John Gower's Confessio amantis

Book 2

Lines 1 through 100

Now after Pride the secounde Line 2.1 Ther is, which many a woful stounde Line 2.2 Towardes othre berth aboute Line 2.3 Withinne himself and noght withoute; Line 2.4 For in his thoght he brenneth evere, Line 2.5 Whan that he wot an other levere Line 2.6 Or more vertuous than he, Line 2.7 Which passeth him in his degre; Line 2.8 Therof he takth his maladie: Line 2.9 That vice is cleped hot Envie. Line 2.10 Forthi, my Sone, if it be so Line 2.11 Thou art or hast ben on of tho, Line 2.12 As forto speke in loves cas, Line 2.13 If evere yit thin herte was Line 2.14 Sek of an other mannes hele? Line 2.15 So god avance my querele, Line 2.16 Mi fader, ye, a thousend sithe: Line 2.17 Whanne I have sen an other blithe Line 2.18 Of love, and hadde a goodly chiere, Line 2.19

Line 2.19 Ethna, which brenneth yer be yere, Line 2.20 Was thanne noght so hot as I Line 2.21 Of thilke Sor which prively Line 2.22 Min hertes thoght withinne brenneth. Line 2.23 The Schip which on the wawes renneth, Line 2.24 And is forstormed and forblowe, Line 2.25 Is noght more peined for a throwe Line 2.26 Than I am thanne, whanne I se Line 2.27 An other which that passeth me Line 2.28 In that fortune of loves yifte. Line 2.29 Bot, fader, this I telle in schrifte, Line 2.30 That is nowher bot in o place; Line 2.31 For who that lese or finde grace Line 2.32 In other stede, it mai noght grieve: Line 2.33 Bot this ye mai riht wel believe, Line 2.34 Toward mi ladi that I serve, Line 2.35 Thogh that I wiste forto sterve, Line 2.36 Min herte is full of such sotie, Line 2.37 That I myself mai noght chastie. Line 2.38 Whan I the Court se of Cupide Line 2.39 Aproche unto my ladi side Line 2.40 Of hem that lusti ben and freisshe,- Line 2.41 Thogh it availe hem noght a reisshe, Line 2.42 Bot only that thei ben in speche,- Line 2.43 My sorwe is thanne noght to seche: Line 2.44 Bot whan thei rounen in hire Ere, Line 2.45 Than groweth al my moste fere, Line 2.46 And namly whan thei talen longe; Line 2.47 My sorwes thanne be so stronge Line 2.48 Of that I se hem wel at ese, Line 2.49 I can noght telle my desese. Line 2.50 Bot, Sire, as of my ladi selve, Line 2.51 Thogh sche have wowers ten or twelve, Line 2.52 For no mistrust I have of hire Line 2.53 Me grieveth noght, for certes, Sire, Line 2.54 I trowe, in al this world to seche, Line 2.55 Nis womman that in dede and speche Line 2.56 Woll betre avise hire what sche doth, Line 2.57

Line 2.57 Ne betre, forto seie a soth, Line 2.58 Kepe hire honour ate alle tide, Line 2.59 And yit get hire a thank beside. Line 2.60 Bot natheles I am beknowe, Line 2.61 That whanne I se at eny throwe, Line 2.62 Or elles if I mai it hiere, Line 2.63 That sche make eny man good chiere, Line 2.64 Thogh I therof have noght to done, Line 2.65 Mi thought wol entermette him sone. Line 2.66 For thogh I be miselve strange, Line 2.67 Envie makth myn herte change, Line 2.68 That I am sorghfully bestad Line 2.69 Of that I se an other glad Line 2.70 With hire; bot of other alle, Line 2.71 Of love what so mai befalle, Line 2.72 Or that he faile or that he spede, Line 2.73 Therof take I bot litel heede. Line 2.74 Now have I seid, my fader, al Line 2.75 As of this point in special, Line 2.76 Als ferforthli as I have wist. Line 2.77 Now axeth further what you list. Line 2.78 Mi Sone, er I axe eny more, Line 2.79 I thenke somdiel for thi lore Line 2.80 Telle an ensample of this matiere Line 2.81 Touchende Envie, as thou schalt hiere. Line 2.82 Write in Civile this I finde: Line 2.83 Thogh it be noght the houndes kinde Line 2.84 To ete chaf, yit wol he werne Line 2.85 An Oxe which comth to the berne, Line 2.86 Therof to taken eny fode. Line 2.87 And thus, who that it understode, Line 2.88 It stant of love in many place: Line 2.89 Who that is out of loves grace Line 2.90 And mai himselven noght availe, Line 2.91 He wolde an other scholde faile; Line 2.92 And if he may put eny lette, Line 2.93 He doth al that he mai to lette. Line 2.94

Line 2.94 Wherof I finde, as thou schalt wite, Line 2.95 To this pourpos a tale write. Line 2.96 Ther ben of suche mo than twelve, Line 2.97 That ben noght able as of hemselve Line 2.98 To gete love, and for Envie Line 2.99 Upon alle othre thei aspie; Line 2.100

Lines 101 through 200

And for hem lacketh that thei wolde, Line 2.101 Thei kepte that non other scholde Line 2.102 Touchende of love his cause spede: Line 2.103 Wherof a gret ensample I rede, Line 2.104 Which unto this matiere acordeth, Line 2.105 As Ovide in his bok recordeth, Line 2.106 How Poliphemus whilom wroghte, Line 2.107 Whan that he Galathee besoghte Line 2.108 Of love, which he mai noght lacche. Line 2.109 That made him forto waite and wacche Line 2.110 Be alle weies how it ferde, Line 2.111 Til ate laste he knew and herde Line 2.112 How that an other hadde leve Line 2.113 To love there as he mot leve, Line 2.114 As forto speke of eny sped: Line 2.115 So that he knew non other red, Line 2.116 Bot forto wayten upon alle, Line 2.117 Til he may se the chance falle Line 2.118 That he hire love myhte grieve, Line 2.119 Which he himself mai noght achieve. Line 2.120 This Galathee, seith the Poete, Line 2.121 Above alle othre was unmete Line 2.122 Of beaute, that men thanne knewe, Line 2.123 And hadde a lusti love and trewe, Line 2.124 A Bacheler in his degree, Line 2.125 Riht such an other as was sche, Line 2.126 On whom sche hath hire herte set, Line 2.127 So that it myhte noght be let Line 2.128 For yifte ne for no beheste, Line 2.129 That sche ne was al at his heste. Line 2.130

Line 2.130 This yonge knyht Acis was hote, Line 2.131 Which hire ayeinward als so hote Line 2.132 Al only loveth and nomo. Line 2.133 Hierof was Poliphemus wo Line 2.134 Thurgh pure Envie, and evere aspide, Line 2.135 And waiteth upon every side, Line 2.136 Whan he togedre myhte se Line 2.137 This yonge Acis with Galathe. Line 2.138 So longe he waiteth to and fro, Line 2.139 Til ate laste he fond hem tuo, Line 2.140 In prive place wher thei stode Line 2.141 To speke and have here wordes goode. Line 2.142 The place wher as he hem syh, Line 2.143 It was under a banke nyh Line 2.144 The grete See, and he above Line 2.145 Stod and behield the lusti love Line 2.146 Which ech of hem to other made Line 2.147 With goodly chiere and wordes glade, Line 2.148 That al his herte hath set afyre Line 2.149 Of pure Envie: and as a fyre Line 2.150 Which fleth out of a myhti bowe, Line 2.151 Aweie he fledde for a throwe, Line 2.152 As he that was for love wod, Line 2.153 Whan that he sih how that it stod. Line 2.154 This Polipheme a Geant was; Line 2.155 And whan he sih the sothe cas, Line 2.156 How Galathee him hath forsake Line 2.157 And Acis to hire love take, Line 2.158 His herte mai it noght forbere Line 2.159 That he ne roreth lich a Bere; Line 2.160 And as it were a wilde beste, Line 2.161 The whom no reson mihte areste, Line 2.162 He ran Ethna the hell aboute, Line 2.163 Wher nevere yit the fyr was oute, Line 2.164 Fulfild of sorghe and gret desese, Line 2.165 That he syh Acis wel at ese. Line 2.166

Line 2.166 Til ate laste he him bethoghte, Line 2.167 As he which al Envie soghte, Line 2.168 And torneth to the banke ayein, Line 2.169 Wher he with Galathee hath seyn Line 2.170 Acis, whom that he thoghte grieve, Line 2.171 Thogh he himself mai noght relieve. Line 2.172 This Geant with his ruide myht Line 2.173 Part of the banke he schof doun riht, Line 2.174 The which evene upon Acis fell, Line 2.175 So that with fallinge of this hell Line 2.176 This Poliphemus Acis slowh, Line 2.177 Wherof sche made sorwe ynowh. Line 2.178 And as sche fledde fro the londe, Line 2.179 Neptunus tok hire into honde Line 2.180 And kept hire in so sauf a place Line 2.181 Fro Polipheme and his manace, Line 2.182 That he with al his false Envie Line 2.183 Ne mihte atteigne hir compaignie. Line 2.184 This Galathee of whom I speke, Line 2.185 That of hirself mai noght be wreke, Line 2.186 Withouten eny semblant feigned Line 2.187 Sche hath hire loves deth compleigned, Line 2.188 And with hire sorwe and with hire wo Line 2.189 Sche hath the goddes moeved so, Line 2.190 That thei of pite and of grace Line 2.191 Have Acis in the same place, Line 2.192 Ther he lai ded, into a welle Line 2.193 Transformed, as the bokes telle, Line 2.194 With freisshe stremes and with cliere, Line 2.195 As he whilom with lusti chiere Line 2.196 Was freissh his love forto qweme. Line 2.197 And with this ruide Polipheme Line 2.198 For his Envie and for his hate Line 2.199 Thei were wrothe. And thus algate, Line 2.200

Lines 201 through 300

Mi Sone, thou myht understonde, Line 2.201 That if thou wolt in grace stonde Line 2.202 With love, thou most leve Envie: Line 2.203 And as thou wolt for thi partie Line 2.204

Line 2.204 Toward thi love stonde fre, Line 2.205 So most thou soffre an other be, Line 2.206 What so befalle upon the chaunce: Line 2.207 For it is an unwys vengance, Line 2.208 Which to non other man is lief, Line 2.209 And is unto himselve grief. Line 2.210 Mi fader, this ensample is good; Line 2.211 Bot how so evere that it stod Line 2.212 With Poliphemes love as tho, Line 2.213 It schal noght stonde with me so, Line 2.214 To worchen eny felonie Line 2.215 In love for no such Envie. Line 2.216 Forthi if ther oght elles be, Line 2.217 Now axeth forth, in what degre Line 2.218 It is, and I me schal confesse Line 2.219 With schrifte unto youre holinesse. Line 2.220 Mi goode Sone, yit ther is Line 2.221 A vice revers unto this, Line 2.222 Which envious takth his gladnesse Line 2.223 Of that he seth the hevinesse Line 2.224 Of othre men: for his welfare Line 2.225 Is whanne he wot an other care: Line 2.226 Of that an other hath a fall, Line 2.227 He thenkth himself arist withal. Line 2.228 Such is the gladschipe of Envie Line 2.229 In worldes thing, and in partie Line 2.230 Fulofte times ek also Line 2.231 In loves cause it stant riht so. Line 2.232

Line 2.232 If thou, my Sone, hast joie had, Line 2.233 Whan thou an other sihe unglad, Line 2.234 Schrif the therof. Mi fader, yis: Line 2.235 I am beknowe unto you this. Line 2.236 Of these lovers that loven streyte, Line 2.237 And for that point which thei coveite Line 2.238 Ben poursuiantz fro yeer to yere Line 2.239 In loves Court, whan I may hiere Line 2.240 How that thei clymbe upon the whel, Line 2.241 And whan thei wene al schal be wel, Line 2.242 Thei ben doun throwen ate laste, Line 2.243 Thanne am I fedd of that thei faste, Line 2.244 And lawhe of that I se hem loure; Line 2.245 And thus of that thei brewe soure Line 2.246 I drinke swete, and am wel esed Line 2.247 Of that I wot thei ben desesed. Line 2.248 Bot this which I you telle hiere Line 2.249 Is only for my lady diere; Line 2.250 That for non other that I knowe Line 2.251 Me reccheth noght who overthrowe, Line 2.252 Ne who that stonde in love upriht: Line 2.253 Bot be he squier, be he knyht, Line 2.254 Which to my ladiward poursuieth, Line 2.255 The more he lest of that he suieth, Line 2.256 The mor me thenketh that I winne, Line 2.257 And am the more glad withinne Line 2.258 Of that I wot him sorwe endure. Line 2.259 For evere upon such aventure Line 2.260 It is a confort, as men sein, Line 2.261 To him the which is wo besein Line 2.262 To sen an other in his peine, Line 2.263 So that thei bothe mai compleigne. Line 2.264 Wher I miself mai noght availe Line 2.265 To sen an other man travaile, Line 2.266 I am riht glad if he be let; Line 2.267 And thogh I fare noght the bet, Line 2.268 His sorwe is to myn herte a game: Line 2.269 Whan that I knowe it is the same Line 2.270 Which to mi ladi stant enclined, Line 2.271

Line 2.271 And hath his love noght termined, Line 2.272 I am riht joifull in my thoght. Line 2.273 If such Envie grieveth oght, Line 2.274 As I beknowe me coupable, Line 2.275 Ye that be wys and resonable, Line 2.276 Mi fader, telleth youre avis. Line 2.277 Mi Sone, Envie into no pris Line 2.278 Of such a forme, I understonde, Line 2.279 Ne mihte be no resoun stonde Line 2.280 For this Envie hath such a kinde, Line 2.281 That he wole sette himself behinde Line 2.282 To hindre with an othre wyht, Line 2.283 And gladly lese his oghne riht Line 2.284 To make an other lesen his. Line 2.285 And forto knowe how it so is, Line 2.286 A tale lich to this matiere Line 2.287 I thenke telle, if thou wolt hiere, Line 2.288 To schewe proprely the vice Line 2.289 Of this Envie and the malice. Line 2.290 Of Jupiter this finde I write, Line 2.291 How whilom that he wolde wite Line 2.292 Upon the pleigntes whiche he herde, Line 2.293 Among the men how that it ferde, Line 2.294 As of here wrong condicion Line 2.295 To do justificacion: Line 2.296 And for that cause doun he sente Line 2.297 An Angel, which about wente, Line 2.298 That he the sothe knowe mai. Line 2.299 So it befell upon a dai Line 2.300

Lines 301 through 400

This Angel, which him scholde enforme, Line 2.301 Was clothed in a mannes forme, Line 2.302 And overtok, I understonde, Line 2.303 Tuo men that wenten over londe, Line 2.304 Thurgh whiche he thoghte to aspie Line 2.305 His cause, and goth in compaignie. Line 2.306 This Angel with hise wordes wise Line 2.307 Opposeth hem in sondri wise, Line 2.308 Now lowde wordes and now softe, Line 2.309

Line 2.309 That mad hem to desputen ofte, Line 2.310 And ech of hem his reson hadde. Line 2.311 And thus with tales he hem ladde Line 2.312 With good examinacioun, Line 2.313 Til he knew the condicioun, Line 2.314 What men thei were bothe tuo; Line 2.315 And sih wel ate laste tho, Line 2.316 That on of hem was coveitous, Line 2.317 And his fela was envious. Line 2.318 And thus, whan he hath knowlechinge, Line 2.319 Anon he feigneth departinge, Line 2.320 And seide he mot algate wende. Line 2.321 Bot herkne now what fell at ende: Line 2.322 For thanne he made hem understonde Line 2.323 That he was there of goddes sonde, Line 2.324 And seide hem, for the kindeschipe Line 2.325 That thei have don him felaschipe, Line 2.326 He wole hem do som grace ayein, Line 2.327 And bad that on of hem schal sein Line 2.328 What thing him is lievest to crave, Line 2.329 And he it schal of yifte have; Line 2.330 And over that ek forth withal Line 2.331 He seith that other have schal Line 2.332 The double of that his felaw axeth; Line 2.333 And thus to hem his grace he taxeth. Line 2.334 The coveitous was wonder glad, Line 2.335 And to that other man he bad Line 2.336 And seith that he ferst axe scholde: Line 2.337 For he supposeth that he wolde Line 2.338 Make his axinge of worldes good; Line 2.339 For thanne he knew wel how it stod, Line 2.340 That he himself be double weyhte Line 2.341 Schal after take, and thus be sleyhte, Line 2.342 Be cause that he wolde winne, Line 2.343 He bad his fela ferst beginne. Line 2.344 This Envious, thogh it be late, Line 2.345 Whan that he syh he mot algate Line 2.346

Line 2.346 Make his axinge ferst, he thoghte, Line 2.347 If he worschipe or profit soghte, Line 2.348 It schal be doubled to his fiere: Line 2.349 That wolde he chese in no manere. Line 2.350 Bot thanne he scheweth what he was Line 2.351 Toward Envie, and in this cas Line 2.352 Unto this Angel thus he seide Line 2.353 And for his yifte this he preide, Line 2.354 To make him blind of his on yhe, Line 2.355 So that his fela nothing syhe. Line 2.356 This word was noght so sone spoke, Line 2.357 That his on yhe anon was loke, Line 2.358 And his felawh forthwith also Line 2.359 Was blind of bothe his yhen tuo. Line 2.360 Tho was that other glad ynowh, Line 2.361 That on wepte, and that other lowh, Line 2.362 He sette his on yhe at no cost, Line 2.363 Wherof that other two hath lost. Line 2.364 Of thilke ensample which fell tho, Line 2.365 Men tellen now fulofte so, Line 2.366 The world empeireth comunly: Line 2.367 And yit wot non the cause why; Line 2.368 For it acordeth noght to kinde Line 2.369 Min oghne harm to seche and finde Line 2.370 Of that I schal my brother grieve; Line 2.371 It myhte nevere wel achieve. Line 2.372 What seist thou, Sone, of this folie? Line 2.373 Mi fader, bot I scholde lie, Line 2.374 Upon the point which ye have seid Line 2.375 Yit was myn herte nevere leid, Line 2.376 Bot in the wise as I you tolde. Line 2.377 Bot overmore, if that ye wolde Line 2.378 Oght elles to my schrifte seie Line 2.379 Touchende Envie, I wolde preie. Line 2.380 Mi Sone, that schal wel be do: Line 2.381 Now herkne and ley thin Ere to. Line 2.382

Line 2.382 Touchende as of Envious brod Line 2.383 I wot noght on of alle good; Line 2.384 Bot natheles, suche as thei be, Line 2.385 Yit is ther on, and that is he Line 2.386 Which cleped in Detraccioun. Line 2.387 And to conferme his accioun, Line 2.388 He hath withholde Malebouche, Line 2.389 Whos tunge neither pyl ne crouche Line 2.390 Mai hyre, so that he pronounce Line 2.391 A plein good word withoute frounce Line 2.392 Awher behinde a mannes bak. Line 2.393 For thogh he preise, he fint som lak, Line 2.394 Which of his tale is ay the laste, Line 2.395 That al the pris schal overcaste: Line 2.396 And thogh ther be no cause why, Line 2.397 Yit wole he jangle noght forthi, Line 2.398 As he which hath the heraldie Line 2.399 Of hem that usen forto lye. Line 2.400

Lines 401 through 500

For as the Netle which up renneth Line 2.401 The freisshe rede Roses brenneth Line 2.402 And makth hem fade and pale of hewe, Line 2.403 Riht so this fals Envious hewe, Line 2.404 In every place wher he duelleth, Line 2.405 With false wordes whiche he telleth Line 2.406 He torneth preisinge into blame Line 2.407 And worschipe into worldes schame. Line 2.408 Of such lesinge as he compasseth, Line 2.409 Is non so good that he ne passeth Line 2.410 Betwen his teeth and is bacbited, Line 2.411 And thurgh his false tunge endited: Line 2.412

Line 2.412 Lich to the Scharnebudes kinde, Line 2.413 Of whos nature this I finde, Line 2.414 That in the hoteste of the dai, Line 2.415 Whan comen is the merie Maii, Line 2.416 He sprat his wynge and up he fleth: Line 2.417 And under al aboute he seth Line 2.418 The faire lusti floures springe, Line 2.419 Bot therof hath he no likinge; Line 2.420 Bot where he seth of eny beste Line 2.421 The felthe, ther he makth his feste, Line 2.422 And therupon he wole alyhte, Line 2.423 Ther liketh him non other sihte. Line 2.424 Riht so this janglere Envious, Line 2.425 Thogh he a man se vertuous Line 2.426 And full of good condicioun, Line 2.427 Therof makth he no mencioun: Line 2.428 Bot elles, be it noght so lyte, Line 2.429 Wherof that he mai sette a wyte, Line 2.430 Ther renneth he with open mouth, Line 2.431 Behinde a man and makth it couth. Line 2.432 Bot al the vertu which he can, Line 2.433 That wole he hide of every man, Line 2.434 And openly the vice telle, Line 2.435 As he which of the Scole of helle Line 2.436 Is tawht, and fostred with Envie Line 2.437 Of houshold and of compaignie, Line 2.438 Wher that he hath his propre office Line 2.439 To sette on every man a vice. Line 2.440 How so his mouth be comely, Line 2.441 His word sit evermore awry Line 2.442 And seith the worste that he may. Line 2.443 And in this wise now a day Line 2.444 In loves Court a man mai hiere Line 2.445 Fulofte pleigne of this matiere, Line 2.446 That many envious tale is stered, Line 2.447 Wher that it mai noght ben ansuered; Line 2.448 Bot yit fulofte it is believed, Line 2.449 And many a worthi love is grieved Line 2.450 Thurgh bacbitinge of fals Envie. Line 2.451 If thou have mad such janglerie Line 2.452

