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 |
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Canto Sexto.
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 | John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" |  |
Canto Sexto.
Cambuscan goes to th' feild and leaves
Canac and Serra vnder Ethel's care,
shee Camball blissd; but Canac streaves,
with her in Love: the soules state they declare.
Canac and Serra vnder Ethel's care,
shee Camball blissd; but Canac streaves,
with her in Love: the soules state they declare.
Chaunticleere, the sadd nightes horaloger,
vp thrilld the poize that his clockes watch gann sterr,
to number and dispart black time by howres,
which hee to th' wide world with ope mowth distowres,
while snugginge they in cabbins laye each one,
Flegme beinge yet in domination;
onlie Cambuscan and stowt Camballo
ofte rose to serch if thoste watcht well or no.
and tooke it into owne officious cure,
that greater charge hathe greater taske t'endure.
But winged time, which never sleepes ne staies
to bringe the destinies onwardes their waies,
calld vp the lowringe sonn in ruddie morne,
which promisd raigne ear night or flatuous storme,
so clomb the humid Crabb, all vernishinge
with florent bewties of the wanton springe,
in Joues exaltate court, wheare best beesemis
Floraes freshe bowres, weare all that sweet and greene is
on thin stalkes, danglinge white, redd, yello, blewe,
trees in large liveries blusshinge blossoms newe,
dewd with pearld eglettes, openinge finest pores,
in roote, rind, leafe, flower, riche of amber stores,
which fertil zephirs velvet spirit bloweth,
no subtile eye dicerninge how it groweth;
yet ioienge their liefes poesies of the time,
richelie perfumd with coolinge eglentine.
Now though the rathe had her bare leafe and grasse,
and thearefore hard and skant for hostes to passe,
till Ceres ripened had her mellowe graine
that well mote tharmies foragers sustaine.
vp thrilld the poize that his clockes watch gann sterr,
to number and dispart black time by howres,
which hee to th' wide world with ope mowth distowres,
while snugginge they in cabbins laye each one,
Flegme beinge yet in domination;
onlie Cambuscan and stowt Camballo
ofte rose to serch if thoste watcht well or no.
and tooke it into owne officious cure,
that greater charge hathe greater taske t'endure.
But winged time, which never sleepes ne staies
to bringe the destinies onwardes their waies,
calld vp the lowringe sonn in ruddie morne,
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so clomb the humid Crabb, all vernishinge
with florent bewties of the wanton springe,
in Joues exaltate court, wheare best beesemis
Floraes freshe bowres, weare all that sweet and greene is
on thin stalkes, danglinge white, redd, yello, blewe,
trees in large liveries blusshinge blossoms newe,
dewd with pearld eglettes, openinge finest pores,
in roote, rind, leafe, flower, riche of amber stores,
which fertil zephirs velvet spirit bloweth,
no subtile eye dicerninge how it groweth;
yet ioienge their liefes poesies of the time,
richelie perfumd with coolinge eglentine.
Now though the rathe had her bare leafe and grasse,
and thearefore hard and skant for hostes to passe,
till Ceres ripened had her mellowe graine
that well mote tharmies foragers sustaine.
Cambuscan yet, t'advaunce his expedition,
held all times equal on equal condition.
but heere betwixt him and his enimies,
conditions like did not alike arise,
sithe they binn furnishd of last yeers provision,
which this yeere shoold rest at his prohibition.
“whearefore” (quoth hee), “wellcomm redd mars his feild;
but pleasures, home sportes, ease, stand yee exild;
and wellcom leager, wheare harshe soldierie
hathe to make vertewe of necessitie.
ne bee it ever sayd I so lovd life,
as kinglie virtue durst not cope with strife;
Weare armor, daungers runn for such a wife,
and, for the boies sake, fetch in Algarsife;
ne let posteritie vaunt he had Love,
whome zeale to truith and iustice could not move.”
ffrom this discourse the trumpetes bootie cella
sommond Cambuscan soone to leave his pilla,
for thundringe Drums calld hastelie to th' feild
all glistringe steele cotes, pikes, shott, speare, and sheild,
whome bold Camballo marshelld to attende
his roial ffathers pleasure, staie or wend;
whoe soone came armd in bright enchaced steele,
from the gold caske downe to the silverne heele,
blasinge his owne cote amor on his brest;
highe mounted on Ducello, goodlie beast,
that wonder was to see, great Cambuscan,
fore whome Love, honor, reverence, quicklie rann.
held all times equal on equal condition.
but heere betwixt him and his enimies,
conditions like did not alike arise,
sithe they binn furnishd of last yeers provision,
which this yeere shoold rest at his prohibition.
