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 quinto.
|
 | John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" |  |
Canto quinto.
The vulgar much desireth warr;
Algarsife it apologizethe;
Cambuscan callethe Akafir;
Canac th'armie to love advisethe.
Algarsife it apologizethe;
Cambuscan callethe Akafir;
Canac th'armie to love advisethe.
Before the weepinge gearles, Pleiades,
had leapt th' orison, to the brinishe seas,
a post gallopinge, whoe by starr light rann,
knockd at court gates; the porter quicklie camm,
and speedinge vp the packett to the kinge,
for newes was all the peoples questioninge,
whoe, since the late rebellious practisinge,
made of Algarsife, but tantologinge;
for none but descanteth vppon his action,
which, at theire litle ears, enlargeth faction,
theventes wheareof not one but dares divine,
and officers vnto the campe assigne,
and looke what newes the post hathe not to tell,
they dare supplie, and to the world revell,
vntill so many truithes binn out at once
as hathe our Ladie new begotten sonnes.
“Now, now,” vauntes one, “packes idlnes awaye,
and now tall men who lacke shall lacke no pay,
but leave base seekinge dinners, at each table,
which, to vs soldiers, writes dishonorable;
ne wayt at court, for court smoke, elles in vaine,
without our salaries, a yeere or twaine;
ne care to gage Jackes leathern panche by oures,
with lookinge bigg on all that on vs lowres;
ne princke our outsides fasshion with new suites,
while purses insides pennilesse disputes.”
“Naye, now the world will mende, so wee may winn,
elles, goe the Divl' withall,” quoth Tomallin.
for so the vulgar rable prophecie,
as if theire warrs woold all folkes wantes supplye,
whearefore, th'vnrulie wisshe for hopefull warrs,
till feelingelie they bringe home curelesse skarrs;
and so they ianglen, wheare they herd togeather,
opinions, for opinions, chouse yee wheather,
that never are vnfurnishd of this fasshion,
to hold with either partie contestation.
had leapt th' orison, to the brinishe seas,
a post gallopinge, whoe by starr light rann,
knockd at court gates; the porter quicklie camm,
and speedinge vp the packett to the kinge,
for newes was all the peoples questioninge,
whoe, since the late rebellious practisinge,
made of Algarsife, but tantologinge;
for none but descanteth vppon his action,
which, at theire litle ears, enlargeth faction,
49
and officers vnto the campe assigne,
and looke what newes the post hathe not to tell,
they dare supplie, and to the world revell,
vntill so many truithes binn out at once
as hathe our Ladie new begotten sonnes.
“Now, now,” vauntes one, “packes idlnes awaye,
and now tall men who lacke shall lacke no pay,
but leave base seekinge dinners, at each table,
which, to vs soldiers, writes dishonorable;
ne wayt at court, for court smoke, elles in vaine,
without our salaries, a yeere or twaine;
ne care to gage Jackes leathern panche by oures,
with lookinge bigg on all that on vs lowres;
ne princke our outsides fasshion with new suites,
while purses insides pennilesse disputes.”
“Naye, now the world will mende, so wee may winn,
elles, goe the Divl' withall,” quoth Tomallin.
for so the vulgar rable prophecie,
as if theire warrs woold all folkes wantes supplye,
whearefore, th'vnrulie wisshe for hopefull warrs,
till feelingelie they bringe home curelesse skarrs;
and so they ianglen, wheare they herd togeather,
opinions, for opinions, chouse yee wheather,
that never are vnfurnishd of this fasshion,
to hold with either partie contestation.
50
The packett opened, and the letter seene,
the kinge impartes his newes vnto the queene,
how that, besides, theire wicked sonn's gonn out,
“the man at Fregiley bears all the rowt,
plaies Captaine General of all disorders,
and calles vnto his partie all the borders,
specialie those hee holdes to him most nye,
whoe gainste vs have donn greatest villany,
buildinge most saftie vppon theire defense,
who have to aunswer for the like offense.
ô, but o're them beares the most ielleous eye,
whoe standes not vnto vs, most contrarie.
Now wheare the Prince praetendes his iuste defense,
his folke will challenge armes of false offense,
sithe, sooner dothe a false truith bleare their eies
as they woold (by suspition) seeme most wise;
yet groundinge all theire chiefest confidence
on the possessd greatnes of theire owne prince,
whence anglers, (whoe woold rise by emulation)
and of theire service publishe demonstration;
fightes, railes, skoldes, writes against vs all they may,
their syde to bolden, our right to dissmaye;
theareby t'imbarcke them in the peoples hart,
which still consisteth of theire maior part;
and, for suche sharkinge paines, lookes at his handes
to reape (besides his grace) our farmes and landes;
concludinge on this groundes securitie
falselie gott, nis kept, but by falsitie.
the kinge impartes his newes vnto the queene,
how that, besides, theire wicked sonn's gonn out,
“the man at Fregiley bears all the rowt,
plaies Captaine General of all disorders,
and calles vnto his partie all the borders,
specialie those hee holdes to him most nye,
whoe gainste vs have donn greatest villany,
buildinge most saftie vppon theire defense,
who have to aunswer for the like offense.
ô, but o're them beares the most ielleous eye,
whoe standes not vnto vs, most contrarie.
Now wheare the Prince praetendes his iuste defense,
his folke will challenge armes of false offense,
sithe, sooner dothe a false truith bleare their eies
as they woold (by suspition) seeme most wise;
yet groundinge all theire chiefest confidence
on the possessd greatnes of theire owne prince,
whence anglers, (whoe woold rise by emulation)
and of theire service publishe demonstration;
fightes, railes, skoldes, writes against vs all they may,
their syde to bolden, our right to dissmaye;
theareby t'imbarcke them in the peoples hart,
which still consisteth of theire maior part;
and, for suche sharkinge paines, lookes at his handes
to reape (besides his grace) our farmes and landes;
concludinge on this groundes securitie
falselie gott, nis kept, but by falsitie.
51
“Amongst his other stratagems well known,
hee ann apologie abrode hathe strowen,
that, to the world, propoundes the causes whie
hee's forced by armes to gard his Libertie,
and vauntes hee note bee otherwise secure,
vnlesse in Fregiley hee him immure;
besides, that I, his father, without right,
have offred all my kingdom to that knight,
which shall Canacy winn, at Serra towne,
so (in effect) shee bears thence the renowne:
‘But I, that am his eldest and first borne,
shall have the nesteltrett sett mee beforne,
so shoold I rest, at her choice and discretion,
and live enthralld at her meere manumission.
