Quod  pis  chanown  36^  wol  I  make  assay  1249 

The  secound  tyme  pat1  36  mow  taken  heede 

And  ben  expert1  of1  pis  and  in  3our  neede 


568    SIX-TEXT 

408  GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

Anoper  day  30111  self1  in  myn  absence 

This  discipline  and  pis  crafty  science  1253 

Let1  take  another  vnce  quod  he  po 

Of1  quyksiluer  wipouten  wordes  mo 

And  do  per  with  as  36  haue  doon  er  pis 

wip  pat1  oper  which  now  siluer  is  1257 

The  prest1  him  busyeth  in  al  pat1  he  can 

To  doon  as  pis  chanown  pis  cursed  man 

Comaunded  him  and  faste  blew  pe  fuyr 

For  to  come  to  theffect1  of1  his  desyr  1261 

And  pis  chanoun  right1  in  pe  mene  while 

Al  redy  was  pis  prest1  eft1  -to  bygile 

And  for  a  countenaunce  in  his  hond  bar 

An  holow  stikke  tak  keep  and  be  war  1265 

In  pende  of1  which  an  vnce  and  no  more 

Of1  siluer  lymail  put1  was  as  bifore 

was  in  his  cole  and  stopped  wij)  wex  wel 

For  to  kepe  in  his  limail  euery  del  1269 

And  whil  pe  prest/  was  in  his  besynesse 

This  chano?,m  with  his  stikke  gan  him  dresse  / 

To  him  anoon  and  his  pouder  cast1  In 

As  he  dede  er  pe  deuel  out1  of1  his  skyn  1273 

him  torne  I  pray  to  god  for  his  falshede 

For  he  was  euer  fals  in  oth  and  deede 

And  wi|>  pis  stikke  alone  pe  croslef 

That1  was  ordeyned  wip  pat1  false  get1  1277 

He  styred  )>e  coles  til  relente  gan 

The  wex  agayn  ]?e  fuyr  as  euery  man 

But/  it  a  fool  be  woot1  wel  it1  moot1  nede  / 

And  al  pat1  in  J?e  hole  was  out  3ede  /  1281 

And  in  to  J>e  creslet1  hastily  if  fel 

[l  Now  good  sires  what1  wol  36  bet  Jjen  wel  i  C1-1  /»  a  later  hand.] 

whan  pat1  pis  prest  thus  was  begiled  a-gayn,1] 

Supposyng1  not1  but1  troupe  sop  to  sayn  [wi79]   1285 

he  was  so  glad  pat1 1  can  nought/  expresse  / 

In  no  maner  his  myrpe  and  his  gladnesse 


SIX-TEXT    569 

GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN/S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.  409 

And  to  J?e  chanown  he  profred  eft1  soone 
Body  and  good  36  quod  J?e  chanown  soone  /  1 289 

Though  pore  I  be  crafty  ]?ou  sell  alt1  me  fynde  / 
I  warne  )>e  ^et*  is  )>er  more  byhynde 
Is  j>er  any  coper  her  Inne  quod  he 

33  sir  quod  ])is  prest1  I  trowe  fer  be  1293 

Ellrs  go  bye  som  and  fat1  as  swithe 
Now  goode  sire  go  forth  J>y  way  and  hythe 
he  went/  his  way  and  with  fis  coper  cam 
And  Jns  chanoun  it1  in  his  hondes  nam  1297 

And  of1  that1  coper  weyed  out1  but1  an  ounce 
Al  to  simple  is  my  tongue  to  pronounce 
The  minister  and  of1  his  witt  J?e  doublenesse  / 
OfVfis  chanown  roote  of1  cursednesse  1301 

he  semed  frendly  to  hem  fat1  knew  him  nought1 
But1  he  was  fendly  bof  e  in  werk1  and  fought1 
It1  weriej)  me  to  telle  of1  his  falsnesse  / 
.And  najjeles  }it  wol  I  it  expresse  1305 

To  fat  entent  men  may  be  war  f  er  by 
And  for  noon  of  er  cause  trewely  / 
he  put1  f  is  vnce  of1  coper  in  f  e  croslet1 
And  on  fe  fuyr  als  swithe  he  haj)  it  set1  1309 

And  cast1  in  pouder  and  made  f  e  prest/  to  blowe 
And  in  his  worching1  for  to  stoupe  lowe 
As  he  dede  er  and  al  nas  but  a  iape 

Right1  as  him  list1  J>e  prest1  he  made  his  ape  /  1313 

And  afterward  in  ]>e  Ingot1  he  it  cast1 
And  in  J?e  panne  putte  it1  atte  last/ 
Of1  water  and  in  he  put  his  owne  hond 
And  in  his  sleeue  as  30  byforenhond  1317 

herde  me  telle  he  had  a  siluer  teyne 
he  sleyghly  took1  it  out1  J?is  cursed  heyne 
Vnwitynge  ]>is  prest1  of1  his  false  craft/ 
'And  in  J>e  pannes  botme  he  haj>  it  laft1  1321 

And  in  J>e  water  rumble))  to  and  fro 
And  wonder  priuely  took1  vp  also  \ieaj  179,  back} 


570    SIX-TEXT 

410  GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'S-TEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

The  coper  teyne  nought  knowyng1  pis  prest1 

And  hidde  it  and  hent1  him  by  pe  brest/  1325 

And  to  him  spak1  and  pus  sayde  in  his  game 

Stoupeth  a-doun  by  god  ^e  ben  to  blame 

helpep  me  now  as  I  dede  ^ow  whil  er 

Put*  in  $our  hond  and  loke  what  is  per  1329 

This  prest1  toot  vp  pis  siluer  teyne  anoon 

And  panne  sayde  pe  chanown  let  vs  goon 

wip  pese  pre  teynes  whiche  pat1  we  han  wrought1 

To  som  goldsmyth  and  wite  if1  it  be  ought1  1333 

For  by  my  faith  I  nolde  for  myn  hood 

But1  if*  pey  were  siluer  fyn  and  good 

And  pat1  as  swipe  proued  schal  it  be 

Vnto  pe  goldsmith  wip  pese  teynes  pre  1337 

Thay  went1  and  putte  pese  teynes  in  assay 

To  fuyr  and  hamer  might1  no  man  say  nay 

But1  pay  were  as  hem  oughte  be 

This  sotted  prest1  who  was  gladder  pan  he  //  1341 

was  neuer  brid  gladder  agayn  pe  day 

Ke  nightyngale  in  pe  sesoun  of1  may 

was  neuer  noon  pat1  liste  better  to  synge  / 

Ke  lady  lustier  in  carolynge  1345 

And  for  to  speke  of1  loue  and  wommanhede 

Ke  knyght1  in  armes  doon  an  hardy  deede/ 

To  stonde  in  grace  of1  his  lady  deere 

Than  hadde  pis  prest1  pis  craft1  for  to  lere  1349 

And  to  pe  chanoun  thus  he  spak1  and  seyde 

For  pe  loue  of1  god  pat1  for  vs  deyde 

And  as  I  may  deseme  it  vnto  $ow 

what1  schal  pis  receyt1  coste  tellep  now  1353 

By  oure  lady  quod  pe  chanown  it  is  deere 

I  warne  $ow  wel  for  sire  I  and  a  freere 

In  Engelond  per  can  man  it  make  / 

No  fors  quop  he  now  sire  for  goddes  sake  /  1357 

what1  schal  I  paye  tellep  me  I  pray 

I-wis  quod  he  it  is  ful  dere  I  say 


SIX-TEXT   571 

GROUP  Gr.  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOHAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.   411 

Sire  at1  a  word  if*  pat  36  lust1  it  haue 

3e  schul  pay  fourty  pound  so  god  me  saue  /     [fco/iso]  1361 

And  nere  pe  frendschipe  pat  30  dede  er  pis 

To  me.  36  schulde  paye  more  I-wys 

This  prest1  pe  somme  of1  fourty  pound  anoon) 

Of1  nobles  fette  and  took  hem  euerychoon)  1365 

To  pis  chanown  for  pis  ilk1  receyt1 

Al  his  werkyng1  nas  but1  fraude  and  deceyt/ 

Sire  prest1  he  seyde  I  kepe  haue  no  loos 

Of1  my  craft1  for  I  wold  it  kept1  were  cloos  1369 

And  as  36  loueth  me  kepep  it  secre 

For  and  men  knewe  /  al  my  sotilte 

By  god  men  wolden  haue  so  gret1  enuye 

To  me  by  cause  of  my  philosophie  1373 

I  schulde  be  deed  per  were  noon  oper  weye 

God  it  forbede  quop  pe  prest1  what*  seye 

3etf  had  I  leuer  spenden  al  pe  good 

which  pat1 1  haue  and  elles  wax  I  wood  1377 

Than  pat  36  schulde  falle  in  such  meschief1 

For  3our  good  wil  sir  haue  36  right1  good  preef1 

Quop  pe  chanoun  •  and  far  wel  graunt  mercy 

he  went1  his  way  and  neuer  pe  prest1  him  sey  1381 

After  pis  day  and  whan  pat  pis  prest1  schohle  / 

Maken  assay  at  such  tyme  as  he  wolde  / 

Of*  pis  receyt1  far  wel  it  wold  not*  be  / 

lo  pus  byiaped  and  bygilt1  was  he  1385 

Thus  makep  he  his  introductiown 

To  bringe  folk1  to  here  destrucciown 

Considereth  sires  how  pat  in  ech  astaaf 

Bitwixe  men  and  gold  per  is  debaat  1389 

So  ferforth  pat1  vnnepe  per  is  noon 

This  multiplying1  blent1  so  many  oon 

That1  in  good  faith  I  trowe  pat  it  be  / 

The  cause  grettest1  of1  which  skarsete  1393 

Philosophres  speken  so  mistyly 

In  pis  craft1  pat1  men  conne  not1  come  per  by 


572    SIX-TEXT 

.412  GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

For  any  witt  pat1  men  han  now  on  dayes 

They  may  wel  chiteren  as  doon  pese  iayes  1397 

And  in  here  termes  sette  lust1  and  peyne 

But1  to  her  pwrpos  schul  pay  neuer  atteyne  [fca/iso.&acfr] 

A  man  may  lightly  lerne  if1  he  haue  ought 

To  multiplie  and  bringe  his  good  to  nought  1401 

Lo  such  a  lucre  is  in  pis  lusty  game/ 

A  mannes  mirpe  it  wol  torne  in  to  grame  / 

And  empte  also  grete  and  heuy  purses 

And  make  folk1  to  purchace  curses  1405 

Of1  hem  pat1  han  her  good  per-to  I-lent 

0  fy  for  schame  pay  pat1  haue  be  brent 

Alias  can  pay  not  fle  pe  fuyres  hete 

36  pat1  it  vsen  I  rede  36  it  lete  1409 

lest1  30  lesen  al  for  bet1  pan  neuer  is  late 

Neuer  to  priue  were  to  long1  a  date  / 

Though  30  prolle  ay  36  schul  it  neuer  fynde 

3e  ben  as  bolde  as  is  bayard  pe  blynde  1413 

That1  blundrep  forp  and  peril  casteth  noon 

he  is  as  bold  to  renne  a-gayn  a  stoon 

As  for  to  go  bysides  in  pe  wey  / 

go  fare  36  pat1  multiplie  I  sey  1417 

If1  pat1  3oure  y3en  can  nought1  seen  aright1 

loke  pat1  3oure  mynde  lakke  nought1  his  sight1 

For  pough  36  loke  neuer  so  brode  and  stare  / 

3e  schul  nought1  wynne  vpon  pat1  chaffare  /  1421 

But1  wasten  al  pat1  pay  may  rape  and  renne 

wipdrawe  pe  f uyr  lest1  it  so  faste  brenne 

Medlep  no  more  wip  pat  art1 1  mene  / 

For.^if1  30  doon  3oure  prift1  is  goon  ful  clene  1425 

And  right1  as  swithe  I  wol  3ow  telle  heere 

what1  pat1  pe  philosophres  sein  in  pis  mateere  / 

IT  lo  pus  saip  arnold  of.pe  newe  town   . 

As"  his  Rosarie  maketh  meneioun  1429 

He  saith  right1  pus  wipouten  eny  lye 

Ther  may  no  man  mercury  mortifye 


SIX-TEXT    573 

GROUP  G.  §  4.  CAN.'S- YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.   413 

But1  hit1  be  with  his  broker  knowleching1 

how  J>atf  he  which  fat1  first1  sayd  fis  fing1  1433 

Of1  philosophies  fader  was  hernies 

he  saij>  how  J?e  dragoun  douteles 

he  dye])  nought*  but  if1  fat1  he  be  slayn 

wij)  his  brofer  and  fat  is  for  to  sayn  [wisi]   1437 

By  J>e  dragozm  mercury  and  noon  of  er 

he  vnderstood  and  brimstoon  be  his  broker 

That1  out  of1  sol  and  luna  were  I-drawe 

And  ferfore  sayde  he  take  heed  to  my  sawe  /  1441 

Let1  no  man  besy  him  f  is  art1  to  seche  / 

But1  fat1  he  thentencioun  and  speche  / 

Of  philosophres  vnderstonde  can 

And  if1  he  do  he  is  a  lewed  man  114  5 

For  fis  sciens  and  fis  connyng1  quod  he 

Is  of1  f  e  secre  of1  secret^  par  de 

Also  f  er  was  a  disciple  of1  plato 

That1  on  a  tyme  sayde  his  maister  to  14-49 

As  his  book1  somer  wil  bere  witnesse 

And  fis  was  his  demaunde  in  sothfastnesse  / 

Tel  me  f  e  name  of  f  e  priue  stoon 

And  plato  answered  vnto  him  anoon  1453 

Take  f  e  stoon  Jjat1  titanos  men  name  / 

which  is  jjat1  quod  he  magnasia  is  J?e  same 

Sayde  plato  $e  sire  and  is  it  Jms 

This  ignotus  per  ignotius  1457 

what  is  magnasia  good  sir  I  }ou  pray 

It1  is  a  water  J>at  is  maad  I  say 

Of1  elementes  foure  quod  plato 

Telle  me  ]>e  rooche  good  sire  quod  he  J>o  1461 

Of1  fat1  water  if1  it  be  $our  wille 

Nay  nay  quod  plato  certeyn  fat1 1  nylle 

The  philosophres  sworn  were  euerich  oon 

That1  thay  scholde  discouere  it  vnto  man  noon  1465 

Ne  in  no  book1  it1  write  in  no  manere  / 

For  vnto  crist1  it  is  so  leef1  and  deere 


574   SIX-TEXT 

414  GROUP  G-.  §  4.  CAN.'S-YEOMAN'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

That1  he  wil  not  J>afr  it  discouered  be  / 

But1  wher  it  like])  to  his  deite  /  1469 

Man  to  enspire  and  eek1  for  to  defende 

whom  pat1  him  like]?  lo  J?is  is  J>e  ende 

J  han  conclude  I  Jms  syn  god  of4  heuene  / 

Ne  wol  not*  pat1  J?e  philosophres  neuene  /  1473 

how  fat1  a  man  schal  come  vnto  pis  stoon 

I  rede  as  for  pe  beste  let1  it  goon  u&tfisi,  back] 

For  who-so  make]?  god  his  aduersarie 

As  for  to  werke  eny  ping1  in  contrarie  1477 

Viito  his  wil  certes  neuer  schal  he  priue 

Though  pat1  he  multiplie  terme  of1  al  his  lyue 

And  per  a  poynt1  for  ended  is  my  tale 

God  send  euery  trewe  man  boote  of1  his  bale  /  1481 

IT  Here  endeth  ]?e  chanozms  ^eman  his  tale 

[No  break  in  the  MS.} 


SIX-TEXT   303 

GROUP  C.     §  1.     DOCTOR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     415 


GROUP  C.    FRAGMENT  IV. 

§  1.   THE  DOCTOR'S   TALE. 
HARLEIAN  MS,  7334  (British  Museum). 


11  And  here  bygynneth  pe  tale  of1  Jje  Doctor  of1  of*  phisik1 

Ter  was  as  tellej)  Thitus  lyuius  1 

A  knight*  pat1  cleped  was  virginieus 
Fulfild  of1  honours  and  of1  worjnnes 
And  strong1  of1  frendes  and  of*  gret1  riches  4 

A  doughter  he  hadde  by  his  wyf1 
And  neuer  ne  hadde  he  mo  in  al  his  lyf1 
Fair  was  pis  mayde  in  excellent1  beaute 
Aboue  euery  wight1  that1  men  may  se  8 

For  nature  ha])  wijj  souereyn  diligence 
I-formed  hir  in  so  gret  excellence 
As  jjough  sche  wolde  say  lo  I  nature 

Jms  can  I  forme  and  peynte  a  creature  12 

whan  fat/  me  lust1  who  can  me  counterfete 
Pigmalion  nou^t1  jjough"  he  alwey  forge  and  bete  / 
Or  graue  or  peynte  for  I  dar  wel  sayn 
appollus  ^epherus  schulde  wirche  in  vayn  16 

To  graue  or  paynte  or  forge  &  bete 
If1  pay  presumed  me  to  counterfete 
For  he  pat  is  pe  former  principal 

ha])  maad  me  his  viker  general  20 

To  forme  and  peynte  erpely  creature 
Eight*  as  me  lust1  al  ping1  is  in  my  cure 
Vnder  ])e  moone-  fat1  may  wane  and  waxe 
And  for  my  werke  noting*  wol  I  axe  24 


304  SIX-TEXT 

416     GROUP  C.     §  1.     DOCTOR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

My  lord  and  I  ben  fully  at1  accord 

I  made  hir  to  f  e  worschip  of1  my  lord 

So  do  I  alle  myn  ofer  creatures 

what1  colour  fat1  fay  been  or  what1  figures  /  28 

Thus  semef  me  fat1  nature  wolde  say 

This  mayde  was  of1  age  twelf1  }er  and  tway         o«yi82] 

In  which  fat1  nature  haf  suche  delite 

For  right*  as  sche  can  peynte  a  lili  white  32 

And  rocly  a  rose  right1  with  such  peynture 

Sche  peynted  haf  f  is  noble  creature 

Er  sche  was  born  vpon  her  limes  fre 

were  als  bright1  as  such  colour  schulde  be  36 

And  phebus  deyed  hadde  hire  tresses  grete 

I-lyk1  to  f  e  stremes  of1  his  borned  hete 

And  if1  fat1  excellent1  was  hir  beaute 

A  fousand  fold  more  vertuous  was  sche  40 

And  hire  ne  lakkef  no  condicio2*n 

That1  is  to  preyse  as  by  discreciown 

As  wel  in  body  as  goost1  chaste  was  sche 

For  which  sche  floured  in  virginite  44 

with  alltf  humilite  and  abstinence 

with  alle  attemperaunce  and  pacience 

with  mesure  eek1  and  beryng1  of1  array 

Discret1  sche  was  in  answeryng1  alway  48 

Though  sche  were  wis  pallas  dar  I  sayn 

hir  facound  eek1  ful  wowmanly  and  playn 

Noon  countrefeted  termes  hadde  sche 

To  seme  wys  but1  after  hir  degre  52 

Sche  spak1  and  alle  hire  wordes  more  and  lesse 

Sovnyng1  in  vertu  and  in  gentilesse 

Schamefast1  sche  was  in  maydenes  schamfastnesse 

Constant1  in  hert1 .  and  euer  in  besynesse  56 

To  di-yue  hire  out1  of1  hir  slogardye 

Bachus  had  of1  hir  mou]>  no  maistrye 

For  wille  and  fought1  doon  venus  encrece 

As  men  in  fuyr  wil  caste  oyle  or  grece  60- 


SIX-TEXT    305 

GROUP  C.     §  1.     DOCTOR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     417 

And  of1  hir  oughne  vertu  vnconstreigned 

Sche  hap  ful  ofte  tyme  hire  seek1  y-feyned 

For  pat1  sche  wolde  fleen  pe  companye 

wher  likly  was  to  treten  of1  folye  64 

As  is  at1  festes  reueles  and  at  daimces 

That1  ben  occasiouns  of1  daliaunces 

Such  pinges  maken  children  for  to  be  / 

To  soone  rype  and  bold,  as  men  may  se  /    [teafm, bad?-]     68 

•which  is  ful  perilous  and  hap  ben  ^ore 

For  al  to  soone  may  sche  lerne  lore 

Of1  boldenesse  whan  sche  is  a  wyf1 

And  36  may  stresses  in  ^oure  olde  lyf1  72 

That1  lordes  doughtres  han  in  gouernamce 

Ke  take])  of1  my  word  no  displesaunce  / 

Thinges  pat  ben  set1  in  gouernynges 

Of1  lordes  dou^tres  oonly  for  tuo  pinges  /  76 

Ouper  for  36  han  kept1  3our  honeste 

Oper  elles  for  36  han  falle  in  frelete 

And  knowe  wel  y-nougfr  pe  olde  daunce 

And  conne  forsake  fully  meschaunce  80 

For  euermo  perfore  for  cristes  sake  / 

kepep  wel  po  pat1  30  vndertake 

A  peof1  of1  venesoun  pat1  hap  forlaff 

his  licorousnesse  and  al  his  theues  craft1  84 

Can  kepe  a  forest1  best1  of1  eny  man 

Now  kepe  hir  wel  for  and  30  wil  30  can 

loke  wel  to  no  vice  30  assent1 

lest1  36  be  dampned  for  ^our  wi^  ^g^itent  88 

For  who-so  do])  a  traytour  is  certayn 

And  take])  keep  of1  pat1  pat1  sche  schal  sayn 

Of1  al  tresoun  souereyn  pestilence 

Is  whan  a  wight1  bytrayeth  Innocence  92 

}e  fadres  and  30  modres  eek1  also 

Though  30  han  children  be  it1  oon  or  mo 

3oure  is  pe  charge  of1  al  her  sufferaunce 

whiles  pay  be  vnder  3our  gouernaunce  /  96 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  2    E 


306    SIX-TEXT 

418    GROUP  C.     §  1.    DOCTOR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Beth  war  fat1  by  ensample  of1  ^oure  lyuynge 

Ouf  er  by  necgligence  in  chastisynge 

That1  fay  ne  perische  for  I  dar  wel  seye 

If1  fat1  fay  doon  $e  schul  ful  sore  abeye  100 

vnder  a  schepherd  softe  and  necligenf 

The  wolf1  haf  many  a  schep  and  lamb  torenf 

Sufficef  oon  ensample  now  as  here 

For  I  moot1  turne  a^ein  to  my  inatiere  104 

This  mayde  of1  which  I  telle  my  tale  express© 

So  kept1  hir  self1  hir  neded  no  maystresse  [Zea/iss] 

For  in  hir  lyuyng1  maydens  mighte  rede 

As  in  a  book1  euery  good  word  and  dede  /  108 

That1  longef  vnto  a  mayden  vertuous 

Sclie  was  so  prudent1  and  so  bounteous 

For  f  e  which  out1  sprong1  on  euery  syde  / 

Bofe  of1  hir  beaute  and  bounte  wyde  112 

That1  furgh  fe  lond  fay  praysed  hir  ilkoone  / 

That1  louede  vertu  saue  enuye  alloone  / 

That1  sory  is  of1  of  er  mennes  wele  / 

And  glad  is  of1  his  sorwe  and  vnhele  116 

The  doctor  made  f  is  descripciown 

This  mayde  wente  vpon  a  day  in  to  f  e  toun 

Toward  f  e  temple  with  hir  moder  deere 

As  is  of1  ^onge  maydenes  fe  manere  120 

Now  was  f  er  a  Justice  in  f  e  toun 

That1  gouernour  was  of1  fat  Regiown 

And  so  bifel  f  is  luge  his  ey^en  cast1 

Vpon  fis  mayde  auysing1  hir  ful  fast1  124 

As  sche  cam  forby  f  er  f  e  luge  stood 

Anoon  his  herte  chaunged  and  his  mood 

So  was  he  caught1  wif  beaute  of1  fis  mayde 

And  to  himself1  ful  priuely  he  sayde  128 

This  mayde  schal  be  myn  for  any  man 

Anoon  f  e  feend  in  to  his  herte  ran 

And  taughte  him  sodeinly  by  what1  slighte 

This  mayde  to  his  purpos  wynne  he  mighte  /  132 


SIX-TEXT    307 

GROUP  C.     §  1.     DOCTOR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     419 

For  certes  by  no  fors  ne  by  no  meede 
him  fought1  he  was  not1  able  for  to  speede  / 
For  sche  was  strong1  of1  frendes  and  eek1  sche 
Conformed  was  in  such  souerayn  bounte  136 

That*  wel  he  wist*  he  might1  hir  neuer  wynne 
As  for  to  make  hir  with  hir  body  synne 
For  which  wif  gret1  deliberaciown 

lie  sent  after  a  clerk1  was  in  fe  toun  140 

The  which  he  knew  for  subtil  and  for  bold 
This  luge  vnto  f  e  clerk1  his  tale  ha])  told 
In  secre  wyse  and  made  him  to  assure 
He  schulde  telle  it  to  no  creature  [>a/i83,  &ac/o  144 

And  if1  he  dede  he  schulde  lese  his  heed 
whan  fat1  assented  was  f  is  cursed  reed 
Glad  was  the  luge  and  made  glad  cheere  / 
And  ^af1  him  $iftes  precious  and  deere  /  148 

whan  schapen  was  al  f  is  conspiracye  / 
Fro  poynt  to  poynt1  how  fat  his  lecherie 
Parforined  scholde  be  ful  subtilly 

As  36  schul  here  afterward  openly  /  152 

horn  go])  ]}is  clerk1  pat1  highte  Claudius 
This  false  luge  fat1  highte  apius 
So  was  his  name  for  it  is  no  fable 

But  knowen  for  a  storial  ping1  notable  156 

The  sentence  of1  hit1  so]?  is  out  of1  doute 
This  false  iugge  go])  now  fast1  aboute  / 
To  hasten  his  delit1  al  far1  he  may  / 

And  so  bifel  soone  after  on  a  day  1GO 

This  false  luge  as  telle])  vs  f  e  story 
As  he  was  wont  sat1  in  his  consistory 
And  ^af1  his  domes  vpon  sondry  caas 

This  false  clerk1  com  forth  a  ful  good  paas  164 

And  saide  lord  if1  fat  it  be  ^our  wille 
As  doj)  me  right1  vpon  f  is  pitous  bille 
In  which  I  pleyne  vpon  virgilius 

And  if1  he  wile  seyn  it  is  nou^t1  fus  168 

2  E  2 


308    SIX-TEXT 

420    GROUP  C.     §  1.     DOCTOR'S  TALE.     Harlelan  7334. 

I  wil  prone  hit  and  fynde  good  witnesse 

That  so])  is  fat  my  bulle  wol  expresse  / 

The  luge  answerd  of*  f  is  in  his  absence 

I  may  not1  3iue  diffinityf1  sentence  172 

let1  do  him  calle  and  I  wol  gladly  hiere 

Thou  schalt1  haue  alle  right1  and  no  wrong1  heere 

Yirginius  com  to  wite  f  e  lugges  wille  / 

And  right1  anoon  was  red  fis  cursed  bille  176 

The  sentence  of1  hit  was  as  30  schul  heere 

IT  To  3ow  my  lord  sire  apius  so  deere 

Schewef  3oure  pore  seruaunt1  Claudius 

how  fat1  a  knight1  called  Yirginius  180 

A^eins  f  e  lawe  a^ens  alle  equyte  / 

holdeth  expresse  a^einst  fe  wille  of1  me  [tea/is*] 

My  seruaunt1  which  fat1  my  thral  is  by  right 

which  fro  myn  hous  was  stolen  on  a  night  IS-t 

whiles  sche  was  ful  3ong1  fat  wol  I  preue 

By  witnesse  lord  so  fat1  30  3ow  not1  greue 

Sche  is  nought  his  dorter  what1  so  he  say 

wherfore  to  3ow  my  lord  fe  lugge  I  pray  188 

3elde  me  my  f  raH  ifH  fat  it  be  3our  wille 

lo  f  is  was  al  f  e  sentence  of1  f  e  bille 

Virgineus  gan  vpon  f  e  clerk1  byholde 

But1  hastily  er  he  his  tale  tolde  192 

he  wolde  haue  proued  it  as  schold  a  knight1 

And  eek1  by  witnessyng1  of*  many  a  wight* 

That1  al  was  fals  fat1  sayde  his  aduersarie 

This  cursed  luge  wold  no  lenger  tarye  /  196 

Ne  heere  a  word  more  of1  virgineus 

But1 3af  his  lugement1  and  saide  f  us 

I  deme  anoon  f  is  clerk1  his  seruaunt1  haue 

Thou  schalt1  no  lenger  in  fin  hous  hir  haue  200 

Go  bringe  hir  forf  and  put  hir  in  oure  warde 

This  clerk1  schal  haue  his  thral  thus  I  a-warde 

And  whan  f  is  worf  y  knight  virgineus 

Thurgh  f  assent1  of1  f  is  luge  apius  2Q4 


SIX-TEXT    309 

GROUP  C.     §  1.     DOCTOR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     421 

Moste  by  force  his  deere  doubter  3111611 

Vnto  pe  luge  in  lecchery  to  lyuen 

he  go])  him  horn  and  sette  him  in  his  halle  / 

And  leet1  anoon  his  deere  doubter  calle  /  208 

And  wip  a  face  deed  as  aisshen  colde 

vpon  hir  humble  face  he  gan  byholde 

with  fadres  pite  stilting1  Jjorugh.  his  herte 

Al  wolde  he  ironi  his  p?«*pos  not  conuerte  /  212 

Doughter  quod  he  v/rginea  by  py  name 

Ther  ben  tuo  weyes  eyper  dep  or  schame 

That1  pou  most1  suffre  alias  pat  I  was  bore 

For  neuer  pou  deseruedest1  wherfore  216 

To  deyen  with  a  swerd  or  with  a  knyf1 

0  deere  doughter  ender  of1  my  lif1 

which  I  haue  fostred  vp  with  such  plesaunce  * 

That1  pou  nere  oute  of1  my  remembraunce     Ueafis^bacb]  220 

0  doughter  which .  pat  art  my  laste  wo 

And  in  pis  lif1  my  laste  ioye  also 

0  gemme  of1  chastite  in  pacience 

Tak1  pou  py  deth  for  pis  is  my  sentence  224 

For  lone  and  not1  for  hate  pou  most1  be  deed 

My  pitous  hond  mot1  smyten  of1  pin  heed 

Alias  pat1  euer  apius  pe  say 

Thus  hap  he  falsly  iugged  pe  to  day  228 

And  told  hir  al  pe  caas  as  30  bifore 

han  herd .  it  nedeth  nought1  to  telle  it  more 

Mercy  deere  fader  quod  pis  mayde 

And  with  pat1  word  sche  bope  hir  armes  layde  /  232 

Aboute  his  nekke  as  sche  was  wont  to  doo 

The  teeres  brast1  out1  of1  hir  ey^en  tuo 

And  sayde  goode  fader  schal  I  dye 

Is  ther  no  grace  is  per  no  remedy e  236 

No  certeyn  deere  doughter  myn  quod  he  / 

Than  $eue  me  leue  fader  myn  quod  sche  / 

My  dep  for  to  compleyne  a  litel  space  / 

Jor  par  dy  leffa  jaf1  his  doubter  grace  240 


310    SIX-TEXT 

422     GROUP  C.     §  1.     DOCTOR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

For  to  compleyne  er  he  hir  slough  alias 

And  God  it  woot1  no  f  ing1  was  hir  trespas 

But1  fat1  sche  ran  hir  fader  first/  to  se 

To  welcome  him  with  gref  solempnite  244 

And  with  fat1  word  a  swoun  sche  fel  anoon  / 

And  after  whan  hir  swownyng1  was  agoon 

Sche  risef  vp  and  to  hir  fader  sayde  / 

Blessed  be  god  fat1 1  schal  deye  a  mayde  /  248 

3eue  me  my  deth  er  fat1  I  haue  a  schame 

Do  with  ^our  child  ^our  wille  a  goddes  name 

And  with  fat1  word  sche  prayed  him  ful  ofte 

That1  wif  his  swerd  he  schulde  smyte  hir  softe  252 

And  wif  fat1  word  on  swoune  doim  sche  fel 

hir  fader  with  ful  sorwful  hert1  and  fel 

hir  heed  of1  smoot1  and  by  f  e  top  it  hente 

And  to  f  e  luge  bigan  it1  to  presente  256 

As  he  sat1  in  his  doom  in  concistory 

whan  the  Inge  it  say  as  saif  the  story  [Zea/i85] 

he  bad  take  him  and  honge  him  faste 

But1  right1  anoon  alle  fe  poeple  in  fraste  /  260 

To  sane  f  e  knight1  for  rouf  e  and  for  pite 

For  knowen  was  f  e  fals  iniquite  / 

The  poeple  anoon  had  suspect1  in  f  is  f  ing1 

By  moner  of1  f  is  clerkes  chalengyng*  264 

That1  it  was  by  thassent1  of1  apius 

That1  wiste  wel  fat1  he  was  leccherous 

For  which  vnto  f  is  Apius  fay  goon 

And  casten  him  in  p?*isoun  right1  anoon  268 

wher  as  he  slough  himself1  and  Claudius 

That1  servaunt1  was  vnto  f  is  Apius 

was  denied  for  to  honge  vpon  a  tree 

But1  virgineus  of1  his  grete  pite  272 

Prayde  for  him  fat1  he  was  exiled 

And  elles  certes  he  had  ben  bigiled 

The  remenazmfr  were  anhanged  more  and  lesse  / 

That1  were  consented  to  fis  cursednesse  /  276 


SIX-TEXT    311 

GROUP  C.     §  1.     DOCTOR'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     423 

Her  may  men  se  how  synne  hath  his  merite 

Be  war  for  no  man  woof  how  god  wol  smyte  / 

In  no  degre  ne  in  which  maner  wise 

The  worm  of1  conscience  wol  arise  280 

Of1  wicked  lyf1  Jjough  it  so  pryue  be 

That1  no  man  woof  of1  it  but*  god  and  he 

wher  J>af  he  be  lewed  man  or  lered 

He  not1  how  soone  J>af  he  may  be  afered  284 

Therfore  I  rede  30 w  this  coimseil  take 

Forsakith  synne  /  er  synne  yow  forsake 

1T  Here  endeth  J>e  Doctor  of*  phisiqwe  his  tale 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


312    SIX-TEXT 

424  GROUP  C.  §  2.  DOCTOB-PARDONER  LINK.  Harlcian  7334. 


IF  And  here  bygynneth  J>e  prologe  of1  the  Pardoner  / 

Owre  ost  gan  swere  as  he  were  wood 
harrow  quod  he  by  nayles  and  by  blood  288 

This  was  a  cursed  ]?efH  a  fals  Justice 
As  schendful  dej>  as  herte  can  deuise 
So  falle  vpon  his  body  and  his  boones 
The  deuel  I  bykenne  him  al  at  oones  292 

Alias  to  deere  boughte  sclie  hir  beaute 
wherfore  I  say  Jiatt  alle  men  may  se  [fca/i83,6«c*] 

That*  jiftes  of1  fortune  or  of  nature  / 

Ben  cause  of1  deth  of1  many  a  creature  /  296 

hir  beaute  was  hir  dej)  I  dar  wel  sayn 
Alias  so  pitously  as  he  was  slayn 


.......     no  gap  in  the  MS.]  300 

But1  trewely  myn  owne  maister  deere 

This  was  a  pitous  tale  for  to  heere 

But  nafeles  pas  ouer  jns  is  no  fors 

I  pray  to  god  to  saue  jn  gentil  corps  304 


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

And  euery  boisfr  ful  of1  ]>i  letuarie 

God  blesse  hem  and  oure  lady  seinte  marie  /  308 

So  mot1  1  J>en  J?ou  art1  a  propre  man 

And  y-lik1  a  prelatl  by  seint  Runyan 

Sayde  I  wel  can  I  not  speke  in  terme 

But1  wel  I  woof  Jjou  dost1  myn  herte  erme  312 

I  haue  almost1  y-caught1  a  cardiacle 

By  corpus  boones  but1  1  haue  triacle 

0]>er  elles  a  draught*  of1  moystf  and  corny  ale 

Ojjer  but/  I  hiere  anoon  a  mery  tale  316 


SIX-TEXT    313 

GROUP  C.  §  2.  DOCTOR-PARDONER  LINK.  Haileian  7334.  425 

Myn  hert1  is  brost1 .  for  pite  of1  pat1  mayde 

Thow  pardoner  ]?ou  belamy  he  sayde  / 

Tel  vs  a  tale  for  j>ou  canst1  many  oon 

ItH  schal  be  doon  quod  he  and  pat1  anoon  320 

But1  first1  quod  he  her  at1  pis  ale  stake  / 

I  wil  first1  drynke  and  byt1  on  a  cake 

But1  right1  anoon  pe  gentils  gan  to  crie 

Nay  let  him  tellen  vs  no  ribaudye  324 

Tel  vs  soin  moral  ping1  pat1  we  may  leere  / 

Gladly  quod  he  and  sayde  as  }e  schal  heere 

But1  in  pe  cuppe  wil  I  me  bepinke 

vpon  some  honest1  tale  whil  I  drinke  /  328 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


314    SIX-TEXT 

426  GROUP  C.  §  3.  PARDONER'S  PREAMBLE.  Harleian  7334. 


U  Narral 

LOrdyngs  qwod  lie  in  chirche  whan  I  preche 
I  peyne  me  to  haue  an  hauteyn  speche  / 
And  ryng1  it  out  as  lowd  as  dof  a  belle 
For  I  can  al  by  rote  fat1 1  tello  332 

My  teeme  is  alway  oon  and  euer  was 
Eadix  omnium  maloium  est1  Cupiditas 

First1  I  pronounce  whennes  fat1  I  come 
And  fanne  my  bulles  schewe  I  alle  and  some     [Wise]  336 
Oure  liege  lordes  seal  vpon  my  patent1 
That1  schewe  I  first1  my  body  to  warent/ 
That1  no  man  be  so  hardy  prest1  ne  clerk1 
Me  to  destourbe  of1  cristes  holy  werk1  340 

And  after  fat1  fan  tel  I  forth  my  tales 
Bulles  of1  popes  and  of1  Cardynales  / 
Of1  patriarkes  and  of1  bisshops  I  schewe 
And  in  latyn  speke  I  wordes  fewe  /  344 

To  sauore  with  my  predicacioim 
And  for  to  stere  hem  to  deuociown 
Thanne  schewe  I  forth  my  longe  cristal  stoones 
I-crammed  ful  of1  cloutes  and  of1  boones  348 

Reliks  fay  ben  as  wene  f ei  echoon 
Than  haue  I  in  latown  a  schulder  boon 
which  fat1  was  of1  an  holy  lewes  scheep 
Good  men  say  I  tak1  of1  my  wordes  keep  352 

If1  fat1  f  is  boon  be  waische  in  eny  welle  / 
If1  cow  or  calf1  or  scheep  or  oxe  swelle 
That1  eny  worm  haf  ete  or  worm  I-stonge 
Tak1  water  of1  fat1  welle  and  waisch  his  tonge  356 


SIX-TEXT    315 

GROUP  C.  §  3.  PARDONER'S  PREAMBLE.  Harleian  7334.  427 

And  it  is  hool  anoon  and  forf  er-more 

Of1  pokkes  and  of1  scabbe  and  euery  sore  / 

Sclial  euery  scheep  be  hool  fat1  of1  fis  welle 

That1  drynketh  a  draught1  tak1  heed  eek1  what1 1  telle      360 

If1  fat1  f  e  goode  man  fat1  f  e  beest1  owef 

wol  euery  wike  er  fat1  f  e  cok1  him  crowef 

Fastynge  drynke  /  of1  fis  welle  a  draught1 

As  filke  holy  lew  oure  eldres  taught1  364 

His  beestes  and  his  stoor  schal  multiplie 

And  sires  also  it  kelith  Jalousie 

For  f  ough  a  man  be  ful  in  ialous  rage 

let1  make  wif  fis  water  his  potage  368 

And  neuer  schal  he  more  his  wyf1  mys  trist 

f  ough"  he  f  e  sof  of1  hir  defaute  wist1 

Al  hadde  sche  take  prestes  tuo  or  f  re 

her  is  a  meteyn  eek1  fat1  36  may  see  372 

he  fat1  his  honde  put1  in  fis  metayn 

he  schal  haue  multiplying1  of1  grayn  [&« /ise,  back]      . 

whan  he  haj?  sowen  .  be  it  whete  or  otes 

So  fat1  ^e  off  re  pans  or  elles  grootes  376 

And  men  and  wommen  oon  f  ing1  warne  I  $o\v 

If1  eny  wight1  be  in  f  is  chirche  now 

That1  haf  doon  synne  orrible  fat  he 

Dar  nought1  for  schame  of1  it  schryuen  be  380 

Or  ony  womman  be  sche  3ong1  or  old 

That1  hath  y-maad  hir  housbond  cokewold 

which  folk1  schal  haue  no  power  ne  grace 

To  offre  to  my  relikes  in  fis  place  384 

And  who  so  fint1  him  out1  of1  suche  blame 

Thay  wol  come  vp  and  offre  in  goddes  name 

And  I  assoile  hem  by  f  e  auctorite 

wKich  fat1  by  bulle .  was  I-graunted  me  388 

By  fis  gaude  haue  I  wonne  euery  ^eer 

An  hundred  mark1  syn  I  was  pardoner 

I  stonde  lik1  a  clerk1  in  my  pulpit 

Arid  whan  fe  lewed  poeple  is  doun  I-setf  392 


316    SIX-TEXT 

428  GROUP  C.  §  3.  PARDONER'S  PREAMBLE.  Harleian  7334. 

I  preche  so  as  36  haue  herd  bifore 

And  telle  hem  an  hondred  lapes  more 

Than  peyne  I  me  to  strecche  for])  my  necke 

And  est  and  west  vpon  fe  poeple  I  bekke  396 

As  do]?  a  dowfe  syttyng1  on  a  berne 

Myn  hondes  and  my  tonge  goon  so  3erne 

That1  it  is  ioye  to  se  my  busynesse 

Of*  auarice  and  of  such  cursednesse  400 

Is  al  my  preching1  for  to  make  hem  fre 

To  3eue  here  pans  and  namely  vnto  me 

For  myn  entent1  is  nought1  but1  for  to  wynne 

And  no  fing1  for  correcciown  of  synne  404 

I  rekke  neuer .  when  fay  ben  I-beryed 

Though  fat1  here  soules  gone  a  blakeberyed 

For  certes  many  a  p?*edicaciozm 

Comef  ofte  tyme  of*  euel  entenciown  408 

Som  for  plesauns  of  folk1  and  flaterie 

To  ben  auaunced  by  ypocrisie 

And  som  for  veine  gloir  and  som  for  hate 

Tor  whan  I  dar  not1  ofer  weys  debate  o«/i87]  412 

Than  wil  I  stynge  him  with  my  tonge  smerte 

In  preching1  so  fat  he  schal  not1  astert1 

To  be  diffamed  falsly  if1  f  af  he 

haf  trespast1  to  my  breferen  or  to  me  416 

For  f  ough  I  telle  not1  his  propre  name 

Men  schal  wel  knowe  fat  it  is  f  e  same  / 

By  signes  and  by  ofer  circumstaunces 

Thus  quyt1 1  folk1  fat1  doon  vs  displesaunces  420 

Thus  put1 1  out1  my  venym  vnder  hiewe 

Of*  holynes .  to  seme  holy  and  trewe  / 

But  schortly  myn  entent  I  wol  deuyse 

I  preche  no  fing1  but1  of1  coueityse  424 

Therfor  my  teem  is  31^  and  euer  was 

Radix  omnium .  malorwm  est1  Cupiditas 

Thus  can  I  preche  agayn  ]?e  same  vice 

which  Jjat1 1  vse  and  fat1  is  auarice  428 


SIX-TEXT    317 

GROUP  C.  §  3.  PARDONER'S  PREAMBLE.  Harleian  7334.  429 

But1  though"  my  self1  be  gulty  in  pe  synne 

}it  can  I  make  oper  folk  to  twynne  / 

From  auarice  and  soone  to  repent 

But1  pat/  is  not1  my  principal  en  tent  432 

I  preche  no  ping1  but  for  coueitise 

Of1  pis  matier  it  ought  Inough  suffise 

Than  telle  I  hem  ensamples  many  oon 

Of1  olde  pinges  longe  tyme  agoon)  436 

For  lewed  poeple  louen  tales  olde 

which  pinges  can  pay  wel  report1  and  holde  / 

what1  trowe  ^e  whiles  I  may  preche 

And  wynne  gold  and  siluer  for  I  teche  440 

That1  I  wil  lyue  in  pouert1  wilfully 

Nay  nay  I  pought1  it/  neuer  trewly 

For  I  wol  preche  and  begge  in  sondry  londes 

I  wil  do  no  labour  wip  myn  hondes  44-4 

Ne  make  basketis  and  lyue  per  by 

By  cause  I  wil  nought1  begge  ydelly 

I  wol  noon  of1  thapostles  counterfete 

I  wol  haue  money,  wolle  chese  and  whete  /  448 

Al  were  it  ^euen  of1  pe  prestes  page 

Or  of1  pe  porest1  wydow  in  a  village  [/w/isT.&ae/c] 

And  schold  hir  children  sterue  for  famyn 

Nay  I  wol  drinke  licour  of1  pe  wyn  452 

And  haue  a  ioly  wenche  in  euery  toun 

But1  herknep  lordynges  my  conclusiown 

3oure  likyng1  is .  fat1  I  schal  telle  a  tale 

Now  haue  I  dronk1  a  draught1  of1  corny  ale  /  456 

By  god  I  hope  I  schal  telle  }ow  a  ping1 

That1  schal  by  resoun  be  at1  ^our  liking1 

For  pough  myself1  be  a  ful  vicious  man 

A  moral  tale  }it  I  $ow  telle  can  400 

which  I  am  wont1  to  preche  for  to  wynn^. 

Now  hold  ^our  pees  my  tale  I  wol  byginne 

[Partial  break  of  one  line  in  the  MS.] 


318    SIX-TEXT 

430    GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 


IT  Narrat 

IN  Flaundres  whilom  was  a  companye  / 
Of1  jonge  folkes  pat1  haunted  folye  464 

As  ryot1  hasard  stywes  and  tauernes 
wher  as  wij?  lutes  harpes  and  gyternes 
Thay  daunce  and  play  at  dees  bope  day  &  night 
And  ete  also  and  drynk  ouer  her  might*  468 

Thurgh  which  pay  doon  pe  deuyl  sacrifise 
wipinne  pe  deueles  temple  in  cursed  wise 
By  superfluite  abhominable 

her  othes  been  so  greet  and  so  dampnable  472 

That1  it1  is  grisly  for  to  hiere  hem  swere 
Our  blisful  lordes  body  pay  totere 
hem  poughte  lewes  rent1  him  no^t1  y-nough 
And  ech  of1  hem  at1  operes  synne  lough  476 

And  right1  anoon  per  come  tombesteris 

[ •  •  •  - 

no  gap  in  the  M&] 

Whiche  pat1  ben  verray  pe  deueles  officeres  480 

To  kyndle  and  blowe  pe  fuyr  of*  leccherie 

Jjat1  is  anexid  vnto  glotonye 

The  holy  wryt1  take  I  to  my  witnesse      IT noMteUi|briaw  vino 

That1  luxury  is  in  wyn  and  dronkenesse  484 

lo  how  pat1  dronken  loth  vnkyndely 

lay  by  his  doughtres  tuo  vnwityngly 

So  dronk1  he  was  he  niste  what  he  wrought 

herodes  who-so  wel  J>e  story  sought1  488 

[ 

no  spurious  lines  in  this  MS.] 


GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE. 


SIX-TEXT  319 
Harleian  7334.    431 


whan  he  of1  wyn  was  repleet1  at  his  fest  [fca/iss] 

Right1  at  his  oughne  table  ^af1  his  hest 

To  sle  pe  baptist1  lohn  ful  gilteles 

Seneca  seip  a  good  word  douteles 

he  saip  he  can  no  difference  fynde 

Bituyx  a  man  pat  is  out  of1  his  mynde 

And  a  man  pe  which  is  dronkelewe 

But1  pat1  woodnes  fallen  in  a  schrewe 

Perseuereth  lenger  pan  doth  dronkennesse 

O  glutonye  ful  of1  corsidnesse 

0  cause  first1  of1  oure  confusiown 

0  original  of1  oure  dampnaciozm 

Til  crist  had  bought1  out1  wip  his  blood  agayn) 

lo  how  dere  schortly  for  to  sayn 

Abought1  was  first/  pis  cursed  felonye 

Corupt1  was  al  pis  world  for  glotonye 

Adam  our  fader  and  his  wyf1  also 

Fro  paradys  to  labour  and  to  wo 

were  dryuen  for  pat  vice  it  is  no  drede 

For  whils  pat1  adam  fasted  as  I  rede 

he  was  in  paradis  and  whan  pat  he 

Eet1  of1  pe  fruyt1  defendit  of1  a  tre 

he  was  out1  cast1  to  wo  and  in-to  peyne 

0 .  glotony .  wel  ought1  vs  on  pe  pleyne 

O .  wist1  a  man  how  many  maladyes 

Folwith  of1  excesse  and  of1  glotonyes 

he  wolde  be  pe  more  mesurable 

Of1  his  diete  sittyng1  at1  his  table 

Alias  pe  schorte  prote  pe  tendre  moup 

Makep  pat1  Est1 .  West1 .  north  and  south 

In  erpe  in  watir  in  ayer  man  to  swynke 

To  gete  a  sely  glotown  mete  and  drynke . 

Of1  pis  matier  o  poul  wel  canstow  trete 

Mete  vnto  wombe  and  wombe  vnto  mete 

Schal  god  destroyen  bope  as  powel  saip 

Alias  a  foul  ping1  is  it  by  my  faip  524 


t 


492 


49G 


500 


504 


im  din  ieinnauit  ndani 
paradyso  fuit  comedit 

et  eiectus  est  statiw*  duxif 

vxorem  &c. 

508 


512 


516 


520 


Esca  ventris  &  venter 
escis  Aens  autew  hunc 
&  illam  destruet  &c. 


320    SIX-TEXT 

432    GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

To  say  Jns  word  /  and  fouler  is  ]?e  dede 

whan  men  so  drynke  /  of1  ]>e  whyt1  and  rede 

That1  of1  his  jjrote  he  makij)  his  priue 

Thurgh"  Jnlke  cursed  superfluite  528 

Thapostil  wepyng1  sai]>  ful  pitously 

Ther  walkith  many  of1  which  $ou  told  haue  I 

I  say  it1  now  wepyng1  wij)  pitous  vois 

Thay  are  enemys  of1  cristes  croys  /  532 

Of1  which  J>e  ende  is  deth  wombe  is  her  god 

0  wombe  /  o  bely .  o  stynkyng1  is  ])i  cod 

Fulfild  of*  dong1  /  and  of1  corrupciozm 

At1  eyfer  ende  of  }>e  foul  is  fe  soun  536 

how  gret1  cost*  /  and  labour  is  J>e  to  fynde  / 

These  cokes  how  Jjey  stamp  and  streyn  and  grynde  / 

And  torne  substawnce  in  to  accident 

To  fulfille  /  jjy  licorous  talent  540 

Out1  of1  £e  harde  boones  gete  )?ay 

The  mary  for  J»ay  caste  nou^tf  away 

That1  may  go  jwrgh  |)e  golet1  softe  and  soote 

Of1  spiccry  and  leuys  baric1  and  roote  544 

Schal  ben  his  sauce  rnaad  to  his  delyt/ 

To  make  him  haue  a  newe  appetifr 

But1  certes  he  J)afr  hauntej)  suche  delices 

Is  deed  J>er  whiles  £at  he  lyuej?  in  vices  548 

A  licorous  jnng1  is  wyn  and  dronkenesse 

Is  ful  of1  stryuyng1  and  of1  wrecchednesse 

O  dronke  man  disfigured  is  }>i  face 

Sour  is  ]ri  brejj  foul  artow  to  embrace  552 

And  Jjurgfi  ]?i  dronkenesse  sownejj  J>e  soun 

As  fough  £ou  seydest1  ay  Sampso^^n  Sampsown 

And  }it  god  wot1  sampson  drank1  neuer  wyn 

Thou  fallist1  as  it  were  a  stiked  swyii  556 

Thy  tonge  is  lost1  and  al  J>in  honest4  cure 

For  dronkenes  is  verray  sepulture 

Of1  mannes  witt  and  his  discreciown 

In  whom  fat  drynk  haj>  dominaciown  560- 


SIX-TEXT    321 

GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    433 

He  can  no  counseil  kepe  it  is  no  drede 

Ne  keep  $ow  from  J?e  white  and  from  fe  redo 

Namely  fro  jje  white  wyn  of*  leepe 

That1  is  to  selle  in  Fleets  treet1  or  in  Chepe  564 

This  wyn  of1  Spayne  crepith  subtily  [/c«/i89] 

In  ojjer  wynes  growyng1  faste  by 

Of*  which  J?er  riseth  such  fumosite  / 

That1  whan  a  man  hath  dronke  draughtes  J?re  /  568 

And  weneth  pat1  he  be  at1  horn  in  Chepe 

He  is  in  Spayne  right1,  at1  ]>e  toun  of1  lepe  / 

Nought1  at1  J?e  Eochel  ne.at1  Burdeanx  toun 

And  Jeanne  wol  ]>ai  say  Sampsozm  Sampso^n.  572 

But1  herken  lordyngs  o  word  I  }ou  pray  / 

That1  alle  J>e  souerayn  actes  dar  I  say 

Of1  victories  in  }>e  olde  testament 

That1  Jjorugfr  Jje  verray  god  omnipotent1  576 

were  doon  in  abstinence  and  in  prayere  / 

Lokith  J>e  bible  and  fer  30  may  it  hiere 

Loke  atthila  J>e  grete  conquero?/?* 

Deyd  in  his  sleep  with  schame  and  dishono?fr  580 

Bleedyng1  ay  at1  his  nose  in  dronkenesse  / 

A  captayn  schuld  ay  lyue  in  sobrenesse 

And  ouer  al  this  aryse  3ow  right1  wel 

what1  was  comaunded  vnto  lamuel  584 

Nought1  samuel  but1  lamuel  say  I 

Redith  J>e  bible  and  fyndej)  expresly 

Of1  wyn  ^euyng1  /  to  hem  j>af  han  Justice 

No  more  of1  Jns  for  it  may  wel  suffice  588 

And  now  I  haue  I-spoke  of1  glotonye  / 

Now  wil  I  ^ow  defende  hasardrye 

IT  Hasard  is  verray  moder  of1  lesynges 

And  of1  deceipt1  of1  cursed  forsweringes  592 

Blaspheme  of1  crist1  manslauglit1  and  wast1  also  /  f 

Of1  catel  and  of1  tyme .  f orther  mo . 

It1  is  reproef1  and  contrair  to  honow 

For  to  be  halde  a  comun  hasardour  596 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  2    F 


322    SIX-TEXT 

434    GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7331 

And  euer  pe  heyer  he  is  of*  astaaf 

The  more  is  he  holden  desolaaf 

If1  pat1  a  prince  vse  hasardrie 

In  alle  gonernance  and  policie  600 

He  is  as  by  comun  opiniown 

Holde  pe  lasse  in  reputacicmn 

Stilbon  pat1  was  I-holde  a  wis  embasikwr     [;«<*/ i89,&aefr] 

was  sent1  in  to  Corinthe  with  gret1  honowr  604 

Fro  lacidome  to  make  hir  alliaunce 

And  whan  him  cam  him  happede  par  chaunoe  / 

That1  alle  pe  grettest1  fat1  were  ofH  fat1  lond  / 

Playing1  atte  hasard  he  hem  fond  608 

For  which  as  soone  as  it  mighte  be 

He  stal  him  boom  a3ein  to  his  centre 

And  saide  ther  I  nyl  noi^t1  lese  my  name 

I  nyl  not1  take  on  me  so  gret1  diffame  612 

3o\v  for  to  allie  vnto  noon  hasardoures  / 

Sendeth  operwise  embasitoures 

For  by  my  troupe  me  were  leuer  dye 

Than  I  }ow  scholde  /  to  hasardours  allye  /  616 

For  $e  pat1  ben  so  glorious  in  honoures 

Schal  not1  allie  $ow  with  hasardoures 

As  by  my  wil  /  ne  as  by  my  trete 

This  wise  philosophre  pus  sayd  he  620 

lo  eek1  pat1  pe  king1  Demetrius 

The  king1  of1  Parthes  as  pe  saith  vs 

Sent1  him  a  paire  dees  of1  gold  in  scorn 

For  he  had  vsed  tauern  per  toi'orn  624 

For  which  he  hield  his  gloir  and  his  renoun 

At1  no  valieu  or  reputaciown 

Lordes  may  fynde  oper  maner  play 

Honest1  ynough  to  dryue  away  pe  day  628 

Now  wol  I  speke  of1  opes  fals  and  grete  / 

A  word  or  tuo  as  oper  bookes  entrete 

Gret1  swering1  is  a  ping1  abhominable 

And  fals  swering1  is  more  reprouable 


SIX-TEXT    323 

GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    435 

The  hyhe  god  forbad  sweryng1  at1  al  / 
witnes  on  Mathew  but*  in  special 
Of*  sweryng1  saith  pe  holy  leremye 

Thou  schalt1  say  soth  pin  opes  and  not1  lye  636 

And  swere  in  doom  and  eek1  in  rightwisnes 
But1  ydel  sweryng1  is  a  cursednes 
Bihold  and  se  per  in  pe  firste  table 

Of1  hihe  goddes  heste  honurable  /  6^0 

How  pat1  pe  secounde  heste  is  this  [>a/i9oj 

Tak1  not1  in  ydel  ne  his  name  amys 
Lo  he  rather  forbedith  such  sweryng1 

Than  homicide  or  many  a  corsed  ping1  644 

I  say  as  by  order  pus  it  stondith 
This  knoweth  ho  pat1  pe  hestes  vnderstondeth 
how  pat  pe  second  hest1  of*  god  is  that 
And  forpermore  I  wol  pe  telle  a  plat1  648 

The  vegance  schal  not1  parte  fro  his  hous 
That1  of1  his  othes  is  outrageous 
By  goddes  precious  hert1  and  by  his  nayles 
And  by  pe  blood  of1  crist1  pat/  is  in  hayles  652 

Seuen  is  my  chaunce  and  also  cink1  and  tray 
By  goddis  armes  and  pou  falsly  play 
This  daggere  schal  Jmrgh  pin  herte  goo 
This  fruyt1  come])  of1  pe  bicchid  boones  tuo  656 

Forswering1  Ire  /  falsnes  homicide  / 
Now  for  pe  loue  of1  crist1  pat1  for  vs  dyde 
leueth  }oure  othis  bope  gret1  and  smale 
But  sires  now  wol  I  telle  for]>  my  tale  660 

These  riottours  J>re  /  of1  which  I  ^ou  tello 
longe  erst1  pan  prime  rong1  eny  belle 
were  set1  hem  in  a  tauern  for  to  drynke 
And  as  pay  saf  pay  herd  a  belle  clinke  664 

Biforn  a  corps  was  caried  to  pe  graue 
That1  oon  of1  hem  gan  calle  vnto  his  knaue 
Go  bet1  quop  he  and  axe  redily 

what*  corps  is  pat  passeth  her  forp  by  668 

2  F  2 


324    SIX-TEXT 

436    GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

And  loke  f  ou  report  his  name  wel 

Sire  quod  he  but1  fat1  nedef  neuer  a  del 

It1  was  me  told  er  36  com  heer  tuo  houres 

He  was  par  dy  an  old  felaw  of1  ^oures  672 

And  sodeinly  he  was  I-slayn  to  night1 

Fordronk1  as  he  sat1  on  his  bench  vprigfrt1 

Ther  com  a  priue  thef1  men  clepen  deth 

That1  in  fis  centre  al  fe  peple  sleth  676 

And  with  his  spere  he  smot1  his  hert1  a  tuo 

And  went1  his  way  wif  oute  wordes  mo 

he  haf  a  fousand  slayn  fis  pestilence  \ieaf\w,  bade] 

And  maister  er  $e  come  in  his  presence  /  C80 

Me  f  inkef  fat1  it  is  ful  necessarie  / 

For  to  be  war  of1  such  an  aduersarie 

Bef  redy  for  to  meete  him  euermore 

Thus  taughte  me  my  dame  I  say  nomore  684 

By  seinte  mary  sayde  f  e  tauerner 

The  child  saif  sof  for  he  haf  slayn  fis  3eer 

Hens  ouer  a  myle  wif  inne  a  gret1  village 

Bofe  man  and  wo?mnan.  child  and  page  688 

I  trowe  his  habitaciown  be  fere 

To  ben  auysed  gret1  wisdom  it  were 

Er  fat1  he  dede  a  man  fat1  dishonour 

30  goddis  armes  quod  fis  ryottour  692 

Is  it1  such  peril  with  him  for  to  meete  / 

I  schal  him  seeke  by  way  and  eek1  by  strete 

I  make  avow  to  goddis  digne  boones 

Herknef  felaws  we  fre  ben  al  oones  696 

let1  ech  of1  vs  hold  vp  his  hond  to  other 

And  ech  of1  vs  bycome  of  eres  brof  er 

And  we  wil  slee  fis  false  traitour  deth 

He  schal  be  slayne/  that1  so  many  sleeth  700 

By  goddis  dignete  er  it  be  night1 

Togideres  han  f  ese  fre  here  trouf es  plight 

To  lyue  and  deye  ech  of1  he  wif  of  er 

As  f  ough  he  were  his  oughne  sworne  brof  er  704 


SIX-TEXT    325 

GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    437 

And  vp  f  ai  startyn  al  dronke  in  f  is  rage  / 

And  for])  f  ai  goon  towardes  fat1  village 

Of*  which  f  e  tauerner  hajj  spoke  biforn 

And  many  a  grisly  oth  fan  han  fay  sworn  708 

And  cristes  blessed  body  fay  torent 

Deth  schal  be  deed  if1  fat1  fay  may  him  hent 

Eight1  as  fay  wolde  haue  torned  ouer  a  style 

whan  f  ai  han  goon  nought1  fully  a  myle  712 

An  old  man  and  a  pore  with  hem  mette 

This  olde  man  f  ul  mekely  hem  grette  / 

And  saide  f  us  lordynges  god  30 w  se 

The  proudest1  of1  fe  ryotoures  f  re  716 

Answerd  ajein.  what1  carle  wif  meschaunce1        |>a/i9i] 

why  artow  al  forwrapped  saue  fi  face         ll  after 'LUI  'anansf 

whi  lyuest1  f  ou  in  so  gret  an  age 

This  olde  man  gan  loke  on  his  visage  720 

And  saide  ]ms  for  fat  I  can  not  fynde  / 

A  man  f ougfi.  fat1 1  walke  in  to  Inde 

Neif  er  in  Cite  noon  ne  in  village 

That1  wol  chaunge  his  3ouf e  for  myn  age  72-4 

And  f  erfore  moot1 1  haue  myn  age  stille  / 

As  longe  tyme  as  it  is  goddes  wille 

And  deth  alias  ne  wil  not  haue  my  lif* 

Thus  walk1 1  lik1  a  resteles  caytif1  728 

And  on  f  e  ground  which  is  my  modres  gate 

I  knokke  with  my  staf1  erly  and  late 

And  saye  leeue  moder  let1  me  In 

Lo  how  I  wane  fleisch .  and  blood  and  skyn  732 

Alias  whan  schuln  my  boones  ben  at  rest1 

Moder  with  jow  wil  I  chaunge  my  chest/ 

That1  in  my  chamber .  longe  tyme  haf  be 

3e  for  an  haire  clout/  to  wrap  in  me  736 

But1  jet1  to  me  sche  wil  not1  do  fat  grace 

For  which  ful  pale  and  welkid  is  my  face 

But1  sires  to  $ow .  it  is  no  curtesye 

To  speke  vnto  an  old  man  vilonye  740 


326    SIX-TEXT 

438    GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

But  he  trespas  in  word  or  elles  dede 

In  holy  writ1  36  may  ^our  self  wel  rede 

A^ens  an  old  man  hoor  vpon  his  hede 

3e  schold  arise  wherefor  I  }ow  rede  /  744 

Ne  doth  vnto  an  old  man  more  harm  now 

Na  more  pan  30  wolde  men  dede  to  3ow  \ 

In  age .  if1  pat1  36  may  so  long1  abyde 

And  god  be  with  3011  /  wlier*  so  30  go  or  ryde  748 

I  moot1  go  pider  as  I  haue  to  goo 

Nay  olde  cherl  by  god  thou  schalf  not  so 

Sayde  pat1  oper  hasardour  anoon 

Thou  partist1  no^t1  so  lightly  by  seintt  lohn  752 

Thou  spat  right1  now  of1  pat  traytowr  dep       [feo/wi.&ac*] 

That1  in  pis  contre  alle  oure  frendes  slep 

Haue  her  my  troutB  as  pou  art1  his  aspye  / 

Tel  wher  he  is  or  elles  pou  schalf  dye  /  756 

Ey  god  and  by  pat1  holy  sacrament/ 

For  soply  pou  art1  oon  of1  his  assent 

To  schewe  vs  3onge  folk1  pe  false  theef1 

Now  sires  pan  if1  pat1  30 w  be  so  leef1  760 

To  fynde  de]>  torn  vp  pis  croked  way 

For  in  pat1  groue  I  laft1  him  by  my  fay 

Vnder  a  tree  and  per  he  wil  abyde 

Ne  for  3our  bost1  he  nyl  him  no  ping1  hyde  764 

Se  36  pat1  ook1  right1  per  36  schuln  him  fynde 

God  saue  3ow  pat1  bought1  a3ein  mankynde 

And  3ow  amend  pus  sayde  pis  olde  man 

And  euerich  of1  pese  riotoures  ran  768 

Til  pay  come  to  the  tre  and  ther  pay  fownde 

Of1  florins  fyn  of1  gold  y-coyned  rounde 

wel  neygh  a  seuen  busshels  as  me  thought1 

No  lenger  panne  after  dep  pay  sought  772 

But1  ech  of1  hem  so  glad  was  of1  pat1  sight 

For  pat1  pe  florens  so  faire  were  and  bright 

That  doun  pai  sette  hem  by  pat  precious  hord 

The  Congest1  of1  hem  spak/  pe  firste  word  776 


SIX-TKXT    327 

GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    439 

Breperen  take))  keep  what  I  schal  say 

My  witte  is  gret1  pougfi.  pafr  I  bourde  and  play 

This  tresour  ha])  fortune  to  vs  ^iuen 

In  mirth  and  iolyte  our  lif1  to  lyuen  780 

And  lightly  as  it  comth  so  wil  we  speiide 

Ey  goddis  precious  dignite  who  wende 

To  day  pafr  we  schuld  haue  so  fair  a  grace 

But  might*  pis  gold  be  caried  fro  pis  place  784 

Horn  to  myn  hous  or  ellis  vnto  ^oures 

For  wel  I  wot1  pat  pis  gold  is  nou^fr  cures 

Than  were  we .  in  heyh  felicite 

But  trewely  by  day  it  may  not1  be  788 

Men  wolde  say  pat1  we  were  peues  stronge  / 

And  for  oure  tresour  doon  vs  for  to  honge 

This  tresour  moste  caried  be  by  night1  [?e«/i92] 

As  wysly  and  as  slely  as  it  might  792 

wherfore  I  rede  pat1  cut1  among1  vs  alle 

Be  drawe  and  let1  se  wher  pe  cut1  wil  falle 

He  pat1  hap  pe  cut1  wip  herte  blipe/ 

Schal  renne  to  pe  toun  and  pat1  i'ul  s withe  796 

To  bring1  vs  bred  and  wyn  f ul  phuely 

And  tuo  of1  vs  schal  kepe  subtilly 

This  tresour  wel  and  if1  he  wil  not1  tarie 

whan  it1  is  night1  we  wol  pis  tresour  carie  800 

By  oon  assent1  per  as  vs  likep  best/ 

That1  oon  of1  hem  pe  cut/  brought1  in  his  fest/ 

And  bad  hem  drawe  and  loke  wher  it  wil  falle 

And  it  fel  on  pe  3ongestf  of1  hem  alle  /  804 

And  forp  toward  pe  toun  he  went  anoon 

And  al  so  soone  as  he  was  agoon 

That1  oon  of*  hem  .  spak1  vnto  pat  oper 

Throw  wost/  wel  pat1  pou  art1  my  sworne  broper  808 

Thy  profytt  wol  I .  telle  pe  anoon 

Thow  wost1  wel  pat1  our  felaw  is  a-goon 

And  her  is  gold  and  pat1  ful  gret  plente 

schal  departed  be  among1  vs  pre  /  812 


328    SIX-TEXT 

440    GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

But*  naf  eles  if* 1  can  schape  it  so 

That1  it  departed  were  bitwix  vs  tuo 

had  I  not1  doon  a  frendes  torn  to  f  e  / 

That1  ofer  answerd  I  not1  how  fat*  may  be/   .  816 

he  wot1  wel  fat*  f  e  gold  is  wij)  vs  tway 

what  schulde  we  fan  do  what1  schuld  we  say 

Schal  it  be  counsail  sayde  f  e  ferste  schrewe 

And  I  schal  telle  fe  in  wordes  fewe  /  820 

what1  we  schul  doon  and  bringe  it  wel  aboute 

I  graunte  quod  fat*  other  wif  oute  doute 

That1  by  my  troupe  I  wil  f  e  nought  bywray 

Now  quod  fe  first1  f  ou  wost1  wel  we  ben  tway  824 

And  two  of1  vs  schuln  stronger  be  fan  oon 

lok1  whanne  he  is  sett1  and  fat1  anoon 

Arys  as  f  ou  woldest1  with  him  pleye 

And  I  schal  ryf1  him  thurgfi.  f  e  sydes  tweye  828 

whils  fou  strogelest  wif  him  as  in  game       o«/i92,&acit,j 

And  with  f  i  dagger  loke  fou  do  f  e  same 

And  fan  schal  al  f e  gold  departed  be 

My  dere  frend  bitwixe  f  e  and  me  832 

Than  may  we  oure  lustes  fulfille 

And  play  at1  dees  right1  at1  our  owne  wille 

And  f  us  accorded  ben  f  ese  schrewes  twayn 

To  sle  f  e  f  ridde  .  as  36  herd  me  sayn  836 

This  Congest/  which  fat1  wente  to  f  e  toun 

Ful  fast1  in  hert/  he  rollith  vp  and  doun 

The  beaute  of1  f  e  florins  newe  and  bright1 

0  lord  quod  he  if1  so  were  fat1 1  might1  840 

Haue  al  f  is  gold  vnto  my  self*  alloone 

Ther  is  no  man  fat*  lyueth  vnder  fe  troone 

Of1  gold  fat  schulde  lyue  so  mery  as  I 

And  atte  last*  fe  feend  oure  enemy  844 

Put*  in  his  fought*  fat*  he  schuld  poysomi  beye 

wif  which  he  mighte  sle  his  felaws  tweye 

Eor-why  f  e  feend  fond  him  in  such  lyuynge 

That1  he  had  leue  to  sorwe  him  to  bryuge  848 


SIX-TEXT  329 
GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    441 

For  pis  witterly .  was  his  entent 

To  slen  hem  bope  and  neuer  to  repent/ 

And  forth  he  go])  no  lenger  wold  he  tary 

In  to  pe  toun  vnto  a  potecary  /  852 

And  prayde  him  pat1  he  him  wolde  selle 

Som  poysoun  pat1  he  might1  his  rattis  quelle 

And  eek1  per  was  a  polkat1  in  his  hawe  / 

As  he  sayde  his  capouns  had  I-slawe  /  856 

And  said  he  wold  him  wreke  ifH  pat1  he  might1 

On  vermyn  pat1  destroyed  him  by  night 

Thapotecary  answerd  and  pou  schalt1  haue 

A  ping1  pat1  also  god  my  soule  sane  860 

In  al  pis  world  per  nys  no  creature 

That1  ete  or  dronk1  had  of*  pis  confecture 

Nought1  but1  pe  mountaunce  of1  a  corn  of1  whete 

That1  he  ne  schuld  his  lif1  anoon  forlete  /  864 

3e  sterue  he  schal  and  pat1  in  lasse  while 

Than  Jjou  wilt1  goon  a  paas  not1  but1  a  myle  / 

The  poysoun  is  so  strong1  and  violent  [wias] 

This  cursed  man  hap  in  his  bond  I-hent1  868 

This  poysoun  in  a  box  &  sins  he  ran 

In  to  pe  nexte  stret1  vnto  a  man 

And  borwed  him  large  botels  pre 

And  in  pe  two  his  poysoun  poured  he  872 

The  prid  he  keped  clene  for  his  drynke 

For  al  pe  night1  he  schop  him  for  to  swynke 

In  carying1  the  gold  out1  of1  pat1  place 

And  whan  pis  riotour  with  sory  grace  876 

had  fillid  with  wyn  his  botels  J>re 

To  his  felaws  a^ein  repaireth  he 

what1  nedith  if  to  sermown  it  more 

For.  right1  as  pay  had  cast/  his  deth  bifore  880 

Right1  so  pay  ban  him  slayn  and  pat  anoon 

And  whan  pis  was  I-doon  pan  spak1  pat1  oon 

Now  let1  vs  drynk1  and  sitte  and  make  vs  mcry 

And  sippen  we  wil  his  body  bery  884 


330    SIX-TEXT 

442    GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

And  afterward  it1  happed  hem  par  cas 

To  take  pe  botel  per  pe  poysoun  was 

And  drank1  and  -$&$  his  felaw  drink1  also 

For  which  pay  sterued  bope  tuo  888 

But1  certes  I  suppose  pat1  amycen 

wrot1  neuer  in  Canozm  ne  in  non  fen 

Mo  wonder  sorwes  of1  empoisonyng1 

Thus  hadde  pese  wrecches  tuo  here  endyng1  892 

Thus  endid  been  pese  homicides  tuo 

And  eek1  pe  fals  empoysoner  also  / 

0  cursed  synne  ful  of1  cursednesse 

0  traytorous  homicidy  o  wikkednesse  896 

0  glotony  luxurie  and  hasardrye  / 
Thou  blasphemour  of1  crist1  with  vilanye 
And  opes  grete  of*  vsage  and  of*  pride 

Alias  mankynde  how  may  it  bytyde  900 

Ther  to  py  creatour  which  pat1  pe  wrought1 

And  wip  his  precious  herte  blood  pe  bought1 

Thou  art1  so  fals  and  so  vnkynde  alias 

Now  good  men  god  for^eue  $ow  3our  trespas  904 

And  ware  ^ow  fro  pe  synne  of1  auarice          [leaf  193,  &<»<*] 

Myn  holy  pa;-doun  may  }ou  alle  warice 

So  pat1 36  offren  noblis  or  starlinges 

Or  elles  siluer  spones  broches  or  rynges  908 

Eowip  3our  hedes  vnder  pis  holy  bulle 

Comep  forp  36  wyues  and  offrep  3our  wolle 

3our  names  I  entre  her  in  my  rolle  anoon 

In  to  pe  blis  of1  heuen  schul  $e  goon  9^12 

1  3ow  assoile  by  myn  heyh  power 

If1  36  woln  ofifre  as  clene  and  eek1  als  cler 

As  30  were  born .  and  sires  lo  pus  I  preche  / 

And  Ihu  crist1  pat1  is  oure  soules  leche  916 

So  graunte  $ow  his  pardoun  to  receyue 

For  pat1  is  best*  I  wil  not1  3ow  disceyuo 

But1  sires  o  word  fo^at1 1  in  my  tale  / 

I  haue  reliks  and  pardown  in  my  male  /  . .      920 


SIX-TEXT    331 

GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    443 

As  fair  as  eny  man  in  Eugelond 

which  were  me  I-^eue  by  popes  hond 

If*  eny  of1  }ow  wol  of1  deuocioun 

Offren  and  haue  myn  absoluciown  924 

Cometh  forth  anott  knelith  her  a-doun 

And  36  schul  haue  here  my  pa?-down 

Or  elles  takith  pardozm  as  36  wende 

Al  newe  and  freissch  at1  euery  townes  ende  928- 

So  J)afr  30  offren  alway  new  and  newe  / 

Nobles  and  pens  which  pat1  ben  good  and  trewe  / 

It1  is  an  honur  to  euery  jmt1  is  heer 

That1  may  haue  a  suffisawnt1  pardoner  932 

Tassoile  30  w  in  contre  as  30  ryde 

For  auen tures  which  fat1  may  bytyde 

For  prtraunter  •  J>er  may  falle  oon  or  tuo 

Doun  of1  his  hors  and  breke  his  nekke  a-tuo  936 

luke  such  a  seurete  is  to  3ou  alle 

That  I  am  in  3our  felaschip  I-falle 

That1  may  assoyle  3ou  bofe  more  and  lasse 

whan  fat1  )>e  soule  schal  fro  }>e  body  passe  940 

I  rede  pat1  oure  hoste  schal  bygynne 

For  he  is  most1  enuoliped  in  synne 

Com  for])  sire  ost1  and  offer  first1  anoon  [*«tf  IM] 

And  J?ou  schaltt  kisse  J>e  reliquis  euerichoon  944 

3e  for  a  grote  vnbocle  fi  purs 

Nay  nay  quod  he  pan  haue  I  cristes  curs 

let1  be  quod  he  it  schal  not1  be  so  theech 

Thou  woldest  make  me  kisse  ])in  olde  breech  948 

And  swere  it  were  a  relit  of1  a  seyntt 

Though  it  were  wijj  J>i  foundement  depeynt 

But1  by  J>e  cros  which  fiat1  seynt  heleyn  fond 

I  wold  I  had  J>y  coylons  in  myn  hond  952 

In  stede  of1  reliks  or  of1  seintuary  / 

let1  cuf  hem  of1 1  wol  help  hem  to  cary 

Thay  schul  be  schryned  in  an  hogges  tord 

This  pardoner  answerde  natf  o  word  956 


332    SIX-TEXT 

444    GROUP  C.    §  4.    PARDONER'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

So  wroj)  he  was  he  wolde  no  word  say 

Now  quod  oure  host1 1  wol  no  lenger  play 

wif  f  e  ne  with  noon  of  er  angry  man 

But*  right*  anoon  fis  worthy  knight*  bygan  960 

whan  J>at  he  saugh  fat1  al  f  e  peple  lough 

No  more  of*  fis  for  it  is  right1  ynough 

Sir  pardoner  he  glad  and  mery  of1  cheere 

And  30  sir  host*  fat  ben  to  me  so  deere  964 

I  pray  $ow  fat*  30  kisse  f  e  pardoner 
And  pardoner  I  pray  $ow  drawef  }ow  ner 
And  as  we  dede  let1  vs  laugh  and  play 

Anoon  fay  kisse  and  riden  forf  her  way  /  963 

II  Here  endeth  f  e  pardoneres  tale 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    168 

GROUP  B.    §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    445 


GROUP  B,    0-  FRAGMENT  III.) 

§  4.    THE  SHIPMAN'S  TALE. 