“whearefore” (quoth hee), “wellcomm redd mars his feild;
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and wellcom leager, wheare harshe soldierie
hathe to make vertewe of necessitie.
ne bee it ever sayd I so lovd life,
as kinglie virtue durst not cope with strife;
Weare armor, daungers runn for such a wife,
and, for the boies sake, fetch in Algarsife;
ne let posteritie vaunt he had Love,
whome zeale to truith and iustice could not move.”
ffrom this discourse the trumpetes bootie cella
sommond Cambuscan soone to leave his pilla,
for thundringe Drums calld hastelie to th' feild
all glistringe steele cotes, pikes, shott, speare, and sheild,
whome bold Camballo marshelld to attende
his roial ffathers pleasure, staie or wend;
whoe soone came armd in bright enchaced steele,
from the gold caske downe to the silverne heele,
blasinge his owne cote amor on his brest;
highe mounted on Ducello, goodlie beast,
that wonder was to see, great Cambuscan,
fore whome Love, honor, reverence, quicklie rann.
Hee theare foorthwith committed to the Queene
the cittie Serra with ites large confine,
from sea to sea, to rest at her direction,
with's daughter Canac, vnder her protection,
to counsell, gard, and watch in his absence,
in exercise, without soft indulgence,
“ne suffringe tharroe heades of meltinge lust
the cittie Serra with ites large confine,
from sea to sea, to rest at her direction,
with's daughter Canac, vnder her protection,
to counsell, gard, and watch in his absence,
in exercise, without soft indulgence,
“ne suffringe tharroe heades of meltinge lust
T'affix in yee the skarrs of direfull rust;
hopinge yee will doe all your mother willeth,”
so well to doe her will his will fulfilleth.
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so well to doe her will his will fulfilleth.
Obedient Canac, yeeldinge thearevnto,
admittes, what nature liste not, Love cann doe.
admittes, what nature liste not, Love cann doe.
Besides, hee tooke strict order instantlie,
that all the landes highe beakens, farr and nye,
as well the promontories neere the seaes,
which have to sende theire foresight backe to these,
shoold, with all speede, bee well reedifyed,
and with gardes faithfull and good watche supplied,
and all thold Garrisons to bee reviewd,
and with younge able-bodies bee neuewd;
his loiall subiectes, younge, old, midle, and all
traind soldiers, to bee at ann howers call;
his armies to supplye, or home defend,
as forane or home accidentes bin kennd,
tendringe them theire stowt ffathers discipline,
“which best keepes Faerie Lande still youres, and myne.”
So tooke hee order how his campe and shipps
shoold bee revictualld, ear them starcnes nipps,
b' entreatinge Manor Lordes, folkes lesse to fliȝe,
commons renlarge, restore thold colonies,
acornes resowe, ear wracke or common lacke,
wears to depart, lett natures ffrye goe backe.
post horse he laid at everie fittinge stade,
for swift intelligence (states vade invade),
ne woold hee anie faction leave behind
slye snake, in whome was never love to find.
that all the landes highe beakens, farr and nye,
as well the promontories neere the seaes,
which have to sende theire foresight backe to these,
shoold, with all speede, bee well reedifyed,
and with gardes faithfull and good watche supplied,
and all thold Garrisons to bee reviewd,
and with younge able-bodies bee neuewd;
his loiall subiectes, younge, old, midle, and all
traind soldiers, to bee at ann howers call;
his armies to supplye, or home defend,
as forane or home accidentes bin kennd,
tendringe them theire stowt ffathers discipline,
“which best keepes Faerie Lande still youres, and myne.”
So tooke hee order how his campe and shipps
shoold bee revictualld, ear them starcnes nipps,
b' entreatinge Manor Lordes, folkes lesse to fliȝe,
commons renlarge, restore thold colonies,
acornes resowe, ear wracke or common lacke,
wears to depart, lett natures ffrye goe backe.
post horse he laid at everie fittinge stade,
for swift intelligence (states vade invade),
ne woold hee anie faction leave behind
slye snake, in whome was never love to find.
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Thus stoode they readie ranckd in martial viewe,
by it was daye, to march to Vill Perdieu;
Camballo takinge leave of's mother queene
in filial dutie, as mote well beseeme.
by it was daye, to march to Vill Perdieu;
Camballo takinge leave of's mother queene
in filial dutie, as mote well beseeme.
Whome shee commaundes, by the powr of a mother,
to right her wronges on his false vniuste brother,
whoe grones (shee sayd) for iustice to bee donn,
but him shee wills doe, like his ffathers sonn,
trulie and iustelie, which is valientlie,
but not so to attchive, biddes rather die,
sithe everie action that trewe iustice wantes
is onlie proper to vile miscreantes:
“but never leese thy right through fraud or feare,
for so woold never valient conquerere;”
and sithe his ffather a commaunder makes him,
example t' all the world best demonstrates him,
yet so as, vnder him, all doe no lesse,
not lightlie pardoninge any that transgresse.
to right her wronges on his false vniuste brother,
whoe grones (shee sayd) for iustice to bee donn,
but him shee wills doe, like his ffathers sonn,
trulie and iustelie, which is valientlie,
but not so to attchive, biddes rather die,
sithe everie action that trewe iustice wantes
is onlie proper to vile miscreantes:
“but never leese thy right through fraud or feare,
for so woold never valient conquerere;”
and sithe his ffather a commaunder makes him,
example t' all the world best demonstrates him,
yet so as, vnder him, all doe no lesse,
not lightlie pardoninge any that transgresse.
