John Gower's Confessio amantis

Book 5

Lines 1 through 100

Ferst whan the hyhe god began Line 5.1 This world, and that the kinde of man Line 5.2 Was falle into no gret encress, Line 5.3 For worldes good tho was no press, Line 5.4 Bot al was set to the comune. Line 5.5 Thei spieken thanne of no fortune Line 5.6 Or forto lese or forto winne, Line 5.7 Til Avarice broghte it inne; Line 5.8 And that was whan the world was woxe Line 5.9 Of man, of hors, of Schep, of Oxe, Line 5.10 And that men knewen the moneie. Line 5.11 Tho wente pes out of the weie Line 5.12 And werre cam on every side, Line 5.13 Which alle love leide aside Line 5.14 And of comun his propre made, Line 5.15 So that in stede of schovele and spade Line 5.16 The scharpe swerd was take on honde; Line 5.17 And in this wise it cam to londe, Line 5.18 Wherof men maden dyches depe Line 5.19 And hyhe walles forto kepe Line 5.20 The gold which Avarice encloseth. Line 5.21 Bot al to lytel him supposeth, Line 5.22 Thogh he mihte al the world pourchace; Line 5.23

Line 5.23 For what thing that he may embrace Line 5.24 Of gold, of catel or of lond, Line 5.25 He let it nevere out of his hond, Line 5.26 Bot get him more and halt it faste, Line 5.27 As thogh the world scholde evere laste. Line 5.28 So is he lych unto the helle; Line 5.29 For as these olde bokes telle, Line 5.30 What comth therinne, lasse or more, Line 5.31 It schal departe neveremore: Line 5.32 Thus whanne he hath his cofre loken, Line 5.33 It schal noght after ben unstoken, Line 5.34 Bot whanne him list to have a syhte Line 5.35 Of gold, hou that it schyneth brihte, Line 5.36 That he ther on mai loke and muse; Line 5.37 For otherwise he dar noght use Line 5.38 To take his part, or lasse or more. Line 5.39 So is he povere, and everemore Line 5.40 Him lacketh that he hath ynowh: Line 5.41 An Oxe draweth in the plowh, Line 5.42 Of that himself hath no profit; Line 5.43 A Schep riht in the same plit Line 5.44 His wolle berth, bot on a day Line 5.45 An other takth the flees away: Line 5.46 Thus hath he, that he noght ne hath, Line 5.47 For he therof his part ne tath. Line 5.48 To seie hou such a man hath good, Line 5.49 Who so that reson understod, Line 5.50 It is impropreliche seid, Line 5.51 For good hath him and halt him teid, Line 5.52 That he ne gladeth noght withal, Line 5.53 Bot is unto his good a thral, Line 5.54 And as soubgit thus serveth he, Line 5.55 Wher that he scholde maister be: Line 5.56 Such is the kinde of thaverous. Line 5.57 Mi Sone, as thou art amerous, Line 5.58

Line 5.58 Tell if thou farst of love so. Line 5.59 Mi fader, as it semeth, no; Line 5.60 That averous yit nevere I was, Line 5.61 So as ye setten me the cas: Line 5.62 For as ye tolden here above, Line 5.63 In full possession of love Line 5.64 Yit was I nevere hier tofore, Line 5.65 So that me thenketh wel therfore, Line 5.66 I mai excuse wel my dede. Line 5.67 Bot of mi will withoute drede, Line 5.68 If I that tresor mihte gete, Line 5.69 It scholde nevere be foryete, Line 5.70 That I ne wolde it faste holde, Line 5.71 Til god of love himselve wolde Line 5.72 That deth ous scholde part atuo. Line 5.73 For lieveth wel, I love hire so, Line 5.74 That evene with min oghne lif, Line 5.75 If I that swete lusti wif Line 5.76 Mihte ones welden at my wille, Line 5.77 For evere I wolde hire holde stille: Line 5.78 And in this wise, taketh kepe, Line 5.79 If I hire hadde, I wolde hire kepe, Line 5.80 And yit no friday wolde I faste, Line 5.81 Thogh I hire kepte and hielde faste. Line 5.82 Fy on the bagges in the kiste! Line 5.83 I hadde ynogh, if I hire kiste. Line 5.84 For certes, if sche were myn, Line 5.85 I hadde hir levere than a Myn Line 5.86 Of Gold; for al this worldesriche Line 5.87 Ne mihte make me so riche Line 5.88 As sche, that is so inly good. Line 5.89 I sette noght of other good; Line 5.90 For mihte I gete such a thing, Line 5.91 I hadde a tresor for a king; Line 5.92 And thogh I wolde it faste holde, Line 5.93 I were thanne wel beholde. Line 5.94 Bot I mot pipe nou with lasse, Line 5.95

Line 5.95 And suffre that it overpasse, Line 5.96 Noght with mi will, for thus I wolde Line 5.97 Ben averous, if that I scholde. Line 5.98 Bot, fader, I you herde seie Line 5.99 Hou thaverous hath yit som weie, Line 5.100

Lines 101 through 200

Wherof he mai be glad; for he Line 5.101 Mai whanne him list his tresor se, Line 5.102 And grope and fiele it al aboute, Line 5.103 Bot I fulofte am schet theroute, Line 5.104 Ther as my worthi tresor is. Line 5.105 So is mi lif lich unto this, Line 5.106 That ye me tolden hier tofore, Line 5.107 Hou that an Oxe his yock hath bore Line 5.108 For thing that scholde him noght availe: Line 5.109 And in this wise I me travaile; Line 5.110 For who that evere hath the welfare, Line 5.111 I wot wel that I have the care, Line 5.112 For I am hadd and noght ne have, Line 5.113 And am, as who seith, loves knave. Line 5.114 Nou demeth in youre oghne thoght, Line 5.115 If this be Avarice or noght. Line 5.116 Mi Sone, I have of thee no wonder, Line 5.117 Thogh thou to serve be put under Line 5.118 With love, which to kinde acordeth: Line 5.119 Bot, so as every bok recordeth, Line 5.120 It is to kinde no plesance Line 5.121 That man above his sustienance Line 5.122 Unto the gold schal serve and bowe, Line 5.123 For that mai no reson avowe. Line 5.124 Bot Avarice natheles, Line 5.125 If he mai geten his encress Line 5.126 Of gold, that wole he serve and kepe, Line 5.127 For he takth of noght elles kepe, Line 5.128 Bot forto fille hise bagges large; Line 5.129 And al is to him bot a charge, Line 5.130 For he ne parteth noght withal, Line 5.131 Bot kepth it, as a servant schal: Line 5.132

Line 5.132 And thus, thogh that he multeplie Line 5.133 His gold, withoute tresorie Line 5.134 He is, for man is noght amended Line 5.135 With gold, bot if it be despended Line 5.136 To mannes us; wherof I rede Line 5.137 A tale, and tak therof good hiede, Line 5.138 Of that befell be olde tyde, Line 5.139 As telleth ous the clerk Ovide. Line 5.140 Bachus, which is the god of wyn, Line 5.141 Acordant unto his divin Line 5.142 A Prest, the which Cillenus hihte, Line 5.143 He hadde, and fell so that be nyhte Line 5.144 This Prest was drunke and goth astraied, Line 5.145 Wherof the men were evele apaied Line 5.146 In Frigelond, where as he wente. Line 5.147 Bot ate laste a cherl him hente Line 5.148 With strengthe of other felaschipe, Line 5.149 So that upon his drunkeschipe Line 5.150 Thei bounden him with chenes faste, Line 5.151 And forth thei ladde him als so faste Line 5.152 Unto the king, which hihte Myde. Line 5.153 Bot he, that wolde his vice hyde, Line 5.154 This courteis king, tok of him hiede, Line 5.155 And bad that men him scholde lede Line 5.156 Into a chambre forto kepe, Line 5.157 Til he of leisir hadde slepe. Line 5.158 And tho this Prest was sone unbounde, Line 5.159 And up a couche fro the grounde Line 5.160 To slepe he was leid softe ynowh; Line 5.161 And whanne he wok, the king him drowh Line 5.162 To his presence and dede him chiere, Line 5.163 So that this Prest in such manere, Line 5.164 Whil that him liketh, there he duelleth: Line 5.165 And al this he to Bachus telleth, Line 5.166 Whan that he cam to him ayein. Line 5.167 And whan that Bachus herde sein Line 5.168

Line 5.168 How Mide hath don his courtesie, Line 5.169 Him thenkth it were a vilenie, Line 5.170 Bot he rewarde him for his dede, Line 5.171 So as he mihte of his godhiede. Line 5.172 Unto this king this god appiereth Line 5.173 And clepeth, and that other hiereth: Line 5.174 This god to Mide thonketh faire Line 5.175 Of that he was so debonaire Line 5.176 Toward his Prest, and bad him seie: Line 5.177 What thing it were he wolde preie, Line 5.178 He scholde it have, of worldes good. Line 5.179 This king was glad, and stille stod, Line 5.180 And was of his axinge in doute, Line 5.181 And al the world he caste aboute, Line 5.182 What thing was best for his astat, Line 5.183 And with himself stod in debat Line 5.184 Upon thre pointz, the whiche I finde Line 5.185 Ben lievest unto mannes kinde. Line 5.186 The ferste of hem it is delit, Line 5.187 The tuo ben worschipe and profit. Line 5.188 And thanne he thoghte, "If that I crave Line 5.189 Delit, thogh I delit mai have, Line 5.190 Delit schal passen in myn age: Line 5.191 That is no siker avantage, Line 5.192 For every joie bodily Line 5.193 Schal ende in wo: delit forthi Line 5.194 Wol I noght chese. And if worschipe Line 5.195 I axe and of the world lordschipe, Line 5.196 That is an occupacion Line 5.197 Of proud ymaginacion, Line 5.198 Which makth an herte vein withinne; Line 5.199 Ther is no certain forto winne, Line 5.200

Lines 201 through 300

For lord and knave al is o weie, Line 5.201 Whan thei be bore and whan thei deie. Line 5.202 And if I profit axe wolde, Line 5.203 I not in what manere I scholde Line 5.204 Of worldes good have sikernesse; Line 5.205

Line 5.205 For every thief upon richesse Line 5.206 Awaiteth forto robbe and stele: Line 5.207 Such good is cause of harmes fele. Line 5.208 And also, thogh a man at ones Line 5.209 Of al the world withinne his wones Line 5.210 The tresor myhte have everydel, Line 5.211 Yit hadde he bot o mannes del Line 5.212 Toward himself, so as I thinke, Line 5.213 Of clothinge and of mete and drinke, Line 5.214 For more, outake vanite, Line 5.215 Ther hath no lord in his degre." Line 5.216 And thus upon the pointz diverse Line 5.217 Diverseliche he gan reherce Line 5.218 What point him thoghte for the beste; Line 5.219 Bot pleinly forto gete him reste Line 5.220 He can so siker weie caste. Line 5.221 And natheles yit ate laste Line 5.222 He fell upon the coveitise Line 5.223 Of gold; and thanne in sondri wise Line 5.224 He thoghte, as I have seid tofore, Line 5.225 Hou tresor mai be sone lore, Line 5.226 And hadde an inly gret desir Line 5.227 Touchende of such recoverir, Line 5.228 Hou that he mihte his cause availe Line 5.229 To gete him gold withoute faile. Line 5.230 Withinne his herte and thus he preiseth Line 5.231 The gold, and seith hou that it peiseth Line 5.232 Above al other metall most: Line 5.233 "The gold," he seith, "may lede an host Line 5.234 To make werre ayein a King; Line 5.235 The gold put under alle thing, Line 5.236 And set it whan him list above; Line 5.237 The gold can make of hate love Line 5.238 And werre of pes and ryht of wrong, Line 5.239 And long to schort and schort to long; Line 5.240 Withoute gold mai be no feste, Line 5.241 Gold is the lord of man and beste, Line 5.242

Line 5.242 And mai hem bothe beie and selle; Line 5.243 So that a man mai sothly telle Line 5.244 That al the world to gold obeieth." Line 5.245 Forthi this king to Bachus preieth Line 5.246 To grante him gold, bot he excedeth Line 5.247 Mesure more than him nedeth. Line 5.248 Men tellen that the maladie Line 5.249 Which cleped is ydropesie Line 5.250 Resembled is unto this vice Line 5.251 Be weie of kinde of Avarice: Line 5.252 The more ydropesie drinketh, Line 5.253 The more him thursteth, for him thinketh Line 5.254 That he mai nevere drinke his fille; Line 5.255 So that ther mai nothing fulfille Line 5.256 The lustes of his appetit: Line 5.257 And riht in such a maner plit Line 5.258 Stant Avarice and evere stod; Line 5.259 The more he hath of worldes good, Line 5.260 The more he wolde it kepe streyte, Line 5.261 And evere mor and mor coveite. Line 5.262 And riht in such condicioun Line 5.263 Withoute good discrecioun Line 5.264 This king with avarice is smite, Line 5.265 That al the world it myhte wite: Line 5.266 For he to Bachus thanne preide, Line 5.267 That wherupon his hond he leide, Line 5.268 It scholde thurgh his touche anon Line 5.269 Become gold, and therupon Line 5.270 This god him granteth as he bad. Line 5.271 Tho was this king of Frige glad, Line 5.272 And forto put it in assai Line 5.273 With al the haste that he mai, Line 5.274 He toucheth that, he toucheth this, Line 5.275 And in his hond al gold it is, Line 5.276 The Ston, the Tree, the Lef, the gras, Line 5.277 The flour, the fruit, al gold it was. Line 5.278

Line 5.278 Thus toucheth he, whil he mai laste Line 5.279 To go, bot hunger ate laste Line 5.280 Him tok, so that he moste nede Line 5.281 Be weie of kinde his hunger fede. Line 5.282 The cloth was leid, the bord was set, Line 5.283 And al was forth tofore him fet, Line 5.284 His disch, his coppe, his drinke, his mete; Line 5.285 Bot whanne he wolde or drinke or ete, Line 5.286 Anon as it his mouth cam nyh, Line 5.287 It was al gold, and thanne he syh Line 5.288 Of Avarice the folie. Line 5.289 And he with that began to crie, Line 5.290 And preide Bachus to foryive Line 5.291 His gilt, and soffre him forto live Line 5.292 And be such as he was tofore, Line 5.293 So that he were not forlore. Line 5.294 This god, which herde of his grevance, Line 5.295 Tok rowthe upon his repentance, Line 5.296 And bad him go forth redily Line 5.297 Unto a flod was faste by, Line 5.298 Which Paceole thanne hyhte, Line 5.299 In which as clene as evere he myhte Line 5.300

Lines 301 through 400

He scholde him waisshen overal, Line 5.301 And seide him thanne that he schal Line 5.302 Recovere his ferste astat ayein. Line 5.303 This king, riht as he herde sein, Line 5.304 Into the flod goth fro the lond, Line 5.305 And wissh him bothe fot and hond, Line 5.306 And so forth al the remenant, Line 5.307 As him was set in covenant: Line 5.308 And thanne he syh merveilles strange, Line 5.309 The flod his colour gan to change, Line 5.310 The gravel with the smale Stones Line 5.311 To gold thei torne bothe at ones, Line 5.312 And he was quit of that he hadde, Line 5.313 And thus fortune his chance ladde. Line 5.314 And whan he sih his touche aweie, Line 5.315

Line 5.315 He goth him hom the rihte weie Line 5.316 And liveth forth as he dede er, Line 5.317 And putte al Avarice afer, Line 5.318 And the richesse of gold despiseth, Line 5.319 And seith that mete and cloth sufficeth. Line 5.320 Thus hath this king experience Line 5.321 Hou foles don the reverence Line 5.322 To gold, which of his oghne kinde Line 5.323 Is lasse worth than is the rinde Line 5.324 To sustienance of mannes fode; Line 5.325 And thanne he made lawes goode Line 5.326 And al his thing sette upon skile: Line 5.327 He bad his poeple forto tile Line 5.328 Here lond, and live under the lawe, Line 5.329 And that thei scholde also forthdrawe Line 5.330 Bestaile, and seche non encress Line 5.331 Of gold, which is the breche of pes. Line 5.332 For this a man mai finde write, Line 5.333 Tofor the time, er gold was smite Line 5.334 In Coign, that men the florin knewe, Line 5.335 Ther was welnyh noman untrewe; Line 5.336 Tho was ther nouther schield ne spere Line 5.337 Ne dedly wepne forto bere; Line 5.338 Tho was the toun withoute wal, Line 5.339 Which nou is closed overal; Line 5.340 Tho was ther no brocage in londe, Line 5.341 Which nou takth every cause on honde: Line 5.342 So mai men knowe, hou the florin Line 5.343 Was moder ferst of malengin Line 5.344 And bringere inne of alle werre, Line 5.345 Wherof this world stant out of herre Line 5.346 Thurgh the conseil of Avarice, Line 5.347 Which of his oghne propre vice Line 5.348 Is as the helle wonderfull; Line 5.349 For it mai neveremor be full, Line 5.350 That what as evere comth therinne, Line 5.351 Awey ne may it nevere winne. Line 5.352 Bot Sone myn, do thou noght so, Line 5.353

Line 5.353 Let al such Avarice go, Line 5.354 And tak thi part of that thou hast: Line 5.355 I bidde noght that thou do wast, Line 5.356 Bot hold largesce in his mesure; Line 5.357 And if thou se a creature, Line 5.358 Which thurgh poverte is falle in nede, Line 5.359 Yif him som good, for this I rede Line 5.360 To him that wol noght yiven here, Line 5.361 What peine he schal have elleswhere. Line 5.362 Ther is a peine amonges alle Line 5.363 Benethe in helle, which men calle Line 5.364 The wofull peine of Tantaly, Line 5.365 Of which I schal thee redely Line 5.366 Devise hou men therinne stonde. Line 5.367 In helle, thou schalt understonde, Line 5.368 Ther is a flod of thilke office, Line 5.369 Which serveth al for Avarice: Line 5.370 What man that stonde schal therinne, Line 5.371 He stant up evene unto the chinne; Line 5.372 Above his hed also ther hongeth Line 5.373 A fruyt, which to that peine longeth, Line 5.374 And that fruit toucheth evere in on Line 5.375 His overlippe: and therupon Line 5.376 Swich thurst and hunger him assaileth, Line 5.377 That nevere his appetit ne faileth. Line 5.378 Bot whanne he wolde his hunger fede, Line 5.379 The fruit withdrawth him ate nede, Line 5.380 And thogh he heve his hed on hyh, Line 5.381 The fruit is evere aliche nyh, Line 5.382 So is the hunger wel the more: Line 5.383 And also, thogh him thurste sore Line 5.384 And to the water bowe a doun, Line 5.385 The flod in such condicioun Line 5.386 Avaleth, that his drinke areche Line 5.387 He mai noght. Lo nou, which a wreche, Line 5.388 That mete and drinke is him so couth, Line 5.389

Line 5.389 And yit ther comth non in his mouth! Line 5.390 Lich to the peines of this flod Line 5.391 Stant Avarice in worldes good: Line 5.392 He hath ynowh and yit him nedeth, Line 5.393 For his skarsnesse it him forbiedeth, Line 5.394 And evere his hunger after more Line 5.395 Travaileth him aliche sore, Line 5.396 So is he peined overal. Line 5.397 Forthi thi goodes forth withal, Line 5.398 Mi Sone, loke thou despende, Line 5.399 Wherof thou myht thiself amende Line 5.400

Lines 401 through 500

Bothe hier and ek in other place. Line 5.401 And also if thou wolt pourchace Line 5.402 To be beloved, thou most use Line 5.403 Largesce, for if thou refuse Line 5.404 To yive for thi loves sake, Line 5.405 It is no reson that thou take Line 5.406 Of love that thou woldest crave. Line 5.407 Forthi, if thou wolt grace have, Line 5.408 Be gracious and do largesse, Line 5.409 Of Avarice and the seknesse Line 5.410 Eschuie above alle other thing, Line 5.411 And tak ensample of Mide king Line 5.412 And of the flod of helle also, Line 5.413 Where is ynowh of alle wo. Line 5.414 And thogh ther were no matiere Line 5.415 Bot only that we finden hiere, Line 5.416 Men oghten Avarice eschuie; Line 5.417 For what man thilke vice suie, Line 5.418 He get himself bot litel reste. Line 5.419 For hou so that the body reste, Line 5.420 The herte upon the gold travaileth, Line 5.421 Whom many a nyhtes drede assaileth; Line 5.422 For thogh he ligge abedde naked, Line 5.423 His herte is everemore awaked, Line 5.424 And dremeth, as he lith to slepe, Line 5.425 How besi that he is to kepe Line 5.426

Line 5.426 His tresor, that no thief it stele. Line 5.427 Thus hath he bot a woful wele. Line 5.428 And riht so in the same wise, Line 5.429 If thou thiself wolt wel avise, Line 5.430 Ther be lovers of suche ynowe, Line 5.431 That wole unto no reson bowe. Line 5.432 If so be that thei come above, Line 5.433 Whan thei ben maistres of here love, Line 5.434 And that thei scholden be most glad, Line 5.435 With love thei ben most bestad, Line 5.436 So fain thei wolde it holden al. Line 5.437 Here herte, here yhe is overal, Line 5.438 And wenen every man be thief, Line 5.439 To stele awey that hem is lief; Line 5.440 Thus thurgh here oghne fantasie Line 5.441 Thei fallen into Jelousie. Line 5.442 Thanne hath the Schip tobroke his cable, Line 5.443 With every wynd and is muable. Line 5.444 Mi fader, for that ye nou telle, Line 5.445 I have herd ofte time telle Line 5.446 Of Jelousie, bot what it is Line 5.447 Yit understod I nevere er this: Line 5.448 Wherfore I wolde you beseche, Line 5.449 That ye me wolde enforme and teche Line 5.450 What maner thing it mihte be. Line 5.451 Mi Sone, that is hard to me: Line 5.452 Bot natheles, as I have herd, Line 5.453 Now herkne and thou schalt ben ansuerd. Line 5.454 Among the men lacke of manhode Line 5.455 In Mariage upon wifhode Line 5.456 Makth that a man himself deceiveth, Line 5.457 Wherof it is that he conceiveth Line 5.458 That ilke unsely maladie, Line 5.459 The which is cleped Jelousie: Line 5.460 Of which if I the proprete Line 5.461 Schal telle after the nycete, Line 5.462

Line 5.462 So as it worcheth on a man, Line 5.463 A Fievere it is cotidian, Line 5.464 Which every day wol come aboute, Line 5.465 Wher so a man be inne or oute. Line 5.466 At hom if that a man wol wone, Line 5.467 This Fievere is thanne of comun wone Line 5.468 Most grevous in a mannes yhe: Line 5.469 For thanne he makth him tote and pryhe, Line 5.470 Wher so as evere his love go; Line 5.471 Sche schal noght with hir litel too Line 5.472 Misteppe, bot he se it al. Line 5.473 His yhe is walkende overal; Line 5.474 Wher that sche singe or that sche dance, Line 5.475 He seth the leste contienance, Line 5.476 If sche loke on a man aside Line 5.477 Or with him roune at eny tyde, Line 5.478 Or that sche lawghe, or that sche loure, Line 5.479 His yhe is ther at every houre. Line 5.480 And whanne it draweth to the nyht, Line 5.481 If sche thanne is withoute lyht, Line 5.482 Anon is al the game schent; Line 5.483 For thanne he set his parlement Line 5.484 To speke it whan he comth to bedde, Line 5.485 And seith, "If I were now to wedde, Line 5.486 I wolde neveremore have wif." Line 5.487 And so he torneth into strif Line 5.488 The lust of loves duete, Line 5.489 And al upon diversete. Line 5.490 If sche be freissh and wel araied, Line 5.491 He seith hir baner is displaied Line 5.492 To clepe in gestes fro the weie: Line 5.493 And if sche be noght wel beseie, Line 5.494 And that hir list noght to be gladd, Line 5.495 He berth an hond that sche is madd Line 5.496 And loveth noght hire housebonde; Line 5.497 He seith he mai wel understonde, Line 5.498 That if sche wolde his compaignie, Line 5.499

Line 5.499 Sche scholde thanne afore his y�e Line 5.500

Lines 501 through 600

Schewe al the plesir that sche mihte. Line 5.501 So that be daie ne be nyhte Line 5.502 Sche not what thing is for the beste, Line 5.503 Bot liveth out of alle reste; Line 5.504 For what as evere him liste sein, Line 5.505 Sche dar noght speke a word ayein, Line 5.506 Bot wepth and holt hire lippes clos. Line 5.507 Sche mai wel wryte, "Sanz repos," Line 5.508 The wif which is to such on maried. Line 5.509 Of alle wommen be he waried, Line 5.510 For with this Fievere of Jalousie Line 5.511 His echedaies fantasie Line 5.512 Of sorghe is evere aliche grene, Line 5.513 So that ther is no love sene, Line 5.514 Whil that him list at hom abyde. Line 5.515 And whan so is he wol out ryde, Line 5.516 Thanne hath he redi his aspie Line 5.517 Abidinge in hir compaignie, Line 5.518 A janglere, an evel mouthed oon, Line 5.519 That sche ne mai nowhider gon, Line 5.520 Ne speke a word, ne ones loke, Line 5.521 That he ne wol it wende and croke Line 5.522 And torne after his oghne entente, Line 5.523 Thogh sche nothing bot honour mente. Line 5.524 Whan that the lord comth hom ayein, Line 5.525 The janglere moste somwhat sein; Line 5.526 So what withoute and what withinne, Line 5.527 This Fievere is evere to beginne, Line 5.528 For where he comth he can noght ende, Line 5.529 Til deth of him have mad an ende. Line 5.530 For thogh so be that he ne hiere Line 5.531 Ne se ne wite in no manere Line 5.532 Bot al honour and wommanhiede, Line 5.533 Therof the Jelous takth non hiede, Line 5.534 Bot as a man to love unkinde, Line 5.535 He cast his staf, as doth the blinde, Line 5.536 And fint defaulte where is non; Line 5.537

Line 5.537 As who so dremeth on a Ston Line 5.538 Hou he is leid, and groneth ofte, Line 5.539 Whan he lith on his pilwes softe. Line 5.540 So is ther noght bot strif and cheste; Line 5.541 Whan love scholde make his feste, Line 5.542 It is gret thing if he hir kisse: Line 5.543 Thus hath sche lost the nyhtes blisse, Line 5.544 For at such time he gruccheth evere Line 5.545 And berth on hond ther is a levere, Line 5.546 And that sche wolde an other were Line 5.547 In stede of him abedde there; Line 5.548 And with tho wordes and with mo Line 5.549 Of Jelousie, he torneth fro Line 5.550 And lith upon his other side, Line 5.551 And sche with that drawth hire aside, Line 5.552 And ther sche wepeth al the nyht. Line 5.553 Ha, to what peine sche is dyht, Line 5.554 That in hire youthe hath so beset Line 5.555 The bond which mai noght ben unknet! Line 5.556 I wot the time is ofte cursed, Line 5.557 That evere was the gold unpursed, Line 5.558 The which was leid upon the bok, Line 5.559 Whan that alle othre sche forsok Line 5.560 For love of him; bot al to late Line 5.561 Sche pleigneth, for as thanne algate Line 5.562 Sche mot forbere and to him bowe, Line 5.563 Thogh he ne wole it noght allowe. Line 5.564 For man is lord of thilke feire, Line 5.565 So mai the womman bot empeire, Line 5.566 If sche speke oght ayein his wille; Line 5.567 And thus sche berth hir peine stille. Line 5.568 Bot if this Fievere a womman take, Line 5.569 Sche schal be wel mor harde schake; Line 5.570 For thogh sche bothe se and hiere, Line 5.571 And finde that ther is matiere, Line 5.572 Sche dar bot to hirselve pleine, Line 5.573 And thus sche suffreth double peine. Line 5.574 Lo thus, mi Sone, as I have write, Line 5.575 Thou miht of Jelousie wite Line 5.576

Line 5.576 His fievere and his condicion, Line 5.577 Which is full of suspecion. Line 5.578 Bot wherof that this fievere groweth, Line 5.579 Who so these olde bokes troweth, Line 5.580 Ther mai he finden hou it is: Line 5.581 For thei ous teche and telle this, Line 5.582 Hou that this fievere of Jelousie Line 5.583 Somdel it groweth of sotie Line 5.584 Of love, and somdiel of untrust. Line 5.585 For as a sek man lest his lust, Line 5.586 And whan he may no savour gete, Line 5.587 He hateth thanne his oughne mete, Line 5.588 Riht so this fieverous maladie, Line 5.589 Which caused is of fantasie, Line 5.590 Makth the Jelous in fieble plit Line 5.591 To lese of love his appetit Line 5.592 Thurgh feigned enformacion Line 5.593 Of his ymaginacion. Line 5.594 Bot finali to taken hiede, Line 5.595 Men mai wel make a liklihiede Line 5.596 Betwen him which is averous Line 5.597 Of gold and him that is jelous Line 5.598 Of love, for in on degre Line 5.599 Thei stonde bothe, as semeth me. Line 5.600

Lines 601 through 700

That oon wolde have his bagges stille, Line 5.601 And noght departen with his wille, Line 5.602 And dar noght for the thieves slepe, Line 5.603 So fain he wolde his tresor kepe; Line 5.604 That other mai noght wel be glad, Line 5.605 For he is evere more adrad Line 5.606 Of these lovers that gon aboute, Line 5.607 In aunter if thei putte him oute. Line 5.608 So have thei bothe litel joye Line 5.609 As wel of love as of monoie. Line 5.610 Now hast thou, Sone, at my techinge Line 5.611 Of Jelousie a knowlechinge, Line 5.612 That thou myht understonde this, Line 5.613 Fro whenne he comth and what he is, Line 5.614

Line 5.614 And ek to whom that he is lik. Line 5.615 Be war forthi thou be noght sik Line 5.616 Of thilke fievere as I have spoke, Line 5.617 For it wol in himself be wroke. Line 5.618 For love hateth nothing more, Line 5.619 As men mai finde be the lore Line 5.620 Of hem that whilom were wise, Line 5.621 Hou that thei spieke in many wise. Line 5.622 Mi fader, soth is that ye sein. Line 5.623 Bot forto loke therayein, Line 5.624 Befor this time hou it is falle, Line 5.625 Wherof ther mihte ensample falle Line 5.626 To suche men as be jelous Line 5.627 In what manere it is grevous, Line 5.628 Riht fain I wolde ensample hiere. Line 5.629 My goode Sone, at thi preiere Line 5.630 Of suche ensamples as I finde, Line 5.631 So as thei comen nou to mynde Line 5.632 Upon this point, of time gon Line 5.633 I thenke forto tellen on. Line 5.634 Ovide wrot of manye thinges, Line 5.635 Among the whiche in his wrytinges Line 5.636 He tolde a tale in Poesie, Line 5.637 Which toucheth unto Jelousie, Line 5.638 Upon a certein cas of love. Line 5.639 Among the goddes alle above Line 5.640 It fell at thilke time thus: Line 5.641 The god of fyr, which Vulcanus Line 5.642 Is hote, and hath a craft forthwith Line 5.643 Assigned, forto be the Smith Line 5.644 Of Jupiter, and his figure Line 5.645 Bothe of visage and of stature Line 5.646 Is lothly and malgracious, Line 5.647 Bot yit he hath withinne his hous Line 5.648 As for the likynge of his lif Line 5.649 The faire Venus to his wif. Line 5.650 Bot Mars, which of batailles is Line 5.651 The god, an yhe hadde unto this: Line 5.652

Line 5.652 As he which was chivalerous, Line 5.653 It fell him to ben amerous, Line 5.654 And thoghte it was a gret pite Line 5.655 To se so lusti on as sche Line 5.656 Be coupled with so lourde a wiht: Line 5.657 So that his peine day and nyht Line 5.658 He dede, if he hire winne myhte; Line 5.659 And sche, which hadde a good insihte Line 5.660 Toward so noble a knyhtli lord, Line 5.661 In love fell of his acord. Line 5.662 Ther lacketh noght bot time and place, Line 5.663 That he nys siker of hire grace: Line 5.664 Bot whan tuo hertes falle in on, Line 5.665 So wys await was nevere non, Line 5.666 That at som time thei ne mete; Line 5.667 And thus this faire lusti swete Line 5.668 With Mars hath ofte compaignie. Line 5.669 Bot thilke unkynde Jelousie, Line 5.670 Which everemor the herte opposeth, Line 5.671 Makth Vulcanus that he supposeth Line 5.672 That it is noght wel overal, Line 5.673 And to himself he seide, he schal Line 5.674 Aspie betre, if that he may; Line 5.675 And so it fell upon a day, Line 5.676 That he this thing so slyhli ledde, Line 5.677 He fond hem bothe tuo abedde Line 5.678 Al warm, echon with other naked. Line 5.679 And he with craft al redy maked Line 5.680 Of stronge chenes hath hem bounde, Line 5.681 As he togedre hem hadde founde, Line 5.682 And lefte hem bothe ligge so, Line 5.683 And gan to clepe and crie tho Line 5.684 Unto the goddes al aboute; Line 5.685 And thei assembled in a route Line 5.686 Come alle at ones forto se. Line 5.687 Bot none amendes hadde he, Line 5.688 Bot was rebuked hiere and there Line 5.689

Line 5.689 Of hem that loves frendes were; Line 5.690 And seiden that he was to blame, Line 5.691 For if ther fell him eny schame, Line 5.692 It was thurgh his misgovernance: Line 5.693 And thus he loste contienance, Line 5.694 This god, and let his cause falle; Line 5.695 And thei to skorne him lowhen alle, Line 5.696 And losen Mars out of hise bondes. Line 5.697 Wherof these erthli housebondes Line 5.698 For evere myhte ensample take, Line 5.699 If such a chaunce hem overtake: Line 5.700

Lines 701 through 800

For Vulcanus his wif bewreide, Line 5.701 The blame upon himself he leide, Line 5.702 Wherof his schame was the more; Line 5.703 Which oghte forto ben a lore Line 5.704 For every man that liveth hiere, Line 5.705 To reulen him in this matiere. Line 5.706 Thogh such an happ of love asterte, Line 5.707 Yit scholde he noght apointe his herte Line 5.708 With Jelousie of that is wroght, Line 5.709 Bot feigne, as thogh he wiste it noght: Line 5.710 For if he lete it overpasse, Line 5.711 The sclaundre schal be wel the lasse, Line 5.712 And he the more in ese stonde. Line 5.713 For this thou myht wel understonde, Line 5.714 That where a man schal nedes lese, Line 5.715 The leste harm is forto chese. Line 5.716 Bot Jelousie of his untrist Line 5.717 Makth that full many an harm arist, Line 5.718 Which elles scholde noght arise; Line 5.719 And if a man him wolde avise Line 5.720 Of that befell to Vulcanus, Line 5.721 Him oghte of reson thenke thus, Line 5.722 That sithe a god therof was schamed, Line 5.723 Wel scholde an erthli man be blamed Line 5.724 To take upon him such a vice. Line 5.725 Forthi, my Sone, in thin office Line 5.726 Be war that thou be noght jelous, Line 5.727

Line 5.727 Which ofte time hath schent the hous. Line 5.728 Mi fader, this ensample is hard, Line 5.729 Hou such thing to the heveneward Line 5.730 Among the goddes myhte falle: Line 5.731 For ther is bot o god of alle, Line 5.732 Which is the lord of hevene and helle. Line 5.733 Bot if it like you to telle Line 5.734 Hou suche goddes come aplace, Line 5.735 Ye mihten mochel thonk pourchace, Line 5.736 For I schal be wel tawht withal. Line 5.737 Mi Sone, it is thus overal Line 5.738 With hem that stonden misbelieved, Line 5.739 That suche goddes ben believed: Line 5.740 In sondri place sondri wise Line 5.741 Amonges hem whiche are unwise Line 5.742 Ther is betaken of credence; Line 5.743 Wherof that I the difference Line 5.744 In the manere as it is write Line 5.745 Schal do the pleinly forto wite. Line 5.746 Er Crist was bore among ous hiere, Line 5.747 Of the believes that tho were Line 5.748 In foure formes thus it was. Line 5.749 Thei of Caldee as in this cas Line 5.750 Hadde a believe be hemselve, Line 5.751 Which stod upon the signes tuelve, Line 5.752 Forth ek with the Planetes sevene, Line 5.753 Whiche as thei sihe upon the hevene. Line 5.754 Of sondri constellacion Line 5.755 In here ymaginacion Line 5.756 With sondri kerf and pourtreture Line 5.757 Thei made of goddes the figure. Line 5.758 In thelementz and ek also Line 5.759 Thei hadden a believe tho; Line 5.760

Line 5.760 And al was that unresonable: Line 5.761 For thelementz ben servicable Line 5.762 To man, and ofte of Accidence, Line 5.763 As men mai se thexperience, Line 5.764 Thei ben corrupt be sondri weie; Line 5.765 So mai no mannes reson seie Line 5.766 That thei ben god in eny wise. Line 5.767 And ek, if men hem wel avise, Line 5.768 The Sonne and Mone eclipse bothe, Line 5.769 That be hem lieve or be hem lothe, Line 5.770 Thei soffre; and what thing is passible Line 5.771 To ben a god is impossible. Line 5.772 These elementz ben creatures, Line 5.773 So ben these hevenly figures, Line 5.774 Wherof mai wel be justefied Line 5.775 That thei mai noght be deified: Line 5.776 And who that takth awey thonour Line 5.777 Which due is to the creatour, Line 5.778 And yifth it to the creature, Line 5.779 He doth to gret a forsfaiture. Line 5.780 Bot of Caldee natheles Line 5.781 Upon this feith, thogh it be les, Line 5.782 Thei holde affermed the creance; Line 5.783 So that of helle the penance, Line 5.784 As folk which stant out of believe, Line 5.785 They schull receive, as we believe. Line 5.786 Of the Caldeus lo in this wise Line 5.787 Stant the believe out of assisse: Line 5.788 Bot in Egipte worst of alle Line 5.789 The feith is fals, hou so it falle; Line 5.790 For thei diverse bestes there Line 5.791 Honoure, as thogh thei goddes were: Line 5.792 And natheles yit forth withal Line 5.793 Thre goddes most in special Line 5.794 Thei have, forth with a goddesse, Line 5.795

Line 5.795 In whom is al here sikernesse. Line 5.796 Tho goddes be yit cleped thus, Line 5.797 Orus, Typhon and Isirus: Line 5.798 Thei were brethren alle thre, Line 5.799 And the goddesse in hir degre Line 5.800

Lines 801 through 900

Here Soster was and Ysis hyhte, Line 5.801 Whom Isirus forlai be nyhte Line 5.802 And hield hire after as his wif. Line 5.803 So it befell that upon strif Line 5.804 Typhon hath Isre his brother slain, Line 5.805 Which hadde a child to Sone Orayn, Line 5.806 And he his fader deth to herte Line 5.807 So tok, that it mai noght asterte Line 5.808 That he Typhon after ne slowh, Line 5.809 Whan he was ripe of age ynowh. Line 5.810 Bot yit thegipcienes trowe Line 5.811 For al this errour, which thei knowe, Line 5.812 That these brethren ben of myht Line 5.813 To sette and kepe Egipte upriht, Line 5.814 And overthrowe, if that hem like. Line 5.815 Bot Ysis, as seith the Cronique, Line 5.816 Fro Grece into Egipte cam, Line 5.817 And sche thanne upon honde nam Line 5.818 To teche hem forto sowe and eere, Line 5.819 Which noman knew tofore there. Line 5.820 And whan thegipcienes syhe Line 5.821 The fieldes fulle afore here yhe, Line 5.822 And that the lond began to greine, Line 5.823 Which whilom hadde be bareigne,- Line 5.824 For therthe bar after the kinde Line 5.825 His due charge,- this I finde, Line 5.826 That sche of berthe the goddesse Line 5.827 Is cleped, so that in destresse Line 5.828 The wommen there upon childinge Line 5.829 To hire clepe, and here offringe Line 5.830 Thei beren, whan that thei ben lyhte. Line 5.831 Lo, hou Egipte al out of syhte Line 5.832

Line 5.832 Fro resoun stant in misbelieve Line 5.833 For lacke of lore, as I believe. Line 5.834 Among the Greks, out of the weie Line 5.835 As thei that reson putte aweie, Line 5.836 Ther was, as the Cronique seith, Line 5.837 Of misbelieve an other feith, Line 5.838 That thei here goddes and goddesses, Line 5.839 As who seith, token al to gesses Line 5.840 Of suche as weren full of vice, Line 5.841 To whom thei made here sacrifice. Line 5.842 The hihe god, so as thei seide, Line 5.843 To whom thei most worschipe leide, Line 5.844 Saturnus hihte, and king of Crete Line 5.845 He hadde be; bot of his sete Line 5.846 He was put doun, as he which stod Line 5.847 In frenesie, and was so wod, Line 5.848 That fro his wif, which Rea hihte, Line 5.849 Hise oghne children he to plihte, Line 5.850 And eet hem of his comun wone. Line 5.851 Bot Jupiter, which was his Sone Line 5.852 And of full age, his fader bond Line 5.853 And kutte of with his oghne hond Line 5.854 Hise genitals, whiche als so faste Line 5.855 Into the depe See he caste; Line 5.856 Wherof the Greks afferme and seie, Line 5.857 Thus whan thei were caste aweie, Line 5.858 Cam Venus forth be weie of kinde. Line 5.859 And of Saturne also I finde Line 5.860 How afterward into an yle Line 5.861 This Jupiter him dede exile, Line 5.862 Wher that he stod in gret meschief. Line 5.863 Lo, which a god thei maden chief! Line 5.864 And sithen that such on was he, Line 5.865 Which stod most hihe in his degre Line 5.866 Among the goddes, thou miht knowe, Line 5.867

Line 5.867 These othre, that ben more lowe, Line 5.868 Ben litel worth, as it is founde. Line 5.869 For Jupiter was the secounde, Line 5.870 Which Juno hadde unto his wif; Line 5.871 And yit a lechour al his lif Line 5.872 He was, and in avouterie Line 5.873 He wroghte many a tricherie; Line 5.874 And for he was so full of vices, Line 5.875 Thei cleped him god of delices: Line 5.876 Of whom, if thou wolt more wite, Line 5.877 Ovide the Poete hath write. Line 5.878 Bot yit here Sterres bothe tuo, Line 5.879 Saturne and Jupiter also, Line 5.880 Thei have, althogh thei be to blame, Line 5.881 Attitled to here oghne name. Line 5.882 Mars was an other in that lawe, Line 5.883 The which in Dace was forthdrawe, Line 5.884 Of whom the clerk Vegecius Line 5.885 Wrot in his bok, and tolde thus, Line 5.886 Hou he into Ytaile cam, Line 5.887 And such fortune ther he nam Line 5.888 That he a Maiden hath oppressed, Line 5.889 Which in hire ordre was professed, Line 5.890 As sche which was the Prioresse Line 5.891 In Vestes temple the goddesse, Line 5.892 So was sche wel the mor to blame. Line 5.893 Dame Ylia this ladi name Line 5.894 Men clepe, and ek sche was also Line 5.895 The kinges dowhter that was tho, Line 5.896 Which Mynitor be name hihte. Line 5.897 So that ayein the lawes ryhte Line 5.898 Mars thilke time upon hire that Line 5.899 Remus and Romulus begat, Line 5.900

Lines 901 through 1000

Whiche after, whan thei come in Age, Line 5.901 Of knihthode and of vassellage Line 5.902 Ytaile al hol thei overcome Line 5.903 And foundeden the grete Rome; Line 5.904 In Armes and of such emprise Line 5.905 Thei weren, that in thilke wise Line 5.906

Line 5.906 Here fader Mars for the mervaile Line 5.907 The god was cleped of bataille. Line 5.908 Thei were his children bothe tuo, Line 5.909 Thurgh hem he tok his name so, Line 5.910 Ther was non other cause why: Line 5.911 And yit a Sterre upon the Sky Line 5.912 He hath unto his name applied, Line 5.913 In which that he is signified. Line 5.914 An other god thei hadden eke, Line 5.915 To whom for conseil thei beseke, Line 5.916 The which was brother to Venus, Line 5.917 Appollo men him clepe thus. Line 5.918 He was an Hunte upon the helles, Line 5.919 Ther was with him no vertu elles, Line 5.920 Wherof that enye bokes karpe, Line 5.921 Bot only that he couthe harpe; Line 5.922 Which whanne he walked over londe, Line 5.923 Fulofte time he tok on honde, Line 5.924 To gete him with his sustienance, Line 5.925 For lacke of other pourveance. Line 5.926 And otherwhile of his falshede Line 5.927 He feignede him to conne arede Line 5.928 Of thing which after scholde falle; Line 5.929 Wherof among hise sleyhtes alle Line 5.930 He hath the lewed folk deceived, Line 5.931 So that the betre he was received. Line 5.932 Lo now, thurgh what creacion Line 5.933 He hath deificacion, Line 5.934 And cleped is the god of wit Line 5.935 To suche as be the foles yit. Line 5.936 An other god, to whom thei soghte, Line 5.937 Mercurie hihte, and him ne roghte Line 5.938 What thing he stal, ne whom he slowh. Line 5.939 Of Sorcerie he couthe ynowh, Line 5.940 That whanne he wolde himself transforme, Line 5.941

Line 5.941 Fulofte time he tok the forme Line 5.942 Of womman and his oghne lefte; Line 5.943 So dede he wel the more thefte. Line 5.944 A gret spekere in alle thinges Line 5.945 He was also, and of lesinges Line 5.946 An Auctour, that men wiste non Line 5.947 An other such as he was on. Line 5.948 And yit thei maden of this thief Line 5.949 A god, which was unto hem lief, Line 5.950 And clepede him in tho believes Line 5.951 The god of Marchantz and of thieves. Line 5.952 Bot yit a sterre upon the hevene Line 5.953 He hath of the planetes sevene. Line 5.954 But Vulcanus, of whom I spak, Line 5.955 He hadde a courbe upon the bak, Line 5.956 And therto he was hepehalt: Line 5.957 Of whom thou understonde schalt, Line 5.958 He was a schrewe in al his youthe, Line 5.959 And he non other vertu couthe Line 5.960 Of craft to helpe himselve with, Line 5.961 Bot only that he was a Smith Line 5.962 With Jupiter, which in his forge Line 5.963 Diverse thinges made him forge; Line 5.964 So wot I noght for what desir Line 5.965 Thei clepen him the god of fyr. Line 5.966 King of Cizile Ypolitus Line 5.967 A Sone hadde, and Eolus Line 5.968 He hihte, and of his fader grant Line 5.969 He hield be weie of covenant Line 5.970 The governance of every yle Line 5.971 Which was longende unto Cizile, Line 5.972 Of hem that fro the lond forein Line 5.973 Leie open to the wynd al plein. Line 5.974 And fro thilke iles to the londe Line 5.975 Fulofte cam the wynd to honde: Line 5.976 After the name of him forthi Line 5.977 The wyndes cleped Eoli Line 5.978 Tho were, and he the god of wynd. Line 5.979

Line 5.979 Lo nou, hou this believe is blynd! Line 5.980 The king of Crete Jupiter, Line 5.981 The same which I spak of er, Line 5.982 Unto his brother, which Neptune Line 5.983 Was hote, it list him to comune Line 5.984 Part of his good, so that be Schipe Line 5.985 He mad him strong of the lordschipe Line 5.986 Of al the See in tho parties; Line 5.987 Wher that he wroghte his tyrannyes, Line 5.988 And the strange yles al aboute Line 5.989 He wan, that every man hath doute Line 5.990 Upon his marche forto saile; Line 5.991 For he anon hem wolde assaile Line 5.992 And robbe what thing that thei ladden, Line 5.993 His sauf conduit bot if thei hadden. Line 5.994 Wherof the comun vois aros Line 5.995 In every lond, that such a los Line 5.996 He cawhte, al nere it worth a stre, Line 5.997 That he was cleped of the See Line 5.998 The god be name, and yit he is Line 5.999 With hem that so believe amis. Line 5.1000

Lines 1001 through 1100

This Neptune ek was thilke also, Line 5.1001 Which was the ferste foundour tho Line 5.1002 Of noble Troie, and he forthi Line 5.1003 Was wel the more lete by. Line 5.1004 The loresman of the Schepherdes, Line 5.1005 And ek of hem that ben netherdes, Line 5.1006 Was of Archade and hihte Pan: Line 5.1007 Of whom hath spoke many a man; Line 5.1008 For in the wode of Nonarcigne, Line 5.1009 Enclosed with the tres of Pigne, Line 5.1010 And on the Mont of Parasie Line 5.1011 He hadde of bestes the baillie, Line 5.1012 And ek benethe in the valleie, Line 5.1013

