John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" Edited from the original ms. version of 1616, Douce 170, collated with its ms. revision of 1630, Ashmole 53, by Fredk. J. Furnivall: With notes on the magical elements in Chaucer's "Squire's Tale", and analogues, by W. A. Clouston |
 |
|
Canto Tercio.
|
 | John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" |  |
Canto Tercio.
A roial ioust Cambuscan calles,
and theareto buildes a theatere:
his towne Fregilia stirreth brawles,
theventes wheareof Canac dothe feare.
and theareto buildes a theatere:
his towne Fregilia stirreth brawles,
theventes wheareof Canac dothe feare.
14
Apollo whirleth vp his chaire so hye,
till that the god Mercurius house he flye'
in glorious progresse, leavs behind him th'In
of smylinge Gemini (that lustie twin).
now all exhaeld, springes gusshinge in longe raine,
declard heauns wrath staies, to shine drie againe.
Auroraes soft hand dilld vp haulls, and bowres,
feildes, gardines, groves, with leaves, buddes, blossoms, flowrs,
everye trim sweete, that Zephirs breath had blest;
frolickd all birdes, for younge ones weale, in nest;
beastes, eake in new bloodes livelhode, pleasure tooke,
by fountaines mild, cleere silver spowtinge brooke,
which neighbourd shadye woodes; whither they brize,
to hide them from the stinges of busye flies;
all that doffd Hiems old clothes dond newe forme,
t'enioye owne ioies, and thearewith greete the morn;
while Philomels dirges had wakinge kept
her muse, for love gott, whose late losse shee wept.
till that the god Mercurius house he flye'
in glorious progresse, leavs behind him th'In
of smylinge Gemini (that lustie twin).
now all exhaeld, springes gusshinge in longe raine,
declard heauns wrath staies, to shine drie againe.
Auroraes soft hand dilld vp haulls, and bowres,
feildes, gardines, groves, with leaves, buddes, blossoms, flowrs,
everye trim sweete, that Zephirs breath had blest;
frolickd all birdes, for younge ones weale, in nest;
beastes, eake in new bloodes livelhode, pleasure tooke,
by fountaines mild, cleere silver spowtinge brooke,
which neighbourd shadye woodes; whither they brize,
to hide them from the stinges of busye flies;
all that doffd Hiems old clothes dond newe forme,
t'enioye owne ioies, and thearewith greete the morn;
while Philomels dirges had wakinge kept
her muse, for love gott, whose late losse shee wept.
“Ô,” quoth Cambuscan, “this mote skore my shame,
that golden Titan hathe clomb heauens frame,
and I (a kinge) praevented not his time,
it moste concernes vs, whoe sytt most sublime,
to have the first ears vp, and wakened eyes,
to're see and heere our lawlesse companies:
sith to trust servauntes in our stead dothe learn
them bribe-full riche, while all theire faultes wee earn.”
his care, evn a charge vniuersal stoode,
ore male, female, younge, old, great, small, badd, good,
but chieflye for owne blood, and familie,
for all collateral interest, thronges so nye,
as it may sytt, when others muste stande by;
sollicitors it needeth none, for whie,
nature still pleades for consanguinitie,
by th' interest of kind proximitie.
that golden Titan hathe clomb heauens frame,
and I (a kinge) praevented not his time,
it moste concernes vs, whoe sytt most sublime,
to have the first ears vp, and wakened eyes,
to're see and heere our lawlesse companies:
sith to trust servauntes in our stead dothe learn
15
his care, evn a charge vniuersal stoode,
ore male, female, younge, old, great, small, badd, good,
but chieflye for owne blood, and familie,
for all collateral interest, thronges so nye,
as it may sytt, when others muste stande by;
sollicitors it needeth none, for whie,
nature still pleades for consanguinitie,
by th' interest of kind proximitie.
His deerest daughter oft came to his minde,
ann honorable match for her to fynd,
sithe ripe yeeres now fytt husband craves to gifte,
which to neglect, maides for them selves will shift,
and chouse them pheares of base disparagement,
then which nought more abhorrs to the parent.
ann honorable match for her to fynd,
sithe ripe yeeres now fytt husband craves to gifte,
which to neglect, maides for them selves will shift,
and chouse them pheares of base disparagement,
then which nought more abhorrs to the parent.
He sawe his twoe sonnes divers dispositions,
thone carefull, thother carelesse, of conditions.
albeet he fraught theare minde with faire decore
of truith, iustice (twins), groundes of virtues lore,
to gaine trewe honor bye; meaninge, in deede,
that as theire sensative traducd his seede,
right so hee woold theire reasons fyer divine
with his shoold ioine, and one loves flame entine.
He founde, thoughe parentes some of these instill,
yet good and ill choice restes at childrens will.