Hee sayd hee woold. And so the mothers blissinge
vp tooke him from his knees with teers and kissinge,
sayenge, “God blesse thee, boye! by vertue rise,
and on trewe honors winges surmount the skies!”
vp tooke him from his knees with teers and kissinge,
sayenge, “God blesse thee, boye! by vertue rise,
and on trewe honors winges surmount the skies!”
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The campe heard this, & much admird y queene,
sweringe shee is not as fond mothers been,
whose blind indulgent eies are apt to see
owne childrens faultes as if all vertews bee.
sweringe shee is not as fond mothers been,
whose blind indulgent eies are apt to see
owne childrens faultes as if all vertews bee.
Nextlie, the kinge and Queene, with sadder eye
then whilome wonted, viewd each mutualie,
for now the thought of partinge did promote
a lothe depart, in silent lovers note.
But part they muste; She craves, and hee obaies:
Lovers, by lovers lawes, have no gainesayes.
yet how the iust and trewe brooke separation
wheare never laye, nor ever shall, mutation,
iudge lovers trewe, whoe iustlie lovd and love yet,
wheather it now bee pittifull to prove it.
but trew and iust can never so depart
but that their eithers love hathe eithers hart;
but how love maie from iustice part, woold aske,
trial vppon allmost as hard a taske.
then whilome wonted, viewd each mutualie,
for now the thought of partinge did promote
a lothe depart, in silent lovers note.
But part they muste; She craves, and hee obaies:
Lovers, by lovers lawes, have no gainesayes.
yet how the iust and trewe brooke separation
wheare never laye, nor ever shall, mutation,
iudge lovers trewe, whoe iustlie lovd and love yet,
wheather it now bee pittifull to prove it.
but trew and iust can never so depart
but that their eithers love hathe eithers hart;
but how love maie from iustice part, woold aske,
trial vppon allmost as hard a taske.
“Adiew, my faithfull queene,” Cambuscan sedd;
“to deale now for your man I foorth am spedd.”
“to deale now for your man I foorth am spedd.”
But at that word “for,” teers of irefull ire
fell from her eies, as syntilles flintinge fyer;
“for?” (quoth shee), “Naie, gainste that false-vniuste boye
my vowes bin resolute, him to destroye:
iuste are my vowes, my vowes and I bin one;
Justice and I beare one communion;
I am my selfe, and none cann take mee from her;
so on that point of Justice restes my honor.
the prime and end of thinges at me must enter,
for iustice, of the worldes frame is the center;
it is the capital essoine of all;
for take thence Justice, and the world will fall.
then husband, if heerein wee disagree,
dishonor makes mee not at all to bee;
but, lovinge mee, you love my iustice too,
elles you saye one thinge, and annother doe.”
fell from her eies, as syntilles flintinge fyer;
“for?” (quoth shee), “Naie, gainste that false-vniuste boye
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iuste are my vowes, my vowes and I bin one;
Justice and I beare one communion;
I am my selfe, and none cann take mee from her;
so on that point of Justice restes my honor.
the prime and end of thinges at me must enter,
for iustice, of the worldes frame is the center;
it is the capital essoine of all;
for take thence Justice, and the world will fall.
then husband, if heerein wee disagree,
dishonor makes mee not at all to bee;
but, lovinge mee, you love my iustice too,
elles you saye one thinge, and annother doe.”
On this hard sympathie Cambuscan stayd,
yet, kindlie smilinge on her, thus he sayd:
“most deere and lovinge wife, I kindlie yeeld;
my love shall of your iustice bee the sheild,
and I will doe you right, or I will dye;
still yeeldinge, by loves right, t' your Justice hye.
Yet so as wisdome, holdinge our loves rother,
wee lovinglie and iustelie yeeld t' each other,
which well may vaunce bothe youres and my designe,
if wee bee not bothe angrie at one time.”
yet, kindlie smilinge on her, thus he sayd:
“most deere and lovinge wife, I kindlie yeeld;
my love shall of your iustice bee the sheild,
and I will doe you right, or I will dye;
still yeeldinge, by loves right, t' your Justice hye.
Yet so as wisdome, holdinge our loves rother,
wee lovinglie and iustelie yeeld t' each other,
which well may vaunce bothe youres and my designe,
if wee bee not bothe angrie at one time.”