Then, whearfore, serves the lawe of blood or nations?
if theldest birth, of natures propagations,
shoold at a ffathers pleasure, or displeasure,
suffer of dewe inheritance disseasure?
and, pray, what comfort ist to live in feare
of him, or her, that plottes to bee ons heire?
by reason, thearfore, and meere natures lesson,
I keepe in Fregiley my owne possession,
hopinge the world will so interpret it
as fyttinge reasons right, and a good witt:
touchinge my frendes, I doubt not to bee able,
to pleasure them, as they stand pleasurable. Algarsife.’”
hee ann apologie abrode hathe strowen,
that, to the world, propoundes the causes whie
hee's forced by armes to gard his Libertie,
and vauntes hee note bee otherwise secure,
vnlesse in Fregiley hee him immure;
besides, that I, his father, without right,
have offred all my kingdom to that knight,
which shall Canacy winn, at Serra towne,
so (in effect) shee bears thence the renowne:
‘But I, that am his eldest and first borne,
shall have the nesteltrett sett mee beforne,
so shoold I rest, at her choice and discretion,
and live enthralld at her meere manumission.
Then, whearfore, serves the lawe of blood or nations?
if theldest birth, of natures propagations,
shoold at a ffathers pleasure, or displeasure,
suffer of dewe inheritance disseasure?
and, pray, what comfort ist to live in feare
of him, or her, that plottes to bee ons heire?
by reason, thearfore, and meere natures lesson,
I keepe in Fregiley my owne possession,
hopinge the world will so interpret it
52
touchinge my frendes, I doubt not to bee able,
to pleasure them, as they stand pleasurable. Algarsife.’”
The Queene, a princesse of that maiestie,
and resolution gainst extremitie,
as all the world not suche annother had,
heard out, with courage, bothe the good and badd,
and, (thoughe a woman) yet none tooke this from her,
shee did abound in all masculine honor.
ffirst to her deerest husband thus bespake,
“most lovinge, valient, and heroicke make,
this rule of nature, which to mee is dewe
(if I bee not deceavd), extendes to you,
that in her bookes of love I never read,
to bringe my cradle on my proper head:
which natural love hathe a love of owne
that bindes b'owne lawe all that of her are grown
to filial dutie, Which (of natures kind)
creepes out at birth, concrete, into one mind,
wheareby ites younger hath t'orerule ites elder,
as reason knowes, wheare reason is the welder.
Now wheare my birthe dares reasonlesse elate,
as sensual vsurpers them sufflate,
it is a canon in our lawe of reason,
suche insolentes bin guiltie of highe treason.
and by that canon all which goe that gate,
bin well pronounced, natures degenerate;
and those whoe iustifie suche false escapes,
perseverance swears to bee our reprobates.
for, if in truith and iustice him wee gott,
and hee doe neither, is hee ours or not?
But heere I find it trewe (as Canac sayd),
how gladlie hee Videriaes plottes obayd,
in havinge from her hellishe pollecie
suckd state praetenses for his monarchie:
wheareto the boy pretendes wee wrongd his right:
Lô, false-truith is his popular anglinge slight.
which false truith, and false iustice, weighes ye sleightes,
which falsaries traduce, t'annoint their baytes,
which, on stoln greatnes, plottes to coyne it so,
as no inferior dares inquire to kno.
But now hee pleades, forsooth, hee's forcd to armes,
Lô, heere are more of false Videriaes charmes!
sir, whie? forsoothe, for pocket libertie;
but wheare? in mutinous false Fregiley.
and whome woold hee preclude, or stripp heerebye?
ev'n her whoe, for his sake, dothe all daye dye,
evn poore Canac, (his sister) whose wett eyes,
wrunge handes, kind hart, head carefull, pitteous cries,
knockes night and day at our ears in his favor;
yet this vile viper killes her for her labor.
and whie? forsoothe, shees but the nesteltrett,
and hee'l be iudge whome wee shall foremost sett.
ô, hee's first borne; he thearefore will inheritt,
so vauntes, lawe of blood dothe on him conferr it.
and hee's first male, so theritage is his,
first comm, first servd, is iuris apicis.
But wee have longe since cutt off all entaile
from tainted blood, whence no blood cann prevaile.
elles should the first borne-male for aye inherite,
no barr could lye gainste anie wicked spirit.
for so mote all prime-nates precedence claime,
earth, water, laye, priest, fleshe, ore reason raigne;
onlie our selves knowe wheare the secret lies,
of secondes o're prime-nates predignities.
But the proud boy begges praise vppon his witt;
hoh, glorious eloquence, without creditt!
surelie theare are whoe makes their witt the prize,
that wittelie bringes home owne tragedies.
naie, hee provokes foorth reas'n as of owne right;
as if iustice his nurses had t'acquight,
and so it hathe; but not suche as hee meanes,
which yet near had but love twixt twoe extreames.
Lastlie, this peltinge orator proclaimes
bribes to all suche as with his side retaines
evn pleasure (as they pleasurablie standes):
a glorious fetch, t'allure in troopes and bandes,
which petulantlie subrogates to sense
the Seminarœ of stale indulgence.
a speedinge traine, whearewith the most are caught,
Younge, old, male, female, and brought backe to naught.
whearfore, deere husband, as our honors liefe
is setto sale by this lewd Algarsife,
to armes with speede; march gainste this raskall boye,
and never turne vntill his lives distroye.
it yerkes mee, that I bore the recreant;
whearfore let iustice all his quarters haunt,
because he deignes Videria false t'obaye,
(obedience makinge service, wise men saye)
whence as hee serves, and ioines t' our enimye,
(which mortalie waylaies our familye)
so live, so dye hee (to vs contrarie),
ever remembred of damnd infamie. Ethelta.”
and resolution gainst extremitie,
as all the world not suche annother had,
heard out, with courage, bothe the good and badd,
and, (thoughe a woman) yet none tooke this from her,
shee did abound in all masculine honor.
ffirst to her deerest husband thus bespake,
“most lovinge, valient, and heroicke make,
this rule of nature, which to mee is dewe
(if I bee not deceavd), extendes to you,
that in her bookes of love I never read,
to bringe my cradle on my proper head:
which natural love hathe a love of owne
53
to filial dutie, Which (of natures kind)
creepes out at birth, concrete, into one mind,
wheareby ites younger hath t'orerule ites elder,
as reason knowes, wheare reason is the welder.
Now wheare my birthe dares reasonlesse elate,
as sensual vsurpers them sufflate,
it is a canon in our lawe of reason,
suche insolentes bin guiltie of highe treason.
and by that canon all which goe that gate,
bin well pronounced, natures degenerate;
and those whoe iustifie suche false escapes,
perseverance swears to bee our reprobates.
for, if in truith and iustice him wee gott,
and hee doe neither, is hee ours or not?
But heere I find it trewe (as Canac sayd),
how gladlie hee Videriaes plottes obayd,
in havinge from her hellishe pollecie
suckd state praetenses for his monarchie:
wheareto the boy pretendes wee wrongd his right:
Lô, false-truith is his popular anglinge slight.
which false truith, and false iustice, weighes ye sleightes,
which falsaries traduce, t'annoint their baytes,
which, on stoln greatnes, plottes to coyne it so,
as no inferior dares inquire to kno.