IF  Here  bygynneth  J>e  Schipman  his  tale/ 

AMarchawnt1  whilom  dwelled  at*  seint  Denys 
That1  riche  was  for  which  men  hild  him  wys 
A  wyf1  he  had  of*  excellent1  beaute 
And  companable  and  reuerent1  was  sche 
—  which  is  a  Jnng1  fat  causeth  more  despence 

Than  worth  is  al  J>e  cher  and  reuerence  1196 

That1  men  doon  hem  at1  festes  or  at  daunces 

Such  salutaciozms  and  continaunces 

Passeth  as  do])  j?e  schadow  on  a  wal 

But1  wo  is  him  fat1  paye  moot1  for  al  1200 

The  sely  housbond  algat1  moste  pay  [>a/i94,  back'} 

He  most1  vs  clojje .  in  ful  good  array 

Al  for  his  oughne  worschip  richely 

In  which  array  we  daunce  iolily  1204 

And  if1  jjat1  he  may  not1  parauenture 

Or  elles  wil  not/  such  dispens  endure 

But1  ]>ynke}>  it  is  wasted  and  I-lost1 

Than  moot1  anojjer  paye  for  oure  cost1  1208 

Or  lene  vs  gold  and  Jjat1  is  perilous 

The  worjjy  marchawnt1  huld  a  noble  hous/ 

For  which  he  hadde  alday  gret1  repair 

For  his  largesce  and  for  his  wyf1  was  fair  1212 

what1  wonder  is  but  herknej)  to  my  tale 

Amonges  al  Jjese  gestes  gret1  and  smale  / 

Ther  was  a  monk1  a  fair  man  and  a  bold 

I  trowe  Jjritty  wynter  he  was  old  1216 

That1  euer  in  oon  was  drawyng1  to  J>at  place  / 

This  jonge  monk1  fat1  was  so  fair  of1  face 


169    SIX-TEXT 

446     GEOUP  B.     §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Aqueynted  was  so  wif  f  e  goode  man 

Sif  fat1  her  firste  knowleche  bygaii  1220 

That1  in  his  hous  as  familier  was  he  / 

As  if  possibil  is  a  frend  to  be 

And  for  as  mochil  as  f  is  goode  man 

And  eek1  fis  monk1  of1  which  fat1  I  bygan  1224 

were  bof  e  tuo  I-born  in  oon  village  / 

The  monk1  him  claymeth  as  for  cosynage 

And  he  a^ein  he  saith  nat1  oones  nay 

But1  was  as  glad  fer  of  as  foul  of1  day  1228 

For  to  his  hert1  it  was  a  gret1  plesaunce  / 

Thus  ben  fay  knyt1  wif  eterne  alliaunce 

And  ilk1  of*  hem  gan  of  er  to  assure  / 

Of1  broferhed  whil  fat1  her  lif1  may  dure  1232 

Fre  was  daun  John  and  manly  of1  despence  / 

As  in  fat1  hous  and  ful  of1  diligence 

To  do  plesannce  and  also  gretf  costage 

He  nought1  format1  to  ^eue  fe  leste  page  1236 

In  al  fat1  hous  but1  after  her  degre  / 

He  ^af1  f  e  lord  and  sif  f  en  f  e  meyne  / 

whan  faf  he  com  som  maner  honest1  fing1  [7««/i95] 

For  which  fay  were  as  glad  of1  his  comyng1  1240 

As  foul  is  fayn .  whan  fat  f e  sonne  vprisef 

No  mor  of1  f  is  as  now  for  it  sumsef 

But1  so  bifel  f  is  marchaunt  on  a  day  / 

Schop  him  to  make  redy  his  array  /  1244 

Toward  f  e  toun  of*  Bruges  for  to  fare  / 

To  byen  f  er  a  porciozm  of1  ware 

For  which  he  hath  to  paris  sent1  anoon 

A  messanger  and  prayed  had  dan  lohn  1248 

That1  he  schuld  come  to  seint  Denys  and  play 

with  him  and  wif  his  wyf1  a  day  or  tway 

Er  he  to  brigges  went1 .  in  alle  wise 

This  nobil  monk/  of1  which  I  }ow  deuyse  1252 

Haf  of1  his  abbot1  as  him  list1  licence 

By  cause  he  was  a  man  of1  heih  prudence 


SIX- TEXT    170 

GROUP  B.    §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     447 

And  eek1  an  officer  out/  for  to  ryde  / 

To  se  her  graunges  and  her  bernes  wyde  /  1256 

And  vnto  seint  denys  he  come])  anoon 

who  was  so  welcome  as  my  lord  dan  John 

Oure  deere  cosyn  ful  of1  curtesie  / 

with  him  brought1  he  a  lubbe  of1  maluesie  1260 

And  eek/  anoj>er  ful  of1  wyn  vernage 

And  volantyn  as  ay  was  his  vsage 

And  Jms  I  lete  hem  ete  and  drynk1  and  play 

This  marchawnt1  and  Jus  monk1  a  day  or  tway  1264 

The  jjridde  day  £is  marchaund  vp  he  riseth 

And  on  his  needes  sadly  him  auyseth 

And  vp  in  to  his  countour  hous  go]?  he 

To  rekyn  wij>  himself1  as  wel  may  be  /  1263 

Of  Jnlke  $er  how  Jmt1  it  with  him  stood 

And  how  J?afr  he  dispended  had  his  good 

And  if*  J?afr  he  encresced  were  or  noon 

His  bookes  and  his  bagges  many  oon)  1272 

He  haj)  byforn  him  on  his  counter  bord 

For  riche  was  his  tresor  and  his  hord 

For  which  ful  fast1  his  countowr  dore  he  schette 

And  eek*  he  wolde  no  man  schold  him  lette  1276 

Of*  his  accomptes  for  ]>e  mene  tyme  /  [leaf  105,  AO<*J 

And  ]ms  he  sat1  til  it  was  passed  prime 

Dan  lofcn  was  risen  in  ]>e  morn  also 

And  in  the  gardyn  walkith  to  and  fro  1280 

And  hajj  his  fringes  said  ful  curteisly 

This  good  wyf1  com  walkyng1  ful  priuely 

In  to  a  gardyn  Jjer  he  walke]?  softe 

And  him  salue])  as  sche  ha])  doon  ful  ofte  1284 

A  mayde  child  com  in  hir  compaignie 

which  as  hir  list1  sche  may  gouerne  and  gye 

For  ^it1  vnder  J?e  ^erde  was  £e  mayde 

0  dere  cosyn  myn  dan  lofrn  sche  sayde  1288 

what1  aylej)  $ow  so  ra])e  to  arise 

quod  he  it  aught1  ynough  suffise 


171    SIX-TEXT 

448     GROUP  B.    §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Fyue  houres  for  to  slepe  a  night1 

But1  it1  were  for  eny  old  palled  wight1  1292 

As  ben  f  ese  weddid  men  fat1  lye  and  dare 

As  in  a  forme  lif  a  wery  hare 

were  al  forstraught1  with  houndes  gret1  and  smale 

But1  dere  nece  why  be  30  so  pale  /  1296 

I  trowe  certis  fat1  oure  goode  man 

hath  on  3ow  laborid  sith  f  e  night1  bygan 

That1  3ow  were  nede  to  resten  hastiliche 

And  with  fat1  word  he  lowgh"  ful  meriliche  1300 

And  of1  his  owne  fought1  he  was  al  reed 

This  faire  wyf1  bygan  to  schake  hir  heed 

And  sayde  f  us  36  god  wot1  al  quod  sche  / 

Nay  cosyn  myn  it  stant1  not1  so  wif  me  1304 

For  by  fat1  god  fat1  3af1  me  soule  and  lif1 

In  al  f  e  reme  of1  Fraunce  is  per  no  wif1 

That1  lasse  lust1  hap  to  fat1  sory  play 

For  I  may  synge  /  alias  and  waylaway  1308 

That1 1  was  born  but1  to  no  wight1  quod  sche 

Dar  I  not1  telle  how  it  stont1  wif  me 

Wherfor  I  fink1  out1  of1  f is  lond  to  wende 

Or  elles  of1  my  self1  to  make  an  ende  1312 

So  ful  am  I  of1  drede  and  eek1  of1  care 

This  monk1  bygan  vpon  f  is  wif1  to  stare 

And  sayd  alias  my  nece  god  forbede  o«/i96] 

That1  30  for  eny  sorw  or  eny  drede  /  1316 

Fordo  3our  self1  but1  tellef  me  3our  greef1 

Parauenture  I  may  in  3oure  mescheef1 

Councel  or  help  and  f  erf  or  tellef  me 

Al  3our  annoy  for  it  schal  be  secre  1320 

For  on  my  portos  I  make  an  oth 

That1  neuer  in  my  lif1  for  lief1  ne  lof 

Schal  I  of1  no  counseil  3ou  bywray 

The  same  a3ein  quod  sche  to  3ow  I  say  1324 

By  god  and  by  f  is  portos  wil  I  swere 

Though  men  me  wolde  al  in  peces  tere 


SIX-TEXT    172 

GROUP  B.    §  4.     SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     449 

Ne  schal  I  neuer  for  to  go  to  helle  / 

Bywreye  word .  of1  Jring1  fat1  ^e  me  telle  1 328 

Not1  for  no  cosynage  ne  alliaunce 

But1  verrayly  for  loue  and  affiaunce 

Thus  ben  fay  sworn  and  her-vpon  I-kist1 

And  ilk1  of*  hem  told  ofer  what1  hem  list1  1332 

Cosyn  quod  sche  if1  fat1  I  had  a  space  / 
As  I  haue  noon  and  namly  in  f  is  place 
Then  wold  I  telle  a  legend  of  my  lyf1 
what1 1  haue  suffred  sif  I  was  a  wyf1  1336 

wif  myn  housbond  f  ough  he  be  }our  cosyn 
Nay  quod  f  is  monk1  by  god  and  seint  martyn 
He  is  no  more  cosyn  vnto  me 

Than  is  fis  leef1  fat1  hongef  on  f  e  tre  1310 

I  clepid  him  so  by  seint1  Denis  of1  Frauwce 
To  haue  f  e  more  cause  of1  acqueyntawnce 
Of  30  w  which  I  haue  loued  specially 

Abouen  alle  wo?7imen  sikerly  1344 

This  swere  I  }ow  on  my  profession 
Tellith  ^oure  greef1  lest1  fat1  he  come  a  doun 
And  hasteth  $ow  and  go]?  ^our  way  anoon 
My  deere  loue  quod  sche .  0  dan  lohn  1348 

Ful  leef1  me  were  fis  counseil  to  hyde 
But1  out1  it  moot1  it  may  no  more  abyde 
Myn  housbond  is  to  me  jje  worste  man) 
That1  euer  was  sijjjje  fie  world  bigan  1352 

But  si])  I  am  a  wif1  it  sit  nought1  me  [leaf  \w,  back] 

To  telle  eny  wight  of1  oure  priuete 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

God  schilde  I  scholde  telle  it  for  his  grace  /  1356 

A  wyf  ne  schal  not1  say  of1  hir  housbonde 

But1  al  honour  as  I  can  vnderstonde 

Saue  vnto  $ow  Jms  moche  telle  I  schal 

As  help  me  god  he  is  not1  worjj  at1  al  1360 

In  no  degre  J> e  valieu  of1  a  flie 

But1  ^it1  me  greueth  most1  his  nigardye 

CANT.  TALES. HAUL.  2    Q 


173    SIX-TEXT 

450    GROUP  B.    §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

And  wel  30  wot1  Jjat1  wymmen  naturelly 

Desiren  sixe  Jnnges  as  wel  as  I  1364 

They  wolde  Jjat1  here  housbondes  scholde  be 

hardy  and  wys  and  riche  and  fre  / 

And  buxom  to  his  wyf1  and  freisch  on  bedde 

But1  by  J>e  lord  fat1  for  vs  alle  bledde  1368 

For  his  honour  my  seluen  to  array 

A  sonday  next*  comyng1  31^  most1  I  pay 

An  hundred  frank1  or  elles  I  am  lorn) 

3it  were  me  leuer  fat1 1  were  vnborn)  1372 

Than  me  were  doon  a  sclaunder  or  vilenye  • 

And  if1  myn  housbond  eek1  might1  it  espie 

I  ner  but  lost1  and  ferfor  I  ^ow  pray 

[ 1376 


no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Tor  a  certein  day  I  wol  jow  pay  1380 

And  do  to  jow  what1  pleasaunce  and  seruise 

That1  I  may  do  right1  as  }ou  list  deuyse 

And  but  I  do  god  take  on  me  vengeaunce 

As  foul  as  hadde  Geneloun  of1  Fraunce  1384 

This  gentil  monk1  answard  in  f  is  manere 

Now  trewely  myn  owne  lady  deere  / 

I  haue  on  30  w  so  gret1  pite  and  reuthe  / 

That  I  3ow  swere  and  plighte  }ow  my  treufe  1388 

That1  whan  ^our  housbond  is  to  Flaundres  fare 

I  schal  deliuer  }ow  out1  of1  3oure  care 

For  I  wol  bringe  30 w  an  hundred  frankes  / 

And  with  fat1  word  he  caught1  hir  by  J>e  schankes         1392 

And  hir  embraced  hard  and  kist1  hir  ofte 

Goth  now  3our  way  quod  he  al  stille  and  softe  / 

And  let1  vs  dyne  as  sone  as  36  may 

For  by  my  chilindre  it  is  prime  of1  day         \ieaf  w\       1396 

Goth  now  and  beth  as  trew  as  I  schal  be  / 

Now  elles  god  forbede  sire  quod  sche  / 


SIX-TEXT    174 

GROUP  B.     §  4.     SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     451 

And  forf  sche  goth  as  ioly  as  a  pye  / 

And  bad  fe  cookes  fat1  fai  schold  hem  hye  /  1400 

So  fat1  men  myghte  dyne  and  fat1  anoon 

vp  to  hir  housbond  f  is  wif1  is  goon 

And  knokkef  at  /  his  dore  boldely 

Qy  la  quod  he .  peter  it  am  I  1404 

Quod  sche  how  longe  sire  wol  ^e  fast1 

how  longe  tyme  wol  36  reken  and  cast1 

3our  sommes  and  ^our  bokes  and  ^our  f  inges  / 

The  deuel  haue  part1  of1  alle  such  rekenynges  1403 

36  haue  I-nough  par  dy  of1  goddes  sonde  / 

Com  doun  to  day  and  let1  ^our  bagges  stonde 

Ne  be  36  not1  aschamed  that1  Daun  lolin 

Schal  al  day  fastyng1  f  us  elenge  goon  1412 

what1  let1  vs  hiere  masse  and  gowe  dyne 

wif\quod  fis  man  litel  canstow  diuine 

The  curious  besynesse  fat1  we  haue 

For  of1  vs  chapmen  so  god  me  saue  1416 

And  by  fat  lord  that1  cleped  is  seint1  lue 

Scarsly  among1  twelue  two  schuln  f  riue 

Continuelly  lastyng1  in  to  her  age 

we  may  wel  make  cheer  and  good  visage  1420 

And  dryue  forth  f  e  world  as  it  may  be 

And  kepen  our  estat1  in  priuete 

Til  we  be  deed  or  elles  fat1  we  play 

A  pilgrimage  or  goon  out  of1  fe  way  1424 

And  f  erfor  haue  I  /  gret1  necessite 

Vpon  f  is  queynte  world  to  auyse  me 

For  euermor  we  moste  stond  in  drede 

Of1  hap  and  fortun  /  in  our  chapmanhede  1428 

To  Flaundres  to  morw  at  day 

And  come  agayn  as  soone  as  I  may 

For  which  my  deere  wif1 1  f  e  byseeke 

And  be  to  euery  wight1  buxom  and  meeke  1432 

And  for  to  kepe  oure  good  be  curious 

And  honestly  gouerne  wel  our  hous  [leafw.back-} 

2    G    2 


175    SIX-TEXT 

452     GROUP  B.    §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Thou  hast1  ynough  in  euery  maner  wise 

That1  to  a  thrifty  housbond  may  suffise  1436 

The  lakkep  noon  array  ne  no  vitaile 

OF  siluer  in  py  purs  pou  mayst1  not  faile 

And  with  pat1  word  his  contour  dore  he  schitte 

And  doun  he  go])  no  lenger  wold  he  lette  1440 

And  hastily  a  masse  was  per  sayd 

And  spedily  pe  tables  were  I-layd 

And  to  pe  dyner  faste  pay  hem  spedde  / 

And  rychely  pis  Chapman  pe  monk1  fedde  /  1444 

And  after  dyner  daun  lofrn  sobrely 

This  chapman  took1  on  part1  and  priuely  / 

Sayd  him  Jms .  cosyn  it  stondeth  so 

That1  wel  I  se  to  brigges  wol  36  go  /  1448 

God  and  seint1  austyn  spede  $ou  and  gyde  / 

I  pray  ^ow  cosyn  wisly  pat1  30  ryde 

Gouerneth  ^ow  also  of1  ^our  diete 

Al  temperelly  and  namely  in  Jns  hete  1452 

Eitwix  vs  tuo  nedeth  no  straunge  fare 

Far  wel  cosyn .  god  schilde  }ou  fro  care 

IfH  eny  ping1  per  be  by  day  or  night1 

If1  it  lay  in  my  power  and  my  might1  145G 

That1  36  wil  me  comaunde  in  eny  wise 

It1  schal  be  doon  right1  as  36  wol  deuyse  / 

0  thing1  er  pat  30  goon  if1  it  might1  be  / 

1  wolde  pray  30 w  for  to  lene  me  14 GO 
An  hundred  frankes  for  a  wyke  or  tweye 

For  certeyn  bestis  pat1 1  moste  beye  / 

To  store  with  a  place  pat1  is  oures 

God  help  me  so  I  wolde  it  were  3oures  1434 

I  schal  not1  faile  seurly  of1  my  day 

Nought1  for  a  pousand  frankes  a  myle  way 

But1  let1  pis  ping1  be  secre  I  3ow  pray  / 

For  for  pe  bestis  pis  night1  most1 1  pay  1468 

And  fare  now  wel  myn  owne  cosyn  deere 

Graunt  mercy  of1  3our  cost1  and  of1  3our  cheere 


SIX-TEXT    176 

GROUP  B.     §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     453 

This  noble  marchauwt1  gentilly  anoon) 

Answerd  and  sayde.  0  cosyn  daun  lohn          [zea/ios]     1472 

Now  sikerly  J)is  is  a  smal  request1 

My  gold  is  3oures  whanne  fat1  $ow  lest/ 

And  nought1  oonly  gold  but1  my  chaffare  / 

Tak1  what1  }ow  liste  /  god  schilde  36  spare  1476 

But*  oon  fing1  is  30  know  it1  wel  ynough 

Of1  chapmen  fat1  her  money  is  here  plough 

we  may  creaunce  whils  we  haue  a  name 

But1  goldles  for  to  be  it  is  no  game  1480 

Pay  it  agayn  whan  it  lij>  in  ^our  ese  / 

After  my  might1  ful  fayn  wold  I  }ow  plese  / 

This  hundred  frankes  he  fet1  forth  anoon 

And  priuely  he  took1  hem  to  daun  lohn  1484 

No  wight1  in  al  J)is  world  wist1  of1  jns  loone 

Sauyng1  f  e  marchaund  and  dan  John  alloone 

Thay  drynke  &  speke  and  rome  a  while  and  play 

Til  fat1  dan  lohn  rydef  to  his  abbay  1488 

The  morwe  cam  and  forth  f  e  marchaund  rideth 

To  Flaundres-ward  his  prentis  wel  him  gydeth 

Til  fat/  he  cam  to  Brigges  merily 

Now  goth  fis  marchaund  faste  and  busily  1492 

Aboute  his  neede  and  bieth  and  creaunceth 

He  neither  pleyeth  atte  dys  ne  dauncef 

But1  as  a  marchaund  schortly  for  to  telle 

he  lad  his  lyf1  /  and  fer  I  let1  him  duelle  1496 

The  sonday  next1  f  e  marchaund  is  agoon 

To  seint1  denys  I-come  is  daun  lohn 

with  croune  and  berd  al  freisch  and  newe  I-schaue 

In  al  fe  hous  J)er  nas  so  litel  a  knaue  1500 

Ne  no  wight1  elles  jjat1  he  nas  ful  fayn 

For  fat1  my  lord  dan  lohn  was  come  agayn) 

And  schortly  to  J>e  poynte  for  to  gon 

This  faire  wif1  acordith  with  dan  lohn  1504 

That1  for  fese  hundred  frank1  he  schuld  al  night1 

Haue  hir  in  his  armes  bolt/  vpright1 


177    SIX-TEXT 

454    GROUP  B.    §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

And  f  is  acord  performed  was  in  dede  / 

In  mirth  al  night1  a  bisy  lif1  fay  lede  /  1508 

Til  it  was  day  fat1  dan  Iohn  went1  his  way 

And  bad  f  e  meigne  far  wel  haue  good  day     [/ea/ios,  back] 

For  noon  of1  hem  ne  no  wight1  in  f  e  toun 

Hath  of1  dan  lohn  right*  noon  suspeccioun  1512 

And  forth  he  rideth  hom  to  his  abbay 

Or  wher  him  list/  no  more  of*  him  I  say  / 

H  This  marchaund  whan  fat1  endid  was  f  e  faire 

To  seynt1  denys .  he  gan  to  repeire  /  1516 

And  with  his  wif*  he  make])  fesf  and  cheere 

And  tellith  hir  fat1  chaffar  is  so  deere 

That1  needes  most1  he  make  a  cheuisaunce 

For  he  was  bounde  in  a  reconisaunce  1520 

To  paye  twenty  f  ousand  scheldes  anoon 

For  which  )>is  marchaund  is  to  paris  goon 

To  borwe  of1  certeyn  frendes  fat  he  hadde  / 

A  certeiu  frankes  and  some  with  him  he  ladde  /  1524 

And  whan  fat1  lie  was  come  in  to  f  e  toun 

For  gret1  chiertee  and  gret1  affeccioun 

Vnto  Dan  Tohn  he  first1  goth  him  to  play 

JSTought1  for  to  borwe  of*  him  no  kyn  monay  1528 

But1  for  to  wite  and  se  of1  his  wel  fare 

And  for  to  telle  him  of1  his  chaffare 

As  frendes  doon  whan  fay  ben  met1  in.  fere 

Dan  lohn  him  maketh  fest1  and  mery  cheere  1532 

And  he  him  told  agayn  ful  specially 

How  he  had  bought1  right1  wel  and  graciously 

Thanked  be  god  /  al  his  marchaundise 

Saue  fat1  he  most1  in  alle  maner  wise  /  1536 

Maken  a  cheuyssauns  as  for  his  best1 

And  fan  he  schulde  be  in  ioye  and  rest* 

Dan  lohn  answerde  certis  I  am  fayn 

That1  39  in  hele  are  comen  hom  agayn  1540 

And  if1  fat1 1  were  riche  as  haue  I  blisse 

Of1  twenty  f  ousand  scheld  schuld  36  not  mysse 


SIX-TEXT    178 

GROUP  B.    §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7331     455 

For  36  so  kyndely  })is  ofer  day 

lente  me  gold  and  as  I  can  and  may  1544 

1  Jjanke  }ow  by  god  and  by  seint1  lame  / 

But1  najjeles  I  took*  it  to  oure  dame 

^oure  wif1  fe  same  gold  a^ein 

vpon  3our  bench,  sche  wot1  it  wel  certeyn       [^«/i99]     1548 

By  certein  toknes  fat1  I  can  hir  telle 

Now  by  3our  leue  I  may  no  lenger  duelle 

Oure  abbot1  wol  out1  of<  toun  anoon 

And  in  his  compaignye  moot1 1  goon  1552 

Grete  wel  oure  dame  my  nece  swete 

And  far  Avel  dere  cosyn  til  fat1  we  meete 

This  marchazmd  which  f  af  was  bof  e  war  and  wys  / 

Creaunced  haf  and  payed  eek1  in  parys/  1556 

To  certeyn  lombardes  recly  in  her  hond 

This  sommQ  of1  gold  and  took1  of1  hem  his  bond 

And  horn  he  go])  a  mery  as  a  popin  iay 

For  wel  he  knew  he  stood  in  such  array  15 GO 

That1  needes  most1  he  wynne  in  such  viage 

A  f  ousand  frankes  aboue  al  his  costage 

His  wyf1  redy  mette  him  at1  f  e  gate 

As  sche  was  wont1  of1  old  usage  algate  1564 

And  al  fat1  night1  in  mirf  e  fay  ben  sette 

For  he  was  riche  and  clerly  out  of1  dette 

whan  it  was  day  J)is  marchaund  gan  embrace 

his  wyf1  al  newe  and  kist1  hir  on  hir  face  1568 

And  vp  he  goth  and  maked  it  ful  tough 

No  more  quod  sche  by  god  }e  haue  ynougli 

And  wantounly  with  him  sche  lay  and  playde 

Till  atte  laste  ]ms  Jjis  marchaund  sayde  1572 

By  god  quod  he  I  am  a  litel  wrojj 

with  ^ow  my  wyf1  al]?ough  it  be  me  loth 

And  wite  36  why  by  god  as  fat1 1  gesse 

je  han  I-maad  a  maner  straungenesse  /  1576 

Bitwixe  me  and  my  cosyn  dan  lomi 

je  schold  haue  warned  me  er  I  had  goon 


179    SIX-TEXT 

456     GROUP  B.    §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

That1  he  $ow  had  an  hundred  frankes  payd 

By  redy  tokne  and  huld  him  en  el  appayd  1580 

For  pat1  I  to  him  spak1  of1  cheuysannce 

Me  semed  so  as  by  his  countenazmce 

But1  napeles  by  god  of1  heuen  king1 

[  poughe  nought1  to  axe  him  no  ping1  1584 

J  pray  pe  wif1  do  no  more  so 

Tel  me  alway  er  pat1  I  fro  pe  go  {leaf  i99,&acfr] 

If1  eny  dettour  haue  in  myn  absence 

I-payed  pe  lest1  in  py  necgligence  1588 

I  may  him  axe  a  ping1  pat1  he  hap  payed 

This  wyf1  was  not1  affered  ne  affrayed 

But1  holly  sche  sayde  and  pat1  anoon 

Mary  I  diffy  pat1  false  monk1  dan  lohn  1592 

I  kepe  not1  of1  his  tokenes  neuer  a  del 

he  took1  me  a  certeyn  gold/  pat1  wot1  I  wel 

what1  euel  thedom  on  his  monkes  snowte/ 

For  god  it  wot1 1  wende  wipoute  doute  1596 

That1  he  had  ^eue  it  me  by  cause  of1  $ow 

To  do  per  with  myn  honour  and  my  prow 

For  cosynage  and  eek1  for  bele  cheer 

That1  he  ha])  had  ful  ofte  tyme  heer  1600 

But1  synnes  fat1 1  stonde  in  pis  disioynt 

I  wol  answer  $ow  schortly  to  pe  poynt 

3e  han  mo  slakke  dettours  pan  am  I 

For  I  wol  pay  $ow  wel  and  redily  1604 

Fro  day  to  day  and  if1  so  be  I  faile 

I  am  ^our  wif1  score  it  vpon  my  taile 

And  I  schal  paye  it  as  soone  as  I  may 

For  by  my  troupe  I  haue  on  myn  array  1608 

And  nought1  on  wast1  bistowed  it  euery  del 

And  for  I  haue  bistowed  it  so  wel 

To  ^oure  honour  for  goddes  sake  I  say 

As  bep  nought  wrop  but1  let1  vs  laugh  and  play  /          1612 

3e  schul  my  ioly  body  haue  to  wedde/ 

By  god  I  wol  not*  pay  ^ow  but1  on  bedde  / 


STX-TEXT    180 

GROUP  B.    §  4.    SHIPMAN'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     457 

For^eue  it  me  myn  owne  spouse  deere  / 

Turne  hiderward  and  make  better  cheere  1616 

This  marchaund  saugli  noon  oj>er  remedy 

And  for  to  chide .  it  nas  but1  foly 

SiJ)  J)att  ]>Q  jnng1  may  not1  amendid  be  / 

wif1  he  sayde  /  and  I  forjiue  it  )>e  1620 

But1  by  Jn  lif1  ne  be  no  more  so  large 

keep  better  my  good  Jns  3iue  I  fie  in  charge 

Thus  endej)  now  my  tale  and  god  vs  sende 

Talyng1  ynough  vnto  our  lyues  ende  /  Araen  /  1624 

[Foot  of  page.     No  other  break  in  the  MS.] 


181    SIX-TEXT 

458  GROUP  B.  §  5.  SHIPMAN-PRIORESS  LINK.  Harleian  7334. 


WEI  sayd  by  corpus  boones  quod  oure  host1     [>a/2oo] 
Now  longe  mot1  f  ou  sayle  by  f  e  cost1 
Sir  gentil  maister  gentil  mariner 

God  3iue  fe  monk1  a  fousand  last1  quade^er  1628 

lialia  f  elaws  be  war  for  such  a  iape 
The  monk1  put1  in  f  e  mannes  hood  an  ape 
And  in  his  wyues  eek1  by  seint1  austyn) 
Drawef  no  monkes  more  vnto  ^our  In  1632 

But1  now  pasouer  and  let1  vs  loke  aboute 
who  schal  telle  first1  of1  al  f  is  route  / 
Anof  er  tale  /  and  wi]>  fat1  wif  fat1  word  he  sayde  / 
As  curteisly  as  it  had  ben  a  mayde  /  1636 

My  lady  prioresse  by  }our  leue 
So  fat1  I  wist1 1  scholde  $ow  not  greue 
I  wolde  deme  fat1  36  telle  scholde 

A  tale  next1  if1  so  were  fat1  ^e  wolde  /  1640 

Now  wol  36  vouche  sauf1  my  lady  deere  / 
Gladly  quod  sche  /  and  sayd  in  f  is  manere 

[Break  of  one  line  in  the  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    182 

GROUP  B.    §  6.    PRIORESS'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    459 


[THE  PKOEM.] 


OLord  oure  lord  py  name  how  merueylous 
Is  in  pis  large  world  I-sprad  quod  sche 
For  nought1  oonly  py  laude  precious 
Parformed  is  by  men  of1  heih  degre 

But1  by  mouthes  of1  children  py  bounte  IT  EX  ore  infancium  1647 
Parformed  is  on  oure  brest1  soukynge 
Som  tyme  sche  we  pay  pin  heriynge  1649 

[No  stanza-brealcs  in  the  MS.] 

\\  herfore  in  laude  as  I  best1  can  or  may  1650 

Of*  pe  and  of1  py  white  lily  flour 
which  pat1  pe  bar  and  is  a  mayde  alway 
To  telle  a  story  I  wil  do  my  labour 

Nought1  pat1 1  may  encresce  3oure  honour  1654 

For  sche  hir  silf1  /  is  honour  and  roote 
Of1  bounte  next1  hir  sone  and  soules  boote/  1656 

0  modir  mayde .  0  mayde  mooder  fre  /  1657 

0  bnssh  vnbrent/  brennyng1  in  Moises  sight/ 

That1  rauysshedest1  /  doun  fro  pe  deite 

Thurgh"  pin  .humblesse  pe  gost1  pat  in  pe  alight1 

Of1  whos  vertu  he  in  pin  herte  pigri  1661 

Conceyued  was  pe  fadres  sapience  [fca/2oo, 

help  me  to  telle  it  in  py  reuerence 


Lady  J)i  bounte  and  ]>y  magnificence  1664 

Thy  vertu  and  }>i  gret1  humilite 

Ther  may  no  tonge  expres  in  no  science 

For  som  tyme  lady  er  men  pray  to  ]>e  / 

Thow  gost1  biforn  of1  J)y  benignite  1668 

And  getist1  vs  })e  light1  Jmrgh  jjy  prayere  / 

To  gyden  vs  Jje  way  to  }>y  sone  sone  so  deere/  1670 


183    SIX-TEXT 

460    GROUP  B.    §  6.    PRIORESS'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

My  connyng1  is  to  weyk1  o  blisful  queene  1671 

For  to  declare  J?y  grete  worjnnesse 

That1 1  may  not1  jjis  in  my  wyt  susteene 

But1  as  a  child  of*  twelf1  month  old  or  lesse 

Than  can  vnnethes  eny  word  expresse  1675 

Eight*  so  fare  I  and  jjerfor  I  3011  pray 

Endith  my  song*  fat*  I  schal  of1  30 w  say  1677 

[A  break  of  one  line  in  the  MS.~\ 


[THE  TALE.] 

V'HmHer  was  in  acy  in  a  greet1  Citee  1678 

^  Amonges  cristen  folk1  a  lewerye 
Susteyned  by  a  lord  of1  Jjat1  contre 
For  foul  vsure  and  lucre  of1  felonye  / 
•       Hateful  to  crist1  and  to  his  compaignye  /          1G82 
And  Jmrgh  ]?e  strete  men  might1  ride  and  wende  / 
For  it1  was  fre  and  open  at1  euerich  ende  1684 

A  litel  scole  of1  cristen  folk1  per  stood  1685 

Doun  at1  Jje  former  ende  in  which  per  were 

Children  an  heep  yeomen  of1  cristes  blood 

That1  lered  in  pat1  scole  3er  by  3 ere 

Such  maner  doctrine  as  men  vsed  pere  1689 

This  is  to  say  to  synge  and  to  rede 

As  smale  childer  doon  in  her  childhede  /  1691 

Among1  pese  children  was  a  widow  sone  1692 

A  litel  clergeozm  pat  seue  $er  was  of1  age 

That1  day  by  day  to  scole  was  his  wone 

And  eek1  also  wher-so  he  saugfi  pymage 

Of1  cristes  moder  had  he  in  vsage  1696 

As  him  was  taught1  to  knele  a  doun  and  say  / 

His  Aue  maria  as  he  go]?  by  pe  way  [tea/ 201]  1698 


SIX-TEXT    184 

GROUP  B.    §  6.    PRIORESS'S  TALE.    Harleian  7331     461 

Thus  ha]5  ]>is  widow  hir  litel  child  I-taughf  1699 

Oure  blisful  lady  cristes  moder  deere 

To  worschip  ay  and  he  format1  it  nought1 

For  cely  child  wil  alway  soone  leere 

But1  ay  whan  I  remembre  of*  J)is  niatiere  1703 

Seint1  Nicholas  stont1  euer  in  my  presence 

For  he  so  ^ong*  to  crisf  dede  reuerence  1705 

This  litil  child  his  litel  book1  lernynge  1706 

As  he  sat1  in  fe  scole  at1  his  pn'mere 

He  0  alma  redemptoris  herde  synge/ 

As  children  lerned  her  antiphonere 

And  as  he  durst1  he  drougfi.  hem  ner  and  neere  1710 

And  herkned  euer  ]?e  wordes  and  pe  note 

Til  he  J>e  firste  vers  cou]?e  al  by  rote  1712 

Nought1  wist  he  what1  J)is  latyn  was  to  say  /  1713 

For  he  so  }ong1  and  tender  was  of1  age 

But1  on  a  day  his  felaw  gan  he  pray  / 

To  expoune  him  J>e  song1  in  his  langage/ 

Or  telle  him  what1  J>is  song1  was  in  vsage  /  1717 

This  prayd  he  him  to  construe  and  declare 

Ful  often  tyme  vpon  his  knees  bare  /  1719 

His  felaw  which  Jjat1  elder  was  J>an  he  1720 

Answerd  him  Jms .  Jns  song1 1.  haue  herd  seye 

was  maked  of1  our  blisful  lady  fre 

Hire  to  saluen  and  eek1  hire  to  preye 

To  ben  our  help  and  socour  whan  we  deye  1724 

I  can  no  more  expoune  in  this  matere 

I  lerne  song1 1  can  no  more  gramer  1726 

And  is  J)is  song1 I-maad  in  reuerence  1727 

Of*  cristes  moder  sayde  )>is  Innocent 
Now  certes  I  wol  do  my  diligence 
To  conne  it  al  er  cristemasse  be  went1 


185    SIX-TEXT 

462    GROUP  B.    §  6.    PRIORESS'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Though  Jjat1  I  for  my  primer  schal  be  scheiit  /  1731 

And  schal  be  betyn  juries  in  an  hour 

I  wol  it1  conne  oure  lady  to  honoure  1733 

His  felaw  taught1  him  homward  priuely  1734 

From  day  by  day  til  he  coupe  it  by  rote 

And  pan  he  song1  it  wel  and  boldely  iiea/m,  ftacA-] 

Twyes  on  pe  day  it  passed  purgh  his  prote 

From  word  to  word  accordyng1  to  pe  note  1738 

To  scoleward  and  homward  whan  he  went 

On  cristes  moder  was  set1  al  his  entent  1740 

As  I  haue  sayd  Jmrghout1  pe  lewrye  1741 

This  litel  child  as  he  cam  to  and  fro 

Ful  merily  pan  wold  he  synge  and  crie  / 

0  alma  Eedemptoris  euer  mo 

The  swetnes  ha])  his  herte  persed  so  1745 

Of1  cristes  moder  that1  to  hir  to  pray 

he  can  not1  stynt  of1  syngyng1  by  pe  way  /  1747 

Oure  firste  foo  pe  serpent1  Sathanas  1748 

That1  hath  in  lewes  hert1  his  waspis  nest 

Ypswal  and  sayde  /  o  ebreik1  peple  alias 

Is  pis  a  ping1  to  }ow  pat  is  honest1 

That1  such  a  boy  schal  walken  as  him  lest  1752 

In  ^oure  despyt1  and  synge  of1  such  sentence 

which  is  a^ens  3our  lawes  reuerence  1754 

Fro  pennes  forth  pe  lewes  han  conspired  1755 

This  Innocent1  out1  of1  pis  world  to  enchace 

An  homicide  per  to  han  36  pay  hired 

That1  in  an  aley  had  a  priue  place 

And  as  )>e  childe  gan  for]}  by  to  pace  1759 

This  false  iewe  him  hent1  and  huld  f ul  faste  / 

And  kut1  his  jjrote  and  Jjrewe  him  in  atte  laste  1761 


SIX-TEXT  186 
GROUP  B.    §  6.    PRIORESS'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     463 

I  say  in  a  wardrobe  pay  him  prew  1762 

wher  as  the  lewes  purgen  her  entraile 

0  cursed  folk1  0  herodes  al  newe 

what1  may  ^our  euyl  entente  ^ou  auaile 

Morther  wol  out  certeyn  it  wil  nought*  faile  1766 

And  namly  per  ponour  of1  god  schuld  sprede 

The  blood  out  criep  on  $our  cursed  dede  /  1768 

0  martir  soudit  to  Yirginite  1769 

Now  may  stow  synge  folowyng1  euer  in  oon 

The;white  lomb  celestial  quod  sche  / 

Of1  which  ]>e  grete  euazmgelist1  seint1  lohn 

In  pathmos  wroot1  which  seith  pat  pay  goon  1773 

Bifore  pe  lamb  and  synge  a  song1  al  newe  |>a/202] 

That1  neuer  fleischly  wommen  pay  knewe  1775 

This  pore  widowe  waytep  al  pis  night1  1776 

After  pis  litel  child  but  he  cometh  nought 

For  which  as  soone  as  it1  was  dayes  light1 

with  face  pale  in  drede  and  busy  pought1 

Sche  hap  at  scole  and  elles-wher  him  sought  1780 

Til  fynally  sche  gan  of1  hem  aspye 

That1  he  was  last/  seyn  in  pe  lewerie  1782 

With  moodres  pite  in  hir  brest1  enclosed  1783 

Sche  gop  as  sche  were  half1  out1  of1  hir  mynde 

To  euery  place  wher  sche  hap  supposed 

By  liklihede  hir  child  for  to  fynde 

And  euer  on  cristes  mooder  meke  and  kynde  1787 

Sche  cried  and  atte  laste  pus  sche  wrought1 

Among1  pe  cursed  lewes  sche  him  sought1  1789 

Sche  freyned  and  sche  prayed  pitously  1790 

To  euery  lew  pat1  dwelled  in  pat1  place 
To  telle  hir  if1  hir  child  wente  per  by 
Thay  sayden  nay  but  Ihu  of*  his  grace 


187    SIX-TEXT 

464    GROUP  B.    §  6.    PRIORESS'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

^af1  in  hir  fought1  wifinne  a  litel  space  1794 

That  in  fat  place  after  hir  sone  sche  cryde 

wher  as  he  was  cast*  in  a  put  besyde  /  1796 

0  grete  god  fat1  parforinedist1  fin  laude  1797 

by  mouth  of  Innocent3  lo  here  f  y  might* 

This  gemme  of1  chastite  f  is  emeraude 

And  eek1  of1  martirdom  f  e  ruby  bright1 

Ther  he  with  frote  I-kut1  lay  vpright  1801 

He .  Alma  redemptoris  gan  to  synge 

So  lowde  fat1  al  fe  place  bigan  to  rynge  1803 

The  cristen  folk1  fat*  Jmrgh  fe  strete  went/  1804 

In  comen  for  to  wonder  vpon  fis  fing1 

And  hastily  for  the  prouost1  fay  sent 

He  cam  anoon  wif  oute  tarying1 

And  heriede  crist  fat1  is  of1  heuen  kyng1  1808 

And  eek1  his  moder  honour  of*  mankynde 

And  after  fat1  fe  lewes  let1  he  bynde  1810 

Ihis  child  with  pitous  lamentaciown  1811 

vp  taken  was  syngyng  his  song1  alway  O  7/212,  &<*<*] 

And  with  honour  of1  gret  processioim 

Thay  caried  him  vnto  f  e  next1  abbay 

His  moclir  swownyng1  by  fe  beere  lay  1815 

Vnnef  e  might1  f  e  poeple  fat1  was  fere 

This  newe  Eachel  bringe  fro  fe  beere  1817 

With  torment  and  with  schamful  deth  echon  1818 

This  prouost1  dof  f ese  lewes  for  to  sterue 

That1  of1  f  is  moerder  wist  and  fat1  anoon 

he  wolde  no  such  cursednesse  obserue 

Euel  schal  haue  fat1  euyl  wol  deserue  1822 

Therfore  with  wilde  hors  he  dede  hem  drawe 

And  after  fat1  he  heng1  hem  by  fe  lawe  1824 


SIX-TEXT    188 

GROUP  B.    §  6.    PRIORESS'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    465 

Vpon  his  beere  ay  lith  pis  Innocent  1825 

Biforn  pe  chief1  auter  whiles  pe  masse  last1 

And  after  pat  pabbot*  with  his  couent1 

Ha]?  sped  him  for  to  burie  him  ful  fast1 

And  whan  pay  halywater  on  him  cast*  1829 

3ett  spak1  pis  child .  whan  spreynde  was  pe  water 

And  song1  0  alma  redemptoris  mater  1831 

Ihis  abbot1  which  pat  was  an  holy  man  1832 

As  monkes  ben  or  elles  oughte  be 

This  ^onge  child  to  coniure  he  bigan 

And  sayd  0  deere  child  I  halse  pe 

In  vertu  of1  pe  holy  trinite  1836 

Tel  me  what  is  J)y  cause  for  to  synge 

Sith  pat1  J)y  throte  is  kit  at1  my  semynge  1838 

My  prote  is  kit  vnto  my  nekke  boon  1839 

Sayde  pis  child  and  as  by  way  of1  kynde 

I  schulde  han  ben  deed  long1  tyme  a  goon 

But1  Ifru  crist1  as  }e  in  bookes  fynde 

wol  pat1  his  glorie  laste  and  be  in  mynde  1843 

And  for  pe  worschip  of1  his  moder  deere 

3efr  may  I  synge.  0  alma  lowde  and  cleere  1845 

This  welle  of1  mercy  cristes  moder  swete  1846 

I  loued  alway  as  after  my  connynge 

And  whan  pat1  I  my  lyf1  schulde  leete 

To  me  sche  cam  and  bad  me  for  to  synge 

This  antym  verraily  in  my  deyinge  [>a/203]         1850 

As  $e  haue  herd  and  whan  pat1  I  had  songe 

Me  pougfrt1  sche  layde  a  grayn  vnder  my  tonge  1852 

AVherfor  I  synge  and  synge  moot  certeyne  1853 

In  honour  of1  pat1  blisful  mayden  fre 
Til  fro  my  tonge  taken  is  pe  greyne 
And  after  pat1  pus  saide  sche  to  me 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  2    H 


189    SIX-TEXT 

466    GROUP  B.    §  6.    PRIORESS'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

My  litil  child  now  \vil  I  fecche  fe  1857 

whan  fat1  f  e  grayn  is  fro  f  i  tonge  I-take 

Be  nought1  agasfr  I  wol  fe  nought  forsake  1859 

This  holy  monk1  this  abbot1  him  mene  I  1860 

His  tonge  out  caught1  and  took1  awey  f  e  greyn 

And  he  ^af*  vp  f  e  gost1  ful  softely 

And  whan  f  e  abbot1  hath  f  is  wonder  seyn 

His  salte  teres  striken  doun  as  reyn  1864 

And  gruf1  he  fel  a  doun  vnto  f  e  grounde 

And  stille  he  lay  as  he  had  ben  y-bounde  1866 

The  couent  eek1  lay  on  fe  pauyment1  1867 

wepyng1  and  herying1  cristes  moder  deere 

And  after  fat1  fay  rise  and  forf  fay  went1 

And  took1  away  f  is  martir  fro  his  beere  / 

In  a  tombe  of1  marble  stoones  cleere  1871 

Enclosed  fay  f  is  litil  body  sweete 

Ther  he  is  now  god  leue  vs  for  to  meete  1873 

0  ^onge  hughe  of1  lyncohi  slayn  also  1874 

wif  cursed  ievves  as  it  is  notable  / 

For  it  nys  but  a  litel  while  ago 

Pray  eek1  for  vs  we  synful  folk1  vnstable 

That1  of1  his  mercy  god  so  merciable  1878 

On  vs  his  grete  mercy  multiplie 

For  reuerence  of1  his  modir  marie     Amen  1880 

[No  break  in  tlie  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    190 

GROUP  B.  §  7.  PRIORESS-THOPAS  LINK.  Harlcian  7334.  467 


Whan  sayd  was  J?is  miracle  euery  man  1881 

As  sober  was  fat1  wonder  was  to  se 
Til  pat1  oure  host1  to  iape  bigan 
And  J>an  at  erst/  he  loked  vpon  me 

And  sayde  ]ms  what1  man  art1  pou  quod  he  1885 

Thou  lokest1  as  J>ou  woldesf  fynde  an  hare 
For  euer  vpon  J>e  ground  I  se  Jje  stare  /  1887 

Approche  ner  and  loke  merily  CWEOS,  bade}         1888 

Now  ware  $ou  sires  and  let1  Jns  man  haue  space 

He  in  J>e  wast1  is  schape  as  wel  as  I 

This  were  a  popet1  in  an  arm  to  embrace 

For  any  wo?rcman  smal  and  fair  of1  face  /  1892 

He  semeth  eluisch  by  his  countenaunce 

For  vnto  no  wight1  doth  he  daliaunce  1894 

Say  now  som  what1  sins  other  folk1  han  said  1895 

Telle  vs.  a  tale  and  pat  of1  mirthe  anoon 

host1  quod  I  ne  be])  nought1  euel  apayd 

For  other  tale  certes  can  I  noon 

But  of1  a  rym  I  lerned  $ore  agoon  1899 

3e  pat1  is  good  quod  he  now  schul  we  heere 

Som  deynte  ping1  me  Jnnketh  by  his  cheere  1901 

[Break  of  I  line  in  the  MS.] 


2  H  2 


191    SIX-TEXT 

468    GROUP  B.     §  8.    SIR  THOPAS.    Harleian  7334. 


[No  stanza-gaps  are  in  the  MS.,  and  no  lines  are  inset.'] 
[The  First  Fit] 

LEstene]>  lordyngs .  in  good  entent1 
And  I  wol  telle  verraymenfr 
Of1  myrthe  and  solas  1904 

Of*  a  knygftfr  was  fair  and  gent 
In  batail  and  in  tornament 

His  name  was  sir  Thopas  1907 

I-bore  he  was  in  fer  conntre 
In  Flaundres  al  by^onde  Jje  se 

At1  Poperyng1  in  ))e  place  1910 

His  fader  was  a  man  ful  fre 
And  lord  he  was  of1  patf  contre 

As  it  was  goddes  grace  1913 

Sir  Thopas  wax  a  doughty  swayn 
whyfr  was  his  face  as  payndemayn 

His  lippes  reed  as  Rose  /  191 G 

His  rode  is  lik  /  scarlet1  en  grayn 
And  I  3ow  telle  in  good  certayn 

He  had  a  semly  nose  1919 

His  heer  his  berd  was  lik/  safroun 
Thaf  to  his  girdil  raught1  a  doun 

His  schoon  of  Cordewane  1922 

Of1  Brigges  were  his  hosen  broun 
His  robe  was  of1  Sicladoun 

That*  coste  many  a  lane  [tea/20!]         1925 


SIX-TEXT    192 

GROUP  B.     §  8.     SIR  THOPAS.     Harleian  7334.     469 

He  coujje  hunt1  at1  wilde  deer 
And  ride  on  haukyng1  for  ryuer 

with  gray  goshauk1  on  honde  1928 

Therto  he  was  a  good  archeer 
Of1  wrastelyng1  was  noon  his  peer 

Ther  eny  Ram  schal  stonde  /  1931 

Ful  many  mayde  bright1  in  hour 
]3ay  mourne  for  him  paramour 

whan  hem  were  bet1  to  slepe  1934 

But1  he  was  chast1  and  no  lecchour 
And  sweet1  as  is  J)e  brembre  flour 

That1  berej)  )>e  reede  heepe  /  1937 

And  so  it  fel  vpon  a  day 
For  so])  as  I  3ow  telle  may  / 

Sir  Thopas  wold  out1  ryde  1940 

he  worth  vpon  his  steede  gray 
And  in  his  hond  a  launcegay 

A  long1  sword  by  his  syde  1943 

he  priketh  Jmrgh  a  fair  forest/ 
Ther  In  is  many  a  wilde  best/ 

3e  boj)e  buk  /  and  hare  1946 

And  as  he  prike]?  north  and  Est1 
I  tel  it  3ow  hyra  had  almest1 

Bityd  a  sory  care  1949 

Ther  springen  herbes  greet1  and  smale 
The  licorys  and  Jje  Cetewale  / 

And  many  a  clow  gilofre  1952 

And  notemuge  to  put1  in  ale 
whejjir  it  be  moist  or  stale 

Or  for  to  lay  in  cofre  1955 


193    SIX-TEXT 

470    GROUP  B.     §  8.     SIR  THOPAS.     Harleian  7334. 

The  briddes  synge  it  is  no  nay 
The  sperhauk1  and  J?e  popiniay 

That1  ioye  it  was  to  heere  1958 

The  prostilcok1  maad  eek1  his  lay 
The  woode  dowue  vpon  J>e  spray 

So  song1  ful  lowde  and  cleere  1961 

Sir  Thopas  fel  in  loue-longing1 

whan  that1  he  herde  J?e  briddes  synge     iiea/wi,  socfr] 

And  priked  as  he  were  wood  1964 

His  faire  steede  in  his  prikynge 
So  swette  pat1  men  might1  him  wrynge 

His  sydes  were  al  blood  1967 

Sir  Thopas  eek1  so  wery  was 
For  priking1  on  Jje  softe  gras 

So  feers  was  his  corrage  1970 

That1  doun  he  layd  him  in  j)e  place 
To  make  his  steede  som  solace 

And  3af1  him  good  forage  1973 

0  seinte  Mary  benedicite 
what1  eylith  J>is  loue  at1  me 

To  bynde  me  so  sore  1976 

My  dremed  al  this  night1  par  de 
An  elf1  queen  schal  my  lemman  be 

And  slepe  vnder  my  gore  1979 

An  Elf1  queen  wol  I  haue  I-wis 
For  in  this  world  no  womman  is 

worthy  to  be  my  make  1982 

Intoune          [as  part  of  I  1982] 
Alle  ojrir  wommen  I  forsake 
And  to  an  Elf1  queen  I  me  take 

By  dale  and  eek1  by  doune  1986 


SIX-TEXT    194 

GROUP  B.     §  8.     SIR  THOPAS.     Harlcian  7334.     471 

In  to  his  sadil  he  clomb  anoon 
And  priked  ouer  stile  and  stoon 

An  elf1  queen  for  to  spye  1989 

Til  he  so  longe  hap  ryden  and  goon 
That*  he  fond  in  a  priue  woon 

The  centre  of1  fairye  1992 

IT  So  wylde      [as  part  of  I  1992] 
For  in  pat1  centre  was  per  noon  f 
[ no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Neither  wif1  ne  childe      [as  part  of  I.  1994]     1996 


Til  pat  per  earn  a  greet  geaunt/ 
his  name  was  sir  Olifaunf 

A  perilous  man  of1  dede  1999 

he  swar  child  by  Termagaunfr 
For  if1  pou  prike  out  of1  myn  haunt1 

Anoon  I  slee  pe  2002 

with  my  mace     [as  part  of  L  2002] 
heer  is  pe  queen  of*  fayerie 
with  harp .  and  lute  and  Symphonye 

dwellyng*  in  pis  place       [as  part  of  I.  2005]     2006 


The  child  sayd  also  mote  I  the  [tea/ 205] 

To  morwe  wil  I  meete  with  pe 

whan  I  haue  myn  armure  2009 

And  3it  I  hope  par  ma  fay 
That1  pou  schalt1  with  pis  launcegay 

Abyen  it  f ul  soure  2012 

IT  py  mawe        [as  part  of  I  2012] 
Schal  I  persyn  if1  pat1 1  may 
Er  it  be  fully  prime  of1  day 

For  heer  schaltf  pou  be  slawe  2016 


195    SIX-TEXT 

472    GROUP  B.     §  8.     SIR  THOPAS.     Harleian  7334. 

Sir  thopas  drough  on  bak1  ful  fast1 
This  geaunt1  at1  him  stoones  cast  / 

Out1  of1  a  fell  staf1  slynge  2019 

But1  faire  eschapef  child  thopas 
And  al  it1  was  f  urgR  goddis  gras 

And  Jmrgli  his  berynge  /  2022 

3efr  lestenetli  lordynges  to  my  tale  / 
Merier  fan  f  e  nightyngale  / 

I  wol  30  w  roune  2025 

how  sir  thopas  wif  sides  smale  / 
Prikynge  oner  hul  and  dale 

Is  come  ageyn  to  toune  2028 

his  mery  men  comaunded  he 
To  make  him  bof  e  game  and  gle 

For  needes  most1  he  fight1  2031 

with  a  geaunt1  with  heedes  f  re 
For  pcwamours  and  iolite 

Of1  oon  fat  schon  ful  bright  2034 

Do  come  he  sayde  my  mynstrales 
And  gestours  for  to  telle  tales 

Anoon  in  myn  armynge  2037 

Of1  Romaunces  fat  ben  reales 
Of1  popes  and  of*  Cardinales 

And  eek1  of1  loue  likynge  2040 

Thay  fet1  him  first1  fe  swete  wyn 
And  made  him  eek1  in  a  maselyn 

A  real  spicerye  2043 

Of1  gyngebred  J>af  was  so  fyn 
And  licorys  and  eek1  comyn 

with  sugre  fat  is  trye  /  [uafw&,  »«**]         2046 


SIX-TKXT    196 

GROUP  B.     §  8.     SIR  THOPAS.     Harlcian  7334.     473 

He  dede  next1  his  white  leere 
Of1  cloth  of1  lake  whytf  and  cleere 

A  brech  and  eek*  a  schert1  2049 

And  next1  his  schert1  an  aketoim 
And  ouer  pat1  an  haberioun 

For  persyng1  of*  his  hert1  2052 

And  oner  pat1  a  fyn  hauberk1 
was  al  I-wroughf  of*  lewes  werk1 

Ful  strong1  it1  was  of1  plate  2055 

And  ouer  pat1  his  cote-armour 
As  whyt1  as  is  a  lily  flour 

In  which  he  wold  debate  2058 


his  scheld  was  al  of1  gold  so  red 
And  per  Inne  was  a  bores  heed 

A  charbocle  by  his  sycle  /  2061 

And  ther  he  swor  on  ale  and  bred 
How  fat1  pe  geaunt1  schal  be  deed 

Bytyde  what1  bytyde  /  2064 

His  iambeux  were  of1  quirboily 
His  swerdes  schethe  of1  yuory 

His  helm  of1  latoun  bright1  2067 

His  sadel  was  of1  rowel  boon 
His  bridel  as  pe  sonne  schon 

Or  as  pe  moone 'light1  2070 

his  spere  was  of1  Cipres 

That1  bodeth  werre  and  no  ping1  pees 

The  heed  ful  scharp  I-grounde  /  2073 

His  steede  was  al  dappul  gray 
Hit  goth  an  ambel  in  pe  way  / 

Ful  softely  and  rounde  2076 


197    SIX-TEXT 

474    GROUP  B.     §  8.     SIR  THOPAS.     Harleian  7334. 

IT  In  londe  [In  line  2076] 

lo  lordes  heer  is  a  fyt1 
If1  36  wil  eny  more  of1  it1 

To  telle  it1  wol  I  fonde  2080 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


[The  Second  Fit.] 

NOw  hold  3our  mouth  for  charite 
Boj?e  knight1  and  lady  fre 

And  herkne]?  to  my  spelle  2083 

Of*  batail  and  of1  chiualry 

And  of*  ladys  loue  drewery  iieafzo&i 

Anoon  I  wol  ^ow  telle  /  2086 

Men  speken  of*  Romauns  of1  pris 
Of1  horn  child  and  of1  ypotis 

Of  Beuys  and  sir  Gy  2089 

Of  sir  libeaux  and  pleyn  damowr 
But1  sir  thopas  here])  J>e  flour 

Of  real  Chiualry  2092 

His  goode  steede  he  bistrood 
And  forth  vpon  his  way  he  glood 

As  spark1  out1  of1  J?e  bronde  2095 

Vpon  his  crest1  he  bar  a  tour 
And  \er  In  stiked  a  lily  flour 

God  schilde  his  corps  fro  schonde  2098 

And  for  he  was  a  kny^f  auntrous 
He  nolde  slepen  in  noon  hous 

But  Hggen  in  his  hood  2101 

his  brighte  helm  was  his  wonger 
And  by  him  baytith  his  destrer 

Of*  herbes  fyne  and  goode/  2104 


SIX-TEXT    198 

GROUP  B.     §  8.     SIR  THOPAS.     Harleion  7334.     475 

Himself*  drank*  water  of*  J?e  welle 
As  dede  J>e  knighf  of1  pertinelle  / 

So  worthy  vnder  wede  2107 

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


199    SIX-TEXT 

476   GROUP  B.   §  9.   THOPAS-MELIBE  LINK,   Harleian  7334. 


NO  mor  of1  J>is  for  goddes  dignite 
Quod  our  lioste  /  for  pou  makesf  me 
So  wery  of  ]>y  verrey  lewednesse 

That1  al  so  wisly  god  my  soule  blesse  /  2112 

My n  eeres  aken  for  J?y  drasty  speche 
ISTow  such  a  rym  fe  deuel  I  byteche 
This  may  wel  be  rym  dogerel  quo])  he 
why  so  quod  I  why  wilt1  ]>ou  lette  me  2116 

More  of1  my  tale  fan  anofer  man 
Syn  Jmt1  it  is  J?e  beste  rym  fat1 1  can 
By  god  quod  he  for  pleinly  at1  o  word 
J)y  drasty  rymyng1  is  not1  worth  a  tord  2120 

\)OM  dost1  nought1  elles  but1  despendist1  tyme 
Sir  at1  o  word  J?ou  schalt1  no  lenger  ryme 
let1  se  wher  fou  canst1  tellen  ought1  in  gest 
Or  telle  in  prose  som  what  atte  lest1         [««tf aoe, &**]      2124 
In  which  J>er  be  so  merthe  or  doctrine 
Gladly  quod  I  by  goddes  swete  pyne  / 
I  wol  3ow  telle  a  litel  Jjing1  in  prose 

That1  oughte  like  $ow  as  I  suppose  /  2128 

Or  elles  certes  36  be  to  daungerous 
It1  is  a  moral  tale  vertuous 
Al  be  it1  told  som  tyme  in  sondry  wise 
Of1  sondry  folk1  as  I  schal  $ow  deuyse  /  2132 

As  thus  .  30  woof  fat1  euery  eucmngelisf 
J}af  tellej)  vs  J>e  peyne  of1  Ihu  crisf 
Ne  saith  alle  Jjing1  as  his  felawes  do]) 

But1  nafeles  here  sentence  is  al  so])  2136 

And  alle  accorden  as  in  here  sentence 
Al  be  J)er  in  her  tellyng1  difference  / 


SIX-TEXT    200 

GROUP  B.  §  9.  THOPAS-MELIBE  LINK.   Harlcian  7334.   477 

For  some  of1  hem  sayn  more  and  some  lesse  / 

whan  )>ay  his  pitous  passkmn  expresse  /  2140 

I  mene  of1  mark1  mathew  luk1  and  lohn 

But1  douteles  her  sentence  is  al  oon 

Therfor  lordynges  alb  I  $ow  biseche 

If1  30 w  J>ink<  J>af  I  varye  as  in  my  speche  2144 

As  Jms  jjough  J>af  I  telle  som  what*  more 

Of*  prouerbes  fan  I  haue  herd  bifore 

Comprehended  in  ])is  litel  tretys  here  / 

To  enforcen  with  jjeffectf  of1  my  matiere  2148 

And  Jjough  I  not1  J?e  same  wordes  say 

As  $e  haue  herd  /  ^itt  to  $ow  alle  I  pray 

Blame])  me  nought  for  in  my  sentence 

Schul  30  no  wher  fynde  difference  2152 

Fro  Jje  sentence  of1  Jjis  tretys  lite 

After  )>e  which  Jns  litil  tale  I  wryte 

And  Jjerfor  herkenej)  what*  I  schal  say 

And  let1  me  tellen  al  my  tale  I  pray  2156 

[Break  of  5  lines  in  the  MS.] 


201    SIX-TEXT 

478    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harlcian  7334. 


L^D/J 

A 


[There  are  no  line-numbers  or  paragraph-breaks  in  the  MS. 
TymhitVs  breaks  are  kept  here,  as  they  were  in  the  Six-Text,  to 
prevent  slight  differences  in  the  Texts  throwing  out  many  lines.'] 

[«S7] 

Song1  maw,  called  Melibeus  mighty  and  riche 

bygat  vpon  his  wif1  fat1  called  was  prudens .  a 
doughter  f  which  fat1  called  was  Sophie  // 

[2158]  Vpon  a  day  byfel  fat1  for  his  desport1  he 
is  went1  in  to  f  e  feldes  him  to  /  play .  [2159]  his 
wif1  and  his  doubter  eek1  haf  he  laft1  in-wit/i  his  hous  of1 
which  fe  dores  were  fast1  I-schitte.  [2160]  fre  of1  his 
olde  foos  han  it1  espyed.  and  setten  laddres  to  fe  walles 
of*  his  hous  and  by  fe  wyndowes  ben  entred  [2161]  and 
beetyn  his  wyf1  and  woundid  his  doubter  wif  fyue 
mortal  woundes  in  fyue  sondry  places  [2162]  fat1  is  to 
sayn  in  here  feet1  in  here  hondes  in  here  eeres  in  here 
nose  and  in  here  mouth  and  lafte  her  for  deed  and 
went1  away 

[2163]  U  whan  Melibeus  retourned  was  in  to  his 
hous  and  seigh  al  fis  meschief1  he  lik1  a  man  mad 
rendyng1  his  clof  es  gan  wepe  and  crie . 

[2164]  Prudens  his  wyf1  as  ferforth  as  sche  dorste 
bisou^t1  him  of1  his  wepyng1  to  stynte  /  [2165]  But  not1 
for  f i  he  gan  to  crie  euer  lenger  f e  more 

[2166]    1F  this  noble  wyf1   prudence  remembred   hire 

vpon  f  e  sentens  of1  Ovide  in  his  book1  that1  cleped  is  fe 

f  Ouidi?f«de       remedy  of1  loue  /  wher  as  he  seif  L2I^7]  IT  he  is  a  fool 

remedio  amor»  ,  ,     ,  ,  ,         •.    ,-,         *.    •,  . 

fat1  destourbef  fe  moder  to  wepe  in  fe  deth  or  hir 
childe  til  sche  haue  I-wept*  hir  fille  as  for  a  certeyn  tyme 
[2168]  and  fan  schal  man  doon  his  diligence  as  with 
amyable  wordes  hire  to  recomforte  and  praye  hire  of1 


SIX-TEXT    202 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     479 

hire  wepyng*  to  stinte  [2169]  IT  For  which  resozm  fis 
noble  wif*  prudens  suffred  hir  housbonde  for  to  wepe 
and  crie  /  as  for  a  certeyn  space.  [2170]  and  whan  sche 
seigh  hir  tymef  sche  sayd  him  in  fis  wise  IF  Alias  my 
lord  quod  sche  why  make  30  ^oure  self*  for  to  be  lik1  a 
fool.  [2171]  For  sofe  it  apperteynef  not*  to  a  wys  ma?i 
to  make  such  sorwe.  [2172]  3°ure  doubter  wif 
f  e  grace  of*  god  schal  warischtf  be  and  eschape .  [2173]  and  al 
were  it  so  fat  sche  right  now  were  deed'  30  ne  oughte 
nou^tt  as  for  hir  def  ^oure  silf1  destroye  [2174]  U  Senec 
saif .  f  e  wise  man  schal  not*  take  to  gret*  discomfort  for 
fe  deth  of*  his  children  f  [2175]  but  certes  he  schulde 
suffren  it  in  pacience  as  wel  as  he  abydef  fe  def 
of*  his  owne  pe?-sone 

[2176]   IT   This    melibeu*    answerde   anoon   &   sayde 
IT  what1  man  quod  he  schuld  of*  his  wepynge  stynte  fat1 
haf     a      cause     for     to     wepe     [2177]     ^     IDU     cn'st*  ir  Qwaiiter  mo 
oure    lord    himself*   wepte    for    fe    deth   of*    la^arus    his  proper  mortem 
frend    [2178]    U   Prudens    answerde    Certes   wel   I   wot/ 
attemperel   wepyng*   is   no    fing*   defended    to    him    fat1 
sorwful  is .  amonges  folk*  in  sorwe .    But*  it  is  rafer  grawzted 
him    to     wepe    /     [2179]    fe     apostel     poule    vnto     f e  Apostoius  ad 
Romayns  writef  .  A  man  schal  reioyce  with  hem  fat1  maken  r° 
ioye  /  And  wepe  with  such  folk*  as  wepen  [2180]  IT  But* 
f  ougfi.    attemperel     l  wepyng1    be    graunted  f     Outrageous  p  leaf  207, 6a<*] 
wepynge  certes  is  defended  //  [2181]  Mesure  of*  wepynge 
be  conserued.  after  fe  lore  of*  cr/sf  fat  techef  vs  senec 
[2182]  II  whan  fat*  fi  frend  is  deed  quod  hef  let*  nought 
fin    yen  to    moyste   ben   of*   teres   ne    to    moche    drye 
IT  Al  f  ough  the  teeres  come  out*  of*  fine  ey^enf  let*  he  not*  falle 
[2183]  U  And  whan  fou  hast*  forgon  fy  frend  f  do  dili 
gence  to  gete  anof  er  frende  U  And  f  is  is  more  wisedom 
fan   to   wepe   for    fy   frend   which   fat   fou    hast    lorn. 
For   fer   in   is   no   boote   [2184]   U   And   fe?-fore    if1    30 
gouerne  3ow  by  sapience   put  away  sorwe  out1  of1  3oure 
hert    [2185]    IF    Remembreth    3ow   fat*    Ihtf    Sirac   saif 


203    SIX-TEXT 

480    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7331 

H  A  man  fat1  is  ioyous  and  glad  in  herte  f  if  him  con- 
serveth  florischinge  in  his  age  U  But1  soply  sorweful  herte 
make]?  liis  boones  drye  [2186]  IF  he  saif  eek1  f  us . 
fat1  sorwe  in  herte  slep  ful  many  a  man  [2187]  ^  Sa- 
lamcw  saif  fat1  right1  as  motthes  in  schepes  flees 
annoyeth  f  e  clothes .  and  }>e  smale  wormes  to  f  e  tre  f 
Right/  so  annoyef  sorwe  to  fe  herte  [2188]  U  wherfore 
vs  oughte  as  wel  in  pe  def  of1  oure  children  as  in  fe 
losse  ofH  oure  goodes  temporales  haue  pacience 

[2189]  IT  Eemembreth  }ow  vpon  fe  pacien  lop 
U  whan  he  hadde  lost*  his  children  and  his  temporal  sub 
stance  and  in  his  body  endured  and  receyued  ful  many  a 
greuous  tribulaciozm  f  ^it1  sayde  he  pus  [2190]  H  Oure 
lord  it/  sent/  vnto  me  Oure  lord  it  haf  raft1  fro  me. 
Eight1  so  as  oure  lord  wil  f  ri^t  so  be  it  doon  U  I-blessed 
be  fe  name  of1  oure  lord  [2191]  To  pese  forsayde 
Binges  answerith  Melibeus  vnto  his  wif1  Prudens 
Alle  pine  wordes  ben  soj>  quod  he  and  j?erto  pro- 
fytable  IT  But1  soply  my?i  herte  is  so  troubled  wij>  j?is  sorwe  f 
fat1  I  noot/  what1  to  doone  [2192]  H  Let1  calle  quod 
prudence  py  tre  we  frendes  alle  and  ]?y  linage  whiche  ]>at 
ben  trewe  &  wise .  telleth  hem  joure  greuaunce  and  herken 
what1  jjay  say  in  counseilynge .  and  30 w  gouerne  after  here 
sentence.  [2193]  ^F  Salomon  saith  ^T  werke  al  J?i  fing1 
by  counseil  and  J>e  far  neuer  rewe 

[2194]  IT  jpan  by  J>e  cownseil  of1  his  wyf1  prudens 
this  melibeus  let1  calle  a  gret1  congregaciown  of1  peple 
[2195]  as  Surgiens.  phisiciens  olde  and  ^onge  and 
some  of1  his  olde  enemyes  recounsiled  as  by  her  semblaunt 
to  his  loue  and  to  his  grace.  [2196]  and  \er  wijj  al 
per  come  some  of1  his  neighebours  fat1  deden  him 
reuerence  more  for  .  drede  fan  for  loue  as  happef 
ofte  [2197]  H  Ther  cornen  also  ful  many  subtil  flatters 
and  wise  aduoketes  lerned  in  f  e  lawe 

[2198]  H  And  whan  fese  folk1  togidere  assemblid  weref 
This  melibeus  in  sorwful  wyse  schewed  hem  his  caas . 


SIX-TEXT    204 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     481 

[2199]  and  by  fe  manor  of1  his  spechef  it  semed 
fat  in  1herte  he  bar  a  cruel  Ire  redy  to  do  venge 
ance  vpon  his  foos .  and  sodeynly  desirede  fat1  f  e 
werre  schulde  bygymie.  [2200]  but1  natheles  ^it1  axed  he 
her  counseil  in  fis  matier.  [2201]  IT  A  Sirurgien  by 
licens  and  assent  of1  suche  as  were  wyse  vp  ros  and 
to  melibeus  sayde  as  ^e  may  hiere 

[2202]  1F  Sire  quod  he  as  to  vs  Sirurgiens  appertieneth 
fat1  we  do  to  euery  wight  fe  beste  fat  we  can  wher  as 
we  ben  wzt/iholde  and  to  oure  pacient  fat1  we  do  no 
damage  [2203]  1T  wherfore  it  happef  many  tyme  and  ofte 
fat1  whan  tweye  han  euerich  wounded  of er  f  oo . 
same  surgien  helef  hem  bof  e .  [2204]  where  vnto 
oure  art  it  is  not  perteyned  to  norische  werre  ne  parties 
to  supportef  [2205]  but  certes  as  to  warisching1  of1 
^oure  doubter  al  be  it  so  fat  sche  perilously  be 
woundid  f  we  schullen  do  so  tentyf1  besynes  fro  day  to 
night  fat  with  f  e  grace  of1  god  sche  sclial  be  hool  and 
sound  als  soone  as  it  is  possible  [2206]  5F  Almost1  right1 
in  f  e  same  wise  f  e  phisiciens  answerden  f  saue  fat 
fay  sayden  a  fewe  wordes  more  [2207]  IF  That  ryght1 
as  maladies  ben  cured  by  her  contraries  f  Right1  so  schal 
men  warissch  werre  by  vengeaunce  [2208]  IT  His  neyhe- 
boures  ful  of1  enuye  his  feyned  freendes  fat  semede 
recounsiled  his  flatereres  [2209]  maden  semblawnt 
of1  wepyng1  and  appaired  and  aggregged  moche  of*  fis 
matiere  in  preisyng1  gretly  melibe  of1  might .  of1  power 
of1  Riches,  and  of1  frendes  despisinge  fe  power  of1  his 
aduersaries  [2210]  and  sayden  outerly  fat1  he  anoon  schulde 
wreke  him  on  his  aduersaries  be  bygy/mynge  of1  werre 

[2211]  vp  roos  famie  an  aduocate  fat1  was  wys. 
by  leue  and  by  counseil  of1  of  ere  f  af  were  wise  and  sayde  / 
[2212]  IT  Lordynges .  f  e  needes  for  whiche  we  ben  assemblit 
in  fis  place  is  ful  heuy  fing1  and  an  heigh  matier 
[2213]  by  cause  of1  fe  wrong1  &  of1  fe  wikkednes  fat 
haf  ben  doon  and  eek1  of1  fe  grete  damages  fatt 

CANT.  TALES. HARL.  C1  tea/208]  2    I 


205    SIX-TEXT 

482     GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

in  tyme  comyng1  ben  possible  to  falle  for  fe  same 
[2214]  and  eek1  by  cause  of1  fe  grete  richesse  and 
power  of*  fe  partes  botlie  [2215]  for  fe  whiche  reso?ms 
it  were  a  ful  gret  peril  to  erren  in  these  materes  [2216] 
51  wherfore  melibeus  fis  is  oure  sentence  IT  we  counseile 
^ow  abouen  alle  fuzges  fat1  ri^t  anoon  ])ou  do 
diligence  in  kepyng1  of*  fy  body  in  such  a 
wyse  fat  fou  lie  wante  noon  espye  ne  wacche  fy  body 
for  to  saue  [2217]  IT  And  after  fat'  we  counseile  fat  in 
fin  hous  fou  sette  sufficawnt  garnisown  So  fat1  fay  may 
as  wel  fy  body  as  fin  hous  defende  [2218]  IT  But  certes 
for  to  moeue  werre  ne  sodeynly  for  to  do  vengeance  i 
we  may  not  deme  in  so  litel  tyme  fat1  it  were  profit 
able  [2219]  IT  wherfore  we  axen  leysir  1  and  a  space 
[....]  in  fis  caas  to  demen  [2220]  5F  For  fe  comune 
prouerbe  saif  fis  IF  he  fat1  soone  demef  sooiie  schal 
rcpente  [2221]  IT  And  eek*  men  sayn  fat  filke  luge  is 
wys  fat  soone  vnderstondef  a  matier  and  luggef  by 
leysir .  [2222]  1T  For  al  be  it  so  fat  /  alle  taryinge  is  anoyful  f 
algates  it  is  no  reproef1  in  ^euynge  of1  luggement .  ne  of1 
ve[w]gawnce  takyng1  whan  it  is  suffisawnt  and  resonable 
[2223]  and  fat  schewed  oure  lord  ihu  cn'st  by  en- 
sample  5T  For  whan  fat  fe  wo??iman  fat  was  I-take  in 
aduoutrie  was  brou^t  in  his  presence  to  knowen  what1 
schulde  be  doon  of1  hir  pe?*sone  Al  be  it  fat  he  wist 
"him  self1  what1  fat1  he  wolde  answere  f  ^it  wolde  he 
not  answere  sodeynly  .  but1  he  wolde  haue  deliberackmn  and 
in  fe  ground  he??z  wrot  twyes.  [2224]  and  by  fese 
causes  we  axe  deliberacioim .  and  we  schul  fanne  by 
fe  grace  of1  god  counseile  fe  fing1  faf  schal  be 
profytable 

[2  2  2  5]  5T  Ypstarten  f  enne  f  e  ^onge  folkes  anoon  at  oones f 
and  f  e  moste  part1  of1  fat1  companye  han  skorned  fese  olde 
wise  men  and  bygonne  to  make  noyse  and  sayden 
[2226]  IT  Right  so  as  whil  fat/  Iren  is  hoot  men  scholden 
smytel  Eight1  so  schulde  men  wreke  here  wronges  whil 

P  tea/ 208,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    206 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     483 

fat  fay  ben  freische  and  newe  IT  And  with  lowde  vois  fay 
cryde  .  werre  .  werre . 

[2227]  IT  Yproos  fo  oon  of1  fese  olde  wise  and 
with  his  hoiid  made  cowntenaunce  fat  men  schulde 
holde  hem  stille  and  ^iuen  him  audience  [2228] 
IT  lordyngs  quod  he  ther  is  ful  many  a  man  fat1 
crieth  werre  werre  wot1  ful  litel  what1  werre 
amounteth.  [2229]  werre  at1  his  bygywnywg1  haf  so  greet1 
and  entre  and  so  large  fat  euery  wight1  may  entre 
whan  him  likef  and  lightly  fynde  werre  [2230]  1T  But 
certes  what1  ende  schal  falle  ferofM  it  is  not1  lightly 
to  knowe  [2231]  For  sofly  whan  fat  werre  is  oones 
bygonne  f  f er  is  ful  many  a  child  vnbore  of1  his  mooder 
fat1  schal  sterue  3ong1  by  cause  of1  filke  werre  or  elles 
lyue  in  sorwe  and  deye  in  wrecchidnes  [2232]  1T  & 
f erfore  er  fat  eny  werre  be  bygonne .  men  moste  haue 
gret  couraseil  and  gret1  deliberackmn .  [2233]  U  And  whan 
fis  olde  man  wende  to  enforce  his  tale  by  resowns 
wel  neigfi  alle  at  oones  bygo??ne  fay  to  rise  for  to  breke  his 
tale  and  beden  him  fulofte  his  wordes  to  abrigge . 
[2234]  For  sofly  he  fat  prechef  to  hem  that  liste 
not1  to  heere  his  wordes  his  sermown  hem  anoyeth  [2235] 
U  For  Ihesus  Sirac  saith  fat1  wepyng1  in  musik1  is 
a  noyous  fing1.  fis  is  to  say  U  As  moche  auaylef  to 
speke  tofore  folk/  to  whiche  his  speche  annoy ef  f  as  it  is 
to  synge  byfore  hem  whiche  fat  wepith  [2236]  1U  And  whan 
fis  wise  man  saugh  him  wanted  audience  f  al  schamefast1 
he  sette  him  doun  agayn  [2237]  IT  For  Salamow  saith.  ther 
as  fou  may  haue  noon  audience  f  enforce  fe  not1 
to  speke  [2238]  U  I  se  wel  quod  fis  wise  maw  fat1  fe 
comune  proue?'be  is  sof  U  That1  good  counseil  wantith 
whan  it  is  most1  neede 

[2239]  H  3it  hadde  fis  melibeus  in  his  cownseil  many 
folk1  fat  priuely  in  his  eere  han  counseled  him  certein  f inges 
and  counseled  him  f  e  contrarie  in  general  audience 

[2240]  U  T/rhan  melibeus  hadde  herd  ^et1  fe  grettest1 

[i  tea/209]  212 


207    SIX-TEXT 

484    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

party  of1  his  counsel!  were  accorded  fat1  lie  schulde  make 
werre .  Anoon  lie  consented  to  here  cownseilyng1  and  fully 
affermed  here  sentence  [2241]  U  Tha?zne  darne  Prudence 
whan  fat1  sche  saugh  fat  hir  housbonde  schop  him 
to  wreke  him  of1  his  enemyes  and  to  gynne  werre  f  /  Sche 
in  ful  humble  wise  whan  sche  saugh  hire  tyme  saydo 
him  fese  wordes  [2242]  H  My  lord  quod  sche  I  ^ow 
biseche  as  hertily  as  I  dar  and  kan  ne  haste  jow  nought  to 
faste  and  for  alle  guerdcwns  as  30110  me  audience 
[2243]  11  For  Peres  Alfons  saith  IT  who  fat  dof  to 
f  e  oufcr  good  or  harm  i  haste  f  e  nought1  to  quyten  him .  For 
in  fis  wise  fy  freend  wil  abydef  and  fin  enemy  schal 
fe  longer  lyue  in  drede  [2244]  U  The  prouerbe  saif  1F  be 
hastith  wel  fat1  wisly  can  abyde  and  in  wikked  haste 
is  no  profyt1 

[2245]  ^  This  melibeus  answerde  vn  to  his  wyf1  prudens 
IT  I  purpose  not1  quod  he  to  werke  by  fy  cownseil  for 
many  causes  and  resowns  IT  For  certes  euery  wight1  wolde 
holde  me  fanne  a  fool  [2246]  IT  fis  is  to  sayn  IT  If<  I 
for  fy  counseil  wolde  chau?2ge  finges  fat1 
affermed  ben  by  so  many  wise  f  [2247]  I  say 
fat  alle  wommen  be  wikked  and  noon  good 
of1  hem  alle  U  For  of1  a  fousand  men  saif  Salomo?i 
I  fond  oon  good  manf  But  certes  of1  alle  wommen  good 
womman  fond  I  neuer  noon  [2248]  U  And  also  certes  if*  I 
gouernede  me  by  f  y  counseil  it  schulde  seme  that1  I  hadde 
^iuen  to  fe  ouer  me  fe  maistry  and  god  forbeede  er 
it  so  were  [2249]  U  For  Ihc  Syrac  saif  fat1  if1  a 
wif1  haue  maistrie  sche  is  contrarious  to  hir  housbond 
[2250]  H  and  Salomon  saith  U  Neuer  in  fy  lif1  to  fy 
wyf1  ne  to  fy  child  ne  to  fy  freend  ne  }eue  no  power 
ouer  fiself  IT  For  better  it  were*  fat1  fy  children  axen 
of1  f  y  persone  finges  fat  been  needful  to  hem  fan  f  ou  se 
fiself1  in  fe  hondes  of1  fy  children  [2251]  U  And  also  if1 1 
wolde  werke  by  fy  counselynge  certes  it 
most  som  tyme  be  secre  til  it  were  tyme  fat  it  moste  be 


SIX-TEXT    208 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     485 


knowe  and  fis  ne  may  not1  be  [2252]     [ 
["53] 


no  gap  in  the  MS.~\ 

[2254]  wharc  dame  Prudence  ful  debonerly  and 
with  gret  pacience  hadde  herd  al  fat  hir  housbonde 
liked  for  to  seye  U  Than  axed  sche  of*  hi??i  licence  1  for  to 
speke  and  sayde  in  fis  wise  [2255]  51  My  lord  quod  sche 
as  to  30  ure  firste  resown  certes  it  may  lightly  be 
answered.  For  I  say  it  is  no  foly  to  chaunge 
counsel  whan  fe  fing/  is  chaungid.  For  elles  whan 
fe  fing1  seme])  oferwise  fan  it  was  biforn 
[2256]  And  moreouer  I  say  fough  fat1  36  han 
sworn  and  I-hight  to  parforme  ^oure  emprise  And 
nafeles  30  wayue  to  parforme  filke  same  emprise 
by  iuste  cause  men  schulde  not  say  f erfore  fat/  36  were 
a  lyere  lie  forsworn  [2257]  For  fe  book/  seif  fat1  fe 
wise  man  makef  no  lesyng1  whan  he  torneth  his  corrage  to 
fe  better  [2258]  U  And  al  be  it  so  fat  ^oure  emp?^'se  be 
establid  and  ordeyned  by  gret  multitude  of1  poeplef  3  it 
thar  30  not  accomplise  f  ilke  same  ordinazmce  but  3ou  like  / 
[2259]  For  fe  troufe  of1  fing1  and  fe  profyt1  ben 
rather  founde  in  fewe  folk1  fat1  ben  wise  and  ful  of1 
resotm  fan  by  gret  multitude  of1  folk1  fat1  euery  man 
crieth  and  clateref  what1  fat  him  likef  sofely 
such  multitude  is  not1  honest1  [2260]  U  An  to  fe  secomzde 
resoura  wher  as  30  sayn  fat  alle  womme^  ben  wikkef 
Saue  3oure  grace.  Certis  30  despise  alle  womme?^  in  fis 
wise  and  fat  alle  despysith  saif  fe  book  / 
[2261]  And  senec  saith  who-so  wil  haue  Sapi 
ence  schal  no  man  desprayse  but1  he  schal  gladly  teche  f  e 
science  fat1  he  can  wifoute  presumpciomi  of1  pryde 
[2262]  and  suche  finges  as  he  nought1  can  he 
schal  not1  ben  aschamed  to  lerne  hem  and  enquere  of1  lasse 


209    SIX-TEXT 

486     GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

folk1     fan     himself1     [2263]     IF      And      sire      fer     haf 

be  ful  many  a  good  womma?i     [ 

[2264] 

]     if   alle 

wommen  hadde  ben  wikke  [22^5]  after  fat  for 
f  e  grete  bounte  fat1  is  in  wommen  f  Oure  lord  ihu  cnst/ 
whan  he  was  risen  fro  def  to  lyue  apperede  rafer  to  a 
wommatt  fan  to  his  apostles.  [2266]  U  And  fough 
fat1  Salamoft  say  he  fond  neuer  good  wowman 
It1  folwith  noujtt  ferfore  fat1  alle  wommen  ben 
wikke.  [2267]  For  fough  fat  he  fonde  noone  goode 
wo??zmen  certes  many  a  noj?er  man  haf  founden 
many  a  womma?i  ful  goode  and  trewe  [2268]  51  Or  elles 
p«rauenture  fen  tent  of1  Salamon  was  fis  as  in 
souereyn  bounte.  he  fond  no  womma?a  [2269]  fis  is  to 
say  fat1  fer  is  no  wight1  fat  haf  souerein  bo?mte 
sane  god  aloone  as  he  himself1  record ef  in  his  eucmn- 
gelie .  [2270]  For  fer  nys  no  creature  so  good  fat1  him 
wantith  som-what  of1  fe  perfecciown  of1  god  fat  is  his 
makere  [2271]  IF  3oure  fridde  resozm  is  fis .  36  seyn  .  fat1  if1 
36  goner ned  30 w  by  counsel  of1  me  it  schulde  seme  fat  30 
hadde  yeue  me  the  maystry  and  f e  lordschipe  ouer  3oure 
persone.  [2272]  sire  saue  3oure  grace  it1  is  not1  so.  For 
if1  so  were  fat  no  man  schulde  be  counselled  but  by 
hem  fat  hadde  maystrie  and  lordschipe  of1  his  personef 
me??-  wolde  nought1  be  counselled  so  ofte  [2273]  1F  For  so]>ly 
filke  man  fat1  axeth  1couwseil  of1  a  purpos.  36^  haf  he 
fre  chois  whefer  he  wil  werke  by  fat1  pwrpos  or 
noon  [2274]  IF  And  so  to  3oure  ferfe  resou?^  fer  36 
sayn  fat  the  ianglerie  of1  wo?nmen  can  hyde  finges  fat1 
fey  wot1  not1  of1  as  who  saith  fat1  a  womman  can  nought 
hyde  fat1  at1  sche  wooff  [2275]  Sire  fese  wordes  ben  vnder- 
stonde  of1  wo??^men  fat1  ben  iangelers  and  wikke. 
[2276]  of1  whiche  wommen  men  sayn  fat1  fre  finges 
dryuen  a  ma??,  out  of1  his  oughne  hous  fat1  is  to  say .  smoke . 
droppyng1  of1  reyn  and  wikked  wyfes.  [2277]  of1 

C1  tea/ 210] 


SIX-TEXT    210 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harlcian  7334.     487 

suche  wommen  saif  Salomon  fat1  it  were  better  to  a  man  to 
dwelle  in  desert  fan  with  a  wo??iman  fat1  is  riotous  [2278]  and 
sire  by  ^oure  leue  fat  am  not  I  [2279]  H  For  30  han  ful 
ofte  assayed  my  grete  scilence  and  my  grete  pacience  and 
eek1  how  wel  fat1  I  can  hyde  and  hele  finges  fat1 
ben  secrely  to  hyde  [2280]  U  And  sofly  as  to 
3oure  fyfte  resoim  wher  as  30  sayn  fat4  in  wikkede  coun- 
seil  wowzmen  venquisscheth  me?i.  god  wot  filke  resoun 
stont1  here  in  no  stede  /  [2281]  For  vnderstondith  now  30 
a^ein  cou^seil  to  do  wickidnes  [2282]  and  if1  30  wil 
wirke  wickidnes  and  ^oure  wyf1  restreyne  filke 
wicked  pwrpos  and  ouercome  3011  by  resoun  and  by 
good  counseiH  [2283]  Certes  3oure  wyf1  oweth  rafer  be 
preised  than  y-blamed  /  [2284]  IT  Thus  schulde  30  vnder- 
stonde  fe  philosopher  fat  seif  in  wicked  counseil 
wo?ftmen  venquyschen  her  housbondes  [2285]  H  And  fer 
as  36  blame  alle  wymmew  and  here  resowns '.  I  schal  schewe 
by  many  resourzs  and  en  samples  fat1  many  a  wo?ftinan  hath 
ben  ful  good  and  3it  been  and  here  cou^seiles  ful  holsome 
and  profitable  [2286]  51  Eke  some  mew  han  sayd  fat*  fe 
couwseilyng1  of1  wo?mnen  is  oufer  to  dere  or  to 
litel  of1  ipris  [2287]  But  al  be  it  so  fat1  ful  many  a 
womman  is  badde  and  hir  counseil  vile  and  nott  worf  f 
36^  han  men  founde  many  a  ful  good  wo??ima?i  and  ful 
dissret  and  wys  in  counseilyng1  [2288]  U  lo  lacob  by 
couwseil  of1  his  moder  Eebecca  wan  fe  blessyng1  of1 
his  fader  ysaak1  and  fe  lordschipe  of1  alle  his  breft^-en 
[2289]  U  ludith  by  hire  goode  counseil  delyuered  f  e  Citee  of1 
Bethulie  in  which  sche  dwellid  out  of1  fe  hous  of1 
Olophernw-s  fat  had  it  byseged  and  wolde  it  al  destroye 
[2290]  H  Abigayl  deliuered  2Tabal  hir  housbond  fro 
Dauid  f  e  king1  fat1  wolde  haue  I-slayn  him  and  appesed 
fe  Ire  of1  fe  kyng1  by  hir  witte  and  by  hir  good  coiuzseil- 
ynge  [2291]  1T  Hester  by  good  courcseil  enhaunsed  gretly 
fe  poeple  of1  god  In  fe  regne  of1  assuerws  fe  kyng1 
[2292]  and  fe  same  bounte  in  good  counseilyng1  ofH  many 


211    SIX-TEXT 

488    GROUP  B.     §  10.    MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

a  good  wowwnan  may  men  rede  and  telle  [2293]  And  more 
oner  whan  oure  lord  had  creat  adam  oure  forme  fader  i 
he  sayde  in  pis  wise  [2294]  IF  Hit  is  not  goode  to  be  a 
man  aloone .  make  we  to  him  an  help  semblahle  to  him 
self1  [2295]  IF  here  may  30  se  pat  if*  pat  a  woraman 
were  not  1good  and  hir  counseil  good  and  profy table! 
[2296]  oure  lord  god  of*  heuen  wolde  neither  haue  wrou^t 
hem  ne  called  hem  help  of1  man  but  raper  confusioun  to 
man  [2297]  IF  And  per  sayde  oones  a  clerk1  in  tuo  versus 
11  what  is  better  than  gold .  lasper .  And  w'hat1  is  better  pan 
lasperf  wisedom.  [2298]  and  what1  is  better  than 
wisedomf  woraman.  and  what1  is  better  than  good 
womman  f  No  ping  [2299]  IT  And  sire  by  many  oper 
resouws  may  36  se  pat  many  wowzmen  ben  goode 
and  [.  .  .  no  gap  in  MS.]  profitable  [2300]  and  perfore 
if1  }e  wil  truste  to  my  courcseilf  I  schal  restore  $ou 
3oure  doubter  hool  and  sound  [2301]  IF  and  eek1 1  wil  doon 
3ou  so  moche  pat1  36  schul  haue  honowr  in  pis  cause 

[2302]  IF  whan  Melibe  had  herd  pese  wordes  of1  his 
wif1  prudens*  he  seide  pus.  [2303]  IT  I  se  wel  pat1  pe 
word  of1  Salomow  is  sop  1F  he  seith  pat*  pe  wordes  pat 
ben  spoken  discretly  by  ordinau??ce  been  hony  combes . 
For  pay  ^euen  swetnes  to  pe  soule .  and  holmes 
to  pe  body  [2304]  f  And  wyf1  by  cause  of1  py  swete 
wordes  and  eek1  for  I  haue  assayed  and  proued  pi  grete 
sapiens  &  pi  grete  troupe  I  I  wil  gouerne  me  by  py 
counseil  in  alle  pinges 

[2305]  IF  Now  sire  quod  dame  prudens  and  syn  30 
vouchen  sauf1  to  be  gouerned  by  my  counseilyng1  f  I  wil 
enforme  3ou  how  36  schul  gouerne  ^oure  self1  in  chesyng1 
of1  3oure  counseil  [2306]  IF  36  schul  first/  in  alle  3oure 
werkes  mekely  biseche  to  pe  hihe  god  pat1  he  wol 
be  3 our  counseilowr  [2307]  &  schape  3ou  to  patt 
entent  pat1  he  3iue  3011  counseil  and  confort  as  taughte 
Toby  his  sone  [2308]  IT  At1  alle  tymes  pou  schal t1  blesse 

C1  leaf  210,  fittcfc] 


SIX-TEXT    212 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334.     489 

god  and  p?-ay  him  to  dresse  py  wayes.  and  loke  pat1 
alle  pi  counseiles  be  in  him  for  euermore  [2309]  IF  Seint1 
lame  eek1  saith  1f  If*  eny  of1  ^ow  haue  neede  of*  sapiens  axe 
it  of1  god.  [2310]  and  aftirward  panne  schul  36  take 
cou?zseil  in  ^oure  self1,  and  examine  wel  ^oure  po^tes  of1 
suche  jnnges  as  ^ou  pinkip  fat1  is  best1  for  ^oure  profyt1 
[2311]  and  panne  schul  30  dryue  fro  ^oure  hertes 
po  pat  ben  contrarie  to  good  counseil.  [2312] 
pat1  is  to  say .  Ire .  coueytise  .  and  hastynes 

[2313]  IF  First1  he  pat  axep  counseil  of1  himself1,  certes 
he  moste  be  wipoute  Ire.  for  many  cause  [2314] 
U  The  first  is  pis  IF  He  pat1  hap  gret1  Ire  and  wrappe  in 
himself1,  he  weneth  alwey  he  may  do  ping1  pat1  he 
may  not  doo  [2315]  U  And  secoundly  he  pat  is  Irous 
and  wrop.  he  may  not1  wel  deme  [2316]  II  and  he 
pat  may  not  wel  demef  may  nought1  wel  counseile  [2317] 
H  The  pridde  is  pis .  pat1  he  pa  is  Irous  and  wroth  as  saip 
Senec  may  not  speke  but  blameful  pmges  [2318] 
and  with  his  vicious  wordes  he  stirep  oper  folk1  to 
anger  and  to  Ire  [2319]  U  And  eek1  sire  36  moste  dryue 
coueitise  out  of1  3oure  herte  /  [2320]  H  For  papostil  saith 
pat1  coueytise  is  roote  of1  alle  harmes.  [2321]  And  trusteth 
wel  pat1  a  coueitous  man  ne  can  not1  deme  ne  pinke 
1but1  oonly  to  fulfille  pe  ende  of1  his  coueitise  [2322]  U  And 
certes  pat  may  neuer  ben  accomplised  IF  For  euer 
pe  more  abundaunce  pat  he  hath  of1  riches,  pe  more 
he  desireth  [2323]  And  sire  30  moste  also  dryue  out* 
of1  3our  herte  hastynes.  [2324]  For  certes  30  may 
nought  deme  for  pe  beste  a  sodein  po^t1  pat  fallep  in 
3oure  herte  1F  But  30  moste  auyse  3ou  on  it  ful  ofte 
[2325]  IF  For  as  36  herde  here  biforn  pe  comune  prouerbe  is 
pis  f  pat  he  pat  soone  demeth  soone  repentith c. 