Againe hee sawe, that but meere speculation
attaines not the full ende of contemplation,
thoughe some sonnes, livinge vnder fathers eye,
may chaunce demeane them as preceptualie,
but, breakinge loose, deigne purpose what them liste.
thone carefull, thother carelesse, of conditions.
albeet he fraught theare minde with faire decore
of truith, iustice (twins), groundes of virtues lore,
to gaine trewe honor bye; meaninge, in deede,
that as theire sensative traducd his seede,
right so hee woold theire reasons fyer divine
with his shoold ioine, and one loves flame entine.
He founde, thoughe parentes some of these instill,
yet good and ill choice restes at childrens will.
Againe hee sawe, that but meere speculation
16
thoughe some sonnes, livinge vnder fathers eye,
may chaunce demeane them as preceptualie,
but, breakinge loose, deigne purpose what them liste.
All which, by longe experience, well hee wiste,
“for” (quoth hee) “not a daie rolles ore my head,
but some badd newes of Algarsife is sedd.
some sweare hee riott runns at everie pleasure,
and in all companies spendes without measure;
well learnt in glories schoole to glasse to th' eye,
th'opinion of him selfe, and it deifye:
the fruites wheareof binn anie vile misschife;
yet flatterers vaunt, all becoms Algarsife.
but, by my swoord, I sweare, If hee note mend,
my heritage to him shall near discend.”
and theare hee pawzd, while love and indignation
held in his inwardes serious disceptation,
what fathers love mote doe, and iustice kept!
“for” (quoth hee) “not a daie rolles ore my head,
but some badd newes of Algarsife is sedd.
some sweare hee riott runns at everie pleasure,
and in all companies spendes without measure;
well learnt in glories schoole to glasse to th' eye,
th'opinion of him selfe, and it deifye:
the fruites wheareof binn anie vile misschife;
yet flatterers vaunt, all becoms Algarsife.
but, by my swoord, I sweare, If hee note mend,
my heritage to him shall near discend.”
and theare hee pawzd, while love and indignation
held in his inwardes serious disceptation,
what fathers love mote doe, and iustice kept!
Anon into his minde this priect stept,
that thus hee woold his cares and grand affaires
distribute (for his ease) amongst his heires,
as thus: His dearlinge Canac, hee'l propose,
to all, that oth'r in vertue overgoes.
Algarsiue and Camballo, they shall wyve,
to trye, if wives wittes makes their husbandes thrive,
knowinge, this keepes vp th'onor of his house,
that knightes bee knightlye meritorious:
and holdes this aye, for soundest demonstration,
his praesidentes bee to theire immitation.
that thus hee woold his cares and grand affaires
distribute (for his ease) amongst his heires,
as thus: His dearlinge Canac, hee'l propose,
to all, that oth'r in vertue overgoes.
Algarsiue and Camballo, they shall wyve,
to trye, if wives wittes makes their husbandes thrive,
knowinge, this keepes vp th'onor of his house,
17
and holdes this aye, for soundest demonstration,
his praesidentes bee to theire immitation.
By this, the dialles finger stood noone tide,
when as Cambuscan to his diett hied,
fore whome stoode store of rare and rathe ripe cate,
accordinge as the season them begate;
service, and servitors, cladd lustrant neate,
and not a disshe vsurpd his fellowes seate,
while the tall sewer the first course ledd in,
lowd musicke told, what state was theare beeseen:
and so as th' first, the seconde course was spedd,
with different musickes, in the formers stedd.
after the void, praeserves in silvern plate
set suche a postscripte to ann antedate,
as not a common penn knowes to define
great Princes dietes in festival time.
when as Cambuscan to his diett hied,
fore whome stoode store of rare and rathe ripe cate,
accordinge as the season them begate;
service, and servitors, cladd lustrant neate,
and not a disshe vsurpd his fellowes seate,
while the tall sewer the first course ledd in,
lowd musicke told, what state was theare beeseen:
and so as th' first, the seconde course was spedd,
with different musickes, in the formers stedd.
after the void, praeserves in silvern plate
set suche a postscripte to ann antedate,
as not a common penn knowes to define
great Princes dietes in festival time.
Now, as the musickes filld the vaultie haull
with glorious straines composd caelestial,
no mans witt knewe by sense to wishe for more,
for that owne feelinge felt it theare afore,
most iudgementes beinge lost to their owne witt,
for so great glories, so gann ravishe it.
with glorious straines composd caelestial,
no mans witt knewe by sense to wishe for more,
for that owne feelinge felt it theare afore,
most iudgementes beinge lost to their owne witt,
for so great glories, so gann ravishe it.
