iege of
X
EDITED
FROM ALL THE KNOWN MANUSCRIPTS AND THE TWO
OLDEST EDITIONS,
BY
AXEL ERDMANN, PH.D.
LATK PROFESSOR Or ENGLISH IN THE UNIVERSITY OF UPSALA.
PAET I.— THE TEXT.
LONDON:
PUBLISHED FOR THE CHAUCER SOCIETY
BY KEGAN PAUL, TRENCH, TRUBNER & CO., LTD.,
DRYDEN HOUSE, 43 GERRARD STREET, SOHO, W.
AND BY HENRY FROWDE, OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS,
AMEN CORNER, B.C., AND IN NEW YORK.
1911, for the Issue of 1906.
> V 6
No. 46.
RICHARD CLAT & 8OK8, LIMITED, LONDON AND BCKOA'V
TEMPORARY PREFACE.
§ 1. THE title of the poem. In the colophons of the MSS. and
oldest editions we find " Here endeth the destruccioun of Thebes " or
" Here endeth the Sege of Thebes." But in later times the poem has
most often been spoken of as " The Story of Thebes." In the text
Lydgate repeatedly refers to " (the) story " ; but here, with a few
exceptions, by "(the) story" he means his Old French original. His
own poem he generally mentions as "my tale." As a matter of fact,
the question of the title has been decided by Lydgate himself, who*
in his Falls of Princes calls our poem "The Sege of Thebes."
Al to declare / me semyth it is no nede,
For in the Sege of Thebes ye may Rede
The stoory hool / and maad ther mencyoun, etc.
(Mus. Brit. Bibl. Harl. 1766, fol. 49 back.)
§ 2. The Siege of Thebes was written by Lydgate to form an
additional link in the famous series of the Canterbury Tales composed
by Chaucer. He represents himself as falling in with the pilgrims at
their inn in Canterbury, when in mid-April he comes to the town to*
perform his vow to St. Thomas for recovery from an illness. He is
received in the hall of the inn by the host of the Tabard and invited
to join the company of pilgrims in their return journey to London.
At sunrise on the following morning they all start off, and before they
have ridden a bow-shot from Canterbury' the host turns to Lydgate-
and asks him to tell some merry tale. Lydgate obeys, and " My tale
I gan anon as 30 shal here" (1. 176). The prologue is, of course,
addressed to the readers of the poem. In the tale itself Lydgate tries,
by occasional references (11. 182, 322 sq., 1043 sq., 1047 sq., cf. also
4522 sq.), to keep alive the impression that he is speaking to the
pilgrims en route.
There is no doubt that the Prologue was the first portion written
of the poem. And evidently Lydgate keenly enjoys his idea of com-
posing an additional Canterbury Tale, and thus, as it were, taking up
and continuing the unfinished work of his admired master. The
vi Temporary Preface.
palpable anachronism involved in this idea did not deter him, and it
would not, I suppose, much strike the general reader, nor does it,
indeed, essentially diminish the quaint interest of his conceit. But
it is ohvious that Lydgate, who was about thirty at the time of
Chaucer's death, could not at " nyj fyfty jere of age " (1. 93) have
found still remaining at Canterbury the same company of pilgrims
with which Chaucer had come there.
§ 3. The poem has 4716 lines. The prologue (11. 1-176), see § 2.
The first part (11. 177-1046) tells the story of Edippus and locasta,
the second part (11. 1047-2552) the disputes of Ethiocles and Polymytes
about the supremacy in Thebes, the third part (11. 2553-4716) the
siege and destruction of Thebes.
§ 4. The principal source of Lydgate's Thebes l is an Old French
prose romance, derived from the Old French poem Bonian de Thebes.
No known version of this prose romance agrees in all particulars with
that used by Lydgate. But the version first printed 1500 and re-
printed 1858 in the "Collection Silvestre," with the title " Sensuyt
le Eoman de edipus fils du roy Layus" (RE), comes very near to
Lydgate's original. They differ, however, in some details. In most
of these details Lydgate's original corresponded with the somewhat
later version of the prose romance represented by that " Hystoire de
Thebes" (HT) which is found inserted into a late 15th-century Old
French translation, with numerous additions, of Orosius' well-known
History of the World. Thus the apparently lost version that formed
the basis of Lydgate's Thebes must have held an intermediate position
between the two versions just mentioned. But it was decidedly much
more closely allied to RE than to HT.
From his Old French source Lydgate has taken about two-thirds of
his poem. More than a fourth he has drawn from his own creative
imagination or from his general store of knowledge. The rest of the
poem, about the twentieth part of the whole, comes partly from the
Bible, but principally from such authors as Seneca, Martianus de
Capella, Boccaccio, Chaucer.
§ 5. Lydgate treats his original with perfect freedom as regards
form, recasting the expressions, enlarging or shortening the tale,
not infrequently omitting unimportant particulars. In a few cases
Lydgate has left out points the poetic beauty of which would certainly
1 See Koeppel, Lydgate's Story of Thebes. Eine Quellenuntersuchung.
Munchen, 1884. Constans, Legende d'Oedipe. Paris, 1881 ; and Roman do
Thebes, vol. ii. Paris, 1890.
Temporary Preface. vii
have caught at once the attention of Chaucer. But on the whole it
may be said that everything the poem possesses of poetic charm, it
owes to Lydgate's work.
The hero of parts II and III is Tydeus, on whom Lydgate lavishes
his highest praise. In painting Tydeus' character and extolling his
exploits, the author had, no doubt, in his mind's eye England's
youthful hero, King Henry V. Here and there in the poem allusions
to contemporary political events may be traced (see for inst. § 6).
§6. Lydgate probably began his Thebes in the latter part of 1420.
It was finished before the death of Henry V (August 31, 1422). l
And it seems safe to assume that the poem had been completed so
long before that date that copies of it had been made and circulated.
For if it had still been in its author's hands when he learnt the
irreparable loss his country had suffered, he would certainly have
recast the end of it. In writing 11. 4690-4703, and especially the
last lines of this passage : " And charite . . . shal her bryghte
bemes sprede ... in dyuers naciouns Forto reforme atwixe Regiouns
Pees and quyet, concord and vnyte," Lydgate clearly had in view
•certain terms of the treaty of Troyes concluded in May 1420. The
24th paragraph of this treaty says (see Rymer's Foedera, Tom. ix,
p. 901) :
Item, ut Concordia, Pax, & Tranquillitas inter pnedicta Franciae & Angliae
Regna perpetuo futuris temporibus observenttir, & obvietur Occasionibus &
Principiis, ex quibus inter eadera Regna, quod absit, Debata, Dissensiones seu
Discordise futuris possent temporibus exoriri, Concordatum est, quod dictus
films noster Rex Henricus laborabit, . . . ambo Coronae, scilicet Franciae et
Anglise, perpetuo futuris temporibus commanebunt & erunt in una & eadem
Persona, viz. sua, etc.
A comparison of the words of this paragraph with 1. 4703 shows
at once whence have sprung Lydgate's "Pees and quyet, concord and
vnyte." See also the 25th paragraph. Cf. Troy Book, v, 3999-3442.
The whole passage 1. 4690 sq. of Thebes resounds with a jubilant
note of hopefulness, and could not possibly have been written or issued
after England's hopes of a triumphant peace had been so suddenly
blighted by the King's death.
§ 7. The Siege of Thebes is written in heroic couplets. It has
long been held up as a specimen of unusually bad metre. This
censure seemed to be justified by the character — very unsatisfactory
1 Cf. Koeppel 1. c., and Schick, Lydgate's Temple of Glas, 1891. Also
H. Bergen, The MSS. and Prints of Lydgate's Troy Book. Bungay, Chaucer
Press, 1906.
viii Temporary Preface.
from a metrical point of view — of the old printed texts. The present
edition, the text of which is based on the best MS. collated with all
the other known MSS., will prove the censure to be unmerited. The
live-beat iambic lines of Thebes present the metrical traits peculiar to
Lydgate's heroic verse.
§ 8. The great number of MSS. still preserved bears evidence of
the popularity once enjoyed by our poem. There are, as far as is
now known, 21 MSS. of Lydgate's Thebes in the public and private
libraries of England. To this number are to be added the old editions
of 1500 (?) and 1561, each of which represents a separate MS. The
best MSS. are the Arundel 119 (Brit. Mus.), the Bodley 776, the
Additional 18632 (Brit. Mus.), and the MS. belonging to Lord
Mostyn, designated by Ar. Bo. Adr M. in the variae lectiones given at
the foot of the pages. As basis of the present edition the Arundel
MS. has been taken, every deviation from it being marked by
asterisks in the text, or, in the case of pause-bars, only mentioned
among the vv. 11. The Arundel MS. 119 is a small folio, 10£ x 7f
English inches, on vellum, bound in calf,, and contains only the
complete text of our poem. It has 80 leaves. The text is written
in single columns, and ends on leaf 79 front.
AXEL ERDMANN.
Upsala, April 6, 1911.
IX
LIST OF THE MANUSCRIPTS AND OLDEST
EDITIONS.
1. Adr = Brit. Mus. Additional 18632.
2. Ad2. = Brit. Mus. Additional 5140.
3. Ap. = Brit. Mus. Cotton. Appendix XXVII.
4. Ar. = Brit. Mus. Arundel 119.
5. Ba. = Marquis of Bath's MS. 257 (Longleat).
6. Bo. = Bodley MS. 776.
7. C. = Cambridge University Library, Addit. 3137.
8. Di. = Bodl. Library, Digby 230.
9. Du. = Prince Frederick Duleep Singh's MS. (Old Buckenham Hall).
10. Ej. = Wynken de Worde's edition (1500 ?) 8vo.
11. E2. = in William Thynne's fol. edition 1561 of the works of Chaucer.
12. G. = Mr. J. H. Gurney's MS. (Keswick Hall).
13. I. = The late Sir H. Ingilby's MS. (Ripley Castle), now belonging to
Mr. Lawrence Hod son (Compton Hall).
14. Lj. = Bodl. Library, Laud. Misc. 557.
15. L2. = Bodl. Library, Laud. Misc. 416.
16. Lb. = Lambeth Palace Library, MS. 742.
17. M. = Lord Mostyn's MS. (Mostyn Hall).
18. P. = Magdalen College (Cambridge) Library, Pepys 2011.
19. Ra. = Bodl. Library, Rawlinson C. 48.
20. Ro. = Brit. Mus. Royal 18. D. II.
21. S. = Brit. Mus. Additional 29729 (Stow MS.).
22. Tr = Trinity College (Cambridge) Library, MS. R. 4. 20.
23. T2. = Trinity College (Cambridge) Library, MS. 0. 5. 2.
In the foot-notes the manuscripts and oldest editions are given in the
following order (cf. the genealogy in the Introduction) :
Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lt. Lb. M. Di. Adr Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. C. T2. P. E2.
L2. Ro. Ap.
SYNOPSIS OF THE GAPS exceeding two lines, in the manuscripts and
oldest editions (the numbers are inclusive) :
Adt. 785—788.
Ad2. 785—788, 4094—4158, 4504 to the end.
Ap. 1681—1746, 3409 to the end.
Ba. 2490—2580, 4432 to the end.
Bo. 1—8, 31—40, 4456—4586.
C. 1—822, 886—951, 1017—1142, 1103— 1468, 1858—1922, 3668—4060,
4386—4515.
Di. 1—153.
x Synopsis of the Gaps in MSS.t etc.
Du. 111—337, 4284—4340, 4459—4572, 4630—4716.
E4. 107—176, 4363—4418.
I. 785—788, 3935—4116, 4582-4676.
JL,. 849—852.
Lb. 65—392, 4597—4658.
M. 147—222.
P. 1669—1672.
Ha. 2099—2294.
Ro. 513—1130, 1987—2400, 3011—3210, 3407—3590, 3989— 4340.
S. 14552— 14591.
Tr 615—726, 1061—1172.
Tj. 2485—2672, 3634—4209. «
Ar. E2. Q. Lj. are complete.
of
Mug. Brit. Bibl. Arundel 119.
Incipit Prologus.
' Han brijte phebus / passed was j?e ram
Myd of Aprille / and in-to bole cam,
And Satourn) old / with his frosty face
In virgyne / taken had his place,
Malencolik / and slowgh of mociouw,
And was also / in thoposicioiw
Of lucina / the mone nioyst and pale,
That1 many Shour / fro heuene made avale ;
whan Aurora / was in ]>e morowe red,
And lubiter / in the Crabbes Hed
Hath take his paleys / and his mansions ;
The lusty tyme / and loly fressh" Sesou?z
whan that Flora /the noble myghty quene,
The soyl hath clad / in newe tendre grene,
[leaf 1]
Phebus in ariete.
In mid-April,
Satc/Tius in
virgins.
12
lubiter in capite
cancri.
the jolly fresh
season
1-6 cut away in Bo. (7, 8 incomplete, the second half being cut aicay).
1-153 lost in Di. 1-822 lost in C. 1. Whan] Whan that T2. Ba. brijte] om.
Tj. Du. LI. Lb. M. Ra. Ba. T2. P. 2. Myd] and myd LI. and] om. Lb. in-to
bole] into the bole Tj. Du. LI. Lb. M. Adj. Ad2. Ba. Er S. TQ. P. E2. in the
bole Ra. L2. Ro. to the foule I. 3. old] olde Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Adj. Ad2. I.
5. P. E2. Ap. om. L2. Ro. 4. In] In pe Ap. virgyne] virgyn M. P. had]
hath Ra. S. has Ba. his place] a p. Lj. 5. Malinkkolik Adj. Melyncolik
P. slowe M. slow Adi. sclough S. Ro. slouth Ej. mocioun] mocions LI.
6. thoposicioun] the opposicioun Ada. Ba. T2. P. L2. Ro. opposicioun Ad2. I.
the opposicions Lj. 8. many] many a Du. Lj. Ba. P. Shour] shouris
Tj. Lb. Ad2. I. shours Adi. fro heuene made] made fro heuene Lb.
10. lubiter] lupyter E^ lupiter E2. 11. paleys] place I. 12. The] That
Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. P. and] that P. 13. the noble] that noble P. the
lusty Lb. myghty] om. Lb. 14. newe Adi. new Bo. M.
THEBES. B
Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and Pilgrims. [ PROLOG.
with her floures / craftyly ymeynf,
Braunch and bough / wij) red and whit depeynt, 1C
Fletinge J>e bawme / on hillis and on valys :
The tyme in soth / whan Canterbury talys
Complet1 and told* / at1 many sondry stage
Of estatis // in the pilgrimage, 20
Euerich man / lik to his degre,
Some of desporf / some of moralite,
Some of knyghthode / loue and gentillesse,
And some also of parfif holynesse, 24
And some also in soth / of Ribaudye
To make laughter1 / in )>e company e,
(Ech admitted / for non wold other greve)
Lich as the Cook / J>e millere and the Eeve 28
Aquytte hem-silf / shortly to conclude,
Boystously / in her teermes Rude,
whan ]>ei hadde / wel dronken of the bolle,
And ek also / with his pylled nolle 32
The pardowner / beerdlees al his Chyn,
Glasy-Eyed / and face of Cherubyn,
Tellyng1 a tale / to angre with the frere,
her] his Ba. tlie L^. Ro. craftyly] craftly Bo. Ba. Ap. ymeynt] meynt
Bo- TiV LI- Lb. M. Ej. E2. 16. wib] om. Ap. [red and whit] white & rede Ro.
depeynt >~| dopeynt mitwrittc n Ar. 17. second on] in Ap. om. Adj. I. 18. whan]
whanne ^at Lj. Adj. T2. Cauntrebery Bo. Caunterbury M. Kaunterberi Adj. In
Ad2. I. 18 v and ;_ 19 are transposed. 19. many] many a Lb. 20. estatis]
estate S. tl^e statis Lb. there astates P. the] their Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. M. T2. P. L,,.
here Lb. .Zta Ra a inter hand has altered the into ther by adding an r.
21. Euerich] eV,ery Bo. TI. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Ra. Ba. T2. P. E2. man] om. Lg. Ro.
lik] lyke Bo. M\ Adj. liclie Lb. 22. desport some] d. and s. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj.
Lb. M. 23. gWillesse] geutilnesse TI. Lj. Lb. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. L2. Ro. Ap.
25. And] om. Ra.\ na. K2. also in soth] eke i. s. Bo. Tv Du. LI.. M. T2. P.
in soUi eeke^Lj. in\ sotll] om. L2. Ro. Kibaudye] ribawdrye Lb. Adj. Ad2. 1. Ra.
Ba. E}. P. E2. L.,. IVjwed ribaudrye Ro. 26. maken Bo. M. make Adj. 27.
Ech] They Ad.2. I. fo\r] om, ^ RO- other greve] ooyr eve Lb. 28. as] om. Lb.
millere] mylnere Ro. \ 29. Aquytte] Acquit Ra. L2. Acquite Bo. Du. Lb. Ad2.
Ej. S. T2. P. E2. Ro. Ap.v Acquiten M. hemsilf] hem wel Tj. shortly] sothly Ra.
to] for to P. 30. boys\tously] boystuously S. 31-40 cut away on back side of the
first leaf in Bo (38. mice, 4\n Breteyne is left at the end of the line). 31. droiiken]
droukynge Ap. 32. PMled] piled Adj. peled Lb. S. pallid Tj. Du. T2.
ballyd Lj. 33. The pard^pwnei, beerdlees] The berdles pardoner Lj. (taken from
the rvbric, which in this MS. forms tjte preceding line of the column), al] of Ro.
34. Olasy-Eyccl] Glasyne Eyde^ Ro> Giasy eyes EJ. Ed2. Glasy yen P. glasid
eyen S. glasy • rede • Du. of]\mnm j^. 35, a] to Q.
when the Canter-
bury Tales were
told,—
some moral,
some ribald,
like those of
The Cook,
the Millere,
And the Revc.J
also the
If Pardonere,
[leaf 1, back]
\
PROLOG.] Lydgates Praise of Chaucer, Flower of Poets.
written by
If Chaucer,
40 the Flower of
Poets,
As opynly // the storie kan jow lere, 36
word for word / with" euery circuwstauwce,
Echon y write / and put1 in remembrau/zce
By hyrn pat1 was / $if I shal not1 feyne,
Floure of Poetes / thorghout1 al breteyne,
Which" sothly hadde / most1 of excellence
In rethorike / and in eloquence
(Rede his making1 / who list1 the trouthe* fynde)
AVhich" neuer shal / appallen in my mynde, 44
But1 alwey fressh" / ben in my memorye* :
To whom* be ^oue / pris/ houure / and glorye*
Of wel seyinge / first1 in oure language,
Chief Registrer / of pis pilgrimage, 48
Al pat1 was tolde / forjeting1 noght at al,
Feyned talis / nor ping1 Historial,
AVith many prouerbe / diuers and vnkoutfi,
Be rehersaile / of his Sugrid mouth,
Of eche thyng1 / keping1 in substau?*ce
The sentence hool / with-oute variance,
A^yding1 the Chaf / sothly for to seyn,
36. As opynly] As o. as TI. Du. Lb. And o. as Lj. Al o. as M. 37. for]
bi LI. 38. Echon ywrite] Echon writen Tj. Echone wreton M. 39. was]
om. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. shal] shuld Ra. Ba. 1^. 40. Poetes] poietys Ro. Ap.
thorghout] thorough out L2. throughout E%. thorugh Du. M. Adx. Ra. Ap.
thorough Lb. T2. thorgh TI. Ba. P. Ro. through l,i. S. thorugh out of EI.
41. sothly] shortly P. hadde Adx. Ra. T2. had Bo. M. of] om. L2. Ro. 42. In]
bothe in Bo. TI. Du. Lx. Lb. M. T2. rethorike] retryk T2. and] and eke Ra (eke
added by later hand), second in] om. Ad2. I. 43. Rede] Redeth Bo. Tj. Du.
Lb. M. T2. P. who] whos Bo. Tj. Du. M. who so Lb. Ba. trouthe M. Adj.
trouth Ar. Bo. fynde] to finde M. Ra (to added by later hand). 44. Which] ]>at
Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. S. 45. alwey] evir 1^. fressh ben Adp fresshe be Bo. M.
be fressh T2. freyshely bene Ap. my] om. I. Ro. memorye] memoyre Ar.
in my memorye] called Geffray Chawcer byname P (written by a later hand, partly
on erasure). 46. whom] who Ar. be] ben Ra. Ba. 3oue] yoven Ba.
yeue Er Ap. geven S. ioye Bo. TJ. Du. LI. Lb. M. Ad2. I. glorye] gloyre Ar.
Ap ( : memory). The scribe of P. wrote honoure glorie and pris, the later hand has
erased most of pris and written ffame across it. 47. seyinge Adi. saiyng Bo.
seieng M. langage G. Bo. 48. Registrer] regestrier Bo. Registerer T2.
Regester Lj. P. regystere Adj. S. Ap. regestire Ro. Registre Ba. regestre
A<i2. I. L2. of] in E2. his] his S. 49. Al] Of Ro. footing] forgetyn Lj. Ba. P.
at] om. Lg. Ro. 50. talis] tale I. nor >ing] ne thing Adi. Ad2. I. Ro.
no thing L2. nor nothynge Lx. Ba. and thing Lb. 51. prouerbe] prouerbes
Lb. Adi. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Er S. P. E2. 52. Sugrid] sugir L2. 53. in]
(who will be
always fresh in
my memory,)
and told his
Tales
52 with his sugard
mouth,
>e Bo.
Du. Lt. Lb. M.
P.
55. Voyding] Wyndyng Ad2. I. the] om. Adx. Ad2
for] om. Ra. Ba. L^. Ro. for to seyn] fro the seyne
54. hool] of lobe Ad2. of love I.
I.
2.
sothly] softely
4 Lydgate finds Chaucer s Pilgrims at Canterbury. [PROLOG.
from the Pil-
grims' meeting
If At be tabard*
in Suthwerk, —
on to Canter-
bury,—
IT The Hoste.
[leaf 2]
Enlumynyng1 / \>e trewe piked greyn
Be crafty writinge / of his sawes swete,
Fro the tyme / that1 thei deden* mete
First the pylgrimes / sothly euerichon,
At the Tabbard / assembled on be on,
And fro suthwerk / shortly for to seye,
To Canterbury / ridyng1 on her weie,
Tellync e a tale / as I reherce can,
Lich" as the hoste / assigned euery man.
None so hardy / his biddyng1 disobeye.
And this while"* / that1 the pilgrymes leye
at this time,
while the Pil-
grims were lodgd At1 Canterbury / wel logged* on and all,
there,
I not1 in soth" / what1 I may it1 call,
i chanst to enter Hap / or fortune / in Conclusion?*,
the town,
That1 me byfil / to entren into toun,
The holy seynt1 / pleynly to visite
Aftere siknesse / my vowes to aquyte,
In a Cope of blak / and not1 of grene,
On a palfrey / slender / long1 / and lene,
wifi rusty brydel / mad nat1 for fe sale,
My man to-forn / with a voide' male ;
which" of Fortune / took1 myn Inne anon
in a black cope,
5T Disory ving of
the Monk.
on a scraggy nag
with a rusty
bridle.
56
60
64
68
72
76
56. Enlumynyng] Elewmynyng L^. piked] pyken Bo. Du.
I. T2. ded Ar. dede G. S. diden M. Ad2.
58. cleden Adj.
did Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. Ba. P. E2. L2.
Ro. dide T,. Ra. Ev Ap. 59. sothly] om. P. 60. At the] atte Adj. T2. at
Tj. M. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. E2. on be on] euery one by one Ad2. I. Between 59 and
60 Lv JMS the rubric : At the Tabard in Southwerk first they met ; in connexion
with this, I. 60 has been altered into And ther they assembled one bi oone.
61. And fro] At G. suthwerk Ar. Southwerk Tj. Du. Lr M. T2. L.2. Soujwerk
Adi. Sowthwerk Ad2. I. soutwerk Bo. Southewerk Ro. E^ Southwerke Lj. P.
Sothwerk Ra. Sothewerk S. Sothwerke E^ Suthwarke Lb. Sothwarke Ba. Ap.
shortly] soobli Adt. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 62. on] in Ad2. I. her] the I.
63. tale] take misicrittcn Ar. as] liche as Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. lich Ra.
64. the hoste] thost 1\. Lb. 65-392. gap in Lb. 66. this] in this Bo. Tx.
Du. Lj. M. T2. P. while Bo. Adj. whil Ar. tyme M. pilgrymes] pylgrimage L^.
67. logged] louged Ar. G (cp. 78). logid LI. S. Ro. looged Ad2. lodged E2.
68. not] ne wote l^. Ro. soth] feith Ad2. I. 69. in] as in Ro. 70. entren
into Ar. enter into G. entre into L.J. Ro. entre into }>e Bo. and the rest
(see Notes). 72. siknesse my vowes] my sykenesse vowes Et. E.J. to aquyte]
tacquite Adi. for to aquyte Ra. 73. Cope] Cape G. 74. slender Ar. G. T2. E2. I.
slendre Ra. Ba. sklendre Bo. Ta. Du. M. Adj. Ad2. sclendre S. 1^. sclender Lt.
Ex. P. sclendire Ro. sklendyre Ap. slender long] longe sklendre Bo. Tj. Du. Lj.
M. T2. P. 75. nisty] a rusty Lj. T0. lusti Adi. mad nat] nat maad Ad]. Ad2.
I. P. 76. voide Bo. M. void Adj. 77. which] That Ad?. Ad2. I. Ra.
Ba. Ej. S. E2. took] took I Ad2. I.
PROLOG.] The Pilyrims Host asJcs Lydgate to sup with them. 5
Wher pe pylgryrnes / were logged eumchon,
The same tyme / Her gouernowr, the host1,
Stondiug in halle f ful of wynde and bosf,
Licfr to a man / wander sterne and fers,
Which spak to me / and seide anon, " daura Pers,
Daun Domynyk / Dan Godfrey / or Clement1,
3e be welcom / newly into kent1,
Thogh 3oure bridel / haue neij>er boos ne belle ;
Besechinge 3011 / jjat 30 wil me telle
First1 3oure name / and of what1 contre
With-oute more* • shorte-ly that1 30 be,
That1 loke so pale / al deuoyde of blood,
Vpon 3oure hede / a wonder thred-bar hood,
Wei araie'd / for to ride late."
I answerde / ' my name was Lydgate,
Monk of Bery / nyj fyfty 3ere of age,
Come to this toune / to do my pilgranage,
As I haue hight1 / I haue* therof no shame.'
" Daim lohn," quod he / " wel broke 30 }oure name !
Thogh 30 be soul / beth right1 glad and light !
Preiyng1 3ou / soupe with vs to-nyghtf,
And 36 shal haue* / mad at 3oure devis,
80
The Host, the
Pilgrims' boss,
If The wordes
of the host to
the Monk.
welcomd me,
and askt me who
I (so pale and
seedy) was, and
whence I came.
I said I was
If Lydgate
If Monk of Bery,
near 50,
and had come
on pilgrimage.
96 If The wordes of
|>e host.
[leaf 2, back]
He askt me to
sup with his
pilgrims,
92
78. Wher] Where as Adr Ad2. I. Ther T2. were logged] loged wern Bo. Du.
M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. T2. were] om. Lx. euerichon] echon M. Ad2. Ar. has
a second pause-bar after were. 79. Her] the Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. the] here
Adv Ad2. Ra. their Ba. S. 80. halle] he halle Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. P. 81. Lich
to] Liclie Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Ra. Ba. L2. Ro. sterne] stoor Ra. Ba. 82. Which]
That Adv Ad2. I. S. om. Ra. Ba. to me] anone P. and seide anon] anon and
seid Lx. 84. welcom Adj. Ra. welcome Bo. T,. M. into] vnto P.
85. neij>er Ar. G. Bo. Tx. LI. M. Ro. nyther Du. nether L2. nouthir Ra. T2.
Ap. nober Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S. P. E2. noobr Ba. boos ne belle] liste nor belle
Ad2. I. 86. Besechinge G. Adj. Ra. besekyng Bo. Tx. Ad2. I. wil] wolde
Adp I. me] om. Ev E2. 87. Joure] of youre Er E2. of] om. Bo. TI. Du. M.
Ej. E2. 88. more] mor Ar. G. Ra. L2. 89. al] and G. 91. araied Ad,,
arraied M. arayde Bo. ryden Bo. M. ride Adj. 92. Lydgate (Lidgate)] Lidgat
Bo. Lydygate Ap. 93. Bery Ar. G. L2. Bury Bo. and all the rest (cp. 131).
ny3] nat Ad2. I. 95. haue] ha Ar. alone. I haue therof] therof haue I M.
96. broke] brouke Bo. Tv Du. M. Adp Ad2. I. Ra. E2. 30] bee Bo. om. Ad2. I.
3e 3oure] lie her T2. 97. be] om. Ad2. I. soul Ar. G. Ra. sovl Ad^ sowl S.
sole Bo. Du. M. Ad2. L2. E2. Ap. soole Lt. sool I. Ex. T2. Ro. 3e be soul] ye
be foull Ba. ye be seke P. it be so Ta. beth] be Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Ad2. I. S. T2.
L2. Ro. right] om. Ad2. I. 98. soupe] to soupe Bo. TI. Du. LI. M. Ex. T2. P.
E2. to nyght] >is nyght Bo. Tj. Du. Lr M. Ej. T2. E2. L2. Ro (cp. 143).
99. haue] han Ar. alone, mad] om. L2. Ro. 3oure] youre owne Ro. devis] avyce P.
6 The Host gives Lydgate advice as to his Health. [PROLOG.
and ride home
with em to-
morrow.
He bade me
drink nutty ale,
A gref puddyng1 / or a rounde hagys, 100
A Franchemole* / a tansey / or a froyse.
To ben a Monk / Sclender is joure koyse ;
$e han be seke / I dar myn hede assure,
Or late fed / in a feynt pasture. 104
Lift1 vp joure bed / be glad, tak no sorowe !
And 30 shal horn ride with vs to-morowe !
I seye, whan 30 rested han 30111° fille.
Aftere soper / Slepe wil do non ille. 108
Wrappe wel 3oure hede / vfiih* clothes rounde aboute !
Strong1 notty ale / wol make* 3011 to* route.
Tak a pylow / fat1 30 lye not1 lowe !
3 if nede be / Spare* not1 to blowe ! 112
To holde wynde /, be myn opynyou??,
Wil engendre / Collikes* passiouw
And make men to greuen / on her roppys,
whan thei han filled / her mawe? ^,tre/her croppys. 116
afnightf "Seed But1 toward* nyght1 / ete sopslenel Kede,
100. rounde] om. P. hagys] hagsr;.<; 5ca. Ba. P. Agys Ro. Ap. hastyng G.
101. Franehniole Ar. Frangcb^nOle G. frankmole Ap. franche myle Bo.
Tj. Du. Lj. Al. fraunchemr1.- Adj. Ad2. fraunchemule T2. S. Fronchemul I.
freunchemule Ba. frauncV«nule Ro. fransmule Ra. franchemele Lg. fraunche-
moyle Ej. E2. fraunch'v'Mayle P. 102. ben. Adx. be Bo. Al. sklendre Bo.
lY Du. M. sklendyr Lj. Ro. Ap. slendir Ra. I*;. T2. E2. Ba. koyse (coise)]
choyse Ba. 103. 'han Ar. Adj. Ad2. I. L%. haue Bo. and'the rest. han] om.
M. be] ben L,, Ad2. I. Ba. Ex. S. T2. P. E2. Ro. seke Ar. G. I. Ra. Ba. P. Ro.
Ap. sek T?. seek Ad2. seeke Lx. syke Bo. Tx. Du. M. EI. S. L2. sik Adj.
sicke E2. ' 104. late fed] late I-fedde T2. lette fede EI. E2. latte fede S.
105. take Bo. Al. Adj. tak] and take P. In Bo. 1. 105 and 1. 106 have
been transposed. 106. shal] shul Bo. Tx. Du. Al. Ra. T2. shold Ex. should E2.
horn ride] ride horn Adj. Ad2. I. Ar. has a pause-bar after ride. 107.
say Bo. M. sey Adj. han Ar. G. Bo. Du. Al. Adj. Ra. haue Ta. Lj. Ad2. I. Ba.
S. T2. P. E2. LJJ. Ro. Ap. restid han] haue restid Ad2. I. ; Ar. has a pause-bar
after Je. 107 — 176 gap in Ej. 108. Slepe] to slepe Ad2. I. wil do non] woll
do you none P. well & do noun L2, 109. wel] om. Adj. Ad2. I. with] om.
Ar. G. Ra. Ba. E2. Ap. 110. notty] noppy L2. A p. ; in Lj. notti is by a late
hand altered to noppy. mak Ar. make Bo. M. Adj. to] om. Ar. G. Ill — 337
gap in Du. 111. j>atxj and P. lowe] to lowe Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. P. 112. jif]
And ill' T2. Spare] Spar Ar. spaar Adx. to] for to L,,. Ko. om. Ra. 114. Wil]
It wil Bo. Tj. LI. Al At?,. Ad2. T. T2. P. engendre] gendyr Lx. Collis Ar.
G. Bo. TI. LI. Adj. Ra (cc\llyke written in margin by late hand). Ba. T2. Ap.
colles P. EJJ. collikes Al \collykcs L2. collyk Ad2. I. collica Ro. colica S.
115. men] om. Bo. to] om. P. greuen] gronyn L2. on] in Adi. Ad2. 1. L2. Ap.
on her] om. S. 116. han Bo. Adj. haue M. filled] fylled wele Ro. her mawes
and] om. Ro. and her croppys] and croppes Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. L^. 117.
fenel] febell T2. venel l^. Rede] I rede Adj. Ad2. ; L,,. and Ro. have sede, I. has
seed, from 118.
PROLOG.] The Host tells me how to get a good Night's Eest. 7
Annys / Comyn / or coriandre sede !
And lik as I / pouer haue / and inyght1,
I Charge 3ow / rise nof af Mydnyght, 120
Thogh" itf so be / the moone sfiyne cler.
I wol my-silf / be 3oure Orloger Sly f"
To-morow erly / whan I se my tyme,
For we wol for], / parcel a-fore Pryme, 124
A company / parde / Shal do 3ou good.
What1 ! look vp, Monk / for, by kokkis blood,
Thow shalt1 be mery / who so fat sey nay.
For to-morowe, anoon / as it1 is day, 128
And that1 it1 gynne / in be Estf to dawe, [leaf 3]
Thow shalf be bounde* / to a newe lawe,
At* goyng- oute of Canterbury toune,
And leyn a-side / thy professions. 132
Thow shalt1 not1 chese / nor bi-silf withdrawe,
3if eny myrth / be founder in thy ma we,
Lyk the custom / of this Compenye ;
For non so proude / that1 dar me denye, 136
Knyght nor knaue / Chanon / prest / ne nowne,
118. omitted in I. 118. Comyn] comyng G. coriandre] colyaundre G. Ad2. S.
P. collyandir L2. sede] rede Ro. 119. pouer hane] haue p. P. 120. rise]
to rise Bo. Tx. M. T2. ; in Ad2. and I. I. 120 is quite altered: I shall ba your
herberiowr for this nyht. 121. so be] be so LI. L,. Ro. be] be that P. 122.
I wol mysilf] myself wil be Adx. Ad2. I. Orloger Ar. G. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. S. E.2. Ro.
orligere Bo. Tj. L^ M. T2. P. orlegere L2. orlagere Ap. our loggere Ba. 124.
For] And for Ra. parcel afore] a parcill afforc Ra. parcel bifore Bo. Tx. LI. M. I.
L2. a parcel bi-fore Adi. Ad2. parcell or Ba. percas before P. parse aftyr Ap.
125. A company] Accotnpanie E2. And company Ro. Ap. shal] >at shal Bo. Tj.
Lj. M. T2. P. jou] no Lj. 126. by] my G. 127. |wv shalt Adj. M.
|>ou shal Bo. who so] who Bo. Tx. LT. M. Ba. T2. P. sey Adj. seith Bo. M.
128. anoon as] as sone as Bo. Tj. Lx. M. T2. anoon whan Ra. Ba. In Ad2. and
I. the original 1. 127 is missing and its place is taken by I. 128, which in I. agrees
with Ar. Adj., but in Ad2. is altered to : To-morwe anone as sone as hit is day ; a
new 1. 128 has been composed : Thow shalt ful wel knowe as I the say Ad2. As
thow shalte knowe as I the say I. 129. gynne] begynneth P. to] om. E2. in
t>e Est to dawe] into the Est to drawe Ba. 130. Thow shalt] Ye shalt Ba.
bounde Bo. M. Adj. bound Ar. to] vnto Ra. P. 131. Canterbury] Caterbury
Ar. Cauntrebery Bo. Caunterbury M. Adx. 132. lay Bo. Tx. M. Adi.
a-side] a-doun G. professioun] proffeschoun Lj. 133. nor] ne Bo. Tj. Lx.
M. S. T2. P. L2. Ro. 134. myrth Bo. merthe M. Adj. founde?i] founde
G. Bo. Tv Ad,. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. E2. om. La. 135. lik Adj. lyke Bo. M.
companye G. Bo. 136. non] noon is Bo. Tj. Lx. M. T2. P. proude] bold T2.
hardy Ro. that dar] that day T2. me] om. Ad2. 1. 137. nor] ne Lv T2. P. 1^.
Ro. prest] om. Adi. Ad2. I. ne] nor I. Ra. Ba. S. Ap.
8 We leave Canterbury at sunrise, to dine at Ospringc. [ PROLOG.
ns every one
had to,
on the home
journey.
If How cure host
spak to Dawi
lohn.
Then we had a
good supper,
went to bed,
and in the
morning
started at sun-
rise,
meaning to dine
at Ospringe.
When out of the
town,
our Host said
' let's liave some
fun.'
[leaf 3, back]
To telle a talc / pleynly as thei komie,
Whan I assigne / and se tyme opportune.
And for that1 we / our pwrpoos wil contune, 140
We wil homward? / the same' custome vse,
And thow shalf not1 / platly the excuse.
Be now wel war / Stody wel to-nyghtf !
But, for al this •/ be of herte li^f ! 144
Thy wit1 shal be / J)e Sharper and the bet1."
And we anon / were to Soper set1,
And serued wel / vnto oure plesaunce ;
And sone after / be good gouernaunce 148
Vnto bed goth" euery maner wight*.
And touarde morowe / anon as it was light1,
Euery Pilgryme / bothe* bet and wors,
As bad oure hoste / toke a-non his hors, 152
Whan the so?me / roos in the est1 ful clyere,
Fully in purpoos / to come to dynere
Vnto Osspryng1 / and breke per our* faste.
And whan we weren / from Canterbury paste 156
Noghtt the space / of a bowe draught1,
Our hoost1 in hast / haj> my bridel rauhtf,
And to me seide // as it1 were in game,
" Come forth, dawn lofin / be your Cmtene name, 160
And latf vs make / some manere myrth or play !
138. pleynly] such Adr Ad2. I. 139. Whan] Whan that Ba. and se] om.
Ra. Ba. to se Ad2. I. 139 and 140 omitted in L%. 140. And] om. Ra. Ba.
that] om. Bo. TV Lj. M. T2. P. we our purpoos wil] we will o. p. Lj. wil] forth
wil M. contune] continen S (:opertune). 141. the same] our Adj. Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. S. In 13o. II. 141 — 146, 150, 151 were nearly obliterated and have been
filled in again by a later hand, not always correctly (e.g. shat f. shal 142. new f.
now 143). 142. platly] pleinly Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. E2. 143. to-nyght]
this nyght L2. Ro. 144. lijt] right light Bo. TV M. T2. P. 146. And] Yf
Bo. M. T2. P. to] vnto Ba. were to soper] to soper ver S. 147 — 222 gap in
M. 147. vnto] to TV Adj. Ad2. 149. Ar. has a pause-bar after goth. 150.
anon, as] as sone as Adi. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. E2. 151. bothe TV bo>e Adj.
both Ar. Bo. 152. As] And L.J. Than Ro. oure] be Bo. TI. Lj. T2. P.
toke] take L2. Ro. 153. roos] aroos Adx. Ad2. I. T2. om. Ba. the est] thest
TV 154. Fully] Ful Bo. T\. Lx. Di. T2. P. to dynere] vnto d. Di. T2. to
oure d. Ro. 155. Osprynge Bo. Ospring G. Adi. Hosprenge P. 156. worn
Adv were Bo. from] fro Bo. TV LI. Di. Ra. Ba. S. T2. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. om. Adj.
Ad,j. I. 158. haast Bo. hast TV Adj. haste Ra. raught] kauht Ra. laght
Ba. 160. cristen Bo. Adj. 161. manere] om. Bo. TV LI- Di- Ad^ Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. S. or] and P.
PROLOG.] Lydgate agrees to tell the Pilgrims a Tale.
Shet1 3oure portoos / a twenty deuelway !
It* is no disport / so to patere and seie.
If wol make ^oure lippes / wonder dreye.
Tel some tale / and make ther-of a* lape !
For be my Rouncy / thow shaltf not1 eskape.
But preclie not / of non holynesse !
Gynne some tale / of myrth or of gladnesse,
And nodde not* / with" thyn heuy bekke !
Telle vs some thyng1 / that1 drawe]) to effecte
Only of loye / ! make no lenger lette ! "
And whan I saugh" / it wolde be no bette,
I obeyed* / vnto his biddynge,
So as the lawe / me bonde in al thinge ;
And as I coude / with a pale cheere,
My tale I gan / an oil / as 30 shal here.
Explicit1 Prologus.
Incipit1 Pars Prima. Per &c.
164
If How oure host
bad Daun lohan
telle a tale,
not a holy,
168 but a merry one.
172
So I obeyd him,
-.f-f, and began my
UO Tale (which is a
sad one).
162. Shet] Shot vp Bo. Tx. Lj. Di. P. leve Ad2. I. portoos] portos G. Bo. Di.
Ra. P. portas Lx. portes E2. porteis L2. portoys Ba. portewes S. E2. a] on
P. in a Ba. 163. It is Tx. Lj. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. T2. L2. Ro. Hit is Bo.
P. Is (om. it) Ar. G. E2. Ap. Is it S. no disport] no sporte Lj. T2. none sporte
Di. a disport S. so] om. P. to] om. Adj. Ad2. 1. Ra. Ba. seie] to seye Bo. P.
so to seye T2. In T2. 163 and 164 are transposed. 164. wonder] om. G. dreye]
drye Bo. Ap. 165. therof] herof 1^. a] no Bo. Lv Di. T2. P. L2. Ro. Ap.
om. Ar. G. 166. not] it not Bo. L\. Ra. S. T2. P. E2. Ad^ not it Di. Ba.
167. preche Bo. Adj. holynesse] hevynesse Di. 168. Gynne] Begynne Di. Ap.
Gyf Bo. yeve T:. Gyff vs Lv or of] or G. and of Bo. Ta. Lj. Ro. and Di. P.
169. nodde I. nod Bo. Adj. nodde] om. Ad0. with] so with Ro. om. Ap.
bekke Ar. G. Lj. Adj. S. E2. beck Ba. Ap. bek Bo. Tj. Ra. T2 P. l^. beke
Di. beeke Ro. necke Ad2. I. 170. vs] om. LI. some thyng] merithing Di
(written by later hand, the original reading being effaced), draweb] touchib Di.
to] o??!-. G. til Ad2. I. effecte Ar. Lx. Ad2. I. S. P. ft.? Ap. effect Ba. effekke
G. Adr effek Bo. Tj. Di. Ra. T2. l^. to effecte] of to speke Ro. In Ar. effecte
has been altered by a later hand into effekke. 171. make] and make Bo. TV
Lj. Di. T2. P. L2. Ro. 172 — 176 in Di. almost effaced and partly filled in by a
later hand. 172. wolde] woll P. 173. obeyed TV Di. Ra. Ad2. I. P. EQ.
L2. Ro. obeyde Ar. G. Bo. LI. S. Ap. obeid Adi. Ba. T2 (cp. 408). 174.
So] And L2. Ro. And so G. (with And underdotted). om. Bo. TV Lj. Di. lawe]
haue (by later hand) Di. bonde] bounde Lx. S. Ro. allowid Ad2- I. 175.
And] om. Ro. coude] couthe Bo. Tj. Ba. a pale] a ful pale Ro. 176. I gan
anon] I began anon Ap. anon I gan S. began P. anon as] so as T2. shal] shul
Tr T2. P. may G. om. Ra. here] aftir here P.
10 Lydgate will tell the Tale of the Siege of Thebes. [PT. I.
[leaf 4]
As I am now one
of your company,
I will tell you
a story of the
Siege of Thebes,
a city built by
King Amphion.
How he raisd
the walls,
Prima "Pars.
Sirs / quod I '. sith" of jour curtesye*
I entred am / in-to $our conipanye,
And admitted / a tale for to telle
By hym bat1 hajj pouer to co?npelle,
I mene our hoste, gouernour and guyde
Of $ow echon / ridyng her be-side ;
Thogh" that1 my wit1 / barayn be and dul,
I wol reherce / a story wonderful,
Towchinge the siege / and* destrucciouu
Of worthy Thebees / the myghty Eoyal toun,
Bylt1 and begowne / of olde antiquite,
Vpon the tyme / of worthy J "ne,
Be dyligence / of kyng1 Amphiou?z,
Chief cause first1 / of his fuudaciouw,
For which" his fame / which" neuere shal away,
In honure floureth" / jit1 vnto this day,
And in story / remembred is and preised.
But how the wallys / weren on heghte reised,
If is wonder / and merveil forto here.
180
184
188
177. I] he Adj. curtesye Tx. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ej. S. T2. Ro. E2. curteseye Ar.
curteysye I. curtasye Bo. Ba. curtesy Ra. P. L2. cowrtassy Lj. 180. hab
pouer] • ower hath Bo. Tx. Di. T2. Ar. has a pause-bar after pouer. 181. Oste Bo.
Oost vdj. Ost Tj. Di. host Ra. 182. echon] eueri on Di. 183. that] om.
T2. L. Ro. my] om. S. barayn be] be baryn S. 184. wonderful] full
wonderf >1 LI. rijt wonderful Di. 184-194 in Di. are partially effaced and the words
filled in, sometimes very incorrectly (e.g. 186, 187, 190), by a later hand.
185. and] of Ar. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 191. fame] name Bo. TI. L^. Di. T2. P. which]
>at Bo. TI. La. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. S. T2. om. L2. P. ueuere shal] shal neuer T2.
P. Lkj. Ro. 192. vnto] into Bo. Tx. LI. 193. in] om. Ra. preised] preved LI.
Ar. has a secoitJ, pause-bar after remembred. 194. weren on heghte] on height
were Bo. Tj. Di. on high were Lj. on heghte] on heigh T2. S. in hih Ad2. I.
reised] areisid Di. I-reysed Ba. 195. wonder and merveil] merueile and wondre
Bo. Tx. LT (marveli;. Di.
PT. I.] Amphion's persuasive Words got Thebes built.
11
you will find in
Boccaccio.
How kyng Am-
phyou'/i was be
first bat bUt the
Cyte of Thebes
be be swetnesse
of his soune.
204 He built the city
by the warbles of
his harp.
But if 30 list1 / I shal }ow platly lere 196
The maner hool / shortly in sentence,
Vnder support1 / of joure pacience,
As writ* myn auctoiw / and bochas both two,
Rede her bookes / and ^e shal fynde it1 so, 200
How this kyng1 / thys prudent1 Amphyoiw,
With" the swetnesse / and melodious sou?i
* And armonye / of his swete song1
The Cytfe bylt1 / that whilom was so strong1,
Be vertue only / of the werbles sharpe
That he made / in Mercuries harpe,
Of whicfr the strenges / were not1 touched softe,
Wherby the walles / reised weren a-lofte, 208
With"-oute craft1 / of eny rnannys hond, fleaf 4, back]
Fill joor agon / myd of Grekes lond? ;
which is a bing1 / of Poete's told,
Neuere yseyn / neither of jong nor old. 212
IT But, as Bochas / list1 to specific,
Cler expownyng1 / this derke poysye,
II Seith" * Mercurye / god of Eloquence,
jaf, be the myght1 / of heuenly influence, 216
Vnto this kyng1 / at1 His natiuite
Thorgh glade aspectes /, that1 he shulde* be
Most excellent / be craft1 of Eethorik,
That1 in this world4 / was noii to hy?« lik ; 220
Which signyfieth" / to hem that1 ben prudent1,
196. platly] playnly Lj. S. P. 197. shortly] playnly Bo. Tj. Lx. Di. Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. S. platly Adx. Ep T2. E2. sothely P. 200. }e shal] ye shulen 1\.
bou shalt Bo. it] right Ad2. I. 202. With the] Wit his Ra. 203. In Ar.
G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. E2. II. 203 and 204 are transposed. And] Bi Adv
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 204. The] This Di. whilom] some tyme Bo. Tx. Lj. Di. T2.
P. L2. Ro. 205. the] his Bo. Tx. Lj. Di. am. Ra. Ba. 206. made] had made
Ad2. 1. 208. wern Adj. were Bo. T3. wer Ra. a-lofte Bo. on loft Adj. Ra.
209. honde with e underdotted Ar. 210. Joor ngon] yere agoo Ba. many a yeere
ago P. myd] in mydde Di. am yd P. 212. yseyn] seyn Tx. sene T2.
neither] on. Bo. Tv Lj. Di. T0. nor] ne Tx. Adj. Ad2. Ba. S. L2. Ro. nethir P.
old] of old Bo. Tj. Lj. Adj". Ev S. T2. 213. Bochas] bookes Ad2. I.
214. Cler] Clerly Bo. Ta. Lj. Di. T2. Clerkely P. this] be Di. L2. 215. Seith]
Seth Ar. G. Ap. Sith Adp Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. P. E2. L2. Seith bat Bo. 1\.
L!. Di. T2. 217. this] be Bo. ri\. Lx. Di. T2. P. G. 218. shulde Bo.
shuld Ar. 220. this] the I. P. worlde Bo. world AdL. was] ]>er was Adj.
Ad2. I. non] Man P. to] vnto T2. P. om. Di. S.
Tf The exposici-
ouii of lohn
Bochas vpon bis
derk poysie.
12 Amphion's Song ivas his crafty Speech, his sweet Words. [PT. I.
The Musycal / the lusty instrument1,
11 I mene the harpe / most melodious,
yove to this kynge / be Mercurius, 224
And his song1 / this auctowr can 30 w teche,
was no thyng1 / but the crafty speche
Of this kyng1 / ycalled Amphioun ;
Wher-by He made / the centres envyrou/z 228
To han such" lust / in his wordes swete,
That* were so plesaunt / fauourable, and mete
IT In her Eerys / that shortly ther was noon
Disobey sauwtt / with the kyng to goon, 232
Wher so euere / that1 hym list assigne.
His cheer / his port1 / was outward* so benygne,
That1 thorgh his styring / and exortacioun
With" hym they went1 / to bylde* first1 this iowi, 236
And forsook / ecch" man his contre,
Be on assent1 / to make this Cyte
Koyal and riche / that1 lich was nowher noon.
And thus the wallis / made of lym and stoon, 240
Were Reysed first* / be syngyng of this kyng1,
lich as Poetys / feyne in her writyng1,
Passyng Rich / and Royal of entaille.
U Her may 30 See / how nayche may avaylle 244
The goodlihed / and lownesse of a kyng1,
222. the lusty] >at lusty Bo. Tj. Di. lusty] listi Adj. 224. yove Ar. G. Adj.
Ad2. I. Ra. E2. Ap. youen Bo. T,. M. Di. Ba. T2. P. yeve L2. Ro. geven
Lj. S. gone E,. this] he Di. 225. can] gan Ro. 227. this] the P. kyng]
om. La. ycalled] ecallid L2. called Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. Ba. S. P. Ro. 230. so]
cm. 1^. Ro. plesaunt] om. Bo. Tx. Lj. 11. Di. plesaunt favourable] favourable
plesaunt T2. P. 231. Eerys] hertis L:. that] om. P. ther] >at ber Di. ther
was] was ther Tj. 233. so] sum Lj. Ra. that] om. Bo. T}. Lj. M. Di. S. P.
hym] he S. list] om. T^ assigne] to assigne Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad>2. I. Ra.
Ba. S. T2. P. E2. Ap. 234. outward] after Ar. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. evar S. efte
E2. om. G. benyngue with the second n underdottcd Ar. 234. om. in Ad2. I.
235. Thatj What Tx. L^. thorgh] om. P. styring] steringes Adj. strength Ad2.
I. strenth Crossed through and sterynge written above by old hand Ap. termys
Ra. Ba. ster.nesS. 236. bylde Bo. bildeM. byldAr. Adj. bigge T2. bylte P.
first] om. P. this] >e Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 239. and] om. Ad2. I. was
nowher] nowhere was Bo. T\. Lj. M. Di. nowher] nevir L2. om. Ea. E2. 241.
Reysed first] first reisid M. Di. 244. myche may] moche it may Bo. T1. Lj. M.
moche Je may Di. may] om. Ba. 245. goodlihed] goodelihood Ba. and] and
the Ba. of fe Adj. Ad2. I. lownesse Ar. G. lowlynesse Bo. and all the other
MSS.
If The signiflca-
cioun of f>e harpe
of Mercure.
Atnphion's song
was his sweet
words,
U How kyng
Amphion, be
mediacion of his
soft spech, wan
be loue & be
hertes of the
puple.
whereby he got
folk to build him
Thebes, of
lime and stone,
[leaf 5]
as poets feign.
PT. I.] How a King's Kindness is letter than Ms Frown. 13
H Nota.
1 What availed
to a kyng or to a
If prince to ben
goodly and be-
nygne of his port
to his puple.
A prince's
frown
begets Envy
in folks' hearts.
And specealy / in cher and in spekyng1,
To his lyeges / and to bern hjm fayre
In his apport1 / and shewe hym debonayre, 248
And naf to bene / to straunge ne soleyn
In coiitenaimce / outward! / be disdeyn ;
Which" causejj ofte /, who that1 Can aduerte,
Grete hatred / in the puples herte, 252
And ther-vpon •/ priuely wol rowne,
Whan a prynce / doth vp-on hem frowne,
Shortly deme / for al his excellence,
Among1 hem-silf / out of his presence, 256
Euerych conclude / lich" his fantasye.
And thus ful ofte / gendred is Envye
In folke's hertes / of soleynte and pryde,
For swich" as list1 / nat onys loke a-syde 260
To Reward hem / whan they lowe loute.
And ageyn kynde / it1 is • out1 of doute,
That1 eny hed / be recorde of the wyse,
Shuld the foot1 / of disdeyn despyse 264
Which bere]) hym vp /, who so can take hede,
And Susteneth / in his moste* nede
As his Pyler / and his sowpowayle.
246. And] An Ar. 248. apport] porte Bo. TV Lx. M. Di. and] and to Bo. Tj.
Lj. M. Di. to Ro. hym] om. Ra. Ba. 249. And] om. Bo. TV Lz. M. Di. nat]
ne Bo. TV Lj. nat to bene] to be not T2. P. to straunge] or stronge Ba. to] om.
Lj. ne] nor Bo. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. S. Ap. no L2. or Ra. Ba. and Lj.
neither T2. 251. ofte] of G. that] so Di. om. P. 252. grete Bo. gret M.
Adj. puples Ar. G. puplis TV peples Bo. M. Di. Adj. P. peplis T2. peeplts
Ra. pepils L2. pepeles S. pepilis Ro. pepyllys Ap. poeples Ad2. poeplis I.
peoples Lj. Ej. E2. 253. priuely wol] whilom L\. wol] wil thei M. Di. wollyn
P. 254. vp-on] on Adj. doth vp-on] wol on Ad2. I. 255. Shortly] And
shortly Bo. TV Lj. M. Di. T2. P. 256. Ar. has a second pause-bar between out
and of. 258. ofte gendred] ofte cngendrid Lj. Ro. 260. loke] to loke Bo. Lx.
M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. T2. P. E2. a-syde] on syde Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 262. Ar.
has a pause-bar after kynde, a high point after is. And] om. Ro. kynde] om. Ba.
out of] withoute M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. withouten Ba. S. 263. eny] the Bo.
TV Lt. M. Di. T2. P. 264. shulde Bo. Tv Di. shuld M. Adj. Ra. foot]
fete S. stock Ad2. I. 265. bere>] beren M. Di. bere P. who so] whos Bo. TV
M. who L,. Di. 266. And] And him Bo. Tr La. M. Di. T2. P. Ashuld G.
susteneth] hym susteyneth Bo. Tt. Lx. T2. hym sustenen M. Di. hym susteyne
P. susteneth hym Ad2. I. most Ar. Bo. M. Adj. 267. As] And G. As
his] As is his Bo. TV Lx. M. Di. And be his P. Pyler] pyllors P. sowpowayle
Ar. G. sowpowaylle Ap. sopowayle Ro. suppowaile Bo. M. Adj. Ba. suppo-
waille Di. suppouaile Ad2. suppewaile I. suppoayle Ej, E2. supporaylle S.
supportaile P (rtai is written by a later hand, on erasure).
1f How j>e poor
puple supporten
and beren vp J>e
estat of a kyng.
1 4 Kind words and looks win a Prince his People's Hearts. [PT. I.
[leaf 5, back]
Note.
«i What the good-
lihede of a pn'nce
avaylleth to
wy/me the hertes
of his puple.
Kind words and
looks get more
love than gold
and pride.
For fynaly /, ne were* the porayle 268
her berer vp / and Supportaciouw,
Farwel lordshyp / and domynaciouw
Thorgh-oute the world / of euery hegh estat !
Wherfor me seme]? / mor is Fortunatf 272
Of Mercurye / be soote sugred harpe
Than Mars / swercJ / whetted kene and sharpe,
Mor accepted / wijj asspectis goode
Than is this god / with" his lokes woode. 276
For humble speche / wij> glad contenau?zce
May a prynce / sotlily mor avamice
Among1 his puple / Hertes forto wynne
Of inward? loue / which that* wol not twynne, . 280
Than gold / rychesse / pride / or tyranye,
Outher* disdeyne / daurcger / or surquedye.
For of lordes /, as* Clerkes can reporte,
But1 that1* loue / her crowne do supporte, 284
The fyn ys noght* / in conclusioun.
I Take record1 / of kyng1 Amphyou?z,
That1 bylte Thebes be his elloquence
Mor than of Pride / or of violence, 288
j^oble and riche / that1 lik was nowher non,
And thus the walles / mad of lym and stoon
Were reised first1 / be syngyng of this kyng1,
lich" as Poetes / feyn in her wryting1. 292
H But1 sothly ^it1 / Some expositours,
Groundyng hem / vpon olde auctoura,
268. For] And Bo. T,. Lj. M. Di. were Bo. M. Ad^ wer Ar. 269. bercr]
beiyng Bo. TV Lj. M. Di. T.2. P. 271. Thorgh-oute] Thoruh Ad^ I. Ra.
world] londe Ej. lande Eo. hegh] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 271 and 272 transposed
in Adj. Ad.2. I. 274. Than] Thanne is T2. Whau DL whetted] whet Bo. Tj. Lx.
M. Di. T2. P. grounde Ro. 277. speche Bo. M. Adj. spech Ra. 280. which
that T.J. which all the other MSS. 282. Oyther Ar. G. outher Ro. Other Bo. M.
either Adj Ra. disdeyue] this deyne Ra. 283. For] Or Er S. om. Ro. of] Of
his Ro. a?] om. Ar. G. Ej. E?. L.2. Ro. Ap. cau] konue Bo. M. Di. kun Tx.
284. But tiiat Adj. Ad.> I. Ra. Ba. E!. S. E.J. L^. That but Ar. G. Bo.
Tj. M. Di. T2. P. Ro. Ap. That but if Lj (see Notes), loue] om. Bo. crowne]
coroun Tx. do] doth Ba. T2. Ro. to G. om. Adi. Ad.^ I. 285. noght]
uat Ar. G. Ap. not Ej. E2. 287. hilt Bo. G. M. Adi. 290. mad] y made
T2. om. Bo. wer made Ba. 291. reised first] first reisid M. Di. 293.
sothly] shortly Ra. 294. Grouudyng] Groundyn T2. Grounden Bo. Tj. Lx. M. P
294 om. in B;i.
• Ensample of
kyng Amphiou/'.
•f How aftere the
opynycun of
some auctours
IT. I.] Cadmus sets out the site of Thebes with lull's-hide strips. 15
Seyn that1 Cadmvs / the famous olde man,
Ful longe afor / this Cite first began
And the ground? / of the bielclyng1 sette,
And the boundes / be conipas out-niette*
With" thong1 ouf-korve / of a boolys hyde,
Whych" envyrou?i / strecchij myghte* wyde
To get1 Inne londe / a ful large space
Wher-vp-on to byld / a dwellyng1 place,
And called was the Soyle / Jms geten Inne,
U Whyloni Boece / of the bolys skynne.
The name after / into Thebes turned.
U But Cadmus ther / hath longe not1 soiozwned,
lik in Story / as it1 is compyled ;
For shortly he from thennys was exiled,
Neuer after to dwellen* in this toun,
Be the knyghthode of this Amphiouw,
Which vp parformeth / riche for the noonys
The Cit& Thebes / of myghty square* stonys,
As 1 $ow tolde / a litil here to-forn ;
bilt first
be Cite of
296 Thebes-
He cut a bull's
hide into strips,
3QQ and enclosed
land as the site
of Thebes.
If How J>e contre
of Boece toke
OA | first his name of
OU;t a bolys skyn,
After called
[leaf 6] Thebes.
308
312
If How kyng
Cadmus was
exiled out of
Thebes be prow-
esse of kynge
Amphyowi.
295. Seyn] Seynge P. Cadmvs] Cadicius Bo. Cadinus Adj. I. Tadrnus
Ra. Cadimius P. the] bat Bo. Tv Lx. M. Di. Ba T2. famous] om. Ba. T2.
297. And the] And Ba. of the] of Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. E^ S. E2. 298. be
compas out Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. E2. Ap. oute by compas Bo. Tj.
Lx. M. Di. T2. P. L2. Ro. mette] he mette Ar. Ap. be mette G. In Ar. there
is a second pause-bar after compas. 299. thong] a thonge Lj. a whong Ro.
out-korve Ar. G. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. S. Ro. Ap. out-corue Bo. Tj. M. L^.
outkerue Ej. T2. P. E2. korve out Lj. boolys Ar. bolys M. Adj. bulles Bo. boles
Lj. boollys Ro. liyde] side Ex. S. E2. 299 omitted in Ba. 300. myghte Di.
Ad2. myght Ar. Bo. M. Adj. wyde] ful wyde Bo. Tj. Lx. M. Di. T2. P. Euyn
envyroim streight met full wyde P. 302. "Wher-vp-on] There vpon Bo. Tj. Lj. M.
Di. "T2. P. L2. Ro. Ap. 303. Soyle] place Adj. Ad2. I. bus] om. Bo. Tj. Lj. M.
Di. P. geten] goteu Bo. M. Di. Ad.2. T2. P. 304. Boece] Boete Ra. Boyte Ba.
Cyte L2. 305. name] names M. Di. 306. But] And Ro. Cadmus] Cadinus
Adv Cadymus P. Thadmus Ad2. Thadinus I. Tadmus Ra. ther hath longe not]
hath riot there longe Bo. Tj. M. Di. Ra. Ex. S. T2. E2. P (om. there), hath not long
here Adj. Ad.2. I. B:i. In. 1^. hath here not longe Ro. 308. from] om. Bo. Tj.
Lj. M. Di. T2. thennys Ar. thennes Ad,. Ev S. Thebes G. thens Bo. and all
the other MSS. he from thennys was] thens he was Di. T^ he was from thens P.
from Thebes he was G. In Ar. the pause-bar is between shortly and he. 309. to]
for to Ep E.2. dwellen M. Adx. Ad.2. Ra (dwellyn). dwelle Ar. Bo. Tj. I. dwell
Ej. E2. In Ar. pause-bar after dwelle. this] the Ej. T2. E2. 310. the] om. Lj.
this] kyng M. Di. 311. vp] vpon Ba. riche] richely Jil. Di. riht Ra. right
Ba. 312. square G. Bo. M. Adj. squar Ar. In Ro. li 312 reads: The Cite of
Thebes with many square s. 313. litil] lyte Bo. Tj. M. Di. Adj. Ej. T2. E2. a
litil here] here a litil Ra. Ba. toforn] beforne G. Lj. S.' P. Ap. atforne Ad,2. I.
1C Til not talk longer of Cadmus as my Tale 'II last for 7 miles. [PT. I.
I've now told
you all about
the building of
Thebes,
and won't say
more, as my
Tale '11 last for
7 miles.
If How J>e lyne
of Amphiou/i be
disoent was con-
veied to kyng
layus.
And Cadmus Jms / hath his kyngdam lorn,
Sceptre and crowne / and his powere Royal.
U Now have I told / vnto 3011 / ground of al, 316
That 30 wel knowe / be Informacioun
Cleerly the pith" / and exposiciouw
Of this mater / as clerkes can 3011 telle.
If were but veyn / lenger for to dwelle, 320
! To tary $ow / as in this matiere,
Sith my tale / which that* 36 shal here,
Vpon oure waie / wil lasten a longe while,
The space* / as I suppose / of vii. myle. 324
And now 30 kuowe* / first how Amphyouw
Bylt and began / this Cite and this toun,
Regnyng1 ther / long1 aftere, as I rede.
Of hym no more / ; for I wil precede 328
To my purpoos / that1 I first1 began :
Nof tellyng here / how the lyne Ean
From kyng1 to kyng / be successiou?^,
Conveying doun / J>e stok of Amphyou/i 332
Cereously be lyneal* discent;
But leue al this /, pleynly of entent
To telle' forth /, in booke's as I rede,
IT How layus be p?-ocesse / gan succede 336
To here the Croune / in this myghty LomT,
holdyng1 the Sceptre of thebes in his hond,
Manly and wys / dnryng1 al his liff.
314. Cadmus] Cadinus Ad^ Thadinus I. Thadmus Ad^ 316. vuto] to
Ado. I. T.2. P. Lg. Ro. Ap. om. Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. Ba. ground] the ground Lx.
Al. Di. Ba. T2. P.~ 318. pith] path Lj. P. pitche T0. and]&ofKo. exposicioun]
thexposicioun Al. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Er S. T2. E.,!" 318 omitted in Ba. 322.
Sith] Syn Ra. With Lj. which] om. Bo. TV Lj. M. Di. that] as L,. om. Ba.
shal] shul Bo. TV T2. P. 323. oure] youre Bo. TV Lj. M. Di. Ad2. T2. P. wil]
it wil Ad2. it wol I. lasten Ap. last Bo. laste M. Adj. 324. The] Into the
Ba. space] sp^ce in soth Ar. and all the other MSS. except Ba. space for sothe
Ba. as] om. T2. P. L.2. Ro. Ap. suppose] deme Ro. vii.] sex Ro. an EJt
325. knowe Bo. Al. Adj. know Ar. 326. began] gan Lj. this Cite] his cite
Ra. Ba. the Cite P. and] furst and P. this toun] his t. Ra. Ba. 327. Eegnyng]
And regned Bo. Tj. L,. Al. Di. T2. P. aftere] om. S. 330. lyne] lyn Adv kyn
Ad2. I. 332. be] to the G. M. Di. by the E^ E2. 333. Cereously] Curiously
P. Coryously I^. lyneal] lyne / al Ar. lyne al G. lyne all S. P. lyne all the
Ej. E.J. lyne of Adj. Ad2. I. 335. To telle forth] Now wole I tele Ro.
336. gan] can G. succedej precede Al. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S.
[leaf 6, back]
If Kyng Layus
and locasta hys
wiff.
PT. I.] Jocasta, the wife of King Layus, conceives a child, Edippus. 17
She is barren.
Layus does
sacrifice to get a
child.
Layus prays 3
Goddesses to
help him.
And locasta / called was his wyff", 340
Ful wo?ttmanly / the story seith certeyn,
For a tyme / thogh she were bareyn,
Tyl Layus / in ful humble wise
To haue a child / dide* Sacrifise, 344
Fyrst to* apollo / in his char so bri^fr,
And lubiter / that1 ha)> so gret1 a myghtf,
Besechyng1 hem / with deuoufr reuerence,
To grauntt only / thorgh her influence, 348
That* his request* / may excecuted be ;
And specially / to Goddesses thre,
He besoughte / Pallas and luno
And Dyane / forto helpe also 352
That1 he be not* defrauded of His bone.
And his preyere / accepted was ful sone,
That1 fynaly / thorgh his ryytys olde,
Evene lik1 / as his herte wolde, 356
The queene locasta / hath anon conceyued ;
Which whan the kyng / fully hath perceyued*
He made in hast1 /, hym lyst not1 to abide,
Thorgh hys kyngdom / Massageres ryde 360
Fro Coost to Coost1 / the story can devyse,
For dyvynoures / and phylosophres wise,
For such as weren / famous physiciens
And wel expert / Astronomy ens, 364
To Come* in hast / vnto his presence
To fynden* out / shortly in sentence,
344. did Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. E*. L.2. Ro. Ap. he dide Bo. Tj. Du.
Lj. M. Di. T2. P. 345. to apollo] tapollo Ar. G. E2. Ap. so] full T2. P.
346. lubiter] to lubiter Bo. T:. Du. Lj. M. Di. T.2. P. gret a] gret Lx. T2.
Ra. Ba. moche Ro. 350. to] vnto T2. vnto the P. to the Di. Ra. Ba. Ro.
Goddesses] goddesse Di. Ro. goddes Lj. Ba. P. goddys G. Ra. I. 352. And]
And eke T2. And to Di. helpe Bo. Adj. helpen M. 356. herte Bo. hert
M. Adj. wolde] thinke wolde Ro. 358. fully] om. Ra. Ba. hath] om. Ap,
perceyued] conceyued Ar. G. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ap. consitheryd S. 360. kyngdom]
kyngdom his L:. Ap. Massageres Ar. G. Messagers Bo. Du. M. Adj. S.
Messageris Di. Messengers Lj. Ej. K2. Ap. Messingers Ba. Messangers T2. P.
Lo. Ro. Messangeris Tj. Massangers Ra. Massangeers Ad2. I. ryde] to ryde
Bo. Tp Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. P. for to ryde Ra. Ba. 8. T2. Ap. 363. weren
Bo. wern M. Adj. 365. Come] Corve Ar. G. 366. fynden M. Di. fynde Ar.
Bo. and all the otlier MSS.
His wife con-
ceives a child.
He sends for
diviners to find
out the child's
fate.
THEBES.
0
18 Astronomers calculate the fate of the child Edippus. [PT. I.
[leaf 7]
11 How the astro-
nomyens and the
phylisophres of
Thebes calked
out J>e fate * of
Edyppus.
They are to
discover it by
searching the
heavenly
mansions, (fee.
INota.
If The cursed
Constellacioun
and iudisposici-
oun of )>e heuene
in J>e natiuyte of
Edyppus.
By Craft1 only / Of Calculacioun,
The Chyldes fate* / and dispositions ; 368
And ther-vpon / to }eve / a lugement1,
The Boot1 y taken* / af the ascendent1,
Trewly sought1 out* / be mynut1 and degre
The silfe* houre / of his natyvyte, 372
Not1 for^ete / the heuenly mansiouws
Clerly Cerched / be smale fracciouws,
First1 be Secoundes / tiers and eke quartes,
On Augrym stoones / and on white caartes 376
ypreued out1 / be diligent1 labour,
In tables correcte / devoyde of al errowr
lustly soghf* / and founde / out1* bothe* twoo,
The jeeres cdllecte* / and expance also, 380
Consydred ek / be good inspecciowz
Euery hour* / and constellaciouw
And eche aspecte / and looke's ek dyuers,
Which were good / and which" also pervers, 384
Wher they were touard / or ellys at debatf,
U happy, welful / or infortunaf.
And fynaly / in conclusyouw,
They founde satourn / in the Scorpiourc, 388
Hevy-chered / malencolik / and loth",
368. fate] face Ar. Lj. Ra. Ap. facte S. disposiciouu] his disposicyon Bo. J>e
disposicioun L2. 369. And] A Ar. a] om. Adj. Ad2. I. T2. P. Ro. 370.
Root ytake Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Er S. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. rote taken
Bo. TV Du. Lj. M. Di. at the] atte TV M. Ra. Ej. S. T2. 371. out] om. G.
372. silfe Di. P. selfe Lx. Ra. Ej. selfFe Ap. sylve Ro. silf Ar. self Bo. T\.
Du. M. Adj. Ba. T2. E2. L2. fwll S. first Ad2. I. 375. tiers Ar. G. ters Bo. TV
Du. M. Di. A<12. I. Ra. S. T2. teersAdj. Ex. tercesE2. Ro. tercii(sL2. tercyes Ap.
eke Bo. Tj. M. Adx. eke] he L2. om. Ra. Ro. quartes] quaters Bo. T2. Ra. Ba.
quartercesRo. 376. white] om. G. Ad2. I. caartes] coartes Bo. Tv Du. Lj. M.
Di. Adx. Ad2. I. S. T2. P. coarters Ra. Ba. 379. soght] foght miswritten Ar.
sought owte P. out] out of Ar. G. Ba. Ej. S. E2. on I. om. Ad2. bothe Tj. M. Adj.
Ra. both Ar. Bo. 380. In Ar. after Jeeres is written expans, but crossed out. collecte]
correcte Ar. G. La. Adj. I. Ra. Ba. carect S. correcte (crossed out) comen Ad2.
382. hour] tour Ar. G. 1^. Ap. and] of Bo. 384. second which] om. Bo. Du. P.
also] om. Lj. 3So. Wher] Whe>er Lj. P. Whedir Ad2. om. Ba. they were]
Wer they Ba. toward] coward Ba. or] om. Lj. ellys] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. Eg. at debat] at )>e bate Lx. 386. welful]
wylfull Ra. Ba. Ad2. E2. I*,. Ro. willfull S. or] other M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. S.
387. in] as in Ro. 38£. In the Nota Egyppiis/or Edyppus ; also Egippus in the
next Nota ; here also face for fate.
•[Nota.
^ How the fate'
of Edippus dis-
posed that he
shulcle sleen his
owne fadere.
PT. I.] To stop his son slaying him, Layus lids Jocasta kill him. 19
And woode* Mars / furious and wrotli,
holdyng his Sceptre / in J?e Capricorn,
The same' houre* / whan this chyld? was born, 392
Venus deie'cte / and Contrarious
And depressed / in Mercuryes hons ;
That the dome / and lugemenf fynal
Of thies Clerkes /, to speke in special, 396
Be Fatal sort1 / which" may not1 be wibdrawe,
That with his swerd? / his fader shal be slawe ;
Ther may no man helpe it1 / nor excuse.
On whiche thyng1 / the kyng1 gan sore muse,
And cast1 he wolde / on that other side
Agayn her doom / for hym-silf provide,
Shape a way / and remedy to-forn,
Biddyng* the queene / whan the chyld were born, 404
Witfr-oute Mercy / or moderly pyte
That1 he be ded / : it* may non other be.
And in al hast1 / lik as he hath" sent1,
She obeyed / his comaundemenf. 408
With" wooful herte / and a pitous loke
And face pale / her ^onge sone she toke,
Tendre and grene / both of flessh and bonys,
To certeyn men / ordeyned for be noonys 412
From poynt to poynt / in al maner* Jring
To execute / the biddyng of the kyng.
400 Thinking on
this,
[leaf 7, back]
Layus bids
Jocasta kill her
child as soon as
it is born.
She gives her
boy to men,
390. woode Lx. Ba. wode Bo. Tj. Du. M. wood Ar. Adj. Ra. and] and eke
T2. 392. houre Bo. hour Ar. M. Ada. whan] bat Bo. Tj. Du. Lv M. Di.
this] the Ra. Ba. I. was] om. Ba. born] Iborn S. 393. deiecte] dyrecte Ej.
directe E2. 395. and] and be Bo. Ra. P. 397. sort] force Lj. swart L2.
which] bat Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Lb. Ej. T2. P. E2. they Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
398. second his] om. G. 399. helpe it] it helpe" G. 400. whiche Bo. M.
which Adx. sore] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Lb. T2. P. gan sore] sore gan Ro.
muse] to muse Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Lb. Adj. Ad?. I. T2. P. 402. Agayn
Adj. Ayen Bo. M. Ayenste Lb. and gayn G. provide] to provyde Bo. Tj. Du.
Lj. M. Di. T2. 403. Shape] To shape Lv Shapyng Adj. Ad2. I. P. remedy]
a remedie Di. to-forn] aforn Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. T2. L2. Ro. beforne Ra. Ba. P.
I. be to forn Lb. final Di. 405. moderlys with s underdotted Ar. 406,
it] hit Bo. Du. Lb. P. that Ar. bere G. 407. al] om. Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M.
Di. T2. P. all the Ad^ I. 408. obeide Bo. obbeied M. obeied Adj. 409.
a] om. G. 410. her] she hir Bo. T\. Du. L:. Lb. M. Di. P. 3onge] om. M. Di.
sone] childe Du. M. Di. she toke] toke Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. P. 412.
To] And Tj. 413. tinge Ar. and 414. kynge Ar (both final e underdotted).
20 The baby Edippus is hung on a tree with holes thru his feet. [PT. I.
They durste not delay if / nor abide,
who take him to But to a Forest / that1 stood fer besyde,
a forest to kill J
416
him.
But as he is so
beautiful,
they hang him
up on a tree,
by holes thru
his feet.
They took Her wey and faste gan hem spede
The kyngges wille / to parforme in dede,
Havyng1 therof / passyng1 hevynesse.
But whan that1 they / beheelden- the fairnesse 420
Of the Chyld / and excellent* beaute,
In her herte / they hadde grete pyte,
And pleynly cast1 /, among hem was no stryf,
That the child / shulde* han his lif. 424
And anon ful hygh / vpon a tre,
In a place / that no man myght se,
They henge hym vp / the story kan reherce.
But first1 his feet1 / porgh / they gan to perce, 428
And on bowes tendre / tough, and smale,
They knett hym vp / shortly j)is is no tale,
Hym to preserue / from bestys wild1 and Rage.
And after that1 / they* token her viage 432
Toward Thebes / in alle the hast1 they may.