This satisfied the glorious queene right well,
and pleasd th' whole armie, ioyenge it to tell.
but Canac could not but this processe feare,
and after roundinge Camball in his eare,
in hope to mollifie a soldiers hart,
with tender pittie (Loves sweete woundinge dart),
meeklie contested with her mother, sayeinge:
and pleasd th' whole armie, ioyenge it to tell.
but Canac could not but this processe feare,
and after roundinge Camball in his eare,
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with tender pittie (Loves sweete woundinge dart),
meeklie contested with her mother, sayeinge:
“I (vnder protestation of obayenge)
to you, deere mother, and your highe designes,
doe begg most humblie, y' woold vouch safe my lines,
and, on my knees (if possiblie it bee),
if not for your Algarsife, yet for mee,
forgive his life. If I live, lett him live,
so may wee bothe live yf you him forgive.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice muste first bee donn.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “wheare is Loue becomm?”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice muste first bee served.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “mercie wilbee sterved.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice must first bee showen.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “wheare is pitties throne?”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice betraide confoundeth.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “how ist grace aboundeth?”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice must highest raigne.”
“ô then” (said Canac), “what maie favor gayne?”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice hathe no remission.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “what is Zeales condition?”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Love dies, Justice provokd.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “promise is revokd.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice wrongd loveth none.”
“ô yet” (said Canac), “lett them ioine in one.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice must b' satisfyed.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “wee muste runn to hyde.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice predominates.”
“ô yet” (said Canac), “Love more honorates.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice must have her waye.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “Patience must obaye.
if mercie, pittie, love, note Justice move,
wellcomm sweete death that dies of hurtes love!”
and tho shee wept, to water of the well,
praienge her ffather otherwise to dell,
in that her mother stoode so resolute,
as litle waienge her dispute or suite.
to you, deere mother, and your highe designes,
doe begg most humblie, y' woold vouch safe my lines,
and, on my knees (if possiblie it bee),
if not for your Algarsife, yet for mee,
forgive his life. If I live, lett him live,
so may wee bothe live yf you him forgive.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice muste first bee donn.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “wheare is Loue becomm?”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice muste first bee served.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “mercie wilbee sterved.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice must first bee showen.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “wheare is pitties throne?”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice betraide confoundeth.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “how ist grace aboundeth?”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice must highest raigne.”
“ô then” (said Canac), “what maie favor gayne?”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice hathe no remission.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “what is Zeales condition?”
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“ô then” (sayd Canac), “promise is revokd.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice wrongd loveth none.”
“ô yet” (said Canac), “lett them ioine in one.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice must b' satisfyed.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “wee muste runn to hyde.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice predominates.”
“ô yet” (said Canac), “Love more honorates.”
“No” (quoth the queene), “Justice must have her waye.”
“ô then” (sayd Canac), “Patience must obaye.
if mercie, pittie, love, note Justice move,
wellcomm sweete death that dies of hurtes love!”
and tho shee wept, to water of the well,
praienge her ffather otherwise to dell,
in that her mother stoode so resolute,
as litle waienge her dispute or suite.
Wheareat th'whole host with pittie foorth was powred,
while twixt them bothe the kinge stood, as devowred
and muche distrained in his noble hart;
whoe, takinge Canac by the hand apart,
gave her the tenor of his mind in wrightinge,
saienge, “I trust thee with ites faithfull keepinge,
and so farewell, my lovelie daughter deere;
bee in my absence my exequutere;”
whome oft hee kissd. Then, turninge to the queene,
hee tooke his leave, as noblie gann beeseeme,
and prayd them bothe, that gainst his home repaire,
they will see furnishd his new Theataier.
while twixt them bothe the kinge stood, as devowred
and muche distrained in his noble hart;
whoe, takinge Canac by the hand apart,
gave her the tenor of his mind in wrightinge,
saienge, “I trust thee with ites faithfull keepinge,
and so farewell, my lovelie daughter deere;
bee in my absence my exequutere;”
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hee tooke his leave, as noblie gann beeseeme,
and prayd them bothe, that gainst his home repaire,
they will see furnishd his new Theataier.
Now at their partinge all the soldiers lowted,
and to the queene, so lowd, and Canac, showted,
as heaun and earth it seemd weare ioind togeather
by truith, love, iustice, in this harshe dissever.
the queene they reverencd, Canac lovd also;
but wheather moste, was verie hard to sho.
yet, commonlie, that suitor soner swaieth
whose instant importunitie more praieth.
the soldiers, cleapinge them bothe mistresses,
had gott their colord skarfes in readines.