[2326]  IF  Sire  30  ben  not  alway  in  lik*  disposicioun 
[2327]  FOP  certis  som  ping1  pat1  som  tyme  semep  to 
^ow  pat  it  is  good  for  to  doof  anoper  tyme  it  semep 
to  3011  pe  contrarie 

[i  tea/ 211] 


213    SIX-TEXT 

490    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

[2328]  whan  36  ban  taken  counsel!  in  goitre  seluen .  and 
han  denied  by  good  deliberaciown  sucb  fing1  as  30 \v 
seme])  best1  [2329]  IF  fianne  rede  I  ^ou  fat  36  kepe  it 
secre.  [2330]  Bywreye  nought  3oure  couwseil  to  no  persone 
but  it  so  be  fat  36  wene  sicurly  that  Jmrgh  ^oure 
bywreyinge  301116  ctfndiciozm  schal  be  to  jow  J>e  more 
profy  table  [2331]  U  For  Ifrc  Syrac  saif  IT  Neifer  to  fi 
foo  ne  to  fi  freend  discouere  not1  fy  secre  ne  fy  foly 
[2332]  IF  For  fey  wil  ^iue  3ou  audience  and  lokyng1  and 
supportaciown  in  fi  presence  and  scorn  in  thin 
absence  [2333]  IF  anofer  clerk1  saif  fat1  skarsly  schalt1  fou 
fynde  eny  pe?*sone  fat  may  kepe  couwseil  secreely 
[2334]  1F  The  book1  saith  IF  whil  fou  kepist1  fi  cou?<sail 
in  fin  herte  fou  kepest1  it  in  fi  priso?m  [2335]  IF  and 
whan  fou  bywreyest  f i  counseil  to  any  wight  i  he  holdef 
fe  in  his  snare  [2336]  1F  And  f  erf  ore  30  w  is  better 
hyde  3oure  counseil  in  joure  herte  fan  prayen  him  to 
whom  30  haue  bywryed  ^oure  cozaiseil  fat1  he  wol  kepe 
it  clos  and  stille  [2337]  U  For  Seneca  seith  IF  If1  so  be 
fat1  fou  ne  maist1  not  fin  owne  cou?2sel  hydef  how 
darst1  fou  preven  any  of er  wight1  fi  cowiseil  secreely  to 
kepef  [2338]  H  But  nafeles  if1  fou  wene  securly  fat1 
fy  bywreying1  of1  fy  counsel  to  a  persone  wol  make  fy 
condiciown  stonde  in  f e  better  plite  f  f awne  schalt  fou 
telle  him  fy  counsel  in  fis  wise  [2339]  IF  First1  fou 
shalt1  make  no  semblazmt  wher  fe  were  leuer  werre  or 
pees,  or  fis  or  fat.  ne  schewe  him  not1  fi  wille  and 
fin  en  tent1.  [2340]  For  truste  wel  fat  comunly  fese 
couwseilours  ben  flaterers  [2341]  and  namely  fe  counselor's 
of1  grete  lordes  [2342]  IF  For  fay  enforcen  hem  alway 
rafer  to  speke  plesaunt  wordes  enclynyng"  to  fe  lordes 
lust  fan  wordes  fat  been  trewe  and  profitable  [2343]  IF  And 
f  erfore  men  say  fat  f  e  riche  man  haf  selden  good  coun- 
seil.  but  if1  he  haue  it  of1  him  self1  [2344]  IT  And  after  fat1 
fou  schalt1  consider  fy  frendes  and  fine  enemyes. 
[2345]  And  as  touching1  fy  frendesf  fou  schalt1  con- 


SIX-TEXT    214 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harlcian  7334.     491 

sidere  which  of1  hem  be])  most1  faithful  and  most1 
wise  and  eldest1  and  most1  approuyd  in  counsaylinge 
[2346]  IT  And  of1  hem  schalt1  fou  axe  fy  counsail  as  fe 
caas  l  require th 

[2347]  H  I  say  fat  first  30  schul  clepe  to  ^our  coun- 
seil  3oure  frendes  that  ben  trewe  [2348]  U  For  Salomon 
saif  For  right  as  fe  hert  of1  a  man  delitith  in  sauour 
fat1  is  sootef  Eight1  so.  fe  couwseil  of1  trewe  frendes 
3euef  swetnes  to  fe  soule  [2349]  11  lie  saith  also  ther 
may  no  fing1  be  likened  to  fe  trewe  freend  [2350]  11  For 
certes  gold  ne  siluer  be]?  nought  so  moche  worf  as  fe 
goode  wil  of*  a  trewe  freend.  [2351]  1T  And  eek  he  sayde 
fat  a  trewe  frend  is  a  strong1  defens  who  fat 
it  fyndef  certes  he  fyndef  a  gret  tresour 
[2352]  U  fanne  schul  30  eek1  considere  if1  fat  ^oure 
trewe  frendes  ben  discrete  and  wyse  For  fe  book 
saith.  axe  fi  counseil  alwey  of1  hem  fat  ben  wyse. 
[2353]  and  by  fis  same  resoun  shul  30  clepe  to  30111*6 
counseil  of1  3oure  frendes  fat  ben  of1  age  suche  as  haue 
I-seye  sightes  and  ben  expert1  in  many  finges  and  ben 
approuyd  in  counseylinges  [2354]  H  For  fe  book1  saith 
fat  in  olde  men  is  fe  sapience  and  in  longe  tyme 
fe  prudence  [2355]  U  And  tullius  saif  fat  grete 
finges  ben  not1  ay  accompliced  by  strengfe  ne  by 
delyuernes  of1  bodyf  but1  by  good  counseil  by  auctorite 
of1  persones  and  by  science,  the  whiche  fre  finges  ne 
been  not1  feble  by  agef  but  certis  fay  enforsen  and  en- 
cresen  day  by  day  [2356]  and  thanne  schul  30  kepe 
fis  for  a  general  reule  U  First1  schul  30  clepe  to  3oure 
cou?iseil  a  fewe  of1  3oure  frendes  fat1  ben  especial 
[2357]  For  Salomon  saif  U  Many  frendes  haue  foil 
but1  among1  a  fousand  chese  fe  oon  to  be  fy  counseil- 
our.  [2358]  For  al  be  it  so  fat  fou  first  ne  telle  fy 
counseil  but  to  a  fewef  fou  mayst1  afterward  telle  it  to 
mo  folk  if1  it  be  neede  [2359]  But1  loke  alwey  fat  fy 
counsellors  haue  filke  fre  condiciowns  fat  I  haue  sayd 
p  toi/ Sll, 


215    SIX-TEXT 

492     GROUP  B.     §  10.    MELIBEUS.     Harlcian  7334. 

bifore  fat  is  to  say  fat  fay  ben  trewe  and  olde  and 
of1  wys  experiens  [2360]  II  And  werke  nou^t  alwey  in  euery 
neede  by  oon  counseilour  alloone  U  For  som  tyme  byhouef 
it  be  counselled  by  many  [2361]  H  For  Salo??ion  saith 
H  Saluaciown  of1  finges  is  wher  as  fere  bef  many 


[2362]  Now  sif  fat  I  haue  told  30  w  of1  which  folk1 
36  schul  be  counseled  H  Now  wil  I  telle  3ow  which 
counseil  36  ought  eschiewe.  [2363]  First1  36  schal  espie 
fe  counseil  of  fooles  IF  For  Salomon  seif  take  no  co?m- 
seil  of1  a  fool  For  he  ne  can  not  counseile  but  after  his 
oughne  lust1  and  his  aflecciozm  [2364]  H  The  book1  seif 
fat1  fe  proprete  of1  a  fool  is  fis  he  trowef  lightly 
harm  of1  euery  wight  &  lightly  trowef  alle  bounte  in 
himself1  [2365]  U  Thow  schalt1  eschiewe  eek1  fe  counseil 
of  alle  flaterers  suche  as  enforcen  hem  rafere  to  prayse 
3oure  persone  by  flaterie  fan  for  to  telle  3ow  fe  sof- 
fastnesse  of1  f  inges 

[2366]  U  wherfore  Tullius  saith  Amonges  alle 
pestilences  fat  1ben  in  frendschipe  fat1  is  fe  grettest 
fiaterie  .  H  And  f  erfore  is  it  more  neede  fat  f  ou  eschiewe 
and  drede  flaterers  more  fan  eny  ofe?*  peple  [2367]  H  The 
book1  saif  .  ]2ou  schalt1  raf  er  drede  and  flee  fro  f  e 
swete  wordes  of1  flaterers  .  f  en  fro  f  e  egre 
wordes  of1  fy  frend  fat1  saif  fe  fi  sofes  [2368] 
1F  Salamon  saif  fat1  fe  wordes  of  a  flaterer1  is  a  snare 
to  cacche  in  Innocent3  [2369]  H  He  saif  also,  he  fat1 
spekef  to  his  frend  wordes  of1  swetnesse  and  of1 
plesaunce  settef  a  nette  byfore  his  feet1  to  cacchen  him 
[2370]  and  f  erf  ore  saif  Tullius  U  Encline  not  fin 
eeres  to  flaterers  ne  tak1  no  confort  of1  fe  wordes  of1 
flaterers  [2371]  IT  And  Catoun  saif  Auyse  the  wel  and 
eschiewe  wordes  of1  swetnes  and  of1  plesaunce 
[2372]  and  eek1  fou  schalt  eschiewe  fe  counseling1  of1 
fin  olde  enemy  es  fat1  ben  recounsiled.  [2373]  jpe 
book1  saif  .  that1  wight  retorneth  soone  in  to  f  e 

[Uea/212] 


SIX-TEXT    216 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harlcian  7334.     493 

grace  of  his  olde  enemy es  [2374]  IT  And  ysope  saith.  Ne 
truste  not1  to  hem  wip  which  pou  hast1  had  som  tyme  werre 
or  enmyte  .  ne  telle  not  hem  py  council  [2375]  And 
Seneca  telle])  pe  cause  why  it  may  not  be  saith  he 
pat  wher  as  a  greet  fuyr  hap  longe  tyme  endured '.  pat 
pere  ne  leuep  som  vapour  of1  hete  [2376]  IT  And 
perfore  saith  Salomon  IT  In  pin  olde  enemy  truste  pou  neuere 
[2377]  IT  For  sicurly  pongl!  pin  enemy  be  reco?zsiled 
and  make  pe  cheer  of1  humilite  and  lowtep  to  pe 
his  heedf  ne  trist  him  neuer  [2378]  For  certes 
he  makij)  pilke  feyned  humilite  more  for  his  profyt1 
pan  for  eny  loue  of*  pi  persone  by  cause  he  dem- 
yth  to  haue  victorie  ouer  pi  persone  IT  By  such  feyned 
countynaMnce  the  whiche  victorie  he  might1  nou^t1  haue  by 
stryf1  and  werre  [2379]  IT  And  Petir  Alfons  saip  1T  Make  no 
felaschipe  with  pine  olde  enemyes .  for  if1  pou  do  hem 
bounte  f  pey  wil  peruerten  it  in  to  wikkednes 
[2380]  &  eek1  ])ou  most1  eschiewe  J?e  counseilynge  of1  hem 
jjat1  ben  j?y  seruawnt^  and  beren  ]je  gret1  renerence.  For 
pa?'  auenture  pai  say  it1  more  for  drede  pan  for  loue 
[2381]  And  perfore  saith  a  philosophre  in  pis 
wise  11  Ther  is  no  wight1  parfytly  trewe  to  him  pat1  he  to 
sore  dredeth  [2382]  H  And  Tullius  saith  H  per  is  no 
wight1  so  gret  of1  eny  emperour  pat  onge  may  endure 
but1  if1  he  haue  more  loue  of1  pe  peple  than  drede 
[2383]  H  Thow  also  eschiewe  pe  counseil  of1  folk1 
pat1  ben  dronkelewe  For  pay  ne  can  no  counsel  hyde 
[2384]  IT  For  Salomon  saith  1T  Ther  regnep  no  priuete  per  as 
is  dronkenesse  [2385]  IT  30  schul  also  haue  in  suspect1 
pe  counseil  of1  such  folk1  as  cownseilep  3011  oon  ping1 
pn'uely  and  counseile  ^ow  pe  contrarie  openly  [2386] 
II  For  Cassiodorie  saith  it  is  a  maner  sleighte  to 
hindre  whan  he  schewip  to  doon  oon  ping1  openly  and 
werkith  priuely  pe  contrarie .  [2387]  IT  pou  schalt1  also 
1  eschiewe  pe  counseil  of1  wikked  folkes  IT  For  J?e 
book1  saith .  IT  The  counselyng1  of1  wikked  folk1  is  alway  ful 

12,  back'] 


217    SIX-TEXT 

494    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

of  fraude  [2388]  U  and  Dauid  saith  U  Blisful  is  fat  man 
fat1  haf  not1  folwed  fe  couwseilyng1  of  wikked  men  or 
schrewes  [2389]  II  Thow  schalt  also  eschiewe  fe  counseilynge 
of  3onge  folkes  for  here  coimseil  is  nought/  rype 

[2390]  H  Now  sire  syn  I  haue  sche wed  3011  of  what1  folk1 
30  schul  take  ^oure  coimsail  and  of1  whiche  folk1  36  schullen 
folwe  fe  counseil  [2391]  II  Now  schal  I  teche  30 w  how  30 
schul  examyne  3oure  counseil  after  fe  doctr/ne  of  tullius 
[2392]  U  In  the  examynywg1  of  3oure  courcseiloures  i 
36  schul  considre  many  Binges  [2393]  U  Al-thir  first1  30 
schul  considre  fat  in  filke  fing1  that  fou  proposist1 
and  vp  what1  fing1  fou  wilt*  haue  counseil  that  verray 
trouthe  be  sayd  and  considerid .  ))is  is  to  sayn .  telle 
trewely  ]jy  tale  [2394]  H  For  he  faf  saith  fals  may  not1 
wel  be  counseled  in  J?at  cas  of  which  he  lyeth  [2395] 
U  And  after  f>is  J)ou  schal fc  considere  the  Jjinges  fat1 
accorden  to  fat1  pwrpos .  for  to  do  by  fy  counseil 
if  resoun  accorde  fer  to  [2396]  H  and  eek1  if  fy 
might1  may  accorde  fer  to.  and  if  fe  more  part  and  fe 
better  part  of  fy  counseilours  accorde  Jjer-to  or  noon 
[2397]  H  Thanne  schalt1  fou  considere  what1  fing1  schal 
folwe  of  fat1  counsailynge .  as  hate.  pees,  werre. 
grace,  profyt/.  or  damage  and  many  ofer  fmges 
[2398]  U  And  in  alle  fese  finges  fou  schalt1  chese 
fe  beste  and  weyue  alle  ofer  finges  [2399]  Jpanne 
schalt1  fou  considre  of  what  roote  engendred  is  f y  matier 
of  fy  couuseil  and  what  fruyt1  may  conserue  and 
engendre  /  [2400]  U  Thow  schalt  also  consider  alle  fese 
causes  from  whens  fai  ben  sprongen .  /  [2401]  And 
whan  30  haue  examined  3oure  counseil  as  I  haue  said 
and  which  party  is  fe  better  and  more  profitable  and 
han  approued  by  many  wise  folkes  and  oldef  [2402] 
Than  schalt1  thow  considre  if  fou  maist1  performe  it  and 
make  of  it  a  good  ende  [2403]  IT  For  resoun  wol  nought1 
fat1  any  man  schuld  bygywne  a  thing1  f  but1  if  he  mighte 
parforme  it  and  make  f  er-of  a  good  ende.  [2404]  ne  no  wigfct1 


SIX-TEXT    218 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     495 

schulde  take  vpon  him  so  heuy  a  charge  fat1  he  mighte  not1 
bere  it  [2405]  U  For  fe  prouerbe  seif  IT  He  fat1  moche 
embrasith  destroy ef  litel  [2406]  U  And  Catown  seif 
Assay  to  do  such  f  ing1  as  fou  hast1  power  to  doon . 
lest1  fat  fy  charge  oppresse  fe  so  sore.  fat1  fe 
bihoue  to  wayue  fing  fat1  fou  hast1  bygonne 
[2407]  U  And  if1  so  be  fat1  fou  be  in  doubte  1wher  fou 
maist1  pa?*forme  a  fing1  or  noon  chese  rather  to  suffre 
fan  bygynne  [2408]  U  And  petre  alfons  saith  If1 
foil  hast  might  to  doon  a  fing1  of1  which  fou  most1 
repente  it1  is  better  nay  fan  300  /  [2409]  fis  is 
to  sayn  fat  fe  is  better  holde  fy  tongue  stille  fan 
to  speke  [2410]  U  Than  may  ^e  vnderstonde  by 
strenger  resowns .  fat1  if*  f ou  hast  power  to  parforme  a 
werk1  of  which  fou  schalt1  repented  farme  is  it  better 
fat*  fou  suffre  fan  bigynne .  [2411]  wel  seyn  fay  fat1 
defenden  eue?y  wight1  to  assaie  fing1  of1  which  he  is 
in  doute  whefir  he  may  pa?*forme  it  or  noon  [2412] 
U  And  after  whan  $e  han  examyned  ^oure  counseil  as  I 
haue  sayd  biforn  and  knowen  wel  36  may  pa?*- 
forme  ^oure  emprise '.  conferme  it  f  anne  sadly  til  it  be  at 
an  ende 

[2413]  H  Now  is  it  tyme  and  resown  fat1  I  schewe  }ow 
whanne  and  wherfore  fat  30  may  chaunge  ^oure  coun 
seil  wifouten  reproef1  /  [2414]  U  Sothly  a  man 
may  chaunge  his  purpos  and  his  counseil  if1  fe  cause 
cessef  or  whan  a  newe  cause  bytydef  [2415]  II  For  fe 
lawe  seith  II  vpon  finges  fat1  newely  bitydef  bihouef 
newe  counseil.  [2416]  and  Seneca  seith  ^1  If1  fy  counseil 
be  comen  to  f e  eeres  of1  fin  enemy  f  chaunge  f y  counsail 
[2417]  IT  Thow  maist/  also  chaunge  fy  coimseil  if1  so  be 
fat1  fou  fynde  fat1  by  errour  or  by  ofer 
processe  harm  or  damage  may  bytyde  [2418]  U  Also 
fou  chaunge  fy  counseil  if1  fay  be  dishonest1  or  elles 
comuneth  of1  dishoneste.  [2419]  For  fe  lawes  sayn  H  That1 
alle  fe  hestes  fat1  ben  dishoneste  ben  of1  no  valieu 

[i  leaf-m] 


219    SIX-TEXT 

496     GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334. 

[2420]  and  eek1  if*  it  so  be  pat1  it  be  impossible,  or  may 
not4  goodly  be  performed  or  kept1 

[2421]  and  take  pis  for  a  general  reule  U  That1  euery 
counseil  pat1  is  affermed  or  strengped  so  strongly  pat1  it  may 
not  be  chaunged  for  no  condiciown  pat1  may  bitide  51  I  say 
fat  pilke  counseil  is  wikked 

[2422]  H  pis  melibeus  whan  he  had  herd  pe  doctrine  of1 
his  wyf1  dame  prudens  answerde  in  pis  wise 
[2423]  U  Dame  quod  he  jit  as  in  to  pis  tyme  je 
han  wel  and  couenably  taught1  me  as  in  general  how  I 
schal  gouerne  me  in  chesynge  arid  in  wipholdynge 
of1  my  counseiloures  [2424]  U  But1  now  wold  I  fayn 
je  wolde  condescende  as  in  especial  [2425]  &  telle))  me 
what1  seme])  or  how  like]?  jow  by  oure  counseiloures 
pat1  we  han  chosen  in  oure  present  neede 

[2426]  U  My  lord  quod  sche  I  byseke  30 w  in  al  hum- 
blesce  fat1  je  wil  not1  wilfully  repplye  ajeinst1  my  resowns 
ne  distempre  joure  herte  pough  I  say  or  speke  ping1  pat1  jow 
displesith  [2427]  U  For  god  woot1  pat1  as  in  myn  entent1 1 
speke  it  for  joure  beste .  for  joure  honour .  and  for  jour 
1profyt1  eek  [2428]  U  And  soply  I  hope  pat  jour  be- 
nignite  wol  take  it  in  to  pacience  [2429]  U  For  trustep  me 
wel  quod  sche  pat1  joure  couwseil  as  in  pis  caas  ne  schulde 
not  as  for  to  speke  propurly  be  called  a  counseilyng1  f  but  / 
a  mocioun  or  a  moeuynge  of1  foly  [2430]  in  which  counseil 
je  han  erred  in  many  a  sondry  wise 

[2431]  1F  First  and  forward  je  han  erred  in  pe  gader- 
yng1  of1  joure  courcseilours  [2432]  For  je  schulde  first1 

han  cleped  a  fewe  folkes  [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  if1  it  hadde  be  neede 

[2433]  U  But1  certes  je  han  sodeinly  cleped  to  jour  coun 
seil  a  gret1  multitude  of  poeple  ful  cha[r]geous  and  ful 
anoyous  for  to  hiere  [2434]  H  Also  je  han  erred  for 
per  as  je  schulde  oonly  haue  clepid  to  joure  counseil 
joure  trewe  frendes  olde  and  wisef  [2435]  3e  naue  I-cleped 
straunge  folk1  jonge  folk1,  false  flatereres  and  enemyes 

[i  leaf  213,  6acA] 


SIX-TEXT    220 

GROUP  B.     §  10.    MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     497 

reconsiled  and  folk*  fat1  doon  3ow  reuerence  wifoute 
loue  [2436]  11  Eke  also  30  ban  erred  i  For  30  ban 
brou^tt  witb  ^ow  to  ^oure  cowzseil.  Ire.  Coueitise  and 
Hastynes.  [2437]  fe  whiche  fre  finges  ben  contra- 
rious  to  euery  coimsail  honest1  and  profitable  [2438]  H  Tbe 
whiche  fre  Binges  36  haue  nought1  annentissched  or  destroyed 
neyf er  in  3oure  self1  ne  in  ^oure  counseiloures  as  36  oughte 
[2439]  U  Also  36  haue  erred .  For  30  haue  schewed  to  ^oure 
cownseilours  ^oure  talent  and  ^oure  affecciouri  to  make 
werre  and  for  to  doon  vengeaurcce  anoon  [2440]  U  fay  ban 
espyed  by  $oure  wordes  to  what  finge  36  ben  enclined 
[2441]  and  f erf ore  haue  ))ay  counselled  ^ow  rather  to 
3oure  talent  fan  to  ^oure  profyt  [2442]  U  3e  haue  erred 
alsof  For  it  seme]?  J>af  ^ow  suffice]?  to  haue  been  cou?i- 
seiled  by  J?ese  cou?zseilours  only  and  wij)  litel  auys 
[2443]  wher-as  in  so  gret1  and  so  heigh  a  neede  it  hadde 
be  necessarious  mo  couwseilours  and  more  deliberaciozm  to 
parforme  ^oure  empn'se  [2444]  36  have  erred  also  U  For 

[ 

[2445]     .     . 

no  gap]  36  haue  maked  no  diuisiourc  bytwixe 

3oure  counsailours  )>is  is  to  seyn  bitwix  3oure 
frendes  and  3oure  feyned  counseilours .  [2446]  ne  30  ne  haue 
nought  I-knowe  J)e  wille  of1  3oure  frendes  olde  and  wise . 
[2447]  But  30  haue  cast  alle  here  wordes  in  an  hochepoche  / 
and  enclyned  3oure  herte  to  }?e  more  part  and  to  J>e 
gretter  nombre  and  fere  be  30  condescendid  [2448] 
II  And  syn  36  wot  wel  men  schal  alway  fynde  a 
gretter  nombre  of1  fooles  fan  of*  wyse  mewf  [2449]  and 
ferfore  J>e  counsailes  fat  ben  at  congregaciowns  and  mul 
titudes  of*  folk1,  fer  as  men  taken  more  reward  to  fe 

I  nombre  fan  to  fe  sapience  of1  persones .  [2450]  36  se  wel 
fat1  in  suche  couraseilynges  fooles   haue   maystrie  [2451] 

II  Melibeus  answerde  agayn  and  sayde  U  I  graunte  wel  fat1 
I   haue   erred  f    [2452]    Buf   fere   as   fou   hasf  told   me 
toforn  faf  he  is  nought1  to  blame  fat1  chauwgef  his  conn- 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  L1  tea/ 214]  2    K 


221    SIX-TEXT 

498    GROUP  B.     §  10.    MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334. 

seilours  in  certeyn  caas  and  for  certeyn  iuste  causes 
[2453]  U  I  am  al  redy  to  chaunge  my  cownseilours  right1 
as  pou  wilt1  deuyse  [2454]  U  The  prouerbe  saith  fat1 
for  to  do  synne  is  mannysch .  But/  certes  for  to  perseuere 
longe  in  synne  is  werk1  of1  pe  deuyl 

[2455]  ^  To  }^s  sentence  anoon  answerde  dame  pru- 
dens  and  saide  [2456]  IT  Examineth  quod,  sche  3oure  coun- 
sail  and  let1  vs  se  which  of1  hem  hap  spoke 
most1  resonably  and  taught1  3ou  best1  couwsail  [2457] 
And  for  as  moche  as  pe  examinaciown  is  necessarie  f 
let1  vs  byginne  at1  pe  Surgiens  and  at1  pe  phisiciens  pat 
first1  speken  in  pis  matiere  [2458]  H  I  say  ^ou  pat1  pe 
surgiens  and  pe  physiciens  han  sayd  }ow  in  ^oure  counseil 
discretly  as  hem  ought  [2459]  and  in  here  speche 
sayden  ful  wisely  pat1  to  pe  office  of1  hem  appendith  to 
doon  to  euery  wight1  honour  and  profyt1.  and  no  wi3t 
to  annoy e  [2460]  and  after  here  craft1  to  do  gret  diligence 
vn  to  pe  cure  of1  hem  which  pat1  pay  haue  in  here  gouern- 
aunce  [2461]  And  sire  right1  as  pay  answerde 
wisely  and  discretly  f  [2462]  Eight  so  rede  I  pat1  pay 
be  heihly  and  soueraignly  guerdoned  for  here  noble 
speche  /  [2463]  and  eek1  for  pey  schullen  do  pe  more 
entcntyf1  besynes  in  pe  curyng1  of1  pure  doubter  dere 
[2464]  H  Eor  al  be  it  so  pat1  pai  be  ^oure  frendesf 
perfore  schul  36  nought  suffre  pat1  pay  schul  serue  3ow  for 
nou3t1  /  [2465]  But1 36  oughte  pe  rapere  to  guerdoune  hem  and 
schewe  hem  3oure  largesse  [2466]  H  &  as  touchynge  pe 
proposiciowns  whiche  pe  phisiciens  han  schewed  3ou  in  pis 
caas  pis  is  to  sayn  [2467]  pat1  in  maladyes  oon 
contrarie  is  warisshed  by  anoper  contrarie .  [2468]  I 
wolde  fayn  knowe  pilke  text1  and  how  pay  vnderstonde  it  and 
what  is  3oure  entente  [2469]  11  Certes  quod  Melibeus 
vnderstonden  it  is  in  pis  wise  [2470]  pat1  right1  as  pay  han 
do  me  a  contrarie  f  right  so  schold  I  do  hem  anoper 
[2471]  IT  For  right1  as  pai  han  venged  hem  on  me  and 
doon  me  wrong1  f  Eight1  so  schal  I  venge  me  vp  on  hem 


SIX-TEXT    222 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     499 

and  doon  hem  wrong1  [2472]  and  fanne  haue  I  cured  oon 
contrarie  by  anof  er 

[2473]  If  lo  lo  quod.  Dame  prudence  how  lightly  is 
euery  man  enclyned  to  his  oughne  plesaunce  and  to  his 
oughne  desir  [2474]  IT  Certes  quod  sche  fe  wordes  of1  fe 
phisiciens  Jne  schulde  nou^f  haue  benvnderstondesone  in  fat 
wise  [2475]  ^  -^or  certes  wikkednesse  is  no  contrarie 
to  wickednesse .  ne  vengawns  to  vengeaunce .  ne  wrong1 
to  wrong1  f  but1  fai  ben  semblable  [2476]  And  fer- 
fore  on  vengeaunce  is  no^t1  warisshed  by  anof  er  venge 
aunce.  ne  oon  wrong1  by  anofer  wrong1.  [2477]  but1 
euerych  of1  hem  encreseth  and  engreggith  ofer  [2478] 
IT  But  certes  fe  wordes  of1  fe  phisiciens  schul  ben 
vnderstonde  in  fis  wise.  [2479]  For  good  and  wikked 
nesse  ben  tuo  contraries,  and  pees  and  werre.  venge 
aunce  &  sufferaunce .  Discord  and  accord  and  many 
ofer  finges  [2480]  IT  but  certes  wikkednes  schal  be 
warrisshed  by  goodnesse  .  Discord  by  accord .  werre  by  pees 
and  so  forth  of1  ofer  Binges  [2481]  H  And  her-to  accordith 
seint  paul  fe  apostil  in  many  places  [2482]  1T  He 
saith .  ne  ^eldith  no^t1  harm  for  harm .  ne  wikked  speche 
for  wikked  speche  [2483]  U  But1  do  wel  to  him  fat  dof 
fe  harm  and  blesse  him  that1  dof  fe  harm  [2484] 
and  in  many  ofer  places  he  amonesteth  pees  and 
accord  [2485]  H  But  now  wil  I  speke  to  $ow  of1  ]>e  coun- 
seil  which  was  3iue  to  3ow  by  fe  men  of1  lawe 
&  J?e  wise  folkes  [2486]  fat1  sayde  alle  by  oon  accord 
as  30  haue  herd  byfore  [2487]  That1  ouer  alle  finges  30 
schal  do  3oure  diligence  to  kepe  3oure  persone  and 
to  warmstore  3oure  hous.  [2488]  and  seyden  also  fat1 
in  fis  3ow  aughte  for  to  wirche  ful  auysily  and 
with  gret1  deliberaciown .  [2489]  ^T  And  sire  as  to  f  e  firste 
poynt1  fat1  touched  to  fe  kepinge  of1  3oure  personef 
[2490]  36  schul  vnderstonde .  fat1  he  fat1  haf  werre  f  schal 
euermore  deuoutly  and  mekely  prayen  biforn  alle 
finges  [2491]  fat1  Ihu  cn'st1  wil  of1  his  mercy 

P  leafZH,  back]  2    K    2 


223   SIX-TEXT 

500    GROUP  B.     §  10.    MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334. 

haue  him  in  his  protecciown  and  ben  his  souerayn  helpyng1 
at1  his  neede  /  [2492]  U  For  certes  in  pis  world  per  nys  no 
wight1  pat1  may  be  counseiled  or  kept1  sufficaun[t]ly  wip- 
oute  pe  kepinge  of1  oure  lord  ihu  cn'st1  [2493]  H  To  pis 
sentence  accordep   pe   prophete   Dauid   pat1   seith  [2494] 
IT  If*  god  ne  kepe  not1  pe  citee .  in  ydel  wakith  he  pat  kepith 
hit  [2495]  11  Now  sire  panne  schul  30  coramitte  pe  keping1  of1 
3oure  persone  to   ^oure  trewe  frendes   pat1   ben  approued 
and  y-knowe  [2496]  and  of1  hem  schul  30  axen  help  ^oure 
persone   to   kepe   ^T   For   Catown   saith   IT    If   pou   haue 
neede  of1  help!  axe  it  of*  py  freendes .  [2497]  For  per  is 
noon  so  good  a  phisicien  at1  neede  f  as  is  a  trewe  frend . 
[2498]  U  And  after  pis'   pan  schal  36  kepe   $ou  fro  alle 
straunge  folkes  and  fro  lyeres  and  haue  alway  in  suspect/ 
here  compaignye  [2499]  IT  For  Pieres  alfons  saith  IT  NQ 
take  no  compaignie  by  the  1  way  of  a  straunge  man .  but/ 
so   be    pat   pou   knowe   him   of1    a   lenger    tyme    [2500] 
And    if1    so    be    he    falle    in    to    py    compaignye    par 
auenture    wipouten    pin    assent1  f    [2501]    enquere    panne 
as  subtilly  as  pou  maist1  of  his  conuersaciown  and  ofH  his  lyfH 
bifore  and  feyne  py  way  and  say  pat1  pou  wilt1  go  pider 
as  pou  wolf  nought1  goon  [2502]  H  And  if  he  bere  a  spere 
IT  hold  pe  on  the  right1  syde  H  And  if1  he  bere  a  swerd  i 
holde   pe    on    pe    lyft1   syde.    [2503]    and   so   after   pis. 
panne     schul     30     kepe      3ou     wisely     from     al     such 
peple  as  I  haue  sayd  bifore  /  and  hem  and  here  couwseil 
eschiewe  [2504]  1F  And  after  pis.  panne  schul  36  kepe  3ow 
in  such  man  ere  [2505]  pat1  for  eny  presumpciown  of1  3oure 
strengpe  pat  30  despise  not1  pe 

might1  of1  3oure  aduersarie  so  lite  paf  36  lete  pe 
kepinge  of1  3oure  persone  for  3oure  presumpciown .  [2506] 
For  eny  wis  man  dredep  his  enemy  [2507]  1T  And 
Salomon  saith  H  weleful  is  he  pat1  of*  alle  hap  drede. 
[2508]  For  certes  he  paf  purgh  hardynes  of1  his 
herte  and  purgh  pe  hardinesse  of1  himself1,  hap  to 
gret1  presumpciown  i  him  schal  euyl  bitide  [2509]  U  panne 

C1  leaf  215] 


SIX-TEXT    224 

GROUP  B.    §  10.     MBLIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     501 

schal  30  euermore  counterwayte  enbussliement^  and  alle 
espiaille  [2510]  IT  For  Senec  saith  fat1  fe  wise  man 
fat  dredif  harmes  /  eschiewith  harmes.  [2511]  ne  he  ne 
fallif  in  to  noone  perils  fat1  perils  eschiewef  [2512]  IT  And  al 
be  it  so  fat1  fe  seme  fat*  fou  art1  in.  sikur  place  f  3^ 
schaltow  alway  do  fy  diligence  in  kepyng1  of1  f  y  persone 
[2513]  IT  This  is  to  say  U  Be  not1  necgligent1  to  kepe  fy 
persone  nought1  oonly  for  f  y  gretteste  enemyes  f  but1  fro  f  y 
lest1  enemyes  [2514]  II  Senec  saith  IT  A  man  fat1  is 
wel  auysedf  he  dredif  his  lest1  enemy  [2515]  IT  Ovide 
seif  fat1  fe  litel  wesil  wol  sle  fe  grete  bole  and  fe 
wilde  hert.  [2516]  1T  And  fe  book1  saif.  a  litel  forn 
wol  prikke  a  f  ing1  ful  sore .  IT  And  an  hound  wol 
holde  fe  wilde  boore  [2517]  IT  But1  nafeles  I  say  not1  fat1 
30  schul  be  so  moche  a  coward  fat1  30  doute  where  is  no 
neede  or  drede  [2518]  U  f e  boot  saif  fat1  som  folk1  haue 
gret1  lust1  to  disceyue  IT  but1  ^it1  fay  dreden  hem  to  be  de- 
ceyued  [2519]  U  3^  schal  30  drede  to  ben  empoisoned 
1T  And  kepe  fe  fro  fe  companye  of1  scorners  [2520] 
For  fe  book1  saith  with  scorners  make  no  compaignye 
but1  flee  hem  and  here  wordes  as  venym 

[2521]  U  !Now  as  to  fe  secounde  poynt  where  as  3oure 
wise  counseilours  warnede  3ow  to  warmstore  3oure  hous 
with  gret  diligence  f  [2522]  I  wolde  fayn  wite  xhow  fat1 
36  vnderstoode  f  ilke  wordes  what  is  3oure  sentence 

[2523]  1T  Melibeus  answerde  and  saide  U  Certes  I  vnder- 
stonde  it  in  fis  wise  fat1  I  schal  warmstore  myrc  hous 
with  toures  suche  as  han  castiles  and  ofer  maner 
edifices  and  armure  and  artilries  [2524]  by  suche 
finges  I  may  my  persone  &  myn  hous  so  kepen  and 
edifien  and  defenden  fat  myn  enemyes  schul  be  in  drede  mjn 
hous  to  approche 

[2525]  1T  To  fis  sentence  answerde  dame  prudence 
IT  warmstorynge  quod  sche  of1  heihe  toures  and  grete 

edifices  [ [2526]  .  .  . 

no  gap]  wif  grete 

P  lea/US,  tocfc] 


225    SIX-TEXT 

502    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334. 

costages  and  gret  trauaile  and  whan  pat1  pay  ben 
accomplised  yti  bep  pay  nou^tt  worth  a  straw  but1  if1  pey  be 
defended  by  trewe  frendes  pat  bep  olde  and  wise  [2527] 
IT  And  vnderstondep  pat1  pe  grettesfr  strength  or 
garnisoun  that  pe  riche  man  may  haue  as  wel  to  kepe  his 
persone  as  his  goodes  is  [2528]  pat1  he  be  biloued 
wip  his  subgites  and  vvip  his  neighebours  [2529]  U  For 
pus  saith  tulliws  IF  That  per  is  a  maner  garnisown  pat1 
no  man  may  venquisshe  ne  discomfite  and  pat1  is  [2530] 
a  lord  to  be  biloued  with  his  cite3eins  and  of1  his  peple 

[2531]  U  Now  pawne  as  to  $oure  pridde  poynt1  where  as 
3oure  olde  and  wyse  counseillowrs  sayde.  30 
oughte  nought1  sodeinly  ne  hastily  procede  in  pis  neede. 
[2532]  but1  pat1  36  oughte  purueyen  ^ow  and  apparaile  ^ow 
in  pis  caas  wip  greet  diligence  and  gret1  deliberackwn  f 
[2533]  trewely  I  trowe  pat1  pay  sayden  sop  and 
right1  wisely  [2534]  H  For  Tullius  saith  IT  In  euery 
iiede  er  pou  bigynne  it/  apparaile  pe  wip  gret1 
diligence  [2535]  U  Thanne  say  I  pat1  in  vengeance 
takinge  in  werre  in  bataile  and  in  warmstoringe  of1  pin  hous 
[2536]  er  pou  bygynne  I  rede  pat1  pou  apparaille  pe 
perto  and  do  it  with  gret1  deliberaciown .  [2537]  For 
tullius  saith  II  That1  long1  apparaylyng1  byfore  pe  bataille  f 
makep  schort1  victorie  [2538]  II  And  Cassidorus  saip  11  The 
garnisown  is  stronger  whan  it  is  long1  tyme  auysed 

[2539]  IT  But1  now  let  vs  speke  of1  pe  counseil  pat1  was 
accorded  by  ^oure  neighebours  suche  as  doon  3ou 
reuerence  wipoute  loue .  [2540]  H  3oure  olde  enemyes  recoun- 
siled  [2541]  }>&#  couwseile  ^ow  cer- 
teyn  pinges  pryuely  and  openly  counseile  $ow  pe 
contrarie  [2542]  IT  J3e  ^onge  also  pat  counsaile 
30 w  to  make  werre  and  venge  3ow  anoon  [2543]  H  And 
certes  sire  as  I  haue  sayd  byforn  30  haue  gretly  erred 
to  haue  cle1ped  such  maner  folk1  to  3oure  counseil  [2544] 
whiche  be  now  repreued  by  pe  resouns 
byfore  sayd  [2545]  IT  But  napeles  let1  ys  now  descende  to 

[i  fca/216] 


SIX-TEXT    226 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harlcian  7334.     503 

f  e  purpose  special  IT  3e  schul  first1  precede  after  f  e  doctnne  of* 
Tullius  [2546]  IT  Certes  fe  troufe  of1  fis  or 
fis  counseil  nedep  nought1  diligently  enquere  [2547]  For  it1 
is  wel  wist1  whiche  it  ben  fat1  doon  to  ^ow  fis 
trespas  and  vilonye  [2548]  &  how  many  trespasoures 
and  in  what  rnaner  fay  han  to  $ow  doon  al  fis 
wrong1  and  al  fis  vilonye  [2549]  H  And  after  fat 
schul  36  examyne  fe  secounde  condiciown  which 
Tulliws  addif  fer  to  in  fis  matier  [2550] 
U  Tullius  put  a  f  ing1  which  fat  he  clepeth  couetynge .  fis 
is  to  sayn  [2551]  who  ben  fay  and  whiche  ben  fay  and  how 
many  fat  consentid  to  f is  matiere  and  to  f y  counsail  in  f y 
wilfulnesse  to  do  hasty  vengeaunces  [2552]  &  let1  vs  considere 

also  who  ben  f  o  and  how  many  ben  f  o  [ 

.  .  ft0#a^]fat1bencounseikwrsto3oureadue?isaries.  [2553] 
and  certes  as  to  fe  first  poynt  it1  is  wel  knowen  whiche 
folk1  ben  fay  fat  consentid  to  3oure  first/  wilful- 
nes.  [2554]  For  trewly  alle  fo  fat1  counsailled  ^ow 
to  make  sodeyn  werre  bef  no^t1  3oure  frendes  [2555] 
H  let1  vs  considre  whiche  ben  fo  fat1  30  holde 
so  gretly  3oure  frendes  as  to  3oure  pcrsone  [2556]  If  For 
al  be  it1  so  fat1  30  be  mighty  and  riche  f  certes  30 
been  alloone.  [2557]  for  certes  36  haue  no  childe 
but1  a  dorter.  [2558]  ne  36  haue  no  breferen  ne  cosins 
germayns  ne  noon  ofer  neigh  kynrede  /  [2559]  wherfore 
fat1 3oure  enemyes  for  drede  schulden  stynte  for  to  plede  wif 
jou  and  stryue  joure  persone  [2560]  U  3&  knowe 
also  fat1  3oure  richesses  mooten  in  diuers  parties 
be  departed.  [2561]  and  whan  euery  wight1  haf 
his  part1!  fay  wol  take  but1  litel  reward  to  venge 
fy  deth  [2562]  IF  But1  fyne  enemyes  ben  fre  and 
haue  many  children  breferen.  cosynes  and  of  ere  neigh 
kynrede.  [2563]  and  fough  it  so  were  30  hadde 
slayn  of1  hem  tuo  or  thre  f  36^  dwellen  fere  ynowe  to  wreke 
here  deth  and  sle  fi  persone  [2564]  1F  And  fough  so 
were  fat1 301110  kynrede  were  more  sekir  and  stedefast1  fan 


227    SIX-TEXT 

504    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harlcian  7334. 

fe  kynrede  of1  301116  aduersariesf  [2565]  ^itt  nafeles  3oure 
kynrede  nis  but1  litel  kinrede  and  litel  sib 
to  3ow  [2566]  and  fe  kyn  of1  301116  enemyes  ben  neigh  sibbe 
to  hem .  and  certes  as  in  fat1  here  condicioun  is  bet1  fan 
3oures  [2567]  U  Jeanne  let1  vs  considere  also  if1  ]>e 
counseilynge  of1  hem  fat1  counseiled  3ow  to  take  sodein 
vengeance  whefir  it  accorde  to  resozm  [2568]  & 
certes  ^e  knowe  wel  nay  [2569]  H  For  as  by  right1  and 
resozm  f  er  may  no  man  take  vengeaunce  vpon  no  wight1  but1 
fe  lugge  fat/  haf  iurediccioun  of1  it1  [2570]  whan  it  is 
y-graunted  him  to  take  filke  vengeaunce  hastily  or  at- 
temperelly  as  fe  lawe  requireth.  [2571]  and  3it  more- 
ouer  of*  filke  word  fat1  Tullius  clepith  corcsentynge 
[2572]  fou  schalt  considre  if1  fy  might1  and  Jjy  power 
may  consente  and  suffice  to  )>y  wilfulnes  and  to  fy 
counseilowrs .  [2573]  and  certes  Jjou  maist/  wel  say 
fat1  nay  /  [2574]  For  sicurly  as  for  to  speke  properly 
we  may  doo  no  ping1  but1  oonly  oon  f  ing/  which  we  may 
do  rightfully  [2575]  U  And  certes  rightfully  may  36 
take  no  vengeance  as  of1  3oure  owne  auctorite  [2576] 
H  Than  may  30  se  fat1  3oure  power  consentith 
not1  ne  accordith  not1  wij?  3oure  wilfulnesse  [2577]  U  let1 
vs  now  examyne  fe  fridde  poynt  fat1  Tulliws  clepef 
consequente.  [2578]  fou  schalt1  vnderstonde  fat1  fe 
vengeance  fat1  fou  pwrposiddest1  for  to  take  is  conse 
quent1.  [2579]  and  fer  of1  folwef  anofer  vengeaunce. 
peril  and  werre  and  ofer  damages  wifoute  nombre 
of1  whiche  we  be  not1  war  as  at  fis  tyme  [2580]  IT  And 
as  touching1  fe  fourfe  poynt  that1  tullius  clepef  en- 
gendryngel  [2581]  fou  schalt1  considre  fat1  fis  wrong1 
which  fat1  is  doon  to  fe  is  engendred  of1  fe  hate  of1 
fin  enemyes  [2582]  and  of1  fe  vengeaunce  takinge  vp 
fat1  wolde  engendre  anofer  vengeaunce  &  moche  sorwe 
and  wastyng1  of1  riches  as  I  sayde 

[2583]    U    Now   sire    as    to    fe    poynt1    fat1   Tullius 
clepith   causes   whiche   fat1  fe   laste    poynt1   [2584]   fou 

P  leaf  216,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    228 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     505 

schalf  vnderstonde  fat1  fe  wrong1  fat1  fou  hast  receyued 
haf  certeyn  causes  [2585]  whiche  fat1  clerkes  calle 
Orience  and  Officience.  and  causa  longinqua.  and  causa 
propinqua.  fis  is  to  say.  fe  fer  cause,  and  fe  neigh 
cause.  [2586]  for  fe  fer  cause  is  almighty  god  fat  is 
cause  of1  alle  finges.  [2587]  fe  nere  cause  is  fe 
fre  enemy es.  [2588]  fe  cause  accidental  was  hate. 
[2589]  fe  causes  materiales  been  fie  fyue  woundes  of* 
fy  doughter.  [2590]  the  cause  formal  is  fe  maner  of* 
here  werkyng1  fat1  brought1  in  laddres  and  clombe  in  at1 
fin  wyndowes.  [2591]  fe  cause  final  was  for  to  sle  fy 
doughter  hit1  letted  nou^t1  in  as  moche  as  was  in  hem  [2592] 
IT  But  for  to  speke  of1  f e  fer  cause  as  to  what1  ende  fay 
schal  come  or  what  schal  finally  betyde  of1  hem  in  fis 
cause,  can  I  not  deme  but  by  comittyng1  and  by 
supposyng1.  [2593]  For  we  schul  suppose  fat1  fay  schul 
come  to  a  wikked  ende  [2594]  by  cause  fat  fe  book1 
of1  degrees  saith  U  Seelden  or  wif  gret1  peyne  ben  causes 
I-brought1  to  la  good  ende.  whan  fay  ben  euyl  bygonne 

[2595]  Now  sire  if1  men  wolde  axe  me  why  fat1 
$e  suffrede  men  to  do  }ow  fis  wrong1  and  vilonye  f  Certes  I 
can  not1  wel  answere  as  for  no  soffastnes  [2596]  For 
fe  apostil  saith.  fat1  fe  sciences  and  fe  luggements  of1 
oure  lord  god  almyghty  ben  ful  deepe  [2597]  U  Ther  may 
no  maw  comprehende  ne  serchen  hem  sufnciauntly  [2598] 
U  iNatheles  by  certeyn  presumpckwns  and  coniectinges 
I  holde  and  bilieue  [2599]  fat1  god  which  fat1  is  ful  of1 
iustice  and  of1  rightwisnesse  haf  suffred  fis  to  betyde  by 
iuste  cause  resonable 

[2600]  II  Thy  name  Melibe  is  to  say  a  man 
fat1  drynkef  hony.  [2601]  fou  hast1  y-dronke  so  moche 
hony  of1  sweete  temperel  richesses  and  delices  and  hon- 
ours  of1  fis  world  [2602]  fat1  fou  art1  dronke  and 
hast  for3ete  Ihu  cn'sf  fy  creatour.  [2603]  fou 
hast1  not1  doon  him  such  honowr  and  reuerence  as  f  e 
oughte  to  doone .  [2604]  ne  fou  hast1  nou^f  wel  taken  keep  to 

[]  leaf  217] 


229    SIX-TEXT 

506    GRour  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

fe  wordes  of1  Ovide  fat1  saith  [2605]  II  vnder  fe  hony 
of*  ]py  goodes  of1  fy  body  is  hid  f  e  venym  fat1  sleej) 
fi  soule  [2606]  IT  And  Salomon  saith  IF  If1  fou  haue 
fouunde  hony.  ete  of*  it  fat1  suffice]?.  [2607]  For  if1  fou 
ete  of1  it  out1  of1  mesure  f  fou  schalt1  spewe  and  be  nedy 
and  pouere.  [2608]  and  pe?«auenture  cn'st1  haf  fe  in 
despit1.  and  hath  torned  away  fro  fe  his  face  and  his 
eeres  of1  misericorde  [2609]  IF  And  also  he  haf  suffred 
fat1  fou  hast1  ben  punysshed  in  fe  maner  fat1  fou 
hast  I-trespassed  [2610]  IF  Thou  hast1  doon  synne  a^einst1 
oure  lord  crist.  [2611]  for  certes  fi  fre  enemy  es  of1  man- 
kinde  fat  is  to  say  fy  flessch  fe  feend  and  fe 
world.  [2612]  pou  hast1  y-suffred  hem  to  entre  in  to  J?in 
herte  wilfully  by  fe  wyndow  of1  J?y  body  [2613]  and 
hast1  nou^t1  defended  fiself1  sufficiently  agayns  here  asceutis 
and  here  temptacio?ms  So  fat1  fay  haue  woundid  fi 
soule  in  fyue  places  [2614]  This  is  to  sayn  fe  dedly 
synnes  fat  ben  entred  in  to  fin  herte  by  fy  fyue 
wyndowes  [2615]  IF  And  in  fe  same  maner  oure  lord  crist 
hath  wolde  and  suffred  fat1  fy  fre  enemyes  ben  entred 
in  to  fin  hous  by  fo  wyndowes  [2616]  and  haue 
I-woundid  f  i  doughter  in  f  e  forsayde  maner 

[2617]  IF  Certes  quod  Melibeus  I  se  wel  fat1  30  en 
force  ^ow  moche  by  wordes  to  ouercome  me.  in  such 
manere  fat1  1  schal  not  venge  me  on  myn  enemyes  [2618] 
schewynge  me  fe  perils  and  fe  yueles  fat1  mighten 
falle  of*  fis  vengeaunce  [2619]  H  But1  who-so  wolde  corcsidre 
in  alle  vegeaunces  f  e  periles  and  f  e  yueles  fat1  mighten  folwe 
of1  vengeawnces  takynge  .  [2620]  a  man  wolde  neuer  take 
vengeaunce  and  fat1  were  harm.  [2621]  For  by  venge- 
awnce  takynge  be  1wikked  men  destruyed  and  disseuered  fro 
fe  goode  men.  [2622]  and  fay  fat  haue  wille  to  wikked- 
nes  restreignen  here  wikked  pwrpos  whan  fay  seen  fe 
punysshyng1  and  fe  chastisyng1  of1  trespasowrs  [2623] 


[i  leaf  '^.n,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    230 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     507 


[2624] 


no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

[2625]  IT  And  3it  say  I  more  fat  right1  so  as  a  sengle 
persone  synnef  in  taking1  of1  vengeaunce  f  [2626] 
Eight1  so  fe  lugge  synnef  if1  he  doo  no  vengeaunce 
on  him  fat1  it  haf  deserued  [2627]  IT  For  Senec  saith 
f  us  U  he  fat1  maister  is  he  saith  good  to  reproue  schrewes 
[2628]  And  as  Cassoder  saith  U  A  man  dredef  to  doon 
outrage  whan  he  woot1  and  knowef  fat1  it  displesef 
to  fe lugges  and  f  e  soueraynes.  [2629]  and  anof  er  saith  IT  The 
lugge  fat1  dredef  to  demen  right1  makef  schrewes  // 
[2630]  And  seint1  potil  fappostoil  saith  in  his  epistil 
whan  he  writef  to  fe  romayns  IT  The  lugges  bere 
not1  fe  spere  wifoute  cause.  [2631]  but1  fay  beren  it1 
to  punysshe  f e  schrewes  and  mys  doers  and  for  to  defende 
wif  fe  goode  men.  [2632]  If1  36  wol  take  vengeaunce 
on  3oure  enemyes  30  schul  retourne  or  haue  recours 
to  fe  lugges  fat1  haue  iuredicciown  vpon  hem  [2633] 
and  he  schal  pun[i]ssche  hem  as  fe  law  axef  and  requiref 

[2634]  IT  A  quod  melibeus  fis  vengeaunce  likef  me 
no  fiwg1  [2635]  I  byfenke  me  now  and  take  heed 
how  fortune  haf  norissched  me  fro  my  childhode 
and  haf  holpe  me  to  passen  many  a  stray t1  passage  [2636] 
IT  Now  wol  I  aske  her  fat1  sche  schal  wif  goddes  help 
helpe  me  my  schame  for  to  venge 

[2637]  IT  Certes  quod  prudence  if1  30  wil  wirche  by  my 
counseil.  36  schul  not1  assaye  fortune  by  no  maner  way  [2638] 
ne  schul  not"  lene  ne  bowe  vnto  hire  after  f  e  word  of1 
Senec  [2639]  IT  For  finges  fat1  bef  folye  and 
fat  bef  in  hope  of1  fortune  schul  neuer  come  to  good 
ende  [2640]  If  And  as  fe  same  Senek1  saif  IT  The  more 
cleer  and  fe  more  schynynge  fat  fortune  is  fe  more 
brutil  and  fe  sonner  brekef  sche.  [2641]  so  trustef  nought 
in  hire  For  sche  is  no^t1  stedefast1  ne  stable  [2642]  IT  For 
whan  f ou  wenesf  or  trowest1  to  be  most1  seur  of1  hir 


231    SIX-TEXT 

508    GROUP  B.     §  10.    MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

help,  sche  wol  fayle  fe  and  deceyue  fe.  [2643] 
wher  as  36  say  fat1  fortune  haf  norisshed  ^ow  fro  ^oure 
childhode  [2644]  I  say  Jjat  in  so  mochel  30  schul 
f  e  lasse  truste  in  hire  and  in  hire  witte  [2645]  ^  For  Senek1 
saith  U  what1  man  fat1  is  norissched  by  fortune  f  sche  makef 
him  to  gref  a  fool  [2646]  U  Now  siffe  30  desire 
and  axe  vengeaunce  and  f  e  vengeaunce  fat1  is  doon  [  .  . 

[2647] 

no  gap]  in  hope  of*  fortune  is  peril 
ous  and  vncerteyn  [2648]  panne  hauef  noon  l  of  er 
remedye  but1  for  to  haue  recours  vnto  })e  soueraigne 
lugge  fiat1  vengith  alle  vilonies  and  wronges  [2649] 
and  he  schal  venge  3ow  after  fat1  himself1  witnessef 
where  as  he  saith  [2650]  Itl  leuef  fe  ve[w]geaunce  to  me 
and  I  schal  3elde  it 

[2651]  f  Melibews  answerd.  If1 1  ne  venge  me  nou3t  of1 
fe  vilonye  fat1  men  haue  doon  vnto  me.  [2652]  I  schal  sounere 
warne  hem  fat  han  doon  to  me  fat1  vilonye  and  alle 
ofere  to  doo  me  anofer  vilonye  [2653]  For  it  is  writen 
IT  Tak1  no  vengeaunco  of1  an  old  vilonye  JJQU  suf- 
fresfr  fin  aduersarie  do  fe  a  newe  vilonye.  [2654] 
and  also  for  my  suffrawnce  men  wolde  do  me  so 
moche  vilonye  fat1  I  mighte  neither  bere  it  ne  sus- 
teyne  it.  [2655]  and  so  schulde  I  be  put1  over 
lowe  [2656]  For  men  say  In  moche  sufferynge  schal 
many  finges  falle  vnto  whiche  fou  schal  no^t1 
mowe  suffre 

[2657]  1T  Certes  quod  prudence  I  graunte  3ow  wel  fat1 
ouer  mochil  suffraunce  is  nou3t1  goodf  [2658]  but1  ^it1 
folwif  it  nought1  f erof1  fat1  euery  persone  to  whom  men 
doon  vilonye  take  of1  it1  vengeaunce.  [2659]  For  it  apper- 
tienef  and  longef  al  oonly  to  f e  lugges .  For  fay  schul 
venge  fe  vilonyes  and  fe  iniuries.  [2660]  and  ferfore 
fe  auctoritees  fat1  30  haue  sayd  aboue  been  oonly 
vnderstonden  in  fe  Tugges  [2661]  IT  For  whaw  fay  suffre 
to  mochil  fe  wronges  and  fe  vilonyes  that  ben  doon 

P  W218] 


SIX-TEXT    232 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334.     509 

wipoute  punysshyng1  [2662]  pay  somne  not*  a  man 
oonly  to  doo  newe  wronges  f  but  pay  comaurcde  hit . 
[2663]  also  pe  wise  man  saith  U  The  lugge  pat1  correct- 
ep  not1  pe  synnere  comaundith  him  and  byddith  him  doon 
anoper  synne  [2664]  U  And  pe  luggesandsouereignesmighten 
in  here  lond  so  mochil  suffren  of1  pe  schrewes  and  mys-doeres 
[2665]  pat1  pay  schulde  by  such  suffratmce  by  proces  of1 
tyme  wexen  of1  such  power  and  might1  pat1  pay  schulde 
put1  out  pe  lugges  and  pe  souereignes  from  here  places 
[2666]  &  atte  laste  do  hem  lese  here  lordschipes 

[2667]  But*  lete  vs  now  putte  pat1  36  han  leue  to 
venge  $ow.  [2668]  I  say  36  ben  nou^t1  of1  might1  ne 
power  as  now  to  venge  ^ou  [2669]  IT  For  if  he  wolde  make 
coraparisown  as  to  pe  might  H  Of1 3oure  aduersaries  36  schulde 
fynde  in  many  pinges  pat1  I  haue  I-schewed  3ow  er  pis 
pat1  here  condiciown  is  bettre  pan  3oures  [2670]  And 
perfore  say  I  pat  it  is  good  as  now  pat  30  suffre  and 
be  pacient 

[2671]  IT  Forpermore  36  knowe  pat1  after  ape 
comune  sawe  it1  is  a  woodnesse  a  man  to  stryue  with  a 
strenger  or  a  more  mighty  man  pan  him-seluen  is 
[2672]  And  for  to  stryue  wip  a  man  of1  euene  strengpe 
pat1  is  to  say  with  as  strong1  a  man  as  he  is .  it  is  peril . 
[2673]  and  for  to  stryue  with  a  weykere  it  is  folye 
[2674]  and  perfore  schulde  a  maw  fle  stryuynge  as 
moche  as  he  mighte  [2675]  ^  F°r  Salomon  seith  H  It1  is  a 
gret1  worschipe  a  man  to  kepe  him  fro  noyse  and 
stryf  [2676]  IT  And  if1  it  so  bifalle  or  happe  pat1  a  man 
of1  gretter  might1  and  strengthe  pan  pou  art  do  pe 
greuauwce  [2677]  stude  and  busye  pe  raper  to  stille 
pe  same  greuaunce  pan  for  to  venge  pe  [2678]  IT  For 
Senec  saith.  he  puttep  him  in  a  gret1  peril  pat1 
stryueth  wip  a  gretter  man  pan  he  himseluen  is  [2679] 
IT  And  Catown  saith  1F  If1  a  man  of1  heiher  estat  or  degre  or 
more  mighty  pen  pou  do  pe  anoper  grieuauncef 
Suffre  him.  [2680]  For  he  pat1  hap  oones  don  pe  a  grieuaunce 

ftaefr] 


233    SIX-TEXT 

510    GROUP  B.     §  10.    MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334. 

may  anofer  tyme1  relieue  fe  and  helpe  fe.  [2681]  ^'\\f 
sette  I  a  caas  36  haue  bothe  might1  and  licence  to 
venge  ^ow  f  [2682]  I  say  fer  ben  ful  many 
f  inges  fat1  schulde  restreinge  ^ow  of*  vengeaunce  takynge 
[2683]  and  make  ^ow  to  encline  to  suffre  and 
to  haue  pacience  of1  J)e  wronges  fat1  ban  ben  doon  to 
30 w .  [2684]  First1  and  forward  30  wol  considre 
fe  defautes  fat1  been  in  ^oure  owne  pe?*sone.  [2685] 
for  whiche  defautes  god  haf  sufFred  ^ow  to  baue  fis 
tn'bulaciown  as  I  haue  sayd  ^ow  her  byfore  [2686]  IT  For 
f  e  poete  saith  //  we  oughten  paciently  to  suffre  f  e  tribu- 
lacioun  fat1  cometh  to  vs  whan  fat1  we  f enken  and  consideren 
fat1  we  han  deserued  to  haue  hem  [2687]  H  And  seint 
poul  saith  fat1  whan  a  man  consideref  wel  fe 
nombre  of1  his  defautes  and  of1  his  synnes :  [2688]  fe 
peynes  and  fe  tn'bulaciozms  fat1  he  sufferef  semen  fe 
lasse  vnto  him  [2689]  1F  and  in  as  moche  as  him  fenk- 
ith  his  synnes  fe  more  heuy  and  greuousf  [2690]  in  so 
moche  his  peyne  is  fe  lighter  and  fe  more  esier  vn-to 
him  [2691]  IT  Also  30  oughten  to  encline  and  bowe  3oure 
herte  to  take  fe  pacience  of1  oure  lord  ihu  c?^^.  as 
seif  seint  pete?*  in  his  epistles  [2692]  IT  Ihu  cn'sf  he 
seif  haf  suffred  for  vs  and  3iuen  ensample  vnto  euery 
man  to  folwe  and  sewe  him .  [2693]  For  he  dede  neuer 
synne  ne  neuer  cam  vileyns  worde  out1  of1  his 
mouf  [2694]  whan  men  cursed  himf  he  cursed  hem 
not  U  And  whan  men  beete  himf  he  manased  hem 
not.  [2695]  U  Also  fe  grete  pacience  which  fat 
seintes  fat  been  in  powadys  Jhan  had  in  tn'bulaciouws  fat1 
fay  haue  had  and  suffred  withoute  desert/  or  gult1  [2696] 
oughte  moche  stire  3ow  to  pacience  [2697]  U  Forfer- 
more  30  schul  enforce  3ow  to  haue  pacience  [2698] 
consideringe  fat1  fe  tribulaciowns  of1  fis  world  but1 
litel  while  enduren  &  soone  passed  ben  and  goon 
[2699]  11  And  fe  ioye  fat1  a  man  sechef  to  haue  by 
pacience  in  tribulaciowns  is  perdurable  after  fat1  fe 


SIX-TEXT    234 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     511 

apostil  seif  in  his  epistil  [2700]  IT  The  ioye  of1  god  he 
saif  is  perdurable  fat1  is  to  say  euer-more  lastynge  [2701] 
U  Also  troweth  and  bilieuef  stedefastly  fat1  he  is  not1 
wel  norisched  and  taught  fat1  can  nought1  haue  pacience 
or  wil  nou^t1  receyue  pacience  [2702]  U  For  Salomon  saith 
fat1  fe  doctrine  and  fe  witte  of1  a  ma«  is  I-knowe  by 
pacience  [2703  II  And  in  anofer  place  he  seij)  IT  he  fat* 
hath  pacience  f  gouernef  him  by  gret1  prudence  [2704] 
IT  And  f  e  same  salamon  seif .  fat1  f e  wraf ful  and  f e  angry 
man  makef  noyses .  and  f  e  pacient1  man  attempereth 
and  stillef  him.  [2705]  he  seif  also  IT  It1  is  more 
worth  to  be  pacient1  fan  for  to  be  right1  strong1 .  [2706]  And 
And  he  fat1  may  haue  his  lordschipe  of1  his  oughne  herte  f  is 
more  worf  and  more  to  preise  fan  he  fat1  by  his  force  &  by 
his  strengthe  takef  grete  citees  [2707]  IT  And  f  erf  ore  saith 
seint1  lame  in  his  epistil  fat1  pacience  is  a  gret1  vertu  of1 
perfecciown . 

[2708]  [  

no  gap] 

[2709]  but1  euery  man  may  not1  haue  fe  perfecciown  fat1  }e 
seekyn  [2710]  ne  I  am  not1  of1  fe  nombre  of1  right1  par- 
fyte  meui  [2711]  For  myn  herte  may  neuer  be  in 
pees  vnto  fe  tyme  it  be  venged  [2712]  IT  And  al  be  it/  so 
that1  it  was  a  gret1  peril  to  myne  enemyes  to  don  me  a 
vilonye  in  takinge  vengeau?ice  vpon  me  f  [2713]  ^it1 
tooken  fay  noon  heede  of1  fe  peril  but1  filden  here 
wikked  desir  and  her  corrage.  [2714]  and  f  erf  ore  me 
f  enkith  men  oughten  nought1  repreue  me  f  ough  I  putte  me 
in  a  litel  peril  for  to  venge  me  [2715]  U  And  fough  I  do 
a  gret1  excesse  fat1  is  to  say  fat1  I  venge  oon  outrage 
by  anof  er 

[2716]  IT  A  quod  dame  prwdence  36  say  ^oure  wille 
and  as  ^ow  likith .  [2717]  but1  in  noon  caas  in  f  e  world  a 
man  ne  schulde  nou^t1  doon  outrage  ne  excesse  for  to  venge 
him.  [2718]  H  For  Cassidore  saif.  as  euel  dof 
he  fat1  auengith  him  by  outrage  as  he  fat1  doth  fe 


235    SIX-TEXT 

512    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harlcian  7334. 

outrage  /  [2719]  and  ferfore  36  schul  venge  ^ow  after 
fe  ordre  of1  right1  fat1  is  to  sayn  by  fe  lawe  and  no^t1 
by  excesse  ne  by  outrage  [2720]  U  And  also  if1  36  wil 
venge  }ow  of1  fe  outrage  of1  3oure  aduersaries  in  ofer 
maner  fan  right1  comaundef  1  36  synnen  [2721]  II  And 
ferfore  saif  Senec  /  that1  Ja  man  schal  neuer  venge 
schrewednes  by  schrewednes.  [2722]  U  And  if1  30  say 
fat1  axef  a  man  to  defende  violence  by  vyolence. 
and  fightyng1  by  fightynge  [2723]  H  Certes  36  say  sof 
whaw  fe  defence  is  doon  anoon  wifouten  interualle  or 
wifoutew  taryinge  or  dilay  [2724]  for  to  defenden  him 
and  nought  for  to  venge  him  [2725]  IT  And  it  bihouef 
a  man  putte  such  attemperance  in  his  defence  f 
[2726]  J>atf  men  haue  no  cause  ne  matiere  to  repmien 
him  that1  defendith  him  of1  excesse  and  outrage  [  .  . 

no  gap]  [2727]  U  Parde  36  knowe  wel 

Jjatt  30  make  no  defence  as  now  for  to  defende  3ow 
but1  for  to  venge  3ow  [2728]  and  so  seme])  it  /  pat1  30 
haue  no  wille  to  do  3oure  wille  attemperelly  [2729]  & 
J)e?-fore  me  fenkij)  faf  pacience  is  good  IT  For  Salamon 
saith  fat1  he  fat1  is  not1  pacient  schal  haue  gret 
harm 

[2730]  U  Certes  quod,  melibeus  I  graunte  3ou  wel  fat 
whan  a  man  is  inpacient  and  wroth.     [ 

no  gap]  [2731]  for  fe  lawe  saith 

fat1  he  is  coupable  fat1  entremettith  him  or  mellith  him  with 
such  fing1  as  ap<?rteynef  not1  viito  him  [2732]  IT  Dan 
Salamon  saif.  he  fat1  entremettef  him  of*  fe 
noyse  or  stryf1  of1  anofer  man.  is  lik1  him  fat1  takith 
fe  hound  by  fe  eeres.  [2733]  For  right1  as  he  fat1 
takif  f  e  strong1  hound  by  f  e  eeres  is  of  er  while  biten  with 
fe  hound  f  [2734]  ri^t  in  fe  same  wise  it  is  resown  fat1 
he  haue  harm  fat1  by  his  impacience  mellef  him  of1 
fe  noise  of1  anofer  maw  where  it  aperteynef  not1  to 
him  [2735]  U  But/  30  schul  knowe  wel  fat1  fis  dede  fat 

[» leaf  219,  6ae*] 


SIX-TEXT    236 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     513 

is  to  sayn  myn  disease  and  my  grief*  touchef  me  right1 
neigh.  [2736]  and  ferfore  fough  I  be  wrof  f 
it  is  no  meruayle  .  [2737]  and  sauynge  ^our 
grace  I  can  not*  see  fat1  if  miglite  gretly  harme  me 
fough  I  toke  vengeaunce  .  [2738]  For  I  am  richer  and 
more  mighty  fan  myne  enemyes  been  /  [2739]  And  we^ 
knowe  $e  fat1  by  money  and  by  hauynge  of1  grete  posses- 
siowns  ben  alle  fe  Binges  of1  fis  world  gouernede  [2740] 
H  And  Salamon  saith  fat1  alle  finges  obeyen  to 
moneye  /  dispraisynge  f  e  power  of*  his  aduersaries 

t  ............... 


......     no  gap]  1T  Tho  sche  spak1  and  sayde  in 

fis  wyse  [2742]  H  Certes  deere  sire  I  graunte  }ow  fat1 
^e  ben  riche  and  mighty  [2743]  and  fat  richesse 
is  good  to  hem  fat  wel  haue  geten  it/  and  fat1 
wel  conne  vse  if  [2744]  For  right1  as  fe  body  of1  a 
man  may  not  be  wif  oute  f  e  soule  f  no  more  may  a  man 
lyue  wif  oute  temperel  goodes  [2745]  and  by  rich 
esse  may  a  man  gete  him  greet  frendschipe  /  [2746]  1H  And 
f  erfore  saith  Pamphilles  .  If*  a  neefr-hurdes  doubter  he  saif 
be  riche  i  sche  may  cheese  of1  a  f  ousand  men  winch 
she  wol  take  to  hir  housbonde  [2747]  U  For 
of1  a  fousand  men  oon  wil  not1  forsake  hir  ne  refuse 
hire  [2748]  U  And  fis  pamphilles  seif  also  IT  If1  fou  be 
right1  happy  fat1  is  to  sayn  if1  fou  be  right1  riche  (.  f  anne 
schalt1  fou  fynde  a  gret1  nombre  of1  felawes  and  frendes  [2  749] 
51  And  if1  fy  fortune  chawnge  fat1  fou  wax  pore!  fare 
wel  frendschipe.  [2750]  For  fou  schalt1  ben 
aloone  wifouten  eny  companye  but1  if1  it  be  fe 
compaignye  of1  pore  folk1  //  [2751]  And  }it  saith  fis 
pamphillws  more  ouer  U  That  fey  fat/  ben  fral  and 
bonde  of1  linage  schullen  ben  maad  worfy  and  noble  by 
richesse  [2752]  11  And  right1  so  as  by  richesse  fer 
come  many  goodes  f  Right1  so  by  pouert1  comen  fer 
many  harmes.[.  .  .  .]  [2753]  [  ........ 

CANT.  TALES  —  HARL.  C1  leaf  220]  2    L 


237    SIX-TEXT 

514    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

no  gap]    [2754]    And    Jter- 

f ore  clepef   Cassidore  pouert1 .    [ ]    ruyne  . 

[2755]  fat  is  to  sayn  fe  moder  of1  ouerfrowyng*  or 
fallynge  doun  [2756]  IT  -  &  f erf ore  Pieres  alphons 
oon  of1  fe  grettest  aduersites  of  fis  world  is  i  [2757] 
whan  a  free  man  by  kyn  or  burthe  is  constreigned 
by  pouert1  to  eten  fe  almes  of1  his  enemyes  [2758]  H  And 
fe  same  seif  Innocent1  in  oon  of1  his  bookes 
U  fat1  sorweful  &  vnhappy  is  f  e  condiciown  of1  a  pouere 
begger.  [2759]  for  if1  he  axe  nou^tt  his  mete!  he  deyeth  for 
hungirf  [2760]  and  if  he  axe  i  he  deyef  for  schame. 
And  algates  fe  necessite  constreignef  hym  to  axe.  [2761] 
And  ferfore  saif  Salamorc  fafr  bettre  it  is  to  deye  fan 
to  haue  such  pouert1  [2762]  And  as  fe  same  Sala- 
mon  saith  Bettir  is  to  deye  on  bitter  deth  J>an  for  to 
lyue  in  such  a  wyse  [2763]  U  By  ]>ese  resouns  fat1  I 
haue  sayd  vnto  $ow  and  by  many  anofer  resoun  fat1  I 
knowe  and  coujje  say  [2764]  I  graunte  ^ow  fat1  richesses  ben 
goode  to  hem  fat1  gete  hem  wel.  &  to  hem  fat1  hem  wel 
vsen  [2765]  H  And  f  erf  ore  wol  I  schewe 
^ow  how  30  schulde  bere  $ow 

in  getyng1  of*  riches  and  in  what1  maner  30  schulde 
vse  hem. 

[2766]  H  First*  ^e  schulde  gete  hem  wifoute  gret1 
desir  by  good  leysfr  sokyngly  and  nought  ouer  hastily 
[2767]  U  For  a  man  fat  is  to  desirynge  for  to  gete  riches 
abandoneth  him  first1  to  fefte  and  to  alle  ofere  yueles 
[2768]  IT  And  fe?*fore  saif  Salamon  IT  he  fat1  hastith 
him  to  bisyly  to  waxe  riche  f  schal  ben  noon  Innocent1  [2769] 
IT  He  saif  also  fat1  fe  riches  fat1  hastily  comef  to 
a  man!  soone  &  lightly  goth  and  passeth  fro  a  man  [2770] 
IT  But1  fat1  richesse  fat  1  comef  alway  litel  and  litel 
waxef  alway  and  multiplief  [2771]  IT  And  sire  30  schal 
gete  richesse  by  3oure  witte  and  by  3oure  trauayle  vnto 
^oure  profyt1  [2772]  and  fat1  wifoute  wrong1  or  harm 
doynge  to  eny  ofer  persone  [2773]  1T  For  fe  la  we 

L1  leaf  220,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    238 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334.     515 

saith  fat1  no  maw  makef  himself*  riche  fat1  dof 
harm  to  anofer  wight1.  [2774]  fis  is  to  say.  fat1 
nature  defendej)  and  forbedith  by  right1  fat1  no  ma^ 
make  himself*  riche  vnto  fe-  harm  of1  anofer  persone. 
[2775]  Tullius  saith.  fat1  no  sorwe  ne  drede 
of*  deth.  ne  thought1  fat1  may  falle  to  a  man  [2776] 
is  so  moche  a3einst  nature  as  a  man  to  encresce  his 
oughne  profyt1  to  fe  harm  of1  anofer  man  [2777]  11  And 
f  ough  f  e  grete  men  and  ]>e  riche  men  gete  richesse  more 
lightly  fan  fouf  [2778]  $iV  schal  t1  fou  not1  be  ydil  ne 
slowe  to  fy  profyt/  For  fou  schalt1  in  alle  wise  flee  ydil- 
nes.  [2779]  For  Salamon  saith  fat1  ydelnesse  techij) 
a  man  to  do  many  yueles  [2780]  II  And  fe  same  salamon 
saif  fat1  he  fat1  trauaileth  and  besief  him  to  tilye 
fe  lond  schal  ete  fe  breed.  [2781]  But1  he  fat1  is  ydil  and 
caste])  him  to  no  busynesse  ne  occupaciown  schal  falle  in  to 
pouert  and  deye  for  hunger  [2782]  U  And  he  fat1  is 
ydel  and  slough"  can  neuer  fynde  him  tyme  for  to 
do  his  profyt  [2783]  U  For  fer  is  a  versifiour  saith; 
fe  ydel  man  excusef  him  in  wynter  by  cause  of1  fe 
grete  colde .  And  in  somer  by  enchesozm  of1  fe  grete  hete . 
[2784]  H  For  fese  causes  saith  Cakmn  U  waketh  and  enclinef 
$ow  nou3f  ouer  moche  for  to  slepe .  For  ouermoche  reste 
norischej)  and  causef  many  vices  [2785]  U  And  ferfore 
saith  seint  leromf  Dof  some  goode  deedes  fat1  fe  deuel 
which  fat  is  oure  enemy  ne  fynde  }ow  vnoccupied 
[2786]  II  For  fe  deuel  ne  takif  not1  lightly  vnto  his  werkes 
suche  as  he  fyndeth  occupied  in  goode  werkes 

[2787]  U  fanne  fus  in  getynge  of1  riches  36 
moot1  flee  ydelnesse  /  [2788]  H  and  afterward  $e  schul  vse 
f e  richesses  fe  whiche  30  han  geten  by  3oure  witte  and  by 
^oure  trauaile  [2789]  in  such  a  maner  fat1  men 
holde  $ow  not1  skarce  /  ne  to  sparynge  ne  to  fool  large 
faf  is  to  say  ouer  large  a  spender  [2790]  For  right1  as 
men  blamen  an  auerous  man  by  cause  of1  his  skarsete 
and  chyncherie  [2791]  in  fe  same  manere  is  he  to  blame 

2  L  2 


239    SIX-TEXT 

516     GROUP  B.     §  10.    MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

fat1  spendeth  ouer  largely  [2792]  IT  And  ferfore  saith 
Catoun  IF  Vse  he  saith  fi  richesses  fat1  f  ou  hasfr  y-geten 
[2793]  in  such  a  manere  fat1  fay  haue  no  matier  ne 
cause  to  calle  fe  neifer  wrecche  ne  chynche  [2794] 
^T  For  it  is  gret1  schame  to  a  man  to  l  haue  a  pouer  herte 
and  a  riche  purse  [2795]  H  He  saith  also  fe  goodes  fat1 
fou  hast1  I-geten  vse  hem  by  mesure  fat  is  to  say 
spende  he?n  mesurably  [2796]  For  fay  fat1  folily  wasten 
and  spenden  fe  goodes  fat1  fay  haue  f  [2797]  whan 
fay  haue  no  more  propre  of1  here  oughne  f  fay  schape  hem 
to  take  fe  goodes  of1  anofer  man  [2798]  H  I  say  thanne 
30  schul  flee  auarice  [2799]  vsynge  ^our  richesse 
in  such  manere  fat  [  .  .  .  no  gap]  3oure  [••••] 
be  buried .  [2800]  but1  fat1  36  haue  fanne  in  3oure 
might1  and  in  3oure  weldynge.  [2801]  For  fe  wise  ma?z 
reprouef  fe  auerous  ma?i  and  saith  fus  in  tuo 
versus  [2802]  U  wher-to  and  why  burieth  a  man  his 
goodes  by  his  auarice  and  knowif  wel  fat1  needes 
most1  he  deye.  [2803]  for  deth  is  fe  ende  of1  euery  man 
as  in  this  present1  lif1.  [2804]  And  for  what  cause  or 
enchesown  ioynef  he  him  or  knettef  him  so  fast1 
vnto  his  goodes  [2805]  fat1  alle  his  wit'.es  mowe  nought1 
disseuer  him  or  departe  him  fro  his  goodes 
[2806]  &  knowif  wel  or  oughte  knowe  wel  fat1  whan  he 
is  deed  he  schal  no  fing1  bere  with  him  out1  of1  fis 
world.  [2807]  1T  And  ferfore  seif  seint/  Austyn  fat1 
fe  auerous  man  is  likned  vnto  helle.  [2808]  fat1  fe 
more  fat1  it1  swolwith  fe  more  it  desiref  to  swolwe  and 
deuoure  [2809]  IT  And  as  wel  as  36  wolde  eschewe  to  be 
cleped  an  auerous  man  or  chinchef  [2810]  as  wel 
schulde  36  kepe  3ow  and  gouerne  3ow  in  such  a  wise 
fat1  men  cleped  3ow  no^t1  fool  large  [2811]  f  Therfore  saif 
Tullius  IF  The  goodes  he  saif  of1  fin  hous  schulde 
nought1  ben  hidde  ne  kepte  so  clos  f  but1  fat1  fay  might1 
ben  opened  by  pite  and  by  bonairete  [2812]  fat1  is  to 
sayn  to  3iue  hem  part1  faf  han  gret1  neede.  [2813] 

[i  /eu/221] 


SIX-TEXT    240 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     517 

ne  fy  goodes  scliul  nofr  be  so  open  to  be  euery 
marines  goodes  [2814]  1T  Aftirward  in  getynge  of1  ^oure 
ricliesses  and  in  vsynge  hem  30  scliul  alway  haue  fre 
finges  in  ^oure  herte  [2815]  fat1  is  to  say  Oure  lord 
god.  Conscience,  and  good  name.  [2816]  First1  30  scliul 
liaue  god  in  $oure  herte  [2817]  and  for  no  riches  30 
schul  in  no  manere  doo  no  fing1  which  might  displese 
god  fat1  is  3our  creatour  and  3oure  maker.  [2818]  For  after 
f  e  word  of1  Salamon .  It1  is  better  to  haue  litil  good 
wif  loue  of1  god.  [2819]  fan  to  haue  mochil  good 
and  tresor  and  lese  fe  loue  of1  his  lord  god.  [2820] 
And  f  e  prophete  saith .  Better  is  to  ben  a 
good  man  and  haue  litel  good  fan  tresore  [2821]  fe  to 
ben  holden  a  schrewe  and  haue  gret1  riches  [2822] 
IT  And  3itf  say  I  forfer  more  fat  36  schuln  alway 
doon  3oure  businesse  to  gete  30 w  riches.  [2823]  so  f«tt 
30  gete  hem  with  good  conscience  [2824]  U"  And  fe  apostil 
seith .  ther  l  nys  fine?  in  f  is  world  ofH  which  we 
schuln  haue  so  gret1  ioye  as  whan  oure  conscience  beref 
vs  good  witnes  [2825]  IF  And  fe  wise  man  saith 
substaunce  of1  a  man  is  ful  good  whan  synne  is  not1  in 
his  conscience.  [2826]  Afterward  in  getynge  of1  3oure 
richesses  and  in  vsynge  of1  hem  [2827]  fou  most1  haue 
gret1  busynesse  &  gret  diligence  fat1  3oure  good 
name  be  alway  kept  and  conserued  [2828]  H  For  Sala 
mon  saif.  better  it  is  and  more  abelith  a  mail 
for  to  haue  a  good  name  fan  for  to  haue  gret  riches 
[2829]  and  f  erf  ore  he  saith  in  anofer  place .  Do  gref 
diligence  saif  Salamon  in  kepyng1  of1  fy  frend  and  of1 
fy  good  name.  [2830]  For  it  schal  lenger  abyde  wif 
fe  fan  eny  tresor  be  it  neuer  so  precious  [2831] 
IT  And  certes  he  schulde  nou^  be  cleped  a  gentil  man  fat 
after  god  and  good  conscience  alle  finges  left1  ne  dof 
his  diligence  and  busynesse  to  kepe  his  good  name . 
[2832]  And  Cassidore  saith  fat1  if  is  signe  of1  a  good  man  & 
a  gentil  or  of1  a  gentil  herte  whan  a  man  louef  or  desire  f  to 


241    SIX-TEXT 

518     GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

haue  a  good  name  .  [2833]  an(^  ferfore  saith  seint1  augustyn 
fat1  fer  ben  tuo  finges  fat1  ben  necessarie  and  needful 
[2834]  and  fat  is  good  conscience  and  good  loos  [2835] 
fat1  is  to  sayn .  good  conscience  in  ]>in  oughne  pe?*sone 
inward .  and  good  loos  of1  fin  neghebor  outward . 
[2836]  and  he  fat1  trustef  him  so  moche  in  his  good 
conscience  [2837]  fat1  he  displesef  and  settif  at4 
nought  his  good  name  or  loos  and  rekkef  nought  J>ough 
he  kepe  not  his  good  name  f  nys  but1  a  cruel  churl 

[2838]  II  Sire  now  haue  I  schewed  ^ow  how  36  schulde 
doon  in  getyng1  of  good  and  riches  and  how  36  schuld  vse 
hem  [2839]  I  see  wel  fa*1  f°r  J16  tmst1  fat1  3e  naiie  i» 
3oure  riches  f  30  wolde  meue  werre  and  bataile  [2840] 
IT  I  counseile  jow  fat1  36  bygynne  no  werre  in  trust1  of1 
3oure  riches,  for  thanne  suffisen  not1  werres  to  mayn- 
tene  [2841]  U  And  J)e?^fore  saith  a  philosophre  IT  That1 
man  fat1  desire])  and  wol  algate  haue  werre  f  schal 
neuer  haue  sufficeaunce .  [2842]  For  J>e  richere  J>af  he  isf 
J?e  gretter  dispense  most1  he  make  if1  he  wol  haue  wor- 
schipe  or  victorie  [2843]  II  And  Salamon  saith.  J>e 
gretter  riches  J>af  a  man  ha]>  f  J>e  moo  despendours  he 
ha]?.  [2844]  And  deere  sire  al  be  it1  so  J>afr  for  3oure 
riches  36  mowe  haue  moche  folk1!  [2845]  3^  byhouej) 
it1  not1  ne  it  is  not1  good  to  bygynne  werre  fer  as  30 
may  in  ojjer  maner  haue  pees  vnto  3oure  worschipe 
and  profyf .  [2846]  For  J>e  victorie  of1  batailles  fat1  ben 
in  fis  world  lith  not1  in  gret  nombre  or  multitude  of1 
poeple  ne  in  vertu  of1  manf  [2847]  tort  it1  1lith  in 
fe  wille  &  in  ]?e  hond  of1  oure  lord  god  almighty 
[2848]  And  ludas  machabeus  which  was 
goddes  knight1  [2849]  whan  he  schulde  fighte  a3einst1  his 
aduersaries  fat1  hadde  a  gretter  nombre  &  a  gretter  mul 
titude  of1  folk1  and  strengere  fan  was  f  e  poeple  of1  f  is  macha- 
be.  [2850]  3if  he  reconforted  his  litel  poeple  /  and 
sayde  ry^f  in  fis  wise  [2851]  11  As  lightly  quod  he 
may  oure  lord  god  almighty  3iue  victory  to  fewe  folk1. 


SIX-TEXT    242 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBBUS.     Harleian  7334.     519 

[  .  .  no  gap}  [2852]  For  fe  victorie  of  batailles  come]) 
nou^f  by  fe  grete  nombre  of1  poeplef  [2853]  but1  it1  come]) 
fro  oure  lord  god  of*  heuen  [2854]  H  And  dere  sire  for 
as  moche  as  f  er  is  no  man  certeyn  if*  it1  be  worfi  fat1 

god  }iue  him  victorie  [ 

no  gap]  or  not^tt  after  fat1 

fat1  Salamon  saif  .  [2855]  f erf ore  euery  man  scliulde  gretly 
drede  werres  to  bygynne.  [2856]  And  by  cause  fat1  in 
batailles  falle  many  meruayles  and  periles  [2857]  and  happef 
of  er  while  fat1  as  soone  is  f e  grete  man  slayn  as  f e  litel 
man.  [2858]  and  as  it  is  writen  in  fe  secounde  book1  of1 
kynges  fe  deedes  of1  batayles  be  auenturous  and  no 
thing1  certeyn  [2859]  For  as  lightly  is  oon  hurt1  with  a 
spere  as  anofer.  [2860]  and  f  erf  ore  is  gret  peril  in 
werre.  f  erf  ore  schulde  a  man  flee  and  eschewe  werre  in 
as  moche  as  a  man  may  goodly  [2861]  1T  For  Salamon 
saith .  H  he  fat1  loueth  peril  schal  falle  in  peril 

[2862]  U  After  fat1  dame  prudens  hadcle  spoke  in 
fis  manerf  Mellibe  answerde  and  sayde  [2863]  IF  I  se 
wel  dame  fat1  by  ^oure  faire  wordes  and  by 
3oure  resoiws  fat1  36  haue  schewed  me  fat1  fe  werre  likef 
3ow  no  fing1.  [2864]  but/  I  haue  not/  jit/  herd  ^oure  coun- 
seil  how  I  schal  doo  in  fis  neede 

[2865]  U  Certes  quod  sche  I  counseile  30 w  fat1  30 
accorde  wif  joure  aduersaries  and  fat1  36  haue  pees 
with  hem  [2866]  11  For  seint1  lame  saif  in  his  epistles 
fat1  by  concord  and  pees  fe  smale  ryches  wexen 
grete.  [2867]  and  by  debaat1  and  discord  fe  gret  richesses 
fallen  doun  [2868]  IT  And  30  knowe  wel  fat1  oon  of1  fe 
moste  grettest1  and  soueraign  finges  fat1  is  in  fis  world 
is  vnite  &  pees  [2869]  U  And  f  erf  ore  saith  oure  lord 
ihii  crist1  to  his  aposteles  in  fis  wise  [2870]  U  wol 
happy  and  blessed  be  fay  fat1  louen  and  purchacen 
pees,  for  fay  ben  called  children  of1  crist  [2871]  U  A  quod 
Melibe.  Now  se  I  wel  fat1  30  louen  not1  myn  honour 
no  my  worschipe  [2872]  and  knowef  wel  fat1  myne 


243    SIX-TEXT 

520    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

aduersaries  ban  bygonne  fis  debate  and  brige  by  here 
outrage  [2873]  And  36  see  wel  fat1  fay  require  ne 
praye  me  not  of*  pees,  ne  fay  askyn  noi^t1  to  be  recounseild  f 
[2874]  wol  36  fanne  fat1  I  goo  &  1  meke  me 
vnto  bem  and  crie  hem  mercy.  [2875]  for  sofe 
fat1  were  not1  my  worschipe  [2876]  11  For  right1  as  men  seyn 
fat1  ouer  gret1  pryde  engendref  despisyng1 .  so 
faref  it1  by  to  gret1  humblete  or  mekenesse 

[2877]  U  Thanne  bygan  dame  prudence  to  make  sem- 
blant1  of1  wraffe  and  sayde .  [2878]  Certes  sire  saue 
3oure  grace .  I  loue  ^oure  honour  and  ^oure  profyt1  as  I  doo 
myn  owne  and  euer  haue  doon  [2879]  30  ne  mo  we  noon 
ofer  seyn  [2880]  U  And  31^  if1  I 
hadde  sayd  30  scholde  haue  purchaced  pees  and 
fe  reco?zsiliacioun .  I  ne  hadde  not1  moche  mys-take  me 
ne  seyd  amysf  [2881]  For  fe  wise  man  saith.  fe  dis- 
cencioun  bigynnef  by  anofer  man  and  fe  reconsilynge 
bygynnef  by  fyself1  [2882]  H  And  fe  prophete  saith 
IT  Flee  schame  and  schrewednesse  and  doo  goodnesse.  [2883] 
Seeke  pees  and  folwe  it  as  moche  as  in  f  e  is  .  [2884]  ^et1  seif 
he  not  fat1  36  schul  raf er  pursewe  to  3oure  aduersaries  for  pees 
fan  fei  schul  to  3ow.  [2885]  For  I  knowe  wel  fat1  30 
be  so  hard-herted  fat1  36  wil  doo  no  fing1  for  me 
[2886]  IT  And  salamon  saith.  he  fat1  is  ouer  hard 
hertcd  atte  laste  he  schal  mys  happe  and  my[s]-tyde 

[2887]  H  whan  melibe  had  seyn  dame  prudence 
make  semblaunce  of1  wraf fe  f  he  sayde  in  fis  wise  .  [2888] 
dame  I  pray  3ow  fat1  36  be  not1  displesed  of1  finges 
fat1 1  say  [2889]  For  36  knoweth  wel  fat1 1  am  angry  and 
wrof  and  fat1  is  no  wonder.  [2890]  and  fay  faf 
ben  wrof  wot1  not1  wel  what1  fay  doon  ne  what1  fay 
say  [2891]  ferfore  fe  prophefe  saif  fat1 
troublit1  eyen  haue  no  cleer  sight1  [2892]  U  But1  sayeth 
and  counsailef  me  forf  as  30 w  like])  For  I  am  redy  to  doo 
right1  as  30  wol  desire.  [2893]  and  if1  36  reproue  me  of1  my 
folyef  I  am  fe  more  holde  to  loue  3ow  and  to  prayse 

P  tea/ 222,  6aefc] 


SIX-TEXT    244 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     521 

^ow  [2894]  IF  For  Salamon  saip  pat1  he  pat1  repreuep 
him  pat  doth  folie  f  [2895]  he  schal  fynde  gretter  grace 
pan  he  pat1  deceyueth  him  by  swete  wordes 

[2896]  U  Thanne  sayde  dame  prudence  I  make  no 
semblant1  of1  wrappe  ne  of1  anger  but1  for  ^oure  grete  profyt 
[2897]  IT  For  Salamon  saith.  he  is  more  worth  pat1  re- 
prouep  or  chydep  a  fool  for  his  folie  schewynge  him 
semblant  of1  wrappe  [2898]  pan  he  pafr  supportej)  him 
and  praysep  him  in  his  mysdoyng1.  and  laughep  at*  his 
folie  [2899]  U  And  pis  same  Salo??ion  saip  afterward 
pat1  by  pe  sorweful  visage  of1  a  man  pat1  is  to  sayn  by 
sory  and  heuy  countenawnce  of1  a  man  [2900]  pe  fool 
correctep  himself1  and  amendep 

[2901]  U  panne  sayde  Melibeus .  I  schal  not1  conne  an- 
swere  to  so  many  resouns  as  30  putten  to  me  and 
schewen.  [2902]  sayeth  schortly  }oure  wille  and  ^oure  1coun- 
seil .  and  I  am  al  redy  to  fulfille  and  parfourme  it 

[2903]  U  Thanne  dame  prudence  discouered  al  here  coun- 
sail  and  hire  wille  vn-to  him  and  sayde  [2904]  11 1  counseile 
jow.quod  sche  aboue  alle  pinges  pat1  36  make  pees  bitwen  god 
and  $ow  [2905]  and  bep  reconsiled  vnto  him  and  to  his 
grace.  [2906]  for  I  haue  sayd  ^ow  her  biforn.  God 
hath  suffred  }ow  haue  pis  [  .  .  .  no  gap~\  disease  for 
^oure  synnes  [2907]  and  if1  36  do  as  I  say  3ow  god  wol 
sende  3oure  aduersaries  vnto  3ow  [2908]  and  make  hem 
falle  af  3oure  feet1  al  redy  to  doo  3oure  wille  and  3oure  co- 
maundemewf  [2909]  II  For  Salamon  saith.  whan  pe  con- 
diciown  of1  maw  is  plesanf  and  likyng1  to  godf  [2910]  he 
chaungep  pe  hertes  of1  pe  mawnes  aduersaries  and  con- 
streignep  hem  to  biseke  him  of1  pees  &  of1  grace. 
[2911]  and  I  pray  3ow  let1  me  speke  wip  3oure  aduersaries 
in  priue  place  [2912]  for  pay  schul  not1  knowo  it 
by  3oure  wille  or  3oure  assent  [2913]  IF  And  panne  whan 
I  knowe  here  wille  and  here  assent1  f  I  may  counseile  $ow 
pe  more  seurly 

[2914]  U  Dame  quod  Melibeus  doj>  $oure  wille  and 

C1  leafZZS] 


245    SIX-TEXT 

522    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334. 

$oure   likyng1   [2915]    For   I   putte    me    holly    in 
disposicicmn  and  ordinaunce 

[2916]  U  Thanne  Dame  prudence  whan  sche  seih  fe 
good  wille  of  hir  housbond .  sche  deliuered  and  took1  a  vis  by 
hir  self1  [2917]  fenkynge  how  sche  mighte  bringe  fis 
neede  vnto  a  good  conclusioun  and  to  a  good  ende 
[2918] H  And  whan  sche  saugh  hire  tyme  f  sche  sente  for  f  ese 
aduersaries  to  come  vnto  hire  in  to  a  priue  place 
[2919]  and  schewed  wysly  vnto  hem  fe  grete  goddes 
fat1  comen  of1  pees  [2920]  and  fe  grete  harmes  and 
perils  fat1  ben  in  werre  [2921]  and  sayde  to  hem  in 
goodly  manere  how  fat1  hem  aughte  to  haue  gret1  re- 
pen  taunce  [2922]  of1  fe  iniurie  &  wrong1  fat1  fay 
hadde  doon  to  Melibe  hire  lord  and  vnto  hire  and 
hire  doubter. 

[2923]  and  whan  fay  herden  fe  goodly  wordes  ofH 
dame  prudence  [2924]  fey  were  fo  surprised  and 
rauyssched  and  hadden  so  gret  ioye  of1  hire  fat1  wonder 
was  to  telle  [2925]  U  A  lady  quod  thay.  ^e  haue  schewed 
vnto  vs  fe  blessyng1  of*  swetnes  after  fe  sawe  of1 
Dauid  fe  prophete  [2926]  for  fe  recounsilyng1  which 
we  be  nou^t1  worfy  to  haue  in  no  rnanere.  [2927]  But1  we 
oughten  require  it  wif  gret  contriciown  and  humilite. 
[2928]  30  of1  ^oure  grete  goodnes  haue  presented  vnto  vs 
[2929]  II  Now  we  se  wel  fat1  fe  science 
of1  Salamon  is  ful  trewe  [2930]  he  saith  fat1 
swete  wordes  multiplien  and  encrescen  frendes  and 
maken  schrewes  to  ben  debonaire  and  meke . 