Above Cambuscan sate his glorious queene,
good Ethel, veild in blewest heavens sheene,
which all illuminated with her eye,
that bore foorthe suche a soveraigne maiestie,
as wheather it more daunted, or advoked,
none knewe, till virtues hand wrote, mowth had spoke it,
a Goddesse in their hartes th'installed her.
good Ethel, veild in blewest heavens sheene,
which all illuminated with her eye,
that bore foorthe suche a soveraigne maiestie,
as wheather it more daunted, or advoked,
18
a Goddesse in their hartes th'installed her.
But when they viewd yonge Canac syttinge ner,
so bright, pure, simple, meeke, white, redd, wise, faire,
no wonder knewe, how to compare the paire,
only they deemd Canac, by so much lesse,
as daughters binn, then theire progenitresse:
howbeet parentale love so equald them,
as knowes Astreaes skales and Poetes penn./
so bright, pure, simple, meeke, white, redd, wise, faire,
no wonder knewe, how to compare the paire,
only they deemd Canac, by so much lesse,
as daughters binn, then theire progenitresse:
howbeet parentale love so equald them,
as knowes Astreaes skales and Poetes penn./
“Mayd” (quoth Cambuscan), to Canacy then
(pleasantlie smilinge): (shee, as blithe agen,)
“my maydd, I pray, wheare is your hart becomm?”
with all, takinge the nact'r and tastinge somm,
“heere, heer's ann helthe to thy first husbandes wife!”
(pleasantlie smilinge): (shee, as blithe agen,)
“my maydd, I pray, wheare is your hart becomm?”
with all, takinge the nact'r and tastinge somm,
“heere, heer's ann helthe to thy first husbandes wife!”
At that Camballo laughd, and Algarsife,
but Canac blushd as sweetest morn in may,
and queene Ethelta ioyd, as att a playe,
vrginge the kinge shoold pledgd bee, through the table.
but Canac blushd as sweetest morn in may,
and queene Ethelta ioyd, as att a playe,
vrginge the kinge shoold pledgd bee, through the table.
so round the loves draught went, like measurable,
everie one ioyenge how it wrought (once in),
till all the round went on a mirrie pinn.
everie one ioyenge how it wrought (once in),
till all the round went on a mirrie pinn.
“And” (quoth Cambuscan) “yee, my lovelie boyes,
because I meane, t'endow alike your ioies,
all yee three shalbee marryed on a daye,
in my owne court, in best and nobliste raye;
wheare shall assemble all th'nobilitie,
on notice sent to th'Land of faerie.
So shall the chivalrie of everie Courte,
wheare fame, or honor, ever made resort,
and all faire Ladies, dwell they farr or neare,
shall have their bewties tryed by swoord and speare;
and everie knight which best in fight him beare,
shall have a Ladye worthie of his phere;
with honor donn them in humanitie,
after the manner of old faerie;
Wantinge theare, in the meane, no entertaine,
as well for them as for theire horse and traine.
but knightes and Ladies, wanting dewe desart,
shall (as they came) by lawe of armes depart.”
because I meane, t'endow alike your ioies,
all yee three shalbee marryed on a daye,
in my owne court, in best and nobliste raye;
19
on notice sent to th'Land of faerie.
So shall the chivalrie of everie Courte,
wheare fame, or honor, ever made resort,
and all faire Ladies, dwell they farr or neare,
shall have their bewties tryed by swoord and speare;
and everie knight which best in fight him beare,
shall have a Ladye worthie of his phere;
with honor donn them in humanitie,
after the manner of old faerie;
Wantinge theare, in the meane, no entertaine,
as well for them as for theire horse and traine.
but knightes and Ladies, wanting dewe desart,
shall (as they came) by lawe of armes depart.”
Tho purseyvauntes and heraudes hee bid call,
whoe foorthwith stoode before him in the haul,
in riche cote armors (as that office blasethe),
with solemne trumpetes, whome the people gazeth.
whoe foorthwith stoode before him in the haul,
in riche cote armors (as that office blasethe),
with solemne trumpetes, whome the people gazeth.
“Goe quicke” (quoth hee), “and this my will proclaime,
in courtes and campes wheare honor men darraigne,
and saye, that vertue, to more noble make,
when Sol, the martial Lion shall o'retake,
evn this daie fortie daies, in Serra towne
I will propose the prize of faire renowne:
my ioye, love, life, my deerest-bewtie deere,
my onlie daughter Canac present heere,
whose truith and bewtie Cambal will maintaine,
with speare, swoord, sheild, to bee moste soveraigne
and looke, whoe by knightes service and desert,
her winns, shall have my land too with my hart,
and all that Camballs courage makes not good,
I will:” so signd the warrant with his blood.
and good queene Ethelta, midst of the haul,
stood vp, and said “Amen!” so rose they all.
in courtes and campes wheare honor men darraigne,
and saye, that vertue, to more noble make,
when Sol, the martial Lion shall o'retake,
evn this daie fortie daies, in Serra towne
I will propose the prize of faire renowne:
my ioye, love, life, my deerest-bewtie deere,
my onlie daughter Canac present heere,
whose truith and bewtie Cambal will maintaine,
with speare, swoord, sheild, to bee moste soveraigne
and looke, whoe by knightes service and desert,
her winns, shall have my land too with my hart,
20
I will:” so signd the warrant with his blood.
and good queene Ethelta, midst of the haul,
stood vp, and said “Amen!” so rose they all.