Line 2.452 In loves Court, mi Sone, er this, Line 2.453 Schrif thee therof. Mi fader, yis: Line 2.454 Bot wite ye how? noght openly, Line 2.455 Bot otherwhile prively, Line 2.456 Whan I my diere ladi mete, Line 2.457 And thenke how that I am noght mete Line 2.458 Unto hire hihe worthinesse, Line 2.459 And ek I se the besinesse Line 2.460 Of al this yonge lusty route, Line 2.461 Whiche alday pressen hire aboute, Line 2.462 And ech of hem his time awaiteth, Line 2.463 And ech of hem his tale affaiteth, Line 2.464 Al to deceive an innocent, Line 2.465 Which woll noght ben of here assent; Line 2.466 And for men sein unknowe unkest, Line 2.467 Hire thombe sche holt in hire fest Line 2.468 So clos withinne hire oghne hond, Line 2.469 That there winneth noman lond; Line 2.470 Sche lieveth noght al that sche hiereth, Line 2.471 And thus fulofte hirself sche skiereth Line 2.472 And is al war of "hadde I wist":- Line 2.473 Bot for al that myn herte arist, Line 2.474 Whanne I thes comun lovers se, Line 2.475 That woll noght holden hem to thre, Line 2.476 Bot welnyh loven overal, Line 2.477 Min herte is Envious withal, Line 2.478 And evere I am adrad of guile, Line 2.479 In aunter if with eny wyle Line 2.480 Thei mihte hire innocence enchaunte. Line 2.481 Forthi my wordes ofte I haunte Line 2.482 Behynden hem, so as I dar, Line 2.483 Wherof my ladi may be war: Line 2.484 I sai what evere comth to mowthe, Line 2.485 And worse I wolde, if that I cowthe; Line 2.486 For whanne I come unto hir speche, Line 2.487 Al that I may enquere and seche Line 2.488

Line 2.488 Of such deceipte, I telle it al, Line 2.489 And ay the werste in special. Line 2.490 So fayn I wolde that sche wiste Line 2.491 How litel thei ben forto triste, Line 2.492 And what thei wolde and what thei mente, Line 2.493 So as thei be of double entente: Line 2.494 Thus toward hem that wicke mene Line 2.495 My wicked word was evere grene. Line 2.496 And natheles, the soth to telle, Line 2.497 In certain if it so befelle Line 2.498 That althertrewest man ybore, Line 2.499 To chese among a thousend score, Line 2.500

Lines 501 through 600

Which were alfulli forto triste, Line 2.501 Mi ladi lovede, and I it wiste, Line 2.502 Yit rathere thanne he scholde spede, Line 2.503 I wolde swiche tales sprede Line 2.504 To my ladi, if that I myhte, Line 2.505 That I scholde al his love unrihte, Line 2.506 And therto wolde I do mi peine. Line 2.507 For certes thogh I scholde feigne, Line 2.508 And telle that was nevere thoght, Line 2.509 For al this world I myhte noght Line 2.510 To soffre an othre fully winne, Line 2.511 Ther as I am yit to beginne. Line 2.512 For be thei goode, or be thei badde, Line 2.513 I wolde non my ladi hadde; Line 2.514 And that me makth fulofte aspie Line 2.515 And usen wordes of Envie, Line 2.516 Al forto make hem bere a blame. Line 2.517 And that is bot of thilke same, Line 2.518 The whiche unto my ladi drawe, Line 2.519 For evere on hem I rounge and gknawe Line 2.520 And hindre hem al that evere I mai; Line 2.521 And that is, sothly forto say, Line 2.522 Bot only to my lady selve: Line 2.523 I telle it noght to ten ne tuelve, Line 2.524 Therof I wol me wel avise, Line 2.525 To speke or jangle in eny wise Line 2.526 That toucheth to my ladi name, Line 2.527

Line 2.527 The which in ernest and in game Line 2.528 I wolde save into my deth; Line 2.529 For me were levere lacke breth Line 2.530 Than speken of hire name amis. Line 2.531 Now have ye herd touchende of this, Line 2.532 Mi fader, in confessioun: Line 2.533 And therfor of Detraccioun Line 2.534 In love, of that I have mispoke, Line 2.535 Tel how ye wole it schal be wroke. Line 2.536 I am al redy forto bere Line 2.537 Mi peine, and also to forbere Line 2.538 What thing that ye wol noght allowe; Line 2.539 For who is bounden, he mot bowe. Line 2.540 So wol I bowe unto youre heste, Line 2.541 For I dar make this beheste, Line 2.542 That I to yow have nothing hid, Line 2.543 Bot told riht as it is betid; Line 2.544 And otherwise of no mispeche, Line 2.545 Mi conscience forto seche, Line 2.546 I can noght of Envie finde, Line 2.547 That I mispoke have oght behinde Line 2.548 Wherof love owhte be mispaid. Line 2.549 Now have ye herd and I have said; Line 2.550 What wol ye, fader, that I do? Line 2.551 Mi Sone, do nomore so, Line 2.552 Bot evere kep thi tunge stille, Line 2.553 Thou miht the more have of thi wille. Line 2.554 For as thou saist thiselven here, Line 2.555 Thi ladi is of such manere, Line 2.556 So wys, so war in alle thinge, Line 2.557 It nedeth of no bakbitinge Line 2.558 That thou thi ladi mis enforme: Line 2.559 For whan sche knoweth al the forme, Line 2.560 How that thiself art envious, Line 2.561 Thou schalt noght be so gracious Line 2.562 As thou peraunter scholdest elles. Line 2.563 Ther wol noman drinke of tho welles Line 2.564 Whiche as he wot is puyson inne; Line 2.565 And ofte swich as men beginne Line 2.566

Line 2.566 Towardes othre, swich thei finde, Line 2.567 That set hem ofte fer behinde, Line 2.568 Whan that thei wene be before. Line 2.569 Mi goode Sone, and thou therfore Line 2.570 Bewar and lef thi wicke speche, Line 2.571 Wherof hath fallen ofte wreche Line 2.572 To many a man befor this time. Line 2.573 For who so wole his handes lime, Line 2.574 Thei mosten be the more unclene; Line 2.575 For many a mote schal be sene, Line 2.576 That wolde noght cleve elles there; Line 2.577 And that schold every wys man fere: Line 2.578 For who so wol an other blame, Line 2.579 He secheth ofte his oghne schame, Line 2.580 Which elles myhte be riht stille. Line 2.581 Forthi if that it be thi wille Line 2.582 To stonde upon amendement, Line 2.583 A tale of gret entendement Line 2.584 I thenke telle for thi sake, Line 2.585 Wherof thou miht ensample take. Line 2.586 A worthi kniht in Cristes lawe Line 2.587 Of grete Rome, as is the sawe, Line 2.588 The Sceptre hadde forto rihte; Line 2.589 Tiberie Constantin he hihte, Line 2.590 Whos wif was cleped Ytalie: Line 2.591 Bot thei togedre of progenie Line 2.592 No children hadde bot a Maide; Line 2.593 And sche the god so wel apaide, Line 2.594 That al the wide worldes fame Line 2.595 Spak worschipe of hire goode name. Line 2.596 Constance, as the Cronique seith, Line 2.597 Sche hihte, and was so ful of feith, Line 2.598 That the greteste of Barbarie, Line 2.599 Of hem whiche usen marchandie, Line 2.600

Lines 601 through 700

Sche hath converted, as thei come Line 2.601 To hire upon a time in Rome, Line 2.602 To schewen such thing as thei broghte; Line 2.603 Whiche worthili of hem sche boghte, Line 2.604

Line 2.604 And over that in such a wise Line 2.605 Sche hath hem with hire wordes wise Line 2.606 Of Cristes feith so full enformed, Line 2.607 That thei therto ben all conformed, Line 2.608 So that baptesme thei receiven Line 2.609 And alle here false goddes weyven. Line 2.610 Whan thei ben of the feith certein, Line 2.611 Thei gon to Barbarie ayein, Line 2.612 And ther the Souldan for hem sente Line 2.613 And axeth hem to what entente Line 2.614 Thei have here ferste feith forsake. Line 2.615 And thei, whiche hadden undertake Line 2.616 The rihte feith to kepe and holde, Line 2.617 The matiere of here tale tolde Line 2.618 With al the hole circumstance. Line 2.619 And whan the Souldan of Constance Line 2.620 Upon the point that thei ansuerde Line 2.621 The beaute and the grace herde, Line 2.622 As he which thanne was to wedde, Line 2.623 In alle haste his cause spedde Line 2.624 To sende for the mariage. Line 2.625 And furthermor with good corage Line 2.626 He seith, be so he mai hire have, Line 2.627 That Crist, which cam this world to save, Line 2.628 He woll believe: and this recorded, Line 2.629 Thei ben on either side acorded, Line 2.630 And therupon to make an ende Line 2.631 The Souldan hise hostages sende Line 2.632 To Rome, of Princes Sones tuelve: Line 2.633 Wherof the fader in himselve Line 2.634 Was glad, and with the Pope avised Line 2.635 Tuo Cardinals he hath assissed Line 2.636 With othre lordes many mo, Line 2.637 That with his doghter scholden go, Line 2.638 To se the Souldan be converted. Line 2.639 Bot that which nevere was wel herted, Line 2.640 Envie, tho began travaile Line 2.641 In destourbance of this spousaile Line 2.642 So prively that non was war. Line 2.643

Line 2.643 The Moder which this Souldan bar Line 2.644 Was thanne alyve, and thoghte this Line 2.645 Unto hirself: "If it so is Line 2.646 Mi Sone him wedde in this manere, Line 2.647 Than have I lost my joies hiere, Line 2.648 For myn astat schal so be lassed." Line 2.649 Thenkende thus sche hath compassed Line 2.650 Be sleihte how that sche may beguile Line 2.651 Hire Sone; and fell withinne a while, Line 2.652 Betwen hem two whan that thei were, Line 2.653 Sche feigneth wordes in his Ere, Line 2.654 And in this wise gan to seie: Line 2.655 "Mi Sone, I am be double weie Line 2.656 With al myn herte glad and blithe, Line 2.657 For that miself have ofte sithe Line 2.658 Desired thou wolt, as men seith, Line 2.659 Receive and take a newe feith, Line 2.660 Which schal be forthringe of thi lif: Line 2.661 And ek so worschipful a wif, Line 2.662 The doughter of an Emperour, Line 2.663 To wedde it schal be gret honour. Line 2.664 Forthi, mi Sone, I you beseche Line 2.665 That I such grace mihte areche, Line 2.666 Whan that my doughter come schal, Line 2.667 That I mai thanne in special, Line 2.668 So as me thenkth it is honeste, Line 2.669 Be thilke which the ferste feste Line 2.670 Schal make unto hire welcominge." Line 2.671 The Souldan granteth hire axinge, Line 2.672 And sche therof was glad ynowh: Line 2.673 For under that anon sche drowh Line 2.674 With false wordes that sche spak Line 2.675 Covine of deth behinde his bak. Line 2.676 And therupon hire ordinance Line 2.677 She made so, that whan Constance Line 2.678 Was come forth with the Romeins, Line 2.679 Of clerkes and of Citezeins, Line 2.680

Line 2.680 A riche feste sche hem made: Line 2.681 And most whan that thei weren glade, Line 2.682 With fals covine which sche hadde Line 2.683 Hire clos Envie tho sche spradde, Line 2.684 And alle tho that hadden be Line 2.685 Or in apert or in prive Line 2.686 Of conseil to the mariage, Line 2.687 Sche slowh hem in a sodein rage Line 2.688 Endlong the bord as thei be set, Line 2.689 So that it myhte noght be let; Line 2.690 Hire oghne Sone was noght quit, Line 2.691 Bot deide upon the same plit. Line 2.692 Bot what the hihe god wol spare Line 2.693 It mai for no peril misfare: Line 2.694 This worthi Maiden which was there Line 2.695 Stod thanne, as who seith, ded for feere, Line 2.696 To se the feste how that it stod, Line 2.697 Which al was torned into blod: Line 2.698 The Dissh forthwith the Coppe and al Line 2.699 Bebled thei weren overal; Line 2.700

Lines 701 through 800

Sche sih hem deie on every side; Line 2.701 No wonder thogh sche wepte and cride Line 2.702 Makende many a wofull mone. Line 2.703 Whan al was slain bot sche al one, Line 2.704 This olde fend, this Sarazine, Line 2.705 Let take anon this Constantine Line 2.706 With al the good sche thider broghte, Line 2.707 And hath ordeined, as sche thoghte, Line 2.708 A nakid Schip withoute stiere, Line 2.709 In which the good and hire in fiere, Line 2.710 Vitailed full for yeres fyve, Line 2.711 Wher that the wynd it wolde dryve, Line 2.712 Sche putte upon the wawes wilde. Line 2.713 Bot he which alle thing mai schilde, Line 2.714 Thre yer, til that sche cam to londe, Line 2.715 Hire Schip to stiere hath take in honde, Line 2.716 And in Northumberlond aryveth; Line 2.717 And happeth thanne that sche dryveth Line 2.718 Under a Castel with the flod, Line 2.719

Line 2.719 Which upon Humber banke stod Line 2.720 And was the kynges oghne also, Line 2.721 The which Allee was cleped tho, Line 2.722 A Saxon and a worthi knyht, Line 2.723 Bot he believed noght ariht. Line 2.724 Of this Castell was Chastellein Line 2.725 Elda the kinges Chamberlein, Line 2.726 A knyhtly man after his lawe; Line 2.727 And whan he sih upon the wawe Line 2.728 The Schip drivende al one so, Line 2.729 He bad anon men scholden go Line 2.730 To se what it betokne mai. Line 2.731 This was upon a Somer dai, Line 2.732 The Schip was loked and sche founde; Line 2.733 Elda withinne a litel stounde Line 2.734 It wiste, and with his wif anon Line 2.735 Toward this yonge ladi gon, Line 2.736 Wher that thei founden gret richesse; Line 2.737 Bot sche hire wolde noght confesse, Line 2.738 Whan thei hire axen what sche was. Line 2.739 And natheles upon the cas Line 2.740 Out of the Schip with gret worschipe Line 2.741 Thei toke hire into felaschipe, Line 2.742 As thei that weren of hir glade: Line 2.743 Bot sche no maner joie made, Line 2.744 Bot sorweth sore of that sche fond Line 2.745 No cristendom in thilke lond; Line 2.746 Bot elles sche hath al hire wille, Line 2.747 And thus with hem sche duelleth stille. Line 2.748 Dame Hermyngheld, which was the wif Line 2.749 Of Elda, lich hire oghne lif Line 2.750 Constance loveth; and fell so, Line 2.751 Spekende alday betwen hem two, Line 2.752 Thurgh grace of goddes pourveance Line 2.753 This maiden tawhte the creance Line 2.754 Unto this wif so parfitly, Line 2.755 Upon a dai that faste by Line 2.756 In presence of hire housebonde, Line 2.757 Wher thei go walkende on the Stronde, Line 2.758

Line 2.758 A blind man, which cam there lad, Line 2.759 Unto this wif criende he bad, Line 2.760 With bothe hise hondes up and preide Line 2.761 To hire, and in this wise he seide: Line 2.762 "O Hermyngeld, which Cristes feith, Line 2.763 Enformed as Constance seith, Line 2.764 Received hast, yif me my sihte." Line 2.765 Upon his word hire herte afflihte Line 2.766 Thenkende what was best to done, Line 2.767 Bot natheles sche herde his bone Line 2.768 And seide, "In trust of Cristes lawe, Line 2.769 Which don was on the crois and slawe, Line 2.770 Thou bysne man, behold and se." Line 2.771 With that to god upon his kne Line 2.772 Thonkende he tok his sihte anon, Line 2.773 Wherof thei merveile everychon, Line 2.774 Bot Elda wondreth most of alle: Line 2.775 This open thing which is befalle Line 2.776 Concludeth him be such a weie, Line 2.777 That he the feith mot nede obeie. Line 2.778 Now lest what fell upon this thing. Line 2.779 This Elda forth unto the king Line 2.780 A morwe tok his weie and rod, Line 2.781 And Hermyngeld at home abod Line 2.782 Forth with Constance wel at ese. Line 2.783 Elda, which thoghte his king to plese, Line 2.784 As he that thanne unwedded was, Line 2.785 Of Constance al the pleine cas Line 2.786 Als goodliche as he cowthe tolde. Line 2.787 The king was glad and seide he wolde Line 2.788 Come thider upon such a wise Line 2.789 That he him mihte of hire avise, Line 2.790 The time apointed forth withal. Line 2.791 This Elda triste in special Line 2.792 Upon a knyht, whom fro childhode Line 2.793 He hadde updrawe into manhode: Line 2.794 To him he tolde al that he thoghte, Line 2.795 Wherof that after him forthoghte; Line 2.796 And natheles at thilke tide Line 2.797

Line 2.797 Unto his wif he bad him ride Line 2.798 To make redi alle thing Line 2.799 Ayein the cominge of the king, Line 2.800

Lines 801 through 900

And seith that he himself tofore Line 2.801 Thenkth forto come, and bad therfore Line 2.802 That he him kepe, and told him whanne. Line 2.803 This knyht rod forth his weie thanne; Line 2.804 And soth was that of time passed Line 2.805 He hadde in al his wit compassed Line 2.806 How he Constance myhte winne; Line 2.807 Bot he sih tho no sped therinne, Line 2.808 Wherof his lust began tabate, Line 2.809 And that was love is thanne hate; Line 2.810 Of hire honour he hadde Envie, Line 2.811 So that upon his tricherie Line 2.812 A lesinge in his herte he caste. Line 2.813 Til he cam home he hieth faste, Line 2.814 And doth his ladi tunderstonde Line 2.815 The Message of hire housebonde: Line 2.816 And therupon the longe dai Line 2.817 Thei setten thinges in arrai, Line 2.818 That al was as it scholde be Line 2.819 Of every thing in his degree; Line 2.820 And whan it cam into the nyht, Line 2.821 This wif hire hath to bedde dyht, Line 2.822 Wher that this Maiden with hire lay. Line 2.823 This false knyht upon delay Line 2.824 Hath taried til thei were aslepe, Line 2.825 As he that wolde his time kepe Line 2.826 His dedly werkes to fulfille; Line 2.827 And to the bed he stalketh stille, Line 2.828 Wher that he wiste was the wif, Line 2.829 And in his hond a rasour knif Line 2.830 He bar, with which hire throte he cutte, Line 2.831 And prively the knif he putte Line 2.832 Under that other beddes side, Line 2.833

Line 2.833 Wher that Constance lai beside. Line 2.834 Elda cam hom the same nyht, Line 2.835 And stille with a prive lyht, Line 2.836 As he that wolde noght awake Line 2.837 His wif, he hath his weie take Line 2.838 Into the chambre, and ther liggende Line 2.839 He fond his dede wif bledende, Line 2.840 Wher that Constance faste by Line 2.841 Was falle aslepe; and sodeinly Line 2.842 He cride alowd, and sche awok, Line 2.843 And forth withal sche caste a lok Line 2.844 And sih this ladi blede there, Line 2.845 Wherof swoundende ded for fere Line 2.846 Sche was, and stille as eny Ston Line 2.847 She lay, and Elda therupon Line 2.848 Into the Castell clepeth oute, Line 2.849 And up sterte every man aboute, Line 2.850 Into the chambre and forth thei wente. Line 2.851 Bot he, which alle untrouthe mente, Line 2.852 This false knyht, among hem alle Line 2.853 Upon this thing which is befalle Line 2.854 Seith that Constance hath don this dede; Line 2.855 And to the bed with that he yede Line 2.856 After the falshed of his speche, Line 2.857 And made him there forto seche, Line 2.858 And fond the knif, wher he it leide, Line 2.859 And thanne he cride and thanne he seide, Line 2.860 "Lo, seth the knif al blody hiere! Line 2.861 What nedeth more in this matiere Line 2.862 To axe?" And thus hire innocence Line 2.863 He sclaundreth there in audience Line 2.864 With false wordes whiche he feigneth. Line 2.865 Bot yit for al that evere he pleigneth, Line 2.866 Elda no full credence tok: Line 2.867 And happeth that ther lay a bok, Line 2.868 Upon the which, whan he it sih, Line 2.869 This knyht hath swore and seid on hih, Line 2.870 That alle men it mihte wite, Line 2.871

Line 2.871 "Now be this bok, which hier is write, Line 2.872 Constance is gultif, wel I wot." Line 2.873 With that the hond of hevene him smot Line 2.874 In tokne of that he was forswore, Line 2.875 That he hath bothe hise yhen lore, Line 2.876 Out of his hed the same stounde Line 2.877 Thei sterte, and so thei weren founde. Line 2.878 A vois was herd, whan that they felle, Line 2.879 Which seide, "O dampned man to helle, Line 2.880 Lo, thus hath god the sclaundre wroke Line 2.881 That thou ayein Constance hast spoke: Line 2.882 Beknow the sothe er that thou dye." Line 2.883 And he told out his felonie, Line 2.884 And starf forth with his tale anon. Line 2.885 Into the ground, wher alle gon, Line 2.886 This dede lady was begrave: Line 2.887 Elda, which thoghte his honour save, Line 2.888 Al that he mai restreigneth sorwe. Line 2.889 For the seconde day a morwe Line 2.890 The king cam, as thei were acorded; Line 2.891 And whan it was to him recorded Line 2.892 What god hath wroght upon this chaunce, Line 2.893 He tok it into remembrance Line 2.894 And thoghte more than he seide. Line 2.895 For al his hole herte he leide Line 2.896 Upon Constance, and seide he scholde Line 2.897 For love of hire, if that sche wolde, Line 2.898 Baptesme take and Cristes feith Line 2.899 Believe, and over that he seith Line 2.900

Lines 901 through 1000

He wol hire wedde, and upon this Line 2.901 Asseured ech til other is. Line 2.902 And forto make schorte tales, Line 2.903 Ther cam a Bisschop out of Wales Line 2.904 Fro Bangor, and Lucie he hihte, Line 2.905 Which thurgh the grace of god almihte Line 2.906 The king with many an other mo Line 2.907 Hath cristned, and betwen hem tuo Line 2.908 He hath fulfild the mariage. Line 2.909 Bot for no lust ne for no rage Line 2.910