[2931]  certes  quod  fay  we  putten  oure  deede  and 
al  oure  matier  and  cause  al  holly  in  3oure  good  wille 
[2932]  and  ben  redy  to  obeye  to  fe  speche  xand  to  fe 
comaundemerct1  of1  my  lord  Melibe .  [2933]  and  ferfore  deere 
&  benigne  lady  we  pray  ^ow  and  byseke  $ow  as 
meekely  as  we  conne  and  may  [2934]  fatt  it  like  to 
^owre  grete  goodnes  to  fulfille  in  deede  ^oure  good- 
liche  wordes .  [2935]  For  we  considere  and  knowleche  wel 

[i  leaf  223,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    246 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.     523 

pat1  we  haue  offended  and  greued  my  lord  Melibe  out1  of* 
resoun  and  out*  of1  mesure  [2936]  so  ferforth  pat1  we  ben 
nou^t/  of  power  to  make  his  amendes.  [2937]  and  perfore  we 
oblie  vs  and  bynde  vs  and  oure  frendes  for  to  doo  al  his  wille 
and  his  comaiwdemeftt} .  [2938]  But  perauenture  he  ha]?  such 
heuynes  &  such  wrnppe  to  vs  ward  by  cause  ofH  oure 
offence f  [2939]  pat1  he  wol  enioyne  vs  such  peyne 
as  we  mow  not1  bere  ne  susteyne  [2940]  H  and  perfore 
noble  lady  we  biseke  to  ^oure  wommanly  pite  [2941] 
to  take  such  auysement  in  pis  neede  pat1  we  ne  oure 
frendes  ben  not  disherited  and  destroyed  purgh  oure 
folye 

[2942]  IT  Certes  quod  dame  prudence  it  is  an  hard  ping1 
and  right  a  perilous  [2943]  pat1  a  ma?^  put1  him  al  outrely 
in  pe  arbitrac^n  and  luggement  and  pe  might1  and 
power  of1  his  enemyes  [2944]  IT  For  Salamow  saip  leeuep 
and  3iueth  credence  to  pat1  pat1  I  schal  say.  I  say 
quod  he  ^eue  poeple  and  gouernours  of1  holy  chirche 
[2945]  to  py  sone  to  pi  wyf/.  and  to  py  frend  ne  to 
py  brother  [2946]  ne  3eue  pou  neuer  might1  ne 
maystry  of1  py  body  whil  pou  lyuest1  [2947]  H  Now 
sith  he  defendith  a  man  schulde  not  ^iue  to  his 
broper  ne  to  his  frend  pe  might1  of1  his  body. 
[2948]  by  a  stronger  resoun  he  defendep  and  forbedith  a 
man  to  3iue  his  body  to  his  enemye .  [2949]  but1  nape- 
les  I  cou?zseile  }ow  pat1  30  mystruste  nou^t1  my  lord. 
[2950]  For  I  wot1  wel  and  knowe  verraily  pat1  he  is 
debonaire  and  meke.  large  curteys  [2951]  and  no 
ping1  desirous  ne  coueytous  of1  good  ne  richesse.  [2952] 
For  per  nys  no  ping1  in  pis  world  patt  he  desireth 
saue  oonly  worschipe  and  honour.  [2953]  Forpermore 
I  knowe  and  am  right1  seure  pat1  he  wol  no  ping1 
doo  in  pis  neede  wipoute  counsail  of1  me  [2954]  and  I 
schal  so  worche  in  this  cause  pat1  by  pe  grace  of1  oure  lord 
god  30  schul  be  recounsiled  vnto  vs 

[2955]  H  Thanne  sayde  pay  with  oon  voys  worschipful 


247    SIX-TEXT 

524    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334. 

lady  we  putte  vs  and  cure  goodes  al  fully  in  ^oure  wille 
and  disposiciown  [2956]  and  ben  redy  to  come  what 
day  fat1  it1  like  $ow  and  vnto  ^oure  noblesse  /  to  limite  vs  or 
assigne  vs  [2957]  for  to  make  oure  obligaciown  and  bond  as 
strong1  as  it  like))  to  ^oure  goodnes  [2958]  pat1  we  mowe 
fulfille  pe  wille  of1  }ow  and  of*  my  lord  Melibe 

[2959]  ^1  whan  dame  prudence  had  1herd  pe  an- 
sweres  of  pise  men.  sche  bad  hem  go  agayn  pryuely 
[2960]  and  sche  retourned  to  hir  lord  Melibe  and  tolde 
him  how  sche  fond  his  aduersaries  ful  repentant  [2961] 
knowlechinge  ful  lowely  here  synnes  and  trespasses  and  how 
pay  were  redy  to  suffre  alle  peyne  [2962]  requiring1  and 
praying1  him  of1  mercy  and  pite 

[2963]  H  panne  saide  Melibeus.  he  is  wel  worpy  to 
haue  pardoun  and  for^euenes  of1  his  synne  pat1  excusith  not 
his  synne  [2964]  but  knowlechep  and  repentith 
him  axinge  indulgence.  [2965]  For  Senek1  saith.  pere 
is  pe  remissiozm  and  fo^euenesse  wher  as  pe  confesskmn  is 
[2966]  IT  For  confessiown  is  neighebor  to  Innocence  [2967] 
And  he  saith  in  anoper  place,  he  pat1  hath  schame  of1 

his  synne  knowlechith  it/ .  [ no  gap] 

and  pe?'fore  I  assente  and  conferme  me  to  haue  pees . 
[2968]  but  it  is  good  pat  we  doo  it  nou^t1  wipoute  assent1 
&  pe  wille  of1  oure  frendes 

[2969]  IT  Thanne  was  prudence  right  glad  &  iolyf4 
and  sayde.  [2970]  Certes  sire  quod  sche  30  ben  wel  and 
goodly  auysed.  [2971]  for  right1  as  by  pe  counsail 
and  assent  and  help  of1  3oure  frendes  36  haue  be  stired 
to  venge  jow  &  make  werref  [2972]  Right1  so  wip 
oute  here  counseil  schul  30  nought1  acorde  3ow  ne  haue 
pees  wip  3oure  aduersaries.  [2973]  For  pe  la  we  saith. 
Ther  nys  no  ping1  so  good  by  way  of1  kinde  as  ping1 
to  be  vnbounde  by  him  pat1  it1  was  bounde 

[2974]  And  panne  dame  prudence  wipoute  delay 
or  taryinge  sente  anoon  messageres  for  here  kyn  and  foi 
here  olde  frendes  whiche  ]>at  were  trewe  and  wyse  [2975] 

[i  leaf  22^ 


SIX-TEXT    248 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harlcian  7334.     525 

and  tolde  hem  by  ordre  in  J>e  presence  of1  Melibe  of* 
Jns  matier  as  it  is  aboue  expressed  and  declared  [2976] 
and  praide  hem  J>af  Jjay  wolde  3iue  here  avys  and  coim- 
seil  what1  best1  were  to  doon  in  J)is  matiere  [2977]  H  And 
whan  melibeus  frendes  hadde  take  here  auys  and  deliber- 
aciozm  of1  J?e  forsayde  matier  [2978]  and  hadden  examined 
it  by  greet  besynes  and  gret1  diligence  [2979]  J?ey  ^afe 
him  ful  couwsail  to  haue  pees  and  reste.  [2980]  and  jut1 
Melibeus  schulde  wij)  good  hert  resceyue  his  aduersaries 
to  fo^iuenes  and  mercy 

[2981]  U  And  whan  dame  prudence  had  herd 
thassent1  of1  hir  lord  Melibeus  and  counseil  of1  his  frendes 
[2982]  accorde  wij?  hire  wille  &  hire  entenciozmf  [2983] 
sche  was  wonderly  glad  in  herte  and  sayde  [2984] 
IF  Ther  is  a  noble  p?mierbe  /pat1  saith  11  The 
goodnesse  )>at  J>ou  maist1  do  ]?is  day  f  [2985] 
abyde  not1  ne  delay e  it  nou3t/  vnto  to  morwe.  [2986]  and 
Iperioie  I  counseile  ^ow  36  sende  3oure  messageres  1whiche 
Jjat1  ben  discrete  and  wise  [2987]  vnto  ^oure  aduersaries 
tellynge  hem  on  3oure  bihalue  [2988]  pat1  if*  ]my  wol 
trete  of*  pees  and  of1  accord  [2989]  J>att  ]>ay  schape  hem 
wij)oute  dilay  or  taryinge  to  come  vnto  vs.  [2990] 
which  Jnng1  was  performed  in  dede  [2991]  and 
wharc  Jjese  trespasours  and  repentynge  folk/  of1  here 
folies  Jjat1  is  to  sayn  pe  aduersaries  of1  Melibe  [2992] 
hadden  herd  what1  )>e  messangeres  sayden  vnto  hem  '. 
[2993]  )>ay  were  right1  glad  and  iolif1  and  answerden 
ful  mekely  and  benignely  [2994]  3eldynge  graces  & 
J?ankinges  to  here  lord  Melibe  and  to  al  his  compaignye 
[2995]  and  schope  hem  wij?ouf  delay  to  go  wi]>  ]>e 
messangeres  and  obeye  hem  to  J>e  comauwdement1  of1  here  lord 
Melibe 

[2996]  IT  And  right1  anoon  J>ay  token  here  way  to  }>e 
court1  of1  Melibe  /  [2997]  and  token  wij>  hem  some 
of1  here  trewe  frendes  to  make  faith  for  hem  and  for  to 
ben  here  borwes  [2998]  IT  And  whan  )>ay  were  comen  to 


249    SIX-TEXT 

526     GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleiaii  7334. 

fe  presence  of*  Melibeus  he  seyde  hem  fise  wordes 
[2999]  IF  It1  stondith  fus  quod  Melibeus  and  so])  it  is 
fat1  36  [3000]  causeles  and  wifouten  skile  and  resown 
[3001]  haue  doon  gret1  iniuries  and  wronges  to  me  and 
to  my  wyf1  prudence  and  to  my  doubter  also .  [3002]  For 
36  haue  entred  in  to  myn  hous  by  violence  [3003]  and  haue 
doon  such  outrage  fat1  alle  men  knowe  wel  fat1  36  hauo 
deserued  f  e  deth .  [3004]  And  f erf  ore  wil  I  knowe 
and  wite  of1  30  w  [3005]  whefer  36  wol  putte  fe 
punyschme?£t  and  fe  chastisement1  and  f  e  vengeaunce/  of 
f  is  outrage  in  f  e  wille  of1  me  and  of  my  wif1  dame  prudence 
or  36  wil  not 

[3006]  51  Jeanne  fe  wisest1  of1  hem  fre  answerde  for 
hem  alle  &  sayde  [3007]  5T  Sire  quod  he  we  knowe 
wel  fat1  we  be  vnworfy  to  come  to  fe  court1 
of1  so  gret1  a  lord  and  so  worfy  as  30  be  [3008]  IT  For 
we  han  so  gretly  my  stake  vs  and  haue  offendid  and  giltid 
in  such  a  wise  ageins  ^oure  heighe  lordschipe  [3009]  fat1 
trewely  we  haue  deserued  fe  def  [3010]  IF  But1  3  it/  for 
fe  greete  goodnes  and  debonairete  fat1  al  fe  world 
witnessef  of1  3oure  persone  (  [3011]  we  submitten  vs  to 
fin  excellence  and  benignite  of1  pure  graciows  lordschipe 
[3012]  and  ben  redy  to  obeye  to  alle  ^oure  comauttdemeftt} 
[3013]  bisekynge  }ow  fat1  of1  ^oure  merciable  pite  30 
wol  considre  oure  grete  repentaunce  and  lowe  submissio?/n 
[3014]  arid  graunte  vs  fo^iuenes  of1  oure  outrage 
trespas  and  offence.  [3015]  For  wel  30  knowen  fat1  $oure 
liberal  grace  and  mercy  strechen  forfere  in  to  good- 
nesse  fan  dof  oure  outrage  gilt  and  trespas  in  to 
wikkednes  [3016]  al  be  it  fat  cursedly  &  da??ip- 
nably  we  1haue  agilt1  a3einst  3oure  highe  lordschipe 

[3017]  1T  Thanne  Melibe  took1  hem  vp  fro  fe  ground 
ful  benignely  [3018]  and  resceyued  here  obligaciowns  and  here 
londes  by  here  ofes  vpon  here  plegges  &  borwes  [3019] 
and  assigned  hem  a  certeyn  day  to  retourne  vnto  his 
court1  [3020]  for  to  accepte  and  receyue  fe  sentence  and 

[»  leaf  225] 


SIX-TEXT    250 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.    Harleian  7334.     527 

iuggement  fat1  Melibe  wolde  comaunde  to  be  doon  on  he  in 
by  fese  causes  aforn  sayde.  [3021]  which  Jung1  ordeynedf 
euery  man  retourned  home  to  his  hous 

[3022]  IT  And  whan  fat1  Dame  prudence  saugti  hire 
tymef  sche  feyned  and  axed  hire  lord  Melibe  [3023]  what1 
vengeance  he  f  oughte  to  take  vpon  his  aduersaries . 

[3024]  to  which  Melibeus  answerd  and  saide .  Certes 
quod  he  I  fenke  and  purpose  me  fully  [3025]  to  dis- 
herite  hem  of1  al  fat1  euer  fay  haue  and  for  to  putte 
hem  in  exil  for  euermore 

[3026]  Certes  quod  dame  prudence  fis  were  a  cruel 
sentence  and  mochil  a^einst  resoun  [3027]  For  30  ben  richc 
ynougli  &  haue  noon  neede  of1  ofer  meunes  good  [3028] 
and  36  mighte  lightly  gete  ^ow  a  coueitous 
name  [3029]  which  is  vicious  fing1  and  oughte  to  ben 
eschewed  of1  euery  man  [3030]  for  after  fe  sawe  of1  fe 
word  of1  fapostilf  Couetise  is  roote  of1  alle  harmes. 
[3031]  And  ferfore  it  were  bettre  for  $ow  to  lese  so  moche 
good  of1  3oure  oughne  fan  for  to  take  of1  here  good  in  f is 
manere.  [3032]  For  bettir  it  is  to  lese  good  wif  worschipe 
fan  it  is  to  wynne  good  with  vilonye  and  schame .  [3033]  and 
euer  a  man  oughte  to  do  his  diligence  and  his  busynesse 

to  gete  him  a  good  name .  [3034]  [ 

no  gap}  [3035]  but1 

he  schulde  enforce  him  alway  to  do  som  fing1  by 
which  he  may  renouele  his  good  name.  [3036]  for  it  is 
writen  faf  fe  olde  goode  loos  of1  a  man 
is  soone  doon  or  goon  and  passed  whan  it  is  not1  newed  ne  re- 
noueled.  [3037]  And  as  touchinge  fat1  30  sayn  fat  30 
wol  exile  ^oure  aduersariesf  [3038]  fat1  finketh  me 
mochil  a^einst1  resown  and  out1  of1  mesure  [3039]  con- 
siderif  f e  power  fat1  fay  han  3yue  to  30 w  vpon  here  body  and 
on  heinself1  [3040]  11  And  it  is  writen  fat1  he  is  worf y  to  lese 
his  pn'uelege  fat1  mys  vseth  fe  miglit  and  fe  power  fat1 
is  3eue  to  him  [3041]  U  And  31^  I  sette  fe  caas  30  mighte  en- 
ioyiie  hem  fat1  peyne  by  right1  and  lawe  [3042]  which  I 


251    SIX-TEXT 

528    GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334. 

trowe  36  mow  noi^t1  do  [3043]  I  say  36  mighte  noi^t1 
putte  it  to  execucioun  perauenture  [3044]  and  panne 
were  it  likly  to  torne  to  pe  werre  as  if  was  biforn 
[3045]  And  perfore  if1  30  wol  pat  men  do  jow  obeis- 
sauncef  30  moste  deme  more  curteisly  [3046]  pis  is  to 
sayn .  36  moste  31116  more  esyere  sentence  &  iuggemerct1 
[3047]  IT  For  xit  is  writen.  he  pat1  most1  curteysly 
comaundeth  to  him  men  most1  obeyen .  [3048]  and  per- 
fore  I  pray  3ow  pat1  in  pis  necessite  and  in  pis  neede 
36  caste  3ow  to  ouercome  30111-6  herte  [3049]  1T  For  Senek1 
saip .  he  pat1  ouercomep  his  herte  ouercome J> 
twyes  [3050]  H  And  thullius  saith .  per  is  no  ping1  so 
comendable  in  a  gret1  lord  [3051]  as  whan  he  is  debon- 
aire  and  meeke  and  appesith  him  Ii3tly  [3052]  U  And  I  pray 
30 w  pat1  30  wol  forbere  now  to  do  vengeau?*ce  [3053]  in 
such  a  manere  pat1  3oure  goode  name  may  be  kept/  & 
conserued.  [3054]  and  pat1  men  mowe  haiie  cause  /  and 
matiere  to  prayse  3ow  of1  pite  and  of1  mercy  [3055]  and 
pat  36  haue  noon  cause  to  repente  30  \v  of1  ping1  pat  36  doon 
[3056]  If  For  senec  saith  U  he  ouercomep  in  an  euel 
manere  pat1  repentep  him  of1  his  victorie  [3057]  H  wher- 
fore  I  pray  3ow  let1  mercy  be  in 
3oure  herte  [3058]  to  theffect  and  then  tent  pat1  god 
almighty  haue  mercy  and  pite  vpon  3ow  in  his  laste  iuggement 
[3059]  H  For  seint1  lame  saith  in  his  Epistil  f  Iuggement  wip 
oute  mercy  schal  be  doon  to  him  pat1  hap  no  mercy  vpon 
another  wight1 

[3060]  whan  Melibe  had  herd  pe  grete  skiles 
and  resourcs  of1  dame  prudens  and  wys  informaciown 
and  techyngef  [3061]  his  herte  gan  enclyne  to  pe  wille  of1 
his  wyf1  consideryng1  hir  trewe  ententf  [3062]  c  >n- 
fermed  him  anoon  and  consented  fully  to  werke  after  hir 
reed  and  counseil  [3063]  1F  And  pankid  god  of1  whom  pro- 
cedeth  al  goodnes  pat1  him  sente  a  wif1  of1  so  gret 
discrecioun  [3064]  U  And  whan  pe  day  cam  pat1  his  aduer- 
saries  schulden  appere  in  his  presence  f  [3065]  he  spak1 

P  leaf  2*5,  lack] 


SIX-TEXT    252 

GROUP  B.     §  10.     MELIBEUS.     Harleian  7334.    529 

ful  goodly  and  sayde  in  J)is  wise.  [3066]  IF  Al  be 
it1  so  Jjat1  of1  jjoure  pryde  and  heigh  presumpciown  and  folye 
and  of1  joure  negligence/  and  vnconnynge  [3067]  30  haue 
mys-bore  jow  and  trespassed  vnto  me  f  [3068]  jit/  for  as 
moche  as  I  se  and  biholde  joure  humilite 
[3069]  J>att  je  ben  sory  and  repentawnt  of*  joure  giltesf 
[3070]  hit  constreigneth  me  to  do  jow  grace,  and  mercy. 
[3071]  wherfore  I  receyue  jow  to  my  grace  [3072]  and 
forjeue  jow  outerly  alle  J>e  offenses  iniuries  and  wronges 
Jjaf  je  haue  don  to  me  and  agayns  me  and  myne  /  [3073]  this 
is  feffecf  &  to  Jus  ende  jjatt  god  of<  his  en  deles  mercy 
[3074]  wole  at  ]>Q  tyme  of1  oure  deyinge  for^iue  vs  oure 
giltes  J>af  we  haue  trespased  to  him  in  ]>is  wrecched 
world.  [3075]  for  douteles  &  we  ben  sory  &  repentawnt 
of1  J?e  sy?znes  &  gi-ltes  whiche  we  haue  trespassed  Inne  in  J?e 
sight1  of1  oure  lord  godf  [3076]  he  is  so  free  and  Jso  merci- 
able  [3077]  fat1  he  wil  for^iue  vs  oure  gultes  [3078] 
and  bringe  vs  to  ]>e  blisse  fat1  neuer  ha])  ende  AmeN 
H  Here  endith  Chaucer  his  tale  of1  Melibe 

[tea/ 226] 


CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  2   M 


253    SIX-TEXT 

530   GROUP  B.   §  11.   MELIBE-MONK  LINK.   Harleian  7334. 


11  And  here  bygynnejj  pe  praloge  of1  pe  monkes  tale  / 
[Break  of  one  line  in  the  MS.] 

Whan  ended  was  my  tale  of1  Melibe  3079 

And  of1  prudence  and  hire  benignite 
Oure  hoste  sayde  as  I  am  faithful  man 
And  by  pe  precious  corpus  Madryan 
I  hadde  leuer  pan  a  barel  ale 

That1  godeleef1  my  wyf1  had  herd  pis  tale  3084 

For  sche  is  no  ping1  of  such  pacience 
As  was  pis  melibeus  wyf1  dame  prudence 
By  goddes  boones  whan.  I  bete  my  knaues 
Sche  bringeth  me  forth  pe  grete  clobbet1  staues  3088 

And  criep  slee  pe  dogges  euerychon 
And  breke  of1  hem  bope  bak1  and  bon 
And  if1  pat1  eny  neghebour  of1  myne 

wol  nought1  to  my  wyf1  in  chirche  enclyne  3092 

Or  be  so  hardy  to  hir  to  trespace 
whan  sche  com)?  horn  sche  rampeth  in  my  face 
And  criep  false  coward  wreke  ])y  wyf1 
By  Corpes  bones  I  wil  haue  py  knyf1  3096 

And  pou  schalt/  haue  my  distaf1  and  go  spynne 
Fro  day  to  night1  pus  sche  wil  bygynne  / 
Alias  sche  saith  pat1  euer  I  was  I-schape 
To  wedde  a  my  It-sop  or  a  coward  ape  3100 

That1  wil  be  ouer-lad  wip  euery  wight1 
pou  darst1  nought1  stonde  by  py  wyues  right1 
This  is  my  lif1  but1  if1  pat1  I  wil  fight1 

And  out1  atte  dore  anoon  I  most1  me  digfrt  /  3104 

And  ellis  I  am  lost  /  but1  if1  pat1 1 
Be  lilt1  a  wilde  leoun  fool-hardy 
I  wot1  wel  sche  wol  do  me  sle  som  day 
Som  neighebor  and  panne  renne  away  3108 

For  I  am  perilous  with  knyf1  in  honde 
Al  be  it1  pat1 1  dar  not1  hir  wip-stonde 


SIX-TEXT    254 

GROUP  B.   §  11.   MELIBE-MONK  LINK.   Haileian  7334.    531 

For  sche  is  big1  in  armes  by  my  faith  3111 

That1  schal  he  fynde  J>at  hire  mys  doth  or  saith   [>a/226,  &acfc] 

Butf  let1  vs  passe  a  way  fro  J>is  matiere 

My  lord  )>e  monk1  quod  he  be  mery  of1  chere  / 

For  30  schul  telle  a  tale  trewely 

Lo  Rowchestre  stant1  heer  faste  by  3116 

Ryde  for])  myn  oughne  lord  brek1  nou^t1  oure  game 

But1  by  my  troupe  I  can  not1  ^oure  name 

whether  schal  I  calle  }ow  my  lord  dan  lohn 

Or  daun  Thomas  or  elles  dan  albon  3120 

Of1  what1  hous  be  36  by  3our  fader  kyn 

I  vow  to  god  J)ou  hast1  a  ful  fair  skyn 

It1  is  a  gentil  pasture  J>er  J?ou  gost1 

Thow  art1  not1  lik1  a  penaunt1  or  a  goost1  3124 

vpon  my  faith  J?ou  art1  an  officer 

Som  worjjy  sexteyn  or  som  Celerer 

For  by  my  fader  soule  as  to  my  doome 

Thou  art1  an  officer  whan  }>ou  art1  at  hoom  3128 

~No  pouer  cloysterer  ne  non  nouys 

But1  a  gouernour  wily  and  wys 

And  J?er  we'])  al  of1  brawne  and  of1  bones 

A  wel  faryng1  persone  for  J)e  noones  3132 

I  praye  god  3iue  him  confusiown 

Jjat1  first/  J)e  broujte  to  religiozm 

Thow  woldist1  han  be  a  tredefoul  aright1 

haddist1  pou  as  gret1  a  leue  as  might1  3136 

To  parforme  al  ])i  wil  in  engendrure 

Thow  haddist1  bigeten  many  a  creature 

Alias  why  werest1  J)ou  so  wyd  a  cope 

God  3if1  me  sorwe  and  I  were  a  pope  3140 

Nought1  only  ])ou  but1  euery  mighty  man 

Though  he  were  schore  brode  vpon  his  pan 

Schuld  han  a  wif1  for  al  J)is  world  is  lorn 

Religioun  hath  take  vp  al  ]>e  corn  3144 

Of1  tredyng1  and  we  burel  men  ben  schrympes 

Of1  feble  trees  ])er  come])  feble  ympes 

2  M  2 


255    SIX-TEXT 

532   GROUP  B.   §  11.   MELIBE-MONK  LINK.   Harleian  7334. 

This  makif  fat1  oure  heires  ben  so  sclender 

And  feble  fat1  fay  may  not1  wel  engender  3148 

This  makef  fat1  our  wyfes  wol  assaye 

Religious  folk1  for  fay  may  bettre  paye  00/227] 

Of1  venus  payementes  fan  may  we 

God  woot1  no  lusscheburglies  paye  30  /  3152 

bef  nou^t1  wrof  my  lorde  f  ough  I  play 

For  off  in  game  a  soth  I  haue  herd  say 

This  worf  y  monk1  took1  al  in  pacience  / 

And  saide  I  wol  doon  al  my  diligence  3156 

Als  fer  as  sounef  in  to  honeste  / 

To  telle  3ow  a  tale  or  tuo  or  f  re 

And  if1  30 w  lust1  to  herken  hiderward 

I  wil  3ow  say  fe  lif1  of*  seint1  Edward  3160 

Or  elles  first1  tredis  wil  I  3ow  telle  / 

Of1  which  I  haue  an  hundred  in  my  celle  / 

Tregedis  is  to  sayn  a  certeyn  storie 

As  olde  bookes  maken  vs  memorie  3164 

Of1  hem  fat1  stood  in  greet1  prosperite 

And  is  fallen  out1  of1  heigh  degre 

In  to  miserie  and  endith  wrecchedly 

And  fay  ben  versify ed  comunly  3168 

Of1  six  feet1  which  men  clepe  exametron 

In  prose  ben  eek1  endited  many  oon 

And  in  metre  eek1  and  in  sondry  wise 

Lo  fis  declaryng1  ought1  ynough  suffise  /  3172 

Now  herknef  if  30 w  likith  for  to  heere 

But1  first1 1  3ow  biseche  in  fis  matiere  / 

f  ough  I  by  ordre  telle  not1  f  ise  f  inges 

Be  it1  of1  popes  emperours  or  kynges  3176 

After  her  age  as  men  may  write  fynde 

But  telle  hem  som  bifore .  and  som  byhynde  / 

As  it  comef  now  /  to  my  remembrauwce 

hauef  me  excused  of1  myn  ignorawnce  3180 

[Break  of  one  line  in  the  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    256 

GROUP  B.     §  12.    MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     533 


Iwol  bywaile  in  maner  of1  tregedye 
The  harm  of1  hem  fat1  stood  in  heigh  degre 
And  fallen  so  fe  is  no  remedye 
To  bring1  hem  out1  of1  her  aduersite  3184 

For  certeynly  whan  fortune  lust1  to  flee 
Ther  may  no  man  j)e  cours  of1  hir  whiel  holde 
let  no  man  truste  in  blynd  prosperite  [W227,6a<*] 

BeJ>  war  by  }>ese  ensamples  trewe  and  olde  /  3188 

[No  stanza-breaks  in  the  MS.] 

[Lucifer.] 

AT  lucifer  fough  he  an  aungil  were  .IT  Lucifer 

And  no  man  at/  him  wil  I  bygynne 

For  jjough  fortune  may  non  aungel  dere 

From  heigh  degre  }it/  fel  he  for  his  synne  3192 

Doun  in  to  helle .  wher  he  $et  is  Inne 

0  lucifer  brightest1  of1  aungels  alle 

Now  art1  J>ou  Sathanas  pat1  maist1  no^f  twynne 

Out1  of1  miserie  in  which  J>ou  art  falle  3196 

[Adam.] 

Lo  ad  am  in  J?e  feld  of1  Damassene  IT  Adam 

wij)  goddes  oughne  fynger  wrought1  was  he  / 

And  nought1  bigeten  of1  mannes  sperma  vnclene 

And  welt1  al  paradys  sauyng1  oon  tre  3200 

had  neuer  worldly  man  suche  degre 

As  adam  til  he  for  mys  gouernance 

was  dryuen  out1  of1  heigh  prosperite 

To  labour  and  to  helle  and  to  meschawnce  3204 


257    SIX-TEXT 

534     GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

[Sampson.] 

Lo  Sampson .  fat1  was  annunciate  IT  Sampson 

By  f  angel  long1  er  his  natiuite  / 
And  was  to  god  almighty  consecrate 

And  stood  in  nobles  whil  fat1  he  might  se  3208 

was  neuer  such  anof  er  as  was  he 
To  speke  of1  strengf .  and  f  erto  hardynesse 
But1  to  his  wyfes  tolde  he  his  secre 
Thurgh  which  he  slough  himself1  for  wrecchidnesse  /  3212 


3216 


gap  in  the  MS.]  3220 


Thre  hundred  foxis .  tok1  Sampson  for  Ire 

And  alle  her  tayles  he  togider  bond 

And  sette  f  e  foxes  tailes  alle  on  f uyre 

For  he  in  euery  tail  hath  knyt1  a  brond  3224 

And  pay  brent1  alle  f  e  comes  of1  fat  lond 

And  alle  her  Olyuers .  and  vynes  eeke 

A  f  ousand  men  he  slough  eek1  wij>  his  hond 

And  hadde  no  wepen  but  an  asses  cheeke  3228 

Whan  fay  were  slayn  so  f  ursted  him  fat  he 

was  wel  ner  lorn  for  which  he  gan  to  preye 

That1  god  wolde  of1  his  peyne  haue  som  pite 

And  send  him  drynk1  and  elles  most  he  deye  3232 

And  out1  of1  his  asses  cheke  fat*  was  so  dreye      \ieafKS], 

Out1  of1  a  woung*  tof  sprong1  anon  a  welle 

Of1  which  he  dronk*  ynougfr  schortly  to  seye 

Thus  halp  him  god  as  ludicum  can  telle  3236 


SIX-TEXT    258 

GROUP  B.     §  12.    MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     535 

By  verray  fors  of1  algason  on  a  night1 

Maugre  J?e  philistiens  of1  Jiat1  cite 

The  gates  of  Jj'e  toun  he  ha)>  vp  plight/ 

And  on  his  bak1  caried  hem  ha]>  he  /  3240 

heigh  vpon  an  hil  wher  men  might1  hem  se  / 

0  noble  almighty  Sampson  leef*  and  deere 

haddest1  J>ou  nought1  to  wommen  told  J>y  secre 

In  al  ]>e  world  ne  hadde  be  J?y  peere  3244 

Ihis  sampson  neyther  siser  dronk1  ne  wyn  / 

Ne  on  his  heed  com  rasour  noon  ne  schere 

By  precept1  of1  j)e  messager  diuyn 

For  alle  his  strengpes  in  his  heres  were  3248 

And  fully  twenty  wynter  ^er  by  3 ere/ 

he  hadde  of1  Jerusalem  J>e  gouernaunce 

But1  soone  he  schal  wepe  many  a  teere 

For  wymmen  schuln  him  bringe  to  meschaunce  3252 

Y  n-to  his  lemman  Dalida  he  tolde 
That1  in  his  heres  al  his  streng])e  lay 
And  falsly  to  his  foomen)  sche  him  solde 
And  slepyng1  in  hir  barm  vpon  a  day  3256 

Sche  made  to  clippe  or  schere  his  heres  away 
And  made  his  foomen  al  his  craft1  espien 
And  whan  }>ay  fond  him  in  J>is  array 
Thay  bound  him  fast1  and  put  out  boj?e  his  yen  3260 

jDut  er  his  heer  clipped  was  or  I-schaue 

Ther  was  no  bond  wi}>  which  men  might1  him  bynde 

But1  now  is  he  in  pn'soun  in  a  caue 

Ther  as  J?ay  made  him  at1  J?e  querne  grynde  3264 

0  noble  Sampson  strongest1  of1  al  man  kynde 

0  whilom  iugge  in  glory  and  in  richesse  / 

Now  maystow  wepe  wi]>  J>ine  ey3en  blynde 

Sith  JJQU  fro  wele  art  falle  to  wrecchednesse  3268 


259    SIX-TEXT 

536    GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Ihend  of*  pis  caytif*  was  as  I  schal  say 

his  foomen  made  a  festt  vpon  a  day 

And  made  him  as  here  fool  biforn  hem  play    [fca/228,  &a<*] 

And  pis  was  in  a  temple  of1  gret  array  3272 

But/  atte  last1  he  made  a  foul  affray 

For  he  two  pilers  schook1  and  made  hem  falle 

And  doun  fel  temple  and  al  and  per  it  lay 

And  slough  himsilf1  and  eek1  his  fomen  alle  3276 

This  is  to  sayn  pe  princes  euer  ichon 

And  eek1  pre  pousand  bodies  were  per  slayn 

with  fallyng1  of1  pe  grete  temple  of  stoon 

Of1  Sampson  wil  I  no  more  sayn  3280 

Be  war  by  pese  ensamples  olde  and  playn 

That1  no  man  telle  his  counseil  to  his  wyf1 

Of1  such  ping1  as  he  wold  haue  secre  fayn 

If/  pat/  it  touche  his  lymes  or  his  lif1  3284 

[Hercules.] 

Of  Ercules  pe  souereyn  conquerowr  1!  De  Ercule 

Singing1  his  werkes  laude  and  heigh  renown 
For  in  his  tyme  of1  strength  he  bar  pe  flour 
he  slough  and  rafte  pe  skyn  fro  pe  leoun  3288 

he  of1  Centaures  layde  pe  bosf  a  doun 
he  arpies  slough  pe  cruel  briddes  felle 
The  gold  appul  he  raft1  fro  pe  dragoun 
he  drof"  out1  cerbures  pe  fend  of  helle  3292 

He  slough  pe  cruel  tyrant1  bupherus 

And  made  his  hors  to  frete  him  fleisch  and  boon 

he  slough  pe  verray  serpent  venencus 

Of1  Adiloyus  tuo  homes  he  raft1  oon  3296 

i.e  slough  Catus  in  a  caue  of*  stoori) 

lie  slough  pe  geauntt  adeus  pe  stronge 

he  slough  pe  grisly  leoun  and  patf  anoon) 

And  bar  pe  heed  vpon  his  necke  longe  3300 


SIX-TEXT    260 

GROUP  B.     §  12.    MONK'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     537 

Was  neuer  wight  /  sippen  pe  world  bigan 

That1  slough  so  many  monstres  as  dede  he 

Thurgh-out  pe  wide  world  his  name  ran 

what1  for  his  strengpe  and  for  his  bounte  3304 

And  euery  roialme  went  he  for  to  se 

he  was  so  strong1  per  might1  no  man  him  lette 

At1  bope  pe  worldes  endes  as  saith  troplie 

In  stede  of1  boundes  he  a  piler  sette  3308 

A.  lemman  hadde  pis  noble  campiown  [leaf  22,^ 

That1  highte  Deianire  freissh  as  may 

And  as  pese  clerkes  maken  menciown 

Sche  hap  him  sent  a  schurte  fresch  and  gay  3312 

Alas  pis  schirfr  alias  and  wailaway 

Enuenymed  was  soply  with  alle 

That1  er  he  hadde  wered  it  half1  a  day 

It1  made  his  fleisch  al  fro  his  bones  falle  /  3316 

But1  natheles  som  clerkes  hir  excusen 

By  oon  pat1  highte  Nessus  pat1  it  makyd 

Be  as  be  may  I  wil  nou^t1  hir  accusyn 

But1  on  his  bak/  he  wered  pis  schirt1  al  naked  3320 

Til  pat1  his  fleisch  was  for  pe  venym  blaked 

And  whan  he  saugh  noon  oper  remedye 

In  hote  colis  he  hap  himself1 1-raked 

For  no  venym  deyned  him  to  dye  3324 

Ihus  starf1  pis  mighty  and  worthy  Ercules 

lo  who  may  truste  fortune  eny  prowe 

For  him  pat1  folwep  al  pis  world  of1  pres 

Er  he  be  war  is  oft1  y-layd  ful  lowe  /  3328 

Ful  wys  is  he  pat/  can  himseluen  knowe  / 

Be  war  for  whan  pat1  fortune  lust1  to  glose  / 

Than  waytith  sche  hir  man  to  ouerprowe  / 

By  suche  way  as  he  wolde  lest1  suppose  3332 


261    SIX-TEXT 

538    GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

[Nebuchadnezzar.  ] 

I  he  mighty  trone  fe  precious  tresor  U  De  rege 

The  glorious  ceptre  and  real  mageste  Nabugodonosor 

That1  had  ]>e  king1  Nabugodonosore 

wij>  tonge  vnnethes  may  descryued  be  3336 

he  twyes  wan  ierasalem  pat  Cite 

The  vessel  out1  of1  ]?e  temple  he  wij?  him  ladde  /  U  DanieH's  4to 
At  Babiloyne  was  his  souereyn  see  regu??i  && 

In  which  his  glorie  and  his  delyt1  he  ladde  /  3340 

The  fairest1  children  of1  J?e  blood  roial 

Of1  Israel  he  dede  gelde  anoon 

And  made  ylk1  of*  hem  to  ben  his  Jjral 

Amonges  ofre  Daniel  was  oon  33  i  4 

That1  was  J?e  wisest/  child  of1  euerychoon 

For  he  J>e  dremes  of1  J?e  king1  expouned 

Ther  as  in  Caldeyn  was  ]>er  clerkes  noon      Ueafzza,  back'] 

That1  wiste  to  what1  fyn  his  dremes  souned  3348 

This  proude  king1  let1  make  a  statu  of1  gold 

Sixty  cubites  long1  and  seueii  in  brede 

To  which  ymage  boj?e  3onge  and  olde  / 

Comaunded  he  to  loue  and  haue  in  drede  3352 

Or  in  a  fornays  ful  of1  flames  rede 

he  schulde  be  brent1  pat1  wolde  not1  obeye  / 

But1  neuer  wolde  assente  to  fat1  dede 

Danyel  ne  his  felawes  tweye  3356 

This  king1  of1  kinges  preu  was  elate 

he  wende  god  fat1  sit1  in  mageste 

Ne  might1  him  nought1  /  bireue  of1  his  estate 

But1  sodeynly  he  left/  his  dignite  3360 

I-lik1  a  best1  him  semed  for  to  be 

And  eet1  hay  as  an  oxe  and  lay  J?er-oute  / 

In  rayn  with  wilde  bestes  walkyd  he . 

[til  Certein  tyme  Was  1-COme  abQUte1]   C1  /»  margin,  in  a  later  hand-] 


SIX-TEXT    262 

GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     539 

And  lik/  an  Eglis  fetheres  were  his  heres 

his  hondes  like  a  briddes  clowes  were 

Til  god  relessed  him  a  certeyn  ^eres 

And  3af<  him  witte  and  ])anne  with  many  a  tere  3368 

he  Ranked  god  and  euer  he  is  afere 

To  doon  amys  or  more  to  trespace 

And  er  fat1  tyme  he  layd  was  on  bere 

he  knew  wel  god  was  ful  of1  might*  and  grace  3372 

His  sone  which  pat1  highte  Balthazar 

That1  huld  f  e  regne  after  his  fader  day 

he  by  his  fader  couf  e  nought1  be  war 

For  proud  he  was  of1  hert/  and  of1  array  3376 

And  eek1  an  ydolaster  was  he  ay 

his  heigh  astate  assured  him  in  pryde 

But*  fortune  cast1  him  doun  and  per  he  lay 

And  sodeynly  his  regne  gan  diuide  3380 

A  fest1  he  made  vnto  his  lordes  alle 

vpon  a  tyme  he  made  hem  blif  e  be 

And  fan  his  officeres  gan  he  calle 

GoJ)  bringeth  forth  }>e  vessealx  quod  he  3384 

The  which  my  fader  in  his  prosperite 

Out1  of1  f  e  temple  of1  ieiusalem  byraft1  [>a/230] 

And  to  oure  hihe  goddis  f  anke  we/ 

Of  honours  fat1  oure  eldres  with  vs  laft1  3388 

His  wif1  his  lordes  and  his  concubines 

Ay  dronken  whiles  her  arriont1  last1 

Out1  of1  f  is  noble  vesseals  sondry  wynes 

And  on  a  wal  fis  king1  his  yhen  cast  /  3392 

And  saugfc  an  hond  armies  fat1  wroot  fast1  / 

For  fere  of1  which  he  quook1  and  siked  sore 

fis  hond  fat1  baltha^ar  so  sore  agasf 

wrot1 .  mane .  techel .  phares .  and  no  more  /  3396 


263    SIX-TEXT 

540    GROUP  B.     §  12.    MONK'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

In  al  J>e  lond  magicien  was  noon 

That1  coupe  expounde  what1  pis  lettre  ment 

But1  Daniel  expound!])  it  anoon 

And  sayde  king1  god  py  fader  sent  3400 

Glori  and  honour .  regne  tresor  and  rent 

And  he  was  proud  and  no  ping1  god  ne  dredde 

And  perfor  god  gret1  wreche  vpon  him  sent1 

And  him  biraft1  )>e  regne  pat1  he  hadde  /  3404 

He  was  out  cast1  of1  niannes  compaignye 

with  asses  was  his  habitacioun 

And  eete  hay  in  wet1  and  eek1  in  drye 

Til  pat1  he  knew  by  grace  and  by  resown  3408 

That1  god  of1  heuen  had  dominaciozm 

Ouer  euery  regne  and  euery  creature 

And  pan  had  god  of1  him  compassiown 

And  him  restored  to  his  regne  and  his  figure  3412 

.like  pou  pat1  art1  his  sone  art1  proud  also 

And  knowest1  al  pis  ping1  so  verrayly 

And  art1  rebel  to  god  and  art1  his  fo 

})ou  dronk1  eek1  of1  his  vessel  bodily  3416 

Thy  wyf1  eek1  and  py  wenche  sinfully 

Dronke  of1  pe  same  vessel  sondry  wynes 

And  heriest1  false  goddes  cursedly 

Therfore  to  pe  schapen  ful  gret  pyne  es  3420 

Ibis  bond  was  send  fro  god  fat1  on  pe  wal 

wrot .  mane .  techel .  phares  truste  me 

Thy  regne  is  doon  pou  weist1  nou^t  at1  al 

Diuidid  is  py  regne  and  it  schal  be        00/230,  &acfc]        3424 

To  meedes  and  to  perses  $euen  quod  he 

And  J?ilke  same  night1  J>e  king1  was  slawe 

And  Darius  occupied  his  degre 

Jjough  J>erto  neyjjer  had  he  right1  ne  lawe  /  3428 


SIX-TEXT    264 

GROUP  B.    §  12.    MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     541 

Lordyngs  ensample  her-by  may  30  take 
how  Jmt1  in  lordschip  is  no  sikernesse 
For  whan  fortune  wil  a  man  forsake 

Sche  berejj  a-way  his  regne  and  his  richesse  /  3432 

And  eek1  his  frendes  bojje  more  and  lesse  / 
And  what1  man  hath  of1  frendes  ]>e  fortune 
Mishap  wil  make  hem  enemyes  I  gesse 
[>'s  prouerbe  is  ful  sotfi  &  ful  cornune1]  i\?tkJ$Z%£* 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

Cenobia  of1  palmire  J>e  queene 

As  writen  parciens  of1  hir  noblesse 

So  wor]?y  was  in  armes  and  so  keene 

That1  no  wight1  passed  hir  in  hardynesse  3440 

!KTe  in  lynage  ne  in  oj>er  gentilesse  / 

Of1  J)e  kinges  blood  /  of*  pers  sche  is  descendid 

I  say  Jjat1  sche  had  not  most/  fairnesse 

But1  of1  hir  schap  sche  might1  not1  ben  amendid  3444 

tro  hir  childhod  /  I  fynde  pat1  sche  fledde 

Office  of1  wommen  and  to  woode  sche  went 

And  many  a  wilde  hertes  blood  sche  schedde 

with  arwes  brode  jjat1  sche  to  hem  sent  /  3448 

Sche  was  so  swyft1  fat1  sche  anoon  hem  hent 

And  whan  pat1  sche  was  elder  sche  wolde  kille 

Leouns  /  lebardes  /  and  beres  alto-rent 

And  in  hir  armes  weld  hem  at  hir  wille  3452 

Sche  dorste  wilde  bestes  dennes  seke/ 

And  renne  in  J?e  mounteyns  al  J?e  night1 

And  slepe  vnder  a  bussh  and  sche  coupe  eeke 

wrastil  by  verray  fors  and  verray  might  3456 

wip  eny  ^ong1  man  were  he  neuer  so  wight1 

Ther  mighte  no  ping1  in  hir  armes  stonde 

She  kept1  hir  maydenhed  from  euejy  wight1 

To  no  man  deyned  hire  to  be  bonde  3460 


265    SIX-TEXT 

542    GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

But*  atte  last1  hir  frendes  han  hir  maried 

To  Odenake  a  prince  of1  fat1  Citee 

Al  were  it  so  fat  sche  him  longe  taried  [/ea/2si] 

And  36  schul  vnderstonde  how  fat1  he  3464 

had  suche  fantasies  as  hadde  sche  / 

But1  nafeles  whan  fay  were  knyt1  in  fere 

Thay  lyued  in  ioye  and  in  felicite 

For  ech  of1  hem  had  of  er  leef1  and  deere  3468 

Saue  oon  f  ing1  sche  wolde  neuer  assent 

By  no  way  fat1  he  schulde  by  hir  lye 

But1  oones  for  it  was  hir  playn  entent 

To  haue  a  child  fe  world  to  multiplie  3472 

And  also  soone  as  she  might1  aspye  / 

That1  sche  was  not1  wif  childe  $it  in  dede  / 

Than  wold  sche  suffre  him  doon  his  fantasie 

Eft1  sones  and  nought1  but1  oones  out1  of1  drede  /  3476 

And  if1  sche  were  wif  child  at1  f  ilke  cast1 

No  more  schuld  he  playe  f  ilke  game 

Til  fully  fourty  dayes  were  y-past1 

Than  wold  sche  suffre  him  to  do  fe  same  3480 

Al  were  f  is  Odenake  wilde  or  tame 

he  gat1  no  more  of1  hir  for  f  us  sche  sayde 

hit1  nas  but1  wyues  lecchery  and  schame  / 

In  ofer  caas  if1  fat/  men  with  hem  playde  /  3484 

Tuo  sones  by  f  is  Odenak1  had  sche 

The  which  sche  kept/  in  vertu  and  lettrure 

But1  now  vnto  our  purpos  torne  we 

I  say  so  worschipful  a  creature  3188 

And  wys .  worf  y .  and  large  with  mesure 

So  penyble  in  f  e  werre  and  curteys  eeke 

Ne  more  labour  might1  in  werre  endure  / 

was  no  wher  noon  in  al  f  is  world  to  seeke  .3492 


SIX-TEXT    266 

GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.    Harleian  7331     513 

11  ir  riche  array  if1  it  might1  be  told 

As  wel  in  vessel  as  in  Mr  closing* 

Sche  was  al  closed  in  perre  and  gold 

And  eek1  sche  lafte  nought1  for  hir  huntyng1  3496 

To  haue  of1  sondry  tonges  ful  knowing1 

whan  sche  had  leyser  //  and  might1  jjerto  entent 

To  lerne  "bookes  was  al  hir  likyng1 

How  sche  in  vertu  might1  hir  lif1  despent1  3500 

And  schortly  of1  ]?is  story  for  to  trete  p«^2si,6ac*] 

So  doughty  was  hir  housbond  and  eek1  sche 

That1  J>ay  conquered  many  regnes  grete 

In  thorient1  with  many  a  fair  citee  3504 

Appurtienant1  vnto  that1  mageste  / 

Of1  Eome .  and  with  strong1  hond  hulden  hem  fast1 

Ne  neuer  might1  her  fomen  doon  hem  fle 

Ay  while  Odenakes  dayes  last/  3508 

Her  batails  who  /  so  lust1  hem  for  to  rede 

Agayn  Sapor  J>e  king1  and  o]?er  mo 

And  how  jjat1  pis  processe  fel  in  dede 

why  sche  conquered  and  what1  title  had  J?erto  3512 

And  after  of1  hir  meschief1  and  hir  woo  / 

how  fat1  sche  was  deceyued  and  I-take  / 

let1  hem  vnto  my  mayster  perark1  go 

That1  writeth  of1  Jns  ynougfi.  I  vndertake  /  3516 

Whan  Odenake  was  deed  sche  mightily 

The  regnes  huld  and  wij>  hir  propre  hond 

A^eins  hir  foos  sche  faught1  ful  trewely 

That1  Jjer  nas  king1  ne  prince  in  Jjat1  lond  3520 

That1  he  nas  glad  if1  he  J>at  grace  fond 

That1  sche  ne  wold  vpon  his  lond  werraye 

with  hir  Jjay  made  alliaunce  by  bond 

To  ben  in  pees  and  let1  hir  ryde  and  play  3524 


267    SIX-TEXT 

544    GROUP  B.     §  12.    MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

The  emperour  of*  Eome  Claudius 

Ne  him  biforn  fe  romayn*  Galiene 

N"e  dorste  neuer  be  so  corrageous 

"He  noon  ermine  ne  Egipciene  3528 

No  Surrien  ne  noon  arrabiene 

wifinne  f  e  feld  fat  durste  with  hir  fight 

Lest1  fat1  sche  wold  hem  wif  her  hondes  sleen 

Or  wif  hir  meyne  putten  hem  to  flight  3532 

In  kinges  abyt1  went  hir  sones  tuo 

As  heires  of1  her  fadres  regnes  alle 

And  hermanno  and  Themaleo 

here  names  were  and  Parciens  men  hem  calle  /  3536 

But1  ay  fortune  hath  in  hir  hony  galle 

This  mighty  queene  may  no  while  endure 

Fortune  out1  of*  hir  regne  made  hir  falle  [/co/232] 

To  wrecchednesse  and  to  mys  aduenture  3540 

Aurilian  whan  fat1  J)e  gouernaunce 

Of*  Kome  cam  in-to  his  hondes  tway  / 

he  schop  him  of1  ])is  queen  to  do  vengeawnce  / 

And  with  his  legiou?zs  he  took1  f  e  way  3544 

Toward  Cenoby  and  schortly  to  say 

he  made  hir  flee  and  atte  last1  hir  hent 

And  feterid  hir  and  eek1  hir  children  tweye 

And  wan  fe  lond  and  home  to  Eome  he  went  3548 

Amonges  of  er  f  inges  fat  he  wan 

hir  chaar  fat1  was  wi]>  gold  wroujt1  and  perre 

This  grete  Romayn  f  is  aurilian 

hath  with  him  lad  for  fat1  men  schulde  se  3552 

Bifore  fis  triumphe  walkith  sche  / 

And  gilte  cheynes  in  hir  necke  hongynge 

Coroun  sche  was  as  aftir  hir  degre 

[and  ful  of1  perre  chargid  here  clothynge1] 


•SIX-TEXT  268 
GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     545 

Alias  fortune .  sche  that*  whilom  was 
Dredful  to  kinges  and  to  Emperoures 
Now  gaulith  al  J>e  pepul  on  hir  alas 

And  sche  ]?at*  helmyd  was  in  starke  stoures  /  3560 

And  wan  bifore  tounes  stronge  and  toures 
Schal  on  heed  now  were  a  wyntermyte 
And  sche  ]>at*  bar  J>e  cepter  ful  of*  floures 
Schal  bere  a  distal  hir  self1  for  to  quyte  3564 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

0  noble  petro .  ]>&  glori  of*  Spayne  /  11  De  petro  his- 
whom  fortune  held  so  heigh  in  mageste  pawme  rege 
wel  oughte  men  ])y  pitous  dej)  complayne 

Thy  bastard  broker  made  J>e  to  fle  3568 

And  after  /  at1  a  sege  by  subtilte 

J)ow  were  bytrayed  and  lad  to  his  tent 

wher  /  as  he  with  his  oughne  hond  slough  J>e 

Succedyng1  in  jjy  lond  and  in  ]>y  rent  3572 

1  he  feld  of*  snow  with  thegle  of1  blak1  Jjer-Inne 
Caught*  wi]>  J)e  leoura  reed  coloured  as  is  ]?e  gleede 
he  brewede  J?e  cursednesse  and  synne 

The  wikked  nesf  werker  of1  Jjis  neede  3576 

Nought*  Oliuer  ne  Charles  J>at  ay  took1  heede 
Of1  trouthe  and  honour  but/  of*  armory  k1      [tea/ 232,  toe*] 
Geniloun  oliuer  corruptid  for  nede 

Broughte  J>is  worfy  king1  in  such  a  bryk*  3580 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

0  worjjy  petro  king1  of*  Cipres  also   1T  De  petro  Cipre  rege 
That*  alisaunder  wan  by  heigh  maistrye  / 
Ful  many  an  hethen  wroughtest*  }>ou  ful  wo 
Of1  which  ])in  oughne  lieges  had  enuye  3584 

And  for  no  jjing1  but  for  J?y  chiualrie 
pay  in  thy  bed  han  slayn  Jje  by  J>e  morwe 
Thus  can  fortune  ]?e  whel  gouerne  and  gye 
And  out*  of*  ioye  bringe  men  in  to  sorwe  3588 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  2    N 


269    SIX-TEXT 

546     GROUP  B.     §  12.    MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Of1  Melayn  grete  Barnabo  viscount1         U"  De  Barnabo  Co- 
God  of1  delyf  and  strength  of1  lumbardye    mite  Mediolano 
why  schuld  fyn  infortune  I  nought1  accounte 
Syn  in  astaat1  fou  clombe  were  so  hye  3592 

Thy  broker  sone  fat1  was  J)y  double  allie 
For  he  f  y  neuew  was  and  sone  in  lawe 
wif  inne  his  p?isoun  made  f  e  to  dye 

But1  why  ne  how  not1 1  fat1  fou  were  slawe  /  3596 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

Of1  erl  hugilin  ofH  pise  f  e  langour  IF  De  hugiKrco 

Ther  may  no  tonge  telle  f  e  pite  Comite  Pise 

Buf  litel  out1  of1  pise  stant  a  tour 

In  whiche  tour  /  in  prisozm  put1  was  he  /  3600 

And  with  him  been  his  litil  children  fro 

Theldest1  skarsly  fyf1  $er  was  of1  age  / 

Alias  fortune  it  was  gret1  cruelte 

Suche  briddes  to  put  in  such  a  cage  3604 

Jjampnyd  he  was  to  deye  in  fat1  pmown 

For  Roger  which  fat1  bisschop  was  of1  pise 

Had  on  him  maad  a  fals  suggestiotm 

Thurgh  which  fe  peple  gan  on  him  arise  3608 

And  putte  him  in  prisown  in  such  wise 

As  36  han  herd  and  mete  and  drynk1  he  hadde 

So  smal  fat1  wel  vnnef e  it  may  suffise 

And  fer  wif  al  it  was  ful  pore  and  badde  3612 

And  on  a  day  bifel  fat1  in  fat1  hour 

whan  fat1  his  mete  was  wont1  to  be  brought1 

The  gayler  schet1  f e  dores  of1  fat1  tour 

He  herd  it  wel  but  he  saugft  it1  nought*          [totfass]     3616 

And  in  his  hert1  anoon  fer  fel  a  fought1 

fat1  fay  for  hungir  wolde  doon  him  dyen 

Alas  quod  he  alias  fat1 1  was  wrought 

Ther-wif  fe  teeres  felle  fro  his  eyen  3620 


SIX-TEXT    270 

GROUP  B.     §  12.    MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     547 

His  Congest*  sone  pat1  ]>re  361  was  of1  age 

Vnto  Mm  sayde  fader  why  do  ye  wepe 

whan  wil  J>e  gayler  bringen  oure  potage 

Is  per  no  morsel  bred  pat1  36  doon  kepe  3624 

I  am  so  hongry  pat1 1  may  not  sleepe 

Now  wolde  god  pat1 1  might  slepe  euer 

Than  schuld  not1  hunger  in  my  wom.be  crepe 

Ther  is  no  ping1  saue  bred  pat1  me  were  leuer  3628 

JLhus  day  by  day  pis  child  bigan  to  crie 

Til  in  his  fadres  barm  a-doun  he  lay 

And  sayde  far  wel  fader  I  moot*  dye 

And  kistt  his  fader  and  dyde  pe  same  day  3632 

And  whan  pe  wof  ul  fader  deed  it  say  - 

For  wo  his  armes  tuo  he  gan  to  byte 

And  sayde  fortune  alas  and  waylaway 

Thin  false  querel  al  my  woo  I  wyte  3636 

His  childer  wende  fat1  it1  for  hongir  was 

That1  he  his  armes  gnew  and  nought1  for  wo 

And  sayden  fader  do  nought1  so  alias 

But1  rather  et1  pe  fleisch  vpon  vs  tuo  3640 

Oure  fleisch  pou  }aue  vs  /  oure  fleisch  pou  take  vs  fro 

And  ete  ynougS.  right1  Jms  pay  to  him  seyde 

And  after  pat1  wipinne  a  day  or  tuo 

Thay  layde  hem  in  his  lappe  a-doun  and  deyde  3644 

Himself1  despeired  eek1  for  honger  starf1 
Thus  ended  is  pis  mighty  eorl  of1  pise 
For  his  estate  fortune  fro  him  carf1 

Of1  pis  tegrede  it1  ought1  ynough  suffi.se  /  3648 

who-so  wil  it  hiere  in  lenger  wise 
Eede  pe  gret1  poet1  of1  Itaile 
That1  higfite  Daunt1  for  he  can  it  deuise 
Fro  poynt  to  poynt  nou^tf  oon  word  wil  he  fayle          3652 
[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

2   N   2 


271    SIX-TEXT 

548    GROUP  B.    §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Al  fougll  Nero  were  als  vicious  IT  De  Nerone 

As  any  fend  that*  lith  f ill  lowe  adoun  [leaf  233,  back'] 

3it  as  tellith  vs  Swethoneus 

This  wyde  world  had  in  subiecciozm  3656 

Bo)>e  Esf  and  west1  and  Septemtrioun 

Of  rubies .  safers  .  and  of1  perles  white 

were  alle  his  clones  embroudid  vp  and  down 

For  he  in  gemmis  /  gretly  gan  delite  3660 

More  delyt1 .  more  pomp  of1  array 

Mor  proud  was  neuer  Emperour  pan  ho 

That  ylke  cloth  pat1  he  had  wered  a  day 

After  pat1  tyme  he  nolde  it  neuer  se  3664 

Nettis  of1  gold  pred .  had  he  gret  plente 

To  fissche  in  tyber  whan  him  lust1  to  pleye 

his  willes  were  as  lawe  in  his  degre 

For  fortune  as  his  frend  wold  him  obeye  3668 

He  Eome  brent1  for  his  delicacie 

The  senatours  he  slough"  vpon  a  day 

To  here  how  men  wolde  wepe  and  crye 

And  slough  his  broker,  and  by  his  suster  lay  3672 

his  modir  made  he  in  pitous  array 

For  hir  wombe  slyt1  he  to  byholde 

wher  he  conceyued  so  waylaway  / 

pat1  he  so  litel  of1  his  moodir  tolde  3676 

No  teer  out1  of1  his  eyen  for  fat1  sight/ 

Ne  cam  but  sayde  a  fair  womman  was  sche 

Gret1  wonder  is  fat1  he  coupe  or  might1 

Be  domesman  on  hir  beaute  3680 

The  wyn  to  bringen  him  comaundid  he 

And  drank1  anoon  noon  oper  wo  he  made 

whan  might1  is  torned  vnto  cruelte 

Alias  to  deepe  wil  pe  venym  wade  /  3684 


SIX-TEXT    272 

GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian.  7334.     549 

LN  }ouf  e  a  maister  had  f  is  emperowr 

To  teche  him  letterure  and  curtesye 

For  of1  moralite  he  was  f  e  flour 

And  in  his  tyme  but1  if1  fe  book1  lye  3688 

And  whil  his  maister  had  of*  him  maistrie 

he  made  him  so  connyng1  and  so  souple  / 

That1  long1  tyme  it  was  or  tyrranye 

Or  ony  vice  dorst1  on  him  vncouple  /  [tea/ 234]     3692 

Ihis  Seneca  of1  which  fat1 1  deuyse  IT  Seneca 

By  cause  Nero  had  of1  him  such  drede 

For  fro  vices  he  wolde  him  chastise 

Discretly  by  word  and  no^t1  by  dede  /  3696 

Sir  wold  he  sayn  an  emperour  mot  neede  / 

Be  vertuous  and  hate  tyrannye 

For  which  he  in  a  bath  made  him  to  bleede 

On  bofe  his  armes  til  he  moste  dye  3700 

I  he  nero  hadde  eek1  a  custumance  / 

No  ^ouf  e  a^ein  his  maister  for  to  ryse  / 

which  afterward  him  fought1  a  gret  greuawnce 

Therfore  he  made  him  deye  in  fis  wise  3704 

But1  naf  eles  }>is  Seneca  f  e  wise 

Ches  in  bath  to  deye  in  fis  manere  / 

Raf  er  fan  to  haue  anof  er  tyrannye 

And  Jms  haf  Nero  slayn  his  maister  deere  /  3708 

.Now  fel  it  so  fat1  fortune  lust1  no  lenger 

The  highe  pride  of1  Nero  to  cherice 

For  f  ough  he  were  strong1  ^it1  was  sche  strenger 

Sche  foughte  fus  by  god  I  am  to  nyce  3712 

To  set1  a  man  fat1  is  ful  sad  of1  vice 

In  high  degre  and  emperour  him  calle  / 

By  god  out1  of1  his  cite  I  wil  him  trice 

.whan  he  lest1  wenef  sonnest1  schal  byfalle  3716 


273    SIX-TEXT 

550    GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

1  he  poeple  ros  on  him  vpon  a  night 

For  heigh  defaute  and  whan  he  it  aspyed 

Out1  of1  his  dores  anoon  he  hap  him  dight 

Aloone  and  per  he  wende  haue  ben  allyed  3720 

he  knokked  fast1  and  ay  pe  more  he  cried 

The  faster  schette  pay  pe  doores  alle/ 

Than  wist1  he  wel  he  had  himself1  mysgyed 

And  went1  his  way  no  lenger  durst1  he  calle  3724 

I  he  peple  cried  and  rumbled  vp  and  doun 

That1  with  his  eris  herd  he  how  pay  sayde 

Wher  is  pis  fals  traitour  pis  neroun 

For  fere  almost1  out1  of1  his  witte  he  brayde  /  3728 

And  to  his  goddes  pitously  he  prayde  / 

For  socour  but1  it  mighte  nought  betyde  /    [leaf  231,  &«»<*] 

For  drede  of1  pis  him  poughte  pat  he  dyde 

And  ran  in  to  a  gardyn  hym  to  hyde  373 


in  pis  gardyn  fond  he  cherlis  twaye 
Sittyng1  by  a  fuyr  ful  greet  and  reed 
And  to  pese  che[r]les  tuo  he  gan  to  pray 
To  sleen  him  and  to  girden  of1  his  heed  3736 

That1  to  his  body  whan  he  were  deed 
were  despyt1  y-doon  for  his  defame 
himself1  he  slough  he  coupe  no  better  reed 
Of  which  fortune  pai  lough  and  hadde  game  /  3740 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

TV  as  neuer  Capitaigne  vnder  a  king1  /     U  De  Olipherno 

Thas  regnes  mo  put  in  subieccioura 

Ne  strenger  was  in  feld  of1  alle  ping1 

As  in  his  tyme  ne  gretter  of1  renoun  3744 

Ne  more  pompous  in  heih  presumpciown 

Than  Oliphern  .  which  pat  fortune  ay  kist1 

So  licorously  .  and  ladde  him  vp  and  doun 

Til  that1  his  heed  was  of1  er  he  it  wist1  3748 


SIX-TEXT    274 

GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     551 

Nought1  oonly  fat1  f  e  world  had  of1  him  awe  / 

For  lesyng*  of*  riches  and  liberte 

But1  made  euery  man  reneye  his  la  we  / 

Nabugodonosor  was  lord  sayde  he  /  3752 

I^oon  of  er  god  schuld  honoured  be 

A^einst1  his  heste  dar  no  wight1  trespace  U  Et  feceruwt  filij 

Sane  in  Betholia  a  strond  cite  israel  secundum  ^ 

-_..,.  „  quod  co??stituit  eis 

wher  Ehachim  a  prest1  of1  fat1  place         dominus  sacerdos 

Elyachym 

But1  tak1  keep  of1  fat1  day  of1  Olipherne 
Amyd  his  ost/  he  dronke  lay  on  night1 
wifinne  his  tente  large  as  is  a  berne 

And  ^it1  for  al  his  pomp  and  al  his  might1  3760 

ludith  a  worn  man  as  he  lay  vpright 
Slepyng1  his  heed  of1  smot1  and  fro  his  tent 
Ful  priuely  sche  stal  from  euery  wight 
And  with  his  heed  vnto  hir  toun  sche  went  3764 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

What1  needith  it1  of1  king1  antiochius         U  De  Eege  Anti- 

To  telle  his  heye  real  mageste  /  ochie  iUustri. 

his  heyhe  pride  his  werke  venemous 

For  such  anofer  was  fer  noon  as  he  oa/235]     3768 

Eede])  which  fat1  he  was  in  machabe 

And  redith  fe  proude  wordes  fat1  he  sayde 

And  why  he  fel  fro  his  prosperite 

And  in  an  hil.  how  wrecchidly  he  deyde  3772 

Fortune  him  haf  enhaunced  so  in  pryde 

That1  verraily  he  wend  he  might1  han  teyned 

Ynto  f  e  sterris  vpon  euery  syde  / 

And  in  a  balaunce  weyen  what1  ech  mounteyned          3776 

And  alle  f  e  floodes  of1  f  e  see  restreyne 

And  goddes  peple  had  he  most1  in  hate 

hem  wold  he  slee  in  torment1  and  in  peyne 

wenyng1  fat1  god  ne  might1  his  pride  abate  3780 


275    SIX-TEXT 

552     GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

And  for  J>af  Nichosor  and  Thimothe  / 

with  lewes  were  venquist/  mightily 

Vn  to  )>e  lewes  such  an  hate  had  he  / 

That1  he  bad  graithe  his  chaar  hastily  3784 

And  swor  and  sayde  ful  despitously 

Vnto  Jerusalem  he  wold  eft1  soone 

To  wreke  his  Ire  on  it  ful  cruelly 

But1  of1  his  purpos  he  was  let  ful  soone  3788 

God  for  his  manace  him  so  sore  smoot1 

wif  inuisible  wounde .  incurable 

That1  in  his  guttes  carf1  so  and  bott 

That1  his  peynes  were  importable  3792 

And  certeynly  J?e  wreche  was  resonable 

For  on  many  a  man .  dede  he  peyne 

But  fro  his  purpos  cursed  and  dampnable  / 

For  al  his  sinert1  he  nolde  him  nought  restreyne  /         3796 

Jjut1  bad  anoon  apparaileii  his  host1 

And  sodeynly  er  he  was  of1  it  ware 

God  dampned  al  his  pride  and  al  his  bost 

For  he  so  sore  fel  out1  of1  his  chare  3800 

That1  his  lymes  and  his  skyn  to-tare  / 

So  \> at1  he  no  more  might1  go  ne  ryde  / 

But1  in  a  chare  men  aboute  him  bare  / 

Al  forbrosed  bo]?e  bak1  and  syde  /  3804 

The  wreche  of1  god  him  smof  so  cruely 

That1  in  his  body  wicked  wormes  crept1        \uaf  235,  bacv] 

And  J?er  with  al  he  stonk/  so  orribly 

That1  noon  of1  his  meyne  J>at  him  kep[t]e  3808 

whej>er  pat  he  wook1  or  elles  slepte 

!N"e  mighte  nought1  jje  stynk1  of1  him  endure 

In  Jns  meschief1  he  weyled  and  eek1  wepte  / 

And  knew  god  lord  of1  euery  creature  3812 


SIX-TEXT    276 

GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  T.SLE.     Harleian  7334.     553 

To  al  his  host1  and  to  himself1  also 
Ful  wlatsom  was  be  stynk1  and  be  carayne 
No  man  might1  him  bere  to  ne  fro 

And  in  stynk/  and  orrible  payne  3816 

he  starf1  ful  wrecchedly  in  a  mountayne 
Thus  hab  pis  robbour  and  j)is  homicide  / 
That1  many  a  man  made  wepe  and  playne  / 
Swich  guerdoun  is  bat  longeb  vnto  pryde  3820 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

1  he  story  of1  alisaunder  is  so  comune          U  De 

That1  every  wight1  bat  hab  discrecioun  maSno 

pi  regis  mace- 
hab  herd  som  what1  or  al  of1  this  fortune          donie  filio  &c  / 

Thys  wyde  world  as  in  conclusioun  3824 

he  wan  by  strengbe  or  for  his  heigh  renown 

Thay  were  glad  for  pees  vnto  him  sende 

The  pride  of1  man  and  host1  he  layd  a  doun 

Wher-so  he  cam .  vuto  pe  worldes  ende  /  3828 

Comparisoun  $it  mighte  neuer  be  maked 

Bit  wen  him  and  noon  ober  conquerour 

For  al  bis  world  for  drede  of1  him  hab  quaked 

he  was  of1  knyghthod  and  of1  fredam  Hour  3832 

Fortune  him  made  be  heir  of1  hir  honour 

Saue  wyn  and  wymmen  no  bing1  might1  aswage 

his  heigh  entent1  in  armes  and  labour 

So  was  he  ful  of1  luinyne  corage  3836 

What1  pite  were  it1  to  him  bough  I  ^ow  tolde 

Of1  Darius  and  an  hundred  bousand  mo 

Of1  kynges  princes  Dukes  and  eorles  bolde  / 

which  he  conquered  and  brou^t/  vnto  wo  3840 

I  say  as  fer  as  men  may  ryde  or  go 

The  world  was  his  what  schold  I  more  deuyse  / 

[ .     no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Of  his  knighthood  it  mighte  nou3t  suffise  /  3844 


277    SIX-TEXT 

554    GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Twelf1  }er  he  regned  as  saith  machabe  [tea/ 236] 

Philippes  son  of1  Macedon  lie  was 

That1  first?  was  king1  in  Crece  fat  centre 

O  worf  y  gentil  alisaundre  alas  3848 

That1  euer  schulde  falle  such  a  caas 

Empoysoned  of1  fin  oughne  folk1  f  ou  were 

Thyn  fortune  is  torned  in  to  an  aas 

And  right1  for  f  e  ne  wepte  sche  neuer  a  teere  3852 

\Vho  schal  me  ^iue  teeres  to  compleigne 
The  def  of1  gentiles  and  of1  fraunchise 
That1  al  f  e  worlde  had  in  his  demeigne 
And  ^ifr  him  fought1  it1  mighte  noi^t  suffice  3856 

So  ful  was  his  corage  of  high  emprise  / 
Alias  who  schal  helpe  me  to  endite/ 
Fals  infortune  and  poysoun  to  deuyse 
The  whiche  two  al  fis  wo  I  wyte  3860 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

Jjy  wisedom  manhod  and  gret  labour 

Fro  humble  bed  to  royal  mageste  / 

Vp  roos  he  lulius  f  e  conquerour 

That1  wan  al  thoccident1  by  land  and  see  3864 

By  strengf  e  of1  hond  or  elles  by  trete  / 

And  vnto  Rome  made  hem  contributarie 

And  sif  f  e  of1  Rome  f  emperour  was  he 

Til  fat1  fortune  wax  his  aduersarie  /  3868 

0  mighty  Cesar  fat1  in  Thessalie 

Agains  pompious  fader  fin  in  la  we 

That1  of1  f  e  orient1  had  al  f  e  chiualrie 

Als  fer  as  fat1  fe  day  bigynnes  to  dawe  3872 

Thorugh"  f  i  knigftthod  f  ou  hastt  him  take  and  slawe 

Saue  fewe  folk1  fat1  with  pompeus  fledde 

J^urgn"  which  f  ou  puttist1  al  f  orient  in  awe 

Thanke  fortune  fat1  so  wel  fe  spedde  3876 


SIX-TEXT    278 

GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     555 

But*  now  a  litel  while  I  wil  bywaile 

This  pompeus  Ipe  noble  gouernour 

Of*  Home  which  J>att  flowe  fro  pis  bataile 

Alas  I  say  oon  ofH  his  men  a  fals  traitour  3880 

his  heed  of1  smoot1  to  wynne  his  fauour 

Of1  lulius  and  him  J?e  heed  he  brou^t 

Alas  pomp  of1  ]>e  orient  conquerour  [reaf2Mtbacif] 

That1  fortune  to  such  a  fyn  Jje  brought  3884 

1  o  Rome  agayn  repairej)  Iuli?4s 

wij)  his  triumphe  laurial  ful  hye 

But1  on  a  tyme  brutus  Cassius 

That*  euer  had  to  his  estaf  enuye  /  3888 

Ful  priuely  haj?  made  conspiracie  / 

Agains  )?is  lulius  in  subtil  wise  / 

Cast1  the  place .  in  which  he  schulde  dye 

with  boydekyns  as  I  schal  }ow  deuyse  /  3892 

I  his  lulius  to  {)e  Capitoile  went 

vpon  a  day  as  he  was  wont1  to  goon 

And  in  J>e  Capitoil  anoon  him  hent 

This  false  brutus  and  his  o]?er  foon  3896 

And  stiked  him  wij?  boydekyns  anoon 

with  many  a  wounde  and  Jms  fay  let  him  lye 

But1  neuer  gronf  he  at1  no  strook1  but  oon 

Or  elles  at  tuo  but1  if1  J>e  storie  lye  3900 

So  manly  was  ]>is  lulius  of1  hert/ 

And  so  wel  loued  estatly  honeste 

That1  Jjough  his  deedly  woundes  sore  smerf 

his  mantil  ouer  his  hipes  caste  he  3904 

For  no  man  schulde  seen  his  priuete 

And  as  he  lay  deyinge  in  a  traunce 

And  wiste  wel  J?af  verrayly  deed  was  he 

Of1  honeste  3ef  had  he  remembrawnce  /  3908 


279    SIX-TEXT 

556    GROUP  B.     §  12.     MONK'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

Lucan  to  be  bis  story  I  recomende 
And  to  Swetown  and  to  Valirien  also 
That1  al  be  story  writen  word  and  ende  / 
how  to  bese  grete  conqueroures  tuo  3912 

Fortune  was  first1  frend  and  sibben  fo 
No  man  trust  vpon  hir  favour  longe  / 
But1  haue  hir  in  awayt1  for  euermo 

witnesse  on  alL?  bise  conqueroures  stronge  3916 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

Off1  riche  gresus  whilom  king1  of1  lyde  IF  Gresus  leuit- 
Of1  which  gresus  .  Cirus  him  sore  dradde  /  ^  capitulo 
->  ^  ,  ,,,  ,,  ,,.  .,  .ij°despmYu 

3ett  was  he  caught1  amyddes  al  his  pride          phitonwweho- 

And  to  be  f uyr  to  brenne  him  men  him  ladde    frendo    octos' 

But  such  a  rayn  doun  fro  be  heuen  schadde1  U1J°  ^}r°  ^e" 
rp,  ,,  ,  ,  .  -  ,  ,  ,.  ,  gum  capitulo 

•That1  slough  be  fuyr  and  made  him  to  eschape  pn'm0 

But1  to  be  war  ^et1  grace  noon  he  hadde  /          p  WMT] 
Til  fortune  on  be  galwes  made  him  gape  3924 

Whan  he  was  eschaped  he  coube  noi^t/  stent 

For  to  bygynne  a  newe  werre  agayn 

he  wende  wel  for  bat1  fortune  him  sent 

Such  hap  bat1  he  eschaped  burgh  be  rayn-  3928 

That1  of1  his  foos  he  mighte  not1  be  slayn 

And  eek1  a  sweuen  vpon  a  night1  he  mette 

Of1  which  he  was  so  proud  and  eek1  so  fayn 

That1  in  vengeaunce  he  al  his  herte  sette  /  3932 

Vpon  a  tree  he  was  set1  as  him  bou^t 

wher  lubiter  him  wissch  bobe  bak1  and  side 

And  phebus  eek1  a  fair  towail  him  brou^t1 

To  drye  him  with  and  berfore  wax  his  pride  3936 

And  to  his  doubter  bat1  stood  him  biside 

which  bat1  he  knew  in  heigh  science  abounde  / 

And  bad  hire  telle  what  it  signifyde 

And  sche  his  dreem  right1  bus  gan  expounde  /  3940 


SIX-TEXT    280 

.  GROUP  B.     §12.     MONK'S  TALE.     H'arleian  7334.     557 

The  tree  quod  sche  J>e  galwes  is  to  mene 

And  lubiter  likenith  snow  and  rayn 

And  phebus  with  his  towail  so  clene 

Tho  ben  ]>e  sonne  stremes  so])  to  sayn  3944 

Thow  schalt1  enhangid  ben  fader  certayn 

Kayn  schal  ]>e  wascli  and  sonne  sclial  ]>e  drye 

Thus  warned  sche  him  ful  plat  and  ek  ful  playn 

his  doughter  which  J>afr  called  was  phanie  3948 

And  hanged  was  Gresus  Jns  proude  king 

his  real  tour  might1  him  not1  auaile  / 

Tegredis  ne  noon  oj^er  maner  Jnng* 

Ne  can  in  I  synge  crie  ny  biwayle  3952 

But1  for  Jmf  fortune  wil  alway  assayle 

wij>  vnwar  strook1  J?e  regnes  Jjat1  ben  proude 

For  whan  men  trusteth  hir  than  wil  sche  faile 

And  couer  hir  brighte  face  with  a  clowde  3956 

IT  Here  endejj  }>e  monk1  his  tale 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


281    SIX-TEXT 

558  GROUP B.  §13.  MONK-NUN'S-PRIEST'SLINK.  Harleian7334. 


IF  &  here  bygyraie  J?e  prologe 
of1  ]?e  Nonne  prestes  tale .  of1  ]?e  kok1  and  j)e  hen . 

HO  sire  quod  the  knight1  no  more  of1  Jns      Oa/237,&acfr] 
That1  30  han  said  is  right1  ynough  y-vvys 
And  mochil  mor .  for  litel  heuynesse 

Is  right1  I-nough  for  moche  folk1 1  gesse  3960 

I  say  for  me  it1  is  a  gret  disease 
wher  as  men  han  ben  in  gret  welj>e  and  ease 
To  hieren  of1  her  sodeyn  fal  alias 

And  ]>e  contraire  is  ioye  and  gret  solas  3964 

.As  whan  a  man  haj>  ben  in  pore  estate 
And  clymbith  vp  and  wexej)  fortunate 
And  per  abydej)  in  prosperite 

Such  ping1  is  gladsom  as  pinkith  me  3968 

And  of1  such  Jnng1  were  goodly  for  to  telle 
36  quod  our  host1  by  seinte  paules  belle 
36  say  right1  so])  J)is  monk1  ha)?  clappid  lowde 
he  spak1  how  fortune  was  clipped  with  a  clowde  3972 

I  not1  neuer  what1  and  als  of1  tregedie 
Eight1  now  36  herd  and  pardy  no  remedye 
It1  is  for  to  bywayle  or  compleyne 

That1  Jjat1  is  dooii  and  also  it1  is  a  peyne  3976 

As  36  han  said  to  hiere  of1  heuynesse  / 
Sire  monk1  no  more  of1  J?is .  so  god  3our  soule  blesse 
3  our  tale  anoyeth  al  J>is  compaignie 

Such  a  tale  is  no^t1  worth  a  boterflye  3980 

For  Jjer  Inne  is  noon  disport1  ne  game 
wherfor  sir  monk1,  damp  Pieres  by  3our  name 
I  pray  3ow  hertly  tel  vs  som  what1  ellis 
For  sicurly  ner  gingling1  of1  j?e  bellis  3984 


SIX-TEXT    282 

GROUPS.  §  13.  MONK-NUN'S-PRIEST'SLIXK.  Harleian7334.  559 

j?af  on  30111  bridil  hong1  on  euery  syde 

By  heuen  king1  fat1  for  vs  alle  dyde 

I  schold  er  J>is  han  falle  doun  for  sleep 

Al  fough  J?e  slough  had  neuer  ben  so  deep  3988 

Than  had  3our  tale .  haue  be  told  in  vayn 

For  certeynly  as  Jjese  clerkes  sayn 

wher  as  a  man  may  haue  noon  audience 

Nought  helpith  it  to  tellen  his  sentence  3992 

And  \vel  I  wot1  fe  substance  is  in  me 

If1  eny  fing1  schal  wel  reported  be 

Sir  say  som  what1  of1  huntyng1 1  ^ow  pray  [/ea/238] 

Nay  quod  j>e  monkH  I  haue  no  lust1  to  play  3996 

Now  let1  another  telle  as  I  haue  told  // 

Than  spak1  our  ost1  wif  rude  speche  and  bold  // 

And  said  vnto  the  nonnes  prest  anoon  // 

Come  ner  J?ou  prest1.  come  ner  fou  sir  lofrn  //  4000 

Tel  vs  such  jring1  as  may  our  hertes  glade 

Be  blife  al  J>ough  )>ou  ryde  vpon  a  iade  // 

what1  jjough  J>in  hors  be  bojje  foul  and  lene  // 

If1  he  wil  serue  J>e  rek1  not1  a  bene  //  4004 

lok1  fat1  fin  hert1  be  mery  euer  mo  // 

3is  sire  ^is  hoste .  also  mot  I  go  // 

But1 1  be  mery  I-wis  I  wol  be  blamed  // 

And  right1  anoon  he  ha])  his  tale  tamyd  //  4008 

And  Jms  he  sayd  vnto  vs  euerich  oon  // 

This  sweete  prest  this  goodly  man  sir  lohfi          IT  Explicit 

prologws 
[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


283    SIX-TEXT 

560  GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 


IT  Here  bygynneth  tlie  JNonne  prest  his  tale 

A   Pore  wydow .  som  del  stope  in  age 
was  whilom  duellyng1  in  a  pore  cotage       4012 
Bisyde  a  groue  stondyng1  in  a  dale 
This  wydow  of<  which  I  telle  $ow  my  tale 

-~ ~—  Syn  )>ilke  day  fat1  sche  was  last1  a  wifH  / 

In  paciens  ladde .  a  ful  symple  lyf1  4016 

For  litel  was  hir  catel  and  hir  rent 

By  housbondry .  of1  such  as  god  hir  sent 

Sche  fond  hir  self1  and  eek1  hir  doughtres  tuo 

Thre  large  sowes  had  sche  and  no  mo  4020 

Thre  kyn .  and  eek1  a  scheep  Jiat1  highte  malle . 