IT But1 of fortune / thilke same day
with her hound es / serchyng vp and doun,
The hunte's went / of kyng1 poliboura 436
Thorgfi the forest* / game forto fynde,
Some aforn / and some / cam behynde,
415. durst Bo. dorst M. Adj. 416. fer] here Bo. TV Du. Lt. Lb. M. Di. T^ P.
Eg. In Ra. and Ba. 416 and 417 are missing ; in Ra. abide 415 is altered to a bode
to rhyme with in deede 418. 417. Her] the 1^. Ro. faste] fast bei Bo. TV Du.
Lj. Lb. P. gan] gonne M. Di. T2. 420. that] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di.
Ba. T2. P. L2. Ro. behelde Bo. M. Ad^ 422. her] om. Di. herte] hertis Lb.
P. they hadde] had they M. Di. 424. That] But that L2. the] thys Ap. om.
T2. shulde Bo. TV shuld Ar. M. Adj. Ra. shulde han] haue shold M. Di.
shulde playnly haue Ro. pleynly shuld haue Ap. 425. And anon] Anone thes
seruantis Ro. ful] om. Bo. T\. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. Rj. fylle 1^. fel Ro.
hygh] om. 1^. Ro. 426. a] om. TV Du. T2. E2. that] ther I*,, se] it see Bo.
T\. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. E2. 427. They henge hym vp] And hynge this
childe Ro. 428. ]>orgh] om. M. Di. Ba. gan] gonne M. T2. begonne Di. can
Ba. to] om. Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. first M (sic).
>orgh they gan] >ei gan borugh Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. T2. P. R2. 430. shortly] om.
I. Ej. >is is no] in Ar. these words have been erased, but are still partly legible ; on
the erasure is written to make a. bis is] }>is G. thys Ro. om. Lb. no] the Ad2.
P. in Lb. 432. that] om. I^. they] om. Ar. G. Adj. Adg. I. Ej. S. Ap.
token] taken Ej. 436. went Ar. Bo. Du. M. Adx. wente Lb. Di. Ra. wenten
TV 438. and some] and some ther Ra. Ba. cam] came Lx. Ao^. Ap. camen
Tj. com Lb. come Bo. Du. M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. E2.
[leaf 8]
The same day
King Polibon's
huntsmen
PT. I.] Edippus is adopted ~by King Polibon of Arcady.
21
And gan serch" / and seke wonder sore
Among* the hilles / and the holtes* hore. 440
And as they Reenge / the trenchis by and by,
They herde a noyse / and a pitous cry
Of thys chyld / hangyng1 on the tre ;
And aft att onys / drowe forto se, 444
And lefte not* til* they han hym founde;
And toke hym doune / and his fete vnbounde,
And bare hym horn / vnto Polybou?z,
Kyng1 of Archadye / the famous Regiouw. 448
And whan that1 he / first1 be chyld' gan See,
Of his woundes / he hadde grete pyte,
To beholde / his tender fete / so blede ;
And called hym / Edippus / as I rede,
which is to seyn /, platly this no phage,
Bored the feete / as in that1 langage.
And first1 the kyng1 in his Royal halle*
Made his men / an norys for-to calle,
This jonge chylde to foster and to kepe
With her Milk / that1 he naf ne wepe ;
And his leches / he charged ek also,
Til he were Hool / Her deuer forto do : 460
Fully in purpoos* / for the child was fair,
After his day / to maken hym his hayr ;
For cause only /, who so taketh hede,
Sone hadde he noon / be lyne to succede ; 464
hear the boy's
cry,
IT How the hun-
tys of kyng Poli-
boun fonde the
chyld in be
forest ' and pre-
sented hym to
be kynge.
take him down
and carry him
to King Polibon
of Arcady,
452 who calls him
'Edippus'
= with bored
feet,
456 has him nurst
and doctord,
and means to
make him his
heir.
440. the hilles] hilles P. holtes] haltes Ar. G. 441. they] the Ar. renge
Adj. rengen Bo. M. 444. drowe] drowe hem Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2.
P. E2. Ap. drewe Ro. drow it Adj. Er. S. drowe thedyr Ra. Ba. Ad2. I. 445.
til] to Ar. alone. 447. bare hym horn] hym bare home Du. 449. that he
first be chyld] bat he he childe first Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. E2. Bo (om.
that), bat be childe he first Lx. that] om. Ap. gan] can Ra. Ba. E2. 450. Of]
On Ba. Of his woundes] Off his sore woundes forsothe P. he hadde] had he M.
Di. 451. so] om. Ro. 453. this] bis is Bo. Tx. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
T2. P. £5. L2. Ap. phage] fage Lb. T2. P. face Ro. 455. halle] alle Ar.
456. an Ar. a Bo. Tj. M. Ra. 458. he] hyt Adj (seems to be altered from he),
it Ad2. I. ne] om. Lv Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. P. L2. Ro. nat ne] ne natt
Ap. 460. deuer G. Tx. Adj. Ra. devoire Bo. Du. deuoir M. deueir T2.
461. purpoos] propoos Ar. alone, the] bis Bo. Tlt Du. Lb. M. T2. fair] so faire
Lj. 462. hayr with h above the line Ar. 463. who so] whos Bo. Ta. Lj. Lb. M.
whos so Di.
22 JEdippus grows up proud, and is askt why he is so. [PT. I.
[leaf 8, back]
Edippus grows
up proud and
disdainful.
One day a
boy asks him
why he's so
proud :
And Whether* that1 he had / a wif or noon,
I fynde not / and therfor laf it goon.
H But by processe / of dayes and of ^eeris,
This Edyppus / among1 his pleying1 feeris 468
was in his port1 / passyng1 f ul of pride,
That* non with hy?tt / myght1 in pees abide.
In hertf he was / so Inly Surquydows,
Malencolik1 / and Contrarious, 472
Ful of despyfr / and of hegh disdeyn,
That no wight1 durste* / shortly hym with-seyn ;
Til on a day / he gan with oon debate
To whoom he hadde / specyaly grete hate, 476
Which" of Eancour / and of hasty tene,
As he that1 myght / His pride not1 sustene,
Gan vpon hym / cruelly abrayde,
And vnto hym felly / thus he saide : 480
" wherto," quod he / "artow so proude of port1,
Contrarie also / euer / in oure disport1,
Froward and felle / lastyng1 euere in oon,
As thow were lord / of vs euericfion, 484
And presumestf fully in wyrchyng,
Lik as thow were sone / vnto the kyng,
And descended / of His Eoyal blood ?
465. Whether] Wher Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ex. S. T2. Ap. om. E^ that]
om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lt. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. a] om. Ra. Ba. 466. not] hit
not P. and] om. L2. Ro. Ap. lat] I late Bo. TT. Du. L,. Lb. M. Di. Adj. T.2. P.
E2. Ro. Ap. it] om. T2. 467. by] in Tj. of dayes and of Jeeris] by dayes and
by yeres Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. 469. in] of P. his] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj.
Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. 470. myght in pees] in pees myght M.
Di. Lj. P L^. Ro. 471. he was] was he M. Di. so] om. S. 472. and] and eke
M. Di. T2. 474. durste Di. Ra. durst Ar. dorst Bo. Tj. M. Adj. shortly
hym] him shortli Adj. hym] om. Ad2. I. 476. specyaly grete] grete and
odyous Ro. 478. might His pride not] might not his pryde Bo. Tj. Du. 1^. Lb.
M. Di. T2. Ap. pride myht nat (his om.) Ra. Ba. Adj. Ad^. I. S. myght not his
pres P. 479. cruelly] cruly Lj. truely Ej. abrayde] to abrayde Bo. T,. Du. La.
Lb. M. Di. T2. P. E2. abrayde] obreide Adj. chied Ad2. chide I. 480. vnto]
to Bo. TI. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ba. L2. Ro. yet to Ad2. I. felly] fully T2. felly
thus] thus felly P. 481. artow Ar. Bo. TJ. M. Ra. ertow Adj. art thow Lb.
arthow T2. ar tow Du. 485. presumest fully] fully presumest Bo. alone.
wyrchyng Ar. werching T2. I. worching Adj. Ad^- Ej. S. werking G. Bo. Tj.
Du. Lr M. Di. Ra. Ba. P. E2. Ro. Ap. workyng Lb. 1^. 486. vnto the] vnto
oure Bo. Ra. to the I. to a Lb.
PT. I.] Edippus asks King Polibon if he is a King's son. 23
He's not the
king's son,
but was found
in a forest,
and should be
humble.
[leaf 9]
Edippus is taken
aback by this,
But wher so be / thow be wroth or wood, 488
Thow art* no thing /, and thow list take hede,
Appartenyng1 / vnto his kynrede,
But* in a Forest1 / founden and vnknowe,
whan thow were jonge /. therfor bere the lowe ! 492
And vttrely* remembre, $if the lysf,
Thy byrtfi and blood / ar bothe two vnwistf.
This the fyne / shortly / of my tale.
"Wherwith Edippus / gan to wexe* pale, 496
And chaunge also cheer and contenaimce,
And gan a-point / in his* remembraunce
Word be word / and forgat* right1 no^t1,
And felly / mused* / in his owne tho^f, 500
And cast* he wold / with-oute more tarying1
The trouth enquere / of polibouw the kyng1.
And whan he saugh / opportune space,
And the kyng1 / in a* sycre place, 504
He hym bysoghte / lowly on his kne '
To his request* // benignely* to se,
And that he wolde / pleynly / and not1 spare
Of his byrtfi / the trewe ground* declare, 508
And make hym sure / of this thyng1 anon
^if he were / his verrey sone or non.
488. But]om. Lj. wher] whether Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. E2. whe her that L!. T2.
so be] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. so Ad2. 1. E^ so euer P. thow be] thou Ba. S.
L2. 489. and] if Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. E2. thow] >e Adx. Ba. E2.
take] to take Ra. 490. kyngrede Ar (g under dotted). After his, Ar. has a second
pause-bar. 493. vttrely] vntrely Ar. wittirly Ra. wittrely Ba. remembre]
remembre bee Bo. Tj. Du. 1^. Lb. M. Di. S. T2. P. £3. the lyst] bou list La. M.
Di. Ra. Ro. 494. and] or Lx. ar bothe two] bothe two am M. Di. ar] om.
Lb. two] om. P. 495. This] This is Tj. Du. Lv Lb. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. Ej. S.
Lo,. Ro. 496. Edippus] Egippus Ar. wexe Di. Ad2. I. waxe Bo. M. wex Ar.
G. Adv 498. gan] gan to Di. T.2. M (tapoynte). a-point] pointe T2. apeinte E2.
his] her Ar. G. 498 om. Ba. "499. forgat] foryeteth Lb. fey tied Ar. G. Adj.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. 500. mused] musen Ar. G. Ro. Ap. to muse Adj. Ad^
I. Ej. S. his owne] this and aboue E2. 503. opportune] oportune and L2. Ro.
tyme and oportune Lb. In Ra. 1. 503 is perfectly legible (= Ar.), but a later hand
has struck through the whole line and written in the margin : and whan yat he had
found convenient space. 504. a] om. Ar. G. Ra. Adj. Ad2. I. secre Bo. M.
secreet Adj. secrete G. 504 om. Ba. 506. benignely] benignly Ar. G. Du.
beningly Adj. Ad2. I. T2. Ro. Ap. 508. trewe Bo. trew M. the trewe ground]
the trewe troube Ar. G. Ej. be soth trouthe Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S (sothe
undcrdotted by Stow), the treuthe Ro. declare] to declare Lj. Adr Ad^. I. S. Ro.
510. Ar. has a second pause-bar after verrey.
and asks King
Polibon
to tell him about
his birth and
whether he is the
king's son.
24 King Polibon tells Edippus how he was found on a tree. [FT. I.
He conjures
Polibon to hide
nothing.
So King Polibon
tells Edippus
how he was found,
but that he' 11 one
day be King of
the Realm.
[leaf 8, back]
Edippus goes to
a Temple of
Apollo, .
If And Polyboiw / only of gentilles,
whan he heheeld / the grete hevynesse
Of Edippus / and the wooful peyne,
he gan dissimule / and in manere feyne,
lik as he had be / verrely his heyre.
But1 mor and mor / he falleth in dispeir,
And doune on knees / eff a-geyn gan falle,
Hym coniuring1 / be the goddes alle
To telle trouth / and no thyng1 to hide ;
AfFermyng1 ek / he wolde* naf abide
Longer with" hym / but1 ryden and enquere,
Til tyme he may / the verrey sothe lere
In eny part' of hap or of fortune.
And for that1 he / was so inportune
In his desire, the kyng1 with-outf abood
Ceriously / tolde hym* how if stood,
In a Forest1 first / how he* was founde
Vpon a tre / be the feet ybounde,
And how he caste, in conclusions,
To make hym kyng / of that* regiour<
Aftere his day / shortly forto telle.
But1 Edippus / wil no lenger dwelle,
But1 took lieve / and in hast1 gan ryde
To a temple / faste ther be-syde
512
516
520
524
528
532
512. grete Bo. gret M. Adj. 513 — 1130 lost in Ro. 514. in manere] a
raaner Bo. TV T2. in a maner Du. Lj. Di. Lb. E2. Ap. manar S. 515. as] om.
Ra. Ba. verrely] om. Bo. verry T2. 517. doune on knees eft a-geyn] doune
ayen efte on his knees P. doun ayen oft on knees T2. doune ayen on knees E2.
doun on knees after ayen 1^. ; dovne eft on knees Bo. TV Du. Iq. Lb. M. doun
ofte on knees Di. doun on k[n]ees efte he Adj. Ad2. I. S. down on knees he eft
Ra. Ba. (these last thirteen MSS. om. ageyn). gan] gan Edippus Lj. 520. eke
Bo. TV M. wolde Lb. Di. Ra. wold Ar. Bo. M. Adj. 521. riden Ra. Adj.
ride Bo. TV Lb. M. 522. soth Bo. TV M. Adj. sothe Ra. 523. In] And L,.
eny] euery P. Ad2. I. part] partye Ad2. I. of hap] or hap Bo. or of] or Ra. Ba.
Adj. Ad2. 526. Ceriously] Curteysly P. hym] om. Ar. G. Ra. Ba. Ex. Lg. Ap. how]
hov that Adj. Ad2. I. 527. first] om. L:. P. first how he] hou first he Du.
how] hou bat Adj. Ad2. I. P. he] it Ar (from 1. 526). 528. ybounde] bounde Bo.
TV Du. L!- Lb. M. Di. T2. 529. And] An Ar. caste in Ar. first written cast1
with a very long tag, then e added on the tag. 531. his] this S. forto] to Bo.
TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. 532. Edippus] Egippus Ar. wil] wolde S. T2. Lg. E2. Ap.
dwelle] ther dwell L,. 533, in hast gan] fast gan to Adx. Ad2. I. 534. fast
Bo. faste M. Lb.
PT. I.] Edippus asks Apollo's fiend who he is, & is sent to Thebes. 25
whose statue is
in a chariot
of gold,
but an unclean
spirit is inside
it.
Edippus prays
to be told of
what kin he is.
Of Appollo / in storie as is tolde,
Whos statue / stood / in a char of golde 536
On* wheles four / boornyd bright and shene;
And with-In a spirit / ful vnclene,
Be fraude only / and fals collusiourc,
Answere gaf / to euery question??, 540
Bryngyng1 the puple in ful gret1 enow,
Such as to hym dyden fals honowr
Be Rytys vse'd in the olde dawes
Aftere custome / of paganysmes* lawes. 544
And Edyppus / with ful humble chere,
To Appollo make'd His preiere,
Besechyng1 hym on his knees lowe,
Be some signe / that1 he myghte knowe, 548
Thorg1 Evidence Shortly comprehendyd,
Of what1 kynrede / that1 he was discendyd.
U And whan Edyppus be gret* deuociouw,
Fynysshed hath / fully his orysouw, 552
The fend* anon / with-Innen Invisybte,
With a vois dredful and horrible,
Bad hym in hast1 / taken his viage
Toward? Thebes / wher of his lynage 556
He here'n shal / and be certefied.
And on his way / anon he hajj hym hyed,
by hasty lourne / so his hors constreyned
535. is] it is Bo. T:. Du. LJ. Lb. M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra (it crossed out by a later
hand). Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. 537. On] Of Ar. G. S. And Lb. and] as golde P.
538. with-In] ther with-yn M. Di. T2. yn hit Adj. Ad2. I. ful] right Lb.
539. collusioun] conclusion S. illusion Bo. Ta. Du. 1*. Lb. M. Di. T2. P. E2.
542. dyden Ar. EJ. diden Bo. Tx. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. deden Lb.
T2. dydden P. did Lj. S. E2. L2. dyd Ap. fals] om. Bo. Ad2. I. the false P.
544. custome] be custume Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. G. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. T2. E2.
the customs P. paganysme Ar. G. Ap. (see Notes), paganymes Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb.
M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ej. S. T2. E2. paganyes Ra. Pagayns Ba. paganis P.
paynemis L2. 546. To] Vnto Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. T2. maked Ar. M.
Adi. made Bo. Du. maade Ra. maad Tj. maketh G. 547. lowe] ful lowe
Ra. 548. that] om. Adj. might Bo. M. Adj. Ra. 549. comprehendit Bo.
Du. M. Adj. 550. kynred Bo. M. Adj. kynrede Ra. descendit Bo. Du. M.
Adj. 553. The fend] The finde T2. He fond Ar. S. Adj. He founde Ej. Ad2.
I. He herde Ra. Ba. anon] a soun Ra. Ba. with-Innen Ar. Adj. S. Ap.
withynne Ra. withyn Bo. and the rest, except Edj. that has wymmen. anon
with-Innen] with-yn anon M. Di. 554. With a vois] That was both Ra. Ba.
555. haste Bo. M. Adj. taken Adj. take Bo. M.
The invisible
Fiend
bids him go to
Thebes and there
learn his lineage.
26 At a tournay, Edippus unknowingly kills his father Lay us. [PT. I.
[leaf io]
e day j til he haj> atteyned
Vnto* a castel
where his un-
known father,
King Layus, is
holding a Tour-
nament.
560
/ and wel aboute walled,
Adiacent1 / be syyt1 of the centre
And pMeynent1* to Thebes the Cyte : 564
IT kyng1 Layvs / beyng1 ther present, \
For-to holde a maner tornemenf
With" his knyghtes / ^ong1 and coraious, 1
And otb.er folkes / that1 were desyrous 568
To preue hem-silf /, shortly for-to telle,
Who by force / other* myght1 excelle,
Or gete a name / thorgh his hegh" prouesse.
Euerich of hem / dyd his bysynesse 572
On hors-bak / and also ek on foote,
Al be that1 some founde ful vnsoote,
Eather a pley of werre' / than of pees ;
Wher Edyppus put hym-silf in prees, 576
As he that1 was / ay redy to debat1,
Enforsyng hym / to entren at the gate,
l?h hiffeder of MauSre aH tho / that* hym wolde* lette.
£teLUnce at *" ^ And in the Pres / of aventure he mette 580
Kyng1 layvs / and cruelly hym slogh,
Thow the story / writ1 not1 the maner howh",
Ne no wight1 can / of alle the companye
560. hab] haue Lb. hath hym Ra. 561. Vnto a] Vnta Ar. ycalled] called
Tj. Di. T2. is called Lg. 562. aboute walled] aboute I-walled Ba. S. aboue
iwalled E2. 563. syyt Ar. syet Bo. Tx. M. Di. syght G. sight Ej. T2. L^
cyyt Adj. ryite Ad2. right I. side Lj. the] that M. Di. Adj. Ad^. I. In Ra.
1. 563 reads Wele I-stuffid of al thyng plentye (= Ba.). 564. perteynent Ra.
Ej. perceynent Ar. G. parteynent S. pertenent Ba. pertinent Adj. Ad2. I. Ap.
apperteinent E2. appertenente T2 P. appertynent Lg. aperteynynge Lj. appar-
teynyngTj. Lb. Di. appertenyng Bo. Du. M. 567. corageus Bo. corayus M.
curious Adj. Ad2. I. 568. folkes Ar. G. 1^. Ap. folke or folk the rest. 569.
preue Lb. La. Ad2. L2. proue Bo. Tj. Du. Adj. Ra. T2. 570. Who] Who that £2.
other] oyther Ar. other myght] might other Lj. Ra. Ba. 572. Euerich] eche Bo.
Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. his] here Lb. 573. also ek] eke
also M. also] om. F^. ek] om. Lj. Lb. Di. 574. Al be that] And al be that Ra.
Al be hit >at P. Albe though Lb. And by that L2. founde] founde it Lj. M. Di.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. P. E2. Ap. (see Notes). ful] al Bo. Tj. Du. Adj. Ad2.
I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. sor Lj. sone L2. om. Lb. M. Di. 575. pley] pleyer Ar.
577. he] om. Tj. ay] om. Di. Ad2. I. P. 578. entren Bo. Adj. entre M.
579. all tho] all hem T2. of tho Bo. of all thoo Ba. wolde Bo. wold Ar. M.
hym wolde] wold him Adj. Ad2. I. S. 582. bogh Bo. though Du. 583.
In AT. a pause-bar also after wight.
PT. I.] King Lay us is buried. SJdippus goes on to Thebes.
27
Edippus with-
draws in haste.
Be no signe / verrely espye 584
By whos hond / that* the kyng1 was slawe ;
For Edyppus in hast* / gan hym with-drawe
And kept1 hym Coy / of entencioim.
Gref was the noyse / and the pitous soun 588
In the Castel / for slaughter of the kyng1,
Dooel and compleynt / sorowe and wepyng1.
IT But1 for they segh / hevynesse and thoght1 [leaf 10, back]
Ageynes deth • vayleth lit or noghfrj 592
They ordeyne with Ryytys ful Eoyal
For the feste / called / Funeral.
And lik the custom / of the daye's olde,
The corps they brent1 / into asshes colde, 596
And in a vessel / rounde, mad as a bal,
They closed hem in gold and in metal.
And after that did her bysy Cure
In Thebes to make a sepulture, 600
And richely, hem list no lenger lette,
The asshen dide* they enclose and shette.
Of this matere / ther ys* no mor to seyn.
But to Edippus / I wil retowme ageyn, 604
Which" hym enhastej) / ay fro day to day
Towardes Thebes / in al that1 euere he may,
Brennyng in herte / hoot1 as eny fire,
The fyn to knowe / of his fatal desire. 608
IT But, for that he failed / of a Guyde,
Out1 of his way / he wente fer be-side,
584. verrely] it verreili Adj. Ra. Ba. T2. E2. P. verily it S. even verily Ad2.
I. 586. in hast gan hym] gan hym in hast E2. L2. gan in haste P. in hast]
om. Du. with-drawe] to withdrawe Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. T2. S. drawe Ap. 589.
slaughter] the skitter Di. 592. Ageynes Ar. G. ageynys Ap. ageyns Bo.
Tj. ayens M. Ageinst Adj. Ej. Ayenst Lb. vayleth] auaileth Du. LJ. M. Di.
T2. P. E2. L2. lit Ar. G. lite Bo. E2. 1^. light Lb. litel Tj. Du. LJ. M. Di.
Ada. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. Ap. 593. rightes Bo. 594. fest Bo. feste
Du. Adj. 596. cors Bo. M. Adj. In Ar. is an underdotted p between they and
brent. 599. after that] aftreward Du. 601 and 602 om. in Ad2. I. 602.
diden Ra. dide M. Tj. Du. dede Adj. did Ar. Bo. 603. ys] nys Ar.
604. retourne] turne G. Bo. Tj. Du. LJ. Lb. M. Di. Adj. AcL,. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S.
wil] om. P. 605. ay] om. Du. 606. Towardes Ar. G. Toward Bo. Tj. Du.
Lb. M. Adj. in al that euere] in al ]>e hast Adj. Ad2. I. he] om. S. euere he]
euereche G. 607. hert Bo. M. Adj. 609. that] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S.
T2. 610. went Bo. M. Adj.
King Layus's
corpse is burnt,
and the ashes put
in a vessel of
gold.
King Layus's
ashes are put in
a shrine.
Edippua jour-
neys in haste
towards Thebes.
28 Edippus passes the hill of the Sphinx, a cruel monster. [PT. I.
f The descnp-
ciou/i of the foule
Monstre.
[leaf 11]
f How Edippus Thorgh a wylde / and a waast contre,
passed by the
Kyii wher the j>y a m0untevn / that1 stood vpon the see, 612
monsnv lay tnat J * I
Spyiuflled Wher that* monstres / of many dyuers kynde
Were conuersaunfr / in story as I fynde ;
Amonges* which / sothly ther was on,
So Inly cruel / that* no man durst1 gon, 616
For drede of deth / forby that passage.
This monstre was so mortal in his rage,
which hadde also /, be descn'pciowi,
Body and feet1 / of a fers lyouw ; 620
And lik a mayde in soth was hede and face,
Eel of his look / and cruel to manace,
And odyous of countenaurcce and sight ;
IT And as I rede /, Spynx / this moustre highf, 624
Wors than Tygre / dragon / or serpent1.
And I suppose / by enchauwtemenfr
He was ordeyned / on the hyl tabyde,
To sleen aH tho / that1 passeden be-syde, 628
And specially / aH that1 diden* fayle
To expowne / his mysty dyvynaile,
His problem ek / in wordes pleyn and bare
With-oute avys / opynly to* declare, 632
Or with the lif / he myghte not1 eskape.
This verray soth" platly and no lape.
IF And }if that1 he, be declaraciouw,
3af ther-vpon / cleer exposicknm, 636
He shuld in hast / there was non o]>er mene,
615. Amonge Lb. E-,. Among Ar. and the rest. 615 — 726 lost in Tr 617.
forby] forthby Lb. M. T2. P. E2. sothly Di. 619. Ar. has a pause-bar also
between hadde and also. 622. Fel] Full P. to] of Di. to his Ad2. I. 623.
odyous] hidious Lb. sight] of sight Bo. Du. La. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex.
624. I] om. G. 626. by] >at by Du. Adj. Ad^. I. be somme T2r that bi some
Lb. bat it be Bo. L,. 627. tabyde G. Adj. to abyde Bo. M. 628. tho]
om. T2. Ap. passeden] passid Lj. T2. P. L2. passen Adj. Ad2. I. passeth Lb.
be-syde] forthe besyde Lb. T2. per beside P. L2. him beside Ba. 629. diden
M. Di. Adj. T2. deden S. dide Du. dede G. did Ar. Bo. Lb. 632. avys] a
mysse Ej. opynly] plemly T2. P. fully E2. to] om. Ar. G. Ej. L2. Ap. 633.
he] om. G. might Bo. Ad^ Ra. myghty M. 634. This] bis is Bo. Du. Lj. Lb.
E!- S. P. E2. L2. The Di. soth Bo. Ada. sothe M. Ra. soth] sothe is Ad2.
platly] om. 1^. pleynly Ra. Ba. P. E2. shortly T2. 633 and 634 are transposed
in Adj. Ad2. I. 636. Jaf jif G.
The Sphinx
slays all passers-
by who can't
solve the Pro-
blem he sets
them.
PT. I.] The Sphinx sets Edippus a hard Problem to solve. 29
Sleen this monstre / for al his cruel tene.
Ther may of mercy / be / non oper graimte.
But1 of al this Edyppus ignorauwte, 640
This dredful hiH / stondyng on a roche,
Er he was war / gan ful nygh" approche,
More perilous platly / than he wende.
And sodeynly / the monster* gan* descende, 644
To stoppen his way / and letten his passage,
Thus abraydyng1 • with a fel corage :
IT " I haue in herte Inly gret1 disport1
That1 fortune / hap broghtf the to my sort1, 648
To make a preef* / 3if thow mayst endure,
The fatal ende / of this auenture,
Set1 at1 a fyn / sothly be daie's olde."
And by and by / al the caas hym tolde, 652
Charging1 hym to be wel war and wise,
Gete the palme / and bere away the pryse
Touchyug1 this thyng1 / sette a-twene vs tweyn,
with lyf or deth / which we shal dareyfi. 656
IT And this Monstre / with a despitous chere
his problem gan / thus as ^e shal here.
IT "Ther is a beest1 merveilous to se,
The which" in soth" at1 his natiuyte 660
Is of his mygh.fr / so tender and so grene,
That he may hym-silue * nat1 sustene
Vpon his fete / thogh he hadde it sworn,
But ^if that1 he / be / of his moder born. 664
Edippus is
stopt by the
Monster, the
Sphinx, and
charged to solve
the Problem he'll
be set.
[leaf 11, back]
f Of the problem
that Spynx putte
to Edippus.
'There's an
animal which, at
its birth, can't
walk.
638. slee Bo. M. 640. of] for Du. Lb. Ra. Ej. 642. er Bo. Lb. or
M. 644. monster] moyster Ar. gan] can Ar. 645. stoppen. letten Bo. Du.
M. Ada. stoppyn. letten Lb. stoppyn. lettyn Ea. stoppe. let 1^. 646. Thus]
This M. Di. abraydyng] obreidinge Adj. Ad2. I. fel] full P. E2. corage] rage
T2. 647. I haue] Seide I haue T2. E2. And seyde I haue P. in herte] in my
herte P. I haue in herte] In hert I haue Bo. in herte Inly] inly in hert Ad2. I.
Inly] cwi. P. 648. ha]> broght the] hath the broght M. Di. the] om. G. P.
649. a preef] a preest Ar. G. Ad:. Ej. S. 651. sothly] oonly Di. 653. wel]
om. L2. 655. a-twene vs] at Ad2. I. 656. or] and G. Ad2. I. which] om.
Adj. Ad2. I. 658. gan] bigan Lb. thus] om. Lb. T2. like P. Je shal] yee
shul Bo. Lb. Di. T2. P. E2. 659. beest Bo. best M. Ad^ 661. Is] As Bo.
662. hymsilue, of. 710. hymselue Lb. hymselfe Lj. Ra. P. hymsilf Ar. himself
Bo. M. Adj. hymsilf nat Ar. T2. E2. L2. Ap. not himself Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. M.
Di. G. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. not hymselfe not P. 664. jif] om. M. Di.
30 The Sphinx's Problem. Edippus denounces the Sphinx. [PT. I.
Then it goes on
4 feet ;
then on 3 ;
at last on 2.
Then on 3 again,
then on 4,
and finally goes
back to the
matter it came
from.
Solve this,
or die.'
Edippus thought
over the puzzle,
And afterward.ee / be processe of age,
On foure fete / he make]) his passage ;
After on thre / if I shal not feyne,
And alderlast / he go)) vpright1 on tweyne ; 668
Dyuers of port1 / and wonderful of cherys :
Til, be length / of many sondry ^eeres,
Naturely / he goth ajeyn on thre,
And sith" on foure, it may non oj)er be, 672
And Fynaly / this the trouthe* pleyn,
he retourneth / kyndely ageyn
To the matere / which that* he kam fro.
1T loo / her is al /. my problem is I-do. 676
Muse her-vpon / with-oute werre or stryff
It to declare / or ellis lese thy lyff."
And whan Edyppus / gan this Jnng aduerte,
Wei assured in his manly herte, 680
Gan in his wyttt cerchen vp and doun,
And of prudence / cast1 in his resouw,
Be grete avis / what* thyng this may be ;
Seyng also / that1 he may not1 flee, 684
and how ther was / counsel noon ne rede,
But* telle trouth / or ellys to be dede.
And be ful good / deliberaciouw
Thus he answerd / in conclusiou?*, 688
' Thowe Spynx ' quod he / ' fals and fraudulent1 !
Thow foule* Monstre / thow dragon, thow serpent1!
which" on this hyl / lich as I conceyve,
lyst in a-waite / folke's to deceyue, 692
665. aftrewardes Bo. afterward M. Adj. 668. vpright] vpritht Ar. vp-rygh
G. 671. Naturely Bo. M. Naturelly Adj. namely Ad2. I. 672. sith] om.
Bo. efte P. it] as P. 673. this] }>is is Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
Ej. P. E2. La- Ap. trouthe Lb. M. Adj. trouth Ar. Bo. 675. which] om. P.
that] om. G. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. Ap. 676. is I-do Ar. G. P. is do Di. Ap.
do (om. is) Bo. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. L2. Lo here my
grobleme, is all ido E2. In Ar. a third paiise-bar after problem. 677. without
o. withoute M. Adj. 679. gan] can E2. 681. his] om. G. 684. also]
allone Di. may] might T2. Ap. not] om. Du. 685. and] om. G. was] nas
Ad2. counsel] om. L^. noon] om. Adx. Ad2. I. ne] nor M. Ra. Ej. Ap. o)>er
La. to Bo. Du. and I. 686. telle] to telle Du. 688. Thus] This Lb.
answerd Bo. M. Adj. Ra. answered Lb. answerid Di. 690. foule] vyle Ar. G.
La. Ap. (see Notes'). 691. which Ar. Ap. L2. That Bo. and the rest.
[leafl 2 J
then cald the
Sphinx a foul
murdering
Monster,
PT. I.] Edippus solves the Problem the Sphinx set him.
But1 truste wel / for al thy sleghty wit1,
Thy false* fraud e / shal anon be qwyt.
Me list not1 nowe whisper neither rowne,
But" thy problem / I shal anoii expowne
So opynly / thow shalt1 not1 go ther-fro.
loo ! this it1 is /. tak good hede therto !
IT Thilke* best1 thow spak of herto-forn,
Is euery man / in this world yborn,
Which may not1 gon / his lyme's be so softe,
Bot1 as his moder / bereth hym alofte
In her armes / whan he doth crye or* wepe.
And after that1 / he gynneth forto crepe
On foure'* feefr in his tendre ^outh,
Bexperience / as it1 is ofte kouth,
A-forn yrekned / his honde's bothe* two.
And by processe / thow mayst consider also
With his two fete / for al thy felle tene,
He hath a staf / hym-seluen to sustene,
And than he goth / shortly vpon thre.
And alther-last / as if most nede's be,
Voyding1 his staf / he walkej) vpon tweyn :
Til it so be / thorgh age / he atteyfi,
That1 lust1 of ^outhe wasted be and spent1;
Than in his hond / he taketh a potent1,
And on thre feet / thus he goth ageyn,
and solvd its
Problem.
H How Edippus
expounded the
problem that
Spynx put to
hym.
700
every man, who
can't walk as a
babe, but is
carried,
704
708
/rip
' -1"
then on 3, his 2
feet and a stick,
then on 2 feet
only.
[leaf 12, back]
When he gets
older, he takes a
staff again, or
goes on three
feet ;
694. fals Ar. Bo. M. Ad:. 695. In Ar. the pause-bar, in Bo. the high point
is put after whisper. 697 in the rubric Egippus. 698. this] thus Ej. it is]
is it Ra. Ba. take Bo. M. Adj. tak good hede therto] make goode chere too Ba.
thou shalt not goo therfro (repeated from 697) Di. 699. Thilke Bo. Lb. Adj.
Thilk Ar. M. This Du. 699 om. Ba. thow] jjat thou L:. herto-forn Ar. G. Lb.
E2. Ap. here beforn Bo. Du. M. Di. Adj (er bifern). Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. T2. P.
beforn Lx. to-forn L2. 700. worlde Bo. Du. Lb. M. world Adj. T2. yborn]
born Bo. Du. Llm Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ex. S. T2. P. 702. alofte] vp alofte
Adx. Ad2. I. on lofte Ra. Ba. Lb. 703. or] and Ar. G. Lb. Di. 705. On]
On his Adj. Ad2. I. foure Bo. M. Adx. four Ar. 706. Pexperience mis-
written Ar. By experience Bo. M. Adj. oft Bo. ofte M. Adj. 707. bothe
Lj. M. Adr both Ar. Du. bothe] om. Bo. ben Lb. 709. his] om. Adj. Ad2.
I. fel Bo. Du. felle] cruel M. Di. 710. him-selueu Bo. Adj. him-self M.
Du. 711. he goth] goth he M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 712. as] om. Ra.
it] om. Adj. Ad2. I. most (must)] mot Adj. Ad2. I. Di. 714. thorgh] to Ra.
that Ba. he] bat he Bo. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. S. 717. thre] his Adj. Ad2. I. thus]
om. P. he goth] goth he M. Di. Adj. Ad2.
32 Edippus has solved the Problem and will kill the Sphinx. [PT. i.
and at last he
crawls on all
fours like a child.
When he dies, he
goes back to
earth.
So your Problem
is solved,
and I shall at
once kill you.'
I dar afferme / thow maisf it1 not* withseyn,
And sone aftere / thorgh his vnweldy myght,
By influence / of naturys right1, 720
Bexperience / as ewery man may knowe,
Lich a child? / on foure he crepeth" lowe.
And for he may no whyle* here soiourne,
To erth" ageyn / he most1 in hast* reto?«-ne, 724
Which" he kam fro /, he may it* not1 remewe*.
For in this world / no man may eschewe,
This verray soth / shortly and no doute,
Whan the wheel of kynde cometh aboute, 728
And naturely hath his cours y-Ronne
Be circuete / as doth" the shene sonne,
That1 man and chyldf / of hegh and lowe estat1,
It1 geyneth nat* / to make / mor debat*, 732
His tyme sette / that1 he moste* fyne,
Whan Autropos / of malice doth vntwyne
His lyve's thred / by Cloto first compowned.
Loo / her thy problem / fully is expowned, 736
At1 oure metynge / as I took on honde,
To the lawe / that1 thow most nede's stonde
And in al hast / of myn hondes deye,
But of reson / thow can if ought* withseye.' 740
And so this Spynx / awapyd and amaaf ,
718. dar] dar it Bo. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. maist it]
racist Bo. Lb. Ra. it not] not it G. M. Ba. ; in P. I. 718 is: I dar seyne hit
ma} not be withseyn. withseyn] withstoude Lx. 721. By experience Bo. M.
Ada. 722. lowe] a lowe Du. 723. while Bo. wile Adj. whyl Ar. no whyle
here] here no while Bo. Du. M. Adj. 724. in hast] om. Ra. Ba. S. ageyn he
most in hast] in hast he must ageyn Lj. in soth he must ageiii Adj. Adg. I.
ayen he nmste ayen P. 725. renewe Ar. G. Du. Lx. Lb. S. renue Adt. Ej. T2.
remewe Di. Ra. Ba. P. E2. L^ remue Bo. M. remme Ap. rewe Ad2. I. 726.
worde Bo. world M. Adj. " 729. y-ronne Bo. Adj. ronne Du. M. Di. 730.
circuite Bo. circuyt M. Adj. 732. make Bo. mak Ad^ mor] no G. with
him Ad^ Ad^ I. 733. sette] ysette P. is sett Ra. Ba. Ad2. he] om. T2.
moste Lb. Di. most Ar. M. Adj. must Bo. Ta. 735. lyves] lyf is Bo. Tj.
lyff ys Du. lyffe his Lj. first] om. Ra. Ba. 738. that] om. Bo. Tt. Du. L,.
Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 740. But] For E^ om. Ad2. I. can] canst
L,. Adj. Ad2. 1. Ra. Ba. T2. E2. om. P. ought] owt Lb. oute Ra. not Ad2. I.
P. E2. om. Ba. 741. so] thoo T2. P. 1^- Ap. om. £3. amaat] al mat Adj.
Ada. !• awapyd and amaat] dismayed and dissolaat Lb. (cp. 742).
PT. I.] Having killd the Sphinx, Edippus reaches Thebes. 33
744 Edippus cuts the
Sphinx's head
748
752
756
760
764
[leaf 18]
is well reoeivd
at Thebes,
and as the
Thebans have
only a Queen.
Stood / disamayed / and dysconsolaaf,
With Chier doune-casf / Muet, pale, and ded.
And Edippus anofi smote of the hed
Of this fende / stynkyng1 and vnswete,
And the Contre sette holy in quyete ;
Wherby he hath / such a pris ywonne
That his fame is euery cost1 yronne
Thorgh al the londe / that1 he the monstre hath slawe.
And lyne-right / to Thebes he gan drawe,
Wei receyued / for his worthynesse,
For his manhode / and his grete* prouesse.
And for they segh / he was a semly knyght1,
Wei fauoured / in euery ma?znys sight1,
And sawh also Thebes the myghty toun,
Not1 only they / but al the Eegioun,
Wereri destitut / of a gouernoMr,
A^eynsf her foon / hauyng* no socour
Hem to defende* / but* the queue allon ;
Among1 hem-self / makyng1 ful gret mon,
For heire was non / as bookes specifie,
The Sceptre / or crowne forto occupie :
For which the lordes aH be on assent
with-Inne the toun / set* a parlemenf ,
Shortly concludyng / if if myghte ben,
742. disamayed] dismayde Bo. Tj. Lx. Lb. M. Di. P. L%. Ap. all dismaide T2.
E2 Ad.2. !• dysconsolaat] dissolaat Eb. desolate P. 743. Muet] om. G. Muet
pale and ded] hevy as any lede T2. P. E2. fully dysmaide L>. 744. the] his Bo.
L2. Ba. 746. sette holy] holy sette M. Di. T2. holy]"onely Ad2. I. 747.
Wherby] "Where Adj. Ad2. I. 748. is euery cost] is in euery cost LJ. M. Di. is
in-to e. c. Ad2. 1. euery cost is LQ. Ap. in euery cost is T2. P. E0. yronne] ronne
Tj. Lj. M. Di. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. 749. Thorgh] In T2. That ttiurgh P. al] om.
Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. that he the monstre hath] >at he hath >e monstre Bo. Tj.
>at the monstre was T2. E2 (this for the), the monstre was P. pat J>e monstre is
Adj. Ad2. I. 750. And] and as Bo. gan] gan him Bo. Tj. Du. L3. Lb. M. Di.
Adj. Ra. S. began Ad2. I. drawe] to drawe Ad2. I. Ap. he gan drawe]
worthynes Ba (the end of 750 and the whole of 751, except the rhyme-word, om.).
752. grete] om. G. Adlt Ad.2. I. P. E2. rijt Ar. Ra. Ba. EV S. high T2. L2. Ap.
753. sye Bo. M. Adx. a] om. T2. semly] manful M. Di. manly Ba. 754.
favoured] y-favored P. euery] eche M. Di. 755. sawe Bo. M. sawh also] also
saugh Adj. Ad2. I. se also Lx. 757. weren Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Adj.
Ra. Ej. were Lj. and the rest. 759. defende Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. defend
Ar. 761. heire] there Ad2. I. Ej. S. 762. or] and T2. P. E2. crowne] the
crowne Ad0. L.,. forto] to M. Di. Ado. S. P. Eo. L.,. 764. with-Inne] whiche in
Bo. 765". might Bo. M. Adj.
THEBES. D
34 Incestuous Marriage is against G-od's Law & ruins folk. [PT. I.
they resolve to Prudently to trete with the quene,
ask her to wed *
makpephfinamng. Namely they / that helde hem-silf most sage,
To condescende / be way of Mariage, 768
She to be loyned to this manly knyght,
Passing prudent1 / and famous ek of myght,
Most likly man /, as they can discerne,
The worthy Cyte / to kepen and gouerne. 772
And thorgh counsayl / of the lorde's alle
To her desyre / pleynly / she is falle,
And accorded / with-oute mor tarying,
That of Thebes / Edippus shal be kyng*, 776
[leaf is, back] By ful assent /, was non that* seide* nay.
And tyme set1 / ageyn a certeyn day
Among1 hem-silf / and finaly devysed,
The weddyng1 was / in Thebes solempnyzed 780
Edippus marries Ful W^Yi which nede's most vnthryve,
kt>wtag1tr; not Only for he his moder / toke to wy ve,
Vmvist1 of bothe * / he was of her blode,
And ignoraunt /, shortly, how it stode, 784
or that he'd slain That he to-forn hadde his fadere slawe,
his Father.
For which this weddyng1 was ageyn the lawe.
God win not And to-for god / is neiber feire ne good.
that blood
touch blood. Nor acceptable / blood to touche blood : 788
Whicfi cause hath ben of gret confusioun
In many londe / and many Kegyouw,
Grounde and roote / of vnhap and meschaunce,
it leads to The fyn concludyng / alway with vengeaunce, 792
disaster.
As men han seie / by cleer experience ;
766. trete Bo. M. Adj. 767. sage] age G. 769. manly] famous Adv Ad2.
1. om. S. 772. to] om. Adj. kepen Bo. Adj. kepe M. gouerne] to gouerne
M. 1*2- 775. taryinge Ar (e underdotted). tareyng Bo. M. tariyng Adj. 777.
seide Tx. M. Lb. Ra. seid Ar. Bo. Adj. 781. rialy Bo. M. Roialli Ad3. needis
Bo. uedus Adj. 782. he his moder toke] he tok his moder Adj. Ad2. I. 783.
bothe Tj. Du. M. Adj. Ra. Ap. both Ar. Bo. Lj. Lb. bothyn 1^. 784. how]
hou >at Adv Ad2. I. 785. to-forn Ar. tofore Bo. M. 785 — 788 are missing in
Adj. Adg. I. 786. For which] Wherfor M. Di. For which thing Ba. this] >e
Di. om. Ba. 790. londe and many] londis and Ad2. I. 792. concludyng
alway] alway concludyng G. Ad2. I. 793. seie Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Adx. Ap.
seyn L\. Ra. E2. seyen T^ seyne L2- see Ad2. I. seen M. Di. Ej. S. P.
FT. L] Edippus, tho' sinning in ignorance, VMS yuniskt.
35
Herod took his
brother s wife,
thru which
John the Baptist
lost his head.
Beware, then,
And holy writ1 / recordeth in sentence
How herodes / falsly in his lyff
By violence toke his brother wyf, 796
For she was faire / and plesaunt1 to his sight,
And kepte her stille / be force* / Jjorgh his myght,
Al be to her1* / he hadde / title noil ;
And for her sake / the holy man seynt1 lofin 800
For his trouth / in prison lost1 his hede.
Therfor I rede / enery man take hede,
Wherso he be Prynce, lorde, or kyng,
That he be* war teschewe such weddyng, 804
Er that1 the swerde / of vengeauwce l\ym inanace,
lest he lese / hap, fortune, and grace ;
Takyng ensample / in al manere thynge
Of Edyppus / in Thebes crowned kyng1 ; 808
J rj
Al be that1 he wroght1 of ignomtnee,
Ful derk and blynde / of his woful chau?zce.
And jif vnwist1 / he of Innocence,
As 36 han herde, fil in such offence, 812
For which" he was punished* and brought1 lowe,
What* ar* they worthy that1 her errowr knowe,
And fro the knotte / list1 not1 to abstene
Of such spousale / to god and man vnclene 1 816
I can not1 seyn / nor mor therof devise.
Derueth ^our-silf that1 prudent1 ben and wise,
» i T7-J- /T.J.-U _,- j •
And .Ldippus / hath among1 m mynde,
794. recordeth] recordeth it Bo. Tt. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. 796. toke] take
G. his] om. G. brother Ar. Tj. Di. brothre Du. brotheres Lb. brothers Bo.
brothres Adt. Ra. brotheiis Ado. I. brothers G. Lj. T2. brothirs L.,. 798.
force Bo. Ra. Adx. fors Ar. Tx. jWgh] of M. Di. 799. Al be] All be~b.it Lj.
Al though Lb. Eo. hur Ar. hire Bo. hir M. here Ad^ hadde Du. Lb. had
Bo. Ada. he hadde title] title had he M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. T2. P. E.2. had he title
L[. 804. be] om. Ar. G. teschewe Ar. to eschewe Bo. G. and eschewe Lb.
Adj. Ad2. I. P. 805. Ere Bo. Tx. Or Lb. M. Adj. Ra. hym] of Ej. 806.
lese Bo. Adj. Ra. lose M. 811. jif] yit Lb. vnwist he] he wist Ad.2. I. And
3if vnwist he] And he vnwetyug and Ra. 812. lian Bo. Adj. haue M. fil] fall
Ad2. I. 813. punshed Ar. G. Lb. punysshed Bo. M. Adx. Ra. Ap. 814.
omitted in Lb. ar Bo. are T2. er Ar. G. ere Adj. arn M. 815. kuotte Du.
Lb. Ra. knott Bo. Tj. M. Adj. abstene] absteyne (: vnclene) Bo. Lb. E2. (: vncleyne)
Ra. S. 816. spousale Ar. G. M. spousaile Bo. spousail Ad:. spousales Lb.
817. seyn] seen Ej. nor] ne Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2.
E2. no Lb. E!. L2. ner P. 819. hath Ar. G. I*,. Ap. haue Bo. TJ. Lb. M.
Adj. Ra. hauith T2. among] om. S.
Deaf H]
by Edippus,
who, tho' he sind
in ignorance.
was p
The wedding
36
No Muse was at Edippus's unhappy Wedding. [PT. i.
was unhappy.
None of the
Nine Muses
was at it,
as they were at
Philology's mar-
riage in Heaven
to Mercury :
see Martianus de
Capella.
[leaf 14, back]
Of whom the weddyng1, lik as $e may fynde, 820
Vnhappy was / and passing1 odious,
Infortuned / and vngracious.
I am wery mor therof to write.
The hatful processe / also to endyte 824
I passe ouer, fully of ententt ;
For ymeneus / was not1 ther present1,
Nor lucyna / list1 not1 ther to shyne,
Ne ther was none / of the musys nyne 828
By on accord / to make melodye ;
For ther song1 not* be heuenly Armonye
^Neither Clyo / nor Calyope,
On of the sustren / in nombre thrie's thre, 832
As they dyde* whan philolegye
Ascendid vp hegh aboue the skye
To be weddid / this lady virtuous
Vnto hir lord / ]>e god mercurius ; 836
As Marcian ynamed / de Capelle,
In his book of weddyng can pu telle,
Ther concludyng1 in this mariage
The poete, that1 whilom was so sage, 840
That1 this lady, called sapience,
I-wedded was vnto eloquence ;
As it1 sat wel, by heuenly pzwueaunce,
hem to be ioyned / be knot1 of Aliau?ice. 844
But1 bothe* two, sothly, of en tent1
822. Infortuned] Infortunat Du. Ad2. S. E2. and] and eke M. Di. T2. (in Ra.
the later hand has added eke above the line), eke and P. 823. mor therof]
therof more M. Di. and therof more Ej. 826. ymeneus] Imnus or Innius Ad.,.
I. 827. list Bo. M. Adj. 828. ther] mn. Adj. Ad2. I. musys] Musas E2.
829. omitted in Ba. By on] Of oure Ej. make Bo. M. Ea. maken Adj. 832".
On] Non C. T2. P. E2. sustren Ar. Bo. Du. Lb. Adj. T2. sistren TV systryu L.2.
sustern Lj. sustres M. Di. sostres C. sistrcs Ra. systers P. in nombre]
nombred C. 833. dide TV Du. M. Ex. S. dede Adj. T^ diden C. dyd Ar.
Bo. Ra. whan] whan ]>at Adj. Ad2. I. philolegye Ar. Bo. TV Adj. Philologie
Di. Ad2. PhilolaieE2. Philoloy C. T2. philolis P (: skies). 834. vp hegh] hi
vp Adj. Ad2. I. vp an high Lb. aboue] abou Ar. the] in the Ad2. I. 835.
this] thus Ra. to this Adj. L2. to his Ad2. I. 837. As] And as C. P. E2. L2.
Marcian] Matrician E^ ynamed] named TV de] be Ap. by P. mn. Adp Ad.,.
I. Capelle] Copelle E2. 839. this] his C. TV P. E2. Lo. Ap. 845. bothe Bo.
Tj. Adj. M. Ra. C. both Ar. G. T2.
PT. I.] The dread Ghiests at Edippuss Wedding.
37
848 Edippus's wed-
ding brought
about the ruin
of Thebes.
852
856
860
f The Infortunat
fi folk J>at weren
at J>e wed-
dynge.
•[ Cerberus
1 Herebus
1 Nyght & her
thre doghtren
Atf the weddyng* / in Thebes were absent4 ;
That1 caused after / grete aduersite.
For fynal eende / of that1 solempnyte
was sorowe / and woo / and destrucciou??,
Vtter ruyne / of this Eoyal toun.
Ther may no man helpe it1 nor socoure,
For a tyme / in loye / thogh" they floure.
But1 at1 this weddyng1 /, platly forto telle,
was Cerberus / Chief porter of helle,
And herebus / Fader to hatrede,
was ther present1 with his hool kynrede,
His wiff also / with her browes blake,
And her doghtren / sorow forto make,
hydous-chered / and vggely forto see,
Megera / and Thesiphonee,
Allecto ek / with labour and envie,
Drede and fraude / and fals trecherie,
Tresoura • pouerte / Indigence, and nede,
And cruel deth / in his Rente' Wede,
Wrechednesse / compleynt* / and eke Rage,
Fer ful pale / derknesse / croked age,
Cruel mars / as eny Tygre wood,
Brennyng1 Ire / of vnkynde blood,
Fraternal hate / depe sett1 the rote,
Saue only deth / that1 ther nas no bote, [leaf 15]
846. At the Ar. G. Lx. S. L.2. Ap. Atte Adv Ra. Ej. At (the om.) Bo. Tj. Du.
M. Di. Ba. C. P. E.2. Att Ad2. I. T2. Ad Lb. 848. solennite Adj. 849—
852 omitted in L2. 851. it] 09/1. G. P. nor] ne TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ba. E^
S. T.2. P. Eg. " 853. at this] atte Ej. at his E2. platly] plainly S. C. E2.
forto] to Adj. Ad0. I. C. 854. was] were Ra. S. Cerberus] Cerebrus Adj.
Ad2. I. Chief porter] a feend Ad2. I. 855. to] vnto Adj. Ra. Ba. S. of C. ;
Ad2. and I. omit And herebus, and have I. 855 ffadir and foundour unto hattred.
856". hool Du. hole Bo. Adj. In the rubric beside I. 858 Nyght] Nygh Ar.
860. Megera] Mergera Ba. and] and eke M. Di. Ra. Ba. T2. and also C.
Thesiphonee] Tysiphone M. Di. Thesiphonie Ba(:see). Thesyphane P.
Thesyffene Ap. 863. pouerte Ar. G. Bo. Lx. Ej. P. pouert Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di.
Adp Ra. S. C. T2. E2. 1^. Ap. lindigence Ar. 864. rent Bo.' Tj. M. Adj.
865. compleynt] compleyn Ar. G. eke Bo. Tj. M. Adj. eek Ra. 866. Fer ful
pale Ar. G. Ba. fereful pale Bo. and all the rest except L:. and Lb., that have
fferdfull pale, derknesse] Dronkenesse E2. croked] and croked Bo. Adj. Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. P. L.2. 868. vnkynde Bo. M. vnkynd Adj. 869. deep Bo. depe" M.
Adj. 870. only] onelich Du. that] om. G. Ra. Ba. P. L2. nas] was 1\. LV
Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. P. L2. Ap. no] non o]>er Lg.
864
868
T Drede
f Fraude
IT Trecherie
IT Tresoun
f Pouerte
If Indygence
•[ Nede
UDeth
II Cruel Mars
«[ AUe pise folk
weren at the
wedding of
38 Edippus's Reign in Thebes was prosperous at first. [PT. I.
Edyppus and
locasta
Edippus reignd
long in Thebes,
had 2 song
and 2 daughters
by Jocasta,
and led at first
a merry life.
But when Edip-
pus was most
famous,
Fortune cast him
into woe.
One night
Assuryd othes / af the fyn vntrewe :
AH thise folk / weren / atf this weddyng1 newe, 872
To make the towne / desolatt and bare,
As the story / after shal declare.
IT But* ay in Thebes / with his walles stronge
Edyppus regneth / many day and longe. 876
And as myn autour writf / in wordys pleyfi,
By locasta he had sones tweyn,
Ethyocles and also Polymyte
And, invokes / as sondry clerkes write, 880
Doghtres two/ f ul goodly on to se,
Of which* the ton hightf Antygone,
And that* other / called was ymeyne,
Of her beaute / Inly souereyn. 884
Edyppus ay devoyde / of werre and strif ,
with locasta ladde a mery lyf
Tyl fortune / of her iniquyte
Hadde envie / of his prosperite. 888
For whan he shon / most* ricfre in his renou«,
From her wheel / she plonged hym a-douw
Out* of his loye / into sodeyn wo,
As she is wonte / frowardly to do, 892
And namely hem / that setten her affiau?*ce
Of erthly trust1 / in her variau»ce.
IT For whan this kyng1 / passing1 of gret myght1,
Sat1 with the quene / vpon a certeyn nyght1, 896
Casuelly whan his folk echon
Out of his* Chambre sodeynly wer gori,
872. were Bo. Adj. this] be Adj. Ad2. I. 873. the] o m. G. 878. sonnes
Bo. sones M. Adj. 879. also] om. Bo. Polymyte] Pollymyte Ad.2. P. 881.
ful] 07?i. G. 882. which Di. C. T2. E2. the which Ar. G. Bo. and the rest.
the ton] oon Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ea (won). Ba. Ej. S. that one Ad.2.
I. C. T2. E2. 883. called was] was called G. 885. ay] om. Adx. Ad2. I.
devoyde] devoidid L.2. of] of al Adj. Ad2. I. 886—951 lost in C. 889.
his] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 890. From] Fro Bo. T2. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. E!- S. T?.
she] he M. plonged] plukkyth L,. 891. his] om. Adj. Ad.,. I. into] into a Di.
and to P. 893. setten Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. Lv M. Adj. T2. sefRa. L2. 894. Of]
On Bo. Tj. Du. Lv Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. erthly] hertly T2. P. E2. L2. Ap.
895. this] the E2. passing of gret myght Ar. Bo. and all the rest. 898. his]
om. Ar. G. Ad2. I. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap.
PT. I.] Jocasta sees the Wound-marks on Edippus's feet.
39
marks'of old*1"5
tleaf 15> back]
and sighs deeply.
He asks why she
does so.
Or he was war / locasta gan byholde
The Carectys of his woundes olde, 900
Vpon his fete / enprented wonder depe ;
Turnyng1 her face / brasf out1 forto wepe
So secrely / he myght1 it1 not1 espie.
And she anon / fille into a fantasie, 904
Ay on thys thyng1 / musyng* mor and more,
And in her bed / gan to sighe sore.
And whan the kyng1 / conceyueth her distresse,
He gan enquere / of her hevynesse 908
Fully the cause / and occasioure ;
For he wil wite / in conclusioura,
What1 her eilejj / and why she ferde so.
" My lorde," quod she / " withoute worcles mo, 912 She ^s she
Parcel cause / of this sodeyn rage
Is for that1 1 in my tender age
had a lorde / I-named Layus,
kyng1 of this toune / a man ri^t1 vertuvs, 916
Be whom I hadde / a sone / wonder. fair1,
likly tabene / his successour1 and hair1 :
But1 by cause / his dyvynowrs tolde
At his birthe / sothly that1 he sholde, 920
3if he haue lyf / be fatal destanye,
Sleen his fader / it may non oper be ;
For which the king1 / his fate to eschewe,
Bad me in hast1 / as hym thoghte dewe, 924
To sle the childe / and haue therof no routh" :
And I anon bad with-oute slouth
902. brast] barst Tj. breste E.2. and brast Lj. forto] to Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
905. on] in Lb. thyng] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. mor and] mn. Lb. 907.
the kyng] mn. Du. 908. gan enquere] her enquerid L2. enquere Ar. Bo. and all
the other MSS. (enquire Ra. enquer S.). 910. witte'Bo. wete G. Lb. Di. S. P.
Ap. wite Ar. M. Adj. and the rest. 910 in Ra. reads : Whi she sorwid and maad
lamentacioun. 911. ferde] ferd G. Bo. Adj. fere Tj. 912. with-oute Bo. M.
with-out Adj. 914. that] om. Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ad:. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba.
Ej. S. 915. I-named] named Tj. 917. sone M. Adj. son Bo. ' 918. likly]
like S. tabene Ar. G. to ben 1^. P. E,. to haue Ra. to haue ben Bo. and all
the rest. 919. divynours Bo. M. Adj. Ra. 920. birthe M. Adj. birth Bo. 921.
destanye Ar. Bo. Du. destenye Ej. destane S. destine Adx. 922. may Ar. G. L.2.
Ap. might Bo. and all the rest, shulde P. 924. >ouht Bo. thought M. thoughtc
Adj. 926. Ar. has a pause-bar after bad. with-outen Bo. Adj. Ra. withoute M.
bore a son to
King Layus,
who was told
that the boy
should slay his
father.
Layus bade
Jocasta kill her
babe.
But the men she
40
Jocasta tells Edippus her Baby's stwy, his own. [PT. I.
told to do it,
[leaf 16]
bored the child s
feet,
and hung him
on a tree.
There, hunters
found him.
Of late, Layus
was slain
* Certeyn men / vp peyne of lugeruente,
To* execute / the comaundemente 928
Of the king1 / as I gaf hem in charge.
And forth they gon / to a forest1 large,
Adiacent1 / vnto this contre,
Percen his fete / and honge hyra on a tre, 932
Nat1 parfourmyng1 / thexecucioun.
On hym they hadde / such compassioun.
lefte hym ther / and horn resort1 ageyii,
Beyng1 in doute / and in non certeyn, 936
At they re repeire / as they told en alle,
Of this childe / what* afterward' is falle ;
Saue they saide / huntys han hyw founde,
Which lad hym forth / and his feet1 vnbouwde ; 940
But1 to what1 coost1 / they coude not1 declare.
Which parcel is of myn evel fare,
Grounde and cause / of myn hevy chere,
Considred ek the woundes that1 appere 944
Ypon ^oure fete /, and woot1 not1 what1 they mene.
And on thyng / ay / is at myn herte grene,
My lord, alias f but1 of newe date :
kyng Layus / slayen* was but1 late 948
927. Certeyn] To certeyn all the MSS. (IP for To in L2.). men] om. T2. vp]
vpon Ba. Ej. S. T2. L.2. (in Ra. vp altered to vpon by the later hand), on Lj. Lb.
928. To execute] Execute Ar. G. Texecute Bo. Tj. To execute[n] all the other
MSS. the] the kynges Ba. 929. Of the king] In all thing Ba. I] he Adj.
Ad2. I. hem] om. Ad2. I. in] om. Di. 931. vnto] to Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S.
this] the G. 932. Percen] Perced Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. T2. Persyng P. E,,. L^
Ap. Percen they Ej. honge Ar. Bo. Lb. hange Tj. hangen Ad^ I. heng M.
Di. Adj. Ra. Ba. S. T2. E2. hyng Lj. P. L2. Ap. hangynge EJ. hym] om. Adj.
Ad2. I. EJ. on] vpon Adj. Ad2. I. 933. parfourmyng Bo. partbrmyng M.
Adj. the execucion Bo. M. Adj. 934. had Bo. M. Adj. 935. lefte hym
ther] Left ther the child Iig. horn resort] home resorted Bo. LJ. Ra. Ba. resorted
home T2. E2. horn thei resorte Ad2. I. restored home P. 937. theyre Ar. Bo.
Ti. Du. Lj. Lb. S. £2. L2. Ap. (M. At heir), ther Ad2. hir Di. Ra. T2. here Ad^
Ej. his Ba. repeire] report Ad^ tolden Bo. M. tolde Lb. Ad:. Ra. 938.
afterward is falle] aftreward is byfall Bo. Tp Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ra. Ba.
Ej. S. £3. after was befalle T2. aftir shulde falle P. 939. Sauf Bo. Saf M.
Adp saide Bo. M. seide Adj. 940. lad] had Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. P. haue
Lb. 941. to] om. G. coude Bo. M. Adj. 946. on thyng] a nodir Ra. Ba.
ay is] is ay Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. at] in G. Ad2.
I. P. hert Bo. M. Adj. grene] greve Lj (: mene). 947. newe Bo. Adj. new
M. 948. layus Ar. slayen] slayn(e) Ar. and all the other MSS. (see Notes).
PT. I.] Jocasta asks why Edippus came to Thebes. 41
At1 a Castel / nygfi by this centre. when Edippus
' J & » came into the
vpon ^oure comyng1 / into this Cite.
Al this yweied / and rekned into on,
Maketh myn herte / hevy as a ston, 952
So that I can counsel / non / nor Eede."
And with that1 word? the kyng1 lift* vp his hede,
And abrayd? / with sharpe sighe's smerte, Bdippus sighs.
And al this thing1 be ordre / gan aduerte, 956
Ceriously / be good avisement1 ;
And by signes / cleer and evident1
Conceyueth wel /, and sore gan repente,
If was hym-silf / that1 locasta mente. 960
And whan the Quene /' in manere segh hym pleyn, E&mnLfwhy
By her goddes / she gan hym to constreyne
To shewen out1 the cause of his affray,
And it1 expowne / and make no delay, 964
Crop and roof / shortly, why that* he Thebefand
Entred first / into that1 contre, whence'
Fro when he kam / and fro what1 regiou??.
But1 he hir1 put* / in dilusioim, 968
As he hadde* done it for the nonys.
Til af the* laste / he brak out1 atonys
Vnto the queene / and gan a processe make tekenfUth^s
First1 how he was / in the forest1 take, 972 Pierstfeet'
wounded the feet1 / and so for]? euery thyng1,
Of his Chershing1 / with Polybouw the kyng1, ^f Po"
And hool the cause / why he hym forsoke,
952. hert Bo. M. Adj. 953. nor] ne Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ej. S.
P. Eo. Ap. ober L2. 954. that] om. G. left Bo. 955. sharp Bo. M. sharpe
Adj." 957. Ceriously] Curiously Du. P. E2. LJ. good] the P. 959. Con-
ceyueth] Conceuyd Adx. Ad2. I. 961. In Ar. after the is kr, underdotted.
pleyn] feyne Ad2. I. 963. shewen Bo. Adj. shewe M. 964. it expowne]
expowne it Bo. 965. Ccrop Ar. 967. Fro when] Fro whens Lb. M. Di. Ad2.
I. S. From whense P. E2. kam] come M. Di. Ba. C. P. 968. he] om. G.
969. hadde G. Lb. Di. Adj. had Ar. Bo. Tj. M. Ra. 970. at the laste] at last1
Ar. Tj. Ad2. I. Ba. C. P. E2. atonys] all attonys Ra. Ba (all at oons : for the
noons). S. 971. a] to G. 974. his] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. Chershing Ar. G.
cherisshyng Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. Di. I. Ra. Ba. T.2. P. Eg. L.2. Ap. cherising Ad:. Ad.2.
chersyng M. S. C. chercyng Lb. serchynge E^ with] bat Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. S.
of M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. and of Ra. Ba. how Ex. om. G. Polibon Bo. polliboun
Ra. Pollibon Adj.
then went to-
wards Thebes
by Apollo's
bidding,
and slew King
Layus.
42 Edippus tells Jocasta the Story of his Life and Sins. [PT. i.
And in what* wise / he the weye toke 976
Toward? Thebes / as Appollo bad,
And of fortune / how that he was lad
Wher that1 Spynx / kepte the mounteyn,
And how that he slough also in certeyn 980
kyng1 Layus at the castel gate,
Towardes nyght whan it1 was ful* late,
And how to Thebes that1 he gan hyw spede
To fynden oute / the stok of his kynrede : 984
which vnto hyw gan to wexe* couth";
For by processe / of his grene ^outh"
he fonde out1 wel, be reknyng of his lif,
That1 she was both / his moder and his wif. 988
So that1 al nyght1 and sving on J>e morow
A-twene hem* two / gan a newe sorowe :
Which vnto me were tedious to telle ;
For ther-vpon /'$if I shulde dwelle, 992
A long^space it wolde occupie.
[leaf 17]
t Tragedia But1 2e may reden in a Tragedye
Senece de Edippo
Rege thebanu». Of Moral Senyk fully his endynge,
Seneca's Tragedy His dool, his meschief / and his compleynyng1 996
of Edippus
tells how he How with sorow / andivnweldy age
lost his wits,
This Edippus /^fille into dotage,
lost1 his wit1 / and his worldly delit1,
And how his sones* / had hym in despit1, 1000
And of disdeyn / tok of hym no kepe.
And bookes seyn / his eyen out1 he wepe.
He now finds
that Jocasta
is his mother
as well as his
wife.
Both sorrow.
976. waye Bo. way M. Adj. to ke Ar. 978. that] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb.
M. Di. Adlt Ad2. I. Ej. S. P. 979. kept Bo. Adj. kepte M. 980. And] An
Ar. how] om. Du. 981. layus Ar. 982. towardes Bo. towardis Du.
towardus Adj. toward M. ful] fal Ar. 983. that] ban Bo. Tr Du. Lj. Lb. M.
Di. Adj. Ado.. I. Ej. S. P. om. G. 984. fynden Bo. Adj. tinde M. 985.
Which] For whiche Lb. (from 986) vnto] to C. to om. in all AISS. except Ar.
G. Lo. Ap. wexe] wex Ar. G. Du. Lj. L,. Ap. wixe Lb. waxe M. Ra. C. To.
wax Ba. couth] vncouth La. 986. grene] gret Ad.2. I. 988. in Ar. a pause-
bar also between was and both. 989. that al] al that G. 990. hem Bo. Adj.
ham Ar. them Ra. newe Bo. new M. Adj. 992. jif I shulde] yff that I shall
Ad.2. 1. shulde Bo. sholde Adj. shold M. 993. wolde Bo. wold M. woold
Adj. 994. reden Bo. M. Adj. 997. and] and wel Ad2. I. 999. and his] and
Adj. Ad^ I. 1000. how] om. Bo. sonnes Ar. Bo. Du. Lj. Ba. P. E.2. L^. Ap.
soues Tj. M. Adj. Ra. C. T.2. soones Lb. in] om. G. 1002. And] And as Du.
PT. I.] Now Edippus died mad, & his corpse was cast into a Pit. 43
And as myn auctozw liketh to devise,
As his sones rebuke hym and dispise, 1004
Vpon a day / in a certeyn place
Out1 of his hede / his eye'n he gan race,
And Cast1 at1 hem /, he can non other bote,
And of malice / they trad hem vnder fote, 1008
Fully devoide / both of loue and drede.
And whan Edippus / for meschief was thus dede,
with-Inne a pytte / made in the erthe* lowe,
Of cruelte / his sones / han hym throwe, 1012
"Wers* than serpent* / or eny tigre wood?.
Of Cursid stok / cometh vnkynde bloocfe,
As in story / 30 may rede her to-forn ;
Al be the Roose* / grow / out1 of a thorn. 1016
Thus of Edippus /, whan he was blynd* and oldf,
The wrecched ende / I haue* jou pleynly tolcP.
For which shortly / to man and child I rede
To be wel war / and to taken hede 1020
11 Of kyndely ri^t* / and of conscience
To do honur1* // and due* reuerence
To fader and* moder / of what estat thei be,
Or certeyn / ellis / they slml neuere the. 1024
1004. As] and as M. (from 1003). That Di. his] om. M. sonnes Bo. soones
Lb. hym] om. Ap. 1007. can] cowde Ad2. I. 1009. devoide Bo. Lb. M.
devoyd AdP Ka. 1010. was thus] thus was M. Di. Ra^Ba. P. thus] om. Adj.
Ad.2. I. 1011. made] om. Lb. the] om. Di. erthe Ta. Lb. M. Adj. erth Ar.
Bp. Du. Within be erthe a pitte made full lowe Lj. 1013. Wers Adj. Ra. L.,.
Ap. Wors Lj. Lb. M. Di. S. C. T2. P. E2. Wars Du. Ba. Werre Ar. G. Ej.
Were Bo. Wer Tj. Wer wors Ad2. I. than] than a Lb. P. than any Ba. or
eny] or Ba. S. 1014. vnkynde Bo. M. Adj. 1015. her] om. Adj. Ad2. I.
1016. rose M. Adx. Roos Ar. Bo. Roose G. a] the G. 1017 — 1142 gap in C.
1017. of] o?3i. Lj. blynd and] om. Di. S. whan .... old] ])at was so bolde Adj.
Ad2. I. 1018. haue Bo. Tlt Lb. JVI. Ada. ha Ar. }ou] om. Bo. Di. pleynly]
om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ap. 1020. wel] om. Adj. Ad2. I. taken Bo. M. Adj. In Ra.
and Ba. II. 1017 — 1020 are very much altered, thus:
Thus I haue rehersid al the caas 1017
Off Edippus whens that he was 1018
And the wrechid end wherfore that I rede 1019
Every (eny Ba.) man and child be war and take hede Ra. 1020
1021. and of] and Ad2. I. 1022. honur] nur (misivritten) Ar. due M. Ada.
dewe Bo. diwe Lb. dieu Ar. dew G. om. Ra. Ba. 1023. and] om. Ar. G.
Ap. of] om. Ra. Ba. estat] of state G. 1024. certeyn] certenly Lb. Ej. G.
ellis] om. Ba. certeyn ellis] elles certein Ad:. Ad,. I. Ra. S. shul Ar. Bo. Du.
Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ra. shulen Tj. shall Lv Ad2. S". P. Lg. shuld G. sholde Ex.
the] I-the Lb. Adj. Ba. S.
and tore his eyes
out;
and how his
corpse was
thrown into a pit
by his sons.
From cursed
stock comes un-
natural child.
TNota.
*\ How every
man oght of
dieute to do
reuerence to
Fader and
modere.
•f Or ellis ther
wil folowe
vengeaujice
[leaf 17, back]
44 Ills of not honouring Parents. Blean Hill and Vale. [FT. I.
For who that* is not* to hem debonayr
In spech", in port1 / for to trete hem fair,
Hem to obeye / in honeste and drede,
And to cherissfr* / of what they han nede, 1028
I dar afferme / exceptyng* non astatf,
That he shall first1 be infortunatt
In alle his werk / both on see and lond?,
And of what* thyng* that* he take on hond* 1032
Fortune fro ward / to hym and contrayre*,
Waast** of his good /, pleynly and appaire,
Fynde plente / of contek / werre, and striff,
Vnhappy ende / and shortnesse of liff, 1036
And gracelees / of what1 he hath to* do,
Hatrede of god / and of man also.
IF Therfor no man / be herof rekkelees,*
But1 make }oure mjiozir of Ethiocles 1040
And his brother / called Polymyte,
Which in such thyng1 / gretly* were to wite,
As 30 shal here / of hem how it fil.
And whan we ben / descendid doune this hil 1044
And ypassed / her / the lowe vale,
I shal begynne the remnant* of my tale.
IF Explicit Prima pars istius Codicilli.
1F Incipit Secunda Pars Eiusdem.
Secunda pars.
1028. And] And nem P. E2. cherisshe Tj. Lb. M. cherish Bo. Du. Lr Ad2.
T2. cherssh Ar. G. Adj. S. of] hem of Lx. nede] drede Lj. (from 1027).
1031. werk] werkus Lb. on] on >e G. in Lb. 1032. of] after AI. Di. thyng]
om. P. that] om. G. Ad2. I. P. he] am. G. take] taketh G. ^ P. on] in S.
1033. Fortune froward] For the tyme forward E2. to hym and] and to hym Ej.
contrayre Lb. Ej. P. E2. 1^. contrarye Ar. Bo. and the rest, except S., that has
congye. 1034. Waast] Wayst Ar. G. good] godis Lx. K2. and] om. Bo.
pleynly and appaire] plenty and appaye S. 1035. fynde Bo. AI. Adj. 1037.
to do] at do Ar. G. a do T2. a doo Ap. addo P. he hath to do] that he ha]>e
do 1,3. 1038. HadredeAr. Hatered Bo. Hatred AI. Adr hated Di. 1039.
Therfor] Ther of G. reklees Ar. G. Bo. Lj. Lb. T2. reklesse Ra. rekeles Tj. Du.
1^. reccheles M. Di. 1042. thyng] thinges E2. caas Lb. gretly] gretlich Ar.
were] was Lb. gretly were] wer gretly Ra. Ba. P. 1043. 3e] he G. here Ar.
Bo. Tj. Du. M. Adj. Ra. hire Lb. fil Bo. Adj. felle Lb. fel M. fell (:helle)
Ra. 1044. And] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ba. T2. P. descendid] con-
descended G. this] >e Bo. M. Di. Ad,,. I. G. of this S. 1045. ypassed] epassid
La. passed T\. Ao^. I. the] this M. P. lowe Bo. AI. Adj. Ra.
They who don't
honour parents,
shall end badly.
Let no man be
reckless ;
but be you warnd
by Edippus's
sons.
When we're out
of Blean Vale,
I'll go on with
my Tale.
PT. II.] After Boughton, the Tale goes on. 45
Secunda Pars. [leans
Assed the throp / of1 Bowtotw on be ble, when we'd past
Boughton
By my chilyndre / I gan anon to se,
Thorgh be sonne / bat ful cler gan shyne,
Of be clok that1 it drogh to nyne ; jj^ near
And saugh" also be siluer dropes shene
Of be dewe / lich peeHys* / on be grene, 1052
Vapoured vp in-to the eire* alofte,
whan zephyrus / with his blowing1 softe
be wedere made lusty / smoth / and feir,
And right* attempt / was the hoolsom eir*; 1056
The same hour / aft the hoole* Eoute A1jthe Pilgrims
' rode round me
Of the pylgrymes / rydyng1 round? aboute, wKyTale.011
In my tale / whan I gan procede,
Eehercyng1 forth / as it was in dede, 1060
Whan Edippus / buryed was and graue, £"<* Edippus's
How his sones / the kyngdam for to haue,
, -, -1 /. /i o i , i i . his sons strove
Among1 hem-sill / be iul mortal hate for the Crown.
1047. throp] thorpe LT. Ej. Boughton Bo. Boughten P. Broughton E2.
Loughton Ba. on be] of be Tj. vnder be Lx. Ad^. I. vppon P. - 1048.
chilyndre] chelandir Ad2. 1. chiklern Ex. childryn L2. chalandre Ra. kalendar
Ba. kalender E2. anon] om. Ra. Ba. 1050. clok Ar. Bo. Tj. M. Adi. Ra. Ej. T2.
P. Lo. clook Lb. clokke G. clocke Du. Di. E2. that] om. L2. to] toward Ra.
1051. And] An Ar. also] all Ba. J>e] of T2. P. L2. as E2. shene] shyne Lj. and
T2 (: grene ; see 1049). shynne Ra (: greene). 1052. Of] And Lb. lich] like
the Lb. perelys Ar. perleys G. pereles P. Ap. peerles Bo. perles Adj.
1053. eier Bo. ayr Adj. heire Ar. 1055. lusty smoth] smothe lusti Adj. Ad2.