Canacies colors, white, weare th' feild or ground,
the Queenes blood redd, which still betokeneth wound;
redd bendes on white, impaeld, as heraultes saye,
meanes iustice hathe on innocence to swaye.
and to the queene, so lowd, and Canac, showted,
as heaun and earth it seemd weare ioind togeather
by truith, love, iustice, in this harshe dissever.
the queene they reverencd, Canac lovd also;
but wheather moste, was verie hard to sho.
yet, commonlie, that suitor soner swaieth
whose instant importunitie more praieth.
the soldiers, cleapinge them bothe mistresses,
had gott their colord skarfes in readines.
Canacies colors, white, weare th' feild or ground,
the Queenes blood redd, which still betokeneth wound;
redd bendes on white, impaeld, as heraultes saye,
meanes iustice hathe on innocence to swaye.
Now bin the Queene and Canac faringe home,
wheare the meeke Canac made t' her falcon mone;
shee backe replienge, in her birdishe leaden,
and Canac, by her virtuous ringe, it readen.
So either t' either wailed each destanie,
like fellowe sisters, of like miserie,
which found some ease in vttringe eithers griefe:
this of her tercelet, that of Algarsife;
bothe drinckinge comfortes out of future hope,
yet halsiond bothe hartes broke, if hope ne cope.
wheare the meeke Canac made t' her falcon mone;
shee backe replienge, in her birdishe leaden,
and Canac, by her virtuous ringe, it readen.
So either t' either wailed each destanie,
like fellowe sisters, of like miserie,
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this of her tercelet, that of Algarsife;
bothe drinckinge comfortes out of future hope,
yet halsiond bothe hartes broke, if hope ne cope.
Heere leave wee Canac, but not leave her idle,
sithe bounde her handes apprentice to her needle;
to wittnesse to it selfe, suche finger glorie
annother daie mote gratifye her storie.
sithe bounde her handes apprentice to her needle;
to wittnesse to it selfe, suche finger glorie
annother daie mote gratifye her storie.
Then all the soldiers, followinge the warrs,
gave dewe attendaunce on their officers;
a thowsand stowborne drums-tonitruous
mad th' aiers affable vault redd mars his house,
wheare suche ann vniuersal march declard
as of all bodies framd one Corps du gard;
seeminge a confusd-civile wildernes,
ann heape disparted, ann huge ordered masse,
a feild of loitringe woodes, straglinge behind,
soone calld vp into one by discipline.
a bee hive seekinge out, yet keepinge home,
dares forane illes annoy, make good ites owne.
a faire of leapinge coltes, or'e hedge and ditche,
soone rendred, by strict reasons lore, none suche.
a goodlie order of as martial men
as ear arose gainste Titans glistringe bem,
whoe kept one distance regular; in march
ne doffinge armors, albeet sonns ray parch;
for armes to have in warr, and still not vse yt,
besides th' abuse, presumes as to refuse yt.
gave dewe attendaunce on their officers;
a thowsand stowborne drums-tonitruous
mad th' aiers affable vault redd mars his house,
wheare suche ann vniuersal march declard
as of all bodies framd one Corps du gard;
seeminge a confusd-civile wildernes,
ann heape disparted, ann huge ordered masse,
a feild of loitringe woodes, straglinge behind,
soone calld vp into one by discipline.
a bee hive seekinge out, yet keepinge home,
dares forane illes annoy, make good ites owne.
a faire of leapinge coltes, or'e hedge and ditche,
soone rendred, by strict reasons lore, none suche.
a goodlie order of as martial men
as ear arose gainste Titans glistringe bem,
whoe kept one distance regular; in march
ne doffinge armors, albeet sonns ray parch;
for armes to have in warr, and still not vse yt,
84
The place, a goodlie champion to darraigne
three hostes, consistinge of highe hilles and plaine,
like th' ample lantskipps of old Amesburie,
wheare mightie Arthur (flowr of chevalrie)
by knightlie prowesse, in disposd battelles
(t' old Olbions wellfare), heapes of Saxons quelles,
deigninge them in those barrowes sepulture,
to th' onor of his kind good swoord Mordure.
three hostes, consistinge of highe hilles and plaine,
like th' ample lantskipps of old Amesburie,
wheare mightie Arthur (flowr of chevalrie)
by knightlie prowesse, in disposd battelles
(t' old Olbions wellfare), heapes of Saxons quelles,
deigninge them in those barrowes sepulture,
to th' onor of his kind good swoord Mordure.
Theare, theare, three squares of vibrant pikes out glides,
ranckes after ranckes with muskettes on bothe sides,
as winges to flye, to putt off and putt on
the prime of schirmishe, till freshe secondes comm.
each colors midd owne cohort in battaile,
neerest the hart, furthest from foes assaile,
best garded, with short weapons, holberdes, billes,
swoordes, targettes, handie to defend neere illes.
ranckes after ranckes with muskettes on bothe sides,
as winges to flye, to putt off and putt on
the prime of schirmishe, till freshe secondes comm.
each colors midd owne cohort in battaile,
neerest the hart, furthest from foes assaile,
best garded, with short weapons, holberdes, billes,
swoordes, targettes, handie to defend neere illes.