Line 2.910 Sche tolde hem nevere what sche was; Line 2.911 And natheles upon the cas Line 2.912 The king was glad, how so it stod, Line 2.913 For wel he wiste and understod Line 2.914 Sche was a noble creature. Line 2.915 The hihe makere of nature Line 2.916 Hire hath visited in a throwe, Line 2.917 That it was openliche knowe Line 2.918 Sche was with childe be the king, Line 2.919 Wherof above al other thing Line 2.920 He thonketh god and was riht glad. Line 2.921 And fell that time he was bestad Line 2.922 Upon a werre and moste ride; Line 2.923 And whil he scholde there abide, Line 2.924 He lefte at hom to kepe his wif Line 2.925 Suche as he knew of holi lif, Line 2.926 Elda forth with the Bisschop eke; Line 2.927 And he with pouer goth to seke Line 2.928 Ayein the Scottes forto fonde Line 2.929 The werre which he tok on honde. Line 2.930 The time set of kinde is come, Line 2.931 This lady hath hire chambre nome, Line 2.932 And of a Sone bore full, Line 2.933 Wherof that sche was joiefull, Line 2.934 Sche was delivered sauf and sone. Line 2.935 The bisshop, as it was to done, Line 2.936 Yaf him baptesme and Moris calleth; Line 2.937 And therupon, as it befalleth, Line 2.938 With lettres writen of record Line 2.939 Thei sende unto here liege lord, Line 2.940 That kepers weren of the qweene: Line 2.941 And he that scholde go betwene, Line 2.942 The Messager, to Knaresburgh, Line 2.943 Which toun he scholde passe thurgh, Line 2.944 Ridende cam the ferste day. Line 2.945 The kinges Moder there lay, Line 2.946 Whos rihte name was Domilde, Line 2.947

Line 2.947 Which after al the cause spilde: Line 2.948 For he, which thonk deserve wolde, Line 2.949 Unto this ladi goth and tolde Line 2.950 Of his Message al how it ferde. Line 2.951 And sche with feigned joie it herde Line 2.952 And yaf him yiftes largely, Line 2.953 Bot in the nyht al prively Line 2.954 Sche tok the lettres whiche he hadde, Line 2.955 Fro point to point and overradde, Line 2.956 As sche that was thurghout untrewe, Line 2.957 And let do wryten othre newe Line 2.958 In stede of hem, and thus thei spieke: Line 2.959 "Oure liege lord, we thee beseke Line 2.960 That thou with ous ne be noght wroth, Line 2.961 Though we such thing as is thee loth Line 2.962 Upon oure trowthe certefie. Line 2.963 Thi wif, which is of faierie, Line 2.964 Of such a child delivered is Line 2.965 Fro kinde which stant al amis: Line 2.966 Bot for it scholde noght be seie, Line 2.967 We have it kept out of the weie Line 2.968 For drede of pure worldes schame, Line 2.969 A povere child and in the name Line 2.970 Of thilke which is so misbore Line 2.971 We toke, and therto we be swore, Line 2.972 That non bot only thou and we Line 2.973 Schal knowen of this privete: Line 2.974 Moris it hatte, and thus men wene Line 2.975 That it was boren of the qweene Line 2.976 And of thin oghne bodi gete. Line 2.977 Bot this thing mai noght be foryete, Line 2.978 That thou ne sende ous word anon Line 2.979 What is thi wille therupon." Line 2.980 This lettre, as thou hast herd devise, Line 2.981 Was contrefet in such a wise Line 2.982 That noman scholde it aperceive: Line 2.983 And sche, which thoghte to deceive, Line 2.984 It leith wher sche that other tok. Line 2.985

Line 2.985 This Messager, whan he awok, Line 2.986 And wiste nothing how it was, Line 2.987 Aros and rod the grete pas Line 2.988 And tok this lettre to the king. Line 2.989 And whan he sih this wonder thing, Line 2.990 He makth the Messager no chiere, Line 2.991 Bot natheles in wys manere Line 2.992 He wrote ayein, and yaf hem charge Line 2.993 That thei ne soffre noght at large Line 2.994 His wif to go, bot kepe hire stille, Line 2.995 Til thei have herd mor of his wille. Line 2.996 This Messager was yifteles, Line 2.997 Bot with this lettre natheles, Line 2.998 Or be him lief or be him loth, Line 2.999 In alle haste ayein he goth Line 2.1000

Lines 1001 through 1100

Be Knaresburgh, and as he wente, Line 2.1001 Unto the Moder his entente Line 2.1002 Of that he fond toward the king Line 2.1003 He tolde; and sche upon this thing Line 2.1004 Seith that he scholde abide al nyht Line 2.1005 And made him feste and chiere ariht, Line 2.1006 Feignende as thogh sche cowthe him thonk. Line 2.1007 Bot he with strong wyn which he dronk Line 2.1008 Forth with the travail of the day Line 2.1009 Was drunke, aslepe and while he lay, Line 2.1010 Sche hath hise lettres overseie Line 2.1011 And formed in an other weie. Line 2.1012 Ther was a newe lettre write, Line 2.1013 Which seith: "I do you forto wite, Line 2.1014 That thurgh the conseil of you tuo Line 2.1015 I stonde in point to ben undo, Line 2.1016 As he which is a king deposed. Line 2.1017 For every man it hath supposed, Line 2.1018 How that my wif Constance is faie; Line 2.1019 And if that I, thei sein, delaie Line 2.1020 To put hire out of compaignie, Line 2.1021 The worschipe of my Regalie Line 2.1022

Line 2.1022 Is lore; and over this thei telle, Line 2.1023 Hire child schal noght among hem duelle, Line 2.1024 To cleymen eny heritage. Line 2.1025 So can I se non avantage, Line 2.1026 Bot al is lost, if sche abide: Line 2.1027 Forthi to loke on every side Line 2.1028 Toward the meschief as it is, Line 2.1029 I charge you and bidde this, Line 2.1030 That ye the same Schip vitaile, Line 2.1031 In which that sche tok arivaile, Line 2.1032 Therinne and putteth bothe tuo, Line 2.1033 Hireself forthwith hire child also, Line 2.1034 And so forth broght unto the depe Line 2.1035 Betaketh hire the See to kepe. Line 2.1036 Of foure daies time I sette, Line 2.1037 That ye this thing no longer lette, Line 2.1038 So that your lif be noght forsfet." Line 2.1039 And thus this lettre contrefet Line 2.1040 The Messager, which was unwar, Line 2.1041 Upon the kingeshalve bar, Line 2.1042 And where he scholde it hath betake. Line 2.1043 Bot whan that thei have hiede take, Line 2.1044 And rad that writen is withinne, Line 2.1045 So gret a sorwe thei beginne, Line 2.1046 As thei here oghne Moder sihen Line 2.1047 Brent in a fyr before here yhen: Line 2.1048 Ther was wepinge and ther was wo, Line 2.1049 Bot finaly the thing is do. Line 2.1050 Upon the See thei have hire broght, Line 2.1051 Bot sche the cause wiste noght, Line 2.1052 And thus upon the flod thei wone, Line 2.1053 This ladi with hire yonge Sone: Line 2.1054 And thanne hire handes to the hevene Line 2.1055 Sche strawhte, and with a milde stevene Line 2.1056 Knelende upon hire bare kne Line 2.1057 Sche seide, "O hihe mageste, Line 2.1058 Which sest the point of every trowthe, Line 2.1059 Tak of thi wofull womman rowthe Line 2.1060

Line 2.1060 And of this child that I schal kepe." Line 2.1061 And with that word sche gan to wepe, Line 2.1062 Swounende as ded, and ther sche lay; Line 2.1063 Bot he which alle thinges may Line 2.1064 Conforteth hire, and ate laste Line 2.1065 Sche loketh and hire yhen caste Line 2.1066 Upon hire child and seide this: Line 2.1067 "Of me no maner charge it is Line 2.1068 What sorwe I soffre, bot of thee Line 2.1069 Me thenkth it is a gret pite, Line 2.1070 For if I sterve thou schalt deie: Line 2.1071 So mot I nedes be that weie Line 2.1072 For Moderhed and for tendresse Line 2.1073 With al myn hole besinesse Line 2.1074 Ordeigne me for thilke office, Line 2.1075 As sche which schal be thi Norrice." Line 2.1076 Thus was sche strengthed forto stonde; Line 2.1077 And tho sche tok hire child in honde Line 2.1078 And yaf it sowke, and evere among Line 2.1079 Sche wepte, and otherwhile song Line 2.1080 To rocke with hire child aslepe: Line 2.1081 And thus hire oghne child to kepe Line 2.1082 Sche hath under the goddes cure. Line 2.1083 And so fell upon aventure, Line 2.1084 Whan thilke yer hath mad his ende, Line 2.1085 Hire Schip, so as it moste wende Line 2.1086 Thurgh strengthe of wynd which god hath yive, Line 2.1087 Estward was into Spaigne drive Line 2.1088 Riht faste under a Castell wall, Line 2.1089 Wher that an hethen Amirall Line 2.1090 Was lord, and he a Stieward hadde, Line 2.1091 Oon Thelou�s, which al was badde, Line 2.1092 A fals knyht and a renegat. Line 2.1093 He goth to loke in what astat Line 2.1094 The Schip was come, and there he fond Line 2.1095 Forth with a child upon hire hond Line 2.1096 This lady, wher sche was al one. Line 2.1097

Line 2.1097 He tok good hiede of the persone, Line 2.1098 And sih sche was a worthi wiht, Line 2.1099 And thoghte he wolde upon the nyht Line 2.1100

Lines 1101 through 1200

Demene hire at his oghne wille, Line 2.1101 And let hire be therinne stille, Line 2.1102 That mo men sih sche noght that dai. Line 2.1103 At goddes wille and thus sche lai, Line 2.1104 Unknowe what hire schal betide; Line 2.1105 And fell so that be nyhtes tide Line 2.1106 This knyht withoute felaschipe Line 2.1107 Hath take a bot and cam to Schipe, Line 2.1108 And thoghte of hire his lust to take, Line 2.1109 And swor, if sche him daunger make, Line 2.1110 That certeinly sche scholde deie. Line 2.1111 Sche sih ther was non other weie, Line 2.1112 And seide he scholde hire wel conforte, Line 2.1113 That he ferst loke out ate porte, Line 2.1114 That noman were nyh the stede, Line 2.1115 Which myhte knowe what thei dede, Line 2.1116 And thanne he mai do what he wolde. Line 2.1117 He was riht glad that sche so tolde, Line 2.1118 And to the porte anon he ferde: Line 2.1119 Sche preide god, and he hire herde, Line 2.1120 And sodeinliche he was out throwe Line 2.1121 And dreynt, and tho began to blowe Line 2.1122 A wynd menable fro the lond, Line 2.1123 And thus the myhti goddes hond Line 2.1124 Hire hath conveied and defended. Line 2.1125 And whan thre yer be full despended, Line 2.1126 Hire Schip was drive upon a dai, Line 2.1127 Wher that a gret Navye lay Line 2.1128 Of Schipes, al the world at ones: Line 2.1129 And as god wolde for the nones, Line 2.1130 Hire Schip goth in among hem alle, Line 2.1131

Line 2.1131 And stinte noght, er it be falle Line 2.1132 And hath the vessell undergete, Line 2.1133 Which Maister was of al the Flete, Line 2.1134 Bot there it resteth and abod. Line 2.1135 This grete Schip on Anker rod; Line 2.1136 The Lord cam forth, and whan he sih Line 2.1137 That other ligge abord so nyh, Line 2.1138 He wondreth what it myhte be, Line 2.1139 And bad men to gon in and se. Line 2.1140 This ladi tho was crope aside, Line 2.1141 As sche that wolde hireselven hide, Line 2.1142 For sche ne wiste what thei were: Line 2.1143 Thei soghte aboute and founde hir there Line 2.1144 And broghten up hire child and hire; Line 2.1145 And therupon this lord to spire Line 2.1146 Began, fro whenne that sche cam, Line 2.1147 And what sche was. Quod sche, "I am Line 2.1148 A womman wofully bestad. Line 2.1149 I hadde a lord, and thus he bad, Line 2.1150 That I forth with my litel Sone Line 2.1151 Upon the wawes scholden wone, Line 2.1152 Bot why the cause was, I not: Line 2.1153 Bot he which alle thinges wot Line 2.1154 Yit hath, I thonke him, of his miht Line 2.1155 Mi child and me so kept upriht, Line 2.1156 That we be save bothe tuo." Line 2.1157 This lord hire axeth overmo Line 2.1158 How sche believeth, and sche seith, Line 2.1159 "I lieve and triste in Cristes feith, Line 2.1160 Which deide upon the Rode tree." Line 2.1161 "What is thi name?" tho quod he. Line 2.1162 "Mi name is Couste," sche him seide: Line 2.1163 Bot forthermor for noght he preide Line 2.1164 Of hire astat to knowe plein, Line 2.1165 Sche wolde him nothing elles sein Line 2.1166 Bot of hir name, which sche feigneth; Line 2.1167 Alle othre thinges sche restreigneth, Line 2.1168

Line 2.1168 That a word more sche ne tolde. Line 2.1169 This lord thanne axeth if sche wolde Line 2.1170 With him abide in compaignie, Line 2.1171 And seide he cam fro Barbarie Line 2.1172 To Romeward, and hom he wente. Line 2.1173 Tho sche supposeth what it mente, Line 2.1174 And seith sche wolde with him wende Line 2.1175 And duelle unto hire lyves ende, Line 2.1176 Be so it be to his plesance. Line 2.1177 And thus upon here aqueintance Line 2.1178 He tolde hire pleinly as it stod, Line 2.1179 Of Rome how that the gentil blod Line 2.1180 In Barbarie was betraied, Line 2.1181 And therupon he hath assaied Line 2.1182 Be werre, and taken such vengance, Line 2.1183 That non of al thilke alliance, Line 2.1184 Be whom the tresoun was compassed, Line 2.1185 Is from the swerd alyve passed; Line 2.1186 Bot of Constance hou it was, Line 2.1187 That cowthe he knowe be no cas, Line 2.1188 Wher sche becam, so as he seide. Line 2.1189 Hire Ere unto his word sche leide, Line 2.1190 Bot forther made sche no chiere. Line 2.1191 And natheles in this matiere Line 2.1192 It happeth thilke time so: Line 2.1193 This Lord, with whom sche scholde go, Line 2.1194 Of Rome was the Senatour, Line 2.1195 And of hir fader themperour Line 2.1196 His brother doughter hath to wyve, Line 2.1197 Which hath hir fader ek alyve, Line 2.1198 And was Salustes cleped tho; Line 2.1199 This wif Heleine hihte also, Line 2.1200

Lines 1201 through 1300

To whom Constance was Cousine. Line 2.1201 Thus to the sike a medicine Line 2.1202 Hath god ordeined of his grace, Line 2.1203 That forthwith in the same place Line 2.1204

Line 2.1204 This Senatour his trowthe plihte, Line 2.1205 For evere, whil he live mihte, Line 2.1206 To kepe in worschipe and in welthe, Line 2.1207 Be so that god wol yive hire helthe, Line 2.1208 This ladi, which fortune him sende. Line 2.1209 And thus be Schipe forth sailende Line 2.1210 Hire and hir child to Rome he broghte, Line 2.1211 And to his wif tho he besoghte Line 2.1212 To take hire into compaignie: Line 2.1213 And sche, which cowthe of courtesie Line 2.1214 Al that a good wif scholde konne, Line 2.1215 Was inly glad that sche hath wonne Line 2.1216 The felaschip of so good on. Line 2.1217 Til tuelve yeres were agon, Line 2.1218 This Emperoures dowhter Custe Line 2.1219 Forth with the dowhter of Saluste Line 2.1220 Was kept, bot noman redily Line 2.1221 Knew what sche was, and noght forthi Line 2.1222 Thei thoghten wel sche hadde be Line 2.1223 In hire astat of hih degre, Line 2.1224 And every lif hire loveth wel. Line 2.1225 Now herke how thilke unstable whel, Line 2.1226 Which evere torneth, wente aboute. Line 2.1227 The king Allee, whil he was oute, Line 2.1228 As thou tofore hast herd this cas, Line 2.1229 Deceived thurgh his Moder was: Line 2.1230 Bot whan that he cam hom ayein, Line 2.1231 He axeth of his Chamberlein Line 2.1232 And of the Bisschop ek also, Line 2.1233 Wher thei the qweene hadden do. Line 2.1234 And thei answerde, there he bad, Line 2.1235 And have him thilke lettre rad, Line 2.1236 Which he hem sende for warant, Line 2.1237 And tolde him pleinli as it stant, Line 2.1238 And sein, it thoghte hem gret pite Line 2.1239 To se so worthi on as sche, Line 2.1240 With such a child as ther was bore, Line 2.1241 So sodeinly to be forlore. Line 2.1242

Line 2.1242 He axeth hem what child that were; Line 2.1243 And thei him seiden, that naghere, Line 2.1244 In al the world thogh men it soghte, Line 2.1245 Was nevere womman that forth broghte Line 2.1246 A fairer child than it was on. Line 2.1247 And thanne he axede hem anon, Line 2.1248 Whi thei ne hadden write so: Line 2.1249 Thei tolden, so thei hadden do. Line 2.1250 He seide, "Nay." Thei seiden, "Yis." Line 2.1251 The lettre schewed rad it is, Line 2.1252 Which thei forsoken everidel. Line 2.1253 Tho was it understonde wel Line 2.1254 That ther is tresoun in the thing: Line 2.1255 The Messager tofore the king Line 2.1256 Was broght and sodeinliche opposed; Line 2.1257 And he, which nothing hath supposed Line 2.1258 Bot alle wel, began to seie Line 2.1259 That he nagher upon the weie Line 2.1260 Abod, bot only in a stede; Line 2.1261 And cause why that he so dede Line 2.1262 Was, as he wente to and fro, Line 2.1263 At Knaresburgh be nyhtes tuo Line 2.1264 The kinges Moder made him duelle. Line 2.1265 And whan the king it herde telle, Line 2.1266 Withinne his herte he wiste als faste Line 2.1267 The treson which his Moder caste; Line 2.1268 And thoghte he wolde noght abide, Line 2.1269 Bot forth riht in the same tide Line 2.1270 He tok his hors and rod anon. Line 2.1271 With him ther riden manion, Line 2.1272 To Knaresburgh and forth thei wente, Line 2.1273 And lich the fyr which tunder hente, Line 2.1274 In such a rage, as seith the bok, Line 2.1275 His Moder sodeinliche he tok Line 2.1276 And seide unto hir in this wise: Line 2.1277 "O beste of helle, in what juise Line 2.1278 Hast thou deserved forto deie, Line 2.1279

Line 2.1279 That hast so falsly put aweie Line 2.1280 With tresoun of thi bacbitinge Line 2.1281 The treweste at my knowlechinge Line 2.1282 Of wyves and the most honeste? Line 2.1283 Bot I wol make this beheste, Line 2.1284 I schal be venged er I go." Line 2.1285 And let a fyr do make tho, Line 2.1286 And bad men forto caste hire inne: Line 2.1287 Bot ferst sche tolde out al the sinne, Line 2.1288 And dede hem alle forto wite Line 2.1289 How sche the lettres hadde write, Line 2.1290 Fro point to point as it was wroght. Line 2.1291 And tho sche was to dethe broght Line 2.1292 And brent tofore hire Sones yhe: Line 2.1293 Wherof these othre, whiche it sihe Line 2.1294 And herden how the cause stod, Line 2.1295 Sein that the juggement is good, Line 2.1296 Of that hir Sone hire hath so served; Line 2.1297 For sche it hadde wel deserved Line 2.1298 Thurgh tresoun of hire false tunge, Line 2.1299 Which thurgh the lond was after sunge, Line 2.1300

Lines 1301 through 1400

Constance and every wiht compleigneth. Line 2.1301 Bot he, whom alle wo distreigneth, Line 2.1302 This sorghfull king, was so bestad, Line 2.1303 That he schal nevermor be glad, Line 2.1304 He seith, eftsone forto wedde, Line 2.1305 Til that he wiste how that sche spedde, Line 2.1306 Which hadde ben his ferste wif: Line 2.1307 And thus his yonge unlusti lif Line 2.1308 He dryveth forth so as he mai. Line 2.1309 Til it befell upon a dai, Line 2.1310 Whan he hise werres hadde achieved, Line 2.1311 And thoghte he wolde be relieved Line 2.1312 Of Soule hele upon the feith Line 2.1313 Which he hath take, thanne he seith Line 2.1314 That he to Rome in pelrinage Line 2.1315 Wol go, wher Pope was Pelage, Line 2.1316 To take his absolucioun. Line 2.1317

Line 2.1317 And upon this condicioun Line 2.1318 He made Edwyn his lieutenant, Line 2.1319 Which heir to him was apparant, Line 2.1320 That he the lond in his absence Line 2.1321 Schal reule: and thus be providence Line 2.1322 Of alle thinges wel begon Line 2.1323 He tok his leve and forth is gon. Line 2.1324 Elda, which tho was with him there, Line 2.1325 Er thei fulliche at Rome were, Line 2.1326 Was sent tofore to pourveie; Line 2.1327 And he his guide upon the weie, Line 2.1328 In help to ben his herbergour, Line 2.1329 Hath axed who was Senatour, Line 2.1330 That he his name myhte kenne. Line 2.1331 Of Capadoce, he seide, Arcenne Line 2.1332 He hihte, and was a worthi kniht. Line 2.1333 To him goth Elda tho forth riht Line 2.1334 And tolde him of his lord tidinge, Line 2.1335 And preide that for his comynge Line 2.1336 He wolde assigne him herbergage; Line 2.1337 And he so dede of good corage. Line 2.1338 Whan al is do that was to done, Line 2.1339 The king himself cam after sone. Line 2.1340 This Senatour, whan that he com, Line 2.1341 To Couste and to his wif at hom Line 2.1342 Hath told how such a king Allee Line 2.1343 Of gret array to the Citee Line 2.1344 Was come, and Couste upon his tale Line 2.1345 With herte clos and colour pale Line 2.1346 Aswoune fell, and he merveileth Line 2.1347 So sodeinly what thing hire eyleth, Line 2.1348 And cawhte hire up, and whan sche wok, Line 2.1349 Sche syketh with a pitous lok Line 2.1350 And feigneth seknesse of the See; Line 2.1351 Bot it was for the king Allee, Line 2.1352 For joie which fell in hire thoght Line 2.1353 That god him hath to toune broght. Line 2.1354