Ful  sooty  was  hir  bour  and  eek1  hir  halle 

In  which  she  eet  ful  many  a  sclender  meel 

Of*  poynaunt1  saws  hir  needid  neuer  a  deel  4024 

Noon  deynteth  morsel  passid  Jjorugh  hir  J?rote 

Hir  dyete  was  accordant1  to  hir  cote 

Eepleccioun  ne  made  hir  neuer  sik1 

Attempre  dyete  was  al  hir  phisik1  4028 

And  exercise  and  hertes  suffisaunce 

The  goute  lette  hir  no  Jnng1  for  to  daunce 

Ne  poplexie  schente  not1  hir  heed 

No  wyn  ne  drank*  he  nojjer  whit  ne  reed  Oa/ass.&aefr]    4032 

Hir  bord  seruyd  boj>e  with  whit1  and  blak* 

Milk1  and  broun  bred  in  which  sche  fond  no  lak1 

Saynd  bacoun  and  som  tyme  an  ey  or  tweye 

For  sche  was  as  if  were  a  maner  deye  4036 

A  $erd  sche  had  enclosed  al  aboute 

wijj  stikkes  and  a  drye  dich  wijjoute 

In  which  she  had  a  Cok1  Jjaf  hight1  Chaunteclere 

In  al  J>e  lond  of1  crowyng1  was  noon  his  peere  4040 


SIX-TEXT    284 

GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.   561 

His  vois  was  merier  )>an  J>e  mery  Orgon 

On  masse  dayes  fat1  in  Jje  chirche  goon 

wel  sikerer  was  his  crowyng1  in  his  logge 

fan  is  a  Clok1  or  an  abbay  Orologge  4044 

By  nature  knew  he  ech  ascensiown 

Of1  equinoxial  in  Jjilke  toun 

For  whan  degrees  fyftene  were  ascendid 

Thanne  crew  he  it1  might1  not1  ben  amendid  4048 

His  comb  was  redder  fan  Jje  fyn  coral 

And  batayld  as  it1  were  a  castel  wal 

his  bile  was  blak1  and  as  fe  geet1  it  schon 

lik1  asur  were,  his  legges  and  his  ton  4052 

His  nayles  whitter  fan  f  e  lily  flour 

And  lik1  f  e  burnischt1  gold  was  his  colour 

This  gentil  cok1  had  in  his  gouernaunce 

Seuen  hennes  for  to  do  al  his  plesaunce  4056 

whiche  were  his  sustres  and  his  paramoures 

And  wonder  lik1  to  him  as  of1  coloures 

Of1  whiche  f  e  fairest1  hiewed  on  hir  frote 

was  cleped  fayre  damysel  pertilote  4060 

Curteys  sche  was  discret  and  debonaire 

And  companable  and  bar  hir  self1  ful  faire 

Syn  f  ilke  day  fat1  sche  was  seuen  ^er  old 

That1  sche  haf  trewely  f  e  hert1  in  hold  4064 

Of1  chaunteclere  loken  in  euery  lith 

He  loued  hir  so  ]?afr  wel  him  was  J?er-with 

But1  such  a  ioye  was  if  to  here  him  synge 

whan  fat1  J>e  brighte  sonne  gan  to  springe  4068 

In  swete  accord  my  lief1  is  faren  on  londe 

Fro  Jjilke  tyme  as  I  haue  vnderstonde  [>«/  239] 

Bestis  and  briddes  cowde  speke  and  synge 

And  so  byfel  J>at  in  a  dawenynge  4072 

As  Chaunteclere  among1  his  wyues  alle  / 

Sat1  on  his  perche  Jjat1  was  in  his  halle 

And  next1  him  sat1  ]>is  faire  pe?*telote 

This  Chauntecler  gan  gronen  in  his  Jjrote  4076 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  2    O 


285    SIX-TEXT 

562  GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

As  man  pat1  in  his  dreem  is  drecched  sore  / 

And  whan  pat1  Pertelot1  pus  herd  him  rore 

Sche  was  agast1  and  sayde  herte  deere 

what  eylitli  }ow  to  grone  in  pis  manere  4080 

3e  ben  a  verray  sleper  fy  for  schame 

And  he  answerd  and  sayde  pus  ma  dame 

I  pray  ^ow  pat1  ^e  take  it  nou^t  agreef1 

By  god  me  mette  I  was  in  such  meschief1  4084 

Right1  now  pat1  }it  myn  hert/  is  sore  afrighf 

Now  god  quod  he  my  sweuen  rede  aright1 

And  keep  my  body  out1  of1  foul  prisoun 

Me  mette  how  pat  I  romed  vp  and  doun  4088 

wipinne  oure  $erd  wher  as  I  saugh  a  beest/ 

was  lik1  an  hound  and  wold  haue  maad  arrest/ 

Vpon  my  body  and  wold  han  had  me  deed 

His  colour  was  bitwixe  3olow  and  reed  4092 

And  tipped  was  his  tail  and  bope  his  eeres 

with  blak1/.  vnlik1  pe  remenau?zt  of1  his  heres 

His  snowt1  was  smal  with  glowynge  yen  tweye 

Jet1  of*  his  loot/  for  fer  almost1 1  deye  4096 

This  caused  me  my  gronyng1  douteles 

A  way  quod  sche .  fy  on  jow  herteles 

Alias  quod  sche  for  by  pat1  god  aboue 

Now  haue  je  lost  myn  hert1  and  al  my  loue  4 1 00 

I  can  nought1  loue  a  coward  by  my  feith 

For  certis  what1  so  eny  womman  seith 

we  alle  desiren  if1  it  mighte  be 

To  haue  housbondes  hardy  riche  and  fre  4104 

And  secre  and  no  nygard  ne  no  fool 

Ne  him  pat  is  agast1  of1  euery  tool 

Ne  noon  auaunter  by  pat  god  aboue 

How  dorst1  30  sayn  for  schame  vnto  jour  loue  [if  239,  z*j  4108 

That1  any  ping1  might1  make  jow  aiferd 

haue  ^e  no  mannes  hert  and  han  a  berd 

Alias  and  can  je  ben  agast1  of1  sweuenys 

Nought1  god  wot  /  but1  vanite  in  sweuen  is  4112 


SIX- TEXT    286 

GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PBIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.  563 

Sweuens  engendrid  ben  of1  replecciozms 

And  often  of1  fume  and  of1  complexiouws 

whan  humours  ben  to  abundawnt1  in  a  wight 

Certes  Jns  dreem  which  ^e  han  met1  to-night1  4116 

Come])  of1  fe  grete  superfluite 

Of*  ^oure  reede  Colera  parde 

which  causeth  folk1  to  dremen  in  here  dremes 

Of1  arwes  and  of*  fuyr  with  reede  beemes  4120 

Of*  rede  bestis  fat1  J>ai  wil  him  byte  / 

Of1  Contek1  and  of1  whelpis  greet1  and  lite 

Eight1  as  }je  hurnowr  of1  malencolie 

Cause])  in  sleep  ful  many  a  man  to  crye  4124 

For  fere  of1  beres  or  ofH  boles  blake 

Or  elles  blake  deueles  wol  hem  take 

Of1  ofer  humours  coufe  I  telle  also 

That1  wirken  many  a  man  in  slep  ful  woo  4128 

But1 1  wol  passe  as  light[l]y  as  I  can 

lo  Catoun  which  fat1  was  so  wis  a  man 

Sayde  he  nou^t  Jms  ne  do  no  force  of1  dremes 

Now  sire  quod  sche  whan  we  fle  fro  f>ise  beemes  4132 

For  goddis  loue  as  tak1  som  laxatyf1 

Vp  peril  of1  my  soule  and  of1  my  lyf1 

I  counsel  $ow  J>e  best1 1  wol  not  lye 

[ 4136 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Though  in  jris  toun  is  noon  apotecarie 

I  schal  my-self1  tuo  herbes  techyn  ^ow 

That1  schal  be  for  ^our  hele  and  for  ^oure  prow  4140 

And  in  oure  $erd  J>o  herbes  schal  I  fynde 

The  whiche  han  of1  her  proprete  by  kynde 

To  purgen  }ow  bynefe  and  eek1  aboue 

Forget1  not1  J>is  for  goddis  oughne  loue  4144 

je  ben  ful  colerik1  of1  complexioun 

ware  fe  sonne  in  his  ascencioun 

Ne  fynd  $ow  not/  replet1  in  humoz^rs  hote 

And  if1  it1  do  I  dar  wel  lay  a  grote  [^0/240]     4148 

202 


287    SIX-TEXT 

564:  GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

That1  30  schul  haue  a  feuer  terciane 

Or  an  agu  fat1  may  be  ^oure  bane 

A  day  or  tuo  $e  schul  haue  digestiues 

Of*  wormes  er  30  take  ^our  laxatiues  4152 

Of1  lauriol  Century  and  fumytere 

Or  elles  of1  Elder  bery  fat1  growith  fere  / 

Of1  Catapus  or  of1  gaytre  berijs 

Of1  erbe  yue  growef  in  our  $erd  fer  mery  is  4156 

Pike  hem  vpriglif  as  fay  growe  and  et  hem  In  • 

Ee  mery  housbond  for  ^our  fader  kyn 

Dredif  non  dremes  I  can  say  no  more 

Ma  dame  quod  he  graunt1  mercy  of1  jour  lore  4160 

But1  naf  eles  as  touching1  daun  Catoun 

That*  hath  of1  wisdom  such  a  gret1  renouft 

Though  fat1  he  bad  no  dremes  for  to  drede 

By  god  men  may  in  olde  bookes  rede  4164 

Of1  many  a  man  more  ofH  auctorite 

That1  euer  catoun  was  so  mot1  I  the 

That1  al  f  e  reuers  sayn  of1  his  sentence 

And  han  wel  founden  by  experience  4168 

That1  dremes  ben  significaciowns 

As  wel  of1  ioye  as  of1  tribulaciowns 

That1  folk1  enduren  in  f  is  lif1  present 

Ther  nedeth  make  ofH  fis  noon  argume?it  4172 

The  verray  preue  schewith  it  in  dede 

Oon  of1  f  e  grettest1  auctorite  fat1  men  rede 

Saitli  Jms  •  fat1  whilom  tway  felawes  wente 

On  pylgrimage  in  a  ful  good  entente  /  4176 

And  happed  so  fay  com  in  to  a  toun 

wher  as  fer  was  such  congregaciown 

Of1  people  and  eek1  so  streyt1  of1  herbergage 

fat1  fay  fond  nou^t1  as  moche  as  oon  cotage  /  4180 

In  which  fat  fay  might1  bof e  I-logged  be 

wherfor  fay  mosten  of1  necessite 

As  for  fat1  night1  depart1  her  compaignye 

And  ech  of1  hem  gof  to  his  hostelrye  4184 


SIX-TEXT    288 

GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.   565 

And  took1  his  loggyng1  as  it  wolde  falle 

That1  oon  of1  hem  was  loggid  in  a  stalle        [>a/24o,  back-] 

Fer  in  a  $erd  with  oxen  of1  f  e  plough" 

That*  ofer  man  was  logged  wel  ynougH  4188 

As  was  his  aduenture  or  fortune 

That1  vs  gouernith  alle  in  comune 

And  so  bifel  fat1  long1  er  it1  were  day 

This  oon  met*  in  his  bed  fer  as  he  lay  4192 

how  fat1  his  felaw  gan  vpon  him  calle 

And  sayd  alias  for  in  an  oxe  stalle  / 

This  night1 1  schal  be  murdrid  fer  I  lye 

Now  help  me  deere  broker  or  I  dye  4196 

In  alle  cum  to  me  he  sayde 

This  man  out  of*  his  slep  for  fer  abrayde 

But1  whan  fat1  he  was  waked  out1  of  his  sleep 

he  torned  him  and  took1  of1  f  is  no  keep  4200 

him  fought1  him  dreem  nas  but  a  vanite  / 

Thus  twies  in  his  sleepe  dremed  he 

And  at/  f  e  fridde  tyme  $et  his  felawe 

Com  as  him  fought1  and  sayd  I  am  now  slawe  4204 

Bihold  my  bloody  woundes  deep  and  wyde 

Arise  vp  erly  in  f  e  morwe  tyde  / 

And  at1  the  west1  gate  of1  f  e  toun  quod  he  / 

A  cart1  of1  donge  fere  schalt1  f  ou  see  4208 

In  which  my  body  is  hyd  priuely 

Do  f  ilke  cart1  arresten  boldely 

My  gold  caused  my  mourdre  sof  to  sayn 

And  told  him  euery  poynt1  how  he  was  slayn  4212 

with  a  f  ul  pitous  face  pale  of1  hewe 

And  truste  wel  his  dreem  he  fond  ful  trewe  / 

For  on  f  e  morwe  as  sone  as  it  was  day 

To  his  felawes  In  he  took1  fe  way  4216 

And  whan  fat1  he  cam  to  f  is  oxe  stalle 

After  his  felaw  he  bigan  to  calle  / 

The  hostiller  answered  him  anoon 

sayde  sire  jour  felaw  is  agoon  4220 


289    SIX-TEXT 

566  GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

Als  soone  as  day  he  went/  out  of1  pe  toun 

This  man  gan  falle  in  a  suspeccioun 

Remembring1  on  his  dremes  pat1  he  mette  / 

And  forth  he  goth  no  lenger  wold  he  lette       [wz4i]    4224 

Ynto  pe  west1  gate  of1  pe  toun  and  fond 

A  dong1  cart1  went1  as  it1  were  to  donge  lond 

That1  was  arrayed  in  pe  same  wise 

As  ^e  han  herd  pe  deede  man  deuise  /  4228 

And  with  an  hardy  hert1  he  gan  to  crie 

Yengeaunce  and  iustice  of1  pis  felonye 

My  felaw  mordrid  is  pis  same  night1 

And  in  pis  carte,  he  lith  heer  vpright  4232 

I  crye  out1  on  pe  ministres  quod  he  / 

That1  schulde  kepe  and  reule  pis  Cite 

harrow  alias  her  lith  my  felaw  slayn 

what1  schold  I  more  vnto  pis  tale  sayn  4236 

The  peple  vpstert1  and  caste  pe  carte  to  grounde  / 

And  in  pe  rnyddes  of1  pe  dong1  pay  founde 

The  dede  man  fat1  mordred  was  al  newe  / 

0  blisful  god  pou  art1  ful  lust1  and  trewe  4240 
Lo  how  pow  bywreyest1  mordre  al  day 

Mordre  wil  out  certes  it  is  no  nay 

Morder  is  so  wlatsom  and  abhominable 

To  god  that/  is  so  iust1  and  resonable  4244 

That1  he  ne  wold  no^t1  suffre  it1  hiled  be 

Though  if  abyde  a  $eer  or  tuo  or  pre 

Morder  wil  out  Jns  is  my  conclusiown 

And  right1  anoon  pe  mynistres  of1  pat1  toun  4248 

Han  hent1  pe  carter  and  so  sore  him  pyned 

And  eek1  the  hostiller  so  sore  engyned 

That1  pay  biknew  her  wikkednes  anoon 

And  were  anhonged  by  pe  nekke  boon  4252 

Here  may  men  se  pat1  dremys  ben  to  drede 

And  Certes  in  pe  same  book1 1  rede 

Eight1  in  pe  nexte  Chapitre  after  pis 

1  gabbe  nought1  so  haue  I  ioye  or  bliss  4256 


SIX-TEXT    290 

GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.   567 

Tuo  men  fat1  wolde  haue  passed  ouer  see  / 

For  certeyn  causes  in-to  fer  cuntre 

If*  fat1  f  e  wynd  ne  hadde  ben  contrarie 

That/  made  hem  in  a  Cite  for  to  tarie  4260 

That*  stood  ful  mery  vpon  an  hauen  syde  / 

But  on  a  day  agayn  f  e  euen  tyde  [lea/m,  5acA-] 

The  wynd  gan  chaunge  and  [blew]  right1  as  him  list1 

lolyf1  and  glad  fey  wente?*  vnto  rest1  4264 

And  casten  hem  ful  erly  for  to  sayle 

But1  herknej)  to  fat1  oon  man  fel  a  gret1  meruayle 

That  oon  of1  hem  in  his  slepyng1  as  he  lay 

him  met1  a  wonder  drem  a-gayn  fe  day  4268 

him  Bought  a  man  stood  by  his  beddes  syd 

And  him  comaunded  fat1  he  schuld  abyde 

And  sayd  him  pus  if1  f  ou  to  morwe  wende 

Thow  schalt1  be  dreynt  my  tale  is  at  an  ende  4272 

IT  He  wook  and  told  his  felaw  what1  he  mette 

And  prayde  him  his  viage  to  lette 

As  for  fat1  day  he  prayd  him  to  abyde 

his  felaw  fat1  lay  by  his  beddis  syde  4276 

Gan  to  lawgfr  and  scorned  him  ful  fast* 

No  dreem  quod  he  may  so  myn  herte  gaste  / 

That1 1  wil  lette  for  to  do  my  f inges 

I  sette  not1  a  straw  by  fy  dremynges  4280 

For  sweuens  been  but*  vauitees  and  iapes 

Men  dreme  al  day  of1  owles  and  of1  apes 

And  eke  of1  many  a  mase  fer  with  al 

Men  dreme  of1  finges  fat1  neuer  be  schal  4284 

But1  sith  I  see  fat1  f ou  wilt1  her  abyde  / 

And  f  us  forslouthe  wilfully  f  y  tyde 

God  wot1  it  reweth  me  and  haue  good  day 

And  fus  he  took1  his  leue  and  went1  his  way  4288 

But1  er  he  hadde  half1  his  cours  I-sayled 

Koot1 1  no^t1  why .  ne  what1  meschaunce  it  ay  led 

But1  casuelly  f  e  schippes  bothom  rent 

And  schip  and  man  vnder  fe  watir  went  4292 


291    SIX-TEXT 

568  GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

In  sight1  of1  of  er  schippes  f  er  byside 

That1  with  him  sailed  at  f  e  same  tyde 

And  f erf ore  faire  pertelot1  so  deere 

By  such  ensamples  olde  maistow  leere  4296 

That1  no  man  scholde  be  to  recheles 

Of1  dremes  for  I  say  f  e  douteles 

That  many  a  dreem  ful  sore  is  for  to  drede 

Lo  in  fe  lif1  ofH  seint/  kenelm  I  rede  [fc«/242]     4300 

That  was  kenulplms  sone  fat1  noble  king* 

Of1  mertinrike  how  kenilm  mette  a  f  ing1 

A  lutil  he  was  mordred  vpon  a  day 

His  mordre  in  his  auysioun  he  say  4304 

His  norice  him  expouned  euerydel 

His  sweuen  and  bad  him  for  to  kepe  him  wcl 

For  traisoun  for  he  nas  but1  seuen  }er  old 

And  f erf ore  litel  tale  haj>  he  told  4308 

Of1  eny  drem  so  holy  was  his  hert 

By  god  I  hadde  leuer  fan  my  schert 

fat1  }e  had  rad  his  legend  as  haue  I 

Dame  pertelot  I  say  $ow  trewely  4312 

Macrobius  fat1  writ1  f  e  avisiown 

In  auffrik1  of1  f  e  worf  y  Cipioun 

AfFermeJ)  dremes  and  saith  fat1  fay  been 

"VVarnyng1  of1  finges  fat1  men  after  seen  4316 

And  forf  ermore  I  pray  30 w  lokef  wel 

In  f  e  olde  testament1  of1  Daniel 

If1  he  huld  dremes  eny  vanyte  / 

Eede  eek1  of1  loseph  and  fer  schal  $e  see  /  4320 

whef  ir  dremes  ben  som  tyme  I  say  nought1  alle 

warnyng1  of1  finges  fat1  schul  after  falle 

Lok1  of1  Egipt1  f  e  king1  daun  pharao 

his  baker  and  his  botiler  also  4324 

whethir  fay  felte  noon  effect  in  dreniis 

who-so  wol  seke  actes  of1  sondry  remys 

May  rede  of1  dremes  many  a  sondry  f  ing1 

Lo  Cresus  which  fat1  was  of1  lydes  king*  4328 


SIX-TEXT    292 

GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.  569 

Mette  fat1  he  sat1  vpon  a  tre 

which  signified  he  schuld  hanged  be  / 

Lo  hir  andramachia  Ectors  wif1 

That1  day  fat1  Ector  schulde  lese  his  lif1  4332 

Sche  dremed  on  f  e  same  night1  byforn 

how  fat1  f  e  lif1  of1  Ector  schulde  be  lorn 

If1  f  ilke  day  he  vvente  to  batayle  / 

Sche  warned  him  but1  it  might1  nou^t1  auaile  /  4336 

He  wente  for))  to  fighte  naf  eles 

But1  he  was  slayn  anoon  of*  achilles  |>a/242,5ucA,-] 

But  f  ilke  tale  is  al  to  long1  to  telle/ 

And  eek/  it  is  neigh  day  I  may  not1  duelle  4340 

Schortly  I  say  as  for  conclusiozm 

That1 1  schal  haue  of*  f  is  auisiozm 

Aduersite  and  I  say  forf  ermore 

That1 1  ne  telle  of1  laxatifs  no  store  4344 

For  fay  ben  venemous  I  wot1  it1  wel 

I  hem  defye  I  loue  hem  neuer  a  del 

!Now  let1  vs  speke  of1  mirthe  and  lete  al  f  is 

Madame  pertilot1  so  haue  I  blis  4348 

Of1  o  f  ing1  god  ha])  me  sent  large  gmce 

For  whan  I  see  J)e  beaute  of1  3our  face 

3e  ben  so  scarlet1  hiew  about1  $our  ey^en 

hit1  makith  al  my  drede  for  to  dey3en  4352 

For  als  siker  as  In  principio 

Mulier  est1  hominis  confusio 

Madame  f  e  sentence  of1  ])is  latyn  is 

wo?7zman  is  mannes  ioye  and  mannes  blis  4356 

For  when  I  fiele  a-night  $our  softe  syde  / 

Al  be  it1  fat1  I  may  not1  on  3011  ryde 

For  J>af  }our  perche  is  mad  so  narrow  alias  / 

I  am  so  ful  of1  ioye  and  solas  4360 

That1 1  defye  boj)  sweuen  and  drem 

And  with  fat1  word  he  fleign"  doun  fro  J>e  beem 

For  it  was  day  and  eek1  his  hennes  alle 

with  a  chuk1.  he  gan  hem  for  to  calle  /  4364 


293    SIX-TEXT 

570  GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 


For  he  had  found  a  corn  lay  in  f  e 

Real  he  was  he  was  nomore  aferd 

he  fetherid  pertelote  .  twenty  tyme 

And  trad  as  ofte  er  fat1  it1  was  prime  4368 

he  lokith  as  it  were  a  grim,  lioun 

And  on  his  toon  he  romef  vp  and  down 

him  deyneth  not1  to  set1  his  foot1  to  grounde 

And  chukkif  whan  he  haf  a  corn  I-founde  4372 

And  to  him  rennen  J>an  his  wifes  alle 

Thus  real  as  a  prince  is  in  his  halle 

IT  Leue  I  j>is  Chauntecler  in  his  pasture 

And  after  wol  I  telle  his  aduenture  [leafzis]         4376 

whan  fat1  f  e  moneth  in  which  f  e  world  higan 

That1  highte  march  whan  god  maked  first1  man 

was  complet1  and  passed  were  also 

Syn  march  bygan  tway  monies  and  dayes  tuo  4380 

Byfett  fat1  Chauntecler  in  al  his  pride 

His  seuen  wyues  walkyng1  by  his  syde 

Cast1  vp  his  ey^en  to  f  e  brighte  sonne 

That1  in  f  e  signe  of1  Taurus  had  I-ronne  4384 

Twenty  degrees  and  oon  and  soni  what1  more 

And  knew  by  kynde  and  by  noon  of  er  lore 

fat1  it1  was  prime  and  crew  with  blisful  steuen 

The  sonne  he  sayde  .  is  clomben  vpon  heuen  4388 

Twenty  degrees  and  oon  and  som  what1  more  I-wis 

Ma  dame  pertelot1  my  worldes  blis 

Herknith  fese  blisful  briddes  how  fay  synge  / 

And  seth  fese  freissche  floures  how  fay  springe  4392 

Ful  is  myn  hertt  of1  reuel  and  solaas 

But1  sodeinly  him  fel  a  sorwful  caas 

For  euer  f  e  latter  end  of1  ioye  is  wo 

God  wot1  fat1  worldly  ioye  is  soone  ago  4396 

And  if1  [a]  Rethor  couf  e  faire  endite 

hem  a  Croniqwe  saufly  might1  he  write 

As  for  a  souerayn  notabilite  U  Petrws  comestor 

Now  euery  wys  man  let*  him  herkne  me  4400 


SIX-TEXT    294 

GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.  571 

This  story  is  also  trewe  I  vndertake 

As  )>e  book1  is  of1  Launcelof  ]?e  lake 

That1  womman  huld  in  ful  gret1  reuerence 

Now  wol  I  torne  agayn  to  my  sentence  4404 

A  Colefox  ful  /  sleigh  of1  iniquite 

That1  in  Jje  groue  had  woned  ^eres  ]?re 

By  heigh  ymaginaciown  forncasf 

The  same  nighte  Jmrgh  J>e  hegge  brast1  4408 

In  to  ]?e  $erd  J>er  Chaunteclere  J)e  faire 

was  went1  and  eek1  his  wyues  to  repairs 

And  in  a  bed  of1  wortes  stille  he  lay 

Til  it  was  passed  vndern  of1  J>e  day  4412 

waytyng1  his  tyme  on  Chaunteclere  to  falle  / 

As  gladly  doon  Jjese  homicides  alle  [/«f/2«,6a<*] 

That1  in  awayte  lyn  to  morther  men 

0  false  mordrer  lurkyng1  in  ]jy  den  4416 

0  newe  Scariot  newe  Genilon 

Fals  dissimilour .  greke  Synon 

That1  broughtest1  troye  al  outrely  to  sorwe 

0  Chauntecler.  0  cursed  be  J>e  morwe  4420 

That1  ])ou  in  to  ]?e  ^erd  flough  fro  ]>e  bemys 

Thow  were  ful  wel  I-warned  by  J)y  dremys 

That1  Jnlke  day  was  perilous  to  J?e 

But1  what1  J?af  god  for  wot1  most1  needes  be  /  4424 

After  J?e  opynyown  of1  certeyn  clerkis 

witnesse  on  him  Jjat1  eny  clerk  is 

That1  in  scole  is  gret1  altercacioun 

In  J>is  matier  and  gret1  desputesown  4428 

And  hath  ben  of1  an  hundred  jjousend  men 

But1  ^if  I  can  not1 .  bult1  it  to  j>e  bren 

As  can  ))e  holy  doctor  augustyn 

Or  boece.  or  J>e  bisshop  Bradwardyn  4432 

WheJ?er  jjat1  goddis  worjjy  forwetyng* 

Streigneth  me  needely  for  to  do  a  Jnng1 

Needely  clepe  I  simple  necessite 

Or  elles .  if1  fre  choys  be  graunted  me  4436 


295    SIX-TEXT 

572  GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

To  do  pat1  same  ping4  or  to  do  it  nou^t 

Though  god  forwot1  it  er  fat  it  Avas  wrought* 

Or  of1  his  Avityng1  streynep  neuer  a  deel 

But1  by  necessite  condicionel  4440 

I  wol  not1  haue  to  do  of*  such  matiere 

My  tale  is  of1  a  Cok1  as  36  schal  hiere 

That1  took1  his  counseil  of1  his  wyf1  with  sorwe  / 

To  walken  in  pe  $erd  vpon  pe  morwe  4444 

That1  he  had  met  pe  dreme  pat1 1  tolde 

wymmens  counseiles  ben  fulofte  colde 

wommannes  counseil  brou^t  vs  first  to  woo 

And  made  adam  fro  paradys  to  go  4448 

Ther  as  he  was  ful  mery  and  wel  at  ease 

But1  for  I  not1  to  him  it  might  displease 

If1 1  counseil  of1  womman  wolde  blame 

Pas  ouer  for  I  sayd  if  in  my  game  [lea/zii]         4452 

Red  auctours  wher  pay  trete  of1  such  matiere 

And  what1  pay  sayn  of1  wo?wmen  ^e  may  heere 

These  ben  pe  cokkes  wordes  and  not  myne 

I  can  /  noon  harme  /  of1  wowmen  diuine  /  4456 

Faire  in  pe  sond  to  bape  hir  merily 

lith  pertelot1  and  alle  hir  sustres  by 

Agayn  pe  sonne  and  Chaunteclere  so  free 

Sang1  merier  pan  pe  meremayd  in  pe  see  4460 

For  phisiologus  seith  sicurly 

how  pat1  pay  syngen  wel  and  merily 

And  so  byfel  pat1  as  he  cast1  his  ye 

Among1  pe  wortes  on  a  boterflye  4464 

he  was  war  of1  pis  fox  pat1  lay  ful  lowe 

No  ping1  ne  list1  him  panne  for  to  crowe 

But1  cryde  anoon .  cok1 .  cok/ .  and  vp  he  stertt 

As  man  pat1  was  affray ed  in  his  hert  4468 

For  naturelly  a  beest1  desireth  flee 

Fro  his  contrarie  if1  /  he  may  it  see 

pougfc  he  neuer  er  had  sayn  it  with  his  ye 

pis  Chaunteclere  whan  he  gan  it  aspye  4472 


SIX-TEXT    296 

GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.  573 

he  wold  han  fled  but1  fat1  J?e  fox  anon 

Said  gentil  sire  /  alias  why  wol  ^e  goon 

Be  $e  affrayd  of1  me  fat1  am  ^oure  frend 

Certes  I  were  worse  ]?an  any  feend  4476 

If1  1  to  ^ow  wold  harm  or  vilonye 

I  am  noujti  come  3  our  counsail  to  espye 


.......     no  gap  in  the  MS.]  4480 

But1  trewely  ^e  haue  als  rnery  a  steuen 

As  eny  aungei  hath  fat*  is  in  heuen 

Ther  wij>  30  han  in  musik1  more  felynge 

Than  had  Boece  or  eny  J?at  can  synge  4484 

My  lord  }our  fader  god  his  soule  blesse  / 

And  ^oure  moder  of1  her  gentilesse 

han  in  myn  hous  I-been  to  my  gret  ease 

And  Certes  sire  ful  fayn  wold  I  }ow  please  4488 

But1  for  men  speke  of1  syngyng1  1  wol  say 

So  mof  I  brouke  wel  myn  yen  tway 

Saue  ^e  I  herde  neuer  man  so  synge 

As  dede  ^our  fadir  in  J?e  morwenynge       [fea/24i,6o<*]     4492 

Certes  it  was  of1  herf  al  fat1  he  song1 

And  for  to  make  his  vois  f  e  more  strong1 

he  wold  so  peynen  him  fat1  wif  bof  e  his  yen 

he  moste  wynke  so  lowde  he  wolde  crien  4496 

And  stonden  on  his  typtoon  fer  wif  al 

And  streche  forth  his  necke  long1  and  smal 

And  eek/  he  was  of1  such  discressioun 

That1  fer  nas  no  man  in  no  regioun  4500 

That1  him  in  song1  or  wisdom  mighte  passe 

I  haue  wel  rad  in  Daun  Burnel  thasse 

Among1  his  verses  how  fer  was  a  Cok1 

For  a  prestes  sone  ^  him  a  knok1  4504 

vpon  his  leg1  whil  he  was  ^ong1  and  nyce 

He  made  him  for  to  lese  his  benefice 

But  certeyn  Jjer  is  no  comparisons 

Bitwix  J?e  wisdom  and  discressknw  4508 


297    SIX-TEXT 

574  GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TA.LE.  Harleian  7334. 

Of1  3oure  fader  and  of1  his  subtilte 

Now  syngef  sire  for  seinte  charite 

let1  se  can  30  3our  fader  countrefete 

This  Chanteclere  his  wynges  gan  to  bete  4512 

As  man  that  couf  e  his  tresoun  nought1  espye 

So  was  he  rauyssht1  wij)  his  flaterie 

Alias  lordynges  many  a  fals  flatour 

Is  in  3our  hous  and  many  a  losengour  4516 

That1  pleasen  ^ow  wel  more  by  my  faith 

Than  he  fat1  sof  fastnesse  vnto  ^ow  saith 

Redif  Ecclesiast  of1  flaterie 

Be])  war  30  lordes  of1  her  treccherie  /  4520 

This  Chaunteclere  stood  heihe  vpon  his  toos 

Strecching1  his  necke  and  his  yhen  cloos 

And  gan  to  crowe  lowde  for  fe  noones/ 

And  daun  Russel  f  e  fox  stert1  vp  at  oones  4524 

And  by  f  e  garget1  hente  Chaunteclere 

And  on  his  bak1  toward  f  e  woode  him  bere 

For  3ifr  was  fere  /  no  man  fat1  him  sewed 

0  desteny  fat1  maist  not1  ben  eschiewed  4528 

Alias  fat1  Chaunteclere  fleigh  fro  f  e  bends 

Alias  his  wif1  roughte  nought1  of1  dremis  [/ea/2io] 

And  on  a  friday  fel  al  f  is  meschaunce 

0  venus  fat  art1  god  of1  pleasaunce  4532 

Syn  fat1  f y  seruant1  was  f is  Chaunteclere 

And  in  f  y  seruice  did  al  his  powere 

More  for  delit1  fan  f e  world  to  multiplie 

why  woldest1  fou  suffre  him  on  fy  day  to  dye  4536 

0  gaufred  dere  mayster  souerayn 

That1  whan  f  e  worfy  king1  Eichard  was  slayn 

with  schot  compleynedist/  his  def  so  sore 

why  ne  had  I  noi^t1  fy  sentence  and  fy  lore  4540 

f  e  friday  for  to  chiden  as  dede  36 

For  on  a  fryday  sof ly  slayn  was  he 

Than  wold  I  schewe  how  fat1 1  couf e  pleync  / 

For  Chauntecleres  drede  and  for  his  peyne  4544 


SIX-TEXT    298 

GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.   575 

Certis  such  cry  ne  lamentaciown 

was  neuer  ofH  ladies  maad  wlian  Ilioun 

was  wonne  and  pirrus  with  his  strit1  swerd 

whan  he  hente  kyng1  priam  by  fe  herd  4548 

And  slough  him  as  saith  vs  Eneydos 

As  maden  alle  fe  hennes  in  f  e  clos 

whan  fay  had  sayn  of'  Chauntecler  fe  sight1 

Nought1  soueraignly.  dam  pertelote  schright1  4552 

Ful  lowder  )>an  did  hasdrubaldes  wyf1 

whan  fat1  hir  housebond  had  lost/  his  lyf1 

And  fat1  f  e  Romayns  had  I-brent1  Cartage 

Sche  was  so  ful  of1  torment1  and  of1  rage  /  4556 

That1  wilfully  vnto  f  e  fuyr  sche  stert 

And  brend  hir  seluen  with  a  stedfast1  hert 

0  woful  hennes  right1  so  cride  $e 

As  whan  fat1  Nero  brente  fe  cite  4560 

Of1  Rome  criden  f  e  senatoures  wyues 

For  fat1  her  housbondes  losten  alle  here  lyues 

wif  outen  gult  f  is  nero  hath  hem  slayn 

Now  wol  I  tome  to  my  matier  agayn  4564 

11"  The  sely  wydow  and  hir  doughtres  tuo 

herden  f  ese  hennys  crie  and  maken  wo 

And  out1  at1  dores  starte  fay  anoon 

And  sayden  fe  fox  toward  fe  woode  is  goon  [7/215,  wt]  4568 

And  bar  vpon  his  bak1  J?e  cok1  away 

And  criden  out1  harrow  and  wayleway 

ha .  ha .  J>e  fox  and  after  him  J?ay  ran 

And  eek1  with  staues  many  anojjer  man  4572 

Ran  Colle  our  dogge  and  talbot1  and  Garlond 

And  Malkyn  wij>  a  distaf1  in  hir  hond 

Ran  cow  and  calf1  and  fe  verray  hoggoes 

So  were  fey  fered  for  berkyng1  of1  dogges  4576 

And  schowtyng1  of1  J>e  men  and  wymmen  eke 

J?ay  ronne  fat1  fay  fought1  her  herte  breke 

Thay  ^elleden  as  feeldes  doon  in  hello 

The  dokes  criden  as  men  wold  hem  quelle  4580 


299    SIX-TEXT 

576  GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334. 

The  gees  for  fere  flowen  ouer  pe  trees 

Out1  ofH  pe  hyues  cam  pe  swarm  of*  bees 

So  hidous  was  pe  noyse  a  benedicite 

Certes  pough  lakke  straw  and  his  meyne  4584 

Ne  made?*  schoutes  neuer  half1  so  schrille 

whan  pat1  pay  wolden  eny  flemyng1  kille  / 

As  pilke  day  was  maad  vpon  pe  fox 

Of1  bras  pay  brough  homes  and  of1  bax  4588 

Of1  horn  of1  boon  in  which  pay  blew  and  powped 

And  per  with  al  thay  schryked  and  pay  howped 

It1  semed  as  pat1  heuen  schulde  falle 

Now  goode  men  I  pray  herknep  alle  /  4592 

lo  how  fortune  tornep  sodeinly 

The  hope  and  pride  eek1  of1  her  enuy 

This  Cok1  pat1  lay  vpon  pis  foxes  bak1 

In  al  his  drede  vnto  the  fox  he  spak1  4596 

And  saide  sire  if1  pat1  I  were  as  30 

3etf  schuld  I  sayn  as  wis  god  helpe  me 

Turriep  a3ein  30  proude  cherles  alle 

A  verray  pestilens  vpon  3ow  falle  /  4600 

Now  am  I  come  vnto  pis  woodes  syde  / 

Maugre  3oure  heed  pe  Cok/  schal  heer  abyde 

I  wol  him  ete  in  faith  and  pat1  anoon 

The  Fox  answerd  in  faith  it  schal  be  doon  4604 

And  whil  he  spak1  pat1  word  al  sodeinly 

This  Cok1  brak1  from  his  mouth  delyuerly  [rea.rw] 

And  heigh  vpon  a  tree  he  neigh  anoon 

And  whan  pe  fox  seigh  pat  he  was  I-goon  4608 

Alias  quod  he  o .  Chaunteclere  alias 

I  haue  to  3ow  quod  he  y-don  trespas 

In  as  moche  as  I  makid  3ow  aferd 

whan  I  3ow  hent1  and  broi^t1  out1  of1  pe  3erd  4612 

But1  sire  I  dede  it  in  no  wicked  entent 

Com  doun  and  I  schal  telle  30 w  what  I  ment 

I  schal  say  sop  to  3ow  god  help  me  so 

Nay  pan  quod  he  I  schrew  vs  bope  tuo  4616 


SIX-TEXT    300 

GROUP  B.  §  14.  NUN'S-PRIEST'S  TALE.  Harleian  7334.  577 

And  first*  I  schrew  my  self*  bojje  blood  and  boones 

If*  fou  bigile  me .  any  ofter  J>an  oones 

Thou  schalt*  no  more  jjurgh  J>y  flaterye 

Do  me  to  synge  and  wynke  with  myn  ye  4620 

For  he  J>at*  wynkith  whan  he  scholde  se 

Al  wilfully  god  let1  him  neuer  the 

Nay  quod  Jje  Fox  but1  god  3iue  him  meschaunce  / 

fat*  is  so  vndiscret  of  goumiaunce  /  4624 

J>at*  iangleth  whan  he  scholde  holde  his  pees 

Lo  such  it1  is  for  to  be  recheles 

And  necligent  and  trust*  on  flaterie  / 

But1  36  Jjat*  holde  /  Jjis  tale  a  folye  /  4628 

As  of*  a  Fox .  or  of*  a  cok1  or  of*  an  hen 

Takith  J?e  moralite  goode  men 

For  seint*  poul  sai]>  pat*  al  pat  writen  is 

To  oure  doctrine  it*  is  I-write  I-wys  4632 

Takith  J>e  fruyt*  and  let*  }>e  chaf*  be  stille 

Now  goode  god .  if*  ]?at*  it*  be  J>y  wille 

As  saith  my  lor  so  make  vs  alle  good  men 

And  bring*  vs  alle .  to  his  blisse  ameN  4636 

U  Here  endej?  J^e  tale  of*  Chaunteclere  and  p^rtelote 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  2   P 


576    SIX-TEXT 

578  GROUP  H.  §  1.  MANCIPLE'S  HEAD-LINK.  Harleian  7334. 


H  Here  bygynnej)  pe  prologe  of1  pe  manciples  tale 

fOt1  }e  not1  wher  J>er  stont  a  litel  toun 
which  pat1  cleped  is  Bob  vp  and  down 
vnder  pe  Ble  in  Caunterbury  way 

Ther  gan  our  hoste  for  to  iape  and  play  4 

And  sayde  sires  what1  dun  is  in  pe  myre 
Is  per  no  man  for  prayer  ne  for  hyre  iteafzw,  back'] 

Thai  wol  awake  our  felawes.  al  by-hynde 
A  theef1  mighte  ful  lightly  robbe  and  bynde  8 

Se  how  he  nappith  se  for  goddes  boones 
That1  he  wol  falle  fro  his  hors  at1  ones 
Is  pat1  a  Cook1  of1  londozm  wip  meschaunce  / 
Do  him  come  forth  he  knoweth  his  penaunce  /  12 

For  he  schal  telle  a  tale  by  my  fay 
Al  pough  it  be  nou^t1  worp  a  botel  hay 
Awake  pou  Cook1  sit1  vp  god  ^if1  pe  sorwe 
what  eylep  J?e  to  slepe  by  J?e  morwe  /  16 

Hast1  ]?ou  had  fieen  al  night1  or  artow  dronke 
Or  hastow  with  some  quen  al  night1 1-swonke 
So  J>af  pou  maist1  not1  holden  vp  pyn  heed 
This  coot  j?af  was  pale  and  no  ping1  reed  20 

Sayd  to  our  host1  so  god  my  soule  blesse  / 
As  per  is  falle  on  me  such  heuynesse 
Not1  I  no^t1  why  pat1  me  were  leuer  slepe  / 
Than  pe  beste  galotm  wyn  in  Chepe  /  24 


SIX-TEXT    577 

GROUP  H.  §  1.  MANCIPLE'S  HEAD-LINK.  Harleian  7334.  579 

U  wel  quod  f  e  maunciple  ifH  fat4  I  may  doon  ease  / 
To  f  e  sir  Cook1  and  to  no  wi^V  displease  / 
which  fat4  her  rydef  in  f  is  compaignye 
And  our  host4  wolde  of1  his  curteisie  28 

I  wol  as  now  excuse  f  e  of1  f  y  tale 
For  in  good  faith  ])i  visage  is  ful  pale 
f  yn  eyen  daswen  eek4 .  also  me  f  inkith 
And  wel  I  woof  f  y  breth  ful  foule  stynkith  32 

That4  schewef  eek4  f  ou  art4  nought1  wel  disposid 
Of4  me  certeyn  f  ou  schalt4  nou^t4  ben  I-glosed 
Se  how  he  ganith .  lo  f  is  dronken  wight4 
As  f  ough  he  wolde  swolwe  vs  anoon  right  36 

hold  clos  f  y  mouth  by  fy  fader  kynne 
The  deuel  of1  helle  sette  his  foot1  f  er  Inne 
Thy  cursed  breth  effecte  wil  vs  alle 

Fy  stynkyng4  swyne  foule  mot4  f  e  falle  40 

A .  takif  heed  sires  of*  f  is  lusty  man 
Now  swete  sir .  wol  36  ioust4  atte  fan 
Therto  me  f  inkf .  ^e  be]?  right4  wel  I-schape 
I  trowe  fa  ^e  dronken  han  wyn  ape  i>a/247]       44 

And  fat4  whan  men  playen  with  a  straw 
And  with  his  speche  Jje  cook4  wax  angry  &  wraw 
And  on  J>e  mauwciple  bygan  he  nodde  fast4 
For  lak4  of*  speche .  and  down  J?e  hors  him  cast4  48 

wher  as  he  lay  til  fat4  men  him  up  took4 
This  was  a  fair  Chiuache  of4  a  cook4 
Alias  fat1  he  nad  hold  him  by  his  laclil 
And  er  fat*  he  agayn  were  in  his  sadil  52 

Ther  was  gret4  schowuyng4  bof e  to  and  fro 
To  lift4  him  vp  and  moche  care  and  wo 
So  vnwelde  was  f  is  sory  pallid  gost4 

And  to  fe  maunciple  fanne  spak4  oure  host1  56 

By  cause  drink4  hath  dominacio?m 
Vpon  f  is  man  by  my  sauacioun 
I  trow  he  lewedly  tel  wol  his  tale 

For  were  it1  wyn  or  old  moysty  ale  60 

2  P  2 


578    SIX-TEXT 

580  GROUP  H.  §  1.  MANCIPLE'S  HEAD-LINK,  Harleian  7334. 

fat1  he  haj>  dronk1 .  he  spekij)  in  his  nose  / 

And  f nesith  fast1 .  and  eek1  he  haj?  J>e  pose 

he  also  to  do  more  fan  ynougfr 

To  kepe  him  and  his  Capil  out1  of1  J)e  slough  64 

And  if1  he  falle  fro  his  capil  eft1  sone  i 

fan  schal  we  alle  haue  ynough  to  doone 

In  liftyng1  vp  his  heuy  dronken  cors 

Tel  on  thy  tale  of1  him  make  I  no  fors  68 

But1  ^it1  manciple  in  faith  f  ou  art1  to  nyce 

Thus  openly  reproeue  him  of1  his  vice 

Anof  er  day  he  wil  par  aduenture 

Reclayme  fe  and  bringe  fe  to  lure  72 

I  mene  he  speke  wol  of  smale  Binges 

As  for  to  pynchyn  at1  f  y  rekenynges 

That1  were  not1  honest1  if1  it  cam  to  pref1 

Quod  fe  manciple  fat1  were  a  gret1  meschief1  76 

So  might1  he  lightly  bringe  me  in  f  e  snare 

3itt  had  I  leuer  payen  for  f  e  mare 

which  he  ryt1  on .  fan  he  schulde  with  me  stryue 

I  wil  not1  wrath  him  al  so  mot1 1  f  riue  80 

That1  at1 1  spak1 1  sayd  it1  in  my  bourde 

And  wite  $e  what1  I  haue  heer  in  a  gourde     iteafw.iack] 

A  draught1  of1  wyn .  is  of1  a  ripe  grape  / 

And  right1  anoon  36  schal  se  a  good  iape  84 

}>is  Cook1  schal  drinke  f  er-of  if1 1  may 

vp  peyn  of1  deth  he  wol  nou^t1  say  me  nay 

And  certeinly  to  tellen  as  it  was  / 

Of1  f  is  vessel  |?e  cook1  dronk1  fast1  alias  88 

what1  needid  it .  he  drank1  ynough  biforn 

And  whan  he  hadde  pouped  in  his  horn 

To  )>e  maunciple  he  took4  ]>e  gourd  agayn 

And  of1  Jat*  draught1  Jje  cook1  was  wonder  fav-n  92 

And  Ranked  him  in  such  wise  as  he  coujje  / 

Than  gan  our  host1  to  laughe  wonder  louthe  / 

And  sayd  I  se  wel  it  is  necessarie 

wher  fat1  we  go  good  drynk*  wij>  vs  to  carie  96 


SIX-TEXT    579 

GROUP  H.  §  1.  MANCIPLE'S  HEAD-LINK.  Harleian  7334.  581 

For  Jjatt  wol  torne  rancour  and  desese 

To  accord  and  loue  and  many  racour  pese  / 

0  J)ou  bacus  I-blessid  be  |)in  name 

That1  so  canst1  torne  ernesfr  in  to  game  100 

worschip  and  J>onke  .  be  to  j>y  deite 

OF  J>af  matier  36  get*  no  more  of1  me 

Tel  on  j)i  tale  mauw.cipel  I  J>e  pray 

wel  sir  quod  he  .  now  herkyn  whatt  I  say  ^[  Narrat    104 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


580    SIX-TEXT 

582    GROUP  H.    §  2.    MANCIPLE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 


han  phebus  duelt*  her  in  Jns  erpe  a  donn 
As  olde  bookes  maken  mencioun 
He  was  ]5e  moste  lusty  bacliiler 
Of*  al  j?is  world  and  eek1  j?e  best1  archer  108 

He  slough  phiton  pe  serpent  as  he  lay 
Slepyng*  agayn  fe  sonne  vpon  a  day 

And  many  another  noble  worfy  dede 

He  with  his  bo  we  wrought1  as  men  may  rede  /  112 

Pleyen  he  couj^e  on  euerj  mynstralcye 

And  syngen  pat1  it  was  a  melodye 

To  heren  of*  his  cleere  vois  jje  soun 

Certes  Jje  kyng*  of*  Thebes  amphioiin  116 

That*  with  his  singyng1  wallid  j>atf  citee 

Coujje  neuer  synge  half1  so  wel  as  he  / 

Ther-to  he  was  ])e  semlieste  man 

That  is  or  was  sij)))en  J?e  world  bigan  \ieaf  w\         120 

what*  nedij)  it  his  fortune  to  descriue 

For  in  ))is  worlde  is  noon  such  on  lyue 

he  was  Jjer  with  fulfild  of*  gentilesce 

Of*  honour  and  of*  parfyf  wor])inesse  124 

This  phebus  fat*  was  flour  of*  bachilerie 

Als  wel  in  fredom  as  in  chiualrie 

For  to  disport*  in  signe  of*  victorie 

Of*  phiton  so  as  tellej)  vs  ])e  storie  128 

was  wont*  to  bere  in  his  horid  a  bowe 

Now  had  ]?is  phebus  in  his  hous  a  crowe 

which  in  a  cage  he  fostred  many  a  day 

And  taught1  if  speken  as  men  doon  a  iay  132 


SIX-TEXT    581 

GROUP  H.    §  2.    MANCIPLE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    583 

whit1  was  Jns  crowe  as  is  a  snow-wliyt  swan 

And  countrefete  the  speche  of1  euery  man 

he  coupe  whan  he  schulde  telle  a  tale 

Ther  is  wipinne  pis  world  no  nightingale  136 

Ne  coupe  by  an  hundred  pousend  del 

Singe  so  wonder  merily  and  wel 

Now  had  pis  phebus  in  his  ho  us  a  wyf1 

which  pat4  he  loued .  more  pan  his  lif1  1 40 

And  night1  and  day .  did  euermor  diligence  / 

hir  for  to  please .  and  doon  hir  reuerence 

Sauf1  oonly  if1  pe  sop  patf  I  schal  sayn 

lalous  he  was  and  wold  haue  kept  hir  fayn  144 

For  him  were  loth  biiaped  for  to  be  / 

And  so  is  euery  wight1  in  such  degre 

But1  al  for  nought1  for  it  auaileth  nou^t 

A  good  wyfH  pat1  is  clene  of1  werk1  and  thought  148 

Schuld  not1  be  kept1  in  noon  awayt  certayn 

And  trewely  pe  labour  is  in  vayn 

To  kepe  a  schrewe  for  it  wil  nought1  be 

This  hold  I  for  a  verray  nycete  152 

To  spille  labour  for  to  kepe  wyues 

Thus  olde  clerkes  writen  in  her  lyues 

But1  now  to  purpos  as  I  first1  bigan 

This  worpi  phebus  dop  al  pat1  he  can  156 

To  pleasen  hir  wenyng1  by  such  plesaunce  / 

And  for  his  manhod  and  his  gouernaw^ce       Oo/248,&acfc] 

That1  no  man  schuld  han  put1  him  fro  hir  grace 

But1  god  it1  woof.  per  may  no  man  embrace  160 

As  to  destroy  a  ping1 .  pe  which  nature 

ha])  naturelly .  set1  in  a  creature 

Tak1  any  brid  and  put  him  in  a  cage 

And  do  al  Jjin  entent  and  py  corrage  164 

To  foster  it  tenderly  wij>  mete  and  drynk1 

And  wip  alle  ]?e  deyntees  J>ou  canst1  pink1 

And  keep  it1  al  so  kyndly  as  ]?ou  may 

Al  J)ough  his  cage  of1  gold  be  neuer  so  gay  168 


582    SIX-TEXT 

584    GROUP  H.    §  2.    MANCIPLE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

3ifr  hap  pis  brid  by  twenty  pousand  fold 

Leuer  to  be .  in  forest1  wyd  and  cold 

Gon  ete  wormes  and  such  wrecchidnes 

For  euer  pis  brid  wil  doon  his  busynes  172 

To  scape  out1  of1  his  cage  whan  he  may 

his  liberte  pe  brid  desireth  ay 

let*  take  a  cat  and  foster  him  wel  wip  mylk/ 

And  tender  fleisch  and  mak1  his  bed  of1  silk/  176 

And  let1  him  see  a  mous  go  by  pe  wal 

Anoon  he  wayueth  mylk1  and  fleisch  and  al 

And  euery  deynte  which  is  in  fat4  hous 

Such  appetit  hap  he  to  ete  pe  mous  180 

lo  heer  hap  lust1  his  dominacioun 

And  appetit .  flemeth  discr[e]scioun 

Also  a  sche  wolf1  hap  a  vilayns  kynde  / 

The  lewidest1 .  wolf*  pat1  sche  may  f ynde  1 84 

Or  lest1  of1  reputacioun  him.  wol  sche  take 

In  tyme  whan  hir  lust/  to  haue  a  make/ 

Alle  pis  ensamples .  tel  I  by  pis  men 

That1  ben  viitrewe  and  no  ping1  by  wo?wuen  188 

For  men  han  euer  a  licorous  appetit 

On  lower  ping1  to  pa?iorme  her  delit 

Than  on  her  wyues  ben  pay  neuer  so  faire 

Ne  neuer  so  trewe  ne  so  debonaire  192 

Fleissch  is  so  newfangil  with  meschaunce 

That1  we  can  in  no  pinge  haue  plesaunce 

That1  sounep  in  to  vertu  eny  while 

This  phebus  which  pat1  pought  vpon  no  gile     [lea/us]     196 

Deceyued  was  for  al  his  iolite 

For  vnder  him  anoper  hadde  sche/ 

A  man  of1  litil  reputacioun 

Nought1  worp  to  phebus  in  comparisown  200 

Mor  harm  it  is  it1  happeth  ofte  so 

Of1  which  per  comep  bope  harm  and  woo 

And  so  bifel  whan  phebus  was  absent1 

His  wif1  anoon  hath  for  hir  lemmaii  sent  204 


SIX-TEXT    583 

GROUP  H.    §  2.    MANCIPLE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    585 

hir  lemman  certes .  pis  is  a  knauiscft  speche 

For^iuep  it  me  and  pat1  I  $ow  biseche 

The  wise  plato  saith  as  ^e  may  rede 

)>e  word  mot1  neede  accord e  wip  pe  dede  208 

If'  men  schal  telle  propurly  a  ping1 

The  word  mot1  corde  wip  pe  ping1  werkyng1 

I  am  a  boystous  [man]  right  thus  say  I 

There  is  no  difference  trewely  212 

Bytwix  a  wyf<  pat1  is  of1  heigh  degre  / 

If1  of  hir  body  dishonest1  sche  be 

And  a  pore  wenche  oper  pen  pis 

If1  so  be  pay  werke  bope  amys  2 1 6 

But*  the  gentil  in  estat1  aboue 

Sche  schal  be  cleped  his  lady  as  in  lone 

And  for  pat1  oper  is  a  pore  wo??? man 

Sche  schal  be  cleped  his  wenche  and  his  lemman  220 

And  god  it  wot  my  goode  lieue  broper 

Men  layn  pat1  oon  as  lowe  as  pat  oper 

Right1  so  betwixe  atticles  tirant 

And  an  outlawe  or  a  pef1  erraunt  224 

The  same  I  say  per  is  no  difference 

To  alisaunder  told  was  pis  sentence 

pat1  for  pe  tiraunt  is  of1  gretter  might 

Bi  force  of1  meyne  for  to  sle  doun  right  228 

And  brenne  hous  and  home  and  make  al  playn 

Lo  perfor  is  he  cleped  a  Captayn 

And  for  an  outlawe  hap  so  smal  meyne 

And  may  not1  doon  so  gret  an  harm  as  he  232 

Ne  bringe  a  centre  to  so  gret  meschief1  / 

Men  clepen  him  an  outlawe  or  a  peef1  [/«»/3i9,6ac*] 

But1  for  I  am  a  man  not1  texted  wel 

I  wil  not1  telle  of1  textes  neuer  a  del  236 

I  wol  go  to  my  tale  as  I  bigan 

whan  phebus  wyf1  had  sent1  for  hir  lemman 

Anon  pay  wrou^ten  al  her  wil  volage 

This  white  crow  /  pat1  heng1  alway  in  cage  240 


584    SIX-TEXT 

586    GROUP  H.    §  2.    MANCIPLE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

Bihild  her  work*  and  sayde  neuer  a  word 

And  whan  fat1  horn  was  come  phebus  f  e  lord 

This  Crowe  song1 .  Cuckow  .  Cockow .  Cuckow 

what1  bird  quod  phebns  what1  song1  syngistow  244 

Ne  were  f  ou  wont1  so  merily  to  synge 

That1  to  myn  hertf  it  was  a  reioysynge 

To  here  fi  vois .  alias  what1  song1  is  f  is 

By  god  quod  he  I  synge  not1  amys  248 

Phebus  quod  he  for  al  f  y  worf  ynes 

For  al  f  y  beaute  and  f  y  gentiles 

For  alle  f  y  songes  and  f  y  menstralcie  / 

For  al  fy  waytyng1  blered  is  fin  ye  /  252 

with  oon  of1  litel  reputacioun 

Nought1  worth  to  fie  as  in  comparison!! 

The  mountains  of1  a  gnat1  so  mot1  I  f  riue 

For  on  f  y  bed  f  y  wif1  I  saugh"  him  swyue  25G 

what1  wol  30  more  fe  crowe  anoon  him  tokle  / 

By  sadde  toknes  and  by  wordes  bolde 

how  fat1  his  wyf1  had  doon  liir  leccherie 

him  to  gret1  schame  and  to  gret  vilonye  260 

And  told  him  oft/  he  saugh  it  wif  his  yen 

This  phebus  gan  awayward  for  to  wryen 

him  fought1  his  sofwf ul  herte  brast1  on  tuo 

his  bowe  he  bent1  and  sett1  fer-In  a  flo  264 

And  in  his  ire  he  haf  his  wif1  I-slayn 

f  is  is  f  effect  f  er  is  no  more  to  sayn 

For  sorw  of1  which  he  brak1  his  menstralcye 

Bof  e  harp .  gitern .  and  sauterie  268 

And  eek1  he  brak1  his  arwes  and  his  bowe 

And  after  fat1  f  us  spak1  he  to  f  e  crowe 

Traytour  quod  he  wif  tunge  of1  scorpioun 

Thow  hasf  me  brought1  to  my  confusioun        [tea/250]       272 

Alias  fat1 1  was  born  why  nere  I  deed 

0  dere  wyf*  0  gemme  of1  lustyhed 

That1  were  to  me  so  sad  and  eek1  so  trewe 

Now  list  fou  deed  with  face  pale  of1  hewe  276 


SIX-TEXT    585 

GROUP  H.    §  2.    MANCIPLE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    587 

Fill  gulteles  ]mt  dorst1  I  swere  I-vvis 

0  racle  hond  to  do  so  foule  amys 

0  trouble  wit  0  Ire  reclieles 

That1  vnauysed  smytesf  gulteles  280 

O  wan  trust1  ful  of1  fals  suspeccioun 

wlier  was  }>y  wit  and  jjy  discreciown 

0  euery  man  be  war  of1  raclenesse 

Ne  trowe  no  Jnng1  wifoute  gret1  witnesse  284 

Smyt1  nou^t1  to  soone .  er  Jmt1  J)ou  wite  why  / 

And  be  auysed  wel  and  sobrely 

Er  ^e  doon  eny  execuciown 

Vpon  ^our  Ire  for  suspeccio?m  288 

Alias  a  ]?ousand  folkH  haj>  racle  Ire 

Fordoon .  or  dun  hath  brou^t  hem  in  ]?e  myre 

Alias  for  sorw  /  I  wil  my  seluen  sle 

And  to  ])e  crowe  o  false  Jjeef1  sayd  he  292 

1  wyl  Jje  quyt1  anoon  )>y  false  tale  / 
Thow  songe  whilom  as  any  nightyngale  / 
Now  schaltow  false  J)efH  f>y  song1  forgoon 

And  eek1  ])y  white  fetheres  euerich  oon)  296 

Ne  neuer  in  al  ]?y  lyf*  ne  schaltow  speke 

Thus  schal  men  on  a  fals  Jjeef1  ben  a-wreke 

Thou  and  J>iii  offspring1  euer  schuln  be  blake 

Ne  neuer  sweete  noyse  schul  36  make  300 

But1  euer  crye  agayn  tempest1  and  rayn 

In  tokenyng1  Jmt1  Jmrgh  J>e  my  wyf1  was  slayn 

And  to  Jje  crowe  he  stert  and  jjat1  anoon 

And  puld  his  white  fej>eres  euerychoon  304 

And  made  him  blak1  and  raft1  him  al  his  song1 

And  eek1  his  speche  and  out1  at  dore  him  slong1 

vnto  Jje  deuel  which  I  him  bytake 

And  for  j>is  cause  ben  alle  crowes  blake  308 

Lordyngs  by  J>is  ensample  I  $ow  pray 

Beth  war  and  take])  kepe  what1 30  say  /        [?«^250,  back'] 

Ne  tellith  neuer  man  in  al  ^oure  lif1 

how  fat1  anofer  man  haj?  dight1  his  wyf1  312 


586    SIX-TEXT 

588    GROUP  H.    §  2.    MANCIPLE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

he  wol  3011  hatin  mortelly  certeyn 

Daun  Salamon  as  wise  clerkes  seyn 

TecheJ)  a  man  to  kepe  his  tonge  wel 

But1  as  I  sayd.  I  am  nought1  tixted  wel  316 

But/  napeles  ]ms  taughte  me  my  dame 

My  sone  thenk1  on  J)e  crowe  in  goddes  name 

My  son  keep  wel  J?y  tonge  and  kep  J>y  frend 

A  wicked  tonge .  is  worse  fan  a  feend  320 

My  sone  fro  a  feend  men  may  hem  blesse 

My  sone  god  of1  his  endeles  goodnesse 

wallid  a  tonge  wij)  tee])  and  lippes  eek1 

For  man  schal  him  auyse  what1  he  speek1  324 

My  sone  ful  ofte  for  to  mochil  speche  / 

ha)?  many  a  man  he  spilt1  as  clerkes  teche 

But1  for  a  litil  speche  auisily 

Is  no  man  schent  to  speke  generally  328 

My  sone  J?y  tonge  scholdest1  J?ou  restreigne 

At1  alle  tyme  but1  whan  'J)ou  dost1  ]?y  peyne  / 

To  speke  of1  god  in  honour  and  prayere 

The  firste  vertu  sone  if1  J)ou  wilt1  lere  332 

Is  to  restreigne  and  kepe  wel  J?y  tonge 

Thus  lerne  clerkes  whan  pat1  pay  ben  3onge 

My  sone  of1  mochil  speking1  euel  auised 

Ther  lasse  speking1  had  ynough  suffised  336 

Come])  mochil  harm  )ms  was  me  told  and  taught 

In  mochel  speche  synne  wanti])  nought 

wost1  wher  of1  a  racle  tonge  seruej) 

Right1  a  swerd  for-kutte])  and  keruej)  340 

An  arm  a  tuo  my  dere  sone  right  so 

A  tonge  cutteth  frendschip  al  a  tuo 

A  iangler  is  to  god  abhominable 

Red  Salamon  so  wys  and  honurable  344 

Bed  Dauid  in  his  psalmes  reed  Senek* 

My  sone  spek*  not .  but1  wip  py  heed  Jm  bek1 

Dissimul  as  pou  were  deed  if1  pat1  J)ou  heere 

A  iangler  speke  of  perilous  mateere  [>a/25i]  348 


SIX-TEXT    587 

GROUP  H.    §  2.    MANCIPLE'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.    589 

The  flemyng1  saij)  and  lere  it  ifH  J?e  lest1  / 
That*  litil  iangling  cause])  mochil  rest1 
My  sone  if1  J)ou  no  wikked  word  hast*  sayd 
The  tliar  not1  drede  for  to  be  bywrayd  352 

But1  he  Jmt1  ha])  mys  sayd  I  dar  wel  sayn) 
he  may  by  no  way  clepe  his  word  agayn 
Thing1  fat1  is  sayd .  is  sayd .  and  for])  it  go]) 
Though  him  repent  or  be  him  neuer  so  loj)  356 

He  is  his  J)ral  to  whom  fat/  he  ha])  sayd 
A  tale  of1  which  he  is  now  yuel  a  payd 
My  sone  be  war  and  be  noon  auctour  newe  / 
Of1  tydyngs  whefer  fay  ben  fals  or  trewe  /  3GO 

wher-so  pou  comest1  amonges  heih  or  lowe  / 
kep  wel  J>y  tonge  /  and  thenk1  vpon  fe  crowe 
U  Here  endith  J?e  tale  of1  fe  crowe 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


589  SIX-TEXT 

590  GROUP  I.    §  1.    BLANK-PARSON  LINK.    Harleian  7334. 


GROUP  I.    FRAGMENT  X. 

§  1.     THE  BLANK-PAKSON  LIXK. 


IT  And  here  begynneth  the  p?-ologe  ofH  pe  Persowns  tale 

By  pat1  pe  ma?mciple  had  had  his  tale  endid 
The  sonne  fro  pe  south  line  is  descendid 
So  lowe  pat  it  nas  nou^t  to  my  sight1 

Degrees  [nyne  and  twenty  as  in  hight11]    []  /«  « Jater  hand.']     4 
Ten  on  pe  Clokke  it  was  as  I  gesse  / 
For  enleuen  foote  or  litil  more  or  lesse  / 
My  schadow  was  at1  pilk1  tyme  of1  pe  3  ere 
Of1  which  feet  as  my  lengpe  parted  were  /  8 

In  [sixe1]  feet1  equal  of1  proporcioun 
Ther-with  pe  mones  exaltaciozm 
In  mena  libra  alway  gan  ascende 

As  we  were  entryng1  at1  a  townes  ende  12 

For  which  our  host1  as  he  was  wont  to  gye 
As  in  pis  caas  our  ioly  compaignye 
Sayd  in  pis  wise  lordings  euerich  oon) 

Now  lakkep  vs  no  moo  tales  pan  oon)  16 

Fulfilled  is  my  sentens  and  my  decre 
I  trowe  pat1  we  han  herd  of1  ech  degre 
Almost1  fulfilled  is  myn  ordynazmce 

I  pray  to  god  so  3eue  him  right1  good  cliaimce  20 

That1  tellith  to  vs  his  tale  lustily 
Sire  prest1  quod  he  artow  a  vicory  [/«*f25i,&ae*] 

Or  artow  a  persoun  say  sop  by  py  fay 
Be  what1  pou  be  breke  nought1  oure  play  24 


SIX-TEXT    590 

GROUP  I.    §  1.    BLANK- PARSON  LINK.    Harlcian  7334.    591 

For  euerj  man  sane  f  ou  hath  told  his  tale 

vnbocle  and  schew  vs  what  is  in  fy  male 

For  trewely  me  f  inkef  by  f  y  chier 

J}ou  scholdistt  wel  knyt1  vp  a  gret  matier  28 

Tel  vs  a  tale  anoon  for  cokkes  boones 

This  persoun  answerde  al  at  oones  / 

Thow  getist1  fable  noon  I-told  for  me 

For  poul  fat1  writes  vnto  thimothe  32 

Repreuef  hem  fat1  weyuef  sothfastnesse 

And  tellen  fables  and  such  wrecchednesse  / 

why  schuld  I  sowen  draf1  out  of1  my  fest/ 

whan  I  may  so  we  whete  if*  fat  me  lest/  36 

For  which  I  say  if1  fat1  ^ow  lust1  to  hiere 

Moralite  and  vertuous  matiere 

And  f  anne  fat1  36  wil  ^iue  me  audience 

I  wol  ful  fayn  at1  cristis  reuerence  40 

Do  3ow  plesaunce  leful  as  I  can 

But1  trustef  wel  I  am  a  suthern  man 

I  can  not1  geste .  rum  raf1 .  ruf*  by  letter 

Ne  god  wot1  rym  hold  I  but1  litel  better  44 

And  f  erfor  if1  }ow  lust1  I  wol  not1  glose 

I  wol  3ow  telle  a  mery  tale  in  prose  / 

To  knyt1  vp  al  this  fest1  and  make  an  ende 

And  IM  for  his  grace  wit1  me  sende  48 

To  schewe  }ow  f  e  way  in  f  is  viage 

Of1  f ilke  parfyt1  glorious  pilgrimage 

Thaf  hatte  Jerusalem  celestial 

And  if1  36  vouche  sauf1  anoon  I  schal  02 

Bygynne  my  tale  for  which  I  $ow  pray 

Telle  3our  avis  I  can  no  better  say 

But1  naf  eles  f  is  meditacioun 

I  put1  it  ay  vnder  correctioun  56 

Of1  clerkes  for  I  am  not1  textuel 

I  take  but1  f  e  sentens  trustif  wel 

Therfor  I  make  protestaciown 

That1 1  wol  stonde  to  correccioun  p*tf  252]  60 


591  SIX-TEXT 

592  GROUP  I.    §  1.    BLANK-PARSON  LINK.    Haiieian  7334. 

Vpon  Jns  word  we  han  assented  soone 

For  as  it  seined  it  was  for  to  done 

To  enden  in  som  vertuous  sentence 

And  for  to  ^eue  him  space  and  audience  C4 

And  bad  oure  host1  he  schulde  to  him  say 

That1  alle  we  to  telle  his  tale  him  pray 

Our  host1  hadde  J>e  wordes  for  vs  alle 

Sir  prest1  quod  he  now  faire  30  w  bifalle  68 

Say  what*  ^ow  lust1  and  we  wil  gladly  hiere 

And  wij)  pat1  word  he  said  in  Jns  manere 

Tellej)  quod  he  $our  meditacioun 

But1  hasteth  3ow  jje  sonne  wol  a  doun  72 

Be))  fructuous  and  J>at  /  in  litil  space 

And  to  do  wel  f  God  sende  }ow  grace  / 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


SIX-TEXT    592 
CONTENTS   OF   PARSON'S   TALE.      PART   I.  593 

(The  Page-numbers  are  those  of  the  Six-Text.') 

THE  PARSON'S  TALE, 

A  TREATISE  ON  PENITENCE,  IN  3  PARTS  : 
Part  I.  On  Penitence,  and  its  1st  requisite  Contrition  (A)  (p. 

593—612). 

Part  II.  On  its  2nd  requisite,  Confession  (B)  (p.  612—679). 
Part  III.  On  its  3rd  requisite,  Satisfaction  (C)  (p.  679—684),  with 
the  Writer's  Leave-taking  and  Retractations  (p.  684-85). 


PART  I.  (p.  593—612). 

ON  PENITENCE,  AND  ITS  IST  REQUISITE,  CONTRITION. 
Proem  on  Jeremiah  vi.  16.    The  Tale  is  to  be  on  Penitence  as  a  full 
noble  way  to  lead  folk  to  Christ,  and  is  to  treat  of 
i.  'what  is  Penitence'  (p.  594). 

ii.  '  whennes  it  is  cleped  Penitence '.  [not  in  the  Tale.] 
iii.  '  in  how  manye  maneres  been  the  acciowns  or  werkynges  of 

Penitence '  (p.  594-5). 

iv.  '  how  many  speces  ther  been  of  Penitence '  (p.  595). 
v.  '  whiche  thynges  ap^rtenen and  bihouen  to  Penitence'  (p.  595 — 

682 :  nearly  all  Parts  I  and  III,  and  all  Part  II). 
vi.  'whiche  thynges  destourbeft  Penitence'  (at  end  of  Part  III, 
p.  682)  (p.  593). 

1.  Penitence  defined,  by  a.  St  Ambrose ;  b.  'som  doctour' ;  c.  the 

writer.  Its  requisites :  1.  bewailing  of  sins ;  2.  purpose  to 
have  shrift,  to  do  satisfaction,  never  to  sin  again,  to  continue 
in  good  works  (p.  594). 

[ii.  not  given.} 

iii.  The  3  actions  of  Penitence :  1.  Baptism  after  sin ;  2.  not  to  do 
deadly  sin  after  baptism  ;  3.  not  thus  to  do  venial  sin  (p.  594-95). 

!v.  The  3  speces  or  kinds  of  Penitence  :  1.  Solemn  (to  be  put  out  of 
church,  or  do  open  penance) ;  2.  Common  (to  go  naked  on  pil 
grimage)  ;  3.  Private  (p.  595). 
v.  The  3  necessities  or  requisites  for  Penitence  (p.  596—682) : 

A.  Contrition  of  heart  (p.  596—612). 

B.  Confession  of  mouth  (Part  II,  p.  612—679). 

C.  Satisfaction  (Part  III,  p.  679—682). 

Penitence  avails  against  3  things,  by  which  we  wrath  Christ  (p.  595). 
A.  Contrition  is  the  root  of  Penitence,  whose  stem  bears  branches 

and  leaves  of  Confession,  and  fruit  of  Satisfaction. 
Contrition  also  bears  a  seed  of  grace,  whose  heat  draws  men  to 

God.     (Simile  of  the  child  and  his  nurse's  milk.) 
Penance  is  the  tree  of  life  (p.  596). 
Four  Points  to  be  known  about  Contrition : 
1.  What  it  is ;  2.  the  causes  that  move  a  man  to  it ;  3.  how  to 
be  contrite ;  4.  what  it  avails  the  soul  (p.  597). 

2.  The  6  Causes  that  should  move  a  man  to  Contrition : 

a.  Remembrance  of  Sins  (p.  597-8). 

b.  Whoso  does  sin  is  the  Thrall  of  Sin  (p.  598-99). 

c.  Dread  of  the  Day  of  Doom  and  the  Pains  of  Hell  (p.  599—604). 
These  described :  the  Doom  (p.  599-600) ;  Job's  '  lond  of 

raysese  and  of  derknesse'  (p.  600-1) ;  the  3  shames  in  hell 
against  (1) '  Honours,  (2)  delices,  and  (3)  richesses'  (p.  611) ; 
poverty  in  4  things :  no  treasure,  food,  clothing,  or  friends 
(p.  602) ;  and  no  delights  of  the  5  senses.  The  pain  shall  be 
eternal  (p.  603).  Hell  is  orderless  (p.  603-4).  The  7  causes 
why  the  damnd  have  lost  all  hope  (p.  604). 

d.  Remembrance  of  the  good  works  we've  left  undone,  and  the 

loss  of  the  good  works  done  while  we  were  in  sin  (p.  604-6). 
Deadly  sin  wipes  out  all  good  works  formerly  done  (p.  605) ; 
and  no  good  works  can  be  done  in  deadly  sin  (p.  605-6). 
The  new  Fiench  song,  J'ai  tout  perdu  mon  temps  (also 
quoted  in  Chaucer's  late  poem  of  Fortune). 

CANT.  TALES. HARL.  2    Q 


592    SIX-TEXT 

594  CONTENTS    OF    PARSON'S    TALE.      PART   II. 

e.  Remembrance  of  Christ's  suffering  for  our  sins  (p.  606).    In 

man's  sin.  every  ordinance  is  turnd  up-so-down  (p.  607). 
For  this  disorder  Christ  sufferd  (p.  608). 

f.  The  hope  of  3  things :  1.  Forgiveness  of  Sins,  2.  the  Gift  of 

Grace  to  do  well,  3.  the  Glory  of  Heaven  (p.  609). 

3.  How  to  be  contrite.     Contrition  must  be  universal  and  total : 

for  sins  of  thought,  for  desires  against  God's  law,  for  wicked 
words  as  well  as  wicked  deeds  (p.  610).  Contrition  must  be 
angwishous  and  continual  (p.  609-11). 

4.  How  Contrition  helps  the  soul.     It  sometimes  delivers  a  man 

from  sin ;  destroys  the  prison  of  hell ;  cleanses  the  soul  ; 
changes  the  son  of  Wrath  to  the  son  of  Grace  (p.  611-12). 

PAET  II  (no.  v.  continued). 
B.  CONFESSION  (THE  2ND  REQUISITE  FOR  PENITENCE) 

(p.  612—679). 
B.  Confession.  §  1.  (1.  317)  'what  is  confession'  (p.  612). 

§  2.  '  wheither  it  oghte  nedes  be  doon  or  noon '  (p.  672-9). 
§  3.  *  whiche  thynges  been  couenable  to  verr&j  Confession ;  (p. 
674-79). 

CONFESSION,  §  1. 

1.  'Confession  is  verray  shewynge  of  synnes  to  the  preest' 

(1.  318)  (p.  612).     We  must  understand  too 

a.  (I.  321)  'whenues  that  synnes  spryngen'  (p.  612 — 15). 

b.  '  how  they  encreessen '  (p.  615-16;  672-74). 

c.  'whiche  they  been'  (p.  616—672). 

La.  Sin  sprang  from  the  fall  of  Adam  (p.  612).  The  legend  of 
Adam  and  Eve  told  (p.  613).  From  Adam  we  took  Original 
Sin,  and  were  born  sons  of  eternal  damnation ;  but  Baptism 
rescues  us ;  though  we  keep  liability  to  temptation,  or  Con 
cupiscence  (p.  613-14). 
Concupiscence,  or  the  nourishing  and  occasion  of  sin.  St  Paul 

and  St  Jerome's  temptations  (p.  614-15). 

1.6.  How  Sin  grows  in  a  man.     1.  by  Concupiscence;  2.  Subjec 
tion  to  the  Devil;  3.  Hesitation;  4.  Doing,  the  Sin  be 
coming  Actual  (p.  615-16). 
I.e.  Sin  is  a.  venial,  /3.  deadly  (or  mortal). 

a.  1.  Venial  Sin  denned.    It  skips  into  Deadly  Sin.     (Simile 
of  the  drops  of  water  into  a  vessel's  hold  drowning 
the  ship ;)  (p.  616). 
/S.  1.  Deadly  Sin  denned  (p.  617). 

a.  2.  Of  divers  small  venial  sins,  hardly  thought  sins  (p.  617- 
18) ;  eating,  drinking,  talking,  too  much ;  using  your 
wife  too  much;  not  visiting  the  sick  (p.  617) ;  talking 
vanities  at  church,  &c.  (p.  618).  Cure  of  venial  sins 
by  love  to  Christ,  prayer,  confession,  good  works,  re 
ceiving  the  Sacrament,  holy-water,  &c.  (p.  618.). 
I.e.  |3.  2.  The  Seven  Deadly  Sins.  The  Chieftains,  head  and 

spring,  of  all  other  Sins  (p.  619). 
i.  Pride  (p.  619-26),  and  its  Remedy  (p.  626-8). 
ii.  Envy  (p.  628-30),  and  its  Remedy  (p.  630-1). 
iii.  Ire  or  Anger  (p.  631-42),  and  its  Remedy  (p.  642-5). 
iv.  Accidie  or  Sloth  (Discontent,  Ennui)  (p.  645-49),  and 

its  Remedy  (p.  650-1). 
v.  Avarice  or  Covetousness  (p.  651-7),  and  its  Remedy 

(p.  657-8). 

vi.  Gluttony  (p.  658-9),  and  its  Remedy  (p.  660). 
vii.  Lechery  (p.  660-8),  and  its  Remedy  (p.  668-72). 
i.  PRIDE  (p.  619—626).   Its  16  (and  more)  Twigs.   1.  Disobedience, 

2.  Boasting,  3.  Hypocrisy,  4.  Despite,  5.  Arrogance  (p.  619), 
6.  Impudence,  7.  Swelling  of  Heart  (rejoicing  in  harm  done), 
8   Insolence,  9.  Elation,  10.  Impatience,  11.  Contumacy,  12. 


SIX-TEXT    592 
CONTENTS    OF    PARSON'S   TALE.       PART    II.  595 

Presumption,  13.  Irreverence,  14.  Pertinacity,  15.  Vain-glory, 
16.  Jangling  (chattering). 
A  private  kind  of  pride  (the  Host's  Wife's  and  Wife  of  Bath's1), 

wanting  to  go  to  offering  first,  &c.  (p.  620). 
Two  kinds  of  Pride,  a.  '  within  man's  heart ',  b.  without ;  b.  being 
the  sign  of  «.,  '  as  the  gaye  leefsel  atte  Taverne  is  sign  of  the 
wyn  that  is  in  the  Celer'2  (p.  620-21),  b.  outside  pride. 
a.  in  dear  clothing,  1.  superfluity  of  it :  its  cost,  furring,  chisel- 
holes,  dragging  in  the  dung,  waste  of  material  (p.  621),  un- 
fitness  for  giving  to  the  poor :  2.  scantness  of  it :  showing 
men's  privy  members,  and  buttocks  (like  a  she-ape's  rump), 
and  the  former  as  half-flayd,  in  parti-colourd  hose3.    The 
'outrageous  array  of  Women'  (p.  623). 

|3.  in  horses  (p.  623),  and  vicious  grooms  to  tend  'em;  plate- 
harness,  &c. 
y.  in  household :  keeping  too  many  retainers  or  servants,  who 

oppress  the  poor  (p.  624). 

8.  in  table :  not  asking  the  poor  to  feasts ;  having  burning  and 
ornamented  dishes4;  too  costly  cups,  &c.,  and  too  choice 
minstrelsy  (p.  624). 

What  Pride  sins  are  deadly,  and  what  venial  (p.  624). 
The  Sources  of  Pride  (p.  624) :  goods  of  Nature,  Fortune,  Grace 
(p.  624).     The  Folly  of  Pride  in  any  of  these  goods  of  Nature : 
*  we  ben  alle  of  o  fader  and  of  o  mooder,  and  .  .  of  o  nature ' 5. 
The  general  signs  of  Gentleness.    (The  flies  calld  'bees',  and 
their  stingless  king)  (p.  625) ;  3  gifts  of  Grace ;  3  of  Fortune. 
The  brittleness  of  popular  praise6  (p.  626). 
The  Remedy  against  Pride. 

Humility  or  Meekness,  and  its  3  kinds:  in  I.  heart,  2.  mouth, 
3.  works.  4  kinds  of  each  of  these  (p.  626-27). 

ii.  ENVY  (p.  627-30) :  denned  by  the  Philosopher  and  St  Augustine 
It  springs  from  Malice  (p.  627). 

Malice ;  2  kinds  of  :  1.  hardness  of  heart,  or  recklessness ;  2.  op  • 
posing  truth  (p.  627). 

The  2  kinds  of  Envy  (p.  628) :  1.  sorrow  at  other  men's  prosper 
ity  ;  2.  joy  at  other  men's  harm  :  whence  comes 

Backbiting ;  5  kinds  (p.  628) :  1.  praise  with  a  but  at  the  end;  2. 
turning  well-meant  things  upside  down  to  ill  ones ;  3.  lessening 
a  neighbour's  goodness ;  4.  putting  one  man  above  another ;  5. 
glad  listening  to  scandal  (p.  628). 

Grudging  or  murmuring  (p.  628) :  1.  against  God  (p.  629) ;  2. 
Murmuring  from  avarice,  3.  from  pride,  4.  from  envy ;  5.  among 
Servants,  who  say  'the  Devil's  Paternoster' ;  6.  Murmuring 
from  ire  or  hate :  thence,  «.  Bitterness  of  Heart,  b.  Discord, 
c.  Scorning;  d.  Accusing  (p.  629) ;  e.  Malignity  (p.  630). 
The  Remedy  against  Envy  (p.  630-31). 

Love  of  God  and  one's  neighbour.  How  a  man  shall  love  his 
neighbour.  How  an  enemy  is  included  in  the  name  'neigh 
bour'  (p.  630).  3  Remedies  of  Love,  against  3  deeds  of  Hate 
(p.  631).  Love  is  the  medicine  that  casts  out  the  venom  of 
Envy  from  man's  heart  (p.  631). 

iii.  IRE  or  ANGER  (p.  631-42),  and  its  2  kinds :  a.  good  Ire  or  Wrath 
(p.  632) ;  b.  wicked  Ire,  and  its  2  kinds :  sudden  ire,  and  ire 
of  malice  aforethought  (p.  632-33). 

Three  Shrews  that  forge  in  the  Devil's  furnace:  Pride,  Envy, 
and  Contumely  (p.  633). 

1  Melibe-Monk  Link,  B.  §  11;  and  General  Prologue,  A. 

2  Chaucer's  father  no  doubt  had  a  sign  outside  his  wine-shop  or  tavern  in  Thames 
Street,  London. 

3  The  outspoken  and  somewhat  coarse  abuse  of  the  new  fashions  in  dress  is  a  great 
change  from  Chaucer's  admirable  Third-Period  chaflf  of  the  moral  short-comings  of 
the  monks  and  friars,  &c.,  in  the  Prologue  and  middle  Tales.    If  this  is  not  change  of 
man,  it's  change  of  mood. 

*  Chaucer  must  have  seen  plenty  of  these  when  he  was  page,  valet,  and  squire. 

*  Compare  Chaucer's  Qentlenesst  &c.       6  Compare  Clerk's  Tale,  Part  VI,  et.  135. 

2   Q   2 


592    SIX-TEXT 

596  CONTENTS    OF    PARSON'S    TALE.       PART    II. 

Wrath  takes  away  a  man's  wit  and  spiritual  life  (p.  634). 
Fruits  of  Wrath  :  1.  Hate.    2.  War  and  wrong.    3.  Manslaughter, 
a.  spiritual ;  b.  bodily  (p.  634). 

a.  The  3  kinds  of  spiritual  Manslaughter  (3,  calld  6  in  MSS. 
p.  634) :  1.  by  Hate.    2.  by  Backbiting.     3.  Giving  wi-cked 
Counsel,  by  Fraud  (p.  634). 

b.  bodily  Manslaughter :  slaying  with  your  tongue,  giving 
orders  or  counsel  to  slay  a  man  (p.  634). 

Manslaughter  in  deed :  its  4  (that  is,  7)  kinds  (p.  635) :  1.  by  law : 
a  Justice  condemning  a  man  to  death ;  2.  justifiable  homicide, 
in  defence  of  one's  own  life ;  3.  by  misadventure :  shooting  an 
arrow,  &c. ;  4.  a  woman  overlying  her  child ;  5.  a  man  making 
a  woman  barren  by  drinks,  &c. ,  killing  the  foetus  within  her, 
shedding  his  seed  in  the  wrong  place ;  a  woman  killing  the  child 
in  her  womb ;  6.  a  woman  killing  her  child  (after  birth)  for 
shame ;  7.  a  man  by  lechery  or  blows  killing  a  fcetus. 

(Sixteen)  other  sins  coming  from  Ire  or  Anger. 

1.  blaming  or  despising  God,  as  hazarders  do  (Cp.  Pardoner's 

Tale)  (p.  635) ;  and  those  who  treat  of  the  Sacrament  of 
the  altar  irreverently  (p.  636). 

2.  Attry  anger :  making  angry  false  excuses  for  sin. 

3.  Swearing,  which  dismembers  Christ  (p.  636). 

a.  Of  lawful  Swearing,  before  a  Judge :  its  3  conditions,  and 
its  motives ;  b.  God's  name  and  Christ's,  not  to  be  taken 
in  vain  (p.  637) ;  c.  swearing  for  gentility  or  manliness 
(p.  638)  ;  d.  swearing  suddenly;  e.  of  Adjuration  and 
Conjuration  by  enchanters  and  necromancers  ;  f.  of 
Divination  by  Dreams,  &c. ;  g.  of  Charms  for  Wounds 
and  Maladies  (p.  638). 

4.  Lying  (p.  638),  and  its  6  kinds. 

6.  Flattering.      How  Flatterers  are  the  Devil's  Nurses,  his 
Enchanters  and  Chaplains  (p.  639). 

6.  Cursing  that  comes  of  irons  heart :  Malison. 

7.  Chiding  and  Reproach  (p.  640);  (specially  a  chiding  wife1) 

(p.  640-41). 


8.  Scorning  (p.  641). 

9.  Giving    wicked    Counsel 

(p.  641). 

10.  Sowing  and  making  Dis 

cord  (p.  642). 

11.  Double  tongue  (p.  642). 


12.  Betraying    of    Counsel    (p. 

642). 

13.  Menace. 

14.  Idle  words. 

1 5.  Jangling  (chattering)  (p.  642) . 

16.  Japing  (joking)  (p.  642-43). 


The  Remedy  against  Anger  (p.  643-5).  Debonairtee  and  Patience 
(p.  643).  Four  kinds  of  grievances,  and  their  remedies:  1. 
wicked  words,  2.  loss  of  goods,  3.  harm  of  body,  4.  outrageous 
labour  (p.  644). 

Incentives  to  Patience.      Story  of  the  Philosopher  and  Child 
(p.  644-45).     Obedience  comes  from  Patience  (p.  645). 

Iv.  ACCIDIE,  or  SLOTH  (Discontent,  Ennui)  (p.  645-49),  is  an  enemy 
to  the  3  states  of  man, — 1.  innocence  (p.  645).  2.  prayer  (p.  646), 
3.  grace ;— and  to  one's  livelihood.  Its  12  bad  consequences  (p. 
646) :  1.  Sloth  (and  its  remedy) ;  2.  Dread  to  begin  good  works 
(p.  646) ;  3.  Wanhope,  or  Despair  (and  its  Remedy)  (p.  647) ;  4. 
Somnolence  (p.  648),  and  5.  Negligence,  or  6.  Recklessness,  and 
the  Remedy  for  each ;  7.  Idleness ;  8.  Tarditas,  or  tarrying 
before  turning  to  God  (p.  649) ;  9.  Lachesse,  or  giving  up  a 
good  work  begun ;  10.  Coldness;  11.  Undevotion;  12.  Worldly 
sorrow  (p.  649). 

The  Remedy  against  Accidie  (p.  650-51) :  Fortitude  or  Strength, 
and  its  5  kinds.  1.  Magnanimity2  or  great  Courage ;  2.  Faith 
or  Hope;  3.  Assurance;  4.  Magnificence:  5.  Constancy  (p. 
651). 

i  Does  Chaucer  here  refer  to  Iris  former  wife  ? 
*  Misvrritten  '  Miignificenee'  in  Ellesmere  and  Lansdowne  MSS. 


SIX-TEXT    592 
CONTENTS    OF    PARSON'S    TALE.       PART    II.  597 

v.  AVARICE  (p.  651-57).  The  difference  between  Avarice  and  Covet- 
ousness  (p.  651) ;  and  between  an  Idolater  and  an  avaricious 
man  (p.  652).  Of  Covetousness,  and  lords'  extortion  from  their 
bondmen  :  "humble  folk  been  Cristes  freendes"  (p.  652-53).  The 
Duty  of  lords  to  their  thralls  or  churls.  Of  those  that  pillage 
Holy  Church  (p.  653-54) ;  lords  who  plunder  the  poor  are  like 
wolves  (p.  654).  Of  Deceit  between  Merchant  and  Merchant 
(p.  654).  Of  honest  bodily  Merchandise  (the  surplus  of  one 
country  may  be  sent  to  help  another)  (p.  654).  Of  spiritual 
Merchandise,  or  Simony,  and  its  2  kinds  (p.  655),— thieves  that 
steal  Christ's  souls  get  livings  (p.  655-56) ;— Hasardry  or  Games 
of  Chance  (p.  656).  Other  outcomes  of  Avarice  (p.  656) :  1.  Lying, 
2.  Theft  (bodily  and  spiritual)  (p.  656-57),  3.  False  Witness, 
4.  False  Oaths  (p.  657). 

The  Remedy  against  Avarice  (p.  657) :  Mercy  and  Pity,  and  reason 
able  Liberality  (p.  658).  Of  foolish  largess  (p.  658). 

vi.  GLUTTONY  (p.  658-59),  and  its  5  kinds  (p.  659) :  1.  Drunkenness, 
or  the  burial  o»~  man's  reason  ;  2.  a  troubled  spirit ;  3.  bad  way 
of  eating ;  4.  distemperd  bodily  humours ;  5.  forgetfulness.  Or, 
as  St  Gregory  says,  1.  eating  too  soon ;  2.  eating  too  delicate 
food ;  3.  taking  too  much ;  4.  troubling  too  much  about  cooking 
food ;  5.  eating  greedily :  these  are  the  5  fingers  of  the  devil's 
hand  (p.  659). 

The  Remedy  against  Gluttony  (p.  660) :  Abstinence,  and  its  fellows. 
Temperance,  Shame,  Content  with  plain  food,  Moderation,  So 
berness,  Sparing  (p.  660). 

vii.  LECHERY  (p.  660).     Its  punishment  in  the  Old  Testament  (p. 

660).  Adultery,  and  the  desire  of  it  (p.  661-62). 
The  5  fingers  of  the  Devil's  other  hand  (p.  662) ;  1.  foolish  look 
ing  ;  2.  villainous  touching ;  3.  foul  words ;  4.  kissing  (old  do 
tards,  and  dry  dogs  at  a  rose-tree  (p.  662) ;  and  how  a  man  should 
love  his  wife) ;  5.  the  stinking  deed  of  lechery  (p.  663).  Its 
kinds  :  1.  Fornication.  Taking  a  maid's  maidenhead,  or  100th 
fruit  (p.  663).  2.  Adultery,  defined.  3.  Harms  following  from  it : 
a.  breaking  of  faith  ;  b.  theft  (of  the  wife's  body  from  her  hus 
band  (Joseph  and  Potiphar's  wife),  and  of  her  soul  from  Christ) ; 
c.  breaking  God's  commandment,  and  defouling  Christ  (p.  664). 
Of  Harlots  and  Bawds  (p.  665).  Adultery  is  set  between  Theft 
and  Manslaughter.  More  kinds  of  Adultery :  1.  by  Men  bound 
by  Religious  Vows,  &c. ;  2.  those  in  Holy  Orders  (p.  665). 
Lecherous  Priests  are  like  a  free  Bull  in  a  town,  and  they  eat 
raw  flesh  of  folk's  wives  and  daughters  (p.  666) ;  3.  by  man  and 
wife  copulating  for  pleasure  only  (p.  667) ;  4.  copulation  with 
kinsfolk,  spiritual  (or  godchildren)  or  fleshly  (blood  relations). 
5.  the  abominable  unmentionable  sin ;  6.  Pollution,  of  3  kinds : 
1.  too  rank  humours;  2.  weakness  (p.  667);  3.  evil  thoughts 
(p.  668). 

The  Remedy  for  Lechery  (p.  668) :  I.  Chastity  and  Continence. 

1.  in  Marriage.     (The  true  effect  of  Marriage.     One  husband  to 
have  one  wife  (p.  668).     How  a  man  should  behave  to  his  wife 
(p.  669).     How  the  wife  should  be  subject  to  her  husband  (p. 
669),  and  be  moderate  in  behaviour,  discreet  in  words,  &c.  (p. 
669-70).     The  3  causes  for  which  man  and  wife  may  copulate 
(p.  670) :  a.  begetting  of  children ;  b.  to  pay  the  mutual  debt  of 
their  bodies ;  c.  to  avoid  lechery  (p.  670).     The  4th  cause, 
pleasure,  is  deadly  sin  (p.  670-71).) 

2.  In  Widowhood;  3.  Virginity  (p.  671). 

II.  Special  avoidance  of  causes  of  lechery :  a.  eating  and  drink 
ing  ;  long  sleeping ;  b.  the  person  who'd  tempt  you  (p.  671-72). 
(I  wish  I  could  tell  you  the  Ten  Commandments ;  but  it's 
too  high  doctrine  (p.  672).)  [End  of  Confession,  §  1,  c.] 

Sin  is  in  heart,  mouth,  deed,  by  the  5  Wits  (p.  672). 


592    SIX-TEXT 

598       CONTENTS   OF    PARSON 's    TALE.       PARTS    II    AND   IIT. 

§  l.b.  (see  p.  615-16.)  The  7  Circumstances  that  encrease  or  aggravate 
sins  (p.  672).  1.  the  person  who  sins  (male  or  female,  &c.) ; 
2.  the  kind  of  sin  (fornication  or  homicide) ;  3.  the  place  it 
was  committed  in  (as  in  a  church,  by  a  priest)  (p.  673) ;  4.  for 
what  motive ;  5.  the  number  of  times  it  was  committed ;  6. 
by  what  temptation ;  7.  how  it  was  committed ;  and  all  other 
circumstances  (p.  674). 

CONFESSION,  §  2,  §  3  (p.  674-79). 
Profitable  Confession,  and  its  4  (=  3)  Conditions  (p.  674) : 

1.  sorrowful  bitterness  of  heart  (p.  674) ;  its  5  signs :  a.  shame- 
fastness  (like  the  Publican's)  (p.  675) ;  b.  humility;  c.  fulness 
of  tears  (p.  675) ;  d.  no  hesitation  (like  the  Magdalen)  for 
shame;  e.  obedience  to  receive  penance  laid  on  you  (p.  675). 

2.  speedy  Confession  (p.  676) ;  its  4  Conditions :  /.  that  it  be 
well  thought  over ;  a.  the  greatness  and  number  of  sins  must 
be  understood ;  h.  the  sinner  must  be  contrite,  and  i.  avoid 
occasions  of  sins. 

3.  Shrift  must  be  made  to  one  man,  not  more  (p.  676). 

True  Shrift,  and  its  10  Conditions  (p.  677) :  1.  that  it  be  of  free 
will ;  2.  that  it  be  lawful  (both  sinner  and  priest,  Popish) ;  3. 
that  it  be  not  despairing  of  Christ's  mercy;  4.  that  a  man 
accuse  himself  only,  and  not  another ;  5.  that  it  be  not  lying 
(accusing  oneself  of  sins  never  committed)  (p.  678) ;  that  it  be 
by  one's  own  mouth,  and  not  by  letter ;  7.  that  the  sin  be  not 
painted  with  fair  words ;  8.  that  the  shrift  be  to  a  discreet 
priest ;  9.  that  the  shrift  be  not  made  for  vain-glory,  but  for 
fear  of  Christ ;  10.  that  the  shrift  be  not  made  suddenly,  for  a 
joke  (p.  678).  You  may  be  shriven  more  than  once  for  the  same 
sin ;  and  should  be  houseld  once  a  year  (p.  679). 


PAET  III  (no.  v.  continued,  and  no.  vi.). 
SATISFACTION  (THE  3RD  REQUISITE  FOR  PENITENCE) 

(p.  679—684). 

In  a.  Alms.    (3.  bodily  punishment. 

a.  Alms  and  its  three  kinds  (p.  679) :  1.  Contrition  of  heart.  2. 
Pity  for  one's  neighbour's  faults.  3.  Giving  good  counsel  to 
other's  souls  and  bodies  (food,  visits  in  prison,  burial).  These 
Alms  should  be  done  privily,  if  possible  (p.  680). 
/3.  Bodily  Punishment  (Penance],  of  4  kinds:  1.  Prayers 
(chiefly  of  the  Paternoster,  whose  expounding  I  leave  to  Mas 
ters  of  Theology)  (p.  680).  2.  Watching,  and  its  3  kinds: 
forbearing,  a.  meat  and  drink,  b.  worldly  jollity,  and  c. 
deadly  sin  (p.  681).  3.  Fasting,  and  its  4  kinds :  Liberality  to 
poor  folk ;  spiritual  gladness  of  heart ;  not  grudging  at  fasting ; 
reasonable  eating.  4.  Virtuous  teachings,  or  Discipline :  a. 
by  word,  writing,  or  example ;  b.  by  wearing  hairshirts.,  &c  , 
next  your  skin,  scourging  yourself,  taking  evils  and  injuries 
patiently  (p.  682).  [End  of  no.  v.  in  Part  i ;  p.  593.] 

vi.  The  4  Things  that  disturb  Penance  [no.  vi,  or  last  §,  of  p.  593 
at  foot]  (p.  682).  1.  Dread,  and  its  remedy.  2.  Shame,  and 
its  remedy.  3.  Hope :  a.  of  long  life,  and  b.  consequent  over- 
confidence  in  Chrisrs  mercy  (p.  683).  4.  Wanhope,  or  Despair 
of  Mercy ;  its  3  kinds :  x.  from  great  and  long  continued  sin ; 
y.  from  falls-back  into  sin ;  *.  from  not  being  able  to  persevere 
in  goodness  (p.  683). 
The  fruit  of  Penance  (p.  683-4). 

EPILOGUE. 

The  Author's  Leave-taking,  and  Lament  over,  and  Withdrawal  of, 
his  Sinful  Books,  &c.  (p.  684-85). 


SIX-TEXT    593 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     599 


[There  are  no  paragraph-breaks  or  line-numbers  in  the  MS.,  but 
Tyrwhitfs  breaks  are  kept  in  the  print  for  convenience  sake.~\ 

IT  ler.  6°.  State  super  vias  &  videte  et  interrogate  de 
semitis  antiquis  que  sit  via  bona  et  ambulate  in  ea 
et  inuenietis  IF  refrigeriuw  a?zimabws  vesfris,  &c. 