1055. om. I. 1056. attempre] attemperyd Du. attempred E:. hoolsom] om.
Lb. aire Bo. air Adj. heir Ar. 1057. hoole Bo. hool Ar. Adi. 1061 —
1172 lost in Tj. 1063. be ful Ar. G. Lj. P. by full T2. E2. Ap. by fell 1^. by
full of Ej. bee ful of Bo. Du. Lb (ben). M (ben). Di (bene). Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S.
46 Edipiws's Sons, Eteocles and Polyneices, quarrel. [PT. n.
Each lookt to
his own interest
only.
Neither of
Edippus's sons
would give way
to the other,
[leaf 18, back]
so the citizens
of Thebes
settled that the
elder, Eteocles,
For the crowne / go?me to debate 1064
which of hem / lustly / shal succede,
And the Sceptre / of the toune possede ;
Advertyng nought1 / neither to right1 ne wronge,
But1 eche of hem / to make her partie stronge, 1068
And his querele / proudely to sustene :
From whoos herte's / was devoyded* clene
Of brotherhode / the faithful alliaunce.
Fals Couetise / so made hem at distance, 1072
Fully worchyng1 into destructions
And Euyne / of this noble touii.
So hoote brente the hatred and envie
Of bothe two / thorgh pompous Surquedye, 1076
That1 nowther wolde* / pleynly in a poynf
Other forbern* /, they stod in such disioynte
as thow* they hadde / of berthe* be foreyns.
Tyl of the toune / the noble Citezeyns, 1080
knyghtes, Barounes / with many wor)>i lord,
Shope a way / to niak1 hem of accord,
And to set* hem / in quyete / and in pees.
But1 for his part1 / this Ethiocles 1084
Alegge gan that1 he was first yborii ;
1064. For] And for Bo. Lv Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ea. Ba. S. gonne Ar. Bo.
Du. Lb. M. Di. Ad:. I. Ra. Ba. E1% T2. P. E^. gau Lx. Ad2. S. Ap. they gon 1^.
to] for to S. P. £3. om. Bo. Ba. debate] bate Ra. 1067. Advertyng] "Hautyng
or Hantyng Ra. Ba. nought Bo. not M. Di. nat Ra. Ba. neither to r. ne Ar.
G. Bo. LI. Lb. Adj. S. P. E2. neither to r. nor Ra. Ad2. I. neibre to r. no Du.
neither to r. ne to Ba. nother to r. ne Ej. nothyr to r. nor Ap. no)>er r. ne' L^.
to r. neither to M. Di. to r. nor to T2. 1069. querele Ar. G. quarel Bo. Lb.
M. Adj. Ra. quarell Du. T2. 1070. devoyded] devoyden Ar. 1073. worchyng
Ar. Bo. Lb. M. Adj. werchyng Eg. werkyng Lv Ra. T2. 1075. hoot Bo.
1076. bothe Bo. 1077. nowther T2. neither Bo. Lb. Adi- Ra. wolde Bo.
Lb. wold Ar. Adj. Ra. a] o M. Di. Ra. T2. noo Ba. 1^. 1078. forbern]
forborn (miswritten) Ar. for ber G. 1079. As though Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
Di. how as Ar. G. Bo. Lb. M. Ej. S. Though as Lj. lik as T«. P. E2. L.2. Ap.
berthe Du. birthe M. Ra. berth Ar. Adj. birth Bo. T2. of berthe be] be of
birthe M. Di. 1080. Citezeyns Ar. Bo. Lb. Citefeyns Adj. S. Citezens T2.
Cetezens 1^. 1081. many Bo. M. many a Adj. 1082. Shope Ar. G. Bo.
Lj. Lb. Ra. Ba. T2. P. Eg. Lt. shop Adx. Ad2. Shupe Du. Shopen M. Di.
Shape Ap. mak hem of accord] make hem at accord Di. Ad2. I. M (at o corde).
make hem a cord Bo. P (accorde). 1085. Alegge gan] Gan alegge Lx. Alegge
can S. I^. first] om. Du. yborn Ar. G. Ad^. I. I^. Ap. born Bo. Adj. aiid all
the rest.
PT II.] Eteodes, as the elder, is to be croumd first.
47
For which he oghtf of resouw go to-forn
In the Cite / to be crowned kyng1,
Sith be lawe / ther was no lettyng*.
For vnto hym / longeth / the heritage
Be discentt / and be title of age.
But1 poly my te / of ful hegh discleyn,
Al opynly gaii replie ageyn
And for his part1 / seide, in special,
Eeson was non / that1 he shuld haue alle
Eegaly and domynacioun,
And the lordship hooly of the toun,
And he right1 nought1 /, out of the Cyte
But* lyve in exile / and in pouerte,
Ful concludyng1, with-oute feer and dred,
Eather than suffre that /, he wil be ded.
And thus, alias / thorgh her envious strif ,
At1 the ende / euerich loste his lif,
At1 gret1 mischief / as 30 shal after here.
But1 thylke tyme the lordes al yfere
Ful bysily did her dyligence,
By gret1 avis / and ful high prudence,
To setten hem in quyete and in Eeste ;
Conseylyng1 hem pleynly for the beste,
To leve her strif / of wisdam and resoun,
And condescende / to some conclusions
should be
crownd.
1088 IThecontro-
uercy of the
bre)>eren.
But the younger,
Polyneices,
1092
1096
said he'd sooner
die than let his
1100 brother have all
In the end, each
kild the other.
1104
1108
[leaf 19]
1086. For which] Wherfore M. Di. T^ of resoun] of rejt Bo. he oght of
resoun] of reason he oughte Ej. Ad.2. I. M. Di. Adx (om. he), go] to go G. Lj. S.
Lg. Ap. to-forn] be-forn Lj. forn S. L2. Off which a resoun he aughte go aforn P.
1087. crowned] crownyng Bo. 1090. be title] be om. Adx. Ad,. I. 1092. gan]
gan to M. Di. T2. P. 1^. 1094. that om. Adj. Ad^ I. he] W Bo. one Du.
shuld Ar. Adj. Ea. shulde Lx. Lb. shol Bo. shul Du. 1095. Regaly] Bo the
regalye T2. P. E2. Te Regayle LI. Regalite Ad2. and] and eke M. Di. and the
T2. 1098. But] om. Ar. G. Er 1^. Ap. lyve] life Ba. secoiid in] om. Ra.
1099. Ful] fully Lj. om. P. E2. with-oute Bo. and] or P. drede Ar (with final
e under •dotted). 1100. in Ar. a pause-bar also between suffre and that. 1102.
At the ende Ar. G. Du. Atte the ende Ra. atte ende Bo. Adj. T2. at thende
Lb. att end Ba. at ende M. Di. euerich] eche Bo. eueryche of hem Lj. lost
Bo. loost Lb. 1104. thilke Bo. Adt. thilk M. in feere Bo. in fere G.
y-fere M. I-fere Adx. 1105. besily Bo. T2. bisili Adt. did Ar. Bo. diden
M. Di. Ad2. S. dede T2. deden Adj. I. 1106. and] of EL high] om. Bo.
Du. Lj. 1107. setten Ar. Bo. M. Ad^ Ra. sett Lj. Lb. T2. hem] om. Bo.
rest Bo (-.best).
48 Each Brother is to reign for one year alternately. [PT. n.
The Theban
lords get them
to agree that
each brother
shall reign for
a year;
and while one
reigns,
the other shall
go away and do
warlike deeds.
"Which to bothe * / myghte most* availe ;
That1 fynaly / thorgh her gouernaile, 1112
The lordes alle / beyng< tho present1,
They han hem broghtt / to be of on assent1,
Of on hert / as brother vnto brother,
Euerich of hem / to regnen* after other, 1116
^eer be ^eer / as if cam aboute,
So that the ton / shal absent1 hym oute
Fully that ^eer, and hym-siluen * guye
Be his manhode / and his chyualrye, 1120
f The conuencion haunte hvm-self / in Dedys marcyal :
of the breberen. *
whil his brother / in his See Royal
Holdeth his sceptre / the Cite to gouerne ;
And whan the }eer / his cours hab rowne 3erne 1124
And is come out* /, he shal haue* repair
To Regne in Thebes / lik as lord? and hair,
There to receyue / fully his dignyte ;
whil the tother voideth the Cite, 1128
Paciently / taking1 his auenture
Til* he ageyn / his honure may recure.
Thus entrechaunge euery $ere they shal :
The ton ascendeth* / that1 other haj? a fal. 1132
They most obeye of hert1 / and take it we],
lich" as the tourn / resortej? of the whel.
For this was hool / the composiciou?i
Both Eteocies A-twene the bretheren / and conuencioura, 1136
1111. bothe Bo. M. Adj. both Ar. Du. Lb. Ra. T2. myght Bo. M. Adj. Ra.
om. G. myghte most] most myght M. Di. T2. 1112. thorg Ar. 1113. alle
Bo. M. Adi. tho] ther I. 1116. regne Ar. Bo. Lb. M. Ra. rengne Adi.
1117. Jeer] There Lb. cam] comeM. T2. cometh Di. Ra. Ba. P. E2. 1119. Fully]
Full Lb. hym-siluen cp. 710. hym-silf Ar. Bo. Ad^ hymsilfe Ra. Ex. guye Ar.
Ra. T2. gye Bo. Adj. 1120. and liis] and (his om.) Bo. 1121. Dedye Ar.
marcyal] mercial Bo. Du. 1122. while Bo. M. Adi. 1124. Jeer his] yeres
T2. his cours hab ronne] hath ronne his cours M. Di. 3erne] om. P (ronne :
governe). 1125. is] om. Lb. is come out] is ended Adj. Ad2. 1. ha Ar. haue
Bo. M. han Adj. 1128. whil Ar. while Bo. M. Adj. whyle that E3. the
tother Ar. T2. Ap. bat other Bo. M. Ad^ Ra. the other Ej. L2. his brother Lj.
voideth] avoydith P. 1130. Til] To Ar. 1131. Thus] This Lb. entrechaunge
all the MSS., except entrechaunginge Lb. Di. P. 1132. the ton Ar. G. P. L2.
Ro. Ap. bat oon Bo. Du. M. Adn. Ra. T2. ascendeth] descendeth Ar. ascende P.
Ro. that other Ar. Bo. Du. M. Adj. Ra. T2. Ap. the other G. the tothir P. L2.
Ro. hab] hadde Di. haue P. 1136. A-twene Ar. T2. 1^. Ro. Ap. And twene
G. Bitwene Bo. M. Ad^ Ra. and] and be Du. Ra. L2. Ro.
They shall
change yearly.
PT. II.]
Polyneices rides from Thebes.
49
[leaf 19, back]
But Eteocles is
to reign first.
Ful knet1 vp / be gref avisenient1,
To-for the goddys / be oth of sacrament1,
J^euer after to groche* lie to varye,
But1 a-complissfren. Shortly / and not tarye, 1140
lich as thaccord / enrolled in the toune,
From poynt1 to poynt1 / made menciouw.
But1 alderfirst1 / be reson of his age,
Ethyocles / hadde thauau?itage 1144
To regne aforn / and to were a croune,
Polymyte / hym hastyng out1 of toune
Duryng1 that 3eer /, it1 may non other be,
Whil his brother /sat1 in his Eoyal See 1148
Ful richely vpoii fortunes wheel ;
And rode hym forth / armed brijt in stele,
This Polymyte / sothly as I rede,
Hym-silf allone / on a Ryal Stede,
With-oute guyde / al the longe day,
Beyng1 aferd / to kepe the heghe* way,
In his herte / hauyng1 suspecioure
To his brother / of malice and tresouw, 1156
lest1 he pz^rsued / thorgh fals vnkynde* blood
To haue hym ded / for couetise of good,
That he allon / myghf haue* possessions
1137. be] with G. gret] full Ad2. I. 1139. groch Ar. gruch Lb. grucche
Bo. M. gmchche Adj. grutche Ej. a pause-bar in Ar. before ne. 1140.
a complisshen Bo. Ra. tacomplisshen M. Adx. to complisshen Di. in Lb.
a written, complisshen omitted, with blank space left for it. Shortly] om. Adj. Ad^
I. 1141. as] om. P. Ro. as thaccord] to accorde Ad2. I. enrolled] envolvid
Ad2. 1142. From Ar. Du. Adj. Ra. Fro Bo. Lb. M. made] maked M. Di.
as made ys P. Ro. S (as added above the line). 1144. hadde thauauntage Ar.
hadde the auauntage Di. T2. Ro. had thauauntage Bo. M. had the auauntage C.
P. had J>e vauntage Lv L2. had tho the Avauntage Ba (in Ra. the later hand has
scrawled some indistinct letters over tho). had tho thauauntage Adr S. had ther
to avauntage Ad2. I. 1145. to were] to bere Lb. Ba. to] om. E2. a crowne] be
crowne L^ Lb. M. Di. I. S. C. T2. P. E2. Ro. 1146. hym hastyng] haastyng
him Bo. Du. La. Lb. E^ him] om. S. 1148. second his] ofm. G. 1149. richely
M. Adj. richly Bo. 1150. armed brijt] bright armyd Adj. Ad2. I. in] as
G. 1151. This] Thus Ra. So M. Di. 1152. allone Du. AdP alloon Bo.
rial M. roial Bo. Adx. 1153. long Bo. M. Adj. 1154. hegh Ar. hye Bo.
M. Adj. hihe Ra. 1157. pursued] pursue C. E2. be pursued L\. borgh]ofC.
fals] his fals Bo. Du. 1^. Ej. his M. Di. Ada. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. fals and E2.
vnkynde Bo. M. Ra. vnkynd Ar. Adi. (in Ra. , by the later hand, vnkynde is crossed
out and vnnaturall written above the line). 1159. haue Bo. M. Adv ha Ar.
THEBES. E
So Polyneices
rides out of
Thebes,
suspecting
Eteocles,
50
Polyneices comes to a Forest ly the Sea. [PT. II.
to a forest by
the sea,
fuU of wild
beasts.
[leaf 20]
A tempest rises ;
the rain pours
down.
Duryng* his lif / fully of the touii. 1 160
For which in hast* /, havyng* no felawe,
Polymyte a-side gan hym drawe
By a forest1 / loynyng to the See,
knowyng* right* nought1 the syyt of the contre, 1164
Ful of Mile's / and of hegh mounteyns,
Craggy Eoches / and but* fewe playns,
wonder dredful and lothsom of passage,
And ther-with-al / ful of beestis rage ; 1168
holdyng* his way of herte'* no thyng* light*,
Maat* and wery / til* it* drowe to nyghtf.
And al the day / beholdyng* enviroun,
He neyther saugfi. castel, toure, ne touw ; 1172
The whiche J)ing* / greued hym ful sore.
And sodeynly / the se began to Eore,
wynde and tempest* / hidously tarise.
The Eeyn doune bete / in ful grisly wise, 1176
That* man and beesf / therof were adrad,
And negh for fere* / gan to wexe mad,
As it sempte / by the wooful sownes
Of Tygres / here's / boore's / and lyounes, 1180
which for refut* / hem-silue * forto saue,
Euerich in hast* / drogh vnto his Caue.
But* Polymyte / in this tempest* huge,
Alias the while* / fyndeth no refuge, 1184
1161. haast Bo. hast M. haste Adj. 1162. drawe] to drawe M. DL with-
drawe C. T2. E2. 1164. syyt Adj. cyet Bo. Du. M. the] >at Adj. Ad2. I.
1165. hegh Ar. hye Bo. 1166. Craggy] Cracchy Ad2. I. roches] roges M.
Di. fewe Bo. M. Adi. 1169. herte Adj. Du. hert Ar. Bo. M. 1170. til]
to Ar. G. drowe Bo. Lb. drouh Ra. drew Adx. T2. 1171. al the day]
alway Bo. 1173. whiche Bo. Du. M. which Tj. Adj. greued] greueth E2.
ful] om. Lb. right Adi. T2. 1174. began] gan Bo. Ba. 1175. hidously]
sodeinly Di (cp. 1174). tarise Ar. E2. to arise Bo. TI. Adj. Ra. toryseP. ganne
ryse Lb. 1176. grisly] grevous Ad2. I. 1177. man and beest] many a
beste Eg. were Ar. L2. Ho. om. Tj. was all the rest, adrad] drad Ra. Ba. C.
1178. fer Ar. feer Bo. fere M. Adi. to] om. M. Di. waxe Bo. M. wex
Adj. wax Du. 1179. semyd Bo. M. Adi. 1180. Of] As Di (cp. 1179).
1181. refut] resku LT. fortune P. hem-silue Lb. hem-selfe Lj. EI. Ap.
hem-silf Ar. T2. hem-self Bo. Du. M. Adi. forto] to Ra. Ba. 1182. haast
Bo. hast Du. haste Ad^ 1183. P underdotted, before But Ar: 1184. while
Bo. M. Adi. whil Ar.
Polyneices comes to Argos, whose King Adrastus has 2 Daughters. 51
Nor hym to schrowde / saugh nowher no socour
Til if was passed / almost1 mydnyght hour
A large space / that1 the sterres clere,
The clowdes voyde /, in heuene did appere ;
So that1 this knyghtf / out* of the forest1 large
Gan approchen / to the londe of arge,
Seyng a palays myghty of beeldyng1,
Of which Adrastus / called was the kyng*,
A manly man / riche and wonder sage,
And ronne was / somdel / into -age,
Born of the He / which called is Chysoim,
And whylom sone / of the kyng* Chalowra ;
And for his witt1 /, in story as is koutfi,
he chosen was / in his tendre jouth,
Of alle Arge / to be crowned kyng1,
Chief of alle Grece / by record of wryting1,
Not be dissent1 / nor succession?*,
But1 al only / of fre eleccioim
To* holde of Arge / the sceptre in his hond,
As most* worthy / of alle* grekes lond,
loued and drad / for wisdam and Justice.
And as the story / pleynly can devise,
This worthy kyng1 hadde doghtres two,
Near midnight
the clouds oleai
off.
1188
IT How Poly-
mytes cam into
the lond of
Arge.
1192 Adrastus is king
of Argos,
1196
1200
[leaf 20, back]
1204
and has 2 fair
daughters,
1185. Nor] Ne C. P. saugh] safe Ad2. nowher] nothir Ba. om. Ad2. no] om.
Du. Adj. Ba. P. nor Ad2. I. 1186. was] om. Du. mydnygh Ar. 1188.
clowdes] cloude Du. voyd'e Bo. void Adj. 1190. approchen Bo. M. Adj.
the](wi. G. londe] longG. 1191. beldingAdi- byldyng Bo. 1192. the] om.
Adj. Ad2. I. 1193. riche] wis Adi. Ad^ I. 1195. which] J>at Bo. Tj. Du. Lx.
Lb. M. Di. Ej. S. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. C. om. P. called] I-called P. is] om. P. was I.
Chysoun Ar. G. T2. L2. Ro. Ap. Chifon C. P. E^ Clysoun Bo. TL Du. L:. Lb. M.
Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. EL S. Elisoun I. 1196. whylom] som tyme C. T2. E2. L2.
Ro. om. P. sone] )>e son Bo. of] to T2. P. vnto Ad9. I. the] om. Lb. Adi. Ad0. I.
Chaloun] Claloun Ad2. Thalon Ra. Caloun Ba. called Cholon P. 1197. And
for his witt] And is writyn Ra. Ba. in story] om. Ad.,. I. is] it is Lx. M. Di.-Adi.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. Ap. kouth] couthen Ad.,. I. "l200. alle] om. G. 1201.
Not] Nor Bo. TI. L:. M. Di. Adi. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. nothir Ad2. I. nor] ne Bo.
Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ej. P. nother LI. successioun] by s. Ba. Ad2. I. P.
1203. To holde G. Bo. T:. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. A2. I. Be holde Ar. EL S. He
helde C. T2 (miswritten helge). P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. Heeld Ra (he added after
Heeld above the line). Ba. in his hond] and the Croune P (a different hand has
added and Towne with paler ink at the end of 1204). 1204. As] And G.
of alle] in all (om. the) Ad.2. I. of alle the Ar. of the (om. alle) L2. Ro.
1207. had Bo. M. Ad:.
52
H Deyphyle(and)
U Adrastus
but no son.
Adrastus hopes
to marry his
daughters well.
IF The drem of
kyng Adrastus
of A bor and A
lyouw.
But he dreams
that a wild Boar
and a Lion shall
wed them.
[leaf 21]
Adrastns dreams of his two Sons-in-law. [PT. n.
Passyng* fair / and right1 good also. 1208
It were to longe / her beaute to discryve.
And the eldest* / called was Argyve,
Deyfyle ynamed the seconds. .
And Adrastus, lich as it1 is founde, 1212
This worthy kyng1 / hadde sone non,
To succede / after he be gon ;
For which he was duryng1 al his lyff
Trisf in hert1 / and* passingly pensif. 1216
But1 hool his trust1 / and his hope stod,
Be Aliaunce / of some worthy blood
Brou^t Inne by mene / of his doghtres tweyn,
That* he shal be relesed / of his peyne, 1220
Thorgh recomforfr / of some hie mariage.
And sothly yet* ful high in his corage
He troubled was be occasion
Of a sweuen and a vision, 1224
Shewed to hym / vpon a certeyn nyght.
For as hym thoght / in his inward sight*
whyl he slept /, by cleer inspeccioun,
A wylde boor / and a fers lyouw 1228
Possede shal, thise bestes in her Rage,
His doghtres two / be bond? of mariage
In shorte tyine / with-In a certeyn day ;
which broght his herte / in ful grete affray. 1232
But1 bing1 in soth / thaf destine hath shape,
1211. ynamed] ynamed was G. 1212. lich]'>e kyng L2. is] was LI.
1213. This worthy kyng] In all his lyf L2. had son Bo. had "sone Adj. sone
had M. Di. C. T2. sone hadde G. 1214. succede Ar. Bo. and all the rest, except
succede and regne LI. after] aftre >at Du. be] is Lj. were Ro. 1216. trist]
trysty Ad2. I. and] om. Ar. G. passingly] passyng Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di.
Adj. Ada. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. P. L^. 1221. marige Ar. recomfort] comfort Adj.
Ad^ I- joynynge P. hie] om. I. 1222. yet] right Ar. G. Lb. ful] om. Lb.
high] hevy Lb. ofte C. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. Ap. in] of Ad2. I. his] om.
I. 1225. Shewde Bo. Du. 1228." wilde Bo. M. Adj. 1229. Possede]
Precede 1^. shal] om. Bo. shul M. Di. C. P. E2. shuld T2. thise
La- >ees Bo. these Lb. M. thes Adj. thies Du the EI. her] his
Ra. 1230. His] And his L.J. doghtren Bo. be bond] by bounde Lb.
Ro. be bounde T2. by way Lj. Ap. by lawe Ad2. by lond I. hurt
I^. of] and Bo. 1233. destanye Bo. Du. destene M. Adi. shaps
(miswritteri) Ar.
PT. II.] Polyneices enters Argos city and goes to the Palace. 53
Her in this world / ful hard is to eskape ;
Eke merveylous / a man teschewe his faate.
And Polymyte / of whom I spak late,
"With the tempest / bete / and al be-reyned
Be grace only / the Cite hath atteyned,
11 "Wher Adrastus / ful statly of degre,
Thilke* tyme / helde his Royal see.
The troubly nyghtf / myrk, and ful obscure,
hath brought1 this knyghtf / only be auenture
Thorgh the Cite, enclosed with a wal,
Vnto the paleys / chief and p?'mcipal,
Wher as the kynge / in his chambre alofte
lay in his bed / and slepte wonder softe.
Eke alle his folk / hadde her chambres take,
lik as Fortune / peraunter hadde shape,
The silf e * tyme / be-cause if was so late ;
And Casuelly / no porter / at the gate,
As it1 hadde* be right for the nonys.
And in a porche* / bilf of square stonys,
Ful myghtely enarched envyrowz,
wher the domys / and plees of the toufi
weren execut1 / and lawes of the kyng1,
And ther this knyght / without* nior tarying*,
Wery and maat / from his stede alight*.
1236 Poljneices
1240
1244
1248
1252
enters Argos
city,
and goes to the
palace
where Adrastus
and all his folk
lie asleep.
The porter is
at the gate.
1956 Pplyneices ties
his horse up in
a porch,
1234. ful] om. Di. hard] herd L2. Ro. is] it is Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2.
I. (in Ra. it is added by later hand) Ej. S. T2. P. K2. to eskape] teschape E^. to
scape P. S. (the scribe of Ar. first wrote eschewe (see 1235), but underdotted this
word and added eskape). 1235. to eschewe Bo. M. teschue Adi. 1237. albe
reyned Ar. 1240. Thilke Bo. Adj. Thilk Ar. M. 1241. troubly] trouble
Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. Ej. S. C. T2. P. £3. troublid Ra. myrk] merke Lj. P. E2.
mark Lb. derke Adi. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. om. L,. ful] om. Adj. Ad2- I. Ra. Ba.
£2. obscure] oscure L2. Ro. 1242. hath] That Adj. Ad2. I. S. be] of Ro.
1246. slepte M. slept Bo. Adj. 1247. had Bo. M. Adi. her] om. Bo. the
Ro. allherAd2. I. chambres] chambre M. Di. S. Ra. caumbre Ba. 1248. had
Bo. M. Adj. 1249. silf Ar. Bo. Lb. M. self Adi. 1250. no] nor G. atte
gate Bo. Adi. 1251. hadde Di. Ej. had Ar. Bo. M. hade Adj. (Ar. has a pause-
bar after right). 1252. in] om. G. porche Bo. M. Ad!, porch Ar. porte Du.
1253. myghtely] myghti Ad^ Ad.2. 1. 1254. wher] There P. and] and >e Bo. TI.
Du. M. Di. Adi. Ra. Ba. EI. S. T2. plees] paleys P. ; in C. : the plees and domes.
1255. execut] executid Lx. Ra. Ba. E2. and] and >e Ad,. Ad.2. I. Ba. 1256.
without] with Ar. G. mor] om. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra" Ba. 1257. fro
Bo. Adj.
To Polyneices, asleep, comes Tideus of Caledonia. [FT. II.
and sleeps there
himself.
Then, in rides a
manly knight,
[leaf 21, back]
Tideus,
who 's been
banisht from
Caledonia
Hangynge the rene / in al the hasf he myghtf,
vppon his arme / surer hym to kepe,
And leyde hym doune / and gan anon to slepe, 1260
As hym sempte / that tyme for the beste.
And whil that* he lay thus forto reste,
Of aventure / ther cam / a knyghtf ryding1,
The worthiest1 in this world lyvyng1, 1264
Curteys, lowly / and right* vertuous,
As seith myn autowr / Called Tidyus,
Eurous in Armes / and manly in werkyng*,
Of his byrthe / sone vnto the kyng* 1268
Of Calydonye / a londe of gret1 renoun.
And he, alias / out* of that* Kegiomi
Exiled was / for he his* brother sclowe,
As Stace of Thebes / writ1 the manere howe, 1272
Al be that1 he / to hym no malys mente.
For on a day / as they on huntyng1 wente
In a forest* / for herte / and for hynde,
So as he stod vnder a grene* lynde, 1276
And Casuelly / lete his Arow Slippe,
he slough his broder / called Menalippe,
Thorgh mortal sort1 / his honde was begyled :
For which / he was / banished* and exiled, 1280
As the lawe / narowe / sette his charge.
1259. surer] sure C. T0. P. E2. Ro. ]>e surer LI. Lb. M. Di. (in Ra. the added by
later hand), to] for to"C. T2. P. E2. 1260. leyde] lenyd Ad2. I. 1261.
sempte Bo. M. Ad^ 1262. "while Bo. Adr Ra. that] om. M. Di. fit. he] he bat
tyme P. (sec 1261). thus] om. P. 1264. The] One the C. P. E2. On of the T2.
in this] in be Bo. Tj. Du. Lv Lb. M. Di. Adr Ad.,. I. Ra. Ba. E:. S. T2. of the C.
P. £3. 1266. I-called Adj. Tidyus Ar. Bo. Du" Tideus G. Lj. Adj. Lb. Di. Ra.
C. L2. ThedeusAdo. I. T2. Tydyus Ej. Tydeus M.S. P. Ro. TydiusTj. 1268.
birth Bo. birthe M. Adj. the] a Adj. Ad2. I. 1269. Calydonye Ar. Adj. Ra.
Ej. S. Ap. Calidone Ro. Calidoyne Lb. Callidoyne Ad.^ I. E2. Calcidonye Bo.
Du. M. Di. Ba. Tj (altered into Calicdonye). Calcidoyne C. T2. Calcidoue LI.
Lg. Calcydoun P. (cp. 1405). 1271. his] is Ar. LI. sclowe Ar. (the copyist first
wrote slogh, but underdotted this and added sclowe ; cp. 1278). slow G. Bo. Tj.
Lb. M. Adj. sloughe P. slew T2. scleughe Ro. 1272. Stace Bo. Lb. Ra.
Stas Adj. Stage 1^. Ro. >e Stace Di. thestage C. writ] wrote Du. 1273. that
he to hym no malys] that he no malice to hym L2. to hym that he no malyce Ro.
Lj. to] on C. T2. at P. ; in M. Di. 1273 and 1274 are transposed. 1275. and
for] and G. 1276. Ar. has a paiise-ntroke between vnder and a. grene Bo. M.
Adj. gren Ar. 1280. banshed Ar. G. banesshid Bo. banesshed M. Adj.
1281. As]AndDi.
for accidentally
shooting his
brother Mena-
lippus.
He, batterd by
the storm,
PT. II.] Polyncices wakes at the Neighing of Tideus's Steed. 55
And for this caas / he cam first to Arge,
IT Into the porche / wher polymyte slepe,
Of auenture / ere he toke eny kepe, 1284
The same nyghtt hidously beseyii
With the tempest1 / of thonder / wynde / and reyn ;
And filf also / anoy / and gretf damage,
Thorgh the Forest1 holding his passage, 1288
As Polymyte hadde* do to-forn,
In peryl ofte / likly to be lorn,
"With beestes rage / set1 on euery side,
Til of grace with-outen eny guyde 1292
He rode thorgh Arge / the grete myghty toun,
Streght1 to the paleys / and the chief dongoun,
Lich" as I tolde / wher polymyte lay ;
And at4 his comyng / made a gret1 affray, 1296
For he was blynde / forgh derknesse of the nyghf ,
And hym to gwye* / he ne fonde no lijtf
whan he cam lime / of prikef nor of torche,
Til he vnwarly / entred the porche, 1300
And wold han take ther / his herbygage.
But1 Polymyte / stertf vp in a rage,
Sodeynly awaked / as I rede,
with the nyinge / of his proude stede. 1304
And first1 of al / whan that1 he byhelde
A knyght1 y-armed / vpon his brestt a shelde,
1285. hidously] hidiously Lb. 1286. omitted in Ba. With] of C. of] om.
Lb. C. T2. wynde] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. P. E2. and] and of K2. 1287. filt Bo.
Tj. felt Lb. M. Adj. Ra. also] om. To. anoy] noye M. Di. P. noo Ba. and]
om. Ba. and a To. 1289. As] And G. hadde Di. Ej. S. had Ar. Bo. Ta. Lb.
Adj. toforn Ar. T0. E.2. L.2. Ro. beforn Bo. and all the rest. 1290. oft Bo.
ofte M. Adj. 1292. withoute Bo. M. Ad:. guyde M. gyde Bo. Adi. 1293.
grete Bo. gret M. grete] strong Ad3. Ad.,. I. Ra. Ba. S. 1297. ]>orgh] >orugh be
Bo. Du. Ba. for Ro. 1298. to] for "to M. Di. gwye TP guyejM. Di. Ba.
gwy Ar. G. gye Bo. Du. Adj. guyed Ra. ne] om. Bo. Tj. Du. La. Lb. M. Di.
Adj. Ado.. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. P. he ne fond no] fonde he no M. Di. fonde]
founde 1^. Ba. 1299. cam] come Du. M. Di. C. nor Ar. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
ne Bo. and all the rest. 1300 entred] enterid La. Ap. entrid in Ra. Ro.
entred into Ba. C. T2. Eo. 1300. omitted in 1^. 1301. haue Bo. M. take M.
taken Bo. Adj. herbygage M. Ada. herbergage Bo. 1302. in] on G.
1304. nying Bo. neieng M. neing Adj. proude Bo. M. proud Adj. proude]
om. G. 1305. And] But G. 1306. y-armed] armed M. Di. C. vpon in all
the MSS. , except in P. E2. that have and on. brest] hors Di.
rides thru
Argos,
[leaf 22]
and into the
Porch where
Polyneices lies.
Polyneices
wakes,
56 Polyneices leaps on his horse and threatens Tideus. [PT. n.
leaps on his
horse,
and abuses
Tideus,
who answers
gently,
and says he was
driven in by the
tempest,
And gan the maner / of his aray aduerte,
Of verrey Ire / vpon his hors he sterte, 1308
And cruelly gan tydinges enquere
Whennys he cam / or what he dede there,
And bad in hast1 / his answer to devise.
And Tydeus, in ful humble wise, 1312
Answerd? ageyn / of verrey gentillesse,
And seid in soth / that1 of hegh distresse,
Of the tempest1 / and the derke nyght1,
he dryven was / lich an erraimt knyght, 1316
Of nede only / and of* necessite
And high constreyntt / of his adversite,
To take loggyng1 / wher so that1 he myghtf ;
And in that1 courte / therfor he alight1 1320
With-oute more*, thenkyng1 non outrage
Nor to no wight1 / noyeng* ne damage.
Than Polymyte / of malys / and hegh pride
Tolde hym shortly / he shulde* not1 abide, 1324
Nor logge ther / thogh he had it1 sworn.
" For I," quod he / " toke it1 vp to-forii
And wil it1 kepe during1 al this nyght*,
I seie the platly / maugre al thy myghf." 1328
H Quod Tydeus / 'that is no curtesie
1309. tydinges Ar. G. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. S. tydynge Ej. tithendes Ra. Ba.
TediusBo. Tydeus Tj. P. Ap. TidyusDu. Tideus Lx. Lb. C. E2. 1^. Thydeus Ro.
Thedeus Tg. enquere] tenquere Adi. Ra- to enquere Ad2. I. Ba. S. 1310.
"Whennys Ar. Tj. Adj. M. Whens G. Bo. Du. Lb. Ra. C. T2. cam] come M. Di. Ra.
C. Ta. or] and G. La. M. Di. S. P. E^. 1^. Ro. dede Ar. Ra. dide Tv Du. M. did
Bo. Lb. Ba. ded G. 1311. bad] bad hym Du. 1313. gentillesse] gentilnesse
Lb. Lj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. P. L2. Ro. Ap. 1314. that] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra.
Ba. S. C. T2. P. £3. Ro. that he Lb. hegh] full highe T2. Ro. his Ra. Ba.
1315. derke Bo. Adj. derk M. 1317. and of] and Ar. G. C. 1^. Ro. Ap. and
great E^. 1318. high constreynt] hih constreynyng Ra. high constrened Ba.
him constreined C. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. hije conuersaunt Di. his] gret C. T2. P. E2.
1320. in] om. Du. courte] place Ad2. I. therfor] wherefore Bo. Du. Lb. P. he]
om. Du. 1321. more Bo. M. Adj. mor Ar. G. thenkyng Ar. G. Bo. Du. M.
Adj. C. binkyng Lj. T2. L^ Ro. non] of any Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. name Du.
non outrage] no damage Ro. ; pause-bar in Ar. after thenkyng. 1322. Nor to] Ne
to Lb. P. Ner to do M. Di. .no] om. G. noyeng nor Bo. Lj. noyeng ne Du.
M. Di. noyeng no Tj. moving ne Ar. mouyngno Adj. Ad^ I. S. mevyngno G.
raeuyng noo 1^. P. Ap. meenyng no Ra. Ba. Ej. C. T2. E2 (meaning), no maner
Lb. to do no Ro. damage] outrage Ro. 1324. shuld Ar. shold M. Adj.
shulde Bo. 1326. toforn Ar. G. T2. Lg. Ro. Ap. beforn Bo. aiid the rest.
1327. kepe Bo. M. Adj. 1329. curtasye Bo. Du. curtesye M. curteisie Adj.
and that he
means no harm.
Polyneices de-
clares he shan't
stay there.
[leaf 22, back]
PT. II.]. Polyneices challenges Tideus. They fight.
has no more
right to the
porch than he
has,
and asks leave
to stop.
But Polyneice
says they must
fight.
Me to deuoyde / but rather vileynye,
$if $e take hede / that1 seme a gentil knyght1.
And I suppose / je han / no title of right1 1332
To this loggyng1 / be way of heritage,
More than haue I, for alle ^oure fell e rage.
And parde / jifr it1 shal be no desese,
Til to morowe thogh 30 do me ese, 1336
Of gentillesse / only with ^oure leve ;
To suffre me / it1 shal litil greue.'
11 But1 ay the more Tydeus spak faire,
Polymyte was fro ward / and contrayre, 1340
And shortly seide / it1 geyneth not1 to stryve ;
That1 of force he shal devoide blyve,
Or vttrely / a-twen hem bothe two
This thyng1 to Trie' / he most haue ado. 1344
1T And Tydeus, seyng / no bettre mene,
Ful lik a knyght1 / in steel y-armed* clene,
With-ouf abood / faste gan hym spede
"Wonder lyvely / forto take his stede, 1348
And thus thies knyghte's / pompous and ellaf.
For litil cause' / fillen at1 debatf.
And as they ranne to-gider on* horsbak,
Euerich on other / first1 his spere brak. 1352
And after that1 / ful surquedous of pride,
With sharpe swerdes / they to-gyder ryde
Ful yrously / thise myghty champiourcs,
In her fury / lik1 Tygres or lyouws. 1356
1330. vilonye Bo. Du. velonye Di. vilenye Adj. 1334. fel Bo. II. Adj.
1337. with] by Bo. Tx. Du. Lr Lb. M. Di. Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S.
1338. shal] shal you Lo. shal but C. T2. P. E^ Ro. 1339. more Bo. M. Adx.
1340. contrayre] contrarie Du. 1341. not] om. I. 1342. of force] of deuorce
Lj. shal] shulde P. 1343. a-twen] bitwene Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. Ba.
Ej. S. both Bo. bothe M. Adj. om. Lj. 1343 and 1344 omitted in Ad2. and I.
1346. armed Ar. Bo. and all the other MSS. (cp. 1306). clene] brith Lx (: mene).
1347. faste Ad:. fast Bo. M. 1348. Wonder] Wondirly Ba. lyvely] lifli Lj.
C. T2. lyghtly Ej. forto] to Ba. C. T2. take] stride E«. bestride C. T2. P.
1350. fillen Bo. Adx. fellen M. 1351. ranne] ronne Lj. Lb."M. Di. C. rydden P.
on]orAr. ; in Ar. a pause-bar after they and anotlier after ranne. 1352. Euerich]
either C. T2. P. E,. 1^. Ro. first] om. P. his] her Bo. T^ M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. P. spere] speres Ba. Ad2. P. brak] to brak M. T2. 1354.
sharpe Bo. Ada. sharp M.
They charge
one another,
break their
spears,
II How Tydeus
and Polymyte
strif for her
loggyng.
and attack with
swords.
58
Adrastus stops Polyneices and Tideus fighting. [PT..II.
[leaf 23]
Adrastus wakes.
and sends his
men to them.
Adrastus's folk
tell him two
knights are
fighting in his
palace.
He comes down,
bids them stop
fighting,
takes their
swords away,
and tells em
they're great
fools.
And* as they hurtle / that1 all be paleis shoke,
kyng1* Adrastus / out1 of his slep awoke,
And made in hast1 his chamberleynes calle,
And J>orgh the courte / his worthy knyghtes alle, 1360
Comaundyng1 hem to descende and se,
And reporte / what1 if myghte be,
This wonder noyse / in his courte be nyght.
And whan they saugh two strauwge knyghtes fight1 1364
In platys bright1 / and in thikke* maile,*
with-oute luge /, they hadde grete nwvaile* ;
And disamayed / of this vnkouth Jring1,
As they fond / tolde* to the kyng1. 1368
1T And Adrastus / for derknesse of the nyght,
From his Chambre / with many torche * light1
Into the courte / is discended down,
AH his meyne / stondyng en-vyrouw, 1372
Of thyes knyghtes having1 ful gret wonder.
And of manhode / he put1 hem first1 a-sonder,
Hem comaundyng / lich a gentil kyng1,
To leuen her strif and sesen of her* fighting1; 1376
And entred Inne with a knyghtly loke,
And first1 fro hem / her swerdes both he took,
1357. And] om. in all the MSS. (see 1. 1358 and Notes), hurtle] hurtled Lj. P.
LZ. that] am. Ra. Ba. P. 1^. Ro. 1358. kyng] And kyng all the MSS. out]
om. Ra. Ba. his] om. G. 1359. chamberleyns Bo. M. Adj. 1362. And]
And to P. And make Lb. reporte Bo. M. Adj. what] what that M. Di. T2. Ro.
mighte Adj. might Bo. M. 1364. They] The Ar. two] tho G. 1365. and
in] and Adj. Ad2. I. thikke Bo. Tj. Di. Adj. Ra. T2. thik Ar. G. Lb. M. Ba. C.
maile] male Ar. 1366. mervaile] mervale Ar. T1. 1367. And] And were E2.
disamayed] dismaied Lj. Lb. M. Di. C. T0. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. 1368. As] And
as LJ. Lb. Eo. Lyke as S. fond Ar. G.'Ba. fonde Bo. Du. Tj. Lb. M. Di. Ap.
founde Lr Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. To. Eo. l^. Ro. tolde G. C. E2. Ro. Ap. toolde Lb.
told Ar. T2. L2. tolde bei Bo. Du. Ej. talde thei Tj. tolden they M. Di. tolde
alle Ro. ]> ei tolde Lj. Adi. Ad2. I. Ba. S. to] vnto LJ. T2. om. S. Ro. to the on
to Ap. And as they founde hit, tolde hit to be kynge P. As thei we fonde the
told to the kyng Ra. 1370. with] went with LJ. many] many a Adj. Ad2. I.
Ra. om. Lj. torche M. Adj. Ra. torch Ar. torches Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Ej. E2.
1373. ful] om. M. Di. S. C. T2. P. E2. 1374. he] om. Lj. P. first] om. Bo.
both Lj. put hem first] first putt hem To. a-sonder] on sender Lj. in sonder Lo..
1375. gentil] getil (miswritten) Ar. 1376. leuen Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Adj. E2.
leeue M. Ra. C. T2. P. L2. Ro. sesen Ar. Ra. P. cessen Ad2. T2. E2. cese Bo. Du.
Lb (seese). Lo. (sese). cesse Tj. M. Adj. C. of] om. Ba. her] om. Ar. G. T2. E.J.
fighting] fight Ba. 1378. her swerdes both] both her swerdes M. Di. C.
both] om. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. he] om. P.
PT. IL] Polyneices and Tideus submit to Adrastus. 59
Affermyng1 ek, as to his fantasie,
If was a Eage / and a gretf folye 1380
So wilfully / her lyves / to luparte,
with-oute luge / her querel to departe,
And specialy / in the derke* nyght1
Whan neither myght of other han no sight*, 1384
Charging* hem vpon peyne of her lif
To disseuer and styntyn of her strif.
[leaf 23, back]
IT And Tydeus in al the hasf he myghf,
Ful humblely* from his stede alight1. 1388
submits to
And right mekely / with cheer and contenance Adrastus,
Put1 hym hooly in the gouernance
and so does
Of Adrastus / in al maner f ing1. Poiyneices.
And Polymyte / mad ek no tarying1* 1392
To light also / and wolde* not* wibsey
The kyngges biddy ng1 / lowly to obey,
So as hym ought* / with due* reuerence.
And as thei stoode* / both in his presence, 1396
He gan enquere first1 / of her estaatt,
The cause also why they weren afr debaf , ttfemth^the'y
Of her cuntrees / sothly and her age,
I-axed ek / touching1 her lynage, 1400
Be discenf of what1 stok ]>ei were born.
And Tydeus his answer / gaf to-forn ; Tideus my*
Tolde pleynly / and made no lesyng1,
1380. and a] and G. 1382. Inge] a luge Ad2. I. 1383. derke Bo. Adj.
derk Ar. M. 1384. Whan] And whanne T0. myglit] mygh Ar. haue Bo. M. Adj.
no Ar. Ap. eny Bo. Tx. Lx. Lb. a M. Di.'Ado. I. Ej. S. To. P. Lo. Ro. no] (>m.
Du. Adj. Ra. Ba. C. Eo,. myghte of other han]" of other myght haiie Ej. 1385.
Charging] Charching A~r. C. vpon] on Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ex. Ra. vp
Ad.,. I. C. P. Eo. Ap. of Adj. Ba. in S. of] on Ra. Ba. her] om. I. C. 1388.
humbly Ar. Bo." Tx. Ad^ humbely M. Di. To. humbyly G. humble Lb. Ra. (cp.
1631, 3746). alight] he light Du. 1389" right] righ Ar. 1392. tarying]
taryng Ar. 1393. light] ligh Ar. alight Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Ej. hie C. T2. P.
highe him Eo. wolde G. Bo. Lb. Di. Adj. wold Ar. M. Ra. C. woll P. wolde
itEj. 1395. due Bo. M. Adj. diewAr. dewG. 1396. in Ar. a pause-bar
also between thei and stood, stode Bo. Tj.- M. Ra. stoode Lb. stood Ar. G. Adx.
1398. Between also and why in Ar. qui crossed through, weren Ar. G. were Bo. Ada.
1399. cuntrees] cuntree Ad^ Ado. I. and] and of Adj. Ado. I. 1400. I-axed
Ar. G. He asked Bo. Tj. Du. La. Lb. M. Adj. Ado. I. Ra. Ej. S. And axed C.
T2. P. Ro. Ap. And asked Di. Ba. L2. And asked hem E2. ek Ar. eke Bo.
also C. 1403 to 1468 lost in C. 1403. made Bo. M. mad Adj.
60 Polyiieices says he is Jocasta's son. Adrastus knows his Father.
and is banisht. Qf Caledoyn / and rijtful heir1 therto ;
And of his exile / the soth he told also,
As $e han herde / in the storye rad.
Poiyneices And Polymyte / with cheer and face sad,
vnto Jje kyng / touching1 his centre,
Seyde he was born / in thebes J>e Cite,
says Jocasta was And locasta, the grete famous quene,
his mother,
but holds his
tongue about
his father.
Still, Adrastus
knows all about
it.
his moder was / with-outen* eny wene.
But* of his fader / whilom kyng* and lord,
For verray shame he spak not* a word,
Only for he / jif I shal not1 feyne,
his fader was / and brother bothe* tweyne :
The which, in soth / he was ful loth to telle.
And eke the kyng1 / wold hyra not1 compelle
Of gentillesse / but1 bad, with-oute blame,
Of his birthe* / forto haue no shame ;
For hool the caas / and maner euery deH,
Touchyng* his kynne / he knewe fe ground ful wel,
lich as it1 was, by ful clier report* ;
Enforsyng1 hyrn forto do comfort*,
with aH his myght* / and his bysy peyne,
This manly kyng* / to the knyghtes tweyne,
And to hem seide'/ aforn hym as they stood,
He wiste wel / fat* of ful worthy blood
They were dyscended / touchy ng* ther kynrede.
And made in hast* / his offi cere's * lede
1403
1412
1420
1424
1428
He has the
princes
1404. that] om. T2. E^. Lo. Ro. sone Ar. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Adj. To, sonne
Ro. son Bo. Ap. to] vnto Lj. Ra. Ba. T2. P. £5. L^. Ro. on to Ap. 1405.
Caledoyn Ar. Caleoyn G. Calidoyne Lb. S. Calidonye Adj. Ej. Calydone Ra.
Callidoun Ad2. I. Calcedoyne Bo. M. Di. T2. E2. Lg. Ap. Calcidoyne Du.
Calecdoyne TV Calcidonye Lj. Ba. Ro. Calcidon P. fi3tful] right Lj. 1406.
his] be Lj. Ej. om. Bo. TV Du. M. Adj. S. solh] cause T2. P. Eo.. Lo. Ro. Ap.
1410. Seyde] Seid bat Lx. J>e] >at Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Ra. S. • 1411. grete Bo.
gret M. Adj. 1412. withouten Di. Ej. L.2. withoute Ar. Bo. Du. Lb. M. Adj.
Ad^ I. Ra. T2. P. without G. TV LJ. E2. 1414. not] neuerM. Di. T2. E2. nat
of Ba. a] oo Lb. oon Ba. 1416. bothe Bo. M. Adj. both Ar. 1418. wolde
Bo. wold M. Adj. 1420. birth Ar. G. Bo. Ra. birthe TV Lb. M. Adj. forto]
to Ra. 1424. Enforsyng] In forthryng Ad2. I. 1426. the] these M. Di. Ad2. I.
Ba. Et. S. P. E,,. Lo.. Ro. 1427. aforn] afon Ar. 1428. wist Bo. M. Adj.
weleBo. wilLb. )>at]o?w. Di. ful] fully Ad2. om. Dn. Ej. S. P. worthy] riall Lj.
gentyle Ro. 1430. officeres Lb. officeris Di. officers Ar. G. Bo. M. Adj. Ra.
PT. II.] Adrastus sends Polymices and Tideus to his Palace. 61
The straunge knyghtes / beyng1 atf clebat1,
Thorgh his paleys / to chambres of estaf,
Eche by hym-silf / forto take his ese.
And euery Jjing1, in soth, that myghf hem plese,
was offred hem / lich to her estates.
And whan they weren / disarmed of her platis,
Cusshewes / Greues / and her sabatons,
her harneys voyded / and her habergons,
TVeyne* mantels / vnto hem wer broght,
Frett1 with peerle / and riche stonys, wroght
Of cloth of golde / and veluyt cremysyn,
Ful richely furred with hermyn,
To wrap hem Inne / ageyn the cold<? morowe,
After the rage / of her nyghtes sorowe,
To take her reste / til* J?e sonne* arise.
And than }>e kyng1 / in ful prudent1 wise,
First of alle / was not1 rekkeles
J?e knyghtes hertes / for* to sett1 in pees,
that* euer after, I dar affernie it wel,
Eche was to other trew as eny stele
During her lif / both in word and dede,
vnder a knotte / bounde of broberhede*.
IT And Adrastus / j?e worthy kyng famous,
A feeste made / riche and plenteuous,
1139 led to state-
rooms.
1436 Tideus and Poly-
iieices disarm,
1440
1444
1448
1452
are clad in rich
garments
and furd wraps,
and then rest.
Adrastus makes
them friends,
and each is then
true to the other.
[leaf 24, back]
Adrastus feasts
them,
1435. hem] to hem Lb. M. haue T.2. 1437. Cusshewes Ar. Bo. Tj. M.
Adj. Ra. Cusshews Lx. Cushens Lb. Cusshwes Ba. Cusshens E.2. and her
sabatons] solieres and haberions Ra. Ba. 1438. voyded] voyde La. habergons]
lambisons Ra. Ba. 1439. Tweyne Ra. Tweyn Ar. G. Bo. T:. Adx. Twey Lb.
M. Two T2. mantels Ar. Tj. M. Adj. mantles Ra. mantelles Bo. manteles G.
Lb. mantelis To. vnto Bo. M. to Adj. were Adj. wernBo. 1440. Frett M.
Adj. Ep E2. Freyt Bo. Tj. S. Freight Lb. peerle (perle) in all the MSS.
and] and with P. 1440. omitted in G. 1441. veluet cremesyn Bo. velwet
crimsin Adj. 1442. Ar. has a pause-bar after furred, ermyn Bo. M. Adz.
1443. colde Bo. M. cold Adj. 1444. her] the M. Di. 1445. rest Bo. M.
reste Adj. til] to Ar. G. Ba. Ro. sonne Bo. M. Adj. sone Ar. 1447. was] he
was E2. not] nothyng Ej. rekkeles Ar. rekeles P. E2. rekelesse Ro. reklesT2.
L9. Ap. reccles Lj. reccheles Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adx. AcL>. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. rechles
Bo. 1448. for to] to Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S.
so G. set] serue Ra. Ba. 1450. was to other] to other was P. trew] as trewe
Bo. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. T0. L> Ro. 1451. in] their Ba. word] wordes Lj. worke
Bo. Tj. Ap. werk M". Di". Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ep S. wark Ba. and] and in M.
1452. knotte G. Bo. Adj. knot M. brotherede Ar. brotherhed G. brothrehede
Bo. bretherhed M. Adj. 1454. feste Bo. Adj. fest M. made Bo. M. Adj.
62 Polyneices and Tideus are ckarmd with Adrastus's Daughters.
and sends for his
daughters,
who come in
like the glad
morning star,
heavenly fresh
and pleasant to
the strangers.
Tideus and
Polyneices think
the girls celes-
tial beings,
To thise knyghtes /, hym-silf ther-af present*.
And after mete / ful goodly he haj? sent, 1456
This noble kyng1 / for his doghters dere,
Of gentyllesse / forto make chere
To the knyghtes / come fro so ferre.
And lik in soth / as lucyfer the sterre 1460
Gladeth the morow / at1 his vprysing1,
So thoo ladies / at her In-comyng4,
With the stremes / of her eye'n clere,
Goodly apport1 / and wommanly manere, 1464
Contenaunce* / and excellent1 fayrnesse,
To alle the court / broghten In gladnesse.
For the fresshnesse* / of Her heuenly cheres
So agreable was to the straun-gers, 1468
At her Entre / that1 in especial*
hem thoghtf it lik a thyng1 Celestial ;
Enhastyng1 hem / in ful knyghtly wise
ageynes hem / goodly to arise. 1472
And as they mette / with humble Contenaunce,
Ful konyngly / did her obseruatmce,
Hem conveying1 / to her sitting-place.
But1 sothly I haue* leyser non nor space 1476
To reherce / and putt in remewbraurcce,
Hooly the maner / of her daliaunce.
If were to longe / for }ou to abide.
1455. To] -And G. knynghtes Ar. S. has omitted 1455 second half to 1459
second half, so that 1455 reads: To thes knyghtes come for (sic) so fer.
1458. for to] to Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. P. make] make hem Bo.
Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. P. make hem bothe Lb. 1459.
come Ar. G. S. E2. comen Tx. T2. L.2- Ro. com Ap. ycome Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ez. J>at com P. fro] from Lb. Ra. Ro. P. so] om. Ba.
1462. thoo] the Lx. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. thilk M.
Di. In-comyng] horn coming Adj. Ad2. I. 1464. apport] of porte Du. Lb. Ad2.
I. P. Ap. manere] chere Lj. of manere Ad2. I. 1465. Contenaunce] Con-
tenaunces Ar. G. T2. E.,. 1467. fresshnesse] frocchnesse Ar. 1469. her] the
Ro. especial] special"Ar. G. Bo. TI. M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. Ap. (cp. 2823).
1470. AT. has a pause-bar after it. 1472. ageyns Bo. ayens M. ageinst Adj.
to arise Bo. M. for tarise Adj. for til anise Ad2. I. 1473. humbly G.
1474. konyngly Adj. konnyngly Bo. did Bo. dide M. dede Adx.
1476. haue Bo. M. Adj. ha Ar. nor Ar. Ra. T2. ne Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Ad,. L .
1479. for jou to abide] to you tabide Adj. Acl2. I.
PT. II.] Polyncices & Tideusfall in love with Adrastus's Girls. 63
But wel I woot / that1 the god Cupide,
By influence / of his myghty hon<J
And the feruence / of his firy brond?,
Her metyng1 first1 / fortuned hath so wel,
That1 his arowes* / of gold, and not1 of stiel,
Iperced han / the knyghtes hertes tweyii,
Thorgh the brest1 / with such" a lusty peyii
That* ther abood / sharpe / as spere or lamzce,
Depe yfiched / the poynf of remembrance,
which may not1 / lightly / raced ben away.
And thus in loye / they dryve forth fe day
In Play and Eeuel / for the knyghte's sake.
And towardes nyght1 / they her chambres take
At due* tyme / as her fader bad,
And on her way / the knyghte's han hem lad
Eeuerently vp be many staire ;
Takyng1 lieve / gan anon repaire
To her logging1 / in a f ul statly toure,
Assigned hem / be the harberioure.
And after spice's / pleynly, and the wyii
In Coppes grete / wroght1 of gold ful fyii,
With-oute tarying1 / to bedde* streght1 they gon.
Touchyng1 her reste /, wher thei slepte or noil,
Demeth 30 louers / that1 in such nianer thing1
Bexperience han fully knowlecchyng1 ;
1480 and at once
[leaf 25]
1484
1488
1492
1496
fall in love with
them.
They have
games and fun
all day,
and then take
the ladies to
their tower.
1500
The 2 lovers
drink wine,
and go to bed,
but of course
can't sleep.
1504
1480. wel I woot] y woot wel Adj. Ad,. I. 1482. firy Bo. fuyri Adj.
fury Du. 1483. fortuned hath] hath fortuned Di. 1484. arowes G. Bo. M.
harowes Ar. arwes Adj. gold] om. G (loue added by later hand above the line).
steel Bo. TJ. Adj. stel M. G. 1488. yfiched] y-fixed Ej. ficchid Tj. AI. Di.
Adj. Ad2 (fixhed). I. Ra (fechchid). Ba. C. S. the] to Ad.2. I. 1491. and] or Bo.
knyghtes] kyuges LJ. 1492. towardes Bo. toward Adj. 1493. At] Ad Ar.
due Bo. Adj. dieu Ar. dewe G. 1495. many] many a Bo. Du. LJ. Lb. Di.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. EJ. S. T2. P. E.2. Ro. Ap. 1496. Takyng] Taken Ad2. I.
lieve Ar. G. leeue Bo. C. leue TJ. Adj. T2. leef AI. here leve Lb. P. gan]
gonne M. T.2. and gan Ap. 1498. herbergeoure Bo. herbergour Adj.
herbeioure M. 1500. cuppes Bo. Adj. coupes Ro. grete Bo. AI. Adj. gold]
om. G. 1501. to bed Ar. Bo. and all, except to bedde Lb. Ej. S. Ap. to
bedde] om. P. to bedde streght] streightto bed Lj. Ra. Ba. Ro. 1502. wher Ar.
wheber Bo. whedir Ra. whyther Ro. wer Ad:. 1503. Je] the P. 1504.
by experience Bo. AI. Adj. Ra. han Bo. AI. Adj. Ra. fully] ful Lj. AI. Di. Adj.
Ad2- L Ra. Ba. fwlly such S. knowlecchyng Ar. Bo. Adj. knowlachynge Lj.
knowliching S. knowlegeynge Ro. knowyng Lb. P. Ap.
64 Adrastus sees his Dream-beasts on the 2 Princes' shields. [PT. II.
Adrastus lies
awake,
[leaf 25, back]
doubting
whether he shall
wed his girls to
Tideus and
Polyneices,
because of his
Dream of the
Wild Boar and
the Lion, p. 52.
For if is naf declared / in my boke.
But1 as I fynde / the kyng1 al nyghtf woke,
Thoghtful in herte / the story specifies,
Musing1 sore / and ful of fantasies ; 1508
First aduerting1 / Jje grete worthynesse
Of this knyghtes / and the semlynesse,
Her lusty jouth / her force / and her manhode,
And how thei weren y-come of Eoyal blode. 1512
Al this he ganne / to reuolue aboute,
Ay in his herte / hauyng* a maner doute,
A-tweue two / hangyng* / in balaunce
where he shulde* / maken an aliauwce 1516
A-twene his doghtren / and the knyghtes tweyn.
For on thyng1 / ay / his herte gan constreyn,
The remembrance / of his avisioun,
Of which to-forn / I made' menciou?^, 1520
Touchyng1 / }>e lyon / and the wilde boor,
It1 nedeth naf / to reherce itf mor,
Casting alway / in his Fantasie,
What1 it1 myghte / cleerly signyfie, 1524
This dirke dreme / ; this was hid arid cloos.
But1 on the morowe / Adrastus vp aroos,
And to the temple / the ri^te way he took,
And gan preie / deuoutly on his book 1528
To the goddes / his dreme to specefie.
sees these Beasts And they hym bad homward! forto hye,
knights"' shields, And to beholde / in the knyghtes sheldys
1506. alnyght Ar, 1512. weren Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. EJ. were (wer) all the rest.
ycome Ar. Ap. comen Du. Ra. EJ. C. L2. come all the rest, thei weren ycome]
comen thei were C. Royal Ar. Bo. Adj. T2. rj*al C. E.,. full riall Lj. worthy
S. Ro. hygh Ap. 1515. A-twene] Bi twene Bo. Tj". Du. L,. Lb. M. Di. Adj.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. EJ. S. P. in] in a G. Lj. Ad.,. I. Ra. Ba. E^ C. E2. L^. 1516.
where Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. Adj. were G. whe]>er Lx. M. Di. shulde Ta. Du. Lx.
Di. Adj. shuld Ar. G. Bo. M. 'raaken A. makyn G. make Bo. Tj. M. Adj.
an] any G. Lj. 1517. A-twene Bo. M. Adj. doghtres Bo. doughtres M. Adj.
1520. Of] om. P. which] whome Bo. T?. Du. Lj. Lb. to-forn (to fore)] therfore
Ej. I made] made I haue M. Di. made is C. P. E2. makid is T.,. mencioun] a
mencion E2. 1522. nedeth] nede Lo. it] om. Lb. Ra. Ba. mor] no more L\.
M. Di. C. Tp E2. 1524 and 1525 arc transposed in I. 1526. aroos] rose Ra.
Ba. he ros Ad:. Ad* I. 1527. right Bo. M. Adj. 1528. preie] to pi-ay Lb.
Ad2. I. on] in Lb. " 1530. forto] to G. 1531. beholde Bo. M. Adj.
Next day he
and they explain
his dream,
PT. n] Adrastus sees his Dream-beasts, on the Princes' Shields. 65
The felle beestys / peynted in the feeldys ; 1532
Which shal to hym /, be cleer inspecciowz,
Ful pleynly / make declaraciou?*
Of his dreme / which he hadde in the nyght.
And Adrastus / enhasted hym ful ri^fr 1536
In her Sheldes wisly to beholde.
Wher that he saugh / as the goddes tolde,
In the Sheldes / hangyng1 vpon hokys,
The beestes rage / with her mortal lokys*.
And to p?<rpos, lik as writ1 Bochas,
Polymyte / ful streght1 enbraced was
In the hyde / of a feerce lyouw.
And Tydeus / abouen his haberiouw 1544
A Gypon hadde / hidous / sharpe and hoor,
wroght1 of the bristels / of a wylde boor.
The whiche* beestis / as the story lerys,
wer wroght1 / and bete / vpon her banerys, 1548
Displaied broode* / whan they shulde fight.
wherof the kyng1 / whan he haddo a sight*
Att hys repeir / in herte was ful glad,
And with a face / ful demur and sad 1552 Adrastus
with his lordes, that1 he about hym hadde,
To the temple / he thys knyghtes ladde.
And whan they hadde / with aH circumstau/ices
Of Eytys olde / don her obserucrances, 1556
1540 as Boccaccio
says.
[leaf 26]
Polyneices's
shield has a
lion's hide ;
and Tideus's
gipon is of wild-
boars' bristles.
takes Tideus
and Polyneices
to the temple,
1532. beestys peynted] peinted bestes Adj. Ad^ I. in] of Du. Adj. Ad2. I.
1535. which] bat Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad0. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. in]
on S. C. T2. P. L2. Ap. 1536. enhasted] hasted M. Di. 1537. her] the M.
wisly] wise Lj. auisely T^ 1537 second half to 1539 second half is omitted in
Du. Di. and Ej., so that 1537 reads : In her Sheldes hangyng vpon hokes Du. Di.
Ej. 1538. that] tha Ar. as LJ. Lb. P. as] )>at Bo. 1539. vpon] vppe in T2.
1540. lokes G. Lb. Ra. L2. Ro. Ap. hokys Ar. Adj. Ad2. Ej. crokes Bo. Tv Du.
Lx. M. Di. I. Ba. S. C. T2. P. E2. (see Notes). 1541. writ] wryteth Adj. Ad2. I.
S. writh Ra. 1544. abouen Ar. G. Bo. Du. Adj. Ra. T2. aboue Tj. M.
habergon Bo. Adj. habirgoun Tx. 1545. gipon Bo. gepon Adj. gryphoun
Ad2. I. had Bo. Adj. cm. Ad2. I. 1546. bristles Adj. brestis Di. wilde Bo.
wild Adj. 1547. whiche Bo. which Adj. Ar (in Ar. followed by a pause-bar).
lerys] leres (:baners) Bo. Adj. 1548. bete Ar. G. Bo. Tj. M. Adj. Ra. Ej.
C. T2. P. E2. beete Ap. bet Du. bett Lj. Lb. betyn 1^. betten Ro. vpon]
on Adj. Ad2. I. 1549. Displayed Bo. Displayde Du. brode Bo. Adj. brood
Ar. 1555. had Bo. M. Adj. 1556. Of] With M. Di. rytes M. Adj. rightes
Bo. Lb. L2. her] his Bo. obseruaunces] observaunce ( : cyrconstaunce) Lj.
THEEES. ' F
06 Adrastus feasts, and talks to, Polyneices and Tideus. [PT.
and has a talk
with them.
Hom to the court* / they resort1 ageyn.
And in an halle / riche and wel beseyn,
This worthy kyng1 of herte lyberal,
then feasts them Made a feeste / solempne and Royal, 1 560
in his court,
Which" in deyntees* / surly dyd excelle.
But1 if were veyn / euery cours to telle,
her straunge sewes / and her sotyltees.
Ne how they sat1 / lik to her degrees ; 1564
For lak of tyme I laft it* ouerslyde.
And after mete / Adrastus toke a-syde
The knyghtes two / and lik a prudent1 man
In sykre wise / thus his tale he gan. 1568
," quod he / "I ne doute it nou^t
Jjat it is fressh" / and grene / ay in jour thojt
[leaf 26, back] How that1 first* / by goddys ordynauwce,
And after next1 / thorgh fatys purveawzce, 1572
And be workyng1 / of fortunes hond,
How that* $e weren broujt1 into this lond
Bo the* tweyn / But* now this laste* nyght' :
Of whoos comyng1 / I am ful glad and light 1576
First1 in my-self /, shortly to expresse,
whan I considre / and se the liklynesse
Of 3our personys / with the Circumstancys
And hool the maner / of jour gouernancys ; 1580
Seyng1 ful wel /, wherto shuldl I feyne,
3e likly be her-after to atteyn
1558. an] om. Bo. Di. Ra. Ba. E^ beseyn] beseen (:ayen) M. Di. 1560.
feest Bo. feste Adj. deyntees Bo. Lb. Adj. deyntys Ar. deyntes M. C.
deynteis Lg. Ba. surly] shortly Ro. 1563. and her] and other C. T2. E.2- 1565.
lak] lyt lak Ap. Ij they P. lat Ar. Bo. TJ. Adj. E2. letteEj. let P. 1^. leteLb.
Ro. leet Ad2. it] om. Ar. G. Bo. TV P. E^. Ap. ouerslyde] slide L2. Ro. 1567.
and] om. M. Di. 1568. In] and in Bo. T\. Lj. M. Di. secre G. Bo. Lb. M. T2.
Ap (cecre). secret Adj. Ra. Ej. Ro. secrett S. thus] and thus C. this IA
he gan] began Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. he began Ra. Ba. 1569.
ne] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. it] om. P. 1570.
it] om. Bo. Ad2. P. is] om. Ra. ay] om. Tj. Lb. M. Di. Ad2. S. T2. P. Lg. Ro.
Jour] my P. In M. the illuminated capital S of I. 1569 having been cut away, the
first letters 0/1570 and 1571 are gone, together with the words And after in I. 1572.
1571. goddys] the goddis Ra. 1572. thorgh] bi Adj. Ad^. I. honde with a dot
under e in Ar. 1574. How] Whw G. 1575. Bothe Bo. Adj. Both Ar.
laste Adj. last Ar. Bo. 1578. liknesse G. 1579. with] and Di. the] alle Ra. Ra
Circumstancys] Circumstaunce (:governannse) P. 1582. likly] lik Ada. Ad2.
PT. n] Adrastus will give his Daughters & Land to the Princes. 67
To* grete estat / and* habundaimce of good,
Thorgh joure birth / and jour" Royal blood ;
$e may not* fayle / but1 je haue wrong1,
For ^e are bothe* manly / and right1 strong1.
And forto sette ^oure hertes mor at1 reste
My purpoos is / I hope for the beste,
So that* in ^ou be no variance,
To make a knotte / as be allyauwce,
Atwixe* jow and my doghtres two,
$if ^oure hertes / accorde wel therto.
IT And for I am fully in dyspeyr
To succede for to ban an heir1,
Therfor }e shal han possessions,
Duryng1 my lyf / of half this Regiouw,
Forthwith* in hond? / and hool after my day.
Ther is no man / that* therto shal sey nay.
And sothly after / whan that* I am graue,
Eche of ^ow / shal his party haue
Of this kyngdam, as I haue provided ;
This to seyn / it* shal be devyded
A-twen ^ow two, euerich to be crowned,
3oure pourparties / be equyte compowned
So egally / in euery mannys sight1,
That1 ech" of $ow / reioyse shal his ryght1.
And by $our wit / 30 shul the lond amend,
And of manhode / knyghtly it diffend?
Ageyn oure enmyes / and oure mortal fon.
1 584
1588
1592
As Tideus and
Polyneices are
Adrastus pro-
poses that
they shall wed
his daughters,
have half his
land during his
1596 life>
and all after.
1600
1604
[leaf 27]
Eaoh shall have
an equal share,
1608 fid defend the
land against its
foes.
1583. To] The Ar. G. Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. and] of Ar. G. Adx. Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. ET. S. habundaunce Ar. G. Bo. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. T2. abundance C. 1^.
1584. and Jour] and Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Ra. Ba. C. P. 1586. bothe Adj. both
Ar. Bo. 1587. mor at reste] atte mor reste Adj. Ad2. I. 1591. Atwix Lb. Ra.
Atwixt Ar. G. Bo. Tv Atwixte Adj. Atwene M. T2. Bitwex Ad2. Bitwixe I.
1592. accord Bo. accorden Adj. wel] woll Ad9. 1594. for to] to Bo. Ba. an]
anyRa. 1596. half] haufe S. al Di. this] my C. T2. P. E2. 1597. Forth
with G. Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. C. forwith Ar. Di. Fourth with all T2. 1599.
whan] om. C. that] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adx. Ra. Ba. P. 1602.
This] This is G. Du. Lj. Lb, Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. C. T2. P. E.,. L2. Ro. That is
M. Di. 1603. A-twen Ar. Bo. Tx. M. Adj. Ra. Betwene Lj. Lb. Atwix Ba.
euerich Bo. euery Ra. eche M. Adj. 1607. shul Bo. shal Adj. Ra. 1609
oure enmyes] enemyes Bo. your enemyes M. Di. Ra. Ba. C. T2. and oure] and
youre Lj. M. Di. Ba. C. T2.
68
Tydeus accepts Adrastus' s offer.
[FJ\
They shall
reign ;
Adrastus will
abdicate,
hunt, and
take his ease.
And for the dates / passed ben and gem
Of my desyres / and my lusty ^outh",
I am fal set* / forto make' koutli
That1 je shal han / lik myn opynyoim,
The gouernaiwce / of this Kegioun.
To this entente / me semeth" for the beste,
3e to gouevne / and I to lyve in reste,
Fully to folowe / the lust of my desyris,
Hunte and hauke / in wodes and Kyverys
whan so euer / I haue* therto plesauwce,
And for to han / non other attendance
Vnto no thing1 / but1 vnto myn ese.
For which shortly / }if it agre and plese
That1 1 haue seid / to 3ou / that1 be so \vis,
And be according1 / vnto ^oure avis,
Delaieth not1 / but1 in wordes pleyfi,
What1 ^ow semeth / gif answere ageyn."
And whan Adrastus / hadde his tale fyned,
Tydeus / with hed / ful lowe enclyned,
As he that was / a verray gentyl knyght,
With al his power / and his fulle* myght
Ful humblely / thankede* the kyng1
Touchyng1 his profre of so high" a thyng1.
And for his parte / seide he wolde assente
Fully of herte /, neuere to repente,
To aH that1 euer the kyng1 ha]? sayd.
1611. and my] and of my Ad2. I. 1612. ful] om. T2. forto] to Ra. Ba. P.
make] make it Bo. Tx. Du. Lt. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. E2. 1613.
han Bo. haue M. Adj. 1614. The] The hool C." hool the T2. this] >e Bo.
this my P. al this E2. 1616. I] me Lj. L.2. ; in Ra. a later hand has altered Je
to gouerne into that ye shold rule. 1619. I haue (ha Ar.) therto] ther-to I haue
M. Dj. 1621. Vnto no] To no M. Di. vnto myn] to myn Adj. Ad2. I. 1622.
For which] Wherfore M. Di. T2. it] ye P. 1624. be] it be Bo. Tj. Du. Lt. Lb.
Ra. Ba. be it Adj. Ad2. I. S. by L.2. vnto] to P. 1625. Delaieth] Delayeth
it M. Di. Ba. L2. 1626. What] That L^. Ro. gif] yeueth M. Di. 1628. ful]
om. Bo. Adj. Ad2. I. with hed ful lowe] ful low with hed M. Di. 1630. and his]
and Adv Ad2. I. ful Ar. Bo. Adj. 1631. humblely Ar. Ap. humbeli Lj. M.
Di. Adj. P. humbly Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ad2. Ej. S. C. T2. Eo. Lo. Ro.
thankede] thanked Ar. and all the other MSS. except bankyng Bo. P. (sec Notes).
1632. his] be G. 1633. seide he] he seide he G. Ad^ I. In P. assent has been
erased and be content written by a later hand with paler ink. 1635. that euer] that
euer that S. Lg. Ro. Ap. the] om. S. sayde (e underdotted) Ar. (see Notes).
Tideus
[leaf 27, back]
accepts Adras-
tus's offer,
1612
1616
1620
1624
1628
1632
PT. E] Polyneices chooses Argeia ; and Tideus,
69
and so does
Polyneices,
who, by Tideus's
courtesy,
chooses Argeia,
while Tideus
takes Deiphyle.
Adrastus sum-
mons his lords
to the wedding
of his daughters ;
And Polymyte / was also wel apayd, 1636
In the story / as it1 is conprehendid.
And so they ben / bothe* / condescendyd
The kyngges wille / to fulfille in dede
From poyntt to poyntt / and ther-vpon precede, 1640
wherso euer / that1 they Wynne or lese.
And Tydeus / made / his brother chese,
Of gentillesse and of curtesye,
which that1 was / most / to his fantasye 1644
Of the sustren / for to han to wive.
And he in soth / chosen hath argyve,
which eldest was / ful woramanly to se.
And Tydeus / tok than* Deyphylee, 1648
Of her beaute / most1 souereyn excellent.
And Adrastus / thorgh-oute his lond! hath sent
For his lorde's / and his baronage,
To be present1 / atH the mariage 1652
Of the knyghtes / and make no lettyng1.
And they echon • cam at1 his bidding1,
In goodly wyse / meke and ful benygne,
Ageyn the day / that he dide assigne. 1656
And thyder cam ful many lusty knyghtH,
Ful wel beseyn / and many lady bri^t1,
From euery Coosf / and many frecssh" sqwyer",
jje Story seith / and many comunere, 1660
1636. apayde (e underdotted) Ar. 1638. bothe Bo. Adj. both Ar. 1641.
wherso] wher Adx. Ad2. I. that] om. Du. 1642. chese] to chese M. Di. Ba.
1643. Of] As of Ada. Ad* I. S. gentillesse Ar. G. Bo. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ad^ I. Ej. C. T2.
gentilnesse TV Lj. Ad2."Ra. Ba. S. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. 1644. that] om. Bo. Tx. Du.
Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. was] ys P. was iriost] most was C.
1645. sustren Bo. Adj. sistren Tj. T2. systerne P. 1646. And] An Ar. 1647.
which] That Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. eldest]
oldest Lo. Ro. ful] om. P. wommanly] wounderly L2. to se] of sight Ro (see
1648). ' 1648. tok than] than tok Adj. Ad2. I. C. tok Ar. G. P. E2. L2. Ap.
taken hath T2 ; in Ro. 1. 1648 rends And Tedeus choes Deiphyle ful right. Ar. has
a second pause-bar of ter tok. 1650. thorgh-oute] thorgh M. Di. 1651. For] Of
G. 1652. at the] at her Adj. Ad2. I. 1653. the] >ese Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
Ro. thes two S. knyghtes] knyttes Ar. 1654. cam Bo. come M. Ad1.
1655. ful] om. G. 1657. ful]om. G. 1657 and 1658. many] many a Du. Lj. Lb.
Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. S. E2. L2. Ro. 1659. many] many a Du. Lj. Lb. Di. Adx. Ad2. I.
S. E2. L2. Ro. 1660. "many] many a Du. Lj. Lb./Adj. Ad2. I. C. T2. E2. L2. Ro.
many a freshe S. many a gode P. comunere Ar. Ad{. E2. Ap. comoner Bo. Du. Ra.
Ad2, comounerel. comyner Tj. Lj. Lb. Ba. Ej. S./*T2. P" L2. Ro. comener M. Di. C.
and they and
their ladies
come.
70 The Weddings of the Princes. Eteocles is trembled. [PT. H
[leaf 28]
But I really
can't describe
all the feasting
and love-making
that went on.
The news of
the marriage
reaches Eteocles
in Thebes,
and troubles
him.
To byholde the grete Kyalte
And the maner / of thys solempnyte.
But1 to telle / arl the circumstances
Of lustes / Keuel / and the dyuers daunces, 1664
The feestes riche /, and the gyftes grete,
The pryv6 sighes / and the feruent hete
of louys folk / brennyng1 as the glede,
And devyses / of many sondry wede, 1668
The touches stole / and the* amerous lookes,
By sotyl craft1 / leyd oute* lyne and hokes,
The lalous folk / to traysshen and begyle
In their away ft / with many sondry wile : 1672
Al this in soth / descryven I ne can.