Line 2.1354 This king hath spoke with the Pope Line 2.1355 And told al that he cowthe agrope, Line 2.1356 What grieveth in his conscience; Line 2.1357 And thanne he thoghte in reverence Line 2.1358 Of his astat, er that he wente, Line 2.1359 To make a feste, and thus he sente Line 2.1360 Unto the Senatour to come Line 2.1361 Upon the morwe and othre some, Line 2.1362 To sitte with him at the mete. Line 2.1363 This tale hath Couste noght foryete, Line 2.1364 Bot to Moris hire Sone tolde Line 2.1365 That he upon the morwe scholde Line 2.1366 In al that evere he cowthe and mihte Line 2.1367 Be present in the kinges sihte, Line 2.1368 So that the king him ofte sihe. Line 2.1369 Moris tofore the kinges yhe Line 2.1370 Upon the morwe, wher he sat, Line 2.1371 Fulofte stod, and upon that Line 2.1372 The king his chiere upon him caste, Line 2.1373 And in his face him thoghte als faste Line 2.1374 He sih his oghne wif Constance; Line 2.1375 For nature as in resemblance Line 2.1376 Of face hem liketh so to clothe, Line 2.1377 That thei were of a suite bothe. Line 2.1378 The king was moeved in his thoght Line 2.1379 Of that he seth, and knoweth it noght; Line 2.1380 This child he loveth kindely, Line 2.1381 And yit he wot no cause why. Line 2.1382 Bot wel he sih and understod Line 2.1383 That he toward Arcenne stod, Line 2.1384 And axeth him anon riht there, Line 2.1385 If that this child his Sone were. Line 2.1386 He seide, "Yee, so I him calle, Line 2.1387 And wolde it were so befalle, Line 2.1388 Bot it is al in other wise." Line 2.1389 And tho began he to devise Line 2.1390 How he the childes Moder fond Line 2.1391 Upon the See from every lond Line 2.1392

Line 2.1392 Withinne a Schip was stiereles, Line 2.1393 And how this ladi helpeles Line 2.1394 Forth with hir child he hath forthdrawe. Line 2.1395 The king hath understonde his sawe, Line 2.1396 The childes name and axeth tho, Line 2.1397 And what the Moder hihte also Line 2.1398 That he him wolde telle he preide. Line 2.1399 "Moris this child is hote," he seide, Line 2.1400

Lines 1401 through 1500

"His Moder hatte Couste, and this Line 2.1401 I not what maner name it is." Line 2.1402 But Allee wiste wel ynowh, Line 2.1403 Wherof somdiel smylende he lowh; Line 2.1404 For Couste in Saxoun is to sein Line 2.1405 Constance upon the word Romein. Line 2.1406 Bot who that cowthe specefie Line 2.1407 What tho fell in his fantasie, Line 2.1408 And how his wit aboute renneth Line 2.1409 Upon the love in which he brenneth, Line 2.1410 It were a wonder forto hiere: Line 2.1411 For he was nouther ther ne hiere, Line 2.1412 Bot clene out of himself aweie, Line 2.1413 That he not what to thenke or seie, Line 2.1414 So fain he wolde it were sche. Line 2.1415 Wherof his hertes privete Line 2.1416 Began the werre of yee and nay, Line 2.1417 The which in such balance lay, Line 2.1418 That contenance for a throwe Line 2.1419 He loste, til he mihte knowe Line 2.1420 The sothe: bot in his memoire Line 2.1421 The man which lith in purgatoire Line 2.1422 Desireth noght the hevene more, Line 2.1423 That he ne longeth al so sore Line 2.1424 To wite what him schal betide. Line 2.1425 And whan the bordes were aside Line 2.1426 And every man was rise aboute, Line 2.1427 The king hath weyved al the route, Line 2.1428 And with the Senatour al one Line 2.1429 He spak and preide him of a bone, Line 2.1430 To se this Couste, wher sche duelleth Line 2.1431

Line 2.1431 At hom with him, so as he telleth. Line 2.1432 The Senatour was wel appaied, Line 2.1433 This thing no lengere is delaied, Line 2.1434 To se this Couste goth the king; Line 2.1435 And sche was warned of the thing, Line 2.1436 And with Heleine forth sche cam Line 2.1437 Ayein the king, and he tho nam Line 2.1438 Good hiede, and whan he sih his wif, Line 2.1439 Anon with al his hertes lif Line 2.1440 He cawhte hire in his arm and kiste. Line 2.1441 Was nevere wiht that sih ne wiste Line 2.1442 A man that more joie made, Line 2.1443 Wherof thei weren alle glade Line 2.1444 Whiche herde tellen of this chance. Line 2.1445 This king tho with his wif Constance, Line 2.1446 Which hadde a gret part of his wille, Line 2.1447 In Rome for a time stille Line 2.1448 Abod and made him wel at ese: Line 2.1449 Bot so yit cowthe he nevere plese Line 2.1450 His wif, that sche him wolde sein Line 2.1451 Of hire astat the trowthe plein, Line 2.1452 Of what contre that sche was bore, Line 2.1453 Ne what sche was, and yit therfore Line 2.1454 With al his wit he hath don sieke. Line 2.1455 Thus as they lihe abedde and spieke, Line 2.1456 Sche preide him and conseileth bothe, Line 2.1457 That for the worschipe of hem bothe, Line 2.1458 So as hire thoghte it were honeste, Line 2.1459 He wolde an honourable feste Line 2.1460 Make, er he wente, in the Cite, Line 2.1461 Wher themperour himself schal be: Line 2.1462 He graunteth al that sche him preide. Line 2.1463 Bot as men in that time seide, Line 2.1464 This Emperour fro thilke day Line 2.1465 That ferst his dowhter wente away Line 2.1466 He was thanne after nevere glad; Line 2.1467

Line 2.1467 Bot what that eny man him bad Line 2.1468 Of grace for his dowhter sake, Line 2.1469 That grace wolde he noght forsake; Line 2.1470 And thus ful gret almesse he dede, Line 2.1471 Wherof sche hadde many a bede. Line 2.1472 This Emperour out of the toun Line 2.1473 Withinne a ten mile enviroun, Line 2.1474 Where as it thoghte him for the beste, Line 2.1475 Hath sondry places forto reste; Line 2.1476 And as fortune wolde tho, Line 2.1477 He was duellende at on of tho. Line 2.1478 The king Allee forth with thassent Line 2.1479 Of Couste his wif hath thider sent Line 2.1480 Moris his Sone, as he was taght, Line 2.1481 To themperour and he goth straght, Line 2.1482 And in his fader half besoghte, Line 2.1483 As he which his lordschipe soghte, Line 2.1484 That of his hihe worthinesse Line 2.1485 He wolde do so gret meknesse, Line 2.1486 His oghne toun to come and se, Line 2.1487 And yive a time in the cite, Line 2.1488 So that his fader mihte him gete Line 2.1489 That he wolde ones with him ete. Line 2.1490 This lord hath granted his requeste; Line 2.1491 And whan the dai was of the feste, Line 2.1492 In worschipe of here Emperour Line 2.1493 The king and ek the Senatour Line 2.1494 Forth with here wyves bothe tuo, Line 2.1495 With many a lord and lady mo, Line 2.1496 On horse riden him ayein; Line 2.1497 Til it befell, upon a plein Line 2.1498 Thei sihen wher he was comende. Line 2.1499 With that Constance anon preiende Line 2.1500

Lines 1501 through 1600

Spak to hir lord that he abyde, Line 2.1501 So that sche mai tofore ryde, Line 2.1502 To ben upon his bienvenue Line 2.1503

Line 2.1503 The ferste which schal him salue; Line 2.1504 And thus after hire lordes graunt Line 2.1505 Upon a Mule whyt amblaunt Line 2.1506 Forth with a fewe rod this qweene. Line 2.1507 Thei wondren what sche wolde mene, Line 2.1508 And riden after softe pas; Line 2.1509 Bot whan this ladi come was Line 2.1510 To themperour, in his presence Line 2.1511 Sche seide alowd in audience, Line 2.1512 "Mi lord, mi fader, wel you be! Line 2.1513 And of this time that I se Line 2.1514 Youre honour and your goode hele, Line 2.1515 Which is the helpe of my querele, Line 2.1516 I thonke unto the goddes myht." Line 2.1517 For joie his herte was affliht Line 2.1518 Of that sche tolde in remembrance; Line 2.1519 And whanne he wiste it was Constance, Line 2.1520 Was nevere fader half so blithe. Line 2.1521 Wepende he keste hire ofte sithe, Line 2.1522 So was his herte al overcome; Line 2.1523 For thogh his Moder were come Line 2.1524 Fro deth to lyve out of the grave, Line 2.1525 He mihte nomor wonder have Line 2.1526 Than he hath whan that he hire sih. Line 2.1527 With that hire oghne lord cam nyh Line 2.1528 And is to themperour obeied; Line 2.1529 Bot whan the fortune is bewreied, Line 2.1530 How that Constance is come aboute, Line 2.1531 So hard an herte was non oute, Line 2.1532 That he for pite tho ne wepte. Line 2.1533 Arcennus, which hire fond and kepte, Line 2.1534 Was thanne glad of that is falle, Line 2.1535 So that with joie among hem alle Line 2.1536 Thei riden in at Rome gate. Line 2.1537 This Emperour thoghte al to late, Line 2.1538 Til that the Pope were come, Line 2.1539 And of the lordes sende some Line 2.1540 To preie him that he wolde haste: Line 2.1541 And he cam forth in alle haste, Line 2.1542

Line 2.1542 And whan that he the tale herde, Line 2.1543 How wonderly this chance ferde, Line 2.1544 He thonketh god of his miracle, Line 2.1545 To whos miht mai be non obstacle: Line 2.1546 The king a noble feste hem made, Line 2.1547 And thus thei weren alle glade. Line 2.1548 A parlement, er that thei wente, Line 2.1549 Thei setten unto this entente, Line 2.1550 To puten Rome in full espeir Line 2.1551 That Moris was apparant heir Line 2.1552 And scholde abide with hem stille, Line 2.1553 For such was al the londes wille. Line 2.1554 Whan every thing was fulli spoke, Line 2.1555 Of sorwe and queint was al the smoke, Line 2.1556 Tho tok his leve Allee the king, Line 2.1557 And with full many a riche thing, Line 2.1558 Which themperour him hadde yive, Line 2.1559 He goth a glad lif forto live; Line 2.1560 For he Constance hath in his hond, Line 2.1561 Which was the confort of his lond. Line 2.1562 For whan that he cam hom ayein, Line 2.1563 Ther is no tunge it mihte sein Line 2.1564 What joie was that ilke stounde Line 2.1565 Of that he hath his qweene founde, Line 2.1566 Which ferst was sent of goddes sonde, Line 2.1567 Whan sche was drive upon the Stronde, Line 2.1568 Be whom the misbelieve of Sinne Line 2.1569 Was left, and Cristes feith cam inne Line 2.1570 To hem that whilom were blinde. Line 2.1571 Bot he which hindreth every kinde Line 2.1572 And for no gold mai be forboght, Line 2.1573 The deth comende er he be soght, Line 2.1574 Tok with this king such aqueintance, Line 2.1575 That he with al his retenance Line 2.1576 Ne mihte noght defende his lif; Line 2.1577 And thus he parteth from his wif, Line 2.1578 Which thanne made sorwe ynowh. Line 2.1579 And therupon hire herte drowh Line 2.1580

Line 2.1580 To leven Engelond for evere Line 2.1581 And go wher that sche hadde levere, Line 2.1582 To Rome, whenne that sche cam: Line 2.1583 And thus of al the lond sche nam Line 2.1584 Hir leve, and goth to Rome ayein. Line 2.1585 And after that the bokes sein, Line 2.1586 She was noght there bot a throwe, Line 2.1587 Whan deth of kinde hath overthrowe Line 2.1588 Hir worthi fader, which men seide Line 2.1589 That he betwen hire armes deide. Line 2.1590 And afterward the yer suiende Line 2.1591 The god hath mad of hire an ende, Line 2.1592 And fro this worldes faierie Line 2.1593 Hath take hire into compaignie. Line 2.1594 Moris hir Sone was corouned, Line 2.1595 Which so ferforth was abandouned Line 2.1596 To Cristes feith, that men him calle Line 2.1597 Moris the cristeneste of alle. Line 2.1598 And thus the wel meninge of love Line 2.1599 Was ate laste set above; Line 2.1600

Lines 1601 through 1700

And so as thou hast herd tofore, Line 2.1601 The false tunges weren lore, Line 2.1602 Whiche upon love wolden lie. Line 2.1603 Forthi touchende of this Envie Line 2.1604 Which longeth unto bacbitinge, Line 2.1605 Be war thou make no lesinge Line 2.1606 In hindringe of an other wiht: Line 2.1607 And if thou wolt be tawht ariht Line 2.1608 What meschief bakbitinge doth Line 2.1609 Be other weie, a tale soth Line 2.1610 Now miht thou hiere next suiende, Line 2.1611 Which to this vice is acordende. Line 2.1612 In a Cronique, as thou schalt wite, Line 2.1613 A gret ensample I finde write, Line 2.1614 Which I schal telle upon this thing. Line 2.1615 Philippe of Macedoyne kyng Line 2.1616

Line 2.1616 Two Sones hadde be his wif, Line 2.1617 Whos fame is yit in Grece rif: Line 2.1618 Demetrius the ferste brother Line 2.1619 Was hote, and Perseu�s that other. Line 2.1620 Demetrius men seiden tho Line 2.1621 The betre knyht was of the tuo, Line 2.1622 To whom the lond was entendant, Line 2.1623 As he which heir was apparant Line 2.1624 To regne after his fader dai: Line 2.1625 Bot that thing which no water mai Line 2.1626 Quenche in this world, bot evere brenneth, Line 2.1627 Into his brother herte it renneth, Line 2.1628 The proude Envie of that he sih Line 2.1629 His brother scholde clymbe on hih, Line 2.1630 And he to him mot thanne obeie: Line 2.1631 That may he soffre be no weie. Line 2.1632 With strengthe dorst he nothing fonde, Line 2.1633 So tok he lesinge upon honde, Line 2.1634 Whan he sih time and spak therto. Line 2.1635 For it befell that time so, Line 2.1636 His fader grete werres hadde Line 2.1637 With Rome, whiche he streite ladde Line 2.1638 Thurgh mihty hond of his manhode, Line 2.1639 As he which hath ynowh knihthode, Line 2.1640 And ofte hem hadde sore grieved. Line 2.1641 Bot er the werre were achieved, Line 2.1642 As he was upon ordinance Line 2.1643 At hom in Grece, it fell per chance, Line 2.1644 Demetrius, which ofte aboute Line 2.1645 Ridende was, stod that time oute, Line 2.1646 So that this Perse in his absence, Line 2.1647 Which bar the tunge of pestilence, Line 2.1648 With false wordes whiche he feigneth Line 2.1649 Upon his oghne brother pleigneth Line 2.1650 In privete behinde his bak, Line 2.1651 And to his fader thus he spak: Line 2.1652 "Mi diere fader, I am holde Line 2.1653

Line 2.1653 Be weie of kinde, as resoun wolde, Line 2.1654 That I fro yow schal nothing hide, Line 2.1655 Which mihte torne in eny side Line 2.1656 Of youre astat into grevance: Line 2.1657 Forthi myn hertes obeissance Line 2.1658 Towardes you I thenke kepe; Line 2.1659 For it is good ye take kepe Line 2.1660 Upon a thing which is me told. Line 2.1661 Mi brother hath ous alle sold Line 2.1662 To hem of Rome, and you also; Line 2.1663 For thanne they behote him so, Line 2.1664 That he with hem schal regne in pes. Line 2.1665 Thus hath he cast for his encress Line 2.1666 That youre astat schal go to noght; Line 2.1667 And this to proeve schal be broght Line 2.1668 So ferforth, that I undertake Line 2.1669 It schal noght wel mow be forsake." Line 2.1670 The king upon this tale ansuerde Line 2.1671 And seide, if this thing which he herde Line 2.1672 Be soth and mai be broght to prove, Line 2.1673 "It schal noght be to his behove, Line 2.1674 Which so hath schapen ous the werste, Line 2.1675 For he himself schal be the ferste Line 2.1676 That schal be ded, if that I mai." Line 2.1677 Thus afterward upon a dai, Line 2.1678 Whan that Demetrius was come, Line 2.1679 Anon his fader hath him nome, Line 2.1680 And bad unto his brother Perse Line 2.1681 That he his tale schal reherse Line 2.1682 Of thilke tresoun which he tolde. Line 2.1683 And he, which al untrowthe wolde, Line 2.1684 Conseileth that so hih a nede Line 2.1685 Be treted wher as it mai spede, Line 2.1686 In comun place of juggement. Line 2.1687 The king therto yaf his assent, Line 2.1688 Demetrius was put in hold, Line 2.1689 Wherof that Perseu�s was bold. Line 2.1690

Line 2.1690 Thus stod the trowthe under the charge, Line 2.1691 And the falshede goth at large, Line 2.1692 Which thurgh beheste hath overcome Line 2.1693 The greteste of the lordes some, Line 2.1694 That privelich of his acord Line 2.1695 Thei stonde as witnesse of record: Line 2.1696 The jugge was mad favorable: Line 2.1697 Thus was the lawe deceivable Line 2.1698 So ferforth that the trowthe fond Line 2.1699 Rescousse non, and thus the lond Line 2.1700

Lines 1701 through 1800

Forth with the king deceived were. Line 2.1701 The gulteles was dampned there Line 2.1702 And deide upon accusement: Line 2.1703 Bot such a fals conspirement, Line 2.1704 Thogh it be prive for a throwe, Line 2.1705 Godd wolde noght it were unknowe; Line 2.1706 And that was afterward wel proved Line 2.1707 In him which hath the deth controved. Line 2.1708 Of that his brother was so slain Line 2.1709 This Perseu�s was wonder fain, Line 2.1710 As he that tho was apparant, Line 2.1711 Upon the Regne and expectant; Line 2.1712 Wherof he wax so proud and vein, Line 2.1713 That he his fader in desdeign Line 2.1714 Hath take and set of non acompte, Line 2.1715 As he which thoghte him to surmonte; Line 2.1716 That wher he was ferst debonaire, Line 2.1717 He was tho rebell and contraire, Line 2.1718 And noght as heir bot as a king Line 2.1719 He tok upon him alle thing Line 2.1720 Of malice and of tirannie Line 2.1721 In contempt of the Regalie, Line 2.1722 Livende his fader, and so wroghte, Line 2.1723 That whan the fader him bethoghte Line 2.1724 And sih to whether side it drowh, Line 2.1725 Anon he wiste well ynowh Line 2.1726 How Perse after his false tunge Line 2.1727

Line 2.1727 Hath so thenvious belle runge, Line 2.1728 That he hath slain his oghne brother. Line 2.1729 Wherof as thanne he knew non other, Line 2.1730 Bot sodeinly the jugge he nom, Line 2.1731 Which corrupt sat upon the dom, Line 2.1732 In such a wise and hath him pressed, Line 2.1733 That he the sothe him hath confessed Line 2.1734 Of al that hath be spoke and do. Line 2.1735 Mor sori than the king was tho Line 2.1736 Was nevere man upon this Molde, Line 2.1737 And thoghte in certain that he wolde Line 2.1738 Vengance take upon this wrong. Line 2.1739 Bot thother parti was so strong, Line 2.1740 That for the lawe of no statut Line 2.1741 Ther mai no riht ben execut; Line 2.1742 And upon this division Line 2.1743 The lond was torned up so doun: Line 2.1744 Wherof his herte is so distraght, Line 2.1745 That he for pure sorwe hath caght Line 2.1746 The maladie of which nature Line 2.1747 Is queint in every creature. Line 2.1748 And whan this king was passed thus, Line 2.1749 This false tunged Perseu�s Line 2.1750 The regiment hath underfonge. Line 2.1751 Bot ther mai nothing stonde longe Line 2.1752 Which is noght upon trowthe grounded; Line 2.1753 For god, which alle thing hath bounded Line 2.1754 And sih the falshod of his guile, Line 2.1755 Hath set him bot a litel while, Line 2.1756 That he schal regne upon depos; Line 2.1757 For sodeinliche as he aros Line 2.1758 So sodeinliche doun he fell. Line 2.1759 In thilke time it so befell, Line 2.1760 This newe king of newe Pride Line 2.1761 With strengthe schop him forto ride, Line 2.1762 And seide he wolde Rome waste, Line 2.1763 Wherof he made a besi haste, Line 2.1764