54
Lô, heere are more of false Videriaes charmes!
sir, whie? forsoothe, for pocket libertie;
but wheare? in mutinous false Fregiley.
and whome woold hee preclude, or stripp heerebye?
ev'n her whoe, for his sake, dothe all daye dye,
evn poore Canac, (his sister) whose wett eyes,
wrunge handes, kind hart, head carefull, pitteous cries,
knockes night and day at our ears in his favor;
yet this vile viper killes her for her labor.
and whie? forsoothe, shees but the nesteltrett,
and hee'l be iudge whome wee shall foremost sett.
ô, hee's first borne; he thearefore will inheritt,
so vauntes, lawe of blood dothe on him conferr it.
and hee's first male, so theritage is his,
first comm, first servd, is iuris apicis.
But wee have longe since cutt off all entaile
from tainted blood, whence no blood cann prevaile.
elles should the first borne-male for aye inherite,
no barr could lye gainste anie wicked spirit.
for so mote all prime-nates precedence claime,
earth, water, laye, priest, fleshe, ore reason raigne;
onlie our selves knowe wheare the secret lies,
of secondes o're prime-nates predignities.
But the proud boy begges praise vppon his witt;
hoh, glorious eloquence, without creditt!
surelie theare are whoe makes their witt the prize,
that wittelie bringes home owne tragedies.
naie, hee provokes foorth reas'n as of owne right;
55
and so it hathe; but not suche as hee meanes,
which yet near had but love twixt twoe extreames.
Lastlie, this peltinge orator proclaimes
bribes to all suche as with his side retaines
evn pleasure (as they pleasurablie standes):
a glorious fetch, t'allure in troopes and bandes,
which petulantlie subrogates to sense
the Seminarœ of stale indulgence.
a speedinge traine, whearewith the most are caught,
Younge, old, male, female, and brought backe to naught.
whearfore, deere husband, as our honors liefe
is setto sale by this lewd Algarsife,
to armes with speede; march gainste this raskall boye,
and never turne vntill his lives distroye.
it yerkes mee, that I bore the recreant;
whearfore let iustice all his quarters haunt,
because he deignes Videria false t'obaye,
(obedience makinge service, wise men saye)
whence as hee serves, and ioines t' our enimye,
(which mortalie waylaies our familye)
so live, so dye hee (to vs contrarie),
ever remembred of damnd infamie. Ethelta.”
The queen theare made full point. then thus y kinge:
“sweete Ethel, as I lent you listeninge,
so, lovelie love, and by our mutual love,
tell mee if ought this scandale may remove,
the blemishe salvd (cause of your sadd complaint)
that hath our house with infamie attaint?”
“sweete Ethel, as I lent you listeninge,
so, lovelie love, and by our mutual love,
tell mee if ought this scandale may remove,
the blemishe salvd (cause of your sadd complaint)
that hath our house with infamie attaint?”
56
“None” (quoth the queene), “for shame so dieplie stainethe,
as nothinge cures it while the cause remayneth.
nor suche a faitor cann I breath or brooke,
who hathe his treasons learnt so t' blanche by booke,
as dares terme false trewe, trew false (surquedrye),
and all annoint with th' name of libertie;
whence never traitor yet presumd to rise,
but in false truithes, and liberties disguize.
whearefore, deere husband, now denye mee not,
hatinge the cause, I will revenge the blott.”
as nothinge cures it while the cause remayneth.
nor suche a faitor cann I breath or brooke,
who hathe his treasons learnt so t' blanche by booke,
as dares terme false trewe, trew false (surquedrye),
and all annoint with th' name of libertie;
whence never traitor yet presumd to rise,
but in false truithes, and liberties disguize.
whearefore, deere husband, now denye mee not,
hatinge the cause, I will revenge the blott.”
“Nay then” (quoth hee), “If no remedie bee,
I will to armes, as all the world shall see.
quiet your selfe a while, my owne sweete hart,
while I play a knightes, husbandes, fathers part.”
I will to armes, as all the world shall see.
quiet your selfe a while, my owne sweete hart,
while I play a knightes, husbandes, fathers part.”
Tho sange ann earlie crowe, from topp of tree,
longe dismal notes, the weather wett woold bee,
while glistringe Phœbus (noddinge beetl browd)
peepd waterishlie through a dim-mantled clowd,
yet flunge his dartes at the mornes crevicies,
that all whoe busines had, mote see to ryse.
longe dismal notes, the weather wett woold bee,
while glistringe Phœbus (noddinge beetl browd)
peepd waterishlie through a dim-mantled clowd,
yet flunge his dartes at the mornes crevicies,
that all whoe busines had, mote see to ryse.
Ear this Canac, whose vse was, night & day
to be last vp, and first in her araye,
thought on her gentil falcon, sicke and sore,
which pacient shee deignes carefullie deplore;
on whome (throughe her ringes vertewe, as was sayd),
out plaisters, and in cordiales, ofte shee layd,
and gave, withall, constant encouragement,
as best befittes wheare th' vital spirites are spent.
while the meeke Falcon, languishinge in mewe,
beheld farr off, when all the skies weare blewe,
how her false tarcelet gann her much abuse,
in makinge th' woodes and hills his common stewes;
nay, looke what linnen, naprie, panch, or gutt,
cast to the dung hill, or on hedges putt,
this carrion kyte could find abrode or gett,
bothe her and it gives to the Tercelet.
which causd the Falcon pine and melt with greefe,
as dothe Canac, for her false Algarsife,
Whose conferrencies presentlie mote stay,
sithe mars his trumpet calles vs all awaye.
to be last vp, and first in her araye,
thought on her gentil falcon, sicke and sore,
which pacient shee deignes carefullie deplore;
on whome (throughe her ringes vertewe, as was sayd),
57
and gave, withall, constant encouragement,
as best befittes wheare th' vital spirites are spent.
while the meeke Falcon, languishinge in mewe,
beheld farr off, when all the skies weare blewe,
how her false tarcelet gann her much abuse,
in makinge th' woodes and hills his common stewes;
nay, looke what linnen, naprie, panch, or gutt,
cast to the dung hill, or on hedges putt,
this carrion kyte could find abrode or gett,
bothe her and it gives to the Tercelet.
which causd the Falcon pine and melt with greefe,
as dothe Canac, for her false Algarsife,
Whose conferrencies presentlie mote stay,
sithe mars his trumpet calles vs all awaye.
By this time had mavortial Cambuscan
wrote manie breves, whearwith swift Postes out rann,
to everie coast and stowt-sea-bordringe towne;
and t' all Commaunders, sworne trewe to his crowne,
to see all Armories furbushd with speede,
and bee in readines at instant neede.
wrote manie breves, whearwith swift Postes out rann,
to everie coast and stowt-sea-bordringe towne;
and t' all Commaunders, sworne trewe to his crowne,
to see all Armories furbushd with speede,
and bee in readines at instant neede.