But* wel wote I / the newe fame ran,
This mene while* / with ful swiff passage
Vnto Thebes / of this manage. 1676
And by report1 trewe and not1 yfeyned,
The soune therof the eere's hath atteyned,
Myn auctowr writ* /, of Ethyocles,
Touchy ng1 thonowr / and the gretf encres 1680
Of Poly my te / heghly magnytied,
And how that* he / newly was allyed
With Adrastus / in the londe of Arge.
The whiche thyng1 / he gretly gan to charge, 1 684
1661. Ryalte Bo. roialte Adj. 1663. telle Ar. Bo. telle or tell all the other
MSS. all] of Bo. 1667. In Ar. of stands before the column ; the copyist hadfrst
written The, which is undcrdotted. loues Bo. M. Adj. T2. louyng G. C. folk]
flok Lb. 1669—1672 omitted in P. 1669. stole Ar. Bo. and all the other
MSS., except scole (sic) LJ. L^. and sutill Ra. sotill Ba. (cp. 1670). be amerous
Bo. Tj. M. Ra. thamerous Ar. amerous Adj. Ad2. auervous I. lookes] look
(: hook) Ra. Ba. 1670. doun Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra". Ba. Ej. S (adoun).
oute Bo. Tj. Du. LJ. Lb. M. Di. C. T2. E.2. L.,. Ro. Ap. lyne] lines E2. bi
lyne Adj. Ad2. I. 1671. lalous Ar. lelous Bo. Adj. gelous M. ; in Lb. is
an empty space between The gelious folke and bigyle ; the copyist was unable to
decipher his original, or else this original presented a gap in this line. 1672.
their Bo. Adj. 1673. discryuen Bo. Adj. descryve M. 1674. wote I] I wote
M. Di. 1675. while Bo. M. Adj. whil Ar. 1676. this] this ilke M. thilke
Di. the Adj. Ad2. this bje C. Ro. this noble Ra. Ba. 1677. y-feyned Bo.
feyned M. Adj.; Ar. has a pause-bar after trewe. 1678. theres Ad:. ther Ad2. I.
1680. be honour Bo. M. thonour Adj. 1681—1746 lost in Ap. 1682. how]
om. Bo. C. T2. P. E.,. 1684. the] om. C. he gretly gan] lie gan gretly G.
gretly he gan M. Di. Adj. Ada. I • Ei- c-
PT. I.]
Etcocles fears Polyneices will attack him.
71
Dredyng1 Inly / that1 this mariage
Shal after turne / vnto his damage,
Sore* musyng1 / and castyng1 vp and dorm
The grete pouer / and the hegh renouw
Of Adrastus / the which of grekes land?
Hadde al the power / sogef to his hand1 :
Lest1 that1 he / for Polymytes sak
wold vpon hyni / a newe werre make,
But1 }if that1 he, lik the conuenciowz,
At1 tyme sette / delyuered the touw
To his broder / by bond of oth* I-sworn*,
Be couenauntes* / assured her to-forn,
3if je remembre / late as I $ou told1 :
which he was nat / in pwrpos forto hold,
But1 from his heste / Caste forto varye.
And ther-vp-on list1 no lenger tarye,
Lich his desiie / to shape remedyes.
And first1 he sente for his next1 allies
In whoom he hadde / most1 his affiau?ice,
For his lorde's / that1 hadde goue?-naur«ce
Of his kyngdom / to come to hyra anon.
And whan they weren present1 euerichon,
he seide pleynly /, wenyng1 for his best1,
That1 his hert1 / shal neuer lyve in rest1,
But1 in sorowe / and in a maner drede,
Bteocles thinks
that, backt by
1688 Adrastus,
[leaf 28, back]
Polyneices will
1692 attack him,
unless he resigns
his crown at the
end of his 1st
year.
1696
1700
So he sends
for his allies
and lords,
1704
and tells em he
can never rest
1708
1685. Dredyng Inly] Inly dredyng T2. Inly] oonly Lb. gretly C. 1686.
Shal] Shuld L.2. after] after tyme C. P. E.,. afterward T2. turne Ar. Bo. and
all the rest, vnto] into Bo. Tt. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ej. to Ra. Ba.
C. T2. P. E2. 1687. Sore Bo. M. Adj. Sor Ar. 1690. Hadde al] All had T2.
had of Bo. soget] subiecte Lv to] vnto M. Di. Ba. 1692. make] take G.
1693. Jif] om. M. Di. of L2. lik] lyk to Bo. TV Du. Lx. Lb. Adt. Ad2. I. Ra.
Ba. Ej. 1694. deliuert Adj. 1695. bond] boondis Lb. of oth Ba. Ra (of
om.). C. T2. P. E.2. Ro. of o]>er L2. of both Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Lv Ad2. S. of
bothe M. Di. Adx. I. E:. I-sworn Ra. Ba. Ej. besworn Ar. G. be sworn S. sworn
Bo. and the rest. 1696. couenauntes] couauntes Ar. her] hir Bo. beforn
Bo. M. Adj. 1699. heste Bo. Ad^ cast Bo. caste Adj. 1700. tarye] to
tarye Bo. Tr Ej. S. ; in Ar. a pause-bar after list. 1703. he] om. Ra. had
Bo. Adx. his] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ev S. Ro.
most his] his most E2. 1704. had Bo. Adj. 1706. weren ~&n/(with a pame-bar
after weren). were Adj (Ar. and Adj. have no pause-bar in this line). 1707.
wenyng] om. L^ his] the Lb. M. Di. Elt C. T2. P. £3. Ro./ 1708. lyve in]
haue Du. 1709. in a maner Ar. Ad2. I. and the rest, cxccptfa. inancre in Adj.
72 Eteodes is exhorted to be True, and keep his Oath. [PT. U
tin his brother Tvl his brother / outrely be dede ;
is dead. * .
That1 he in Thebes / in his Royal sete
Myghtf allone / regnen in quiete ; 1712
he mente hym-silf1 / shortly, and non other,
Vnperturbed / of Polymyte his brother.
And at this counsayl / diuers of entent1,
But three sorts of H I fynde writ1 / thre folkes were present1. 1716
men are present.
Some in soth / that1 feithful were and trewe,
And some also / that can chaunge of newe,
And other ek / that1 be-twixe* tweyn
Couertly kowde / vnder colour feyn. 1720
[leaf 29] fl^he firste seide, abouen* alle* thyng
If Gomendacioun
of Trouthe. JL Ti'outhe* shulde* / longe to a kyng1,
The first tells r\c i, • ji / j_i i • i i
Eteocies that a Of his word? / not1 be variable,
lie?8' But pleyn / and hool / as a Centre stable. 1724
IT For trouthe* first* / with-outen* eny wene,
Is Chief Pyler / that1 may a kyng* sustene,
U Nota. jn i0ye and honour / for to lede his lyff.
ifhowteouthig ]por trouth whilom / hadde a prerogatiff, 1728
preferred in the '
As of Esdre / the book can specyfie,
and Recor(j i take / of pradenf Neemye,
That* worthy kyngges / for al her grete pride,
Wyn / and wymmen / ben ek set1 a-syde, 1732
1710. vtterly be Bo. M. be vtterli Adj. Ad2. 1. 1712. alone Adx. alloon Bo.
regne Bo. Ad^ 1715. this] his Lb. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. E2. at this
counsayl] at her comynge P. 1716. written G. 1717. were faithful G. 1718.
can Bo. conneAdj. can chaunge] change konne M. Di. 1719. other] some other
G. eke Bo. Adj. that] om. 1^. Ko. be-twix Ar. Ba. Ro. betwixe Ra. betwixt
P. La. betwene Bo. Tj. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adr Ad2. I. Ej. S. C. T2. E2. between
Du. tweyn] ]>o tweine Ad^ them both tweyne Ad2. them tho tweyn I.
1720. kowde vnder colour Ar. Bo. Adj. vnder colour koude M. Di. 1721.
aboue al Ar. Bo. M. Adj. abouen alle Ra. 1722. Trouthe Bo. M. Ad^ Trouth
Ar. Tj. Lb. Ra. shulde Bo. Tj. Lb. Adj. shuld Ar. M. Ra. longe Ar. Bo. Tj.
Lb. M. Adj. long Ra. to] vnto T2. E2. Ro. til Ad2. I. 1723. be] to be Lj.
Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. T2. P. variable] veriable Lj. 1724. Centre]
Countre Lx. 1725. trouthe Bo. M. Adj. trouth Ar. withoute Ar. Bo. Adj.
M. withouten Di. 1730. Neomye Ad2. I. Ba. 1731. That] What Ad2.
kyngges] kyng Bo. Du. L;. Lb. Adx. Ra. Ba. E}. S. her] his Lj. 1732. and] a
Ar. ek] also Lg. Ro. ; in Adt. Ej. S. 1732 is omitted; Ad^ and I. instead of
wyn and wymmen have haue bene put doun ; in Ra. after 1730 the space of
one line is left blank, and then follows, making three lines for the two 1731 and 1732 :
AfForiie kyngis wemen and wyu That worthi kyng for al ther grete pride Leid hym
doun and put on a side. Ba. has no blank line ; after 1730 follow the same three
lines as in Ra. , only with wyfe/or wyn and on syde/or on a side (sec Notes).
PT. II] Many Kings have been overthrown ~by Falseness.
73
With ali her pouer / and domynaciouw,
havyng1 reward? / in comparisons
To trouthes niyght1 / and trouthes worthynesse.
For as Esdre / pleynly / doth expresse, 1736
Who taketh hede /, in the same place,
Be* the Influence / sothly / and the grace
Of trouthe allon / this olde ]S"eemye
Gat* hym licence / to reedifie 1740
The wallys newe / of lerusalem.
Which trouth is tresour / chief of euery rewme,
For Salamon writ1 / how that1 thynges tweyne,
Trouth / and mercy / lynked in a cheyne, 1744
Preserve a kyng1 / lik to his degre,
From al meschief / and aduersite.
Alias therfor / that1 eny doublenesse,
Variauwce or vnsicrenesse, 1748
Chaunge of word? / or mutabilite*,
fraude / or deceyte / or vnstabilet6 *,
Shuld in a kyng1 / han domynacioun,
To causen after / his destrucciou??. 1752
Of kyngges / redeth the story doune be rowe,
And seth / how many / han ben ouerthrowe
Thorgh her falshede / fro* fortunes whel*.
For vnto god /it* pleseth neuer a del, 1756
A kyng to ben / double of entent1 ;
For it1 may happe / that the world is blent1
Truth Is above
all.
By truth, Nehe-
miah got leave
to rebuild the
walls of Jeru-
salem.
«; Trouth and
mercye pr«s«ruen
a kyng from al
aduergyte.
If Chaunge nor
doublenesse shal
n°t oei»i akyng.
[leaf 29, back]
See how many
kings have been
overthrown by
falseness !
1734. reward] no reward Ad2. I. comparisoun Bo. Tj. comparacion Du.
1735. To trouthes] To trouth his P. The trouthes Ej. and] om. Ej. and
troutlies] and his Ad^ Ad2. 1. 1738. Be the] The in all the MSS. 1742. trouth]
om. C. P. £5. 1*2. tresour] om. Ro. chief] om. M. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. S. T2. euery]
all the T2. rewme Tj. reme Bo. Lb. Adj. reem M. reame T2. Ro. realme
Ej (: lerusalem). 1743. For] om. Ro. writ] writeth Ba. how] om. Ra. Ba.
thynges] kynges Lj. L2. 1748. vnsikernesse Bo. 1749. mutabilite] mutablite
Ar. 1750. or] outher M. Di. vnstabilite C. T2. L2. Ro. vnstablete Ar. G.
ynstabilitee Bo. and all the other MSS. 1753. redeth Du. redith Adx. rede
Bo. 1754. And] om. L2. seethM. see Bo. Adj. 1755. Thorgh] For Bo. Tj. Du.
Lj. Lb. M. Di. her] his L2. Ro. fro] for Ar. Ra. Ba. (in S. for is underdotted and
the iisual abbreviation of and ivritten above it), borugh Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di.
whel] wel Ar. 1756. it] om. Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. L\. Lb. Ap. it pleseth] plesith
it M. Di.
74 Eteodes wouldn't be True, and so destroy d Thebes. [PT.
God sees all.
Tho' Truth may
for a time be
darkend,
it will shine
clear at last.
Jt is the pre-
server of
kingdoms.
Kings should
keep their troth.
But, by Eteo-
cles's falsness,
Thebes was
destroyd.
[leaf 30]
Ful ofte sith / be sleghtf of her werkyng1.
But1 this the trouthe* / god see]? eue?y thyng1 1760
Eight1 as it is / for ther may be no cloude
To-forn his sight1 / trouthe* forto shrowde.
U It may be clipsed / and derked be disceyte,
By fals engyne / liggyng in a-weyte, 1764
As a serpent1 / forto vndermyne ;
But1 at the last* / it1 wol clerly shyne,
Who that1 seith nay /, shew his brijte bemes.
For if in soth / of kyngdames and of Reawmes 1768
Is berer vp / and conseruatrice
From al Meschief / sothfast1 mediatri'ce
To god aboue / who so list1 to se,
To kepe a kyng1 / in Prosperite 1772
On euery side / as I afferme dar.
For which 30 kyngges and lorde's beth Avel war
3our bihestes / lustly forto holde !
And* thenk how Thebes / with his walles* olde 1776
Distroied was / platly / this no les,
For doublenesse / of Ethiocles,
Which his puple / after sore abouhf :
Only for he nat1 by counsel! wroght1 1780
Of hem that1 wern / bothe trewe and wis :
1759. sith] sight L,. sleght Bo. Du. sleight Adj. sleith TV scleghet Ro.
be sleght] by cause M. Di. her] om. Adx. Ad2. I. working Bo. Adj. wyrkynge
P. Ro. workyng Ad2. walking T2. 1760. this] this is TV Du. Lj. Lb.
Adj. I. trouthe Bo. M. Adj. trouth Ar. euery] al M. Di. 1762. trouth
Bo. troube Adx. M. 1763. clipsed] eclipsid Adj. 1764. liggyng] liyng Bo.
TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. P. 1765. trouth is written by
the same hand to the right of the line in Du (red ink), and Lb (black ink). 1766.
at] a Ar. ; to explain it, the copyist of Ar. has written -I- trouth with black ink to the
right of the line. 1767. Who that] Whos Bo. Lb. M. Di. "Who so Du. who
TV Lij. seith] say M. Di. L.,. Ro. Ap. nay] nay nay M. shew] and shewe M.
Di. C. T.2. P. R2. bright Bo. M. Adj. 1768. rewmes Bo. remes M. Ad,. 1769.
Is] His Ra. P. And his Lx. conseruatrice] conservatiff Lj. 1770. Fro Bo. M.
Adj. For Adj. I. 1772. Prosperite] gode prosperite M. Di. long prosperite
T.2. 1774. je] >e Bo. T... I. om. Lj. E^ P. beth Ar. Du. T.,. be Bo. T,. M.
Adj. Ra. C. we]] om. Lv Lb. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. P. 1776. And] I Ar. Ra. Ba.
S. thenk] )>inke Lj. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. Ro. thenketh C. £3. thynckyth L... T.,. P.
walles] wal Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Ej. S. Ap. 1777. this] bis is Du. Lb. Di. Ra.
Ba. P. Eo. La. 1778. For] For the Lt. M. Di. Adt. Ad2. I. Ej. C. T., P. E2. Ro.
doubleuesse] doublenesses T0. Eo. 1781. wern Ar. Bo. M. Adj. C. Ro. weren
TV Du. Lb. Di. Ra. were E!. S. T.,. P. L-j. bothe M. Adj. both Bo.
PT.
End of Eteocles' first year's reign in Thebes.
75
He gave up
Truth,
5T the counsayl
of Flatareres.
and followd
those who bade
him stick to
Thebes
and let his
brother whistle
for it.
1796 Eteocles decides
hym lyst1 nat1 worchen / after her devys ;
But1 lefte trouthe / and sette his fantasye
To be gouerned / by fals flaterye *, 1784
IF That1 bad hym thenke* / how he was a knyghfr,
And to holde of force /, more* than of* right1,
Duryng1 his lyf / lordship of the toun,
And not1 to lese his possessioun 1788
For no bond /nor heestes mad toforii ;
But1 lete his brother / bio wen* in an horn,
Wher that hym lyst1 / or pypen in a red.
This was the counsail / platly and be Eeed 1792
Of swich" as liste nat1 / to seyn the soth",
But1 falsly flater / with her wordes smoth".
IT And whan they hadde / hool her tale fyned,
Ethyocles / fully is enclynyd,
Who so euer ther-atf / laugh or wepe,
lik1 her counsayl • possession/a to kepe,
who that1 sey nay / or gruche ther-ageyn ;
hym to contrarye / he thoght1 was but1 veyn.
But1 in this whyle* hath the shene soraae
The twelue signes / round? aboute Eonne
Sith Ethiocle / be lust1 rekenyng1*,
In Thebes was crowned / lord and kyng1,
holdyng1 the sceptre / and the dyademe ;
That1 be resouw / as it1 wolde seme,
The tyme was f ul complet1 / and the space, ls ended,
1782. worchen Bo. Adj. worche M. werke T2. devys] avise Ad.2?/ 1. 1783.
lefte Bo. Adj. 1784. flaterye Bo. Adj. flatrye Ar. 1785. tbfenke Bo. M.
thenk Ar. Ad^ 1786. And] om. Tj. to holde] tolde Di. to sh/flde Ej. more
Bo. Tj. M. nior Ar. om. C. than of] than Ar. G. Ap. 1789. bond] bondes
Bo. nor Ar. Ra. ne Bo. M. Adj. T2. heestes] heste Ra. Ba. to/Torn Lb. aforne
M. Ej. beforn Bo. Adj. Ra. T2. 1790. his] youre Lj. blo/en G. Bo. Tx. Lb.
M. Ej. Ap. blowe Ar. Adj. Ra. C. T2. 1793. Swich Ar. .Bo. Du. siche TV
Soche E2. Suche all the rest, as] >at Bo. Tj. Du. Lv M. Di. .&. S. C. T2. 1795.
hool her tale] holy her tale M. Di. Ba. C. hool the tale,Lb. her hole tale P.
talle whole S. her tale holy T2. fyned] Ifynid S. feyned (: enclyned) Da.
Ba. 1799 and 1800 omitted in Du. 1800. hym to] Or holdeth the P. contrarye]
contraire Ra. Ba. E2. he] him Ba. E2. L2. they Ro. om/Lb. Di. was] it was Ha.
Ba. L.,. Ro. 1801. while Bo. Adx. Ra. whyl Ar. liath] om. Adj. Ad2. I. shene
Ad^ "sheen Bo. 1802. The] Th Ar. twelve] XII Bo. Adj. round] hath Adt.
Ad2. I. 1803. Ethiocle Adj. Ethiocles Bo. rekenyng Bo. Adt. reknyng
Ar. 1805. and the] and M. Di.
to stick to his
crown.
1 CAA IT How the jeer
was come out
that Ethiocles
regnyd.
His first year's
reign in Thebes
1804
76 Polyneices consults Adrastus on his Claim to Thebes. [PT. IT
togiveupgthe Of couenawnte / he shulde voide his place, 1808
ne°c™, to P°ly" And Polymyte ek / his ioz«-ne make
Toward1 Thebes /, pocessiouw to take
Of due* title / But1 he hadde wronge :
Which thoghtt in soth" / the $eer was wonder longe 1812
Of his Exil / er it1 kam aboute.
And for he hadde / in hert1 a manere doute
Lest1 in his broder / ther wer falshed* found'
Taquyte hym-silf / lik as he was bound1, 1816
U To Adrastus / he gan declar his herte,
Beseching1 hyra / this mater* to aduerte,
And ther-vpon / to jiue a counsayl sone,
Touchyng1 his right1 / what1 was best1 to done, 1820
wher it1 was bet1 to gon / or to abyde,
Or liche a knyght1 manfully to Eyde
hym-silf allone / and make no massage,
For to Chalauwge / his rightful heritage 1824
with-Inne Thebes / outher * be pees or stryf ,
And ther-vpon / to luparte his lif.
Thus was he set1 / for al his ferce brother.
But1 Adrastus / sothly / thoght1 a-nother 1828
Bet1 was to sende / than hyjra-silf to gon
Lest he were trapped among his mortal foil ;
Havyng1 his brother / suspecte in this cas
That1 be fraude / or be some fallas, 1832
He wolde* werk / to his destrucciouw,
[leaf 80, back]
who, doubting
his brother,
asks Adrastus
to advise him
whether he
shall sit still
or claim Thebes ,
Polyneices
may be trapt
1808. voide] leve Adj. I. 1809. Polymyte Ar. Bo. M. Adj. Ka. iourney Bo.
iornay M. Adj. 1811. due Bo. Adj. dieu Ar. G (in the margin due is
written by late hand), had Bo. Adj. 1812. was] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. M.
Di. C. T2. Ro. wonder] om. Ra. Ba. S. oner Lb. passynge Ro. 1813.
er Bo. or M. Adj. 1815. falshede Bo. Adj. falsed Ar. 1816. to acquyte
Bo. Adj. 1819. 2'hecopyist of AT. has first written counsayl good, then underdottcd
good and added sone. 1820. was] were Di. Ba. C (where), was best] best was
Ra. Ba (wer). 1821. wher Adj. C. Wheber Bo. Lb. M. was] were Adv C.
abyde] byde C. 1828. message Bo. M. Adj. 1825. oyther Ar. Ap. either
Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Ej. K.,. aythre Ba. outher Ra. C. Ro. other Lb. Adj. T2.
LJ. om. P. be] with TvVdV Ad2- L Ra- Ba- 1827- feers Bo- M- Adv 183L
this] be Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lbf Ad^ Ra. Ba. E,. S. 1832. or be] or M. Di. Ad,.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. P. C (other for or). or ellis Ro. 1833. He] How he Lt.
wolde Bo. Lb. Adj. wold Ar. M. T2. wolde werk] werke wolde Adj. Ad2. I.
PT. Ii] Tideus resolves to claim Thebes for Polyneices.
77
3 if lie wer hardy e to entren in-to tows.
For which he bad hyw / prudently tak hede,
Ful concludyng1 / how it* was mor spede 1836
That1 some other be / to Thebes sent,
To apparceyve fully the entent1
1[ Of Ethiocle / outward* / be some signe,
And wher that1 he / his crouwe* wil resigne
For thilke* jeer /, lik as he made his ootfi :
And whan he knewe / how his pwrpoos goj>
Ther-vpon to werken / and precede.
Thus Adrastus / wisely gan hym rede.
U And whil they trete / vpon this inatere,
Tydeus with a manly chere
Saide* vttrely / for his broder sake,
This massage / he wold? vndertake
with hool thempris / of thenbassyat,
wer it1 wilful / or infortunat1 :
He wil not1 spare / what* so that1 betide.
U But Adrastus / on the tojjer syde,
And Polymyte / in conclusions,
Weren contrarye / to that opynyouw,
And seide sothly / as hem thoghte right1,
Sith that1 he was / so wel / a preue'd knyghtt 1856
And discended of so worthy blood,
if he goes to
Thebes :
he must send
some one else
there.
1840
1844
1848
1852
[leaf 31]
Tideus at once
undertakes to
go.
If Tydeus took
vpon hym to don
\>e massage of
Po"
Adrastus and
Polyneices
1834. entren Ar. G. Ex. Ro. Ap. entre Bo. and the rest, into] in G. om. Ra. Ba.
tounAr. Ro. the toun Bo. and the rest. 1836. Ful] Fully Lj. P. E^ was] were M.
Di. C. T2. P. E.2. mor] moste Lb. was mor] more were Di. spede] uedeC. 1839
and 1840 transposed in I. 1840 omitted in S. wher] whether Lb. M. Di. P. if
Ra. Ba. E9. his] the P. crowne Bo. M. Adj. croure Ar. wil (wol)] wolde Lj. M.
Di. L.2. Ro (walde). 1841. thilke Adj. Ra. bilke Bo. thilk Ar. M. C. T2. 1^.
be ilke Lx. ylke S. 1843. worken Bo. M. 1845. trete Ar. Bo. Tx. Lb. M.
Adj. Ra. vpon] of Adj. Ad2. I. 1846. manly] manful Di. ful manly LJ.
T2. 1847. Saide] Sade Ar. 1849. whith Ar. thempris] emprise M. Di.
he enbassyat Bo. thenbassyat M. Adj. 1850. wer it] whether it were M. Di.
Whether hit be Lb. wilful Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. LT. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba, Ex. P. Ro.
Ap. welful Ad:. Ad2. I. S. C. T2. E2. L2. or] other C. infortunat] fortunat Di.
1851. what so that] what so Bo. Du. Lb. M. C. T2. P. L2. whatsoeuer E2. what
so hym La. 1852. bat other Bo. M. Adj. 1853. Polymyne Ar. 1856.
Sith] Syn Ra. that] om. Ro. so wel a preued Ar. G. Tj. Lj. Lb. C. T2. L.2. Ro.
Ap. so wel a proued Du. M. Di. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. so wel approved a Ad2. I.
so well a priued E2. so well a preferred P. so well a prowd S. a gentil Bo (so
wel om.).
78 Tideus rides to Thebes, and (joes to the Palace, [PT. E
[leaf 31, back]
Tideus rides
That1 they nolde / for non
For aH Thebes / with the regalye,
Put his body / in such lupartie. 1860
But1 aH this thyng1 / auayled hew* rijt1 nojt1 ;
For he wol forth / how dere that1 it be bo3f,
Takyng1 lieve / first1 of aH thestatys,
And armed hym in Mayle / and sure platys, 1864
And Shope hym forth / vpon his lourne.
f The sorowe of wno made sorowe / but1 Deyphyle,
Devphile whan J r J
Coward Thebes w^n Bitter teeres / dewed al her face,
Ful ofte sith / swownyng in the place, 1868
Trist and mowrnyng / in her blake* wede,
Whan she saugh / that1 he took his stede ;
So inwardly gan encres* her mone,
Seyng1 her lord1 / so ride forth" allone 1872
Vpon his way / this worthy Tydeus.
And in al hast1, the story telleth vs,
He spedde hym so, makyng* no delayes,
That1 in space / of a fewe daies 1876
The heghe ioures of Thebes / he gan se,
And entred is / into the Cite,
Wisly enqueryng1 / wher the Paleys stood ;
And lik a knyght1 / thidere streght1 he* rood, 1880
Markyd ful wel / in many mannys sight1,
lich" Mars / hym-silf /, in stiel y-armed* bright1,
Til he atteyned hath the chief1 dongouw,
goes to the wher as the kyng1 / helde his mancyouw. 1884
And thorgh" the paleys / with a knyghtly look
and into the j^ th(j ^ /( ^ ^^ w&y he ^^
1858 — 1922 lost in C. 1861. hem Bo. G. M. Adj. hym Ar. om. Ra.
auayled hem] he sette by Ad2. I. 1862. that] om. M. Di. Ra. Ba. 1864.
armed] armeth G. sure] in sure M. Di. 1866. The rubric begins with Who mad
sorowe, but these three words have been crossed out with red ink. 1869. blake Bo.
blak Ar. M. Adj. 1871. So] She M. gan encres(e)] encres gan Ar. G. T2. Eg. Ap.
gan encressen Ba. gan tencresen Ra. gan to in-crease S. 1872. ride] ridyng
LI. M. Di. T2. E2. 1876. in space] in J>e space Adj. Ad2. I. T2. E2. 1^. Ro. a
fewe] fewe Adj. Ada- I. T2. P. E2. 1877. gan] gan to G. 1878. the] om. Du.
1880. streght he] he streght Ar. G. Bo. Du. Tj. Lb. 1882. y-armed] I-armed
Ap. armed Ar. Bo. and all the other MSS. (cp. 1306, 2618). 1883. Ar. has
a pause-bar between atteyned and hath. 1884. Wher as] ther as Bo.
to Thebes,
PT. i:]
Tideus meets Eteocles and his Lords.
79
lords>
1892
1896
1900 themspeak8t°
[leaf 32]
"
From his stede / whan he lighte douii,
Not afered / but hardy as lycmn, 1888
Wher as the kyng1 / with lordes a gref route
In the halle sittyng1 / rounde aboute,
he entrecl Inne / most manful of corage,
To* execute / the fyn of his* massage.
And as hym thou^f / conuenient1 and due
Ful kormyngly / he gan the kyng salue
Kequiring1 hym /, of kyngly excellence,
In goodly wise /to* jeve hym audience,
And not1 disdeyne / neither in port1 ne cheer,
Sith he was Come / as a massagere
From Polymyte / his owne brodere dere;
Gynnyng1 his tale / thus, as ^e shal here.
" Sir*," quod he, " vnto your worthynesse
My purpoos is breefly to exp?'esse
Theffecte only, as in sentement1,
Of the massage why that1 I am sent1.
It1 were in veyn / longe processe forto make.
But1 of my mater / the verrey ground' to take,
In eschewyng of prolixite,
And voyde away / al superfluyte,
Sith }otire-silf best1 ought1 to* vnderstond*
The cause fully / that we han on hond?,
And ek conceyve / J?entent of my menynge,
Of rightwisnesse / longgyng1 to a kynge : 1912
First1 considred /, jif that1 $e tak hede,
1887. whan] whan >atLb. lighte M . Adlt lightBo. a-li3te Di. T2. dounjado^n
M. Di. Adr Ad2. 1. P. E2. Ro. 1888. affered Bo. a ferd Adj. as] as a Tj. Du. Lj.
M. Di. Adx. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. Ro. 1892. to execute Bo. TV M. Adj. Texecute
Ar. his] this Ar. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 1894. Ful konnyngly] Iful konnyng G.
1895. kyngly] knightly Bo. Lv T2. P. kyndely Du. 1896. to] om. Ar. Ap.
1898. Come Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. T2. Ar. has a pause-bar also between
was and Come, messagere Adj. messangere Bo. Tj. M. 190Q. Gynnyng]
Begynnyng Lj. S. Ap. his] a P. thus as] as thus Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 1901.
Sir only in P. and Ro. (re-inserted), omitted in all the other MSS. ,\Q in Ar. is a
two-line capital. In Ra. the late corrector has written 0 king at the beginning of the
line.) 1903. only] hooly T2. P. E2. Ro. Ap. 1908. And] to Di. 1909. to]
om. Ar. Adj. Ap. 1911. conceyve] to knowe Di. toucheinge P. my] the 1^
Ro. menynge] comyng Di. 1913. that] om. G. Ad2. I.
1904 Tideus did h«
1908
Tideus reminds
Eteocles
80 Tideus reminds Etcocles of his Oath, & bids him keep it. [FT.
of his agreement
that he should
reign for one
year only,
and then give
place to Poly-
neices,
[leaf 82, back]
*j The request
but Tideus mad
in be name of
Polymyt vnder
the title of be
Conuencioun.
who now re-
quires him to
keep his oath.
Truth should
, "9 more
whan Edippus / the olde* kyng1 was dede,
ho\v that jour-silf / and joure brother blyve
For the croune / contagiously gan stryve 1916
As mortal foon / by ful gret1 hatrede,
which" of jow two / shulde* first1 succede :
Til that1 je were / be meenys reconcyled,
3e to regne / and he to be exiled 1920
Out1 of this towne / for a jeeres space,
And than ageyn / resorte to his place,
To regne as kyng1, and je to voyden oute,
So as jour tourne / be processe kam aboute ; 1924
Euericn" of jow / paciently tendure
Thenterchaungyng1 / of his Auenture,
Who were put1 out1 / or stood in his estat1,
Ther-vpon to make no debat1, 1928
Lich the Couenamtt / and conuenciowi,
Enrolled vp / by lordys of this touw,
Which of reson may not1 be denyed.
And sith" je han / a jeer / y-occupied, 1932
1F Poliuiytes / requerej) jow of rijt1,
Taqwite jou / lik1 a trewe knyght1,
In eschewyng1 of mortal werre and strif ;
Sith je han had '. a Prerogatif 1936
As eldest1 brother / forto regne aforfl :
And thenketh eke / how that1 je ar sworn
jour oth to kepe / and make no tarying1,
Holy aduerting / lien" a prudent1 kyng1, 1940
That* trouth is mor / in conparisouw,
x'1914. olde Bo. M. Adx. old Ar. 1916. gan Bo. Ad2. gonne Adj.
stryve] to striue Adj. Ad2. 1918. shulde Bo. shuld Ar. 1919. that] om.
Adt. Ad.j. 1921. Out]om. Lt. this] his Lb. jeeres] yere Bo. Du. 1922. ageyn]
anoon Di. resorte] resorten P. to resorte Adj. Ad2. I. to] vnto M. Di.
into T2. E2. his] ]>is L2. Ro. Ap. 1923. as] as a Lb. C- P. to voyden]
voiden Bo. to voide Lx. Ej. S. L^. Ro. to be voided T2. 1925. to endure Bo.
M. Adj. tendur G. 1926. J>e entrechaungyng Bo. Adj. thenterchangyng M.
1927. Who] Whos M. Di. put out] pacient Bo. his] om. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I.
1928. Ar. has a pause-bar after make. 1930. this] be Bo. M. Di. Adj. Ba.
T2. P. E2. 1932. y-occupied Bo. M. Adj. 1933. requireth Bo. M. Adj.
1934. Taqwite] to acquite Bo. M. Adj. and the rest, lik] as S. C. T2. P. E2.
1941. That] The Ar. G.
PT. I.] Eteocles at first dissembles and remonstrates.
81
Than aH the tresour / of ^our1 Kegyoiw,
Mor acceptable / vnto god and man
Than aH richesse / that* $e rekne kan. 1944
Wherefor in hasf / and laf ther be no slouthe,
Quyteth ^our-silf / Justly of $our trouthe
Vnto ^oure brother / avoyding1 this Cyte,
And lat1 hym regnen / in his Kyalte, 1948
U The croune of Thebes / a $eer to occupie.
Than wol al Grece / preise and magnyfie
joure hegh renovw / and may sey non other
But* ^e han quytt1 ^ou / lustly to $our brother. 1952
This hool theffecte / of al that I wil seyn,
Answer expectaunt1 / what ^e list* sende ageyfi."
Whan Tydeus / hadde told! his tale,
Ethiocles, trisf / and wonder pale, 1956
his conceyt first* in maner* hath refreyned,
Dyssimulyng1 / vnder colour feyned,
Shewyng1 a cheer / in maner debonayre,
To his ententt / wonderly contrayre, 1900
Inward* in herte / wood and furious,
Turnyng1 his face / towarde Tydeus,
he gan abraid! / and at the last1 oufr-brak,
And euen thus / vnto hym he spak. 1964
^T " I haue* gret mervaile /" quod he, " in my thoghf
Of the massage / which* that1 thow hast1 broghtt,
That* my brother / as thow hast1 expownyd,
to a king than
treasure.
Eteocles
should then
quit Thebes,
and let Poly-
neices reign his
year.
Eteoclea turns
pale
and dissembles.
[leaf 83]
f The answer of
Ethiocles.
He wonders
that Polyneices
wants Thebes,
1943. vnto] both to M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 1944. all Ar. G. Ej.
C. T2. Ap. al be Bo. and the rest. G . has omitted, of 1. 1 946 the words silf lustly of
your trouthe, and of 1. 1947 Unto youre, and reads : Quyteth your brother, etc.
1947. avoyding] voidyng Lj. Lb. M. Di. this] the P. 1948. regne Bo. M. Adj.
1952. Je] om. Bo. Je hau quytt] ye acquite C. T2. £5. 1^. Ro. that ye aquyte P.
ye haue (om. quytt) Ra. Ex. S. Ap (beginning of line is burnt), that ye haue Ba.
1953. This] This is Bo. Tv Du, Lv Lb. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. P. L.2. Ro.
hool] om. Ba. Ro. the hole P. of] and Bo. om. P. al] om. Lb. P. I] om. Du.
1955. had Bo. M. Adj. hadde told] told had M. Di. Ra. Ba., 1957. first] om.
P. L2. in maner] in a maner Ar. G. Bo. M. Di. in maner first hatli C. 1958.
dissymelyng Bo. M. disimelingAdj. 1959. a] om. M. Di. 1961. herte] in h.
G. 1963. abraid] to biaid G. 1964. vnto] to Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. he spak] lie gan to spake (sic) Ra. 1965. I ha Ar. I
haue Bo. Adj. In a G. 1966. woch for which Ar. which] om. S. that] om.
Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. C. P. broght] I -brought Ej.
THEBES. G
82 Eteocles hoped for help from Polyneices, not banishment. [PT. t
seeing that he
has so much
in Argos.
Bteocles
says he hoped
Polyneices
would have
helpt him,
not wanted
to banish him
into poverty.
[leaf 33, back]
Desyreth so / in Thebes to he crownyd, 19G8
Havynge reward! / to the habundance,
The grete plente / and the suffisaunce
That1 he hath nowe / with the kyng of Arge :
That* me semeth / he shuld lityl charge 1972
To han lordship / or domynacioun
In the boundis / of this lytyl toura,
Sith he regneth / so fresshly in his flours,
Surmountyng1 / aH his predecessours 1976
Be newe encres / thorgh fortunis myght1 ;
wherof in hert1 / I am right1 glad and light1 :
Fully trustyng1 / }if I hadde nede
To his helpe, that1 with-oute drede 1980
Kk a brother than* I shuld! hyra fynde
To meward feithful, trewe, and kynde :
Supposing1 pleynly euermor
Of this regne / he set / but1 lityl stor, 1984
Nor cast1 hym not* / for so short1 a while
As for a ^eer, his brother to exile,
To lyve in pouerte / and gret1 distresse.
he wol not1 suffre it1 / of his high* noblesse. 1988
It1 were no token as of brotherhede *,
But1 a signe rather of hatrede,
To interrupts my possessions
Of this litil pore Kegiou??." 1992
Al that1 he spak /, who that1 couth aduerte,
Of verrey scorn, Eooted in his herte ;
1972. That] as Bo. Tj. Du. Lt. LI.. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. that as M. Di. he]
bat he Bo. T,. Du. Lj. Adj. Ad.,. I. Ej. S. 1977. thorgh] of A-lj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
S. be C. T2. 1978. right] mil. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. 1979 and 1980 are
transposed in Adj. Ad2- I. Ba. S. 1979. jif] if |>at LI. Adv Ad2. though Ro.
1981. than] that Ar. G. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. than I shuld] than sholde I Adlt
shold I (than om. ) Ad.2. I. 1982. To meward] To me ware Bo. feithful] feith-
fully Bo. Tj. Ad,. Ej. sothefull Ba. trewe] om. Ra. B;i. S. 1986. to] forto G.
his] me his Ad2. I. 1987 — 2400 lost in Ro. 1987. pouerte Lb. M. pouertee
£5. pouert Bo. and] and in Lb. C. P. E.2. L2. Ap. 1988. high] gret Ar. G.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. (see 1987). 1989. brotherede Ar. 1991. my] of
my Bo. Tj. Du. Ej. S. me of my Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. 1992. Of] as Ho.
litil] litil and poure M. Di. litil pore] pore litil Ad,. Ad.2. I. S. Of this litil]
And put from this Ra. Ba, 1993. second that] om. G, Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S.
PT. I.] Eteocles says hell never give up Thebes to Polyneices. 83
As if sempte /, the story can 3011 teche,
By the surplus / sothly of his speche :
H He myghte nat1 no lenger hym refreyne
But1 platly seide / " as a-twene vs tweyne,
I raene thus / Polymytes and me,
Ther is* no bonde / nor no surete,
Nor feith y-made / that1 may hyw avaylle,
As he cleymeth / to haue* the gouernaylle
Of this Cite, nowther ^ere nor day.
For I shal lette hym, sothly, }if I may,
That* he shal not1 be title of no bond!,
Reioysse in Thebes / half a foot1 of* londe.
IT late hym kepe aH that1 he hath wonne !
For I pwrpoos / as I haue* begonne,
To regne in Thebes / enforth al my lyve,
Maugre al* hem / that* ther-ageynes stryve,
And in despit1 / of his frendes aH,
Or the counsaylle / that1 hym list1 to calle.
lat1 hym be sur /, and knowe* this right1 wel,
his manacyng1 I drede* neuer a del.
And sikerly, as to my devis,
1996
2000
2004
And he flatly
declares that
Polyneices
shan't have 6
inches of land-
in Thebes,
2008 as he, Eteocles,
means to reign
there all his
life.
2012
As to Tideus,
1995. sempte Ar. T2. sempt C. L2. semed Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Adj. Ra. semeth Ej.
1997. nat] om. C. T2. E2. no] om. LJ. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. nat no
longer hym] not him no lenger Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Ej. not hym longer Lj. M (lenger).
Di (lenger). him nat leuger than Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba (longer). S. refreyne]
restreyn Ba. E2. 1999. I] In G. mene Adj. meen Bo. 2000. is] nys
Ar. L2. no bond] nother bond M. Ad2. I. Ra. neither bond Adj. Ba. S. noon
o]>er bonde Di. nor no] nor (no om.) Bo. Tj. Du (ner). Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2 and
I (nouthir). Ra. Ba. Ej (nother). S. C. T2. P. E2. ne (no om.) Lb. surete Lj. Ra.
T2. suerte Bo. M. Adj. E2. surte Tj. 2001. y-made Bo. made M. om. Di.
2002. haue Bo. M. Adj. ha Ar. 2003. nowther • nor Ar. Ad2. Ra. nouther • nee
T2. L2. neither • ne Bo. Tj. Adj. nor • ne M. Di. Jere] nyght G 2004. shal]
will f 2. lette] mn. Bo. sothly] trevvly T2. om. P. }if] and Lb. 2005 and 2006
omitted in Ad2. I. 2005. be title of no] bi no title of Adj. Ra Ba. 2006. of]
om. Ar. Ra. L2. 2007. kepe Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Adj. Ra (keep). C. T2. P.
E,. L2. Ap. all] om. C. T2. P. E2. L2. 2009. enforth Ar. G. Bo. Tx. Du. M.
Di. C. T2. P. Ap. hens forth Lj. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra (henforth). Ba. Ej. S. E2. 1^.
forth Lb. lyve Ar. Ap. E2. lyf Bo. Tj. M. Di. Adj. C. P. L2. life Ba. Ej. S.
liff Lb. Ad2. I. T2. Du. liffe Lj. Ra. 2010. al] of Ar. G. >ere ageyns Bo.
]>er ayen Adj. there ayenst Lb. }>er ageyne wil Lj. stryve Ar. C. P. E2. Ap.
stryf Bo. M. Di. Adj. T2. stryfe Ba. Ej. striff Lb. Ad2. I. Du. striffe Lj. S.
2012. hym] he G. to] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Ej. 2013 and 2014 omitted in
Ad2. I. 2013. knowe Bo. M. know Ar. Adj. 2014. manassyng Bo. M. Adj.
drede Bo. Adj. dredAr. I drede] drede 1 M. Di. 2015. as to> as at Bo. vnto
M. Di. C. as vnto Ba. my devis] myn avis Tj. Ej.
Eteocles is surprised at the presumption of Tideus. [PT.
Eteocles is sur-
prised at his
presumption in
bringing Poly-
neices's message.
[leaf 34]
While Eteocles
lives,
It1 scheweth wel / that* thow Avere not wis,
But1 suppn'sed with a manere rage,
To take on the / this surquedous massage,
And presume / to do so hegh offence,
So boldely / to speke in my presence.
But1 al yfere / avayle* shal right1 noghf.
For the tyding1* / that1 thou hast* ybroght1,
Shal vnto hym / be but1 disencrees.
He better were * / to ha ben in pees,
Than of foly / and presumpcioim
Ageynes me / to seke occasiouw.
For whil I lyve / and thereto her myn hond!,
As I seide erst1 / he wynneth her no lond*,
whyl the walles* / of this toune may stond*.
For Fynaly I do the vnderstoncB
That1 they shal first1 / be bete doune ful lowe,
And alle the toures / to the erth" ythrowe,
Er he in Thebes / haue eny thynge ado.
Lo ! her is al / . retowne and sey him so ! "
Whan Tydeus saugh the feruent1 Ire
Of the kyng1 / with angre set a-fire,
Ful of despit1 / and malencolye ;
Conceyuyng1 eke / the grete felonye
2017. supprised] supprisyng Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. suppressed
C. P. £3. supposing Ra. Ba. S. 2020. So] And G. boldely M. Adj.
boldly Bo. 2021 and 2022 omitted in Ad2. I. 2021. yfere] in fer Ra. availe
Bo. M. avayl Ar. Adj. 2022. dyding Ar. tidyng Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj.
S. G. tithyng Ra. Ba. tidyngis Lj (>i for the). Ej. C. T2. P. 1^. tithynges Eg.
(Ap. burnt to that), ybroght Ar. T2. Ap. bmght Bo. G. and the rest. 2023.
vnto hym be] be vnto hym Du. But alle shal be vnto hym disencrees Ad2. I. (see
2021). 2024. were Bo. M. Adj. wer Ar. to haue ben Tv Du. Lj. Lb. Adj. to ha
be Ra. to habene M. to hauen Bo. Ex. 2025. and] and of Ad2. I. 2026.
ngeyns Bo. Adj. ayens M. 2027 and 2028 omitted in Ad2. I. 2029 and 2030
are transposed in Tj. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. Ej. S. 2029. while Bo. M.
Adj. whyl Ar. While that C. walles Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. wallis G. watt
Ar. Lb. La. Ap. walle Bo. Lx. M. Di. Ej. P. wal C. E2. 2030. Fynaly]
plninly C. T2. P. E2. 1^. vnderstond] to vndrestonde Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ev S. C. T2. 2031. bete] fylled G. 2032. alle the] alle
Du. to the erth Ar. Du. Lj. M. Adj. T2. to therthe Tr Lb. to the yearth E;,.
vnto the erthe Bo. to erthe Ra. Ba. ythrowe] throwe Tt. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. C. P.
2033. Er Bo. Or Tj. M. C. ado Ar. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. at do G. to do
Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. E,. S. 2037. and] and of Lj.
Ra, Baf S. C. T2. E2. 2038. velonye G. M. D,
Polyneices shall
have nothing to
do with Thebes.
Tideus is silent
2020
2024
2028
2032
2036
PT. r.] Tideus brands Eteocles as faithless, and a Liar. 85
In his apport, lik as he wer wood ;
This worthy knyght1 a lityl while* stood, 2040 a while,
Sad and demur / or oght1 he wolde seyn.
But* at1 the laste thus he spak aeeyn. but then tells
Eteocles
1F " Certes," quod he / " I conceyve of newe
Aboute the, thy counsel is vntrewe, 2044
I dar if seyii and vowen at* the best*,
•vr i jj f -n e i f ji i i he is unfaithful.
JNor thow art* not1 feithful ot thy behest1, Theknyghtiy
Stable of thy word / that1 thow hast seid to-foiii, g5£? ageyn of
But1 deceyveable / and falsly ek forsworn, 2048
And ek periur / of thyn assured ooth".
v But1 wher so be / that1 thow be lief or lotfi, Tideus sa>'s
I seye the shortly / hold if for no fage, [leaf 34' backl
Al shal turn / vnto thy damage, 2052
Trust* it1 wel / and in ful cruel wyse.
Alle Grekes londe / shal vpon the ryse,
To ben avenged / and manly to redresse Eteocles,
The gref vntrouth / and the hegh falsnesse 2056
Which that1 thow hast1 / ageyn thy brother wroght1.
It shal ful dere / after this be bought1.
And verrely in dede, as thow shalt1 lere,
kyng^ Adrastus / wil medle in* this matere, 2060 ^ a^^ord*
And alle the lordes / about1 hywi envyroujj,
That1 bounde ben / to his subieccioun ;
Prynces / Dukes / and many a noble Knight1,
In sustenyng1 / of thy brotheres right1, 2064
Shal on a day / with" sper and with sheld*. wm make war
on him,
Ageynes the be gadered in a feldl,
2039. appor Ar. 2040. while Bo. M. Adj. whil Ar. 2041. or Bo.
Adj. saien (: ayen) M. seyn (: ageyn) Di. 2042. thus] this Lb. he spak] spak
he Adj. Ad2. I. Ka. Ba. spak] seide C. T2. P. E2. 2043. of] om. Di. 2045.
voweu] vowe it C. T.2. E2. L^. Ap. avowen Lx. Lb. avowe it S. wele avov Ba.
at the best] at the lest Ar. G. Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. E!. S. Ap. at the last (: beheste)
Ra. 2046. Nor] Ne Lb. E2. om. P. not] om. Ev Nor thow art not] nor thou
nert also Adj. nor thou art nat also Ad2. I. 2050. wher Ar. whejer Bo. that]
om. M. Di. 2051. the] it Ad2. I. 2052. turn Ar.. tome Bo. tourne Adj.
turne Ra. vnto] to Ra. 2054. ryse] arise M. Di. C. T2. E2. 2056. vntrouthe
M. Adj. vntrouth Bo. 2057. ageyn] vnto Adj. Ad2. Ka. Ba. S. thy my
Ra. Ba. 2060. medle iu] medle of Ar. 1^. Ap. 2062. bounde Bo.
bounden M. Adj. Ad2. I. to] vnto Adj. Ad2. I. " 2063. many a] many M. Di.
2066. Ageyiis Bo. Adj. ayens M. gadert Bo. M. Adj.
86
Tideus upbraids, threatens, and defies Eteodes. [PT. L.
and prove him
false.
God will punish
him.
In Polyneices's
name, Tideus
defies Bteocles.
[leaf 35]
Tideus calls
on the Theban
lords
knyghtly to preue / al be on assent1,
Thaf thow art1 fals / and double of entent1, 2068
Of thy promys / atteynf and ek outrayed.
And leue me wel if shal not1 be delayed,
But1 in al hast1 / execute in dede.
lik thi desert1 / thow shalt1 haue* thy mede. 2072
For god aboue / of his right wisnesse,
Swich" open wrong1 / shal in hast1 redresse,
And of his myght1 / al sucfi collusiowz
Reforme ageyn / and al extorsiouw. 2076
For this the fyn / falshede shal not1 availe*,
Ageynes* trouth / in feeld* to hold batayle*.
Wrong1 is croked / bothen halt1 and lame.
And here anon / in my brotheres name, 2080
As I that1 am next1 of his * alye
In his querel / I shortly the deffye,
Fully avysed / with al myn hool entent1.
And 36* lordes / that1 ben her* present1, 2084
I 3ow requere / of ^our worthynesse,
To saye trouth / and to ber wittnesse,
whan tyme come]?* / lustly to recorde
How 3our) kyng1 / falsly can discorde 2088
From his heest1 / of fals variau?ice.
And thenk how 36 / of* feith" and lygaurcce
Ar bounde echon / 30 may not1 go ther-fro,
2067. to] it to Adv proue Bo. M. Adj. 2068 and 2069 transposed in I.
2071. al] al the Ex. P. all with second 1 underdotted Ar. execute] executid Lb.
Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2072. haue Bo. Adj. ha Ar. 2073. aboue Bo. M. Adj.
Ra. abouen Ba, of] and C. To. P. E.2. 2074 omitted in Adj. here, inserted at
the bottom of the column after 2096 ; replaced in Ad.2. and I. by quite a new line :
This mateer off rilit shall redresse. open] opon Ar. vpon Bo. 2075. conclusioun
G. 2077. this] \>i$is Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. Lb. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. P. L.2. availe] vaile Ar.
G. Eo, Lo, Ap. 2078. Ageyn Ar. Bo. M. Adj. in feeld] om. Ar. G. Adj. Ad.2.
I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. L.2. Ap. to hold] to haue Bo. to take Ra. Ba. batayle] no
liatayle Ar. G. Ap. any batail Ra. Ba. 2079. bothen Ar. bothe Bo. both Adj.
2081. As] And P. I that] that I L2. next of his allie Ra. Ba. his next alye Ar.
Bo. and all the rest (see Notes). 2082. In] On Ra. Ba. I] om. Adj. Ad.,. I.
the] CM/I. I. 2084. And] All Lj. ye lordes] the lordes Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. La.
M. Di. Ra. Ev S. T.2. her] ther Ar. G. Ej. S. 2086. say trouthe Bo. 2087.
cometh Bo. M. comj> Ar. 2088. falsly] iustlyM. Di. (see 2087). can] ganne
To. 2090. thenk] thenkith C. T2. P. how] on howe P. E... of feith] on feith
Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. P. ; (cp. 2646).
PT. &] Tideus calls on the Thebans to support Polyneices.
87
Forto obeye / and seme, bothe* two,
This nexte jeer / now anon folowyng1,
As to jour lord / and jour1 trewe kyng1,
U Polemytes / thogfr he be now absent1,
By lust accord? / niaad in parlemeuf,
At1 joure devis / which sitten her a-rowe,
Engrosed vp / as it1 is wel knowe,
And enrolled / only for witnesse
In joure regestres / to voyden al falsnesse,
That non of 3011 / vary may of newe
Fro that1 1 saye* • / but1 he be vntrewe.
For which I rede / jour-silf to acquyte.
Laf no tynie / lenger / 30 u respit1,
But1 at1 onys / with-oute mor tarying1,
Of manly force / fetteth horn jour1 kyng1,
Maugre his foon /, lik as je ar boundc,
And lat1 in jow / slouthe* non be founde,
To put1 hym lustly* in pocessiouw
This my consayl in conclusions."
Whan Tydeus / hadde his massage saide,
lik to the charge / that1 was on hy??z laide
As he that1 list1 / no lenger / ther soiowrne,
Fro the kyng1 / he gan his face tourne,
Nat* astouned / nor in his hertf afferde ;
But1 ful proudly / leyde hond on his swerde,
2092 to obey Poly-
neices the next
year,
2096 as they agreed
2100
2104
and at once
fetch him honiej
as their king.
2108
2112
[leaf 35, back]
Tideus turns,
and goes
2116 IT How manly
2092. both Ar. Bo. Adj. 2093. next Bo. Adj. folowyng Bo. folvvinge Adj.
2098. vp] was yp E.2. wel] right well Ex. is wel] wele be Di. knowe] I-knowe Ra.
S. 2099 in Tj. is almost wholly cut away. 2099 — 2294. in Ra. the original four
leaves are lost and new ones, ivith modernizing alterations of the text, supplied by the
same hand that has made several alterations in other parts of the poem. Ra. is put within
brackets, when quoted in this part of the poem ; (2099 in Ra. reads : Aud eke enrolled
for to bear wytiiesse). 2100. voyden] aroiden Adj. Ad2. I. 2102. Fro Ar. Tj.
Du. I. P. L>. Ap. From Lj. Ad.2. E2. For (see 2103) Bo. Q. M. Di. Adj. (Ra.) Ba.
Ej. S. C. T.2" Of Lb. say Ar. Bo. M. Adj. but] but yf Ej. Kj. om. Lv (except :
Ra.) he be] yee be Bo. Ta. Du. L^ Lb. M. Di. S. Adj. Ada. f. (Ka.) Ba. 2103.
your-self Bo. M. Adj. to acquite Bo. acquite Adj. 2106. fetteth Bo. Tj. Adx.
fecchith Lj. Lb. M. fetteth horn] (fet home agayn Ra.) 2108. slouthe
Tj. M. C. slouth Ar. Bo. Adj. slouthe non] no slouth Bo. Ad.,. I. Ej. S. P. E.^
(And lett in you no slothfastnes be founde Ra. ) 2109. lustly] lustyly Ar.
2110. This is Bo. M. Adj. 2111. Ar. has a second pause-bar after hadde. 2113.
he] him Adj. Ado. I. Ba. S. that] om. S. he that list] bat list he Di. ther] om.
S. P. no lenger ther] bere no lenger Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. soiourne] to soiourne Ad^
Ba. 2115. astonyed Bo. M. astoneid Adj.
88
Tideus leaves Thebes. Eteocles is furious. [PT. 1.
Tydeus de-
parte[d] from
pe kyng.
Tideus rides
towards Argos.
Eteocles is
furious.
He bids his
Chief Constable
pursue Tideus
And iu despitf / who that1 was lief or loth",
A sterne pas / thorgh the halle he goth",
Thorgh-ouf the courte / and manly took his stede,
And out? of Thebes / faste gan hyra spede, 2120
Enhastyng1 hyra / til he was at1 large,
And sped hym forth / touard? the londe of arge.
U Thus leue I hyra / ride forth" a while,
whilys that* I retourne ageyn my style 2124
Vnto the kyng* which in the halle stood
Among1 his lordes / furious and wood,
In his herte / wroth / and euel apayd
Of the wordes that1 Tydeus had* said ; 2128
Specialy / havyng1 remembraurcce
On the proude dispitous diffiaunce
Whilys that1 he sat* in his Eoyal See ;
Vpon which" he wil auenged be 2132
Ful cruelly, what* euere that* befalle.
And in his Ire / he gan to hyra calle
Chief constable / of his Chyualrye,
Chargyng1* hym / faste* for to hye 2136
with al the worthy Choys* of his housholde,
which as he knewe most1 manful and most bolde,
In al hasfr Tydeus to swe
To-forn or* he out1 of his lond? remwe, 2140
2117. was] were Adj. Ad2. I. 2118. sterne Adj. stern Bo. M. 2119.
Thorgh-out] Thorugh Adj. Ad2. I. C. P. E2. manly] om.. Ba. 2120. fast Bo.
M. faste] manly Adj. Ad.2. I (see 2119). 2121. In G. til he was at large 2121
and And sped hym 2122 are omitted, and the two remaining half lines made into one
line. 2123. ride] ridyng Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. (Ra.) Ba. S. C. T.J. P. E2. L.2.
a while Bo. M. Adj. awhile Ar. 2124. (and 2131) whilys Ar. whiles M.
whils Bo. Du. While Adj. 2125. which Ar. >at Bo. M. Adj. 2127.
apayed with e underdottcd Ar. 2128. the] (those same Ra.) wordes] worde LJ.
Di. Tydeus] he Adj. Ad2. he he I. had] hath Ar. G. Lb. Di. Ad2. I. P. J^.
2129. (Ra: Inspeciall hauynge in). 2130. the proude] the proude and M. Di.
(Ra. The stout and proude d. d. ) dispititous Ar. 2132. which] be which Lj. (Ra.)
wil] wolde Adj. Ad2. I. (Ra.) Ba. C. T2. P. £3. L,,. auenged] venged Bo. 2133.
what euere that] what that euere M. C. G. what so euere Di. what euere Adj.
Ad2. I. euere] euel Du. 2136. Charchyng Ar. faste Lb. M. fast Ar. Bo.
Adj. 2137. al] om. Lb. worthy] om. P. choys (chois, choyse, choise)] Chooce
Ar. choose G. chose Ej. C. chosyn L> 2138. which] Such Lb. C. T2. P. E2.
L.J. Ap. as] bat Adj. Ad0. I. Ba. S. om. M. Di. manful] manly S. second most
om. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ba. S. C. T2. P. K2. L2. 2139. al] al the Bo. Lj.
Ad^ I. C. P. to] for to C. Tjj. P. Kj. 2140." or Bo. M. Adj. ar Ar. om. Tj.
Ff. L] JUteocles sends Fifty Knights to kilt Tideics.
89
[leaf 36]
and slay him.
Fifty knights
ride to waylay
him.
IT How falsly
Ethyoeles leyde
a busshment in
the way to haue
slayn Tydeus.
Vp peyn of lyf / and lesyng1 of her hede,
With-oute mercy / anon that1 he be dede.
And of knyghtes / fyfty weren in nombre,
Myn autoM/- seith /, vnwarly hy??i tenconibre 2144
Armed echon in mayle and thikke* stiel,
And ther-with-al // yhorsed wonder wiel.
At1 a Posterne / forth they gan to ryde
By a geynpath / that1 ley oute a-side, 2148
Secrely / that1 no man hem espie,
Only of tresouw / and of felonye.
They haste hem forth / al the longe day,
Of cruel malys / forto stoppe his way, 2152
Thorgh a forest1 / aH of on assent1,
Ful couartly to leyn a busshement1
Vnder an hill / at1 a streite passage,
To falle on hym at1 mor aucwntage, 2156
The same way / that1 Tydeus gan drawe,
At1 thylke mount1 / wher that1 Spynx was slawe.
He nothing1 war / in his opynyouw,
Of this conpassed / conspiracies, 2160
But1 Innocent1 / and lich a gentyl knyght1,
Rood ay forth / til* that1 it drowe to nyghfl,
Sool by hym-silf / with-oute companye,
havyng no man / to wisse hy?/& or to* gye. 2164
IT But1 at1 the laste / liftyng1 vp his hede,
2141. Vp] Vjion Lj. Ad2. I. Ba. Er S. Oou Lb. peyn of] am. Ad2. I. and]o??t.
Adj. 2143. And] am. P. of] of thes Ba. weren Ar. Lb. (Ra.) Ej. E2. werne
Ap. were Bo. Tj. M. Adj. 2144. tencombre M. Adj. to encombre Bo. 2145.
thikke Lb. Di. Ad2. I. (Ra.) Edg. thik Ar. Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. M. Adj. Ba. Ev S. C.
P. L2. theke Ap. tlieti'k T2. 2146. yhorsed] horsed M. Di. wonder] am.
Adj. Ad0. I. 2147. At] And G. And at Ad2. I. posterne M. Adj. postern
Bo. gan] gonne M. Di. to] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 2154. couertly C. T2. P. E2. L2.
Ap. (Ra.) couartly Ar. I. couarly G. cowardly Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di.
Adj. Ad2. Ej. S. vnwardlye Ba. to] for to M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. C. T2. P. E2.
leyn] hym G. 2155. at a] of Adt. Ad.,. I. 2156. falle] fallen E2. 2157.
way] day Di. 2158. At] And L.,. thilke Lb. Adj. thilk Bo. Tj. be ilke Lj.
pat P. the S. that] om. Bo. Tj". Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ex. S. C.
T2. was] wer Ba. 2162. (He rode styll forth Ra.) til that] tyll that I. Ap.
(Ra.) to that Ar. G. til Bo. and all the rest. 2164. wisse] wyseEj. E2. wisshe
S. L2. wysche Ap. or] ne M. Di. S. nor Adx. Ad.2. I. T2. G. nothir Ap. to
nYe] gje Ar. Adx. Ad2. I. Ba. C. T2. P. E2. L2. (hys waye for hyni to gvye Ra.)
2165. at be laste Lb. Di. atte laste Adj. atte last Bo. at last M. liftyug]
heuing Adj. Ad2. I. (by lyftynge Ra.)
Tideus rides on
innocently,
but at last sees
90 Tideus slays the Theban Leader, & fights the rest of the Fifty. [PT. H
armd men.
[leaf 36, back]
How Tydeus
outrayed fifty
knyghtes |>at
lay in a-wayt
for hym.
He puts his
spear in rest,
and kills the
TUeban leader.
The rest attack
him.
He fights all.
Toward! Eue / he gan taken hede ;
Mid of his way • rijf as eny lyne,
jjoghf he saugh / ageyn j)e mone shyne 2168
Sheldes fressh / and plates borned bright*,
The which environ / casten a gret1 lyghtt ;
ymagynyng1 / in his fantasye
Ther was treson / and conspiracy e 2172
w roughf by the kyng1 / his iowrn^ forto lette.
And of al that* / he no thyng* ne sette,
But1 wel assured / in his manly herte,
list1 naf onys / a-syde to dyuerte, 2176
But1 kepte his way /, his sheld vpon his brest1,
And cast1 his spere / manly in the rest1.
And the firste platly / that he mette,
Thorgh the body / proudely he hym smette, 2180
That* he fille ded • chief mayster of hem aH ;
And than at1 onys / they vpon hym falle
On euery part* / be compas envyroun.
But1 Tydeus / thorgh his hegh renoun, 2184
His blody swerde / lete / about4 hym glyde,
Sleth" and kylleth / vpon euery side
In his Ire and his mortal tene,
That* mervaile was he myghte so sustene 2188
Ageyn hem aH / in euery half besette.
But1 his swerde was so sharpe whefete,
2166. EuV| evyn Ba. heuene Adj. Ad2. I. taken] to take C. T2. P. 2167.
Mid] In myfl Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. Amydde P. In myddes
Lb. In mynde Ej. his] be Bo. way Ar. Bo. M. Adj. eny] a Ba. L2. 2170.
The whicl^1 whiche Lb. casten Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. Ej. casted M. Adj. S.
caste Di. C. T2. P. E2. L2. environ casten] cast environ Lb. 2173. forto] to
M. Di. 21V I. he no thyng] nothing he Ba. L2. ne Ar. Ap. ne om. G. Bo.
and all the rest. (And for all that he nothyng thereof sett Ra.) 2178. the]
his Tj. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ba. Ej. S. (ryght manly in >e r. Ra.) 2179. first Bo. Adj.
2180. proudely] om. Adj. Ad2. I. myghtly Lx. smertly L2. prudently S.
2181. fell Bo. M. Adj. 2182. than] with bat Adj. Ad2. I. they] bei gan
Bo. 2184. hegh] gret Ad.,. I. om. Lb. 2186. Sleth] Slowe Lb. kylleth]
kylled Ej. styketh Ad0. I. " (That he dothe slee and kyll Ra.) 2187. and]
and in Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Ej. S. 2189. in Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lr Adt. Ad2.
I. Ba. Ev S. E2. on Lb. M. and the rest. half] parte Lb. Adj. Adr,. I. Ba.
S. C. To. P. 2190. whetto Ar. G. Tj. Lj. M. Di. (Ra.) C. T2. P. E2. Ap. y-
whette Bo. Du. Lb. Ad^ A<J2. I. Ba. Ex. S. 1^.
FT. L]
Tideus defends himself in a narrow Pass.
91
Tideus is beaten
to the ground,
but gets up,
seizes a narrow
pass,
and defends
himself,
[leaf 37]
That1 his foomen fonde ful vnsoote.
But1 he, alias ! / was mad / alight* a-foote, 2192
Be force grounded in ful gretf distresse ;
But1 of knyghthod and of gref prouesse
Vp he roos, maugre aH his foon,
And as they cam, he slogh hem oon be on, 2196
lik1 a lyoun / rampaimt in his rage.
And on this hille / he fond a narow passage,
which" that1 he took / of ful high prudence ;
And liche a boor stondyng1 at his* diffence, 2200
As his foomen / proudly hym assaylle,
vpon the pleyn / he made her blode to Raylle
Al envirou/2, that1 the soyl wex rede,
Now her now ther / as they fille dede, 2204
That1 her lay on / and ther lay two or thre.
So mercyles / in his cruelte
Thilke day he was vpon hem founde.
And attonys / his enemyes to confounde, 2208
wher as he stood / this myghty champioure,
Be side he saugh / with water turned dou??,
An huge ston / large / rounde and squar ;
And sodeynly / er that1 thei wer war, 2212
As if hadde leyn / ther for the nonys,
Vpon his foon / he rolled it at onys,
That1 ten of hem / wenten vnto wrak,
2191. foomen] foon Ex. fonde Bo. M. C. G. founde Tj. Adx. founden
LI. founde it E2. Ba. (dyd fynde hyt Ra.) (it not in Ar. G. Bo. or the rest).
fnl] well Lb. vnsoote] vnswoote Bo. Tj. Du. Lj (ounswote). vnswhete Lb.
vnswette Ex. 2192. alias] najjeles L2. he alias] alas he Lb. mad] om. EP
alight M. Di. light Ar. Bo. and all the rest, a-foote Ar. G. S. Ap. on foote Bo. and
all the rest, except on fete Lb. Ej. 2193. ful] om Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. gret] sore Lo.
(Ra.) 2194. and of] and Ad^ Ad2. I. 2198. this] the Di. P. narow
Adj. narowe Bo. narwe Ad.,, streit Ba. (strayght Ra. ) 2200. his] om. Ar.
G. T2. P. L2. Ap. (ystandyng at defence Ra.) 2202. her] >e Di. 2203.
enviroun] newe y-ronne P. wex] waxe Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Ba. Ej. S. (J. T2. E2.
was Lj. (A. e. so that t. s. waxte r. Ra. ) rede] al red Adj. Ad.,. I. S. 2204. they]
om. Ad2. I. fille Ar. fillen Bo. Du. Lb. Di. Ad^ Ej. tiln C. fill P. Ap. felleu
TV M. S. E2. fallen Ba. T2. (dyd fallen Ra.) felle one Ad2. fe! oon I. 2205.
second lay om. Ba. 2206. in] than in Adj. Ad.,. I. Ba. S. (thus in hys crueltie
Ra.) his] his fers Ej. here Lb. 2207. Thilke Bo. Adx. Thilk M. vpon] on
Ad^ Ado. I. 2211. An] And Ar. 2213. had Bo. M. Ad,, leyn Ar. Bo. M. Ad2.
C. ley Ad,. 2214. it] om. Bo. 2215. wenten Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. M. Adj. T2.
went Lj. Ad2. I. L2. vnto] to Adj. Ad.2. I. Ba. S. C. T.,. (then wenteu vnto Ra.)
He rolls a huge
stone
down on his
foes,
kills ten,
02 Tideus kills all but One of his Fifty Theban pursuers. [PT. U.
and then all
the 50 but
one.
This one knight
Tideus kept,
to tell Btcocles
[leaf 37, back]
how his fellows
had sped.
IF Hou trouth
with lityl multi-
And the remnauwt amased drogh a-bak ; 2216
For on / by on / they wente to meschaimce.
And fynaly / he broghte to outrauwce
Hem euerychon / Tydeus, as blyve,
That1 non but1 on / was* left1 of hem* alyue ; 2220
hym-silf yhurfr / and ywounded kene,
Thurgh his harneys / bledyng on the grene.
The theban knyghtes / in compas rouwde aboute
In the vale / lay* slayenj* aH the route, 2224
which pitously / ageyn the mone gape ;
For non of hem, shortly, myghf eskape,
But1 dede echon / as thei han deserued,
Saue on excepte / the which was reserued 2228
By Tydeus / of intenciouw,
To the kyng / to make relaciouw
how his knyghtes / han on her iowrne sped,
Euerich of hem / his lyf leff for a wed, 2232
And at1 the metyng1 / how they han hem born :
To tellen al / he sured was and sworn
To Tydeus / ful lowly on his kne.
By which ensample / $e opynly may se 2236
Ageynes* trouthe* / falshed hath no myghf.
Fy on querilis / naf grounded vpon rijf,
2216. drowe Bo. drewe Du. drowen Adj. Ad^ I. 2217. In Ar. there is
a bar also before the second on, put there to distinguish the numeral on from the
preposition. 2217. wente Adj. went Bo. Ad2. I. wen ten M. Di. In Adj.
2220 precedes 2219, but the copyist has observed his mistake, and corrected it
by writing a before the latter and b before the former line ; in Ado.. I. the lines arc
right. 2220. was not found in any MS. (see Notes), hem] ham Ar. 2221. yhurt]
hurt M. Di. C. ywounded] wounded C. 2224. vale] valey Lj. Lb. E2. lay] om.
Ar. G. Adj. Ad2. I. (Ra.) Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. P. E.,. U. Ap. slayn(e) all the MSS.
all the] all the hole Ba. T2. E2. 2227. lian] had Ba. S. it han Bo. Tj. Du. Lb.
Ej. it hadde Ad^ Ad2. I. had it M. Di. 2228. the] om. M. Di. which Adj.
whiche Bo. M. 2229. of] of this Adj. Ado. I. Ej. S. C. E2. of his Ba. for this
T2. (of good Ra.) 2230. To] Vnto Adj. Ad2. I. (Ra.) Ba. S. T2. 2231. spedde
with de undc.rdotted Ar. 2232. Euerich] Eche M. Di. C. To, his lyf left] lefte
his lyf La, (tharlifhatheleftRa.) for a] for Ap. to Ba. (Ra.) L2. 2234. tellen]
telle Lj. C. P. L2. tell hym S. he] howe he P. sured] assured M. Di. Ba. C. T2.
P. E2. om. Tj. and cwi. Tj. 2236. opynly] oonly Lb. om. S. (playnly Ra.) ?e
opynly may] openly ye may M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ex. C. T2. P. R2. 2237.
Ageyn Ar. Bo. Adj. trouthe Adx. trouth Ar. Bo. 2238. Fy] Figh E.,. qiunels
Bo. quarells Adj. quarellis Lb. querilis Ar. a quarell S. T.2. P. nat grounded
vpon] grounded nat on Adj. Adg. I. (Ra.) Ba. S.
PT. it] Bleeding and weary, Tideus rides into Lycurgus* land. 93
with-oute which* / may be no victorye*.
Therfor ech man / haue* this in memorye*,
That1 gret1 pouer / shortly to conclude,
Plent6 of good / nor moche* multitude,
Scleight1 or engyne / fors / or felonye,
Arn to feble / to holden Chanpartye
Ageynes* trouthe* / who that1 list1 take hede.
For at1 the ende falshede may not1 spede
Tendure longe / ^e shul fynde if thus.
Record I take of worthy Tydeus,
which with his hand / thorgh trouthes excellence,
Fyfty knyghtes / slogh in his dyffence,
But1 on except1 / as I late* tolde,
Sworn and assured with his honcle vpholde,
The kyng1 tenforme / how they wern atteynf.
And Tydeus, of bledyng1 wonder feynfr,
Maat1 and wery / and in gret1 distresse,
And ouerleyd / of verray feblenesse ;
But1 as he myght1 / hym-silue tho sustene,
He took his hors / stondyng1 on the grene,
Worthed vp / and forth he gan to ryde
An esy pas / with his woundes wyde.
And Sothly / 31^ in his opynyoura
he was alway / affered of tresourc.
But1 anguysshous / and ful of bysy peyne
He rode hyra forth / til he did atteyne
Into the bowndes / of lygurgus lond,
A worthy kyng1 / and manly of his hond.
tude hath euere
in the fyn vie-
2240 tory of falshede.
2244
2248
2252
2256
2260
The rest of the
50 Tideus slew
Tideus, tho'
bleeding and
weary, .
mounts his horse
and rides away.
[leaf 38]
2264
Tideus rides into
the land of King
Lycurgus,
2239. which] woch Ar. whom G. victoyre (: rnemoyre 2240) Ar. 2240. ech]
euery Lb. haue Bo. M. Adj. ha Ar. 2242. moche Bo. M. Adj. moch Ar.
2243. Sleight Bo. and all, except Scleight Ar. Ej. fors or] force of Ba. (force
ekeorRa.) 2245. Ageyns Ar. Bo. ageinst Adr troupe Adj. trouth Ar. Bo.
2247. To endure Bo. M. Adj. longe Bo. M. Adj. 2250. sloweM. Adj. slewe Bo.
2251. late Bo. M. Adj. Ej. C. layf Ar. (as I have latly tolde Ra.) 2253.
tenforme Adj. to enfourme Bo. to enforme M. 2254. wonder] was wonder Du.
2257. hym-silue Ar. G. Ap. hymselfe Ej. S. (Ra.) him-self Bo. and the rest.
tho] to G. Ad:. Ad.2. I. Ba. Ej. S. so Lj. Di. hym-silue tho] tho hymself C. T2.
P. E2. L2. (he gan hym-selfe Ra.) 2258. Stondyng] (yat stode vppon Ra.).
2259. "Worthed vp] worchid vp (sic) S. (And vpp he lyght Ra.) to] om. Ad2. I.
2262. aferde Bo. Adj. 2263. anguysshous Bo. M. anguissous Adj.
94
Tideus rides into the Castle Garden,
[FT.
sees a castle,
If How Tydeus,
al forwounded,
cam into ligur-
gus lond.
rides into its
garden,
And he ful paal / only for lak of blood,
Tydeus saugh / wher / a castel stood, 2268
Strong* and myghty / belt1 vpon a roche,
Touard? which / he faste gan approche,
Conveyed thider / be clernesse of the ston,
That* be nyghf ageyn the inoone* shon, 2272
On heghe* toures / with crestes marcyul.
And loyneauwf / almosf to the wal
was a gardyn / lityl out1 be syde,
Into which / Tydeus gan ride, 2276
Of aventure / be a gate smal.
And ther he fond / forto rekne al,
A lusty herbere / vnto his devis,
Soote and fressh" /*lich~ a paradys, 2280
Verray heuenly / of inspecciown.
And first1 of al / he alyghte doim,
The goodly place / whan that* he byheltf,
And fro his nek / he voyded hath his sheld1, 2284
Drogh the brydyl / from his horses hede,
let1 hym goon /, and took no maner hede,
Thorgh the gardyn / that1 enclosed was,
Hym to pasture / on the grene* gras. 2288
In Adj. 2268 precedes 2267, but the copyist has marked tlie lines with b and a ;
Ad2. and I. are right. 2269. bilt Bo. M. Adj. bildid L2. bylde P. (ybylt
Ra.) Strong bilt and niighti Adj. Ad2. I. vpon] in L.2. 2270. which] whome
Bo. Tj. Du. LJ. Lb. M. Di. Ba. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S (horn). (the whyche Ra.)
faste Adj. Et. fast Bo. M. he faste gan] fast he gan M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej.
S. he gan fast L2. 2271. Conveyed M. Adj. Conveid Bo. 2272. ageyn]
by M. Di. mone Bo. M. moone Adj. moon Ar. 2273. hegh Ar. hye Bo. M.
his Lb. S. )>e Adj. Ad2. I. 2274. loyneaunt Ar. I*j. Ap. ioynyng Bo. and all
fie rest, except loyned Ba. (adioynynge Ra.) 2275. lityl] a litil G. Di. I. 2276.
which] whome Bo. Tx. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. ye which S. (the
whiche tho Ra.) gan] streight gan C. ride] to ride Lb. Ad,. Ad2. Ba. Ej. S. T2.
P. £2. 2278. rekeue Bo M. Adj. 2280. Soote Ar. Lb. Ba. S (Sotte). C. T2.
P. L2. Ap. (Full soote Ra.) Swote Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Sweet Bo. Ej. E.7.
lich a] lich to a Adj. lyke to Ad2. I. (much lyke Ra. ) (2281 and 2282 omitted
mRa.) 2282. alyjt G. alighte M. Di. alight Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. C. T2. P.
E2. L2. Ap. lighte Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. P. lyghted Ej. doun] a-down Lb. Adj.
Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. P. £3. 1^. 2284. he] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj.
Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. C. P. voyded favoidid Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad^ I. Ba.
Ej. S. hath] had Bo. Di. thanne T2. 2285. drowe Bo. Du. M. Adj. drewe
£3. And drewe P. Drawe Ej. (And gote Ra.) the] his Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb.