Line 5.1013 Wher thilke rivere, as men seie, Line 5.1014 Which Ladon hihte, made his cours, Line 5.1015 He was the chief of governours Line 5.1016 Of hem that kepten tame bestes, Line 5.1017 Wherof thei maken yit the festes Line 5.1018 In the Cite Stinfalides. Line 5.1019 And forth withal yit natheles Line 5.1020 He tawhte men the forthdrawinge Line 5.1021 Of bestaile, and ek the makinge Line 5.1022 Of Oxen, and of hors the same, Line 5.1023 Hou men hem scholde ryde and tame: Line 5.1024 Of foules ek, so as we finde, Line 5.1025 Ful many a soubtiel craft of kinde Line 5.1026 He fond, which noman knew tofore. Line 5.1027 Men dede him worschipe ek therfore, Line 5.1028 That he the ferste in thilke lond Line 5.1029 Was which the melodie fond Line 5.1030 Of Riedes, whan thei weren ripe, Line 5.1031 With double pipes forto pipe; Line 5.1032 Therof he yaf the ferste lore, Line 5.1033 Til afterward men couthe more. Line 5.1034 To every craft for mannes helpe Line 5.1035 He hadde a redi wit to helpe Line 5.1036 Thurgh naturel experience: Line 5.1037 And thus the nyce reverence Line 5.1038 Of foles, whan that he was ded, Line 5.1039 The fot hath torned to the hed, Line 5.1040 And clepen him god of nature, Line 5.1041 For so thei maden his figure. Line 5.1042 An other god, so as thei fiele, Line 5.1043 Which Jupiter upon Samele Line 5.1044 Begat in his avouterie, Line 5.1045 Whom, forto hide his lecherie, Line 5.1046 That non therof schal take kepe, Line 5.1047 In a Montaigne forto kepe, Line 5.1048 Which Dyon hihte and was in Ynde, Line 5.1049 He sende, in bokes as I finde: Line 5.1050 And he be name Bachus hihte, Line 5.1051 Which afterward, whan that he mihte, Line 5.1052

Line 5.1052 A wastour was, and al his rente Line 5.1053 In wyn and bordel he despente. Line 5.1054 Bot yit, al were he wonder badde, Line 5.1055 Among the Greks a name he hadde; Line 5.1056 Thei cleped him the god of wyn, Line 5.1057 And thus a glotoun was dyvyn. Line 5.1058 Ther was yit Esculapius Line 5.1059 A godd in thilke time as thus. Line 5.1060 His craft stod upon Surgerie, Line 5.1061 Bot for the lust of lecherie, Line 5.1062 That he to Daires dowhter drowh, Line 5.1063 It felle that Jupiter him slowh: Line 5.1064 And yit thei made him noght forthi Line 5.1065 A god, and was no cause why. Line 5.1066 In Rome he was long time also Line 5.1067 A god among the Romeins tho; Line 5.1068 For, as he seide, of his presence Line 5.1069 Ther was destruid a pestilence, Line 5.1070 Whan thei to thyle of Delphos wente, Line 5.1071 And that Appollo with hem sente Line 5.1072 This Esculapius his Sone, Line 5.1073 Among the Romeins forto wone. Line 5.1074 And there he duelte for a while, Line 5.1075 Til afterward into that yle, Line 5.1076 Fro whenne he cam, ayein he torneth, Line 5.1077 Where al his lyf that he sojorneth Line 5.1078 Among the Greks, til that he deide. Line 5.1079 And thei upon him thanne leide Line 5.1080 His name, and god of medicine Line 5.1081 He hatte after that ilke line. Line 5.1082 An other god of Hercules Line 5.1083 Thei made, which was natheles Line 5.1084 A man, bot that he was so strong, Line 5.1085 In al this world that brod and long Line 5.1086 So myhti was noman as he. Line 5.1087 Merveiles tuelve in his degre, Line 5.1088 As it was couth in sondri londes, Line 5.1089

Line 5.1089 He dede with hise oghne hondes Line 5.1090 Ayein geantz and Monstres bothe, Line 5.1091 The whiche horrible were and lothe, Line 5.1092 Bot he with strengthe hem overcam: Line 5.1093 Wherof so gret a pris he nam, Line 5.1094 That thei him clepe amonges alle Line 5.1095 The god of strengthe, and to him calle. Line 5.1096 And yit ther is no reson inne, Line 5.1097 For he a man was full of sinne, Line 5.1098 Which proved was upon his ende, Line 5.1099 For in a rage himself he brende; Line 5.1100

Lines 1101 through 1200

And such a cruel mannes dede Line 5.1101 Acordeth nothing with godhede. Line 5.1102 Thei hadde of goddes yit an other, Line 5.1103 Which Pluto hihte, and was the brother Line 5.1104 Of Jupiter, and he fro youthe Line 5.1105 With every word which cam to mouthe, Line 5.1106 Of eny thing whan he was wroth, Line 5.1107 He wolde swere his commun oth, Line 5.1108 Be Lethen and be Flegeton, Line 5.1109 Be Cochitum and Acheron, Line 5.1110 The whiche, after the bokes telle, Line 5.1111 Ben the chief flodes of the helle: Line 5.1112 Be Segne and Stige he swor also, Line 5.1113 That ben the depe Pettes tuo Line 5.1114 Of helle the most principal. Line 5.1115 Pluto these othes overal Line 5.1116 Swor of his commun custummance, Line 5.1117 Til it befell upon a chance, Line 5.1118 That he for Jupiteres sake Line 5.1119 Unto the goddes let do make Line 5.1120 A sacrifice, and for that dede Line 5.1121 On of the pettes for his mede Line 5.1122 In helle, of which I spak of er, Line 5.1123 Was granted him; and thus he ther Line 5.1124

Line 5.1124 Upon the fortune of this thing Line 5.1125 The name tok of helle king. Line 5.1126 Lo, these goddes and wel mo Line 5.1127 Among the Greks thei hadden tho, Line 5.1128 And of goddesses manyon, Line 5.1129 Whos names thou schalt hiere anon, Line 5.1130 And in what wise thei deceiven Line 5.1131 The foles whiche here feith receiven. Line 5.1132 So as Saturne is soverein Line 5.1133 Of false goddes, as thei sein, Line 5.1134 So is Sibeles of goddesses Line 5.1135 The Moder, whom withoute gesses Line 5.1136 The folk Payene honoure and serve, Line 5.1137 As thei the whiche hire lawe observe. Line 5.1138 Bot forto knowen upon this Line 5.1139 Fro when sche cam and what sche is, Line 5.1140 Bethincia the contre hihte, Line 5.1141 Wher sche cam ferst to mannes sihte; Line 5.1142 And after was Saturnes wif, Line 5.1143 Be whom thre children in hire lif Line 5.1144 Sche bar, and thei were cleped tho Line 5.1145 Juno, Neptunus and Pluto, Line 5.1146 The whiche of nyce fantasie Line 5.1147 The poeple wolde deifie. Line 5.1148 And for hire children were so, Line 5.1149 Sibeles thanne was also Line 5.1150 Mad a goddesse, and thei hire calle Line 5.1151 The moder of the goddes alle. Line 5.1152 So was that name bore forth, Line 5.1153 And yit the cause is litel worth. Line 5.1154 A vois unto Saturne tolde Line 5.1155 Hou that his oghne Sone him scholde Line 5.1156 Out of his regne putte aweie; Line 5.1157 And he be cause of thilke weie, Line 5.1158 That him was schape such a fate, Line 5.1159 Sibele his wif began to hate Line 5.1160

Line 5.1160 And ek hire progenie bothe. Line 5.1161 And thus, whil that thei were wrothe, Line 5.1162 Be Philerem upon a dai Line 5.1163 In his avouterie he lai, Line 5.1164 On whom he Jupiter begat; Line 5.1165 And thilke child was after that Line 5.1166 Which wroghte al that was prophecied, Line 5.1167 As it tofore is specefied: Line 5.1168 So that whan Jupiter of Crete Line 5.1169 Was king, a wif unto him mete Line 5.1170 The Dowhter of Sibele he tok, Line 5.1171 And that was Juno, seith the bok. Line 5.1172 Of his deificacion Line 5.1173 After the false oppinion, Line 5.1174 That have I told, so as thei meene; Line 5.1175 And for this Juno was the queene Line 5.1176 Of Jupiter and Soster eke, Line 5.1177 The foles unto hire sieke, Line 5.1178 And sein that sche is the goddesse Line 5.1179 Of Regnes bothe and of richesse: Line 5.1180 And ek sche, as thei understonde, Line 5.1181 The water Nimphes hath in honde Line 5.1182 To leden at hire oghne heste; Line 5.1183 And whan hir list the Sky tempeste, Line 5.1184 The reinbowe is hir Messager. Line 5.1185 Lo, which a misbelieve is hier! Line 5.1186 That sche goddesse is of the Sky Line 5.1187 I wot non other cause why. Line 5.1188 An other goddesse is Minerve, Line 5.1189 To whom the Greks obeie and serve: Line 5.1190 And sche was nyh the grete lay Line 5.1191 Of Triton founde, wher sche lay Line 5.1192 A child forcast, bot what sche was Line 5.1193 Ther knew noman the sothe cas. Line 5.1194 Bot in Aufrique sche was leid Line 5.1195 In the manere as I have seid, Line 5.1196 And caried fro that ilke place Line 5.1197 Into an Yle fer in Trace, Line 5.1198

Line 5.1198 The which Palene thanne hihte, Line 5.1199 Wher a Norrice hir kepte and dihte. Line 5.1200

Lines 1201 through 1300

And after, for sche was so wys Line 5.1201 That sche fond ferst in hire avis Line 5.1202 The cloth makinge of wolle and lyn, Line 5.1203 Men seiden that sche was divin, Line 5.1204 And the goddesse of Sapience Line 5.1205 Thei clepen hire in that credence. Line 5.1206 Of the goddesse which Pallas Line 5.1207 Is cleped sondri speche was. Line 5.1208 On seith hire fader was Pallant, Line 5.1209 Which in his time was geant, Line 5.1210 A cruel man, a bataillous: Line 5.1211 An other seith hou in his hous Line 5.1212 Sche was the cause why he deide. Line 5.1213 And of this Pallas some ek seide Line 5.1214 That sche was Martes wif; and so Line 5.1215 Among the men that weren tho Line 5.1216 Of misbelieve in the riote Line 5.1217 The goddesse of batailles hote Line 5.1218 She was, and yit sche berth the name. Line 5.1219 Now loke, hou they be forto blame. Line 5.1220 Saturnus after his exil Line 5.1221 Fro Crete cam in gret peril Line 5.1222 Into the londes of Ytaile, Line 5.1223 And ther he dede gret mervaile, Line 5.1224 Wherof his name duelleth yit. Line 5.1225 For he fond of his oghne wit Line 5.1226 The ferste craft of plowh tilinge, Line 5.1227 Of Eringe and of corn sowinge, Line 5.1228 And how men scholden sette vines Line 5.1229 And of the grapes make wynes; Line 5.1230 Al this he tawhte, and it fell so, Line 5.1231 His wif, the which cam with him tho, Line 5.1232 Was cleped Cereres be name, Line 5.1233 And for sche tawhte also the same, Line 5.1234

Line 5.1234 And was his wif that ilke throwe, Line 5.1235 As it was to the poeple knowe, Line 5.1236 Thei made of Ceres a goddesse, Line 5.1237 In whom here tilthe yit thei blesse, Line 5.1238 And sein that Tricolonius Line 5.1239 Hire Sone goth amonges ous Line 5.1240 And makth the corn good chep or dere, Line 5.1241 Riht as hire list fro yer to yeere; Line 5.1242 So that this wif be cause of this Line 5.1243 Goddesse of Cornes cleped is. Line 5.1244 King Jupiter, which his likinge Line 5.1245 Whilom fulfelde in alle thinge, Line 5.1246 So priveliche aboute he ladde Line 5.1247 His lust, that he his wille hadde Line 5.1248 Of Latona, and on hire that Line 5.1249 Diane his dowhter he begat Line 5.1250 Unknowen of his wif Juno. Line 5.1251 And afterward sche knew it so, Line 5.1252 That Latona for drede fledde Line 5.1253 Into an Ile, wher sche hedde Line 5.1254 Hire wombe, which of childe aros. Line 5.1255 Thilke yle cleped was Delos; Line 5.1256 In which Diana was forthbroght, Line 5.1257 And kept so that hire lacketh noght. Line 5.1258 And after, whan sche was of Age, Line 5.1259 Sche tok non hiede of mariage, Line 5.1260 Bot out of mannes compaignie Line 5.1261 Sche tok hire al to venerie Line 5.1262 In forest and in wildernesse Line 5.1263 For ther was al hire besinesse Line 5.1264 Be daie and ek be nyhtes tyde Line 5.1265 With arwes brode under the side Line 5.1266 And bowe in honde, of which sche slowh Line 5.1267 And tok al that hir liste ynowh Line 5.1268 Of bestes whiche ben chacable: Line 5.1269 Wherof the Cronique of this fable Line 5.1270 Seith that the gentils most of alle Line 5.1271

Line 5.1271 Worschipen hire and to hire calle, Line 5.1272 And the goddesse of hihe helles, Line 5.1273 Of grene trees, of freisshe welles, Line 5.1274 They clepen hire in that believe, Line 5.1275 Which that no reson mai achieve. Line 5.1276 Proserpina, which dowhter was Line 5.1277 Of Cereres, befell this cas: Line 5.1278 Whil sche was duellinge in Cizile, Line 5.1279 Hire moder in that ilke while Line 5.1280 Upon hire blessinge and hire heste Line 5.1281 Bad that sche scholde ben honeste, Line 5.1282 And lerne forto weve and spinne, Line 5.1283 And duelle at hom and kepe hire inne. Line 5.1284 Bot sche caste al that lore aweie, Line 5.1285 And as sche wente hir out to pleie, Line 5.1286 To gadre floures in a pleine, Line 5.1287 And that was under the monteine Line 5.1288 Of Ethna, fell the same tyde Line 5.1289 That Pluto cam that weie ryde, Line 5.1290 And sodeinly, er sche was war, Line 5.1291 He tok hire up into his char. Line 5.1292 And as thei riden in the field, Line 5.1293 Hire grete beaute he behield, Line 5.1294 Which was so plesant in his y�e, Line 5.1295 That forto holde in compainie Line 5.1296 He weddeth hire and hield hire so Line 5.1297 To ben his wif for everemo. Line 5.1298 And as thou hast tofore herd telle Line 5.1299 Hou he was cleped god of helle, Line 5.1300

Lines 1301 through 1400

So is sche cleped the goddesse Line 5.1301 Be cause of him, ne mor ne lesse. Line 5.1302 Lo, thus, mi Sone, as I thee tolde, Line 5.1303 The Greks whilom be daies olde Line 5.1304 Here goddes hadde in sondri wise, Line 5.1305 And thurgh the lore of here aprise Line 5.1306 The Romeins hielden ek the same. Line 5.1307

Line 5.1307 And in the worschipe of here name Line 5.1308 To every godd in special Line 5.1309 Thei made a temple forth withal, Line 5.1310 And ech of hem his yeeres dai Line 5.1311 Attitled hadde; and of arai Line 5.1312 The temples weren thanne ordeigned, Line 5.1313 And ek the poeple was constreigned Line 5.1314 To come and don here sacrifice; Line 5.1315 The Prestes ek in here office Line 5.1316 Solempne maden thilke festes. Line 5.1317 And thus the Greks lich to the bestes Line 5.1318 The men in stede of god honoure, Line 5.1319 Whiche mihten noght hemself socoure, Line 5.1320 Whil that thei were alyve hiere. Line 5.1321 And over this, as thou schalt hiere, Line 5.1322 The Greks fulfild of fantasie Line 5.1323 Sein ek that of the helles hihe Line 5.1324 The goddes ben in special, Line 5.1325 Bot of here name in general Line 5.1326 Thei hoten alle Satiri. Line 5.1327 Ther ben of Nimphes proprely Line 5.1328 In the believe of hem also: Line 5.1329 Oreades thei seiden tho Line 5.1330 Attitled ben to the monteines; Line 5.1331 And for the wodes in demeynes Line 5.1332 To kepe, tho ben Driades; Line 5.1333 Of freisshe welles Naiades; Line 5.1334 And of the Nimphes of the See Line 5.1335 I finde a tale in proprete, Line 5.1336 Hou Dorus whilom king of Grece, Line 5.1337 Which hadde of infortune a piece,- Line 5.1338 His wif forth with hire dowhtres alle, Line 5.1339 So as the happes scholden falle, Line 5.1340 With many a gentil womman there Line 5.1341 Dreint in the salte See thei were: Line 5.1342 Wherof the Greks that time seiden, Line 5.1343 And such a name upon hem leiden, Line 5.1344

Line 5.1344 Nerei�des that thei ben hote, Line 5.1345 The Nimphes whiche that thei note Line 5.1346 To regne upon the stremes salte. Line 5.1347 Lo now, if this believe halte! Line 5.1348 Bot of the Nimphes as thei telle, Line 5.1349 In every place wher thei duelle Line 5.1350 Thei ben al redi obeissant Line 5.1351 As damoiselles entendant Line 5.1352 To the goddesses, whos servise Line 5.1353 Thei mote obeie in alle wise; Line 5.1354 Wherof the Greks to hem beseke Line 5.1355 With tho that ben goddesses eke, Line 5.1356 And have in hem a gret credence. Line 5.1357 And yit withoute experience Line 5.1358 Salve only of illusion, Line 5.1359 Which was to hem dampnacion, Line 5.1360 For men also that were dede Line 5.1361 Thei hadden goddes, as I rede, Line 5.1362 And tho be name Manes hihten, Line 5.1363 To whom ful gret honour thei dihten, Line 5.1364 So as the Grekes lawe seith, Line 5.1365 Which was ayein the rihte feith. Line 5.1366 Thus have I told a gret partie; Line 5.1367 Bot al the hole progenie Line 5.1368 Of goddes in that ilke time Line 5.1369 To long it were forto rime. Line 5.1370 Bot yit of that which thou hast herd, Line 5.1371 Of misbelieve hou it hath ferd, Line 5.1372 Ther is a gret diversite. Line 5.1373 Mi fader, riht so thenketh me. Line 5.1374 Bot yit o thing I you beseche, Line 5.1375 Which stant in alle mennes speche, Line 5.1376 The godd and the goddesse of love, Line 5.1377 Of whom ye nothing hier above Line 5.1378 Have told, ne spoken of her fare, Line 5.1379 That ye me wolden now declare Line 5.1380 Hou thei ferst comen to that name. Line 5.1381

Line 5.1381 Mi Sone, I have it left for schame, Line 5.1382 Be cause I am here oghne Prest; Line 5.1383 Bot for thei stonden nyh thi brest Line 5.1384 Upon the schrifte of thi matiere, Line 5.1385 Thou schalt of hem the sothe hiere: Line 5.1386 And understond nou wel the cas. Line 5.1387 Venus Saturnes dowhter was, Line 5.1388 Which alle danger putte aweie Line 5.1389 Of love, and fond to lust a weie; Line 5.1390 So that of hire in sondri place Line 5.1391 Diverse men felle into grace, Line 5.1392 And such a lusti lif sche ladde, Line 5.1393 That sche diverse children hadde, Line 5.1394 Nou on be this, nou on be that. Line 5.1395 Of hire it was that Mars beyat Line 5.1396 A child, which cleped was Armene; Line 5.1397 Of hire also cam Andragene, Line 5.1398 To whom Mercurie fader was: Line 5.1399 Anchises begat Eneas Line 5.1400

Lines 1401 through 1500

Of hire also, and Ericon Line 5.1401 Biten begat, and therupon, Line 5.1402 Whan that sche sih ther was non other, Line 5.1403 Be Jupiter hire oghne brother Line 5.1404 Sche lay, and he begat Cupide. Line 5.1405 And thilke Sone upon a tyde, Line 5.1406 Whan he was come unto his Age, Line 5.1407 He hadde a wonder fair visage, Line 5.1408 And fond his Moder amourous, Line 5.1409 And he was also lecherous: Line 5.1410 So whan thei weren bothe al one, Line 5.1411 As he which yhen hadde none Line 5.1412 To se reson, his Moder kiste; Line 5.1413 And sche also, that nothing wiste Line 5.1414 Bot that which unto lust belongeth, Line 5.1415 To ben hire love him underfongeth. Line 5.1416 Thus was he blind, and sche unwys: Line 5.1417 Bot natheles this cause it is, Line 5.1418

Line 5.1418 Why Cupide is the god of love, Line 5.1419 For he his moder dorste love. Line 5.1420 And sche, which thoghte hire lustes fonde, Line 5.1421 Diverse loves tok in honde, Line 5.1422 Wel mo thanne I the tolde hiere: Line 5.1423 And for sche wolde hirselve skiere, Line 5.1424 Sche made comun that desport, Line 5.1425 And sette a lawe of such a port, Line 5.1426 That every womman mihte take Line 5.1427 What man hire liste, and noght forsake Line 5.1428 To ben als comun as sche wolde. Line 5.1429 Sche was the ferste also which tolde Line 5.1430 That wommen scholde here bodi selle; Line 5.1431 Semiramis, so as men telle, Line 5.1432 Of Venus kepte thilke aprise, Line 5.1433 And so dede in the same wise Line 5.1434 Of Rome faire Neabole, Line 5.1435 Which liste hire bodi to rigole; Line 5.1436 Sche was to every man felawe, Line 5.1437 And hild the lust of thilke lawe, Line 5.1438 Which Venus of hirself began; Line 5.1439 Wherof that sche the name wan, Line 5.1440 Why men hire clepen the goddesse Line 5.1441 Of love and ek of gentilesse, Line 5.1442 Of worldes lust and of plesance. Line 5.1443 Se nou the foule mescreance Line 5.1444 Of Greks in thilke time tho, Line 5.1445 Whan Venus tok hire name so. Line 5.1446 Ther was no cause under the Mone Line 5.1447 Of which thei hadden tho to done, Line 5.1448 Of wel or wo wher so it was, Line 5.1449 That thei ne token in that cas Line 5.1450 A god to helpe or a goddesse. Line 5.1451 Wherof, to take mi witnesse, Line 5.1452 The king of Bragmans Dindimus Line 5.1453 Wrot unto Alisandre thus: Line 5.1454 In blaminge of the Grekes feith Line 5.1455

Line 5.1455 And of the misbelieve, he seith Line 5.1456 How thei for every membre hadden Line 5.1457 A sondri god, to whom thei spradden Line 5.1458 Here armes, and of help besoghten. Line 5.1459 Minerve for the hed thei soghten, Line 5.1460 For sche was wys, and of a man Line 5.1461 The wit and reson which he can Line 5.1462 Is in the celles of the brayn, Line 5.1463 Wherof thei made hire soverain. Line 5.1464 Mercurie, which was in his dawes Line 5.1465 A gret spekere of false lawes, Line 5.1466 On him the kepinge of the tunge Line 5.1467 Thei leide, whan thei spieke or sunge. Line 5.1468 For Bachus was a glotoun eke, Line 5.1469 Him for the throte thei beseke, Line 5.1470 That he it wolde waisshen ofte Line 5.1471 With swote drinkes and with softe. Line 5.1472 The god of schuldres and of armes Line 5.1473 Was Hercules; for he in armes Line 5.1474 The myhtieste was to fihte, Line 5.1475 To him tho Limes they behihte. Line 5.1476 The god whom that thei clepen Mart Line 5.1477 The brest to kepe hath for his part, Line 5.1478 Forth with the herte, in his ymage Line 5.1479 That he adresce the corage. Line 5.1480 And of the galle the goddesse, Line 5.1481 For sche was full of hastifesse Line 5.1482 Of wraththe and liht to grieve also, Line 5.1483 Thei made and seide it was Juno. Line 5.1484 Cupide, which the brond afyre Line 5.1485 Bar in his hond, he was the Sire Line 5.1486 Of the Stomak, which builleth evere, Line 5.1487 Wherof the lustes ben the levere. Line 5.1488 To the goddesse Cereres, Line 5.1489 Which of the corn yaf hire encress Line 5.1490 Upon the feith that tho was take, Line 5.1491

Line 5.1491 The wombes cure was betake; Line 5.1492 And Venus thurgh the Lecherie, Line 5.1493 For which that thei hire deifie, Line 5.1494 Sche kept al doun the remenant Line 5.1495 To thilke office appourtenant. Line 5.1496 Thus was dispers in sondri wise Line 5.1497 The misbelieve, as I devise, Line 5.1498 With many an ymage of entaile, Line 5.1499 Of suche as myhte hem noght availe; Line 5.1500

Lines 1501 through 1600

For thei withoute lyves chiere Line 5.1501 Unmyhti ben to se or hiere Line 5.1502 Or speke or do or elles fiele; Line 5.1503 And yit the foles to hem knele, Line 5.1504 Which is here oghne handes werk. Line 5.1505 Ha lord, hou this believe is derk, Line 5.1506 And fer fro resonable wit! Line 5.1507 And natheles thei don it yit: Line 5.1508 That was to day a ragged tre, Line 5.1509 To morwe upon his majeste Line 5.1510 Stant in the temple wel besein. Line 5.1511 How myhte a mannes resoun sein Line 5.1512 That such a Stock mai helpe or grieve? Line 5.1513 Bot thei that ben of such believe Line 5.1514 And unto suche goddes calle, Line 5.1515 It schal to hem riht so befalle, Line 5.1516 And failen ate moste nede. Line 5.1517 Bot if thee list to taken hiede Line 5.1518 And of the ferste ymage wite, Line 5.1519 Petornius therof hath write Line 5.1520 And ek Nigargorus also; Line 5.1521 And thei afferme and write so, Line 5.1522 That Promotheu�s was tofore Line 5.1523 And fond the ferste craft therfore, Line 5.1524 And Cirophanes, as thei telle, Line 5.1525 Thurgh conseil which was take in helle, Line 5.1526 In remembrance of his lignage Line 5.1527 Let setten up the ferste ymage. Line 5.1528

Line 5.1528 Of Cirophanes seith the bok, Line 5.1529 That he for sorwe, which he tok Line 5.1530 Of that he sih his Sone ded, Line 5.1531 Of confort knew non other red, Line 5.1532 Bot let do make in remembrance Line 5.1533 A faire ymage of his semblance Line 5.1534 And sette it in the market place, Line 5.1535 Which openly tofore his face Line 5.1536 Stod every dai to don him ese. Line 5.1537 And thei that thanne wolden plese Line 5.1538 The fader, scholden it obeie, Line 5.1539 Whan that they comen thilke weie. Line 5.1540 And of Ninus king of Assire Line 5.1541 I rede hou that in his empire Line 5.1542 He was next after the secounde Line 5.1543 Of hem that ferst ymages founde. Line 5.1544 For he riht in semblable cas Line 5.1545 Of Belus, which his fader was Line 5.1546 Fro Nembroth in the rihte line, Line 5.1547 Let make of gold and Stones fine Line 5.1548 A precious ymage riche Line 5.1549 After his fader evene liche; Line 5.1550 And therupon a lawe he sette, Line 5.1551 That every man of pure dette Line 5.1552 With sacrifice and with truage Line 5.1553 Honoure scholde thilke ymage: Line 5.1554 So that withinne time it fell, Line 5.1555 Of Belus cam the name of Bel, Line 5.1556 Of Bel cam Belzebub, and so Line 5.1557 The misbelieve wente tho. Line 5.1558 The thridde ymage next to this Line 5.1559 Was, whan the king of Grece Apis Line 5.1560 Was ded, thei maden a figure Line 5.1561 In resemblance of his stature. Line 5.1562 Of this king Apis seith the bok Line 5.1563 That Serapis his name tok, Line 5.1564 In whom thurgh long continuance Line 5.1565 Of misbelieve a gret creance Line 5.1566 Thei hadden, and the reverence Line 5.1567

Line 5.1567 Of Sacrifice and of encence Line 5.1568 To him thei made: and as thei telle, Line 5.1569 Among the wondres that befelle, Line 5.1570 Whan Alisandre fro Candace Line 5.1571 Cam ridende, in a wilde place Line 5.1572 Undur an hull a Cave he fond; Line 5.1573 And Candalus, which in that lond Line 5.1574 Was bore, and was Candaces Sone, Line 5.1575 Him tolde hou that of commun wone Line 5.1576 The goddes were in thilke cave. Line 5.1577 And he, that wolde assaie and have Line 5.1578 A knowlechinge if it be soth, Line 5.1579 Liht of his hors and in he goth, Line 5.1580 And fond therinne that he soghte: Line 5.1581 For thurgh the fendes sleihte him thoghte, Line 5.1582 Amonges othre goddes mo Line 5.1583 That Serapis spak to him tho, Line 5.1584 Whom he sih there in gret arrai. Line 5.1585 And thus the fend fro dai to dai Line 5.1586 The worschipe of ydolatrie Line 5.1587 Drowh forth upon the fantasie Line 5.1588 Of hem that weren thanne blinde Line 5.1589 And couthen noght the trouthe finde. Line 5.1590 Thus hast thou herd in what degre Line 5.1591 Of Grece, Egipte and of Caldee Line 5.1592 The misbelieves whilom stode; Line 5.1593 And hou so that thei be noght goode Line 5.1594 Ne trewe, yit thei sprungen oute, Line 5.1595 Wherof the wyde world aboute Line 5.1596 His part of misbelieve tok. Line 5.1597 Til so befell, as seith the bok, Line 5.1598 That god a poeple for himselve Line 5.1599 Hath chose of the lignages tuelve, Line 5.1600

Lines 1601 through 1700

Wherof the sothe redely, Line 5.1601 As it is write in Genesi, Line 5.1602 I thenke telle in such a wise Line 5.1603 That it schal be to thin apprise. Line 5.1604

Line 5.1604 After the flod, fro which Noe� Line 5.1605 Was sauf, the world in his degre Line 5.1606 Was mad, as who seith, newe ayein, Line 5.1607 Of flour, of fruit, of gras, of grein, Line 5.1608 Of beste, of bridd and of mankinde, Line 5.1609 Which evere hath be to god unkinde: Line 5.1610 For noght withstondende al the fare, Line 5.1611 Of that this world was mad so bare Line 5.1612 And afterward it was restored, Line 5.1613 Among the men was nothing mored Line 5.1614 Towardes god of good lyvynge, Line 5.1615 Bot al was torned to likinge Line 5.1616 After the fleissh, so that foryete Line 5.1617 Was he which yaf hem lif and mete, Line 5.1618 Of hevene and Erthe creatour. Line 5.1619 And thus cam forth the grete errour, Line 5.1620 That thei the hihe god ne knewe, Line 5.1621 Bot maden othre goddes newe, Line 5.1622 As thou hast herd me seid tofore: Line 5.1623 Ther was noman that time bore, Line 5.1624 That he ne hadde after his chois Line 5.1625 A god, to whom he yaf his vois. Line 5.1626 Wherof the misbelieve cam Line 5.1627 Into the time of Habraham: Line 5.1628 Bot he fond out the rihte weie, Line 5.1629 Hou only that men scholde obeie Line 5.1630 The hihe god, which weldeth al, Line 5.1631 And evere hath don and evere schal, Line 5.1632 In hevene, in Erthe and ek in helle; Line 5.1633 Ther is no tunge his miht mai telle. Line 5.1634 This Patriarch to his lignage Line 5.1635 Forbad, that thei to non ymage Line 5.1636 Encline scholde in none wise, Line 5.1637 Bot here offrende and sacrifise Line 5.1638 With al the hole hertes love Line 5.1639 Unto the mihti god above Line 5.1640 Thei scholden yive and to no mo: Line 5.1641 And thus in thilke time tho Line 5.1642

Line 5.1642 Began the Secte upon this Erthe, Line 5.1643 Which of believes was the ferthe. Line 5.1644 Of rihtwisnesse it was conceived, Line 5.1645 So moste it nedes be received Line 5.1646 Of him that alle riht is inne, Line 5.1647 The hihe god, which wolde winne Line 5.1648 A poeple unto his oghne feith. Line 5.1649 On Habraham the ground he leith, Line 5.1650 And made him forto multeplie Line 5.1651 Into so gret a progenie, Line 5.1652 That thei Egipte al overspradde. Line 5.1653 Bot Pharao with wrong hem ladde Line 5.1654 In servitute ayein the pes, Line 5.1655 Til god let sende Moi�ses Line 5.1656 To make the deliverance; Line 5.1657 And for his poeple gret vengance Line 5.1658 He tok, which is to hiere a wonder. Line 5.1659 The king was slain, the lond put under, Line 5.1660 God bad the rede See divide, Line 5.1661 Which stod upriht on either side Line 5.1662 And yaf unto his poeple a weie, Line 5.1663 That thei on fote it passe dreie Line 5.1664 And gon so forth into desert: Line 5.1665 Wher forto kepe hem in covert, Line 5.1666 The daies, whan the Sonne brente, Line 5.1667 A large cloude hem overwente, Line 5.1668 And forto wissen hem be nyhte, Line 5.1669 A firy Piler hem alyhte. Line 5.1670 And whan that thei for hunger pleigne, Line 5.1671 The myhti god began to reyne Line 5.1672 Manna fro hevene doun to grounde, Line 5.1673 Wherof that ech of hem hath founde Line 5.1674 His fode, such riht as him liste; Line 5.1675 And for thei scholde upon him triste, Line 5.1676 Riht as who sette a tonne abroche, Line 5.1677

Line 5.1677 He percede the harde roche, Line 5.1678 And sprong out water al at wille, Line 5.1679 That man and beste hath drunke his fille: Line 5.1680 And afterward he yaf the lawe Line 5.1681 To Moi�ses, that hem withdrawe Line 5.1682 Thei scholden noght fro that he bad. Line 5.1683 And in this wise thei be lad, Line 5.1684 Til thei toke in possession Line 5.1685 The londes of promission, Line 5.1686 Wher that Caleph and Josue� Line 5.1687 The Marches upon such degre Line 5.1688 Departen, after the lignage Line 5.1689 That ech of hem as Heritage Line 5.1690 His porpartie hath underfonge. Line 5.1691 And thus stod this believe longe, Line 5.1692 Which of prophetes was governed; Line 5.1693 And thei hadde ek the poeple lerned Line 5.1694 Of gret honour that scholde hem falle; Line 5.1695 Bot ate moste nede of alle Line 5.1696 Thei faileden, whan Crist was bore. Line 5.1697 Bot hou that thei here feith have bore, Line 5.1698 It nedeth noght to tellen al, Line 5.1699 The matiere is so general: Line 5.1700

Lines 1701 through 1800

Whan Lucifer was best in hevene Line 5.1701 And oghte moste have stonde in evene, Line 5.1702 Towardes god he tok debat; Line 5.1703 And for that he was obstinat, Line 5.1704 And wolde noght to trouthe encline, Line 5.1705 He fell for evere into ruine: Line 5.1706 And Adam ek in Paradis, Line 5.1707 Whan he stod most in al his pris Line 5.1708 After thastat of Innocence, Line 5.1709 Ayein the god brak his defence Line 5.1710 And fell out of his place aweie: Line 5.1711 And riht be such a maner weie Line 5.1712 The Jwes in here beste plit, Line 5.1713 Whan that thei scholden most parfit Line 5.1714

Line 5.1714 Have stonde upon the prophecie, Line 5.1715 Tho fellen thei to most folie, Line 5.1716 And him which was fro hevene come, Line 5.1717 And of a Maide his fleissh hath nome, Line 5.1718 And was among hem bore and fedd, Line 5.1719 As men that wolden noght be spedd Line 5.1720 Of goddes Sone, with o vois Line 5.1721 Thei hinge and slowhe upon the crois. Line 5.1722 Wherof the parfit of here lawe Line 5.1723 Fro thanne forth hem was withdrawe, Line 5.1724 So that thei stonde of no merit, Line 5.1725 Bot in truage as folk soubgit Line 5.1726 Withoute proprete of place Line 5.1727 Thei liven out of goddes grace, Line 5.1728 Dispers in alle londes oute. Line 5.1729 And thus the feith is come aboute, Line 5.1730 That whilom in the Jewes stod, Line 5.1731 Which is noght parfihtliche good. Line 5.1732 To speke as it is nou befalle, Line 5.1733 Ther is a feith aboven alle, Line 5.1734 In which the trouthe is comprehended, Line 5.1735 Wherof that we ben alle amended. Line 5.1736 The hihe almyhti majeste, Line 5.1737 Of rihtwisnesse and of pite, Line 5.1738 The Sinne which that Adam wroghte, Line 5.1739 Whan he sih time, ayein he boghte, Line 5.1740 And sende his Sone fro the hevene Line 5.1741 To sette mannes Soule in evene, Line 5.1742 Which thanne was so sore falle Line 5.1743 Upon the point which was befalle, Line 5.1744 That he ne mihte himself arise. Line 5.1745 Gregoire seith in his aprise, Line 5.1746

Line 5.1746 It helpeth noght a man be bore, Line 5.1747 If goddes Sone were unbore; Line 5.1748 For thanne thurgh the ferste Sinne, Line 5.1749 Which Adam whilom broghte ous inne, Line 5.1750 Ther scholden alle men be lost; Line 5.1751 Bot Crist restoreth thilke lost, Line 5.1752 And boghte it with his fleissh and blod. Line 5.1753 And if we thenken hou it stod Line 5.1754 Of thilke rancoun which he payde, Line 5.1755 As seint Gregoire it wrot and sayde, Line 5.1756 Al was behovely to the man: Line 5.1757 For that wherof his wo began Line 5.1758 Was after cause of al his welthe, Line 5.1759 Whan he which is the welle of helthe, Line 5.1760 The hihe creatour of lif, Line 5.1761 Upon the nede of such a strif Line 5.1762 So wolde for his creature Line 5.1763 Take on himself the forsfaiture Line 5.1764 And soffre for the mannes sake. Line 5.1765 Thus mai no reson wel forsake Line 5.1766 That thilke Senne original Line 5.1767 Ne was the cause in special Line 5.1768 Of mannes worschipe ate laste, Line 5.1769 Which schal withouten ende laste. Line 5.1770 For be that cause the godhede Line 5.1771 Assembled was to the manhede Line 5.1772 In the virgine, where he nom Line 5.1773 Oure fleissh and verai man becom Line 5.1774 Of bodely fraternite; Line 5.1775 Wherof the man in his degre Line 5.1776 Stant more worth, as I have told, Line 5.1777 Than he stod erst be manyfold, Line 5.1778 Thurgh baptesme of the newe lawe, Line 5.1779 Of which Crist lord is and felawe. Line 5.1780 And thus the hihe goddes myht, Line 5.1781 Which was in the virgine alyht, Line 5.1782

Line 5.1782 The mannes Soule hath reconsiled, Line 5.1783 Which hadde longe ben exiled. Line 5.1784 So stant the feith upon believe, Line 5.1785 Withoute which mai non achieve Line 5.1786 To gete him Paradis ayein: Line 5.1787 Bot this believe is so certein, Line 5.1788 So full of grace and of vertu, Line 5.1789 That what man clepeth to Jhesu Line 5.1790 In clene lif forthwith good dede, Line 5.1791 He mai noght faile of hevene mede, Line 5.1792 Which taken hath the rihte feith; Line 5.1793 For elles, as the gospel seith, Line 5.1794 Salvacion ther mai be non. Line 5.1795 And forto preche therupon Line 5.1796 Crist bad to hise Apostles alle, Line 5.1797 The whos pouer as nou is falle Line 5.1798 On ous that ben of holi cherche, Line 5.1799 If we the goode dedes werche; Line 5.1800

Lines 1801 through 1900

For feith only sufficeth noght, Line 5.1801 Bot if good dede also be wroght. Line 5.1802 Now were it good that thou forthi, Line 5.1803 Which thurgh baptesme proprely Line 5.1804 Art unto Cristes feith professed, Line 5.1805 Be war that thou be noght oppressed Line 5.1806 With Anticristes lollardie. Line 5.1807 For as the Jwes prophecie Line 5.1808

Line 5.1808 Was set of god for avantage, Line 5.1809 Riht so this newe tapinage Line 5.1810 Of lollardie goth aboute Line 5.1811 To sette Cristes feith in doute. Line 5.1812 The seintz that weren ous tofore, Line 5.1813 Be whom the feith was ferst upbore, Line 5.1814 That holi cherche stod relieved, Line 5.1815 Thei oghten betre be believed Line 5.1816 Than these, whiche that men knowe Line 5.1817 Noght holy, thogh thei feigne and blowe Line 5.1818 Here lollardie in mennes Ere. Line 5.1819 Bot if thou wolt live out of fere, Line 5.1820 Such newe lore, I rede, eschuie, Line 5.1821 And hold forth riht the weie and suie, Line 5.1822 As thine Ancestres dede er this: Line 5.1823 So schalt thou noght believe amis. Line 5.1824 Crist wroghte ferst and after tawhte, Line 5.1825 So that the dede his word arawhte; Line 5.1826 He yaf ensample in his persone, Line 5.1827 And we the wordes have al one, Line 5.1828 Lich to the Tree with leves grene, Line 5.1829 Upon the which no fruit is sene. Line 5.1830 The Priest Thoas, which of Minerve Line 5.1831 The temple hadde forto serve, Line 5.1832 And the Palladion of Troie Line 5.1833 Kepte under keie, for monoie, Line 5.1834 Of Anthenor which he hath nome, Line 5.1835 Hath soffred Anthenor to come Line 5.1836 And the Palladion to stele, Line 5.1837 Wherof the worschipe and the wele Line 5.1838 Of the Troiens was overthrowe. Line 5.1839 Bot Thoas at the same throwe, Line 5.1840 Whan Anthenor this Juel tok, Line 5.1841 Wynkende caste awei his lok Line 5.1842 For a deceipte and for a wyle: Line 5.1843 As he that scholde himself beguile, Line 5.1844 He hidde his yhen fro the sihte, Line 5.1845 And wende wel that he so mihte Line 5.1846

Line 5.1846 Excuse his false conscience. Line 5.1847 I wot noght if thilke evidence Line 5.1848 Nou at this time in here estatz Line 5.1849 Excuse mihte the Prelatz, Line 5.1850 Knowende hou that the feith discresceth Line 5.1851 And alle moral vertu cesseth, Line 5.1852 Wherof that thei the keies bere, Line 5.1853 Bot yit hem liketh noght to stere Line 5.1854 Here gostliche yhe forto se Line 5.1855 The world in his adversite; Line 5.1856 Thei wol no labour undertake Line 5.1857 To kepe that hem is betake. Line 5.1858 Crist deide himselve for the feith, Line 5.1859 Bot nou our feerfull prelat seith, Line 5.1860 "The lif is suete," and that he kepeth, Line 5.1861 So that the feith unholpe slepeth, Line 5.1862 And thei unto here ese entenden Line 5.1863 And in here lust her lif despenden, Line 5.1864 And every man do what him list. Line 5.1865 Thus stant this world fulfild of Mist, Line 5.1866 That noman seth the rihte weie: Line 5.1867 The wardes of the cherche keie Line 5.1868 Thurgh mishandlinge ben myswreynt, Line 5.1869 The worldes wawe hath welnyh dreynt Line 5.1870 The Schip which Peter hath to stiere, Line 5.1871 The forme is kept, bot the matiere Line 5.1872 Transformed is in other wise. Line 5.1873 Bot if thei weren gostli wise, Line 5.1874 And that the Prelatz weren goode, Line 5.1875 As thei be olde daies stode, Line 5.1876 It were thanne litel nede Line 5.1877 Among the men to taken hiede Line 5.1878 Of that thei hieren Pseudo telle, Line 5.1879 Which nou is come forto duelle, Line 5.1880 To sowe cokkel with the corn, Line 5.1881 So that the tilthe is nyh forlorn, Line 5.1882 Which Crist sew ferst his oghne hond. Line 5.1883

Line 5.1883 Nou stant the cockel in the lond, Line 5.1884 Wher stod whilom the goode grein, Line 5.1885 For the Prelatz nou, as men sein, Line 5.1886 Forslowthen that thei scholden tile. Line 5.1887 And that I trowe be the skile, Line 5.1888 Whan ther is lacke in hem above, Line 5.1889 The poeple is stranged to the love Line 5.1890 Of trouthe, in cause of ignorance; Line 5.1891 For wher ther is no pourveance Line 5.1892 Of liht, men erren in the derke. Line 5.1893 Bot if the Prelatz wolden werke Line 5.1894 Upon the feith which thei ous teche, Line 5.1895 Men scholden noght here weie seche Line 5.1896 Withoute liht, as now is used: Line 5.1897 Men se the charge aldai refused, Line 5.1898 Which holi cherche hath undertake. Line 5.1899 Bot who that wolde ensample take, Line 5.1900

Lines 1901 through 2000

Gregoire upon his Omelie Line 5.1901 Ayein the Slouthe of Prelacie Line 5.1902 Compleigneth him, and thus he seith: Line 5.1903 "Whan Peter, fader of the feith, Line 5.1904 At domesdai schal with him bringe Line 5.1905 Judeam, which thurgh his prechinge Line 5.1906 He wan, and Andrew with Achaie Line 5.1907 Schal come his dette forto paie, Line 5.1908 And Thomas ek with his beyete Line 5.1909 Of Ynde, and Poul the routes grete Line 5.1910 Of sondri londes schal presente, Line 5.1911 And we fulfild of lond and rente, Line 5.1912 Which of this world we holden hiere, Line 5.1913 With voide handes schul appiere, Line 5.1914 Touchende oure cure spirital, Line 5.1915 Which is our charge in special, Line 5.1916 I not what thing it mai amonte Line 5.1917 Upon thilke ende of oure accompte, Line 5.1918 Wher Crist himself is Auditour, Line 5.1919

Line 5.1919 Which takth non hiede of vein honour." Line 5.1920 Thoffice of the Chancellerie Line 5.1921 Or of the kinges Tresorie Line 5.1922 Ne for the writ ne for the taille Line 5.1923 To warant mai noght thanne availe; Line 5.1924 The world, which nou so wel we trowe, Line 5.1925 Schal make ous thanne bot a mowe: Line 5.1926 So passe we withoute mede, Line 5.1927 That we non otherwise spede, Line 5.1928 Bot as we rede that he spedde, Line 5.1929 The which his lordes besant hedde Line 5.1930 And therupon gat non encress. Line 5.1931 Bot at this time natheles, Line 5.1932 What other man his thonk deserve, Line 5.1933 The world so lusti is to serve, Line 5.1934 That we with him ben all acorded, Line 5.1935 And that is wist and wel recorded Line 5.1936 Thurghout this Erthe in alle londes Line 5.1937 Let knyhtes winne with here hondes, Line 5.1938 For oure tunge schal be stille Line 5.1939 And stonde upon the fleisshes wille. Line 5.1940 It were a travail forto preche Line 5.1941 The feith of Crist, as forto teche Line 5.1942 The folk Paiene, it wol noght be; Line 5.1943 Bot every Prelat holde his See Line 5.1944 With al such ese as he mai gete Line 5.1945 Of lusti drinke and lusti mete, Line 5.1946 Wherof the bodi fat and full Line 5.1947 Is unto gostli labour dull Line 5.1948 And slowh to handle thilke plowh. Line 5.1949 Bot elles we ben swifte ynowh Line 5.1950 Toward the worldes Avarice; Line 5.1951 And that is as a sacrifice, Line 5.1952 Which, after that thapostel seith, Line 5.1953 Is openly ayein the feith Line 5.1954 Unto thidoles yove and granted: Line 5.1955

Line 5.1955 Bot natheles it is nou haunted, Line 5.1956 And vertu changed into vice, Line 5.1957 So that largesce is Avarice, Line 5.1958 In whos chapitre now we trete. Line 5.1959 Mi fader, this matiere is bete Line 5.1960 So fer, that evere whil I live Line 5.1961 I schal the betre hede yive Line 5.1962 Unto miself be many weie: Line 5.1963 Bot over this nou wolde I preie Line 5.1964 To wite what the branches are Line 5.1965 Of Avarice, and hou thei fare Line 5.1966 Als wel in love as otherwise. Line 5.1967 Mi Sone, and I thee schal devise Line 5.1968 In such a manere as thei stonde, Line 5.1969 So that thou schalt hem understonde. Line 5.1970

Line 5.1970 Dame Avarice is noght soleine, Line 5.1971 Which is of gold the Capiteine; Line 5.1972 Bot of hir Court in sondri wise Line 5.1973 After the Scole of hire aprise Line 5.1974 Sche hath of Servantz manyon, Line 5.1975 Wherof that Covoitise is on; Line 5.1976 Which goth the large world aboute, Line 5.1977 To seche thavantages oute, Line 5.1978 Wher that he mai the profit winne Line 5.1979 To Avarice, and bringth it inne. Line 5.1980 That on hald and that other draweth, Line 5.1981 Ther is no day which hem bedaweth, Line 5.1982 No mor the Sonne than the Mone, Line 5.1983 Whan ther is eny thing to done, Line 5.1984 And namely with Covoitise; Line 5.1985 For he stant out of al assisse Line 5.1986 Of resonable mannes fare. Line 5.1987 Wher he pourposeth him to fare Line 5.1988

Line 5.1988 Upon his lucre and his beyete, Line 5.1989 The smale path, the large Strete, Line 5.1990 The furlong and the longe Mile, Line 5.1991 Al is bot on for thilke while: Line 5.1992 And for that he is such on holde, Line 5.1993 Dame Avarice him hath withholde, Line 5.1994 As he which is the principal Line 5.1995 Outward, for he is overal Line 5.1996 A pourveour and an aspie. Line 5.1997 For riht as of an hungri Pie Line 5.1998 The storve bestes ben awaited, Line 5.1999 Riht so is Covoitise afaited Line 5.2000