One letter was to Akafir directed,
with large commission, as to one selected,
to bee of all the Seaes highe Admiral,
sith 'gainst th' kinges foes he formoste chargd of all,
and with stowt swoord alone fell on the troope,
which resolutelie hee forcd, gardeloope.
this the kinge notinge, and for services,
him fittest cleapd commaunder on his seas.
with large commission, as to one selected,
58
sith 'gainst th' kinges foes he formoste chargd of all,
and with stowt swoord alone fell on the troope,
which resolutelie hee forcd, gardeloope.
this the kinge notinge, and for services,
him fittest cleapd commaunder on his seas.
This knight foorthwith bod calcke and rigg all shipps.
With tallowe, boild pitch, okeham, tarr beclipps,
with cables, ancors, tackle, mastes, irn, sailes
(in leakes, losse, tempestes, store of these prevailes);
with canons, powder, crosse barrs, round shott, pikes,
bills, muskettes, holberdes, ope and closelie strikes,
with bowes and arroes, headded with wild fyer,
with chaine shott, fierworkes, from the Gunners tyer,
with ladles, chargers, skowrers, carthridges,
with lint stockes, coolers, when oreheates encrease;
With swoordes and targettes, head peece, forecurates
without backe steele plates, for none backe retrates;
with stronge wrought furnitures and victuales store,
sith, out at sea, cann begg at no mans dore.
With tallowe, boild pitch, okeham, tarr beclipps,
with cables, ancors, tackle, mastes, irn, sailes
(in leakes, losse, tempestes, store of these prevailes);
with canons, powder, crosse barrs, round shott, pikes,
bills, muskettes, holberdes, ope and closelie strikes,
with bowes and arroes, headded with wild fyer,
with chaine shott, fierworkes, from the Gunners tyer,
with ladles, chargers, skowrers, carthridges,
with lint stockes, coolers, when oreheates encrease;
With swoordes and targettes, head peece, forecurates
without backe steele plates, for none backe retrates;
with stronge wrought furnitures and victuales store,
sith, out at sea, cann begg at no mans dore.
Of these a muster general is made,
of mariners and gallantes of warr trade,
'mongst which the voluntaries weare praeferrd
before those whoe ne but for pressure sterrd;
and out of those th' ighe Admiral electeth
provident pilates, whoe the fleete directeth,
that knowes to shunn flattes, shelfes, sandes, rockes, and daungers,
and as well all home creekes as coastes of straungers,
and how at last to bringe home peace and rest
in the safe hauon, wheare to arive is blest.
of mariners and gallantes of warr trade,
'mongst which the voluntaries weare praeferrd
before those whoe ne but for pressure sterrd;
and out of those th' ighe Admiral electeth
provident pilates, whoe the fleete directeth,
59
and as well all home creekes as coastes of straungers,
and how at last to bringe home peace and rest
in the safe hauon, wheare to arive is blest.
All these in soldiers cotes, of redd on white,
darraignd a brave and gallant manlie sight,
of lustie bodies nimblie condisposd,
to seeke out action (as their lookes disclo[s]d).
darraignd a brave and gallant manlie sight,
of lustie bodies nimblie condisposd,
to seeke out action (as their lookes disclo[s]d).
In whose all praesence th' Admiral displaies
Cambuscans colors, th' ensigne of th' essaies,
whose embleam everie soldier knewe before,
yet Akafir it vauncd, with brave decore,
and told them all, th' are bounde to make it good,
for so the kinge will, thoughe with losse of blood.
Cambuscans colors, th' ensigne of th' essaies,
whose embleam everie soldier knewe before,
yet Akafir it vauncd, with brave decore,
and told them all, th' are bounde to make it good,
for so the kinge will, thoughe with losse of blood.
They swore the would; then, as like minded frendes,
th' Admirals briefe oration thus intendes
that all men, the next tide, must bee aboord,
on paine of death, as martial lawe afoord.
then each shipp shall sett saile, and followe him,
to Cape mor dieu, in Faerie land, to winn;
but if roughe stormes or mistes, at sea them seaver,
beare vp t' fortie Degrees to meete togeather.
that sayd, hee ore each shipp a pilote gave,
with other officers of good behave,
providinge that th' kinges colors and emblem
wave, all alofte, the mayne-mastes-highest stem.
th' Admirals briefe oration thus intendes
that all men, the next tide, must bee aboord,
on paine of death, as martial lawe afoord.
then each shipp shall sett saile, and followe him,
to Cape mor dieu, in Faerie land, to winn;
but if roughe stormes or mistes, at sea them seaver,
beare vp t' fortie Degrees to meete togeather.
that sayd, hee ore each shipp a pilote gave,
with other officers of good behave,
60
wave, all alofte, the mayne-mastes-highest stem.
Thus drawes th'owr now that th'whole fleete must depart,
mayne yardes vp hoisd, crosse sailes hunge all a thwart,
ancors at copstone, readie to bee wayd,
masters and boteswaines-whistelles lowdlie brayd,
whence to depart, dothe quicklie chaunge the cheere,
as well of land frendes as the marinere:
but frendes for frendes, and lovers for their lovers,
gann sighe, parentes for sonns, sisters for brothers,
betakinge all to god, wishe mirry meetinge,
the woomens last farewell (endinge in weepinge)
bewraies, althoughe the land puttes off the seas,
yet better concordance woold better please.
mayne yardes vp hoisd, crosse sailes hunge all a thwart,
ancors at copstone, readie to bee wayd,
masters and boteswaines-whistelles lowdlie brayd,
whence to depart, dothe quicklie chaunge the cheere,
as well of land frendes as the marinere:
but frendes for frendes, and lovers for their lovers,
gann sighe, parentes for sonns, sisters for brothers,
betakinge all to god, wishe mirry meetinge,
the woomens last farewell (endinge in weepinge)
bewraies, althoughe the land puttes off the seas,
yet better concordance woold better please.
Thus gonn are they to sea, wheare Akafir
soone publishd the strict Discipline of warr,
which first iniones obedience and respect,
to all Commaunders (officers elect),
specialie to dewe services divine,
forbiddinge othes, lies, quaffes of beere and wine,
treasons and brawles, not pardond, doth repeale
(hard taske and straunge); no mariner shoold steale.
soone publishd the strict Discipline of warr,
which first iniones obedience and respect,
to all Commaunders (officers elect),
specialie to dewe services divine,
forbiddinge othes, lies, quaffes of beere and wine,
treasons and brawles, not pardond, doth repeale
(hard taske and straunge); no mariner shoold steale.