Line 2.1764 And hath assembled him an host Line 2.1765 In al that evere he mihte most: Line 2.1766 What man that mihte wepne bere Line 2.1767 Of alle he wolde non forbere; Line 2.1768 So that it mihte noght be nombred, Line 2.1769 The folk which after was encombred Line 2.1770 Thurgh him, that god wolde overthrowe. Line 2.1771 Anon it was at Rome knowe, Line 2.1772 The pompe which that Perse ladde; Line 2.1773 And the Romeins that time hadde Line 2.1774 A Consul, which was cleped thus Line 2.1775 Be name, Paul Emilius, Line 2.1776 A noble, a worthi kniht withalle; Line 2.1777 And he, which chief was of hem alle, Line 2.1778 This werre on honde hath undertake. Line 2.1779 And whanne he scholde his leve take Line 2.1780 Of a yong dowhter which was his, Line 2.1781 Sche wepte, and he what cause it is Line 2.1782 Hire axeth, and sche him ansuerde Line 2.1783 That Perse is ded; and he it herde, Line 2.1784 And wondreth what sche meene wolde: Line 2.1785 And sche upon childhode him tolde Line 2.1786 That Perse hir litel hound is ded. Line 2.1787 With that he pulleth up his hed Line 2.1788 And made riht a glad visage, Line 2.1789 And seide how that was a presage Line 2.1790 Touchende unto that other Perse, Line 2.1791 Of that fortune him scholde adverse, Line 2.1792 He seith, for such a prenostik Line 2.1793 Most of an hound was to him lik: Line 2.1794 For as it is an houndes kinde Line 2.1795 To berke upon a man behinde, Line 2.1796 Riht so behinde his brother bak Line 2.1797 With false wordes whiche he spak Line 2.1798 He hath do slain, and that is rowthe. Line 2.1799 "Bot he which hateth alle untrowthe, Line 2.1800

Lines 1801 through 1900

The hihe god, it schal redresse; Line 2.1801 For so my dowhter prophetesse Line 2.1802

Line 2.1802 Forth with hir litel houndes deth Line 2.1803 Betokneth." And thus forth he geth Line 2.1804 Conforted of this evidence, Line 2.1805 With the Romeins in his defence Line 2.1806 Ayein the Greks that ben comende. Line 2.1807 This Perseu�s, as noght seende Line 2.1808 This meschief which that him abod, Line 2.1809 With al his multitude rod, Line 2.1810 And prided him upon the thing, Line 2.1811 Of that he was become a king, Line 2.1812 And how he hadde his regne gete; Line 2.1813 Bot he hath al the riht foryete Line 2.1814 Which longeth unto governance. Line 2.1815 Wherof thurgh goddes ordinance Line 2.1816 It fell, upon the wynter tide Line 2.1817 That with his host he scholde ride Line 2.1818 Over Danubie thilke flod, Line 2.1819 Which al befrose thanne stod Line 2.1820 So harde, that he wende wel Line 2.1821 To passe: bot the blinde whiel, Line 2.1822 Which torneth ofte er men be war, Line 2.1823 Thilke ys which that the horsmen bar Line 2.1824 Tobrak, so that a gret partie Line 2.1825 Was dreint; of the chivalerie Line 2.1826 The rerewarde it tok aweie, Line 2.1827 Cam non of hem to londe dreie. Line 2.1828 Paulus the worthi kniht Romein Line 2.1829 Be his aspie it herde sein, Line 2.1830 And hasteth him al that he may, Line 2.1831 So that upon that other day Line 2.1832 He cam wher he this host beheld, Line 2.1833 And that was in a large feld, Line 2.1834 Wher the Baneres ben desplaied. Line 2.1835 He hath anon hise men arraied, Line 2.1836 And whan that he was embatailled, Line 2.1837 He goth and hath the feld assailed, Line 2.1838 And slowh and tok al that he fond; Line 2.1839 Wherof the Macedoyne lond, Line 2.1840

Line 2.1840 Which thurgh king Alisandre honoured Line 2.1841 Long time stod, was tho devoured. Line 2.1842 To Perse and al that infortune Line 2.1843 Thei wyte, so that the comune Line 2.1844 Of al the lond his heir exile; Line 2.1845 And he despeired for the while Line 2.1846 Desguised in a povere wede Line 2.1847 To Rome goth, and ther for nede Line 2.1848 The craft which thilke time was, Line 2.1849 To worche in latoun and in bras, Line 2.1850 He lerneth for his sustienance. Line 2.1851 Such was the Sones pourveance, Line 2.1852 And of his fader it is seid, Line 2.1853 In strong prisoun that he was leid Line 2.1854 In Albe, wher that he was ded Line 2.1855 For hunger and defalte of bred. Line 2.1856 The hound was tokne and prophecie Line 2.1857 That lich an hound he scholde die, Line 2.1858 Which lich was of condicioun, Line 2.1859 Whan he with his detraccioun Line 2.1860 Bark on his brother so behinde. Line 2.1861 Lo, what profit a man mai finde, Line 2.1862 Which hindre wole an other wiht. Line 2.1863 Forthi with al thin hole miht, Line 2.1864 Mi Sone, eschuie thilke vice. Line 2.1865 Mi fader, elles were I nyce: Line 2.1866 For ye therof so wel have spoke, Line 2.1867 That it is in myn herte loke Line 2.1868 And evere schal: bot of Envie, Line 2.1869 If ther be more in his baillie Line 2.1870 Towardes love, sai me what. Line 2.1871 Mi Sone, as guile under the hat Line 2.1872 With sleyhtes of a tregetour Line 2.1873 Is hidd, Envie of such colour Line 2.1874 Hath yit the ferthe deceivant, Line 2.1875 The which is cleped Falssemblant, Line 2.1876 Wherof the matiere and the forme Line 2.1877 Now herkne and I thee schal enforme. Line 2.1878

Line 2.1878 Of Falssemblant if I schal telle, Line 2.1879 Above alle othre it is the welle Line 2.1880 Out of the which deceipte floweth. Line 2.1881 Ther is noman so wys that knoweth Line 2.1882 Of thilke flod which is the tyde, Line 2.1883 Ne how he scholde himselven guide Line 2.1884 To take sauf passage there. Line 2.1885 And yit the wynd to mannes Ere Line 2.1886 Is softe, and as it semeth oute Line 2.1887 It makth clier weder al aboute; Line 2.1888 Bot thogh it seme, it is noght so. Line 2.1889 For Falssemblant hath everemo Line 2.1890 Of his conseil in compaignie Line 2.1891 The derke untrewe Ypocrisie, Line 2.1892 Whos word descordeth to his thoght: Line 2.1893 Forthi thei ben togedre broght Line 2.1894 Of o covine, of on houshold, Line 2.1895 As it schal after this be told. Line 2.1896 Of Falssemblant it nedeth noght Line 2.1897 To telle of olde ensamples oght; Line 2.1898 For al dai in experience Line 2.1899 A man mai se thilke evidence Line 2.1900

Lines 1901 through 2000

Of faire wordes whiche he hiereth; Line 2.1901 Bot yit the barge Envie stiereth Line 2.1902 And halt it evere fro the londe, Line 2.1903 Wher Falssemblant with Ore on honde Line 2.1904 It roweth, and wol noght arive, Line 2.1905 Bot let it on the wawes dryve Line 2.1906

Line 2.1906 In gret tempeste and gret debat, Line 2.1907 Wherof that love and his astat Line 2.1908 Empeireth. And therfore I rede, Line 2.1909 Mi Sone, that thou fle and drede Line 2.1910 This vice, and what that othre sein, Line 2.1911 Let thi Semblant be trewe and plein. Line 2.1912 For Falssemblant is thilke vice, Line 2.1913 Which nevere was withoute office: Line 2.1914 Wher that Envie thenkth to guile, Line 2.1915 He schal be for that ilke while Line 2.1916 Of prive conseil Messagier. Line 2.1917 For whan his semblant is most clier, Line 2.1918 Thanne is he most derk in his thoght, Line 2.1919 Thogh men him se, thei knowe him noght; Line 2.1920 Bot as it scheweth in the glas Line 2.1921 Thing which therinne nevere was, Line 2.1922 So scheweth it in his visage Line 2.1923 That nevere was in his corage: Line 2.1924 Thus doth he al his thing with sleyhte. Line 2.1925 Now ley thi conscience in weyhte, Line 2.1926 Mi goode Sone, and schrif the hier, Line 2.1927 If thou were evere Custummer Line 2.1928 To Falssemblant in eny wise. Line 2.1929 For ought I can me yit avise, Line 2.1930 Mi goode fader, certes no. Line 2.1931 If I for love have oght do so, Line 2.1932 Now asketh, I wol praie yow: Line 2.1933 For elles I wot nevere how Line 2.1934 Of Falssemblant that I have gilt. Line 2.1935 Mi Sone, and sithen that thou wilt Line 2.1936 That I schal axe, gabbe noght, Line 2.1937 Bot tell if evere was thi thoght Line 2.1938 With Falssemblant and coverture Line 2.1939 To wite of eny creature Line 2.1940 How that he was with love lad; Line 2.1941 So were he sori, were he glad, Line 2.1942 Whan that thou wistest how it were, Line 2.1943 Al that he rounede in thin Ere Line 2.1944

Line 2.1944 Thou toldest forth in other place, Line 2.1945 To setten him fro loves grace Line 2.1946 Of what womman that thee beste liste, Line 2.1947 Ther as noman his conseil wiste Line 2.1948 Bot thou, be whom he was deceived Line 2.1949 Of love, and from his pourpos weyved; Line 2.1950 And thoghtest that his destourbance Line 2.1951 Thin oghne cause scholde avance, Line 2.1952 As who saith, "I am so celee, Line 2.1953 Ther mai no mannes privete Line 2.1954 Be heled half so wel as myn." Line 2.1955 Art thou, mi Sone, of such engin? Line 2.1956 Tell on. Mi goode fader, nay Line 2.1957 As for the more part I say; Line 2.1958 Bot of somdiel I am beknowe, Line 2.1959 That I mai stonde in thilke rowe Line 2.1960 Amonges hem that Saundres use. Line 2.1961 I wol me noght therof excuse, Line 2.1962 That I with such colour ne steyne, Line 2.1963 Whan I my beste Semblant feigne Line 2.1964 To my felawh, til that I wot Line 2.1965 Al his conseil bothe cold and hot: Line 2.1966 For be that cause I make him chiere, Line 2.1967 Til I his love knowe and hiere; Line 2.1968 And if so be myn herte soucheth Line 2.1969 That oght unto my ladi toucheth Line 2.1970 Of love that he wol me telle, Line 2.1971 Anon I renne unto the welle Line 2.1972 And caste water in the fyr, Line 2.1973 So that his carte amidd the Myr, Line 2.1974 Be that I have his conseil knowe, Line 2.1975 Fulofte sithe I overthrowe, Line 2.1976 Whan that he weneth best to stonde. Line 2.1977 Bot this I do you understonde, Line 2.1978 If that a man love elles where, Line 2.1979 So that my ladi be noght there, Line 2.1980 And he me telle, I wole it hide, Line 2.1981 Ther schal no word ascape aside, Line 2.1982

Line 2.1982 For with deceipte of no semblant Line 2.1983 To him breke I no covenant; Line 2.1984 Me liketh noght in other place Line 2.1985 To lette noman of his grace, Line 2.1986 Ne forto ben inquisitif Line 2.1987 To knowe an other mannes lif: Line 2.1988 Wher that he love or love noght, Line 2.1989 That toucheth nothing to my thoght, Line 2.1990 Bot al it passeth thurgh myn Ere Line 2.1991 Riht as a thing that nevere were, Line 2.1992 And is foryete and leid beside. Line 2.1993 Bot if it touche on eny side Line 2.1994 Mi ladi, as I have er spoken, Line 2.1995 Myn Eres ben noght thanne loken; Line 2.1996 For certes, whanne that betitt, Line 2.1997 My will, myn herte and al my witt Line 2.1998 Ben fully set to herkne and spire Line 2.1999 What eny man wol speke of hire. Line 2.2000

Lines 2001 through 2100

Thus have I feigned compaignie Line 2.2001 Fulofte, for I wolde aspie Line 2.2002 What thing it is that eny man Line 2.2003 Telle of mi worthi lady can: Line 2.2004 And for tuo causes I do this, Line 2.2005 The ferste cause wherof is,- Line 2.2006 If that I myhte ofherkne and seke Line 2.2007 That eny man of hire mispeke, Line 2.2008 I wolde excuse hire so fully, Line 2.2009 That whan sche wist in inderly, Line 2.2010 Min hope scholde be the more Line 2.2011 To have hir thank for everemore. Line 2.2012 That other cause, I you assure, Line 2.2013 Is, why that I be coverture Line 2.2014 Have feigned semblant ofte time Line 2.2015 To hem that passen alday byme Line 2.2016 And ben lovers als wel as I, Line 2.2017 For this I weene trewely, Line 2.2018 That ther is of hem alle non, Line 2.2019 That thei ne loven everich on Line 2.2020

Line 2.2020 Mi ladi: for sothliche I lieve Line 2.2021 And durste setten it in prieve, Line 2.2022 Is non so wys that scholde asterte, Line 2.2023 Bot he were lustles in his herte, Line 2.2024 Forwhy and he my ladi sihe, Line 2.2025 Hir visage and hir goodlych yhe, Line 2.2026 Bot he hire lovede, er he wente. Line 2.2027 And for that such is myn entente, Line 2.2028 That is the cause of myn aspie, Line 2.2029 Why that I feigne compaignie Line 2.2030 And make felawe overal; Line 2.2031 For gladly wolde I knowen al Line 2.2032 And holde me covert alway, Line 2.2033 That I fulofte ye or nay Line 2.2034 Ne liste ansuere in eny wise, Line 2.2035 Bot feigne semblant as the wise Line 2.2036 And herkne tales, til I knowe Line 2.2037 Mi ladi lovers al arowe. Line 2.2038 And whanne I hiere how thei have wroght, Line 2.2039 I fare as thogh I herde it noght Line 2.2040 And as I no word understode; Line 2.2041 Bot that is nothing for here goode: Line 2.2042 For lieveth wel, the sothe is this, Line 2.2043 That whanne I knowe al how it is, Line 2.2044 I wol bot forthren hem a lite, Line 2.2045 Bot al the worste I can endite Line 2.2046 I telle it to my ladi plat Line 2.2047 In forthringe of myn oghne astat, Line 2.2048 And hindre hem al that evere I may. Line 2.2049 Bot for al that yit dar I say, Line 2.2050 I finde unto miself no bote, Line 2.2051 Althogh myn herte nedes mote Line 2.2052 Thurgh strengthe of love al that I hiere Line 2.2053 Discovere unto my ladi diere: Line 2.2054 For in good feith I have no miht Line 2.2055 To hele fro that swete wiht, Line 2.2056 If that it touche hire eny thing. Line 2.2057 Bot this wot wel the hevene king, Line 2.2058 That sithen ferst this world began, Line 2.2059

Line 2.2059 Unto non other strange man Line 2.2060 Ne feigned I semblant ne chiere, Line 2.2061 To wite or axe of his matiere, Line 2.2062 Thogh that he lovede ten or tuelve, Line 2.2063 Whanne it was noght my ladi selve: Line 2.2064 Bot if he wolde axe eny red Line 2.2065 Al onlich of his oghne hed, Line 2.2066 How he with other love ferde, Line 2.2067 His tales with myn Ere I herde, Line 2.2068 Bot to myn herte cam it noght Line 2.2069 Ne sank no deppere in my thoght, Line 2.2070 Bot hield conseil, as I was bede, Line 2.2071 And tolde it nevere in other stede, Line 2.2072 Bot let it passen as it com. Line 2.2073 Now, fader, say what is thi dom, Line 2.2074 And hou thou wolt that I be peined Line 2.2075 For such Semblant as I have feigned. Line 2.2076 Mi Sone, if reson be wel peised, Line 2.2077 Ther mai no vertu ben unpreised Line 2.2078 Ne vice non be set in pris. Line 2.2079 Forthi, my Sone, if thou be wys, Line 2.2080 Do no viser upon thi face, Line 2.2081 Which as wol noght thin herte embrace: Line 2.2082 For if thou do, withinne a throwe Line 2.2083 To othre men it schal be knowe, Line 2.2084 So miht thou lihtli falle in blame Line 2.2085 And lese a gret part of thi name. Line 2.2086 And natheles in this degree Line 2.2087 Fulofte time thou myht se Line 2.2088 Of suche men that now aday Line 2.2089 This vice setten in a say: Line 2.2090 I speke it for no mannes blame, Line 2.2091 Bot forto warne thee the same. Line 2.2092 Mi Sone, as I mai hiere talke Line 2.2093 In every place where I walke, Line 2.2094 I not if it be so or non, Line 2.2095 Bot it is manye daies gon Line 2.2096 That I ferst herde telle this, Line 2.2097

Line 2.2097 How Falssemblant hath ben and is Line 2.2098 Most comunly fro yer to yere Line 2.2099 With hem that duelle among ous here, Line 2.2100

Lines 2101 through 2200

Of suche as we Lombardes calle. Line 2.2101 For thei ben the slyeste of alle, Line 2.2102 So as men sein in toune aboute, Line 2.2103 To feigne and schewe thing withoute Line 2.2104 Which is revers to that withinne: Line 2.2105 Wherof that thei fulofte winne, Line 2.2106 Whan thei be reson scholden lese; Line 2.2107 Thei ben the laste and yit thei chese, Line 2.2108 And we the ferste, and yit behinde Line 2.2109 We gon, there as we scholden finde Line 2.2110 The profit of oure oghne lond: Line 2.2111 Thus gon thei fre withoute bond Line 2.2112 To don her profit al at large, Line 2.2113 And othre men bere al the charge. Line 2.2114 Of Lombardz unto this covine, Line 2.2115 Whiche alle londes conne engine, Line 2.2116 Mai Falssemblant in special Line 2.2117 Be likned, for thei overal, Line 2.2118 Wher as they thenken forto duelle, Line 2.2119 Among hemself, so as thei telle, Line 2.2120 Ferst ben enformed forto lere Line 2.2121 A craft which cleped is Fa crere: Line 2.2122 For if Fa crere come aboute, Line 2.2123 Thanne afterward hem stant no doute Line 2.2124 To voide with a soubtil hond Line 2.2125 The beste goodes of the lond Line 2.2126 And bringe chaf and take corn. Line 2.2127 Where as Fa crere goth toforn, Line 2.2128 In all his weie he fynt no lette; Line 2.2129 That Dore can non huissher schette Line 2.2130 In which him list to take entre: Line 2.2131 And thus the conseil most secre Line 2.2132 Of every thing Fa crere knoweth, Line 2.2133 Which into strange place he bloweth, Line 2.2134 Where as he wot it mai most grieve. Line 2.2135

Line 2.2135 And thus Fa crere makth believe, Line 2.2136 So that fulofte he hath deceived, Line 2.2137 Er that he mai ben aperceived. Line 2.2138 Thus is this vice forto drede; Line 2.2139 For who these olde bokes rede Line 2.2140 Of suche ensamples as were ar, Line 2.2141 Him oghte be the more war Line 2.2142 Of alle tho that feigne chiere, Line 2.2143 Wherof thou schalt a tale hiere. Line 2.2144 Of Falssemblant which is believed Line 2.2145 Ful many a worthi wiht is grieved, Line 2.2146 And was long time er we wer bore. Line 2.2147 To thee, my Sone, I wol therfore Line 2.2148 A tale telle of Falssemblant, Line 2.2149 Which falseth many a covenant, Line 2.2150 And many a fraude of fals conseil Line 2.2151 Ther ben hangende upon his Seil: Line 2.2152 And that aboghten gulteles Line 2.2153 Bothe Deianire and Hercules, Line 2.2154 The whiche in gret desese felle Line 2.2155 Thurgh Falssemblant, as I schal telle. Line 2.2156 Whan Hercules withinne a throwe Line 2.2157 Al only hath his herte throwe Line 2.2158 Upon this faire Deianire, Line 2.2159 It fell him on a dai desire, Line 2.2160 Upon a Rivere as he stod, Line 2.2161 That passe he wolde over the flod Line 2.2162 Withoute bot, and with him lede Line 2.2163 His love, bot he was in drede Line 2.2164 For tendresce of that swete wiht, Line 2.2165 For he knew noght the forde ariht. Line 2.2166 Ther was a Geant thanne nyh, Line 2.2167 Which Nessus hihte, and whanne he sih Line 2.2168 This Hercules and Deianyre, Line 2.2169 Withinne his herte he gan conspire, Line 2.2170 As he which thurgh his tricherie Line 2.2171 Hath Hercules in gret envie, Line 2.2172

Line 2.2172 Which he bar in his herte loke, Line 2.2173 And thanne he thoghte it schal be wroke. Line 2.2174 Bot he ne dorste natheles Line 2.2175 Ayein this worthi Hercules Line 2.2176 Falle in debat as forto feihte; Line 2.2177 Bot feigneth Semblant al be sleihte Line 2.2178 Of frendschipe and of alle goode, Line 2.2179 And comth where as thei bothe stode, Line 2.2180 And makth hem al the chiere he can, Line 2.2181 And seith that as here oghne man Line 2.2182 He is al redy forto do Line 2.2183 What thing he mai; and it fell so Line 2.2184 That thei upon his Semblant triste, Line 2.2185 And axen him if that he wiste Line 2.2186 What thing hem were best to done, Line 2.2187 So that thei mihten sauf and sone Line 2.2188 The water passe, he and sche. Line 2.2189 And whan Nessus the privete Line 2.2190 Knew of here herte what it mente, Line 2.2191 As he that was of double entente, Line 2.2192 He made hem riht a glad visage; Line 2.2193 And whanne he herde of the passage Line 2.2194 Of him and hire, he thoghte guile, Line 2.2195 And feigneth Semblant for a while Line 2.2196 To don hem plesance and servise, Line 2.2197 Bot he thoghte al an other wise. Line 2.2198 This Nessus with hise wordes slyhe Line 2.2199 Yaf such conseil tofore here yhe Line 2.2200

Lines 2201 through 2300

Which semeth outward profitable Line 2.2201 And was withinne deceivable. Line 2.2202 He bad hem of the Stremes depe Line 2.2203 That thei be war and take kepe, Line 2.2204 So as thei knowe noght the pas; Line 2.2205 Bot forto helpe in such a cas, Line 2.2206 He seith himself that for here ese Line 2.2207 He wolde, if that it mihte hem plese, Line 2.2208 The passage of the water take, Line 2.2209 And for this ladi undertake Line 2.2210