M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. horses Ar. (Ra. ) horsys Ap. hors Bo. and all
the rest. 2288. pasture Bo. M. Adj. 2288 and 2290. grene M. Adj. gren
Ar. green Bo.
dismounts,
lets his horse
loose,
PT. L]
lies on the grass, and rests till Sunrise.
95
And Tycleus / mor he vie than is led,
Vpon the herbe's / grene',* whit1, and red,
As hym thoughts / that1 tyme for the best1
he leid hym doune / forto tak his rest1,
Of werynesse / desirous to slepe,
And non awaytt / his body forto kepe ;
And with dremes / grocched euer among1,
Ther he lay / til* the larke song1
with notes newe / hegh vp in the ayr,*
The glade morowe / rody and right1 fayr,
Phebus also, casting1 vp his bemes,
The heghe* hylles / gilte with his stremes,
The syluer dewe / vpon the herbe's rounde ;
Ther Tydeus lay vpon the ground,
At1 the vprist1 / of the shene svnne,
And stouttderaele* / his grene* woundes rvnne
Round' about1 / that the soyl was* depeynf
Of the grene / with the rede meyntf.
And euery morowe / for hoolsomnesse of eyre*,
Lygurgws doghter / maked her repeyr,
Of custom ay / among the flowre's newe
In this gardyn / of many dyuerse hwe,
Swich loye hadde /, forto taken hede,
On her stalkes / forto sen hem sprede,
In the Allures / walking1 to and fro.
And whan she hadde a litil while* goo
leaf 38, back]
2292 lies on the grass,
2296
2300
and dreams till
the lark sings
and the sun
rises ;
2304
2308
2312
but his wounds
bleed.
^J Hou Ligurgus
doghter fond
Tydeus sleping
in the herber,
al forwounded.
To this garden,
daily comes
Lycurgus'.s
daughter.
2293. desirous] desiringe P. to] for to Ad2. I. P. (Ra.) 2294. forto] to Adj.
Ad.2. I. 2295. grocched Ar. Du. M. Ap. grucchid Bo. Tx. La. Lb. Di. Ba. C. T2.
gruchchid Ra (grutched by later hand), grutched Ej. gruggid L^. grudged E.2.
grughynge P. grucche S. om. Adj. Ad.2. I. 2295 is found twice in Ra., first
written by the later hand as the last line on the back side of the fourth new leaf (see
2099), then as the first line of the following original leaf. 2296. Ther] grucching
here Adx. Ad2. I. Til] to Ar. G. 2297. newe] om. Bo. hayr Ar. G. 2300.
hegh Ar. hye Bo. Adj. gilt Bo. gilted Adj. glistred Ad2. I. 2303. shene Adj.
sheen Bo. shene svnne] sune shene S. 2304. stoundemele Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di.
Ra. C. Ta. P. stoundemell Ba. E2. Ap. stoundmele Ar. Bo. L1. Adj. Ej. L.2. in
that while Ad2. I. And swmdell his wondes ron grene S. grene AI. Adj. gren
Ar. green Bo. 2305. that] om. Lb. was] om. Ar. G. Ej. C. T& P. 1^. Ap.
(E.2.). 2306. Of] Was of E2. with the] with Ra. Ba. C. meynt] y-tneynt Ad^
Ad^. I. Ra. Ba. P. The rubric of Ar. has Barurgus for Ligurgus. 2307. heyre
Ar. G. 2308. maked Ar. G. C. T2. Ap. made (maad) Bo. and the other MS S.,
except did make E.2. 2314. while Bo. Adj. whil Ar.
96 Lycurgus's Daughter wakes the sleeping Knight. [PT. fcr
She sees a
sleeping knight
his steed,
and his blood,
[leaf 39]
She touches him
gently
He starts up,
her-self allone* / casting* vp her sight1,
She byheld? / wher an armed knyghfr 2316
lay to rest1 hym / on the herbes colde ;
And hym besyde / she gan ek byholde
his myghty stede / walkyng1 her and ther.
And she anon / fille in a maner fer, 2320
Speceally whan she saugh" the blood
Sprad al the grene / aboute ther she stood.
U Butt at1 the laste / she kaughfr hardynesse,
And wommanly / gan her forto dresse 2324
Toward! this knyghf, havyng a manere drede
And gret1 doute lest1 that1 he were dede.
And of her wille / sothly this was chief,
That1 she thoughts forto male* a prief 2328
how that* it1 stood / of this man, ful ofte.
And forth she gooth / and touched hy?ra ful softe,
Ther as lie lay / with her hondes smale.
And with a face dedly / bleyk1, and pale, 2332
lich as a man adawe'd / in a swogh",
Vp he sterf / and his swer<? he drogh",
Nat1 fully out* / but put1 it vp ageyfi
Anon as he hath the lady seyn, 2336
Beseching hir1 / only of her grace,
To han pit6 / vpon his trespace,
And rewe on hyw of her wowmanhede.
For of affray / he was falle in drede 2340
lest1 he hadde / assayled ben of newe
Of the thebans / preued ful vntrewe ;
2315. allone Bo. allon Ar. 2322. al] on Adj. A<32. I. C. T2. P. Kj. ther] where
M. Di. La. she] he Lj. om. P. 2324. gan] she gan Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S.
her] om. Ba. forto] to S. 2328. forto] to Adj. A(i2. I. Ra. Ba. S. prief Ar.
E2. preef Bo. M.> Adj. preif L2. prefe Lb. Ba. ; Ar. has aprief. 2329. of]
with G. 2331. Ther] Wher C. T2. E^ L^ Ap. And her Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S.
2333. as] om. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. adawed in] dawed in Ej. adawed" of Lb. that
dawed of Adj. that dawith of Ad2. I. 2334. Vp he steri] He vpsterte C. T2.
Eg. second he] om. Lb. Adj. Ad0. I. Ra. Ba. C. T2. P. £3. L^. drogh] out drowe
Adj. Ad2. I. 2335. but] om. Bo. 2340. of] om. Ra. Ba. fallen G. M. Di. C.
T2. Ba. falle Ar. Bo. and the rest. in a drede Ar. with a underdottcd. 2341.
had] om. M. Di. he hadde assayled ben] lie hadde be assailed Adj. Ad2. I. S. E2.
assayled he hadd be Ba. he assayled hadde be C. of] om. Lo. 2342. preued
M. proued Bo. Adj. proude and I.
and begs her to
pity him.
PT. II.] Lycurgus's Daughter promises to see Tideus righted. 97
For dred of which he was so rekkeles,
Ful humblely / hym gelding1 to the pes,
Tryst* in hym-silf / he passed hadde his boundes.
And whan that1 she saugh" his mortal woundes,
She hadde routh / of verrey gentyllesse
Of his desese / and of his distresse,
And bad he shulde / no-thing1 be dismayd,
Nor in herte sorouful nor affrayd?,
Disconfort1 hym in no maner thing1.
" For I," quod she / " am doghter to the kyng1,
Callyd lygurge / which gretly me delyte
Euery morowe / this gardyn to visyte ;
It1 is to me so passingly disport1."
" Wherfor," quod she / " beth of good comfort1 ;
For no wight her / touchyng1 ^our1 viage,
Shal hynder ^ou / nor do 3ow no damage.
And 3if 30 list1 / of al $our auentwre
The pleyne* trouth / vnto me discure,
I wil in soth / do my bysynesse
To reforme / $oure greuous hevynesse
with al my myght1 / and hool my dylygence ;
That I hope of 3oure gret offence
30 shal han helpe in 3our> aduersite.
And, as ferforth / as it1 lith in me,
2344
2348
She bids him not
fear ; .
[leaf 39, back]
2352 yshe is the King's
Daughter ;
IT How worn-
manly the lady
2356 acquythirto
Tydeus in his
2360
2364
no one shall hurt
him ;
she will see him
righted.
2343. recheles M. Adj. rechles Bo. 2344. hnmblely Ar. Ap. humbely
Adj. Di. T2. humbly Bo. and the rest, hym Jelding Ar. Adj. Ad2. I. T2. E2. Ap.
yeldyng him Bo. Du. G. and the rest, the] om. Ba. 2346. that] om. Du.
2348. and of] and Adj. Ad2. I. C. E2. and for LP distresse] grete distresse Lb.
2349. shulde Bo. Adj. shold M. no thing be Ar. G. Du. L:. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. S.
L2. Ap. be no bing Bo. Tj. Lb. M. Di. Ad2. I. T2. P. E2. not be nothing C.
dismayd] disamayed Ad^. 2350. Nor . nor] Nor . ne Bo. Tj. M. Di. Ba. Nor .
nother C. Ne . nor Lb. Ne . ne Lj. herte Adjt hert Bo. sorouful] ferful Adx.
Ad2. I. 2353. which Ar. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. }>at Bo. and the rest. 2354.
morowe] mornyng Lb. Ba. morwnyng Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. this] the Ra. Ba. to]
forto Adj. 2355. so] om. P. passingly] passyng Lj. Ad2. I. P. 2356. beth]
byth Ej. C. be S. be ye M. Di. 2358. hynder] nat hynder Ra. Ba. nor] ne
Bo. Tj. Lb. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. E2. }ow no] om. Ra. Ba. no] om. G. 2360.
pleyne Lj. Ra. Ad2. I. pleyn Ar. Bo. M. Adj. vnto Ar. G. C. T2. E2. L2. Ap.
to Bo. and the rest. 2362. refourme Bo. reforme M. Adj. 2363. hool my
Ar. G. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ap. myn hool Bo. and the rest (my whole S. ).
2365. shal Ar. Bo. Ra. Ea. shul M. Adj. C. aduersite] gret aduersite Adj.
Ad2. I.
TBEBES. H
98
Lycurgus's Daughter takes Tideus to a Chamber. [PT. II.
Tideus trusts
her.
Tideus tells
Lycurgus's
daughter
all his story.
•f Hou Tydeus
was refresshed in
the castcl of the
lady.
[leaf 40]
She takes him
to a soft bed,
unarms him,
Trusteth right1 wel / 30 shul no faute fynde."
And whan he saugh / that1 she was so* kynde, 2368
So woramanly / so goodly, and benygne
In al her poorf / be many dyuers signe,
He vnto hir* / be ordre wold not1 spare
his auenturis / fully to declare, 2372
In Thebes first1 touching1 his massage,
And at* the hil / of the woode* Rage,
Of his woundes / and his hurte's sore
(It were buf veyn / to reherce if mor) 2376
By and by he told her euery del,
The which in soth / she liked neuere a del,
But* hadde routh and compassiou?^
Of his meschief / wroghfr be fals tresouw : 2380
Byddyng in hastt / that1 he shuld hir* swe,
And wommanly /, as her thoghte dwe,
To a chambre / she ladde hym vp alofte,
Ful wel beseyn /, ther-in a bed right1 softe 2384
Eichely abouten apparayled
With cloth of gold /, al the floor yrayled
Of the same / both in length and brede.
And first this lady / of her woramanhede, 2388
hir* wymmen badde / as goodly as they kan,
To be attendauwt1 on this wounded man.
And whan he was vnarmed to his sherte,
2367. shul Ar. M. Adj. shal Bo. 2368. that] om. G. she] om. Du. so G.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. om. Ar. Bo. and all the rest, that he was kynge E1.
2369. so goodly] goodly Lb. benygne] so benigne Bo. Tr Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ada.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. 2370. many] many a Du. Adj. Ad2. I. 2371. wold] wol
Adj. Ad2. I. 2374. atte the hil G. L2. at hill Ba. E2. al the hil Ar. Bo. and
all the rest, except )>e hille Lj. all be wholl S. (see Notes}, wode Bo. M. wood Ar. Adj.
of the woode] of all )>e woode Lx. of the woodie E2. of the worthy P. and the
wood Ad2. I. 2375. and his] and of his Bo. and Ex. 2379. hadde M. had
Bo. Di. Adj. routhe M. routh Bo. Adj. 2381. Shewe Lb (: dewe). 2384.
Ful wel beseyn] om. Ad2. I. ther-in] where inne Ad2. I. bed] bed was Ad2. I.
right] ful Ra. S. 2385. abouten] aboute Bo. Lx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 1^. Ap.
Richely abought aparaylid for the nones P. (the last three words added with paler ink
by later hand). 2386. of gold] om. C. yrayled Ar. G. C. T2. E2. Ap. 1^ (eraylid).
arayed Bo. Tx. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ra. S. Et (I-rayed). Du (raied). Ba (auarrayhed).
trayled Adj. Ad2. I. 2386 omitted in P ; the later hand has loritten in the
margin: With Curtont & hangynge Of Arras golde and stonys. 2389. they
Ar. G. C. T2. P. £3. 1^. Ap. she Bo. and all the rest. 2391. whan] om. Bo.
PT. ii.] She has Tideus cared for, but he will not stay with her. 99
She made first* wassh his woundes smerte, 2392
And serche hem wel / with dyuers instruments,
And made* fette / sondry oynementes,
And leches ek / the beste she koude fynde,
Ful craftely to staunche hem / and to bynde. 2396
And euery thing1 / that1 may do hym ease
Taswage his peyn / or his woo tapese,
Was in the courte / and in* the Castel sought1,
And by her byddyng / to his chambre brought. 2400
And for his sake / she hath after sent1
For swich" deyntees / as wern cowuenyent1,
Moost nutn'tyf / be phisikes lore,
hem that1 wern syk / or wounded / to restore, 2404
Makyng her wymmen / ek to taken kep
And wayt1 on hym / anyghtes whan he slep,
And be wel war / that1 no thing1 asterte
That was or myghf be / lusty to his herte. 2408
U And with al this / she preie'd hym abyde
Til he were strong1 / and myghty forto ride,
In the castel to pley hym / and disporte,
And at1 ley sere / horn ageyn resorte 2412
whan he myght1 by welde hym at his large.
But1 al for nought1 / : he wil horn to Arge,
Toke his lyeve on the nexte day,
With-out1 abood / to hast1 hym on his way, 2416
lowly thonkyng1 / vnto her goodnesse
washes and
dresses his
wounds,
gives him
dainties,
and bids her
women watch
him.
Tideus, tho
askt to stop
at Lycurgus's
castle,
[leaf 40, back]
will go home
to Argos.
2392. wassh Bo. wasshe M. Adj. In Ar. a pause-bar after wassh. 2394.
made Bo. M. Adj. mad Ar. fette M. Adj. fett Bo. 2395. leches] leche T2.
she] bat she Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. 2396.
Ful] And ful Adj. Ad2. I. Ka. Ba. to staimche hem] to staunchen hem Adj. Ad2.
I. Ej. did hem staunch Ra. Ba. to bynde] binde Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2396
omitted in P., but And caused theym his woundes to bynde written in the margin by
later hand. 2398. Taswage Ar. To aswage Di. 1^. to swage Bo. and the rest.
tapese Ar. Bo. and all, except to apese S. P. L^. to pese Ap. Lj. To swage his wo &
peyne to pease Lj. 2399. courte] centre Ad2. I. in the Castel] in om. Ar. Ba.
Ap. 2404. hem] to hem Adj. Ad^ I. wern Ar. were Bo. and the rest, to
restore] sore Tj. Adj. Ad2. I. 2409. preied Ar. praide Bo. M. Ra. praid Adr.
abyde] to abide Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. 2413. bywelde] biwilde Di. S. beweldy
Lb. welde Ba. at his] to his Bo. at Lb. 2415. nexte Ad^ nexste Di. next
Bo. 2417. thonkyng] towchyng T2. vnto] to P. hir of Ad2. I. goodnesse]
greet goodnesse M. DL goodlynesse T2. worthynesse Ro.
100
Tideus returns to Argos, to his Wife.
[PT. II.
II Hou Tydeus
repeyred hy»i to
Arge al for-
woundyd.
Of her fredam / and bountevous largesse,
So wo??imanly that* hir1 list taken* hede
Hym to refressh in his grete nede, 2420
Beheestyng1 hir1 / with al his fulle* myght1,
He wolde* be hir seruaunf / and hir knyghf,
Whyl he leueth, of what1 she wold hym charge.
And forth he rood / til he cam to Arge 2424
In ful gref hast1 / and wolde nowher dwelle.
But* what* shuld? I rehercen owther telle
Of his repeir / the coostes or the pleyns,
The craggy Roches / or the hegh mounteyns, 2428
Or al the maner / of his hoom-comynge,
Of the metyng* / or* the welcomynge,
Nor the loye / that1 Adrastus made,
His wife clasps Nor how his sustre / and his wif were glade ? 2432
Nor how that1 they /, wherto* shuld I write,
him in her arms. Enbraced hym / in her Armes white,
Nor the gadryng1 / about* hym / and the pres
Nor of the sorowe / that Polymytes 2436
Mad in hym-silf / to sen hym so forwouwded,*
his greuous hurtes / his soorys / ek vnsouwded,
His dedly look / and his face pale ?
(Of alle this / to gynne a newe tale 2440
[leaf 4i] It were in soth" / a maner ydylnesse)
2418. and] and of hir Bo. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ej. S. and her Tj. Lj. largesse]
largenes Lj. and largenesse (sic) T2. 2419. tak Ar. Adj. take G. Lj. and the
rest, except to take Bo. T,. Du. M. Di. (cp. 2311). 2420. refressh (refresshe) Ar.
and all. 2421. Beheestyng Ar. Ra. Behestyng Bo. Ba. Ap. By-hestyng G.
Bihotyng Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. Ej. S. C. T2. P. E^ Be-hetyng Lj. I.
Besechyng L^. Ro. ful (full) Ar. G. Bo. and all, except hoi Adj. hoole Ad^ I.
2422 and 2423. wolde Bo. M. Adj. wold Ar. wyl G. and hir] and Ra. knyght]
trewknyghtM. Di. Ba. C. Ta. P. E2. 2426. what] wherto M. Di. owther Ar. Bo.
other M. Adj. or more Ad^ I. 2427. his] Jris Bo. or] o}>er Adx. 2430. or]
nor Ar. G. C. T2. Eg. 1^. Ro. Ap. or the] or of >e Bo. Tj. Du. L,. M. Adv Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 4- 2431- Nor] For Di. Ba. Ne L!. Lb. 2432. Nor] Ne Lj.
Lb. P. and] ne Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ej. T2. P. nor Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. L^. or
Ra. Ba. E^ were] was T2. P. 2433. Wherto] Wherfor Ar. write] it write Ba.
In Adj. AcLj. I. Ra. Ba. S. the second halves of 2433 and 2434 are transposed, that of
2434 being tacked on to the former half of 2433 and vice versa. 2435. N"or] Ne
Lb. P. hym] om. Bo. and] nor Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. TL%. L2. ne Ej. P. or Eg. in
Ra. Ba. 2436. of] om. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. P. £3. sorowe] gret
sorwe C. 2437. so] om. S. P. E^. 1^. forwounded] soor wounded Ar. G. Du.
M. Di. Ada. Ad2. I. Ea. S. P. E2. sor forwoundid 1^.
Polyneices
grieves to see
him wounded.
PT. II.]
Adrastus's Doctors soon cure Tideus.
Nor how hym-silf in ordre did expresse
First1 how that1 he in Thebes hath hym born,
Nor how the kyng1 / falsly was forsworn,
Nor of the awayt1 / nor tresouw that1 he sette,
whan fyfty knyghtes / on the way hym mette,
As 36 han herd? / al the manere howe,
With-oute which / my tale is long1 ynowe.
IT But Adrastus / made* men to seche
In euery Coost1 / for many diuerse leche,
To come in hast1 / and make no tarying1,
Vpon a peyne / be biddyng1 of the kyng1,
To don her craft* / that1 he wer recured
And of his force / in euery part assured.
And they echon / so her konnyng1 shewe
That1, in space / of a dale's fewe,
He was al hool / maad of his siknesse.
Tho was ther loye f and tho was ther gladnesse
Thorgh-out1 the courte / and thorgh-out1 al the touw.
For euery man / hath swich" opynyouw
In Tydeus / for his gentyllesse,
For his manhood and his lowlynesse,
That1 he was holde / the moste famous knyghfr
And best* byloued / in euery mawnys sight*
Thorgh-oute grece / in euery Regiouw.
But1 now most1 1 / make a digression n,
To telle shortly / as in Sentement1,
Of thilke knyght / that1 Tydeus hath sent1
Into Thebes / only to declare
The grete meschief / and the euel fare
2444
2448
Adrastus gets
doctors
2452
2456 wh° s°on cure
Tideus,
to every one's
delight.
2460
2464
But I must
now turn to
2468 the knight
whom Tideus
sent to Thebes.
2444. Nor] And P. was] is Adj. om. Ad2. I. 2445. the awayt Ar. Bo. M.
thawaite C. be waite Di. await (om. the) Adj. Ad2. I. 2449. made Bo. Adj.
maad Ar. 2455. konnyng] konnynges Bo. Tj. Du. L,.. Lb. M. EJ. 2456.
space] the space C. a dates fewe] dayes fewe Tj. LJ. Lb. Adj (daies a fewe). Ad2.
I. Ba. Ej. C. P. L.2. Ro. 2457. al hool] alhool Ar. hole Tx. 2458. and Ar.
G. C. T2. P. E2. Ap. om. Bo. and the rest. ther . ther] her . her . L2. Ro.
2459. and thorgh-out] and thorgh M. Adj. 2462. his manhood] manhod of
him Adj. Ad2. I. and his] and Adj. Ad2. I. 2463. moost Bo. most M. Adj.
moste Du. Di. I. 2466. Ar. has a second pause-bar after make, digressioun]
disgressioun I. 2468. thilk Adj. tliilke Bo. 2470. gret Adj. grete Bo.
2471 in Ar. begins with In w Vnto, the first two underdotted.
102 Eteocies is furious when he finds Tideus has slain his Knights.
[leaf 41, back] Vnto the kyng1 / how it is befalle,
The opyn trouth / of his knyghtes alle, 2472
Eteocies, on \io\t Tideus hath slayn hem euerychon.
hearing that
his 50 knights That1, sauf hym-silf / ther eskaped non :
were slain,
which was reserued / from sheding1* of his blood,
The kyng1 to telle pleynly how it stood. 2476
And whan he hadde rehersed euery poynt1,
is nearly mad Ethiocles stood / in such disioynt1
with rage.
Of hatful Ire thafr he wex nye wood.
Eteocies And in his tene / and his felle mood, 2480
Of cruel malys / to the knyghtf he spak,
says his knights And felly seide* / that1 it was for lak
were cowards,
Only of manhood / thorgh her cowardys,
If HOW Ethiocles That thei wern slayn / in so mortal wyse. 2484
was asstonyed
Sa£theofeMs " And hanged be he / highe* by the nekke
knyghtes. That, of ?our deth / or of ^our1 slaughter Eekke,
Or 3ou compleyn / outher* on or aH,
Of the meschief / that is }owe befaH. 2488
I do no force / that1 non of 3011 asterte.
But1 fye vpon $our false * couard* herte,
to let one man That on knyghfr hath, thorgh his hegh renouw,
kill 50 of em. J6
Brought $ow aH into* confusiouw, 2492
Ful graceles / and ful vnhappy to."
The survivor ., -yr j> j 1.1 • i T.JJ u -u • ii • *
answers that -Nay, quod this knyght1, " it1 is no-thing* so.
2475. which Ar. G. 0. P. &,. 1^. Ro. Ap. That Bo. and the rest, from (fro)]
for Di. Ba. sheding] the sheding Ar. G. 2478. stood] stood thaime Adj.
Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. S. 2479. that] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Kj. wex Ar. G. Lb. Di. Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. E2. Ro. waxe Bo. M. Du. Adj. Ex. S. C. T2. L^. wyxe Ap. waxte Lj. was
Tj. nye] nere Ba. 1^. Ap. 2480. and] and in Lv Lb. Di. Adj. Ad,j. I. Ra. Ba.
Ej. S. £3. La. Ro. felle Ar. Bo. M. fel Ad^ ful Ra. felle] om. S. 2482.
seide Ad^ Bo. seid Ar. 2485—2672 lost in T2. 2485. be he] he be Ba.
highe E2. hye Bo. M. Adj. high Ar. highe] om. S. hanged] y-honged Adv
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2486. of Jour deth] your deth Ad^ Ad2. I. 2487. outhre Bo.
other M. Di. othreDu. oytheAr. 2488. is Jowe] is on you M. Di. now is Lj.
befall] fall Lb. 2489. that] though Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. though >at Adj. asterte]
astart (:hert) S. 2490—2580 lost in Ba. 2490. fals coward Ar. M. Adj.
fals cowarde Bo. 2491. That] Tha Ar. on] of o with of underdotted Adj. of
oo Ad2. I. hath] om. Bo. T,. Du. Lv Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S.
L^. Ro. hegh] om. Ra. E^ renoun] resoun Ra. 2492. Brought] hath brought
Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ej. S. into Tv Du. Lv Adr Ad2.
Ra. S. in Ar. G. Ej. P. E.J. Ap. to Bo. Lb. M. Di. I. I^. Ro. vnto C. 2494.
nothing] not Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S.
PT. II.] The Survivor of Eteocles's fifty Knights kills himself. 103
It1 is thyn vnhappe / pleynlv, and not oures, Eteocies him-
self
That1 so many worthy werreoures, 2496
Which al her lif / neuer hadde shame,
Except this quarel / taken in thy name,
That grounded was / and rooted on falssenesse :
This was cause / in verray sikernesse, 2500 was the cause of
their mishap :
Of our1 vnhappe / I woof wel, and non other, deaf 42]
And the vntrouthe* / don vnto thy brother,
And that* thow were / so opynly forsworn :
A parcel cause why that1 we wer lorn 2504
was fals brekyng1 / of thyn assured oth." he broke his
And tho the kyng1 / almost1 mad for wroth,
In pwrpoos was forto slee this knyght1,
Oonly for he seide to hyrn right1, 2508
The which alias / both at eue and morowe, This knight,
in a fit of sorrow
Supprised was / with a dedly sorowe, and despair,
Renewed ay, in his remembrawnce,
With the pitous / and vnhappy chauwce 2512
Of the meschief / and mysauentwre,
Touching1 the deth / and disconfittwe
Of his feeres / and of hym-silf also :
That1 the shamfast1 / in-portable wo 2516
So frat1 on hym / with such a mortal stryf
That1 he was wery / of his owne lif ;
Hent1 a swerc? / and a-side sterte, drives a sword
into his own
And rove hym-silf euen to the herte, 2520 heart-
2495. pleynly] om. Adx. Ad^ I. S. pleynly and] and pleynly Ra. 2497. had
Bo. 2499. on] in Bo. L^ Ej. 1^. Ap. and rooted on] vpon Adj. Ad^ I. 2500.
-cause] the cause Du. L:. Adj. Ad2- I. Ra. sikernesse] sewernesse S. sothnesse C.
P. E2. 2502. vntrouth Ar. Bo. 2504. A] And Lb. C. P. E.2. Ro. Ap. parcel]
percell Ej. E2. that] om. M. Di. lorn] forlorn Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adx.
Ra. Er S. E2. Ap. 2508. to Ar. G. Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. Lb. vnto M. and the rest,.
2509. in Ar. above which is ivritten i. miles in smaller letters, both] om. M. Di.
2512. pitous] poyntes G. 2513. and] and the G. I. 2514. and] and the
Du. Lj_. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ej. S. P. of the I. 2515. his] alle his Ad^
Ad2 I. feeres Ar. Bo. feers M. Adj. felowes S. second of om. S. Ro. silt']
am. Du. Ada- 2516. importable Bo. M. Adx. 2517. So] om. Ro. frat]
frett Lj. M. Di. S. Sat Ro. was E2. that L.2- on] om. M. Di. Ad2. hym] om.
Ad?. 2519. Hent] He hent G. Lj. Ra. C. Hent he hath E^ Tburgh the
whiche he hent P. Toke he S. a-side] a-sid Adj. asiden Lx. om. P. sterte]
a-sterte Di. a-start S. 2520. roue Bo. M. rof Adx. And the poeple nad be
ta ryven thoruh (therewith I.) his herte Ad2. I.
104 The corpses of the slain Knights are burnt and buried. [FT. II.
The friends of
the dead knights
want to take
vengeance on
Eteoc.les,
but the lords
[leaf 42, back]
quiet them.
The corpses
are brought to
Thebes,
burnt,
and buried.
11 The kyng1 hym-silf / beyng1 tho present1 ;
That* the rumour / and the noys is went1
Thorgh-oute Thebes /of* the woode* rage,
Be swich as weren* / loyned by lynage 2524
To the knyghtes / slayen* at1 the hille ;
That1 aH atonys / of oon herte and wille,
They wold han ryse / thorgh-out1 the Cite,
Vpon the kyng1 / avenged forto be, 2528
Which of her deth / was chief occasiouw.
But1 the barouws / and lordes of the touw
Ful busy wern / this Rumowr to dysesse,
Of high prudence / to stynten and appese, 2532
In quyete / euery thyng1 to sette.
And after that1 the bodyes horn they fette
Of the knyghtes / lik as 30 han herde,
Aforn yslawe' / with the blody swerde 2536
Of Tydeus / ful sharpe whet1 and grounde.
And in the felde / so as they hem founde,
Only of loue / and affecciouw,
Solempnely* they broght1 hem into touw. 2540
And, lik the maner / of her rytis olde,
They weren first1 brent / into Asshes colde,
Euerich buryed / lich to his degre.
2521. beying Ar. beyng tho] tho being Adj. so beyng Ad2. I. 2522. The]
om. Lj. rumour] Iniurye I. is] am. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. it Lj. Ra. 2523. Thorgh-
oute] Thorgh C. P. E2. Thrugh-oute all Ej. of] and Ar. G. Lt. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra.
Ej. S. La. Ro. Ap. wode Bo. M. Ad^ wood Ar. 2524. wern Ar. Bo. M. Adj.
2525. slayen] slayn(e) all the MSS. 2527. ryse Ar. G. Ap. C. rysen Bo. Tj. M.
Adj. Ej. resen Ra. arisen ~E^. thorgh-out] thorugh M. Di. P. thrugh-oute all
Ej. 25'28. forto] to haue Adj. Ad2. I. 2530. lordes] be lordes Bo. Tj. Lb. M.
I. Ej. S. C. 2531. besy Bo. M. Ad?. discese Bo. M. Adj. 2534. the bodyes
horn they] home be bodies they M. Di. 2535. herde] redde Ad2. I. 2536.
yslawe Ar. G. Bo. Du. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ap. eslaw L2. slawe Ta. M. Di.
slayn C. yslayne P. E^ 2537. sharpe Ar. Du. Lb. P. sharp Bo. G. Tj. M.
Adj. Ra. C. K2. W R°- whet] whittid Ra. ; S has Iwhett full sharp and grounde.
2538. so] om. Lb. Ad2. I. 2539. and] and of Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. C.
P. £3. Lg. 2540. Solempnely Lb. Di. Ad^ I. Ra. Ej. Eo. L2. Ap. solennely Adg.
solempnly G. Bo. Du. M. Lx (solempnye). Solemply Ar. Tj. S. C. P. Ro. into] into
be Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ra. S. C. Lo. to the Lb. Ad2. I. Ej. P. E2. 2541.
lik] lik to Adj. Ad2. I. her] the M. Di. C. L.2. rytes M. rightes Bo. right L2.
2542. were Bo. M. Adj. 2543. Euerich] And euerich Adj. Ad.2. I. And eche
one E.J. Euery man Lb. buryed] I-buryed Ej. Eg.
PT. II.] Destruction is coming to the Thebans' King and Region. 105
Lo her kalendys / of aduersite, 2544 Ruin is to fail
on king and
Sorowe vpon sorowe / and destruccioim, realm,
First1 of the kyng1 / and att the Regyoim ;
For lak oonly / lik as I $ow tolde,
That1 biheestes / trewly wern not1 holde : 2548 as troth was not
kept.
be Firste grounde / and Eoote of this Ruyne,
As the story / shal clerly determyne,
And my tale / her-after shal ^ow lere,
$if that jow list1 / the remenaiwf for to here. 2552
IF Explicit1 Secunda pars
Joh" Lydgate
IF Incipitf pars Tercia
2544. kalendys] >e kalendes Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. P. E?.
is )>e kalendes Lj. 2546. and] and after Lb. all] om. Bo. of S. Ro. the] his
Li. 2548. were Bo. M. Adj. 2549. ]>e] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adx.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. ; in Ar. )>e is written before the line, first Bo. M. Adj. Ra.
2552. that] om. Bo. Tx. Du. Lr Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. C.
106 Appeal to Mars. Adrastus resolves to conquer Thebes. [PT. in.
[leaf 43]
Why, Mars,
were you so
wroth with men
of Thebes,
whose city was
burnt thru hate,
from Original
Sin?
King Adrastus
resolves to con-
quer Thebes.
He calls a
parliament
IF Tercia Pars.
0 Cruel Mars / ful of malencolye, 2553
And of thy kynde hoof / combust1, and drye,
(As the sperkles* / shewen fro so ferre,
By the stremes / of )>' rede sterre,
In thy spere / as if aboute goth)
what1 was cause / that1 thow were so wroth"
with hem of Thebes'? / thorgh whoos feruenf Ire
The Cite brent1 and was sette a-fyre,
As bookes olde / wel reherce konne,
Of Cruel hate / rooted and begvnne,
And engendred /, the story maketh mynde,
Oonly of blood / corrupt1 and vnkynde,
Bynfeccioura / called Orygynal,
Causyng1 a strif / dredful and mortal,
Of which the meschief / thorgh al grece Ran.
And kyng Adrastus / alderfirsf began,
which hath hym cast1 / a conquest1 for to make
vpon Thebes / for polymytes sake,
In knyghtly wise / ther to preve his myght1,
Of ful entent1 / to recure his right1.
And first1 of al he sette a parlemenf,
2556
2560
2564
2568
2572
2554. thy] om. Bo. G. C. be Lj. 2555. spercles Bo. Tj. Du. Ej. S. sparkles
M. Ad^ and the rest, except sperkes Ar. G. I. fro so ferre] from the fire Ra.
2556. $i Ar. G. thy L.2. Ro. Ap. the Bo. and the rest. 2557. thy] be Lt. Adj.
I. Ra. La- 2558. cause] be cause Di. 1^. Ro. that] om. Ra. P. L2. Ro. 2560.
The] Te Ar. brent and was] was brent and Adx. Ad^. I. brent was and Lb. E^.
a-fyre] on fyre Du. Lj. Lb. Ra. E2. 1^. 2565. Bynfeccioun] By enfeccion Du.
Bo (enfencioun). M. Tj. Adj. 2569. Which] That Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di.
Adj. Adg. I. Ra. Ej. S. hath] om. Lj. forto] to M. Di. 2571. his] her Adj.
Ad2. I. ther S. 2572. recure] rekouere Du.
TT. in.] Adrastus's Lords prepare for the Theban Expedition. 107
And hath his le^res / and massageres sent
Thorgh-oute Grece / to many sondry kyngges,
hem to enhast / and? make no lettyngges. 2576
And rounde about1 /, as maad is menciouw,
he sent also / to many Regyouw
For Prynces / Dukes / lordys, and barouws,
To taken vp / in Citees and in touws, 2580
And chesen out1 / the moste liklyesf,
And swich as weren* / preue'd for the best*
As of manhode / and sende* hem vp ecfron,
And in her hoiide / receyve her pay anon, 2584
with Adrastus to Thebes forto ryde.
And tho lorde's / that1 with hym abyde
In houshold stille / han her leve take,
To ryden horn / her retenue to make 2588
In ther contrees / as they wern of degre,
To stuffen hern / and taken vp meyne
And make hem stronge / with knyghtes and squyers,
with speres / bowes / and with ablasters, 2592
In al the hast1 possible / that1 they may,
And to retourne / in their1 best1 aray,
At1 ternae' sette, ful manly to be seyn,
of kings,
dukes, lords, etc.
[leaf 43, back]
All are to go
to Thebes with
Adrastus.
If The grete pwr-
ueau/ice of kyng
Adrastus touard
Thebes.
The court-lords
go home for
men and arms,
to muster soon
2575. Thorgh-oute] Thorugh Bo. M. Di. C. P. E2. Grece] alle Grece Ad2. I.
to] vnto Adj. Ad2. I. many] many a Ra. kyngges] kyngxRa. kyngges in Ar.
was first written kynggs, then e put above the line between g and s, with the usual
mark of insertion (two converging strokes) under the line. 2578. to] into Adv
Ad2. I. many Ar. Bo. Ta. M. Ej. Ro. Ap. many a Du. Lj. Di. and the rest.
2581. chesen Ar, G. Bo. M. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. chese Di. S. L2. Ro. to chesen C. E2.
to chese P. the] om. Adj. Ad2. I. most Ar. G. M. Adj. moost Bo. moste Du.
Ra. Ba. liklyest] semblyeste Ro. 2582. swich] which G. weren Tj. Lb. I.
wern Ar. G. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. wcryn Ra. were Bo. and tJie rest, preued]
proued Bo. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. C. 2583. As] And Adx. Ad2. I. sende E!.
S. C. P. E2. send Ad.2. I. savde Ar (seems to be altered from saide). sande Bo.
Du. G. sonde Di. soude Tj. M. sovde Lb. sowde L.2. Ap. sowede Ro.
sonded Adj. sowdid Ra. Ba. wage I(1. hem] om. Ad2. I. 2586. And] And
how Lx. tho Ar. G. C. Eg. 1^. Ro. Ap. be Bo. and the rest. 2589. ther Ar.
Ro. beir Bo. their Tj. Du. Ba. Ej. L2. Ap. the Ra. P. her M. and the rest.
2590. stuffen] sustene C. P. E2. and] and to Ra. Ba. S. C. to Lj. M. Di. E!. P.
E2. L2. Ro. taken Ar. Ad2. I. Ap. make S. take Bo. and the rest. meyne]
money Ba. 2592. second with] om. Lj. M. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. C. P. E2.
ablasters Ar. Bo. arblasters Adx. Ra. Ro. alblastyrs Ap. arblastreres Lb. Ad2.
Ba. arblastres Ex. S. arwblasters M. arowblasters C. Ar. has a bar also
between with and speres. 2594. to] om. Di. Ba. retourne Ar. Bo. and all.
their Ar. Ba. S. L2. Ap. Ro (ther). her Bo. and the rest. 2595. At] At the Lb.
108 T/te Kings wJw sliare in Adrastus's Expedition. [PT. ill.
To-forn Arge / mostren in a pleyn. 2596
U And as I rede / ful worthy of degre
Thider cam first1 / protonolope,
The which was, be recorde of wryting1,
Of Archada / sone to the kyng1. 2600
II And ful prudent found! in werre and pees
Ther came also / the kyng1 Cylmythenes.
H And as I fynde / ful famous of renoun
Thyder cam ek / the kyng1 ypemedouw. 2604
H And passing1 aH / of knyghthode and of name,
And excellyng / by worthynesse of fame,
The noble kyng / callyd Campaneus,
kam ek to Arge / the story telleth vs, 2608
Proued ful wel / and hadde ryden ferre.
II And thider kam the kyng1 Melleager,
IT Kyng Genor ek / that1 helde his Eoyal sete,
Myn Autour seijj / in the lond! of Crete ; 2612
IT Kyng1 Laeris and the kyng1 Pyrrus *,
And ek the kyng1 / called Tortolanus.
And renomed in many regyouw
at Argos.
The kings who
come are Pro-
tonolope,
Cilmithenes,
Ipomedon,
Capaneus,
Meleager, etc.
[leaf 44]
T[ The kynggcs
and princes
that cam with
Adrastus.
2596. mostren Ar. Du. Adj. moostre M. moustren Ej. mustren Tj. mustre
Ra. moustren Bo. mostren] to mvster Lj. Adj. Adg. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. Lj. Ro.
in] on Ra. Ba. P. L.2. Ro. a] be L2. Ro. 2598. protonolope] Prothonolope Bo.
Lb. M. Adj. C. Ap. Prothonolphe Lj. partonolope P. protholonope I.
Protholope Du. drothonolope S. 2599. whiche Bo. M. which Ar. Adj.
2600. Archada Ar. G. Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Lb. Archadye M. Adj. Archedie L2.
Archade Ra. E2. to] vnto Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. P. E2. 2602.
Cylmythenes Ar. Bo. Tx. Du. M. Di. Adj. Adg. I. Ej. S. Cylmythenees Ro.
Sylmythenes Lg. Clymythines La. Cilmychenes C. Ap. Gilmichenes £2. P.
Thilmythenes Ra. Thillmethenes Ba.
Ypomedoun Lb. M. C. P. E.J. L* Ro. Ap.
Ipomodoun Di. Loymedon Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S. Epimidoun Lj. Opimodon Ra.
Opymodoun Ba. ->f Epemedotin I. 2607. Campaneus] Capaneus Adj. of
Capaneus Ad2. I. Cimphaneus Ra. 2608. vs] bus G. C. 2609. Proued Ar.
Bo. M. Adj. Preued Ap. Provyn 1^. Provided Lj. and] om. M. had Bo. M.
Adj. hadde] hath Tj. and hadde ryden ferre] in many a degre Ra. in many
agree Ba. 2610. And] om. Ra. Ba. kam] come eke M. Di. Ra. Ba. C.
Melleager] Melliager Lb. Melleagerre Du. Melliacher P. Melergerr L2. Melliagre
Ra. Melliogree Ba. 2611. Genor] tenor Ra. Ba. Gover 1^. Ro. sete] Cite Ra.
Ba. se C. Eg. 2612. seib] telleth Lb. Crete] grete Tj. Ra. Ba. grece P. E^
2613. Laeris Ar. G. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ej. L2. Layerys Bo. Layeres Ro.
laerus Ra. Adj. Ad2. I. S. Laierus Ba. layers Ap. loeris C. E.2. loers P.
lacris Lb. Pyrrus] of Pyrrus Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. pernonne P (altered,
mi erasure). 2614. called] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. Tortolanus] Tortalanus Ad^
Tortolonus £2- tortolomus C. Tortolonyus Ro. Tortelows Lo. Tartalonne P.
2615. renomed] wel renomed M. Di. many] many a Du. Lj. Lb. P. E.2.
Cilmynthees Lb. Cylmytheus G.
2604. ypemedoun A.r. G. Bo. Tj. Du.
Tideus sends to Chalcedon for Warriors. Thebans join him. 109
Ther cam the kyng / ynamed palemou?i, 2616
Oft assayed / and found! a manly knyght,
That1 with hym broght1 / in steel y-armed* bright1,
Ful many worthy / out1 of his cuntre.
IT And Tideus / most1 knyghtly forto se, 2620 Tideus sends
That1 manly man / that* noble werreyour,
As he that1 was / of worthynesse flour,
Maister and myrour / by prouesse of his hond,
hath sent1 also into the niyghty lond 2624
Of Calcedoyne / of which" he was hayr, into Chalcedon
That* is a kyngdam / bothe* riche and fayr,
Chargyng1 his counsale / and officers also,
In al the hast1 / that1 it1 may be do, 2628
To seken out1 / the beste werreyours, for its best
Of famous knyghtes / and preued sawd yours,
Thorgh al the lond / and layde on hem this charge
With-oute aboode / forto come to arge. 2632 to come to
And they obeye / ful* lowly his biddyng1,
Enhastyng1 hem /and made * no lettyng1,
But1 spedde hem fast1 / vppon her iourne.
And fro Thebes / the myghty strong Cite, 2636 From Thebes
kam doune knyghtes / with many another man,
Maugre the kyng1 / to helpe* what they Can,
Considred first1 / his falshed and tresouw,
Ymeued only / of trouth and of resoun, 2640
2616. Ther] Thider Lj. Eo. ynamed] named Lb. C. I-callid Lj. ecallid 1^.
called M. Di. Ad2. I. E2. Ro. palemoun] Palamon Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. L2.
Polemon Ej. Palemeoun G. 2617. assayed Ar. Tj. M. Adj. EJ." assaid Bo. G.
Du. Lj. Ra. Ap. found] I-found Ej. 2618. y-armed] armed Ar. Bo. and the
rest. 2622. flour] be flour Du. I. 2624. into] to Adj. Ad2. I. 2625.
Calcedoyne] Calcydoyne Du. Adj. Ad^ Calcydoun L2. Calcfdonye I. Ro.
Calydonye Ej. of which] wherof Ej. 2626. kyngdom Bo. M. Adj. bothe Bo.
M. C. both Ar. Ra. om. Adj. Ad2. 1. 2627. counseile Bo. 2628. haste Bo.
hast M. Adj. 2629. seken] seke S. L2. beste Lb. Ap. best Bo. Tj. M. Adj.
worthy Di. werriours Bo. werriouris Tj. warreiours Ra. 2630. preued Ar.
Tj. Du. P. Ap. proude Ba. best L2. Ro. proued Bo. and the rest, sawdyours
Ar. Ej. Ap. soudeours Bo. M. Adj. 2631. al] om. C. this] be Adj. Ad2. I. Ra.
Ba. 2633. obeye Ar. Bo. and the rest, except obeyd Lj. Ra. Ba. P. obeied Adj.
Ad2. I. ful] shal Ar. G. Bo. TJ. Du. M. Di. Ej. S. all Ra. Ba. om. Lj. Adj. Ad2.
I. lowly] om. M. Di. Ej. Ar. has a second pause-bar after shal. 2634. mad Ar.
make M. Di. 1^. made Bo. and the rest. 2635. fast Bo. M. Adj. 2636.
myghty strong] stronge and myjty Di. 2638. helpe M. Adj. help Ar. Bo.
110 The Flower of Grecian Chivalry are in Adrastus'sArmy. [PT. ill.
to help Poly-
neices,
[leaf 44, back]
as they are
bound by oath
to do.
In Adrastus's
army is the
flower of the
Chivalry of
Greece.
To tell youNall
their new and
quaint arms \
2644
1T Polymytes / as they were sworn of jore,
To his Croune / Justly to restore :
And whan they weren at1 large out1 of the toun,
Vnto Arge / they be descendid doun,
And, lik her oth* / and her assurauwce,
As they wern bounde / only of lygeaunce,
To hym they Cam / in ful lowly wise,
Eedy to don / what* hym list1 devise. 2648
And whan he hadde / her trouthe * ful conceyued,
He hath to grace / goodly hem receyued,
Assignyng1 hem / her place mydde the hoste,
Assembled ther / from many diuerse coste :
That1 fynaly / in this companye
ygadred was / the floure of Chyvalrye
Ychosen out1 of al grekes lond
The most1 knyghtly / and manful of her hond ;
That1 1 trowe, sith the world began,
Ther was not1 seyn / so many manly man,
So wel horsed / with sper and with" sheld,
To-gydre assembled / sothly, in a feld*.
Ther men may see many straunge guyses
Of Armyng1 newe / and vncouth devyses,
Euery man / after his fantasye ;
That ^if I shuld? / in ordre specific
Euery pes / longyng1 to armure,
And ther-vpon / do my bysy cure,
2652
2656
2660
2664
would be a day's T,. • .1 / -i j •• i
work, It1 wer in soth / almost a dayes werk ;
\
2641. they] om. Bo. 2642. crowne Bo. M. Adj. to] hym M. Di. E0. hym to C.
2644. Vnto Ar. G. C. P. E2. And to L2. Ro. Into Bo. and the rest. " 2645. lik]
om. Bo. oth] both Ar. and her] and Tv 2646. bounde Ar. Bo. M. Adj. Ra.
boundyn 1^. 2647. Cam] cause M. Di. 2648. Redy] godely C. Lowly E2.
what] that Ra. hym] it M. Di. list] om. S. hym list] he wold L^. Ro. devise]
to devise Tj. Du. Lx. M. Di. Ej. S. 2649. hadde] hath Adt. Ad2. I. trouthe
Tv M. trouth Ar. Bo. Adx. ful] wel Bo. 1^. Ro. fully Du. Lj. M. Di. C.
2650. goodly hem] hem goodly Adj. Ad2. I. them godly S. 2653. fynaly]
fully M. Di. this] his 1^. Ro. 2654. ygadred] Ther gadred 1^. Ro. gaderd
C. M. 2655. Ychosen] Ichose Lb. Chosen Tx. C. Ichosen was Ra. al] the Lb.
2656. manful] manly M. Di. 2659. with sper] and with spere Adj. Ad2. I.
second with om. Adj. Ad^ I. Ba.\ 2661. may] might Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S.
C. P. £3. mowe Lb. men may] myhte men Ra. Ba. gyses Bo. M. Adj.
2662. of Armyng newe] or armour^ new Du.
\
PT. in.] Adrastus pays and feeds his Soldiers well.
Ill
And the termes also ben to derk, 2668
To reherce hem clerly and to Eyme :
I passe ouer / only for lak of tyme.
And telle I wil / forth of her loggyng1,
How Adrastus / the noble worthy kyng1,
Hath euery lord / lik to his degre,
Eeceyued wel / with-Innen his Cyte :
And ther they hadde / lik to her plesaunce,
Of what nedeth / fulsom habundaunce, 2676
For man and hors / plente of Vitaylle ;
Comaundyng1 / that1 no thyng1 ne faylle
That1 alle thise noble worthy werreoures,
Both high and lough" • and poore* soudeoures, 2680
Iserued weren of that1 they hadde nede.
For Adrastus / prudently took hede,
Ful lik a kyng / touching4 her terme-day,
That1 thei to-forn / wer serued of her pay. 2684
He was so free / hym list1 no thyng restreyn ;
And no man hadde cause to compleyii
For hunger / thrust / nor for Indygence.
And in a prince / if is ful gref offence, 2688
As clerkes seyn / and a gref repreef,
Suffre his puple / lyven at mescheef.
If is ful hevy / and greuous in her thoghf
3if he habound? / and they han righf noghf. 2692
he may nof both / possede good and herte,
He to be riche / and Seen his puple smerte.
so I leave it
alone.
2672 Adrastus gives
[leaf 45]
every one good
lodging,
and food for man
and horse.
1 What vayleth
a kyng to payen
his puple trewly
her sowde.
No one could
complain.
It's a great
reproach to a
prince to be full
and leave his
folk empty.
2668. also ben] ben also Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Ex. bethe also P. to] so LJ. Ad2. I.
Ba. E2. Ro. 2669. clerly] pleynly Ro. and to] into Adj. Ad2. I. 2673.
euery] euery worth! Ra. lik] logged lik Adj. Ad2. I. 2674. with-Innen Ar. G.
Ap. withynne Tv Lb. Ad2. I. Ra. T2. with-in Bo. M. Di. Adj. Ba. Ej. S. C. P.
E2. L2. Ro. in-to Lj. his] the Ra. C. T2. P. E2. 2676. what] what that Lb.
Adj. Ad2. I. P. what theim Ba. S. fulsom] fwll S. 2678. that] there that
Adj. Ad2. I. that ther Ra. Ba. ne] ther S. om. Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P.
2679. noble] om. P. worthy] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
Ej. S. T2. 2680. poure M. pore Du. poor Ar. poer Bo. pour Adj. 2681.
Iserued] Serued M. Di. had Bo. M. Adj. 2684. wer serued] serued \vern M.
Di. Adj. Ad2. I. 2686. hadde cause Ar. Adj. had cause Bo. cause had M.
2687. thursf Bo. M. Adj. 2690. Suffre] To suffer Lj. S. P. E2. Ro. lyuen]
liue E2. Ro. J^ (lyf). to lyven Lx. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. C. to lyue M. Di. S. P.
at] in I. L2. in a S.
112
Kings must give freely if they wish to be loved. [FT. in.
Thought is free.
[leaf 45, back]
Let kings be
liberal,
or his people
'11 fail him.
He must banish
stinginess ;
•: Hou Loue
Vayle}> mor a
kyng than gold
or gret richesse.
then he'll win
his people's love,
which is more
than gold.
He may the body / of power wel constreyne,
But* her herte / hath a ful long1 Reyne, 2696
Maugre his myght1 / to louen at her large.
Ther may no kyng1 / on hertes sette a charge,
Nor hem coarten* / from her lyberte.
Men seyn ful ofte / how that1 thouht1 is fre. 2700
For which eche prince / lord / and gouernour,
And specialy euery Conquerour,
Lafr hym be war / for al his hegh noblesse,
That* bounte, Fredom / plente, and largesse, 2704
Be on accord / that they his brydel lede,
Lest1 of his puple / whan he hath most1 nede,
He be defrauded / ; whan he is but1 allone,
Than is to late forto make his mone. 2708
But1 in his courte / lat hym first1 devise
To exile scarshed and couetise ;
Than is he likly / with fredam ^if he gynne,
loue of his puple / euermore to wynne, 2712
To regne long1 in honure, and contune
Ay to encresse / be fauour of fortune,
And his ennemyes manly to oppresse.
For loue is mor / than gold or gret richesse ; 2716
Gold faileth ofte / loue* wol abyde
2695. power] pore Adj. poore Ad2. I. Ej. poor Ea. poer Ba. the power Lx.
povert S. He may wel be body of pore c. Adj. Ad2. I. He may the poore body
well e. Lb. wel] om. Ro. 2696. herte Adj. hert Bo. M. 2697. louen] lyven
Ad2. I. her] their L2. there Ro. om.. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra.
Ba. Ej. S. T2. 2699. Nor] Ne Lb. E2. L.2. Ro. Nere P. coarten Bo (by
correction ; the & is quite different from the usual form). Ba. C. T2. E^. Ap. coarte
P. Ro. coart 1^. coharten Ra. coherten Ar. Adg. coerten G. cohercen Tj. Du.
Lb. Adj. I. Ej. coercen M. Di. coverten Lj. to bynd S. from] for Lx.
2701. For which] Wherfore M. Di. Adj. Ra. Ba. S. T2. Wher Ad2. I. eche] eche
one S. euery Lb. lord] om. C. 2703. hegh Ar. G. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap.
om. Bo. and the rest. 2705. on Ar. oon Bo. M. Ra. one Ej. T2. Ap. om.
Adv Ad-j. I. in Ar., between his and brydel, is written plei, but this is both
crossed through and underdotted. 2708. is] is it Adj. Adg. I. S. C. it is Tv
Ba. T2. his] om. Ad2. I. 2710. scarshed] scarste Lx. Ad\. scarsete Ad2. 1.
scarstye Ro. scarnesse C. and] and eke M. and foule Di. and fals Ra. Ba.
2711. is he] he is Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. is £2- likly] like Di. gynne] begynne Ad2. I.
S. P. 2713. and] to P. L2. Ro. contune] continue Bo. Du. Ra. Ba. T2.
contunew S. contenu Ap. 2714. Ay] As Tj. euer C. of] and Bo. Du. Ad2.
I. Ra. or Lb. 2714 om. in G. 2717. loue] gold Ar. and loue Du. but love
P. E.
Greece ready for war against Thebes. Eteocles takes counsel. 113
For lyf or deth / be a lordys syde ;
And the tresour / shortly, of a kyng1
Stondeth in loue / abouen* alle* thyng1. 2720
Farwel lordshipe / bothe* morowe and Eve
Specially / whan loue taketh his leve !
And who so list4 / a merour forto make
Of kyngly f red am / lat1 hym ensample take 2724
Of Adrastus / the manly kyng famous,
So liberal and sb bountevous
Vnto his puple / at1 al tymes found! :
Which" mad hym strong1 / his foomen to confound*; 2728
And loue only / his enmyes to werreye,
Alle grece made his bidding1 to obeye, ^ ^Jj5 reteoce
Of oon accord / knyghtly be his side, gfflifcbS
Al attones / to Thebes forto ryde, 2732
For tavenge / sith they were so strong1, tleaf 461
The gret1 Iniurye / and the inportable wrong*
Don to his sone / and his next1 allye,
As 30 to-fom / han herd me specifie. 2736
But1 while* Grekes / rest1 a whil in pees,
I will resort1 / vnto* Ethiocles : in Thebes,
Eteocles
which* in Thebes warly hath espied,
Be his frendes / as he was certefied, 2740
Of the Grekys / hooly the ordinauwce,
Her pwrpoos ek / and her purueauwce,
And therof had in herte a manere drede.
And first1 he took his counsayle and his rede 2744 of^s lords'6
2719. the] om. Adv Ad2. I. 2720. aboven alle] aboue al (all, alle) Ar. Bo.
and all the other MSS. 2721. bothe M. Ra. bof>e Tv both Ar. Bo. bothe at
Adj. Ad2. I. 2733. For tavenge Ar. G. Bo. Tx. M. Di. Adj. Ev S. C. E2. For
to avenge Du. L:. Ra. Ba. Ad2. I. P. L^. For to veuge Ap. For the avenge T2.
2734. second the om. Di. C. E2. Ro. Ap. 2735. Don to] Vnto C. T2. P. E2. sone]
sone Polymytes Ap. and] and to Lb. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. P. E2.
allye] om. Ba. 2737. But] om. Ro. whil Ar. while Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di.
Ej. C. T2. Ro. Ap. whiles Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. P. £3. 1^. whils Ra. rest a
whil] areste a whyle Ej. a while rest T2. rest a time E2. in P. 2737, as the
bottom line of leaf 44 back, reads But whiles Grekes reste a while in pece ; it is
inadvertently repeated as top line of leaf 45 front, in a slightly altered shape : But
whyle that Grekes reste a whyle in pese. 2738. resort] ayen resorte T2. me
resort Ad2. I. vnto] to Ar. E:. L2. Ap. 2739. which in] with Inne Ar. G. Ej.
with in Adj. Ad2. I. S. The whiche in Lb.
THEBES. I
114
Eteodes prepares Thebes against Attack. [PT. in.
as to his defence.
If How Ethiocles
made hy /,/ strong
ageyn pe comyng
of be Grekes.
He sends to his
friends,
masks his walls,
and mans em
with soldiers.
Eteocles
gives great gifts
to knights
[leaf 46, back]
and lords,
to help him.
He lays in store
of flesh and fish,
Of the lordis / and barons / of the toun,
And of the wisest* / of his Kegiouw,
How he myghte maken resistance,
Manfully / to stonden / at diffence, 2748
To be so strong1 / that1 ther wer no doute.
And in the contrees / adiacentt aboute,
And ek also in foreyn Regiouws,
He hath withhold / aH the Champiouws ; 2752
And ther-vpon / he sent1 out1 his espies
And his frendes and his next1 allies
And alle the worthy / dwellyng1 envirouw,
3ong / fressh / and lusty / he gadred into touw ; 2756
Maskowede his wallys / and his heghe* tours,
And stuffed hem / with manly sowdeours.
Hound aboute / he sette many Gonnys,
Grete and smale / and some large as tonnys ; 2760
And, in his hasty / passing1 feruent1 hete,
He spent1 his tresour J and gaf gif tes grete
Vnto knyghtes / and worthy men of name ;
And ouermore* / to encres his fame, 2764
he $af to lordes / luellis many-fold,
Clothes of Veluet / of Damask, and of gold,
To gete hym herte's / sothly, as I rede,
To helpe hym now in his grete nede. 2768
And prudently pwrveied / hym to-forn
Of flessh and fissh" / and of wyn and corn.
2745. the] his L2. lordis Ar. lordes Bo. and the rest. barons] of be barouns
Bo. Tj. Du. M. EJ. be Barons Adj. Ad2. I. S. 2746. his] J>is Bo. the Adj.
Ad2. I. Ro. 2749. so] om. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. wer] be Di. Ap. 2752. He]
om. Ro. withhold Ar. withholde Bo. M. Adj. 2753. sent] sende Lb. his]
om. Bo. espies] spies Ra. 2756. Jong fressh and lusty] younge lustie and fresh
Ba. into] to Lb. P. E2. toun] the toun Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. C. T2. P.
£3. Ap. 2757. Maskowede Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba.
Ej. S. C. T2. Ro. Mascewyd T. E2. Mascawed P. Maskowes Ap. Mannyd 1^.
his] om. Lj. hye Bo. M. Adj. hegh Ar. heghe] om. E2. 2758. manly] many
Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. Ap. (ep. 2759). 2760.
some Ar. som Bo. and some] om. Tj. as] at Bo. 2764. ouermore M. Adj. C.
T2. G. ouermor Ar. euer more Bo. and the rest. 2765. luellis Ar. Tj. Lb.
iewelis T2. iowellis 1^. Ro (lowewelles). luels Bo. Du. Adj. Jewels M. luellis]
yeftes C. 2768. his] this Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. 2769. hym] om. Bo. 2770.
and of] and M. Di.
PT. in.] Eteocles will resist Polyneices. Adrastus s Parliament. 115
Sette his Capteyns / erly / and ek1 late
with ful grefr stuf strong1 at euery gate. 2772
And mad also be workmen / that1 were trewe,
Barbykans / and bulwerkes newe,
Barreris / cheynys / and diches wonder depe ;
Makyng his Voufi the Cite forto kepe 2776
Whil he lyueb / despit of aH his foon.
And by his goddys of metal and of ston,
Ful ofte he swoor / both of herte and thouhf,
That1 it shal first1 / ful dere* be abouht1, 2780
And many a man with pollex, swerd, and knyff
To-for this toune / shal first lese his liff,
And ther shal ek / many sydes blede,
Or his brother pessibly possede
The toune in pees / licfi as Grekes wene.
But* at1 the ende / the trouthe* shal be sene,
lat hym be war and wel to-forn provyde !
For Adrastus / on that other side.
For his party was not1 necligent1,
But1 on a day / helde a parlement1,
AH his lordes sittyng1 enviroun,
To dryve shortly / a pleyn conclusiouw 2792
And vp tapoynt1 / the fyn of ther entente.
But1 some thoughts / ful expedient1,
Or they procede / to wirke* be thavice
and builds new
bulwarks.
He swears that
many shall die
2784 before his
brother shall
win Thebes.
2788 Adrastus
holds a parlia-
ment.
[leaf 47]
2771. capiteyns Bo. M. Adj. erly and ek] bobe erly and Adv Ad2. I. 2773.
werkmen M. werke men Bo. workmen Adj. 2774. bulwerkes Bo. bolewerkes
M. bolwerkes Adj. 2775. Barreris S. Barrers Tj. Du. M. Adj. Ra. Barreyrs
Ro. Berrers T^ Berrours Lg. Barres Bo. Ej. Barrys Ap. 2776. vowe Bo.
M. vov Adr " 2777. all] om. M. Di. 2780. dere M. Adj. der Ar. Bo. ful
dere be] be full dere Ba. P. be Ra. C. ben Ba. M. Adj. abouht Ar. Bo. Tx.
Du. Adj. I. Ej. y-bought Lb. M. Di. T2. E2. Ap. bought Lx. and the rest.
2781. pollax Bo. M. Adj. 2782. lese] leue Adj. Ad2. I. 2784. Or] Or
that C. T2. P. £3. For G. pesibly Bo. Adj. Ra. peisibly M. pesible G.
possibly E2. Ap. Ba. possede] shal possede Lj. 2785. Grekes] ]>e grekes G.
2786. trouthe M. Adj. trouth Ar. Bo. 2789. party] parte Ej. Ba. necligent]
negligent Bo. Tx. Du. M. Ad2. S. C. T2. E2. 2790. helde] he held Adv Ad^. I-
Ra. Ba. S. a] his E2. parlement] parlyamente Ej. P. 2793. vp] vpon S.
tapoynt Ar. Bo. M. to appoynte Du. Di. thapoint Adj. Ej. the appoynt Ad2.
I. the point Ra. >e poynt S. 2795. wirke Bo. wirk Ar. werke M. Adj.
thavys M. Adj. be avice Bo.
116 Adrastus sends for the wise Bishop Amphiorax. [PT. ill.
It is thought
best to go by
the advice of the
wise old bishop,
Amphiorax.
If How the bys-
shope Amphiorax
was sent for
to come to |>e
Grekes.
He knew the
secrets of the
Gods,
and could tell
how things
should end.
He knew that
if the Greeks
went to war,
Of on that1 was ful prudent1 and right1 wyce 2796
And circumspecte / in his werkes alle,
A worthy bisshop / into age falle,
And Called was, sothly / by his name
Amphiorax / of whom the grete fame 2800
Thorgh al the londe / bothen est1 and south,
Amonges* Grekes / passingly was kouth" ;
A man, in soth / of olde antiquyte
And most1 acceptid of auctorite, 2804
First be resou/i of his high" estat1
And ek for he was so fortunat1
In his werkes, and was also secre
with the goddys, knowyng* her pryvete : 2808
By graunf of whom / as booke's specifye,
He hadde a spirit / of trewe prophecye,
And cowde aforn ful opynly dyvyne
Thyngges begonne / how they shulde* fyne, 2812
And eke, be craft1 / of Calculaciouw,
3iue* a dome / of euery questions;
And hadde in magik / grete experience,
And fynde cowde / be heuenly influence 2816
And by mevyng1 / of pe heghe* sterrys,
A fynal doome of Contek and of Werrys ;
And wiste* wel, as his goddys tolde,
that1, $if Grekes / forth her iowrne holde, 2820
It1 turne* shulde* platly /, this no fage,
2796. ful] om. Adj. Ad2. I. right S. right] om. Ad^ Adg. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. T2.
P. E2. ful Ro. wys Bo. M. Adj. 2801. londe] landes E2. bothen Ar. Bo.
Du. botlie Tj. M. Adj. both Lj. 2802. Among Ar. Bo. M. Adj. Grekes]
the Grekes E2. L2. Ro. Ap. passingly] passyng Lj. S. P. passingly was] was
passingly Adj. was passyng Lj. S. ; in Ad2. and I. 2802 reads Most wytty callid /
in euery mannys mouth. 2806. Ar. has a pause-bar after was. 2807. and]
om. C. P. was also] also was C. secre] secret L2. Ro. P. S. 2808. pryvete]
pryvet L2. 2812. shulde Bo. sholde Adj. shuld Ar. shold M. 2814.
yeue Bo. M. Adj. }if Ar. 3ef G. dome] iudgment S. 2816. cowde] he coude
Adj. Ad2. I. 2817. mevyng] meanyng Ej. >e] om. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. Ad^ Ad2.
I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. hegh Ar. hie M. Adj. om. Bo. 2819. wist Ar. Bo. M. Adj.
his] om. Bo. JKJ Ad^ Ad2. I. P. here Di. 2820. Grekes] the Grekes G. P.
Grekes forth her iourne] the iournay forth by Grekes Adx. the iornee forth off the
Grekes Ad2. I. 2821. turne Bo. tome M. Adt. turn Ar. shulde Bo. sholde
Ad4. shuld Ar. shold M. this Ar. M. his is Bo, Di.
PT. III.] Amphiorax, foreseeing ill, hides himself.
117
[leaf 47, back]
If The prpph[e]eie
of Amphiorax.
most of its
Kings would
be slain,
and he himself
devourd alive.
To save his life,
he hides himself,
and asks his wife
to keep him
secret.
To grefr meschief / and to gret1 damage
Of hem ychon / ; and in especial
The inoste parte / of the blood Eoyal 2824
Thorgh al Grece, it1 may not1 be withdrawe,
In this viage shortly shal be slawe ;
And 3if hym-silf / with the Grekes wente,
Who that1 euer wepte hym / or byniente, 2828
This was the fyn / and may nat1 be socoured,
Of the erth / he shulde* be deuoured,
Quyk as he was, he knewe it in certeyn.
And for he saugh ther was non ober geyn 2832
To saue his lif / nor no* bef diffence,
Than vttrely withdrawen his presence ;
IF Preying1 his wiff / for hym to provide,
3if he wer sought1 / that1 she wold? hym hide, 2836
And wo?»manly / for to kepe hym cloos,
And of trouth concelen his pwrpoos ;
For al his trust* / touchyng1 his greuawnce,
was fully sette / in hir pwrvyance. 2840
I hope to god / that1 he thar not1 drede
Of no deceyt1 / in hir* wowmanhede.
She was so trewe / as wommen ben ecnon,
And also cloos / and mwetf as a ston, 2844
That1 she ne wold / as the matier stood,
Discuren hym / for no worldly good.
2822. To gret] In-to Adx. I. Vn-to the Ad.2. and to] and Adj. Ad2. of I.
moste M. moost Bo. Adj. parte Ar. Bo. Du. M. Ba. Ej. P. Ap. part T
Ra. S. C. T2. I*,. Ro. partie Di. Ad^ Ad,. I. blood E0. of] right of E2.
Jif hym-silf with] of him why £3. the]"om. AdT. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. C. P.
wepte] bewepte P. 2830. erth Ar. Bo. erthe M. Adj. shulde Bo.
Adj. shuld Ar. shold M. 2832. he saugh] t>e soothe Lb. 2833. saue] haue
TV no] to Ar. G. bet] better- Ra. Ba. S. Lj. Ro. 2834. vttrely] Covertly P
(on erasure, apparently written by the same hand as the text), withdrawen] to
withdrawen Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. Ra. Ej. to withdrawe Tx. M. Di. Ba. S. C. T2. P. E2.
2838. concelen Ar. Tx. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. conseleyn G. councelen Ej.
S. console L2. couuseilen Bo. conseylyn Ap. conceyle Ro. conceling Ba. C.
T2. councelyng Lj. P. conceiling E0. 2841. that] om. Bo. he] the Ra. him
Ba. om. Du. thar] that S. there E2. ther-of Lb. nede Ej. dar Tj. L2. M. Di.
I. C. L2. dare T2. P. Ap. 2842. no] om. Lb. 2843. echon] euerychon Bo.
Tj. Du. Lj. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. 2844. mwet altered from muet Ar. mvvet
Du. mewet Bo. muyt M. Adj. 2845. matier] mille E2. 2846. Discuren]
Diskevir L2. Ro. Disceyven Ad2. Dyscry S. no worldly] al the wordles Adj.
alle the worldis Ada- I.
At first, she
does so,
2824.
j. Lb.
2827.
2828.
sholde
118
Amphiorax's Wife tells where he is hiding. [PT. in.
[leaf 48]
«f How the wif
of Amphiorax of
conscience to
saue her both
discured her
husbond.
but on being put
to her oath,
she sadly tells
them where
Amphiorax is,
in a tower.
Amphiorax was
a fool to trust
his secret to his
wife.
1T But1 fynaly / the Grekes, of entent1,
In al his drede / han* for this bisshop sent1; 2848
Thogii if was long1 / er they myghf hym fynde,
For cause his wif / was to hy?rc so kynde,
That1 ful seurly / hath lokked vp his cors.
But1 for she hadde a maner of remors 2852
In hir-silf / grevyng1* her conscience,
Dreding1 to falle / in ful grete offence,
Lesfr her soule / were in peryl lorn,
whan she be oth* / compelled was and sworn ; 2856
They requeryng1 / jif she coude telle
wher her lord? the bisshop shulde* dwelle :
Which to discure / hir herte was ful loth,
Til tyme she gan / remembren on her oth"*, 2860
And coude a trouth / of Custom not1 denye
And hadde also gret1 conscience to lye,
Wonder hevy / with a sorowful face,
Maugre hir lust1 / taught1 hem* to the place 2864
wher as he was / shet1 vp in a toure,
Al alone' / havyng1 no socour.
They falle on hym / or that1 he was war,
And sette hym vp / in a ful riche Char. 2868
A fool he was / to lupard? his lif
Forto discure his counsel to his wif ;
And $it she was ful sory for his sake,
Specially / whan she saugh hym take. 2872
Bot1 1 hope / that1 her hevynesse
2848. his] this Ad2. I. S. Adj (t underdotted). her L2. han Bo. M. Adj. G.
hath Ar, this Ar. Ad2. I. C. T2. E2. be Bo. G. and the rest. 2849. was] were
Adj. Ad2. I. 2853. grevyng] gervyng Ar. 2854. falle Ar. Bo. M. Adj. fal
Du. 2856. oth] hoth Ar. 2857. They] there Ev requeryng] required Bo.
P. requyryng her L:. conde] wolde P. 2858. shuld Ar. Bo. shold M. Adj.
2860. her] the M. Di. hoth Ar. 2862. hadde] om. Bo. she had Adx. Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. had sche S. gret] om. M. Di. a grete Ad2. I. as gret S. to] for to
Ho. 2864. hem] hym Ar. 2865. wher as] Wher bat Di. shet Ra. shitte Bo. M.
shut Ad,. 2866. Al] om. Ba. 2867. falle] fell Lj. Ej. E2. They falle on hym]
Alias Amphimorax Ro. that] om. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T.,. P. Ro. was]
were Ad.2. I. 2868. And sette hym vp] Is take and sett Ro. 2869. fool] grete
fool Ej. yeoparde Ex. Eo. lupart Bo. iuparte M. T2. iubarte P. iuparten
Adj. C. iupertin S. 2871. she was] was she M. Di.
PT. in.] Amphiorax tells the Greeks the Evils to Gome. 119
Gan asswage fill sone, by processe,
In short* tyme / whan that1 he was gon.
Ther is no tempest1 / may last1 eue?-e in on. 2876
11 But1 this bissliope / be verrey force and myght,
Vnto Grekes / conveyed was ful right,
This hoore* gray / in his char syttyng1.
And they ful glade* / wern of his comyng1, 2880
havyng1 a trust1 / and ful opynyou??
That1, thorgh cause and occasiou?i
Of his wisdani / and his sapience
And by vertue / of his hegh presence, 2884
They shuld eschewe / al aduersit&
Possible to falle / as in her lourne.
And, as the story / fully hath devised,
Ful circumspect1 / and rihf wel avised, 2888
he hath pronounced / in the Parlernenf,
To-forn the lorde's / and the president1,
his Cleer conceyte / in verray sikernesse,
Nat* entryked with no doublenesse, 2892
her dysemol daies / and her fatal houres,
Her auenturys / and her sharpe shoures,
The froward? soorf / and the* vnhappy stouwdys,
The compleyntes / of her dedly woundys, 2896
The wooful wrath / and the* contrariouste
Of felle Mars / in his cruelte,
And howe, by mene / of his gery mood, and how
2874. asswage] taswage M. C. E^ to aswage Di. to swage T2. P. 2875.
that] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. he] she C. T2. 2876. tempest] tempest
that TV Du. LJ. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. P. may last] last may
Adj. Ad2. I. S. lastith Ra. Ba. euere] ay M. 2&78. Grekes] the Grekes TV
Du. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. P. 1^. Ro. 2879. hoore Bo. hore Ad^ toor Ar. M.
char] chair Ba. 2880. glad Ar. Bo. M. Adr 2882. That] om. C. T2. P. E2.
cause] be cause Lj. T2. E2. 2884. hegh] om. Ra. Ba. P. presence] prescience
C. P. E2. prudence Bo. TV Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. 2885. eschewe Ar.
Bo. Adj. eschu M. 2886. falle Ar. Bo. Adj. fall M. fallen C. 2888.
riht wel] a wele G. 2892. entryked] entrikled Du. 2893. dysemol Ar. TV Du.
disemoll Lx. S. dismoll Lb. dysmol M. Adj. dysmole Ex. C, T^ L2. dysmele
Bo. dysemele Ro. disemale E2. 2895. soort] sortes Ap. sette P. and] of
Lj. the] om. Ar. G. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. here Adj. Ad2. I. Pta. Ba. S. 2897.
the] om. Ar. G. L2. Ap. contrariouste] contrariocite altered from contrariousites
Lo. contrauersite Di. contrauerse Ej. 2899. gery M. Adj. ghery Bo.
He was taken
to the Greeks,
who hoped,
by his advice,
[leaf 48, back]
to avoid ad-
versity.
But he told eir
plainly
of their coming
disasters,
1 20 Amphiorax urges Adrastus not to invade Thebes. [PT. in.
ail the best Ther shal be shadde / al the worthy blood 2900
blood of Greece
would be shed. Of the Grckes / if may not* ben eschewed,
If her purpoos be execute / and swed.
" Ther is no more' / this shal be the fyn :
The hegh" noblesse shal drawe to declyne 2904
Of Grekes blood / in meschief, sorowe, and woo :
And with al this / I my-silf also,
As my fate hath a-forn disposyd,
Depe in the grounde / 1 shal be enclosed, 2908
And lokked vp / in the dirke* vale
Of cruel deth." / lo ! this was the tale
That1 the bisshope / to Adrastus tolde,
Hym courasayllyng1 / his pzwpos to withholds, 2912
In eschuyng1 of mor meschief and sorowe.
For alle his goddis he took vnto borowe,
3if )>e Thebans / and }>e grekes mete,
The fyn berof shal be so vnswete 2916
Jjaf alle grece after shal if rewe ;
warnyng1 hem / $if bei the meschief knewe
That shal folowe / which no man may lette,
Thei wold abstene / a siege forto sette 2920
Vnto Thebes / and her pwrpoos leve.
with whos wordes / the lordes gan hem greve,
And ther-Inne hadde'* / but ful smal delif,
And euerechon / of hertly hegh" despif, 2924
They abrayde / and seide he was vntrewe,
A controover / of prophecies newe,
And ek also / for al his longe berde,
2900. Ther] The Ar. 2901—2904 omitted in Du. 2902. execute] executed
Adj. Ad2. I. S. swed] shewid Lj. served P. 2909. dirk Ar. derke Bo. Adj.
derk M. 2914. vnto] to T2. P. E.J. 1^. Ro. 2916. so] ful Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di.
Adj. Ail2. I. S. om. Lj. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. P. vnswete] vnsette S (: mette).
2919. which Ar. G. C. T2. P. E2. I^- Ro. Ap. om. Lb. bat Bo. and the rest.
2920. Thei] The Ar. 2922. whos]"ivhiche Adj. Ad2. I. Tg. gan] gonne M. Di.
T.J. hem] om. M. Di. 2923. hadde T2. had Ar. Bo. M. Adj. om. Di. but]
om. Lj. Adj. Ad9. I. P. ful] om. Lb. 2924. euerechon] eueriche Lb. P.
2926. A] And a G". P. E2. Ro. And I. Ap. controover Ar. Bo. Du. M. Adj. Ra. Ba.
C. contreuer Di. T2. P. E2. contryver G. T,. L,. Ad2. I. Ex. S. 1^. Ro. contrevor
Lb. contrarye Ap. 292"? omitted inAd2. and I. ; 2928 in Adj. and Ad2. inserted
after 2934, in I. omitted altogether (see Introduction). 2927. ek also] also eke
Ad^ al] om. G. Bo. Tj. Du. "l^- Lb. Adt. Ra. Ej. S. C. T2. P.
Amphiorax
himself
will be kild.
He urges
Adrastus not to
fight Thebes,
[leaf 49]
for all Greece
shall rue it.