Trustie Binato lodd the first battaile,
at whose well garded rear theare went in taile
some light feild peeces, on wheele carriages,
readie to doe theire masters services.
The seconde-midle-mightie square battaile
was by Cambuscans selfe lodd to assaile,
and at his reare the great artillerie
of Canons and demies, for batterie,
on iron carriages, as huge as stronge,
to tell and prove their masters minde ear longe.
The third battaile, or Reare, Camballo ledd,
which, as the former twaine, was discipled;
in whose reare also weare some canons born,
with bagg, baggage, munition, victual, corn.
th' officers well directinge t' keepe good gard,
all, in good order guided, onwardes faerd.
The troopes of horse, before, behind, theare, heere,
speculates all approches, farr and neere.
but hee that this daie leades that battailes reare,
tomorrowe in the vauntgardes place dothe steare;
all three, by chaunginge turnes, of marchinge lawe,
till bothe extreames into midle drawe.
the reare Yet of as valient ones yledd,
furnishd, trusted, honord, as th' vantgardes head.
onlie the kinges owne standard, fore and hind,
bore twoe gewles-cressletes, feild albe, in the wind.
at whose well garded rear theare went in taile
some light feild peeces, on wheele carriages,
readie to doe theire masters services.
The seconde-midle-mightie square battaile
was by Cambuscans selfe lodd to assaile,
and at his reare the great artillerie
of Canons and demies, for batterie,
on iron carriages, as huge as stronge,
to tell and prove their masters minde ear longe.
The third battaile, or Reare, Camballo ledd,
85
in whose reare also weare some canons born,
with bagg, baggage, munition, victual, corn.
th' officers well directinge t' keepe good gard,
all, in good order guided, onwardes faerd.
The troopes of horse, before, behind, theare, heere,
speculates all approches, farr and neere.
but hee that this daie leades that battailes reare,
tomorrowe in the vauntgardes place dothe steare;
all three, by chaunginge turnes, of marchinge lawe,
till bothe extreames into midle drawe.
the reare Yet of as valient ones yledd,
furnishd, trusted, honord, as th' vantgardes head.
onlie the kinges owne standard, fore and hind,
bore twoe gewles-cressletes, feild albe, in the wind.
The vulgar, havinge gott t' ann higher place,
to see this armies march, to their solace,
twixt ioye and care, gann sadlie contemplate
thus, and thus, as it fell into their pate.
Some swore it was a goodlie slaverie,
by fame, lawes, kinges, to seeke deathes braverye.
Others sayd, sighinge, “All these gallantes heere
wilbee full cold in graves ear fyftie yeere.”
Others esteemd them fooles whoe trott from home
to gett annothers and to leese their own.
Other some sayd, “Mans whole liefe elles is nought
then warrfare in all ages, to bee fought,
and that, to leese this liefe for vertue, gaines
a better liefe to recompence all paines.”
Others held that this lives pleasures bin best,
and fooles are they whoe hazard it in iest.
Other some swore, that so to saye turn fooles,
and offred to dispute the point in schooles.
“ffor” (quoth one), “this lifes pleasures bin vnstable:
Ergo, this whole lifes matter is moveable.
but I that matter hold more honorable
which in it selfe is firme, not permutable.
but to bee mutable is not forever:
Ergo, time cann this lives pleasures dissever.
now then to hunt for what longe cannot last
is (by your leave) a chaunce for fooles to cast.
E contra, what all pleasures dothe containe
is greater, so is pleasures soveraigne.
reasn (or th' soules essence) is that same container
Whome sense vsurpes, when will lettes sense distraine her:
but not constraine her, for sense wantes that powr
of rulinge or'e ites next superioure,
but by consent, to sensative temptation
reasn' her may yeeld, to discend b' immitation:
howbee't may chouse of wise predignitie,
inscribd in reasons superioritie.
ffor reas'n, or willes materialitie,
is th' essense it hathe of eternitie.
elles nought it coulde of virtuous constancie,
wear't not essentializd eternitie.
then looke what once was of eternitie
hath still to b' bove times continuitie.
but this etern'ti's of th' first cause of causes:”
so theare on that full point a while hee pawses.
“Now, looke, what is of thigh'st eternitie
officiates bove lifes mutabilitie.
so, looke what's of eternal coessence
ought consist of pleasures more excellence
then th' momentanie-sens'tive. then tis cleere
lifes pleasures-sensative doe chaunge each yeere.
but th' soules pleasures, eternal bin, like her,
fetcht fro th' first cause of causes: which t' averr
is manifest, for reasonable thinges
sucke from one higher-causinge-cause beinges.
Then, as the first cause is all pleasures store,
I sweare, th' eternal pleasures are much more
then caduke-pleasures-sensative of life,
for which fond men sett no boundes to their strife.