Line 2.2210 To bere unto that other stronde Line 2.2211 And sauf to sette hire up alonde, Line 2.2212 And Hercules may thanne also Line 2.2213 The weie knowe how he schal go: Line 2.2214 And herto thei acorden alle. Line 2.2215 Bot what as after schal befalle, Line 2.2216 Wel payd was Hercules of this, Line 2.2217 And this Geant also glad is, Line 2.2218 And tok this ladi up alofte Line 2.2219 And set hire on his schuldre softe, Line 2.2220 And in the flod began to wade, Line 2.2221 As he which no grucchinge made, Line 2.2222 And bar hire over sauf and sound. Line 2.2223 Bot whanne he stod on dreie ground Line 2.2224 And Hercules was fer behinde, Line 2.2225 He sette his trowthe al out of mynde, Line 2.2226 Who so therof be lief or loth, Line 2.2227 With Deianyre and forth he goth, Line 2.2228 As he that thoghte to dissevere Line 2.2229 The compaignie of hem for evere. Line 2.2230 Whan Hercules therof tok hiede, Line 2.2231 Als faste as evere he mihte him spiede Line 2.2232 He hyeth after in a throwe; Line 2.2233 And hapneth that he hadde a bowe, Line 2.2234 The which in alle haste he bende, Line 2.2235 As he that wolde an Arwe sende, Line 2.2236 Which he tofore hadde envenimed. Line 2.2237 He hath so wel his schote timed, Line 2.2238 That he him thurgh the bodi smette, Line 2.2239 And thus the false wiht he lette. Line 2.2240 Bot lest now such a felonie: Line 2.2241 Whan Nessus wiste he scholde die, Line 2.2242 He tok to Deianyre his scherte, Line 2.2243 Which with the blod was of his herte Line 2.2244 Thurghout desteigned overal, Line 2.2245 And tolde how sche it kepe schal Line 2.2246 Al prively to this entente, Line 2.2247

Line 2.2247 That if hire lord his herte wente Line 2.2248 To love in eny other place, Line 2.2249 The scherte, he seith, hath such a grace, Line 2.2250 That if sche mai so mochel make Line 2.2251 That he the scherte upon him take, Line 2.2252 He schal alle othre lete in vein Line 2.2253 And torne unto hire love ayein. Line 2.2254 Who was tho glad bot Deianyre? Line 2.2255 Hire thoghte hire herte was afyre Line 2.2256 Til it was in hire cofre loke, Line 2.2257 So that no word therof was spoke. Line 2.2258 The daies gon, the yeres passe, Line 2.2259 The hertes waxen lasse and lasse Line 2.2260 Of hem that ben to love untrewe: Line 2.2261 This Hercules with herte newe Line 2.2262 His love hath set on Eolen, Line 2.2263 And therof spieken alle men. Line 2.2264 This Eolen, this faire maide, Line 2.2265 Was, as men thilke time saide, Line 2.2266 The kinges dowhter of Eurice; Line 2.2267 And sche made Hercules so nyce Line 2.2268 Upon hir Love and so assote, Line 2.2269 That he him clotheth in hire cote, Line 2.2270 And sche in his was clothed ofte; Line 2.2271 And thus fieblesce is set alofte, Line 2.2272 And strengthe was put under fote, Line 2.2273 Ther can noman therof do bote. Line 2.2274 Whan Deianyre hath herd this speche, Line 2.2275 Ther was no sorwe forto seche: Line 2.2276 Of other helpe wot sche non, Line 2.2277 Bot goth unto hire cofre anon; Line 2.2278 With wepende yhe and woful herte Line 2.2279 Sche tok out thilke unhappi scherte, Line 2.2280 As sche that wende wel to do, Line 2.2281 And broghte hire werk aboute so Line 2.2282 That Hercules this scherte on dede, Line 2.2283 To such entente as she was bede Line 2.2284

Line 2.2284 Of Nessus, so as I seide er. Line 2.2285 Bot therof was sche noght the ner, Line 2.2286 As no fortune may be weyved; Line 2.2287 With Falssemblant sche was deceived, Line 2.2288 That whan sche wende best have wonne, Line 2.2289 Sche lost al that sche hath begonne. Line 2.2290 For thilke scherte unto the bon Line 2.2291 His body sette afyre anon, Line 2.2292 And cleveth so, it mai noght twinne, Line 2.2293 For the venym that was therinne. Line 2.2294 And he thanne as a wilde man Line 2.2295 Unto the hihe wode he ran, Line 2.2296 And as the Clerk Ovide telleth, Line 2.2297 The grete tres to grounde he felleth Line 2.2298 With strengthe al of his oghne myght, Line 2.2299 And made an huge fyr upriht, Line 2.2300

Lines 2301 through 2400

And lepte himself therinne at ones Line 2.2301 And brende him bothe fleissh and bones. Line 2.2302 Which thing cam al thurgh Falssemblant, Line 2.2303 That false Nessus the Geant Line 2.2304 Made unto him and to his wif; Line 2.2305 Wherof that he hath lost his lif, Line 2.2306 And sche sori for everemo. Line 2.2307 Forthi, my Sone, er thee be wo, Line 2.2308 I rede, be wel war therfore; Line 2.2309 For whan so gret a man was lore, Line 2.2310 It oghte yive a gret conceipte Line 2.2311 To warne alle othre of such deceipte. Line 2.2312 Grant mercy, fader, I am war Line 2.2313 So fer that I nomore dar Line 2.2314 Of Falssemblant take aqueintance; Line 2.2315 Bot rathere I wol do penance Line 2.2316 That I have feigned chiere er this. Line 2.2317 Now axeth forth, what so ther is Line 2.2318 Of that belongeth to my schrifte. Line 2.2319 Mi Sone, yit ther is the fifte Line 2.2320 Which is conceived of Envie, Line 2.2321 And cleped is Supplantarie, Line 2.2322 Thurgh whos compassement and guile Line 2.2323

Line 2.2323 Ful many a man hath lost his while Line 2.2324 In love als wel as otherwise, Line 2.2325 Hierafter as I schal devise. Line 2.2326 The vice of Supplantacioun Line 2.2327 With many a fals collacioun, Line 2.2328 Which he conspireth al unknowe, Line 2.2329 Full ofte time hath overthrowe Line 2.2330 The worschipe of an other man. Line 2.2331 So wel no lif awayte can Line 2.2332 Ayein his sleyhte forto caste, Line 2.2333 That he his pourpos ate laste Line 2.2334 Ne hath, er that it be withset. Line 2.2335 Bot most of alle his herte is set Line 2.2336 In court upon these grete Offices Line 2.2337 Of dignitees and benefices: Line 2.2338 Thus goth he with his sleyhte aboute Line 2.2339 To hindre and schowve an other oute Line 2.2340 And stonden with his slyh compas Line 2.2341 In stede there an other was; Line 2.2342 And so to sette himselven inne, Line 2.2343 He reccheth noght, be so he winne, Line 2.2344 Of that an other man schal lese, Line 2.2345 And thus fulofte chalk for chese Line 2.2346 He changeth with ful litel cost, Line 2.2347 Wherof an other hath the lost Line 2.2348 And he the profit schal receive. Line 2.2349 For his fortune is to deceive Line 2.2350 And forto change upon the whel Line 2.2351 His wo with othre mennes wel: Line 2.2352

Line 2.2352 Of that an other man avaleth, Line 2.2353 His oghne astat thus up he haleth, Line 2.2354 And takth the bridd to his beyete, Line 2.2355 Wher othre men the buisshes bete. Line 2.2356 Mi Sone, and in the same wise Line 2.2357 Ther ben lovers of such emprise, Line 2.2358 That schapen hem to be relieved Line 2.2359 Where it is wrong to ben achieved: Line 2.2360 For it is other mannes riht, Line 2.2361 Which he hath taken dai and niht Line 2.2362 To kepe for his oghne Stor Line 2.2363 Toward himself for everemor, Line 2.2364 And is his propre be the lawe, Line 2.2365 Which thing that axeth no felawe, Line 2.2366 If love holde his covenant. Line 2.2367 Bot thei that worchen be supplaunt, Line 2.2368 Yit wolden thei a man supplaunte, Line 2.2369 And take a part of thilke plaunte Line 2.2370 Which he hath for himselve set: Line 2.2371 And so fulofte is al unknet, Line 2.2372 That som man weneth be riht fast. Line 2.2373 For Supplant with his slyhe cast Line 2.2374 Fulofte happneth forto mowe Line 2.2375 Thing which an other man hath sowe, Line 2.2376 And makth comun of proprete Line 2.2377 With sleihte and with soubtilite, Line 2.2378 As men mai se fro yer to yere. Line 2.2379 Thus cleymeth he the bot to stiere, Line 2.2380 Of which an other maister is. Line 2.2381 Forthi, my Sone, if thou er this Line 2.2382 Hast ben of such professioun, Line 2.2383 Discovere thi confessioun: Line 2.2384 Hast thou supplanted eny man? Line 2.2385 For oght that I you telle can, Line 2.2386 Min holi fader, as of the dede Line 2.2387 I am withouten eny drede Line 2.2388

Line 2.2388 Al gulteles; bot of my thoght Line 2.2389 Mi conscience excuse I noght. Line 2.2390 For were it wrong or were it riht, Line 2.2391 Me lakketh nothing bote myht, Line 2.2392 That I ne wolde longe er this Line 2.2393 Of other mannes love ywiss Line 2.2394 Be weie of Supplantacioun Line 2.2395 Have mad apropriacioun Line 2.2396 And holde that I nevere boghte, Line 2.2397 Thogh it an other man forthoghte. Line 2.2398 And al this speke I bot of on, Line 2.2399 For whom I lete alle othre gon; Line 2.2400

Lines 2401 through 2500

Bot hire I mai noght overpasse, Line 2.2401 That I ne mot alwey compasse, Line 2.2402 Me roghte noght be what queintise, Line 2.2403 So that I mihte in eny wise Line 2.2404 Fro suche that mi ladi serve Line 2.2405 Hire herte make forto swerve Line 2.2406 Withouten eny part of love. Line 2.2407 For be the goddes alle above Line 2.2408 I wolde it mihte so befalle, Line 2.2409 That I al one scholde hem alle Line 2.2410 Supplante, and welde hire at mi wille. Line 2.2411 And that thing mai I noght fulfille, Line 2.2412 Bot if I scholde strengthe make; Line 2.2413 And that I dar noght undertake, Line 2.2414 Thogh I were as was Alisaundre, Line 2.2415 For therof mihte arise sklaundre; Line 2.2416 And certes that schal I do nevere, Line 2.2417 For in good feith yit hadde I levere Line 2.2418 In my simplesce forto die, Line 2.2419 Than worche such Supplantarie. Line 2.2420 Of otherwise I wol noght seie Line 2.2421 That if I founde a seker weie, Line 2.2422 I wolde as for conclusioun Line 2.2423 Worche after Supplantacioun, Line 2.2424 So hihe a love forto winne. Line 2.2425

Line 2.2425 Now, fader, if that this be Sinne, Line 2.2426 I am al redy to redresce Line 2.2427 The gilt of which I me confesse. Line 2.2428 Mi goode Sone, as of Supplant Line 2.2429 Thee thar noght drede tant ne quant, Line 2.2430 As for nothing that I have herd, Line 2.2431 Bot only that thou hast misferd Line 2.2432 Thenkende, and that me liketh noght, Line 2.2433 For godd beholt a mannes thoght. Line 2.2434 And if thou understode in soth Line 2.2435 In loves cause what it doth, Line 2.2436 A man to ben a Supplantour, Line 2.2437 Thou woldest for thin oghne honour Line 2.2438 Be double weie take kepe: Line 2.2439 Ferst for thin oghne astat to kepe, Line 2.2440 To be thiself so wel bethoght Line 2.2441 That thou supplanted were noght, Line 2.2442 And ek for worschipe of thi name Line 2.2443 Towardes othre do the same, Line 2.2444 And soffren every man have his. Line 2.2445 Bot natheles it was and is, Line 2.2446 That in a wayt at alle assaies Line 2.2447 Supplant of love in oure daies Line 2.2448 The lief fulofte for the levere Line 2.2449 Forsakth, and so it hath don evere. Line 2.2450 Ensample I finde therupon, Line 2.2451 At Troie how that Agamenon Line 2.2452 Supplantede the worthi knyht Line 2.2453 Achilles of that swete wiht, Line 2.2454 Which named was Brexei�da; Line 2.2455 And also of Crisei�da, Line 2.2456 Whom Troilus to love ches, Line 2.2457 Supplanted hath Diomedes. Line 2.2458 Of Geta and Amphitrion, Line 2.2459 That whilom weren bothe as on Line 2.2460 Of frendschipe and of compaignie, Line 2.2461 I rede how that Supplantarie Line 2.2462

Line 2.2462 In love, as it betidde tho, Line 2.2463 Beguiled hath on of hem tuo. Line 2.2464 For this Geta that I of meene, Line 2.2465 To whom the lusti faire Almeene Line 2.2466 Assured was be weie of love, Line 2.2467 Whan he best wende have ben above Line 2.2468 And sikerest of that he hadde, Line 2.2469 Cupido so the cause ladde, Line 2.2470 That whil he was out of the weie, Line 2.2471 Amphitrion hire love aweie Line 2.2472 Hath take, and in this forme he wroghte. Line 2.2473 Be nyhte unto the chambre he soghte, Line 2.2474 Wher that sche lay, and with a wyle Line 2.2475 He contrefeteth for the whyle Line 2.2476 The vois of Gete in such a wise, Line 2.2477 That made hire of hire bedd arise, Line 2.2478 Wenende that it were he, Line 2.2479 And let him in, and whan thei be Line 2.2480 Togedre abedde in armes faste, Line 2.2481 This Geta cam thanne ate laste Line 2.2482 Unto the Dore and seide, "Undo." Line 2.2483 And sche ansuerde and bad him go, Line 2.2484 And seide how that abedde al warm Line 2.2485 Hir lief lay naked in hir arm; Line 2.2486 Sche wende that it were soth. Line 2.2487 Lo, what Supplant of love doth: Line 2.2488 This Geta forth bejaped wente, Line 2.2489 And yit ne wiste he what it mente; Line 2.2490 Amphitrion him hath supplanted Line 2.2491 With sleyhte of love and hire enchaunted: Line 2.2492 And thus put every man out other, Line 2.2493 The Schip of love hath lost his Rother, Line 2.2494 So that he can no reson stiere. Line 2.2495 And forto speke of this matiere Line 2.2496 Touchende love and his Supplant, Line 2.2497 A tale which is acordant Line 2.2498 Unto thin Ere I thenke enforme. Line 2.2499

Line 2.2499 Now herkne, for this is the forme. Line 2.2500

Lines 2501 through 2600

Of thilke Cite chief of alle Line 2.2501 Which men the noble Rome calle, Line 2.2502 Er it was set to Cristes feith, Line 2.2503 Ther was, as the Cronique seith, Line 2.2504 An Emperour, the which it ladde Line 2.2505 In pes, that he no werres hadde: Line 2.2506 Ther was nothing desobeissant Line 2.2507 Which was to Rome appourtenant, Line 2.2508 Bot al was torned into reste. Line 2.2509 To some it thoghte for the beste, Line 2.2510 To some it thoghte nothing so, Line 2.2511 And that was only unto tho Line 2.2512 Whos herte stod upon knyhthode: Line 2.2513 Bot most of alle of his manhode Line 2.2514 The worthi Sone of themperour, Line 2.2515 Which wolde ben a werreiour, Line 2.2516 As he that was chivalerous Line 2.2517 Of worldes fame and desirous, Line 2.2518 Began his fadre to beseche Line 2.2519 That he the werres mihte seche, Line 2.2520 In strange Marches forto ride. Line 2.2521 His fader seide he scholde abide, Line 2.2522 And wolde granten him no leve: Line 2.2523 Bot he, which wolde noght beleve, Line 2.2524 A kniht of his to whom he triste, Line 2.2525 So that his fader nothing wiste, Line 2.2526 He tok and tolde him his corage, Line 2.2527 That he pourposeth a viage. Line 2.2528 If that fortune with him stonde, Line 2.2529 He seide how that he wolde fonde Line 2.2530 The grete See to passe unknowe, Line 2.2531 And there abyde for a throwe Line 2.2532 Upon the werres to travaile. Line 2.2533 And to this point withoute faile Line 2.2534 This kniht, whan he hath herd his lord, Line 2.2535 Is swore, and stant of his acord, Line 2.2536

Line 2.2536 As thei that bothe yonge were; Line 2.2537 So that in prive conseil there Line 2.2538 Thei ben assented forto wende. Line 2.2539 And therupon to make an ende, Line 2.2540 Tresor ynowh with hem thei token, Line 2.2541 And whan the time is best thei loken, Line 2.2542 That sodeinliche in a Galeie Line 2.2543 Fro Romelond thei wente here weie Line 2.2544 And londe upon that other side. Line 2.2545 The world fell so that ilke tide, Line 2.2546 Which evere hise happes hath diverse, Line 2.2547 The grete Soldan thanne of Perse Line 2.2548 Ayein the Caliphe of Egipte Line 2.2549 A werre, which that him beclipte, Line 2.2550 Hath in a Marche costeiant. Line 2.2551 And he, which was a poursuiant Line 2.2552 Worschipe of armes to atteigne, Line 2.2553 This Romein, let anon ordeigne, Line 2.2554 That he was redi everydel: Line 2.2555 And whan he was arraied wel Line 2.2556 Of every thing which him belongeth, Line 2.2557 Straght unto Kaire his weie he fongeth, Line 2.2558 Wher he the Soldan thanne fond, Line 2.2559 And axeth that withinne his lond Line 2.2560 He mihte him for the werre serve, Line 2.2561 As he which wolde his thonk deserve. Line 2.2562 The Soldan was riht glad with al, Line 2.2563 And wel the more in special Line 2.2564 Whan that he wiste he was Romein; Line 2.2565 Bot what was elles in certein, Line 2.2566 That mihte he wite be no weie. Line 2.2567 And thus the kniht of whom I seie Line 2.2568 Toward the Soldan is beleft, Line 2.2569 And in the Marches now and eft, Line 2.2570 Wher that the dedli werres were, Line 2.2571 He wroghte such knihthode there, Line 2.2572 That every man spak of him good. Line 2.2573 And thilke time so it stod, Line 2.2574

Line 2.2574 This mihti Soldan be his wif Line 2.2575 A Dowhter hath, that in this lif Line 2.2576 Men seiden ther was non so fair. Line 2.2577 Sche scholde ben hir fader hair, Line 2.2578 And was of yeres ripe ynowh: Line 2.2579 Hire beaute many an herte drowh Line 2.2580 To bowe unto that ilke lawe Line 2.2581 Fro which no lif mai be withdrawe, Line 2.2582 And that is love, whos nature Line 2.2583 Set lif and deth in aventure Line 2.2584 Of hem that knyhthode undertake. Line 2.2585 This lusti peine hath overtake Line 2.2586 The herte of this Romein so sore, Line 2.2587 That to knihthode more and more Line 2.2588 Prouesce avanceth his corage. Line 2.2589 Lich to the Leoun in his rage, Line 2.2590 Fro whom that alle bestes fle, Line 2.2591 Such was the knyht in his degre: Line 2.2592 Wher he was armed in the feld, Line 2.2593 Ther dorste non abide his scheld; Line 2.2594 Gret pris upon the werre he hadde. Line 2.2595 Bot sche which al the chance ladde, Line 2.2596 Fortune, schop the Marches so, Line 2.2597 That be thassent of bothe tuo, Line 2.2598 The Soldan and the Caliphe eke, Line 2.2599 Bataille upon a dai thei seke, Line 2.2600

Lines 2601 through 2700

Which was in such a wise set Line 2.2601 That lengere scholde it noght be let. Line 2.2602 Thei made hem stronge on every side, Line 2.2603 And whan it drowh toward the tide Line 2.2604 That the bataille scholde be, Line 2.2605 The Soldan in gret privete Line 2.2606 A goldring of his dowhter tok, Line 2.2607 And made hire swere upon a bok Line 2.2608 And ek upon the goddes alle, Line 2.2609 That if fortune so befalle Line 2.2610 In the bataille that he deie, Line 2.2611

Line 2.2611 That sche schal thilke man obeie Line 2.2612 And take him to hire housebonde, Line 2.2613 Which thilke same Ring to honde Line 2.2614 Hire scholde bringe after his deth. Line 2.2615 This hath sche swore, and forth he geth Line 2.2616 With al the pouer of his lond Line 2.2617 Unto the Marche, where he fond Line 2.2618 His enemy full embatailled. Line 2.2619 The Soldan hath the feld assailed: Line 2.2620 Thei that ben hardy sone assemblen, Line 2.2621 Wherof the dredfull hertes tremblen: Line 2.2622 That on sleth, and that other sterveth, Line 2.2623 Bot above all his pris deserveth Line 2.2624 This knihtly Romein; where he rod, Line 2.2625 His dedly swerd noman abod, Line 2.2626 Ayein the which was no defence; Line 2.2627 Egipte fledde in his presence, Line 2.2628 And thei of Perse upon the chace Line 2.2629 Poursuien: bot I not what grace Line 2.2630 Befell, an Arwe out of a bowe Line 2.2631 Al sodeinly that ilke throwe Line 2.2632 The Soldan smot, and ther he lay: Line 2.2633 The chace is left for thilke day, Line 2.2634 And he was bore into a tente. Line 2.2635 The Soldan sih how that it wente, Line 2.2636 And that he scholde algate die; Line 2.2637 And to this knyht of Romanie, Line 2.2638 As unto him whom he most triste, Line 2.2639 His Dowhter Ring, that non it wiste, Line 2.2640 He tok, and tolde him al the cas, Line 2.2641 Upon hire oth what tokne it was Line 2.2642 Of that sche scholde ben his wif. Line 2.2643 Whan this was seid, the hertes lif Line 2.2644 Of this Soldan departeth sone; Line 2.2645 And therupon, as was to done, Line 2.2646 The dede body wel and faire Line 2.2647 Thei carie til thei come at Kaire, Line 2.2648 Wher he was worthily begrave. Line 2.2649 The lordes, whiche as wolden save Line 2.2650