In the meane time, couragious Camball drewe
into the feild thold garrisones and newe,
wheareof hee viewes to muster yonge and old,
and of them soone observes the spirites moste bold,
sayenge, “my hartes, wee'l ride out calme & storme,
and fight the game out till the last man borne.”
those whoe replied in silence with a smile,
hee valued best, and ranckd them in his fyle.
into the feild thold garrisones and newe,
wheareof hee viewes to muster yonge and old,
and of them soone observes the spirites moste bold,
sayenge, “my hartes, wee'l ride out calme & storme,
and fight the game out till the last man borne.”
those whoe replied in silence with a smile,
61
Cambuscans selfe was the chiefe General,
but men did Camball lord Liuetenant call.
whoe soone drewe th' armie into battailes three,
to march thone fore annother in degree:
first th' vantgard, midle next, and last the Reare,
as youthe, manhode, grave age, succession beare.
and wheare the first twaine rashelie chaunce to fight,
the wisest, last, should theire disorders right.
but men did Camball lord Liuetenant call.
whoe soone drewe th' armie into battailes three,
to march thone fore annother in degree:
first th' vantgard, midle next, and last the Reare,
as youthe, manhode, grave age, succession beare.
and wheare the first twaine rashelie chaunce to fight,
the wisest, last, should theire disorders right.
Then in Cambuscan spurrd, vpon Ducello,
(his brazen horse) feircer then Neptunes billo,
whose dauncinge plumes, topp of his armors shine,
seemd at the sonns beames many sonns t'entyne:
with bevers casement ope, which told each eye,
that theare within dwelt roial maiestie;
and by his syde his swoord Morliuo wore;
his right hand a directinge warder bore.
(his brazen horse) feircer then Neptunes billo,
whose dauncinge plumes, topp of his armors shine,
seemd at the sonns beames many sonns t'entyne:
with bevers casement ope, which told each eye,
that theare within dwelt roial maiestie;
and by his syde his swoord Morliuo wore;
his right hand a directinge warder bore.
At whose approche th'whole armie veild their pikes,
soldiers and officers on knees down strikes,
while hee rode vp and downe from streete to streete,
to trie if they good formes and orders weete.
theare them he findes in martial discipline
well ordred, in the midle, fore, and hyne,
taught able, out of files, in nimble space,
to double ranckes, and singel backe in place,
backward, foreward, sidewise, turne, returne,
and what they facd behinde, to front aforne,
march, stand, move, part, remove, thwhole charge, retire,
shocke close, ope wide, all musketes lyninge nyer,
to gard th'whole corps, the colors specialie,
as hartes, lives, honors secret (midst dothe stye),
and then doe winges of shott make pikes theire owne,
when troopes of horse woold find the foote alone;
dextrouslye shake longe weapons, whiff the short,
tennis in armors, (vse makes paine good sport,)
laye downe (on cause) some armes, t'elope a space,
but instantlie runn to the selfe same place,
knowinge all languages of Captaines drum,
march softe, stand faste, parl, call, charge home, backe comm,
winn bravelie others groundes, owne well maintaine,
as drum, fife, trumpetes clangor, have to sayen;
faithfullie keepe the word, watch court of gard,
stand sentinel, aunswer alarums, ward,
make skowt-watch, inrodes, gett intelligence,
certifie, with industrious intuence,
with manlie presence, willinge dilligence,
at no shott startinge, comm, ne goe, hence, thence,
so as all bodies doe conioine in one,
hartes, motions, mindes, b'obedience vnion.
for by the rule of perfect discipline,
soules, bodies, actes, intendes but one designe,
Love holding th' centar; contraries they hate,
Let foes comm wheare they dare, earlie or late;
truith, iustice, binn the level of their prize,
gainste which whoe comes, of many deathes he dies.
soldiers and officers on knees down strikes,
while hee rode vp and downe from streete to streete,
62
theare them he findes in martial discipline
well ordred, in the midle, fore, and hyne,
taught able, out of files, in nimble space,
to double ranckes, and singel backe in place,
backward, foreward, sidewise, turne, returne,
and what they facd behinde, to front aforne,
march, stand, move, part, remove, thwhole charge, retire,
shocke close, ope wide, all musketes lyninge nyer,
to gard th'whole corps, the colors specialie,
as hartes, lives, honors secret (midst dothe stye),
and then doe winges of shott make pikes theire owne,
when troopes of horse woold find the foote alone;
dextrouslye shake longe weapons, whiff the short,
tennis in armors, (vse makes paine good sport,)
laye downe (on cause) some armes, t'elope a space,
but instantlie runn to the selfe same place,
knowinge all languages of Captaines drum,
march softe, stand faste, parl, call, charge home, backe comm,
winn bravelie others groundes, owne well maintaine,
as drum, fife, trumpetes clangor, have to sayen;
faithfullie keepe the word, watch court of gard,
stand sentinel, aunswer alarums, ward,
make skowt-watch, inrodes, gett intelligence,
63
with manlie presence, willinge dilligence,
at no shott startinge, comm, ne goe, hence, thence,
so as all bodies doe conioine in one,
hartes, motions, mindes, b'obedience vnion.
for by the rule of perfect discipline,
soules, bodies, actes, intendes but one designe,
Love holding th' centar; contraries they hate,
Let foes comm wheare they dare, earlie or late;
truith, iustice, binn the level of their prize,
gainste which whoe comes, of many deathes he dies.
This sight reioict Cambuscans nobliste hart,
at which his horse Ducello once noold start,
but not feirce Rabican, ne Bucephal
so meeke stoode, vnder roial-riders stall
as gann this braver horse, viewinge this geere,
yet trode the measures, as the kinge gann steere,
as if mineruaes foale, at reasons chime,
trampled t' associate Victors discipline:
Whearein curveddes, with brave sublimitie
(Pallas engin, Troies horse, noold halfe so hie).
which quicklye stirrd th'whole armies acclamation,
sithe virtue makes on virtue exaltation.
all which, with goodlie presence, faire decore,
unmovd in cell, hee did his praise the more:
and that soone drewe vnto him, in the streete,
all eyes, ears, tonges, for all men rann to seet.
at which his horse Ducello once noold start,
but not feirce Rabican, ne Bucephal
so meeke stoode, vnder roial-riders stall
as gann this braver horse, viewinge this geere,
yet trode the measures, as the kinge gann steere,
as if mineruaes foale, at reasons chime,
trampled t' associate Victors discipline:
Whearein curveddes, with brave sublimitie
(Pallas engin, Troies horse, noold halfe so hie).
which quicklye stirrd th'whole armies acclamation,
sithe virtue makes on virtue exaltation.
all which, with goodlie presence, faire decore,
unmovd in cell, hee did his praise the more:
and that soone drewe vnto him, in the streete,
all eyes, ears, tonges, for all men rann to seet.
Wheare, havinge them, hee a lowe congewe beare,
sithe great assemblies greater are then th' are,
it guizinge still t' entreate before commaund,
as ranckinge love fore iustice in the stand.
howbeet, could rigge vse, in case of right,
t'orerule oppressors, mawlger might and spight.
“Subiectes” (quoth hee), “and fellowe soldiers all,
the cause whie to the feild I thus you call,
is to my selfe best known, and to you well,
so, lesse discourse serves, wheare your selves doe feel,
tis but one dropp of natures blood entines
this mutinie, this vprore in our loynes,
that vexeth you, that troublethe mee and him,
whose faultes I rather wishe weare none, then seen:
It is the boye Algarsife (falsed boye),
my shame, griefe, woe.” But theare hee made a stay,
griefe sealinge's lipps, which though his liddes could hyde,
Yet ffathers, whoe had sonns too, soone it spyde.