But reasn' (wills moth'r) is of the highest hie;
elles mote it near dispute, ne higher flye
then the life sensative, which fades belowe.
But reasn' ascendes above what sense maie knowe,
ev'n bove th'earth, seas, aier, fier, moon, sonn, starrs, skye,
(wheare everie thinge the soules reas'n hath to trye):
yea, t' it first causinge cause-divine creator,
for everie causd cause waites on ites first maker.”
thus and thus people tatled, they ne wiste;
nay, they will talke, lett wise men saye as liste.
and surelie well it fell, they brake off so,
sith oft they fall by th' ears before they goe.
to see this armies march, to their solace,
twixt ioye and care, gann sadlie contemplate
thus, and thus, as it fell into their pate.
Some swore it was a goodlie slaverie,
by fame, lawes, kinges, to seeke deathes braverye.
Others sayd, sighinge, “All these gallantes heere
wilbee full cold in graves ear fyftie yeere.”
Others esteemd them fooles whoe trott from home
to gett annothers and to leese their own.
86
then warrfare in all ages, to bee fought,
and that, to leese this liefe for vertue, gaines
a better liefe to recompence all paines.”
Others held that this lives pleasures bin best,
and fooles are they whoe hazard it in iest.
Other some swore, that so to saye turn fooles,
and offred to dispute the point in schooles.
“ffor” (quoth one), “this lifes pleasures bin vnstable:
Ergo, this whole lifes matter is moveable.
but I that matter hold more honorable
which in it selfe is firme, not permutable.
but to bee mutable is not forever:
Ergo, time cann this lives pleasures dissever.
now then to hunt for what longe cannot last
is (by your leave) a chaunce for fooles to cast.
E contra, what all pleasures dothe containe
is greater, so is pleasures soveraigne.
reasn (or th' soules essence) is that same container
Whome sense vsurpes, when will lettes sense distraine her:
but not constraine her, for sense wantes that powr
of rulinge or'e ites next superioure,
but by consent, to sensative temptation
reasn' her may yeeld, to discend b' immitation:
howbee't may chouse of wise predignitie,
87
ffor reas'n, or willes materialitie,
is th' essense it hathe of eternitie.
elles nought it coulde of virtuous constancie,
wear't not essentializd eternitie.
then looke what once was of eternitie
hath still to b' bove times continuitie.
but this etern'ti's of th' first cause of causes:”
so theare on that full point a while hee pawses.
“Now, looke, what is of thigh'st eternitie
officiates bove lifes mutabilitie.
so, looke what's of eternal coessence
ought consist of pleasures more excellence
then th' momentanie-sens'tive. then tis cleere
lifes pleasures-sensative doe chaunge each yeere.
but th' soules pleasures, eternal bin, like her,
fetcht fro th' first cause of causes: which t' averr
is manifest, for reasonable thinges
sucke from one higher-causinge-cause beinges.
Then, as the first cause is all pleasures store,
I sweare, th' eternal pleasures are much more
then caduke-pleasures-sensative of life,
for which fond men sett no boundes to their strife.
But reasn' (wills moth'r) is of the highest hie;
elles mote it near dispute, ne higher flye
88
But reasn' ascendes above what sense maie knowe,
ev'n bove th'earth, seas, aier, fier, moon, sonn, starrs, skye,
(wheare everie thinge the soules reas'n hath to trye):
yea, t' it first causinge cause-divine creator,
for everie causd cause waites on ites first maker.”
thus and thus people tatled, they ne wiste;
nay, they will talke, lett wise men saye as liste.
and surelie well it fell, they brake off so,
sith oft they fall by th' ears before they goe.
In the meane time th' whole armie, as it went,
told too and fro the serious bickerment
that twixt the Queene and meeke Canacy fell,
which posd their iudgmentes to consider well
of Justice sterne and kind Loves natures, ffor
discordance hath t' make th' one thoth'r abhorr;
ffor whoe woold thought but that innocent love
mote som deale resolute Justice remove,
and softenn yt, by th'importunitie
of her owne daughter, begginge instantlie?
told too and fro the serious bickerment
that twixt the Queene and meeke Canacy fell,
which posd their iudgmentes to consider well
of Justice sterne and kind Loves natures, ffor
discordance hath t' make th' one thoth'r abhorr;
ffor whoe woold thought but that innocent love
mote som deale resolute Justice remove,
and softenn yt, by th'importunitie
of her owne daughter, begginge instantlie?
“In troth” (quoth they), “Justice is thinge most sterne,
as from this schoone mote bold offenders learn:
thoughe selfe love deeme it hathe with whites of eyes
to bobb out Justice and her lawes foolize.
as if rules weare no rules, ne givn to keepe,
but mote bee pardond t' hipochrites, if weepe:
for ravishd sighes, of fyrbal straines, of mone,
vttred to gett leave to b' as badd anone;
presuminge as if Justice weare vnwise,
ne could of scopes or circumstantes devise,
of whie? when? wheare? how oft the crimes weare donn?
or wittingelie, naye willinglye, begunn?