Lines 2001 through 2100

To loke where he mai pourchace, Line 5.2001 For be his wille he wolde embrace Line 5.2002 Al that this wyde world beclippeth; Line 5.2003 Bot evere he somwhat overhippeth, Line 5.2004 That he ne mai noght al fulfille Line 5.2005 The lustes of his gredi wille. Line 5.2006 Bot where it falleth in a lond, Line 5.2007 That Covoitise in myhti hond Line 5.2008 Is set, it is ful hard to fiede; Line 5.2009 For thanne he takth non other hiede, Line 5.2010 Bot that he mai pourchace and gete, Line 5.2011 His conscience hath al foryete, Line 5.2012 And not what thing it mai amonte Line 5.2013 That he schal afterward acompte. Line 5.2014 Bote as the Luce in his degre Line 5.2015 Of tho that lasse ben than he Line 5.2016 The fisshes griedeli devoureth, Line 5.2017 So that no water hem socoureth, Line 5.2018 Riht so no lawe mai rescowe Line 5.2019 Fro him that wol no riht allowe; Line 5.2020 For wher that such on is of myht, Line 5.2021 His will schal stonde in stede of riht. Line 5.2022 Thus be the men destruid fulofte, Line 5.2023 Til that the grete god alofte Line 5.2024 Ayein so gret a covoitise Line 5.2025 Redresce it in his oghne wise: Line 5.2026

Line 5.2026 And in ensample of alle tho Line 5.2027 I finde a tale write so, Line 5.2028 The which, for it is good to liere, Line 5.2029 Hierafterward thou schalt it hiere. Line 5.2030 Whan Rome stod in noble plit, Line 5.2031 Virgile, which was tho parfit, Line 5.2032 A Mirour made of his clergie Line 5.2033 And sette it in the tounes y�e Line 5.2034 Of marbre on a piler withoute; Line 5.2035 That thei be thritty Mile aboute Line 5.2036 Be daie and ek also be nyhte Line 5.2037 In that Mirour beholde myhte Line 5.2038 Here enemys, if eny were, Line 5.2039 With al here ordinance there, Line 5.2040 Which thei ayein the Cite caste: Line 5.2041 So that, whil thilke Mirour laste, Line 5.2042 Ther was no lond which mihte achieve Line 5.2043 With werre Rome forto grieve; Line 5.2044 Wherof was gret envie tho. Line 5.2045 And fell that ilke time so, Line 5.2046 That Rome hadde werres stronge Line 5.2047 Ayein Cartage, and stoden longe Line 5.2048 The tuo Cites upon debat. Line 5.2049 Cartage sih the stronge astat Line 5.2050 Of Rome in thilke Mirour stonde, Line 5.2051 And thoghte al prively to fonde Line 5.2052 To overthrowe it be som wyle. Line 5.2053 And Hanybal was thilke while Line 5.2054 The Prince and ledere of Cartage, Line 5.2055 Which hadde set al his corage Line 5.2056 Upon knihthod in such a wise, Line 5.2057 That he be worthi and be wise Line 5.2058 And be non othre was conseiled, Line 5.2059 Wherof the world is yit merveiled Line 5.2060 Of the maistries that he wroghte Line 5.2061 Upon the marches whiche he soghte. Line 5.2062

Line 5.2062 And fell in thilke time also, Line 5.2063 The king of Puile, which was tho, Line 5.2064 Thoghte ayein Rome to rebelle, Line 5.2065 And thus was take the querele, Line 5.2066 Hou to destruie this Mirour. Line 5.2067 Of Rome tho was Emperour Line 5.2068 Crassus, which was so coveitous, Line 5.2069 That he was evere desirous Line 5.2070 Of gold to gete the pilage; Line 5.2071 Wherof that Puile and ek Cartage Line 5.2072 With Philosophres wise and grete Line 5.2073 Begunne of this matiere trete, Line 5.2074 And ate laste in this degre Line 5.2075 Ther weren Philosophres thre, Line 5.2076 To do this thing whiche undertoke, Line 5.2077 And therupon thei with hem toke Line 5.2078 A gret tresor of gold in cophres, Line 5.2079 To Rome and thus these philisophres Line 5.2080 Togedre in compainie wente, Line 5.2081 Bot noman wiste what thei mente. Line 5.2082 Whan thei to Rome come were, Line 5.2083 So prively thei duelte there, Line 5.2084 As thei that thoghten to deceive: Line 5.2085 Was non that mihte of hem perceive, Line 5.2086 Til thei in sondri stedes have Line 5.2087 Here gold under the ground begrave Line 5.2088 In tuo tresors, that to beholde Line 5.2089 Thei scholden seme as thei were olde. Line 5.2090 And so forth thanne upon a day Line 5.2091 Al openly in good arai Line 5.2092 To themperour thei hem presente, Line 5.2093 And tolden it was here entente Line 5.2094 To duellen under his servise. Line 5.2095 And he hem axeth in what wise; Line 5.2096 And thei him tolde in such a plit, Line 5.2097 That ech of hem hadde a spirit, Line 5.2098 The which slepende a nyht appiereth Line 5.2099

Line 5.2099 And hem be sondri dremes lereth Line 5.2100

Lines 2101 through 2200

After the world that hath betid. Line 5.2101 Under the ground if oght be hid Line 5.2102 Of old tresor at eny throwe, Line 5.2103 They schull it in here swevenes knowe; Line 5.2104 And upon this condicioun, Line 5.2105 Thei sein, what gold under the toun Line 5.2106 Of Rome is hid, thei wole it finde, Line 5.2107 Ther scholde noght be left behinde, Line 5.2108 Be so that he the halvendel Line 5.2109 Hem grante, and he assenteth wel; Line 5.2110 And thus cam sleighte forto duelle Line 5.2111 With Covoitise, as I thee telle. Line 5.2112 This Emperour bad redily Line 5.2113 That thei be logged faste by Line 5.2114 Where he his oghne body lay; Line 5.2115 And whan it was amorwe day, Line 5.2116 That on of hem seith that he mette Line 5.2117 Wher he a goldhord scholde fette: Line 5.2118 Wherof this Emperour was glad, Line 5.2119 And therupon anon he bad Line 5.2120 His Mynours forto go and myne, Line 5.2121 And he himself of that covine Line 5.2122 Goth forth withal, and at his hond Line 5.2123 The tresor redi there he fond, Line 5.2124 Where as thei seide it scholde be; Line 5.2125 And who was thanne glad bot he? Line 5.2126 Upon that other dai secounde Line 5.2127 Thei have an other goldhord founde, Line 5.2128 Which the seconde maister tok Line 5.2129 Upon his swevene and undertok. Line 5.2130 And thus the sothe experience Line 5.2131 To themperour yaf such credence, Line 5.2132 That al his trist and al his feith Line 5.2133 So sikerliche on hem he leith, Line 5.2134 Of that he fond him so relieved, Line 5.2135 That thei ben parfitli believed, Line 5.2136 As thogh thei were goddes thre. Line 5.2137 Nou herkne the soutilete. Line 5.2138

Line 5.2138 The thridde maister scholde mete, Line 5.2139 Which, as thei seiden, was unmete Line 5.2140 Above hem alle, and couthe most; Line 5.2141 And he withoute noise or bost Line 5.2142 Al priveli, so as he wolde, Line 5.2143 Upon the morwe his swevene tolde Line 5.2144 To themperour riht in his Ere, Line 5.2145 And seide him that he wiste where Line 5.2146 A tresor was so plentivous Line 5.2147 Of gold and ek so precious Line 5.2148 Of jeueals and of riche stones, Line 5.2149 That unto alle hise hors at ones Line 5.2150 It were a charge sufficant. Line 5.2151 This lord upon this covenant Line 5.2152 Was glad, and axeth where it was. Line 5.2153 The maister seide, under the glas, Line 5.2154 And tolde him eke, as for the Myn Line 5.2155 He wolde ordeigne such engin, Line 5.2156 That thei the werk schull undersette Line 5.2157 With Tymber, that withoute lette Line 5.2158 Men mai the tresor saufli delve, Line 5.2159 So that the Mirour be himselve Line 5.2160 Withoute empeirement schal stonde: Line 5.2161 And this the maister upon honde Line 5.2162 Hath undertake in alle weie. Line 5.2163 This lord, which hadde his wit aweie Line 5.2164 And was with Covoitise blent, Line 5.2165 Anon therto yaf his assent; Line 5.2166 And thus they myne forth withal, Line 5.2167 The timber set up overal, Line 5.2168 Wherof the Piler stod upriht; Line 5.2169 Til it befell upon a nyht Line 5.2170 These clerkes, whan thei were war Line 5.2171 Hou that the timber only bar Line 5.2172 The Piler, wher the Mirour stod,- Line 5.2173 Here sleihte noman understod,- Line 5.2174 Thei go be nyhte unto the Myne Line 5.2175

Line 5.2175 With pich, with soulphre and with rosine, Line 5.2176 And whan the Cite was a slepe, Line 5.2177 A wylde fyr into the depe Line 5.2178 They caste among the timberwerk, Line 5.2179 And so forth, whil the nyht was derk, Line 5.2180 Desguised in a povere arai Line 5.2181 Thei passeden the toun er dai. Line 5.2182 And whan thei come upon an hell, Line 5.2183 Thei sihen how the Mirour fell, Line 5.2184 Wherof thei maden joie ynowh, Line 5.2185 And ech of hem with other lowh, Line 5.2186 And seiden, "Lo, what coveitise Line 5.2187 Mai do with hem that be noght wise!" Line 5.2188 And that was proved afterward, Line 5.2189 For every lond, to Romeward Line 5.2190 Which hadde be soubgit tofore, Line 5.2191 Whan this Mirour was so forlore Line 5.2192 And thei the wonder herde seie, Line 5.2193 Anon begunne desobeie Line 5.2194 With werres upon every side; Line 5.2195 And thus hath Rome lost his pride Line 5.2196 And was defouled overal. Line 5.2197 For this I finde of Hanybal, Line 5.2198 That he of Romeins in a dai, Line 5.2199 Whan he hem fond out of arai, Line 5.2200

Lines 2201 through 2300

So gret a multitude slowh, Line 5.2201 That of goldringes, whiche he drowh Line 5.2202 Of gentil handes that ben dede, Line 5.2203 Buisshelles fulle thre, I rede, Line 5.2204 He felde, and made a bregge also, Line 5.2205 That he mihte over Tibre go Line 5.2206 Upon the corps that dede were Line 5.2207 Of the Romeins, whiche he slowh there. Line 5.2208 Bot now to speke of the juise, Line 5.2209 The which after the covoitise Line 5.2210 Was take upon this Emperour, Line 5.2211 For he destruide the Mirour; Line 5.2212

Line 5.2212 It is a wonder forto hiere. Line 5.2213 The Romeins maden a chaiere Line 5.2214 And sette here Emperour therinne, Line 5.2215 And seiden, for he wolde winne Line 5.2216 Of gold the superfluite, Line 5.2217 Of gold he scholde such plente Line 5.2218 Receive, til he seide Ho: Line 5.2219 And with gold, which thei hadden tho Line 5.2220 Buillende hot withinne a panne, Line 5.2221 Into his Mouth thei poure thanne. Line 5.2222 And thus the thurst of gold was queynt, Line 5.2223 With gold which hadde ben atteignt. Line 5.2224 Wherof, mi Sone, thou miht hiere, Line 5.2225 Whan Covoitise hath lost the stiere Line 5.2226 Of resonable governance, Line 5.2227 Ther falleth ofte gret vengance. Line 5.2228 For ther mai be no worse thing Line 5.2229 Than Covoitise aboute a king: Line 5.2230 If it in his persone be, Line 5.2231 It doth the more adversite; Line 5.2232 And if it in his conseil stonde, Line 5.2233 It bringth alday meschief to honde Line 5.2234 Of commun harm; and if it growe Line 5.2235 Withinne his court, it wol be knowe, Line 5.2236 For thanne schal the king be piled. Line 5.2237 The man which hath hise londes tiled, Line 5.2238 Awaiteth noght more redily Line 5.2239 The Hervest, than thei gredily Line 5.2240 Ne maken thanne warde and wacche, Line 5.2241 Wher thei the profit mihten cacche: Line 5.2242 And yit fulofte it falleth so, Line 5.2243 As men mai sen among hem tho, Line 5.2244 That he which most coveiteth faste Line 5.2245 Hath lest avantage ate laste. Line 5.2246 For whan fortune is therayein, Line 5.2247 Thogh he coveite, it is in vein; Line 5.2248 The happes be noght alle liche, Line 5.2249 On is mad povere, an other riche, Line 5.2250 The court to some doth profit, Line 5.2251

Line 5.2251 And some ben evere in o plit; Line 5.2252 And yit thei bothe aliche sore Line 5.2253 Coveite, bot fortune is more Line 5.2254 Unto that o part favorable. Line 5.2255 And thogh it be noght resonable, Line 5.2256 This thing a man mai sen alday, Line 5.2257 Wherof that I thee telle may Line 5.2258 A fair ensample in remembrance, Line 5.2259 Hou every man mot take his chance Line 5.2260 Or of richesse or of poverte. Line 5.2261 Hou so it stonde of the decerte, Line 5.2262 Hier is noght every thing aquit, Line 5.2263 For ofte a man mai se this yit, Line 5.2264 That who best doth, lest thonk schal have; Line 5.2265 It helpeth noght the world to crave, Line 5.2266 Which out of reule and of mesure Line 5.2267 Hath evere stonde in aventure Line 5.2268 Als wel in Court as elles where: Line 5.2269 And hou in olde daies there Line 5.2270 It stod, so as the thinges felle, Line 5.2271 I thenke a tale forto telle. Line 5.2272 In a Cronique this I rede. Line 5.2273 Aboute a king, as moste nede, Line 5.2274 Ther was of knyhtes and squiers Line 5.2275 Gret route, and ek of Officers: Line 5.2276 Some of long time him hadden served, Line 5.2277 And thoghten that thei have deserved Line 5.2278 Avancement, and gon withoute; Line 5.2279 And some also ben of the route Line 5.2280 That comen bot a while agon, Line 5.2281 And thei avanced were anon. Line 5.2282 These olde men upon this thing, Line 5.2283 So as thei dorste, ayein the king Line 5.2284 Among hemself compleignen ofte: Line 5.2285 Bot ther is nothing seid so softe, Line 5.2286 That it ne comth out ate laste; Line 5.2287 The king it wiste, and als so faste, Line 5.2288

Line 5.2288 As he which was of hih Prudence, Line 5.2289 He schop therfore an evidence Line 5.2290 Of hem that pleignen in that cas, Line 5.2291 To knowe in whos defalte it was. Line 5.2292 And al withinne his oghne entente, Line 5.2293 That noman wiste what it mente, Line 5.2294 Anon he let tuo cofres make Line 5.2295 Of o semblance and of o make, Line 5.2296 So lich that no lif thilke throwe Line 5.2297 That on mai fro that other knowe: Line 5.2298 Thei were into his chambre broght, Line 5.2299 Bot noman wot why thei be wroght, Line 5.2300

Lines 2301 through 2400

And natheles the king hath bede Line 5.2301 That thei be set in prive stede. Line 5.2302 As he that was of wisdom slih, Line 5.2303 Whan he therto his time sih, Line 5.2304 Al prively, that non it wiste, Line 5.2305 Hise oghne hondes that o kiste Line 5.2306 Of fin gold and of fin perrie, Line 5.2307 The which out of his tresorie Line 5.2308 Was take, anon he felde full; Line 5.2309 That other cofre of straw and mull Line 5.2310 With Stones meind he felde also. Line 5.2311 Thus be thei fulle bothe tuo, Line 5.2312 So that erliche upon a day Line 5.2313 He bad withinne, ther he lay, Line 5.2314 Ther scholde be tofore his bed Line 5.2315 A bord upset and faire spred; Line 5.2316 And thanne he let the cofres fette, Line 5.2317 Upon the bord and dede hem sette. Line 5.2318 He knew the names wel of tho, Line 5.2319 The whiche ayein him grucche so, Line 5.2320 Bothe of his chambre and of his halle, Line 5.2321 Anon and sende for hem alle, Line 5.2322 And seide to hem in this wise: Line 5.2323 "Ther schal noman his happ despise; Line 5.2324 I wot wel ye have longe served, Line 5.2325 And god wot what ye have deserved: Line 5.2326 Bot if it is along on me Line 5.2327

Line 5.2327 Of that ye unavanced be, Line 5.2328 Or elles it be long on you, Line 5.2329 The sothe schal be proved nou, Line 5.2330 To stoppe with youre evele word. Line 5.2331 Lo hier tuo cofres on the bord: Line 5.2332 Ches which you list of bothe tuo; Line 5.2333 And witeth wel that on of tho Line 5.2334 Is with tresor so full begon, Line 5.2335 That if ye happe therupon, Line 5.2336 Ye schull be riche men for evere. Line 5.2337 Now ches and tak which you is levere: Line 5.2338 Bot be wel war, er that ye take; Line 5.2339 For of that on I undertake Line 5.2340 Ther is no maner good therinne, Line 5.2341 Wherof ye mihten profit winne. Line 5.2342 Now goth togedre of on assent Line 5.2343 And taketh youre avisement, Line 5.2344 For bot I you this dai avance, Line 5.2345 It stant upon youre oghne chance Line 5.2346 Al only in defalte of grace: Line 5.2347 So schal be schewed in this place Line 5.2348 Upon you alle wel afyn, Line 5.2349 That no defalte schal be myn." Line 5.2350 Thei knelen alle and with o vois Line 5.2351 The king thei thonken of this chois: Line 5.2352 And after that thei up arise, Line 5.2353 And gon aside and hem avise, Line 5.2354 And ate laste thei acorde; Line 5.2355 Wherof her tale to recorde, Line 5.2356 To what issue thei be falle, Line 5.2357 A kniht schal speke for hem alle. Line 5.2358 He kneleth doun unto the king, Line 5.2359 And seith that thei upon this thing, Line 5.2360 Or forto winne or forto lese, Line 5.2361 Ben alle avised forto chese. Line 5.2362 Tho tok this kniht a yerde on honde, Line 5.2363 And goth there as the cofres stonde, Line 5.2364 And with assent of everichon Line 5.2365

Line 5.2365 He leith his yerde upon that on, Line 5.2366 And seith the king hou thilke same Line 5.2367 Thei chese in reguerdoun be name, Line 5.2368 And preith him that thei mote it have. Line 5.2369 The king, which wolde his honour save, Line 5.2370 Whan he hath herd the commun vois, Line 5.2371 Hath granted hem here oghne chois Line 5.2372 And tok hem therupon the keie. Line 5.2373 Bot for he wolde it were seie Line 5.2374 What good thei have, as thei suppose, Line 5.2375 He bad anon the cofre unclose, Line 5.2376 Which was fulfild with straw and stones: Line 5.2377 Thus be thei served al at ones. Line 5.2378 This king thanne in the same stede Line 5.2379 Anon that other cofre undede, Line 5.2380 Where as thei sihen gret richesse, Line 5.2381 Wel more than thei couthen gesse. Line 5.2382 "Lo," seith the king, "nou mai ye se Line 5.2383 That ther is no defalte in me; Line 5.2384 Forthi miself I wole aquyte, Line 5.2385 And bereth ye youre oghne wyte Line 5.2386 Of that fortune hath you refused." Line 5.2387 Thus was this wise king excused, Line 5.2388 And thei lefte of here evele speche Line 5.2389 And mercy of here king beseche. Line 5.2390 Somdiel to this matiere lik Line 5.2391 I finde a tale, hou Frederik, Line 5.2392 Of Rome that time Emperour, Line 5.2393 Herde, as he wente, a gret clamour Line 5.2394 Of tuo beggers upon the weie. Line 5.2395 That on of hem began to seie, Line 5.2396 "Ha lord, wel mai the man be riche Line 5.2397 Whom that a king list forto riche." Line 5.2398 That other saide nothing so, Line 5.2399 Bot, "He is riche and wel bego, Line 5.2400

Lines 2401 through 2500

To whom that god wole sende wele." Line 5.2401 And thus thei maden wordes fele, Line 5.2402 Wherof this lord hath hiede nome, Line 5.2403 And dede hem bothe forto come Line 5.2404

Line 5.2404 To the Paleis, wher he schal ete, Line 5.2405 And bad ordeine for here mete Line 5.2406 Tuo Pastes, whiche he let do make. Line 5.2407 A capoun in that on was bake, Line 5.2408 And in that other forto winne Line 5.2409 Of florins al that mai withinne Line 5.2410 He let do pute a gret richesse; Line 5.2411 And evene aliche, as man mai gesse, Line 5.2412 Outward thei were bothe tuo. Line 5.2413 This begger was comanded tho, Line 5.2414 He that which hield him to the king, Line 5.2415 That he ferst chese upon this thing: Line 5.2416 He sih hem, bot he felte hem noght, Line 5.2417 So that upon his oghne thoght Line 5.2418 He ches the Capoun and forsok Line 5.2419 That other, which his fela tok. Line 5.2420 Bot whanne he wiste hou that it ferde, Line 5.2421 He seide alowd, that men it herde, Line 5.2422 "Nou have I certeinly conceived Line 5.2423 That he mai lihtly be deceived, Line 5.2424 That tristeth unto mannes helpe; Line 5.2425 Bot wel is him whom god wol helpe, Line 5.2426 For he stant on the siker side, Line 5.2427 Which elles scholde go beside: Line 5.2428 I se my fela wel recovere, Line 5.2429 And I mot duelle stille povere." Line 5.2430 Thus spak this begger his entente, Line 5.2431 And povere he cam and povere he wente; Line 5.2432 Of that he hath richesse soght, Line 5.2433 His infortune it wolde noght. Line 5.2434 So mai it schewe in sondri wise, Line 5.2435 Betwen fortune and covoitise Line 5.2436 The chance is cast upon a Dee; Line 5.2437 Bot yit fulofte a man mai se Line 5.2438 Ynowe of suche natheles, Line 5.2439 Whiche evere pute hemself in press Line 5.2440 To gete hem good, and yit thei faile. Line 5.2441

Line 5.2441 And forto speke of this entaile Line 5.2442 Touchende of love in thi matiere, Line 5.2443 Mi goode Sone, as thou miht hiere, Line 5.2444 That riht as it with tho men stod Line 5.2445 Of infortune of worldes good, Line 5.2446 As thou hast herd me telle above, Line 5.2447 Riht so fulofte it stant be love: Line 5.2448 Thogh thou coveite it everemore, Line 5.2449 Thou schalt noght have o diel the more, Line 5.2450 Bot only that which thee is schape, Line 5.2451 The remenant is bot a jape. Line 5.2452 And natheles ynowe of tho Line 5.2453 Ther ben, that nou coveiten so, Line 5.2454 That where as thei a womman se, Line 5.2455 Ye ten or tuelve thogh ther be, Line 5.2456 The love is nou so unavised, Line 5.2457 That wher the beaute stant assised, Line 5.2458 The mannes herte anon is there, Line 5.2459 And rouneth tales in hire Ere, Line 5.2460 And seith hou that he loveth streite, Line 5.2461 And thus he set him to coveite, Line 5.2462 An hundred thogh he sihe aday. Line 5.2463 So wolde he more thanne he may; Line 5.2464 Bot for the grete covoitise Line 5.2465 Of sotie and of fol emprise Line 5.2466 In ech of hem he fint somwhat Line 5.2467 That pleseth him, or this or that; Line 5.2468 Som on, for sche is whit of skin, Line 5.2469 Som on, for sche is noble of kin, Line 5.2470 Som on, for sche hath rodi chieke, Line 5.2471 Som on, for that sche semeth mieke, Line 5.2472 Som on, for sche hath yhen greie, Line 5.2473 Som on, for sche can lawhe and pleie, Line 5.2474 Som on, for sche is long and smal, Line 5.2475 Som on, for sche is lyte and tall, Line 5.2476 Som on, for sche is pale and bleche, Line 5.2477 Som on, for sche is softe of speche, Line 5.2478 Som on, for that sche is camused, Line 5.2479 Som on, for sche hath noght ben used, Line 5.2480

Line 5.2480 Som on, for sche can daunce and singe; Line 5.2481 So that som thing to his likinge Line 5.2482 He fint, and thogh nomore he fiele, Line 5.2483 Bot that sche hath a litel hiele, Line 5.2484 It is ynow that he therfore Line 5.2485 Hire love, and thus an hundred score, Line 5.2486 Whil thei be newe, he wolde he hadde; Line 5.2487 Whom he forsakth, sche schal be badde. Line 5.2488 The blinde man no colour demeth, Line 5.2489 But al is on, riht as him semeth; Line 5.2490 So hath his lust no juggement, Line 5.2491 Whom covoitise of love blent. Line 5.2492 Him thenkth that to his covoitise Line 5.2493 Hou al the world ne mai suffise, Line 5.2494 For be his wille he wolde have alle, Line 5.2495 If that it mihte so befalle: Line 5.2496 Thus is he commun as the Strete, Line 5.2497 I sette noght of his beyete. Line 5.2498 Mi Sone, hast thou such covoitise? Line 5.2499 Nai, fader, such love I despise, Line 5.2500

Lines 2501 through 2600

And whil I live schal don evere, Line 5.2501 For in good feith yit hadde I levere, Line 5.2502 Than to coveite in such a weie, Line 5.2503 To ben for evere til I deie Line 5.2504 As povere as Job, and loveles, Line 5.2505 Outaken on, for haveles Line 5.2506 His thonkes is noman alyve. Line 5.2507 For that a man scholde al unthryve Line 5.2508 Ther oghte no wisman coveite, Line 5.2509 The lawe was noght set so streite: Line 5.2510 Forthi miself withal to save, Line 5.2511 Such on ther is I wolde have, Line 5.2512 And non of al these othre mo. Line 5.2513 Mi Sone, of that thou woldest so, Line 5.2514 I am noght wroth, bot over this Line 5.2515 I wol thee tellen hou it is. Line 5.2516 For ther be men, whiche otherwise, Line 5.2517

Line 5.2517 Riht only for the covoitise Line 5.2518 Of that thei sen a womman riche, Line 5.2519 Ther wol thei al here love affiche; Line 5.2520 Noght for the beaute of hire face, Line 5.2521 Ne yit for vertu ne for grace, Line 5.2522 Which sche hath elles riht ynowh, Line 5.2523 Bot for the Park and for the plowh, Line 5.2524 And other thing which therto longeth: Line 5.2525 For in non other wise hem longeth Line 5.2526 To love, bot thei profit finde; Line 5.2527 And if the profit be behinde, Line 5.2528 Here love is evere lesse and lesse, Line 5.2529 For after that sche hath richesse, Line 5.2530 Her love is of proporcion. Line 5.2531 If thou hast such condicion, Line 5.2532 Mi Sone, tell riht as it is. Line 5.2533 Min holi fader, nay ywiss, Line 5.2534 Condicion such have I non. Line 5.2535 For trewli, fader, I love oon Line 5.2536 So wel with al myn hertes thoght, Line 5.2537 That certes, thogh sche hadde noght, Line 5.2538 And were as povere as Medea, Line 5.2539 Which was exiled for Creusa, Line 5.2540 I wolde hir noght the lasse love; Line 5.2541 Ne thogh sche were at hire above, Line 5.2542 As was the riche qwen Candace, Line 5.2543 Which to deserve love and grace Line 5.2544 To Alisandre, that was king, Line 5.2545 Yaf many a worthi riche thing, Line 5.2546 Or elles as Pantasilee, Line 5.2547 Which was the quen of Feminee, Line 5.2548 And gret richesse with hir nam, Line 5.2549 Whan sche for love of Hector cam Line 5.2550 To Troie in rescousse of the toun,- Line 5.2551 I am of such condicion, Line 5.2552 That thogh mi ladi of hirselve Line 5.2553 Were also riche as suche tuelve, Line 5.2554

Line 5.2554 I couthe noght, thogh it wer so, Line 5.2555 No betre love hir than I do. Line 5.2556 For I love in so plein a wise, Line 5.2557 That forto speke of coveitise, Line 5.2558 As for poverte or for richesse Line 5.2559 Mi love is nouther mor ne lesse. Line 5.2560 For in good feith I trowe this, Line 5.2561 So coveitous noman ther is, Line 5.2562 Forwhy and he mi ladi sihe, Line 5.2563 That he thurgh lokinge of his yhe Line 5.2564 Ne scholde have such a strok withinne, Line 5.2565 That for no gold he mihte winne Line 5.2566 He scholde noght hire love asterte, Line 5.2567 Bot if he lefte there his herte; Line 5.2568 Be so it were such a man, Line 5.2569 That couthe Skile of a womman. Line 5.2570 For ther be men so ruide some, Line 5.2571 Whan thei among the wommen come, Line 5.2572 Thei gon under proteccioun, Line 5.2573 That love and his affeccioun Line 5.2574 Ne schal noght take hem be the slieve; Line 5.2575 For thei ben out of that believe, Line 5.2576 Hem lusteth of no ladi chiere, Line 5.2577 Bot evere thenken there and hiere Line 5.2578 Wher that here gold is in the cofre, Line 5.2579 And wol non other love profre: Line 5.2580 Bot who so wot what love amounteth Line 5.2581 And be resoun trewliche acompteth, Line 5.2582 Than mai he knowe and taken hiede Line 5.2583 That al the lust of wommanhiede, Line 5.2584 Which mai ben in a ladi face, Line 5.2585 Mi ladi hath, and ek of grace Line 5.2586 If men schull yiven hire a pris, Line 5.2587 Thei mai wel seie hou sche is wys Line 5.2588 And sobre and simple of contenance, Line 5.2589

Line 5.2589 And al that to good governance Line 5.2590 Belongeth of a worthi wiht Line 5.2591 Sche hath pleinli: for thilke nyht Line 5.2592 That sche was bore, as for the nones Line 5.2593 Nature sette in hire at ones Line 5.2594 Beaute with bounte so besein, Line 5.2595 That I mai wel afferme and sein, Line 5.2596 I sawh yit nevere creature Line 5.2597 Of comlihied and of feture Line 5.2598 In eny kinges regioun Line 5.2599 Be lich hire in comparisoun: Line 5.2600

Lines 2601 through 2700

And therto, as I have you told, Line 5.2601 Yit hath sche more a thousendfold Line 5.2602 Of bounte, and schortli to telle, Line 5.2603 Sche is the pure hed and welle Line 5.2604 And Mirour and ensample of goode. Line 5.2605 Who so hir vertus understode, Line 5.2606 Me thenkth it oughte ynow suffise Line 5.2607 Withouten other covoitise Line 5.2608 To love such on and to serve, Line 5.2609 Which with hire chiere can deserve Line 5.2610 To be beloved betre ywiss Line 5.2611 Than sche per cas that richest is Line 5.2612 And hath of gold a Milion. Line 5.2613 Such hath be myn opinion Line 5.2614 And evere schal: bot natheles Line 5.2615 I seie noght sche is haveles, Line 5.2616 That sche nys riche and wel at ese, Line 5.2617 And hath ynow wherwith to plese Line 5.2618 Of worldes good whom that hire liste; Line 5.2619 Bot o thing wolde I wel ye wiste, Line 5.2620 That nevere for no worldes good Line 5.2621 Min herte untoward hire stod, Line 5.2622 Bot only riht for pure love; Line 5.2623 That wot the hihe god above. Line 5.2624 Nou, fader, what seie ye therto? Line 5.2625 Mi Sone, I seie it is wel do. Line 5.2626 For tak of this riht good believe, Line 5.2627

Line 5.2627 What man that wole himself relieve Line 5.2628 To love in eny other wise, Line 5.2629 He schal wel finde his coveitise Line 5.2630 Schal sore grieve him ate laste, Line 5.2631 For such a love mai noght laste. Line 5.2632 Bot nou, men sein, in oure daies Line 5.2633 Men maken bot a fewe assaies, Line 5.2634 Bot if the cause be richesse; Line 5.2635 Forthi the love is wel the lesse. Line 5.2636 And who that wolde ensamples telle, Line 5.2637 Be olde daies as thei felle, Line 5.2638 Than mihte a man wel understonde Line 5.2639 Such love mai noght longe stonde. Line 5.2640 Now herkne, Sone, and thou schalt hiere Line 5.2641 A gret ensample of this matiere. Line 5.2642 To trete upon the cas of love, Line 5.2643 So as we tolden hiere above, Line 5.2644 I finde write a wonder thing. Line 5.2645 Of Puile whilom was a king, Line 5.2646 A man of hih complexioun Line 5.2647 And yong, bot his affeccioun Line 5.2648 After the nature of his age Line 5.2649 Was yit noght falle in his corage Line 5.2650 The lust of wommen forto knowe. Line 5.2651 So it betidde upon a throwe Line 5.2652 This lord fell into gret seknesse: Line 5.2653 Phisique hath don the besinesse Line 5.2654 Of sondri cures manyon Line 5.2655 To make him hol; and therupon Line 5.2656 A worthi maister which ther was Line 5.2657 Yaf him conseil upon this cas, Line 5.2658 That if he wolde have parfit hele, Line 5.2659 He scholde with a womman dele, Line 5.2660 A freissh, a yong, a lusti wiht, Line 5.2661 To don him compaignie a nyht: Line 5.2662 For thanne he seide him redily, Line 5.2663 That he schal be al hol therby, Line 5.2664

Line 5.2664 And otherwise he kneu no cure. Line 5.2665 This king, which stod in aventure Line 5.2666 Of lif and deth, for medicine Line 5.2667 Assented was, and of covine Line 5.2668 His Steward, whom he tristeth wel, Line 5.2669 He tok, and tolde him everydel, Line 5.2670 Hou that this maister hadde seid: Line 5.2671 And therupon he hath him preid Line 5.2672 And charged upon his ligance, Line 5.2673 That he do make porveance Line 5.2674 Of such on as be covenable Line 5.2675 For his plesance and delitable; Line 5.2676 And bad him, hou that evere it stod, Line 5.2677 That he schal spare for no good, Line 5.2678 For his will is riht wel to paie. Line 5.2679 The Steward seide he wolde assaie: Line 5.2680 Bot nou hierafter thou schalt wite, Line 5.2681 As I finde in the bokes write, Line 5.2682 What coveitise in love doth. Line 5.2683 This Steward, forto telle soth, Line 5.2684 Amonges al the men alyve Line 5.2685 A lusti ladi hath to wyve, Line 5.2686 Which natheles for gold he tok Line 5.2687 And noght for love, as seith the bok. Line 5.2688 A riche Marchant of the lond Line 5.2689 Hir fader was, and hire fond Line 5.2690 So worthily, and such richesse Line 5.2691 Of worldes good and such largesse Line 5.2692 With hire he yaf in mariage, Line 5.2693 That only for thilke avantage Line 5.2694 Of good this Steward hath hire take, Line 5.2695 For lucre and noght for loves sake, Line 5.2696 And that was afterward wel seene; Line 5.2697 Nou herkne what it wolde meene. Line 5.2698 This Steward in his oghne herte Line 5.2699

Line 5.2699 Sih that his lord mai noght asterte Line 5.2700

Lines 2701 through 2800

His maladie, bot he have Line 5.2701 A lusti womman him to save, Line 5.2702 And thoghte he wolde yive ynowh Line 5.2703 Of his tresor; wherof he drowh Line 5.2704 Gret coveitise into his mynde, Line 5.2705 And sette his honour fer behynde. Line 5.2706 Thus he, whom gold hath overset, Line 5.2707 Was trapped in his oghne net; Line 5.2708 The gold hath mad hise wittes lame, Line 5.2709 So that sechende his oghne schame Line 5.2710 He rouneth in the kinges Ere, Line 5.2711 And seide him that he wiste where Line 5.2712 A gentile and a lusti on Line 5.2713 Tho was, and thider wolde he gon: Line 5.2714 Bot he mot yive yiftes grete; Line 5.2715 For bot it be thurgh grete beyete Line 5.2716 Of gold, he seith, he schal noght spede. Line 5.2717 The king him bad upon the nede Line 5.2718 That take an hundred pound he scholde, Line 5.2719 And yive it where that he wolde, Line 5.2720 Be so it were in worthi place: Line 5.2721 And thus to stonde in loves grace Line 5.2722 This king his gold hath abandouned. Line 5.2723 And whan this tale was full rouned, Line 5.2724 The Steward tok the gold and wente, Line 5.2725 Withinne his herte and many a wente Line 5.2726 Of coveitise thanne he caste, Line 5.2727 Wherof a pourpos ate laste Line 5.2728 Ayein love and ayein his riht Line 5.2729 He tok, and seide hou thilke nyht Line 5.2730 His wif schal ligge be the king; Line 5.2731 And goth thenkende upon this thing Line 5.2732 Toward his In, til he cam hom Line 5.2733 Into the chambre, and thanne he nom Line 5.2734 His wif, and tolde hire al the cas. Line 5.2735 And sche, which red for schame was, Line 5.2736 With bothe hire handes hath him preid Line 5.2737

Line 5.2737 Knelende and in this wise seid, Line 5.2738 That sche to reson and to skile Line 5.2739 In what thing that he bidde wile Line 5.2740 Is redy forto don his heste, Line 5.2741 Bot this thing were noght honeste, Line 5.2742 That he for gold hire scholde selle. Line 5.2743 And he tho with hise wordes felle Line 5.2744 Forth with his gastly contienance Line 5.2745 Seith that sche schal don obeissance Line 5.2746 And folwe his will in every place; Line 5.2747 And thus thurgh strengthe of his manace Line 5.2748 Hir innocence is overlad, Line 5.2749 Wherof sche was so sore adrad Line 5.2750 That sche his will mot nede obeie. Line 5.2751 And therupon was schape a weie, Line 5.2752 That he his oghne wif be nyhte Line 5.2753 Hath out of alle mennes sihte Line 5.2754 So prively that non it wiste Line 5.2755 Broght to the king, which as him liste Line 5.2756 Mai do with hire what he wolde. Line 5.2757 For whan sche was ther as sche scholde, Line 5.2758 With him abedde under the cloth, Line 5.2759 The Steward tok his leve and goth Line 5.2760 Into a chambre faste by; Line 5.2761 Bot hou he slep, that wot noght I, Line 5.2762 For he sih cause of jelousie. Line 5.2763 Bot he, which hath the compainie Line 5.2764 Of such a lusti on as sche, Line 5.2765 Him thoghte that of his degre Line 5.2766 Ther was noman so wel at ese: Line 5.2767 Sche doth al that sche mai to plese, Line 5.2768 So that his herte al hol sche hadde; Line 5.2769 And thus this king his joie ladde, Line 5.2770 Til it was nyh upon the day. Line 5.2771 The Steward thanne wher sche lay Line 5.2772 Cam to the bedd, and in his wise Line 5.2773 Hath bede that sche scholde arise. Line 5.2774

Line 5.2774 The king seith, "Nay, sche schal noght go." Line 5.2775 His Steward seide ayein, "Noght so; Line 5.2776 For sche mot gon er it be knowe, Line 5.2777 And so I swor at thilke throwe, Line 5.2778 Whan I hire fette to you hiere." Line 5.2779 The king his tale wol noght hiere, Line 5.2780 And seith hou that he hath hire boght, Line 5.2781 Forthi sche schal departe noght, Line 5.2782 Til he the brighte dai beholde. Line 5.2783 And cawhte hire in hise armes folde, Line 5.2784 As he which liste forto pleie, Line 5.2785 And bad his Steward gon his weie, Line 5.2786 And so he dede ayein his wille. Line 5.2787 And thus his wif abedde stille Line 5.2788 Lay with the king the longe nyht, Line 5.2789 Til that it was hih Sonne lyht; Line 5.2790 Bot who sche was he knew nothing. Line 5.2791 Tho cam the Steward to the king Line 5.2792 And preide him that withoute schame Line 5.2793 In savinge of hire goode name Line 5.2794 He myhte leden hom ayein Line 5.2795 This lady, and hath told him plein Line 5.2796 Hou that it was his oghne wif. Line 5.2797 The king his Ere unto this strif Line 5.2798 Hath leid, and whan that he it herde, Line 5.2799 Welnyh out of his wit he ferde, Line 5.2800

Lines 2801 through 2900

And seide, "Ha, caitif most of alle, Line 5.2801 Wher was it evere er this befalle, Line 5.2802 That eny cokard in this wise Line 5.2803 Betok his wif for coveitise? Line 5.2804 Thou hast bothe hire and me beguiled Line 5.2805 And ek thin oghne astat reviled, Line 5.2806 Wherof that buxom unto thee Line 5.2807 Hierafter schal sche nevere be. Line 5.2808 For this avou to god I make, Line 5.2809 After this day if I thee take, Line 5.2810 Thou schalt ben honged and todrawe. Line 5.2811

Line 5.2811 Nou loke anon thou be withdrawe, Line 5.2812 So that I se thee neveremore." Line 5.2813 This Steward thanne dradde him sore, Line 5.2814 With al the haste that he mai Line 5.2815 And fledde awei that same dai, Line 5.2816 And was exiled out of londe. Line 5.2817 Lo, there a nyce housebonde, Line 5.2818 Which thus hath lost his wif for evere! Line 5.2819 Bot natheles sche hadde a levere; Line 5.2820 The king hire weddeth and honoureth, Line 5.2821 Wherof hire name sche socoureth, Line 5.2822 Which erst was lost thurgh coveitise Line 5.2823 Of him, that ladde hire other wise, Line 5.2824 And hath himself also forlore. Line 5.2825 Mi Sone, be thou war therfore, Line 5.2826 Wher thou schalt love in eny place, Line 5.2827 That thou no covoitise embrace, Line 5.2828 The which is noght of loves kinde. Line 5.2829 Bot for al that a man mai finde Line 5.2830 Nou in this time of thilke rage Line 5.2831 Ful gret desese in mariage, Line 5.2832 Whan venym melleth with the Sucre Line 5.2833 And mariage is mad for lucre, Line 5.2834 Or for the lust or for the hele: Line 5.2835 What man that schal with outher dele, Line 5.2836 He mai noght faile to repente. Line 5.2837 Mi fader, such is myn entente: Line 5.2838 Bot natheles good is to have, Line 5.2839 For good mai ofte time save Line 5.2840 The love which scholde elles spille. Line 5.2841 Bot god, which wot myn hertes wille, Line 5.2842 I dar wel take to witnesse, Line 5.2843 Yit was I nevere for richesse Line 5.2844 Beset with mariage non; Line 5.2845 For al myn herte is upon on Line 5.2846 So frely, that in the persone Line 5.2847 Stant al my worldes joie al one: Line 5.2848 I axe nouther Park ne Plowh, Line 5.2849

Line 5.2849 If I hire hadde, it were ynowh, Line 5.2850 Hir love scholde me suffise Line 5.2851 Withouten other coveitise. Line 5.2852 Lo now, mi fader, as of this, Line 5.2853 Touchende of me riht as it is, Line 5.2854 Mi schrifte I am beknowe plein; Line 5.2855 And if ye wole oght elles sein, Line 5.2856 Of covoitise if ther be more Line 5.2857 In love, agropeth out the sore. Line 5.2858 Mi Sone, thou schalt understonde Line 5.2859 Hou Coveitise hath yit on honde Line 5.2860 In special tuo conseilours, Line 5.2861 That ben also hise procurours. Line 5.2862 The ferst of hem is Falswitnesse, Line 5.2863 Which evere is redi to witnesse Line 5.2864 What thing his maister wol him hote: Line 5.2865 Perjurie is the secounde hote, Line 5.2866 Which spareth noght to swere an oth, Line 5.2867 Thogh it be fals and god be wroth. Line 5.2868 That on schal falswitnesse bere, Line 5.2869 That other schal the thing forswere, Line 5.2870 Whan he is charged on the bok. Line 5.2871 So what with hepe and what with crok Line 5.2872 Thei make here maister ofte winne Line 5.2873 And wol noght knowe what is sinne Line 5.2874

Line 5.2874 For coveitise, and thus, men sain, Line 5.2875 Thei maken many a fals bargain. Line 5.2876 Ther mai no trewe querele arise Line 5.2877 In thilke queste and thilke assise, Line 5.2878 Where as thei tuo the poeple enforme; Line 5.2879 For thei kepe evere o maner forme, Line 5.2880 That upon gold here conscience Line 5.2881 Thei founde, and take here evidence; Line 5.2882 And thus with falswitnesse and othes Line 5.2883 Thei winne hem mete and drinke and clothes. Line 5.2884 Riht so ther be, who that hem knewe, Line 5.2885 Of thes lovers ful many untrewe: Line 5.2886 Nou mai a womman finde ynowe, Line 5.2887 That ech of hem, whan he schal wowe, Line 5.2888 Anon he wole his hand doun lein Line 5.2889 Upon a bok, and swere and sein Line 5.2890 That he wole feith and trouthe bere; Line 5.2891 And thus he profreth him to swere Line 5.2892 To serven evere til he die, Line 5.2893 And al is verai tricherie. Line 5.2894 For whan the sothe himselven trieth, Line 5.2895 The more he swerth, the more he lieth; Line 5.2896 Whan he his feith makth althermest, Line 5.2897 Than mai a womman truste him lest; Line 5.2898 For til he mai his will achieve, Line 5.2899 He is no lengere forto lieve. Line 5.2900

Lines 2901 through 3000

Thus is the trouthe of love exiled, Line 5.2901 And many a good womman beguiled. Line 5.2902 And ek to speke of Falswitnesse, Line 5.2903 There be nou many suche, I gesse, Line 5.2904 That lich unto the provisours Line 5.2905 Thei make here prive procurours, Line 5.2906 To telle hou ther is such a man, Line 5.2907 Which is worthi to love and can Line 5.2908 Al that a good man scholde kunne; Line 5.2909 So that with lesinge is begunne Line 5.2910 The cause in which thei wole procede, Line 5.2911 And also siker as the crede Line 5.2912

Line 5.2912 Thei make of that thei knowen fals. Line 5.2913 And thus fulofte aboute the hals Line 5.2914 Love is of false men embraced; Line 5.2915 Bot love which is so pourchaced Line 5.2916 Comth afterward to litel pris. Line 5.2917 Forthi, mi Sone, if thou be wis, Line 5.2918 Nou thou hast herd this evidence, Line 5.2919 Thou miht thin oghne conscience Line 5.2920 Oppose, if thou hast ben such on. Line 5.2921 Nai, god wot, fader I am non, Line 5.2922 Ne nevere was; for as men seith, Line 5.2923 Whan that a man schal make his feith, Line 5.2924 His herte and tunge moste acorde; Line 5.2925 For if so be that thei discorde, Line 5.2926 Thanne is he fals and elles noght: Line 5.2927 And I dar seie, as of my thoght, Line 5.2928 In love it is noght descordable Line 5.2929 Unto mi word, bot acordable. Line 5.2930 And in this wise, fader, I Line 5.2931 Mai riht wel swere and salvely, Line 5.2932 That I mi ladi love wel, Line 5.2933 For that acordeth everydel. Line 5.2934 It nedeth noght to mi sothsawe Line 5.2935 That I witnesse scholde drawe, Line 5.2936 Into this dai for nevere yit Line 5.2937 Ne mihte it sinke into mi wit, Line 5.2938 That I my conseil scholde seie Line 5.2939 To eny wiht, or me bewreie Line 5.2940 To sechen help in such manere, Line 5.2941 Bot only of mi ladi diere. Line 5.2942 And thogh a thousend men it wiste, Line 5.2943 That I hire love, and thanne hem liste Line 5.2944 With me to swere and to witnesse, Line 5.2945 Yit were that no falswitnesse; Line 5.2946 For I dar on this trouthe duelle, Line 5.2947 I love hire mor than I can telle. Line 5.2948 Thus am I, fader, gulteles, Line 5.2949

Line 5.2949 As ye have herd, and natheles Line 5.2950 In youre dom I put it al. Line 5.2951 Mi Sone, wite in special, Line 5.2952 It schal noght comunliche faile, Line 5.2953 Al thogh it for a time availe Line 5.2954 That Falswitnesse his cause spede, Line 5.2955 Upon the point of his falshiede Line 5.2956 It schal wel afterward be kid; Line 5.2957 Wherof, so as it is betid, Line 5.2958 Ensample of suche thinges blinde Line 5.2959 In a Cronique write I finde. Line 5.2960 The Goddesse of the See Thetis, Line 5.2961 Sche hadde a Sone, and his name is Line 5.2962 Achilles, whom to kepe and warde, Line 5.2963 Whil he was yong, as into warde Line 5.2964 Sche thoghte him salfly to betake, Line 5.2965 As sche which dradde for his sake Line 5.2966 Of that was seid in prophecie, Line 5.2967 That he at Troie scholde die, Line 5.2968 Whan that the Cite was belein. Line 5.2969 Forthi, so as the bokes sein, Line 5.2970 Sche caste hire wit in sondri wise, Line 5.2971 Hou sche him mihte so desguise Line 5.2972 That noman scholde his bodi knowe: Line 5.2973 And so befell that ilke throwe, Line 5.2974 Whil that sche thoghte upon this dede, Line 5.2975 Ther was a king, which Lichomede Line 5.2976 Was hote, and he was wel begon Line 5.2977 With faire dowhtres manyon, Line 5.2978 And duelte fer out in an yle. Line 5.2979 Nou schalt thou hiere a wonder wyle: Line 5.2980 This queene, which the moder was Line 5.2981 Of Achilles, upon this cas Line 5.2982 Hire Sone, as he a Maiden were, Line 5.2983 Let clothen in the same gere Line 5.2984 Which longeth unto wommanhiede: Line 5.2985 And he was yong and tok non hiede, Line 5.2986