At that all people out cried, “God save the kinge,”
and all their hattes gann tosse vp, catch, and flinge;
for bee it right or wronge a kinge dothe treate,
most peopl applaude it, as th'admire the greate:
eccho repeatinge over all againe,
trumpetes and shaggbuttes, cornetes, lowd acclaime,
what everie steeples belles outrange in peale,
which no mans tonge, ne hartes ioye, could conceale,
wind and stringe musicke, on all instrumentes
of sweete touche, quicke shake, nimblest dividentes,
with straines on straines, exchaunginge mode and tyme,
thither to call Pernassus sisters nyne;
to harken at the gardine windowes howe
these voices, and those violes, they allowe:
ne Orpheus, Arion, Amphion coold more
then robb men of them-selves to concordes lore:
concorde proceedinge out of harmonie,
harmonie, out of concordes melodie,
melodie, out of musickes euphonie,
euphonie, out of vnites symphonie;
Love beinge semster, peace the sampler bore;
the woodbirdes chirmes contestinge this vprore.
and all their hattes gann tosse vp, catch, and flinge;
for bee it right or wronge a kinge dothe treate,
most peopl applaude it, as th'admire the greate:
eccho repeatinge over all againe,
trumpetes and shaggbuttes, cornetes, lowd acclaime,
what everie steeples belles outrange in peale,
which no mans tonge, ne hartes ioye, could conceale,
wind and stringe musicke, on all instrumentes
of sweete touche, quicke shake, nimblest dividentes,
with straines on straines, exchaunginge mode and tyme,
thither to call Pernassus sisters nyne;
to harken at the gardine windowes howe
these voices, and those violes, they allowe:
ne Orpheus, Arion, Amphion coold more
then robb men of them-selves to concordes lore:
concorde proceedinge out of harmonie,
harmonie, out of concordes melodie,
melodie, out of musickes euphonie,
euphonie, out of vnites symphonie;
Love beinge semster, peace the sampler bore;
the woodbirdes chirmes contestinge this vprore.
21
But, ah! some musicke hathe cromaticke tunes,
which the sweete notes discordantlie perfumes,
for then Algarsife oft the lipp gann bytt,
when first hee heard his father, (as hee sytt)
depose, that hee whoe shoold Canace winn,
should have his kingdom too, and her, and him.
“But I am eldest sonn,” (quoth Algarsife)
“wheareby the land is mine after his life;
and if it bee my birthe-right to bee kinge,
I brooke no partnership in suche a thinge:”
So foorthe hee strooke, and, as he iettes elate,
gann wincke with one eye at him selfe in state;
imbibes eake with his aier, that emulation
which soone degenerates owne education;
sithe castinge, how his formes and faces viewe
mote similize his father, yet vntrewe,
and keepe in companie the worser sort,
Paridlistes (the vile slaunder of the court)
alluringe woomen, flattringe servinge men,
ambitious plotters, tailers prowdinge them,
bribers that teach to levie lawlesse coine,
stabb-learninge fencers, carrowcers of wine,
detractinge parasites, bringers of newes,
false dice and carders, with all cheatinge crewes,
siders that feede, nay blo selfe-gaine-made faction,
suche setters idlie thrive, whoe lacke suche action.
Naye, when hee by th' mill-pond syde, love did make
to Merlins false love (th' Ladie of the Lake),
hee on the liquid-simpringe-cristal sawe
annother face, the which t' him-selfe to drawe,
he calld, huggd, kissd: and to carrowse more pleasure,
dranck vp a mer-maide, which him caught in th' seasure,
whome false Videria vnderneathe had sett,
to conceave by him (as hee liste begett)
Fancie (the chaungelin of imagination),
which blindlie speculates in perturbation,
and swellinge, to it-selfe gann ravishe sense,
in th' insolent miste of concupiscence.
since when, of all his owne conceiptes which please him,
his humoristes (as midwives) waite to ease him.
whence they whoe fetche their counselles from times clock,
the shollowe vulgus (waveringe weathercock)
on Algarsife bowncd Phaetons highe praise,
“kind man,” “brave faerie knight,” not one but sayes
hee will miraculous-straunge wonders doe
in daye of turniament, when it comm too.
some cleapd him bravest horseman: others guest
him a stronge pike, and for foote service best.
some praisd his legg, shape, spirit, witt, gesture, face,
and so insinuate as to grace disgrace;
othersome on the point of praise gann cavil,
sithe drincke and smoke had biggd his vngirt navil.
some smild hee was his fathers livelie bird,
which lookd and spake like him at everie word:
and, by owne humors, so gann valewe him,
as hope proiectes owne purchas by his sinn.
these weare his fleshe-flies, these him magnifies,
yet bin his moste intestine enimies.
which the sweete notes discordantlie perfumes,
for then Algarsife oft the lipp gann bytt,
when first hee heard his father, (as hee sytt)
depose, that hee whoe shoold Canace winn,
should have his kingdom too, and her, and him.