[75] 

Owre  swete  lord  god  of1  heuen  fat1  no  man  wil 
perische  but  wol  fat1  we  comen  alle  to  fe 
knowleclie  of1  him  and  to  fe  blisful  lif1 
fat1  is  perdurable  /  [76]  ammonestith  vs  by  fe 
prophet1  leremye  fat1  saith  in  fis  wise 
[77]  *R  Stondeth  vpon  fe  weyes  and  seef  &  axef 
of1  olde  pathes  fat1  is  to  sayn  of1  old  sentence 
which  is  f  e  good  way .  [78]  [  .  .  .no  gap  in  the  MS.] 
and  $e  schul  fynde  refresshyng1  for  ^oure  soules  &&. 
[79]  IT  Many  ben  fe  wayes  espirituels  fat1  leden  folk1 
to  oure  lord  Ihu  cn'st/.  and  to  fe  regne  of  glorie. 
[80]  Of1  whiche  weyes  fer  is  a  ful  noble  way  and  ful 
couenable  which  may  not1  faile  to  man  ne  to 
womman  fat1  forugfi.  synne  haf  mysgon  fro  fe  right1 
way  of1  Jerusalem  celestial  [81]  and  fis  wey  is  cleped 
penitence  11  Of1  which  merc  schulden  gladly  herken  and 
enquere  wif  al  here  herte  [82]  to  wyte  what  is  penitence 
and  whens  it  is  cleped  penitence  and  in  what1  maner  and  in 
how  many  maners  been  f  e  acciones  or  workynges  of1  pe- 
naunce  [83]  and  how  many  spieces  ben  of1  penitences  & 
whiche  f  inges  apperteynen  and  byhouen  to  penitence .  and 
whiche  f  inges  destourben  penitence 


594    SIX-TEXT 

600    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

[84]  IF  Seint1  ambrose  saij).  J>atf  penitence  is  ]?e 
pleynywg  Jof  man  for  J)e  gulf  pat1  he  ha]?  doon.  and  no 
more  to  do  ony  Jnng1  for  which  him  oughte  to  pleigne 
[85]  IF  And  som  doctour  saith.  penitence  is  wayment- 
ynyge  of  man  pat1  sorwejj  for  his  synne  and  peynej) 
himself1  for  he  haj>  mysdoon  [86]  IF  Penite?zce  wip 
certeyn  CiVcumstauwces  1  is  verray  repentaunce  of  man  fiat 
holt*  himself1  in  sorwe  and  in  woo  for  his  giltes 
[87]  IF  And  for  he  schal  be  verray  penitent  f  he  schal  first/ 
bywaile  pe  synnes  pat1  he  hap  do  and  stedfastly 
p?^rposen  in  his  hert  to  hauen  schrifte  of  mouth .  and  to 
doon  satisfacckwn  [88]  and  neuer  to  do  ping1  for  which 
him  oughte  more  to  by wayle  or  to  complayne .  and  to  con 
tinue  in  goode  werkes  or  elles  his  repentazmce  may  nou}^ 
auayle  [89]  For  as  saith  seint  Isidre  1F  he  is  a  iapere  and 
a  gabbere  and  no  verray  repenta?/ntf  patf  eft1  soone  dop 
ping1  for  which  him  oughte  to  repente  f  [90]  wepynge .  and 
nou^t  for  to  stynte  to  doon  synne  may  nou^t1  auayle  [91] 
IF  But  napeles  men  schal  hope  ]?af  at1  euery  tyme  J>at  men 
fallith .  be  it1  neuer  so  ofte  i  pat1  he  may  arise  porugh"  peni 
tence  if  he  haue  grace  1F  But1  certeyn  it  is  a  gret  doute . 
[92]  For  as  saith  seint  Gregory.  Vnnejje  arist1  he  out 
of  his  synne  ]>at  is  charged  wij)  Jje  charge  of  yuel  vsage 
[93]  ^  And  f>erfore  repentaunt  folk1  J>af  stinte  for  to 
synne  and  forlete  synne  er  J>at  synne  forlete  hem.  holy 
chirche  holt1  hem  siker  of  her  sauacioun .  [94]  And 
he  jjat  synneth  and  verraily  repentith  him  in  his  last1  ende  f 
holy  chirche  3it  hope])  his  sauacioim  by  J)e  grete 
mercy  of  cure  lord  ihu  cn'st/  for  his  repentawnce.  but* 
take  ])e  siker  way 

[95]  1F  And  now  sij)  ))att  I  haue  declared  3ow  what 
Jjing1  is  penitence,  now  schul  ^e  vnderstonde  J)af  ])er 
ben  J>re  acciou?is  of  penitence  [96]  IF  The  first*  ia 
J>atf  if  a  man  be  baptised  after  j)at*  he  haj) 
synned.  [97]  Seint  augustyn  saith  but  if  he  be  penitent1 
for  his  olde  synful  lif '.  he  may  not1  bygynne  J)e  newe 

back] 


SIX-TEXT    595 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7331     601 

clene  lif1  [98]  1T  For  certes  if*  lie  be  baptised  wifoute 
penitence  of*  his  olde  gilt1,  lie  receyueth  fe  mark1  of1 
baptisme  f  but  noi^t  fe  grace  ne  fe  remissiown  of*  liis 
sywnes  til  he  haue  repentauw/ce  verray  [99]  1T  Anofer 
defaute  is  fis  fat1  men  doon  deedly  synne  after  fat1 
fay  haue  receyued  baptisme  [100]  IT  fe  fridde  defaute 
is  fat1  men  fallen  in  to  venial  synne  after  here  baptisme 
fro  day  to  day.  [101]  J>er  of1  saif  seint  austyn 
IT  That*  penitence  of1  goode  mew  and  of1  humble  1folkH  is  fe 
penite?is  of1  euery  day 

[102]  IT  The  spices  of*  penitence  ben  thre  IT  That1  oon 
of*  hem  is  solempne  11  Anofer  is  comune  H  And  fe 
fridde  is  pryue  [103]  5T  Thilke  penawnce  fat  is  so 
lempne  is  \n  tuo  maners  as  is  to  be  put1  out1  of1  holy 
chirche  in  lente  for  slaujtre  ofH  childre  and  such 
maner  ]>iug<  [104]  1F  Anofer  is  whan  a  man 
ha]>  synned  openly .  of4  which  synne  J)e  fame  is  openly 
spoken  in  J?e  contre .  and  J>anne  holy  chirche  by  iugge- 
ment1  streyneth  him  to  doon  open  penaunce  [105] 
51  Comune  penauwce  is  Jiafr  prestos  enioynen  men  comunly  in 
certeyn  caas.  as  for  to  goon  per  aduenture  naked  in 
pilgrimage  or  barfot1  [106]  5T  Priue  penaunce  is 
filk1  pat  men  doon  alday  for  priue  synnes  of*  whiche 
we  schryue  vs  proiely  and  receyuen  priue  penaunce 

[107]  IT. Now  schaltf  ]?ou  vnderstonde  what1  bihoueth 
and  is  necessarie  to  verray  parfyt*  penitence,  and  )ns 
stondith  in  ]?re  Binges  [108]  1T  Contricioim  of1  herf  IF  Con- 
fessiown  of1  mouth  5T  And  satisfaccion  .  [109]  5T  For  whiche 
saith  seint1  lohan  Crisostom  11  penitence  distreyneth  a  man 
to  accepte  benignely  euery  peyne  fat1  him  is  enioyned 
with  contriciown  of1  herte  and  schrift1  of1  mouth  with  satis- 
faccioun  and  in •  working1  of1  alle  maner  humblete  [no] 
and  j)is  is  f ruytful  penitence .  agayn  fre  fioges  in  whiche 
we  wrafjje  our  lord  iftu  cn'st/.  [in]  fis  is  to  sayn 
by  delit  in  finking1  IT  By  rechelesnes  in  speking1 
11  By  wicked  synful  werkyng1  [112]  -IT  Again  fese 


596    SIX-TEXT 

602     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

f  re  wickid  gultes  is  penitence  fat1  may  be  likned  vnto  a  tre 
[113]  IT  The  roote  of1  J>is  tre  is  contriciozm  fat1  hydif 
him  in  f  e  hert/  of1  him  fat1  is  verray  repentazmt  IT  Right1  as 
fe  roote  of1  a  tree  hide])  him  in  fe  eorfe.  [114]  of1  fe 
roote  of1  contriciozm  springeth  a  stalk1  fat1  bereth  braunches 
and  leeues  of1  confessiozm  and  fruyt1  of1  satisfacciown  [115] 
U  For  whiche  cr/st  saith  in  his  gospel  1T  Doth  digne  fruyt1  of1 
penitence.  For  by  fis  fruyt1  may  men  knowe  fis 
tree  and  noi^t1  by  fe  roote  fat1  is  hyd  in  fe  hert1 
of1  a  man  ne  by  fe  braunches  ne  the  leuys  of1  confessiozm 
[116]  U  And  f erf  ore  oure  lord  ihu  m'sf  saif  fus  H  By 
fe  fruyt1  of1  hem  schul  30  knowe  hem  [117]  U  Of1  fis 
roote  eefc  springef  a  seed  of1  grace,  fe  which  seed  is 
mooder  of1  sikurnes  IT  And  fis  seed  is  egre  and  hoot 
[118]  IT  The  grace  of1  fis  seed  springeth  of1  god  forugh  re- 
membrauwce  of1  fe  day  of1  doom  and  of1  fe  peynes  of1 
helle  [119]  H  Of1  jris  matier  saith  Salomon  fat1  in  fe 
drede  of1  god  man  forleteth  his  synne  [120]  air  The  hete 
of1  fis  seed  is  fe  loue  of1  god  &  fe  desiring1  of1  fe 
ioye  perdurable  [121]  U  )?is  hete  draweth  fe  hert  of1 
man  to  god  and  dof  him  hate  his  synne  [122]  IF  For 
sofe  fer  is  no  fing1  fat  seruef  so  wel  to  a  child 
as  f  e  mylk1  of1  his  norice  H  Ne  no  f  ing1  is  to  him  more  abhom- 
inable  fan  fe  milk1  whan  it  is  melled 
mete.  [123]  U  Right1  so  fe  synful  man  fat/  louef 
his  synne .  him  semeth  it  is  to  him  most1  swete  of1 
eny  fing1  [124]  II  But1  fro  fat1  tyme  he  louef  sadly 
oure  lord  ihu  cnsf  and  desiref  fe  lif1  perdurable,  fer 
nys  to  him  no  fing1  more  abhominable  /  [125]  for 
Diiexi  legew  tuaw  sof  ly  f  e  lawe  of1  god  is  f  e  loue  of1  god  U  For  which 
Dauyd  saith  U  I  haue  loued  fy  lawe  and  hated 
wikkednesse  and  hate  U  he  fat1  louef  god  kepeth  his  lawe 
and  his  word  [126]  U  This  tree  saugh  the  prophete  daniel 
in  spirit1  vpon  f  e  auysk^m  of1  Kabugodonosor  whan  he  coun 
selled  him  to  do  penaunce.  [127]  1T  Penaunce  is  tre 
of1  lif1  to  hem  fat1  if  receyuen  and  fat  holdeth 

[i  tea/ 253,  6acfc] 


SIX-TEXT    597 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     603 

in    verray   penitence    is    blessed    after    pe    sentence    of* 
Salomon 

[128]  In  pis  penitence  or  contriciozm  f  men  schal  vn- 
derstonde  foure  Binges  that1  is  to  sayn  what  is  contriciown 
and  whiche  ben  pe  causes  pat1  moeuen  men  to  con- 
triciown  and  how  he  schulde  be  contrit  and  what1  con- 
triciown  auaileth  to  pe  soule  [129]  H  fanne  it  is  pus 
pat  contriciown  is  pe  verray  sorwe  pat1  a  man  receyuep 
in  his  herte  for  his  synnes  wip  sad  pwrpos  to  schryue 
him  and  to  doo  penaunce  and  neuer  more  to  don  synne. 
[130]  1T  And  pis  sorwe  schal  be  in  pis  maner  as  saith 
seintt  Bemad  IT  It1  schal  ben  heuy  and  greuous  and  ful 
scharp  and  poyna?mt  in  herte  [131]  1T  First1  for  man  ha]) 
agilted  his  lord  and  his  creatour  and  more  scharp  and 
poynauwf.  For  he  hap  agiltid  his  fader  celestial.  [132]  and 
jit1  more  scharp  and  poynawnt  for  he  hap  wratthed  and 
agilt1  him  pat1  boujt1  hi/ft  wip  his  -precious  blood 
and  hap  delyuered  vs  fro  pe  bondes  of1  synne  and  fro  J>e 
cruelte  of1  pe  deuel  and  fro  pe  peynes  of1  helle  // 


IT  be  causes  bat1  oughten  to  moeue  a  man  to  con-  T  sex  su«t  cause 

que  raouent 

tricioun.  ben  .vj.     11  First1  a  man  schal  remembre  him  or  hominej  ad  cou- 
his     synnes.      [134]      hut      loke     pat1      pilke     remem 
brance  be  to  no  delyt1  of1  him  by  no  way  but1  gret1  schame 
and  sorwe  for  his  gilt1  .  For  lob  .  saith  pat  synf  ul  men  doon 
werkes   worpy   of1    confessiown    [135]    and    perfor    saith 
Ejechiel   U   I   wol   remembre   alle   pe   ^eres   of1    my   lyf1 
in   bitternesse   of1    my?^   herf  .    [136]    and   god   saith  in 
thapocalips.    1Eemembre    3ow   from   whens    pat4   ^e   ben 
falle  .  For  biforn   pat1  tynie  pat1  ^e   synned  .   ^e  were  pe 
children  of1  god  [     ......  no  gap]  [137]  IT  But1 

for  ^oure  synne  $e  be  woxe  pral  and  foul  and 
membres  of1  pe  feend  .  hate  of1  aungels  .  sclaunder  of1  holy 
chirche  &  foode  of1  pe  fals  serpent,  perpetual  matier 
of1  pe  fuyr  of1  helle  [138]  IT  and  ^et1  more  foule  and  abhom- 
inable  For  }e  trespassen  so  ofte  tyme  as  dop  pe  hound 
pat1  tornep  to  etc  his  spewyng1  .  [J39]  &  jet 

P  tea/  254] 


598    SIX-TEXT 

604    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

39  ben  fouler  for  ^oure  longe  continuyng*  in  synne  and 
3oure  synful  vsage .  for  whiche  36  ben  roten  in  3oure 
synne  as  a  beest*  in  his  donge  [140]  IT  Suche  maner  of* 
poughtes  make  a  ma?^  haue  schame  of*  his  synne 
and  no  delit.  and  god  saip  by  pe  p?-0phete  I3echiel 
[141]  IT  3e  schul  remembre  3ow  of1  3oure  weyes.  &  pay 
schal  displese  3ow  soply  11  Synnes  ben  pe  way  pat* 
leden  folk1  to  helle 

[142]  IT  The  secounde  cause  pat*  oughte  make  a  man 
to  haue  desdeyn  of*  his  synne  is  pis .  pat*  as  seip  seint 
petre  /  IT  who  so  doth  synne  is  pral  of1  synne.  and 
synne  put  a  marc  in  gret*  jrraldom .  [143]  and  per- 
fore  saith  pe  prophcte .  E3echiel .  I  wewte  sorwful  in 
desdeyn  of*  myself*  H  Certes  wel  oughte  a  nia/i 
haue  desdeyn  of*  synne  and  wipdrawe  him  fro  pat* 
praldom  and  vilonye.  [144]  and  lo  what*  saip  Seneca. 
in  pis  matiere.  he  saip  pus  U  Though  I  wiste  J>at*  god 
nere  god .  man  schulde  neuer  knowe  it* :  3}^ 
wold  I  haue  disdeyn  for  to  do  synne  [145]  and  J)e 
same  Seneca  also  saith  11  I  am  born  to  gretter  jnnges 
pan  to  be  pral  to  my  body  or  pan  for  to  make  of*  my 
body  a  pral  [146]  IT  Ne  a  fouler  pral  may  no  ma?z  ne 
womman  make  of*  his  body  pan  3iue  his  body 
to  synne  [147]  U  And  were  it*  pe  foulest*  cherl  or  pe 
foulest*  wo??m^tt  pat*  lyuep  and  lest*  of*  value  f  3et*  is 
parme  synne  more  foul  and  more  in  seruitute  [148]  Euer 
fro  pe  heigher  dege  pat*  man  fallip  pe  more  he  is 
pral  and  more  to  god  vile  and  abhomin- 
able  [149]  IT  0  goode  god  wel  oughte  a  marc  haue  gret  disdayn 
o  such  a  pi?ig*  pat*  porugh  syune  per  he  was  free 
now  is  he  maked  bonde.  [150]  an  perfore  saip  seint 
austyn  H  If*  pou  hast*  disdayn  [  .  .  .no  gap]  pat*  pou 
piself*  schuldest*  doon  synne  f  haue  pou  parcne  desdeyn  pat* 
pou  piself*  schuldist*  do  synne.  [151]  tak*  reward  of*  py 
value  pat*  pou  be  nou3t*  to  foul  in  piself*  [152] 
Alias  wel  oughte  mew  haue  disdeyn  to  be 


SIX-TEXT    599 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     605 


&    fralles    to    synne.    &   sore   ben    aschamed 
of*    hemself    [153]     f#t*    god    of    his    endeles    1goodnes 
ha]?  set  hem  in  heigh  estate  or  ^euen  hem  witte  .   strengj) 
of*     "body,      hele  .      beaute.      pmspente.      [154]      and 
bought1    hem    fro    f  e    def    wif     his     herte    blood     fat1 
fay    so     vnkyndely    a3einst     his    gentilesce    quyten     so 
vileynsly  to    sla^ter   of   her   onghne  soules    [155]    IT  0 
goode    god    36    wommen    fat*    ben    of1    so    gret    beaute 
reme?ftbref    ^ow  of1   f  e    prouerbe  of1  Salamon   fat1   saith  . 
[156]  he  likeneth  a  fair  wxmman  fat  is  a  fool  of  hir  body  . 
to    a   ryng*  of   gold    fat1   were    in    fe   groyn  of   a   so  we 
[157]  U  For  right*  as  a  sowe  wrotef  in  euerich  ordure  f  so 
wrootith  sche  hir  beaute  in  stynkywg*  ordure  of  synne 

[158]    U  The   fridde  cause    fat*   ou^te   moeue  a  man 
to  contriciown    is    drede  of    fe  day  of  doome  .  &  of    fe 
orrible  peynes  of  helle  [159]  IT  For  as  seint  leroin  saith. 
At*  euery  tyme  f  at*  I  remembre  of  f  e  day  of  doom  f    I 
quake  [160]  H  For  whan  I  ete  or  drinke  or  what*  so  fat*  I 
doo  euer  semeth  me  fat*  f  e  trompe  sownef  in  myn  eere  . 
[161]    Eiseth  36  vp  fat*    ben    deede  /  and  comef  to    fe 
luggemewt  [162]  U  0  goode  god.  mochil  ought*  a  man  to 
drede    such    a    iuggemewt.     fer    as    we     schul    be    alle 
as   seif   seint1    poul    Biforn    fe    sete    of    our    lord    ihfi 
cf't'st1    [163]    wher    as    he    schal    make    a    gene?-al    con- 
gregaciown  wher   as  no  mara  may  ben  absent*.    [164]  for 
certes      fer     auaylef      non      essoyne      ne      excusacio?/n 
[165]  If   And   nou3f   oonly   fat*    oure   defaute   schal    be 
[     .......     ......     no  gap\  openly 

knowen.  [166]  and  as  seini  Bernard  saif  11  Ther 
schal  no  pleynywg1  auayle  ne  no  sleight  H  we  schuln  3iue 
rekenywg1  of  euerj  ydel  word  [167]  II  Ther  schulle  we  haue 
a  luge  fat*  may  nou3t*  be  disceyued  ne  corupt1  .  and  why  f 
For  certes  alle  oure  foughtes  ben  descouered  as  to  him 
ne  for  prayer  ne  for  meede  he  nyl  not  /  be  corupt 
[168]  U  And  ferfor  saif  Salamorc  H  The  wraf  fe  of  god  ne  wol 
not*  be  corrupt  11  And  ferfor  saif  Salo???on  H  The  wraf  of 

L1  tea/  254,  fcacJt] 


GOO    SIX-TEXT 

606     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

god  ne  wol  nou^t1  spare  no  wigftt1  for  praier  ne  for  }if  te  U  And 
Jjerfore  at*  j?e  day  of  doome  per  is  noon  hope  to  eslicape 
[169]  wherfor  as  seint1  anselm  seij)  IT  Ful  greet 
anguisch  schuln  Jje  synful  folk1  haue  at1  fiat1  tyme 
[170]  IF  fiere  schal  Jje  sterne  and  f>e  wroj?  lugge  sitte  aboue 
and  vnder  him  fie  horrible  put1  of1  helle  open  to  de- 
stroye  him  fat1  mot1  byknowe  his  synnes  which 
synnes  openly  ben  schewed  byforn  god  and  biforn 
euery  creature  [171]  U  and  on  ]?e  lift1  syde  mo  deuelis 
fian  herte  may  Jjynke  for  to  hary  and  to  drawe 
f>e  synful  to  pyne  of1  helle  [172]  U  And  wijj- 
inne  pe  hertes  of1  folkH  schal  be  fie  byty??g  l  conscience 
and  wijwute  for])  schal  be  j)e  world  al  brennyng1 
[173]  H  winder  schal  jmnne  fie  wrecche  synful  ma?i .  Flee 
to  hyden  himf  Certes  he  may  not1  hyde  him.  he  moot1 
come  for]}  and  schewe  him  [174]  IT  For  certes  as  seith 
seyjzt1  lerom  11  The  erjje  schal  caste  him  out/  of1  him 
and  J?e  see  also  and  fe  aer  also  jmt1  schal  be  ful  of1 
Jmnder-clappes  and  lightny?<ges  [175]  U  Now  so]?ly 
who-so  wel  remembrith  him  of  fiese  tydyngesf  I  gesse 
his  synne  schal  not1  torne  him  to  delit1  but/  to  grefr 
sorw  for  drede  ofH  ]>Q  peyne  of1  helle.  [176]  and  ]>er- 
fore  saij?  lob.  to  god  H  Suffre  lord  fiat1  I  may  a  while 
biwayle  and  wepe  or  I  go  wij?  oute  retouruy^ge  to  fje 
derk1  lond  couered  wij>  derknes  of*  dej?  [J77] 
to  J)e  lond  of1  mysese  and  of1  derknesse  wher  as  is  )>e 
schadow  of1  deth.  wher  as  is  noon  order  [ne] 
ordinawnce  but1  grislich  drede  fat1  euer  schal  last  [178] 
U  loo  her  may  30  see  fiat1  lob  prayde  respit  a  while 
to  wepe  and  biwayle  his  trespas  H  For  forsojje  oon  day  of1 
respit  is  bettre  f>an  al  jje  tresor  in  fiis  world.  [179]  and 
for  as  moche  as  a  marc  may  aquyte  himself1  byforn  god 
by  penauwce  in  J>is  world  and  not1  by  tresor  f  ferfore 
schuld  he  praye  to  god  ^iue  him  respit  a  while  to 
wepe  and  to  waile  his  trespas.  [180]  for  certes  al 
[ .  no  gap] 

[i  leaf  255J 


SIX-TEXT    601 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     607 

fe  world  nys  but1  a  litel  fing1  at1  regard  of1  fe  sorwe 
of*  helle  [181]  H  The  cause  why  fat  lob.  callej)  helle 
fe  lond  of1  derknesi  [182]  vnderstondith  fat1  he 
clepith  it  lond  or  eorfe  for  it  is  stable  and  neuer  schal 
fayle .  derk1  f  for  he  fat1  is  ift  helle  hat  defaut/  of1 
light1  material.  [183]  for  certes  fe  derke  light1  fat1  schal 
come  out1  of1  f e  fuyr  fat1  euer  schal  bre?me  /  schal  tome 
him  to  peyne  fat1  is  in  helle  for  it  schewif  him  to 
forrible  deueles  fat1  him  tormenteii)  [184]  couered  wif 
the  derknes  of1  deth  fat1  is  to  sayn  fat1  he  fat  is  in 
helle  schal  haue  defaute  of1  f  e  sight1  of1  god  U  For  certes 
fe  sight1  of1  god  is  fe  lif1  perdurable.  [185]  fe  derk 
nes  of1  deth  ben  fe  synnes  fat1  fe  wrecchid  ma^ 
haf  doon  whiche  fat1  stourben  him  to  see  fe  face 
of1  god  right1  as  a  derk1  cloude  dof  bitwixe  vs  and  fe 
sonne  [186]  IT  lond  of1  myseysef  By  cause  fat  fere  ben 
fre  rnaner  of1  defautes  agains  fre  finges  fat1  folk1 
of1  fis  world  han  in  fis  present  lif1  fat1  is  to  sayn. 
honures.  delices.  and  richesses  [187]  11  Agayns  honours, 
han  fey  in  helle  /  schame  and  confusiozm .  [188]  For  wel  30 
witen  fat1  me«  clepyn  honure  fe  reuerence  fat1  men 
doon  to  fe  marc .  but1  in  helle  is  1noon  honowr  ne  reuerence . 
for  certes  no  more  reuerence  schal  ben  doon  to  a 
kyng1  fan  to  a  knaue  [189]  II  For  which  god  saif  by 
f  e  prophete  leremie  U  Thilke  folk/  fat1  me  displesen  schul 
be  despit  [190]  U  Honour  is  eke  cleped  gret  lord- 
schipe .  fere  schal  no  wight  seruen  of ir  but1  of1  harm  and 
of1  torme?^t  H  honour  eek1  is  cleped  gret1  dignite  and  heigh- 
nesf  but1  in  helle  schulle  fay  be  al  fortrode  of1  deueles 
[191]  H  And  god  saith.  thorrible  deueles  schuln  goon  and 
comen  vpon  fe  heedes  of1  dampned  folk1.  And  fis 
is  for  als  moche  as  f  e  heyher  fat  fay  were  in  fis  present 
lif1  f  f  e  more  schuln  fay  ben  abatid  and  defouled  in 
helle  [192]  U  Agayns  riches  of1  fis  world  schuln 
fay  han  mysese  of1  pouert.  A  fis  pouert1  schal  be 
in  .iiij.  finges  [193]  In  defaut1  of1  tresor  of1  which  as 


602    SIX-TEXT 

608     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

dauid  saith  U  The  riche  folk1  f  af  embraseden  and  onedin 
in  al  here  herte  f  e  tresor  of  fis  world  .  schuln  slepen  in  fe 
slepyng*  of  deth  and  no  fing1  schuln  fay  fynde  in 
her  hondes  of1  al  her  tresor  [194]  11  &  more-ouer  fe 
mysease  of1  helle  schal  be  in  fe  de-faut  of1  mete  and 
drink1.  [195]  For  god  saith  fus  by  moyses  U  Thay  schul 
be  wasted  by  hunger  and  fe  briddes  of  helle  schuln 
deuoure  he?»  wijj  bittir  teeth  and  fe  galle  of1  fe 
dragown  schal  be  her  drink1  &  fe  venym  of1  fe 
dragoun  here  morsels  [196]  H  And  forfer  more  ouer  her 
misease  schal  be  in  defaut1  of  closing/  for  fay  schul  be  naked 
in  body  as  of  clof  i??g  IT  For  fay  schuln  be  nakid  of1  body 
saue  of1  fuyr  i?i  which  fay  brenne  and  ofer  filfis .  [197]  and 
naked  schuln  fay  be  of  soule .  of  alle  maner  vertues  which 
fat  is  clofing1  of  soule  IF  wher  ben  fa?zne  fe  gaye 
robes,  and  fe  softe  scheetis  and  fe  smale  schirtes.  [198] 
lo  what1  saif  of  hem  fe  prophete  Isaye 
U  vnder  hem  schuln  be  strawed  motthis  and  here 
couertours  schuln  ben  of  wormes  of  helle  [199]  U  And 
forfer  mor  ouer  here  disease  schal  be  in  defaute  of 
frendes.  for  he  is  not  pouere  that  haf  goode  frendes. 
but1  here  is  no  frend.  [200]  For  neyfer  god  ne  no 
creature  schal  be  frend  vnto  hem.  and  euerich  of  hem 
schal  hate  ofer  wif  dedly  hate  [201]  U  The  sones  and 
the  dou^tres  schuln  rebellen  agayns  f  e  fader  and  f  e  mooder 
and  kynrede  agayns  kynrede  and  chiden  and  despisen 
euerich  of  hem  ofer  bofe  day  and  night,  as  god  saith 
by  fe  prophete  Michias  [202]  U  And  fe  louyng1  children 
J>af  whilom  l  loueden  so  fleisschliche  euerych  ofer  f  wolden 
euerych  of  hem  eten  ofer  if  fay  n^ten  [203]  for  how 
schulden  fay  louen  hem  togider  in  f  e  peyne  of  helle  f  whan 
fay  hated  euerych  of  hem  ofer  in  f  e  prosperite  of  f  is  lif . 
[204]  For  trustith  we.1  her  fleisshly  loue  was  dedly  hate 
as  saif  fe  prophefe  dauid.  who-so  fat1  loueth  wickid- 
nes  hatef  his  soule.  [205]  And  who-so  hatif 
his  oiighne  soule .  certis  he  may  loue  noon  ofer  wighf 

[l  tea/256] 


SIX-TEXT    COS 

"GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     609 

in  no  manere  [206]  U  And  ferfore  in  helle  is  no  solace 
ne  frendschipe.  but*  euer  fe  more  flesshly  kynredes 
fat1  ben  in  helle  f  fe  more  cursynges  fe  more  chyd- 
ynges  and  fe  more  deedly  hate  fer  is  amozzg1  hem 
[207]  And  former  ouer  fay  schul  haue  defaute  of1  alle 
manere  delices  H  For  certis  delices  ben  fe  appetites 
of1  }>y  fyue  wittes  as  sight1  hieryng1.  smellyng1.  sauor- 
ing1  and  touching1  [208]  IT  But1  ift  helle  here  sight1  schal  be 
ful  of1  derknesse  /  and  of1  smoke  and  ferfore  ful  of1 
teeris.  and  her  hieryng1  ful  of*  waymentywge  and  of1 
gruntynge  of1  teeth  as  saij)  iflu  crist  //  [209]  IT  here  nose 
furies  schuln  ben  ful  of1  stynkyng1  stynk1.  and  as  saith 
ysaye  f  e  p?-0phete  U  here  sauoringe  schal  be  ful  of1  bitter 
galle .  [210]  and  touchyng1  of1  al  here  body  y-couered 
with  fuyr  fat1  neuer  schal  quenche  /  and  wif  wormes 
fat1  neuer  schuln  deyen  /  as  god  saif  by  fe  mouf  of1 
ysaie  [2 1 1]  H  And  for  al  so  moche  as  fay  schuln  nou^t/  \vene/ 
fat1  fay  may  deyen  for  peyne  /  and  by  here  deth  fle  fro 
peyne.  fat1  may  fay  vnderstonde  in  fe  word  of1  lob  / 
fat1  saif  H  Ther  as  is  fe  schadow  of1  deth  [212]  U  Certes 
a  schadow  haf  fe  liknesse  of1  the  f  ing1  of1  which  it1  is 

a  schadow .  [ 

no  gap]  [213]  Right  so  fareth  fe  peyne  of1  helle.  it  is 
lik1  def .  for  f  e  horrible  anguisshe .  And  why  f  for  it 
peynef  hem  euer  as  though  men  scholden  deye  anon .  But1 
certes  fay  schul  not1  deye.  [214]  For  as  saith  Seint 
GreGory  H  To  wrecchid  caytifs  shal  be  ^iue  deth  wif  oute 
deth  and  ende  wifoutew  ende  /  and  defaute  withoute?^ 
faylinge.  [215]  For  here  deth  schal  alway  lyuen.  and  here 
ende  schal  euermore  bygynne .  and  here  defaute  schal  not1 
fayle  [216]  5T  And  ferfor  saif  seint1  lohan  fe 
euawngelist  H  fay  schul  folwe  def.  and  fay  schuln 
nou^t1  fynde  him .  and  fay  schul  desire  to  deyen  And  deth 
schal  flee  fro  hem.  [217]  IT  and  eek1  lob.  saif.  faf  in  helle 
is  noon  ordre  of1  rule  [218]  U  And  al  be  it  fat  god  haf 
creat  al  firig1  in  right1  ordre  and  no  f  ing1  wif- 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  2    R 


604    SIX-TEXT 

610     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

oute  ordre.  but  1alle  finges  ben  ordeyned  and  noum- 
bred  f  jit,  naf  eles  fay  fat  ben  dampned  been  noi^fr 
in  ordre  ne  holden  non  ordre  [219]  For  )>e 
eorfe  schal  bere  hem  no  fruyfr  [220]  II  For  as  j?e  prophete 
danid  saif .  God  schal  destroye  fe  fruyt1  ofH  fe  eor]>e  as 
for  hem.  ne  watir  schal  ^iue  hem  no  moysture  ne 
fe  aier  non  refreisching1 .  ne  fuyr  no  light1.  [221]  For  as 
seif  seint1  Basile  II  The  brennyng1  of1  ]?e  fuyr  of1  fis 
world  schal  god  ^iue  i?i  helle  to  he??z  fat1  ben  dampnyd. 
[222]  But  fe  light1  and  fe  clernesse  /  schal  be  }eue  to 
heuene  to  his  childre?z .  Eight1  as  f  e  goode  man  ^eue 
fleisch  to  his  childre?*  and  bones  to  his  homides  /  [223] 
U  And  for  fay  schul  haue  noon  hope  to  eschape .  saif  seint 
lob.  atte  laste  ]>ati  J?er  schal  horrour  and  grisly  drede 
duelle  wi])outew  ende  [224]  11  horrour  is  alway  drede 
of1  harm  \iati  is  to  come .  and  J)is  drede  schal  euer  duelle 
in  J?e  liertes  of1  he??z  J»at  ben  dampnyd.  And  J)£rfore 
han  jmy  lorn  al  here  hope  for  vij.  causes  [225]  11  First1/ 
for  god  Ipatf  is  here  Tugge  schal  be  wi]?oute  mercy  to 
hem  ne  fay  may  not1  please  him  ne  noon  of1  his 
halwes  Ne  fey  may  ^iue  no  fing1  for  here  raunsozm  / 
[226]  ne  fay  haue  no  voice  to  speke  to  him.  ne  Jjay 
may  not  fle  fro  peyne.  ne  fay  haue  no  goodnes  in 
hem.  fat1  fay  may  schewe  to  deliuere  hem  fro  peyne 
[227]  U  And  f  erf  ore  saif>  Salo??ion  /  The  wikked  man 
deyeth .  and  whan  he  is  deed  f  he  schal  haue  noon  hope  to 
eschape  fro  peyne  [228]  U  who-so  wolde  fa?zne  wel  vn- 
derstonde  fese  peynes  and  bythynk1  him  wel  fat1  he 
haf  deserued  filke  peynes  for  his  synnes  II  Certes  he 
schulde  haue  more  talent1  to  sikyn  and  to  wepe  fan  for 
to  synge  or  pleye  [229]  1T  For  as  fat1  Salamow  saijj 
U  who-so  fat  fe  science  to  knowe  fe  peynes  Jjat1 
ben  establid  and  ordeynt  for  synne  f  he  wolde  make 
sorwe  [230]  U  Thilke  science  as  saij?  seint  austyn 
makef  a  man  to  wayment1  in  his  herte 

[231]  U  The  fourfe  poyntt  fat1  oughte  make  a  maw 

[1  leaf  ^56,  6acJt] 


SIX-TEXT    605 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     611 

haue  contricio?m  is  pe  sorwful  reme?nbrcmnce  of1  pe 
good  pat1  he  hath  left1  to  doon  heer  in  eorpe  .  and 
eek1  ]>e  good  pat1  he  ha]?  lorn  [232]  11  Soply  pe  goode 
werkes  pat1  he  hath  left1  f  eyper  pay  been  pe  goode 
werkes  pat1  he  wrought1  er  he  fel  in  to  deedly  synne  f 
or  elles  pai  ben  pe  goode  werkes  pat1  he  [  ..... 
.  .  .  [233]  .....  no  gap  in  the  MS.}  dede 
er  he  fel  into  synne  ben  amortised  .  and  astoneyed 
and  dullid  by  ofte  synnynge  .  [234]  pat1  opere 
goode  werkes  that  he  wroujte  whil  he  lay  in  dedly 
synne  been  outrely  deede  xas  to  pe  lif1  perdurable  in 
heuen  .  [235]  panne  pilke  goode  werkes  pat1  ben 
mortified  by  ofte  synnyng1  whiche  goode  werkes  he  dede 
whiles  he  was  in  charite  ne  mowe  neuer  quyken  agayn 
vrithoiiten  verray  penitence.  [236]  And  Iperofi  saith  god 
by  pe  mouth  of*  E^echiel  II  That1  if1  pe  rightful  man  re- 
tourne  agayn  fro  his  rightwisnesse  and  werke  wikked- 
nesse.  schal  he  liuef  [237]  nay.  For  alle  ]?e  goode  werkes 
fat1  he  ha]?  wrought1  ne  schuln  neuer  be  in  remembrance 
for  he  schal  dye  in  his  synne.  [238]  And  vpon  Jnlke 
chapitre  saith  seint  Gregory  )ms  .  pat1  we  schuln  vnder- 
stonde  |)is  principally  .  [239]  That1  whan  we  doon  dedly 
synne  it  is  for  noi^t  panne  to  reherse  or  to  drawe  in  to 
memorie  pe  goode  werkes  ]>aV  we  han  wrought1  biforn. 
[240]  For  certis  in  pe  werkyng1  of*  Jje  dedly  synne 
per  is  no  trust1  to  no  good  werkes  that*  we  han  don  biforne 
pis  tyme  .  paf  is  to  say  as  for  to  haue  perby  pe  lif1  per 
durable  in  heuen  .  [241]  But1  napeles  pe  goode 
werkes  quiken  agayn  and  comen  again  and  helpen  and 
auailen  to  haue  pe  lif  perdurable  in  heuen  whan  we 
han  contriciown  [242]  H  But1  soply  pe  goode  werkes  pat1 
mew  doon  whil  pat  pai  ben  in  deedly  synne  .  for  as  moche 
as  pay  were  doon  in  dedly  synne  f  pay  may  neuer  quyken 


.....     no  gap  in  the  MS.]   II  And  al  be  it  pat1  pay 
auailen    not1   to    haue    pe    lif1    perdurable  f    ^it1   auaj'len 

P  tea/257]  2    R    2 


606    SIX-TEXT 

612     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

fay  to  abbrigging1  of1  fe  peyne  of1  helle  or  elles  to  gete 
temporal  riches .  [244]  Or  elles  fat1  god  wol  f  e 
rafer  enlumyne  and  ligbtene  fe  hert1  of1  fe  synful 
man  to  baue  repentaurcce .  [245]  and  eek1  fey  auailen 
for  to  vsen  a  man  to  do  goode  werkes  fat1  fe  feend 
haue  fe  lasse  power  of  his  soule.  [246]  U  And  fus  fe 
curteys  lord  inu  m'st1  ne  wolde  nou^t1  no  good  werk1 
be  lost1.  For  in  som  what1  it  schal  auaile.  [247]  But1  for  als 
moche  as  fe  goode  werkes  fat  men  don  whil  fay 
ben  in  good  lif1  ben  amortised  by  synne  folwyng1 
and  eek1  sith  fat1  alle  the  goode  werkes  fat1  men  doon 
whil  fay  ben  in  dedly  synne  been  outrely  deede 
as  for  to  haue  f e  lif  perdurable  f  [248]  wel  may  fat1  man 
fat1  no  goode  werkes  werkif  synge  f ilke  newe  f reisch  song' . 
lay  tout1  perdu  mown  temps  et  mown  labow  [249]  For 
certis  synne  byreueth  a  man  bofe  goodnes  of1  nature 
and  eek1  fe  goodnes  of1  grace  [250]  U  For  sofly 
fe  grace  of1  fe  holy  gost1  faref  lik  fyre  fat1  may  not1 
ben  ydel .  For  fuyr  as  it  forletif  his  werk- 
yng1  it  faileth  anoon  11  And  right1  so  whan  fe  g?'ace 
failef  f  [251]  fan  lesith  fe  synful  rr^  fe  goodnes 
of*  glorie  fat1  oonly  is  by  bight  1to  goode  men  fat  labouren 
and  werken  [252]  U  wel  may  he  be  sory  fa?zne  fat1 
oweth  al  his  lif1  to  god  as  longe  as  he  haf  lyued  and 
eek1  as  longe  as  he  schal  lyue .  fat  no  goodnes  ne  hath 
to  paye  wif  his  dette  to  god  to  whom  he  oweth  al  his 
lyf1.  [253]  For  trustef  wel  he  schal  ^iue  accompt1  as  saif 
seint  Bernard  of1  alle  fe  goodes  fatt  han  be  3euen  him 
in  fis  present  lif1.  &  how  he  hath  hem  dispendid. 
[254]  nat1  so  moche  fat  fer  ne  schal  not  perische  an  heer 
of1  his  heed  ne  a  moment1  of1  an  hour  ne  schal  not1  perische 
of  his  tyme  fat1  he  ne  schal  31116  of  it  a  rekenyrcg . 

[255]  11  The  .vte.  maner  of1  contriciown  fat1  moeuef  a  man 
ferto  is  fe  remembrauwce  of1  fe  passioura  fat1  oure  lord 
ihu  cn'st1  suffred  for.  vs  and  for  our  synnes  [256]  U  For  as  seif 
seint  Bernard  whil  fat1  I  lyue  I  schal  haue  remem- 

[»  Jeo/257,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    607 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     613 

braunce  of*  pe  passiozm  pctf  oure  lord  ihu  cn'st1  suffred  for 
vs  in  preening1.  [257]  his  werynesse  in  trauayling1  his  tempt- 
acioun  whan  he  fastid.  his  longe  wakinges  whan  he 
prayde  his  teeres  whan  he  wepte  for  pite  of1 
good  peple  [258]  pe  wo  and  pe  schame  and  pe 
filthe  pat1  men  saide  to  him  ofte  foul  spittyng1 
pat  men  spitten  on  his  face.  Of1  J>e  buffettis  fat1  men 
^af1  him  of*  pe  foule  mowes  and  of1  pe  re- 
proues  pat1  men  to  him  saiden  [259]  ofH  ])e  nayles 
with  whiche  he  was  nayled  to  pe  cros  and  of1  al  pe 
remenawit1  of1  his  passiown  pat1  he  sufFred  for  my  synnes 
and  no  piftg1  for  his  gilt  [260]  IT  And  30  schal  vnder- 
stonde  pat1  in  marmes  synne  is  euery  maner  ordre 
of1  ordinau/ice  turned  vpso-doura.  [261]  U  For  it  is  so]) 
pat  god  &  rescue  and  sensualite  and  pe  body  of1  man 
be  so  ordeyned  that  euerich  of1  pese  .iiij. 
schulde  haue  lordschipe  ouer  [  .  .  [262]  .... 

no  gap  in  the  MS.~\   resozm  and  resown  ouer 

sensualite .  and  sensualite  ouer  £e  body  of1  maw . 
[263]  H  But1  so]>ly  whan  ma^  synnej)  al  ]?is  ordre  or 
ordinawnce  is  torned  vpso-dou?z  [264]  and 
Jjawne  for  as  moche  as  Jje  resown  of1  a  man  ne  wol  not1  be 
subiect  ne  obeissant  to  god  J>af  is  his  lord  by  right  f  ]>er- 
fore  lesith  it  ]>e  lordschipe  fat  it  schulde  haue  in 
sensualite  and  eek1  ouer  J>e  body  of1  man.  [265]  And 
why  f  For  sensualite  rebellith  jjanne  agayns  resown .  And 
by  J>at  way  lesith  resoun  J>e  lordschipe  ouer  sensualite 
and  ouer  }?e  body.  [266]  For  right1  as  resoun  is  rebel  to 
godf  Eight1  so  is  bo]?e  sensualite  rebel  to  resown  and 
]>e  body  also  [267]  And  certis  pis  disordynaunce  and 
pis  rebellious  oure  lord  ihu  cn'st1  bought*  vpon  his 
precious  body  ful  deere  H  And  herkeneth  in  which  wise 
[268]  1U  For  as  moche  as  resouw  is  rebel  to  godf  \er- 
f ore  is  man  worpy  to  haue  sorwe  and  to  be  deed . 
[269]  pis  suffred  oure  lord  ifru  cn'st1  for  maw  and  after  pat* 
he  was  bytraysed  of1  his  disciple  and  destreyned  and 


608    SIX-TEXT 

614    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

bounde  so  pat1  pe  blood  brast1  out1  at1  Query  nayl  of1  his 
hoiides  as  saith  seint  austyn  [270]  IT  And  former  ouer 
for  as  moclril  as  resoun  of*  man  wol  nought1  daunte  sensu- 
alite  whan  it  may  perfore  is  man  worpy  to  haue  schame 
U  And  pis  suffred  oure  lord  ihu  crisV  for  man  whan  pay 
spitten  in  his  face  [271]  And  former  ouer  panne  for  as 
moche  as  pe  caytif1  body  of1  man  is  rebelle 
bope  to  rescue  and  to  sensualite.  perfore  it  is  worpy  pe 
deth  [272]  U  And  pis  sufFred  oure  lord  ihu  cn'st1  for  vs 
vpon  pe  croys  wher  as  per  was  no  part1  of1  his  body 
fre  wipoute  gret  peyne  and  bitter  passiozm  [273] 
IT  And  al  pis  sufFred  ihu  cn'sfr  pat1  neuer  forfeted . 

[ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  So  mochil  am  I  streyned  for  pe 
pinges  pat  I  neuer  deseruyd  and  to  moche  defouled 
for  schendschip  pat  marc  is  worthy  to  haue  [274]  And  \er- 
fore  may  pe  synful  man  wel  saye  as  saith  sent  Bernard 

H  Acursed  be  pe  bitternesse .          

no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  [275]  For  certis 

after  pe  dyuers  discordaunces  of1  oure  wickednes  was 
pe  passiown  of*  oure  lord  ihu  cmt/  ordeyned  in  diue?'s  pinges 
[276]  U  As  pus.  Certis  sinful  mawnes  soule  is  bytraysid 
of1  pe  deuel  by  coueitise  of*  temporal  prosperite  and 
scorned  by  disceyt  whan  he  chesep  fleischly  delytes  and 
3it  is  it1  tormentid  by  impacience  of1  aduersite  and  byspit* 
by  se?-uage  and  subieccioz^n  of1  synne .  and  atte  last1  it  is 
slayn  finally  [277]  U  For  pis  discordau/zce  of1  synful  ma?& 
was  Ihu  c?*zst  first1  bytraised  and  after  was  he  bounde 
that  com  for  to  vnbynden  vs  fro  synne  and  of1  peyne  [278] 
U  Than  was  he  scorned  f  pat1  oonly  schulde  be 
honoured  in  alle  ping1  of1  alle  pinges.  [279] 
H  Than  was  his  visage  pat1  oughte  be  desired  to  be  say 
of1  al  ma?z-kynde .  In  which  visage  aungels  desiren  to 
loke  vileynsly  byspit .  [280]  Thanne  was  he  scorned 
pat  no  ping1  had  agilt1.  and  fynally  panne  was  he 
crucified  and  slayn  [281]  Thanne  was  accornplised  pe 


SIX-TEXT    609 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     615 

word  of1  ysaye  U  He  was  woundid  for 
oure  mysdede  and  defouled  by  oure  felonyes  [282] 
U  Now  sith  ihu  c?^'st<  tok1  vpon  liim  Jnlke 
peyne  of1  alle  oure  wikkednes  f  Mochil  ougfrte  synful 
men  wepe  and  bywayle  Jjaf  for  his  synnes  schulde  goddes 
sone  of1  heuene  al  J)is  endure  [283]  II  The  .vjte. 
fing1  fat  ou^te  to  moeue  a  man  to  contricioim  is  fe  hope 
of1  fre  f  inges .  fat1  is  to  sayn .  for^euenes  of1  synne 
and  fe  }ifte  of1  grace  wel  Jfor  to  do.  and  fe  glorie  of1 
heuen  wif  which  god  schal  guerdo?m  marc  for  his 
goode  deedis  [284]  II  And  for  als  moche  as  ihu  cn'st1 
^eueth  vs  fese  jiftes  of1  his  largesse  and  of1  his  souerayn 
bountef  ferfore  is  he  cleped.  Ifrc  najarenus  rex 
ludeonm  [285]  11  Ihu  is  for  to  say  saueour  or  sa- 
uaciozm  of1  whom  me  schal  hope  to  haue  for^euenes  of1 
synnes  which  J?at  is  proprely  sauaciown  of1  synnes 
[286]  H  And  Jjerfore  seyde  pe  aungel  to  loseph  H  Thow 
clepe  his  name  IRc  Jjafr  schal  saue  his  poeple  of1  here 
synnes  [287]  H  And  her  of1  saith  Seintf  petir  IT  Ther  is 
noon,  o]?er  name  vnder  heuen  jjat1  is  ^eue  to  any  man 
by  which  a  man  may  be  sauyd.  but1  oonly  Ifrc  [288] 
na^arenws  is  as  moche  to  say  as  florisching1  in 
which  a  maw  schal  hope  Jjaf  he  J>af  ^eueth  him  remissiozm 
of1  synnes  schal  ^iue  him  grace  wel  wel  to  doo  U  For 
in  J>e  flour  is  hope  of1  fruyt  /  in  tyme  comynge .  And  in 
fo^iuenes  hope  of1  grace  wel  to  do  [289]  IT  I 
was  at1  J>e  dore  of1  J>in  herte  saij)  Ifrc  and  cleped  for  to 
entre.  he  fat1  openith  to  me.  schal  haue  foi^euenes  of* 
synne.  [290]  I  wol  entre  into  him  by  my  grace  and 
soupe  with  him  by  J?e  goode  workes  J?at  he  schal  doon 
whiche  werkes  ben  pe  foode  of1  god  IT  And  he  schal  soupe 
wij?  me  by  ]?e  grete  ioye  fat  I  schal  ^iue  him  [291] 
H  Thus  schal  marc  hope  J?af  for  his  werkis  of1  penazmce 
god  schal  ^iue  him  his  regne  as  he  bihetith  him  in  ]?e 
gospel 

[292]     Now      schal      man      vnderstonde      in     what1 


610    SIX-TEXT 

616     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

maner  schal  be  his  contriciown  U  I  say  it  schal 
be  vniuersal  and  total  IT  fis  is  to  say.  a  maw  schal  be 
verr'ay  repentawnt1  for  alle  his  synnes  fat1  he  ha])  doon  in 
delyt1  of  his  fought1  for  delif  is  ful  perilous  [293]  U  For  f  er 

ben  tuo  maners  of1  consentynge  [ 

no  gap]  of1  affecciozm  whan  a  man  is  moeued 

to  synne  &  delitith  him  longe  for  to  finke  on 
fat1  synne.  [294]  and  his  resoun  aparceyueth  wel  fat1 
it  is  synne  agayns  fe  lawe  of1  god.  &  jit  his  resoura 
refreynef  not1  his  foule  delit1  or  talent1  f  ough  he  seth  wel 
apertly  fat1  it  is  ajenst1/  fe  reuerence  of1  god  al  fougll 
his  resou?z  consente  not  to  do  fe  synne  in  dedef 
[295]  jit  sayn  some  doctours  delyt1  fat1 
duellith  longe  it  is  ful  perilous  al  be  it  neuer  so  lite 
[296]  U  And  also  a  ma?z  schulde  sorwe  namely  for  al 
fat1  he  haf  desired  agayn  fe  lawe  of1  god  wif 
pa?-fyt  consentynge  of1  his  hert  and  of1  his  resozm  U  For  f  erof1 

is  no  doute  fat  it  is  dedly  synne  [297]  [ 

no  gap]  fat  it  nas  first1  in  mannes 

fought.  &  after  fat1  in  his  delit/  and  so  forf  in  to 
consentyng1  and  in  to  dede  [298]  U  wherfore  say  I  fat1 
many  men  repente  hem  neuer  1of1  suche  foughtes  and 
delitis.  ne  neuer  schriue  hein  of1  hit.  but1  oonly  of1  fe 
dede  of1  grete  synnes  outward  [299]  U  wherfore  I  say 
fat1  suche  wickid  delitis  and  wickid  foujtes  ben 
subtile  bigilours  of1  hem  fat1  schuln  be  dampned  [300] 
U  More  ouer  maft  oughte  to  sorwe  for  his  wicked 
wordes  as  wel  as  his  wikked  dedes.  For  certis 
f  e  repentaunce  of1  a  singuler  synne  &  noujt1  repente  of1  alle 

his  ofer   synnes    [ 

no  gap]  may  noujt 

auaile  [301]  IT  For  certis  god  almighty  is  al  good  and 
f  erf  ore  he  forjeueth  al  or  elles  right1  noujt  [302] 
U  And  here-of1  seif  seint1  augustiw  U  I  wot  certeynly  fat1 
god  is  enemy  to  euery  synnere  [303]  U  And  how  f awne  he 
fat  obseruith  oon  synne  schal  he  haue  remissioun  of1  fe 

P  leaf'Kff] 


SIX-TEXT    611 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.    Harleian  7331     617 

remenant*  of1  his  ofer  synnesf  Nay.  [304]  And  forfer 
ouer  contriciown  schulde  be  wou??<des  sorwful  and  an- 
guisschous  and  ferfore  ^iueth  him  god  pleinly  his 
mercy  If  And  ferfore  whan  my  soule  was  anguissheous 
wifinne  me '.  I  hadde  remembraunce  of1  god  fat* 
my  prayer  migftte  come  to  him  [305]  If  And  former  ouer. 
contriciown  moste  be  continuelly  and  fat1  a  man  haue  stede- 
fast*  purpos  to  schryue  him  and  for  to  amende  him  of* 
his  lyf1  [306]  ^  For  sofly  whil  co?ztriciown  lastith  man 
may  euer  hope  of1  foqeuenes  and  of1  fis  come]? 
hate  of1  synne  fat  destroyeth  synne  bofe  in  himself1 
and  eek*  in  ofer  folk1  at1  his  power  [307]  U  And  f erf ore 
saith  dauid.  36  fat*  louen  godf  hatith  wikkidnesse.  For 
trustij)  wel  for  to  lone  god .  is  for  to  loue  fat1  he  louef . 
and  hate  fat  he  hatif 

[308]  U  The  laste  fing1  fat*  a  man  schuld  vnderstonde  in 
cowtriciown  is  fis.  wher  of1  auailith  contricioun  H  I  say 
fat1  som  tyme  contriciown  deliueref  man  fro  synne 
[309]  of*  which  fat  dauid  saith  If  I  say  quod  dauid . 
fat1  is  to  say.  I  purposid  fermely  to  schryue  me  and 
fou  lord  relesedistt  my  synne  [310]  IT  And  right1  so 
as  contriciown  auailith  naf  wifoute  sad  pwrpos  of1 
schrift1  if1  man  haue  oportunite  f  Eight1  so .  litil  worth  is 
shrifte  or  satisfaccioun  wifoute  contricioun  [311]  If  And 
more  ouer  contricioun  destruyef  fe  pn'soun  of1  helle 
and  makif  wayk1  and  feble  fe  strengthes  of*  fe 
deueles  and  restorith  fe  3  iff  of1  fe  holy  gost/  and 
of1  alle  vertues  [312]  and  it  clensith  fe  soule  of1 
synnes  and  deliueref  fe  soule  fro  fe  peynes  of1  helle 
and  fro  fe  companye  of1  fe  deuel  and  fro  fe  seruage 
of1  synne  and  restorith  to  alle  goode  espiritueles  in 
to  fe  companye  &  communiozm  of*  holy  chirche  [313] 
^1  And  forfer  ouer  it  makith  him  fat*  som  tyme  was 
eone  of*  Iref  1sone  of*  grace  IT  And  alle  fese  finges 
he  prouith  by  holy  writte.  [314]  And  f^rfore  he  fat 
wil  sette  his  herte  to  fese  finges  i  he  were  ful 

P  tea/259,  ftacfc] 


612    SIX-TEXT 

618    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

wys  U  For  sofe  he  scholde  not1  fanne  in  al  his  lyf1 
haue  corrage  to  synne  .  hut  jmen  his  body  and  al  his  herte 
to  fe  seruice  of1  Ihu  cristi  and  ferof1  do  him 
homage  [315]  IT  For  certis  oure  swete  lord  ihu  cn'st1 
ha])  sparid  vs  so  deboneiiy  in  oure  folyes.  fat1  if1  he  ne 
hadde  pite  of  marcnes  soulef  sory  songe  mighte  we  alle 
synge.  II  Explicit1  pr/ma  pars  Incipit  secuMa  pars 
eiusdem 

[No  break  in  the  MS.} 


THe    secounde   partye   of1    penitence   is    confessioun. 
fat1  is  signe  of  contriciown  [317]  IT  Now  schul  30 
vnderstonde     what1     is     confessiown     and     whefir 
it     oughte     needes      be     doon     or     noon  .      A     whiche 
ben  conuenable  to  verray  confessioun 

[318]  U  First*  schalt  fou  vnderstonde  fat1  confessiomi  is 
ve?'rey  schewyng1  of1  synnes  to  fe  prest1  [319]  fis  is  to 
sayn  verray.  For  he  moot1  schewe  him  of1  alle  fe 
condiciowns  fat1  ben  longynge  to  his  synne  as  ferforth  as  he 
can  [320]  al  mot  be  sayd  and  nou^t1  excused  ne 
hyd  ne  forwrappid  and  noi^t  auaunte  him  of1  his  goode 
werkis  [321]  U  And  forjjermore  it  is  necessary  to  vnder 
stonde  whens  Jjat1  synnes  springe  and  how  J>ay 
exersen  .  and  whiche  f>er  ben 

[322]  of1  J>e  springing1  of1  synnes  as  seint  poul  saij) 
in  )>is  wise  IT  That1  right  as  by  a  man  synne  entred  first 
in  to  jns  world  .  and  Jjorugh"  jjat1  synne  deth  f  Right1  so 
filke  deth  entred  in  to  alle  men  J?at  synneden.  [323] 
and  Jris  man  was  adarn  by  whom  fat1  synne  entred  in  to 
J)is  world  whan  he  brak1  J?e  comauwdement  of1  god  . 
[324]  And  Jjerfore  he  Jjat1  first1  was  so  mighty  jjat1  he 
schulde  not  haue  deyed  bicam  si|)])e  on  fat1  he  moste 
needis  deye  whej>ir  he  wolde  or  noon  and  al  his  progenie 
fat1  is  in  Jjis  world  fat1  in  filke  manner  synneden  [325]  U  loke 
fat1  in  f  e  /  .  testate  of1  Innocence  whan  adam  and  Eue 


SIX-TEXT    613 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     619 

makid  were  in  paradys  and  no  fing1  schame  lie  hadden 
of1  her  nakidnesse.  [326]  how  fat1  fe  serpent1  fat1  was 
most1  wyly  of1  alle  ofer  bestis  fat  god  hadde  makid 
sayde  to  fe  wo??iman  IT  why  comaiwdid  god  to  3ow 
30  schulde  nou^t1  ete  of*  euery  tree  in  paradys  [327]  U  The 
wowiman  answerde  IF  Of1  f  e  fruyt  quod  sche  of1  fe  trees 
in  paradys  we  feede  vs  U  But  sofly  of1  fe  fruyt  of1  fe 
tre  fat1  is  in  fe  myddil  of1  paradis.  god  forbad  vs 
for  to  eten  ne  not1  touche  it  lest1  perauenture  we  schulde 
1deye  [328]  1T  The  serpent  sayde  to  fe  womman.  Nay 
nay.  30  schal  not1  drede  of1  deth  for  sofe  god  wot1  fat1 
what  day  30  ete  ferof  3oure  eyen  schal  open 
and  30  schul  ben  as  goddis  knowing1  good  and  harm 
[329]  H  The  wo??zman  saugh  fe  tree  was  good 
to  feedyng1.  and  fair  to  eyen  and  delitable  to 
sight.  She  tok1  of1  fe  fruyt1  of1  fe  tree  and  eet  it1  and 
3af1  it  to  hir  housbond  And  he  eet1  it1  U  And  anoon  f  e  eyen  of1 
hem  bofe  openeden  [330]  And  whan  fat1  fay  knevve 
fat1  fay  were  naked  f  fay  sowede  of1  fige  leues  in  maner 
of1  breches  to  hiden  here  membris  [331]  U  here  may  36 
see  fat1  dedly  synne  haf  first1  suggestiouw  of1  fe 
feend  as  schewef  here  by  fe  neddir.  and  aftirward 
fe  delit1  of1  fe  fleisch  as  schevveth  here  by  eua.  and 
after  fat  fe  consentyng1  of1  resown  as  schewith  by 
adam  [332]  H  For  trustif  wel  fough  so  were  fat1  fe 
feend  temptid  oon.  fat  is  to  sayn  fe  fleissch 
hadde  delit1  in  fe  beaute  of1  fe  fruyt1  defendid. 
3it  certes  til  fat1  resoun  fat1  is  to  say  adam  con- 
sentid  to  f  e  ety/zg1  of1  f  e  fruyt/ .  31^  stood  he  in  f  astaat1 
of1  Innocence  [333]  H  Of1  filk1  adam  took1  we  filke 
synne  original .  for  of1  him  flesschly  descendit1  be  we  alle . 
and  engendrit  of1  vile  and  corrupt1  m[a]tiere  [334]  H  And 
whan  fe  soule  is  put1  in  oure  body  right  anoon  is  con 
tract1  original  synne.  [ 

,     .     no  gap]  [335]  and  ferfore  be  we  alle  I-burn  sones  of1 

['  leaf  200] 


614    SIX-TEXT 

620    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

wraj>J)e  and  of*  dampnacz'cmn  perdurable  if*  it  nere  baptisme 
J?at*  we  resceyuen  which  bynymej)  vs  j>e  oulpe  U  But  for- 
so]?e  J>e  peyne  duellij?  wij?  vs  as  to  temptaciown  which 
peyne  highte  concupiscence  [336]  IT  And  jns  concupiscence 
whan  it  is  wrongfully  disposed  or  ordeyned  in  man  f  hit 
makith  him  to  coueyte  couetise  of1  fleisschly  synne  by  sight 
of1  his  ey}en  as  to  erj?ely  Binges .  and  eek1  coueityse  of1  heigh- 
nesse  as  by  pride  of1  herte 

[337]     Now    as     to     speke     of1     J?e    firste    coueitise 
jjaf    is    concupiscence    after    J?e    lawe    of1    oure    inewbria 

Jjaf  is  [ 

[338]  ........  wo  gap]  nou^tt 

obeissant  to  god  J?at  is  lord  perfore  is  fleissch  to 
him  disobeisant  Jmrgh  concupiscence  which  fat1  }it  is 

clepid  norisshing*  of1  synne  [ no  gap] 

[339]  IT  Therfore  al  J>e  while  ]?at*  a  marc  haj>  in  him  J>e 
peyne  of1  concupiscence  it  is  impossible  but  he  be 
tempted  som  tyme  and  moeued  in  his  fleisch  to  synne  / . 
[340]  IT  And  Jns  may  not1  faile  as  longe  as  he  lyuejj 
IT  hit  may  wel  wexe  feble  and  faille  by  vertu  of*  baptisme 
and  by  J>e  grace  of*  god  forugh  penitence.  [341]  but1 
fully  schal  it  neuer  1quenche  J?af  he  schal  som 
tyme  be  moeued  in  himself  but*  if*  he  were  al  refreydit*  by 
siknes  or  by  malice  of*  sorserye  or  colde  drinkes 
[342]  IT  For  what  saij?  seint*  poul  IT  The  fleissh"  coueitith 
agayn  £e  spirit,  and  J?e  spirit  agayn  ]>e  fleisch  J>ay 
ben  so  contrarie  and  so  stryuen  J?at*  a  man  may  nou^t* 
alwey  do  as  he  wolde  [343]  IT  The  same  seint1  poul 
after  his  penaunce  in  watir  and  in  lond.  in  watir 
by  night*  and  by  day  in  gret1  peril  and  in  gret*  peyne 
in  lond  and  in  famyne .  and  in  Jmrsf  and  colde .  and  clojjles 
oones  almost*  stoned  al  to  J?e  detft  [344]  IT  3it*  saide  he 
alias  I  caytif*  man .  who  schal  delyuere  me  fro  ]?e  prisoww 
of* .  my  caytif*  body  [345]  And  seint  lerom .  whan  he 
long*  tyme  had  woned  in  desert*  here  wher  as  he  hadde  no 
compaignye  but1  of*  wilde  bestes  wher  as  he  hadde 

P  leafZW,  6oc*] 


SIX  TEXT    615 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334.     621 

no  mete  but1  herbes  &  water  to  his  drink,  ne  non  bed 
but1  f  e  nakid  er)>e .  For  which  his  fleisch  was  as  blak1  as  an 
Ethiopen  for  hete  and  neigh  destroyed  for  cold  [346] 
IT  }if  sayde  he  fat1  f  e  brennyng1  of1  lecchery  boy  lid  in  al 
his  body  [347]  IT  wherfore  I  wot1  wel  sicurly  fat1  fay 
be  desceyued  fat1  say  pay  ben  not1  temptid  in 
here  body.  [348]  IT  witness©  on  seint1  lame  thapostil 
fat1  saith .  fat1  euery  wight*  is  tempted  in  his  oughne  con 
cupiscence  fat1  is  to  sayn  fat1  euerych  of1  vs  hath  matere 
and  occasiozm  to  be  tempted  of1  f  e  norischy?^  of1  synne 
fat1  is  in  his  body  [349]  U  And  f erf ore  seint  lohcm 
f  e  Euazmgelist1  saith  IT  If*  fat1  we  sayn  we  be  wif  oute 
synne  f  we  deceyue  oure  silf1  and  trouf  e  is  nought1  in  vs 

[350]  ^  Now  schal  30  vnderstonde  in  what  maner 
fat1  synne  waxif  and  encresceth  in  a  man  IT  The  firste 
fing1  is  filke  norisching1  of1  synne  of1  which  I  spak« 
byforn  filke  concupiscence.  [351]  And  after 
fat  cometh  fe  Subiecciown  of1  fe  deuel.  fis  is  to  sayn 
fe  deueles  bely  with  which  he  blowef  in  man  fe  fuyr 
of1  fleisschly  concupiscence  [352]  And  after  fat1  a  man  by- 
think1  him  whefir  he  wol  don  it/  or  non.  filke  fing1 
to  which  he  is  tempted.  [353]  1T  and  fanne  if1  fat1  a 
man  wifstonde  and  wayue  fe  firste  entisynges  of1  his 
fleisshe  and  of1  f  e  feend  it  is  no  synne .  and  if1 
so  be  he  do  not1  so  f  fanne  fleeth  he  anoon  a  flame 
of1  delit/  [354]  and  farcne  it  is  good  to  be  war  and  kepe 
him  wel  or  ellis  he  wil  falle  anoon  in  to  consentyng1  of1 
synne  /  and  fanne  wol  he  do  it1  if1  he  may  haue  tyme 
and  space  and  place  [3  5  5]  U  And  off  is  matere  saith  Moyses  by 
fe  deuel  in  fis  manere  IT  fe  feend  1saith.  //  I  wol 
chace  and  pursewe  fe  man  by  wickid  suggestions 
and  I  wil  hent1  him  by  moeuyng*  or  steryng  of1 
synne  and  I  wil  parte  my  prise  or  my  pray  by  de- 
liberaciown  and  my  lust1  schal  be  accomplisit  in  delit. 
I  wil  drawe  my  sword  in  consentynge  [356]  U  For  certes 
right1  as  a  swerd  departif  a  fing1  in  tuo  parties  right1 

[l/eu/261J 


616    SIX-TEXT 

622     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

so  consentynge  departep  god  fro  man  and  pawne 
wol  I  sle  him  with  my  hond  in  dede  of1  synne.  pus 
saith  pe  feend.  [357]  For  certis  pa?me  is  a  man  al 
deed  in  soule  and  pus  is  synne  accomsid  by  tempt- 
aciown  by  delit1  and  by  consentyng1  and  panne  is  pe 
synne  cleped  actuel 

[358]  IT  For  sope  synne  is  in  two  maneres .  ouper 
it  is  venial  or  dedly  synne.  Sothly  whan  marc  louith 
any  creature  more  pan  ihu  crist/  oure  creatoz/rf  pa?zne 
it1  is  dedly  synne.  And  venial  synne  is.  if1  a  man  loue 
ihu  cristi  lasse  pan  him  oughte  [359]  IT  For  sope  pe 
dede  of*  pis  venial  synne  is  ful  perilous .  For  it  amenisith 
pe  loue  pat1  men  schulde  haue  to  god  more  and  more 
[360]  IT  And  perfore  ifH  a  man  charge  more  himself1  with  many 
suche  venial  synnes.  Certes  but1  if1  so  be  pat1  he  som 
tyme  discharge  him  of1  hem  by  schriftef  pay  may  ful 
lightly  amenise  in  him  al  pe  loue  pat1  he  hath  to  ihu 
cn'st  [361]  and  in  pis  wise  skippith  venial  in  to  dedly 
synne .  U  For  certes  pe  more  pat1  a  man  chargith  his  soule 
wip  venial  synnes  f  pe  more  is  he  enclyned  to  falle  in 
deedly  synne  [362]  f  And  perfore  let1  vs  no^t1  be  negligent1  to 
descharge  vs  of1  venial  synnes  II  For  the  prouerbe  saith . 
pat1  many  smale  makith  a  gret  [363]  IT  And  herken 
pis  ensample  IT  A  greet1  wawe  of1  pe  see  comep  som  tyme 
wip  so  gret1  a  violence  pat1  it  drenchith  pe  schip. 
and  pe  same  harm  doon  som  tyme  smale  droppis 
of1  water  pat1  entrith  purgli  a  litil  creues  in  to  pe 
thurrok1  and  in  to  pe  bothum  of1  a  schip  if1  men  be  so 
neggligent  pafr  pay  descharge  it1  nought1  by  tyme 
[364]  IT  And  perfore  al  pough  per  be  dififerrence  bitueen 
pese  tuo  causes'  of1  drenching1,  algates  the  schip  is 
dreynt1  [365]  H  Right1  so  farith  it  som  tyme  of1  deedly 
synne  and  of1  anoyous  venial  synnes  whan  pay 
multiplien  in  a  man  so  gretly  pat1  pilke  worldly  pynges 
pat1  he  louetli  purgli  which  he  sinneth  venially  is 
as  gret  in  his  herte  as  pe  loue  of1  god  or  more  [366] 


SIX-TEXT    617 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     623 

U  And  perfore  pe  loue  of1  euery  ping1  pere  is  not1  byset1  in  god 
ne  doon  principally  for  goddes  sake  /  al  pough  a  man 
loue  it  lasse  pan  god.  ^it1  is  it  venial  sy?me  [367]  1And 
deedly  synne  whan  pe  loue  of1  eny  Jung1  weyeth 
in  pe  hert1  of1  a  man  as  moche  as  pe  loue  of1  god  or 
more  [368]  U  Dedly  synne  is  as  saith  seint1  austyn). 
whan  man  torneth  his  hert  from  god  which  pat1  is 
verray  souerayn  bounte  pat1  may  not1  chaunge  and  flitte .  and 
^iue  his  herte  to  a  ping1  pat1  may  chaunge  and  flitte . 
[369]  and  certes  pat1  is  euery  ping1  saue  god  of*  heuen 
IT  For  sope  if1  pat1  a  man  ^iue  his  loue  pe  which  that1 
he  owip  to  god  wip  al  his  herte  vnto  a  creature . 
certes  as  moche  of1  loue  as  he  ^iueth  to  pilke 
creature'  so  moche  he  reueth  fro  god.  [370]  and  per- 
fore  doth  he  synne .  IT  For  he  pat1  is  dettoi^r  to  god  and 
3eldeth  not1  his  dette  pat1  is  to  sayn  al  pe 
loue  of*  his  hert1 

[371]  IT  Now  sippe  marc  vnderstondith  generally  which 
is  venial  synne f  panne  is  it  couenable  to  telle  specially 
of1  synnes  whiche  pat1  many  man  pe?*auenture  ne 
demith  hem  no  synnes  and  schryueth  him  not1  of1  pe 
same  pinges  and  ^it1  napeles  pay  ben  synnes 
[372]  IF  And  soply  as  clerkes  writen  pis  is  to  say. 
at1  euery  tyme  pat  man  etith  or  drinkith  more  pan 
suffisep  to  pe  sustienawnce  of1  his  body  in  certeyn  he  dop 
synne  f  [373]  and  eek1  whan  he  spekith  more  pan  it 
needith"  he  dop  synne .  and  eek1  whan  he  herkeneth  noi^t1  be- 
nignely  pe  pleynt  of1  pe  pore  [374]  eek1  whan 
he  is  in  hele  of1  body  and  wil  not  fas-te  whan  oper  folk1 
fasten  wipoutera  cause  resonable.  /  eek1  whan  he  slepith 
more  pan  needith  or  whan  he  comep  by  pilk  enchesoun 
to  late  to  holy  chirche  or  to  oper  werkes  of1  charite  [375] 
Eke  whan  he  vsep  his  wyf1  wipoute  souerayn  desir 
.of1  engendrure  to  thonour  of1  god  and  for  pentent1 
to  }elde  to  his  wyf1  pe  dette  of1  his  body.  [376]  eek1 
whan  he  wil  not  visite  pe  sike  and  pe  pn'soner  if1  he  may 


618    SIX-TEXT 

624     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

1F  eek1  if*  he  loue  wyf1  or  child  or  oper  worldly 
ping1  more  pan  resown  requireth.  eek1  if*  he  flatere 
or  blaundisshe  more  pan  him  oughte  for  eny  necessite 
[377]  ek1  if*  a  man  menuse  or  wipdrawe  pe  almesse  of1 
pe  pouere  eek1  if1  he  apparaylith  his  body  more 
deliciously  pan  it  nedith  or  ete  it1  to  hastily  by  licoures- 
nes.  [378]  eek1  if1  he  talke  of1  vanitees  at1  chirche  or 
at1  goddis  seruice .  or  pat1  he  be  a  talkere  of1  ydil  wordes 
of1  vanite  or  of1  vilonye  /  for  he  schal  ^elde  of1  hem  acount1 
at1  pe  day  of*  doome .  [379]  eek1  whan  he  heetith 
or  assureth  to  do  pinges  fat1  he  may  nou}t  pe?*forme. 
eek1  whan  pat1  by  lightnes  or  foly  he  myssaith 
or  scornep  his  1neighebor.  [380]  eek1  whan  he  hap  any 
wicked  suspecciown  of1  pi^g1  pat1  he  wot1  of1  it1  no  soth- 
fastnesse.  [381]  pese  pinges  and  mo  wipoute  nombre 
ben  synnes  as  saith  seint1  austyn 

[382]  H  Xow  schal  men  vnderstonde  pat1  al  be  it1  so 
pat*  noon  erpely  man  may  eschiewe  alle  venial  synnes '.  ^if 
may  he  refreyne  hem  by  pe  brenny??g*  loue  pat1  he 
hap  to  oure  lord  iM  crist  and  by  prayeres  and  by  confessiown 
and  oper  goode  werkes.  so  pat  it1  schal  but1  litil  greue 
[383]  II  For  as  saith  seint1  austyn  U  ^if1  a  man  loue  god 
in  such  a  maner  pat1  al  patH  euer  he  doth  is  in  pe 
loue  of1  god  or  for  pe  loue  of1  god  verraily  for  he 
brennep  in  pe  loue  of1  god  [384]  H  loke  how  moche  pat1 
a  drope  of1  watir  pat1  falli-th  in  a  furneys  ful  of1  fuyr 
annoyeth  of1  greuethf  So  moche  annoyep  a  venial 
synne  vnto  a  man  pat  is  perfyt1  in  pe  loue  of1  ihu 
crist1  [385]  1F  Men  may  also  refreyne  venial  synne  vnto  a  marc 
by  resceyuyng1  of1  pe  p?'«ecious  body  of1 
ihu  crist/  [386]  by  receyuyng1  eek1  of1  holy  water, 
by  almes  dede.  by  general  confessiown  of1  Confiteor 
at1  masse  and  at1  complyn  and  blessing1  of1 
bisschops  and  of1  prestes  and  by  other  goode  werkis 

[2^0  break  in  the  MS.] 

[i  tea/ 262] 


SIX-TEXT    619 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     625 


[387]  IT  Now  it  is  bihouely  jnng1  to  telle  whiche  ben 
dedly  synnes  }>atf  is  to  sayn  chiueteyns 
ofH  synnes .  alle  pay  renne  in  oon  loos .  but1  in 
diuers  maners  now  ben  fay  cleped  chiueteyns . 
For  als  moche  as  f>ay  ben  chief1  and  springers  of*  alle 
olpere  synnes  [388]  H  OF  fe  roote  of1  J?ese  seuen  synnes  ; 
J>anne  is  pride  J?e  general  synne  and  roote  of1  alle  harmes  U  For 
ofH  Jns  roote  springen  general  brauncbes.  As  Ire.  Enuye. 
accidie  or  sleuthe .  auarice  or  coueitise .  to  co?mnune 
vnderstondynge .  glotonye  and  leccberie  [389]  1T  And 
euerich  of*  pese  synnes  hath  his  braunches  and  his 
twigges  as  schal  be  declarid  in  here  chapitres  folwinge . 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

[390]  and  jjough  so  be  pafr  no  ma?&  can  telle 
vtterly  ]>e  nombre  of1  J)e  twigges  and  of1  f>e  harm  Jjat1  comejj  of1 
pride  f  jif  wol  I  schewe  a  party  of1  hem  as  36  schul 
vnderstonde  [391]  1F  Ther  is  Inobedience.  auauntyng1. 
ypocrisye.  despit1.  arraga^nce.  Imprudence.  Swellyng1  of1 

herfr.  Insolence.  Elacioim.  [ 

.  .  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.~\  pertinacie.  veinglorie.  and 
many  anojjer  twigge  Jjaf  I  can  nof  telle  ne  declare  [392]  Ino- 
bedient1  is  he  Jiat1  disobeieth  for  despyfr  to  ]?e  comawnde- 
mentj  of1  god  and  to  his  souereigns .  and  to  his  gostly 
fader.  [393]  Auauntow  is  he  fat1  bosteth  of1  jje  harm 
or  of1  ]>&  bounte  J>af  he  haj)  don  [394]  IT  ypocrisy  is 
J>at  xhydeth  to  schewe  him  such  as  he  is  and 
schewe})  him  such  as  he  not1  is  [395]  1F  Despitous 
is  he  J?af  ha})  desdayn  of  his  neighebour  Jiat1  is  to 
say  of1  his  euen  cn'sten  or  ha})  despifr  to  doon  fat 
him  ought"  to  doon  [396]  1T  Arragaunfr  is  he  faf  J>inke}) 
J)af  he  hath  J>ilke  bountees  in  him  })afr  he  ha}»  not1  or 

CANT.   TALES. HARL.  C1  leaf  262,  back]  2    S 


620    SIX-TEXT 

626     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

weneth  fat  he  schulde  haue  hem  by  desert/,  or 
elles  he  demeth  fat1  he  is  fat1  he  is  not1.  [397]  If  Im 
pudent1  is  he  fat1  for  his  pride  hath  no  schame  ofH  his 
sy?me.  [398]  IT  Swellyng1  of1  hert1  is  whan  a  man 
reioysith  him  of1  harm  fat1  he  haf  don  [399]  IT  Inso 
lent1  is  he  fat1  dispisith  in  his  iuggement1  alle  ofer 
folk1  as  to  regard  of1  his  valieu  and  of1  his  connyng1  &  of1 
his  spekyng1  and  of1  his  beryng1  [400]  H  Elaciown  is  whan 
he  may  neuer  suffre  to  haue  maister  ne  felawe  [401] 
11"  Impacient  is  he  f  fat1  wil  not1  ben  I-taughtf  ne  vnder- 
nome  of1  Ms  vices  and  by  stryf1  werref  troupe  witynge 
and  defendef  his  folie  [402]  IT  Contimax  is  he  fat1 
forugh  his  indignaciown  and  agains  euerych  auctorite  or 
power  of1  hem  fat1  been  his  souerayns  [403]  IT  Pre- 
sumpciown  is  whan  a  maw  vndertakith  and  emprisith  fat1 
him  oughte  not  to  do .  or  elles  faf  he  may  not1  doo.  and  fat1 
is  cleped  surquidrye  II  Irreuerence  is .  whan  men  doon  not1 
honour  fer  as  he?ft  ought1  to  doon.  and  wayteth  to  be 
reuerenced  [404]  H  Pertinacie  is.  whan  man  defendith 
his  folye  and  trustef  to  moche  to  his  owne  witte  [405] 
IF  Yayn  glorie  is.  for  to  haue  pomp  and  delit  in 
temporal  heighnes  and  glorine  him  in  worldly 
estaat1  [406]  IT  langelyng1  is  whan  a  man  spekith  to 
moche  biforn  folk1  &  clappith  as  a  mille  and  takef  no 
keep  whafr  he  saif 

[407]  and  ^it1  is  fer  a  priue  spice  of1  pride  fat1 
wayteth  first/  to  be  saluet1  er  he  saliewe  al  be  he 
lasse  worth  fan  fat1  ofer  is  par  aduenture.  and  eek1 
waytef  or  desiref  to  sitte  aboue  him  or  to  go  aboue  him  in 
fe  way.  or  kisse  pax.  or  ben  en  censed  or  gon  to 
f e  offringe  biforn  his  neighebore  [408]  and  haf  such  [.  .  . 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  a  proud  desir  to  be 

magnified  and  honoured  toforn  f  e  poeple 

[409]  U  now  ben  tuo  maners  of1  pride,  fat1 
oon  is  heighnes  wifinne  f  e  hert/  of1  a  man  and  fat1 


SIX-TEXT    621 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     627 

ofer  is  wifoute.  [410]  of  which  sofly  fese  for- 
sayde  finges  and  mo  fan  I  liaue  said  aperteynen  to 
pride  fat1  is  in  fe  herfr  of1  a  man.  and  fat1  ofer  spices 
of1  pride  ben  wifoute  [411]  1T  But1  natheles  fat1  oon 
of1  fise  spices  of1  pride  is  signe  of1  fat1  ofer.  Right1 
as  gay  leuesselle  at1  fe  tauerne  is  signe  of*  wyn 
fat1  is  in  fe  celer.  [412]  and  fis  is  in  many  finges 
*as  in  speche  and  countienaunce  and  in  outrageous  array  of1 
el  of  ing1  [413]  IT  For  certis  if1  fer  hadde  be  no  synne 
in  clof  ing1  f  cristi  wolde  not1  so  soone  haue  notid  and  spoke  of1 
fe  clof  ing1  ofH  filke  riche  maw  in  fe  gospel.  [414]  And 
saith  seint  Gregorie  fat1  precious  clofing1  is  cou- 
pable  for  derthe  of1  it  and  for  his  schorf  nes  .  and 
for  his  straungenes  and  disgisines  .  and  for  f  e  supe?*- 
fluite.  or  for  fe  inordinat  skantnes  of1  it/  [415] 
Alias  many  man  may  sen  as  in  oure  dayes  fe  synful 
costlewe  array  of1  clofing1  [  .......... 


.  .  .  no  gap]  which  fat1  makid  is  so  dere  to  harm  of*  f  e 
poeple  .  [417]  wot1  oonly  fe  cost1  of1  embrowdyng1 
fe  guyse  endentyng1  of1  barryng*.  /  Swandyng1.  palyng1. 
or  bendyng1.  and  semblable  wast1  of1  clof 
in  vanite  [418]  IT  But1  fer  is  also  costlewe  furring1  in 
here  gownes  so  mochil  pounsyng1  of1  chiseles  to  make 
holes  so  moche  daggyng1  of1  scheris  .  [419]  for  with 
fe  superfluite  in  lengfe  of1  the  forsaide  gownes  trayl- 
inge  in  fe  donge  and  in  fe  myre  on  hors  and  eek1  on 
foote  as  wel  of1  ma?&  as  of1  wo??iman  fat1  al  filke 
traylyng1  is  verray  as  in  effect/  wasted  consumed  fred- 
bare  and  rotyn  with  donge  rafer  fan  it  is  $euen  to 
fe  pore  to  gret1  damage  of1  fe  forsaide  pore  folk1. 
[420]  and  fat1  in  sondry  wise  .  J>is  is  to  sain  fat1  f  e 
more  fat  clof  is  wastid  fe  more  most1  it/  coste  to 
fe  poeple  for  fe  scarsenes  [421]  and  forfermore 
if1  it  so  be  fat1  fay  wolde  ^iue  suche  pounsed  and 

[ifm/263]  2    S    2 


622    SIX-TEXT 

628     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

daggid  closing1  to  fe  pore  folk1,  if  is  not1  conuenient 
to  were  to  the  pore  folk1  ne  suffisaunt1  to  beete  here  necessite 
to  kepe  hem  fro  fe  desperance  of1  fe  firmament1 
[422]  U  vpon  fat1  ofer  syde  to  speke  of1  fe  horrible 
disordinat  scantnes  of1  closing1 .  as  ben  f  ese  cuttid 
sloppis  or  Ansle'ts  fat1  furgn  her  schortnes  ne 
coucreth  not1  fe  schamful  membre  of1  man  to  wickid 
entent  [423]  Alas  soin  men  of1  he??i  schewen  fe  schap  and 
fe  boce  oF  the  horrible  swollen  membres  fat1  semeth 
like  to  fe  maledies  of1  hirnia  in  fe  wrapping1  of1  here  hose  / 
[424]  and  eek1  fe  buttokes  of1  hem  fat1  faren  as  it  were 
fe  hinder  part  of1  a  sche  ape  in  fe  fulle  of1  fe  moone 
[425]  11  And  more  ouer  fe  wrecchid  swollen  membres 
fat1  fay  schewe  furgh  desgysyng1  in  departyng1  of1 
here  hoses  in  whyt1  and  reed  seemith  fat  half1  f e  schanie- 
ful  priue  membres  were  flayn.  [426]  And  if1  it  so  be  fat1 
fay  departe  here  hosen  in  of er  colours .  as  it  whit 
and  bliew.  or  whit  and  blak1  and  reed  and  so 
forth  f  [427]  fanne  semith  it  Jas  by  variaunce  of1  colour 
fat1  half1  fe  party  of1  his  priuy  membris  ben  corrupt1 
by  fe  fuyr  of1  seint1  antony  or  by  cancre  or  by  other 
such  meschaunce  [428]  U  And  $it  of1  f  e  hynder  ptrrtyeof1  here 
buttokes  it1  is  ful  horrible  for  to  see.  For  certis  in  fat 
partie  of1  here  body  fer  as  fay  purgen  her  stynkyng1 
ordure  [429]  fat1  foule  party  schewe  fay  to  fe  poeple 
proudly  in  despyt1  of1  honeste  which  honeste  fat1 
ihu  crist1  and  his  frendes  obserueden  to  schewen  in  his 
lif1  [430]  IF  Now  as  of1  f  e  outrageous  array  of1  wommen . 
God  wot1,  fat1  fough  fe  visage  of1  some  of1  hem  seme 
ful  chaste  and  debonaire  f  ^it1  notifye  fay  in  here  array  of1 
attyre  licorousuesse  and  pride  [431]  I  say  not1  fat1 
honeste  in  clofing1  of1  maw  or  wo?7iman  is  vncouen- 
able  IT  But1  certis  fe  superfluite  or  disordmaf  skantnes 
of1  clofing1  is  repreuable  [432]  IT  Also  fe  synne  of1 
here  ornament1  or  of1  apparaile  as  in  f inges  fat1  aperteynen 
to  rydyng1  as  in  to  many  delicat1  horses  fat1  ben  hold- 


SIX-TEXT    623 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     629 

en  for  delyt1  fat1  fay  ben  so  faire  fat1  and  costlewe  [433] 
and  also  many  a  vicious  knaue  mayntened  by 
cause  of1  hem  and  in  to  curious  harnoys  as  in  sadelis  and 
bridlis  cropours  and  peytrelle  couered  "with  precious 
closing1  and  riche  barres  and  plates  of  gold  and  ofH 
siluer  [434]  For  whiche  god  saithe  by  3acharie  fe 
prophete  IF  I  wol  confounde  fe  ryders  of1  such  horsis 
[435]  1T  These  folk*  take  litil  reward  ofH  fe  ryding1  of 
goddes  sone  of  heuen  and  of  his  harneys  whan  he  rode 
vpon  an  asse.  and  hadde  noon  ofer  harneys  but1 
f  e  clof  ing1  of  his  disciples  newe .  5T  NQ  rede  I  not* 
fat1  euer  he  rode  on  ofer  beest1  [436]  U  I  speke  fis 
for  fe  synne  of  superfluite  and  nou^t1  for  resonable 
honeste  whan  resoun  it*  requirith  [437]  ^T  And  former  oner 
certes  pride  is  gretly  notified  in  holdyng1  of  gret1  meyne 
whan  fay  ben  of  litil  profyt1  or  of  right1  no  profyt1. 
[438]  and  namely  whan  pat1  meyne  is  felenous  and  daun- 
gerous  to  fe  poeple  by  hardynesse  of  lordschipe  or  by 
way  of  offices  [439]  Fo[r]  certes  suche  lordes  selle 
fanne  here  lordschipe  to  fe  deuel  of  helle  whan  fay 
susteyne  fe  wickidnes  of  here  meyne  [440]  or  elles 
whan  f  ese  folk1  of  lowe  degre  as  is  Jnlke  Jmt1  holden 
hostilries  and  susteyne  J?e  fefte  of  here  hostilers 
and  Jjat  is  in  many  maneres  of  disceytes . 
[441]  filke  maner  of  folk1  ben  ]>e  flyes  Jjat1  folwen 
Jje  hony  or  elles  fe  houndes  1  fat1  folwen  f e  carayn . 
suche  forsayde  folk  /  strangelen  spirituelly  here  lordschipes 
[442]  for  whiche  fus  saith  dauid  fe  p?-ophete  H  wikked 
deth  moot1  come  vpon  such  lordschipes.  &  god  3eue  fat1 
fay  moot1  descende  in  to  helle  a  doun .  For  in 
here  houses  ben  iniquites  and  schrewednesses  and  not1  god 
of  heuen .  [443]  and  certes  but1  fay  do  amende- 
mewt1.  right1  so  as  god  ^af  his  beniso?m  to  pharao  by  fe 
seruice  of  lacob  and  to  balan  f  e  seruice  of  loseph . 
Right1  so  god  wil  }eue  his  malisoun  to  such  lordschipes 
£s  susteynen  fe  wikkednes  of  her  seruauntes  but1  fay 

[1  tea/ 261] 


624   SIX-TEXT 

630    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

come  to  amendemerct  [444]  IT  Pride  of  pe  table  apperith 
ful  ofte .  for  certes  riche  men  ben  cleped  to  feste 
and  pore  folk1  ben  put1  away  and  rebuked  [445]  U  Also 
in  excesse  of1  diuers  metis  and  drinkis  and  namely 
of1  suche  maner  of1  bake  metis  brennyng*  of1 
wilde  fuyr  and  peynted  and  castelid  wip  papire  and 
semblable  wasf .  /  so  pat  it1  is  abusioura  for  to  pinke  [446] 
and  eek1  in  greet1  preciousnes  of1  vessel  &  in  curiousnesse 
of1  vessel  and  of1  mynstralcye  by  pe  whiche  a  maw  is  stired  pe 
more  to  delitis  of1  Inxurie  [447]  if1  so  be  that1  pay  sette  her 
herte  pe  lasse  vpon  oure  lord  ihu  cn'st1  U  Certeyn  it1  is  a 
synne .  and  certeinly  pe  delites  mighte  be  so  grete 
in  pe  caas  fat1  men  mighte  lightly  falle  by  hem  in  to 
dedly  synne  [448]  U  pe  espices  pat1  sourdren  of1  pride 
sopely  whan  pay  sourdren  of1  malice  ymagined  and  auised . 
aforn  cast  or  elles  of1  vsage  ben  dedly  synnes  it  is 
no  doute .  [449]  and  whan  pay  sourden  by  frelte  vn- 
auysed  sodeinly  and  sodeinly  wipdrawe  agayn  al  be 
pay  greuous  synnes  I  gesse  pay  ben  not* 
dedly  [450]  Now  mighte  men  axe  wher-of1  pride 
sourdeth  and  springeth  U  I  say  som  tyme  it1 
springith  of*  pe  goocles  of*  nature  /  and  som  tyme  of* 

pe  goodes  of1  [ no  gap] 

grace.  [451]  certes  goodes  of1  nature  stonden 
ouper  in  goodes  of1  body  or  goodes  of1  soule  [452] 
U  Certis  pe  goodes  of1  body  ben  hele  of1  body . 
strengpe  .  deliuerance  .  beaute  .  gentrie .  fraunchises  . 
[453]  ^  Goodes  of1  nature  of1  pe  soule.  ben  goodes  wM 
scharp  vnderstondyng1  subtil  engyn  vertu  naturel.  good 
memorie  [454]  1T  Goodes  of1  fortune  been  richesses . 
highe  degrees  of1  lordschipes  preisyng1  of1  pe  poeple  [455] 
U  Goodes  of1  grace  been  science .  power  to  suffre 
spirituel  trauaile .  benignite .  vertuous  contemplaciown  . 
wipstondyng1  of1  temptacz'own  and  semblable  pinges . 
[456]  of1  whiche  forsayde  goodes  certe  it  is  a  ful  gret 
1foly  a  man  to  pryden  him  in  any  of1  hem  alle  [457] 

[i  leaf  261,  ftac*] 


SIX-TEXT    625 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     631 

IT  Now  as  for  to  speke  of1  goodes  of*  nature  f  god  wot*  pat 
som  tynie  we  haue  hew  in  nature  as  moche  as  to  oure 
damage  as  to  oure  profit  [458]  11  As  for  to  speke  of* 
hele  of*  body,  certes  it  passith  ful  lightly,  and  eek1  it 
is  ful  ofte  enchesoun  of1  pe  siknesse  of1  J>e  soule  [.  .  .  . 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

IT  And  perfore  pe  more  fat1  oure  hody  is  hool  pe  more 
be  we  in  peril  to  falle  [459]  II  Eke  for  to  pride  him  in 
his  strengpe  of*  body  it  is  a  foly .  for  certes 
pe  fleisch  coueytith  again  pe  spirit*,  and  ay  pe  more 
strong*  pat*  J)e  fleisch  is  pe  sorier  may  pe  soule  be  / 
[460]  and  ouer  al  pis  strengpe  of1  body  and  worldly 
hardynes  cause])  ful  ofte  many  man  to  peril  and 
meschaunce  [461]  Eek*  for  to  pride  him  of*  his 
gentrie  is  ful  gret*  folye  f  For  often  tyme  pe  gentrie  of*  pe 
body  by ny me th  pe  gentery  of*  }>e  soule  IT  And  we 
ben  alle  of*  oon  fader  and  of*  oon  moder  &  alle  we  ben 
of*  oon  nature  roten  and  corrupt  riche  and  pore 
[462]  H  For  sope  oon  maner  gentry  is  for  to  prayse 
pat*  apparaillep  marines  corrage  with  vertues  and  moralitees 
and  makith  him  ciistes  child  [463]  U  For  trustip  wel 
ouer  what*  man  fat*  synne  hap  maistryf  he  is  verray 
cherl  to  synne 

[464]  11  Now  ben  per  general  synnes  of*  gentilesce 
as  schewyng*  of*  vice  &  rybaudrie  and  seruage  of* 
synne .  in  word  in  werk1  and  contenaunce  [465]  1T  And 
vsinge  vertu  curtesie  and  clennes  /  and  to  be 
liberal  j?at*  is  to  sayn  large  by  mesure .  for  Jnlke  fat1 
passith  mesure  is  foly  and  synne  [466]  H  And  anoper  is 
to  remembre  him  of*  bounte  J?at*  he  of*  ojjer  folk1  ha]> 
resceyued  [467]  U  Another  is  to  be  benigne  to  his  goode 
subiectis  U  wherfore  as  saijj  senek* .  II  Ther  is  no  Jnng<  more 
couenable  to  a  man  of*  heigh  estate  J?an  debonairte 
and  pite  [468]  U  And  jjerfore  Jrise  flies  j>af  men 
clepen  bees  whan  fay  make  here  king*f  pay  chesen 
oon  J>at*  hap  no  pricke  wher  wij>  he  may  stynge  [469] 


626    SIX-TEXT 

632    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.,    Harleian  7334. 