Line 5.2986 Bot soffreth al that sche him dede. Line 5.2987 Wherof sche hath hire wommen bede Line 5.2988 And charged be here othes alle, Line 5.2989 Hou so it afterward befalle, Line 5.2990 That thei discovere noght this thing, Line 5.2991 Bot feigne and make a knowleching, Line 5.2992 Upon the conseil which was nome, Line 5.2993 In every place wher thei come Line 5.2994 To telle and to witnesse this, Line 5.2995 Hou he here ladi dowhter is. Line 5.2996 And riht in such a maner wise Line 5.2997 Sche bad thei scholde hire don servise, Line 5.2998 So that Achilles underfongeth Line 5.2999 As to a yong ladi belongeth Line 5.3000

Lines 3001 through 3100

Honour, servise and reverence. Line 5.3001 For Thetis with gret diligence Line 5.3002 Him hath so tawht and so afaited, Line 5.3003 That, hou so that it were awaited, Line 5.3004 With sobre and goodli contenance Line 5.3005 He scholde his wommanhiede avance, Line 5.3006 That non the sothe knowe myhte, Line 5.3007 Bot that in every mannes syhte Line 5.3008 He scholde seme a pure Maide. Line 5.3009 And in such wise as sche him saide, Line 5.3010 Achilles, which that ilke while Line 5.3011 Was yong, upon himself to smyle Line 5.3012 Began, whan he was so besein. Line 5.3013 And thus, after the bokes sein, Line 5.3014 With frette of Perle upon his hed, Line 5.3015 Al freissh betwen the whyt and red, Line 5.3016 As he which tho was tendre of Age, Line 5.3017 Stod the colour in his visage, Line 5.3018 That forto loke upon his cheke Line 5.3019 And sen his childly manere eke, Line 5.3020 He was a womman to beholde. Line 5.3021 And thanne his moder to him tolde, Line 5.3022 That sche him hadde so begon Line 5.3023 Be cause that sche thoghte gon Line 5.3024 To Lichomede at thilke tyde, Line 5.3025

Line 5.3025 Wher that sche seide he scholde abyde Line 5.3026 Among hise dowhtres forto duelle. Line 5.3027 Achilles herde his moder telle, Line 5.3028 And wiste noght the cause why; Line 5.3029 And natheles ful buxomly Line 5.3030 He was redy to that sche bad, Line 5.3031 Wherof his moder was riht glad, Line 5.3032 To Lichomede and forth thei wente. Line 5.3033 And whan the king knew hire entente, Line 5.3034 And sih this yonge dowhter there, Line 5.3035 And that it cam unto his Ere Line 5.3036 Of such record, of such witnesse, Line 5.3037 He hadde riht a gret gladnesse Line 5.3038 Of that he bothe syh and herde, Line 5.3039 As he that wot noght hou it ferde Line 5.3040 Upon the conseil of the nede. Line 5.3041 Bot for al that king Lichomede Line 5.3042 Hath toward him this dowhter take, Line 5.3043 And for Thetis his moder sake Line 5.3044 He put hire into compainie Line 5.3045 To duelle with Dei�damie, Line 5.3046 His oghne dowhter, the eldeste, Line 5.3047 The faireste and the comelieste Line 5.3048 Of alle hise doghtres whiche he hadde. Line 5.3049 Lo, thus Thetis the cause ladde, Line 5.3050 And lefte there Achilles feigned, Line 5.3051 As he which hath himself restreigned Line 5.3052 In al that evere he mai and can Line 5.3053 Out of the manere of a man, Line 5.3054 And tok his wommannysshe chiere, Line 5.3055 Wherof unto his beddefere Line 5.3056 Dei�damie he hath be nyhte. Line 5.3057 Wher kinde wole himselve rihte, Line 5.3058 After the Philosophres sein, Line 5.3059 Ther mai no wiht be therayein: Line 5.3060 And that was thilke time seene. Line 5.3061

Line 5.3061 The longe nyhtes hem betuene Line 5.3062 Nature, which mai noght forbere, Line 5.3063 Hath mad hem bothe forto stere: Line 5.3064 Thei kessen ferst, and overmore Line 5.3065 The hihe weie of loves lore Line 5.3066 Thei gon, and al was don in dede, Line 5.3067 Wherof lost is the maydenhede; Line 5.3068 And that was afterward wel knowe. Line 5.3069 For it befell that ilke throwe Line 5.3070 At Troie, wher the Siege lay Line 5.3071 Upon the cause of Menelay Line 5.3072 And of his queene dame Heleine, Line 5.3073 The Gregois hadden mochel peine Line 5.3074 Alday to fihte and to assaile. Line 5.3075 Bot for thei mihten noght availe Line 5.3076 So noble a Cite forto winne, Line 5.3077 A prive conseil thei beginne, Line 5.3078 In sondri wise wher thei trete; Line 5.3079 And ate laste among the grete Line 5.3080 Thei fellen unto this acord, Line 5.3081 That Protheu�s, of his record Line 5.3082 Which was an Astronomien Line 5.3083 And ek a gret Magicien, Line 5.3084 Scholde of his calculacion Line 5.3085 Seche after constellacion, Line 5.3086 Hou thei the Cite mihten gete: Line 5.3087 And he, which hadde noght foryete Line 5.3088 Of that belongeth to a clerk, Line 5.3089 His studie sette upon this werk. Line 5.3090 So longe his wit aboute he caste, Line 5.3091 Til that he fond out ate laste, Line 5.3092 Bot if they hadden Achilles Line 5.3093 Here werre schal ben endeles. Line 5.3094 And over that he tolde hem plein Line 5.3095 In what manere he was besein, Line 5.3096 And in what place he schal be founde; Line 5.3097 So that withinne a litel stounde Line 5.3098 Ulixes forth with Diomede Line 5.3099 Upon this point to Lichomede Line 5.3100

Line 5.3100

Lines 3101 through 3200

Agamenon togedre sente. Line 5.3101 Bot Ulixes, er he forth wente, Line 5.3102 Which was on of the moste wise, Line 5.3103 Ordeigned hath in such a wise, Line 5.3104 That he the moste riche aray, Line 5.3105 Wherof a womman mai be gay, Line 5.3106 With him hath take manyfold, Line 5.3107 And overmore, as it is told, Line 5.3108 An harneis for a lusti kniht, Line 5.3109 Which burned was as Selver bryht, Line 5.3110 Of swerd, of plate and ek of maile, Line 5.3111 As thogh he scholde to bataille, Line 5.3112 He tok also with him be Schipe. Line 5.3113 And thus togedre in felaschipe Line 5.3114 Forth gon this Diomede and he Line 5.3115 In hope til thei mihten se Line 5.3116 The place where Achilles is. Line 5.3117 The wynd stod thanne noght amis, Line 5.3118 Bot evene topseilcole it blew, Line 5.3119 Til Ulixes the Marche knew, Line 5.3120 Wher Lichomede his Regne hadde. Line 5.3121 The Stieresman so wel hem ladde, Line 5.3122 That thei ben comen sauf to londe, Line 5.3123 Wher thei gon out upon the stronde Line 5.3124 Into the Burgh, wher that thei founde Line 5.3125 The king, and he which hath facounde, Line 5.3126 Ulixes, dede the message. Line 5.3127 Bot the conseil of his corage, Line 5.3128 Why that he cam, he tolde noght, Line 5.3129 Bot undernethe he was bethoght Line 5.3130 In what manere he mihte aspie Line 5.3131 Achilles fro Dei�damie Line 5.3132 And fro these othre that ther were, Line 5.3133 Full many a lusti ladi there. Line 5.3134 Thei pleide hem there a day or tuo, Line 5.3135 And as it was fortuned so, Line 5.3136

Line 5.3136 It fell that time in such a wise, Line 5.3137 To Bachus that a sacrifise Line 5.3138 Thes yonge ladys scholden make; Line 5.3139 And for the strange mennes sake, Line 5.3140 That comen fro the Siege of Troie, Line 5.3141 Thei maden wel the more joie. Line 5.3142 Ther was Revel, ther was daunsinge, Line 5.3143 And every lif which coude singe Line 5.3144 Of lusti wommen in the route Line 5.3145 A freissh carole hath sunge aboute; Line 5.3146 Bot for al this yit natheles Line 5.3147 The Greks unknowe of Achilles Line 5.3148 So weren, that in no degre Line 5.3149 Thei couden wite which was he, Line 5.3150 Ne be his vois, ne be his pas. Line 5.3151 Ulixes thanne upon this cas Line 5.3152 A thing of hih Prudence hath wroght: Line 5.3153 For thilke aray, which he hath broght Line 5.3154 To yive among the wommen there, Line 5.3155 He let do fetten al the gere Line 5.3156 Forth with a knihtes harneis eke,- Line 5.3157 In al a contre forto seke Line 5.3158 Men scholden noght a fairer se,- Line 5.3159 And every thing in his degre Line 5.3160 Endlong upon a bord he leide. Line 5.3161 To Lichomede and thanne he preide Line 5.3162 That every ladi chese scholde Line 5.3163 What thing of alle that sche wolde, Line 5.3164 And take it as be weie of yifte; Line 5.3165 For thei hemself it scholde schifte, Line 5.3166 He seide, after here oghne wille. Line 5.3167 Achilles thanne stod noght stille: Line 5.3168 Whan he the bryhte helm behield, Line 5.3169 The swerd, the hauberk and the Schield, Line 5.3170 His herte fell therto anon; Line 5.3171 Of all that othre wolde he non, Line 5.3172 The knihtes gere he underfongeth, Line 5.3173

Line 5.3173 And thilke aray which that belongeth Line 5.3174 Unto the wommen he forsok. Line 5.3175 And in this wise, as seith the bok, Line 5.3176 Thei knowen thanne which he was: Line 5.3177 For he goth forth the grete pas Line 5.3178 Into the chambre where he lay; Line 5.3179 Anon, and made no delay, Line 5.3180 He armeth him in knyhtli wise, Line 5.3181 That bettre can noman devise, Line 5.3182 And as fortune scholde falle, Line 5.3183 He cam so forth tofore hem alle, Line 5.3184 As he which tho was glad ynowh. Line 5.3185 But Lichomede nothing lowh, Line 5.3186 Whan that he syh hou that it ferde, Line 5.3187 For thanne he wiste wel and herde, Line 5.3188 His dowhter hadde be forlein; Line 5.3189 Bot that he was so oversein, Line 5.3190 The wonder overgoth his wit. Line 5.3191 For in Cronique is write yit Line 5.3192 Thing which schal nevere be foryete, Line 5.3193 Hou that Achilles hath begete Line 5.3194 Pirrus upon Dei�damie, Line 5.3195 Wherof cam out the tricherie Line 5.3196 Of Falswitnesse, whan thei saide Line 5.3197 Hou that Achilles was a Maide. Line 5.3198 Bot that was nothing sene tho, Line 5.3199 For he is to the Siege go Line 5.3200

Lines 3201 through 3300

Forth with Ulixe and Diomede. Line 5.3201 Lo, thus was proved in the dede Line 5.3202 And fulli spoke at thilke while: Line 5.3203 If o womman an other guile, Line 5.3204 Wher is ther eny sikernesse? Line 5.3205 Whan Thetis, which was the goddesse, Line 5.3206 Dei�damie hath so bejaped, Line 5.3207 I not hou it schal ben ascaped Line 5.3208 With tho wommen whos innocence Line 5.3209 Is nou alday thurgh such credence Line 5.3210 Deceived ofte, as it is seene, Line 5.3211

Line 5.3211 With men that such untrouthe meene. Line 5.3212 For thei ben slyhe in such a wise, Line 5.3213 That thei be sleihte and be queintise Line 5.3214 Of Falswitnesse bringen inne Line 5.3215 That doth hem ofte forto winne, Line 5.3216 Wher thei ben noght worthi therto. Line 5.3217 Forthi, my Sone, do noght so. Line 5.3218 Mi fader, as of Falswitnesse Line 5.3219 The trouthe and the matiere expresse, Line 5.3220 Touchende of love hou it hath ferd, Line 5.3221 As ye have told, I have wel herd. Line 5.3222 Bot for ye seiden otherwise, Line 5.3223 Hou thilke vice of Covoitise Line 5.3224 Hath yit Perjurie of his acord, Line 5.3225 If that you list of som record Line 5.3226 To telle an other tale also Line 5.3227 In loves cause of time ago, Line 5.3228 What thing it is to be forswore, Line 5.3229 I wolde preie you therfore, Line 5.3230 Wherof I mihte ensample take. Line 5.3231 Mi goode Sone, and for thi sake Line 5.3232 Touchende of this I schall fulfille Line 5.3233 Thin axinge at thin oghne wille, Line 5.3234 And the matiere I schal declare, Line 5.3235 Hou the wommen deceived are, Line 5.3236 Whan thei so tendre herte bere, Line 5.3237 Of that thei hieren men so swere; Line 5.3238 Bot whan it comth unto thassay, Line 5.3239 Thei finde it fals an other day: Line 5.3240 As Jason dede to Medee, Line 5.3241 Which stant yet of Auctorite Line 5.3242 In tokne and in memorial; Line 5.3243 Wherof the tale in special Line 5.3244 Is in the bok of Troie write, Line 5.3245 Which I schal do thee forto wite. Line 5.3246 In Grece whilom was a king, Line 5.3247 Of whom the fame and knowleching Line 5.3248

Line 5.3248 Beleveth yit, and Peleu�s Line 5.3249 He hihte; bot it fell him thus, Line 5.3250 That his fortune hir whiel so ladde Line 5.3251 That he no child his oghne hadde Line 5.3252 To regnen after his decess. Line 5.3253 He hadde a brother natheles, Line 5.3254 Whos rihte name was Eson, Line 5.3255 And he the worthi kniht Jason Line 5.3256 Begat, the which in every lond Line 5.3257 Alle othre passede of his hond Line 5.3258 In Armes, so that he the beste Line 5.3259 Was named and the worthieste, Line 5.3260 He soghte worschipe overal. Line 5.3261 Nou herkne, and I thee telle schal Line 5.3262 An aventure that he soghte, Line 5.3263 Which afterward ful dere he boghte. Line 5.3264 Ther was an yle, which Colchos Line 5.3265 Was cleped, and therof aros Line 5.3266 Gret speche in every lond aboute, Line 5.3267 That such merveile was non oute Line 5.3268 In al the wyde world nawhere, Line 5.3269 As tho was in that yle there. Line 5.3270 Ther was a Schiep, as it was told, Line 5.3271 The which his flees bar al of gold, Line 5.3272 And so the goddes hadde it set, Line 5.3273 That it ne mihte awei be fet Line 5.3274 Be pouer of no worldes wiht: Line 5.3275 And yit ful many a worthi kniht Line 5.3276 It hadde assaied, as thei dorste, Line 5.3277 And evere it fell hem to the worste. Line 5.3278 Bot he, that wolde it noght forsake, Line 5.3279 Bot of his knyhthod undertake Line 5.3280 To do what thing therto belongeth, Line 5.3281 This worthi Jason, sore alongeth Line 5.3282 To se the strange regiouns Line 5.3283 And knowe the condiciouns Line 5.3284 Of othre Marches, where he wente; Line 5.3285 And for that cause his hole entente Line 5.3286

Line 5.3286 He sette Colchos forto seche, Line 5.3287 And therupon he made a speche Line 5.3288 To Peleu�s his Em the king. Line 5.3289 And he wel paid was of that thing; Line 5.3290 And schop anon for his passage, Line 5.3291 And suche as were of his lignage, Line 5.3292 With othre knihtes whiche he ches, Line 5.3293 With him he tok, and Hercules, Line 5.3294 Which full was of chivalerie, Line 5.3295 With Jason wente in compaignie; Line 5.3296 And that was in the Monthe of Maii, Line 5.3297 Whan colde stormes were away. Line 5.3298 The wynd was good, the Schip was yare, Line 5.3299 Thei tok here leve, and forth thei fare Line 5.3300

Lines 3301 through 3400

Toward Colchos: bot on the weie Line 5.3301 What hem befell is long to seie; Line 5.3302 Hou Lamedon the king of Troie, Line 5.3303 Which oghte wel have mad hem joie. Line 5.3304 Whan thei to reste a while him preide, Line 5.3305 Out of his lond he hem congeide; Line 5.3306 And so fell the dissencion, Line 5.3307 Which after was destruccion Line 5.3308 Of that Cite, as men mai hiere: Line 5.3309 Bot that is noght to mi matiere. Line 5.3310 Bot thus this worthi folk Gregeis Line 5.3311 Fro that king, which was noght curteis, Line 5.3312 And fro his lond with Sail updrawe Line 5.3313 Thei wente hem forth, and many a sawe Line 5.3314 Thei made and many a gret manace, Line 5.3315 Til ate laste into that place Line 5.3316 Which as thei soghte thei aryve, Line 5.3317 And striken Sail, and forth as blyve Line 5.3318 Thei sente unto the king and tolden Line 5.3319 Who weren ther and what thei wolden. Line 5.3320 Oe�tes, which was thanne king, Line 5.3321

Line 5.3321 Whan that he herde this tyding Line 5.3322 Of Jason, which was comen there, Line 5.3323 And of these othre, what thei were, Line 5.3324 He thoghte don hem gret worschipe: Line 5.3325 For thei anon come out of Schipe, Line 5.3326 And strawht unto the king thei wente, Line 5.3327 And be the hond Jason he hente, Line 5.3328 And that was ate paleis gate, Line 5.3329 So fer the king cam on his gate Line 5.3330 Toward Jason to don him chiere; Line 5.3331 And he, whom lacketh no manere, Line 5.3332 Whan he the king sih in presence, Line 5.3333 Yaf him ayein such reverence Line 5.3334 As to a kinges stat belongeth. Line 5.3335 And thus the king him underfongeth, Line 5.3336 And Jason in his arm he cawhte, Line 5.3337 And forth into the halle he strawhte, Line 5.3338 And ther they siete and spieke of thinges, Line 5.3339 And Jason tolde him tho tidinges, Line 5.3340 Why he was come, and faire him preide Line 5.3341 To haste his time, and the kyng seide, Line 5.3342 "Jason, thou art a worthi kniht, Line 5.3343 Bot it lith in no mannes myht Line 5.3344 To don that thou art come fore: Line 5.3345 Ther hath be many a kniht forlore Line 5.3346 Of that thei wolden it assaie." Line 5.3347 Bot Jason wolde him noght esmaie, Line 5.3348 And seide, "Of every worldes cure Line 5.3349 Fortune stant in aventure, Line 5.3350 Per aunter wel, per aunter wo: Line 5.3351 Bot hou as evere that it go, Line 5.3352 It schal be with myn hond assaied." Line 5.3353 The king tho hield him noght wel paied, Line 5.3354 For he the Grekes sore dredde, Line 5.3355 In aunter, if Jason ne spedde, Line 5.3356 He mihte therof bere a blame; Line 5.3357 For tho was al the worldes fame Line 5.3358 In Grece, as forto speke of Armes. Line 5.3359 Forthi he dredde him of his harmes, Line 5.3360

Line 5.3360 And gan to preche him and to preie; Line 5.3361 Bot Jason wolde noght obeie, Line 5.3362 Bot seide he wolde his porpos holde Line 5.3363 For ought that eny man him tolde. Line 5.3364 The king, whan he thes wordes herde, Line 5.3365 And sih hou that this kniht ansuerde, Line 5.3366 Yit for he wolde make him glad, Line 5.3367 After Medea gon he bad, Line 5.3368 Which was his dowhter, and sche cam. Line 5.3369 And Jason, which good hiede nam, Line 5.3370 Whan he hire sih, ayein hire goth; Line 5.3371 And sche, which was him nothing loth, Line 5.3372 Welcomede him into that lond, Line 5.3373 And softe tok him be the hond, Line 5.3374 And doun thei seten bothe same. Line 5.3375 Sche hadde herd spoke of his name Line 5.3376 And of his grete worthinesse; Line 5.3377 Forthi sche gan hir yhe impresse Line 5.3378 Upon his face and his stature, Line 5.3379 And thoghte hou nevere creature Line 5.3380 Was so wel farende as was he. Line 5.3381 And Jason riht in such degre Line 5.3382 Ne mihte noght withholde his lok, Line 5.3383 Bot so good hiede on hire he tok, Line 5.3384 That him ne thoghte under the hevene Line 5.3385 Of beaute sawh he nevere hir evene, Line 5.3386 With al that fell to wommanhiede. Line 5.3387 Thus ech of other token hiede, Line 5.3388 Thogh ther no word was of record; Line 5.3389 Here hertes bothe of on acord Line 5.3390 Ben set to love, bot as tho Line 5.3391 Ther mihten be no wordes mo. Line 5.3392 The king made him gret joie and feste, Line 5.3393 To alle his men he yaf an heste, Line 5.3394 So as thei wolde his thonk deserve, Line 5.3395 That thei scholde alle Jason serve, Line 5.3396 Whil that he wolde there duelle. Line 5.3397 And thus the dai, schortly to telle, Line 5.3398

Line 5.3398 With manye merthes thei despente, Line 5.3399 Til nyht was come, and tho thei wente, Line 5.3400

Lines 3401 through 3500

Echon of other tok his leve, Line 5.3401 Whan thei no lengere myhten leve. Line 5.3402 I not hou Jason that nyht slep, Line 5.3403 Bot wel I wot that of the Schep, Line 5.3404 For which he cam into that yle, Line 5.3405 He thoghte bot a litel whyle; Line 5.3406 Al was Medea that he thoghte, Line 5.3407 So that in many a wise he soghte Line 5.3408 His witt wakende er it was day, Line 5.3409 Som time yee, som time nay, Line 5.3410 Som time thus, som time so, Line 5.3411 As he was stered to and fro Line 5.3412 Of love, and ek of his conqueste Line 5.3413 As he was holde of his beheste. Line 5.3414 And thus he ros up be the morwe Line 5.3415 And tok himself seint John to borwe, Line 5.3416 And seide he wolde ferst beginne Line 5.3417 At love, and after forto winne Line 5.3418 The flees of gold, for which he com, Line 5.3419 And thus to him good herte he nom. Line 5.3420 Medea riht the same wise, Line 5.3421 Til dai cam that sche moste arise, Line 5.3422 Lay and bethoughte hire al the nyht, Line 5.3423 Hou sche that noble worthi kniht Line 5.3424 Be eny weie mihte wedde: Line 5.3425 And wel sche wiste, if he ne spedde Line 5.3426 Of thing which he hadde undertake, Line 5.3427 Sche mihte hirself no porpos take; Line 5.3428 For if he deide of his bataile, Line 5.3429 Sche moste thanne algate faile Line 5.3430 To geten him, whan he were ded. Line 5.3431 Thus sche began to sette red Line 5.3432 And torne aboute hir wittes alle, Line 5.3433 To loke hou that it mihte falle Line 5.3434 That sche with him hadde a leisir Line 5.3435 To speke and telle of hir desir. Line 5.3436 And so it fell that same day Line 5.3437

Line 5.3437 That Jason with that suete may Line 5.3438 Togedre sete and hadden space Line 5.3439 To speke, and he besoughte hir grace. Line 5.3440 And sche his tale goodli herde, Line 5.3441 And afterward sche him ansuerde Line 5.3442 And seide, "Jason, as thou wilt, Line 5.3443 Thou miht be sauf, thou miht be spilt; Line 5.3444 For wite wel that nevere man, Line 5.3445 Bot if he couthe that I can, Line 5.3446 Ne mihte that fortune achieve Line 5.3447 For which thou comst: bot as I lieve, Line 5.3448 If thou wolt holde covenant Line 5.3449 To love, of al the remenant Line 5.3450 I schal thi lif and honour save, Line 5.3451 That thou the flees of gold schalt have." Line 5.3452 He seide, "Al at youre oghne wille, Line 5.3453 Ma dame, I schal treuly fulfille Line 5.3454 Youre heste, whil mi lif mai laste." Line 5.3455 Thus longe he preide, and ate laste Line 5.3456 Sche granteth, and behihte him this, Line 5.3457 That whan nyht comth and it time is, Line 5.3458 Sche wolde him sende certeinly Line 5.3459 Such on that scholde him prively Line 5.3460 Al one into hire chambre bringe. Line 5.3461 He thonketh hire of that tidinge, Line 5.3462 For of that grace him is begonne Line 5.3463 Him thenkth alle othre thinges wonne. Line 5.3464 The dai made ende and lost his lyht, Line 5.3465 And comen was the derke nyht, Line 5.3466 Which al the daies yhe blente. Line 5.3467 Jason tok leve and forth he wente, Line 5.3468 And whan he cam out of the pres, Line 5.3469 He tok to conseil Hercules, Line 5.3470 And tolde him hou it was betid, Line 5.3471 And preide it scholde wel ben hid, Line 5.3472 And that he wolde loke aboute, Line 5.3473 Therwhiles that he schal ben oute. Line 5.3474 Thus as he stod and hiede nam, Line 5.3475

Line 5.3475 A Mayden fro Medea cam Line 5.3476 And to hir chambre Jason ledde, Line 5.3477 Wher that he fond redi to bedde Line 5.3478 The faireste and the wiseste eke; Line 5.3479 And sche with simple chiere and meke, Line 5.3480 Whan sche him sih, wax al aschamed. Line 5.3481 Tho was here tale newe entamed; Line 5.3482 For sikernesse of Mariage Line 5.3483 Sche fette forth a riche ymage, Line 5.3484 Which was figure of Jupiter, Line 5.3485 And Jason swor and seide ther, Line 5.3486 That also wiss god scholde him helpe, Line 5.3487 That if Medea dede him helpe, Line 5.3488 That he his pourpos myhte winne, Line 5.3489 Thei scholde nevere parte atwinne, Line 5.3490 Bot evere whil him lasteth lif, Line 5.3491 He wolde hire holde for his wif. Line 5.3492 And with that word thei kisten bothe; Line 5.3493 And for thei scholden hem unclothe, Line 5.3494 Ther cam a Maide, and in hir wise Line 5.3495 Sche dede hem bothe full servise, Line 5.3496 Til that thei were in bedde naked: Line 5.3497 I wot that nyht was wel bewaked, Line 5.3498 Thei hadden bothe what thei wolde. Line 5.3499 And thanne of leisir sche him tolde, Line 5.3500

Lines 3501 through 3600

And gan fro point to point enforme Line 5.3501 Of his bataile and al the forme, Line 5.3502 Which as he scholde finde there, Line 5.3503 Whan he to thyle come were. Line 5.3504 Sche seide, at entre of the pas Line 5.3505 Hou Mars, which god of Armes was, Line 5.3506 Hath set tuo Oxen sterne and stoute, Line 5.3507 That caste fyr and flamme aboute Line 5.3508 Bothe at the mouth and ate nase, Line 5.3509 So that thei setten al on blase Line 5.3510 What thing that passeth hem betwene: Line 5.3511 And forthermore upon the grene Line 5.3512 Ther goth the flees of gold to kepe Line 5.3513

Line 5.3513 A Serpent, which mai nevere slepe. Line 5.3514 Thus who that evere scholde it winne, Line 5.3515 The fyr to stoppe he mot beginne, Line 5.3516 Which that the fierce bestes caste, Line 5.3517 And daunte he mot hem ate laste, Line 5.3518 So that he mai hem yoke and dryve; Line 5.3519 And therupon he mot as blyve Line 5.3520 The Serpent with such strengthe assaile, Line 5.3521 That he mai slen him be bataile; Line 5.3522 Of which he mot the teth outdrawe, Line 5.3523 As it belongeth to that lawe, Line 5.3524 And thanne he mot tho Oxen yoke, Line 5.3525 Til thei have with a plowh tobroke Line 5.3526 A furgh of lond, in which arowe Line 5.3527 The teth of thaddre he moste sowe, Line 5.3528 And therof schule arise knihtes Line 5.3529 Wel armed up at alle rihtes. Line 5.3530 Of hem is noght to taken hiede, Line 5.3531 For ech of hem in hastihiede Line 5.3532 Schal other slen with dethes wounde: Line 5.3533 And thus whan thei ben leid to grounde, Line 5.3534 Than mot he to the goddes preie, Line 5.3535 And go so forth and take his preie. Line 5.3536 Bot if he faile in eny wise Line 5.3537 Of that ye hiere me devise, Line 5.3538 Ther mai be set non other weie, Line 5.3539 That he ne moste algates deie. Line 5.3540 "Nou have I told the peril al: Line 5.3541 I woll you tellen forth withal," Line 5.3542 Quod Medea to Jason tho, Line 5.3543 "That ye schul knowen er ye go, Line 5.3544 Ayein the venym and the fyr Line 5.3545 What schal ben the recoverir. Line 5.3546 Bot, Sire, for it is nyh day, Line 5.3547 Ariseth up, so that I may Line 5.3548 Delivere you what thing I have, Line 5.3549 That mai youre lif and honour save." Line 5.3550 Thei weren bothe loth to rise, Line 5.3551

Line 5.3551 Bot for thei weren bothe wise, Line 5.3552 Up thei arisen ate laste: Line 5.3553 Jason his clothes on him caste Line 5.3554 And made him redi riht anon, Line 5.3555 And sche hir scherte dede upon Line 5.3556 And caste on hire a mantel clos, Line 5.3557 Withoute more and thanne aros. Line 5.3558 Tho tok sche forth a riche Tye Line 5.3559 Mad al of gold and of Perrie, Line 5.3560 Out of the which sche nam a Ring, Line 5.3561 The Ston was worth al other thing. Line 5.3562 Sche seide, whil he wolde it were, Line 5.3563 Ther myhte no peril him dere, Line 5.3564 In water mai it noght be dreynt, Line 5.3565 Wher as it comth the fyr is queynt, Line 5.3566 It daunteth ek the cruel beste, Line 5.3567 Ther may no qued that man areste, Line 5.3568 Wher so he be on See or lond, Line 5.3569 Which hath that ring upon his hond: Line 5.3570 And over that sche gan to sein, Line 5.3571 That if a man wol ben unsein, Line 5.3572 Withinne his hond hold clos the Ston, Line 5.3573 And he mai invisible gon. Line 5.3574 The Ring to Jason sche betauhte, Line 5.3575 And so forth after sche him tauhte Line 5.3576 What sacrifise he scholde make; Line 5.3577 And gan out of hire cofre take Line 5.3578 Him thoughte an hevenely figure, Line 5.3579 Which al be charme and be conjure Line 5.3580 Was wroght, and ek it was thurgh write Line 5.3581 With names, which he scholde wite, Line 5.3582 As sche him tauhte tho to rede; Line 5.3583 And bad him, as he wolde spede, Line 5.3584 Withoute reste of eny while, Line 5.3585 Whan he were londed in that yle, Line 5.3586 He scholde make his sacrifise Line 5.3587 And rede his carecte in the wise Line 5.3588 As sche him tauhte, on knes doun bent, Line 5.3589 Thre sithes toward orient; Line 5.3590

Line 5.3590 For so scholde he the goddes plese Line 5.3591 And winne himselven mochel ese. Line 5.3592 And whanne he hadde it thries rad, Line 5.3593 To opne a buiste sche him bad, Line 5.3594 Which sche ther tok him in present, Line 5.3595 And was full of such oignement, Line 5.3596 That ther was fyr ne venym non Line 5.3597 That scholde fastnen him upon, Line 5.3598 Whan that he were enoynt withal. Line 5.3599 Forthi sche tauhte him hou he schal Line 5.3600

Lines 3601 through 3700

Enoignte his armes al aboute, Line 5.3601 And for he scholde nothing doute, Line 5.3602 Sche tok him thanne a maner glu, Line 5.3603 The which was of so gret vertu, Line 5.3604 That where a man it wolde caste, Line 5.3605 It scholde binde anon so faste Line 5.3606 That noman mihte it don aweie. Line 5.3607 And that sche bad be alle weie Line 5.3608 He scholde into the mouthes throwen Line 5.3609 Of tho tweie Oxen that fyr blowen, Line 5.3610 Therof to stoppen the malice; Line 5.3611 The glu schal serve of that office. Line 5.3612 And over that hir oignement, Line 5.3613 Hir Ring and hir enchantement Line 5.3614 Ayein the Serpent scholde him were, Line 5.3615 Til he him sle with swerd or spere: Line 5.3616 And thanne he may saufliche ynowh Line 5.3617 His Oxen yoke into the plowh Line 5.3618 And the teth sowe in such a wise, Line 5.3619 Til he the knyhtes se arise, Line 5.3620 And ech of other doun be leid Line 5.3621 In such manere as I have seid. Line 5.3622 Lo, thus Medea for Jason Line 5.3623 Ordeigneth, and preith therupon Line 5.3624 That he nothing foryete scholde, Line 5.3625 And ek sche preith him that he wolde, Line 5.3626 Whan he hath alle his Armes don, Line 5.3627 To grounde knele and thonke anon Line 5.3628

Line 5.3628 The goddes, and so forth be ese Line 5.3629 The flees of gold he scholde sese. Line 5.3630 And whanne he hadde it sesed so, Line 5.3631 That thanne he were sone ago Line 5.3632 Withouten eny tariynge. Line 5.3633 Whan this was seid, into wepinge Line 5.3634 Sche fell, as sche that was thurgh nome Line 5.3635 With love, and so fer overcome, Line 5.3636 That al hir world on him sche sette. Line 5.3637 Bot whan sche sih ther was no lette, Line 5.3638 That he mot nedes parte hire fro, Line 5.3639 Sche tok him in hire armes tuo, Line 5.3640 An hundred time and gan him kisse, Line 5.3641 And seide, "O, al mi worldes blisse, Line 5.3642 Mi trust, mi lust, mi lif, min hele, Line 5.3643 To be thin helpe in this querele Line 5.3644 I preie unto the goddes alle." Line 5.3645 And with that word sche gan doun falle Line 5.3646 On swoune, and he hire uppe nam, Line 5.3647 And forth with that the Maiden cam, Line 5.3648 And thei to bedde anon hir broghte, Line 5.3649 And thanne Jason hire besoghte, Line 5.3650 And to hire seide in this manere: Line 5.3651 "Mi worthi lusti ladi dere, Line 5.3652 Conforteth you, for be my trouthe Line 5.3653 It schal noght fallen in mi slouthe Line 5.3654 That I ne wol thurghout fulfille Line 5.3655 Youre hestes at youre oghne wille. Line 5.3656 And yit I hope to you bringe Line 5.3657 Withinne a while such tidinge, Line 5.3658 The which schal make ous bothe game." Line 5.3659 Bot for he wolde kepe hir name, Line 5.3660 Whan that he wiste it was nyh dai, Line 5.3661 He seide, "A dieu, mi swete mai." Line 5.3662 And forth with him he nam his gere, Line 5.3663 Which as sche hadde take him there, Line 5.3664 And strauht unto his chambre he wente, Line 5.3665 And goth to bedde and slep him hente, Line 5.3666

Line 5.3666 And lay, that noman him awok, Line 5.3667 For Hercules hiede of him tok, Line 5.3668 Til it was undren hih and more. Line 5.3669 And thanne he gan to sighe sore Line 5.3670 And sodeinliche abreide of slep; Line 5.3671 And thei that token of him kep, Line 5.3672 His chamberleins, be sone there, Line 5.3673 And maden redi al his gere, Line 5.3674 And he aros and to the king Line 5.3675 He wente, and seide hou to that thing Line 5.3676 For which he cam he wolde go. Line 5.3677 The king therof was wonder wo, Line 5.3678 And for he wolde him fain withdrawe, Line 5.3679 He tolde him many a dredful sawe, Line 5.3680 Bot Jason wolde it noght recorde, Line 5.3681 And ate laste thei acorde. Line 5.3682 Whan that he wolde noght abide, Line 5.3683 A Bot was redy ate tyde, Line 5.3684 In which this worthi kniht of Grece Line 5.3685 Ful armed up at every piece, Line 5.3686 To his bataile which belongeth, Line 5.3687 Tok ore on honde and sore him longeth, Line 5.3688 Til he the water passed were. Line 5.3689 Whan he cam to that yle there, Line 5.3690 He set him on his knes doun strauht, Line 5.3691 And his carecte, as he was tawht, Line 5.3692 He radde, and made his sacrifise, Line 5.3693 And siththe enoignte him in that wise, Line 5.3694 As Medea him hadde bede; Line 5.3695 And thanne aros up fro that stede, Line 5.3696 And with the glu the fyr he queynte, Line 5.3697 And anon after he atteinte Line 5.3698 The grete Serpent and him slowh. Line 5.3699 Bot erst he hadde sorwe ynowh, Line 5.3700

Lines 3701 through 3800

For that Serpent made him travaile Line 5.3701

Line 5.3701 So harde and sore of his bataile, Line 5.3702 That nou he stod and nou he fell: Line 5.3703 For longe time it so befell, Line 5.3704 That with his swerd ne with his spere Line 5.3705 He mihte noght that Serpent dere. Line 5.3706 He was so scherded al aboute, Line 5.3707 It hield all eggetol withoute, Line 5.3708 He was so ruide and hard of skin, Line 5.3709 Ther mihte nothing go therin; Line 5.3710 Venym and fyr togedre he caste, Line 5.3711 That he Jason so sore ablaste, Line 5.3712 That if ne were his oignement, Line 5.3713 His Ring and his enchantement, Line 5.3714 Which Medea tok him tofore, Line 5.3715 He hadde with that worm be lore; Line 5.3716 Bot of vertu which therof cam Line 5.3717 Jason the Dragon overcam. Line 5.3718 And he anon the teth outdrouh, Line 5.3719 And sette his Oxen in a plouh, Line 5.3720 With which he brak a piece of lond Line 5.3721 And sieu hem with his oghne hond. Line 5.3722 Tho mihte he gret merveile se: Line 5.3723 Of every toth in his degre Line 5.3724 Sprong up a kniht with spere and schield, Line 5.3725 Of whiche anon riht in the field Line 5.3726 Echon slow other; and with that Line 5.3727 Jason Medea noght foryat, Line 5.3728 On bothe his knes he gan doun falle, Line 5.3729 And yaf thonk to the goddes alle. Line 5.3730 The Flees he tok and goth to Bote, Line 5.3731 The Sonne schyneth bryhte and hote, Line 5.3732 The Flees of gold schon forth withal, Line 5.3733 The water glistreth overal. Line 5.3734 Medea wepte and sigheth ofte, Line 5.3735 And stod upon a Tour alofte: Line 5.3736 Al prively withinne hirselve, Line 5.3737 Ther herde it nouther ten ne tuelve, Line 5.3738 Sche preide, and seide, "O, god him spede, Line 5.3739

Line 5.3739 The kniht which hath mi maidenhiede!" Line 5.3740 And ay sche loketh toward thyle. Line 5.3741 Bot whan sche sih withinne a while Line 5.3742 The Flees glistrende ayein the Sonne, Line 5.3743 Sche saide, "Ha, lord, now al is wonne, Line 5.3744 Mi kniht the field hath overcome: Line 5.3745 Nou wolde god he were come; Line 5.3746 Ha lord, that he ne were alonde!" Line 5.3747 Bot I dar take this on honde, Line 5.3748 If that sche hadde wynges tuo, Line 5.3749 Sche wolde have flowe unto him tho Line 5.3750 Strawht ther he was into the Bot. Line 5.3751 The dai was clier, the Sonne hot, Line 5.3752 The Gregeis weren in gret doute, Line 5.3753 The whyle that here lord was oute: Line 5.3754 Thei wisten noght what scholde tyde, Line 5.3755 Bot waiten evere upon the tyde, Line 5.3756 To se what ende scholde falle. Line 5.3757 Ther stoden ek the nobles alle Line 5.3758 Forth with the comun of the toun; Line 5.3759 And as thei loken up and doun, Line 5.3760 Thei weren war withinne a throwe, Line 5.3761 Wher cam the bot, which thei wel knowe, Line 5.3762 And sihe hou Jason broghte his preie. Line 5.3763 And tho thei gonnen alle seie, Line 5.3764 And criden alle with o stevene, Line 5.3765 "Ha, wher was evere under the hevene Line 5.3766 So noble a knyht as Jason is?" Line 5.3767 And welnyh alle seiden this, Line 5.3768 That Jason was a faie kniht, Line 5.3769 For it was nevere of mannes miht Line 5.3770 The Flees of gold so forto winne; Line 5.3771 And thus to talen thei beginne. Line 5.3772 With that the king com forth anon, Line 5.3773 And sih the Flees, hou that it schon; Line 5.3774

Line 5.3774 And whan Jason cam to the lond, Line 5.3775 The king himselve tok his hond Line 5.3776 And kist him, and gret joie him made. Line 5.3777 The Gregeis weren wonder glade, Line 5.3778 And of that thing riht merie hem thoghte, Line 5.3779 And forth with hem the Flees thei broghte, Line 5.3780 And ech on other gan to leyhe; Line 5.3781 Bot wel was him that mihte neyhe, Line 5.3782 To se therof the proprete. Line 5.3783 And thus thei passen the cite Line 5.3784 And gon unto the Paleis straght. Line 5.3785 Medea, which foryat him naght, Line 5.3786 Was redy there, and seide anon, Line 5.3787 "Welcome, O worthi kniht Jason." Line 5.3788 Sche wolde have kist him wonder fayn, Line 5.3789 Bot schame tornede hire agayn; Line 5.3790 It was noght the manere as tho, Line 5.3791 Forthi sche dorste noght do so. Line 5.3792 Sche tok hire leve, and Jason wente Line 5.3793 Into his chambre, and sche him sente Line 5.3794 Hire Maide to sen hou he ferde; Line 5.3795 The which whan that sche sih and herde, Line 5.3796 Hou that he hadde faren oute Line 5.3797 And that it stod wel al aboute, Line 5.3798 Sche tolde hire ladi what sche wiste, Line 5.3799 And sche for joie hire Maide kiste. Line 5.3800

Lines 3801 through 3900

The bathes weren thanne araied, Line 5.3801 With herbes tempred and assaied, Line 5.3802 And Jason was unarmed sone Line 5.3803 And dede as it befell to done: Line 5.3804 Into his bath he wente anon Line 5.3805 And wyssh him clene as eny bon; Line 5.3806 He tok a sopp, and oute he cam, Line 5.3807 And on his beste aray he nam, Line 5.3808 And kempde his hed, whan he was clad, Line 5.3809 And goth him forth al merie and glad Line 5.3810 Riht strawht into the kinges halle. Line 5.3811 The king cam with his knihtes alle Line 5.3812

Line 5.3812 And maden him glad welcominge; Line 5.3813 And he hem tolde the tidinge Line 5.3814 Of this and that, hou it befell, Line 5.3815 Whan that he wan the schepes fell. Line 5.3816 Medea, whan sche was asent, Line 5.3817 Com sone to that parlement, Line 5.3818 And whan sche mihte Jason se, Line 5.3819 Was non so glad of alle as sche. Line 5.3820 Ther was no joie forto seche, Line 5.3821 Of him mad every man a speche, Line 5.3822 Som man seide on, som man seide other; Line 5.3823 Bot thogh he were goddes brother Line 5.3824 And mihte make fyr and thonder, Line 5.3825 Ther mihte be nomore wonder Line 5.3826 Than was of him in that cite. Line 5.3827 Echon tauhte other, "This is he, Line 5.3828 Which hath in his pouer withinne Line 5.3829 That al the world ne mihte winne: Line 5.3830 Lo, hier the beste of alle goode." Line 5.3831 Thus saiden thei that there stode, Line 5.3832 And ek that walkede up and doun, Line 5.3833 Bothe of the Court and of the toun. Line 5.3834 The time of Souper cam anon, Line 5.3835 Thei wisshen and therto thei gon, Line 5.3836 Medea was with Jason set: Line 5.3837 Tho was ther many a deynte fet Line 5.3838 And set tofore hem on the bord, Line 5.3839 Bot non so likinge as the word Line 5.3840 Which was ther spoke among hem tuo, Line 5.3841 So as thei dorste speke tho. Line 5.3842 Bot thogh thei hadden litel space, Line 5.3843 Yit thei acorden in that place Line 5.3844 Hou Jason scholde come at nyht, Line 5.3845 Whan every torche and every liht Line 5.3846 Were oute, and thanne of other thinges Line 5.3847 Thei spieke aloud for supposinges Line 5.3848 Of hem that stoden there aboute: Line 5.3849

Line 5.3849 For love is everemore in doute, Line 5.3850 If that it be wisly governed Line 5.3851 Of hem that ben of love lerned. Line 5.3852 Whan al was don, that dissh and cuppe Line 5.3853 And cloth and bord and al was uppe, Line 5.3854 Thei waken whil hem lest to wake, Line 5.3855 And after that thei leve take Line 5.3856 And gon to bedde forto reste. Line 5.3857 And whan him thoghte for the beste, Line 5.3858 That every man was faste aslepe, Line 5.3859 Jason, that wolde his time kepe, Line 5.3860 Goth forth stalkende al prively Line 5.3861 Unto the chambre, and redely Line 5.3862 Ther was a Maide, which him kepte. Line 5.3863 Medea wok and nothing slepte, Line 5.3864 Bot natheles sche was abedde, Line 5.3865 And he with alle haste him spedde Line 5.3866 And made him naked and al warm. Line 5.3867 Anon he tok hire in his arm: Line 5.3868 What nede is forto speke of ese? Line 5.3869 Hem list ech other forto plese, Line 5.3870 So that thei hadden joie ynow: Line 5.3871 And tho thei setten whanne and how Line 5.3872 That sche with him awey schal stele. Line 5.3873 With wordes suche and othre fele Line 5.3874 Whan al was treted to an ende, Line 5.3875 Jason tok leve and gan forth wende Line 5.3876 Unto his oughne chambre in pes; Line 5.3877 Ther wiste it non bot Hercules. Line 5.3878 He slepte and ros whan it was time, Line 5.3879 And whanne it fell towardes prime, Line 5.3880 He tok to him suche as he triste Line 5.3881 In secre, that non other wiste, Line 5.3882 And told hem of his conseil there, Line 5.3883 And seide that his wille were Line 5.3884 That thei to Schipe hadde alle thinge Line 5.3885 So priveliche in thevenynge, Line 5.3886 That noman mihte here dede aspie Line 5.3887

Line 5.3887 Bot tho that were of compaignie: Line 5.3888 For he woll go withoute leve, Line 5.3889 And lengere woll he noght beleve; Line 5.3890 Bot he ne wolde at thilke throwe Line 5.3891 The king or queene scholde it knowe. Line 5.3892 Thei saide, "Al this schal wel be do:" Line 5.3893 And Jason truste wel therto. Line 5.3894 Medea in the mene while, Line 5.3895 Which thoghte hir fader to beguile, Line 5.3896 The Tresor which hir fader hadde Line 5.3897 With hire al priveli sche ladde, Line 5.3898 And with Jason at time set Line 5.3899 Awey sche stal and fond no let, Line 5.3900

Lines 3901 through 4000

And straght sche goth hire unto schipe Line 5.3901 Of Grece with that felaschipe, Line 5.3902 And thei anon drowe up the Seil. Line 5.3903 And al that nyht this was conseil, Line 5.3904 Bot erly, whan the Sonne schon, Line 5.3905 Men syhe hou that thei were agon, Line 5.3906 And come unto the king and tolde: Line 5.3907 And he the sothe knowe wolde, Line 5.3908 And axeth where his dowhter was. Line 5.3909 Ther was no word bot Out, Allas! Line 5.3910 Sche was ago. The moder wepte, Line 5.3911 The fader as a wod man lepte, Line 5.3912 And gan the time forto warie, Line 5.3913 And swor his oth he wol noght tarie, Line 5.3914 That with Caliphe and with galeie Line 5.3915 The same cours, the same weie, Line 5.3916 Which Jason tok, he wolde take, Line 5.3917 If that he mihte him overtake. Line 5.3918 To this thei seiden alle yee: Line 5.3919 Anon thei weren ate See, Line 5.3920 And alle, as who seith, at a word Line 5.3921 Thei gon withinne schipes bord, Line 5.3922 The Sail goth up, and forth thei strauhte. Line 5.3923 Bot non espleit therof thei cauhte, Line 5.3924 And so thei tornen hom ayein, Line 5.3925

Line 5.3925 For al that labour was in vein. Line 5.3926 Jason to Grece with his preie Line 5.3927 Goth thurgh the See the rihte weie: Line 5.3928 Whan he ther com and men it tolde, Line 5.3929 Thei maden joie yonge and olde. Line 5.3930 Eson, whan that he wiste of this, Line 5.3931 Hou that his Sone comen is, Line 5.3932 And hath achieved that he soughte Line 5.3933 And hom with him Medea broughte, Line 5.3934 In al the wyde world was non Line 5.3935 So glad a man as he was on. Line 5.3936 Togedre ben these lovers tho, Line 5.3937 Til that thei hadden sones tuo, Line 5.3938 Wherof thei weren bothe glade, Line 5.3939 And olde Eson gret joie made Line 5.3940 To sen thencress of his lignage; Line 5.3941 For he was of so gret an Age, Line 5.3942 That men awaiten every day, Line 5.3943 Whan that he scholde gon away. Line 5.3944 Jason, which sih his fader old, Line 5.3945 Upon Medea made him bold, Line 5.3946 Of art magique, which sche couthe, Line 5.3947 And preith hire that his fader youthe Line 5.3948 Sche wolde make ayeinward newe: Line 5.3949 And sche, that was toward him trewe, Line 5.3950 Behihte him that sche wolde it do, Line 5.3951 Whan that sche time sawh therto. Line 5.3952 Bot what sche dede in that matiere Line 5.3953 It is a wonder thing to hiere, Line 5.3954 Bot yit for the novellerie Line 5.3955 I thenke tellen a partie. Line 5.3956 Thus it befell upon a nyht, Line 5.3957 Whan ther was noght bot sterreliht, Line 5.3958 Sche was vanyssht riht as hir liste, Line 5.3959 That no wyht bot hirself it wiste, Line 5.3960 And that was ate mydnyht tyde. Line 5.3961 The world was stille on every side; Line 5.3962