The Argive
lords abuse
Amphiorax,
PT. in.] The Greeks abuse Amphiorax. Youth is rash. 121
An olde Dotard / a coward, and aferde ;
And of Eancour / gonne* to diffye
Both his kalkyng1 / and his astronomye,
And shortly seide / bei took therof non hede,
Ne wil no-thyng1 / gouerne hem after1 his rede.
This was the clamowr / and noyse, in euery cost,
Of hegh and lough" / borgh-out all the hoost,
And specialy / of the sowdeours,
And of lordes / regnyng in her flours,
And of thestates / effectuely, I mene,
which of age / were hut tendre and grene,
That1 han* not1 hadde / by martys Influence,
Of the werre / gret1 experience.
IF her, ^if $e list1 / ^e may considre and Se
Of conceytes ful grete diuersyte,
How that 3outh / no peril cast1 a-forn
Til he by* meschief / sodeynly be lorn*,
Wher as age / provydeth / eue?y thing
Or he bygynne / to casten the endyng1.
IT ^outh is gouernyd / be a large Eeyne
To renne forth, and can hym not reffreyn,
But* of hede / set on al attonys,
As he that1 hurtleth / ageynes harde stonys
2928 call him an old
dotard,
and say they'll
not follow his
2932 advice,
specially the
2936
young folk.
2940
But Youth
[leaf 49, back]
2944 is rash,
^T How age and
jouth ben of
2948 oiuerseopynyons
runs its head
against stones,
2929. gonne Di. Adj. C. P. E2. Ro. gon M. T2. gan Ar. Bo. and the rest.
to] hym to Ad2. hym I. diflye Di. T2. defye Bo. M. Adj. 2930. his] for his
Ad2. of his I. kalkyng] calkeling written on erasure with blacker ink Adj.
calcling E2. calculyng Lb. talkyng Ad2. I. 2932. no-thyng] in no thyng S.
after] by C. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. Ap. 2933. Ar. has coste with the final e crossed
out with a vertical stroke. 2935. sowdeours] poure soudeours C. T2. P. E2.
2936. lordes] yong lordes S. regnyng Bo. reynyng M. Lb. her] om. Ej. hygh
Ap. 2939. ha Ar. Ap. haue Bo. M. han Adj. hathe P. by] of E2. martys]
MertysLj. MarcesE2. 2940. werre] warresT2. verreyLj. very P. gret]fulgret
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2942. conceytes] coueiting C. T2. P. E2. ful] om. Lb.
C. T2. E2. off P. diuersyte] aduersite Lb. Di. Ad.2. I. T2. P. E2. Ap. 2943.
How] And hou C. T2. no] in Ra. cast] castith Ra. Ba. L2. 2944. Til] to
Du. he by (G. Ta. L,. Lb.)] he Ar. by Bo. M. Di. he in C. T2. P. E.,. 1^. Ro.
Ap. hie Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. >e E^ S. lorn G. Bo. Lj. Lb.> M. Di. C. T2.
P. Eg. L2. Ro. forlorn Tj. born Ar. Du. Adj. Ao^. I. Ra. Ex. S. Ap. beforn Ba.
2945. thinge with e underdotted in Ar. 2948. renne Ar. Tj. M. ren Bo. Du.
ronne Ba. S. sterte £3. hym not] not him Bo. Tl. Du. Lx. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. Ej.
S. 2949. of hede] on hede Ra. Ba. P. set] settith Ra. Ba. 2950. hurtleth]
hurtyllyth L2. ageyne Bo. ayen M. ageyn Adj. hard' altered to harde in Ar.
harde] the haule Ta. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. Ro.
and rushes into
enterprises that
fail,
while Age looks
ahead.
122 Age and Youth contrasted. Folly oft beats Wisdom. [PT. in-
Broseth hym-silf / vnwarly and parbraketh".
But1 age experte / no thyng1 vndertaketli 2952
But1 he to-forii / be good discreciouw,
Make a due examynaciomz
How it1 wil tourne / outlier* to badde or good.
IT But1 jouth, as fast* / as stered is the blood, 2956
Taketh emprises of hasty wilfulnesse,
loye atf the gynnyng1 / the ende is wrechednesse.
11 The olde, prudent1 / in al his gouemauftce,
Ful longe a-forn / maketh purueaimce ; 2960
But jouth alias be counsail wil not wyrke,
For which ful ofte / he stumbleth in the dyrke.
Thus selde is seyne / the trouthe* to tmnyne,
That1 age and ^outhe* / drawe be o lyne. 2964
And wher that1 foly hath domynaciovw,
Wisdam is putte / into subiecciou?*,
lik as this bysshop /, with al his hegh prudence,
For cause he myghte haue* / no audience, 2968
AH his wisdam / and his profecye
Of the Grekes / was holden* but folye.
For thogh Plato / and wise Socrates,
Moral Senek / and Diogenes, 2972
Albumasar / and prudent1 Tholomee,
And Tullius / that1 hadde souereynte
H How that wig-
dam wijj-oute
supportacioim
avayleb lit or
nojt
[leaf 50J
2951. Brosyth Ro. Bruseth Bo. Adj. Brisith M. Breseth P. vnwarly and]
and vnwarly C. T2. P. E2. 2953. be] of Bo. Tj. Du. Lr M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I.
Ra. I a. Ej. S. as Lb. 2954. Make] makitli Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. C. makyng
S. due] full due T2. dewe discrete Ro. 2955. oyther Ar. either Bo. M.
other Adj. ouber Di. 2957. emprises M. Adj. enprises Bo. 2958. at
the Ar. at Bo. M. atte Adj. gynnyng] begenyng S. Begynnynge P. 2960.
maketh] doth make Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 2961. wirke Bo. Ad2. Ra. werke
M. Ad2. I. 2962. oft1 altered to ofte in Ar. dirke Adj. derke Bo. M. And
that makith him / full ofte to smerte Ad^ I. 2963. trouthe M. Adx. trouth
Ar. Bo. termyne] determyne Lb. P. 2964. youthe Bo. M. Adx. jouth Ar.
drawe Bo. Adj. draw M. drawen C. 2967. this] be La. I. S. P. L<>. Ro. his]
this M. al his] full P. hegh] om. G. Ra. Ba. C. 2968. he] bat he Du. Ar. has
a pause-bar also between myghte and ha. haue Bo. M. Adj. ha Ar. Ap. 2969.
second his] om.- Lb. Ra. Ba. S. 2970. Of the Grekes] om. Ra. Ba. halden Ar.
holden Bo. M. Adj. was holden] holden was Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. Was rekned ther
but in (into Ba.) folye Ra. Ba. 2971. wise Ar. "wys Bo. M. Adj. 2973.
Albumasar Ar. Bo. M. Albimasar Adj. Albemosar P. Albimaser Ro. Albumager
Ap. Tholomee] thelome C. 2974. hadde Adj. had Bo. M.
PT. ill.] Amphiorax is taken with the Greeks' Expedition. 123
whylom in Rome / as of elloquence :
Thogh aH tliise /, shortly in sentence,
were a-lyve / most1 konnyng1 and experte,
And no man list / her counsel to aduerte,
NOT of her sawe's / forto taken hede,
What rnyght1 availle / and it1 cam to nede 1
For wher prudence / can fynde no socour
And prouidence / haueth no favour,
Farwel wisdam / farwel discreciou?^,
For lakke only / of supportaciou?*.
For vnsupported / with his lokkes hore,
Amphiorax / sighen / gan ful sore
With hede enclynyd / and many evyl thouhfr,
whan that" he sauhe his couwsayl stood for nought1.
For vttrely / the grekes, as I tolde,
han fully cast* / her lourne for to holde,
Made hem redy / and gonnen to hosteye
Toward* Thebes / the Cyte to werreye ;
And in Grece / wil no lenger tarye,
And forth with hem / Amphiorax they carye,
Sette in his Char / with a doolf ul herte,
Whan he wist1 / he myghte not* asterte
Of his fate / the disposiciouw.
And hosteying1 / into the Eegiou?i
Of lygurgus / Grekes gan approche
A sondy londe / with many Craggy roche.
2976
2980
2984
2988
2992
2996
What's the good
of wise men's
advice
if folk won't
follow it?
Amphiorax
grieves that his
advice is not
taken.
The Argives
and their allies
start for Thehes
with Amphiorax.
They go thru a
sandy desert,
2979. forto] wold Ra. Ba. 2980. What] whan Ra. myght] shuld it Ra. Ba.
availle Ar. and all. and] if Tj. M. Di. Ra. whan Ba. 2982. pronidence]
providence Ra. Ba. prudence G. Adj. Ad2. I. haueth Ar. G. T2. Ap. hath Bo.
Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. Adj. Ra. Ba. ^. S. E2. L2. Ro. haue M. Di. Ad2. I. C. fyndith P.
2987. and] with P. om. Ba. many] many an Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. E2. evyl] heuy M.
Di. Ad2. I. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. Ap. 2988. that] om. M. Di. P. L2. Ro. he
sauhe] om. Ra. Ba. stood] stonde Bo. Du. Ej. S. 2990. fully] ful Adj. Ad2.
I. for to] to Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. holde] iholde E2. 2991. redy] ostry Lj. gonnen
Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Ev C. T2. gonne M. Di. Ad^ Ra. P. E2. L2. Ro. gan Lx.
gonnen hem Ap. gan hem Ad2. I. goon Ba. to] forto P. E2. hosteye] hostrye Lj.
hastye Ad2. I. hasty L2. haste P. 2992. to] forto T2. P. werreye] verreye Lj.
werry 1^. werre (: hostee) Lb. waste P. 2995. char Tj. M. Adj. chare Bo.
Ra. (X T2. chair Ba. doolful] dulfull Ra, woful Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. 2997. the]
his Bo. Du. Lb. Ej. and Tj. om. P. 3000. many a Bo. M. Ad^
124 The, Greeks run short of water. Tideus searches for it. [PT. in.
[leaf 50, back]
and find no
water.
«f }>e grete mes-
cnief |>at Crrekes
hadde for watere.
But1 al the way, sotlily, bat bei gon,
For hors nor man / water was \>er non :
So drye* weren the vales and the pleynys.
For al bat jeere / they hadden had no reynys 3004
But1 f ul gref drouhfr / as mad is mencioiw ;
And al the londe / Cerchyng1 envirouw
They nowther fonde / welle nor* Eyver
hem to refressh / nor water that1 was cler, 3008
That1 they alias / no refuf ne konne.
So inportable / was the shene sonne,
So hoot1 on hem / in feldes wher they leye,
That* for meschief / man and hors gan deye, 3012
Gapyng1 f ul drye / vpward into south ;
And some putten / her swerdes in her mouth"
And sperys hedes /, in story as is told,
Taswage her thirst1 / with the yren cold ; 3016
And of his lif / f ul many on dispeyred
In this meschief / and horn ageyu repeyred :
Tyl on a day / worthy Tydeus,
And with hym ek the kyng1 Cainpaneus, 3020
Of pzwpoos rood / Jjorgh-oute the centre
3 if they myght1 eny water* See,
Fro Coost to cost / bothe* fer and ner;
Til of fortune / they entred an herber, 3024
with trees Shadowed for the so?me Shene,
Ful of floures* / and of herbe's grene,
3001. |>at] as M. Di. Adj. I. 3002. nor] am. Bo. ne Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. T2. P. E.2. 1^. Ro. was >er] fond bei Adj. Ad2. I. 3003.
drye Bo. M. Adj. dry Ar. vales] valeyes Bo. Ro. valeis C. L2. 3004. had]
om. M. Di. 3007. nowther Ar. neither Bo. Adj. Ra. ne M. fonde Ar. Bo.
M. founde Adj. nor Ra. no Ar. ne Bo. Adj. neither M. 3008. nor Ar.
M. ne Bo Adj. 3009. That] But Bo. Tr LJ. Lb. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej.
refut] refuge Lj. ne konue] konne Lj. they ne konne Lb. fynde konne Ra. can
fynd Ba (: son). 3010. importable Bo. M. Adj. 3010—3210 lost in Ro.
3011. in Ar. , before leye, is written lay but crossed through. 3013. into] into \>e
Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ka. Ba. S. C.'T2. P. E^. Ap. in ])e Adj.' Ad2. I. 3014. some M.
Adj. som Bo. oqn. S. putten Bo. M. Adj. 3015. is] it is Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di.
Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. 3016. thirst M. thurst Bo. Adj. ; in Ar. colde
with K under dotted. 3016 om. in G. 3017. ful] om. Bo. 3018. hom]hanDu.
3022. Jifj yf that C. mijte Adj. might Bo. M. eny] ony where Adj. Adg. 1 . 3023.
bothe M. Adj. both Ar. Bo. 3024. they] he Ad2. I. 3026. floures Bo. M. Adj.
Hours Ar. floures and of erbes M. Di. E.,. herbes and of floures Ar. Bo. and the rest.
Men suck their
spear heads
of cold iron.
Tideus and Ca-
paneus
ride out to search
for water.
They enter a
garden,
PT. ill.] He finds the lady Tpsiphyle, & tells her the Greeks' want. 125
Wonder hoolsom / both of syyt and ayr* ;
Ther-Inne a lady / which passingly was fayr, 3028
Sittyng as tho / vnder a laurer tre ;
And in her Armes / a litil child hadd she,
Ful gracious / of loke and of visage,
And was also / wondre tendre of age, 3032
Sone of the kyng1 / born forto succede,
Called ligurgus / in story as I rede,
Whoos hertly loye / and worldly ek disport1,
Al his myrthe* / plesaiwce, and conforf 3036
Was in this child? / of excellent1 fayrnesse.
And this lady / Myrour of seinlynesse,
Al sodeynly as she cast vp her sight
And on his stede / sauh an armed knyghf, 3040
Gretely abasshed / gan anon remwe.
But Tideus after gan to swe
And seyde / " sustir / beth no-thyng dismayed,1
In 3oure-silf displesed nor affrayed ! 3044
For we ar come / only to pis place
}ow to biseche / of mercy and of grace,
Vs to socour / in oure grete nede,
Declaring $ou how it stonf in dede : 3048
her faste by / almost1 / at1 the hand,
The worthiest1 of al Greke's land!,
Kyngges, Prynces /be* logged in the feld?,
in which is a lady
Ipsiphyle,
with a child,
[leaf 51]
son of King Ly-
curgus.
The lady moves
away.
If how Tideus
co;,-pleyned to
be lady in the
herber for water.
Tideus tells her
what distress the
Argives are in
3026. om. in Ap. 3027. syyt Ar. sijt Di. Adj. siht Ra. Ad2. I. sight Bo. and
the rest, ayr] hayr Ar. I. Ea. Ej. P. 3028. which Ar. >at Bo. M. Ad:. om.
Lb. passingly] passyng G. Lx. Ad.2. I. S. passandli Ra. Ba. was] om. Lb. was
and Lx. passingly was] was passyng Ad2. I. S. 3029. laurer] layry Bo. laury
Tx. Du. M. laure Lb. Ex. E^. laurell Lx. S. 3033. of] to G. Lx. vnto P.
forto] to G. Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. C. T2. P. E2. 3035. hertly] herty S.
hertes £3. worldly] worthy Ad2. I. om. Ra. Ba. ek] om. S. P. 3036. myrth
Ar. murthe Bo. merthe M. merth Adj. 3041. abasshed Bo. abaysshed
M. baisshed C. anon remwe] renne a-weye faste Ad2. I. 3042. swe] swe in
haste Ad2. I. 3043. sustre Bo. Adj. soster M. syster Ex. Ap. beth Ar.
Du. Adj. bith Bo. M. C. be Di. 3045. ar Bo. M. arn Adj. come Ar. Bo.
M. Adj. 3047. socour Ar. Adx. socoure Bo. M. grete Bo. gret M. Adj.
3048. Jou] to you Ba. S. how] om. T0. stont Ar. Adx. stant Bo. M. stondith
Ad^ I. L.2. 3049. fast Bo. M. Adj. 3050. al] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Grekes]
srece S. 3051. Kyngges Prynces] knyghtes and squyers Lb. be Bo. Adj. ben
M. beth Ra. both Ba. ly Ar. G. logged] loggyng Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. Adj. Ad2 I.
Ba. E. S.
for want of
water,
126 Tideus asks Ipsiphylefor Water for the Greeks. [PT. in.
And many other / with pollex / speer and shek?, 3052
which in meschief / peryl, and gref dre<J,
For want1 of water / ar likly to be ded.
For ther was non / of hegh nor lowgh degre
In art our host1 /, now passed daie's thre, 3056
That1 drank alias / excepting1 non estatf ;
Our viage / is so infortunatf :
Preying* jow / of wommanly pyte,
Benygnely* / and graciously to se 3060
how of Grece aH Jje Chyualrye
Of her lyue's / stont1 in lupartie ;
That $e Avoid / of wommanhede telle
^if je knowe* Ryver / spryng1, or welle, 3064
Specially / now in al oure Care,
Of gentillesse vnto vs declare.
lo f her is alle / jif $e list1 to here,
That1 1 wol seyn / myn owne suster dere." 3068
And whan this lady / Inly vertuous,
The conpleynt1 herde / of worthy Tydeus,
Of verrey pyte / chauwgeth cher and hewe,
And in her herte / vpon her woo gan re we, 3072
And ful goodly / seyng his distresse,
Seyde vnto hym '. in al his hevynesse,
" Certes," quod she / " 3 if I were at1 large
Touching1 this child! / of which" I haue charge, 3076
I shuld in hast1 / of al that* doth ^ow greve
3052. pollax Bo. M. Adj. polax Lj. L^. speer] om. C. T2. P. E2. and] and with
C. T2. P. E.J. with pollex speer and sheld] with spere pollax and sheld Adj. Ad2I.
3054. want] faute Lb. ar] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ba. S. likly] like L2. S. P. ar likly]
likli been Ha. 3055. before hegh in Ar. so is crossed through. 3057. excepting
Ar. P. L^ Ap. I excepte E.2. except Bo. and the rest. 3058. Ar. has a second
pause-bar between is and so. 3060. Benygnely Tx. Lx. Ada. Ra. C. Benygnly
Ar. Du. M. benyngly Bo. Benyngnely Adv Benyngenely P. to] for to Bo. Tj.
Du. M. Di. Ex. S. 3062. stont] stonden C. stand Ad2- I. 3064. knowe]
knewe Ar. G. Lj. Ra. S. Ap. 3065. al] om. C. T2. 3068. That] What Ra.
om. Ba. I wol (wold G. 1^.)] we wol Tj. Lj. Ad2. I. ye wol Bo. Du. Lb. Adj.
Ej. S (wold), ye wil uow M. Di. will ye Ra. Ba. owne] om. Bo. 3070. com-
pleynt Bo. M. Adj. 3071. verrey] womanly P. chaungeth] chaungid G. Lj.
cher] hide Lx. 3072. vpon] on Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. P. her] his P. £3. 3076. of
which] of whom Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. which C.
P. £3. that T2. charge] the charge Ap. in charge C. T2. P. E2. 3077. al]
om. Du.
[leaf 51, back]
and begs her to
tell him where
some is.
•f How the ladye
taught Tydeus to
the welle.
The Lady says
that if it were
not for the child
PT. in.] Ipsiphyle guides Tideus to a Well and a River. 127
she'd guide them
to a River near.
The Lady lays
the child
in the herbs,
[leaf 52]
To my pouer / helpen to releve,
Only of routh / and compassiouw,
And leue / al other / occupacioim, 3080
Conveye* ^owe / and be ^oure trewe guyde
To a Eyver / but1 lityl her be syde.
But* I dar not1 / so moche me assure
This litil child* / to put1 in auenture. 3084
I am so ferdf ul / from it1 to departe.
But1 for ^oure sake / yet* I shal iuparte
My lif, my deth / of trewe affeccioura,
To provyde / for ^our sauaciouw." 3088
Took the child? / and laide if in her lappe,
And richely in clothes / gan it1 wrappe,
And Couched it1 / among1 the herbes soote,
And leyde aboute / many hoolsom roote 3092
And floures ek / bothe* blewe and rede.
And supprised / with a mauer drede
with Tideus / forth / anon she wente,
As she in trouthe* / that no treson mente, • 3096
And on hir way / wolde * neuere dwelle
Til she hym brouht / to a right1 faire welle
And ta Eyvere / of water ful habounde.
3378. helpe(n)] helpen you M. Di. helpe you E2. to helpen Lj. to releue] and
releue E2. to my releve Ad2. * 3079. Only of routh] Of routhe only T2. and]
and of TV Lb. Ad2. I. E2. 3081. Conveye Bo. M. Adv Convey Ar. trewe Bo.
trew M. Adj. 3082. but] but a Ra. Ba. a Lx. Di. Ad2. I. P. om. Adj. T2.
lityl] om. TV 3083. moche Bo. M. Adj. so moche me] me so moche Bo.
3085. ferdful Ar. G. Bo. Tv Du. Lx. Ba. L2. ferful M. Adj. and the rest, except
aferde P. it] him Ba. 3086. yet C. P. E2. L2. Ap. om. T2. that Ar. G. Adj.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Elt S. now Bo. TV Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. I] om. Tj. shal] om. Ej.
I shal] shal I Bo. Du. L:. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. C. I will T2. woll I Lb.
iuparte] in parte Ex. do parte E2. 3091. herbes] leues G. 3092. leyde] om.
Lb. aboute] aboute it Lx. Lb. Ra. Ba. aboute him Adj. Ad0. I. many Lb. M.
Adj. Ba. C. T2. many an Bo. TV Di. Ad2. I. Ra. P. E2. L2. " 3093 omitted in
P. 3093. eke Bo. M. Adj. bothe Bo. M. Adv both Ar. 3094. supprised]
supprised it Ra. Ba. she suppressid P. maner] maner of E2. 3095. forth] om.
S. forth anon] anoon forth Bo. Ad2. I. Ba. wente] yede P (written on erasure, by
later hand, which has also added in the right-hand margin And hfc w* a full good
Entente, to rhyme with 3096). 3096. As] And Ba. trouthe Bo. M. Adj. troutb
Ar. that] om. Lj. Adj. Ado,. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. 3097. on] in M. Di. Ej. S. C. T.,
way Ar. Bo. M. Ad:. wolde] wold Ar. wolde she Bo. TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ev S. dwelle] reste ne dwelle P. 3098. brouht Ar. Bo. M.
broughte Adj. to] vnto P. right] om. Lx. P. a right faire] right a faire Lb. M.
Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. T2. 3099. ta Ar. to Ra. Ba. a Lb. to a Bo. and the
other MSS. of water] "om. Bo. ful] right Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. G.
and takes Tideus
to the River.
1 28 The Greek troops rush to the River, drink and lathe. [PT. in
He sends to
Adrastus,
and all the host
nin to the River.
Some drink
sensibly ;
some too
violently,
and fall dead.
Some bathe.
[leaf 52, back]
But* who was glad / and who was tho locounde 3100
But* Tydeus / Seyng the Eyver !
which in al hast1 / sente his messager
To Adrastus / and bad hym naf abide,
But* doune descends / to the Eyver-syde 3104
with al his host1 / recur forto haue
At1 this Eyver / her lyues forto saue.
And bei enhast* hem / makyng non abood,
Att attonys / to the Eyver rood* 3108
Forto drynke* / ; bei hadde so gret1 lust1
Of appetit* / forto staunche her thrust*.
And some dronk / and fonde it1 did hem good ;
And some wern / so feruent1 and so wood 3112
Vppon the water / that1 in sikernesse,
Thorgh vndiscret1 / and hasty gredynesse,
Out1 of mesur / the watere so J>ei drynke
That* they fille ded / euene vpon the brynke ; 3116
And some naked / into J>e Eyvere ronne,
Only for hete / of the somer sonne,
To bathen hem /, the water was so cold ;
And some also / as I haue* $ow told, 3120
I mene tho that1 prudent1 wern and wise,
The water drank / in mesurable wyse,
That* of be thrust* / they haue* to-forn endured
They were refresshed / fully and recured. 3124
And Grekes than / of hegh and lowe degre,
The Argives
pitch their tents
3100. But] And L^ glad] tho glad S. and] om. Ra. was tho] was Tx. Adj. Ad2.
I. 3101. Seyng] seyng wel Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 3102. hast M. haste Bo.
Adj. 3104 omitted in Ba. 3105 and 3106 are in Ba. contracted into one line:
With all his oste recure their lives to save. 3105. Ost Adj. boost Bo. 3107.
bei] this Ej. enhast] enhasted C. P. Eg. hasted T2. in haste Ad2. I. L%. hem]
om. Di. Ad2. I. P. ]>er Lg. makyng] and made Ba. made P. 3108. to] vnto
C. rood] hood Ar (the copyist having written abood, erased the a but forgot to alter
the b into r). 3109. drynke Bo. M. Adj. drynk Ar. lust (:3110. thrust) Ar.
Du. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. E2. 1^. lust (:thurst) Bo. Tj. Lt. Lb. M. C. Ap.
list (: thurst) Adj. lyst (: thirst) Ad2. list (: thrist) I. lust (: fyrste) G. 3110.
Of] and C. forto] and forto Ra. Ba. 3112. Ar. has a pause-bar also between
some and wern. 3114. Thorgh] That throgh Ba. 3116. euene] om. Ra. Ba.
3119. bathen hem] bathem for Lj. bathen hem ther Ad2. I. the] )>at Ad^
I. Ra. Ba. water] om. Ad2. so] om. Tj. 3120. some] sure Ad.2. I. ha Ar.
haue Bo. M. Adj (also 3123). }ow] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 3121. mene M. Adj.
meen Bo. 3123. thurst Bo. M. thrust Du. Di. Adj.
PT. in.] The Greeks thanle Ipsiphyle for her kindness. 129
For high" profit1 / and gret1 commodite,
Compas the Ryuere / cristalyn of sighte, on the river-
bank.
Of oon accorde / they her tentys pyhte 3128
To rest hem ther / in relees of her peyne,
Only the space / of a day or tweyne.
And whylys Grekes / vpon the Ryuer1 lay,
This Tydeus / vpon the same day 3132
Ful knyghtly / hath don his diligence,
This 3onge lady / with gret1 reverence,
To Adrastus / goodly to presente : Adrastus
At whoos corny ng1 / J>e kyng hym-silve wente 3136
Ageynes * hir* / she fallyng doun on knees,
AH thestates present1 and degrees and his lords
Of Grekes lond /, absent1 was naf on ;
And in his Arme's / took hir* vp anon, 3140
Thanking1 hir* / of her bysynesse, thank the lady.
Ipsiphyle,
Of hir1 labour / and her kyndenesse,
Behotyng1 hiij / lik as he was holde,
If eny thyng1 pleynly that she wolde 3144
That* he may don / she shuld if redy fynde.
And Grekes aH /, the story maketh mynde,
Of thestatys / beyng1 tho present1,
Thanked Mr / with al her hool entenf, 3148
For refresshyng / don to many Grek ;
And for her part1 / they biheght1 her ek, and promise
that they'll do
With her body / and goode's bothe* two, anything for her
she tells them
What1 her list1 / comaunde hem forto do, 3152 t°d°-
3128. they her] here her Bo. Tv Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. AdP Ada. I- &a- Ba. Ev ther S.
ther is T2. pyhte (pight Tj. Du. Lb. M. Adj. T9. )] were pight Bo. have they pight
S. 3131. whiles M. Adj. whils Bo. whan Ra. Ba. 3136. hym-silve Ar.
him-silfBo. him-self M. Adj. 3137. Ageyns Ar. Bo. M. Ayeyns Adr 3138.
thestates Bo. M. Adv ; Ar. has a pause-bar before present. 3141. of] and of
Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S. her] her gret M. Di. Ra. Ba. 3142. Of hir] And of hir
Du. and] and of M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. 3142 om. G. 3143.
Behotyng] Behetyng Lj. BehytyngL2. Beseching Ba. 3145. shuld] shal Adj.
Ad2. I. Ba. 3147. testates Bo. M. Adj. 3149. refresshyng Ar. G. C. T2. P.
L2. Ap. J>e refresshing Bo. and the rest (fresshingE2). many Ar. G. T2. L2. Ap.
many a Bo. and the rest. 3150. part M. Adj. Ra. parte Bo. partie Ba. S.
behight Bo. M. AdP hiht Ra. they biheght] behightynge P. 3151. bothe
M. Adj. both Ar. Bo. 3152. comaunde hem] hem comande Adj. S. hem]
om. Du. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. forto] to Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. om. Adx.
THEBES. K
130
Why Ipsiphyh had to leave her own Land. [PT. in.
Ipsiphyle
says sho had
to leave her
land because
she wouldn't
agree to join
other women
in killing all
the men,
[leaf 53] To be redy platly / and naf faille.
And her myn autour / make]) rehersaille
That1 bis lady / so faire vpon to se,
Of whom be name was Isyphile, 3156
To Adrastus told /, as 36 may rede,
Lynealy / the stok / of her kynrede,
Whilom how she / a kyngges doghter" was :
Rehersyng1 hym / hooly al the cas, 3160
First1 why bat1 she / out1 of her centre wente,
Shortly for she wolde * not1 assente
To execute / a conspiraciouw,
Mad by the wymmen / of that1 Regioun, 3164
A thyng con tray r / and ageyn al right1,
That eche of hem / vpon a certeyn nyght1,
Be on accord / shal warly taken kepe,
Fader / brother / and husbond in her slepe, 3168
With knyves sharpe / and rasoures* kene
Kytt her throtes / in that1 mortal tene ;
Vnto this fyn /, as bochas telle can,
In al that1 londe / be not1 founde a man), 3172
But1 slayn echon / to bis conclusiouw
That1 wymmen / myght1 han domynaciouw
In fat kyngdam / to regne at liberte
And on no partie / Interrupted be. 3176
But for bis lady / passing1 debonayre,
To Jris mordre / was froward? and contrayre,
saved her father, Kept1 her fader / fat1 he was not1 slawe
But1 fro J>e deth / preserued and wibdrawe, 3180
3155. so faire vpon] full faire on Ba. 3156. Isyphile] Isophilee £3. 3160.
hym] to him C. T2. E2. to her P. hooly al the] al the hole C. Ta. P. £3. holly
J>e trew S. 3161. why] how C. T2. P. Eg. that] om. C. Ba. 3162. wolde Bo.
wold Ar. M. Adx. 3164. the] om. Du. 3165. contrayr Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Lb.
M. Di. E2. Ap. contrarie Du. Lj. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. E2. S. C. T2. P. I^. and]
om. E2. 3167. on] om. Ra. shal warly] warly shal Adj. Ad2. I. S. T2. warlishuld
Ra. Ba. warly] verraly Du. veryly P. taken Ar. takyn Ap. take Bo. G. and
the rest. 3168. husbond Ar. S. L.J. husbondes G. Bo. and all the other MSS.
in her] while bei Adj. Ado. I. 3169. rasours Ar. Bo. M. Adx. rasoures Lj. 3170.
kitte Bo. M. Ad^ kutte C. 3172. al] om. M. Di. founde] lefte Tj. 3174.
domynacioun] J>e domynacyon Adj. 3175. in Ar. before In, is A crossed through.
3176. on] in Lb. C. partie] parties E2. parte Ra. 3178. mordre] matere E2.
was froward and] frowarde was and M. Di.
so that women
might rule.
Ipsiphyle
PT. ill.] Ipsiphyle is in charge of Lycurgus's Son.
131
For which, alias ! / she fledde fe centre,
And of a pyrat1 / taken in the see,
To kyng lygurgus / brouht1 In al her drede.
And for her trou)> / and her wowimanhede 3184
To hir he took / his jonge child to kepe,
which in the herber / allone* she left1 slepe
whan Tydeus / she broghte to the welle.
And by lason / some bookis telle 3188
That1 this lady / hadde sones two,
whan that1 he / and hercules also
Toward Colchos / by hir" contr6 Cam
For tacomplyssh" / J>e conquest1 of the Earn. 3192
But who that1 lyst1 / by and by to se
The story hool / of this* ysyphyle,
Hir fadres name / of which also I wante*,
Thouh" some seyn / he named was Thoante, 3196
And some boke's • vermes ek hym* calle :
But1 to knowe / J>e auentures^alle
Of J>is lady • Isyphile the faire,
So feithful ay / and inly debouayre, 3200
Lok on the book / that1 Ioh~n Bochas made
Whilom of wo?nmen / with rethorikes glade,
And directe / be ful souereyn style
To fayre* lane / the queen of Cecile. 3204
Rede ther the rubrich / of ysiphyle,
fled,
was captured,
[leaf 53, back]
taken to Ly-
curgus, and
had charge of
his boy.
H ysypnyle.
If yon want to
see Ipsiphyle's
story,
look in Boc-
caccio's Book
of Illustrious
Women.
3181. fledde Bo. fled M. Adx. 3184. trouthe M. Adj. troub Ar. Bo.
and] and for Lj. Ad2. her] om. Bo. wwrananhede Tj. M. Adj. wymman-
hede Bo. 3185. To] T Ar. yong Bo. M. yonge Adj. child] sone M. Di.
3186. Which in] That in T2. Withynne Ea. Ba. therber Tj. M. C. the herber
Bo. Adj. Ra. allone Bo. M. Adx. allon Ar. she] om. Bo. Tj. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. left] lete L2. allone she left] she left allone G. T^ P. E2.
slepe] aslepe Lj. Ad2. I. S. Ap. to slepe G. M. Di. Adr Ra. Ba. T2. P E2. 3187.
brought Bo. Adj. 3188. som bokes Bo. M. Adj. 3192. tacomplissh
Bo. M. Ad^ 3193. to] for to Adj. Ad2. I. 'E,. 3194. of Ar. G. C. T2.
P. Eo. L2. Ap. of bis Eo.andtfie rest. -6195. wante] wente Ar. E,. S. wont Tj. Lb.
write E2. 3196. som Bo. M. Ad^ som Men I. P. Thoante] Thorite E^ 3197.
vermes] Vermos E2. L2. Vormes P. Sermes Ad2. I. hym] hem Ar. 3203.
ful] om. Ra. Ba. 3204. faire Bo. M. Adj. fayr Ar. lane] Ihan Ba. the] om.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. Vnto Jane the fayr quene of Cedle T2. 3205. Rede]
Redeth P. rubrich Ar. G. S. Ap. Rubrik C. T2. E^ Rebrike P. rubrissh Bo.
and the rest.
132 Lycurgus's Son is poisond and kild by a Serpent. [PT. in.
Of her trouth / and her hegh bounte,
Ful craftily conpiled for her sake.
And whan that1 she haj) her lieue take 3208
Of Adrastus /, homward! in her weye
Tydeus gan hyr to conveye,
To* the gardyne / til* she is repeyred.
But1 now, alias ! my mater disespeyred 3212
Of alle loye / and of alle* welfulnesse,
And destitute / of myrth and alle gladnesse,
For now of woo / gynne ]>e sharpe shoures.
For this lady / fond1 among the flowres 3216
her litil child? / turned vp be face,
Slayn of a serpent1 / in be selue place,
hyr taile* burly d / with skalis siluer-shene.
The Venym / was / so persyng1 and so kene, 3220
So perilous ek / the mortal violence
Caused, alias ! / thorgh her long absence :
She was to slouh / homward1 forto hie.
But* now can she / but wepe, wayle, and crye ; 3224
Now can she nouhf / but1 sighen and compleyn
And wof ally wryng4 her handys tweyn,
Dedly of look / pal of face and chore ;
And gan to rende / her gilte* tresses clere, 3228
She is taken
back to the
garden by
Tideus,
[leaf 54]
and finds Lycur-
gus's boy dead,
If How be child
was slayn wib
the Serpent,
poisond by a
serpent.
Ipsiphyle tears
her hair,
3206. trouthe Bo. and Ar. G. Ra. Ba. T2. P. Lj. Ap. and of Bo. and the rest.
hegh] om. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. S. C. T2. P. E2. 3207. compiled Bo. 3208. that]
om. S. hab her lieue] her leve hath E2. P. 3210. gan] gan godely M. Di.
3211. To] Til Ar. G. Lb. Ba. gardeyn Bo. M. Adj. til] to Ar. G. that Ba.
3212. is despeyred G. is dispayred Ad2. I. C. T2. P. E2. Ro. dispeired
Adj. S. ys disapayred L1. disespeyred Ar. Bo. and the rest. 3213. second alle]
om. Ar. G. L2. Ro. Ap. welfulnesse Ar. G. Tj. Adj. Ra. C. L2. Ro. Ap. wilfulnesse
Bo. and the rest (in P. wilfulnesse IMS been erased, and replaced by gladnesse by a
later Jtatul). 3214. of myrth] of all myrth Lj. E2. and alle] and of all Lb.
and of M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. C. and Adj. Lg. Ro. • And restitute of all hevynesse P (the
last word written by later Jutnd, on erasure). 3215. gynnen Bo. M. Adj. gynneth
Di. beginne E2. 3216. fond] found Lv Lb. Et. T2. P. L^. Ro. hath founde E0.
3217. litil] om. S. be] his Ba. the fight (sic) T2. 3218. >e selue Ar. Ap. the
selfe L,. Di. I. E2. P. E2. Ap. the self Bo. G. Tj/Du. Lb. M. Adj. Ad.2. C. T2. the
same Ba. S. L2. Ro. 3219. hyr] hy Ar. His Ro. Ap. taile Bo. M. Ad-,, tail
Ar. burlyd] burled vp P. Curlyde Ro. 3224. now] nought 1^. can] gane Ro.
wepe wayle and crye] waile wepe and crye M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. C. P. wayle] om. Lrj.
3225. Now can she nouht] But nov she can nought Adz. Ad2. I. Ra. Now can
she Lj. Nought can she L2. Nowe can P. but] om. Ap. sighen] wayle L0.
3227. face] hir face S. 3228. gilt Ar. Bo. M. Adj. gylty P. clere] of here S."
PT. III.] Ipsiphyle thinks she will be slain for her neglect. 133
And ofte sitfr she gan to seyn, " alias !
0 wooful wrech / vnhappy in this cas,
What1 shal I don / or whider may I tourne 1
For pis the fyn / }if I her* soiourne, 3232
1 woof right1 wel / I may it1 not1 eskape
The pitous fate / pat1 is for me shape.
Socour is non / nor ther may be non red, ^yg she must
die, as, by her
lich my desert1 / but1 that1 1 mot1 be ded ; 3236 neglect,
For thorhe my slouth / and my neclygence
I haue, alias ! don so gret1 offence
That1 my gilt1 /, I may it1 natf excuse,
Shal to the kyng1 / of treson me accuse. 3240
Thorgh my defaute / and slouthc* bothe* two,
His sone is ded / and his heir also, Lycurgus'a heir
is kild.
which he loue'd mor than al his good : [leaf 54, back]
For tresour non / so nygh his herte stood, 3244
Nor was so depe '/ graue / in his corage :
That1 he is likly to fallen in a Eage
whan it1 is so, myn odyous offence
Reported be vn to his audience ; 3248
So inportable shal be his hevynesse.
And wel woot1 1 / in verrey sothf astnesse, The Queen too
That1, whan the quene* / hath this ping1 espied,
To myn excus / It may nat1 be denyed, 3252
3229. sith] sithes Ba. sythis L9. she] om. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. she gan to]
gan she Bo. TV Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad* I. Ha. Ba. Ej. S. 3231. may Ar. £3. Ap.
shal Bo. and the rest, tourne] gone P (: soiorne). 3232. om. in Ba. 3232.
bis] bis is Bo. TV Du. Lx. Lb. Ra. S. P. L2. Ro. the] om. Ra. her] ther Ar. Bo.
TV Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ej. ?if I her] of my S. 3233. right] it M. Di. P. Ro. it] om.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. not] no Bo. 3235. is] is there M. Di. Ad^. I. C. T2. P. E2. nor]
ner Bo. Du. Ra. Ba. S. P. ne TV M. Di. C. T2. E2. nother Lb. for Ro. ther]
om. E2. may be] is TV none other E2. red] drede T\. ; Ar. has rede with the
final e underdotted. 3236. that] om. L^. Ro. mot] mvtt Ap. most Lj. C. Ro.
must Ba. S. P. 1^. 3237. slouthe M. Adj. slouth Bo. necligence Ra.
negligence Bo. M. Adj. 3238. so] to C. T2. P. E2. 3239. Ar. has a,
second pause-bar after it. 3241. slouthe M. Adj. slouth Ar. Bo. bothe M.
Adj. both Ar. Bo. 3242. in Ar. after is is an 1, underdotted. 3243. which]
Which that P. loued] loueth Ej. 3244. hert Bo. Adj. 3246. he] om. Lb.
fallen Ar. G. Lj. Ra. Ba. C. T2. E2. Ap. falle Bo. Tx. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2.
I. Ej. S. P. L2. Ro. likly to falle] fall lykly P. in a] in such a Adj. Ad2. in
such I. 3251. quene (queen Bo.)] king Ar. G. Ad:. Ad2. 1. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. P. E2.
this bing] om. Bo. bing] om. TV Du. Lx. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej.
S. hath this ting] this thing hath C. T2. this hath Lb.
134
Ipsiphyle appeals to Tideusfor help.
[PT. ill.
will be revenged
on her,
and demand
her death.
She runs back
to the Greeks.
Ipsiphyle
tells Tideus
that a serpent
has kild Lycur-
gus's boy,
and that she is in
peril.
[leaf 55]
Tidens promises
to help her,
I doute it1 not* / tlier geyneth no pyte,
With-out1 respit1 / she wil avenged be
On me, alias ! / as I ha deserued ;
That1 fro the deth / I may not1 be p?vserued 3256
Nowther be bille / ne supplicacioim ;
For the rage / of my transgressioim
Requereth deth / and non other mede."
And thus, alias ! she, quaking in her drede, 3260
Non other helpe / nor remedy e'* kan,
But1 dreyntf in sorow / to ]>e Grekes Ean,
Of hertly woo / face and chere disteyned
And her chekes with vvepyng al bereynyd, 3264
In hir1 affray / distracte and furious.
To-forn alle / she cam to Tydeus,
And fille on knees / and gan her compleynt mak,
Tolde pleynly / that* for grekes sake 3268
She mot1 be ded / and shortly in suhstauwce
Rehersing1 hym the grete of her greucmnce :
First1 how be traynys of a fals serpent1
The child was slawe / whil she was absent1 ; 3272
In what disioynte / and peril that* she stood.
And whan that* he her meschief vnderstood,
Vnto hire ful knyghtly he behihfr
To help and portlier / al that1 euere he myghf, 3276
hir pitous woo / to styuten and appese.
And forto fynde / vnto hir1 dissesse
Hasty confort1, he went1 a ful grefr pas
3264. she] he Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ex. S. wil] shall Tj. 3257. Nowther]
Neither Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. P. bille] wille Di. ne] ne
by Lb. Adj. Ad2. Ba. nor Ra. nor bi I. C. T2. E2. 3260. she] om. Bo. Tj. Du.
Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. quaking] quakith Ad2. P. L^. Ro.
3261. remedy Ar. remedie Bo. M. Adj. 3262. dreynt] dreynct Lb. drant S.
adreynt P. sorow] sorw M. C. teres Adj. Ad2. I. 3268. Tolde] And tolde E2.
LJJ. Ro. grekes] ]>e grekes Lb. S. 3270. hym] om. Bo. the grete] the greef Ra.
the chefe Ba. the grounde E2. the grete cause P (cause of her Grevance written
ly a later hand, on erasure), of her] om. Adj. Ad,,. I. 3271. First how] How
first Du. 3272. slawe] slayn Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. E,. S. E2. L.J. Ro (sclayne). 3273.
disioyute] distresse Ad2. distreyat I. 3274. he] Tydeus Ro. Ap. And wh;iu
he herd that rnischefe and vndrestoode Ba. 3278. i'yude Ar. Bo. and the rest,
except fynd S. L3.
PT. ill.] The Greeks will appeal to Lycurgusfor Ipsiphyle. 135
To Adrastus / and told hy?ra al the cas 3280 andteiis
Adrastus,
Of ))is vnhappy / wooful aventure,
Besecliing hym to don his bysy cure,
As he was bound? / of equyte and ri^tf,
And aduerten / and to han a sijt* 3284
How she qwit her to Grekes her to-forn
whan they wer likly / forto haue* be lorn,
The socour voide of her womnanhede :
For which he most1 of knyghthod taken hede 3288
To remedien J)ls vnhappy thing1.
And Adrastus / lik a worthy kyng1 who resolves to
aid Ipsiphyle.
Taquytt hym-silf /, the story make]) myn(J,
To thys lady wille natf be founc? vnkynd, 3292
Neither for cost1 / nor for no travaylle,
But1 bysy was / in al J>af myghfr availle
To hir socour / considered alle J>ingg&>-,
And by thavice / of alle J>e worthy kyngges 3296 The Greeks
r\c n u- i j / i. • v. J J AU agree to appeal
Of Grekes lond / Jjei be accorded thus, to Lycurgus.
Prynces, Dukes / and worthy Tydeus,
To hold her way / and al at onys ryde
To lygurgus / dwelling ther be-syde, 3300
Of on ententt / }if they may purchace
In eny wise / forto gete grace
For this lady, Called ysiphile ; [leaf 55, back]
They wold assaye* $if it1 myghte be. 3304
And to his paleys ful ryal bylt1 of ston,
3283. he] om. Du. 3284. And] om. P. aduerten] aduert L.,. Ro. to aduerten
M. Di. P. T2. eke aduertise E>. and to] and T2. 3286. whan] That Lb. C. T.,.
P. E.2. La. Ro. Ap. they] om. Lb. P. forto] to M. Adj. Ad0. I. S. C. T2. E2. L".
elles to Lb. P. ha Ar. C. Ap. haue Bo. M. Adj. lorn] forlorae Lb. M. Di. C. T2.
L.J. 3288. For] Of Bo. Du. 3292. thys] thy Ar. Ap. Ar. has a paitse-bar
after wille. 3293. Neither . nor Ar. Bo. Du. L,. Lb. Ra. Nother . nor E2. C.
T2. L2. Ap. Neither . ne T^ Ba. S. P. E2. Nouther . ne Ro. Neither . neither
Adx. Neithir . nouthir Ad2. I. Nor . nor M. Di. for] om. Ba. no] om. M. Di.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C." T2. P. 1^. Ro. 3295. his] J>eyre Lb. considered]
considreth Ado. I. considre S. concydere Ro. 3298. and] and with hem
Lb. C. T.J. P. £2. L2. Ap. worthy] om. Lb. T2. P. £3. Ap. 3299. al] om.
Du. al at onys] altonys Ar. 3304. assaye Bo. Ad], assay Ar. M. 3305. his
paleys] bis place Lj. ful ryal bylt] full rially bylt Lb. E2. ryght ryally bild S.
for royallie bilt Ba. roiall bylte P. wel bilded Ad.,. I. bilte Lt. of stone] of
lyrue and stone Lv P.
136
Lycurgus promises the Greeks Rooms, [PT. ill.
The Greeks
ride to Lycur-
gus's palace.
U Ho-w Adrastus
a, >.ii all thestatis
of Grekis proiden
lygurgus for Jje
lif of ysyphile.
He welcomes
them,
and is delighted
that they've
come.
He'll put the
lords in rooms,
The worthy Grekes / cam ryding1 euerichon,
Euery lord ful fresshly on his stede.
And lygurgus / example of manlihede, 3308
Anon as he knewe of her comyng1,
Taquyt1 hym-silf / lich a gentil kyng1,
Ageyn hem went1 / to mete hem on the way,
Ful wel byseyn / and in fill good array, 3312
Beceyvyng1 hem with a ful kyngly chere.
And to Adrastus seid, as je shul here,
U "Cosyn*,'' quod he / and gan hym to enbrace,
" }e be welcome / to joure owne place, 3316
Thankyng1 hertly to jour* hegh" noblesse
That1 so goodly / of jour1 gentillesse
Towardes me / je list1 jou to acquite,
$oure-silf J)is day / jour cosyn to visite, 3320
In this castel to take joure loggyng1 ;
That1 neuer* jit1 / I was so glad of thyng*
In* al my lif / and therto her my troutli.
And ouermore* / ther shal be no slouth" 3324
That1 the Chambres / and the large tours
Shal be delyuered / to jour herberiows ;
That1 euery lord / as he is of degre,
Vnto his loggyng1 / shal assigned be. 3328
}oure officeres* / laf hem-silf * devise
3308. example] ensaumple Tj. Lj. of] for Ra. Ba. S. manlihede] manhede Lx.
Ad2. Ra. Ba. Ro. P (altered to manhode by late hand), manhode Lb. 3309.
knewe] kneuh Ra. knoweth Ba. 3310. Taquyt Bo. Adj. To quyte M. To
acquyte Ra. 3312. Ful wel] Right wel M. Di. in] in a Bo. Lb. C. T2. ful]
ryght Ap. om. Lb. P. £3. good] riche Ro. array] ray C. ful good] a gret G.
3313. with] in C. T2. ful] om. G. Tj. kyngly Ar. Tj. M. Ra. Ej. T2. l^. Ro.
knightly Bo. G. and the rest. 3314. Ar. has a pause-bar after Adrastus. 3315.
Cosyn] Cosy Ar. Ra. enbrace Bo. Adj. embrace M. 3317. hegh] om. Ra. Ba.
3318. goodly] om. I. Jour] your hie Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. S. your good hih I. your
gret C. 3319. Towardes Ar. Bo. and all, except Toward Ba. C. Jou] now you Bo.
nowe Ro. not l^. om. S. to] so Lb. Ra. Ba. to acquite] taquyte Bo. M. Ex. 3322.
That] For Bo. Tj. Lj. M. Di. I was] was I Tj. Lj. That I was so glad ncuere yet
of thing Adj. I. Ad.2 (yit nevir). 3323. In] An Ar. And Ej. 3324. ouermore
Tt. M. Di. Adj. I. G. Ro. ouermor Ar. more over Lj. AoLj. euer more Bo. and
the rest. 3328. shal assigned Ar. G. L2. Ro. Ap. assigned shal Bo. and the rest.
3329. officeres Lb. officers Ra. oih'cers Ar. Bo. Tj. M. Adj. hemself Bo. Lb.
M. Adj. them-self L2. hym-silf Ar.
PT. III.] Tents and Food. But they ask for something more. 137
3if the howsyng1 / may largely suffise
To jow and ^cmres / strecchen and atteyn,
That1 noii estaafr / haue* cause to co?npleyn. 3332
And alle ^our1 hoost1 / logged her be-syde, [leaf 50]
which in Tentys / vpon sou abide, and feed their
men in tents.
laf hem fette / be myn auctorite,
Vitayle ynoh / her in my Cite. 3336
And alle that1 may socour hem or saue,
And, at1 a word /, al that1 eue?-e I haue
Is ful and hool / at1 $our comaufidemenf."
II Quod Adrastus / " that1 is nat1 our1 en tent1, 3340 Adrastus says
!N"or on no parte / cause of oure comyng1.
For we be come al for anober thyng1, they want an-
other gift,
A certeyn gift1 / of $ou to requere,
Benygnely / }if 30 list1 to here, 3344
which may Greke's / passyngly availle,
Of our* request / sif* that1 se nat1 ne faille, but daren't
name it till he
which we dar not / opynly expresse, promises to
with-oute that1 30 wold / of gentillesse, 3348
3oure graunt1 aforn / conferme and ratefye.
Than wer we bold / it1 to specify e."
3330. howsyng] haunsinge Lb. houshold Ba. may largely] largely may Lb.
T2. P. ELj. Ro. largely] large Ra. 3331. youres M. Adj. yours Bo. 3332.
non]onyLb. any]?, ha Ar. Ap. Laue Du. M. Adj. Ra. hath Bo. 3333. 3our]
his Du. hooste Bo. Ra. Ost Adj. logged] om. Ba. 3334. which in] Within
Ra. Ba. I*,. Ro. in Tentys] ententifly Lb. T2. P. E2. C (intentifly). vpon] om.
Ra. Ba. "abide] to abide Ra. Ba. S. L2. Ro. 3336. ynogh Bo. ynow M.
y-nov Adv 3337. socour Ar. socoure Bo. M. Adj (the final e added above the
line by the same hand), socour hem Ar. L2. Ro. Ap. hem socoure Bo. G. and
the rest, or] and Di. S. P. 1^. Ro. 3338. a Ar. o Bo. M. Adj. 3339. ful]
fully Ba. 3341. on] in EJ. S. of Ba. om. Tx. Lb. M. Ad^ I. C. T2. P. E,.
no] oon Ba. parte Ar. Bo. Du. Di. Adj. P. E2. Lj. part T\. Lx. Lb. M. S. C. T2.
parti Ra. partye G. Ba. Ej. om. Ad^ I. on no parte] percele Ro. 3344.
Benygnely Bo. M. Ad>2. I. beningly Adj. 30 M. Ad^ I. C. you Bo. Adj.
3345. passyngly] passyng G. Lj. Ba. 3346. our . ye Tr Du. Ad2. I. S (Stowe
has written yowr but crossed out y). jour . 30 Ar. G. Bo. M. Di. Adj. Ej. our .
we Lb. Ra. Ba. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. your Lj (om. 30 or we) (see Notes).
request Bo. M. Adj. 3if that (in no AfS. )] that Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj.
Ej. S. yf Lb. Ra. Ba. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. that yf Ad2. I. 30 nat ne] nat
ye Adj. nat ne faille] not fayle G. Lb. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. 1^. Ro. not vs fayll S.
do not faile E2. may not fayle Lx. 3348. Ar. has a pause-bar also after with-oute.
3e] we T2. wold] wil C. Eg. gentillesse] your gentillesse E2. gretnesse Ba.
3350. specifye] especifie Bo. Du.
138
Lycurgus is told of his Boy's Death.
[PT. III.
Lycurgus says
he'll give em
anything but
his life,
his son and his
wife.
[loaf 56, back)
and says the
King's son
has been stung
to death by a
serpent.
Quod lygurgus / " what-euer thyng1 it* be,
Nouhtf exceptid / but* only pingges thre : 3352
U The first1 is this / if touche* naf my lif,
My jonge sone, pleynly, nor my wyf ;
Take al my good / or what* je list1 provyde
Of my tresour / and sette J>ies thre a-syde, 3356
Al the surplus / I count1 nat1 af a myte."
Than Adrastus / astounyd was a lyte
whan lygurgus / in conclusions,
Of his sone / made excepciouw. 3360
And whilis they / entreten Jms yfere,
Ther cam forth on / with a wooful chere,
Of face and look / pal and no-thing1 rede,
A-lowde crieth / " the kynges* sone is dede, 3364
Alias the whyl ! / that* whilom was so fayr,
After lygurgus / born forto ben hayr ;
The which, alias ! / hath 3olden vp the bretn,
Of a Serpent1 / stonge to the deth" 3368
And with his woundc* / newe*, fressh and grene,
In therber lith / that pite is to seue,
And hath so leyne / almost* al this day ; "
3351. what-euer thyng Ar. Ap. 1^. Ro. what bing euer Bo. and the rest, except
what thyngo bat euer P. what bat euer thyng G. 3352. exceptid] except G. Ad2.
I. Ba. Lj. 3353. is this it] is jmt L2. touche M. Ap. touch Ar. Ra. touchith
Bo. Du. Adj. E]. Lg. Ro. 3354. yonge Ada. yong Bo. M. om. 0. nor] ne Bo.
Tj. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ej. S. P. nother C. and Du. Lo, Ro. 3355. ye Bo. M.
you Adj. 3357. surplus] surpluys To. surplice Lb. remnont P. count] compte
Eo, covyte 1^ at] om. Di. I. C. T2." P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. 3358. astonyed M.
astoneied Adj. astoned T2. stunyed Bo. Lb. Ra. Ba. was] not L.J. Ro. 3361.
whilis Tj. whiles Adj. while M. whils Bo. whil Ra. om. Du. entreten bus
Ar. G. Ro (entrete). Ap (entrete). bus entreten Bo. Du. Lj. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
Ej. S. entretid thus L2. thus entretiden Tj. treten thus M. Di. trete thus Lb. C.
T2. P. £2. infeerBo. 3362. Ther] om. Ro. cam Bo. come M. Adj. a]ora. Lb. P.
wooful] ful woful Adj. Ad2. I. rewful Ba. sorful C. dvedful To. 3363. and look]
of loke Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. 3364. A-lowde] and a-loude
Bo. And lowde G. Lb. Di. Adv Ad2. I. C. P. E2. 1^. Ro. Ap. crieth] cried Ra. Ba.
C. T2. kynges M. Adx. kynges Bo. kyng Ar. 3366. forto ben Ar. G. Tj. Du.
Lj. Ra. Ej. S. Ap. to haue ben Bo. forto have be Ba. to ben M. Di. Adj. Ad2.
I. C. T2. P. £3. Lg. Ro. to Lb. hayr] his heir Adj. Ad2. I. S. E2. 3368. stonge
Ap. stong T2. E2. L^. stongyng I. stongen Bo. G. and the rest, to] vnto Bo. TI.
Du. Lb. M. Di. Ada. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. T2. E^ the] om. Di. 3369. wounde Bo.
Adj. wound Ar. M. woundis Ra. Ba. newe Tj. Ej. new Ar. M. Adj. now ]5o.
ncwc fressh] fresh new Ra. Ba. L2. Ro. 3370. lith] om. T2. that] om. Bo. Tj.
Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. E!. S. pite] pitous Ra. is] it is S. to] om. Du.
3371. leyen Bo. layn"M. Adj. lien Ba.
PT. III.]
Lycurgus laments ; his Queen swoons.
139
That whan lygurgus / herde* this affray, 3372
And wist his child Avas ded and hath no mo,
Lytil wonder / thogh that1 he were wo.
For sodeynly / the inportable smerte
Kan anon / and hent1* hyra by the herte 3376
That, for constreyntt / of his dedly peyne,
Thorgh-oute he felte koruen euery veyne.
The rage gan myne in hyra so depe
That* he can not1 but* sighe* / sobbe, and wepe. 3380
And with the noyse / and lamentaciou»
The qwen distrauht1 / is descendid douw.
And whan she knewe / the* ground of al this sorowe,
hit4 neded * her no teere's / forto borowe 3384
But1 twenty tyme ny* vpon a rowe
A-swoune she fille / vnto J?e grounds lowe ;
And stounde-mele * / for this hegh meschauwce,
Stille as ston / she lyggeth in a Traunce. 3388
U And whan the child? / into the courte was brouht1
To-fore lygurgus / alias ! I wite hym nought1,
Vpon the cors / with a mortal face,
he Fil atonys / and gan it to embrace, 3392
Lycurgus
weeps for his
sou's death.
H The aorow }>at
)>e kyng ligurg-us
made for the deth
of his child and
the lamenta-
ciou/i of the
queue.
His queen
swoons,
and lies in a
trance.
The boy's corpse
is brought in.
3372. That] Than Ra. Ba. AndLb. L2. Ro. But S. E2. herde Bo. Adj. herd-Ar.
M. harde Ej. T2. this]al bis Adj. Ad2. 1. Ra. S. of this Ba. affray] om. Ba. 3373.
wist] wist than Tv hath Ar. Ap. hat G. had Bo. and all the other MSS. 3374.
that] mn. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. P. he] his hert S. were] was T2. Eg. Ap. 3376.
hcnte Lb. Ad}. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Er S. C. T2. P. E.J. L2. Ro. rent Ar. G. Bo. Tj.
Du. Lr M. Di. Ap. 3379. myne] gynne L^. gyne Ro. in hym] on hym Lb.
M. Di. 0. T2. hym Ra. 3380. can] coude E2. not] om. Ra. sighe M. Adj.
sigh Ar. Bo. om. T2. sobbe] om. Ad2. I. L2. sighe sobbe and wepe] sobbe sighe
and wepe Lb. Ba. P. E^ sorwe sighe and wepe C. 3382. distraulit] distracte
Ro. 3383. And] om. L2. Ro. the] mn. Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. M. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej.
C. T2. Ap. sorowe] sorw M (:borw). 3384. neded Du. Lb. M. Di. P. E2. Ap.
nede Ar. Bo. Ej. nedeth Tr and the rest, her no] hir nat Adj. nat hir Ad2. I.
forto] to S. T2. 3385. tyme] tymes Lv Ba. S. om. Ad2. I. ny Bo. Ta. M.
nygh Lj. nyje Di. by Ar. G. Adj. I. Ej. S. Ap. be Ad2. bi and bi Ra. Ba. om.
Lb. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. a rowe] A throwe Ro. 3386. A-swoune] Aswound
E2. vnto] to Lb. M. Di. C. T2. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. vpon Ba. grounde Bo. M.
ground Adj. erthe Lb. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ro. Ap. 3387. stound-mele Ar. Adr
stoundemele Bo. stoundemel M. 3388. ston] a stoon Di. Ad.,. Ra. Ba. S.
lyggeth Ar. Bo. Tj. Ap. lyeth M. aiid the rest. 3389. And] But E0. the
child] it Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. this Ba. into the] into Bo. Du. E2. the child
into the courte was] into the court it was Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba (this), it into the
court was I. Ex. into be court was it S. 3391. the] pat Lb. 3392. it] om. Ba.
to embrace M. to eubrace Bo. Adj. teubrace Tx.
140
Lycurgus's dead Son is luricd.
[PT. III.
[leaf 57] Soore * Grype / and ageyn vpsterte ;
That* whan Adrastus / gan this thyng1 aduerte,
Of kyngly routh / and compassioun
The Greeks weep From his eyen / the teeres fille doun 3396
too.
Ek kyngges / Dukes, that1 aboute* stood,
Only of pite /' which is in gentyl blood,
No power hadde / the water to restreyn
That1 on her chekes / doune bygan to reyn. 3400
But1 al a day / wolde* not1 suffise
Alle her sorowes / in ordre to devise,
First* of the kyng1 / and of the quene also :
To tellen aH / I shulde* neuer ha do, 3404
Not in the space / almost1 of an hour.
But whan the stormes / and J>e sharpe* shour
Of her wepyng1 / was somwhat1 ouo-goii,
The lytil cors / was grauen vnder ston. 3408
11 And Adrastus / in )>e same tide
lygurgus took / a litil out aside,
And ful wisely / with his prudent1 spech",
The qwene* present1 / gan hym forto tech" 3412
That* so to sorowe / avaylle may right1 noght1,
To mordre hym-silf / with his owne thouhf,
3393. Soore Lb. Sore Bo. M. Adj. Soor Ar. to gripe Bo. and all, except Grype
Ar. G. Lj. Ro. Ap. 3394. That] Than Ta. Ad2. I. E2. Ro. tbyug] om. Ba. Ej.
gan this thyng] this thyng gan Lb. C. T2. P. E2 (can). aduerte] advart S
(: vpstart). 3395. kyngly] kyndly Di. knyghtly Lg. routhe Bo. M. Adt.
ruthe Lg. 3396. the] there Ej. doun] a-doun Du. Lb. Di. I. C. T2. E2.
3397. kyngges] princes M. Di. Dukes] and dukes Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. aboute
Bo. M. Adj. about Ar. 3398. of] for Ra. om. S. which Ar. G. 1^. Ro. Ap.
)>at Bo. and the rest. in] of Ra. Ba. om. Ap. 3399. water] teeres Lb. Adj.
Adg. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. Ro. restreyn] constreyne 1^. 3400. her]
om. Bo. bygan] gan Adv Ad2. I. Ex. S. Ra. Ba (can), to] om. Ra. Ba. 3401.
aday Ar. the day Ra. Ba. wolde Bo. wold Ar. M. Adj. wyll L-j. 3403.
second of] om. Lb. M. Di. Ad2. I. Ra. S. C. T2. P. E2. Ap. kyng . quene] quene .
kyngesRo. 3404. tellen] telleLb. P. S. Ro (tele), shulde Bo. shuld Ar. shold
M. Adj. taAr. Ad2. I. Ra. haue a Di. haue JBo. and the rest. 3406. sharpe Bo.
sharp Ar. M. Adj. teary E2. om. Ra. Ba. 3407 to 3590 lost in Ro. 3407.
in Ar. before ouergon is written fo, underdotted. 3408. graueii] om. Ad.2. I.
vnderston Ar. ston] a ston Adj. Ad2. I. 3409 to the end of the poem lost in Ap.
3410. a litil] a lite Bo. Du. M. Di. om. Lx. a litil out] oute a litil C. 3412. qwen
Ar. Bo. M. Adj. gan] thus gan C. forto] to C. om. S. 3413. so] om. Adj.
Ad2. I. 3414 in Adj. is omitted at its right place and stands at the bottom of col. 2
of leaf 25, front ; in the original of Ad2. and I. it has been replaced by a new line
composed to rhyme ^vith 3413, viz. But best remedie / to put it out of thouht.
3414. hym-silf] them -self S. with] in Ra. S.
I should never
have done, if I
tried to describe
their sorrow.
The boy is
buried.
Adrastus re-
minds Lycurgus
and his wife
PT. in.] Adrastus reminds Lycurgus that all folk must die. 141
Sith loos of cleth / no man may recure
Thogh he in woo / pe?'petuelly endure ; 3416
Al helpeth nat1 / whan the soule is go.
"And our lif her, who taketh* hed ther-to,
Is but1 an exile / and a pilgrymage,
Ful of torment1 / and of hitter Eage, 3420
Lieh" a See • rennyng to and fro,
Swyng an ebbe / whan the flood is do,
Lytil space abidyng* at1 the fulle :
Of whos soiour / the pope ^euej) no hulle. 3424
For* kyng< is non, nor* duk, nor Emperour,
That1 may hym shroude / ageyn be fatal shour
Of cruel deth / whan hym list1 manace
To marke a man with his mortal mace. 3428
Than geyneb nat1 to his sauaciouw
Neyther Fraunchyse / nor protecciouw,
And lit1 / or noghf / may helpen in this caas
Sauffecondit1 / or Supersedyas. 3432
For in this world! / who so look a-right1,
Is non so gret1 / of power nor of myght1,
Noon so riche / shortly/ nor so bold
But* he' mot1 dey / outher* 3ong) or old. 3436
And who in ^outhe* / passeth bis passage,
he is eskaped / al the woode* Eage,
Al sorowe and trouble / of this present1 lyff,
•f Ageynes deth
may be no recur,
that our life
is but a pil-
grimage ;
[leaf 57, back]
that no one can
avoid death :
all must die :
and those who
die young
are saved from
sorrow.
3415. Sith] Sayth La. Such Ra. Sith loos of deth] Ayenst dethe Lb. C. T2. P.
E2. no man may] may be no Lb. C. T2. P. E2. recure] recover P (: endure).
3418. who] whos C. who so P. thus E2. taketh] take Ar. G. T2. P. 3422.
do] go Bo. Du. Lj. Lb. Ad2. Ra. Ba. S. C. 3423. the copyist of Ar. first wrote
falle, but underdotted it, and added fulle. 3424. in Tt. pope yeueth no bulle has
been erased ; the words are, however, still legible. 3425. For Lb. Ad2. P. E2. Nor
Ar. Bo. and the rest, except ne T2. is non] om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. Ba.
S. non] om. M. Adj. Ej. nor duk] duk Ar. G. L:. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. C. T2. P. E2. 1^.
ne duk S. no Duk Ra. nor Emperour] ne Emperoure Lj. Lb. Ej. P. E2. \22.
3426. That] om. Ad2. I. hym] om. Adj. may hym shroude] hym may shroude
L2. May nat shroude Ad2. I. ]>e] hat L\. Di. his Lb. C. T& P. £3. om. Ra. Ha.
shour] houre Lx. our L2. 3429. sauacioun] saluacioun Du. E2. 3432.
Saufcondit Adj. saufconduyt Bo. Saff-condite Lb. Saue-conduyte ET. either
saufconduyt M. Di (saufcondit). 3433. whos luketh Bo. who lokith M. Adj.
3436. But Lj. But that Lb. Ad2. I. S. P. That Ar. Bo. and the rest, he] om.
Adj. Ad2. I. mot] most Lj. Lb. Ex. S. P. E2. 1^. oyther Ar. eyther Bo. M.
other Adj. outher C. 3437. Jouth Ar. Bo. " 3438. wode Bo. M. wood Ar. Adj.
So Lycurgps
and his wife
should take in
patience what
the Gods send.
Adrastus then
begs mercy for
Ipsiphyle,
[leaf 58]
•who has not
offended
wilfully.
142 Adrastus begs Lycurgus to forgive Ipsiphyle. [PT. in.
Repleneshiid * with contek / werre and stryff, 3440
which seeld or neuere / stonfr in Suerte.
"\Yher-for best1 is, as semeth vnto me,
No man gruche* / but, of hegh prudence,
The sonde of goddis / tak in pacience. 3444
And 30 that ben so wis / and manly to,
^oure-silf to drowne in torment1 and in woo
For loos of thyng1 / jif * that 30 list to se,
which in no wise may recured be, 3448
Is grett foly and vndiscrecciouw."
And thus Adrastus / hath conveyed doun
The substaunce hool / of that1 he wolde seye :
Til that he fond / a tyme forto preye 3452
Conuenyentt / for ysyphilee,
Bysechyng hym forto han pite
Of J>att she hath offended his highnesse,
Not1 wilfully / but1 of reklesnesse : 3456
First1 J>af he wold* / his doorues so * dy vide,
Mercy preferre / and sette * right1 a-side,
At the* request1 and preier of hem alle,
Of this vnhappe / and meschief that" is falle 3460
3440. Kepleneshed] Repleveahed Ar. G. repleuessed Bo. Repleuisshed C. Re-
pleuysshed or Replenysshed M. Di. Adj. T2. Replesshed Ad2. I. Ra. replenshed
Tj. Replenyshed Du. Lb. and the rest. 3441. suerte Bo. M. surte Adj.
3442. as] om. Ra. Ba. semeth] it semeth Lb. M. Di. C. T2. P. E^. vnto] to M.
C. om. Lb. Di. S. T2. P. E2. 3443. grucche Bo. M. Adj. grucch Ar. gnige
S. grugge L^. to grucche T2. hegh] his S. L^. 3444. sonde] wyll S. goddis
Ar. G. C. T2. god Bo. and the other MSS. of goddis tak] or god he take E2. tak]
take yt 1^. 3446. Jour-silf Ar. Lb. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. youre lyf Bo. and the rest.
torment] tornament L:. tournement Ej. your-self to tunnent in anguysh and in wo
1^. 3446 and 3447 om. in Ra. and Ba. ; in Ra. 3445 reads : And ye that been so wis
and manli to se, and is followed by 3448 : Sith in no wise recouered it may be ; in Ba.,
between 3444 and 3450 are three lines, viz. : Sith in noo wise recoverd it may bee And
ye that bei? so wise and so manlie to see Itt is grete perell foly and one destruccioun.
3447. Jif that (in no MS. )] that Ar. G. Ex. S. if Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. C. J»t yf Adj.
Ad2. 1. and Lb. T2. P. £3. 1^. om. Lj. to] om. Adj. Ad^ I. 3448. which] That
C. T.J. P. E2. recured] recouerid Ad2. 1. Ra. Ba. P. L^. may recured] recured may
Adj. Ej. S. C. T2. recouerid may Ad2. I. 3449. Is] It is Bo. Tj. Du. Lr M. Di.
Adj. Adg. I. Ra. Ba. S. 3453. for] for faire M. Di. T2. for worthi Ra. Ba.
3455. }>at] what Ba. offended] om. Bo. Tj. Du. La. M. Di. Ej. S. his] om. Ra.
this S. highnesse] hevenesse S. 3456. reklesnesse Bo. M. rekelsnesse Adj.
3457. so] to Ar. Ad^ Ad2. I. Ev S. om. Ra. Ba. dyvide] devoide (: aside) I. Ba.
deuoiid Ra. 3458. sette Adj. M. set Ar. Bo. 3459. At )>e Du. Lj. P. 1^.
Atte Bo. Tj. Adj. Ra. Ej. S. C. At Ar. and the rest. 3460. that is] so Ra. Ba.
falle] befalle Bo. Tx. Du. Lx. M. Di. Adj. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. C. T2.
FT. III.]
The Serpent or Ipsiphyle must be kild.
143
Ey hasty Rigour / nat1 to do vengeaurcce,
But1 thynk aforn / in his purvyauwce,
who to wreches / doth mercy / in her drede,
Shal mercy fynde / whan he hath most1 nede :
And sith he hatli power, myght1, and space,
Lat hym tak this lady / to his grace,
For lak of routhe* / that1 she nat1 ne dye.
U But1 tho the quene / gan agayn replye
And platly seide / as in this matere,
Avayleth not1 requeste / nor preyere,
Pyte, Mercy / nor remyssyouw,
But1 jif if be / by this condiciourc
That1 the serpent1, cause of al ])is sorowe,
Thorgh her labour / lay his hed to borowe.
This is fynal / and vtter recompense
To fynde grace' / for her gret1 offence,
Or ellis Shortly / sheede* blood for blood.
And whan Grekys her answer vnderstood,
Al of accord / in her beste wise,
Took on hem / this auenturous emprise,
For loue only / of Ysyphylee ;
And gan to ryde / envyron ]>e contre,
By hille's, vales / Roches, and ek Caue's,
He who does
mercy, shall
3464 find nierey.
Let Ipsiphyle
be forgiven.
3468 UHowthequen
wil algate han
|'C Berpent dede.
3472
3476
3480
But the Queen
says,
either the ser-
pent or Ipsiphyle
must die.
The Greeks
hunt for the
Serpent.
[leaf 58, back]
3461. nat] and nat Adj. Ad-j. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S vengeaunce] no vengaunce M.
Di. 3465. sith] syn Ra. he hath] ye haue Ra. Ba. myght] and myght Ra.
3466. Lat hym tak] That ye will tak Lv Receyveth Ra. Ba. to] vnto Bo. Tx.
Du. Lj. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. C. T2. into ELj. his] youre Ra. Ba. om.
Lx. Ad2. I. 3467. routhe Bo. M. Adj. routh Ar. natJnovAdj. now Ad2. 1. fc>.
nat ne] now nat Ra. ne] om. Bo. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. 1^. she nat ne] ne nat thus E2.
3468. tho] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. 3470. request Bo. M. Adj. nor Ad^ ne Bo. M.
3471. nor M. ne Bo. neither Adj. 3473. That] But 'Jo. Tj. Du. L^ M.
Di. S. But if Ej. the] this 1^. bis] om. Lb. C. P. 3474. Thorgh] For Ad,.
Ad0. I. her Ar. Ra. L2. their Ba. his Bo. and the rest, lay] leyde Ad2. I.
347"5. fynal] finaly Bo. Du.,Ra. the final Di. vtter] the vtter M. Di. 3476.
her] his Bo. Du. 3477. ellis] els L^. om. Bo. Tj. Du. Lx. M. Di. Adj. Ad,j. I.
Ra. Ba. Ej. S. Shortly] sothly Tj. sheed Ar. shede Bo. M. Ad^ shedde P.
first bloood Ar. 3478. And] om. Ra. Ba. Grekys] J>e Grekes Bo. Tj. \. M. Di.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ej. S. her] this Ra. her answer] this Adj. Ad^. I. 3479. Al] om. Lb.
C. T2. P. E2. accord (Ar. G. La. L2.)] oon accorde Bo. and the rest. 3480.
auenturous] auentures Bo. Tj. Du. M. Di. Adj. Ej. S. C. T2. P. L^. aventours Ad2.
I. 3481. loue] the loue T2. of] of this Ra. Ba. 3482. gan Bo. gon M.
Ad,. 3483. vales] valeys C. vayles T2. vales Roches] roches vales Adj. Ad.2. I.
ek] om. E2.
144 The Serpent is shot, and Ipsiphyle is forgiven. [PT. in.
Parthonolope
If How partho-
nolope saugh jie
Serpent
finds it,
In dychis dirk1 / and in olde gravis, 3484
By euery cooste / cerchyng1 vp and doun :
Til af the last1 / ful famous of renoiw,
The worthy knyghf / parthonolope
was the first1 / that1 happed for * to Se 3488
This hydous Serpent1 / by a Eyver-side,
Grett and horrible / stern and ful of pride,
Vndere a Rocche * / by a banke lowe ;
And in al hast1 / he bentf a sturdy bowe, 3492
And ther-In sette an arowe* fyle'd kene,
And thorgh the body / spotted blew and grene,
Ful myghtily he made if forto Glyde,
Henf* out* a swerde / hongyng1 be his syde, 3496
Smoof of his hede / and anon it hent
And ther-with-al gan the Quene present1,
wherthorgh her sorowe parcel gan aswage.
And thus, of prowesse / and of hegh corage, 3500
This manly man / parthonolope
hath reconciled faire Isyphilee
Vnto grace' / fully of fe Quene,
Hir* Ire avoided* / and her olde tene. 3504
And by Adrastus mediacioun,
Kyng lygurgus / graunted a pardouw
To this lady, that1 from al daunger fre,
She was restored to her liberte, 3508
3484. dirk Ad?. derke Bo. derk M. 3486. atte last Bo. Adj. at last M.
3487. knyght] king Adj. Ad2. I. 3488. happed] happonde Lb. happenyde P.
for to Lb. C. T2. E2. to Ar. Bo. and the rest. 3491. roche Bo. M. Rocch Ar.
roch Adj. banke Bo. bank M. Adj. 3492. al] al the Ad^ I. bent] hente Di.
Ba. Ej. C. T2. 1*3. 3493. a narowe Ar. 3496. The line begins with And in all the
MSS. except Ar. G. 1^. Hent out] Rent out Ar. G. Bo. Tj. 'Du. Lr Ex. 1^. 3499.
her sorowe] om. Lb. C. T2. P. E2. parcel] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. gan] she
gan E2. aswage] tasswage E2. to aswage Lb. Ra. P. to swage C. T2. 3500.
and of] and Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. S. C. 3501. parthonolope] this prothonolope C.
this Parthonolope T2. E2. 3504. avoided Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. L2.
avoiden Ar. G. Adt. auoyed EI. voyded Lb. C. T2. E2. voyde P. olde] om. G. Ra.
Ba. 3f«04 in Ad3. is omitted at its right place, and stands at the bottom of the
second column of thcpage, after I. 3522 ; in Ad2. and I. it has been replaced by a new
line, to rhyme with 3503, viz. Off' the offence / of hir pardouned to bene. 3507.
that] om. Lb. M. Di. C. T2. P. E2. daunger] damag S. in Ba. I. 3507, which
is the bottom line of leaf 38 bade, stops at To this ladie th ; after th a few
letters seem to be erased, but most of the latter half of 3507 has never been
written, the vellum being quite untrnvhed here.
shoots it,
cuts off its head,
gives it to the
Queen,
and reconciles
Ipsiphyle to her.