“But I am eldest sonn,” (quoth Algarsife)
“wheareby the land is mine after his life;
and if it bee my birthe-right to bee kinge,
I brooke no partnership in suche a thinge:”
So foorthe hee strooke, and, as he iettes elate,
gann wincke with one eye at him selfe in state;
imbibes eake with his aier, that emulation
which soone degenerates owne education;
sithe castinge, how his formes and faces viewe
mote similize his father, yet vntrewe,
and keepe in companie the worser sort,
Paridlistes (the vile slaunder of the court)
alluringe woomen, flattringe servinge men,
ambitious plotters, tailers prowdinge them,
bribers that teach to levie lawlesse coine,
stabb-learninge fencers, carrowcers of wine,
detractinge parasites, bringers of newes,
false dice and carders, with all cheatinge crewes,
siders that feede, nay blo selfe-gaine-made faction,
suche setters idlie thrive, whoe lacke suche action.
22
to Merlins false love (th' Ladie of the Lake),
hee on the liquid-simpringe-cristal sawe
annother face, the which t' him-selfe to drawe,
he calld, huggd, kissd: and to carrowse more pleasure,
dranck vp a mer-maide, which him caught in th' seasure,
whome false Videria vnderneathe had sett,
to conceave by him (as hee liste begett)
Fancie (the chaungelin of imagination),
which blindlie speculates in perturbation,
and swellinge, to it-selfe gann ravishe sense,
in th' insolent miste of concupiscence.
since when, of all his owne conceiptes which please him,
his humoristes (as midwives) waite to ease him.
whence they whoe fetche their counselles from times clock,
the shollowe vulgus (waveringe weathercock)
on Algarsife bowncd Phaetons highe praise,
“kind man,” “brave faerie knight,” not one but sayes
hee will miraculous-straunge wonders doe
in daye of turniament, when it comm too.
23
him a stronge pike, and for foote service best.
some praisd his legg, shape, spirit, witt, gesture, face,
and so insinuate as to grace disgrace;
othersome on the point of praise gann cavil,
sithe drincke and smoke had biggd his vngirt navil.
some smild hee was his fathers livelie bird,
which lookd and spake like him at everie word:
and, by owne humors, so gann valewe him,
as hope proiectes owne purchas by his sinn.
these weare his fleshe-flies, these him magnifies,
yet bin his moste intestine enimies.
But other folke, of tardier observation,
noted Algarsifes straunge vnprincelie fasshion,
how he disranckes him-selfe from noblest ranckes,
and gives base praefaces of looser pranckes.
all which they sawe, yet durst not reprehend,
sithe principalities binn so esteemd,
as they escape to pleasures had-I-wiste,
vnkend, vntaxt of eye, tonge, rule, or fiste:
Yea, theare the great swimm, flesht in Libertie,
Wheare dares no prophet the fault specifye.
noted Algarsifes straunge vnprincelie fasshion,
how he disranckes him-selfe from noblest ranckes,
and gives base praefaces of looser pranckes.
all which they sawe, yet durst not reprehend,
sithe principalities binn so esteemd,
as they escape to pleasures had-I-wiste,
vnkend, vntaxt of eye, tonge, rule, or fiste:
Yea, theare the great swimm, flesht in Libertie,
Wheare dares no prophet the fault specifye.
Howbeet, they Camball sawe him beare at feaste
as sober as the straungest-new-bid gwest,
eake temperate as brave Phocion, stowt, austeare,
so with Algarsif him they noold compare,
sithe thone seemd but to pillcre fame by chaunce,
thother by temperate-virtuous valiance
to shewe, thoughe gule and avarice hunt for store,
nature hath but owne needes, excesse hathe more.
whence theire opinions thus gann halson it,
how th'elder hath the land; th' yonger the witt.
Whearefore they valued Camball, as of right,
that promisd proofes of a trewe faerie knight.
as sober as the straungest-new-bid gwest,
eake temperate as brave Phocion, stowt, austeare,
24
sithe thone seemd but to pillcre fame by chaunce,
thother by temperate-virtuous valiance
to shewe, thoughe gule and avarice hunt for store,
nature hath but owne needes, excesse hathe more.
whence theire opinions thus gann halson it,
how th'elder hath the land; th' yonger the witt.