Line 5.3962 With open hed and fot al bare, Line 5.3963 Hir her tosprad sche gan to fare, Line 5.3964 Upon hir clothes gert sche was, Line 5.3965 Al specheles and on the gras Line 5.3966 Sche glod forth as an Addre doth: Line 5.3967 Non otherwise sche ne goth, Line 5.3968 Til sche cam to the freisshe flod, Line 5.3969 And there a while sche withstod. Line 5.3970 Thries sche torned hire aboute, Line 5.3971 And thries ek sche gan doun loute Line 5.3972 And in the flod sche wette hir her, Line 5.3973 And thries on the water ther Line 5.3974 Sche gaspeth with a drecchinge onde, Line 5.3975 And tho sche tok hir speche on honde. Line 5.3976 Ferst sche began to clepe and calle Line 5.3977 Upward unto the sterres alle, Line 5.3978 To Wynd, to Air, to See, to lond Line 5.3979 Sche preide, and ek hield up hir hond Line 5.3980 To Echates, and gan to crie, Line 5.3981 Which is goddesse of Sorcerie. Line 5.3982 Sche seide, "Helpeth at this nede, Line 5.3983 And as ye maden me to spede, Line 5.3984 Whan Jason cam the Flees to seche, Line 5.3985 So help me nou, I you beseche." Line 5.3986 With that sche loketh and was war, Line 5.3987 Doun fro the Sky ther cam a char, Line 5.3988 The which Dragouns aboute drowe: Line 5.3989 And tho sche gan hir hed doun bowe, Line 5.3990 And up sche styh, and faire and wel Line 5.3991 Sche drof forth bothe char and whel Line 5.3992 Above in thair among the Skyes. Line 5.3993 The lond of Crete and tho parties Line 5.3994 Sche soughte, and faste gan hire hye, Line 5.3995 And there upon the hulles hyhe Line 5.3996 Of Othrin and Olimpe also, Line 5.3997 And ek of othre hulles mo, Line 5.3998

Line 5.3998 Sche fond and gadreth herbes suote, Line 5.3999 Sche pulleth up som be the rote, Line 5.4000

Lines 4001 through 4100

And manye with a knyf sche scherth, Line 5.4001 And alle into hir char sche berth. Line 5.4002 Thus whan sche hath the hulles sought, Line 5.4003 The flodes ther foryat sche nought, Line 5.4004 Eridian and Amphrisos, Line 5.4005 Peneie and ek Sperchei�dos, Line 5.4006 To hem sche wente and ther sche nom Line 5.4007 Bothe of the water and the fom, Line 5.4008 The sond and ek the smale stones, Line 5.4009 Whiche as sche ches out for the nones, Line 5.4010 And of the rede See a part, Line 5.4011 That was behovelich to hire art, Line 5.4012 Sche tok, and after that aboute Line 5.4013 Sche soughte sondri sedes oute Line 5.4014 In feldes and in many greves, Line 5.4015 And ek a part sche tok of leves: Line 5.4016 Bot thing which mihte hire most availe Line 5.4017 Sche fond in Crete and in Thessaile. Line 5.4018 In daies and in nyhtes Nyne, Line 5.4019 With gret travaile and with gret pyne, Line 5.4020 Sche was pourveid of every piece, Line 5.4021 And torneth homward into Grece. Line 5.4022 Before the gates of Eson Line 5.4023 Hir char sche let awai to gon, Line 5.4024 And tok out ferst that was therinne; Line 5.4025 For tho sche thoghte to beginne Line 5.4026 Such thing as semeth impossible, Line 5.4027 And made hirselven invisible, Line 5.4028 As sche that was with Air enclosed Line 5.4029 And mihte of noman be desclosed. Line 5.4030 Sche tok up turves of the lond Line 5.4031 Withoute helpe of mannes hond, Line 5.4032 Al heled with the grene gras, Line 5.4033 Of which an Alter mad ther was Line 5.4034

Line 5.4034 Unto Echates the goddesse Line 5.4035 Of art magique and the maistresse, Line 5.4036 And eft an other to Juvente, Line 5.4037 As sche which dede hir hole entente. Line 5.4038 Tho tok sche fieldwode and verveyne, Line 5.4039 Of herbes ben noght betre tueine, Line 5.4040 Of which anon withoute let Line 5.4041 These alters ben aboute set: Line 5.4042 Tuo sondri puttes faste by Line 5.4043 Sche made, and with that hastely Line 5.4044 A wether which was blak sche slouh, Line 5.4045 And out therof the blod sche drouh Line 5.4046 And dede into the pettes tuo; Line 5.4047 Warm melk sche putte also therto Line 5.4048 With hony meynd: and in such wise Line 5.4049 Sche gan to make hir sacrifice, Line 5.4050 And cride and preide forth withal Line 5.4051 To Pluto the god infernal, Line 5.4052 And to the queene Proserpine. Line 5.4053 And so sche soghte out al the line Line 5.4054 Of hem that longen to that craft, Line 5.4055 Behinde was no name laft, Line 5.4056 And preide hem alle, as sche wel couthe, Line 5.4057 To grante Eson his ferste youthe. Line 5.4058 This olde Eson broght forth was tho, Line 5.4059 Awei sche bad alle othre go Line 5.4060 Upon peril that mihte falle; Line 5.4061 And with that word thei wenten alle, Line 5.4062 And leften there hem tuo al one. Line 5.4063 And tho sche gan to gaspe and gone, Line 5.4064 And made signes manyon, Line 5.4065 And seide hir wordes therupon; Line 5.4066 So that with spellinge of hir charmes Line 5.4067 Sche tok Eson in bothe hire armes, Line 5.4068 And made him forto slepe faste, Line 5.4069 And him upon hire herbes caste. Line 5.4070 The blake wether tho sche tok, Line 5.4071

Line 5.4071 And hiewh the fleissh, as doth a cok; Line 5.4072 On either alter part sche leide, Line 5.4073 And with the charmes that sche seide Line 5.4074 A fyr doun fro the Sky alyhte Line 5.4075 And made it forto brenne lyhte. Line 5.4076 Bot whan Medea sawh it brenne, Line 5.4077 Anon sche gan to sterte and renne Line 5.4078 The fyri aulters al aboute: Line 5.4079 Ther was no beste which goth oute Line 5.4080 More wylde than sche semeth ther: Line 5.4081 Aboute hir schuldres hyng hir her, Line 5.4082 As thogh sche were oute of hir mynde Line 5.4083 And torned in an other kynde. Line 5.4084 Tho lay ther certein wode cleft, Line 5.4085 Of which the pieces nou and eft Line 5.4086 Sche made hem in the pettes wete, Line 5.4087 And put hem in the fyri hete, Line 5.4088 And tok the brond with al the blase, Line 5.4089 And thries sche began to rase Line 5.4090 Aboute Eson, ther as he slepte; Line 5.4091 And eft with water, which sche kepte, Line 5.4092 Sche made a cercle aboute him thries, Line 5.4093 And eft with fyr of sulphre twyes: Line 5.4094 Ful many an other thing sche dede, Line 5.4095 Which is noght writen in this stede. Line 5.4096 Bot tho sche ran so up and doun, Line 5.4097 Sche made many a wonder soun, Line 5.4098 Somtime lich unto the cock, Line 5.4099 Somtime unto the Laverock, Line 5.4100

Lines 4101 through 4200

Somtime kacleth as a Hen, Line 5.4101 Somtime spekth as don the men: Line 5.4102 And riht so as hir jargoun strangeth, Line 5.4103 In sondri wise hir forme changeth, Line 5.4104 Sche semeth faie and no womman; Line 5.4105 For with the craftes that sche can Line 5.4106 Sche was, as who seith, a goddesse, Line 5.4107 And what hir liste, more or lesse, Line 5.4108 Sche dede, in bokes as we finde, Line 5.4109

Line 5.4109 That passeth over manneskinde. Line 5.4110 Bot who that wole of wondres hiere, Line 5.4111 What thing sche wroghte in this matiere, Line 5.4112 To make an ende of that sche gan, Line 5.4113 Such merveile herde nevere man. Line 5.4114 Apointed in the newe Mone, Line 5.4115 Whan it was time forto done, Line 5.4116 Sche sette a caldron on the fyr, Line 5.4117 In which was al the hole atir, Line 5.4118 Wheron the medicine stod, Line 5.4119 Of jus, of water and of blod, Line 5.4120 And let it buile in such a plit, Line 5.4121 Til that sche sawh the spume whyt; Line 5.4122 And tho sche caste in rynde and rote, Line 5.4123 And sed and flour that was for bote, Line 5.4124 With many an herbe and many a ston, Line 5.4125 Wherof sche hath ther many on: Line 5.4126 And ek Cimpheius the Serpent Line 5.4127 To hire hath alle his scales lent, Line 5.4128 Chelidre hire yaf his addres skin, Line 5.4129 And sche to builen caste hem in; Line 5.4130 A part ek of the horned Oule, Line 5.4131 The which men hiere on nyhtes houle; Line 5.4132 And of a Raven, which was told Line 5.4133 Of nyne hundred wynter old, Line 5.4134 Sche tok the hed with al the bile; Line 5.4135 And as the medicine it wile, Line 5.4136 Sche tok therafter the bouele Line 5.4137 Of the Seewolf, and for the hele Line 5.4138 Of Eson, with a thousand mo Line 5.4139 Of thinges that sche hadde tho, Line 5.4140 In that Caldroun togedre as blyve Line 5.4141 Sche putte, and tok thanne of Olyve Line 5.4142 A drie branche hem with to stere, Line 5.4143 The which anon gan floure and bere Line 5.4144 And waxe al freissh and grene ayein. Line 5.4145

Line 5.4145 Whan sche this vertu hadde sein, Line 5.4146 Sche let the leste drope of alle Line 5.4147 Upon the bare flor doun falle; Line 5.4148 Anon ther sprong up flour and gras, Line 5.4149 Where as the drope falle was, Line 5.4150 And wox anon al medwe grene, Line 5.4151 So that it mihte wel be sene. Line 5.4152 Medea thanne knew and wiste Line 5.4153 Hir medicine is forto triste, Line 5.4154 And goth to Eson ther he lay, Line 5.4155 And tok a swerd was of assay, Line 5.4156 With which a wounde upon his side Line 5.4157 Sche made, that therout mai slyde Line 5.4158 The blod withinne, which was old Line 5.4159 And sek and trouble and fieble and cold. Line 5.4160 And tho sche tok unto his us Line 5.4161 Of herbes al the beste jus, Line 5.4162 And poured it into his wounde; Line 5.4163 That made his veynes fulle and sounde: Line 5.4164 And tho sche made his wounde clos, Line 5.4165 And tok his hond, and up he ros; Line 5.4166 And tho sche yaf him drinke a drauhte, Line 5.4167 Of which his youthe ayein he cauhte, Line 5.4168 His hed, his herte and his visage Line 5.4169 Lich unto twenty wynter Age; Line 5.4170 Hise hore heres were away, Line 5.4171 And lich unto the freisshe Maii, Line 5.4172 Whan passed ben the colde shoures, Line 5.4173 Riht so recovereth he his floures. Line 5.4174 Lo, what mihte eny man devise, Line 5.4175 A womman schewe in eny wise Line 5.4176 Mor hertly love in every stede, Line 5.4177 Than Medea to Jason dede? Line 5.4178 Ferst sche made him the flees to winne, Line 5.4179 And after that fro kiththe and kinne Line 5.4180 With gret tresor with him sche stal, Line 5.4181 And to his fader forth withal Line 5.4182

Line 5.4182 His Elde hath torned into youthe, Line 5.4183 Which thing non other womman couthe: Line 5.4184 Bot hou it was to hire aquit, Line 5.4185 The remembrance duelleth yit. Line 5.4186 King Peleu�s his Em was ded, Line 5.4187 Jason bar corone on his hed, Line 5.4188 Medea hath fulfild his wille: Line 5.4189 Bot whanne he scholde of riht fulfille Line 5.4190 The trouthe, which to hire afore Line 5.4191 He hadde in thyle of Colchos swore, Line 5.4192 Tho was Medea most deceived. Line 5.4193 For he an other hath received, Line 5.4194 Which dowhter was to king Creon, Line 5.4195 Creusa sche hihte, and thus Jason, Line 5.4196 As he that was to love untrewe, Line 5.4197 Medea lefte and tok a newe. Line 5.4198 Bot that was after sone aboght: Line 5.4199 Medea with hire art hath wroght Line 5.4200

Lines 4201 through 4300

Of cloth of gold a mantel riche, Line 5.4201 Which semeth worth a kingesriche, Line 5.4202 And that was unto Creusa sent Line 5.4203 In name of yifte and of present, Line 5.4204 For Sosterhode hem was betuene; Line 5.4205 And whan that yonge freisshe queene Line 5.4206 That mantel lappeth hire aboute, Line 5.4207 Anon therof the fyr sprong oute Line 5.4208 And brente hir bothe fleissh and bon. Line 5.4209 Tho cam Medea to Jason Line 5.4210 With bothe his Sones on hire hond, Line 5.4211 And seide, "O thou of every lond Line 5.4212 The moste untrewe creature, Line 5.4213 Lo, this schal be thi forfeture." Line 5.4214 With that sche bothe his Sones slouh Line 5.4215 Before his yhe, and he outdrouh Line 5.4216 His swerd and wold have slayn hir tho, Line 5.4217 Bot farewel, sche was ago Line 5.4218 Unto Pallas the Court above, Line 5.4219 Wher as sche pleigneth upon love, Line 5.4220 As sche that was with that goddesse, Line 5.4221

Line 5.4221 And he was left in gret destresse. Line 5.4222 Thus miht thou se what sorwe it doth Line 5.4223 To swere an oth which is noght soth, Line 5.4224 In loves cause namely. Line 5.4225 Mi Sone, be wel war forthi, Line 5.4226 And kep that thou be noght forswore: Line 5.4227 For this, which I have told tofore, Line 5.4228 Ovide telleth everydel. Line 5.4229 Mi fader, I may lieve it wel, Line 5.4230 For I have herde it ofte seie Line 5.4231 Hou Jason tok the flees aweie Line 5.4232 Fro Colchos, bot yit herde I noght Line 5.4233 Be whom it was ferst thider broght. Line 5.4234 And for it were good to hiere, Line 5.4235 If that you liste at mi preiere Line 5.4236 To telle, I wolde you beseche. Line 5.4237 Mi Sone, who that wole it seche, Line 5.4238 In bokes he mai finde it write; Line 5.4239 And natheles, if thou wolt wite, Line 5.4240 In the manere as thou hast preid Line 5.4241 I schal the telle hou it is seid. Line 5.4242 The fame of thilke schepes fell, Line 5.4243 Which in Colchos, as it befell, Line 5.4244 Was al of gold, schal nevere deie; Line 5.4245 Wherof I thenke for to seie Line 5.4246 Hou it cam ferst into that yle. Line 5.4247 Ther was a king in thilke whyle Line 5.4248 Towardes Grece, and Athemas Line 5.4249 The Cronique of his name was; Line 5.4250 And hadde a wif, which Philen hihte, Line 5.4251 Be whom, so as fortune it dihte, Line 5.4252 He hadde of children yonge tuo. Line 5.4253 Frixus the ferste was of tho, Line 5.4254 A knave child, riht fair withalle; Line 5.4255 A dowhter ek, the which men calle Line 5.4256 Hellen, he hadde be this wif. Line 5.4257 Bot for ther mai no mannes lif Line 5.4258

Line 5.4258 Endure upon this Erthe hiere, Line 5.4259 This worthi queene, as thou miht hiere, Line 5.4260 Er that the children were of age, Line 5.4261 Tok of hire ende the passage, Line 5.4262 With gret worschipe and was begrave. Line 5.4263 What thing it liketh god to have Line 5.4264 It is gret reson to ben his; Line 5.4265 Forthi this king, so as it is, Line 5.4266 With gret suffrance it underfongeth: Line 5.4267 And afterward, as him belongeth, Line 5.4268 Whan it was time forto wedde, Line 5.4269 A newe wif he tok to bedde, Line 5.4270 Which Yno hihte and was a Mayde, Line 5.4271 And ek the dowhter, as men saide, Line 5.4272 Of Cadme, which a king also Line 5.4273 Was holde in thilke daies tho. Line 5.4274 Whan Yno was the kinges make, Line 5.4275 Sche caste hou that sche mihte make Line 5.4276 These children to here fader lothe, Line 5.4277 And schope a wyle ayein hem bothe, Line 5.4278 Which to the king was al unknowe. Line 5.4279 A yeer or tuo sche let do sowe Line 5.4280 The lond with sode whete aboute, Line 5.4281 Wherof no corn mai springen oute; Line 5.4282 And thus be sleyhte and be covine Line 5.4283 Aros the derthe and the famine Line 5.4284 Thurghout the lond in such a wise, Line 5.4285 So that the king a sacrifise Line 5.4286 Upon the point of this destresse Line 5.4287 To Ceres, which is the goddesse Line 5.4288 Of corn, hath schape him forto yive, Line 5.4289 To loke if it mai be foryive, Line 5.4290 The meschief which was in his lond. Line 5.4291 Bot sche, which knew tofor the hond Line 5.4292 The circumstance of al this thing, Line 5.4293 Ayein the cominge of the king Line 5.4294 Into the temple, hath schape so, Line 5.4295

Line 5.4295 Of hire acord that alle tho Line 5.4296 Whiche of the temple prestes were Line 5.4297 Have seid and full declared there Line 5.4298 Unto the king, bot if so be Line 5.4299 That he delivere the contre Line 5.4300

Lines 4301 through 4400

Of Frixus and of Hellen bothe, Line 5.4301 With whom the goddes ben so wrothe, Line 5.4302 That whil tho children ben therinne, Line 5.4303 Such tilthe schal noman beginne, Line 5.4304 Wherof to gete him eny corn. Line 5.4305 Thus was it seid, thus was it sworn Line 5.4306 Of all the Prestes that ther are; Line 5.4307 And sche which causeth al this fare Line 5.4308 Seid ek therto what that sche wolde, Line 5.4309 And every man thanne after tolde Line 5.4310 So as the queene hem hadde preid. Line 5.4311 The king, which hath his Ere leid, Line 5.4312 And lieveth al that evere he herde, Line 5.4313 Unto here tale thus ansuerde, Line 5.4314 And seith that levere him is to chese Line 5.4315 Hise children bothe forto lese, Line 5.4316 Than him and al the remenant Line 5.4317 Of hem whiche are aportenant Line 5.4318 Unto the lond which he schal kepe: Line 5.4319 And bad his wif to take kepe Line 5.4320 In what manere is best to done, Line 5.4321 That thei delivered weren sone Line 5.4322 Out of this world. And sche anon Line 5.4323 Tuo men ordeigneth forto gon; Line 5.4324 Bot ferst sche made hem forto swere Line 5.4325 That thei the children scholden bere Line 5.4326 Unto the See, that non it knowe, Line 5.4327 And hem therinne bothe throwe. Line 5.4328 The children to the See ben lad, Line 5.4329 Wher in the wise as Yno bad Line 5.4330 These men be redy forto do. Line 5.4331 Bot the goddesse which Juno Line 5.4332

Line 5.4332 Is hote, appiereth in the stede, Line 5.4333 And hath unto the men forbede Line 5.4334 That thei the children noght ne sle; Line 5.4335 Bot bad hem loke into the See Line 5.4336 And taken hiede of that thei sihen. Line 5.4337 Ther swam a Schep tofore here yhen, Line 5.4338 Whos flees of burned gold was al; Line 5.4339 And this goddesse forth withal Line 5.4340 Comandeth that withoute lette Line 5.4341 Thei scholde anon these children sette Line 5.4342 Above upon this Schepes bak; Line 5.4343 And al was do, riht as sche spak, Line 5.4344 Wherof the men gon hom ayein. Line 5.4345 And fell so, as the bokes sein, Line 5.4346 Hellen the yonge Mayden tho, Line 5.4347 Which of the See was wo bego, Line 5.4348 For pure drede hire herte hath lore, Line 5.4349 That fro the Schep, which hath hire bore, Line 5.4350 As sche that was swounende feint, Line 5.4351 Sche fell, and hath hirselve dreint; Line 5.4352 With Frixus and this Schep forth swam, Line 5.4353 Til he to thyle of Colchos cam, Line 5.4354 Where Juno the goddesse he fond, Line 5.4355 Which tok the Schep unto the lond, Line 5.4356 And sette it there in such a wise Line 5.4357 As thou tofore hast herd devise, Line 5.4358 Wherof cam after al the wo, Line 5.4359 Why Jason was forswore so Line 5.4360 Unto Medee, as it is spoke. Line 5.4361 Mi fader, who that hath tobroke Line 5.4362 His trouthe, as ye have told above, Line 5.4363 He is noght worthi forto love Line 5.4364 Ne be beloved, as me semeth: Line 5.4365 Bot every newe love quemeth Line 5.4366 To him which newefongel is. Line 5.4367 And natheles nou after this, Line 5.4368

Line 5.4368 If that you list to taken hiede Line 5.4369 Upon mi Schrifte to procede, Line 5.4370 In loves cause ayein the vice Line 5.4371 Of covoitise and Avarice Line 5.4372 What ther is more I wolde wite. Line 5.4373 Mi Sone, this I finde write, Line 5.4374 Ther is yit on of thilke brood, Line 5.4375 Which only for the worldes good, Line 5.4376 To make a Tresor of Moneie, Line 5.4377 Put alle conscience aweie: Line 5.4378 Wherof in thi confession Line 5.4379 The name and the condicion Line 5.4380 I schal hierafterward declare, Line 5.4381 Which makth on riche, an other bare. Line 5.4382 Upon the bench sittende on hih Line 5.4383 With Avarice Usure I sih, Line 5.4384 Full clothed of his oghne suite, Line 5.4385 Which after gold makth chace and suite Line 5.4386 With his brocours, that renne aboute Line 5.4387 Lich unto racches in a route. Line 5.4388 Such lucre is non above grounde, Line 5.4389 Which is noght of tho racches founde; Line 5.4390 For wher thei se beyete sterte, Line 5.4391 That schal hem in no wise asterte, Line 5.4392 Bot thei it dryve into the net Line 5.4393 Of lucre, which Usure hath set. Line 5.4394 Usure with the riche duelleth, Line 5.4395 To al that evere he beith and selleth Line 5.4396 He hath ordeined of his sleyhte Line 5.4397 Mesure double and double weyhte: Line 5.4398 Outward he selleth be the lasse, Line 5.4399 And with the more he makth his tasse, Line 5.4400

Lines 4401 through 4500

Wherof his hous is full withinne. Line 5.4401

Line 5.4401 He reccheth noght, be so he winne, Line 5.4402 Though that ther lese ten or tuelve: Line 5.4403 His love is al toward himselve Line 5.4404 And to non other, bot he se Line 5.4405 That he mai winne suche thre; Line 5.4406 For wher he schal oght yive or lene, Line 5.4407 He wol ayeinward take a bene, Line 5.4408 Ther he hath lent the smale pese. Line 5.4409 And riht so ther ben manye of these Line 5.4410 Lovers, that thogh thei love a lyte, Line 5.4411 That scarsly wolde it weie a myte, Line 5.4412 Yit wolde thei have a pound again, Line 5.4413 As doth Usure in his bargain. Line 5.4414 Bot certes such usure unliche, Line 5.4415 It falleth more unto the riche, Line 5.4416 Als wel of love as of beyete, Line 5.4417 Than unto hem that be noght grete, Line 5.4418 And, as who seith, ben simple and povere; Line 5.4419 For sielden is whan thei recovere, Line 5.4420 Bot if it be thurgh gret decerte. Line 5.4421 And natheles men se poverte Line 5.4422 With porsuite and continuance Line 5.4423 Fulofte make a gret chevance Line 5.4424 And take of love his avantage, Line 5.4425 Forth with the help of his brocage, Line 5.4426 That maken seme wher is noght. Line 5.4427 And thus fulofte is love boght Line 5.4428 For litel what, and mochel take, Line 5.4429 With false weyhtes that thei make. Line 5.4430 Nou, Sone, of that I seide above Line 5.4431 Thou wost what Usure is of love: Line 5.4432 Tell me forthi what so thou wilt, Line 5.4433 If thou therof hast eny gilt. Line 5.4434 Mi fader, nay, for ought I hiere. Line 5.4435 For of tho pointz ye tolden hiere Line 5.4436 I wol you be mi trouthe assure, Line 5.4437

Line 5.4437 Mi weyhte of love and mi mesure Line 5.4438 Hath be mor large and mor certein Line 5.4439 Than evere I tok of love ayein: Line 5.4440 For so yit couthe I nevere of sleyhte, Line 5.4441 To take ayein be double weyhte Line 5.4442 Of love mor than I have yive. Line 5.4443 For als so wiss mot I be schrive Line 5.4444 And have remission of Sinne, Line 5.4445 As so yit couthe I nevere winne, Line 5.4446 Ne yit so mochel, soth to sein, Line 5.4447 That evere I mihte have half ayein Line 5.4448 Of so full love as I have lent: Line 5.4449 And if myn happ were so wel went, Line 5.4450 That for the hole I mihte have half, Line 5.4451 Me thenkth I were a goddeshalf. Line 5.4452 For where Usure wole have double, Line 5.4453 Mi conscience is noght so trouble, Line 5.4454 I biede nevere as to my del Line 5.4455 Bot of the hole an halvendel; Line 5.4456 That is non excess, as me thenketh. Line 5.4457 Bot natheles it me forthenketh; Line 5.4458 For wel I wot that wol noght be, Line 5.4459 For every day the betre I se Line 5.4460 That hou so evere I yive or lene Line 5.4461 Mi love in place ther I mene, Line 5.4462 For oght that evere I axe or crave, Line 5.4463 I can nothing ayeinward have. Line 5.4464 Bot yit for that I wol noght lete, Line 5.4465 What so befalle of mi beyete, Line 5.4466 That I ne schal hire yive and lene Line 5.4467 Mi love and al mi thoght so clene, Line 5.4468 That toward me schal noght beleve. Line 5.4469 And if sche of hire goode leve Line 5.4470 Rewarde wol me noght again, Line 5.4471 I wot the laste of my bargain Line 5.4472 Schal stonde upon so gret a lost, Line 5.4473 That I mai neveremor the cost Line 5.4474 Recovere in this world til I die. Line 5.4475

Line 5.4475 So that touchende of this partie Line 5.4476 I mai me wel excuse and schal; Line 5.4477 And forto speke forth withal, Line 5.4478 If eny brocour for me wente, Line 5.4479 That point cam nevere in myn entente: Line 5.4480 So that the more me merveilleth, Line 5.4481 What thing it is mi ladi eilleth, Line 5.4482 That al myn herte and al my time Line 5.4483 Sche hath, and doth no betre bime. Line 5.4484 I have herd seid that thoght is fre, Line 5.4485 And natheles in privete Line 5.4486 To you, mi fader, that ben hiere Line 5.4487 Min hole schrifte forto hiere, Line 5.4488 I dar min herte wel desclose. Line 5.4489 Touchende usure, as I suppose, Line 5.4490 Which as ye telle in love is used, Line 5.4491 Mi ladi mai noght ben excused; Line 5.4492 That for o lokinge of hire ye� Line 5.4493 Min hole herte til I dye Line 5.4494 With al that evere I may and can Line 5.4495 Sche hath me wonne to hire man: Line 5.4496 Wherof, me thenkth, good reson wolde Line 5.4497 That sche somdel rewarde scholde, Line 5.4498 And yive a part, ther sche hath al. Line 5.4499 I not what falle hierafter schal, Line 5.4500

Lines 4501 through 4600

Bot into nou yit dar I sein, Line 5.4501 Hire liste nevere yive ayein Line 5.4502 A goodli word in such a wise, Line 5.4503 Wherof min hope mihte arise, Line 5.4504 Mi grete love to compense. Line 5.4505 I not hou sche hire conscience Line 5.4506 Excuse wole of this usure; Line 5.4507 Be large weyhte and gret mesure Line 5.4508 Sche hath mi love, and I have noght Line 5.4509 Of that which I have diere boght, Line 5.4510 And with myn herte I have it paid; Line 5.4511 Bot al that is asyde laid, Line 5.4512 And I go loveles aboute. Line 5.4513

Line 5.4513 Hire oghte stonde if ful gret doute, Line 5.4514 Til sche redresce such a sinne, Line 5.4515 That sche wole al mi love winne Line 5.4516 And yifth me noght to live by: Line 5.4517 Noght als so moche as "grant mercy" Line 5.4518 Hir list to seie, of which I mihte Line 5.4519 Som of mi grete peine allyhte. Line 5.4520 Bot of this point, lo, thus I fare Line 5.4521 As he that paith for his chaffare, Line 5.4522 And beith it diere, and yit hath non, Line 5.4523 So mot he nedes povere gon: Line 5.4524 Thus beie I diere and have no love, Line 5.4525 That I ne mai noght come above Line 5.4526 To winne of love non encress. Line 5.4527 Bot I me wole natheles Line 5.4528 Touchende usure of love aquite; Line 5.4529 And if mi ladi be to wyte, Line 5.4530 I preie to god such grace hir sende Line 5.4531 That sche be time it mot amende. Line 5.4532 Mi Sone, of that thou hast ansuerd Line 5.4533 Touchende Usure I have al herd, Line 5.4534 Hou thou of love hast wonne smale: Line 5.4535 Bot that thou tellest in thi tale Line 5.4536 And thi ladi therof accusest, Line 5.4537 Me thenkth tho wordes thou misusest. Line 5.4538 For be thin oghne knowlechinge Line 5.4539 Thou seist hou sche for o lokinge Line 5.4540 Thin hole herte fro the tok: Line 5.4541 Sche mai be such, that hire o lok Line 5.4542 Is worth thin herte manyfold; Line 5.4543 So hast thou wel thin herte sold, Line 5.4544 Whan thou hast that is more worth. Line 5.4545 And ek of that thou tellest forth, Line 5.4546 Hou that hire weyhte of love unevene Line 5.4547 Is unto thin, under the hevene Line 5.4548 Stod nevere in evene that balance Line 5.4549 Which stant in loves governance. Line 5.4550 Such is the statut of his lawe, Line 5.4551

Line 5.4551 That thogh thi love more drawe Line 5.4552 And peise in the balance more, Line 5.4553 Thou miht noght axe ayein therfore Line 5.4554 Of duete, bot al of grace. Line 5.4555 For love is lord in every place, Line 5.4556 Ther mai no lawe him justefie Line 5.4557 Be reddour ne be compaignie, Line 5.4558 That he ne wole after his wille Line 5.4559 Whom that him liketh spede or spille. Line 5.4560 To love a man mai wel beginne, Line 5.4561 Bot whether he schal lese or winne, Line 5.4562 That wot noman til ate laste: Line 5.4563 Forthi coveite noght to faste, Line 5.4564 Mi Sone, bot abyd thin ende, Line 5.4565 Per cas al mai to goode wende. Line 5.4566 Bot that thou hast me told and said, Line 5.4567 Of o thing I am riht wel paid, Line 5.4568 That thou be sleyhte ne be guile Line 5.4569 Of no brocour hast otherwhile Line 5.4570 Engined love, for such dede Line 5.4571 Is sore venged, as I rede. Line 5.4572 Brocours of love that deceiven, Line 5.4573 No wonder is thogh thei receiven Line 5.4574 After the wrong that thei decerven; Line 5.4575 For whom as evere that thei serven Line 5.4576 And do plesance for a whyle, Line 5.4577 Yit ate laste here oghne guile Line 5.4578 Upon here oghne hed descendeth, Line 5.4579 Which god of his vengance sendeth, Line 5.4580 As be ensample of time go Line 5.4581 A man mai finde it hath be so. Line 5.4582 It fell somtime, as it was sene, Line 5.4583 The hihe goddesse and the queene Line 5.4584 Juno tho hadde in compainie Line 5.4585 A Maiden full of tricherie; Line 5.4586 For sche was evere in on acord Line 5.4587

Line 5.4587 With Jupiter, that was hire lord, Line 5.4588 To gete him othre loves newe, Line 5.4589 Thurgh such brocage and was untrewe Line 5.4590 Al otherwise than him nedeth. Line 5.4591 Bot sche, which of no schame dredeth, Line 5.4592 With queinte wordes and with slyhe Line 5.4593 Blente in such wise hir lady yhe, Line 5.4594 As sche to whom that Juno triste, Line 5.4595 So that therof sche nothing wiste. Line 5.4596 Bot so prive mai be nothing, Line 5.4597 That it ne comth to knowleching; Line 5.4598 Thing don upon the derke nyht Line 5.4599 Is after knowe on daies liht: Line 5.4600

Lines 4601 through 4700

So it befell, that ate laste Line 5.4601 Al that this slyhe maiden caste Line 5.4602 Was overcast and overthrowe. Line 5.4603 For as the sothe mot be knowe, Line 5.4604 To Juno was don understonde Line 5.4605 In what manere hir housebonde Line 5.4606 With fals brocage hath take usure Line 5.4607 Of love mor than his mesure, Line 5.4608 Whan he tok othre than his wif, Line 5.4609 Wherof this mayden was gultif, Line 5.4610 Which hadde ben of his assent. Line 5.4611 And thus was al the game schent; Line 5.4612 She soffreth him, as sche mot nede, Line 5.4613 Bot the brocour of his misdede, Line 5.4614 Sche which hir conseil yaf therto, Line 5.4615 On hire is the vengance do: Line 5.4616 For Juno with hire wordes hote, Line 5.4617 This Maiden, which Eccho was hote, Line 5.4618 Reproveth and seith in this wise: Line 5.4619 "O traiteresse, of which servise Line 5.4620 Hast thou thin oghne ladi served! Line 5.4621 Thou hast gret peine wel deserved, Line 5.4622 That thou canst maken it so queinte, Line 5.4623 Thi slyhe wordes forto peinte Line 5.4624 Towardes me, that am thi queene, Line 5.4625 Wherof thou madest me to wene Line 5.4626

Line 5.4626 That myn housbonde trewe were, Line 5.4627 Whan that he loveth elleswhere, Line 5.4628 Al be it so him nedeth noght. Line 5.4629 Bot upon thee it schal be boght, Line 5.4630 Which art prive to tho doinges, Line 5.4631 And me fulofte of thi lesinges Line 5.4632 Deceived hast: nou is the day Line 5.4633 That I thi while aquite may; Line 5.4634 And for thou hast to me conceled Line 5.4635 That my lord hath with othre deled, Line 5.4636 I schal thee sette in such a kende, Line 5.4637 That evere unto the worldes ende Line 5.4638 Al that thou hierest thou schalt telle, Line 5.4639 And clappe it out as doth a belle." Line 5.4640 And with that word sche was forschape, Line 5.4641 Ther may no vois hire mouth ascape, Line 5.4642 What man that in the wodes crieth, Line 5.4643 Withoute faile Eccho replieth, Line 5.4644 And what word that him list to sein, Line 5.4645 The same word sche seith ayein. Line 5.4646 Thus sche, which whilom hadde leve Line 5.4647 To duelle in chambre, mot beleve Line 5.4648 In wodes and on helles bothe, Line 5.4649 For such brocage as wyves lothe, Line 5.4650 Which doth here lordes hertes change Line 5.4651 And love in other place strange. Line 5.4652 Forthi, if evere it so befalle, Line 5.4653 That thou, mi Sone, amonges alle Line 5.4654 Be wedded man, hold that thou hast, Line 5.4655 For thanne al other love is wast. Line 5.4656 O wif schal wel to thee suffise, Line 5.4657 And thanne, if thou for covoitise Line 5.4658 Of love woldest axe more, Line 5.4659 Thou scholdest don ayein the lore Line 5.4660 Of alle hem that trewe be. Line 5.4661 Mi fader, as in this degre Line 5.4662 My conscience is noght accused; Line 5.4663

Line 5.4663 For I no such brocage have used, Line 5.4664 Wherof that lust of love is wonne. Line 5.4665 Forthi spek forth, as ye begonne, Line 5.4666 Of Avarice upon mi schrifte. Line 5.4667 Mi Sone, I schal the branches schifte Line 5.4668 Be ordre so as thei ben set, Line 5.4669 On whom no good is wel beset. Line 5.4670 Blinde Avarice of his lignage Line 5.4671 For conseil and for cousinage, Line 5.4672 To be withholde ayein largesse, Line 5.4673 Hath on, whos name is seid Skarsnesse, Line 5.4674 The which is kepere of his hous, Line 5.4675 And is so thurghout averous, Line 5.4676 That he no good let out of honde; Line 5.4677 Thogh god himself it wolde fonde, Line 5.4678 Of yifte scholde he nothing have; Line 5.4679 And if a man it wolde crave, Line 5.4680 He moste thanne faile nede, Line 5.4681 Wher god himselve mai noght spede. Line 5.4682 And thus Skarsnesse in every place Line 5.4683 Be reson mai no thonk porchace, Line 5.4684 And natheles in his degree Line 5.4685 Above all othre most prive Line 5.4686 With Avarice stant he this. Line 5.4687 For he governeth that ther is Line 5.4688 In ech astat of his office Line 5.4689 After the reule of thilke vice; Line 5.4690 He takth, he kepth, he halt, he bint, Line 5.4691 That lihtere is to fle the flint Line 5.4692 Than gete of him in hard or neisshe Line 5.4693 Only the value of a reysshe Line 5.4694 Of good in helpinge of an other, Line 5.4695 Noght thogh it were his oghne brother. Line 5.4696

Line 5.4696 For in the cas of yifte and lone Line 5.4697 Stant every man for him al one, Line 5.4698 Him thenkth of his unkindeschipe Line 5.4699 That him nedeth no felaschipe: Line 5.4700

Lines 4701 through 4800

Be so the bagge and he acorden, Line 5.4701 Him reccheth noght what men recorden Line 5.4702 Of him, or it be evel or good. Line 5.4703 For al his trust is on his good, Line 5.4704 So that al one he falleth ofte, Line 5.4705 Whan he best weneth stonde alofte, Line 5.4706 Als wel in love as other wise; Line 5.4707 For love is evere of som reprise Line 5.4708 To him that wole his love holde. Line 5.4709 Forthi, mi Sone, as thou art holde, Line 5.4710 Touchende of this tell me thi schrifte: Line 5.4711 Hast thou be scars or large of yifte Line 5.4712 Unto thi love, whom thou servest? Line 5.4713 For after that thou wel deservest Line 5.4714 Of yifte, thou miht be the bet; Line 5.4715 For that good holde I wel beset, Line 5.4716 For why thou miht the betre fare; Line 5.4717 Thanne is no wisdom forto spare. Line 5.4718 For thus men sein, in every nede Line 5.4719 He was wys that ferst made mede; Line 5.4720 For where as mede mai noght spede, Line 5.4721 I not what helpeth other dede: Line 5.4722 Fulofte he faileth of his game Line 5.4723 That wol with ydel hand reclame Line 5.4724 His hauk, as many a nyce doth. Line 5.4725 Forthi, mi Sone, tell me soth Line 5.4726 And sei the trouthe, if thou hast be Line 5.4727 Unto thy love or skars or fre. Line 5.4728 Mi fader, it hath stonde thus, Line 5.4729 That if the tresor of Cresus Line 5.4730 And al the gold Octovien, Line 5.4731 Forth with the richesse Yndien Line 5.4732 Of Perles and of riche stones, Line 5.4733 Were al togedre myn at ones, Line 5.4734

Line 5.4734 I sette it at nomore acompte Line 5.4735 Than wolde a bare straw amonte, Line 5.4736 To yive it hire al in a day, Line 5.4737 Be so that to that suete may Line 5.4738 I myhte like or more or lesse. Line 5.4739 And thus be cause of my scarsnesse Line 5.4740 Ye mai wel understonde and lieve Line 5.4741 That I schal noght the worse achieve Line 5.4742 The pourpos which is in my thoght. Line 5.4743 Bot yit I yaf hir nevere noght, Line 5.4744 Ne therto dorste a profre make; Line 5.4745 For wel I wot sche wol noght take, Line 5.4746 And yive wol sche noght also, Line 5.4747 Sche is eschu of bothe tuo. Line 5.4748 And this I trowe be the skile Line 5.4749 Towardes me, for sche ne wile Line 5.4750 That I have eny cause of hope, Line 5.4751 Noght also mochel as a drope. Line 5.4752 Bot toward othre, as I mai se, Line 5.4753 Sche takth and yifth in such degre, Line 5.4754 That as be weie of frendlihiede Line 5.4755 Sche can so kepe hir wommanhiede, Line 5.4756 That every man spekth of hir wel. Line 5.4757 Bot sche wole take of me no del, Line 5.4758 And yit sche wot wel that I wolde Line 5.4759 Yive and do bothe what I scholde Line 5.4760 To plesen hire in al my myht: Line 5.4761 Be reson this wot every wyht, Line 5.4762 For that mai be no weie asterte, Line 5.4763 Ther sche is maister of the herte, Line 5.4764 Sche mot be maister of the good. Line 5.4765 For god wot wel that al my mod Line 5.4766 And al min herte and al mi thoght Line 5.4767 And al mi good, whil I have oght, Line 5.4768 Als freliche as god hath it yive, Line 5.4769 It schal ben hires, while I live, Line 5.4770 Riht as hir list hirself commande. Line 5.4771 So that it nedeth no demande, Line 5.4772

Line 5.4772 To axe of me if I be scars Line 5.4773 To love, for as to tho pars Line 5.4774 I wole ansuere and seie no. Line 5.4775 Mi Sone, that is riht wel do. Line 5.4776 For often times of scarsnesse Line 5.4777 It hath be sen, that for the lesse Line 5.4778 Is lost the more, as thou schalt hiere Line 5.4779 A tale lich to this matiere. Line 5.4780 Skarsnesse and love acorden nevere, Line 5.4781 For every thing is wel the levere, Line 5.4782 Whan that a man hath boght it diere: Line 5.4783 And forto speke in this matiere, Line 5.4784 For sparinge of a litel cost Line 5.4785 Fulofte time a man hath lost Line 5.4786 The large cote for the hod. Line 5.4787 What man that scars is of his good Line 5.4788 And wol noght yive, he schal noght take: Line 5.4789 With yifte a man mai undertake Line 5.4790 The hihe god to plese and queme, Line 5.4791 With yifte a man the world mai deme; Line 5.4792 For every creature bore, Line 5.4793 If thou him yive, is glad therfore, Line 5.4794 And every gladschipe, as I finde, Line 5.4795 Is confort unto loves kinde Line 5.4796 And causeth ofte a man to spede. Line 5.4797 So was he wys that ferst yaf mede, Line 5.4798 For mede kepeth love in house; Line 5.4799 Bot wher the men ben coveitouse Line 5.4800

Lines 4801 through 4900

And sparen forto yive a part, Line 5.4801 Thei knowe noght Cupides art: Line 5.4802 For his fortune and his aprise Line 5.4803 Desdeigneth alle coveitise Line 5.4804 And hateth alle nygardie. Line 5.4805 And forto loke of this partie, Line 5.4806 A soth ensample, hou it is so, Line 5.4807 I finde write of Babio; Line 5.4808 Which hadde a love at his menage, Line 5.4809

Line 5.4809 Ther was non fairere of hire age, Line 5.4810 And hihte Viola be name; Line 5.4811 Which full of youthe and ful of game Line 5.4812 Was of hirself, and large and fre, Line 5.4813 Bot such an other chinche as he Line 5.4814 Men wisten noght in al the lond, Line 5.4815 And hadde affaited to his hond Line 5.4816 His servant, the which Spodius Line 5.4817 Was hote. And in this wise thus Line 5.4818 The worldes good of sufficance Line 5.4819 Was had, bot likinge and plesance, Line 5.4820 Of that belongeth to richesse Line 5.4821 Of love, stod in gret destresse; Line 5.4822 So that this yonge lusty wyht Line 5.4823 Of thing which fell to loves riht Line 5.4824 Was evele served overal, Line 5.4825 That sche was wo bego withal, Line 5.4826 Til that Cupide and Venus eke Line 5.4827 A medicine for the seke Line 5.4828 Ordeigne wolden in this cas. Line 5.4829 So as fortune thanne was, Line 5.4830 Of love upon the destine Line 5.4831 It fell, riht as it scholde be, Line 5.4832 A freissh, a fre, a frendly man Line 5.4833 That noght of Avarice can, Line 5.4834 Which Croceus be name hihte, Line 5.4835 Toward this swete caste his sihte, Line 5.4836 And ther sche was cam in presence. Line 5.4837 Sche sih him large of his despence, Line 5.4838 And amorous and glad of chiere, Line 5.4839 So that hir liketh wel to hiere Line 5.4840 The goodly wordes whiche he seide; Line 5.4841 And therupon of love he preide, Line 5.4842 Of love was al that he mente, Line 5.4843 To love and for sche scholde assente, Line 5.4844 He yaf hire yiftes evere among. Line 5.4845 Bot for men sein that mede is strong, Line 5.4846 It was wel seene at thilke tyde; Line 5.4847

Line 5.4847 For as it scholde of ryht betyde, Line 5.4848 This Viola largesce hath take Line 5.4849 And the nygard sche hath forsake: Line 5.4850 Of Babio sche wol no more, Line 5.4851 For he was grucchende everemore, Line 5.4852 Ther was with him non other fare Line 5.4853 Bot forto prinche and forto spare, Line 5.4854 Of worldes muk to gete encress. Line 5.4855 So goth the wrecche loveles, Line 5.4856 Bejaped for his Skarcete, Line 5.4857 And he that large was and fre Line 5.4858 And sette his herte to despende, Line 5.4859 This Croceus, the bowe bende, Line 5.4860 Which Venus tok him forto holde, Line 5.4861 And schotte als ofte as evere he wolde. Line 5.4862 Lo, thus departeth love his lawe, Line 5.4863 That what man wol noght be felawe Line 5.4864 To yive and spende, as I thee telle, Line 5.4865 He is noght worthi forto duelle Line 5.4866 In loves court to be relieved. Line 5.4867 Forthi, my Sone, if I be lieved, Line 5.4868 Thou schalt be large of thi despence. Line 5.4869 Mi fader, in mi conscience Line 5.4870 If ther be eny thing amis, Line 5.4871 I wol amende it after this, Line 5.4872 Toward mi love namely. Line 5.4873 Mi Sone, wel and redely Line 5.4874 Thou seist, so that wel paid withal Line 5.4875 I am, and forthere if I schal Line 5.4876 Unto thi schrifte specefie Line 5.4877 Of Avarices progenie Line 5.4878 What vice suieth after this, Line 5.4879 Thou schalt have wonder hou it is, Line 5.4880 Among the folk in eny regne Line 5.4881 That such a vice myhte regne, Line 5.4882 Which is comun at alle assaies, Line 5.4883 As men mai finde nou adaies. Line 5.4884

Line 5.4884 The vice lik unto the fend, Line 5.4885 Which nevere yit was mannes frend, Line 5.4886 And cleped is Unkindeschipe, Line 5.4887 Of covine and of felaschipe Line 5.4888 With Avarice he is withholde. Line 5.4889 Him thenkth he scholde noght ben holde Line 5.4890 Unto the moder which him bar; Line 5.4891 Of him mai nevere man be war, Line 5.4892 He wol noght knowe the merite, Line 5.4893 For that he wolde it noght aquite; Line 5.4894 Which in this world is mochel used, Line 5.4895 And fewe ben therof excused. Line 5.4896 To telle of him is endeles, Line 5.4897 Bot this I seie natheles, Line 5.4898 Wher as this vice comth to londe, Line 5.4899 Ther takth noman his thonk on honde; Line 5.4900

Lines 4901 through 5000

Thogh he with alle his myhtes serve, Line 5.4901 He schal of him no thonk deserve. Line 5.4902 He takth what eny man wol yive, Line 5.4903 Bot whil he hath o day to live, Line 5.4904 He wol nothing rewarde ayein; Line 5.4905 He gruccheth forto yive o grein, Line 5.4906 Wher he hath take a berne full. Line 5.4907 That makth a kinde herte dull, Line 5.4908 To sette his trust in such frendschipe, Line 5.4909 Ther as he fint no kindeschipe; Line 5.4910 And forto speke wordes pleine, Line 5.4911 Thus hiere I many a man compleigne, Line 5.4912 That nou on daies thou schalt finde Line 5.4913 At nede fewe frendes kinde; Line 5.4914 What thou hast don for hem tofore, Line 5.4915 It is foryete, as it were lore. Line 5.4916 The bokes speken of this vice, Line 5.4917 And telle hou god of his justice, Line 5.4918