Adrastns par-
dons Ipsiphyle,
PT. in.] Lycurgus was King of Thrace and friend to Falamon. 145
In his paleys / al her lif to dwelle.
Thogh lohn Bochas / be co?itrarie telle :
For this autowr affermej) /, out1 of dred
That1, whan this child / was by the serpent ded, 3512
She durste not1 / for her gret1 offence
!Neuer after comen in presence
Of lygurgus /, but1 of intenciouw
Fledde anon / out1 of that1 Kegiowz ; 3516
Att1 herte she took / the childes deth so sore.
what1 fille of hir * / I fynde * can no more
Than 36 han herd1 / aforn me specifye.
And the kyngdain / but1 jif bookys lye, 3520
Of lygurgus / was ycalled Trace.
And, as I rede in an other place,
He was be same myghty Champiouw,
To Athenes / that1 kani with Palamomz 3524
Ageyne his brother / that1 called was arcyte,
Lad in his chaar / with foure* boolys whyte,
Vpon his hed / a wreth of gold1 ful fyn.
And I fynd ek1 / how bachus, god of wyii, 3528
with this kyng1 / was whilom at debat1,
Only for he / pompous and Elaf ,
Destruccioun / dide* to his vynys,
tho' Boccaccio
saya she never
[leaf 59]
dared face Ly-
curgus,
but fled from
*| "Sotn de Li-
gurgo Rege
traccee.
Lycurgus came
to Athens with
Palamon against
Arcite.
(See Chaucer's
Knight's Tale.)
•| Bachus decs
vini.
As he destroyd
Bacchus's vines,
3509. his] hir Bo. Tj. Lv M. Di. Ad1; Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. >is G. 3510.
lohn Bochas be contrarie] the contrarie lolm Bokas Ba. telle] do telle Ad2. I-
3511. a pause-bar -in Ar. also before affermed. 3512. this] the Lb. Di. Ba. C. T2.
P. E2. L<2. was by the serpent] bi the serpent was Adj. (this serpent Ad2. I.) Ra.
(with the Ba.) S. ded] om. M. 3514. comen Ar. to come'M. Di. Adj. S. come
Bo. and the rest, in] into the Ra. Ba. to the Ad2. I. 8515. intencioun] pitous
intencioun Ra. Ba. 3517 and 3518 transposed in Adj. Ad2. I. 3518. hur Ar.
fynde Bo. M. Adi. fynd Ar. fynde can] can tell Ba. 3519. Than] But that
Ra. Ba. herd] hard T2. aforn me] me aforn Bo. Tj. Du. LT. M. Di. Adx. Ad2.
I. Ex. S. P. Lg. me to-fore G. han herd aforn] before haue herd Ra. Ba. specifye]
especefie Tj. Du. to specifye S. 3520. but] om. P. jif] om. Bo. Tv Du. Lr M.
Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. lye] do nat lye P. 3521. ycalled Ar. G. Adx. I. Ra.
Ba. Ej. L^. called Bo. and the rest. was ycalled] called was Lb. T2. E2. that
called was P. 3524. To Athenes that] bat to Attens S. kam] wente Adi. Ad2.
I. Ra. Ba. S. C. 3526. Lad] Mad Lb. T.,. P. Yled E0. And Di. I. foure Lv
four Ar. ; Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Ad^ C. P. E2. have IIII. ; T2. has II. 3529.
was whilom] whilom was Adr Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. at debat] at bate Lb. at be bate
Lx. 3531. dide Tj. M. dede Lb. Adj. did Ar. Bo. vnto M. Di. Ad2. I. T2.
to Ar. Bo. and the rest.
THEBES. L
146 Boccaccio next to Petrarch. Adrastus leaves Lycurgus. [PT. III.
and put water And for he first1 / sett1 allay on wynys, 3532
in winCj
Meynte water / whan they were to strong1,
the God broke And this Bachus / for the grete wron£?
his limbs
anddrowndhim. Brak his lymys / and dreynt1 hym in ]>e See.
Of lygurgus / $e gete no more of me. 3536
H But1 the trouth / jif 30 lyst1 verryfie,
Rede of goddes / the Genologye,
lynealy / her kynrede be degrees,
I-braunched out1 / vpon twelue trees, , 3540
Mad by Bochas / decertaldo called,
Among1 Poetys / in ytaille stalled,
Next1 Fraunceys Petrak / swyng1 in certeyn.
Now vnto Grekys / I wil retourne ageyn, 3544
To telle forth shortly, $if I konne,
Of her Iourn& / that1 they haue * begonne :
how Adrastus / hath his lieve* take
Of ligurgus / with his browe's blake ; 3548
And departyng, with seynt1 Ioh"n to borowe,
Mad his wardes / on the nexte morowe
So wel beseyn / so inyghty, and so strong,
Wonder eiiy / whan fe larke* song1, 3552
With a trompet1 / warned euery man
To be redy / in al the hast1 they kan,
Forto reniwe / and no letting1 make.
IF Nota de xii
arboribi(.t in libro
Bochacii de
genealogia
bartm.
See Boccaccio
on the Genealogy
of the Gods.
He was next poet
to Petrarch.
[leaf 59, back]
Adrastus takes
leave of Ly-
cuigus.
3532. sett] oin. C. allay] alaies Adj. Ra. Ba. Alies Ad2. I. sett allay] allay
sette Ej. allayes sett Ea. Ba. on] in Bo. S. 1^. of G. 3533. Meynte M.
Ad!. Meynt Bo. water] with water E2. whan Ar. G. Lb (when). C. T2. P. E^.
Lg (when). bere Bo. where TI. and the, rest-. to] so La. Di. Ea. om. Ba.
3534. this] thus Lb. S. .p. Bachns Ar. Bo. M. Ada. Bacus Tj. bakes Lb.
Bochas E2. the gretc] giete Ra. Ba. bat stronge M. Di. 3535. lymys M.
lymes Bo. limes Adi. iemes S. dreynt] drouned C. 3537. verrylie] to
verrifie Bo. Du. Adj. to specific Ad2. I. 3538. Rede Bo. M. redith Adj.
goddes] the goddes Ad2. I. of goddes the] the goddes of Ba. genoologye Adj.
genalogye Bo. Geuealogie M. genelagye Di. Genelogie Ad2. geneologie S.
3540. vpon] on Ra. of Ba. 'XII 'Bo. twelfAdj. 3541. decertaldo Ar. Bo.
M. Adi. Decertalde Ra. Ba. de cretaldo I. 3542. Itaille Bo. Italye M. Adj.
3545. forth shortly] shortly forth Adj. 3547. lief Ar. leeue Bo. leue M. Adj.
G. take] itake Ra. Ba. Ad2. I. 3549. departyng] departed Ra. Ba. lohn
Ar. Bo. M. Adj. Ion C. lohan E.-,. borowe Bo. borw M. Adj. 3550.
omitted in Ba. 3551. myghty] my^tely Di. 3552. larke Bo. Adj. lark
Ar. M. 3553. warned] warue Ad3. Ad2. I. 3554. they] he Adr Ad2.
I. Ba. 3555. remue Bo. M. Adj.
PT. ill.] The Greeks besiege Thebes. The Thebans watch them. 147
to Thebes,
and pitch their
tents.
The Thebaus
And so they han / the righte way I-take 3556 Adrastus and
his Greeks march
Touardf Thebes / the grekiis euerychon,
That1 such a nombre / gadred into on,
Of worthy knyghtes neuere aforn was seyn,
whan they in fere / monstred in a pleyn. 3560
And they ne styntf by non occasiou/i
Til they be come euen a-for the toura,
And pighf her tentys / proudly, as I rede,
Vnder the wallys / in a grene* mede. 3564
IT And whan the * thebans / were besette aboute,
The manly knyghtes / wold han* yssyd oute
And haue* scarmosshed / in her lusty pride,
With her foomen / on the toper side. 3568
But1 be byddyng1 / of Ethiocles
Alle J>ilke* nyght / fei kepte hem-silf in pes,
Be cause only / that1 it was so late,
With gret1 awayt1 / set at* euery gate, 3572
Men of Armys / al the nyght1 wakyng1
On the wallys / be byddyng1 of be kyng,
Lest1 per were / treynys or tresourc.
And on the tours / and in the Chief Dongouw 3576
he sette vp men / to make mortal sowns
with brasyn hornys / and loude Clarions,
Of ful entent1 / ]>e wacches forto kepe,
In his warde / that1 no man ne slepe. 3580
And Grekys proudly / al be longe nyght1
kyndled* fyrys / and maad ful gret lyght1, The Greeks
3556. right Bo. M. Adj. way Bo. M. Adj. weye Di. om. Lb. I-take Ar.
Lb. L,. take Bo. mid the oilier MSS. 3560. in fere] yfere C. T^ to-gidre Ra.
Ba. monstred Bo. mostred M. monstred] mostren LI. Adj. moustren Ad.2.
I. Ej. mustren Ra. were moustred E.2. to mustre S. in] on Lj. Adx. Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. P. 3564. a] the M. Di. grene Bo. M. Adi. gren Ar. grete Du.
3565. whan] whan bat Bo. om. Lj. the Thebans] Thebans Ar. L2. besette] sett
all S. 3566. hau Bo. Adj. an Ar. haue M. " 3567. haue Bo. M. Adx. ha
Ar. scarmysshed Bo. Adj. scarmesshed M. scyrmysshed Ad2. Lg. lusty] hasty
Lb. C. P. E2. L2. 3568. bat othre Bo. M. Adx. 3570. jrilke Bo. bilk Ar.
M. Adv 3571 aiid 3572 are transposed in Adi. Ad2. I. 3576. on] in M. Di.
Ad2. 1. C. in] on Ba. om. Lb. Ra. S. Adj. Ad.2. I. P (om. the). 3577. to] ta Ar.
3578. brasen Bo. 3580. ne] om. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. ; in Adj. ne is written, but it has
been underdotted with black ink and crossed with red, ink ( ~ the rubric ink). 3581.
long Bo. M. Adj. 3582. kyndled] kyndle Ar/ kyndly ^. fyrys] fuyre Lb.
ful] om. S.
keep quiet,
but watch at
the gates,
[leaf 60]
and blow horns
to keep the
watchers awake.
148 The Greeks ravage the Country round Thebes. [PT. in.
lie all round
Thebes.
U The Forey bat
f>e Grekis made
in be centre
about Thebes.
The Greeks
plunder the
Tlii 'bun land,
kill all the game,
and collect all
the fodder.
Sctte vp loggyng1 / vpon euery Syde
lik as they sliuld / euer ther abyde, 3584
Coinpas the toune / ther was no voide space
But1 al besette / her foomen to mauace.
And whilys they afor Jje Cit6 laye,
On eue?y cost4 / they sent1 out1 to forraye, 3588
Brent« townes / thorpes and vilages,
with grete ravyn makyng1 theyr pillages,
Spoyle / and robbe / and brou^te* hom vitaille
And al maner soortes / of bestaylle, 3592
Shop / and neett / and in her cruel rage
with houndes slowe / al that* was sauage.
Hertt and hynde* / bothe buk and doo,
The blake* beer / and J>e wilde Eoo, 3596
The fatte swyn / and be tusshy* boor,
Karying1 al hom / for the greke's stoor,
whete and wyn / for her auawntage,
Hay and Otys / fodder / and forage. 3600
With J>is kalendis / as hem thynke * dwe,
Grekys gan / the thebans to Salwe,
3583. loggyng] loggynges Du. 8584. shulde Bo. shuld M. Ad^ 8585.
space] place M. Di. 3587. whiles M. Adj. whils Bo. aforn Bo. M. be-
fore Ad^ tofore Ej. 3588. On] In Bo. Lj. Di. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. S. And C.
sent] sett Ra. Ba. S. settyn L2. out to] out to the Ej. vn-to the P. a S.
in Ar. after out is tho, underdotted; to is written above the line, with the usual
mark of insertion. 8589. Brent Bo. M. Adx. Brynd S. thorpes Bo. M.
Adj. throppes Du. thruhuppis Ad2. thruhupys I. 3590. ravyn Ar. G. Bo.
Du. M. Adj. C. raven Lb. raveyn Tx. Di. Ra. T2. ravyne Ej. raveyne Lj. I^.
ravenne P. rauing E.2- theyr Ar. her Bo. M. Adj. om. Lj. 3591. first and]
om. Ro. Spoyle and robbe] Spoylid and robbed P. Spoyll and robery S.
broughte Adj. brought Ar. Bo. M. hom] hem Bo. Du. Ad2. I. them S.
3592. soortes Bo. Tj. Ra. sortes Du. M. Adj. £3. stoore Lb. P. bestaylle] bestial 1
Ba. in P. 3592 reads : And all maner store, to strength be batayle. 3593. Ar.
has a bar also between and and neet. her] om. Bo. 3594. with houndes
Woundes Lj. .witA woundes Lb. slowen C. slowe Ar. Bo. slow M. Adj.
slough Du. Lj. sfleughe Ro. slayne Lb. To. P. E2. 3595. hynde] ynde Ar.
buk Bo. M. bookke Adj. 3596. blake Bo. Adj. blak Ar. M. wilde Bo.
wild M. Adj. 3597. fatte Adj. fat Bo. M. tusshy Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Adj.
Ra. Lg. Ro. tussky Ad2. C. T2. P. E2. tuskyd Lb. trusshy Ar. G. tussy I.
3598. Karying] Bryngenge Ro. L^ hom] hem Bo. 3601. this Bo. these M.
Adj. be Lj. E2. hem] theim Ba. S. Ro. bey Lj. Lb. Ada. ?• thynke] thynk
Ar. Ej. ]>inke Lr Adv Ad2. I. thenke Bo. Tj. Di. S. thenk Du. M. them G.
thought Lb. and the rest. 3602. Grekys Ar. G. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ad0. I. Ra.
Ba. Ej. S. Lj. Ro. pe Grekes Be. Lb. Adj. C. T2. P. E2. gan] om. Bo. konne M.
come Di. the thebans] thebaus Ta. to] om. G. Adj. I. C. E2.
PT. in.] Different opinions on the War raisd among the Thebans. 149
Mynistring1 hem / occisiones* felle,
]3e sege sette /, shortly forto telle,
Of ful entent1 / in their hatful pryde,
For lif or deth / ther-vpon tabide,
who so euer / ther-with be a-greued,
Til they fully / her pz^rpoos haue acheued ;
Ther may therof / be make'd no releee.
And of al* this / ful war / Ethiocles
Gan in party / gretly to* mervaille
whan that* he saugh / fe grete apparaylle
Of the Grekes / ])e Cite rounde aboute ;
And in hym-silf hadde a maner doute,
Now at1 the poynt / what* was best1 to do.
For thilke* tyme / it1 stood with hym so
That1 to some abidyng* in J)e tou/i
he hadde in herte / gret1 suspecioun
list1 toward1 hym / that1 they were vnstable,
And to his brother / in party fauorable ;
For in the Cite / ther was variance,
which vnto hym was a gret1 nieschauwce ;
For in his nede / shortly / he ne wiste
Vpon whoom / fat1 he myghte triste ;
For they wer not1 / alle of oil entent1 :
For which he hath / for his counsale sent1,
(leaf 60, back]
3G04 They mean to
press the siege
to the death.
Eteocles
ia in doubt
what to do.
He knows some
Thebans favour
Polyneices.
3620 1J The variauHce
in Thebes among
hem-silf.
3608
3612
3616
3624
Eteocles asks
the advice of
3603. Mynistring]Mustrynge Lb. AtLj. I. P. L2. occisiones] occasions (occasiouns)
Ar. Bo. and all the other MSX. (cf. 4204 and see Notes). 3605. her Bo. M. Adj.
3606. to abide Bo. M. Adj. ' 3607. ther-with] herwith Lb. P. theratte
E2. 3608. Ar. has another pause-bar after they. 3609. maked] made LJ. Adj.
Ad-j. I- Ra- Ea- S. P. £3. Eo. om. 1^. 3610. al M. Di. C. T2. P. E2. L2. Ko.
om. Ar. Bo. and the rest. And of al this] Of this and Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. Of
bis Lj. And all this while Ro. ful war] ful weel war Ra. C. full wele war was
Ba. full warre was Lj. Lb. Ad.2. I. was ware P. 3611. Gaii] Wheche ganne Lb.
P. to Lb. T2. P. E2. L.J. Ro. om. Ar. Bo. and the rest. 3612. that] om. Lb.
M. Di. C. T2. P. E2. grete Bo. gret M. Adj. grete] om. Du. 3614. in] om.
Ra. Ba. hadde] he had Adj. Ad2. I. 3615. atte poynt Bo. Adj. at poyut M.
all the poyiit Lb. 3616. thilke Bo. Adj. thilk Ar. M. that S. 3617. Ar.
has a pause-bar after abidyug. 3619. list Ar. G. lest Bo. M. Adj. Ra. (see
Notes), toward hym] to him ward Adj. to hym Ad2. I. him] om. Lb. that]
om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ra. Ej. P. 3621. the] J>is Di. ther] tho Ba. om. Adj.
Ada. I. 3622. which] that C. T2. P. E2. vnto] to T.2. a] om. P. Ro. 3623.
his] >is Bo. nede] herte Ad2. I. 3624. might Bo. M. Adj. sholde Ad2. I.
wiste : triste Ar. Adj. wist : tiist Bo. M. wiste : truste C. 3620. For which]
•\Vherfore M. Di. T2. E2. Ro. he hath] hathe he Ra.
150 In the TJtelan Council, some say ' Fight' others 'Yield.' [PT. in.
his lords
and his mother
Jocasta.
[leaf 61]
Al his- lordcs / and the oldii Quene,
which as he dempte / were* pur and clene,
Hool of on herte / and nof variable,
Of ol(J experf / and alvvay founde stable ;
Requeryng1 hem / be-cause they were wys,
Al openly to tellen • / ther avis
Wher if wag bef / pleynly, in her sight1,
"With his brother / to treten or to fighf .
And some gaf / a ful blunf sentence,
which hadde / of werre / non experience :
Seyde if was besf /, and naf ben afford,
To trye his righf / manly with J?e Swerd.
And some also / thaf wer moor prudenf,
Spak vnto hym / by good avisemenf
And lisf naf spare* / buf their conceyte tolde
how hif was besf / his couenamit forto holde,
And to parforn / his heeste mad to-forn
To his brother / lich" as he was sworn ;
So thaf his word /, the wors to mak hym spede,
Be naf founde / varianf fro the dede,
For non hatred / rancour, neyther pryde.
And tho / the queene* / took hym out aside,
Tolde hym pleynly / if was ful vnsittyng1
Swich" doublenesse / to fynden in a kyng*,
3628. w&ich] Suche Lb. C. T2. P. E2. dempte] deemyd Ad2. I. S. deputed Ra.
deputith Ba; were] that were Ar. E2. pure] true S. were pure] pure were M.
in Lj. a^d Ro. 3628 is much altered: Which that his hert most wold deme
Which in Affect he demyd shulde seme Ro. 3630. and] in Du. 3632.
Some say
' Fight ' ;
some,
' Keep your
promise to your
brother.'
II The word of
j?e qwene looasta
to £thiodes.
Jocasta fakes
Eteocles aside,
3628
3632
3636
3640
3644
3648
Di.
L2.
ther Ar. her Bof>- M. Adj. 3633—4209 gap in T2. 3633. Wher] Whedre
Bo. Lj. Lb. M. Di' Ra- Ba. S. P. was Ar. Bo. Ta. Du. Lr were Lb. and the rest.
bet] better Lx. Lb. l?*a- S. P. E2. Ro. 3635. And] om. Ra. ful] om. Bo. Adi.
Ad2. I. 3637. anv^ na' ben] an^ no)>iDg be Lx. and nat to be Ra. nat to be
Ad2. I. C. nat be Ad,v 3638- tryel trete Ro- ^ Ar- c- ^- Lz- a G- Lb- Ba.
P. his Bo. and the reset; 3639. wer Ar. were Bo. M. Adj. 3640. vnto] to
M. Di. 3641. spare Bo^ ^- ^i- 8Par -^r- t^ie^r -^r- ^°- ^i- ^er ^- 3642.
couenaunt] couenantes M. tPi- forto] to M. Di. Adj. Ra. S. E2. 3643. to] om.
C. parforn Ar. Bo. T .' \) parfourne Du. parforme G. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. C.
parfourme I. Ra. Ba. L .' RoXo performe Lr S. P. perfourme Ej. E2. heest M.
Adj. heste Bo. 3644. AW1^ ^° esc^ewe in all wise to be forsworn Ra. Ba.
3645. to make hym] make hv. m *° ^2- 8Pe(ie] fare Lb. P. And if he purpos
trewlie to spede Ba. Ra*. 3\6<!46- *^e dede] your dede Ra. Ba. noo dede Ej.
in P. 3646 reads : Tolde hym fiiL, 1 pleynety (so as tney dare). 3648. queen Ar.
Bo. quene M. Ad, out i \C\P\ 1 vnside Ra.
C. E2. L,. Ro. 0in.lBo. and Ihi '
3650'
on side Ba.
3649. ful Ar. G.
PT. in.] Queen Jocasta advises her son Eteodcs to do Right. 151
And seide hym ek / al-thoh" he were strong1,
To his brother / how he dide* wrong1, 3652
"As al the toune / wil record!, in dede,
And here * witnesse / 31! if kam to nede.
Wherfor laf vs shape another mene
In this matere / whil that1 it1 is grene, 3656
Or this quarel /, gonne of volunte,
Turne / in the fyn / to mor aduersite.
For $if if be / darreyned be bataylle,
who tresteth mosf / may ful likly faille. 3660
And if is foly / be shorf avisemenf,
To putte a strif / in martys lugemenf.
For hard if is / whan a luge is wood.
To tref aforn hyin / with-ouf loos of blood. 3664
And jif we put our mater* / hool in Marte,
which with the swerd! / his lawe's doth coarte,
Than may hif happe / wher 30 be glad or loth,
Thow and thy brother / shal repente both ; 3668
And many a-nojjer / thaf is her presenf,
Of joure trespas / thaf ben Innocenf ,
And many thousand / in cas shal compteyn
For the debaf / only of $ow tweyn, 3672
And for 3our strif / shal fynde ful vnsoote.
" And for thow arf gynnyng, ground*, and, Eoote
and reminds him
of his wrong-
doing.
[leaf 61, back]
II How perilous
it is to be go-
vernyd by (short
auisement in)*
any querel.
Jocasta tells
Eteocles
that, as he's the
wrong-doer,
3651. al-thoh] bough Bo. Lj. 3652. how] haue Du. dide Bo. M.
dede Adj. did Ar. 3654. omitted in Lb. P. ; in Lb. the line is left blank ;
in P. 3655 follows immediately on 3653 ifi, the column, while a later hand
has written with much paler ink in the' right-hand margin: Contrarye to
bat was agreid. 3654. here Bo. Adj./G. ber Ar. M. 3if] whan Ad2. I.
cam Bo. come M. Adj. 3656. that] om. Ra. Ba. S. it] orn. G. S657. Or]
Er Tj. Ra. Ba. E,. Of S. gonne] begonp S. gynne Ra. Ba. gone P. thus gone
E.2. goo Lb. o"f] to Lb. P. 3660./tristeth Bo. M. trustith Adj. most] om.
Lb. P. ful] om. Lb. Ex. P. likly] Rightly Lr Lb. P. E2. 3663. a] be P.
3665. ^if] om. M. Di. put our mater/ Lb. C. P. E2. I*j. Ro. puter Ar. putte G.
put it Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. ML. I. Ra. Ba. Ev S. hool] holy M. Di. Ra.
Ba. in] on Ad!. Marte] Mart Ad2. I. Ra. 1^. Mars Lj (:coars) ; in the rubric,
after by, the rest of the line is blank ; supplied from Du. 3666. which] that Adj.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. the] his Lb. P. Ro. his lawes] his lawe Lx. be lawe
Adr Ado. I. Ra. Ba. S. 3667. loth] wroth M. S. C. E2. L2. Ro. 3668—4060
(jap in C. 3670. Of] That of Ro. that] om. Ro. they S. ben] bethe L2.
beyng S. Innocent] verry Innocent Lb. P. E.2. ful innocent Ro. 3673. shal]
shul Bo. Tt. Du. Lv Ra. ye -ihall P. ful] hit P. om. Ra. Ba. 3674. gynnyng]
begynnyng Ad.2. I. gynner M. Di. Ra. Ba. P. E2. begynnere Lb.
152
Jocasta urges Etcodcs to give way to Polyncicss. [PT. ill.
lie '11 have to
account for all
who die in the
war.
Peace and war,
life and death,
hang in the
balance.
He's at the
stake,
and must fight
or treat.
[leaf 62]
Jocasta tells
Of this Iniurie / and this gref vnrighf,
To the goddys / that1 herof han a sight*,
Thow shalf accountys / and a reknyng make
For alle tho / that1 persshyn for Jji sake.
And now the cause / dryven is so ferre,
Sodeyn pees / outher* hasty werre
Moot1 folwe anon / ; for the fatal chaunce
Of lif and deth / dependeth in balauwce.
And no man may / be no craft restreyne
That1 vpon on* / platly of this tweyne
The soort1 mot1 falle / lik as it1 doth tourne,
Who so euer lawgh / or ellys mxmrne.
And thow art1 dryve / so narowe to Jje stake
That1 thow rnayst1 nat1 / moo delayes make,
But1 fight1 or tret1 / this quarel forto fyne ;
By non engyn / thow canst / it1 not1 declyne.
And hasty cas /, as folk seyn that1 be wys,
Redresse / requereth by ful short avys :
For trete longe / now avaylleth noght1.
For to the poynt1 / sothly thou art* brouhf ,
Outher* to kepe thy pocessiouw
Or in al haste / devoyde / out1 of this touw,
wher thow therwith / be wroth or wel apayd."
" Now note wel / al that1 1 haue* sayd,
And by my counsayl / wisly condescende
Wrong1, wrouhf of olde / newly to amende.
3G80
3684
3688
3692
3696
3700
3676. herof] therof S. theron Ba. a] om. Adr Ad2. I. 3678. pershen M.
perisshen Bo. Adj. 3680. Sodeyn] Sodeinly E2. oyther Ar. outher Ro. other
L2. either Bo. Adj. or Tj. M. Lb. or ellys Lj. Di. 3681. Mote Bo. Adj.
Most M. Di. S. fatal] final Adj. Ad2. I. 3682. and] or Di. in] in a Tj. Ad2.
I. S. 3684. That] om. I. on] om. Ar. G. platly] playnely P. planly S.
this] hem Adj. Ad2. I. you Lb. P. E2. 3686. Who so] Who that M. Adj.
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Who so >at Di. S. Whcs that Ej. euer] euer therof Lb. P.
euer ther-at £3. om. Di. or ellys (Ar. G. Ro. )] other Bo. Tj. Lx. Ad^ Ad2. I. S.
either M. Di. or Du. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ex. P. E2. 1^. 3688. nat moo] no mo L?.
nat no Ad2. P. L2. Ro. not no more Di. not no mo S. 3691. And] An M. Di.
3693. For Ar. G. Lg. To (om. For) Ro. For to Bo. and the rest, long Adi.
longe Bo. M. avaylleth] avayleth |>e Lb. 3695. Oyther Ar. Outher Bo. Eyther
M. Adj. 3696. al] om. M. Di. 3697. wher Ar Bo. M. Adj. whether Lb. Ra.
therwith] om. Ta. P. herwith Ra. Ba. wel] euelo Di. P. Ro. 3698. al] om.
Ad2. ha Ar. haue Bo. M, Adr haue the Ad2. I. lio. to the have Ra. Ba.
PT. in.] Eteocles insists on remaining King of Thebes. 153
The tyme is come / it1 may be non other,
wherfor in haste / trete with thi brother
And ageyn hym / make no resistence,
But to thy lordys / fully ^iue* credence :
33y whoos counsayl / sith they be so sage,
late Polymyte / reioyse his heritage.
And that1 shal turne / most to thyn avail,
loo ! her is hool / the fyn of our couftsail."
IT And shortly tho / for verrey Ire wroth",'
Tliouh he therto / froward! was and lotfi,
Accorded is /, heryng1 al the prees,
3if he algate shal trete for a* pes,
It moste be / by this condiciouw
That1 he wol han / the domynaciouw
First1 in chief / to hym-silf reserued,
As hym thouhf / he hadde wel disserued,
And saue to hy?n / hool the souereynte ;
And vnder hym / in Thebes )>e Cite
he to graunte / with a right1 good cher,
Polymytes / to regne for a $er,
Than tavoyde* / and not1 resoort1 ageyn :
For mor to cleyme / was nat1 but* In veyn.
This wold he don / only for her sake,
And other-wise / he wil non ende make
with the Grekys / what* fortune euere falle.
And fynally / among1 his lordys alle
Ther was not* on / of hih" nor lowgh estaf,
3704
3708
3712
3716
Eteocles
topive Poly-
neices his
inheritance.
Eteocles is
wroth,
but agrees to
treut for peace
if he may
remain King,
and Polyneices
3720 reign under him
for a year.
[leaf 62, back]
3724 If not, he'll
fight.
No Theban lord
•will propose
this :
3702. haste . trete Bo. with] well with Ej. 3704. ?if Ar. Jyf G. Dn. gytie
Bo. yeue M. Adv 3708. hool] all Ro. hool the fyn] the fyn hoi Adj. Ad.2. I.
Ra. Ba. S. our] my Ro. 3709. verrey] om. E.J. Ire] ire and S. P. L2. Ko.
wroth] wrath P. wroght Ba. 3710. he] om. Lb. therto] herto E2. and] or
Ej. 3712. he] Je Di. algat Bo. he algate shal trete] algate entrete he. shal
Ad2. I. he algate trete shal G. a pes Lb. M. Di. P. E2. 1^. Ro. pes Ar. Bo. and the
rest. 8713. most M. Adj. musteEj. mot Bo. Lb. L2. 3716. wel] it wel Bo. Tv
Du. Lj. Lb. M. Di. Ra. Ba. EL S. E2. 3717. And saue] Po sone Lb. And sole
P. to] vnto Ra. Ba. hool] holy Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. 3719. a right good] rijt a
goode Di. 3721. tavoide Bo. Tx. M. Adr Ra. E2. to avoyde Du. Lj. Lb. Di.
Ad2. I. Ba. S. P. avoyde Ar. G. Ej. Ro. to voide L2. 3722. nat] om. M.
Di. Ad2. I. P. nat but] all but E0. In veyn] Inveyn Ar. veyn Adr S.
3723. This] Thus Bo. Du. L^ M. Di.~Adr Ra. Ba. Er S. L.,. her] his Pia. Ba.
3725. the] om. Lb. M. Di. P. E2.
1 5-4 Jocasta and her Daughters go to Adrastus & Polyneiccs. [PT. ill.
so Jocasta will.
Jocasta and her
<da lighters,
Antigone and
Isinene,
ride to King
Adrastus,
who welcomes
her.
Polyneices
kisses her and
his sisters.
Jocasta
That1 wolde* gon / on this ambassyat1 3728
Out1 of the toune / nouthcr for bet1 nor wors ;
Til locasta / made sadyl her hors,
And cast1 her-silf / to gon for this trete,
To make an ende / 3 if it1 wolde be. 3732
And this was don / the morowe right1 be tyme,
Vpon the houre* / whan if droli to pryme.
And with hyr went1 / hyr ^onge dohtres tweyne,
Antygone / and the feyr ymeyne, 3736
Of hyr meyne / ful many on aboute,
At* the gate / she was conveyed oute,
And of pwpos / she made first1 hir went1
On hors-bak / to kyng1 Adrastus tent1, 3740
He and his lordys / beyng1 al yffere.
And they receyve hyr / with a right1 glad chere,
Shewyng1 hyr / lik to hir degre,
On euery half / ful gret1 humanyte, 3744
Polymytes / rysyng1 fro his place,
And humblely / his moder gan enbrace,
Kyssede hyr / and than Antigone,
And ek ymeyne / excellyng1 of bewte. 3748
And for that1 they / passyngly were faire,
Gref was the pres / concours, and repaire
Of the ladyes forto han a sight1.
And locasta / procedeth anon ryght1 3752
3728. wolde Bo. wold Ar. M. Adj. Ra. on] vpon Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. in T^
Lj. this] his Lj. om. Ex. ambassyat Ar. M. Adj. embassiate Bo. enibassate Ba.
bassate Ej. 3729. for] om. Ad^ Ad.2. I. L2. nor Ar. nc Bo. M. Adj. ne for Ba.
wors] wers (: hors) Ra. Ba. Ad.,. 3731. for] on Lb. M. Di. Adi. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba.
P. E2. this] the Ro. 3734. "houre Bo. M. hour Ar. Ad^ 3735. yong Bo. M.
Adj. 3737. on] her Ro. 3738. At the Ar. Atte Bo. Adj. At M. conveyed
M. conveyde Bo. Adj. 3741. al] there M. Di. 3742. receyve] resseyvid
Lj. Lb. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. a] om. Ej. S. right] full Lj. om. M. Di. Ad2. I. P.
a right] right a T2. Lb. Adj. glad] om. Ra. goocle Ba. 3743. Shewyng]
Sewyng Bo. Suing Ej. 3746. humblely Ar. G. humbely Llt Di. Adj. Ej. P.
humbly Bo. and the rest. 3747. Antigone] Antigon Lb. 3748. ek] om. G.
M. Di. Ej. thenue Lb. than P. excellyng of] excellynge in Lb. excellent of
G. Ba. Ej. Eo. of excellent P. bewte] beute anon Lb. 3749. that] om. Lb.
M. Di. Adj. Ad2. passyngly were] were passyngly Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. M. Di. Adj.
Ad2. I. Ej. were passyng Lj. were passandli Ra. Ba. wer so passyng S. were
so excellent P (so on erasure). 3751. the] bo Bo. Tj. forto] to Adj. Ad.2.
I. Ra. Ba.
PT. ill.] Ticleus rejects Eteoclcs's terms. Poly neices must le King. 155
To Adrastus / hir1 mater to pwrpose,
And gan to hym / opynly disclose
Theutent1 and wift of Ethiocles,
And by what1 mene he desireth pes,
To hym reserued /, as she gan specific,
The honour hool / and the regalye,
with Sceptre and Croune fro hyrn not devyded,
But1 hool to hym / as he hath provided ;
U And Polymyte, be this condiciouw,
Vnder hym to regnen / in the toun
As a Soget1, be suffrau??ce of his brother.
But1 the Greke's / thouhten al another,
And Specyaly worthy Tydeus,
Pleynly affermyng it1 shuld nat1 be thus :
For he wil haue / no condiciouws,
But1 sette a-Syde / att excepcioujzs,
Nothyng1 reservid / as in special,
But1 hool the lordship, Eegalye, and al,
Polymytes it fully to possede,
In Thebes Crowned / ve?Tayly in dede,
As Eightful kyng1 / putte in pocessiou?z,
lich the Couenauntys and conuenciou?z
Imad of olde / assuryd, and asselyd,
" which shall not1 now of nwe be repelyd,
But1 stable and hool / in his strengthe* stonde.
And lat1 hym so platly vndyrstonde !
And first that1 he devoyde hym out1 of tou?z,
[leaf 63]
proposes Eteo-
cles's terms :
3756
that he shall
remain King,
3760
and Polyneices
reign under him.
3764
Tifleus rejects
them.
If The answer
of Tydeus.
3768
Tideus says
Polyneices
must be crownd
3772 King in Thebes,
3776
and Polyneices
must leave the
town.
3754. opynly] specially Lb. P. disclose Ar. G. M. Ba. Ej. S. P. L^ to disclose
Bo. cnid the rest. 3755. Ar. has a pause-bar after Thentent. 3757. reseruyd
Bo. M. Adj. reserue E2. she] he L2. gan] can Du. M. Di. Adx. Ad2. I. Ea. Ej.
3758. The honour M. thonour Bo. Adj. hool] holde Du. 3759. with Sceptre]
That Septor P. 3760. hool] holy M. Di. holde Du. 3763. suffraunce]
soveraunce Ba. 3768. in Ar. after all, is ce, underdottcd. 3769. special]
especiall Du. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 3771. in Ar. it is added above the line
with the iisual mark. 3773. As] And T:. La. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. E.2.
Rightful] rihtfulli Ra. putte] putte hym Tj. 3775. luiad] Maad Tv asselyd]
enseled Adj. Ad2. I. E2. I-selid Ra. Ba. S. Ro. essealed Ej. 3776. newe Bo.
new M. AdT. "3777." strengthe M. Adj. strength Ar. Bo. trouth Ba. 3778.
so platly] platly soo Lb. P. E2. so pleynly Bo. S. 3779. first that he] hastli
Ra. hastelie Ba. hym] om. Lv P. Ro. toun Ar. G. Bo. Lb. Adj. E.2. L,. the
toun TV and the rest of the MSS.
150 The Greeks insist on Eteoclcs resigning to Pulyncices. [PT. ill.
And delyuere the Sceptre / and the Croun 3780
To his brother / and mak1 therof no more.
And shortly ellys If shal be bouht1 ful sore
Or this mater brought be to an ende.
For Grek is non / that* shal hennys wende 3784
Or that* our right1 / which is vs denyed,
with lif or deth / darreyned be and tryed :
we wil not1 arst fro this towne remewe.
" And jif hym lyst / al this thyng1 eschwe 3788
And al meschief / styntyn and appese,
To either part1 / he may do gref ese :
Thus I mene / for his aucmntage,
Delyuer vp hool / the trewe herytage 3792
To his brother / for a jeer tendure.
And Grekys shal fully hym assure,
By what1 bonde that1 hy??i list1 devise,
The jeer complef /, in our beste wise 3796
To hym delyuer / ageyn pocessiouw
with-oute strif / or contradicciouw.
And to this fyn / lustly hold* vs to.
" And 3if it1 falle / that1 he wil nat so, 3800
Lat1 hym not1 wayte / but1 only after werre.
The hour is come / we wil it1 not1 differre.
1T lo ! her is al / and thus 30 may reporte
To hym ageyn / whan that je resorte ; 3804
Fro which apoynt1 / we cast1 vs not1 to varye."
3780. delyuere] deliuere vp Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 3782. shortly ellys] cllis
shortly M. Di. 3784. Grek is non Ar. G. Ro. Grek is j?er noon Bo. Tj. Du.
Lb. M. Di. P. C-rekis is £er non Lj. Ea. Grckes be ther none E2. Grekys non
ther L2. Grek is here noon Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. that] om. L2. shal] shull
E2. hennes Bo. he.ns M. Ad^ 3785. which] that P. E.,. vs] so Adj. Ad3. I.
om. Du. denyed] deveyd Ba (: treid). 3787. wil not Ar. ne wol Bo. M. Adv
erst Bo. M. Adj. 3788. this thyng eschwe Ar. G. Lb. P. E2. I*,. Ro. this to
eschue Bo. and tlie rest. 3790. part M. Adj. parte Bo. 3791. mene M.
Adj. meen Bo. 3792. true Bo. trew M. Adj. 3793. ajeer Ar. to endure
Bo. M. Ad^ 3794. shal] shul Lb. Adj. Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. P. om. Lj. 3796.
best Bo. M. Adj. 3797. pocessioun] in possessioun Ra. Ba. 3799. holdc
Bo. M. hold Adj. hald Ar. 3802. it] om. M. Di. wil] shal Ba. 3805.
Fro] For G. Di. Ba. apoynt Ar. TV Lb. M. Di. Ej. Ro. a poynt Bo (with a
middle point after a). Du. Ra. o point Adj (with the usual point on each side of o,
to mark the numeral). oon poynt Ba. on poynt S. poynt Lz. Ad2. I. P. Lg.
appointment E.,. (sec Notes). Ar. his a pause-bar also after which.
[leaf 63, back]
No Greek will
depart till this
is done.
If Eteocles
will give up
Thebes for a
year,
the Greeks will
guarantee him
possession of it
again.
If not, he must
light
FT. III.] Jocasta tries to appease the Greeks. A Tiger appears. 157
And }it to hym / Amphiorax contrarye
Ful pleynly saide, in conclusion??,
This fyn shal cause a destruccioun
Of hem echon / 3 if it forth procede
To be parfcmrmed / and execute in dede.
But1 thilke tyme for al his elloquence
He had in soth / but4 lytyl audience.
For wherso euer / he ment1 / good or ille,
kyng1 Adrastus / bad hym to be stille.
^1 And tho locasta / as wisdom did hyr tech",
humble of her port1 / with ful softe spech",
Gan seke menys / in hyr fantasye
}if she myght1 the Ire modefye
Of the Grekes / to make hem to enclyne
In eny wise / hyr rancour forto fyne.
She dyd hyr dever / and hir bysy cure.
But1 tho byfel a Avonder aventure,
Cause and ground / of gref confusiouw,
Grekys perturbyng1 / and also ek the toiuz,
And it* to telle / may me not asterte.
For Avhich a whil / my styett I mot1 dyuerte,
And shortly telle' /, by descripciouw,
Of a Tigre dwellyng in the tourc,
which fro a kyngdam / besyden adiacent1,
Out1 of Egipte / was to Thebes sent1 :
the* whiche* beestt by record* of scripture
Amphiorax
says war '11 be
death to every
3808 one;
3812
3816
3820
3824
3828
but few listen
to him.
Jocasta tries
to modify the
Greeks' anger.
But a wonderful
event happens.
sent from Egypt
to Thebes.
For] om.
M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. Er S."
(: stylo). 3815. did hyr] om. Ra.
3806. Amphiorax] Amphorax Bo. 3807. Ar. lias a pause-bar after pleynly.
3808. cause Bo. M. Ad1. Ar. has a pause-bar between fyn and shal. 3810.
parfourmed Bo. parformed Adj. 3811. thilke Bo. Adj. thilk M. 3813.
wherso] whej>er_so LJ. Lb. E2. what so M. he] it Bo. Tj. Dn. Lj.
ment] mene Adj. Ad2. I, or ille] evele Ro
can her Ba. 3816. her] om. Adj. Ad2. I.
softo Bo. soft M. Adj." " 3821. deuoir Bo. M. devour Adj. 3824. par-
tnrbyng Bo. Adj. perturbling M. pertourbing E2. also Ar. G. S. 1^. Ro. om.
Bo. and the rest. 3825. it] yit Ad2. I. to] om. Ej. may] it may Adj. Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. S. Ro. I may E2. L2. me] om. Ad2. I. E2. L2. may me not] may not
me M. Di. Adj. Ba. Ej. S." may not he Ra. 3826. while Bo. M. Adj. stile
Bo. M. Adj. 3829. besyden Ar. Bo. Tj. Adj. Ad2. I. E:. S. Ro. besidyn L2.
besident E2. by syen G. beside Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. besides Lb. P. 3831.
whiche Bo. M. which Ar. Adj. (see Notes).
158
The wondrous tame Tiger of Thebes. [PT. in.
The tiger is
savage,
•with a lion's
body,
a greyhound's
head,
red eyes,
and spotted skin.
[leaf 64, back]
This tiger at
Thebes was
tame,
never did any
damage,
and used to
amuse Eteocles.
Is most1 swiff / as of his nature, 3832
And of kyndf also most1 sauage,
And most1 cruel / whan he is in his rage,
And, as Clerkys make mencioure,
He of body / resembleth the lyoura, 3836
And lik a greyhoundl / the mosel and the hed,
And of Eyen / as eny fyret1 red,
Ek of his Skyn /, wryten as I fynde,
lich" a parcter / conue?'sanf in ynde, 3840
with al maner hwys and colours ;
And is ful oft1 / disceyued with merours
By fraude of huntys / and fals apparence
Shewyd in glas / with-outen existence, 3844
whan his kyndles / arn be sleight* ytake*,
And he deceyued / may no rescus make.
And lik a lombe / was this Tygre tame,
Ageynys kynde /, rnyn autour writ1 the same. 3848
H And this beest1, mervaillous to se,
was sent1 to * ymeyne and antigone :
which" vnto hem / dide* gret1 confort1,
And Cowde playe / and make good* disport1, 3852
lik a whelp / that is but1 3ong1 of age ;
And to no wight dide* no damage,
No mor in soth / fan doth a litil hound ;
And it1 was worth many hundred pound 3856
Vnto the kyng1 /, for ay in his greuazmce
3832. of] »;o Ba. his] hie oune Adv Ad2. I. 3833. of] of his M. Di. Ej.
also] om. M. Di. 3836. the Ar. Lb. P. E2. l^. Ro. a M. Di. to a Bo. and
the rest. 3837. greyhounde Bo. grehond M. grehound Adx. mosel M. Adj.
rausel Bo. mozoll P. 3838. of] the M. Di. eien M. Adj. yen Bo. as eny]
lyke A Ro. fyret Ar. G. feret Ikj. ferete Ro. fyre Bo. and all the rest (see
Notes). 3841. hewes Bo. Adr hues M. 3845. arn Ar. Ej. L2. aron Lb.
ar Bo. and the rest, sleight Bo. M. Adj. sleightes E2. take] y-take Bo. Du. La.
Adj. Ad^ I. Ej. S. 3846. deceyued] destreined E^ rescus Ar. Bo. M. Adj.
reskewe Ad2. I. no rescus] no recours Lb. uat receute Ba. 3848. ayeris
Bo. Adj. 3850. to] om. Ar. G. (Lb.) P. L2. Ro. and] vnto Lb. 3851.
did Ar. Bo. M. dede Adr 3852. good Lb. M. Di. P. E2. gret Ar. Bo.
and the rest (cf. 3851). 3854. did Ar. Bo. dide M. dede Adj. 3856.
was] om. Du. many] many an Du. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ad2. I. S. E2. L,. many a
L]. Ej. hondred M. hundreth Bo. hondert Adj. 3857. in Ar. before for,
an crossed through.
PT. ill.] This Tiger, the Greeks kill. Thebans try to avenge it. 159
Ther was no ping1 / did hym mor plesaunce,
That* for no tresour / it myght1 not be bought1.
For whan that1 he was pensif or in thought1, 3860
If putt hym out of his hevynesse.
And thilke* tyme /, the story doth expresse,
That1 locasta treted* for a pes,
This tame Tygre / in party rekkeles, 3864 NOW it runs out
of the gates.
Out1 at1 the gates / in sight of many a man,
Into the felde / wildely* out ran,
And Casuelly rennyng to and fro,
In and oute, as doth a tame Eoo ; 3868
Grekys weny/zg1 that1 wer aong1 of age, The Greeks,
thinking it wild,
That1 this Tygre / hadde be sauage,
And Cruelly besettyng al the place
Kound! aboute / gan hym to enchace 3872 hunt it
and kill it.
Til he was ded / and slay en* in the feld. [leaf GOJ
The slauhter of whom whan Jjat1 they byheld,
The proude Thebans / which on the wallys stood,
They ronne doune ful furious and wood, 3876 The Thebans
wenyng he had / be slayen* of despitf.
Takyng1 her hors / with-oute mor respit1,
Fully in pwrpos / with Grekys forto fighte,
The Tigres deth / tavengen $if they myghte. 3880
And out1 they rood / with-oute gouernaylle, sally out
And ful proudly / Grekes gan assaylle,
And of hatred / and ful hegh desdayne
3858. did] }>at did Lb. Ra. Ba. P. E.2. 1^. Ro. 3859. it] he Bo. myght]
may Ra. Ba. not] om. Ra. Ba. be] ha be M. Di. 3860. whan that] om.
Ra. that] om. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. 3861. putt] putted Ad^ 3862.
thilke Bo. Ad:. thilk Ar. M. 3863. tretid Bo. M. Adj. treded Ar. 3864.
rekles Bo. M. Adj. 3865. Out at] Out of Bo. Tx. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. Ro.
gates] gate M. Di. 3866. wildely Bo. M. Adj. wildly Ar. 3867. rennyng Bo.
Adj. ryniiyng Du. ronnyng S. 3870. had Bo. M. Adj. 3873. slayen] slayn
Ar. Bo. and all. ded and slayen] slayn and ded M. Di. 3874. slauhter] deth E\.
]>at] om. M. Di. Ra. Ba. 3875. which] that M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. S. Ro.
3876. ronne] rann Ba. Kj. renne Ad2. I. ronne doune] began to wexe P. ful]
om. Bo. Lb. P. 3877. had] om. E.2. slayen] slayn Ar. Bo. and all. of] in Lb.
Ar. has a second pause-bar after be. 3879. in purpos] purposed Lb. P. 1S^.
Grekys] the grekes M. Di. S. forto] to M. Di. Ba. S. 3880. tavengen M.
Adj. to avengen Du. to vengen Bo. 3882. Grekes] the Grekes Ro. gau] gon
M. Di. E.2. om. Lj. assayle] thei saile Ra,
160 Many men are slain. The Thcbans are driven back. [PT. in.
and slay the
Greeks who kild
the tiger.
With them are
Bteocles
and King
Tremor.
Many on both
sides are slain.
[leaf 65, back]
IT The manhod
of Tydeus.
Tideus drives
the Thebans
back to their
city.
Fyl vpon hem / that1 han the tygre slayne, 3884
And cruelly qwitten hem her mede,
That1 many Greke / in the grene mede,
By the force / and the grete myght1
Of her Foomen, lay slayen* in )>is fight1. 3888
The Tigres deth / so dere they aboughto,
So mortally the* Thebans* on hem wroughte
That1 al the host1, in the feld liggyng1,
was astounyd / of this sodeyn thyng1. 3892
And in this whil, of Eancour rekkeles,
Out1 of Thebes rood Ethiocles,
And with hym ek / the worthy kyng1 Tremour,
Of his hond a noble werreour, 3896
That1 made Grekes to forsak her place,
And to her tentys / gan hem to enchace.
And myd the feld / as J?ei to-gyder mette
On hors-bak / with speres sharpe* whette 3900
Of verray hate / and of* envious pryde,
Ful many on was ded on outher syde.
1T The whiche* thyng1 / whan Tideus espieth*,
wood as lyoura / to hors-bak he hieth", 3904
As he that1 was neuer a del afferd! ;
But ran on hem / and met1 hem in the beret,
And Maugre hem / in his cruelte,
he made hem fleen / horn to her Cite, 3908
hem pwrsuyng1 / of ful cledly hate,
3885. quitten Bo. Adt. quyt M. quyten I. Ad2. gan quiten Ra. 3886.
many Bo. M. many a Adr 3887. grete Bo. Ad,, grot M. 3888. slayen]
slayn A. and all, except dede Ro. bis Ar. G. Lb. P. E2. 1^. Ro. om. Lj. the
Bo. and the rest. 3890. the Thebans] Thebanys Ar. Thebans Lb. P. E2. L2.
Ro. 3891. Ar. has alle, with le underdotted. 3892. a-stonyed Bo. a-stoned
M. Adj. 3893. whil] wise E2. rekles Bo. M. Adj. rechelese Lb. 3895. ek]
om. Lb. Ej. P. with hym ek] eke with hym Lx. kyng] om. Lj. Tremour]
Treuour or Trenour Bo. 3896. honde in Ar., with e underdotted. hondis Lb.
3897. That made] To make Di. made] make Bo. 3898. to enchace] enchace
Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. Adr Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. 3900. sharpe Bo. sharp Ar. M. Adp
sharpely E2 whette] y whette P (but y wli written by later hand, on erasure}. 3901.
and of] and Ar. Bo. ami all. 3902. Ful] om. Ad,. A<12. I. 3903. whiche Bo.
M. which Ar. Adj. espieth] espeth Ar. 3904. lyoun] a leon Lj. Lb. Di.
Ad2. I. Ba. Ej. S. P. E2. L2. to] on Ro. he] om. Bo. Tj. Lr M. Di. Adj. Adg. I.
Ba. Ej. S. hieth] hyede Ro.
PT. III.] Polyneiccs recalls the Greeks, 'but the War has begun. 1G1
That1 many on / lay slaycn* at the gate,
Gapyng1 vprightys / with her woundys wyde ;
That1 vttrely / they durste not* abyde 3912
To-for the swerd? of this Tydeus.
he was on hem so passing1 furius,
So many theban / he roof vnto the herte
That1 whan locasta / the slauhtre gan adueHe, ' 3916 Jocasta begs
Polyneices
H Polymytes / she gan prey ful fayre *° re^u the
To make Grekis / horn ageyn repayre,
And that1 they wolden styntyn to assaylle
For thilke* day / and cessen her bataylle. 3920
At1 whoos requests / pleynly and preyere,
And at1 Reuerence / of his moder dere,
Polymytes, her herte to conforte, He does so.
Grekes made / horn ageyn resorte 3924
And Tydeus to stynten of his chas.
And they of Thebes hasting1 a gref pas,
Ful trist1 and hevy / ben entred into tour*.
And for the Tygre, in conclusions, 3928 This tiger-busi-
ness begins the
As 36 han herd / first1 began this stryff, war.
That1 many theban / that1 day lost1 his lyff
And recuiiees / hath jolden vp the bretR,
In thavengyng1 / of the tygres doth. 3932
And al this while / duely as she ought1, [leaf 66]
fe queue locasta / humblely besought1
3910. slaien Adj. slayn Ar. and all the rest, at the Ar. atte Bo. Adj. at M.
3911. vprightys Ar. G. Bo. Tv Du. M. Di. Adj. I. Ej. Ro. vpright Lj. and the
rest. 3913. To-for] Ther for Ej. S. this] om. Lb. Ad2. I. worthy P. 3915.
many M. Adx. many a Bo. theban] Thebans Lb. Ra. P. E2. roof] rood Adg. I.
vnto] to G. Lb. M. Di. Ej. P. E2. 3917. she gan prey] she preie gan P. E2. L2.
Ro. to pray she gan Lb. ful] right Adx. Ad2. I. 3919. wolde G. Bo. Adj.
wil M. wolden styntyn] stynten wolde Ad2. I. 3920. bilke Bo. Adj. thilk Ar.
M. that S. P. day] tyme Lb. P. E2. cessen M. Adj. cesen Bo. ceassen E2.
cheson Lb. P. her] of M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. 3921. preyeiro Ar.
3922. at Ar. M. atte Bo. Adj. at be Lb. Di. P. 3924. horn] hem G. Bo. Du.
I. he Ad2. made horn] made he horn Lb. P. resorte] to resorte G. M. Ad2. I.
3925. to] om. Ad^ Ad2. Ra. Ba. S. stynten] styntith Ad2. styntyng I. 3926.
hasting] enhasting M. Di. 3927. into toun Ar. G. L2. Ro. be toun Adj. Ad2.
I. vnto the toun S. in-to >e toun Bo. and the rest. 3929. herd] herd me
Adj. Ad2. I. began] gan Adx. Ad2. I. this] the Tj. Lx. Lb. Ra. Ba. P. E2.
3930. That] But E2. 3931. recurlees] reklesli Ra. Ba. S. golden] yeuen E2.
3932. In] Of E2. thavengyng] the avengyng Lj. Lb. Ad2. I. Ba. S. P. L2. Ro.
3934. humblely Ar. hmnbely LI- M. Di. Adlt P. humbly Bo. aiid the rest.
THEBES. M
162
Jocasta returns to Thebes.
[PT. in.
to make peace ;
but he will
do it only on
Tideus's terms.
Jocasta goes
back to Thebes.
King Protho-
nolope rides
with Ismene,
and in his heart
pledges his
troth to her.
Kyng1 Adrastus / only of his grace,
Some raene way / wisly to purchace 393G
To make a pees / atwene the bretheren tweyii,
And the trete / so prudently ordeyne,
On eifer party / that1 no blood be shad.
And this Adrastus / avise and ri^t* sad, 3940
For Grekis party / answer gaf anon
That1 other ende / shortly gete* she non,
licfi as the lordis / fully ben avisyd,
Than Tydeus hath aforn devisyd. 3944
1F And whan she saugh if may non oj>er be,
She lieve tok / and horn to the Cyte
She is repeired /, hauyng1 to hyr Guyde
Polymytes Rydyng1 be her syde. 3948
And Tideus ladde Antigone,
And of Archadye / prothonolope,
The worthy kyng1, did his bysy peyne
To ben attendauwf / vpon fair ymeyne, 3952
Whos hert1 she hath / to her servise luryd :
And he ageyn hath purtraied and fyguryd
Myd of his bresf /, which lightly may not passe,
Hooly the feturis / of her fresshly face. 3956
Hym thouht1 she was so faire a creature ;
And though that1 he durst1 hym not1 discure,
3 it in his hert / as ferforth as he kan,
He hath avowed / to ben) her trwe man, 3960
vnwist to hir / pleynly and vnknowe
3935 to 4116 lost in I. 3936. wisly Ar. M. Ad^ wisely Bo. Ra. onely Ad2.
3938. trete] tretye Du. tretise L,. so] om. Adr Ad2. 3939. in Ar. between
On and eiber, is an underdotted A. 3940. this] thus Ra. P. E2. avise Ar. G.
Avised Lb. P. E2. Ro. fullwyse L2. wise Bo. and the rest (wis Adj. Ra.). 3941.
anon] he none Du. 3942. gete Bo. Tv Du. Lj. M. Di. Ad^ Ad2. Ej. L,,. getys Ar.
G. gate Lb. Ra. Ba. S. P. E2. Ro. 3943. fully] om. Adj. Ad2. 3944 is omitted
in Ba. 3944. Than Ar. G. Du. Di. Adj. Ad2. L2. Ro. As Lb. P. bat Bo. and
the rest, hath aforn] aforne hath G. Ro. 3953. to] in P. servise] hert S.
3955. which Ar. G. Lb. P. E^ L2. Ro. bat Bo. and the rest, lightly may] likly
many G. 3956. of her] and the P. her] his La. fresshly] fressh La. Lb. Adj.
Ad2. Ra. Ba. S. P. 3958. durst hym not Ar. G. Lb. Ra. Ej. L2. Ro. dorst not
him Bo. and the rest, exccjrt P. ; in P. 3958 is erased, and on the erasure a later
hand has written with paler ink : So plesaunt and so comely of fayture. 3959.
Jit] And yit Ad2. That P. 3960. trewe Bo. trew M. Adj.
PT. III.] Tideus will not risk an entry into Thebes.
163
3964
[leaf 66, back]
Jocasta and her
daughters enter
Thebes.
The Greeks take
leave.
How he was marked with Cupides bowe,
with his Arwe / sodeynly werreyed.
And to the jate / the ladyes conueyed
Ben entred In / for if drow* to eve,
Grekys of hem taking1 tho her leve ;
Thogh some of hem wer sory to departe,
$if of wisdam / they durste not1 iuparte
Vnder a conduit1 / to entren into toun,
lest1 it turned to her confusion.
Thoufi some bookes / the contrarye seyn :
But1 myn Autour / is platly ther-ageyn,
And affermeth / in his opynyoun,
That Tydeus / of hegh discreciouw,
Of wilfulnesse / nor of no folye,
Ne wold as tho put in lupartie
Nowther hym-silf / nor non of his ferys.
And the ladyes / with her heuenly cherys,
Angelik / of look / and contenance,
Lich" as it1 is / put1 in remembrance,
At1 her entryng1 from Grekys into tou/?,
Polymytes / of gret1 affecciou??,
The quen bysouhte / thilke* nyght not1 fyne
For tasseye jif she myght1 enclyne
Ethiocles, of conscience and ryghf,
3965. Ben] And bethe P. drowe Bo. droweth Ar. drow M. 1^. drough Adr
G. drewe Ej. E2. it] to Ro. drow to eve] drewe night to eve Lb. drew nye
Eve P. drewe to night Ro. 3966. taking tho] tho takyng Ra. P. tho taken Ba.
taken han Lv taking tho her leve] ther leve toke right Ro. 3969. conduit Ar. G.
Bo. M. condit Adj. conduct Lj. entren Bo. M. entre Lb. entere Ro. entyr
Lg. into toun Ar. G. Ro. in the totin Lg. vnto the toun S. in-to be toun Bo.
and the rest. 3970. turned] turne Ra. Ba. to] vnto M. Di. 3972. platly]
pleynly Lb. S. P. playne Lj. E2. 3973 and 3974 omitted in Du. 3975 and
3976 transposed in Du. 3975. wilfulnesse] wofullnes Lr nor of no] or of no
Ra. Ba. neither of M. Di. nere off P. nor of high Ro. more of G. 3976.
as tho] as then S. 3977. nor] ner Bo. Du. ne M. Adj. 3978. the] tho Bo.
her] om. Ad2. Ex. heuenly] hevy S. 3981. Grekys] be Grekes Du. Lb. P. into
toun Ar. G. L%. Ro. into be toun Bo. Tx. Du. LT. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba.
Er P. Eg. vnto be town S. 3982 in Adj. and Ad2. begins with fro Grekes,
which is left out of 3981. 3982. Polymytes] Pollimite besoujte Di. 3983.
bysouhte] besought bat E^ om. Di. bilke Bo. Adx. this Ar. that M. Di. S.
om. P. nyght] om. Lb. P. not fyne] ne fyne M. not to fyne S. not for to fyne
P. bat she ne fyne Di. nat feine Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. 3984. tasseye Ar. to
assay Bo. Ej. to assaie M. Ad^ tassaiu E.>
3968
3972 My author is
clear,
that Tideus
3976 would not risk
lives by entering
Thebes.
3980
Polyneices
begs Jocasta
3984 to try and make
Bteocles keep
his word.
164 Jocasta in vain urges Eteodes to keep Faith. [PT. in.
The Greeks go
back to their
tents.
[leaf 67]
Jocasta tells
Eteocles that
they despise
his offer,
and hold to his
old agreement.
She advises him
to keep it.
But he is
resolvd not to.
To kepc couenaimf / as he hath behighf
Ful 3010 agon / with the surplusage,
List1 the contrarie* / tourne to damage, 3988
First1 of hym-silf / and many an ofer mo.
And thus fro Thebes / grekys ben ago
To her Tentys / and rest1 hem al that nyghf.
And Lucyna / the mone,shon ful bright1 3992
with-Inne Thebes / on the chief dongourc,
whan locasta made relaciouw
Vnto the kyng1 / and told1 hyw al the Guyse,
How that1 Grekys vttrely despyse 3996
his profre made be fals collusiouw ;
Only excepte / the conuenciouw,
Of old engrocyd by gref p?wvyance,
which is enrollyd / and put1 in remembrance, 4000
Vpon which they fynaly wil reste :
hym cou?zsaillinge /, hir thouhte for the beste,
To conforme hym / to that1 he was bounde,
lysfr in the fyn / falsnesse hym confounde. 4004
But1 al hir couwsayl / he set1 it at no prys,
he dempt1 hym-silf / so prudent1 and so wys ;
For he was wilful / and he was indurat1,
And in his hert / of malyce obstynaf , 4008
And outtrely / avise'd in his Jjouht1,
with-Inne Thebes / his brother get right1 nouhf.
3988. List Ar. G. lest Bo. M. Adx. Ra. contrarie G. Bo. Tv Du. L,. Lb. M. Adr
Ad2. Ra. Ej. S. P. L2.'Ro. contrayre Ar. E2. tonrne] come E2. 3989 to 4340 gap in
Ro. 3989. of] on Bo. Du. Lv Ad,. Ad2. Ej. and] and sith of M. Di. and syth on
E:. an] om. Ba. Ex. mo] Man P (:agoo). many an o)>er mo] many mo M. Di.
3990. thus] om. Lj. grekys Ar. Lj. L%. be grekes Bo. and the rest, ben ago] be
go Adj. Ad2. gan goo Ba. 3991. rest] om. Ra. that] be Lj. Di. Ra. Ba. Ej.
3996. Grekys] be Grekes Du. Ej. 3997. his] A Lj. collusioun] conclusion Lj.
3999. engroced Bo. engrosed M. Adj. 4001. they fynaly wil Ar. Lb. P. E2.
L.J. fynaly bei wil Bo. and the rest (wold Ad2. ), except bei will fynally G. 4002.
counsaillinge Ar. M. counceilling Adj. conselyng Bo. bought Bo. M. boujte
Adj. 4003. conforme] confourme Tj. conferme Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. confyrme S.
hym] om. Ba. 4004. lyst Ar. lest Bo. M. Adj. the] om. Du. 4005. it] Ar.
G. Tj. Lb. Ra. E2. 1^. om. Bo. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. Ba. Ex. S. P. at no
prys] att nouht Ra. Ba. 4006. and so wys] in thouht Ra. Ba. 4007. and he
was] and Lb. Adj. Ad.,. Ra. Ba. S. P. 4008. Ant Ar. 4009. vtterly Bo. M.
Ad,. 4010. with-iii Bo. M. Adj.
The Greeks take the Field. Amphiorax sinks down to Hell. 165
And in his Errour / Jras I lete* him* dwelle.
And of Grekis / forth I wil 3011 telle,
which al that1 nyght1 kepte hem-silue cloos.
And on the morow / whan Tytan vp aroos,
They arinyd hem / and gan hem redy make,
And of assent* / han the felde I-take,
With the Thebans / that1 day, out1 of doute,
Forto fighten / jif they yssen oute.
IT And Adrastus / in ful thrifty wise,
In the feld? / his wardys / gan devise,
As he that1 was / of aH deceytes war.
And richely I-armyd* / in his char
Amphiorax cam with his meyne,
Ful renomyd of antiquite,
And wel expert1 / be-cause he was old.
And whil that1 Grekys, as I haue jou told,
wer bysiest1 her wardys to ordeyne,
Myd of the feld / bifyl a cas sodeyne,
Ful vnhappy / lothsom, and odyble ;
For liche a thing1 / fat1 wer invisible,
This olde* bisshop / with char and hors certeyn
Disaperyd / and no mor was seyne.
Only of fate / which no man can repelle,
jje erth" opnede / and he fille doun* to helle,
with aH his folk / fat1 vpon hym abood.
And sodeynly / the grounde on which he stood
Closyd ageyn / and to-gydre shette,
Next morning
the Greeks take
the fleld.
4012
4016
4020
Amphiorax
comes out in
4024 [leaf 67, back]
his chariot,
4028
^ How Amphio-
rax fll doune into
helL
4032 but the earth
opens ;
he falls into
Hell;
4036 and the earth
closes.
4011. his] hir Bo. lete Bo. M. Adlt lote Ar. late Du. him] hem Ar.
4012. Grekis] >e Grekes Du. E^ I] om. Bo. }ou] om. Ra. Ba. 4013. kepte
M. kept Bo. Adj. hem-silue Ar. hem-self Bo. M. Adx. 4014. Tytan]
tiban Lb. bey Lx. vp aroos] vp he rose Bo. vp ros Lx. Ba. Lg. 4016. of] of
oon L0. of assent han] han of assent Ra. Ba. I-take Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Lj. Lb. Di.
Adj. Ad,j. Ba. Ej. S. P. £3. L2. take Du. M. Ra. 4018. yssen Ar. Bo. M. Adj.
issue Ba. Ex. E2. 4022. And] Full Ba. I-armyd] armyd Ar. Bo. and all the
other MSS. in his] him in Bo. char] chaire E2. cheare S. 4024. Ful] Full
richelie Ba. renomyd Ar. Bo. renomed M. Adj. renoumed E0. of] of old Ra.
Ba. 4026. Grekys] be Grekes Du. 4028. bifyl Ar. befel Bo. M. ther fel
Adj. Ad.2. fill Ra. Ba. 4031. olde Bo. Adj. old Ar. M. 4034. opnede Ar.
opned M. Adjt openyd Bo. openeth Ej. fille] went P. L2. doun] om. Ar. G.
L,. 4036. on which he stood Ar. L2. that they on stode Lb. P. that he on
rode E.2. bat he on stode Bo. and the rest (vpon Lv Ad2).
166 AmpMorax is sent to Hell for his false Idolatry. [PT. in.
The Devil paid
him his wages,
for his idolatry,
[leaf 68]
necromancy and
astronomy.
Amphiorax's
sinking into
Hell
j>at* neuer after Grekis with hym mette.
And thus the devel / for his old outrages,
lich" his decerfr, paied hym his wages. 4040
For he ful lowe / is discendid dou?i
Into the dirk and blake* Regyoura
wher that1 Pluto* / is crown yd and ystallyd
with his quene / proserpina I-callyd. 4044
with whom this bisshop / ha]) made his* mansiouw
Perpetually / as for his guerdouw.
H lo here the mede / of ydolatrie,
Of Rytys old / and of* fals mawmetrye. 4048
lo 5 what auayllen Incantaciourcs
Of exorsismes / and coniurisourcs ;
what1 stood hym stede his Nigromancye,
Calculaciouw / or astronomy e ; 4052
what1 vaylled hym / the heuenly manciouns,
Diuerse aspectis / or constellaciourcs ?
The ende / is natt / hot1 sorowe and meschaunce,
Of hem J>at setten / her outre affiaunce 4056
In swiche* werke's supersticious,
Or trist1 on hem / : he is vngracious.
Record! I take, shortly forto telle,
Of this bysshop / sonken dourc to helle, 4060
whos wooful ende / about1 in eue?-y cost1
Swich a Kumowr / hath maked in the host*
4038. Grekis] J>e Grekes Da. 4040. paied Ar. Bo. Lb. paid Adj. quyt M.
Di. 4042. dirk Ar. derke Bo. M. Adj. blake Bo. blak Ar. M. Adj.
4043. wher] whor Ar. wher that] Where as TJ. Di. Pluto Tj. M. Di. Adj. Ad2.
P. Plyto Ar. Lb. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. £3. Plito G. Lj. Plato Bo. Du. Kj. ystallyd]
stalled Tj. Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. 4045. his] is Ar. Adj. 4048. and of] and Ar.
Lb. P. E2. Lg. of Ad2. mawmetrye] mawmatrie Bo. mawmentrie Ra. Ba. 4050.
and] and of Bo. Tj. L:. M. Di. S. coniurisouns] coniuracions S. congurasons L2.
4051. stood hym stede Ar. G. Bo. Tj. M. Di. Ra. Ej. S. 1^. stode in stede Lb. Adj.
Ad2. P. E2. stode hym in stede Du. Lx. Ba. Nigromancye] nygramancye Bo. Ba.
Ej. nigrimansies Lb. 4053. vailed Bo. M. availed Adj. 4054. or] or the
Ra. Ba. and Tj. of Di. 4055. not Bo. nat Du. noght Adj. 4056.
outtre G. vttre Bo. vtter M. Adj. affiaunce] assurance S. 4057. suche Bo.
M. swich Ar. such Adj. which G. 4058. trist Ar. Bo. M. trust Du. Adj.
treste Lb. on] of Ij^ 4061. about] don Lb. doun C. done P (altered to
down by later fiand, but done perfectly legible under it). 4062. hath maked]
maked hath M. Di. hath maad Tx. Lb. Ba. Ej. S. C. £3.
PT. Hi.] The Greeks all fear that they may go to Hell too. 167
That1 the noys / of this vnkouth thyng1
Is yronne / and come to the kyng1, 4064
how this vengeau?ice / is vnwarly falle.
And he anon / made a trumpet calle
Alle his puple / out1 of the felcJ ageyn ;
And euerychon / assembled on a pleyn 4068
To-fore the kyng1 / and also rounde abouto.
Euery man / of his lyf in doute, makes ail the
. . . Greeks fear for
Ful pitously / gan to irowne ana loure, their own lives.
list1 that* the grounde hem alle wil deuouro 4072
And Swalowen hem / in his dirke* kave ;
And they ne can / no recur hem to save.
For nouther force / nor manhode may availle
In swiche meschief / the valewe of a maylle. 4076
For he that1 was wisest1 / and koude most1 As their wisest
To serche and seke / thorgh-out1 al the host1,
Amphiorax / whan that1 he lest1 wende,
To helle is sonken / and coude hym not1 diffende, 4080 ftag gone to Hell
/m , . , , ? • ^\ so suddenly,
(To hym the tyme vnknowen and vnwisf )
In whom whilom was al J>e Grekis tristf,
her hoole * conf ort1 / and her affiaunce. [ieaf es, back
But aH attonys / for this sodeyn chauwce 4084
And this meschief / they gan hem to dispeire, despair,618
4063. vncouth Bo. Adlt vncouthe M. 4064. Is] hath Ba. yronne] ronne Tx.
C. yronne and] om. S. come] ycome Bo. Du. Ra. Ba. Ej. to] vnto Lb. S. C. E2. ;
in Ar. thekyng, but the words separated by a vertical stroke. 4065. this] the Ba.
veniance C. vnwarly] vnwardly Ej. sodenly C. 4068. on Ar. Bo. Du. Lj. E1.
in Tj. L.2. vpon Lb. and the rest, a] om. P. 4070. Euery] Eneryche Lb. C.
P. E2. in] stoode in Ba. tho stood in Ra. 4071. Ful] And ful Ra. Ba.
gan] gonne M. Di. to] om. S. frowne] sorowe Lb. C. P. E2. 4072. list Ar.
lest Bo. M. Adj. that] om. Ra. alle Ar. al Bo. M. om. Adj. wil] wold M.
Di. Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. E2. 4073. swalowen Bo. swoluen M. Adj.
swelwen E2. swolowe Lb. P. in] in-to Ad^ C. derke Bo. Adj. dirk Ar.
derk M. 4074. ne] om. Ba. can] konne M. Di. C. E2. to] forto Ba. 4075.
force nor manhode] manhod ne fors Lj. may Ar. G. Lb. Ba. C. P. 1^. hem may
Bo. Tj. Du. may hem L^ M. Di. Adv Ad2. Ra. Ej. S. doeth E2. 4079. whan
that Ar. G. L2. whan (om. that) Bo. and the rest, he] hym Di. 4080. coude]
can Adj. Ad.2. Ej. not] om. Du. 4081. vnknowen Ar. G. M. Adj. vnknowe
Bo. 4082. al] om. Du. 4083. hole Bo. hool Ar. Adj. M. affiaunce]
assurance S. 4084. this] his Ba. om. Du. Ad,2. chaunce] myschaunce Ba.
4085. gan] gonne M. Di. hem] om. Lb. P. to Ar. G. Lb. C. E2. L2. om. P.
al Bo. and the rest, in Ra. Ba. the second half of 4085 reads: seide.in wordee
fair.
168 The Thebans mock the Greeks. Adrastus s Council. £PT. in.
and want to go
home.
The Tlicbans
chair the Greeks,
Horn to Greco / that they wil repeyre.
This was the pwpoos / of hem euenchon.
And on the wallys / of Thebes lay her fon, 4088
Reioysing1 hem / of this vnhappy cure,
wenyng therby / gretly to recure.
And on her toures* / as they loken oute,
They on Grekys / enviously gan shoute, 4092
And, of despitt / and gret enmyte,
Bad hem foolys / gon horn to her contre,
Sith they han lost1 / her conforf and socour*,
her false* prophete / and her dyvynour : 4096
wherthorgh / her partie / gretly is apeyryd.
And in this wise / Grekys disespeyryd,
Dempte pleynly / be tokens evidente,
This cas was falle / by som enchauwtementf, 4100
By wichecraft* / or by* fals sorcery e,
Ageynes* which may be no remedye,
Tristy diffence / helpe*, nor socour.
And whan Adrastus herde* this clamour, 4104
he bysy was ageyn this pe/turbauwce
To provyde / some maner chevysaunce.
And to hym calleth / such cou?isayl as he wiste,
For lyf or deth / thaf he myghte tryste, 4108
Requeryng1 hem / but1 in wordys fewe,
In this meschief / her mociou?i to shewe,
4086. wil] wold M. Di. Ra. Ba. 4089. Reioysing] Reioisshinge Di. cure] eur
Lb. M. Ra. vre LJ. Ad2. P. E^ vr L2. cure Ba. owre S. 4090. wenyng]
Sownyng E2. gretly] om. Ad2. recure] to haue recure M. Di. 4091. toures
Bo. M. Ad^ tours Ar. 4092. Grekys] the Grekes Du. Lj. gan] gon Tj. Lb.
M. Di. C. shoute] to shoute Adj. Ad2. Ra. Ba. C. E2. 1^. 4093. despit and
gret] gret dispit and Adj. Ad2. Ba, S. gret despit and of Ra. enmyte Ar. Adj.
ennemyte Bo. enemyte M. envite LJ. L2. 4094 to 4158 lost in Ad2. 4095.
lost] om. Ba. socour Du. Lb. Adj. Ad2. Ba. C. P. E2. L2. her socour Ar. G. Bo.
Tj. Lj. M. Di. Ra. Ej. S. 4096. fals Ar. Bo. M. Adj. 4098. Grekys] be Grekes
Du. E2. disespeyred] dispeired Adj. S. E2. 4099. tokens Bo. M. toknes Adx.
4101. wicchecraft M. Adj. wichcraft Ar. wycche-crafte Bo. or] and E2. by]
om. Ar. Bo. Tj. Du. Ra. Ba. S. L2. fals] om. Lb. S. C. P. E2. in Ar. before
wichcraft is wh, underdotted. 4102. Ageyns Ar. Bo. M. Adj. may be] be may
Ba. 4103. helpe Bo. help Ar. M. Adj. 4104. herde Bo. Adj. herd Ar. M.
4105. this] the Adj. 4106. chevysaunce Adj. chevisshaunce Bo. 4107. such
counsayl] om. C. he] om. Lb. P. him Adj. wiste] list Adj. 4108. inyght
Bo. M. Adj. 4109. but in] bouten Bo.
who think that
witchcraft works
against them.
Adrastus sum-
mons his Council
to devise
PT. in.] The Council advise vigorous Carrying-on of War. 169
And declare by good avisemenfr
What* to Grekys / was most* expedient1, 4112
To remedyen /, and make* no delay,
The vn couth noyse / and the gretf affray
That* Grekys made / with clamour inportune,
And newe / and newe / euere in on con tune. 4116
H And they that* wern / most* manly and most1 wise,
Shortly saide / it wer a cowardyse,
The hegh emprise / that* they han vndirtake
For dred of deth / so sodeynly forsake. 4120
If wer to hem / a perpetuel shame
And outre hyndryng1 / vnto grekys name ;
And better it1 wer / to euery werreyour
Manly to deye / with worship and honour, 4124
Than lik a coward / with the lyf endure.