U  Anoper  is .  a  man  to  haue  a  noble  herte  &  a  diligent* 
to  atteigne  to  hihe  vertuous  Jnnges  [470]  11  Certis 
also  who  pat1  prideth  him  in  pe  deedes  of1  grace '  is  eek1  an 
outrageous  fool  H  For  pilke  ^iftes  of1  grace  pat1  schulde 
haue  I-torned  him  to  goodnes  and  medicyne'  torneth 
him  to  venym  and  to  confusiown  as  saip  seint1  gregory 
[471]  U  Certis  also,  who-so  pridith  hi??i  in  pe  goodes  of1 
fortune .  he  is  a  ful  gretf  fool  U  For  som  tyme  is  a  man  a 
gret  lord  by  pe  morwe  pat1  is  a  eaytif1  and  a  wrecche 
er  it  be  night ./  [472]  H  And  som  tyine  pe  riches  of*  a  marc  is 
cause  of1  his  deth .  /  1H  Som  tyme  pe  delice  is 
cause  of1  his  greuous  maledye  purgh  which  he  deieth 
[473]  U  Certis  pe  co??imendackmn  of*  pe  poeple  is  soin- 
tyme  ful  fals  and  ful  brutil  for  to  truste .  J>is  day  fay 
prayse '  to  morwe  jjay  blame  [474]  H  God  woott  desir  to 
haue  co?wmendaciozm  of*  J>e  poeple  haj?  causid  deth  of1 
many  a  busy  man  [475]  H  Now  sith  so  is.  Jjaf  ^e  han  herd  and 
vnderstonde  what  is  pride .  And  whiche  ben  ]?e  spices  of* 
it  /  jand  whens  pride  sourdeth  and  springe]?  i 


[No  gap  in  the  MS.] 


[476]  "Now  schul  30  vnderstonde.  which  is  ]?e  remedy 
agayns  pride  U  And  J>afr  is  humilite  or 
meekenes  [477]  fat1  is  a  ve?*tue  jmrgh  which  a  man 
haj?  verray  knowleche  of1  himself1  and  holdith  of1  him 
self1  no  pride  ne  pris  ne  deynte  as  in  regard  of1  his  desertes 
considering1  euermore  his  frelte .  [478]  II  Now  ben  per  J?re 
maners  of1  humilite.  As  humilite  in  hert/  anoper  is 
humilite  in  his  mouth,  pe  pridde  in  his  workes  // 
[479]  H  fe  humilite  in  his  herte.  is  in  foure  maners f  fat1 
oon  is  whan  a  man  holdith  him  self1  not1  worth 
biforn  god  of1  heuen .  anof er  is  whan  he  despisef 

[i  tea/ 265] 


SIX-TEXT    627 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     633 

no  man  [480]  U  The  Jjrid  is.  whan  he  ne 
rekkip  nought1  f  ough  a  man  holde  him  nou^t1  worth  U  The 
ferpe  is  whan  he  holde])  him  nought1  sory  of1  his  humiliaciown 
[481]  U  Also  pe  humilite  of1  mouth  is  in  foure  pinges .  In 
attempre  speche .  and  in  humbles  of*  speche .  and 
he  byknowith  wip  his  owne  mouth  pat1  he  is 
such  as  him  penkith  pat1  he  is  in  herte.  Anoper 
is  whan  he  praisith  fe  bounte  of1  anoper  man  and 
no  ping1  perof1  amenusith  [482]  U  Humilite  eek1  in 
werk1  is  in  foure  maneres  U  The  first1  is  whan  he  puttith 
oper  men  toforn  him  U  pe  secounde  is  to  chese  pe 
lewedest1  place  ouer  al  IT  pe  J)rid  is  gladly  to  assente 
to  good  counseil  [483]  U  pe  ferpe  is  gladly  to  stonde  to 
thaward  of1  his  souereyns  or  of1  him  pat1  is  in  heigher 
degre .  certeyn  pis  is  a  gretH  werk1  of1  humilite 

[No  break  -in  the  MS.] 

[484]  1T  De  Inuidia .     [m  margin] 

AFter  pride  now  wol  I  speke  ofH  pe  foule  synne  of*  Envye 
which  pat1  is  as  by  J)e  word  of1  J?e  philosophre . 
sorwe  of1  other  mennes  prosperite  IT  And  after  ]>e 
word  of1  seint1  austyn .  is  it  sorwe  of1  oper  mennes 
wele  &  ioye  of1  oj>er  mennes  harm  [485]  IT  This 
foule  synne  is  platly  agayns  ])e  holy  gost1.  al  be  it  so 
fat1  euery  synne  is  agayn  the  holy  gost1  f  $i#  natheles 
for  as  moche  as  bounte  aperteyneth  proprely  to  pe 
holy  gost1 .  and  enuye  p/'oprely  is  malice  f  J?er- 
fore  is  if  proprely  agayns  ]>Q  bounte  of1  )>e  holy  gost 
[486]  U  Now  haj)  malice  1tuo  spices  .  Jjat1  is  to  sayn 
hardnes  of1  hert1  in  wickednes  or  ellis  J)e  fleisch  ofH 
man  is  blynd  jjat1  he  considereth  not1  fat1  he  is  in 

synne    [ no  gap]   which 

is  J>e  hardnes  of1  the  deuyl  [487]  U  That1  o]>er 
spice  of1  enuye  is  .  whan  a  man  warieth  troupe 
and  wot1  fat1  it  is  troupe .  and  eek1  whan 
he  warieth  fe  grace  fat1  god  haf  ^eue  to  his 


628    SIX-TEXT 

634    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

neighebor  and  al  pis  is  by  enuye  [488]  51  Certes 
pan  is  enuye  pe  worste  synne  pat1  is  51  For  sothely 
alle  oper  synnes  ben  somtyme  oonly  agains  oon  special 
vertu  [489]  51  But1  certes  enuye  is  agayns  alle  vertues 
and  agayns  al  goodnes .  for  it  is  sory  of1  alle  pe 
bountees  of1  his  neighebor  51  And  in  pis  maner  it  is 
diuers  from  alle  fie  synnes .  [490]  51  For  wel  vnnepe 
is  per  any  synne  pat1  he  ne  hath  som  delit  in  himself1 
sauf1  oonly  enuye  pat1  euer  hath  in  it  self1  anguisch"  and 
sorwe  [491]  51  The  spices  of1  enuye  ben  pese  II  Ther  is 
first1  sorwe  of1  oper  mennes  goodnes  and  of1  her  pros- 
perite .  and  prospe?*ite  is  kyndely  matier  of1  ioye . 
panne  is  enuye  a  synne  agayns  kynde  [492]  51  The 
secounde  spice  of1  enuye .  is  ioye  of1  oper  mennes  harm  . 
and  pat1  is  proprely  lik1  to  the  deuyl  pat1  euer  reioyeth 
him  of*  mennes  harm  [493]  51  Of1  pese  tuo  spices  comep 
bacbityng1.  and  pis  synne  of1  bakbytyng1  or  detracciown 
hath  certein  spices  as  pus  51  Som  ma?i  praiseth  his 
neighebor  by  a  \vickid  entent1.  [494]  For  he  makith 
ahvay  a  wickid  knotte  atte  last1  ende .  alway  he 
makith  a  but1,  at1  pe  last1  ende  pat1  is  ping1  of1  more 
blame  pan  worth  is  al  pe  praysing1  [495]  51  The  secouftde 
spice  is  pat1  if  a  ma?&  be  good  and  doth  or  saip  a 
ping1  to  good  entent  i  pe  bacbiter  wol  torne  al  pilke 
goodnes  vpso-down  to  his  schrewed  entent1.  [496] 
J?e  pridde  is  to  amenuse  pe  bounte  of1  his  neighe 
bor.  [497]  pe  ferpe  spiece  of1  bakbytyng1  is  pis. 
pat1  if1  men  speke  goodnes  of1  a  manf  pan  wil  pe 
bakbiter  seyn  .  par  fay  ^it1  such  a  man  is  bet1  pan  he 
in  dispraysynge  of1  him  pat1  men  praise.  [498]  pe 
fifte  spice  is  pis  for  to  consente  gladly  and  herken 
gladly  to  pe  harm  pat1  men  speke.  of1  oper  folk1  .  pis 
synne  is  ful  gret1  and  ay  encresith  after 
thentent1  of1  pe  bakbiter  [499]  IT  After  bakbytyng1  comep 
grucching1  or  mwnnuraciozm .  And  som  tyme  it1  springith 
of1'  Insapiens  agayns  god.  and  somtyme  agains  maw. 


SIX-TEXT    629 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     635 

[500]  agayns  god  is  it.  whan  a  man  gruccliith  agayn 
pyne  of1  helle  or  agayns  pouerte .  or  of1  losse  of1  catel . 
or  agayn  reyn  or  tempest*  1or  elles  gracchif  fat*  schrewes 
han  prosperite  or  ellis  fat*  goode  men  han  ad- 
uersite .  [501]  and  alle  fese  finges  sclmlde  inen  suffre 
paciently.  for  fay  come  by  rightful  iuggement*  and 
ordinazmce  of1  god  [502]  1T  Som  tyme  cometh  gruccliing1  of* 
auarice  as  ludas  grucched  a^ens  fe  Maudeleyn  whan 
sche  anoynted  fe  hed  of*  oure  lord  ihu  cn'st*  with  hir 
p?*ecious  oynement.  [503]  fis  maner  murmur  is  swich 
as  man  grucchith  of*  goodnes  fat*  himself* 
dof  or  fat*  ofer  folk?  doon  of*  here  owne  catel  [504] 
IT  Som  tyme  come])  nmrmw?*  of*  pride,  as  whan  Symon 
fe  pharise  grucchid  agayn  fe  maudeleyn  whan 
sche  approchid  to  ihu  c?*/st*  and  wepte  at*  his  feet*  for  hir 
synnes .  [5°5]  And  somtyme  it  sourdith  of* 
enuye  whan  men  discoueren  a  mannes  harm  fat*  was 
priue  or  here])  him  on  hond  jnng*  pat*  is  fals  [506] 
IT  Murmuryng1  eek*  is  ofte  among*  seruaMiit3  "pat*  grucchen 
whan  here  souerayns  bidden  hem  to  doon  leeful  Binges. 
[507]  and  for  as  moche  as  fay  dar  rnn^t*  openly  wi]?stonde 
the  comau?ideme?2t3  of*  here  souerayns  (  ^it*  wol  thay  sayn 
harm  and  grucche  and  murmurs  priuely  for  verray 
despit  /  [508]  whiche  wordes  men  clepe  J>e  deueles 
pater  noster .  J?ough  so  be  J?at*  fe  deuel  hadde 
neuer  pate?*  nosier  but*  J>af  lewed  men  calle  it*  so 
[509]  U  Som  tyme  it  come]?  of*  Ire  of* 
priue  hate  fat*  norischeth  rancour  in  herte  as 
I  schal  declare.  [510]  fanne  comef  eek*  bitternes  of* 
herte .  Jjorugh  which  bitternesse  enery  good  deede  of*  his 
neighebore  semef  to  him  bitter  and  vnsauery  [511] 
U  But*  J)a?me  come})  discord  fat*  vnbyndeth  alle  maner 

of*  frendschipe .  farcne  comef  scornynge .  of*  [ 

no  gap]  his  neighe- 

bor  al  do  he  neuer  so  wel.  [512]  fanne  comef 
accusyng*.  as  whan  man  seketh  occasioun  to  anuoyen  his 

[i  tea/ 266] 


630    SIX-TEXT 

636     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

neighebore  which  pat1  is  lik1  pe  craft1  of1  pe  deuel 
pat1  waytith  bope  night1  and  day  to  accuse  vs  alle 
[513]  IT  Jeanne  come]?  malignite  purgii  which  a  man 
annoyeth  his  neigh ebor  priuely  if1  he  may .  [514]  And  if  he 
not1  may  algate  his  wikkid  while  schal  nought1  wante 
as  for  to  brenne  his  hous  priuely  or  empoysone  or  sleen 
his  bestis  priuely  and  semblable  fringes 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 
[515]  IT  Remediuw  cont?^  Inuidiam.    [from  the  margin] 

N0\v  wol  I  speke  of1  pe  remedies  agayns  )rise  foulo 
pinges  and  pis  foule  synne  of1  enuye  U  First1  is  pe  loue 
of1  god  principal  and  louynge  of1  his  neighebor  as  himself1 . 
11  Solely  pat1  oon  ne  may  nought1  ben  wipoute  pat 
oj)er  [516]  11  And  truste  wel  pat1  in  pe  name  of1  py 
neighebour  pou  1schalt1  vnderstonde  pe  name  of1  py 
broper .  For  alle  we  haue  oon  fader  fleisschly  and  oon 
mooder  pat1  is  to  sain  adrmi  and  eua  and  eek1  oon  fader 
spirituel  &  pat1  is  god  of1  heucn .  [517]  Jty 
neghhebor  artow  holden  for  to  loue.  [ 

.  .  no  gap]  pat1  is  to  sayn  bope  to  sauacioun  of1  lif1  and  of1 
soule  [518]  and  more  ouer.  pou  schal t1  loue  hyr/i  in 
word  and  in  benigne  amonestyng1  and  chastising1 
<fe  co?iforte  him  in  his  annoyes  and  praye  for  him  with 
al  pin  herte  [519]  U  &  in  dede  pou  schalt1  loue  him 
in  such  wise  pat1  pou  schalt1  do  to  him  charite 
as  pou  woldist1  it  were  doon  to  pin  oughne  persone 
[520]  and  perfore  pou  schalt1  doon  him  noon  harme 
in  wikked  word  ne  damage  him  in  his  body  ne  in  his  catel 
ne  in  his  soule  by  wicked  entising1  of1  ensample  [521] 
f  pou  schalt1  nou^f  desiren  his  wif/  ne  noone  of*  his  pinges 
U  vnderstonde  eek1  pat1  in  the  name  of1  py  neighebor  is  com- 
prehendid  his  enemy  [522]  f  Certes  marc  schal  loue  his 
enemy  by  pe  comaundeme^it1  of1  god.  and  soply  py 
frend  schalt1  pou  loue  in  god  [523]  11  I  sayde  pin 
enemy  schaltow  loue  for  goddes  sake  by  his  comaunde- 

[i  leaf  266,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    631 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     637 

ment1  for  if1  it  were  resoun  that1  man  sclmlde  hate  his 
enemy  For-sope  god  nolde  noi^t1  receyue  vs  to  his  loue 
pat1  ben  his  enemys  [524]  IF  Agains  pre  maner  of1 
wronges  pat1  his  enemy  dop  to  him  he  schal  do  J)re 
pinges  as  Jms.  [525]  agayns  hate  and  rancour  of1  herte 
he  schal  loue  him  in  herte .  Agayns  chydyng1  and  wicked 
wordes  he  schal  pray  for  his  enemye.  agains  wikked 
dede  of1  his  enemy  he  schal  doon  him  bounte  [526]  H  For 
crist1  saith  loue])  ^oure  enemyes  and  prayep  for  hem 
pat1  ^ow  chacen  and  pursewen .  and 

do]?         bounte         to         hem         pat1         30 w        haten . 

[ 

.  .  .  .  no  gap.]  [527]  For  sothely  nature  driuej)  vs 
to  loue  oure  frendes  /  and  par  fay  oure  enemyes  han 
more  neede  to  loue  pan  oure  frendes  51  For  sothely  to  hem  pat1 
more  neede  haue  certis  to  hem  schul  men  do  good- 
nes.  [528]  And  certis  in  pilke  dede  haue  we  by  reinem- 
braunce  of1  pe  loue  of1  iliu  cn'sfr  pat1  dyed  for  his 
enemys  [529]  1T  And  in  als  moche  as  pilke  loue  is 
more  greuous  to  parforme  f  so  moche  is  pe  more 
gret1  remedye  &  meryt1  11  And  perfore  pe  louyng1  of1  oure 
enemy  hap  confoundid  the  venym  of1  pe  deuel . 
[530]  For  right1  as  pe  deuel  is  confoundid  by  humilite  I 
Eight1  so  is  he  woundid  to  pe  deth  by  loue  of1  oure 
enemy  [531]  IT  Certes  panne  is  loue  pe  medicine  pat1 
castith  out1  pe  venym  of1  enuye  fro  mannes  hert1.  [532] 
the  spices  of1  pis  part1 1schuln  be  more  largely  declared  in  here 
chapitres  folwynge 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

IT  De  Ira .     [from  the  margin] 

[533] 

AFter  enuye  wol  I  descryuen  pe  synne  of1  Ire .  For 
sopely  who   so   hap   enuye  vpon  his   neigheborf 
anoon  he  wol  cornunly  fynde  him  a  matiere  of* 
wrappe     in   word    or    in    dede    agayns    him    to    whom 
he   hap   envie.    [534]    and   as  wel   comep   Ire   of1    pride 

[i  tea/ 267] 


632    SIX-TEXT 

638     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

as  of1  ennye  IF  For  soply  he  pat1  is  proud  or  enuyous 
is  lightly  wroth . 

[535]  I**8  synne  of1  Ire  after  pe  descryuyng1  of* 
seint1  austyn  is  wikked  wille  to  ben  aueugid  by 
word  or  by  dede  [536]  IT  Ire  afte  pe  philosofer  is 
pe  feruent1  blood  of  man  I-quiked  in  his  hert1  purgh 
which  he  wolde  harm  to  him  pat1  him  hatip  [537]  IT  For 
certes  pe  hert1  of1  man  by  eschawfyng1  and  mornyng1  of1 
his  blood  waxith  so  trouble  /  pat1  he  is  out1  of1  alle 
luggements  ofH  xesouu  [538]  U  But1  ^e  schal  vnder-stonde 
pat1  ire  is  in  tuo  maneres.  pat1  oon  of1  hem,  is  good. 
pat1  oper  is  wikke  [539]  IT  The  good  Ire  is  by 
ialousy  of*  goodnesse  Jmrgh  which  a  matt  is  wrop 

wi]>  wikkidnes .  and  [ 720  ^/op]  per- 

fore  saith  a  wise  man  pat1  ire  is  bet1  pan  play.  [540] 
This  Ire  is  with  deboneirete .  and  it  is  wro])  wip- 
oute  bitternes .  not1  wroth  wzt/t  pe  man  f  but1 
wrop  wi]j  Jje  mys  dedes  of1  j?e  ma?i  as  stdj)  pe 
prophet1  dauid Ulrascinwd  &  nolite  peccare.  &c<  [541]  H  Xow 
vnderstonde  pat1  wikked  Ire  is  in  tuo  maners 
pat1  is  to  sayn  sodeyn  Ire  or  hastif1  Ire  wipoute 
auysemeTzt1  and  consenting1  of1  resown.  [542]  the  menynge 
and  pe  sentence  of1  pis  is  pat1  pe  resou?i  of1  a  man  ne  con- 
sentith  not1  to  pilke  sodein  Ire.  And  panne  is  it  venial 
[543]  ^  anoper  I1>e  is  ^  wicked  pat1  comep  of1 
felony  of1  herte  auysed  &  cast  biforn  with  wickid  wille 
to  do  vengeawnce  and  perto  his  resoun  consentith.  and 
sothely  pis  is  deedly  synne .  [544]  pis  ire  is  so  dis- 
plesaunt1  to  god  pat1  it1  troublith  his  hous  and  chaceth  pe 
holy  gost1  out*  of1  marcnes  soule  and  wastith  and  de- 
stroyeth  pe  liknes  of1  god  .  pat1  is  to  say  pe  vertu 
pat1  is  in  ma?ines  soule  [545]  and  put1  in  him  pe  like- 
nes  of1  pe  deuel  and  bynyrneth  pe  maw  fro  god  pat* 
is  his  rightful  lord  [546]  11  This  Ire  is  a  ful  greet 
plesaunce  to  pe  deuel.  for  it1  is  pe  deueles  fornays 
pat1  is  eschaufid  wip  pe  fuyr  of1  helle  [547]  U  For  certea 


SIX-TEXT    633 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     639 

right*  so  as  fuyr  is  more  mighty  to  destroye  erpely 
pinges  pan  eny  oper  element1  i  Eight*  so  Ire  is  mighty  to 
destroye  alle  spirituel  fringes  [548]  IF  loke  how  pat1 
fuyr  of1  smale  gledis  pat1  ben  almost4  dede  vnder  asshen 
wolden  quiken  agayn  whan  pay  ben  touched  [.  .  .  . 

.  .  .  .  no  gap  in  the  MS.]  xby  pride  pat1  is  couered  in 
mannes  herte  [549]  IF  For  certes  fuyr  may  nou^t  come 

out1  of1  no  ping1  [ no  gap\ 

naturelly  as  fuyr  is  drawe  out1  of*  flintes  with  steel 
[550]  IF  Eight1  so  as  pride  is  often  tyme  mater  of1  Iref 
Eight1  so  is  Eancour  norice  and  keper  of1  Ire  [551]  IF  Ther  is 
a  maner  tree  as  saip  seint  Isydre  .  pat1  whan  men 
maken  fuyr  of1  pilke  tree  and  couer  pe  colis  wip 
asshen  f  soply  pe  fuyr  of1  it1  wol  lasten  al  a  ^er  or  more . 
[552]  And  right1  so  farep  it1  of1  rancour  whan  it1  oones  is 
conceyued  in  pe  hertis  of1  som  men  f  certein  it  wol 
lasten  fro  oon  estren  day  vntil  anoper 
ester  day  and  more.  [553]  but1  certis  pilke  maw 
is  ful  fer  fro  pe  mercy  of1  god  al  pilke  while 

[554]  ^  -^n  Ms  forsaide  deueles  for  nays  per 
forgen  pre  schrewes .  pride  pat/  ay  blowith  &  encresith 
pe  fuyr  by  chidyng1  and  wickid  wordis  [555]  IF  pa?me 
stont1  enuye  and  blowith  pe  hoote  Iren  vpon  pe  hert/ 
of1  ma?i  wip  a  paire  of1  longe  tonges  of1  rancour 
[556]  and  panne  pe  sinne  of1  contumelie  or 
strif1  and  cheste  and  baterith  and  forgeth  by  vileyns 
repreuynges  [557]  11  Certes  pis  cursed  synne  a??,noyeth 
bope  to  pe  man  himsilf1  and  eek1  to  his  neighebor 
IF  For  sopely  almost1  al  pe  harm  pat1  eny  ma?i 
doth  to  his  neighebour  comep  purgh  wrappe  [558]  IF  For 
certis  outrageous  wrappe  dop  al  pat1  euer  pe 
denyl  him  comauwdeth.  For  he  ne  sparep  neyper 
erist1  ne  his  moodir.  [559J  and  in  his  out 
rage  anger  and  Ire .  alias  ful  many  oon 
at1  pat1  tyme  felith  in  his  herte  ful  wikkedly 


631    SIX-TEXT 

640     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

bofe  of1  crist1  and  eek1  of1  alle  his  hahves.  [560]  Is 
nat1  f  is  a  cursed  vice '  yis  certis .  it1  bynymeth 
fro  man  his  witte  and  his  resoun  and  al  his  deboneire 
lyf1  spirituel  fat1  scholde  kepen  his  soule  [561] 
IT  Certes  it  bynymef  eek1  goddis  dewe  lordschipe  and 
fat1  is  marcnes  soule .  and  f  e  loue  of1  his  neighebor . 
hit1  stryuef  eek1  alday  agayns  troupe  H  It1  reueth  him  eek1  f  e 
quiete  of1  his  hert1  and  subuertith  his  herte  and  his  soule 

[562]  1F  Of1  ire  come]?  fese  stynkynge  engendrures 
IT  First*  hate  fat1  is  old  wraffe  discord  furgh  which 
a  ma?z  forsakif  his  olde  frend  fat1  he  haf  loued  ful 
longe .  [563]  and  fanne  comef  werre  and  euery 
maner  of1  wronge  fat1  man  doth  to  his  neighebor  in 
body  or  catel  [564]  H  Of1  fis  cursed  synne  of1  Ire 
comef  eek1  manslaughter .  And  vnderstonde  wel  f  at1 
homicidie  fat1  is  man-slaughter  is  in  diuers  wise .  H  Som 
maner  of1  homicidie  is  spirituel  and  som  is  bodily .  [565] 
1  Spirituel  manslaughter  is  in  sixe  finges  U  First1  by 
hate  as  saith  seint1  lohan  II  he  fat1  hatef  his  brofer 
is  an  homicide  .  [566]  homicide  is  eek1  by  bat-by tyng1  of1 
whiche  bakbiters  saith  Salarnow  fat1  fay  haue  twaye 
swerdes  with  whiche  fay  slen  here  neighebors .  For 
sofely  as  wikke  is  to  bynyme  his  good  name  as 
his  lif1.  [567]  homicidy  is  eek1  in  3euyng1  of1  wikkid 
coun-seil  by  fraude  as  for  to  ^eue  counseil  to  areyse 
wicked  and  wrongful  custumes  and  taliages  [568]  of1  whiche 
saif  Salomon  U  leoun  roryng1  and  here  hungry  ben  like  to  f  e 
cruel  lordschipes  in  wifholdyng1  or  abbrigging1  of1  fe 
schipe  or  the  hyre  or  fe  wages  of1  seruawztes  or  ellis  in 
vsure  or  in  withdrawyng1  of1  almes  of1  pore  folk1 
[569]  For  whiche  fe  pore  man  saith  f  Feedith  him  fat1 
almost1  dyeth  for  hunger  .  for  sofely  but  if*  f ou  feede  him  f 
fou  slest1  him  and  eek1  fese  ben  dedly  synnes .  [570] 
bodily  manslaughter  is.  whan  fou  sleest1  him  wif  fy 
tonge  in  ofer  manere  as  whan  fou  comaundist1  to 
slen  a  man  or  elles  ^iuest1  counseil  to  slee  a 

[l  tea/ 2681 


SIX-TEXT    635 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     641 

maw  [571]  H  Manslau^ter  in  dede  is  in  foure  maneres 
U  That1  oon  is  by  lawe .  Eight1  as  a  Justice  dampnith 
him  fat1  is  coupable  to  fe  deth.  But1  let1  fe  Justice 
be  war  fat1  he  do  it  rightfully  and  fat1  he  do  it  nought1 
for  delit1  to  spille  blood  f  but1  for  keping1  of1  righttwis- 
nes  [572]  U  Anofer  homicidy  is  doon  for 
necessite.  as  whan  a  man  slef  anofer  him  defendawnt1. 
and  fat1  he  may  noon  ofer  wise  eschape  fro  his 
deth.  [573]  but1  certeynly  if1  he  may  escape  wif- 
oute  slaughter  of1  his  aduersarie  and  sleth  him 
he  doth  synne  and  he  schal  bere  penaunce  as  for  dedly 
synne .  [574]  IT  Ek1  if1  a  man  by  caas  or  aduenture  schete 
an  arwe  or  cast1  a  stoon  wif  which  he  slef  a  ma?z '. 
he  is  an  homicide.  [575]  Eke  if1  a  wowman  by  negligence 
ouerlye  hir  child  in  hir  sleping  it1  is  homicide  and 
deedly  synne  [576]  IT  Eke  whan  ma?z  distourbith  con- 
cepciown  of1  a  child  and  makith  a  womman  ouf er  bareyu 
by  drinke  of1  venenous  herbis  furgh  whiche  sche  may 
nou^t1  conceyue  or  sleth  a  child  by  drynkes.  or 
elles  puttef  certeyn  material  finges  in  secre 
place  to  slee  fe  child.  [577]  or  elles  dof  vnkyndely 
synne  by  which  man  or  woraman  schedith  here  nature 
in  ma[n]  or  in  place  f  er  as  f  e  child  may  nought1  be  con- 
ceyued  .  or  ellis  if1  a  woramajV]  haue  ccwceyued  and  hurt1 
hirself1  and  sleth  fe  child  ^it1  is  it1  homycidie 
[578]  11T  What1  say  we  eek1  of1  wommen  fat1  mordren 
here  children  for  drede  of1  worldly  schame .  Certes  an 
horrible  homicidy.  [579]  homicidy  is  eek1  if1  a  man  ap- 
proche  to  a  womman  by  desir  of1  lecchery  furgli  fe  which  fe 
child  is  perischt1  or  elles  smitith  a  womman  wytyngly 
furgh  which  sche  sleeth  hir  child,  alle  fese  ben  homi 
cides  [ no  gap]  [580]  11  3if  cometh  fer  of1 

Ire  many  mo  synnes  as  wel  in  word  as  in  werk1  & 
fought1.  As  he  fat  arettith  vpon  god  and  blamith  god 
of1  fing1  of1  which  he  is  himself1  gulty  or  despisith 
god  and  alle  his  halwes  as  doon  fese  cursed  hasardours 

CANT.  TALES. HARL.  E1  to*/ 268,  back]  2    T 


636    SIX-TEXT 

64:2     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

in  diners  cuntrees.  [581]  fis  cursed  syrme  don  fay 
whan  fay  felen  in  here  herte  ful  wickidly  of1  god  and 
his  halwes  [582]  H  also  whan  fay  treten  vnreuerently 
j)e  sacrame?^  of1  f  e  auter .  f  ilke  synne  is  so  gref 
fat1  vnnefe  may  if  be  relessed  but1  fat1  fe  mercy  of1 
god  passith  alle  his  werkes.  and  is  so  gret  and  so 
benigne  [583]  U  Thanno  comef  of1  Ire  attry  anger 
whan  a  man  is  scharply  amonested  in  his  schrifte  to  for- 
lete  synne '  [584]  fanne  wol  he  be  angry  and 
answere  hokerly  and  angrily  and  defenden  or  excusen 
his  synne  by  vnstedefastnesse  of1  his  fleisch .  or  elles  he 
dede  it  to  holde  companye  with  his  felawes .  or 
ellis  he  saith  fe  fend  entised  him.  [585]  or  elles  he 
dide  it1  for  his  3outhe.  or  ellis  his  co?^plexiown  is  so 
corrageous  fat1  he  may  not1  forbere.  or  ellis  it  is 

desteny .  as  he  saith .    [ 

.  .  no  gap]  it1  comef  him  of1  gentilesce  of1  his  auncetrie 
and  semblable  finges  [586]  U  Alle  fese  maner  of1  folk1 
so  wrappen  hem  in  here  synnes  fat1  fay  wol  nou^t1 
deliuer  hemself1  U  For  sofely  no  wight1  fat1  excuseth 
him  wilfully  of1  his  synne  may  nought  /  be  deliuered  of1  his 
synne  til  fat1  he  mekely  biknowef  his  synne.  [587] 

IT  After  f is  fanne  [ no  gap]  fat1  is  expres 

agayns  fe  comauredemewtj  of1  god  &  fis  bifallith  often 
of1  angir  and  of1  Ire  [588]  IT  God  saith.  fou  schalt1  not1 
take  f  e  name  of1  f y  lord  god  in  vayn  or  in  ydil .  U  Also 
oure  lord  ihu  cmf  saith  by  fe  word  of1  seint1.  ~M.athew 

[ no  gap  in  the  MS.]  [589]  U  JSTe  wol  36 

not1  swere  in  alle  manere .  neither  by 
heuen  for  it  is  goddes  trone.  ne  by  fe  eorfe  for  it1  is  fe 
benche  of1  his  feet1 .  ne  by  ieiusalem  i  for  it  is  f  e  cite  of1 
a  gret1  king1 .  ne  by  fin  heed  f  f ou  may  nought1 
make  an  her  whit1  ne  blak1.  [590]  but1  sayeth  by  3oure 
word  36 .  30 .  and  nay .  nay .  and  what1  it1  is  more  f  it  /  is 
of1  euel.  fus  saith  ihu  cn'st1  [591]  H  For  cristes  sake  sweref 
not1  so  synf  ully  in  dismembring1  of1  crist1 .  for  cristes  sake .  bi 


SIX-TEXT    637 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     643 

soule.  1herte.  boones  and  body.  For  certes  it1  seme])  pat1  30 
penke  pat1  cursed  lewes  ne  dismembrit1  nought1 
ynouglr  pe  precious  persone  of1  crist1 .  but1  36  dismembre 
him  more.  [592]  and  if1  so  be  pat1  pe  lawe  com- 
pelle  $ow  to  swere,  panne  reule  $ow  after  pe  lawe  of1 
god  iii  ^oure  swering1  as  saip.  leremz'e  capitulo  .iiijto 

[.     .     .     .          no  gap  in  the  MS.]  1T  Thou 

schalt1  kepe  pre  co?^diciou?2S .  pou  schalt1  swere  in  troupe 
in  doom  and  in  rightwisnes  [593]  pis  is  to  sayn . 
pou  schalt1  swere  soth.  For  euery  lesyiig1  is  agayns  crist1. 
for  crist1  is  verray  troupe  and  pink1  wel  pis  pat1 
euery  gret1  swerer  not1  compellid  lawfully  to  swere 
pe  wonder  schal  not1  departe  fro  his  hous  whil  he 
vseth  such  vnleful  sweringe  [594]  IT  pou  schalt1  eek1  swere 
in  doom  whan  pou  art1  constreigned  by  py  domes- 
man  to  witnesse  pe  troupe.  [595]  eek1  pou  schalt1 
not1  swere  for  enuye  ne  for  fauour  ne  for  meede 
but  /  for  right  wisnesse  for  declaring1  of1  it1  to 
worschip  of1  god  and  helping1  of1  pin  euen- 
cristen  [596]  and  perfore  euery  man  pat1 
takip  goddes  name  in  ydil  or  falsly  swerip  with 
his  mouth  or  elles  takip  on  him  pe  name  of1  crist1 
and  callith  himself1  a  cristen  man  and  lyueth  agayn  cristes 
lyuyng1  and  his  teching1  alle  pay  take  cristes  name 
in  ydel  [597]  U  loke  eek1  what1  saith  seint1  peter 
Aciuum  ca°.  iiijto  U  Non  est1  aliud  nornew  sub  celo  &&  H  Ther 
is  noon  oper  name  saith  seint1  peter  vnder  heuen 
ne  3euen  to  noon  me^  in  which  pay  mowe  be  saued  pat1  is  to 
sayn  but1  in  pe  name  of1  ihu  cmt1  [598]  11  Tak1  heede  eek1 
how  pe  precious  name  of1  crist1  as  saith  seint1  poule 
ad  philippenses  .ij°.  In  norairce  ihu  &C1  U  That1  in  pe 
name  of1  ihu  euery  kne  of1  heuenly  creatures  or 

erpely  or  of1  helle  schulde  bowe  and  [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

tremble     to     heeren     it     nempned.      [599]     H     Thanne 
semep    it1    pat1    men    pat1    sweren    so    horribly    by    his 

[ifra/269]  2    T    2 


638    SIX-TEXT 

644    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

blessed  name  fiat1  fay  despise  it  more  bodyly 
fan  dede  fe  cursed  lewes  or  elles  fe  deuel  fat* 
tremblith  whan  he  heerith  his  name 

[600]  U  Now  certis  sith  fat1  swering1  but1  if  be 
lawfully  doon  is  so  heihly  defendid  f  moche  wors  is 
forswering1  falsly  and  ^it1  needeles 

[60 1]  what  say  we  eek1  ofH  hem  fat1  deliten  hem 
in  swering1  and  holden  it1  a  gentery  or  manly  dede  /  to 
swere  grete  othis.  and  what1  of*  hem  fat1  of1  verray 
vsage  /  ne  cessen  noujf  to  swere  grete  of  is  al  be  not1  f  e  cause 
worf  a  strawe (.  certes  f  is  is  horrible  synne  [602] 
U  Sweryng1  sodeynly  wifout1  auysement1  is  eek1  a 
synne  [603]  IT  But*  let1  vs  now  go  to  f  ilke  horrible  sweryng1 
of1  adiuraciown  and  co^iuraciowns  as  1doon  fese  false  en- 
chauntours  or  nigromanciens  in  bacines  ful  or 
in  a  briglit1  swerd  in  a  churche  or  in  a  fuyr  or  in  })e  schulder 
bon  of1  a  scheep  [604]  U  I  can  not1  sayn  but1  fat1  fay 
doon  cursedly  and  dampnably  agains  fe 
faith  of1  holy  chirche 

[605]  what1  say  we  of1  hem  fat1  bilieuen  on 
diuinailes  as  by  flight1  or  by  nois  of1  briddes  or  of1 
bestes  or  by  sort1  by  geomancie .  by  dremes .  by  chirkyng1 
of1  dores  or  crakking*  of1  howses  .  by  gnawyng1  of1  rattis 
and  such  maner  wrecchidnes  [606]  U  Certes  al  fis 
fing1  is  defended  by  god  and  holy  chirche  for 
whiche  fay  ben  accursed  til  fay  come  to  amendement 
fat1  on  such  filthe  bisetten  here  bileeue .  [607]  Charmes 
for  woundes  or  malady  of1  men  or  of1  bestes  if1  fay 
take  eny  effect1,  it1  may  be  paraduenture  fat1  god  suffref 
hit1  for  folk1  schulde  3eue  fe  more  faif  and  reuerence  to 
his  name 

[608]  II  Now  wol  I  speke  of1  lesynge  whiche  gener 
ally  is  fals  signifiaunce  of1  word  in  entent  to  desceyuen 
his  euencristen  [609]  Som  lesyng1  is  of1  whiche 
f  er  cometh  noon  auawntage  to  noon  wight1  and  som  lesyng1 
toruef  to  f  e  ease  or  profit1  of1  som  man . 

[i  leaf  269,  back'] 


SIX-TEXT    639 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7331     645 

and  to  damage  of1  an  o])er  man  [610]  U  Anofer  lesyng1 

for  to  saue  his  lif1  or  his  catel  [ no  gajj]  come]) 

of*  delit/  for  to  lye .  in  which  delit1  fay  wol  forge  a  long1 
tale  and  paynte  it  with  alle  circu?ftstaunces  wher 
as  ]>&  ground  ofH  fe  tale  is  fals  [6n]  H  Som  lesyng1 
come]) .  For  he  wolde  susteyne  his  word  U  Som  lesyng1 
cometh  of1  rechelesnes  wifoute  auisemenf  and  sem- 
blable  f  inges 

[612]  H  lafr  vs  now  touche  fe  vice  of1  flaterie 
which  cometh  not1  gladly  but  for  drede  or  for  coueitise 
[613]  U  Flaterie  is  generally  wrongful  preysing1.  Flater- 
ers  ben  fe  deueles  norices  fat1  norisshen  his  children 
wif  mylk1  of1  fe  losingerie.  [614]  forsofe  Salamon  saith 
fat1  flaterie  is  worse  fan  detracciown.  for  som  tyme  de- 
tracciown  makith  an  hawteyn  man  be  fe  more  humble 
for  he  dredith  detraccioem  H  But  certes  flaterie  makith 
a  man  to  enhaunsen  his  hert/  and  his  countenaunce 
[615]  U  Flaterers  ben  fe  deueles  enchauntours .  For 
fay  maken  man  to  wene  of*  himself1  fat1  he  is  like  to  fat1  he 
is  no^t1  like.  [616]  J?ay  ben  like  ludas  fat1  bitraised 

[ no  gap]  to  selle  him 

to  his  enemy  fat1  is  fe  deuel  [617]  U  Flaterers  ben 
f e  deueles  chapeleyns  fat1  singen  ay .  placebo . 
[6 1 8]  I  rekene  flaterers  in  fe  vices  of1  Ire.  For  of  to 
tyme  if1  oon  man  be  wrof  wif  anofer.  farme  wol 
he  flatere  som  man  to  mayntene  him  in  his  querel 

[619]  Speke  we  now  of1  such  cursyng1  as  comef 
of1  Irous  hert1  malisoun  generally  may  be  said  euery 
maner  power  of1  harm,  such  l cursyng1  bireuef  man  fro 
fe  regne  of1  god  as  saif  seint1  poule  [620]  U  And  ofte 
tyme  such  cursyng1  wrongfully  retournef  agayn  to 
hy?ft  fat1  curseth  as  fat1  retournef  agayn  to  his 
owne  nest1.  [621]  and  ouer  alle  finges  men  oughten 
eschewe  to  cursen  here  oughne  children  and  ^iue  to  f  e  deuel 
here  engendrure  as  ferforth  as  in  hem  is  Certis  it  is 
gref  peril  and  grett  synne 

V  leaf  m] 


640    SIX-TEXT 

646     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

[622]  U  let1  vs  panne  speke  of1  chydynge  and  reproche 
whiche  pat1  ben  ful  grete  wourcdes  in  ma?mes  hert1  [.     .     . 

no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

[623]  U  For  certis  vnnepe  may  a  man  plainly  ben 
accordid  w^'t7^.  him  pat1  him  openly  reuyled  and 
reproued  and  disclaundrid .  pis  is  a  ful  grisly  synne 
as  cristi  saith  in  pe  gospel.  [624]  and  takith  keep  now 
pat1  he  pat1  reprouep  his  neignebor.  ouper  he  reprouep 
him  by  som  harm  of1  peyne .  [ 

[625] no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

panne  tornith  pe  reproef1  to  ihu  crist1.  For  peyne  is 
sent1  by  pe  rightwis  sonde  of1  god  and  by  his  suffraunce 
be  it  meselrie  or  many  oper  maladies.  [626]  and  if1  he 
repreue  him  vncharitably  as  pou  holour  pou  dronk- 
elewe  harlot1  and  so  forth  panne  aperteyneth  pat1 
to  pe  reioysing1  of1  pe  deuel  pat1  euer  hap  ioye 
pat1  men  doon  synne.  [627]  And  certis  chidyng1  may 
nought1  come  but1  out  of1  a  vileins  herte  H  For  after  pe 
abundauwce  of*  pe  herte  spekep  pe  mouth  ful  ofte. 
[628]  and  36  schal  vnderstonde  pat1  loke  by  any  way 
whan  any  man  schal  chastise  anoper  pat1  he  be  war 
fro  chyding1  or  repreuyng1 .  For  trewely  but1  he  be 
war  f  he  may  ful  lightly  quiken  pe  fuyr  of1  anger  and  of* 
wrappe  which  pat1  he  schulde  quenchen  :  and  par  auenture 
slep  pat1  he  mighte  chaste  with  benig- 
nite .  [629]  for  as  saip  salamon  H  The  amiable  tonge  is 
pe  tree  of1  lif1  pat1  is  to  sayn  of1  lif1  espirituel.  and 
sopely  dislaue  tonge  slep  pe  spirit  of1  him  [.  .  . 

no  gap]  pat1  is  repreued  [630]  IT  lo 

what1  saith  seint1  augustyn  H  Ther  is  no  ping1  so  lik1  pe 
fendes  child  as  he  pat1  ofte  chidep  U  Seint1  poule  seip 
eek1  I  seruaunt1  of1  god  bihoueth  no^t1  to  chide.  [631]  and 
pough  pat1  chidyng  be  a  vileins  ping1  bitwixe  alle 
maner  folk/f  ^it1  is  it  certes  more  vncouenable 
bitwix  a  man  and  his  wif1 .  For  per  is  neuer  rest1 


SIX-TEXT    641 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     647 

And  ferfore  saith  Salamcw  U  An  hous  fat1  is  vnconered 
&  droppyng1  and  a  chidyng1  wyf1  ben  like 
[632]  a  man  fat1  is  in  dropping1  hous  in  many 
partes  fough  he  eschewe  fe  dropping1  in  oon  place  f 
it1  droppef  on  him  in  anofer  place  IT  So  farith  it1  by 
a  chydinge  wyf1  f  But1  sche  chide  him  iu  oon  place  f  sclie 
wol  chide  him  in  anofe?'  [633]  IT  And  ferfore  better  is 
a  morsel  of1  bred  wit/t  ioye  fan  an  hous  ful  of1' 
delices  with  chyding*  seif  Salamon  [634]  l  IT  Seint1 
poul  saith  IT  0  ^e  wommen  be  30  sugettis  to 
housbondes  as  bihouej)  in  god .  And  ^e  men  loueth 
wyues  ad  Colocenses  iij°. 

[635]  IT  Afterward  speke  we  of1  scornyng1  which  is  a 
wikked  f  ing1  and  sinful  and  namely  whan  he  scornith  a  man 
for  his  goode  worker  [636]  IT  For  certes  suche  scornes 
faren  lik1  fe  foule  toode  fat1  may  nought  endure  fe 
soote  smel  of*  fe  vine  roote  whan  it 
florischith .  [637]  fese  scorners  ben  partyng*  felawes 
wi]>  ]>Q  deuel .  For  fay  han  ioye  whan  J>e  deuel 
wynneth  and  sorwe  whan  he  leseth 

[638]     IT    Thay    ben     aduersaries    of1     Ihu     c^^'st1 .     for 
fay  haten  fat1  he  loueth  fat1  is  to  saye  sauaciown  of1  soule 

[639]  Speke  we  now  of*  wikked  counseil  IT  For  he  fat1 
wickid  counseil  ^iueth .  he  is  a  traytour .  for  he  deceyuef 
him  fat1  trustef  in  him  IT  vf  achitofel  ad  absolonem 
IT  But1  naf  eles  ^et1  is  his  wikkid  couwseil  first1  a3eras  him 
self1  [640]  IT  For  as  saith  the  wise  man  IT  Euery  fals 
lyuyng1  haf  fis  proprete  in  him  self1,  fat1  he  fat1 
wil  annoye  anofer  manf  he  annoyeth  first1  himself1. 
[641]  IT  and  men  schul  vnderstonde  fat1  men  schulde  nought1 
take  his  counseil  of1  fals  folk1  ne  of1  angry  folk/  [. 

]   ne  of1  folk1  fat1  louen  specially  to  moche  her 

oughne  profyf  ne  in  to  moche  worldly,  folk1,  namely  in  coun 
sel  yng1  of1  soules 

[642]  Now  comef  fe  synne  of1  hem  fat1  so  wen  and 
maken  discord  amonges  folk1  which  is  a  synne  fat/ 

P  leaf  270,  bade] 


6-1:2    SIX-TEXT 

648     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

crist1  hatejj  outrely .  and  no  wonder  is .  for  god  died 
for  to  make  concord .  [643]  and  more  schame  do  fay  to 
cristf  fan  dede  fay  fat1  him  crucifiede  U  For  god 
loueth  bettre  fat1  frendschipe  be  amonges  folk1  U  farcne 
he  dide  his  owne  body  which  fat/  he  ^af*  for  vnite. 
ferfore  ben  fay  likned  to  fie  deuel  fat1  euer  ben 
aboute  to  make  discord 

[644]  H  Now  comith  f  e  sinne  of1  double  tonge .  suche 
as  speken  faire  biforn  folk1  and  wikkedly  bihynde  or 
elleb  fay  make  semblaimt  as  fough  fay  speke  of* 
good  entenciozm  or  ellis  in  game  &  play  and  ^it1  fay 
speke  in  wikked  entente 

[645]  U  Now  comef  fe  wreying1  of*  counseil  furgh 
which  a  ma/i  is  famed  U  Certes  vnnethe  may  he  restore  fat1 
damage 

[646]  II  Now  comef  manace  fat1  is  an  open  foly .  For 
he  fat1  ofte  man[a]ceth  he  threttith  more  fan  he  may 
parfourme  ful  olte  tyme 

[647]  U  Now  comef  Idel  wordes  fat1  is  wifoute 
profyt1  of1  him  fat1  spekith  fo  wordes  and  eek1  of1  him 
fat1  herkenef  f o  wordes .  or  elles  ydel  wordes  ben 
fo  fat  ben  needeles  or  wifoutew  entent1  of1  naturel 
profyt1  [648]  and  al  be  it1  fat1  ydil  wordes  ben  som 
tyme  venial  synne  f  ^it1  schulde  men  doute  hem .  For  we 
schuln  }iue  rekenynge  of1  hem  bifore  1god 

[649]  U  Now  comith  iangeling1  fat/  may  nou^t1  be  wif 
oute  synne  as  saith  Salamo?i  11  It1  is  a  signe  of1  apert1 
folie  [650]  and  f  erf  ore  a  philosophre  whan 
men  askid  him  how  men  schulde  plese  fe  poeple 
and  he  answerde  U  Do  many  goode  werkes .  and  spek/  fewe 
iangeles 

[651]  IT  After  fis  comef  fe  synne  of1  iapers  fat1 
ben  fe  deueles  apes  For  fay  maken  folk1  to  laughen  at 
here  iapes  or  iaperie  as  folk1  doon  at/  f  e  gaudes  of1  an  ape  / 
Suche  iapes  defendith  seintf  poule  [652]  U  Loke  how 
fat1  vertuous  and  holy  wordes  co/iforten  hein 

[i  leaf  271] 


SIX-TEXT    643 

GROUP  I.    §  2.    PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     649 

fat1  trauailen  in  f  e  seruice  of*  crist1  f  Right1  so  conforten 
f  e  violent1  wordes  and  knakkis  and  iaperies  hem  pat1 
trauayle  in  fe  seruice  of1  fe  deuyl  [653]  IF  These  ben 

f  e  synnes  fat/  comef  of1  [ wo  ^c^»]  Ire 

and  of1  of  er  synnes 

[2Vb  break  in  the  MS.] 

[654]  IT  Remediim  contra  Iram 

Emedye     agayns      ire      is      a     vertue     fat1     men 
clepe     mansuetude .     fat1     is     deboneirte .     And 
eek1   anofer  vertue    fat1    me?z   clepe   pacience   or 
sufferawnce . 

[655]  debonairete  wifdrawith  and  restreignef 
f  e  stiringes  and  f  e  moeuynges  of1  ma?inys  corrage  in  his 
herte  in  such  manere  fat1  fai  ne  skip  not1  out1  by 
anger  ne  by  Ire  [656]  1T  Suffraunce  suffrith  swetely  al 
fe  annoyaunce  and  fe  wronges  fat1  men  doon  to  man 
outward  [657]  IF  Seint  lerom  saif  fus  of1  debonairte . 
fat  it  dof  noon  harm  to  no  wight1  ne  saith  ne  for  noon 
harm  fat1  men  doon  ne  sayn.  he  ne  eschaufith  nought1 
agayns  his  resown  [658]  IT  This  vertu  comif  som  tyme  of1 
nature  IF  For  as  saith  fe  philosopher  man  is  a  quik* 
fing1  by  nature  and  tretable  to  goodnesse 
IF  Bat1  whan  debonairete  is  enformed  of1  grace  f  fan  is 
it1  f  e  more  worf 

[659]  1F  Pacience  fat1  is  anofer  remedie.  agains  Ire 
is  a  vertu  fat1  suffreth  swetely  euery  mannes  goodnes 
as  is  not1  wrof  for  noon  harm  fat1  is  doon  to  him. 
[660]  fe  philosopher  saith  fat1  pacience  is  filke 
vertue  fat1  suffrith  deboneirly  alle  fe  outrages  of1 
aduersite  and  euery  wickid  word  [66 1]  IF  This  vertue 
makif  a  mara  lik1  to  god  and  makith  him  goddes 
oughne  dere  child  as  saif  cn'st  IF  fis  vertu  destroyef 
fin  enemy  and  ferfore  saith  fe  wise  man  1F  If1  fou 
wolt1  venquiscn"  fin  enemy  lerne  to  suffre  [662]  1F  And 
fou  schalt1  vnderstonde  fat1  maw  suffrith  foure  maners 


644    SIX-TEXT 

650     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

of1     greuaunces     in     outward     fringes .      agains     wliiche 
he  moot1  haue  foure  maners  of1  pacience 

[663]  IT  The  firste  greuau^ce  is  of1  wicked  wordes. 
f  ilke  suffred  Ihu  mst1  wif  oute  grucching1  ful 
paciently  whan  fe  iewes  despised  him  and  reproued  him 
ful  ofte.  [664]  suffre  fou  ferfore  paciently  IT  For  fe 
wise  man  saif  IT  If1  1]?ou  striue  with  a  fool,  fough 
fe  fool  be  wrof  or  fough  he  laughhe  algate 
fou  schaltf  haue  no  rest*  [665]  H  That1  ofer  greuaunce 
outward  is  to  haue  damage  of1  f  i  catel  f  ]>er  agayn 
snored  crest1  ful  paciently  whan  he  was  despoylid  of1  al 
fat1  he  had  in  his  lif1  and  faf  nas  but1  his  clofis 
[666]  U  The  fridde  greuau?zce  is.  a  man  to  haue  harm  in 
his  body .  fat1  suffred  cn'st/  ful  paciently  in  al  his 
passioun  [667]  IT  The  ferj>e  greuaunce  is  in  outrageous 
labour  i?^  werkis  wherfore  I  say  fat1  folk1  fat1 
maken  here  se?*uawnt}  to  trauaile  to  greuously  or  out1  of1 
tyme  as  on  haly  dayes .  sofely  fay  doon  greet1  synne 
[668]  H  Here  against1  suffred  crz'st1  ful  paciently  and 
taughte  vs  pacience  whan  he  bar  vpon  his  blisful 
schulder  fe  croys  vpon  which  he  schulde  suffre 
despitous  deth .  [669]  here  may  men  lerne  to  be 
pacienf.  For  certes  nought1  oonly  cristen  ben  pacient1 
for  fe  loue  of1  ihu  cristt  and  for  guerdozm  of1  fe  blisful 
life  fat*  is  perdurable  But1  fe  olde  paynymes  fat1 
neuer  were  cristen  comau?^dedin  and  vseden  fe  vertu 
of1  pacience 

[670]  IF  A  philosopher  vpon  a  tyme  fat1  wolde  haue 
bete  his  disciple  for  his  grete  trespas .  For  which  he  was 
gretly  amoeued  and  brought1  a  ^erde  to  scoure  fe 
child.  [671]  &  wha%  fe  child  saugh  fe  ^erde  f  he 
sayde  to  his  maister  U  what1  f  enke  30  to  do  1T  I  wolde  bete 
fe  quod  fe  maister  for  fi  correcciown  [672]  Forsofe 
quod  f e  child .  30  oughte  first1  correcte  3oure  silf1  fat1 
han  left1  al  3oure  pacience  for  fe  gilt1  of1  a  child 
[673]  U  For  sofe  quod  fe  maister  al  wepyng1.  fou 


SIX-TEXT    645 

GROUP  I.     §  2.    PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     651 

saist1  soth.  haue  pou  pe  }erde  my  deere  sone  and 
correcte  me  for  myn  impacience.  [674]  Of1  pacience  come]) 
obedience .  Jmrgfr  which  a  man  is  obedient1  to  cmt/  and 
to  alle  he??i  to  which  him  oughte  to  be  obedient1  in  crist1 . 
[675]  and  vnderstonde  wel  pat1  obedience  is  parfyfr. 
whan  a  man  do]?  gladly  &  hastily  with  good 
herte  outrely  al  pat1  he  scholde  do  [676]  1T  Obedience  is 
generally  to  parforme  pe  doctn'ne  of1  god  and 
of1  his  soueraignes  to  whiche  him  oughte  to  ben  obeissant1 
in  alle  rightwisnes . 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

[677] 

AFter   ])e   synne   of1    enuye   and   Ire.    now   wol   I 
speke  of1  [     .     .     .     no  gap]  accidie .    For  enuye 
blendith   pe   hert    of1    a   ma?^   and    Ire   troublith 
a   man  and   accidie  makith  him  heuy .    poughtful .    and 
wrawe  [678]  1T  Enuye  and  Ire  maken  bitternes  in  herte. 
which   bitternesse   is    mooder   of1    accidie   and   bynimith 
pe     loue     of1     alle     goodnes.      panne     is     accidie      pe 
anguische    of1    trouble    hert1    and    seint1    augustyn    saith 

[ no  gap]  [679]  1T  Certes 

pis  is  a  dampnable  synne.  For  it1  do])  wrong1  to  Iliu 
1  crist1  in  as  moche  as  it  bynyme])  fe  seruice  pat1  we 
ought1  to  do  to  crist1  wip  alle  diligence  as  sai])  Salomon 
[680]  IT  But1  accidie  do])  noon  such  diligence,  he  do]) 
alle  ping1  wij)  anoy  and  with  drawenes .  slaknes 
and  excusaciourc .  and  with  ydelnes  &  vnlust1  for 
which  pe  book1  saith  IT  Accursed  be  he  pat1  dop  pe 

seruice  of1  god  necligently  [68 1]  [ no  gap] 

enemy  to   euery  astaat1  of1  maw   H  For  certes   pestat1  of1 

[ [682]      .     .     .     no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

Innocence .  as  was  pastate  of1  adam  biforn  pat1  he  fel  in  to 
sywne  in  which  estate  he  is  holden  to  worche  as  in 
herying1  and  honouryng1  of*  god  [683]  H  Anoper  astat1 
is  pe  state  of1  sinful  maw .  in  which  estate .  men  ben  holden 


646    SIX-TEXT 

652     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7331 

to  labore  in  praying*  to  god  for  amendeme?*f  of1  her 
synnes.  and  fat1  he  wolde  graunte  he?ft  to  rise  of1  here 
syunes  [684]  1T  Anof  er  estaat1  is  Restate  of1 
\vhich  he  is  holde  to  werkis  of1  penitence  and 
certes  to  alle  fese  finges  is  accidie  enuye  con- 
trarie  for  it  lone])  no  busynes  at  al  [685]  f  Now 
certis  fis  foule  synne  accidie  is  eek1  a  ful  gret1  enemy 
to  fe  liflode  of1  fe  body  For  it1  hath  no  pwrueaunce 
ajens  temperel  necessite .  for  it1  forslowthith  and  for- 
sluggith  and  destroyeth  alle  goodes  temporels  by 
rechelesnes 

[686]  U  The  ferfe  fing1  is  fat1  accidie  is  like  hem 
fat1  ben  in  fe  peyne  of1  helle  by  cause  of1  her  slouj>e 
and  of1  her  heuynes  For  fay  fat1  ben  dampned  ben 
so  bounde  fat1  pay  may  nought  wel  do  ne  wel 
fenke  [687]  U  Of*  accidie  cometh  first  fat1  a  man  is 
annoyed  and  encombrid  for  to  do  eny  goodnes.  and 
rnakith  that  god  haf  abhominaciown  of1  such 
accidie  as  saith  seint1  lohaa  . 

[688]  H  Now  come])  sloufe  fat1  wol  sufFre  noon 
hardnes  ne  no  penaunce  For  sofely  sloufe  is  so 
tendre  and  so  delicaf  as  saith  Salomon  fat1  he  wol 
suffre  noon  hardnes  ne  penaunce.  and  ferfore  he 
schendeth  al  fat  he  doth  [689]  H  Agayns  fis  roten 
hertid  synne  of  accidie  and  of1  slouthe  schulden  men 
exercise  hemself1  to  do  goode  werkes  and  manly 
and  vertuously  cacchin  corrage  wel  to  doo.  fink- 
ing  faf  oure  lord  ihii  cmt1  quitef  euery  good 
dede  be  it  neuer  so  lyte.  [690]  IT  Vsage  of1  labour  is  a 
ful  greef  fing*.  for  it  makith  as  saif  seint  Bernard  fe 
laborer  to  haue  stronge  armes  and  harde  synewes  IF  And 
slouthe  maketh  hem  feble  and  tendre  [691]  U  Thanne  comef 
drede  to  bygynne  to  werke  eny  goode  deedes  f  For 
certes  what*  fat1  is  enclined  to  don  synne  him  finkith  if 
is  so  gret1  emprise  for  to  vndertake  to  doon  werkes 
of1  goodnes  [692]  /  as  [ 


SIX-TEXT    647 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     653 


.     .     .     .     no  gap]  saif  seynt  gregory 

[693]  IF  Now  come])  wanhope  fat1  is  despair  of1  fe 
mercy  of1  god  fat1  come]?  som  tyme  of1  to  moche  out 
rageous  sorwe  Jand  som  tyme  of1  to  moche  drede  ymagyn- 
ynge  pat1  lie  haf  do  so  moclie  synne  fat1  it1  wil 
not*  auaile  him  fough  he  wolde  repent  him  and 
forsake  synne.  [694]  furgh  which  despeir  or  drede 
he  abundith  al  his  herte  to  alle  maner  synne  as  seith 
seintf  augustin.  [695]  whiche  dampnable  synne  if*  fat1 
it1  continue  vnto  his  lyues  ende  it  is  cleped  synnyng1  of1  f  e 
holy  gost1 .  [696]  This  horrible  synne  is  so  pe?ilous . 
fat1  he  fat1  is  despaired  fer  is  no  felonye  ne  no  synne 
fat  he  doutith  for  to  do.  as  schewed  wel  by  ludas. 
[697]  Certes  aboue  alle  synnes .  fan  is  fis  synne 
most1  displesant1  to  cnst1  and  most1  aduersarie  [698] 
sothely  he  fat1  despisith  him  is  like  fe  coward 
campiown  recreaunt1  fat1  seith  recreaunt  wif oute  neede . 
alias  alias  needeles  is  he  recreaunt 

and  needeles  despaired  [699]  5T  Certes  f  e  mercy  of1  god  is 
euer  redy  to  fe  penitent1  and  is  aboue  alle  his  werkes. 
[700]  alias  can  not1  a  man  byfenk1  him  on  fe  gospel 
of*  seint  luk/  wher  as  crist1  saith  fat1  as  wel  schal 
fer  be  ioye  in  heuen  vpon  a  synful  man  fat1  dof 
penitence  as  vpon  nynety  and  nyne  fat1  ben  rightful  merc  fat1 

[ no  gap]  needen  no  penitence 

[701]  U  loke  forfer  in  fe  same  gospel  fe  ioye  and  fe 
fest1  of*  fe  goode  marc  fat1  had  lost1  his  sone.  whan 
fe  sone  with  repentaunce  was  torned  to  his  fader 
[702]  U  Can  not1  fay  remembre  eek1  fat1  as  saif 
seint1  luk1  xxiij0.  how  fat1  fe  fef1  fat1  was  hangid 
biside  ifru  crist1  sayde  II  lord  remembre  of1  me  whan 
fou  comestt  in  to  fy  regne  [703]  11  Forsofe  saith 
erist1.  to  day  fou  schalt1  be  wif  me  in 
paradis  [704]  IT  Certis  fer  is  noon  so  horrible  synne  of1 

[i  leafZTl,  back} 


648    SIX-TEXT 

654     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7331 

man  pat1  it1  may  in  his  lif1  be  destroyed  with  penitence 
porugh  v^rtu  of*  passiozm  of1  pe  deth  of1  crist 
[7°5]  ^  Alias  what  needith  if  man  panne  to  be  despaired 
sith  pat1  his  mercy  is  so  redy  and  large,  aske  and  haue 
[706]  U  Thanne  come])  sompnolent1  pat1  is  sluggy 
slumbring1  which  makip  a  ma?^  ben  heuy  and  dul  in 
body  and  in  soule.  and  pis  synne  come])  of1  sloupe 
[707]  and  certes  J)e  tyme  pat1  by  way  of*  resoun  man 
schulde  nou^t1  slepe  pat1  is  by  pe  morvve  but1  if1  J)er  were 
cause  resonable  [708]  For  solely  pe  morwe  tyde  is 
most/  couenable  to  a  man  to  say  his  prayers  and  for 
to  pcnk1  vpon  his  god  and  to  honoure  god  and  to 
}eue  almes  to  pe  pore  pat1  first1  come])  in  pe  name 
of1  cn'sfr  [709]  U  lo  what1  saith  Salamon.  H  who-so  wol 
by  pe  morwe  arise  and  seeke  me  schal  fynde 
[710]  H  pan  come]?  negligence  that/ 

rekkith  of1  no  ping1  and  how  pat1  ignorawnce  be 
moder  of1  alle  harm?  Certis  necgligence  is  pe  norice 
[711]  11  Neeligence  dop  no  force  whan  he  schal  doon 
a  ping1  whethir  he  doo  it1  wel  or  baddely 

[712]  U  OfH  pe  remedy  of1  pese  tuo  synnes  as  saith 
1pe  wise  man  IT  That1  he  pat1  dredith  god  he  sparith  nou^t1 
to  do  pat1  him  ought1  to  don.  [713]  and  he  pat1  loueth 
god  wol  do  diligence  to  plese  god  by  his  werkis 
and  abounde  himself1  with  alle  his  mightes  wel  for  to  doon 
fOmmuwma-  [714]  U  Thanne  comith  ydelnes  pat  is  pe  3ate  of1  alle 

lorum  mater  est      1  i          TI  -TI  i  i./ii 

ia  liarmcs .  and  ydil  man  is  like  an  hous  pat/  hap  noone 
walles.  pe  deueles  may  entre  on  euery  syde  or  schete 
at1  him  at1  discouert/  by  temptaciowns  on  euery  syde 
[715]  U  This  ydelnes  is  pe  thurrok/  of1  alle  wickid 
vileyns  poughtes  and  of1  alle  iarigles  tryfles  and  of1 
alle  ordure  [716]  11  Certes  pe  heuen  is  ^euen  to  he?ft  pat1 
wol  labours  and  nou^t1  to  ydil  folk1  II  Eke  dauid  saith 
That  /  pay  ne  ben  not  in  pe  labour  of1  men  ne  pay  schul 
not1  be  wiped  with  men  pat  is  to  sain  in  purgatorie 

[l  tea/ 273] 


SIX-TEXT    649 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     655 

[717]  U  Certes  fanne  semeth  it  fat1  fay  schal  be  tormentid 
wif  f  e  deuel  in  helle  but1  if1  fay  don  penitence 

[718]  U  fa?zne  comith  fe  synne  fat1  men  clepe 
tarditas.  as  whan  a  man  is  so  latrede  or  tarying1  er 
he  wil  tome  to  god .  and  certis  fat1  is  a  gret  foly . 
he  is  like  him  fat1  fallith  in  to  fe  diche  and  wol  not 
arise  /  [719]  And  fis  vice  cometh  of1  a  fals  hope  fat1 
he  J>inkith  he  schal  lyue  longe.  but1  fat1  hope 
faylef  ful  ofte 

[720]  U  J)anne  comith  laches,  fat1  is  he  when  he 
bigy?meth  any  good  werk1  anoon  he  wol  forlete  it1  and 
stynte  as  doon  fay  fat/  han  eny  wight1  to  gouerne . 
and  ne  take  of*  hem  no  more  keep  anoon  as  fay  fynde 
eny  contrarie  or  eny  arioy  [721]  H  fese  ben  fe  newe 
schepherdes  fat*  leten  her  schep  wityngely  go  renne  to 
f e  wolf  fat1  is  in  f e  breres  or  don  no  force  of1  her  oughne 
gouernaunce.  [722]  Of1  fis  coinef  pouert1  and  destrucciozm 
bof e  of1  spirituel  and  of1  temptrel  finges  11  Thanne  comef 
a  maner  of1  coldenesse  fat1  fresef  al  fe  hert1  of1  man 
[723]  fanne  cometh  vndeuocioun  furgh  which  a  man  is 
so  blunt1  &  as  saif  seint1  Bernard  he  haf  such  a  langour  in 
soule  fat  he  may  neyf eir  rede  ne  synge  in  holy  chirche  ne 
heere  ne  f  inke  on  deuocioun  in  holy  chirche  ne  trauayle  with 
his  hondes  in  no  good  werk1  fat1  nys  fo  him  vnsauory 
and  al  [?24]  fanne  waxith  he  slow  and 
slombry  and  soone  wol  he  be  wrof  and  soone  is  enclined 
to  hate  and  to  enuye  [725]  U  fanne  comith  fe  synne  of1 
worldly  sorwe  such  as  is  clepid  tristicia  fat1  sleth 
man  as  saith  seint  poule  [726]  U  For  certis  such  sorwe 
werkith  to  f  e  deth  of1  f  e  soule .  &  of1  f  e  body  also . 
For  f  er  of1  cometh  fat1  a  maw  is  anoyed  of1  his  oughne  lif1 . 
[727]  which  sorwe  schortef  ful  ofte  fe  lif1  of1  a 
man  or  fat1  his  tyme  is  come  by  way  of1  kynde 
[No  break  in  the  MS.] 


650    SIX-TEXT 

656    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 


[728]  U  Agains  pis  horrible  asynne  of1  accidie  and  pe 
braunches  of1  pe  same  per  is  a  vertu  pat1  is  cleped 
fortitudo  or  strengpe  fat1  is  affecciown  purgh 
which  a  man  despiseth  alle  noyous  pinges  [729]  IT  This 
vertu  is  so  mighty  &  so  vigurous  pat1  it  dar  wipstonde 
mighty  and  wisely  kepe  Itself1  from  perils  pat1  ben 
wicked  and  wrastil  agains  pe  assautes  of1  pe  deuel . 
[730]  For  it1  enhaunsith  and  enforce]?  pe  soule.  Right1  as 
accidie  abateth  it1  and  makith  it1  feble .  For  pis  fortitudo 
may  endure  by  long1  sufferaunce  pe  trauailes  pat1  ben 
conuenables 

[731]  ^  This  vertu  hap  many  spices.  pe 
first1  is  cleped  magnanimite  pat1  is  to  sayn  gret1  corrage . 
For  certis  per  bihouep  gret1  corrage  agains  accidie  lest1 
pat1  it  ne  swolwe  not1  pe  soule  by  pe  synne  of1  sorwe  or 
destroye  it  by  wanhope  [732]  H  This  vertu  makith 
folk1  vndertake  harde  pinges  and  greuous  pinges 
by  his  owne  wille  willfuly  and  resonably.  [733]  and  for 
als  moche  as  ]?e  deuel  fighteth  agaynst1  a  ma?^  more  by 
queyntise  and  by  sleight  pan  by  strengpef  perfore  many  a  ma?z 
schal  a3einstonde  him  by  witte .  and  by  resoun  and  by  dis- 
crecknm.  [734]  Thanne  is  per  pe  vertu  of1  faith  and 
hope  in  god  and  in  his  seintes  to  eschew .  and  to  acomplice 
pe  goode  werkes  in  pe  whiche  he  pwrposith  ferrnely 
to  continue.  [735]  thanne  comep  seurte  or  sikernes 
and  pat1  is  wha?z  a  man  doutith  no  trauaile  in  tyme 
comywg1  of1  good  werk1  pat1  a  maw  hap  bygonne 
[736]  H  panne  comep  magnificence  pat  is  to  say  whan 
a  man  doth  and  parformith  grete  werkes  of1  goodnesse 
pat  he  hath  bygonne.  and  pat1  is  pende  why  pat1  men  schulden 
do  goode  werkes.  for  in  pe  accomplising1  of1  grete  goode 
werkes  lip  pe  grete  guerdoura .  [737]  panne  is  per 
constaunce  paf  is  stablenes  of\  corrage  and  pis  schulde 
ben  in  herte  by  stedefast1  faip .  and  in  mouthe .  and  in 

P  tea/ 273, 


SIX-TEXT    651 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     657 

beryng1 .  and  in  cheer  and  in  deede .  [738]  eek*  f  er  ben 
mo  special  remedies  agayns  accidie,  in  dyuers  werkis 
and  in  consideraciown  of*  fe  peyne  of*  helle  and  of1  fe 
ioye  of*  heuen  and  in  f  e  trust1  of*  f  e  hyhe  grace  of*  Jje  holy 
gost1.  fat*  wil  ^eue  him  might*  to  parforme  his  good 

entent . 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

[739]  De  Auaricia    [from  margin'] 

AFter    accidie  f    I   wil    speke    of*    auarice    and    of* 
coueytise .   Of*  whiche  synnes  For  sothely  whan 
saith  sein  poule  fat1  fe   roote  of1   alle  eueles  & 
harmes     is     coueytise/     [740]     and     fat*     fe     hert*     of* 
man  is   confoundid   in  it  self*  and  troublid  and   fat*   fe 
soule  haf  lost*  fe  comfort  of*  god.'fanne  seekith  he  an 
ydel  solas  of*  worldly  f  inges . 

[741]  11T  Auarice  after  f  e  descripciown  of*  seint*  austyn . 
is  a  likerousnes  in  hert*  to  haue  erfely  finges 
[742]  II  Some  ofer  folk1  sayn  fat1  auarice  is  for  to 
purchace  many  erfely  Jnnges  and  no  fing1  ^eue 
to  hem  Jjat*  han  neede  [743]  1F  And  vnderstonde  fat* 
auarice  ne  stonf  not*  oonly  in  lond  ne  in  catel  f  But*  som 
tyme  in  science  and  in  glorie  and  eny  manor 
outrageous  Jnnges  is  auarice  [744]  ^  And 
J>e  difference  bytwixe  auarice  and  coueytise  is  Jns. 
Coueitise  is  for  to  coueyte  suche  Jringes  as  J>ou 

hast*  not*  [    .     •. 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]    [745]  IF  And 

auarice  is  a  synne  J?af  is  ful  dampnable.  For  al  holy 
writ  curseth  it*  and  spekith  agayn  fat*  vice,  for  it  dof 
wrong1  to  Iliii  cn'sf .  [746]  For  it  bireueth  him  J>e  loue 
fat*  men  to  him  owen  and  turnith  it*  bakward  agains 
al  resoun .  [747]  and  makith  fat*  f e  auarous  maw 
hath  more  hope  in  his  catel  fan  in  ihu  cn'st*;  and 

[ • •  • 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]    [748]  ferfore  saith 

CANT.  TALES. HABL.  [i  tea/ 274]  2    U 


652    SIX-TEXT 

658     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

seint  poule  ad  Ephesaos.  fat*  an  auerous  m&n  is 
f  e  fraldom  of1  ydolatrie 

[749]  U  what1  difference  is  f  er  bitwen  an  ydolaster  and 
an  auarous  man .  but*  fat*  an  ydolaster  per  aduenture 
hadde  but1  a  mawmet/  [ 

no  gap]  [750]  U  and  certes  fe  synne  of1  mawmetrie  is 
fe  firste  }>ing*  fat*  god  defendith  in  fe  ten  comaunde- 
mewt}  as  berif  witnes  in  exodo  capitulo  [751]  fou 
schalt/  haue  noone  false  goddes  biforn  me.  ne  fou  schalf  make 
to  the  no  graue  fing*.  thus  is  he  an  auerous  mm  fat1 
loueth  his  tresor  toforn  god  11  And  an  ydolaste?'  [752]  furgh 
his  cursed  synne  of1  auarice  and  coueytise  comen  fese 
harde  lordschipes  furgn  whiche  thay  ben  distreyned 
by  talliages  custumes  and  cariages  more  fan  here 
duete  of1  resou?i  is  .  and  elles  take  fay  of1  here  bonde 
men  amercimentes  whiche  mighte  more  resonably  ben 
callid  extorciouns  fan  mercymentis.  [753]  of1  whiche 
mersyments  and  raunsoiiyng1  of1  bonde  men  some 
lordes  stywardes  seyn  fat1  it  is  rightful .  For  as  moche  as 
a  cherl  haf  no  temperel  fing1  fat*  it  nys  his  lordes 
as  fay  sayn  [754]  U  But1  certes  fise  lordschipes  doon 
wrong1  fat1  bireuen  here  bonde  men  finges  fat1  fay 
neuer  3aue  hem .  Augustine  [  .  .  .  blank  in  MS.]  [755] 
soth  is  fe  condicicwn  of1  fraldom  and  fe  firste 
cause  of1  fraldom  is  sinne  Genes?'* 

[756]  U  Thus  may  36  seen  fat1  fe  gilt1  deserued 
fraldom  but1  not1  nature  [757]  H  wherfore  fese  lordschipes 
schulden  nou^t1  moche  glorifie  in  here  lordschipes 
sith  fat1  by  naturel  condicioim  fay  ben  nou^t1  lordes  ouer 
falles.  but1  for  fraldom  com  first1  by  fe  desert1  of1 
synne  [758]  U  And  forther-ouer  fer  as  fe  lawe  sayth 
fat1  temporel  goodes  of1  bonde  folkes  been  fe  goodes 
of1  her  lordschipes  f  36  fat*  is  to  1  vnderstonde .  f e  goudes 
of1  fe  empe?-owr  to  defende  in.  here  right1,  but1  not1 
to  robbe  hem  ne  to  reue  hem.  [759]  and  feHbre 

[i  tea/274,  &acfr] 


SIX-TEXT    653 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     659 

seip  Seneca.  U  Thi  prudence  sehnlde  Hue  benignely  wip 
pi  prallis  [760]  pilke  pat1  pay  clepe  thralles 
ben  goddes  poeple .  For  humble  folk1  ben  cristes  frendes 
pay  ben  contubernially  wip  pe  lord 

[761]  IT  Thenk1  eek  as  of*  such  seed  as  cherles 
springen .  of1  such  seed  springe  lordes .  as  wel  may 
pe  cherl  be  saued  as  pe  lord.  [762]  The  same  deth'pat1 

takith  pe  cherl  [. 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  as  pou  woldist1 

pi  lord  dide  wip  pe  if1  pou  were  in  his  plyt1 . 
[763]  Euery  sinful  marc  is  a  cherl  as  to  synne  H  I  rede 
pe  certes  pat1  pou  lord  werke  in  such  a  wise  wip 
py  cherles  pat*  pay  rape?'  loue  })e  pan  drede  pe .  [764] 
I  wot*  wel  per  is  degre  aboue  degre  as  resozm 
is  and  skil  ]?af  men  don  her  deuoir  per  as  it  is  dewe . 
U  But  certes  extorciozms  and  despit1  of  oure  vndirlinges  is 
dampnable 

[765]  H  And  forpermore  vnderstonde  wel  pat1 
conquerours  or  tyrawntes  maken  ful  ofte  pralles  of1 
hem  pat*  born  ben  of1  als  royal  blood  as  ben  pay  pat1 
hem  conqneren.  [766]  pis  name  of1  cherldom  was 
neuer  erst1  •  couth  til  noe  sayde  pat1  his  sone 
chanaan  sehulde  be  pral  of1  his  breperen  for  his  synne 
[767]  H  what1  say  we  panne  of1  hew  pat1  pylon  and  doon 
extorciowns  to  holy  chirche  U  Certis  the  swerdes  pat1 
men  3euen  first*  to  a  knight1  whan  he  is  newe  dubbyd 
signifieth  faith  and  pat1  he  sehulde  defende  holy  chirche 

[ 

.  no  gap]  [768]  and  as  seith  seiut1  austin.  Thay  ben 
pe  deueles  wolues  pat1  stranglen  pe  scheep  of1  iliu 
crest1,  and  doon  wors  pan  wolues.  [769]  for  sopely 
whan  pe  wulf1  hap  ful  his  wombe  f  he  stintith  to 
strangle  scheep.  but*  soply  pe  pilours  and  pe  destroy 
ers  of1  pe  goodes  of1  holy  chirche  ne  doon  noi^t1  so  f  For  pai 
stynte  neuer  to, pile.  [770]  IT  Now  as  I  haue  sayd .  sith  so 
is.  Jjat  synne  was  first1  cause  of1  praldomf  panne  is  it 

2  u  2 


654    SIX-TEXT 

660    GKOUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

fus.  fat*  like  tyme  fat*  al  fis  world  was  in  synne. 
fanne  was  al  fis  world  in  fraldom  and  in  subiecciown 
[771]  But*  certis  sith  fe  tyme  ofH  grace  comf  God 
ordeyned  fat*  so??zme  folk*  schulde  be  more  heigh  in  estaate 
and  in  degre  and  sorame  folkes  more  lowe  and  fat* 
euerich  schulde  be  serued  in  here  estate  and  in  degree 
[772]  11  And  ferfore  in  somme  contrees  fere  fay  ben 
thralles  whan  fay  han  turned  hem  to  f  e  faith '.  fay  make 
here  f  ralles  free  out  of1  thraldom  U  And  ferfor  certis 
fe  lord  oweth  to  his  ma?i  fat1  fe  maw  owith  to 
fe  lord.  [773]  H  The  pope  callith  himself*  seruawnt 
of1  se?'uaurits  ofH  god  U  But*  for  as  moche  as  f  e  staat/  of1 

holy  chirche  [ no  gap]  to  fe  commune 

p?-onf  might1  nought1  haue  ben  kepte  ne  pees  l  ne  reste  in 
erthe.  but1  if1  god  had  ordeyned  som  marc  of* 
heiher  clegre  and  some  men  of*  lower  f  [774]  ferfore  was 
soueraignte  ordeyned  to  kepe  and  to  mayntene  and  de- 
fende  her  vnderlynges  or  her  subiectis  in  resoun  as  fer- 
ibrth  as  it  lith  in  her  power  and  not*  to  destroye 
ne  confounde  hem  [775]  11  wherfore  I  say  fat*  filke  lordes 
fat*  be  like  wolues  fat*  deuouren  fe  possessio?m  of* 
fe  catel  of*  pore  folk*  wrongfully  wifoute  mercy  or 
mesuref  [776]  fay  schul  receyue  by  fe  same  mesure 
fat*  fay  han  mesured  to  pouer  folk*  fe  mercy  of*  ihu 
cmt*  but*  if*  it  be  amendid  [777]  11  Now  comef  deceipt* 
bitwixe  marchau/it  and  marchaiwt* .  and  f  ou  schalt*  vnder- 
stonde  fat*  marchau?^dise  is  in  many  maneres.  fat*  oon 
is  bodily .  and  fat*  of er  is  gostly .  fat*  oon  is  honest* 
and  leful .  and  fat*  of  er  is  dishonest*  •  &  vnleful 
[778]  IT  Of*  filke  bodily  marchauwdise  fat*  is  honest*  and 
leful  is  fis.  fat*  fer  as  god  haf  ordeyned  fat  a 
regne  or  a  cuntre  is  suffisaunt/  to  himself*,  fanne  is  it 
honest/  and  leful  fat*  of*  fe  abundau?zce  of*  fis  centre 
fe  men  helpe  anofer  cuntre  fat*  is  more  needy 
[779]  H  And  f  erf  ore  fer  moote  be  marchawnt}  to 
bringe  fro  fat1  oon  cuntre  to  fat*  ofer  her  march- 


SIX-TEXT    655 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     661 

aiwdise  [780]  U  That*  ofer  marchaundise  faf  men 
hauntyn  with  fraude  and  treccherie  and  deceipt/  with 
lesynges  and  fals  othis  is  cursed  and  dampnable 
[781]  IT  Espirituel  marchaiwdi^e  is  proprely  symonie 
fat1  is  ententyf1  desire  to  beye  fiwg/  espirituel  fat1  is 
f  ing1  faf  apperteyneth  to  f  e  seintuarie  of1  god  and  to 
fe  cure  of1  fe  soule  [782]  fis  desir  is  if1  so  be  fat1  a 
man  do  his  diligence  to  parforme  if.  al  be  it  faf  his 
desir  take  noon  effect,  }if  is  it/  to  him  a  dedly 
synne.  and  if1  he  be  ordrid  he  is  irreguler  [783]  1F  Certis 
Symonye  is  cleped  of1  Symon  Magus  fat1  wolde  han 
boughf  for  temporel  catel  fe  ^ifte  faf  god  had  }iuen 
by  fe  holy  gosf  to  seinf  petir  and  to  fapostlis 
[784]  U  And  ferfor  vnderstonde  faf  bofe  he  faf 
sellith  and  he  fat  bieth  finges  espiritueles  ben 
cleped  Symonials  be  it  by  catel  be  it  by  procurement 
or  by  fleisshly  prayere  of1  his  frendes  eifer  flesshly  frendes 
or  spirituel  frendes  [785]  IT  Fleisshly  in  tuo  maneres 
as  by  kynrede  or  ofer  frendes  IT  Sothely  if1  fay  pray 

for  him .  it  is  not  worth  [ no  gap]  if1  he 

take  f e  benefice  it  is  Symonie .  and  if*  he  be  worthy  &  able . 
it  is  non  [786]  U  Thaf  ofer  is  whan  maw  or 
wowman  prayen  for  folk1  to  avaunce  hem  oonly  for 
wikkid  fleisshly  affecciozm  f  af  fay  haue  vnto  f  e  persone 
and  faf  is  ful  Symonye.  [787]  but  certis  in  seruice 

l 

na  gap] 

moof  he  be  honesf  and  ellis  not.  and  eek1  fat  Jit  be 
withoute  bargaynynge  and  faf  fe  persone  be  able 
[788]  II  For  as  saith  seint  Damase  IT  Alle  fe  synnes  of1  fis 
world  af  f  e  reward  of1  fis  synne  is  a  f  ing1  of1  nought , 
For  it  is  fe  gretteste  synne  faf  may  be  after  fe  synne 
of1  lucifer  and  antecrist  [789]  IT  For  by  fis  synne  god 
forlesith  fe  chirche  and  fe  soule  faf  he  bou^f  wif 
his  precious  blood  by  hem  faf  ^euen  chirches  to  hem 
fat  ben  nof  digne  [790]  II  For  fay  putten  in  fcues  faf 

[i  tea/ 275,  back'] 


656    SIX-TEXT 

662     GROUP  I.    •§  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

stelen  fe  soules  of*  ihu  crist*  and  destroyen  patri- 
inoygne.  [791]  by  suche  vndigne  prestis  and  curates, 
han  lewed  men  fe  lasse  reuerence  of1  fe  sacrament/  of* 
holy  chirche  and  suche  ^eueres  of*  chirches  putten  out* 
fe  children  of*  cn'st*.  and  putten  in  to  fe  chirche  fe 
deueles  oughne  sone.  [792]  fay  sellen  soules 
fat*  lambes  schulde  kepe  to  fe  wolf*  fat*  stranglith 
hem.  And  f erf ore  schul  fay  neuer  haue  part* 
of*  J>e  pasture  of*  lambes  fat1  is  fe  blisse  of* 
heuen  [793]  IT  Now  come])  hasardrie  wif  his  appur- 
tenaimce .  as  tables .  and  rafles .  of*  whiche  come])  deceipt* . 
fals  othis .  chidynges  and  alle  raueynea.  blasphemy/zg* . 
and  reneying*  of*  god  and  hate  of  his  neighebors.  wast1 
of*  goodes  out  of*  tyme .  and  som  tyme  man 
slaughter.  [794]  11  Certes  hasardours  ne  mowe  not*  be 
wi])oute  graft-  synne  whil  fay  haunte  fat*  craft*  [795] 
II  Of*  auarice  comef  eek*  lesynges.  fefte  and  fals  witnesse  and 
fals  of  es  11  And  30  schul  vndirstonde  f  aft  f  ese  ben  gretesynnes 
and  expresce  agains  pe  comau?2deme?zt^  of*  god  as  I  haue 
sayd  [796]  U  Fals  witnesse  is  in  word  and  eek*  in  dede . 
In  word  f  as  for  to  bireue  fin  neighebor  his  good  name 
by  fy  witnessinge.  or  bireue  him  his  catel  or  his 
heritage  by  fy  fals  witnesse.  whan  fou  for  Ire  or 
for  meede.  or  for  en  vie  beresfr  witnes  or  accusist* 
him  or  excusist*  him  by  fy  fals  witnes.  or  ellis  ex- 
cusist*  fiself*  falsly .  [797]  ware  $ow  questemongers  and 
notaries  11  Certis  for  fals  witnessynge  was  Susanna  in  ful 
gret*  sorwe  and  peyne  and  many  anofer  mo  [798]  U  The 
synne  of*  thefte  is  eek*  expresse  agayns  goddes  hestis  &  fat* 
in  tuo  maners  corporel  and  spirituel .  [799]  Corporelf 
as  for  to  take  fy  neighebowrs  catel  agayns  his  wille. 
be  it  by  force  or  by  sleight .  be  it  by  mette .  or  by  mesure . 
[800]  by  stelynge  eeke  of*  fals  enditements  vpon  him  and 
in  borwyng*  of*  fin  neghebores  catelle  in  entenf  neuer 
to  paye/  and  in  semblable  finges.  [80 1]  Es- 
pirituel  fefte.  is  sacrilege  fat*  is  to  sayn  hurt- 


SIX-TEXT    657 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     663 

y?2ge  of  holy  pinges  .  or  of  ping*  sacred  of  msfr  U  Sacrilege  is 
in  tuo  1maneres  pafr  oon  is  by  resoun  of  holy  place  as  chirches 
or  chirchehawes .  [802]  For  whiche  euery  vileins  synne  pat* 
men  doon  in  suche  places  may  be  clepid  sacrilege  or 
euery  violence  in  semblable  place  IT  pat1  oper  maner  is .  as  po 
pat  wipdrawen  falsly  pe  rightes  patf  longen  to  holy 
chirche  [803]  1f  [  .  .  .  no  gap]  and  generally  sacrilege 
is  to  reue  holy  ]>mg  fro  holy  place .  and  vnholy 
ping1  out  of  holy  place .  or  holy  thing1  out  of 
holy  place 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

IT  Remediu??i  contra  Auariciam  [from  margin'} 
[804] 

NOw  schul  30  vnderstonde  pat1  pe  releuynge  of 
auarice  is  misericorde  and  pite  largely  taken. 
And  men  might  axen  why  pat1  misericord  and  pite 
is  relieuyng1  of  auarice .  [805]  U  Certes  pe  auaricious 
man  schewith  no  pite  ne  misericorde  to  pe  needeful 
man .  For  he  delitith  him  in  kepyng1  of  his  tresor 
and  nou^t1  in  pe  rescowyng1  ne  relieuyng1  of  his  euen- 
cristen.  &  jjfrfore  speke  I  first1  of  misericord 
[806]  U  Thanne  is  misericord  as  saith  pe  philosopher 
a  vertu.  by  which  pe  corrage  of  a  man  is  stired  by  J?e 
myseise  of  him  paf  is  myseysed .  [807]  vpon  which 
misericorde  folwith  in  parformynge  of  chariteable 
werkis  of  misericord .  [808]  5F  And  certes  jjese 
moeuen  men  to  J)e  misericord  of  ihu  cristi  pat1  $af 
himself  for  oure  gulf,  and  suffred  dep  for  misericord 
and  for^af  vs  oure  original  synne  [809]  and  per  by 
relessid  vs  fro  peyne  of  helle  and  amenusid  pe 
peynes  of  purgatorie  by  penitence  and  ^eueth  grace 
wel  to  do  and  at  pe  laste  pe  ioye  of  heuen  [810]  IF  The 
spices  of  misericorde  ben  for  to  loue  and  for  to 
^iue .  and  eek1  for  to  for^iue  and  for  to  relesse  and  for  to  haue 
pite  in  herte  and  compassioim  of  pe  meschief  of  his 

[i  tea/ 276] 


658    SIX-TEXT 

664    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

euencristen  and  eek1  chastise  pe  as  neede  is 
[811]  U  Anoper  maner  of1  remedye  agayns  auarice  is 
resonable  largesse  but1  sothely  here  bihouith  pe  con- 
sideracioim  of1  pe  grace  of1  ihu  crist1  and  of1  his 
temporel  goodes  and  eek1  of*  his  goodes  perdurable 
pat1  crist  ^af1  YS  .  [8 1 2]  and  eek1  to  haue  remembrance  of« 
pe  dep  pat/  he  schal  resceyue  he  noot  not1  whanne 
[  .  .  .  no  gap]  and  eke  he  schal  forgon  al  pat  he  hath 
saue  oonly  pat4  he  ha])  dispendid  in  goode  werkes 

[813]  IT  But*  for  als  moche  as  some  folk1  ben  vnreson- 
able  men  oughte  to  eschiewe  foly  largesse  pain 
clepen  wast/  [814]  Certes  he  pat1  is  fool-large  ne 

^iuep  nou3t1  his  catel .    [ no  gap]    Sothely 

what1  ping1  pat1  he  ^iueth  for  vayn  glorie  as  to 
mynstrals  and  to  folk1  for  to  bere  his  renoun  in  pe 
world  f  he  hap  synne  and  noon  almes 
[815]  U  Certes  he  lesith  foule  his  goodes  pat1  sekith 
wip  pe  ^ift1  1of1  his  good  no  ping1  but1  synne. 
[8 1 6]  he  is  like  to  an  hors  pat1  sekith  raper  to  drynke 
drouy  watir  and  trouble  pan  for  to  drinke  watir  of1  pe 
welle  pat1  is  cleer.  [817]  And  for  as  moche  as  pay  }iue  per 
as  pay  schuld  rot1  ^iue  i  to  hem  appendith  pilke 
malisown  pat1  crist1  schal  3iue  at1  pe  day  of1  doom  to 
hem  pat1  schal  be  da??*pned  . 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

U  De  Gula    [from  margin] 
[818] 

AFter  auarice  comep  Glotenye  which  is  expresse  eke 
agayns  pe  comaundemerat  of1  god.  Glotenye  is 
vnresonable  and  desordeyned  coueytise  to  ete  and 

to  drywke .  [ 

no  gap]  [819]  pis  synne  cor- 

ruptid  al  pis  world  as  is  wel  schewed  in  pe  synne  of1 
adam.  and  of1  Eua  If  loke  eek*  what1  saith  seint  poul  of1 
glotouns  [820]  H  Many  saith  seint/  poul  gon  of  whiche 


SIX-TEXT    659 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     665 

I  haue  ofte  said  to  $ow  and  now  I  say  itf  wepyng1 
IF  That*  thenemyes  of*  fie  cros  of1  crist1  of 
whiche  fende  is  deth  and  of1  whiche  here  wombe  is 
here  god  and  here  glorie  in  confusiown  fat1  so 
saueren  erfely  fiwges  [821]  5F  he  fat1  is  vsant1  [. 


no  gap  in  the  MS.]     [822]  to  fis 

synne  hath  many  spices  11  The  firste  is  dronkenes 
fat1  is  thorrible  sepulture  of1  mannes  resoun.  And 
whan  man  is  dronken  he  hath  lost/  his  resou?i  and 
fis  is  dedly  synne  [823]  5F  But1  schortly  whan  fat1  a 
man  is  not1  wont1  to  strong1  drinke  and  par  auenture  ne 
knowif  not1  fe  strengfe  of1  fe  drywk1  or  hath  feblesse 
in  his  heed  or  haf  trauayled  furgh  whiche  he  drynkith 
fe  more  and  be  sodeynly  caught1  wif  drynke  it  is  no 
dedly  synne  but1  venial  [824]  IF  The  secounde  spice  of1 
dedly  synne  is .  whan  f  e  spirit1  of1  a  man  wexith  al  trouble 
for  drunkenesse .  and  bireuef  him  his  witte  and  his  discres- 
siown  [825]  IF  The  fridde  spice  of1  glotouns  is  whan  a  man 
deuoureth  his  mete  and  haf  no  rightful  maner  of1  etyng* 
[826]  IT  fe  ferfe  is  whan  furgfi.  fe  grete  abund- 
auwce  of1  his  mete  fe  humows  of1  his  body  been  dis- 
temprid  [827]  IF  fe  fifte  is  fe  Idilnes  by  to  moche 
drinking1.  For  which  a  man  som  tyme  forgetith  by  fe 
morwe  what1  he  dide  at1  eue  or  on  f  e  night1  bifore 

[828]  In  ofer  maner  ben  distinct  fe  spices  of1 
glotonye  after  seint  Gregory  1T  The  firste  is  for  toete  or  drynke 
byfore  tyme  to  ete  IT  The  secouwd  is .  whan  man  ^iueth  him 
to  delicate  mete  or  drinke  [829]  IF  The  fridde  is.  whanne 
man  takith  to  moche  f erofi  ouer  mesure  IF  The  ferthe  is 
curiosite  vriih  gret1  entent1  to  make  and  apparayle 
his  mete  IF  The  fifte  is .  For  to  ete  to  gredely  [830]  IF  These 
ben  fe  fyue  fyngres  of1  fe  deueles  hand,  by  whiche 
he  drawith  folk1  to  synne .  / 


660    SIX-TEXT 

666     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 


1   A    Gayns     Glotonye     is      fe     remedie     abstinence     as 
^L\-  saif  Galien.  But1  fat1  holde  I  iiou^t1  meritorie.   If1 
lie    do    it    oonly    for    fe    hele    of1    his    body    U    Seint1 
austyn    wol     fat1     abstinence     be    don    for     vertu    and 
wif   pacience.    [832]   Abstinence   he  saith  is   litil  worth 
but1  ifH  a  man  haue  good  \ville  f  erto  and  but1  it  be  enforced 
by  pacience  .  and  by  charite  .  and  fat1  men  doon  it  for 
goddes  sake  and  in  hope  to  haue  f  e  blisse  of*  heuen 

[833]    IT    The    felawes   of1    abstinence    ben    attemper- 
awnce     fat1     holdith     f  e     mene    in     alle     f  inges  .     eelf 
schame    fat1    eschiewith    al    dishoneste.    Suffisaunce    fat1 
seeketh  noone  riche  metes  ne  drynkes  ne  dof  no  force  of1  to 
outrageous   apparaillyng1   of1   mete    [834]    ^1    Mesure   also 
fat1  restreynef  by  resoun  the  dislaue   appetit  of1  etyng1. 
Sobernes  also  restreynef    [  ........... 