Line 5.4918 Be weie of kinde and ek nature Line 5.4919 And every lifissh creature, Line 5.4920 The lawe also, who that it kan, Line 5.4921 Thei dampnen an unkinde man. Line 5.4922 It is al on to seie unkinde Line 5.4923 As thing which don is ayein kinde, Line 5.4924 For it with kinde nevere stod Line 5.4925 A man to yelden evel for good. Line 5.4926 For who that wolde taken hede, Line 5.4927 A beste is glad of a good dede, Line 5.4928 And loveth thilke creature Line 5.4929 After the lawe of his nature Line 5.4930 Which doth him ese. And forto se Line 5.4931 Of this matiere Auctorite, Line 5.4932 Fulofte time it hath befalle; Line 5.4933 Wherof a tale amonges alle, Line 5.4934 Which is of olde ensamplerie, Line 5.4935 I thenke forto specefie. Line 5.4936 To speke of an unkinde man, Line 5.4937 I finde hou whilom Adrian, Line 5.4938 Of Rome which a gret lord was, Line 5.4939 Upon a day as he per cas Line 5.4940 To wode in his huntinge wente, Line 5.4941 It hapneth at a soudein wente, Line 5.4942 After his chace as he poursuieth, Line 5.4943 Thurgh happ, the which noman eschuieth, Line 5.4944 He fell unwar into a pet, Line 5.4945 Wher that it mihte noght be let. Line 5.4946 The pet was dep and he fell lowe, Line 5.4947 That of his men non myhte knowe Line 5.4948 Wher he becam, for non was nyh, Line 5.4949 Which of his fall the meschief syh. Line 5.4950 And thus al one ther he lay Line 5.4951 Clepende and criende al the day Line 5.4952 For socour and deliverance, Line 5.4953

Line 5.4953 Til ayein Eve it fell per chance, Line 5.4954 A while er it began to nyhte, Line 5.4955 A povere man, which Bardus hihte, Line 5.4956 Cam forth walkende with his asse, Line 5.4957 And hadde gadred him a tasse Line 5.4958 Of grene stickes and of dreie Line 5.4959 To selle, who that wolde hem beie, Line 5.4960 As he which hadde no liflode, Line 5.4961 Bot whanne he myhte such a lode Line 5.4962 To toune with his Asse carie. Line 5.4963 And as it fell him forto tarie Line 5.4964 That ilke time nyh the pet, Line 5.4965 And hath the trusse faste knet, Line 5.4966 He herde a vois, which cride dimme, Line 5.4967 And he his Ere to the brimme Line 5.4968 Hath leid, and herde it was a man, Line 5.4969 Which seide, "Ha, help hier Adrian, Line 5.4970 And I wol yiven half mi good." Line 5.4971 The povere man this understod, Line 5.4972 As he that wolde gladly winne, Line 5.4973 And to this lord which was withinne Line 5.4974 He spak and seide, "If I thee save, Line 5.4975 What sikernesse schal I have Line 5.4976 Of covenant, that afterward Line 5.4977 Thou wolt me yive such reward Line 5.4978 As thou behihtest nou tofore?" Line 5.4979 That other hath his othes swore Line 5.4980 Be hevene and be the goddes alle, Line 5.4981 If that it myhte so befalle Line 5.4982 That he out of the pet him broghte, Line 5.4983 Of all the goodes whiche he oghte Line 5.4984 He schal have evene halvendel. Line 5.4985 This Bardus seide he wolde wel; Line 5.4986 And with this word his Asse anon Line 5.4987 He let untrusse, and therupon Line 5.4988 Doun goth the corde into the pet, Line 5.4989 To which he hath at ende knet Line 5.4990

Line 5.4990 A staf, wherby, he seide, he wolde Line 5.4991 That Adrian him scholde holde. Line 5.4992 Bot it was tho per chance falle, Line 5.4993 Into that pet was also falle Line 5.4994 An Ape, which at thilke throwe, Line 5.4995 Whan that the corde cam doun lowe, Line 5.4996 Al sodeinli therto he skipte Line 5.4997 And it in bothe hise armes clipte. Line 5.4998 And Bardus with his Asse anon Line 5.4999 Him hath updrawe, and he is gon. Line 5.5000

Lines 5001 through 5100

But whan he sih it was an Ape, Line 5.5001 He wende al hadde ben a jape Line 5.5002 Of faierie, and sore him dradde: Line 5.5003 And Adrian eftsone gradde Line 5.5004 For help, and cride and preide faste, Line 5.5005 And he eftsone his corde caste; Line 5.5006 Bot whan it cam unto the grounde, Line 5.5007 A gret Serpent it hath bewounde, Line 5.5008 The which Bardus anon up drouh. Line 5.5009 And thanne him thoghte wel ynouh, Line 5.5010 It was fantosme, bot yit he herde Line 5.5011 The vois, and he therto ansuerde, Line 5.5012 "What wiht art thou in goddes name?" Line 5.5013 "I am," quod Adrian, "the same, Line 5.5014 Whos good thou schalt have evene half." Line 5.5015 Quod Bardus, "Thanne a goddes half Line 5.5016 The thridde time assaie I schal": Line 5.5017 And caste his corde forth withal Line 5.5018 Into the pet, and whan it cam Line 5.5019 To him, this lord of Rome it nam, Line 5.5020 And therupon him hath adresced, Line 5.5021 And with his hand fulofte blessed, Line 5.5022 And thanne he bad to Bardus hale. Line 5.5023 And he, which understod his tale, Line 5.5024 Betwen him and his Asse al softe Line 5.5025 Hath drawe and set him up alofte Line 5.5026

Line 5.5026 Withouten harm al esely. Line 5.5027 He seith noght ones "grant merci," Line 5.5028 Bot strauhte him forth to the cite, Line 5.5029 And let this povere Bardus be. Line 5.5030 And natheles this simple man Line 5.5031 His covenant, so as he can, Line 5.5032 Hath axed; and that other seide, Line 5.5033 If so be that he him umbreide Line 5.5034 Of oght that hath be speke or do, Line 5.5035 It schal ben venged on him so, Line 5.5036 That him were betre to be ded. Line 5.5037 And he can tho non other red, Line 5.5038 But on his asse ayein he caste Line 5.5039 His trusse, and hieth homward faste: Line 5.5040 And whan that he cam hom to bedde, Line 5.5041 He tolde his wif hou that he spedde. Line 5.5042 Bot finaly to speke oght more Line 5.5043 Unto this lord he dradde him sore, Line 5.5044 So that a word ne dorste he sein: Line 5.5045 And thus upon the morwe ayein, Line 5.5046 In the manere as I recorde, Line 5.5047 Forth with his Asse and with his corde Line 5.5048 To gadre wode, as he dede er, Line 5.5049 He goth; and whan that he cam ner Line 5.5050 Unto the place where he wolde, Line 5.5051 He hath his Ape anon beholde, Line 5.5052 Which hadde gadred al aboute Line 5.5053 Of stickes hiere and there a route, Line 5.5054 And leide hem redy to his hond, Line 5.5055 Wherof he made his trosse and bond; Line 5.5056 Fro dai to dai and in this wise Line 5.5057 This Ape profreth his servise, Line 5.5058 So that he hadde of wode ynouh. Line 5.5059 Upon a time and as he drouh Line 5.5060 Toward the wode, he sih besyde Line 5.5061 The grete gastli Serpent glyde, Line 5.5062 Til that sche cam in his presence, Line 5.5063

Line 5.5063 And in hir kinde a reverence Line 5.5064 Sche hath him do, and forth withal Line 5.5065 A Ston mor briht than a cristall Line 5.5066 Out of hir mouth tofore his weie Line 5.5067 Sche let doun falle, and wente aweie, Line 5.5068 For that he schal noght ben adrad. Line 5.5069 Tho was this povere Bardus glad, Line 5.5070 Thonkende god, and to the Ston Line 5.5071 He goth an takth it up anon, Line 5.5072 And hath gret wonder in his wit Line 5.5073 Hou that the beste him hath aquit, Line 5.5074 Wher that the mannes Sone hath failed, Line 5.5075 For whom he hadde most travailed. Line 5.5076 Bot al he putte in goddes hond, Line 5.5077 And torneth hom, and what he fond Line 5.5078 Unto his wif he hath it schewed; Line 5.5079 And thei, that weren bothe lewed, Line 5.5080 Acorden that he scholde it selle. Line 5.5081 And he no lengere wolde duelle, Line 5.5082 Bot forth anon upon the tale Line 5.5083 The Ston he profreth to the sale; Line 5.5084 And riht as he himself it sette, Line 5.5085 The jueler anon forth fette Line 5.5086 The gold and made his paiement, Line 5.5087 Therof was no delaiement. Line 5.5088 Thus whan this Ston was boght and sold, Line 5.5089 Homward with joie manyfold Line 5.5090 This Bardus goth; and whan he cam Line 5.5091 Hom to his hous and that he nam Line 5.5092 His gold out of his Purs, withinne Line 5.5093 He fond his Ston also therinne, Line 5.5094 Wherof for joie his herte pleide, Line 5.5095 Unto his wif and thus he seide, Line 5.5096 "Lo, hier my gold, lo, hier mi Ston!" Line 5.5097 His wif hath wonder therupon, Line 5.5098 And axeth him hou that mai be. Line 5.5099 "Nou be mi trouthe I not," quod he, Line 5.5100

Lines 5101 through 5200

"Bot I dar swere upon a bok, Line 5.5101

Line 5.5101 That to my Marchant I it tok, Line 5.5102 And he it hadde whan I wente: Line 5.5103 So knowe I noght to what entente Line 5.5104 It is nou hier, bot it be grace. Line 5.5105 Forthi tomorwe in other place Line 5.5106 I wole it fonde forto selle, Line 5.5107 And if it wol noght with him duelle, Line 5.5108 Bot crepe into mi purs ayein, Line 5.5109 Than dar I saufly swere and sein, Line 5.5110 It is the vertu of the Ston." Line 5.5111 The morwe cam, and he is gon Line 5.5112 To seche aboute in other stede Line 5.5113 His Ston to selle, and he so dede, Line 5.5114 And lefte it with his chapman there. Line 5.5115 Bot whan that he cam elleswhere, Line 5.5116 In presence of his wif at hom, Line 5.5117 Out of his Purs and that he nom Line 5.5118 His gold, he fond his Ston withal: Line 5.5119 And thus it fell him overal, Line 5.5120 Where he it solde in sondri place, Line 5.5121 Such was the fortune and the grace. Line 5.5122 Bot so wel may nothing ben hidd, Line 5.5123 That it nys ate laste kidd: Line 5.5124 This fame goth aboute Rome Line 5.5125 So ferforth, that the wordes come Line 5.5126 To themperour Justinian; Line 5.5127 And he let sende for the man, Line 5.5128 And axede him hou that it was. Line 5.5129 And Bardus tolde him al the cas, Line 5.5130 Hou that the worm and ek the beste, Line 5.5131 Althogh thei maden no beheste, Line 5.5132 His travail hadden wel aquit; Line 5.5133 Bot he which hadde a mannes wit, Line 5.5134 And made his covenant be mouthe Line 5.5135 And swor therto al that he couthe Line 5.5136 To parte and yiven half his good, Line 5.5137

Line 5.5137 Hath nou foryete hou that it stod, Line 5.5138 As he which wol no trouthe holde. Line 5.5139 This Emperour al that he tolde Line 5.5140 Hath herd, and thilke unkindenesse Line 5.5141 He seide he wolde himself redresse. Line 5.5142 And thus in court of juggement Line 5.5143 This Adrian was thanne assent, Line 5.5144 And the querele in audience Line 5.5145 Declared was in the presence Line 5.5146 Of themperour and many mo; Line 5.5147 Wherof was mochel speche tho Line 5.5148 And gret wondringe among the press. Line 5.5149 Bot ate laste natheles Line 5.5150 For the partie which hath pleigned Line 5.5151 The lawe hath diemed and ordeigned Line 5.5152 Be hem that were avised wel, Line 5.5153 That he schal have the halvendel Line 5.5154 Thurghout of Adrianes good. Line 5.5155 And thus of thilke unkinde blod Line 5.5156 Stant the memoire into this day, Line 5.5157 Wherof that every wysman may Line 5.5158 Ensamplen him, and take in mynde Line 5.5159 What schame it is to ben unkinde; Line 5.5160 Ayein the which reson debateth, Line 5.5161 And every creature it hateth. Line 5.5162 Forthi, mi Sone, in thin office Line 5.5163 I rede fle that ilke vice. Line 5.5164 For riht as the Cronique seith Line 5.5165 Of Adrian, hou he his feith Line 5.5166 Foryat for worldes covoitise, Line 5.5167 Fulofte in such a maner wise Line 5.5168 Of lovers nou a man mai se Line 5.5169 Full manye that unkinde be: Line 5.5170 For wel behote and evele laste Line 5.5171 That is here lif; for ate laste, Line 5.5172 Whan that thei have here wille do, Line 5.5173 Here love is after sone ago. Line 5.5174 What seist thou, Sone, to this cas? Line 5.5175

Line 5.5175 Mi fader, I wol seie Helas, Line 5.5176 That evere such a man was bore, Line 5.5177 Which whan he hath his trouthe suore Line 5.5178 And hath of love what he wolde, Line 5.5179 That he at eny time scholde Line 5.5180 Evere after in his herte finde Line 5.5181 To falsen and to ben unkinde. Line 5.5182 Bot, fader, as touchende of me, Line 5.5183 I mai noght stonde in that degre; Line 5.5184 For I tok nevere of love why, Line 5.5185 That I ne mai wel go therby Line 5.5186 And do my profit elles where, Line 5.5187 For eny sped I finde there. Line 5.5188 I dar wel thenken al aboute, Line 5.5189 Bot I ne dar noght speke it oute; Line 5.5190 And if I dorste, I wolde pleigne, Line 5.5191 That sche for whom I soffre peine Line 5.5192 And love hir evere aliche hote, Line 5.5193 That nouther yive ne behote Line 5.5194 In rewardinge of mi servise Line 5.5195 It list hire in no maner wise. Line 5.5196 I wol noght say that sche is kinde, Line 5.5197 And forto sai sche is unkinde, Line 5.5198 That dar I noght; bot god above, Line 5.5199 Which demeth every herte of love, Line 5.5200

Lines 5201 through 5300

He wot that on myn oghne side Line 5.5201 Schal non unkindeschipe abide: Line 5.5202 If it schal with mi ladi duelle, Line 5.5203 Therof dar I nomore telle. Line 5.5204 Nou, goode fader, as it is, Line 5.5205 Tell me what thenketh you of this. Line 5.5206 Mi Sone, of that unkindeschipe, Line 5.5207 The which toward thi ladischipe Line 5.5208 Thou pleignest, for sche wol thee noght, Line 5.5209 Thou art to blamen of that thoght. Line 5.5210 For it mai be that thi desir, Line 5.5211 Thogh it brenne evere as doth the fyr, Line 5.5212 Per cas to hire honour missit, Line 5.5213

Line 5.5213 Or elles time com noght yit, Line 5.5214 Which standt upon thi destine: Line 5.5215 Forthi, mi Sone, I rede thee, Line 5.5216 Thenk wel, what evere the befalle; Line 5.5217 For noman hath his lustes alle. Line 5.5218 Bot as thou toldest me before Line 5.5219 That thou to love art noght forswore, Line 5.5220 And hast don non unkindenesse, Line 5.5221 Thou miht therof thi grace blesse: Line 5.5222 And lef noght that continuance; Line 5.5223 For ther mai be no such grevance Line 5.5224 To love, as is unkindeschipe. Line 5.5225 Wherof to kepe thi worschipe, Line 5.5226 So as these olde bokes tale, Line 5.5227 I schal thee telle a redi tale: Line 5.5228 Nou herkne and be wel war therby, Line 5.5229 For I wol telle it openly. Line 5.5230 Mynos, as telleth the Poete, Line 5.5231 The which whilom was king of Crete, Line 5.5232 A Sone hadde and Androchee Line 5.5233 He hihte: and so befell that he Line 5.5234 Unto Athenes forto lere Line 5.5235 Was send, and so he bar him there, Line 5.5236 For that he was of hih lignage, Line 5.5237 Such pride he tok in his corage, Line 5.5238 That he foryeten hath the Scoles, Line 5.5239 And in riote among the foles Line 5.5240 He dede manye thinges wronge; Line 5.5241 And useth thilke lif so longe, Line 5.5242 Til ate laste of that he wroghte Line 5.5243 He fond the meschief which he soghte, Line 5.5244 Wherof it fell that he was slain. Line 5.5245 His fader, which it herde sain, Line 5.5246 Was wroth, and al that evere he mihte, Line 5.5247 Of men of Armes he him dighte Line 5.5248 A strong pouer, and forth he wente Line 5.5249

Line 5.5249 Unto Athenys, where he brente Line 5.5250 The pleine contre al aboute: Line 5.5251 The Cites stode of him in doute, Line 5.5252 As thei that no defence hadde Line 5.5253 Ayein the pouer which he ladde. Line 5.5254 Egeu�s, which was there king, Line 5.5255 His conseil tok upon this thing, Line 5.5256 For he was thanne in the Cite: Line 5.5257 So that of pes into tretee Line 5.5258 Betwen Mynos and Egeu�s Line 5.5259 Thei felle, and ben acorded thus; Line 5.5260 That king Mynos fro yer to yeere Line 5.5261 Receive schal, as thou schalt here, Line 5.5262 Out of Athenys for truage Line 5.5263 Of men that were of myhti Age Line 5.5264 Persones nyne, of whiche he schal Line 5.5265 His wille don in special Line 5.5266 For vengance of his Sones deth. Line 5.5267 Non other grace ther ne geth, Line 5.5268 Bot forto take the juise; Line 5.5269 And that was don in such a wise, Line 5.5270 Which stod upon a wonder cas. Line 5.5271 For thilke time so it was, Line 5.5272 Wherof that men yit rede and singe, Line 5.5273 King Mynos hadde in his kepinge Line 5.5274 A cruel Monstre, as seith the geste: Line 5.5275 For he was half man and half beste, Line 5.5276 And Minotaurus he was hote, Line 5.5277 Which was begete in a riote Line 5.5278 Upon Pasiphe, his oghne wif, Line 5.5279 Whil he was oute upon the strif Line 5.5280 Of thilke grete Siege at Troie. Line 5.5281 Bot sche, which lost hath alle joie, Line 5.5282 Whan that sche syh this Monstre bore, Line 5.5283 Bad men ordeigne anon therfore: Line 5.5284 And fell that ilke time thus, Line 5.5285 Ther was a Clerk, on Dedalus, Line 5.5286 Which hadde ben of hire assent Line 5.5287

Line 5.5287 Of that hir world was so miswent; Line 5.5288 And he made of his oghne wit, Line 5.5289 Wherof the remembrance is yit, Line 5.5290 For Minotaure such an hous, Line 5.5291 Which was so strange and merveilous, Line 5.5292 That what man that withinne wente, Line 5.5293 Ther was so many a sondri wente, Line 5.5294 That he ne scholde noght come oute, Line 5.5295 But gon amased al aboute. Line 5.5296 And in this hous to loke and warde Line 5.5297 Was Minotaurus put in warde, Line 5.5298 That what lif that therinne cam, Line 5.5299 Or man or beste, he overcam Line 5.5300

Lines 5301 through 5400

And slow, and fedde him therupon; Line 5.5301 And in this wise many on Line 5.5302 Out of Athenys for truage Line 5.5303 Devoured weren in that rage. Line 5.5304 For every yeer thei schope hem so, Line 5.5305 Thei of Athenys, er thei go Line 5.5306 Toward that ilke wofull chance, Line 5.5307 As it was set in ordinance, Line 5.5308 Upon fortune here lot thei caste; Line 5.5309 Til that Theseu�s ate laste, Line 5.5310 Which was the kinges Sone there, Line 5.5311 Amonges othre that ther were Line 5.5312 In thilke yeer, as it befell, Line 5.5313 The lot upon his chance fell. Line 5.5314 He was a worthi kniht withalle; Line 5.5315 And whan he sih this chance falle, Line 5.5316 He ferde as thogh he tok non hiede, Line 5.5317 Bot al that evere he mihte spiede, Line 5.5318 With him and with his felaschipe Line 5.5319 Forth into Crete he goth be Schipe; Line 5.5320 Wher that the king Mynos he soghte, Line 5.5321 And profreth all that he him oghte Line 5.5322 Upon the point of here acord. Line 5.5323

Line 5.5323 This sterne king, this cruel lord Line 5.5324 Tok every day on of the Nyne, Line 5.5325 And put him to the discipline Line 5.5326 Of Minotaure, to be devoured; Line 5.5327 Bot Theseu�s was so favoured, Line 5.5328 That he was kept til ate laste. Line 5.5329 And in the meene while he caste Line 5.5330 What thing him were best to do: Line 5.5331 And fell that Adriagne tho, Line 5.5332 Which was the dowhter of Mynos, Line 5.5333 And hadde herd the worthi los Line 5.5334 Of Theseu�s and of his myht, Line 5.5335 And syh he was a lusti kniht, Line 5.5336 Hire hole herte on him sche leide, Line 5.5337 And he also of love hir preide, Line 5.5338 So ferforth that thei were al on. Line 5.5339 And sche ordeigneth thanne anon Line 5.5340 In what manere he scholde him save, Line 5.5341 And schop so that sche dede him have Line 5.5342 A clue of thred, of which withinne Line 5.5343 Ferst ate dore he schal beginne Line 5.5344 With him to take that on ende, Line 5.5345 That whan he wolde ayeinward wende, Line 5.5346 He mihte go the same weie. Line 5.5347 And over this, so as I seie, Line 5.5348 Of pich sche tok him a pelote, Line 5.5349 The which he scholde into the throte Line 5.5350 Of Minotaure caste rihte: Line 5.5351 Such wepne also for him sche dighte, Line 5.5352 That he be reson mai noght faile Line 5.5353 To make an ende of his bataile; Line 5.5354 For sche him tawhte in sondri wise, Line 5.5355 Til he was knowe of thilke emprise, Line 5.5356 Hou he this beste schulde quelle. Line 5.5357 And thus, schort tale forto telle, Line 5.5358 So as this Maide him hadde tawht, Line 5.5359

Line 5.5359 Theseu�s with this Monstre fawht, Line 5.5360 Smot of his hed, the which he nam, Line 5.5361 And be the thred, so as he cam, Line 5.5362 He goth ayein, til he were oute. Line 5.5363 Tho was gret wonder al aboute: Line 5.5364 Mynos the tribut hath relessed, Line 5.5365 And so was al the werre cessed Line 5.5366 Betwen Athene and hem of Crete. Line 5.5367 Bot now to speke of thilke suete, Line 5.5368 Whos beaute was withoute wane, Line 5.5369 This faire Maiden Adriane, Line 5.5370 Whan that sche sih Theseu�s sound, Line 5.5371 Was nevere yit upon the ground Line 5.5372 A gladder wyht that sche was tho. Line 5.5373 Theseu�s duelte a dai or tuo Line 5.5374 Wher that Mynos gret chiere him dede: Line 5.5375 Theseu�s in a prive stede Line 5.5376 Hath with this Maiden spoke and rouned, Line 5.5377 That sche to him was abandouned Line 5.5378 In al that evere that sche couthe, Line 5.5379 So that of thilke lusty youthe Line 5.5380 Al prively betwen hem tweie Line 5.5381 The ferste flour he tok aweie. Line 5.5382 For he so faire tho behihte Line 5.5383 That evere, whil he live mihte, Line 5.5384 He scholde hire take for his wif, Line 5.5385 And as his oghne hertes lif Line 5.5386 He scholde hire love and trouthe bere; Line 5.5387 And sche, which mihte noght forbere, Line 5.5388 So sore loveth him ayein, Line 5.5389 That what as evere he wolde sein Line 5.5390 With al hire herte sche believeth. Line 5.5391 And thus his pourpos he achieveth, Line 5.5392 So that assured of his trouthe Line 5.5393 With him sche wente, and that was routhe. Line 5.5394 Fedra hire yonger Soster eke, Line 5.5395 A lusti Maide, a sobre, a meke, Line 5.5396 Fulfild of alle curtesie, Line 5.5397

Line 5.5397 For Sosterhode and compainie Line 5.5398 Of love, which was hem betuene, Line 5.5399 To sen hire Soster mad a queene, Line 5.5400

Lines 5401 through 5500

Hire fader lefte and forth sche wente Line 5.5401 With him, which al his ferste entente Line 5.5402 Foryat withinne a litel throwe, Line 5.5403 So that it was al overthrowe, Line 5.5404 Whan sche best wende it scholde stonde. Line 5.5405 The Schip was blowe fro the londe, Line 5.5406 Wherin that thei seilende were; Line 5.5407 This Adriagne hath mochel fere Line 5.5408 Of that the wynd so loude bleu, Line 5.5409 As sche which of the See ne kneu, Line 5.5410 And preide forto reste a whyle. Line 5.5411 And so fell that upon an yle, Line 5.5412 Which Chyo hihte, thei ben drive, Line 5.5413 Where he to hire his leve hath yive Line 5.5414 That sche schal londe and take hire reste. Line 5.5415 Bot that was nothing for the beste: Line 5.5416 For whan sche was to londe broght, Line 5.5417 Sche, which that time thoghte noght Line 5.5418 Bot alle trouthe, and tok no kepe, Line 5.5419 Hath leid hire softe forto slepe, Line 5.5420 As sche which longe hath ben forwacched; Line 5.5421 Bot certes sche was evele macched Line 5.5422 And fer from alle loves kinde; Line 5.5423 For more than the beste unkinde Line 5.5424 Theseu�s, which no trouthe kepte, Line 5.5425 Whil that this yonge ladi slepte, Line 5.5426 Fulfild of his unkindeschipe Line 5.5427 Hath al foryete the goodschipe Line 5.5428 Which Adriane him hadde do, Line 5.5429 And bad unto the Schipmen tho Line 5.5430 Hale up the seil and noght abyde, Line 5.5431 And forth he goth the same tyde Line 5.5432 Toward Athene, and hire alonde Line 5.5433 He lefte, which lay nyh the stronde Line 5.5434

Line 5.5434 Slepende, til that sche awok. Line 5.5435 Bot whan that sche cast up hire lok Line 5.5436 Toward the stronde and sih no wyht, Line 5.5437 Hire herte was so sore aflyht, Line 5.5438 That sche ne wiste what to thinke, Line 5.5439 Bot drouh hire to the water brinke, Line 5.5440 Wher sche behield the See at large. Line 5.5441 Sche sih no Schip, sche sih no barge Line 5.5442 Als ferforth as sche mihte kenne: Line 5.5443 "Ha lord," sche seide, "which a Senne, Line 5.5444 As al the world schal after hiere, Line 5.5445 Upon this woful womman hiere Line 5.5446 This worthi kniht hath don and wroght! Line 5.5447 I wende I hadde his love boght, Line 5.5448 And so deserved ate nede, Line 5.5449 Whan that he stod upon his drede, Line 5.5450 And ek the love he me behihte. Line 5.5451 It is gret wonder hou he mihte Line 5.5452 Towardes me nou ben unkinde, Line 5.5453 And so to lete out of his mynde Line 5.5454 Thing which he seide his oghne mouth. Line 5.5455 Bot after this whan it is couth Line 5.5456 And drawe into the worldes fame, Line 5.5457 It schal ben hindringe of his name: Line 5.5458 For wel he wot and so wot I, Line 5.5459 He yaf his trouthe bodily, Line 5.5460 That he myn honour scholde kepe." Line 5.5461 And with that word sche gan to wepe, Line 5.5462 And sorweth more than ynouh: Line 5.5463 Hire faire tresces sche todrouh, Line 5.5464 And with hirself tok such a strif, Line 5.5465 That sche betwen the deth and lif Line 5.5466 Swounende lay fulofte among. Line 5.5467 And al was this on him along, Line 5.5468 Which was to love unkinde so, Line 5.5469 Wherof the wrong schal everemo Line 5.5470

Line 5.5470 Stonde in Cronique of remembrance. Line 5.5471 And ek it asketh a vengance Line 5.5472 To ben unkinde in loves cas, Line 5.5473 So as Theseu�s thanne was, Line 5.5474 Al thogh he were a noble kniht; Line 5.5475 For he the lawe of loves riht Line 5.5476 Forfeted hath in alle weie, Line 5.5477 That Adriagne he putte aweie, Line 5.5478 Which was a gret unkinde dede: Line 5.5479 And after this, so as I rede, Line 5.5480 Fedra, the which hir Soster is, Line 5.5481 He tok in stede of hire, and this Line 5.5482 Fel afterward to mochel teene. Line 5.5483 For thilke vice of which I meene, Line 5.5484 Unkindeschipe, where it falleth, Line 5.5485 The trouthe of mannes herte it palleth, Line 5.5486 That he can no good dede aquite: Line 5.5487 So mai he stonde of no merite Line 5.5488 Towardes god, and ek also Line 5.5489 Men clepen him the worldes fo; Line 5.5490 For he nomore than the fend Line 5.5491 Unto non other man is frend, Line 5.5492 Bot al toward himself al one. Line 5.5493 Forthi, mi Sone, in thi persone Line 5.5494 This vice above all othre fle. Line 5.5495 Mi fader, as ye techen me, Line 5.5496 I thenke don in this matiere. Line 5.5497 Bot over this nou wolde I hiere, Line 5.5498 Wherof I schal me schryve more. Line 5.5499 Mi goode Sone, and for thi lore, Line 5.5500

Lines 5501 through 5600

After the reule of coveitise Line 5.5501 I schal the proprete devise Line 5.5502 Of every vice by and by. Line 5.5503 Nou herkne and be wel war therby. Line 5.5504 In the lignage of Avarice, Line 5.5505 Mi Sone, yit ther is a vice, Line 5.5506

Line 5.5506 His rihte name it is Ravine, Line 5.5507 Which hath a route of his covine. Line 5.5508 Ravine among the maistres duelleth, Line 5.5509 And with his servantz, as men telleth, Line 5.5510 Extorcion is nou withholde: Line 5.5511 Ravine of othre mennes folde Line 5.5512 Makth his larder and paieth noght; Line 5.5513 For wher as evere it mai be soght, Line 5.5514 In his hous ther schal nothing lacke, Line 5.5515 And that fulofte abyth the packe Line 5.5516 Of povere men that duelle aboute. Line 5.5517 Thus stant the comun poeple in doute, Line 5.5518 Which can do non amendement; Line 5.5519 For whanne him faileth paiement, Line 5.5520 Ravine makth non other skile, Line 5.5521 Bot takth be strengthe what he wile. Line 5.5522 So ben ther in the same wise Line 5.5523 Lovers, as I thee schal devise, Line 5.5524 That whan noght elles mai availe, Line 5.5525 Anon with strengthe thei assaile Line 5.5526 And gete of love the sesine, Line 5.5527 Whan thei se time, be Ravine. Line 5.5528 Forthi, mi Sone, schrif thee hier, Line 5.5529 If thou hast ben a Raviner Line 5.5530 Of love. Certes, fader, no: Line 5.5531 For I mi ladi love so, Line 5.5532 That thogh I were as was Pompeie, Line 5.5533 That al the world me wolde obeie, Line 5.5534 Or elles such as Alisandre, Line 5.5535 I wolde noght do such a sklaundre; Line 5.5536 It is no good man, which so doth. Line 5.5537 In good feith, Sone, thou seist soth: Line 5.5538 For he that wole of pourveance Line 5.5539 Be such a weie his lust avance, Line 5.5540

Line 5.5540 He schal it after sore abie, Line 5.5541 Bot if these olde ensamples lie. Line 5.5542 Nou, goode fader, tell me on, Line 5.5543 So as ye cunne manyon, Line 5.5544 Touchende of love in this matiere. Line 5.5545 Nou list, mi Sone, and thou schalt hiere, Line 5.5546 So as it hath befalle er this, Line 5.5547 In loves cause hou that it is Line 5.5548 A man to take be Ravine Line 5.5549 The preie which is femeline. Line 5.5550 Ther was a real noble king, Line 5.5551 And riche of alle worldes thing, Line 5.5552 Which of his propre enheritance Line 5.5553 Athenes hadde in governance, Line 5.5554 And who so thenke therupon, Line 5.5555 His name was king Pandion. Line 5.5556 Tuo douhtres hadde he be his wif, Line 5.5557 The whiche he lovede as his lif; Line 5.5558 The ferste douhter Progne hihte, Line 5.5559 And the secounde, as sche wel mihte, Line 5.5560 Was cleped faire Philomene, Line 5.5561 To whom fell after mochel tene. Line 5.5562 The fader of his pourveance Line 5.5563 His doughter Progne wolde avance, Line 5.5564 And yaf hire unto mariage Line 5.5565 A worthi king of hih lignage, Line 5.5566 A noble kniht eke of his hond, Line 5.5567 So was he kid in every lond, Line 5.5568 Of Trace he hihte Tereu�s; Line 5.5569 The clerk Ovide telleth thus. Line 5.5570 This Tereu�s his wif hom ladde, Line 5.5571 A lusti lif with hire he hadde; Line 5.5572 Til it befell upon a tyde, Line 5.5573 This Progne, as sche lay him besyde, Line 5.5574 Bethoughte hir hou it mihte be Line 5.5575 That sche hir Soster myhte se, Line 5.5576

Line 5.5576 And to hir lord hir will sche seide, Line 5.5577 With goodly wordes and him preide Line 5.5578 That sche to hire mihte go: Line 5.5579 And if it liked him noght so, Line 5.5580 That thanne he wolde himselve wende, Line 5.5581 Or elles be som other sende, Line 5.5582 Which mihte hire diere Soster griete, Line 5.5583 And schape hou that thei mihten miete. Line 5.5584 Hir lord anon to that he herde Line 5.5585 Yaf his acord, and thus ansuerde: Line 5.5586 "I wole," he seide, "for thi sake Line 5.5587 The weie after thi Soster take Line 5.5588 Miself, and bringe hire, if I may." Line 5.5589 And sche with that, there as he lay, Line 5.5590 Began him in hire armes clippe, Line 5.5591 And kist him with hir softe lippe, Line 5.5592 And seide, "Sire, grant mercy." Line 5.5593 And he sone after was redy, Line 5.5594 And tok his leve forto go; Line 5.5595 In sori time dede he so. Line 5.5596 This Tereu�s goth forth to Schipe Line 5.5597 With him and with his felaschipe; Line 5.5598 Be See the rihte cours he nam, Line 5.5599 Into the contre til he cam, Line 5.5600

Lines 5601 through 5700

Wher Philomene was duellinge, Line 5.5601 And of hir Soster the tidinge Line 5.5602 He tolde, and tho thei weren glade, Line 5.5603 And mochel joie of him thei made. Line 5.5604 The fader and the moder bothe Line 5.5605 To leve here douhter weren lothe, Line 5.5606 Bot if thei weren in presence; Line 5.5607 And natheles at reverence Line 5.5608 Of him, that wolde himself travaile, Line 5.5609 Thei wolden noght he scholde faile Line 5.5610 Of that he preide, and yive hire leve: Line 5.5611 And sche, that wolde noght beleve, Line 5.5612

Line 5.5612 In alle haste made hire yare Line 5.5613 Toward hir Soster forto fare, Line 5.5614 With Tereu�s and forth sche wente. Line 5.5615 And he with al his hole entente, Line 5.5616 Whan sche was fro hir frendes go, Line 5.5617 Assoteth of hire love so, Line 5.5618 His yhe myhte he noght withholde, Line 5.5619 That he ne moste on hir beholde; Line 5.5620 And with the sihte he gan desire, Line 5.5621 And sette his oghne herte on fyre; Line 5.5622 And fyr, whan it to tow aprocheth, Line 5.5623 To him anon the strengthe acrocheth, Line 5.5624 Til with his hete it be devoured, Line 5.5625 The tow ne mai noght be socoured. Line 5.5626 And so that tirant raviner, Line 5.5627 Whan that sche was in his pouer, Line 5.5628 And he therto sawh time and place, Line 5.5629 As he that lost hath alle grace, Line 5.5630 Foryat he was a wedded man, Line 5.5631 And in a rage on hire he ran, Line 5.5632 Riht as a wolf which takth his preie. Line 5.5633 And sche began to crie and preie, Line 5.5634 "O fader, o mi moder diere, Line 5.5635 Nou help!" Bot thei ne mihte it hiere, Line 5.5636 And sche was of to litel myht Line 5.5637 Defense ayein so ruide a knyht Line 5.5638 To make, whanne he was so wod Line 5.5639 That he no reson understod, Line 5.5640 Bot hield hire under in such wise, Line 5.5641 That sche ne myhte noght arise, Line 5.5642 Bot lay oppressed and desesed, Line 5.5643 As if a goshauk hadde sesed Line 5.5644 A brid, which dorste noght for fere Line 5.5645 Remue: and thus this tirant there Line 5.5646 Beraft hire such thing as men sein Line 5.5647 Mai neveremor be yolde ayein, Line 5.5648 And that was the virginite: Line 5.5649 Of such Ravine it was pite. Line 5.5650

Line 5.5650 Bot whan sche to hirselven com, Line 5.5651 And of hir meschief hiede nom, Line 5.5652 And knew hou that sche was no maide, Line 5.5653 With wofull herte thus sche saide, Line 5.5654 "O thou of alle men the worste, Line 5.5655 Wher was ther evere man that dorste Line 5.5656 Do such a dede as thou hast do? Line 5.5657 That dai schal falle, I hope so, Line 5.5658 That I schal telle out al mi fille, Line 5.5659 And with mi speche I schal fulfille Line 5.5660 The wyde world in brede and lengthe. Line 5.5661 That thou hast do to me be strengthe, Line 5.5662 If I among the poeple duelle, Line 5.5663 Unto the poeple I schal it telle; Line 5.5664 And if I be withinne wall Line 5.5665 Of Stones closed, thanne I schal Line 5.5666 Unto the Stones clepe and crie, Line 5.5667 And tellen hem thi felonie; Line 5.5668 And if I to the wodes wende, Line 5.5669 Ther schal I tellen tale and ende, Line 5.5670 And crie it to the briddes oute, Line 5.5671 That thei schul hiere it al aboute. Line 5.5672 For I so loude it schal reherce, Line 5.5673 That my vois schal the hevene perce, Line 5.5674 That it schal soune in goddes Ere. Line 5.5675 Ha, false man, where is thi fere? Line 5.5676 O mor cruel than eny beste, Line 5.5677 Hou hast thou holden thi beheste Line 5.5678 Which thou unto my Soster madest? Line 5.5679 O thou, which alle love ungladest, Line 5.5680 And art ensample of alle untrewe, Line 5.5681 Nou wolde god mi Soster knewe, Line 5.5682 Of thin untrouthe, hou that it stod!" Line 5.5683 And he than as a Lyon wod Line 5.5684 With hise unhappi handes stronge Line 5.5685

Line 5.5685 Hire cauhte be the tresses longe, Line 5.5686 With whiche he bond ther bothe hire armes, Line 5.5687 That was a fieble dede of armes, Line 5.5688 And to the grounde anon hire caste, Line 5.5689 And out he clippeth also faste Line 5.5690 Hire tunge with a peire scheres. Line 5.5691 So what with blod and what with teres Line 5.5692 Out of hire yhe and of hir mouth, Line 5.5693 He made hire faire face uncouth: Line 5.5694 Sche lay swounende unto the deth, Line 5.5695 Ther was unethes eny breth; Line 5.5696 Bot yit whan he hire tunge refte, Line 5.5697 A litel part therof belefte, Line 5.5698 Bot sche with al no word mai soune, Line 5.5699 Bot chitre and as a brid jargoune. Line 5.5700

Lines 5701 through 5800

And natheles that wode hound Line 5.5701 Hir bodi hent up fro the ground, Line 5.5702 And sente hir there as be his wille Line 5.5703 Sche scholde abyde in prison stille Line 5.5704 For everemo: bot nou tak hiede Line 5.5705 What after fell of this misdede. Line 5.5706 Whanne al this meschief was befalle, Line 5.5707 This Tereu�s, that foule him falle, Line 5.5708 Unto his contre hom he tyh; Line 5.5709 And whan he com his paleis nyh, Line 5.5710 His wif al redi there him kepte. Line 5.5711 Whan he hir sih, anon he wepte, Line 5.5712 And that he dede for deceite, Line 5.5713 For sche began to axe him streite, Line 5.5714 "Wher is mi Soster?" And he seide Line 5.5715 That sche was ded; and Progne abreide, Line 5.5716 As sche that was a wofull wif, Line 5.5717 And stod betuen hire deth and lif, Line 5.5718 Of that sche herde such tidinge: Line 5.5719 Bot for sche sih hire lord wepinge, Line 5.5720 She wende noght bot alle trouthe, Line 5.5721 And hadde wel the more routhe. Line 5.5722 The Perles weren tho forsake Line 5.5723 To hire, and blake clothes take; Line 5.5724

Line 5.5724 As sche that was gentil and kinde, Line 5.5725 In worschipe of hir Sostres mynde Line 5.5726 Sche made a riche enterement, Line 5.5727 For sche fond non amendement Line 5.5728 To syghen or to sobbe more: Line 5.5729 So was ther guile under the gore. Line 5.5730 Nou leve we this king and queene, Line 5.5731 And torne ayein to Philomene, Line 5.5732 As I began to tellen erst. Line 5.5733 Whan sche cam into prison ferst, Line 5.5734 It thoghte a kinges douhter strange Line 5.5735 To maken so soudein a change Line 5.5736 Fro welthe unto so grete a wo; Line 5.5737 And sche began to thenke tho, Line 5.5738 Thogh sche be mouthe nothing preide, Line 5.5739 Withinne hir herte thus sche seide: Line 5.5740 "O thou, almyhty Jupiter, Line 5.5741 That hihe sist and lokest fer, Line 5.5742 Thou soffrest many a wrong doinge, Line 5.5743 And yit it is noght thi willinge. Line 5.5744 To thee ther mai nothing ben hid, Line 5.5745 Thou wost hou it is me betid: Line 5.5746 I wolde I hadde noght be bore, Line 5.5747 For thanne I hadde noght forlore Line 5.5748 Mi speche and mi virginite. Line 5.5749 Bot, goode lord, al is in thee, Line 5.5750 Whan thou therof wolt do vengance Line 5.5751 And schape mi deliverance." Line 5.5752 And evere among this ladi wepte, Line 5.5753 And thoghte that sche nevere kepte Line 5.5754 To ben a worldes womman more, Line 5.5755 And that sche wissheth everemore. Line 5.5756 Bot ofte unto hir Soster diere Line 5.5757 Hire herte spekth in this manere, Line 5.5758 And seide, "Ha, Soster, if ye knewe Line 5.5759 Of myn astat, ye wolde rewe, Line 5.5760 I trowe, and my deliverance Line 5.5761

Line 5.5761 Ye wolde schape, and do vengance Line 5.5762 On him that is so fals a man: Line 5.5763 And natheles, so as I can, Line 5.5764 I wol you sende som tokninge, Line 5.5765 Wherof ye schul have knowlechinge Line 5.5766 Of thing I wot, that schal you lothe, Line 5.5767 The which you toucheth and me bothe." Line 5.5768 And tho withinne a whyle als tyt Line 5.5769 Sche waf a cloth of Selk al whyt Line 5.5770 With lettres and ymagerie, Line 5.5771 In which was al the felonie, Line 5.5772 Which Tereu�s to hire hath do; Line 5.5773 And lappede it togedre tho Line 5.5774 And sette hir signet therupon Line 5.5775 And sende it unto Progne anon. Line 5.5776 The messager which forth it bar, Line 5.5777 What it amonteth is noght war; Line 5.5778 And natheles to Progne he goth Line 5.5779 And prively takth hire the cloth, Line 5.5780 And wente ayein riht as he cam, Line 5.5781 The court of him non hiede nam. Line 5.5782 Whan Progne of Philomene herde, Line 5.5783 Sche wolde knowe hou that it ferde, Line 5.5784 And opneth that the man hath broght, Line 5.5785 And wot therby what hath be wroght Line 5.5786 And what meschief ther is befalle. Line 5.5787 In swoune tho sche gan doun falle, Line 5.5788 And efte aros and gan to stonde, Line 5.5789 And eft sche takth the cloth on honde, Line 5.5790 Behield the lettres and thymages; Line 5.5791 Bot ate laste, "Of suche oultrages," Line 5.5792 Sche seith, "wepinge is noght the bote:" Line 5.5793 And swerth, if that sche live mote, Line 5.5794 It schal be venged otherwise. Line 5.5795 And with that sche gan hire avise Line 5.5796 Hou ferst sche mihte unto hire winne Line 5.5797 Hir Soster, that noman withinne, Line 5.5798 Bot only thei that were suore, Line 5.5799

Line 5.5799 It scholde knowe, and schop therfore Line 5.5800

Lines 5801 through 5900

That Tereu�s nothing it wiste; Line 5.5801 And yit riht as hirselven liste, Line 5.5802 Hir Soster was delivered sone Line 5.5803 Out of prison, and be the mone Line 5.5804 To Progne sche was broght be nyhte. Line 5.5805 Whan ech of other hadde a sihte, Line 5.5806 In chambre, ther thei were al one, Line 5.5807 Thei maden many a pitous mone; Line 5.5808 Bot Progne most of sorwe made, Line 5.5809 Which sihe hir Soster pale and fade Line 5.5810 And specheles and deshonoured, Line 5.5811 Of that sche hadde be defloured; Line 5.5812 And ek upon hir lord sche thoghte, Line 5.5813 Of that he so untreuly wroghte Line 5.5814 And hadde his espousaile broke. Line 5.5815 Sche makth a vou it schal be wroke, Line 5.5816 And with that word sche kneleth doun Line 5.5817 Wepinge in gret devocioun: Line 5.5818 Unto Cupide and to Venus Line 5.5819 Sche preide, and seide thanne thus: Line 5.5820 "O ye, to whom nothing asterte Line 5.5821 Of love mai, for every herte Line 5.5822 Ye knowe, as ye that ben above Line 5.5823 The god and the goddesse of love; Line 5.5824 Ye witen wel that evere yit Line 5.5825 With al mi will and al my wit, Line 5.5826 Sith ferst ye schopen me to wedde, Line 5.5827 That I lay with mi lord abedde, Line 5.5828 I have be trewe in mi degre, Line 5.5829 And evere thoghte forto be, Line 5.5830 And nevere love in other place, Line 5.5831 Bot al only the king of Trace, Line 5.5832 Which is mi lord and I his wif. Line 5.5833 Bot nou allas this wofull strif! Line 5.5834 That I him thus ayeinward finde Line 5.5835 The most untrewe and most unkinde Line 5.5836

Line 5.5836 That evere in ladi armes lay. Line 5.5837 And wel I wot that he ne may Line 5.5838 Amende his wrong, it is so gret; Line 5.5839 For he to lytel of me let, Line 5.5840 Whan he myn oughne Soster tok, Line 5.5841 And me that am his wif forsok." Line 5.5842 Lo, thus to Venus and Cupide Line 5.5843 Sche preide, and furthermor sche cride Line 5.5844 Unto Appollo the hiheste, Line 5.5845 And seide, "O myghti god of reste, Line 5.5846 Thou do vengance of this debat. Line 5.5847 Mi Soster and al hire astat Line 5.5848 Thou wost, and hou sche hath forlore Line 5.5849 Hir maidenhod, and I therfore Line 5.5850 In al the world schal bere a blame Line 5.5851 Of that mi Soster hath a schame, Line 5.5852 That Tereu�s to hire I sente: Line 5.5853 And wel thou wost that myn entente Line 5.5854 Was al for worschipe and for goode. Line 5.5855 O lord, that yifst the lives fode Line 5.5856 To every wyht, I prei thee hiere Line 5.5857 Thes wofull Sostres that ben hiere, Line 5.5858 And let ous noght to the ben lothe; Line 5.5859 We ben thin oghne wommen bothe." Line 5.5860 Thus pleigneth Progne and axeth wreche, Line 5.5861 And thogh hire Soster lacke speche, Line 5.5862 To him that alle thinges wot Line 5.5863 Hire sorwe is noght the lasse hot: Line 5.5864 Bot he that thanne had herd hem tuo, Line 5.5865 Him oughte have sorwed everemo Line 5.5866 For sorwe which was hem betuene. Line 5.5867 With signes pleigneth Philomene, Line 5.5868 And Progne seith, "It schal be wreke, Line 5.5869 That al the world therof schal speke." Line 5.5870 And Progne tho seknesse feigneth, Line 5.5871 Wherof unto hir lord sche pleigneth, Line 5.5872 And preith sche moste hire chambres kepe, Line 5.5873 And as hir liketh wake and slepe. Line 5.5874

Line 5.5874 And he hire granteth to be so; Line 5.5875 And thus togedre ben thei tuo, Line 5.5876 That wolde him bot a litel good. Line 5.5877 Nou herk hierafter hou it stod Line 5.5878 Of wofull auntres that befelle: Line 5.5879 Thes Sostres, that ben bothe felle,- Line 5.5880 And that was noght on hem along, Line 5.5881 Bot onliche on the grete wrong Line 5.5882 Which Tereu�s hem hadde do,- Line 5.5883 Thei schopen forto venge hem tho. Line 5.5884 This Tereu�s be Progne his wif Line 5.5885 A Sone hath, which as his lif Line 5.5886 He loveth, and Ithis he hihte: Line 5.5887 His moder wiste wel sche mihte Line 5.5888 Do Tereu�s no more grief Line 5.5889 Than sle this child, which was so lief. Line 5.5890 Thus sche, that was, as who seith, mad Line 5.5891 Of wo, which hath hir overlad, Line 5.5892 Withoute insihte of moderhede Line 5.5893 Foryat pite and loste drede, Line 5.5894 And in hir chambre prively Line 5.5895 This child withouten noise or cry Line 5.5896 Sche slou, and hieu him al to pieces: Line 5.5897 And after with diverse spieces Line 5.5898 The fleissh, whan it was so toheewe, Line 5.5899 Sche takth, and makth therof a sewe, Line 5.5900