For onys shamyd / hard is to recure
his name ageyn / of what estafr he be.
And sith Grekes / of old antiquyte, 4128
As of knyghthode /, who so list1 tak hod,
Ben so famous / and so renomed,
^if now of newe / the shyning1 of her Fame
Eclipsid were / with eny spotte of blame, 4132
It1 were a thyng1 vncouth forto here,
the best remedy
for this trouble.
[leaf 69]
They say it
would be cow-
ardice to give
up their enter-
prise :
soldiers had
better die
than live as
cowards.
Adrastus's
Council say that
as Greeks of old
were so faind
4112. was Ar. G. 1^. were Bo. and the rest, most] more Ba. 4113. make Bo.
M. Adj. mak Ar. ; Ar. has delaye with the final e under dotted. 4114. vncouth
Bo. Adj. vncouthe M. 4115. clamour] labour M. Di. inportune Bo. Adv im-
portune M. 4116. And newe and uewe Ar. Lb. P. and now and now Bo. and
the rest, except now and S. euere in on] neuer in on Ba. in euer P. contuiie]
contynue Bo. Du. Lb. S. 4117. first most] more Ba. ; btfore most is an under-
dotted w in Ar. second most] om. Lb. M. Di. Adj. I. Ba. S. C. P. Ej. 4118.
wer] was Adj. I. a cowardyse Ar. G. Lb. C. P. E2. L2. a grete cowardise Bo.
and the rest. 4119. The hegh emprise Ar. G. Lb. C. P. E2. L2. The emprise
Bo. and the rest, that] om. P. 4119 and 4120 are transposed in I. 4120. so]
om. Ra. forsake] to forsake Lb. C. P. E.2. 4122. And] An Lj. at Bo. Du. Tj.
outre Ar. G. vtter Lj. Lb. C. P. L2. our Bo. Du. Tx. M. Di. Adj. Ej. S. after
E2. in I. grete Ra. Ba. vnto] to >e Lb. C. P. E2. 4123. better] bet C.
to] vnto Adj. I. Ra. Ba. S. for P. om. Lb. 4125. endure] to endure Di. I. S.
tendure Adj. Ra. Ba. 4128. sith] sith that E2. Grekes] be Grekes Du. old] so
old Adj. I. 4129. who so] whos M. C. take Bo. M. Adj. tak Ar. 4130.
renomed Ar. Bo. renomede M. Adj. (in P. a later hand has altered renomed to
ivuomyd, but the original spelling is perfectly legible), renomed] worth! of deede
E... 4132. euy spotte of blame] spot of oiiy shame _M. Di.
170 The Greeks resolve to fight till Thebes is laid low. [PT. in.
Of whoes renovm / the bemes $it ben clere
Thorgh al the world? / wher as they han passyd,
And ben not1 ^if / dyrkyd nor diffacyd, 4136
By no report1 / nouther on se ne londe
thyng1 to forsake / that1 they tok on honde.
" And by example / of our progenitours,
as conquerors, Jjaf whilom wern / so manly conquerours, 4140
To-forn that1 we into Grece wende,
Of thyng1 bygon / lat1 vs make an ende,
[leaf 69, back] And parte naf / nor Seuere from this tourc
th«y now will • -i i i
not leave Thebes Til if be brouht1 to destruccioure,
wallys / tourres / Crestyd and batailled
And for werre strongly apparaylled,
Be first1 doune bete / that* no thyng1 be seyn,
tm it's laid low, But* al to-gyder / with the erthe* pleyn 4148
Be lowe* leyde / or that1 we resorte :
so that folk That1 afterward / men may of vs reporte.
may say " what
th«y began, they That* we bygan / we knyghtly han achieuyd
Vpon our foon /, with worship vnrepreuyd." 4152
This was the counsaylle / shortly, and thavis
TO this, an the Of the Grekys that1 manly wern and wys,
Greeks agree.
That1 neuere aforn wer markyd with no blame,
And specialy / swich as drede* Shame, 4156
And fully caste / what1 fortune euer tyde,
On her pwrpoos / to the ende abyde,
That1 on no part1 / her honure not apalle.
4136. ?it] on. Lb. Ra. Ba. P. derked Bo. M. derket Adj. dirket Du.
diffased Bo. defaced M. Adi. to faced Lb. 4137. nouther] om. M. Di. on se]
in see Lb. P. by see Ba. ne] ne on Bo. Tx. Du. M. Di. Ej. nor Lj. Adj.
I. Ra. S. C. Ea- 4139. example M. ensample Bo. Ad^ 4142. begon M.
begonne Bo. bygonne Adj. 4143. parte nat] nat departe Adj. I. 4144.
to] vnto Bo. Tlt Du. M. Di. Adj. I. Ra. Ba. S. into Lx. 4145. Crestyd] crestes
Lb. crestes P. and crestes E2. and batailled] Enbatayled P. E.2. 4146
omitted in Ba.. 4147. that] and Adj. I. 4148. erthe Bo. M. Adj. erth Ar.
4149. lowe Bo. low Ar. M. Adj. 4149 omitted in G. 4151. knyghtly] kyndely
Du< 4154. the] om. Ra. Ba. 4155. wer markyd] marked were Lb. Adj. I.
Ra. Ba. S. C. Eg. no] om. Adj. I. E2. 4156. specialiche Du. M. Di. drede
Adj. dred Ar. Bo. drad M. dredde Di. 4157. tyde] betyde Du.
4159. part M. Adj. parte Bo. her] om. Lb. not] ne L1. doith P. apalle
Ar. appalle Bo. Ad^ enpalle Lb. P. her honure not apalle] to the e M (here
M. stops short, leaving the line unfinished; cp. the preceding line), what so euere
falle Di.
PT. ill.] The Greeks choose a Diviner to succeed Amphiorax. 171
And to this cou/zsaille / Grekys, on and alle, 4160
Ben condescendyd / and, for mor happy sped,
In sted of hym / that1 was so late ded,
Amphiorax / buryed / depe in helle,
That1 koude whilom / to the Grekys telle 4164
Of thyngges hid / how if shal falle, aforn :
In stede of whom / now they han hym lorn,
They casten hem / wisly to purchace
Some prudent1 man / to occupye his place, 4168
That1 in swich thyng / myght1 hem most1 availle
Thorgh mystery of his dyvynaylle,
By craft1 of sorte / or of profecye,
3if eny swich they couden out espye. 4172
And among1 al /, her pwrpoos to atteyne,
As I fynde / they han chosyn tweyne,
Most renomed / of hem euerychon.
And Menolippus / callyd was the ton, 4176
And Terdymus / ek the tother highte.
And for he hadde most1 fauozjr in her sighte,
This Terdymus / was chosen and p?*eferryd.
And in* her choys / Grekys han not1 erryd ; 4180
For whilom he / lernyd / his emprise
Of his maister / Amphiorax the wyse,
And was disciple / vndyr his doctrine.
And of entent1 / thaf he shal termyne 4184
Vnto Grekys / thynges that* shal falle,
*As a bisshop mytred in his stalle,
IT How Grekes
chosen hem / a
new dyvynour
in stede of Am-
phiorax.
[leaf 70]
Of the two candi-
dates proposed,
Melanippus and
Terdimus, the
latter, who was
Amphiorax's
Eupil, is chosen
y the Greeks
in his place.
Terdimus is
made a Bishop.
4161. for] om. SI. Di. Ev mor] om. Lb. P. happy] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. for mor
happy sped] after beste redde E.2. 4164. koude whilom to the Grekys] whilom
to Grekes coude Adj. Ad.2. I. 4165. shal falle aforn] sholde be beforn Ad2. I.
4166. In stede of whom] In whos stede C. 4169. hem] om. Ra. Ba. 4170.
mystery M. mysterie Bo. Ad^ 4172. espye Bo. Adx. aspye M. 4176.
Menolippus Ar. Bo. Menalippus SI. Adj. Slenelappus P. J>at oon Bo. M. Adj.
one Du. 4177. Terdymus Ar. Bo. SI. Adx. Therdymus G. Tredimus Lb. C.
P. E.2. Terdinus Ad2. Tardynyus Ej. >at othre Bo. SI. Adj. 4179. was
chosen] chose was Adj. Ad.2. I. chosen was Ra. Ba. 4180. in] om. Ar. G. Ej.
choys] chose Ba. Grekys] the Grekes SI. Di. S. 4181. his] this Adj. Ado. I.
4184. termyne] determyne P. 4184. om. in G. 4186. As Lb. C. P. ~E.>.
And as Ar. Bo. and all the rest. a]om. Ej.S. mytred M. Adj. myterd Bo.
172
The Thebans sally met, and are driven back. [PT. ill.
They* don for him* / in many, vncouth wyse
In the temple / to goddys sac/v'fise; 4188
And thus conformed* / and stallyd in his Se,
A fewc daye's / stood / in his degre,
After his mayster / with ful gret1 honour,
Of Grekys chose / to be successozm 4192
And al this tyme /, in story as is told,
Ful gret1 meschief / of hungre, thrust*, and cold1;
And of Thebans / as they -issen oute,
lay many on / slayen* in the route 4196
On outlier part1 /, of fortune as they mette :
her mortal swerdys / wer so sharpe whette.
U And Tydeus among hem of the toun
Fro day to clay / pleyeth J>e lyouw 4200
So cruelly, wher so that* he rood,
That Theban non / aforn his face abood.
He made of hem, thorgh his high renown,
So gret1 slaughter / and occisiouw* 4204
That1 as the deth / fro his swerd they fledde,
And who cam nexte / leid his lyf to wedde.
He qwitte hym-sylf / so lik a manly knyghtf
That* wher he went1 / he putte hem to the flight1, 4208
And maugrfe hem, in his cruelt^
He droff hem horn / into her Cite,
hem purswyng1 / proudly to the gate :
4187. They doon for hym Lb. C. P. E2. Don >ei for him Bo. Tj. Du. Lj.
M. Di. Don for him Adj. Ad,j. I- Ra- Ba (fro)- Ei- s- Don for .hem Ar- G- LZ-
vncouth Ar. Bo. Adj. I. vneouthe M. sondry Ad^ wise] guyse Ba.
4188. to] to do Ad.2. I. goddys] the goddes M. Di. C. ' 4189. conformed]
conformed Ar. confirmed Ba. E2. stallyd] stabled Eg. 4190. A fewe] And
few Lj. by fele Bo. Tj. Du. And fele Adj. Ra. Ba. And fell Elt S. And many
Adg. 1. 4192. chose Bo. M. chosen Adj. 4194. thrust Ar. thurst Bo.
thorst M. Jnrst Adx. 4196. slayn Ar. Bo. and all tlie rest, the route] the grete
route Ra. 4197. outlier Ar. either Bo. M. Adj. 4198. sharp Bo. M. Adj.
4200. pleyeth] he pleyeth Ad.2. I. 4201. wher so that] that where so Adj. Ad.2.
I. where so euer P. where so euer J>at Lb. 4204. occisioun Ba. Ad.2. I.
S. E2. occasioun Ar. Bo. and the rest (in P. altered to occisioun by a later hand) ;
in Tj. occasioun is underlined, and occisioun written in the right margin by a later
hand; cf. 3603. 4205. fro] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. 4206. who] who Vat S. nexte]
nyghe S. leid] left S. lyf] hede Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. Ba. E,.
S. 4207. so] om. Ad2. I. so lik a manly] lik so manly a Adj. 4208. the]
om. Lb. Adj. Ad0. I. Ra. P. 4210. droff T2. drofe Bo. droi' M. Adj. droue
E.2. 4211. hem] And Bo.
The Thebans
suffer ;
some are slain.
Tideus
[leaf 70, back]
slays many
Thebaus,
and drives
others back into
the city.
PT. III.] Tideits, the best of the Greeks, is slain by a Bolt.
173
But one day
*T How pitously
Tydeus was slayn
with a quarell.
That1 vnto hyin / they bar so dedly hate 4212
That1 they hem caste / by sleyhf or some engyn,
To bryngyn hym / vrnvarly to hys fyfi ;
And leyde awayf / for hym day and nyght1.
But1 0. alias ! / this noble manly knyghtt, 4216
Ypon a day / as he gan hem enchace,
And mortally / made hem lose her place
And sued hem / almost1 to the toun,
That1 cause was of his destrucciouw. 4220
For on, alias ! / that1 on the wallys stood,
which al that* day / vpon hym abood,
With a quarel / sharpe heded for his sake,
Markede hym with a bowe of brake, 4224
So cruelly, makynge non arestf
Tyl it1 was passyd bothe * bak and brest.
"VVherthorgh, alias ! / ther was non o]>er red
Nor leche-craftf* / but* that1 he mot1 be ded, 4228
Ther may therof be maked non delayes.
And }it was he / holdyn / in his dayes
The beste knyght1 / and most manly man,
As myn Autour / wel reherce kan. 4232
But1 for al that1 was ther no dyffence
Ageyn the strok / of dethys violence.
And Bochas writ1 / er he was fully ded,
he was by Grekys / presentyd with be hed 4236
Of hym that1 gaf / his laste fatal wounde :
And he was callyd /, lik as it1 is founde,
Menolippus /, I can non other telle.
4213. sleyht] sum sleight S. crafte LJ. or some] or by some Bo. Tj. or S.
of Lj. P. 4214. bryngen Bo. M. bring Adj. vnwarly] warly Bo. Du.
to] vnto Ba. E2. 4216. But] That Ad2. I. ; the low point after 0 is in Ar.
0] om. Lb. Ad2. I. P. 4222. that] the M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. 4226. bothe Bo.
Adx. M. both Ar. 4228. Nor] ne Adj. Ad^ I. E2. leche-craft Bo. M.
lech-craft Ar. Adj. but that he Lj. Lb. Ra. Ba. P. L2. but lie C. T2. that he
Ar. G. Bo. Du. M. Di. Ej. S. E.J. that he ne Tj. Adj. Ad2. I. mot] must Ra.
Ba. S. P. 4229. maked Ar. "Lb. C. T2. E2. L2. made Bo. Du. Lj. M. Di. Ad.2.
Ba. Ej. S. P. maad Tj. Adj. I. Ra. Ther may be mad ther-of Adj. Therof may
be maade Ad,. I. 4230. he] om. T2. 3it was he] vet he was Lb. P. E.,.
4231. best Bo." M. Adj. 4237. gaf] ga"f hym Lj. was Lb. last Bo. M. laste
Adj. 4238. callyd] y-called Adj. S. is] was Bo. (in L^. is written above was,
which is crossed out}.
a Theban
crossbow-man
shot and kild
him.
Tho' he was
the best of the
Greeks,
[leaf 71]
he couldn't with-
stand Death.
174 Fortune frowns on the Gh'eeks. Eteocles rides to the Front. [PT. in.
«• He that slogh
Tydeus was
callyd Meno-
lippus.
King Parthono-
lope was also
slain,
and Ypomedon.
Fortune frownd
on the Greeks.
Eteocles
rides forth
[leaf 71, back]
to fight Poly-
U But1 thilke* day / Thebans wex so felle 4240
Vpon Grekys / that1 vnder her Cyte
The manly kyng1 Parthanolopfc
Islayen* was / euene afor the gatys ;
And ther also, Armyd bright1 in platys, 4244
The famous kyng / callyd ypomedouw,
The same day /, as mad is menciouw,
On hors-bak / manly as he faughf,
At1 the brigge / euene vpon the draught1, 4248
Besette with pres / casuelly was drownyd.
And thus fortune / hath on Grekys frownyd
On euery syde / thilk vnhappy day.
But* al the maner / tellen I ne may 4252
Of her fightyng1 / nor her slaughter in soth,
Mor to declare / than myn Autowr doth".
But thilke'* day / I fynde / as je may sen,
whan Phebus / passyd was* merydyen 4256
And fro the south / westward gan hym drawe,
his gylte tressys / to bathen in the wawe,
U The Theban kyng1 / felle Ethyocles,
Kote of vnreste / and causer of vnpes, 4260
The slauhter of Grekys / whan that1 he beheld*,
Armyd in steel / he kam out1 in-to feld1,
Ful desirous / in that1 sodeyn hete
Polymytes / at1 good leyser to mete, 4264
4240. thilke Bo. Adj. thilk Ar. M. Thebans] Thebanx Bo. Du. waxe
Bo. M. Ad^ 4241. her] the Ad^ Ad^ I. Ra. Ba. S. 4243. Islayen] Islayn
Ar. G. Bo. Du. Adx. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. Ej. S. T2. P. E^ slayn Tr L,. Lb. M. Di. C.
1*2- 4244. ther also] also >ere Du. 4248. At the Ar. Atte Bo. Ad2. At M.
brigge Ar. Bo. M. Ad^ bregge Ad2. brugge 1^. bridge E.2. At the brigge euene]
Att briggis eend Ra. Ba. euene] om. Ra. Ba. vpon] above P. 4250. frowned]
froned Bo. 4251. thilk] thik Ar. 4253. nor] ne Lj. M. her] of her Lb. M.
Di. P. of S. 4255. thilke Bo. Adt. thilk Ar. M. 4256. whan] Whanne
that Tg. passyt! was] was passyd Ar. G. Bo. Tj. Du. Lb. C. E2. I^. was] om.
P. merydyen] the meridien Ra. Ba. S. 4257. gan] can Eg. hym] om.
Adx. AcLj. I. 4258. gilt Bo. M. Adj. 4260. causer] cause Lb. P. vnpes]
vnhappes Ej. In Du. the second half of 4260 (and causer of vnpes) and the
first tioo words of 4261 (The slauhter) are omitted, and the remnants of the two
lines joined into one line. 4261. Grekys] the Grekis Lb. P. peple Di. that]
om. Ad^ Ady I. Ra. Ba. S. 4262. out] om. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2. I. in-to] in
Ba. of P. feld Ar. G. J>e felde Bo. and all the rest. 4263. sodeyu Bo. M.
Ad^ sodeyne Di.
PT. III.]
Polyneices kills his brother Eteocles.
175
Syngulerly / with hym to han ado.
For in this world / he hatede no man so ;
he sat1 so nygh / emprented in his herte.
whoos comyng1 out1 / his brother gan aduerte 4268
Vpon his stede / in the oppositt,
And hadde ageynward! / also grett delytt
To meten hym / }if fortune assente.
Thenvious fyr / so her hertys brente 4272
with haate Cankered / of vnkynde blood.
And lik two Tygres / in her rage wood,
with speerys sharpe / grounde for the nonys,
So as they ranne / and mette both attonys, 4276
Polymytes / thorgh platys, mayle, and sheeld
Eoof hym thorgh-out / and smette hym in-to feld!.
But1 whan he sauh" / the stremys of his blood
Eaylle about* / in maner of a flood, 4280
Al sodeyuly / of compassiouw,
From his coursere / he alighte dotm,
And brotherly, with a pitous face,
To saue his lyf / gan hym to vnbrace*, 4284
And from his wounde / of newe affecciouw,
Ful bysy was / to pulle out* the trunchourc,
who is ready
to meet him.
Eteocles and
Polyneices
attack one an-
other.
f How euerich of
theThebanbreth-
eren slogh other
to-forn |>e Cyte.
Polyneices runs
Eteocles thru,
and then dis-
mounts
to pull his spear
out of his
brother.
4265. to] forto Ra. Ba. ado] at do Ba. to do Lb. do C. 4266. worlde Bo.
4267. emprented Bo. M. enprented Adj. enprintid Di. In G. the second half
of 4267 and the first half of 4268 are omitted: He sat so nygh out his brother gan
aduerte. 4269. stede M. Adj. steed Bo. 4270. hadde] om. Bo. 4271.
Ar. has tometen, with a vertical stroke between the two words, assente] will assente
E2. 4272. Thenvious Bo. M. Adj. 4273. with] Whiche T2. ]L Whiche
of P. haate Ar. hete Bo. hate M. Adj. and the rest. cankred Bo. M. Adx.
Cankered] was cancred E2. om. P. of] and of P. 4275. sharpe Bo. sharp ^
M. Adp grounde Bo. ground M. Adx. grounden Ra. Ba. speerys sharpest*,
sharpe sperys Ba. T2. 4276. ranne] ronne M. Di. renne T2. rood Ad2. 1. arj2. I.
om. Ra. Ba. and ne T2. mette Bo. M. Adj. mete Lb. mette both] h-. Bo.
mette Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. 4277. thorgh] with Ra. Ba. platys] plate T- (into).
M. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. C. T2. P. platys mayle] mayle plate P. 4278. Roof M. Ad^
Bo. Rof M. Adj. thorgh-out] thoroh Adx. Ad2. I. Ba. T2. smette A~4324. was]
sinete Bo. Du. bar Adx. Ad2. I. smote Tj. and the rest, hym] om. R^ Ar. M. Ad^
to] in T2. feld Ar. G. C. >e feld Bo. and the rest. 4280. raile Bo. JV£d2. I. Ba. L2.
as Ad2. I. 4281. Al] And Ba. Ra (And written above Al, which isf. Bo. Tx. Adj.
sodeynly] sodenliche M. Di. of] meeued of Ra. Ba. 4282. courj, aryvinge Lb.
Adj. coursour Bo. coursar L2. alighte] light G. Du. Lb. M. E. BO. M. Adx. at
doun Ar. Lj. Ex. C. a-doun Bo. G. and the rest. 4284. unbra^. entailes Ad2. I.
Ez. S. C. E2. umbrace Bo. embrace Ar. enbrace G. Lx. Lb. ^eroun L2. gestran
P. L2. 4286. out] om. Ar. G. Ra. Ba. L2.
N
On which
Eteocles
stabs Polyneices
to the heart :
[leaf 72]
so both die.
The Thebans
mourn their
king's death.
176 Eteocles kills his brother Polyneices. [PT. ill.
Of loue only / handlyng hyrn ryght softe.
Butt O / alias ! whil he lay alofte, 4288
Ful yrously / Ethiocles the felle,
Of al this sorowe / verraye sours and welle,
his brother smoott vnwarly to the herte : 4292
which al her lyf / hadde be so wrothe.
And thus the Thebans / were yslawe * bothe
Att the entr6 / euene aforn the koun.
But1 Grekys / tho / ben availled douw 4296
Outt of the feld! / the worthy knyghtys alle.
And in Thebes / loud* / as eny shalle,
The Cry aroos / whan her kyng was ded.
And to the gatys / armyd foot and hed, 4300
Outt of the touw / cam many proud Theban.
And some of hem / vpon the wallys ran
And gan to shoute / that1 pit6 was to here.
And they with-outt / of her lyf in were, 4304
with-oute confortt // or consolacioun,
Disespeyred / ronne* horn to the toura
And Grekys folowen after att the bak,
Thatt many on / that1 day / goth to wrak. 4308
4287. handlyng] handeled M. handlid Di. holding Ba. S. ryght] ful G. Lb.
M. Ad,. Ad,,. I. Ra. Ba. S. 4288. 0] om. Ad^. I. one E2. alofte] on loft Ra.
Ba. P. 4289 and 4290 omitted in Ad^ and I. ; in Ad,, these two lines are omitted
in their right place, but written in the bottom margin of the page a little bit below
the column. 4291. smert Bo. M. Ad,, sinarte E^ 4292. smoot] roff Lb.
C. TS. P. E2. vnwarly] vnwardly £,. hert Bo. M. Ad,, harte E.J. 4293. had
Bo. M. Ad,. 4294 omitted in Ba. 4294. Ar. has a bar also between the and
Thebans. the] these P. om. Ra. Thebans] Thebanx Bo. T,. yslawe Bo. £3.
yslowe Ar. slawe T, (weren s.). Lb. M. Di. Ad,. C. yslayn T2 (y. were). L2.
n Lj. Ad,,. I. Ra. E,. S. P. 4296. tho] thus S. availed Bo. avaled M.
4298. And] om. £3. in] in-to Ad,. Ad2. I. Thebes] Thebans Ra. Ba.
,. M. Di. C. T2. P. lowde Ad^ I. L^. londe E,. lond Ba. S. lande
£3. land Ar. G. L,. Ad,, om. Ra. as eny] as in eny L,. as euere
\.A>. I. Ra. Ba. S. as soche thing E2. shalle] shralle T^ shall fall
4299. Cry] Cytee E,. whan] bat L,. 4303. gan] gon M. DL
omitted in Ra. 4304. wib-oute Bo. M. lyf in altered in P.
- ind to lyfes. in were] in weer Ad^ in wyre Lb. in werre L,.
first two words Adi Ej T in fer r^. 4306. Disespeyred] Dispeired L,. Lb. M.
lines joined into o. c P j^ LZ> Dessapeyryd S. Disepeired T2. ronne Bo. T,. M.
om. Ad,. Ada. I. _c ^ E2. runne LJ. ran Lb. Ad?. I. Ba. S. P. Lo. room Ar.
of P. feld A, Ra. Ba> c. vnto S. 4307. after] om. Bo. T2. " at the Ar.
,. Ad^.
nnappes E,.
Ba.
Ad,, sodeyne Di.
j atte her ^
PT. III.] Hideous Noise. Furious Fight at the Gates of Thebes, 177
Many Greeks
were shot.
The noise of
the guns was
hideous.
At the gates
the Thebans
fight the Greeks
[leaf 72, back]
with dagger,
sword
And as her foomen / proudely hem assaylle
Ful many Grek* / thorgh platys and thorgh maylle
was shette thorgh-outf, pressyng at1 the wallys,
And betyn of / with grete rounde ballys, 4312
That* her lay on •/ and another Bonder.
And the noyse, hydouser* than thonder,
Of gonne-shofr and of* Arblastys ek,
So loude oufr-ronge / that1 many worthy grek 4316
Ther lost1 his lyf / ; they wern on hem so felle.
And at1 the gatys /, shortly forto telle,
As Grekys prees / to entren J>e Cyte,
They of Thebes / in her Cruelte 4320
with hem mette / ful furious and wood,
And mortally / as they ageyn hem* stood,
Men myghte sen / sperys Shyuere a-sonder,
That1 to byhold / it was a verray wonder 4324
how they foyne / with daggers and with swerdys,
Thorgh the vyser / amyng** at1 the berdys,
Percyng1 also / thorgh the rownde Maylles,
Kent* out* peces / of ther aventaylles, 4328
That nouhf availleth / the myghty Geseran,
4309. And] Ans Ar. 4310. Grek Ra. Ba. C. T0. Grekys Ar. Bo. and the rest.
thorgh] thorgh-oute M. Di. platys] plate M. Di. Ad2. I. Ba. C. T2. P. Eg.
second thorgh] om. Lr Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. E2. 4311. was] were Lb. M. Di.
P. shette Ar. shet G. Bo. 'i\. Lb. Ej. C. T2. E2. shot Lv M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I.
S. P. L2. shoten Ra. Ba. borugh-oute Bo. M. borhout Adj. ; in Ar. (also in Bo.)
there is a pause-bar dividing thorgh and out. thorgh- out] thoruh Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
at the Ar. atte Bo. Adj. at M. to the Ba. 4312. grete Bo. Ad!, gret
M. rounde Bo. round Adj. M. 4313. her] ther Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S.
4314. hydowser L2. hydousher Ar. G. more hid-ms Bo. and the rest, thondei]
be thondur Bo. G. Tj. Ba. 4315. Of gonne-shot] Of gret strokes S. and of Lx.
Lb. C. T2. P. E2. and Ar. Bo. and the rest. Arblastys Ar. Bo. M. Adj.
Arblastres Lb. Arowblasters Lj. arowblastes C. 4319. As] Atte Adj. Ad2. I.
Ra. Ba. Ex. S. prees] pressen M. Di. presen Et. T2. E2. to entren Ar. Bo.
Adj. to entre M. to entyrn L2. to cuter in S. in entryng to Ra. Ba (into).
4320. Cruelte] fel cruel te M. Di. T2. 4322. ham Ar. hem Bo. M. Adt.
4323. mijte Adj. might Bo. M. a-sonder] iri-sovndre Ba. 4324. was]
were Lj. a] om. G. Bo. Lx. Ad2. I. verray] grete T^ 4325. foyne Ar. M. Adt.
fuyne Bo. foyned Lb. feyne Ej. fyn S. second with] om. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. L2.
4326. Torgh Ar. vyser Bo. Adj. vysour M. hamyng Ar. G. Bo. TI- Adt.
Ra. amyng M. aymeng C. awmynge Di. E2. arniyng T^ aryvinge Lb.
hauing Lt. Ad2. Ba. Ej. S. hangyng I. L2. at the Ar. atte Bo. M. Adz. at
Ej. E2. Li2. at] om. Lb. 4328. aventaylles] ventaylis L.J. entailes Ad2. I.
4329. Geseran Ar. gesseran M. Adx. gesserou Bo. gesseroun L2. gestran
L,. E!.
THEBES. N
178 All the Knights of Greece and Thebes are slain. [PT. in.
and spear.
Men are trodden
underfoot.
The cries of the
dying are loud.
How al the
gentyl blood of
grece and Thebes
was distroyed
on / o • / day.
Of the Greek
lords,
only Adrastns
and Capaneus
live.
The Thebans
bar their gates,
Thorgh brest1 / and nekke / that the sperys Ean.
her wepnys wern / so sharpii grounde and whet1,
In ther arrnure / that1 ther was no let1. 4332
For ther laye on / troden vnder foote,
And Bonder* / on / percyd to the herte roote.
Her lith on ded / and ther another lame.
This was / the play / and the mortal game . 433G
Atwene* Thebans / and the Grekys provide,
That1 the swowys / and the crye's loude
Of hem that1 lay / and golden vp the goosf,
was herd ful fer / aboute in many cost*. 4340
U And at1 the gatys / and sayllyng of J?e wal
Islayen* was / al the blood Eoyal,
Both of the touw / and of Grekys lond,
And aft the worthy knyghtys of her hond*. 4344
And of lordys /, 31 f I shal not1 feyne,
On Grekys syde / alyve wer but tweyne,
Kyng1 Adrastus / and Cainpaneus.
That1 day to hem / was so vngracius. 4348
And for Titan / westryd was so lowe
That1 no man myghf vnnethys other knowe,
Tho of the touw / shet1 her gatys faste
4330. nek Bo. brest and nekke] nekke and brest Lb. Adv Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S.
C. T2. P (corrected from brest and nek), that] so Lt. sperys] myghty speres Ej.
Ran Ar. M. Adj. ron Bo. 4331. wepenes Bo. wepens M. wepons L^. sharp
Bo. M. Adj. grounde and whet] whet and ground M. grounde and] om. Lb. P.
grounde] y-grounde (om. and whet) Di. 4332. ther was no let] no let was found
M. Di. they were nat lette C. T2. 4333. vnder foote] vnder be foote Adj. I.
4334. Jonde Ar. G. yondre (yonder) Bo. and the rent, on] a-nothir S. P. percyd]
pressid Ad2. I. peresed Ba. herte Adx. hert Bo. M. vnto the rote (om.
herte) T2. 4337. A-twene Adj. M. Atwen Ar. Bo. Atwix Ha. Betwix Ba.
Bitwene 1^. Thebaus] Thebanx Bo. Tj. Adj. the Thebans S. 4338. That]
om. Bo. swowys] swoughes Lb. P. E2. swoes M. swounes Ej. showghtes Lj.
showes I*;. sowtesS. swerdes Bo. 4340. many Ar. many a Bo. 4341. at
the Ar. atte Bo. Adj. at M. and] om. Lb. of L2. sayllyng] assailing Ad^
Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. saylynges L^. soylinge Lb. sawtyng Lj. om. P. of be] atte
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. on the G. L2. before the P. 4342. Islayen] Islayn
Ar. Bo. and all, except Slayn La. M. Di. Ra. Ba. S. C. 4343. Grekys] be Grekes
Lj. Di. Ra. Ba. S. £3. Ro. 4345. ?if] om. Ro. in Ra. 4345 reads: And of
the sothe if I shall nat feyne ; in Ba : If I shall nat in sothe feyn. 4348.
vngracius] gracious Di. 4349. westryd] westward Bo. Ra. Ba. westryd was]
was westrid Ad^ I. 4351. Tho of the toun] Thei of the toun Bo. L2. These
of be toun L:. Of the toun thei Lb. C. T2. P. E2. her] pe S. P. shet her
gatys] shotte her gonnys Ra. Ba (govnes).
PT. III.] Eteocles is buried, mournd "by his Mother and Sisters. 179
with barrys rounds / maked forto laste, 4352
In which no wight1 kerve may nor hewe. [leaf 73]
And Adrastus / with a grekys fewe
Eepeyred is horn vnto his Tent1,
And al that* nyght1 / ne wastyd hath and spent1 4356
For his vnhappe / in sofowe compleynyng1.
And they in Thebes / the next* day swyng1 and next day
J bury Eteocles.
her devoyre did / and her bysy cure,
To ordeyne and make / a sepulture 4360
For her kyng1 / yslayen* in the feeld ;
And offred vp his baner and his sheld,
His helme / his sword?, and also his penourc,
Ther-Inne of gold1 / I-betyn a dragouw, 4364
high in the temple / that1 men myghte sen.
And locasta / that1 infortunyd quene. His mother
and sisters
her sones deth / soore * gan compleyne ; mourn him.
And also ek / her 3onge doghtres tweyne, 4368
Both ymeyne / and Antigonee,
Cryden and wepte / that1 pyte was to se.
But1 to her sorowes / that1 was non refut1.
And thus the Cite / bar / and destitut1, 4372
havyng no wight1 to gouern hem ne* guye : No one is left to
rul6 in j. zi6 DCS.
For ded and slayn / was al the Chyualrye,
And no wight1 left" almost1 in be touw
4352. barrys] ballis Ra. Ba. round Bo. M. Adj. made Bo. M. Adj. 4353.
may] might M. Di. 4354. a grekys fewe] Greke8 a fewe Lj. Ad,. Ad2. I. S.
Grekes fewe Lb. P. a knightis fewe T2. 4356. that] )>e Lj. he] om. Adj. Ad2.
I. wastyd hath] hasted E^. Ro. 4357. in sorowe] and sorw Adx. Ad^. I. Du.
4358. nexte Adx. next Bo. M. 4359. dide M. dede Bo. Ad^ ' 4361.
yslayeii] yslayn Ar. G. Ej. Ro. alayn Bo. and the oilier MSS. 4362. and]
an Ar. 4363 to 4418 gap in Ex., one leaf (I 1) being lost. 4363. His helme
his swerd] His swerd his helme M. Di. 4364. Ther-Inne of gold] ther in
golde Bo. I-betyu] beten Bo. Du. M. Di. S. C. P. y-bete L2. a] om. Ba.
4365. might Bo. M. Adx. 4366. that] the Lb. M. Di. C. T2. P. E,,.
infortunyd Ar. G. L2. infortunat Bo. and the rest. 4367. sore Bo. M. Adj.
soor Ar. 4368. also ek] eke also M. Di. Adr Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. T2. yong Bo.
M. Adj. om. Du. 4369. Antigonee] fair Antigone Ra. Ba. antygon Lb.
4370. to se] to se on Lb. 4371. sorowes] sorownesse Lb. that] om. Adj. Ad2.
I. ther Lj. Di. Ba. E0. 4373. to gouern hem] hem to gouerne Bo. Tj. Du. Lj.
M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. S. Ro. ne] nor Ar. and G. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. 4374.
and] an Ar. Adj. 4375. left] om. Bo. Tv Du. Lv M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
S. Ro. left almost] almost left T2. in \>e touii] in al )>e toun Adj. Ad2. I.
180
/i old Tyrant, Cleon, is elected King of Thebes. [PT. in.
[leaf 73, back]
v How creaurtt
]>e oldt Tyraunt
was chosen kyng
of Thebes.
Oreon is elected
King by Parlia-
ment.
The Thebans
swear allegiance
to him.
Adrastus sends
To regne vpon* hem / by successioun. 4376
U Buf for they saugh / and tokyn also hed,
with-oute jris / that* they hadde an hed
In the Cyte / fei may not1 dure longe :
For though so be Comownerys be stronge 4380
with multitude / and have no goueraaylle
Of an hed /, ful lytyl may avaylle :
Therfor they han vnto her socour
ychosyn hem a newe gouernour, 4384
An olde Tyraunt1 / J>af call yd was Creon,
Ful acceptable / to hem eumchon,
And crownyd hyw / with-oute mor lettyng1,
To regne in Thebes / and to ben her kyng1, 4388
Al-thogh* he hadde no title by discentf
But by* fre choys* / made in parlemenF.
And ther to hyw, lik as it is founde,
By her lygeatwco / of newe they wer bounde, - 4392
For to be trewe / whyl the Cite stood,
To hym only / with body and with good.
Thus they wer sworn / and suryd euerichon ;
And he ageynward / to saue hem from her foon, 4396
And hem dyffende / with al his fulle* myghf,
And meynten hem / in al manere ryghf .
This was thacord / as in sentemenf.
And in this while* hath Adrastus sent1 4400
4376. vpon] on Ar. G. Lb. C. T2. P. E.2. L2. vp Ro. hem] om. Ro.
4377. tokyn also] toke also M. Di. C. also toke P. takyn also Ra. also taken Ba.
4378. that] om. Ar. G. hadde] han Ra. Ba. haue Ad^ I. C. 4379. dure]
endure Bo. Tj. Du. Lj. M. Di. Adj. Adj. I. Ra. Ba. S. Ro. 4380. so be] hit so
be Lb. C. Eg. com oners Adj. cominers M. communes Lj. comouns Ra. Ba. Ad2.
I. commynis S. Comownerys (Ar. G. C. P. 1*2.)] bat comonus Lb. E.2 (commons),
be comoners(e£c-)Bo. and the rest, stronge] so strong Bo. Ta. Du. Lj. Ra. Ba. S. Ro.
4382. lytyl] lite Lb. M. Adj. C. T2. Eg. may] it may Lb. M. Di. Ba. S. C. T.2.
£2. Ro. 4383. Therfor] Ther Du. Lr han] om. Adr Ad,,. I. Ra. Ba. S. (cf.
4384). 4384. ychosen Ar. Bo. Adj. chosen M. hem] han Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
S. anewe Ar. a newe Bo. a new M. Adj. 4386 to 4515 gap in C. 4389.
Al they Ar. L2. As bough Bo. Ami al though M. Di. And thouh I. Al though
Adj. G. and the rest. 4390. by] om. Ar. G. Bo. T,. Du. Lj. Ad,. S. Ro.
choys] loys Ar. made] emade L%. in] a E.2. 4392. her] high Ba. 4397. al]
om. Adj. fulle] ful Ar. Bo. and all. 4398. maynten Tj. Du. Lj. mayntene
Bo. M. Adj. al manere] al manere of Lv S. all their Ba. 4400. while Bo. M.
Adj. whil Ar.
FT. ill.] All the Gh'ecian Ladies in black come to Argos. 181
From the Siege of Thebes the Cyte home to Greece
the news of the
A woundyd knyght1 horn to his centre,
Thorgh al Grece / pleynly to declare
Al pe slaughter and the evyl fare 4404
Of worthy Grekys, ryghf as it* is falle,
And how that1 he hath lost1 his lordys alle slaughter of
. . , . his lords.
Att1 mor meschief / pan eny man can moutn.
And whan this thyng1 / was in grece couth, 4408
Fyrstf to Argyve / and Deyphylee, The Grecian
And to the ladies / ek in the centre
And of provynces / aboute hew adiacent1,
They come dou?« /, al be on assent*, 4412
Worthy queenys / and with hem ek duchessys, [leaf 74]
And other ek / that1 callyd were contessys,
And alle the ladyes / and wymmen of degre
Ben assembled / in Arge the Cyte. 4416 f HOW allege
J ladyes of Grece*
lik as I rede /, and alle in clothes blake: .
toward Thebes.
That1 to byholdl / the sorowe that1 they make, mourn.
It* were a deth / to eny man alyve.
And $if I shulde* / by and by descryve 4420
Ther tendre wepyng1 and ther wooful sownys,
her complayntys / and lamentacions,
her ofte swounyng* / with facys ded and pale,
Ther-of I myghte make a newe tale, 4424
4401. in Siege the first e is written above the line, with the usual mark of
insertion Ar. 4402. to] into Lj. Ra. Ba. 4405. worthy] be worthi Bo. Tj.
Du. LJ. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ba. S. T2. Ro. whiche E.2. om. Ra. Grekys]
knightes M. Di. 4407. Att] And Ra. eny] om. Ba. mouth] tell S. 4408.
whan] whan that T2. thyng] om. Ba. was in grece] in grece was Adj. Ad2. I.
T2. couth] knowne well S. 4409. and] and to Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. S. T2.
E2. 4410. to] om. Du. 4411. provyuces in Ar. corrected from provinces.
4412. come M. Adj. cam Bo. al be on] by oonlie Ba. 4413. ek] om. LJ. Lb.
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba. P. Rj. 4415. wymmen Bo. M. wommen Adj. 4417.
in the rubric Ar. has Grce. 4419. a] om. Ad2. I. eny] many Ba. alyve] on
lyve Lj. Lb. Ra. Ba. P. Ad2. I. 4420. jif] om. Du. shulde Lb. shuld Ar.
Bo. sholde Adj. shold 5l. descryve] bescryue Bo. 4421. Ther . ther Ar.
Their . her Bo. Their . her Da. Ther . her M. Her . her Adj. sownys] swowns
Bo. bale EJ. Ro. 4422. and] and her Bo. Tj. Du. LJ. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ba.
S. T2. and her lamentacions] om. Ej. Ro. 4423. ofte Bo. M. Adj. her ofte]
With ofte Lb. P. Of her Lj. swounyng] sownyng I*,, swounynges Lb. Adj.
Ad2. sownes Lj. her ofte swounyng] om. Ej. Ro., w/tich two MSS. thus make
one line out of the former half of 4422 and fho latter half of 4423. facys] her faces
Tj. face Lb. P. 4424. might Bo. M. Adj.
182 The Greek Ladies will go to ^Thebes to mourn their Lords. [PT. ill.
They gather
Almost a day / $ow to occupye.
And as myn Autowr / doth clerly certifie,
Thurgh-oute Grece / from arl be Kigiouns
Outf of Cities / and of Eoyal touns 4428
Cam alle the ladies / and wymmen of estat1,
Ful hevy-cheryd / and disconsolate,
To this assemble /, afom as I ^ou tolde,
In pwrpoos fully / her lournd forto holde 4432
Toward Thebes / thys sorwful creaturys,
Ther to bywaylle / her wooful auenturys,
Taquyte hem-silf / of trouth in wowmanhede
To her lordys / which in the felcJ lay dede. 4436
And as the story / liketh to declare,
Al this Iourn6 / they went1 on foote bare,
lik as they hadde / gon on pylgrymage,
In tokyn of mowrnyng* / barbyd be visage, 4440
Wympled echofi / and in burnetf weedys.
Nat1 in charys / drawen forth with stedys,
Nor on palfreys blake nowther white,
The Sely wy?nmen koude hem not1 delite 4444
To hold her way /but barfote forth they \rente,
So feithfully / euerichon they ment,
Thorgh hevynesse* / diffacyd of her hwe.
And as I fynde, they weryn alle trvve. 4448
IT Now was not1 bat1 / a wonder forto se
4426. doth clerly] clerely doth Ad^ Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. Ro. certifie] specifye
Bo. Ada. Ada. I. Ra. Ba. S. 4427. Grece] all Grece Lb. P. from] in Lt.
be] om. Lb. Ra. Ba. T2. P. E«. 4428. Citees Bo. M. Adv the citees
Ad2. I. Ta. second of (Ar. S. Eo.. L2.)] othre Du. om. Bo. and the rest.
4429. Came Bo. Come M. Adx. Comen Ba. the] om. Ro. 4431. To] In Ba.
4432 to the end lost in Ba. 4432. In] I Er Ro. om. Bo. T,. M. Di.
purpoos] Purposed Ta. M. Di. 4433. Toward Bo. M. Towardes Adj. 4435.
of trouth in Ar. Bo. M. Ra. Ej. S. P. in troube of Adj. Ad2. I. of trouth and E2.
4438. lourne] meyne S. on toote Bo. Tj. Ra. T2. L2. oil foot M. Adj. on fete
Lb. they went on foote bare] the women went foot bare Ad2. I (wcuten).
4439. had Bo. M. Adj. 4440. barbyd he visage*] barfote the vyage Lli.
4441. in] with Ad2. burnet] moornyng Ad2. I. 4442. in] with Ad.,. I.
charys] Chaires Eo.. with] nor with Ad2. I. 4443. nowther Ar. neithre Bo.
Adj. nor M. 4445. To hold her way] Her way to hold in ese Adj. Ado. I.
forth] om. Ad^ Ado. I. E,. Ro. 4447. Ar. has hevnesse. 4448. weren
Adj. wern Bo. M. alle M. al Bo. they weryn alle] euerychon were G.
4449. bat] bis Bo. a] om. Adj. Ad.2. I. a wonder] a woiidyr thynge Lb. P.
forto] to Ta. P.
to journey to
Thebes,
to bewail their
dead lords.
They travel
barefoot,
in dark gar-
ments,
[leaf 74, back]
and are all true.
PT. ill.] The Greek Ladies reach Adrastus's Tent near Thebes. 183
1452
It's a strange
thing that in
1000 or 2000
women, none
was a snai"-
So many trewe / out1 of a cuntre,
Attonys gadryd / in a companye,
And feithful alle /, bookys can not1 lye,
Both in her port1 / and inward! in menyng1 1
Vnto my doom / if was an vncouth thyng1,
Among1 a thowsand wymen outher tweyne
To fynden noon / that1 kowde in herte feyne.
It* was a mervaylle / nat1 ofte seyn aforn.
For seelde / in feldys / groweth eny corn
But1 jif some wede / spryng1 vp per-among1.
Men allay e* wynys / whan they be to strong1;
But1 her trouth was meynte wijj non allayes,
They were so trewe / founde at1 alle assayes.
And they ne stynt1 / vpon her ioztme
Tyl that1 they cam Jjer as* they wolde be,
wher Adrastus /, wrytyn as I fynde,
lay in his Tent1 / al of colour ynde ;
Gretly mervaylyd* / whan that1 he biheld
The notnbre of hem / sprad thorgh al be
Clad aft in blak / and barfoot1 euerychon.
Out1 of his Tent1 / he dressy d? hym anon,
Vpon his hand / the kyng1 Campaneus * ;
Ful trisf in herte / and face right1 pitous,
4450. trewe Bo. Adj. trew M. trew women Ra. out] om. Ra. a Ar. o Bo.
M. Adj. oon Lb. Ra. 4451. gadred Bo. gadert M. Adz. a Ar. Bo. M.
o Adj. 4452. alle M. Ad^ al Bo. can Bo. konne M. 4453. her]
om. Adj. Ad2. I. S. T2. port] thoght G. menyng] her mening G. Adj. Ra. S.
her meevyng I. her moornyng Ad2. 4455. outher Bo. or M. Adj. 4456
to 4586 lost in Bo. 4456. To fynden Ar. Tx. Du. Lb. E^ Not to finde E.,. To
fynde Lj. and the rest, noon Ar. Ra. Lo. nat one Adj. Ad2. I. in on S. oon Tj.
and the rest, hert Tj. M. Adx. kowde in herte] coude not in herte Di. P. cowde
in hert nat Ra. 4457. ofte Tv Ad^ oft M. seyn Ar. Tv M. Di. T2. l^. sen
j. and the rest ; in Ar. the y of seyn is added over the word with the tisual mark
4459 to 4572 lost in Du. 4460. allaye (alaye)] laye Ar. G.
to Ar. M. Di. om. G. Tx. and the rest. 4461. non] om. Ra.
trew M. Adj. 4463. stynte Lt. M. Adj. 4464. Tyl]
Alle Ad2. that] om. Lb. M. Di. Adj. Ad.2- I- cam Ar. come M. Ad1. her as]
)>er Ar. G. Di. E.,. 1^. where Lb. P. wolde Ar. wolde Adj. wold M.
wol Lb. Ar. has a pause-bar between they and cam. 4467. Gretly] And gretely
Lb. P. E2. mervaylyd] amervaylyd Ar. G. Tj. T2. 1^. biheld] behilde (: felde)
Lb. Di. 4468. sprad] ysprad L^. thorgh] in Adj. Ad2. I. om. Lx. Lb. P. al]
om. Adj. Ad.2. I. Ra. S. 4469. all] om. Di. Ra. 4471. The] am. Ad^ Ad.2. I.
Ra. S. Companeus Ar. Campaneus G. M. Ad2. Capaneus Ad,. 4472. trist]
tristiRa. face] of face M. Di. right] ful Lb. P. pitous] pituous Lb. pyteous Ej.
4460
The Grecian
ladies roach
4464 Adrastus's tent.
4468
He and Cam-
paneus meet
44/2 them.
of insertion.
may allaye T2.
4462. trewe Ra.
184 The Greek Ladies mourn. Their Husbands' corpses can't be buried.
Ageyn the wommen / forth they went1 yfere.
And to byhold* / the wooful hevy chere,
The wooful cryes / also, whan they mette,
The sorful sighys / in her brestys shette, 4476
The teerys newe / distillyng on her facys,
And the swownyng1 / in many sondry placys,
whan they her lordys / alyve not1 ne founde,
But1 in the feeld? / thorgh-girt1 with many wounde, 4480
lay stark vpri^tes * /, pleynly to endite,
with dedly eyen / tournyd vp the white,
who made sorowe / or felt1 her herte Ryve
For hir lorde / but1 the faire Argyve? 4484
who can now wepe / But1 DeyphyleeJ
Tydeus / for she ne myghte se ?
whoos constreywtys * were so f el and kene
That1 Adrastus myghte not1 sustene 4488
To byholde the ladyes so eompleyne,
wisshing1* his herte / parted wer on tweyne.
1T And ^if, alias ! / bothen* eve and morowe,
0 thyng1 ther was / that1 doubled al her sorowe, 4492
That Old Creon / fader of fellonye,
Ne wolde* suffre, thorgh his Tyrannye,
The dede* bodies / be buryed nowther brente,
4473. forth] om. Adj. Ad2. I. forth they went] went forth P. yfere]
in feere Lz. Lb. Di. Ra. S. E^. 4476. sorful Ar. M. sorghful Ad?.
sorowful LP woful Lb. P. ferful S. sighes] sightes Lb. S. brestys] brest Di.
hertis Lj. shette] shent S (: mett). 4478. the] so E2. sondry] om. Adj. Ad2.
I. placys] place (: face) Ad2. I. 4479. her lordys alyve] on lyve her lordis Lj.
not] om. S. ne] om. Lb. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. P. L^. 4480. in] on L2. thurgh P.
thorgh-girt] thorgh-gert M. gyrte P. many] om. Di. many a Lj. Lb. Ad2. I. Ra.
S. E.J. La- 4481. stark] straught E2. vprijt Ar. Tt. Adj. M. and all. 4483.
herte] om. Ad^. I. 4484. the] om. Ad2. I. 4485. who] And who Adj. Ad2. I.
But who Ra. S. can] ganne M. T2. now] om. Adj. Ad2. I. 4486. Tydeus for] For
Tideus bat Lt. ne myghte] myght nat M. Di. P. se] fele Ej. Ro (both the copyists
pronounced : D£yphyle). 4487. constreyntys] constretys Ar. G. Tx. S. constreytcs
L.J. conipleyutis Ad2. fel and] om. Ex. Ro. 4488. myghte not] ne myght nat M.
Di. myght it not Ra. S. myght not hym G. 4490. whisshing Ar. his] her
Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S. Ro. hert Tj. M. hertes Adj. Ad2. 1. Ra. S. parted] coruen
Lb. T2. P. Eg. corvid L2. wer] om. Lj. Ad2. I. S. on tweyue] atweyne Lb. S. T2.
P. in tweyne Lj. Adj. Ra. E2. L2. 4491. And] But Tj. Lj. M. Di. Ad^ Ad.^. I.
Ra. Ej. S. P. 1^. Ro. both Ar. Adj. bothe Tj. M (cp. 2801). eve] even Llt Lb. Ad.,.
I. S. E2. 4492. al] om. Ad2. I. 4493. Old Ar. olde M. Adj. 4494. wolde
Adv wold Ar. M. 4495. The] Tho Ra. ded Ar. M. Adj. dede Lb. Ra. be
buryed] to buried\be Adr to be buried Ad2. I. brente] y-brente Lb. Ej. Ro.
[leaf 75]
They sigh and
swoon
when they see
their dead lords,
face upwards.
Delphi le weeps
for Tideus.
5 How creon wil
not suffre the
bodies nowther to
be buryed nor
brent
Creon leaves
PT. III.] The Greek Ladies wait till Theseus comes.
185
But* with becstis and houndys to be rente.
', , , u , , , , -.
he made hem aft / vpon an hepe be leyde.
wherof the wymmen trist1 and evyl apeyde,
For verray dool, as it was no wonder,
her hertys felt* almost ryve a-sonder.
U And as my mayster Chaucer1 list1 endite,
Al clad in blak / with her wymples whyte,
With gretf honour / and due* reuercnce,
In the temple / of the goddesse Clemence
They abood the space / of fourtenyghtf
Tyl Theseus / the noble worthy knyghf,
Duk of Athenys / with his Chyvalrye
Repeyred horn / out1 of Ferny nye,
And with hym ladde / ful feir vpon to sene,
Thorgh his manhod / ypolita the quene,
And her suster / callyd Emelye.
and whan thies wo??imen / gorcne first espye
This worthy Duk / as he cam rydynge,
Kyng1 Adrastus /, hem alle conveyinge,
The wommen brouhtf vnto his presence,
which hym bysoughf / to jive hem audience.
And ail attonys swownyng in the place,
Ful humblely / preiden* hym of grace
To rewe on hern / her harmys to redresse.
But1 jif $e list* / to se the gentyllesse
Of Theseus / how he hath hym born,
4496 the corpses to
betornbyd«>«s.
4500
AS Chaucer says,
[leaf 75, back]
4504 the ladies stay
in the Temple
4508
4512
till Theseus
comes with
Hippolita and
Emily.
4516 They pray
Theseus
to redress their
grievance.
4520
I.
bei felte Di. ryve] reyue
I. a-sonder] on sounder Lv
4498. wherof] Ther-of M. Di. \Vherfbre S. wymmen AdT. wommen M.
trist] were trist Adj. Ad2. I. trist and] o/ti. Lb. P. evyl] well Lx. ben
evel Lb. were evell P. 4999. as] om. Tj. Lx. M. Di. Adj. Ad.,
Ra. E!. S. Ro. 4500. felt Tx. M. Adj.
Ej. Ro. almost ryve] riue almost Adj. Ad2.
in sender Ro. ; Ar. has a pause-bar after almost. 4501. my mayster]
myn auctour M. Di. Chaucer] om. Tx. 1^. M. Di. Adj. Ad2. I. Ra. Ej. S.
Ro. endite Ar. G. L2. to endyte Tx. and the rest, except forto eudite Ad2. I.
4503. due] dieu Ar. 4504 to the end lost in Ail2. 4505. abood] bode E2.
fourtenyght Ar. Lb. P. fourten night M. Di. A'dj. fortynyght Tj. "E^. Ro.
fortyn nyght S. fortnyght Ra. Lg. a fortenyjt Lj. E2. fourtene uightes T2.
4508. horn] hem E2. Femynye] Femenye P. femeuy Lt. L.J. feuiyne To.
femene S. 4512. these M. hise Di. Adj. wy?Hmeu JVI. Adj. gon M.
gan Adj. gonne first] first gan E2. 4514. alJe] om. Adj. I. 4515. vnto Ar.
T2. P. E^ into Lb. to Tj. and the rest. 4518. humbly M. Adx. hunibely
Di. preide Ar. and all.
186
Theseus kills Creon and routs his Army. [PT. in.
t How the fynal
destruccioun of
Thebes is GO//I-
pendeously re-
hersyd i»i }>e
knyght« tale.
Theseus, as
Chaucer says,
comforts the
Grecian widows.
[leaf 76]
lie goes to
Thebes,
slays Creon,
and puts his host
to flight.
(Some say the
women beat
down the walls
of Thebes,
and that Jo-
casta and her
daughters
3 if 30 remembre / 30 han herde if to forn
\vel reliersycl / at Depforth in the vale,
In the bygynnyng1 / of the knyghtys tale : 4524
IT First1 how that* he / whan he herd he?w speke,
For vejTay routhe* felt* his herte / breke ;
And her sorowys / whan he gan adue/te,
From his courser / doun anon he sterte, 4528
Hem confortyng1 in ful good entente,
And in his Armys he hem aH vp hente.
The knyghtys tale / reherseth eue/y del
Fro poyntf to poynf / $if je looke* wel, 4532
And how this Duk / with-oute more abood,
The same day / toward Thebes rood,
Ful lik in soth / a worthy conqueroz^r,
And in his hoostt / of Chyualrye the flow. 4536
And fynally, to spekyn of thys thing,
with old Creon / that1 was of Thebes kyng1,
how that* he faught1 / and slough hym lik a knyghf,
And aH his host* / putte vnto the nyghtt. 4540
II }it, as some auctours make menciou^,
Or Theseus entred into touw,
The women first with pikkeys and with mallys,
with gretf labour / bete' douw the wallys. 4544
And in her writyng also as they sayn,
Campaneus / was on the wallys slayn,
with cast1 of ston / he was so ouerlade ;
For whom Adrastus / such a sorowe made 4548
That1 no man myghtf reles hym of his peyne.
And locasta /, with her doghtres tweyne,
4522. je] as ye E2. haue Tj. M. Ad,, herde] hard Ra. T2. Ro. 4523. Depford
M. Ad!. Depworth P. 4524. bygynnyng] gynnyng Di. 4525. that] om.
Adj. I. he] om. I. 4526. routh Ar. Adj. pite I. 4528. hejsterte Ar.
4530. he] he gan Ra. 4532. loke Tj. M. Adj. look Ar. loke hit Lb. C. IV P. E2.
4540. the] om. Adj. I. Ej. S. 4541. jit] And C. make] maken Tj. Adj.
4542. into] vnto S. toun Ar. G. L2. he touu Tlt and the rest. 4543. pykoys M.
Adj. pekois E2. pikes S. 4544. bete M. beteu Adj. 4547. ston] stoones Lb.
E2. over-ladde Lj. S. ouerlayde Lb. T2. over-throwe P. ouerlade Ar. Tj. M. Adj.
atid therest. 4548. such a] suchTj. Lj. M. Di. Adj. I. Ra. Ej. S. Ro. made] brayde
Lb. made such a sorwe P. 4549. That] Tat Ar. no man] no bing Adj. I.
myght] may Lb. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. reles hym] hyin reles Ej. T2. Ro. hym of] om. S.
PT. ill.] Theseus destroys Tlicbes. The Giwlc Lords are buried. 187
Ful woofully oppressyd of her cherys,
To Athenus wer sent1 as prysonerys.
What1 fil of hem more / can I not1 seyn.
But* Theseus /, myn Autoitr writ certeyii,
Out1 of the feld / or he fro Thebes wente,
He bete it1 downe / and the howsys brente,
The puple slough / for al her crying1 loude,
Maad her wallys / and her towrys protide
Eounde aboute /, euene vpon a rowe,
with the Soyle / to be laide* ful lowe
That1 nou^t was left1 / but the soyle al bare.
And to the wommen / in reles of her care,
The bony s of her lordys / that1 were slayii
This worthy duk / restoryd hath agayfi.
^ But1 what1 shuld I / any lenger dwelle
The olde* Ryytys / by and by to telle,
Nor thobsequies / in ordre to devise ;
Nor to declare / the manere and the Guyse
how the bodyes / wer to Asshes brent1,
Nor of the gommes / in the flaumbe spent1,
To make the ayre* / s wetter of relees,
As f raunc encence / Mirre and Aloes ;
Nor how the wo?nmen / round? aboute stood,
Some with my Ik / and some also with blood,
And some of hem with vrne's made of gold,
whan the asshes fully weren made cold,
Tenclosyn hem of gret1 affecciouw
And bern hem horn / into her Kegiouw ;
4552 were sent to
Athens.)
Theseus levels
Thebes with
the ground.
4556
4560
[leaf 76, back]
IT HO^ Duk The-
seus delyuered to
the ladies the
bodyes of her
lordys.
I shan't describe
the burning of
the bodies,
45G8
4572
or the gold urns
that the ashes
4576 of some were
put in,
4553. of] vpon P. more Ar. G. Lb. C. Tg. P. E.2. 1^. om. Tj. and the rest, can I]
I can Tj. I. P. (sec Notes). 4558. second her] om. Adj. I. 4559. aboute M. Adx.
4560. lade Ar. 4563. bonys] bodyes Lb. M. Di. C. T.2. P. E.,. (see Notes}, her]
the C. P. 4565. what] om. L2. any lenger Ar. G. Lb. C. T2. P. E2. 1^. ban
lenger Lj. M. Adj. I. Ex. S. Ro. lenger thanne Tj. Ra. lenger now Di. 4566.
olde M. Adj. old Ar. 4567. Nor] For Di. the obsequies M. Adj. 4568.
Nor] Ner Lb. nethir P. to] om. G. Lb. Eg. and] nor T.>. ne Lb. gyse
M. Adj. 4570. Nor] Ne Lb. Di. P. in] of Di. flaume"T1. M. Adj. E,.
tlamme G. Ej. T.2. flame S. flawmes Ra. 4571. ayr M. Adj. hayre Ar.
4572. fraiik eucense M. Adj. and] om. Adx. 4574. and] om. Adj. I. 4576.
were M. Adj. 4577. To enclosen Ad1. To enclose M. gret] ful gret C.
4578. bern Ar. bere Ad^ borne M. DL
1SS Theseus returns to Athens, and the Argives to Argos. [PT. ill.
And liow that other / ful dedly of her loke,
For loue only / of the bonys tooke, 4580
Hem to kepe / for a remenibraiwce :
That* to reherce / euery obseruau??ce
That1 was don / in the fyre's bright1,
or the games, The waku-playes / duryng1 al the nyghf, 4584
or wrestling, Nor of the wrastlyng / to telle poynf be poynt1,
Of hem that weren* / nakyd and enoywf,
how eueriche other lugge gau and shake ;
or the taking ]>^or how the wowmen han her leve take 4588
leave of Theseus.
Of Theseus / with ful grefr humblesse,
Thankyng1 hyni of his worthynesse
That1 hym lysfr vpon her woo to rewe ;
And how that1 he, his fredam to renewe, 4592
[leaf 77] with the wowtmen, of his hegh largesse,
ypartyd hath / ek of his Eichesse ;
Theseus goes f And how this Duk Thebes ek forsoke
to Athous.
And to Athenys / the righte waye* tooke, 4596
with laurer crownyd / iu signe of victorye,
And the palme of conquest1 and of glorye,
Did his honur / duely to marte ;
And how the wymmen wepte whan they departe* 4600
with kyng1 Adrastus / hoin ageyn to Arge :
Kyn? Adr^tus Xo tellyn al. it* wer to gret1 a charge,
•w ith the lady es *
a^7nto Arge ^ Anti ek also> as 3e slial vnderstonde,
At1 the gynnyng I took no mor on honde 4604
Be my promys, in conclusioiw,
But1 to reherce the destrucciouw
4582 to 4676 lost in I. 4582. reherce Ar. aiwL all. 4585. Nor] No Lb. P.
of] for G. the] om. Ro. wrastlyng] wrestlyng Ko. wrostelyng Lj. vvraxling S.
to] om. C. to telle] telliiig T2. E2 L2. om. Lb. P. 4586. wern Ar. M.
vveren Di. were Adj. 4588. han M. haue Bo. Adj. 4589. ful] om.
Adj. Ra. P. 4592. that] om. Ra. to Ar. G. Lb. C. T2. P. E.2. L2. gan Bo.
and the rest. 4594. yparted] And parted Di. Parted T\. C. 4596.
right Bo. M. Adj. weye Tj. Ra. Ej. E2. way Ar. Bo. M. Adj. righte
waye] way right he Adj. right wey he P. 4597 to 4658 lost in Lb.
4598. secoiul ot] om. Ra. Ej. Ro. 4600. wepte M. wept Bo. Adj. they] he
L2. departe] parte Ar. G. T2. P. E.,. 4601. Arge] Arche L,. 4602. it] om.
Ar. G. L2. a] om. T^ T2. 4603. shal Ar. Adj. shul Bo. M. sholde Ej. Ro.
4004. At the Ar. Atte Adj. At Bo. M. gynnyng] Bygynnynge P. L.,. took]
take Bo. Du. Ra. P.
Adrastus dies. Thebes destroy d 400 years before Rome founded. 189
Of myghty Thebes / shortly, and no more.
And thus Adrastus, with his lokkys hore,
Stille abood in Arge his Cyte
Vnto his ende / : 36 gete no more of me,
Sauf, as myn aucto?//- / liketh to compyle,
After that he lyued but* a while ;
For he was old er the siege gan,
And thought1 and sorowe so vpon hy??? ran ;
The which in soth shortyd hath his dayes.
And, tyme sette, deth make]? no delayes,
And al his loye / passid was and gon,
For of his lordys / alyve was not* on
But slayn at Thebes /, $e knowen al the cas.
and whan this kyng / in Arge buryed was
Ful Ryaly / with gref solempnyte,
If was acountyd /, in bookys $e may Se,
II Four hundred $eer /, as mad is menciouw,
To-foor the beelding* / and fundaciou/i
Of gret1 Rome / so Ryal and so large,
whan the ladies / departyden* from Arge
To her contres / ful tresf and desolaf.
lo f her the fyn / of contek and debaf .
Lof her the myghf of Mars the fro ward* sterre.
Lo '. what* if is ' for-to gynne a werre.
U How if concludeth / ensample }e may se
First1 of Grekys / and next1 of the Cyte :
4608 Adrastus stays
in Argos,
4612
but the trouble
of the Siege
shortens his life.
4616 He dies,
4620 and is buried.
[leaf 77, back]
CCCC 5ere to-fore
)>e fundaciou;! of
Rome -was Thebes
destroyed.
4624
4628
4632 Thebes.
4608. his] om. Bo. 4609. his] the G. 4613. gan Ar. G. C. T2. LJ.
began Bo. and the rest. 4614. sorowe Bo. sorw M. Adj. 4616. And
tyme] atte tyme Ad,, deth] om. P. 4617. al] om. Du. passid was] is passed
Adj. 4619. slayn at Thebes] atte Thebes slayn Adj. al] om. Adj. 4620.
in Arge] om. Adj. 4621. ryally Bo. M. royally Adj. 4622. acountyd
Ar. Adj. accountyd Bo. acomptiu Lj. counted M. Je may] as ye may Lj. Ad,.
4623. hundred Adj. hundreth Bo. hondred M. CCCC yere C. 4624.
belding Bo. Adj. bildyng M. 4625. grete Bo. gret M. Adj. the grete P.
ryal Bo. M. roial Adj. hye P. Royally Ej. Ro. second so] om. Adj. 4626.
departyden] partyd Ar. G. departyd Bo. and all the other MS8. (sec Notes).
4627. tryst Bo. Adj. 4628. contek] contecte Lj. and] of Di. 4629. second
the] bat Lj. froward Ar. G. C. T2. P. £5. L^ mighti Bo. and all the rest.
4630, forto Ar. G. M. Di. Ra. to Bo. and the rest, gynne] begynne Lj. S. C. T0.
P. Eo. L2. 4632. Grekys] be Grekes Bo. L,. E2. next] sith G. Adj. S. C. T2.
P. E.2. sithen Ra. the] this Adj. the Cyte] Thebes be Cyte Lj. P. the Thebans
cite Eo.
190 Grecian Worthies are all slain. All Folk suffer in War. [PT. III.
«[ The worthy
blood of Grece
•was distroyed at
the siege «n</
the Cyte fynaly
brouht to nought
In war,
high and low,
both suffer.
1 Bellona is god-
desse of bataill.
[leaf 78]
Both sides
are damaged
by war.
For owther parte / hath matcre to conpleyiie.
And in her strif / 36 may se thyngges tweyne :
IT The worthy blood of al grece spilf ,
And Thebes ek /, of Amphion first bylf , 4636
With-oute Recur / brouht1 vnto Ruyne
And with the soyle made pleyn as a lyne,
To wyldernesse turnyd / and desert*,
And Grekys ek / falle into pouerf , 4640
Both of her men / and also of her good ;
For fynaly / al the gentyl blood
was shad out1 ther /, her wound ys wer so wyde,
To los fynal vnto outher syde. 4644
For in the werre is non excepcioure
Of hegh estaf / nor lowfi condicioura,
But1 as fortune / and fate, both yffere,
List1 to dispose / with her double chere, 4648
And Bellona* / the goddes in hir char
Aforn provydeth / ; wherfor ech man be war
Vnavysed / a werre to bygynne.
For no man woof who shal lese or wynne. 4652
And hard it is whan eyther party leseth.
And douteles / nowther of hem cheseth
That1 they most1 / in al swich mortal rage,
Maugre her lust1 /, felyn gref damage. 4656
If may naf be by ma?mys myghf restreyned.
And werre in soth / was neuer first ordeyned
4633. owther Ar. eyther Bo. M. Adj. parte] partie Di. hath] om. Di.
hath matere] mater hath M. 4635. grece] grekes S. 4636. first] om.
Adj. 4638. soyle Bo. M. soil Adj. a] ony C. T2. P. £3. 4639.
wydernesse Ar. wildernesse Bo. 4640. ek] om. Al. Di. falle Ar. Bo. M. Adj.
fallen Ra. S. P. 1^. full Lj. broujte Di. into] in Adj. to Ha. 4641. also]
om. Adj. 4644. To los fynal vnto] vn-to gret los of Adj. outher Ar.
eyther Bo. M. Adj. )>e tother G. every S. P. 4649 and 4650 are transposed
in M. Di. 4649. Bellona] Belliona Ar. G. 4650. wherfor Ar. G. T2. Eo. L2.
)>er-fore Bo. and the rest, ech] euery C. T2. P. E^ 4652. woot] om. Ra. lese
M. Adj. lees Bo. 4653. And hard it is] Ne wot and hard is Ra. whan] where
P. eyther Ar. Bo. M. euery P. party Bo. part M. eyther party leseth]
bobe parties leseth Adj. Ra. S. 4654. nowther Ar. Bo. Adj. neither M.
nowther of hem ] ne]>er party P. 4655. swich] sewyth G. rage] rache M.
4656. lust M. Adj. list Bo. felyn Ar. C. T2. R,. L2. fallyn in G. fall to P.
folowe Bo. and the rest.
PT. in.] War begun in Heaven thru Lucifer. Envy rules now. 191
But1 for synne folkis to chastyse.
And as the byble / trewly kan devyse, 4660 «f HOW that
•> I werre byganne
Hegh in heuene / of Pryde and Surquedye, *riaS sur-he
Lucyfer, fader of Envie, £«£c of Lu'
The olde Serpent* /, he levyatlian,
Was the first* / that1 euer werre gan : 4664
Whan Michael /, the heuenly Champiouw,
with his Feerys / venqwisshyd the Dragon??,
And to helle / cast1 hym downe ful lowe.
The whiche serpent1 hath the Cokkyl sowe 4668 1 lorn™
Thorgh al erth / of envye and debaf, Bnyy rulcs now"
That1 vnnethys / is ther non estat1,
with-oute stryf / can lyve in Charite.
For euery man / of hegh and lough degre, 4672
Envyeth now / that1 other shulde thryve.
And ground? and cause / why that1 men so stryvc, j^I^nMtton
Is coveytise / and fals Ambitious,
That1 euerich wold han domynacioura 4676
Ouer other, and trede hym vndyr foote :
which of al sorowe / gynnyng1 is and Kootc. oTalfev™0*8
And Crist' recordyth / — red luk * and 30 may se —
For lak of love / what1 meschief ber shal be. 4680 f Sureet eens
contra ge/ttem,
For .0. puple / as he doth devyse, Luoe xxi°-
Agayn anojwr / of hate shal aryse.
And after tellith what1 dy visions [leaf 78, back]
4659. for synne Ar. G. Ra. Ej. S. L2. Ro. for synful Bo. Tj. Lj. Lb. M.
Di. (Adj.) C. T2. P. E2. folkis] folke LI. Lb. C. T2. P. sinful folkes for to Adj.
4661. in the rubric Ar. has pde and suuquedye. 4662. om. in P (a later liaiul
has written in the margin : ffirste ye shall vndirstonde and se). 4662. fader] the
fader C. that fader T2. Envie] al enuye C. cursed envie Adj. 4663.
olde Bo. he] the Ra. 4664. the] ]?o Bo. euer] om. S. werre] syn M. Di.
gan Ar. began G. Bo. and the rest. 4666. venquisshed Bo. M. Adj. Feerys]
felowes S. 4668. whiche Bo. M. which Adj. Cokkyl Ar. kokkel Bo. Adj.
kocle M. cockal Ra. in Ar. before serpent is ko, underdotted. 4669. Torgh
Ar. al erth] al the erthe Adi. S. E2. 4670. vnnethys] vnnethe Lb. vnneth
P. non] ony Tj. Lb. M. Di. eny Adr any P. estat] stat M. Di. astate Lb.
P. 4673. shold M. shal Bo. 4674. that] om. Ra. S. stryve] scryue
ET. Ro. 4675. Ambicioun] abusion Adj. 4676. haue Bo. M. Adj.
4677. Ouer] Of G. 4678. sorowe Bo. sorw M. Adj. gynnyng] gynner M.
Di. 4679. Crist Bo. M. Adj. Christ E2. hike G. C. P. L2. luce T2.
loke Lb. looke E2. bok Ar. ]>e boke Bo. and the rest. 4680. what] om. Adv
I. ]>er shal] shal )>er Bo. Tx. Adi. I. S. 4681. puple Ar. G. peple Bo. M.
people Ej. E2. Ro.
192 Your War shall cease, and 'Love ami Peace shall spread. [PT. ill.
Strife starts
But War
shall cuasi! ;
Lovo shall
spreiul.
Christ, who
is God
and man,
lot us pray Him,
Ther shal be / atwixe* regyou»s,
Eumche bysy / other to oppresse.
And al swicli strif /, as he berth wytnesse,
Kalendys ben /, I take his word to borowc,
And a gynnyng* / of meschief and of sorowe :
Men haue if founde / be expmence.
But1 the venyra / and the violence
Of strif, of werre / of contek, and debatf,
That make]) londys bare and desolaf,
Shal be prescript and voyded out of place,
And Martys swerd1 / shal no more manace,
Nor his spere * / greuous to sustene,
Shal now no more* / whettyd* be so kene,
Nor he no more* / shal his hauberk shake.
But1 loue and pees / iu hertys shal awake,
And charite /, both in length and brede,
Of newe shal her bryghte beemys sprede
Thorgh grace / only f in dyuers naciou??s,
Forto reforme / a-twixe* Regyou«s
Pees and quyef / concord? and vnyte.
And he that1 is / both on / and two / and thre,
Ek thre in on / and souereyn lord of pes,
Which in this exil / for our sake ches,
For loue only / our troubles to termyne,
For to be born / of a pur virgyne :
^r And lat vs prey / to hym that1 is most good,
4688
4692
461)6
4700
4704
4708
4684. be] om. I^. atwix Ar. Ra. a-twene Bo. M. Adj. betwyxt L2.
bctwene Lb. 4686. berth Ar. bereth Bo. berith M. Adj. 4687. ben]
thei ben C. borowe Bo. borw M. Adx. 4689. haue Bo. han M. Adj.
it] om. Bo. 4690. venym] venom M. Adj. 4691. of werre of contek] of
contek of werre Adr I. S. coutek werre Ra (both of om.). and] and of E2.
4693. be] om. Ra. S. proscripte Ar (with e undcrdotted). be prescript] prescript
be Adj. I. voyded] voide Llt Lb. P. voiden Ra. 4694. Martys] mars S.
swerd] swerdes E2. 4695. spere Bo. M. Adj. sper Ar. 4696. now] om. IV
Di. Ra. C. T2. more Bo. M. mor Ar. Adj. whettyd] whtyd Ar. 4700.
bright Bo. M. Adj. 4702. reforme M. Adj. refourme Bo. a-twix Ar. G.
a-twene Bo. M. Adj. Lb. atween Ra. bytwene L2. 4703. first and] om. Ad-,.
I. 4704. he] om. Bo. S. is] om. I. both] om. Lb. L2. both on] on both S.
second and] om. LI. Lb. M. Di. Adj. I. Ra. S. C. T2. P. E2. L2. 4706. sake] loue
C. ches] these Ej. Ro. 4707. For] om. I. loue] om. A'dj. I. troubles] trouble-
nesse Adj. trouble I. to] for to do I. 4708. pur] clene G. 4709. to] om.
Adi. I.
Let us pray Christ to give us Peace here, and Heaven hereafter. 193
Which for mankynde shadde his herte blood,
Thorgh byseching* / of that heuenly quene, thru MS Mother,
"Wyff and moder and a Mayde clene, 4712
To sende vs pes / her in this lyf present1, [leaf 79]
And of oure synnys / parfitf amendemenf, here "
And loye eternal / whan we hennes* wende. and joy here-
after.
Of my tale / thus I make an ende. Explic^. 4716
Here endeth the destruccioiw of Thebes.
4710. Which Ar. G. Lt. Ra. L2. Ro. >at Bo. and the rest, mankynd!
Ar. L.2- mankend G. mankinde 41. Adj. and the rest, except man-kvn Bo.
Tj. shadde Ar. shad Bo. M. Ad^. shed Ej. S. Ro. herte Tv hert Bo. M.
Adj. precious S. 4711. byseching] >e besechyng Bo. Lj. Lb. Di. P. that] the
P. 4712. first and] om. P. a] om. Lb. M. Adj. I. Ra. S. C. T2. P. E.J. Mayde
Ar. Bo. Tx. Ra. Ej. L^. Ro. mayden G. La. and the rest. 4714. amedement Ar.
4715. hennes Bo. Adj. hennys 1^. hens Ar. M. 4716. Of] And of Lb. Adx.
I. C. Tg. P. E2. G (the u-hole line supplied by a late hand, see Introduction). M.
and T3. add Deo gracias.
TH23ZS,
- -
^,-U.- •
c^v^-JK o
PR Chaucer Society, London
1901 cPubli cations-,
A3
ser. 2
S MONOGRAPH
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