[835]    .     .    .     .]    f  e  delicat1  wille  to  ete  and  fe  lasse  leysir 


.    .     .     .         .....         .     no  gap  in  the  MSJ\ 

[No  Irealf  in  the  MS.] 

H  De  luxuria 

[836] 

AFter  Glotonye  f  anne  cometh  leccherie  .  For  f  ese 
two  synnes  ben  so  neih  cosyns  fat1  ofte  tyme  fay 
wol  not1  departe  .  [837]  Vnde  paulws  ad  Epheszos  IT  Oolite 
ircebriari  vino  &c.  God  wot1  fis  synne  is  ful  displesaunt1 
f  ing1  to  god  .  vino  in  quo  est  luxuria  .  For  he  sayde  him 
self.  Do  no  leccherie.  and  ferfore  he  putte  gret1  peyne 
agayn  fis  synne  /  in  fe  olde  lawe.  [838]  If  a  worn- 
man  fral  were  take  in  fis  synne.  sche  scholde  be 
beten  with  stoones  to  f  e  deth  .  and  if1  sche  were  a  gentil 
wowimanf  sche  schulde  be  slayra  wif  stoones./  and  if1  sche 
were  a  bisschoppis  d  ouster  f  sche  schulde  be  brent1  by 
goddis  comaundement  .  [839]  U  Forther  ouer  by  fe 
synne  of1  leccherie  f  god  dreinte  al  fe  world  at1  fe 

[i  tea/  277] 


SIX-TEXT    661 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     667 

diluue  IF  And  after  fat1  he  dreynte  fyue  citees  with  thonder 
layt1  and  sonk1  hem  in  to  helle 

[840]  1F  Now  let1  vs  thanne  speke  of1  f  ilke  stynkyng1 
synne  of1  leccherie  fat1  men  clepen  aduoutry  of*  weddid 
folk1  fat1  is  to  sayn  if1  fat1  oon  of1  hem  be  weddid 
or  elles  boj>e  [841]  IF  Seint1  lohcm  saith  fat1  aduoutris 
schuln  be  in  helle  in  watir  brennyng1  of1  fuyr  and 
of1  brimston .  In  fuyr  for  f  e  leccherie .  In  brimston  For  f  e 
stynk1  or  her  ordure.  [842]  IF  Certis  fe  brekyng1  of1 
J)is  sacrament1  is  an  horrible  fing1.  hit1  was  makid  of1 
god  himself1  in  paradis  Conformed  of1  ihu  cmt1  as 
witnesseth  seint1  Mathew  1F  A  man  schal  lete 
fader  and  mooder  and  take  him  to  his  wif1  and  fay 
schul  ben  two  in  oon  fleisch  [843]  1F  This  sacramewt1  bitok- 
enef  fe  knyttyng1  togider  of1  crist1  and  of1  holy  chirche 
[844]  nat1  oonly  fat1  god  forbad  aduotrie  in  dedel 
but1  eek1  he  comaunded  fat1  fou  scholdesf  1not1  coueyte  fy 
neyhebors  wif1  [845]  IF  In  fis  heste  seif  seint1 
austyn  is  forboden  al  maner  coueytise  to  do 
leccherie  IF  lo  what1  seif  seint1  mathew  in  f  e  gospel .  that1 
who-so  seth  a  womman  to  coueytise  of1  his  lust1!  he  haf 
doon  lecchery  wif  hip  in  his  herte .  [846]  IF  here  may  30 
se  fat1  nou^t1  oonly  fe  dede  of1  fis  synne  is  forboden  f 
but1  eek1  fe  desir  to  do  fat1  synne  [847]  1F  This  cursod 
synne  annoyeth  greuosly  hem  fat1  it1  haunten  and  first1 
to  here  soule .  for  he  obligith  it1  to  synne  and  to  pyne  of1 
fe  def  fat1  is  perdurable  [848]  U  vnto  fe  body  annoyef 
it1  greuously.  also  for  it  dreyef  him  and  wastith  him  & 
schent1  him.  and  of1  his  blood  he  makith  sacrifice  to  fe 
deuel  of1  helle  1F  It  wastith  eek1  his  catel  and  his  substaunce . 
[849]  and  certes  if1  fat1  it  be  a  foul  f ing<  a  man  to  waste 
his  catel  on  woramen  f  ^if  is  it1  a  fouler  f  ing1  whan  fat1 
for  such  ordure  wommen  dispende  vpon  men  here  catel 
and  here  substauwce  [850]  1F  This  synne  as  saith  f  e  prophete 
byreueth  man  and  womman  her  good  fame  and  al  here 
honour,  and  it1  is  fill  pleasau^t1  to  fe  deuel.  For  fer  by 

[i  leaf  111,  ftacfr] 


662    SIX-TEXT 

668     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

wynneth  he  pe  inoste  pray  of*  pis  world 
[851]  IT  And  right*  as  a  marchauntt  delitep  hi??i  most* 
in  chaffare  pat*  he  hap  most1  auauntage  of*  1  Eight1 
so  delitith  pe  feend  in  pis  ordure 

[852]  11  This  is  pe  oper  hond  of*  pe  deuel  with  fyuo 
fyngres  to  cacclie  pe  poeple  to  his  vilonye  [853]  If  \>Q 
firste  fynger  is  pe  foule  lokyng*  of1  pe  foule  wowmaii 
and  of*  pe  foule  man  pat*  sleth  right*  as  a  basiliskotf 
slep  folk*  by  pe  venym  of1  his  sight*.  For  pe  coueytise 
of1  eyen  folwip  pe  coueytise  of*  pe  herte  [854]  IT  The 
secounde  fynger  is  the  vileynes  toucliinge  in  wikkid 
manere .  and  perfore  saith  salamon  pat*  who-so 
touchith  and  handelith  a  wowimanf  he  farith  lik*  him 
pat*  handelith  pe  scorpiown  pat*  styngith  and  sodeinly 
sleeth  purgh  his  enuenemynge  as  who  so  touchith 
warm  picche.  it*  schenfr  his  fyngres  [855]  11  The  pridde  is 
foule  wordes  pat1  farith  lik*  fuyr  patf  right*  anoon 
brennep  pe  herte  [856]  H  The  ferpe  is  pe 
kissyng*.  and  trewely  he  were  a  greet  fool  pat*  wolde 
kisse  pe  mouth  of*  a  brennyng*  ouen  or  of*  a  forneys  : 
[857]  and  more  fooles  ben  pay  pat*  kyssen  in  vilonye. 
For  pat*  mouth  is  pe  moup  of*  helle.  and  namely  pise 
olde  dotard  fooles  holours .  $it*  wol  pay  kisse  pough 
pay  may  nought  do  &  smater  hem .  [858]  1T  Certis  pay 
ben  like  to  houndes .  For  an  hound  whaw  he  comep  to 
a  roser  or  by  oper  beautes .  pough  he  may  nou^f 
1  pisse '.  3ef  wil  he  heue  vp  his  leg*  and  make  a  coun- 
tenauwce  to  pisse .  [859]  and  for  pat*  many  man  weneth 
he  may  not*  synne  for  licorousnes  pat*  he  doth 
with  his  wifM  Certis  pat*  oppiniown  is  fals.  God  wot*  a 
man  may  sle  himself*  wip  his  owne  knyf*  and  mak 
himself*  dronke  of*  his  oughne  tonne  [860]  IT  Certla 
be  it/  wif1  or  child  or  eny  worldly  ping*  pat*  he 
louyth  biforn  god  it*  is  his  maumet*  and  he  is  an  ydolastre  / . 
[86 1  ]  man  schulde  loue  his  wyf*  by  discresciouii 
paciently  and  attemperelly .  and  pa?ine  is  sche  as  it 

[1^/278] 


SIX-TEXT    663 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     669 

were  his  suster  [862]  IT  The  fyfte  fynger  of1  the  deueles 
hond  is  J)e  stynkynge  dede  of1  leccherie  [863]  IT  Certes  f  e  fyue 
fyngres  of1  glotonye  f  e  deuel  put1  in  f  e  wombe  of1  a  man . 
&  his  fyue  fyngres  of1  lecchery  bygripeth  hym  by 
fe  reynes  for  to  frowe  him  in  to  fe  fourneys  of1 
lielle .  [864]  fere  as  fey  schuln  haue  f  e  fuyr.  and  f  e  wormes 
fat1  euer  schal  lasten .  and  wepyng1  and  wayling1 
scharp  hunger  and  jmrsf .  and  grislines  of  deueles 
fat1  schul  alto-tere  hem  wifoute  respit/  and  wif- 
outen  ende  [865]  1T  Of1  leccherie  as  I  sayde  sourdren 
diuers  spices  of*  fornicacion  fat1  is  bitwen  man 
and  wo??iman  fat1  ben  nou^t1  maried  and  fis  is  dedly 
synne  and  against1  nature  [866]  al  fat1  is  enemy  and 
destrucciown  to  nature.  [867]  par  fay  fe 
resoun  of1  a  man  tellif  him  wel  fat1  itH  is  dedly 
synne  For  als  moche  as  god  forbad  leccherie  and  seint1 
poule  3euith  hem  fat1  regne  fat1  is  due  to  no  wight1 
but1  hem  fat1  doon  synne  dedly  [868]  Anofer  synne 
of1  lecchery  is  for  to  bireue  a  mayden  of*  hir  maydenhede  / 
for  he  fat1  so  dof  f  Certes  he  casteth  maydenhede  out 
of1  the  heighest1  degre  fat1  is  in  fe  present1  lif1  [869]  and 
bireuith  hir  f ilke  precious  fruyt1  fat1  f e  book  clepith  f o 
hundrid  fruyt1 .  I  can  $eue  it  noon  of  er  name  in  englisch . 
but1  in  latyn  it  is  I-cleped  Centesimus  fructws  secundum 
leronimum  contra  louinianwm  [870]  IF  Certes  he  fat1  so 
doth  is  cause  of1  many  harmes  and  vilenyes  mo  fan  eny  man 
can  rekene.  Eight1  as  he  som  tyme  is  cause  of1  alle  f  e  damages 
fat1  bestis  doon  in  f  e  feeld  fat1  brekith  f  e  hegge  or  f  e  closure 
furgh  which  he  destroyef  fat1  may  not1  be  restored  f 
[871]  for  certes  no  more  may  maydenhode  be  re 
stored  fan  an  arm  fat1  is  smyten  fro  fe  body 
retourne  agayn  to  waxe.  [872]  sche  may  haue  mercy  fis 
wot*  I  wel  if*  sche  do  penitenc^  but1  neuer  schal  if 
be  fat1  sche  nas  corrupt1  [873]  IT  And  al  be  it  so  fat1  I 
haue  spoke  som  what1  of1  aduoutre  f  ^it?  is  it  good  to  speke  of1 
mo  *  perils  fat1  longen  to  aduoutre  for  to  eschiewe  fat1  foule 

P  tea/ 278,  bacK] 


664    SIX-TEXT 

670    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

synne  [874]  U  Aduoutrie  in  latyn  is  for  to  sayn  approchingH 
of1  oper  manues  bed  porugh  pe  which  pat1  whilom 
were  oon  fleisch  abounden  here  bodyes  to  oper  persones 
[875]  H  Of1  pis  synne  as  saip  pe  wise  man 
many  harmes  cometh  per-of1  H  First1  brekyng1  of1  faith  II  And 
certes  faith  is  pe  keye  of1  cristendom .  [876]  and  whan  pat 
faith  is  broke  &  lorn  f  solely  cristendom  stont1 
veyn  and  wipouterc  fruyf  [877]  U  This  synne  is  eek1  a 
peef1 .  For  pef  te  is  generally  to  speke  to  reue  a  wight*  his  ping1 
agayns  his  Aville  [878]  H  Certis  pis  is  pe  foulest1  thefte 
pat1  may  be  whan  a  wo??zman  stelith  liir  body  from 
hire  housbounde  and  ^iueth  it1  to  hire  holour  to  defoulo 
hire  £  stelith  hir  soule  fro  crist/  and  ^euith  it*  to 
pe  deuel  [879]  IT  This  is  a  fouler  pefte  pan  for  to  breke  a 
chirche  and  stele  chalises .  For  peso  aduouteres 
breke  J?e  temple  of1  god  spirituelly  and  stolen  Jje  vessel 
of1  grace  Jmtt  is  J?e  body  and  }?e  soule  U  For  Ihu  crisf 
schal  destroyen  hem  as  saith  seint1  poule  [880]  U  Sothely 
j)is  Jiefte  doutyd  gretly  Joseph  whan  pat1  his  lordes 
Avyf1  prayde  him  of1  vilonye  whan  he  saide.  lo  my  lady 
how  my  lord  ha]}  take  to  me  vnder  my  warde  al  pat1  he 
hap  in  pis  world  .  ne  no  ping1  of1  his  power  is  oute  of1 
my  power  but1  oonly  ^e  pat1  ben  his  wyf1.  [881]  and 
how  schuld  I  do  panne  pis  wikkidues  and  synne  so 
horribly  agayns  god  and  my  lord .  God  it  forbede 
U  Alas  al  to  litel  is  suche  troupe  now  I-founde  [882]  H  The 
pridde  harm  is  pe  filthe  purgh  which  pay  breken 
pe  comaunde.ment1  of1  god  and  defoule  pe  auctour  of1 
here  matrimonye  pat1  is  cmf .  [883]  For  certis  in  so  moclie 
as  pe  sacrament  of1  mariage  is  so  noble  and  so  digne  f  So 
moche  is  it  pe  gretter  synne  for  to  breke  it1 .  for  god 
makid  mariage  in  paradis  in  pestat1  of1  Innocence  to 
multiplie  man  kynde  to  pe  seruice  of1  god  [884]  and 
perfore  is  pe  brekyng1  pe  more  greuous.  Of*  which 
breking1  comep  fals  heires  ofte  tymes  pat1  wrongfully 
occupien  mennes  heritage .  and  .perfore  wolde  crist1  putte 


SIX-TEXT    665 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7331     671 

hem  out1  of1  fe  regne  of1  heuen  fat1  is  heritage  to  goode 
folk1.  [885]  Of1  fis  broking1  comef  ek1  ofte  tyrne  fat1 
folk"  vnwar  wedden  or  synnen  wif  her  kynrede 
and  namely  fese  harlottis  fat1  haunten  bordels  of1  fese 
foule  wo??imen  fat1  mowe  be  likened  to  a  comune  gonge 
where  as  men  purgen  here  entrayles  of1  her  ordure  [886] 
IT  what1  say  we  ek1  of1  putours  fat1  lyuen  by  f  e  orrible  synne 
of*  putrie  &  constreyne  wymmen  30  som  tyme  his  oughne 
wyf1  or  his  child  as  don  J  fese  baudes  to  ^elde  hem  a  certeyn 
rente  of1  here  bodily  putrie  H  Certes  fese  ben  cursede 
synnes  [887]  U  Ynderstonde  eek1  that*  avoutrie  is  set1 
gladly  in  fe  ten  comaundeme?zts  bituixe  ma?j- 
slau3ter  and  thefte.  For  it  is  grettest1  thefte  fat1  may 
be  .  for  it  is  thefte  of*  body  and  soule  /  [888]  and  it  is  lik1 
homicidie  For  it  kerueth  a-tuo  hem  fat1  first1 
were  makid  oon  fleisch.  and  Jj^fore  by  fe  olde 
lawe  of1  god  fay  scholde  be  slayn  [889]  H  But1  naf  eles  by 
fe  lawe  of1  Ihu  crist1  fat1  is  lawe  of1  pite  whan  ho 
sayde  to  fe  wo??zman  fat  was  founde  in  aduoutri 
and  schulde  haue  ben  slayn  with  stoones  af tir  f  e  wille  of1  f  e 
lewes  as  was  her  lawe.  Go  quod  ihu  cr/'stf  and  haue  no 
more  wille  to  synne.  or  wilne  no  more  to  do  sy??ne. 
[890]  H  Sothely  fe  vengeance  of  avouterye  is  awardid 

to  [ no  gap]  helle  /  but1  it1  be  destourbed 

by  penitence  [891]  U  $1$  ben  fer  mo  spices  of1  fis  cursed 
synne .  as  whan  fat1  oon  of1  hem  is  religious  or  ellis  bothe 
or  for  folk*  fat1  ben  entred  in  to  ordre  as  subdekin 
or  dekin  or  prest1  or  hospitalers  and  euer  f  e  higher  fat1 
he  be .  f  e  gretter  is  f  e  synne .  [892]  f  e 
finges  fat1  gretly  aggreggith  her  synne  is  fe  brekyng1 
of1  here  avow  of1  chastite  whan  fay  resceyued  ordre. 
[893]  and  forfer  ouer  is  sof  fat1  holy  ordre  is  chef1 
of1  al-le  f  e  tresor  of1  god  and  his  especial  signe  and  mark1 
of1  chastite  to  schewe  fat1  fay  ben  ioyned  to  chastite 
which  fat1  is  fe  moste  precious  lif1  fat1  is  [894]  IT  And 
eek1  f  ese  ordred  folk1  ben  specially  tytled  to  god  and  of1  f  e 

[1  tea/279] 


6GG    SIX-TEXT 

072    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

special  meyne  ofH  god  of1  wliiche  whan  fay  don  dcdly 
synne  fay  ben  fe  special  traytours  of1  god  and  of1  his 

poeple.     [ no  gap  in  the  MS.} 

and  whil  fay  ben  suche  traytours  f  here  prayer  auaylef 
not1  to  fe  poeple  [895]  U  Prestis  ben  aungels  as  by 
fe  dignite  of1  here  misterie  IT  But1  forsofe  seint1  poul 
saith  fat1  Sathanas  transformeth  him  in  aungel  of1 
light1.  [896]  Sofely  fe  prest1  fat1  hauntith  dedly 
synne  f  he  may  be  likened  to  f  e  aungel  ofH  light1 . 

[ no  gap]  &  he  semeth  aungel 

of1  light1 :  but1  for  sof e  he  is  aungil  of1  derknes 
[897]  whiche  ben  fe  sones  of1  belie  as 
schewith  in  fe  book1  of1  kinges  fat1  fay  were  fe 
sones  of1  belial  fat1  is  fe  deuel.  [898]  belial  is  to  say 
wifoute  luge  and  so  faren  fay  fay  fynke 
hem  fire  and  han  no  luge  no  more  fan  hath  a  fre 
bole  fat1  takith  which  cow  fat1  him  likef  in  fe 
toun  [899]  so  faren  fay  by  wommen  For  right1  as  a 
fre  bole  is  y-nough  for  al  a  town  f  /  Eight1  so  is  a  wikked 
prest1  comipcioMn  ynough  for  al  a  parisch  or  for  al  a 
contray  [900]  51  These  prestes  as  saif  fe  book1  ne 
conne  not1  fe  mistery  of1  presthode.  fe  poeple  ne  *god 
ne  knowe  fay  not1 .  fay  holde  hem  nought1  apayed  as  saith 
f  e  book1  of1  soden  fleissh  fat1  was  to  hem  oft'red  i  but1  fay 
tooke  by  force  fe  fleissch  fat1  is  rawf  [901]  Certes  so 
f  ese  schrewes  holde  hem  not1  appayed  with  rested  fleissfi 
and  sode  fleissh  wif  whiche  fe  poeple  feeden  hem  in 
gret1  reue?*ence.  But  fay  wil  haue  raw  fleisch  of1  folkes 
wyues  and  here  dou^tres  [902]  IT  And  certes  fese 
wo?ramen  fat1  consenten  to  here  harlotrie  don  gret1 
wrong1  to  cr/sf  and  to  holy  chirche  and  alle  halwes  /  and 
to  alle  soules  for  fay  bireuen  alle  fese  hem  fat1  schulde 
worschipe  crist1  and  holy  chirche  and  praye  for  cristen 
soules  [903]  IT  And  ferfore  han  suche  prestis  &  here 
iemmans  eeke  fat1  consenten  to  here  leccherie  f  e  malisown 
of1  al  f  e  court1  cristian  til  fay  come  to  amendemewt 

9,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    667 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     673 

[904]  U  The  fridde  spice  of1  aduoutry  is  som  tyme  bitwix 
a  man  and  his  wif1  and  fat1  is  whan  fay  take  noon  reward 
in  her  assembling1  but1  only  to  fe  fleischly  delit*  as 
saith  seint  lerom.  [905]  and  ne  rekke  of1  no  fing1  but* 
fat*  fay  be  assemblid  by  cause  fat1  fay  ben  maried . 
al  is  good  ynough"  as  finkith  he??i.  [906]  But1  in  suche 
folk1  ha])  fe  deuel  power  as  saith  fe  aungel  Raphael 
to  Thoby  in  here  assemblywg*  fay  'putten  ihu 
crist1  out1  of1  her  herte .  and  ^iuen  hemself1  to  alle  ordure 
[907]  U  The  fertile  spice  is  fe  assemble  of*  hem  fat1  ben 
of1  here  kynrede  or  of1  hem  fat1  ben  of*  oon  affinite  or 
elles  wif  hem  wif  whiche  here  fadres  or  here  kynrede 
han  delitid  in  fe  synne  of1  leccherie.  fis  synne  makith 
hem  like  houndes  fat1  taken  noon  heede  ofH  kynrede 
[908]  and  certes  parenteal  is  in  tuo  maneres  eyfer 
gostly  or  fleisshly .  gostly  as  for  to  dele  wif  her 
gossib .  [909]  For  ri^t  /  so  as  he  fat1  engendrith  a  child 
is  his  fleisshly  fader  f  Ri}t  so  is  his  godfader  his  fader 
espirituel .  for  which  a  wo?7iman  may  in  no  lasse  synne 
assemble  wif  hir  gossib  fan  wif  hire  oughne  fleischly 
fader  or  brofer  [910]  H  The  fifte  spice  of1  filke  abhominable 
synne  of1  which  fat1  no  ma?i  unnefe  oughte  to  speke  ne 
write,  nafeles  it  is  openly  rehersed  in  holy  wryt/. 

[9"]      [    •     •     , 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  but1  fough"  fat1  holy  writ1 

speke  of1  horrible  synne  f  Certes  holy  writ  may  not1  be 
defouled  no  more  fan  fe  sonne  fat1  schyneth  on  a 
dongehul  [912]  11  Anofer  synne  appertenith  to  lecchery  fat1 
comef  in  sleping* .  &  f  is  synne  comef  of  te  to  hem 
fat*  ben  maydenes  and  eek1  to  hem  fat1  ben  corrupte 
and  fis  synne  men  clepen  pollucioun  fat1  cometh  in  .iiij. 
maners  [913]  U  Som  tyme  of1  languisschynge  of1  body  for 
f  e  humours  ben  to  ranke  and  to  abundawnt  in  f  e  body 
1of*  man.  somtyme  of1  infirrnite  for  fe  feblenesse  of1  fe 
v«rtu  retentyf1  as  phisik*  makef  menciozm .  And  som  tyme 
for  surfete  of*  mete  and  drynke.  [914]  som  tyme  of* 

CANT.  TALES. — HARL.  E1  W280]  2    X 


668    SIX-TEXT 

G74     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

vileins    foughtes    fat1    ben    enclosed    in    mannes   mynde 

whan  he  [ 

.  ...  no  gap  in  the  MS]  kepe  him  wisely  or  elles 
may  men  synne  greuously 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

[915]  11  Now  coineth  fe  remedye  a^ens  lecchery  and  fat1 
is  generally  chastite  of1  wikkedhede  and  continence  fat1  re- 
streynef  alle  fe  desordeigne  moeuynges  fat1  comen 
of1  fleischly  talentes.  [916]  and  euer  fe  gretter  meryt1 
schal  he  han  fat1  most  restreyneth  eschau- 
fynges  of1  ordure  of1  fis  synne.  and  fis  is  in  fre 
maneres.  fat1  is  to  sayn  chastite  of1  mariage  /  chastite 
of/  wickedhede  [917]  H  Now  schal t1  fou  vnderstonde  fat1 
matrimoigne  is  leful  assemblynge  of1  man  and 
wo?7jmaft  fat1  resceyuen  by  vertu  of1  fe  sacreme/it1  fe 
bond  furgh  which  fay  may  not  be  deprwtid  in  al  here 
lif1  fat  is  to  say  whil  fay  lyuen  bofe. 
[918]  fis  as  saith  fe  boke  is  a  ful  gret1  sacreme?^ 
God  makid  it  /  as  I  haue  said  in  paradis  and  wolde  him 
self1  be  born  in  mariage  [9 1 9]  and  for  to  holden  mariage . 
he  was  at1  fe  weddyng1  wher  as  he  turnede  watir  in  to 
wyn  which  was  fe  firste  miracle  fat1  he  wrought  in 
erfe  biforn  his  disciples  [920]  trewe  effect1  of1 
mariage  clensith  fornicaciown  and  replenischith  holy 
chirche  of1  good  lynage.  for  fat1  is  fe  ende  of1  mariage 
and  it  chaungith  dedly  synne  in  to  venyal  bituixe 

hem  fat1  ben  weddid  [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  ,  as  wel  as  f  e  bodyes 

[921]  U  fis  is  verray  mariage  fat1  was  first1  blessed  by 
god  er  fat1  f  e  synne  bigan  whan  naturel  lawe  was  in  his 
first1  poynt1  in  paradis .  and  it  was  ordeyned  fat/  oo  man 
schulde  haue  but1  oon  womman .  and  oon  \\omman  but1  oon 
man  as  saith  seint1  augustyn  by  many  resowns 

[922]  H  First1  for  mariage  is  figured  bitwixe  cn'st1  and 


SIX-TEXT    669 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     675 

holy  cliirche  H  Anoper  is  for  a  man  is  heed  of* 
a  woraman  algate  by  ordinaunce  it/  schulde  be  so 
[923]  IT  For  if1  a  wo?ftman  had  mo  men  pan  oonf  parane 
schulde  sche  haue  mo  hedes  fan  oon  &  pat1  were  an 
horrible  ping1  biforn  god .  And  eek1  a  wo??zman ; 
my^te  nou^t1  please  to  many  folk1  al  at1  oones.  and  also 
per  ne  schulde  neuer  be  pees  &  rest1  among1  hem.  For 
euerieh  wolde  aske  his  oughne  ping1 .  [924]  and 
forper-ouer  no  man  schulde  knovve  his  oughne  en- 
gendrure  ne  who  schulde  haue  his  heritage  and  J)e 
womman  scholde  be  pe  lasse  loued  fro  pe  tyme  J>at 
sche  were  ioyned  to  many  men 

[925]  U  Now  comep  how  pat1  a  man  schulde  bere  him 
wip  his  wif1  and  namely  in  tuo  pinges  pat1  is  Ho 
sayn  in  sufferauwce  and  in  reuerence  and  pat1  schewed  crist1 
whan  he  made  first1  womman.  [926]  For  he  ne  made  hire 
not1  of1  pe  heed  of1  adam.  for  sche  schulde  not1  to 
gret4  lordschipe  haue  /  [927]  per  as  pe  womman  hap  pe 
maistry  sche  makith  to  moche  disaray .  per  nedith  noon 
ensample  of1  pis.  pe  experience  of1  pis  of1  day  by  day 
oughte  suffice  [928]  H  Also  certes  god  ne  made  nou^t1 
wof/iman  of1  pe  foot1  of1  ad«m .  For  sche  ne  scholde  nou^t1  be 
holden  to  lowe  for  sche  can  not/  paciently  suffre  U  But  god 
made  \vomman  of1  pe  ribbe  of1  adam  For  wo?ftrnan  schulde 
be  felawe  vnto  man  [929]  Man  schulde  bere  him  to  his 
wif1.  in  faith  in  troupe  and  m  loue  as  saip  seint 
poule.  aman  schulde  loue  his  wif1  as  m'st1  loued 

holy  chirche  [ no  gap]  pat1  deyed  for  it1 . 

so  schulde  a  maw  for  his  wyf  if/  it1  were  neede 

[930]  U  Now  how  pat1  a  wo?>^ma7^  schulde  be  subiect 
to  hir  housbonde  pat1  tellith  seint1  peter .  iij°.  c°.  first1  in  obedi- 
encQ  [931]  and  eek/  as  saip  pe  decre.  A  womman  pat 
is  a  wif1  as  longe  as  sche  is  a  wif1  sche  hap  noon 
auctorite  to  swere:ne  to  bere  witnesse  wipoute  leue  of1 
hir  housbonde  pat1  is  hir  lord,  algate  he  schulde  be  so 
by  resoun .  [932]  sche  schulde  eek1  serue  him  in  al 

P  fee/280,  bacTc]  2X2 


670    SIX-TEXT 

676     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

honeste  and  ben  attempre  of1  hir  array  /  I  wot1  wel 
fat1  fay  schulde  sette  here  entent1  to  please  her  house- 
bondes  but*  nought1  by  here  queyntise  of*  array  [933]  II  Seintf 
lerom  saith  fat1  wyues  fat1  ben  arrayed  in  silk1  and 
in  purpre  ne  mowe  nou^t*  clofe  hem  in  ihu 
en'sfr  U  loke  what1  saith  saint1  lohn  eek1  in  f  e  same  matier 
[934]  U  Seint1  gregori  saith  eek1  fat1  no  wight1  sekith 
precious  closing1  ne  array  but1  oonly  for  veyn  glorie  to  ben 
honoured  fe  more  biforn  fe  poeple  [935]  U  It1  is  a  gret1 
foly  a  wo?ftma?i  to  haue  fair  array  outward  and 
hirsilf  to  ben  foul  inward  [936]  U  A  wyf1  schulde  eek1  be 
mesurable  in  lokyng1  and  in  beryng1  and  in  laugheing1 
and  discrete  in  alle  hir  wordes.  [937]  arid 
aboue  alle  worldly  f  inges  sche  schulde  loue  hir  housebonde/ 
with  al  hire  herte  and  to  him  to  be  trewe  of1  hir  body. 
[938]  so  scholde  an  housebonde  eeke  ben  to  his  wif1. 
For  sith  pat1  al  fe  body  is  fe  housebondes.  so  schulde 
here  herte  ben.  or  ellis  fer  is  bitwixe  hem  tuo  as  in 
fat1  no  parfyt1  mariage  [939]  H  Thanne  schal  men  vnder- 
stonde  I  fat1  for  f  re  f  inges  a  man  and  his  wyf1  mowe  fleischly 
assemble  H  The  firste  is  in  entent/  of1  engen- 
drure  of1  children  to  the  seruice  of1  god .  for  certis  Jjat1  is 
J?e  cause  fynal  of<niat?^moyne  [940]  11  The  secounde  cause  is  to 
^elden  eue?ych  of1  hem  his  dette  vnHo  ojjer  of1  his  body 
U  For  euerych  of1  hem  ha))  power  of1  his  oughne  body 
II  The  jjridde  is  for  to  eschiewe  leccherie  and  vilenye. 
J?e  ferjje  forsoj»e  is  dedly  synne.  [941]  as  to  ]?e 
firste  it/  is  meritory .  The  secounde  also  for  as  saij)  ]>e 
decre  fat1  sche  haj)  merit  of1  chastite  fat1  3eldith  to 
hir  housebonde  J>e  dette  of1  hir  body.  36  J?ough  it/  be 
agayn  hir  likyng1  and  J?e  lust1  of1  hir  hert1  [942]  H  The 
fridde  maner  is  venial  synne .  and  trewly  scarsly  may 
eny  of1  ]?ese  be  wifoute  venial  synne  for  J>e 
corrupciown  and  for  J?e  delit1.  [943]  The  ferfe 
maner  is  for  to  vnderstonde  as  if1  fay  assemble  oonly  for 
amorous  loue  and  for  noon  of1  fe  forsayde  causes,  but1 

[i  Tea/ 281] 


SIX-TEXT    671 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7331     677 

for  to  accomplise  filke  brennynge  delyt1  fay  rekke 
neuer  how  ofte.  sofely  it  is  dedly  synne  and  ^it1  wif 
sorwe  some  folk1  wole  more  peyne  hem  for  to  doon  fan 
to  her  appetit  suffisef . 

[944]  the  secounde  maner  of*  chastite  is  to  ben 
a  clene  wydewe  and  to  eschiew  fe  embrasynges  of1  men 
and  desiren  fe  enbrasynges  of1  ihu  cn'st1  [945]  fese 
ben  fo  fat*  han  ben  wyues  and  han  forgon  here  hous- 
bondes  and  eek1  wo??imen  fat1  han  doon  leccherie  and  be 
relieued  by  penitence  /  [946]  and  certis  if*  fat1  a  wyf1 
couf  e  kepe  hir  al  chast1  by  licence  of1  hir  housebonde  so 
fat1  sche  $eue  non  occaskmn  fat1  he  agilt1  it1 
were  to  hir  a  gret1  merit1  [947]  IT  Thise  maner 
•\vymmen  fat1  obsmien  chastite  moste  be  clene  in  herte 
as  wel  as  in  body  and  in  f  ought1  and  mesurable  in  clof  ing1 
&  in  countenaunce .  abstinent  in  etyng1  and 
drynkyng1  in  speche  and  in  dede.  and  fanne  is  sche  fe 
vessel  or  fe  boyst*  of1  the  blessed  Magdaleyne  fat1 
f ulfillith  holy  chirche  ful  of1  good  odour .  [948]  H  The  f  ridde 
maner  of1  chastite  is  virginite.  and  it/  bihouef  fat1  sche 
be  holy  in  herte  and  clene  of1  body,  and  farcne  is  sche 
spouse  of1  ihu  crist1  and  sche  is  f  e  lif  of1  aungels . 
[949]  sche  is  f  e  preysyng1  of1  f  is  world .  and  sche  is  as 
f ese  martires  in  egalite .  sche  haf  in  hir  fat  tonge  fat1  tonge 
may  nou^tf  telle.  [950]  virginite  bar  oure  lord 
ihu  cmt1  and  virgine  was  himselue 

[951]  1T  Anofer  remedy  agayns  leccherie  is  specially 
to  wifdrawe  suche  finges  as  3iuen  occasioun  to  filke 
vilonye  as  is  ease  and  etyng1  and  drynkyng1  For  certes  whan 
fe  pot1  boylith  strongely.  fe  beste  remedye  is  to  wif 
drawe  fe  fuyr  [952]  sleping1  eek1  in  gret1  quiete 
is  eek1  a  greet/  norice  vnto  leccherie 

[953]  ^  Anofer  remedy  agayns  leccherie  Jis  fat1  a 
man  or  a  womman  eschiewe  fe  companye  of  hew  by 
whiche  he  doutith  to  be  tempted .  for  al  be  it  so  fat1  f  e 
dede  be  wifstondef  ^it1  is  fer  gret1  teniptaciown 

[J  tea/ 281,  back] 


672   SIX-TEXT 

678     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE,     Harleian  7334, 

[954]  sothely  a  whit  wal  al  fough  it  brenne  not* 
fully  by  stikyng1  of*  a  candel  jet  is  f  e  wal  blak*  of  stiking+ 
of1  a  candel  ful  ofte  tyme  .  [955]  I  rede  f  «f  no  man  truste  in 
his  oughne  perfeccio^n  but1  he  be  strenger  fan  Sampson  or 
holiere  fan  Dauyd  .  and  wiser  fan  salamon 

[956]  IF  Now  after  fat1  I  haue  declared  jow 
f  e  seuen  dedly  sy  lines  as  I  can  &  some  of  here  braunches  and 
here  remedyes  '  sof  ely  if  I  couf  e  I  wolde  telle  $ow  fe 
ten  comauwdementes  .  [957]  but1  so  heigh  a  doctrine  I  leue  to 
diuines  .  but/  naf  eles  I  hope  to  god  fay  ben  touchid  in  f  is 
litil  tretys  euellrich  of  hem  alle 


De  sccuntfa  p«?-te  $cmteticie     \in  margin~\ 
[958] 
"TVTOw  for  as  moche  as  fe  secounde  part1  of  penitence 

JL.  i  stant1  in  confessiozm  of  mouth  as  I  bigan  in  fe 
chapitre  I  say  seint  austyn  saith  . 

[959]  Synne  is  euery  word  and  euery  dede  /  and  al  fat* 
men  coueyten  agayn  fe  lawe  of  ihu  cmf.  and  fis  is 
for  to  synne  in  herte  in  mouthe  and  in  dede  by  fy  fyue 
wittis  fat1  been,  sight*  heeryng*  smellyng*  tastyng* 
or  sauoryng*  or  felyng1  [960]  U  Now  it1  is  good  to  vnder- 
stondeii  f  e  csVcuwstauwces  fat1  aggreggen  moche  to  euery 
synne.  [961]  fou  schalt1  considre  what1  fou  art1  fat1  dost* 
fe  synne  whefir  fat1  fou  be  mal  or  femal.  old  ofer 
joiig1  gentil  or  fral.  free  or  seruawnt1  hool  or  seek1. 
weddid  or  sengle  .  ordrid  .  or  vnordred  wys  or  fool 
clerk1  or  seculer  [962]  if  sche  of  fy  kyn  bodily 
or  gostly  or  noon  .  if  eny  of  f  y  kynrede  haue  synned 
wif  hire  or  noon  and  many  mo  f  inges 

[963]  IF  That*  ofer  circtmstaunce  is  whefer  it  be 
don  in  fomicaciozm  or  in  aduoutry  or  incest1  or 
noon  or  may  den  or  noon  in  maner  of  homicide  or  non 
horrible  grete  synnes  or  smale  and  how  longe  fou  hast* 
continued  in  synne  [964]  1F  The  fridde  circumstaunce  is 
fe  place  wher  fou  hast1  don  synne  whefcr  in  ofer 


SIX-TEXT    673 

GROUP  I.     §  2.    PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     679 

mennes  houses  or  in  fin  owne  in  feld  or  in  chirclie 
or  in  cliirchehawe .  in  chirclie  dedicate  or  noon . 
[965]  For  if  [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  it  be  dedicate  it1  is  enterdited  til  it1 
be  reconsiled  by  fe  bischop  [966]  and  fe 
presfr  scholde  be  enterdy ted  fat1  dede  such  a  vilonye  to  terme 
of1  al  his  lyf1  &  scholde  no  more  synge  no  masse  and  if*  he  dede 
he  schulde  do  dedly  synne  at1  euery  tyme  fat1  he  song1  masse 
[967]  11  The  ferthe  circumstauwce  is  by  which  media- 
tours  as  by  which  messagers  1or  for  entysemewt1  or  for 
consentemewtt  to  bere  companye  with  felawes  For 
many  a  wrecche  for  to  bere  companye  wol  go  to  fe 
deuel  of1  helle .  [968]  for  fay  fat1  eggyn  or  con- 
sentyn  to  fe  synne  ben  parteneres  of1  fe  synne  and 
of1  fe  dampnaeiown  of1  f e  synnere 

[969]  U  The  fyfte  is  how  many  tymes 
fat1  he  haf  synned  if1  it1  be  in  his  mynde  /  and  how  ofte 
fat1  he  haf  falle  .  [970]  Fur  he  fat1  ofte  fallith  in  synne. 
despisef  fe  mercy  of1  god  and  encresceth  his  synne 
and  is  vnkynde  to  crist1  and  he  waxith  fe  more  feble 
to  wifstonde  synne  and  synnef  fe  more  lightly 
[971]  and  fe  latter  arrisith  and  is  fe  more  eschiewe 
to  schriue  him .  and  namely  to  him  fat1  haf  ben  his  con- 
fessour .'  [972]  For  whiche  fat1  folk1  whan  fay  falle  agayn 
in  here  olde  folies  eyther  fay  forletin  her  confessours 
al  vtterly  or  ellis  fay  departen  here  schrifte  in  diuers 
places,  but*  sofely  such  departed  schrifte  haf  no 
me?*cy  of*  god  of1  his  synnes  [973]  U  The  sixte  ceVcum- 
staunce  is  why  fat1  a  man  synnef  as  by  which  temptaciown 

[ no  gap\   or  by  ex- 

cityng1  of1  ofer  folk*  or  if1  he  synne  wif  a  wommaw  by 
force  or  by  hir  owne  assent1.  [974]  or  if1  fe  womman 
maugre  hir  heed  haf  ben  enforced  or  noon .  f  is 
schal  sche  telle.  or  for  coueytise  or  for  pouerte  & 
if1  it  was  hire  procuryng1  or  noon  and  alle  such  maner 

[i  tea/ 282] 


674  SIX-TEXT 

680     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.    Harleian  7334. 

harneys  [975]  U  The  .vij.  circimstau/zce  is  in  what* 
maner  he  hap  don  his  synne  or  how  pat1  sche  haj) 
suffred  pat1  folk1  han  doon  to  hire.  [976]  pe  same  schal 
pe  man  telle  pleynly  alle  pe  ciVcumstaunces .  and  wheper 
ho  haue  synned  wip  co??imune  bordeal  wowzman  or  noon . 
[977]  or  doon  his  synne  in  holy  tyme  or  noon,  in  fast- 
yng1  tyme  or  noon .  or  biforn  his  schrifte  of*  after  his  latter 
schrifte  [978]  And  hap  par  aduenture  broken  his 
penaunce  enioyned  perfore.  by  whos  help  or  by  whos  coiwseil 
by  sorcery  or  by  oper  craft*  al  moste  be  told  [979]  IF  Alle  pese 
Binges  after  pay  be  grete  or  smale  engreggen  pe 
consciens  of1  a  man  and  eek1  pe  prest1  pat1  is 
pe  iugge  may  pe  better  ben  auysed  of1  his  iugemenfr  in 
^iuyng*  of1  py  penaunce  /  and  pat1  is  after  )>y  contriciown . 
[980]  For  vnderstonde  wel  pat1  after  pe  tyme  pat  a  marc 
hap  defouled  his  baptisme  by  synne  if1  he  wol  come  to 
sauacioiw  per  is  noon  oper  wey  but1  penitence  and  schrifte 
of1  mouthe  and  by  satisfaccioiw  [981]  and  namely  by  po 
tuo .  if1  per.  be  a  confessoz^r  to  which  he  may  schryue  him . 
and  pe  pridde  if1  ^e  haue  lif1  to  parforme  it1 . 

[982]  pa?me  schal  men  loke  it1  and  considre  pat1  if*  he 
1wol  make  a  trewe  and  a  profitable  confessiown  per 
moste  be  foure  condiciozms  [983]  H  First1  it  moste  ben  in 
sorweful  bitternesse  of1  herte  as  sayde  pe  king1  E^echiel  to 
god  II  I  wol  remembre  me  alle  pe  ^eres  of1  my  lif1  in 
bitternes  of1  myn  herfr.  [984]  }pis  condicioun  of1  bitter- 
nes  hap  fyue  signes.  The  first1  is  pat1  corafessiozm 
moste  be  schamefast1  not1  for  to  couere  ne  hyde  his  synne 
but1  for  he  hap  agultid  his  god  and  defoulid  his  soule 
[985]  IT  And  herof1  saith  seintf  augustyn .  The  herte 
tremblith  for  schame  of1  his  synne .  and  for  he  hath  gref 
schamefastnes  .  he  is  digne  to  haue  gret1  mercy  of1  god . 
[986]  Such  was  pe  confessiown  of1  pe  publican  pat1 
wolde  nou^t1  heue  vp  his  ey3en  to  heuen.  For  he  had 
offendid  god  of1  heuen  For  which  schamefastnes  f  he 
had  anon  pe  mercy  of1  god  [987]  IT  And  pere  seith 


SIX-TEXT    675 

GROUP  I,     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     681 

seint1  augustyn  fat1  such  schamefast1  folk1  ben  next1 
for3euenes  of1  remissiown  [988]  H  The  secourcde  signe  is 
humilite  of*  confessiown  U  Of1  which  saif  seint  petre 
humblith  $ow  vnder  fe  might1  of1  god.  fe  hond  of1  god 
is  my^ty  in  confessiown  For  fer-by  god  for^iueth  fe 
synnes  he  alone  haf  fe  power.  [989]  and  fis 
humilite  schal  ben  in  herte  and  in  signe  outward.  For 
right1  as  he  haf  humilite  to  god  in  his  herte  f  right1  so 
echulde  he  humble  his  body  outward  to  f  e  prest1  fat1  sittith 
in  goddes  place  [990]  For  which  in  no  manere  sith  fat1 
crist1  is  soue?*ayn  and  f  e  prest  is  his  mene  and  mediatour  bi- 
twix  crist1  and  f  e  synnere  and  f  e  synner  is  f  e  lasse  as  by 
way  of1  resownf  [991]  faraie  schulde  nou^t1  fe  confessow  sitte 
as  lowe  as  f  e  synnere  but1  f  e  synnere  schulde  knele  biforn  him 
or  at1  his  feet1  but1  if*  malady e  destourbid  it1  for  he  schal  take  no 
keep  who  sittith  fere  but1  in  whos  place  fat1  he  sitteth. 
[992]  a  maw  Jjat1  haj)  trespassed  to  a  lord  and  cometh  for  to 
axe  him  of1  mercy  and  to  maken  his  accord  /  and  settith  him 
doun  anoon  by  J?e  lord .  men  wolde  holde  him  outrageous  and 
nottworfyso  soone  for  to  haue  mercy  ne  remisskwn[993]  HThe 
Jsridde  signe  is  fat1  fy  schrifte  schulde  be  ful  of1  teeris  if1 
me?i  may  wepe .  and  if1  he  may  not1  wepe  wij?  his  bodily  eyen 
let1  him  wepe  wij?  his  herte  .  [994]  Such  was  Jje  confessiown 
of1  seint  peter.  For  after  he  hadde  forsake  ihu  crist1. 
he  wente  out1  and  wepte  ful  bitterly  [995]  U  The  ferthe 
signe  is  fat1  he  lette  nou^t1  for  schame  to  schewen 
his  confessiown.  [996]  Such  was  fe  confessiown  of1  j>e 
magdaleyn  fat1  spared  for  no  schame  of1  hem  fat1  were 
at1  fe  feste  to  go  to  oure  lord  1ihu  cn'st1  and  byknowe 
to  him  hire  synne  [997]  U  The  fifte  signe  is  fat1  a  man 
or  a  womman  be  obeisaunt/  to  resceyue  f e  penawnce  fat1 
him  is  enioyned .  For  certis  ihu  cn'st1  for 
f  e  gultes  of1  oon  man  was  obedient1  to  his  deth 

[998]  H  The  ofer  condiciown  of1  verray  co?ifessiown 
is  fat1  it1  hastily  be  doon.  For  certes  if1  a  man  had  a 
dedly  wowzde.  euer  fe  lenger  faf  he  taried  to  warisch 

[» tea/ 238] 


676    SIX-TEXT 

682     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

himself1  f  pe  more  wolde  it1  corrupte  and  haste  him  to 
his  dep  and  eek1  pe  wouftde  wolde  be  pe  worse  to 
hele  [999]  1T  and  right1  so  fare)?  synne  pat1  long* 
time  is  in  a  marc  vnschewed  [1000]  Certes  a  man  oughte 
soone  sch ewe  his  synne  for  many  causes  as  for  drede 
of1  deth  pat1  come]?  sodeinly  and  not1  certeyn  what1  tyme 
it  schal  come  or  ben  in  what1  place .  and  eek1  pe  drecchyng1 
of1  oon  synne  drawep  anope/*  [1001]  and  eek1  pe  lenger 
he  tariejj  pe  ferper  is  he  from  crist1  and  if1  he  abyde 
•vnto  his  laste  day  skarsly  may  he  schriue  him  or  re- 
me?ttbre  him  of*  his  synnes  or  repente  for  pe 
greuous  malady  of1  his  deth  [1002]  IT  And  for  as  moche  as 
he  hap  not1  in  his  lif1  herkened  Ihu  crist1  whan  he 
hap  spoken  f  he  schal  crien  to  ihu  crist1  at1  his  laste 
day.  and  scarsly  wol  he  herken  him.  [1003]  And 
vnderstonde  pat1  pis  condiciown  moste  haue  foure  pinges 
py  schrifte  moste  ben  pwrueyed  byforn  and  auysed. 
For  wikked  haste  dop  no  pj'ofyt1  and  pat1  a  man  can 
schryue  him  of1  his  synnes .  be  it1  of1  pride  or  of1  enuye  and 
so  forp  alle  pe  spices  and  pe  czVcumstaunces  [1004]  and  pat1 
he  haue  comprehendid  in  his  mynde  the  no?>ibre  and  pe 

gretnes   of1   his   synne    [ 

no  gap]  [1005]  and  eek1  pat1  he  be  contrif  of1  his  sinnes 
and  in  stedefast1  pzwpos  by  pe  grace  of1  god  neuer  eft1  to 
falle  in  synne  and  eek1  pat1  he  drede  and  countrewayte 
himself1  and  pat1  he  flee  pe  occasiouns  of1  synne  to  whiche  he 
is  enclyned  [1006]  H  Also  pat1  pou  schalt1  schriue  pe  of1  alle 
pin  synnes  to  0011  man .  and  nat1  a  parcel  to  oon  man  and 
a  parcel  to  anoper  maw  pat1  is  vnderstonde  in  entent1 
to  parte  py  cowfessiown  as  for  schame  or  drede .  for  it 
nys  but*  strangelyng1  of1  py  soule  [1007]  For  certes  ihu 
crist1  is  enterely  al  good  .  in  him  is  noon  imperfeccioun .  and 
p  erf  ore  ouper  he  for^iueth  al  parfitely  or  elles  neuer  a 
del.  [1008]  I  say  nought1  if1  per  be  assigned  to  py 
penitencere  for  certein  synne  pat1  pou  art1  bounde  to 
schewe  him  al  pe  remenawnf  of1  py  synnes  of1  whiche 


SIX-TEXT    677 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     683 

fou  hast1  ben  schryuen  of1  fy  curate  but  if*  it1  like  fe 
of*  J)in  humilite.  ])is  is  no  departyng1  of1  schrifte 
[1009]  ne  I  ne  say  not1  fere  as  I  speke  of1  diuisiown  of1  confes- 
sioun  ifat1  if1  fou  haue  licence  to  schryue  fe  to  a  discret1 
and  to  an  honest1  prest1  wher  f  e  likith  and  eek1  by  f  e  licence 
of1  fy  curate  fat1  fou  ne  maisf  wel  schriue  fe  to  him 
of1  alle  fyn  synnes .  [1010]  but1  let1  no  synne  be  byhinde 
vntold  as  fer  as  fou  hast  reme?«- 

braunce.  [ion]  and  whan  fou  schalt1  fe  schriue  to  fi 
curate  f  telle  him  eeke  al  fy  synne  fat1  fou  hast1  doo 
sith  fou  were  last1 1-schryue .  J)is  is  no  wikkid  entent1  of1 
diuisiown  of1  schrifte 

[1012]  U  Also  fy  verrey  schrifte  askith  certeyn  con- 
diciowns .  First  pat1  foil  schriue  fie  by  Jjy  fre  wille 
nou^t1  constreyned  ne  for  schame  of1  folk1  ne  for  malady e 
or  such  fing1.  for  is  resown  fat1  he  fat1  trespassith 
wif  his  fre  wille  [.  .  .  no  gap  in  tlie  MS.]  confesse  his 
trespas.  [1013]  noon  ofer  man  schal  telle  his  synne 
but  himself1,  ne  he  schal  not  nayte  or  denye  his  synne 
ne  wraffe  him  with  fe  prest1  for  his  amonestynge 
to  lete  synne  [1014]  1T  The  secou?ide  cowdiciown  is  fat1  fy 
schrifte  be  laweful  fat1  is  to  sayn  fat1  fou  fat1  schriuest1 
fe  and  eek1  fe  prest1  fat1  herith  fy  confessiown  ben 
verrayly  in  fe  feith  of1  holy  chirche  [1015]  and  fat1  a 
man  be  nought1  despaired  of1  fe  me?-cy  of1  Ihu  crist/  as 
caym  or  ludas.  [1016]  and  eek1  a  man  moot1  accuse 
himself1  of1  his  owne  trespas  and  not1  another  f  but1  he 
schal  blame  and  wite  himself1  and  his  oughne  malice  of1  his 
synne  /  and  noon  other  [1017]  H  But1  nafeless  if1  fat1 
anof er  man  by  occasiowri  or  ellis  enticer  of1  his  synne  or  fat1 
fe  estate  of1  a  persone  be  such  furgh  which  his  synne 
aggreg^ith  or  elles  fat1  he  may  not  playnly  schryue  liym 
but1  he  telle  fe  persone  wif  which  he  haf  synned 
fa?zne  may  he  telle  it  [1018]  so  fat1  his  entent1  be  noi^t1 
to  bakbyte  f  e  persone '  but1  oonly  to  declare  his  con 
fession 

,  back] 


678    SIX-TEXT 

684    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

[1019]  Thow  schalf  nou^f  eke  make  no  lesyng1  in 
py  confessioim  for  humilite  [.  .  .  no  gap]  to  sayn 
p«f  pou  hasf  don  synnes  of1  \vhiche  pou  were 
neuer  gulty  [1020]  as  seint  augusty?i  saip  1T  If1  pou  by 
cause  of1  humilite  makesf  lesyngro 

on  piself1 .  pough  pou  were  not1  in  synne  biforn 
3 if  art4  pou  parnie  in  synne  purgh"  py  lesynges  [1021] 
1f  Thou  most1  schewe  py  synne  by  pyn  oughne  propre 
mouth  but1  pou  woxe  dombe .  and  not  by  no 
lettre .  for  pou  fat  hasf  don  pe  synne  pou  schalf  haue 
pe  schame .  [1022]  pou  sclialt  nou^f 

peynte  py  confessiown  by  faire  subtil  wordes  to  couer 
pe  more  py  synne  for  panne  bigilisf  pou  jjiself1  and 
not1  ]?e  presf .  J>ou  most1  telle  it1  platly  be  it 
neuer  so  foul  ne  so  horrible.  [1023]  pou  schalf  eek/ 
schriue  J?e  to  a  presf  paf  is  discrete  to  counsaile  pe  IF  And 
J?ou  schalf  nou^f  schryue  J?e  for  1veinneglorie  ne  for 

ypocrisie.     [ 

no  gap  in  the  MS.~\    [1024]  11  pou 

schalf  nof  eekH  renne  to  pe  presf  sodeinly  to  telle  him 
lightly  py  synne  as  who-so  tellith  a  tale  or  a  iape.  buf 
auysily  and  wip  gref  deuociozm  f  [1025]  and  gene?-ally 
schriue  pe  ofte .  if1  pou  ofte  falle  f  ofte  pou  aryse  by 
confessioun  [1026]  IT  And  pough  pou  schryue  pe  ofter 
pan  oones  of1  synne  of1  which  pou  hasf  ben  schriuen  f  it  is 
pe  more  merite  and  as  saith  seint  augustyw  IF  Thou 
schalf  haue  pe  more  lightly  relessyng1  and  grace  of1  god 
bothe  of1  synne  and  of1  payne.  [1027]  and  certes  oones  a 
$er  atte  atte  lest/  way  it  is  laweful  to  be  houselyd .  For 
sothely  oones  a  $er  alle  pinges  renouelen 

[No  break  in  the  MS.] 

[1028]   IT   Now   haue    I   told   of1   verray   confessioun 
paf  is  the  secounde  partye  of1  penitence 

[1  tea/ 284] 


SIX-TEXT    679 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     685 


[1029]  IT  De  tercia  parte  penitencie 

The  pridde  partye  of1  penitence  is  Satisfaccicmn  and 
pat1  stondith  generally  in  almes  dede  and 
bodily  peyne  [1030]  f  Now  ben  per  [••••] 
of4  almes  dede  11  Contriciozm  of1  herte  where  a  ma?i 
offerep  himself1  to  god  IT  The  secoiwde  is .  to  haue  pite  ofH  pe 
defaute  of1  his  neighebor  IT  The  pridde  is.  in 
good  counseil  and  comfort  gostly  and  bodily  where  men 
han  neede  and  namely  in  sustenaunce  of1  mennes  foode . 
[1031]  and  take  keep  pat1  a  man  hap  neede  of1  [.  .  . 

.  no  gap  in  the  MS.] 

eloping1  and  herberwe.  he  hap  [ ]  charitable 

coimseil  and  visityrcg1  in  pn'soun  and  malady,  and 
sepulture  of1  his  dede  body  [1032]  H  And  if*  pon  may  not* 
visite  pe  needeful  wip  py  persons  f  visite  by  py 
message  and  by  py  ^iftes.  [1033]  pese  ben  general 
almesses  or  werkes  of1  charite  of1  hem  pat1  han  temporal 
riches  or  discreciown  \n  cownselywge .  Of1  pese  werkes 
schalt1  pou  hieren  at1  pe  day  of1  doom 

[1034]  pis  almes  schalt1  pou  doon  of1  pin  oughne 
propur  pinges  and  hastily  and  pnuely  if1  pou  maisfl. 
[1035]  But1  napeles  if1  pou  maist  not1  do  priuolyf 
pou  schalt*  nou^tt  forbere  to  do  almes  pougfi  men  se 
it  /  so  pat  it1  be  nou^t  don  for  pank1  of*  pe  world  but1 
oonly  for  ponk1  of1  ihu  crzsf  [1036]  IT  For  as  witnessith 
seint  Maihewe  .vto.  IT  A  cite  may  not1  ben  hid 
pat1  is  set1  on  a  mouwtayn  ne  non  ligftt  not1  a  lanterne  and 
put1  it  vnder  a  buisschel  but1  men  sette  it1  on  a  candel 
stikke  to  lighte  pe  me?i  in  pe  hous.  [1037]  Right1 
BO  schal  pure  light1  lighten  biforn  men  pat1  men  may 
se  ^oure  goode  werkes  and  glorifien  3oure  fader  pat1  is  in 
heuen 

[1038]  IT  Now  as  to  speke  of1  bodily  peyne .  it  is  in 
prayere  in  wakinges  in  fastynges .  in  vertuous 


680    SIX-TEXT 

686     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

tecliinges  of1  orisouns .  [1039]  30  schul  vnderstonde 
fat1  orisowns  or  prayeres  is  for  to  seyn  a  pitous  wil  of1 
herte  fat1  redressef  in  god  and  expressith  it1  by  word 
outward  to  remembre  harmes  and  to  haue  finges 
espirituel  &  l  durable  and  som  tyme  temporel  finges 
of1  whiche  orisouns  of1  fe  orisown  of1  fe  pate?'  noster 
haf  oure  lord  ihu  m'st1  enclosed  most1  finges  [1040]  1T  Certis 

it  is  pn'uileged  of1  j>re  finges  in  his  dignite  [ 

no  gap\  fan  any  of  er  prayer .  For  ihu 

cnst1  himself1  maked  it1 .  [i  041]  and  it1  is  schort1  for  it1  schulde 
be  coud  fe  more  lightly,  and  forto  wifholde  it1  fe 
more  esily  in  herte  and  helpe  himselfe  fe  oftere  with 
fe  orisoun  [1042]  and  for  a  ma?i  schulde  be  fe  lasse  wery 
to  say  it.  and  for  a  man  may  not1  excuse  him  to  lerne 
it1 .  it  is  so  schort1  and  so  easy  and  for  it  co?ftprehendith  in  it1 
self1  alle  goode  prayeres  [1043]  IF  The  exposickwn  of1  fis 
holy  praier  fat1  is  so  excellent1  and  so  digne .  I  bitake  to 
fese  maystres  of1  theology,  saue  fus  moche  wol  I  sayn 
whan  fou  prayest/  fat1  god  schulde  for^iue  fe  fy 
gultes  as  fou  for^iuest1  hern  fat1  fey  gulten  to  J)e  i  be  ful 
wel  war.  fat1  J?ou  be  not1  out  of1  charite .  [1044]  }>is 
holy  orisoim  amenisith  eek1  venial  synne .  and  f  erf  ore 
it  appendith  specially  to  penitence . 

[1045]  fis  praier  moste  be  trewely  sayd  and  in 
verray  faith .  and  fat1  men  pray  to  god  ordinatly  and  dis- 
cretly  &  deuoutly  and  alway  a  man  schulde  putte  his  wille 
to  be  subiect/  to  fe  wille  of1  god  [1046]  IT  fis  orisoun 
moste  eek1  be  sayd  wif  greet1  humblesse  and  ful  pure 
honestly  and  no^t1  to  f  e  annoyaunce  of1  eny  man  or  womnia?a 
1F  It1  most1  eek1  be  continued  vrith  fe  werkis  of1  charite. 
[1047]  hit1  auaylifch  agayns  fe  vices  of1  fe  soule  /  as 
seif  seint1  lero?^  IT  By  fastyng1  ben  saued  fe  vices  of1 
f  e  soule . 

[1048]  U  After  fis  fou  schalt1  vnderstonde  fat1 
bodily  peyne  *  stant1  in  wakyng1 .  for  ihu  crist1  saith 
H  wakith  and  prayeth  fat1-  ^e  ne  entre  not1/  in  to 

[i  tea/ 284,  6acft] 


SIX-TEXT    681 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     687 

te?ftptaciown .  [1049]  }e  schul  vnderstonde  fat1  fast- 
ynge  stont*  in  fre  Binges  U  In  forbering*  of*  bodily  mete 
and  drink1 .  and  in  forberyng1  of1  worldly  iolite .  and  in  for- 
bering1  of1  worldly  synne .  f  is  is  to  sayn  fat  a  man  schal 
kepe  him  fro  dedly  synne  in  al  f  «f  he  may 

[1050]  U  And  J>0u  schalt*  vnderstonde  eek1  fat*  god 
ordeyned  fastyng* .  and  to  fastyng1  appurteynen  foure 
Binges  [1051]  U  largesce  to  pouer  folk1,  gladnes  of1 
hertt  espirituel.  not1  to  ben  angry  ne  annoyed  ne 
grucche  for  he  fastith.  and  also  resonable  hour  for  to 
ete .  ete  by  mesure  fat1  is  to  sayn  a  man  schulde  not1  ete  in 
vntyme  ne  sitte  fe  lenger  at1  his  mete  for  he 
fastith 

[1052]  51  Thanne  schal  fou  vnderstonde  fat1  bodily 
peyne  stant*  in  discipline  or  teching1  by  word  or  by 
writyng*  or  by  ensample.  Also  in  heires  weryng*  or 
of1  stamyn  or  of1  habeiouns  on  her  naked  fleisch  for  cristes 
sake  and  suche  maner  penaunce  [1053]  IT  But*  ware  fe  wel 
fat1  such  maner  penaimce  1oft  fyn  fleissh  make  nou3^ 
Jrin  herte  bitter  or  angry  or  anoyed  of1  Jnself .  for  better  is 
to  cast1  away  fin  hayre  fan  for  to  caste  away  fe  swet- 
nes  of1  ihu  cristt.  [1054]  and  ferfor  seif  seint  poule 
5T  Clothe  ^ow  as  fay  fat1  ben  chosen  of1  god  in  herte  of1 
misericorde  debonairete.  sufferaurcce  and  such  maner  of* 
clofing1.  of1  fe  which  ihu  crist1  is  more  appayed  fan  of* 
haires  or  of*  hauberkis 

[1055]  U  fan  is  eek1  in  knokkyng1  on 
fe  brest1.  in  scourgyng1  wif  ^erdes.  in  knelynges.  in 
tribulaciowns  [1056]  in  suffring*  paciently  wronges  fat1 
ben  doon  to  him/  and  eek1  in  pacienf  sufferawnce  of1  maledies 
or  lesyng1  of1  worldly  catel  or  of1  wif1 .  or  of1  child  or  of* 
of  ir  frendes 

[1057]  H  Thanne  schalt1  fou  vnderstonde  whiche  finges 
destourben  penawnce  /  and  f is  is  in  foure  finges .  fat1  is . 
drede .  schame .  hope .  and  wanhope .  fat1  is  desperacioem 
[1058]  1T  And  for  to  speke  first/  of*  drede  for  which  he 

['  /ea/285] 


682    SIX-TEXT 

688     GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 

weneth  fat1  he  may  suffre  no  penauwce.  [1059]  fer 
agayns  is  remedye  for  to  finke  fat1  bodily  penaurcce  is 
but  schort1  and  litel  at  f  e  regard  of*  f  e  peyne  of  helle  fat1 
is  cruel  and  so  long1  fat1  it/  lastith  wif outen  endc 

[1060]  II  Now  agains  fe  schame  fat1  a  ma?i  haf  to 
schryue  him  and  namely  fese  ypocrites  fat1  woldo 
be  holde  so  parfytf  fat1  fay  haue  no  meede  to  schriue 
hem.  [1061]  agayns  fat  schame  schulde  a  man  finke  fat1 
by  way  of*  resown  fat1  he  hath  not1  ben  aschamed  to 
do  foule  finges.  Certis  him  oughte  not1  ben  aschamed  to 
doon  faire  f iwges&  goode  finges  and  fat  is  confessiown  [1062] 
U  And  man  scholde  eek1  finke  fat1  god  seeth  alle  fy 
foughtes  and  fy  werkes  to  him  may  no  fing1  be 
hyd  ne  couered  [1063]  men  schulde  eek1  remembre 
hem  of1  fe  schame  fat  is  to  come  at/  fe  day  of*  doom  to 
hem  fat1  ben  nought1  penitent1  and  schriuen  in  fis  present 
lif1.  [1064]  For  alle  fe  creatures  in  heuen  ne  in  erthe  and  in 
helle  schuln  seen  apertly  al  fat1  he  hydith  in  fis  world 

[1065]  U  Now  for  to  speke  of1  hem  fat1 
ben  so  negligent1  and  slowe  to  schryue  hem  stant1  in 
tuo  maneres  [1066]  H  fat1  oon  is .  fat1  he  hopith  for  to  lyue 
longe  and  for  to  purchace  moche  riches  for  his  delyt1. 
and  f  awne  he  wol  schriue  him .  and  as  he  saith  he  may  as 
him  semith  tymely  ynough  come  to  schrifte 
[1067]  U  Another  is  of1  fe  Surquidie  fat1  he  haf  in  cristes 
mercy  [1068]  IT  Agains  fe  firste  vice  he  schal  finke 
fat1  oure  lif1  is  in  no  sikernesse.  and  eek1  fat1  al  fe 
riches  in  fis  world  ben  in  aduenture  and  passen  as  a 
schadowe  on  fe  wal  [1069]  and  as  saith  seint1  Gregory 
fat1  it1  apperteyneth  to  fe  grete  right wisnes  of1  god  fat1 
neuer  schal  fe  1  peyne  stynte  of1  hem  fat1  neuer 
wolde  wif  drawe  hem  fro  synne  her  f  ankes .  but1 
ay  continue  in  synne  for  filke  pcrpetuel  wille  to  doon 
synne .  schul  fay  haue  pe?-petuel  peyne 

[1070]  U  wanhope  in  tuo  maneres  is.  fe  firste  wan- 
hope  is  in  fe  mercy  of1  crist1  II  That*  ofer  is  fat1  fay 

[>  leaf  285,  back] 


SIX-TEXT    683 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     689 

pinke  pay  mighte  nought  longe  perseuer  in  good- 
nesse  [1071]  U  The  firste  wanhope  come])  of1  pat1  he 
demyth  pat1  he  synned  so  highly  and  so  ofte  and  so 
longe  layn  in  synne  pat1  he  schal  not*  be  saued 
[1072]  ^F  Certis  a^ens  pat  cursed  wanhope  schulde  he 
penke  paf  pe  passiown  of  Ihu  crist1  is  more  strong1  for 
to  vnbynde  pan  synne  is  strong1  for  to  bynde 
[1073]  II  Agains  pe  secowide  wanhope  he  schal  pinke 
paf  als  ofte  as  he  fallith  f  he  may  arise  agayn  by  penitence  / 
And  pough  he  neuer  so  longe  haue  leyn  in  synne  f  j)e 
mercy  of1  crist1  is  alway  redy  to  resceyue  him  to  mercy 
[1074]  II  Agains  pe  wanhope  pat1  he  demeth  pat1  he  pinkith  he 
schulde  not1  longe  pe?-seuere  in  goodnesse .  he  schal  pinke 
pat1  pe  febles  of1  pe  deuel  may  no  ping1  doon  but1 
men  wol  suffre  him .  [1075]  And  eek1  he  schal  haue  strengpe 
of1  pe  help  of1  god  and  of1  al  holy  chirche  and  of1  pe 
protecciown  of1  aungels  if1  him  list1 

[1076]  H  Thanne  schal  men  vnderstonde  what  is  pe 
fruyt1  of1  penauwce  And  after  pe  word  of1  ihu  cn'sf  IT  hit  is 
pe  endeles  blisse  of1  heuen  [1077]  per  ioye  hap  no 
contrariete  of1  wo  ne  of1  penaunce  ne  greuaunce .  per  alle 
harmes  ben  passed  of1  pis  present1  lif* .  ther  as  is  pe  sikernesse 

fro  pe  peyne  of1  helle .  [ 

[1078]     .     .     . 

no  gap  in  the  MS.]  pere  as  is  pe  body  of1  man  pat1  whilom 
was  seek,  frel  and  feble  and  is  immortal,  and 
so  strong1  and  so  hool  pat1  per  may  no  piwg1  ernpeire 
it1.  [1079]  per  nys  neyper  honger  purst1  ne  colde. 
but1  euery  soule  replenisched  wip  pe  sight1  and  pe  parfyt1 
knowyng1  of1  god  [1080]  U  This  blisful  regne  may  men 
purchace  by  pouerte  espirituel  and  pe  glorie  by  lowe- 
nes.  pe  plente  of1  ioye  by  hunger  and  purst1  and 
reste  by  trauaile  and  pe  lif1  by  deth  and  mortificacioun  of1 
synne. 

[Small  break  in  the  MS.] 

CANT.   TALES. — HARL.  2    T 


684    SIX-TEXT 

690    GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334. 


H  Pieces  de  Chauceres ./ 

[1081] 

NOw  pray  I  to  $ow  alle  pat1  heren  pis  litel  tretis 
or  reden  pat1  if1  per  be  any  ping1  pat1  likes 
hem  pat1  per-of1  pay  panke  oure  lord  ihu 
crist1  of1  whom  procedith  alle  witte  and  al  goodnes 
[1082]  U  And  if1  per  be  eny  ping1  pat1  displesith  hem  I 
pray  hem  pat1  pay  arette  if  to  pe  defaute  of1  my?i 
vnco??,ny?zg1  1and  not1  to  my  \ville  pat1  wolde  fayn  haue 
sayd  better  if1  I  hadde  cownyng1  [1083]  U  For  pe 
book1  saip  .  al  pat1  is  writen.  .  for  oure 

doctrine  is  writen    [ no  gap]    [1084]  For  I 

biseke  :$ow  mekely  for  pe  mercy  of1  god  pat1  36  pray  for 
me  pat1  god  haue  mercy  on  me  and  for^eue  me  my 
giltes  [1085]  and  nameliche  my  translaciowns  and  of1  endit- 
yng/  in  worldly  vanitees .  whiche  I  reuoke  in  my  re- 
tracciowzs  [1086]  as  is  pe  book1  of1  troyles.  pe  book1 
also  of1  fame.  pe  book1  of1  .29.  ladies  pe 
book'  of1  pe  duchesses .  pe  book1  of1  seint1  valentines 
day  and  of1  pe  parliment1  of1  briddes .  pe  Tales  of1  Cauntur- 
bury  alle  pilke  pat1  sounen  in  to  synne  [1087]  pe  book1  Many 
of1  pe  leo .  and  oper  bokes  if1  pay  were  in  my  mynde  /  or 
remembrauwce  and  many  a  song1  and  many  a  leccherous 
lay .  Of*  pe  whiche  crist1  for  his  grete  mercy  for^iue  me  pe 
synnes  [  i  o 8 8]  IT  But1  of1  pe  t?mislacio  wn  of1  boce  de  consolaa'one 
and  ope?*  bokes  of1  consolac^oww  and  of1  legend  of1  lyues  of1 
seintes  and  omelies  and  moralitees  and  of1  deuociozm .  [1089] 
that1  panke  I  oure  lord  ihu  crist1  and  his  moder  and  alle  pe 
seintes  in  heuen  [1090]  bisekyng1  hem  pat1  pay  fro 
hennysforth  •vn-to  my  lyues  ende  sende  me  grace  to 
biwayle  my  gultes  and  to  studien  to  pe  sauaciown  of1  my 
soule  and  graunte  me  grace  and  space  of1  verray  repentawnce . 


SIX-TEXT    685 

GROUP  I.     §  2.     PARSON'S  TALE.     Harleian  7334.     691 

penitence .  confessioim .  and  satisfaccicmn  .  to  don  in  pis 
p/'esenf  lif*  [1091]  Jjurgh  J)e  benigne  grace  of*  him  fat1  is  king1 
of1  kynges  and  prest1  of*  alle  prestis  Jmf  bought1  vs 
AviJ)  his  precious  blood  of1  his  hertff  [1092]  So  fatf  I  moote 
be  oon  oF  hem  at1  J?e  clay  of1  doom  that1  schal  be  sauyd 
Qwi  cum 


693 


APPENDIX 

TO   THE   HAHLEIAN   MS   7334 
OF    AN    END-LINK,    HYMN,    AND    CUTS,    NOT    IN    THE   MS. 


1.  The  genuine  Nun's  Priest's  End-Link,  Group  B, 

§  15,  from  MS  Reg.  17  D  xv,  Brit.  Mus.        ...      6U4 
('T  would  have  followd  p.  i"%  above,  had  it  been 
in  the  Harleian  MS.) 

2.  The  Hymn  of  Chaucer's  Oxford  Clerk  Nicholas, 

(t  Angelus  ad  Virginem"  (A  3216,  p.  92  abuv), 
from  the  Arundel  MS  248,  ab.  1250-60  A.D., 
in  English  and  Latin ;  a  facsimile  and  a  print  695 

3.  Woodcuts  of  the  Paintings  of  the  23  Tellers  of 

the  Canterbury  Tales  copied  from  the  Ellesmere 
MS,  and  cut,  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Hooper. 

4.  Woodcuts  of  6  Tellers  of  6  of  the  Canterbury 

Tales  —  the  Reeve,  Cook,,  Wife  of  Bath, 
Pardoner,  Monk,  and  Manciple, — and  of  6 
Allegorical  Figures  for  the  Parson's  Tale, — 
Envy  and  Charity,  Gluttony  and  Abstinence, 
Lechery  and  Chastity, — copied  from  MS  Gg. 
4.  27  in  the  Cambridge  University  Library, 
and  cut,  by  Mr.  W.  H.  Hooper. 


301    SIX-TEXT 

694  GnoupB,  §15,  NUN'S  PIUEST'S  END-LINK.  Reg1. 17Dxv. 


1. 

THE  NUN'S  PRIEST'S  END-LINK. 
[MS  Reg.  17  D  xv.,  leaf  284  (paper,  1 1460).] 

[/"^J  ir  Nonnes  prisfr.  our  host1  sayde  anon 
^^1    I-blessid  be  thy  breche .  and  euery  stoon 
i  ^^  This  was  a  mery  tale  of1  chauntilier 
Pv^x    But1  be  my  trowth  if1  thow  were  a  seculer        4640 

Thow  woldest1  bien .  a  tredefoule  aright1 

For  if1  thow  have  corage .  as  thow  hast1  myghfr 

The  were  nede .  of1  hennys  as  I  wene 

Ya  mo  than  .vij.  tymes.  seventene  4644 

Se  whiche  brawnes  .  hath  this  gentil  prisfr 

So  grete  a  nekke .  and  so  large  a  brisfr 

He  lokith  as  a  sparhawke .  with  his  len 

Hym  nedith  nafr.  his  colours  for  to  dyen  4648 

With"  brasil  ne  with  grayne  of1  portyngale 

Now  sir  faire  fal  yow.  for  youre  mery  tale       Here  enditft 

the  tale  of1 
And  after  that1  he .  with  ful  myrry  chiere         ^  none 

Sayde  vnto  another  as  ye  chul  here  prest/] 

[MS  Reg.  17  D  m  extract  stops] 

["  the  prolog1  of1  the  Maunciple  "  follows  in 
MS  Meg.  17  D  xv.] 


CAMBRIDGE   28*    (6-T.  30l)    [this   page,  MS.  Ecg.  171)  xv] 


695 


2. 


NICHOLAS, 
"ANGEL  US  AD    VIRGIN  EM 

(Miller's  Tale,  Group  A.  1.  3216,  p.  92,  abuv.) 


ENGLISHT  (rymes  ababce,  dde,  cec). 
Arundel  MS.  248,  leaf  154.     Ab.  1250-60,  A.D. 

1 

Gabriel  fram  evene  king 

sent  to  be  maide  swete, 
broute1  fire  blisM  tiding, 

And  faire  be  gan  hire  greten  :         4 
"  Heil  be  Jm,  ful  of  grace  arith  ! 
"  for  godes  sone,  J)is  evene  lith,  6 

"2for  mannes  louen, 
"  wile  man  bicomen, 

"  and  taken  9 

"  fles  of  be,  maiderc  brith, 

"  ma[?z]ken  fre  for  to  makew 
"  of  seraae  a??d  deules  mith."  1 2 


THE  LATIN  ORIGINAL: 
'ANGELUSAD   VIRG1NEM* 

1 

ANgelus  ad  uirginem 

subintrans  in  conclaue, 
Virginia  formidinem 

demulcens  inquit,  "  Aue  ! 
"  Aue  regina  ui?'ginum  ! 
"  celi  terreqwe  dow?'nwm 
"  concipies, 
"  &  paries, 
"  intacta, 
"  salutem  hominum, 

"  tu,  porta  celi  facta, 
"  medela  criminum." 


Mildeliche  im  gan  andsweren 
be  milde  maiden  banne  : 
'  wiche  wise  sold  ichs  beren 

child  with-huten  manne  1 ' 
Bangle  seide,  "  ne  dred  te  nout ! 
"  burw  boligast  sal  ben  iwrout 
"  bis  ilche  bing, 
"  warof  tiding 

"  ichs  brmge  : 
"  al  manken  wrth  ibout 

"  bur  bi  swete  chiltircge, 
"  and  hut  of  pine  ibrout." 

1  e  is  an  overline  insertion.     In  lines 
Jrie,'  )?erde,  &c.  stands  for  '  h '. 

8  A  later  overline  '  so  '  is  before  '  for  ' ; 


'  QuomofZo  conciperera, 

'  que  uirum  non  cognoui  ? 
'  qualiter  infringerem 
1 6  '  quod,  firma  mente  uoui ! ' 

"  Spiritus  sancti  gracia 
IS         "  perficiet  hec  omnia. 
"  ne  timeas, 
"  sed  gaudeas 
21  "  secura, 

"  quod  castimonia 

"  manebit  in  te  pura, 
24         "  dei  potencia." 
3,  4,  26,  28,  53,  60,  &c.  the  '  \> '  of  J>e,  J»ii 

but  the  line  should  be  only  2  measures. 


696    "  ANGELUS   AD    VIRG1NEM "  /   THE    HYMN    OF    CHAUCER'S   OXFORD    CLERK. 


Wan  f  e  maiden  understud,  25 

and  Bangles  wordes  f  erde, 
mildeliche,  with  milde  mud, 

to  f  angle  fie  andswerde  :  28 

'  Hure  lordes  f  enmaiden  iwis 
'  ics  am,  fat  her  abouen  is ;  30 

•'  aneftis  me 
'  fulfurthed  be 

'  fi  sawe,  33 

'  fat  ics,  si  then  1his  wil  is, 

'  maiden,  with-huten  lawe, 
'  of  moder  haue  f  e  blis.'  36 

4 
Jjangle  wente  a-wei  mid  fan, 

al  hut  of  hire  sichte  ; 
and2  fire  wombe  arise  gan, 

f  urw  f  oligastes  mithe  ;  40 

in  hire  was  crist  biloken  anon, 
suth  god,  soth  man,  ine  fleas  and  bon  ; 
and  of  hir  fleas 
iboren  was 

at  time,  45 

war-f  urw  us  kam  god  won, 

f  e  bout  us  hut  of  pine, 
and  let  im  for  us  slon.3  48 

5 
Maiden  moder  makeles, 

of  milche  ful  ibunden, 
Bid  for  hus,  im  fat  f  e  ches, 

at  warn  fu  grace  funde,  52 

fat  f  e  forgiue  hus  senne  and  wrake, 
and  clene  of  euri  gelt  us  make,        54 
and  eune  blis, 
wan  hure  time  is 

to  steruen,  57 

hus  giue,  for  fine  sake,' 

him  so  her  for  to  seruen, 
fat  f  e  us  to  him  take.  60 


Ad  hec,  uirgo  nobilis 

respondens,  inquit  ei, 
'  Ancilla  sum  humilis 

'  omnipotentis  dei, 
*  tibi  celesti  nuncio 
'  tanti  secreti  conscio, 
'  consentiens 
'  &  cupiens 

*  uidere 
'  factum  quod  audio, 

'  parata  sum  parere 
1  dei  consilio.' 
4 
Angelas  disparuit, 

&  statim  puellaris 
uterus  intumuit, 

ui  partus  salutaris, 
quo  circumdatur  utero 
noue??i  mensiu??z  numero ; 
post  exiit, 
&  iniit 

conflictum, 
afBgens  humero 

crucem  qui  dedit  ictu 
soli  mortifero. 
5 
Eya  mater  domini 

que  pacem  reddidisli 
Angelis  &  homini 

cum  Christum,  genuisti, 
tuum  exora  filium, 
ut  se  nobis  propicium 
exhibeat, 
&  deleat 

peccata, 
prestans  auxilium, 

uita  frui  beata, 
post  hoc  exilium.     AmeN. 


1  '  h  '  is  an  overline  insertion. 

and '  underdotted  and  struck  through  :  but  see  « & '  in  Latin,  st.  4.  1.  2. 
8  The  '  n '  is  a  taild  final  n,  like  a  y. 


3. 


WOODCUTS   OF   THE 

PAINTINGS   OF  THE   23   TELLERS   OF 
THE   CANTERBURY  TALES 

COPIED   FROM 

THE    ELLESMERE    MS 

AND    CUT   BY 

MR  W.  H.  HOOPER. 


THE    KNYGHT. 
Eltesmere  MS,  leaf  U. 


(The  brand  on  the  horse's  hip— M,  P  for  Miles- 
is  in  ink,  and  probably  by  a  later  hand.} 


THE    MILLERE. 
Ellesmere  MS,  tea/ 88,  back. 


THE    REVE. 
Ellen  mere  MS,  feaf  46. 


THE    COOK. 
Ellcsmere  MS,  leaf  51. 


THE    MAN    OF    LA  WE. 

miffmere,  MS,  leaf  54,  back. 


THE    SHIPMAN. 

[Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  147,  back. 


THE    PRIORE8SE. 
Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  152,  back. 


CHAUCER. 
Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  157,  back. 


THE    MONK. 

Ellexmere  MS,  leaf  173. 


THE    XONNES    1'RKEST. 
EUfamere  MS,  leaf  183. 


THE    DOCTOR. 
Ettetmere  MS,  leaf  137. 


THE    PARDONER. 
Elletmere  JUS,  leaf  142. 


THE    WYF    OF    BATHE. 

E lies  mere  MS,  leaf  70. 


THE   FRBRE. 

EUesmere  MS,  leaf  80,  back. 


THE    SOMONOUR. 
Elletmere  MS,  leaf  85,  bade. 


THE    CLERK    OF    OXENFORD. 

Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  92. 


THE    MERCHANT. 
Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  10G,  back. 


THE   SQUIRE. 
miemere  MS,  leaf  119,  back. 


THE   SECOND    NUN. 
EUetmere  MS,  leaf  191. 


THE  CANON'S  YEOMAN. 

Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  198. 


THE    MANCIPLE. 

Elletmere  MS,  leaf  207. 


THE    PARSON. 

Ellesmere  MS,  leaf  210,  back. 


[These  coloured  figures  in  the  Ellesmere  MS  have  evidently 
been  drawn  by  two  different  persons.  The  little  pieces  of  ground 
on  which  the  later  hand  places  his  figures,  mark  those  done  by 
him. 

His  drawing  is  not  so  good  as  the  first  hand's ;  and  his  colours 
are  badly  ground,  and  of  poor  quality.— "VV.  H.  HOOPER.] 


THE    REEVE. 
MS.  Off.  4.  27,  Univ.  Libr.  Cambr.,  Uaf  186. 


THE   COOK   OF   LONDON 
(with  a  raw  on  his  Horse' s  ribs). 

MS.  Off.  4.  27,  Univ.  Libr.  Cambr.,  ?ea/192,  back. 


THE   WIFE   OF   BATH. 
MS.  Off.  4.  27,  Univ.  Libr.  Cambr.,  leaf  222. 


THE    PARDONER 
(with  a  Jawbone  instead  of  a  Sheep's  Shoulderbone). 

MS.  Off.  4.  27,  Univ.  Libr.  Cambr.,  tea/ 306. 


THE    MONK 

(without  his  Bells  and  Hounds). 
MS.  Off.  4.  27,  Univ.  Libr.  Cambr.,  leaf  332. 


THE   MANCIPLE. 
MS.  Off.  4.  27,  Univ.  Libr.  Cambr.,  tea/395. 


ENVY  CHARITY 

(on  his  Wolf  gnawing  a  Bone).  (with  her  wingd  and  flaming  Heart). 

Parsoris  Tale. 

MS.  Gg.  4.  27,  Univ.  Libr.  Cambr.,  leaf  416. 


GLUTTONY   AND    ABSTINENCE.      Parson's    Tale. 
MS.  Gg.  4.  27,  Univ.  Libr.  Cambr.,  Zea/432. 


LECHERY  (with  her  Goat  and  Sparrow),  and  CHASTITY  (trampling  on  the 
Dragon  of  Lust).     Parson's  Tale. 

MS.  Qff.  4.  27,  Univ.  Libr.  Cambr.,  leaf  433. 


7 


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PR 

1901 
A3 
no.  73 


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