“I lead you now to th' warrs (ann vncothe warres),
that in my owne house, bosome, life blood darrs
the father gainste the sonn, ann hatefull cause,
which fyers owne bowelles, bringes all by the iawes.
now, if yee cann digest that sonnes of youres,
shoold gainste yee (ffathers) raise rebellious powres,
seaze on your fortes, your tenentes hartes inveagle,
corrupt your servauntes, practise with the people,
take armes, make head, yea, machinate your life,
if this yee brooke, so iudge of Algarsife;”
and theare he pawzd, whearat th' whole hoast gann crye,
“Out, out, proclaime him traitor, let him dye.”
The kinge then trilld the pinn in's horses eare,
came neerer, lowder ment, that all mote heare.
“then fellowe-soldiers, give your best advise,
theare, wheare a sonn doth gainste his parentes rise,
and modell foorth suche monstrous praesident
as mote yee touche so neere, weare youres so bent;
which hazardeth the states chaunge, in to bringe
traitors o're you and youres, to bee your kinge,
vntrulie and vniustelie (as you see);
saye, fellowe soldiers, will yee fight, or flee?”
sithe great assemblies greater are then th' are,
it guizinge still t' entreate before commaund,
64
howbeet, could rigge vse, in case of right,
t'orerule oppressors, mawlger might and spight.
“Subiectes” (quoth hee), “and fellowe soldiers all,
the cause whie to the feild I thus you call,
is to my selfe best known, and to you well,
so, lesse discourse serves, wheare your selves doe feel,
tis but one dropp of natures blood entines
this mutinie, this vprore in our loynes,
that vexeth you, that troublethe mee and him,
whose faultes I rather wishe weare none, then seen:
It is the boye Algarsife (falsed boye),
my shame, griefe, woe.” But theare hee made a stay,
griefe sealinge's lipps, which though his liddes could hyde,
Yet ffathers, whoe had sonns too, soone it spyde.
“I lead you now to th' warrs (ann vncothe warres),
that in my owne house, bosome, life blood darrs
the father gainste the sonn, ann hatefull cause,
which fyers owne bowelles, bringes all by the iawes.
now, if yee cann digest that sonnes of youres,
shoold gainste yee (ffathers) raise rebellious powres,
seaze on your fortes, your tenentes hartes inveagle,
corrupt your servauntes, practise with the people,
take armes, make head, yea, machinate your life,
if this yee brooke, so iudge of Algarsife;”
65
“Out, out, proclaime him traitor, let him dye.”
The kinge then trilld the pinn in's horses eare,
came neerer, lowder ment, that all mote heare.
“then fellowe-soldiers, give your best advise,
theare, wheare a sonn doth gainste his parentes rise,
and modell foorth suche monstrous praesident
as mote yee touche so neere, weare youres so bent;
which hazardeth the states chaunge, in to bringe
traitors o're you and youres, to bee your kinge,
vntrulie and vniustelie (as you see);
saye, fellowe soldiers, will yee fight, or flee?”
At that some wept, that their good kinge shoold thincke
they durst not fight, or from his cause woold shrincke:
sodainlie thearfore, burst with this clamore,
or rather vowinge with one common rore,
that battaile they demaundes, sayenge, “lettes fight,
that dint of swoord our faithes maye plainelie quight,
and putt false traitors all to th' edge of th' swoord,
and, in hott blood, no sparcke of grace affoord.
but die wee will, or bringe the traiters head,
that hathe your house, ô kinge, thus slaundered.”
they durst not fight, or from his cause woold shrincke:
sodainlie thearfore, burst with this clamore,
or rather vowinge with one common rore,
that battaile they demaundes, sayenge, “lettes fight,
that dint of swoord our faithes maye plainelie quight,
and putt false traitors all to th' edge of th' swoord,
and, in hott blood, no sparcke of grace affoord.
but die wee will, or bringe the traiters head,
that hathe your house, ô kinge, thus slaundered.”
“Thanckes” (quoth the kinge), “hâ, yet a ffathers hart
felt of kinge Dauides Love, the subtile dart,
when as it feeles atteare compunction,
so manie Joabes gainste one Absolon.
Yet thus the kinge: “brave soldiers, it is trewe,
that, quicklie the Fregiliens to subdewe,
with deedles wordes, brow-frownes, slipp shooes, clenchd fiste,
eye blanckes, mowthe glewe, papern shott (as some wiste)
is vaine to thincke, for they bin verie stronge,
and have reinforcd and ruminated longe:
so have they victuals, and munition store,
and manie princes aides (combind of yore)
with all Videriaes mischaunt pollecies,
which (ex re nata) still hathe to devise.
whearefore, for vs to presse, or conquer them,
mote aske muche virtewe, and highe stratagem.”
felt of kinge Dauides Love, the subtile dart,
66
so manie Joabes gainste one Absolon.
Yet thus the kinge: “brave soldiers, it is trewe,
that, quicklie the Fregiliens to subdewe,
with deedles wordes, brow-frownes, slipp shooes, clenchd fiste,
eye blanckes, mowthe glewe, papern shott (as some wiste)
is vaine to thincke, for they bin verie stronge,
and have reinforcd and ruminated longe:
so have they victuals, and munition store,
and manie princes aides (combind of yore)
with all Videriaes mischaunt pollecies,
which (ex re nata) still hathe to devise.
whearefore, for vs to presse, or conquer them,
mote aske muche virtewe, and highe stratagem.”
“No force” (quod they) “wee no mans colors feare;
vaunce but your ensigne, and lettes have yee theare,
and (for your sake) all men, naye feindes, shall seete,
your foes wee dare pluck out by th' eares, and meete.”
vaunce but your ensigne, and lettes have yee theare,
and (for your sake) all men, naye feindes, shall seete,
your foes wee dare pluck out by th' eares, and meete.”
Cambuscan ioyd their promises, yet sayd,
“I never ment, that anie man employd
in these hott warrs, and daungerous essaies
(whose nature maie not brooke the least delaies),
shall so bee bound, as doe thinge impossible,
or so vnbound, as litle doe, or idle.
I neither will expect that anie doe
but what my selfe will formerlie goe to.”
“I never ment, that anie man employd
in these hott warrs, and daungerous essaies
(whose nature maie not brooke the least delaies),
shall so bee bound, as doe thinge impossible,
or so vnbound, as litle doe, or idle.
I neither will expect that anie doe
but what my selfe will formerlie goe to.”
67
“Ôh thrice, thrice noblie well resolud” (quoth they);
“and lett him die, that nil this kinge obaye:”
acclaiminge it, “Lord, weel' doe all wee cann.”
“and lett him die, that nil this kinge obaye:”
acclaiminge it, “Lord, weel' doe all wee cann.”