Whearefore they valued Camball, as of right,
that promisd proofes of a trewe faerie knight.
Cambuscan, in the meane time, had designd
the rarest artisans that coste mote find;
some architectes, which knewe all Geometrie,
some curious kervers of imagerie,
some liefe infusinge painters at the eye,
some arras weavers, some of tapestrie,
some astronomers; some trewe cronoclers,
(ô rare! of times gestes not false registers.)
and but one poet: swearinge it in rime,
one Phœnix lives, one Poet at one time.
the rarest artisans that coste mote find;
some architectes, which knewe all Geometrie,
some curious kervers of imagerie,
some liefe infusinge painters at the eye,
some arras weavers, some of tapestrie,
some astronomers; some trewe cronoclers,
(ô rare! of times gestes not false registers.)
and but one poet: swearinge it in rime,
one Phœnix lives, one Poet at one time.
With these rare wittes, Cambuscan pleasd conferr
to build a large, highe-sumptuous theater,
all to containe that coms, younge, old, riche, pore,
openinge fro th' easte to th' weste, one throughfare dore
to widen with the daye, and shutt at night.
th'whole forme to bee as round as globe edight,
with all the sphears, and each starr which dothe err,
with the fixt starrs, and th'all sphears commover
its vault stelliferous, of hardist blewe,
full of faire lightes, for vp and downes reviewe;
with the fowre windes to shutt and open them;
the whole to rest vppon one axell stem,
the spindle it sustaininge, streight to stand
on well ioind mightie okes of faerie lande;
which vnderground, even at the roote, shoold have
wheeles crampt to wheeles, to move with waters wave.
a glorious dial for the sonns hott race,
with ground vp-spowtinge springes for blithe solace.
ore againste these the learnd sciences seavn
(the Cosmical considerers of Heaun);
Its lowest flore to beare the basest sort,
which (so they live) care not a good report;
the higher roomes of mansions to consiste
of them which more and more growe worthiest,
wheather it bee a knight or ladie bright,
the balence to weighe out their deedes by right.
and some for soldiers, whoe in service gote
graye heares and skarrs (the pathes of painefull note).
but th'inner galleries that runn the round,
if not with richest arras, hunge to ground,
biddes hange vp th'arras of chast Dians storie
(the cloistred misterie of old virgins glorie),
which once Acteons lust-full eyes misconster
so as it blew the flame, selfe blasd a monster,
that rann to save owne passions in owne hart,
was of them soone devowrd that fedd his smart.
to build a large, highe-sumptuous theater,
all to containe that coms, younge, old, riche, pore,
openinge fro th' easte to th' weste, one throughfare dore
to widen with the daye, and shutt at night.
th'whole forme to bee as round as globe edight,
with all the sphears, and each starr which dothe err,
with the fixt starrs, and th'all sphears commover
25
full of faire lightes, for vp and downes reviewe;
with the fowre windes to shutt and open them;
the whole to rest vppon one axell stem,
the spindle it sustaininge, streight to stand
on well ioind mightie okes of faerie lande;
which vnderground, even at the roote, shoold have
wheeles crampt to wheeles, to move with waters wave.
a glorious dial for the sonns hott race,
with ground vp-spowtinge springes for blithe solace.
ore againste these the learnd sciences seavn
(the Cosmical considerers of Heaun);
Its lowest flore to beare the basest sort,
which (so they live) care not a good report;
the higher roomes of mansions to consiste
of them which more and more growe worthiest,
wheather it bee a knight or ladie bright,
the balence to weighe out their deedes by right.
and some for soldiers, whoe in service gote
graye heares and skarrs (the pathes of painefull note).
but th'inner galleries that runn the round,
if not with richest arras, hunge to ground,
biddes hange vp th'arras of chast Dians storie
(the cloistred misterie of old virgins glorie),
which once Acteons lust-full eyes misconster
so as it blew the flame, selfe blasd a monster,
that rann to save owne passions in owne hart,
was of them soone devowrd that fedd his smart.
And those riche tapestries of Dido queene,
longinge as muche to see as to bee seene
of hard harted Eneas t' prove in sense,
luste breedes not love, thoughe bloes concupiscence,
which settinge selfe on fyer, selfelie consumes,
custome begonn is bellowes, fewell, fumes.
longinge as muche to see as to bee seene
of hard harted Eneas t' prove in sense,
26
which settinge selfe on fyer, selfelie consumes,
custome begonn is bellowes, fewell, fumes.