Lines 5901 through 6000

With which the fader at his mete Line 5.5901 Was served, til he hadde him ete; Line 5.5902 That he ne wiste hou that it stod, Line 5.5903 Bot thus his oughne fleissh and blod Line 5.5904 Himself devoureth ayein kinde, Line 5.5905 As he that was tofore unkinde. Line 5.5906 And thanne, er that he were arise, Line 5.5907 For that he scholde ben agrise, Line 5.5908 To schewen him the child was ded, Line 5.5909 This Philomene tok the hed Line 5.5910 Betwen tuo disshes, and al wrothe Line 5.5911

Line 5.5911 Tho comen forth the Sostres bothe, Line 5.5912 And setten it upon the bord. Line 5.5913 And Progne tho began the word, Line 5.5914 And seide, "O werste of alle wicke, Line 5.5915 Of conscience whom no pricke Line 5.5916 Mai stere, lo, what thou hast do! Line 5.5917 Lo, hier ben nou we Sostres tuo; Line 5.5918 O Raviner, lo hier thi preie, Line 5.5919 With whom so falsliche on the weie Line 5.5920 Thou hast thi tirannye wroght. Line 5.5921 Lo, nou it is somdel aboght, Line 5.5922 And bet it schal, for of thi dede Line 5.5923 The world schal evere singe and rede Line 5.5924 In remembrance of thi defame: Line 5.5925 For thou to love hast do such schame, Line 5.5926 That it schal nevere be foryete." Line 5.5927 With that he sterte up fro the mete, Line 5.5928 And schof the bord unto the flor, Line 5.5929 And cauhte a swerd anon and suor Line 5.5930 That thei scholde of his handes dye. Line 5.5931 And thei unto the goddes crie Line 5.5932 Begunne with so loude a stevene, Line 5.5933 That thei were herd unto the hevene; Line 5.5934 And in a twinclinge of an yhe Line 5.5935 The goddes, that the meschief syhe, Line 5.5936 Here formes changen alle thre. Line 5.5937 Echon of hem in his degre Line 5.5938 Was torned into briddes kinde; Line 5.5939 Diverseliche, as men mai finde, Line 5.5940 After thastat that thei were inne, Line 5.5941 Here formes were set atwinne. Line 5.5942 And as it telleth in the tale, Line 5.5943 The ferst into a nyhtingale Line 5.5944 Was schape, and that was Philomene, Line 5.5945 Which in the wynter is noght sene, Line 5.5946 For thanne ben the leves falle Line 5.5947

Line 5.5947 And naked ben the buisshes alle. Line 5.5948 For after that sche was a brid, Line 5.5949 Hir will was evere to ben hid, Line 5.5950 And forto duelle in prive place, Line 5.5951 That noman scholde sen hir face Line 5.5952 For schame, which mai noght be lassed, Line 5.5953 Of thing that was tofore passed, Line 5.5954 Whan that sche loste hir maidenhiede: Line 5.5955 For evere upon hir wommanhiede, Line 5.5956 Thogh that the goddes wolde hire change, Line 5.5957 Sche thenkth, and is the more strange, Line 5.5958 And halt hir clos the wyntres day. Line 5.5959 Bot whan the wynter goth away, Line 5.5960 And that Nature the goddesse Line 5.5961 Wole of hir oughne fre largesse Line 5.5962 With herbes and with floures bothe Line 5.5963 The feldes and the medwes clothe, Line 5.5964 And ek the wodes and the greves Line 5.5965 Ben heled al with grene leves, Line 5.5966 So that a brid hire hyde mai, Line 5.5967 Betwen Averil and March and Maii, Line 5.5968 Sche that the wynter hield hir clos, Line 5.5969 For pure schame and noght aros, Line 5.5970 Whan that sche seth the bowes thikke, Line 5.5971 And that ther is no bare sticke, Line 5.5972 Bot al is hid with leves grene, Line 5.5973 To wode comth this Philomene Line 5.5974 And makth hir ferste yeres flyht; Line 5.5975 Wher as sche singeth day and nyht, Line 5.5976 And in hir song al openly Line 5.5977 Sche makth hir pleignte and seith, "O why, Line 5.5978 O why ne were I yit a maide?" Line 5.5979 For so these olde wise saide, Line 5.5980 Which understoden what sche mente, Line 5.5981 Hire notes ben of such entente. Line 5.5982

Line 5.5982 And ek thei seide hou in hir song Line 5.5983 Sche makth gret joie and merthe among, Line 5.5984 And seith, "Ha, nou I am a brid, Line 5.5985 Ha, nou mi face mai ben hid: Line 5.5986 Thogh I have lost mi Maidenhede, Line 5.5987 Schal noman se my chekes rede." Line 5.5988 Thus medleth sche with joie wo Line 5.5989 And with hir sorwe merthe also, Line 5.5990 So that of loves maladie Line 5.5991 Sche makth diverse melodie, Line 5.5992 And seith love is a wofull blisse, Line 5.5993 A wisdom which can noman wisse, Line 5.5994 A lusti fievere, a wounde softe: Line 5.5995 This note sche reherceth ofte Line 5.5996 To hem whiche understonde hir tale. Line 5.5997 Nou have I of this nyhtingale, Line 5.5998 Which erst was cleped Philomene, Line 5.5999 Told al that evere I wolde mene, Line 5.6000

Lines 6001 through 6100

Bothe of hir forme and of hir note, Line 5.6001 Wherof men mai the storie note. Line 5.6002 And of hir Soster Progne I finde, Line 5.6003 Hou sche was torned out of kinde Line 5.6004 Into a Swalwe swift of winge, Line 5.6005 Which ek in wynter lith swounynge, Line 5.6006 Ther as sche mai nothing be sene: Line 5.6007 Bot whan the world is woxe grene Line 5.6008 And comen is the Somertide, Line 5.6009 Than fleth sche forth and ginth to chide, Line 5.6010 And chitreth out in hir langage Line 5.6011 What falshod is in mariage, Line 5.6012 And telleth in a maner speche Line 5.6013 Of Tereu�s the Spousebreche. Line 5.6014 Sche wol noght in the wodes duelle, Line 5.6015 For sche wolde openliche telle; Line 5.6016 And ek for that sche was a spouse, Line 5.6017 Among the folk sche comth to house, Line 5.6018 To do thes wyves understonde Line 5.6019

Line 5.6019 The falshod of hire housebonde, Line 5.6020 That thei of hem be war also, Line 5.6021 For ther ben manye untrewe of tho. Line 5.6022 Thus ben the Sostres briddes bothe, Line 5.6023 And ben toward the men so lothe, Line 5.6024 That thei ne wole of pure schame Line 5.6025 Unto no mannes hand be tame; Line 5.6026 For evere it duelleth in here mynde Line 5.6027 Of that thei founde a man unkinde, Line 5.6028 And that was false Tereu�s. Line 5.6029 If such on be amonges ous Line 5.6030 I not, bot his condicion Line 5.6031 Men sein in every region Line 5.6032 Withinne toune and ek withoute Line 5.6033 Nou regneth comunliche aboute. Line 5.6034 And natheles in remembrance Line 5.6035 I wol declare what vengance Line 5.6036 The goddes hadden him ordeined, Line 5.6037 Of that the Sostres hadden pleigned: Line 5.6038 For anon after he was changed Line 5.6039 And from his oghne kinde stranged, Line 5.6040 A lappewincke mad he was, Line 5.6041 And thus he hoppeth on the gras, Line 5.6042 And on his hed ther stant upriht Line 5.6043 A creste in tokne he was a kniht; Line 5.6044 And yit unto this dai men seith, Line 5.6045 A lappewincke hath lore his feith Line 5.6046 And is the brid falseste of alle. Line 5.6047 Bewar, mi Sone, er thee so falle; Line 5.6048 For if thou be of such covine, Line 5.6049 To gete of love be Ravine Line 5.6050 Thi lust, it mai thee falle thus, Line 5.6051 As it befell of Tereu�s. Line 5.6052 Mi fader, goddes forebode! Line 5.6053

Line 5.6053 Me were levere be fortrode Line 5.6054 With wilde hors and be todrawe, Line 5.6055 Er I ayein love and his lawe Line 5.6056 Dede eny thing or loude or stille, Line 5.6057 Which were noght mi ladi wille. Line 5.6058 Men sein that every love hath drede; Line 5.6059 So folweth it that I hire drede, Line 5.6060 For I hire love, and who so dredeth, Line 5.6061 To plese his love and serve him nedeth. Line 5.6062 Thus mai ye knowen be this skile Line 5.6063 That no Ravine don I wile Line 5.6064 Ayein hir will be such a weie; Line 5.6065 Bot while I live, I wol obeie Line 5.6066 Abidinge on hire courtesie, Line 5.6067 If eny merci wolde hir plie. Line 5.6068 Forthi, mi fader, as of this Line 5.6069 I wot noght I have don amis: Line 5.6070 Bot furthermore I you beseche, Line 5.6071 Som other point that ye me teche, Line 5.6072 And axeth forth, if ther be auht, Line 5.6073 That I mai be the betre tauht. Line 5.6074 Whan Covoitise in povere astat Line 5.6075 Stant with himself upon debat Line 5.6076 Thurgh lacke of his misgovernance, Line 5.6077 That he unto his sustienance Line 5.6078 Ne can non other weie finde Line 5.6079 To gete him good, thanne as the blinde, Line 5.6080 Which seth noght what schal after falle, Line 5.6081 That ilke vice which men calle Line 5.6082 Of Robberie, he takth on honde; Line 5.6083 Wherof be water and be londe Line 5.6084 Of thing which othre men beswinke Line 5.6085

Line 5.6085 He get him cloth and mete and drinke. Line 5.6086 Him reccheth noght what he beginne, Line 5.6087 Thurgh thefte so that he mai winne: Line 5.6088 Forthi to maken his pourchas Line 5.6089 He lith awaitende on the pas, Line 5.6090 And what thing that he seth ther passe, Line 5.6091 He takth his part, or more or lasse, Line 5.6092 If it be worthi to be take. Line 5.6093 He can the packes wel ransake, Line 5.6094 So prively berth non aboute Line 5.6095 His gold, that he ne fint it oute, Line 5.6096 Or other juel, what it be; Line 5.6097 He takth it as his proprete. Line 5.6098 In wodes and in feldes eke Line 5.6099 Thus Robberie goth to seke, Line 5.6100

Lines 6101 through 6200

Wher as he mai his pourpos finde. Line 5.6101 And riht so in the same kinde, Line 5.6102 My goode Sone, as thou miht hiere, Line 5.6103 To speke of love in the matiere Line 5.6104 And make a verrai resemblance, Line 5.6105 Riht as a thief makth his chevance Line 5.6106 And robbeth mennes good aboute Line 5.6107 In wode and field, wher he goth oute, Line 5.6108 So be ther of these lovers some, Line 5.6109 In wylde stedes wher thei come Line 5.6110 And finden there a womman able, Line 5.6111 And therto place covenable, Line 5.6112 Withoute leve, er that thei fare, Line 5.6113 Thei take a part of that chaffare: Line 5.6114 Yee, though sche were a Scheperdesse, Line 5.6115 Yit wol the lord of wantounesse Line 5.6116 Assaie, althogh sche be unmete, Line 5.6117 For other mennes good is swete. Line 5.6118 Bot therof wot nothing the wif Line 5.6119 At hom, which loveth as hir lif Line 5.6120 Hir lord, and sitt alday wisshinge Line 5.6121 After hir lordes hom comynge: Line 5.6122 Bot whan that he comth hom at eve, Line 5.6123

Line 5.6123 Anon he makth his wif beleve, Line 5.6124 For sche noght elles scholde knowe: Line 5.6125 He telth hire hou his hunte hath blowe, Line 5.6126 And hou his houndes have wel runne, Line 5.6127 And hou ther schon a merye Sunne, Line 5.6128 And hou his haukes flowen wel; Line 5.6129 Bot he wol telle her nevere a diel Line 5.6130 Hou he to love untrewe was, Line 5.6131 Of that he robbede in the pas, Line 5.6132 And tok his lust under the schawe Line 5.6133 Ayein love and ayein his lawe. Line 5.6134 Which thing, mi Sone, I thee forbede, Line 5.6135 For it is an ungoodly dede. Line 5.6136 For who that takth be Robberie Line 5.6137 His love, he mai noght justefie Line 5.6138 His cause, and so fulofte sithe Line 5.6139 For ones that he hath be blithe Line 5.6140 He schal ben after sory thries. Line 5.6141 Ensample of suche Robberies Line 5.6142 I finde write, as thou schalt hiere, Line 5.6143 Acordende unto this matiere. Line 5.6144 I rede hou whilom was a Maide, Line 5.6145 The faireste, as Ovide saide, Line 5.6146 Which was in hire time tho; Line 5.6147 And sche was of the chambre also Line 5.6148 Of Pallas, which is the goddesse Line 5.6149 And wif to Marte, of whom prouesse Line 5.6150 Is yove to these worthi knihtes. Line 5.6151 For he is of so grete mihtes, Line 5.6152 That he governeth the bataille; Line 5.6153 Withouten him may noght availe Line 5.6154 The stronge hond, bot he it helpe; Line 5.6155 Ther mai no knyht of armes yelpe, Line 5.6156 Bot he feihte under his banere. Line 5.6157 Bot nou to speke of mi matiere, Line 5.6158 This faire, freisshe, lusti mai, Line 5.6159 Al one as sche wente on a dai Line 5.6160 Upon the stronde forto pleie, Line 5.6161

Line 5.6161 Ther cam Neptunus in the weie, Line 5.6162 Which hath the See in governance; Line 5.6163 And in his herte such plesance Line 5.6164 He tok, whan he this Maide sih, Line 5.6165 That al his herte aros on hih, Line 5.6166 For he so sodeinliche unwar Line 5.6167 Behield the beaute that sche bar. Line 5.6168 And caste anon withinne his herte Line 5.6169 That sche him schal no weie asterte, Line 5.6170 Bot if he take in avantage Line 5.6171 Fro thilke maide som pilage, Line 5.6172 Noght of the broches ne the Ringes, Line 5.6173 Bot of some othre smale thinges Line 5.6174 He thoghte parte, er that sche wente; Line 5.6175 And hire in bothe hise armes hente, Line 5.6176 And putte his hond toward the cofre, Line 5.6177 Wher forto robbe he made a profre, Line 5.6178 That lusti tresor forto stele, Line 5.6179 Which passeth othre goodes fele Line 5.6180 And cleped is the maidenhede, Line 5.6181 Which is the flour of wommanhede. Line 5.6182 This Maiden, which Cornix be name Line 5.6183 Was hote, dredende alle schame, Line 5.6184 Sih that sche mihte noght debate, Line 5.6185 And wel sche wiste he wolde algate Line 5.6186 Fulfille his lust of Robberie, Line 5.6187 Anon began to wepe and crie, Line 5.6188 And seide, "O Pallas, noble queene, Line 5.6189 Scheu nou thi myht and let be sene, Line 5.6190 To kepe and save myn honour: Line 5.6191 Help, that I lese noght mi flour, Line 5.6192 Which nou under thi keie is loke." Line 5.6193 That word was noght so sone spoke, Line 5.6194 Whan Pallas schop recoverir Line 5.6195 After the will and the desir Line 5.6196 Of hire, which a Maiden was, Line 5.6197 And sodeinliche upon this cas Line 5.6198

Line 5.6198 Out of hire wommanisshe kinde Line 5.6199 Into a briddes like I finde Line 5.6200

Lines 6201 through 6300

Sche was transformed forth withal, Line 5.6201 So that Neptunus nothing stal Line 5.6202 Of such thing as he wolde have stole. Line 5.6203 With fetheres blake as eny cole Line 5.6204 Out of hise armes in a throwe Line 5.6205 Sche flih before his yhe a Crowe; Line 5.6206 Which was to hire a more delit, Line 5.6207 To kepe hire maidenhede whit Line 5.6208 Under the wede of fethers blake, Line 5.6209 In Perles whyte than forsake Line 5.6210 That no lif mai restore ayein. Line 5.6211 Bot thus Neptune his herte in vein Line 5.6212 Hath upon Robberie sett; Line 5.6213 The bridd is flowe and he was let, Line 5.6214 The faire Maide him hath ascaped, Line 5.6215 Wherof for evere he was bejaped Line 5.6216 And scorned of that he hath lore. Line 5.6217 Mi Sone, be thou war therfore Line 5.6218 That thou no maidenhode stele, Line 5.6219 Wherof men sen deseses fele Line 5.6220 Aldai befalle in sondri wise; Line 5.6221 So as I schal thee yit devise Line 5.6222 An other tale therupon, Line 5.6223 Which fell be olde daies gon. Line 5.6224 King Lichaon upon his wif Line 5.6225 A dowhter hadde, a goodly lif, Line 5.6226 A clene Maide of worthi fame, Line 5.6227 Calistona whos rihte name Line 5.6228 Was cleped, and of many a lord Line 5.6229 Sche was besoght, bot hire acord Line 5.6230 To love myhte noman winne, Line 5.6231 As sche which hath no lust therinne; Line 5.6232 Bot swor withinne hir herte and saide Line 5.6233 That sche wolde evere ben a Maide. Line 5.6234 Wherof to kepe hireself in pes, Line 5.6235

Line 5.6235 With suche as Amadriades Line 5.6236 Were cleped, wodemaydes, tho, Line 5.6237 And with the Nimphes ek also Line 5.6238 Upon the spring of freisshe welles Line 5.6239 Sche schop to duelle and nagher elles. Line 5.6240 And thus cam this Calistona Line 5.6241 Into the wode of Tegea, Line 5.6242 Wher sche virginite behihte Line 5.6243 Unto Diane, and therto plihte Line 5.6244 Her trouthe upon the bowes grene, Line 5.6245 To kepe hir maidenhode clene. Line 5.6246 Which afterward upon a day Line 5.6247 Was priveliche stole away; Line 5.6248 For Jupiter thurgh his queintise Line 5.6249 From hire it tok in such a wise, Line 5.6250 That sodeinliche forth withal Line 5.6251 Hire wombe aros and sche toswal, Line 5.6252 So that it mihte noght ben hidd. Line 5.6253 And therupon it is betidd, Line 5.6254 Diane, which it herde telle, Line 5.6255 In prive place unto a welle Line 5.6256 With Nimphes al a compainie Line 5.6257 Was come, and in a ragerie Line 5.6258 Sche seide that sche bathe wolde, Line 5.6259 And bad that every maide scholde Line 5.6260 With hire al naked bathe also. Line 5.6261 And tho began the prive wo, Line 5.6262 Calistona wax red for schame; Line 5.6263 Bot thei that knewe noght the game, Line 5.6264 To whom no such thing was befalle, Line 5.6265 Anon thei made hem naked alle, Line 5.6266 As thei that nothing wolden hyde: Line 5.6267 Bot sche withdrouh hire evere asyde, Line 5.6268 And natheles into the flod, Line 5.6269 Wher that Diane hirselve stod, Line 5.6270 Sche thoghte come unaperceived. Line 5.6271 Bot therof sche was al deceived; Line 5.6272 For whan sche cam a litel nyh, Line 5.6273

Line 5.6273 And that Diane hire wombe syh, Line 5.6274 Sche seide, "Awey, thou foule beste, Line 5.6275 For thin astat is noght honeste Line 5.6276 This chaste water forto touche; Line 5.6277 For thou hast take such a touche, Line 5.6278 Which nevere mai ben hol ayein." Line 5.6279 And thus goth sche which was forlein Line 5.6280 With schame, and fro the Nimphes fledde, Line 5.6281 Til whanne that nature hire spedde, Line 5.6282 That of a Sone, which Archas Line 5.6283 Was named, sche delivered was. Line 5.6284 And tho Juno, which was the wif Line 5.6285 Of Jupiter, wroth and hastif, Line 5.6286 In pourpos forto do vengance Line 5.6287 Cam forth upon this ilke chance, Line 5.6288 And to Calistona sche spak, Line 5.6289 And sette upon hir many a lak, Line 5.6290 And seide, "Ha, nou thou art atake, Line 5.6291 That thou thi werk myht noght forsake. Line 5.6292 Ha, thou ungoodlich ypocrite, Line 5.6293 Hou thou art gretly forto wyte! Line 5.6294 Bot nou thou schalt ful sore abie Line 5.6295 That ilke stelthe and micherie, Line 5.6296 Which thou hast bothe take and do; Line 5.6297 Wherof thi fader Lichao Line 5.6298 Schal noght be glad, whan he it wot, Line 5.6299 Of that his dowhter was so hot, Line 5.6300

Lines 6301 through 6400

That sche hath broke hire chaste avou. Line 5.6301 Bot I thee schal chastise nou; Line 5.6302 Thi grete beaute schal be torned, Line 5.6303 Thurgh which that thou hast be mistorned, Line 5.6304 Thi large frount, thin yhen greie, Line 5.6305 I schal hem change in other weie, Line 5.6306 And al the feture of thi face Line 5.6307 In such a wise I schal deface, Line 5.6308 That every man thee schal forbere." Line 5.6309 With that the liknesse of a bere Line 5.6310 Sche tok and was forschape anon. Line 5.6311

Line 5.6311 Withinne a time and therupon Line 5.6312 Befell that with a bowe on honde, Line 5.6313 To hunte and gamen forto fonde, Line 5.6314 Into that wode goth to pleie Line 5.6315 Hir Sone Archas, and in his weie Line 5.6316 It hapneth that this bere cam. Line 5.6317 And whan that sche good hiede nam, Line 5.6318 Wher that he stod under the bowh, Line 5.6319 Sche kneu him wel and to him drouh; Line 5.6320 For thogh sche hadde hire forme lore, Line 5.6321 The love was noght lost therfore Line 5.6322 Which kinde hath set under his lawe. Line 5.6323 Whan sche under the wodesschawe Line 5.6324 Hire child behield, sche was so glad, Line 5.6325 That sche with bothe hire armes sprad, Line 5.6326 As thogh sche were in wommanhiede, Line 5.6327 Toward him cam, and tok non hiede Line 5.6328 Of that he bar a bowe bent. Line 5.6329 And he with that an Arwe hath hent Line 5.6330 And gan to teise it in his bowe, Line 5.6331 As he that can non other knowe, Line 5.6332 Bot that it was a beste wylde. Line 5.6333 Bot Jupiter, which wolde schylde Line 5.6334 The Moder and the Sone also, Line 5.6335 Ordeineth for hem bothe so, Line 5.6336 That thei for evere were save. Line 5.6337 Bot thus, mi Sone, thou myht have Line 5.6338 Ensample, hou that it is to fle Line 5.6339 To robbe the virginite Line 5.6340 Of a yong innocent aweie: Line 5.6341 And overthis be other weie, Line 5.6342 In olde bokes as I rede, Line 5.6343 Such Robberie is forto drede, Line 5.6344 And nameliche of thilke good Line 5.6345 Which every womman that is good Line 5.6346 Desireth forto kepe and holde, Line 5.6347

Line 5.6347 As whilom was be daies olde. Line 5.6348 For if thou se mi tale wel Line 5.6349 Of that was tho, thou miht somdiel Line 5.6350 Of old ensample taken hiede, Line 5.6351 Hou that the flour of maidenhiede Line 5.6352 Was thilke time holde in pris. Line 5.6353 And so it was, and so it is, Line 5.6354 And so it schal for evere stonde: Line 5.6355 And for thou schalt it understonde, Line 5.6356 Nou herkne a tale next suiende, Line 5.6357 Hou maidenhod is to commende. Line 5.6358 Of Rome among the gestes olde Line 5.6359 I finde hou that Valerie tolde Line 5.6360 That what man tho was Emperour Line 5.6361 Of Rome, he scholde don honour Line 5.6362 To the virgine, and in the weie, Line 5.6363 Wher he hire mette, he scholde obeie Line 5.6364 In worschipe of virginite, Line 5.6365 Which tho was of gret dignite. Line 5.6366 Noght onliche of the wommen tho, Line 5.6367 Bot of the chaste men also Line 5.6368 It was commended overal: Line 5.6369 And forto speke in special Line 5.6370 Touchende of men, ensample I finde, Line 5.6371 Phyryns, which was of mannes kinde Line 5.6372 Above alle othre the faireste Line 5.6373 Of Rome and ek the comelieste, Line 5.6374 That wel was hire which him mihte Line 5.6375 Beholde and have of him a sihte. Line 5.6376 Thus was he tempted ofte sore; Line 5.6377

Line 5.6377 Bot for he wolde be nomore Line 5.6378 Among the wommen so coveited, Line 5.6379 The beaute of his face streited Line 5.6380 He hath, and threste out bothe hise yhen, Line 5.6381 That alle wommen whiche him syhen Line 5.6382 Thanne afterward, of him ne roghte: Line 5.6383 And thus his maidehiede he boghte. Line 5.6384 So mai I prove wel forthi, Line 5.6385 Above alle othre under the Sky, Line 5.6386 Who that the vertus wolde peise, Line 5.6387 Virginite is forto preise, Line 5.6388 Which, as thapocalips recordeth, Line 5.6389 To Crist in hevene best acordeth. Line 5.6390 So mai it schewe wel therfore, Line 5.6391 As I have told it hier tofore, Line 5.6392 In hevene and ek in Erthe also Line 5.6393 It is accept to bothe tuo. Line 5.6394 And if I schal more over this Line 5.6395 Declare what this vertu is, Line 5.6396 I finde write upon this thing Line 5.6397

Line 5.6397 Of Valentinian the king Line 5.6398 And Emperour be thilke daies, Line 5.6399 A worthi knyht at alle assaies, Line 5.6400

Lines 6401 through 6500

Hou he withoute Mariage Line 5.6401 Was of an hundred wynter Age, Line 5.6402

Line 5.6402 And hadde ben a worthi kniht Line 5.6403 Bothe of his lawe and of his myht. Line 5.6404 Bot whan men wolde his dedes peise Line 5.6405 And his knyhthode of Armes preise, Line 5.6406 Of that he dede with his hondes, Line 5.6407 Whan he the kinges and the londes Line 5.6408 To his subjeccion put under, Line 5.6409 Of al that pris hath he no wonder, Line 5.6410 For he it sette of non acompte, Line 5.6411 And seide al that may noght amonte Line 5.6412 Ayeins o point which he hath nome, Line 5.6413 That he his fleissh hath overcome: Line 5.6414 He was a virgine, as he seide; Line 5.6415 On that bataille his pris he leide. Line 5.6416 Lo nou, my Sone, avise thee. Line 5.6417 Yee, fader, al this wel mai be, Line 5.6418 Bot if alle othre dede so, Line 5.6419 The world of men were sone go: Line 5.6420 And in the lawe a man mai finde, Line 5.6421 Hou god to man be weie of kinde Line 5.6422 Hath set the world to multeplie; Line 5.6423 And who that wol him justefie, Line 5.6424 It is ynouh to do the lawe. Line 5.6425 And natheles youre goode sawe Line 5.6426 Is good to kepe, who so may, Line 5.6427 I wol noght therayein seie nay. Line 5.6428 Mi Sone, take it as I seie; Line 5.6429 If maidenhod be take aweie Line 5.6430 Withoute lawes ordinance, Line 5.6431

Line 5.6431 It mai noght failen of vengance. Line 5.6432 And if thou wolt the sothe wite, Line 5.6433 Behold a tale which is write, Line 5.6434 Hou that the King Agamenon, Line 5.6435 Whan he the Cite of Lesbon Line 5.6436 Hath wonne, a Maiden ther he fond, Line 5.6437 Which was the faireste of the Lond Line 5.6438 In thilke time that men wiste. Line 5.6439 He tok of hire what him liste Line 5.6440 Of thing which was most precious, Line 5.6441 Wherof that sche was dangerous. Line 5.6442 This faire Maiden cleped is Line 5.6443 Criseide, douhter of Crisis, Line 5.6444 Which was that time in special Line 5.6445 Of thilke temple principal, Line 5.6446 Wher Phebus hadde his sacrifice, Line 5.6447 So was it wel the more vice. Line 5.6448 Agamenon was thanne in weie Line 5.6449 To Troieward, and tok aweie Line 5.6450 This Maiden, which he with him ladde, Line 5.6451 So grete a lust in hire he hadde. Line 5.6452 Bot Phebus, which hath gret desdeign Line 5.6453 Of that his Maiden was forlein, Line 5.6454 Anon as he to Troie cam, Line 5.6455 Vengance upon this dede he nam Line 5.6456 And sende a comun pestilence. Line 5.6457 Thei soghten thanne here evidence Line 5.6458 And maden calculacion, Line 5.6459 To knowe in what condicion Line 5.6460 This deth cam in so sodeinly; Line 5.6461 And ate laste redyly Line 5.6462 The cause and ek the man thei founde: Line 5.6463 And forth withal the same stounde Line 5.6464 Agamenon opposed was, Line 5.6465 Which hath beknowen al the cas Line 5.6466 Of the folie which he wroghte. Line 5.6467

Line 5.6467 And therupon mercy thei soghte Line 5.6468 Toward the god in sondri wise Line 5.6469 With preiere and with sacrifise, Line 5.6470 The Maide and hom ayein thei sende, Line 5.6471 And yive hire good ynouh to spende Line 5.6472 For evere whil sche scholde live: Line 5.6473 And thus the Senne was foryive Line 5.6474 And al the pestilence cessed. Line 5.6475 Lo, what it is to ben encressed Line 5.6476 Of love which is evele wonne. Line 5.6477 It were betre noght begonne Line 5.6478 Than take a thing withoute leve, Line 5.6479 Which thou most after nedes leve, Line 5.6480 And yit have malgre forth withal. Line 5.6481 Forthi to robben overal Line 5.6482 In loves cause if thou beginne, Line 5.6483 I not what ese thou schalt winne. Line 5.6484 Mi Sone, be wel war of this, Line 5.6485 For thus of Robberie it is. Line 5.6486 Mi fader, youre ensamplerie Line 5.6487 In loves cause of Robberie Line 5.6488 I have it riht wel understonde. Line 5.6489 Bot overthis, hou so it stonde, Line 5.6490 Yit wolde I wite of youre aprise Line 5.6491 What thing is more of Covoitise. Line 5.6492 With Covoitise yit I finde Line 5.6493 A Servant of the same kinde, Line 5.6494 Which Stelthe is hote, and Mecherie Line 5.6495 With him is evere in compainie. Line 5.6496

Line 5.6496 Of whom if I schal telle soth, Line 5.6497 He stalketh as a Pocok doth, Line 5.6498 And takth his preie so covert, Line 5.6499 That noman wot it in apert. Line 5.6500

Lines 6501 through 6600

For whan he wot the lord from home, Line 5.6501 Than wol he stalke aboute and rome; Line 5.6502 And what thing he fint in his weie, Line 5.6503 Whan that he seth the men aweie, Line 5.6504 He stelth it and goth forth withal, Line 5.6505 That therof noman knowe schal. Line 5.6506 And ek fulofte he goth a nyht Line 5.6507 Withoute Mone or sterreliht, Line 5.6508 And with his craft the dore unpiketh, Line 5.6509 And takth therinne what him liketh: Line 5.6510 And if the dore be so schet, Line 5.6511 That he be of his entre let, Line 5.6512 He wole in ate wyndou crepe, Line 5.6513 And whil the lord is faste aslepe, Line 5.6514 He stelth what thing as him best list, Line 5.6515 And goth his weie er it be wist. Line 5.6516 Fulofte also be lyhte of day Line 5.6517 Yit wole he stele and make assay; Line 5.6518 Under the cote his hond he put, Line 5.6519 Til he the mannes Purs have cut, Line 5.6520 And rifleth that he fint therinne. Line 5.6521 And thus he auntreth him to winne, Line 5.6522 And berth an horn and noght ne bloweth, Line 5.6523 For noman of his conseil knoweth; Line 5.6524 What he mai gete of his Michinge, Line 5.6525 It is al bile under the winge. Line 5.6526 And as an hound that goth to folde Line 5.6527 And hath ther taken what he wolde, Line 5.6528 His mouth upon the gras he wypeth, Line 5.6529 And so with feigned chiere him slypeth, Line 5.6530 That what as evere of schep he strangle, Line 5.6531 Ther is noman therof schal jangle, Line 5.6532 As forto knowen who it dede; Line 5.6533 Riht so doth Stelthe in every stede, Line 5.6534

Line 5.6534 Where as him list his preie take. Line 5.6535 He can so wel his cause make Line 5.6536 And so wel feigne and so wel glose, Line 5.6537 That ther ne schal noman suppose, Line 5.6538 Bot that he were an innocent, Line 5.6539 And thus a mannes yhe he blent: Line 5.6540 So that this craft I mai remene Line 5.6541 Withouten help of eny mene. Line 5.6542 Ther be lovers of that degre, Line 5.6543 Which al here lust in privete, Line 5.6544 As who seith, geten al be Stelthe, Line 5.6545 And ofte atteignen to gret welthe Line 5.6546 As for the time that it lasteth. Line 5.6547 For love awaiteth evere and casteth Line 5.6548 Hou he mai stele and cacche his preie, Line 5.6549 Whan he therto mai finde a weie: Line 5.6550 For be it nyht or be it day, Line 5.6551 He takth his part, whan that he may, Line 5.6552 And if he mai nomore do, Line 5.6553 Yit wol he stele a cuss or tuo. Line 5.6554 Mi Sone, what seist thou therto? Line 5.6555 Tell if thou dedest evere so. Line 5.6556 Mi fader, hou? Mi Sone, thus,- Line 5.6557 If thou hast stolen eny cuss Line 5.6558 Or other thing which therto longeth, Line 5.6559 For noman suche thieves hongeth: Line 5.6560 Tell on forthi and sei the trouthe. Line 5.6561 Mi fader, nay, and that is routhe, Line 5.6562 For be mi will I am a thief; Line 5.6563 Bot sche that is to me most lief, Line 5.6564 Yit dorste I nevere in privete Line 5.6565 Noght ones take hire be the kne, Line 5.6566 To stele of hire or this or that, Line 5.6567 And if I dorste, I wot wel what: Line 5.6568 And natheles, bot if I lie, Line 5.6569 Be Stelthe ne be Robberie Line 5.6570 Of love, which fell in mi thoght, Line 5.6571 To hire dede I nevere noght. Line 5.6572

Line 5.6572 Bot as men sein, wher herte is failed, Line 5.6573 Ther schal no castell ben assailed; Line 5.6574 Bot thogh I hadde hertes ten, Line 5.6575 And were als strong as alle men, Line 5.6576 If I be noght myn oghne man Line 5.6577 And dar noght usen that I can, Line 5.6578 I mai miselve noght recovere. Line 5.6579 Thogh I be nevere man so povere, Line 5.6580 I bere an herte and hire it is, Line 5.6581 So that me faileth wit in this, Line 5.6582 Hou that I scholde of myn acord Line 5.6583 The servant lede ayein the lord: Line 5.6584 For if mi fot wolde awher go, Line 5.6585 Or that min hand wolde elles do, Line 5.6586 Whan that myn herte is therayein, Line 5.6587 The remenant is al in vein. Line 5.6588 And thus me lacketh alle wele, Line 5.6589 And yit ne dar I nothing stele Line 5.6590 Of thing which longeth unto love: Line 5.6591 And ek it is so hyh above, Line 5.6592 I mai noght wel therto areche, Line 5.6593 Bot if so be at time of speche, Line 5.6594 Ful selde if thanne I stele may Line 5.6595 A word or tuo and go my way. Line 5.6596 Betwen hire hih astat and me Line 5.6597 Comparison ther mai non be, Line 5.6598 So that I fiele and wel I wot, Line 5.6599 Al is to hevy and to hot Line 5.6600

Lines 6601 through 6700

To sette on hond withoute leve: Line 5.6601 And thus I mot algate leve Line 5.6602 To stele that I mai noght take, Line 5.6603 And in this wise I mot forsake Line 5.6604 To ben a thief ayein mi wille Line 5.6605 Of thing which I mai noght fulfille. Line 5.6606 For that Serpent which nevere slepte Line 5.6607 The flees of gold so wel ne kepte Line 5.6608 In Colchos, as the tale is told, Line 5.6609 That mi ladi a thousendfold Line 5.6610 Nys betre yemed and bewaked, Line 5.6611

Line 5.6611 Wher sche be clothed or be naked. Line 5.6612 To kepe hir bodi nyht and day, Line 5.6613 Sche hath a wardein redi ay, Line 5.6614 Which is so wonderful a wyht, Line 5.6615 That him ne mai no mannes myht Line 5.6616 With swerd ne with no wepne daunte, Line 5.6617 Ne with no sleihte of charme enchaunte, Line 5.6618 Wherof he mihte be mad tame, Line 5.6619 And Danger is his rihte name; Line 5.6620 Which under lock and under keie, Line 5.6621 That noman mai it stele aweie, Line 5.6622 Hath al the Tresor underfonge Line 5.6623 That unto love mai belonge. Line 5.6624 The leste lokinge of hire yhe Line 5.6625 Mai noght be stole, if he it syhe; Line 5.6626 And who so gruccheth for so lyte, Line 5.6627 He wolde sone sette a wyte Line 5.6628 On him that wolde stele more. Line 5.6629 And that me grieveth wonder sore, Line 5.6630 For this proverbe is evere newe, Line 5.6631 That stronge lokes maken trewe Line 5.6632 Of hem that wolden stele and pyke: Line 5.6633 For so wel can ther noman slyke Line 5.6634 Be him ne be non other mene, Line 5.6635 To whom Danger wol yive or lene Line 5.6636 Of that tresor he hath to kepe. Line 5.6637 So thogh I wolde stalke and crepe, Line 5.6638 And wayte on eve and ek on morwe, Line 5.6639 Of Danger schal I nothing borwe, Line 5.6640 And stele I wot wel may I noght: Line 5.6641 And thus I am riht wel bethoght, Line 5.6642 Whil Danger stant in his office, Line 5.6643 Of Stelthe, which ye clepe a vice, Line 5.6644 I schal be gultif neveremo. Line 5.6645 Therfore I wolde he were ago Line 5.6646 So fer that I nevere of him herde, Line 5.6647 Hou so that afterward it ferde: Line 5.6648

Line 5.6648 For thanne I mihte yit per cas Line 5.6649 Of love make som pourchas Line 5.6650 Be Stelthe or be som other weie, Line 5.6651 That nou fro me stant fer aweie. Line 5.6652 Bot, fader, as ye tolde above, Line 5.6653 Hou Stelthe goth a nyht for love, Line 5.6654 I mai noght wel that point forsake, Line 5.6655 That ofte times I ne wake Line 5.6656 On nyhtes, whan that othre slepe; Line 5.6657 Bot hou, I prei you taketh kepe. Line 5.6658 Whan I am loged in such wise Line 5.6659 That I be nyhte mai arise, Line 5.6660 At som wyndowe and loken oute Line 5.6661 And se the housinge al aboute, Line 5.6662 So that I mai the chambre knowe Line 5.6663 In which mi ladi, as I trowe, Line 5.6664 Lyth in hir bed and slepeth softe, Line 5.6665 Thanne is myn herte a thief fulofte: Line 5.6666 For there I stonde to beholde Line 5.6667 The longe nyhtes that ben colde, Line 5.6668 And thenke on hire that lyth there. Line 5.6669 And thanne I wisshe that I were Line 5.6670 Als wys as was Nectanabus Line 5.6671 Or elles as was Protheu�s, Line 5.6672 That couthen bothe of nigromaunce Line 5.6673 In what liknesse, in what semblaunce, Line 5.6674 Riht as hem liste, hemself transforme: Line 5.6675 For if I were of such a forme, Line 5.6676 I seie thanne I wolde fle Line 5.6677 Into the chambre forto se Line 5.6678 If eny grace wolde falle, Line 5.6679 So that I mihte under the palle Line 5.6680 Som thing of love pyke and stele. Line 5.6681 And thus I thenke thoghtes fele, Line 5.6682 And thogh therof nothing be soth, Line 5.6683 Yit ese as for a time it doth: Line 5.6684 Bot ate laste whanne I finde Line 5.6685 That I am falle into my mynde, Line 5.6686

Line 5.6686 And se that I have stonde longe Line 5.6687 And have no profit underfonge, Line 5.6688 Than stalke I to mi bedd withinne. Line 5.6689 And this is al that evere I winne Line 5.6690 Of love, whanne I walke on nyht: Line 5.6691 Mi will is good, bot of mi myht Line 5.6692 Me lacketh bothe and of mi grace; Line 5.6693 For what so that mi thoght embrace, Line 5.6694 Yit have I noght the betre ferd. Line 5.6695 Mi fader, lo, nou have ye herd Line 5.6696 What I be Stelthe of love have do, Line 5.6697 And hou mi will hath be therto: Line 5.6698 If I be worthi to penance Line 5.6699 I put it on your ordinance. Line 5.6700

Lines 6701 through 6800

Mi Sone, of Stelthe I the behiete, Line 5.6701 Thogh it be for a time swete, Line 5.6702 At ende it doth bot litel good, Line 5.6703 As be ensample hou that it stod Line 5.6704 Whilom, I mai thee telle nou. Line 5.6705 I preie you, fader, sei me hou. Line 5.6706 Mi Sone, of him which goth be daie Line 5.6707 Be weie of Stelthe to assaie, Line 5.6708 In loves cause and takth his preie, Line 5.6709 Ovide seide as I schal seie, Line 5.6710 And in his Methamor he tolde Line 5.6711 A tale, which is good to holde. Line 5.6712 The Poete upon this matiere Line 5.6713 Of Stelthe wrot in this manere. Line 5.6714 Venus, which hath this lawe in honde Line 5.6715 Of thing which mai noght be withstonde, Line 5.6716 As sche which the tresor to warde Line 5.6717 Of love hath withinne hir warde, Line 5.6718 Phebum to love hath so constreigned, Line 5.6719 That he withoute reste is peined Line 5.6720 With al his herte to coveite Line 5.6721

Line 5.6721 A Maiden, which was warded streyte Line 5.6722 Withinne chambre and kept so clos, Line 5.6723 That selden was whan sche desclos Line 5.6724 Goth with hir moder forto pleie. Line 5.6725 Leuchotoe, so as men seie, Line 5.6726 This Maiden hihte, and Orchamus Line 5.6727 Hir fader was; and befell thus. Line 5.6728 This doughter, that was kept so deere, Line 5.6729 And hadde be fro yer to yeere Line 5.6730 Under hir moder discipline Line 5.6731 A clene Maide and a Virgine, Line 5.6732 Upon the whos nativite Line 5.6733 Of comelihiede and of beaute Line 5.6734 Nature hath set al that sche may, Line 5.6735 That lich unto the fresshe Maii, Line 5.6736 Which othre monthes of the yeer Line 5.6737 Surmonteth, so withoute pier Line 5.6738 Was of this Maiden the feture. Line 5.6739 Wherof Phebus out of mesure Line 5.6740 Hire loveth, and on every syde Line 5.6741 Awaiteth, if so mai betyde, Line 5.6742 That he thurgh eny sleihte myhte Line 5.6743 Hire lusti maidenhod unrihte, Line 5.6744 The which were al his worldes welthe. Line 5.6745 And thus lurkende upon his stelthe Line 5.6746 In his await so longe he lai, Line 5.6747 Til it befell upon a dai, Line 5.6748 That he thurghout hir chambre wall Line 5.6749 Cam in al sodeinliche, and stall Line 5.6750 That thing which was to him so lief. Line 5.6751 Bot wo the while, he was a thief! Line 5.6752 For Venus, which was enemie Line 5.6753 Of thilke loves micherie, Line 5.6754 Discovereth al the pleine cas Line 5.6755 To Clymene, which thanne was Line 5.6756

Line 5.6756 Toward Phebus his concubine. Line 5.6757 And sche to lette the covine Line 5.6758 Of thilke love, dedli wroth Line 5.6759 To pleigne upon this Maide goth, Line 5.6760 And tolde hire fader hou it stod; Line 5.6761 Wherof for sorwe welnyh wod Line 5.6762 Unto hire moder thus he saide: Line 5.6763 "Lo, what it is to kepe a Maide! Line 5.6764 To Phebus dar I nothing speke, Line 5.6765 Bot upon hire I schal be wreke, Line 5.6766 So that these Maidens after this Line 5.6767 Mow take ensample, what it is Line 5.6768 To soffre her maidenhed be stole, Line 5.6769 Wherof that sche the deth schal thole." Line 5.6770 And bad with that do make a pet, Line 5.6771 Wherinne he hath his douhter set, Line 5.6772 As he that wol no pite have, Line 5.6773 So that sche was al quik begrave Line 5.6774 And deide anon in his presence. Line 5.6775 Bot Phebus, for the reverence Line 5.6776 Of that sche hadde be his love, Line 5.6777 Hath wroght thurgh his pouer above, Line 5.6778 That sche sprong up out of the molde Line 5.6779 Into a flour was named golde, Line 5.6780 Which stant governed of the Sonne. Line 5.6781 And thus whan love is evele wonne, Line 5.6782 Fulofte it comth to repentaile. Line 5.6783 Mi fader, that is no mervaile, Line 5.6784 Whan that the conseil is bewreid. Line 5.6785 Bot ofte time love hath pleid Line 5.6786 And stole many a prive game, Line 5.6787 Which nevere yit cam into blame, Line 5.6788 Whan that the thinges weren hidde. Line 5.6789 Bot in youre tale, as it betidde, Line 5.6790 Venus discoverede al the cas, Line 5.6791 And ek also brod dai it was, Line 5.6792 Whan Phebus such a Stelthe wroghte, Line 5.6793

Line 5.6793 Wherof the Maide in blame he broghte, Line 5.6794 That afterward sche was so lore. Line 5.6795 Bot for ye seiden nou tofore Line 5.6796 Hou stelthe of love goth be nyhte, Line 5.6797 And doth hise thinges out of syhte, Line 5.6798 Therof me liste also to hiere Line 5.6799

Lines 6801 through 6900

A tale lich to the matiere, Line 5.6800 Wherof I myhte ensample take. Line 5.6801 Mi goode Sone, and for thi sake, Line 5.6802 So as it fell be daies olde, Line 5.6803 And so as the Poete it tolde, Line 5.6804 Upon the nyhtes micherie Line 5.6805 Nou herkne a tale of Poesie. Line 5.6806 The myhtieste of alle men Line 5.6807 Whan Hercules with Eolen, Line 5.6808 Which was the love of his corage, Line 5.6809 Togedre upon a Pelrinage Line 5.6810 Towardes Rome scholden go, Line 5.6811 It fell hem be the weie so, Line 5.6812 That thei upon a dai a Cave Line 5.6813 Withinne a roche founden have, Line 5.6814 Which was real and glorious Line 5.6815 And of Entaile curious, Line 5.6816 Be name and Thophis it was hote. Line 5.6817 The Sonne schon tho wonder hote, Line 5.6818 As it was in the Somer tyde; Line 5.6819 This Hercules, which be his syde Line 5.6820 Hath Eolen his love there, Line 5.6821 Whan thei at thilke cave were, Line 5.6822 He seide it thoghte him for the beste Line 5.6823 That sche hire for the hete reste Line 5.6824 Al thilke day and thilke nyht; Line 5.6825 And sche, that was a lusti wyht, Line 5.6826 It liketh hire al that he seide: Line 5.6827 And thus thei duelle there and pleide Line 5.6828 The longe dai. And so befell, Line 5.6829

Line 5.6829 This Cave was under the hell Line 5.6830 Of Tymolus, which was begrowe Line 5.6831 With vines, and at thilke throwe Line 5.6832 Faunus with Saba the goddesse, Line 5.6833 Be whom the large wildernesse Line 5.6834 In thilke time stod governed, Line 5.6835 Weere in a place, as I am lerned, Line 5.6836 Nyh by, which Bachus wode hihte. Line 5.6837 This Faunus tok a gret insihte Line 5.6838 Of Eolen, that was so nyh; Line 5.6839 For whan that he hire beaute syh, Line 5.6840 Out of his wit he was assoted, Line 5.6841 And in his herte it hath so noted, Line 5.6842 That he forsok the Nimphes alle, Line 5.6843 And seide he wolde, hou so it falle, Line 5.6844 Assaie an other forto winne; Line 5.6845 So that his hertes thoght withinne Line 5.6846 He sette and caste hou that he myhte Line 5.6847 Of love pyke awey be nyhte Line 5.6848 That he be daie in other wise Line 5.6849 To stele mihte noght suffise: Line 5.6850 And therupon his time he waiteth. Line 5.6851 Nou tak good hiede hou love afaiteth Line 5.6852 Him which withal is overcome. Line 5.6853 Faire Eolen, whan sche was come Line 5.6854 With Hercules into the Cave, Line 5.6855 Sche seide him that sche wolde have Line 5.6856 Hise clothes of and hires bothe, Line 5.6857 That ech of hem scholde other clothe. Line 5.6858 And al was do riht as sche bad, Line 5.6859 He hath hire in hise clothes clad Line 5.6860