Line 2.2650 The Regne which was desolat, Line 2.2651 To bringe it into good astat Line 2.2652 A parlement thei sette anon. Line 2.2653 Now herkne what fell therupon: Line 2.2654 This yonge lord, this worthi kniht Line 2.2655 Of Rome, upon the same niht Line 2.2656 That thei amorwe trete scholde, Line 2.2657 Unto his Bacheler he tolde Line 2.2658 His conseil, and the Ring with al Line 2.2659 He scheweth, thurgh which that he schal, Line 2.2660 He seith, the kinges Dowhter wedde, Line 2.2661 For so the Ring was leid to wedde, Line 2.2662 He tolde, into hir fader hond, Line 2.2663 That with what man that sche it fond Line 2.2664 Sche scholde him take to hire lord. Line 2.2665 And this, he seith, stant of record, Line 2.2666 Bot noman wot who hath this Ring. Line 2.2667 This Bacheler upon this thing Line 2.2668 His Ere and his entente leide, Line 2.2669 And thoghte more thanne he seide, Line 2.2670 And feigneth with a fals visage Line 2.2671 That he was glad, bot his corage Line 2.2672 Was al set in an other wise. Line 2.2673 These olde Philosophres wise Line 2.2674 Thei writen upon thilke while, Line 2.2675 That he mai best a man beguile Line 2.2676 In whom the man hath most credence; Line 2.2677 And this befell in evidence Line 2.2678 Toward this yonge lord of Rome. Line 2.2679 His Bacheler, which hadde tome, Line 2.2680 Whan that his lord be nihte slepte, Line 2.2681 This Ring, the which his maister kepte, Line 2.2682 Out of his Pours awey he dede, Line 2.2683 And putte an other in the stede. Line 2.2684 Amorwe, whan the Court is set, Line 2.2685 The yonge ladi was forth fet, Line 2.2686 To whom the lordes don homage, Line 2.2687

Line 2.2687 And after that of Mariage Line 2.2688 Thei trete and axen of hir wille. Line 2.2689 Bot sche, which thoghte to fulfille Line 2.2690 Hire fader heste in this matiere, Line 2.2691 Seide openly, that men mai hiere, Line 2.2692 The charge which hire fader bad. Line 2.2693 Tho was this Lord of Rome glad Line 2.2694 And drowh toward his Pours anon, Line 2.2695 Bot al for noght, it was agon: Line 2.2696 His Bacheler it hath forthdrawe, Line 2.2697 And axeth ther upon the lawe Line 2.2698 That sche him holde covenant. Line 2.2699 The tokne was so sufficant Line 2.2700

Lines 2701 through 2800

That it ne mihte be forsake, Line 2.2701 And natheles his lord hath take Line 2.2702 Querelle ayein his oghne man; Line 2.2703 Bot for nothing that evere he can Line 2.2704 He mihte as thanne noght ben herd, Line 2.2705 So that his cleym is unansuerd, Line 2.2706 And he hath of his pourpos failed. Line 2.2707 This Bacheler was tho consailed Line 2.2708 And wedded, and of thilke Empire Line 2.2709 He was coroned Lord and Sire, Line 2.2710 And al the lond him hath received; Line 2.2711 Wherof his lord, which was deceived, Line 2.2712 A seknesse er the thridde morwe Line 2.2713 Conceived hath of dedly sorwe: Line 2.2714 And as he lay upon his deth, Line 2.2715 Therwhile him lasteth speche and breth, Line 2.2716 He sende for the worthieste Line 2.2717 Of al the lond and ek the beste, Line 2.2718 And tolde hem al the sothe tho, Line 2.2719 That he was Sone and Heir also Line 2.2720 Of themperour of grete Rome, Line 2.2721 And how that thei togedre come, Line 2.2722 This kniht and he; riht as it was, Line 2.2723 He tolde hem al the pleine cas, Line 2.2724 And for that he his conseil tolde, Line 2.2725

Line 2.2725 That other hath al that he wolde, Line 2.2726 And he hath failed of his mede: Line 2.2727 As for the good he takth non hiede, Line 2.2728 He seith, bot only of the love, Line 2.2729 Of which he wende have ben above. Line 2.2730 And therupon be lettre write Line 2.2731 He doth his fader forto wite Line 2.2732 Of al this matiere as it stod; Line 2.2733 And thanne with an hertly mod Line 2.2734 Unto the lordes he besoghte Line 2.2735 To telle his ladi how he boghte Line 2.2736 Hire love, of which an other gladeth; Line 2.2737 And with that word his hewe fadeth, Line 2.2738 And seide, "A dieu, my ladi swete." Line 2.2739 The lif hath lost his kindly hete, Line 2.2740 And he lay ded as eny ston; Line 2.2741 Wherof was sory manyon, Line 2.2742 Bot non of alle so as sche. Line 2.2743 This false knyht in his degree Line 2.2744 Arested was and put in hold: Line 2.2745 For openly whan it was told Line 2.2746 Of the tresoun which is befalle, Line 2.2747 Thurghout the lond thei seiden alle, Line 2.2748 If it be soth that men suppose, Line 2.2749 His oghne untrowthe him schal depose. Line 2.2750 And forto seche an evidence, Line 2.2751 With honour and gret reverence, Line 2.2752 Wherof they mihten knowe an ende, Line 2.2753 To themperour anon thei sende Line 2.2754 The lettre which his Sone wrot. Line 2.2755 And whan that he the sothe wot, Line 2.2756 To telle his sorwe is endeles, Line 2.2757 Bot yit in haste natheles Line 2.2758 Upon the tale which he herde Line 2.2759 His Stieward into Perse ferde Line 2.2760 With many a worthi Romein eke, Line 2.2761 His liege tretour forto seke; Line 2.2762 And whan thei thider come were, Line 2.2763

Line 2.2763 This kniht him hath confessed there Line 2.2764 How falsly that he hath him bore, Line 2.2765 Wherof his worthi lord was lore. Line 2.2766 Tho seiden some he scholde deie, Line 2.2767 Bot yit thei founden such a weie Line 2.2768 That he schal noght be ded in Perse; Line 2.2769 And thus the skiles ben diverse. Line 2.2770 Be cause that he was coroned, Line 2.2771 And that the lond was abandoned Line 2.2772 To him, althogh it were unriht, Line 2.2773 Ther is no peine for him diht; Line 2.2774 Bot to this point and to this ende Line 2.2775 Thei granten wel that he schal wende Line 2.2776 With the Romeins to Rome ayein. Line 2.2777 And thus acorded ful and plein, Line 2.2778 The qwike body with the dede Line 2.2779 With leve take forth thei lede, Line 2.2780 Wher that Supplant hath his juise. Line 2.2781 Wherof that thou thee miht avise Line 2.2782 Upon this enformacioun Line 2.2783 Touchende of Supplantacioun, Line 2.2784 That thou, my Sone, do noght so: Line 2.2785 And forto take hiede also Line 2.2786 What Supplant doth in other halve, Line 2.2787 Ther is noman can finde a salve Line 2.2788 Pleinly to helen such a Sor; Line 2.2789 It hath and schal ben everemor, Line 2.2790 Whan Pride is with Envie joint, Line 2.2791 He soffreth noman in good point, Line 2.2792 Wher that he mai his honour lette. Line 2.2793 And therupon if I schal sette Line 2.2794 Ensample, in holy cherche I finde Line 2.2795 How that Supplant is noght behinde; Line 2.2796 God wot if that it now be so: Line 2.2797 For in Cronique of time ago Line 2.2798 I finde a tale concordable Line 2.2799 Of Supplant, which that is no fable, Line 2.2800

Lines 2801 through 2900

In the manere as I schal telle, Line 2.2801 So as whilom the thinges felle. Line 2.2802

Line 2.2802 At Rome, as it hath ofte falle, Line 2.2803 The vicair general of alle Line 2.2804 Of hem that lieven Cristes feith Line 2.2805 His laste day, which non withseith, Line 2.2806 Hath schet as to the worldes y�e, Line 2.2807 Whos name if I schal specefie, Line 2.2808 He hihte Pope Nicolas. Line 2.2809 And thus whan that he passed was, Line 2.2810 The Cardinals, that wolden save Line 2.2811 The forme of lawe, in the conclave Line 2.2812 Gon forto chese a newe Pope, Line 2.2813 And after that thei cowthe agrope Line 2.2814 Hath ech of hem seid his entente: Line 2.2815 Til ate laste thei assente Line 2.2816 Upon an holy clerk reclus, Line 2.2817 Which full was of gostli vertus; Line 2.2818 His pacience and his simplesse Line 2.2819 Hath set him into hih noblesse. Line 2.2820 Thus was he Pope canonized, Line 2.2821 With gret honour and intronized, Line 2.2822 And upon chance as it is falle, Line 2.2823 His name Celestin men calle; Line 2.2824 Which notefied was be bulle Line 2.2825 To holi cherche and to the fulle Line 2.2826 In alle londes magnified. Line 2.2827 Bot every worschipe is envied, Line 2.2828 And that was thilke time sene: Line 2.2829 For whan this Pope of whom I meene Line 2.2830 Was chose, and othre set beside, Line 2.2831 A Cardinal was thilke tide Line 2.2832 Which the papat longe hath desired Line 2.2833 And therupon gretli conspired; Line 2.2834 Bot whan he sih fortune is failed, Line 2.2835 For which long time he hath travailed, Line 2.2836 That ilke fyr which Ethna brenneth Line 2.2837 Thurghout his wofull herte renneth, Line 2.2838

Line 2.2838 Which is resembled to Envie, Line 2.2839 Wherof Supplant and tricherie Line 2.2840 Engendred is; and natheles Line 2.2841 He feigneth love, he feigneth pes, Line 2.2842 Outward he doth the reverence, Line 2.2843 Bot al withinne his conscience Line 2.2844 Thurgh fals ymaginacioun Line 2.2845 He thoghte Supplantacioun. Line 2.2846 And therupon a wonder wyle Line 2.2847 He wroghte: for at thilke whyle Line 2.2848 It fell so that of his lignage Line 2.2849 He hadde a clergoun of yong age, Line 2.2850 Whom he hath in his chambre affaited. Line 2.2851 This Cardinal his time hath waited, Line 2.2852 And with his wordes slyhe and queinte, Line 2.2853 The whiche he cowthe wysly peinte, Line 2.2854 He schop this clerk of which I telle Line 2.2855 Toward the Pope forto duelle, Line 2.2856 So that withinne his chambre anyht Line 2.2857 He lai, and was a prive wyht Line 2.2858 Toward the Pope on nyhtes tide. Line 2.2859 Mai noman fle that schal betide. Line 2.2860 This Cardinal, which thoghte guile, Line 2.2861 Upon a day whan he hath while Line 2.2862 This yonge clerc unto him tok, Line 2.2863 And made him swere upon a bok, Line 2.2864 And told him what his wille was. Line 2.2865 And forth withal a Trompe of bras Line 2.2866 He hath him take, and bad him this: Line 2.2867 "Thou schalt," he seide, "whan time is Line 2.2868 Awaite, and take riht good kepe, Line 2.2869 Whan that the Pope is fast aslepe Line 2.2870 And that non other man by nyh; Line 2.2871 And thanne that thou be so slyh Line 2.2872 Thurghout the Trompe into his Ere, Line 2.2873 Fro hevene as thogh a vois it were, Line 2.2874 To soune of such prolacioun Line 2.2875 That he his meditacioun Line 2.2876

Line 2.2876 Therof mai take and understonde, Line 2.2877 As thogh it were of goddes sonde. Line 2.2878 And in this wise thou schalt seie, Line 2.2879 That he do thilke astat aweie Line 2.2880 Of Pope, in which he stant honoured, Line 2.2881 So schal his Soule be socoured Line 2.2882 Of thilke worschipe ate laste Line 2.2883 In hevene which schal evere laste." Line 2.2884 This clerc, whan he hath herd the forme Line 2.2885 How he the Pope scholde enforme, Line 2.2886 Tok of the Cardinal his leve, Line 2.2887 And goth him hom, til it was Eve, Line 2.2888 And prively the trompe he hedde, Line 2.2889 Til that the Pope was abedde. Line 2.2890 And at the Midnyht, whan he knewh Line 2.2891 The Pope slepte, thanne he blewh Line 2.2892 Withinne his trompe thurgh the wal, Line 2.2893 And tolde in what manere he schal Line 2.2894 His Papacie leve, and take Line 2.2895 His ferste astat: and thus awake Line 2.2896 This holi Pope he made thries, Line 2.2897 Wherof diverse fantasies Line 2.2898 Upon his grete holinesse Line 2.2899 Withinne his herte he gan impresse. Line 2.2900

Lines 2901 through 3000

The Pope ful of innocence Line 2.2901 Conceiveth in his conscience Line 2.2902 That it is goddes wille he cesse; Line 2.2903 Bot in what wise he may relesse Line 2.2904 His hihe astat, that wot he noght. Line 2.2905 And thus withinne himself bethoght, Line 2.2906 He bar it stille in his memoire, Line 2.2907 Til he cam to the Consistoire; Line 2.2908 And there in presence of hem alle Line 2.2909 He axeth, if it so befalle Line 2.2910 That eny Pope cesse wolde, Line 2.2911 How that the lawe it soffre scholde. Line 2.2912 Thei seten alle stille and herde, Line 2.2913 Was non which to the point ansuerde, Line 2.2914

Line 2.2914 For to what pourpos that it mente Line 2.2915 Ther was noman knew his entente, Line 2.2916 Bot only he which schop the guile. Line 2.2917 This Cardinal the same while Line 2.2918 Al openly with wordes pleine Line 2.2919 Seith, if the Pope wolde ordeigne Line 2.2920 That ther be such a lawe wroght, Line 2.2921 Than mihte he cesse, and elles noght. Line 2.2922 And as he seide, don it was; Line 2.2923 The Pope anon upon the cas Line 2.2924 Of his Papal Autorite Line 2.2925 Hath mad and yove the decre: Line 2.2926 And whan that lawe was confermed Line 2.2927 In due forme and al affermed, Line 2.2928 This innocent, which was deceived, Line 2.2929 His Papacie anon hath weyved, Line 2.2930 Renounced and resigned eke. Line 2.2931 That other was nothing to seke, Line 2.2932 Bot undernethe such a jape Line 2.2933 He hath so for himselve schape, Line 2.2934 That how as evere it him beseme, Line 2.2935 The Mitre with the Diademe Line 2.2936 He hath thurgh Supplantacion: Line 2.2937 And in his confirmacion Line 2.2938 Upon the fortune of his grace Line 2.2939 His name is cleped Boneface. Line 2.2940 Under the viser of Envie, Line 2.2941 Lo, thus was hid the tricherie, Line 2.2942 Which hath beguiled manyon. Line 2.2943 Bot such conseil ther mai be non, Line 2.2944 With treson whan it is conspired, Line 2.2945 That it nys lich the Sparke fyred Line 2.2946 Up in the Rof, which for a throwe Line 2.2947 Lith hidd, til whan the wyndes blowe Line 2.2948 It blaseth out on every side. Line 2.2949 This Bonefas, which can noght hyde Line 2.2950 The tricherie of his Supplant, Line 2.2951 Hath openly mad his avant Line 2.2952 How he the Papacie hath wonne. Line 2.2953 Bot thing which is with wrong begonne Line 2.2954

Line 2.2954 Mai nevere stonde wel at ende; Line 2.2955 Wher Pride schal the bowe bende, Line 2.2956 He schet fulofte out of the weie: Line 2.2957 And thus the Pope of whom I seie, Line 2.2958 Whan that he stod on hih the whiel, Line 2.2959 He can noght soffre himself be wel. Line 2.2960 Envie, which is loveles, Line 2.2961 And Pride, which is laweles, Line 2.2962 With such tempeste made him erre, Line 2.2963 That charite goth out of herre: Line 2.2964 So that upon misgovernance Line 2.2965 Ayein Lowyz the king of France Line 2.2966 He tok querelle of his oultrage, Line 2.2967 And seide he scholde don hommage Line 2.2968 Unto the cherche bodily. Line 2.2969 Bot he, that wiste nothing why Line 2.2970 He scholde do so gret servise Line 2.2971 After the world in such a wise, Line 2.2972 Withstod the wrong of that demande; Line 2.2973 For noght the Pope mai comande Line 2.2974 The king wol noght the Pope obeie. Line 2.2975 This Pope tho be alle weie Line 2.2976 That he mai worche of violence Line 2.2977 Hath sent the bulle of his sentence Line 2.2978 With cursinge and with enterdit. Line 2.2979 The king upon this wrongful plyt, Line 2.2980 To kepe his regne fro servage, Line 2.2981 Conseiled was of his Barnage Line 2.2982 That miht with miht schal be withstonde. Line 2.2983 Thus was the cause take on honde, Line 2.2984 And seiden that the Papacie Line 2.2985 Thei wolde honoure and magnefie Line 2.2986 In al that evere is spirital; Line 2.2987 Bot thilke Pride temporal Line 2.2988 Of Boneface in his persone, Line 2.2989 Ayein that ilke wrong al one Line 2.2990 Thei wolde stonden in debat: Line 2.2991 And thus the man and noght the stat Line 2.2992

Line 2.2992 The Frensche schopen be her miht Line 2.2993 To grieve. And fell ther was a kniht, Line 2.2994 Sire Guilliam de Langharet, Line 2.2995 Which was upon this cause set; Line 2.2996 And therupon he tok a route Line 2.2997 Of men of Armes and rod oute, Line 2.2998 So longe and in a wayt he lay, Line 2.2999 That he aspide upon a day Line 2.3000

Lines 3001 through 3100

The Pope was at Avinoun, Line 2.3001 And scholde ryde out of the toun Line 2.3002 Unto Pontsorge, the which is Line 2.3003 A Castell in Provence of his. Line 2.3004 Upon the weie and as he rod, Line 2.3005 This kniht, which hoved and abod Line 2.3006 Embuisshed upon horse bak, Line 2.3007 Al sodeinliche upon him brak Line 2.3008 And hath him be the bridel sesed, Line 2.3009 And seide: "O thou, which hast desesed Line 2.3010 The Court of France be thi wrong, Line 2.3011 Now schalt thou singe an other song: Line 2.3012 Thin enterdit and thi sentence Line 2.3013 Ayein thin oghne conscience Line 2.3014 Hierafter thou schalt fiele and grope. Line 2.3015 We pleigne noght ayein the Pope, Line 2.3016 For thilke name is honourable, Line 2.3017 Bot thou, which hast be deceivable Line 2.3018 And tricherous in al thi werk, Line 2.3019 Thou Bonefas, thou proude clerk, Line 2.3020 Misledere of the Papacie, Line 2.3021 Thi false bodi schal abye Line 2.3022 And soffre that it hath deserved." Line 2.3023 Lo, thus the Supplantour was served; Line 2.3024 For thei him ladden into France Line 2.3025 And setten him to his penance Line 2.3026 Withinne a tour in harde bondes, Line 2.3027 Wher he for hunger bothe hise hondes Line 2.3028 Eet of and deide, god wot how: Line 2.3029

Line 2.3029 Of whom the wrytinge is yit now Line 2.3030 Registred, as a man mai hiere, Line 2.3031 Which spekth and seith in this manere: Line 2.3032 Thin entre lich the fox was slyh, Line 2.3033 Thi regne also with pride on hih Line 2.3034 Was lich the Leon in his rage; Line 2.3035 Bot ate laste of thi passage Line 2.3036 Thi deth was to the houndes like. Line 2.3037 Such is the lettre of his Cronique Line 2.3038 Proclamed in the Court of Rome, Line 2.3039 Wherof the wise ensample nome. Line 2.3040 And yit, als ferforth as I dar, Line 2.3041 I rede alle othre men be war, Line 2.3042 And that thei loke wel algate Line 2.3043 That non his oghne astat translate Line 2.3044 Of holi cherche in no degree Line 2.3045 Be fraude ne soubtilite: Line 2.3046 For thilke honour which Aaron tok Line 2.3047 Schal non receive, as seith the bok, Line 2.3048 Bot he be cleped as he was. Line 2.3049 What I schal thenken in this cas Line 2.3050 Of that I hiere now aday, Line 2.3051 I not: bot he which can and may, Line 2.3052 Be reson bothe and be nature Line 2.3053 The help of every mannes cure, Line 2.3054 He kepe Simon fro the folde. Line 2.3055 For Joachim thilke Abbot tolde Line 2.3056 How suche daies scholden falle, Line 2.3057 That comunliche in places alle Line 2.3058 The Chapmen of such mercerie Line 2.3059 With fraude and with Supplantarie Line 2.3060 So manye scholden beie and selle, Line 2.3061 That he ne may for schame telle Line 2.3062 So foul a Senne in mannes Ere. Line 2.3063 Bot god forbiede that it were Line 2.3064 In oure daies that he seith: Line 2.3065 For if the Clerc beware his feith Line 2.3066

Line 2.3066 In chapmanhod at such a feire, Line 2.3067 The remenant mot nede empeire Line 2.3068 Of al that to the world belongeth; Line 2.3069 For whan that holi cherche wrongeth, Line 2.3070 I not what other thing schal rihte. Line 2.3071 And natheles at mannes sihte Line 2.3072 Envie forto be preferred Line 2.3073 Hath conscience so differred, Line 2.3074 That noman loketh to the vice Line 2.3075 Which is the Moder of malice, Line 2.3076 And that is thilke false Envie, Line 2.3077 Which causeth many a tricherie; Line 2.3078 For wher he may an other se Line 2.3079 That is mor gracious than he, Line 2.3080 It schal noght stonden in his miht Line 2.3081 Bot if he hindre such a wiht: Line 2.3082 And that is welnyh overal, Line 2.3083 This vice is now so general. Line 2.3084 Envie thilke unhapp indrowh, Line 2.3085 Whan Joab be deceipte slowh Line 2.3086 Abner, for drede he scholde be Line 2.3087 With king David such as was he. Line 2.3088 And thurgh Envie also it fell Line 2.3089 Of thilke false Achitofell, Line 2.3090 For his conseil was noght achieved, Line 2.3091 Bot that he sih Cusy believed Line 2.3092 With Absolon and him forsake, Line 2.3093 He heng himself upon a stake. Line 2.3094 Senec witnesseth openly Line 2.3095 How that Envie proprely Line 2.3096 Is of the Court the comun wenche, Line 2.3097 And halt taverne forto schenche Line 2.3098 That drink which makth the herte brenne, Line 2.3099 And doth the wit aboute renne, Line 2.3100