And looke what natures selfe hathe not supplyed,
shall by queint painters hand bee storifyed,
wheareof what is not vnderstoode of men,
to bee demonstrated by poetes penn.
lastelie, the local place of turnament
shoold keepe the midle ward, or regiment
of bothe those endes whose trophies thus shoold rise,
at th'easte end truith, At the weste end Justice.
his other embleams and conceiptes that weare
in store, to bewtifye this theatere,
weare infinite, and note by mee bee sedd
(Don Chaucer, Lidgate, Sidney, Spencer dead);
onlie hee willd his worckmen six make haste,
ne spare for cost, while time owne lampe dothe wast.
shall by queint painters hand bee storifyed,
wheareof what is not vnderstoode of men,
to bee demonstrated by poetes penn.
lastelie, the local place of turnament
shoold keepe the midle ward, or regiment
of bothe those endes whose trophies thus shoold rise,
at th'easte end truith, At the weste end Justice.
his other embleams and conceiptes that weare
in store, to bewtifye this theatere,
weare infinite, and note by mee bee sedd
(Don Chaucer, Lidgate, Sidney, Spencer dead);
onlie hee willd his worckmen six make haste,
ne spare for cost, while time owne lampe dothe wast.
Cambuscan, glad his worcke was well begonn,
vieringe a-round sawe a swifte horseman comm,
amid the powldred duste that blindeth th'aier,
to steale th' approche of dismall hastes repaire,
wheare no grasse grewe vnder his horses feete,
all while his horn blo, speedes his gallop fleete.
some post hee seemd, that gallopd t' out-runn strife,
yet none that rides in state, but runns for life.
vieringe a-round sawe a swifte horseman comm,
amid the powldred duste that blindeth th'aier,
to steale th' approche of dismall hastes repaire,
wheare no grasse grewe vnder his horses feete,
all while his horn blo, speedes his gallop fleete.
some post hee seemd, that gallopd t' out-runn strife,
27
The kinge lookes vp; the post alightes at th' gate,
and with his packet, of that morninges date,
demaundes his present accesse to the kinge.
the servauntes him respect (hast furtheringe).
but Canac stoode at her glasse prospective
in th'presence windowe, seeinge all arive,
wheare shee mote lantskipp viewe and seas discrye,
and wandringe travilers, bothe farr and nye,
whence shee with speede discendes to meete the poste.
and with his packet, of that morninges date,
demaundes his present accesse to the kinge.
the servauntes him respect (hast furtheringe).
but Canac stoode at her glasse prospective
in th'presence windowe, seeinge all arive,
wheare shee mote lantskipp viewe and seas discrye,
and wandringe travilers, bothe farr and nye,
whence shee with speede discendes to meete the poste.
Who, after baysaunce donn her, it discloste
that Fregiley, the kinges provincial towne,
tooke armes, and they turnd traitors to the crowne.
his other newes weare but as general,
suche as the vulgar catche before it fall,
yet falles of course (as vsual), with state setters,
to putt lies in postes mowthes, truithe in theire letters.
that Fregiley, the kinges provincial towne,
tooke armes, and they turnd traitors to the crowne.
his other newes weare but as general,
suche as the vulgar catche before it fall,
yet falles of course (as vsual), with state setters,
to putt lies in postes mowthes, truithe in theire letters.
Shee heard him out in all that was to gather,
yet noold the packet ope without her father.
tho, sendinge the post to th' kittchins warme repaste,
she rann to seeke her fath'r in all the haste,
vp hilles, down dales, all waies, from place to place,
thoughe near could find him out, but wheare he was.
at length, amongst his workfolke him shee spide,
in a moste pleasinge meade by th' river syde,
of soile most fertile; th' aier, groves, pure and sweete,
helthelye temperate, and for pleasure meete;
woodes gracing th' illes, flowres stord the humble plaines,
ann happier seate longd not to his demaines,
that perfumd all with sweetest balmes adore,
and farr prospectes from land to land it bore.
yet noold the packet ope without her father.
tho, sendinge the post to th' kittchins warme repaste,
she rann to seeke her fath'r in all the haste,
vp hilles, down dales, all waies, from place to place,
thoughe near could find him out, but wheare he was.
at length, amongst his workfolke him shee spide,
28
of soile most fertile; th' aier, groves, pure and sweete,
helthelye temperate, and for pleasure meete;
woodes gracing th' illes, flowres stord the humble plaines,
ann happier seate longd not to his demaines,
that perfumd all with sweetest balmes adore,
and farr prospectes from land to land it bore.
But now all's pleasanter, that shee is comm.
“Deere Daughter,” (quoth hee) “what ist makes yee ronn?”
While shee, quite mute with runinge, breathd so fast,
as if, mild Zephir loste, shee found his blast;
heat openinge chirries, roses, pinckes, and all,
white lillies, violetes blewe (her faces pall).
fallinge on knee, gave vp (kissinge her hand)
the packett, which badd newes gave tvnderstand.
“Deere Daughter,” (quoth hee) “what ist makes yee ronn?”