Line 5.6860 And caste on hire his gulion, Line 5.6861 Which of the Skyn of a Leoun Line 5.6862 Was mad, as he upon the weie Line 5.6863 It slouh, and overthis to pleie Line 5.6864 Sche tok his grete Mace also Line 5.6865 And knet it at hir gerdil tho. Line 5.6866 So was sche lich the man arraied, Line 5.6867 And Hercules thanne hath assaied Line 5.6868 To clothen him in hire array: Line 5.6869 And thus thei jape forth the dai, Line 5.6870 Til that her Souper redy were. Line 5.6871 And whan thei hadden souped there, Line 5.6872 Thei schopen hem to gon to reste; Line 5.6873 And as it thoghte hem for the beste, Line 5.6874 Thei bede, as for that ilke nyht, Line 5.6875 Tuo sondri beddes to be dyht, Line 5.6876 For thei togedre ligge nolde, Line 5.6877 Be cause that thei offre wolde Line 5.6878 Upon the morwe here sacrifice. Line 5.6879 The servantz deden here office Line 5.6880 And sondri beddes made anon, Line 5.6881 Wherin that thei to reste gon Line 5.6882 Ech be himself in sondri place. Line 5.6883 Faire Eole hath set the Mace Line 5.6884 Beside hire beddes hed above, Line 5.6885 And with the clothes of hire love Line 5.6886 Sche helede al hire bed aboute; Line 5.6887 And he, which hadde of nothing doute, Line 5.6888 Hire wympel wond aboute his cheke, Line 5.6889 Hire kertell and hire mantel eke Line 5.6890 Abrod upon his bed he spredde. Line 5.6891 And thus thei slepen bothe abedde; Line 5.6892 And what of travail, what of wyn, Line 5.6893 The servantz lich to drunke Swyn Line 5.6894 Begunne forto route faste. Line 5.6895 This Faunus, which his Stelthe caste, Line 5.6896 Was thanne come to the Cave, Line 5.6897 And fond thei weren alle save Line 5.6898

Line 5.6898 Withoute noise, and in he wente. Line 5.6899 The derke nyht his sihte blente, Line 5.6900

Lines 6901 through 7000

And yit it happeth him to go Line 5.6901 Where Eolen abedde tho Line 5.6902 Was leid al one for to slepe; Line 5.6903 Bot for he wolde take kepe Line 5.6904 Whos bed it was, he made assai, Line 5.6905 And of the Leoun, where it lay, Line 5.6906 The Cote he fond, and ek he fieleth Line 5.6907 The Mace, and thanne his herte kieleth, Line 5.6908 That there dorste he noght abyde, Line 5.6909 Bot stalketh upon every side Line 5.6910 And soghte aboute with his hond, Line 5.6911 That other bedd til that he fond, Line 5.6912 Wher lai bewympled a visage. Line 5.6913 Tho was he glad in his corage, Line 5.6914 For he hir kertell fond also Line 5.6915 And ek hir mantell bothe tuo Line 5.6916 Bespred upon the bed alofte. Line 5.6917 He made him naked thanne, and softe Line 5.6918 Into the bedd unwar he crepte, Line 5.6919 Wher Hercules that time slepte, Line 5.6920 And wende wel it were sche; Line 5.6921 And thus in stede of Eole Line 5.6922 Anon he profreth him to love. Line 5.6923 But he, which felte a man above, Line 5.6924 This Hercules, him threw to grounde Line 5.6925 So sore, that thei have him founde Line 5.6926 Liggende there upon the morwe; Line 5.6927 And tho was noght a litel sorwe, Line 5.6928 That Faunus of himselve made, Line 5.6929 Bot elles thei were alle glade Line 5.6930 And lowhen him to scorne aboute: Line 5.6931 Saba with Nimphis al a route Line 5.6932 Cam doun to loke hou that he ferde, Line 5.6933 And whan that thei the sothe herde, Line 5.6934 He was bejaped overal. Line 5.6935 Mi Sone, be thou war withal Line 5.6936

Line 5.6936 To seche suche mecheries, Line 5.6937 Bot if thou have the betre aspies, Line 5.6938 In aunter if the so betyde Line 5.6939 As Faunus dede thilke tyde, Line 5.6940 Wherof thou miht be schamed so. Line 5.6941 Min holi fader, certes no. Line 5.6942 Bot if I hadde riht good leve, Line 5.6943 Such mecherie I thenke leve: Line 5.6944 Mi feinte herte wol noght serve; Line 5.6945 For malgre wolde I noght deserve Line 5.6946 In thilke place wher I love. Line 5.6947 Bot for ye tolden hier above Line 5.6948 Of Covoitise and his pilage, Line 5.6949 If ther be more of that lignage, Line 5.6950 Which toucheth to mi schrifte, I preie Line 5.6951 That ye therof me wolde seie, Line 5.6952 So that I mai the vice eschuie. Line 5.6953 Mi Sone, if I be order suie Line 5.6954 The vices, as thei stonde arowe, Line 5.6955 Of Covoitise thou schalt knowe Line 5.6956 Ther is yit on, which is the laste; Line 5.6957 In whom ther mai no vertu laste, Line 5.6958 For he with god himself debateth, Line 5.6959 Wherof that al the hevene him hateth. Line 5.6960 The hihe god, which alle goode Line 5.6961 Pourveied hath for mannes fode Line 5.6962 Of clothes and of mete and drinke, Line 5.6963 Bad Adam that he scholde swinke Line 5.6964 To geten him his sustienance: Line 5.6965 And ek he sette an ordinance Line 5.6966 Upon the lawe of Moi�ses, Line 5.6967 That though a man be haveles, Line 5.6968 Yit schal he noght be thefte stele. Line 5.6969 Bot nou adaies ther ben fele, Line 5.6970

Line 5.6970 That wol no labour undertake, Line 5.6971 Bot what thei mai be Stelthe take Line 5.6972 Thei holde it sikerliche wonne. Line 5.6973 And thus the lawe is overronne, Line 5.6974 Which god hath set, and namely Line 5.6975 With hem that so untrewely Line 5.6976 The goodes robbe of holi cherche. Line 5.6977 The thefte which thei thanne werche Line 5.6978 Be name is cleped Sacrilegge, Line 5.6979 Ayein the whom I thenke alegge. Line 5.6980 Of his condicion to telle, Line 5.6981 Which rifleth bothe bok and belle, Line 5.6982 So forth with al the remenant Line 5.6983

Line 5.6983 To goddes hous appourtenant, Line 5.6984 Wher that he scholde bidde his bede, Line 5.6985 He doth his thefte in holi stede, Line 5.6986 And takth what thing he fint therinne: Line 5.6987 For whan he seth that he mai winne, Line 5.6988 He wondeth for no cursednesse, Line 5.6989 That he ne brekth the holinesse Line 5.6990 And doth to god no reverence; Line 5.6991 For he hath lost his conscience, Line 5.6992 That though the Prest therfore curse, Line 5.6993 He seith he fareth noght the wurse. Line 5.6994 And forto speke it otherwise, Line 5.6995 What man that lasseth the franchise Line 5.6996 And takth of holi cherche his preie, Line 5.6997 I not what bedes he schal preie. Line 5.6998 Whan he fro god, which hath yive al, Line 5.6999 The Pourpartie in special, Line 5.7000

Lines 7001 through 7100

Which unto Crist himself is due, Line 5.7001 Benymth, he mai noght wel eschue Line 5.7002 The peine comende afterward; Line 5.7003 For he hath mad his foreward Line 5.7004 With Sacrilegge forto duelle, Line 5.7005 Which hath his heritage in helle. Line 5.7006 And if we rede of tholde lawe, Line 5.7007 I finde write, in thilke dawe Line 5.7008 Of Princes hou ther weren thre Line 5.7009 Coupable sore in this degre. Line 5.7010 That on of hem was cleped thus, Line 5.7011 The proude king Antiochus; Line 5.7012 That other Nabuzardan hihte, Line 5.7013 Which of his crualte behyhte Line 5.7014 The temple to destruie and waste, Line 5.7015 And so he dede in alle haste; Line 5.7016 The thridde, which was after schamed, Line 5.7017 Was Nabugodonosor named, Line 5.7018

Line 5.7018 And he Jerusalem putte under, Line 5.7019 Of Sacrilegge and many a wonder Line 5.7020 There in the holi temple he wroghte, Line 5.7021 Which Baltazar his heir aboghte, Line 5.7022 Whan Mane, Techel, Phares write Line 5.7023 Was on the wal, as thou miht wite, Line 5.7024 So as the bible it hath declared. Line 5.7025 Bot for al that it is noght spared Line 5.7026 Yit nou aday, that men ne pile, Line 5.7027 And maken argument and skile Line 5.7028 To Sacrilegge as it belongeth, Line 5.7029 For what man that ther after longeth, Line 5.7030 He takth non hiede what he doth. Line 5.7031 And riht so, forto telle soth, Line 5.7032 In loves cause if I schal trete, Line 5.7033

Line 5.7033 Ther ben of suche smale and grete: Line 5.7034 If thei no leisir fynden elles, Line 5.7035 Thei wol noght wonden for the belles, Line 5.7036

Line 5.7036 Ne thogh thei sen the Prest at masse; Line 5.7037 That wol thei leten overpasse. Line 5.7038 If that thei finde here love there, Line 5.7039

Line 5.7039 Thei stonde and tellen in hire Ere, Line 5.7040 And axe of god non other grace, Line 5.7041 Whyl thei ben in that holi place; Line 5.7042

Line 5.7042 Bot er thei gon som avantage Line 5.7043 Ther wol thei have, and som pilage Line 5.7044 Of goodli word or of beheste, Line 5.7045 Or elles thei take ate leste Line 5.7046 Out of hir hand or ring or glove, Line 5.7047 So nyh the weder thei wol love, Line 5.7048 As who seith sche schal noght foryete, Line 5.7049 Nou I this tokne of hire have gete: Line 5.7050 Thus halwe thei the hihe feste. Line 5.7051 Such thefte mai no cherche areste, Line 5.7052 For al is leveful that hem liketh, Line 5.7053 To whom that elles it misliketh. Line 5.7054 And ek riht in the selve kinde Line 5.7055 In grete Cites men mai finde Line 5.7056 This lusti folk, that make it gay, Line 5.7057 And waite upon the haliday: Line 5.7058 In cherches and in Menstres eke Line 5.7059 Thei gon the wommen forto seke, Line 5.7060 And wher that such on goth aboute, Line 5.7061 Tofore the faireste of the route, Line 5.7062 Wher as thei sitten alle arewe, Line 5.7063 Ther wol he most his bodi schewe, Line 5.7064 His croket kembd and theron set Line 5.7065 A Nouche with a chapelet, Line 5.7066 Or elles on of grene leves, Line 5.7067 Which late com out of the greves, Line 5.7068 Al for he scholde seme freissh. Line 5.7069 And thus he loketh on the fleissh, Line 5.7070

Line 5.7070 Riht as an hauk which hath a sihte Line 5.7071 Upon the foul, ther he schal lihte; Line 5.7072 And as he were of faierie, Line 5.7073 He scheweth him tofore here yhe Line 5.7074 In holi place wher thei sitte, Line 5.7075 Al forto make here hertes flitte. Line 5.7076 His yhe nawher wole abyde, Line 5.7077 Bot loke and prie on every syde Line 5.7078 On hire and hire, as him best lyketh: Line 5.7079 And otherwhile among he syketh; Line 5.7080 Thenkth on of hem, "That was for me," Line 5.7081 And so ther thenken tuo or thre, Line 5.7082 And yit he loveth non of alle, Line 5.7083 Bot wher as evere his chance falle. Line 5.7084 And natheles to seie a soth, Line 5.7085 The cause why that he so doth Line 5.7086 Is forto stele an herte or tuo, Line 5.7087 Out of the cherche er that he go: Line 5.7088 And as I seide it hier above, Line 5.7089 Al is that Sacrilege of love; Line 5.7090 For wel mai be he stelth away Line 5.7091 That he nevere after yelde may. Line 5.7092 Tell me forthi, my Sone, anon, Line 5.7093 Hast thou do Sacrilege, or non, Line 5.7094 As I have said in this manere? Line 5.7095 Mi fader, as of this matiere Line 5.7096 I wole you tellen redely Line 5.7097 What I have do; bot trewely Line 5.7098 I mai excuse min entente, Line 5.7099 That nevere I yit to cherche wente Line 5.7100

Lines 7101 through 7200

In such manere as ye me schryve, Line 5.7101 For no womman that is on lyve. Line 5.7102 The cause why I have it laft Line 5.7103 Mai be for I unto that craft Line 5.7104 Am nothing able so to stele, Line 5.7105 Thogh ther be wommen noght so fele. Line 5.7106 Bot yit wol I noght seie this, Line 5.7107 Whan I am ther mi ladi is, Line 5.7108

Line 5.7108 In whom lith holly mi querele, Line 5.7109 And sche to cherche or to chapele Line 5.7110 Wol go to matins or to messe,- Line 5.7111 That time I waite wel and gesse, Line 5.7112 To cherche I come and there I stonde, Line 5.7113 And thogh I take a bok on honde, Line 5.7114 Mi contienance is on the bok, Line 5.7115 Bot toward hire is al my lok; Line 5.7116 And if so falle that I preie Line 5.7117 Unto mi god, and somwhat seie Line 5.7118 Of Paternoster or of Crede, Line 5.7119 Al is for that I wolde spede, Line 5.7120 So that mi bede in holi cherche Line 5.7121 Ther mihte som miracle werche Line 5.7122 Mi ladi herte forto chaunge, Line 5.7123 Which evere hath be to me so strange. Line 5.7124 So that al mi devocion Line 5.7125 And al mi contemplacion Line 5.7126 With al min herte and mi corage Line 5.7127 Is only set on hire ymage; Line 5.7128 And evere I waite upon the tyde. Line 5.7129 If sche loke eny thing asyde, Line 5.7130 That I me mai of hire avise, Line 5.7131 Anon I am with covoitise Line 5.7132 So smite, that me were lief Line 5.7133 To ben in holi cherche a thief; Line 5.7134 Bot noght to stele a vestement, Line 5.7135 For that is nothing mi talent, Line 5.7136 Bot I wold stele, if that I mihte, Line 5.7137 A glad word or a goodly syhte; Line 5.7138 And evere mi service I profre, Line 5.7139 And namly whan sche wol gon offre, Line 5.7140 For thanne I lede hire, if I may, Line 5.7141 For somwhat wolde I stele away. Line 5.7142 Whan I beclippe hire on the wast, Line 5.7143 Yit ate leste I stele a tast, Line 5.7144 And otherwhile "grant mercy" Line 5.7145 Sche seith, and so winne I therby Line 5.7146

Line 5.7146 A lusti touch, a good word eke, Line 5.7147 Bot al the remenant to seke Line 5.7148 Is fro mi pourpos wonder ferr. Line 5.7149 So mai I seie, as I seide er, Line 5.7150 In holy cherche if that I wowe, Line 5.7151 My conscience it wolde allowe, Line 5.7152 Be so that up amendement Line 5.7153 I mihte gete assignement Line 5.7154 Wher forto spede in other place: Line 5.7155 Such Sacrilege I holde a grace. Line 5.7156 And thus, mi fader, soth to seie, Line 5.7157 In cherche riht as in the weie, Line 5.7158 If I mihte oght of love take, Line 5.7159 Such hansell have I noght forsake. Line 5.7160 Bot finali I me confesse, Line 5.7161 Ther is in me non holinesse, Line 5.7162 Whil I hire se in eny stede; Line 5.7163 And yit, for oght that evere I dede, Line 5.7164 No Sacrilege of hire I tok, Line 5.7165 Bot if it were of word or lok, Line 5.7166 Or elles if that I hir fredde, Line 5.7167 Whan I toward offringe hir ledde, Line 5.7168 Take therof what I take may, Line 5.7169 For elles bere I noght away: Line 5.7170 For thogh I wolde oght elles have, Line 5.7171 Alle othre thinges ben so save Line 5.7172 And kept with such a privilege, Line 5.7173 That I mai do no Sacrilege. Line 5.7174 God wot mi wille natheles, Line 5.7175 Thogh I mot nedes kepe pes Line 5.7176 And malgre myn so let it passe, Line 5.7177 Mi will therto is noght the lasse, Line 5.7178 If I mihte other wise aweie. Line 5.7179 Forthi, mi fader, I you preie, Line 5.7180 Tell what you thenketh therupon, Line 5.7181 If I therof have gult or non. Line 5.7182

Line 5.7182 Thi will, mi Sone, is forto blame, Line 5.7183 The remenant is bot a game, Line 5.7184 That I have herd the telle as yit. Line 5.7185 Bot tak this lore into thi wit, Line 5.7186 That alle thing hath time and stede, Line 5.7187 The cherche serveth for the bede, Line 5.7188 The chambre is of an other speche. Line 5.7189 Bot if thou wistest of the wreche, Line 5.7190 Hou Sacrilege it hath aboght, Line 5.7191 Thou woldest betre ben bethoght; Line 5.7192 And for thou schalt the more amende, Line 5.7193 A tale I wole on the despende. Line 5.7194 To alle men, as who seith, knowe Line 5.7195 It is, and in the world thurgh blowe, Line 5.7196 Hou that of Troie Lamedon Line 5.7197 To Hercules and to Jasoun, Line 5.7198 Whan toward Colchos out of Grece Line 5.7199 Be See sailende upon a piece Line 5.7200

Lines 7201 through 7300

Of lond of Troie reste preide,- Line 5.7201 Bot he hem wrathfulli congeide: Line 5.7202 And for thei founde him so vilein, Line 5.7203 Whan thei come into Grece ayein, Line 5.7204 With pouer that thei gete myhte Line 5.7205 Towardes Troie thei hem dyhte, Line 5.7206 And ther thei token such vengance, Line 5.7207 Wherof stant yit the remembrance; Line 5.7208 For thei destruide king and al, Line 5.7209 And leften bot the brente wal. Line 5.7210 The Grecs of Troiens many slowe Line 5.7211 And prisoners thei toke ynowe, Line 5.7212 Among the whiche ther was on, Line 5.7213 The kinges doughter Lamedon, Line 5.7214 Esiona, that faire thing, Line 5.7215 Which unto Thelamon the king Line 5.7216 Be Hercules and be thassent Line 5.7217 Of al the hole parlement Line 5.7218

Line 5.7218 Was at his wille yove and granted. Line 5.7219 And thus hath Grece Troie danted, Line 5.7220 And hom thei torne in such manere: Line 5.7221 Bot after this nou schalt thou hiere Line 5.7222 The cause why this tale I telle, Line 5.7223 Upon the chances that befelle. Line 5.7224 King Lamedon, which deide thus, Line 5.7225 He hadde a Sone, on Priamus, Line 5.7226 Which was noght thilke time at hom: Line 5.7227 Bot whan he herde of this, he com, Line 5.7228 And fond hou the Cite was falle, Line 5.7229 Which he began anon to walle Line 5.7230 And made ther a cite newe, Line 5.7231 That thei whiche othre londes knewe Line 5.7232 Tho seiden, that of lym and Ston Line 5.7233 In al the world so fair was non. Line 5.7234 And on that o side of the toun Line 5.7235 The king let maken Ylioun, Line 5.7236 That hihe Tour, that stronge place, Line 5.7237 Which was adrad of no manace Line 5.7238 Of quarel nor of non engin; Line 5.7239 And thogh men wolde make a Myn, Line 5.7240 No mannes craft it mihte aproche, Line 5.7241 For it was sett upon a roche. Line 5.7242 The walles of the toun aboute, Line 5.7243 Hem stod of al the world no doute, Line 5.7244 And after the proporcion Line 5.7245 Sex gates weren of the toun Line 5.7246 Of such a forme, of such entaile, Line 5.7247 That hem to se was gret mervaile: Line 5.7248 The diches weren brode and depe, Line 5.7249 A fewe men it mihte kepe Line 5.7250 From al the world, as semeth tho, Line 5.7251 Bot if the goddes weren fo. Line 5.7252 Gret presse unto that cite drouh, Line 5.7253 So that ther was of poeple ynouh, Line 5.7254 Of Burgeis that therinne duellen; Line 5.7255 Ther mai no mannes tunge tellen Line 5.7256

Line 5.7256 Hou that cite was riche of good. Line 5.7257 Whan al was mad and al wel stod, Line 5.7258 King Priamus tho him bethoghte Line 5.7259 What thei of Grece whilom wroghte, Line 5.7260 And what was of her swerd devoured, Line 5.7261 And hou his Soster deshonoured Line 5.7262 With Thelamon awey was lad: Line 5.7263 And so thenkende he wax unglad, Line 5.7264 And sette anon a parlement, Line 5.7265 To which the lordes were assent. Line 5.7266 In many a wise ther was spoke, Line 5.7267 Hou that thei mihten ben awroke, Line 5.7268 Bot ate laste natheles Line 5.7269 Thei seiden alle, "Acord and pes." Line 5.7270 To setten either part in reste Line 5.7271 It thoghte hem thanne for the beste Line 5.7272 With resonable amendement; Line 5.7273 And thus was Anthenor forth sent Line 5.7274 To axe Esionam ayein Line 5.7275 And witen what thei wolden sein. Line 5.7276 So passeth he the See be barge Line 5.7277 To Grece forto seie his charge, Line 5.7278 The which he seide redely Line 5.7279 Unto the lordes by and by: Line 5.7280 Bot where he spak in Grece aboute, Line 5.7281 He herde noght bot wordes stoute, Line 5.7282 And nameliche of Thelamon; Line 5.7283 The maiden wolde he noght forgon, Line 5.7284 He seide, for no maner thing, Line 5.7285 And bad him gon hom to his king, Line 5.7286 For there gat he non amende Line 5.7287 For oght he couthe do or sende. Line 5.7288 This Anthenor ayein goth hom Line 5.7289 Unto his king, and whan he com, Line 5.7290 He tolde in Grece of that he herde, Line 5.7291 And hou that Thelamon ansuerde, Line 5.7292

Line 5.7292 And hou thei were at here above, Line 5.7293 That thei wol nouther pes ne love, Line 5.7294 Bot every man schal don his beste. Line 5.7295 Bot for men sein that nyht hath reste, Line 5.7296 The king bethoghte him al that nyht, Line 5.7297 And erli, whan the dai was lyht, Line 5.7298 He tok conseil of this matiere; Line 5.7299 And thei acorde in this manere, Line 5.7300

Lines 7301 through 7400

That he withouten eny lette Line 5.7301 A certein time scholde sette Line 5.7302 Of Parlement to ben avised: Line 5.7303 And in the wise it was devised, Line 5.7304 Of parlement he sette a day, Line 5.7305 And that was in the Monthe of Maii. Line 5.7306 This Priamus hadde in his yhte Line 5.7307 A wif, and Hecuba sche hyhte, Line 5.7308 Be whom that time ek hadde he Line 5.7309 Of Sones fyve, and douhtres thre Line 5.7310 Besiden hem, and thritty mo, Line 5.7311 And weren knyhtes alle tho, Line 5.7312 Bot noght upon his wif begete, Line 5.7313 Bot elles where he myhte hem gete Line 5.7314 Of wommen whiche he hadde knowe; Line 5.7315 Such was the world at thilke throwe: Line 5.7316 So that he was of children riche, Line 5.7317 As therof was noman his liche. Line 5.7318 Of Parlement the dai was come, Line 5.7319 Ther ben the lordes alle and some; Line 5.7320 Tho was pronounced and pourposed, Line 5.7321 And al the cause hem was desclosed, Line 5.7322 Hou Anthenor in Grece ferde. Line 5.7323 Thei seten alle stille and herde, Line 5.7324 And tho spak every man aboute: Line 5.7325 Ther was alegged many a doute, Line 5.7326 And many a proud word spoke also; Line 5.7327 Bot for the moste part as tho Line 5.7328

Line 5.7328 Thei wisten noght what was the beste, Line 5.7329 Or forto werre or forto reste. Line 5.7330 Bot he that was withoute fere, Line 5.7331 Hector, among the lordes there Line 5.7332 His tale tolde in such a wise, Line 5.7333 And seide, "Lordes, ye ben wise, Line 5.7334 Ye knowen this als wel as I, Line 5.7335 Above all othre most worthi Line 5.7336 Stant nou in Grece the manhode Line 5.7337 Of worthinesse and of knihthode; Line 5.7338 For who so wole it wel agrope, Line 5.7339 To hem belongeth al Europe, Line 5.7340 Which is the thridde parti evene Line 5.7341 Of al the world under the hevene; Line 5.7342 And we be bot of folk a fewe. Line 5.7343 So were it reson forto schewe Line 5.7344 The peril, er we falle thrinne: Line 5.7345 Betre is to leve, than beginne Line 5.7346 Thing which as mai noght ben achieved; Line 5.7347 He is noght wys that fint him grieved, Line 5.7348 And doth so that his grief be more; Line 5.7349 For who that loketh al tofore Line 5.7350 And wol noght se what is behinde, Line 5.7351 He mai fulofte hise harmes finde: Line 5.7352 Wicke is to stryve and have the worse. Line 5.7353 We have encheson forto corse, Line 5.7354 This wot I wel, and forto hate Line 5.7355 The Greks; bot er that we debate Line 5.7356 With hem that ben of such a myht, Line 5.7357 It is ful good that every wiht Line 5.7358 Be of himself riht wel bethoght. Line 5.7359 Bot as for me this seie I noght; Line 5.7360 For while that mi lif wol stonde, Line 5.7361 If that ye taken werre on honde, Line 5.7362 Falle it to beste or to the werste, Line 5.7363 I schal miselven be the ferste Line 5.7364 To grieven hem, what evere I may. Line 5.7365

Line 5.7365 I wol noght ones seie nay Line 5.7366 To thing which that youre conseil demeth, Line 5.7367 For unto me wel more it quemeth Line 5.7368 The werre certes than the pes; Line 5.7369 Bot this I seie natheles, Line 5.7370 As me belongeth forto seie. Line 5.7371 Nou schape ye the beste weie." Line 5.7372 Whan Hector hath seid his avis, Line 5.7373 Next after him tho spak Paris, Line 5.7374 Which was his brother, and alleide Line 5.7375 What him best thoghte, and thus he seide: Line 5.7376 "Strong thing it is to soffre wrong, Line 5.7377 And suffre schame is more strong, Line 5.7378 Bot we have suffred bothe tuo; Line 5.7379 And for al that yit have we do Line 5.7380 What so we mihte to reforme Line 5.7381 The pes, whan we in such a forme Line 5.7382 Sente Anthenor, as ye wel knowe. Line 5.7383 And thei here grete wordes blowe Line 5.7384 Upon her wrongful dedes eke; Line 5.7385 And who that wole himself noght meke Line 5.7386 To pes, and list no reson take, Line 5.7387 Men sein reson him wol forsake: Line 5.7388 For in the multitude of men Line 5.7389 Is noght the strengthe, for with ten Line 5.7390 It hath be sen in trew querele Line 5.7391 Ayein an hundred false dele, Line 5.7392 And had the betre of goddes grace. Line 5.7393 This hath befalle in many place; Line 5.7394 And if it like unto you alle, Line 5.7395 I wolde assaie, hou so it falle, Line 5.7396 Oure enemis if I mai grieve; Line 5.7397 For I have cawht a gret believe Line 5.7398 Upon a point I wol declare. Line 5.7399 This ender day, as I gan fare Line 5.7400

Lines 7401 through 7500

To hunte unto the grete hert, Line 5.7401 Which was tofore myn houndes stert, Line 5.7402

Line 5.7402 And every man went on his syde Line 5.7403 Him to poursuie, and I to ryde Line 5.7404 Began the chace, and soth to seie, Line 5.7405 Withinne a while out of mi weie Line 5.7406 I rod, and nyste where I was. Line 5.7407 And slep me cauhte, and on the gras Line 5.7408 Beside a welle I lay me doun Line 5.7409 To slepe, and in a visioun Line 5.7410 To me the god Mercurie cam; Line 5.7411 Goddesses thre with him he nam, Line 5.7412 Minerve, Venus and Juno, Line 5.7413 And in his hond an Appel tho Line 5.7414 He hield of gold with lettres write: Line 5.7415 And this he dede me to wite, Line 5.7416 Hou that thei putt hem upon me, Line 5.7417 That to the faireste of hem thre Line 5.7418 Of gold that Appel scholde I yive. Line 5.7419 With ech of hem tho was I schrive, Line 5.7420 And echon faire me behihte; Line 5.7421 Bot Venus seide, if that sche mihte Line 5.7422 That Appel of mi yifte gete, Line 5.7423 Sche wolde it neveremor foryete, Line 5.7424 And seide hou that in Grece lond Line 5.7425 Sche wolde bringe unto myn hond Line 5.7426 Of al this Erthe the faireste; Line 5.7427 So that me thoghte it for the beste, Line 5.7428 To hire and yaf that Appel tho. Line 5.7429 Thus hope I wel, if that I go, Line 5.7430 That sche for me wol so ordeine, Line 5.7431 That thei matiere forto pleigne Line 5.7432 Schul have, er that I come ayein. Line 5.7433 Nou have ye herd that I wol sein: Line 5.7434 Sey ye what stant in youre avis." Line 5.7435 And every man tho seide his, Line 5.7436 And sundri causes thei recorde, Line 5.7437 Bot ate laste thei acorde Line 5.7438 That Paris schal to Grece wende, Line 5.7439

Line 5.7439 And thus the parlement tok ende. Line 5.7440 Cassandra, whan sche herde of this, Line 5.7441 The which to Paris Soster is, Line 5.7442 Anon sche gan to wepe and weile, Line 5.7443 And seide, "Allas, what mai ous eile? Line 5.7444 Fortune with hire blinde whiel Line 5.7445 Ne wol noght lete ous stonde wel: Line 5.7446 For this I dar wel undertake, Line 5.7447 That if Paris his weie take, Line 5.7448 As it is seid that he schal do, Line 5.7449 We ben for evere thanne undo." Line 5.7450 This, which Cassandre thanne hihte, Line 5.7451 In al the world as it berth sihte, Line 5.7452 In bokes as men finde write, Line 5.7453 Is that Sibille of whom ye wite, Line 5.7454 That alle men yit clepen sage. Line 5.7455 Whan that sche wiste of this viage, Line 5.7456 Hou Paris schal to Grece fare, Line 5.7457 No womman mihte worse fare Line 5.7458 Ne sorwe more than sche dede; Line 5.7459 And riht so in the same stede Line 5.7460 Ferde Helenus, which was hir brother, Line 5.7461 Of prophecie and such an other: Line 5.7462 And al was holde bot a jape, Line 5.7463 So that the pourpos which was schape, Line 5.7464 Or were hem lief or were hem loth, Line 5.7465 Was holde, and into Grece goth Line 5.7466 This Paris with his retenance. Line 5.7467 And as it fell upon his chance, Line 5.7468 Of Grece he londeth in an yle, Line 5.7469 And him was told the same whyle Line 5.7470 Of folk which he began to freyne, Line 5.7471 Tho was in thyle queene Heleyne, Line 5.7472 And ek of contres there aboute Line 5.7473 Of ladis many a lusti route, Line 5.7474 With mochel worthi poeple also. Line 5.7475 And why thei comen theder tho, Line 5.7476 The cause stod in such a wise,- Line 5.7477

Line 5.7477 For worschipe and for sacrifise Line 5.7478 That thei to Venus wolden make, Line 5.7479 As thei tofore hadde undertake, Line 5.7480 Some of good will, some of beheste, Line 5.7481 For thanne was hire hihe feste Line 5.7482 Withinne a temple which was there. Line 5.7483 Whan Paris wiste what thei were, Line 5.7484 Anon he schop his ordinance Line 5.7485 To gon and don his obeissance Line 5.7486 To Venus on hire holi day, Line 5.7487 And dede upon his beste aray. Line 5.7488 With gret richesse he him behongeth, Line 5.7489 As it to such a lord belongeth, Line 5.7490 He was noght armed natheles, Line 5.7491 Bot as it were in lond of pes, Line 5.7492 And thus he goth forth out of Schipe Line 5.7493 And takth with him his felaschipe: Line 5.7494 In such manere as I you seie Line 5.7495 Unto the temple he hield his weie. Line 5.7496 Tydinge, which goth overal Line 5.7497 To grete and smale, forth withal Line 5.7498 Com to the queenes Ere and tolde Line 5.7499 Hou Paris com, and that he wolde Line 5.7500

Lines 7501 through 7600

Do sacrifise to Venus: Line 5.7501 And whan sche herde telle thus, Line 5.7502 Sche thoghte, hou that it evere be, Line 5.7503 That sche wole him abyde and se. Line 5.7504 Forth comth Paris with glad visage Line 5.7505 Into the temple on pelrinage, Line 5.7506 Wher unto Venus the goddesse Line 5.7507 He yifth and offreth gret richesse, Line 5.7508 And preith hir that he preie wolde. Line 5.7509 And thanne aside he gan beholde, Line 5.7510 And sih wher that this ladi stod; Line 5.7511 And he forth in his freisshe mod Line 5.7512 Goth ther sche was and made her chiere, Line 5.7513 As he wel couthe in his manere, Line 5.7514 That of his wordes such plesance Line 5.7515 Sche tok, that al hire aqueintance, Line 5.7516

Line 5.7516 Als ferforth as the herte lay, Line 5.7517 He stal er that he wente away. Line 5.7518 So goth he forth and tok his leve, Line 5.7519 And thoghte, anon as it was eve, Line 5.7520 He wolde don his Sacrilegge, Line 5.7521 That many a man it scholde abegge. Line 5.7522 Whan he to Schipe ayein was come, Line 5.7523 To him he hath his conseil nome, Line 5.7524 And al devised the matiere Line 5.7525 In such a wise as thou schalt hiere. Line 5.7526 Withinne nyht al prively Line 5.7527 His men he warneth by and by, Line 5.7528 That thei be redy armed sone Line 5.7529 For certein thing which was to done: Line 5.7530 And thei anon ben redi alle, Line 5.7531 And ech on other gan to calle, Line 5.7532 And went hem out upon the stronde Line 5.7533 And tok a pourpos ther alonde Line 5.7534 Of what thing that thei wolden do, Line 5.7535 Toward the temple and forth thei go. Line 5.7536 So fell it, of devocion Line 5.7537 Heleine in contemplacion Line 5.7538 With many an other worthi wiht Line 5.7539 Was in the temple and wok al nyht, Line 5.7540 To bidde and preie unto thymage Line 5.7541 Of Venus, as was thanne usage; Line 5.7542 So that Paris riht as him liste Line 5.7543 Into the temple, er thei it wiste, Line 5.7544 Com with his men al sodeinly, Line 5.7545 And alle at ones sette ascry Line 5.7546 In hem whiche in the temple were, Line 5.7547 For tho was mochel poeple there; Line 5.7548 Bot of defense was no bote, Line 5.7549 So soffren thei that soffre mote. Line 5.7550 Paris unto the queene wente, Line 5.7551 And hire in bothe hise armes hente Line 5.7552 With him and with his felaschipe, Line 5.7553 And forth thei bere hire unto Schipe. Line 5.7554

Line 5.7554 Up goth the Seil and forth thei wente, Line 5.7555 And such a wynd fortune hem sente, Line 5.7556 Til thei the havene of Troie cauhte; Line 5.7557 Where out of Schipe anon thei strauhte Line 5.7558 And gon hem forth toward the toun, Line 5.7559 The which cam with processioun Line 5.7560 Ayein Paris to sen his preie. Line 5.7561 And every man began to seie Line 5.7562 To Paris and his felaschipe Line 5.7563 Al that thei couthen of worschipe; Line 5.7564 Was non so litel man in Troie, Line 5.7565 That he ne made merthe and joie Line 5.7566 Of that Paris hath wonne Heleine. Line 5.7567 Bot al that merthe is sorwe and peine Line 5.7568 To Helenus and to Cassaundre; Line 5.7569 For thei it token schame and sklaundre Line 5.7570 And lost of al the comun grace, Line 5.7571 That Paris out of holi place Line 5.7572 Be Stelthe hath take a mannes wif, Line 5.7573 Wherof that he schal lese his lif Line 5.7574 And many a worthi man therto, Line 5.7575 And al the Cite be fordo, Line 5.7576 Which nevere schal be mad ayein. Line 5.7577 And so it fell, riht as thei sein, Line 5.7578 The Sacrilege which he wroghte Line 5.7579 Was cause why the Gregois soughte Line 5.7580 Unto the toun and it beleie, Line 5.7581 And wolden nevere parte aweie, Line 5.7582 Til what be sleihte and what be strengthe Line 5.7583 Thei hadde it wonne in brede and lengthe, Line 5.7584 And brent and slayn that was withinne. Line 5.7585 Now se, mi Sone, which a sinne Line 5.7586 Is Sacrilege in holy stede: Line 5.7587 Be war therfore and bidd thi bede, Line 5.7588 And do nothing in holy cherche, Line 5.7589 Bot that thou miht be reson werche. Line 5.7590 And ek tak hiede of Achilles, Line 5.7591 Whan he unto his love ches Line 5.7592 Polixena, that was also Line 5.7593

Line 5.7593 In holi temple of Appollo, Line 5.7594 Which was the cause why he dyde Line 5.7595 And al his lust was leyd asyde. Line 5.7596 And Troilus upon Criseide Line 5.7597 Also his ferste love leide Line 5.7598 In holi place, and hou it ferde, Line 5.7599 As who seith, al the world it herde; Line 5.7600

Lines 7601 through 7700

Forsake he was for Diomede, Line 5.7601 Such was of love his laste mede. Line 5.7602 Forthi, mi Sone, I wolde rede, Line 5.7603 Be this ensample as thou myht rede, Line 5.7604 Sech elles, wher thou wolt, thi grace, Line 5.7605 And war the wel in holi place Line 5.7606 What thou to love do or speke, Line 5.7607 In aunter if it so be wreke Line 5.7608 As thou hast herd me told before. Line 5.7609 And tak good hiede also therfore Line 5.7610 Upon what forme, of Avarice Line 5.7611 Mor than of eny other vice, Line 5.7612 I have divided in parties Line 5.7613 The branches, whiche of compainies Line 5.7614 Thurghout the world in general Line 5.7615 Ben nou the leders overal, Line 5.7616 Of Covoitise and of Perjure, Line 5.7617 Of fals brocage and of Usure, Line 5.7618 Of Skarsnesse and Unkindeschipe, Line 5.7619 Which nevere drouh to felaschipe, Line 5.7620 Of Robberie and privi Stelthe, Line 5.7621 Which don is for the worldes welthe, Line 5.7622 Of Ravine and of Sacrilegge, Line 5.7623 Which makth the conscience agregge; Line 5.7624 Althogh it mai richesse atteigne, Line 5.7625 It floureth, bot it schal noght greine Line 5.7626 Unto the fruit of rihtwisnesse. Line 5.7627 Bot who that wolde do largesse Line 5.7628 Upon the reule as it is yive, Line 5.7629 So myhte a man in trouthe live Line 5.7630

Line 5.7630 Toward his god, and ek also Line 5.7631 Toward the world, for bothe tuo Line 5.7632 Largesse awaiteth as belongeth, Line 5.7633 To neither part that he ne wrongeth; Line 5.7634 He kepth himself, he kepth his frendes, Line 5.7635 So stant he sauf to bothe hise endes, Line 5.7636 That he excedeth no mesure, Line 5.7637 So wel he can himself mesure: Line 5.7638 Wherof, mi Sone, thou schalt wite, Line 5.7639 So as the Philosophre hath write. Line 5.7640 Betwen the tuo extremites Line 5.7641 Of vice stant the propretes Line 5.7642 Of vertu, and to prove it so Line 5.7643 Tak Avarice and tak also Line 5.7644 The vice of Prodegalite; Line 5.7645 Betwen hem Liberalite, Line 5.7646 Which is the vertu of Largesse, Line 5.7647 Stant and governeth his noblesse. Line 5.7648 For tho tuo vices in discord Line 5.7649 Stonde evere, as I finde of record; Line 5.7650 So that betwen here tuo debat Line 5.7651 Largesse reuleth his astat. Line 5.7652 For in such wise as Avarice, Line 5.7653 As I tofore have told the vice, Line 5.7654 Thurgh streit holdinge and thurgh skarsnesse Line 5.7655 Stant in contraire to Largesse, Line 5.7656 Riht so stant Prodegalite Line 5.7657 Revers, bot noght in such degre. Line 5.7658 For so as Avarice spareth, Line 5.7659 And forto kepe his tresor careth, Line 5.7660 That other al his oghne and more Line 5.7661 Ayein the wise mannes lore Line 5.7662 Yifth and despendeth hiere and there, Line 5.7663 So that him reccheth nevere where. Line 5.7664 While he mai borwe, he wol despende, Line 5.7665

Line 5.7665 Til ate laste he seith, "I wende"; Line 5.7666 Bot that is spoken al to late, Line 5.7667 For thanne is poverte ate gate Line 5.7668 And takth him evene be the slieve, Line 5.7669 For erst wol he no wisdom lieve. Line 5.7670 And riht as Avarice is Sinne, Line 5.7671 That wolde his tresor kepe and winne, Line 5.7672 Riht so is Prodegalite: Line 5.7673 Bot of Largesse in his degre, Line 5.7674 Which evene stant betwen the tuo, Line 5.7675 The hihe god and man also Line 5.7676 The vertu ech of hem commendeth. Line 5.7677 For he himselven ferst amendeth, Line 5.7678 That overal his name spredeth, Line 5.7679 And to alle othre, where it nedeth, Line 5.7680 He yifth his good in such a wise, Line 5.7681 That he makth many a man arise, Line 5.7682 Which elles scholde falle lowe. Line 5.7683 Largesce mai noght ben unknowe; Line 5.7684 For what lond that he regneth inne, Line 5.7685 It mai noght faile forto winne Line 5.7686 Thurgh his decerte love and grace, Line 5.7687 Wher it schal faile in other place. Line 5.7688 And thus betwen tomoche and lyte Line 5.7689 Largesce, which is noght to wyte, Line 5.7690 Halt evere forth the middel weie: Line 5.7691 Bot who that torne wole aweie Line 5.7692 Fro that to Prodegalite, Line 5.7693 Anon he lest the proprete Line 5.7694 Of vertu and goth to the vice; Line 5.7695 For in such wise as Avarice Line 5.7696 Lest for scarsnesse his goode name, Line 5.7697 Riht so that other is to blame, Line 5.7698 Which thurgh his wast mesure excedeth, Line 5.7699 For noman wot what harm that bredeth. Line 5.7700

Lines 7701 through 7800

Bot mochel joie ther betydeth, Line 5.7701

Line 5.7701 Wher that largesse an herte guydeth: Line 5.7702 For his mesure is so governed, Line 5.7703 That he to bothe partz is lerned, Line 5.7704 To god and to the world also, Line 5.7705 He doth reson to bothe tuo. Line 5.7706 The povere folk of his almesse Line 5.7707 Relieved ben in the destresse Line 5.7708 Of thurst, of hunger and of cold; Line 5.7709 The yifte of him was nevere sold, Line 5.7710 Bot frely yive, and natheles Line 5.7711 The myhti god of his encress Line 5.7712 Rewardeth him of double grace; Line 5.7713 The hevene he doth him to pourchace Line 5.7714 And yifth him ek the worldes good: Line 5.7715 And thus the Cote for the hod Line 5.7716 Largesse takth, and yit no Sinne Line 5.7717 He doth, hou so that evere he winne. Line 5.7718 What man hath hors men yive him hors, Line 5.7719 And who non hath of him no fors, Line 5.7720 For he mai thanne on fote go; Line 5.7721 The world hath evere stonde so. Line 5.7722 Bot forto loken of the tweie, Line 5.7723 A man to go the siker weie, Line 5.7724 Betre is to yive than to take: Line 5.7725 With yifte a man mai frendes make, Line 5.7726 Bot who that takth or gret or smal, Line 5.7727 He takth a charge forth withal, Line 5.7728 And stant noght fre til it be quit. Line 5.7729 So forto deme in mannes wit, Line 5.7730 It helpeth more a man to have Line 5.7731 His oghne good, than forto crave Line 5.7732 Of othre men and make him bounde, Line 5.7733 Wher elles he mai stonde unbounde. Line 5.7734 Senec conseileth in this wise, Line 5.7735 And seith, "Bot, if thi good suffise Line 5.7736 Unto the liking of thi wille, Line 5.7737 Withdrawh thi lust and hold the stille, Line 5.7738 And be to thi good sufficant." Line 5.7739

Line 5.7739 For that thing is appourtenant Line 5.7740 To trouthe and causeth to be fre Line 5.7741 After the reule of charite, Line 5.7742 Which ferst beginneth of himselve. Line 5.7743 For if thou richest othre tuelve, Line 5.7744 Wherof thou schalt thiself be povere, Line 5.7745 I not what thonk thou miht recovere. Line 5.7746 Whil that a man hath good to yive, Line 5.7747 With grete routes he mai live Line 5.7748 And hath his frendes overal, Line 5.7749 And everich of him telle schal. Line 5.7750 Therwhile he hath his fulle packe, Line 5.7751 Thei seie, "A good felawe is Jacke"; Line 5.7752 Bot whanne it faileth ate laste, Line 5.7753 Anon his pris thei overcaste, Line 5.7754 For thanne is ther non other lawe Line 5.7755 Bot, "Jacke was a good felawe." Line 5.7756 Whan thei him povere and nedy se, Line 5.7757 Thei lete him passe and farwel he; Line 5.7758 Al that he wende of compainie Line 5.7759 Is thanne torned to folie. Line 5.7760 Bot nou to speke in other kinde Line 5.7761 Of love, a man mai suche finde, Line 5.7762 That wher thei come in every route Line 5.7763 Thei caste and waste her love aboute, Line 5.7764 Til al here time is overgon, Line 5.7765 And thanne have thei love non: Line 5.7766 For who that loveth overal, Line 5.7767 It is no reson that he schal Line 5.7768 Of love have eny proprete. Line 5.7769 Forthi, mi Sone, avise thee Line 5.7770 If thou of love hast be to large, Line 5.7771 For such a man is noght to charge: Line 5.7772 And if it so be that thou hast Line 5.7773 Despended al thi time in wast Line 5.7774 And set thi love in sondri place, Line 5.7775 Though thou the substance of thi grace Line 5.7776

Line 5.7776 Lese ate laste, it is no wonder; Line 5.7777 For he that put himselven under, Line 5.7778 As who seith, comun overal, Line 5.7779 He lest the love special Line 5.7780 Of eny on, if sche be wys; Line 5.7781 For love schal noght bere his pris Line 5.7782 Be reson, whanne it passeth on. Line 5.7783 So have I sen ful many on, Line 5.7784 That were of love wel at ese, Line 5.7785 Whiche after felle in gret desese Line 5.7786 Thurgh wast of love, that thei spente Line 5.7787 In sondri places wher thei wente. Line 5.7788 Riht so, mi Sone, I axe of thee Line 5.7789 If thou with Prodegalite Line 5.7790 Hast hier and ther thi love wasted. Line 5.7791 Mi fader, nay; bot I have tasted Line 5.7792 In many a place as I have go, Line 5.7793 And yit love I nevere on of tho, Line 5.7794 Bot forto drive forth the dai. Line 5.7795 For lieveth wel, myn herte is ay Line 5.7796 Withoute mo for everemore Line 5.7797 Al upon on, for I nomore Line 5.7798 Desire bot hire love al one: Line 5.7799 So make I many a prive mone, Line 5.7800

Lines 7801 through 7844

For wel I fiele I have despended Line 5.7801 Mi longe love and noght amended Line 5.7802 Mi sped, for oght I finde yit. Line 5.7803 If this be wast to youre wit Line 5.7804 Of love, and Prodegalite, Line 5.7805 Nou, goode fader, demeth ye: Line 5.7806 Bot of o thing I wol me schryve, Line 5.7807 That I schal for no love thryve, Line 5.7808 Bot if hirself me wol relieve. Line 5.7809 Mi Sone, that I mai wel lieve: Line 5.7810 And natheles me semeth so, Line 5.7811 For oght that thou hast yit misdo Line 5.7812 Of time which thou hast despended, Line 5.7813 It mai with grace ben amended. Line 5.7814

Line 5.7814 For thing which mai be worth the cost Line 5.7815 Per chaunce is nouther wast ne lost; Line 5.7816 For what thing stant on aventure, Line 5.7817 That can no worldes creature Line 5.7818 Telle in certein hou it schal wende, Line 5.7819 Til he therof mai sen an ende. Line 5.7820 So that I not as yit therfore Line 5.7821 If thou, mi Sone, hast wonne or lore: Line 5.7822 For ofte time, as it is sene, Line 5.7823 Whan Somer hath lost al his grene Line 5.7824 And is with Wynter wast and bare, Line 5.7825 That him is left nothing to spare, Line 5.7826 Al is recovered in a throwe; Line 5.7827 The colde wyndes overblowe, Line 5.7828 And stille be the scharpe schoures, Line 5.7829 And soudeinliche ayein his floures Line 5.7830 The Somer hapneth and is riche: Line 5.7831 And so per cas thi graces liche, Line 5.7832 Mi Sone, thogh thou be nou povere Line 5.7833 Of love, yit thou miht recovere. Line 5.7834 Mi fader, certes grant merci: Line 5.7835 Ye have me tawht so redeli, Line 5.7836 That evere whil I live schal Line 5.7837 The betre I mai be war withal Line 5.7838 Of thing which ye have seid er this. Line 5.7839 Bot overmore hou that it is, Line 5.7840 Toward mi schrifte as it belongeth, Line 5.7841 To wite of othre pointz me longeth; Line 5.7842 Wherof that ye me wolden teche Line 5.7843 With al myn herte I you beseche Line 5.7844