“I looke no more” (quoth hee) “of anie man,
for I will putt no soldier to that daunger
that I my selfe shall flye:” So Alexander./
for I will putt no soldier to that daunger
that I my selfe shall flye:” So Alexander./
At that, head peeces all vp flewe on hie,
with ioifull teeres and clamors to the skye,
and swore, no cowarde, but all deathes woold prove,
for him who sweetneth so their sowr with love./
with ioifull teeres and clamors to the skye,
and swore, no cowarde, but all deathes woold prove,
for him who sweetneth so their sowr with love./
Queene Ethelta, whoe yet her mind supprest,
came in maturelie for her interest,
whose glorious presence, as the sonn in spheare,
advokd all eies and eares to see and heere,
gann doff her maske, and liftes her lillie hand,
in signe of speeche, which causd a quiet stand.
“bold spirites, and lustrant heroës” (quoth shee),
“if Ladies wronge may move, then harcke to mee,
if a queenes suite, of subiectes bee obayd;
if not, Yet heere a mother, quite betrayd
by her owne sonn, by a most wicked boy,
whose name to heere will but your ears accloye.
Wee mothers are not bounde to tell our woes,
in breedinge younge bones, or in childbead throes,
ne vaunt our care to feede them with our sucke,
rocke, dandle, dresse, and heede them gainst ill lucke,
sendinge our eies, eares, handes, after them still,
that hurt, ne windes blast, nipp them, if o're chill,
our cost of tutorship for education,
our after cares, as they gaine maturation,
with providence to leave suche heritance
as best theire states, and honors, may advaunce;
besides, to matche them to suche fytt allies
as maie confirme more love gainste enimies.
Now, after this is donn, Nay halfe well donn,
behold the basenes of a wicked sonn,
how, in steade of filial gratuitie,
wheareto wee parentes thincke, w' have them to tye,
by lawe of loves debt natural dutie,
(which not to doe, is natures felonie),
hee makes him guiltie of all these att once,
disloialie. but Justice breakes his bones,
sithe hee that ioines him to our enimies,
and as hee linckes and lurckes in contraries,
so hathe hee raisd vp suche antipathie,
as either hee must die or wee must die.
for trew and false, iust and vniuste, so seaver,
as nought them reconciles, but love, togeather.
but hee is false, and so of right ought die.”
came in maturelie for her interest,
whose glorious presence, as the sonn in spheare,
advokd all eies and eares to see and heere,
gann doff her maske, and liftes her lillie hand,
in signe of speeche, which causd a quiet stand.
“bold spirites, and lustrant heroës” (quoth shee),
“if Ladies wronge may move, then harcke to mee,
if a queenes suite, of subiectes bee obayd;
if not, Yet heere a mother, quite betrayd
by her owne sonn, by a most wicked boy,
whose name to heere will but your ears accloye.
Wee mothers are not bounde to tell our woes,
in breedinge younge bones, or in childbead throes,
ne vaunt our care to feede them with our sucke,
rocke, dandle, dresse, and heede them gainst ill lucke,
sendinge our eies, eares, handes, after them still,
that hurt, ne windes blast, nipp them, if o're chill,
our cost of tutorship for education,
68
with providence to leave suche heritance
as best theire states, and honors, may advaunce;
besides, to matche them to suche fytt allies
as maie confirme more love gainste enimies.
Now, after this is donn, Nay halfe well donn,
behold the basenes of a wicked sonn,
how, in steade of filial gratuitie,
wheareto wee parentes thincke, w' have them to tye,
by lawe of loves debt natural dutie,
(which not to doe, is natures felonie),
hee makes him guiltie of all these att once,
disloialie. but Justice breakes his bones,
sithe hee that ioines him to our enimies,
and as hee linckes and lurckes in contraries,
so hathe hee raisd vp suche antipathie,
as either hee must die or wee must die.
for trew and false, iust and vniuste, so seaver,
as nought them reconciles, but love, togeather.
but hee is false, and so of right ought die.”
“Amen, amen!” th'whole host alowd gann crie,
swearinge she spake iust as shee is, a queene,
and as shee deemeth him, so him they deeme.
swearinge she spake iust as shee is, a queene,
and as shee deemeth him, so him they deeme.
All this while, meeke Canac stood backe behind,
vnmentiond, vnthought on, as out of kind,
was hid in teeres, lost, or gonn out of sight;
for love is gonn, wheare rigor gettethe might.
yet, as the sonn, mantled in watrie clowd,
keepes home his glories (to none elles alowd)
till, breakinge throughe, the more his bewties seeme,
as advmbration, it presentes more sheene;
so clowded Canac, as a wretche forlorne,
besought her parentes, if it might bee borne,
that shee, thoughe weake mayd, to his armie speake,
which, if shee may not, sure her hart will breake.
vnmentiond, vnthought on, as out of kind,
was hid in teeres, lost, or gonn out of sight;
for love is gonn, wheare rigor gettethe might.
69
keepes home his glories (to none elles alowd)
till, breakinge throughe, the more his bewties seeme,
as advmbration, it presentes more sheene;
so clowded Canac, as a wretche forlorne,
besought her parentes, if it might bee borne,
that shee, thoughe weake mayd, to his armie speake,
which, if shee may not, sure her hart will breake.
“Yea, god forbid” (quod they), “speake, daughter deere.”
tho, vp shee cleerd her browe, and spake as heere:
“Deere (thoughe feirce) frendes of armes, your oratresse
blusseth of boldnes, at the first ingresse,
that ear shee sewd to the sterne martial crewe;
beare with mee, thoughe I misse your titles dewe,
beinge right lothe, in th' least part, to offende;
Lawe yet permittes vs th' absent to defend.
Alas, tis too trewe, my sacred mother telles,
how my vnfortunate brother rebelles;
the more wilbee his paine, Not lesse my woe,
which, but by feelinge, I could hardlie shoe:
my hart, head, eies, daie, night, I steepe in water,
comfortes I flye, lothe gladnes of the psalter;
I feede on sorrowe, thoughtes all languishe give,
I supp vp languishe, pensivenes I live;
but ah, what cares feirce men, whose hartes lesse feele
then mettall men, whoe knowes to softenn steele?
But are yee men, which doe professe to kill?
knowe yet, that harder tis to build then spill.
But are yee hunters after victorie?
knowe yet, the valient abhorrs crueltie.
But are yee iusticers of equitie?
know yet, the iustist also have pittie.
But are yee vengers of theires treasons? (his?)
know yet, the mercilesse doe mercie misse.
But will yee free your state of them, and him?
know yet, state killers are not without sinn.
what if yee kill him, and hee chaunce repent?
shoold hee not twice die of one punishement?
what if some of your sonnes bee gonn with him?
and they repent? shall they die for his synn?
but will yee kill vp all your sonns also?
ô ffathers, pittie first, before yee goe!
But if your owne sonns shoold, by chaunce, kill you?
Oedipus did so, and it no thinge knewe.