While shee, quite mute with runinge, breathd so fast,
as if, mild Zephir loste, shee found his blast;
heat openinge chirries, roses, pinckes, and all,
white lillies, violetes blewe (her faces pall).
fallinge on knee, gave vp (kissinge her hand)
the packett, which badd newes gave tvnderstand.
Hee kindlie tooke yt, and broke vp the seale,
but oh! its first word gann all mirth repeale.
whence turninge, lettinge face and letter fall,
stoppd soddainlie, lookd vp: so leaves them all.
but oh! its first word gann all mirth repeale.
whence turninge, lettinge face and letter fall,
stoppd soddainlie, lookd vp: so leaves them all.
Which seene, page Amidis stoopd for the Letter,
in hope the cause or newes woold fall out better.
in hope the cause or newes woold fall out better.
But sadd Canac, seeinge her father gonn,
shewd in her face her hart was allmost donn;
for, in her mirror, shee foresawe and knewe
great mischiffes could not chouse but thence ensewe.
so to her selfe shee sobbd, like churlishe rayne
which blubbrethe gardines bewties of disdaine.
after shee hies her, with page Amidis,
for it encreasd her griefe her lord to misse,
whome sorrowfull, or as in extacie,
shee founde, or rather, in diepe agonie.
but then t' have seene how each beheld each other,
mote soone impression strooke in anie lover.
he, sorrowfull for Fregiley his towne;
shee, heavie for the losse of trewe renowne.
hee, pittienge her state and the common state;
shee, greevinge what woold followe of debate.
he melancholie, pale, entynd, offended;
shee meekelie prayenge all weare well amended.
29
for, in her mirror, shee foresawe and knewe
great mischiffes could not chouse but thence ensewe.
so to her selfe shee sobbd, like churlishe rayne
which blubbrethe gardines bewties of disdaine.
after shee hies her, with page Amidis,
for it encreasd her griefe her lord to misse,
whome sorrowfull, or as in extacie,
shee founde, or rather, in diepe agonie.
but then t' have seene how each beheld each other,
mote soone impression strooke in anie lover.
he, sorrowfull for Fregiley his towne;
shee, heavie for the losse of trewe renowne.
hee, pittienge her state and the common state;
shee, greevinge what woold followe of debate.
he melancholie, pale, entynd, offended;
shee meekelie prayenge all weare well amended.
Againe of Amidis hee tooke the letter,
which read, hee thumpd his brest (as faultes old debter);
oft sighinge as hee read it, shooke his head.
“hâ Fregiley, false Fregiley,” hee sedd.
to Canac turninge tho (beinge betrayd),
thus whispered, “Tis the worse for thee, my mayd,
thy fortunes daunger and thy hopes delaye,
will blowes, blood, death, cost, in a mortal fray.”
all which, on his smoothe browe engravd thintent
of taminge rebelles: so it seemd hee ment.
shee knewe yt well, wittnes more new comm tears,
that hartie sighes are griefes betrothd compears.
which read, hee thumpd his brest (as faultes old debter);
oft sighinge as hee read it, shooke his head.
“hâ Fregiley, false Fregiley,” hee sedd.
to Canac turninge tho (beinge betrayd),
thus whispered, “Tis the worse for thee, my mayd,
thy fortunes daunger and thy hopes delaye,
will blowes, blood, death, cost, in a mortal fray.”
all which, on his smoothe browe engravd thintent
of taminge rebelles: so it seemd hee ment.
shee knewe yt well, wittnes more new comm tears,
that hartie sighes are griefes betrothd compears.
30
In this sadd plight a messenger is seene,
bare headed, sent from Ethelta, the queene,
lowtinge, that supp'r expectes his maiestie.
but suche a supp'r as wayters near stood bye,
for not three wordes amongst them all weare spoken,
which that theire mindes wrought busier, did betoken,
Onlie queene Ethelta gann storme, and vowe
vengeance vppon all traiters hartes to plowe.
Camball sayd nought: Algarsife was not theare,
Which to new stirrs, more presages mote reare.
bare headed, sent from Ethelta, the queene,
lowtinge, that supp'r expectes his maiestie.
but suche a supp'r as wayters near stood bye,
for not three wordes amongst them all weare spoken,
which that theire mindes wrought busier, did betoken,
Onlie queene Ethelta gann storme, and vowe
vengeance vppon all traiters hartes to plowe.
Camball sayd nought: Algarsife was not theare,
Which to new stirrs, more presages mote reare.
By this bright Titan hidd at west his head
in freckled white clowdes, turninge white to read,
and redd to opal blacke: which soddaine lowre,
foretold, the morne woold bringe foorth miste or showr.
in freckled white clowdes, turninge white to read,
and redd to opal blacke: which soddaine lowre,
foretold, the morne woold bringe foorth miste or showr.
| John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" | |