Lines 3101 through 3200

Be every weie to compasse Line 2.3101 How that he mihte alle othre passe, Line 2.3102 As he which thurgh unkindeschipe Line 2.3103 Envieth every felaschipe; Line 2.3104 So that thou miht wel knowe and se, Line 2.3105

Line 2.3105 Ther is no vice such as he, Line 2.3106 Ferst toward godd abhominable, Line 2.3107 And to mankinde unprofitable: Line 2.3108 And that be wordes bot a fewe Line 2.3109 I schal be reson prove and schewe. Line 2.3110 Envie if that I schal descrive, Line 2.3111 He is noght schaply forto wyve Line 2.3112 In Erthe among the wommen hiere; Line 2.3113 For ther is in him no matiere Line 2.3114 Wherof he mihte do plesance. Line 2.3115 Ferst for his hevy continance Line 2.3116 Of that he semeth evere unglad, Line 2.3117 He is noght able to ben had; Line 2.3118 And ek he brenneth so withinne, Line 2.3119 That kinde mai no profit winne, Line 2.3120 Wherof he scholde his love plese: Line 2.3121 For thilke blod which scholde have ese Line 2.3122 To regne among the moiste veines, Line 2.3123 Is drye of thilke unkendeli peines Line 2.3124 Thurgh whiche Envie is fyred ay. Line 2.3125 And thus be reson prove I may Line 2.3126 That toward love Envie is noght; Line 2.3127 And otherwise if it be soght, Line 2.3128 Upon what side as evere it falle, Line 2.3129 It is the werste vice of alle, Line 2.3130 Which of himself hath most malice. Line 2.3131 For understond that every vice Line 2.3132 Som cause hath, wherof it groweth, Line 2.3133 Bot of Envie noman knoweth Line 2.3134 Fro whenne he cam bot out of helle. Line 2.3135 For thus the wise clerkes telle, Line 2.3136 That no spirit bot of malice Line 2.3137

Line 2.3137 Be weie of kinde upon a vice Line 2.3138 Is tempted, and be such a weie Line 2.3139 Envie hath kinde put aweie Line 2.3140 And of malice hath his steringe, Line 2.3141 Wherof he makth his bakbitinge, Line 2.3142 And is himself therof desesed. Line 2.3143 So mai ther be no kinde plesed; Line 2.3144 For ay the mor that he envieth, Line 2.3145 The more ayein himself he plieth. Line 2.3146 Thus stant Envie in good espeir Line 2.3147 To ben himself the develes heir, Line 2.3148 As he which is his nexte liche Line 2.3149 And forthest fro the heveneriche, Line 2.3150 For there mai he nevere wone. Line 2.3151 Forthi, my goode diere Sone, Line 2.3152 If thou wolt finde a siker weie Line 2.3153 To love, put Envie aweie. Line 2.3154 Min holy fader, reson wolde Line 2.3155 That I this vice eschuie scholde: Line 2.3156 Bot yit to strengthe mi corage, Line 2.3157 If that ye wolde in avantage Line 2.3158 Therof sette a recoverir, Line 2.3159 It were tome a gret desir, Line 2.3160 That I this vice mihte flee. Line 2.3161 Nou understond, my Sone, and se, Line 2.3162 Ther is phisique for the seke, Line 2.3163 And vertus for the vices eke. Line 2.3164 Who that the vices wolde eschuie, Line 2.3165 He mot be resoun thanne suie Line 2.3166 The vertus; for be thilke weie Line 2.3167 He mai the vices don aweie, Line 2.3168 For thei togedre mai noght duelle: Line 2.3169 For as the water of a welle Line 2.3170 Of fyr abateth the malice, Line 2.3171 Riht so vertu fordoth the vice. Line 2.3172 Ayein Envie is Charite, Line 2.3173 Which is the Moder of Pite, Line 2.3174 That makth a mannes herte tendre, Line 2.3175

Line 2.3175 That it mai no malice engendre Line 2.3176 In him that is enclin therto. Line 2.3177 For his corage is tempred so, Line 2.3178 That thogh he mihte himself relieve, Line 2.3179 Yit wolde he noght an other grieve, Line 2.3180 Bot rather forto do plesance Line 2.3181 He berth himselven the grevance, Line 2.3182 So fain he wolde an other ese. Line 2.3183 Wherof, mi Sone, for thin ese Line 2.3184 Now herkne a tale which I rede, Line 2.3185 And understond it wel, I rede. Line 2.3186 Among the bokes of latin Line 2.3187 I finde write of Constantin Line 2.3188 The worthi Emperour of Rome, Line 2.3189 Suche infortunes to him come, Line 2.3190 Whan he was in his lusti age, Line 2.3191 The lepre cawhte in his visage Line 2.3192 And so forth overal aboute, Line 2.3193 That he ne mihte ryden oute: Line 2.3194 So lefte he bothe Schield and spere, Line 2.3195 As he that mihte him noght bestere, Line 2.3196 And hield him in his chambre clos. Line 2.3197 Thurgh al the world the fame aros, Line 2.3198 The grete clerkes ben asent Line 2.3199 And come at his comandement Line 2.3200

Lines 3201 through 3300

To trete upon this lordes hele. Line 2.3201 So longe thei togedre dele, Line 2.3202 That thei upon this medicine Line 2.3203 Apointen hem, and determine Line 2.3204 That in the maner as it stod Line 2.3205 Thei wolde him bathe in childes blod Line 2.3206 Withinne sevene wynter age: Line 2.3207 For, as thei sein, that scholde assuage Line 2.3208 The lepre and al the violence, Line 2.3209 Which that thei knewe of Accidence Line 2.3210 And noght be weie of kinde is falle. Line 2.3211 And therto thei acorden alle Line 2.3212

Line 2.3212 As for final conclusioun, Line 2.3213 And tolden here opinioun Line 2.3214 To themperour: and he anon Line 2.3215 His conseil tok, and therupon Line 2.3216 With lettres and with seales oute Line 2.3217 Thei sende in every lond aboute Line 2.3218 The yonge children forto seche, Line 2.3219 Whos blod, thei seiden, schal be leche Line 2.3220 For themperoures maladie. Line 2.3221 Ther was ynowh to wepe and crie Line 2.3222 Among the Modres, whan thei herde Line 2.3223 Hou wofully this cause ferde, Line 2.3224 Bot natheles thei moten bowe; Line 2.3225 And thus wommen ther come ynowhe Line 2.3226 With children soukende on the Tete. Line 2.3227 Tho was ther manye teres lete, Line 2.3228 Bot were hem lieve or were hem lothe, Line 2.3229 The wommen and the children bothe Line 2.3230 Into the Paleis forth be broght Line 2.3231 With many a sory hertes thoght Line 2.3232 Of hem whiche of here bodi bore Line 2.3233 The children hadde, and so forlore Line 2.3234 Withinne a while scholden se. Line 2.3235 The Modres wepe in here degre, Line 2.3236 And manye of hem aswoune falle, Line 2.3237 The yonge babes criden alle: Line 2.3238 This noyse aros, the lord it herde, Line 2.3239 And loked out, and how it ferde Line 2.3240 He sih, and as who seith abreide Line 2.3241 Out of his slep, and thus he seide: Line 2.3242 "O thou divine pourveance, Line 2.3243 Which every man in the balance Line 2.3244 Of kinde hast formed to be liche, Line 2.3245 The povere is bore as is the riche Line 2.3246 And deieth in the same wise, Line 2.3247 Upon the fol, upon the wise Line 2.3248 Siknesse and hele entrecomune; Line 2.3249 Mai non eschuie that fortune Line 2.3250

Line 2.3250 Which kinde hath in hire lawe set; Line 2.3251 Hire strengthe and beaute ben beset Line 2.3252 To every man aliche fre, Line 2.3253 That sche preferreth no degre Line 2.3254 As in the disposicioun Line 2.3255 Of bodili complexioun: Line 2.3256 And ek of Soule resonable Line 2.3257 The povere child is bore als able Line 2.3258 To vertu as the kinges Sone; Line 2.3259 For every man his oghne wone Line 2.3260 After the lust of his assay Line 2.3261 The vice or vertu chese may. Line 2.3262 Thus stonden alle men franchised, Line 2.3263 Bot in astat thei ben divised; Line 2.3264 To some worschipe and richesse, Line 2.3265 To some poverte and distresse, Line 2.3266 On lordeth and an other serveth; Line 2.3267 Bot yit as every man deserveth Line 2.3268 The world yifth noght his yiftes hiere. Line 2.3269 Bot certes he hath gret matiere Line 2.3270 To ben of good condicioun, Line 2.3271 Which hath in his subjeccioun Line 2.3272 The men that ben of his semblance." Line 2.3273 And ek he tok a remembrance Line 2.3274 How he that made lawe of kinde Line 2.3275 Wolde every man to lawe binde, Line 2.3276 And bad a man, such as he wolde Line 2.3277 Toward himself, riht such he scholde Line 2.3278 Toward an other don also. Line 2.3279 And thus this worthi lord as tho Line 2.3280 Sette in balance his oghne astat Line 2.3281 And with himself stod in debat, Line 2.3282 And thoghte hou that it was noght good Line 2.3283 To se so mochel mannes blod Line 2.3284 Be spilt for cause of him alone. Line 2.3285 He sih also the grete mone, Line 2.3286 Of that the Modres were unglade, Line 2.3287 And of the wo the children made, Line 2.3288

Line 2.3288 Wherof that al his herte tendreth, Line 2.3289 And such pite withinne engendreth, Line 2.3290 That him was levere forto chese Line 2.3291 His oghne bodi forto lese, Line 2.3292 Than se so gret a moerdre wroght Line 2.3293 Upon the blod which gulteth noght. Line 2.3294 Thus for the pite which he tok Line 2.3295 Alle othre leches he forsok, Line 2.3296 And put him out of aventure Line 2.3297 Al only into goddes cure; Line 2.3298 And seith, "Who that woll maister be, Line 2.3299 He mot be servant to pite." Line 2.3300

Lines 3301 through 3400

So ferforth he was overcome Line 2.3301 With charite, that he hath nome Line 2.3302 His conseil and hise officers, Line 2.3303 And bad unto hise tresorers Line 2.3304 That thei his tresour al aboute Line 2.3305 Departe among the povere route Line 2.3306 Of wommen and of children bothe, Line 2.3307 Wherof thei mihte hem fede and clothe Line 2.3308 And saufli tornen hom ayein Line 2.3309 Withoute lost of eny grein. Line 2.3310 Thurgh charite thus he despendeth Line 2.3311 His good, wherof that he amendeth Line 2.3312 The povere poeple, and contrevaileth Line 2.3313 The harm, that he hem so travaileth: Line 2.3314 And thus the woful nyhtes sorwe Line 2.3315 To joie is torned on the morwe; Line 2.3316 Al was thonkinge, al was blessinge, Line 2.3317 Which erst was wepinge and cursinge; Line 2.3318 Thes wommen gon hom glade ynowh, Line 2.3319 Echon for joie on other lowh, Line 2.3320 And preiden for this lordes hele, Line 2.3321 Which hath relessed the querele, Line 2.3322 And hath his oghne will forsake Line 2.3323 In charite for goddes sake. Line 2.3324 Bot now hierafter thou schalt hiere Line 2.3325 What god hath wroght in this matiere, Line 2.3326

Line 2.3326 As he which doth al equite. Line 2.3327 To him that wroghte charite Line 2.3328 He was ayeinward charitous, Line 2.3329 And to pite he was pitous: Line 2.3330 For it was nevere knowe yit Line 2.3331 That charite goth unaquit. Line 2.3332 The nyht, whan he was leid to slepe, Line 2.3333 The hihe god, which wolde him kepe, Line 2.3334 Seint Peter and seint Poul him sende, Line 2.3335 Be whom he wolde his lepre amende. Line 2.3336 Thei tuo to him slepende appiere Line 2.3337 Fro god, and seide in this manere: Line 2.3338 "O Constantin, for thou hast served Line 2.3339 Pite, thou hast pite deserved: Line 2.3340 Forthi thou schalt such pite have Line 2.3341 That god thurgh pite woll thee save. Line 2.3342 So schalt thou double hele finde, Line 2.3343 Ferst for thi bodiliche kinde, Line 2.3344 And for thi wofull Soule also, Line 2.3345 Thou schalt ben hol of bothe tuo. Line 2.3346 And for thou schalt thee noght despeire, Line 2.3347 Thi lepre schal nomore empeire Line 2.3348 Til thou wolt sende therupon Line 2.3349 Unto the Mont of Celion, Line 2.3350 Wher that Silvestre and his clergie Line 2.3351 Togedre duelle in compaignie Line 2.3352 For drede of thee, which many day Line 2.3353 Hast ben a fo to Cristes lay, Line 2.3354 And hast destruid to mochel schame Line 2.3355 The prechours of his holy name. Line 2.3356 Bot now thou hast somdiel appesed Line 2.3357 Thi god, and with good dede plesed, Line 2.3358 That thou thi pite hast bewared Line 2.3359 Upon the blod which thou hast spared. Line 2.3360 Forthi to thi salvacion Line 2.3361 Thou schalt have enformacioun, Line 2.3362 Such as Silvestre schal the teche: Line 2.3363 The nedeth of non other leche." Line 2.3364 This Emperour, which al this herde, Line 2.3365 "Grant merci lordes," he ansuerde, Line 2.3366

Line 2.3366 "I wol do so as ye me seie. Line 2.3367 Bot of o thing I wolde preie: Line 2.3368 What schal I telle unto Silvestre Line 2.3369 Or of youre name or of youre estre?" Line 2.3370 And thei him tolden what thei hihte, Line 2.3371 And forth withal out of his sihte Line 2.3372 Thei passen up into the hevene. Line 2.3373 And he awok out of his swevene, Line 2.3374 And clepeth, and men come anon: Line 2.3375 He tolde his drem, and therupon Line 2.3376 In such a wise as he hem telleth Line 2.3377 The Mont wher that Silvestre duelleth Line 2.3378 Thei have in alle haste soght, Line 2.3379 And founde he was and with hem broght Line 2.3380 To themperour, which to him tolde Line 2.3381 His swevene and elles what he wolde. Line 2.3382 And whan Silvestre hath herd the king, Line 2.3383 He was riht joiful of this thing, Line 2.3384 And him began with al his wit Line 2.3385 To techen upon holi writ Line 2.3386 Ferst how mankinde was forlore, Line 2.3387 And how the hihe god therfore Line 2.3388 His Sone sende from above, Line 2.3389 Which bore was for mannes love, Line 2.3390 And after of his oghne chois Line 2.3391 He tok his deth upon the crois; Line 2.3392 And how in grave he was beloke, Line 2.3393 And how that he hath helle broke, Line 2.3394 And tok hem out that were him lieve; Line 2.3395 And forto make ous full believe Line 2.3396 That he was verrai goddes Sone, Line 2.3397 Ayein the kinde of mannes wone Line 2.3398 Fro dethe he ros the thridde day, Line 2.3399 And whanne he wolde, as he wel may, Line 2.3400

Lines 3401 through 3500

He styh up to his fader evene Line 2.3401 With fleissh and blod into the hevene; Line 2.3402 And riht so in the same forme Line 2.3403 In fleissh and blod he schal reforme, Line 2.3404 Whan time comth, the qwike and dede Line 2.3405

Line 2.3405 At thilke woful dai of drede, Line 2.3406 Where every man schal take his dom, Line 2.3407 Als wel the Maister as the grom. Line 2.3408 The mihti kinges retenue Line 2.3409 That dai may stonde of no value Line 2.3410 With worldes strengthe to defende; Line 2.3411 For every man mot thanne entende Line 2.3412 To stonde upon his oghne dedes Line 2.3413 And leve alle othre mennes nedes. Line 2.3414 That dai mai no consail availe, Line 2.3415 The pledour and the plee schal faile, Line 2.3416 The sentence of that ilke day Line 2.3417 Mai non appell sette in delay; Line 2.3418 Ther mai no gold the Jugge plie, Line 2.3419 That he ne schal the sothe trie Line 2.3420 And setten every man upriht, Line 2.3421 Als wel the plowman as the kniht: Line 2.3422 The lewed man, the grete clerk Line 2.3423 Schal stonde upon his oghne werk, Line 2.3424 And such as he is founde tho, Line 2.3425 Such schal he be for everemo. Line 2.3426 Ther mai no peine be relessed, Line 2.3427 Ther mai no joie ben encressed, Line 2.3428 Bot endeles, as thei have do, Line 2.3429 He schal receive on of the tuo. Line 2.3430 And thus Silvestre with his sawe Line 2.3431 The ground of al the newe lawe Line 2.3432 With gret devocion he precheth, Line 2.3433 Fro point to point and pleinly techeth Line 2.3434 Unto this hethen Emperour; Line 2.3435 And seith, the hihe creatour Line 2.3436 Hath underfonge his charite, Line 2.3437 Of that he wroghte such pite, Line 2.3438 Whan he the children hadde on honde. Line 2.3439 Thus whan this lord hath understonde Line 2.3440 Of al this thing how that it ferde, Line 2.3441 Unto Silvestre he thanne ansuerde, Line 2.3442 With al his hole herte and seith Line 2.3443

Line 2.3443 That he is redi to the feith. Line 2.3444 And so the vessel which for blod Line 2.3445 Was mad, Silvestre, ther it stod, Line 2.3446 With clene water of the welle Line 2.3447 In alle haste he let do felle, Line 2.3448 And sette Constantin therinne Line 2.3449 Al naked up unto the chinne. Line 2.3450 And in the while it was begunne, Line 2.3451 A liht, as thogh it were a Sunne, Line 2.3452 Fro hevene into the place com Line 2.3453 Wher that he tok his cristendom; Line 2.3454 And evere among the holi tales Line 2.3455 Lich as thei weren fisshes skales Line 2.3456 Ther fellen from him now and eft, Line 2.3457 Til that ther was nothing beleft Line 2.3458 Of al his grete maladie. Line 2.3459 For he that wolde him purefie, Line 2.3460 The hihe god hath mad him clene, Line 2.3461 So that ther lefte nothing sene; Line 2.3462 He hath him clensed bothe tuo, Line 2.3463 The bodi and the Soule also. Line 2.3464 Tho knew this Emperour in dede Line 2.3465 That Cristes feith was forto drede, Line 2.3466 And sende anon hise lettres oute Line 2.3467 And let do crien al aboute, Line 2.3468 Up peine of deth that noman weyve Line 2.3469 That he baptesme ne receive: Line 2.3470 After his Moder qweene Heleine Line 2.3471 He sende, and so betwen hem tweine Line 2.3472 Thei treten, that the Cite all Line 2.3473 Was cristned, and sche forth withall. Line 2.3474 This Emperour, which hele hath founde, Line 2.3475 Withinne Rome anon let founde Line 2.3476 Tuo cherches, which he dede make Line 2.3477 For Peter and for Poules sake, Line 2.3478 Of whom he hadde avisioun; Line 2.3479 And yaf therto possessioun Line 2.3480 Of lordschipe and of worldes good. Line 2.3481

Line 2.3481 Bot how so that his will was good Line 2.3482 Toward the Pope and his Franchise, Line 2.3483 Yit hath it proved other wise, Line 2.3484 To se the worchinge of the dede: Line 2.3485 For in Cronique this I rede; Line 2.3486 Anon as he hath mad the yifte, Line 2.3487 A vois was herd on hih the lifte, Line 2.3488 Of which al Rome was adrad, Line 2.3489 And seith: "To day is venym schad Line 2.3490 In holi cherche of temporal, Line 2.3491 Which medleth with the spirital." Line 2.3492 And hou it stant of that degree Line 2.3493 Yit mai a man the sothe se: Line 2.3494 God mai amende it, whan he wile, Line 2.3495 I can ther to non other skile. Line 2.3496 Bot forto go ther I began, Line 2.3497 How charite mai helpe a man Line 2.3498 To bothe worldes, I have seid: Line 2.3499 And if thou have an Ere leid, Line 2.3500

Lines 3501 through 3530

Mi Sone, thou miht understonde, Line 2.3501 If charite be take on honde, Line 2.3502 Ther folweth after mochel grace. Line 2.3503 Forthi, if that thou wolt pourchace Line 2.3504 How that thou miht Envie flee, Line 2.3505 Aqueinte thee with charite, Line 2.3506 Which is the vertu sovereine. Line 2.3507 Mi fader, I schal do my peine: Line 2.3508 For this ensample which ye tolde Line 2.3509 With al myn herte I have withholde, Line 2.3510 So that I schal for everemore Line 2.3511 Eschuie Envie wel the more: Line 2.3512 And that I have er this misdo, Line 2.3513 Yif me my penance er I go. Line 2.3514 And over that to mi matiere Line 2.3515 Of schrifte, why we sitten hiere Line 2.3516 In privete betwen ous tweie, Line 2.3517 Now axeth what ther is, I preie. Line 2.3518 Mi goode Sone, and for thi lore Line 2.3519

Line 2.3519 I woll thee telle what is more, Line 2.3520 So that thou schalt the vices knowe: Line 2.3521 For whan thei be to thee full knowe, Line 2.3522 Thou miht hem wel the betre eschuie. Line 2.3523 And for this cause I thenke suie Line 2.3524 The forme bothe and the matiere, Line 2.3525 As now suiende thou schalt hiere Line 2.3526 Which vice stant next after this: Line 2.3527 And whan thou wost how that it is, Line 2.3528 As thou schalt hiere me devise, Line 2.3529 Thow miht thiself the betre avise. Line 2.3530