But to kill Algarsife, dothe kill my brother,
yea, theldest sonn of one ffather and mother.
remember, that by dutie natural,
yee owe obedient Love to th' blood roial.
thincke on his faultes with love, let pittie move,
elles hee's no martial man that hath no love.
ô, then brave martial men, Ne lett bee sedd,
pittie, for lacke of love, in yee is dead!
ne lett good men so whett theire swoordes in state,
as pride and avarice promote debate.
but let loves pittie keepe this glorie still;
more honorable tis to save then kill.
knowinge that they, whose fames reachd vp to skie,
lothd cowardice, whose badge is crueltie.
besides, to kill once, near cann make alive,
so iustice maie, purchaunce, yee near forgive.
for this hathe oft binn said, and thearefore knote,
they shall no mercie find that pittie note.”
and theare shee stoppd, but wept, evn showres of raigne,
tho, vp shee cleerd her browe, and spake as heere:
“Deere (thoughe feirce) frendes of armes, your oratresse
blusseth of boldnes, at the first ingresse,
that ear shee sewd to the sterne martial crewe;
beare with mee, thoughe I misse your titles dewe,
beinge right lothe, in th' least part, to offende;
Lawe yet permittes vs th' absent to defend.
Alas, tis too trewe, my sacred mother telles,
how my vnfortunate brother rebelles;
the more wilbee his paine, Not lesse my woe,
which, but by feelinge, I could hardlie shoe:
my hart, head, eies, daie, night, I steepe in water,
comfortes I flye, lothe gladnes of the psalter;
I feede on sorrowe, thoughtes all languishe give,
I supp vp languishe, pensivenes I live;
but ah, what cares feirce men, whose hartes lesse feele
70
But are yee men, which doe professe to kill?
knowe yet, that harder tis to build then spill.
But are yee hunters after victorie?
knowe yet, the valient abhorrs crueltie.
But are yee iusticers of equitie?
know yet, the iustist also have pittie.
But are yee vengers of theires treasons? (his?)
know yet, the mercilesse doe mercie misse.
But will yee free your state of them, and him?
know yet, state killers are not without sinn.
what if yee kill him, and hee chaunce repent?
shoold hee not twice die of one punishement?
what if some of your sonnes bee gonn with him?
and they repent? shall they die for his synn?
but will yee kill vp all your sonns also?
ô ffathers, pittie first, before yee goe!
But if your owne sonns shoold, by chaunce, kill you?
Oedipus did so, and it no thinge knewe.
But to kill Algarsife, dothe kill my brother,
yea, theldest sonn of one ffather and mother.
remember, that by dutie natural,
yee owe obedient Love to th' blood roial.
thincke on his faultes with love, let pittie move,
elles hee's no martial man that hath no love.
ô, then brave martial men, Ne lett bee sedd,
pittie, for lacke of love, in yee is dead!
ne lett good men so whett theire swoordes in state,
71
but let loves pittie keepe this glorie still;
more honorable tis to save then kill.
knowinge that they, whose fames reachd vp to skie,
lothd cowardice, whose badge is crueltie.
besides, to kill once, near cann make alive,
so iustice maie, purchaunce, yee near forgive.
for this hathe oft binn said, and thearefore knote,
they shall no mercie find that pittie note.”
and theare shee stoppd, but wept, evn showres of raigne,
Wheareat th'whole host had small powr to containe,
for Ladie Canac was to them full deere,
as well the queene sawe written in their cheere.
for Ladie Canac was to them full deere,
as well the queene sawe written in their cheere.
Whence they whoe woold Algarsife killd wileare,
noold kill him now, but take him prisonere;
and give him to his ffather for correction,
to doe with him and them at his election.
noold kill him now, but take him prisonere;
and give him to his ffather for correction,
to doe with him and them at his election.
Cambuscan likd all well his daughter did,
Yet weetelie in his countenance it hid.
Yet weetelie in his countenance it hid.
Howbeet, Queene Ethelta for iustice cried;
but Canac, “pittie, pittye,” still replied.
the mother from the daughter differinge:
this, sterne and hott; that, meeke as water springe.
so that betweene the twaine the motives weare
vrgd so patheticklie, by her and here,
as th'oste distracted was with ire and woe,
knowinge, but as they felt their life blood goe,
t'encline to this or that; ffor suche deplore
was in theire confines never heard afore;
yet faine woold yeeld contentment vnto bothe,
as either in them inwardlie was lothe,
none yet felt whoe had, whoe had not, denial,
till future conflict brought the case to trial.
but Canac, “pittie, pittye,” still replied.
the mother from the daughter differinge:
72
so that betweene the twaine the motives weare
vrgd so patheticklie, by her and here,
as th'oste distracted was with ire and woe,
knowinge, but as they felt their life blood goe,
t'encline to this or that; ffor suche deplore
was in theire confines never heard afore;
yet faine woold yeeld contentment vnto bothe,
as either in them inwardlie was lothe,
none yet felt whoe had, whoe had not, denial,
till future conflict brought the case to trial.
By this had Phœbus wheeld his coach to west,
Wheare, drawinge theveninges curtaines read, exprest
him equale, and indifferent arbitrator
of this inquest. Evn so, as moderator
twixt daie and night, he this grand court dismist,
that th'armie mote disarme and goe to rest.
Wheare, drawinge theveninges curtaines read, exprest
him equale, and indifferent arbitrator
of this inquest. Evn so, as moderator
twixt daie and night, he this grand court dismist,
that th'armie mote disarme and goe to rest.
Tho to theire quarters everie square was ledd,
while th' Pioners, as they weare ordered,
gann wall and trenche in th' campes fortification,
wheare not a soldier but learnt th' occupation
of cabininge gainste storme and dewes of heavn,
but soone of each cohort, by numbers even,
gann sett the watche with sound of drum, then faerd,
some to theire Sentries, some to th' Courtes of gard,
some to th' scowt watch, wheare after certaine howres,
freshe secondes gann relive the former powres.
while th' Pioners, as they weare ordered,
gann wall and trenche in th' campes fortification,
wheare not a soldier but learnt th' occupation
of cabininge gainste storme and dewes of heavn,
but soone of each cohort, by numbers even,
gann sett the watche with sound of drum, then faerd,
some to theire Sentries, some to th' Courtes of gard,
some to th' scowt watch, wheare after certaine howres,
freshe secondes gann relive the former powres.
73
Meanetime, Cambuscan roundes in Camballs eare
this secret watch worde, which none elles mote heere,
“Veré & iusté,” which he hathe t'impart,
but to th' watche Captaines (officers of th' gart),
and they to suche as walkd the wakefull rownd,
which at eache Sentrie, Garde eake, softe dothe sound.
this secret watch worde, which none elles mote heere,
“Veré & iusté,” which he hathe t'impart,
but to th' watche Captaines (officers of th' gart),
and they to suche as walkd the wakefull rownd,
which at eache Sentrie, Garde eake, softe dothe sound.
| John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" | |