But wittinglie and willinglie been suche
as iustice findes their endes, not differinge much.”
Whence these bold soldiers (as they weare in raye)
professd they woold evn so hold on theire waye,
as not vniustelie tempt the queenes highe powr,
ne thincke they mote with ease appease her lowr.
as from this schoone mote bold offenders learn:
thoughe selfe love deeme it hathe with whites of eyes
to bobb out Justice and her lawes foolize.
89
but mote bee pardond t' hipochrites, if weepe:
for ravishd sighes, of fyrbal straines, of mone,
vttred to gett leave to b' as badd anone;
presuminge as if Justice weare vnwise,
ne could of scopes or circumstantes devise,
of whie? when? wheare? how oft the crimes weare donn?
or wittingelie, naye willinglye, begunn?
But wittinglie and willinglie been suche
as iustice findes their endes, not differinge much.”
Whence these bold soldiers (as they weare in raye)
professd they woold evn so hold on theire waye,
as not vniustelie tempt the queenes highe powr,
ne thincke they mote with ease appease her lowr.
So all agreed, till, marchinge, they weare bayd
at a diepe foord, wheare for some time they stayd.
and theare Cambuscan, lightinge from his stead,
off drew the bridell from his brazen head,
and wore it for a girdle bout his midle;
it was his guize when rest gave leave to idle.
Soone binn they quartered, cabbins made in haste;
Campe and trench masters fortefies all faste.
they goe to praier, and then prepare to meate
(the coole eveninge requittinge the daies heate);
calld is the watch, out skowtes, and gardes binn sett,
while Camball of the General dothe fett
the secret watchword, Paramoure, which hee
impartes but to the gard (sworne trewe to bee).
at a diepe foord, wheare for some time they stayd.
and theare Cambuscan, lightinge from his stead,
off drew the bridell from his brazen head,
and wore it for a girdle bout his midle;
it was his guize when rest gave leave to idle.
Soone binn they quartered, cabbins made in haste;
Campe and trench masters fortefies all faste.
they goe to praier, and then prepare to meate
(the coole eveninge requittinge the daies heate);
90
while Camball of the General dothe fett
the secret watchword, Paramoure, which hee
impartes but to the gard (sworne trewe to bee).
Tho, murninge Phœbus, robd in humid sable
(Who, since these warrs, near lookd vp amiable),
dismissd his coache and horses to the stable,
n'is longer ope to hold his eyeliddes able;
but dones the night capp of a russet clowd,
which miste or raine of the next morne foreshowd.
while lustie soldiers, for youthes exercise,
rann, wrastled, iumpd, leapd, from a gluffes arise;
some from ann halfe pike, and removd it twice.
some tossd theire pikes, some stayd, some pushd a trice;
some threwe the barr with th' arme, some with the foote;
some flunge the maine stone, some to lifte fell toot,
bothe to gett winde at will and masterie,
and by muche vse, powrful dexteritie.
activitie, breedinge agilitie,
frolickes the witt, the spirittes multiplie,
boldninge hott hartes, makes life blood swiftlie goe,
when once these active doe owne forces kno.
Campes mote of suche their modest concertation,
practise a kind of virtuous emulation,
selfe mendinge selfe, by so much the more able,
as nerves by practise lustren serviceable;
without grudge donn, or envious mutinie,
which well ioines gainste the common enimye.
Lô thus (in frendlie sort) these troopes contend,
till th' watch biddes leave, goe rest, and make ann end.
(Who, since these warrs, near lookd vp amiable),
dismissd his coache and horses to the stable,
n'is longer ope to hold his eyeliddes able;
but dones the night capp of a russet clowd,
which miste or raine of the next morne foreshowd.
while lustie soldiers, for youthes exercise,
rann, wrastled, iumpd, leapd, from a gluffes arise;
some from ann halfe pike, and removd it twice.
some tossd theire pikes, some stayd, some pushd a trice;
some threwe the barr with th' arme, some with the foote;
some flunge the maine stone, some to lifte fell toot,
bothe to gett winde at will and masterie,
and by muche vse, powrful dexteritie.
activitie, breedinge agilitie,
frolickes the witt, the spirittes multiplie,
boldninge hott hartes, makes life blood swiftlie goe,
when once these active doe owne forces kno.
Campes mote of suche their modest concertation,
practise a kind of virtuous emulation,
91
as nerves by practise lustren serviceable;
without grudge donn, or envious mutinie,
which well ioines gainste the common enimye.
Lô thus (in frendlie sort) these troopes contend,
till th' watch biddes leave, goe rest, and make ann end.
| John Lane's continuation of Chaucer's "Squire's Tale" | |